There is nothing worse than waking up in the early hours of the morning, groaning as your stomach churns and your head feels like a marching band is banging pots together horribly out of tune.In addition, your mouth feels like a parched desert and your tongue feels like it has licked a cat's back, resulting in the sensation of a large fluff ball tickling the centre of your tongue; theoretically speaking.“I hope you enjoyed the remainder of your evening that was spent with my cousin Davis,” A dark and dangerous voice sweeps through the room, jolting me wide awake as a ripple of goosebumps erupts across my feverish flesh.I sit upright in the hotel bed, pulling the sheet up around my chest as the room slightly spins. The last thing I remember, before my head hit the pillow after Davis had seen me back to the hotel suite, was me unzipping my dress and delicately placing it over the armchair.The same armchair that is stationed in the corner of the room with Tobias nestling a tumbler o
I finally build up enough courage to emerge from the ensuite after what had seemed like a lifetime. I had scrubbed myself till my skin became crimson and felt raw while simultaneously attempting to sober up. Staying behind with Davis doesn’t have a nice ring to it after all. Not like it had last night, anyway. By the time I made my decision, though, I was already euphoric from the alcohol I had consumed and had a contemptuous attitude toward myself, Tobias, and everyone else in the room. More so to the goddesses for dishing me such a crappy hand in life. -Suck it up, princess!- As I enter my room, I trip over the threshold and groan to myself as I see Tobias leaning there with a cup of coffee in his hands and a smirk curving at the corner of his mouth. My brows knit together, he looks fresh and wide awake for someone who claims he hasn't slept a wink because he's been trying to do damage control where I'm concerned. Tobias is appetizingly attired in a charcoal suit with the
A brilliant white light flashes before me, and it’s like a switch-flips in my head. “I’m pathetic?” I ask her bitterly. “Says, the one who fucked my boyfriend and trapped him by getting pregnant. If anyone is jealous and pathetic between the pair of us, it’s you, Ava. I would never do what you did to me, never!” As I yell at her, speaking my truth, my heart suddenly feels heavy, like it is weighing me down and I fear the animosity I hold for her is going to consume me. Just by looking at her, I want to yell, kick and scream, and pull my hair as I demand her to tell me the real reason why she chose to destroy my chance at real happiness. I was so close, so fucking close that I could taste it, and it tasted sickeningly sweet. Before I met Chase, I was taking one day at a time, working like a dog to get my bakery off the ground, so I wouldn't go insane worrying about my future. I was shattered, the pieces of my puzzle were scattered, and I had very little hope, if any, for the future
“Mr. Landry, you may place the ring on Ms. Appletons' finger and repeat after me.” Tobias grasps my hand and slowly slides the diamond-encrusted wedding band that matches my engagement ring down my finger. “I give you this ring as a token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.” He repeats after our notary who is performing our wedding ceremony. “Ms. Appleton, please, place the ring on Mr. Landrys’ finger and repeat after me.” I shift sideways, picking up the black band that rests on a small pristine pillow held by Melanie, acting on our behalf as a witness to our wedding. Before I slide the ring down Tobias’s finger, I pause, my gaze lingers on the ring before I look up and meet Tobias’s gaze. He doesn’t say anything, nor does he look at me with a particular emotion glaring back at me. The only thing sounding in my head presently are the words he said to me this morning after our dilemma with Ava. … Fake it till you make it… Looking back at the notary, I nod my hea
My breath hitches as Tobias’s tongue darts out between his full lips, sexually sweeping over the bow on his upper lip.Is it possible to desire a man that you despise with every cell in your body?What is wrong with me?I know I have asked myself this very question many times since Tobias came crashing back into my life like a hurricane. But I am still yet to find a reasonable explanation as to why my body reacts to him this way.“I think we both-” He lets out a frustrated growl as he extracts his vibrating phone from his pocket. Scrubbing his face with his other hand, he slowly shakes his head, swiping the green call icon right, and presses the phone to his ear.“This better be good,” He growls over the phone to the poor soul on the receiving end.---He pinches the bridge of his nose, “When?”---“I don’t answer to you, and quite frankly I don’t give a shit what you think. It’s done and there’s nothing you can do about it.” He replies furiously, and it has me wondering whom he is sp
TOBIAS:I walk into my mother’s living room without announcing my arrival and knowing that she isn’t expecting me, will shock her. She is standing, gazing up at the large painting of my father which is displayed above the fireplace.She is mumbling to herself, but I have a feeling she is speaking to my father; telling him how difficult I am being and stepping out of line where she is concerned.“Mother…” I growl upon my entrance.“Oh,” She jumps, turning around to face me with a look of surprise on her face and a hand resting on top of her racing heart. “Tobias…” She whispers, gaining her composure. “You scared the living daylights out of me, I didn’t hear you come in.”After a moment or two, she tilts her head to the side, narrowing her eyes at me, and waves her hand toward the sofa, gesturing to me to take a seat.“I’m not staying long.”“As I suspected. You have come to give me a piece of your mind about our phone call earlier, haven't you?” She sighs tiresomely. “Well, come on th
When I hear a soft knock on my front door, I stop shoving sneakers that I seldom wear into the back of my closet. Time has ticked by quickly, and I’ve managed to rush around the house to give it a quick clean before I leave.I mean… I can’t be the only one who thinks that there is nothing worse than returning home after a lengthy absence to find it in a state of disorder.Rising to my feet, I wipe the beads of sweat from my nape with a sigh and twist my torso from side to side to work out the knots.Turning the brass handle, I pull the door open, expecting to see Tobias.“Kip?” I blurt out, shocked to see him here and a little disappointed that it’s not Tobias.— What is wrong with me? Tobias should be the last man I’d ever want to see. But he’s not, and it’s really starting to fuck with my sanity —“Hey, Keri…” Kip drawls my name out seductively and I let it slide as he looks a little sheepish while he nervously scratches his jaw.“Oh… what are you doing here? Shit… Is everything oka
The look of shock that stains Kips’ face doesn’t surprise me. It’s a reaction that I am expecting to witness frequently in the next coming days. I don’t expect people to understand or be thrilled that I’ve married Tobias because I can relate to their feelings. But I do expect them to respect my decision and support me along the way if they truly do care about me and want to remain in my life. I just don’t have enough headspace or the emotional capacity to carry more dead weight on my shoulders; anchoring me down as they choose to tear me apart and talk about me behind my back. Why? Because I already have a judge, jury, and prosecutor in my life named Ava. And her cruel nature along with her actions has not only driven me to marry Tobias but, it’s also stripped me bare of my self-confidence and trust. I am not the woman I once strived to be. I don’t think I am half of that woman, either. “Well, love, aren’t you going to show him your ring?” Tobias’s voice resonates through the ro
EPILOGUE: TOBIAS:The waves fiercely crash against the shoreline behind us as the sun rays beam upon us.“I do.”Tears of joy brim my eyes as she utters two small words that mean everything and so much more to me. She is officially mine. Again. This time by choice.“You may now kiss the bri-” Before the priest finishes his sentence, I reach for my wife, crushing my lips against hers as I seal the deal between us. Keri smiles against my lips. “How does it feel to be a married woman by choice, baby?”“Perfect. How does it feel to be married and a father of twins?” She has a mischievous glint lining her eyes.“Like the lost pieces to my life have finally pieced themselves back together,” I reply honestly.I turn around and look at my children sitting beside one another with a large grin on their faces as they sit on the white chairs in the sand. Sawyer is holding a small bouquet of flowers, and Ryan, an empty small pillow that not long ago held our wedding rings. My gaze shifts further i
TOBIAS:A persistent knock raps on the timber door, catching me off guard as I flip my steak over on the grill. Turning the BBQ off, I move my steak to the side, taking it off the heat so it won’t overcook. The banging on the door starts again, and my strides become larger until I reach the door and yank it open.“Why the fuck do you continue to bang on my-” The words fall from my lips when my gaze collides with Keris'.What the fuck is she doing here?How did she know I was here?Fuck… Fuck… Fuck…“Keri, I… Uh…”Slap!Before I can finish my sentence, her palm collides with the side of my face. Lifting my hand, I cradle my cheek, dampening the stinging sensation spreading across it. She looks pissed off. Like she could murder me, and I don’t blame her.“So, it’s true. You’ve been here for two months?” She hisses, enraged to find me here. In the same country and not behind bars like I should be.“Yes.” I state firmly, gritting my teeth.“You bastard!” She cries out, shaking her head. “
THREE MONTHS LATER:“We need to reschedule today's’ meeting,” Mel looks up at me from her desk, sounding a little strange. “I’m not feeling well, and I need to go over the new contract Adem sent through for a new deal he wants to cut with us. I aim to be on my A-game before facing him.”“I can get Davis to come in and go over it with you? Two sets of eyes are better than one, and unfortunately, I’m still trying to get up to speed with everything going on as it is.”“Davis is unavailable today. He is at the hospital with Ava.”I know I shouldn’t ask, and I don't understand why I give a rat’s ass about her after all the grief she has caused me in the past, but I can’t help myself. “What’s wrong with my sister?” My voice sounds harsher than I had intended.Gnawing on her inner cheek, Mels’ brows furrow as she raises her gaze to meet mine. “She was standing on a chair, screwing in a light bulb when their oldest girl came running into the living room, accidentally colliding with the chair.
“You need to stop being so hard on yourself, Keri,” El speaks softly, resting a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Under the circumstances, you have done a remarkable job with the twins, and one day, they will eventually realise that you have always had their best interest at heart. If there is one thing I know for certain, it’s that being a parent is a learning process, too. After you have given birth, you are not handed a parenting manual. You learn as you grow together as a family; sometimes, the road we pave isn’t easy. But it sure as hell is fulfilling when you reach the end of that bumpy road.”I take a moment to let her words sink in and wipe my eyes dry as I nod my head; agreeing with her. “You’re right,” I whisper, patting her hand that remains on my shoulder. “It’s been four years now, and I am still as clueless as I was yesterday on how to parent my children correctly.”“Everything that has transpired into this mess with Tobias and Coach Matty, isn’t your fault. I need you to hea
As the front door to Kip and Elz home opens, I glance at Officer Marcus and give him a small smile that falls short of reaching my eyes – a silent expression of gratitude for his safe escort here. He offers me a brief nod, pivots on his heel, and walks away without uttering a single word.“Oh, my gawds, Keri!” El screeches as she yanks the door wide open and pulls me into her loving embrace.I lean into her, tears streaming down my face as my heart shatters further. I feel an overwhelming urge to express my emotions loudly. To express my frustration and lament that the universe and Gods have conspired against my happiness. Yet, I find myself without that feeling. I search within my soul to find my strength and muster the bravery to stand before the twins as they come rushing towards me.“Mummy, mummy… we missed you last night.” They say in unison as they fling their arms around me.El rubs my back as she gently pulls away from our embrace. Our eyes collide, and she utters the words, ‘
I shut my eyes, attuned to the strong and rhythmic pulse of Tobias’ heart, my body half entwined with his. His fingers glide softly up and down my spine as he lies on his back while his gaze remains fixed on the ceiling. We haven't slept; we've only been exploring each other's bodies on an intimate level, compensating for lost moments and creating memories that will linger for years ahead. I press my face against his chest, a deep sigh escaping my swollen lips as I cling to him with all my strength. I long for a chance where time could freeze, allowing us to savor the precious last moments that Kip has generously given us. The sun has risen, birds are chirping, and early morning traffic for churchgoers echoes through the room. There is so much I wish to say to Tobias, but I don’t want to ruin this moment. Though we showed each other how we felt about one another on a deeper level, using our bodies to express ourselves, I still feel like there is so much unsaid between us.“I want you
TOBIAS:The soft caress of her lips is like a lifeline I desperately try to cling to. Warm. Soft. Sensual.I hate to think that this could be the last time I get to feel her like this as she passionately tries to kiss away my deepest and darkest fears. I’ll love her until my dying breath. It’s always been her, and it always will be. I am undeserving of her love, her warmth, and time.“Don’t speak… Just feel, Tobias. Use me for pleasure.”“Don’t say that,” I murmur, pulling away from our kiss. My gaze travels down her body, and she has no idea what the vision of seeing her in my clothes does to me.“I’m serious, Tobias. If now is all we have together. I want you to take what you need from me.”Lowering my pants down my hips, my cock springs free, and I watch through half-lidded eyes as she licks her lips like a starved little kitten looking for its next meal. She lowers herself onto her knees, gazing up at me, with the moonlight accentuating her natural beauty. I lean against the glass
I slowly feel myself surfacing from the deep slumber that embraced me. Reaching across the bed, I search for the twins, and when I am met with air, I jolt awake in a frenzy as last night’s terror claws at my chest. I open my eyes, and my vision slowly adjusts in the darkness.“Tobias, is that you?” I whisper, squinting towards the far corner of a room that isn’t mine.Sitting in an armchair with the moonlight illuminating the room, Tobias is leaning forward with a bottle of Whiskey dangling between his wide-spread legs. He stares down at the bottle, tilting his head to the side as he swirls the amber-coloured liquid at the bottom.“Go back to sleep, baby.” He mutters in a soft tone, raising his head to meet my gaze. “It’s still early, and you need your rest.”I notice that he’s wearing nothing but a black pair of satin pajama pants. His hair looks damp as if he’s just stepped out of a shower, and the woody scent of his body wash faintly lingers in the air.“Have you been sitting in th
TOBIAS:My sedan comes to a screeching halt as I pull into Mattys’ driveway. Pulling the handbrake up, I don’t bother killing the engine and push the door open. Exiting the vehicle without slamming the door shut behind me, I race up the stairs, giving Link the death stare of a lifetime.“Where the fuck is she?” I growl, curling my hands into tight balls at my sides. Rage licks my flesh, setting every inch of it on fire. Without uttering a single word, he points to the door, indicating that she is inside. I bite down on my molars and shove my finger in his face. “You are fucking fired!” I bark in a breathy and murderous tone.So fucking fired!I vividly hear movement inside the house, like there is a struggle, followed by a muffled whimper and I spring into action, realising that my Keri could be in grave danger. I take one step back from the door and I kick it in. Link rushes inside, and my blood turns to ice when I see Keri pressed up against the wall with Matty trying to rip her pan