"So, you found it just behind your regular work check, right?" Kalix asks, seeking confirmation one last time, his tone dripping with disbelief. I can't blame him, though."That's pretty much it.""And you have no idea how he managed to pull this off?" Avery inquires next."Not a single clue.""So, what makes you think it's him?" Kalix asks, the question I already knew the answer to the moment I called my brother."Because Alex got one too. It had the same amount, bank, routing, and account number, not to mention the same alias in the top left corner," I reply, my blood beginning to boil again, much like when I first saw the damn thing. "He might no longer go by his birth name, but he was still dumb enough to ensure that we both received it on the same day. There's no doubt in my mind it's him."I release an irritated sigh, or maybe it's out of frustration, possibly a mix of both. Or a lot. I don't even know anymore. One thing I do know is that Max is the only one who hasn't said a wo
Thud. Thud. Thud. The rhythmic noise echoed through the room, an annoying drumbeat disrupting my peaceful morning."Max, could you please get the door?" I groaned, still half-asleep, my face buried in one of his pillows.Thud. Thud. Thud.Max turned to his other side, mumbling, "Isabella, it's closer to your side."Thud. Thud. Thud."Max," I whined, "you're right there."Thud. Thud. Thud.He retorted, "Isabella, you're younger.""What does that have to do with anything?" I snapped, throwing the covers over my head in an attempt to block out the relentless noise. Who in their right mind visits someone before noon on a Sunday? There should be a law against it.Thud. Thud. Thud."Please?" Max pleaded. "I feel like I'll vomit if I get up now."THUD. THUD. THUD."I can't believe you," I muttered, ignoring his "love you, too" comment as I finally gave in to the annoyance and headed for the door.As I swung the door open, I was about to unleash my frustration on the person outside when I fou
I didn't realize tears were about to fall until this moment, but Max understood that I would never forgive myself if I allowed that lowlife to witness my breakdown. That's precisely why he took the action he did.Max had intervened, knowing it was the only way to protect me at that moment. He spared me from yet another regret, and in my distress, I hadn't even stopped to consider how long he might have been standing behind that door or how much he might have heard. All that mattered was that he was there, serving as a shield between me and the unwelcome visitor."You've said enough," Max repeated to the stranger before us as he shielded my face even further in his back, concealing the tears that only he could see, for which I was grateful. "Now, I suggest you leave, because whether you perceive this as a threat or not, I won't ask you politely a second time.""I understand," I heard Lazzaro respond before he called out to me. "Isabella, I'm leaving, but the check isn't going anywhere.
The past few days have turned out much better than I initially anticipated. While I'm still receiving notes from Lazzaro at the bakery to accept the check, at least now I can say his name without it making me want to vomit all over the popcorn that Avery and I are about to enjoy.With the boys away in LA for the weekend and Avery and I choosing to stay behind for some much-needed quality time together (something we haven't done in a while), we've been asked to house-sit for them. Given that the guys have practically transformed their living room into a home theater, it was a no-brainer for us to binge-watch our 'Fast and Furious' marathon here tonight."Ready for thirteen hours and forty-seven minutes of handsome guys, strong female leads, and an epic collection of race cars?" Avery quips as I settle onto the couch beside her, wrapping myself in the cozy blanket she throws over us. "Absolutely," I respond, placing the popcorn between us as I grab my Sour Patch Kids. "Let's get this sh
My assumption was confirmed when she released a trembling breath, a solitary tear tracing down her beautifully pale face. Moments later, she settled on the porch swing, her defenses completely down as tears continued to stream."How... how did you know?" She croaked, using the back of her hand to wipe away the persistent tears."Let's just say I've known others who've suffered abuse," I replied honestly, recalling the times my mom had tried to conceal her own bruises beneath layers of clothing. "But remember, you can't change what's already happened to you," I added, moving closer to her. "However, you can choose how to overcome it. It won't be easy – in fact, that's an understatement – but it'll only get tougher if you let it consume you."I hesitated for a moment before placing my hand on hers, deciding to take the risk. She didn't pull her hand away, surprising me. Instead, she flipped her hand over, squeezing mine as a gesture of gratitude – or so I told myself – all while studyin
Later That EveningMax gently brushes his knuckles against my arm and asks, "Are you sure you're okay with us just hanging out here again? I had plans to make a reservation at a nice place, but I got caught up visiting Riley, and by the time I was heading back, it was too late."I retort, resting my chin on his chest as I look up at him, "Are you kidding? A Netflix and Chill night with my guy, complete with two large pizzas, a ton of Sour Patch Kids, and a six-pack of Corona...it doesn't get any better than this." He smirks and tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear before giving me a sweet kiss on the forehead."I'm just glad the house is empty again. With everything that's been going on lately, I've been craving some alone time with you," he admits. "Every day without seeing you makes me clingier.""I'd tease you for that," I confess, "but then I'd be a hypocrite." His hand cups my cheek, and I savor his touch."Yeah?" He smirks again, leaning in to peck my lips."Oh yeah," I murmu
"Ignorance doesn't lead to happiness; it leads to helplessness, fear, and cruelty," Ingrid Holtby's words rang true that night:…Max leans against his desk, gesturing for me to take a seat. It instantly transports me back nine years to the day Mom and Alex shared the 'family secret' with me. Back then, I had some inkling of what the conversation would entail. But right now, I'm utterly clueless. All the cards are on the table, and anything seems possible.Max clears his throat, and I moisten mine with a single gulp, bracing myself for what he's about to say."Do you remember the morning after the first time we were intimate?" He begins, and I'm still in the dark about where this is going. "You asked if I had made a bet with my friends about you." Despite my bewilderment, I nod, recalling that day vividly. "I told you I had, but it was more of an arrangement, definitely not with someone I'd call a 'buddy.'" My brows furrow, and he continues to explain thankfully. "Now, remember the fi
The numerous canceled dates, the unpredictable mood swings – it all starts to make sense. Considering the stressful situation he's been in, it's no wonder Max had difficulty trusting anyone. He's been navigating this turmoil largely on his own. And then it hits me."What if you can pay them off before graduation?" I suddenly blurt out, opening my eyes to meet his confused gaze."What do you mean?" he asks."You mentioned that Kalix's parents already helped you once, during the custody battle for Riley, right? What if—""Absolutely not," Max interjects firmly. "Kalix has offered before, and I already—""Let me finish first," I interrupt him in return. "You don't even know what I was going to suggest. I know you'd never ask him for something like that.""I'm sorry," he apologizes, brushing his thumb over my lower lip. "Go on.""The point I'm trying to make is that, just like back then, you don't have to face this alone. So, I have an idea.""Isabella, I swear if it involves you—""Just
Isabella "Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of our very own Isabella Vega and Max Blackwell," Father Raffaele begins as soon as the choir finishes off the song. Words can't describe how I felt when I first heard it playing behind the closed doors. Max has really outdone himself this time."In the years they have been together, both on and off - we all chuckle to that - "their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife." A few 'about time's' fire through the crowd, making us chuckle some more.Soon after, Father Raffaele announces that Max and I will be reciting our vows to one another, motioning for Max to begin with his. My man clears his throat ever so vigorously, earning his overdramatic ass another round of chuckles from the rest of us before he briefly turns to Father Raffaele."Sorry in advance, Father," Max warns him, and then he turn
MaxI only saw her ten minutes ago, but damn, my jaw still drops when the chapel doors open, revealing her in all her glory. I proudly watch as my mother-in-law and brother-in-law join her on each side, slowly walking her down the aisle. What makes me smile even more is the moment Isabella's already beautiful face lights up in recognition at the song I've chosen for the processional. She's absolutely breathtaking, in every sense of the word.I could go on describing the details of the goddess walking towards me, but given that my dick is already as solid as a rock and we're inside a church, I'd rather spare all the witnesses here the image of me ejaculating on the spot. So, for the sake of all the guests, especially Father Raffaelem, who happens to be standing closest to me, let me just stop at she's absolutely breathtaking.Her arrival at the altar can't come fast enough. As the agonizing distance between us gets shorter with each ascending step, I take a moment to revisit some of ou
Isabella"Come on, Isabella, get a grip!" I scold my nerves, taking another swig of the bottle without letting any tequila spill on my expensive dress. I wipe the liquid from the side of my mouth with the back of my hand. "Why are you so nervous? It's just a wedding, and it's Max. He'd laugh if he saw you like this."Girl, if you don't calm down..., Buffy interjects, breaking through my nervous thoughts. Your back-and-forth pacing is giving MY conscience's conscience a headache. I take a deep breath before another swig. Pull yourself together! Max is probably as calm as ever while you're freaking out for no reason!As I'm about to bring the bottle to my lips again, a determined knock on the door interrupts me. Damn it! Where's a packet of Sour Patch Kids when you need one?"It's unlocked," I call out, turning around to take one last gulp. The door creaks open and closes, but the visitor remains silent. Then I hear the lock turning, slowly."Alex, if this is one of your lame attempts t
Isabella "Are you alright, bro?" I inquire as I approach Alex on the porch swing of the Carters' old house."I've never been better," he replies, patting the seat beside him. "I just wanted to talk. Even though we FaceTime every night, it's never quite the same as being together in person.""I completely understand," I say, taking a seat next to him and resting my head on his shoulder. He rests his head on top of mine, and we stay like this for a while before he breaks the silence."Do you remember that time when you tried to be Spider-Woman and fell down the stairs?" He asks suddenly, instantly bringing a smile to my face. "You scraped your knee, but you didn't want Mom to find out because you knew she would scold you for not being careful. So instead, you came to me, begging me to fix the cut before she came home.""Yes," I chuckle softly. "I think I was around seven years old, right?""Seven and three months," he responds with a soft chuckle of his own. "And then there was the tim
~Five Weeks Later-MaxAfter five years of living on and off with Isabella, you might think I'd grow tired of waking up before her, but no, not at all. Despite both of us not being morning people, the days when I'm up before noon are special because I get to wake up my fiancée. The mere thought of our new reality makes me smile like a lunatic.With that smile on my face, I grab a coffee tray filled with Isabella's typical breakfast and head down the hall to the master bedroom. Once inside, I place the tray on a nightstand before slowly hovering over Isabella's sexy sleeping figure. Knowing she doesn't wake up when I initially touch her, I let my fingers graze her waist as I slide the silky covers off her bare body.She's always been breathtaking, from the moment I first laid eyes on her. Starting with her right leg, bent at the knee, I position myself over it and begin to kiss every inch of her, starting at her toes.My lips move up her sole to her heel, gradually reaching her calf, t
~At the Penthouse Suite~IsabellaUpon returning to the penthouse suite with our bags of groceries, Max poses a question."What did the savage mother say to her son when he informed her that his girlfriend was pregnant?" he inquires as we enter, closing the door behind us."You should've used protection?" I jest."Good one, but no," he chuckles. "She instead apologized, asking him who the father was.""Daaammmnnn," I laugh, conceding that it was one of the better jokes. Surprisingly, our banter, initiated at the grocery store, continues to be amusing. "Alright, my turn," I say, placing my bags on the expansive kitchen island. "To make this scenario work, I'll play the mother, and you'll be the son. We'll engage in a short conversation about you seeking permission to hang out with your girlfriend. Other than that, your responses won't impact mine much, so feel free to unleash that creative mind of yours.""Sounds good," he chuckles, depositing his bags on the island. "Ready when you ar
After a few seconds, Caleb thanks Max for something simple, even though my boyfriend just stated the obvious. Hopefully, Caleb won't feel the need to hide himself after tonight."You can thank us both by asking that Jaxon kid out," Max suggests, handing Caleb a hundred-dollar bill."Okay, forget what I said about Caleb being irresistible; he's beyond that. I can't find words to describe the guy I'm sitting on, who doesn't realize he's making Caleb's night."Caleb, feeling shy and surprised, tries to return the money. He thinks it's too much, but Max insists and places it in Caleb's shirt pocket."I wasn't asking," Max states firmly, ending further discussion.Caleb breathes out in disbelief, scratching his head in embarrassment. "Thanks, man. I mean, I don't know what else to tell you," he says, shrugging helplessly.Max smirks, silently signaling Caleb not to worry. With a nod and an appreciative smile, Caleb goes back inside, probably to find Jaxon and ask him out.Turning to Max, h
Later That Day"Five more minutes, I promise," I call back, securing the last bobby pin to keep my wild hair in check. I'll be surprised if they manage to hold anything given where we're headed tonight, but hey, I'm too lazy to take them out now."Take your time, I'll be in the living room!"Once I've tucked away the last bobby pin in who knows where, I check myself in the mirror one final time before joining Max."Sorry I took so long," I grimace when I find him on the couch engrossed in Real Housewives of Atlanta."No worries, ba—" His words vanish into thin air the moment his eyes land on me. I can't help but smile when they're replaced with a groan as he bites his fist."How does it look?" I ask, walking over to the door to slip on my white Converse."Like I'm not going to last long tonight," he replies smoothly, turning off the TV to stand up and join me at the door. "Holy fuck, I'm the luckiest motherfucker alive."Melting in his arms when he kisses my forehead, I thank my lucky
~Friday, February 14, 2025 - Valentine's Day in Santa BarbaraIsabellaMax and I reached Santa Barbara last night, opting to reserve a penthouse suite for a private Valentine's Day weekend. Yesterday involved exploring the city where our paths first crossed, but tonight promises an entirely different level of intimacy.The evening kicks off with the comical Valentine's Day cards we exchange..."Why am I not surprised?" I chuckle at Max's card, shaking my head at his cheeky sense of humor."Oh, please," he retorts, "like yours is any better." He displays the card I gave him, eliciting another round of laughter."Touché, touché," I concede, winking as I delve into the heartfelt note inside.Here's my love, take it.Here's my soul, use it.Wait a minute....Completing the remainder of the message, I smirk as my initial suspicion is confirmed.I glance up to find Max beaming at me proudly."What? Did it render you speechless with its brilliance?" He playfully raises his eyebrows."You cam