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Author: Lindsay
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-20 06:06:51

I noticed the driver was turning into a stunning neighborhood. It would seem every house had significant amounts of land. Almost all were gated. As soon as the driver made a turn, I leaned forward. We were still close to the river and if I had to guess, I’d say his house backed up to it. The driveway was winding and when the estate finally came into view, I was pleasantly surprised. I don’t know what I expected but while the Tudor-style mansion was massive, it had a homey quality. There were twinkling white lights in the trees, which added to the beauty of the landscaping.

The colors of the flowers and blooming shrubs were stunning, highlighted by the sunrise, the crisscross of colors across the sky breathtaking. I’d feel like a princess if I didn’t feel so filthy and out of sorts.

“This is yours?”

“It is now. My grandparents owned it, then gifted it to me. My brother got their summer house.”

“Summer house.”

“Yes, a stunning Mediterranean that suits Greg very well.”

A few seconds passed and I was struck by the odd tension between us. “I’m sorry about your loss. I can tell you were close to them.”

“Oh, they’re still alive. They’re on an extended tour of Europe in their eighties. They didn’t want to be tied down to real estate any longer. We French Canadians live a long and happy life.” He grinned as the driver stopped in front of the house, keeping the vehicle idling.

“I’ll park it in the garage, boss,” the driver said.

“Thanks, Marcel.” Joshua seemed more formal than he had in the States, as if being back home meant he had significant responsibilities. He climbed out, immediately walking behind the back of the SUV.

As he pulled me from the vehicle, there was a sparkle in his eyes. “You’ll be comfortable here.”

I took one step forward and winced. “Ouch.”

“You stepped on a rock. Here. Allow me.” Before I had a chance to object, he scooped me into his arms, cradling me against his warm body and taking long strides to the house.

“I’m not an invalid.”

“No, but we don’t want you to hurt yourself. Now, do we?”

“Well, shoes would be nice.”

He laughed as he walked up the stairs. “You’ll have an entirely new wardrobe by this time tomorrow.”

“I’m not certain my bank account can handle purchasing a new wardrobe.” Which was a partial lie. I’d scrimped and saved as much of my paychecks as possible, putting them into savings and stocks, giving myself an allowance that I adhered to strictly.

“You’re my guest,cherie. You will not be paying for a thing.” He flung open the door, his strides remaining powerful, as if the king had arrived home.

While something told me there had to be servants running around, I was pleasantly surprised an entire staff didn’t greet us. I noticed a sweeping staircase, but the house had a homey feel to it.

“You can let me down now,” I told him.

“Not yet,cherie. Would you like to go to bed or prefer that I show you around?”

“I’d love some coffee.”

“I think I can handle that.” He grinned as he continued carrying me down a long hallway. When he walked into the kitchen, I couldn’t have been more surprised. It wasn’t perfect as if the room was never used. There was clutter on the island, a bowl of fruit including grapes and bananas, mail on the kitchen table, and a half-eaten bag of cookies. What?

He groaned as he sat me down, moving immediately to the chocolate chip yummy goodness. When he growled, prepared to shove them wherever they were supposed to be, I couldn’t help myself, snatching the bag from his hand. As soon as I pulled one into my fingers, he slowly turned his head, lifting his gorgeous eyebrows.

“What?” I asked as he shook his head. “Breakfast of champions.”

“Don’t you know sugar first thing in the morning will stunt your growth?”

There was something about the lightness in his voice that allowed me to feel a moment of peace. Even joy. I spun around in a circle, giggling when I noticed his crazy expression. “From what you’ve already told me, I amallgrown up.”

“Mmm… Maybe I’ll need a reminder later.”

“Besides, you need to live a little dangerously. Have a cookie.” I laughed after making the statement, finishing my cookie then grabbing another. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d eaten anything. I grabbed another one, dancing in front of him. “Open your mouth.”

For a few seconds, I was certain he was ready to admonish my ridiculous behavior. As he slowly opened his mouth, he issued a growl. In true naughty girl fashion, I shoved the entire cookie into his mouth. I couldn’t help but burst into laughter from the look of shock on his face. I backed away as he tried to grab me, twirling in a full circle as he chomped.

Coughing, he wiped crumbs from his luscious lips, narrowing his eyes. “I will get you for this.”

“Sure you will.”

He moved toward a coffeemaker that looked like it had seen better days, pouring out what was left and rinsing the cannister. When he pulled a grinder and a bag of coffee beans from his cabinet, I was fascinated just watching him.

He seemed to sense I was doing so a few seconds later, studying me as he pressed the on button for the grinder. When he gave me a heated look, his nostrils flaring as his chest rose and fell,I was suddenly pushed into a moment of stricken awe. I was in another country with a man I barely knew. And I felt almost as if it was a tempting, passionate adventure instead of what it really was.

A chance to find the killer and exonerate the man I cared about maybe a little too much. I took a deep breath, looking away, embroiled in dark and ugly thoughts.

“What’s wrong,cherie?”

“Nothing. You surprise me and I didn’t think that was possible.”

“Why?” He pulled out a scoop, grabbing a filter then placing several heaping scoopfuls of coffee into the coffeemaker. The aroma was incredible, a hint of chocolate easy to detect.

“Because you don’t have staff making you coffee, ordEricag them around like the prince of tides you are.”

He chuckled at my reference. “My mother made certain her children knew how to do everything on their own, including laundry. That’s one of many things I hope to teach my children.”

A strange look crossed his face, one that I couldn’t read. I grabbed another cookie, placing the bag on the island and moving to the other side of the room, gazing out at the backyard. “I have no doubt you’ll be an amazing father,” I cooed. “It’s beautiful here.” I could just make out the river from where I was standing, the backdrop of very large trees and rich-looking grass adding to the level of comfort.

“I always loved coming here as a kid. My grandfather had a tire swing installed and my brother and I spent countless hours jumping into the river.”

“I can see it. You kept the swing all these years?”

“It’s new,” he said, half laughing. “The old rope rotted away.”

“Please don’t tell me you still jump into the river.” When he didn’t say anything, I turned around. That’s when I noticed artwork on the side of the refrigerator held by colorful magnets. A strange feeling tore through me as I walked closer, studying the six or so drawings.

In crayon. Bright. Bold. Crayon. The pictures were incredible, brilliantly crafted, but obviously done by a… child given the medium selected. I turned my head, trying to think of what to say.

He followed my gaze, taking a deep breath. “I should have told you before.”

“Dear God. You’re married.”

When he lifted a single eyebrow this time, I wasn’t certain what to say or think. Before either one of us could say anything, I heard noise, and I could swear the sound was made by little feet.

Seconds later, a little boy popped into the room, racing toward Joshua, who immediately dropped to the floor, opening his arms wide. He was wearing Superman pajamas, his little bare feet drawing my attention.

“How’s my boy? I’ve missed you.”

The child nuzzled against Joshua but said nothing, yet I heard small squeals of joy. I remained frozen, uncertain what to think. I’d found out everything there was possible about the man, but nothing had indicated he had a family.

Joshua slowly rose to his feet, the boy in his arms. “Christopher. I’d like you to meet a friend of mine.” He nodded toward me, takinga single step closer, his eyes imploring mine as if fearful I’d say something to frighten the child.

The little boy turned his head, staring at me so intently I was taken aback. There was no doubt they were father and son, the little boy’s eyes exactly the same as Joshua’s. I walked closer, trying to think of what to say. “Hi, Christopher. I’m Selena.”

Frowning, Christopher studied me intently then turned away.

“He’s shy,” I said.

“He doesn’t speak, at least right now.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. He’s deaf.”

“No,” Joshua said and tickled the boy’s tummy. “He hasn’t spoken since he came to live with me. He witnessed something that bothered him. He knows sign language, something he learned from one of his teachers. I’ve yet to master it.” When Joshua tried to sign something to his boy, I laughed at the same time that Christopher did.

“Why are you both laughing at me?” he asked, easing Christopher back to his feet.

“Because you said you hoped he would grow pig ears,” I signed as I spoke. I lowered to my knees, signing my name and telling him I was happy to meet him. Christopher’s eyes opened wide, as if no one around him was able to speak in his language.

I could tell Joshua was watching our conversation intently, unmoving the entire time. As Christopher told me several things about himself in a huge flurry, I laughed and smiled the entire time. He loved art. He adored superheroes. And cookies. The kid was amazing.

So was his father.

“I’m sorry, Mr. James. He knew you were home and refused to wait.” I hadn’t noticed when someone else walked into the room.

“That’s not a problem, Margaret. This is a friend of mine, Selena Barrios. She’ll be staying with us for a little while. My buddy boy here was just getting to know her.”

The woman looked at me with disdain, including my bare and now dirty feet. “Well, it’s time to get you dressed, little man.”

Christopher nodded once then looked at me, signing one last time. All I could do was laugh.

“What does he want?” Joshua asked, his entire brow furrowing.

“He asked if he could have a cookie.” I winked at the little boy.

“Not before breakfast,” Margaret snapped, which prompted Joshua to throw out his arm.

“Not so fast.” He gave me a sly look then walked to the bag on the counter, pulling out a single cookie. “I’ve been told this is the breakfast of champions. How do I sign cookie monster.” He tipped his head toward me.

Laughing, I showed him and when Joshua repeated it, I pressed my hands over my mouth. It was the sweetest moment I’d seen in a long time.

The little boy giggled as only kids could do, gingerly taking the cookie from his father’s hand. Then he spun around, his eyes lighting up.

“Go with Margaret, my little cookie monster. I’ll come see you in a little bit,” Joshua said.

I remained quiet as Christopher thumped out of the room, Margaret following him, but not without giving me another look. “She doesn’t like that I’m here.”

“Margaret is old school, extremely disciplined. I assure you that she doesn’t like me very much even though I pay her twice what she’s worth.”

“He’s your son.”

Joshua shoved his hands into his pocket, walking toward me, crowding my space. Just taking a deep whiff of his intoxicating aftershave was a reminder of everything we’d shared. “Yeah. He was brought to me after his mother was murdered in front of him. She hadn’t told me she was pregnant. We were together one night. We parted ways and I thought nothing of our few hours together. Much like I’d done before.”

“I don’t know what to say.” And I didn’t.

“There’s nothing to say. I should have told you.”

“No wonder you were desperate to get back.”

He studied me. “The kid has been through a lot. I’m not the best father in the world, uncertain I wanted to keep him around for the first month after he’d arrived. He had a tiny suitcase, a bookbag full of books and toys, and nothing else but a letter from his mother written a couple months before she died.”

“Why was she murdered?”

“I honestly don’t know. Lily was a free spirit, living life to the fullest. That’s what attracted me to her in the first place.”

“I can tell you have thoughts about what happened.”

Joshua nodded several times. “If the kid hadn’t hidden in a closet, he would have been taken. That’s my belief. They came looking for him. I can’t prove it, but that’s what my gut has told me.”

“You think it’s because of you.”

As he reached out, lightly brushing his fingers down my cheek, a powerful moment of sadness collided with the strong sense of duty. It was as overwhelming as the electricity he exuded every time we were together. “I’m certain of it. I refuse to have any additional casualties in my life. If I’d known Christopher existed, I would have taken steps to ensure his and Lily’s safety. She lost her life because she wasn’t certain she could trust me. In my mind, maybe she was right.”

“You can’t think that way. What happened was out of your control.”

“Was it really?” He lifted his gaze, studying me as if searching for an absolution that I couldn’t provide. “Anyway, her murder was traumatic and very bloody and the kid lived through it all. I can’t imagine the horror he endured but after reading the police report, I did what I could to find her killer.”

“That’s why he doesn’t speak.”

“Yes. His brain shut it out and everything else. He was almost comatose when he arrived, requiring someone to feed and bathe him because he stopped being able to do it for himself. That kid has come a long way. The doctors say eventually he will decide to speak again when he believes the world is safe, but that I need to give him time. And as you’ve already figured out, that’s not an easy thing for me to do.”

I nuzzled my face against his hand, wishing I could find the right words. “You need to be patient with yourself, and you needto forgive the man inside. You’re exactly what your son needs. That’s why he said what he did.”

“Meaning what?”

“That you were his hero.”

I’d caught him by surprise, the sadness fading, a quiet look of delight drifting into his eyes. “I’m no hero, Selena. Not under any circumstances. I was exactly what I purported myself to be. A ruthless killer, a bastard of a man.”

“Yet you risked your life to save me, the woman dead set on putting you away for a long time. It almost seems like you care about me.”

His laughter brought another smile to my face. “Caring about you is easy. You amaze me, Ms. Barrios. Sign language and all. You’re beautiful, brilliant, and bold. There isn’t a better combination. I am curious why you learned sign language.”

“My sister started losing her hearing when she was six from a horrible illness. I learned so we could talk. My skills are pretty rusty though. She moved across the country with her new husband for a fantastic job she adores. We rarely get a chance to Facetime.”

“My son doesn’t think your skills are rusty. I’ve never seen him so excited to be able to talk to someone.” As he cupped my face, I wanted nothing more than to fall into his arms.

“I’m glad I could help.”

“I think I’ll keep you around.”

I was starting to get used to the idea, although I wasn’t certain what that said about my sanity. At that moment, I didn’t care.

He made that choice for me, wrapping his arm around my waist, dragging me to my toes. As he captured my mouth, all sense of danger and timing, fear and anxiety flushed away, if only for a few precious seconds. I was amazed how much I was still thrown by his dominating actions, his refusal to accept no for an answer. I could only imagine just how powerful he was in business.

As he swept his tongue inside my mouth, I felt lightheaded, unable to keep from yanking at his shirt, sliding my hands underneath to touch and knead his heated skin. His thick muscles. Another wave of need tore through me, my heart racing as the longing took hold. I was in the man’s house, in his life. I’d just met his son.

And we both remained in significant danger not only to our jobs and reputations, but to our lives as well.

Yet I’d never felt so tingling all over, or so safe being with someone.

Including my father.

He ground his hips against mine, telling me in no uncertain terms what he had in store for my body and soul.

What I continued to wonder was whether or not he’d already captured my heart.

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    “I don’t know if this is the kind of thing you can get over.”He took my jaw in his hand and tilted my face up to his. His lips are soft as his mouth brushes against mine in a tender kiss.It was easy to lose myself in Brandon instead of thinking about everything else in our lives, so I did. I nipped his bottom lip, deepening the kiss. His tongue tangled with mine as I moved to straddle his lap.My arms drape over his shoulders, my fingers sinking into the soft hair at the nape of his neck. Brandon’s hands slid beneath my shirt, his fingers setting fire to my skin as he worked his way up to my breasts.He cupped them, his thumbs brushing over my nipples as I rolled my hips. My back arched as his hardened cock pressed up against my core. I rolled my hips again, trying to build the friction between us and relieve some of the tension building.Brandon groaned, his tongue sweeping through my mouth as he pulled my shirt over my head. His head dipped forward, and he sucked a nipple into his

  • The Night He Owned Me   75

    GinaOver the last two months, hiding my relationship with Brandon has been getting harder and harder. Nevertheless, we do our best to keep our relationship a secret.However, Amalia has nearly caught us a few times.I snuck out Brandon’s window more than once and ran to my car parked down the street. The next day I would have to listen to Amalia telling me about her theories on her dad’s dating life.She was sure he was seeing someone, which made me feel worse. Amalia would lose her shit if she found out that I was the mystery woman sneaking out in the middle of the night.It was getting too stressful to hide it from her, but it was too late to turn back.I’m falling for Brandon.Hell, I’ve already fallen. He had me at hello, and I’ve been enamored by him every moment since, even though it would have been better for the both of us if I wasn’t.I sighed as I leaned over the sink in my bathroom, my stomach tossing and turning.I had been holed up in my apartment for the last week, feel

  • The Night He Owned Me   74

    BrandonAmalialeanedbackinher chair, tilting her face and closing her eyes as she soaked up the sun and the salt air. It wasn’t often that I got to see her this relaxed as she lounged by the ocean.We tried to make time to get lunch together once every couple of weeks, but with both of us having careers, it could be hard to find the time. She had her career, and I had mine.Throw sneaking around with Gina into the mix, and I had even less time than I used to spend with Amalia.“Okay,” I said after our food was delivered. “How is work going? Do you have any shows coming up?”“I’ve signed on for New York Fashion Week next year.” Amalia took a bite out of her lobster roll and shrugged. “Other than that, there’s not a whole lot going on. I’m building a new line, but some designs aren’t coming together quite right yet.”“I’m sure you’ll figure it out. New York Fashion Week is huge, though. We’ll have to have a party to celebrate. Congratulations.”“I don’t think that I want to do anything

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