Sophie soon drifted off, her head resting on Michael’s shoulder, the soft glow of the television still illuminating the room. Careful not to wake her, Michael gently moved the popcorn bowl from her lap before slipping his arms beneath her. Lifting her in a bridal carry, he carried her to the bedroom.As he laid her down, her eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze.“Are you not coming to bed?” she asked sleepily as he tucked her in.“Not yet,” he said with a small smile. “I’ve got a few things to do. You go ahead. I’ll join you soon.”Leaning in, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before pulling away. “Do you want me to adjust the air conditioning?” he asked.She shook her head, snuggling deeper under the duvet. “Nah, it’s perfect.”Michael reached for the light switch. Just as he was about to turn it off, Sophie whispered, “I love you.”A warm smile spread across his face. “I love you too.”He switched off the light and quietly stepped out, shutting the door behind him. Letting out
Jaxon pulled into the company’s parking lot with Isla in his car, the two of them practically glued to each other. He leaned in, pressing his lips against her neck, decorating her neck with deliberate kisses.Isla’s hand rested on his thigh, gripping it firmly. Last night, Jaxon had refused to make love to her—the whole mood had shifted after Isla’s mother’s call—but now, he couldn't stop touching her. He kept bringing up how he regretted asking her to answer the phone, knowing he had to recreate the perfect atmosphere they’d lost. Isla had gone deeper into explaining what her sister and her ex-fiance did to her and this broke Jaxon. He wanted to make it up to her anyway he could.Jaxon had always been a perfectionist, and with Isla in his life, he was determined to make everything just right.“We’re here, boss,” the driver announced, shutting off the engine.Jaxon lifted his head from Isla’s neck, meeting her gaze. “Shall we?”Isla grinned and nodded. “Let’s go.”As the driver open
"Did you really have to bring her up?" Jaxon asked, his face unreadable. Alex swallowed hard."I'm sorry. I shouldn’t have," he said, voice laced with regret. "It’s just... I haven’t seen you with her picture lately. You barely even mention her name anymore."Jaxon cut in, his tone firm. "That’s because I’ve finally accepted the truth you all kept telling me." He turned back to his computer. "Teresa is gone."Alex swallowed again, nodding. "Okay… For what it’s worth, I’m happy for you. And I have to say, pulling off that dinner for Isla all on your own? Impressive." He forced a light tone, hoping to shift the mood. Luckily, it worked—Jaxon couldn’t help but smile at the mention of Isla."You’re a great boyfriend. She’s lucky to have you.""Thanks," Jaxon said with a grin, finally pulling his hands away from the keyboard. "I sent over the list of clients and the quantities for the next deliveries."Alex checked his phone, scrolling quickly. "You’ve got a meeting tomorrow. With the fami
The workday at the company was wrapping up when Jaxon called Isla into his office. Just as she was about to leave her desk, Asher approached her, a broad, welcoming smile on his face.“Hey,” he greeted, leaning casually against her desk as his colleagues passed by, throwing Isla knowing nods and smirks.She furrowed her brows at their reactions but acknowledged them with a polite nod.Asher scoffed, glancing at them before turning back to her. “Ignore them. They’re being ridiculous.”Isla flicked her brows and shrugged. “It’s cool.” She smiled.“So… you heading out now?” he asked.Isla’s gaze shifted toward Jaxon’s office, where she found him watching them from behind his desk.“Erm… not yet. I have some work to finish up,” she stammered.Asher narrowed his eyes. “You said that last time, Isla. Are you avoiding me?” He leaned in slightly, and she let out an uneasy smile, instinctively leaning back.She shot another glance at Jaxon, who was now on his feet.“You’re making it seem like
Isla arrived at Sophie’s apartment, dropped off by Jaxon’s driver.“Thanks,” she said, waving goodnight. The driver gave a slight nod before speeding off.As she entered the apartment complex, excitement bubbled up inside her. She broke into a giggle, practically running.“Sophie! Sophie!” she called out, eager to share everything—despite already spilling most of it over the phone.She dashed up the stairs, stopping in front of Sophie’s door.“Girllll!” Sophie’s voice rang from inside. The door flung open, and the two best friends threw their arms around each other in a tight embrace.“I missed you so much, Isla!” Sophie whined dramatically.Isla burst into laughter. “Oh, please. You’re so dramatic—I was here two nights ago.”“What? No!” Sophie protested as they stepped inside. “You were here physically, but mentally? Nah. You were sulking and blaming me for trying to set you up with Mr. Stranger.” She plopped onto the couch with a smirk.“Whatever.” Isla laughed, settling next to her
The solemn music filled the chapel as Isla walked down the aisle, her hand clasped tightly in her mother’s, both of them beaming with joy. The train of her dress trailed behind them, almost spanning the entire width of the aisle. On either side, guests sat in quiet admiration, smiling as they savored the moment.It was a perfect day—the perfect day for Isla. Today, she was marrying the love of her life, Jeremy.Jeremy stood tall at the altar in a tailored suit, his sleek hair shining beneath the chapel’s lights. He stood next to the priest, who was holding a book in his hands. Isla, hidden behind her veil, smiled at him, her heart swelling with happiness.For many, marrying their childhood sweetheart felt like an impossible dream, but for Isla and Jeremy, it had always felt destined. From the moment they started dating, their love had only grown stronger. They were truly the perfect match, a union blessed by God.The music faded as Isla reached the altar, her head lowered shyly, her h
Jaxon pressed the tip of his tobacco into the ashtray with a sharp flick, the faint scent of burnt paper hanging in the air. He stood, stretching his muscles before reaching for the suit jacket draped over the back of the chair. His two bodyguards remained at attention, their bodies stiff, eyes unwavering, hands clasped at their sides.Without saying a word, Jaxon walked past them, his steps deliberate and steady as he made his way out of the office, his briefcase in hand. As he exited the building, his PA and driver stood by the door of the Rolls-Royce Sweptail. The driver opened the door as soon as he saw Jaxon approach.Jaxon slid into the car, and the door was immediately shut behind him. The driver and his PA swiftly moved to the front seat while the bodyguards climbed into the vehicles following the Rolls-Royce. As the car began to roll forward, Alex, his PA, passed him an iPad, which he took without a word."Delfaco will be arriving at the location in less than an hour. Our men
His veined yet steady hands glided over her neck, trailing down her curves as if tracing her silhouette in the darkness. Her back instinctively arched under his touch, a soft moan slipping from her lips as she clung to his strong arms. Then, unexpectedly, she felt the warm, moist press of his tongue against her collarbone.His tongue danced over her skin, savoring her as though she were a forbidden delicacy. His hands gripped her delicate waist, pulling her firmly against his hardened body. Without hesitation, she parted her legs, her body inviting him closer. As she reached to cradle his face for a kiss, he gently pulled back.“No kissing,” he murmured, his voice a rough whisper as he avoided her lips. Instead, his tongue and hands roamed her body, tracing every contour with deliberate intensity, drawing soft gasps from her as she surrendered to the sensations.When he reached the heat between her thighs, already slick with desire, he paused. She felt him inhale deeply, the sound sen
Isla arrived at Sophie’s apartment, dropped off by Jaxon’s driver.“Thanks,” she said, waving goodnight. The driver gave a slight nod before speeding off.As she entered the apartment complex, excitement bubbled up inside her. She broke into a giggle, practically running.“Sophie! Sophie!” she called out, eager to share everything—despite already spilling most of it over the phone.She dashed up the stairs, stopping in front of Sophie’s door.“Girllll!” Sophie’s voice rang from inside. The door flung open, and the two best friends threw their arms around each other in a tight embrace.“I missed you so much, Isla!” Sophie whined dramatically.Isla burst into laughter. “Oh, please. You’re so dramatic—I was here two nights ago.”“What? No!” Sophie protested as they stepped inside. “You were here physically, but mentally? Nah. You were sulking and blaming me for trying to set you up with Mr. Stranger.” She plopped onto the couch with a smirk.“Whatever.” Isla laughed, settling next to her
The workday at the company was wrapping up when Jaxon called Isla into his office. Just as she was about to leave her desk, Asher approached her, a broad, welcoming smile on his face.“Hey,” he greeted, leaning casually against her desk as his colleagues passed by, throwing Isla knowing nods and smirks.She furrowed her brows at their reactions but acknowledged them with a polite nod.Asher scoffed, glancing at them before turning back to her. “Ignore them. They’re being ridiculous.”Isla flicked her brows and shrugged. “It’s cool.” She smiled.“So… you heading out now?” he asked.Isla’s gaze shifted toward Jaxon’s office, where she found him watching them from behind his desk.“Erm… not yet. I have some work to finish up,” she stammered.Asher narrowed his eyes. “You said that last time, Isla. Are you avoiding me?” He leaned in slightly, and she let out an uneasy smile, instinctively leaning back.She shot another glance at Jaxon, who was now on his feet.“You’re making it seem like
"Did you really have to bring her up?" Jaxon asked, his face unreadable. Alex swallowed hard."I'm sorry. I shouldn’t have," he said, voice laced with regret. "It’s just... I haven’t seen you with her picture lately. You barely even mention her name anymore."Jaxon cut in, his tone firm. "That’s because I’ve finally accepted the truth you all kept telling me." He turned back to his computer. "Teresa is gone."Alex swallowed again, nodding. "Okay… For what it’s worth, I’m happy for you. And I have to say, pulling off that dinner for Isla all on your own? Impressive." He forced a light tone, hoping to shift the mood. Luckily, it worked—Jaxon couldn’t help but smile at the mention of Isla."You’re a great boyfriend. She’s lucky to have you.""Thanks," Jaxon said with a grin, finally pulling his hands away from the keyboard. "I sent over the list of clients and the quantities for the next deliveries."Alex checked his phone, scrolling quickly. "You’ve got a meeting tomorrow. With the fami
Jaxon pulled into the company’s parking lot with Isla in his car, the two of them practically glued to each other. He leaned in, pressing his lips against her neck, decorating her neck with deliberate kisses.Isla’s hand rested on his thigh, gripping it firmly. Last night, Jaxon had refused to make love to her—the whole mood had shifted after Isla’s mother’s call—but now, he couldn't stop touching her. He kept bringing up how he regretted asking her to answer the phone, knowing he had to recreate the perfect atmosphere they’d lost. Isla had gone deeper into explaining what her sister and her ex-fiance did to her and this broke Jaxon. He wanted to make it up to her anyway he could.Jaxon had always been a perfectionist, and with Isla in his life, he was determined to make everything just right.“We’re here, boss,” the driver announced, shutting off the engine.Jaxon lifted his head from Isla’s neck, meeting her gaze. “Shall we?”Isla grinned and nodded. “Let’s go.”As the driver open
Sophie soon drifted off, her head resting on Michael’s shoulder, the soft glow of the television still illuminating the room. Careful not to wake her, Michael gently moved the popcorn bowl from her lap before slipping his arms beneath her. Lifting her in a bridal carry, he carried her to the bedroom.As he laid her down, her eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze.“Are you not coming to bed?” she asked sleepily as he tucked her in.“Not yet,” he said with a small smile. “I’ve got a few things to do. You go ahead. I’ll join you soon.”Leaning in, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before pulling away. “Do you want me to adjust the air conditioning?” he asked.She shook her head, snuggling deeper under the duvet. “Nah, it’s perfect.”Michael reached for the light switch. Just as he was about to turn it off, Sophie whispered, “I love you.”A warm smile spread across his face. “I love you too.”He switched off the light and quietly stepped out, shutting the door behind him. Letting out
For a moment, Jaxon pulled back, their lips parting as they both caught their breath. Isla’s eyes fluttered open, her warm gaze meeting the hunger in his.“That was good,” Jaxon murmured, his face still inches from hers. “Your lips taste exactly how I imagined.”Isla arched a brow. “You imagined my lips?” she asked, a shy smile playing on her face.“And every part of you,” he admitted. “Might sound a bit mad, but it’s the truth. After last night, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the things I wanted to do for you… and to you—even the filthy ones.” His breath, laced with champagne, skimmed her skin as he whispered.“Then why’d you stop?” Isla asked before she could think, her voice just as soft. Their foreheads brushed as she met his gaze.“Because I needed to know you want this as much as I do.” He cupped her face, his thumb grazing her cheek. Her eyes fluttered shut as she leaned into his warmth.“I made the first move twice… remember?” she murmured, still resting against his palm.
Alex pulled up in front of Michael’s apartment and took the stairs to the second floor, where his place was. The elevator was out of order, but Alex hardly cared.He needed to make things right with Michael after what had happened that morning.Reaching the door, he knocked and waited.“Michael?” He called out, raising his hand to knock again when the door suddenly swung open.Michael stepped out hastily, shutting the door behind him in one swift motion.“What are you doing here?” he whispered, grabbing Alex’s wrist and pulling him toward the stairwell.Alex frowned, confused by his urgency. “What’s going on? Why are you acting so nervous?” He studied Michael’s tense expression and restless movements.Michael exhaled sharply, letting go of his hand. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? Just because you know where I live now doesn’t mean you can drop by unannounced.”The words caught Alex off guard. “I didn’t mean to just show up. I was going to call, but I realized I don’t have yo
Isla sat gracefully in the car, exuding an effortless charm that had Jaxon completely mesmerized. Ever since their makeover—his idea, of course—she had looked even more breathtaking.Her makeup was subtle, just enough to highlight her striking features. She wore a flowing white dress with a daring slit up to her thigh, its fitted bodice accentuating her figure before cascading into a soft, flared skirt. To complete the look, Jaxon had chosen a pair of gold heels and a matching purse for her.Jaxon on the other hand decided to get a new set of suit and he wore that. He didn’t want her to think he was not intentional about his own looks. He was also in his office outfits. “You’re absolutely stunning,” Jaxon murmured, leaning in close, his voice laced with admiration.Isla’s cheeks burned as she glanced at him. “If I’m counting right, that’s the sixth time you’ve said that since we left the mall,” she replied, her tone shy yet teasing.He chuckled. “Can you blame me? I can’t stop lookin
After working hours, Isla remained in the office, following Jaxon’s instructions. Meanwhile, Jaxon hurriedly wrapped up his tasks for the day. Before stepping out of his office to meet her, he went online one last time, ensuring everything was set for their official first date.The venue was ready. The meals were ready. He was ready. There was no turning back now. Grabbing his briefcase, he strode out of his office.As soon as he stepped into the room and his eyes met Isla’s, a wide smile stretched across his face. Moving closer to her desk, he let out a sigh. “This has got to be the longest workday ever. Felt like closing time would never come.”Isla smiled shyly, lowering her gaze. “I thought I was the only one stealing glances at the clock.” She chuckled softly.Jaxon leaned on her desk, his gaze locking onto hers. “I want to take you somewhere.” His voice was calm, deliberate.Isla furrowed her brows. “Oh?” She blinked, caught off guard. She had assumed they’d be staying back at t