LOGINShare
Chapter Twelve: Stranger In The Night
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Linc's POV
I have been told that I'm exceptionally good at playing mind games and stringing people's emotions well enough to get the response I want. From how Clara reacted when I dropped by her house with a bouquet of flowers, I am good at it.
Being casual is not going to get me close to Clara. She's obviously not close to that other guy she wanted to see in the city. I still wonder who he is. Is she still seeing him?
I'm throwing in a little romance to endear her to me. Paris worked. She's smart enough to notice the little things that made it special and she liked those things as much as she's confused about what is going on. I offered to take away those things and she didn't want it to stop. I won. But it won't always be romantic between us. I'll show her casual the next time we see each other. I want to see how she reacts to that side of me.
I have to constantly remind myself why I'm doing t
Related chapters
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Thirteen: G.G
Clara's POVMr Beck Hall is reading the new article I put together about Mrs Bancroft and the unknown cause of her death. I have not included all my doubts including Laurie's remarks like how Linc was in an accident as a child. How he feared water for several years in his life. The Linc I was in dived into a lake and stayed under for some time. But I can't ignore car accident and water phobia. I want to ask Linc but that man will not talk. He's hard to read and impossible to predict."I think it's something." He smiled at me.I'm not as enthusiastic.I'm still thinking about the club and the pill he slipped in my mouth. I could have spat it out. I didn't. I accepted it. My memory is still foggy about that night. I'm especially troubled by who he could have been talking to. Did he give me the pill to purposely make sure I don't remember that conversation? I want answers but he has been quiet. No texts, no cal
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Fourteen: Dragged Drunk
Linc's POVToday I'm not myself.Today, I'm sinking fast like an anchor has been tied to my feet. It's not the gloomy weather, it's two things.I was going to leave when I heard Quentin laughing. He rarely visits and if he's here, something is up. Without entering the office, I listened from outside."I think you should have told me about the reporter. This situation would have been fixed by now."My family talks about fixing things like it's a lose screw being fitted back."I am expecting Lincoln to step up.""And do what exactly? Keep the reporter quiet?""The reporter likes him. I don't know his plans but I believe he's handling it. I want to believe that but you know your brother doesn't have the stomach to do certain things.""Like I said, I should be on top of this. G
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Fifteen: Winter Lows
Clara's POVThere's nothing more beautiful to wake up to on a snowing Friday morning than a handsome billionaire still knocked out cold on the shaggy carpet. He looks peaceful. He doesn't snore as much. I snore and it's loud. My mother complains but she's not any better.I find it easier to sleep on winter nights because I like how comforting it feels to watch the snow fall. It was not so after I brought Linc back. Maybe it's the proximity to me. I have been thinking about him all night, especially what we shared in Paris, our first time together. Maybe I made a rushed decision to break up with him over that pill. We both took it after all. It just affected me more. What am I really upset about? The pill or that I don't know who he was talking to that night?I pulled the blanket away and got under to snuggle close to his warmth. I rested my head on his chest and covered both of us. Now this is cozy. It feels comfortable. It stra
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Sixteen: Ordinary Couple
Linc's POVPancakes in the morning.I used to do this for Andrea and she would only eat one and say she doesn't need the carbs. She was that kind of a girl. She was obsessed with her physical appearance. Starvation wasn't a problem for her as long as she looks good. I hope she gets fat now that she's pregnant. Clara doesn't seem to care about what most women care about. She loves food and she does not shy away from enjoying it. Her favorite line is 'I'll worry about it tomorrow'."Linc, you're hired! No matter how Monday morning turns out for us, you should come over and make these everyday!" She squealed with excitement.I like that squeal. I did something to her last night and she squealed just like that. It was something naughty and I should convince my mind not to go there before we go at it in her mother's kitchen."Should I make another batch in case your mom comes home today?"
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Seventeen: The Bottom Of The Lake
Clara's POVI haven't seen or heard from Linc in a week. It not only bothers me but it upsets me. I was ready to put myself out there for him and he flakes on me like this. Disappointment can't even cover it."Is this the place?" G.G asked me.It's a shady looking old house near the only bridge in this town. I got this address from my mom. I realized that my generation won't have much information on Eliza Bancroft. Without telling her that I'm looking into the Bancrofts, I told her I'm working on a story about a drowning incident about twenty years ago. She gave me this address and assured me that if anyone saw it, it must have been old lady Thompson because she lives just by the bridge."Yes.""Why are you so sure about Eliza Bancroft drowning? I already told you the medical reports revealed that it was a heart attack.""Two thinks. Laurie confid
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Eighteen: Both Sides
Clara's POVI'm not sure what came over me when I blurted it out. I saw the way Quentin looked at me and I realized I messed up. G.G has the same expression on her face. She hasn't said anything since I told her what happened with Laurie and what transpired at the hospital.I went back to see Laurie but I was told she had been transferred and I wasn't told where. I was tempted to ask Linc but I couldn't sum up enough strength to call him. He must know what I'm doing. If he's as smart as I think,he has figured out what I'm doing.."Honey, you messed up. You never play the ace up your sleeve until you're sure of a win!""I was emotional.""Now they know what we are doing and they will clean up anything that leads us to Eliza Bancroft. What made you emotional? Laurie?""Linc." I sighed. "He blurs everything. I was emotional because... I like him."M
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Nineteen: Laurie
Clara's POV"Please tell me!" I stalked the nurse around. I have been at it for almost an hour, repeating the same words. I want to frustrate her into telling me where Laurie was taken. A person in her condition couldn't have gone home."For the last time! No! That information is confidential.""I won't tell anyone." I blocked her. "I won't say it's from you."She rolled her eyes at me. "Why not ask your boyfriend?""We are not on speaking terms but Laurie is my friend and I'm concerned about her!" I pressed my palms together. "Please. Elena, please.""I swear if this comes back to bite me, I'll cut your throat!""Morbid much?"She pulled me close to her. "She was transferred to state to a private facility for rich people with drug problems. All the best!"I left with a smile on my face.&nbs
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Twenty: Fragile Pieces
Linc's POVThe last of my thrusts came in the morning hours when my whole body finally gave out from the intensity of love making.I sighed softly as I slid off her to lie on my back. I blinked slowly as I came down from my high. She's still trembling with need and breathing roughly. She clenched the pillow only to sigh and let go. When she looked at me she laughed in an infectious way. "Hi.""Hi." I responded. "Delivered as promised. I hope it was worth the wait."We loved our visit with Laurie but we were obviously thinking of when we will do this."Baby, if you charged for this I would be neck deep in loans just to get some. It was great, it always gets better. I loved it."I tore my eyes away from hers when the gaze got too deep. "Glad to hear that. Are you still a reporter or not?" My mind went back to our conversation earlier at the rehab facility. Yester
Latest chapter
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Epilogue
On a cold winter morning, in the ballroom of the Bancroft Manor, Lincoln and I exchanged our vows in the presence of our families. We kept it small but meaningful.That was the idea, small and meaningful.But still, the town threw a party on our behalf and the Bancrofts gladly supplied food and drink and most importantly, cake. It was a big celebration.We chose not to honeymoon because of how close I was to my delivery date. Having the mansion all to ourselves when his family left to visit Vermont was a honeymoon on it's own.It was completely relaxed and I was well rested as well as loved and pampered like the queen he has made me out to be.Come early February, the cries of our son filled the usually silent Bancroft Manor. It was just after 8am when Victor James Bancroft was born. I was a mess of emotions when the doctor placed him in my arms surrounded by an e
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Forty Eight: When It All Works
Linc's POVToday is the day I plan to propose to Clara.When I woke up early this morning, I couldn't leave her side. I watched her sleep for quote some time before I got out of bed. When I was looking at her, I couldn't help but think of what we mean to each other. This will be my third attempt to ask a woman to spend the rest of her life with me. The first time I was rejected and moments later I was beating a man to death because I found him in my house with a woman I expected to be faithful to me. The second time, it was Clara. It wasn't a formal proposal but she still turned me down when I showed her the ring. The plan was to go back to Virginia and of I found her waiting for me I would have proposed. I went back to an Emory house instead. This is the third time and I seriously hope that I have been reading her right. It's the same diamond ring she rejected before. I left it with her but I be recently got it back.The
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Forty Seven: Mending Bridges
Clara's POVI have been silently looking at some baby clothes.It has never really crossed my mind to start buying some but now that I'm a mere fifteen weeks or so away, i might as well see a few. Maybe I'll ven buy something, the very first outfit.I'm spoilt for choice and probably confused. I'm not sure what to get. At time like this, I wish mom could be here. She would know what to pick. I went online looking through baby clothes and hoping to find some sort of manual on how to buy clothes.Linc and I just came from the doctor. We had a check up today and as usual he was very excited and had a million questions. He's more curious than the woman having the baby. He ran into an sold friend and I left them catching up as I grab something to eat. I have wandered into the clothing section. The idea was to find a bigger bra but now I'm looking at onesies, bibs and little hats.
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Forty Six: Among Us Three
Linc's POVIt's been really quiet between Mrs Nolan and I. We haven't said much since she asked me to stay for tea. I wonder what she's thinking. Her expression is bitter. She's upset. I told Clara I'll take the hits for her. I'll be the villain and make all the difficult decisions she doesn't want to make. I won't allow her relationship with her mother to suffer. I'll be the bad guy if necessary."You're right." She broke the silence. "There was a time I wanted it work between you and Clara. I was excited about it especially because she was dating that weird guy in the city. That DJ who had nothing to offer her. When you came into the picture, I felt it and I knew it would work. I was right. It has worked. But not the way I thought it would. Lincoln, my issues with you stem from the moment you abducted Clara. When you texted back and forth with me pretending to be her... I hate that I couldn't tell the difference. I just thought she had gotten more atten
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Forty Five: A Sunrise Cove Baby
Clara's POVWaking up in Linc's arms is something I haven't done in a long time. I can't help but smile to myself. It's a cold rainy morning. The sound of the rain drops pelting against the bay window with dark wood frames is even more comforting than the warmth in this comfortable bed.The gloomy weather is the perfect backdrop for this cozy morning. I snuggled closer to him enjoying the warmth his naked body has to offer.Last night was incredible. Being reminded of his love is just want I needed. It was expected when he insisted we will share a room. We talked for a while before we got comfortable and comfortable turned into love making. I can definitely do it all over again."Lincoln." He grumbled. "Are you awake?""Now I am." He whispered. He pulled me back against his body. We are skin to skin. "What's on your mind pretty?""I was wondering if you'r
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Forty Four: The Bancroft Manor
Linc's POV"I lost to her mother." I caught my grandfather's attention with those simple words. He lowered his newspaper. "Clara isn't here because I lost to her mother.""Oh boy. The mother." He folded the newspaper closed. "Why don't you have a seat Lincoln. You are setting a dangerous precedent.""What do you mean?""A woman belongs to her mother when she's single and especially not pregnant. Clara is neither of those things. Her mother has no business holding on to her and if you allow her to take the driver's seat now, I promise you, you will be inched out if the picture until you become a distant thought. It will start with her not informing you of doctor's appointments. She will claim it slipped her mind. She will progress to not including you in the health decisions about Clara and the baby. Then she will purposely forget to let you know when the baby is due. Befo
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Forty Three: One Of Them
Clara's POVMy mother has always fussed about grandchildren. She also fussed about me getting married. But if these two ambitions were to be ranked, I would put the grandchild above the husband and son would she. Based on how she's behaving now, she has decided that Linc is irrelevant to the picture. It's going to be the two of us and the baby, no father.She believes herself capable of raising children without a man. I know she can be strongly independent and heavily opinionated about things when she's especially motivated. Her current motivation is Linc not being good for me. He has a list of offenses that boost his standing with my mother. Thanks to Mikey, mom knows how things between Linc and I transpired. I had no plans of telling her because deep down, I was avoiding the part of the script where she turns against my baby's father.But the script is going her way. I gave in to her arguement. I love Virginia and I love
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Forty Two: Mom Wins This One
Linc's POVI have given Clara's mother the chance to go in first and see her daughter.I can concede to her not liking me but she can't separate me from my child. As long as the baby is part of Clara, I want them with me. After the baby is born we will all agree to a way to share but for now It's best if Clara and the baby are with me.I never thought I'll be a father.I didn't want to be a father.From early on I told my father that I will not contribute to the Bancroft bloodline. I was hell bent on it never happening. Now that she is expecting it changes things. It has changed my outlook. I'm beginning to warm up to the idea of fatherhood.I have wandered into the unit of the hospital where they keep babies. I'm standing outside the glass looking at the newborns. I can't help but smile."Which one is yours?" A woman asked me.
The Bancrofts of Sunrise Cove Chapter Forty One: Part Of The Picture?
Clara's POVG.G is acting strange. The confidence she was strutting around with slowly fading. In its place are constant glares, strange silence and a lot of pacing. Something tells me that Linc has no plans to confess anything.I'm feeling ambivalent about his decision to not comply with G.G. It's a good thing because I believe Linc has been through enough. Being born into a crazy family is hard enough. Losing your mother at a young age and being a witness to it isn't easier. Being threatened to silence by the very people who should be protecting you is just horrible. Then came the girlfriend he gave the world to and she cheated on him. And then the one who befriended him with intent and then left him hurt after he took another risk to love another. He's been through enough. But what about me and the baby? If he won't comply, aren't we in trouble? G.G is crazy! If she does something, we could die or I could lose the b
