Juliet Diaz:-The following day, I woke feeling very well-rested. Coffee wafted through the air, and cabinets opening and closing indicated Nicholas was already up.I straightened in the bed and moved to stand up, then padded out of the room to find him standing in the kitchen, sipping his coffee with a smirk playing across his lips.“Morning, sunshine,” he greeted. I rolled my eyes.“Morning. What’s with the smug face?”He took his mug down and leaned against the counter. “Pack your bags. We’re leaving tonight.”I frowned. “Leaving? For where?”He was too overjoyed with himself and grinned. “Bali.”I blinked. “Bali? As in Indonesia Bali?”“The one and only.” He had another sip of coffee. I need a break; you’re jobless, and I have the week off. So, we’re going.”"Oh my God, Are you fucking serious right now? We can't just leave everything, hop in the plane, and go on a vacation just like that." I asked, stunned, not believing my ears.“Why not?” He shrugged. “Naturally, you and I bot
Juliet Diaz:-The sun was scorching hot in the sky, and the ocean waves glinted golden reflections from its rays as I ran across the sand barefoot. The cheers of the other players mixed with my laughter, and we all dove, spiked, and set the volleyball back and forth over the net.The air was salty, itching against my skin and giving me the first taste of freedom in a long time. My eyes locked onto the game as Nicholas stood on the other side of the net, but his were fixed on me. He wasn’t faking interest in the ball. His eyes would rake over my bikini-clad body, and he would look at me in amusement whenever I jumped.Tossing the ball in the air and serving it over, I teased, "Quit staring, Carrington'."He caught it effortlessly, smirking. “Can’t help it, sweetheart. You’re a distraction.”But before I could retort, I rolled my eyes and was grabbed by someone from behind. I was roped in with strong arms around my waist, then lifted off the ground and spun in a circle. A deep chuckle w
Nicholas Carrington:-I stared at her beautiful face as she slept peacefully in my arms after I exhausted her last night. I moved the strands of her hair and caressed her cheeks gently. I wanted to wake her so severely and make love to her once again, but I knew she was sore, so I held myself back.I love this woman. There was no denying that, but how would I convince this angel's devil and dangerously over-protective brother? He trusts me blindly with his sister; how will he react when he finds out that I have fucked his sister and, worst, loved every moment of it? So did she as she begged for more.As I was thinking about my best friend Zacharias, my phone rang, flashing his name on the screen. I know I couldn't tell him now, as I haven't discussed this with Juliet, and I won't do anything without discussing her first. I want us to be on the same page before we tell Zacharias about this.I took a sway down and stared at Zacharias' flashing face on my screen. My fingers hesitated bef
Juliet Diaz:-I waited for his reply and sat there with my head pounding, but he didn't say anything. There was nothing but silence in the room until he stood up on his feet and put his hand on mine, where I was holding the sheets securely. He pushed my hands gently and snatched the sheets.The cool air acted like a slap to my bare skin and I gasped as I instinctively tried to grab the sheets back, but Nick was faster. Pinning me under him, he smirked and tossed them to the floor."Are we truly finished speaking, sweetheart?" A possessive gaze stared back at me from his eyes while his voice remained low in a teasing manner. "Nick!" My cheeks turned red as I tried to break free, yet I struggled under his suppressing hand. His firm body pressed against me as he held me down while I became painfully aware of his closeness. He spoke again with tenderness as his thumb brushed down my arm before his mouth made contact with my skin. "We're not finished talking. Not even close." His lips k
Juliet Diaz:-Sunlight of pure gold warmed my body while I stood on the wooden villa deck, which offered an endless view of glistening turquoise ocean depths. The breeze played with the strands of my hair, salt and tropical flowers filling the air. This place was Paradise, a world far from the chaos of our past.Nick drew my body against his strong physique and placed his hands around my waist. “You’re daydreaming again, angel,” he murmured against my ear … his rough voice from embracing the waves. I smiled, leaning into him. “Can you blame me? This place is unreal.”His chuckle pierced as he pressed a lingering kiss on my shoulder. "An entire day filled with exploration awaits both of us. Let’s make it even better.”The jungle trek, which began in Ubud's verdant private lands, formed our first destination for the day. We walked down thick tropical forests with a local guide by our side, pointing the way, passing hidden waterfalls that sparkled in the sun's light. On another occas
Juliet Diaz:-"Are you, Miss Diaz, the architect who worked for Charles Whitmore?" a businessman in a three-piece suit asked when I was sitting in the cafe, having a cup of coffee, and designing a house for my client as I worked as a freelancer in my spare time."Ummm, yes, and you are?" I asked as politely as I could, but I couldn't help raising my brow. And how do you know my name?""Hello, It's nice to meet you. I am Jared Osborne from Osborne Architecture Firm, and I have a job position for you, " the handsome-looking tall man announced.I put my coffee cup down, flattening out my fingers a touch around my pen, and looked at the man in front of me. His eyes were on mine, expecting some sort of response from me, and his expression seemed composed."A job position?" I repeated, tilting my head. "I'm afraid I don't follow. How do you know about me?"Slinging his hands into his pockets, Jared gave a little smile. "I caught your work on Whitmore’s latest project. Several people in the
Juliet Diaz:-"Oh my God, Jules! What's all this mess, and what's with this burning smell?"Nicholas's worried voice came down the hallway as I tried to hide the evidence of the burnt chocolate cake I prepared for Nicholas out of jealousy when I found his female nurse feeding Nicholas her cake, and Nicholas liking and complimenting it, in a flirty tone so I wanted to show him that I could make a better one, and the only cake he is only allowed to eat is mine, but clearly the evidence is the proof that I suck at cooking and baking as not everyone can be a good cook like Nicholas.I picked up the burnt cake and tried to dump it into the trash yet Nicholas entered the kitchen before I completed the action. Nicholas gazed at the chaos in surprise with his sharp blue eyes as he saw the countertop covered with flour dust and cocoa powder spillage while burnt sugar left an intense scent in the air. I forced a nervous smile. "Surprise?" Nick raised his brow while crossing his arms. His wo
Juliet Diaz:-Jared approached my desk and handed me two cups of coffee; I had just finished organizing my files.He smiled and set one before me, saying, "For you."I went to look at it, then looked back at him. “What’s this for?”He replied, "You’ve been working nonstop. " This should help keep going. ” Picking it up, I hesitatingly did so. "Thanks, but you didn't need to."I stood from my desk, and Jared leaned against the edge of it, watching me as I took a sip.Since we finished the Harper project, we could go to a celebratory dinner. Just us.” I swallowed, lowering the cup.“Dinner?” He nodded. “No work talk. Just good food and conversation.”I paused, ready to respond with something, and then suddenly, a familiar presence opened my mouth. There was something unspoken in the air in the room, which shifted thick. My head turned, and I looked to see Nicholas at the entrance of my office.The icy, sharp eyes locked onto Jared were unreadable, but his expression was noncommittal.“
Juliet Diaz:- I don't know when I cried myself to sleep on the bed all curled up, but when I woke up, I wasn't alone; I was wrapped up in Nicholas's arms, who held me securely to him as if he were scared of losing me. The events from last night came crashing down on me once again. I didn't want to bother Nicholas, as he was already hurting. He looked exhausted but peaceful as he slept, which is why I didn't want to disturb him.I was just about to pick up my phone to call Zacharias when I heard Nicholas murmur sleepily with his eyes still closed as he pulled me to him more tightly than he already was and kissed the side of my head."It's no use calling Zacharias right now because he won't pick up, baby." he murmurs, "He has already left for his mission, hence why he is going to be out of reach, and let's hope during his time away, he calms down.""What?!" I became attentive after hearing him say the word "mission." Zacharias, my brother, has left for his mission, all hurt and angry w
Nicholas Carrington:-I stood there, watching the woman I loved fall before me. The silence broke as her sobs tore, driven by a knife through the silence, and Juliet fell to her knees. She cried and covered her face with her hands, shoulders shaking violently as she gasped for air.This broke me; I had never been broken before like this, but seeing her like this broke me, and the fear of losing my only friend broke me. It gutted me.I ran a hand through my hair and exhaled sharply before kneeling in front of her. As I reached for her, I spoke to her and murmured, “Jules.” At first, she flinched, her body trembling, but when my arms came around her, and she did not struggle, she collapsed against me, her face buried in the hollow of my chest. Her whole body was shaking with uncontrollable sobs, and her fingers clutched at my shirt as if she thought I would disappear. And she choked, “I ruined everything. I lost him, Nick. I lost my brother and now....now...he—he hates me. My broth
Juliet Diaz:-"Oh my God, yes, just take me....can't hold on anymore, Nick. I want you right now." I moaned and spoke during the kiss as we kissed in the elevator."Gosh, baby! You make me lose control. I need to be inside of you right now!"The moment the elevator opened and we stepped out, Nick pinned me against the closest wall to him and lowered my neckline to kiss on my neck and collarbone. He was pulling the zipper of my dress down with his expert hands when we heard the voice of the one person we were scared to hurt.Zacharias. My brother. Nicholas's best friend."You might want to stop right there, you motherfucker."My entire body froze. My hands had left his dress instantly, as if ‘burned,’ and Nicholas went rigid against me. As I slowly turned my head toward the entrance of the penthouse my breath hitched. Fury seeping off of him from a few feet away. His characteristically calm and composed demeanor was nowhere to be seen. His jaw was so clenched that I thought his teet
Juliet Diaz:-I stood in front of the mirror, admiring the Dior dress Nicholas had gifted me yesterday, with a smile on my face. I was all dolled up and ready for our first date, just waiting for Nicholas to return from his shift. He would have been here, but an emergency surgery arrived at the last minute, which is why he was running a little late.Zach has already left for his mission. This morning's goodbye was too painful—it always is—because, as a soldier, I don't know if he will return alive or dead. The next time Zach returns, Nicholas and I will come clean and confess everything to him.I hate lying to him, just like Nicholas, but I am more scared of hurting him by breaking his heart and his trust. He is the only family I have, the brother who devoted all his life to raising me and making me the woman I am today. He is the best brother in the world, and Nicholas is the best man for me. "Damn, you look fucking hot. Like a bombshell." I heard Nicholas speak from the doorway and
Nicholas Carrington:-I sighed as I searched for the perfect flowers to apologize for this beautiful, annoying, and the best woman I have fallen in love with and wish to spend my whole life with. Yes, Juliet is the one I want as my life partner—no one else—just her."Can I help you with anything, young man?" a beautiful and cheerful-looking old woman asked as I was lost in finding the perfect bouquet for her.I turned towards the elderly woman, smiling small with my face away from her as I did. "Yeah, I need flowers. Something special." A smile appeared on her lips as she looked at the many things available to choose from in front of us. "Special for a girlfriend? Trying to confess you love or, you’re desperately trying to apologize to someone?" Shaking my head, I let out a short laugh. "Both, actually." She chuckled knowingly. "Ah, I see. What did you do?" Running a hand through my hair, I exhaled heavily. "Nothing too bad. Just… I might have angered her by bringing up a subj
Juliet Diaz:-"Nick, is everything alright? You look lost and worried," I asked Nicholas as I placed my hand on his at the dining table when we were having dinner. Zach was out to run some errands before he left for another mission. I was feeling sad that I got to spend very little time with my brother, but I knew how much his duty meant to him. Zach lives to protect the country."Jules, I don't think I can do this anymore," Nicholas murmurs, suddenly making me gasp and my heart sink."Wh...What do you mean by that, Nick? Is everything alright? Did I do something wrong?" I asked, worried. Tears are already forming in my eyes."No, I don't mean it in that way. I can't keep on lying to Zach. I can't keep our relationship hidden from him. He is my best friend, Jules, and your brother. He deserves to know the truth. I already feel guilty for lying to him the other day at the hospital." Nicholas groans, running his hand over his face. "Gosh, I feel like the worst friend over here.""Wh...W
Nicholas Carrington:-I went to check up on Zach in the middle of the night in his private hospital room when I found him awake and sitting, checking on his phone with a stiff expression. He must have felt my presence as he raised his eyes and looked at me, more like he glared at me and asked the question I dreaded the most."Are you fucking my sister, you asshole?" Zach's words were blunt as he spoke, and I gulped as I felt like sinking six feet under the ground. I wanted to tell Zach the truth, but not like this, not under these circumstances. I want to tell him the truth in the presence of Juliet."What the fuck?!" I pretended to be shocked and disgusted as I knew my best friend better than anyone, which is why I know he is good at reading facial expressions, so I have to maintain them."You heard me, Carrington, so answer me. Are you fucking my baby sister behind my back? Is there something going on between you two that I should know about?" he asked, getting furious."What?! No,
Juliet Diaz:-We remained tightly entwined after Nicholas's heat left my skin. Our breathing remained heavy, and our hearts beat at the same rhythm. My hand created slow circles on his exposed chest, and the heat in his skin felt through my fingers.A husky tone colored his voice as he pressed a gentle kissing motion onto my lips. “Come on a date with me.”I stared at him with an expression full of astonishment. “A date?”He smirked. “Yes, Juliet. A proper date. I wish to cherish you through an unforgettable date while introducing you to everyone as my ultimate love.My cheeks turned pink, but I expressed my agreement with a friendly expression. “I’d love that.”He kissed me again with increasing depth just as his phone started vibrating on the nightstand. His hands reached for the device when a call was displayed on the screen of his phone, and his expression instantly changed.His exhaustion caused him to sit up while he muttered, "I have to take this call."His facial expression sh
Nicholas Carrington:-The early morning sun barely peeked through the windows as I felt the weight of her still in my arms. Juliet. Her breath warm against my chest, her body still enveloped in the love of my arm, she was curled into me. I hadn’t moved all night. Not when my muscles cramped.Not when I was exhausted. I didn’t care. She needed me. I had to be here for her, and I needed to be.The memory of last night would never settle out in my veins. Fury was still boiling under my skin, and I thought I wanted to track Jared down and finish what I started. But for now, Juliet was safe. She was in my arms, where she was supposed to be. Just as I was beginning to wake up, some sharp voice broke the peace.“What the hell is this?” I shot my eyes open, and my body became rigid.My parents stood over me in matching looks of disgust and fury. Anica was crying, pretending to be innocent, beside them. I tightened my grip around her, framed in my arms instinctively to keep her safe from whate