“Mind your fucking business, Cromwell!” gritted out Mr. Huxley, his attention now focused on Knox. Seeing her opportunity, Danielle snatched her hand out of his hold. Did these two know one another? Of course! Both were arrogant jerks! They deserved each other’s company. “This is my business. Danielle belongs to me. Ask her if you’re in doubt!” Mr. Huxley turned to glare at her. “I don’t fucking care! You should learn to keep your commitments. I’ll finish your little business, Ms. Hartford!” Before she could think of a fitting reply, Knox Cromwell grabbed her wrist and pulled her away with him. “See you in court, Huxley!” Danielle’s eyes widened at the implication. Was he challenging the Trillionaire to sue Happy Matchmakers? This was getting way out of her hand and it was all because of Loretta! Why did she have to disappear, leaving her to face the music? Dominic Huxley muttered curses at him, but Knox didn’t seem to care. Once they were out of sight, Danielle struggled to free
Danielle rushed to her office to collect her stuff, her heart thumping wildly with apprehension. She knew Knox would surely come after her to teach her a lesson. Why did he hate her so much? Was it only because of his grandfather? But that couldn’t make him harbor a personal grudge against her, right? How did it matter to him what she did for a living? Collecting her stuff, she locked the office and drove over to her apartment. Her mind was made now. She would disappear to her old neighbor, Aunt Greta’s place, where she spent her teenage years. When her mom was alive, Danielle used to work part-time after school at her café, Krazy Baker. She still had fond memories of the place. It was where she had met Knox for the first time. He used to frequent the place with his friends since it was right opposite his gym, Crunch Fitness Club. Danielle observed him every day for a month, serving him his favorites. The brief interaction was enough for her to develop a crush on him, but she soon r
The way his eyes glittered with lust, Danielle knew what the other way was. She also knew this was no coincidence. Knox Cromwell had bought Cube Office Complex overnight just to punish her. “What way?” She watched the way his eyes briefly swept over her body. Maybe this was all about getting into her pants! But why would he want to when he hated her so much? Surely there were plenty of women ready to warm his bed. Then why was he pursuing her relentlessly? He stepped forward with a smug expression on his face, but Danielle stepped back in apprehension. It didn’t stop him, though. He closed the distance between them, his hot breath fanning her face, making her breath hitch in panic. “Give me what I want and I’ll get off your back. Sleep with me, give me my heir. It shouldn’t be a big deal for you. I’m sure you’ve done it many times already!” “Why are you doing this to me, Mr. Cromwell? Why don’t you leave me alone?” Danielle whirled around to run away from his office since it was n
Danielle couldn’t get a wink of sleep as a sense of worthlessness engulfed her. Her mom might be so disappointed in her! She had started at the Cube Office Complex almost fifteen years ago, building the business with her dedication and hard work into a successful venture. Danielle hadn’t been able to withhold it! Now under her, the business was on the brink of bankruptcy. Maybe this wasn’t her forte! Could she hide in her apartment for a few days to clear her thoughts?She wished she could give up everything and rest her head on her mother’s lap. She wanted her mom to comfort her, to tell her that her failure didn’t matter at all. Her doorbell buzzed suddenly, bringing her out of her thoughts and alerting her immediately. Who could be here so late in the night? Did Knox Cromwell follow her? She covered her head with a cushion to block out the sound. She could let him think she was fast asleep. No way would she open the door at 2 am and let the monster in! The doorbell pealed again
Knox strode out of his room the next morning with a fierce scowl and a terrible hangover. He hadn’t been able to get a wink of sleep with Danielle’s sweet lips chasing him all night. It was extremely disturbing since he had never experienced such a thing in his entire twenty-eight years of life!He had always led a reckless life, hardly remembering the women he spent time with. None of them affected him the way Danielle did. He had done everything with them while he had only just kissed Danielle Hartford. Yet, it was the sweetest kiss of his life, like a nectar he needed to live! He could still feel the warmth of her lips on his. It seemed she had branded him for life! How could he be so addicted to her when she hardly could kiss him back the way he did? Still, her shy kiss took his breath away. It almost made him feel like he was the first one she had kissed as if she was inexperienced in the art of kissing! How could it be?No. It couldn’t be true. She was just an excellent actre
“What the fuck!” The man pushed Knox with all his might. It infuriated Knox further, and he grabbed hold of the man’s neck, pushing him against the wall. He choked, gripping Knox’s hands, trying hard to kick him away. He was no match for Knox’s animal strength!“Stop, Mr. Cromwell! Are you planning to kill him? God, I should call the cops!” screamed Danielle, recovering from the shock. She ran into the apartment to pick up her mobile when Knox released the man and went after her. His decision was now made. He couldn’t leave her here to service clients. She was his, and he would take her away to his penthouse. Seeing the opportunity, the man escaped as fast as his legs could carry him. Knox grabbed Danielle as she just picked up her phone. “Enough! You’re coming with me.”“No way! Leave me alone. You wanted me to vacate your office and I’ve done so. What else do you want from me?” He snorted in frustration, yet did not let her go. “You. I want you, not the office. I just need you.
Knox paced the floor of his bedroom in a fit of rage. He wanted to have his way with her right away, but something held him back. What if she left after one night? No, he wanted more than a night with her. Maybe a month would satisfy him! Would he get over his obsession with her after a month? He wasn’t sure.Strangely, there was no sound from her room. He wondered what she was up to. It would be wise to let her settle down a little before approaching her. He had seen the fear, the hesitation in her eyes when he brought her here. Did she fear him too, like most women did?He raked his fingers through his hair and stared at his reflection. Had he become a monster like Andrea called him? Thinking of his sister, he smiled at the sparkling clean apartment. He was sure Kathy and Andrea had it cleaned and stocked up for him throughout the day! Despite their tall claims, they loved him too much. They were the only women he couldn’t do without! But what about Danielle? Why couldn’t he stop
Danielle sat in silence, unable to answer his question. Should she tell him where they had met before? What if he judged her? It was obvious he didn’t remember her. Why would he? She wasn’t someone important in his life! She met his gaze and sucked in a deep breath. “Yes, but it isn’t worth mentioning!” She concentrated on her food, but it piqued Knox’s curiosity more. He wasn’t letting this go. Surely he would have remembered her if he had met her. Was she making it all up? Why would she?“Still. Tell me!” It was more of an order, and Danielle looked away. She couldn’t let him see how much he had meant to her once upon a time. Not anymore! He had killed her feelings for him. Her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Loretta, but Danielle immediately disconnected it. What could Loretta have to say now? Danielle was too upset with her to take her call. “Who’s call was it? I thought I already clarified with you on this. I want exclusivity with you until you deliver my heir. You ca
Knox came out of his daze and gazed at her glistening, wet, and juicy folds with longing. He wanted to please her before pumping into her. Maybe that would excite her more. He wanted her to shed all her inhibitions and enjoy the moment. He parted her legs further and embedded his face into her feminine folds, making her gasp with pleasure. She was so fresh, innocent, and inexperienced. He loved the feeling of being the first man to touch her. She deserved so much better for saving herself for him, although he had been a jerk to her. “Oh! Oh!” She was breathing heavily as Knox plundered her sweet nectar, using his tongue to devour and suck her clean. “Like it?” He looked up to gaze at the sheer pleasure on her face. It was clear she was enjoying it. “Mm, don’t stop.” It was enough encouragement for him to continue, and he did so with a satisfied smile on his face. She moaned, tugging at his hair when his tongue hit the most sensitive spot. It felt heavenly! He used his tongue in lo
Danielle’s heart filled up with happiness while her throat choked with emotions. She hadn’t expected him to love her back after so many years, but he did. “You love me?” she whispered breathlessly, cupping his cheeks with both hands. Her eyes shimmered with tears and they spilled over! She just couldn’t believe her ears. She had accepted her unrequited love for so long; it had become a part and parcel of her life. How did this miracle happen? “Yes, Ellie! I love you more than you can think of. So much that it had become an obsession with me. I couldn’t see you with another man. It forced me to commit many blunders.” “It’s the same with me. I couldn’t see you with Kendall.”“I never kissed or spent time with her. I sort of ignored her all my life except for the few months when we were in a relationship during my college days! So you had nothing to worry about.” Danielle smiled and released his cheeks. “Neither have I kissed or done anything with any of the clients of Happy Matchma
Danielle’s heart melted at the effort the twins made for them. She hugged them close and Knox looked relieved. He had been expecting her to back out any minute. Instead, she thanked his family, Kathy, and the twins. “Why don’t you check if you need something more?” suggested Cathy. “For how many days are we staying there?”“A week!” chorused the twins, making her eyes go wide. “Oh, that’s too long. What about the office? How about the twins?” She gave Knox a helpless look, but he looked relaxed instead of getting worked up. How was he so relaxed? “Richardson will take care of your office.” “We’ll be fine, mom. We’ve grown up. Don’t worry about us,” said Zane with an eye roll. Yet Danielle worried almost all evening until bedtime. It was a mother’s nature to worry, and they left her alone. Although Knox wanted her to move into his room, he thought of waiting until the next day. Maybe he should take it slow as she had requested. It was the most arduous task, and he had to take a co
Knox’s eyes filled up with tears, yet he couldn’t say a single word to her. His heart felt lighter, as if a tremendous burden had been lifted! After so many years, for the first time, he felt guilt-free and relieved. Danielle closed the distance between them and snaked her arms around his neck. A staggering sigh escaped from his throat and he buried his face into her hair like before. “Thank you, Ellie! I was dying to hear that!” He sniffed, choking the tears away. “I’m sorry for hurting you, for pushing you away, for destroying you.” She raised his head, forcing him to look at her. “Shh, Knox! Don’t apologize ever again. I know you had your trust issues, yet you’ve changed yourself for me. You’ve given me more than you’ve taken from me. I’ve forgiven you with all my heart. Let’s move on now and see where our feelings lead us to, but I have one request for you.” His eyes sparkled with hope and something else. Danielle was too scared to believe in the love reflected in his eyes. Di
Danielle stared at the beautiful platinum bracelet she had bought for Knox on his birthday. It had the letters D loves K with a pierced heart symbol in place of the word loves. She had it personalized for him and the result was quite satisfying. Although expensive, she didn’t wish to settle for anything else, using some of her savings to buy it for the man she loved. For the last few weeks, she had been dying to confess her feelings for him, but at the last minute, she developed cold feet. Therefore, this would be a perfect way to express her feelings for him. The door opened, and she quickly slipped the gift into her handbag. She looked up to see Knox entering the office. “What were you doing?” Danielle looked ill at ease. Did he see the gift? “Nothing much. I just wrapped up the work for the day. So, what do you want to do tomorrow?” She wanted to plan something for him on his special day, but no one at home cooperated with her idea of a dinner party. They only harped on one th
Knox closed his eyes, feeling her soft body molded against him. It healed the ache in his heart a little. He couldn’t stay away anymore. He hadn’t promised to not touch her if she did. Wrapping his arms around her, he embedded his face in her hair. “I missed you so much!” she whispered, causing his heart to skip a beat. “So have I, Ellie. You have no idea how much!” Danielle clung to him, unable to let go. This was what she had been longing to do for years. A throat cleared at the door, and Knox released her reluctantly. He glared at an uncomfortable Richardson, who wanted to vanish upon realizing what he interrupted. “Umm, sorry, sir. I have seen nothing! I’ll come back later.” Knox rolled his eyes while Danielle wanted to hide somewhere in embarrassment. “No need. Have the employees of Happy Matchmakers joined today?” Danielle gaped at him for a split second. Had he appointed employees too? “Yes sir. They’ve started working as well. The response is tremendous. We’ve got innum
The week flew by, settling Angel in her new school and helping her cope with the pending work. Thankfully, she was in the same section as Zane! It helped immensely.Knox had to leave for New York on a work trip and strangely Danielle too missed him, along with the kids. After the outing they went to last, Danielle had expected Knox to propose to her, yet he didn’t. In the evening, he left instead for an unknown period. She waited for him every day, but he didn’t call her or return home.“Yay, Dad’s coming home tomorrow!” announced Zane, making her heart skip a beat. She couldn’t wait until tomorrow. Yet she didn’t show her state. She was upset with him. Why couldn’t he call her once when he could call the twins and grandpa every day? “Yes. I had a word with him an hour ago. He’ll arrive home late in the night.” Danielle sighed and walked away to the kitchen. “Please, can I stay awake, G-Pa?” asked Angel. “Let’s see when he returns. You can stay awake until 11.” The next night they
Danielle didn’t get to savor another of Knox’s meals. The twins were getting impatient to see her, and she loaded everything into Knox’s car to go to Cromwell Mansion forever. She hadn’t considered it as forever. It was Knox who insisted he would keep her there with him forever! “Oh, I promised Angel a stuffed panda. Can we get it on the way?” “I promised them toys if they let me get you. So I guess we ought to buy those first to get an entry into the house.” They chuckled and Knox steered the car towards a shopping mall. It was the first time she went shopping with Knox and she had to agree it was a novel experience for her. Knox not only bought toys for the twins, he splurged on her as well, buying everything he fancied. Danielle gave up protesting when he turned a deaf ear to her rantings. “Gosh! It seems we’ve robbed a supermarket!” After the way he kept his promise and didn’t make a move towards her, Danielle relaxed a lot around him. The moment they entered the house, the t
Danielle’s heart skipped a beat at his explanation. All she could think was Knox was free. He wasn’t married as she had thought. So could she hope? “Oh! Why didn’t you tell me before?” Her cheeks flushed with color and she got up to clear the table. Her reaction bowled Knox over. “You didn’t ask me directly. Now you know I’m crazy about you, always was, and always will be! So, what have you thought about going home with me?” She nodded and went to the kitchen with her heart thumping wildly in her chest. She had never expected Knox to like her back! If he was so crazy about her, why did he hurt her? This was a question only Knox could answer. She couldn’t ask him now and disrupt the cordial relationship between them. She was tired of fighting with him. He followed her into the kitchen to help her. “So, is it a yes or no? Will you come home with me?” He hovered around her, staring at her with hooded eyes. She was acutely aware of his gaze wandering all over her. “Yes.” Knox couldn’t