MYKEL
She’s fucking hot!
Stunning. Exquisite.
Before the situation became awkward, I made my point and left the woman after our quick sex. I was a one-night kind of guy. Most people knew that. I was a busy person; making my own empire and relationship was not my priority for the next ten years or more. Of course, a man still had needs once and a while. I was still a human in need of a woman’s touch.
Then I saw someone walking out of Knox’s apartment. I was even shocked to discover that the woman I had with was living just next door, but I had no time to back out and change my mind. She made me hard, and she was a willing lay.
In the next second, I was following the woman. She was short to be my type, even if she wore fuck-me-high-heels, but damn. There was something about her that triggered something inside me. I couldn’t take a good look at her face, but I knew by heart she was stunning, like a million-dollar piece of art. The more it got old, the more the value became pricey.
My heart began racing as I joined her in the elevator. I was immediately hit with the scent of her. Her smell was like an expensive perfume, and I knew when I smelled one.
The fascinating woman looked delicate and classy in a red V-neck dress that hugged her curves in the right places. She may not have a body like a model, but for me, she was perfect. I knew a woman’s body pretty well. I had a pretty share of models and celebrities, but this one was different in so many ways, making her more intriguing, sophisticated, and remarkable.
But my mouth and my brain did not play along pretty well.
When she started talking, her voice was sexy as I had imagined, and it was too late to play nice. But the good part had yet to come—she didn’t have any idea who I was.
After she left in the cab, I took a photo of the license plate and sent it to Sax Ryder, my bodyguard.
My phone vibrated right away after the message was sent.
“What do you want me to do with this, boss?” he asked as a greeting.
“Ask for the last passenger’s address. A woman. Tell them you have to return something she left in your apartment.”
“Do I need to pick you up?”
“No. Find out who the woman is and report it to me as soon as you find something.” Because somehow, I felt like I knew her.
“Got it. Do you want me to return what she left?”
“No. She didn’t leave anything.”
There was a few seconds of silence before he replied, “I see. I’ll call you soon, boss.”
“Good. Thanks.”
As soon as I arrived at my penthouse, I received the info I was asking for. I didn’t know how Sax found out about her quickly. Needless to say, I was impressed with his resourcefulness.
“Adley Xael Kross.” Her name was as sweet as a vintage wine. “Kross, huh? What a small world.” A smirk spread across my lips.
I quickly searched her name on social media, where you could easily find everyone you wanted to look for. I found her right away. Her personal account was not yet verified, but her business account was.
I felt like I had just found the golden pot at the rainbow’s end.
I dialed my assistant. I didn’t usually barge her at this hour, but I needed a huge favor, and it couldn’t wait. It had been long overdue, and now it was a perfect time.
“Elise, I know I’m so sorry.” I made sure there was a lace of guilt in my voice.
“Do you want me to drive you home?” She sounded like she had just woken up, and I felt guilty even more. Elise was one of the first people I hired into my wing. She was like a sister I never had with whom I could share my secrets and heartaches, and she wouldn’t judge.
“No. I’m already home. But I want you to hire someone to design the office here in my loft.”
“I thought you don’t want an office and bring your work home.”
“I changed my mind. I know I mostly worked on my laptop when I was home, but I realize an office comes in handy, and it’s not such a bad idea, is it?” I didn’t know why I had to explain, maybe because I had something up on my sleeves.
“You came up with this idea just right now, at this time?” She groaned.
“I know we had an agreement. No late-night calls, but you can do this in the morning.”
“Then why can’t it wait until morning?”
“I’m sorry, Elise.”
“Save the guilt trip. It’s fine. Anyway, I know good interior designers. I’d been following them on their I* business account. Just tell me if you have any specific instructions, ideas, or price margin?”
“I’d be there to suggest.”
“Why? Since when do you have time, I’m-a-busy-capitalist-no-time-for-bs?”
I chucked. “It’s personal to me.”
“Whatever. Call you in the morning.”
“Don’t hire interior designers. I got it covered. Sending you the link.” I sent it to her email.
“Got it.”
Seconds later, she sounded surprised. “What the hell?”
“What’s wrong?”
“How did you find K&B Designs?”
“You know it?”
“Seriously, Creed. They’re the one I was talking about,” she said gleefully. “They work magic. And you’d love your new home office. Trust me.”
Well, what a coincidence, right? I might believe in destiny bullshit after all. “I guess we have the same taste then. See you later.”
“I’m getting paid on the weekend, Creed.”
“Fine, little bully.”
***
I had just received a message from Elise that she was on her way, and I couldn’t wait to see the reaction on Adley’s face upon seeing me after calling me names last night.
If I was being honest, I deserved it. I just thought Knox didn’t deserve her. So did I. And I was the last person she should think about sleeping with, but I was a greedy and selfish bastard. So either she had me, or she would remain single for the rest of her life. And this was just the beginning.
My doorbell just went off.
MYKEL Elise had a key to my penthouse, but she always rang the doorbell when I was home. Even if she knew I would never bring women to my loft, she still respected my privacy. That was why I cared about her a lot. “Morning.” She placed the bag I bought for her on the lounge chair before showing me my schedule on the iPad. I was generous to my employees, especially her and my security details, Sax and Kye. “Morning.” “I moved your meeting on Monday evening to the afternoon so you can have time to rest before your flight to LA.” She sent it to my phone. “It’s not a long flight, Elise.” “I know, but I don’t want you to complain of not getting enough sleep, and you’re a terrible boss when you’re lacking it.” “I’m not gonna stand in front of the UN councils. This is your idea, remember? Addressing and encouraging the youth to work for their future.” I quoted in the air. “It means a lot to me. I just don’t want you to change your mind.” “I know, and I won’t. You know I never back
ADLEY Fate hates me. I was looking forward to this project when Blaze told me who our client was. And honestly, I was picturing an old bald billionaire in my head, not this jerk who made fun of my non-existence sexual life. Despite our not-so-great second encounter, I couldn’t say no to clients because of our little dispute. I was taught to be better than that. And he would be our biggest client so far—a billionaire. I knew what it would do to our business—boosting the company’s image in return. “What really happened last night? Did Mr. Creed sexually assault you?” Blaze still looked perplexed. A girl could hope to be touched by those big hands, but that was not the point. “Nothing happened. He did not do something like that.” “But you’re not gonna tell me, are you?” I knew what was in his head. His eyes may be focused on the road, but his mind was running a mile. Blaze was driven by his goal as I was. It was just the two of us when we started this business. We kept in mind
MYKEL Damn it. She’s a pain in the ass. Or I am. She was so headstrong, and nothing seemed could break her. I knew she was attracted to me, and she was doing a bang-up job fighting it and staying professional as fuck. I was fucked in the head. What was I thinking? I’d never been attracted to anyone before that I was willing to jeopardize the trust of a hardworking woman. I admired her tenacity, though, and it pissed me off at the same time. What couldn’t a few days of work wait? Then I would ask her out, and she had no reason to say no when our working relationship was over. The billion-dollar question was, would she accept it? “I’m surprised you have time to drink.” Dash Chandler joined me in the VIP lounge at Night Stalker Club. He had been my best friend since college. We invested in one of our friends, Crypto and NFT Games, and we were both risk-takers regarding investments. “For you? Yeah.” “Cut the shit,” Dash called out for his drink. Thanks to one of my friends, Pyke,
ADLEY “Don’t be so quick to judge.” I groaned in annoyance as I shut my laptop close. “Personal space, please?” “Since when?” Blaze asked. “I saw the look in your eyes, Adley. He’s not bad. Actually, I admire that guy.” “What kind of look exactly?” I breathed out. Blaze knew me well, and he definitely knew when I lied. “You’re being a judgmental queen.” I raised a brow. “Really? I’m not being judgmental. He’s—” He pressed a finger on my lips. “Stop right there. You can’t judge someone for putting his passion and priority on top.” I grabbed his hands off. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Okay, denial queen. That guy started his empire from scratch. His father may be big-time, but nothing compares to what Mykel’s have now. He’s proven himself that not all the sons and heirs are brats. You of all the people should know that.” “I was just trying to figure out his personality and maybe his businesses.” And personal life, which was not surprising for many wom
MYKELMy father pissed me off. It was too late to fill the father of the year role.He’d been so persistent in being in my life again when he knew I didn’t need him anymore. He missed that chance a long time ago. When I needed him the most, he wasn’t there.“Mykel.” He extended his hand.“Dru.” I shook his hand just for the sake of the formality and this event, and I couldn’t change the fact that he was still the sperm donor.“Lyra wants to meet you, Mykel. Give her a chance.”My temper sent roaring. The audacity. “If she wants to see me, then you should bring her with you tonight. You know that I will be here. Will she be the last?”My father looked offended. I had known to have no filter. I would say it out loud if I wanted to express my feelings.“I hope so. Look, son. I will always love your mother. She’s your mother, but our marriage didn’t work out. You have to respect our decisions.”I narrowed my eyes at him. Honestly, I didn’t want him mentioning my mom again. “It wasn’t mutu
ADLEY“Check the availability of the Ratan set. If not, we should go for wood.” Our client wanted a contemporary outdoor, so we looked forward to giving her what she wanted.“On it,” Stella replied. The rest had their respective assignments.“That’s all, guys. Thanks.” I picked up my things from the table. “Blaze, are you up for this project?”“Of course. Do you have a date or something?” He smiled mischievously. I wish.A girl could hope. “Nope.”“So the planet-saver billionaire sent you home, huh?” Of course, he knew. I was relieved when I got home he was having fun with his friends because I knew him—Blaze would not stop until he got what he wanted.“It was my ride. The last thing I knew, he climbed into the backseat with me.”“A little defensive, aren’t we?”I propped my hand on my hip. “I’m trying to explain what happened because I know you won’t let it go.”“What did you talk about on the road?”I rolled my eyes. “Nothing.”He squinted his eyes. He wasn’t convinced. “Do you rea
MYKEL I received a call from Lex this morning. I knew it had nothing to do with me hitch-hiking his granddaughter’s ride. Now I wondered what this was all about. His office was classic and rich. He did not change anything since the last time I was his young protege. “Lex.” “Have a seat, Mykel. How have you been?” “Great. Thanks for asking.” I took a seat. “But this courtesy call has nothing to do with me, is it?” He gave me a shot of whiskey. “Thank you.” “I met your father yesterday. Imagine my surprise.” He sat back in his chair. I sipped the amber liquid before placing it on the coffee table. This old man knew his poison. “What did he say?” “That you and Adley are dating.” A smile spread across my lips. “And you don’t believe it?” In my twenty-seven years, even my father had never intimidated me, not in the case of Lex Kross, and I admired and respected the man sitting across me. “You don’t wanna double-cross me, Mykel. Don’t play with my granddaughter or with me. You’
ADLEY “Let me see if I got it right.” Mykel seemed to understand more than I expected. Of course, he was brilliant. Apparently, he was top of the class and graduated with honor. “Lex wanted you to work at Kross Corp., but you refused. He gave you an ultimatum or what?” “He wanted me to make babies with Gary.” “Excuse me?” He cursed under his breath. His eyes flashed with anger before he blinked it away. “Not exactly the exact words. Gary came to my office two days ago. He convinced me to work with my grandfather, insulted my business, called it a home makeover, and said I could make more money than I’ve been doing for the past years. In short, I’m wasting my time. Apparently, Grandpa invited him and his father over dinner at the mansion.” “I’ve always hated men bullied women. I may be an asshole, but I’d never done that in my entire life. So, you got your trust funds when you turned twenty-one, right?” “Yeah.” “The only thing you’re worried about is your parents’ shares.” “Yes
MYKEL Four years later “Mykel, are you still here?” My wife stopped in her track when she saw me sitting on my desk with a glass of whiskey in my hand. “Hey, baby.” She stepped closer at a sultry pace as she took off her coat. “Are you ready to go?” “Wearing that?” I emptied the glass and put down the desk. My skin started burning in anticipation of what could possibly happen tonight. I never fucked someone or even Adley in this office, but tonight, I would break that rule. I pressed a button on the screen—our privacy was secured. “It depends.” She stopped right in front of me, looking at the huge framed cover copy of herself for the business magazine as the most influential woman of the year. I spread my thighs apart, slid my hands on her hips, and pulled her closer to me. “What are you up to accomplish tonight, baby?” She bit her bottom lip before she spoke, “The kids are with their grandma, so I thought we could have fun.” “And this is your way of fun, huh?” I stared down
ADLEY The private island Mykel and I bought was beautiful. As we promised my grandfather, we got married as soon as I lost my baby weight—it was spectacular, just as the old man wanted it, with five hundred guests at my beach house. Then we had our honeymoon in Monaco, then on this same island where we would spend a week. This was our second time visiting this property after our wedding. I promised Mykel to spend more time with the kids and him. I prioritized my family over my work, and he did the same. I lost track of time when I was in a beautiful place like this with a white sand beach and a clear blue sky above the breathtaking ocean. I watched Jax play his castle set with the sand when my husband called me. It was our daughter’s feeding time. Amelie was too tiny in his arms as he carried her securely. Despite our kids having nannies, Mykel was a hands-on dad. Who would have thought he would become this remarkable man? “Time flies by so fast when you’re enjoying watching
MYKEL Ten months ago, I would have laughed my fucking ass off if someone came to me and guessed my future of being married, let alone having two kids at this moment. I would have said, you’re fucking insane, man. But life happened, fates collided, stars aligned, and all those shits. “Babe, please hurry up!” Adley was literally screaming as I tried to scramble, picking things into my hands. “Babe, relax. We practiced this a thousand times!” I dropped things down and closed my eyes for a moment so I could focus. “Those are shits, Adley! When it’s the time, I can’t focus when you’re in so much pain.” Just by looking at her, it hurt like fucking shit. She had contractions, sweating, and her face contorted in pain. She did a breathing exercise just like we practiced so I would not panic. She was the one who was so calm when she was about to pop our baby out. She was relaxed despite the pain all over her tummy. “Calm down. Give me my phone.” She gestured. “Now it’s not the time to cal
ADLEY “You know you can always talk to me about everything, right?” Mykel was talking to his son in the study. They did that a lot after Mykel read him stories. We spent most of our time in the backyard during weekends, and sometimes, we decided to go to the park. Last week, we visited Madelyn in her home, and the grandma was delighted to see her grandson again. It was hard at first having a three-year-old boy at home that I did not raise, and I didn’t know what he wanted because he barely opened up. I tried to find out the food he loved, what he liked to play with, or even his favorite tv shows. After some time with Jax, he was not choosy. He liked blue and green, monster cookies, and blueberry smoothies. Jade did a great job raising the kid into a beautiful human being. Jax liked Knox a lot. His uncle allowed him to play with colors and tempera paints in his studio. “I mean, Daddy will buy it for you if you want anything. Adley and I are always here for you, buddy. You can tel
MYKEL My move was deliberate as I took off the last thing on her body. I tossed her panties over my shoulder. My fingers caressed her collarbone, tracing down to the mound of her breast. I leaned down, taking the peak of her nipple into my mouth, sucking harder. Her breathing became heavy. Her chest rose and fell with every deep breath. I paid attention to her tit, sucking, nipping, and pulling it between my teeth. “Babe, I want you now.” “Always impatient.” Raking my fingers through her hair, I brought her lips into mine, kissing her passionately and deep as my silent approval. I slipped the tip of my tongue along the seam of her lips. She moaned and granted me entry. Deepening the kiss, I pressed my body into hers, and her hips bucked against mine. My hand slipped along the line of her hip, down to her thigh, bringing and pulling her knees up. As if on cue, she wrapped her legs around me. I ground my cock into her. She was always bare and already ready for me. “Mykel, please?”
ADLEY “Are you sure you wanna do this?” Grandpa asked me over the phone one more time. “For God’s sake, Grandpa, I’ve done this before? Are you more concerned about me, or is it because I’m taking the jet?” “You’re pregnant, young woman, and you’re terrified of flying.” “I’ll be fine. I can do this. Now hang up the phone so that I can go.” “Call me when you land, Adley.” “I will.” I hung up the call. I was already strapped in, and my heart started hammering. I drew deep breaths when the jet started moving the runaway, and it began to shake. “I’m here, Mrs. C if you need me.” “I should get used to it without help.” I didn’t even look at Romare. I kept my eyes shut all the time. Even if I wanted some wine to calm my nerves, I couldn’t drink alcohol. It sucked, but I needed to let go of this irrational fear once and for all. “Oh, God! I’m gonna be labor in no time!” I gripped the armrest as hard as possible when the jet started to ascend. Then another terrifying moment when it
MYKEL I shut my eyes close, waiting for him to reply. “No, sir. She’s alone.” “Which hospital?” Cracking my eyes open, I let go of a shuddering breath as I sagged against the backseat. I felt terrible that somehow I was relieved that my son was not with her when it happened. I hung up the call after the officer gave me the hospital’s name. “Turn around, arrange the flight to LA.” I couldn’t take my mind off Jade. I just talked to her over the phone, and now she was rushed to the hospital fighting for her life. I tried to wrap around it and rationalized, hoping this was just a nightmare, but the more I thought about it, the more I was sucked into the reality that Jade might not make it, and my son would be losing his mother. How was I going to tell a three-year-old kid? How was I going to raise him alone? “Jesus Christ.” “I’m so sorry, boss,” Sax said. “I was just talking to her. This could not be real.” I shook my head, voicing out my denial. “How did this happen?” “Is your
MYKEL“Jade, it’s nice of you to call.” I FaceTimed with my son almost every day. He barely talked, but I was happy to see him so often. I knew it was not a good idea to expose a three-year-old kid to gadgets, but I was taking my chances of getting close to his heart. “What is he up this time?”Jade chuckled. “Oh, my God, Mykel. You put me in a difficult position. He keeps reminding me of going on an airplane. So yesterday, I brought him to a toy store and bought a toy jet just to make him forget, but he did not.”I laughed out loud. My voice echoed in the office. “I’m sorry, Jade. Adley and I have already planned everything for the weekend. You and Jax will come to New York, and then we will fly to one of Adley’s residences.”“I’m also sorry. I know how busy you both are. Jax just gets too excited about his first trip.”“Well, we were kids once. I know how it feels. And I’m also sorry that I have to move the trip. You know Adley is terrified of flying, and she’s also pregnant. She ha
ADLEY “Hey, babe.” I sat on the massage chair I purchased last week. It felt good. I was lucky to be one of those women who got pampered during pregnancy, but the work was time-consuming for someone like me who used to be hands-on on everything. I was still in the process of adapting to the new environment and position, and it still felt fulfilling despite the daily demand of my work. Besides, I had the best consultant at my speed dial. Dru had been a great help. “Busy?” I’d been busy for the past weeks. I’d visited some ongoing projects from my predecessor, Grandpa. I’d attended meetings for collaboration projects of the world’s top corporations and scientists. The hopes for the future were aspiring—to be able to build a commercial space station outer space. The plan was incredibly ambitious for 2050. “Not anymore. Grandpa left me tons of work, but it’s over now. All I need is good cuddling.” “We can cuddle all night. Besides, it’s the weekend, and baby?” “Yes?” “No more work