ChanceThat was an asshole move, I’d admit.After Byron delivered a detailed and in-depth background check, I finally understood this woman a bit better. Admired her even.“If you really want her,” Byron said, sipping his scotch, “-you have a way to blackmail her.”I skimmed through the documents. There was a lot more to Lilly Walker than met the eye. Daughter to immigrant parents, she spent a good part of her childhood in Croatia. After their death, she returned back to the States and went to college where she met her friends and her future husband.Her financial situation was stable and separate from her husband. Until she lost her job. Now, it was just bleak and she was a payment away from losing it all.But it was her husband that took most of the pages. While Lilly thrived, her husband was a goddamn loser. A cheater and a fucking broke playboy. About five years into their marriage, odd things started happening, all of which pointed to domestic violence. There was no record of it
LillyThis was playing with fire.My hands were tied and I was left without any options. None. Accepting Chance’s offer was a dangerous route to take, considering my body responded to him like a violin to a bow.It was the reason I stood in front of the W&W building on Monday morning.Despite the circumstances, I was excited to work. I couldn’t remember a time when I didn’t work. Even before college, when my parents were alive, I’d help them with their fruit stands in Croatia. It wasn’t a big job, but I loved it. The smell of the fruit mixed in the air and bees buzzed around, tempted by the sweet nectar.So opposite to my current situation with the man who blackmailed me into accepting this position. I couldn’t comprehend the reason behind his offer. Even more, I feared that the temptation to taste the sweet but forbidden fruit was too great.I checked in at the front desk at eight in the morning, wearing a black pencil skirt that was just an inch above my knee, black pumps, and a lig
LillyThe next morning, Kimberly set a cup of coffee on my table for Chance before I even had a chance to sit down. Glancing at the clock, I noted it was little after eight. Chance said working hours started at nine.“I’m not late, right?” I asked, worried I might have misunderstood. I stayed up later than normal, googling Chance Macklemore. Wealthy parents. Playboy father. Chance served in the military - Special Forces. Huge scandal in regards to his ex-wife. Yeah, there were some surprising revelations on the internet, and it only gave me a glimpse into the man he was today.“No, not at all,” Kimberly replied, shaking her head. “You are right on time,” she answered, the smile on her face smug. I eyed her suspiciously, wondering if maybe I did something wrong. She didn’t seem the type to gloat because of someone else’s suffering.Rolling my shoulders back, then straightening my spine, I headed for Chance’s… hmm, Mr. Macklemore’s office. As I walked into it, his gaze flicked to me. So
ChanceI stared at the door, Lilly long gone.Lilly’s reaction intrigued me. In all my years, no woman had ever complained about spending my money. Until now.Something about her made me want to take care of her. Yes, I wanted to fuck her but even more, I wanted to ensure she was taken care of. I needed to know her worries, so I could squash them.She hid her secrets in those dark eyes, but her emotions were easy to pick up on. Her arousal. Her anger. I loved when her face burned crimson, her eyes hazing with desire. She wanted me, almost as much as I wanted her. But she fought this attraction with all she had.I didn’t do relationships. I didn’t fall in love. But somehow, I had started to break every single one of my rules - ever since meeting this woman. The white-hot sizzle of attraction burned strong between us.Fuck, it could be so damn good with her. Just thinking about her got me hard. Since I laid eyes on her, she hadn’t left my mind. I imagined her spread out on my desk. Bent
LillyLike a good employee, I went to Chance’s preferred stores. I bought a few skirts, blouses, a couple dresses, one cocktail dress in standard black, and a pair of shoes to go along with it. I didn’t bother trying it on and was on my way out when the lingerie section caught my eye.Unknown to everyone, including my late husband, lingerie was my guilty pleasure. Or nicer sleepwear. Baby doll satin pjs. Or a matching top and short set that was sexy but not overly revealing. I just loved the feel of the satin or silk against my skin. I’d wear jeans all day long, but at night, I loved my luxuries.So sue me.I started browsing items, despite the fact I wasn’t going to agree to the personal contract with Chance. I couldn't resist the temptation. My fingers brushed over the smooth, cool material. God, I really wanted it. I could just get one piece. The cash register rang somewhere behind me and realization sunk in. I’d be turning in my receipts and both Kimberly and Chance would see it.
ChanceStaring after Lilly, I realized my mistake.I fucked up, in more than one way. I could practically feel her rebuilding her walls with each step she took away from me.I had returned to the office to grab a document out of my safe. I didn’t expect Lilly to still be there. For a few moments, I stood watching her scanning documents, humming to some unfamiliar tune and swaying her soft hips. She had one of those timeless hourglass figures. Small, trim waist. Her tits were to die for. Not too small, not too big. Just the perfect size to cup my hands over.Her dark hair fell down her back in loose, thick waves and I fought the urge to wrap it around my fist. Her alluring body tempted me, but it was too soon. She needed more time, but the second her small palms clutched my shirt and her lustful eyes met my gaze, I was a goner. I just needed her permission. When she gave it, I pounded her like a starved beast.Fuck! It was better than I’d ever imagined it could be. Nobody had ever felt
LillyThank God for small blessings!I had the entire weekend to get myself together. Two days should be enough to find a way to come to terms with what had happened and hide all my emotions behind a neutral mask. It took Chance one minute; it would take me the entire weekend. Assuming I’d even pull it off.If I didn’t need the money and the job so badly, I would have resigned on the spot. Saturday morning, we went hiking to Annapolis Rock, our favorite spot, and after several hours of trekking through the woods of the Appalachian trail, we all felt tired but relaxed and happy. Seeing my kids’ ruffled hair, rosy cheeks, and smiles across their faces, happiness swam in my chest.On a whim, I decided we should have lunch out. After all, it had been a long time since I could afford that luxury.“How about we celebrate Mommy’s new job, and my first paycheck at the new company, by having lunch somewhere?” I asked in an enthusiastic tone, pushing all thoughts of my boss out of my mind.Exc
ChanceLilly walked away with her daughters, and I realized, this was the third time in the matter of a week, I watched her leave, never looking back.I didn’t fucking like it. Especially after yesterday.I fought the urge to stalk Lilly and change my mother’s reservations to wherever my new assistant and her daughters were eating. I didn’t want to leave her alone. Did it make sense? Fuck no, but I didn’t want anything happening to her or her girls on my watch.It had barely been a day but I already missed the feel of her soft body against mine. Her delicate hands. The need to keep her with me was unexpected. And her girls. It was fascinating to watch all four of them interact. Lilly was a lioness around her girls, protective and firm.Unlike some other mothers I knew. My ex-wife.My mood instantly darkened.“I like her.” My mother’s soft voice announced, and for a fraction of a second, I thought she was talking about my ex. “And her girls are adorable.”I knew the moment they met, my
CHANCE - THREE YEARS LATERThe moment my driver passed through the gate, I couldn’t help the smile curving my lips. The immaculate lawn wasn’t so immaculate anymore. The quiet estate wasn’t so quiet anymore. The home wasn’t a lonely place to lay my head.Lilly and my home boomed with laughter, loud voices, occasional tears and arguments, but it was all worth it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.“Seems the kids had a good day, sir,” my driver remarked.He was right. If the driveway marked with chalk full of colors, bikes, and a kiddie pool were anything to go by. I still didn’t understand the need for a kiddie pool when we had a perfectly functioning real pool, but Lilly insisted it was better.So we went with it. She dragged me to Target and picked out the cheapest pool she could find. I’d do anything to keep her happy. If she wanted me to drain the Olympic size pool, so be it. As long as she continued smiling.The car came to a stop, and I grinned. Lilly sat at the doorstep of our m
SIX WEEKS LATER“Stop fidgeting,” Noona complained. “You are messing up your hair.”“Forget my hair,” I retorted with a wide smile. God, I was so happy I could burst. “It’ll get messed up anyway. Chance gets a bit rough in the bedroom. We’re trying out some kinky stuff after the ceremony.”I winked, a playful smile on my lips.“Jesus, why would you tell me that?” Noona giggled. “What happened to my reserved best friend?”I shrugged my shoulders, glancing at the woman staring back at me in the mirror. My brown hair fell in thick waves down my back, sunlight coming through the yacht window highlighting the warm tones in it. My whiskey brown eyes sparkled and reflected back at me with a happy gleam. Slight makeup accented my eyes, lips, and cheekbones. My beach tan was enough. It contrasted against my simple, white, strapless baby doll wedding dress that came to my knees and matching two inch heels. My baby bump was getting bigger by the day.I couldn’t believe I was getting married. To
LillyBright light streaming through the window woke me, and I slowly opened my eyes, blinded by it. I hadn’t felt this relaxed in weeks, and I smiled to myself. I went to move and felt strong arms wrapped around me. I remembered last night.Too much emotion burned.I swallowed and turned to see Chance’s handsome face. My heart swelled at the sight. I brushed my fingers over his dark hair, the words from last night dancing through the air. I loved him. My body nor my mind would ever want anyone else. He was it for me.My eyes roamed the space. We ended up in my bedroom last night.He said he loves me. My pulse fluttered remembering his words.I slowly shifted out of his arms, ensuring I didn't wake him. I got up and tiptoed around the room grabbing my clothes out of the closet, as quietly as I could, and went into the bathroom to pee. As I shut the bathroom door behind me, I exhaled and leaned against it. My reflection stared back at me, the mirror reflecting a dreamy smile and thorou
ChanceMy woman.Fucking mine.I watched her sleep, her naked body a sight to behold. I’d never tire of watching her. Not in five years. Not in twenty. I’d grow old with her. Love her. Worship her.I fucking loved her so goddamn much that just the thought of losing her brought me to my knees.Tucking her body into me, I skimmed my lips against her temple. A small sigh left her lips but she didn’t stir. Jonathan said she tired easier.It turned out my best friend sleeping with my ex-wife was the best goddamn thing that could have happened to me. Our differences were settled, although I still refused to trust him.But I trusted Lilly.“You’re in my blood, beating in my heart. You’re my life,” I whispered against her temple. “My everything. Life without you would just be existing. I love you. In this life and the next.”Her dark eyes fluttered open and our gazes connected. Confusion and exhaustion lingered in hers.“Did I wake you?” I asked.A breath of silence.“I wanted to make sure yo
LillyTonight’s dinner. At my favorite restaurant. With people I loved.I loved him. He was part of me, just as my girls were.Chance’s words playing in my mind. Over and over and over again. Marry me. Just like that? God help me, I wanted to, but I wanted his love even more.“Look, Mommy... we are beautiful!” Saoirse exclaimed, pulling me away from my thoughts. I caught her watching herself in the mirror, not an ounce of modesty on her face.“Girls, you’re going to turn vain if you continue looking at yourself in the mirror.” Then because I couldn’t resist, I smiled. “And yes, you look beautiful.”My little ones whirled around one more time.“Ok, lovebugs,” I murmured while hugging them. “Go play.”I smiled as they disappeared and I went to get myself ready. A quick shower, even quicker blow-dry, some mascara, and I was ready. My hair had gotten longer and even thicker with my prenatal vitamins. I couldn’t help but smile as I looked at my image in the mirror, the move reminding me of
LillyThe next morning, we found ourselves on the beach early.Chance and Sophie eventually joined too. It was the downfall of a small village. It took all of ten minutes to reach all four corners of the entire village.“Hi, Mommy.” Sierra ran towards me with her chubby hands outstretched. “Mr. Paolo gave me an extra scoop.”I missed the days when the world revolved around ice cream.“Me too,” Saoirse exclaimed.“Free scoops are always the best.”“So this is where you’ve been hiding?” Chance sat next to me. Saoirse and Sierra left to play with their cousins to build yet another stone castle in the water.I glanced down to my bathing suit and regretted not wearing a one piece. The two piece white bathing suit revealed my little bump and next to Sophie’s knockout body, I felt a bit self-conscious. Although I had the best reason for it.“Hi there,” she greeted me. “I hope you don’t mind that we joined in.”“Of course not,” Jonathan replied before I could. He had eyes only for Sophie.Int
LillyI rushed out of there like the devil was at my heel.Rick trailed behind me. “I don’t know how I’ll survive seeing him every day,” I whispered as I glanced over my shoulder.Chance’s intense gaze remained on me, the heat of it burning through me with promises of passionate nights, rustle of the sheets and filthy words against my skin.I shook my head, hoping to clear the images creeping up my mind. “I should have said a million per night, per room.”“He would have paid it,” Rick declared confidently. “Maybe it’s good that he is here. You can decide if you want to go after him.”I glared at him. “Did he look alone to you? Did you not notice that seriously gorgeous redhead next to him?”“I did.” He shrugged casually, tucking his hands into his pockets. “But I also noticed he wasn’t looking at her. His eyes were on you the entire time.”“That’s because he wants to talk about the pregnancy. When that man gets something in his head, he doesn’t let go. I’ve seen him in negotiations.”
Lilly“Kristoff,” I breathed. “What a surprise to see you here.” Lie.Ever since the gifts, I knew deep down he was coming. Nothing and nobody would keep that man away when he set his mind on something.“No matter where you go, I’ll find you.” The deep sound of his voice did things to me I had no business feeling. Then the words sunk in. Unhealthy, my reason whispered.A loud, delighted screech and the moment evaporated through the summer breeze. Saoirse ran through the terrace. Chance knelt down before she threw herself through the air into his arms. Sierra followed, her eyes shining like the sea under the bright sun and the biggest smile her little face could muster.My heart stilled, the image burning right into my soul.Family. God, this felt like family.Our eyes collided, my heart slowed and the world ceased to exist. Just Chance and our kids. No, no, no, my kids.It was only then I noticed the woman beside him. A gorgeous redhead, wearing a classy white Greek summer dress with
LillyWe danced in silence until the song ended when Rick stepped in.“Can I cut in?”“You already have,” Jonathan grumbled.I just chuckled and took Rick’s hand just as Daughtry’s song “September” came on. “Not exactly a dance song.”“That’s ok,” he told me, putting his arms around me. “We can just slow dance.”Our bodies in sync, we danced slowly, just as we did back in our college years. So much has changed. Almost two decades, time wasted on my late husband. Catch twenty-two though, because if I regretted those years, I wouldn’t have my daughters.Opting not to think about Jack, I focused on the words of the song. And damn if that wasn’t just as bad. The words tore at my chest and fragile heart. Since songs never made me tear up before, I mused. This self-revelation would be the death of me.An ache bloomed in my chest, remembering moments with Chance, like snapshots for perfect moments. Damn hormones. Tears burned the backs of my eyes, the ache traveling through my veins to my he