AMELIAAlexander was a man I didn't understand. In the past two days I've spent in his home or at least I assumed it was his home. The man acted like we were friends, he didn't try anything, didn't make any threats. True to his words, no harm came to me as long as I pretended the front door I alwa
Alexander nodded approvingly. "Ah, for me, acrylics are wonderful…” Our conversation flowed from techniques, favorite artists, and memorable exhibitions we'd attended. As Alexander prepared our meal, I found myself opening up more and more, sharing more about my artistic journey and listening inten
"Amelia," he said, his voice now clipped and authoritative, "I need you to go upstairs. Now." Confusion and a hint of fear washed over me as I looked into his hard, green eyes "What? Why? What's going on?" I tensed up when I saw his dark expression. "Please, just do as I say. Go to your roo
Those striking blue eyes met mine and my heart ached from the familiar feeling. My breath caught in my throat as we looked at each other and for a second, I thought I saw a look of relief. But, I was wrong. It was a cold and rather hostile expression that made my steps slow and my heart stu
The drive back was awfully quiet. We had an entourage behind us, the fleet of cars I had seen all following closely behind and Roman didn't seem to notice, or maybe he did. They were with him. He brought all these people just to see Alexander? Who were they? Who was he? I had so many que
“My house,” “Your house?” This looked nothing like the manor…and I knew we weren't back in Europe. I think I would remember boarding a plane. “This is my studio apartment, I've had it a few years,” He explained stiffly. Suddenly pulling away and creating enough distance between us that ma
“Mr. Wellington?” An unsure voice called out from behind the door. Roman's brows furrowed. He replied in Russian. I wasn't sure what he said, but I heard retreating footsteps after that, the person had left. Then he turned back to me, and his expression was one of guilt. “You are mistake
His tongue caressed every crevice of my mouth, eliciting moan after moans from my throat, every reason not to kiss him was forgotten, rather it was replaced by the irresistible urge to feel his skin against mine, to ride him and watch him come undone beneath me. His lips suddenly pulled away from
SIX MONTHS LATER The annual Wellington Anniversary gala was in full swing, and we'd decided to host it in our home rather than the hotel it was in late year. The ballroom of our estate glittering with lights that illuminated the beauty of the hall’s interior, reflecting against the marble floors
Wolves. They were fucking wolves yet Roman acted like they simply dogs he'd raised. And in turn, they acted the same towards him. “Why wolves though?” I raised a questioning brow as I caressed Sage's soft fur and Juniper whining a few seconds after that. Roman shrugged, “Why not?” He replied w
"You should hate me," I whispered, my voice breaking. "After what I did, you should hate me." "I know," he agreed, the ghost of a smile touching his lips. "It would be so much easier if I did." A tear slipped down my cheek before I could stop it. Roman reached out, hesitated, then gently brushed i
"What happened?" he asked, his voice gentler than I deserved. I laughed bitterly. "Nothing dramatic. No great tragedy or betrayal. Just... emptiness. Day after day of emptiness. Making decisions that affect hundreds of people, never letting anyone close enough to see that I'm terrified of making th
I woke to unfamiliar shadows dancing across an unfamiliar ceiling. For a moment, panic seized me as I forgot where I was. Until it came rushing back and I found myself sinking deeper into the mattress Roman's bed was sinfully comfortable, the sheets soft against my skin. I stretched, my muscles p
The rain continued to lash against the windows, filling the silence between us. Outside, lightning flashed, illuminating Roman's face and his even darker expression. I wasn't getting through to him. And I didn't blame him. "Two years ago, you made it very clear that you didn't need me," he said
Roman chuckled, the rich sound sending heated shivers down my abdomen. His eyes crinkled at the corners, making him look more like the man I remembered. "So did you," he replied, nodding toward my pixie cut. I reached up self-consciously to touch the ends of my damp hair. "Maybe it should be called
Roman suddenly cleared his throat and dragged his gaze away. He ran a hand through his short blonde hair, sending droplets flying. "I'll get you something dry," he said, his voice rougher than before. He disappeared down a hallway without waiting for my response. Left alone, I took the opportunity
AMELIA My mouth opened, but no sound came out. Words, which had never failed me before, suddenly evaporated from my mind like morning dew under a harsh sun. I stood there, gun still stupidly hanging from my fingers, staring at the stranger-not-stranger before me. Roman Wellington. But not my Roman