LINDEN I made my promise. I fucked her. Then I made love with her. Just when she was about to wake up, I ate her again and gave her another two orgasms. Right now, she was moaning as she had my omelet for the first time. “Will you stop it?” I put a cup of freshly brewed coffee before her. She took a sip and gave me that look— the curiosity and impressed look. “What do you have in this coffee?” “I’m afraid it’s just a regular coffee.” “Are you sure?” “I have enough compliments coming from you that could last a lifetime. It’s just coffee, Estelle. I roasted it myself, ground it, and there you have it.” “Really?” She stared at me in disbelief. “Yes, Estelle. I thought you rich people have sophisticated coffeemakers at home.” “You’re being humble.” She shoved another forkful of my omelet in her mouth. “This is so good. I could eat this thing every morning.” She was even talking with her mouth full, making me chuckle. “I told you.” She raised a finger to stop me. “No, Gabriel.
ESTELLE “I’m glad you could make it, honey.” My father kissed me on the cheek before he went to my mother. Of course, I didn’t come alone. I needed someone I trusted as my plus one for tonight’s dinner. Gustav Bladwyn, the Chairman of Connect Technology and E-commerce Company, or CTEC, to everyone who had a fortune of three billion dollars as of tonight. He was always dressed to impress. Even women as younger as my age fell for him. “Cut the formality, Dad. I know exactly what this dinner is all about.” I went to the chair to his right. Then I realized he was alone. I expected to see Klayton and Tyrion, but it looked like they were fashionably late, or this was supposed to be a family affair. “Am I missing something?” Mom sat across the table and asked Dad. “Don’t tell me our guests are late?” “No guest. It’s just us, as a family,” my father replied as he placed the table napkin on his lap. “We are not together. Are we really calling this family when it was over years ago?” “It
LINDEN “You didn’t even touch your beer. That’s a first.” I dipped the fries into the ketchup, ignoring Kye’s eyes on me. “Boss, are you okay?” “I wish everyone could just stop asking me the same question.” Kye and Sax shared a look as if they might notice the exhaustion in my voice. “Okay, fine. Is everything all right, mate?” Sax turned sharply his head to Kye, blinking. His British accent was on point, making me chuckle. “You’re not sleeping with Brit, are you?” “Well, I can’t ask him if he’s okay. I’m just concerned with our buddy here.” He tipped his chin at me. “He seemed not himself lately.” “Whoa.” My eyes widened a little. “I’m fine, really. I haven’t gone to the gym in days. My ass was stuck in the office for the whole week because I had to finish the paperwork I left before I went to Italy.” “And you had wine and dine with Terzo fucking Siciliano.” If I didn’t know Sax, I thought he was jealous, but he knew he had nothing to worry about because my loyalty remained
ESTELLE Going with him wasn’t a part of the plan. In fact, I wanted to run away from him, but here I was, throwing away any doubt out the window, or out rather out of his window, kissing him all the way back to his room. Never had I ripped off my coat so fast, kicked my shoes off, and tossed carelessly off my clothes on the floor while Linden did the same on his last sock. We barely caught our breath. We were back on each other as I hopped back into his arms. He caught me quickly, and I wrapped my legs around his waist as we kissed like we hadn’t seen in years. I admired his reflex, though. Linden sat me down carefully on his well-made bed. His lips moved slowly down my jaw to my neck, nibbling, sucking, licking the spot. My hands went to his head, fisting handfuls of his hair. Then he went to my breast as if he couldn’t get enough of it, his free hand on the other, cupping, kneading, rolling my nipple between his fingers, making me squirm under him. “Gabriel, I want you now,” I
LINDEN Goddamnit! I had no idea it was goodbye. After blowing my mind and sending me to faraway heaven, she fucking left. She didn’t even have the guts to tell me face to face. She waited until I fell asleep before she left. Who would do something like that? When she came with me, I thought she would at least try hard to fight for what she felt about me. I guessed I was wrong, it didn’t matter to her, and I didn’t know her that well. In absolute despair, I read the message, again and again, to make sure she didn’t miss a word or I read it wrong. Gabriel, I’m so sorry, but this is the last time we see each other. I hope you will find someone strong enough to fight for you. You deserve better than me. Estelle “Fuck you.” I crumpled the piece of paper and tossed it into the bin. “I don’t want anyone else.” I went back to my bed, where we made love, and I could still smell sex. My chest felt a sudden emptiness. Even the bedroom somehow felt cold and dark. She took all the energy
ESTELLE “Estelle.” A snap of fingers on my face brought me back to reality. “Hey. Are you okay?” Micah’s eyebrows were drawn together, then pulled back. “Yeah. Sorry.” I blinked. “I’ve been calling your name, but you seemed in deep thought.” I looked down at the shade of lipstick I was trying to mix. It came out candy red when what I wanted was vermilion. “I think you need a break. Should I book you a spa?” I shook my head and began mixing again. “I’m fine. I have to reset my eyesight. I’ll be just outside.” I quickly stood up. Suddenly everything spun around me, almost knocking me off the ground. I might have found my butt on the floor if it weren’t for Micah. “Hey, hey. Deep breath. Close your eyes for a few seconds.” I did as she said, shutting my eyes close and everything around me and doing deep breathing. “You’re pale. Have you been sleeping well lately? I think you might just lose a few pounds.” I cracked my eyes open. “I slept well. My appetite is good, and I don’
LINDEN “Do it again!” I yelled through the microphone from the upper deck. I was disappointed. They had been doing it since morning and still couldn’t perfect the simulation, and one or two of them could still be dead. “They need a break,” Sax said. “No. They do it to save their asses when what they should be doing is working together. They’re a team, and they haven’t realized that. Jesus.” I glared down as they came together and talked about another strategy. “Then tell them.” “No. They need to realize and figure it out themselves.” Sax eyed me. “I think you’re throwing your anger to your men.” “Do you think this is about me?” I glared at him. “I hadn’t had a good sleep in a week, and it made me cranky, but they need to learn. The training isn’t just about rescuing or protecting. It’s about saving their teammates’ lives and getting all home safe and sound to their loved ones. Do you know how it feels knowing they trusted their lives on me and got out there to the most dangero
ESTELLE “Tell me, Dr. Scott. Am I dying?” Ominous, I asked. I went to his office personally as soon as he said the result was ready. “No, dear. You’re healthy. All you need is Iron and folic acid supplements.” “Supplements?” My heart skipped a beat. My gut churned. “Yes. Congratulations. You’re pregnant.” He beamed at me while I was struck with a myriad of emotions. I didn’t know what to do with them. “Oh, my God.” I stared incredulously at my doctor while my hand flew to my abdomen. It was still flat, but a tiny human was growing in there. “I am pregnant.” I choked back the bile rising in my throat as I shook my head in disbelief. I was quick on my feet and stormed out before I could throw up in his office. I found myself in the restroom, wanting to throw up, but nothing came out except for dread settling in my stomach. I washed my face and mouth and stared at myself in the mirror. My gaze dropped to my abdomen in my dress. Devastation hit me. “Hey. Are you okay?” Micah asked
ESTELLE Sixteen months later “Hey, baby.” I couldn’t help but smile. Who would have thought I could be this happy and contented with life? I had a thriving company. I had friends, families, and my baby Rae. And my parents turned out to be good as best friends. And my husband, my best friend, my lover, my anchor. God, how could I be so lucky to have a man like Gabriel Linden? “I’m on my way home. Where are you?” “I’ll be home in one hour. I’m still at Osmium. Do you need anything?” Linden’s company had three times more employees and opened two HQs in Dubai and Qatar. I was so proud of him. No matter how busy he was, he made sure to have time for me and his daughter. “Nope. Just checking how long you would be home.” I took over the chairman chair from my dad, but I always got so excited to go home to him and to be with our baby. “Why?” There was an excitement in his voice. “I could wait a few minutes in the tub. I thought you might wanna join me.” He groaned out a curse. “
ESTELLE“Gabriel Rembrandt, do you take Estelle Rae Solace to be your lawful wedded wife, to live together in holy matrimony, to love her, honor her, to comfort her, and to keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?”“I do.”“Estelle Rae Solace, do you take Gabriel Rembrandt to be your lawful wedded husband, to live together in holy matrimony, to love him, to honor him, to comfort him, and to keep him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?”“I do.”“I give you this ring as a token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.” He put the ring on my finger.“I give you this ring as a token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love,” I repeated as I slipped the ring into his finger.“By virtue of the authority vested in me under the laws of Isola di Marettimo, Italy, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”Linden in a solid beige suit was a sight to behol
LINDEN It was still surreal watching my father talking with Gustav. I didn’t think it would happen sooner, but looking at them getting along was fulfilling for me and Estelle. “You okay?” Estelle placed her hand on my thigh under the table. “Yeah. You?” I didn’t have to ask because I saw it in her eyes. She looked happy. This must have been her dream for a long time, not seeing her parents at each other’s throats. Willa gave me a questioning look, sitting next to Dad. I slightly shook my head and smiled. “I’ve been to many restaurants, but your food has a distinct taste that I didn’t find anywhere. What’s the secret? Am I allowed to ask it?” Dad chuckled. “It’s all the same. The ingredients we choose but how we prepare and cook are different.” “I also try cooking at home if I have time, but not as close to good as this. Edible, though,” Gustav said. “I can’t cook anything fancy, but I know a few pasta recipes. I just don’t have time, I guess.” Deirdre also enjoyed the menu.
ESTELLE“Just follow the design and make sure it’s childproof, but the furniture will arrive on Wednesday,” I told one of the guys from K&B Designs.“Understood, ma’am.”“I’ll leave you all to my staff. If you need anything, just let them know so they can call me. I have an errand to run.”“Got it. Thank you.”I left the house, hoping I could get to talk to Dad before he got swamped with work.I couldn’t shake the guilt off my body. And I felt ashamed of how I handled the situation earlier. Instead, I overreacted when my husband was right the whole time. I was five months pregnant and just risked my baby. I could have reacted worse if I was in Linden’s position. “Well, hello, preggy.” I was glad to see Micah. Honestly, I missed her, but I couldn’t keep her with me since Dad needed her more than I did.“How’s your new boss?”“Awfully good. He doesn’t demand and makes my job a little easier.”“Unlike me?” I arched a brow.She laughed. “Your work is the one demanding. You’re here to see
ESTELLE Standing stark naked before me, his big cock rested with pride. Linden joined me in the tub and made a low, masculine, sexy sound as he dipped into the water. We stared at each other— the intensity set my body on fire. I let my foot trace his thigh until I found what I was looking for. My pulse quickened as I rubbed it with my foot. He grew instantly hard. Linden moved his hand, tracing his fingers over my knee, moving circles. I was instantly wet. He flicked his gaze to my bare chest, turning me intensely on. My breasts were heavier. My nipples were hard. Heat rose in my cheeks. Arousal thickened my throat. As he leaned close, he cupped my head and took my mouth. I gasped. He started kissing me slowly but quickly turned hot and greedy, kissing me like he was starving. Not breaking the kiss, he pulled me, encasing me so I could sit astride his thighs. The water splashed. Wrapped my legs around his waist, I sat, rocking my hips against him. I could feel him so hard, pokin
LINDEN I knew this would happen. The fucking pillow was getting in our way. I lay on my back while Estelle curled into her pillow. She looked comfortable, though. I only wished she found that kind of comfort in me. A moment later, her body shook. She made fun of me. “I can hear your brain cursing the hell out of this pillow, Gabriel.” She turned her head, grinning. “It’s all right, baby. If only I could take all your discomfort, pain, and weight from you. I already did. What a little comfort you found in your pillow that I wouldn’t give.” “Really?” “Why do you sound so surprised?” She turned to face me. “I don’t know. Couples don’t wanna have babies immediately because they want to spend time together, cuddle, travel, do something fun before they want another responsibility.” “Do you want that?” “Before we got married, you knew what I wanted, but things changed, and I don’t have an ounce of regret for having a baby. Though I’m still scared of this huge responsibility, but I kn
ESTELLE Dad and I flew back home as soon as he was cleared to travel. I missed my husband, too. Aside from the overdue board meeting, I had a job that could not wait. “What the— !” Linden’s eyes widened in surprise, lifting me up, but he was also careful not to put pressure on my growing belly. “Baby.” “You didn’t miss me that much, huh?” I wrapped my arms around his neck as I kissed the side of his head. “You have no idea.” He put me down and hugged me. “You smell amazing.” “I’m sorry, husband, but I have to get ready. I’ve moved the board meeting once and can’t be late.” “Wait. Is it today?” He looked at me before he kissed me on the lips. “Yeah. See you later over dinner.” “Yeah. And I have something for you. It’s in your closet.” “Oh. What is it?” I beamed at him. “My long-delayed birthday gift.” I chuckled. “You don’t have to give me a gift.” “I feel terrible already, but I will make it up to you next year.” “It’s okay, Gabriel.” I hugged him. “But I’m gonna be too l
LINDEN My team just landed two hours ago from London. Estelle agreed to stay with her father, which made me happy with her decision. I only took a quick shower in the hotel and changed into a white shirt and dark blue pants before meeting Ilya. As fear thickened my throat, I forced a deep breath as I walked into the local bar in Austin. I entered alone, but I trusted my men to do their job. I roamed my eyes and quickly found a white male around my age with buzz-cut dark-brown hair sitting at the corner. He was confident and wasn’t facing the door. Judging by his wide shoulders and broad back, it was indeed Ilya. The only image I had of him was from Gustav. I didn’t want to know how he got into the country undetected. “May I join you?” His gaze lifted from the half-full pint of beer on the table. He stood up and offered his hand. Ilya didn’t smile, but his eyes expressed recognition and appreciation. I shook it firmly before I joined him on the table and motioned and gestured a
ESTELLEI blinked in disbelief. And Willa had never been tempted to check his brother online or go to Osmium to visit him. Either she trusted him so much, or she couldn’t endure the agony of knowing how dangerous her brother was facing every day.I mean, gathering intelligence was a risky business. I’d seen movies where people get killed and tortured for information.“She does, but only about the firm, and she doesn’t have to. I’m just protecting her from the risk of knowing the nature of my work.”“Now, I’m more curious.” Willa frowned further.“That’s all you have to know.”“No. I want to know everything.”“Honey, Willa.” Moses drew a deep breath. “The Hover Company has subsidiaries. Hover Defense and Hover Space and Security. They are the largest private gathering information agency. They gather intelligence and information around the globe. We detect threats, support decisions, and share with our government contract agencies. And these guys and among others who work at Osmium are