James.The moment that Neal called me and informed me of what happened to Becca, I had about lost my mind. While I was sitting there shaking hands with people trying to get them to help me figure out who was after Becca, she had been attacked by people that Neal and Allegra had issues with.I knew who they were. Xavier was the youngest of three brothers, a pain in the ass that I had run across more than once in the business world. He was ruthless when he wanted something and a bit of a playboy who loved to show off his money.Patrick, the middle child, died when he was younger, and I didn't know back then that Neil was the one who had killed him. But after he explained it to me that situation kind of made sense, why they'd also be pisssed off at not only what he did, but what his father did too.The oldest brother, though, he was the one you had to worry about. Andre was a man who didn't find remorse in anything that he did. He didn't care if he hurt you, he didn't car
Becca.Ever since the conversation I had with Neal two days ago, I couldn't stop thinking about everything that could possibly go wrong with staying here in New Zealand. This place was supposed to be my happy home, my forever home with my children, my father, and my stepmother.I was an idiot to think my life would be normal. Even now, while I stood here listening to Neal and Allegra bicker over what the best move was even after added security was placed on the house, I couldn't help but feel more aggravated.My dad had still not noticed. The day everything kicked off, I had surprised them that night with round-trip tickets to Australia. The last-minute trip threw up red flags, but I told them it was only for a few days because when they got back, I was going to need their help with some things around my house.It wasn't the truth, but it seemed to hold them over. At least for now."I just don't see what the problem is, Neal," Allegra snapped with her hands on her hips.
Becca.The next morning when I woke up, I was in a mad rush to try and get everything done that needed to be done. I wasn't sure how long the kids, me, and Layla were going to be staying over at the surprise house Neal had on the island, but I had a feeling it was going to take a while for us to get back to normal civilization.Not that I was enthusiastic about that part.Then there was the other issue at hand—my parents.After the talk I had with Allegra in private about my father, I figured it was best I went ahead and filled them in on our surprise island but left out the main reasoning behind it until they arrived. My father would kill me if I tried to tell him over the phone about everything going on.So I simply left it as we had a surprise home on an island when he got back in town, and I wanted him and his wife to come and spend some time with me and the kids without Allegra and Neal being present. It was pretty straightforward. I mean, what could possibly go wr
Becca.I don't know what it was I was expecting when Neal said he had an island home, but it definitely wasn't a small remote island just off the coast of New Zealand, cut off completely from the outside world.Though that would have been the common sense thing.The moment we'd arrived here, I found myself a little taken aback by exactly how remote this place was. Crystal-clear blue water surrounded the island, and with all the lush greenery around, it added a calming atmosphere."This is beautiful," I muttered softly before turning my gaze to Neal, who stood behind me. "How the hell did you find this place?"Shrugging his shoulders, he glanced around at the small wooden home with large windows overlooking the ocean only a hundred feet away. It wasn't the biggest of homes, and in fact, it reminded me of the small apartment I shared with Tally once upon a time. "It was for sale, and I bought it," he muttered before turning and walking back outside.His behavior was wei
Allegra.I hated how Becca had to find out about Layla and me, but there was no way to really have prevented that. I should have known, eventually, she would have found out, but I wish it would have been me telling her instead of her walking in on me kissing the girl.Things with Layla happened unexpectedly. Gradually over time, we grew feelings for each other, and I had never been opposed to having a relationship with the same sex. In fact, I had sexual relations with Becca on one occasion, with James watching and participating as well. The whole thing with Layla, though, was unexpected. Late one night, we sat outside, upset about how our lives had taken a turn. She was there for me, and in casual conversation, we kissed, which ended up leading to a whole lot more. Next thing I knew, we were stealing every second we could get alone to share those private moments, and no matter how much I tried to convince her to leave so she would be safe, she refused. She didn't want
Becca.The storms that had come in the night before were rougher than I had expected. However, through the whistling wind and cracks of lightning, I found solace in being wrapped up in bed with both children in my arms. The future was changing, and for the first time in months, I let my mind wander to James.To the deep darkness of his eyes and the warm touch of his body against mine. I wished more than anything he was here with me to relish in moments like this with the children and to see them both growing. I had to admit I was lonely, and even though I could admit it to myself, I couldn't admit it to anyone else.The last thing I wanted was for the others to be worried about me.Especially when I had taken so much for granted over the past year. In the morning light, I crept out of bed and went to the kitchen to fix a warm drink. Then, standing at the window in the living room, I looked out upon the water and sipped upon the hot cup of coffee in my hand. From what I kn
James.As soon as I managed to get things situated with my uncle, I took the next private flight out headed for New Zealand. I was tired of counting on someone else to keep what belonged to me safe. I had shit to correct and things to make right, and now was the time to do it. With everything going on and too many whispers circulating around the Michaelson brothers moving in on Neal, I couldn't hold off in the hope he would be able to handle his shit.From the sounds of it, he had not a single f*cking clue what he was doing.The moment the plane finally landed in New Zealand, I took in the same beauty that must have captivated Becca to begin with. Everything was so green, and the atmosphere of the place when you stepped off the plane was just—breathtaking."Damn, this place is nice," Tony, my right hand said as he stepped off the plane behind me. "Sucks, we have to go back to Italy."Glancing at him from the corner of my eye, I shook my head with a small laugh. "Well, m
Becca.Too much time had passed since Neal had been gone, and as the sun slowly crossed over in the sky, I became more and more worried about what was going on. I tried a few times on the satellite phone to get hold of him, and yet, there was nothing. Nothing, but ringing and my constant aggravation over the entire situation."Nothing yet?" Layla had asked me this at least a dozen times, and as I turned to her shaking my head with a sigh, I saw the disappointment in her eyes."I'm sure everything is fine," I muttered quickly, pushing a smile on my face. "They just got wrapped up in things. Had there been an issue, the men outside would have come to say something."No matter how often I tried to reassure her, I could tell she didn't believe me. She had already cried more than once today, and I felt terrible for it, but at the same time, there was nothing I could do. I was just as much in the dark as she was."Okay, I'm going to find something to make for dinner. The kids