ESTELLE “You’re gripping my hand too tight.” I chuckled. We were about to find out the gender of our baby, and here he was. The hardass I knew was nervous about his baby. “Sorry. I’d never been nervous like this, even fighting bad guys.” “I’m afraid you will pass out before hearing our baby’s first cry.” “I will try not to, and I already promised to be with you, even during your labor.” He looked at me. He may feel nervous, but those eyes never lied— he was too eager to see and hear his child again. Sometimes, all I wanted was to just stare at him and dream of our future life together. Damn, I’m so madly in love with this man. “You’ll be fine, big guy. And I already knew you’re not squeamish with blood.” I smiled. I couldn’t believe Linden could be this sweet because when I first saw him, he was like the toughest guy I’d ever met. He looked so hard and rough like he could snap my neck with his fingers. “Are you guys ready?” Dr. Chesca just came in. She had other patients be
LINDEN Months ago, I envied my best friends. And I was just dreaming of having a family on my own. I wasn’t religious, but I always prayed in my heart to give what was good for me and that His timing was right. He blessed me with a good family. I got the chance to serve my country. I met my best friends. He gave me the best job. I found my second family in my brothers. Then I met the woman who made my heart beat again. I was blessed with a child— my baby girl. I couldn’t ask for more than the safety of my family. I called my father. He was the first person I could think of because it was a dream come true for both of us— me building a family of my own. “Pops?” “Is everything okay?” “Yeah. Everything is perfect.” The moment Estelle and I found out our baby’s gender, I was smiling like a fool the whole time. “That’s great news.” “We just found out the sex of our baby, but Estelle wants to keep it a secret. I thought I wanna share the good news I have. For the past few days, thi
ESTELLE “What the hell is going on?” I barely sat my foot on the ground when I saw Linden and Lynx approaching us. “Baby. Thank God.” Linden sprinted in my direction and hugged me tight as if I just dunked a dead trap. “God, woman, you’re the death of me.” He cupped my face, kissed me on the lips and forehead, and hugged me again. “I think you’re crushing my chest, Gabriel.” I chuckled but was still in the dark about what was happening. When he tore from me, I asked him, “What do you mean by what you said earlier? And you sounded so terrified.” “Let’s talk inside.” “So you and Sax are okay? Is this his house?” “Not sure, but yes. This is his house.” He didn’t let go of my hand. “Nice. Homey. He should find a woman to live with him. And here I thought he’s more of an apartment kind of guy,” I said as I followed Linden. I instantly saw Sax. I went to him to hug him. “I missed you too, baby mommy.” He hugged me, too. “Please be okay now with Gabriel.” “He hasn’t apologized,” he
ESTELLE After how Skyla easily manipulated us, I didn’t know if I could trust him even if I saw the evidence. He could easily exploit these pieces of paper to get into his ex and his son— this was what a psychopath would do. Or they could be both crazy. Look at what paranoia could do and affect someone’s state of mind. My muscles tensed as I stared at Jake. “Jake makes a good living. I was in his bar. Everyone is his friends. That’s how you know he’s a good person. His house is clean. I saw pictures of Everette in his home. He doesn’t have a woman in his life. He doesn’t drink. He has a good amount in his bank account and pays his tax on time.” “How did you know that?” Jake asked Sax. “But when a woman uses two names? That’s a red flag. When she asked me for breakfast, I saw her ID. I realized she’s been lying to us. She doesn’t have furniture other than a couch and a TV. I didn’t have time to check her kitchen and the bathroom, but her ID caught me off guard.” Linden stood up
LINDEN I’d made a lot of mistakes in my life, but this time, I almost ruined a man’s life, a father to a little boy, because I let my emotions get the best of me. Maybe a past should be left in the past. And I should have just followed my gut. “When you’re silent like this, I know there’s a lot going on in your head.” “I know. I’m sorry.” I kissed her hand. “I almost ruined his life. Even if the court acquits him for the lack of evidence, his name has already been disgraced. I couldn’t help but look back at how my life was simple back then. Sometimes, having this kind of position always puts me in the tough spot, decision-making that involves life, and I don’t wanna make that decision again.” “Hey. you can’t blame yourself. You always have a blind spot regarding the people you care about. Everyone does.” “I hated her for years. Then, I began to care because I thought she was a victim. She used it to get my sympathy, to manipulate me. She blindsided me, Estelle. I won’t let it go
LINDEN The officer opened the door to the room. Skyla wasn’t there yet. “We can leave if you feel uncomfortable around her,” I told Estelle. “I’m fine. I wish I could slap her. I was really nice and genuine to her, and she exploited my kindness. If we didn’t find out, I’m afraid she would do something to tear us apart, maybe create a story and make me look like the bad guy or a jealous wife. Or maybe drug you and pretend you sleep with her.” “What the fuck? Where did that idea come from?” My eyebrows furrowed. I wanted to throw up just thinking of waking up next to Skyla. “Don’t ever think like that. Nothing can tear us apart, okay?” “Well, you don’t know that, and you once trusted her. Given that she’s a bitch who has been obsessed with you, it’s possible and could be a part of her failed plan.” “That’s not going to happen, baby. I know you won’t do anything to hurt me. And I trust you with everything. And you know that I would never do something to hurt you.” Skyla walked in
ESTELLE“I have the result.” Micah waved the envelope in my face.I grabbed it from her and quickly ripped the envelope open. The red liquid lipstick and the Starlash mascara Tatiana used lay upon the result. If this was contaminated or laced with any toxic substance, we had to pull out from all suppliers, retailers, and resellers, including all shops, and stop the production.My heart hammered even if I knew our products were top qualities. I unfolded the envelope. As soon as I read the report, I closed my eyes and smiled.“What does it say?”“Get this bitch!” I waved it in her face, making her laugh.“I have no doubt!” Micah yelled in my office.“Me too. Put the paper on my table. I have to picture that and post it on my Ig. I wanna show the people that we don’t play around here.”“Do it.”“Damn, I wanna shove this piece of paper into her face. She ruined my company. Now it’s payback time, bitch.”After I took the photo, I quickly uploaded it on my Instagram with a three three-word
LINDEN That sick son of a bitch! “Where are you going?” Estelle followed me out of the Gunner Room. “I need some air.” My blood was still boiling. I was still shaking with rage. I would have already broken his face if he was just in front of me. Father-in-law or not, I didn’t give a fuck. He couldn’t accept Estelle chose me over his pompous ass boy, and now he wanted to ruin us. “Hey.” She took my hand, linking it with hers. She knew I was shaking. “I should be the one furious. He ruined my company, but I don’t want to give him the satisfaction he craves, Gabriel. He thinks he succeeded. No, he did not. The company will be back on track now that I know who’s behind it. And you and I are still here, together.” We walked to my office, and I rubbed my temple, and it didn’t miss her sharp eyes. “You should go back to your office or go home. Take some time to rest.” “I have tons of work to do.” She pressed my hand against her lips. Estelle always calmed me down, but not this time. H
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