Scott’s POV
By the time I got home, I felt like utter crap. My head ached, my body ached, and I was hot one minute and cold the next. The entire time I was away I shivered with the covers on, and then I threw them off, sweaty and overheated.
My mind was in a bit of a fog, and my body felt limp. I was so glad to get home that I didn’t know what to do. I had the driver take me directly to the Villa Rory and I shared. I barely got through the door before I crash-landed in the bed.
I’d hoped I’d find Rory home. I came home early from my business trip because there was no way I could work like this. My mind was muddled, my ribs hurt from coughing so much, and I couldn’t breathe without having to blow my nose every two minutes or so.
I thought of Rory’s worry over me before I left. I remembered her lips on my forehead and my lips. I wondered if she’d gotten whatever plague I seemed to be carrying, and decided to fly back home to see how she was.
Scott’s POV The sheets where Rory slept were cold to the touch. The cool sensation and the knowledge she’d already left for the day made my eyes snap open. I stared at the indent in the pillow where her head had laid and sighed.Rory asserted her independence. She didn’t shout and roar it to the skies, but her subtlety wasn’t lost on me.In the mornings, Rory was gone. She left something for me if she knew I liked what she’d made, and left a note telling me to have a good day, or reminding me to eat breakfast if she didn’t leave any.She left the coffee pot ready for me. All I had to do was flip the switch and I’d have fresh coffee. I stretched and contemplated our new way of being together.She didn’t need me half as much as she used to, and now, I felt adrift. While I respected her autonomy and felt she was rational and above board, I wanted her to need me.I did love her ability to be responsible, rational, and clear-headed. I co
Scott’s POV By the time Mom and I came back to the kitchen, Rory was fully dressed and wiping down the counters as if I hadn’t just had her up there with her panties on the floor ready to devour her like dessert.I grinned at her over Mom’s shoulder. Her eyes were wide, and her cheeks were slightly flushed, but that could be attributed to the lingering heat in the kitchen from the cooling oven.“Oh, hi, dear,” my mother said. “I’m Josephine Harper, mother to this heathen.”“I’m no heathen,” I said, but I couldn’t withhold my chuckle at her.“I saw the woman’s eyes widen, Scott,” Mom said. “There’s no telling what you were doing behind my back.”Rory laughed and held out her hand to Mom. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Harper.”“Oh, child, just call me Josie.”“Yes, ma’am,” Rory agreed.“None of that ma’am business. You’re Scott’s girlfriend.”Before Rory could voice her opinion on the subject, I pulled her close
Rory’s POV I was getting excited about the way things were going in my life. Since Josie’s visit, Scott seemed more preoccupied. I figured it had something to do with his vast business network. I knew Josie had slowed down and she occasionally helped Scott with things, but I wasn’t worried.If he wanted to talk to me about it, he would. For now, I had my own career to deal with. I wanted more for myself, and I was bound and determined to get it.“You’re doing well. You’re nearly finished with your credits. You’re reaching your goals,” Tiffany said as we started our meeting. “What are your future plans?”“I’m not sure yet. I’m still apprenticing at the gallery.”“Have you thought any more about studying abroad? I think that would be an excellent opportunity for you and your career.”I shook my head. I wasn’t ready to leave my life in Phoenix behind just yet. I wanted to live here and see where my relationship with Scott was going.
Rory’s POV “What gave you an inkling that I’m Antony’s daughter?” I asked Scott when he brought up the idea that I could be.“There are too many coincidences. I, for one, don’t believe in them, and what makes you think you can’t possibly be his daughter?”“I had parents, Scott. I know people have said that I don’t look like either of my parents, but I’m pretty sure Mom would’ve told me if I were adopted or something like that.”“You have to admit, most people look like at least one of their parents.”“I’m certain Hannah’s my mother. While lookalikes are common, I assure you I’m not Anthony’s daughter.”“I’m not,” Scott retorted.“What are you implying?” I asked.“I’m not implying anything. I’m just saying there’s a lot of evidence pointing to you being Antony’s long-lost daughter. Don’t you want to know for sure?”“I am sure,” I said, adamant in my convictions. Mother wouldn’t have carried on such an extensive s
Introduction“I want to see a picture of you in stockings.” I read the text that popped up on my phone screen with anticipation. Another followed. “Yeah, follow my lead and slide your finger into your…” I obeyed, sliding my finger beneath my waistband. The man on the other side with the note "Dear" sent me another message. "Did you miss me?" After a while, I replied with just one simple word: “Yes."I was happy when I received the five words below.“I want to fuck you!”****Months Earlier*Rory's POV“Feeling nervous?” Justin’s familiar voice whispered in my ear.“Are you out of your mind?” My hushed voice was much harsher than his. “This is Needy’s place!” “Who cares?” He reached for me, catching the hem of my shirt between his fingers. I dodged his next move, narrowly escaping his wandering hands that were ready to slip under my clothes. Even at that moment, the sounds of the party downstairs pumped into the room. Footsteps echoed outside and my heart starte
Rory's POVAs I made my way back to the party, it was nearing 1:00 AM. I couldn’t believe I’d spent two hours at the hotel with… Nope, I was not going to think about that or Scott. When I approached the house, I noticed most of the cars that had been there were gone with just a few stragglers here and there. The front door was locked, but I wasn’t worried. Needy knew I had the back way into her house memorized.Letting myself in through the garage door, I slipped through the trashed house and up to Needy’s room. She was in there with several friends who’d been at the party, and it looked like they’d all fallen asleep wherever they could get comfortable in Needy’s huge room. I grabbed a pillow and blanket off the foot of Needy’s overstuffed bed and made myself comfortable on it with her like we usually did. Enveloped in the darkness and silence, I was alone with my thoughts.Had I really given myself up to a stranger? That was completely unlike me. Technically, it wasn’t a st
Rory's POVThe next day, my thoughts only got worse. I’d slept with my friend's father and I had to attend his class again. Being with him that night was the most thrilling thing I've ever done. I didn't want to face an awkward scene, but I had to.The students we sat with were all talking about him. A lot of them seemed to be really honored to have him as their professor. They were also talking about his many accomplishments and how talented he was. I started to tune them out and had just gone back to planning my escape when I realized they were also talking about Justin.I hadn’t even realized Justin was in the class. I hadn’t seen him yesterday. I really hoped I didn’t run into him. I let my gaze travel through the crowd. Sure enough, Justin was there with his latest flame, a girl named Lisa, sitting just a few rows over from me. Lisa wrapped her arms around Justin's neck and gave me a smug look, then turned her head and shouted at me, “You look terrible. Are you losing s
Scott’s POVI sat in my corner office, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking one of the best views in the city. I listened to the book distributor on the line, discussing printing and shipping costs. I enjoyed negotiation and this was no different, especially because it was something I cared about–giving back to my past school.“How does that work for you?” The voice on the other end of the line signaled that it was my turn.“I agree with the cost of shipping. That seems fair and reasonable. You’ll need to increase the total number of books though. I know you’re an honorable establishment that believes in the educational success of the next generation. I also understand that you value my investment in your company.” I smirked to myself, knowing what would come next.“I… you’re right, Mr. Hawthorne. I’m sure we can reach an agreement that pleases both parties.” The other man tripped over himself to please me. I was fairly used to people doing that if I was being hone
Rory’s POV “What gave you an inkling that I’m Antony’s daughter?” I asked Scott when he brought up the idea that I could be.“There are too many coincidences. I, for one, don’t believe in them, and what makes you think you can’t possibly be his daughter?”“I had parents, Scott. I know people have said that I don’t look like either of my parents, but I’m pretty sure Mom would’ve told me if I were adopted or something like that.”“You have to admit, most people look like at least one of their parents.”“I’m certain Hannah’s my mother. While lookalikes are common, I assure you I’m not Anthony’s daughter.”“I’m not,” Scott retorted.“What are you implying?” I asked.“I’m not implying anything. I’m just saying there’s a lot of evidence pointing to you being Antony’s long-lost daughter. Don’t you want to know for sure?”“I am sure,” I said, adamant in my convictions. Mother wouldn’t have carried on such an extensive s
Rory’s POV I was getting excited about the way things were going in my life. Since Josie’s visit, Scott seemed more preoccupied. I figured it had something to do with his vast business network. I knew Josie had slowed down and she occasionally helped Scott with things, but I wasn’t worried.If he wanted to talk to me about it, he would. For now, I had my own career to deal with. I wanted more for myself, and I was bound and determined to get it.“You’re doing well. You’re nearly finished with your credits. You’re reaching your goals,” Tiffany said as we started our meeting. “What are your future plans?”“I’m not sure yet. I’m still apprenticing at the gallery.”“Have you thought any more about studying abroad? I think that would be an excellent opportunity for you and your career.”I shook my head. I wasn’t ready to leave my life in Phoenix behind just yet. I wanted to live here and see where my relationship with Scott was going.
Scott’s POV By the time Mom and I came back to the kitchen, Rory was fully dressed and wiping down the counters as if I hadn’t just had her up there with her panties on the floor ready to devour her like dessert.I grinned at her over Mom’s shoulder. Her eyes were wide, and her cheeks were slightly flushed, but that could be attributed to the lingering heat in the kitchen from the cooling oven.“Oh, hi, dear,” my mother said. “I’m Josephine Harper, mother to this heathen.”“I’m no heathen,” I said, but I couldn’t withhold my chuckle at her.“I saw the woman’s eyes widen, Scott,” Mom said. “There’s no telling what you were doing behind my back.”Rory laughed and held out her hand to Mom. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Harper.”“Oh, child, just call me Josie.”“Yes, ma’am,” Rory agreed.“None of that ma’am business. You’re Scott’s girlfriend.”Before Rory could voice her opinion on the subject, I pulled her close
Scott’s POV The sheets where Rory slept were cold to the touch. The cool sensation and the knowledge she’d already left for the day made my eyes snap open. I stared at the indent in the pillow where her head had laid and sighed.Rory asserted her independence. She didn’t shout and roar it to the skies, but her subtlety wasn’t lost on me.In the mornings, Rory was gone. She left something for me if she knew I liked what she’d made, and left a note telling me to have a good day, or reminding me to eat breakfast if she didn’t leave any.She left the coffee pot ready for me. All I had to do was flip the switch and I’d have fresh coffee. I stretched and contemplated our new way of being together.She didn’t need me half as much as she used to, and now, I felt adrift. While I respected her autonomy and felt she was rational and above board, I wanted her to need me.I did love her ability to be responsible, rational, and clear-headed. I co
Scott’s POV By the time I got home, I felt like utter crap. My head ached, my body ached, and I was hot one minute and cold the next. The entire time I was away I shivered with the covers on, and then I threw them off, sweaty and overheated.My mind was in a bit of a fog, and my body felt limp. I was so glad to get home that I didn’t know what to do. I had the driver take me directly to the Villa Rory and I shared. I barely got through the door before I crash-landed in the bed.I’d hoped I’d find Rory home. I came home early from my business trip because there was no way I could work like this. My mind was muddled, my ribs hurt from coughing so much, and I couldn’t breathe without having to blow my nose every two minutes or so.I thought of Rory’s worry over me before I left. I remembered her lips on my forehead and my lips. I wondered if she’d gotten whatever plague I seemed to be carrying, and decided to fly back home to see how she was.
Rory’s POV As soon as our eyes met over Zachary’s shoulder, Nicola ushered him away. I didn’t follow them. I was still in shock from what I saw.He’d betrayed the best woman I knew, and how awful I felt for my friend. I wanted to cry for her, but I knew she’d eventually be all right.The major issue I was having with my newfound knowledge was whether to tell her what I’d seen. I knew what I wanted to do, but sometimes having a friend tell you that kind of news made the person want to punish the proverbial messenger. I would want to know immediately, but I couldn’t say the same for Zoe.I continued to shop for my items, all the while trying to figure out what to do. I was indecisive about this, but I’d feel betrayed if Zoe knew and didn’t tell me.What to do? I kept thinking, as I mindlessly looked through the sales racks and pulled items in my size and my favorite colors.While I was looking through the lingerie section, Nicola caug
POV: RoryScott and I woke up and readied ourselves for the day. Scott wore a double-breasted suit and wingtips. He looked handsome in his suit, but he had a heavy cough he couldn’t seem to get rid of.“Are you alright?” I asked as he rolled his bags out to the car and lifted them into the trunk. I adjusted the car seat to my height and changed the angles of the mirrors as Scott settled in the passenger seat.“I’m fine,” he said, still coughing.I lifted my hand and touched the back of it to his forehead. He pulled my hand down and linked his long fingers through mine.“I said I’m fine. We’d better go before I’m late.”“You mean they won’t hold the flight for you,” I teased, trying to lighten his mood. He’d been in a funk since the dinner with Zeke.“You know I’m using the jet, but I still like to be on time for these things.”“I know.”I didn’t like that cough. I wondered if he was coming down with something. I wanted t
Scott’s POV Rory and I sat at the table eating breakfast. She had her tablet on the table and was checking off items on her to-do list and adding new ones. I had the newspaper open to the financial section. There was fresh fruit, cereal, coffee, and juice on the table.I didn’t quite understand Rory’s partiality for oatmeal, but she seemed to love the stuff. I couldn’t get Needy to look at the stuff nonetheless eat it, and I didn’t blame her. I hated the stuff. However, I did eat nasty ol’ Corn Flakes, as Needy called them.I let my thoughts wander while surreptitiously watching Rory spoon up creamy oatmeal with bananas and strawberries in it. I smiled. There were some mornings she had raspberries or blueberries in her oats. I made sure to keep fresh fruits for her.There were other mornings that she had slivers of almonds with yogurt and fruits. She seemed to savor either breakfast choice, and still, I didn’t care for either of her choi
Rory’s POV I was so excited when Scott suggested that we go to Antony’s art exhibition. All I could think of at the time was being on his arm and being included in an outing that had nothing to do with business or protecting me from Needy or Nicola. This was something both of us would enjoy, and I was honored to be a part of it if only as Scott’s plus one.The gallery was lovely. I enjoyed viewing the art and listening to the discussions around me.There was an interesting point in the evening when there was a lull in the conversation and everyone seemed to be eating and drinking wine, when Antony tapped a dessert spoon against his glass.“I’d like to tell you of my newest quest. I am not only an artist. I am a father. I have a longstanding wish to locate my long-lost daughter. If I could just find her, I’d love to leave my legacy to her.”I smiled at him, hoping he had luck with finding his daughter. Those gathered around at the exhibitio