ESTELLE “I know it’s none of my business, but when will you tell Mr. Linden about it? You can’t hide it forever. Pregnancy will grow eventually.” “He’s reckless when it comes to the people he cares about. He always wants to be the hero, maybe a part of his job, or it’s his personality, and I don’t want him to be reckless for his child.” “But it’s unfair. As far as I can see, he is a good man and responsible. And a father will always do what’s good for his children.” “You should tell that to my father, Micah.” “Estelle, he’d love to be involved in raising his kid. I’m sorry, but as your assistant, I think I may have an idea of what’s going on.” Micah sat on the chair across my desk. “You’re going to marry the man you disgust while you are pregnant with a man you love—” “Whoa.” My eyes widened, yet my heart agreed. “Who said about love?” She shrugged. “Well, tell me, what you have been doing recently? Staying with him, sleeping over in a romantic place, and him sleeping over in y
LINDEN “I think my past is coming to bite me in the ass, Linden.” I’d never seen Jasper so serious until today. He ran his fingers through his dark hair again. His eyes were haunted. My stomach twisted. “What do you mean, Jas?” “You know my father, what he did, and I was a part of it.” “You’ve paid for your mistakes. You redeemed yourself back—” “To the authority. When I thought I would be safe forever under the protection of the FBI, I was wrong. I just found out that someone dangerous has been asking about me lately.” “I will do everything in my power to protect you. And we’re not alone anymore, Jas.” “No. I can’t let you do that.” He shook his head violently. “I don’t want you to do that. You’re the closest to a family I have left, Linden.” “Too bad that’s not your decision to make.” “I’ve been thinking about this since I found out and decided it last night.” “What is your plan, Jas?” I crossed my arms over my chest as I sat on my desk. “I can’t let you do that alone. Tha
ESTELLE “Estelle, you can’t watch—” Micah turned off the tv as if I had just caught her watching porn. “Turn that thing on,” I told her, more like a bark, but she seemed to freeze. I went home early from work since it was Friday. I didn’t feel well today. Maybe my problems were catching up on me, and I still didn’t know how to solve them. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.” There was a trace of hesitation in her voice, making me more annoyed and curious at the same time. “Do you think I only have one tv in this house, or I can’t watch it on my computer?” My glare hardened as I eyed the remote in her hand. “Considering your condition, I don’t wanna stress you out.” “About what?” I snapped, forcing my anger to cool down. “It’s about your company. It’s all over the news, business segments, internet. All.” She finally turned it on. I swallowed hard. I felt like my chest was crushing, and I couldn’t breathe. I found myself on the couch with my hand on my chest. From the corner of my
ESTELLE “Do I really need both of you?” I asked why Lynx had to join us today. I thought Qamar was enough, but Linden went a little overboard with my security. “It’s more than just me and Q,” Lynx confirmed. I couldn’t help but inwardly smile as I remembered how Linden got jealous of him. “What do you mean?” He tipped his chin to the side mirror. I looked at the rearview and asked incredulously, “That Tahoe is for me? Why?” “Boss doesn’t take your safety lightly.” “Why? Am I in some kind of danger?” I asked both of them, but Qamar just went silent, too focused on driving, if I may say. “Qamar?” “Yes, ma’am?” He briefly looked at me through the rearview as if avoiding my question. “We could expect a reporter at your building, Ms. Bladwyn. Trust me. Sometimes it gets a little wild knowing your status.” “But it’s too extreme. You and Qamar are already too much.” “Ignore the SUV following us. You won’t even know it’s there.” “Too late.” I glared at Lynx as I fished out my pho
LINDEN “Have you heard from Jas?” I paused for a moment before I replied because I couldn’t lie to Sadie. “No.” “He was supposed to call me yesterday. I thought maybe he was busy, but I’m getting more worried now that he hasn’t called yet.” “Maybe he’s in the out-of-coverage area. I’ll try contacting him on a secure line, Sadie. Don’t worry. I promise I will call you as soon as I have news.” “Cenric wants to talk to you.” She sighed deeply. I knew her, and I knew how much she loved her brother despite what she’d been through at his hands. Jasper just redeemed himself, and he did everything to prove that he’d changed, and he did. “Put him on.” “Hey, bro.” “How have you been?” “I’m far from my wife. I don’t want her to worry about her brother. Is Jasper in trouble?” I exhaled. “Jasper said he had to find out something. He just learned that someone asked about him from his past. I don’t know how bad it is, but he looked troubled when he told me he has to go away for a while.”
ESTELLE “Do you really think I would not find out who had been helping you with your little stunt yesterday?” “Dad, it wasn’t a secret. And you should accept my winning. And I can’t believe I’m still the bad guy here after what you did to me. Why don’t you try opening another business? You are a good wine connoisseur. Besides, CTEC doesn’t keep you busy already?” “Don’t act like you know anything. You’re just an overly ambitious little brat. Don’t worry, Estelle. I will be there to watch you fall.” “You’re so out of line. Instead of being happy for what I’ve accomplished, you’re terrorizing me. You conspired with Mr. Weston to take my seat. What kind of father does that to his child? And before I started this company, you didn’t believe in my capability. Remember what you said? Go and find an 8-hour shift job to pay your bills. I sent you to a good school not to waste your time on something unreachable.” I clenched my jaw hard when I began to vibrate in anger. “You really think y
LINDENI’d been blowing off steam in the gym for three hours, but no matter how I tried not to overthink, it was Jasper we were talking about. Sax didn’t look too happy to see me beating up myself for something I had no control over.“Sex would be a good sub. I mean, for fuck sake, bro. You have a beautiful woman in bed, and here you are, lifting weights and punching a bag in the middle of the night. What’s wrong with you? If I only had someone like Estelle, you wouldn’t see me in the gym.”“Because you’re a dick. Women are not only good for sex. They are not your sex toys or sex slaves, asshole.”“Whatever, man. Maybe you need a cuddling or a bonfire date and make some s’mores. When was the last time you took her on a date?”Guilt settled in my chest. I looked away. “I have more pressing matters, and Estelle understands me.”“Of course, women sometimes are hard to read. They say they’re fine, but they aren’t. Maybe she’s just trying to be understanding, but deep inside, she also need
ESTELLE “Hey. Please, come in. I’d been so excited since last week.” Willa was so carefree. Her eyes always lit up, and she met you with a huge smile. At least, that was how she showed me. “Hi.” We kissed each other’s cheek as she welcomed me into her art gallery. The entrance instantly showcased a few signature pieces by some well-known artists. “I took Micah with me. Micah, this is Willa Linden.” “Nice to meet you.” “Friend of Estelle is a friend of mine.” She began showing me inside the gallery. Some were intriguing pieces, bold paintings, and sculptures. “Interesting.” But one painting caught my attention. “You like it?” “Yeah.” “Knox has his way of creating bold colors. His technique is an illusion, three-dimensional. Do you know Mykel?” I turned my head at her. “Mykel Creed? I don’t personally know him, but yeah.” “You will meet him soon. He comes to see the guys when he’s not busy. How’s my brother?” She knew something. I could see it in her eyes. “I’m meeting him o
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