When the hug went on for too long, Thalassa shifted, which finally made Clark break the hug. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry if I’m acting all clingy,” he immediately apologized. “It’s just that I’m really happy to see you again.”“You weren’t exactly happy with me the last time we talked,” Thalassa recalled, adjusting herself in her seat.Clark cringed. “I was a bit of an ass, wasn’t I?” He chuckled lightly. “Well, to my credit, you’d just told me that you were going to choose Kris over me because he was the one you loved and not me. That really hurt.”Confusion marred his face. “Only for me to hear just a few minutes ago that the two of you aren’t together anymore. What happened?”Thalassa gave him a hard smile. “Am I really supposed to believe that Kris hasn’t already told you what happened or that you never heard it on the news?”He shook his head. “No, he refused to tell me anything. As for the news, I returned to Europe a few months after your rejection. I’ve been there all this time
“Yes!” Clark grinned, immediately placing his hand on her waist and pulling her into the fray of writhing bodies on the dance floor.Alden had his eyes glued on Luisa, feeling his body warm as he watched the way she swayed to the beat.She really seemed to be having fun, and he felt so damn tempted to walk onto the dance floor and dance with her, but he was afraid that she would be rude to him again like the last time at her office. He had to force himself to continue sitting.Kris’s gaze darkened even more as he watched how Thalassa had allowed Clark to hold her close to him while they danced.Alden noticed his dark gaze and let out an amused chuckle. “Why are you looking at Clark like you want to kill him? They’re just dancing.”“Just dancing?” Henry scoffed. “Isn’t she supposed to be with Zeke Mathews? So why is she allowing another man to dance so intimately with her? How much cheaper can she be?”Alden glared at him. “You know, sometimes it’s better to just keep your thoughts to
Thalassa let out a snort as she stared back calmly at him despite her suddenly racing heart. “Unlike what you might want to convince yourself of, I don’t live my life with you in mind.” The familiar woody, spicy smell of his cologne wafted into her nostrils, trying to entice her to sniff it in, but Thalassa shoved away the stupid urge. Kris let out a mirthless chuckle. “If that were true, then you wouldn’t be targeting me and my family so much. You came to the charity function somehow already knowing that we were going to be there.” He paused. “If you knew that you were going to donate 50 million dollars anyway, then why did you let my mother win the bid for 30 million?” “What was I supposed to do when she was trying so hard to outbid me? It was obvious just how much she loved the painting, so I just had to let her win it.” Thalassa said sweetly, then shrugged. “Perhaps you should advise your mother to be a little wiser next time and not just spend her money however she likes.”
Their first kiss in three years was explosive—at least for Kris. As soon as his lips touched hers, sensations he’d only ever experienced with her surged through every pore of his body.If only it had lasted a while longer.But it didn’t. Just a few seconds later, Thalassa pushed against him with all her might, and when he stumbled back, her palm connected with his cheek in a fierce slap.“Don’t you ever do that again. Ever again,” she spat, fury blazing in her eyes.Kris took another step back, running a frustrated hand through his hair. “If you didn’t want me to kiss you, then why did you say all those things to me? Why did you provoke me?”“Because I wanted you to see just how pathetic you are. But you have no right to kiss me ever again in your life. No right! Is that clear?”Glowering at him one last time, she made her way to the washroom door and opened it before stepping out.“Fuck!” Kris slammed his fist into the wall, furious with himself.She was right. He was pathetic. How h
It was Alden, his eyes blazing as he glared at Victor. Luisa’s heart soared the moment she saw him.Victor was offended that another man was trying to tell him what to do. He turned his head to glare at Alden.“Don’t butt your nose into other people’s business. Just get back inside the bar. This doesn’t concern you.”He began trying to push Luisa into the car again while she resisted. Alden’s whole body tensed up, his eyes narrowing, jaw clenching, and the muscles in his arms bunching and straining against the body-hugging shirt he was wearing.Luisa knew this was the worst time to be thinking this, but she couldn’t help but notice how hot his anger made him look.“I said let her go,” Alden said in a voice that was too calm not to be dangerous.“Fuck off, motherfucker,” Victor snapped, flipping him the finger. “She’s my girlfriend, so stop bringing your presence where you’re not needed. Just leave us alone.”“She might be your girlfriend, but she clearly doesn’t want to go with you, s
“Yes... I... I’m okay,” Luisa stammered, which made Alden finally realize the strangeness of his behavior. He instantly let go of her face, took a few steps back, and cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. I know you don’t want me getting close to you. I shouldn’t have touched you like that.” An awkward silence ensued as they both stared down at the ground before Luisa mustered the courage to speak. “I... Thank you. For saving me from Victor.” “I did not ‘save’ you. I just helped you out with the bastard. No need to thank me,” he said, trying to downplay the magnitude of the help he’d given her. Luisa shook her head. “No, I have to thank you. If you hadn’t arrived, he would’ve probably taken me away because I’m so weak and–“ “Hey, no. Don’t say that,” Alden quickly cut her off. He felt an overwhelming urge to hold her and assure her, but he managed to stop himself. Just barely. What was wrong with him? “You’re not weak, Luisa. He’s a man, and you’re a woman, so he naturally has m
In the car, Luisa and Thalassa had been driving in silence for some minutes before Thalassa asked, “So how are you feeling?” Luisa briefly looked at her before focusing on the road. “Don’t worry, I’m fine. Victor didn’t hurt me.” “I don’t mean physically,” Lassa said tentatively. “Luisa, I know just how much you loved Victor, so that’s why I’m wondering.” “Love? Did I truly love him?” Luisa smiled bitterly. “I think I was just in love with the idea of him. Brandon treated me like a princess but then he hurt me so much, so when I met Victor and he seemed so cool, I thought it would be different. Maybe they’re not the problem. Maybe it’s me.” “No, don’t blame yourself, Luisa,” Thalassa said and sighed. “By the way, what was Alden talking about when he said that he knows you don’t want him close to you?” Luisa winced as she responded. “The last time he came with Kris to the company, he tried to strike up a conversation with me but I was rude to him.” Remembering how she’d spo
“How long have you been working for Thalassa Thompson?” Millie froze, her heart pounding in her chest. This was the last thing she had expected Kris to ask her. She was so dumbstruck that she couldn’t speak for a full minute. Kris leaned back in his swivel chair, forming a steeple with his hands. “You might not be talkative, Millicent, but I know you’re not this quiet. I expect you to say something.” His expression was neither cold nor warm. It was just cool, making Millie feel even more nervous because she couldn’t guess what was going through his head. “Tha... Thalassa Thompson? Who...” she stammered. Kris’s eyes darkened. “I hope you’re not going to deny it, Millicent. My mother and I talked in your presence about going to the charity function. My family didn’t tell anyone else, but Thalassa came to that function knowing we were going to be there. The only person who could’ve told her is you, so I want the truth. How long have you known her?” Seeing how sure Kris looked
Gendry shook his head. “No, it's not that. It's just... I'm scared we might hurt the baby.”“No, we won’t. I heard it's safe to do it even when pregnant,” Tessa said, chasing his lips again.It had been too long. Too fucking long. And God knew how much she wanted him inside her again.Initially, Gendry kissed her back hesitantly, but his reluctance soon vanished. His lips trailed from hers and ran down her neck while he wedged his hands between them to fondle her breasts. His hard dick was pressing against her thigh, filling her with even more anticipation. But before they could undress each other, the jarring ring of her cellphone shattered the moment.Tessa tried to ignore it, but the sound was too grating. Gendry broke the kiss, and they both sighed as she reached for her phone. It was her brother calling. She answered.“Tessa!” Alex’s relieved sigh came through the phone. “Mum and Dad called me this morning and told me what happened yesterday. Are you... Okay, we know you're safe
Taking in the earnest, almost desperate look in Gendry's eyes, Tessa felt warmth spread through her chest. But she couldn't help but mess with him a bit.“Did I?” She shrugged, turning her gaze away from him. “I don't remember saying that. I must have been really tired.”“Oh.” She saw Gendry's expression sink from the corner of her eye. “I... you said... I thought…” He pursed his lips, struggling for words. “Tessa, you... I...”Tessa couldn't hold it in any longer. She burst into laughter. “Oh, Gendry...” She chuckled, finally looking back at him. “Of course, I remember, and of course, I meant every word.”The smile that crossed his face was the most beautiful thing Tessa had ever seen.“You evil woman,” he growled playfully. “Did you want to give me a heart attack?”And then he pounced, tickling her until she was on her back, peals of laughter vibrating through her.“Gendry, stop,” she pleaded between gasps, but he didn’t listen, dipping his head to nuzzle her neck and using his lips
After Tessa drifted off to sleep, Gendry slowly lifted her head from his shoulder, moving carefully so he wouldn’t wake her.Then, he gently scooped her up in his arms, carrying her bridal style to his bedroom. He laid her down softly, ensuring she remained undisturbed. She stirred slightly, scratching her chin for a second, but she didn’t wake up. Her breathing soon returned to its deep, steady rhythm.Smiling at how adorable she looked, he reached down and carefully removed her heels. She had, hands down, the most beautiful feet he had ever seen. He felt a sudden urge to suck on her toes.But not while she was sleeping. Maybe later.He let out a quiet chuckle at his own ridiculous thoughts. Was there anything about this woman he didn’t find attractive?He could worship every inch of her body for days, especially now that he knew she felt the same way.A heady thrill zapped through him.Oh, God. She loved him.She’d told him she loved him. It was the last thing he had expected. At le
When Tessa didn't respond after some seconds, Gendry pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her protectively as he guided her to the couch. The worry in his chest deepened with every shaky breath she took."Please, tell me," he urged gently, his voice low, coaxing. "What's wrong?"Tessa hesitated for a brief moment, then let it all out.She told him everything—meeting her biological father, the horrible lies he had spun about her parents, and the devastating truth that he had once tried to sell her. Her voice was steady at first, but as the words left her lips, it became raw, filled with emotions she had been holding back.By the time she finished, Gendry sat there in stunned silence. His fingers twitched as he clenched his fists on his lap. “Jesus Christ, Tessa…” His voice was hoarse with restrained anger. He inhaled deeply, forcing himself to calm down. “If you hadn’t just told me all that, I would’ve never guessed Kris and Thalassa weren’t your biological parents. You guys a
The moment her eyes landed on Wendy, standing so close to Gendry, dressed in a sleek, skin-tight black dress that left little to the imagination, Tessa felt like she had walked into something she wasn’t supposed to see. Her stomach twisted painfully, and her throat suddenly felt tight.“I...I’m sorry,” she stammered, taking a step back. “I didn’t know you had company.”Gendry’s brows furrowed. “Tessa, wait—”But Tessa was already retreating toward the elevator. It had obviously been a mistake coming here.Just as she turned, Wendy’s voice stopped her.“There’s no need for you to leave,” she said, reaching for her purse on the couch. “The one who will be leaving is me.”Tessa stopped mid-step, glancing back warily. Wendy walked toward the door, her heels clicking softly against the floor. As she reached Gendry’s side, she turned her gaze to Tessa, her sharp eyes scanning her from head to toe.Gendry tensed, hoping that Wendy wasn't planning to say something that would offend Tessa.The
Gendry tossed the empty pizza box into the trash, rubbing a hand down his face. He was just about to grab a beer from the fridge when the doorbell rang.Frowning, he strode out of the kitchen and made his way to the front door. Pulling it open, his body tensed up when he saw who it was.Wendy.She was leaning against the doorframe, her lips curling into a slow, sultry smile. Dressed in a deep red, body-hugging dress that barely reached mid-thigh, with a plunging neckline that left little to the imagination, she was the picture of seduction. "Hey, baby," she purred, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.Gendry shut the door and turned to face her. “I went by your apartment today.”Wendy barely glanced at him as she walked deeper into the room, swaying her hips deliberately. “I was out.”He folded his arms. “Did you leave your phone? I called you several times.”She spun to face him, tilting her head playfully. “I know.”Gendry raised a brow. “And you didn’t pick up becaus
Kris dragged in a deep breath, his features softening slightly, but there was still an emotion that looked like remorse in his eyes.He took a step forward. “I won’t stand here and pretend I’m perfect, sweetheart.” He exhaled slowly, shaking his head. “But I never mistreated Karen. The only woman I ever mistreated—” his gaze shifted to Thalassa, and his voice grew quieter, “—was her.”He pursed his lips. “It’s not something I’m proud of. I let myself believe horrible things about her, and I treated her in ways she never deserved.” His throat worked, his voice thick with regret. “That’s why it took me more than three years to finally have her back in my life.” His eyes darkened with emotion. “And I’ll never stop making it up to her.”A smile curved Thalassa's face. She reached out and gently stroked his face. “You’ve more than done that, baby.” she whispered.Kris turned his face into her palm, closing his eyes briefly.The moment was so tender that Tessa’s chest squeezed at the obviou
Tessa gripped the steering wheel, staring blankly at the closed door of their home. She had driven onto the driveway but had not turned off the ignition, so the engine was still on. Yet, she barely heard it over the chaotic thoughts pounding in her head.Henry.Her father.No; her biological father.The words felt foreign. She repeated them in her mind, trying to make them feel real, but they didn’t fit. They didn’t belong to her. They couldn’t.Her hands trembled in her lap, her knuckles still tight around the steering wheel. She should go inside. She should push this evening far, far away. She should act like it never happened.But how?Her father, the only father she’d ever known, was Kris Miller. And now, suddenly, there was this man. This stranger, claiming to be the one who had been robbed of her.Tessa squeezed her eyes shut.A sharp knock on the window made her jerk upright. She turned her head to find one of the security guards standing beside her car, his face creased with c
Tessa’s breath hitched. Her heart pounded so hard it drowned out the noise of the cars around her.No. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be real.She stared at the man before her—the man who had just called himself her father. Her mouth felt dry, but she forced herself to speak. “No. That’s not possible.”The man let out a shaky breath, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “It is, dear. I know I must look different now, but it’s me. I swear it.”Tessa took a step back, clutching the car door for support. Her mind whirled, her pulse racing.She knew Kris and Thalassa weren’t her biological parents. They had never hidden that from her. But this man, this stranger... he couldn’t be telling the truth.As far as she knew, her biological father had never been in her life. She'd assumed he was deceased. Otherwise, why would he have been out of her life for so long without ever trying to find her?The man took a hesitant step forward. Tessa flinched, her body tensing.“I don’t want to scare