“Ava, do you want this?” He huskily whispered. “Y-yes.” Without another word he peeled off her top kissing down her neck. Her fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt so he helped eager to feel her skin against his own. Guiding her to the bed he tugged off her pants
Ava stirred. Her body was warm and relaxed. In fact she felt rather heavy and moving took effort. She blinked awake taking in the room. Something felt off. Had the position of the windows changed? It was difficult to tell with the long, heavy curtains. But the bedspread was also d
“God you are beautiful.” She looked up startled at Silas’s sudden return. He was now dressed in a robe and carried another which he presented for her use. Blushing she looked away only for him to catch her chin and turn her face back to his. Kissing her he offered her the robe again.
Sighing and not wanting to make Silas impatient she exited the bathroom. She found Silas preparing their meal, pouring each a glass of wine. He had changed into a pair of sweatpants leaving his toned torso bare. He looked up at her return and his gaze immediately softened. Without a
Ava woke feeling rested and secure. Dim gray light filtered past the edges of the thick curtains. It was morning. She shivered thinking of the chill that should have pervaded her bones. Yet she remained warm and comfortable. An arm tightened around as Silas held her secure against himself.
“Overdid it,” Ava muttered and blushed. “I know the perfect cure,” he whispered. “Wait here.” Silas slid out of bed and headed to the bathroom. Ava watched him go with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension until she realized he was naked. Blushing she hid her face in h
“Well…yeah…” “You seemed pretty excited when he proposed.” “It was kind of cool the way he did it in the courtroom,” Theo admitted. There was no mistaking the joy on their mother’s face and it did seem like their father wanted to make her happy. “Okay. Fine. I guess he’
“Here you are, ma’am.” The chauffeur leaned in accepting the slim hand reaching out and helped his employer exit the small limo. He was an older gentleman and had served the same family for years. In fact he had watched his employer go from a charming young lady to a dignified matriar
“Mom and I were planning to play later,” Alexis said. “You can too if you want.” “Really? Thanks,” Caden immediately brightened. “…So you based the décor on the diner you used to work in,” Macey said after listening to Ava’s brief retelling of her past. “Were you thinki
Silas’s embrace tightened. He hated thinking about the trials she went through without him. Ava leaned against him relishing his comfort and support. Their past was not as important as their future. “You two aren’t going to go all kissy-face, right?” Theo asked. “We’re in public and
Two Months Later The restaurant was lively. Guests had been arriving for the past two hours eager for a unique dining experience. The staff was well-trained providing exceptional service despite the rush. They had been drilled in their duties by the restaurant’s manager, a tyrant the
She nodded. “Going down?” Silas repeated. “Just what have you three planned now?” “It was more like a hunch,” Lexi said. “Sean found something real interesting when he deep-dived Ryker Holdings. So we asked Duncan to keep an eye on someone, just in case.” “D
“Late? A test for what?” Silas asked not following. “Are you serious?” Tracy snorted a laugh. “Ava, you’re going to have to be a little clearer,” Opal chuckled. “Remember, it’s his first time.” Silas glanced from one to the other even more confused. Looking
“There you three are,” Tracy said as the trio returned to the party. “We were just about to send the search party to find you.” “Auntie Tracy, you’re so silly,” Alexis giggled. “How are you feeling mom?” Ava hugged her tight but Alexis didn’t feel any tension or strain in
Finding no support anywhere Jenna finally fled. No one paid her further mind as they watched the kids swarm around their parents comforting their mother. It was a sweet and tender scene and many began to see Silas in a completely different light. * * * Jenna screamed as she storme
Jenna stepped forward intentionally shoving her shoulder and made Ava stumble back. “W-What is—” Jenna stuttered as the video paused. “Who was calling who shameless?” Alexis demanded standing next to her mother arms crossed in front of her chest. “So playing with people’s
The music started slowly with just a few notes announcing the beginning of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The simple melody became more complex as notes overlapped and weaved a new organic pattern but always maintaining the integrity of the piece. Conversation lulled as everyone turned their