I stir in my sleep from the soft touch of Tobias pressing his warm lips against my forehead.“Mmm, what time is it?” I yawn, feeling like I had just fallen asleep moments ago.“It’s four in the morning,” He whispers, stroking my cheek with the pad of his thumb, which sends a ripple of goosebumps to disperse across my body.I love it when he touches me with affection.I doubt he will ever understand how much it means to me, not only because he is a man, but how can I expect him to understand when I, myself, am trying to find a reason behind my emotions? “Four in the morning?” I moan in a croaky voice, peeling my eyelids open. “What are you doing up and dressed at this time of the morning?”Tobias is seated on the edge of my bed with his body angled to the side. Every time I see him wearing one of my favourite hued, slim-fitting suits, my mouth waters.The colour indigo-blue accentuates his irises, and the tailored suit emphasizes his ripped physique beneath all of that expensive fabri
I want to rip my heart out!I want to tear away at the layers of my flesh and pull the beating organ from my chest.As I watch my world lighting up before me, it serves no real purpose to me at this moment.I want to scream until my lungs collapse and my throat ignites into a fireball from the searing agony consuming me.Why?Why would someone do this to me?Was I targeted?I mean…what could drive a person to do this to another?Everything I have worked so hard towards is now up in flames within a matter of seconds.The carnal beating of my heart pounding against my chest entwines with the smoke alarm, drumming out everything that surrounds me.Then there is silence…The beautiful stillness of emptiness.Until the gossip of the early morning breeze whispers through the treetops, and rustling leaves until I find myself plummeting into an abyss of darkness.“No…” I cry, frantically shaking my head as I jump out of my car.Today, the world burns.The heat from the consuming flames sweeps
Still, in a state of shock, I absentmindedly watch as the paramedic cleans the small wounds scattered across my arms as the detective continues to ask me questions. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Landry, but do you have any idea who would want to burn your bakery down?” Detective Ashley inquires, his pen touching the pocket-sized field notebook he holds in his hand. Continuing to watch the paramedic, I shake my head, “No.” I sigh, trying to come to terms that everything that has happened this morning wasn’t a dream. “Witnesses say that you accused a male named,” He pauses, flipping a few pages forward, “Kip.” Flipping the pages back over, he regards me again. This time I turn my head and look at the detective through misty eyes. “Kip?” I sniffle, feeling like shit for blaming him in the first place. “Kip wouldn’t hurt a fly. He said something that didn’t sit right with me and in return, I accused him. It was petty, and I wanted to hurt him.” Detective Ashley nods his head, writing everything I
The emotions of feeling: Shocked. Hurt. Confused. Misguided… swirl in the pit of my stomach, and it feels like my insides have grown teeth about to go on a rampage and turn me inside out.“I… I…I don’t understand or get why Tobias would lie to me.” I swallow thickly, past the lump that continues to grow in my throat. “Maybe it is you who is misunderstood, Davis,” I whisper, wrapping my fingers around my throat.Davis snakes his fingers around my upper arm, above my elbow, and gently pulls me to the side. Out of sight and hearing range for all to hear and see.His hand slowly glides down my arm, sending a surge of goosebumps to infect my skin. His fingers find mine, and he laces them together, gently stroking the pad of his thumb across my knuckles.I notice his eyes dilate as he sweeps the firm tip of his tongue across the sharp bow on his upper lip, and he takes a step forward, entering my personal space. “Unfortunately for you, I know full well that we have no business in Perth,
“Would you like another drink, ma'am?” The bartender asks me as he stands across from me behind the bar.Pushing my wine glass forward, “Yeah, one more should hit the spot.” I say quietly with a slight slur and hyper-aware that Tobias has been sitting in the corner booth for the last hour, cradling the same tumbler of whiskey on the rocks in his hand since his arrival.I’m unsure if I feel elated that he has not approached me and given me the space I require with the comfort of knowing that he has tracked me down. Or, if I feel annoyed that he hasn’t come to me, grovelling at my feet and seeking forgiveness where it is due.As the bartender slides my glass back across to me, he flings the hand towel he used to wipe the bar top with and rests his hands on his hips. “Rough day, was it?” He enquires, arching his brows.“You can say that,” I reply, picking up my glass and touching the rim to my lips. “What gave you the vibe? Me sitting here all alone sipping on wine for the past four hour
I emerge from the shower, towel-drying my hair, still trying to wrap my head around what Tobias had told me last night regarding his mother and my bakery. I plonk myself on the end of the mattress and inhale deeply as my head is still slightly spinning, matching my churning stomach after too much to drink yesterday on an empty stomach.It all still feels so… surreal.Like I’m stuck in a bad dream that refuses to release me.Dipping my head, I look at the wet towel in my grasp and try to come up with some sort of explanation as to why Janice would stoop this low. I mean, yeah… I slapped her across the face and didn't have anything nice to say to her when I was last in her presence.But she deserved the slap, and I don’t take back anything that I said to her. Janices’ actions and her vein outlook on life have left nothing but a path of devastation in its wake. Multiple lives have been affected - many are left ruined.Lies… Secrets… more lies...I hate feeling so useless when I have
TOBIAS:Shit! God-damn it to hell! The look on Keris’ face slices through the flesh of my chest and digs deep into my heart, piercing it with enough venom to stop it from beating entirely.I hate being the cause of her pain. The reason that has her doubting herself as a beautiful, strong, and intelligent woman. She deserves more, so much more that I doubt any man can give to her. But this is a flaw of mine that I have noticed surfacing a lot recently where Keri is concerned and the truth is…I’m a fucking imbecile!And that's putting it lightly. I know the only thing running through her mind right now, are images of me sleeping with her sister. But that couldn’t be the farthest from the truth.I wouldn’t dare stick my cock in Ava. Just thinking about it makes me shudder with disgust and compels my dick to shrivel up like a dried-up prune.Believe it or not, Ava has absolutely nothing on Keri. No one I have come across does.She is one of a kind, a rare breed indeed, and it
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I sigh deeply, expelling all the misery from my still-trembling body as I close my eyes and concentrate on trying to find my composure once again – locking it in place.After a few heartbeats, I open my eyes, raise my hand and knock on the thick slab of wood that separates me from Ava.Before my mind could decipher where I was aimlessly driving after I left that lying sack of shit husband of mine, I ended up outside Avas’ apartment building.It seems my subconscious was on autopilot and lead us here.I sat in the car for about five minutes trying to make sense of what happened and how everything turned to custard. After concluding that there will always be someone in my path blocking me from finding the greatness that lingers in the atmosphere, which seemed like a lifetime, I finally dragged my ass out of my car and entered the building.Part of me would rather not be here. Emotionally and mentally, I’m not in the mood to face Ava.I don’t know where th
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