《His Nasty Virgin》


 Chapter 1

    RENEE


    I try to hide my grin when I hear my mom say, ¡°Damn it, your dad forgot his lunch again,¡± but it¡¯s impossible.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring it to him,¡± I quickly say, grinning like an idiot and grabbing the bag my mom is still holding.


    ¡°It¡¯spletely out of your way. You don¡¯t have to do that.¡±


    ¡°Rx, Mom. College doesn¡¯t start for another couple of weeks. I have nothing at all to do today, so I can easily run it over there. Let me throw on some clothes and then I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    I race back up the stairs before she can argue. I¡¯ll take any excuse to go to my dad¡¯s work, especially if it means I¡¯ll get to set my eyes on his unbelievably sexy boss. I¡¯ve had it bad for Mr. Harding for as long as I can remember. He may be more than twice my age, but the man looks like a god, and he¡¯s starred in every single sexual fantasy I¡¯ve ever had. He¡¯s also the reason I¡¯m still a damn virgin at neen.


    There¡¯s no way in hell I¡¯m showing up without looking amazing, so I take a quick shower, making sure to shave everything, before walking to my closet. I decide on a ridiculously short skirt and a pink top that hugs me like a second skin. Looking in the mirror, it¡¯s painfully obvious that I¡¯m braless, so I grab a little ck sweater and put it on so my mom doesn¡¯t have a heart attack when she sees me walk out the door.


    I look at my reflection onest time and smile. With any luck, I¡¯ll catch Mr. Harding¡¯s eye. We did have a bit of a moment at the Christmas partyst year. I¡¯d run into him in a dark corner, and the heated look he¡¯d given me still gets me wet every time I think about it. Nothing had happened, though, and it¡¯s been eating away at me ever since. I know he wanted me. I think he just needs a little kick in the ass. He probably thinks I¡¯m off-limits since my dad works for him. Well, that¡¯s bullshit. I just need to make him see reason, and I think today might be the day.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    With an excited squeal, I run down the stairs and grab the forgotten lunch. Calling out a quick, ¡°Bye,¡± to my mom, I race out the door and get in my car, so excited I can barely sit still. The whole drive, I rey scene after scene of me getting fucked in every position I can think of by Mr. Harding.


    By the time I¡¯m pulling into the parking garage, my panties are soaked and my nipples are so fucking hard they ache.


    When I¡¯m inside the building, my nerves threaten to get the best of me. I hurry up and find my dad¡¯s office before I lose my courage to even do that.


    ¡°Well, what a nice surprise,¡± my dad says, giving me a quick hug. ¡°Oh, thanks.¡± He grabs the lunch I hold out to him. ¡°How pissed was your mom that I forgot it again?¡±


    Iugh and say, ¡°She wasn¡¯t crazy happy about it, but I didn¡¯t mind bringing it.¡±


    Before he can say anything else, I hear a deep, sexy voiceing from behind me, and I immediately know who it is. My whole body responds to that voice, and I¡¯m suddenly so horny I can barely think.


    ¡°Renee, it¡¯s nice to see you again.¡±


    I turn and look up at the sexiest face I¡¯ve ever seen, the one I have memorized and have fucked myself to more times than I can count. His green eyes look amused as he runs his eyes over me, and the dark stubble on his cheeks makes me want to hike up my skirt and press my pussy to his face and ride him until I¡¯ve orgasmed so many times I won¡¯t even be able to remember my damn name.


    I realize I¡¯ve been staring at him like an idiot, and to my absolute horror at some point during this imaginary oral scenario, my mouth has fallen open, so I¡¯m not only staring at him, I¡¯m staring at him with my mouth parted and my breathing way heavier than it should be for just standing still. I feel my face heat up and know I can add turning bright red to my list of humiliations.


    Mr. Harding runs his eyes over me again before turning to my dad. ¡°Are you going to have a problem getting me that report by the end of the day?¡±


    ¡°No, not at all,¡± my dad says, already sitting back down at his desk to get working. I know he¡¯s super busy, so I tell my dad bye and start to walk away. I don¡¯t get far before I sense rather than see therge, powerful presence beside me.


    He follows me into the elevator, but before I can press the button for the ground floor, he leans over and presses the top floor button. Keeping his body close to mine, he leans in closer and says, ¡°Would you minding to my office before you go?¡±


    I breathe in the scent of his intoxicating cologne and barely manage to keep from moaning and rubbing my body against his. ¡°Yeah, of course,¡± I manage to say, even if it doese out in a breathy whisper.


    He smiles and stands back up to his full height, adjusting his suit jacket and making it impossible for me to not notice how damn broad his shoulders are. He stands closer to me than is necessary, and I try my best to keep myself under control. I mean, for all I know, he just wants to ask me a few questions about my future or maybe even offer me an entry-level position. I try to tell my pussy that it doesn¡¯t mean he¡¯ll be putting his cock inside me, but my body refuses to calm down, and by the time we reach the top floor, I¡¯ve soaked through my thong again and I can feel my juices coating my inner thighs.

 Chapter 2

    Mr. Harding smiles down at me and ces his hand on my lower back, gently guiding me off the elevator. The feel of his palm pressed against me has every cell in my body on fire with need. I try my best to act casual and not like I¡¯m leaving a small trail of arousal behind me. I¡¯m too embarrassed to look to see if I¡¯m dripping onto the floor, but, fuck, does it feel like it.


    He leads me past his secretary, stopping to say, ¡°Please make sure I¡¯m not disturbed, Doris,¡± before guiding me into his veryrge, very luxurious office. Once inside, he closes the door and walks to his desk. He turns and leans against it, crossing his long legs out in front of him as he watches me. I¡¯m not sure what to do, so I stand awkwardly and look around his office. It¡¯s imposing, to say the least. The desk he¡¯s leaning against isrge and made of some kind of dark wood, there are two leather chairs in front of his desk, and there¡¯s a wall of windows that gives an amazing view of theke that the city is built around.


    ¡°Wow,¡± I say, watching a flock of birds fly by before arcing out over the water.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you like it,¡± Mr. Harding says, still watching me with those intense green eyes of his. ¡°Why don¡¯t you sit down, Renee?¡±


    Grateful to be told what to do since my brain has just decided to stop working, I walk over and sit in the plush, leather chair in front of him. His eyes run over my sweater. ¡°Cold?¡± he asks, arching a brow at me.


    I feel my cheeks heat up again when I remember how hard my nipples are and my super-wise decision to go braless. ¡°Um, no,¡± I manage to mumble.


    ¡°Then take it off.¡±


    Hismanding tone of voice and the confident way he carries himself has me practically wiggling in my seat. I slide my sweater off, feeling my face grow redder as it slowly drops away, revealing my skintight shirt and hard nipples. He lets out a quick, deep groan that he quickly cuts off, and when I¡¯m still too embarrassed to look at him, he says, ¡°Renee,¡± and that one word has me turning my eyes up to his. The heat in them nearly knocks me on my ass, but he keeps the rest of his body under perfect control. The only other clue that this is affecting him is the way he¡¯s clenching his jaw just a bit tighter.


    ¡°Interesting choice of outfits toe and bring your dad lunch.¡±


    When I didn¡¯t say anything, his lips quirked up in a small grin that looked devilish on him. It¡¯s the kind of look that promises all kinds of wicked, wonderful things, and I want them all. ¡°Did you wear this for me?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± I say, meeting his eyes.


    ¡°Good.¡± He runs his eyes over me again. ¡°I see you chose to skip the bra today. Good girl,¡± he praises, making me let out a soft moan before I can stop myself. He raises a brow at that but doesn¡¯tment on it. ¡°Did you skip the panties too?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Tell me what¡¯s under that tiny skirt.¡±


    ¡°A ck thong.¡±


    ¡°What else?¡±


    I look at him confused. ¡°That¡¯s all I¡¯m wearing.¡±


    He smiles and says, ¡°Your pussy, sweetheart. Tell me about your pussy.¡±


    I start to lift my skirt so I can just show him, but he stops me with a tsking noise. ¡°No, no, pet. Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Um, well, it¡¯s shaved and very, very wet.¡±


    He closes his eyes as if he¡¯s picturing what I¡¯m saying. ¡°How wet?¡±


    ¡°So wet, Mr. Harding. I¡¯ve soaked through my thong, and my inner thighs are slick with my juices.¡±


    ¡°Good girl,¡± he says, and I love how strained his voice sounds.


    ¡°There¡¯s something else, Mr. Harding.¡±


    He opens his eyes and looks at me. ¡°What is it, sweetheart?¡± ¡°My pussy is untouched.¡±


    He grips the desk so tightly that I see his knuckles turn white. ¡°What do you mean by that exactly?¡±


    I smile and say, ¡°I mean I¡¯m a virgin, and no one has ever seen or touched my pussy.¡± I fidget with the bottom of my skirt. ¡°I know it¡¯s silly, but I¡¯ve kind of had a crush on you for a while now, and I always wished that you would be my first.¡±


    He gives me a sinfully wicked grin. ¡°You want me to pop your cherry, pet?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I moan, running my eyes down his powerful body and letting out a soft gasp when I see the veryrge bulge in his pants.


    ¡°Then be a good girl and go stand against the window.¡±


    It¡¯s thest thing I¡¯m expecting him to say, so I just sit there waiting for him to tell me that what he means is to stand up and bend over so I can fuck you, but he doesn¡¯t say anything else, just watches me, giving me that same intense stare that has me quickly standing and walking over to therge wall of windows. When I¡¯m next to it, I look back at him, wondering just what in the hell I¡¯m supposed to be doing.


    He smiles and says, ¡°Hands against the ss, Renee.¡±

 Chapter 3

    I turn and face the windows, looking out at theke as I ce my hands against the ss, trying my best to not look down. We¡¯re so high up that it makes me a little dizzy when my eyes nce down to the street way, way below.


    ¡°Very good. Now, bend over a little bit and arch your ass out for me.¡±


    I do as he says, so turned on I can barely think. I know my short skirt isn¡¯t doing shit to cover me, and with my ass sticking out, I¡¯m guessing he¡¯s seeing a whole lot of bare skin. I want him to see more, so I spread my legs even more and arch my ass, letting him see the string that¡¯s nestled between my ass cheeks and giving him a shot of myce-covered pussy.


    ¡°Very good, pet,¡± he murmurs.


    I keep waiting for him toe up behind me, but he doesn¡¯t. Instead, I hear him sit down in his chair and then the soft clicking sound of his keyboard fills the air.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to fuck me?¡± I ask, hating how pouty I sound. ¡°Right now, I want you to do exactly what I told you to do.¡± ¡°But why?¡± I ask, looking over my shoulder at him.


    He stops what he¡¯s doing and levels his gaze on me. ¡°Because it pleases me to see you obeying me, and I¡¯m enjoying the view. Now, no more talking, pet, or I¡¯ll have to gag you.¡±


    I wait for signs that he¡¯s joking, but he looks deadly serious, and when my hips squirm a bit, his lips quirked up in a grin before he puts his attention back on hisputer. I stay where I¡¯m at until it starts to grow exceedingly ufortable. I fidget a bit, wishing like hell I¡¯d worn myfy sneakers instead of the sexy heels.


    When I¡¯m certain I¡¯m going to just fall into a heap and my back is screaming at me to stand up and stretch, he says, ¡°y with your pussy, pet, but don¡¯t let yourself cum.¡±


    A thrill rushes through me at his order. God, this feels all kinds of naughty. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m about to fuck myself in front of my dad¡¯s boss! I¡¯m too horny to be embarrassed at this point, and I¡¯m more aroused than I ever thought possible. I slide one hand under my skirt and into mycy thong. As soon as I feel how wet I am, I let out a moan and slide a finger along my dripping wet slit.


    ¡°How wet are you, pet?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m dripping wet, Mr. Harding.¡± I slide a finger inside and slowly start to fuck myself. ¡°My little pussy is sopping wet for you.¡±


    ¡°Very good, pet. Don¡¯t cum without my permission.¡±Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    He goes back to typing as if nothing unusual at all is going on here, and I keep fucking myself and trying my damnedest to obey him. It¡¯s so fucking hard, though. My clit is so swollen, and every touch sends a new rush of pleasure over me. I rock my hips, grinding against my hand, and soon I¡¯m moaning and breathing so heavily that it takes a second for me to notice that he¡¯s stopped typing. The room is silent except for my erotic moans and whimpers. I know I¡¯m not supposed to cum, but, fuck, it just feels too damn good, and knowing he¡¯s right behind me, watching me fuck myself, it¡¯s too much. All it takes is one more rub and I¡¯m smacking my free hand against the ss and moaning his name as I cum so hard I¡¯m gasping and shaking as the orgasm runs through me.


    When I¡¯m finally spent, Izily work my fingers, savoring the aftershocks and feeling better than I have in months. I¡¯m so busy feeling good that I don¡¯t notice the footsteps behind me until it¡¯s toote. He roughly grabs my wrist, jerking it away from my pussy before spinning me around and pressing me up against the ss. He looks angry and so fucking sexy it makes my head spin. He tightens his grip on my wrist and slowly brings my wet fingers to his mouth. I let out a moan when he runs his tongue over my fingers, licking up my juices before sucking my fingers into his mouth. He keeps his eyes on me the entire time, and it¡¯s the most erotic thing I¡¯ve ever seen. He groans at the taste of me, licking and sucking my arousal like a fucking starving man. All I can think about is how damn good that would feel on my pussy.


    He slowly slides my fingers out of his mouth and gives me a wicked grin that has me wondering what exactly he has nned. He doesn¡¯t make me wait for an answer.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s been a naughty little girl,¡± he says, leaning closer so our lips are almost touching. ¡°When I give you amand, pet, I expect it to be obeyed.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I quickly say, making him give a softugh.


    ¡°Yes, you will be,¡± he whispers against my lips, already reaching up to unbutton his suit jacket.


    I watch as he takes it off and steps back toy it carefully over the closest chair before turning back to me. His eyes run over me as he unbuttons the cuffs of his dress shirt and rolls up the sleeves, exposing his tanned, muscled forearms.


    ¡°You have no idea how much I¡¯m going to enjoy this.¡±


    My eyes widen as he walks towards me. I have no idea what¡¯sing, but I¡¯m so damn excited I can barely stand it.

 Chapter 4

    MR. HARDING


    The adorable, excited look on Renee¡¯s face has me so fucking hard it¡¯s painful. Watching her fuck herself against the window had almost made me bust a goddamn nut, and I knew the poor thing would disobey me and cum. It was only a matter of time. And now she¡¯s looking at me like I¡¯m a fucking god, begging me with her big, blue eyes to fuck her little virgin pussy. She¡¯s making it difficult to resist her, but there are so many things I want to do to her first.


    I¡¯ve thought of little else since I saw her at the Christmas partyst year. She was only eighteen then, and a temptation I almost didn¡¯t resist, but I wanted to wait. I wanted to see if she¡¯d show up one day, tempting me to fuck her. Turns out today is my lucky day. I eye her round ass and full tits that are straining at her tight top and the hard nipples that are just begging to be sucked. Yeah, she was well worth the wait. I had no idea she was a virgin, though. That changes everything.


    I run my hand up her leg, groaning when I get closer to her pussy and feel how slick her inner thigh is. Cupping her pussy, I let out a growl and grip her in a hard, possessive grip.


    ¡°If we take this any further, then this is mine,¡± I say, tightening my hold on her. ¡°Do you understand?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she whimpers.


    ¡°I don¡¯t fucking share, pet, and I don¡¯t y games. If you¡¯re getting my cock, then you¡¯re only getting my cock.¡± I run my free hand over her slutty little outfit. ¡°And I better not ever see you dressing like this for anyone else. This is for my eyes only.¡± I cup one of her tits and give her hard nipple a pinch, making her moan and rock her hips against me. ¡°Is that what you want?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s all I want,¡± she whimpers, so fucking eager for anything I want to give her.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± I say, letting my fingers slowly drag along her soaked cunt before pulling away and spinning her back around so she¡¯s facing the window again. I roughly yank her skirt up, revealing her perfect, round ass to me. ¡°God, you¡¯re beautiful.¡± I dance my fingers over her creamy skin, smiling at how red it¡¯s going to be in just a few minutes. ¡°I¡¯m going to spank you, sweetheart because you disobeyed me and made yourself cum like a little slut who can¡¯t control herself.¡±


    She whimpers and wiggles her ass a bit, taunting me with her curves and full hips. God, I can¡¯t wait to ram my cock into her. I¡¯m going to breed the living fuck out of her young, fertile body.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if you¡¯re still this eager when it starts to hurt.¡± I smile when her ass immediately stills. I palm one ass cheek and give it a good squeeze.


    ¡°Take your punishment like a good girl, and maybe you¡¯ll get a reward.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she moans, rocking her hips in a seductive rhythm that has my cock straining against my pants, begging to be let out to y.


    The first spank sounds deafening when it rings out in my quiet office, especially mixed with the loud squeal she gives. Iugh and smack her other cheek, groaning at the sight of my handprint blooming on her pale skin. I run a hand over her back before roughly fisting her hair as I give her two more spanks. She whimpers and moans and all it does is turn me on more. When I give her another hard spank, she starts to sniffle as tears fall down her cheeks. It doesn¡¯t stop her from rocking her hips, though.


    I caress her stinging, red cheeks while she cries and my cock gives a healthy jump in my pants. I¡¯mpletely covered in precum, and I¡¯m amazed at the effect she has on my body. She makes me feel like a fucking teenager again.


    Leaning my body over hers, I press my hard cock against her sore ass and run my tongue over her tear-streaked cheek before pulling her head back even more and kissing her hard. She moans and opens her mouth to me, sucking her salty tears from my tongue while she grinds her ass against me, driving me slowly insane with each passing second.


    I give her bottom lip a not-so-gentle bite and say, ¡°Five more spankings, baby.¡±


    Her eyes widen at my words, and I know she¡¯s thinking about how sore her ass already is. It¡¯s going to be a lot more sore after I fuck it, but I don¡¯t tell her that just yet. One thing at a time.


    ¡°Fuck yourself while I spank you, pet. This time if you cum, I¡¯m going to add ten more spankings to your punishment.¡±


    She sucks in a quick breath at my words and shakes her head yes.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± I praise, giving her another kiss before leaning back. I smile when her greedy little hand immediately goes to her pussy. Letting go of her hair, I grab onto her thong and rip it from her body, making it easier for her to fuck herself and giving me an even better view. Kneeling, I watch as she slides two fingers into her bare, wet cunt. ¡°Fuck,¡± I groan as I watch her soaked fingers slip in and out of her little virgin pussy.


    I keep kneeling as I give her another hard smack. She lets out a pained moan and starts to fuck herself faster and harder. The wet, erotic sounds of her fingers working her pussy fill my office and make it difficult for me to even remember what in the fuck I¡¯m supposed to be doing. I give her two more hard spankings just to try and get myself back under control, but the harder I spank her, the more she seems to like it.


    Her hips rock in a hypnotizing rhythm, and when she brings her fingers to her clit, she lets out a gasp and I feel her body start to tense.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fucking do it,¡± I warn, giving her another hard spank.

 Chapter 5

    She slows her hand, obeying me even though I know she doesn¡¯t want to. I reward her with another spank, this one hard enough to have her squirming as she lets out a yell that I¡¯m guessing my secretary heard.


    ¡°Good girl, baby,¡± I say, leaning closer so I can kiss her red, sore ass.


    ¡°You did so good, but I¡¯m going to be the one to make you cum this time.¡±


    She whimpers in gratitude when I gently push her hand away and rece it with my own. ¡°My god, you¡¯re so fucking wet.¡± I slide a finger into her, groaning at how damn tight she is. I¡¯ve never fucked a virgin, and knowing I¡¯m about to have me more excited about it than anything else I¡¯ve ever experienced in my life.


    I finger her slowly while I lick and kiss her reddened cheeks. She rocks her hips and lets out the cutest whimpers. ¡°Please, Mr. Harding. Please make me cum.¡±


    I keep teasing her until her thighs are shaking and she¡¯s crying for apletely different reason.


    ¡°Oh, poor baby,¡± I whisper against her skin, smiling when she lets out another pouty whimper.


    ¡°You¡¯re just being mean now,¡± she pouts at me, making meugh.


    ¡°Sweetheart, you have no idea how mean I can be. Want me to show you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she quickly says, making meugh again. ¡°But please make me cum.¡±


    I grab one of her red ass cheeks and spread her apart, eyeing her tight little asshole as I slide another finger into her pussy, stretching her wider than her little virgin pussy has ever been. She breathes out a ¡°Fuck!¡± and rocks harder against me.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    When I run my tongue over her little asshole and bring my fingers to her swollen clit, she bucks against me like the wild little thing she is and screams my name as she cums hard against me. I don¡¯t let up. My girl wanted to cum, so she¡¯s sure as fuck going to cum. I keep working her hard, running my tongue over her tight hole while I knead and pinch her clit until she¡¯s cumming again and it¡¯s only my hands on her that¡¯s keeping her upright.


    By the time I soften my fingers, she¡¯s panting and shaking and making the cutest little whimpering noises. She copses into me and when I wrap my arms around her trembling body, she gives me the sweetest, loopiest grin.


    ¡°Wow,¡± she whispers before letting out a cute giggle.


    I smile and run my hand over her firm, young body, cupping her full tit before running my thumb over her hard nipple. ¡°Feel better?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she practically purrs, giving a stretch as her eyes run over me, still so hungry and eager for more. ¡°Are you going to fuck me now?¡±


    Iugh at how sweet and innocent she is. ¡°No.¡± When she gives me another angry pout, I add, ¡°I¡¯m having way too much fun teasing you. Soon though, pet.¡±


    I set her gently on the ground and slowly pull her top off, groaning at the sight of her full, perky tits. ¡°God, tits like those should never be covered, sweetheart.¡±


    She smiles and gives a little shake, making her tits bounce with the movement while making my nuts tense in anticipation.


    ¡°Such a fucking tease,¡± I say, running my hands over her full tits. I give her nipples a hard enough pinch to make her gasp before standing up. When she starts to rise, I pat her on the head and say, ¡°No, pet. I want you on all fours.¡±


    She looks up at me, looking expectant and eager and so fucking sexy. When I give her head another pat, she leans into my touch and lets out a soft moan. God, she is perfect. I start to walk back to my desk, and when she doesn¡¯t follow, I look back and say, ¡°Come pet.¡±


    When she starts scurrying after me on all fours, her red ass in the air and her full tits bouncing with her movements, I have to grit my teeth to keep from busting a fucking nut. I walk back to my desk with her at my heels, and when I sit, shees to a stop right by my chair without me even having to ask.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± I say, patting her head and smiling when she leans into my touch again. ¡°Now, stay where you are while I finish some work.¡±


    She nods her head yes as I start finishing the report I¡¯d been working on, and after a few minutes, I¡¯m not at all surprised to feel her curious fingers running up my leg. I don¡¯t stop her. I let her explore, knowing she was just eager and curious to feel a man for the first time. When she starts to venture further up my thigh, I find it impossible to keep my focus on my work. I¡¯m not going to get anything done until I cum. My cock is going to make damn sure of that. Her shy fingers reach my cock, and the gasp she lets out when she feels how big I am is adorable as fuck.


    ¡°Take my cock out,¡± I tell her, turning my chair so she can reach me better.


    She gives me a big smile and brings her eager fingers to my belt. With shaky hands, she manages to get my pants undone, and when she reaches in and feels my cock, she lets out a soft moan and turns her big eyes up to mine. ¡°You¡¯re so big,¡± she whispers, running her fingers over my shaft.


    ¡°Yes, I am, and my sweet little virgin is going to take all of it, aren¡¯t you, baby?¡±


    She quickly nods her head and lets out another moan when my cock jumps in her hand. She very carefully pulls me free, and when I¡¯m on full disy, she eyes me and licks her full lips. Running her fingers over my shaft, she explores my cock and balls, moaning again when she sees precum beading at the head of my cock. She runs a finger over my head before bringing it to her lips. Watching me, she sucks her finger clean and gives me a raw, needy look that threatens to break thest remaining grip on sanity that I have left.

 Chapter 6

    ¡°Good god, if you don¡¯t start sucking my cock right this second, I¡¯m going to lose my goddamn mind,¡± I growl at her. I need to fuck her mouth, and I need to do it now.


    She smiles and lowers her head. Looking up at me, she runs her tongue over my balls before slowly sliding up my shaft until she¡¯s licking my head and probing my slit with the tip of her tongue. I watch her as she licks and sucks on my head, allowing her to tease me until I can¡¯t take it any longer. Groaning, I reach down and roughly fist her hair, pulling it tight enough to make her gasp.


    ¡°Open wide, pet.¡±


    Digging her fingers into my thighs, she parts her lips and starts to lower herself onto my cock. I suck in a quick breath as I watch her slowly slide down my shaft. Her tongue runs over me, driving me crazy with each teasing stroke and flick until my balls are so fucking tense I can barely stand it. I watch her, waiting for the moment when she starts to gag, knowing it¡¯s going to happen any second, and when it does, when I hear her give a soft whimper before she turns her watery eyes up at me, I let out another deep groan and fist her hair even harder.


    ¡°You have no idea how many times I¡¯ve fantasized about you choking on my cock, sweet girl.¡±


    She tries again and gags again, and I smile when I see the tears start to fall. ¡°Poor baby,¡± I say, making her shoot me an angry look that has me smiling even bigger. ¡°A feisty virgin.¡± I use my thumbs to wipe her tears away before fisting her hair again. ¡°My perfect girl.¡±


    The soft whimper she lets out has my cock growing even bigger, filling her sweet virgin mouth so full that I¡¯m amazed she can take it. Spit drips down my cock, coating my shaft and making it easier for her to slide down just a bit more. When she starts to gag again, I bring one hand down her, stroking her tear-streaked cheek before wrapping my fingers around her slender neck.


    ¡°Rx, pet.¡±


    Her body softens at my words, earning her a wink and a stroke of my thumb along her neck. I tighten my fingers around her throat, enjoying the sight of her on her knees with her mouth stuffed full of cock for just a few more seconds.


    ¡°Fuck your sweet pussy for me, pet. Let me hear how wet you are.¡±


    She moans and quickly brings a hand down between her legs just like I knew she would. The wet sounds of her fucking herself fill the air around us, and when I squeeze her neck tighter and lower her further onto my cock, she doesn¡¯t gag.


    ¡°You don¡¯t get to cum until I do,¡± I warn her, sliding her down even more, watching my shaft disappear between her pouty, wet lips. ¡°Don¡¯t disobey me this time, pet, or I¡¯ll make the spanking I just gave you seem like nothing more than a yful swat.¡±


    She moans and shakes her head yes as best she can, slowing her hand down enough for me to know she¡¯s going to be a good girl and obey. I lower her down some more, groaning at how fucking good it feels, and when her lips finally hit bottom, I growl out a ¡°Fuck!¡± and keep her held still. I know she can¡¯t breathe, but that doesn¡¯t stop her from finger-fucking herself or looking up at me with those adorable blue eyes of hers. They¡¯re bright with lust and begging me for more.


    ¡°Such a good little pet,¡± I tell her, making her let out a moan that I feel all through my cock and balls. ¡°Now I¡¯m going to fuck your sweet face, and I¡¯m going to do it hard and fast. Are you going to be a good little fuck doll for me and take it?¡±


    She whimpers and moans ¡°Mm-hmm,¡± speeding her hand up. The sloppy wet sounds of her pussy nearly pushed me over the edge.


    I tighten both my hands and raise her, letting her suck in a quick breath of air before I m her back down. She whimpers and moans and digs her free hand into my thigh, gripping me tightly as I fuck her sweet face in a brutal rhythm that¡¯s going to have me busting a nut in no time. I feel her mouth rx as she gives herselfpletely over to me, letting me use her however the fuck I want. Tears and spit drip from her face as my cock ms into her again and again. I see her hand working faster and harder, and right before I start to cum, I growl, ¡°Swallow,¡± and cum so hard it momentarily blinds me.


    She screams around my cock with her release as I keep fucking her hard and fast, mming into her as I shoot my load down her sweet, innocent throat. With another deep growl, I bury my cock inside her, groaning when I feel her throat constrict around my head as she swallows every damn drop I¡¯m giving her. She sucks my cock until I¡¯mpletely spent, and then she looks up at me and slowly pulls me from her mouth, letting my cock go with a loud, wet pop. She gives me a big smile before licking and kissing my cock clean. I watch her worship my dick, and it¡¯s the sexiest fucking thing I¡¯ve ever seen.


    ¡°Let me taste your pussy,¡± I say, as she runs her tongue over my balls before giving me a gentle suck that sends a rush of pleasure straight through me. She smiles and raises her glistening fingers to my lips. With a groan, I suck her fingers clean, savoring the taste of her pussy while she dances her tongue along my cock. I¡¯m already fully hard again and dying to get my cock in her tight little pussy.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    I give her fingers onest suck before saying, ¡°Get on my desk, pet, and show me what¡¯s mine.¡±

 Chapter 7

    RENEE


    I run my tongue over Mr. Harding¡¯s cock one more time, amazed that he¡¯s already fully hard again, and look up at him. God, he¡¯s so damn sexy sitting there with that intense look in his eyes, like he wants to fuck and im every damn inch of my body.


    My legs are shaky, but I manage to scramble up onto his desk. Sitting before him with my knees spread wide makes me feel so damn powerful. I can¡¯t help but want to tease this strong alpha. Knowing that I¡¯m the one keeping him this tense and on edge, the one making him have that hungry look in his eyes, and the one keeping that giant dick in his heart is downright intoxicating.


    I give him a wicked grin and sit back a bit more on his desk so I can ce my feet on it as well. He watches my every movement, and when I lean back so I can pull my knees in close to my chest before spreading them wide, he lets out a primal-sounding moan that has my pussy getting even wetter.


    ¡°Do you see how much I need you?¡± I ask, keeping my knees spread wide as I bring my hands to my pussy.


    ¡°You¡¯re making a mess on my desk, pet,¡± he growls at me.


    ¡°Good,¡± I purred, running a finger up my wet slit before slowly sliding it into my tight pussy. I finger-fuck myself while he watches. His jaw is clenched tightly, and the hunger and raw need in his eyes have me bringing my fingers to my swollen, achy clit with quickness.


    ¡°Such a fucking tease,¡± he murmurs, leaning closer as he roughly grabs onto my thighs, spreading me wider and holding me in ce while he lowers his face to my bald cunt. Capturing my fingers in his mouth, he sucks them clean before biting me hard enough to have me snatching my fingers away. Heughs and gives me a wink before bringing his face back to my pussy. ¡°I¡¯m going to eat your virgin pussy, sweetheart, and then I¡¯m going to fuck the hell out of it.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I whimper, leaning back onto his desk and rocking my hips up to him.


    He tightens his grip on my thighs, keeping me locked in ce as he runs his tongue up my wet slit, lighting my whole body on fire. When he slides his tongue into me and starts to fuck me with it, I let out a gasp and reach down so I cany my hands on top of his, clutching him tightly as he digs his fingers harder into the backs of my thighs.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I moan when he slides his tongue out and gives each of my pussy lips a soft suck before licking and kissing his way to my clit.


    He gives my clit a flick with his tongue and lets go of one thigh so he can slide a finger into my aching cunt. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you can make an even bigger mess for me, pet,¡± he murmurs against my pussy as he starts to rub somewhere deep inside me that has me moaning and rocking my hips as the intense feeling starts to grow.


    ¡°Mr. Harding,¡± I whimper not understanding what the fuck is happening to my body.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, pet, just rx for me. Let me take care of you.¡±


    Knowing he¡¯s in control has my body instantly rxing, and when he wraps his lips around my clit and gives me a suck, I let out a gasp and clutch his hand even tighter, needing the connection to him to ground me as he starts to work his other hand harder, pushing me towards something that I never even knew was possible.


    When he gives my clit another good suck, I scream his name as my entire body tenses and I¡¯m overwhelmed with pleasure. My pussy clenches around his finger before I feel a hot gush of fluid leaves my body. I¡¯m so caught up in the ecstasy of it all that I don¡¯t even have time to feel embarrassed, all I can do is rock against him and take every damn thing he¡¯s giving me until I¡¯m gasping for air and shaking and whimpering incoherently on his desk.


    He slows his finger down, finger-fucking me slowly while he gently licks and sucks on my clit, sending aftershocks of pleasure through me until my clit is so sensitive that I¡¯m wiggling and trying to break contact, but he grips my thighs, spreading me wider and forcing me to be still.


    ¡°You will take what I want to give you, pet,¡± he whispers against my clit.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I moan, loving how damn dominant he is.


    He runs his tongue over my sensitive clit as I let out a yelp at the mix of pleasure and pain. He teases me, licking and flicking my swollen, overused nub until I¡¯m cumming again and feeling like I¡¯m going to split into a million pieces and float right out of his office. He keeps his movements slow and soft, guiding me through the orgasm, controlling it with every flick and stroke until I¡¯m shaking and gasping. Kissing my pussy onest time, he raises his head and I¡¯m surprised at how soaked his face and neck are.


    ¡°Is that from me?¡± I ask, making himugh as he unbuttons his shirt, revealing his muscled chest and abs to me. ¡°Damn,¡± I whisper, eyeing all the peaks and grooves of hard muscle that I¡¯m dying to explore with my fingers and tongue.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s all from you, pet. I knew my perfect girl would be a squirter.¡±


    I smile, making a mental note to ask him what in the hell that meanster. Right now, I¡¯m too busy watching this gorgeous man undress. When he¡¯s naked, I run my eyes over him, hardly able to believe that this sexy, older man is about to pop my cherry. He steps closer and gives me a sinfully wicked grin. Fisting his cock, he teases me by slowly dragging his head along my wet slit before sliding it over my clit.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    ¡°Please,¡± I beg, rocking my hips and bringing my hands to my tits, kneading them in my hands while he watches me.


    ¡°Please what, pet?¡±


    ¡°Please fuck me, Mr. Harding. Give me that big cock of yours and make me your woman.¡±

 Chapter 8

    He smiles and presses the head of his cock against my tight, bald pussy. ¡°You think you can handle all this, little virgin?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I moan, giving my nipples a hard pinch. ¡°I can take it. Spread your little pet wide and fill me with your seed,¡± I beg, rocking my hips and spreading my thighs wider.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he growls, grabbing onto my hips and sliding the head of his cock into me, pushing past my body¡¯s natural resistance and iming me one inch at a time. I whimper from the pain, feeling tears start to run down my face again, but I love every fucking second of it. He spreads me wider than I ever thought possible. I never knew it could feel so damn good to be sopletely and utterly stuffed.


    When he¡¯s fully inside me, he groans and brings his mouth to one of my tits, wrapping his mouth around me and giving me a good suck while he runs his tongue over my hard nipple. I bring my hands to his head, running my fingers through his hair, holding him close to me as he devours my tit while he lets me get used to the feel of him buried inside me.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Kissing his way to my other tit, he gives my nipple a soft bite that has me gasping and gripping his hair even tighter. He brings one hand to cup the back of my head as he kisses his way up to me. His lips and tongue and teeth tease the everliving fuck out of me, and by the time he brings his lips to mine, I¡¯m more than ready for him to start fucking me.


    ¡°More,¡± I beg, running my tongue over his lips before sliding in to meet his. He kisses me hard as he slowly starts to fuck me, and the feel of it sends a fresh wave of pleasure and pain over me that has me moaning against his mouth as my nails dig into his back.


    ¡°God, you¡¯re so fucking tight,¡± he growls against my lips, fucking me hard enough to make my tits bounce and my eyes roll back in my head.


    ¡°And you¡¯re so fucking big,¡± I pant, making him smile. He slows his hips down, fucking me in long, slow strokes that have me whimpering as I feel the familiar build-up of tension that he¡¯s quickly gotten me addicted to. He watches me as he slowly fucks me, keeping his hand cupping the back of my head and protecting me from the hardness of his desk.


    ¡°You are so beautiful, pet,¡± he whispers against my lips. ¡°And now you¡¯re all mine, aren¡¯t you, baby?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I moan, dragging my nails along his back and making him let out another deep groan. ¡°And you¡¯re mine.¡±


    ¡°God, I love how feisty you are.¡± He gives my bottom lip a hard enough bite to make me moan and buck up against him. ¡°Yes, pet, I¡¯m yours and only yours.¡±


    I smile and rock my hips harder against him. ¡°Fuck me harder,¡± I beg. ¡°Make me so sore I won¡¯t be able to walk afterward.¡±


    ¡°Fucking hell, baby,¡± he groans before kissing me and giving me exactly what I need.


    He fucks me at a hard, brutal pace that has me clinging to him and screaming against his lips as I cum so hard I see stars and hear a ringing in my ears. He doesn¡¯t let up, just keeps pounding his thick cock into me until all I can do is hang on and give myself over to himpletely. When he makes me cum again, I bite his shoulder and when my pussy clenches around his cock, he lets out a feral-sounding growl and lets go. I feel his cock pulse inside me, filling me with his seed as I milk him of everything he¡¯s got.


    When he¡¯s finally empty, he sighs and cups my face, resting his forehead against mine. ¡°My sweet, sweet girl, I¡¯m never going to be able to stop fucking you.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± I say, making him smile. ¡°Because I¡¯mpletely addicted to your cock.¡±


    Heughs and kisses me before lifting me. Keeping himself buried inside me, he runs his hands down my body, stopping to give my nipples a hard pinch. Grabbing onto my thighs, he spreads my legs wide again before slowly sliding himself out of me. I let out a soft hiss at how sore I am as he lets out a deep groan at the sight of my used, imed pussy and the unmistakable proof of my lost virginity written all over his cock.


    ¡°This is how I want you to always look,¡± he growls, digging his fingers even harder into the flesh of my thighs. ¡°Your pussy should always be sore and dripping my seed, pet.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I say, knowing there will never be a time when I won¡¯t want to feel him ramming that powerful cock into me. I¡¯d ask him to fuck me again right now if I didn¡¯t already have other ns for that quickly growing cock of his.


    I give him a shy smile and say, ¡°There¡¯s still one other ce that you need to im.¡±


    He arches a brow at me but doesn¡¯t say anything. ¡°I want you to fuck my ass, Mr. Harding.¡±

 Chapter 9

    MR. HARDING


    I look down at my sweet little pet and smile. Her thighs are still trembling in my grip, and I know she has to be sore as fuck, but she¡¯s still doing her damnedest to rock her hips against me as she begs me to fuck her little virgin ass. I let out another groan when I see the thin smear of blood on my cock. God, she is mine. It¡¯s going to be weird as fuck having my father-inw work under me, but I guess he¡¯ll get used to the idea because I¡¯m never letting his sweet daughter go.


    No, this sweet girl is all mine. Just the thought of another man getting to touch or taste what¡¯s mine has me seeing red. She¡¯s mine and only mine.


    ¡°You want your little ass fucked, pet?¡± I ask, smiling at the way her eyes light up at my words.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she moans, cupping her tits and rolling her nipples roughly between her fingers. I believe my sweet girl has a little bit of a pain kink, and lucky for her, I can give her all the pain and pleasure she desires.


    I lean down and kiss her, sucking and biting her bottom lip until she¡¯s whimpering and locking her legs around me, trying her best to guide my cock back into her pussy. Iugh and pull back.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the hole you want fucked right now, sweet girl.¡±


    She smiles and grabs onto me when I lift her from the desk. I squeeze her sore ass cheeks, making her let out a soft whimper, and press her body even harder against mine. God, every damn inch of her drives me crazy.


    ¡°Bend over, baby, show me that little virgin ass of yours.¡±


    She lets out an honest-to-god giggle and quickly turns around to do as I say. Her round ass is arched up and at the perfect height. I run my fingers over her ass, groaning at the sight of her still-red cheeks. Cupping one in each hand, I spread her wide and expose her pink little pucker to me. Leaning closer, I run my tongue over herst virgin hole, smiling when she breathes out a ¡°Fuck!¡± and smacks her hand against my desk.


    I circle my tongue along her asshole, sparking all her nerve endings to life while I slide two fingers into her dripping, used cunt. Bringing a soaked finger to her tight hole, I give her one more lick before sliding my finger into her. She whimpers and rocks her hips while I finger-fuck her ass.


    ¡°You like that, pet?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she moans in a breathy rush. ¡°Fuck yes.¡±


    I smile and watch my finger disappear into her sweet little ass. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you can handle more,¡± I say, pressing two fingers against her asshole before slowly pushing in. I let out a groan at the sight of her tight ass opening up even wider to take the extra finger. ¡°Good girl,¡± I praise her, sliding my fingers in all the way and feeling her tight ass mp down on me. I slowly finger-fuck her ass, stretching her and getting her ready for my cock.


    She whimpers and moans and rocks her hips as I loosen her up. ¡°Please,¡± she begs, looking at me over her shoulder and pleading with her eyes. ¡°Please fuck my ass.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I am, sweetheart,¡± I say, spreading my fingers wider and giving her a better glimpse of what¡¯s toe. She gasps and smacks my desk again.


    ¡°With your cock,¡± she begs. ¡°I need you to fuck my ass with your big cock. Please, Mr. Harding, fuck my ass.¡±


    ¡°God, I will never get tired of hearing you say that.¡± I slide my fingers out and grab onto her hips, pressing the head of my cock against her little asshole. ¡°Just rx, pet, and let me in.¡±


    I press against her, but she¡¯s nervous and her body automatically tenses, making it impossible for me to slide inside without hurting her far more than I want to. I keep my cock pressed against her ass and slide my hand across her stomach to cup her pussy.


    ¡°God, you¡¯re so wet, baby,¡± I groan, sliding my soaked fingers over her swollen clit.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she whimpers softly, keeping her face buried in the crook of her arm.


    I stop my hand and growl, ¡°Look at me.¡±


    She turns her head and looks at me. Her blue eyes are threatening to unleash tears, and her face is red with embarrassment. She looks sexy as fuck, and it¡¯s taking all my willpower to keep myself in check.


    ¡°Don¡¯t apologize to me for not being fucked in the ass before. You think I would like it better if you bent over and took my cock like a little whore who¡¯s already been fucked a million times?¡±


    She doesn¡¯t say anything, just watches me with those beautiful eyes of hers.


    ¡°I love that you came to me a virgin and that you¡¯re so scared of being ass-fucked that you¡¯re clenching up and making it impossible for me to get in.¡± I slide the head of my cock over her tight little asshole. She whimpers and immediately rocks her hips, arching her ass up even more for me. ¡°But even though you¡¯re scared, you want it so badly you can barely stand it. You have no idea how much that drives me wild, baby. I could cum all over your little virgin asshole just from that.¡±

 Chapter 10

    She moans and rocks her hips as I slide along her asshole again.


    ¡°And don¡¯t worry, pet, you¡¯ll be opening up for me soon enough. I can promise you that.¡±


    She sucks in a quick breath when I start to rub her clit again, massaging and rolling it between my fingers as I press the head of my cock firmly against her tight pucker. Her breathing picks up, and I know it¡¯s not going to take her long at all. When I give her clit a soft pinch before rubbing her in firm circles, she moans my name and starts to cum. I feel her body tense. I wait for that to pass, and right when she¡¯s consumed with ecstasy and feeling rxed I slide the head of my cock into her.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± she gasps as I slowly slide into her.


    ¡°Easy, baby,¡± I tell her, feeling her body start to tense. I dance my fingers around her clit, avoiding the overly sensitive bundle of nerves before sliding three fingers into her pussy, letting her see how good it can feel to have both her holes stuffed.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she whimpers, bucking against me, so fucking hungry for more.


    ¡°Harder. I need it harder.¡±


    With a growl, I slide in the rest of the way until I¡¯m buried balls deep inside my girl. Leaning over her, I kiss along her shoulder before giving the nape of her neck a soft bite. ¡°See what a good girl you are?¡± I ask, licking the crook of her neck and kissing my way up her neck and along her chin until my mouth is close to hers. ¡°Do you like having my cock in your ass, pet?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she whimpers. ¡°You¡¯re so big, Mr. Harding. You¡¯re spreading me so wide.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, baby, and you¡¯re taking it so well. I¡¯m so proud of my good girl.¡±


    She smiles and gives my upper lip a soft suck. ¡°Spread me wider,¡± she purrs against my lips. ¡°Fuck your good girl hard. Show me what that big cock can do.¡±


    I let out a growl at her words and kiss her hard while I slowly start to fuck her. She may be begging me for rough and hard, but I know that as much as she may think she wants that right now, she¡¯ll regret itter when she can¡¯t even sit down. I¡¯ll fuck her hard, but not before I think she¡¯s ready for it.


    She slides her tongue along mine and reaches back so she can run her fingers through my hair, gripping it tightly and holding me close to her. I keep fucking her pussy while I slowly fuck her ass.


    ¡°Please,¡± she begs. ¡°I¡¯m so close, Mr. Harding.¡±


    ¡°Then cum for me, pet. Let me hear how much you love my cock in your ass.¡±


    I cup her pussy tighter, letting the meaty part of my palm rest firmly against her clit while my fingers work harder. It doesn¡¯t take long before she¡¯s screaming my name again and bucking wildly beneath me. I groan as her body tenses with her orgasm, threatening to take me with her, but I grit my teeth and refuse to give in. I¡¯m not done with her ass yet, and I¡¯m sure as fuck not going to spill my seed just yet.


    When she starts toe down, I give her another kiss before lifting and grabbing onto her hips. I dig my fingers into her skin and hold her still as I start to fuck her faster. My eyes are glued to the sight of her tight little ass taking my cock. My balls smack against her wet, used pussy with each hard thrust. I feel her body start to tremble, and the soft little whimpering noises she¡¯s making are pushing me closer and closer to the edge.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I growl when she starts to cum again. This time I let her tight, young body take me with her. She clenches even tighter around my cock, sending me over the edge with a feral growl. Each thrust has me shooting another thick braid of cum into her tight little ass, filling her to the fucking brim until I¡¯mpletely spent and there¡¯s not a drop left in me.


    ¡°Fucking hell, baby,¡± I say, trying to catch my breath.


    Her body ispletely limp as little tremors run through her. I slowly slide my cock out of her ass, groaning at the sight of both her holes dripping my seed. I carefully pick her up, cradling her small body against me as I sit back in my chair. She curls her body into mine, resting her head on my shoulder. I kiss her forehead and brush a sweaty strand of hair away. She gives me an adorable, loopy grin and lets out a soft sigh. ¡°That was amazing, Mr. Harding.¡±


    I smile and give her a soft kiss. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you should start calling me David now?¡±


    She smiles and whispers, ¡°Thanks for popping my cherry, David.¡±


    Iugh and hold her tighter. ¡°You¡¯re mine now, sweet girl. I¡¯m going to take you home and let you soak in a nice hot bubble bath, and then I¡¯m going to spend the entire night fucking you. I wonder how many times I can make you cum before the sunes up.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Only one way to find out,¡± she says, making meugh.


    ¡°God, you¡¯re going to be such a handful, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°You bet your ridiculously fine ass I am.¡± She cups my face and gives me a wicked grin. ¡°You can always spank my ass when I¡¯m a bad girl.¡±


    I groan and tighten my grip on her ass. ¡°Oh, I will, pet, don¡¯t you worry about that.¡±


    She smiles and pulls me closer, bringing her mouth to mine. God, I¡¯m going to enjoy spending the rest of my life keeping my wicked little girl in line.

 Chapter 11

    SKIN TO SKIN


    AVA


    I remember swear time has slowed down since Ist looked at my watch. Ever since I found out my brother wasing home for a


    visit, I¡¯ve been pacing the house like a caged lion, and it¡¯s not just because I¡¯ve missed my older brother. No, it¡¯s because he texted and said he was bringing Josh with him, the man I¡¯ve secretly been in love with for as long as I can remember.


    My parents had mete in life-what they lovingly call a happy ident-so my brother is twelve years older than me, and Josh is the same age. That makes him a thirty-one to my neen. That¡¯s not weird, I remind myself, and if I¡¯m being honest, I don¡¯t care even if it is. There¡¯s something about Josh that just drives me crazy. He oftenes for visits when Josh is in town, and I vividly remember all the times he would spend the night over here after I turned eighteen, and how I would fuck myself until my pussy was sore, screaming his name into my pillow.


    I¡¯ve always been too embarrassed and shy to act on it, though, but all that ends this weekend. I¡¯m sick and tired of being a virgin, and he is the only cock I want. When I saw my brother¡¯s truck pull into the driveway, I let out an excited squeal and ran for the front door. They¡¯ve barely gotten out of the truck before I¡¯m running up to them. I give Sean a quick, chaste hug and then turn to Josh. My eyes run up the solid wall of muscle he is before hitting his chiseled jaw and gorgeous, chocte brown eyes that are looking at me with an amused glint to them. Before I lose my courage, I stand on tiptoe and wrap my arms around him, pressing my body hard against his.


    ¡°Hi, Josh,¡± I whisper against his neck.


    He wraps his arms around me, and I can¡¯t help but let out a soft moan at how damn good he feels. The spicy scent of his cologne, and the hard, muscled body I¡¯m pressed against have my panties soaked in seconds and my nipples so hard that I know he can feel them since I identally forgot to put on a bra today.


    ¡°Hi, Ava,¡± he says, and I can hear the amusement in his voice. I like to think I¡¯ve hidden how much I¡¯m attracted to him, but I¡¯m guessing he¡¯s always known.


    ¡°Oh my god, Ava,¡± Sean says from beside me. ¡°Can you let him go now so we can go inside?¡±


    I let out a soft, annoyed huff, but Josh hears it and gives a smallugh, patting my lower back with one of hisrge hands. I take in one more lungful of his intoxicating scent before giving his neck a quick kiss and backing away. His brown eyes widen ever so slightly in surprise, but he doesn¡¯t say anything, just lifts a dark brow at me before turning grabbing his bags, and heading inside after Sean.


    I watch his ridiculously fine ass before running to catch up to him. My parents are hugging my brother and asking them both a million questions when Ie into the living room. My mom ushers them into the kitchen where she¡¯s been cooking all day. Sean and Josh dig into the food, making her as happy as they know it will, and I grab the seat opposite Josh so I can keep watching him. He smiles at me before taking a bite from the enormous te ofsagna my mom has handed him.


    ¡°So what¡¯s new with you, Josh?¡± my mom asks, sitting down beside me. ¡°Any girlfriends?¡±


    ¡°Mom,¡± I say, not liking the direction of this conversation at all. Thest thing I want to hear about is him hooking up with other women. I know he¡¯s not a virgin like me, but that doesn¡¯t mean I want to hear about it.


    Josh smiles at me again before saying, ¡°No, I¡¯m single, Mrs. Moreno.¡±


    ¡°How is that possible?¡± my mom asks. ¡°You¡¯re such a handsome man, and so sessful. I bet you have women throwing themselves at you all the time.¡± To my absolute horror, she gives my shoulder a light smack and says, ¡°If only our Ava hadn¡¯t been such a happy ident and we¡¯d had her right after Sean.¡± Sheughs as I feel my face heat up. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Tony?¡± she shouts at my dad. ¡°Ava and Josh, boy, the two of you would make some cute babies.¡±


    Josh eyes me with an expression I can¡¯t quite read, and I want to crawl under the table while my momughs about the future kids we could¡¯ve had if only Dad¡¯s sperm had found that egg a bit sooner. I¡¯m too embarrassed to make eye contact with Josh, so I keep my eyes glued to my te and push my food around, too riled up to even eat.


    After supper, my parents go to watch TV while my brother puts his stuff in his old room. Josh follows me down the hall since the spare room is right next to mine. I¡¯m about to go into my room when he grabs my arm and surprises me by pressing me up against the wall. His body is only inches from mine, and having him this close makes it difficult for me to do anything except grow even hornier by the second.


    ¡°Still too embarrassed to look at me?¡± he teases, dipping his head lower so I¡¯m forced to make eye contact with him. When I do, he gives me a sexy wink that has my heart racing and my face heating up even more. ¡°There¡¯s my shy girl,¡± he says, making me smile at his words.


    ¡°That was so embarrassing,¡± I groan.


    He hooks a finger under my chin and lifts it. His eyes run over me, and I¡¯m surprised by the desire I see in them. ¡°Does it bother you so much to think about me fucking a baby into you?¡± he asks, shocking the hell out of me. He brings his other hand to the waistband of my jeans, sliding his finger underneath and dragging it along my stomach. ¡°Because I¡¯d be lying if I said I¡¯ve never thought about breeding the hell out of your young, fertile body.¡±


    I let out a surprised gasp as my body automatically leans towards him. I¡¯m not sure what exactly I¡¯m about to do, but my brother chooses that exact moment to open his door, so I never get to find out. Josh gives me another sexy wink and pulls away, leaving me with a soaked pair of panties, a racing heart, and nipples so achy I can barely stand it.


    He¡¯s thought about breeding me?


    I¡¯m dizzy from just the idea of it. I mean, I¡¯ve always fantasized about Josh fucking me and cumming inside me, usually crazyrge amounts that I¡¯m pretty sure aren¡¯t even humanly possible, but I never thought in a million years that he would think about or want something like that too. What the fuck am I supposed to do now?


    There¡¯s only one thing I can do and that¡¯s escape into my bedroom so I can fuck myself and relieve some of this tension from my body. After Sean goes back down the hall, I¡¯m just about to slip into my room when Josh grabs onto my hand, scaring the hell out of me and making me suck in a quick, guilty breath.


    ¡°Just what do you think you¡¯re doing, little Ava?¡± he whispers in my ear, making goosebumps rise all over my skin.


    ¡°Um, just going to my room for a few minutes.¡±


    ¡°Oh really? To do what?¡±


    I look at him and can tell he¡¯s trying hard to notugh. ¡°I just want to rx for a bit, maybe read.¡±


    He brings his hand to my hip, gripping me softly as he presses against me. I let out a low moan when I feel the hard length of him press against my ass.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t going in there to fuck your sweet little pussy, are you?¡±


    ¡°Um, what?¡± I say, trying like hell to sound surprised and casual and failing miserably on both counts.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 12

    His deepugh sounds sexy as hell, and the feel of his fingers on my hip and his cock digging into my ass is driving me crazy. I can¡¯t help but arch back, wiggling my ass against him. It¡¯s my turn to smile when I hear his groan and feel his fingers tighten around me.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Josh? You don¡¯t like it when I¡¯m the one teasing you?¡±


    ¡°Baby, you¡¯ve been teasing me ever since you turned eighteen. Every time Ie here, you eye-fuck me, tease me with your tiny little outfits.¡± He brings his other hand to cup one of my tits. ¡°Conveniently forget to wear a bra,¡± he says, letting his fingers graze over my hard nipple.


    I grind my ass harder against his cock. ¡°What are you going to do about it?¡±


    ¡°Careful, little girl,¡± he growls against my neck, ¡°or you¡¯re going to get exactly what you¡¯ve been begging me for.¡±


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s exactly what I want,¡± I say. I grab onto his hand and slide it under my shirt so he¡¯s cupping my bare tit.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he groans, making me smile.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re not the only one who¡¯s fantasized about you cumming inside me.¡±


    He gives my nipple a hard enough pinch to make me gasp and my knees almost buckle. ¡°Don¡¯t fuck with me, Ava. I bet that¡¯s what you tell all the boys, isn¡¯t it? You tease them and tell them how badly you want them to fuck you raw and fill your little pussy to the brim.¡±


    I moan at his words and lean closer to run my tongue over his bottom lip. ¡°You¡¯re wrong, Josh. No one¡¯s ever cum in this pussy.¡± I smile and add, ¡°No one¡¯s ever even seen my pussy. I¡¯m a virgin.¡±


    His whole body stills as his eyes search mine, looking for the truth in my words. ¡°Are you fucking with me, Ava?¡±


    ¡°I would never lie to you, Josh. You¡¯re the only man I¡¯ve ever wanted, so I saved everything for you.¡±


    ¡°Fucking hell, baby,¡± he groans before pressing his lips to mine. The kiss is hard and hungry, both of us knowing we don¡¯t have much time before my brotheres back. His tongue slides along mine, making my knees weak and my pussy clench with need. He gives my nipple another pinch that has me moaning and grinding my ass against him.


    When we hear footstepsing closer, he lets out a frustrated groan and pulls away before either of us is ready for it to be over. He gives my tit onest squeeze before his fingers caress my cheek.


    ¡°Follow my lead, baby,¡± he whispers before taking a step back and adjusting the massive hard-on he¡¯s sporting. I barely have time to straighten my shirt before Sean walks down the hall. He¡¯spletely oblivious with his eyes glued to his phone and doesn¡¯t seem at all aware of the obvious sexual tension hanging in the hall.


    ¡°A walk sounds like a great idea,¡± Josh says, giving me a quick wink.


    ¡°What? You¡¯re going for a walk?¡± my brother asks, finally pulling his eyes away from his screen.


    ¡°Yeah, your sister was just telling me about all the changes in the neighborhood since we werest here, and I¡¯m kind of stiff from sitting in the truck for so long.¡±


    I have to bite my lip to keep fromughing at the stiff part, but I manage to keep it under control and shake my head yes as if a walk was my idea.


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯lle too,¡± he says, making me want to kick his oblivious ass.


    ¡°Okay, but Shelley usually walks her dog around this time every night.¡± He groans at the mention of his ex who has never quite gotten over him. ¡°Never mind, I¡¯m going to bed. You two have fun.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. See ya,¡± I quickly say, grabbing onto Josh¡¯s arm and leading him to the door.


    Joshughs as I lead him to the backdoor, and I shoot him an angry look and put my finger to my lips. I swear if he alerts my parents before we can sneak out, I¡¯m going to lose my shit. I¡¯ve got an achy, wet pussy, and I need relief right fucking now. As soon as we¡¯ve slipped out the back, I smile and press my body to his. He cups my face and runs his thumb over my bottom lip. When I flick my tongue out to taste him before sucking his thumb into my mouth, he groans and watches me with a feral look in his eyes.


    ¡°Careful, little girl,¡± he murmurs, ¡°or I¡¯m going to give you something a lot bigger to suck on.¡±


    I moan and give his thumb another hard suck before slowly sliding him out from between my lips. ¡°Is that a promise?¡± I ask, before running my tongue over my bottom lip. ¡°Because my pussy isn¡¯t the only ce I want your cock.¡±


    He leans closer so our lips are almost touching. ¡°Where else do you want my cock, baby?¡±


    ¡°I want you to fuck my mouth and my ass, too,¡± I whisper, amazed that I¡¯m brave enough to say it.


    He gives me a wicked grin and brings his hands to my ass, cupping me tightly. ¡°You want me to fuck your tight little ass?¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°God yes,¡± I moan when he tightens his grip on me so his cock is pressing even harder into my stomach. ¡°I want to be covered in your cum. I want to be sore and dripping your seed.¡±


    ¡°Fucking hell, baby,¡± he groans, pressing his mouth to mine and kissing me as hard as I need him to. Without stopping, he picks me up and I wrap my arms and legs around him, giving his tongue a suck that has him tightening his grip on me.


    I pull back long enough to say, ¡°Treehouse,¡± before pressing my mouth back to his. I feel him smile against me as he starts to slowly carry me across the yard to the treehouse that Josh and Sean built me when I was younger. I¡¯ve always loved it because it reminds me of him. I stille out here all the time to fuck myself while I think about him, and now all those fantasies are about toe true.


    When we¡¯re beneath the tree, he gives me onest kiss before setting me down. As soon as I¡¯m on my feet again, I slip my hands under his shirt and run my fingers over his hard, muscled chest and abs. He may be twelve years older than me, but fuck has he kept himself in shape. I want so many things at once that I feel like I¡¯m pulled in a thousand different directions. Joshughs and grabs onto my hands, stilling them with his own until I bring my eyes to his.


    ¡°Rx, Ava, I¡¯m going to give you everything you want, but I can¡¯t give it to you all at the same time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve just waited so long,¡± I say, hating that I sound so damn pouty.


    ¡°I know you have, baby, and I promise I¡¯m going to make it up to you.¡± He¡¯s still holding onto my hands, so I press my body against him, needing to feel the hard length of him again. ¡°Please, Josh, I need your cock,¡± I beg. ¡°I¡¯m so wet, and my pussy is so achy. I need you to fill me up.¡±


    When he lets go of my hands so he can cup my face, I immediately bring them to his cock so I can massage him through his jeans.


    ¡°My poor baby,¡± he murmurs against my lips. ¡°So fucking hungry for my cock all these years.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait any longer,¡± I whine, mesmerized by the feel of his hard cock and desperate to get him undressed.


    ¡°Oh, but you will, baby,¡± he whispers, sliding his hand down to wrap around my neck and giving me a hard enough squeeze to send a jolt of pleasure all through me at the possessive grip. ¡°You¡¯ll wait as long as I want you to.¡± He gives my bottom lip a soft bite. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sweetheart, I¡¯m going to give you all the cock you can handle, but, god, I do love hearing you beg me for it.¡±


    When I let out a frustrated groan, he justughs and gives me another bite, this one not quite as gentle. ¡°You want my cock, baby?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I whine, not even caring that I sound like a brat.


    ¡°Then show me where you want it, baby.¡±


    I want it everywhere, but the first thing I think to do is drop to my knees and open wide. He smiles at me and pats me on the head. ¡°Good girl, baby,¡± he says, making me beam at his praise.

 Chapter 13

    JOSH


    I never thought in a million years that one day Sean¡¯s little sister would be on her knees before me with her mouth open wide, begging me to fuck her sweet mouth. I¡¯ve jerked off to the image more times than I can count, but I never thought it would happen. When I¡¯d showed up today and she¡¯d jumped in my arms, I knew something was different, and then she¡¯d said she wanted me to breed her, and fuck if that didn¡¯t make me almost bust a nut in my goddamn pants.


    Ava¡¯s still sitting before me like a good girl, just waiting for my cock, and it¡¯s the sexiest sight I¡¯ve ever seen. I pat her head again, noticing the way she¡¯s getting off on my praise, before bringing my hands to my pants. She watches me wide-eyed as I undo my pants, and when I free my cock, she lets out the cutest gasp, her mouth dropping open even wider when she sees how big I am.


    I fist my cock and say, ¡°Is this what you want, baby?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she whispers, licking her lips in anticipation.


    I slowly jerk myself off while I watch her, loving how she never takes her hungry eyes off my cock, watching me work myself until I¡¯mpletely coated in precum. Stepping closer, I guide the head of my cock to her waiting, open mouth. As soon as I¡¯m close enough, she¡¯s sticking her tongue out, so fucking desperate for the taste of me. I grit my teeth when her tongue runs over my head, probing my slit andpping up my precum like a fucking starving woman.


    ¡°You¡¯re so fucking eager for my cum, aren¡¯t you, baby?¡±


    She moans and turns her big, blue eyes up to me, running her tongue over me again as she shakes her head yes. When she starts to suck the head of my cock into her mouth, I groan and fist her hair hard enough to make it hurt. She lets out a sexy moan and grabs onto my thighs, running her tongue over my head before she takes me in a bit more. I watch her, knowing what¡¯sing even if she doesn¡¯t, and when she takes me in some more and starts to gag, I can¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°This is another first for you?¡± I ask, hoping like hell the answer is yes.


    When she shakes her head up and down as best she can, I pat her head and say, ¡°Very good, pet. I¡¯d be very disappointed if you¡¯d wrapped those pouty lips around another man¡¯s cock.¡±


    She moans at my praise and tries to take me in again only to gag again and look up at me with tear-filled eyes.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, baby,¡± I tell her, running my thumb across her cheek to wipe away the tears before wrapping my fingers around her slender neck. I watch her, groaning at the sight of her kneeling before me, choking on my cock even as she keeps trying to deepthroat me. Her face is streaked with tears, her cheeks red from embarrassment and lust, and it takes all my willpower to not just cum all over her face right this second.


    ¡°One day very soon, beautiful, I¡¯m going to cum all over that pretty little face of yours.¡±


    She moans and grips my thighs tighter.


    ¡°You like that? You want me to shoot my cum all over your face?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm,¡± she moans, making my balls tense up and a shiver run down my spine.


    ¡°And here I thought you were always such a sweet girl, Ava, but you¡¯re not, are you? You may be a virgin who¡¯s saved herself all for me, but that doesn¡¯t mean you aren¡¯t a dirty little slut.¡± She moans again at my words, and it¡¯s only my hand on her throat that¡¯s keeping her from gagging on me again. She¡¯s fighting me, trying to take in more of my cock, but I tighten my fingers and give her a wink.


    ¡°Are you my dirty little slut?¡± I ask, smiling when she immediately tries to shake her head yes.


    ¡°Mm-hmm,¡± she moans, running her tongue over me.


    ¡°Good girl, baby. I¡¯m going to help you take my cock, and then I¡¯m going to fuck your sweet little mouth as hard as I¡¯ve been dying to. Would you like that?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm,¡± she moans again, her eyes half-lidded with lust.


    ¡°Tell me, sweetheart, is your pussy wet for me? Are your nipples hard and achy with the need to be sucked?¡±


    She moans at my words, and I know how badly she¡¯s dying to get fucked. ¡°Good,¡± I tell her, ¡°because this is how I always want you to be. I want your body screaming for mine every second of every goddamn day, and I always want you to be ready to drop to your knees and open wide for me.¡±


    She moans again, and I swear the poor girl is about to cum just from the images I¡¯ve put in her little head.


    ¡°Take a deep breath, baby,¡± I say, waiting for her to take in a big breath through her nose before tightening my grip on her throat and slowly feeding her my cock. ¡°That¡¯s right, pet, just like that.¡±


    She starts to tense up, so I tighten my fingers even more and stop her gag reflex before it can rear its ugly head and then slide in another inch. Her lips are spread tight around my shaft, and the wet heat of her mouth feels better than anything I¡¯ve ever experienced. Maybe it¡¯s because I know it¡¯s a virgin mouth I¡¯m sliding into, maybe it¡¯s just Ava and the effect she has on me, I don¡¯t know, but I know I¡¯ll never be able to get enough of her and that this little mouth is going to get fucked more than she can imagine.

 Chapter 14

    With a groan, I slide in the rest of the way until she¡¯s deepthroating me, and I¡¯m trying like hell to hold out just a bit longer. I know she can¡¯t breathe, but she doesn¡¯t try to move or pull back, she just keeps her eyes on mine, trusting me to take care of her.


    ¡°Such a good girl,¡± I say, making her close her eyes and give a soft moan around my cock. When she opens them again, I slowly slide out enough for her to be able to breathe. ¡°Rx, baby, and let me fuck your sweet little mouth.¡±


    She gives me a wink and rxes her body, and with a groan I m back into her, fucking her in a hard, fast rhythm that¡¯s going to quickly push me over the edge. Her fingers dig into my thighs as tears and spit drip down her face. Even though her pussy isn¡¯t getting fucked, she¡¯s still rocking her hips, unable to stop her body¡¯s natural reaction and need. She whimpers and moans, and when I feel myself start to cum, I m into her, burying my cock in her throat with a feral groan that makes the neighbor¡¯s dog start barking. I can¡¯t me him, though, because I have the sudden urge to lift my head and howl at the damn moon as I cum harder than I ever have in my life.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I groan when I feel her throat start to constrict around my head, swallowing every damn thing I¡¯m giving her. My cock pulses as I continue to shoot my load, filling my sweet girl up until I¡¯mpletely spent. She doesn¡¯t immediately drop my cock like most women do after a blowjob. Instead, she keeps her eyes locked on mine and gently licks and sucks my cock clean, worshipping my cock and balls with every brush of her lips, every stroke of her tongue, until I¡¯m fully hard again and she¡¯s looking up at me with a proud, eager smile.


    I run my thumb over her cock-swollen lips before picking her back up again. She seems surprised when I kiss her, sliding my tongue along hers, and groaning because she tastes like me and I fucking love it.


    ¡°You should always taste like my cum, beautiful.¡±


    ¡°And you should always taste like my pussy,¡± she says, making me smile.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You want my mouth on your little virgin pussy?¡± I tease, giving her bottom lip a soft suck.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she moans, rocking her hips against me. ¡°I want to cum all over your face, Josh.¡±


    ¡°Fuck, baby,¡± I groan, already imagining how sweet she¡¯s going to taste. I¡¯ve never done anything with a virgin before, and I¡¯m dying to explore her untouched body. I carry her to the treehousedder. ¡°Climb up, little virgin,¡± I say, giving her a wink.


    She lets out a cuteugh and grabs onto the hangingdder before climbing up. I watch her round, perfect ass until she disappears above and then I do something I never thought I¡¯d do at the age of thirty-one and climb up thedder to her treehouse.


    I look around the small, enclosed area and can¡¯t help but be impressed. She¡¯s been taking very good care of this over the years. She plugs in the string of white fairy lights she has strung up to the long extension cord that she¡¯s rigged up for just this purpose.


    ¡°Do you sleep up here?¡± I ask, eyeing the small foam mattress with the sleeping bag on top.


    ¡°Sometimes,¡± she admits. ¡°I feel close to you here.¡±


    I smile when I see the photos she has tacked to the wall. I recognize some of them, but others are ones that she took on myst trip here. I remember her having her phone out a lot, but I just figured she was texting friends, not secretly taking photos of me.


    ¡°Just what do you do out here all by yourself with all these photos of me?¡±


    She bites her lip and gives a small shrug.


    I shut the door on the floor so I don¡¯t identally fall and break my damn leg and then sit on the short stool that¡¯s beside the sleeping bag.


    ¡°Show me what you do.¡±


    Her blue eyes widen in surprise before a sexy blush heats her face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get shy on me now, little virgin.¡± I give her a wink that makes her blush deepen to an even sexier shade of pink. ¡°I did just watch you suck my cock after all.¡±


    She gives me a shy smile and crawls over to her makeshift bed so she¡¯s less than a foot from me. Sheys down and brings her hand to the outside of her jeans.


    ¡°I touch myself here,¡± she whispers.


    Iugh and shake my head. ¡°Not fucking good enough. Unless of course that is exactly what you do, just ce your hand over your jeajean-cojeajean-coveredhat¡¯s the case, then how very disappointing.¡±


    She rolls her eyes at me. ¡°Careful, Ava. My hand has been itching to spank your round ass since I got here, so be careful how far you push me.¡±


    She lets out a soft moan at my words. I arch a brow at her and smile. ¡°Interesting. It looks like my dirty little girl might being out to y again.¡± I run my eyes over her clothed body. ¡°Show me what you do when you¡¯re out here all alone and thinking about me.¡±


    When she starts to slide her hand under her jeans, I tsk at her, freezing her hand in ce. ¡°How can I see if you still have your clothes on?¡±

 Chapter 15

    She starts to roll her eyes and then thinks better of it when she sees my jaw clench and the hard look in my eyes. She doesn¡¯t know it, but I love it when she acts like a little brat. I¡¯m just waiting for an excuse to bring my hand down on her ass. I gave her one warning, and that¡¯s all she¡¯s going to get. She rolls her eyes again, and she¡¯ll feel the sting of my hand on her ass.


    My eyes are glued to her as she squirms out of her jeans and pulls her shirt over her head, leaving her in a tiny pair ofce panties. Her tits are perky and perfect, and her hard nipples are making my jaw ache with the need to wrap my mouth around them. She gives me a sexy little smile before pulling her panties off. I groan when I see her bald, wet pussy, making her smile even bigger as she parts her thighs to give me a teasing look at her little virgin cunt.


    ¡°See something you like?¡± she purrs, evidently feeling emboldened by the effect she¡¯s having on me.


    ¡°I already know what a tease you are, Ava. Right now I want to see what you do when you think about me,¡± I remind her.


    ¡°I do this,¡± she says, sliding her hand down to her pussy and sliding a finger between her bald, glistening lips. I watch transfixed as she fingerfucks herself, smiling when I think of the shock she¡¯s in for because my cock is way bigger than her slender little finger.


    She rocks her hips, working her pussy faster, filling the treehouse with the wet, erotic sounds of her pussy getting fingered. Her other hand reaches up to cup her tit. She squeezes her nipple hard enough to make herself moan and then gives me another shy smile.


    ¡°I like to make it hurt sometimes,¡± she admits.


    ¡°That¡¯s very good to know, sweetheart,¡± I say, barely recognizing the sound of my strained voice.


    When she brings her fingers to her clit, I warn her. ¡°Don¡¯t cum, Ava.¡±


    ¡°But you wanted to see what I do,¡± she pouts, ¡°and I always make myself cum. Sometimes I fuck myself until I¡¯m sore. I can¡¯t help it. I just need your cock so badly, and I can never make the ache fully go away.¡±


    ¡°I know, baby, and I¡¯m going to fill you up and stretch you as wide as you¡¯ve been dreaming about, but you¡¯re not allowed to cum right now.¡±


    She lets out an adorable, angry puff of air and keeps rubbing her clit. My pants are still undone, making it easy for me to free my cock again. She runs her hungry eyes over the hard length of me, and the sight of it has her working her hand even faster.


    ¡°Please,¡± she begs.


    ¡°No,¡± I say in a hard tone that leaves no room for confusion.


    Her sweet, pouty look changes before my eyes. I see my naughty girl taking over, and when she gives me a sexy grin, I brace myself ordingly.


    ¡°Sometimes I turn over,¡± she says, rolling over so she¡¯s on her stomach. Keeping her upper body down, she gets on her knees so her ass and pussy are on full disy right in front of me. She turns her head to the side so she can see me. ¡°I fuck my little pussy like this when I fantasize about you fucking my ass.¡±


    ¡°Fucking hell,¡± I groan, watching as she starts to rub her clit again, rocking her hips with her movements, and giving me the best damn view in the world. I start to jerk myself off, because how the fuck could I not?


    With my free hand, I reach out and run my fingers over her ass, groaning at how damn soft her skin is. My fingers dance along her, tracing a line over the sexy dip in her lower back before sliding down her crack to graze the tight little asshole she¡¯s wishing my cock was sliding into right now.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± she moans when I drag my finger along all the nerve endings my little virgin never knew existed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cum,¡± I warn when her breathing picks up. ¡°I won¡¯t say it again.¡±


    I get on my knees behind her, fisting my cock even harder as she rubs her clit in a fast rhythm that¡¯s going to have her disobeying me in no time. I can¡¯t fucking wait.


    Precum drips from my cock onto her ass as her sexy little pants and moans fill the small space we¡¯re in. My balls tense with need, and I clench my cock even harder, wishing it was her pussy wrapped around me but not wanting to miss what¡¯s about to happen. As soon as she lets out a muffled scream and starts to cum, I bring my hand down on her ass hard, spanking her as she cums and I join her, shooting my load all over her ass and pussy.


    As soon as she feels the hot braids of my cum hit her, she screams my name again and rocks her hips even faster, so fucking greedy for every bit of pleasure she can get. I keep spanking her ass, turning both her cheeks a fire red until I¡¯m sated in more ways than one and we¡¯re both panting and trying to catch our breath.


    The sight of her pussy and ass covered in my seed feels more right than anything else in my life ever has. She¡¯s mine. And if I¡¯m being honest, she always has been. Deep down I knew she was the one for me. I just fought it because I thought she was off limits. I¡¯m done fighting it, though. I¡¯m going to fuck my little virgin and im every part of her, and I will never share her. No man will ever touch what¡¯s mine.


    ¡°I knew my little slut wouldn¡¯t be able to resist cumming.¡±


    She lets out a smallugh and then wiggles her ass. ¡°My cheeks feel like they¡¯re on fire, but that was worth it.¡±


    Iugh at how damn pleased she sounds. She¡¯s going to be the best kind of handful, and I¡¯m already looking forward to fucking her in line. I hope she always disobeys me. I¡¯d love nothing more than for her to go through life with my handprint permanently embedded in her ass.


    She moans when I start to rub my cum over her ass, dragging my wet fingers over her asshole before cupping her pussy in a possessive grip, pressing my cum-covered hand against her bald little cunt.


    ¡°Tell me who this belongs to.¡±


    ¡°You,¡± she pants, grinding against me as best she can. ¡°It¡¯s your pussy, Josh. Only yours.¡±


    ¡°Good girl,¡± I say, sliding two wet fingers into her and making her gasp. She¡¯s so fucking tight, and her pussy immediately mps down on me.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Fuck, baby, you¡¯re so goddamn tight. Are you sure you can handle my big cock?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I want it so badly,¡± she begs.


    ¡°Soon, sweetheart, but first I want you to cum on my face.¡±


    I¡¯ve never tasted virgin pussy, and there¡¯s no way in fuck I¡¯m missing out on this opportunity.


    ¡°Stay where you are,¡± I say,ying down and then grabbing onto her hips so I can lift her and lower her onto me.


    ¡°But you just came all over me,¡± she says, making me smile at how naive my sweet little virgin is.


    ¡°I want to breed the hell out of your fertile little body, and I want you always covered in my cum,. I also kissed you after you sucked me off,¡± I remind her. ¡°After all that, you still think I might be put off by the taste of myself.¡± I run my tongue up her soaked slit. ¡°You have a lot to learn about me, little one.¡±


    I slide my finger into her while running my tongue over her swollen clit. She moans and rocks against me, and when I slide my finger out and reach my arm up, bringing my wet finger to her mouth, she immediately wraps her lips around me, sucking me in.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± I say as she runs her tongue over me, sucking my finger clean of our joined cum. ¡°Does that disgust you, baby?¡±


    ¡°Mm-mm,¡± she moans, giving my finger a harder suck, desperate for the taste of us.¡±


    ¡°Then why the fuck should it disgust me?¡±


    I don¡¯t wait for her to answer. I grab onto her hips and press her against me as I slide my tongue into her, groaning at how fucking good she tastes.

 Chapter 16

    AVA


    Feeling Josh slide his tongue into my pussy while I suck on his finger is the best damn thing I¡¯ve ever felt. I¡¯d nearly orgasmed when he¡¯d run his tongue over me, not caring in the slightest that he was licking up his cum in the process. He¡¯s right, though. There¡¯s something sexy as hell tasting the two of us mixed. It makes me eager for the deep kiss I¡¯m going to get as soon as he¡¯s done eating me out. I can¡¯t wait to taste my pussy on his tongue.


    He¡¯s not the only one who wants to mark the other. I want him to always smell and taste like me. I want every woman to take one look at him and know he¡¯spletely off-limits because I¡¯m never letting Josh go. He was mine the second he grabbed me in the hallway and told me he wanted to cum all over me.


    I grind my pussy against his eager mouth, moaning around his finger when he gives my clit a lick that has my eyes rolling back in my head. When he brings his other hand to my pussy and starts to finger me while he sucks on my clit, I whimper and feel my body getting close to the edge again. He¡¯s rubbing some part inside me that has my toes curling and my breathsing even faster than before. I suck his finger harder and let out another whimper.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, baby,¡± he murmurs against my clit. ¡°I¡¯ve got you. Now, be a good girl and cum all over my face.¡±


    Hismand is more than enough to send me over the edge, but when he pairs it with another suck on my clit and his fingers working that same damn spot, I¡¯mpletely at his mercy. When I start to scream, he slides his finger out of my mouth and mps his hand over my lips, stifling my scream as I cum hard and feel my pussy squirt all over his face. He groans from between my legs, his mouth ravenous as he licks and sucks on my pussy like a fucking starving man. I buck against him, my body operating on its own at this point. Primal instincts take over as I grind against him, smothering his greedy mouth and taking every second of pleasure from him that I can get. I run my tongue over the palm of his hand, moaning when he slides two fingers into my mouth, letting me suck on them as he flicks my clit again and sends a new rush of pleasure over me until my whole body is shaking and it¡¯s only his hand on my pussy that¡¯s keeping me from copsing.


    When I finally start toe down, he gives me one more lick before gently moving my trembling body so I¡¯m lying on my back, looking up at his beautiful, soaked face. I can¡¯t form words yet, so I grab onto his shirt and pull him down to me, licking his glistening cheeks and mouth, hungry for the taste of us.


    He cups my face and kisses me hard, groaning when I give his tongue a suck and start to pull his shirt off. He pulls back long enough to strip, and I can¡¯t help but let out an appreciative sigh when my fairy lights reveal his perfect, sculpted body. I feel like I should pinch myself, but my stinging ass is telling me that this is most definitely not a dream.


    He lowers his body back on top of mine, pressing the head of his thick cock against my slit but being careful to not go any further.


    ¡°Are you sure this is what you want, baby? Because once I fuck your little virgin pussy and fill you with my seed, I¡¯m never letting you go. If you¡¯re giving me your body, then it¡¯s mine and only mine. I won¡¯t share you with anyone. Do you understand?¡±


    I smile at his words and wrap my arms and legs even tighter around him. ¡°That¡¯s all I want. Your cock is the only one that will ever be inside me, and I¡¯m only hungry for your seed.¡±


    He groans at my words and gives me a sexy grin. ¡°Then prepare yourself, baby, because this is going to hurt.¡±


    When I let out a soft moan at the mention of pain, he gives me a wink and says, ¡°There¡¯s my perfect little slut,¡± and slides into me, pushing past my body¡¯s natural resistance and making me let out a yelp of pain as I cling to him while he feeds me his cock, stretching me wider than I ever thought possible.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, baby. You feel me stretching your little virgin pussy?¡±Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I manage to pant, feeling the tears slip out, even though I try to stop them.


    He sees them and leans closer before running his tongue up my cheek.


    ¡°Fucking hell, baby, every part of you is so damn perfect.¡±


    When he¡¯s fully inside me, he cups my face and kisses me gently, letting me get used to the enormous size


    ¡°Such a good girl,¡± he murmurs against my lips, making me smile at his praise. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, baby, I¡¯m going to give you more pleasure than you can handle.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± I whisper, making himugh before he starts to kiss his way down my neck.


    My pussy still throbs from being filled to the max, but when he starts to lick and nip at the sensitive skin of my neck and shoulders, the pain settles into the background, bing a dull ache that is quickly being reced by pleasure. I run my fingers through his hair, rocking my hips up to him when he kisses his way to my tit.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I whisper, watching him run his tongue over my hard nipple before sucking me in. The sight of this gorgeous man sucking on my tit nearly does me in. I move my hips even more and let out a needy moan when he keeps his cock still. ¡°Please,¡± I beg.

 Chapter 17

    He gives my nipple a not-so-gentle bite and ignores me. I let out an angry huff of air and try to wiggle beneath him, desperate to feel his cock sliding in and out of me, but all he does is put more of his body weight on me, pinning me in ce while he slowly kisses his way to my other tit before giving it the same teasing treatment. I scratch my nails along his back hard enough to make him groan and give me a warning bite. When I do it again, he grabs onto both my wrists in one of hisrge hands and pins them to the floor above my head.


    ¡°Such a fucking brat,¡± he whispers against my nipple, but I can tell how much he loves it.


    ¡°Fuck me,¡± I beg, not caring that I sound like the brat he just used me of being.


    He lifts his head and gives me a wicked grin. ¡°In case you haven¡¯t noticed, sweetheart, my cock is buried inside you.¡±


    ¡°But I want you to move,¡± I whine. ¡°I want it hard and rough. I¡¯m going to die if you don¡¯t make me cum.¡±


    Heughs which just pisses me off and makes me struggle even harder against him, determined to make him fuck me like I want, but it¡¯s like trying to move a damn brick wall. He eyes me with a hungry, amused look as I writhe beneath him, letting out a small gasp when I feel his cock swell even more inside me, a thing I hadn¡¯t even thought possible.


    ¡°Careful, little one, you have no idea how much it turns me on when you struggle like that.¡±


    I use thest of my strength to buck against him again as I lean closer and give his bottom lip a hard enough bite to make him groan. ¡°I don¡¯t want careful,¡± I tell him. ¡°I want unrestrained and wild. I want you to fuck me like you¡¯ve dreamed about. Stop going easy on me, Josh. I can take anything you want to give me.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see, pet,¡± he practically growls before sliding out of me and then mming back in with enough force to make me bite my tongue and for the air to leave me in a rush. He fucks me hard and fast, and all I can do is hang on until I¡¯m burying my face in his neck and cumming harder than I ever have in my life. I bite his shoulder hard as my pussy clenches tightly around his cock with my orgasm. I never knew anything could feel this damn good, but there¡¯s something about cumming around a big, thick cock that just blows everything else right out of the damn water.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, baby,¡± he growls in my ear. ¡°Don¡¯t ever forget whose cock it is that¡¯s making you feel so damn good.¡±


    I can¡¯t talk, so I just nod my head yes against his neck and try to catch my breath as I tighten my arms and legs around him. He never once lets up. He just keeps fucking me in that same hard, brutal rhythm until I feel, to my absolute amazement, the beginnings of another orgasm.


    ¡°Josh,¡± I manage to gasp, feeling like I¡¯m about to lose what little sanity I have left.


    He presses his forehead to mine and gives me a wicked grin. ¡°About to cum again, baby?¡±


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I pant before he presses his mouth to mine so I can¡¯t scream his name to the whole damn neighborhood.


    When I start toe down, he gives my bottom lip a soft bite before sitting up. Grabbing onto my thighs, he spreads me wider and lets out a deep groan.


    ¡°God, baby, your bald little pussy looks amazing taking my big cock.¡±


    I lift up onto my forearms, wanting to watch him fuck me. God, the sight of his thick shaft sliding in and out of me sends another rush of pleasure through me.


    ¡°You like watching me fuck your little pussy?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I quickly say, never taking my eyes off his powerful cock.


    ¡°My perfect girl,¡± he says, bringing his thumb to my clit. ¡°Now, watch yourself cum around my cock.¡±


    He presses against my swollen clit, rubbing me in slow, tight circles as he fucks me in a steady rhythm that I can¡¯t look away from. He¡¯s coated in my juices, and the sight of my lost innocence written all over his cock is the sexiest damn thing I¡¯ve ever seen. I really am his woman now, and what I want more than anything is to watch him cum.


    ¡°I will if you will,¡± I tease, bringing my eyes up to his. ¡°I¡¯ll cum around your big cock, but I want you to cum with me.¡±


    His brown eyes turn dark at my words. He watches as I bring my hand down to where we¡¯re joined. He slows down so I can run my fingers over his shaft as he fucks me. When I reach down even further and cup his heavy balls, he lets out a deep groan.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s time for you to fill your good little slut up,¡± I tell him, slowly dragging my nails over his sensitive sack.


    ¡°Fucking hell,¡± he groans, speeding his thumb up and fucking me harder until I¡¯m moaning his name and cumming hard. I watch my pussy clench even tighter around him, and as soon as he feels it, he lets out a growl and buries himself inside me, filling me with his seed. Each pulse of his cock sends another rush through me, and when he brings his mouth to mine, I dly open up for him, wanting and needing him as close as possible. My pussy milks him dry, and when he¡¯s finally empty, we¡¯re both left shaking and panting like we¡¯ve just sprinted a mile.


    ¡°My god, baby,¡± he says with a smile, ¡°you are absolutely perfect.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for cumming inside me,¡± I say, covering his face in kisses and making himugh.


    He brushes sweaty hair from my forehead and caresses my cheek. He¡¯s still semi-hard inside me, and when I start to rock my hips again, he smiles and kisses the tip of my nose.


    ¡°Still hungry for more, sweet girl?¡±


    ¡°I want both of my holes dripping your seed,¡± I tell him. ¡°Plus, there¡¯s still one hole you haven¡¯t fucked yet. I don¡¯t want to be an ass virgin either,¡± I say, making himugh.


    ¡°You don¡¯t, huh?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I say, shaking my head. ¡°When we sneak back in the house, I want to do it with my pussy and ass sore and dripping your seed.¡±


    ¡°I can definitely make that happen, baby,¡± he says with a grin. ¡°But we¡¯re not sneaking in. I¡¯ll be damned if I¡¯m going to hide how I feel about you. We¡¯re walking in together, and you¡¯re staying in my bed with me where you belong.¡±


    I give him a big smile andugh when I feel his cock give a jump inside me.


    ¡°Now roll over, baby, and show me that perfect ass I¡¯m about to fuck.¡±

 Chapter 18

    JOSH


    I slide out of her with a groan. I hate to leave the wet heat of her pussy, but knowing I¡¯m about to be buried in her ass softens the blow. She lets out an excited giggle and quickly scurries to her hands and knees. When she looks over her shoulder and gives me a sexy wink before wiggling her perfect ass at me, I let out another groan and cup her round cheeks. They¡¯re still red from her spanking, and the sight of her used, dripping cunt has me rock hard again in seconds.


    Bringing my hand to her pussy, I cup her in a possessive grip that has her moaning and arching her hips for me. Sliding two fingers into her, I finger her, filling the treehouse with the sounds of her sloppy wet cunt. When she starts to whimper and grind even harder against me, I slide my fingers out and bring them to her tight little pucker.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± she moans as I circle her little virgin asshole.


    ¡°You like that, baby?¡±


    ¡°God yes,¡± she moans, arching even more for me so her ass is on full disy.


    When I press one finger against her asshole and start to slide in, she tenses and lets out a soft whimper.


    ¡°Just rx, baby.¡± I push past her body¡¯s natural resistance and slowly slide my entire finger in. I watch her tight little asshole as I slowly fingerfuck her and the sight is enough to have me covered in precum again.


    She mumbles somethingpletely incoherent, making me smile and speed my finger up until she¡¯s whimpering and rocking her hips to meet every thrust of my finger.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how well you handle two fingers, sweetheart,¡± I say, sliding my finger out and pressing two of them together. Her whole body tenses at the feel of something bigger trying to slide into her ass. I scoot closer and guide my hard cock between her thighs, sliding along her pussy and making her forget all about my two fingers pressing against her tight asshole.


    She moans and rocks her hips, grinding her pussy against my cock and rxing enough for me to get both fingers into her. When I slide in even more, she gasps and looks back at me. Her expression is the perfect mix of innocent and naughty. I know this is new and unfamiliar to her, but the hunger and need in her eyes makes it clear that she wants everything I can give her, not matter how dirty or taboo it might be.


    ¡°That¡¯s my good girl,¡± I say when both fingers are all the way in. I slowly fuck her ass while she grinds against my cock. The feel of her smooth pussy sliding along my shaft and the sight of her little virgin ass taking both my fingers is enough to easily send me over the edge, but I¡¯m not about to cum before I¡¯m inside her. The next time I shoot my load, it¡¯s going to be right into her tight little ass.


    When I start to scissor my fingers, stretching her even wider, she moans and bites her bottom lip, watching me over her shoulder as I loosen her up for my cock.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing so good, baby,¡± I praise her, loving how her eyes grow even darker at my words.


    ¡°I want your cock in my ass,¡± she begs, when I speed my fingers up and her eyes roll back in her head. ¡°Please fuck my ass with your big cock, Josh.¡±


    ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± I groan, watching this tiny virgin turn into such a cockhungry slut is the sexiest goddamn thing I¡¯ve ever seen. I slide my fingers out and ram my cock into her pussy, fucking her in hard, fast strokes until she¡¯s mumbling and dropping her head in ecstasy. When I¡¯m covered in our cum, I press the head of my cock against her tight virgin asshole.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    ¡°Just rx, baby, and take my cock like a good girl.¡±


    She moans and then lets out a whimper when I press harder against her little pucker. Her whole body tenses, making it impossible for me to slide in without hurting her more than I¡¯m willing to do. She shoots me a quick, embarrassed look.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare look at me like that,¡± I tell her, gripping her hips tighter and caressing her skin with my thumbs. ¡°Don¡¯t ever be ashamed for being nervous about something new. I love that you¡¯ve never done anything and that even though you¡¯re nervous and tensing your body, you¡¯re still arching your little ass up to me and dying for me to slide my cock into you. You have no idea how fucking sexy that is.¡±


    She gives me a grateful smile that¡¯s adorable as fuck, and when I say, ¡°y with your pussy for me, baby, and make yourself cum,¡± her eyes light up, and she quickly lowers her upper body to the ground and brings her greedy hands to her wet pussy. As soon as I hear the wet sounds of her fucking herself, Iugh and say, ¡°That¡¯s my good little slut.¡±


    She moans at my praise and starts to work herself harder. I run the head of my cock over her asshole, teasing the hell out of her while she rubs her clit. Soon she¡¯s screaming my name, and cumming hard. I wait until her body starts to loosen up with her pleasure, and as soon as I feel it, I slide the head of my cock into her receptive body. She moans and smacks her hand down on the sleeping bag.


    ¡°More,¡± she begs, making me smile at her bratty tone.


    I give my girl what she wants, feeding her my cock one slow inch at a time until I¡¯m buried balls deep inside her and we¡¯re both groaning at how fucking good it feels. I keep our bodies locked together, savoring every damn second of her ass tightly wrapped around me until I can¡¯t wait any longer. I start to slowly fuck her, watching her little asshole take my cock, and the sight has my balls tensing with the need to cum.


    Sliding my hand up her back, I fist her hair and pull her head roughly back, exposing her slender neck and making her get back on all fours and arch her back even more for me.


    ¡°Harder,¡± she moans, making me smile at how fucking perfect she is.


    I lean my body over hers and give the crook of her neck a hard enough bite to make her gasp. Sliding a hand down her t stomach, I roughly push her hand out of the way so I can take over. I slide three fingers into her, filling both her holes as I start to fuck her ass in a hard, brutal rhythm that has her gasping and moaning like the wild woman she is.


    Making sure to hit her clit with every thrust of my fingers, I quickly push her over the edge. She turns her head and kisses me hard as her whole body tenses and bucks with her orgasm. Her pussy and ass clench down tightly around me, pushing me over the edge right along with her. I growl against her mouth, kissing her harder and burying my cock as deeply in her ass as I can, locking our bodies together as I shoot my load into her ass.


    Each pulse of my cock sends a new wave of pleasure over me as I fill her to the fucking brim. By the time I¡¯m empty, her body is trembling beneath mine, and my fucking ears are ringing. I give her onest kiss before slowly sliding out of her, groaning as soon as I break contact with her. It¡¯s never going to be enough, I realize. I¡¯m always going to feel the need to be buried inside her.


    When Iy down, she immediately snuggles into me, wrapping her arm and leg over me and resting her head on my chest.


    ¡°Wow,¡± she whispers, making meugh and wrap my arms even tighter around her.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you think my cock was worth waiting for.¡±


    She lifts her head up and gives me a kiss. ¡°It was definitely worth waiting for, but you owe me a lot of fucking.¡±


    Iugh and smack her ass hard enough to make her widen her eyes in surprise. ¡°I think I can handle that.¡±


    ¡°Good because I¡¯m going to need you to fuck me again very soon.¡±


    I smile at my eager girl, knowing that I¡¯m the luckiest man on the. Now that I have my perfect girl, I¡¯m never letting her go.

 Chapter 19

    ***AUTHOR¡¯S NOTE***


    Hi lovely Readers, here¡¯s the author.


    Thank you for reading to the end of this book, and a new book is about to start.


    Title: ¡°Your Daddy, My Obsession.¡±


    JANUARY


    How does one go about seducing their almost father-inw? I really, truly do not rmend doing an inte search. The results are heavy


    on porn and light on answers. In the end, I¡¯m left to my own devices.


    That¡¯s how I ended up on his front porch in a short ck dress and thigh-highs in the middle of January, well after the polite hours of visiting. I¡¯m shaking as I knock on the door, and it¡¯s not purely because the icy wind makes my clothing feel like aughable barrier.


    Despite thete hour, he¡¯s awake. My breath catches in my throat as the door opens to reveal him. Shane. The man who, up until a few days ago, was supposed to be my father-inw. Funny how quickly things change when you least expect it. Or not so funny at all. I sure as hell don¡¯t feel likeughing.


    He fills the doorway, arge man with broad shoulders, big hands, and a smattering of salt and pepper in his hair. He¡¯s in histe forties, some twenty-ish years older than me. Shane frowns as recognition slips over his handsome face. ¡°Lily? What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I was hoping we could talk.¡± I have to clench my jaw to keep my teeth from chattering. Maybe I should have gone with the trench coat route. At least then I¡¯d have a coat.


    To his credit, Shane doesn¡¯t make me wait. He moves out of the way and holds the door open so I can walk past him. The first st of warmth makes me shiver again. Maybe if I hadn¡¯t stood out there for so long, gathering my courage, I wouldn¡¯t be so cold now.


    ¡°What did he do?¡±


    I blink and stop trying to rub the feeling back into my fingertips. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°My asshole son. What¡¯s he done now?¡± He catches my hand and lifts it between us. My ring finger is markedly empty. Shane skates his thumb across the bare skin, still frowning. Now my shivers have very little to do with temperature and everything to do with desire.


    It¡¯s yet another indication of the many ways that my rtionship with Max wasn¡¯t operating on all cylinders. His freaking father can do more with a single swipe of his thumb than Max was ever interested in doing with his entire body. Then again, Max and I only ever had polite, friendly sex-which was not what I found him doing with his secretary when I showed up unexpectedly at his office. It¡¯s not what I suspect he was doing with the others I suspect came before her.


    I don¡¯t want to get into it right now. I¡¯ve already had four days of tears and raging with my girlfriends, but if I start talking about how I found Max fucking his secretary like the biggest goddamn cliche in existence, I¡¯m going to start crying again.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    That¡¯s not why I¡¯m here.


    I¡¯m here for revenge-and maybe a little pleasure, too, though the pleasure rates a distant second in priorities.


    ¡°Shane,¡± I say his name slowly. In all the time I dated Max, I called him Mr. Alby. A necessary distance between us, a reminder of what he was to me-only ever my boyfriend¡¯s father. I rip down that distance now and stare up at him, letting him see the pent-up emotions I¡¯ve spent two long years ignoring and denying.


    I¡¯ve spent two long years ignoring a whole lot.


    Shane¡¯s dark eyes go wide and then hot before he shutters his response, locking himself up tight. But, almost as if he can¡¯t resist, he swipes the pad of his thumb over my bare ring finger again. ¡°Tell me what happened.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re over.¡± My voice catches, and I hate that it catches. ¡°No going back, no crossing Go, no collecting two hundred dors. Really


    He nods slowly and then squeezes my hand. ¡°Sounds like you could use a drink.¡±


    ¡°I could use about ten, but one¡¯s a good ce to start.¡± At least he isn¡¯t kicking me out. That¡¯s a good sign, right? I follow him to the kitchen and watch as he opens the liquor cab and picks through the bottles.


    He barely nces at me. ¡°Vodka, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Of course, he remembers my drink. I bet, if pressed, he also remembers my birthday and a whole host of other details that slip past most people, including my ex.


    But then, Shane isn¡¯t like most people.


    Heat melts into my bones as he methodically puts together a drink for each of us. I don¡¯t know what to do with my hands once I don¡¯t need them for warmth, and the coziness of the temperature is a vivid reminder of just how little I¡¯m wearing. My dress is barely long enough to cover the tops of my thigh-highs and while I¡¯m wearing a garter belt, I have nothing else on beneath the thin fabric of the dress. I¡¯m dressed slutty and downright scandalous and Shane has barely looked at me since I walked through the door.


    That won¡¯t do. That won¡¯t do at all.


    He finishes with the drinks and I gather what¡¯s left of my courage and close the distance between us, sliding between him and the counter to reach for the ss. Just like that, he¡¯s at my back, his hips against my ass. ¡°Thank you,¡± I say over my shoulder.


    He inhales sharply but doesn¡¯t move back. ¡°What are you doing, Lily?¡±

 Chapter 20

    Hisck of retreat gives me a little more strength. Just enough to sip the drink and then turn slowly to face him. I have to lean back over the counter to meet his gaze, and a thrill goes through me as he forces me to make the adjustments. He might as well be made from stone. I tip my chin up. ¡°I have a question.¡±


    ¡°Ask it.¡±


    ¡°Last summer, you and Max were supposed to be working, so I was here at the pool.¡± I can barely catch my breath. ¡°No one was around so I didn¡¯t bother with a suit.¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± The barely banked heat in his gaze is back, ring hotter by the second. He still hasn¡¯t moved, either to press against me or to retreat. ¡°That¡¯s not a question.¡±


    I lick my lips. ¡°It felt wicked to be out there naked, knowing I was in your house even if you weren¡¯t here. I¡­¡± This part¡¯s harder, but his nearness gives me a boost of bravado. ¡°I started touching myself. I felt like such a little slut, but that made it hotter.¡±


    He¡¯s breathing harder now, and he reaches around me to grasp the counter on either side of my hips. ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s not anything you don¡¯t already know,¡± I whisper. ¡°You were upstairs. I saw you watch me through the master window.¡± I reach behind me to the counter just inside his hands. The move arches my back and puts my breasts almost within touching distance of his chest. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were there when I started, but once I knew you were watching me, I took my time and dragged it out. I wanted you to watch. I wanted you to do more than watch.¡± Thest I¡¯ve never admitted to myself, let alone out loud, but it¡¯s the truth. ¡°Do you remember that?¡±


    He exhales harshly. ¡°You don¡¯t know what you saw.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± I¡¯m shaking like a leaf. ¡°My mistake.¡±


    Shane still doesn¡¯t move away. ¡°Even if I came home for lunch unexpectedly that day, you were dating my son.¡± He shifts forward the barest amount, closing in on me. ¡°It would be fucked up if I stood in my master bedroom while you fingered that pretty little pussy. I¡¯d be a monster to have watched the entire thing and fucked my hand while I pretended it was you.¡±


    ¡°Shane,¡± I say his name like a secret, just between us.


    ¡°I¡¯m not dating your son right now.¡±


    ¡°What did he do?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡±


    He shakes his head slowly. ¡°You came here with a purpose, but you don¡¯t get to throw yourself at me without sharing the truth. Out with it, Lily. What did Max do?¡±


    I don¡¯t want to talk about it, but the sheer closeness of him makes my verbal breaks disappear. I find myself answering without having any intention of doing so. ¡°He slept with his secretary. I think he wanted me to catch him. Either that, or he¡¯s just really shitty at hiding it when he¡¯s up to no good.¡± Except that¡¯s not the full truth, but admitting that I think he¡¯s been cheating on me for months and months feels like admitting that I¡¯m a fool. What kind of fiance just swallows the lies whole and doesn¡¯t question them when things don¡¯t quite the kind of fiance that I am? m.


    He curses softly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± It¡¯s even the truth. I will cry and I will grieve for the future I thought would be mine, and I sure as hell will spitefully fuck Max¡¯s dad, but I¡¯m not sorry I avoided tying my life to someone who never should have been more than a friend. Someone who didn¡¯t hesitate to hurt me instead of sitting me down and telling me how unhappy he was Max is selfish and if I wasn¡¯t entirely happy in our rtionship either, I didn¡¯t go out and fuck other people when we were together.


    But, as I told Shane just now, we¡¯re not together any longer.


    I lift myself onto the counter, putting us at nearly the same height. The move has my skirt rising dangerously, shing my thigh-highs and garters.


    Shane looks down and goes still. We both hold our breath as he shifts one hand to bracket my thigh and traces the point where my garter connects with the stockings. ¡°Lily.¡± This time, when he says my name, he sounds different. Almost angry. ¡°If I push up your skirt, and I going to find your bare pussy?¡±


    The wordssh me and I can¡¯t help shivering. I lick my lips again. ¡°If you want to find out, I won¡¯t stop you.¡±


    ¡°Dirty girl.¡± He snaps the garter, the sting making me jump. ¡°You came here for revenge.¡±


    There¡¯s no point in denying it. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d have to be a selfish asshole to take advantage of you when you¡¯re like this.¡± But he¡¯s looking at me in the way I¡¯ve always fantasized about like he has a thousand things he wants to do to my body and hasn¡¯t decided where he wants to start.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s what we both want, isn¡¯t it?¡± When he doesn¡¯t immediately answer, I press. ¡°Why not do it?¡±


    He moves his hand to my hip and grips the fabric of my dress, pulling it tight against my body. ¡°I could think of a few reasons. You were going to marry my son.¡±


    I can¡¯t quite catch my breath. ¡°I¡¯m not going to now.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re young enough to be my daughter.¡±


    I watch the dress inch up my legs with every pull of his hand, baring more and more of me. The sight makes me giddy. It¡¯s the only excuse for what slips out in response. ¡°Should I call you Daddy, then?¡±


    He goes still. Just like that, he releases my dress and the fabric falls back to cover most of my thighs. Disappointment sours my stomach, but he¡¯s not moving back. He skates his hand up my side barely brushing the curve of my breast before he grips my chin just tightly enough to hurt. ¡°Is that what you want, Lily?¡± He presses two fingers to my bottom lip and I open for him. ¡°You want to call me Daddy while I do filthy things to you that you¡¯ve only fantasized about.¡± He slips his fingers into my mouth, in and out, in and out, miming fucking. I watch him with wide eyes, but I don¡¯t get a chance to decide if I like it or not before he mps his remaining fingers tightly around my chin, his fingers almost deep enough to gag me.


    Shane leans down and holds my gaze as his fingers stroke my tongue. ¡°You want to call me Daddy while I slip my hand up your skirt and find out what you have waiting for me? While I bend you over this counter and eat your cunt until youe?¡± It¡¯s almost too much, I can¡¯t quite catch my breath, I am going to gag, but he gives me no relief. ¡°You want to ride Daddy¡¯s cock?¡±

 Chapter 21

    I make a panicked sound and he releases me, sliding his fingers from my mouth. It feels dirty and wrong and I¡¯m shaking with need. ¡°Yes,¡± I whisper. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what I want.¡±


    He searches my face. Maybe he thought he¡¯d scare me off with all that, but instead I¡¯m even more turned on. My hands drop to the hem of my dress. ¡°Would you like to see?¡±


    He looks around as if realizing where we are for the first time. ¡°Not here.¡± The kitchen faces the front of the house, and with the lights on, it¡¯s only the maple trees in the front yard that keep the neighbors from seeing us.


    I hop off the counter and stagger after him on knees that feel like Jell-O. Oh my god, is this really happening? Did I really challenge him like that and now he¡¯s called my bluff? Daddy kink is not on my list of things I wanted from Shane, but I can¡¯t deny that every filthy sentence he spills makes the heat in my blood pulse hotter.


    I want to be bad, to be dirty. I want to forget every bit of thest few days. I know the forgetting won¡¯tst forever, but at this point I¡¯ll take what I can get.


    I expect Shane to take me upstairs, but he stalks to the living room with its big sectional couch and square ottoman. When it¡¯s pushed together, it basically creates a massive bed, and I¡¯ve always wanted to fuck on it, but Max was never interested in anything resembling public sex. I watch Shane push the ottoman tight against the couch, my heart beating too hard.


    He considers me for a moment and then drops onto the couch and situates himself against the back of it with his big legs stretched out. Like this, there¡¯s no missing the way his cock presses against the front of his pants. He crooks his fingers at me. ¡°Take off your shoes.¡±


    After a short silent debate, I stand on the ottoman and walk to him. But when I move to straddle him, he shakes his head. ¡°No. Turn around. Lie down.¡± When I don¡¯t immediately obey, he moves me how he wants me. Urging me onto my stomach facing the television, my shins and feet bent up against the back of the couch. It feels strange and awkward and it¡¯s made worse by the fact we aren¡¯t touching.


    He must sense my confusion, because he rumbles out augh as he takes the remote and puts a movie on. ¡°You don¡¯t remember this.¡±


    It¡¯s only when the opening credits of a bullshit action movie start that I go still. ¡°I was lying between you two like this.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He tosses one of the throw nkets over my lower half and then nudges my legs wider. ¡°Just. Like. This.¡± And then his hand is there, burrowing under the nkets and sliding up to bracket my inner thigh. ¡°You were wearing a skirt nearly as short as this. Were you hoping he¡¯d finger you right in front of me?¡±


    Embarrassment and desire twine through me. ¡°Maybe.¡± My breath catches in my throat as his hand shift higher, his rough palm against my bare skin. I swallow hard. ¡°Maybe I was hoping you¡¯d do it.¡±


    ¡°Shameless,¡± he murmurs. ¡°Let¡¯s see how shameless, shall we?¡± He yanks the throw off with his free hand and tosses it aside. ¡°Pull up your dress, Lily.¡±


    I reach drown and grip the hem of my dress, inching it up over my ass, baring me from the waist down. ¡°Like this?¡±


    ¡°Good girl.¡± He tightens his grip on my thigh. ¡°Spread your legs and lift your hips.¡± As I obey, his hand shifts higher and cups my pussy. We both exhale shakily. I expected him to jump me, to rip off my clothes and fuck me against the nearest avable surface. I didn¡¯t expect him to recreate one of the dirtiest near misses we¡¯ve had over thest two years.


    ¡°Wet,¡± Shane murmurs. ¡°Were you that wet for me that day? Would you have let me¡­¡± He pushes two broad fingers into me. ¡°You would have, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I moan. I writhe back against his touch, trying to take him deeper. I feel like I¡¯m on fire, wanton and dirty and unable to stop. ¡°I wanted your fingers so bad.¡±


    Just like that, they¡¯re gone. ¡°You want to be bad, Lily?


    Prove it.¡±


    I lift my head. ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Come here.¡±


    I turn around to find he¡¯s spread his legs a little and has his hand palm up on his thigh. His fingers are still wet with my desire, and that might embarrass me if I had room for thought. Shane nods at his fingers. ¡°Straddle my thigh. Right here.¡±


    Understanding dawns, bringing with it another wave of need. I have to grip his shoulders as I obey, and Ie down lightly against his palm. Shane rewards me be pushing his fingers into me again. This time, I can¡¯t help whimpering.


    ¡°Take what you need, Lily.¡± He grips my hip with his free hand and urges me to rock against his palm. ¡°Ride my hand.¡±


    I shiver. ¡°Your hand isn¡¯t what I want.¡±


    ¡°My hand is all you get right now. You have to earn my cock.¡± He smiles, slow and arrogant. ¡°I¡¯m not a little prick who¡¯s desperate to fuck your pussy and chase my own pleasure. I¡¯ll get inside you when I¡¯m good and ready, and not a moment before.¡± His voice goes hard. ¡°Ride my hand, Lily.¡± He leans in, his voice low and sinful. ¡°Show your Daddy how prettily youe.¡±


    Calling him that is downright wicked. ¡°Okay,¡± I breathe. And then I begin to move, grinding against his palm, forcing his fingers as deep in me as I can get them. It¡¯s not enough, but it feels so good and so bad at the same time. It¡¯s made moreplicated by the fact that I¡¯m in a familiar setting, but things couldn¡¯t be more different.


    Shane watches me a moment, his gaze dark and hungry and then leans down and captures my nipple through the thin fabric of my dress. He sucks hard, making me cry out, and then looks up. ¡°Take off the dress.¡±


    I¡¯m only too happy toply. I wrestle it off me and toss it away. The way he watches me-God, I can¡¯t breathe. My orgasm is bearing down on me, so I slow, wanting to make thisst as long as I can. I lean back and prop my hands on the ottoman, giving him view of the long line of my body as


    I fuck his hand. His jaw goes tight. ¡°You are so sexy.¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thanks, Daddy.¡±

 Chapter 22

    He drags me closer. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t like that so fucking much.¡± He guides me to lie down between his spread thighs, my legs stretched wide as he drags me until I¡¯m nearly in hisp. ¡°But I do like it, Lily. I really, really do.¡± He parts my pussy with questing fingers and circles my clit


    slowly with his thumb. ¡°Do you want toe?¡±


    I think I might die if I don¡¯t. ¡°Yes.¡±


    He¡¯s still tracing me with his fingers, teasing me, examining me. ¡°Tell me what this pretty pussy needs, baby girl. Ask me properly and I¡¯ll give it to you.¡±


    I bite my bottom lip and look down my body at him. Do I dare say it? The alternative-not getting what I want-is uneptable. ¡°Make mee, Daddy. Please.¡±


    The slow slide of his fingers into me feels obscene in this position. As if I¡¯m just a ything for him to do with as he pleases. Against my better judgement, my gaze flies around the room. We¡¯re totally exposed here. If someone walked in, there would be no doubt what we¡¯re doing, no hiding how close I am toing, no missing the fact that it¡¯s his fingers getting me there.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± He asks almost idly as he pumps his fingers a little. ¡°You just clenched around me.¡±


    ¡°I, um¡­¡± I drag in a ragged breath. ¡°I was thinking about how exposed we are right now.¡±


    ¡°Not we. You are exposed. Spread out in only these tease of garters.¡± He spreads my pussy with his free hand and bends down to ghost his exhale against my clit. ¡°You¡¯re thinking about the look on his face if he found us like this.¡±


    I hadn¡¯t been, but now I can think of nothing else. Fierce satisfaction soars through me. I¡¯ve endured so much pain and humiliation because of Max. I¡¯m just enough of an asshole to want to respond in kind. ¡°Maybe.¡±


    Another delicious exhale, the feeling almost enough to tip me over the edge. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t ask¡­¡±


    I stretch my arms over my head, writhing almost mindlessly against his touch. ¡°Ask me. I¡¯ll tell you whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°When¡¯s thest time he made youe, Lily?¡± It sounds like it¡¯s dragged from him, rough and brutal. ¡°When¡¯s thest time he worshiped your pretty pussy the way it was meant to be worshiped? Fingers and tongue, over and over again until you¡¯re begging for his cock.¡±


    My back bows and the beginning of an orgasm curls my toes. I¡¯m so close¡­ But Shane¡¯s stopped moving, stopped the heady rise of pleasure while he waits for my answer. I whine and thrash. ¡°Never. He¡¯s never done any of that.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s never made youe?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He never seemed to care, either. Not as long as he got his.


    Shock makes his voice harsh. ¡°Not a single fucking time?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I whimper. ¡°Not once.¡±


    His curse is the only warning I get before his mouth is on me. Licking and sucking and, holy shit, that feels good. I barely get a chance to enjoy it before I¡¯m orgasming, my toes curling and my back bowing. I don¡¯t mean to grab his hair and grind my pussy against his face, milking everyst bit of pleasure from his clever tongue.


    I don¡¯t mean to, but I¡¯m not sorry I do it.


    Shane shifts me higher on the ottoman and shoves it forward enough that he can go to his knees between my spread thighs. I tense. Most of the time when guys have gone down on me in the past, they¡¯re in a rush, doing the bare minimum to get me ready enough to fuck me. I¡¯m more than ready to fuck Shane, but he¡¯s giving my pussy slow, thorough kisses. Like he has all the time in the world. Like this isn¡¯t even about my pleasure; it¡¯s simply because he¡¯s enjoying himself.


    Little by little, I rx, my mind unspooling beneath his tongue and the pressure of his fingers against my thighs, holding me open for him. ¡°That feels good,¡± I whisper.


    He drags the t of his tongue over my clit. ¡°Stay the long weekend.¡±


    I lift my head. ¡°What?¡±


    He¡¯s watching me closely. ¡°Stay the weekend, baby girl. Let me work out two years¡¯ frustration on your tight little body and worship your pussy. Let me make youe so many times, you lose count.¡± Another long lick. ¡°Surely that¡¯ll satisfy your need for revenge.¡±


    I can¡¯t think with him working me like this. ¡°But what if hees to visit?¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t.¡± He nips my thigh. ¡°I¡¯ll tell him to stay away if that¡¯s what you want.¡±


    I don¡¯t know what I want. If this is only revenge, having Max catch us should be the ultimate goal. But if he catches us, this ends. I slowly reach down and sift my fingers through Shane¡¯s silvering hair. I lift my hips, drawing his mouth back to my pussy. ¡°Yes, Daddy. I¡¯ll stay the long weekend.¡±


    His answering grin makes me shiver. ¡°Good.¡± And then his mouth is on me again, resuming his slow tongue fucking.


    Even as I tell myself there¡¯s no possible way I coulde again, he coaxes my pleasure higher, easing me back to that cutting edge of desire. Quicker than I imagine possible, I¡¯m whimpering and writhing and rolling my hips to grind against his mouth. ¡°Oh my god, why does that feel so freaking good?¡±


    ¡°Because.¡± He circles my clit with the tip of his tongue. ¡°I have nothing but time, baby girl. Nothing but time and your pussy and a whole fuck-ton of patience. You think I haven¡¯t imagined your taste? I finally get it and you think


    I¡¯m going to rush? No. Fuck no.¡±


    I feel like I¡¯m about to burst out of my skin. ¡°Don¡¯t stop.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t answer with words, but he answers all the same. Each stroke drives me higher, winds me tighter. And then I¡¯m at the precipice, suspended between one lick and the next, only to freefall down the other side. Ie so hard, I shriek and mp my thighs around his head. Shane wedges his big hands around them to force my legs wide again, to hold me open as he continues his assault until my bones turn to putty and I copse. ¡°No more. Oh god, no more.¡±


    His dark chuckle promises no mercy. ¡°Lily, you didn¡¯te here for two measly orgasms.¡± He¡¯s at my pussy again, dragging his thumbs over my lips and parting me as if he can¡¯t get enough of the sight of me. ¡°So fucking pretty and pink and wet just for me.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± the wordes out as a rasp.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Shane sits back a little but doesn¡¯t stop touching me. He avoids my clit for now, but the slow, possessive strokes against the rest of me is both easing me down and riling me back up. He doesn¡¯t take his attention from my pussy. ¡°I¡¯d like to remember this.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t mean like that.¡± He finally drags his gaze up to my face. My wetness is all over his mouth and chin. He looks like a fucking savage, and I love that he doesn¡¯t care that I¡¯m all over him. We¡¯ve made a mess of each other and, as he said, we¡¯re just getting started. ¡°I want to film you, baby girl. Something just for us.¡±


    I go still. Fucking Shane is one thing. Pictures? Videos? Those are forever, no matter if they get deleted or not. There are always backups upon backups. My body shakes, and I can¡¯t decide if it¡¯s need or concern. ¡°What will you do with it?¡±


    ¡°Remember the weekend when your pussy was mine and mine alone.¡± He cups me between my thighs hard. Like he¡¯s owning that part of me, all of me. ¡°If it makes you feel better, you can put it on your phone. Decideter if you want to send it to me or not.¡±


    It¡¯s wrong. The woman I was four days ago never would have consented to something like this, let alone actually desired it. I¡¯m already nodding. ¡°Yes.¡±

 Chapter 23

    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±  Shane rises to his feet and stalks out of the room. I don¡¯t have time to wonder if this is all one terrible mistake before he¡¯s back, my purse in his hands. He tosses it next to me. ¡°Phone.¡±


    I dig it out with shaking hands, unlock it, and pass it over. Shane considers me and then jerks his chin to the couch. ¡°Sit in the corner.¡±


    I obey, moving awkwardly. I lean back against the corner of the couch and spread my legs before he canmand me to do it. His tight smile is reward enough. ¡°Good girl.¡± He stands again and flips on the lights in the living room and turns off the TV. Somehow I feel even more exposed than I have so far tonight as Shane kneels back between my thighs and lifts my phone. ¡°The trees will keep the neighbors from getting nosy.¡±


    ¡°Too bad,¡± I murmur. I reach up and back to grip the couch. ¡°I think they¡¯d like the show.¡±


    ¡°No doubt.¡± He pushes the button to start the camera, panning it across my lower body. ¡°Needy pussy. Look how wet and plump you are.¡± Shane drags two fingers down my slit, parting me obscenely. ¡°So fucking needy. You want my cock, but you don¡¯t get it yet, do you? You haven¡¯t earned it yet.¡± He pushes a single finger into me and then joins it with a second. ¡°You going to take my cock just as eagerly as you take my fingers?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± I whisper. I watch him slowly slide his fingers in and out of me until they¡¯re coated with my wetness, until they shine in the camera on my phone.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Watch your Daddy fuck you with his fingers like the dirty little slut you are.¡± He hardly sounds like himself, his voice going rough and edged. ¡°I think you can take another one.¡± He wedges a third finger into me. It¡¯s almost too much, and I can¡¯t stop the whimper that escapes my lips.


    Shane gives me a sharp look. ¡°You take what I give you. Do you hear me? You take my three fingers, and you say thank you when I make youe again.¡±


    Panic and desire wind through me. I want what he¡¯s telling me, but I can¡¯t possibly. ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck did you just say?¡± He drives his fingers into me hard, bowing my back, but before I can adjust, he withdraws and grabs my chin the same way he did in the kitchen, shoving two fingers deep. I¡¯m vaguely aware of the phone pointed at my face, but my attention is consumed by him, by the brutal look on his face. He fucks my mouth with his fingers, forcing me to taste myself there, forcing me to acknowledge that I¡¯m just as much a dirty little slut as I¡¯m pretending to be.


    That maybe I¡¯m not pretending at all.


    I gag hard, and only then does he slide his fingers out of my mouth, slowly, reminding me who¡¯s in charge with both his pace and his remaining grip on my chin. ¡°What did you say to me?¡± he repeats softly.


    There are tears on my face, but I feel like I¡¯m on fire as I stare at him. I slowly lick my lips. ¡°Yes, Daddy.¡± My voice is hoarse. It¡¯s strange to talk around his grasp digging into my chin. ¡°I¡¯ll take your fingers and thank you when you make mee again.¡±


    Shane¡¯s gaze drops to my lips and then he drags me to his mouth.


    I have spent far longer than I¡¯ll ever admit wondering what it would be like to be kissed by this man. Fantasy doesn¡¯te close to reality. There¡¯s no tentativeness, certainly no gentleness. He takes my mouth like a conquering king, forcing me wide to allow his tongue, angling me exactly where he wants me. He fucking plunders me. Somehow the kiss is just as erotic as everything we¡¯ve done so far, only made more so that I can taste evidence of myself all over his tongue. I¡¯m all over


    him.


    I forget about the camera. I forget about everything except my need for him. I drag my mouth from his and sob against his lips. ¡°Please fuck me. I need you.¡±


    Shane exhales harshly against my mouth. ¡°There are condoms in the bathroom cab. Go get them.¡±


    I don¡¯t question his order. I simply obey, climbing to my feet and hurrying into the small downstairs bathroom to get a string of condoms. When I get back to the living room, he¡¯s on the couch and pulling his cock out. I stop short.


    Holy shit, he¡¯s huge. Like really, really huge. ¡°Whoa.¡±


    Shane gives me his arrogant grin. ¡°Get over here and get on your Daddy¡¯s cock like a good little girl.¡±


    He grabs the condoms from me and rips one open, rolling it over his length as I watch. I can¡¯t catch my breath, can¡¯t do anything but move to straddle him and shiver as he notches his cock at my entrance. I half expect him to drive up into me, but Shane sits back and lets me make this choice. As if I had any other destination in mind when I showed up here tonight. Somehow, through all the hazy reasoning that put me on this path, I never expected to enjoy myself so much.


    I let gravity make the choice for me, sinking slowly onto his length. Except that only goes so far. He¡¯s too big to slide in with a single stroke the first time, and I¡¯m left panting and writhing and trying to take him deeper. ¡°God, that feels good.¡±


    ¡°Take it all.¡± His hands on my hips, slowly, inexorably dragging me down until I¡¯m sure I can feel him in the back of my throat. ¡°There you go.¡± He sounds almost kind, almost caring, as he impales me on his cock. Shane hooks the back of my neck and then his mouth is on mine again, kissing me like he needs me more than air to breathe.


    I fight my way up his cock and then resume my journey, fucking him slowly until my body amodates, and then moving faster. The rest of the scene registers in between slow blinks. The fact that he¡¯s still fully clothed. How naked I am byparison. It¡¯s like a continuation of our power dynamic, but I can¡¯t tell if I¡¯m the tempting siren or the submissive. I don¡¯t know which I want to be.


    ¡°You¡¯ve wanted this cock a long time, haven¡¯t you?¡± His voice rips me out of my daze. ¡°Walking around my house in those little teases of outfits, bending over a little too far so I almost see your pretty pussy. You wanted to tempt me.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± I whisper. ¡°I liked the way you looked at me. I liked thinking about being bad with you.¡± I never would have done it if things didn¡¯te to this point¡­ At least, I don¡¯t think I would have. But that doesn¡¯t stop us from spinning out our unforgivable fantasy. I brace my hands on his shoulders and grind down hard on his cock. ¡°I didn¡¯t have to walk in a towel from the bathroom to his room. I didn¡¯t have to slow down every time I walked past your bedroom like that.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± He tightens his grip on my hips, urging me to move faster.


    ¡°I almost dropped the towel once.¡± I don¡¯t even know if it¡¯s the truth. I don¡¯t care. ¡°Just to see how you¡¯d react.¡± I can almost picture it, my new version of the events that day, of catching sight of him in his bedroom, watching me with those dark eyes, pinning me in ce. Of letting the towel fall¡­ ¡°What would you have done?¡±


    ¡°Told you toe into my bedroom and shut the door.¡± He yanks me down on his cock, holding himself deep inside me. ¡°Don¡¯t lock it, though. Because that¡¯s what you want, isn¡¯t it? To be dirty and to be bad and to fuck me when you shouldn¡¯t.¡±Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m not the only one who wants to be dirty and bad, am I?¡± I lean down and lick the shell of his ear. ¡°I¡¯m not the one fucking my son¡¯s ex-fiance right now, am I? I¡¯m not the one who stood a little too close, who watched me a little too intensely, who licked his lips every time my skirt slid a little too high.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, well, it¡¯s my cock you¡¯re riding right now. Not his.¡± He hooks me around the waist and tumbles me back onto the couch. That¡¯s when I see my phone, carefully positioned to catch the perfect shot to see his cock slide into me. It¡¯s an even better angle now, my body syed out as he holds himself up and drives into me. Putting on a show for the camera. I can perfectly see my breasts shake with the force of every thrust, can see his cock, slick with my desire, disappearing into me, spreading my pussy with his width. ¡°Who¡¯s cock do you need, baby girl?¡± he grinds out. ¡°Say it.¡±


    I meet my own gaze in the camera. I have never, ever done anything like this before. Apparently this weekend will be one of firsts. I intentionally look away from my phone, look up to find him staring down at me as if he wants to draw forth every filthy fantasy from my head. I hold his gaze as I say, ¡°Your cock, Daddy. I need your cock.¡±

 Chapter 24

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Shane shoves into me hard


    enough that it drives me several inches up the couch. ¡°My cock.¡±


    He fucks me like he¡¯s mad at me. Like by showing up here tonight I¡¯ve opened Pandora¡¯s box for both of us and now we can never shut it again. It¡¯s fierce and just shy of brutal, like he wants to punish me for making him want me. I love every second of it.


    This time, my orgasm has teeth and ws and rips me to pieces as Ie. I twist and bite his arm, needing some kind of outlet for the pleasure that¡¯s bordering on pain. Shane curses and digs his hand into my hair, prying me off him. His strokes be rougher, more frenzied and he buries his face in my neck as hees.


    I stare up at the ceiling as our harsh breathing bes the only sound in the room. Part of me can¡¯t believe what we just did. The rest of me is wondering when we can do it again. He asked me to stay the weekend, but surely that¡¯s not what he actually wants? He¡¯s assuaged his curiosity now, ked his lust. He¡¯ll get me dressed and send me on my way now. Surely.


    I¡¯m so busy preparing myself for that swift exit that it takes me several long second to register that he¡¯s leveraged himself up and is searching my face. ¡°Lily.¡± There¡¯s a note of concern in the way he says my name, as if it¡¯s not the first time.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Did I hurt you?¡± He slides his hand along the base of my skull where my scalp is smarting a little from how roughly he yanked me off him. It¡¯s barely a twinge, but I have to fight down the impulse to rub all of me against all of him at the careful way he touches me now, when a few short minutes ago he was manhandling me while spilling filth into my ears. The contrast should be jarring, but it just feels sexy as hell. ¡°Lily, answer me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± My voice is raspy. ¡°Better than fine.¡± I clear my throat. ¡°Sorry about your arm.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± He sps my chin, so much gentler than thest time and studies my face. ¡°You¡¯d tell me if I hurt you.¡± It doesn¡¯te out like a question. Ites out like amand.


    I lick my lips. ¡°Yes, I¡¯d tell you.¡±


    Whatever he sees in my expression seems to be enough for him because he nods and moves off me. Out of me. I whimper a little at the loss and shove the sound down deep. I don¡¯t want him to misunderstand it.


    Shane looks down at his cock and grimaces. ¡°Give me a second.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± I manage to drag myself into a seated position by the time he returns from the bathroom, his clothing righted. He looks at me for so long, I brace myself. This is where he ushers me out.


    Finally Shane shakes his head. ¡°You still want that drink?¡±


    I blink. ¡°Um. Yes?¡±


    ¡°Lose the garters and tights.¡± He doesn¡¯t wait for a response. He just walks away, expecting me to obey.


    And I do. I unsp the garters and peel off the tights, and then slip off the belt itself. When he returns a few minutester with fresh drinks, I¡¯m standing there naked, not sure what to do. We just fucked on the couch, but it feels weird as hell to just sit down.


    Shane stops when he sees me and arches his brows. ¡°Problem?¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    I lift my hands and then let them drop. ¡°In my head, this ended when we both orgasmed. I don¡¯t know how to handle this.¡± I motion between us.


    If anything, his brows rise higher. ¡°Lily,¡± he says my name slowly. ¡°You called me Daddy while you came on my cock, and this is what makes you feel awkward?¡±


    Heat surges beneath my skin, and I don¡¯t have to look down to know I¡¯m blushing. ¡°It¡¯s different.¡±


    ¡°No shit.¡± He walks slowly toward me and passes over my drink. I raise it and take a long sip. It¡¯s cool and fruity and exactly how I like it. Shane drops onto the couch and crooks his fingers at me. ¡°Come here.¡±


    I expect-But then, I should know better by now. If I had a ning into tonight, we¡¯ve gone off the rails. Apparently we¡¯re going to keep going off the rails. I let Shane pull me down into hisp and even though we¡¯ve now had sex, I can¡¯t quite get over how much bigger he is than I am. His son is built leaner, but Shane is all broad warrior. Age hasn¡¯t softened him a single bit. He runs his callused hands up my outer thigh to my hip. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything I didn¡¯te here for.¡±


    He makes a face. ¡°Not about that. Not about what I¡¯m going to do to you the second I¡¯m recovered.¡± He gives my hip a light squeeze as if he can¡¯t help touching me, as if he¡¯s not quite sure this is real. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that he was so fucking stupid to throw someone as special as you away.¡±


    ¡°Shane.¡± I wait for him to look at me. ¡°I really, really don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡±


    ¡°Too bad, baby girl. You came here looking for revenge, and if I¡¯m going to take part in that, then you¡¯re going to have to bend, too.¡± He skates his hand back down to my knee, a slow drag that might befort or might be the beginnings of a new seduction. ¡°I thought I raised him better, but I fucked up somewhere along the way.¡±


    I¡¯m not in the mood to defend either Shane or Max. It doesn¡¯t fucking matter that Max isn¡¯t a total piece of shit, even if he is a cheating asshole. Maybe the rtionship felt just as off to him as it did to me and that was his only way of dealing with it. It doesn¡¯t excuse what he did-nothing can do that-but surely I wouldn¡¯t have been touching myself to thoughts of his dad if things were perfect in our rtionship. I take another swallow of my drink. ¡°It wasn¡¯t right between us. I think we both wanted it to be, but it wasn¡¯t.¡±


    He mirrors my thoughts with his words. ¡°That doesn¡¯t excuse what he did.¡±


    ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t.¡± Slowly, oh so slowly, Iy my head on his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m probably a right asshole to be here right now.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say there¡¯s enough asshole in this situation to go round.¡± He sighs. ¡°Toote to take it back now.¡±


    Against all reason, that makes me smile. I twist to look up at him. ¡°You mean you don¡¯t want to go back to an hour ago before you knew what my pussy tastes like?¡±


    He taps a stern finger against my lips, but his dark eyes twinkle. ¡°You¡¯ve got a mouth on you, baby girl.¡±


    I lean forward and catch his finger between my teeth and then suck it into my mouth. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m doing. Maybe I¡¯m tired of talking about Max and realizing that I¡¯m just as bad as he is right now, or maybe I just can¡¯t stand the thought of being this close to Shane without having some part of him inside me. The reason doesn¡¯t matter. His reaction does.


    He twists his wrist and grasps my chin, his eyes going hard in a way that makes my body sing to life. ¡°I would have thought you¡¯d need more time to recover after what we just did.¡±


    I would have thought so, too, but I¡¯m already fighting not to squirm in hisp. I swirl my tongue around his finger and beg him with my eyes. I don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m begging for. It doesn¡¯t matter. Shane seems to know.


    He takes my ss from my hand, sets it on the side table next to his, and then shifts me around until my back is against his chest. I¡¯m still trying to figure out where this is going, to anticipate his next touch, when he starts idly running his hands up and down my body. My hips. My sides. Palming my breasts. Up to bracket my throat and then moving back down. ¡°Needy little slut,¡± he murmurs in my ear. ¡°You get a taste for orgasms at my hand and that¡¯s all you want, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    I shamelessly spread my legs, trying to will him to touch me. ¡°Yes. That¡¯s what I want.¡±


    ¡°Thought you said you couldn¡¯t go again.¡± His rough handes down on my pussy, clenching me almost tightly enough to hurt. I¡¯ve never felt so fucking owned in my entire life. He grips me like I¡¯m his, and I¡¯m suddenly not sure he¡¯s wrong.


    My breath saws in my lungs. Did he ask a question? I don¡¯t know and I can¡¯t think to ask. For his part, Shane keeps gripping me tightly as he drags his mouth over my shoulder and up to my neck. ¡°You¡¯re always ying the tease, baby girl. Teasing me for two long years, and then you finally gift me with this pussy and tease me like you¡¯re only going to give me three bullshit orgasms. This pussy?¡± He ps me hard enough to make me flinch back against him. ¡°It¡¯s mine for the next three days.¡±


    ¡°But-¡± I don¡¯t even know why I¡¯m arguing. This is what I want.


    ¡°No.¡± He gives my pussy another p. ¡°Who¡¯s this pussy belong to for the next three days?¡±


    Against all reason, my throat gets tight. I blink rapidly.


    ¡°You.¡±


    Another p. ¡°Do better.¡±


    I swallow hard, my voice thick. ¡°It¡¯s your pussy, Daddy.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Just like that, his touch turns soft and almost tender, dragging his fingers over my slit. ¡°It¡¯s my pussy. And I say when you¡¯ve had enough. We¡¯re not done tonight, are we?¡±


    I lean my head back against his shoulder as a tear slips free. I spread my legs wider yet. ¡°No, Daddy. We¡¯re not done tonight.¡±

 Chapter 25

    ¡°Good girl.¡± Shane reaches over and grabs the


    throw, pulling it over us and covering me from the neck down. I tense, but he just picks up the remote and puts the movie back on, restarting it.


    I frown at the television. ¡°I thought you said we weren¡¯t done.¡±


    ¡°We aren¡¯t. Sit back and rx.¡± He bands an arm around my waist, urging me to lean morefortably against his chest.


    I try. I do. But he¡¯s so hard at my back and I¡¯m surrounded by him, his big arms holding me to him, his mouth tracingzy patterns on the side of my neck, his hand¡­


    He barely lets it get through the opening credits before he¡¯s palming my pussy again. ¡°How many times did we watch movies over thest two years?¡±


    I hold perfectly still, my legs quivering from the effort. ¡°Not like this.¡±


    ¡°No, not like this.¡± He traces a blunt finger around my opening. ¡°You¡¯d have to be feeling particrly brave to sit down here in nothing more than a throw nket and watch a movie and expect me not to do anything about it.¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± I hiss out a breath as he circles my clit. ¡°You¡¯d have to think of a good reason to get me on yourp to take advantage of it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d trip you.¡± Heughs roughly in my ear. ¡°Clumsy girl,nding right where I want you. I¡¯d try to help you get on your feet, of course, but then I touch this pussy and it¡¯s all over.¡±


    ¡°Or¡­ Maybe you wouldn¡¯t have to y games, Shane.¡± I finally move, running my hands down his arms until my hand is over his where he¡¯s touching me. ¡°Maybe I¡¯d take your hand and guide it right where I¡¯m aching for you.¡±


    He nips my earlobe. ¡°Dirty girl. So fucking needy.¡±


    ¡°No one has to know. Except¡­oops.¡± I shrug and the nket slips off my shoulders to pool at my waist. ¡°Better hope no one walks in.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like you want to be caught.¡± He pushes two fingers into me slowly, agonizingly slowly, and withdraws. ¡°Like you want someone to walk in and know I¡¯ve got my fingers in your pussy.¡±


    I look down. It¡¯s easy enough to see the movement of his hand under the thin fabric. ¡°They¡¯d know.¡±


    ¡°Yes, baby girl, they¡¯d know.¡± His dark chuckle makes me writhe. ¡°Would you like to go for a drive tomorrow? Right in the afternoon while traffic is at its worst. I¡¯ll slip my hand up your skirt and we¡¯ll count how many people notice.¡±


    ¡°Oh fuck.¡±


    He keeps up his slow finger fucking. ¡°You want that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Daddy. I want that.¡± I watch the movement of the nket, somehow just as hot as actually watching his fingers prate me.


    ¡°Lily.¡± The rough tone of his voiceshes. ¡°If you can manage to stay still through this movie, I¡¯ll take you upstairs and fuck you properly.¡±


    ¡°What we did on the couch wasn¡¯t a proper fucking?¡±


    Another of those dark chuckles. ¡°Not even close. That was just to take the edge off.¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Time ceases to have any meaning as he slowly ys with my pussy while the movie runs in the background. I stare at the moving images, but my entire being is focused on the slow slide of Shane¡¯s fingers, on the way he brands me with his touch. I have the half-hysterical thought that this was a terrible mistake. How can any sexpare to this? Am I peaking at twenty-six, destined to spend the rest of my life mourning the fact that I¡¯ll never meet another man whomands my pleasure the way this one does?


    Shane doesn¡¯t let mee. Not once. He brings me to the edge over and over again, easing me away from it every single time. By the time the credits roll, I¡¯m shaking so hard, he has to pin me to hisp to keep me in ce. He circles my clit slowly until thest name scrolls past and the movie returns to the menu. ¡°Good girl.¡± ¡°Fuck you,¡± I grit out.


    ¡°Want me to kiss it and make it better?¡±


    I almost tell him to fuck off. I¡¯m so poised on the edge, that a gentle breeze might tip me over. But I want his mouth too


    bad to cut off my nose to spite my face. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    My face mes, but I¡¯m too far gone to care. ¡°Lick my pussy, Daddy. Make mee all over your face.¡±


    He exhales harshly. ¡°Dirty, dirty girl. You want me to do all the work, is that it?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Shane¡¯s already moving, shifting me off hisp, grabbing a pillow, andying down on the ottoman with his head toward the windows lining the wall that looks into the backyard. He arches an eyebrow. ¡°You want my tongue in your cunt? Get over here and ride my face.¡±


    I scramble to obey, moving to his chest and then gasping as he lifts me to straddle his face. With the pillow beneath his head, the angle is perfect. But he doesn¡¯t immediately release me. ¡°Look up.¡±


    I obey and gasp. The windows act as mirrors, reflecting the image of us. All I can see are his massive hands at my hips and the salt and pepper of his head between my thighs. And me. I can see all of me. Narrow waist, flushed breasts, my hair tangled in a way that can only be caused by fucking. I look devious.


    ¡°You like the way you look with your Daddy¡¯s head between your thighs?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I whisper. I look down at him. ¡°I like the sight of your mouth on my pussy even more. In fact¡­¡± I move off him long enough to grab my phone. I feel reckless and invincible as I perch on his upper chest. I lift my phone and press the button. ¡°Lick my pussy, Daddy. Please.¡±


    He stares straight into the camera as he parts my pussy with his thumbs and drags his tongue over me. I stop the video and take a picture instead. It is so filthy. The fact that he¡¯s got his mouth on such an intimate part of me, yes, but also the look in his eyes. Like this is just the beginning and he¡¯s going to do every single depraved thing he¡¯s ever wanted to do to me.


    Shane grabs the phone and tosses it onto the couch. I re. ¡°Hey!¡±


    ¡°There go you again, expecting me to do all the work.¡± He ps my thigh. ¡°Ride my mouth, Lily. Ride it hard and dirty and I¡¯ll let you have my cock again.¡±


    I¡¯ve been on the edge too long. I barely get to enjoy this moment before Ie. I grind down on his mouth and Shane meets me halfway, shoving his tongue inside me like he wants to lick up every bit of my orgasm. I slump down, and this time, there is no tenderness for me. He scoops me up and marches up the stairs to his bedroom. He doesn¡¯t even bother to shut the door before he has me on the bed, his mouth on mine.


    I shove at his shirt. ¡°You¡¯re wearing too many clothes.¡±


    ¡°Lie still and spread your legs.¡±

 Chapter 26

    I immediately obey. I¡¯ve seen Shane without his shirt, of course. He spent nearly as much time in his pool thest two summers as I have. He¡¯s honestly got a better body than Max does. Shane works on his body, and the evidence is there in the lines of muscle on disy. Then he takes off his pants and I forget to breathe. I¡¯ve had his cock inside me, but somehow seeing it without all the clothing to distract me makes it seem evenrger.


    He crawls back onto the bed and settles between my thighs, giving me one long drugging kiss. I start to wrap my legs around his waist, but he pushes them wide again.


    I stare dazedly at him, hating the distance between us, small though it is. ¡°I need you.¡±


    ¡°You have me.¡± But he¡¯s got a strange sort of look on his face, dark and possessive. Shane leans back and takes his cock in his hand. We both watch as he circles the head over my clit. ¡°That feels good doesn¡¯t it, baby girl.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I moan. I can barely keep my eyes open. My chest is heaving, my legs shaking. There¡¯s been too much pleasure in too short a time and I¡¯m in danger of having an out of body experience. Maybe that¡¯s why it takes me a moment to notice that he¡¯s dipped his cock down to drag through my folds. Up and down, up and down, his gaze on where the broad head of him parts me with every stroke.


    I bite my bottom lip. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t. We should get a condom.¡± Except I sound like I¡¯m asking him instead of telling him. Like I¡¯m hoping he¡¯ll ignore me and pave the way for us to be oh so bad. Reckless. So fucking reckless. I don¡¯t care. It feels too good to stop.


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± But he doesn¡¯t stop that slow dragging motion, circling my clit and then descending again. Except this time, his broad cock presses against my entrance. ¡°Look at how greedy your pussy is. You¡¯re practically pulling me in.¡±


    I reach down, trailing my fingers over my sweat-slicked stomach and lower to where the head of his cock is almost, almost inside me. I make a V with my fingers and drag them over my pussy lips, pressing them around the head of him.


    ¡°Jesus fuck,¡± he growls.


    ¡°We really, really shouldn¡¯t.¡± But I do it again. It¡¯s not enough. It¡¯s nowhere near enough. I press my fingers to either side of his cock and lift my hips, guiding him into me the tiniest bit. ¡°It hardly counts if it¡¯s only this, right?¡±


    ¡°Baby girl.¡± The threat is back in his voice. ¡°If you let my cock inside without a condom, that¡¯s how you get it for the next three days. I¡¯m going to pump you so full ofe it¡¯s dripping down your legs. Make sure that¡¯s what you want.¡±


    ¡°But Daddy¡­ You said we shouldn¡¯t.¡± I can¡¯t quite catch my breath. I keep stroking his cock where it¡¯s disappearing into my pussy. Just the head, just the tip, just enough that I can¡¯t take it back. I roll my body, fucking that part of him while he holds perfectly still. I pull him out and urge him to circle my clit again and then guide him back down to press inside. Just a bit more this time. A fraction of an inch. And then out and up over my clit. Again and again, working him a little deeper each time. Teasing him. Tempting him.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He stops me when his cock is halfway lodged inside me. ¡°Lily, you¡¯re trying my patience.¡±


    ¡°Look at us,¡± I whisper. ¡°Look how wide you spread me, how wet you make me.¡± I roll my hips. ¡°Do you want to stop?¡±


    ¡°No, baby girl. I don¡¯t want to stop.¡± But he still doesn¡¯t move, staring at his cock in my pussy as if the sight torments him. Shane finally looks up. ¡°You better be careful. You keep acting like the perfect little slut, and I¡¯m liable to keep you.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t give me a chance to answer, to evenprehend his words. He simply drives his cock the rest of the way into me. Once. Twice. A third time. And then he¡¯s gone, flipping me onto my stomach like I¡¯m a doll built for his pleasure and his pleasure alone. He yanks my hips into the air and then he¡¯s inside me again, fucking away all thoughts of what should and shouldn¡¯t.


    Shane¡¯s handnds on the mattress and his right hand snakes down my stomach to press against my clit. ¡°I should send that video to my piece of shit son. Show him how you like to be fucked. Show him what he¡¯s never going to have again.¡±


    Maybe I should feel bad about the thought of Max seeing the video of me riding his father¡¯s cock. I don¡¯t. It fills me with a fierce joy that borders on rage. Shane¡¯s feeling it, too. He ms into me harder, driving me to grind on his palm. ¡°It¡¯s not his pussy anymore, is it?¡± ¡°No,¡± I gasp.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Not his pussy at all.¡± He bites my neck.


    ¡°Tell me who your pussy belongs to, Lily.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your pussy, Daddy.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m fucking you bare, aren¡¯t I? My big cock stretching you wide. Your tight little cunt taking every single fucking inch.¡± He growls against my neck. ¡°You feel so good, baby girl. All wet and slippery and made just for me.¡±


    I should put a stop to this possessive talk. This is only for the weekend, after all. It wasn¡¯t even supposed to be that long. But I don¡¯t want to. He makes me feel fucking priceless when he¡¯s saying these things, and I¡¯m suddenly terribly afraid that I¡¯ll never get enough.


    Not of Shane¡¯s cock.


    Not of Shane himself.


    Instead, I m back against him as much as I¡¯m able. ¡°Fill me up, Daddy.¡± I don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m saying, only that I want this feeling to go on forever. Wicked. Dirty. Fucking filthy. ¡°Fill me up with youre.¡±


    ¡°Dirty. Little. Slut.¡± Each word is punctuated by a savage thrust. He grinds into me and I swear I can feel his cock jerk as hees. He slumps to the side, taking me with him, and slides a hand down to idly caress my clit. I jerk.


    The feeling of him going soft inside me is strange but not unpleasant, especially when he keeps up that achingly gentle circling. ¡°Once more. One more time and you can rest.¡±


    This time, I don¡¯t tell him it¡¯s impossible. I just stretch out against his big body and let him have his way with me. It¡¯s almost like handing over that control flips a switch inside me. Once I stop worrying about the pressure toe, my orgasm is waiting in the wings. It lifts me and washes me out to sea. I¡¯m vaguely aware of wordsing out of my mouth, but I¡¯ve lost the ability toprehend them. It doesn¡¯t matter. Not when he¡¯s easing me back into my body, piece by piece, until I am well and firmly tethered to the earth.


    Shane slips out of me and nudges me onto my back. The look on his face¡­ I don¡¯t know that emotion, don¡¯t know what to do with it. It¡¯s almost a relief when he kisses me and I can close my eyes and just enjoy him without thinking too hard. By the time he finally lifts his head and moves off me, I feel almost like myself again.


    At least the version of myself that showed up at this house to fuck my almost-father-inw.

 Chapter 27

    ¡°Stay.¡±


    I open my eyes. ¡°I already said I would.¡±


    Shane gives me a long look. ¡°You¡¯ve had one foot out the door the second you starteding down.¡± He shakes his head and pulls me up. ¡°Stop thinking so hard and enjoy this, Lily.¡±


    My knees don¡¯t feel quite solid, but I manage to keep my feet as he leads me into his bathroom. I look at my reflection in the mirror. ¡°I¡¯d say I¡¯m enjoying myself.¡± My lipstick is barely more than a memory and the smudged mascara around my eyes is a far cry from the sexy smoky eye look that I started with. Not to mention that my hair has gone from yfully messy to straight up rat¡¯s nest. My gaze tracks my naked body, taking in the whisker burn on my neck and thighs, how pink and wet my pussy looks from everything we¡¯ve done.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Shane walks up behind me and, holy shit, we look good. His wide shoulders dwarf me and when he sets his big hands on my waist, I feel both breakable and protected at the same time. His hair is a mess from my fingers and he¡¯s got scratches on his shoulders and the bite mark on his forearm.


    We both look like sexy messes.


    He pulls me back against him and cups my pussy. Not like he¡¯s trying to start us up again. More like he¡¯s touching


    me because he can. ¡°Sore?¡±


    ¡°A little.¡±


    He nods as if he expects nothing less. ¡°I¡¯d say I¡¯ll give you a break tomorrow, but it¡¯s a lie.¡± He slowly, slowly, lifts his hand, almost as if the move pains him, and turns to the shower. ¡°Let¡¯s get some sleep.¡±


    Somehow, with everything else going on, it never urred to me that I¡¯d be sleeping with Shane. Fucking, yes. Lying in bed next to you? No way.


    I get tenser and tenser as we take turns in his shower and end up back in his bedroom. Shane takes one look at my face and frowns. ¡°Get over here.¡±


    ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°Lily, did I fucking stutter?¡±


    My heart starts hammering and I move toward him one slow step at a time. He catches my hips pulls me against him, and then grasps my chin, lifting my face so I have nowhere to hide. ¡°Tell me.¡±


    Beneath his firm expression, it¡¯s the truth that slips free. ¡°It feels intimate.¡±


    He arches his brows. ¡°I¡¯ve had my hands and tongue and cock inside you and this feels intimate.¡± He backs me toward the bed, and I have to climb onto the mattress to keep from being toppled. ¡°You know why that is?¡±


    ¡°No?¡±


    ¡°Because it is fucking intimate. You¡¯re in my bed and you¡¯re saying you feel safe enough with me to sleep.¡± He follows me onto the bed. ¡°You¡¯re saying you want to wake up in the morning with my tongue in your cunt. Doesn¡¯t that sound intimate to you?¡±


    I swallow hard. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m going to like it too much.¡±


    At that, his gaze goes soft and devastatingly possessive.


    ¡°You will. You¡¯ll like this just like you¡¯ve loved everything we¡¯ve done so far.¡± Shane releases me and yanks back the nkets. He doesn¡¯t speak again until he¡¯s settled under them, sitting with his back against the headboard. ¡°I¡¯m not going to force you, though. If this makes you ufortable, I can crash on the couch.¡± He gives a wicked grin. ¡°But you¡¯re still going to wake up with me tongue-fucking you.¡±


    I shiver. I almost wish he hadn¡¯t given me a choice, because this would be so much easier. A revenge fuck is one thing. Intimacy feels like it¡¯s coloring outside the lines like I¡¯m setting myself up for a broken heart with a broken heart chaser.


    I wish I could be colder. I wish I didn¡¯t crave the feeling of his arms around me. I wish a lot of things as I tentatively crawl beneath the covers next to Shane.


    He wastes no time flipping off the light and slipping down in the bed, pulling me with him. The next thing I know, we¡¯re spooning and he¡¯s got his arms wrapped around me. The man holds me like I¡¯m the most precious thing in the world, and despite myself, I slip into sleep with his body cradling mine.


    Little things wake me. Hot open-mouthed kisses at the back of my neck. Callused hands palming my breasts. A hard cock against my ass. Shane lightly pinches my nipples. ¡°Awake?¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± I stretch, rolling my hips to rub my ass on his cock. ¡°I seem to remember you promising to wake me up in a very different way.¡±


    His rough chuckle has my thighs clenching together. ¡°Just checking in, baby girl. That still what you want?¡±


    I twist in his arms and he lets me, shifting to give me room to sling my leg up around his waist. I wrap my fist around his cock and drag his broad head over my slit. I¡¯m already wet from how he was touching me, already aching for him. ¡°Does it feel like that¡¯s what I want?¡±


    Shane digs his hand into my hair and urges my head back so he can growl in my ear. ¡°You have a slutty little pussy. We both know that. It¡¯s your head that I¡¯m concerned with right now.¡± His rough words are matched by the intent look on his face. I¡¯ve never had a man look at me the way Shane does as if every single thing I say is of the utmost importance. As if he wants to know what I want, rather than have me tell him what he wants to hear. ¡°Tell me what you need, Lily.¡±

 Chapter 28

    I drag in a shuddering breath and notch him at my entrance. I¡¯m only a little sore from yesterday, but it doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯m not interested in waiting. I hold his gaze. ¡°I need my Daddy¡¯s cock.¡±


    His jaw clenches and he thrusts into me the tiniest bit. ¡°You have a dirty mouth.¡± He reaches up with his free hand and traces my lower lip with his thumb. ¡°I¡¯m going to enjoy fucking itter.¡±


    I lick his thumb. ¡°Use me.¡±


    ¡°I n on it.¡± He kisses me, rough and intense, but he doesn¡¯t thrust into me like I expect. Shane kisses me like the head of his cock isn¡¯t inside me already like we¡¯re just making out for the sake of making out. It frazzles my nerves, but in a way that isn¡¯t entirely pleasant. It feels like he¡¯s changing the rules, and I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m okay with it.


    As if he can sense my confusion, Shane rolls onto his back and takes me with him. He gives me a wicked grin and then lifts his arms to rest his head in his hands. ¡°You want your Daddy¡¯s cock?¡±


    I clutch onto what¡¯s rapidly bing my foundation, my familiar territory, with both hands. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then take it.¡±


    Despite being turned on already, I¡¯m nowhere near prepared enough for his size. I have to fight my body and his to take him another inch deeper. He watches me writhe and squirm with his eyebrow cocked, seemingpletely unaffected by my struggle. It¡¯s hot. ¡°Problem?¡± ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡± He shifts a little but still makes no move to help me. ¡°Because you say you want my cock, but you¡¯re not taking it like the good girl I know you can be.¡±


    I sob out an exhale as I sink another inch into him. Holy shit, was he this bigst night? I¡¯ve never had a problem doing the bare minimum of forey before sex, but I¡¯ve also never been in an experience like this. And Shane is fucking huge. Something like humiliation heats my skin, but it gets all tangled up with need. I circle my hips, trying to force him deeper. ¡°I¡¯m trying.¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± He watches me for a few moments and then sighs in something like disappointment. ¡°Lily¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying.¡± Against all reason, my lower lip quivers. What the hell is going on? I nt my hands on his chest and sink a little more. He¡¯s too big, I¡¯m too full, I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m enjoying this or if it just aches. ¡°I¡¯m trying, Daddy. I promise.¡±


    Another of those disappointed sighs and he finally moves, his hands falling to my hips. ¡°Stubborn to the very end.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You need something from me, Lily? Fucking ask for it.¡± He lifts me off his cock and sets me on his hard stomach. Shane holds my gaze as he wets his thumb and then presses it to my clit. A slow circle has me fighting not to roll my hips. On the third one, I forget myself and do it. I grind down on his stomach like the horny little slut I am. Maybe I should be self-conscious but the way he looks at me burns me up just as much as his thumb¡¯s slow circles. ¡°That¡¯s right, baby girl. Just like that.¡±


    Pleasure coils tighter and tighter. ¡°Why does everything you do to me feel so good?¡±


    ¡°Because I know what I¡¯m doing.¡± He urges me up a little and pushes two fingers into me, spreading me more with each stroke. ¡°Because we fit in a twisted sort of way. You want a Daddy to permit you to be bad. I want a baby girl who will give me that pussy whenever I want it, however I want it.¡± Something like conflict passes over his expression. ¡°Not just any baby girl, Lily.¡±


    What¡¯s he saying? That I¡¯m special? I mightugh if I could find the breath for it. If I was so special, I wouldn¡¯t be in this position to begin with. I wouldn¡¯t have already started to crave the depraved games we y. I sure as hell wouldn¡¯t get off on calling him Daddy, and wouldn¡¯t have fantasized about it while I was still with his son.


    ¡°Shane¡­¡±


    But he doesn¡¯t give me a chance to find the words to ruin this. He hefts me up to straddle his face and then his mouth is on my pussy and I¡¯m not worried about anything but the orgasm barreling down upon me. Coward that I am, I let him distract me, let myself ride his face as he fucks me with his tongue.


    ¡°Oh shit.¡± Ie so hard, that I have to nt my hands on the headboard to keep from copsing. And Shane doesn¡¯t stop. He holds me in ce and keeps kissing my pussy like he has all the time in the world. ¡°Fuck, fuck, fuck.¡± I bite down hard on my bottom lip. ¡°I love what you do to me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡± He slides down and then he¡¯s at my back, his hands on either side of mine on the headboard. Shane nudges my thighs wider and thrusts slowly into me. This time, my body wees him and he sinks to the hilt in one smooth stroke. He keeps us like that, him impossibly deep, his big body surrounding me, his rough breathing in my ear. ¡°What¡¯s the problem, baby girl? Are you worried you like this too much? That three days won¡¯t be enough?¡±


    That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m worried about. No matter how much I genuinely like Shane, no matter how much I¡¯ve enjoyed my time spent with him over thest two years, no matter how hard he makes mee, this can¡¯tst more than the weekend. I try to thrust back onto him, but there¡¯s nowhere to go. He has me pinned with his cock and body. Even though he¡¯s covering me, even though I can¡¯t see his face, I¡¯ve never felt so exposed. ¡°I was engaged to your son four days ago. I dated him for two years.¡±


    ¡°You were. You did.¡± He withdraws the tiniest bit and pumps into me, drawing a moan from my lips. Shane kisses my neck, and my shoulder, and then his voice is in my ear again, growling things we have no business talking about while he¡¯s balls deep inside me. ¡°He¡¯s an idiot. Maybe he¡¯ll grow out of it. Maybe he won¡¯t. It doesn¡¯t matter, because he¡¯s not for you.¡±


    ¡°You were going to be my father-inw!¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He nips my earlobe. ¡°And now I¡¯m your Daddy. I think we both prefer it this way.¡±

 Chapter 29

    Shane keeps fucking me with those shallow strokes that feel good, but are nowhere near enough. ¡°Stop thinking about what you should want, Lily.¡±


    Easy for him to say. Or maybe it isn¡¯t. I don¡¯t care. I¡¯m not interested in being fair right now. ¡°What if Max tries to win me back?¡±


    Shaneughs. The bastardughs. ¡°Try it and see what happens.¡± He releases the headboard with one hand to snake down my stomach and press to my clit. ¡°The first time you visit this house, you¡¯re going to look at the ottoman and think about how many times you came for me there. You¡¯re not going to be able to walk past this room without remembering how good my cock feels inside you.¡± He drags his mouth over the back of my neck. ¡°How long do you think you¡¯llst before you¡¯re crossing a line, Lily? An hour? Two? I bet you¡¯d wear a short little skirt for just the asion and slip my hand under it the second he looks the other way.¡±


    My body goes white hot at the thought. I can¡¯t breathe past wanting to do exactly that. It scares me how much I want it. ¡°Fuck you.¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± He gives my clit a casual p. ¡°Hit too close to home?¡±


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± I whisper.


    ¡°I meant what I saidst night.¡± He slowly drags his fingers over my clit. ¡°You make me want to keep you.¡± He makes me want to be kept.


    I shake my head. ¡°It will never work.¡±


    Just like that, a flip is switched. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about itter.¡± Shane shifts back and digs his fingers into my hips. It¡¯s all the warning I get before he starts fucking me, dragging me down his length as he thrusts forward until his filling me consumes every part of my awareness. He drives into me again and again, forcing every doubt and fear from my mind. There¡¯s no room for them right now. We¡¯re fucking like animals, hard and rough and battling out a silent debate that we¡¯re both determined to win.


    Shane fights dirty, though.


    He grabs one of my hands and presses it to my clit. ¡°Make yourself feel good, baby girl.¡±


    I should deny the order, but I¡¯m too greedy for my next orgasm. ¡°Yes, Daddy.¡± Pleasure rises in waves, edging me closer and closer to where I need to be.


    Then he yanks me back on his cock, sealing us together too tightly for me to fight. Shane touches a wet thumb to my ass and I freeze. He squeezes my cheek, spreads me, and then presses his thumb past the ring of muscles. ¡°Have you ever taken a man here, Lily?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I whisper. I can¡¯t stop shaking. I don¡¯t know if I want to try to get away or arch my back to take him deeper.


    ¡°Mmm.¡± He pumps slowly, not going particrly deep, but branding this part of me all the same. ¡°Would you like


    your Daddy¡¯s cock in your ass?¡±


    I shiver. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    He keeps working me, holding me in ce. ¡°Did I tell you to stop touching your clit?¡±


    Immediately, I start up again, and the added sensation of this thumb confuses me. This isn¡¯t something I thought I was interested in, but with his big cock inside me and my fingers on my clit, his thumb doesn¡¯t feel¡­bad. My orgasm starts gaining speed again.


    ¡°Good girl.¡± He murmurs, still fucking me with his thumb. ¡°I think I am going to take this virgin ass. Not yet. But you¡¯re mine, aren¡¯t you, Lily? Every part of you. Mouth and pussy and ass. There for my pleasure whenever I decide to take it.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    I stroke my clit faster, writhing as much as I¡¯m able to. ¡°Yes, Daddy.¡± The closer I get toing, the hotter his thumb feels. My breath sobs out and my control wavers. ¡°Fuck me however you want. Make me your dirty little slut.¡±


    ¡°I will, Lily. You can be damn sure I will.¡± He starts moving again, thrusting with both cock and thumb. I want tost, want to keep riding this pleasure, but my body has other ideas. Ie hard, mping down on him, and the feeling of being prated on two fronts drives my orgasm to new heights.


    Shane presses his free hand to my back, urging my face down to the mattress but keeping my ass in the air. It allows him to deeper yet. I half-expect him to pound into me, but he slows down as if savoring the feel of me. He strokes a hand down my back to squeeze my other ass cheek, spreading me obscenely. ¡°You feel so fucking good,¡± he murmurs and pulls out almost all the way to pump just the head of his cock into me. ¡°You look even better. I love watching your pussy spread to take me. And you take every inch, don¡¯t you, baby girl?¡±


    I fist the sheets and moan. ¡°Yes, Daddy.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll give me anything I ask, won¡¯t you? Because you want to be good.¡±


    It¡¯s a fight not to m back onto his cock, not to beg him to fuck me deep again. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Good girl.¡± He releases a long breath and then he¡¯s doing exactly what I need, shoving deep into me, once again fucking me like he¡¯s mad at me, like I¡¯ve been bad and he¡¯s going to enact my penance with his cock. He curses and then he¡¯s pressed against my back again, shoving my legs wider yet. ¡°You try toe back here as Max¡¯s girlfriend and I¡¯m going to punish you, Lily. Do you hear me? I¡¯m going to flip up your little tease of a skirt and paddle your ass, and then I¡¯m going to fuck you until you scream about how good your Daddy¡¯s cock feels inside you,


    scream so loud he can hear you.¡± Holy shit.


    I bury my face in the mattress and shriek as Ie. This time, Shane follows me over the edge. He pounds into me, growling my name as he fills me up. Then he presses a devastatingly gentle kiss to the top of my spine as he shifts us onto our side.


    I stare blindly at the wall, trying to process the sheer amount of pleasure against how hot his words make me. How wrong they are. I should leave it at that, shouldn¡¯t look deeper into them no matter what he says about keeping me. I¡¯m not naive enough to think that anything said in the middle of sex can be held up to the light.


    That doesn¡¯t stop me from speaking. ¡°I¡¯m not going back to him, even if he wanted to try to make things right. It¡¯s over.¡± When Shane doesn¡¯t respond, except to gather me closer, I find myself continuing. ¡°Even before this, things were off. It was toofortable, I guess? Like friends who asionally had sex.¡± It was so easy being with Max, easy enough that I was able to ignore all the things wrong with the rtionship until they umted to a pile neither of us could ignore any longer. ¡°I guess that¡¯s why he started looking outside the rtionship for what he needs.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make it hurt less now that it¡¯s over.¡±


    My throat burns and I have to blink rapidly. ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t make it hurt less.¡± I¡¯ve lost him, either way. Even if


    I don¡¯t want that rtionship back, even if there¡¯s a strange sort of relief now that I¡¯m free of it, I¡¯m still losing Max as a friend, too.


    Shane eases me onto my back and looks down at me. I don¡¯t know what he sees in my face. I¡¯m not in control enough to shield myself from him, and even when I¡¯m at the top of my game, he seems to see right through me. He smooths my hair back. ¡°Go take a shower and get ready. We¡¯re going out.¡±


    I grab onto the distraction he offers with both hands. ¡°Out? Are you sure that¡¯s a good idea?¡± We might live outside of Chicago but each suburb is like its own little small town. The chances we have of running into someone we know are high. I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m ready for everyone to know how I responded to my rtionship with Max falling apart. I¡¯m not sure I ever will be.


    Instead of answering, Shane gets out of bed and walks into the bathroom. A few secondster, I hear the shower running. By the time I manage to make it in there, he¡¯s finished with his shower and has a towel wrapped around his waist. Shane jerks his chin at the shower. ¡°Take your time.¡± Then he disappears out the door.


    There is something that feels so taboo about using his shower. Even though we¡¯ve been naked together, and have fucked in both the living room and his bedroom, it¡¯s almost impossible to separate the Daddy from the father-inw. Being naked in my father-inw¡¯s shower feels wrong. Like I¡¯m being bad, being somewhere I shouldn¡¯t be.


    I relish the feeling as I shower. Is that the only reason I enjoy being with Shane so much? Because I shouldn¡¯t be?


    My situation would be so much simpler if that were the case.


    By the time I finish, he reappears with a small polka-dot bag I instantly recognize. Max and I only spent significant time here in the summers because of the pool, but that was enough for me to leave a small stash of my stuff in Max¡¯s old room for when I needed it. I take the bag from Shane with shaking hands. It¡¯s another reminder of where I was versus where I am now. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Clothes are on the bed.¡± He turns and walks away.


    I blink. I didn¡¯t exactly expect him to ravish me the second I got out of the shower, but there¡¯s no denying a certain disappointment that he¡¯s not letting me y out my towel-dropping fantasy. It¡¯s an effort not to march after him and force his hand, but curiosity gets the better of me. Where does he want us to go? Surely it¡¯s not just a simple errand, not when we¡¯re engaging in this weekend of sheer perversity. At least, I hope not.

 Chapter 30

    I take my time getting ready, just like I took my time in the shower. Part of it is perversity-wondering how long his patience will hold-and the other part is that I genuinely want to look good for him. I blow out my long blond hair and give it a toss to maximize its natural waves, and I put on a full face of makeup. It¡¯s my summer stuff, so a bronzy natural look with pretty pink lips. I smile at myself in the mirror. He said he wants to fuck my mouthter. Red would be better, but pink will do.


    Once I¡¯m ready, I head out into the bedroom and stop short. I was so distracted, I hadn¡¯t thought about what clothes he would have for me, but Shane¡¯sid out one of my summer outfits. It¡¯s a tiny blue and white striped skirt with a flirty flounce, whitece panties, and a white crop top.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    I¡¯m going to freeze to death.


    I re at the closed bedroom door and finally pull on the clothes. Another check in the mirror has me pressing my lips together. This outfit is one I wear over swimsuits to make them barely public-appropriate. It¡¯s not meant for anything other than that. The skirt is so short that it brushes the lower curve of my ass and the crop top is an oversized boxy fit that leaves my entire stomach bare and will expose half my breasts if I lift my arms over my head. I do it anyway and relish the heat that bolts through me at the sight of my nipples peeking out.


    I find Shane in the kitchen eating pancakes. He barely looks at me as he slides a second te across the counter and sets a coffee next to it-heavy in cream and sugar, just like I prefer. ¡°Eat.¡±


    I wait, but he seems intent on his task. Perverse irritation res. I took my time making myself look good for him and I wanted acknowledgment. I sp my hands in front of me and pour sugar into my tone. ¡°You¡¯re not going to tell


    me if you like my outfit, Daddy?¡±


    He goes still. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    I¡¯m still not satisfied. I feign a yawn and stretch my arms over my head, the cool air of the room teasing my exposed breasts. When I lower my arms, Shane is finally giving me his full attention. ¡°You¡¯re dressed like a slut, Lily. You leave the house looking like that and you¡¯re not going to like what happens.¡±


    Desire thrills through my blood. ¡°You don¡¯t like it?¡± I turn around and lean against the counter, feeling my skirt ride up.


    ¡°Lily.¡± I don¡¯t hear him move, but suddenly his hands are on my hips, dragging up my skirt. ¡°Where the fuck are your panties?¡±


    I have to fight back a grin. Finally, I¡¯ve got the reaction I¡¯ve been craving. I try to sound as innocent as possible. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to wear them. I don¡¯t like them.¡±


    Shane squeezes my ass cheeks. His hands are so big, he only has to shift slightly for his thumbs to brush my pussy. He parts me slowly. ¡°Who are you nning on fucking in this slutty outfit, baby girl? Because you didn¡¯t put it on solely to run errands with me.¡±


    I try to turn around, but he easily holds me in ce. He¡¯s squeezing me and stroking me, but he¡¯s not giving me the contact I need. I try to roll my hips, but he¡¯s gripping me too tightly. ¡°I¡¯m nning on fucking you, Daddy.¡± Frustration bubbles up, or maybe it¡¯s just that I want to push him the same way he insists on pushing me. Regardless of the reason, my mouth gets away from me. ¡°But if you won¡¯t give me what I need, maybe I¡¯ll go find it somewhere else.¡±


    I register the absence of his touch a bare moment before he spanks me hard enough to drive a cry from my lips. ¡°What the fuck?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Lily.¡± He spanks me again, this time on the other cheek. ¡°What the fuck?¡± A third spank has me trying to get away, but he grabs the back of my neck and holds me in ce. ¡°You want to provoke a reaction by being a little slut? This is the one you get.¡±


    A fourth strike has tears pricking my eyes and my ass feeling like it¡¯s on fire. It hurts. It hurts so fucking much, I can barely breathe, but the heat creates a pulsing in my pussy in time with my racing heart. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Daddy!¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I called you on it, more like.¡± He doesn¡¯t spank me again. Just keeps my face pinned to the counter as he goes back to squeezing first one cheek and then the other, ramping up the heat I¡¯m experiencing. ¡°For that, you don¡¯t get to leave the truck.¡±


    ¡°W-what?¡±


    He dips his hands between my thighs and gives a derisiveugh. ¡°You love even this. You¡¯re fucking shameless.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry! I won¡¯t do it again. I promise.¡±


    ¡°Lies.¡± Shane urges my legs wider. ¡°But I¡¯ll give you a chance to prove it¡¯s the truth.¡± He drags a finger through my wetness and lowers his voice. ¡°Be a good girl. Stand exactly like this and don¡¯t move. Look out the window.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± I whisper.


    His handes off my neck and skates down my back as he moves behind me. I hear him go to his knees and then his mouth is on my smarting ass, kissing it better. And then he spreads me and his mouth is on my pussy and up on my ass and then back down again.


    I thought the front of the house waspletely shielded by trees. I was wrong. I can see one neighbor shoveling snow and another walking their dog. They¡¯re going about their normal lives, having no idea that Shane is on his knees behind me just out of sight, eating my ass and pussy. My legs start to tremble. ¡°I¡¯m not the only one who likes being bad, am I, Daddy?¡± He sucks hard on my clit, which is answer enough. ¡°You love being the guy that everyone respects, the pir of yourmunity, the man everyone goes to when they have something they need fixed.¡± I gasp as his tongue swirls my ass, but force the next words out. ¡°They¡¯d die to know that you have your mouth all over your daughter-inw¡¯s pussy.¡±


    Shane gives me a long lick. ¡°Ex, Lily. Ex-daughter-iw.¡±


    I grip the counter and try to stay still. ¡°But you wanted to do this before that was true. You wanted me toe all over your face when I was still his.¡±


    He leans back and delivers another stinging p to my ass. ¡°You¡¯re not his.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡± I watch the snow-shoveling neighbor strike up a conversation with the dog walker directly across the street. My shirt has ridden up around my shoulders, and my skirt covers absolutely nothing at all. I¡¯m not sure if they can see me as clearly as I can see them from this angle, but the thought that they might have me arching back, offering him my pussy. ¡°I¡¯m yours, Daddy.¡± When he doesn¡¯t immediately resume licking me, I whimper. ¡°Please make mee. I promise I¡¯ll be quiet. They won¡¯t know what filthy things you¡¯re doing to me. No one will know but us.¡±


    Shane exhales against my aching flesh. ¡°No.¡±


    I blink. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He climbs to his feet and flips my skirt down. ¡°A punishment is only a punishment if you don¡¯t enjoy it. Go get your panties on, Lily. Don¡¯t make me ask you again.¡±

 Chapter 31

    I stand in a daze and stumble upstairs to obey. My whole body feels like an exposed nerve, denied pleasure even more painful than my still-stinging ass. It only gets worse when I pull the panties on. The fabric against my aching pussy and ass is agonizing.


    Back in the kitchen, Shane watches me with a dangerous expression on his face while I dutifully eat my now-cold pancakes and drink my lukewarm coffee. Once he¡¯s satisfied, he leads me to the mud room and pulls one of his coats around me. It swallows me, making me feel ridiculous in my tiny skirt that barely reaches past the edge of the coat. ¡°I¡¯m going to freeze,¡± I murmur.


    ¡°No, you won¡¯t.¡± He zips it up and nudges me down to slip my heels on. I hold my breath while he¡¯s kneeling in front of me, half hoping that if I spread my legs a little more, he¡¯ll finish what he started in the kitchen.


    He doesn¡¯t.


    Instead, he motions me to precede him into the garage. It¡¯s open and the truck is running, so I only get a st of freezing air to my bare legs before I haul myself up into the warm cab of the truck. Despite being a work truck, the bench seat and interior are spotless. But then, Shane holds a manager position. For all that he¡¯s technically in construction, the man wears a suit to work most days. Of course his truck looks shiny and new inside.


    I¡¯m still processing when he climbs in through the driver¡¯s door and shuts it. Shane gives me a long look.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a dirty little secret.¡±


    I blink. ¡°I might want to be a dirty little secret.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He shakes his head and hauls me to the middle of the bench seat. I fight down a shiver as he buckles the seatbelt over my hips and then reaches beneath my skirt to drag his knuckles over my clit through my panties. He keeps his hand up my skirt and rubbing my pussy as he puts the truck in reverse and backs out.


    Shane waves to the neighbors still out talking, the same ones I watched while he ate me out, and they wave back. They have no idea that he¡¯s dipping a finger into me at that exact moment. ¡°Oh god.¡± I whimper.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°Shhh. Lot of neighborhood to get through.¡± He idly pumps his single finger as he drives, waving to every single neighbor outside as he slowly fucks me with his big finger. I¡¯m quivering and shaking by the time we make it out of the subdivision.


    And that¡¯s when the bastard removes his finger, pulls my panties back into ce, and sucks his finger clean. I stare at him. ¡°You are such an asshole.¡± ¡°Punishment,¡± he says simply.


    I¡¯m in such agony, I barely register where we¡¯re going until Shane pulls to a stop in front of a nondescript white building. The parking lot is all but empty on a Saturday morning, and the other two buildings that share the space are abandoned. I frown out the windshield. ¡°This is a sex toy shop.¡±


    He turns to face me, suddenly taking up too much space. ¡°I¡¯m going to be in there for about ten minutes. During that time, I want you to bring yourself almost to orgasm, but don¡¯t go over the edge.¡±


    I lick my lips. ¡°What happens if I do?¡±


    ¡°Then you don¡¯t get my cock for the rest of the day.¡± He leans down, sexy and menacing. ¡°You get my mouth and you get my fingers, but I¡¯m not going to let youe. You¡¯ve been denied once. Think hard about whether it¡¯s


    worth a full twenty-four hours of that agony.¡±


    I re. ¡°Asshole.¡±


    He takes my hand and shoves it down my panties. ¡°Be a good girl and I¡¯ll give you a present when I get back.¡±


    Despite my best attempt to be irritated, I can¡¯t help perking up. ¡°A present?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Lily.¡± He chuckles and climbs out of the truck, letting in a cold st of wind. ¡°Lock the doors.¡±


    It¡¯s such a dad thing to say that I almoste on the spot.


    I reach over with the hand not in my panties and lock the doors. He nods and heads into the building. I watch him go and start stroking my clit. It feels good; doing it in the middle of the day in a parking lot feels even better. I pull down the zipper of Shane¡¯s coat and part it just enough to reach in and pull my top up. Even if there was anyone around, they wouldn¡¯t be able to see anything, but knowing my breasts are bared makes me hotter.


    I watch the clock, nudging myself closer and closer to orgasm. At ten minutes, Shane isn¡¯t back yet. I lean my head against the window, mindlessly rubbing on my clit. I¡¯m so close. Would he really know if I came? Am I willing to risk it?


    A knock on the window startles a scream out of me. I jerk upright and find Shane watching me with a disapproving look on his face. I reach over with a shaking hand and unlock the doors. He wastes no time climbing in and shutting the door. A small bag goes onto the seat on the other side of me and a second one goes on the floorboard. I don¡¯t get a chance to ask what¡¯s in either before he drives to the other side of the parking lot near a fence that borders a residential street. There are now two buildings¡¯ worth of parking lot between us and the sex shop, and I look at him in question.


    He unbuckles me. ¡°Get on your hands and knees facing the passenger door.¡±


    My eyes go wide, but I¡¯m already scrambling to obey. He pushes up my skirt and drags my panties down a few inches. Somehow, this feels a thousand times more vulgar than when I had no panties on. He touches my pussy as if examining it. ¡°Were you a good girl, Lily? Your pussy is awfully wet right now.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯te. I swear it.¡±


    He keeps fondling me as if he can divine the very answer out of my flesh. I watch a car pull up and park at the sex toy shop. ¡°We¡¯re out in the open.¡±


    He ignores me. ¡°Get in the bag and hand me the two things you find.¡±


    I have to go down onto my elbows to obey, and my shirt slides up to bunch around my upper chest. The coat still shields me, but I dig into the bag ande up with a bottle of lube and a shiny metal plug. ¡°Shane-¡±


    ¡°Hand them to me.¡±


    I awkwardly obey. I listen to him open the bottle and then cool lube touches my ass and an even cooler metal presses there. ¡°Rx,¡± he murmurs. With one hand he keeps stroking my pussy and the other he wedges the plug into my ass. It¡¯s significantlyrger than his thumb, but it doesn¡¯t hurt. It just feels like a lot. I am painfully aware, however, that it¡¯s nowhere near the size of his cock.


    Once it¡¯s lodged inside me, he sits back and gives a sound suspiciously like a growl. ¡°Fuck, that¡¯s pretty.¡± ¡°Shane,¡± I moan.


    ¡°That¡¯s even prettier.¡± He pushes two fingers into me. The intrusion feels so much more filling with the plug in. ¡°Say my name again, Lily.¡±


    I thrust back against his hand, shamelessly fucking his fingers. ¡°Shane. Oh god, that feels so good.¡±


    ¡°Mmm. You like that plug in your virgin ass.¡± He withdraws his hand long enough to flip me onto my back and push me down onto the seat. Shane yanks my panties off and shoves up my skirt again, impaling me with his fingers. ¡°Open the jacket and lift your top baby girl. You know you want to show me everything.¡±


    I reach down with trembling hands and pull up my crop top to expose my breasts. He palms one roughly and then the other, his expression intense as he keeps fucking me with his fingers. ¡°You¡¯re so sexy, Lily. You¡¯re enough to make me forget myself and fuck you right here when everyone can see.¡± He circles my clit just shy of savagely. ¡°Do you like knowing you undo me? That I¡¯ll put it all on the line just to sink into your tight pussy?¡±


    I moan and arch my back, trying to take him deeper, only to earn a p on my clit. My eyes fly open to find him ring at me. ¡°I asked you a fucking question.¡±


    I leverage myself up onto my elbows. When he doesn¡¯t stop me, I keep going, rising onto my knees and moving to straddle him, his fingers wedged inside me all the while. I loop my arms around his neck and press myself to him, my lips at his ear. ¡°I like it,¡± I whisper, undting on his fingers. ¡°Do you know what I¡¯d like even better?¡± ¡°Say it,¡± he grits out.


    Instead, I lean back enough to reach between us and undo his jeans. I take out his cock and stroke him. Only then does he let me nudge his hand away from me and guide him up to cup my breasts. Shane lets me move him around, the heat of his gaze enough to burn me to ash.


    I stroke his cock again. ¡°I want to ride your cock, Daddy.¡± This time, my body wees him as I slide down his length. We both shudder when he¡¯s seated entirely inside me. He feels even bigger with the plug in my ass, and I moan and start rocking. ¡°I want you to fill me up.¡± I pick up my pace, nearly mindless with need. ¡°I want youre dripping down my thighs so everyone knows who I belong to.¡±


    ¡°Jesus Christ.¡± He pushes me back just enough to nudge the jacket wide open. If anyone were to look, there is no denying what we¡¯re doing. I¡¯m practically naked in hisp, my hips rolling as I ride him slowly.


    Shane coasts a hand up the center of my body to lightly grasp my throat. ¡°Lily-¡± Movement draws his attention and he curses. While I¡¯m still trying to process, still teetering on the edge of an orgasm, he yanks the coat back over me and zips it up. He lifts me off his cock and drops me next to him.


    I look out the window and freeze. I know that car with the dent in the driver¡¯s side. That¡¯s Max¡¯s car.

 Chapter 32

    Before I can consider what I¡¯m doing, I throw myself t on the seat. I look up at Shane. ¡°Not like this. Please.¡± Not with a plug in my ass and my thighs still wet from riding his cock. It¡¯s not even that I¡¯m opposed to Max catching us, but I don¡¯t want it to be fucking in a parking lot like a pair of teenagers. It doesn¡¯t make sense, even to me, but Shane nods and puts the truck in gear.


    He takes a right turn into traffic and his phone rings. A detached female voice on the Bluetooth tells me everything I need to know. It¡¯s Max calling. Shane answers before I can decide if I want him to or not. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Were you just in the Castle parking lot? I thought I saw your truck.¡±


    Shaneughs. ¡°It¡¯s Saturday morning. What are you and


    Lily up to that you¡¯re there so early?¡±


    I stare. What a shameless bastard.


    Awkward silence reigns. Finally, Max clears his throat. ¡°We, uh, broke up earlier this week. It wasn¡¯t working out for either of us.¡±


    Shane looks down at me, his eyes sympathetic even if his words are designed to split me wide open. ¡°Moving on awful fast then, aren¡¯t you, son?¡±


    Another awkward throat clearing. ¡°Look, I can exin, but the short answer is that yeah, I¡¯m seeing someone else.


    It¡¯s not a big deal.¡± It¡¯s. Not. A. Big. Deal.


    Any guilt I had over what I¡¯ve spent thest twenty-four hours doing goes up in smoke. I shift on the seat until I can reach the front of Shane¡¯s pants. He lets me get his cock out, but then he digs his hand into my hair and pins my head to his thigh, forcing me still. Through it all, his voice never changes. ¡°Sounds like a big deal to me.¡±


    ¡°Look, I know you always liked Lily, but it wasn¡¯t working out.¡±


    We stop at a light and he¡¯s watching me again, dark eyes intense. ¡°I liked her a whole hell of a lot.¡±


    ¡°Well then, maybe you should date her,¡± Max snaps. ¡°She¡¯s not for me, and if you ask her, she¡¯d tell you that herself. I¡¯m not here for this guilt trip. Now I¡¯ve got to go.


    My girlfriend is waiting.¡±


    Girlfriend. Girlfriend. Girlfriend.


    Shane hangs up and releases me at the same moment. I grab his cock and swallow him down, desperate to drive away how fucking receable I feel at this moment. Max wasn¡¯t just fucking his secretary. He was-is-dating her.


    ¡°He¡¯s an idiot,¡± Shane says quietly.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    I don¡¯t care. I¡¯m not listening. I¡¯m too busy fighting to take his big cock as far into my throat as I can manage. The difort in my jaw grounds me in a way nothing else can right now. I¡¯m vaguely aware of us making another turn and another, of Shane finally putting the truck in park and leaning back, but it barely registers because this blowjob is the only thing that matters. If I allow myself to think of anything else, I might start screaming and never stop.


    He gathers my hair in his left hand and skates his right hand down my back. He¡¯s tall enough to reach my hips easily and he starts squeezing my ass cheeks, making the plug shift inside me. ¡°Do you hear me, Lily? I said he¡¯s a fucking idiot. He doesn¡¯t give a shit what he¡¯s throwing away. He doesn¡¯t understand what a goddamn gift you are.¡± He presses his palm hard against the plug and shoves three fingers into me, making me moan. ¡°You know what? I am going to do it. I¡¯m going to fuck you, and I¡¯m going to date you, and it would serve that little shit right if I married you and made you his stepmother.¡±


    I make a noise around his length, but even I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s a sound of protest or encouragement. He doesn¡¯t know either because he drags me off his cock and up to his mouth, and then lifts me with his fingers in my pussy to move me back onto hisp. He tightens his grip on my hair, bending me back over the steering wheel so he can drag his mouth over my breasts. ¡°Your Daddy knows what you need, baby girl. Now get back on this cock.¡±


    I m into him, but it¡¯s not enough. I don¡¯t know if anything will be enough. ¡°It hurts. It hurts so much.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Shane doesn¡¯t need me to rify that I¡¯m not talking about physical pain. He kisses me as I ride him, as I chase the temporary oblivion an orgasm offers. A little death, a small escape, one I need more than I need my next breath.


    It hits me hard enough to make me cry out against his mouth. I¡¯m vaguely aware of tears wetting my cheeks, but it doesn¡¯t matter because nothing matters right now. Nothing but the pleasure coursing through my body in waves, sending me to new heights even as thest bit of my heart remaining shatters into a million pieces.


    And then I start sobbing.


    Shane manages to get me off his cock and get our clothing righted even though I¡¯m no help at all. I can¡¯t stop crying. I don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m crying for. As Shane gathers me back into hisp and holds me tightly, words bubble up. ¡°I feel relief that it¡¯s over. At some point, I¡¯ll be d we didn¡¯t get married. Why does it hurt so much?¡± ¡°Endings always hurt, baby girl. Even when they¡¯re necessary.¡± He keeps holding me,forting me with his strength without demanding anything in return. He¡¯s content to simply sit there and let me cry. I wish I could say I stopped immediately, but even after four days of crying, I have enough tears to drown in the ocean.


    By the time I cry myself out, his shirt is soaked and I don¡¯t have to look in a mirror to know that I¡¯m a blotchy mess and all my makeup is gone or smeared beyond repair. It takes longer than it should to realize we¡¯re back in the garage, though he hasn¡¯t shut it since the truck is still running. I give a hupping little sigh. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry.¡± He tilts my face up, his grip tightening when I try to turn away. ¡°Don¡¯t ever apologize to me for what you¡¯re feeling.¡± He wipes away my tears, his touch achingly tender. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s get you inside.¡±


    I feel a little ridiculous pulling on my panties again, but one look at Shane¡¯s face ensures I¡¯m not arguing about it. The second I take my first step out of the truck, I freeze, all thoughts of Max disappearing like a mirage in the desert. Shane opens the door to the house and looks at me, one of his eyebrows arching. ¡°Problem?¡±


    My face is ming and I can¡¯t tell if it¡¯s a blush or the aftermath of my sobbing session. ¡°The plug feels funny.¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± He crooks a finger at me, his amusement deepening as I wiggle a little with each step. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s a good kind of funny.¡±


    ¡°I think so?¡±


    ¡°Keep it in.¡± He takes the coat off me in the mud room and hangs it back in its ce. Then Shane surveys me. ¡°If you need time-¡±


    I¡¯m already shaking my head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to think. Please.¡± When he still hesitates, I move closer. ¡°This started as revenge, but it¡¯s-When I¡¯m with you, I¡¯m not thinking about him.¡±


    He studies me. ¡°Eventually you have to deal with what you¡¯re feeling.¡±


    I know that. I desperately wish I didn¡¯t know that. I look up at him. ¡°I will. I promise I will. Just¡­not this weekend.¡±


    For a second, I think he¡¯s going to keep arguing. He knows this time with him is just a bandage on a bullet wound, but Shane finally catches my hips and pulls me against him. ¡°I¡¯ll give you whatever you need.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I¡¯m not even sure what I¡¯m thanking him for. Space. Orgasms. Being here for me to crash myself upon with the minimum damage. No matter how destructive my original impulse to seduce Shane, I can¡¯t deny he¡¯s caught me in the middle of a freefall. It¡¯s still a freefall, but it feels more guided now. I try for a wobbling smile. ¡°I¡¯m going to wash my face.¡±


    ¡°Meet me in the kitchen when you¡¯re done.¡± He tugs on the loose fabric of the crop top. ¡°Keep this on.¡±


    I don¡¯t have the energy to push him. Maybe I will in a little bit, but I¡¯m still reeling from thest hour. Good to bad to ugly, a whirlwind of emotions that have left me spinning with no idea which way is up and which is down.


    My face is just as bad as I expected. Blotchy skin. Swollen eyes. A ck tear tracks down my cheeks. I carefully remove the makeup and spend a few minutes with a cold washcloth over my face. It won¡¯t help all that much, but at this point, something is better than nothing. I hardly look like the seductress who started this weekend; more like a scared mess of a woman who doesn¡¯t know what Monday will bring.


    I debate putting on more makeup, but it won¡¯t do much good until my skin calms down, and I don¡¯t think Shane is going to let me hide up here for over an hour until that happens. I press my hands to my eyes and take a deep breath. I can do this. He¡¯s seen me without makeup more often than he¡¯s seen me with a full face of it on. I was hardly worried on long pool days when my hair was stiff with chlorine and my nose was sunburned from taking too long to reapply sunscreen.


    I also didn¡¯t know what Shane¡¯s cock tasted like on those days.


    Or have a plug in my ass that he put there.


    I take a deep breath, smooth down my skirt, and give my hair a toss. That will have to do.

 Chapter 33

    I find him in the little nook connected to the kitchen, setting up a cribbage board, and stop short in the doorway. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since we yed.¡± Shane shuffles the cards, bridging them in a satisfying sound that takes me back. Max never enjoyed this game, but my grandfather had taught me as a kid and Shane knew how to y, so we¡¯d spent quite a few evenings in this exact spot while Max watched movies in the living room.


    ¡°Shane¡­¡± I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m hesitating.


    He finally looks at me. ¡°We won¡¯t talk about him, but there¡¯s plenty of other shit we can talk about.¡± His lips quirk up. ¡°Sit down and y with me, Lily.¡±


    It seems simple enough, and I find I do want to y.


    I sit and immediately jump at how it makes the plug move. Shane grins at me, wickedly delighted. ¡°Problem?¡±


    ¡°You know damn well it¡¯s the plug you put up my ass,¡± I mutter, but I can¡¯t help smiling a little too. This is too ridiculous. And it doesn¡¯t feel bad. Just strange. We cut the deck to see who deals first, and it falls to me. As I shuffle, I watch him. ¡°You know, your cock is significantlyrger than this plug. If you try to shove it in my ass, you¡¯re going to rip me in half.¡±


    Shane arches his brows and takes the seat catty-corner to me just like he always does. ¡°You¡¯ve been fucking the wrong people, Lily. Everything goes smoother when you slow things down. Including my fucking your ass.¡± He says it like it¡¯s a sure thing.


    I¡¯m not certain he¡¯s wrong.


    ¡°Uh huh.¡± I deal the cards and we don¡¯t speak for a few moments as we get our hands together. Each round of cribbage is split into two parts, and we fall into the rhythm of it as if it hasn¡¯t been three months since we yedst. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I haven¡¯t been around much. Things got hard with¡­¡± I stop myself in time. I say I don¡¯t want to talk about Max, but he just keepsing up, making a liar out of me.


    Shaneys down his hand counts out his points, and waits for me to do the same. It¡¯s only after I¡¯ve moved my peg that he says, ¡°How¡¯s work going?¡±


    I sh him a grateful smile. ¡°Good. The permanent position at Midway High School has been so great. I feel like I get a lot of support from the principal and the district, and the kids are just¡­ the best. They¡¯ve been the highlight of the school year.¡±


    He shuffles and deals the cards out for the second hand. ¡°They aren¡¯t giving you shit?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re high schoolers.¡± Iugh a little. ¡°Of course they give me shit. I¡¯m young and I¡¯m new, and even if I wasn¡¯t, it¡¯s natural for them to want to test boundaries.¡±


    This time, I got more points in the first round, and the second round. Shane pushes the cards to me so I can shuffle. ¡°If you were my high school teacher, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to focus on shit.¡±


    ¡°If I was your high school teacher¡­¡± I pretend to think.


    ¡°Pretty sure corporeal punishment was allowed back then. I would have smacked the shit out of your hands with a ruler.¡±


    Shane res at me, but he¡¯s tantly fighting not to smile. ¡°I¡¯m forty-seven, Lily. Hardly Grandfather Time.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Augh escapes. A real one, loud and freeing. ¡°I promise I know.¡± By the time I deal out the third hand, I¡¯m mostly in control of myself. ¡°And your work? Have you wrapped up that big project?¡± They¡¯d been working on a new shopping mall in the area, a huge deal for Shane¡¯spany to be in charge of.


    ¡°Yeah, we got it done right before the holidays.¡±


    We chat like that, back and forth as we move through the cribbage board. It¡¯s easy. So incredibly easy. I¡¯m a little ashamed at how much relief it gives me to be able to talk freely without twentyyers of hidden meanings the way my conversations with Max had be in thest few months. Neither of us said what we meant-unless we were fighting and spitting venom at each other.


    ¡°Lily.¡±


    I give myself a shake and look at him. ¡°Sorry, I was thinking dark thoughts.¡±


    Shane motions to the board. ¡°You just won, baby girl.¡±


    I look at my hand on the table and then look at the board. ¡°Oh wow, I guess I did.¡± I don¡¯t sound particrly excited, even to my ears. Damn it, I¡¯m ruining this distraction he created for me. ¡°Sorry, Shane, I-¡±


    ¡°How many times do you think we¡¯ve yed this game? Sitting at this table in these specific spots?¡±


    I blink. ¡°What? I don¡¯t know. At least a hundred.¡± Most nights we yed more than one, kept going until Max got bored enough to start bitching it was time to leave. A dark part of me wonders if he was texting other women while I was blissfully ying cards with his father.


    ¡°Mmhmm.¡± Shane sits back in his chair and looks at me. ¡°And you¡¯ve worn that tease of an outfit through at least a few of those times.¡±


    I nce down at my clothes. ¡°It¡¯s meant as a makeshift swimsuit cover-up.¡±


    ¡°Is it?¡± He moves, fast as a snake, and grabs the bottom of my chair, dragging it to the corner of the table, until my knees bump into his legs under the table and our chairs almost touch. He casually shifts to flip up my skirt, disying my white panties. ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like you¡¯re wearing a swimsuit right now.¡±


    My skin heats and I nibble my bottom lip. ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°Spread your legs.¡±


    I force myself to hesitate even though I want to do exactly as hemands. ¡°Shane,¡± I murmur. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t.¡±


    He looks over my shoulder in the direction of the living room, understanding shing across his handsome


    features. ¡°I just want to look, Lily.¡±


    I move haltingly, bracing my hands on the chair behind me and slowly spreading my thighs. It takes a little maneuvering to get around the table leg, which means I won¡¯t be able to m them shut. Knowing that makes this hotter. ¡°Like this?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, baby girl, just like that.¡± He exhales slowly as if the sight affects him even now when he¡¯s had me in so many different ways. Almost like this is the first time we¡¯ve crossed the line. He reaches down and ghosts his hand over my panties. Not quite touching, but I swear I can feel the heat of his palm through thece.


    I¡¯m shaking from the need to move, shaking from desire.


    ¡°You said you were just going to look.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all I¡¯m doing.¡± His gaze meets mine as he draws one knuckle down the center of my panties. ¡°Oops.¡±


    ¡°Shane.¡± But I don¡¯t try to stop him as he rubs my pussy through my panties. Just that slow drag of his knuckle over my slit and up to my clit and then back down again. ¡°This isn¡¯t what I agreed to.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to stop?¡±


    I make myself look over my shoulder at the doorway into the living room. It doesn¡¯t matter that it¡¯s empty, that neither of us has said his name. We both know what game we¡¯re ying. ¡°No,¡± I whisper. ¡°Don¡¯t stop.¡± I lick my lips. ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯re touching me, right? It¡¯s just through my panties.¡±


    His gaze res hotter. ¡°That¡¯s right, Lily.¡± He roughly palms my pussy, pressing his fingers to my ass where the plug is and making me jump. ¡°I¡¯m not touching you at all.¡± He pulses his hand, and I have to fight back a moan. ¡°In fact¡­¡± Shane reaches up and idly knocks the deck of cards onto the floor at my feet. ¡°Well, fuck. Better pick these up.¡±


    I watch with wide eyes as he goes to his knees. He has to push my chair back to make room, and then he¡¯s between my thighs, his big hands urging my legs wider. Shane holds my gaze as he presses an open-mouth kiss to my panties. I bite my lip hard to keep a moan inside. ¡°Shane, you promised.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not touching you.¡± He kisses me again, his tongue tracing my pussy through thece. ¡°I¡¯m just picking up the damn cards.¡±


    I slump back in the chair as he works me with his mouth. We¡¯re both so quiet, as if there is someone else in the house as if we¡¯re half a second from being caught. My panties are soaked, both from my need and


    Shane¡¯s mouth. ¡°Someone will see.¡±


    ¡°Shh.¡± He drags the t of his tongue over my clit.


    ¡°Shane.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to stop?¡± The arrogant look in his eyes says he knows damn well that I¡¯m half a second from digging my fingers into his hair and riding his face to orgasm.


    ¡°No. But¡­ I thought you wanted to look.¡± I can¡¯t quite catch my breath. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to see what you do to me?¡±


    ¡°Show me.¡± He moved back a few inches, barely enough space for me to get my hand between us.


    ¡°Promise you¡¯ll only look.¡±


    He gives me a long look. ¡°I promise.¡±


    Neither of us believe him. I reach down and hook my panties with my finger, towing them to the side. We both exhale at the sight of my pussy. I¡¯m so wet, I can see it in the fading light of the day. Shane blows out a long breath directly over my clit and this time I can¡¯t stop a little moan from slipping free.


    ¡°Show me,¡± he growls. ¡°Let me see every bit of that pretty pussy.¡±


    I use my free hand to part my pussy, putting myself on full vulgar disy for him. ¡°Do you like what you see?¡±


    ¡°Let me have a taste, Lily.¡± He drifts a little closer. ¡°Just a little taste. No one has to know.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The word is barely more than a soft exhale, but he hears it all the same. I hold myself open as Shane leans in and drags his tongue over me. ¡°Oh my god.¡± He does it again, and again and then he holds my gaze as he thrusts his tongue into me. ¡°Shane.¡± I¡¯m gasping. ¡°That feels so good.¡±


    He rests his forehead on my lower stomach, breathing hard. ¡°Keep saying my name like that, Lily, and I might forget myself and fuck you right here.¡±


    ying with fire. That¡¯s all I¡¯m doing with this man. ying with fucking fire. ¡°Shane,¡± I whisper.

 Chapter 34

    He surges to his feet, catching me around the waist and lifting me onto the table. His dark gaze dares me to protest as he unbuttons the front of his jeans and draws his cock out. ¡°Hold your panties to the side again.¡±


    I scramble to obey and shoot a look out the window. We haven¡¯t turned on the lights and the setting sun probably has created a mirror of the windows, but that doesn¡¯t change the fact that we are in clear view of anyone who¡¯s feeling nosy enough to look. ¡°Someone might see.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What are they going to see?¡± He drags his cock over me. The broad head of him breaches my entrance. ¡°It hardly counts.¡±


    I¡¯m breathing so hard, that my breasts are shaking with every exhale. ¡°That¡¯s not how it works.¡± I watch him slide another inch into me.


    ¡°You sure about that?¡± He grips my thighs and lifts, pressing them back toward my chest as he sinks deeper. ¡°You¡¯re still wearing your panties like a good girl, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    If anything, still wearing my panties makes me feel even sluttier. I try to look innocent and pout a little. ¡°Are you sure? This doesn¡¯t feel like I¡¯m being good.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t feel good?¡± He shifts one hand to brush my clit with his thumb. ¡°How about now?¡±


    I squirm. ¡°Wait.¡±


    ¡°Wait for what?¡± He circles my clit again but doesn¡¯t sink the rest of the way into me. ¡°Use your words, Lily.¡±


    ¡°I want to be good.¡± I lick my lips. ¡°But I want to be bad, too.¡± When he still doesn¡¯t move, I keep talking. ¡°Fuck me on this table, Shane. Please.¡± I nce at the door to the living room. ¡°Just be quiet.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not the one who¡¯s going to have to be quiet.¡± He presses me t on the table and covers my mouth with a big hand. The pressure against my lips makes me moan as much as him forcing his cock the rest of the way into me. He felt impossibly big in the truck with the addition of the plug, but somehow it¡¯s even more intense in this position. ¡°You can tell yourself that you don¡¯t want this, that it doesn¡¯t count, but we both know the truth.¡± He leans down and his lips brush my ear. ¡°You¡¯ve been looking for an excuse to climb on my cock since the day we met.¡±


    I make a sound that might be protest, but it doesn¡¯t matter because he¡¯s fucking me in long strokes. He barely pauses to guide my hands to my thighs, forcing me to hold them wide and even closer to my chest. I try to keep the waves of pleasure at bay. I do. I pull his palm off my mouth enough to say, ¡°Hurry. We have to be quick.¡± Then I go back to holding myself open for him.


    Shane mps his hand around my jaw and his expression goes hard. ¡°You¡¯ve been denying me this pussy, Lily, but it¡¯s mine now. I¡¯ll fuck you as fast or slow as I want. Do you hear me?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± I whisper.


    ¡°You mp around my cock every time I remind your pussy who it belongs to.¡± He keeps thrusting, keeps imprinting the feel of him into my very soul. ¡°You like it when I get possessive.¡±


    I want to deny it. This feels like a different kind of danger. But I can¡¯t deny the truth. ¡°I like feeling owned by you.¡±


    Shane¡¯s expression changes, something flickering in those dark eyes that I can¡¯t put a name to. ¡°I should finish inside you, should send you back to him all filled up with mye.¡±


    ¡°Do it,¡± I challenge.


    ¡°No.¡± He pulls out of me and hits his knees in front of the table. He wraps his fist around the crotch of my panties and drags them down my legs. ¡°I¡¯m keeping these.¡±


    ¡°Wait-¡±


    ¡°No shields, Lily.¡± He looks up at me. ¡°You might be a little slut for wanting my mouth on you, but you¡¯re my good girl. And my good girl asks for what she wants.¡± Pleasure thrills through me. ¡°Make mee, Daddy.¡± He doesn¡¯t immediately close the distance between us. ¡°You¡¯re going to orgasm all over my face, and then I¡¯m going to fuck that pretty mouth until you swallow me down.¡±


    It¡¯s not quite a question, but I¡¯m already nodding. ¡°Yes. Please, yes. That¡¯s what I want.¡±


    And then his mouth is on me again. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever get enough of how much Shane loves eating my pussy. He fucking savors it, like I¡¯m a fine wine and he¡¯s determined to pick up all the notes like I¡¯m his favorite treat. For once, he¡¯s not teasing me. He¡¯s going after me like my pleasure is his tomand, like my next orgasm is the only thing he wants. Ie so hard that I lose my bnce and smack back onto the table. He lifts his head in surprise, but I dig my fingers into his hair and tow him back down. ¡°Just a little more. Please, Daddy.¡±


    Shane chuckles against my heated flesh. ¡°Greedy girl.¡± ¡°Yes.¡±


    Even though it wasn¡¯t what he promised, he worked me up again, slower this time, until I was quivering and whimpering, and begging him to finish me off. Shane pushes a single finger into me and strokes my G-spot. ¡°I¡¯m going to fuck your ass tonight, Lily.¡±


    I¡¯m so out of my mind, my earlier apprehension feels like a thousand miles away. ¡°Do it. I don¡¯t care. Do it now. Just let mee.¡±


    He sucks hard on my clit and then he gives me what I need, my orgasm so intense I forget to breathe for several long moments, only managing a harsh inhale at thest moment. ¡°Holy shit.¡±


    Shane pulls me up and gathers me to him, holding me close as I ease back into my body. ¡°Holy shit,¡± I repeat. ¡°Do you think you can die from sex being too good? Because I think I might be dying.¡±


    His roughugh makes me shiver. Shane shifts back enough to gently sp my chin and lift my face to his. He kisses me, the barest brushing of his mouth to mine. ¡°You say that now, but in about thirty seconds, you¡¯ll be begging for more.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± I cling to him, his steadiness soothing something inside me. ¡°It¡¯s never been like this before. It¡¯s never even been close.¡±


    He releases my chin and tucks my head in against his shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s never been like this for me, either.¡±


    rms try to re through my head, a warning that we¡¯re both in deep and sinking fast, but I can¡¯t make myself care. Maybe we were always in too deep and this weekend is only showcasing exactly how fucked we are. ¡°Shane¡­¡±


    This time he doesn¡¯t interrupt me, doesn¡¯t distract me. He just waits. If I was stronger, I¡¯d tell him about theplicated feelings in my chest, the ones that signal that this is anything but a simple revenge fuck. I¡¯m not strong though. I¡¯m a coward.


    I nudge him back a step and slide down to my knees in front of him. Something akin to disappointment flickers over his face before he runs his fingers through my hair and shifts it to wrap around his left fist. He wraps his other hand around his cock and taps it to my bottom lip. ¡°Open.¡±


    This isn¡¯t like in the truck earlier. He let me suck his dick then. Now he¡¯s fully intending on fucking my mouth.


    ¡°One day, I want to see your lips painted a pretty pink and wrapped around my cock.¡± He thrusts slowly, letting me adjust as much as I¡¯m able to. ¡°This, though? This is fucking perfection, baby girl.¡± He hesitates. ¡°It gets to be too much, you p my thigh. Do you understand?¡±


    He allows me to withdraw enough to answer. ¡°Yes,


    Daddy.¡± I should leave it at that, but I can¡¯t. ¡°It won¡¯t be too much.¡±


    His darkugh is the only warning I get before he starts moving again. Where before, he was easing me in, because he¡¯s so damn careful with me, now he¡¯s using me to get himself off. Using my mouth.


    He¡¯s too big, too long, just too fucking much. He¡¯s barely halfway in when he¡¯s triggering my gag reflex. ¡°Use your hand, Lily.¡± He barely slows down to allow me to obey, gagging me just the tiniest bit with every stroke, his expression downright ferocious as if daring me to protest. I fist my hand around his cock.


    I almost panic. I can¡¯t breathe with him filling me, can¡¯t control anything, can¡¯t stop him from going too far¡­


    And just like that, a switch flips in my brain and I stop fighting him. I rx entirely into what he¡¯s doing, letting him in deeper, letting him control everything. It allows him another precious inch or two, but he looks like I just gave him a priceless gift. ¡°That¡¯s right, baby girl. Trust me. Take me deep.¡±


    I move my fist as a counterpoint to the way he fucks my mouth, driven on by his low curses and moans. He looks pained as he stares down at me. ¡°Jesus Christ, Lily. Sweet fuck, suck me harder. I¡¯m close.¡±


    I obey. I¡¯m helpless to do anything but exactly what he wants me to. When hees, I swallow him down, sucking his cock even as his grip loosens and it¡¯s more like he¡¯s hanging on for support than trying to hold me in ce. He finally drags me off his cock with a curse and watches me with an almost strained expression as I lick my lips.


    ¡°You might not be the only one who dies from fucking.¡± Shane pulls me to my feet and kisses me hard. We taste like each other, like the dirtiest kind of fucking, like the promise of more. He finally releases me and tucks his cock back in his pants, but the way his gaze skates over me says he¡¯s considering another n of attack. ¡°Seeing you in that tiny skirt and knowing I can slip my hand under it whenever I want is addicting, Lily.¡± He does exactly as he says, palming me under my skirt. ¡°I can¡¯t get enough,¡± he murmurs, almost as if he¡¯s talking to himself. He wedges two fingers into me and then goes still as if savoring the way I feel. ¡°You make me feel like I¡¯m eighteen and just want to fuck and fuck and fuck.¡±


    I release a shuddering breath. ¡°I feel like that with you, too.¡±


    ¡°You need to eat something.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡±


    For some reason, that makes him shake his head. He withdraws his fingers slowly, reluctantly, and then smooths down my skirt as if making sure everything is in its ce. Then he holds my gaze as he sucks his fingers into his mouth and cleans me off him.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I breathe. ¡°Why is that so hot?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s us.¡± He walks to the sink to wash his hands and then moves to the fridge. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go watch some TV? This will be a little bit.¡±


    It¡¯s not exactly amand, but it sounds firmer than a suggestion. ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± I say primly and then walk out while he¡¯s still cursing.

 Chapter 35

    I don¡¯t mean to fall asleep on the couch. One second I¡¯m watching my favorite sher film on demand, and the next I¡¯m vaguely aware of Shane picking me up and carrying me upstairs. I barely manage to open my eyes as he pulls my clothes off and guides me onto my stomach to ease the plug out. ¡°Sorry,¡± I manage.


    ¡°You need the rest.¡± He disappears for a few moments and then returns to tuck us into his bed.


    I¡¯m barely awake enough to register disappointment that we¡¯re just sleeping now, him wrapping his big body around me before darkness sucks me under once more. I don¡¯t dream, which is a relief in and of itself.


    I open my eyes to the morning light streaming through the windows and Shane¡¯sforting weight next to me. It takes several long moments for the sounds I¡¯m hearing to prate, and another few before my mind is functioning well enough to focus on him sitting against the headboard. On how he has my phone in his hand. On the way his other hand is beneath the sheets bunched at his waist, moving rhythmically.


    ¡°Shane.¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± He looks at me but doesn¡¯t make a move to stop what he¡¯s doing.


    I sit up. ¡°Are you jacking off right next to me? With my phone?¡±


    ¡°Come here.¡± He stops stroking himself and pulls me to sit on hisp, my back to his chest. ¡°We didn¡¯t get around to watching this yesterday.¡±


    I don¡¯t ask how he has the code to my phone. I¡¯ve never been particrly stealthy when unlocking it, and this man misses nothing. Instead, I settle back against him as he presses y again and I¡¯m confronted with the video of his fingers in my pussy. I¡¯ve seen it several times at this point in real life, but somehow in the video, it looks even filthier. His fingers are soaked, my wetness coating them. Then the angle changes and he¡¯s shoving those same fingers into my mouth.


    I barely recognize myself.


    This video version of me taking his fingers as he grips my chin looks like¡­ I shift in hisp. ¡°I do look like a dirty little slut.¡±


    ¡°It gets better,¡± he growls against my neck.


    The phone moves. This is where I went to get condoms, and I watched as Shane set it on the couch and adjusted before taking his seat. ¡°How many times have you watched this while you waited for me to wake up?¡± I whisper.


    ¡°A few.¡± His hand skates over my hip and down to cup my pussy. ¡°Sore?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± I spread my legs a bit more. ¡°But I don¡¯t care. I¡¯ll take anything you give me today.¡± Because it¡¯s thest day. Thest night. Tomorrow this ends, and I¡¯m desperately afraid it¡¯s already toote for me. It¡¯s going to hurt to walk away and never see Shane again, but what am I supposed to do? Max and I need a clean break. If I keep fucking Shane, eventually I¡¯ll see Max again and that¡¯s¡­


    In the phone, Ie back into the frame and there¡¯s some shuffling as he rolls the condom on. As dirty as it felt to be riding his cock that first time, it looks even dirtier.


    Even in the freaking phone camera, I can see how big he is, how wet it gets me as I ride him. I watch his cock disappear into my pussy, watch my body roll sensuously as I ride him.


    ¡°I look hot.¡±


    Shane chuckles and presses a finger into my pussy. I am sore, but I¡¯m too turned on to care. He pumps slowly. ¡°You like watching yourself.¡±


    ¡°I like watching us.¡± I try to hold still, try to focus on the video and not on lifting my hips to meet his hand. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure when you said you wanted to record it, but this? This is sexy as hell.¡±


    The recording of us switches positions and I meet my gaze on the phone. I lookpletely unrepentant, so out of my mind that I don¡¯t give a damn that I¡¯mpletely on disy-that I¡¯m actually into being on disy. ¡°I like watching you fuck me.¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± He just keeps up those slow strokes, as if he can do this all day.


    We watch in silence for the rest of the video, and then I swipe to the next one. I squirm on his finger at the sight of him spreading my pussy and his tongue flicking over my clit, but it¡¯s the way he watches me in the video that does a number on me. The man looks at me like I¡¯m his. Not just in sexy yacting. His. As if he¡¯s wanted this for so long, he can¡¯t fucking believe he¡¯s gotten it, and he¡¯s not going to let it go without a fight.


    That was only the first night.


    I swipe again and there¡¯s the picture of him with that exact expression in his eyes, with his mouth all over my


    pussy. ¡°This one¡¯s my favorite.¡±


    ¡°Mine, too.¡±


    Pleasure builds in slow waves. I lean my head back against his shoulder. ¡°Do you want me to send them to you?¡±


    ¡°Not yet.¡±


    I twist a little to look at him. ¡°What do you mean not yet?¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± he repeats. Shane sets me on the bed and then moves down to settle between my thighs. ¡°It urs to me that I promised to wake you up with my mouth, and I¡¯ve failed on that count twice now.¡±


    I take a slow breath and release the tiny flicker of frustration at him dodging my question. This is what I¡¯m here for, after all. Orgasms. Fucking. Not to pepper him with questions that have nothing to do with either. Except¡­ It was his idea to film us. Why doesn¡¯t he want a copy of the videos?


    Shane¡¯s mouth scatters my thoughts like bowling pins. Once again, he¡¯s treating this like the main event, like he could lick and kiss and tongue-fuck me all day and bepletely satisfied with only that. I whimper and dig my fingers into his hair. ¡°I love the way you eat my pussy. It¡¯s like you never want to stop.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t get enough of you, baby girl,¡± he murmurs against me. ¡°Your taste is like a fucking drug. I don¡¯t ever want to stop.¡± He circles my clit with the tip of his tongue, making me moan. ¡°And when you sound like that? I could draw those sounds from you all fucking day.¡±


    And then there¡¯s no more air for talking. I expect him to tease me like he has before, to push me to the edge and then back off again and again. This morning is different. Shane¡¯s going after my pussy like my orgasms are a secondary benefit. Like this is all for him and if Ie, Ie, because he¡¯s not going to stop.


    By my second orgasm, I¡¯m panting. I try to shove his face away, but he just shifts a little to the side, leaving my over-sensitized clit alone and sucking and licking my pussy lips. ¡°Oh my god, Shane. You¡¯re going to kill me. I can¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°You can take more,¡± he growls. He bands an arm over my hips, pinning me in ce as he winds me up again. ¡°You¡¯re going to take as much as I decide to give you.¡±


    I barely register when my grip on his hair goes from trying to get him off me to trying to get him closer. Time has no meaning right now. I lift my hips, but he holds me down, only making it hotter. ¡°Shane, please.¡±


    He ignores me, intent on tracing every inch of me with his tongue as if trying to memorize me. I shiver and shake and then I¡¯ming again, my heels digging into the mattress and a shriek escaping my lips. ¡°Oh, fuck.¡± Still, he doesn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°Shane¡­¡± I whimper. I can¡¯t think, can¡¯t fucking focus.


    ¡°Please, Daddy.¡± I¡¯m almost sobbing. ¡°Just a little break.¡± ¡°You need this cock, baby girl?¡±


    I don¡¯t know if I can take that any more than I can take his mouth his mouth right now, but I¡¯m already nodding. ¡°Yes. Please, yes.¡±


    He crawls up my body and guides his cock into me. Shane gathers me to him and fucks me slowly. The man holds me like he cares about me. I was wrong. This doesn¡¯t feel like fucking. This slow slide of his cock, his face buried in my neck, his hands holding me so damn close¡­ It feels like a whole lot more than sex.


    I love it.


    I soak it up like the best kind of alcohol, not caring that it will hurt in the end. I want it now. I want him. ¡°Kiss me,¡± I gasp.


    He lifts his head and takes my mouth. This, too, feels like we¡¯remunicating on a level beyond words. Like he¡¯s telling me something and I¡¯m answering and neither of us can pretend otherwise. I¡¯m lost in a sea of pleasure, clinging to him as each stroke pushes us farther and farther toward something we can¡¯t take back, my stupid broken heart in my throat. It¡¯s a good thing his tongue steals my words before I can give them voice because unforgivable sentences spill together inside my head.


    Keep me.


    Please keep me.


    I think I might love you.


    They wash away as Ie, further dispersing as he follows me over the edge. Wey there for a long time, the sweat cooling on our bodies, our breathing slowly easing back to normal, and still, he didn¡¯t move. I stroke my hands down his back and whimper when he thrusts into me a little. ¡°Oh god, that feels good and also not good and you¡¯re going to make mee again.¡±


    Shane, the bastard, does it again. ¡°I can¡¯t get enough of you, Lily.¡± He¡¯s said it before, but it feels different now. Like a promise instead of another vor of dirty talk. He thrusts a third time. It doesn¡¯t matter that he¡¯s only half-hard in me. It¡¯s like my body is already poised after so much pleasure like it¡¯s unable to stop.


    I writhe under him, nearly mindless. ¡°Why can¡¯t I stop?¡± I whine. ¡°It¡¯s too much.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°I know.¡± He kisses me as he thrusts. Drinking me down even as we grind together, mindless and frenzied.


    I grab his ass and pull him tighter against me, lifting my hips to work myself on him. ¡°Yes. Right there. I¡¯m so close.¡±


    ¡°Use me, baby girl. Get yourself off. Once more and you can rest.¡±


    Pleasure short-circuits what¡¯s left of my brain. Words pour out and this time his mouth isn¡¯t there to catch them. ¡°I hate you. Oh god, I love you. I don¡¯t fucking know, just¡­¡± I cry out as I orgasm. I might ck out. It sure as hell seems like it because one second I¡¯m writhing on his cock and the next he¡¯s on his back and I¡¯m sprawled across his chest, his arms sping me to him. I think I might be crying again. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s tears or sweat, but I¡¯m wrung out. Gloriously empty.


    Shane kisses the top of my head and yanks the covers back over us. If I had a bone left in my body, I might tense as I wait for him to say something. But he doesn¡¯t. He just idly strokes my back as I recover. The silence isn¡¯t exactly ufortable, but I can¡¯t get my words out of my head.


    I hate you. I love you.


    Only one of those is true. And it¡¯s not the simpler option.

 Chapter 36

    I close my eyes. It might not be possible to die from too many orgasms, but I¡¯m pretty sure it is possible to die from humiliation. ¡°Please say something.¡±


    ¡°You need to eat.¡±


    That surprises me enough that I lift my head to look at him. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You passed out before we had dinnerst night, and you barely had a snack for lunch. Breakfast this morning is non-negotiable.¡± He studies my face. ¡°You haven¡¯t slept much, either, since you found out what he did.¡±


    I can feel my face heating with something like guilt. ¡°I think I can be forgiven for having a stress response to finding out my fiance is fucking his secretary.¡± Not just fucking. Dating. I¡¯d almost forgotten. My stomach twists in knots at the reminder. ¡°For me, that means I don¡¯t sleep much and sometimes I forget to eat. It¡¯ll pass.¡±


    Shane doesn¡¯t seem the least bit happy with my response. ¡°That¡¯s bullshit. You choose not to take care of yourself.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s about enough of that.¡± I sit up, but I only make it that far before he¡¯s got me pinned to the bed, his big body wedged between my legs. I re at his throat, refusing to meet his gaze. ¡°I¡¯ll eat breakfast, okay? Let me up.¡±


    ¡°Lily.¡± He sounds so severe that I shiver. ¡°Look at me.¡±


    I don¡¯t want to. I want to squeeze my eyes shut and ignore whatever he¡¯s about to say. I can¡¯t deny him, though. I¡¯ve lost the ability somewhere along the way in thest two days. Slowly, oh so slowly, I meet his gaze. ¡°Happy?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not fucking happy. I see what he¡¯s done to you and what you¡¯re doing to yourself in response. Do you think


    it¡¯s going to hurt him if you hurt yourself?¡±


    I flinch. ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m aiming for.¡±


    ¡°You sure about that?¡± His brows draw together. ¡°You know what goes with sleep loss andck of food? Things get muddled in your head. You think you¡¯re going to be the teacher those kids need when you¡¯re not taking care of yourself because you¡¯re so busy crying over some guy who didn¡¯t deserve you.¡±


    Oh, bringing my students into this is a low blow. I can¡¯t fight that argument, because I know he¡¯s right, so I focus on the one thing I do have a response to. ¡°Some guy. You sure don¡¯t have much nice to say about your fucking son right now.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡± He doesn¡¯t flinch, doesn¡¯t look away. ¡°You can throw him in my face if you want, but it doesn¡¯t change anything.¡±


    ¡°I might like you being my Daddy, but I already have a father.¡±


    His expression goes positively forbidding. ¡°Your father might not spank you anymore, but I won¡¯t hesitate to paddle your ass if I think you need it.¡±


    I¡¯m breathing hard, but I can¡¯t tell if it¡¯s because I¡¯m furious or turned on. ¡°Fuck you, Shane.¡±


    ¡°There goes that mouth again.¡± He sits back. I try to push him off, but he¡¯s too gloriously strong. He flips me onto my stomach with ease and drags me to the edge of the mattress. Once again, I try to straighten, and just like he did yesterday morning, he pins me down with a hand at the back of my neck.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you fucking dare!¡±


    His handes down hard on my ass. I barely have a chance to process the sting when he hits my other cheek. I shriek in fury. But the pain gets all tangled up in my head and I¡¯m fighting not to grind against the edge of the mattress as he spanks me again. A fourth time, and my breath is sobbing from my throat.


    Shane massages my ass, which makes things both better and worse. ¡°Someone has to take care of you, baby girl. You obviously can¡¯t be trusted to do it yourself.¡±


    I fist theforter and bite my bottom lip hard. I¡¯ll be damned before I beg him to touch me. But I can¡¯t help widening my stand the tiniest bit. A silent question.


    He gives a dark chuckle. ¡°Look at you. You want my fingers inside you and you can¡¯t even bring yourself to ask me. You¡¯re doing a hell of a job of proving my point.¡±


    ¡°I am exceedingly angry with you right now,¡± I grind out.


    ¡°I bet.¡± His thumb starts at the small of my back and traces down to where I wore the plug yesterday. He circles me. ¡°You¡¯ll wear the plug again today.¡±


    ¡°Shane-¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    His breath ghosts across my smarting flesh, and then he kisses the lower curve of my ass. ¡°You want to be a good girl, don¡¯t you, Lily?¡±


    I want to tell him to fuck off again, but I like what he¡¯s doing too much to risk him stopping. And, even more, something in me goes soft as he moves to my other cheek, soothing the still-stinging ass. ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± I whisper.


    He rises without giving me what I want. ¡°Get ready and meet me downstairs.¡±


    I straighten awkwardly and stumble into the bathroom without looking at him. I have the most ridiculous urge to cry again, but I can¡¯t even begin to say why. I¡¯ve alreadye so many times this morning, that I don¡¯t know if I can take more even if he was willing.


    My pussy aches. My ass hurts. My fucking heart is a murky mess.


    I take my time getting ready and take even longer in the shower as if I can wash away the very memory of him. It¡¯s an impossible task, even if I wanted to purge the memories. He¡¯s imprinted on my very skin.


    Once I¡¯m dried off, I turn and look at my ass in the mirror. It¡¯s bright red and I can already tell there will be bruises. I should be angry about that, but the knowledge that I¡¯ll wear his marks even after we¡¯re done makes me smile a little. Complicated. This whole thing is so fuckingplicated.

 Chapter 37

    In the bedroom, I find a sundress, white with pink flowers. It¡¯s short and flirty and Shane didn¡¯t bother to add underwear to the list. Probably because the white pair was the only one I left here and he¡¯s decided to keep them.


    I check myself in the mirror. This is another dress I wore as a swimsuit cover-up, the top triangles exposing plenty of the curves of my breasts, the length just shy of indecent. I feel positively sinful knowing I¡¯m naked beneath it.


    One more day.


    I only have one more day with Shane, and I¡¯m going to make it count.


    I head downstairs and find him cooking a full spread. Eggs and bacon and what appear to be homemade hash browns. Despite the fact I would have said I wasn¡¯t hungry, my stomach grumbles at the delicious smells.


    Like yesterday, he barely nces at me as he pulls a te out of the oven and sets it on the table. ¡°It¡¯s hot.¡±


    ¡°Shane¡­¡±


    ¡°Eat, Lily. Before I lose my patience.¡±


    I raise my brows. Someone¡¯s still pissed about earlier. Fine. I¡¯m hungry, so I¡¯ll eat. Then he can yell at me some more if it will make him feel better. Maybe I¡¯ll get on my knees and offer to suck his cock in penance. The thought makes me smile a little as I dig into the food he prepared.


    We eat in silence, and then Shane does the dishes. I try to help, but he points at the chair in a silentmand to sit. It feels more like a punishment than I expect because all I¡¯m left to do is sit and watch him. He looks freaking good. His jeans are faded from countless washings and hug his ass and thighs in afortable sexy sort of way, and his shoulders fill out his equally faded T-shirt. The fabric is so thin, that it pulls against the muscles in his back each time he reaches forward to grab another dish.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    By the time he¡¯s moved on to drying-fucking hand drying-I¡¯m clenching my thighs together. When I shift, my ass aches worse, which only makes me hotter. So I keep doing it, shamelessly driving my need higher.


    He finishes and turns around, the towel slung over his shoulder. Shane nces at me and shakes his head. ¡°Stand up. Let¡¯s get a look at you.¡±


    This inspection feels as strange as the one did yesterday.


    He picked out my clothes, but he¡¯s acting like it¡¯s still up for debate whether he approves of them.


    A tempting thought flickers through my head before I can banish it. Of what it would be like if this was every morning. If we shared breakfast and then he examined my clothing to see if he approved. Maybe it shouldn¡¯t feel so sexy, but it sure as hell does.


    Shane circles me, finallying to a stop in front of me. He¡¯s frowning, which sends a delicious bolt of lust through me. ¡°Lily, what am I going to do with you?¡±


    I can think of a few things, but I affect an innocent expression. ¡°Is something wrong, Daddy?¡±


    He flicks a finger easily sliding the thin strap of my dress off my shoulder. It drops down my arm and the dress sags on that side, exposing my bare breast. Shane shakes his head. ¡°Little slut.¡± He cups my breast, coasting his thumb back and forth across my nipple. ¡°How many times are you nning on shing people today?¡±


    ¡°Um.¡± I can¡¯t stop watching his hand on my breast, his thumb stroking the hardened peak of my nipple. It feels dirtier because I still have the rest of my dress on, like a secret just between us. ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡±


    ¡°I might believe you if that sentence didn¡¯t have a question mark at the end.¡± He casually pulls my second strap off and my dress falls to my waist. Shane cups my other breast, giving it the same treatment. ¡°You have magnificent breasts, Lily. Has anyone ever told you that?¡±


    I can¡¯t quite catch my breath. ¡°I usually get the ¡®nice tits¡¯ment.¡±


    He snorts. ¡°Idiots. You¡¯ve fucked nothing but idiots.¡± He dips down and presses an open-mouthed kiss to the curve of my right breast before moving to the nipple. ¡°These deserve to be worshiped just like the rest of you.¡± I start to lift my hands and he stops, giving me a severe look. ¡°Hold still until I¡¯m finished examining you.¡±


    I drop my hands, my face ming. He moves to my other breast and gives it the same slow, thorough treatment. Shane lifts his head and exhales across my wet skin, raising goosebumps. ¡°Lift your dress, Lily. Show me if you decided to be a good girl or a little slut today.¡±


    Iply by shaking hands. Shane goes to his knees, his brows drawn together. ¡°Lily.¡± The warning in his voice makes me shiver. ¡°We talked about this.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Daddy.¡± I widen my stance, just a little. ¡°I thought you might want dessert.¡±


    He barks out augh and grins at me, the sheer force of his amusement nearly bowling me over. Just like that, Shane locks it down, but mirth still dances in his dark eyes. ¡°Positively shameless.¡±


    ¡°Guilty.¡± I nce out the kitchen window. ¡°Oh look, your neighbors are outside again,¡± I smirk down at him. ¡°Better get off your knees before they think you have your mouth all over my pussy in here.¡±


    ¡°Turn around and put your hands on the counter.¡± Hismand ps me and I obey before I can stop and think of a reason not to. Shane¡¯s big hands grip my thighs, pushing them wide as he flips up my dress to bunch around my hips. I might as well be naked for all that it covers me.


    ¡°I had you like this yesterday, and I didn¡¯t let youe.¡± ¡°I remember,¡± I whisper.


    His hands coast up until his thumbs brush my pussy. ¡°Just this morning you begged me to stop eating you out.¡±


    ¡°I remember that, too.¡± I arch my back, offering myself to him. ¡°I won¡¯t beg again.¡±


    ¡°Oh, baby girl.¡± His breath ghosts over my pussy. ¡°Yes, you will.¡±

 Chapter 38

    Shane starts slow. Like he¡¯s doing this for the first time. Like he wants to memorize me. He parts my pussy with his thumbs, ensuring he doesn¡¯t miss a bit of me. It¡¯s not designed to make mee, just to tease me, to put a delicious melting feeling in my body.


    Iy my cheek on the counter and give myself over to himpletely. I feel like a temptress like I¡¯ve brought this powerful man to his knees. ¡°I¡¯m a terrible person, Daddy.¡±


    His finger reces his mouth and pushes into me


    agonizingly slowly. ¡°That so?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± I spread my legs wider and shifted back to take his finger deeper. ¡°I get off on thinking about the look on his face if he came into the kitchen right now and saw us.¡±


    Shane¡¯s silent for several long moments, his finger moving in me. ¡°Would you like that, Lily? Would it make you feel good?¡±


    I stare out the window at his normal neighbors going about their normal lives. ¡°I don¡¯t know. It feels good to be bad with you. I don¡¯t know where my lines are anymore.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡± Shane¡¯s finger disappears and it¡¯s everything I can do not to sob out a protest. I can hear him moving behind me, but I¡¯m content to wait for whates next, to let him have full control. Even so, I jump when something cool and wet spreads down my crack. A secondter, he spreads my cheeks, and the metal plug presses against me. ¡°Rx, Lily.¡± As I obey, he eases it into me. ¡°How does that feel?¡±


    ¡°Better than I thought it would.¡± Despite his giant fucking cock, I¡¯m looking forward to him taking my ass tonight. If I trust any man to ensure I have a good time doing anal, it¡¯s Shane. The thought makes meugh a little.


    ¡°Something funny?¡±


    ¡°Even when I was fantasizing about you, I never went that far. I never thought about you in my ass.¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± His finger traces the plug. ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it. I¡¯ve thought about fucking every part of you, Lily. In a thousand different ways. You¡¯re like a sickness in my blood.¡±


    ¡°Gee, thanks.¡±


    He gives my ass a light p and I jump. Then I moan when the sharp move and tiny flicker of pain make the plug feel hotter. Shane goes back to massaging my ass cheeks like he can¡¯t get enough of the way I fill his hands. ¡°You make me want to do depraved things to your tight little body.¡±


    ¡°Do them,¡± I moan.


    But he just keeps touching me, his rough hands making my smarting cheeks feel agonizingly sensitized. ¡°I have a suggestion. Don¡¯t say yes if you don¡¯t want to.¡±


    I try to focus on his words and not on his touch. ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±


    ¡°We make another video. For him.¡±


    My eyes go wide. ¡°Shane,¡± I say slowly. ¡°You want to make a revenge sex tape to send to your son?¡±


    ¡°You decide if it ever gets sent.¡± He eases my dress back down. ¡°Could be that having the video will satisfy your need to get caught, to hurt him.¡±


    Honestly, it¡¯s not a half-bad idea. I don¡¯t know if I want Max to catch us, but the dangerous impulse is there all the same. Maybe if we y it out, it will diffuse.


    I slowly stand and turn. Shane¡¯s gaze goes to my breasts, but he just tucks my dress back up on my shoulders, covering me. I swallow hard. ¡°If we do it, we pretend it¡¯s the first time.¡±


    ¡°Lily, you¡¯re wearing my plug in your ass right now.¡± I shiver. ¡°So?


    He shakes his head. ¡°Yeah, okay. We y this however you need.¡±


    I look around. I¡¯m not sure the best way to go about it. The possibilities make me nearly giddy. We could fuck anywhere in the house, could y out this little revenge fantasy however we want. ¡°Um, where?¡±


    ¡°Go get your phone.¡±


    I hurry upstairs and grab my phone. For the first time, it strikes me that I don¡¯t have a single message or call from Max. We¡¯re done and he doesn¡¯t even care about trying to talk about it. I don¡¯t know what there is to say, but it feels so shitty to know that he¡¯s with her and if I hadn¡¯t thrown caution to the wind ande to Shane, I¡¯d be huddled up in my apartment, sobbing myself sick over him.


    I find Shane in the living room. The morning sunlight streams in from the back windows, the snow on the ground amplifying the brightness. He stands at the entertainment center and motions me over when I walk into the room. I hand over my phone and watch as he sets it up at the base of the television. ¡°Go sit on the couch,¡± he says.


    I do, watching as he makes some adjustments. Shane nces at me. ¡°Talk for a second. Let¡¯s see how the sound is.¡±


    I raise my brows. ¡°I am looking forward to riding your cock, Daddy.¡±


    He gives me a long look. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll just bend you over the arm of the couch and fuck you like the dirty girl you are.¡±


    I clench my thighs together. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll like it.¡±


    ¡°You will.¡± He says it like there was never any other oue. ¡°You love everything I do to you.¡±


    There¡¯s no use arguing that. I wait while he ys back the short video and nods. ¡°This will do. Go to the front door.¡±


    I push to my feet and obey, making a quick detour to the mud room to grab my heels. I wait in the entranceway, my heart in my throat, as he walks to me with heavy steps. Confusion pulls his brows together. ¡°Lily, what are you doing here?¡±


    Show time. ¡°I didn¡¯t know where else to go.¡±


    He hesitates, and it feels real. Like he knows I shouldn¡¯t be here, but he doesn¡¯t want me to leave. ¡°Come in.¡± Shane leads me into the living room and guides me to sit on the same cushion I¡¯d just upied. Even though I know the name of this game, I still shift a little nervously as he takes the spot right next to me, his knees bumping into mine. He gives me a concerned look. ¡°Tell me what¡¯s going on.¡±


    ¡°Max and I are done.¡± My breath catches in my throat, but I push on. ¡°I, uh, I found him with his secretary. It¡¯s over. The wedding is off. The whole nine yards.¡±


    ¡°Fuck, I¡¯m sorry.¡± He truly looks like he means it.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°I just¡­¡± To my horror, my bottom lip quivers. I press my hand to my mouth. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t havee. I know he¡¯s your son and-¡±


    Shane pulls me into his arms. The hug is a little awkward, made more awkward when he shifts back a little and my legs get tangled with his. The plug in my ass gives a lie to the newness of this, but it still feels forbidden. Like he¡¯s offering mefort and didn¡¯t mean to put us in a position where my dress is riding up to indecent heights.


    His hand drops to my thigh and he flinches. ¡°Jesus, I¡¯m sorry.¡± But he doesn¡¯t quite take his touch away, his fingers lingering on my skin.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± I lean back a little, but not enough for it to be a real retreat. ¡°I¡­¡± I don¡¯t want to share the same story from before, where he watched me masturbate in the back yard. That moment feels like it was just for us, and I don¡¯t want to mar it.


    Instead, I shift against him, sliding my leg higher up between his. It almost looks like I¡¯m trying to get my bnce to move away, but his hand catches me high on my thigh, his big fingers curving around beneath. It¡¯s not quite indecent, but he¡¯s in a position to guess I might not be wearing anything underneath this dress.


    I look up at him with wide eyes. ¡°Shane?¡±


    He holds my gaze as he slides his hand higher, under my dress, up over my hip, and my ass. ¡°Lily, why did youe to my house without panties on?¡±


    ¡°Um.¡± I¡¯m fisting his T-shirt and I can¡¯t seem to stop shaking. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± His tone is faintly mocking.

 Chapter 39

    He smooths his hand over my ass and down the back of my thigh, hooking me behind my knee and pulling my leg higher up around his waist. Cool air touches my pussy and I have to fight back a moan.


    I don¡¯t mean to kiss him. I don¡¯t think. But I tilt my face up and then his mouth is on mine. Plundering me, forcing my lips wide and slipping his tongue into my mouth, kissing me until I¡¯m writhing against him. Shane barely touches me, one hand on my knee, holding me in ce, the other at the small of my back, but it doesn¡¯t matter. I rub against him and my dress slides off my shoulders, shifts up higher on my hips.


    I lean back and his gaze snags on my mostly bared breasts. ¡°Lily.¡± God, I love it when he talks to me like that. Like I¡¯m being bad and he¡¯s not amused.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I shift back a little and try to fix my dress with fumbling hands. ¡°Sorry I kissed you. That was inappropriate.¡± I go still and then shake my head. ¡°You know what? I¡¯m not sorry. You¡¯re sexy as hell, Shane, and


    I¡¯d be lying if I said I don¡¯t want you.¡±


    His brows rise. ¡°You were engaged to my son a few short days ago.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I was.¡± I move to straddle hisp, and he lets me. I lean down and brush my lips to his ear. The rest of what we¡¯re doing is for the camera. These words are just for us. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t a good daughter-inw want to make her Daddy feel good?¡± I shift against his chest, letting my dress drop again. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t a caring father-inw want to kiss his baby girl and make it better?¡±


    ¡°You and that dirty fucking mouth,¡± he murmurs. His handsnd on my hips, urging me back, but it¡¯s like his senses get crisscrossed when he sees my breasts. He freezes and it¡¯s like we¡¯re both holding our breath as he leans in and rubs his face against my sensitive skin, taking first one nipple and then the other into his mouth.


    ¡°Oh god, that feels good.¡± I dig my fingers into his hair and arch my back. He slides his hands up the back of my thighs to my ass, massaging there beneath my dress. Again, the plug heightens the sensation, until I¡¯m fighting not to writhe in hisp. I tug his hair. ¡°We should stop. This isn¡¯t why I came here. This is wrong.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± He lifts me and turns us around, sitting me on the couch and going to his knees on the floor. ¡°We¡¯ll stop in a minute. Just¡­ Just a minute.¡± He shoves up my dress and then his mouth is on me.


    I moan. ¡°Shane.¡± I¡¯m lifting my hips to meet his tongue, shamelessly holding my legs wide open as he licks me. ¡°Shane, you¡¯re my father-inw. You shouldn¡¯t be¡­ We shouldn¡¯t be¡­¡± I shudder as he sticks his tongue deep inside me. ¡°It feels so dirty to have your mouth all over me.¡±


    He sucks lightly on my clit. ¡°I¡¯ll stop in a minute. Just a little longer.¡±


    I¡¯m already nodding. ¡°Just a little longer. We can stop in a minute.¡±


    He goes back to eating my pussy in slow, thorough kisses. Need quivers up my legs, made more intense by the picture I know we paint. Him fully clothed and on his knees. Me with my dress bunched around my waist, was somehow more naked than if I had nothing else on. ¡°What if he sees?¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    He barely lifts his head. ¡°You mean what if Max walked in on us with my mouth all over your pussy?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± I moan.


    He pushes two fingers into me. ¡°Then my asshole son would finally see what you look like when youe.¡±


    My jaw drops, but he doesn¡¯t give me a chance to answer. Shane already knows my body and knows the quickest way to wind me up and get me off. He strokes those two wide fingers against my G-spot as he works my clit with his lips and tongue. I let my head fall back against the couch. ¡°Oh fuck. Don¡¯t stop. That feels so fucking good, Shane. You¡¯re going to make mee if you don¡¯t stop.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t stop. He just drives me slowly, inexorably over the edge, until I¡¯m shaking and sobbing out each exhale anding all over his face. He gives me onest long lick and finally lifts his head. I grab his face and tow him up to me, moaning at the taste of myself on his lips.


    ¡°Get your cock out. Get it out right now.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    He takes advantage of my surprise and hauls me forward over his shoulder. ¡°If I¡¯m going to fuck that pretty pussy of yours, Lily. I¡¯m damn well going to do it right.¡± My world goes upside down as he stands and walks down the hall and up to his bedroom. He drops me on the bed. ¡°Get on your hands and knees. Spread your thighs and show me how wet I just made that pussy.¡±


    I scramble to obey. yacting was hot, but this is us. I hold myself up with one hand and slip the other between my thighs to spread my pussy. Shane¡¯s rough curse makes me grin. Didn¡¯t expect that, did he?


    ¡°No matter how many times youe, it¡¯s still not enough, is it? Your pussy is greedy for more.¡± I can hear him rustling behind me as he strips. ¡°Finger yourself. Show me how wet you are.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Daddy.¡± I slip my middle finger into myself. It feels a thousand times better knowing he¡¯s watching. ¡°I¡¯m so wet.¡±


    ¡°I can see that.¡± But his footsteps move away. I almost turn to look, but he returns a few momentster and the mattress gives as he climbs onto the bed. He knocks my hand away and then his cock is there, pushing into me. ¡°I¡¯m going to fuck your virgin ass, Lily. Are you ready for that?¡±


    I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m ready, but I nod against the mattress.


    ¡°Yes, Daddy.¡±

 Chapter 40

    Shane keeps thrusting as if he¡¯s got nowhere better to be than balls deep inside me. ¡°I like watching my cock disappear into your pussy while that plug teases about how full your ass is. It feels good to be full, doesn¡¯t it, baby girl?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± I moan.


    His voice is pure sin. ¡°Almost like being fucked by two cocks.¡± He spreads my cheeks and then he¡¯s shifting the plug, easing it in and out of me. ¡°But you don¡¯t get two cocks, my little slut. You get mine, and it will be enough because I¡¯m your fucking Daddy.¡±


    I¡¯m writhing on his cock with nowhere to go. ¡°Please fuck my ass. Please.¡±


    And then the plug is gone and he¡¯s easing out of me. He presses something to my hand and I blink at the wand vibrator. ¡°Use this when I tell you.¡± He urges my hips up. ¡°Rx.¡±


    ¡°You rx when you¡¯re about to have a giant cock in your ass,¡± I mutter.


    He gives my ass a light p and then he¡¯s spreading lube all over me. I instinctively tense at the feeling of the broad head of his cock. Shane smooths one hand over my hip and up my back. ¡°Rx, baby girl. Trust me.¡±


    I try to obey. I expect pain as the head of his cock eases past my entrance, and it does burn a bit, but it¡¯s nowhere near the level I thought it would be. I shift a little and


    Shane¡¯s hand tightens on my hip. ¡°Easy.¡± ¡°More,¡± I demand.


    He eases in a bit more and gives a slow, short thrust. ¡°We good?¡±


    I didn¡¯t expect to like this. I didn¡¯t. I should know better by now. It¡¯spletely different than when he¡¯s in my pussy, but it feels weirdly good. ¡°More,¡± I say again.


    ¡°Use the vibrator.¡±


    It takes me a second to get it on and then I position the broad head of it against my clit. ¡°Oh fuck.¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± He has both hands on my ass now, holding me open as he slowly prates me. ¡°We¡¯re almost there, baby girl. You feel so fucking good.¡±


    ¡°You do, too.¡± I have to fight not to writhe. ¡°I¡¯m going toe with your cock in my ass like a little slut, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    Shane¡¯s hips meet my ass and he exhales slowly. ¡°Yes. That¡¯s exactly what you¡¯re going to do.¡± He bears me down to the mattress, his big body covering mine. He kisses the back of my neck, my shoulder, my spine. ¡°You are so fucking perfect, Lily. I said you were a gift, but that doesn¡¯t begin to cover it.¡± He starts to fuck my ass. It¡¯s nowhere near as rough as he¡¯s been every time we¡¯ve had sex, but it feels like I¡¯m being invaded over and over again.


    I flick the vibrator onto a stronger setting and moan.


    ¡°Make mee, Daddy.¡±


    ¡°Make yourselfe,¡± he snaps.


    I can¡¯t help moving, can¡¯t help thrusting back onto his cock as the vibrator presses against my clit. I want to do more than submit. I want to fuck him right back. ¡°Oh god, Shane. You feel so good. Oh, fuck.¡±


    ¡°Say it.¡± He sounds like the devil himself on my shoulder. ¡°You know you want to, baby girl. Say it again.¡±


    I don¡¯t even hesitate. I¡¯m too out of my mind with pleasure. ¡°I love you!¡±


    He thrusts harder into my ass. ¡°Again.¡±


    ¡°I love you.¡± And then I¡¯ming so hard I¡¯m sobbing.


    Shane presses me hard down on the vibrator. ¡°Don¡¯t stop.¡± He eases out of my ass and I whine even as I shift the setting down to a more rumbling vibration, too needy to stop yet. I listen to him walk into the bathroom. I rub myself on the vibrator, feeling absolutely out of control. My entire being boils down to more, more, more.


    I don¡¯t even hear hime back. One second I¡¯m working on teasing another orgasm from myself and the next I¡¯m flipped onto my back and the vibrator is ripped from my hands. Shane turns it off and tosses it aside. He looks down at me and strokes my throbbing clit with his thumb. ¡°Say it again, Lily.¡±


    But I¡¯m not on the edge the same way I was before. I bite my bottom lip. ¡°It doesn¡¯t mean anything.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me.¡± He braces himself over me and rubs the head of his cock over my clit. ¡°We both know it means


    everything.¡±


    Fear is almost enough to derail me, but that wicked feeling of the head of his cock against my clit makes it impossible to grasp. ¡°Shane, please.¡±


    He pulls me up and fists the fabric of my wadded-up dress, using it to guide me to straddle him, facing away. I ease down onto his cock and moan. ¡°This position feels really good.¡±


    ¡°I know it does.¡± He keeps a tight hold on my dress, the fabric digging into my skin. ¡°Ride me, Lily. Now.¡±


    I move slowly, testing out all the angles. And then I look back over my shoulder and find his gaze glued on my ass.


    ¡°You like what you see.¡±


    ¡°I love what I see.¡± He urges me up and ms me back down. ¡°Focus. Make yourselfe, baby girl. You know you can go again.¡±


    I don¡¯t even question it. I brace my hands on his big thighs and work myself up and down his cock. ¡°You feel so fucking good. I want you toe and fill me up.¡± I moan. ¡°Fuck, I want you toe all over me.¡±


    Shane shifts behind me, sitting up and dragging us back so he can lean against the headboard. He grips my throat lightly with one hand and presses his other to my clit. Not stroking. Letting me grind against him each time I move on his cock. ¡°Next time you suck my cock,¡± he growls in my ear. ¡°Next time I¡¯m going toe all over your pretty face. Or maybe I¡¯lle on your breasts.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± I¡¯m mindlessly working myself onto his cock. More, more, more. I need more. I don¡¯t even care. I feel so fucking dirty, so filthy, so fucking cherished when I¡¯m with him. I don¡¯t understand it, but I can¡¯t stop.


    I barely register the squeaky step of the stairs. The sound of footsteps in the hallway.


    I lean back hard on Shane. I¡¯m so close. So fucking close, and this feels even bigger than thest few. It might kill me, but what a way to die. ¡°Your cock is so big, Daddy. I¡¯m going toe all over it.¡±


    And that¡¯s when my ex appears in the doorway. We didn¡¯t bother to shut the door when we came upstairs, so he¡¯s just there. I meet Max¡¯s eyes as I¡¯m impaled on his father¡¯s cock. I don¡¯t know if Shane sees him, but it doesn¡¯t matter.


    I don¡¯t stop.


    I hold Max¡¯s gaze as I let my orgasm take me. Ie so hard, I shriek, my hips jerking and shamelessly rubbing against Shane¡¯s hand. Through it all, my ex watches with wide eyes. It¡¯s only when I finally slump back against Shane that he curses. ¡°Get the fuck out of here, Max.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Max takes a step back. ¡°Yeah. Uh.¡± His gaze skates over my mostly naked body like he¡¯s never seen me before. ¡°I¡¯m going to go.¡±


    Shane lets my dress drop to cover my hips and yanks the straps up over my shoulders. As if Max hasn¡¯t seen me naked more times than I can count. ¡°Out!¡± he thunders.

 Chapter 41

    Max finally manages to move, turning and disappearing out of the doorway.


    I have the absurd urge tough. ¡°Guess we don¡¯t need the video after all.¡± I sound strange and tinny to my ears. This started as a revenge fuck, but being caught feels weird. Not good. Just¡­ I don¡¯t even know.


    Shane eases me off his cock and tucks himself away. ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to him.¡±


    That shatters some of my eerie calm. ¡°No, I¡¯ve got it.¡±


    He hesitates. ¡°Lily¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± I repeat. I climb to my feet on shaking legs and head downstairs. I appreciate that Shane wants to take this bullet for me, but I¡¯m the one who initiated this weekend, and I¡¯m an adult. I can handle a conversation with my ex.


    Even if it¡¯s a conversation while my pussy is still throbbing from fucking his father for two days straight.


    I half-expect Max to be gone, but he¡¯s standing in the kitchen with his hands braced on the counter. He barely looks at me as I walk through the door. ¡°Are you happy now? Are we even?¡±


    ¡°Are we even? How can you even ask me that?¡± I wrap my arms around my waist. ¡°How many times did you cheat on me, Max? With how many women?¡±


    His face flushes red. ¡°Look, I¡¯m not proud of that, but you just fucked my dad.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I did.¡±


    He looks away. ¡°How am I supposed to know that this didn¡¯t start before we broke up?¡±


    Hurtshes me, flying away what little guilt I feel. ¡°Because, unlike you, I was faithful. I¡¯m not going to apologize. You hurt me when I found you with her when you just let me walk away and things ended so shitty. I wanted to hurt you back.¡±


    ¡°So you fucked my dad.¡±


    I give a vicious little smile. ¡°You¡¯re not the only one who calls him Daddy now.¡±


    ¡°Jesus, Lily.¡± He shakes his head, looking like he can¡¯t decide whether tough or start screaming at me. He finally straightens. ¡°You know what? I deserved that.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you did.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He scrubs a hand over his face. ¡°I am sorry. I didn¡¯t want things to go like this. I don¡¯t know where we got so twisted.¡±


    This isn¡¯t a conversation to have in Shane¡¯s kitchen, but I also want it over. This is the clean break that was denied me for four agonizing days while I waited for Max to call and he never did. Better to have it now and move on with our lives. I lift my chin. ¡°We weren¡¯t working. We never should have gotten engaged.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± he says softly, still not quite looking at me. ¡°It just seemed like it was the next logical step. I don¡¯t even know if I realized something was missing until I met Jessica and-¡± He flinches. ¡°It doesn¡¯t make what I did right.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I agree. ¡°It doesn¡¯t.¡±


    His gaze tracks to the ceiling where we can hear Shane¡¯s footsteps. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you fucked my dad.¡±


    I can¡¯t believe I want to do more than fuck him. I don¡¯t say it. It¡¯s barely something I¡¯m allowing myself toprehend. It¡¯s sure as hell not something for Max to know one way or another. ¡°I¡¯ll box up your stuff and you can pick it up on Friday.¡± I walk to where my purse sits on the counter and dig out the ring. It¡¯s a pretty piece of jewelry, but looking at it now, it¡¯s just another red g. I never would have picked out a princess cut on a in band for myself. ¡°Here.¡±


    He stares at it a long time and finally takes it. ¡°You¡¯re being remarkably chill right now.¡±


    ¡°Max.¡± I wait for him to look at me. ¡°You just found me fucking your father. I think I can afford to be a little chill.¡± It won¡¯tst. No matter how clean the break, how necessary, it still hurts. A lot.


    He grimaces. ¡°Yeah, well, I¡¯m just not going to think about that too hard.¡± Max hesitates. ¡°Is it just this weekend, or-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    He opens his mouth, seems to reconsider, and finally nods. ¡°I guess it isn¡¯t my business anymore, is it?¡±


    ¡°Bring my stuff with you when youe to get your box of shit.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± He lifts his hands like he wants to hug me and stops. ¡°Fuck, this is weird. I¡¯m sorry. I can¡¯t say it enough.¡±


    Not sorry enough to have broken up with me like a normal person who¡¯s finished with a rtionship. Not sorry enough to talk to me about how unhappy he was. Not sorry enough to stop himself from fucking another woman while he was still engaged to me.


    I draw myself up. ¡°I think you should leave now.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Right. Okay.¡± He drags his gaze over me onest time. ¡°See you around, Lily.¡±


    ¡°No, Max. You won¡¯t.¡± I hold perfectly still as I listen to him walk down the hall and out the front door. I wait a few more moments before I slump against the counter. ¡°Fuck.¡±


    Somehow, I keep moving. I walk into the living room and pick up my phone. It¡¯s still recording, which answers the question I hadn¡¯t quite been able to bring myself to ask. Shane didn¡¯t orchestrate this. It was sheer dumb luck that brought Max here on a morning that started with us pretending he¡¯d catch us. I give a broken littleugh. ¡°God,


    I¡¯m so fucked up.¡± ¡°Lily.¡±


    I look up to find that Shane¡¯spletely dressed again. He looks down the hallway, and I answer his unspoken


    question. ¡°He left. I gave him the ring back.¡±


    He crosses to me slowly, as if I¡¯m a deer in danger of being spooked. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I got what I wanted, I guess.¡± My chest feels too tight. ¡°Revenge. Except he didn¡¯t care, after his first shock, so it¡¯s pretty shitty revenge. He¡¯s still going back to her. We¡¯re still over. He¡¯s not going to be crying over me while he¡¯s with his new girlfriend.¡± I hold up a hand before he gets too close. ¡°I know I¡¯m deep in the self-pity stage. Let me have it.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything.¡± But he has a strange look on his face. ¡°Lily¡­ What if we didn¡¯t stop?¡±

 Chapter 42

    I shake my head slowly, sure I¡¯ve heard Shane wrong. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Tell me this weekend wasn¡¯t the best sex of


    your life.¡± He takes a step toward me. ¡°Tell me that you didn¡¯t enjoy every single second you spent with me.¡± Another step. ¡°Tell me you were lying when you said you loved me.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t ruin this,¡± I whisper. ¡°We still have one day left.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying.¡± He catches my elbows. ¡°What if we had more than one day?¡± Shane slowly tows me closer until I¡¯m pressed against his chest. ¡°Stay. Give us a shot.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been single for six days.¡±


    ¡°So?¡± He skates his hand up my back to dig into my hair and urges my head back so he can kiss the long line of my throat. ¡°Stay.¡±


    I¡¯m losing ground and losing it fast. Letting this man get his hands on me was a mistake if I wanted to have enough energy to fight what he was saying. Still, I try. ¡°You can¡¯t possibly want to fuck again. Max just caught us.¡±


    ¡°And if he was that torn up about it, he¡¯d still be here yelling at us about it.¡±


    Fuck, that hurts. ¡°Cruel.¡±


    ¡°Logical.¡± Shane keeps kissing my neck. ¡°Come back upstairs, Lily. If you don¡¯t want to talk about it today, we won¡¯t. We can save it for tomorrow.¡±


    I shouldn¡¯t. For better or worse, I¡¯ve aplished what I set out to do, and staying means something beyond revenge. I can¡¯t stay forever. No matter what Shane is offering, eventually, he¡¯lle to his senses and then that broken heart chaser will stop being theory and will be my reality.


    But I already hurt so much. What¡¯s one more day?


    I skate my hands up to loop my arms around his neck. ¡°Yes.¡±


    He hooks the back of my thighs and lifts me so I can wrap my legs around his waist. Shane carries me back up to his bedroom, and Iugh a little as he shuts and locks the door. He gives me a severe look. ¡°I don¡¯t want any more interruptions.¡±


    ¡°Me, either.¡± I kiss him.


    Shane walks us to the bed andys me down. ¡°If you were mine, I¡¯d want you only in little dresses like this.¡± He pushes the fabric up just enough to bare my pussy. ¡°You have no idea how crazy it makes me to know that nothing is stopping me from being inside you.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± I prop myself up on my elbows as I watch him strip. I¡¯m not even remotely ashamed to say I give my shoulders a little wiggle so my straps slip off and fall to bare my breasts. ¡°I thought you said I was a little slut for dressing like this.¡±


    ¡°You are. My little slut.¡± He steps out of his jeans and advances on me. ¡°I¡¯d take you out, Lily. Wherever you want to go. We¡¯d see how long we canst before I¡¯m up your skirt.¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± I reached down and stroke my pussy. ¡°You going to finger me at dinner, Daddy? Take me into the bathroom and have me for dessert?¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    He skates his hands up my thighs, watching me dip a finger into myself. ¡°I ought to bend you over the table and fuck you right there in front of everyone.¡± He squeezes my thighs. ¡°I won¡¯t, though. You¡¯re just for me, Lily. No one gets to know how sweetly you taste or how pretty you are when youe except for me.¡±


    He¡¯s iming me with his words the same way he¡¯s previously imed me with his body. I take a shuddering breath. ¡°Shane-¡±


    ¡°A fantasy.¡± He yanks me to the edge of the mattress. ¡°Let me have my fantasy, baby girl. It¡¯s the least you can do since you¡¯re leaving me.¡±


    ¡°Wait-¡±


    But he talks right over me as he fists his cock and drags it over my pussy. ¡°A thousand fantasies to y out. A million. It¡¯ll never be enough.¡± I love how much he loves rubbing the head of his cock over my clit, love how filthy it feels. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t even let you wear clothes in the summer. Come home for lunch every day and expect this pussy to be wet and waiting for me. You¡¯ll be a good girl and get your pussy ready for your Daddy, won¡¯t you, Lily?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± I gasp.


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± He dips the head of his cock into me. ¡°And when Ie home in the evening, I want you on your knees and ready to suck me down. Take the edge off my day.¡±


    Oh god. I want it. I want it so bad, it makes me shake.


    He pumps into me slowly, easing in a little more each time. ¡°I won¡¯t always finish in that pretty mouth of yours. I¡¯lle on your tits and then eat that pussy until you¡¯re screaming so loud the neighbors hear.¡± He sinks even deeper. ¡°Do you want the neighbors to know what a dirty little slut you are?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Daddy.¡± I fist my hands in theforter. ¡°I want to ride your mouth while youre is dripping off my nipples.¡±


    Shane stills. ¡°Every time I think that mouth of yours can¡¯t get filthier, you prove me wrong.¡± He ms the rest of the way into me, making me moan. ¡°What else? Tell me what else you want, baby girl.¡±


    I should stay silent, shouldn¡¯t y this game with him. It¡¯s too seductive to imagine what our life might be like if we didn¡¯t have all the obstacles in the way. But with his big cock filling me, I forget all the reasons this is dangerous to my heart. I just want to please him, want to chase the pleasure already building in my body with each thrust. ¡°I want you to take me out to dinner. Eat me out when you pick me up. Take my panties because I¡¯m your dirty little slut.¡± I moan, and he slows down, his expression intent on my face. It takes a few seconds to catch my breath to continue. ¡°And then I want you to fuck me in the parking lot. Fill me up with youre so that it¡¯s making a mess of me all through dinner. Every time I move, I¡¯ll feel you and know how bad I am.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be enough for you, though. Will it?¡± He starts fucking me again, mming into me over and over again. ¡°You won¡¯t be satisfied with two orgasms. The first time I turn around, you¡¯ll have your hand up your skirt.¡±


    ¡°Your hand,¡± I moan. ¡°You put your hand on my knee, and I¡¯ll slide it up until you¡¯re fucking me with your fingers.¡±


    ¡°Better be quiet, baby girl. In a room surrounded by people, you can¡¯te loud and messy like you normally do.¡±


    ¡°I will. I promise I will.¡±


    Shane leans down and slips an arm around my waist so he can move us fully onto the bed. He kneels between my legs and presses my thighs up and out, opening me obscenely. ¡°Look at how greedy your pussy is for my cock.¡±


    Helpless to resist, I look down. His thick length disappears into me again and again. I¡¯m soaked. My pussy, my thighs, his cock. All of it wet with my desire. ¡°So needy,¡± Shane murmurs. ¡°Tell me again how you¡¯re finished with this cock, how you¡¯ll go the rest of your life without having me inside you again. Tell me you want to walk away.¡±


    Something like a sob works its way up my throat. ¡°Shane, please.¡±


    ¡°Tell me this wouldn¡¯t work, Lily. Tell me that you don¡¯t like how you feel when you¡¯re with me when I¡¯m taking care of you. Tell me you don¡¯t love me.¡±


    A dam breaks inside me and words rush forth. ¡°I do. That¡¯s the problem. I do like all those things. I do love you.¡± My lip won¡¯t stop quivering and my eyes burn. ¡°I can¡¯t, Shane. It hurts too much. It¡¯s too soon. I just¡­ I can¡¯t. Please don¡¯t make me.¡±


    His expression goes tortured and he shifts down to press his body against mine, to gather me as close to him as we can get. He keeps fucking me in slow,nguid strokes, his voice rough with emotion. ¡°You don¡¯t have to, baby girl. Not until you¡¯re ready.¡± He slips an arm beneath my hips, lifting me so his cock can hit a delicious angle inside me. ¡°But when you¡¯re ready, Lily? I¡¯m going to be right here. No matter how long it takes.¡± He kisses my neck. ¡°Because I love you, too.¡±


    And then there¡¯s no more room for words. What else is there to say? We¡¯ve bothid it out there on the table. There¡¯s nothing left but pleasure. We both fight our orgasms, fight to finish this, almost as if we know this is goodbye. It¡¯s too good, though. It¡¯s always been too good. Ie first, clinging to him, milking him with my pussy until he loses control and pounds into me.


    Shane barely pulls out of me when his fingers are there, spearing into me. ¡°It¡¯s not goodbye until morning. Promise me.¡±


    ¡°I promise,¡± I gasp.


    We devolve into mindless animals. He fingers me while we recover and then hauls me into the bathroom to fuck me in front of the mirror. We barely stop touching in the shower and it starts all over again the second we manage to stumble back into the bedroom, Shane bending me over the bed and eating my pussy and ass until I¡¯m sobbing. He fucks my ass again, whispering filthy possessive things in my ear.


    I lose track of how many times I tell him I love him.


    No matter how strong our will is, our bodies eventually give out and we pass out tangled up in his bed, his hand still cupping my pussy as if trying to milk everyst drop of pleasure.


    It¡¯s one hell of a goodbye.

 Chapter 43

    I wake up before dawn. Every part of my body hurts, but I don¡¯t let that stop me as I climb out of bed and stagger to the dress we discarded at some point. I don¡¯t know where my ck dress is, so this will have to do.


    I pause in the doorway and look back, determined to memorize this moment. Shane is sprawled on his back, the sheets bunched around his waist, his broad chest on disy. It¡¯s almost enough to tempt me back to bed. To pretend our deadline hasn¡¯te. To take him up on everything he¡¯s offering me.


    I can¡¯t.


    I just¡­can¡¯t.


    ¡°Lily.¡±


    I jump. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you were awake.¡±


    ¡°I was the moment you moved.¡±


    I shift, torn between walking out the door and running back to the bed. ¡°I have to go, Shane. I¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too soon.¡± He sits up. ¡°You need time to work through your shit.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± I exhale in something like grief. ¡°It¡¯s a lot of shit.¡± It will take longer than seven days to get over this. It¡¯s not even getting over Max as much as it¡¯s getting over the failed rtionship. I need time and space to process, but I don¡¯t know how long it will take. ¡°I can¡¯t ask you to wait for me.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to.¡± He drags his hand through his hair. ¡°You¡¯re it for me, Lily. I¡¯ll wait as long as you need.¡±


    My chest aches, but I don¡¯t argue. I don¡¯t ask him what happens if he¡¯s waiting forever. ¡°I¡¯m going to go.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll walk you out.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I take a quick step back, even though he¡¯s barely shifted. ¡°If you get up, I¡¯m going to second-guess myself and then I¡¯ll end up on your cock again. Which means we¡¯ll be having an identical conversation next time we surface.¡±


    He curses softly. ¡°Text me when you get home.¡±


    I don¡¯t tell him that even that muchmunication is probably crossing a line. ¡°I will.¡± I pause. ¡°Do you want the videos?¡±


    Shane holds my gaze. ¡°Only when you¡¯re ready to start again. Send them to me when you¡¯re ready to be mine, baby girl.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± I whisper. And then I flee.


    ****


    F E B R U A R YText ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    5:48 pm


    Shane: How are you holding up?


    Me: It¡¯s been rough.


    Shane: What can I do?


    Me: I just need time, I think.


    Shane: Take all the time you need, Lily. I mean it.


    ****


    A P R I L


    1:13am


    Me: I want to fuck.


    Shane: Lily, are you drunk?


    Me: Maybe. Girl¡¯s night!


    Me: But they¡¯re gone and I want my Daddy¡¯s cock.


    Shane: Where are you?


    Me: The Silver Spoon.


    Shane: Give me fifteen minutes.


    Shane: Do not leave with anyone.


    Me: I only want to leave with you.


    2:01 am


    Me: I am so mad at you.


    Shane: You won¡¯t be tomorrow. Me: You turned me down!


    Shane: You¡¯re drunk, baby girl.


    Shane: You¡¯d regret fucking me.


    Me: You¡¯re an asshole.


    Shane: Guess I¡¯ll have to live with that.


    10:26 am


    Me: I¡¯m sorry.


    Shane: How are you feeling?


    Me: Like I¡¯m dying.


    Me: I¡¯m never drinking again. Me: I shouldn¡¯t have texted you.


    Shane: You can always call me for a ride.


    Shane: I¡¯d rather you be safe.


    Me: Thanks. For everything. Shane: Any time, Lily.


    ****


    M A Y


    3: 52pm


    Me: I saw you today.


    Shane: Oh?


    Me: Yeah, pulling out of the store parking lot.


    Shane: Sorry I missed you.


    Me: Me too.


    Me: I do.


    Me: Miss you.


    Shane: I miss you, too.


    Me: I just need more time.


    Shane: Take as long as you need.


    Me: You keep saying that, but you won¡¯t wait forever. Shane: Let me worry about that.


    ****


    J U N E


    I don¡¯t know how it happens. One day, I¡¯m still struggling to stay afloat, the pressure easing a little with each week that passes. The next I woke up determined to start living again. I hate that it took me six months to work through this, but every time I felt like the ground might be steadying under my feet, something would happen.


    So I keep my head down and focus entirely on work until the end of the school year. And then summer vacation starts and I feel¡­ Okay. Better than okay. Almost like myself again.


    I miss Shane so much, it¡¯s like I actually carved out my heart that weekend and left it behind in his house. No matter how much an asshole I act, he¡¯s been a goddamn saint since. Never pushing me. Never trying to y dirty. Just patient and understanding and I am so done with all my bullshit.


    It¡¯s time to move forward. I finally feel ready.


    The fact that it¡¯s an unseasonal blistering hot June day only seems to spur me on. Like I¡¯ve been standing still for so long, treading water, and now I¡¯m ready to sprint.


    There¡¯s only one direction for me to sprint to: Shane.


    If he¡¯ll still have me.


    I pick up my phone and flick through to my secret folder where I keep the videos from that weekend. I¡¯ve watched them more times than I care to admit. Bringing myself to orgasm at the sight of his fingers in my pussy or me riding his mouth, riding his cock. My hands are nowhere near as good as the real thing.


    He said to send the videos when I¡¯m finally ready to move forward.


    My thumb hovers over the button to do it, but I hesitate. Is it toote? Have I lingered too long? Nervous energy has me texting him instead.


    Me: It¡¯s wicked hot today.


    He responds almost immediately.


    Shane: I was thinking of getting the pool ready to go.


    Just like that, an idea forms. A filthy, perfect idea.


    Me: You should. Gotta maximize every hot summer day.


    Shane: Agreed.


    Me: Are you still going home for lunch?


    Shane: Sometimes. Why?


    Me: Just wondering.


    Me: I have to go. I¡¯ll catch up with you soon.


    Shane: Okay. Have a good day.


    I check the clock. It¡¯s mid-morning, which means I don¡¯t have much time. I take a shower and get ready, throwing on a pair of shorts and a tank top and filling a tote bag with the things I¡¯ll need. It¡¯s not until I¡¯m driving to Shane¡¯s that my nerves ramp up.


    If he doesn¡¯t want me anymore, I¡¯m setting myself up for one hell of a humiliating experience.


    I find the spare key exactly where it¡¯s always been, tucked under a fake rock near the front door, and let myself in. Even though I know better, I drift through the house. I¡¯m not exactly looking for evidence that he¡¯s moved on, but I still exhale in relief when I find things exactly as they were thest time I was here.


    It¡¯s game time.


    I strip and pull on the white wrap cover-up that I bought a month ago because it made me think of Shane. The cut almost looks Grecian, narrow swathes of fabric draping from my shoulders over my breasts and crisscrossing at my hips to form a tiny little skirt. It¡¯s cute with my swimsuit on under it. It¡¯s dirty as hell without it.


    I take a deep breath and walk out into the backyard. The cover is still on the pool, but he¡¯s got the lounge chairs out like I hoped. Shane likes to read in the evenings out here as soon as the weather¡¯s nice, so I bet he brought them out of storage the second the temperature edged to barely tolerable.


    I drape myself over the lounge chair in the shade and take a deep breath. Here we go. I lift my phone, position it over my face in a selfie angle, and push record. ¡°Hi, Shane. I might have done a little breaking to get into your backyard, but is it breaking if I know where the spare key is?¡±


    I¡¯m talking too fast, my words tumbling over themselves, but I can¡¯t seem to stop. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to be this nervous, but here we are.¡± I nibble my bottom lip. ¡°I know you said to send those videos when I was ready, but I don¡¯t want to live in the past. I want a future.¡± I give a small smile. ¡°So I¡¯m making you a new video.¡±


    I drag my finger down my neck, carefully following it with the camera, to cup my left breast. The white fabric is almost see-through. ¡°I bought this just for you.¡± I tug it to the side, baring my breast, and let my fingers linger on my nipple. ¡°I hope you like it.¡±


    It¡¯s harder to get this angle right. I have to sit up a bit as I pull up the wrap to show him my pussy. ¡°Oops. No panties. I know how much you hate that.¡± I part my pussy and drag my middle finger up my center. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you, Daddy. I can¡¯t wait for you to fill me up again.¡± I shift the camera back to my face, but I don¡¯t stop touching myself. ¡°Want toe home and have me for lunch?¡± I blow him a kiss and end the video.


    I almost chicken out before sending it. But I¡¯vee too far to back out now.


    My phone rings sixty secondster.


    Shane.


    I¡¯m shaking as I answer. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Baby girl.¡± He sounds quiet and almost furious. ¡°Are you fingering yourself in my backyard right now?¡±


    Just like that, my nerves disappear. He wouldn¡¯t call me that if he wasn¡¯t one hundred percent in on this. I recline against the lounge chair and go back to leisurely stroking my clit. ¡°Yes, Daddy.¡±


    His breathing shudders out. ¡°Don¡¯t stop. I¡¯ll be there in fifteen minutes.¡± His voice goes hard. ¡°Don¡¯t you daree. That orgasm is mine and I intend to take it.¡±


    ¡°Better hurry then.¡± I hang up to the sound of his cursing.


    For all my teasing, I don¡¯t want toe before he gets here. But that doesn¡¯t stop me from stoking my need higher with every touch. I debate taking off the cover-up, but it feels too good to stop, so I don¡¯t bother.


    Exactly fourteen minutes after we hung up, I heard the front door m.


    Shane stalks outside and stops short like he can¡¯t believe I¡¯m here. The shock on his face onlysts a moment, but it¡¯s delicious. He¡¯s wearing a suit without a tie, the top two buttons undone. As I watch, he shrugs out of the jacket and sets it on the back of the second lounge chair.


    I give my clit another circle and hold my breath. Are we ying or are we going to talk?


    He doesn¡¯t make me wait long. ¡°Tell me something.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±

 Chapter 44

    He nces at the clear blue sky and then down at me. ¡°You¡¯re out here mostly naked and you haven¡¯t put on any sunscreen, have you?¡±


    ¡°Um.¡± My skin heats. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Thought so.¡± He disappears into the house for a few minutes andes back with a tube of the stuff. Shane stalks at me and makes an impatient motion with his hand. ¡°Sit up.¡±


    I obey, reluctantly removing my hand from my clit. ¡°Sorry, Daddy.¡±


    ¡°You will be if you get burned.¡± He eyes me and yanks down my cover-up to pool at my waist. ¡°Jesus, baby girl. You aren¡¯t even trying.¡± Before I can respond, he squirts some sunscreen into his palm and starts spreading it onto my skin. His hands shake a little as he starts at my shoulders and coasts his hands down my arms, but that¡¯s okay. I¡¯m shaking too. It¡¯s been six long months since he touched me and I have to bite my bottom lip to keep from begging him not to stop.


    I expect him to rush through this to get to the good parts. I should know better by now. I really should.


    Shane massages the sunscreen into my arms, going slow to ensure he doesn¡¯t miss a spot. Only once he¡¯s satisfied does he urge me toy back and start in on my upper chest and breasts. Neither of us says a word, not when he lightly pinches my nipples. Not when he leans down and nibbles at the underside of my breasts. His big hands bracket my ribs. ¡°Lift your hips.¡±


    I obey instantly, and he drags the cover-up down my body and drops it onto the ground. He holds my gaze. ¡°It doesn¡¯t cover you worth a damn, so we¡¯re going to make sure we get every inch before you put it back on.¡±


    I lick my lips. ¡°Yes, Daddy.¡±


    He rubs lotion into my stomach and hip and lower to the top of my mound, before bypassing my pussy entirely and giving my legs the same thorough attention he¡¯s given the rest of me. ¡°Turn over.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me ask again.¡±


    I sigh and roll onto my stomach. Shane starts at my shoulders and works his way down. Slow. Agonizingly slowly. He palms my ass, squeezing and parting me, and his breath shudders out. ¡°Fuck, you¡¯re even more perfect than


    I remember.¡±


    ¡°Touch me. Please.¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± He wipes his hand on the towel under me. ¡°That should do it. Get back on your back.¡±


    I flip over and start to sit up, but Shane¡¯s hand in the center of my chest stops me. He looks serious and almost forbidding. ¡°I¡¯m not ying games with you this time, baby girl. You part those legs and let me in, I¡¯m keeping you. You don¡¯t get to say you need space and walk away from me again. This pussy will be mine.¡±


    ¡°Can I tell you a secret?¡± I wrap my hands around his wrist and drag his hand slowly down my body. ¡°This pussy has been yours since you fingered me on your couch.¡± He lets me guide a single finger into me. I whimper a little. It¡¯s been so long.


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± His brows lower and his hand tenses beneath mine. ¡°Use your words, Lily. I know you know how.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s been no one else.¡± I arch my hips up a little, working myself on his finger. ¡°No one¡¯s stuck their hands into my panties. No tongues have yed with my clit. I haven¡¯t ridden any cocks. No one¡¯s touched me since you.¡±


    ¡°Put your hands above your head and grip the chair.¡±


    I eagerly obey. ¡°Six long months,¡± he muses, pumping his finger into me slowly. ¡°Would you like a secret in return?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    He wedges a second finger into me. ¡°I haven¡¯t fucked anyone, either.¡± He catches my chin with his free hand, his fingers digging in until I gasp. ¡°I haven¡¯t let another set of lips wrap around my cock. I haven¡¯t stuck my hand up any short skirts to finger anyone.¡±


    I moan and lift my hips. ¡°I¡¯ve been going crazy with wanting you. I watched those videos so many times.¡±


    ¡°Your panties are in my nightstand.¡± He leans down and licks the shell of my ear. ¡°I¡¯ve jacked myself with them so many times, I feel like a dirty old man.¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    I like the picture he paints. Of my whitece panties bunched in his hand as he wraps it around his big cock. ¡°That¡¯s hot.¡±


    ¡°Not as hot as the feeling of your pussy mped around my fingers.¡± He exhales slowly and withdraws his fingers. ¡°We should go inside before we scandalize the neighbors.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± I run my hands down my body, already shaking with need. ¡°But don¡¯t you want a taste, Daddy? Just a little taste before we move.¡±


    He makes a sound like he¡¯s in pain. ¡°Just as much a dirty little slut as ever.¡±


    ¡°I miss your mouth. I miss it so much, I think I might die if you don¡¯t give me your tongue right now.¡± ¡°Did I tell you to stop holding the chair?¡±


    Instantly, I lift my arms over my head and grip the chair. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°Spoiled.¡± He moves to wedge himself between my thighs. ¡°Needy.¡± He exhales against my clit. ¡°Demanding.¡±


    I stare down my body as he parts my pussy. Behind him, I see movement in a window on the other side of the fence. ¡°Your neighbors are watching,¡± I whisper.


    ¡°That¡¯s what you want, isn¡¯t it, baby girl? You¡¯re naked in my backyard, tits on full disy, your pussy practically weeping for me. You want them to look.¡± He inhales slowly.


    ¡°Is it that bastard Richard?¡±


    I have to struggle not to lift my hips, not to close thatst little bit of distance between us. ¡°Yes.¡± I don¡¯t raise my voice. ¡°He¡¯s standing in his window.¡±


    ¡°Probably wishing he was in my position right now, about to taste your pretty pussy.¡± He urges my thighs wider. ¡°You¡¯re going to put on a show for him, aren¡¯t you, baby girl? Let him know exactly how good your Daddy makes you feel.¡±

 Chapter 45

    Shane finally, finally dips his head down and makes contact. Our moans mingle at the first swipe of his tongue. I can¡¯t take my eyes off him, off the bliss on his face as he tongues my pussy. My breasts are heaving with each inhale and I know we paint a sinful picture, him fully clothed with his head between my thighs, me naked and syed, fully on disy. ¡°Do you think he wants to fuck me, Daddy?¡± I¡¯m fighting to hold still, to not thrash as he tongues me. ¡°Do you think he wants to sink into my tight pussy and watch my breasts shake as I bounce on his cock?¡±


    Shane sters one hand on my lower stomach and lifts his head to re at me. ¡°Yes, Lily, that¡¯s exactly what I think he wants.¡±


    I risk letting go of the lounge chair and sink my hands into his silver hair. It¡¯s a little longer than thest time he had me in this position. ¡°Too bad.¡± I lift my hips and rub myself against his mouth. It feels even filthier because he doesn¡¯t move. He just holds still and lets me grind on him like the dirty little slut I am. ¡°Too bad,¡± I repeat. ¡°This pussy is just for you.¡±


    And then his mouth is on me and this time he stops ying around. He whips us both into a frenzy, sucking and licking me until I¡¯m panting and a faint sheen of sweat rises from my skin. ¡°Oh god, I¡¯m going toe.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not.¡± He pulls me up and reverses our positions, dropping onto the lounge chair and settling me astride him. ¡°Take out my cock. You want toe, youe on my dick.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I undo his pants with trembling hands and draw his cock out. He¡¯s even bigger than I remember and I bite my bottom lip as I stroke him. ¡°You want me to let you inside with no condom, Daddy?¡± I hold him steady and rub myself against his length. ¡°You want me to ride you bare?¡±


    ¡°Get on my cock, Lily. Don¡¯t make me tell you again.¡±


    I brace one hand on his shoulder and guide him to my entrance. ¡°Fuck, you¡¯re so big.¡± I writhe a little as I try to take him deeper. ¡°I forgot how big you are.¡±


    ¡°So fucking tight,¡± Shane mutters. He grips my hips, pressing me down, ever down.


    I gasp. ¡°It¡¯s too much.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡± He doesn¡¯t stop, just keeps working me on his cock. ¡°You¡¯re going to take every inch because you¡¯re a good girl and that¡¯s what good girls do. They take their Daddy¡¯s cocks to the hilt.¡± And then, impossibly, I do.


    I rest my forehead against him as he keeps me pinned down onto him, not letting either of us move. ¡°I missed you so much. Not just this. You.¡±


    ¡°I missed you, too, Lily.¡± He shifts his head a little and then his mouth is on mine. Shane kisses me like he owns me like he never doubted for a second that I¡¯d make my way back to him. He kisses me like he¡¯ll never get enough.


    Finally, finally, he breaks the kiss. ¡°Now ride my cock. Show everyone watching what a good girl you are.¡±


    I reach behind me and brace my hands on his thighs. I don¡¯t care if the entire neighborhood is watching. All that matters is the way Shane looks at me. He runs his hands up and down the front of my body. Cupping my breasts. ying with my nipples. Circling my clit. Driving my desire higher and higher with each touch. He finally rests his thumb against my clit, letting me grind against that contact point. ¡°Are you trying to hold out, Lily?¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± I moan.


    ¡°You¡¯re trying to deny me that orgasm that¡¯s mine right.¡± He pulls me off his cock and the next thing I know, I¡¯m face-down on the lounge chair with my ass in the air.


    Shane guides my feet to the ground, lifting my ass farther. ¡°Just for that, I¡¯m going to make youe until I get tired of eating your pretty pussy, and then I¡¯m going to fuck your ass. You have a problem with that?¡±


    ¡°No, Daddy!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I fucking thought.¡± He spreads me and then his mouth is there, eating me out from behind. I have no idea if the guy across the fence is still watching, but the thought that he might be only ramps my desire hotter. Shane sucks on my clit and then fucks me with his tongue, finally moving up to work my ass. Before starting it all over again. It doesn¡¯t take long before my legs are shaking and I¡¯m clinging to the chair. ¡°I¡¯m close.¡±


    ¡°Fuck yes, you are. You¡¯re going toe all over my face.¡± He doesn¡¯t stop, he doesn¡¯t slow down. He just drags the first orgasm out of me as if it truly is his by right. Shane holds me still as I shudder and writhe against his face. He


    chuckles darkly. ¡°That¡¯s a good start.¡±


    My eyes fly open. ¡°Shane-¡±


    But he¡¯s not listening. He starts tonguing me again, ruthlessly winding me up. It might have been six months since he had his mouth on me, but he hasn¡¯t forgotten exactly what I need to get off. The second orgasm hits like a freight train and my legs give out. Shane barely catches me before I hit the chair, and he wastes no time scooping me into his arms. ¡°That¡¯s enough of a show for now. He¡¯ll have to imagine the rest.¡±


    He stalks into the house, and I blink in the seeming darkness after being in the sun. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you just did that.¡±


    ¡°Six months, Lily. I¡¯ve had six months of wanting you and being denied. I¡¯d fuck you right in the middle of the street if that¡¯s where I found you today.¡±


    He takes the stairs two at a time and walks into the bedroom. Shane sets me on my feet and releases me. ¡°Get on the bed. Show me how good I made that pussy feel.¡±


    I scramble onto the bed and spread my legs. ¡°So good, Daddy.¡± I part my pussy as he strips, his gaze on me. ¡°See how good? I¡¯m so wet froming, so ready for your cock.¡±


    Shane slips his phone out of his pocket sets it on the bed, and then takes off his pants. ¡°I¡¯m going to take a picture of you, Lily. I¡¯m going to take several.¡±


    It¡¯s not quite a question, but I¡¯m already nodding. ¡°Yes, do it.¡±


    He lifts his phone and snaps one. Then he moves in closer. ¡°You can do better than that. Wider.¡± I whimper and obey, spreading my pussy lips. ¡°Good girl,¡± he mutters, and the camera on the phone clicks again. ¡°Up.¡±


    I sit up and gasp when he grips my chin. ¡°Did you wear this pink lipstick for me?¡±


    I nod as much as I can. ¡°You said you wanted to see my pretty pink lips wrap around your cock.¡±

 Chapter 46

    The expression in his dark eyes is devastating. ¡°Open.¡± He holds the phone steady as he eases his cock into my mouth. ¡°That¡¯s right, baby girl. Suck me.¡±


    I moan and work to take him deeper. Over and over again, until he tosses the phone to the side and brackets my head with his hands, easing me off his cock. ¡°You¡¯ve got to stop if you want me tost.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I want you toe on my tits.¡±


    Shane curses and gives me a gentle push to have me flop onto my back. ¡°We have time.¡± Except he¡¯s not looking at me like we have time. He¡¯s looking at me like I¡¯m a feastid out for his benefit and he doesn¡¯t know where to start.


    He finally kneels between my thighs and pushes two fingers into me. ¡°Your ass is mer. I need your pussy right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Daddy.¡±


    He moves to sit with his back against the headboard and motions me over. ¡°Come here. Face away from me.¡±


    As I obey, I¡¯m mmed with the memory of what happenedst time we were in this exact position. He even left the door open. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He guides his cock into me and I sink down until he¡¯s sheathedpletely. Just likest time, Shane presses one hand to my pussy and brackets my throat with the other. ¡°Did you think I didn¡¯t notice?¡±


    I start riding him slowly, up and down his cock, rubbing myself against his hand. ¡°Notice what?¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°You didn¡¯t stop when he walked in.¡± He kisses my shoulder. ¡°You looked right at him and rode me until you came.¡±


    Six months has taken the sting out of my breakup. Without all the emotional baggage, there¡¯s only heat left to y this out. ¡°It felt too good to stop,¡± I murmur. ¡°I didn¡¯t care if he was watching. I needed toe all over my Daddy¡¯s cock.¡±


    ¡°You like being watched, don¡¯t you, Lily?¡± He nips my earlobe. ¡°You like it when I fuck you in the kitchen because the neighbors might see. You like it in the backyard for the same reason. It¡¯s why you¡¯re naked and ying with your pussy by the pool every chance you get.¡±


    I grind down hard on his cock. ¡°Yes.¡± I moan. I lick my lips. ¡°You love it, too.¡± I ride him faster. ¡°You loved fingering my pussy while you waved at the neighbors. And putting that plug in my ass in the parking lot. And fucking me in your truck. You can¡¯t get enough of my pussy, can you, Daddy?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t get enough of you.¡± His fingers flex on my throat. Not enough to do anything but remind me of how much bigger he is, how much more powerful. ¡°We should stop,¡± he rumbles. ¡°I think I hear someoneing up the stairs.¡±


    Even though it¡¯s pretend, I moan loud and long. ¡°I don¡¯t care. I can¡¯t stop.¡±


    ¡°Walking down the hallway.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so close, Daddy. Don¡¯t make me stop.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t stop. Don¡¯t you dare fucking stop.¡±


    And then I¡¯ming, crying out and slumping back against him. He topples me onto my stomach and goes to his knees behind me. Shane grips my hips and yanks me back as he thrusts forward, impaling me on his cock. ¡°I¡¯m feeling generous because you orgasmed so sweetly. Where do you want me toe, baby girl?¡±


    ¡°My breasts. All over them.¡±


    He flips me onto my back and drives into me. Shane treats me like I¡¯m a precious fuck toy, and I can¡¯t get enough. As his strokes start to go wild, he pulls out and shifts up my body. He jerks his cock roughly, and I flinch as hees across my breasts in hot spurts. Shane keeps stroking like he¡¯s determined to empty everyst drop onto me.


    I look down at myself. ¡°That¡¯s so hot.¡±


    ¡°Dirty little slut,¡± he murmurs and drags a single finger over my nipple, smearing himself over me. I don¡¯t get a chance to do more than moan before he moves down and starts licking my pussy again.


    I whimper. ¡°You¡¯re going to bete going back to work.¡±


    ¡°Give me a little fucking credit, Lily. I took the rest of the day off. I have no obligations this afternoon except making youe enough to start bncing the scales for thest six months.¡±


    I stare at him with wide eyes. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You heard me.¡± Shane gives me a long lick. ¡°You said it yourself. This pussy has been mine since January. That means I¡¯m owed.¡± He sucks lightly on my clit. ¡°You teach math, baby girl. If I gave you two orgasms on weekdays and six on weekends, what¡¯s that bnce out to?¡± He goes back to licking my pussy.


    ¡°I can¡¯t think when you do that.¡±


    He spears his tongue into me once, twice, a third time. ¡°I have faith you can figure it out.¡±


    I¡¯m covered in hise and his mouth is working my clit and he wants me to do math. ¡°Shane, please.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me wait, Lily.¡±


    My breath sobs out as I try to obey. I should be able to do this problem in seconds, but it takes me several long minutes of him eating me out to finally blurt, ¡°Five hundred and twenty-eight. Ish.¡±


    ¡°Five hundred and twenty-eight. And your normal daily orgasms don¡¯t count.¡± He nuzzles me. ¡°Sounds like I have a lot of ground to cover.¡±


    Myugh sounds a little hysterical. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t think you can make that up today. I know we agreed that we probably won¡¯t die froming too much, but you might make liars out of us.¡±


    ¡°Not today.¡± He leverages one of my legs up and back, leaving me wide open for him. ¡°I¡¯m keeping you, Lily. I have a lifetime to make them up, and I n to use every single fucking day.¡±


    He goes down on me until I stop being able to form words, until he teases so many orgasms out of me, that I lose count. Then Shane flips me over and fucks me again with his thumb in my ass. It¡¯s just a tease for what willeter, and as much of a happy little slut I am, even in the middle of being driven mindless by him, I¡¯m aware that I can¡¯t just take his cock in my ass without being prepped. No matter how much I want to.


    At some point, we make it into the shower, and then back to the bed, but it¡¯s a little hazy. All I know is that I wake up the next morning with Shane¡¯s tongue in my pussy.


    I moan and dig my hands into his hair. ¡°You¡¯re setting a dangerous precedent.¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± He drags me down beneath him and guides his cock into me. ¡°Morning.¡±


    ¡°Morning.¡± I wrap my legs around his waist. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for a moment where we aren¡¯t fucking to say something, but I don¡¯t think we¡¯re going to get there anytime soon.¡±


    He slips an arm under my hips to lift them for a superior angle. ¡°You have a point.¡±


    I cup his face in my hands. ¡°I love you. I meant it when I said it in January, and I mean it now.¡±


    ¡°I love you, too.¡± He kisses me, long and hard, as he fucks me. Shane shifts down to growl in my ear. ¡°Don¡¯t freak out.¡±


    My orgasm is already approaching and I hook my feet around his thighs to get better leverage to lift my hips to meet his thrusts. ¡°Freak out?¡±


    ¡°Because if you try to bolt again, I¡¯m liable to hunt you down and fuck you wherever I find you to remind you who you belong to.¡±


    I shiver. ¡°Just say it.¡±


    He leans back and pins my hips to the bed, fucking me hard enough to make my breasts bounce with each stroke. ¡°I¡¯m going to marry you, Lily. You¡¯re going to be my wife and my baby girl and I¡¯m going to worship this pussy every single fucking day for the rest of our lives.¡±


    His words push me over the edge as much as his cock does. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll marry you. Yes, yes, yes.¡±


    It¡¯s only a littleter when we¡¯re tangled together and trying to relearn how to breathe, that I startughing. Shane leverages himself up on one arm and looks down at me. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±


    ¡°I guess you were right before.¡± I lean up and kiss his throat, tumbling him onto his back. ¡°You¡¯re fucking me, you¡¯re going to date me, and eventually you¡¯re going to make me Max¡¯s stepmom.¡± I try to still myughter, but don¡¯t quite manage it. ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll call me Mom?¡±


    Shane shakes his head in mock disappointment. ¡°There goes your mouth again.¡± He wraps my hair around his fist and urges me down his body. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll have to find a way to upy it so you don¡¯t get into trouble, won¡¯t I, baby girl?¡±


    I lick up his length and then back down again. ¡°Yes, Daddy.¡±

 Chapter 47

    LOVE TO HEAR YOU BEG


    LIV


    I push my way through the crowded hotel lobby, feeling as out of ce as I usually do in public. If I had my way, I¡¯d never leave my apartment. I¡¯d just stay bundled up in afy pair of pajamas with thetest romance in one hand and a cup of tea in the other.


    Absolute perfection.


    So what if I¡¯m neen and live like an old spinster woman from the 1800s? My cat doesn¡¯t seem to mind. I push aside the thought that Chester McPawsy shouldn¡¯t be the only male in my life.


    Whatever, I¡¯m happy with my cat and my hymen.


    Maybe if I tell myself that a few more hundred times, I¡¯ll start to believe it.


    When I get to the counter, I¡¯m met with a gorgeous blonde who gives me a smile that can only be aplished with a huge paycheck and a lot of dental work.


    ¡°How can I help you?¡± she asks in a clipped voice that doesn¡¯t fit with the New Orleans vibe at all.


    ¡°Um, I¡¯m just here to check-in. It should be under Liv Monroe. I¡¯m here for the Dupree wedding.¡±


    Several clicks of her keyboardter, I¡¯m being handed a keycard and told I¡¯ll be on the seventh floor and to contact the front desk if I need anything. I smile and take the card, more than ready to disappear into my room.


    The lobby has cleared out by the time I walk to the elevators, and once I¡¯ve stepped inside, a deep voice hollers out, ¡°Hold the elevator, please!¡±


    I press my hand against the doors, forcing them to slide open again before I¡¯ve even fully registered what I¡¯m doing. It¡¯s like his deep, sexy voice just forced a reaction from me. The slight Southern ent has my nipples hardening and my panties growing dangerously wet. When I look up and see the gorgeous, older man walking towards me, I seriously consider just letting the doors m shut. He¡¯s intimidatingly good-looking, like the kind of man that makes you blush if his eyes happen to run over you for just a second.


    He steps in, his broad shoulders and muscr physique making the elevator feel ridiculously small, and shes me a brilliant smile. He¡¯s wearing jeans and a ck T-shirt, but even the casual outfit screams money on him and makes me feel even more embarrassed in my yoga pants and baggy shirt. Comfy traveling clothes, I call them, or I used to. Now I¡¯d just call it frumpwear.


    His blue eyesnd on mine, and I can¡¯t help but notice the slight grey in his dark hair or the sexy dark stubble on his chiseled jaw. I didn¡¯t realize men this gorgeous existed. I thought they were just in magazines after a good dose of editing.


    I slink into the corner, pulling my suitcase closer and attempting to hide behind it. He eyes me and gives me an amused grin before asking, ¡°What floor?¡±


    ¡°Oh, um, seventh, please. Thanks.¡±


    He pushes the seven, and I can¡¯t seem to take my eyes off hisrge hands. They¡¯re beautiful, and my mind is suddenly filled with images of those hands running all over my body, cupping my tits, trailing down my stomach, sliding into my very wet pussy.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    His words throw me out of my fantasy and straight onto my ass. ¡°What?¡± I ask, wondering if it¡¯s even possible for me to make a bigger fool of myself.


    He gives a softugh. ¡°You just look a little flushed. Everything okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± I say, giving a forcedugh that sounds fake even to my ears. ¡°Just not looking forward to the wedding, I guess.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re getting married?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I say, and give a genuineugh this time. ¡°I¡¯m here for my cousin¡¯s wedding. I¡¯m not sure why. We¡¯re not close, and I haven¡¯t seen her in years, but it was a free trip to New Orleans, so I figured why the hell not?¡±


    I leave out the fact that it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve been separated from Chester McPawsy, and I¡¯m kind of missing him.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s a really fun city, so maybe you¡¯ll have a good time anyway.¡± He gives me a sweet smile, and I nearly moan when I see the dimple on his left cheek. ¡°You never know. Maybe you¡¯ll fall in love with the city and never want to leave.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you live here?¡± I¡¯m suddenly desperate to know every detail of this man¡¯s life, but I know we only have seconds left before these doors are going to open up and then I¡¯ll never see him again.


    ¡°I do.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°But why are you staying at a hotel then?¡±


    Heughs at my nosiness, and when the elevator dings, he reaches for the handle of my suitcase and wheels it out like it¡¯s the most natural thing in the world.


    ¡°I¡¯m here for a work thing. It¡¯s just easier to stay at a hotel for a few nights rather than fight my way through traffic. Plus,¡± he leans closer to me like he¡¯s telling me a secret and I have to bite my lip to keep from groaning when I smell his spicy cologne, ¡°it¡¯s a lot of fun to act like a tourist in your city.¡±


    We walk down the hall before he stops and looks at me. ¡°What room are you in?¡±


    ¡°723,¡± I say, wishing I had the guts to ask him to stay and fuck me.


    He smiles and leads me down the hall, stopping in front of my room. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m right next door.¡±


    Wheeling my suitcase right next to me, he lets go and offers me hisrge hand. ¡°I¡¯m Justin, by the way.¡±


    I put my hand in his, watching his swallow mine up, and this time a moan does escape, and I want to die of embarrassment. There¡¯s no hiding it or denying it. We¡¯re the only two out here, and it was most definitely a sexual-sounding moan. It¡¯s the sound a virgin makes when she¡¯s been touched by a man who she instinctively knows could give her the greatest first ride of her life.


    Instead ofughing, he squeezes my hand and caresses the back of it with his thumb, sending sparks of pleasure straight to my achy pussy.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Liv,¡± I say, but ites out in a breathy rush that matches perfectly with the embarrassing moan I just gave.


    ¡°I¡¯ll remember that. It was very nice meeting you, Liv.¡±


    Before I can respond, he brings the back of my hand to his mouth, kisses it gently, and then turns to the door right next to mine, slips his keycard in, and disappears out of my life. It¡¯s for the best, I tell myself. My own hands shake as I unlock my door and wheel my suitcase in. My hand tingles on the spot he just kissed, and all I can think about is having that mouth on my pussy.


    I need to get a grip. Dropping my suitcase, I walk into the bathroom and ssh some cold water on my face. Maybe I should just take a cold shower. As I debate it, my hand slips under my panties, and before I¡¯ve even made the conscious decision to do so, I¡¯m fingering myself and moaning at how fucking wet I am. No one¡¯s ever had this powerful of an effect on me. I may be a virgin, but I still have needs. I still fuck myself and get aroused. I just usually have to work a bit to get this turned on, and usually, it¡¯s with a very high-powered device.


    Within minutes, Justin had me more turned on than I¡¯ve ever been. I grip the counter with my free hand, already feeling how close I am as I slide another finger in, desperate to feel stuffed. No matter how many fingers I get in, though, it¡¯s never enough. It¡¯s never exactly what I need.


    I need a cock, and I¡¯m guessing Justin has a damn fine one. I imagine him spreading my little pussy wide, fucking me in long, hard strokes as I cling to those broad shoulders of his. I¡¯ve just brought my fingers to my aching, swollen clit when I hear a muffled groan. My head jerks to the wall that our rooms share.


    No fucking way!


    My ears strain to hear more. That can¡¯t be what I thought it was. There¡¯s no way in fuck that Justin is over there jerking himself off. He probably just stubbed his toe. I¡¯m just about convinced that I¡¯m the only perv rubbing one out when I hear it again. A deep groan that¡¯s unmistakably sexual.


    The sound of it has me rubbing my clit again with a quickness. Knowing he¡¯s over there touching himself, maybe even thinking about me while he does it, has me so close to the edge that it only takes a few more rubs before I¡¯m cumming hard. I grip the edge of the sink harder, trying to keep quiet, but it¡¯s a losing battle. My moans seem to echo off the damn walls, and when I hear another deep groaning from Justin¡¯s room, I smile as another orgasm washes over me.

 Chapter 48

    When I¡¯m finally spent, I pull my hand out and clean up, noticing how painfully silent it seems now. It only now urs to me that he may have been having sex in there. He might have had some gorgeous woman waiting for him. Maybe he was fucking her, and they could both hear me fucking myself like some lone pervy girl who couldn¡¯t getid.


    God, that¡¯s embarrassing.


    I push the thought from my mind,forting myself with the knowledge that I¡¯ll never have to see him again. I only have to leave my room for the wedding tomorrow, and I¡¯ll just pull some cloak-and-dagger shit when I¡¯m leaving the hotel to spare myself the humiliation of seeing crazy-gorgeous Justin after he heard me fucking myself.


    Feeling better now that I have a n in ce, I grab the menu and order some room service. See, I don¡¯t even have to leave the room to eat. Everything I need is right here or can be brought to me, and I¡¯ll be gone in a couple of days anyway, so it doesn¡¯t matter. I did want to explore the city, but maybe I¡¯ll make a trip back down here some other time.


    When the phone in my room rings, I answer it, thinking it must be room service asking about my order. Thest thing I expect is to hear Justin¡¯s deep voice on the other end.


    ¡°Liv, I need to ask you a favor.¡±


    ¡°Justin?¡± I ask, sure that I must be making some sort of mistake.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me. Do you mind if Ie over for a second? I could use your help with something.¡±


    ¡°Um, yeah, sure.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± he says, hanging up before I can even respond.


    I¡¯m still wondering what the hell is going on when there¡¯s a knock at the door. I run a quick hand through my hair, wishing I¡¯d had time to shower and change. When I open the door, his smiling face has my heart racing again and my pussy sparking right back to life. I step aside and let him in, noticing how damn good he looks in my hotel room. Standing here with him so close to the bed is doing all kinds of things to me, and I¡¯m having one hell of a time focusing.


    When there¡¯s another knock at the door, he answers it, taking full control of the situation and even tipping the young guy who brought up my meal. He sets the tray down, lifting the lid to eye what I ordered.


    ¡°Good choice with the gumbo. It¡¯s one of the specialties here. They forgot the crackers, though,¡± he says, sounding oddly annoyed by this oversight.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I ask because the whole situation is feeling surreal as hell.


    He turns back to me and scrubs a hand over his face. Is he nervous? I didn¡¯t think guys as good-looking as he is ever got nervous.


    ¡°I kind of need your help with something.¡±


    ¡°You mentioned that. What the hell is going on?¡±


    ¡°Do you have ns for tonight?¡±


    ¡°No. Why?¡±


    ¡°Would you be willing to be my date? I have a work-rted dinner, and I need a date. I¡¯m kind of desperate actually.¡±


    He shoots me a boyish grin, and I suddenly feel like a giant idiot. ¡°So you¡¯re desperate?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I really can¡¯t show up alone for this thing.¡±


    ¡°So you asked me?¡± I ask, sitting down on the edge of the bed, feeling like the world¡¯s biggest loser. ¡°Because you¡¯re desperate.¡±


    It finally dawns on him what I¡¯m saying, and he gives me a shocked look and quickly backtracks. ¡°Fuck, that¡¯s not what I meant, Liv. I¡¯m not asking you because I¡¯m desperate. I mean, I need a date tonight, but I¡¯m not asking you out of desperation, not like the way you¡¯re thinking anyway.¡±


    He groans and kneels in front of me, making it nearly impossible for me to breathe or think or do anything except soak right through my panties and hope like hell he doesn¡¯t notice a wet stain blooming on my yoga pants.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. That¡¯s not at all what I meant. Would you please be my date tonight? I¡¯ll do anything in return. Just name it, and it¡¯s yours.¡±


    Instead of hurrying up and saying yes, I give myself a second to think about this incredibly rare opportunity that has just fallen into myp. There¡¯s a drop-dead gorgeous man on his knees in front of me, telling me he¡¯ll give me anything I want, and all I have to do is go out on a date with him. It seems like that should be the damn reward. I always y it safe, and I¡¯m sick and tired of doing that. For once, I want to be brave and wild and I want to have some fucking fun.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be your date, but I want something in return.¡±


    His face lights up in a smile, revealing that sexy dimple and making me feel all warm and tingly.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°Anything, Liv. Just name it.¡±


    I take a deep breath and use every ounce of courage I¡¯ve ever possessed and meet his blue eyes as I say, ¡°I want you to be my first.¡±


    I can tell by his face that I¡¯ve startled the hell out of him. He swallows and takes a second topose himself.


    ¡°You want what?¡±


    I¡¯d be mortified if I hadn¡¯t seen that sh of raw desire in his eyes before he¡¯d covered it up with surprise. But I did see it, and it gave me the extra kick of courage I needed.


    ¡°You heard me, Justin. I want you to pop my cherry and be my first.¡± I don¡¯t want him to feel forced, so I add, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, just tell me. I¡¯ll still be your date for tonight, but if you¡¯re asking me what I want, then this is it.¡±


    His eyes run over me, and I catch another glimpse of the heat behind them before he hides it away again and stands up.


    ¡°Deal,¡± he says, before turning to walk away. Without even looking back, he says, ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up at eight, and don¡¯t worry about a dress. I¡¯ll have something sent up. Oh, and Liv,¡± he says, looking over his shoulder at me and giving me an amused grin. ¡°Don¡¯t fuck yourself again before tonight. Save all that sexual frustration for when I can take care of it for you.¡±


    He gives me a wink before turning and leaving me alone with my heart racing and my pussy wetter than it¡¯s ever been. Without him in front of me, my courage starts to falter, and I begin to wonder just what in the fuck I¡¯ve gotten myself into.

 Chapter 49

    JUSTIN


    What in the fuck just happened?


    I need a date for a work event. What the fuck had I been


    thinking? And then I go and screw it up by insulting her. I run a hand through my hair and sit down on the bed beforeying back and staring up at the ceiling. I hadn¡¯t nned on meeting someone, but as soon as Iid eyes on her in the lobby, I knew I had to have her. It¡¯s as simple as that.


    It¡¯s pure luck that I happened to have booked a room right next to hers. So much for my weekend of staying in one of my hotels like a normal person. I own several hotels throughout the city, and I¡¯ll asionally check in under a fake name just to see how the service is and make sure everything is running as it should be. Aside from the missing crackers with her gumbo, a point that irritates me, service has been very good.


    My cock throbs, reminding me of sexy little Liv in the next room. I wonder if she¡¯s doing as I asked and keeping her hands off her pussy. I¡¯d heard her fucking herself at the same time I was jacking myself off, and it had been hot as fuck. The memory of her whimpers and moans still haunts me. I¡¯d had no choice but to fist my cock as soon as my hotel door had shut. The sight of her looking so small and nervous and shy in the elevator had me so fucking hard I could barely think.


    I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s a virgin, and that in just a few hours I¡¯m going to be the lucky bastard that gets to be her first. An untouched pussy. God, the possibilities. I told her she couldn¡¯t masturbate, but that sure as fuck doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t. I unzip my pants and free my aching cock, amazed that I¡¯m already covered in precum again. I can¡¯t even remember thest time a woman has had this kind of an effect on me, and none of them have ever affected me as strongly as this. Life has be an endless, boring string of one-night stands that I finally just gave up on. It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve fucked a woman, too damn long, and I¡¯ve never been with a virgin before.


    Images of her tight little pussy wrapped around my cock run through my mind as I stroke myself faster. I can hear her whimpers and feel her arms wrapping around me, demanding I fuck her harder and give her more of my cock, begging me to fill her with my seed and im that virgin womb. With a groan, I work harder, the movements bordering on violence as my body tenses. I cup my other hand over my cock, catching my seed as I shoot my load and groan from the force of it.


    It¡¯s no longer my hands that I¡¯m feeling but her tight, virgin pussy milking me until I¡¯mpletely spent and panting and wondering how in the fuck this young woman has managed to so fill my mind in such a short time. My need to fuck and im her goes beyond anything I¡¯ve ever experienced.


    It¡¯s just because she¡¯s a virgin, I tell myself as I walk to the bathroom to clean up. It¡¯s something new, and once I fuck her innocent little body, it¡¯ll be out of my system and that will be that.


    I almost believe my line of bullshit as I pull out my cell phone and make a quick call to a boutique I know. I ce an order for a sexy, ck dress and heels and arrange for it to be delivered to Liv¡¯s room. I add in some lingerie because it pleases me to do so, and then toss in a pair of earrings and a ne.


    Smiling, I toss the phone aside and kill the next few hours busying myself with work before finally taking a shower and getting dressed in a ck suit. I¡¯m outside her door, giving a soft knock at eight on the dot, and when she opens it, I¡¯m momentarily speechless. I¡¯d guessed at her size, and I¡¯d been spot-on. The tiny ck dress fits her curves like a glove, and I can feel my cock growing hard already, pressing against my suit pants with a vengeance.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I growl, stepping into her room. I have no choice but to adjust my cock, because I sure as fuck can¡¯t walk around with a giant fucking tent in my pants. Her eyes widen when she sees what I¡¯m doing, and the way she¡¯s softly biting her bottom lip isn¡¯t doing shit to help my situation.


    ¡°You¡¯re not helping,¡± I say, hoping like hell my waistband can keep me in check so I can at least walk around in public without getting arrested.


    She shoots me an innocent look that I believe is authentic. ¡°What did I do?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do anything,¡± I tell her. ¡°It¡¯s enough for you to just stand there and look at me like that.¡± I cup her face and use my thumb to free her bottom lip. ¡°Plus, you look beautiful, and I know exactly what you¡¯re wearing under this dress.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for it, by the way. It¡¯s so pretty. You didn¡¯t have to.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to.¡± I run a finger over the dangly diamond earrings. ¡°It looks amazing on you.¡±


    She gives me a shy smile, and I watch the blush spreading up her chest and neck beforending on her cheeks. God, she is innocent. My desire to corrupt her takes me by surprise. I love her innocence, but I also want to tear it apart with each hard thrust of my cock. I want to see this little virgine undone at my touch.


    Knowing if we stay here much longer, I¡¯m going to end up fucking her, I grab her hand and lead her to the door. ¡°We need to go,¡± I tell her, forcing myself to slow down so she¡¯s not running in her heels to try and keep up with me. She¡¯s a lot shorter than me, and my stride is a lot longer than hers. She¡¯d be so easy to pick up and fuck, I think as I push the button for the elevator. My cock swells even more at the thought, testing the waistband that¡¯s currently holding it in check, or trying to, at least.


    The elevator is empty, and once we¡¯re inside, she looks up at me with such raw need that I forget all about my ns to keep my distance untilter. I step closer, pressing her against the wall, and cup her face in my hands. Leaning down, I brush my lips over hers gently, smiling when she parts her lips, so fucking eager for everything she¡¯s never had.


    I run my tongue along her bottom lip before giving it a soft suck. She whimpers and wraps her arms around my neck, enveloping me in the light floral scent she¡¯s wearing. Her perfume is amazing, but that¡¯s not what¡¯s got me wound up so tight. It¡¯s the faint scent that¡¯s underneath it. I can smell her arousal, the scent of her wet pussy, and it¡¯s triggering some caveman part of my brain that has me sliding my tongue between her parted lips while my hand runs up her inner thigh.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    My groan fills the elevator when I feel how she¡¯s already soaked through hercy panties. I shove the fabric aside roughly, needing to touch her like I¡¯ve never needed anything in my life. When my fingers meet bare, wet skin, I breathe out a ¡°Fuck¡± against her lips and slip a finger into her, groaning at how fucking tight she is.


    I pull back so I can watch her as I finger-fuck her little virgin cunt. Her blue eyes widen in surprise and then go dark with a raw lust that has me nearly busting a damn nut in my pants. I finger her slowly,pletely lost to the feel of her, to the wet heat of her pussy, and the look of pure adoadorationshe¡¯s giving me.


    I bring my thumb to her swollen clit and give it a gentle rub, marveling at how soaked she is and how easy it is to slide my fingers over her slick folds.


    ¡°Do you hear how wet you are, little one?¡± I ask, fingering her harder, letting the sounds of her wet pussy fill the small space.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she whimpers. ¡°Please, Justin,¡± she begs, rocking her hips against me. ¡°I need to cum. Please make me cum.¡±


    The ding of the elevator doors has her groaning in protest and me giving her a wicked smile. I slide out of her, pulling her panties back in ce and giving her clit a not-so-gentle smack that has her pretty eyes widening in surprise and desire.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ll have to wait just a bit longer.¡±


    She gives me a pouty look that has meughing as I bring my wet fingers to my mouth.

 Chapter 50

    I keep my eyes locked on hers while I lick and suck my fingers clean, groaning at the taste of her sweet pussy. God, I had no idea anything could taste so fucking good.


    When the doors open, I grab her hand and lead her out of the hotel. The street outside is packed with people. It¡¯s a usual Friday night in the French Quarter, so I prepare myself for arge drunken crowd and wrap my arm around Liv¡¯s small shoulders, pulling her closer to me. I know I¡¯m acting like an overprotective brute, especially considering we¡¯ve just met, but I can¡¯t help it. There¡¯s no way in fuck I¡¯m letting her go.


    Several men run their eyes over her and only look away when they catch a glimpse of my murderous gaze. Good, they should be scared.


    Mine! I want to scream to the whole goddamn street. She¡¯s fucking mine!


    She brings out every dominant cell in my body. She¡¯s turned me into some sort of possessive alpha male who wants to walk around beating my chest and growling at any man who dares take a peek at her.


    When I look down at her, she¡¯s wearing a scared look on her face, and I realize she¡¯s clutching me in a death grip and looking frightened as hell, scurrying into me for protection andfort.


    I stop walking and cup her face in my hand, lifting her chin so I can see her better. Her eyes are wide, and they¡¯re on everything except me, darting around like a scared little rabbit.


    ¡°Liv, look at me,¡± I say, giving her a soft shake.


    Her blue eyes finallynd on mine, but she doesn¡¯t calm down, and I can feel her small body start to shake.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    People move around us, but I don¡¯t give a flying fuck about any of them. The only thing I care about is the woman in my arms.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she whispers, and I hate how shaky her voice sounds.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be sorry about, but please tell me what¡¯s wrong. Have you changed your mind about tonight? You know I would never force you to do something you¡¯re notfortable with, right?¡±


    Her eyes widen even more and she tightens her grip on me. ¡°No!¡± she practically yells. ¡°I want you to fuck me. I just, I don¡¯t know, this is just a lot for me, I guess. I¡¯m not used to crowds, and I¡¯m not used to drop-dead gorgeous men making out with me in elevators, and I¡¯m nervous, and I¡¯m afraid of how much I like this.¡± She gives me a shy smile and adds,


    ¡°Of how much I like you.¡± ¡°I own the hotel,¡± I tell her.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want any secrets between us. I own the hotel and several others around the city. I¡¯m staying there to check up on the staff and make sure everything is running as it should. I don¡¯t have anything that requires a date tonight. I have reservations at another hotel¡¯s restaurant so I can scope out the newpetition, but I do that kind of thing all the time, and I always go alone.¡±


    Her eyes study me as if she can¡¯t quite believe what I¡¯m saying.


    ¡°I said I needed a date because I knew the second I saw you in the lobby that I had to have you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± she says again, making meugh at her cute, dazed expression.


    ¡°I want you, Liv, more than I¡¯ve ever wanted any woman, so stop worrying.¡±


    I caress her cheek with my thumb, loving how she immediately lets out a soft moan and leans into my touch. Bringing my lips to hers, I kiss her hard, letting her see exactly how much I need and want her. Her small body is pressed to mine, and I know she can feel the hard length of me digging into her tight stomach, the tight stomach I¡¯ve already fantasized about filling with our baby.


    I groan and pull back, knowing I have to stop this now or I¡¯m going to be popping her cherry on Bourbon Street. Wouldn¡¯t be a first for this street, I¡¯m sure, but I¡¯ll be damned if any other man is going to get to see what¡¯s mine.


    ¡°Feeling better?¡± I ask, running my thumb over her wet lips and wishing we were alone so I could bury my face in her perfect little pussy.


    ¡°No,¡± she pouts. ¡°I¡¯m so horny I can barely think, and my panties arepletely soaked and useless.¡±


    I give her a wink and guide her backward until she¡¯s pressed up against a brick wall and my body is shielding her from view. Her eyes widen in surprise, but she doesn¡¯t say anything, just looks up at me with a hunger that matches my own, and I swear if I took my cock out right now, she¡¯d hike her dress up and let me fuck her right her in in view of everyone. Also, I¡¯m guessing, not a first for Bourbon Street.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Stop looking at me like that,¡± I warn her. ¡°There¡¯s no way in fuck I¡¯m letting another man see you naked, so you¡¯re going to have to just be a good girl and wait until I can fuck you somece private.¡±


    I can¡¯t help but smile when she gives me another pouty look. When I run my hand under her dress, her eyes light up like it¡¯s fucking Christmas and I¡¯ve just handed her the biggest gift.


    ¡°Fuck, baby,¡± I groan when I feel how wet her inner thighs are. ¡°You weren¡¯t lying about your panties being useless.¡±


    She moans and clutches my suit jacked when I drag a finger along her wet slit, pressing hard enough to feed her little cunt and her panties and make her bare pussy lips spill over.


    ¡°Please,¡± she begs when I press firmly against her swollen, achy clit.


    ¡°Fuck, please, Justin. Please make me cum.¡±


    ¡°God, I do love hearing you beg.¡±

 Chapter 51

    I give her panties a hard tug, forcing them inside her even more and making her gasp and cling to me as her body starts to shake and her whimpers grow louder.


    ¡°Quiet, baby, or I¡¯m going to have to stop.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you dare,¡± she whisper shouts at me.


    I give her a wicked grin and tsk at her, earning me an even brattier look that has my cock straining at my pants.


    ¡°You have no idea of the dominant streak you bring out in me, little one.¡± I give her clit a hard enough pinch to have her knees buckling as she lets out a breathy gasp and digs her fingers into my shoulders to help keep herself upright.


    ¡°But you¡¯ll learn, won¡¯t you, baby?¡±


    I give her clit aforting rub, turning all that pain into pleasure, and when I roughly yank on her panties, ripping them easily from her tight, young body, she lets out a soft, ¡°Yes, please yes,¡± and arches her hips up to me in invitation.


    ¡°So fucking eager,¡± I murmur against her skin, kissing a line to her neck. I rub her clit, bringing her closer and closer to the edge. ¡°I¡¯m not so sure I should let you cum yet.¡± I give the crook of her neck a bite, loving how receptive she is to every touch, every kiss, every stroke of my fingers.


    ¡°Yes, you should,¡± she begs. ¡°Please, Justin, I can¡¯t fucking take it anymore. I was such a good girl and didn¡¯t fuck myself earlier, even though


    I wanted to. Don¡¯t I deserve a reward?¡±


    I run my tongue over her shoulder. ¡°It does please me a great deal that you obeyed me, sweetheart. Maybe you do deserve a reward, especially since I jerked myself off immediately after leaving your room.¡±


    Iugh against her skin at the shocked, angry gasp she gives. I work her little pussy harder, sliding two fingers into her tight cunt while keeping the palm of my hand pressed tight against her clit, rubbing her with every stroke of my fingers.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever cum so hard in my life,¡± I admit, teasing her with kisses and soft bites. ¡°I shot my load in my hand, imagining my tight fist was your virgin pussy and you were begging me to fuck you harder and to fill your little cunt with my seed.¡±


    My words have her body tensing and her breathsing in fast pants.


    ¡°Don¡¯t scream, baby,¡± I warn her, bringing my face back to hers. ¡°When you cum, you do it quietly. Do you understand?¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    She nods her head quickly, her eyes already zed over in her orgasm haze, and I wonder if she¡¯s even understood what I¡¯ve asked. I don¡¯t repeat myself, though. My girl can either learn to obey or spend the rest of her life with a very red bottom. It¡¯s a win for me either way.


    I finger-fuck her harder, forcing the orgasm onto her and keeping myself just out of reach so I can¡¯t swallow her screams with a kiss. She has to keep herself quiet or disobey me, the choice is hers.


    I won¡¯t deny how happy it makes me to see her struggling so much. She bites her bottom lip hard enough to draw blood and whimpers and moans as quietly as she can, but I keep working her tight little pussy, adding in another finger and stretching her wider than her virgin cunt has ever been, and when she starts to cum again, she lets out a scream that I quickly quiet with my mouth, kissing her hard, tasting the blood from her split lip and feeling my balls tense as precum soaks my fucking cock like it hasn¡¯t since I was a fucking teenager.


    Her whole body is shaking by the time I pull back, and she¡¯s still letting out soft little whimpers, each one sending a shock of pleasure through my cock. Her eyes are heavy-lidded, and she¡¯s slowly rocking her hips against me, enjoying the aftershocks and the liquid feel of her muscles.


    ¡°Ah, my sweet, sweet girl,¡± I say, unable to hide my amused grin. ¡°Your ass is going to pay for thatter.¡±


    Instead of looking scared, she gives me a hungry look that nearly takes my breath away. ¡°Are you going to punish it with your big cock?¡±


    I groan at her words and slide my fingers out of her pussy, bringing my glistening fingers to her lips. ¡°Suck,¡± I tell her. ¡°Clean your sloppy cunt from my hand.¡±


    She parts her lips for me, sucking my fingers in and running her tongue over the sensitive skin between my fingers.


    ¡°You like the taste of your pussy?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm,¡± she moans, sucking me even harder.


    ¡°And do you like the idea of me fucking your disobedient little ass?¡± I ask, eyeing her as she hungrily sucks my fingers and wishes it was my cock she wastched onto so tightly.


    She keeps her eyes on me and slowly slides my fingers out of her mouth. ¡°Yes,¡± she says, and then gives me a shy smile. ¡°Is that wrong? Do you think that¡¯s gross?¡±


    Iugh at the absurdity of it. ¡°There is nothing wrong or gross between us,¡± I tell her, running my thumb over her swollen lips, pleased that she¡¯s at least stopped bleeding. Sliding my hand down her side, I bring it around and cup her ass, squeezing her round cheek tightly.


    ¡°I would love nothing more than to fuck your sweet little virgin ass, but first I¡¯m going to spank it until it¡¯s red and you feel like your cheeks are on fire and you¡¯re begging me to fuck you.¡±


    She lets out a soft whimper at my words and gives me the cutest smile. ¡°I was a very bad girl for screaming after you told me not to,¡± she admits, tightening her arms around me. ¡°You should make sure you spank me extra hard so I learn my lesson.¡±


    ¡°Fucking hell,¡± I groan. ¡°You are so perfect.¡±


    I shove her soaking, used panties in my pocket and grab her hand. ¡°Come on, we¡¯ll order some room serviceter instead. I can¡¯t wait another minute to fuck you.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± she says, gripping my hand tighter and holding me in ce. ¡°I need to ask you something first.¡±


    ¡°What? Ask me anything, Liv, and I¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    I¡¯m expecting questions about my past, maybe women I¡¯ve been with or how old I am or something along those lines, but she surprises me by blushing and asking, ¡°Do you like cats?¡±


    Iugh, surprised by the out-of-nowhere question. ¡°Yeah, I like cats quite a bit. Why do you ask?¡±


    She tilts her chin up and gives me that stubborn look that I¡¯m beginning to easily recognize. ¡°Because I have a cat, and he¡¯s non-negotiable. He¡¯s part of the deal. If you want me, then he¡¯s a part of that package.¡±


    I smile and cup her face while looking down at my small, stubborn girl. ¡°Deal,¡± I say. ¡°I¡¯d do anything for you,¡± I tell her, earning me one of her sweet smiles. ¡°Now,e on, darlin¡¯, my cock is about to fucking explode, and I¡¯m dying to fuck that sweet mouth of yours.¡±


    She gives me a big, excited grin as she follows me down the street. God, could she get any more perfect?

 Chapter 52

    LIV


    It doesn¡¯t take us long to get back to the hotel, but instead of heading for the elevators, Justin leads me to the front desk. It¡¯s the same


    gorgeous woman from earlier, and I try not to feel ugly inparison. As if sensing my unease, Justin wraps his arm tighter around me and gives me a sexy grin. My heart races and my body suddenly longs to be naked and rubbing up against him. The effect he has on me is insane, and I love it. It¡¯s like every part of me already belongs to him, even though he hasn¡¯t fucked me yet.


    ¡°Can I help you?¡± the woman asks, and even I can hear the jealousy in her voice. I certainly can¡¯t me her. Justin is the kind of man who makes every woman wish they were his.


    Justin ignores her tone and says, ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ll be taking the penthouse suite tonight, and I want our belongings brought up from rooms 723 and 725 as soon as possible.¡±


    Justin¡¯s arm tightens around me when she dares tough at his request. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s impossible,¡± she says, not even bothering to do any clicking on her keyboard. ¡°That room is booked for the night.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re new here, right?¡± Justin asks, and I¡¯m d that angry tone isn¡¯t directed at me. Even when I disobey and piss him off by screaming when he makes me cum in public, there¡¯s always a warmth to his voice. It¡¯s never this cold and distant.


    ¡°Yes,¡± the woman says, looking slightly less sure of herself than she did a minute ago.


    Justin pulls out his wallet and shows her his ID. ¡°I¡¯m Justin Benoit. I own this hotel, and I want the penthouse suite for tonight. I understand that it¡¯s reserved, but if it¡¯s not too much trouble for you, maybe you could do your job and see if they¡¯ve checked in yet.¡±


    Her whole face goes deathly pale as her fingers swing into motion. ¡°Yes, sir,¡± she says. After a few seconds when I start to feel sorry for her, she says, ¡°No, they haven¡¯t checked in yet, sir.¡±


    ¡°Wonderful. We¡¯re taking the room, and you can send them to one of my other hotels that still have a suite avable. Give it to them for 50% off with a free extra day thrown in and my apologies for any inconvenience.¡±


    ¡°Of course, sir,¡± she says, typing up the instructions into theputer. ¡°I¡¯ll have your bags sent up to your new room.¡± She hands the keycard over with shaky fingers. ¡°I¡¯m very sorry about the mix-up earlier. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it won¡¯t. Also, tell the kitchen staff that they forgot to send up crackers with the gumbo earlier. I trust that¡¯s a mistake that also won¡¯t happen again.¡± Justin says, giving her a pointed look.


    ¡°Of course not, sir. I¡¯ll tell them immediately,¡± she stutters, but Justin¡¯s already back to staring at me and forgetting all about her.


    We walk to the elevators, but, unfortunately, there¡¯s a man already in there. Justin leads me to the back after pushing the button for the top floor and ces his hand firmly on my ass. I feel him working his fingers, pulling my dress up, and when I shoot him a warning look, he just gives me a devilish grin and winks at me.


    Thanks to myck of panties, my bare ass is now fully exposed, and when Justin cups my pussy from behind, I have to reach out to grip the railing and bite my sore lip to not let out a moan and startle the man in front of me who is, thankfully,pletely oblivious to what¡¯s going on.


    Justin slides a finger into me at an excruciatingly slow pace because I¡¯m so fucking wet that if he goes any faster, the noise alone would give us away. It¡¯s a long ride up to the top floor, and our gentleman friend stays on until we¡¯ve almost reached our floor. By the time he steps off, I¡¯m covered in a light sheen of sweat and my body is shaking from the strain of trying to be still and keep quiet.


    ¡°That was so fucking mean,¡± I pout as soon as we¡¯re alone, earning me another wicked grin and a big enough smile to show that sexy dimple.


    ¡°Just consider it part of your punishment for screaming in the street.¡± He presses his powerful body against mine, pinning me between him and the elevator wall. ¡°How do you think I feel?¡±


    I moan when I feel the hard length of him digging into my stomach. God, he feels fucking huge!


    ¡°You got to cum, sweetheart. My cock has been hard since the second I saw you, and if I don¡¯t get to cum soon, I¡¯m going to lose my goddamn mind.¡±


    Before he can kiss me, the elevator doors ding. With a growl, he picks me up and storms down the hall to the only door on this floor. My eyes barely have time to take in how gorgeous this ce is, and when he opens the door and leads me in, all I can do is gasp.


    ¡°Wow,¡± I say, taking in the enormous room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. There are French doors and arge balcony, and I¡¯m so amazed by it all that I momentarily forget how horny I am.


    Justin¡¯s deepugh interrupts my thoughts. ¡°I¡¯m d you like it. We can stay here anytime you want.¡±


    I wiggle, trying to free myself from his grasp, but all he does is tighten his grip on me so I can¡¯t move it all.


    ¡°What is it you want, little one?¡±


    ¡°I want to suck your cock,¡± I say, earning me a big smile.


    I lean in and run my tongue over his dimple. ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to do that since I first met you,¡± I admit.


    ¡°What else have you been wanting to do?¡±


    ¡°Put me down and I¡¯ll show you.¡±


    ¡°Such a bossy thing,¡± he murmurs, kissing me before slowly lowering me to the floor. God, I feel every hard inch of his body on the descent, and by the time my feet hit the floor, I¡¯m more than ready to have him use me any damn way he wants.


    I grab his hand and lead him to thergefy couch in the center of the room. I have no fucking idea what I¡¯m doing, but I at least want himfortable while I fumble my way around my first-ever blowjob.


    When he¡¯s seated and looking so handsome I can barely stand it, I kneel in front of him and undo his suit pants with very shaky fingers.


    ¡°Just rx, baby,¡± he says, running his fingers over my forearms. ¡°Have you ever sucked cock before?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I whisper, unzipping his pants and freezing in ce when I see how massive he is.


    ¡°Good.¡± He brings a hand to my face, gripping my chin tightly as he tilts my face up to his, forcing my eyes off his impossibly big cock. ¡°I don¡¯t ever want your lips wrapped around any other cock but mine.¡±


    The possessive way he¡¯s looking at me as if he owns me and I¡¯m his and only his has my pussy clenching and my head nodding yes before I even have to think about it.


    He rewards me with a big smile. ¡°Good girl,¡± he says, and I feel myself beam at his praise. God, I had no idea I was such a praise slut, but just hearing him say those words has my ass arching up and my tongue running over my lips in anticipation of his cock.


    ¡°Show me what you can do with those pouty lips of yours,¡± he says, letting go of my chin and guiding me to his cock. He¡¯s covered in precum, and the hungry jump his cock gives when I lower my face even further has me gasping in surprise.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous, baby,¡± he says, running his hands through my hair and fisting it tight enough to make my scalp sting. ¡°All you have to do is open wide, and I¡¯ll take care of the rest. Just give yourself over to me and let me fuck that sweet mouth of yours.¡±


    I¡¯m more than happy to give him control, but before I do, I run my tongue up his shaft, making him hiss out a breath and rock his hips up to me. Seeing the effect I have on him is a rush of power, unlike anything I¡¯ve ever known. I lick and kiss his cock, worshipping him with my mouth and letting him see exactly how badly I want and need him.


    When my tongue traces a line along the ridge of skin along his head, he groans and fists my hair even tighter. I lick his head, probing his slit, hungry for more precum. When another beamformerIbeamformerpped it up before sucking his head into my mouth.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he groans, lowering me down even more, feeding me his cock inch by thick inch until I¡¯m choking and gagging on the size of him.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he says, and even though my eyes are watering and my gag reflex is threatening to rear its ugly head again, I can¡¯t help but be pleased by how strained his voice sounds. ¡°You¡¯re doing so good, baby,¡± he praises me, bringing one hand down to wrap around my throat. He squeezes me tightly, and the unfamiliar sensation has my body tensing in surprise and confusion.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°I need you to trust me, little one. I need you to give yourself over to me fully. Can you be my good girl and do that?¡±


    I shake my head yes as best I can, knowing I¡¯d happily do anything for this man. He gives my neck a tighter squeeze, and my pussy responds with a fresh gush of wetness that leaves my inner thighs wet and my hips dry humping the air.


    ¡°You¡¯re so fucking beautiful,¡± he murmurs, running his eyes over me, and when I flick my tongue against his cock, he gives me a sexy grin and fists my hair so tightly it has me whimpering around his cock. ¡°You may be a virgin, pet, but you sure are acting like a slut.¡±


    I whimper again at his words and slide my fingers under his shirt, raking my nails over his abs hard enough to leave red marks on his skin.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he growls, rocking his hips up and mming the rest of his cock into me in one hard thrust.


    I¡¯m shocked by the size of him. My lips feel like they¡¯re splitting at the corners, and with his head lodged in my throat, there¡¯s no way in fuck I can breathe, and love every goddamn second of it. In all my neen years, I¡¯ve never been so fucking proud of anything as being able to deepthroat my man.


    ¡°Is that what my little slut wants?¡± he growls, keeping us locked together. ¡°You want your mouth fucked hard? You want to choke on my cock?¡±

 Chapter 53

    I whimper my yes, scratching him with my nails again as he lifts my head so I can suck in a quick breath before he ms back into me again. I give myself over to himpletely, letting him use my mouth however he wants. Tears and spit stream down my face, and I don¡¯t give one flying fuck about it. All I care about is the feel of Justin¡¯s cock mming into me, taking and iming my mouth as he grunts and groans from the pleasure I¡¯m giving him.


    My scalp and mouth are on fire from the brutal way he¡¯s handling me, and I rx fully into him, turning into his own private little fuck doll that he can use however he wants.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he groans, thrusting into me even harder. I feel his cock swell even bigger right before he growls, ¡°Swallow,¡± and I feel the first hot braid of cum hit the back of my throat. Each pulse of his cock sends another shot of seed into me, and when I start to swallow everything he¡¯s giving me, constricting my throat around his head, he groans, ¡°Fucking hell!¡± and ms into me even harder.


    I give him a good suck, swallowing everything he¡¯s giving me until he¡¯s spent and gasping and slowly growing soft in my mouth. I keep him inside me, gently running my tongue over him as he massages the sting from my scalp.


    ¡°My god, baby,¡± he says, watching me lick and suck him clean. ¡°You¡¯re a goddamn natural.¡±


    I slowly pull my head back, letting his cock go with a wet pop, and beam up at him. My lips are swollen and sore, and my mouth feels exactly like a big cock has been fucking it, but I¡¯ve never been so happy in my life.


    ¡°My turn to taste you,¡± he says, picking me up and quickly switching ces with me so he¡¯s kneeling between my legs. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about burying my face in your sweet cunt ever since I saw you.¡±


    He pulls my dress off and tosses it aside, groaning when he sees me in the ck lingerie he picked out. My hard nipples strain against the ckce, and thanks to him ripping my panties off, I¡¯m left in nothing but a pair of ck thigh highs.


    ¡°So fucking beautiful,¡± he murmurs, lowering his face to my bald pussy. He grips my inner thighs, roughly pulling them apart and spreading me so wide that my pussy lips gently part, exposing my inner pink lips to his hungry gaze.


    I watchpletely transfixed as he licks a line up my pussy, parting my lips even more as his tongue dips into me before running over my achy, swollen clit.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I moan, trying to arch up to him, but the strong grip he has on my thighs makes it impossible to move.


    ¡°Uh-uh, sweetheart,¡± he whispers against my cunt. ¡°All you get to do is stay still and take everything I want to give you.¡±


    He flicks my clit with his tongue, making me suck in a quick breath at the sharp rush of pleasure.


    ¡°And right now I want to make you cum until you¡¯re sweaty and shaking and begging me to give your poor little pussy a break.¡± His blue eyes are dark with lust when he adds, ¡°And then I¡¯m going to spank your little ass and fuck you so hard you¡¯ll be sore for days.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t even give me a chance to respond, just buries his face in my pussy and slides his tongue into me, fucking me in a fast rhythm that has me gasping for air and hoping like hell he never stops.


    ¡°Bra off,¡± he growls. ¡°Show me your tits, pet.¡±


    He slides his tongue back into me, watching me as I undo the sp of my bra and toss it behind me. He groans against my cunt, and when I cup my tits, squeezing my nipples and arching my back for him, he brings his mouth to my clit and gives me a hard enough suck to have me screaming his name and bucking up against him, shocked by how quickly he¡¯s made me cum.


    His fingers dig into my skin, and I hope like hell they¡¯ll leave fingertip-sized bruises on my skin tomorrow. I want the memory of tonight to be etched all over my body. I want my pussy and ass to be sore, a constant reminder of what his cock has done to me, and I want sore, swollen lips and a womb full of cum.


    ¡°I want you to own and possess every damn part of me,¡± I say when I finally start toe down. Maybe it¡¯s the orgasm he just gave me, or maybe it¡¯s the way he¡¯s still gently licking and sucking my clit, keeping me right on the edge, the promise of another orgasm behind every flick of his tongue, whatever it is, it makes me want to tell him everything, to share with him everything I¡¯m thinking.


    ¡°I want your big cock to spread me wide, and I don¡¯t want anything between us.¡±


    He groans at my words and licks me harder.


    ¡°I want you to fill me with your seed, Justin. I want to feel you shoot your hot load inside me. I want you to im every part of me.¡± I reach down and run my fingers through his hair. ¡°Show the world who I belong to.¡±


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he growls, tonguing my clit and pushing me over the edge again. As my body tenses and pleasure runs over me, he lets go of one thigh and slides a finger into me, sending a new rush through me that leaves me gasping and shaking as he finger-fucks me while sucking my clit.


    Just when I think I can¡¯t possibly take any more, he slides his finger out of my pussy and presses it against my asshole. I let out a startled gasp that had him giving me a sexy wink as he rolled the pad of his soaked finger against my tight little pucker, lighting up every nerve ending I never knew I had.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Turn over,¡± he demands, pulling his head back and gripping my hips as he lifts me and flips me over so I¡¯m on my knees with my hands gripping the back of the couch. My ass feelspletely exposed, and I¡¯m equal parts aroused and embarrassed.


    He runs his hands over my ass, groaning when he gives my cheek a hard squeeze. Leaning closer, he gives my ass a soft bite before running his tongue over my skin.


    ¡°Did you think I¡¯d forgotten about how you disobeyed me, pet?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I moan, arching my ass up to him as he runs his tongue over me again, making me forget all about my embarrassment.


    His deepugh runs over me as he slides a finger along my wet slit, teasing me as he kisses a line to the center of my ass. My whole body is on high alert, waiting for something I never even let myself fantasize about. It had felt so naughty, so wrong, but god do I want it now. I want to feel his tongue on my forbidden hole, and when I arch my hips even more for him, he gives my asshole a firm lick that sends a bolt of pleasure straight through me before smacking my ass so hard I yell, ¡°Fuck!¡± and hit the back of the couch.


    ¡°Such a good girl,¡± he praises me before smacking my other cheek just as hard. Tears prick my eyes and soon run over, spilling down my face as he gives me two more spankings. When he hears me sniffle, he kisses my stinging cheeks before spreading them wide and running his tongue over my tight hole again.


    This time my ¡°Fuck!¡± is more of a breathy moan as I copse against the back of the couch, lost in all the pleasure he¡¯s giving me, amazed at how my stinging ass is just enhancing everything. He teases my asshole, gently probing my hole before giving me a series of hard licks that have my eyes rolling back in my head.


    When I bring my hands to my pussy, he doesn¡¯t stop me. I rub my clit, amazed at how fucking wet I am.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to cum,¡± I moan, rubbing myself harder. ¡°Don¡¯t stop. Please don¡¯t stop.¡±


    He groans against my ass and twirls his tongue, making me an instant, lifelong fan of all things anal, and when I start to cum, I scream his name, bucking against him as I rock my hips. He gives me another hard spank, this one harder than all the rest, and the wave of pleasure it gives me momentarily blinds me.


    I¡¯m lost to everything except the feel of his tongue on my ass and my clit pulsing against my fingers. By the time he pulls his head back, I¡¯m shaking and gasping and I feel like he¡¯s shown me a part of life that I never knew existed, and there¡¯s no going back for me. I need this man like I need air, and I could never belong to anyone but him.


    He carefully turns me over and picks me up. ¡°My sweet, innocent girl,¡± he whispers, kissing me gently and carrying me to therge bed in the other room. ¡°Are you ready to be mine?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I say in a rush, not even needing to think about it. ¡°Please make me yours, Justin.¡±


    ¡°Such a good girl,¡± he says, holding me closer. ¡°Prepare yourself, sweetheart, because this is going to hurt.¡±

 Chapter 54

    JUSTIN


    Carrying Liv, feeling her small, shaking body next to mine as she looks up at me with those gorgeous blue eyes and rocks her body gently


    against me, so fucking eager for more, feels like a dream. I still can¡¯t believe she¡¯s here, so perfect and willing and desperate for everything I want to give her.


    The taste of her pussy fills my mouth, and by the time Iy her on the bed, I¡¯m more than ready to be inside her. I pull back long enough to get undressed, and she watches me with a look of raw hunger that has my cock aching and covered in precum all over again. I¡¯m no stranger to fuck-me eyes, but I¡¯ve never seen a woman look at me the way Liv does. She doesn¡¯t just want me to fuck her. She wants me to own her, to possess every damn inch of her body and make it mine, to im her in every way possible. When she told me she wanted me to cum inside her and fill her with my seed, I¡¯d nearly busted a damn nut right there on the spot. She has no fucking clue how badly I want that.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    She kneels on the bed, running her eyes over me with her cock-swollen lips parted gently and her ass bright red from her spanking with her little pussy soaked and ready to be fucked for the first time.


    I step closer and run a finger along her wet slit, amazed at how fucking wet she always is for me. Poor thing is going to be sore as fuck by the time I¡¯ve given her what she wants. I slide a finger inside her, groaning at how tight she is, enjoying the feel of her little virgin pussy for thest time.


    ¡°Are you ready for something much bigger, my sweet girl?¡± I ask, leaning closer so our mouths are almost touching.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she whimpers, already rocking her hips against me. ¡°Give me that big cock, Justin.¡± She trails her fingers along my shaft, making my nuts tighten and another bead of precum slide down my cock. ¡°Make me so fucking sore that you¡¯ll have to carry me out of this room tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Fuck, baby,¡± I groan before pressing my lips to hers and kissing her hard as Iy her back on the bed and position my body over hers. The head of my cock presses hard against her slit, but I don¡¯t enter her yet. Instead, I savor this moment, these few seconds where my little virgin is lying beneath me, ready for me with her thighs spread and her dripping pussy, begging me to tear through her innocence with every stroke of her tongue, every rock of her hips, every whimper from her sweet mouth.


    I wait until her nails scrape along my back and she¡¯s digging her heels into my ass, giving frustrated little growls that make it nearly impossible to resist, her, but I do. I grab onto her wrists and pin them against the bed before she can draw blood and kiss a line down her neck.


    ¡°Please,¡± she begs as I bite the crook of her neck before dancing my tongue along her corbone.


    ¡°Keep begging, pet,¡± I murmur against her skin in between kisses and licks. ¡°I do love to hear you beg.¡±


    The frustrated growl she gives just makes meugh which pisses her off, and when her bratty sidees out my cock gives a hungry jump, more than ready to be inside her and show her who she belongs to.


    ¡°Fuck me!¡± she yells as I slowly kiss my way to her tit. I watch her throw her little tantrum, running my tongue over her nipple as she bucks against me and screams for my cock. When I wrap my lips and suck her in, letting my teeth graze her rock-hard nipple, she moans and squirms and fights against the hand that¡¯s holding her arms down, no doubt eager to get her nails into me.


    I ignore her bratty fit and slowly suck her tit, teasing her with my teeth and tongue and loving how it just pisses her off all the more. By the time I pull my head back, she¡¯s panting and whimpering and squirming her tight little body beneath mine in the most intoxicating way.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she pleads. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I was such a brat. I¡¯ll be a good girl,


    I promise.¡±


    Iugh and give her nipple another bite. ¡°I don¡¯t think you can be.¡±


    She shakes her head no, wildly from side to side, her dark hair whipping around in a soft rush.


    ¡°I think all you know how to be is a brat, and I think I¡¯m going to be spending the rest of my life spanking your beautiful ass and reminding you who¡¯s in charge.¡±


    Her eyes light up at my words. ¡°Yes,¡± she whimpers. ¡°You have no idea what a big brat I can be, and you can spank me all you wantter, but now I need your cock, Justin.¡±


    She arches her hips up to me, whimpering and spreading her thighs like only a young, flexible woman can, and I know there¡¯s no way in hell I can resist her for much longer. I give her tit a hard suck and when she bucks up against me again and says, ¡°Don¡¯t go easy on my virgin pussy. I want it hard and rough, Justin. I want you to make me sore.¡±


    All my willpower dissolves in an instant, and as soon as I bring my lips to hers, I slide my cock into her in one hard thrust, making her scream as I push past her body¡¯s natural resistance and tear through her innocent little pussy, iming it as her body shakes and she clings to me for dear life.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± she whimpers, and I can hear the tears in her voice, and there¡¯s no use even trying to pretend that it doesn¡¯t arouse the fuck out of me. She lets out another whimper when she feels my cock swell even more, stretching her sore pussy even wider.


    I let go of her wrists, smiling against her lips when she wraps her arms around my neck. I give her bottom lip a soft bite before pulling back to look at her. Her cheeks are tear-streaked, and her eyes are ssy and heavylidded, and she looks so damn beautiful. I can¡¯t believe anything this perfect exists.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I lean closer and lick a trailing tear, savoring the salty taste of her just like I did when she came all over my face.


    Herughter has me lifting my head again. ¡°Don¡¯t even try to pretend you don¡¯t like causing me a little pain.¡± She bucks her hips up against me, making me groan at how fucking good her pussy feels tightly clenched around me. ¡°Your cock doesn¡¯t lie. Every time you spank me or make me cry or cause me to whimper, I feel you grow harder.¡±

 Chapter 55

    I shrug and try my best to look remorseful, but she knows it¡¯s a load of shit, so I settle for saying, ¡°If you didn¡¯t like it, I wouldn¡¯t get off on it,¡± which is the truth. It¡¯s seeing how damn wet she gets when I spank her ass or hold her down and m into her that turns me on so much. It¡¯s knowing that she trusts me sopletely to fully give herself over to me.


    ¡°Well, I do like it,¡± she purrs, getting that mischievous look on her face again. ¡°And I want you to fuck me harder. Show me what the big cock can do. Show me who I belong to.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Fucking hell,¡± I groan, already thrusting into her again. I fuck her hard and fast, lost in the feel of her body beneath mine. Her tits bounce with each thrust, her hard nipples drag along my chest, and the wet heat of her tight pussy is unlike anything I¡¯ve ever known. I know I¡¯m not going tost long, but neither is she. I can already feel her body starting to tense. ¡°Justin,¡± she moans, cupping one hand to the back of my head and pressing against my back with the other. ¡°Fuck!¡± she yells, pressing her forehead to mine as her body starts to shake.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, baby. Cum around my cock like a good girl. Let me see what I do to you.¡±


    She screams my name when I circle my hips, thrusting into her and hitting her clit in a way that makes it impossible for her to not cum. Her pussy spasms around me, threatening to push me over the edge, but I grit my teeth and fuck her harder.


    ¡°No,¡± she breathes out in a rush, clutching me tighter and looking into my eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare hold back? Cum inside me, Justin. I want to feel you shoot your seed inside me.¡±


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I growl, mming into her so hard that she¡¯d be scooting across the bed if I wasn¡¯t holding onto her. Before she¡¯s evene down from the first orgasm, I feel her start to cum again, and this time I don¡¯t resist. I couldn¡¯t even if I wanted to.


    Her nails dig sharply into my back, sending a wave of pleasure and pain through me as my balls tense seconds before I feel my cock pulse inside her as I¡¯m momentarily blinded by the sheer force of my orgasm. She whimpers and moans as I fill her tight little pussy to the fucking brim. Her pussy milks me dry until I¡¯mpletely spent and we¡¯re both covered in sweat and panting like we¡¯ve just sprinted a mile.


    ¡°Fucking hell, baby,¡± I say, making herugh as she looks up at me withplete and utter adoration. ¡°God, your pussy feels amazing.¡±


    ¡°Your cock feels pretty damn good, too,¡± she says with a smug grin.


    ¡°Just pretty good?¡± I ask, fucking her slowly and sending aftershocks of pleasure through her as she lets out a soft gasp. I¡¯m still semi-hard, and it¡¯s not going to take long at all before I¡¯m fully hard again.


    ¡°Okay, really fucking good,¡± she amends with a loopy smile on her face that¡¯s equal parts adorable and sexy.


    I give her another kiss before sitting back. Watching my cock sink into her bald pussy has me fully hard in seconds. I¡¯m covered in our cum and the evidence of her lost virginity.


    ¡°Fuck, baby,¡± I groan, watching how perfectly her little cunt takes my cock. ¡°You¡¯re taking my cock like such a good girl.¡±


    She moans and starts to y with her tits, making me wish I could focus on her tits and pussy at the same time because I don¡¯t want to miss a second of this show.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if your ass can take me just as good.¡±


    She pinches her nipples hard as I slide out of her and grip the backs of her thighs, pressing her legs against her so her knees are by her tits and her hips are rocked up, exposing her tight little asshole to me.


    The head of my cock presses against her little virgin pucker, making her whimper and try to arch her hips up even more.


    ¡°So fucking eager,¡± I say, marveling at how damn perfect she is. Her pussy is sore, swollen from the hard fucking she just got, and dripping my seed, and still, she arches up for more.


    ¡°You want me to make your ass just as sore, baby? You want it just as hard and rough?¡±


    ¡°Fuck yes,¡± she says in a breathy rush, pinching her rosy-red nipples hard enough to make herself gasp. ¡°Fuck my ass, Justin. Make me scream your name.¡±


    With a groan, I slide the head of my cock into her, amazed at how fucking tight she is. The only reason I¡¯m even able to slide into her is because of how lubed up I am from our cum. My fingers dig into her creamy thighs, pinning her in ce as I feed her tight little ass more of my cock. Her whimpers and moans are driving me crazy, and by the time I¡¯m balls deep inside her, I¡¯m already close to cumming again. God, the effect she has on me is insane. I¡¯m more than twice her age, but she has me feeling like a damn teenager again.


    Keeping our bodies locked together, I lean down to kiss her, needing to feel her tongue against mine as her ass clenches around my cock. She cups my face, opening her mouth to me, kissing me with a hunger that matches my own. She whimpers and moans, and when I start to slowly fuck her ass, she pulls back with a gasp. Her blue eyes are wide with shock and a raw, primal need.


    ¡°I know, baby,¡± I tell her because I do know. I know exactly what she¡¯s feeling because I¡¯m feeling it too. It¡¯s a need unlike anything I ever thought possible. A need to possess and be possessed by someone else and I know without a shadow of a doubt that this woman was made for me, and I¡¯m never letting her go.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to take care of you, pet. You¡¯re never going to have to worry about anything ever again,¡± I promise her. I give her onest kiss before sitting back up. I slowly start to fuck her, watching her ass take my cock as she whimpers and writhes on the bed before me.


    ¡°Harder,¡± she begs, reminding me that I¡¯m the luckiest motherfucker on the.


    ¡°You want me to fuck your ass harder?¡± I ask, mming into her with enough force to make her tits bounce and a gasp escape from her pretty, pouty lips.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she begs, grabbing her tits again and pinching her nipples between her small fingers. ¡°Fuck yes. Give it to me hard.¡±


    With a growl, I grip her thighs harder and give my sweet girl what she wants. I m my cock into her tight ass in a relentless rhythm that fills the room with the sounds of our flesh smacking together.


    Letting go of one thigh, I plunged three fingers into her used pussy, groaning as she mps down on me, the wet heat of her cunt reminding me of how fucking good it had felt to be in that little pussy.


    ¡°You like having both your holes filled?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she whimpers, and I can tell by the sounds she¡¯s making and the way she¡¯s squirming that she¡¯s close.


    Bringing my thumb to her clit, I press down on her achy, swollen bud and give it a good rub, sending her over the edge. She screams my name, rocking against me as best she can as her pussy and ass tighten around me, sending my orgasm crashing over me.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I growl as her tight little asshole milks me dry. My cock pulses inside her, filling her ass with my seed as I keep working her pussy, making her cum again until we¡¯re both gasping and I¡¯m wondering how in the fuck my body has been able to produce so much cum. Both her holes are filled to the fucking brim, and when I slide my fingers out of her pussy and my cock out of her ass, I groan at the sight of both her used holes dripping my seed.


    Mine!


    I want to scream it from the damn roof. I run my hands over her used, tired body, feeling more possessive of her than any man probably should feel about a woman, but I can¡¯t help it. Iy back and smile when she immediately curls her body into mine and rests her head on my chest.


    ¡°I¡¯m yours now,¡± she says, kissing my chest and echoing my thoughts so perfectly.


    ¡°All mine,¡± I agree, wrapping my arms around her even tighter. ¡°I hope you can walk for your cousin¡¯s wedding tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, I don¡¯t want to go. I¡¯d rather stay here and fuck you.¡±


    Iugh and stroke her head, loving how soft her hair is. ¡°I¡¯ll make you a deal. If you¡¯re a good girl, then maybe I¡¯ll fuck you at the reception.


    They¡¯re having it here, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she says, lifting her head to smile at me.


    ¡°Perfect. I know every nook and cranny in this ce. y your cards right, little girl, and maybe I¡¯ll fuck you in one of them.¡± ¡°Deal,¡± she says, beaming at me.


    I pull her closer, kissing her and feeling my cock already start to grow hard again. Good god, this insatiable girl is going to be the end of me, but what a fucking way to go!

 Chapter 56

    ***AUTHOR¡¯S NOTE***


    Hi lovely Readers, here¡¯s the author.


    Thank you for reading to the end of this book, and a new book is about to start.


    Title: ¡± Please Daddy. ¡±


    DARREN


    I leaned my head back against the seat, letting my tired eyes slide closed. It felt so good to finally be able to shut my eyes and rx, not having to constantly keep one eye open and stay on guard at all times, even in the dead of the night


    James, my brother, and head of the Family, was the first person to be notified of my release. Hell, he was notified before I was. So, when I was released from prison, he already had a car waiting on me outside with a driver, fresh clothes that would fit way better than my old ones, a phone with all important numbers programmed already, and a gun with two extra clips.


    Even as a kid, I had always been able to rely on my older brother, and I was d to see that hadn¡¯t changed while I¡¯d been inside.


    The phone that had been given to me suddenly red in myp. I pulled it up, ring at the damn piece of technology, trying to figure out how the fuck you answered the shit.


    In ten years, technology had advanced like a mother fucker.


    ¡°You put your finger on the green phone symbol on the screen and swipe sir,¡± the driver told me.


    I nced up at him. His eyes were flickering between the rearview mirror and the road. I¡¯d been expecting pity, but there wasn¡¯t anything in his eyes, just as I knew James had made sure he was trained. The driver was just very matter-of-fact, trying to help someone who¡¯d been locked away from society and all of its advancements for ten fucking years.


    I did as he¡¯d instructed and pulled the phone up to my ear. ¡°What?¡± I grumbled.


    James¡¯sugh rang in my ear. ¡°Happy to hear from you, too, brother,¡± he sarcastically replied. I just grunted. ¡°How far out are you? Emmaline is excited to meet you.¡±


    Emmaline was my brother¡¯s wife, making her the queen of the Family. I¡¯d never met her, though they had been together for a while now. It was code that no one visited me while I was inside. I didn¡¯t even receive letters. I just got silent protection, and every once in a while, a guard who was part of the Family would let me know what was happening outside of the walls I¡¯d been confined to.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I told him honestly. ¡°Don¡¯t particrly care, either. Been stuck in confinement for fucking ten years, James. I¡¯m just trying to enjoy the fact that I don¡¯t have to worry about someone slitting my throat because I let my fucking guard down.¡±


    He made a humming sound. ¡°Understandable. Should have made our parents pay for that fucking mistake a lot sooner.¡±


    I stayed quiet. I knew both Mom and Dad were dead, but honestly, for me, there was no love lost there. For a while now, I¡¯d had a gut feeling that Mom had been shady, and Dad was always off the fucking rails.


    As far as I was concerned, James had done everyone a favor by getting rid of both of them. I was just sorry his wife had been at the center of all the chaos.


    ¡°Daddy!¡± I heard a kid scream in the background.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Mommy?¡± I heard James ask Carter, his son. I¡¯d never imagined my brother as a dad. He¡¯d never wanted kids, but I guess shit tended to change when you ended up getting the woman of your fucking dreams.


    And trust me, my brother was infatuated with his wife. I knew that much from the talk of new inmates. My brother had made Emmaline and their son untouchable.


    I ignored my brother as he spoke to Carter, waiting for him to put his attention back on the call.


    Looking around, I noticed we were nearing James¡¯s ce. ¡°Give me about three minutes, and I¡¯ll be pulling into the driveway,¡± I told James.


    We hung up a momentter, and I let my eyes close again, enjoying the sound of the tires moving over the asphalt of the road. It was a sound I hadn¡¯t heard in so long, and honestly, I had missed it.


    ~*~*~


    James was waiting near the front door when I walked inside the house.


    His wife was standing beside him, and his son was on his hip.


    I quickly ran my eyes over Emmaline.


    Fuck, my brother had gotten lucky.


    Emmaline quickly took Carter from him, and James engulfed me in a brotherly hug, pping me on my back. ¡°Fuck, it¡¯s good to have you back home again, Darren,¡± he told me. ¡°And shit, what the fuck have they been feeding you in that fucking ce?¡± he asked,ughter shining in his eyes as he ran his eyes over me.


    I grinned, intentionally flexing my muscles. ¡°When you don¡¯t have shit else to do but work out for ten years, you¡¯d look like me, too,¡± I told him. I turned my attention to the blonde beauty at his side, giving her a warm smile before I wrapped her up in my arms, pressing a kiss to her cheek. She blushed. The inmates hadn¡¯t been lying. She was a sweet, innocent,


    little thing. ¡°It¡¯s nice to finally meet you, Emmaline.¡± She tucked her hair behind her ear. ¡°Likewise, Darren.¡± Carter put his hand on my chest. ¡°Uncle Darren?¡± he asked.


    Ah, so my brother and sister-inw had spoken to the little guy about me.


    ¡°Yes, Uncle Darren,¡± I told him, grinning at the boy. He was the spitting fucking image of James at that age, and it was slightly freaky.


    He looked at James. ¡°I like him,¡± Carter bluntly spoke, making meugh with my brother.


    James ruffled his hair. ¡°I know you do, kiddo.¡± He took Carter from Emmaline and set him down. ¡°It¡¯s time for lunch. Go,¡± he ordered.


    Carter took off running for the dining room, and a momentter, I heard Mrs. Judy scream in shock. James sighed and shook his head. ¡°He has way too much energy,¡± he grumbled as he wrapped his arm around Emmaline, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of her head.


    ¡°d to see you finally settled down and happy,¡± I told James honestly. He deserved this.


    He just shrugged, but the love he held in his eyes every time he looked at Emmaline spoke volumes.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

 Chapter 57

    I looked at my phone for the time, making a mental note to get a watch. ¡°I need to eat something, and then, we can sit down and discuss what I need to do,¡± I told him. ¡°I¡¯m ready to get back into shit.¡±


    James nodded, and the three of us walked toward the dining room. ¡°Right now, I¡¯ve got some paperwork you can look over.¡± I shot him a dark look. He only grinned. ¡°But Adrian has a job to do tonight if you want to go with him.¡±


    ¡°How is that fucker?¡± I asked, mentioning one of our good, childhood friends.


    ¡°That fucker,¡± Adrian spoke up from behind us, ¡°is just fucking dandy.¡±


    With a grin, I turned to face him. We gave each other one-armed hugs, pping each other on the back. ¡°Good to have you back, man,¡± Adrian told me. ¡°Tag along with me as much as you fucking want. After ten years, I¡¯m tired of doing your shit,¡± he joked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll dly take my job back if you deal with the paperwork,¡± I told him. His mouth twisted in disgust at the thought, making me snicker.


    We stepped into the dining room. Mrs. Judy looked up, her eyes brightening the moment theynded on me. She had been our nanny when we were little, and James had taken her in afterward, though Mrs. Judy refused to just live with him for free. So, she cooked and cleaned and helped keep other workers in line.


    She rushed around the counter andunched herself into my arms. Iughed, leaning down to hug her as she started crying. ¡°Boy, do not get your stupid ass sent to prison again,¡± she scolded, leaning back to swipe at her cheeks. ¡°Ten years is way too long.¡±


    I leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek. ¡°I have no ns on going back ever again,¡± I promised her, and that was the damn truth. I¡¯d rather kill myself first. ¡°But do you mind feeding a starving man?¡± I teased.


    She rolled her eyes, smacking my abs, though it didn¡¯t affect me. ¡°Like you¡¯re starving,¡± she scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re huge, boy. Did you eat steroids in prison?¡±


    I rolled my eyes at the same time James barked out augh. ¡°No, Mrs.


    Judy,¡± I told her. ¡°I had a lot of free time on my hands, so I worked out.¡±


    She handed me a heaping bowl of chicken alfredo with a warm, motherly smile on her face. ¡°Go sit down and eat, Darren, before your food gets cold.¡±


    I saluted her, just barely jumping out of the way in time as she swung her towel out at me, but she wasughing. I turned and sat down at the table that everyone else was at. Carter was almost finished with his food, and his eyelids were beginning to droop.


    ¡°Almost nap time?¡± I asked.


    Emmaline nodded. ¡°Thank God, because I need a breather.¡±


    James smirked at her. Her cheeks burned red under his heated gaze. Iughed and dug into my food, my stomach rumbling.


    Fuck, I had missed home-cooked meals. I probably missed it more than I had missed my damn freedom, to be honest.


    ~*~*~


    James pushed open my office door and flicked on the light. My eyes widened in disbelief.


    Someone had redecorated my office. I had all new furniture and what looked like top-of-the-line equipment that I already knew I was going to get pissed at when I tried to figure out how to work it all.


    ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± I swore as I moved around the desk, staring at theputer in front of me. ¡°The fuck am I going to do with all of this shit?¡± I asked.


    Jamesughed. ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it but thank Emmaline for all of the furniture. She wanted to make sure you would befortable when you finally got toe home.¡±


    I shook my head in disbelief. ¡°Your wife is too damn good for you.¡±


    James shrugged. ¡°I know.¡± Thumbs up to the man. He hadn¡¯t even tried denying it.


    James and I had never pretended to be better than we were. Even though we were rich, highly feared, and had more connections than the fucking President himself, we also knew we were no better than the next low-life piece of shit.


    But his wife was pure fucking gold.


    I could only hope to find a woman as amazing as she was one day.


    I blew out a soft breath. ¡°I¡¯ll fuck with all of this fancy shit some other time.¡± James snickered when I cast the equipment a look of distaste mixed with hatred. ¡°I need to run out and get a few things and also get my license again. What time is Adrian leaving?¡±


    ¡°Nine,¡± James informed me. ¡°Make sure you¡¯re armed when you leave,¡± he said, striding towards the door. ¡°And don¡¯t call me unless it¡¯s a fucking emergency. I¡¯ve got an appointment with my wife.¡±


    I rolled my eyes, watching as my older brother walked out of my office. Shaking my head, I grabbed the keys that had been left on a hook by the door and locked my office, heading out to the garage to see which vehicle was mine. I knew my brother well enough to know that he would have traded in my old car and gotten me something else as a wee-home gift.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    It just better not be a fucking SUV. I needed a fast, small vehicle that I could easily whip around and maneuver. Ten years ago, I¡¯d been drowning in dead bodies, enemies, and bullets. I lived for the adrenaline, and I knew that wouldn¡¯t be any different now.


    I enjoyed getting my hands dirty.


    And I needed the equipment to be able to do that.


    When I stepped into the garage, I hit the panic button, grinning at the fancy-ass sports car that sounded off.


    I could always count on James toe through for me.


    I slid into the driver¡¯s seat and backed out of the massive garage, heading to the DMV. First, I needed to get my license. After that, I could get a watch, buy some new clothes, do this job with Adrian, and then head to my brother¡¯s BDSM club  all in that order.


    I hadn¡¯t had pussy in fucking years  only thepany of my hand  and I badly needed a release.

 Chapter 58

    ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± Adrian swore as I slowly slit the man¡¯s throat, his blood coating my hands. I watched with a sick, twisted grin on my face as his eyes slowly rolled back in his head and the life left his eyes. ¡°I forgot how fucked up you are in the head.¡±


    Iughed and walked over to the sink to wash my hands and clean and disinfect my knife. ¡°How the fuck do you think I¡¯ve survived thest ten damn years in prison?¡± I asked him. ¡°It wasn¡¯t because I was a nice guy.¡±


    Adrian scoffed. ¡°I fucking know that, dickwad.¡± I quietlyughed. ¡°Besides, what the hell have you been doing for the past ten years?¡±


    ¡°Taking care of hits.¡± I shrugged. ¡°One of the guards would let me know when James needed something done, and I took care of it. Everyone else turned a blind fucking eye to it all.¡± Sometimes, it was easy to forget that once I went inside, the family wasn¡¯t notified about anything I was doing. All everyone knew was that I was alive.


    It was our life. You went inside, and you became secluded from everyone and everything you¡¯d ever known in more ways than one.


    Adrian shook his head, shoving his hands in the pockets of his cks. ¡°I should have known you were doing some fucked up shit while you were inside.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°Wasn¡¯t as fun as this, though,¡± I admitted, leaning my back against the counter as I dried my hands on a towel. ¡°In prison, you¡¯ve got to do shit quickly and quietly, can¡¯t y around.¡±


    Adrian made a disgusted sound in the back of his throat. ¡°I¡¯ll never understand how you¡¯re the more demented one out of you and your brother.¡± He shook his head.


    I grinned at him as I slid my knife back into its case on my hip. ¡°James was always the one with the brains for this shit. I¡¯ve got the brawn.¡±


    Adrian cut me a dark look. ¡°He¡¯d kick your ass if he heard you say that.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. James had the head for the business side of our family; I didn¡¯t.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the patience for the shit that James deals with on a daily basis,¡± I reminded Adrian as we walked past the guys cleaning up the mess I¡¯d made. ¡°I like to be in the shadows, doing the dirty work that most other people don¡¯t want to do. It¡¯s always been like that for us, even as kids.¡±


    Adrian sighed, striding towards his SUV as I walked towards my sports car. ¡°Don¡¯t get pulled over on your first day out, Darren.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°I¡¯ve got my license.¡±


    He just rolled his eyes and shut the door. As soon as he was rolling out of the lot, I scrubbed my hands down my face and got in my car, calling my brother.


    ¡°You better be d I wasn¡¯t busy,¡± he rumbled.


    I rolled my eyes, though he couldn¡¯t see me. ¡°As if you¡¯d answer if you were balls deep inside of your wife.¡±


    ¡°Watch yourself,¡± he warned me, an edge to his words. When it came to Emmaline, he was very particr about how anyone spoke of her and anything they did together.


    Never thought I¡¯d see the day that my brother was head over heels for a woman  especially one as sweet as Emmaline.


    I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel as I pulled onto the empty, deserted road. ¡°You still allow family into your club?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°What¡¯s mine is yours, brother,¡± he reminded me. ¡°Don¡¯t call and ask me something stupid like that again.¡±


    With that, he hung up the call. I scowled at the screen for a moment before focusing back on the road. James could be a dick when he wanted to be. I knew that would never change.


    Wouldn¡¯t have it any other fucking way, though.


    I rxed back in my seat, heading towards his ce so I could get a shower. I hoped whatever submissive I snagged tonight was ready to go for fucking hours because I fucking needed it.


    ~*~*~


    JULIANA


    I whimpered as my knees made a sickening thud with the floor, the man in front of me gripping my hair, pulling on it so tightly that my scalp was throbbing. Tears pricked at my eyes, my heart thudding hard in my chest.


    I¡¯de here to escape this. I¡¯d been told I would be safe here.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I just wanted a room. I didn¡¯t like being taken in public like this. It was even in my contract with the owner.


    This wasn¡¯t supposed to happen.


    ¡°Yo, what the absolute fuck?¡± I heard someone snarl. I squeaked in shock when a man almost triple the size of the guy holding me down grabbed his wrist. ¡°Let the fuckingdy go,¡± the beast growled. ¡°One second, or I¡¯ll break your fucking wrist.¡±


    The man shoved me away from him, sending me sprawling to the floor. I knocked my head hard against the flooring, and I barely bit back a cry of pain.


    The man who hade to my rescue tossed the guy halfway across the room, and from there, it was fucking chaos.


    One of the girls came to help me up while another smoothed her hands over my hair, taking my hair out of its braid so she could fix it for me.


    I couldn¡¯t rip my eyes off the bloody scene in front of me.


    The man who had been holding me, who hadpletely ignored what had been in my contract, was nowpletely unconscious, his face a bloody mess, his back bent at an awkward angle.


    I wanted to throw up.


    I cast my eyes to the floor as the man who hade to my rescue suddenly stormed over to me, pulling his phone from his pocket as he did so. ¡°Goddamn passcode bullshit,¡± he snarled. His anger at his password would have been amusing if he didn¡¯t look so terrifying. He looked down at me. ¡°On your feet,¡± he ordered.


    I shakily stood to my feet with the help of the two women. Without a word, he knelt and lifted me into his arms, striding towards the back where the rooms were located. Once we were inside of a room, he kicked the door shut and ordered me to sit on the couch. ¡°You good?¡± he asked me once we were alone.


    I nodded. He frowned at me but surprisingly didn¡¯tment on the fact that I didn¡¯t verbally answer him. Instead, he focused back on his phone, muttering a curse as he pulled it up to his ear.


    ¡°First of all, I want a goddamn flip phone.¡± I couldn¡¯t help it. Iughed, which wasn¡¯t something I did often, so it was throaty rather than the lighterugh of normal women. He looked over at me in surprise, and his lips tilted up the slightest bit, making my heart skip a beat in my chest. He didn¡¯t look so damn terrifying when he smiled. ¡°Second, you¡¯ve got a problem at your club. Just found one of the doms holding one of the girls down against her will. His spine is snapped.¡± I swallowed thickly at that news. He paced the room, stopping to stare at the wall. ¡°Don¡¯t give a fuck, James. Get clean up.¡±

 Chapter 59

    He grunted and hung up a momentter before tossing his phone on the chair nearest him and turning to face me. ¡°First, I¡¯m not going to hurt you,¡± he said quietly. His voice was low and gravelly, like he wasn¡¯t used to talking in such a quiet tone. ¡°I would never put my fucking hands on a woman like I did that son of a bitch out there.¡±


    I stayed quiet. He gestured to the couch I was sitting on. ¡°You mind if I sit down with you, or would you prefer for me to stay over here?¡±


    I swallowed in surprise that he was actually giving me a choice and slowly ced my hand on the couch to show he could sit beside me. He nodded once and strode over, taking a seat near me. He was even bigger up close. The man was pure muscle, his shoulders wide, his arms thick, straining against the sleeves of his t-shirt.


    He opened his mouth to say something, but a knock sounded on the door. With a growl, he stood up and walked over, flinging the door open. ¡°What, Gemma?¡± he snapped.


    She thrust him my contract, swallowing thickly. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you¡¯d gotten out,¡± she whispered, keeping her eyes cast away from him. ¡°Wee home, Mr. Jackson.¡±


    He snatched my contract from her. ¡°Leave us,¡± he ordered right before he stepped back and shut the door in her face.


    I watched as he stood there for a moment, flipping through the contract before he set it on the table and took a seat next to me again. ¡°You don¡¯t speak much, do you?¡± he asked me, those blue eyes so intent it was like he could see straight into my soul.


    I licked my lips and shook my head. I¡¯d learned a long time ago that keeping my mouth shut was an essential part of my submission. Men didn¡¯t like to hear me talk. The only time my mouth should be open was when I was getting a dick shoved down my throat.


    He reached up and brushed his thumb over my bottom lip. My breath hitched in my throat, and before I could stop myself, I flicked my tongue out against his thumb, my nipples hardening beneath the thin top I was wearing.


    And he took notice of it.


    He growled softly, his eyes darkening to an almost gray color. My core clenched, my breasts getting heavier, begging for his touch, his mouth. ¡°Naughty little thing, though, aren¡¯t you?¡± he rasped. He ran his eyes over me. Though I was fully clothed, I feltpletely naked and extremely vulnerable in front of him. ¡°I want to take care of you, little girl,¡± oh, God, that name, ¡°but I need to know your name first.¡±


    I flickered my eyes towards the contract, silently telling him where he could find it. His lips tilted up the tiniest bit in a smirk so fucking hot that my body trembled. ¡°I want to hear it from those lips, baby.¡±


    Fear sent me crashing back to Earth. ¡°Aht,¡± he soothed, sliding his hands up my thighs, his palms rough against my smooth skin. ¡°Look at me.¡± I instantly snapped my eyes up to his. ¡°There¡¯s no reason to be afraid with me, little girl. I¡¯ll never hurt you, understand me?¡± I slowly nodded my head, trusting him for some reason. ¡°Good girl,¡± he rumbled. ¡°Tell me your name, and I¡¯ll reward you like the good girl I know you can be.¡±


    I licked my lips and forced my lips to form the word, talking feeling extremely foreign to me. ¡°Juliana,¡± I managed, my voice rough and scratchy from not being used in so long.


    His eyes lit up, and suddenly, I wanted to do anything I could to make him always look at me like this, though I knew this would most likely only be a one-time thing between us.


    ¡°That¡¯s my good girl,¡± he rumbled. My core clenched at his praise. He gripped the edge of my shorts and slowly slid them down. ¡°This okay?¡±


    I nodded, lifting my hips so he could pull them off of mepletely. My thong went next, and he dropped it to the floor with my shorts. He moved closer and slipped my shirt over my head, a pleased rumble sounding from his chest when he saw I didn¡¯t have a bra on.


    ¡°Lie back,¡± hemanded, cing his hand on my chest. As I slowlyid back on the couch, his hand slid down over my chest, between my breasts, over my stomach, finallying to rest right between my legs. My breath left me in a hiss, my body needing his touch so much that it almost hurt.


    ¡°You¡¯re so fucking wet,¡± he growled. He looked up at me, those dark eyes sucking me in. ¡°What¡¯s your safe word?¡± he asked me.


    No one had ever asked me that before. I frowned at him, knowing it was in my contract, but he wanted to hear the words from my lips.


    ¡°ck,¡± I whispered.


    He pressed his thumb to my clit as a reward. I moaned, my eyes shutting. He took his thumb away. I whimpered, looking back up at him, wondering what I had done wrong. ¡°Good girl. Eyes always on me,¡± he told me. I nodded in answer. He made a humming sound, circling his thumb over my clit. My lips parted, my back arching. ¡°I know you¡¯re not that quiet, baby,¡± he said softly, his eyes still on mine.


    Joke was on him. I could always be silent.


    As if he could read my mind, his eyes lit up in a challenge. My belly clenched. I had a feeling this man was about to make me second guess everything I thought I had known about myself.


    And I was right.


    The moment his head descended between my legs and those magical lips wrapped around my clit, two fingers sliding inside of me and curving just right, I cried out, my voice shocking the hell out of me. I grabbed his hair.


    ¡°No,¡± he ordered, his voice vibrating my clit, sending tingles straight up my spine to my brain. ¡°Arms above your head at all times. You¡¯re mine.¡± Not mine tonight.


    Not mine for right now.


    Not mine while in this room.


    Just you¡¯re mine.


    Something strange and foreign stirred in my chest at the sound of that.


    I was writhing on the couch, his massive arm anchoring the lower part of my body right where he wanted me. I was sobbing, begs and pleas ripping from my lips. He kept drawing me to the edge, stimting me just enough before slowing, pulling me back away from it again, never letting me cum yet.


    ¡°Please,¡± I begged, tears burning in my eyes. ¡°Please.¡± ¡°Please what?¡± he growled.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I had no idea what the fuck I was saying anymore. My mouth opened before I could think.


    ¡°Please, Daddy,¡± I cried out.


    ¡°Good girl.¡± With that, he sucked hard on my clit, and my world fucking exploded around me.

 Chapter 60

    DARREN


    I leaned up on my elbows, licking my lips. Fuck, she tasted so sweet. I could eat her out all fucking day long, especially as long as she continued calling me Daddy.


    As soon as that word hade out of her mouth, I¡¯d almost fuckinge in my jeans. I had no fucking idea I had a thing for that kind of shit, but apparently, I did.


    Juliana¡¯s chest was heaving up and down, but her hands were beginning to slowly lose their tight grip on the couch. I took in the room around me in a quick sweep, needing her on a bigger, tter surface so I could take her like I really wanted.


    But goddammit, of course I chose the fucking room with no bed. I made a mental note in my head to tell my brother to put beds in all the damn rooms because this was damn inconvenient.


    I looked back down at her to find her soulful, dark eyes already watching me. I slid my hand over her thigh, watching as her body trembled beneath my touch, her lips parting the tiniest bit.


    ¡°You up for more?¡± I asked her.


    She frowned in confusion. I slid my hand further up her body, stopping at the dip in her waist. I gave it a light squeeze. ¡°More ytime, baby.¡±


    She licked her lips and nodded her head. I stood from the couch and grabbed her under her arms, pulling her to her feet. Then, I grabbed her hand and led her over to the swing in the middle of the room. I wanted her restrained andpletely at my mercy, and since it seemed like I had chosen the damn worst room in this entire building, I was going to have to make do with what I had.


    Because I fucking needed this woman.


    I turned to her once we were standing in front of it. God, she was so fucking beautiful, every fucking inch of her. She was curvy with thick thighs and a hell of an ass, and I loved that her belly wasn¡¯t t. I liked my women with a bit of meat on their bones.


    Because I wasn¡¯t a man that was gentle with his women. They needed to be able to take what I gave.


    ¡°You okay with the swing?¡± I asked her.


    She just stared at me for a moment, her eyes clouding a little bit as she slightly withdrew from the moment. I frowned and reached up, cupping the side of her neck. Her breath hitched, those dark eyes locking on mine.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re normally used to, little girl,¡± a soft moan followed those words that had my dick straining to be released, ¡°but I ask permission from you for everything we do in this room together. And I need answers when I ask them.¡±


    She nodded her head at me. I sighed, trying not to lose my patience with her. Something was keeping her silent, and if I had to ce money on it, it was most likely something traumatic.


    ¡°Yes to the swing?¡± I asked her.


    Her eyes lit up with relief that I was putting forth the effort to understand her way ofmunication. Anger swirled in my gut, but I pushed it back down. It wouldn¡¯t do me any good to get pissed about her mistreatment here, and it would most definitely scare her off if I did.


    But I knew without a doubt that when I left hereter, I was bringing her with me.


    I helped her into the swing and strapped her in before I stepped back and slowly ran my eyes over her. ¡°Fuck, baby girl,¡± I rasped.


    Nervousness was ringing in her eyes, but I fully intended to wipe that away. I would take care of her, and I knew she would enjoy every bit of what I gave to her.


    I stripped out of my clothes, my skin tingling a bit as she ran her eyes over every bit of skin I slowly exposed to her hungry eyes. Her breathing picked up a little, her hands curling around the chains above her hands. Her pussy was glistening, begging for my mouth again.


    And I wouldn¡¯t disappoint her. I fucking needed to taste her again before I buried my cock inside of her.


    Once I waspletely naked, I walked over to her and lightly wrapped my hand around her throat, pulling her lips up to mine. She moaned into the kiss, her tongue sliding with mine so fucking erotically that precum slipped from the tip of my cock.


    I slowly separated our lips and gripped her waist, bending my head to feast on her fucking amazing tits. They were full and heavy, and just a bit bigger than my hand, which I fucking loved.


    This woman was more than a handful, and I couldn¡¯t have been more damn pleased by that fact.


    She was moaning, little cries ripping from her lips as she tried pushing her body more towards mine, but with her hanging like she was, it was making it difficult for her to do so.


    She was at my mercy.


    I left her breasts, moving my lips and tongue down her belly, my hands following that same path until I was kneeling between her legs again.


    She was so fucking wet.


    ¡°This where you want me, little girl?¡± I rasped, letting my thumbs tease the inside of her thighs right next to her wet cunt.


    She nodded her head, her breaths panting in and out of her, her tits jiggling with each breath. ¡°Can I get a vocal confirmation, baby doll?¡± I asked her, blowing a soft breath over her wet heat.


    ¡°Y-yes,¡± she stuttered out.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± I rumbled.


    Not wanting to push her too far and make her feel unsafe, I slipped two fingers inside of her, curling them just right as I tongue fucked her clit, continuously drawing her to the edge just as I had before, quickly retreating right before she tumbled over the edge. Her clit was swollen, and her legs were trembling. I positioned myself so I was no longer kneeling and quickly drew her to the edge again.


    But this time, I switched my tongue out for my thumb and stood to my feet, my eyes on her face as she got ready toe.


    Then, I slid deep inside of her, my hand wrapping around her throat, my other arm wrapping around her left thigh as I began to fuck her hard and fast, anchoring her body to mine.


    I¡¯d never heard sexier fucking sounds in my life.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine,¡± I growled at her, meaning every fucking word of it.


    After tonight, there was no goddamn way she was staying here.


    I needed her with me.


    I was fucking coring her.


    And I was going to find out why the fuck this woman was so goddamn quiet.


    Her panicked eyes shot up to mine. I forced myself to slow my movements, my eyes never leaving hers. Women like her  they understood sex because they lost themselves in the act of it.


    And submissives? They left their torment behind by letting someone else control them for a little while.


    ¡°Easy,¡± I rasped, slowly rocking in and out of her. ¡°My im on you isn¡¯t the end of the world, little girl.¡± Her pussy walls mped around me. I sucked in a sharp breath of air, my arm momentarily tightening around her thigh. ¡°Me iming you  that means I take care of your every need. You never have to worry about a damn thing ever again.¡± She was slowly losing that panicked look in her eyes, and a tightness I hadn¡¯t known had been in my chest began to ease with it.


    Fuck. I was in deep. Now I understood how my brother felt with Emmaline.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I moved my hand to grip the side of her neck, brushing my thumb over her jaw. ¡°It¡¯s not a prison sentence, baby girl. My cor goes around your neck-¡±


    She shook her head, her eyes widening in fear. ¡°Easy. Easy, baby,¡± I rasped, slowing my movements inside of her even more. ¡°No cor on your neck,¡± I assured her. She rxed again. ¡°Your ankle?¡± I asked her. ¡°I want to cor you, baby girl.¡±


    She slowly nodded her head. I picked my pace up just a little bit. She moaned, her eyes falling shut for a moment before she opened them back up again. ¡°Good girl,¡± I praised her for remembering my rule. ¡°You okay with me iming you as mine?¡± I asked her.


    She nodded again, this time with no hesitation. I leaned forward and took her lips in a hard, bruising kiss, and began to fuck her, iming her body as mine.


    Later, I would im her soul.


    No other man would ever fucking touch her again.


    ~*~*~


    After cleaning her up, making a mental note to give her aftercare once I got her home with me, I helped her get dressed since her legs were shaky and couldn¡¯t hold her up yet.


    She¡¯d done so fucking good.


    I pressed my lips to her temple as I fixed her shirt so it covered her stomach. ¡°You¡¯re such a good girl,¡± I praised. ¡°I¡¯m fucking proud of you for talking.¡±

 Chapter 61

    Her eyes lit up. With a small smile tugging at my lips, I lifted her into my arms, cradling her to my chest as I carried her towards the door, her contract with the club already in my back pocket so I could get James to get rid of it.


    She wouldn¡¯t be here any longer.


    Gemma walked up to me. I growled in annoyance, tightening my arms around Juliana. She buried her face in my neck, a move that meant she trusted me, and that struck a fucking chord in me.


    ¡°Is everything okay, Mr. Jackson?¡± Gemma asked me. ¡°I know she¡¯s a bit much to deal with-¡±


    That pissed me clean the fuck off.


    ¡°Get the fuck out of my way,¡± I snarled at her. She nched, stumbling back a couple of steps.


    Juliana was not a bit much to deal with. It was a matter of understanding your submissive.


    I nned to talk to James about this shit because if Gemma had been gettingints about her, then that meant the dominants here weren¡¯t paying attention to the needs of their submissives.


    And someone not paying attention to Juliana¡¯s? It made me want to destroy something.


    ¡°Keep your face hidden,¡± I quietly told the woman in my arms as I walked through the main part of the club.


    She nodded her head and kept her face buried in the crook of my neck. Everyone cast their eyes away from us as I walked through, the people in the room parting like the red sea.


    I guess they realized who I was after I broke that son of a bitch¡¯s spine and killed him.


    I was the twisted Jackson brother, the one who wasn¡¯t afraid to get his hands dirty.


    I was something to be feared.


    Once I had Juliana settled in my car and we were on the road headed towards my brother¡¯s, I called Emmaline, knowing she would know what all Juliana needed. I wanted out of that club before I ripped Gemma¡¯s head from her shoulders. I would go back some other time to get Juliana¡¯s things, but for right now, I was hoping Emmaline had something that Juliana could wear.


    ¡°Darren?¡± Emmaline asked in surprise. I heard her giggle. ¡°James, stop. Your brother is on the phone.¡±


    I made a gagging sound that had herughing. ¡°Sorry, Darren. What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m bringing someone home with me,¡± I told her. ¡°I¡¯m hoping you have some clothes she can borrow until I get her things.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Emmaline told me without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯ll leave them on your bed for her, if that¡¯s okay?¡±


    I nced over at Juliana. She wasn¡¯t paying me any attention. Instead, her head was leaning against the window, and her eyes were closed.


    She was sleeping. And fuck, she looked so innocent, so fucking sweet.


    Something primal and protective stirred in my veins at the sight.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± I told Emmaline, ignoring the fact that my voice came out a little rougher and gravelly than normal. ¡°And have Mrs. Judy bring some food up, please.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Of course, Darren. And congrattions,¡± she quietly added.


    I tightened my hand around the phone before I hung up, my hand tightening around the steering wheel.


    Congrattions.


    Jesus Christ. Was it that easy to tell I was attached to this woman within the matter of a few fucking hours? I was royally fucked.


    ~*~*~


    Juliana jerked awake when I opened my car door, her hands scrambling for something to grip. I instantly reached over and grabbed her face in my hands, forcing her to look at me.


    ¡°Breathe,¡± I quietly soothed. I brushed my thumbs over her cheeks. ¡°Breathe, baby girl. You¡¯re safe with me.¡±


    She slowly rxed, and though the haunted, terrified look left her eyes, it didn¡¯t leave my fucking mind.


    I vowed to find out who the fuck put that look in her eyes, and I vowed to fucking destroy them.


    ¡°You okay now?¡± I asked her.


    She nodded. I released her and got out of the car,ing around to her side to let her out. I grabbed her hand in mine and walked inside, thankful that everyone was somewhere else, and I had a feeling James and Emmaline had something to do with that.


    I led her upstairs to my room and straight to the bathroom, not even sparing the bag of things on my bed that Emmaline had left behind a nce.


    Once we were in my bathroom, I turned to face her. ¡°Aftercare,¡± I told her when she looked at me in confusion.


    Her eyes never left me as I slowly undressed her, taking the time to run my fingers over her soft skin, asionally lingering.


    She was beautiful and fucking addicting. I couldn¡¯t seem to stop touching her.


    Once she was undressed, I set her on the bathroom counter and walked over to the tub, turning the water on. I noticed Emmaline ced some fruity-scented bubble bath shit on the floor beside my tub, and I sent a mental thank you to her as I poured some in with some Epsom salt, knowing it would help Juliana¡¯s muscles rx.


    I pulled my clothes off and tossed them into the hamper before walking over to Juliana. She was leaning her head on the wall, her eyes closed.


    ¡°Hey, let¡¯s get in the bath, and I¡¯ll hold you while you sleep,¡± I said softly, making her slowly drag her eyes open.


    I pulled her to me, and without having to be prompted, she wrapped her arms and legs around me, her head falling to my shoulder.


    I tightened my arms around her in an automatic, primal, protective response and carried her towards the bath, being extremely careful not to slip and fall as I stepped into the hot water. She sighed in contentment as the water wrapped around us.


    By the time the tub filled up and I turned the water off, she was passed out in my arms. I bathed her the best I could, being careful not to wake her, and after, I just held her, enjoying the silence  silence I hadn¡¯t had for fucking years  and the feeling of a warm, soft woman in my arms  or more specifically, this woman.

 Chapter 62

    I ran my eyes over Juliana, loving the way the leggings Emmaline had given her hugged her ass and her hips. She had just emerged from the bathroom after getting a shower, and her hair was hanging wet around her shoulders, her eyes a bit brighter than they had been when I¡¯d first seen her yesterday.


    It was clear to me that she felt safe here with me, and I was damn happy about that.


    I wanted her to always feel safe with me.


    A knock sounded on my door. She froze on her way over to the bed. I gently cupped the side of her neck and tilted her head back to look up at me. ¡°Easy,¡± I crooned. ¡°Over my dead fucking body will anyone touch you,¡± I swore. And I fucking meant that.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    She rxed. I pressed a kiss to her forehead before I walked to my door, smiling at Mrs. Judy when I opened it. She was holding a tray of food that consisted of scrambled eggs, pancakes, and bacon along with a ss of cranberry juice, two bottles of water, and a steaming pot of coffee with two mugs and my favorite hazelnut-vored creamer.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I told her, leaning down to kiss her cheek. ¡°You¡¯re the best, Mrs. Judy.¡±


    Sheughed. ¡°Go take care of your girl,¡± she told me. ¡°I expect to see both of you for lunch or dinner today.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°Tomorrow,¡± I told her. ¡°I have ns with her today.¡±


    She smiled knowingly before she walked off. I sighed and stepped back into the room, gently kicking the door shut behind me. That woman knew a bit too much about our family, but she¡¯d been surrounded by us for most of her life. She was bound to.


    I walked over to the table on the far side of the room, cing the food down. ¡°Baby girl, you need toe eat,¡± I called, looking over my shoulder at her.


    Juliana slowly slid off of the bed and padded barefoot over to the table. I drew her against me, leaning down to kiss her, my tongue touching hers for a beat before I reluctantly released her and hooked my finger under her chin, tilting her head back so those pretty, soulful eyes locked on mine.


    ¡°Eat your breakfast. I have a big day nned for us, and you¡¯ll need the energy for it all,¡± I told her as I pulled her chair back for her.


    She bit her lip, looking at the food as if she weren¡¯t sure what to do. I frowned. ¡°Do you not like the food?¡± I asked. If she didn¡¯t, I needed to know so I could have something brought up for her that she would eat.


    She shook her head, looking up at me with panic in her eyes. I cupped her cheeks. ¡°Easy. Breathe, little girl.¡± She drew in a shuddered breath. I brushed my thumbs over her cheeks, trying to figure out what she needed since I knew I had a while to go before she would befortable with vocalizing her wants and needs to me. ¡°Can you try to exin to me what you need?¡±


    She frowned in confusion, her eyes running over my face before she looked back at the food. She just kind of spread her hands over the table and then looked at me, shrugging her shoulders.


    Okay. She was confused about something.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what to eat?¡± I asked her.


    Her eyes brightened a little bit. That strange feeling stirred in my chest again. She was so fucking pretty when she looked like this.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I grabbed one of the empty tes. ¡°Do you like pancakes?¡± I asked her. She nodded. ¡°Can you eat two?¡± She shook her head.


    Okay. One pancake. Part of her te was made.


    ¡°Bacon?¡± I asked her. She nodded. I grabbed three slices, but she shook her head. I took one away. She frowned. Taking a guess, I took the second one away as well, leaving her with one slice.


    She smiled.


    God, help me. My heart was in a lot of fucking trouble around this woman.


    And honestly, I didn¡¯t mind taking care of her like this. I wasn¡¯t sure what to make of it, but I wanted to do whatever I could to make sure she was properly taken care of. If that meant I had to make her te and possibly cut up her pancake, then so be it.


    I would do whatever was needed to make her feel safe andfortable.


    Taking a chance, I scooped up the equivalent of one scrambled egg and set the te in front of her. Without needing her to prompt me, I grabbed a knife and a fork and cut up her pancake before pouring a generous serving of syrup over it.


    She grabbed my hand in hers as I ced her fork down and gave it a gentle squeeze, her silent way of saying thank you.


    I was fucked. So, so fucked with her.


    I pressed my lips to the top of her head and sat down, greedily taking the rest of the food. I was starving, and add that to a damn good homecooked meal? I may as well have never eaten before.


    I finished before she did, which didn¡¯t surprise me. She was picking at her eggs, her eyes moving over the table like she was looking for something.


    Were the eggs nasty?


    ¡°Baby, what is it?¡± I asked her.


    She frowned down at her eggs. ¡°You don¡¯t want them?¡± She looked up at me, nodding her head. Okay. She wanted the eggs. ¡°You normally eat them with something?¡±


    Her eyes brightened again. I scrambled around in my brain, trying to think of what someone would eat on their eggs.


    Some of the guys in prison had eaten ketchup on their scrambled eggs.


    Was that something she did as well?


    ¡°Ketchup?¡± I asked her.


    She nodded. I resisted the urge to gag. That shit was nasty. I had tried it once and would never try it again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have ketchup, baby girl, but I¡¯ll remember it for next time. Have you ever tried eating your eggs with syrup?¡±


    She shook her head. I grabbed her fork from her and mixed her eggs with the syrup still left on her te before picking up a forkful, holding them up to feed them to her.


    Her cheeks reddened in the most adorable fucking way, but she opened her mouth, allowing me to feed her. She moaned, her eyes closing. My cock hardened in my jeans. I reached down and adjusted myself at the same time her eyes opened.


    Her cheeks flushed even more when she saw what I was doing. I grinned at her. Thebination of taking care of her and that sexy ass moan was enough to make me fucking crave her like I craved my next breath, but she needed to finish eating.


    ¡°Just an effect you have on me, little girl.¡± I picked up another forkful, holding it out. ¡°Open for me.¡±


    She obediently opened her mouth, and an image of her opening those lips so I could fuck her mouth shed through my head.


    Fuck.


    I kept my body in check as much as I could, which mostly just consisted of me not throwing her on top of the table and fucking her until neither of us could fucking move.


    Once she was finished eating, I leaned down and lifted her up in my arms, carrying her towards the bed. ¡°Lay down for a little while. I need to go check on some things, and then, we¡¯re going to go somewhere, okay?¡±


    She nodded. I handed her myptop. ¡°You know how to work this?¡± She nodded. I pressed my lips to her forehead. ¡°There¡¯s a movie app on here. Watch whatever you want. I¡¯ll be a while. Sleep if you want.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± she whispered, surprising me with her voice. It was a bit scratchy, but I didn¡¯t care.


    She had spoken to me without being prompted.


    My heart skipped a beat in my chest.


    I was making progress already, and it felt fucking incredible.


    ~*~*~

 Chapter 63

    I found James in his office. Emmaline was in hisp, munching on a gran bar. Carter was ying with a toy on the floor, gurgling happily.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± James asked me.


    ¡°Think I need some help,¡± I confessed.


    James narrowed his eyes at me. ¡°Al-fucking-ready, brother?¡± he demanded. ¡°Jesus Christ. It takes you no time at all to get caught up in some bad shit.¡±


    Iughed, dropping into one of his chairs. ¡°No. I didn¡¯t get into any damn trouble,¡± I told him. He rxed again, his hand slipping up Emmaline¡¯s back beneath her shirt. ¡°I actually wanted to talk about Juliana.¡±


    ¡°That the girl you brought homest night?¡± he asked me. ¡°Caused quite the fucking shit show over her, Darren.¡±


    I shrugged, not giving a fuck. ¡°Guy was being a fucking dick to her. It was clear she didn¡¯t want to be out in the main room, and he wasn¡¯t listening. The terms on her contract werepletely ignored.¡± At that, both he and Emmaline gave me their undivided attention. I knew James didn¡¯t y when it came to a submissive¡¯s contract being vited.


    ¡°Her contract clearly states she doesn¡¯t want any public acts of y. It was all supposed to be done behind closed doors,¡± I told him, pulling her contract from my jacket pocket.


    I set it on his desk. ¡°I need that contract terminated, by the way.¡± He leaned forward and snatched it up, ncing over it.


    ¡°She¡¯s not vocal?¡± he asked in surprise.


    I shook my head in answer. ¡°No. Which is why I¡¯m here for your advice. Not only is she not vocal, but she¡¯s got a . . .¡± I trailed off, trying to think of how best to word her mentality. I didn¡¯t want to describe it as childish because she wasn¡¯t. She was timid, unsure, and she wanted someone to take care of her. But she wasn¡¯t childish.


    ¡°A what?¡± James asked impatiently.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to describe it,¡± I admitted. ¡°She wants someone to take care of her.¡± I leaned forward, smiling at Carter as he toddled over to me, pping his hands to mine. ¡°Like this morning when we were eating breakfast. She wants one of everything  an OCD kind of thing, though she doesn¡¯t mind her food touching. I had to cut up her pancake, and she also seemed to enjoy it when I fed her eggs.¡±


    ¡°Sounds to me like she had some traumatic shit happen to her as a little girl,¡± James said with a shrug.


    ¡°She, um, she might have a daddy kink,¡± Emmaline told me. I snapped my eyes up to my sister-inw in surprise, wincing when Carter grabbed a toy and smacked it against my leg.


    Please, Daddy.


    And she got off on the fact that I called her little girl and baby girl. Juliana fucking loved that shit.


    Which meant someone  her father, most likely  hadn¡¯t taken care of her like a parent was supposed to.


    That shit fucking pissed me off.


    ¡°She probably had a bad childhood,¡± Emmaline quietly continued. ¡°I did, but not so bad that I feel a need for James to do things for me. I just hate decisions being put into my hands, which is where hees in.¡± James brushed a kiss to her temple. ¡°She might also be looking for someone to


    take care of her because she¡¯s tired of fighting all of the time.¡± I swallowed hard at the thought of Juliana giving up.


    I would never fucking allow that to happen.


    ¡°The vocal thing is what concerns me,¡± James spoke up as I lifted Carter onto myp, and he pped his hands together, squealing. ¡°How does she provide consent to you if she doesn¡¯t voice it?¡±


    ¡°I pay attention to her bodynguage along with her nods and head shakes,¡± I exined. ¡°She¡¯s easy to read if you pay attention.¡±


    ¡°You coring her?¡± James asked me. I looked up at him. ¡°Only makes sense since you¡¯ve brought her home with you. Men like us don¡¯t drag random women into our kind of shit, brother.¡±


    I nodded once. ¡°I¡¯m coring her,¡± I told him, my eyes focusing on the cor around Emmaline¡¯s neck. ¡°But she doesn¡¯t want one on her neck. She freaked out at the mention of it.¡±


    Emmaline swallowed thickly. ¡°Something tells me she had something around her neck she never wanted.¡±


    I nodded in agreement, my blood boiling at the thought. I tamped down my temper, lifting Carter up to blow raspberries on his belly to distract my mind. It worked when he giggled. ¡°Her cor will go around her ankle,¡± I told them. I looked up at my brother. ¡°Which means it won¡¯t always be visible, so make sure everyone gets the fucking memo that she¡¯s mine, clear? Because I¡¯ve already killed one son of a bitch over her. I¡¯m not afraid to do it again.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll spread the word,¡± James told me. Carter yawned, and my older brother reluctantly let his wife go so she coulde get Carter from me. ¡°Make sure you take a nap as well, little one,¡± James told Emmaline as she moved towards the door, most likely to go put Carter down for his nap. He shot her a pointed look. ¡°No books, or you¡¯ll receive a punishment.¡±


    She just shed him a sweet smile before she left the office. He sighed, leaning his head back on his chair. ¡°I swear, she lives to annoy the shit out of me sometimes.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Like hell,¡± I retorted. ¡°She bows down to you.¡±


    Heughed. ¡°Wait until you¡¯re around a little longer, man. You¡¯ll quickly see the roles are reversed.¡± He leaned forward. ¡°You want me to do a check on Juliana?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°No. Not yet. Give me some time with her first, see if I can¡¯t figure out what in the hell is going on.¡± He nodded, respecting my decision though I could tell he didn¡¯t like it. ¡°Also, text me the attorney¡¯s number. I need a contract drawn up.¡±


    James rolled back in his chair and pulled open a drawer, grabbing a card and handing it to me. ¡°All of Mr. Kellum¡¯s information is on that card.¡±


    I scowled at my older brother as I stood up from the chair that I¡¯d been sitting in. ¡°I said a text, dumbfuck.¡±


    James grinned. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t be me if I didn¡¯t annoy the shit out of you.¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°Wee home, Darren.¡±


    Shaking my head, I left the office, going up to my room to go check on my woman. When I got upstairs, she was asleep, her body curled into a ball beneath the nkets, hugging my pillow to her chest. I smiled, leaning on my doorframe, just staring at her.


    She was a fucking beautiful as hell sight to behold.


    I knew I¡¯d told her I would take her out today, but it was obvious she needed rest, and I wanted to make sure she had what she needed first. I could just text Emmaline and get her to bring Juliana more clothes and shit until I could take her shopping tomorrow.


    Making a decision, I stepped out into the hall again, quietly shutting my door behind me as I called the attorney.


    ¡°Office of Kellum Law. This is Brandy speaking. How may I help you?¡±


    ¡°I need to speak to Mr. Kellum,¡± I told her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. He¡¯s busy-¡±


    I sighed in exasperation, forcing myself to remember that I¡¯d been in prison the past ten years and that Brandy probably didn¡¯t recognize my voice anymore.


    ¡°Brandy, this is Darren Jackson. Put me through to Mr. Kellum.¡±


    She 	stammered. 	¡°O-of 	course, 	Mr. 	Jackson. 	My 	apologies.


    Congrattions on being released.¡±


    With that, the sound of nature met my ears as she put me on hold. I smiled to myself. Sometimes, I really enjoyed the perks of being the brother to the American mafia don.


    ¡°Mr. Kellum speaking.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Kellum, this is Darren Jackson. I need you to draw up a contract between me and a submissive, Juliana Rodriguez,¡± I told him, miraculously remembering herst name from her contract with the club. ¡°I¡¯ll call youter with more details, but I figured you could go ahead and get the basics going.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Mr. Jackson. I look forward to hearing from you.¡±


    I hung up the phone, not bothering to say anything else. I walked back into my room and toed off my shoes, locking my door behind me.


    Then, I crawled into bed behind Juliana. She tensed up for a moment,ing awake. I brushed my lips to the top of her head, wrapping my arms securely around her. ¡°You¡¯re safe, little girl. Daddy¡¯s got you,¡± I assured her, not even thinking about my words before I spoke them.


    She rxed into my embrace, her eyes falling shut again.


    Daddy¡¯s got you.


    I drew in a deep breath, calming my racing heart because I knew I was in deep.


    My little girl was going to belong to me forever.

 Chapter 64

    I held Juliana¡¯s hand in mine as I led her down the sidewalk of downtown. She was walking so close to me that our arms were always touching, and her eyes kept darting around nervously, like she was expecting something or someone to jump out at her at any given moment.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    I finally wrapped my arm around her waist and tugged her close to me. I noticed the moment her body rxed, and surprising the fuck out of me, she turned her head and pressed a quick kiss to my chest before focusing back on the direction we were walking.


    I wasing to learn that this woman was full of surprises.


    I¡¯d wanted to bring her out yesterday, but she was so tired  so exhausted. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to make her get out of bed, so I just let her sleep. I didn¡¯t know what kind of hell this woman hade from, but I was determined to protect her from it and show her that not everyone in the world was a monster.


    I¡¯d protect her and take care of her until myst, dying breath.


    When we got to the restaurant that I wanted to take her to, she silently followed me inside, trusting me not to take her anywhere dangerous. She never voiced her questions or her thoughts.


    She was practically mute.


    I had a feeling that was a survival mechanism for her, but I was determined to get her to trust me. I wanted her to feel safe speaking freely to me  within the limitations of our boundaries  so I could hear her voice outside of the throws of passion when she was pleading with me to let here.


    We were led to a secluded booth in the back. This restaurant wasn¡¯t anything fancy like my brother tended to frequent. I liked as much normality in my life as I could get, which was where my brother and I differed. He liked to enjoy the finer things in life.


    Prison had humbled me, made me realize that within the blink of an eye, all of the money could disappear. I hadn¡¯t had a singlefort while inside those walls, and it had humbled me.


    Juliana continued to remain silent as we waited on our server toe take our drink orders. She didn¡¯t reach for her menu. Instead, she just stared down at the old, wooden table with her hands sped tightly together in herp.


    Looks like I was making some more decisions for her.


    I stood up. Her eyes snapped up to mine, the dark irises bing panicked. ¡°Easy, little girl,¡± I soothed as I took a seat on the bench beside her. She rxed once I was sitting beside her. ¡°You need me to order for you?¡±


    She nodded. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gently pulled her closer to me. She rxed ever further as she sank against my side. I pressed a kiss to the top of her head.


    The server finally came up to our table. I slowly turned my head towards the young blonde. She looked like she was probably fresh out of high school, maybe in her first year of college. And she was giving me those ssic fuck-me eyes, not even seeming to give a fuck about the woman tucked under my arm.


    ¡°Hi, my name is Aimee. I¡¯ll be your server this morning. What can I get you started with to drink, sir?¡±


    I shoved down my annoyance at the girl. It wouldn¡¯t do me any good to snap at the young girl. It might frighten Juliana, and that was thest thing I wanted to do.


    ¡°Juliana would like a ss of water  no ice  and a cup of apple juice,¡± I told Aimee. Her face fell at the mention of the woman at my side. She quickly focused her gaze on her notepad. Fucking good. ¡°She would also like one pancake  extra syrup and butter  and one egg,¡± I added.


    ¡°Then, I would like a cup of coffee  extra sugar and creamer  and your


    All-American omelet.¡±


    ¡°Anything else, sir?¡± she asked me.


    I shook my head. ¡°That will be all; thank you.¡±


    She scurried away. I pulled my phone out and put on a random show, letting it sit in front of us, but Juliana didn¡¯t show much interest in it. Taking a chance, I put on an old, stupid show that hadn¡¯t been aired in years, but I had enjoyed before going to prison. It was a kid¡¯s show, though my brother had also secretly enjoyed watching it with me during his downtime.


    Juliana¡¯s eyestched onto the screen of my phone as I began ying The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy at low volume  loud enough for her to hear it, but low enough so it wouldn¡¯t disturb the other patrons.


    It had taken me forever to figure out how to work the different apps on my phone yesterday while Juliana had been sleeping. I had never been very technologically advanced, and then being stuck in a prison cell for ten fucking years really fucked me over.


    By the time our food came, Juliana was halfway into episode two, and her water was gone. I asked Aimee to refill her ss, and then, I released Juliana from under my arm, leaning forward to cut her pancake.


    Without a word, I began to feed her food to her. I loved being able to take care of my woman like this. Honestly, I kind of secretly loved her dependence on me. And I couldn¡¯t wait to help her blossom into the beautiful, strong woman I knew she could be.


    She managed to eat most of her pancake before she finally shook her head at me, her silent way of telling me that she was full. Like the good girl she was, she drank her second ss of water and then sipped at her apple juice as she continued to watch the show while waiting on me to finish eating.


    ~*~*~

 Chapter 65

    Juliana stood at my side as I put her few meager belongings into the trunk of my car. After breakfast, I had driven her to the club to get her things from her room there. She hadn¡¯t had much  mostly just lingerie. There¡¯d been about six or seven shirts, a couple pairs of jeans, a pair of shorts, and a dress, but that had been the extent of her wardrobe.


    Which meant I needed to take her shopping.


    That would have to wait though because we were due to meet with the attorney in about thirty minutes in a restaurant right down the street from the club. I wanted to walk, get some fresh air, and I knew the exercise wouldn¡¯t be bad for Juliana.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Exercise was proven to help with depression and anxiety. I was hoping I could get her to a point she wanted to work out with me in the mornings to help with whatever was going on in her mind. But I would never force her.


    I just wanted to help this woman so fucking badly. I knew she could be something great. She just needed some help getting to that point.


    Not knowing what was going on with her was already beginning to fuck with me. It made me feel like I was failing her as her dom  as her man.


    ¡°Come on; let¡¯s walk,¡± I told her as I grabbed her hand in mine.


    She linked our fingers together and pressed her body against my side. I lifted my arm with our hands still connected and draped it around her, holding her against me with her arm crossed over her chest.


    I didn¡¯t miss the small smile that tilted her lips. It momentarily knocked the breath from my lungs, and my entire world fucking shifted on its axis.


    I wanted more of those beautiful smiles.


    And I wanted them aimed at me.


    I looked up and quickly stopped in my tracks when someone stepped out of the alley. I vaguely remembered him from prison, but I didn¡¯t remember much else about him. He¡¯d been quiet while he was there; didn¡¯t say much to anyone.


    ¡°We need to have a talk,¡± he sneered at me.


    I tightened my arm around Juliana when I felt her tremble against my side. Silently, keeping my eyes on the man in front of me, I stepped into the alley, gently pulling Juliana with me. She was safer with me than she was if I left her out on that sidewalk by herself.


    As soon as we were far enough away from the road, I let go of Juliana and swung my foot out, knocking the man on his ass. I snatched my gun out of the small of my back and pointed it down at him while I kicked his gun out of his hand, sending it sliding across the ground away from him.


    ¡°You remember me?¡± I quietly asked him. He nodded, not saying a word. ¡°Then you know what the fuck I¡¯m capable of, yes?¡± ¡°I-it was a job,¡± he stuttered out.


    I kicked his temple, knocking him unconscious. I then grabbed a terrified, shaking, crying Juliana and pulled her close to me, holding the back of her head as I shoved my gun back into my waistband. Then, I called James.


    ¡°Yes, brother?¡±


    ¡°Got a problem,¡± I growled.


    ¡°Talk,¡± he ordered.


    ¡°Someone just tried to kill me,¡± I told him. ¡°A job. Someone wants to fucking eliminate me.¡±


    ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± he swore. ¡°He alive or dead?¡±


    ¡°Alive  for now. Need you to send someone down here to get him  find out what the fuck is going on.¡±


    ¡°On it. Adrian will be there shortly.¡±


    He hung up. I dropped my phone back into my pocket and looked down at Juliana. Her eyes were already locked on me, fear in the depths of her eyes. I swallowed thickly, praying she wasn¡¯t afraid of me. I wasn¡¯t sure if I could handle that.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be afraid of me,¡± I assured her. She swallowed thickly. I grasped her face in my hands. ¡°Little girl, I would never fucking hurt you,¡± I swore. ¡°In this little bit of time, you¡¯ve be the center of my entire fucking universe.¡± She swallowed thickly. ¡°I will do everything in my power to protect you and keep you safe.¡±


    Her lips parted like she wanted to speak, but she hesitated. ¡°Talk to me,¡± I pleaded. I needed to know how she was feeling, what she was thinking.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± she managed to get out.


    ¡°My brother is the don to the American mafia,¡± I told her softly. Her eyes widened in horror. I gently shook her, trying to keep her focused on me and my promises  promises I would never break to her. ¡°Baby girl, I¡¯m never going to hurt you,¡± I promised her. ¡°I¡¯m trained to be a cold-blooded killer, baby, but all of this shit,¡± I said, waving my hand towards the fucker on the ground, ¡°will never be aimed at you,¡± I swore. ¡°You¡¯re mine to protect and to care for, and that is all I will do.¡±


    She bit her bottom lip. I groaned as my cock swelled in my jeans. I gently pulled her bottom lip from between her teeth. ¡°I can¡¯t im you if you don¡¯t trust me, little girl. I can¡¯t put that anklet on your ankle if you don¡¯t trust me to protect you and to take care of you.¡±


    The next words she uttered almost brought me to my fucking knees.


    ¡°I trust you,¡± she whispered.


    I dragged her mouth up to mine, kissing her hard and fast, dominating her lips, my tongue tangling with hers.


    I heard Adrian clear his throat from behind us. I slowly released her and turned to face him. He waved his hand at the guy on the ground, his eyes flickering to Juliana for a moment.


    ¡°You know something,¡± I said.


    He nodded. ¡°Not in front of thedy,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Let me confirm my suspicions, and then, I¡¯ll get James to bring together a small family meeting.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± I told him. I pped a hand to his shoulder. ¡°Thanks, brother.¡±


    He nodded once. I led Juliana from the alley, her body tucked beneath my arm. But after that shit, I was hyper-aware of my surroundings.


    And I didn¡¯t like having Juliana out in the open like this  not with there being a fucking target on the back of my head now. I quickly typed out a message to James.


    Protection needed. -Darren


    It didn¡¯t even take him a full minute to respond.


    Already in ce. You¡¯re covered. -James


    I pressed my lips to Juliana¡¯s temple when I caught her eyes nervously darting to every alley we passed. ¡°Breathe,¡± I soothed. ¡°You¡¯re safe with me, baby.¡±


    Her eyes flickered up to my face. Drawing in a deep breath, she nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s my good girl,¡± I quietly praised.


    Another one of those beautiful smiles tilted her lips.

 Chapter 66

    We made it to the restaurant with no further incidents, and I finally rxed a tiny bit as soon as the doors shut behind us. The restaurant was quiet and sophisticated, a lot different than what I had taken Juliana to that morning.


    And I hated this ce. But I knew Mr. Kellum wouldn¡¯t meet anywhere else.


    We were running a few minuteste, so I was a bit pissed when I didn¡¯t see the attorney waiting on us. I wanted to go over this contract with Juliana, have both of us sign it, feed her lunch, and then take her back home where I knew she was safe.


    I didn¡¯t like being out in the open, not after what had just happened.


    The attorney rushed up to our table, looking a bit winded. I shot him a cold look. He nervously brushed his hand over his tie. ¡°I apologize for my tardiness, Mr. Jackson. I got stuck in traffic.¡±


    ¡°You should have left earlier,¡± I snapped at him. He cringed as he held his hand out for me to shake. I sped his hand in mine, ring at him. ¡°Do not make me wait again, Mr. Kellum.¡±


    He nodded, fear flickering in his eyes for a moment. He knew what I was capable of, and he knew that I was the more dangerous one out of me and James.


    I wasn¡¯t one to cross. I did the dirty work my brother wasn¡¯t willing to do himself.


    He smiled at the woman next to me. She flinched back from him, casting her eyes on herp. I gently gripped the back of her neck, waiting for her to raise her eyes to me.


    When she did, I briefly tightened my hold, reminding her that she was safe. ¡°Breathe, baby. You¡¯re mine,¡± I reminded her.


    She drew in a deep breath, her anxiety easing. I brushed my thumb along the column of her throat before I released her, turning my attention to Mr. Kellum. He had smartly kept his attention away from us as I calmed her, but when I turned back to face him, he was quick to meet my eyes, keeping his gaze off my woman.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°I want to eat before we begin looking over the contract,¡± I told him. ¡°We¡¯ve had a bit of a stressful afternoon thus far, and Juliana needs food in her system.¡±


    He nodded in understanding. I ordered Julian lobster ravioli with two sses of water. I ordered myself the same thing except I ordered a soda instead of a water. A beer would have been fucking nice, but I didn¡¯t want my senses to be fucked with at all  not when I had Juliana¡¯s life in my hands.


    The attorney and I spoke about my time in prison and my parole now that I was out and how I was adjusting to being on the outside again. Juliana stayed quiet, but at some point, while we were waiting on our food, her hand found mine under the table.


    She was slowly opening up to me more and more, and I was relishing every little bit of it. And I was fucking happy that she wasn¡¯t shying away from hearing of my stint in prison.


    Our food was delivered shortly after, and I fed Juliana her lunch, eating bites of mine in between feeding her, so we finished at about the same time. I noticed Mr. Kellum staring, but when I shot him a dark look, he quickly focused his eyes on his food, no longer staring at the way I cared for my woman.


    She drank her water, and once our tes were cleared away, Mr. Kellum handed us each a copy of the contract.


    Instantly, Juliana mmed up, her hands clenching the edges of the paper, crinkling the contract.


    Instantly, I knew.


    She had a fear of making decisions.


    I didn¡¯t know what it stemmed from, and it fucked with me bad that she did.


    ¡°Easy,¡± I soothed as I mped my hand over her thigh. She jerked in surprise, her wide, rmed eyes snapping up to mine. I waited until she rxed again before I spoke. ¡°I know making any kind of decision is frightening, little girl,¡± her eyes brightened at the term of endearment as it slid past my lips, ¡°but I need you to read through this. I will exin anything to you that you don¡¯t understand, but you have to agree to this of your own ord, or it¡¯s null and void.¡±


    She shook her head, not wanting to do this. I cupped the side of her neck, drawing her a little closer to me. ¡°When we get home, I will take you into my yroom, and I will reward you for all of your good behavior today.¡± Her breath hitched in her throat, and she licked her lips. My cock strained against my zipper as I got a sudden vision of those plump, wet lips wrapping around my cock as I fucked her mouth. ¡°But for me to reward you for your good behavior, I need you to read through this contract for me. Can you do that? Can you be my good, little girl and do what I¡¯m asking?¡± ¡°I can,¡± she whispered.


    I grinned at her, loving the sound of her voice. Leaning forward, I imed her mouth with my tongue, forcing myself to take what I could until I could have her gagging on my dick.


    Mr. Kellum was silent, reading through emails on his phone, and Juliana and I read through our contracts. Everything was just as I had asked Mr. Kellum to write out, including the anklet that would go around her ankle instead of a cor to go around her neck. I also included that limits could be written into a new contract at any given time as we found them.


    I finished before Juliana did, and when she was finally done, she looked over at me, simply nodding her head. Mr. Kellum handed me two pens without a word, and she and I both signed our names onto the contract that would be filed in his office.


    When Juliana handed it back to him, Mr. Kellum¡¯s fingers brushed hers. She jerked back in her seat, her eyes shing with panic as her face paled. I lurched forward and grabbed Mr. Kellum¡¯s wrist, ring deep into his eyes as I did so.


    ¡°You ever fucking touch her again, and James will be burying you,¡± I


    quietly snarled, every muscle in my body urging me to fucking hurt him for making her react like that.


    He looked like he was going to pass out. ¡°It was an ident,¡± he rushed out.


    I tightened my grip. ¡°Make sure it never fucking happens again.¡± With that, I stood up from the table and leaned down, lifting Juliana into my arms. She was shaking, clearly lost in her head. People stared at us, but I didn¡¯t give a fuck.


    She buried her face in the crook of my neck, her trembling arms wrapping tight around my shoulders.


    Two of James¡¯s men fell into step with us, seeing as my hands were full, ready to protect us if need be. I didn¡¯t set her down until I got her to my car.


    She clung to me when I set her on the seat, not wanting to let me go.


    I crouched in front of her, grabbing her face in my hands. ¡°Little girl, look at me,¡± I growled, putting myself into dom mode. Her eyes snapped up to mine at the roughmand in my voice. ¡°I need you to breathe, baby girl. I need you to trust me. Whatever is going on in your head, push it down. You¡¯re mine now. No one will fucking touch you, you hear me?¡± She nodded. ¡°Words, little girl.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± she whispered.


    I rubbed the pad of my thumb over her bottom lip. ¡°Good girl,¡± I praised.


    I stood up and quickly shut her car door before I moved around the hood of my car and slid into the driver¡¯s seat, speeding away from the curb to get her home.

 Chapter 67

    When we got back to my brother¡¯s, he was outside waiting for me. His face waspletely masked, not a single fucking emotion visible. I met his gaze evenly, knowing he wanted to talk to me. ¡°Let me get her to our room, and I¡¯lle down to your office,¡± I told him.


    He nodded once and spun around on his heel, executing a perfect about-face before he strode into the house, leaving the door open for me. I led Juliana up to our room and shut the door behind me. I cupped her face in my hands, leaning down to nt a soft kiss on her lips. ¡°Get a shower,¡± I told her. ¡°I¡¯ll be back shortly, and I¡¯ll take care of you,¡± I promised.


    She nodded. I released her and waited until she was in the bathroom before I strode out of the room. I looked at the guard positioned outside. ¡°No one enters without my permission.¡± He nodded. ¡°If she leaves the room, I am to be notified immediately.¡± I didn¡¯t think she would, but I wouldn¡¯t take a single chance.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    I stormed away to my brother¡¯s office. I didn¡¯t bother knocking before I barged into his office. He was standing in the center of the room, his arms crossed over his chest with his sleeves rolled up to elbows to reveal his tattooed forearms.


    ¡°Exin to me what the fuck happened,¡± he ordered.


    So, I did. I told him how I¡¯d been walking to the restaurant, wanting Juliana to get some exercise in. I exined how the man came out of nowhere, ordering me to follow him into the alley. When I told James how he said he was ordered to do a job, he clenched his jaw, his eyes darkening, his careful mask slipping.


    ¡°We¡¯ll kill whoever the fuck put a target on your head,¡± he growled.


    ¡°Not if I do it first,¡± I reminded him. ¡°I might have been locked up for ten fucking years, James, but I¡¯m still the same man I was before I went inside. Don¡¯t forget that.¡±


    He nodded once. I knew he hadn¡¯t, but I felt the need to remind him of who I was and what I was capable of.


    ¡°In the meantime, you don¡¯t go anywhere without protection.¡± I gritted my teeth. ¡°I¡¯d advise you to stay as close to this ce as possible, especially with Juliana.¡±


    I nodded once. ¡°Are we done here?¡± I asked him, needing to get back to Juliana. It had been a rough, draining day for her.


    He nodded. ¡°Be avable,¡± he ordered.


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    I walked out of the office and went back to my room where I knew my sweet woman was waiting on me toe take care of her like I had promised her I would.


    ~*~*~


    Juliana was still in the shower when I got back to the room. Her body was glistening under the water, and I stood, momentarily transfixed as I watched her let the water run over her curvy body.


    I grabbed the small, square box from my pocket and set it on the bathroom counter before I quietly undressed. I then took the silver anklet from its box. The diamonds on it glistened in the light, and it held a single, dangling charm with the letters LG for a little girl.


    Because that¡¯s what she was.


    I stepped into the shower behind her and slid my arms around her, letting my cock rest between her ass cheeks. She moaned low in her throat. I pressed a kiss to her shoulder. ¡°Got something for you,¡± I rasped.


    She slowly opened her eyes. I dangled the anklet in front of her face. A soft gasp left her lips as she stared at it. Tears welled in her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s perfect,¡± she whispered. My heart clenched in my chest at the sound of her voice. I never wanted to get used to it. I wanted to always be surprised and affected by the low, throaty sound of her voice.


    ¡°Nothing but the best for my little girl,¡± I rumbled as I pressed openmouthed kisses to her jaw. Then, I knelt on the floor in front of her andtched the anklet around her ankle. It fits perfectly.


    Then, I began pressing hot kisses to her trembling thighs, using my hands to coax her thighs apart. ¡°Who do you belong to?¡± I asked her, my voice rough.


    I inhaled deeply as the scent of her sex hit me fucking hard. I knew by that alone that she was fucking soaked for me.


    ¡°You, Daddy,¡± she moaned.


    Fuck, that name. That goddamn name was going to be the death of me.


    I slid my fingers along her slit. Her entire body shook as she cried out, her nails biting into my shoulders to hold herself up. ¡°Whose pussy is this?¡± I growled.


    ¡°Yours,¡± she moaned.


    ¡°Yours what?¡± I demanded, withdrawing my hand. ¡°Yours, Daddy,¡± she cried. ¡°It¡¯s all fucking yours.¡±


    I plunged two fingers inside of her. Her walls clutched around me, momentarily strangling my fingers, but that didn¡¯t stop me. I stood up and wrapped my hand around the bottom of her throat. I watched her face, making sure I didn¡¯t freak her out.


    Her lips parted, and her legs spread wider as I quickened the pace of my fingers, curling them just right. ¡°Daddy,¡± she whimpered, her entire body shaking. I tightened my grip on her. She moaned. ¡°Daddy, please,¡± she cried.


    ¡°What do you need, little girl?¡± I growled. ¡°Tell Daddy what you need.¡±


    ¡°I need,¡± she panted, ¡°I need to cum.¡±


    I spun her around to face the shower wall. I then gripped her hips and yanked her back so she bent slightly. Using my foot, I pushed her feet further apart before I buried myself deep inside of her. She screamed, her hands ttening on the wall. ¡°Do not fuckinge,¡± I snarled, my hands running over her body. She sobbed.


    ¡°I need to,¡± she begged.


    ¡°Not yet,¡± I told her. ¡°Good girls get rewarded, baby girl. Remember that.¡±


    She whimpered. I thrust into her hard and fast, locking my left arm beneath her belly when her knees threatened to give out on her. She was crying, whimpering  pleas and begs to cum spilling from her lips, but I continuously denied her, edging her. I kept tipping her so close to that edge before changing it all up, drawing her away from it again.


    ¡°Daddy, please!¡± she begged, mming her hands against the wall. I grinned at the sight. My quiet, meek little girl was firing up. ¡°Stop torturing me.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    I wrapped my hand around her throat and yanked her up so her back was pressed to my abdomen. I never stopped fucking her. ¡°I haven¡¯t tortured you yet, little girl,¡± I rasped. She moaned. I slid my hand down to her clit, my other hand still wrapped around her throat. She screamed when


    I circled her clit, and I pulled away before she could tip over that sinfully beautiful edge. ¡°Remember, I cored you,¡± I growled into her ear. ¡°I control when you get to cum all over my cock,¡± I rasped, biting her earlobe. ¡°I fucking own you.¡±


    ¡°I know, Daddy,¡± she cried, hot tears rolling down her cheeks. ¡°Please,¡± she stuttered.


    Her tears were my undoing.


    I circled her clit and fucked her faster. ¡°Now,¡± I whispered.

 Chapter 68

    I held her tightly as she came all over my cock, setting off my orgasm. I roared her name, my fingers working harder and faster over her slit, sending her into multiple orgasms.


    By the time I finished emptying myself inside of her, she was shaking, her teeth chattering. I quickly sat down on the floor of the shower, turning her to face me.


    ¡°Breathe,¡± I coaxed. Shit, I¡¯d fucked her into shock. ¡°Little girl, breathe. I need you to fucking breathe. You¡¯re in shock.¡±


    I gently rocked her, my hands moving over her back as I gently spoke to her, soothing her as I waited for her trembling to subside and for her teeth to stop chattering.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°What happened?¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°You went into shock,¡± I informed her. ¡°It happens, especially when your body gets overstimted. Just keep breathing, baby girl. Daddy¡¯s got you.¡±


    She yawned, her head falling to my shoulder. I continued holding her until her body finally slumped in my arms, sleep pulling her under. Only then did I get up and dry her off before putting her to bed.


    I pressed a soft kiss to her lips before trailing the tips of my fingers down her cheek. ¡°Sleep well, baby,¡± I whispered.


    ~*~*~


    My phone vibrated in my pocket. With a disgruntled groan, I pulled it out, ring down at my brother¡¯s text.


    Adrian got some info. Need to meet him in the garage in five. You two have a job. He will exin. -James


    Fuck.


    I quickly pulled on a pair of ck jeans with a ck, long-sleeved shirt and my leather jacket before shoving my feet into my boots. I pressed a quick kiss to Juliana¡¯s forehead and wrote out a note that I would be back soon, and if she needed anything, to find James or Emmaline.


    Adrian was waiting for me down in the garage when I got there. We both slid into his SUV. He backed out of the garage. ¡°What did you find out?¡± I demanded.


    ¡°Mexican cartel ordered the hit on you. The kid didn¡¯t know why. He was just assigned the job. Some top-secret shit from what he understood.¡±


    ¡°Jesus fucking Christ,¡± I swore. ¡°I¡¯ve had zero fucking issues with the


    Mexican cartel, Adrian.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± he informed me. ¡°James kept tabs on you in prison. So, I¡¯m a bit surprised as well by this bit of information.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll be finding out why tonight,¡± I growled. He nodded in agreement.


    ~*~*~


    Adrian parked down the street from the location we were heading to. ¡°Need to go in quietly,¡± he told me. ¡°Kid said this was where they all met up at nighttime. It¡¯s not the main people we want  just a small group of those who work under Andres Garcia. But hopefully, someone here will know why the fuck you¡¯re being targeted.¡±


    I double-checked my weapons, finding both guns had full clips. I put two more in my jacket pockets before I slid out of the SUV. We quietly walked through the edge of the woods until we came up to the back of the small house we were targeting.


    Adrian gave me silent orders with his hands. I was to go in first, and he was going to go in after me. Fine with me; I wasn¡¯t afraid of death.


    I kicked the door in. ¡°Everyone on the fucking floor!¡± I shouted.


    Someone bravely shot at me, but it didn¡¯t hit. I sent a bullet through his hand, making him drop his weapon. He screamed in pain. Everyone quickly sank to the ground after that.


    ¡°Andres Garcia has put a fucking target on my head, and I want to fucking know why,¡± I growled.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know,¡± a kid, no older than neen, whimpered from the floor.


    ¡°Try again,¡± Adrian snapped as he sent a bullet into the kid¡¯s spine. He screamed in agony. My lips twisted with a cold smirk.


    ¡°Someone better speak the fuck up, or I¡¯ll litter him and everyone else in here with bullet holes until I get my fucking answer,¡± I snarled.


    ¡°You have his daughter,¡± an older guy spoke up from the floor. He was in his mid-twenties, his Hispanic ent thick in his words. ¡°Juliana Garcia.¡±


    That was all the confirmation I needed. I knew they wouldn¡¯t know anything more than that. I shot the guy in the back of the head. ¡°Clean this shit up,¡± I told Adrian. ¡°I need a fucking cigarette.¡±


    I stormed out of the house. I heard Adrian calling for clean-up as I marched my ass back to the SUV, digging around inside of it until I found a pack of Adrian¡¯s cigarettes. I stuck one in my mouth, lighting it up.


    What I needed was a fucking blunt, but goddamn parole was preventing that shit from happening.


    Anger was pulsing through my veins. I wanted blood. I wanted Andres Garcia¡¯s blood fucking coating my skin.


    All the dots were connecting in my head. Juliana¡¯s fear of men, but yet seeking refuge in a BDSM club  now, it all fucking made sense.


    Andres Garcia was a sick son of a bitch  treated women worse than dirt. Most either eventually died,mitted suicide, or were so fucked in the head that they lost all sense of themselves and stayed.


    Something told me he¡¯d fucked his daughter up  that Juliana was the way she was because of Andres.


    Not wanting to make decisions for herself? It wasn¡¯t because she was tired of fighting. It was because she didn¡¯t know how. She¡¯d never been allowed that privilege.


    Her Daddy kink? She wanted a man to finally take care of her in a way she¡¯d never been taken care of.


    Being mute? That shit stemmed from the fact that she¡¯d probably never been allowed to speak wherever he¡¯d had her locked up.


    And I did not doubt in my mind that she was afraid of anything being around her neck  besides my hand, that was  because he had chained her like he did to all of his other women.


    He¡¯d treated his daughter no better than he treated his women.


    I fisted my hands by my side, barely resisting the urge to pummel them into the side of Adrian¡¯s SUV.


    When I got my hands on that son of a bitch, I¡¯d smile at him as he breathed hisst fucking breath if I didn¡¯t fuck his daughter in front of him first.


    Because she was mine.


    And I also vowed to myself that as long as Juliana wanted me to do all of her fighting for her, as long as she needed me to take care of her, I fucking would.


    She would never have another man let her the fuck down again.

 Chapter 69

    I headed straight to my brother¡¯s office when Adrian and I got back to the mansion. I was too agitated to sit still for very long.


    Like always, I didn¡¯t knock before barging in. Emmaline was in hisp, her hair a mess, her shirt bunched around her waist. Her cheeks flushed red as she quickly scrambled off of James¡¯sp. My brother glowered at me.


    ¡°Debriefing couldn¡¯t have fucking waited?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Not when my woman¡¯s life is on the fucking line, no,¡± I snarled.


    That got his attention. He stood up. ¡°What the fuck do you mean her life is on the line?¡± he demanded, his eyes narrowed at me.


    ¡°Juliana Garcia,¡± I said simply, watching as James quickly connected the dots.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be fucking kidding me,¡± he snapped. ¡°She¡¯s Andres Garcia¡¯s fucking daughter?!¡± he roared.


    I nodded once in confirmation. He stormed to the windows of his office and back again. ¡°Makes fucking sense now. You said she¡¯s basically fucking mute right? Probably was fucking trained that way. Bet if we pull a background check, Rodriguez was her mother¡¯sst name.¡±


    I¡¯d been thinking the same thing. If her name was on a contract, ID had been pulled.


    ¡°She¡¯s got an irrational fear of men unexpectedly touching her,¡± I told him. ¡°Never been that way with me  maybe because I fucking saved her ass the other night. But when your attorney touched her unexpectedly, she freaked the fuck out.¡±


    ¡°The hell was she doing at my club, then?¡± James asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s all she might know,¡± Emmaline quietly spoke up. James turned to look at her, but she looked at me. ¡°Right, Darren?¡±


    I nodded. That had been my guess, too. She¡¯d escaped the life of a sex ve, but she¡¯d run to another ce where she would only be used for the same thing. But at least she felt somewhat in control there of who got to touch her.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t make any goddamn sense to me,¡± James said, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m trying to figure out why you run from one ce where you¡¯re good for nothing more than your pussy to another ce where you¡¯re going to get treated the exact same way.¡±


    ¡°She was protected there  for the most part,¡± Emmaline exined to her husband. James turned to look at her, soaking in what she had to say. Emmaline was smart in her own way, and she understood victims of abuse. ¡°That¡¯s my guess, anyway. Some women take back control of their lives after being sexually assaulted by having more sex, but this time, it¡¯s of their own control.¡±


    ¡°I need a protection detail for Juliana,¡± I told James, knowing he had the manpower to do it. He looked at me. ¡°Not a fucking thing can happen to my woman, James,¡± I warned him. ¡°I promised her I would always protect her.¡±


    He nodded once, understanding instantly where I wasing from. I knew he¡¯d do the same for his wife and son in less than a heartbeat. ¡°I¡¯ll put another guard on your door with the one already there, and you¡¯ll have two sets of two guards for your door. They¡¯ll have rotating shifts of twelve hours. A guard will be posted on your hall. If you two have to go anywhere,


    you¡¯ll have six guards with you. That work?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°That works, brother. Thanks.¡±


    He nodded once at me. ¡°We¡¯ll keep her safe, Darren. She¡¯s family now.¡±


    I nodded once before I walked back out of his office, heading to my room. I needed my woman  needed to reassure myself that she was safe.


    Which meant I was about to give my little girl her first real session with me.


    ~*~*~


    Juliana was awake when I walked into our room. She had taken another shower, and her hair was hanging wet around her shoulders. She only had on one of my t-shirts, her bare legs on disy.


    I hungrily ran my eyes over her. Somehow sensing what I wanted, she got on her knees in front of me, her hands ttening on her thighs, her eyes downcast.


    The perfect, meek submissive.


    But I wanted her to fucking burn for me.


    ¡°You ready for me, little girl?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± she said softly.


    ¡°On your feet,¡± I ordered.


    As soon as she was on her feet again, I grabbed her hand in mine and led her into my closet. I pushed aside some of my clothes to reveal the door to my yroom. After unlocking it, I led her inside.


    Her eyes widened in surprise.


    The room was done in dark purple and ck tones. It was soothing andforting to me, and judging by the way Juliana rxed at my side once we were enclosed in the room, she felt safe in here as well.


    ¡°In here, I am your daddy,¡± I told her quietly. I locked my hand around the front of her throat and pulled her body against mine. I leaned my head down, letting my breath fan her ear. She softly moaned, her body shuddering against mine. ¡°Remember, I cored you,¡± I rasped. She nodded. ¡°From the moment you signed that contract, know you became mine. No one else ever gets to tell you what to do but me,¡± I told her, feeling the need to enforce that for her. Her father and his men would never fucking touch her again. ¡°I¡¯m the only one who controls you  the only one you fucking answer to,¡± I growled.


    She nodded. ¡°I want your words, baby girl. Can you give me your sweet voice inside of this room?¡±


    She hesitated for a moment. I waited patiently. ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± she finally whispered.


    I pressed my lips to her temple. ¡°That¡¯s my good, little girl,¡± I crooned. I turned her to face me and gripped the hem of my shirt she was wearing. ¡°When we enter this room, I am the one who undresses you.¡± I looked down at her, my nostrils ring.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    No fucking panties.


    ¡°A fucking tease, baby girl,¡± I rasped, locking my eyes back on her own.


    She just shot me a shy, sweet smile.


    This woman was going to be my fucking undoing.


    I pulled the shirt over her head and tossed it to the floor, leaving her body bare to my eyes. She tentatively reached out for me before she dropped her hands back to her sides.


    I gripped her chin, tilting her head back so she was looking up at me. ¡°You want to touch me, little girl?¡± She nodded. I grabbed her hand and ced it on my chest. ¡°Then, touch me. Every part of me belongs to you as well, baby. As long as your hands are not cuffed, you can touch me however much you want.¡± I would not deny her that. I wanted her to feel safe and free in here with me. I knew other doms had no-touching rules, and normally, I would, but not with her  never with her.


    She breathed a small sigh of relief, her other handing up to run under my shirt. I groaned and closed my eyes, loving the feel of her soft hands on my skin. I was burning for her, and judging by how hard her nipples were, how heavy her tits were at that moment, I knew she was dying for me to touch her as well.


    ¡°On your knees,¡± I rumbled.


    Obediently, my little one dropped to her knees, looking up at me for more direction. I undid my belt buckle. ¡°Eyes on me,¡± I told her as I pulled my belt out of my jeans and dropped it to the floor. She flinched at the loud sound the buckle made. I reached down and ran my fingers through her hair. ¡°You¡¯re safe with me,¡± I promised.


    She rxed again. I pulled my boots off and kicked them aside before I finished undressing, her eyes locked on every bit of my exposed body.


    The idea of blindfolding her ran through my mind for a moment, but I pushed it away. I wanted her to trust me more before I went to that level with her.


    I fisted my cock in my hand, tilting her chin up with my other hand. ¡°Open, baby girl.¡±


    She parted those fuckable lips for me, and I slid my cock inside of her wet mouth, groaning at the feeling of her soft, wet mouth around my shaft. Her tongue swirled around me, her cheeks hollowing out as she began to suck me off. Iced my fingers in her hair, thrusting in and out of her mouth.


    ¡°Touch yourself,¡± I roughlymanded. ¡°But do note until I give the order.¡±


    She slid her hand between her legs, her other hand cupping my balls. I jerked in surprise, my head falling back on my shoulders for a moment as she basically sucked my soul from my body.


    The woman was gifted an amazing fucking mouth.


    I looked down at her. Her eyes were open, locked on mine, though I could tell she was struggling to keep them open as she lost herself in her own pleasure. Her pussy was glistening with her juices, her thighs wet with it.


    She squeezed my balls the tiniest bit, sucking hard on the tip of my cock.


    ¡°Yes, baby. Like that,¡± I rasped, fucking her mouth harder. She never gagged. She took it all like the perfect, good girl. ¡°I¡¯m almost there.¡±


    She sucked hard on the tip of my cock again, and I came hard in her mouth. She swallowed it all, not once gagging as I flooded her throat with my cum. ¡°Now,¡± I barked. ¡°Come now, little girl.¡±


    I pulled myself from her lips, and her beautiful moans and screams sounded throughout my yroom as she came hard on her fingers. I quickly lifted her up and set her on the bed, flipping her onto her stomach. Then, I yanked her arms behind her back, holding her wrists in my grip as I slid deep inside of her, fucking her hard and fast.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold back,¡± I told her. ¡°I want your pussy to soak my dick,


    Juliana.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± she whimpered.


    I pounded in and out of her, my fingers digging into her skin, no doubt leaving bruises, but she felt so fucking good around me.


    She wasing over and over, my balls and her thighs bing wet with it all, but I still didn¡¯t stop. I pushed her to her limits, pushed her until she was begging me to stop, but I knew she was pleading for more.


    She knew what her safe word was if she couldn¡¯t handle it anymore.


    ¡°D-Darren-¡± she stuttered out, breaking the rules. But I slowed my movements, releasing her wrists to brush my hands over her back.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got you, baby,¡± I soothed. ¡°Breathe. Let me work your body down, alright? Just focus on breathing.¡±


    The sound of my name on her lips had rocked my entire fucking world  flipped itpletely upside down. I couldn¡¯t even bring myself to be agitated that she had broken the number one rule of the yroom.


    Her safe word was ck. She¡¯d written it into the contract in the spot that Mr. Kellum had designated for her to write it.


    But she¡¯d said my name instead.


    As soon as her body wasn¡¯t shaking as much, I lifted her from the bed and carried her out of the yroom into our bathroom. I sat in the tub and turned the water on with the jets, still holding her to me.


    Once we were beginning to get submerged beneath the water, she yawned, her head falling on my shoulder.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you use your safe word?¡± I quietly asked her, hoping she would feelfortable enough to answer me.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a limit,¡± she quietly answered. I rxed at the sound of her sweet voice.


    I sighed softly. ¡°Baby girl, your safe word is not to just be spoken when we¡¯ve reached a limit. It¡¯s there to tell me if your body is too worked up, if you¡¯re not okay with something, or even if you need a break. It is there for your safety.¡±


    She frowned in confusion as she looked up at me. I brushed my fingers over her smooth cheek. ¡°But you stopped when I said your name.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°That I did because I could hear it in your voice that you were reaching your limit,¡± I exined. ¡°My job as your dom is not to fuck you until I¡¯m sated. It is to take care of you. Sex is a mere bonus between us.¡±


    She stared at me for a moment, running her eyes over my face. ¡°Is that why you didn¡¯t . . .¡± her voice trailed off.


    I nodded. ¡°Little girl, you have no idea how much it pleases me just to take care of you,¡± I told her honestly. Her cheeks warmed, her eyes brightening. I trailed my fingers down her spine. ¡°All I want is your trust and that pretty as fuck smile.¡±


    It touched her lips at my words. I brushed my lips to her forehead. ¡°That¡¯s the smile,¡± I said quietly. ¡°That, baby girl, is all I want in return.¡±


    She snuggled closer to me. ¡°I feel safe with you, Darren,¡± she said quietly, almost to where I didn¡¯t hear her.


    I pressed my lips to the top of her head. ¡°I will never give you reason not to,¡± I swore.

 Chapter 70

    I quietly rolled out of bed, recing my body beneath Juliana with my pillow, hoping it would keep her asleep. She¡¯d been clinging to me all night after our session, and I fucking loved it.


    But I couldn¡¯ty in bed any longer. I needed to get our dirty clothes out of the yroom and then get started on my day.


    I was in the shower when I heard the door open. Juliana stepped in a momentter, and her handnded on my back between my shoulder des before I felt her lips on my wet skin a momentter.


    ¡°Woman, you are asking to get fucked,¡± I warned her. Even though we¡¯d done quite a bit of fuckingst night before we fell asleep in bed, I was always ready for more with her.


    This woman of mine was fucking incredible.


    I turned to look at her, my cock already standing at attention. She slid her soft hands up my abs. My muscles quivered beneath her touch. ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be so bad,¡± she whispered.


    I ran a hand down my face. I hadn¡¯t slept worth a shit the night before. All I could think about was Andres Garcia and his threat hanging over Juliana¡¯s head.


    Did she have any clue I knew who she was now?


    ¡°Before I take your body as mine again, baby girl, I need to tell you something.¡±


    Her eyes  so fucking trusting  locked on mine. I licked my lips, drawing in a deep breath. ¡°Andres has put a hit out on me to get you back,¡± I quietly told her. Her face paled. Fear clouded her eyes. I gripped her face in my hands. She was retreating from me, and I couldn¡¯t fucking have that. ¡°Look at me, Juliana,¡± I ordered. She squeezed her eyes shut, and I saw a tear slip from the corner of her eye. I gently shook her. ¡°Little girl, open your fucking eyes and look at me.¡±


    She snapped them back open, those terrified eyes locking on mine. ¡°He will never touch you again,¡± I swore to her. ¡°You are mine, you hear me? You belong to me. I will not let anyone fucking take you from me, you hear me?¡¯


    She nodded. I gently shook her again. ¡°Words, little girl.¡± I needed her to vocalize to me that she understood everything I was saying to her. I needed her to trust me to take care of her.


    ¡°I understand,¡± she said softly.


    I gathered her close to me, holding her tight in my arms. I pressed my lips to the top of her head. ¡°Mine, baby girl,¡± I whispered. I slid my hand to her breast, cupping one, then the other. ¡°Mine.¡± I slid my hand over her belly. ¡°All fucking mine.¡± Then, I dipped my fingers right where I knew she wanted me, already finding her soaked. ¡°This is all fucking mine,¡± I growled, looking down into her eyes.


    ¡°Yours,¡± she said in agreement, her eyes back to that trusting look again.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    I took her lips in a hard kiss, my tongue tangling with hers as I backed her up against the shower wall, thrusting my fingers inside of her. I swallowed her moan and cupped her breast with my other hand, squeezing roughly before I pulled at her nipple, lightly pinching it. ¡°Darren,¡± she whined.


    ¡°Come,¡± I ordered.


    She came hard around my fingers, and before she had a chance topletelye off that high, I lifted her up and wrapped her legs around me before I thrust deep inside of her, iming her pussy all over again.


    She clung to me, her nails digging into my back as she stered her wet body to mine. Her sweet voice begged me for more, begged me to make herpletely mine.


    I mmed my hand against the wall beside her head, my other hand gripping her ass cheek as I pounded in and out of her, my breathing out of control as I took her like a fucking savage.


    I wreaked destruction on her body as I bit at her skin, marking her like a fucking caveman.


    I held back as long as I could, but when I sent her headlong into a strong as fuck orgasm, her walls clutched me so fucking tight that it triggered my own release. I roared her name and gripped a handful of her hair, yanking her head back to im her lips.


    ¡°Mine,¡± I growled, reiterating that point to her. I knew she needed to hear it.


    ¡°Yours,¡± she panted. ¡°All yours, Darren.¡±


    ~*~*~


    After we were both dressed, I took her downstairs for breakfast, nodding at the security guards on her protection detail as I passed by them.


    Juliana stayed close by my side, her eyes glued to the floor. ¡°Juliana, eyes up,¡± I told her. She looked over at me in surprise. ¡°You¡¯re my equal  never below me. I want you to walk around with your chin up, you hear me?¡±


    She frowned but nodded. I leaned over and pressed a kiss to the shell of her ear. ¡°Do this for me, and I¡¯ll reward youter,¡± I promised in a whisper.


    A shiver ran through her body, but her eyes brightened at the thought of a reward.


    God, I loved taking care of her.


    I led her over to the table that Emmaline, James, and Carter were at. I pulled a chair out for Juliana before taking a seat beside her, nodding in greeting to Adrian as he took a seat at our table as well. Mrs. Judy walked over to our table, beaming at Juliana. ¡°Oh, you are so beautiful,¡± she gushed.


    Juliana¡¯s cheeks med red. She started to cast her eyes down before she remembered my words from earlier and lifted her chin again. I leaned over and pressed a kiss to her jaw. ¡°Good girl,¡± I rumbled.


    She beamed at me. God, those fucking smiles were going to melt my insides. As long as I got rewarded with those smiles, I would die a fucking happy man.


    ¡°What would you like to eat, sweetheart?¡± Mrs. Judy asked her.


    ¡°She¡¯ll have a stack of pancakes,¡± I answered for her. Juliana found my hand under the table and gave it a gentle squeeze of thanks. ¡°Add a ss of cranberry juice and two bottles of water, please.¡±


    She smiled at me. ¡°Of course. And what do you want, Darren?¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Everything,¡± I admitted. James snorted, calling me a fat ass. I kicked him under the table, making him scowl at me. ¡°Add a cup of coffee to that as well.¡±


    ¡°You got it.¡±


    She walked back to the kitchen. ¡°You still eat that fucking much?¡± James asked me.


    I flexed my bicep and turned my head, pressing a kiss to it. Julianaughed with Emmaline, and the sound of Julianaughing sent tingles straight down my spine, making me rx even further into my chair. ¡°Got


    to eat to keep up this amazing body, brother.¡±


    ¡°Stop taking steroids,¡± Adrian told me. ¡°That might help.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°No steroids in prison, Adrian. All of this shit is natural.¡±


    He teasingly scoffed. Surprising the fuck out of me like she always tended to, Juliana wrapped her hand around my bicep, turning my attention to her.


    ¡°I like it,¡± she said quietly.


    I grinned and leaned down to kiss her.

 Chapter 71

    James looked at me across the dining table. ¡°I need you and Adrian in my office after breakfast,¡± he told me.


    I nodded once. If he was calling a small meeting between us, then he had found something out.


    Juliana looked worriedly to me, but I aimed an easy-going smile at her, instantly calming her nerves. She smiled at me before she opened her mouth and took thest bite of her pancake.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Slowly, but surely, her appetite was increasing, which I was happy as fuck for. She was at a healthy weight, but her appetite was near nonexistent a few days ago.


    I finished off my food as she drank her water and cranberry juice. Emmaline  bless her sweet soul  did her best to engage Juliana in conversation, though Juliana waspletely mute, only nodding or shaking her head in answer. I noticed James gently cup the back of Emmaline¡¯s neck, his thumb brushing the column of her throat.


    His wife was distressed over Juliana¡¯sck of voice.


    I knew Emmaline was aware that it had nothing to do with her but had everything to do with Juliana¡¯s past, which I also knew bugged Emmaline.


    After Juliana finished her water and her cranberry juice, I led her out of the room and up the stairs. She crawled onto the bed as soon as we got in the room, her eyes shutting as she clutched my pillow.


    Seemed like social interaction took a lot out of her.


    It was amon sign of anxiety and depression, both of which I had no doubt in my mind that my woman suffered from.


    I leaned over the bed, bracing my hands on either side of her. She slowly opened her pretty, dark eyes to look up at me. ¡°You okay?¡± I asked her.


    She nodded. ¡°I¡¯m tired,¡± she mumbled, letting her eyes fall shut again.


    I leaned down and brushed my lips to her forehead. ¡°Get some rest, then.¡± I pulled my phone out of my pocket and set it beside her on the bed. ¡°If you need me, call James or Adrian. They will let me know,¡± I assured her. She tensed, most likely at the thought of having to speak to someone that wasn¡¯t me. I brushed my hand over her side. ¡°Easy, baby girl. You don¡¯t even have to say a word when you call. I¡¯ll know.¡±


    She nodded, rxing again. I leaned down and kissed her before pulling the nkets over her and leaving the room to go find out what my brother had learned.


    ~*~*~


    ¡°Tell me what you know,¡± I ordered as soon as I shut my brother¡¯s office door behind me, closing the three of us into the room together.


    He stuffed his hands in the pockets of his cks. ¡°Apparently, he¡¯s been searching for Juliana ever since she escaped from him,¡± James exined. ¡°ording to Gemma, your girl never left the club once she got there  not even for necessities she might need. She always asked Gemma to get them for her.¡± I frowned at that bit of information.


    ¡°She had to have known our club was safe,¡± I finally noted.


    Adrian nodded in agreement. ¡°My guess, too. Just wonder if she knew who owned it,¡± he mused.


    I shook my head. ¡°I don¡¯t think she has any idea because she would have known who I was,¡± I told them. ¡°When I disarmed that fucker in the alley and knocked him out, it freaked Juliana out. She had no idea who I was until that day.¡±


    ¡°Well, this shit gets worse, brother,¡± James told me.


    I gritted my teeth as I cut my eyes to him. ¡°Well?¡± I demanded.


    ¡°There¡¯s a cash reward for whoever returns her to him alive  a fucking million.¡±


    ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± Adrian spluttered. ¡°She really fucking worth that?¡±


    Anger pulsed through me, his words sending me over the edge. I shoved him  hard. He hit the floor. James jumped between us before Adrian coulde back at me. ¡°Lock it down,¡± he growled at us. He red at Adrian. ¡°That was a dick move, and you fucking know it. I would have hospitalized you for saying a hell of a lot less about Emmaline.¡± James looked at me. ¡°Rein it in, brother.¡±


    I red at Adrian, fucking seething. ¡°She is worth that,¡± I snarled at him. ¡°She¡¯s worth a hell of a lot fucking more. She¡¯s worth every fucking life in this goddamn house and then some.¡±


    He gritted his teeth but didn¡¯t say anything more. James looked between us. ¡°We good?¡±


    I nodded once and stepped back, stalking to the other side of the room. ¡°We need to discuss some kind of fucking strategy,¡± I spoke into the tense silence, turning to face James and Adrian again. ¡°We need some kind of intel on what the fuck we¡¯re going up against here.¡±


    James nodded in agreement. He cut his eyes to his best friend. ¡°You with us or against us on this, Adrian?¡±


    ¡°With you,¡± Adrian said. He inclined his head to me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Darren. I didn¡¯t realize how much the woman meant to you.¡±


    He should have known considering men like us didn¡¯t just bring random women home. Instead of arguing like I wanted to  or knocking him on his ass again  I nodded once at him before looking back at James. ¡°I¡¯m good at getting intel,¡± I told him. ¡°You know that. If you let me go, just make sure there¡¯s extra protection on Juliana in ce of my absence. And I know you like having Emmaline by your side, but I¡¯m asking you to let her be with Juliana instead while I¡¯m gone.¡±


    James clenched his jaw, but I knew he understood why I was requesting it. ¡°You sure Juliana will befortable with that?¡± James asked me.


    I nodded. ¡°She hates being alone more than she fears being around Emmaline. She¡¯s fine now because she knows I¡¯m close, but I¡¯m worried about what will happen while I¡¯m gone.¡± I slid my hands into the pockets of my leather jacket. ¡°Besides, she may not have been saying much to Emmaline at breakfast, but she wasn¡¯t tense. She was rxed. She somewhat trusts Emmaline.¡±


    James sighed but nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll suffer for a couple of nights for her sake,¡± he said jokingly, though I knew he would. He liked having Emmaline as close as possible at nighttime.


    I nodded at him. ¡°Thanks, James.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll need to be ready to go by nightfall,¡± James warned me. He looked at Adrian. ¡°Make sure everything he needs is in his car.¡±


    Adrian nodded once, all of us taking our cue to leave. I went straight back to my room. When I got in there, Juliana was leaning against my headboard, her knees pulled up to her chest. She looked up at me, her eyes seeking mine out.


    I walked straight over to her and pressed my lips to hers in a soft, soothing kiss. ¡°I¡¯m here, little girl,¡± I soothed, knowing that term would fully rx her.


    I leaned back up and walked over to the closet, pulling down a small duffel from my closet to pack. Juliana jumped up from the bed, her panicked eyes finding mine.


    Fuck.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± she choked out in fear and panic.


    ¡°Hey, easy,¡± I soothed. I dropped the duffel on the floor and strode towards her, cupping her beautiful face in my hands. ¡°I have to go do something to keep you safe and protected. I won¡¯t be gone long  a couple of nights at most,¡± I promised.


    She shook her head, her hands circling my wrists. ¡°No. Don¡¯t leave,¡± she pleaded.


    God, she was breaking my fucking heart.


    ¡°Baby, I have to. You¡¯re safe here,¡± I swore. ¡°I would never leave you somewhere I thought you were unsafe and unprotected.¡±


    Tears glistened in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m scared to be without you,¡± she confessed.


    Oh, my baby.


    I pressed my lips to hers and backed her up to the bed,ying her back on it. I yanked her leggings down her legs and ripped her panties off of her before I buried myself to the hilt in her slick, wet heat. She cried out my name, her ankles locking behind my back as she met me thrust for thrust, her hands wing at my jacket.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine,¡± I rasped. I nipped at her jaw. ¡°You belong to me. You will be safe,¡± I swore.


    ¡°Darren,¡± she whimpered.


    I covered her lips with mine, fucking her hard, imprinting myself into her soul. She came hard around me, her pussy strangling my cock, forcing me toe with her. I kissed her harder as I rocked in and out of her, not near done with her yet.


    I leaned up so I could watch our bodiese together. Reaching down, I rubbed her clit with my thumb. She shot up off the bed, a cry leaving her lips. I wrapped my hand around her throat, gently squeezing the sides as I dragged her lips up to mine, never stopping the movement of my cock into her.


    I drove deep. I drove hard. I imed the very depths of her soul, engraving my name on her heart and into her memories.


    ¡°Mine,¡± I growled as we came a second time, always reiterating that for her.


    ¡°Yours,¡± she cried out, her body trembling against mine. ¡°Always yours.¡±


    After, I took her into the bathroom and settled her on my knee, bathing her and washing her hair for her before I carried her sleepy form back to bed. She hugged me tightly as Iid her down, her lips brushing my cheek.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be a good girl while you¡¯re gone,¡± she sleepily whispered.


    I smiled down at her before I covered her lips with mine in a sweet kiss.


    ¡°You¡¯re always my good girl, baby.¡± I brushed her nose with mine in an


    Eskimo kiss. ¡°Sleep well, little girl.¡± ¡°I will, Daddy,¡± she mumbled.


    I smiled and walked away from the bed to finish packing so I could still have time to debrief with James and Adrian before leaving.

 Chapter 72

    JULIANA


    A light knock sounded on the room door. I frowned, not moving from the bed, unsure of what I was allowed to do while Darren was gone. It was already nerve-wracking to be outside of the club without him by my side to protect me.


    In such a little amount of time, I¡¯d be dependent on Darren. It was probably a bad thing that I was so attached already, but I couldn¡¯t help myself. He was so good at bringing me out of my shell, and I always felt extremely safe with him.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    He had be my rock, and I was quickly falling in love with him.


    Was it okay for me to fall in love with my dom?


    ¡°Juliana?¡± a deep, male voice called from outside of my room. I vaguely recognized the voice as James. ¡°Darren asked me to make sure you ate dinner,¡± he called.


    I slowly got off the bed and padded barefoot to the door, slowly opening it to reveal James and his wife Emmaline. Their son Carter was settled on James¡¯s hip, and the little boy was ying with James¡¯s shirt cor.


    I pointed at my feet, trying to tell them without words that I needed to put shoes on. Emmaline smiled warmly at me. ¡°Go on,¡± she urged. ¡°We¡¯re going to eat as a family tonight instead of in the main dining room. I know it¡¯s a bit frightening for you right now without Darren here.¡± I stared at her for a moment. How had she known that?


    She just gave me a small, understanding smile. ¡°I know,¡± she said, waving her hand towards James. ¡°Even yearster, it¡¯s hard to be without my own dom.¡±


    I looked between her and James. James just silently met my gaze, his face not changing. But I rxed a little in their presence.


    They understood how I was feeling without Darren by my side.


    Stepping back into the room but leaving the door open, I quickly rushed to grab my ts, pulling them onto my feet before walking back to them. James walked behind us as Emmaline led me from the room and over to the stairs. ¡°Darren mentioned you need clothes,¡± Emmaline said. I nced over at her before looking back at the floor. ¡°We can¡¯t go shopping because of the circumstances, but we can shop online, and I can put them on my credit card. If I rush ship them and James makes a phone call,¡± she shot her husband a smile, ¡°I¡¯m sure we can get them rush delivered sometime tomorrow.¡±


    I shook my head. I didn¡¯t want them spending their money on me.


    ¡°Juliana, you are family now,¡± James spoke up from behind me. I flinched at the sudden baritone of his voice, though I knew he was speaking normally. ¡°You are my brother¡¯s. This is what we do for family.¡±


    My chest squeezed. Was it really this easy? Because all my family had done was let me down time and time again, used me and abused me until I


    finally found the chance to escape.


    A shudder wracked my frame at the reminder of that cold, deste basement  the chains around my neck, wrists, and ankles.


    One night, my father¡¯s right-hand man hade down to the basement drunk as hell. He¡¯d been sloppy, unchaining me. I had used what strength I had to knock him unconscious, and I ran, somehow slipping out of the house without alerting anyone.


    And then, I ran full sprint for the woods. I had no clothes on. No shoes. My skin had gotten torn up in those woods, and I got bitten by more bugs than I could ever count.


    But I¡¯d escaped. I¡¯d survived. And I survived until I made it to the club in New York.


    I¡¯d heard from different people by the time I made it to New York about the club. They¡¯d been talking in hushed whispers, something about the ce seeming taboo, but I¡¯d gone anyway.


    And it had been the perfect refuge. I knew sex. I knew how to submit. I knew how to follow orders. And it would be thest ce my father would ever think to look for me.


    But at least this time, the sex I engaged in would be on my own terms.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Emmaline quietly asked me. Her handnded on my arm. I flinched away, snapping my eyes up to hers. She quickly withdrew her hand. ¡°Sorry,¡± she whispered. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to frighten you. You got lost in your head for a minute, and I got worried; that¡¯s all.¡±


    Swallowing thickly, I nodded. She frowned but turned away, leading me into a small dining room on the first floor. There was a small table in the center. James pulled her chair out for her, and before he could do the same for me, I quickly sat down.


    I knew Darren trusted him, but I couldn¡¯t  not yet.


    Mrs. Judy brought food to us, being careful not to brush her body against mine, for which I was extremely thankful.


    I couldn¡¯t stand it when random people touched me. It was honestly extremely surprising that I always let Darren touch me so easily.


    But I trusted him. It was hard to push away someone¡¯s touch when you knew with every fiber of your being that they would never hurt you. He¡¯d proven his loyalty to me and my well-being the very first time I saw him in the club.


    Darren had protected me. He¡¯d made sure that man could never touch me again.


    I stared at my te, frowning. Even at the club, Gemma had always been kind enough to feed me. I was terrified of being reprimanded if I tried to feed myself. I¡¯d never been allowed to, and the few times I¡¯d tried feeding myself out of the insane hunger I was feeling, I¡¯d gotten beaten and my food had been taken away.


    I jumped back when James suddenly set his phone in front of me. The screen was ck, but I could hear Darren¡¯s voice, which rxed me.


    ¡°Fuck, hold on, James. You really call at the worst of fucking times.


    Man can¡¯t even take a goddamn shower in peace any fucking more.¡±


    I giggled, unable to help myself. The phone quickly lightened up, Darren¡¯s face filling the screen. He grinned at me. ¡°I thought that was your cute as fuckugh, baby girl. You doing okay?¡±


    I nodded, my cheeks warming. He saw the te of food sitting in front of me and frowned for a moment before he locked his eyes back on me. ¡°If I stay here on the phone with you, will you eat your food for me like the good girl I know you can be?¡±


    I bit down on my lower lip, unsure. He groaned. ¡°Release it,¡± he growled. I quickly released my bottom lip, my pussy throbbing for him. Every nerve ending in my body tingled at the sound of hismand. ¡°Eat your food for me, baby girl. No one will hurt you; I promise. I¡¯ll fucking kill them if they do.¡±


    Swallowing nervously, but wanting to please him, I picked up my fork and slowly speared a piece of chicken, lifting it up to my lips. Darren grinned at me. ¡°That¡¯s my girl,¡± he praised.


    Smiling, my stomach rumbling, I quickly ate the rest of my dinner as he encouraged me. James and Emmaline talked quietly amongst themselves, not paying me and Darren any bit of mind.


    ¡°Thank you for eating, baby,¡± Darren said softly once I was finished. ¡°You have no fucking idea how proud I am of you. Can you continue to be my good girl while I¡¯m gone and spend some time with Emmaline  get some shopping done online as well?¡±


    I frowned, unsure. I still didn¡¯t like the idea of them spending money on me.


    ¡°Juliana,¡± Darren said quietly, ¡°I need you to get some shopping done, baby girl.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like you spending money on me,¡± I quietly told him.


    He tenderly smiled at me. ¡°What is mine is now yours, Juliana. I didn¡¯t cor you for just a little while. I cored you forever. You¡¯re mine now. I want to take care of you, baby girl. Let me do that.¡±


    Sighing, I nodded, but my heart rate sped up in my chest at his sweet words. He grinned before looking down at his watch. ¡°I need to go, baby, but if you need me, let Emmaline or my brother know, you hear me?¡± ¡°Okay,¡± I whispered.


    James took his phone back and quickly left the room, saying something quietly to Darren that I couldn¡¯t hear. Emmaline smiled at me, a hopeful look in her eyes. ¡°So, shopping?¡± she asked. Smiling just a little bit, I nodded.


    ~*~*~


    I was almost asleep when Emmaline softly woke me back up. I groaned, looking up at her through slitted eyes. She handed me her phone. ¡°Darren wants to talk to you before you go to sleep,¡± she whispered.


    I slowly took the phone from her, lifting it to my ear. I made a humming sound in acknowledgement.


    ¡°Sleepy, baby girl?¡± Darren asked me.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I whispered, slipping off the bed to go to the closet so I could speak to him in private. I had spoken a couple of words to Emmaline today, but it still made me nervous to speak to anyone but Darren.


    ¡°I won¡¯t hold you up long then, baby. Just wanted to call and tell you goodnight and that I¡¯ll be home soon,¡± he assured me. ¡°I miss you like hell.¡±


    I smiled a little, my chest aching in his absence. ¡°I miss you, too,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°When I get home, I will wear your sweet little body out for being so damn good for me while I¡¯ve been gone,¡± he promised. Every part of my body began to ache for him. ¡°My cock is hard just thinking about it, little girl.¡±


    ¡°Think of me?¡± I bravely asked him.


    He growled. ¡°Always,¡± he rasped. ¡°Go back to bed, baby. Get some sleep. I¡¯ll see you soon.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Goodnight, baby girl.¡±


    I handed the phone back to Emmaline when I stepped back into the room. I crawled beneath the covers, and shey on top of them with her own nket. Under both Darren and James¡¯s orders, she was sleeping here in the room with me, and honestly, I was thankful for it.


    I felt extremely alone and unsafe without Darren by my side, but Emmaline¡¯s presence helped soothe that.


    But I still couldn¡¯t wait for my dom toe back home to me. I needed him.

 Chapter 73

    DARREN


    I crept silently along the edge of the woods. James had sent me this location, telling me this was the ce he assumed Juliana had been held, which meant it would also be the ce all of the other women were held.


    That meant Andres should be here, especially with it being dark. He was going to want pussy tonight. Men like him always did, especially from unwilling women.


    I never understood how some men got off on that kind of shit. I wanted my woman crying out my name in ecstasy, not fear. I wanted her to plead for me to fill her up.


    Men like Andres Garcia were fucking disgusting.


    While I was gone, my job was to follow Andres and his most trusted men to find out as much as I could about their routine. James didn¡¯t want me gone long. He figured Andres had men watching the house, and it would seem suspicious if I didn¡¯t pop up for a few days.


    It was my second day of recon. I would be going home tonight, and God, was I fucking ready. I missed Juliana. I fucking needed to feel her in my arms, hold her for a minimum of fucking twelve hours.


    It was hell being away from her.


    A twig snapped behind me, jerking me out of my head. I spun around, my gun raised, but something hard hit my head. My reaction had been toote.


    I crumpled to the ground.


    ~*~*~


    When I came to, I was chained to the floor. I had a chain around my neck, and my wrists and ankles were chained as well. I quickly took in my surroundings and all the scents.


    Three naked women were in the room with me, chained as well. The floors and the walls were cement, and it smelled horribly of bleach.


    I could feel blood on my temple, most likely from where I¡¯d gotten hit.


    Sitting in front of me in a leather chair, his ankle resting on his other knee, a cigar between his lips, was none other than Andres Garcia, Juliana¡¯s father.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Darren Jackson,¡± he drawled, his Hispanic ent thick in his voice. ¡°My daughter¡¯s pussy is fucking magical, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    I leaned my back against the wall behind me, smirking at him. ¡°Tight as fuck,¡± I remarked, ying his game with him.


    His jaw tightened. I hadn¡¯t responded like he wanted me to. He¡¯d been expecting me to fight back.


    The joke was on him. I was a sick son of a bitch. I knew this torture game like the back of my fucking hand. I dealt with it often enough.


    This mother fucker wouldn¡¯t be getting under my skin today.


    ¡°She calls me Daddy when I¡¯m inside of her,¡± I pushed, my lips pulling up into a smirk. I couldn¡¯t fucking help myself.


    He waved his hand. Two of his men came forward, a warning glinting in their eyes. Iughed. ¡°Can¡¯t do your grunt work, old man?¡± I taunted. ¡°I¡¯ve got the energy to fuck your precious daughter into a sma and still bloody my hands.¡±


    One of his men sent his fist crashing into my cheekbone. I grinned a bloody smile at him, spitting blood onto the ground after. ¡°That all you got?¡± I taunted. ¡°Let me guess, you got a piece of her, too, before she ran away?¡± I asked. ¡°Think you should know baby girl¡¯s got a strong as fuck grip when I¡¯m iming her sweet body as mine.¡± His eyes darkened. He took a threatening step towards me. ¡°Makes your hits seem weak as shit.¡±


    Andres stood up from his chair, ring at me with murderous contempt. I spit blood onto his shoe. ¡°Fuck him up, but don¡¯t kill him. I want his entire family to know what the fuck will happen if I don¡¯t get my daughter back. This is their only warning.¡±


    ¡°My little girl is going to kiss all my wounds better,¡± I said to his back as he turned to walk away. He tensed. I was fucking with his head, and I was enjoying it. ¡°And then, like the perfect little girl I taught her to be, she¡¯ll suck my dick and enjoy it.¡±


    He stormed from the room, mming the door shut behind him. I


    looked up at the two seething men he had left behind with me. I smirked. ¡°Give me your worst.¡±


    I grabbed the chains attached to my wrists and gripped them tightly as they proceeded to beat every square inch of my body, using knives afterward to make me bleed.


    I never made a sound. I just closed my eyes, gritted my teeth, and pictured my beautiful woman in my head.


    I will always keep you safe, baby girl.


    JULIANA


    Emmaline and I jerked out of our sleep at the same time. Her phone was ring beside her, and someone was knocking loudly on the door.


    ¡°Little one, get up,¡± James called.


    Emmaline scrambled out of bed and rushed to the door, swinging it open. It was obvious something was wrong. Something told me James didn¡¯t wake his woman up in the middle of the night like this often.


    She ran her eyes over James¡¯s face. My heart dropped to my stomach. James was tense, his eyes cold and hard, even as he looked down at his wife.


    Something was wrong.


    ¡°James?¡± she asked quietly.


    ¡°Darren was supposed to be backst night,¡± he told her, but his eyes were now on me. I fisted my hands in the nket, my heart thumping wildly in my chest. ¡°His phone is going straight to voicemail. The tracker on his car is still showing the same ce it wasst night.¡±


    My breathing quickened. This couldn¡¯t be happening. Not Darren. Please, not him  never him.


    My chest tightened. James stepped into the room and squatted next to the bed, his eyes locked on mine. ¡°Juliana, breathe,¡± hemanded, his voice deepening with the order. ¡°I¡¯m going to find my brother, and when I do, he¡¯s going to be alive. Every bit of my soul is telling me he¡¯s still breathing somewhere. I just have to find him. But I need you to breathe and get yourself together so I can focus on doing that, you hear me?¡±


    I jerkily nodded my head, tears streaming down my cheeks. He stood up. ¡°Get dressed.¡± He turned to Emmaline, reaching up to cup her face in his hands. The tender move made me miss Darren even more, and I wanted to scream for the first time in years. He didn¡¯t deserve this. ¡°Make sure she gets a shower and gets dressed, and then both of youe downstairs for breakfast. Jaxon is taking care of Carter until I can get Darren home.¡±


    He pressed a kiss to the top of her head before slipping from the room, pulling his phone from his pocket. Emmaline gently grabbed my hands in hers. But I couldn¡¯t calm down.


    ¡°Darren,¡± I cried, my chest tightening again.

 Chapter 74

    Vomit rose in my throat. If my father got his hands on Darren, Darren wouldn¡¯t be alive long.


    I rushed from the bed and dashed into the bathroom, dropping to my knees in front of the toilet. I threw up, clutching the toilet bowl. Emmaline tried to rub my back, but I smacked her hands away, freaking out.


    I didn¡¯t want her to touch me.


    A shback swirled in my mind, dragging me out of the present. Thest thing I heard was Emmaline¡¯s panicked voice yelling my name.


    I fought hard as Dad put that chain around my neck, and I wasn¡¯t making it easy for him.


    I wasn¡¯t going down without a fight.


    Mom had died three days ago, and on the day of her funeral, he had shown up, dragging me with him. I kicked and screamed, shouting at him to let me go. I was supposed to go home with my aunt and uncle.


    No one stopped him. Everyone had instead looked on in fear. No one made a single move to help me.


    Two of his men had thrown me into the backseat of Dad¡¯s SUV, getting in on either side of me afterward. Dad drove out to his house in the country somewhere in Texas. I yelled the entire time, but no one ever said a word.


    And now, I was here.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± he finally yelled at me. ¡°Your mother kept you protected long enough, but you belong to me now, Juliana,¡± he snarled into my face.


    Hot tears rushed down my cheeks. ¡°Your time hase, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I sobbed. I knew what happened in this room. When Dad couldn¡¯t get anyone to watch me, he dragged me down here with him while he raped some random woman he had chained up. ¡°Dad, no,¡± I cried.


    ¡°Women are good for nothing else,¡± he sneered. ¡°Maybe if you¡¯d been born a boy, shit would be different. But you belong with this family, and you will do your part.¡±


    Hetched the chain around my neck and then bound my wrists and ankles. I kept fighting, though I knew the attempt to get free was futile.


    I was now a captive  a prisoner.


    I was now stuck in this dark, cruel world that my mother had done her damnest to protect me from until the cancer took herst breath.


    ~*~*~


    When I came to, I was on a white hospital bed. The room was done in dark, rich colors, though it smelled sterile. Emmaline was sitting beside my bed, her eyes on her phone. An older, white-haired man was taking a look at my vitals.


    He smiled at me when he noticed my eyes were open. Fear clouded my thoughts. Where in the hell was I? ¡°Good to see you awake, Miss Garcia.


    How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s mute,¡± Emmaline spoke from beside me.


    I looked over at her. She gave me a small smile. ¡°You feel okay?¡± she asked me.


    I touched my head, hoping she would understand that I was trying to convey I had a headache. She frowned. ¡°Your head hurts?¡± I nodded. She looked at the doctor. ¡°Can you get her some pain medication to help with the headache?¡± she asked him.


    He nodded. ¡°Of course; I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    He left the room shortly after. Emmaline gave me a small smile. ¡°James and a few of his men left a few hours ago to go get Darren. They found him, hun.¡± Hot tears of relief slid down my cheeks. They found him. ¡°James wille get you as soon as he can,¡± she promised me.


    The doctor came back into the room a few minutester holding a bottle of water and a small cup of medicine. Emmaline quickly stood and took both items from him, handing them to me herself. ¡°She doesn¡¯t like to be unexpectedly touched, ¡°Emmaline exined to the doctor when he looked at her in confusion.


    I sat up and took the pills, swallowing them down. I finished the bottle of water as well, a lot thirstier than I thought I had been. Once I was finished, Emmaline threw the bottle away for me.


    ¡°It looks like you passed out from an anxiety attack,¡± the doctor told me. I didn¡¯t bother correcting him. I knew what I had passed out from.


    shbacks tended to fuck me up.


    ¡°I can try you on an anxiety medication-¡± I quickly shook my head. I didn¡¯t want anxiety pills. My father used to use them to knock me out all the time when I was uncooperative. Just the thought of them made my skin crawl.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he said, not pushing the subject. I rxed a tiny bit. ¡°I¡¯m going to go ahead and let you go back to your room. You should be okay. Just try to do what you can to keep your anxiety levels down, okay?¡±


    I nodded. He smiled at me and left the room. Emmaline handed me a set of clothes. ¡°I¡¯ll step out so you can get dressed,¡± she quietly told me. ¡°James will be here in a few minutes to pick you up. He just texted me. They¡¯ve got Darren. He¡¯s alive.¡±


    My body sagged with relief, more tears sliding down my already raw cheeks.


    He was alive.


    ~*~*~


    James knocked lightly on the open door to my room before stepping in. I¡¯d left it open so I could see him when he appeared. I was in no state to be surprised anymore today. ¡°You ready?¡± he asked me.


    I nodded and slid off the bed, my shoes already on my feet. He pressed a kiss to the top of Emmaline¡¯s head when she walked to him. ¡°Go get some rest, little one,¡± he quietly told her. ¡°You¡¯ve had a hell of a day.¡±


    She leaned up and pressed her lips to his before slipping by us and heading up the stairs. James silently led me down the stairs and out to the garage. He held my door open for me as I slid into the passenger seat of his SUV, giving him as wide of a berth as I could. He waited until I was seated and buckled before he closed my door and strode around to the driver¡¯s side.


    ¡°I want to warn you of what you¡¯ll see when we get to the hospital,¡± James told me as he sped off down the road. ¡°Darren is in bad shape. At the moment, he¡¯s being sedated to help with his pain. I don¡¯t know how the fuck my brother survived, but he did.¡± James nced over at my pale face. Nausea was swirling in my gut. What had happened to him? ¡°I have a feeling that all has to do with you, though. My brother¡¯s a fighter when ites to people he cares about.¡±


    I wanted to ask so many questions, but when I opened my mouth, nothing woulde out  almost like there was a block. It was my mind¡¯s natural defense mechanism around people and ces I was unfamiliar with.


    And though I¡¯d been around James a few times now, and I knew he was supposed to be safe for me to be around, I couldn¡¯t speak to him yet.


    ¡°He¡¯s going to be okay,¡± James told me, somehow understanding what I wanted to ask. ¡°No broken bones. Quite a bit of blood loss, but he¡¯s going to make a full recovery.¡±


    I breathed a sigh of relief, though my gut twisted at the mention of blood loss.


    My father had tainted Darren, too.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    When we got to the hospital, James led me over to an elevator. He stood on the opposite side of the small, confined space to give me room, which I was thankful for.


    We came to a private floor, and James shed his ID at the guard standing there before we were allowed back. James led me to the second door on the right, and he walked in ahead of me before holding the door open.


    Tears sprang to my eyes as theynded on Darren.


    His body was abnormally pale. Bruises littered his exposed skin, and deepcerations were cut into his exposed arms, he even had a cut on his neck that was stitched closed.


    ¡°Darren,¡± I cried, rushing forward. I grabbed his hand in mine as I sank to my knees beside his bed, sobs wracking my chest. ¡°Not you,¡± I sobbed.


    I never wanted this to happen to him, and suddenly, I hated myself for ever escaping, forever dragging Darren into this mess.


    Because the pain of seeing such a strong man confined to this hospital bed fucking hurt me more than being raped and beaten day in and day out.


    I wanted nothing more than to take Darren¡¯s ce so he could be alive and well once again. My world wasn¡¯t supposed to darken his like this. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± I cried. ¡°I¡¯m so, so fucking sorry.¡±

 Chapter 75

    DARREN


    When I came to, I was immediately aware of the sterile smell of the room I was in, the steady beeping of a machine, and the weight of something surrounding my hand, holding it down.


    I slowly opened my eyes, taking in the hospital room I was in. Juliana was asleep in the chair next to my bed, her head bent over my bed, resting beside my arm. Her hand was wrapped around mine, her grip tight despite her being asleep.


    Pain was radiating through my body, but it was nothing I couldn¡¯t handle. I was used to pain, and I knew how to channel it so it didn¡¯t bother me much. But I knew my body had been put through the fucking wringer.


    I lifted my free hand and gently ran it over her hair, watching as she slowly woke up, her pretty eyes opening to look up at me.


    ¡°Darren?¡± she croaked.


    I smiled at her, though it hurt my fucking face to do so. ¡°I¡¯m here, baby girl,¡± I soothed, watching as her eyes welled with tears, breaking my fucking heart. I never meant to scare her like this, but unfortunately, shit happened  shit I couldn¡¯t control.


    And this had been one of those situations that had been out of my fucking hands.


    ¡°Come on.¡± I patted the spot beside me as I scooted my sore body over a little more. I wanted her next to me. I wanted to feel her warm, soft body next to mine for the next few hours. ¡°Get up here.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re hurt,¡± she said quietly, hesitant to get on the bed beside me.


    I narrowed my eyes at her. ¡°Juliana, baby, if you don¡¯t get your cute ass on this bed-¡±


    A small smile broke out over her face. My heart skipped a beat in my chest.


    Fuck, she was gorgeous.


    I was falling in love with this woman more and more every fucking day, and every time she aimed that perfect as fuck smile at me, my entire fucking world brightened.


    She was like my personal sun, and just like the Earth, I revolved around her.


    She slowly crawled onto the bed next to me. I wrapped my arm around her, pulling the nkets over her. She gentlyid her arm over my abdomen, being extra careful of my injuries as she snuggled closer to me. I brushed my lips to her forehead. ¡°Sleep, little girl,¡± I rumbled. ¡°Daddy¡¯s got you.¡±


    She pressed a kiss to my bare chest. It didn¡¯t take long for her breathing to even out as she quickly fell into a deep sleep. I closed my eyes as well, allowing the medicine dripping through my IV line to drag me back under.


    ~*~*~


    The feeling of someone else being in the room quickly tugged me out of my sleep. I slowly opened my eyes, finding my brother standing over my bed, staring down at me.


    ¡°You¡¯d recover a lot faster if you could let that woman of yours go for a few hours,¡± he whispered.


    I narrowed my eyes at him. ¡°You telling me that if you got put in my situation because of someone targeting Emmaline, you wouldn¡¯t want her as close as possible either?¡± I asked. James stayed silent. I quietly scoffed, already knowing the answer. ¡°Like I thought.¡± ¡°You feeling okay?¡± he asked me.


    I nodded. ¡°Good as I can right now,¡± I admitted. ¡°They beat the fuck out of me pretty fucking good. I was right about Juliana being used for sex.¡± James clenched his jaw. ¡°Their reactions to what I said about her confirmed it.¡±


    James sighed. ¡°Do you know how to just shut your fucking mouth?¡± he asked me.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    I shrugged one shoulder, a smirk tugging at my lips. ¡°Didn¡¯t matter if I did or not,¡± I told him. ¡°They nned to do this to me either way. I just sped up the process by taunting all of them.¡±


    James pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°Fucking hell, Darren.¡± He looked down at me. ¡°You find anything useful out?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Found out a lot by sticking behind the scenes,¡± I informed him. ¡°But I¡¯m not discussing it right now.¡± James nodded in understanding. ¡°Just warning you, though, this was supposed to be a message to you and Adrian. It¡¯s like a prequel to what Andres ns on doing if we don¡¯t hand over Juliana.¡±


    James snickered. ¡°This is it?¡± Heughed. I rolled my eyes. ¡°Fuck; I thought the man would do better.¡±


    I glowered at him. James rolled his eyes. ¡°I know what he ns on doing, Darren,¡± he assured me. ¡°I¡¯ve already upped security here. You¡¯re on a secure, private floor with multiple family guards. There are also eyes on every entrance of this building at all times. There¡¯s extra security on the house as well. I¡¯ve got everyone working fucking double time to keep her safe.¡±


    I nodded once. ¡°Appreciate it.¡±


    James shook his head at me. ¡°I don¡¯t need a thanks, Darren. It¡¯s like I


    told her the other day  she¡¯s family now. You imed her. You cored her. It¡¯s only a matter of time before I know you¡¯ll put a ring on her finger.¡± I grinned. James knew me so well. I¡¯d meant what I had said to Juliana. When I cored her, I cored her forever. ¡°We do what we can to protect family,¡± James reminded me.


    I nodded once. My older brother gently squeezed my shoulder. I didn¡¯t flinch at the pain that pulsed down my arm and back. ¡°I¡¯lle backter. Emmaline wants to bring you and Juliana some food.¡± He looked at Juliana for a moment before looking back at me. ¡°She actually spoke a tiny bit to


    Emmaline.¡± My eyes widened in surprise. ¡°She¡¯s making progress, brother. Whatever you¡¯re doing with her, you¡¯re doing it fucking well.¡±


    My heart squeezed in my chest. I looked down at my sweet girl lying next to me, sleepingfortably and safely in my arms.


    She was blossoming, and I was slowly sparking the fire in her soul.

 Chapter 76

    Juliana was still sleeping when James came back the next morning. As promised,test night, he¡¯de back with Emmaline to bring us food. I still fed Juliana like I always did, and she basically went back to sleep right after, curled up against my side beneath my arm.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± James asked me, taking a seat in the chair next to the bed  the same one Juliana had been upying the day before.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I told him. ¡°They¡¯re weaning me off the morphine onto hydrocodone.¡±


    ¡°Could have gotten you some of that myself,¡± he snorted. I just grinned at him.


    ¡°Rather have it prescribed, James,¡± Iughed. ¡°Vite my parole, and my ass is back inside again.¡±


    He snorted. ¡°Sure as fuck don¡¯t want that happening.¡±


    I sure as hell didn¡¯t either. Juliana needed me free, not locked up behind bars.


    A light knock sounded on the door, and an older nurse walked in. Her graying hair was twisted back into a bun, and herrge eyes were framed by a pair of thick sses.


    ¡°Hi, hun. Good to see you awake. You were still out of it yesterday when I was here,¡± she exined. ¡°My name is Melissa. I¡¯m going to be your nurse for the next few hours. I just need to check your vitals, and I¡¯ll be on my way. Do you want anything for breakfast?¡±


    ¡°Not right now,¡± I told her. ¡°If I need anything, I¡¯ll send my brother to get it.¡±


    She nodded with a kind smile. James and I were silent as Melissa checked my vitals. With another kind smile and a wish to get better, she left the room, quietly shutting the door behind her. James still remained silent for a couple of minutes.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he finally said, turning to face me, ¡°is there anything you can tell me while we¡¯re here? I feel like I¡¯m sitting on my ass and twiddling my thumbs. Not a damn good feeling.¡±


    I sighed. I knew how he felt. I hated being confined to this hospital bed, unable to fucking do anything. I hated all of this bullshit, and I hated even more that it all centered around Juliana. She deserved to be free and happy, not feeling like she had to constantly look over her shoulder.


    ¡°He¡¯s got a sex trafficking ring,¡± I told him. James clenched his jaw. He and I were both strongly against anyone being trafficked. ¡°Men, women, kids  he¡¯s got them all, and his men seemed to get a taste of some of them before they went up for auction.¡±


    ¡°Jesus fucking Christ,¡± James swore.


    ¡°If you go through my tracking history, you can find it easily,¡± I told him. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you want to do with it, but we can use it to put him and his men behind bars, and from there, we can order a hit inside  keep us out here as clean as possible. Because killing Andres outside isn¡¯t going to be an easy thing to make disappear. He¡¯s too fucking powerful.¡±


    James nodded in agreement. I knew he could make the hit out here disappear, but not without a lot of work and extremelyte hours  not to mention all of the favors he would have to call in.


    My brother shook his head and stood up. ¡°I¡¯m going to go home  go through your tracking history. I¡¯ll be back around noon with Emmaline and Carter. Emmaline wants to bring you guys some more food.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± I told him, my stomach rumbling at the thought of Mrs. Judy¡¯s cooking. ¡°Make sure she brings a couple bottles of water and cranberry juice for Juliana.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Got it, brother.¡±


    He stepped out of the room, shutting the door behind him. I sighed and red up at the ceiling.


    I hated not being part of this fucking takedown with James. But I¡¯d done what I could to help before my dumb ass fucking got caught.


    I should have known better. Instead, I¡¯d been thinking about Juliana, not keeping my head in the game and my senses focused on my surroundings.


    It had almost cost me my life.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    James popped back into the room a momentter and handed me my gun. ¡°Almost forgot to give you this. Keep this close,¡± he told me. ¡°I¡¯ve got protection up, but we can¡¯t ever be too careful.¡±


    He fucking had that right. I shoved it under my thigh where it would easily be reachable.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I quietly called when he got ready to leave again. He turned to look at me. ¡°I never asked yesterday. How bad was her reaction to me being missing?¡±


    James clenched his jaw. ¡°She panicked, brother. Fucking threw up and passed out. I carried her down to Dr. Williams.¡± He shook his head. My heart clenched in my chest. I tightened my arm around her. I never wanted her to feel that shit again. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard her speak to anyone but you. I barely heard her utter a word to Emmaline. But when I got her here yesterday, brother, the way she cried your name gutted me. She feels guilty.


    No fucking doubt in my mind about that.¡±


    I clenched my jaw and red up at the ceiling. He turned and left again.


    I looked down at my sleeping angel, leaning my head down to press a kiss to the top of her head.


    When she woke up, I would reinforce my bond with her. This shit wasn¡¯t her fault. It was mine. I hadn¡¯t been careful enough, and I knew better. And she sure as hell wasn¡¯t at fault for no longer wanting to be abused.


    She was strong. Andres might have fucked her up, but my woman was a fucking survivor  a goddamn warrior.


    I¡¯d watch her rise above her demons if it was thest fucking thing I did.


    ¡°I will always protect you,¡± I whispered into her hair. ¡°Always.¡±

 Chapter 77

    ¡°Baby,¡± I said softly, gently shaking Juliana awake. The nurse was here to change my dressings. It was a different nurse from earlier, this one much younger. I wasn¡¯t too keen on her touching me, especially with Juliana still being so vulnerable, but it was her job, unfortunately.


    Juliana groaned and slowly opened her eyes, blinking up at me. I smiled at her, running my fingertips down her cheek. ¡°I need you to get up, baby girl. The nurse is here to change my bandages.¡±


    Juliana sat up, looking at the nurse. Something dark shed in Juliana¡¯s eyes that I couldn¡¯t catch before she slipped off the bed. I slowly pushed myself into a sitting position, groaning in pain when every fucking movement I made hurt.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, hun. I¡¯ve got some pain medicine here for you, too,¡± the nurse told me. She handed me the small cup with my medicine and a cup of water. I quickly swallowed it down, hoping it would quickly take effect, especially since I hadn¡¯t had breakfast yet.


    I was already shirtless, so I lifted my head back, giving her ess to my neck. She quickly cleaned the stitching. ¡°Your brother insisted no dressing, but I really rmend-¡±


    ¡°No dressing,¡± I told her. ¡°It¡¯ll irritate the bruising.¡±


    She nodded. She raised the back of the bed, and I leaned back, giving her more ess to my chest and abdomen. I nced over at Juliana but the dark look in her eyes had me aiming my full attention on her. Her jaw was clenched, her eyes zing with a jealous fury as the nurse began to redress the deep cuts on my chest.


    ¡°Stop,¡± I ordered the nurse. She instantly stopped, looking at me in rm. I looked back at her. ¡°Can you leave that here? I know you¡¯re just doing your job, and I appreciate it, but my woman¡¯s not having that easy of a time dealing with you touching me,¡± I exined, looking pointedly at the now blushing woman sitting on the chair beside my hospital bed.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    The nurse smiled in understanding and quickly left the room. I crooked my finger at Juliana. ¡°Get your ass over here and redress my wounds, baby girl.¡±


    She frowned. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean-¡± she mumbled as she stood up.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind you getting all possessive of me, little girl,¡± I rumbled as I reached up to grab her chin, pulling her face down to mine. She moaned into the kiss. My tongue touched hers for a beat before I released her. ¡°You can get possessive all you want. I¡¯m all yours,¡± I assured her.


    The medicine was quickly kicking in. The pain was subsiding, and my woman¡¯s gentle touch on my skin while she was doctoring me up fucking felt amazing. My cock was hard in my sweats, and it was taking every ounce of willpower I had to not pull my dick out and stroke it as she touched me.


    When she was finally done, I gripped her arm, jerking her eyes to me.


    My entire body was on fucking fire for her.


    ¡°Lock the door,¡± I roughly ordered.


    Without a beat of hesitation, she nodded and quickly walked over to the door once I released her, flipping the lock on it. I shoved the nket aside and set my gun beneath the pillow behind my back. ¡°I want you naked and riding me,¡± I ordered.


    Her entire body flushed. She quickly pulled off her clothes like a good girl. I managed to get my sweats off, and I stroked my cock, watching as she wiggled out of her leggings and panties, finally leaving her bare in front of me.


    God, she was fucking magnificent.


    She climbed onto the bed and straddled my legs. I positioned the blunt head of my cock at her soaked pussy lips, groaning at the feeling. Fuck, she was so wet.


    Always so fucking ready for me.


    I loved it.


    She slid down on me, her head falling back on her shoulders, her dark hair falling down her back like a waterfall. ¡°Oh, God,¡± she moaned.


    I slid my hands over her body, grabbing her tits, pulling and twisting at her nipples as she rocked back and forth on me.


    ¡°You feel fucking amazing,¡± I growled. ¡°Ride me, little girl. Fuck


    Daddy hard.¡±


    She whimpered, bouncing up and down on me now, rocking her clit against my pelvic bone every time she came down on my cock. I wrapped my hand around her throat when I felt her getting close. Her eyes snapped down to mine as she went back to rocking against me, twisting her hips fucking perfectly.


    ¡°Who do you belong to, little girl?¡± I asked her, my eyes locked on hers. ¡°You, Daddy,¡± she moaned. ¡°All of me belongs to you.¡±


    I reached down with my other hand and thumbed her clit, rubbing the tight bundle of nerves in hard circles. ¡°Come,¡± Imanded.


    She did. Her cries echoed off the walls, her entire body trembling above me. I pulled her close to me, wrapping my arms around her, soothing my hands over her back to help calm her body down.


    I pressed my lips to her temple. ¡°Are you Daddy¡¯s good girl?¡± I quietly asked her.


    She nodded. ¡°Yes,¡± she whispered. ¡°And I want to do everything I can to please you.¡±


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I groaned. Wrapping an arm tightly around her back and pushing the rest of my pain aside, I started thrusting hard and fast into her. I knew I would regret itter, but the fucking moment she said she wanted to fucking please me, I lost everyst bit of my control.


    And I fucked her like a savage.


    Her screams echoed off the walls. ¡°Daddy!¡± she cried. ¡°I can¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Take it, baby,¡± I growled, thrusting harder, bending my knees to brace myself. ¡°You want to please Daddy? Let me fuck you. Let me im this pussy as mine.¡±


    Her hands fisted in the sheets beside my shoulders, her body tightening around my cock. I shouted her name as I shot my cum inside of her, coating every bit of her with me.


    Pain throbbed through every part of my body as my adrenaline stopped pumping. But I didn¡¯t voice it.


    ¡°Such a good girl,¡± I rasped, concealing my pain.


    ¡°Just for you,¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°Always for me, little girl.¡± I grabbed her chin in my hand and pulled her lips up to mine. I tapped her ass. ¡°Now, go unlock the door and get a shower, baby girl.¡±


    She leaned forward and kissed me again before rocking on me once more. I groaned but didn¡¯t stop her as she began to fuck me once again.


    I didn¡¯t know what had happened to my woman while I¡¯d been out, but somehow, I¡¯d created a needy little monster.


    And I sure as fuck wasn¡¯tining.

 Chapter 78

    I ran the loofa over Juliana¡¯s skin, listening to her breathless moans as I rubbed it over her breasts, paying special attention to her tits. She rubbed her ass against my cock, her hands reaching behind her to clench my thighs.


    After a couple of weeks, I was mostly healed, save for a few bruises that were almost gone. The cut on my neck was scabbed over, taking its time to heal, and the other cuts on my body were almost done healing as well. And now that I¡¯d gotten a full, clean bill of health from the doctor, I intended to take care of my woman like she needed.


    She had done so well these past couple of weeks taking care of me and helping me as much as she could, though it got on my nerves sometimes. I was supposed to be the one taking care of her, not the other way around. But I bit my tongue.


    She was doing it because she cared, and if it was a sign of her growth, I wasn¡¯t going to do anything to hinder that.


    I slid my hand down her belly, setting her loofa aside. ¡°You are bing a needy little thing, aren¡¯t you?¡± I breathed against her skin. She moaned. ¡°Tell me what you want, baby girl.¡± ¡°I want you to touch me,¡± she whined.


    ¡°I am touching you,¡± I teased. She shot her heated eyes up to mine. I


    resisted smirking as I tightened my arm around her in response. ¡°Tell me where baby.¡±


    She reached up to grab my hand, but I made a tsking sound. ¡°Nuh-uh, baby. Tell me where.¡±


    ¡°My pussy,¡± she whimpered. ¡°Please,¡± she pleaded.


    I brushed my lips to her neck as I circled her clit with my fingers before slipping two fingers inside of her. Her legs fell open wider, hooking over mine. I curled my fingers just right, hitting that perfect spot inside of her as I rubbed the heel of my hand over her clit.


    Her head fell back on my shoulder, and she ground down against my hand, needy little whimpers and moans falling from her lips.


    Her walls tightened around my fingers, and I pulled them out before standing up and lifting her into my arms. ¡°What-¡±


    I quickly padded from the bathroom, dripping water all over the floor, but I didn¡¯t care. I managed to get the door to my yroom opened, and I set her on the bed, instantly reaching forward to cuff her hands to the bedposts. I wanted her at my mercy.


    ¡°Daddy,¡± she moaned, her back arching as I ran my hand in the valley between her tits.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to take care of you,¡± I promised her. ¡°What¡¯s your safe word?¡±


    ¡°ck, Daddy,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Good girl. And if it gets to be too much for you, what do you say?¡±


    ¡°ck.¡±


    I pressed a kiss to her belly. ¡°Good girl.¡±


    I crawled up the bed between her thighs. Hooking my arms around her legs, I yanked her thighs apart andpped up her slit, tasting the sweet taste of her on my tongue. I groaned and flicked her clit before sucking on it. ¡°Daddy!¡± she cried out, her back arching.


    I did it again before sliding my tongue inside of her, tongue fucking her. She writhed on the bed, her tits swaying. Ipped at her clit, swirling my tongue around it before gently nipping it. She almost came, but I withdrew in time. The sexiest, neediest fucking sound I¡¯d ever heard in my life spilled from her lips, and I swear to God, I almost came on the sheets.


    I went back to tongue fucking her, continuously going back and forth between her tight, little hole and her swollen clit, never letting here. I continuously drew her to the edge before backing off.


    She was a whining, whimpering mess, a light sheen of sweat glistening across her tempting, olive-toned body.


    ¡°Daddy, please,¡± she begged me. ¡°I need toe.¡±


    ¡°Not until you¡¯reing around my cock, little girl,¡± I told her. I stood up from the bed and walked over to the dresser in the room. I pulled out a shiny, silver butt plug with a purple rhinestone at the end of it.


    Her eyes widened in rm. I instantly reached forward to run my hand over her hair, doing what I could to soothe her. My touch was alwaysforting to my baby girl.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to feel good,¡± I promised her. ¡°When I¡¯m inside of you with this in your ass, you¡¯re going to be thanking me.¡±


    I didn¡¯t move until she nodded her consent. Her eyes followed me nervously. I leaned over her, letting my dick brush her swollen clit. She moaned, arching her hips up to me. I shoved them back down. ¡°Do you trust me?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± she answered without hesitation.


    I pressed my lips to hers in a soft kiss. ¡°Then trust me to take care of you, baby.¡± I cleaned up a little and uncuffed her arms before flipping her over to her stomach. ¡°Ass in the air. Chest on the bed,¡± Imanded.


    She did as I told her. I brushed my hand over her back before dipping my fingers into her soaked heat. She moaned, greedily pushing back on my hand. ¡°Not yet, baby girl,¡± I soothed, pressing a kiss to her spine.


    I rubbed her juices around her hole, doing that a couple of times before I dipped the plug into her pussy, pumping it in and out of her a few times to make her even wetter before I pressed it to her ass.


    ¡°Breathe and rx,¡± I told her.


    She rxed her muscles, and I pushed it inside of her, pressing kisses to her juicy ass cheeks as I did so to help keep her rxed. She moaned once it was fully seated inside. I knew it would feel good to her. She just had to trust me to always take care of her.


    I flipped her onto her back and cuffed her hands again. I then slid between her legs, sliding three of my fingers inside of her. She cried out, her eyes widening. I couldn¡¯t help it; I grinned at her. ¡°Feels good, doesn¡¯t it, baby?¡± I rasped.


    ¡°Yes, Daddy. Oh, God, yes.¡±


    I reced my fingers with my cock, driving up hard and fast into her. I leaned up on my knees, gripping her hips to lift her off the bed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold back, baby. I want you toe. Soak me, baby girl.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Daddy.¡±


    In three strokes, she wasing hard around me. I didn¡¯t stop. I continued driving into her, bruising her inner thighs with my grip. ¡°You like Daddy fucking you like this?¡± I growled at her.


    ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± she cried out. She came again. ¡°Again, Daddy, please.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going toe so many times tonight, little girl, that you¡¯re still going to be feeling me inside of you once I¡¯m finally done,¡± I promised.


    By the seventh time of hering around me, she was shaking her head. ¡°No more,¡± she whimpered.


    ¡°I know your body, little girl,¡± I reminded her. ¡°Daddy¡¯s so fucking close, though. Can you hang on a little bit longer?¡±


    She nodded. I smacked her thigh. She yelped, her eyes snapping back home. ¡°That¡¯s a spanking, baby. You know you always verbally respond.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Daddy,¡± she whined.


    ¡°Little bit longer, baby girl,¡± I groaned. Fuck, I was so goddamn close.


    ¡°Harder, Daddy,¡± she moaned.


    That fucking did it. That little beg set me off.


    I roared her name, the tips of my fingers digging into her hips as I came hard inside of her. It triggered another orgasm for her, and she came hard with me, her cries bouncing off the walls.


    After, I released her from the cuffs and then flipped her onto her stomach, rubbing her ass cheeks with my palms. ¡°I believe I owe you a spanking,¡± I rumbled.


    She nodded, though her body trembled. ¡°Yes, Daddy.¡±


    I smacked my hand onto her ass, watching as it jiggled with the movement. God, this woman was made like a fucking goddess.


    Always a handful but never too much for me to handle.


    ¡°Do you know why you¡¯re getting a spanking?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°Because I didn¡¯t verbally answer you, Daddy.¡±


    I smacked her ass again. ¡°Are you going to verbally answer Daddy from now on?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± she whimpered.


    I smacked her ass again. She whined. ¡°What¡¯s the number one rule in this room?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°I always answer Daddy with my words,¡± she croaked.


    I smacked her ass again. She was doing so fucking good, taking her punishment like the angel she was. She only had one more smack, and it would be over, and I could rub her sore body down in lotion and take her to bed to cuddle.


    ¡°Are we going to have a repeat of this?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°No, Daddy,¡± she whimpered.


    Inded one good, loud smack on her ass for good measure and then lifted her into my arms so she straddled my legs. She linked her arms around my neck. I smoothed my hands over her back, soothing her after her punishment. ¡°Good girl,¡± I rumbled. ¡°You did so well today. Daddy is extremely proud of you.¡±


    She pressed a kiss to my cheek. ¡°I want to always please you,¡± she told me. God, she was going to make me take her again, and her body couldn¡¯t handle anymore tonight. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for not following the rules.¡±


    ¡°Oh, baby,¡± I rasped, cupping the back of her head. I pressed my lips to her temple. ¡°Just don¡¯t let it happen again.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t, Daddy,¡± she promised.


    I reached down and slowly pulled the butt plug from her ass, making a mental note to clean it once she was asleep. I then carried her out to our room andid her on the bed. I rubbed her body down in avender-scented lotion before sliding into bed beside her, drawing her naked body to mine.


    Grabbing the remote, I turned the TV on. ¡°You want to watch a Disney movie?¡± I asked her.


    She eagerly nodded her head. I pressed a kiss to the top of her head before turning on Sleeping Beauty. My little girl truly was a little. She may not take bottles and pacifiers, but in every other way, she waspletely a little.


    And I fucking loved it.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I held her until she fell asleep. After cleaning up the butt plug and straightening the yroom back up, I took my medicine and crawled back into bed beside her, pulling her warm, soft body back into my arms.


    I pressed a kiss to the top of her head. ¡°I love you, little girl,¡± I whispered so low I barely even heard myself speak the words.


    But I did. I loved my baby girl with every fiber of my fucking being  to the depths of my dark, tainted, twisted soul.

 Chapter 79

    Things had been calm  too calm for mine and James¡¯s liking. We felt like we were sitting on the edge of our seats, waiting for something  anything  to happen, especially since James had submitted proof of the sex trafficking ring to the proper government officials.


    It was only a matter of time before everything became a shit show, and we were doing our best to be prepared for it all.


    I jerked awake, my hand instantly reaching for my gun when I felt Juliana rush out of bed. I quickly released my pistol and hopped off the bed, rushing after her, my first instinct to be by her side, everything else be damned.


    She quickly dropped in front of the toilet, emptying the contents of her stomach. I grabbed a hair tie and pulled her hair back into a low, messy ponytail before wrapping my body around hers, whispering soothing words to her as she got sick again.


    Once she was done, she leaned her head on the side of the toilet, a low groan sliding from her throat. I brushed my lips to her forehead. ¡°Let me get you back to bed, baby girl,¡± I said softly, sliding my arms beneath her to lift her against my chest.


    ¡°No,¡± she protested, shaking her head. ¡°I still feel really sick.¡±


    I released her and pressed my hand to her forehead. She wasn¡¯t running a fever. I worriedly ran my eyes over her. ¡°I¡¯m going to run down to the kitchen to get you some crackers and ginger ale,¡± I told her. ¡°You going to be okay while I¡¯m gone?¡±


    She nodded, aiming a weak smile at me, but I saw right through it. She wasn¡¯t feeling good at all.


    I gently squeezed her thigh before I stood and yanked on a pair of sweats, sliding my feet into my slides before jogging down the stairs.


    James was leaning against the kitchen counter drinking a protein shake. He arched an eyebrow at me. ¡°You ever heard of clothes, brother?¡± he asked me.


    I rolled my eyes at him as I walked over to the fridge, grabbing a bottle of ginger ale before walking over to the pantry to grab a pack of saltine crackers. ¡°Juliana is sick,¡± I told him. ¡°She¡¯s throwing up pretty badly.¡±


    ¡°Is she pregnant?¡± he bluntly asked me.


    I spun around to face him in shock. I hadn¡¯t expected his words, and that thought had never entered my mind. He evenly met my gaze. I stayed silent, mulling over the possibility in my head. She was supposed to be on birth control, but I knew that wasn¡¯t a hundred percent effective.


    She very well could be.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I whispered. ¡°Shit.¡±


    James inclined his head to me, understanding in his eyes. ¡°You know how to reach me if you need me,¡± he said as he strode out of the kitchen.


    Shaking my head, I quickly rushed up the stairs. I would wait to see if her sickness passed. If it didn¡¯t, I would text Emmaline for a couple of pregnancy tests.


    I wasn¡¯t freaked out by the possibility of being a dad. Honestly, it was kind of exciting.


    But I wasn¡¯t sure how Juliana would feel about a baby. She had never spoken about children, and she mmed up whenever Carter came near her.


    I didn¡¯t think the possibility of being pregnant was going to be easy for her to swallow.


    When I stepped into our room again, I could hear her throwing up. I quickly rushed into the bathroom and rubbed her back, talking to her in a low, soothing tone. After, I flushed the toilet and handed her the open bottle of ginger ale. She slowly took a sip, gagging afterward. I pushed the crackers aside for the time being. She needed to hold down the ginger ale first.


    Needing to know if she was pregnant or not, especially when she still looked so pale but had no fever to speak of, I texted Emmaline, asking her for a couple of pregnancy tests. I was hoping like hell she had some so I wouldn¡¯t have to run to the store and leave Juliana here  or worse, take her with me while she was feeling sick.


    Then, I just held Juliana in my arms, rubbing her belly in gentle circles to try to help calm it.


    ~*~*~


    Juliana was asleep on the bed when a knock came on my doorter that day. I quickly opened it. James held out a box of pregnancy tests to me. ¡°Possibility?¡± he quietly asked me. I nodded in response, letting him into the room.


    ¡°How do you feel about being a possible dad?¡± James asked me, his voice low so we wouldn¡¯t wake Juliana.


    I shrugged. ¡°Doesn¡¯t bother me any. Not all of us had fears of having kids,¡± I teased. He rolled his eyes at me. I knew he¡¯d had a hard time swallowing the pill of bing a dad while supporting Emmaline. He loved his wife so much that he had faced his own fears for her. ¡°But I don¡¯t think she¡¯s going to handle it too well. She¡¯s extremely dependent on me.¡±


    He pped a hand to my shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ll figure it out, brother.¡±


    I nodded. He left the room a momentter, giving us some privacy. I walked over to Juliana, gently shaking her awake. She groaned, looking up at me through bleary, sleepy eyes. ¡°Baby girl, I need you to do something for me.¡±


    She slowly sat up. ¡°What?¡± she mumbled. She hadn¡¯t been sick for a few hours now, but I knew she was exhausted. It had to be mentally draining for her to be ill.


    I handed her the box of pregnancy tests, my eyes glued to her face as she looked down at it.


    Her face paled, and her eyes shot back up to mine. Fear lingered in their depths. Tears sprang to her beautiful, dark eyes, and she sobbed as they quickly rolled down her cheeks. I quickly pulled her into my arms, taking a seat on the bed so I could hold her on myp.


    ¡°No,¡± she cried. ¡°I can¡¯t be pregnant,¡± she sobbed.


    I ran my hand over her hair. ¡°Easy, little girl,¡± I rumbled. ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t share you,¡± she cried. My heart broke in my chest for her. I tightened my arms around her. ¡°I¡¯m not ready.¡±


    I cupped her face in my hands, forcing her eyes to lock on mine. ¡°We can¡¯t make any kind of decision or make any ns until we know for certain if you are carrying my baby or not,¡± I tried soothing her. I brushed my thumbs over her cheeks, hating the broken look in her eyes. ¡°I need you to be strong for me, baby girl. I need you to be my good girl and go take those tests.¡±


    She shook her head at me, defying me for the first time. I growled in displeasure. ¡°Now, Juliana,¡± I rumbled, knowing she would heed mymand. ¡°Or I will turn you over my knees,¡± I promised.


    Sniffling, she got off myp and walked to the bathroom, the box clutched tightly in her hand. I leaned forward, bracing my elbows on my knees as I dropped my face into my hands.


    I can¡¯t share you.


    Fuck. Fuck.


    Those words had gutted me.


    Juliana was blossoming more and more every single day, but she still relied on me so much. I didn¡¯t mind, but this baby could change everything, or at least, it would in her head.


    For me, my entire world would still revolve around her. I would never spend any less time with her. I would still take care of her.


    She was mine. She would always be mine.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    I would never make her feel like she meant any less to me, and I would never give her less than what I was giving her right now. I promised her I would always take care of her. I put the anklet around her ankle as a symbol of that promise. Baby or no baby, she would still get every part of me, even if I had to hire a nanny.


    I would do what I needed to make sure Juliana was taken care of. But I was just hoping that if she was pregnant, I could warm her up to the idea of being a mother, show her that no matter what, I was still all hers.

 Chapter 80

    I gave Juliana a few minutes in the bathroom to take the test. But I was growing impatient. She hadn¡¯te out, and I was worried about her.


    I slowly opened the bathroom door. She was sitting on the side of the tub, staring at the pregnancy test in her hand. Taking a nce at the one on the counter, I quickly noted it read pregnant.


    Fuck.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Which meant the one she was staring at probably said it, too.


    I knelt in front of her and gently took the stick out of her hand, reading it. I¡¯d been right. It confirmed she was pregnant as well. I had no doubt in my mind if I took her down to see Dr. Williams that he would confirm it as well, but I knew she couldn¡¯t handle that right now.


    This woman in front of me was barely holding herself together. I could see it in her eyes.


    Without a word, I tossed the stick into the trash can and lifted Juliana into my arms, cradling her against my chest as I carried her into the yroom.


    She needed security. She needed to know that nothing would change. And I had a feeling that taking care of her in the one ce she couldpletely give herself over to me would be the way to cement our bond inside of her once more.


    Once I set her on her feet, she stood in front of me, her eyes locked on mine. Nervousness rang in the depths of her dark eyes. Cupping the side of her neck, I used my thumb to tilt her head back. ¡°You¡¯re mine, little girl.¡± She swallowed thickly at my words. ¡°No one, not even a baby, is going to change that,¡± I promised her. ¡°I will do whatever I need to take care of you.


    Do you understand me?¡± ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± she whispered.


    I brushed my lips over hers. She whimpered. I kissed her harder, forcing her lips to part so I could taste every square inch of her mouth. She tasted minty, yet just a tiny bit sweet, too.


    A strange but perfectbination.


    I slowly began to undress her, letting my fingers trail over her skin, leaving a heated trail of kisses behind in their wake. She was trembling before me, small moans and gasps leaving her parted lips as she watched me.


    Once she was naked, I lifted her into my arms again and carried her to the bed,ying her down on it. ¡°Do you trust me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± she moaned, her back arching beneath my heated gaze.


    I didn¡¯t even have to touch her, and she was desperate for me. I fucking loved it.


    ¡°What is your safe word, baby girl?¡±


    ¡°ck, Daddy.¡±


    I pressed a kiss to the inside of her thigh as a reward for her answers. She moaned, parting her legs even further for me. ¡°Good girl,¡± I rumbled. And for being such a good girl, Ipped at her pussy for a moment, enjoying the sweet taste of her before I strode away, making her whine.


    In this room, she knew she had my full attention, which was what she needed.


    I grabbed some rope and walked back to her. Her eyes werepletely trusting as she watched me bind her wrists to her knees, keeping her parted andpletely at my mercy. Her breath shuddered out of her, and she licked her lips as she watched me peel off my clothes, tossing them across the room next to hers.


    I stroked my cock, watching as her cunt began to glisten with need, her juices leaking out of her. ¡°You want my cock inside of you, little girl?¡± I wouldn¡¯t torture her with forey today. She needed us to be joined together as one as I took care of her.


    ¡°Please, Daddy,¡± she mewled.


    I moved forward and slowly slid inside of her, moaning at the feeling of her being so wet and so open to me. God, she was sexy as hell, sinfully fucking beautiful.


    She was all mine. Every single fucking part of her belonged to me, and I would forever cherish her, forever worship her.


    I ran my hands over her body, gently rocking in and out of her at a slow and steady pace. ¡°You are always mine, Juliana.¡± Tears sprang to her eyes. I fingered the cor at her ankle. ¡°Every part of you still belongs to me  baby or no baby. I will always take care of you, little girl.¡± Tears ran down her cheeks. ¡°Who do you belong to, baby girl?¡±


    ¡°You, Daddy,¡± she cried, pretty tears washing down her face. ¡°I belong to you.¡± Fuck, I¡¯d never known a woman to cry so fucking prettily.


    With that, I took her body to new heights, making sweet, slow love to her instead of taking her like a beast. I molded her body to mine, kissing all over her skin, tasting her fucking sweet lips until they were swollen and bruised.


    ¡°Mine, baby girl,¡± I rasped, cupping her heavy breasts in my hands. She moaned. ¡°This baby will change nothing,¡± I promised her.


    ¡°You promise?¡± she croaked. I didn¡¯t even reprimand her for not adding Daddy to the end of that.


    I pressed my lips to hers. ¡°I promise, baby girl. I will always cherish you more and more every single day for the rest of our lives,¡± I swore.

 Chapter 81

    I shot an encouraging smile in Juliana¡¯s direction as she wrapped her lips around the fork in my hand. After our session in the yroom the day before, I had soaked in a hot bath with her for a couple of hours before drying her off, rubbing her body down with lotion, and cuddling with her until I got her out of bed this morning.


    ¡°That¡¯s my good girl,¡± I quietly praised. She smiled a little. I tucked her hair behind her ear. ¡°Proud of you.¡±


    James stormed into the dining room, breaking our tender moment. I jerked my head up to look at him, my free hand settling on Juliana¡¯s thigh in a protective gesture.


    ¡°She almost done eating?¡± James asked.


    I nodded, setting her fork down. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I asked him. Juliana¡¯s hand settled over mine. I looked down at her. Her eyes were filled with nervousness and uncertainty. I flipped my hand over and gently circled my fingers around hers, giving them a light squeeze as I looked back up at my brother.


    ¡°Andres has decided to retaliate. He showed up at the clubst night. Fucked up two of the girls so badly they¡¯re in the hospital.¡± I gritted my teeth, my entire body tensing. ¡°I have a safe house set up for her,¡± James told me, inclining his head in Juliana¡¯s direction. ¡°It¡¯s up in the mountains. Completely remote. Surrounded by trees. She¡¯ll be dropped off at a certain point, and the rest will have to be trekked on foot. There¡¯s no electricity, no running water. It¡¯spletely off the grid.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going with her,¡± I told him without hesitation.


    James nodded. ¡°I figured. I¡¯ve already sent three men up there to stock up some nonperishable shit before you two get there, but if I can¡¯t get this taken care of in time, you¡¯ll need to learn how to get your food.¡±


    I nodded once. That wasn¡¯t hard. Growing up, Dad had thrown James and me into the woods a lot, forcing us to survive off thend for a couple of weeks before allowing us toe home.


    It had been brutal. It fucking sucked. But we lived. And it gave us survival skills we wouldn¡¯t have otherwise. Being a member of this family didn¡¯t always mean we livedvishly. Sometimes, like now, we had to go off the grid.


    ¡°You two have got three hours to get together everything you need. I¡¯m giving you keys to a truck,¡± he said, tossing them to me. I easily caught them in my free hand. ¡°There¡¯s a map on the driver¡¯s seat that will lead you to a private airport. From there, you¡¯ll fly to the country I¡¯m putting you two in. One of my men will drive you two to the mountains. From there, you¡¯ll follow the second map to get you to the cabin. It¡¯ll also be cold as fuck where you two are going, so pack ordingly. No electronics whatsoever. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Got it, brother,¡± I told him. I stood up and grabbed Juliana¡¯s hand in mine, gently pulling her up from her seat as well. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and handed it to James as I walked past him.


    He stopped me with a hand on my arm. He moved so he was standing in front of Juliana. She swallowed nervously as she looked up at him. I gently squeezed her hand, a silent reminder that my brother would never harm her.


    ¡°I know your family let you down a hell of a lot,¡± he told her. Tears sprang to her eyes. I gently squeezed her hand again. ¡°But you¡¯re part of my family now, Juliana. All of us here will do everything we can to protect you.¡±


    With that, he turned on his heel and walked out of the room. She looked up at me, but I just smiled at her.


    ¡°Wee to the family, baby girl,¡± I gently told her before leaning down to im her lips in a soft kiss.


    I led her up the stairs to our room.  Once the door was shut behind us, I cupped her face in my hands and pressed my lips to hers. ¡°Get some sleep, baby girl. I¡¯m going to pack and then touch base with James one final time before we leave, okay?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about all of this trouble,¡± she said softly.


    I shook my head, tucking her hair behind her ears. ¡°You¡¯re mine, baby girl, and I always take care of what¡¯s mine,¡± I reminded her. I pressed another kiss to her sweet lips. ¡°Get some sleep. You¡¯re going to need every bit of rest you can get because if I know my brother, we¡¯ll end up making this damn trek through the woods in the fucking dark.¡±


    She nodded. I kissed her again before sweeping her up into my arms, gentlyying her on the bed. I slipped her shoes off of her before I covered her up. ¡°Sleep well, little girl.¡±


    She leaned up on her elbows and pressed her lips to mine beforeying back down, curling up, hugging my pillow to her chest.


    Fuck, she was so goddamn sweet.


    Shaking my head, I walked to our closet and pulled down a backpack. I began stuffing clothes into it, rolling them tightly so I had more room to pack what we would need. I didn¡¯t want to carry more than one bag since I knew I would be helping Juliana along the rough terrain, and I had no idea how long this walk to the cabin would be.


    After double-checking I had everything I needed, I quietly left the room and went to my brother¡¯s office. He looked up when I stepped in. ¡°Everything good to go?¡± he asked me.


    I nodded. ¡°Everything is packed. I¡¯m assuming when you said supplies, you meant shit to bathe with, right?¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Just remember, there¡¯s no running water.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    I waved my hand in dismissal. ¡°I¡¯m sure I can boil some water, let it cool, and bathe that way.¡± He nodded in agreement. ¡°Now, walk me through the protection you¡¯re putting on me and Juliana.¡±


    ¡°Twenty men will be in the mountains with you,¡± he told me. ¡°Forty total on the protection team, but they will work in twelve-hour intervals.¡± I nodded. ¡°You won¡¯t see them, but they¡¯ll see you. Jaxon is the head of that team, and he will touch base with you every day to let you know whether or not I¡¯ve given him any new information and to also let you know if there have been any sightings.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± I told him. And I was d to hear that Jaxon was heading everything. I trusted that man with my life. ¡°Airport  is itpletely secure?¡±


    James nodded. ¡°I purchased thisnd myself. You¡¯llnd on a frozenke. Where I¡¯m sending you two is extremely off the grid, Darren,¡± he warned me. ¡°We didn¡¯t deal with this kind of shit growing up. You¡¯re going to have to be extremely smart about what you¡¯re doing. I seriously can¡¯t stress this shit enough.¡±


    ¡°I know, brother,¡± I assured him. He had to know I wouldn¡¯t do a damn thing that would put my woman at risk.


    He nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry this shit is happening when you two just found out Juliana is pregnant,¡± he apologized.


    I shook my head. ¡°This will hopefully give her time toe around to the idea,¡± I told him. ¡°So, it¡¯s not that big of a deal.¡±


    He frowned at that. ¡°She taking it hard?¡±


    I just nodded, not saying anything else on the matter. He nodded in understanding, respecting my boundaries. ¡°I won¡¯t see you when you two leave. So, take care, yeah?¡±


    I pped his shoulder. ¡°Always, brother.¡±

 Chapter 82

    By the time I made it to the airport, I was fucking sick of driving, and my goddamn ass hurt from sitting for so long. James had sent us three states over to fly us out. I understood why, but Jesus Christ, it was a pain in my fucking neck.


    One of James¡¯s men moved forward to open Juliana¡¯s door when I got out, and I growled, snapping my fingers at him to bring him to a halt. ¡°Touch that door, and James will be down one man,¡± I warned him.


    He swallowed thickly and stepped back a few feet, nodding once. I grabbed the bag out of the backseat and shouldered it before I rounded the truck and opened her door, gently lifting her off of the seat.


    She sleepily blinked up at me before she rested her head on my shoulder with a yawn. ¡°We¡¯re already here?¡± she croaked.


    I wanted tough, but I didn¡¯t. ¡°You slept for a few hours, baby girl,¡± I told her as I ascended the stairs onto the private ne. I set her on a seat before storing our bag above our heads in one of the smallpartments. I took a seat next to her.


    The flight attendant told us we would be taking off in a few minutes before she disappeared into the cockpit.


    Armed guards stepped onto the ne. I knew it was a protection measure, but Juliana trembled next to me. I leaned over, gripping the back of her neck. ¡°Look at me,¡± I roughlymanded. Her dark eyes locked on mine. ¡°Breathe,¡± I soothed. ¡°They¡¯re here to protect us; that¡¯s it. James is doing everything he can to keep us safe,¡± I promised her.


    She nodded, rxing a little. I pressed a kiss to her forehead before buckling her seatbelt. Then, I fastened my own. The engines came to life, and before long, we were taking off. Once we were coasting in the air, I lifted Juliana out of her seat and carried her to the bedroom that I knew my brother had in the back.


    I knew enough about James to know he¡¯d do anything to make sure he could have his wife whenever he wanted, which meant purchasing nes that had bedrooms.


    Juliana gasped in surprise at the sight of the bed. ¡°They make these?¡± she squeaked.


    I softlyughed as Iid her out on the bed. ¡°Yes, baby girl. They make these. And I intend to fuck you on it.¡±


    Her breath hitched in her throat. Surprising the fuck out of me, she grabbed my shirt and pulled me down on top of her. I groaned and thrust my hips against hers as I took her lips in a hard, bruising kiss. I ripped her fucking clothes off of her, desperate to feel her skin against mine. Ipped at her nipples, drawing the tight buds into my mouth, biting them before sucking harshly.


    I did not doubt in my mind the guards could hear her cries and pleas, and it only made me want her more.


    I drove my fingers up hard inside of her, curling them as I thumbed her clit, sending her toppling over the edge. Her hands wed at my bare back, and I could feel her nails breaking the skin, drawing blood.


    ¡°Fuck me,¡± she begged. ¡°Please fuck me, Darren.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I rasped. I rolled onto my back, pulling her with me. ¡°Ride me,¡± I ordered.


    She grabbed my dick in her small hand, stroking me a couple of times before she impaled herself on me. I yanked her body down to mine and gripped the back of her neck, my other hand gripping her ass cheek. Then, I thrust up into her over and over. Her cum was dripping onto my balls and my thighs, but I didn¡¯t care.


    She felt like fucking heaven.


    She wed at my shoulders, crying out my name, her body trembling above mine. Right before I came, I pulled out and set her aside. She stared at me in shock, but I just shed her a grin before I flipped her onto her stomach and yanked her ass in the air before I pressed the blunt head of my cock to her ass.


    She moaned. ¡°Yes,¡± she mewled. ¡°Daddy, please.¡±


    Moaning with her, I slid inside of her, inch by inch until I was fully seated inside of her tight ass. ¡°So fucking tight,¡± I groaned.


    ¡°You feel so good,¡± she whimpered. ¡°Fuck me, Daddy.¡±


    I leaned over her, pulling out and thrusting back in as my fingers found her clit. She screamed, her hands wing at the nket. I fucked her hard, never stopping my fingers on her clit. She tried crawling away from the sensations, but I pinned her to the bed with my body on top of hers, drawing every fucking orgasm I could from her all-too-willing body.


    By the time I came, she was a sobbing mess, her entire body shaking. I pressed kisses all over her body, giving her time to calm down. She was gasping for air, her body shaking from the shock I¡¯d just ced her in.


    But I knew with time, she¡¯de out of it. I just had to give her body time to calm back down.


    After, I carried her into the bathroom and took a quick shower with her, soaping her body up before carrying her back to bed and falling asleep with her soft, sated body nestled in my arms.


    Despite the circumstances that were putting us into the mountains, I was looking forward to it. I nned to fuck this sexy ass woman of mine into a sma every single day and night.

 Chapter 83

    A light knock sounded on the door, and with a grunt, I got out of bed and yanked my jeans up my legs, going to the door to open it. The flight attendant¡¯s cheeks burned red the moment her eyesnded on me.


    ¡°Um, we¡¯re about tond, Mr. Jackson,¡± she informed me.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I grunted.


    I shut the door and finished getting dressed before I woke Juliana up. She was groggy  jetgged  so her movements were slow and a little sloppy. ¡°Come on, baby girl,¡± I coaxed as I helped her up from the bed, being patient with her. ¡°I¡¯ll get the flight attendant to get you a cup of coffee when wend,¡± I promised. I knew coffee was bad for the baby, but she was miserable. I could tell. I just wanted her to feel a little bit better. ¡°I just need you to get dressed for me.¡±


    She huffed and rubbed her eyes. I pressed a kiss to the top of her head and helped her back into her panties and jeans before I hooked her bra behind her and helped her into her shirt. After I zipped her up in her jacket and put her boots back on her feet, I led her out to the seats we¡¯d previously been sitting in once she was dressed and bundled up fornding.


    ¡°Coffee,¡± I told the flight attendant before she could open her mouth. ¡°One cup. Hazelnut-vored creamer. Make it extra sweet.¡± Juliana was going to need every bit of energy she could for the long day we had ahead of us.


    She nodded and scurried off. I buckled Juliana in before buckling myself. The flight attendant came back with Juliana¡¯s coffee in record-breaking time, and it was even a little cooled off so Juliana could gulp it down.


    Once wended, I waited for the guards to check the area around where wended before I led Juliana off the ne. I wasn¡¯t taking any chances that someone had tracked us, and I wanted her in the safety of the ne while we waited.


    And when we got off, I cursed my brother all to hell. He hadn¡¯t been kidding. It was fucking cold.


    Juliana started shivering the moment we were off the warm ne. I wrapped my arm around her, dragging her closer to my body. ¡°Just a few steps, baby girl,¡± I soothed. The wind bit into my cheeks. ¡°We¡¯re almost to the car,¡± I promised.


    I didn¡¯t bother mentioning it would probably be even colder once we got to the mountains.


    Fuck you, James, I mentally thought, hoping my thoughts would transmit to him some fucking how. Because New York didn¡¯t have shit on wherever the hell he¡¯d thrown us to.


    I quickly hustled Juliana into the car and nodded once at the driver before I slid in as well. He shut the door behind me and walked around the car. Juliana huddled up close to me, her teeth chattering.


    ¡°Is it going to be colder in the mountains?¡± she asked me.


    I sighed. ¡°Unfortunately, baby girl. But we¡¯ll deal, you hear me? When we get to the cabin, I promise I will get a fire going as soon as possible.¡± ¡°I kind of hate your brother right now,¡± she mumbled.


    I barked out augh and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. ¡°You and me both, baby.¡± But I also knew he was doing whatever he could to keep her safe.


    ~*~*~


    Once we got to the mountains, I helped Juliana out of the car. The driver pulled off a beatter. Jaxon appeared out of the woods, announcing his presence to me before he emerged. I grunted in greeting, my arms wrapped tightly around Juliana who was already shivering. He handed me a thick coat. ¡°For her,¡± he exined at my questioning look. ¡°It¡¯s going to be dark soon, and it¡¯s going to get cold.¡± He handed me a ski mask as well.


    ¡°She might feel better with this as well.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I told him, meaning it. I bundled her up and pulled the ski mask over her face, pressing a kiss to her cold lips afterward. Jaxon grabbed my bag from me and shouldered it. ¡°It¡¯s going to take us a few hours to get up to the cabin,¡± he told me. ¡°But I¡¯ve got a couple of men getting a fire going. You¡¯re on your own for more wood tomorrow, but you¡¯ll have enough to get you through the night and tomorrow morning.¡±


    I nodded at him in thanks. Jaxon always looked out for us. I honestly didn¡¯t know why James hadn¡¯t given him a higher ranking yet. ¡°James gave me a map,¡± I told him.


    ¡°I told him a map isn¡¯t going to do you much fucking good if it¡¯s too dark for you to read it.¡±


    I snorted. ¡°Good thinking. Bet he took that information with grace.¡±


    Jaxon barked out augh. ¡°Pretty sure he had an urge to hit me.¡±


    I snickered. Grabbing Juliana¡¯s gloved hand in mine, we followed Jaxon into the woods. He held branches out of the way for Juliana, and I helped her over the rough terrain. It got worse the higher we went, the incline bing steeper, the ground bing a bit rockier and uneven, but she clung to me, managing to keep her bnce by using me.


    Jaxon was patient, just as I was. She wasn¡¯t used to this kind of thing, and I knew it was beginning to take its toll on her.


    We stopped every hour so she could drink some water. I knew she wouldn¡¯t feel thirsty. The cold prevented most people from feeling their thirst, but Jaxon and I had both been through enough survival training to understand you had to stay hydrated whether you felt the thirst or not.


    Daylight was breaking out over the horizon when we finally made it to the cabin. I¡¯d carried Juliana on my back for thest hour. Her steps had been getting sluggish, and she was getting too tired to continue. I was terrified of pushing her too far, so I¡¯d ordered her onto my back, and Jaxon helped keep me steady on the more uneven parts of our trek.


    There was a mattress on the floor in front of the firece when we walked in. I quickly set Juliana on it and stripped her out of her wet boots and her jacket, pulling her mask and gloves off of her as well. Jaxon had a thick nket and a thickforter ready when I was done, and I quickly wrapped her up in it, pressing a kiss to her forehead. ¡°You did so good, baby girl,¡± I praised. She yawned. ¡°I¡¯m proud of you. Sit here for a few minutes, okay? I¡¯m going to get you something to eat, and then we can sleep.¡±


    She nodded, yawning again as she did so, her teeth no longer chattering. I pressed a kiss to her lips and got up, walking into the kitchen. James was right. If we were here more than a week, we would quickly run out of supplies. But that was fine. I knew how to live off thend.


    Jaxon pped a hand on my shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m heading out,¡± he told me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll touch base with you around noon.¡±


    ¡°Got it. Thanks, man.¡±


    He nodded once and strode out of the cabin, closing the door behind him. I quickly poured a can of beef stew into a pot and set it over the fire before wrapping my body around Juliana¡¯s. She sighed in contentment.


    ¡°Maybe being here won¡¯t be so bad,¡± she said softly.


    ¡°Why¡¯s that, baby?¡± I asked her, honestly curious.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s just us,¡± she exined. ¡°The outside world doesn¡¯t exist here.¡± She shrugged. ¡°I didn¡¯t know how much I needed the break from reality until we got here.¡±


    I pressed my lips to the top of her head. ¡°We¡¯ll make the most of our time here, then,¡± I promised her. I got up from the mattress and stirred the stew before going back to the kitchen area to grab two bowls and another spoon. After dishing out the food, I fed Juliana before finally eating myself. Once I was done and had everything cleaned up, I crawled beneath the nkets with her and pulled her tightly into my arms, and both of us fell asleep within minutes.


    ~*~*~


    When I woke up a couple of hourster, Juliana was quietly snoring beside me, the front of her body facing the fire. I pressed a kiss to the back of her head before I eased off the mattress, tucking the nket around her so she would still feel warm and secure.


    I pulled my boots back on and grabbed my jacket, going outside to see what animal I could kill for some kind of protein. My brother had grabbed us as many canned goods as he could, but Juliana and I would both need more sustenance than he had supplied us with.


    After finding a small rabbit, I skinned and gutted it before going to roast it over the fire. Juliana was still sleeping when I entered the cabin, her lips slightly parted.


    She was so fucking beautiful.


    I brushed my fingers over her forehead and cheek before I went back outside to gather some wood for the next couple of days with thoughts of making love to my sweet, little submissive in front of the fire circling in my head.

 Chapter 84

    JULIANA


    The smell of something cooking woke me up, dragging me out of my deep slumber. Slowly opening my blurry eyes, I immediately took notice of the small, skinned animal roasting over the mes in the firece. My stomach rumbled in hunger all while a small smile tilted my lips.


    Darren was making sure I was taken care of, and that knowledge made me all warm and fuzzy inside.


    I crawled off of the mattress and slid my feet into my boots before grabbing my jacket to go in search of Darren. I could faintly hear the sound of wood splitting, so I assumed he was outside.


    And I was right.


    When I stepped out of the back door onto the porch, my eyes instantlynded on Darren. Even though it was cold outside, he was shirtless, his body glistening with a light sheen of sweat as he swung the axe over his head and mmed it down onto the wood in front of him, slicing it straight down the middle, his muscles flexing with the strength he put behind the swing.


    I was pretty sure my ovaries fucking exploded at the sexy-as-hell sight.


    Even the scars on his body added to his sex appeal. I wanted to run my tongue over every one of those scars. He was magnificent perfection.


    He nced at me and cast me a soft smile before splitting another piece of wood and lining up another after that one.


    My core clenched. I desperately needed him. I needed him to cure this deep ache inside of me like he always did.


    Seeing him work like this had me craving every piece of him.


    Licking my lips, I stepped down the porch. He set the axe aside, watching me as I moved towards him. As soon as I was within his reaching distance, he dragged me against him, his lips covering mine. Our tongues tangled together, but I submitted to him like always, allowing him to have the control, to im my mouth like he always did.


    I slid my hands over his body, loving the way he shuddered under my touch, the way his muscles rippled beneath my palms. He groaned into my mouth, deepening the kiss even further, exploring parts of me he hadn¡¯t had a chance to yet.


    As soon as I had his jeans undone, I dropped to my knees in the snow and sucked his cock between my lips, hollowing my cheeks out as I flicked my tongue over his head, licking away his precum.


    I moaned. He tasted so good.


    Darren growled and grabbed my hair, fisting it as he began to fuck my mouth. I greedily took his cock like the good girl I was, wanting to do nothing more than please my dom.


    He was going above and beyond to help me, to take care of me. I knew he always would. And since this was the only way I knew to repay him, I would do my damnest to make sure this man of mine was always thoroughly sated.


    ¡°Fucking hell, little girl,¡± Darren rasped. My pussy tingled, and I had to resist the urge to slip my hands into my jeans to rub my clit. ¡°That goddamn mouth of yours is fucking magical.¡±


    I moaned around his cock. He thrust harder. I kept my gag reflex rxed, taking him as deep as he wanted to go. My eyes watered. Darren groaned as he trailed his fingers over my jaw. ¡°You look so fucking perfect with my cock down your throat, baby girl.¡± Fuck. Me.


    I sucked harder, my eyes never leaving his. Within minutes, he came down my throat, coating it with his seed. I swallowed as much as I could, but some of it ran down the corner of my lip. But as soon as he pulled out of my mouth, I used my thumb to wipe it up and popped it in my mouth. He growled at the sight, his eyes dark and wild as he yanked me up off the ground.


    I squeaked in shock when he tossed me over his shoulder, carrying me inside the cabin. As soon as he stepped into the kitchen area, he set me on my feet. Once my shoes and jeans were off, he ripped my panties off, set me on the counter, and slid deep inside of me.


    I cried out, my hands wing at his back as he fucked me like a man possessed. He shoved my thighs further apart until it hurt and rammed his cock into me over and over, his lips biting at my skin, leaving marks. I was shaking, my body convulsing around him. I was trembling in his hold, the sensations almost too much to cope with.


    ¡°Darren, please,¡± I cried. ¡°I can¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Take it, little girl,¡± he rasped. His lips met mine, and he sucked hard on my bottom lip, biting it afterward. The taste of blood spread over my tongue. ¡°I know you can take it. You¡¯re daddy¡¯s good, little girl.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    I whimpered,ing again. I¡¯d lost count of the number of times I¡¯de around his cock. Every part of my body was throbbing, exhaustion already weighing on my limbs even though I¡¯d just woken up.


    Darren suddenly roared my name as he came hard inside of me, his fingers digging into the soft flesh of my thighs. I cried out, another orgasm washing over me as his nails broke the skin of my thighs.


    After, he held me tightly, his arms wrapped around me. I slumped in his hold, too tired to hold myself up any longer.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got you,¡± he whispered, pressing a kiss to my temple. ¡°Just breathe and let your body calm down, baby.¡±


    ¡°Sleepy,¡± I mumbled, my breathing still ragged, every nerve ending in my body still wound tightly from being so thoroughly fucked.


    He curled his arm under my ass and carried me to the mattress on the floor in front of the firece. Somehow, he eased to his knees and gentlyid me on my back without stumbling in the slightest. He brushed his lips to my forehead. ¡°Take a nap,¡± he coaxed. ¡°I¡¯ll wake you when the food is done.¡±


    ¡°M¡¯kay,¡± I mumbled, too tired to say much else. He covered me up, and I felt his lips on my cheek one more time.


    ¡°I¡¯m so proud of the woman you¡¯re bing,¡± I faintly heard him whisper. ¡°You¡¯re blossoming, baby girl, and I¡¯m fucking honored to witness everything you¡¯re bing.¡±


    A small smile tilted my lips as I fell into a deep slumber. I faintly felt him press a tender kiss to my belly before Ipletely fell asleep.

 Chapter 85

    DARREN


    Later that night, I fed Juliana her dinner. She had been doing so well today. She woke up sick, but after drinking some water and eating a few crackers, she was doing okay and was now hungry again.


    She parted those fuckable lips when I raised the fork to her mouth. I groaned as she wrapped them around the utensil, a blush staining her pretty cheeks.


    ¡°So beautiful,¡± I murmured.


    She was. With that pretty blush staining her cheeks, the mes from the fire reflected in her eyes, and her hair falling loosely around her shoulders, she was easily the most beautiful woman I¡¯d everid my fucking eyes on.


    And even better? She was all mine.


    ¡°I¡¯m full,¡± she said softly when I got ready to feed her another piece of meat. She¡¯d eaten most of her food, so I quickly finished off the remainder of the rabbit. Julianay down on the mattress, her eyes on the mes in front of her. After I was finished eating, Iid down beside her and pulled her into my arms.


    ¡°Do you know any fairytales?¡± she quietly asked me.


    ¡°I know a couple,¡± I softly told her. I ran my hand over her dark hair.


    ¡°Red Riding Hood is one of my favorites.¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me the story?¡±


    I pressed my lips to her forehead before resting my chin on the top of her head, tucking her body closer to mine. I dived into the story, my deep voice rumbling through the otherwise silent cabin. As I spoke, I ran the tips of my fingers up and down her spine.


    It wasn¡¯t long before her soft, even breaths were hitting my chest. With a sigh, I held her tighter, pulling the nkets tighter around us. I could feel the chill in the air against my back, but I would deal. I wanted Juliana as warm as possible, so while we were here, she would sleep on the side of the mattress closest to the fire, and I would sleep on the other side of her.


    She was all that mattered: herfort, her safety  fucking everything about her.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Jaxon stepped into the cabin, his boots not making any sound on the hardwood floors. I turned my head to look at him.


    ¡°Heard the silence,¡± he whispered in exnation. ¡°Figured she was sleeping.¡± I nodded. ¡°No changes yet. James is still working to hunt him down. Be prepared for an extended stay.¡±


    I nodded once. He slipped back out of the cabin, quietly shutting the door back behind him. I tucked Juliana¡¯s head back under my chin and closed my eyes, preparing myself to get a few hours of sleep before I needed to get up and go get us something for breakfast.


    ~*~*~


    I moaned low in my throat when I felt Juliana¡¯s soft hand wrap around the base of my cock. She slid her hand up, using my precum to lubricate her hand.


    ¡°Woman,¡± I rumbled, slowly opening my eyes to look down at her.


    She shot me a flirty smile and flicked her tongue out over her lips. I narrowed my eyes at her. ¡°Unless you¡¯re trying to get fucked into a sma, I suggest you stop, little girl.¡± ¡°I want to y, Daddy,¡± she begged.


    Fuck.


    I gently forced her onto her back. She was already naked, the little vixen. I had no idea when she¡¯d shed her clothes while I was sleeping, but she had to have been extra stealthy to not have woken me up.


    I stripped my clothes off before snatching her bra from the floor and using it to bind her wrists behind her back. With her hands beneath her, it thrust her chest up, those perky tits begging for my mouth.


    I leaned down, drawing one rose-colored nipple into my mouth, sucking hard,ving my tongue over it before doing the same to the other. She moaned and writhed beneath me, bringing her hips up to rub against my cock.


    I gripped her hip and shoved her body back down, anchoring her hips to the mattress. Leaning up, I hovered over her. ¡°You want to y, little girl, then it¡¯s on my terms,¡± I reminded her. She whined low in her throat. ¡°You¡¯re under my control, baby girl.¡± I pinched and rolled her nipple,


    making her softly cry out. ¡°I¡¯m in control of you.¡± ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± she breathlessly responded.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± I growled before leaning down to bite the side of one of her breasts, lightly breaking the skin before sucking at that same spot. The pain drove her and ts, soft cries, and begs fefeelinglyrom her lips. I didn¡¯t disappoint. I did it again next to that spot, marking her body as mine.


    As I sucked hard on the spot I¡¯d just bitten, I drove my fingers inside of her. Fuck, she was so hot and wet, and her walls clutched at my fingers, tightening around them.


    ¡°Greedy little thing, aren¡¯t you?¡± I rasped,ving my tongue over her nipple before sucking hard on it.


    ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± she moaned. ¡°I¡¯m always greedy for your touch.¡± Fuck me.


    I finger fucked her hard, screwing my fingers up into her over and over, paying the same attention to her right breast as I had her left, biting, sucking, licking until she was begging me to let here.


    I quickly withdrew my fingers from her tight, wet cunt and sucked them clean.


    So fucking sweet.


    I flipped her onto her stomach and yanked her ass into the air before sliding deep inside of her.


    ¡°Oh, God,¡± she whimpered.


    ¡°Not God, baby girl,¡± I growled, leaning over her. ¡°Who¡¯s inside of you, little girl? Who owns you?¡± ¡°You, Daddy. Only you.¡± ¡°Good girl,¡± I praised.


    I curled my arm under her hips and circled her clit. ¡°Don¡¯t hold back, you hear me? I want you to soak my dick, little girl. I want you so fucking wet that your cum is dripping down my legs.¡± ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± she moaned.


    I fucked her hard. I fucked her fast, driving my cock deep inside of her with each thrust. My needy, little girl thrust that ass back every time I drove forward. Her screams echoed off the walls as I yed with her clit.


    And she didn¡¯t disappoint. She did just as I told her to do.


    My legs were slick with her cum. My fingers were fucking soaked. Her voice was hoarse from her screams, her body shaking, but she was keeping up, still somehow begging me for more, begging me to never stop.


    By the time I released inside of her, I was fucking exhausted. I untied her wrists and gentlyid her down on top of the nkets. I cleaned her up the best I could before dressing her in one of my long-sleeved shirts. After, I cuddled with her, telling her the story of Red Riding Hood again until she slowly fell back asleep in my arms.


    I didn¡¯t have much for aftercare out here in the fucking wilderness, but I vowed to do the best with what I had. And if all I could do was cuddle with her and tell her a children¡¯s story, I would do that.


    She was my baby girl  mine to love, to protect, to keep. And I would always do my damnest to never let her down.

 Chapter 86

    I could feel Juliana staring at me as I swung the axe over my head, bringing the sharp edge down on the piece of wood in front of me, splitting it neatly down the middle. Jaxon had warned me that morning that there would be a snowstorm moving in tonight, so I wanted to be as prepared as I could. He wasn¡¯t sure how bad it would get.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    I paused for a moment, pulling my shirt up to wipe some sweat off of my face. I turned to look at Juliana. She was sitting on the porch steps, bundled up in a jacket, scarf, and gloves, her beanie sitting on top of her head, covering her ears. Her cheeks were a bit red from the biting cold. But my blood was pumping so hard and fast through my veins that it was a wee reprieve.


    ¡°How are you feeling, baby girl?¡± I asked her.


    She shrugged. ¡°A little nauseated, but the cold is helping.¡±


    I walked over and took a seat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. She burrowed against my side with a soft, contented sigh. ¡°I want to walk,¡± she quietly told me.


    I brushed my lips to her forehead. ¡°You sure you¡¯re up for a hike through the woods?¡± I asked her. ¡°It¡¯s rough terrain, remember?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°I remember, but I also know you won¡¯t let me hurt myself.¡±


    I smiled. My baby girl knew me so fucking well.


    ¡°Let me get this wood onto the porch, and then, we¡¯ll go for a walk,¡± I told her. I pressed a kiss to her cheek before I stood up and began loading my arm up with the wood, walking back and forth between the porch and the pile I¡¯d created on the ground until it was all stacked neatly right beside the back door of the cabin. Juliana watched me, always the silent one as I worked, but I didn¡¯t mind. I loved having her eyes on me.


    I quickly went inside and did my best to clean myself up with some cold water and soap before getting dressed. She was still sitting on the porch when I walked outside, and she looked up expectantly at me when I


    closed the door behind me.


    ¡°Ready?¡± I asked her, leaning down to grip her under her arms and help her to her feet.


    She nodded, her hand instantly finding mine. She linked our fingers together. ¡°I¡¯m ready,¡± she told me with a smile.


    It was that same fucking smile that always sucked the soul from my body.


    This womanpletely owned me, and she had no goddamn idea.


    We crunched through the woods. It was quiet between us, which I liked. I loved that Juliana didn¡¯t feel the need to fill the silence with meaningless chatter. She was content to just enjoy our time together and enjoy the peacefulness that nature had to offer.


    This woman truly was an amazing work of art.


    I could feel the eyes of all of my brother¡¯s men on us, keeping an eye on us and everything around the area. I wasn¡¯t sure if Juliana could feel them.


    If she could, she wasn¡¯t letting on  or maybe it just didn¡¯t bother her.


    She knew she was safe with me.


    ¡°Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to always live off the grid like this where no one could ever find me,¡± Juliana suddenly whispered.


    I gently squeezed her hand. ¡°You say you want it, baby and I¡¯ll make it happen,¡± I promised her. Because honestly, the idea wasn¡¯t unappealing. I hated the city. I hated people in general. If I didn¡¯t have to deal with anyone, I¡¯d be perfectly fucking happy.


    She looked up at me. ¡°You¡¯d do that for me?¡± she asked.


    I instantly nodded. There was a moment of hesitation for me. ¡°I¡¯d do anything for you, baby,¡± I admitted.


    A small smile tilted her lips. ¡°I love you,¡± she whispered.


    For that one, split moment, it felt like time stopped  like the world ceased to exist for a hairsbreadth of time. For that one, single moment, it was just me and her  nothing else existed.


    I swallowed thickly. ¡°That¡¯s a strong emotion, baby girl,¡± I rasped.


    Tears made her pretty eyes ssy. ¡°I know what I feel,¡± she croaked, ¡°and I love you, Darren Jackson. I think I¡¯ve loved you from the very moment you protected me at the club.¡±


    My hand shook at my side, and I shoved it in the pocket of my coat to hide it. ¡°Even though I got you knocked up?¡± I asked her.


    She nodded. ¡°Even though that, Darren,¡± she whispered.


    I swept her into my arms and crushed her mouth to mine, kissing her hard, deeply, savagely. I will forever cherish those three words that she had just said to me.


    For the first time since we had been out here in the mountains, Juliana didn¡¯te outside when she woke up like she always did. I could hear her moving around in the cabin, but then, silence rang again.


    Something was wrong. I could feel it in my gut.


    I set the axe aside and walked into the cabin to go check on her. Juliana was lying on the mattress, her eyes closed, the nkets tucked around her. I knelt in front of her and gently brushed her hair back from her face.


    ¡°Little girl, look at me,¡± I gentlymanded.


    She slowly opened her eyes, obediently locking them on my face. I frowned as I ran the tips of my fingers over her cheek. Her eyes were a bit dull, not at all sparking with the usual warmth she got in them when she looked at me.


    She was having a low. Submissives got them every once in a while. Hell, even some Doms did. It was a normal part of our lifestyle.


    I kicked my boots off and stripped out of my shirt before lying down behind her, pulling her to me. ¡°Daddy¡¯s here, baby,¡± I soothed, running my hand over her hair. I hated that she was feeling like this, but I would do what I could to get her through it with the limited things I had to use to get her there.


    Normally, I would choose to soak in a hot bath with her, and then, I would watch a cheesy, Disney movie with her as we cuddled. I¡¯d feed her sweets, for once letting up on my rules of healthy meals.


    But I didn¡¯t have any of those options at hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she whispered.


    I pressed my lips to the top of her head. ¡°Don¡¯t be, baby girl. I love taking care of you,¡± I promised. And I did. I hated that I was doing it today because of her low, but I would always take care of her.


    We were silent for a while. I just held her. She dozed off a couple of times, but whenever she woke up, she was still extremely quiet, answering me with head nods or head shakes, never verbally. She was regressing, and it made me sick to my stomach. She had been making so much progress.


    But I would never force her to speak if she was scared to. Being too assertive right now could do more harm than good to her mental state. I just worked my way through the situation by paying attention to her bodynguage like I did when I first met her.


    I fed her lunch and dinner, talking soothingly to her as I did so to get her to cooperate and eat for me. She was acting like a stubborn child, but I understood it, so I kept my patience with her, continuing to be firm yet gentle.


    After I got her to eat her dinner  thankfully all of it  I sat on the mattress with her between my legs and read her a book I¡¯d found lying around on one of the shelves. It was some romance book  probably one of Emmaline¡¯s  but it kept Juliana interested, and slowly but surely, the book drew her out of her funk, and she listened attentively, hanging onto my every word, her cheeks flushing a pretty pink color when I got to the sex scenes.


    For the entire night, I read to her, never stopping. She didn¡¯t sleep and neither did I, but I was hoping that by morning, she would be mostly okay again.


    That was all I wanted. I could deal with the tiredness so long as my baby girl was okay again.


    Around daybreak, the book was over. Juliana was passed out in my arms, soft snores leaving her lips. I just continued to hold her, lightly running my hand over her hair over and over. I watched the sunrise, watched the way the sun moved over her beautiful face, making her hair shine and her skin glow.


    It gave her an ethereal look that I wished I had a phone to capture, but I knew that the image would forever be etched into my mind. There was no way I could ever forget how fucking stunning she looked in this moment.


    This woman of mine was a fucking goddess; she just didn¡¯t know it yet.

 Chapter 87

    Like our normal morning routine, I had another rabbit roasting over the fire in the cabin while I split some more firewood, and Juliana was bundled up on the porch, watching me.


    I instantly reached for the gun at the small of my back when I heard a twig snap. ¡°Easy,¡± Jaxon called from the edge of the woods. I slid my gun back into ce and set my axe aside, turning to face him. ¡°I¡¯ve got some news.¡±


    ¡°I figured since you normally wait until she¡¯s sleeping,¡± I gruffly noted, not at all amused that he had tried sneaking up on me. But I knew if Jaxon didn¡¯t want to be seen or heard, I¡¯d have never known he was near.


    He nodded as he emerged from the woods. ¡°James told me to deliver this news to you without dy.¡± I waited patiently for him to continue. ¡°Would you like me to speak in front of her?¡± he asked me.


    I nodded. ¡°We¡¯re out here in the middle of nowhere to keep her protected. If you have any news, go ahead and spit it out. She has a right to know.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°James and his men are closing in,¡± I rxed slightly. ¡°But there¡¯s been some changes.¡± I clenched my jaw. Juliana came to stand beside me. I instantly wrapped my arms around her, pulling her tight against me. ¡°Andres has upped his security around himself and his men.¡± Fuck. ¡°James is having to cut through Andres¡¯s resources first before he can make Andres disappear.¡±


    I nodded once. Juliana was tense in my arms. I smoothed my hands down her back, trying my best tofort her. ¡°James wanted to send more men here-¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I instantly said.


    Jaxon chuckled. ¡°Exactly what I told him. I¡¯ve got everything covered here, and you are with Juliana twenty-four-seven. She¡¯s well protected. He needs the manpower.¡± I nodded in agreement. ¡°He¡¯ll send word once they get through to Andres.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, brother.¡±


    If Jaxon was shocked by me calling him brother, he didn¡¯t show it. But he may as well be a brother. He¡¯d grown up with me and James  had been James¡¯s best friend up until that fucking horrible ident James got into with our mother which cost him his memory.


    Jaxon was one of us. Always had been.


    He slipped back into the woods with a single nod at me. Juliana looked up at me. ¡°What happens if they can¡¯t get to him?¡± she quietly asked me.


    I shook my head. ¡°That¡¯s not an option for us,¡± I told her honestly.


    ¡°James will not stop until the problem is taken care of.¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°Andres is powerful-¡±


    I pressed my finger to her lips, shutting her up. A frown pulled at her soft lips. ¡°So are we, baby girl. I got hit with multiple murder charges tond my ass in prison.¡± Her eyes widened in disbelief, but no fear showed in their dark depths. ¡°I should have gotten multiple life sentences, but instead, I served ten years. And I¡¯m on parole for another two years. That¡¯s it. Why? Because James has so many connections that it¡¯s almost fucking unreal. He said he¡¯d take care of this, and I trust him. Now, I just need you to trust me and not doubt my family, baby girl.¡±


    She blew out a harsh breath but nodded her head. ¡°Okay,¡± she whispered.


    I pressed my lips to the top of her head. ¡°Go on and sit back down,¡± I gently ordered. ¡°I¡¯ve still got a bit to do here.¡±


    She pressed a kiss to my jaw before slipping from my arms and taking a seat on the porch again. I cast her a smile before I picked up my axe and began swinging again, hoping and praying that my brother would stay safe during all of this bullshit.


    I¡¯d tear this world apart if something happened to him.


    ~*~*~


    Juliana¡¯s hands slid around my bare torso, her body pressing to my back. She was warm from sitting in front of the fire, and my chilled body instantly heated, drawing from her to warm up.


    I shuddered when she pressed her lips to my spine, her lips leaving a trail of fire as she kissed down my back.


    ¡°Woman, you¡¯re ying with fire,¡± I warned her, setting down the knife I¡¯d been sharpening.


    ¡°I want to please you,¡± she said quietly.


    I moaned low in my throat. This woman would be the fucking death of me. ¡°And how do you n to please me, little girl?¡± I rumbled, my cock straining against my jeans, begging to be buried inside of her wet heat.


    She slowly stepped in front of me. I noticed she had removed her bra and jeans and was now only standing in front of me in one of my t-shirts, her bare thighs on disy, her nipples pressing against the shirt, aching for my attention.


    I stood still, keeping my hands at my sides as she pressed her lips to my skin, trailing a heated fire along my chest and abdomen before she slowly dropped to her knees in front of me, pulling the shirt she was wearing over her head, leaving herpletely naked in front of me.


    Fuck.


    There was something about her eyes locking on mine while she was on her knees beneath me, nothing but trust in her eyes, that fucking drove me wild.


    ¡°Can I please you, Daddy?¡± she asked me.


    Goddamn.


    I finally allowed myself to touch her hair, running my hand over the sleek tresses. ¡°Yes, baby girl.¡±


    She unsnapped my jeans and pulled them down my legs just enough for my cock to be freed. She wrapped her small hand around the base of my cock and licked the tip before sucking me into her mouth.


    Fuck me.


    Unable to help myself, I fisted my hand in her hair. She moaned around my dick, the sounds vibrating down my shaft to my balls. She kept her eyes locked on mine, taking me deep into the back of her throat.


    ¡°Touch yourself,¡± I rasped. ¡°But don¡¯te until I do, understand?¡±


    She nodded and parted her thick thighs, her fingers rubbing her clit before she dipped them inside of herself.


    This woman was dangerous for my fucking health.


    Her eyes watered, but she continued sucking me deep, swirling her tongue around me, sucking hard on the tip before repeating the process all over again all while her cheeks were hollowed out, suctioning me.


    It took every ounce of my willpower to not fuck her mouth. She wanted to please me, and I would allow her to do that.


    ¡°I¡¯m close, baby,¡± I rasped, feeling that familiar tingling as my balls tightened. ¡°Now,¡± I growled.


    I pulled out of her mouth and pumped once, twice, beforeing all over her chest as her body trembled, soft cries and gasps spilling from her lips as she came, too.


    Then, not giving a fuck about my cum all over her, I sank to the floor with her, yanked her arms over her head, and sank deep into her heat. ¡°Oh, fuck, yes,¡± she cried out as she linked her ankles behind my back, taking me deep inside of her.


    I released her wrists and leaned up on my knees, gripping her hips. I fucked her hard and fast, watching as my cock slid in and out of her. Her tits bounced with each thrust, and she eventually began ying with them, pulling at her nipples.


    Ah, fuck.


    ¡°Yes, baby girl. Think of me as you touch yourself,¡± I rasped.


    She whined, her right hand sliding down her body to y with her clit. Jesus, this woman was something fucking else.


    I leaned over her again, taking her lips in a hard kiss as I slowed my pace down. I wrapped my arms around her, crushing her to me as I made slow, sweet love to her, kissing her soft yet deep, fusing our bodies as one.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    She hugged me to her as well, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. I kissed each of them away, whispering to her how much I loved her, and how I would always take care of her.


    She and I were the forever kind of shit I¡¯d thought never truly existed.


    When she came, I did not doubt in my mind that the men stationed close to the cabin could hear her cry out my name.

 Chapter 88

    Two weeks.


    For two weeks now, we¡¯d been stuck in the mountains. We¡¯d survived a snowstorm so far, and thankfully, with me splitting wood every morning, we did fine for heat. Jaxon was kind enough to brave the weather and bring us a skinned rabbit to eat so I wouldn¡¯t have to leave Juliana during it.


    The snowstorm had passed now, though the snow outside on the ground now came up to my knees. It was cold as fuck, but I dealt. We needed firewood and food.


    I¡¯d brave anything if it meant taking care of Juliana.


    The sound of a twig snapping and a man¡¯s muttered curse reached my ears as I was splitting wood to rebuild our stock. I quietly set down the wood I¡¯d been picking up, leaving only one in my grasp, and moved around the front of the cabin, keeping my back to the small house. I¡¯d left my gun inside the house with Juliana, ultimately leaving me mostly defenseless.


    But if someone was here, I didn¡¯t want to kill them  not yet. I wanted them to suffer first.


    I peeked around the corner, watching as Andres emerged from the woods in front of the cabin. Jaxon nodded once at me from the edge of the woods. I made a motion for him to stand down.


    Andres was mine.


    I ducked low into the snow, keeping myself hidden by the porch as I crept closer. Once he got close enough to me, I darted up and smacked the split piece of wood in my hand against his skull, sending him toppling into the snow.


    Judging by the fact that no other men came to Andres¡¯s rescue, I was hoping James¡¯s men had taken care of any other people Andres had brought with him. Juliana rushed outside at that moment, and a panicked scream ripped from her throat at the sight of Andres¡¯s unconscious form on the ground.


    I quickly dropped the piece of wood from my hands and darted up the porch as Jaxon and three other men rushed out of the woods, going to Andres. I quickly wrapped my arms around Juliana and walked her backward into the house, hiding her sick, demented father from her view. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Breathe, baby girl,¡± I ordered, kicking the front door shut behind me.


    ¡°He  he was here,¡± she choked out. ¡°He¡¯s here,¡± she sobbed, her shoulders shaking, her knees giving out beneath her.


    I sank to the floor with her, holding her tight in my arms. ¡°He won¡¯t ever fucking touch you again, baby, you hear me?¡± I grabbed her face in my hands, gently shaking her. ¡°Look at me,¡± I roughlymanded. Her teary, dark eyes snapped up to mine. ¡°He¡¯ll never fucking touch you. I¡¯m here. I will always fucking protect you.¡±


    ¡°My baby  he¡¯ll hurt my baby,¡± she cried, fear clouding her beautiful eyes.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I clutched her tight to me, my heart shattering for her all while my soul roared for vengeance. It was the first time she¡¯d acknowledged our child, and it rocked my fucking soul.


    ¡°No; he won¡¯t,¡± I promised her. ¡°He¡¯ll never touch our baby, you hear me? I¡¯ll never let him harm our little one.¡±


    She sobbed, her hands fisting in my shirt, her little body trembling in my arms. I gently rocked her back and forth, running my hand over her hair. ¡°I¡¯m here, baby. You¡¯re mine  no one else¡¯s. Certainly not his.¡± I tipped her chin up. ¡°Say it with me, baby.¡± ¡°I¡¯m yours,¡± she whimpered.


    I pressed my lips to the tip of her nose. ¡°That¡¯s right, baby girl. Mine. I¡¯ll fucking kill him before he¡¯s even within arm¡¯s reach of you,¡± I swore.


    Once her shaking and crying ceased, Jaxon stepped into the house, looking down at us. ¡°James said the call is yours to make,¡± he told me. ¡°We can take care of this for you, or you can take care of it yourself.¡±


    I looked down at Juliana. I wanted to take care of this myself, but not if she didn¡¯t want me to leave her.


    Juliana sniffled and nodded her head in consent for me to go take care of this for her. I stood with her in my arms and gently set her on her feet before cupping her face in my hands and leaning down to press my lips to hers. ¡°Mine, baby girl. Always remember who you belong to.¡±


    She nodded at me. Jaxon moved closer, his eyes questioning me  asking if I wanted him to stay with her. I nodded once. I kissed Juliana one more time before I stepped out of the cabin.


    Andres wasing to, his eyes slowly taking in everything around him. One of James¡¯s men handed me a pair of leather gloves. I slowly tugged them on, a cruel, sadistic smirk twisting my lips.


    ¡°Remember me?¡± I asked him.


    He gritted his teeth. ¡°I should have fucking killed you,¡± he snarled.


    I shrugged. ¡°Probably,¡± I admitted. ¡°Would have saved you a hell of a lot of trouble,¡± I mused. ¡°But then again, my brother would have ughtered you and everyone around you. The only reason you¡¯ve lived


    this long is because I needed time to recover.¡±


    ¡°My men will fucking kill you for this,¡± he sneered.


    Iughed. ¡°Will they? Because if you¡¯re here, that means your team has been left without a true leader  left defenseless. I can probably ce my fucking trust fund on James destroying everything you own and ughtering your men.¡±


    ¡°Burn in Hell,¡± he spits.


    Iughed and grabbed the front of his jacket, effortlessly lifting him and tossing him into the snow. I marched down the steps and knelt over him, my knees getting soaked from the snow as it melted beneath my heated body. I bashed my fists into his face, bloodying both me and him until he was nearly unrecognizable.


    All the while, I grinned  sometimesughing when he tried to spit some bullshit back at me but was unsessful due to the blood flowing from his mouth. It just came out as a bunch of garbled nonsense.


    Then, I wrapped my hands around his throat and slowly applied pressure, watching as he began to struggle, trying to fight me off of him.


    I didn¡¯t stop squeezing until I felt his neck snap under my hands after the life had already faded from his eyes.


    I stood up and pulled the gloves off my hands, walking up to the house as James¡¯s men went down to do a clean-up of the body.


    Juliana was sitting on the mattress in front of the fire, a book in her hands when I walked inside. She looked up at my entrance, a relieved look shing across her face. Without a word, Jaxon slipped out of the cabin, quietly shutting the door behind him. I tossed the gloves into the fire before wrapping Juliana up in my arms and crawling on top of her, taking her lips in a soft, soothing kiss.


    I fully intended to spend the rest of the day making sweet love to this woman I got to call mine.

 Chapter 89

    I worked my way over Juliana¡¯s neck, kissing, sucking, nipping at her skin as she moaned beneath me, her hands running up my shirt to touch my bare skin.


    I pushed her shirt over her head, tossing it to the floor before I unhooked her bra, tossing it aside as well. I moved down her body, lighting a trail of kisses along her skin before I reached her breasts. I cupped one in my hand, twisting and pulling at her nipple as I lowered my mouth to the other, sucking hard, nipping at the tight bud.


    ¡°Darren,¡± she whimpered.


    ¡°Easy, baby. Daddy¡¯s got you,¡± I rumbled against her skin.


    ¡°Please,¡± she whimpered.


    I slid my hand along the dip in her waist, dragging her body up against mine. She whined. ¡°I know, baby girl,¡± I soothed. ¡°I want you just as fucking badly,¡± I promised.


    I slid her leggings down her legs before shoving her panties aside and dipping two of my fingers inside her cunt, curling them upwards, not wanting to leave her suffering for too long. She moaned, her lips parting, her back arching as she spread her legs even further apart for me.


    ¡°You¡¯re Daddy¡¯s greedy little girl, aren¡¯t you?¡± I growled.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she moaned.


    I rubbed her clit with my thumb, watching as she rode my fingers, taking what she wanted from me. And I didn¡¯t stop her. I reveled in how badly she wanted me. I loved how much she fucking craved my touch.


    It didn¡¯t take long before she wasing on my fingers, soaking me in her juices. I ripped her panties off of her and knelt between her legs, hooking her thighs over my shoulders. Ipped up her pussy juices before driving my tongue up inside of her. She fisted the nkets beneath her, her back arching. ¡°Touch yourself,¡± I growled.


    She did as told, her fingers working her clit as I tongue fucked her, sucking in everything she was giving me. Right before she came, I drove up hard into her, covering her body with mine as I imed her all over again.


    Except this time, it was different. This time, we didn¡¯t have the threat of Andres Garcia hanging over our heads.


    He was dead  a permanent fixture in her past.


    She responded to my touch with wild abandonment, something she¡¯d never allowed herself to do before. She cried out my name, wing at my back as I fucked her to the point we were sweating despite the chill in the air.


    The fire was dying, but the heat between the two of us was steadily burning hotter.


    Surprising the fuck out of me, she flipped me onto my back and began to ride me, her hands nted on my chest. Her tits bounced with each thrust, her thigh muscles flexing as she bounced up and down on my cock. I ran my hands over her, my eyes locked on hers as she rocked our bodies together,ing down on me every time I thrust up into her.


    Her dark hair was a mess, sticking to her skin, going every which way, but she had never looked so goddamn stunning since I¡¯d known her.


    There was a fire in her eyes that I hadn¡¯t ever been there before.


    Andres had buried that fire in her soul under years¡¯ worth of dirt and destruction, but I¡¯d made a vow to myself to make my womane alive again.


    And I had.


    ¡°I love you,¡± she whimpered as she drew closer.


    I sat up and grabbing a handful of her hair in my fist, I yanked her lips down to mine, slowing her movements as I grabbed her hips to gently rock her against me, forcing her to rub my clit against the base of my cock.


    She tightened around me. ¡°Say it again,¡± I growled.


    ¡°I love you, Darren. Oh, God, I fucking love you,¡± she cried against my lips, tears falling from her eyes.


    ¡°Forever, baby girl,¡± I rasped. ¡°Forever mine.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she mewled. ¡°Please let mee,¡± she begged.


    ¡°Now, little girl.¡±


    She came hard around me, her head thrown back, exposing the column of her slender throat. I clutched her to me, running my lips over her sweaty skin.


    ¡°I¡¯ll love you for eternity,¡± I promised her.


    She sobbed then, her arms banding around me as she held me just as tightly, her nails digging into my neck, but I didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°You¡¯ll always be mine,¡± I swore.


    She nodded, somehow holding me even tighter.


    ~*~*~


    Later that night, Juliana was sitting between my legs as I fed her some deer meat. Jaxon had managed to kill it about midday, and after making sure his men were fed, he brought the rest for us to eat.


    It was thoughtful of him. I¡¯d been preparing to head out into the cold when he¡¯d appeared on the porch.


    Now, we were just waiting on Jaxon to send word that we were safe toe home. I had to admit it, though  I was going to miss being off the grid with my woman. She and I would have to do this for a vacation sometime.


    There was something about being in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do but fuck and sleep that was oddlyforting.


    ¡°I¡¯m full,¡± she mumbled, pushing the fork away from her lips.


    ¡°One more bite, baby girl. You expended a lot of energy earlier,¡± I reminded her.


    She huffed. I smacked the inside of her thigh in a silent reprimand, making her squeak. She obediently opened her lips, taking the piece of meat off the fork. I pressed my lips to her cheek. ¡°Good girl.¡±


    After I finished eating what she wasn¡¯t able to eat, I grabbed the book she¡¯d been holding earlier, the same one I¡¯d read to her while she had been having a low.


    ¡°I tried to read earlier. I thought reading this book would help me while you were outside,¡± her voice trembled a little, ¡°but it doesn¡¯t have the same effect as listening to you.¡±


    I pulled her between my legs again. ¡°Would you like me to read to you, baby?¡±


    She nodded. I curled my arms around her and started from the first page. ¡°Chapter one . . .¡±


    I jerked awake, my hand instantly grabbing my gun from under my pillow when I heard the cabin door open. I already had it trained on James when he stepped inside the cabin, the safety clicked off.


    ¡°You almost got your goddamn head blown off,¡± I harshly whispered to him. I gently removed my arms from around Juliana and tucked the nkets more around her before getting up from the mattress. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    I put a couple more logs onto the fire, watching as the mes zed a little higher, casting a beautiful, orange glow over Juliana¡¯s face.


    ¡°Outside,¡± James whispered.


    I nodded and stood up, shoving my feet into my boots before pulling on my jacket, and following my older brother outside onto the porch. I quietly closed the door behind me before turning my attention to him. ¡°Start speaking,¡± I ordered.


    He grinned at me. ¡°Always surprises me that you have so much patience to fuck around with enemies, and yet when ites to family, you have none.¡±


    I just shrugged. I liked toying with those beneath me.


    My family, however, was not beneath me.


    ¡°You¡¯re safe toe back home,¡± James told me. ¡°I wanted to deliver the news myself that everything has been taken care of. But I also needed to let you know something before you twoe back to New York.¡± He ran a hand through his hair. ¡°There¡¯s not a single soul left behind to take over everything that once belonged to Andres,¡± he inclined his head to the cabin door, ¡°except for his daughter.¡±


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I swore. I pinched the bridge of my nose, suddenly feeling like the weight of the world was on my shoulders once again when I¡¯d just gotten a reprieve. ¡°She¡¯s not going to want it,¡± I told him, ¡°and even if she did, she would have no idea how to run a fucking empire like he had.¡±


    James nodded in agreement. I paced to the end of the porch and back. ¡°Fuck,¡± I snarled. I red at him. ¡°I never wanted this kind of fucking responsibility, James.¡± And it would be my responsibility because Juliana was my woman.


    He sighed. ¡°I know, brother. But never forget that I¡¯m still your family. I¡¯ve always got your back. I can promote Jaxon  make him one of us to help lessen your burden. He¡¯ll work for both of us, Darren  not just me. Jaxon likes getting his hands dirty, and he knows the family  knows us. And he knows the ins and outs of this shit.¡±


    I nodded and shoved my hands through my hair again. I stared out over the dark, snow-covered ground for a moment, trying to wrap my head around this shit. ¡°My name and face can¡¯t be sted all over this shit,¡± I told him. ¡°I¡¯ve got two years of parole left.¡±


    James shrugged. ¡°I can make that parole disappear if you want me to.¡±


    I narrowed my eyes at him. ¡°Then why the fuck haven¡¯t you?¡± I demanded.


    He grinned. ¡°Because I like getting on your nerves,¡± he teased. I lightly shoved him, a softugh falling from my lips. ¡°I¡¯ll make it disappear, Darren. When youe back home, you¡¯ll have a lot more responsibility on your shoulders, but never forget, you can turn to me when you need to. I¡¯ve been the don for many years now. I know the ins and outs of this game better than anyone.¡±


    ¡°I know, brother,¡± I said quietly. I drew in a deep breath. ¡°I don¡¯t want it,¡± I told him, shaking my head. ¡°And I can¡¯t do this to Juliana. She¡¯s just escaped the clutches of the Mexican cartel. She can¡¯t handle more. And her man being the head of that family? It¡¯ll make her regress.¡±


    ¡°So, what¡¯s your move then, brother? Let it fall?¡± James asked.


    I shook my head. ¡°Everything goes to you  that is if you want it.¡±


    He shrugged. ¡°More control? Fuck yeah; I¡¯ll take it.¡± Iughed. He grinned. ¡°You sure this is what you want, Darren?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I won¡¯t let my woman be tied to that shit any longer than she already has been. And I don¡¯t like being in charge of that kind of empire. That¡¯s not my taste. I like getting my hands dirty  not being stuck in stuffy suits and business dealings all goddamn day.¡±


    James rolled his eyes at me before pping a hand on my shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m heading back down the mountain,¡± he told me. ¡°Jaxon will lead you and


    Juliana down at first light. Get some rest before making the trek down.¡± ¡°Sure you don¡¯t need rest?¡± I asked him.


    He shook his head. ¡°Emmaline made sure I had plenty of fucking energy.¡±


    I shoved him off the porch. Heughed as he caught himself at the bottom. ¡°Fuck you, brother.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I flipped him the bird over my shoulder before I stepped back into the cabin, shucking off my jacket and shoes before crawling back under the nkets with my woman.


    It was ourst few hours out here by ourselves before we were expected toe back to civilization.


    And honestly, I wasn¡¯t all that ready to return yet.

 Chapter 90

    I was up before the first light of the day started breaking through the dark sky. By the time daylight began to slowly filter into the cabin, I already had our few meager things packed.


    Jaxon walked up to the porch and handed me four gran bars.


    ¡°Figured you might be hungry.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°I can deal, but she needs to eat before we begin trekking down the mountain.¡± I walked inside the cabin and gently shook Juliana awake. She groaned and slowly blinked up at me, her pretty eyes bleary with sleep. I smiled at her, reaching to brush some of her hair back from her face.


    God, she was so pretty.


    ¡°We get to leave today,¡± I told her, ¡°but I need you to eat two of these before we begin walking back down the mountain.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Yawning, she nodded and sat up, grabbing one of the bars from me. I pressed a kiss to the top of her head before I began to put out the fire in the firece.


    Once Juliana had eaten both gran bars and drank a bottle of water, I helped her into her boots and bundled her up upon Jaxon¡¯s warning of facing snow flurries on the way down the mountain.


    I shouldered our bag and grabbed her hand in mine, following Jaxon out of the door. It was another very long walk down the mountain, but it went a bit smoother thaning up, though I had to keep my hands on Juliana at some parts to keep her from slipping on the rocky terrain.


    Once we finally made it to the base of the mountain, Juliana was visibly exhausted, her steps bing more sluggish, but this time, I didn¡¯t have to carry her.


    But as soon as we were in the car, she stretched out on the backseat, put her head in myp, and passed out.


    Jaxon smiled and shook his head as he slid into the passenger seat, nodding once at the driver to let him know we were good to begin rolling toward the airport. ¡°Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to have what you and your brother have,¡± he confessed.


    ¡°It¡¯s something else,¡± I quietly told him. ¡°Maybe one day soon, you¡¯ll find her.¡±


    He shrugged. ¡°Maybe,¡± he mused, turning back to face the front.


    I rested my head back against the seat and shut my eyes, getting more sleep before we hit the airport.


    ~*~*~


    ¡°I¡¯m so tired,¡± Juliana whined. And I knew she was because she wasn¡¯t one toin.


    ¡°I know, baby girl,¡± I soothed, brushing my lips to her forehead. ¡°Come on. I¡¯ll carry you onto the ne. After we¡¯re in the air, I¡¯ll put you to bed until wend, okay?¡±


    She just groaned but stepped out of the car. As soon as her feet were on the ground, I swept her up into my arms, nodding once in thanks to Jaxon when he grabbed my bag and followed me onto the ne.


    Juliana mostlyplied with what I told her to do once I got her settled in her seat on the ne. She was being grumpy, and if I didn¡¯t understand how tired she was, I¡¯d bend her over my knee.


    But though I was trying to be understanding, she was testing my patience.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want anything,¡± she snapped at me, her tired eyes lifting to mine. ¡°I just want to be left alone.¡±


    I gripped her chin and leaned over her chair, bringing my face close to hers. Her breath hitched in her throat. ¡°You¡¯re not getting sleep until you fucking eat something, little girl,¡± I warned her. ¡°I¡¯m trying to be nice and understanding because I know you¡¯re exhausted, but my patience is wearing thin.¡±


    Tears blurred in her eyes before she suddenly threw up all over both me and herself. She burst into tears. Feeling like a grade-A asshole, I quickly lifted her from her seat and carried her to the back of the ne to clean both of us up.


    I set her down in the bathroom and made quick work of her clothes.


    ¡°Breathe, baby,¡± I soothed. ¡°I¡¯m here. It¡¯s going to be okay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she cried. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean- I just don¡¯t feel good.¡±


    I pressed my lips to her forehead, holding them there until she stopped panicking. I would never get pissed at her for throwing up. She couldn¡¯t help it, and she was pregnant. ¡°We¡¯re going to get cleaned up,¡± I soothed. ¡°And then, once we lift off, I¡¯ll bring you to bed so you can sleep it off, okay?¡±


    She sniffled. ¡°Okay,¡± she croaked.


    I pressed a kiss to her temple before I finished stripping her out of her clothes. I stuffed our clothes into a random stic bag I found in one of the drawers before getting into the shower with her and soaping her body down to clean her up. Her face was pale, and her eyes were drooping.


    Worry was settling in my gut, and I was praying she was only sick because of the baby. I hated seeing her anything but healthy.


    After we were both clean, I dried her off and dressed her in a pair of sweatpants I found in the bedroom and one of the in, white t-shirts. I knew the clothes were my brothers, but I bit down my irritation at seeing her in another man¡¯s clothes.


    As long as she wasfortable and taken care of, I would deal.


    I carried her back out into the main part of the ne and set her in a different seat, buckling her in before I took a seat next to her. Jaxon handed me some crackers and ginger ale. I nodded once to him in thanks before turning to Juliana.


    ¡°Do you want to try eating these?¡± I asked her.


    Nodding, she took them from me and began to nibble on a cracker with her eyes closed, her head resting on my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her, gently running my fingertips up and down her arm as we began to take off.


    Once we were at cruising altitude, I unbuckled her and took her to the room at the back of the ne, gentlyying her on the bed. After kicking my shoes back off, I crawled into bed beside her, pulling her into my arms. I pressed a kiss to the top of her head. ¡°Sleep, baby girl. Daddy¡¯s got you.¡±


    ¡°I love you,¡± she whispered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I was being so stubborn. I didn¡¯t feel good.¡±


    I brushed my lips to the back of her head. ¡°And I love you, baby. But why didn¡¯t you just tell me you don¡¯t feel good? I can¡¯t help you if you act like a brat and hide things from me.¡±


    ¡°You were already dealing with a lot-¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± I hated her. ¡°Don¡¯t pull that card with me, Juliana. You know you can always tell me how you¡¯re feeling. You are always my priority.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Daddy,¡± she whispered. ¡°I won¡¯t do it again.¡±


    I pressed my lips to her shoulder in response. I was almost asleep when she began rubbing her ass back against me, obviously not asleep. I groaned, mping my hand over her hip. ¡°Woman, you¡¯re ill,¡± I reminded her, my voice husky with sleep.


    ¡°But I ache,¡± she whined.


    A growl resonated from my chest in response. ¡°Does Daddy¡¯s little girl deserve to have that ache relieved?¡± I asked her. She whimpered, rubbing against me some more. ¡°You were a bad girl, Juliana.¡±


    ¡°I know, but I¡¯m sorry,¡± she apologized. ¡°Please,¡± she begged.


    ¡°Please what?¡± I rumbled in her ear.


    ¡°Please, Daddy.¡±


    I slid my hand inside of the sweats she had on, finding her wet heat instantly. I dipped two fingers inside of her and rocked my hips against her ass, moving her body against my hand just right so the heel of my hand rubbed her clit as I pumped my fingers in and out of her.


    ¡°I want you in me,¡± she begged.


    ¡°You¡¯re ill,¡± I reminded her. But God, I wanted to bury myself inside of her so fucking badly.


    ¡°I know you¡¯ll be gentle. Please,¡± she pleaded.


    With a growl, I rolled her onto her back and stripped her out of her clothes. Without even bothering to get undressed, I pulled my cock out of the sweats I had on and slid inside of her, gently rocking our bodies together.


    I peppered kisses across her skin, making sweet love to her.


    ¡°You¡¯re all mine, baby girl,¡± I whispered against her skin. ¡°Every part of you is mine.¡± I would always reinforce that for her because, with me, I knew my woman felt free.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she mewled, her arms banding around my shoulders.


    ¡°I love you, baby girl,¡± I rasped.


    She rubbed her cheek with mine. ¡°I love you, too, Daddy.¡± She gasped, her back arching beneath me, her tits rubbing my chest. ¡°I¡¯m so close,¡± she whimpered.


    I didn¡¯t quicken my pace, but I did grind my hips against hers a little harder each time I thrust, rubbing her clit. ¡°Come for Daddy, baby,¡±


    She cried out, her nails digging into my back, breaking the skin. I rocked us together until she came down from that all-consuming orgasm, her little body trembling beneath me in the waves of aftershocks.


    I rolled to the side and pulled her into my arms, pulling the nkets back over us. ¡°Sleep, little girl.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯te,¡± she mumbled, sleep already pulling at her.


    I pressed my lips to her forehead. ¡°I don¡¯t need to, baby. Taking care of you is enough for me. Now sleep before I spank your cute little ass red.¡±


    She blushed but burrowed closer to me, yawning. I tightened my arms around her and shut my own eyes, making a mental note to take her to the doctor when I got her back home.


    ~*~*~

 Chapter 91

    James was waiting for us when we got home. He was standing on the porch, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his cks, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows to expose his tattoos.


    ¡°Emmaline would have greeted you all, but she¡¯s having a bad day,¡± he exined. I frowned at the thought of the woman I¡¯de to think of as a little sister having a low. ¡°So, I won¡¯t keep you. I want to get back to her.¡± I nodded in understanding. ¡°Dr. Williams is downstairs waiting for your arrival.¡± He smiled at the woman in my arms. ¡°Wee home, Juliana.¡±


    With that, he turned on his heel and strode into the house. I sent a mental thank you to him for having Dr. Williams ready for us. James was good like that  always ahead of everyone else. And since he knew Juliana hadn¡¯t seen a doctor yet for her pregnancy, he made sure she would see one when we got back home, helping to ease some of the burdens from my shoulders.


    I had no idea how my brother kept himself from exploding from stress.


    ¡°I feel better,¡± Juliana protested as I carried her into the house, heading down the stairs to the very bottom floor of the house where Dr. Williams tended to all of us.


    ¡°You are still pregnant, baby girl,¡± I said gently, knowing she was still on the fence about this pregnancy. Besides that one time she cried about her father potentially hurting our child, she did all she could to avoid the topic.


    Dr. Williams smiled at us as I walked down the hall. ¡°Right in here,¡± he said, sweeping his arm into a room next to him.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    I stepped in and gentlyid Juliana on the cot, grabbing her hand in mine afterward. Dr. Williams closed the door and gave her a kind smile. ¡°Do you remember me?¡± he asked her.


    She nodded, not saying a word otherwise. He smiled kindly. ¡°Can you tell me what the date of yourst menstrual was?¡±


    She looked at me, her eyes pleading. ¡°Do you have a calendar?¡± I asked Dr. Williams. She¡¯d made a lot of progress with me, but I knew she wouldn¡¯t be vocal around anyone she wasn¡¯t familiar with.


    He nodded and strode over to the wall, pulling down a small calendar. I took it from him and handed it to her. She flipped back a month and pointed it out to me.


    Jesus Christ.


    She was almost two months along.


    I rattled off the date to Dr. Williams as I handed him back the calendar. He set it aside. ¡°Alright. ording to yourst menstrual cycle, you are seven weeks and five days pregnant,¡± he told her. ¡°Do you have bad morning sickness?¡±


    She looked at me again. I gently squeezed her hand. ¡°She¡¯s more nauseated than anything else,¡± I exined. ¡°Sometimes, she¡¯s sick enough to throw up  like yesterday  but for the most part, she¡¯s just extremely nauseated. We¡¯ve been using ginger ale and saltine crackers to help.¡± ¡°And do they help?¡± he asked.


    This time, Juliana nodded at him. He smiled at her. I leaned down and pressed my lips to the shell of her ear. ¡°Good girl,¡± I praised.


    Her cheeks warmed.


    ¡°Good. Then keep doing that.¡± He grabbed a hospital gown and handed it to her. She took it from him, her eyebrows creasing in confusion. ¡°I want you to change into that. I need to check your cervix, do some pap smears, and then we¡¯ll listen to the heartbeat. Sound good?¡±


    She nodded. He smiled at her and left the room. I pressed a kiss to her forehead. ¡°You¡¯re doing so good, baby girl,¡± I praised her. ¡°I¡¯m extremely proud of you. Come on.¡± I held my hand out for the gown. She handed it to me. ¡°I¡¯ll help you get dressed, okay?¡±


    She nodded. I helped her down from the cot and stripped her out of her clothes before putting the gown on her. ¡°I¡¯m nervous,¡± she told me as I ced her back on the cot. ¡°I don¡¯t  I¡¯m not ready to be a mom, Darren,¡± she whispered.


    I brought her hands up to my lips, pressing light kisses to her knuckles. ¡°Do you want to abort?¡± I asked her. It would gut me, but I would deal, and I would cope. What I would never do is force this woman to carry a baby she didn¡¯t want.


    She shook her head immediately. ¡°No!¡± she blurted vehemently. She closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath. I gently squeezed her hands, remaining silent and patient with her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just  it terrifies me to take care of a baby, and it terrifies me even more to have to share your attention with someone else,¡± she admitted.


    ¡°Oh, baby,¡± I whispered. I cupped her face in my hands, leaning down to brush my nose with hers. ¡°I will never love you any less,¡± I promised her. ¡°You will still be the center of my entire fucking universe, and I will always reinforce my bond with you,¡± I swore. ¡°You won¡¯t ever have reason to doubt my love for you and mymitment to you, baby.¡± I reached down and yed with the diamond cor on her ankle. ¡°I put this on you. This symbolizes what?¡± I asked her.


    Her lips trembled as her pretty eyes welled with tears. ¡°That I belong to you forever.¡±


    ¡°Good girl,¡± I praised. ¡°Don¡¯t ever lose sight of that, you hear me? You¡¯ll always be my baby girl. Not a goddamn thing will ever change that.¡±


    She sniffled. ¡°Okay.¡± She drew in a deep breath. ¡°Just please bear with me while Ie to terms with all of this.¡±


    ¡°Always, baby,¡± I promised her. With that, I gently kissed her. Then, I grabbed her hand and pressed it over my heart. ¡°This ¡± I pressed her hand firmer against my chest, ¡°this heart beats for you  only for you, you hear me?¡±


    She nodded. I kissed her again before Dr. Williams knocked on the door. I gave her a small, encouraging smile before calling out for him toe in.

 Chapter 92

    I smiled at Juliana as she stepped out of the closet. Her belly was rounded out now, and she looked stunning. At twenty-one weeks pregnant, she was positively glowing, and she was fucking beautiful.


    ¡°It¡¯s so hot,¡± she huffed.


    Iughed and stood up from the bed, walking towards her. ¡°That¡¯s your hormones, baby.¡± I pressed a kiss to her cheek. ¡°Come on; we need to eat breakfast so we can go down to see Dr. Williams for your appointment.¡±


    She sighed and rubbed her hand over her belly. She was still iffy about being pregnant, though she was definitely a lot more warmed up to the idea than she had been before.


    It helped that I always took time to reinforce my bond with her daily. She¡¯d been let down so much in her life, but I would never let her down nor would I ever turn my back on her.


    I cupped her belly with my hands and pressed a kiss to her neck. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be the sexiest pregnant woman I¡¯ve everid my eyes on,¡± I rumbled.


    She giggled. ¡°Stop trying to get me back in bed. We¡¯re hungry.¡± I grinned at her through the mirror. ¡°We, huh?¡± I teased.


    Sheughed. ¡°Yes, we  me and this baby you put in me.¡± I felt the baby lightly kick her belly. My grin widened before I pressed a kiss to her temple and grabbed her hand in mine, leading her from our room. Mrs. Judy already had her breakfast ready  toast with grape jelly, a single piece of bacon, one egg scrambled, and one pancake.


    My woman was something else, but I wouldn¡¯t change her for the world. She had her little quirks, and I loved each and every one of them.


    Everything was still the same between us. I still fed her breakfast and ate mine while she chewed what I fed her. She was more open with Emmaline though, and they always chatted together during meals. And when I was out doing something for James, she and Emmaline stuck together like glue.


    They were like sisters now, and I loved seeing my woman continue to grow and blossom into the beautiful goddess she was always meant to be.


    After she finished eating, I took her to Dr. Williams. Today, we would be finding out if we were having a girl or a boy, and I was hoping like hell that this would finally bring Juliana around to the idea of a baby fully.


    I hated seeing her happy about it one second and then miserable the next. I¡¯d offered the abortion option numerous times, and I¡¯d also continuously offered up adoption, but she always refused.


    It tore me the fuck up inside to see her so conflicted about this baby, though.


    ¡°You ready?¡± I asked her, gently squeezing her hand as we drew closer to Dr. Williams.


    She swallowed thickly but bravely nodded her head. I leaned over and pressed my lips to her temple. ¡°That¡¯s my brave girl,¡± I praised.


    I led her into the room and helped her onto the cot. Sheid back, her hands folded right above her belly. Dr. Williams smiled kindly at her. ¡°Alright, hun, I just need you to pull your shirt up to right above your breasts and pull your leggings down from your stomach, okay?¡±


    She did as he instructed and then folded her hands over her chest, her nervous eyes seeking out mine. I ran my hand over her hair. She drew in a deep breath before focusing her eyes on therge television screen in front of us as Dr. Williams put some gel on her belly and pushed his wand around, smearing the gel.


    Our baby appeared on the screen.


    ¡°Well, that was fast,¡± Dr. Williamsughed. ¡°You two are having a healthy, baby girl.¡±


    Juliana burst into tears. My eyes widened in shock. I hadn¡¯t expected this reaction out of her at all. She hadn¡¯t gotten emotional at any of her other appointments.


    I quickly knelt beside her and kissed her face, my heart pounding hard in my chest.


    ¡°It¡¯s a mini-me,¡± she cried.


    Oh, my fucking heart.


    ¡°Yes, baby girl,¡± I rasped. ¡°It¡¯s a mini-you.¡±


    She sobbed. ¡°I get to right all the wrongs that were done to me.¡± My heart squeezed in my chest for her as my soul roared for more vengeance. ¡°I get to love her in the way I never got to be.¡±


    ¡°Oh, baby,¡± I rasped, pressing my lips to hers as my heart broke for her. ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll both love her in the way you should have been loved and taken care of,¡± I promised. ¡°I will always protect her, just as Andres should have done for you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she cried, looking up at me through her teary eyes. ¡°I never knew I needed this.¡±


    ¡°Shit works out in mysterious ways,¡± I told her. A wateryugh spilled from her lips. I kissed her again. ¡°You¡¯re going to make an amazing mother, Juliana, and our baby girl is going to worship the ground you walk on. I know it with every fiber of my being.¡±


    She wrapped her arms around my shoulders, more tears sliding down her cheeks. And I just let her hold me, giving her every bit offort that I could offer her.


    I wasn¡¯t a big believer in God, though I knew a deity existed. But at that moment, I knew someone bigger than me or Juliana was at work here.


    She was being given something that could heal her in a way I fucking couldn¡¯t.


    Thank you, God, I silently thanked Him. You¡¯re healing her in ways I can¡¯t.


    ~*~*~


    When we got back up to our room, I lifted Juliana into my arms and carried her to our yroom. I would be gentle with her just as I always was since she was getting bigger the further along in the pregnancy she got. But she and I both needed this after the emotional morning we¡¯d had.


    And I wanted to reinforce our bond together before I left tonight to go take care of something for James.


    She responded to me eagerly, her hands working on removing my clothes for me as I worked to remove hers. As soon as she was naked in front of me, I led her backward to the bed.


    ¡°Safeword,¡± Imanded as I cuffed her wrists to the headboard.


    ¡°ck, Daddy,¡± she instantly answered.


    I pressed a kiss to her palm. ¡°Good girl. So, what do you say if the session bes too much?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°ck, Daddy.¡±.


    I pressed a kiss to her belly. ¡°Good girl,¡± I praised again. I grabbed a butt plug and ced it at her lips. ¡°Suck,¡± I ordered.


    She moaned and wrapped her lips around the shiny object, lubricating it so I could slip it in her ass. She opened for me like a good girl, and with ease, I slid the plug into her tight hole, easing her onto her back again.


    I then grabbed a remote-controlled vibrator and slid it along her folds. She moaned, her hips bucking up, greedily seeking out more. I smirked down at her.


    ¡°All on Daddy¡¯s terms, baby girl. Remember?¡± ¡°Yes, Daddy,¡± she breathlessly replied.


    I slid it inside of her and then turned it on. She cried out, her hands clenching the chains of her cuffs as she arched her back. I stood at the end of the bed and fisted my cock in my hands, turning the speed of the vibrator all the way up. She screeched, her chest rapidly rising and falling.


    ¡°Daddy, no,¡± she cried. ¡°Oh, God, it¡¯s so much.¡±N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ¡°Come apart for Daddy, little girl,¡± I rasped as I pumped my cock in my hand. She watched me through slitted eyes, her hips rocking back and forth on the bed.


    She wasing over and over again, cries, whimpers, and moans spilling from her lips. I moved over her and began to rub my cock over her clit, my lips sucking and pulling at her nipples. She was screaming beneath me, begging me to end the torture.


    ¡°Trust me,¡± I rasped.


    ¡°I do, Daddy,¡± she sobbed. ¡°I always trust you, but it¡¯s too much.¡± ¡°Trust me,¡± I reiterated.


    She whimpered.


    Right before she was about toe again, I pulled the vibrator out of her and slid inside of her. I gripped her ass in my hands and lifted her up, pumping my cock in and out of her, watching our bodies as they repeatedly came together, watching her clit swell more and more each time I ground into it.


    ¡°Daddy, please!¡± she screamed.


    ¡°Come, Juliana!¡± I ordered.


    She screamed,ing hard around me. I came inside of her beforeying my body over hers, quickly reaching up to undo her cuffs. I drew her into my arms afterward, holding her tightly as I waited for her body to calm back down.


    After, I carried her to our bathroom and submerged our bodies in the tub, filling it up with steaming, hot water. Then, I just held her, running my hand over her hair as she slept, her body soft and pliant in my arms, nothing butplete trust residing within her.


    ¡°I love you,¡± I whispered. ¡°I love you so goddamn much, baby girl.¡±


    She snuggled closer to me in response, a light snore reaching my ears. Iughed softly and pressed my lips to the top of her head.


    She was so fucking adorable.


    And all mine.


    Forever mine.

 Chapter 93

    Everything was going wrong that could fucking go wrong today.


    First, Juliana didn¡¯t show any signs ofbor. At fucking all. We didn¡¯t even know she was inbor until her goddamn water broke on the stairs.


    When we got to the hospital, she was eight fucking centimeters dted. There was no time for an epidural. Her window to get it had passed.


    Now, the baby was breeched. They were going to try to deliver vaginally, but the baby had gotten the cord wrapped around her neck. An emergency c-section had to be done.


    And Juliana was panicking.


    ¡°Baby, breathe,¡± I told her, trying to remain soothing. I was just as freaked out as she was, but I had to remain calm for her. If I lost my shit, Juliana would lose her rock. I had to keep her grounded.


    ¡°The baby-¡± she sobbed.


    ¡°Juliana,¡± I barked, slipping into dom mode. Her eyes snapped up to mine in response. ¡°Breathe,¡± Imanded. ¡°You¡¯re panicking, and it¡¯s doing more harm. Your blood pressure is rising, which is going to raise the baby¡¯s. You have to calm down. I¡¯m not going to leave your side. I¡¯ll be there the whole time. I swear to you, everything is going to be fine. Trust me,¡± I begged her.


    She nodded. ¡°Okay,¡± she sniffled.


    I pressed my lips to hers and looked up at the surgeon. ¡°We¡¯re ready,¡± I told him.


    He nodded. They wheeled Juliana out of the room, taking her to an operating room. They stopped long enough for me to pull on some scrubs, and then, we were moving into the room, me keeping my promise to never leave her side.


    It felt like it took forever, though I knew it wasn¡¯t that long. I stayed in dom mode, keeping Juliana in sub-mode to keep her grounded. I didn¡¯t dare look to see what the doctors were doing. If I saw her getting cut open, I might lose my fucking mind.


    But then, one of the most beautiful, heartwarming sounds in the world reached my ears.


    Our baby was crying.


    Juliana burst into tears. ¡°Is she okay?¡± she asked me.


    I swallowed thickly, my eyes blurring with tears as I looked at our little girl. Her little arms and legs were furiously kicking as the nurses worked to clean her off and the surgeon began to stitch Juliana up.


    ¡°She¡¯s perfect,¡± I rasped. I pressed my lips to hers. ¡°She¡¯s so fucking perfect. I¡¯m so goddamn proud of you.¡± And then, I fucking cried, too.


    ~*~*~


    I gently lifted my little angel into my arms, being extra careful to keep her head supported as I did so. She was such a quiet little thing, just like her mother.


    And fuck, she was the spitting image of Juliana.


    Ambrose Willow Jackson had been born at 3:59 in the afternoon weighing in at seven pounds, eleven ounces and almost an entire two feet tall already.


    ¡°Darren?¡± Juliana croaked from the bed.


    I slowly turned to face her, smiling at my beautiful wife. After we found out she was having a little girl, I soon asked Juliana to marry me, to which she readily agreed under the condition that we didn¡¯t have a big wedding.


    She wanted to get married at the courthouse, and that was it.


    I readily agreed. I loved how simple my woman was.


    ¡°Time to breastfeed?¡± I asked her.


    She nodded, reaching up to unfasten the top of her hospital gown. I gently ced Ambrose into her arms, my heart clenching in my chest at the sight of Juliana holding our baby girl.


    It was something I would never do in my life.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Ambrosetched on easily to her mother¡¯s breast. I eased onto the bed beside Juliana, being careful not to jostle her. I knew she was sore from the C-section. Sleep had been fitful for her until they gave her something strong enough that she could take while breastfeeding.


    She¡¯d been adamant about having that bond with her baby, and I wouldn¡¯t ever deny her that, no matter how much I hated seeing her in pain because she was limited in what she could take now.


    Because now, everything she ate or drank went to the baby as well, just like it had been when she was pregnant.


    ¡°You look so beautiful holding her,¡± I said softly. Juliana smiled at me, her dark eyes glowing with happiness. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of the woman you¡¯ve be, baby girl. You grew  blossomed  into a fucking goddess, and you persevered despite the world being against you. You survived, baby. You¡¯re a fucking warrior.¡±


    She blinked back tears. ¡°I love you,¡± she croaked. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be here today if it weren¡¯t for you.¡±


    My chest squeezed with raw pain at the thought of never knowing this amazing woman.


    ¡°I saw that fire in your soul the moment my eyes met yours in that club,¡± I told her. She blinked back tears. ¡°I always knew you were destined to be great.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so happy I trusted you that night,¡± she whispered.


    I leaned forward and gently kissed her, Ambrose between our bodies. ¡°And I¡¯m d you gave me a chance despite all of your fears, baby girl. I will always take care of you.¡±


    She smiled at me. ¡°Forever?¡± she quietly asked, that hint of vulnerability tinting her words.


    ¡°For eternity,¡± I corrected.


    She smiled that smile that always made my soul roar for her.


    She was mine  forever.


    We¡¯d both faced Hell in our ways, and I was so fucking honored to be a part of her beautiful journey of healing.


    As long as I had anything to do with it, my baby girl would always continue to be great.

 Chapter 94

    ***AUTHOR¡¯S NOTE***


    Hi lovely Readers, here¡¯s the author.


    Thank you for reading to the end of this book, and a new book is about to start.


    Title: ¡± My Ultimate Crush¡±.


    VIVIAN


    I left my cubicle for two minutes -two minutes- and what did I find stered all over the background of my desktop when I came back? A coge of George Clooney against a vibrantly colored background. Mostly shirtless and entirely sexy, but not appropriate to be looking at on apanyputer.


    And I knew exactly which one of my co-workers to thank for this mortifying disy.


    ¡°Molly!¡± I gasped, frantically navigating to the settings window to change everything back. ¡°You¡¯re going to get me in trouble!¡±


    Her suppressed giggles from the other side of our shared cubicle wall erupted into outrightughter. ¡°What? I thought you said you liked older men like George Clooney.¡±


    I groaned. ¡°I told you that in confidence.¡±


    ¡°Daniel Day-Lewis. Does he do it for you, too?¡±


    ¡°Stop it.¡±


    ¡°Robert DeNiro?¡±


    ¡°I said older men, not grandpas.¡±


    ¡°Oh, lighten up. It was just a prank.¡±


    ¡°A prank that could get me fired.¡±


    Molly twirled a lock of her curly red hair around her finger, leaning over the flimsy cubicle wall to roll her eyes. ¡°Ooh, I sure hope we don¡¯t lose our co-op positions that pay us pennies on the dor.¡±


    ¡°It could be worse,¡± I insisted. ¡°We could be interns. They don¡¯t earn anything at all.¡±


    She curled her nose. ¡°That should be illegal. You¡¯d think apany as big as Blue Cloud Financial would be able to


    take care of its employees, interns or otherwise.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    I shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s always about the bottom line.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t sound too bothered.¡±


    ¡°Of course it bothers me. That¡¯s why I¡¯m trying to learn as much as I can so I can open my investment firm one day.¡± I tilted my chin up and grinned. ¡°Everyone¡¯s going to get paid when I¡¯m in charge. Even the interns. It¡¯s only fair considering how much work they do.¡±


    ¡°Well, ain¡¯t you a saint?¡± Molly said dryly. ¡°Don¡¯t get too ahead of yourself, Viv. You¡¯re not going to be the next Merrill Lynch overnight. We still have to get through our cement and then one more year of college.¡±


    ¡°You sound super excited about it.¡±


    Molly slumped down into her creaky office chair, staring up at the fluorescent light panels above us while she spun around. ¡°Early-as-fuck morning lectures,st-minute crunch sessions before exams, and we¡¯re going to be a year behind all our ssmates? Sounds great.¡±


    ¡°One, early morning lectures aren¡¯t that bad. You need to fix your sleep schedule.¡±


    ¡°How dare you,¡± she replied, feigning offense.


    ¡°Two, you wouldn¡¯t need to crunch for exams if you spread out your studying like I do.¡±


    ¡°We both know that¡¯s not going to happen.¡±


    ¡°And three, why do you need the rest of your ssmates when you have me?¡±


    Molly sat up and smiled. ¡°Alright, but that¡¯s the only good thing toe out of this.¡±


    One of the senior investment analysts who had a cubicle across from us cleared her throat. Her name was Marta, ording to the metal namete sitting on her desk. Marta shot us a don¡¯t-you-have-work-to-do re, prompting Molly and I to sit up straight and get back to the grind.


    Naturally, Molly grumbled about the workload the entire time, but I didn¡¯t share the same opinion. I loved working for Blue Cloud Financial. We weren¡¯t allowed to handle the bigger investment portfolios -those were reserved for more practiced portfolio managers- but we got to handle the tail end transaction processing, which was mostly record keeping. Very straightforward, but I loved every minute of it.


    Numbers had always made sense to me. Ever since I was a little girl, math was my favorite subject. I couldn¡¯t exin it even if I tried. Numbers and equations and forms¡­ they were beautiful. Structured. There was no grey area when it came to calctions. Just a right or wrong answer and a step-by-step roadmap of how to get to the right conclusions.


    I probably would have pursued a doctorate in mathematics, but it didn¡¯t seem like the sensible thing to do. Even if I earned myself a Ph. D., thest thing I wanted was to be stuck in the void that was the doctoral tenure track.


    I had bills to pay and dreams to fulfill.


    ¡°Vivian,¡± Molly hissed. ¡°Earth to Vivian!¡±


    I looked up, startled. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Dude, I¡¯ve been trying to get your attention for, like, five minutes.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I was running everything through the processing form. What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯sing,¡± Molly said sternly. ¡°Alistair McCloud.¡± I finally noticed the low murmur of excited conversation. Our co-workers were running this way and that, organizing their documents and tidying up. Even Molly was busy straightening her skirt and smoothing out the wrinkles of her shirt. I promptly cleaned up my space -not that it was particrly messy in the first ce- to prepare for our boss¡¯s arrival.


    Alistair McCloud technically wasn¡¯t our boss. He was our boss¡¯ boss. The big man. The head honcho.


    ¡°Good afternoon, everyone,¡± he said as he stepped out of the elevator and onto our floor. ¡°Would anybody care for a butterscotch candy?¡±


    ¡°Oh my God,¡± I mumbled under my breath. ¡°He¡¯s so adorable.¡±


    ¡°I know, right?¡± Molly whispered back. ¡°I just want to pick him up and put him in my pocket.¡±


    Alistair walked over, leaning heavily on his cane. At first nce, he could be mistaken for one of those cute old men who hung out in the park to feed breadcrumbs to pigeons. It was sometimes mind-boggling to know that he was the Chief Financial Officer of Blue Cloud Financial. A self-made multi-millionaire and trendsetter in the investment world.


    He didn¡¯t exactly look the part, though. When I first started my co-op, I expected to see nothing but a sea of ck suits and red power ties. Alistair, on the other hand, could always be found wearing cable knit sweaters, baggy khaki pants, and sensible loafers. He looked like he just got back from the bingo hall, not fresh from the stock market floor yelling at brokers to buy, sell, or trade.


    Maybe that was why I was so impressed by him. He was living proof that you didn¡¯t need to be a cutthroat business snake to y in the major leagues. Alistair McCloud was someone I could aspire to.


    Alistair came up to Molly and me with a big smile, handing us each a butterscotch candy wrapped in golden foil. ¡°Hello, you two.¡±


    I smiled back. ¡°Hello, Mr. McCloud. How are you doing today?¡±


    ¡°Better now that it¡¯s Friday,¡± he said, nudging Molly in the arm.


    ¡°I feel that on an emotional level,¡± she said with a giggle. ¡°Any ns for the weekend?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m taking the grandkids to theke house. Haven¡¯t seen those little munchkins in months. I¡¯ve been looking forward to it all day, and it¡¯s all thanks to you, Vivian.¡±


    I arched a curious eyebrow. ¡°Thanks to me?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes. Arty mentioned that you pulled an all-nighterst night getting those bi-weekly reports in. We were able to expedite the whole portfolio review because of your hard work.¡±


    My cheeks warmed. Arty was my immediate supervisor. It was true that I pulled an all-nighter, but it was entirely by ident. Sometimes I got so wrapped up in the numbers that I lost track of time. I¡¯d forgotten all about it, figuring at some point Arty would take the credit for himself.


    ¡°It was nothing,¡± I assured. ¡°I was happy to do it.¡±


    He crooked his finger at me. I stepped forward and leaned in a bit closer. ¡°Between you and me, you really shouldn¡¯t work so hard. Take it from me, dear. Life¡¯s about more than just your career.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°The markets never sleep, so why should I?¡±


    ¡°Ah, to be young and energetic again.¡± Alistair looked me over fondly. ¡°I like you, Miss Jones. You remind me of myself when I was your age. Keep this up and you might find yourself with a full-time offer to join our Blue Cloud family.¡±


    A giddy excitement rose in my chest, but I suppressed it to the best of my ability. I didn¡¯t want to make a fool of myself in front of everyone. ¡°Thank you very much, sir.¡±

 Chapter 95

    He patted me on the arm before shuffling on, checking with some of his other employees. He was an A-list celebrity in our circles. Alistair stuck around for another ten minutes before waving and stepping back into the elevator, wishing us all a good weekend.


    Molly took my hand and squeezed my fingers. ¡°Did you hear that?¡± she asked, jumping up and down. ¡°You¡¯ve got a job offer!¡±


    ¡°He said I might have a job offer,¡± I corrected, sitting back down.


    ¡°Oh, please. That was totally a tap on the shoulder,¡± Molly squealed. ¡°I¡¯m so happy for you, and I¡¯m not even jealous.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Thanks, Mol. But I¡¯m sure he¡¯s going to give you an offer, too.¡±


    Molly huffed. ¡°Doubt I¡¯ll take it.¡±


    ¡°What? Why not? People would kill to work for Blue Cloud.¡±


    ¡°We both know I¡¯m only in the ounting program to please my parents. The second I graduate, I¡¯m shipping off to New York to start my career as a model. Or have you forgotten?¡±


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t forgotten. I just didn¡¯t think you were serious.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think I¡¯ll make it?¡±


    I smiled at her. Molly was really pretty. Gorgeous. Bright red hair and dazzling hazel eyes and legs for days. ¡°I know you¡¯ll make it. I¡¯ll just miss you.¡±


    ¡°You could alwayse with,¡± she insisted. ¡°While I¡¯m walking runways, you can manage my books.¡±


    ¡°Tempting,¡± I said wryly, ¡°but I¡¯d rather stay in Chicago. I don¡¯t think I¡¯dst in New York.¡±


    ¡°Fair.¡± She tapped me on the nose. ¡°Your book smarts won¡¯t do you a lick of good in the Big Apple.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha,¡± I said. ¡°Very funny.¡±


    Marta cleared her throat again, more loudly this time. Molly grimaced and wheeled her chair back over to her desk. Even though I didn¡¯t appreciate the attitude, Marta was right. It was time to get back to work. Quitting time wasn¡¯t for another hour or so, and there was still an avnche of numbers to crunch.


    It was easy to fall into a rhythm against the soundtrack of clicking keyboard buttons, the ringing of distant office phones, and the soft murmur of water cooler conversation. I verified ount bnces and tallied up totals, cross-referencing transactions with notes listed in client profiles. Molly and I weren¡¯t allowed to participate in the actual trading of stocks. That wasn¡¯t our department. What we were responsible for was the diligent tracking of all funds, processing everything through the appropriate spreadsheets and forms to ount for every single cent.


    Some would consider it mind-numbing work. I, on the other hand, ate it up.


    Something caught my eye as I finishedpiling everything for one particr client -The Azuras Association- near the end of my shift. Something wasn¡¯t quite right. There was a discrepancy of almost a hundred thousand dors.


    It was just¡­ gone.


    I frowned at myputer screen. Did I make a mistake somewhere? That didn¡¯t sound right. Not because I was being egotistical, but because I never made mistakes when it came to calctions like this. What was strange still was the fact that the system didn¡¯t g this for review. Blue Cloud Financial had dedicated software to ensure things like this didn¡¯t happen.


    Leaning back in my chair, I peeked at Molly past the dividing wall. She was ying solitaire and losing, but that wasn¡¯t my biggest concern at the moment. ¡°Hey,¡± I said slowly. ¡°Will you check this over for me? Something¡¯s not right.¡±


    Molly¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°That¡¯s rareing from you.¡±


    ¡°Juste over here and help me.¡±


    She rolled her chair over, parking next to me. Molly checked over everything, using the mouse wheel to scroll down and inspect the page. ¡°Huh.¡±


    ¡°I know, right?¡± I typed quickly into theputer, pulling up thest three months¡¯ worth of records. I tapped the screen in different spots. ¡°They were missing ten grandst month, too. And here and here.¡±


    ¡°Whoa. Why didn¡¯t you notice this before?¡±


    ¡°Arty assigned them to me today.¡±


    ¡°Who was in charge of the portfolio before you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°We should report this. Who knows how far back this goes?¡±


    My mind swirled. That was a lot of money to just sprout legs and walk away without a trace. I sincerely hoped it wasn¡¯t due to a clerical error on my part. I¡¯d be fired on the spot for something so egregious. ¡°I¡¯ll go let him know.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Molly offered, standing up. ¡°You need to get to the Snapdragon and save us some good seats. I don¡¯t want to sit right by the speaker again. The bartender couldn¡¯t hear a word I saidst time.¡±


    I nced at my watch. I¡¯d forgotten that we¡¯d made ns to go to the bar together. All the co-op students in our program liked to meet at least once a month for drinks to catch up. It was lonely sometimes, working at differentpanies and being so far away from peers. The Snapdragon just so happened to be a central spot for all of us and somehow became our gathering hub. They had great drink deals, but it personally wasn¡¯t my idea of a fun time.


    I groaned. ¡°Do I have to go?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Molly said sternly. ¡°You ditched mest month.


    You said you¡¯d make it up to me by buying me a pitcher.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°You pinky promised, Viv. I won¡¯t take no for an answer.¡± Molly grabbed my purse out of the bottom drawer of my desk and gave it to me. ¡°Come on. Up you go. It¡¯s Friday! You need to learn to rx a little. I swear to God you¡¯d live at work if you could.¡±


    I sighed, reluctantly getting up to pull on my jacket.


    ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯m going.¡±


    Molly winked at me. ¡°I¡¯ll meet you there.¡±


    ¡°You better not change my desktop background again,¡± I said over my shoulder as I left for the day.


    ¡°No promises!¡± she replied with a giggle.

 Chapter 96

    JESSE


    Ava showed me yet another picture of her daughter on her phone. Don¡¯t get me wrong. Cassie was cute as far as babies went, but this was officially the second straight hour of show-and-tell and I was, quite frankly, over it.


    ¡°We¡¯re thinking of enrolling her in baby swimming lessons,¡± Theo said with a hint of pride.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t two a little young?¡± I asked tly. I may or may not have checked out of the conversation two beers ago. I was now nursing my third, but it still didn¡¯t give me enough of a buzz to safely endure the evening.


    I loved my niece very much, but this was supposed to be our big night out, a chance to let loose. Cory and Cassie were over at a friend¡¯s house being babysat, which gave us adults the rare opportunity to catch up, especially now that Theo worked from home as a security consultant. I tried to give him an office at Pegasus Star Security, but he wouldn¡¯t bite. Mentioned something about wanting to spend more time with the family, yada yada yada¡­


    ¡°She¡¯s got a lot of energy,¡± Ava continued, smiling at the picture of her daughter. ¡°It might help to tucker her out so things are easier when we get home.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m d my kid¡¯s all grown up.¡±


    ¡°How is Wally?¡± Theo asked. ¡°I haven¡¯t heard youin about him in forever.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯tin.¡±


    ¡°When is he going to hurry up and move out?¡± Theo mocked. ¡°I should start charging him rent. All he does is


    y video games all day.¡±


    I sniffed. ¡°I don¡¯t sound like that.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you do,¡± Ava mumbled quietly, sipping her pretty pink cocktail.


    I finished my third beer and pushed my ss away. When the waitress eyed it questioningly, I shook my head and sent her on her way. It might have been a Friday, but I still had to get to the office first thing tomorrow morning. I knew my limit.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t he have to take the MCAT soon?¡± Theo asked.


    I nodded stiffly. ¡°Yeah, but he hasn¡¯t been making use of the tutor I hired him. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen him sit down and study.¡±


    ¡°How are his grades?¡± Ava asked cautiously.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say I don¡¯t know how he hasn¡¯t flunked out yet. Wally needs to start applying himself or¡­¡± I trailed off, running a hand through my hair.


    My son was a good kid. I knew he was smart. He was top of his ss in high school. I couldn¡¯t be prouder when he graduated with all those schrships and bursaries. Whatever his schrships didn¡¯t cover, I¡¯d foot the rest of the bill provided he kept his grades up and got into a good pre-med college program. Now we were in his fourth and final year, but with the way things were going, I was genuinely worried that he was dropping the ball.


    ¡°What does Melissa have to say about it?¡± Theo asked.


    I red at him. My ex-wife was a touchy subject. If he were anyone else, I would have told him to fuck right off. But Theo and I went way back. We served together and worked together. He was the closest thing to a brother I had, apart from my actual brother, Devin, but the metaphor still stood.


    ¡°Everything out of that woman¡¯s mouth is a jab at me,¡± I retorted. ¡°She thinks I¡¯m being too hard on him, but what does she know? She skipped off to Florida with that son of a bitch when Wace was eleven and left me to do all the


    parenting. What she has to say holds no weight.¡±


    Theo smirked. ¡°Need another drink, bud?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    He gave me a knowing look.


    ¡°Fuck it, fine,¡± I grumbled and waved down the waitress. One more beer wouldn¡¯t kill me.


    Ava smiled gently. ¡°I¡¯m sure everything will work out.


    Maybe he¡¯s doing all his studying at school?¡±


    ¡°Doubt it. He¡¯s been skipping ssestely.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you at work all the time?¡± Theo asked. ¡°How would you know? You¡¯re not having one of the boys tail him, are you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t use my employees to keep tabs on my son. That¡¯s ridiculous.¡± My fresh beer arrived, and I took a heavy swig. I could sense the faintest trace of a buzzing on. I hated that I¡¯d built up such a heavy tolerance over the years. What I wouldn¡¯t give to be twenty-one and a lightweight again, just for the night. Just for this conversation.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°I can just tell,¡± I said. ¡°When I ask him how his day is, he avoids eye contact.¡±


    ¡°That could mean a lot of things.¡±


    ¡°I know my boy. He¡¯s hiding something, and I think it¡¯s that he¡¯s been ditching ss. He¡¯s always home by the time I get back, and I know for a fact that hisst ss is a three-hour lecture that should end at ten in the evening.¡±


    ¡°Maybe his professor¡¯s been letting them go early?¡± Ava suggested.


    ¡°Every ss for a whole semester?¡±


    Her brow furrowed. ¡°Okay, you might have a point.¡±


    I gave a little bow. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Theo¡¯s phone pinged twice, alerting him to a text message. He reached into his pocket to pull his phone out, squinting at the screen to read. ¡°That¡¯s our sitter,¡± he announced. ¡°Something¡¯se up. We need to pick


    Cory and Cassie up early.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re already sick of me, huh?¡±


    Ava giggled, leaning over to kiss me on the cheek. ¡°Don¡¯t be such a big baby. You¡¯re stilling over for a barbeque next weekend, right?¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t miss it.¡± Theo was just about to pull out his wallet, but I waved him away. ¡°I¡¯ve got it.¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°I already gave the waitress my card. Everything¡¯s been put on my tab.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, man. I¡¯ll get the next one.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better. Run along and give Cory and Cassie my love.¡±


    Theo slipped an arm around Ava¡¯s waist and kissed the top of her head. ¡°Ready to go, sweetheart?¡± She nodded, smiling sweetly up at him before they left our booth and disappeared into the crowd.


    I only had half a ss left, but I didn¡¯t feel like finishing it. It wasn¡¯t much fun drinking by myself, and the bar¡¯s demographic was slowly shifting from after-hours businessmen to the partying sort. I didn¡¯t feel like being caught in the transition, so I raised an arm to g down my waitress. As I did so, something caught my attention out of the corner of my eye.


    No, not something.


    Someone.


    A woman at the bar. She was short -barely five-foot-two ¨C standing up on her tiptoes trying to get the busy bartender¡¯s attention. It wasn¡¯t working.


    It was a Friday night, which meant the bar was packed. A younger crowd was taking the ce of the early group, all dressed to the nines with the intention of pre-gaming before heading off to the local clubs to dance and mingle and whatever it was kids these days got up to.


    I normally wouldn¡¯t pay her any mind, but she stood out like a sore thumb. While all the other young women here wore tight, revealing dresses of brightly colored fabric and sparkly sequins, she was in a¡­ navy zer.

 Chapter 97

    Her dark ck hair was up in a sensible bun, baby hairs loose near the nape of her neck. A practical leather messenger bag was slung over her shoulder. She was facing away, so I couldn¡¯t get the whole picture, but I figured she must have been at least in her mid-thirties.


    Was the poor woman lost or something?


    I heard her voice before I ever saw her face.


    ¡°Please?¡± she asked, desperation in her voice. ¡°I just need to borrow your phone for two seconds to check on my friend. I swear I¡¯m not going to run off with it or anything.¡± Light. Soft. Angelic.


    She made my ex-wife sound like an out-of-tune tuba inparison.


    I¡¯d never heard someone speak with such effortless eloquence before. She wasn¡¯t shy, just soft-spoken. I gravitated toward her without realizing it. I wondered if she was as beautiful as she sounded.


    A man sidled up to her by the bar, one elbow resting on the edge of the counter. A real slimeball of a character. He was decked out in ck, greasy hair styled with way too much gel. ¡°Hey, littledy,¡± he greeted. ¡°Let me buy you a drink.¡±


    ¡°No, thank you. I¡¯m just looking to borrow a phone.¡±


    ¡°You can borrow my phone if you¡¯d like.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Sure. In exchange for your number.¡±


    The woman stepped back. ¡°On second thought, I think I¡¯ll manage.¡±


    ¡°Come on, baby. Don¡¯t be like that.¡± The slimeball put a hand on her hip and attempted to pull her close. She shoved him hard. ¡°Piss off!¡±


    He grabbed her wrist. ¡°How¡¯d you know I like ¡¯em feisty?¡±


    My nostrils red. I had no idea who this woman was, but I knew I needed to step in.


    I closed the distance between us in four long strides, inserting myself between the creep and the woman in question. He looked none too pleased, but I wasn¡¯t worried. I had years of de-esction training under my belt; one of the many perks of being the owner of a personal security firm.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Even if this did escte to a fight, I could take him. My years serving in the Army taught me how to handle myself inbat. I wouldn¡¯t break a sweat over something as measly as a fistfight in a bar. Hell, we weren¡¯t even in the same weight ss. The guy would be an idiot if he thought he could take me.


    ¡°What gives, bro?¡± he sneered. ¡°Can¡¯t you see I was talking to her?¡±


    I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. ¡°Last time I checked, bro, no still means no.¡±


    He got right up in my face, puffing his chest out in aughable attempt to intimidate me. ¡°We gonna have a problem, old man?¡±


    I mirrored his stance, looking down my nose at him. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Are we?¡±


    He tried to stare me down, but I didn¡¯t budge. Just as I expected, he was the first to relent.


    ¡°Fucking whatever,¡± he grumbled, turning away. He slunk off, tail between his legs.


    Only once I was certain the coast was clear, I turned to the woman. ¡°Are you okay, miss-¡±


    I stopped when I locked eyes with her dazzling green gaze. Her eyes were like two brilliant emeralds staring up at me. She had a button nose and soft, full lips. Now that I was up close and personal, I could see that she was dressed far more modestly than I first realized, with her high-cored, loose-fitting blouse.


    There was something vaguely familiar about her, but I couldn¡¯t put my finger on it.


    A sh of recognition washed over her face. ¡°Mr.


    White?¡±


    I frowned. ¡°Have we met?¡±


    Her cheeks turned bright pink. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m Vivian Jones. We met that one time for Christmas dinner. I¡¯m Wally¡¯s girlfriend. Well, ex-girlfriend. We broke up about a week ago.¡±


    I blinked. There was so much to unpack here and so little time to react.


    Vivian Jones. My son¡¯s ex-girlfriend. My son¡¯s super gorgeous ex-girlfriend with the voice of an angel who was nearly half my age. Dear God, I needed to say something and say something fast or it¡¯d look like I was having a stroke.


    ¡°Oh. I¡¯m sorry to hear that,¡± I muttered dumbly. And then, under my breath, ¡°Wally never tells me anything.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We, uh¡­ parted on good terms. We decided we¡¯re better as friends.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± I swallowed, unsure why I was suddenly so stiff. ¡°I¡¯m d to hear it. Very¡­ mature of you two.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. And for -you know- that.¡± She gestured vaguely at the air around her, referring to the slimeball from before.


    ¡°Asshole was lucky I have self-control.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but I wouldn¡¯t have said anything if you wanted to deck him, either.¡±


    A chuckle escaped my throat. ¡°What are you even doing in a ce like this?¡±


    Vivian sighed. ¡°I was supposed to meet a friend here. Drinks after work, you know? She told me toe early so I could save us some good seats, but it¡¯s been-¡± she checked her watch ¡°-Jesus, over an hour. My phone died, so I was trying to use the bar phone, but the bartender¡¯s too busy.¡±


    ¡°You can use mine if you want.¡± I handed her my cell. ¡°You don¡¯t even have to give me your number.¡±


    The corners of her mouth tugged up into a smile. ¡°You heard that, huh?¡±


    ¡°Lamest fucking pickup line ever.¡±


    ¡°I know, right?¡±


    ¡°Whatever happened to originality?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got me,¡± she said, punching in her friend¡¯s number. She held my cell to her ear and waited, only to pull back after a few seconds with a disappointed look. ¡°Weird.


    She normally always answers.¡±


    ¡°What are you going to do now?¡±


    Vivian clicked her tongue, handing my phone back. ¡°I might just go home. This isn¡¯t my scene. Mind if I make one more call to get a cab?¡±


    An odd sense of protectiveness churned in the pit of my stomach. It waste and raining. We weren¡¯t exactly in an unsafe part of town, but Chicago was a big ce with its fair share of unsavory people. The creep from before was a perfect example. I didn¡¯t like the thought of Vivian waiting out by the curb for a ride from some stranger.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a lift,¡± I offered.


    Her eyes widened. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want to inconvenience you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not an inconvenience.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t have offered otherwise.¡±


    She breathed a sigh of relief, shoulders visibly rxing.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. White.¡±


    ¡°Please. Just call me Jesse.¡±

 Chapter 98

    VIVIAN


    ¡°So,¡± I started carefully, ¡°is Jesse supposed to be short for anything?¡±


    ¡°James,¡± he answered, voice like rich honey, deep and smooth and mesmerizing.


    Iughed nervously. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a syble shorter?¡±


    He shrugged his massive shoulders. His suit jacket looked like it was struggling to contain him. ¡°That¡¯s just what my mother called me. Somewhere along the line, it stuck.¡±


    We walked alongside each other, a respectable foot and a half or so between us. Even still, I was enveloped in the scent of his cologne. It wasn¡¯t overbearing, but subtle. Sophisticated. Manly. I knew for a fact that Wally still used that cheap Axe body spray, the type that hurt my nose when he used too much of it. Jesse, in contrast, smelled good.


    And it was more of a problem than I anticipated it to be.


    Something inside me was stirring that I couldn¡¯t exin. Every time I nced at him, the butterflies in my stomach went crazy. A tight, wet heat bloomed deep within my core. My fingers itched to reach out -just once- for the chance to touch him, driven purely by curiosity even though I knew it was wrong.


    I couldn¡¯t allow myself to feel¡­ whatever I was feeling. Jesse was my ex-boyfriend¡¯s father. I didn¡¯t want to give in to temptation and be a walking romance novel cliche. Yet my brain shut off every time he so much as looked at me. My breath caught in my throat every time he spoke.


    Common sense, go ahead and throw yourself straight out the window.


    I¡¯d met Jesse only once before. Wally had invited me to meet his father sometime around Christmas at a formal, get-to-know-you sort of shindig. If my calctions were correct -which they always were- we¡¯d been dating for about two months by that point. It was high time Wally introduced me to his family.


    It was alright. Uneventful. A little boring.


    At least, that¡¯s what I told myself after the fact.


    The truth of the matter was, that I was so mesmerized by Jesse when I first met him, that I could barely bring myself to utter a word. What was I supposed to do? Admit that I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about my then boyfriend¡¯s father.


    Yeah, no. Not.


    I didn¡¯t think much of it after that. Once Wally and I broke up, I figured I¡¯d never see Jesse again in such close quarters. Imagine my surprise when he swooped in at the bar to save me from being harassed. What were the chances that out of all the bars in Chicago, we¡¯d end up running into each other?


    We walked up to a white Porsche 911 GT3 in the parking lot beside the bar.


    ¡°Whoa,¡± I gawked. ¡°Damn. I wish I could afford a ride like this. It¡¯d take me¡­¡± I did the math in my head. ¡°It¡¯d take me twenty-five and a half years to pay it off.¡±


    Jesse raised his eyebrows at me. ¡°That¡¯s some quick calcting.¡±


    ¡°You seriously drive this around? Aren¡¯t you afraid someone might steal it?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°State of the art security system. Tracker¡¯s built right in. They wouldn¡¯t get far.¡± He said this so casually that it took me by surprise. The nonchnce, the air of indifference despite the vehicle¡¯s value¡­ must have been nice. I hoped to one day achieve the same level of financial freedom.


    He held open the passenger side door for me. ¡°After you.¡±


    A couple of onlookers were gathered on the sidewalk, staring at the two of us as we climbed into the vehicle. I felt simultaneously embarrassed and inexplicably¡­ good? Excited. Important.


    It was a fleeting sensation, though, once I slid into my seat and found myself inches away from Jesse. The smell of his cologne grew that much stronger in the enclosed space.


    I was honestly afraid to touch anything for fear of breaking something. I¡¯d never be able to pay for the repairs.


    ¡°Buckle up,¡± he ordered.


    I tried to pull my seatbelt down, but the mechanism locked. I tried again, but it wouldn¡¯t budge. Mild panic gripped my throat. Why couldn¡¯t I handle something as simple as putting on my seatbelt?


    ¡°Um, Jesse? It¡¯s not¡­¡±


    ¡°Here,¡± he said gently. ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s finicky.¡±


    Before I had the chance to think, Jesse leaned over the center console and reached across my body, expertly tugging the seatbelt free.


    He was close. Close. So close I couldn¡¯t help but stare at his lips and drown in the warmth that radiated off his body. I easily and willingly fell into his orbit,cking the strength and willpower to pull myself away.


    My face burned with the fire of a thousand suns when the softest of sighs bubbled past my lips. Jesse looked me in the eye. He heard it. I tried to y the whole thing off with a dramatic stretch and yawn, taking the now free seat belt from him to buckle up.


    ¡°Goodness,¡± I said way too loudly, ¡°would you look at the time?¡±


    Jesse nced at the time on the Porsche¡¯s bright disy screen. It was only 10:00 p. m.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you home, then,¡± he said without the faintest hint of judgment.


    I was thankful he kept his eyes on the road the entire time because I didn¡¯t know what I¡¯d do if he realized just how red in the face I was.


    I lived on the second floor of a small apartmentplex on the corner of Western and Fifth. It was crammed between a massive skyscraper and a twenty-four-hour sub shop, thetter of which was a lifesaver when thosete-night study session cravings hit. It wasn¡¯t exactly living in thep of luxury, but it wasfortable enough.


    After years of moving from house to house -family to family- this tiny, one-bedroom apartment was the first ce I¡¯d ever considered home. My schrships could only cover so much, and housing subsidies only got me so far, but I was smart enough to start saving the second I was old enough to get a part-time job in high school. I had enough saved that by the time I signed my first lease, I could afford to decorate it from head to toe in whatever I could find and flip at the local consignment store.


    The couch was lumpy. The ent rug in the living room was fraying at the ends. The dining table and matching chairs in the kitchen were covered in all sorts of scratches and dings. And the TV I found half off at a nearby pawn shop only had seven channels, all of which were grainy.


    It wasn¡¯t much, but it was still mine.


    Jesse pulled the car up to the curb. I fully expected him to say good night and peel off into the distance, but he parked and got out with me. He looked very out of ce here with his high-end sports car and bespoke suit.


    I finally had a good look at him. Things were so chaotic at the bar that I barely had time to register him and his sudden presence. One second I was fending off unwanted advances, and the next I found myself safe.


    He towered over me like a mountain, every inch of him chiseled and refined. I didn¡¯t know what a man like Jesse would be doing at a bar like the Snapdragon. He would have looked much more at home at the Four Seasons or the Ritz.


    That was the vibe I got from him, anyway. He liked the finer things in life. Hundred-thousand-dor luxury car. Rolex watches that could pay my rent five times over. An air of power and control that followed him wherever he went.


    It was hard to believe that he and Wally were rted. They couldn¡¯t be more different. The first and most notable difference was that, unlike Wally, Jesse walked me straight to my door. Wally wasn¡¯t a jerk or anything, it was just a super archaic thing to do in this day and age. Gentlemen and the like were rarer than diamonds.


    Jesse looked around as we strode down the hall together. My apartment was at the very end. He didn¡¯t say anything, but I could tell by the slight curl of his nose that he didn¡¯t approve of the ce.


    ¡°Safe neighborhood?¡± he asked.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I nodded. ¡°As safe as it can get in Chicago.¡± Even I knew that wasn¡¯t saying much. I unlocked the door quickly and looked up at him with a smile. ¡°Well, this is me.¡±


    Jesse scrutinized the lock. ¡°That doesn¡¯t look very sturdy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not, but I¡¯ve got one of these.¡± I reached into my handy messenger bag and pulled my portable lockout to show him. ¡°Pretty nifty, right? Bought it off Amazon years ago.¡± He didn¡¯t look convinced, but I pressed on. ¡°Besides, my neighbors are all nice. Except for that guy on the ground floor next to the boiler room. Pretty sure he¡¯s a drug dealer, but he¡¯s rtively harmless.¡±


    Jesse frowned. ¡°A drug dealer who¡¯s harmless. Talk about an oxymoron.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°I was joking.¡±


    ¡°About a drug dealer living in your building or being harmless?¡±


    ¡°Which one sounds worse?¡±


    ¡°They both sound equally bad. You should report him.¡±


    ¡°Charlie¡¯s not that bad. He helped me move some boxes when I moved in.¡±


    He raised an eyebrow. ¡°Yes, that makes up for his morally questionable profession.¡±


    ¡°Whatever pays the bills.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re surprisingly calm about it.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve seen much worse. Charlie keeps to himself, so-¡±


    ¡°Much worse?¡±


    I swallowed. I didn¡¯t mean to let that slip. It was all in the past now, but I went out of my way not to think about my childhood, easier to ignore it if I did. Pretend it never happened. I made it out alive and well and not nearly as jaded as the others. I didn¡¯t get where I was today by letting it drag me down.


    ¡°Anyhoo¡­¡± I stepped into my apartment with a shakyugh. ¡°Thanks for the lift.¡±


    ¡°I hope you hear back from your friend.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I will. Say hi to Wally for me?¡±


    His shoulders tensed; the lines of his jaw suddenly hard. ¡°Of course,¡± he said curtly. ¡°Have a good night, Vivian.¡±


    He walked away without another word, leaving me wondering if I¡¯d identally offended him.


    I retreated into my apartment, rubbing my cheeks with my palms. Did I forget to turn the heater down before I left? It was unbearably hot in here. Nothing a nice cold shower couldn¡¯t fix.


    The first thing I did before hopping into the shower was plug my phone in. The screen lit up, the battery icon glowing a dim green. Once there was enough juice, I checked my messages. Molly was normally very good about texting me. If something dide up, she would have let me know. I probably just missed her message because my phone was dead.


    No new messages.


    I frowned. That was weird. ¡°Maybe she forgot,¡± I mumbled to myself.


    I stepped into the shower and washed my hair, massaging my vani-scented shampoo against my scalp. I breathed in the steam as the hot spray trickled over my skin, trying not to think about the embarrassing reaction I had in Jesse¡¯s car.


    The graze of his hand against my shoulder. The tickle of his breath on my cheek. The intensity of his eyes, the weight of his gaze.


    I held my head under the showerhead and set the water to cold. I was still inexplicably warm by the time I got out.

 Chapter 99

    JESSER¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    I¡¯ve seen much worse.


    Her soft voice yed on repeat in my mind. Gentle.


    Kind.


    The faintest trace of something sad.


    I rode the elevator from the underground parking garage up to the twentieth floor. The doors opened directly into the penthouse suite, which could only be essed via a programmable fob I had attached to my car keys.


    It was only fitting that the head of a security firm outfitted his home like a fortress. Safety was always top of


    mind for me. And speaking of safety¡­ Vivian.


    Her entire neighborhood -not just her building- was questionable. I counted no less than seven broken streemps, only two patrol cars making their rounds when there should have been at least five, two shady deals in dark alleyways, and a significant homeless poption camped out in the nearest public park.


    Her apartment was also super sketchy. No doorman or concierge. No security cameras out front to keep an eye on people¡¯sings and goings. Her door was flimsy at best, though it was the door frame I took issue with. Medium-density fiberboard. Cheap shit is used to save contractors money. If someone wanted to get in, all it would take was a few good kicks. Her portable lock wasughably cute, though I silently gave her props for being prepared.


    I knew it shouldn¡¯t matter to me. We didn¡¯t know each other. It wasn¡¯t my ce to tell her how to beef up her security or rmend she carry around mace. But something deep down, some tiny voice in the back of my head, feltpelled to make sure she was alright. The logical side of me said I¡¯d be overstepping. The illogical side¡­


    The illogical side wanted to know what she had hidden under her shapeless zer. Why would a gorgeous angel like her want to hide beneath such a modest getup? Its only purpose was to let my imagination run wild.


    The penthouse lights switched on automatically as I passed through the living room and traipsed toward the kitchen, shrugging off my suit jacket and folding it over the back of the bar stool. I poured myself a finger of whiskey from the small liquor collection on my ind bar. The liquid burned down.


    I had to stop thinking about her. I had to stop thinking about the way she smelled of vani and the way her cheeks and the tips of her ears turned pink when she was caught off guard. I had to stop thinking about the sound she made in the car, the light hitch of her breath when I reached over to help her.


    Luscious ck hair. Full, pink lips. Doe eyes with long, curlingshes that made my chest tighten. I could have kissed her right then. I¡¯d wanted to. But that would have been wrong. Maybe that¡¯s what I found so appealing.


    I shook my head and finished my whiskey.


    Something was wrong with me. It was inappropriate, being this turned on by someone so young. This desire I felt was rming. Had I finally hit the threshold of bing one of those dirty old men? My half-hard cock certainly thought so.


    She was just so maic. Enticing. Good enough to eat.


    My phone rang. I answered immediately even though it was well after business hours. The thing about being your boss was you never had a day off. I was on-call at all times just in case one of the bodyguards on my roster needed assistance.


    ¡°Hey, Jesse,¡± came the overly sweet voice I recognized in an instant.


    Melissa. Talk about a boner killer.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I snapped.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be like that,¡± Melissa cooed. ¡°I just wanted to check on you.¡±


    If that wasn¡¯t a red g, I didn¡¯t know what was.


    ¡°You never check up on me unless you want something.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true, Jesse.¡±


    ¡°Get to the point or I¡¯m hanging up.¡±


    She sighed dramatically. ¡°I need to borrow a thousand dors.¡±


    Red g number two.


    ¡°Borrow? Or spend and never pay me back.¡±


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m in a bit of a bind.¡±


    ¡°Not my problem. I already pay you alimony out of the ass.


    Go ask that son of a bitch boy toy of yours.¡±


    ¡°Alexei isn¡¯t a boy toy.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, Melissa-¡±


    ¡°Wait, wait!¡± she eximed. ¡°Come on, Jesse. Won¡¯t you please be reasonable? You make tons more now than when


    we got divorced. A grand means nothing to you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, it doesn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°So can¡¯t you spot me the money?¡±


    I pinched the bridge of my nose. ¡°What do you need it for?¡±


    ¡°I made a bad bet,¡± she replied coolly. ¡°Thought I¡¯d try my luck at my girlfriend¡¯s poker game. I just wanted to have some fun, but I wound up losing more than I bargained.¡±


    ¡°This sounds like a you problem.¡±


    ¡°Jesse,¡± she said, lowering her voice. ¡°Please? For old-time¡¯s sake? You used to take care of things like this for me all the time when we were together. Didn¡¯t all that time mean anything to you?¡±


    I had to give credit where credit was due. Melissa always knew how to get me right in the gut.


    Of course, our time together meant something to me. It had meant everything. I loved Melissa with all my heart. She was the first and only woman I¡¯d ever truly loved. I was poorer then. Just an Army man counting down the days I had left on each tour to motivate me until I could get back to her. I wanted to give her everything. Would have worked my hands to the bone to give her a good life.


    Then I came home early from overseas to find her in our bed with another man.


    She tore our family apart. She destroyed our marriage. And worst of all, she broke me.


    And if she thought she could weaponize what I once felt for her into doing her bidding, she was more of a brazen idiot than I gave her credit for.


    ¡°No,¡± I said tly. ¡°Out of the question.¡±


    ¡°Jesse-¡±


    ¡°I said no.¡±


    The line went so quiet I thought Melissa hung up on me.


    ¡°You¡¯re a prick, you know that?¡± she seethed. ¡°I never ask you for any favors. I just need your help this one time, James. I should have known you¡¯d be this cold, you selfish asshole.¡±


    I didn¡¯t say anything. There wasn¡¯t any point. Melissa would only scream over me, and I¡¯d rather not waste my energy or breath attempting to get a word in. It was much more entertaining to listen to my ex-wife make a fool of herself. Her venomous words didn¡¯t affect me like they used to. I was numb to her criticisms at this point. Like listening to white noise. I wouldn¡¯t give her the satisfaction of breaking me again.


    ¡°You¡¯re so fucking self-centered, you know that? Alexei¡¯s more of a man than you¡¯ll ever be.¡±


    I forced a smile and spoke through gritted teeth. ¡°Then why don¡¯t you ask to borrow his money?¡±


    ¡°Listen here, you son of a-¡±


    I hung up and tossed my phone onto the counter. God. What a way to end the day.


    The elevator pinged softly, alerting me of someone¡¯s arrival. Only two other people in the world had programmed fobs that gave them ess to the penthouse: the building manager and my son.


    Wally strode in, a heavy backpack slung over his shoulder. He dropped it by the couch and toed off his shoes. He looked disheveled with his baggy jeans and an oversized band t-shirt. I would never understand my son¡¯s insistence on wearing gold chains and his hair up in a bun. He looked like he lived at a skatepark, not in a luxury condo on the upper-ss side of Chicago.


    ¡°Hey, Dad,¡± he said groggily.


    ¡°Hey. How¡¯d that biology test go?¡±


    He handed me a handful of papers, all of them stapled neatly in the upper left-hand corner. Red check marks littered the pages, a massive 100% scrawled on the front. A perfect score.


    I flipped to the back and frowned. ¡°You didn¡¯t get the bonus?¡±


    Wally rolled his eyes. ¡°Nobody did.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re smarter than them,¡± I insisted. ¡°You should have been able to get it.¡±


    My son groaned. ¡°Would it kill you to tell me I did a good job? Or would you require a blue moon?¡± I nodded slowly. ¡°No, you¡¯re right. Good job, kid.¡± He looked at me expectantly. ¡°But?¡± he supplied.


    ¡°But I heard back from Mrs. Packer today. She called the office and let me know you skipped MCAT tutoring again.¡± Wally tried to walk right past me and head to his room, but I put a hand on his shoulder and reeled him in. ¡°Come on, man. We talked about this. You need the extra practice.¡±


    Wally chewed on the inside of his cheek. I didn¡¯t understand why he looked so nervous. ¡°About that¡­ Dad, I wanted to talk to you about-¡±


    I snapped my fingers, a thought suddenly urring to me. ¡°I just remembered¡­ I reached out to Vincent Hargrove this morning.¡±


    Wally frowned. ¡°Vincent Hargrove? As in the head of the Department of Health?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°He hired Pegasus Star at thest minute to run point for his daughter¡¯s security team while she¡¯s visiting Seattle. He owes me several favors, so I asked if he could give you a summer internship working for him.¡±


    ¡°Dad, I don¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d start in May, once the semester¡¯s over. It¡¯d look great on your applications to med school.¡±


    Wally grimaced. ¡°You really shouldn¡¯t have, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Anything to give you a leg up. Trust me, it¡¯s not what you know, but who you know.¡±


    ¡°No, I mean you really shouldn¡¯t have, Dad. I already have ns for the summer.¡±


    I set my jaw. ¡°Doing what?¡±


    He scratched behind his ear. ¡°Well, there¡¯s this program in Paris that I want to attend.¡±


    I smiled, pride rising in my chest. ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±


    ¡°It is?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course. I¡¯m d you¡¯re finally taking some initiative about your career. What hospital is it with? I guess nothing beats field training-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not for med school,¡± Wally snapped, exasperated. ¡°It¡¯s for a culinary program.¡±


    ¡°A culinary program?¡± I echoed. Disbelief washed over me. This wasing out of left field and I wasn¡¯t prepared to make the catch. ¡°Why would you want to attend a culinary program? That wouldn¡¯t benefit your resume in the


    slightest. I¡¯m not paying for you to goof off.¡± ¡°Oh my God, Dad,¡± he grumbled.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You never listen.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? I¡¯m listening right now, and what I¡¯m hearing is that you don¡¯t want to apply yourself and do something beneficial for your future.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not-¡± Wally huffed. ¡°Never mind. Forget it.¡±


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡±


    ¡°To bed. I¡¯m tired.¡±


    He stomped down the hall and mmed his bedroom door shut behind him. It was thest I saw of him all evening.

 Chapter 100

    VIVIAN


    When I walked into work on Monday, I was startled to find that Molly¡¯s cubicle was cleaned out. Empty. Not even so much as a bright neon pink Post-It Note left. Herputer had been reset to thepany¡¯s default profile, and all her drawers were empty.


    I discreetly pulled out my phone and tried texting her. I normally didn¡¯t condone phone use while on the clock, but this was important. An entire chain of my unanswered messages from the weekend filled the screen.


    Hey, where were youst night?


    Did you get lost somewhere?


    I¡¯m at work. Where¡¯s all your stuff?


    Hellllooooooooooo Is everything alright?


    No response.


    A sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach crept up on me, slowly but surely, dragging me under. Something wasn¡¯t right. I could feel it in my bones, but I had no words to describe it properly.


    I peeked over the edge of my cubicle, peering at my coworkers. Everyone had their heads down, focused on work, staring at theirputer screens. The distant ring of office phones, the low murmur of conversation from the water coolers, the click-ck of people typing furiously to meet deadlines¡­ it all seemed so ordinary.


    And yet it was also off-kilter; wrong ever so slightly.


    I leaned back in my office chair and whispered to Marta. ¡°Hey. Do you know where Molly is?¡±


    ¡°How should I know?¡± she grumbled indifferently, returning to her work.


    I sighed. I should have known better than to ask Marta for help.


    The squeaky wheels of the janitor¡¯s cart reached my ear.


    I gged him down. ¡°Excuse me? Do you know where all of Molly¡¯s things went?¡±


    The janitor, an old man with bushy white eyebrows and thin lips, tilted his head like I¡¯d asked a strange question. ¡°I¡¯m not sure who Molly is,¡± he said, ¡°but I was instructed to clear out that desk this mornin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Who told you to do that?¡±


    ¡°No one specifically. I get work order requests through that their system and then I go and clean whatever needs cleanin¡¯.¡±


    I swallowed, my throat ufortably dry. Confusion washed over me. This was so weird. First, she didn¡¯t show up to drinks, then she wasn¡¯t answering her phone, and now her workspace was cleared out. What the hell was going on?


    I rose from my chair and walked over to my supervisor¡¯s office. A metal namete was drilled into the side of the frosted ss wall, the title Floor Supervisor engraved in cursive lettering just below his name. I knocked on his door and peered inside.


    ¡°Hey, Arty?¡±


    He looked up from his work. ¡°Ah, Vivian. Just the gal I wanted to see. Come on in and shut the door, would you?¡±


    My stomach flipped, but I did what I was asked. I stepped inside and closed the door behind me, freezing when I realized there was another person in the office already: Alistair McCloud.


    ¡°Hello, dear,¡± he said with a kind smile.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t realize you were already in a meeting. I cane back and-¡±


    ¡°No, no,¡± Arty insisted. ¡°We were just about to get you.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    Alistair patted the free chair beside him. ¡°Come and take a seat, dear. We won¡¯t take up too much of your time.¡± I sat next to him, picking at my fingernails.


    Arty nodded, warily eyeing Alistair the entire time he spoke. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re curious about Molly.¡±


    I held my breath. ¡°I am. Where is she? Did something happen?¡±


    Alistair chuckled. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine, dear. We simply transferred her to a different division for her co-op cement. I thought it would help her take in all sides of the business better. Expose her to new departments and connections. Networking is half the battle in this line of work, as I¡¯m sure you know.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I mumbled, though deep down, I didn¡¯t understand in the slightest.


    None of this was adding up. Molly would have told me the second she found out she was moving departments, probably in an attempt to get me toe with her. We texted all the time, so why hadn¡¯t she answered her phone? It wasn¡¯t like her to keep secrets. This wasn¡¯t right.


    ¡°I understand that you must be disappointed,¡± Alistair said gently. ¡°I¡¯ve heard you two are very close?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Yes. Molly¡¯s my best friend. We¡­ tell each other everything, which is why I¡¯m confused here.¡± I didn¡¯t miss the way Alistair stole a nce at Arty.


    ¡°Everything?¡± Arty asked.


    I licked my lips. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Alistair leaned in, bracing himself against his cane. ¡°Did she, by any chance, mention anything to you that seemed¡­ strange? Out of the ordinary?¡±


    My heart railed inside my rib cage. The whole conversation was making me uneasy. ¡°Out of the ordinary?¡± I echoed. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°She often gets you to check over her work, right?¡± Arty asked.


    ¡°Sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Did you notice anything off? In her work, I mean.¡±


    Something in the back of my head clicked. The fudged ledger numbers I¡¯d shown her Monday. Her sudden disappearance and supposed transfer. Upper management sniffing around and asking weird questions. This was all chalked up to be suspicious, and I didn¡¯t like where this was going at all. Something was afoot, though I couldn¡¯t say for sure what it was.


    I had to think of something and fast; otherwise, they¡¯d know I knew more than I was letting on.


    ¡°Now that I think about it,¡± I said innocently, ¡°Molly did mention that she was experiencing a really heavy time of the month.¡±


    Arty sputtered. ¡°E-excuse me?¡±


    I nodded and smiled sweetly. ¡°Oh, you know. Periods? She told me she was having really bad cramps and asked me if I had a Midol, but I didn¡¯t, unfortunately. I normally always carry some just in case.¡±


    Alistair cleared his throat, obviously unnerved by the subject matter. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s, uh¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± I said with a giggle. ¡°It¡¯s a girl thing. You wouldn¡¯t understand.¡±


    Art cleared his throat. ¡°Well, um¡­ If you remember anything, just let us know, alright?¡±


    ¡°For sure. Does this mean I¡¯m free to go?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Alistair said, still squirming in his seat. ¡°Have a good day, dear. Thank you for your, er¡­ time.¡±


    I smiled as wide and chipperly as I could, leaving the office and returning to my cubicle. I knew talking about good old Aunt Flo would freak them out enough to let me go without further scrutiny.


    I kept a low profile for the rest of the workday. It was probably the paranoia talking, but I could have sworn I was being watched on all sides by someone. Not just Arty, but my co-workers, too. Every move I made felt heavy. Judged. I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something bigger than myself was going on.


    The portfolio I showed Molly¡­ Did it have something to do with her disappearance?


    I scrolled through my work pipeline and pulled up the files I¡¯d been reviewing yesterday. My guts tied themselves into an impossible knot when I realized that the files were now password-protected and impossible to ess without the right clearance.


    This was getting ready.


    Had I stumbled onto something I shouldn¡¯t have? Was Molly missing because of me? I had to get to the bottom of this, but not here under Blue Cloud Financial¡¯s nose. I wondered if they had keystroke monitoring built into theirputers. Honestly, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they did. If I tried essing the files now, would they know I was snooping around?


    I couldn¡¯t risk it.


    I proceeded with caution, going about my regr tasks with the same level of care and attention I always used. I was already dangling above a pot of boiling water. Any deviation from the norm couldnd me right in the middle of it.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Arty was by no means a negligent floor supervisor, but I could have sworn he was hovering more than usual. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as he came and went from his office, strolling casually past us in our little cubicles.


    He was lingering, I realized, whenever he reached my section of the office. I kept my eyes forward, making sure to look engrossed in my work. A gnawing paranoia ate away at the pit in my stomach.


    The second it was time to clock out, I gathered my things and logged out of myputer. I held my breath and walked briskly, hurrying for the elevator. I didn¡¯t stop to talk to anyone, leaving without a single see youter like usual.


    Even when I exited the building, I couldn¡¯t rx. Every fiber of my being was tense, threatening to snap. I trusted my gut, and right now, my gut was telling me I was still being watched.


    I needed to get as far away from Blue Cloud Financial as I could. I needed to find Molly. I needed help. Fumbling for my phone, I called the only person I could think of. He answered on the fourth ring.


    ¡°Hey, Viv. What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Wally,¡± I gasped. ¡°Wally, I think I¡¯m in trouble and I need your help.¡±

 Chapter 101

    JESSE


    If Pegasus Star Security was my castle, then my office chair was my throne. A throne that my younger brother, Devin, had no problem marking up with his dirty shoes.


    ¡°For the love of God,¡± I grumbled. ¡°Would you sit like a normal human being? You¡¯re going to ruin your back like that. Not to mention destroy the leather. I had this chair imported from Italy, you know.¡±


    Devin scoffed but didn¡¯t budge. He was too preupied with whatever was on hisptop, which was perched precariously on the tops of his knees. ¡°Whatever you say,


    Mom.¡±


    ¡°Grown-ass man, but you sit like a child.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m doing you a favor here,¡± he pointed out. ¡°Do you want me to help you set up a new cybersecurity division or not? I¡¯ve got plenty of offers from otherpanies in


    Chicago who are willing to pay me way more.¡±


    I clicked my tongue. I loved my brother, but sometimes he could be the world¡¯s biggest pain in the ass. If I wanted to give Pegasus Star a leading edge against other security firms in Chicago, I needed to branch out and offer my clients digital protection as well as physical. We both knew that he was the leading expert in cybersecurity analytics from here to Das. I wouldn¡¯t find anyone better.


    Growing up, Devin had always been considered the intelligent one. We were both smart, but he was sharp. Too much for his old, in my opinion. It got him into his fair share of trouble with the other boys in the trailer park. Most of them didn¡¯t take too kindly to being shown up time after time.


    And while Devin had excellent wit, he wasn¡¯t so good with fists. That was where his big brother came in. I dragged him out of more fights than I could count. I won far more often than I lost, but one thing remained the same: no matter how much of a pain in the ass he was, we¡¯d always be there for each other.


    Which was exactly why I knew Devin was full of it.


    ¡°Please,¡± I said with a snort. ¡°If you wanted to work with someone else, you would have done that already. Didn¡¯t Google offer you a hefty paycheck to join them?¡±N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Devin¡¯s fingers flew over his keyboard. He was coding a new server system for my firm. That, or hacking into the Matrix. Both were perfectly valid options.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like working for suits,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°You work for me.¡±


    ¡°No, I work with you. There¡¯s a difference.¡± He pressed the Enter key several times. ¡°If I¡¯d taken that job with Google, there would have been some supervisor with a superiorityplex because they graduated from MIT breathing down my neck the whole time. I prefer frencing.¡±


    ¡°What makes you think that I¡¯m not going to breathe down your neck the whole time.¡±


    ¡°Because you know for a fact I would never put up with that shit, so you¡¯re not going to try in the first ce.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You¡¯re so fucking annoying.¡±


    ¡°Right back at you.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s everythinging along? You going to take much longer?¡±


    Devin red at me. ¡°This isn¡¯t like the movies. I can¡¯t create an entire security server with a couple of clicks. It¡¯splicated. You wouldn¡¯t tell a brain surgeon to hurry up in the middle of an operation, would you?¡±


    ¡°I might. If they had their damn feet up on my desk.¡±


    My brother hummed. ¡°Jesus.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Your calendar¡¯s full.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°The hell are you doing going through my calendar?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for my codes to load.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not an invitation to go snooping. It¡¯s supposed to be password protected.¡±


    Devin shot me an Are you kidding me look. ¡°As your future head of cybersecurity, it¡¯s my rmendation that you don¡¯t set your password as password. That¡¯s asking for trouble.¡± Before I could get a word in, Devin continued, ¡°Seriously, Jesse. Look at this. Do you even have time to breathe?¡±


    I paced around my office. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    ¡°Training new hires¡­ Client briefings¡­ Even your meals are scheduled.¡±


    ¡°By design,¡± I noted. ¡°It¡¯s the nature of running a security firm.¡±


    ¡°When was thest time you took a vacation?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need one.¡±


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t my question.¡±


    I thought about it briefly. Thest time I had a real vacation was when Wally was eleven. Melissa and I were still married, albeit our rtionship had taken a turn for the worse We were as emotionally distant as two people could be, hanging onto the threads of our marriage for Wally¡¯s sake. I took them both on a trip to Paris for two weeks. It was fun for the most part, as long as I deliberately ignored all of Melissa¡¯s passive aggressiveness. It was thest trip we ever took as a family.


    I found Melissa in bed with Alexei five monthster. I filed for divorce by the end of the day.


    ¡°Years,¡± I grumbled.


    Devin set hisptop down on my desk and -finally- put his feet on the floor. ¡°Look, man. I¡¯m not telling you what to do, but you should take a break every once and a while.


    You¡¯ll go bald faster if you¡¯re under constant stress.¡±


    ¡°My hairline is fine, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Seriously. It¡¯s not good for your health. Remember what happened to Dad?¡±


    I set my jaw. I didn¡¯t like talking about our father. ¡°Dad did everything he could to provide for us.¡±


    ¡°Yes. And he worked himself to the grave.¡±


    ¡°He had a heart attack. It happens.¡±


    ¡°He had a heart attack because he was pulling triple shifts four times a week.¡±


    ¡°To put food on the table,¡± I snapped. ¡°To buy you those advanced textbooks you wanted. To give us a better life.¡±


    ¡°I know you looked up to him-¡±


    ¡°Of course I did. Dad gave up everything for us so we could seed. He taught us that hard work was the only way out of that dump of a trailer park. Now look at us.¡± I gestured vaguely about the space. ¡°We did it. We got out. The only way to have a good life is to work hard. Making excuses and taking breaks¡­ That¡¯s the fastest way back to that hell hole.¡±


    Devin closed hisptop and exhaled slowly. ¡°You believe that?¡±


    I pressed my lips into a thin line. I could still remember thete nights when Dad woulde home well after midnight exhausted, dripping in sweat, and hands covered in grime. He¡¯d pass out on the couch so he didn¡¯t have to disturb us as he passed our room. At the crack of dawn, he was up again to take a quick shower and scarf down a bowl of cereal before heading off to his morning job.


    We didn¡¯t have much. Prospects were limited. Money was always tight, and bills were always paid a day or twote. When I turned sixteen, I offered to drop out and get a job. Do the honorable thing. Devin had all the smarts, anyway. He had a way better chance of getting into a good college than I did. Dad wouldn¡¯t have any of it.


    ¡°Hard work is the only way to get out on top,¡± I said.


    A long pause settled over the office. My brother simply sighed and stood up. ¡°If you say so,¡± he mumbled, clearly not wanting to drag this out any further. ¡°I¡¯m done for the day. I¡¯m going to have toe back tomorrow to finish up. Whoever you hired to install your firm¡¯s firewall was an idiot. They left a huge backdoor. Anyone with intermediate coding experience could get through and gain ess to all the files they wanted.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°That¡¯s a security breach waiting to happen. Did you-¡±


    ¡°Already took care of it. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not even going to charge you extra. Consider it a family discount.¡± ¡°Thank you for your generosity,¡± I replied dryly.


    ¡°All work and no y makes Jesse a dull boy,¡± Devin muttered amusedly to himself as he left.


    I pretended to ignore him. There

 102

    VIVIAN


    I asked Wally to meet me at a coffee shop on campus. A huge wave of relief washed over me when I spotted him seated at the back table, the one furthest from the front entrance near the ss disy case full of cakes and cookies fresh from the bakery. It was our old spot, where we used to sharete-night coffees andst-minute study sessions when we were still seeing one another.


    We texted on and off since our breakup a couple of weeks prior, but this was the first time seeing each other in person since then. I thought it would be awkward to see him again, but it wasn¡¯t. He smiled wide when he saw me, standing as I approached. He hugged me tight, like two old friends reuniting after years apart.


    I shouldn¡¯t have expected anything less. Wally was always easy to be around. He is a good listener and a kind soul. He was a genuinely wonderful person.


    I knew lots of people would probably take issue with us just being friends. Exes who could maintain a tonic rtionship and an above-average level of decency were rare in this day and age. But nothing ever happened between us that warranted maliciousness.


    The truth was, Wally and I broke up because we wanted different things. I wanted to stay in Chicago and build an investment firm from the ground up. He wanted to travel the world and immerse himself in other countries¡¯ cultures, specifically interested in their foods. He wanted to cook, to one day run his kitchen.


    Our paths were heading in different directions, and we both knew it from the start. I couldn¡¯t fault him for wanting to follow his dreams, just as he couldn¡¯t fault me for following mine. When we broke up, we promised to support each other no matter what. It was the mature, adult thing to do.


    ¡°How¡¯re you doing, Einstein?¡± he asked, a twinge of concern in his words. ¡°You freaked me out over the phone. Is everything alright?¡±


    I nced over my shoulder. I could have sworn someone was watching me. ¡°Molly¡¯s missing,¡± I whispered. ¡°And I think¡­ I think I¡¯m next.¡±


    Wally blinked, looking at me like I¡¯d lost my mind. ¡°Sit down. Tell me everything.¡±


    I sat on the edge of my seat, knees bouncing, wringing my fingers together. ¡°Friday at work, I noticed something. Money was missing from one of the client ounts. Lots of it. At first, I thought it was an error in the system. Molly volunteered to bring it up with our supervisor. She didn¡¯t show up for drinks that night like we¡¯d nned, and I couldn¡¯t get ahold of her all weekend. Then, when I came in to work today, she was gone. They told me she was transferred to a different department.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    His brow furrowed. ¡°You don¡¯t believe it?¡±


    ¡°Fuck no,¡± I mumbled hurriedly. ¡°That much money. Gone without a trace? And then Molly disappears without a word? She¡¯d never not tell me something like that, and she¡¯s not answering my texts. That¡¯s not a coincidence. I think something terrible happened to her, and Blue Cloud


    Financial is covering their tracks.¡±


    Wally paused, staring at me like I suddenly grew a second head. And then he startedughing. ¡°Hrious as always,¡± he said, wiping the moisture from his eyes. ¡°Have you finally made the leap from genius to insanity?¡±


    I gripped the edge of the table and leaned in close. ¡°I¡¯m not crazy, Wally. I wouldn¡¯t lie about something like this. You know I wouldn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± he said softly, patting me on the forearm.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°You believe me?¡±


    He sighed. ¡°I mean, I believe you believe you¡¯re in trouble.¡±


    ¡°Wally-¡±


    ¡°Do you have proof?¡±


    I attempted to swallow, but my throat was squeezed tight. The encrypted files. All the proof I needed was there, but I couldn¡¯t get to them without the password. I left in such a hurry that I didn¡¯t even think to make a copy, but the thought of going back to work made my heart race. What if they caught me? What if they did to me what they did to Molly?


    ¡°No,¡± I mumbled through gritted teeth. ¡°No, I don¡¯t have any proof. Except that Molly ghosting me is not normal.¡±


    He sighed, running a hand through his dark curls.


    ¡°That¡¯s not ideal.¡±


    I slumped in my chair. ¡°I know, but I-¡±


    The soft chime of the bell just above the coffee shop¡¯s door reached my ear. I looked over Wally¡¯s shoulder and saw a man standing at the entrance. Any other day, any other time, I wouldn¡¯t have batted an eye. But the rm bells in the back of my mind went off, a deep-rooted impulse that told me there was nothing ordinary about him.


    He was tall, intimidatingly wide with an oddly small head. He wore sunsses even though it was an overcast day. He wore an all-ck ensemble -ck shirt, ck pants, ck shoes- as if that wasn¡¯t the universal uniform for bad guys everywhere.


    ¡°Hi!¡± the barista behind the counter greeted me with a chipper smile. ¡°What can I get for you, sir?¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer. He scanned the inside of the coffee shop, his gaze stopping on me. The man took a single step toward me and I knew I was in trouble. I grabbed Wally by the hand and dragged him out of his seat, dashing toward the back exit.


    ¡°We have to go!¡± I eximed, heart pounding in my ear.


    ¡°Viv, what-¡±


    There wasn¡¯t time to exin. I pulled Wally through the narrow back exit and out into the alleyway around the back. It was filthy, withmercial garbage bins full and awaiting pickup, and graffiti all over the ce. We ran as fast as we could, reaching the main road and slipping into busy pedestrian traffic.


    My heart was in my throat, blood rushing loudly past my ears. My chest burned, my calves cramped. We made it a good five or six blocks before taking a sharp right corner, hiding behind a massive concrete building. Wally bent forward, hands on his knees as he panted harshly.


    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± he wheezed.


    ¡°We were being followed!¡±


    Wally looked incredulous. ¡°By who, Viv? No one¡¯s even here. What¡¯s gotten into you?¡±


    I turned. The man was nowhere in sight. We either lost him or¡­Or he wasn¡¯t following us in the first ce.


    ¡°I could have sworn that he¡­¡± I took a deep breath.


    Wally put his hands on my shoulders. ¡°You¡¯re being paranoid, Vivian. No one¡¯s after you, alright? Whatever you¡¯re going through, I promise to help, but you¡¯re safe. Do you understand?¡±


    My mind swirled. None of this made any sense. Maybe Wally was right. Was I losing it?


    I nodded slowly. ¡°Okay,¡± I whispered. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Let me walk you home. Come on.¡±


    A storm was brewing in my chest. My stomach churned, threatening to make me ill. Maybe what Arty and Alistair told me was true. Maybe Molly had been transferred. It just didn¡¯t make sense that she wouldn¡¯t tell me, or that she would ignore my texts. Did our friendship mean so little? The thought stung more than I wanted it to.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a perfectly normal exnation,¡± Wally said as we walked back the way we came. ¡°Let¡¯s stop by Molly¡¯s apartment, hm? Did you think to check in on her in person?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ No. I didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure everything¡¯s fine. She probably just lost her phone or something. You know how forgetful she can be.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    We took another few steps but stopped short when a man halted in front of us. He came out of nowhere, silent like a shadow. There was nothing particrly memorable about his features. If I were tasked to pick him out of a lineup, I wouldn¡¯t be able to do it. The one thing that did stand out was the snake tattooed on the side of his neck. It curled around the front of his throat, slithering behind and circling back like an ink noose. Most notable of all were the deep crimson of the animal¡¯s eyes.


    He loomed over Wally and me, staring down his nose at us. ¡°Vivian Jones?¡± he asked, voice low and gravelly.


    I shook my head, taking Wally¡¯s hand to try and go around. ¡°Sorry. You¡¯ve got the wrong person.¡± ¡°She¡¯s lying,¡± came another man¡¯s voice.


    I turned and saw the man from the coffee house. He somehow got behind us. Now that I got a closer look, he also had a snake tattoo wrapped around his neck. Was this some sort of gang symbol?


    It was then and only then that I realized Wally and I were standing next to a big white van next to the curb. It¡¯s side door slid open. A third and final man appeared, approaching with an rming amount of speed. He was trying to shove us inside.


    I whipped my messenger bag at him, smacking him across the side of the head with enough force to knock our attacker off kilter. I kicked his knee with all my might and watched him tumble to the ground.


    ¡°Run!¡± I shouted at Wally.


    This time, I didn¡¯t hear a lick of protest.


    I hit my second wind, dodging other pedestrians on the sidewalk as we evaded our assants. They were hot on our tail. No matter how many turns we took, no matter how fast we ran, they continued their pursuit. Considering they were willing to make such a scene in public, I knew I was in bigger trouble than I¡¯d originally thought.


    ¡°What the hell¡¯s going on?¡± Wally demanded. ¡°Who are these people?¡±


    ¡°Less talking, more running!¡± I snapped. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the ascending stairs that led to the train. ¡°This way!¡± I shouted at Wally.


    We shoved past people trying to get through the ticket stall.


    ¡°Come on,e on,e on,¡± I said, mostly to myself in a panic.


    The train was seconds away from leaving. Wally and I practically tripped into thest car as the doors slid closed, sealing us in and separating us from the tform. The men with the snake tattoos came up right to the door, one of them pounding the ss window in frustration. The train pulled away with an electric screech.


    We were safe.


    For now.


    I nudged Wally in the ribs with the tip of my elbow. ¡°Do you believe me now?¡±


    He nodded, catching his breath. ¡°Yes. Yes, I do.¡±


    ¡°We need to call the police. We need to-¡± I reached for my phone in my messenger bag, but grimaced. My bag was gone. ¡°Shit. Shit, shit, shit.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I threw my messenger bag at them. I lost it all.¡±


    ¡°All?¡±


    ¡°Everything, Wally. My phone. My wallet. They have everything.¡±


    Wally hushed me gently. ¡°Hey, it¡¯ll be okay, Vivian. You¡¯lle with me. You¡¯ll be safe.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve already dragged you into this. I don¡¯t want you to be in more danger than you already are.¡± ¡°You¡¯re forgetting something very important, Viv.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Wally smiled. ¡°My father¡¯s a bonafide badass.¡±

 103

    JESSE


    I got home early, around 9:00 p. m. I had a productive day, banging through my to-do list with impressive efficiency. There was an issue with payroll that I sorted out during lunch. I had a total of four client meetings in the afternoon, all of whom signed Pegasus Star as their primary security service once I was done pitching. My teams were all organized, the new hires were undergoing a strict training regime that I came up with, and all my dispatched bodyguards reported a total of zero hups.


    Everything was running smoothly. Easy, predictable clockwork.


    Just how I liked it.


    I stepped off the elevator and into the penthouse, shrugging off my suit jacket from over my gun holster and loosening my tie. I was exhausted, more so than usual. Maybe Devin had a point about taking a break, though I¡¯d rather die than admit that he was right. I could already imagine the smug look on his face.


    I paused in the living room, noting a shuffling sounding from the kitchen. From where I was, I could see that the fridge door was open, a pair of bare legs visible just below.


    A pair of female bare legs.


    Did Wally have a guest over? He knew the rules -no overnight guests without letting me know first. He wasn¡¯t prohibited from bringing people over; I just wanted a little heads-up so I could avoid awkward situations like this one.


    I approached the stranger and cleared my throat. The woman yelped despite my caution.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± she shouted, mming the fridge door closed. ¡°Don¡¯t do that.¡±


    I recognized her voice first. Soft and delicate.


    ¡°Vivian?¡±


    She gave me a sheepish smile. ¡°Hey, Mr. White.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    She was wearing one of Wally¡¯s t-shirts. My son was by no means arge man, but he looked massive on her, practically swallowing her whole. I did my best not to stare, but it was hard not to. Her skin looked soft and warm.


    I forced myself to look down the hall toward Wally¡¯s room. ¡°Are you two back together or something?¡± I wasn¡¯t sure why I sounded so disappointed.


    ¡°Ah, no. Nothing like that.¡± Vivian shook her head, her long ck locks swaying elegantly over her shoulders. It was the first time I¡¯d seen her with her hair down.


    ¡°So you¡¯re here raiding my fridge because¡­¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m stressed as hell. And we can¡¯t call it raiding because there¡¯s nothing to raid. Why¡¯s there so much tofu?¡± Vivian quickly swept her hair up into a bun, securing it atop her head with an stic.


    I frowned. I had so many questions, but the only thing that came out of my mouth was, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with tofu?


    It¡¯s healthy.¡±


    She put a hand on her hip. ¡°I can¡¯t stress eat tofu.¡±


    ¡°Why are you stress eating at all?¡±


    Vivian nibbled on her supple bottom lip. ¡°It¡¯s a long story. It¡¯s actually why I¡¯m here.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Vivian?¡±


    ¡°Dad?¡± Wally stepped out from the guest bedroom, hands busy fluffing a pillow. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve been trying to get a hold of you for hours.¡±


    I checked my phone. There were three text messages and four missed phone calls. ¡°I was in meetings all day,¡± I said with a grunt. My mind immediately went to the worst-case scenario, attempting to fill in the gaps. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Don¡¯t tell me you got her pregnant.¡±


    Vivian¡¯s face turned bright red. ¡°What? Oh my God, no. That¡¯s what you think this is about?¡±


    I crossed my arms. ¡°My son brings his ex-girlfriend home out of the blue¡­ What am I supposed to think?¡±


    Wally groaned. ¡°Vivian¡¯s in danger.¡±


    I regarded her carefully, observing her from head to toe. Now that I had a moment to properly take her in, she did look rattled. Her shoulders were slumped, and she couldn¡¯t stand still, toeing one foot with the other while biting her lip. She didn¡¯t have any visible injuries, but it was obvious how shaken she was mentally.


    I moved to pull up the nearest chair for her to sit down. She seemed grateful, immediately sitting down and pulling her knees to her chest. She was wearing a pair of shorts. Short shorts. I looked away out of decency, ufortably warm all of a sudden.


    ¡°What kind of danger?¡± I asked, pressing on.


    Vivian took a deep breath. ¡°I work for an investment firm with my friend, Molly. The other day, I noticed something weird about one of the ounts. Money was missing. Lots of it. Molly volunteered to bring the error up with our supervisor, and now she¡¯s missing. They told me she transferred, but I didn¡¯t buy it for a second. She¡¯s not answering my texts. And then earlier today when I went to speak to Wally, we were chased-¡±


    ¡°Chased,¡± I said. ¡°Chased by who?¡±


    My son shrugged. ¡°A group of men. Three of them.


    Looked like thugs.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call me?¡±


    ¡°I tried.¡±


    A pang of guilt twisted in my chest. Right. I put my phone on silent mode so I wouldn¡¯t be disturbed.


    ¡°What did they look like?¡± I asked, getting back to business.


    ¡°Big, dressed all in ck. They all had matching tattoos.¡±


    ¡°Describe them.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°They all had snakes that wrapped around their necks.¡±


    A chill scraped its way down my spine. ¡°Snakes,¡± I repeated.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°ck ink with red eyes?¡±


    She took a deep breath. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    I stared at her, both stunned and rmed. What the hell had she gotten herself into?Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Dad?¡± Wally said. ¡°Do you know who they are?¡±


    ¡°Have you ever heard of the Azure Cartel?¡± I asked, my voice low.


    Vivian arched an eyebrow. ¡°No, but the ount I gged belonged to apany called the Azuras Association. Are they connected somehow?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I know for a fact that you should never mess with the Azure Cartel. They¡¯ve been running rampant in the Chicago area for years. They mostly deal with weapons and drugs, but I have it on good authority that they¡¯ve been branching out into human trafficking.¡±


    Vivian visibly paled. ¡°They tried to shove Wally and me into a van. Do you think¡­¡± She shuddered. ¡°How do you know it¡¯s even them?¡±


    ¡°Those tattoos are a part of their initiation process. Recruits earn their tattoo once they¡¯ve sessfully-¡± I licked my lips, struggling to find a delicate way to put it.


    ¡°What?¡± she urged.


    ¡°It¡¯s like a badge of honor,¡± I said. ¡°One they earn after their first sessful kill.¡±


    I expected her to cry. I expected her to squirm in her seat. Any sane person would be rightly worried for their lives.


    Vivian didn¡¯t so much as flinch. ¡°We need to go to the police,¡± she decided firmly. ¡°If they have Molly¡­ We need to get her back as soon as possible.¡± A fire ignited behind her eyes. Sheer determination in the face of the looming unknown. It was startling.


    And sexy as hell.


    The Azure Cartel meant business. If Vivian was telling the truth -and I had no reason to believe that she¡¯d lie- this was no joke.


    I knew that the smart thing to do was to let the police handle this, but I also knew from experience that if I wanted something done right, I needed to do it myself. If the cartel really was after Vivian and had already gotten their hands on her friend, there was likely next to nothing the cops could do. As grim truth as it was, people went missing under police protection all the time. Sometimes, unfortunately, with their cooperation.


    ¡°You¡¯ve made up the guestroom for her?¡± I asked Wally.


    He nodded. ¡°Yep.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll file a missing person¡¯s report for your friend first thing in the morning. You¡¯ll stay here until the authorities get to the bottom of this.¡±


    Vivian¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You mean¡­ You mean I can stay here?¡±


    ¡°Would you rather go it alone?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡­¡± She inhaled through clenched teeth. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to establish some ground rules,¡± I continued firmly. ¡°Until we know that you¡¯re out of harm¡¯s way, you will not be permitted to return to your ce of work. If your employers are somehow linked to the cartel, returning would make you an easy target.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t people be suspicious if I don¡¯t go?¡±


    ¡°Better safe than sorry. You can call in tomorrow morning and tell them you¡¯ll be taking an extended leave of absence due to a family emergency.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Vivian said slowly. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°You will not be permitted to leave this penthouse without supervision.¡±


    ¡°Is that necessary?¡±


    ¡°You were almost kidnapped in broad daylight,¡± I pointed out. ¡°They got within inches of you, correct?¡±


    She nodded stiffly. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°It will feel restrictive at first, but it¡¯s for your good. As far as I¡¯m aware, the men who are after you don¡¯t know you¡¯re here. The penthouse is a fortress. It¡¯s the safest ce for you to be, even at the cost of your usual freedoms.¡±


    Vivian closed her eyes and breathed deeply. At first, I thought she was going to protest. It wasn¡¯t umon for me to receive a great deal of pushback from my clients when they came under my security detail. The people under my care were of a specific demographic, one used to get what they wanted when they wanted. I was no stranger to their moaning and groaning about cramping their lifestyle.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    That was a lot less resistance than I thought. ¡°Good.¡± ¡°How much will I owe you?¡± she asked, totally serious. ¡°Do you offer payment ns? My budget¡¯s kind of tight, but


    I can probably scrape together the funds to-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not charging you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not?¡± She eyed me suspiciously. ¡°Why?¡±


    The businessman in me told me I was being stupid. Pegasus Star Security was the go-to security firm for the elites, and that, therefore, came with a hefty price tag. It wasn¡¯t just for show, either. Every penny went back into the business for funding training, upgrading equipment, and gathering reliable intel. Agreeing to protect someone pro bono wasn¡¯t in my or mypany¡¯s best interest. It wasn¡¯t personal, just business.


    But the longer I stared at Vivian, the more I couldn¡¯t bring myself to ask her to pay. That¡¯d be a dick move, to be honest. She was scared. She was way in over her head. And the thought of someone nearly getting their hands on her made my blood boil.


    ¡°You need help,¡± I stated. ¡°And I can provide it. It¡¯s as simple as that.¡±


    Wally breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Get some sleep. Both of you.¡±


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯d be possible to stop by my apartment?¡± she asked. ¡°Just to grab a few things. Clothes and whatnot.¡±


    ¡°Give me your address. I¡¯ll pick them up for you.¡±


    Vivian grimaced. ¡°Can¡¯t I juste with you? You¡¯d count as supervision, right?¡± And then, under her breath in embarrassment, ¡°I¡¯d rather not have you going through my underwear drawer.¡±


    My mouth was suddenly dry. She had a point. The thought of rummaging through her drawers, sifting through her panties¡­ My pulse raced at the thought.


    ¡°I¡­ Yeah, alright. You cane with me. But we leave now. The sooner I get you back, the better.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Alright. Just give me a few minutes to get dressed.¡±

 104

    VIVIAN


    The Chicago streets were different at night. I couldn¡¯t see the stars above. The lights of the city were just too bright, but there was still somethingforting about the warm golden glow of streetlights as we drew closer to my apartment building.


    We drove in silence.


    I didn¡¯t know what to say. Jesse was being so incredibly patient and kind, but he was super quiet the whole time. I wondered briefly if I was a burden to him. Of course, I was. Suddenly having protection duty thrust upon him must have thrown a wrench in his usual ns. It was almost midnight. He¡¯d probably be asleep and in bed by now if it weren¡¯t for me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I mumbled quietly. The low rumble of the car engine almost drowned me out. ¡°For being such an inconvenience.¡±


    Jesse¡¯s eyes remained on the road, but I couldn¡¯t help but notice the way his grip tightened around the steering wheel. Knuckles white, shoulders tense. ¡°Your safety is never going to be an inconvenience, Vivian.¡±


    I watched him out of the corner of my eye. There was a strength to his presence, a self-assuredness in the way he carried himself. It was his stillness I admired the most.


    Unwavering. So damn serious. Was he always like this? Or was it because he was on high alert, bodyguard mode?


    ¡°I have a few more rules for you,¡± he said sternly.


    ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to go anywhere without me.¡±


    ¡°What if I have to go to the bathroom?¡±


    He huffed. ¡°You can go to the bathroom. You know what I mean.¡±


    I suppressed a giggle. ¡°Got it.¡±


    ¡°When we¡¯re out in public, you have to remain ahead of me at all times.¡±


    ¡°So you can keep an eye on me?¡±


    ¡°Precisely. The only exception is when we¡¯re entering or exiting a room. I¡¯m always first through the door.¡±


    ¡°What happened todies first?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so I can take a bullet for you.¡± He said it so bluntly that it took me by surprise.


    ¡°You¡¯d take a bullet for me?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± he answered in a heartbeat.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°But why? You don¡¯t even know me?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the job.¡±


    I squirmed in my seat, unsure why my heart was racing. The AC was on, but my skin was on fire. What was I expecting? Of course that was his answer. I just didn¡¯t expect him to be so clinical about it. Jesse made the whole notion of being a bodyguard sound rather boring. Mundane. Taking a bullet was as easy as clocking in to work in the mornings.


    ¡°Have you ever been shot at before?¡± I asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re a morbidly curious little thing, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    My face pooled with heat. ¡°Maybe.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said, flicking the turn signal before pulling left. ¡°I¡¯ve been shot at a few times. A couple of close calls while I was serving overseas, but I¡¯ve been lucky enough not to be hit.¡±


    ¡°Was it scary?¡±


    ¡°The first few times.¡± He shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s hard to exin. You get desensitized to that sort of stuff quickly. It doesn¡¯t serve me to be scared.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re never scared?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    I thought I saw him grin, but then we pulled up to the curb just outside my apartment building. Jesse killed the engine but didn¡¯t unlock the door.


    ¡°One more thing,¡± he said. ¡°When I give you an order, you obey it. When I tell you to run, you run. When I tell you to duck, you duck. When I tell you to stay, you stay. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°The world¡¯s strictest game of Jesse Says? Got it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m being serious, Vivian. You shouldn¡¯t make light of the matter.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know.¡± I sighed heavily. ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ This is a lot to deal with. I¡¯m really worried about Molly. I¡¯m scared. And I guess the way I deal with it is by making jokes. I¡¯m sorry. I swear I¡¯m paying attention.¡±


    Much to my surprise, Jesse reached over the center console and ced his hand on the back of mine. His was massive inparison, his palm and fingers nketing mine. I held my breath, startled by the thrill that shot through my veins. Jesse was warm, and he smelled utterly delectable. It was the first time all day that I felt even remotely close to right.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared,¡± he said gently, holding my eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll protect you. You just have to promise that you¡¯ll do as I say.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Jesse pulled away and cleared his throat. I could have sworn I saw redness creeping up the back of his neck, but he got out of the car before I could tell. He circled the front and opened the passenger-side door for me, looking left and right in search of danger.


    ¡°Fifteen minutes,¡± he said gruffly. ¡°Pack your things in fifteen minutes or less.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t about to argue. I wanted to get the hell out of there just as much as he did.


    As promised, Jesse was first through the door of my apartment. Nothing was out of ce, nothing out of the ordinary. I watched him work, mesmerized by his efficiency. He checked the windows for tampeintamperingearched every room for threats. He was a shark, with nothing but cold eyes and steely focus, moving with speed and precision.


    ¡°All clear,¡± he said, waving me in.


    I didn¡¯t dawdle. It wasn¡¯t like I had much to bring with me to begin with. After grabbing a duffle bag from the hallway linen closet, I made straight for the bedroom to pack my clothes. I picked up my toothbrush from the bathroom, myptop from off the coffee table, and a book or two from my bookshelf. I wasn¡¯t sure how long I was going to be in Jesse¡¯s care, so I figured bringing some light entertainment couldn¡¯t hurt.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m good to go,¡± I said.


    ¡°You sure? What about those pictures over there?¡±


    He was referring to the framed family pictures lined up above the kitchen table. I shook my head. ¡°They¡¯re not real.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I bought them at Walmart. Those pictures came with the frames. I don¡¯t know any of the people in them.¡±


    Jesse looked understandably confused. ¡°Why-¡±


    ¡°To spruce the ce up. Makes it less dreary.¡±


    He opened his mouth as if to ask a question but refrained. Even if I wanted to tell him, now was hardly the time to give him my backstory. We were running out of time.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get going,¡± he said, taking my duffle bag from me.


    The apartment door burst open, shards of the frame flying from the force. On the other side, stood three burly men. Snake tattoos choked their necks, blood-red eyes staring me down likesers.


    At that moment, the sound ceased to exist. Time slowed. My body dragged, heavy with fear and shock. They¡¯d found me. They were here, in my home, a ce I always thought I¡¯d be safest. It was more than jarring.


    The only thing I could register was Jesse¡¯s hand grabbing mine, yanking me back with rming force. He screamed something at me, but I couldn¡¯t hear him over the rush of blood in my ears. I read his lips instead. Run.

 105

    JESSE


    They ganged up on me all at once, throwing their hands and gnashing their teeth. That was their first mistake. It was all for show. They might have looked tough, but they were inexperienced fighters.


    I may have been outnumbered, but they were sorely outmatched.


    The first guy ran up and tried to lock me in a sleeper hold. I kicked him in the groin as hard as I could before he could get to me, immediately moving into his space to connect my knuckles to his jaw. The crack was swift and deafening. He was out like a light before he knew what hit him.


    The second guy whipped out a gun, but he moved to slow, his size more of a burden in such close quarters. I was on him in milliseconds, knocking him against the side of the head with a nearby tablemp. It shattered, breaking into sharp pieces. He fell to the floor, his gun slipping out of his grip and sliding beneath the couch. He was down, but not out.


    I¡¯d deal with himter. I had to deal with the third assant before he got to Vivian.


    The second I told her to run, she made a break for the bathroom down the hall. It was a good call. It had a sturdy lock and a window leading out to the building¡¯s fire escape.


    With any luck, Vivian was already climbing down and putting as much distance between her and her apartment. Either way, I had to finish this up quickly and get to her. She¡¯d be exposed without me.


    I ran after the third man, tackling him to the floor. Inded harder than I wanted to, my joints cracking for my efforts. I¡¯d spent too long behind my desk at the office, but it felt strangely good to be back at it.


    I pinned the guy down, but not before his fist connected with my jaw. The sting made my eyes water, blurring my vision. He wailed on me again and again until our positions were reversed. He had me on my back, shielding against his blows with both my arms out in front of me. This wasn¡¯t ideal.


    In fact, things were going south and fast.


    I was getting tired. My movements were sluggish, my limbs heavy, my breathing tight. I was taking more blows than I was dealing. My age was catching up to me, but I couldn¡¯t give up. I wouldn¡¯t. Not when I knew Vivian might still be on the other side of that door.


    The image of her cowering in the bathroom shed across my mind. Those big doe eyes full of fear. Shaking uncontrobly. Her face drained of color. I couldn¡¯t go out


    like this. I needed to get the upper hand. For her.


    I caught my second wind, a sudden burst of energy numbing the ache in my bones and spurring me on. I managed to turn the tide with a swift punch to the man¡¯s throat. He recoiled, gasping for air. It gave me just enough time to kick him in the chest. He went flying, hitting his head against the wall next to us. It left a dent in the drywall. This time, he was knocked unconscious.


    I dragged myself onto my feet, bones creaking. The assant with the gun was already standing, dashing toward me. He punched me in the gut, knocking the air from my lungs. I was dizzy, the taste of iron that coated my tongue making me nauseated. I wasn¡¯t out of the woods yet. My concentration was slipping, my hits weren¡¯t connecting.


    The attacker managed to get behind me, locking my head in a chokehold. He squeezed hard, crushing my windpipe. There was a sudden pressure behind my eyes, in my skull. I couldn¡¯t see straight.


    The sound of something cracking reached my ears. The man released me, and I could suddenly breathe again, gasping for air. I turned to find him unconscious, t on his face. Above him was Vivian, toilet tank cover -the half that hadn¡¯t broken off- still in hand.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± she breathed, rushing to me. ¡°Holy shit, are you alright? Your nose is bleeding. Here, tilt your chin up.¡± She cupped my face and wiped at my nose with the sleeve of her sweater.


    ¡°I told you to run,¡± I said, voice hoarse and barely recognizable in my own ears.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t leaving you behind.¡±


    ¡°I gave you an order.¡±


    Vivian rolled her eyes, but her shaky hands gave away herposure. ¡°You can be angry at me about itter.¡± Her fingers grazed my cheek as she inspected me. The cool touch of her skin was a greater relief to me than an ice pack. ¡°Good. I don¡¯t think your nose is broken. Quit squirming, you¡¯re going to ruin your shirt.¡±


    I grasped her hands. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you listen to me? You should have at least stayed in the bathroom.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d be dead if it weren¡¯t for me.¡±


    ¡°I would have been fine.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah,¡± she quipped dryly. ¡°Fine and blue in the face.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t up for debate. You said you¡¯d obey my orders.¡±


    ¡°Jesus, would it kill you to say thank you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going thank you for being reckless.¡±


    ¡°Reckless? You¡¯re telling me that taking on three gang members all by yourself isn¡¯t reckless?¡±


    ¡°I told you already. It¡¯s my job.¡±


    Vivian¡¯s nostrils red. ¡°I was just trying to help.¡±


    She was probably trying toe across as serious and angry, but I got more of a pouting puppy impression. She was just so small and beautiful and wide-eyed that I wasn¡¯t intimidated in the slightest. Still, there was no missing the way her eyes grew ssy and red at the corners, tears of frustration welling up.


    I swallowed, ignoring the urge to dry her tears. ¡°Thank you,¡± I mumbled.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Vivian sighed. ¡°Was that so hard?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Shush. Let me get you a cloth for your nose.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Bleeding¡¯s stopped, I think.¡±


    ¡°We should get you to a hospital. What if you broke something?¡±


    ¡°Trust me, I would know if something were broken.¡± I grunted as I got up. I was going to feel it in the morning.


    ¡°Jesse, you really should-¡±


    The gang member that Vivian nailed across the back of the head with the toilet tank cover groaned. He stirred, about toe to.


    ¡°We need to go,¡± I said. ¡°If they don¡¯t check in within the next couple of minutes, the Azure Cartel will send more of them after you.¡±


    ¡°How do you know all this?¡±


    ¡°Chalk it up to experience. You picked the wrong people to piss off.¡±


    She nced at her shoes, indignant. ¡°It¡¯s not like I did it on purpose.¡±


    I took her hand and led her out the way we came. She had no qualms about stepping over the unconscious man at her feet. In fact, she looked like she enjoyed it. A little slice of revenge for the turmoil he¡¯d brought down on her.


    When we got outside, I made sure the coast was clear. There weren¡¯t any suspicious vehicles nearby, but I had no ns of sticking around and waiting for cartel reinforcements to show up. I helped Vivian into the passenger seat before tossing her duffle bag into the back. We sped off into the night by the skin of our teeth.

 106

    VIVIAN


    The guest bedroom was nice. Lavish. More than what I was used to. The bed¡¯s silk sheets and goose-down duvet felt like lying on a cloud. After the exhausting day I had, I should have been able to drift off without a hitch.


    Instead, I tossed and turned all night, unable to still my mind.


    I thought about Molly, and how terrified she must have been. I wondered where they were keeping her if the cartel had hurt her if she was even alive.


    I shuddered, hiding my face in my hands. The thought was chilling. What if they¡¯d killed her just because she pointed out an error in the books in my ce? It should have been me. It should have been me who marched into Arty¡¯s office. It should have been me who had to suffer the consequences, not her.


    I thought about Wally. I didn¡¯t mean to drag him into all this. He was the only friend I thought I could turn to, the only one I believed would listen. Now I¡¯d exposed him to the cartel, as well. What if they decided to go after him, too? What if they took him like they took Molly?


    Guilt churned in the pit of my stomach.


    And then there was Jesse.


    I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about him. How powerful he was. How he¡¯d fended those men off long enough for me toe to my senses and help. I was adamant about staying hidden, about running, just like he ordered. But hearing him struggle, fight for not just his life, but mine¡­ I couldn¡¯t cower in the bathroom like a frightened little girl. I knew I had to do something.


    And that something was grabbing the heaviest thing at my disposal and knocking the daylights out of a man who looked like he was two seconds away from murdering Jesse. His reaction to the whole situation was frighteningly sexy.


    I pressed my face into my pillow and groaned. That was not what I should be thinking about. I should be thinking about how grateful I was that he was there, not swooning over how devilishly handsome he looked with his messy hair and sleeves rolled up to the elbow. I shouldn¡¯t be thinking about how good he looked, fresh from the fight and sweat covering his brow.


    He smelled musky, but only in the best of ways. He smelled like strength and something feral and strong. Jesse looked at those men with fury in his eyes, like he wanted to rip them apart. But when he saw me¡­everything about his eyes changed. He looked at me like I was something precious, something to hold and care for and be tender with. Even his posturing was different. Rxed. Cautious, like I was a deer he was afraid of spooking.


    When he held my hands, I almost lost it. We were so close, gravitating toward one another, stuck in each other¡¯s orbit. I never wanted him to let go. His hands were rough from the fight, but oh-so-delicate while holding mine.


    The duality wasn¡¯t lost on me. I knew he could feel it, too, whatever this electricity between us was. I just didn¡¯t know what to make of it, if I should act on it. There were so many unspoken questions up in the air, but I was too overwhelmed to ask any of them.


    I rubbed my knees together and nibbled on my bottom lip, remembering how Jesse leaped into action. God. Nobody had a right to look that sexy. Even when he was upset at me afterward, he spoke in a low tone. He was keeping it together for my sake, refusing to raise his voice despite his obvious disappointment.


    A warm ache bloomed between my legs.


    You said you¡¯d obey my orders.


    I groaned, frustrated and tired and distressingly turned on. Now was most certainly not the time to be thinking dirty thoughts about a man who was doing me a favor by housing me and keeping me out of harm¡¯s way.


    Rolling onto my side, I nced at the digital clock on the bedside table.


    5:34 a. m.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I grumbled.


    I threw the covers off and swung my legs over the edge of the mattress. Maybe a ss of water would help calm my thoughts.


    Padding down the long hall, I noticed that a light was on in the kitchen. I approached quietly, not wanting to disturb, sticking as close to the wall as possible. Jesse was seated at the kitchen ind with hisptop open. He was typing away, a pair of reading sses bnced on the bridge of his nose. I liked the way they made him look. Distinguished. Intelligent. Charming.


    I rubbed my knees together, shifting my weight from foot to foot. Seriously? What had gotten into me?


    When Jesse moved to rub the back of his neck, I spotted several bruises running up the length of his forearm and bicep. They wererge and red, purpling at the edges. My heart twisted in my chest, realizing that he must have gotten them in the fight. His knuckles were bruised, too, and his jaw was a little swollen from taking a punch or two to the face.


    He was engrossed in whatever he was working on, typing for a good minute or so before he finally looked up and noticed me. ¡°How long were you standing there?¡± ¡°Not long.¡±


    ¡°Need to get you a damn bell.¡±


    ¡°Sorry. Just wanted something to drink.¡±


    He moved like he was about to get out of his seat, but I noticed the way he winced. Jesse must have been in more pain than he was letting on.


    ¡°Let me,¡± I insisted. ¡°Where do you keep your sses?¡±


    He exhaled softly. ¡°Cab above the sink.¡±


    I moved swiftly, retrieving two sses and filling them at the fridge¡¯s water dispenser. ¡°And your ibuprofen?¡±


    He arched a concerned eyebrow. ¡°Cab to your left there. Why? Are you hurt?¡±


    I shook my head, retrieved the medicine, and walked to him, tapping two small pills out onto my palm. I handed them directly to him. ¡°They¡¯re for you,¡± I exined.N?velDrama.Org content rights.

 107

    I think he would haveughed if it didn¡¯t hurt him to do so. He popped the pills into his mouth and drank his water greedily. I tried not to stare -and failed- at the way his Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he did.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°What are you doing up so early?¡± I whispered, not wanting to disturb the stillness of the morning air.


    Jesse nced at his wristwatch. ¡°Oh. I haven¡¯t gone to bed yet.¡±


    I gawked. ¡°All this talk about eating tofu and being healthy, but you haven¡¯t slept yet?¡±


    ¡°Lost track of time.¡±


    ¡°What are you working on?¡±


    ¡°Organizing a cleanup crew. I¡¯m sending a couple of my guys to your apartment to see if they can find anything about the men who attacked you.¡±


    ¡°We already know they¡¯re with the cartel.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Yes, but I need to know more than that.¡±


    I sat down next to him, barely a foot of space between us. Our elbows were almost touching as I leaned in to read what was on his screen. ¡°Criminal record¡­ Gun make and model¡­ Registered vehicles?¡±


    ¡°Most of the time it¡¯s a dead end because the police won¡¯t release that information if an investigation is ongoing, but it doesn¡¯t hurt to try. The more I know, the better I can do-¡±


    ¡°Your job,¡± I finished for him. ¡°I know, you¡¯ve said.¡±


    The corner of his lip pulled up into a smirk. ¡°Are you normally cheeky so early in the morning?¡±


    ¡°Definitely. But wait until I¡¯ve had a cup of coffee. That¡¯s when I unleash my true power.¡±


    ¡°Thank God I don¡¯t have any coffee, then.¡±


    My mouth dropped. ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right?¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s caffeine you¡¯re after, you¡¯re better off drinking tea. It¡¯s much-¡±


    ¡°Healthier. Yeah, yeah. I¡¯m sensing a pattern with you. All this health-nut stuff must be why you¡¯re in such good shape.¡±


    He stretched his arm. ¡°Not as good a shape as I thought.¡±


    I smiled yfully.  ¡°Cut yourself some ck. There were three of them. Most senior citizens would have been crumpled by a strong breeze.¡±


    Jesse ced a hand over his heart and grimaced. ¡°Ouch.


    Senior citizen?¡±


    ¡°How old are you?¡± I asked, fishing.


    ¡°Forty-three.¡±


    I nibbled on my bottom lip, deep in thought. Forty-three. He was exactly twenty years older than me. ¡°I see,¡± I mumbled softly.


    ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to ask ady that question.¡±


    He snorted, though he didn¡¯t appear to be as miffed as he sounded. ¡°Double standards.¡±


    I giggled. ¡°I¡¯m teasing. Just turned twenty-three.¡± ¡°Hm,¡± was all he said.


    A pregnant pause filled the room. Neither of us made a move nor said a word. We just sat in the quiet. It wasn¡¯t awkward by any means. It was sort of nice. After all the chaos we¡¯d been through, being able to just sit and be was a nice change of pace.


    ¡°What are you doing up?¡± he asked after a while.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t sleep,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯m really worried about my friend.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°We¡¯re going to figure this out, Vivian. The men who attacked you are in custody. You¡¯ll get her back.¡±


    I managed a small smile. ¡°Thank you. For earlier, too. I don¡¯t know what I would have done if those guys came after me and you weren¡¯t there.¡±


    ¡°Just part of the¡­¡± He thought for a moment. ¡°upational hazard.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Boy, I¡¯ll say. You should really-¡± I noticed a bit of red trickle from his nose. ¡°Oh!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re bleeding again.¡± I reached for him, grabbing a couple of napkins from the holder on the kitchen ind. ¡°Here, let me-¡±


    He tried to wave me away. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Vivian. You don¡¯t have to do this. It¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡±


    ¡°Would you just shush and let me help you?¡±


    Jesse pressed his lips into a thin line but didn¡¯t argue, finally allowing me the opportunity to assist him. I cupped his cheek in my free hand and tilted his head back, determined to keep the blood from dripping onto his shirt. He was surprisingly pliant beneath my touch, moving where I needed him to go with next to no resistance.


    He watched me the whole time, deep eyes focused on me and me alone. I didn¡¯t shy away, too upied with the task at hand.


    ¡°You¡¯re pretty good at this,¡± hemented.


    ¡°The kids I grew up with got into all sorts of trouble,¡± I said absentmindedly. ¡°Scraped knees, the asional fist fights¡­ That sort of thing.¡±


    ¡°The kids you grew up with?¡± he echoed. ¡°You mean siblings?¡±


    ¡°No, not siblings. Not really.¡± Once I was satisfied that his nose was okay, I lowered my gaze. ¡°It¡¯s a long story. Wouldn¡¯t want to bore you.¡±


    He grasped me gently by the elbows. ¡°You could never bore me.¡±


    I licked my lips, a thrill shooting up my spine when his eyes were immediately drawn to them. I stared at his in turn, curious to know what they¡¯d feel like. If he kissed me, would he be rough and hungry? Or would he be gentle and sweet?


    I desperately wanted to find out and leaned in, drawn to him like a ma. Where was the harm in a simple kiss?


    Jesse stood up abruptly and pulled away, nothing but cold air remaining in his ce. ¡°You should go to bed,¡± he said, clearing his throat. ¡°We¡¯ll be going to the police station in a couple of hours. They¡¯ll have lots of questions for you.¡±


    My stomach flipped as my face filled with heat. I¡¯d never been so embarrassed in my entire life. ¡°R-right. Yeah, I¡¯ll-¡± I slipped off my seat, my legs like jelly beneath me. ¡°Yep, mm-hmm. You should go to bed, too.¡±


    Jesse nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°I will.¡±


    I scurried back to the guest room and crawled beneath the safety of the sheets. Thankfully, sleep dragged me under so that I only had to dwell on our almost-kiss in my dreams. Either way, my heart was racing and aching for more.

 108

    JESSE


    That was close. Too close.


    But God did I want to kiss her. I could have easily leaned in, circled my arms around her waist and held her against me. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to do it, though, no matter how much I craved to know the taste of her lips.


    I¡¯d been burned before. I wasn¡¯t willing to do it again.


    Besides, getting involved with my client was a recipe for disaster. I needed a clear mind and unshakeable focus, not to be distracted by a pair of pretty eyes and a dazzling smile. Giving into my desires would be¡­ reckless.


    The police station was a cacophony of noise and movement and unpleasant smells. Phones rang off the hook. Police chattered over their radios. Drunk tank imbeciles yelled through the bars demanding release. The whole ce smelled of burnt coffee, printer ink, and sweat. If I found the ce deplorable, I couldn¡¯t imagine what Vivian must have thought.


    This was no ce for a sweet young thing like her.


    Some greasy looking thug smacked his lips, whistling at her. ¡°Hey, baby. Why don¡¯t youe over here and take a look at a real man?¡±


    I clenched my fist and set my jaw. What was with all the catcalling these days? First the bar, now here. Vivian couldn¡¯t escape it. Men had no fucking honor. This wasn¡¯t how they were supposed to treat ady.


    I was about to step in when she snapped, ¡°And risk going blind? I¡¯ll pass.¡±


    I smiled, oddly proud. She could handle herself just fine.


    A police officer guided us to a private interview room in the corner of the precinct. It wasn¡¯t a grimy interrogation room, but a small officeplete with a desk, twofortable guest chairs, a couple of potted nts, a wall lined entirely with grey metal filing cabs.


    The man behind the desk -Detective Anderson Monroe ¨C looked like he was fresh from the set of a noir mystery film. A thick moustache wedged between his nose and upper lip. A beer gut that the buttons of his shirt strained against. All that was missing was a lit cigar between his fingers and a dame out front working reception.


    ¡°Miss Jones,¡± he said. ¡°Have a seat. I¡¯m going to have to ask you to leave your friend outside.¡± Detective Monroe jabbed a chubby finger in my direction.


    ¡°I want him here,¡± Vivian insisted. She looked at me, like she wasn¡¯t sure I¡¯d stay.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be a fly on the wall,¡± I said.


    Detective Monroe huffed. ¡°Whatever. Let¡¯s get to work. I¡¯ve got four other cases I need to attend to.¡± He slid three mugshots across the desk to show Vivian. ¡°Do you recognize these men?¡±


    ¡°Yes. They¡¯re the ones who attacked me.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    She frowned. ¡°Without a doubt.¡±


    The detective hummed. ¡°They¡¯re confirmed members of the Azure Cartel. They¡¯re facing aggravated assault and outstanding drug distribution charges, but I doubt anything¡¯s going to stick.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°The people they work for can afford to hire really goodwyers. They¡¯ll make bail easy.¡±


    Vivian shifted in her seat. ¡°Does this mean they¡¯ll try ande after me again?¡± She sounded so small and afraid. I fought the instinct to wrap her in my arms, keep her safe.


    ¡°They won¡¯t get to you,¡± I assured her.


    Detective Monroe shifted through his paperwork. ¡°Now, it says here your friend¡¯s missing.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Her name¡¯s Molly Burke. I haven¡¯t heard from her in days.¡±


    ¡°And you think the cartel has something to do with her disappearance?¡±


    ¡°I know they do.¡±


    ¡°Do you have any proof?¡±


    She sucked in a sharp breath through gritted teeth. ¡°No,¡± she mumbled in reply.


    ¡°Your friend¡¯s case will be handed off to Missing


    Persons.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to handle it?¡±


    ¡°Without proof, your friend¡¯s disappearance is circumstantial. I have no evidence or reason to believe that the cartel did something.¡±


    Her shoulders tensed, concern wrinkling her brow. She had the same look in her eyes from before. Fiery. Determined.  ¡°That¡¯s¡­ No, there has to be something you can do.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss Jones, but there isn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°So, what? I¡¯m supposed to sit around and wait for


    Missing Persons to find Molly?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how it works, yes. They¡¯re going to look into it.¡±


    She stood up quickly, very clearly holding back something venomous. ¡°Will that be all?¡±


    Detective Monroe nodded. ¡°Yes. I just needed a positive ID. You¡¯re free to go.¡±


    Without another word, Vivian turned on her heel. I pulled the office door open and stepped through first, ushering her before me so we could leave.


    ¡°Useless,¡± she grumbled the second we were outside the police station. ¡°What a waste of time.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± I said, helping her into the car. ¡°Try and stay calm.¡±


    ¡°Calm?¡± she shrieked. ¡°How can I possibly stay calm? Molly¡¯s out there somewhere! Those cops are going to-¡± I closed the door on her and circled around front, slipping behind the wheel. She was still going off, furious as all hell. ¡°-and did you get a load of that guy¡¯s porn ¡®stache? Who the fuck does he think he is? Why not have another donut, you washed up desk jockey?¡±


    ¡°Vivian-¡±


    ¡°And what does he mean the charges aren¡¯t going to stick? They attacked us. They attacked you. How is the


    system so broken? This is unfair!¡±


    ¡°Vivian.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡±


    She frowned at me. ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°I asked if you¡¯re hungry.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Vivian took a deep breath and slumped in her seat. ¡°Yes.¡±


    I kind of figured that was the case. I was trained to look for signs of distress, and Vivian was checking all the boxes. Difficulty sleeping. Bursts of -frankly understandable- anger.


    I pulled up to the nearest Burger King drive-thru. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Fast food? Don¡¯t you find this sort of thing sacrilegious?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be dramatic. It¡¯s fine in moderation, and I need to get your blood-sugar levels up.¡±


    Vivian licked her lips. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to go to that vegan ce around the corner?¡±


    ¡°Do you want a burger or not?¡±


    She paused, ncing between me and the massive menu structure past the speaker box. She leaned forward, pressing against me to shout out the window. ¡°Can I get a number four and number sixbo with a side of onion rings, chicken strips, and arge strawberry milkshake?¡±


    She turned to me. ¡°Do you want anything?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±


    She ripped into her food the second she got it, the whole car smelling like grease and seasoning. I normally had a strict rule about eating in the car, but I was willing to make an exception for her. Vivian had an impressive appetite, and I wasn¡¯t about to put my life on the line by telling her to wait until we got home.


    Vivian ate in silence, chowing down with gusto. As I suspected, she perked right up after finishing her burger, moving on to munching on her fries. She was lost in thought, staring out the window while she chewed.


    I was busy running through my regr checks as I drove. The most dangerous time for any client was during transit. I had to worry about other drivers on the road as well as the possibility of being tailed. It was a masterss in multitasking. I was so focused on the road and getting us back to the penthouse that I didn¡¯t even register that Vivian held a fry to my lips until I was swallowing the food.


    Sheughed softly. ¡°Not bad, huh?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡±


    ¡°Liar. You think it¡¯s delicious. Here, try the milkshake.¡± Vivian held up her cup, sticking the straw in front of me. It seemed silly to be fixated on something so small. It was just a damn straw. The straw she was just using. The straw that her lips were wrapped around not seconds before.


    I took a sip. Strawberry coated my tongue. I grimaced. ¡°It¡¯s too sweet.¡±


    Vivian shrugged. ¡°More for me, then,¡± she said calmly, bringing it to her lips to drink.


    I swallowed, concentrating on keeping my breathing even. Did she know what she was doing to me? The glint in her eye told me she did.


    I gripped the steering wheel tighter, determined to get home sooner rather thanter.


    Wally was seated in the living room, ying a video game,


    Fortnight or Call of Duty or whatever it was. They were all the same to me. A mess of colors too much noise and an overall waste of time.


    ¡°Whoa, where¡¯s mine?¡± he asked when he saw Vivian¡¯s Burger King bag.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    She smiled. ¡°Sorry. Didn¡¯t know you wanted some.¡±


    ¡°Can I have a bite? I haven¡¯t had lunch yet.¡±


    ¡°We both know I don¡¯t share.¡±


    I walked past them and shrugged off my suit jacket, ears tingling. Was that true? Vivian didn¡¯t seem to have any qualms about feeding me. I felt oddly special.


    I opened myptop, checking if any of the security sensors leading to the penthouse were tripped. Nothing on the CCTV cameras and no rms were triggered. We were in the clear for now.


    ¡°How did things go at the station?¡± Wally asked Vivian.


    She huffed. ¡°Fine, I guess. They¡¯re going to look into it or whatever.¡± She sighed heavily. ¡°The detective says I need proof to connect the cartel to Molly¡¯s disappearance, but I don¡¯t have anything. I¡¯m just so exhausted.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay.¡± Wally hugged her, patting her on the back. A pang of jealousy festered in my chest. Seeing them sofortable around one another¡­ For a moment, I wished that I could take my son¡¯s ce and be the one to hold her.


    ¡°Go lie down,¡± I told Vivian. ¡°Get some sleep. We¡¯ll discuss how to move forward from here once you¡¯ve had some rest.¡±


    She hummed. ¡°A nap sounds nice.¡± She squeezed Wally¡¯s hand before she ventured down the hall to the guest room, disappearing.


    Wally crossed his arms and regarded me curiously. ¡°Can¡¯t imagine what she¡¯s going through.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing home?¡± I asked, changing the subject. ¡°I thought you had a full day of sses.¡±


    My son shifted. ¡°I did, but I thought I should be home for her just in case.¡±


    ¡°I have everything under control.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just trying to be a good friend.¡±


    ¡°I know you are, but you still have your studies to think about. There¡¯s a reason you entrusted her with me. You should be in ss.¡±


    Wally rolled his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not like we were going over anything important. It¡¯s stuff I already know.¡±


    ¡°What about that group presentation for biology you were telling me about?¡±


    ¡°We were going to meet upter to put it together before ss.¡±


    ¡°Individually marked?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Good. I expect you to pull your weight.¡±


    He shook his head and sighed. ¡°There are more important things going on right now, Dad. Vivian-¡±


    ¡°Is in good hands,¡± I interrupted. ¡°Her being here shouldn¡¯t affect your studies.¡±


    ¡°I can never talk to you,¡± I thought I heard him grumble before storming off.


    I found myself alone in the kitchen, the low hum of the air conditioning in my ear. There was so much that I had to do. Important emails to send, security teams to check in with, clients to proposition. I didn¡¯t get around to any of it.


    For the first time in forever, I didn¡¯t want to. In a rare turn of events, running my business was the least of my concerns.


    Looking after Vivian was the only thing on my mind.

 109

    VIVIAN


    I napped for all of fifteen minutes. I was beyond exhausted at this point, existing in an in-between state where I was both sluggish and alert. I paced around the guest room, mulling everything over.


    The missing money. Molly. The Azure Cartel. Something big was going on, but what?


    What if Blue Cloud Financial was in on it? What if they knew about the missing funds and took Molly to keep everything hush-hush? If word got out that Blue Cloud Financial wasundering money on behalf of a dangerous criminal organization, that¡¯d drive thepany¡¯s reputation into the ground.


    A part of me didn¡¯t want to believe it. It was such an out-there, ridiculous notion that I almost dismissed the thought as quickly as it came. I thought about Alistair, about how sweet a mentor he¡¯d been to Molly and me over the past few months. There was no way he could be involved in all of this.


    But what other exnation did I have?


    I wished I had proof.


    Proof.


    I exited the guest bedroom just in time to see Wally leaving, the elevator doors sliding shut with a ding. ¡°Where¡¯s he off to?¡± I asked Jesse, who had once again taken up his spot at the kitchen ind. Hisptop was open, as per usual.


    ¡°School,¡± he answered tly.


    ¡°Is it safe for him to go?¡± I asked. ¡°What if the cartel goes after him?¡±


    ¡°I doubt they will. It¡¯s pretty clear their interests lie with you.¡±


    I nodded slowly. ¡°Right. About that¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Can you drive me to the office?¡±


    Jesse set his jaw. ¡°No.¡±


    He got up out of his seat and circled the ind. I followed him, determined not to let him slip through my fingers.


    ¡°Just hear me out. Detective Monroe said I needed proof and I could get it. I just need to download the encrypted files from myputer and-¡±


    ¡°I said no. You¡¯re honestly telling me you want to go back there?¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s the only way to help Molly, yes. It¡¯ll blow the investigation wide open. The police will-¡±


    ¡°Out of the question, Vivian.¡±


    ¡°Jesse, please.¡±


    ¡°You said yourself that the files are encrypted, right?


    You don¡¯t know for sure what¡¯s on them.¡±


    ¡°Are you suggesting it¡¯s a trap?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not out of the realm of possibility. What if they¡¯re fake files that were created to entice you toe in? It¡¯s called bait. Whoever¡¯s really behind all this has probably destroyed the evidence already.¡±


    ¡°Why do you sound so sure?¡±


    ¡°Because¡­¡± Jesse sighed heavily. ¡°Look, I¡¯ve been in this business a long time. I¡¯ve seen some shit. The cartel doesn¡¯t y by the rules like we do. They think they¡¯re above thew. They do whatever the hell they want, and they don¡¯t care who gets hurt in the process as long as theye out on top.¡±


    I took a step closer, looking him over. ¡°You sound like you¡¯re speaking from experience.¡±


    He nodded tightly. ¡°A long time ago, when I was first getting into the business. My first contract as a bodyguard.¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me about it?¡± I whispered, drawing near.


    ¡°I was protecting a family seeking asylum. They were on the run from the Azure Cartel. I was specifically tasked with watching over their daughter. She was ten.¡±


    A chill slithered down my spine. I sensed his tension, his guilt.


    ¡°I made a bad call,¡± he said simply. ¡°I underestimated the enemy. You¡¯d think a goddamn yground was off limits.¡±


    My stomach churned. ¡°They attacked her while she was at the yground?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to let her go, but she¡¯d been cooped up in the safehouse for months. Things had been really quiet. I thought maybe the cartel had finally given up. I figured a few minutes of fresh air couldn¡¯t hurt. Plus, she was good at nagging, and I may or may not have had a bit of a soft spot for her.¡± He shook his head andughed bitterly. ¡°Didn¡¯t think they¡¯d stoop to nting a car bomb.¡±


    I ced a tentative hand on his broad chest. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    ¡°So my answer is no,¡± he said calmly. ¡°You¡¯re not going back to Blue Cloud Financial to look for evidence. You¡¯ll leave this matter to the police. Do you understand? This isn¡¯t a game.¡± He stepped closer, trapping me against the counter.


    ¡°I never said it was.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯ll do the smart thing and listen to me, Vivian. You¡¯re going to stay here where I can keep an eye on you.


    So I can protect you.¡±


    I swallowed, throat unbelievably parched. I shouldn¡¯t have liked being cornered like this, pressed up against the counter, but I did. Jesse was so unbelievably close. The heat of his skin soaked into mine. His breath tickled my cheek. His eyes pierced into mine, serious and impossibly gentle.


    I lifted a hand to trace the line of his jaw with my fingers. His stubble was rough to the touch, but more than a wee sensation. I admired the shape of his lips, grazing my fingers over his bottom one. Jesse didn¡¯t pull away. Instead, he leaned into it. His pupils were blown wide open as he studied me intently.


    ¡°Vivian,¡± he said gruffly. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t.¡±


    I searched his eyes. ¡°Then tell me to stop.¡±


    Conflict shed across his face, torn between resistance and giving in.


    I knew what his decision was the second he leaned in and crashed his lips to mine.


    The kiss was bruising at first. Desperate. Eager. Our lips slotted into ce, hot breath mixing. The hard press of his body against me set my core on fire. I dragged my fingers through his silky hair and moaned. Our tongues swept over one another, fighting for dominance. In the end, I was the one to give in, melting into his touch.


    He kissed me just like he searched a room. Efficient, alert, and moving with purpose. Jesse grabbed greedily at my thighs, and my waist, hungry for more. I was still pinned to the counter, but I had no intention of moving out of the way. I could feel him better this way. Strong muscles beneath taut skin. When he rolled his hips against me, the hard press of his cock against my thigh made me moan.


    Hot, wet desire pooled between my legs. My pussy ached to feel his touch, practically quivering for him as he moved to nip at my neck. He sucked at my tender skin, hard enough to leave a mark. I didn¡¯t even care. It felt so good to feel something, feel him. His weight was a weefort. A warm nket on a cold winter¡¯s night.


    It was dizzying. All-epassing. Overwhelming in the best of ways. I was electric. Sparks leaped from nerve to nerve. My skin was alight with soft fire. And just when I thought I couldn¡¯t get enough, Jesse spun me around, my back to his chest. He pressed feverish kisses to the back of my neck, his arms wrapped around me.


    ¡°Are you sure you want this?¡± he asked, voice a low rumble.


    ¡°Yes. Yes, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°You have to understand I don¡¯t do things in halves.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know what that means.¡±


    ¡°It means,¡± he said, slipping a hand down the front of my jeans. His rough palm against my stomach was


    everything. ¡°It means you¡¯re in for a long night.¡±


    I was feeling brave. Braver than I ever felt in my entire life. ¡°Are you going to spend the whole night talking? Or are you going to put your money where your mouth is?¡±


    Jesse chuckled,bing his fingers through my hair and undoing my bun. He grasped at the roots, not hard enough to hurt, but firm enough to tell me exactly who was boss. ¡°Naughty girl,¡± he murmured against the crook of my neck. ¡°You¡¯ve got quite a mouth on you. I¡¯m going to have to teach you a lesson.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re still talking,¡± I retorted, grinding my ass against him. His arousal was apparent, and it made me that much wetter to know how badly I was affecting him. ¡°You¡¯re all talk and no action, Jesse.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s sir to you.¡±


    I licked my lips. ¡°Yes, sir,¡± I whined, my knees trembling.


    ¡°That¡¯s much better. Spread your legs for me. There you go, just like that.¡±


    Jesse slipped a finger between my lips, rubbing circles against my sensitive clit. I gasped, pleasure spiking straight through me. I moaned, gripping the edge of the counter for dear life.


    ¡°So nice and wet for me,¡± he growled, grinding against me while drawing even tighter circles. ¡°Not so sassy now, are you?¡±


    ¡°Jesse, I-¡±


    ¡°Sir,¡± he corrected.


    ¡°Please, sir, I need-¡± I could barely string together a coherent sentence. ¡°I want toe,¡± I blurted out. ¡°I want toe, sir. Please.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you deserve to.¡±


    Desperation wed at my core. I was close, teetering on the edge between sanity and pure bliss. ¡°Please, sir, please. Oh, my God, right there. Right there-¡±


    He stopped, finger hovering above my aching bud, refusing to move. I clenched around nothing, a frustrated groan ripping from my throat.


    ¡°Why?¡± I demanded, indignant. My cheeks were hot, my blood was thrumming. I was so close that it almost hurt when Jesse pulled away.


    He kissed my cheek. Tender, teasing. ¡°Like I said, you¡¯re in for a long night.¡±


    Without another word, he picked me up with ease. I wrapped my legs around him, eagerly kissing him in the hopes of enticing him back into action. Jesse didn¡¯t seem the least bit phased, carrying me down the hall toward his bedroom.


    It was almost double the size of the guest bedroom, but twice as empty. I wasn¡¯t exactly paying attention to the decor, though. My interestsy solely with the location of his bed and the way heid me down like a delicate crystal.


    ¡°Take off your shirt,¡± I demanded, increasingly aggravated by his level of dress.


    Jesse clicked his tongue. ¡°Is that what you want?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Very much.¡±


    He smirked, slipping his hands beneath my sweater.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think I will.¡± ¡°Jesse-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t reward impatience. You¡¯re going to have to learn.¡±


    He lifted my sweater up and over my head, before undoing my bra and throwing the offending garment to the side, exposing my skin to the cool bedroom air. He dipped down to kiss a line up my stomach, between my breasts, nibbled gently on both my hard nipples, sucked at my corbone, and worked his way up to my lips.


    He grinned, clearly pleased with himself. His cockiness was almost enough to piss me off. Almost.


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± he murmured. ¡°Why do you hide under suchrge clothes?¡±


    I would have blushed were it not for the fact that I was already red in the face. ¡°I know I have a¡­ fuller figure. I used to, um¡­ I used to get ogled a lot. Figured I could avoid repeating the experience if I covered up.¡±


    Jesse¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that. You shouldn¡¯t be made to feel ufortable.¡± He kissed my stomach. ¡°Although, I think this is a much better look for you. Lift your hips for me.¡±


    I did as instructed, giving him enough space to tug off my pants. He hooked his hands around my thighs and dragged me to the edge of the bed where he kneeled, kissing my hip bones while looking me over ravenously. He pulled my panties down and tossed them over his shoulder, lost somewhere on the floor.


    ¡°Is this still okay?¡± he asked gently. ¡°We can stop if you want to.¡±


    I nodded, reaching down tob my fingers through his hair. ¡°I want this,¡± I insisted. ¡°Please. I need you.¡± It was all the permission he needed.

 110

    JESSEText property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I was going to have my way with her, but I needed to take care of her first.


    Vivian was putty in my hands. Pliable. A willing participant who moved with me, a dance partner in the dark. She was quiet in the beginning, hiding her moans of pleasure behind a hand sped over her mouth. I was about to tell her not to hold it in, but it brought me a great sense of achievement when I touched her just so and unleashed anguid groan. At some point, I took it as a challenge to get her to scream with just my tongue.


    The sounds she made, every whimper, every pant, every soft oh was music to my ears, high-pitched and angelic and somehow the dirtiest thing I¡¯d ever heard. She gasped with every flick of my tongue against her, she whined with every circle I drew. Her knees shook. Her back arched. These were the sounds of a woman experiencing ecstasy.


    Vivian tasted like a dream. Sweet. Uniquely her. There weren¡¯t enough words in the English vocabry to even begin to describe how wondrous she was. I adored the way she writhed beneath me, hips bucking in pursuit of climax.


    She was soaking wet, pussy glistening with want. A lesser man would have been chasing his high by now, but I was not a lesser man. Vivian deserved to be taken care of first. Nothing brought me more joy than the thought of fucking her silly, but there was no thrill in cutting to the chase. This was far more entertaining.


    Her pleasure was my pleasure.


    ¡°Tell me what you need, angel,¡± I said, kissing her inner thigh. She was so fucking soft.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Her breathing was tight. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t, uh¡­¡±


    ¡°Talk to me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t usually get to this part.¡±


    Bracing myself up on my elbows, I looked up at her. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    She swallowed, nibbling her bottom lip. Fuck, I loved it when she did that. ¡°The guys I used to see¡­ Old boyfriends, they¡­¡± She cleared her throat. ¡°They never did this for me.¡±


    ¡°You mean go down on you?¡±


    Vivian covered her face with her hands and nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Why the fuck not?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I never asked. And the few times they did, it wasn¡¯t, uh¡­¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Now¡¯s hardly the time to be shy, Vivian. Just tell me.¡±


    Old boyfriends. Was Wally one of them?


    I shook my head, ridding my mind of all thoughts. Thest thing I wanted right now was to think about my son and whatever the hell he did -or didn¡¯t- get up to while he was dating Vivian. All that mattered right now was us and this moment. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future was the fastest way to kill the mood.


    Shey back down, head resting against one of the many pillows beneath her.


    I returned to tease her clit with the tip of my tongue, carefully pressing a single finger against her entrance. She was wet and ready for me, so it went in easily. I curled at the knuckle in a beckoning motion, aiming for her sweet spot. I started slowly, testing the waters, reading her reactions like lines from a book.


    What she liked, what she didn¡¯t¡­ It was evident in the way her breath hitched, in the way she gripped the sheets. IOnthe way, her knees squeezed together to keep me right where she wanted me.


    ¡°Do you think you can handle another finger?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes,¡± she shuttered. ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    I pressed a second finger into her and felt how well she stretched to amodate me. Her walls fluttered, an indicator of how close she was to finding release. I wanted to see here on my fingers.


    I redoubled my efforts, my tongue and fingers working in tandem to drive her wild. She babbled incoherently, breathsing quick and tight. Her toes curled and her body spasmed as climax took her, her sweet juices coating my tongue as she unraveled around me. Vivian¡¯s mouth fell open, a yelp-turnedugh bubbling from her lips.


    I chuckled. ¡°That good, huh?¡±


    She nodded, smiling. ¡°I¡¯ll say.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±


    ¡°Cocky bastard.¡±


    ¡°Such a filthy mouth you have. I¡¯m going to have to put you over my knee.¡±


    I sat down on the edge of the bed and patted myp, relishing the sight of Vivian as she crawled on top, supple ass in the air. ¡°Feeling adventurous, are we? Does my angel need a good spanking?¡±


    She let out a shaky breath, gripping my thigh with anticipation. ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    I massaged her cheek, warming up her skin. An inexperienced partner might go straight into it, but I wasn¡¯t foolish enough to have Vivian jumping into the deep end without first getting her toes wet. I needed to ease her into this sort of thing and teach her that sometimes it paid to have a bit of patience.


    I pped her ass, just a quick swipe. She sucked in a sharp breath but didn¡¯t cry out. ¡°How was that?¡± ¡°Good,¡± she said, voice tight.


    ¡°You¡¯re being honest? I don¡¯t want to hurt you, Vivian.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m being honest. It was good. Just surprised me, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for telling me.¡± I spanked her again, this time with a bit more force behind the swing.


    She let out the tiniest yelp, followed by a deep moan. ¡°Oh, God.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this?¡± I asked, spanking her again. ¡°Such a naughty girl, getting off to being punished.¡±


    ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got?¡± she taunted. ¡°Come on. You can do better than that.¡±


    I spanked her again, harder. Her skin was turning red, so I switched to her other cheek to even things out. ¡°I¡¯m going to have to teach you some manners.¡±


    ¡°And this is how you n to do- Ah! ¨C it?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, angel. This is the fastest way to get my lessons through to you.¡±


    Vivian gripped the fabric of my pants, my body trembling. She was tense all over. I stopped immediately to check on her, afraid I¡¯d pushed her too far and she failed to tell me.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± I asked, dropping the game momentarily.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m just¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you need a break?¡±


    ¡°N-no, that¡¯s not it.¡± She looked up at me, wide-eyed beautiful, and full of want. ¡°I¡¯m close toing again. Please don¡¯t stop.¡±


    My cock throbbed painfully at the realization that she was getting off to this, and I wanted her to finish. I growled, hungry to make her mine, but only after I gave her exactly what she was looking for. I adjusted my grip on her so that I could use my other hand. I reached between her legs and found her sweet spot, then circled it with my finger. I used my left hand and spanked her once, twice, three times, each with good follow-through.


    ¡°My little angel wants toe again?¡± I asked. ¡°Should have known you liked it rough. You¡¯ve got that look about you. So sweet and cute on the outside, but deep down, you¡¯re just a naughty little girl.¡±


    Vivian moaned loudly, trembling violently as an orgasm ripped through her. After a few moments, she wentx against me. I made sure to rub her gently, soothing her reddening skin.


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± I murmured. ¡°There you go. Just breathe.¡±


    ¡°Oh, wow,¡± she sighed contently. ¡°I¡¯ve never done that before.¡±


    ¡°Never?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never trusted anyone enough to do it.¡±


    A smile stretched across my lips. ¡°I¡¯m d to know you trust me.¡±


    Vivian sat up and straddled myp, circling my neck with her arms. She kissed me slowly. ¡°Now it¡¯s your turn.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do anything,


    Vivian.¡±


    She frowned, appearing rather put out. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to feel obligated to sleep with me. I just wanted to make you feel good.¡±


    ¡°Has it ever urred to you that maybe I want to make you feel good, too?¡±


    I was entirely prepared to stop things there. I¡¯d let things between us go far enough. Vivian owed me nothing. As much as I wanted her, I still couldn¡¯t shake the baggage I carried with me. I was worried about what might be lying in wait for Vivian and me if we crossed this bridge together. Not to mention the fact that she used to date my son; what would Wally think if he knew about this?


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to do anything you¡¯ll regret,¡± I told her. ¡°If we do this, there¡¯s no going back.¡±


    She pressed her fingers to my lips. ¡°I want to, Jesse. I want this. But it sounds like you¡¯re the one who doesn¡¯t


    want to do anything you¡¯ll regret.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°It couldplicate things.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll figure it out.¡± Vivian kissed the corner of my mouth. ¡°Please, sir. I need to feel you inside me.¡±


    I took a deep breath through the nosmydrnondrinking scent of vani. I couldn¡¯t take the throbbing in my pants any longer. Screw the future, screw the past. I had to have her.


    Our lips slotted into ce, kisses no longer as hasty as before. We could take our time.


    Vivian made quick work of the buttons on my shirt, popping them off one by one before practically tearing the fabric off me. She dragged her hands over my chest, and my abs, tracing the lines of my muscles with her fingers. She stopped now and then to avoid a bruise, pressing the softest of kisses to the purpling skin.


    Iy her down gently, removing my pants and boxer briefs to allow my erection to spring free. It pulsed, begging for release. I retrieved a condom from the bedside drawer and rolled it on, returning it to Vivian swiftly. She parted her legs for me so that I could settle between them, scooping her up in my arms to hold her close. ¡°Ready?¡± I asked against her lips.


    She kissed me sweetly. ¡°Ready.¡±


    I aligned myself and pressed into her slowly, inch by inch. I marveled at how good she felt, warm and tight and good. Vivian clung to me, dragging her nails down my back as she groaned.


    ¡°You¡¯re so big,¡± she whined.


    ¡°Do you need me to stop?¡±


    ¡°I just need a second.¡±


    I brushed her hair away from her face, admiring her eyes. ¡°Take all the time you need, angel. I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± I kissed her cheek. ¡°How do you feel?¡±


    ¡°Full,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°Good. Hang on to me.¡±


    She wrapped her arms around me as I picked up my pace, thrusting in and out of her with as much care as I could muster. Vivian was able to take all of me, her pussy fluttering around my cock as I aimed for her sweet spot.


    ¡°Look how well you take me,¡± I grunted, listening to the p of skin on skin and ourbined panting. ¡°Such a good girl. You feel so fucking good. So nice and wet for me.¡±


    ¡°Just like that,¡± she whimpered. ¡°Oh, right there, sir.¡±


    ¡°Right here?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± she eximed. ¡°Oh, God, I think-¡±


    ¡°Do you think you cane for me a third time?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m so-¡±


    ¡°Rx, angel. I¡¯ve got you. Close your eyes and feel me.¡±


    I thrust into her harder, faster. A tight coil deep within my gut grew hotter and brighter with every thrust. It was enough to drive me wild, the building anticipation pushing me closer to the edge.


    She screamed as she came, holding onto me for dear life as pleasure gripped her tight. Her walls clenched around me, providing me with the sweet friction I needed to fall right after her.


    I held her close, kissing her hair while stroking her cheek. She was still breathing hard and sensitive to my touch.


    Vivian fell asleep before me, a blissful smile on her lips. I stayed with her until I was sure she was in a deep slumber before peeling away, a sudden rity sweeping across my mind.


    What the fuck have I done?

 111

    VIVIAN


    When I awoke, Jesse was gone.


    I¡¯d be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t disappointed. Our time together had been unlike any other I¡¯d experienced. I couldn¡¯t remember thest time a man managed to make me feel that way. Jesse was sexy and attentive and always seemed to know which of my buttons to press to drive me crazy.


    And now he wasn¡¯t here, and it sucked because I wanted to feel him hold me for just a few more minutes.


    I looked at the clock on the bedside table. I¡¯d fallen asleep for four hours. It was almost six in the evening, and I expected that Wally would be returning shortly from school. I had to make a hasty exit and get back to my room before he could suspect something was up.


    I quickly gathered my clothes and pulled them on,bing my fingers through my hair in an attempt to straighten it. I checked my reflection in a nearby standing mirror in the corner of Jesse¡¯s massive bedroom.


    Something about me was different. I couldn¡¯t quite put my finger on it, though.


    I looked good. Practically glowing. My hair was mussed up, sure, but it kept falling in a super m way. I inspected my neck closely for any signs of love bites but found none. Jesse was far too careful and considerate a man to leave marks. Deep down, however, it was kind of a letdown to see I had none. If Molly knew about this little dalliance, she¡¯d tease me relentlessly.


    I froze.


    Molly.


    Guilt ate away at me, gnawing at my heart.


    How could I feel alright about all this? Here I was enjoying myself when she was out there somewhere, alone and afraid.


    I scuttled out of Jesse¡¯s bedroom in a hurry, heading to the living room. I found him sitting on the couch. Hisptop, much to my surprise, was nowhere in sight. Maybe he was finally taking a day off. He was reading a good old-fashioned newspaper, his reading sses nestled on the bridge of his nose.


    I cleared my throat, not wanting to startle him.


    When Jesse looked up, he smiled. ¡°You¡¯re up,¡± he observed.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Good, I guess?¡±


    Jesse patted the couch cushion beside him. I obediently walked over and took a seat to his right.


    ¡°That was fun.¡±


    ¡°It was.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°Is this the part where you tell me we¡¯re not going to do it again?¡±


    Jesse nodded gravely. ¡°It is. I know that¡¯s probably not what you want to hear, but we really can¡¯t do that again.¡±


    ¡°Because of Wally?¡±


    He shifted ufortably. ¡°One of the reasons, yes.¡±


    On some level, I could understand. It was difficult not topare them to one another, and it was especially difficult not topare them now that I wasn¡¯t otherwise upied. Wally was sweet and caring, but Jesse took those concepts and raised them to an entirely new level.


    He knew what he was doing. He knew what he wanted. He knew what I wanted even when I didn¡¯t. It was amazing, and a little voice in the back of my head was cheering for a repeat.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t regret it, did you?¡± I asked because my brain didn¡¯t have the benefit of an off switch. ¡°Us¡­¡± I gestured vaguely between us.


    ¡°No, Vivian. I don¡¯t regret it.¡±


    ¡°Then why can¡¯t we do it again?¡±


    Jesse folded his newspaper and set it aside, removing his reading sses. ¡°First and foremost, it¡¯s a conflict of interest. Getting involved with you could put you at risk. To be able to do my job properly, I can¡¯t afford any distractions. Growing attached couldpromise the decisions I make when ites to your safety.¡±


    I hated to hear it, but I knew Jesse was right. He spoke with such rity and sound logic that it was impossible to argue. ¡°And Wally was the second reason?¡±


    Jesse nodded. ¡°What do you think¡¯s going to happen if he finds out about us?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯d be upset.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather avoid that conversation. What we did¡­ It was a one-off, alright? It¡¯s better this way.¡±


    I huffed. I wasn¡¯t sure what I was expecting when I gave in to my baser desires. To make matters worse, something new was bubbling just beneath the surface. Was it terrible of me that I only found Jesse that much sexier now that I knew he was off-limits? Why did I desire him more now that he¡¯d drawn the line in the sand? I was going to respect his decision, but damn if I wasn¡¯t already hooked.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I said softly. ¡°I understand. We won¡¯t speak of it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Just then, the elevator doors slid open. Wally emerged, backpack slung over one shoulder. He looked exhausted. I couldn¡¯t help but notice the handful of pamphlets in his grip.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he greeted, looking between us suspiciously. ¡°How¡¯ve things been here?¡±


    ¡°Uneventful,¡± I lied fluidly. ¡°Your father was just reading me my horoscope.¡±


    Wally gave me an amused look. ¡°You don¡¯t believe in that crap.¡±


    ¡°True, but we were bored and I didn¡¯t want to hear him readst week¡¯s baseball statistics.¡±


    ¡°How was the group presentation?¡± Jesse asked.


    Wally¡¯s whole demeanor shifted when his father addressed him. He was suddenly very stiff and still, peeking at Jesse like a schoolboy being scolded. ¡°It was fine. We won¡¯t get the marks back until next week. I¡¯m sure I did well, though.¡±


    Jesse nodded his approval. ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°What do you have there?¡± I asked Wally, looking at the pamphlets.


    He immediately stuffed them into his jacket pocket. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°What are you hiding?¡± Jesse asked curiously, though he used a more serious tone than was necessary.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing important,¡± Wally answered in a small voice. ¡°Just information about culinary schools in the area.¡±


    ¡°This again?¡± Jesse snapped. ¡°I thought we agreed to drop this.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t agree to drop anything.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going.¡±


    Wally¡¯s jaw tightened and released before he spoke. ¡°Dad, can¡¯t we talk about this?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not having this discussion-¡± Jesse tilted his head in my direction ¡°-in front of our guest.¡±


    Wally stepped forward, holding up a pamphlet. ¡°Just hear me out, okay? There¡¯s this great program in New


    York. Tuition for a full-time program would cost a fraction of what it¡¯d cost to send me to medical school. The deadline to apply is next week, so I thought I could fly out and-¡±


    Jesse rose from his seat, slow and in control and brooding. I remained seated, awkwardly trying to shrink into myself. I felt like I wasn¡¯t supposed to see this side of him. It was like staring at an eclipse, frightening yet beautiful. He overshadowed the little moon that Wally was, staring down his nose at his son with a level of frustration I¡¯d never witnessed. Even when I disobeyed his orders and ran out to help him when we were being attacked at my apartment, Jesse never got this upset with me.


    ¡°Do you honestly think cooking food all day is going to help you make a living? Long hours stuffed inside a hot kitchen, doing the bidding of others. Does that sound like a career to you? You may as well flip burgers at a fast-food joint because there¡¯s no difference.¡±


    My ears burned with second-hand embarrassment for Wally. The window to excuse myself had long since passed, so I was stuck here, longingly looking in the direction of the guest bedroom and wishing for an escape.


    ¡°You¡¯re too smart to work in a kitchen,¡± Jesse continued. ¡°You¡¯d be wasting your talents. Wouldn¡¯t you rather be saving lives as a doctor than having patrons snap their fingers at you because their steak¡¯s undercooked?¡±


    Wally stared at his father for what felt like an eternity. The pamphlet he had was now a crumpled mess in his fist.


    I¡¯d seen him stressed before. We were ssmates in a couple of introductory courses in our first year of college, so I got to see firsthand how he dealt with extreme pressure. Last-minute cram sessions were a breeze for him. No question is tooplicated, and no essay answer is too long. But this?


    This was white hot rage.


    He stormed off, muttering under his breath. When he mmed his bedroom door closed, it shook the whole penthouse.


    I looked at Jesse, frustrated. ¡°Where¡¯s the harm in at least listening to him?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°This is a family matter, Vivian. I¡¯d prefer it if you didn¡¯t get involved.¡±


    My heart stung. Was this where we stood? Did I even have any right to be mad?


    Yes. Yes, I did because Wally was, first and foremost, my friend. Regardless of what happened between Jesse and me, I knew when someone was being a jerk.


    ¡°Have you ever even seen him cook?¡± I asked, a bit more bite to my tone than I intended.


    ¡°No. Have you?¡±


    ¡°As a matter of fact, yes. He cooked dinner for me all the time when we were still seeing each other. It was delicious. He¡¯s very talented.¡±


    Jesse froze. I wasn¡¯t sure if it was because I dared to speak up or because I mentioned the fact that Wally and I dated. Either way, it was awkward as hell. Not knowing what else to do, I shuffled off down the hall to check on him, leaving Jesse alone to brood.


    I knocked on Wally¡¯s door. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s me.¡±


    He opened it, but only by a crack. ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Are you okay? I just wanted to check on you.¡±


    ¡°Dandy. Sorry, you had to see that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. For what it¡¯s worth, I think you¡¯d do great at culinary school.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. Doesn¡¯t matter, though. He won¡¯t pay for me to go, and I certainly can¡¯t afford to pay for it.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to talk to him?¡±


    Wallyughed bitterly. ¡°I appreciate the offer, but it¡¯d be like talking to a brick wall.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I think I could get through to him.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your breath, Viv. I¡¯ll just have to figure something else out.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t give up, okay? I know you¡¯d be a fantastic chef.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re the only person who believes that.¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m in your corner. Always will be.¡±


    He gave me a wry smile. ¡°Thanks, Viv.  You¡¯re the best.¡±


    ¡°I try.¡±

 112

    JESSE


    3:00 a. m.


    I was most productive at night. I didn¡¯t buy into this modern-day notion that you had to be an early riser and get straight to the hustle. I knew my body, and what I was capable of. I¡¯d prefer workingte into the evening over dragging myself out of bed any day.


    Except today was different. Today my mind was foggy, and my eyelids were heavy. I was on my fourth cup of tea, but it didn¡¯t help much to stave off the threat of sleep. I couldn¡¯t go to bed, though. Not when I was juggling a million things at once. A part of me was worried that if I relented and took a breather -just as Devin had been telling me to- I¡¯d never find the strength to start back up again.


    It was better this way. I¡¯d rather barrel through, full steam ahead.


    Between managing things at the firm, dealing with my son¡¯s acts of rebellion, and constantly checking in on the perimeter of my penthouse turned safehouse, I also found myself distracted by memories of Vivian.


    The smell of her hair. The silky softness of her skin. The taste of her lips. The way she threw her head back and sighed in contentment when she came.


    The look of disappointment she gave me.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I huffed, rubbing my eyes. I had a nasty headache thanks to the re of myptop¡¯s screen.


    I wasn¡¯t sure why it bothered me so much, Vivian looking at me like that. But what else was I supposed to do? I needed to put my foot down for Wally¡¯s sake. I found no joy in being the strict parent, but he would thank meter.


    I knew firsthand just how hard life could be without a good education and a secure job. I watched my father toil away, day in and day out, struggling to scrape together enough funds to keep food on the table. We lived paycheck to paycheck, barely getting by. It was no way to live. There was no freedom in it. I was only trying to make sure that my son was set up for afortable future.


    Why couldn¡¯t he understand that?


    It would be too easy to me Melissa for Wally¡¯s behavior. She¡¯d always been a free spirit. The fun mom. The good cop in all our disciplinary scenarios. She was the first one he¡¯d go to when he wanted something, or when I told him no. Melissa never had any qualms about being the favorite.


    I rubbed my temples. The pressure behind my eyes was excruciating, but I still had several emails to draft and a day of ns to approve for my security teams out in the field on active details. It was hard doing this from home. I had none of the resources I needed to do my job.


    Confidential files stayed at the office. I could ess them remotely on myptop, but only after jumping through several hoops to make copies and destroying them the second I was done.


    I made a mental note to ask Devin to make a work portal of sorts for remote work. It could prove beneficial for my employees. I sent him a quick text before I could remember what time it was. My phone pinged a secondter.


    Go the fuck to sleep.


    Maybe he had a point. I wasn¡¯t sure when it happened, but I somehow hit the point where my efficiency rate dropped off and took a steep skydive into nothing. As much as I hated to admit it, I was exhausted. I could keep working, but the chances of making mistakes were exponentially proportional to how tired I was.


    Behind me, shuffling footsteps caught my attention.


    I closed myptop and turned, spotting a familiar bun of shiny ck hair. Vivian yawned wide, stretching her arms as she did. A simple white tank top and a pair of neon pink shorts caught my eye. Individually, they were harmless articles of clothing. On her, it was enough to give me a heart attack. No amount of tofu and a healthy diet could prepare me for the way my pulse spiked. ¡°What are you doing up?¡± I asked.


    She smirked. ¡°I was about to ask you the same thing.¡±


    ¡°Work. You?¡±


    ¡°Anxious.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°Talk to me.¡±


    Vivian shrugged, walking toward me. ¡°I don¡¯t know. If you told me a week ago that I¡¯d be on the run from a powerful cartel, I would haveughed and told you to ease up on the sauce.¡±


    ¡°I call that a regr Tuesday.¡±


    Sheughed softly, but it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m scared for Molly. Can¡¯t stop thinking about her. I hope she¡¯s alright. I think I feel guilty, too, because I¡¯m safe here with you and she¡¯s-¡± Her voice choked, a mixture of anger and sadness in her eyes. ¡°We were ced in the same foster home. We were both seventeen, about to age out of the program. I think that¡¯s why we got along so well.


    Kindred spirits, about to brave the unknown.¡± ¡°Foster home?¡± I echoed, curiosity piqued.


    Vivian nodded, leaning against my arm slightly. ¡°My parents weren¡¯t¡­ the best people. Scumbags, to tell you the truth. Addicts, though I¡¯m not sure what they were addicted to. Whatever they could get their hands on, I guess.¡±


    A boiling rage brewed in the pit of my stomach. The thought of Vivian, young and helpless, wed its way through my mind. All alone. Nobody to take care of her, to protect her.


    ¡°Did they ever hurt you?¡± I asked through gritted teeth.


    She took my hand and squeezed my fingers. ¡°No. Don¡¯t worry, Jesse.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s inexcusable.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s why social services took me away.¡±


    She said it so simply, without a hint of emotion. Just another boring fact like the sky being blue and that birds could fly and bad parents had their children taken away to live elsewhere.


    ¡°How old were you?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Eight. Spent the next ten years going from home to home.¡± Vivian smiled gently. ¡°It wasn¡¯t so bad. Some families were nice. Three square meals a day. They let me go to school. I bought myself new clothes when I outgrew my old ones. Almost got adopted by a family once.¡±


    I held her hand tight. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°They wound up getting pregnant. They¡¯d been trying for years. And, well¡­ there was no longer any need to keep me in the picture. With their miracle baby on the way, they didn¡¯t feel like they had the space to take care of me anymore, so I was shipped off to the next ce.¡±


    The air in my lungs burned. How could someone do that to her, to any child?


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    I blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I know that look. I don¡¯t want you pitying me.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not pity,¡± I insisted.


    ¡°Then what is it?¡±


    I didn¡¯t have an answer. There were no words to describe what I was feeling. Frustration. Horror. An overwhelming need to protect her.


    I settled for pulling her into a hug instead. Vivian settled against me, burying her face in the crook of my neck. She smelled divine, as always. Warm like the summer sun.


    I wasn¡¯t sure how long we were locked in each other¡¯s embrace. A few seconds. A few minutes. A whole hour. It didn¡¯t matter. What did matter was that she felt so unbelievably right in my arms. Deceptively small and soft, but I knew better. She was a firecracker with a sharp tongue and a quick wit, which made it even more fascinating to see her so vulnerable. Just for me.


    ¡°Do you think we can watch a movie or something?¡± she murmured against my skin, her breath hot against my neck.


    I was about to tell her that it was toote for that sort of thing. If anything, the stimtion of all the colors dancing off the screen would keep her awake. There was also the added issue of noise. I didn¡¯t want to risk waking Wally, even though I knew for a fact that my son was a deep sleeper.


    But she peered up at me with her doe eyes and I realized I was overthinking. For her, I¡¯d make an exception. All the exceptions.


    I took her hand and guided her to the living room. She curled up against me when we sat down on the couch, pulling her knees close to her chest while fitting in the crook of my arm. She frowned at the far wall.


    ¡°Uh, where¡¯s your TV?¡± she asked.


    I picked up the remote from off the coffee table and pressed a button. The projector screen lowered, unfurling from the mount on the ceiling. The projector suspended above our heads flicked on, specks of dust glittering in its light beam.


    ¡°Fancy,¡± Vivianmented. I couldn¡¯t tell if she was genuinely impressed or being sarcastic.


    ¡°What do you feel like watching?¡±


    ¡°Something where I don¡¯t have to think too hard.¡±


    I surfed the channels until we found ate-night run of a nature documentary, the British narrator¡¯s low voicementating as various animals traversed the length of the frame.


    This was all so strange, and at the same time, not at all.


    I couldn¡¯t remember thest time I sat down to watch TV. I was so used to my rigid routine that something as simple as a documentary made me feel restless. I had things to do, work to take care of, and security cameras to check. What was I doing watching giraffes eating leaves off tall branches when I could be-


    ¡°I can hear you thinking.¡± Vivian watched me intently, an almost studious level of concentration in her gaze.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t thinking about anything,¡± I insisted.


    ¡°Liar.¡± She snuggled even closer. ¡°Just try to rx.¡±


    ¡°I am rxed.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to know what your tell is?¡± Vivian grinned. ¡°Whenever you lie, your voice gets t. Like you¡¯re afraid your intonation will give you away.¡±


    ¡°Have you been studying me?¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    I leaned in a little closer. ¡°You think you¡¯ve got me all figured out, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Vivian nibbled her bottom lip. ¡°I have a pretty good idea.¡±


    ¡°Enlighten me.¡±


    ¡°When you¡¯re stressed, you hold your breath. I don¡¯t think you¡¯re aware of it. You clench your jaw and carry all the tension in your shoulders.¡±


    ¡°Most people tend to.¡±


    ¡°And when you¡¯re happy or when something pleases you, you have this crooked little grin.¡± Vivian brought a hand up to trace the corner of my mouth, the caress soft and fleeting. ¡°I think it¡¯s cute.¡±


    I swallowed, hypnotized by her sweet scent. ¡°What else?¡± I whispered.


    ¡°When you¡¯re turned on¡­¡± she said softly, eyes searching my face. ¡°When you¡¯re turned on, your pupils blow wide. Your throat gets dry, so you swallow more, and when you look at me¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± I urged.


    She ced a hand on my knee, sliding her palm up the inside of my thigh. ¡°You look at me like you want to devour me whole,¡± she mumbled against my lips. Not quite a kiss, yet somehow so much sexier.


    I held back a groan. ¡°Vivian, we can¡¯t.¡±


    She shrank away, small and defeated. ¡°Is it because you don¡¯t want me?¡±


    ¡°Because I won¡¯t be able to stop myself.¡± I cupped her face to keep her from retreating any further. ¡°Because¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    I sighed. ¡°Because I want to bend you over the back of this couch and have my way with you. I want to pin you to the wall and make you scream with pleasure. I want to rip those fucking shorts off and live between your thighs until you¡¯re sick of me.¡±


    Vivian bit her bottom lip, her cheeks and neck flushed with heat. ¡°Then do it.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re asking, Vivian.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡±


    We were at a standoff, but we both knew the truth. I was hanging on by a thread. I wanted her, and she knew it. She wanted me, and I knew it.


    On the screen, a lioness was prowling her territory, her lion circling nearby.


    ¡°Get up,¡± I ordered, not a hint of regret for caving in so easily.

 113

    VIVIAN


    Jesse¡¯s eyes were impossibly dark. This was a man grasping at thest straws of self-control.


    A shiver slithered down my spine. Fuck. I could feel myself grow impossibly wet as we made our way into his bedroom.


    I very slowly dropped to my knees, hooking my thumbs through his belt loops to drag him close. Jesse put up no resistance. He helped me undo the front of his pants so I could pull them down easier.


    I kissed his cock through the fabric of his ck boxer briefs, relishing how he sucked a sharp breath in through gritted teeth. It would have been nice to tease him for a while longer, but my need to taste was greater than my need to y. I pulled his underwear down and freed his long, hard shaft, moving in to wrap my lips around him.


    He was salty and sweet and uniquely him. I swirled my tongue around his head, pleased with the way he stifled his groan into the back of his hand. Jessebed his fingers through my hair, keeping his hand on my head to act as a sort of guide.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± he praised. ¡°So pretty with my cock in your mouth.¡±


    His approval made me unbelievably wet, the slick heat between my legs too difficult to ignore any longer. I hollowed my cheeks and sucked him deep, rhythmically bobbing my head. I wrapped my left hand around the base of his length, stroking him in tandem. He throbbed against my tongue, hot and delicious.


    ¡°Touch yourself, angel,¡± he ordered. ¡°Touch yourself while you suck me off.¡±


    I obliged, slipping my free hand down my shorts to y with my sensitive buds. It was crazy how I loved this. Being told what to do, yet knowing I always had a choice.


    It was just a game, one we were both happy to partake in.


    I picked up the pace, bobbing my head and stroking him with determination. I wanted to see him unravel, see him rx. I should have known better, though, because Jesse tapped my chin and shook his head.


    ¡°Up.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m not done with you,¡± I protested.


    ¡°Neither am I, but I want this tost.¡± He outstretched his hand and helped me stand. The second I was on my feet, he scooped me up in his arms andy me down on his bed, shucking off my shorts like they were the most offensive thing in the world. ¡°Where do you even buy something like this?¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Victoria¡¯s Secret. Why?¡±


    He tossed my shorts over his shoulder. ¡°So I can buy you one in every color avable.¡±


    I smirked. ¡°Hate to break it to you, but that particr line¡¯s been discontinued.


    Jesse pulled off his shirt as he crawled on top of me. ¡°Shame,¡± he murmured against my lips. ¡°I guess you¡¯ll have to do without them.¡±


    I giggled. ¡°Cheesy.¡±


    He hushed me as he pulled my underwear off, pushing my knees apart before dipping down to return the favor. He licked a stripe up my lips and teased my clit with the tip of his tongue, humming in satisfaction.


    ¡°My girl¡¯s already so nice and wet for me. What¡¯s got you so excited?¡±


    ¡°You know-¡± I gasped, pleasure pulsing through me ¡°- why.¡±


    ¡°You have to be a lot quieter than that, angel.¡±


    Wally was only a few doors away. If I made so much as a peep, he could wake up and discover me with his father.


    It was dangerous.


    It was exciting.


    His skillful tongue teased and prodded and circled, sending pleasure spiking through me at a relentless pace. My knees shook, and my breathing was ragged. The only reason I didn¡¯t grip the sheets for stability was because I was too busy sping them over my mouth to keep from screaming. I whimpered through the climax, bright, hot, blinding heat sapping every ounce of strength from my body.


    Jesse propped himself up on his elbows and smiled, looking very much like the cat who got the cream. ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to say that every damn time?¡± I asked dryly, though there wasn¡¯t any heat behind it.


    ¡°Yes. You better get used to it.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what excited me more, his cockiness or the implication that we¡¯d be doing this again.


    Because I won¡¯t be able to stop myself.


    We stripped out of the rest of our clothes, immediately falling into each other¡¯s embrace. Our lips connected like mas, two pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly together. His kisses were greedier thanst time. Feverish and needy. He barely gave me time to catch my breath. I was dizzy and confused and desperately reaching out to make sure I stayed anchored. I had a feeling Jesse liked me that way: at his mercy.


    He left me for only a few seconds to retrieve a condom from the bedside drawer, returning to me before I even had time to determine which way was up. Just when I gathered my bearings, he gripped me by the waist and flipped me onto my stomach, pressing kisses against my spine as he grabbed my ass in his massive hands.


    ¡°Enjoying the view?¡± I murmured against his pillow. I loved that it smelled like him.


    He spanked me, swift and painless. ¡°Quiet,¡± he warned.


    But I didn¡¯t want to be quiet. ¡°You know, those aren¡¯t even my shortest shorts.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a pair that barely fits me.¡±


    I heard him inhale through the nose. ¡°You wear them out?¡±


    ¡°Sometimes. When it¡¯s too hot for pants. One time at the beach, too, but there were these guys who wouldn¡¯t stop staring and-¡±


    Jesse pressed his cock into me without warning, the stretch somehow too much and not enough at the same time. He reached around with an arm and held me to his chest, covering me with his weight. He pressed a kiss into my hair and practically growled in my ear. ¡°Nobody gets to look at my girl, you understand? Nobody but me.¡±


    My walls fluttered around him, so sensitive to his touch. ¡°Jesse,¡± I whined as he pulled almost out.


    He sped a hand over my mouth to keep me quiet, so I had no choice but to groan into his palm. Jesse pinned me to the bed with his body, keeping to shallow thrusts. It was impossibly cruel and maddening all the same. I craved more, but he quite literally only gave me an inch.


    I gripped the sheets, writhing beneath him. I bucked my hips, hoping he¡¯d plunge into me all the way. I needed more friction than this. I needed him deep inside me, but he wouldn¡¯t. Every shallow thrust drove me closer and closer to desperation. I tried saying his name, but his hand prevented me from getting a proper sound out.


    Jesse clicked his tongue. ¡°You teased me, now I get to tease you.¡±


    I whined, both frustrated and painfully turned on. Who gave him the right to be so distressingly sexy?


    ¡°Your pussy¡¯s dripping for me,¡± he mused. ¡°You must like this a lot, hmm? Maybe I¡¯ll just keep going like this.¡±


    When his hand finally came free, I hissed, ¡°Don¡¯t you fucking dare.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, angel?¡± he asked innocently. ¡°Are you not enjoying yourself?¡±


    ¡°Jesse,¡± I rasped. ¡°Jesse, I want you to fuck me. I want you deep and hard. Come on, I need-¡±


    ¡°You know what the magic words are. You¡¯d better use them.¡±


    ¡°Please, sir, make mee. Please, just-¡±


    He grabbed me by the hips and pulled me upward, holding me in ce as he pistoned into me. The head of his cock swept past my sweet spot again and again and again. The explosive release that crashed into me was shocking despite its inevitability.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± he said with a chuckle.


    I pounced on him, moving with such speed he had no time to react. I had him on his back, straddling him. ¡°Don¡¯t patronize me,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯ll have you know that I fight back.¡±


    Jesse smiled, amusement glinting in his eyes. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t expect anything less.¡±


    I carefully lowered myself on his cock, moving at an excruciatingly slow speed. Mostly to allow myself time to amodate to the new angle, but also to give Jesse a taste of his own medicine. I rocked my hips back and forth, clenching around his length to drive him crazy.


    He didn¡¯t seem phased, looking up at me with adoration rather than torture. ¡°You¡¯re fucking beautiful,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°You can tter me all you want, but I¡¯m not going to go any faster than this.¡±


    He reached up and massaged my breasts, shamelessly teasing my hard nipples between his fingers. ¡°Fine by me. I¡¯m enjoying the view.¡±


    He kissed my throat as he thrust up into me. His stamina was something to behold. ¡°You always wear


    your hair up because you think it¡¯s in the way.¡±


    ¡°It is in the way.¡±


    ¡°But I like it down because I can do this.¡± Jesse reached around to grip my hair gently, tugging my head back to better expose my neck. He sucked at the delicate skin hard enough to leave a mark.


    I instinctively held onto his shoulders, digging my fingers into his skin.


    ¡°Oh God, I think I¡¯m going to-¡±


    ¡°Me, too. Hold onto me.¡±


    I did, clinging to him with all the strength I had left as we tipped over the edge together. The ecstasy was blinding, white spots twinkling across my vision.


    He rolled me onto my side and covered me over with his nket. I loved the way he yed with my hair, stroked my


    back, held me like I was his forever.


    And just like that, I was out like a light.

 114

    JESSE


    When I woke up, the first thing I saw was Vivian, her hair a mess, mouth hung open as she snored like a chainsaw. A spot of dried drool pooled at the corner of her mouth. She¡¯d also managed to hog the nket, her arms and legs tangled up in the sheets.


    I smiled.


    Gorgeous.


    The clock on the bedside table read 7:42 a. m. I was usually already up and about by now, but I allowed myself a few selfish minutes. I admired Vivian for a little while longer, noting the three freckles scattered over her left eyelid. I hadn¡¯t noticed them until now, and the discovery left a giddy bubbliness in my chest.


    I eventually summoned the willpower to peel myself away and get dressed. It was the start of a new day and there was lots of work to do. First on the to-do list was to check the security footage from around the building¡¯s perimeter. Nothing ever got past me. If the cartel somehow discovered Vivian¡¯s location and was spending this time casing the joint before making a move, I¡¯d know in a heartbeat.


    When I walked into the kitchen, I was surprised to find Wally already there. He was seated at the head of the table, dark circles under his eyes. His fingers were threaded together in front of him, his chin resting on top. The frown he wore was deep.


    ¡°What are you doing up so early?¡± I asked, heading to the stove to make myself a cup of tea.


    ¡°We need to talk,¡± my son said tly. ¡°About what happenedst night.¡±


    I froze mid-reach. Did he know about Vivian and me? Were we not as quiet as I thought we were? I turned, leaning against the counter and gripping the edge. ¡°Listen


    -¡±


    ¡°No, you listen, Dad. I¡¯m tired of you brushing off my wanting to go to culinary school.¡±


    I exhaled, shoulders slumping. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s all?¡±


    Wally red at me. ¡°What do you mean, that¡¯s all? This is important to me, Dad.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too early for this. We¡¯ll talk about thister.¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯re going to talk about this now. This is exactly what I mean by you brushing me off.¡±


    I rubbed my eyes. I didn¡¯t feel like dealing with this headache. ¡°You¡¯re too smart to waste your life working in a kitchen.¡±


    ¡°What if I were stupid, hm? Would it be fine with you then?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not making sense.¡±


    ¡°If I suddenly stopped going to sses and flunked out, would you finally get the point that medical school isn¡¯t what I want?¡±


    I clenched my jaw, mrs grinding against each other so hard they squeaked. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare throw away your future like that?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be a doctor, Dad! I don¡¯t want to spend the next seven years of my life working towards a medical degree. I want to be a chef.¡±


    ¡°What in God¡¯s name for?¡±


    ¡°Because I love to cook!¡± Wally eximed, rising from his seat at the table. ¡°I love food, Dad. I love trying new recipes and inventing my dishes. I love ting things in visually interesting ways. Being a chef is so much more than just flipping burgers and taking orders. It¡¯s art.¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°When did you even learn to cook?¡±


    ¡°I taught myself,¡± my son said with a huff. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t know, though, because you¡¯re never around. This is the most I¡¯ve seen you in years, and you¡¯re still technically on the clock protecting Vivian!¡±


    ¡°This is out of the question. I¡¯ve worked too damn hard sending you to the best schools, hiring the best tutors. Are you telling me I wasted my time and money so you can be the next fucking Chef Boyardee?¡±


    Wally¡¯s face turned bright red. ¡°Oh my God, this is exactly why Mom left you, you know that?¡±


    I nched his words with a p to the face. ¡°What the hell did you just say to me?¡±


    ¡°I said this is why Mom left. You never listen.¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t leave me. I left her because she was cheating on me.¡±


    ¡°Because she was miserable,¡± Wally snapped. ¡°Because you were always working, always going back to serve another tour even though you promised you¡¯d spend more time with the two of us.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what poison she told you, but I continued to serve so I could earn a paycheck to put food on the fucking table.¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t want that. Neither of us did.¡± Wally¡¯s eyes were wet with the threat of tears, but his lip was curled up with pure anger. ¡°She was so fucking lonely, Dad. But you didn¡¯t know because you were always gone. I can¡¯t tell you how many nights I walked in to find her crying. She missed you so much, but you couldn¡¯t be there for her because the job was always more important. It¡¯s still the most important thing to you. You live at the office, and you don¡¯t give a fuck about what I want.¡±


    ¡°How the fuck did we make this about me?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s always been about you, Dad!¡± he eximed. ¡°It¡¯s always been about what you want. You want me to go to medical school. You want me to be a doctor. Did you ever stop and think about what I wanted?¡±


    ¡°Listen here, you ungrateful little-¡±


    ¡°Jesse?¡±


    I turned, startled to hear Vivian¡¯s voice drift into the kitchen from the hall. She stood at the kitchen entrance, hiding behind the tall steel of the refrigerator. Vivian looked between Wally and me, concern written into the tight line of her lips.


    ¡°Did we wake you?¡± I asked softly.


    She nodded.


    ¡°Sorry, Viv,¡± Wally mumbled. ¡°We¡¯re done talking now.¡±


    I turned back to face him. ¡°No, we¡¯re not. Far from it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are.¡±


    I inhaled deeply. I didn¡¯t want to lose it in front of Vivian. ¡°I didn¡¯t work hard ande from nothing just so you could throw everything away.¡±


    Wally didn¡¯t scream. He didn¡¯t raise his voice. Instead, an intense calm took hold of him. ¡°You know what? I¡¯m done.¡±


    ¡°Done? What do you mean you¡¯re done?¡±


    He gestured vaguely about the space. ¡°With all this. I¡¯m going to pack some of my things and stay with a friend.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯ll find that I am.¡±


    I crossed my arms. ¡°Fine. Leave. About damn time you moved out, anyways.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d we can at least agree about that.¡±


    ¡°Good luck paying rent on a fry cook¡¯s sry.¡±


    Wally¡¯s mouth dropped open like he was about to throw back another snipe, but he closed it and stomped past me. I heard him shuffling in his room, no doubt stuffing a bag ¨C which I wanted to mention that I technically bought for him ¨C before trudging to the elevator and getting inside.


    ¡°Sorry Viv, but this is exactly what I told you he was like. Good luck dealing with him.¡±


    The penthouse, once consumed with noise, was now ufortably quiet.


    Vivian stood there staring at me.


    ¡°What?¡± I grumbled.


    ¡°He could do it, you know,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Average rent in Chicago is about two grand, depending on the area. The average annual sry of a fry cook is just shy of forty thousand. If Wally finds himself a roommate


    and splits living costs, he¡¯d get by just fine.¡±N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ¡°How do you know all this?¡±


    ¡°I work -worked- for an investment firm, remember? It¡¯s my job to understand what people earn and how they can maximize their dor.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°I don¡¯t want my son to get by just fine, Vivian. That¡¯s no way to live. I just want what¡¯s best for him.¡±


    ¡°By pushing your dreams onto him?¡± Vivian asked quietly. ¡°Look, this is none of my business. Or maybe it is, I don¡¯t know. I get that you think you¡¯re doing the right thing, but if you don¡¯t stop and put yourself in Wally¡¯s shoes, you might push him away forever. I don¡¯t want to see that happen to you. To either of you.¡±


    As much as I hated to admit it, Vivian had a point. Maybe I was pushing my dreams onto Wally.


    ¡°I grew up with nothing,¡± I said. ¡°I don¡¯t want Wally to know what that¡¯s like.¡±


    Vivian stepped forward and entered my space, reaching up to brush her fingers across my jaw. ¡°You¡¯re a good father, Jesse. Take it from someone who knows firsthand what a shit parent is. I understand you¡¯re trying to protect him, but at some point, you need to let Wally make his own choices.¡±


    I kissed her palm. ¡°How¡¯d you get to be so wise?¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°I read a lot.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to him. But I think we both need to calm down first.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡± Vivian turned toward the stove, hands on her hips. ¡°Now. How about some pancakes?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have pancake batter.¡±


    ¡°Okay. What kinds of cereal do you have?¡±


    ¡°Raisin Bran.¡±


    She wrinkled her nose in pure disgust. ¡°What is wrong with you?¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°How about you get back into bed and I¡¯ll order us something for breakfast?¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± she said coyly. ¡°But don¡¯t you dare feed me something weird like tofu toast?¡±


    ¡°I know a fantastic spot that has that on the menu.¡±


    ¡°Not.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s delicious.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong.¡±


    ¡°Have you ever tried it?¡±


    ¡°Nope, and I don¡¯t have to. I¡¯d like eggs benedict or bust.¡±


    I kissed the tip of her nose. ¡°I guess I can brave runny eggs for you.¡±


    ¡°My hero,¡± she said dryly, but her bright smile gave her away.


    I was about to tell her to lose the clothes when my phone started to ring. I didn¡¯t want to answer, not with the promise of Vivian naked in my bed dangling before me, but I answered the call off muscle memory alone. ¡°Hello?¡± I greeted gruffly.


    ¡°I ran into an error while implementing the new server,¡± Devin said,unching into his spiel without so much as a How do you do? ¡°I had to do some overhaulingst night.¡± ¡°Good for you?¡±


    My brother clicked his tongue. ¡°No, not good for me. Now I need you toe in and give me final approvals for all the changes I made.¡±


    Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Vivian tossing off her shirt and bra, leaving it behind her in the hall.


    ¡°You have my approval for everything, bye.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you? You¡¯re normally breathing down my neck about stuff like this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m busy.¡±


    ¡°With?¡± Devin scoffed. ¡°Look, I need to show you these changes before Iunch the server. Just because I¡¯m head of cyber security doesn¡¯t mean you leave everything to me. You¡¯re the head of the whole firm, so you need to know what¡¯s going on.¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯ll be there in half an hour.¡±


    Vivian re-emerged from my bedroom in nothing but those stupidly sexy pink shorts, leaning casually against the door frame. She raised her eyebrows at me expectantly.


    ¡°Second thought, make that an hour.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll see you then-¡±


    I hung up and marched to her, picking her up and slinging her over my shoulder in a fireman¡¯s hold. She giggled brightly, the sound of herughter ringing in my ears.


    ¡°Change of ns, angel. We¡¯re grabbing breakfast on the go. I¡¯ve got some work at the office.¡±


    ¡°And you want me toe with you?¡±


    I set her down on the edge of the bed. ¡°How else am I going to keep an eye on you?¡±


    She tapped her nose. ¡°Gotcha. But do you think we still have time to-¡±


    I kissed her firmly on the mouth, sucking on her bottom lip until it came away red and swollen. ¡°Definitely,¡± I answered before diving back in for another kiss.

 115

    VIVIAN


    ¡°Wow,¡± I gawked. ¡°Just¡­ wow.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just an office,¡± Jesse insisted as he took off his suit jacket and slung it over the back of his leather executive chair.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t an office. This is bigger than my apartment.¡± ¡°I guess it¡¯s pretty spacious.¡± ¡°Ah, so humble,¡± I teased.


    ¡°Make yourself at home. This shouldn¡¯t take me too long.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no rush.¡±


    ¡°There kind of is. I need to get you home sooner rather thanter.¡±


    Home.


    He didn¡¯t refer to it as the penthouse or the safehouse, but as home. I knew it was probably a silly thing to fixate on, but the word made the butterflies in my stomach take flight.


    I sat down on the couch facing the busy street below. I couldn¡¯t get over the view. Traffic looked minuscule, with people walking along the street like ants. Jesse didn¡¯t pay it much mind. I assumed it was because he was so used to being this high that it wasn¡¯t as fascinating to him anymore.


    The ss doors leading into his office swung open. The man who entered didn¡¯t bother to knock. The second Iid eyes on him, I understood why. He looked almost exactly like Jesse. The same dark eyes, same dark hair. A little smaller and less muscr, but just as tall and present. He wasn¡¯t dressed as formally as Jesse, opting for a pair of dark blue jeans and a tight ck shirt. Several ID badges dangled around his chest on a Pegasus Star Securitynyard.


    ¡°About time you got here,¡± he grumbled, marching over with hisptop. He set it down on Jesse¡¯s desk, turning the screen toward him. ¡°Alright, so I pretty much had to restructure the mainframe from scratch. Whoever you hired to do this work before me was abysmal-¡±


    Jesse cleared his throat, tilting his head in my direction. ¡°Devin, this is Vivian Jones. Vivian, this is my younger brother, Devin White.¡±


    I gave him a polite wave from across the room. ¡°Hello, Devin. It¡¯s nice to meet you.¡±


    Devin looked me over, squinting. His scrutiny was unnerving. After a few moments, he said, ¡°Nice to meet you, too.¡± He returned his attention to theptop screen, consumed with his work once again. ¡°Were you aware that someone tried to hack into the firm¡¯s serverst month?¡±


    Jesse frowned. ¡°No. I didn¡¯t receive any alerts. Did they get anything?¡±


    ¡°No, lucky you. They tried to breach but were unsessful. The failsafe I installed booted them out before they could try again.¡±


    Jesse grunted. ¡°The guy I hired before you was abysmal.¡±


    ¡°Good thing you have me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes. Pat yourself on the back a little harder.¡±


    ¡°You could just thank me by giving me a raise.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t even think about it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t have to.¡±


    Their back and forth was amusing. I observed quietly from my spot, listening to them talk about¡­ whatever. Something super techy and out of my area of expertise. Jesse had no problem keeping up with all of Devin¡¯s jargon. At least, it looked like he was. Maybe he was just really good at pretending.


    Either way, he was fascinating to watch. The concentration. The poise. The confidence imbued in the way he stood. He owned the room. He owned the whole damn building. This was a man in his kingdom, in his element. Seeing him at his ce of work, I was finally offered a glimpse of a shark in open waters.


    There was a knock at the door. Jesse was one hell of a busy man. It suddenly made sense why Wally said he was always at work. Something or someone constantly demanded Jesse¡¯s attention.


    Anotherrge man entered the office at Jesse¡¯s beckon. Behind him was a young woman, probably only a few years older than me, with a baby strapped against her chest in a carrier. A boy followed close behind.


    ¡°d to see you¡¯re still alive,¡± the man said with a chuckle, voice deep and booming. ¡°When Devin told me you were away from the office, I thought you were sick or dying.¡±


    Jesse rolled his eyes but pped his friend on the shoulder. ¡°I never get sick.¡±


    ¡°Hi,¡± the woman said to me. She had a very sweet smile. ¡°I¡¯m Ava.¡±


    I rose and shook her hand. ¡°I¡¯m Vivian. It¡¯s lovely to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Where are my manners?¡± Jesse said quickly. ¡°Vivian, this is my second inmand, Theo Phillips. And this is his wife, Ava, and my favorite niece and nephew, Cassie and


    Cory.¡±


    The boy smiled. ¡°We¡¯re your only niece and nephew.¡±


    Jesse ruffled the kid¡¯s hair. ¡°Such a smarty pants.¡±


    ¡°Do you work here, too?¡± Ava asked me.


    I shook my head. ¡°Oh, no. I¡¯m, uh¡­¡± I wasn¡¯t too sure how to bring up the fact that I identally uncovered the moneyundering efforts of a dangerous cartel to her. She seemed like a nicedy, and I didn¡¯t want to freak her and her children out by saying the wrong thing.


    Ava tilted her head to the side and smiled gently. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I understand. I¡¯m no stranger to being under a protection detail.¡±


    I arched a brow, whispering, ¡°You mean¡­¡±


    She joined me in the sitting area while the men talked shop. ¡°Theo was my bodyguard a little over a year ago, so I get it.¡±


    ¡°And now you¡¯re married?¡±


    Ava smiled. ¡°Yes, we are. It¡¯s a long story, but it had a very happy ending.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that.¡± I nced between the two of them, nibbling my bottom lip.


    ¡°You have questions,¡± she observed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want toe across as rude.¡±


    ¡°Believe me when I say very little fazes me these days.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ You¡¯re so young, and he¡¯s-¡± ¡°Almost twice my age.¡± Ava nodded.


    ¡°Same as-¡± Same as Jesse and me. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    She gave me a knowing look. I didn¡¯t detect a hint of judgment. She did seem like a wonderful person. Understanding. Patient. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with it, you know. Being into silver foxes.¡±


    I coughed. Or maybe I choked. All I knew was that I made an unattractive and embarrassing sound that caught Jesse¡¯s attention from over by his desk. He arched a brow at me. I waved him off, breaking into softughter.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Ava said with an amused glint in her eye. ¡°I¡¯m just teasing you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. You just surprised me is all. You remind me of¡­¡± Molly.


    ¡°I remind you of who?¡±


    ¡°Just a friend. She used to tease me all the time about¡­¡± I lowered my voice, ¡°Liking older men.¡±


    Ava shrugged. ¡°What¡¯s not to like? Mature. Confident. And they know what they¡¯re doing.¡± She winked. ¡°If you catch my meaning.¡±


    I giggled. ¡°I¡¯m picking up what you¡¯re putting down.¡±


    ¡°So, how long have you and Jesse¡­you know.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all still very new. Complicated.¡±


    Ava hummed. ¡°When is it not?¡± The little girl in her arms cooed, waking up from her nap with a whine. ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± Ava apologized. ¡°I think someone¡¯s a little hungry. We¡¯ll gossip when I get back.¡±


    She excused herself, leaving the office to find a private spot to feed her baby. Meanwhile, I sat there in stunned amazement.


    Ava and Theo were married? If I closed my eyes, I could imagine Jesse and me in their shoes. A house in the suburbs. A couple of kids running around. None of this life and death business with an angry cartel hunting me down.


    But the more I allowed my mind to wander, the more doubt crept in. Was that something I even wanted? I was far too young to think about settling down. I had goals. Dreams. Things I wanted to aplish by thirty. There was no doubt that I was attracted to Jesse, but that didn¡¯t equate to a future together.


    I meant what I said to Ava. What Jesse and I had was new. Complicated. We were walking down the same path, but there was no telling if or when we¡¯d hit a fork in the road. Why couldn¡¯t we just enjoy the present? If Molly were


    here, she¡¯d never let up about the fact that- Molly.


    She was still missing. What the hell was I doing here? Why was I sitting around in thisvish office when the cartel had her holed up somewhere dark and dingy? If she was even still alive.


    I needed to do something. Anything. I wouldn¡¯t be able to live with myself if something happened to her and I did nothing to stop it. If that detective at the police station needed proof, I¡¯d get him proof. This was the first time I¡¯d been allowed out of the penthouse, and I wasn¡¯t going to throw the opportunity away.


    I cautiously watched Jesse. He was engrossed in whatever Devin and Theo were talking about. Something about security perimeters and bodyguard rotations and payroll, yada yada yada. The subject of their conversation was irrelevant. All that mattered was that Jesse was distracted and I was alone. This was likely my only chance to slip away.


    The second Jesse¡¯s back was turned, I made my escape. I¡¯d ask for his forgivenesster.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    My heart was pounding. My palms were sweaty and cold. It was a weird feeling, being out and about without Jesse directly behind me to keep me out of harm¡¯s way. The one good thing about all of this, though, was that no one seemed to be following me. I was in the clear for now, so I needed to move quickly.


    I hopped onto the bus and rode it to Blue Cloud Financial. It was the middle of the day, so the front lobby was busy with workers eager to get to the cafeteria for lunch. I slipped by easily, blending in with the crowd. I was technically a familiar face here. Nobody would suspect anything as long as I kept moving and didn¡¯t draw any attention to myself.


    I held my breath as I took the elevator up to my floor as if it would somehow help me disappear. When the doors opened, I stepped out and made my way swiftly to my cubicle.


    It had been cleared out.


    None of my things were there. The pictures of Molly and me that I¡¯d pinned to my cubicle wall were gone. The drawers were empty of all my pens and pencils. Any paper documents that I¡¯d been holding onto for filing were also gone, likely shredded for security purposes. When I attempted to log into myputer, it gave me an error message. My credentials had been wiped from the system.


    Not good.


    Did this mean the encrypted files for the Azuras Association -or whatever they called themselves- were gone, too?


    ¡°Shit,¡± I hissed to myself.


    I peered over the cubicle wall toward Arty¡¯s office. His lights were off. Out to lunch maybe? I turned in -what used to be- my office chair. Marta was away, too. Much to my relief, she¡¯d identally forgotten to lock her desktop.


    I wheeled over and searched through her top drawer, pulling an old USB stick from her desk organizer and plugging it into theputer tower. I searched for the files with shaky fingers, dreading how slow the loading bar filled. Theputer eventually dinged, alerting me that it had found what I was looking for.


    The encrypted files were now hidden in a folder within a folder within a folder. Someone was desperately trying to make sure that, while they couldn¡¯t destroy these records for the sake of their bookkeeping, nobody could identally stumble upon them again like I did.


    I downloaded everything I could. Once it was done, I snatched the USB and tucked it safely into my back pocket. I needed to get the hell out of there.


    I half-jogged, and half-walked back to the elevator, keeping my head down and eyes on the floor. No time for small talk. No time to stop. I had to get as far away from this building as I could before-


    The elevator doors slid open.


    On the other side stood five tall, boorish men with matching snake tattoos with red eyes wrapped around their throats.

 116

    JESSE


    ¡°What do you mean you don¡¯t know where she is?¡± I asked Devin as he pulled up the building¡¯s surveince footage.


    ¡°Look, we were all busy with the same thing. I didn¡¯t realize I had to babysit.¡±


    ¡°Just find her.¡±


    ¡°There,¡± he said, pointing at one of the many video boxes on his screen. It reyed Vivian waltzing right out of the front doors of Pegasus Star Security. None of the men I had posted at the front desk even batted an eye. I made a mental note to berate them for itter.


    ¡°Right under our noses,¡± Theomented, sounding almost amused.


    ¡°Dammit,¡± I hissed. ¡°I looked away for two minutes. Two minutes.¡±


    ¡°Rx.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me to rx.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem, man?¡± Devin asked. ¡°Maybe she wanted to take a little stroll around the block. She¡¯ll be back.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not supposed to be out by herself.¡±


    ¡°Why the hell not? It¡¯s the twenty-first century. Women can do whatever they want.¡±


    ¡°Because it isn¡¯t safe!¡±


    Devin and Theo stared at me. I could hear the gears grinding inside their skulls.


    ¡°She¡¯s a client,¡± Theo realized aloud. ¡°Under your protection.¡±


    Devin frowned. ¡°Why weren¡¯t we informed? She¡¯s not on any roster. This should have been done by the book.¡±


    I sighed, running a hand through my hair. ¡°I¡¯m watching her as a favor. Pro bono. I¡¯ve been using my penthouse as a safehouse location.¡±


    ¡°Jesus,¡± Theo mumbled. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no time to exin. We need to get her before they do.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s they?¡±


    ¡°The Azure Cartel.¡±


    Devin gawked. He never gawked. ¡°What the fuck kind of shit is she in?¡±


    ¡°The deep kind,¡± I muttered, teeth grinding so hard my jaw was sore.


    ¡°Where do you think she¡¯d go?¡± Theo asked, ready to jump in. I could always count on him to act first and ask questionster. That¡¯s what made him my second inmand. He was reliable, and honorable.


    Ava had been quiet for a while, watching everything unfold. She held Cassie, patting her back gently in a soothing pattern. ¡°She mentioned something about her friend,¡± she said. ¡°I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s relevant or not.¡±


    I knew exactly who Vivian was referring to. ¡°She¡¯s going to try and look for her friend,¡± I said. ¡°She needs proof. Proof that can only be obtained by going back to her ce of work.¡± I snatched up my jacket and pulled it on. I pointed at Theo. ¡°Hold down the fort until I get back.¡±


    ¡°Will do.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Devin demanded, but I was already out the door and running to unlock my Porsche.


    As far as traffic vitions went, I made about a hundred of them. Speeding through red lights. Failing to brake at stop signs. Almost running over a hipster who wandered too far from the bikene.


    I could see Blue Cloud Financial¡¯s massive logo on the side of its operations building, a beacon of sorts. When I screeched around the corner, I arrived just in time to see a group of men attempting to shove someone into the back of an unmarked white van. There were people around, but they did nothing. Just took out their phones to record what was going on.


    Fucking bystanders.


    I didn¡¯t slow down. Instead, I mmed on the eleration and braced for impact. ss shattered.


    Metal crunched.


    Tires squealed.


    I took out the front of the van with my car, rendering it useless.  They weren¡¯t going anywhere. I made sure of it.


    I somehow managed to drag myself out of my Porsche. Disoriented. Ears ringing. Joints aching. It was a miracle nothing was broken. The adrenaline coursing through my veins numbed any injuries I might have sustained.


    The only reason I was able to stand up straight was because my vision was locked onto Vivian like a hawk. They had their filthy fucking hands on her, and that wasn¡¯t going to fly. Not now. Not ever.


    One of the men had been hit in the crash, knocked over, and unconscious on the pavement. That left only four. Two of them peeled off while the other two grabbed Vivian by either arm and attempted to drag her off. She kicked and screamed and scratched, managing to hit one of them in the gut with her elbow.


    I took care of the first pair. They were fast, but I was furious. Inded a swift throat punch to the guy on my left, followed by an unforgiving kick to the chest of the man on the right. They keeled over, winded and incapacitated.


    The fourth assant let go of Vivian¡¯s arm and charged me, brandishing a knife from his pocket. He had the advantage and we both knew it. There was no time for me to draw my gun, and even if there had been, I wasn¡¯t going to risk opening fire when so many civilians lingered around. That was a recipe for disaster.


    He swiped at me ferociously, the de whizzing past my ear on numerous asions. I managed to duck out of the way. This wasn¡¯t a fair fight at all. I was too distracted by the fact that Vivian was still struggling in the arms of her captor, failing to free herself from his knuckle-white grasp.


    ¡°Vivian!¡± I shouted out to her.


    I knew it was a mistake to get distracted the second my attacker swiped at me. His de sliced past my upper right arm, the sting excruciatingly deep. The smell of rust and salt filled my nose. Red soaked into the fabric of my jacket, streams of it trickling down the length of my arm and dripping from my fingers.


    I avoided taking another slice but received a kick to the inside of my knee instead. My legs buckled out from under me. My assant swung his closed fist, knuckles connecting with my jaw. My skull vibrated. Everything hurt. I was seeing double.


    ¡°Jesse!¡± Vivian screeched.


    The man trying to drag her away made the mistake of sping his hand over her mouth. She opened wide and chomped down with all her might. He yelped in agony and recoiled, giving her just enough space to punch him square in the nose. He fell back and hit his head on the curb. Out cold.


    She ran to me but couldn¡¯t get past the knife-wielder. He red at her, murderous intent in his eyes.


    ¡°You stupid bitch,¡± he hissed. ¡°You and that redhead pain in the ass are going to pay.¡±


    ¡°Redhead?¡± Vivian panted. ¡°You mean Molly? She¡¯s alive?¡±


    ¡°Not for much longer. Not if I have anything to say about


    -¡±


    I lunged at him, batting the knife out of his hand and trapping him in a chokehold. I squeezed with all my might, counting the seconds until he was perfectly still. He wasn¡¯t dead. Unfortunately. But at least he was no longer a threat.


    Vivian ran to me, inspecting my arm. ¡°Oh my God, Jesse.


    You¡¯re bleeding.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Fine? How is this fine? We need to get you to a hospital.¡±


    ¡°No. You¡¯reing with me back to the safe house.¡±


    ¡°Look, I know you¡¯re mad at me, but you need to see a doctor.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not mad, Vivian.¡± I stared her down, barely able to keep my voice level. ¡°What I am is really. Fucking.


    Disappointed.¡±


    ¡°Jesse, I-¡±


    ¡°Stop. Talking.¡±N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    I looked her over. Apart from the emotional and mental trauma of almost being kidnapped -again- she seemed alright physically. Still, Vivian was on the brink of tears, the rims of her eyes red and white glossy. Any other day, I would have scooped her up and kissed her until she felt better. But this was different.


    ¡°What you did was stupid,¡± I said, reaching into my pocket for my phone. I called Devin, who answered in a hurry.


    ¡°Did you find her?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I need you to send a car and a cleanup crew to my location. Have them deal with the cops when they get


    here. I¡¯m taking Vivian back to the safe house.¡±


    ¡°Send a car? What happened to yours?¡±


    ¡°Totaled it. Which reminds me, call the dealership. She¡¯s going to need a new¡­ everything. Copy?¡±


    ¡°Jesus. Yeah, copy that.¡±


    I ended the call and shoved my phone back into my pocket, turning to check on Vivian. She was trembling, clutching something tightly in her hands. I was too angry to ask her about it. Instead, I covered my wound with my palm and applied pressure to staunch the flow of blood. I wasn¡¯t going to lose the arm, but it still hurt like hell.


    ¡°We really should take you to the emergency room,¡± she said, voice so quiet and small I barely heard her over the gathering crowd. Some of them were taking pictures. Not good.


    I shrugged off my jacket and draped it over her head, pulling her close to my chest. I still had a job to do, and that was making sure my client was secure. I couldn¡¯t risk anyone getting a good look at Vivian. There was no telling who was watching. It was highly likely the cartel had members nearby, keeping a finger on the pulse. She was exposed out here, amb with a target on her back.


    Her well-being came before mine. That was the job.

 117

    VIVIAN


    I didn¡¯t know what upset me more: the fact that Jesse was suturing his wound at the kitchen table, or the fact


    that he refused to even look at me.


    I sat across from him, squirming in my seat, not because his at-home surgery was freaking me out, but because it looked painful, and he wouldn¡¯t let mee anywhere near to help.


    Jesse winced as he applied the antiseptic.


    I reached out to him. ¡°Please, just let me-¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    It was difficult to breathe past the sticky lump lodged at the back of my throat. I hadn¡¯t been able to stop shivering since we got back. I wasn¡¯t cold, just nervous. My body couldn¡¯t tell the difference.


    He winced again while trying to apply his bandage. No surprise. Conducting medical care with one hand was difficult to begin with. Being both doctor and patient was an addedplication.


    ¡°Please,¡± I said firmly. ¡°Just let me do it.¡±


    The muscles in Jesse¡¯s jaw tightened. He turned away slightly, but grumbled a bitter, ¡°Fine.¡±


    I moved with nimble fingers, applying the fresh bandage as delicately as I could. My heart twisted in my chest. He still wouldn¡¯t look me in the eye. My fingers lingered on his skin when I was done. Tentative. Questioning. ¡°Jesse, I can exin-¡±


    He stood up abruptly, ignoring me, and stalked over to one of the many kitchen cabs and fished out a bottle of ibuprofen. He unscrewed the cap with one hand and took two pills dry. He remained at the counter, breathing deeply. Every muscle in his back was tight. The silence around us was crushing.


    I wanted to cry. I couldn¡¯t stand the thought of Jesse being upset with me. Disappointed in me. It made me sick to my stomach, even though I knew I did what had to be done.


    ¡°Reckless,¡± he hissed. ¡°You were reckless today.¡±


    ¡°Jesse, I was only trying to-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t. I don¡¯t want to hear it.¡±


    ¡°I needed to find proof so I could help find-¡±


    ¡°To help find Molly? By going back to the first ce the cartel would think to look for you. Did it ever ur to you that they¡¯d have men ready to steal you away the second you stepped foot through their doors?¡±


    ¡°Steal me away?¡± I echoed. ¡°What? Are they thieves in the night?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not fucking joking, Vivian. Take me seriously.¡±


    ¡°I do take you seriously.¡±


    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you listen to me?¡±


    ¡°Because I feel fucking useless, alright? I need to do something to help her!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not qualified to handle a situation this delicate.¡±


    I stood up, fury rising in my chest. ¡°She¡¯s the closest thing I have to a family, alright? She¡¯s my best friend. It¡¯s my fault they took her. If anything happens to her, I-¡± My throat closed up, a terrible pressure building behind my eyes. ¡°They should have taken me. I was the one who discovered the discrepancy. She¡¯d be fine if it weren¡¯t for me and it¡¯s all my fault.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t help her if you¡¯re dead!¡± Jesse snapped. ¡°Do you have any idea how fucking worried I was? You might


    not care what happens to you, but I do.¡± ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because!¡± he bellowed.


    ¡°Because why?¡± I yelled back.


    In three long strides, Jesse closed the gap between us and pulled me into him, his lips crashing against mine. It was unlike anything I¡¯d ever experienced before. Heated beyond measure. Desperate beyond sense. He pushed me back until my hips hit the edge of the table. There was no ce left to go, leaving his body to press flush against mine.


    His tongue swept past my lips and over mine. Demanding. Obsessive. He swallowed every little whimper and moan that escaped my lips, leaving me no time to catch my breath. I was dizzy. Seeing stars. Clinging to him like a lifeline.


    Jesse picked me up by the waist and ced me on the table¡¯s surface, making quick work of my pants, practically ripping them off in his haste. I spread my legs for him, the tips of my fingers and toes tingling with excitement. Heat pooled between my legs, my pussy already aching for his touch.


    There was nothing elegant in the way I took off my shirt and bra. It didn¡¯t matter. The time for games was long gone. This was pure carnal desire. Screw eloquence. Screw seduction. I just wanted to feel him filling me up. Jesse pulled his cock out of his pants and plunged into me, ripping a loud groan from my lips.


    ¡°Jesse,¡± I whined, breath shaky and thin. ¡°Jesse, fuck yes-¡±


    ¡°Quiet,¡± he snapped, iming my mouth in yet another bruising kiss.


    He fucked me against the kitchen table, stretching me wide. The head of his cock swept over my sweet spot repeatedly. An rming heat bloomed in the pit of my stomach, an intense me turned uncontroble wildfire. His pace was relentless, each thrust of his hips met with the sound of skin pping skin. The table squeaked in protest beneath ourbined weight, but we didn¡¯t stop. We wouldn¡¯t.


    I threw my head back and screamed as climax rippled through me, crashing over my senses like a tsunami. There was no fighting it. I drowned in pleasure, emerging to the surface for air a few minutester when I finally came back to reality.


    Jesse was still going strong, beads of sweat forming across his brow from the exertion. I reached up to stroke his face, but he knocked my hands away. ¡°No,¡± he said gruffly, turning me so he could bend me over the edge of the table.


    He plunged his cock back into me, the new angle, unlike anything I¡¯d experienced before. I was still sensitive from my first orgasm; stars scattered across my vision. My toes curled as he pounded my pussy from behind, pulling my hair back with one hand so he could suck marks into the side of my neck.


    My walls pulsed around him, the familiar boiling heat once again pooling deep within my core. I was desperate for something to hold onto, but the table was too smooth to offer any support.


    Jesse held onto me as my body trembled, the orgasm hitting me like a bomb. Explosive. Bright. Brilliant. Almost devastating. I¡¯d never experienced such a release before. I knew it was a cliche, but I honestly felt like a brand-new woman.


    He pulled back and allowed me to touch my feet to the floor. I turned to him, knees suddenly made of jelly.


    ¡°Wow,¡± I breathed. ¡°That was amazing.¡±


    He chuckled, something deep and dark and amazing. ¡°Oh, you thought we were done?¡±


    My breath caught in my throat. ¡°A-are we not?¡±


    ¡°Not by a longshot,¡± he said right up against my lips. He held my gaze, unwavering. ¡°I¡¯ve been too lenient with you. Turns out, you¡¯re a bad girl, and bad girls get what they deserve.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to teach me a lesson?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°What are you going to do to me?¡±


    ¡°Nothing you won¡¯t enjoy. Now-¡± He picked me up and slung me over the shoulder of his good arm. He smacked my ass hard and without warning, the sting making me impossibly wet. ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere a bit morefortable, hm?¡±


    ¡°But I kind of liked the table.¡±


    Smack!


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk back to me.¡±


    My pussy quivered, a shiver rushing through my system in its wake. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s much better.¡±


    He carried me to his bedroom, practically tossing me onto his bed rather than cing me down as he had before.


    I red at him. ¡°I don¡¯t appreciate being manhandled.¡±


    Jesse pushed my knees apart and grazed my pussy with the tips of his fingers, gathering the wet heat gathered there. ¡°I think you like it just fine. Now, stop with the backtalk and lie down.¡±


    I licked my lips. Iy down with his pillows propped behind my head and back. Jesse crawled onto the bed after me, pulling off his tie before taking my wrists and crossing one over the other.


    ¡°This is a special kind of knot,¡± he exined matter-of-factly. ¡°The second you¡¯re ufortable, all you have to do is let go.¡± He ced the tail end of the tie in my palm. ¡°Demonstrate so that I can see you understand.¡±


    Iplied, releasing his tie. My wrists immediately came free. ¡°Did they teach you this stuff in the army?¡±


    ¡°I was a boy scout.¡± Jesse re-tied my wrists. ¡°That¡¯s enough talk out of you. The only thing I want to hear out of your mouth from here on out is if you want me to stop.¡±


    ¡°Why would I want you to stop?¡±


    ¡°In case it bes too much. Tell me to stop, and I will. You¡¯re in control. Do you understand?¡±


    My heart railed against my ribcage. I¡¯d never done anything like this. Maybe once with a pair of cheap handcuffs, but those had been a gag gift. No prior thought or conversation went into that particr romp, and it had been understandingly disappointing. But this¡­


    This was something else. This was exciting and new and strange, but I felt safe with him. I trusted Jesse more than I could ever put into words.


    ¡°I understand, sir,¡± I said, shivering with anticipation.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    And then he got up off the bed and started out the door.


    ¡°W-wait!¡± I yelled. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡±


    He smirked at me. ¡°I have to clean up your mess,¡± he exined simply. ¡°Do you think unconscious gang members and totaled cars clean themselves up? Do you think the police are just going to drop this because you¡¯re safe now?¡±


    ¡°But what about me? You can¡¯t just-¡± I kicked my legs in frustration. ¡°You can¡¯t just leave me here.¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯ll find that I can.¡±


    ¡°Jesse-¡±


    ¡°Like I said, you can let go at any time. But if you do, that¡¯s where it ends. Keep holding on, and I¡¯ll show you


    what other tricks I have up my sleeve.¡±


    My cheeks burned. ¡°This isn¡¯t fair.¡±


    ¡°You already came twice, angel. I think that¡¯s more than fair. Be good. I¡¯ll see you in¡­¡± He checked his watch. And then shrugged. ¡°Whenever I feel like you¡¯ve learned your lesson.¡±


    I squirmed, rubbing my legs together. I was in for an excruciatingly long wait.


    ¡°Oh, and another thing,¡± he said, stopping at the door. ¡°You¡¯d better not touch yourself without my permission. You won¡¯t be able to tie yourself back up without help, so


    I¡¯ll know if you let go at any point.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this way too much, sir.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    His eyes raked over my naked body. ¡°And by the looks of it, so are you.¡±

 118

    JESSE


    This was as much a test of patience for Vivian as it was for me.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    If I hadn¡¯t been so hell-bent on teaching her a lesson, I would have taken her then and there, regardless of the restraints y. It seemed tame enough. Nothing too wild. Just a simple quick-release knot and a tie. Child¡¯s y. What this was really about was the dynamic. The suspense.


    And it was killing me just as much as it was likely killing her.


    I meant what I said, though. I had a mess to clean up.


    News outlets were all over it, though my preliminary search failed to pull up any images or videos of Vivian specifically. That helped. I could focus more on damage control. Luckily, I had an entire legal department at Pegasus Star organized to deal with this sort of thing. They¡¯d liaise with the police on my behalf, which freed up my time to handle the business side of matters.


    And to handle the angel naked in my bed.


    I took my sweet time. I was still annoyed as fuck that Vivian would do something so monumentally stupid. I was angry at first. Furious. But only because I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about all the awful things that could have happened to her. Things that I could have prevented if only I¡¯d been paying more attention.


    It wasn¡¯t productive to dwell on the what-if scenarios. It was one of the first things I trained my bodyguards to master before I put them out in the field. They needed to be present, focused on the now, and prepared for anything, not bogged down in what could have been done differently.


    Yet here I was, thinking about what could have been done differently.


    It was a mistake to take my eyes off her. I should have known better. Vivian was much too fiery to let out of my sight for too long. What if I hadn¡¯t managed to get there on time? What if the cartel hadn¡¯t sent five men, but twenty? What if I had been stabbed instead of swiped? What if they managed to get Vivian into that fucking van and drive off to God knew where?


    I nced at my watch. I figured it best I didn¡¯t keep her waiting any longer, or she might fall asleep on me.


    The first thing she did upon my arrival was kick a pillow at me with impressive force.


    ¡°You jerk,¡± she grumbled. ¡°You were gone for two hours.¡±


    ¡°Are your arms alright?¡± I asked. ¡°Numb or sore at all?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re fine.¡±


    ¡°Then I guess I could keep you waiting a while longer.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡±


    I chuckled. She looked delicious like this. Hot and bothered and the mildest bit crazy. ¡°If it bothered you so much, you could have just let go.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t want to give you the satisfaction.¡±


    ¡°You know, this exercise was supposed to make you morepliant. I see that it¡¯s had the opposite effect. Maybe I will wait another hour.¡±


    Vivian tossed her head back into the pillow and bucked her hips, sighing and growling and whining all at once. ¡°Please,¡± she begged. ¡°Please, don¡¯t go. I¡­¡±


    ¡°Say it.¡±


    ¡°I need you, Jesse. I need you to fuck me so bad.¡±


    I swallowed. The sound of her pleas went straight to my cock. ¡°Alright,¡± I said, stripping out of my clothes slowly just to torture her. ¡°I guess I can do that for you.¡±


    I climbed onto the bed and kissed her breasts, teasing her nipples between my teeth as I stroked my hands down her waist. I gripped her waist and nudged her knees apart with my shoulders, settling between her legs.


    She was glistening with want, her clit swollen with arousal. I drewzy circles against her sensitive bud with the tip of my tongue, memorizing the sound of her satisfied sigh as her knees trembled on either side of my head. I liked how soft she was. Couldn¡¯t get enough of the way her legs felt when hooked over my shoulders. Everything about her was sweet like fruit and vani mixed into one.


    Her breathing grew ragged and high-pitched. I could sense that she was close by the way her body grew tight and rigid, bracing for the inevitable explosion of ecstasy.


    So I stopped.


    ¡°Jesse!¡± she moaned. ¡°Why? I was going toe!¡±


    ¡°This is what happens when you sneak away,¡± I said simply. ¡°This is your punishment.¡±


    ¡°You intend to edge me as punishment?¡± she asked, incredulous.


    ¡°Smart girl. Now close your eyes and concentrate.¡±


    ¡°So you can pull the rug out from under me again?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Trust me. I¡¯ll make it worth your while, angel.¡±


    With a frustrated grunt, Viviany back down. She still hadn¡¯t let go of the tie that was binding her wrists together. She gripped the end tight, making sure not to release the knot.


    I continued my fine work, moving on to use my fingers as well. Her walls fluttered around my fingers, growing tighter and tighter until I had her wound so tight I was sure she was about to explode. Once her telltale signs of ragged breathing and rigidity came back, I stopped and pulled away.


    She was a mess. Hips bucking, toes curling, eyes screwed shut while her mouth hung open with a silent scream.


    ¡°Please,¡± she blubbered. ¡°Please, Jesse, I need¡­¡±


    ¡°What, angel? What do you need?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, okay. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For¡­ For leaving. For going out on my own.¡±


    ¡°For putting yourself in danger.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Yes, that. I¡¯m sorry, alright? I¡¯ve learned my lesson. I swear I won¡¯t do it again.¡± Her voice was high and tight. She was getting far too worked up for my liking. It was time to give her what she wanted.


    I left her for the briefest moment to retrieve a condom, rolling it down my throbbing cock before returning to my rightful ce. I kissed her tenderly on the lips, pressing my forehead against hers so I could look her in the eye.


    I snapped my hips into her, her slick heat making it an easy task to enter. She was so ready for me, stretched and needy and perfect. I stroked her hair. Kissed her face. Thrust into her in search of that sweet friction we both needed.


    ¡°You feel so fucking good,¡± I grunted against her cheek.


    Her eyes rolled into the back of her head, nothing but overwhelmed panting escaping her lips. She came so hard that her back arched and her body shook.


    ¡°C-can I let go of the tie now?¡± she asked. ¡°I want to t-touch you.¡±


    ¡°Sure, angel. Let go. I want you to touch me, too.¡±


    Vivian released the tie and wrapped her arms around me. She continued to kiss me, tired but eager. She dragged her fingers down my back,bed them through my hair, and touched whatever she could get her hands on. She was exceptionally gentle when it came to my injury, hovering right over it to avoid unnecessary contact.


    The tight coil in my gut grew hotter and brighter. Every thrust pushed me closer and closer to the peak. There was no point staving it off. Pleasure soared through my veins and left me high for what felt like hours when in reality was only a few beautiful, brief seconds.


    I rolled onto my side and pulled Vivian to me. She was still shivering from the aftershock. I kissed her forehead, and the tip of her nose. I covered her in my nket, creating a protective burrito of sorts.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked softly. ¡°I know that was harder than usual.¡±


    ¡°I liked it,¡± she whispered with a sleepy smile.


    ¡°Are you sore anywhere?¡±


    ¡°No. Just tired.¡±


    ¡°Go to sleep, angel.¡±


    ¡°Will you stay?¡±


    I held her tighter. ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, I¡¯m sorry about what happened.¡±


    ¡°Can you understand why what you did made me so upset?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I could have gotten people hurt.¡±


    ¡°You could have been hurt,¡± I corrected. ¡°My job is to keep you safe, Vivian. But I can¡¯t do that if you run off.¡±


    She snuggled in close, her nose pressed to my chest. ¡°I won¡¯t do it again. Promise.¡±


    I kissed the top of her hair. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    It didn¡¯t take her very long to doze off. She was understandably wiped. I didn¡¯t understand how someone could look so sexy and so disarmingly cute at the same time.


    I rubbed my hands over my face, a realization dawning on me.


    I wouldn¡¯t know what to do with myself if I lost Vivian. If anything happened to her. If she¡¯d been hurt, I¡¯d me no one but myself for failing to protect her because this beautiful, infuriatingly cheeky, intelligent woman meant more to me than I first realized.


    She was, slowly but surely, bing everything to me.


    And this was dangerous.


    Once upon a time, I thought the same thing about Melissa. I was convinced she was the love of my life. I gave her everything. Opened up to her. Let her see a side of myself I never showed anyone else. I worked my hands to the bone to provide for her, and give her the life she deserved. And in the end, it turns out I gave her nothing but grief.


    She was so fucking lonely, Dad.


    But you wouldn¡¯t have known because you were always gone.


    I never thought about it that way before. All I ever wanted was to give Melissa and Wally a good life. That¡¯s why I worked so damn hard. Could they not understand that I was sacrificing my time for their sake? Was it my fault that they came to resent me? I was only trying to do right by them.


    Would Viviane to resent me, too?


    I didn¡¯t want to find out. My heart wouldn¡¯t be able to take it. Not again. Not ever.


    I needed to put an end to things before there was no turning back.

 119

    VIVIAN


    I noticed it first thing in the morning. He was the same, but¡­ different. I couldn¡¯t quite put my finger on it. The conversation was light. Friendly. Perfectly normal, if you were to look at the interaction from the outside in.


    Jesse made me breakfast. Eggs Benedict with a side of hashbrowns and freshly squeezed orange juice. He moved about the space with confidnce, and handled his utensils with care and precision.


    ¡°You¡¯re good with your hands,¡± I said suggestively, eyeing the way he chopped up bits of potato.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± His voicecked any trace of warmth. I thought maybe I misheard him over the rush of the hood fan over the stove.


    When he ted up our food, I asked, ¡°Do you think we can eat in the living room? Watch something on TV while we eat breakfast?¡±


    ¡°I have some things to take care of,¡± he said firmly. ¡°I¡¯ll give you the remote. I¡¯m sure you remember how to use it.¡±


    ¡°Can you show me one more time? Help me refresh my memory.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I sat down on the couch and set my te on the coffee table in front of me. Jesse didn¡¯t take up his usual spot to my right. He didn¡¯t even bring his food. He bent over, picked up the remote, and pressed a couple of buttons. The projector screen unfurled from the ceiling and the default channel turned on. He handed me the remote.


    Perfunctory.


    ¡°Uh¡­ thanks.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. I need to make a phone call in the other room.¡±


    I gestured like I was zipping my lips. ¡°I¡¯ll be quiet.¡±


    I tilted my head up, fully expecting him to dip down and kiss me. It was just an automatic reaction at this point. He¡¯d spoiled me with little pecks before, so I figured he¡¯d do it again without issue.


    Except he turned away and disappeared down the hall.


    I sat there, frowning up at the screen.


    What the hell?


    I shook it off as best I could. Jesse was an important man with important clients. I wasn¡¯t the only one he had to tend to. Maybe this phone call was important. Too important to waste the precious seconds it would take to nt a kiss on my forehead.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    I turned off the TV and ate my eggs Benedict in silence. There was nothing good to watch this early in the morning, anyway.


    The second time I noticed it, it was just after dinner. He¡¯d spent the whole day locked in his home office.


    Not literally. The door was open by a couple of inches. Probably so that he could hear me if I called for help, but he didn¡¯t reemerge from his phone call earlier that morning.


    Jesse had given me a number to call to order food. There was a system. I could order whatever I wanted through the security firm. The food would be picked up by an employee at Pegasus Star, who would then in turn deliver it to the safehouse. This way my location would remain anonymous to outside parties.


    I ordered a pizza with extra cheese, pineapple, and banana peppers. A weirdbination, but downright delicious. It was my go-tobo during my first year of college. Inexpensive. Filling. And a great conversation starter. It helped me weed out the weirdos who were too snooty to like pineapple on their slices.


    I approached Jesse¡¯s office with a piece of pizza on a te. I doubted he¡¯d ept it with him being a health nut and all, but I wanted to offer it to him all the same. The low murmur of his voice reached my ear as I drew closer. He wasn¡¯t speaking English, but Spanish.


    ¡°Dejame saber cuando puedes. Gracias, Roberto.¡±


    I poked my head in, transfixed with the lilt of thenguage rolling off his tongue. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you knew anothernguage.¡±


    Jesse didn¡¯t look up at me, distracted by whatever he was reading on hisputer. I wasn¡¯t sure why it annoyed me so much. ¡°Ites in handy sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯d you learn to speak it?¡±


    ¡°School.¡±


    ¡°Oh? That¡¯s all?¡±


    ¡°Practiced it with one of my neighbors growing up, too. I think that helped.¡±


    ¡°What was your neighbor¡¯s name?¡±


    ¡°Marco. He lived in the next trailer over.¡±


    I raised my eyebrows, curiosity hitting an all-time high. ¡°You grew up in a trailer?¡±


    Jesse finally nced at me, looking very much like I said the wrong thing. ¡°Yes. In a trailer park just outside of


    Austin.¡±


    I grinned. ¡°You¡¯re originally from Texas?¡±


    ¡°Is that so surprising?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Don¡¯t Texans have a drawl?¡±


    ¡°Trained myself not to.¡±


    I tilted my head. ¡°Why?¡±


    Jesse shrugged. ¡°Just because.¡±


    I chewed on the inside of my cheek as the silence lengthened. ¡°Hey, Jesse?¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been kind of¡­ weird. Short with me.¡±


    ¡°Just tired. That¡¯s all.¡±


    I didn¡¯t believe him for a second, but I didn¡¯t know how to press him for answers. Maybe he was telling the truth and needed some time alone. ¡°I brought you dinner. I know


    you don¡¯t eat stuff like this, but-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry but thank you.¡±


    I ignored the ufortable tightness in my chest. It was hard to not take his attitude personally. Something was bothering him, but he wasn¡¯t telling me what.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to bed,¡± I muttered. ¡°Good night.¡±


    ¡°Night.¡±


    It went on like this for another two weeks. I couldn¡¯t wrap my head around it. This distance. Where the hell did ite from? Was Jesse still mad about me running off to Blue Cloud Financial and just wasn¡¯t telling me? I thought we were past that. I promised never to do it again and meant it, so what was eating him?


    Why was he being so cold?


    He kept himself at arm¡¯s length. Whenever I entered the same room as him, he¡¯d move to put space between us. It wasn¡¯t obvious at first, but now I was actively looking for it.


    He wouldn¡¯t let me near him.


    He wouldn¡¯te close to me.


    We were in each other¡¯s orbit, but our trajectories didn¡¯t allow us to collide. He was actively avoiding me and I was done with it.


    Was he tired of me? Was that it? Now that he had his fill, he didn¡¯t need me around the same way anymore. Or maybe he was getting bored of ying bodyguard. He¡¯d taken my case on as a favor to Wally, after all. And now that Wally had dipped, Jesse was tired of being stuck with me.


    And it sucked. A lot. Because every time I saw him, the tiniest bit of hope kept me yearning. Maybe today he¡¯d be in a better mood. Maybe today he¡¯d tell me what was going on. Maybe today everything would go back to the way things were between us -fun and sexy and wonderful.


    At some point, I started sticking to the guest room. Call it childish stubbornness. Call it a woman scorned. If Jesse didn¡¯t want to see me, fine. I didn¡¯t want to see him, either.


    But staying in the confines of my room sucked, too. This penthouse was starting to feel a lot less like a safe house and more like a prison. I wanted to go out, for a walk, to the park for a run. To a local coffee house for a hot beverage and buttery croissant. Heck, I even wanted to go back to work.


    Maybe not at Blue Cloud Financial, but somewhere. Just to keep my mind busy. These periods of silence were getting longer and longer. There was even a day when Jesse and I didn¡¯t cross paths once, not a single word exchanged. I could imagine my brain turning into goop, so bored out of my mind that I could practically hear my synapses caving in on themselves because there was nothing else to do but listen.


    That night, I treated myself to a hot bath. Borderline scalding. My skin was pink and tingling scrubbed clean within an inch of its life. It wasn¡¯t the same kind of warmth


    I found it in Jesse¡¯s arms, but it would have to do. Sometimes I¡¯d close my eyes and imagine him in the bath with me, not that he¡¯d ever entertain the idea now.


    ¡°I¡¯m just a job to him now, apparently,¡± I grumbled bitterly to myself.


    But the tiny voice in the back of my head told me that couldn¡¯t be true. I saw the way he looked at me. I remembered the way he touched me and kissed me and made me feel like a million dors. What had happened between then and now to make him act so differently?


    With a heavy sigh, I slipped a hand beneath the water and reached between my legs, recalling how attentive Jesse was whenever he ate me out. I tried to mimic the movements of his tongue with the tip of my finger, but it wasn¡¯t the same. Not even close.


    I tried to think of his praises, the way he¡¯d shower me in endearments.


    Good girl. Smart girl. Angel.


    When I came, it was underwhelming. Nothing couldpare to his tongue and the stretch of his fingers.


    I woke up on Monday feeling bloated. I did some mental math -an easy enough task for a math whiz like myself- and realized I was a couple of dayste. My cycles had always been irregr, though, and it was safe to say I¡¯d been under a lot of stresstely. As quickly as the concern crossed my mind, it faded into nothingness just as quickly.


    I rolled over in bed. Flipped my pillow to the cool side so I could bury my face in it. In my palm, I held the USB I¡¯d stolen from Blue Cloud Financial. The download, though rushed, had been sessful. All the encrypted files I needed were on this drive. I didn¡¯t tell Jesse about it, though. He¡¯d lose his mind. Maybe he¡¯d be even angrier at me than he already was.


    I had no way of decrypting the files, though. Math and coding used the same alphabet, but they were still two differentnguages. I supposed I could go online and try to learn a few things, but who was I kidding? I was an ountant in training, not some sort of hacker spy.


    Anxiety consumed me. I was losing track of time. Molly had been missing for a little over a month now. From what I¡¯d seen on TV and in the movies, as well as read in books, cartel members weren¡¯t exactly famous for their patience and understanding.


    What if I was toote? What if Molly was already-


    An errant tear soaked into my pillowcase, darkening the fabric where it made contact. The tears wouldn¡¯t stop, nor did the sniffles. I tried to fight it, but I was tired. Tired of putting on a brave face. Tired of waiting. Tired of staring into an unknown future. My sniffles broke into uncontroble sobs that I tried and failed to muffle.


    There was a knock on my door. It was none other than Jesse. Of course, it was. He was the only one else in this forsaken prison.


    ¡°Vivian?¡± I heard the door handle jiggle under his hand.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯te in,¡± I snapped.


    ¡°I thought I heard you-¡±


    ¡°I said don¡¯te in! Just leave me alone.¡±


    ¡°Do you need anything?¡±


    I wanted to scream. I wanted him to stop being such a dick. I wanted him to hold me like he used to. Tell me that everything is going to be okay. That Molly and I would be safe. That he missed me just as much as I missed him.


    Fuck, did I miss him? And I hated that I did because it made me realize just how much I cared about him. And now he couldn¡¯t even look me in the eye.

 120

    JESSE


    It was a herculean task not to touch her. I wouldn¡¯t allow myself to because touching her was a slippery slope. I told myself these boundaries were in ce for both our sakes. I couldn¡¯t cave now, no matter how much I missed her.


    I tried to use work to distract myself, finally putting my home office to good use. It was my little fortress, a ce where I could zone out and manage the firm without constantly thinking about Vivian¡¯s plump lips or the sound of her cute giggle, or how I went feral for her in those stupid pink shorts of hers.


    God, I missed her in her stupid pink shorts.


    But not just that. I missed her smile. Those three little freckles on her eyelid were only visible close-ups. The way she fit in my arms so easily. Everything.


    Thest two weeks had been torture. Worse than that.


    She was near. Only a couple of rooms away. Yet she was so impossibly far because I deliberately ced her there for her good. I gave her space and respected her privacy. Made sure she had enough food and entertainment and whatever else she might need for afortable stay.


    Even though I wanted to give her so much more.


    For the first couple of days, I wandered out of the officete at night to find her in the living room, watching episodes of Jeopardy. She was good at it. Not so much with the history trivia, but everything else. I wanted to tell her she¡¯d make a killing if she ever got to y on the show for real, but I stopped myself. I didn¡¯t trust myself not to ascend into more flirtatious banter.


    Best if I kept out of her way.


    After the first week, I turned up the penthouse¡¯s main thermostat. Vivian neverined about it out loud, but I could tell she was cold, always shivering and teeth chattering. She bundled up in a sweater and sweatpants, though oddly enough never wore socks despite it being the smart and easiest thing to do to warm up. She was stubborn like that. I liked that about her, even if it was silly.


    I gave her a phone number to call if she wanted food delivered. She ordered pretty much every night, opting to skip both breakfast and lunch instead of a snack around 5:00 p. m. and then a massive dinner around 8:00 p. m. Like clockwork. If I weren¡¯t so dead set on giving her space, I would have told her that having equally spaced-out meals and portions was better for her health, but I didn¡¯t want to overstep.


    One thing I did notice was that she ordered tuna casserole from this Italian restaurant down the way frequently. Always with extra cheese and a bottle of Diet Coke. It must have been delicious because she could clear the whole dish by herself without any leftovers. For what it was worth, it smelled great. I wanted to ask her for a bite, just to try it but decided against it. She loved it, and I didn¡¯t want to take away from her favorite meal.


    On Monday morning, I got the call. Melissa¡¯s name popped up on the screen. I nearly threw my phone out over the balcony.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°Now¡¯s not a good time,¡± I grumbled into the receiver.


    ¡°When is it ever?¡± my ex-wife scoffed.


    ¡°If you¡¯re calling because you want more money-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m calling because of Wally.¡±


    The muscles in my neck tensed. ¡°What about him?¡±


    ¡°He called me the other day and told me all about your argument. Why won¡¯t you let our son do what he wants?¡±


    Iughed bitterly. ¡°That¡¯s rich,ing from you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s always been like this. You always y the good cop and make me out to be the bad guy.¡±


    ¡°You are the bad guy, Jesse. Our son is out there fucking couch surfing because you¡¯re too stubborn to let him live his own life!¡±


    My blood boiled. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare take that tone with me, Melissa? You don¡¯t get to patronize me after you ran off with the fucking dog walker. I was the only one providing structure in his life. I was the only one being a parent.¡±


    ¡°Not a very good one.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m hanging up.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re pushing your son away over something stupid, Jesse. You¡¯re pushing him away, and one day, Wally¡¯s never going toe back. Is that really what you want?¡±


    I ended the call, but not before the sting of her words stabbed me straight through the heart. Of course that wasn¡¯t what I wanted. Wally was my son. My boy. I loved him with every fiber of my being. But as much as I hated to admit it, what Melissa was saying rang true. I was pushing him away. I¡¯d be heartbroken if I pushed him away forever.


    God. I must have fucked up if Melissa of all people was making sense.


    Doubt crept in and festered in the crevasses of my mind.


    I allowed myself to imagine Wally pursuing culinary arts. He¡¯d never expressed any interest in cooking before, but was that because I hadn¡¯t been listening?


    The more I thought about it, the more I realized just how little I knew my son. I spent so much time away, working myself to the bone to provide him with everything he¡¯d need for afortable life. It was the same song and dance with Melissa, and I wound up driving her into the arms of another man.


    Maybe Wally could make it. Maybe he¡¯d be a world-ss chef and open his restaurant, even end up on one of those reality TV cooking shows or whatever. He could be the next Gordon Ramsay, though without the British ent and significant anger issues. The chances of Wally reaching


    those heights seemed slim, but at least¡­ At least he¡¯d be happy.


    It was a bitter pill to swallow, but Melissa had a point. I¡¯d rather Wally try to follow his passion than hate me. If on the off-chance things didn¡¯t work out, he could always give the medical career track another attempt. It wouldn¡¯t be the end of the world. I could see now that I was out of line.


    I tried calling Wally, but he didn¡¯t pick up. I then proceeded to send him a few texts. Those were a lot harder to ignore since they tended to pop up on the lock screen.


    Wally,e home so we can discuss things.


    I¡¯ve given culinary school some thought.


    We can talk things through when you get here.


    A few minutes went by, but I received no response. He was ignoring me.


    How was I supposed to apologize if he refused to speak with me?


    ¡°Dammit,¡± I grumbled under my breath. If he wasn¡¯t going to pick up the phone for me, who would he pick up the phone for?


    I bet he¡¯d answer if Vivian called him. It was worth a shot.


    I ventured down the hall toward the guest room, hand hovering over the door to knock. I wasn¡¯t sure what I was going to say. Things between Vivian and I were¡­uncertain. I tried keeping my distance. I wanted to be respectful of her space. The realization that I felt more for her than I cared to admit had been a frightening one. I wasn¡¯t ready to take things further, maybe ever. So I thought pulling back was the best option for us both. Save us the heartbreak.


    The softest sound reached my ears from the other side. Sniffling, then outright sobbing.


    My throat closed and my heart thudded.


    ¡°Vivian?¡± I called to her, attempting to open the door. It was locked. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯te in,¡± she snapped.


    ¡°I thought I heard you-¡±


    ¡°I said don¡¯te in! Just leave me alone.¡±


    She sounded so distressingly small and upset that it made my stomach clench. ¡°Do you need anything?¡±


    ¡°Go away, Jesse.¡±


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t do that, Vivian. I need to make sure you¡¯re alright.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t sound fine.¡± I rattled the doorknob again. ¡°Open the door, Vivian. I¡¯m not ying around. I need visual confirmation that you¡¯re-¡±


    The door swung open so fast that the surrounding air rushed past me. Vivian stood before me, looking everywhere except in my eyes. Probably to hide the fact that she¡¯d been crying even though it was written all over her face. The puffiness of her cheeks and the redness of her nose, the small beads of moisture caught in her eyshes.


    ¡°There,¡± she snapped. ¡°Happy?¡±


    I tried to reach out, but she took a step back. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like nothing.¡±


    ¡°What do you care? You¡¯ve been ignoring me for weeks.¡±


    A pang of guilt bloomed in my chest. ¡°I haven¡¯t been ignoring you.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t,¡± I insisted. ¡°You¡¯re all I can fucking think about.¡±


    ¡°Then why¡­¡± She shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t understand.


    You¡¯ve been avoiding me. Don¡¯t you dare deny it?¡±


    ¡°I have been.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because you scare me. In more ways than one.¡±


    Vivian¡¯s nose curled. ¡°What the hell is that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scared of losing you,¡± I blurted out. ¡°I¡¯m scared of something happening to you. I¡¯m scared of what I feel for you-¡±


    ¡°What do you feel for me?¡± she echoed, so soft and confused and hopeful that it was suddenly hard for me to breathe. ¡°What do you feel for me, Jesse?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I admitted. ¡°A lot of things. And what scares me is that I don¡¯t know where this is going or if it¡¯s going to go anywhere at all. I don¡¯t want to make promises I can¡¯t keep. And I¡¯m scared you don¡¯t feel the same way. I¡¯m scared this isn¡¯t going to work. I¡¯m scared of hurting you. That¡¯s why I¡¯m keeping my distance. Because being with you¡­ it¡¯s too good to be true. And good things don¡¯t happen to me, alright? Thest time I allowed myself to feel what I feel¡­¡±


    Vivian stroked my cheek, cool fingers grazing my chin. ¡°I understand,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯m scared, too. But please, don¡¯t shut me out. That¡¯s all I ask. I¡¯ve missed you so much. There¡¯s so much going on right now, and the only time I feel even remotely okay is when I¡¯m with you. So please¡­¡± Vivian pressed against me, not an inch of space between us.


    I caved like a house of cards.


    I kissed her like it was the only thing I knew how to do. Her fingersbed through my hair as I circled her waist with my arms, pulling her against me. The sound of her soft moan was enough to make my heart seize. I didn¡¯t want anything but this. I wanted to be selfish, even for just a little bit. Nothing else in the world mattered except the taste of her lips and the warmth of her skin.


    There would be time to talkter. For now, this was all we needed.

 121

    VIVIAN


    It wasn¡¯t -by any means- some undying deration of love, nor did it need to be. I understood Jesse from the depths of my core because his fears, his hopes, and his hesitations were the same as mine. At this point, I¡¯d give anything for the quietfort of his embrace and breathtaking kisses.


    I guided him to my bed. I threaded my fingers between his and pulled him with me, sitting him down on the edge of the mattress before crawling into hisp. I straddled him and went straight back to kissing him, lips locked together in a perfect fit.


    And he was gentle. So gentle and sweet in the way he stroked my back and cupped my cheek and sucked on my bottom lip. Hisrge hands roamed freely, curious in their exploration, but not once was he rough with me. He handled me with care, like some precious work of art or fine crystal. It pleased me to no end that this strong, powerful man was nothing but tender when it came to me.


    This man who¡¯d saved me on more than one asion. This man who¡¯d put himself in harm¡¯s way for my sake. This man who was terse with others yet infinitely patient with me.


    When he spoke, he spoke softly, a low murmur in my ear. Words an intimate rumble in my chest. When he looked at me, it was with nothing but adoration. Veneration. Borderline worship. His gaze had a weight that lingered and traced over my form as I slowly undressed, peeling away clothes and discarding them on the floor.


    He murmured sweet nothings against my skin, working his way down my neck to my corbone to my chest. His warm breath tickled my skin, leaving goosebumps trailing behind him in his wake. And even when he held me close, it still didn¡¯t feel close enough.


    I slipped my hands beneath his shirt and lifted it off and over his head, pressing against his chest to get him to lie down. He smiled up at me, almost in awe. He yed with my hair, twirling my locks about his forefinger with an almost boyish bashfulness.


    ¡°You¡¯re the most beautiful woman I¡¯ve everid eyes on.¡±


    ¡°ttery will get you everywhere.¡±N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ¡°I mean it, angel.¡±


    I leaned down and kissed his chest, working my way down to lick his abs. I slipped off hisp and knelt before him, pressing my lips to the bulge in the front of his pants. I hooked my fingers over his waistband and pulled them down, licking my lips as his cock sprang free. Jesse propped himself up on his elbows to watch as I teased his head with the tip of my tongue.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to,¡± he said.


    ¡°I want to,¡± I assured. ¡°All those times you drove me crazy and made me beg¡­ It¡¯s time you got a taste of your own medicine.¡±


    His pupils were dark and wide. ¡°My angel¡¯s turning out to be quite the devil.¡±


    He grunted as I took him into my mouth. I hollowed my cheeks and sucked him down in earnest. No sooner did I start to swirl my tongue around to tease him relentlessly did I find his fingers in my hair, guiding me down the length of his shaft. I took him as deep as my throat would allow, but there was just too much of him to swallow. I stroked the remainder of his cock with my free hand, working in tandem with my mouth.


    ¡°That¡¯s my girl,¡± he cooed. ¡°So fucking beautiful.¡±


    I bobbed my head up and down, savoring the heat of his length on my tongue. It was fun watching him unravel, slowly but surely, with every pass.


    ¡°Slow down,¡± he warned, grasping my chin to pull me off. ¡°It¡¯s your turn.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t finished with you yet.¡±


    He helped me onto my feet, circling my waist with one arm. I stumbled into him with a lightugh.


    ¡°Lie down,¡± he said. ¡°I need to go get a condom.¡±


    ¡°How do you want me?¡±


    He leaned in close and whispered in my ear. ¡°Surprise me.¡± The cheeky wink he gave after was the icing on the cake.


    Jesse left briefly, but I wasn¡¯t worried. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that he¡¯d hurry back. A burning excitement filled me from head to toe, the anticipation enough to make me vibrate out of my skin. When he returned, he couldn¡¯t help but smirk.


    ¡°Why are you still standing? Couldn¡¯t figure it out?¡±


    I tilted my chin up defiantly. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say something about wanting to fuck me up against a wall?¡±


    He licked his lips. ¡°Did I say that?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me it was an empty promise.¡±


    Jesse walked into my space, confident in his advance. Every step he took forward, I mirrored and took one step back. We continued like this, eyes locked, until my back was pressed against the nearest wall.


    ¡°Is this really what you want?¡± he murmured against my cheek. He breathed me in slowly, strong hands sliding down my sides to settle on my hips. ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll be able to hold on?¡±


    I circled his neck with my arms and kissed him deeply, tongue sweeping over his bottom lip. ¡°I trust you.¡±


    Without another word, he grabbed me by the thighs and hooked my legs around his waist, pressing into me slowly. He sheathed his cock within my walls, sliding in easily thanks to the hot arousal pooling between my legs. The angle set off a chain reaction, igniting sparks that arced from nerve to nerve, speeding up my spine and into my skull where my thoughts swirled into one big explosion of color.


    ¡°Jesse,¡± I gasped his name into his mouth. ¡°Oh, yes.¡±


    ¡°Feel good, angel?¡± he asked with a grunt, thrusting his hips against. The head of his cock swept past my sweet spot, making my core burn hotter and brighter with every pass.


    ¡°Yes, yes, yes. Right there, Jesse.¡±


    ¡°Love the sounds you make. So greedy for me.¡±


    I dug my fingers into his muscr shoulders in search of stability. ¡°Please, don¡¯t stop. Fuck, you make me feel so good.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re getting so nice and tight around me. You must be pretty close.¡±


    ¡°I am. I am. Oh-¡±


    My walls fluttered around his hard cock as an orgasm rippled through me, a familiar warmth spreading through my body. Exhaustion took hold, sinking into my marrow. It was a good thing Jesse was strong enough for both of us because I doubted I¡¯d be able to hold on for much longer now that my bones were jelly.


    I sighed, sated.


    He kissed the corner of my mouth. ¡°I¡¯m not done ying with you, baby.¡± Baby.


    It was the first time he¡¯d called me anything other than an angel. I¡¯d be lying if I said I didn¡¯t love it. It was sweet. It was sexy. It was just between us. He made me feel so safe and special that I was fairly certain I¡¯d let him call me whatever he wanted and be fine with it.


    Jesse carried me over to the bed and set me down. It was a wonderful feeling, being covered by his body. His kisses were gentler now. Sweeter. Like we had all the time in the world.


    ¡°Missed you,¡± he murmured against my cheek as he pressed back into me. His rhythm was a lot slower than before. Tender. Like he was telling me with his whole body just how much he cared. If he couldn¡¯t quite put it into words, at least he could show me.


    I ran my fingers through his hair, stroking the pad of my thumb across his cheek. ¡°Missed you, too.¡±


    When he pressed his forehead to mine, I closed my eyes, suddenly realizing just how in sync we were. Our breathing. The movement of our bodies. The soft caresses of exploratory touch. We moved as one unit, so in tune and on the same frequency that everything else in the world faded. It was just us, full and so beautifully and wonderfully together.


    I¡¯d had a boyfriend or two in the past who tried to make love to me, as it were. But they were nothingpared to this. Nothingpared to Jesse. When I was with him, every question I had about the world suddenly had an answer. There was no right or wrong, just him and the safety of his arms. I felt nothing but an absolute oneness, a satisfying calm that I knew I¡¯d never find anywhere else.


    He was my one.


    As easy as it would have been to spiral and worry about the future and what this all meant, I pushed the thoughts from my mind and focused solely on him. His smell, his taste, the way he always seemed to know where to touch me to drive me wild.


    Jesse slipped a hand between us and rubbed his thumb over my clit, immediately sending me over the edge. I swallowed my scream of pleasure with a bruising kiss, one that left me dizzy and seeing stars.


    ¡°So nice and tight, baby,¡± he groaned. ¡°You¡¯re going to make mee.¡±


    ¡°Come for me,¡± I begged, voice barely a whisper. ¡°I want to make you feel good. What do you need me to do?¡±


    ¡°Fuck, no, you¡¯re perfect. Just- Can I go a bit harder?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I breathed. ¡°Please, Jesse, I want to feel youe.¡±


    Now that he had my permission, Jesse¡¯s pace quickened. His thrusts came faster, harder, the snap of his hips against mine ringing in my ear. He plunged into me, stretching me to my fullest. The drag of his cock inside me was punctuated with the wet p of skin on skin and heavy panting. The mattress beneath us creaked in protest, but we didn¡¯t care. He was too far gone, chasing the inevitable high.


    He came with a shout, gasping into my hair as a shiver passed through him.


    I drew mindless circles into his back with the tip of my finger, hooking my ankles together to lock him against me. I didn¡¯t want him to go. I wanted to hold onto him forever. This strong, brave, powerful man was mine to protect, mine to keep. I wouldn¡¯t have minded if the rest of the world melted away if it meant I could spend the rest of my life like this.


    The world, unfortunately, didn¡¯t work that way.


    The sound of the elevator doors in the main living room reached my ears, followed by the shuffling of feet. Jesse and I looked at each other, rmed. Someone was here, and they had caught us with our pants down.


    ¡°Dad?¡± Wally called from the entrance. ¡°I¡¯m here. You said you wanted to talk.¡± ¡°Shit,¡± Jesse hissed.


    We immediately sprang into action, clumsily gathering our clothes and putting them on as quickly as we could.


    Wally appeared at the doorway, which Jesse and I mistakenly left open because we thought no one else would be making an appearance.


    Wally looked to his father, then at me, then to the messy bed and tangled sheets.


    ¡°What-¡± He gawked at me, staring at my neck. ¡°Is that a hickey?¡±


    I sped a hand over the spot in question. ¡°N-no. Of course not.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing in Viv¡¯s room?¡± Wally asked his father. ¡°Why are you so out of breath?¡± Why-¡± Confusion twisted at his expression, followed by realization and rage. ¡°Holy shit.¡±


    Jesse put his hands up as if taming a rabid animal. ¡°Just let me exin, son-¡±


    ¡°Have you been fucking my ex-girlfriend?¡±

 122

    JESSE


    There was no escaping his fury. Wally¡¯s cheeks were red, the vein in his temple threatening to burst out of


    his skull. Fists clenched, jaw tight, nostrils red. My son was normally a well-tempered young man, but right now, he was understandably anything but.


    ¡°How could you do this?¡± he hissed.


    ¡°Wally, just calm down.¡±


    ¡°Calm down? Don¡¯t you dare tell me to calm down! This is so messed up, I don¡¯t even know where to begin.¡± Wally gestured in Vivian¡¯s general direction, unable to look her in the eye. ¡°She¡¯s half your fucking age, Dad! What the hell are you thinking?¡±


    I swallowed but found no reprieve for my dry throat. Our age difference had crossed my mind on several asions. It made me feel weird at first, but it quickly became obvious that Vivian was so much more than her age.


    ¡°We¡¯re both consenting adults,¡± I argued. ¡°It¡¯s what we both wanted.¡±


    ¡°What about the fact that she¡¯s my ex-girlfriend? That she¡¯s my friend. Did it ever ur to you how ufortable that would make me feel? How¡­ How sick that is?¡±


    Vivian took a step forward, her brow knitted into a frown. ¡°Wally, we never meant to hurt you. It just sort of happened.¡±


    ¡°Just sort of happened,¡± he echoed in disbelief. ¡°What the hell, Viv? Did you not respect me enough to at least talk to me first?¡±


    ¡°How was I supposed to bring something like that up?¡± Wally shook his head. ¡°How long has this been going on? How long have you two been doing shit behind my back?¡±


    I nced at Vivian. I had a feeling that any answer I gave would still piss my son off to no end. Our silence must have been answering enough because Wally threw his hands into the air and huffed.


    ¡°Fuck. This is my fault.¡±


    Vivian took another step forward. ¡°Please don¡¯t say that,


    Wally.¡±


    ¡°But it is. I was the one who brought you here. I thought you¡¯d be safe, but you wound up being preyed upon.¡± I gritted my teeth. ¡°I didn¡¯t prey upon her,¡± I insisted.


    ¡°It was a mutual thing,¡± Vivian added.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, Dad should have made arrangements for you to stay somewhere else,¡± Wally hissed. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be keeping her safe, Dad. Isn¡¯t that rule number one of being a bodyguard or something? I¡¯m pretty sure you¡¯re not supposed to fuck the client you¡¯ve been charged to keep safe.¡±


    ¡°I need you to take a breath, son.¡±


    He jabbed an usatory finger at me. ¡°What was the n, huh? How long did you think this was going tost? Do you love her or something?¡±


    I held my breath. I certainly cared for Vivian a great deal. Maybe I did love her, but this rtionship was so new and our future too uncertain. We weren¡¯t ready for that next step. Even if we were, Wally¡¯s outburst only served as further proof that it wasn¡¯t going to work out between Vivian and me. It was just too hard for him to ept, and I couldn¡¯t even me him for thinking this way.


    ¡°Vivian and I¡­¡± I started slowly, looking at her. ¡°We have a connection.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Wally grumbled. ¡°Just great. I hope your connection was fucking worth it.¡±


    Vivian bit her bottom lip. ¡°Wally, I know you¡¯re upset, but-¡±


    ¡°But what, Viv? But what? What possible excuse do you have to justify this?¡± Wally ran his fingers through his hair. ¡°Look, even though we broke up, you¡¯re still my friend, Viv. And I expect my friends not to pull shit like sleeping with my forty-three-year-old father. That¡¯s just¡­¡± His nose curled up in disgust. ¡°What the fuck were you thinking? Did you think I¡¯d never find out?¡± Vivian didn¡¯t answer.


    Wally rubbed his hands over his face. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this. Not only are you unsupportive of my dreams, you just had to go and fuck my ex. Do you hate me that much?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t hate you, Wally,¡± I said.


    ¡°Really? Because these aren¡¯t exactly the actions of someone you¡¯re on good terms with. These aren¡¯t the actions of a good father.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t regret my time with Vivian,¡± I stated firmly. ¡°Being with her is the best decision I¡¯ve ever made, and I¡¯m not going to apologize for that. Could I have handled the situation better? Yes. But what I have with Vivian¡­ You¡¯d never understand it, Wally.¡±


    Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Vivian give me the faintest of smiles. She reached out and took my hand, squeezing my fingers.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you had to find out this way,¡± she whispered. ¡°But I¡¯m sure we can figure this out if we just sit down and talk.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± my son said tly. ¡°No, I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m done.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean¡­¡± Wally licked his lips and shook his head. ¡°I found a ce. An apartment. I¡¯m going to move in with one of my ssmates.¡±


    ¡°Son-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that. You don¡¯t get to call me that.¡± His face screwed up in pain. ¡°You¡¯re the worst, Dad. The absolute worst. I get it now, why Mleddid ve you.¡±


    His words were a dagger through my heart. They shredded my lungs and left my ribcage hollow. The look in Wally¡¯s eyes was one of pure disdain. My boy, the one whom I loved and raised all these years, had transformed from my son to a resentful stranger. It wasn¡¯t even a sudden transformation, but a gradual one, happening right in front of me. And now I was toote. I¡¯d lost him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me,¡± he said. ¡°Don¡¯t text me. Don¡¯t try to find me. I want nothing to do with you, do you understand? And you can keep your fucking money. I¡¯ll figure it out on my own. I don¡¯t need you.¡±


    The floor was crumbling beneath my feet. I was frozen in ce, unable to move or utter a single word as Wally shoved right past me. He stormed out of the penthouse, and this time, I feared I¡¯d truly never see him again. This was a nightmare.


    Vivian peered at me, reaching up to caress my cheek. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± she whispered. ¡°He¡¯ll be back. I promise.¡±


    I could barely hear her over the rush of blood past my ears. I was exhausted. Drained. ¡°I don¡¯t think he will,¡± I mumbled as I sat on the edge of the bed.


    The mattress dipped as Vivian took her ce beside me, her thigh touching mine as she held my hand. ¡°Don¡¯t say that. I know Wally. He¡¯ll be upset for a little while, but I¡¯m sure he¡¯lle around.¡± Something in the way her sentence tapered off into nothing told me she didn¡¯t believe her own words.


    ¡°I meant what I said. I don¡¯t regret it.¡±N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°Neither do I.¡± She frowned. ¡°I¡¯m sensing a but in there somewhere.¡±


    I took a deep breath. ¡°But Wally¡¯s right. Being your bodyguard and your¡­¡±


    ¡°Lover?¡± she supplied, almost teasingly, but it didn¡¯t sound like her heart was in it.


    ¡°Sure. Your lover.¡± I brushed a strand of her hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. ¡°I can¡¯t be both, Vivian.¡±


    ¡°So what do we do?¡± Her eyes welled up with tears, a sad smile ghosting across her lips. ¡°You want to end this, don¡¯t you.¡± A statement, not a question.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to, but it¡¯s best. I can¡¯t protect you properly otherwise. And even if I could¡­¡±


    ¡°Wally would never ept us being together.¡±


    I nodded solemnly. ¡°If it were anyone else, I¡¯d choose you. I¡¯d choose you a million times over. But Wally¡¯s my son, and I can¡¯t lose him. It¡¯d tear me apart.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± she mumbled, bravely holding back her tears. ¡°I don¡¯t want toe between you two. I¡¯d hate myself for it.¡±


    I wrapped her in my arms and hugged her as tightly as I could, kissing her cheek and stroking her hair. It almost killed me to hear her sob against my chest, her whole body trembling as she tried to keep everything inside.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call Theo,¡± I said softly. ¡°I¡¯ll have you transferred to his care temporarily until I can organize a new safe house and security detail for you. Shouldn¡¯t take me more than a day.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± she replied meekly.


    I studied her face,mitting everyst detail to memory before leaning in to kiss her. It was chaste and slow and heartbreaking. Because this wasn¡¯t a kiss we¡¯d ever shared before. This was ourst.


    A final goodbye.


    When it ended, Vivian held onto me tight, burying her face in the crook of my neck. I wanted to be a selfish man. I wanted to keep her all to myself, screw the consequences. But I wasn¡¯t a selfish man, despite how easy it would have been. I knew her through and through. If I kept her, she¡¯d me herself for my fallout with Wally. The best thing I could do for her was let her go, no matter how painful it might be.


    ¡°In any other life,¡± I murmured against her ear, ¡°it would have been you, angel.¡±

 123

    VIVIAN


    The ride out to the suburbs was a tense one. Full of protocol, but more distressingly, an air of uncertainty. We both knew what wasing. After Jesse dropped me off in his friend¡¯s care, there was no telling when I¡¯d see him again. If I¡¯d ever see him again.


    ¡°They¡¯ll take good care of you,¡± he said as he pulled into the cul-de-sac. It was a lovely area with nice big houses manicuredwns and picturesque white picket fences. ¡°I would have taken you to stay at my brother¡¯s since he¡¯s closer, but Theo¡¯s got the training. Plus, it¡¯ll be easier to hide you the further you are from the city.¡±


    I nodded absentmindedly. ¡°Right.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send a recement bodyguard to pick you up tomorrow morning. I¡¯m getting the new safehouse ready for you as we speak. Shouldn¡¯t take too long to put together for you.¡±


    We pulled into the driveway of the Phillips¡¯ home. A lovely wrap-around porch had all manner of nters hanging from its railing, each of them hosting colorful flowers in full bloom. It was a lovely slice of normalcy despite all the turmoil boiling just beneath the surface of my skin.


    We walked up the front steps of the house together, barely an inch between us yet worlds apart. Jesse wouldn¡¯t let me lift a finger, carrying my heavy duffle bag for me. He rang the doorbell, which chimed inside. It didn¡¯t take very long before we heard the shuffling of feet.


    Theo opened the door, Ava standing just behind him with little Cassie in her arms and Cory at her hip.


    ¡°You made it,¡± Theo said pleasantly. ¡°How was the drive?¡±


    ¡°Smooth,¡± was Jesse¡¯s curt answer.


    ¡°Any tails?¡±


    ¡°No. Looped back four times just to be sure. We¡¯re clear.¡±


    Ava waved me inside. ¡°Come on in, Vivian. I can show you to your room first if you¡¯d like.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank you very much.¡± I turned to Jesse, carefully taking my bag from him. He was uncharacteristically stiff, his eyes dark and gloomy. ¡°Thank you,¡± I mumbled. ¡°For everything.¡±


    Jesse simply nodded once, though I could tell he had so much more to say. What I wouldn¡¯t give to hug him. But Theo and his family were watching, and I didn¡¯t want to have this big emotional farewell with them here. It didn¡¯t feel right when I turned on my heel to head inside.


    Maybe that¡¯s why I was so thankful when he reached out and took my hand, calling my name.


    ¡°Vivian, wait.¡±


    I held my breath. ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°If you need anything,¡± he said slowly. ¡°Let me know.¡±


    I was tempted to say that I needed him, but I didn¡¯t want this to be any more awful than it already was. ¡°I will,¡± I replied softly, giving his fingers onest squeeze before allowing Ava to show me inside.


    The men spoke in hushed whispers at the front door while Ava guided me up the stairs and down the hall toward the guest bedroom. It was significantly cozierpared to my room in the penthouse. The walls were covered in various art pieces and the shelves were filled with all sorts of children¡¯s books.


    ¡°I hope you¡¯ll befy here,¡± Ava said, gesturing to the space. ¡°The bathroom¡¯s just across the hall, and Theo and I are right next door if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said. ¡°I appreciate it. I hope I¡¯m not being too much of an inconvenience.¡±


    Ava waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Nonsense. We¡¯re happy to have you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just worried about your kids. Jesse said I¡¯d be safe here, but if-¡±


    ¡°Trust me, Theo made sure to turn this ce into a fortress before Cassie was born. There¡¯s no way anybody


    will find you here. You can rest easy.¡± I nodded slowly. ¡°A fortress, huh?¡±


    Ava beamed with pride. ¡°Yes.  All the windows are tinted so no one can see in. They¡¯re also bullet-resistant. The doors are reinforced with steel locks, there are motion sensors around the perimeter of the property, and we¡¯ve got an entirework of security cameras to alert us of an unexpected approach.¡±


    ¡°Oh, wow. No offense, but that feels a little¡­¡±


    ¡°Overboard? Yeah. I told him as much, but there¡¯s no stopping my husband once he¡¯s put his mind to something.¡± She winked at me. ¡°Let¡¯s just say we learned from experience.¡±


    I was curious and wanted to ask her what she meant by that, but Cory tugged on his stepmother¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Can I show Vivian my art room?¡± he asked.


    ¡°She might be a little tired. We should let her get settled.¡±


    I smiled as wide as I could. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind seeing your art room.¡±


    Cory turned with a spring in his step. ¡°Right this way!¡±


    He led me to another room, this one far more spacious and filled to the brim with art supplies. Several easels with canvases on them sat around the room, a number of the projects midpletion. There were also several award ques, ribbons, and trophies against one wall, all with Cory¡¯s name on them.


    ¡°Are these yours?¡± I asked, fascinated.


    The boy nodded, chest puffed out with pride. ¡°It helps that Ava¡¯s an art teacher. She knows all sorts of contests that I can enter.¡±


    Ava smiled sweetly, patting her baby girl gingerly on the back as she stirred. ¡°Yes, but you¡¯re only allowed to enter them as long as you don¡¯t let your other grades slip. That¡¯s the agreement we came up with with Dad.¡±


    Cory shrugged, leaning toward me to whisper, ¡°I¡¯m not doing so great in math.¡±


    ¡°I can help you with that,¡± I offered. ¡°I¡¯m good at math.¡±


    ¡°Really? Maybe after supper? I¡¯ve got two whole pages to finish. It¡¯s due tomorrow.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll see what I can do.¡±


    Ava held a hand out to her stepson. ¡°Speaking of supper, why don¡¯t you wash up? We¡¯re having tuna casserole. I hope you like it.¡±


    ¡°Love it. It¡¯s one of my favorites.¡±


    With a twinkle in her eye, she said, ¡°I knew I liked you.¡±


    Dinner was, for the most part, fantastic. It was surprisingly easy being here. Ava was so warm and weing that I¡¯d sometimes forget why I was here, to begin with. Theo¡¯s dad¡¯s jokes were as amusing as they could get. Cassie was adorable, seated in her highchair with a bright green bib around her neck in the shape of a frog. And Cory was a little chatterbox -not that I minded in the slightest- talking about how he was sure his science teacher was a vampire.


    ¡°He¡¯s just so pale,¡± Cory insisted. ¡°And he always has the blinds in his ss closed.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it because his ssroom¡¯s on the east side of the building?¡± Theo asked. ¡°And your science ss is in the morning, so it¡¯s probably pretty bright.¡±


    ¡°But what about that one time Emilio had some garlic bread for lunch and Mr. Nostra freaked out?¡±


    Ava hummed. ¡°Mr. Nostra has an allergy to garlic, sweetie. That doesn¡¯t mean he¡¯s a vampire.¡±


    ¡°What about his pointy teeth? How do you exin that?¡±


    I shrugged as I took a bite of tuna casserole. ¡°Maybe he can¡¯t afford a good dentist.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hm, good point. Back to the drawing board.¡±


    Their happy chatter was a wee change to my ears. I¡¯d been so cooped up in the penthouse that I¡¯d almost forgotten what regr conversation sounded like. It was nice and warm here. Full of love and life. A part of me was d for the change in scenery.


    But the other part of me desperately wished that I could go back.


    I sat at the dinner table, poking at a bit of my food, struggling not to think about Jesse all alone at home. Without Wally or me there, he had no one; he was isted in his penthouse way up high.


    My mind wandered.


    What was he doing right now? Was he eating supper, too, or had he gone back to deliberately drowning himself in his work? Was he thinking about me as much as I was thinking about him?


    I was about to take another bite of my meal when my stomach suddenly churned. I swallowed hard to fight the gagging sensation at the back of my throat, covering my mouth just in time to avoid making a scene. I wasn¡¯t sure what was happening. Out of nowhere, my portion of tuna casserole smelled horrendous to me.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± I muttered quickly, leaving the table. I prayed nobody noticed my odd behavior.


    I ran to the nearest bathroom and locked myself inside, making it to the toilet just in time to hurl the contents of my stomach. The tile beneath my knees was cold and hard, and the porcin of the toilet bowl was just as unforgiving. A few more dry heaves and I was exhausted, shivering from the exertion of being sick.


    I frowned as I wiped my forearm across my sweaty brow. It was really hot in here. Was I getting sick? Did I catch the flu or something?


    Eventually, I found the strength to pull myself up, gripping the edge of the bathroom counter for support. I studied my reflection in the mirror, unsure why I was so flushed. I felt my forehead. I didn¡¯t have a fever, yet my skin was sensitive and achy. What was going on? Was the tuna casserole bad? None of the Phillips family seemed to be having any of the same reactions.


    And then it hit me.


    I¡¯d been feeling pretty bloated. Thatbined with my sudden aversion to one of my favorite foods¡­ No, it couldn¡¯t be.


    Could it?


    I rummaged through the bathroom drawers. I felt bad for snooping, but I needed to know. Curiosity would eat me alive otherwise. I found what I was looking for at the very back of the drawer, a small box of pregnancy tests, still in their wrappers. I debated asking Ava for permission before using one, but I figured that since she had a newborn, the chances that she¡¯d need these right away were slim.


    I shakily ripped the test out of its packaging and headed to the toilet, sitting down with a heavy sigh. There was no way I was pregnant. Jesse and I had been careful. We always used protection. Surely, I was just being paranoid.

 124

    JESSE


    I was aware of the disproportion. All this space, yet I was the only one here.


    Wally hadn¡¯t returned any of my calls or texts, I wasn¡¯t in contact with Vivian anymore, and the prospect of going to the office to work displeased me. I didn¡¯t feel like putting on airs, dealing with employees, running into clients. I didn¡¯t want to deal with anyone who wasn¡¯t my son or Vivian, and they were the only people I couldn¡¯t reach at the moment. Maybe ever again.


    I tried slipping back into my usual routine, the one I followed religiously before Vivian waltzed into my life. A hearty breakfast. Rigorous workout. A hot shower. Then immediately answered urgent emails and approved security ns on myptop.


    It should have felt good to get back in the rhythm of things. I was good at this, the whole keeping to schedule and getting to the grind.


    Yet I couldn¡¯t shake the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Everything was just so nd and repetitive to the point of boredom. To make matters worse, the penthouse was too fucking quiet.


    No matter what I did, I couldn¡¯t distract myself from her absence. I felt like there was a hole inside me, one I couldn¡¯t fill with menial tasks or other meaningless distractions. I couldn¡¯t count the number of times I turned expecting to see Vivian, only to find that she wasn¡¯t there.


    I knew that getting involved was going to be messy. I should have known that I¡¯d get burned again.


    Except this time, it was my own doing. I had no one to me but myself.


    The guest bedroom still smelled like her, the faint trace of vani lingering on the sheets and in the air. I stared at her empty bed, remembering the sound of her lovelyugh or the brilliance of her smile. It made my chest hurt, knowing I could no longer experience it in person.


    With a heavy sigh, I wandered into the kitchen for something to snack on. Not because I was hungry, but just because I was bored and needed something to keep me upied.


    Had I stooped to the level of stress eating? Vivian wouldugh if she knew.


    ¡°Why is there so much damn tofu?¡± I grumbled bitterly, mming the fridge door closed.


    I didn¡¯t like this. Any of it. Feeling listless¡­ I wasn¡¯t used to it. I was the kind of man who had a n and stuck to it. Followed andpleted tasks step-by-step. Now I had nothing to do and I didn¡¯t know what to do with myself. It gave me way too much time to think, and being alone with my thoughts was proving to be a challenge.


    My son wasn¡¯t talking to me.


    I couldn¡¯t be with the woman of my dreams.


    When did everything fall apart?


    I nearly jumped out of my skin when my phone buzzed.


    Was it Wally? Was it Vivian?


    Nope. Just Theo.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I greeted, gruffer than I intended.


    He chuckled. ¡°Did you just wake up or something? You sound like death.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Anything to report?¡±


    ¡°All¡¯s clear. Lance just messaged me. He¡¯ll be arriving shortly to transfer Vivian to Ridge Point.¡±


    I breathed a sigh of relief. Lance was one of my more veteran bodyguards. He understood the ins and outs of the job, and most importantly, he was dedicated. If I couldn¡¯t protect Vivian myself, at least I knew she was in good hands.


    ¡°Keep me posted,¡± I said.


    ¡°Ridge Point, huh?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± I squinted, unappreciative of his questioning tone. ¡°What of it?¡±


    ¡°Oh, nothing. We normally reserve Ridge Point for our high rollers.¡±


    ¡°It was the only safehouse avable on short notice.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? What about Bayview? It¡¯s been sitting idle for months.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s too much traffic,¡± I argued. ¡°It¡¯d be a nightmare getting out of the area if she needed to make a quick escape.¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    I huffed. ¡°What? You questioning my judgment?¡±


    ¡°Not at all. You¡¯re the boss, you call the shots.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Damn straight.¡± Then, after a deep breath, ¡°How is she?¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± he answered simply.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°Do you want a full medical and psychological report?¡± he asked words dripping with sarcasm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a dick.¡±


    Theo chuckled. ¡°Man, you¡¯ve got it bad.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit.¡±


    ¡°You know what? Forget I asked.¡±


    ¡°Vivian¡¯s good,¡± Theo said quickly. ¡°She was feeling a bit ill this morning, but-¡±


    ¡°Ill? What¡¯s wrong? Do we need to send the on-call doctor?¡±


    ¡°No, nothing like that. Dinner just didn¡¯t sit well with her, that¡¯s all. I love my wife very much, but sometimes her cooking can be a bit¡­¡± Theo made a sound, indicating his uncertainty. ¡°Ava gave her a Tums. She¡¯s much better.¡±


    ¡°Good, good.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on between you two?¡±


    I stiffened. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°How long have we known each other?¡±


    ¡°Too fucking long.¡±


    ¡°So you should know by now that I know when you¡¯re lying.¡±


    I smacked my lips, relenting. He was right. Theo was one of the few people in the whole world who could read me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what the fuck I¡¯m doing, Theo.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a first.¡±


    ¡°It just¡­ It happened so fast. I didn¡¯t mean for it to, but¡­¡±


    ¡°Have you told her how you feel?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the point? We can¡¯t be together.¡±


    ¡°Why the fuck not?¡±


    ¡°Well, for one, she¡¯s young. Young. I don¡¯t think she wants to settle down with someone my age.¡±


    Theo outrightughed. ¡°You¡¯re so stupid.¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up. I¡¯m being serious, man. She deserves to be with someone who isn¡¯t going to weigh her down.¡±


    ¡°Jesse, I think I¡¯m uniquely qualified to tell you not to worry about it. Trust me. The sooner you tell her how you feel, the better.¡±


    ¡°Believe me, I would if things weren¡¯t soplicated.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡±


    ¡°My son. Vivian and Wally used to date. He found out about us yesterday.¡±


    ¡°And judging by your tone, I bet it went swimmingly.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes,¡± I mumbled dryly. ¡°So great. I don¡¯t suppose you have any advice about seeing my son¡¯s ex-girlfriend, do you?¡±


    ¡°No, sorry. You¡¯ll have to figure that one out by yourself.¡±


    ¡°Thought so.¡± I ran a hand through my hair. ¡°Keep me posted on the transfer. Let me know if she needs anything.¡±


    ¡°Will do, boss. Hang in there.¡±


    I ended the call, tossing my phone onto the kitchen ind. I couldn¡¯t tell Vivian how I felt. Things weren¡¯t that simple.


    The truth of the matter was that I didn¡¯t do things in halves. When Imitted to something -someone- Imitted wholeheartedly. Marriage. Kids. The whole nine yards. I could imagine her with a ring on her finger, puttering around a house that I bought for her to livefortably. Maybe a bun in the oven.


    But I didn¡¯t know if I had the strength to do it all over again. I thought I¡¯d found happiness with Melissa. I gave everything I could and that still wasn¡¯t enough. I wasn¡¯t as naive as I used to be; I wouldn¡¯t let rose-tinted sses skew reality anymore. What if things between Vivian and me fell apart like they did with Melissa?


    And even if Wally were on board with our rtionship, how would it work? Vivian was still in college. She had goals and aspirations. Her life was just beginning. I doubted she wanted to get married so young. I doubted she wanted children. She certainly never made any mention of it. What if we wanted different things? What if we got together and she eventually came to resent me for it?


    I couldn¡¯t stand the thought.


    Vivian was beautiful. Intelligent. Funny and sweet and all things good. I was sure she¡¯d eventually move on. Find someone more her speed, more aligned with her life goals. Vivian would settle down when she was ready, and start a family with someone she could grow old with.


    I convinced myself that it was better this way. It had to be.

 125

    VIVIAN


    The new safehouse was nice. Lance, my new bodyguard, was nice, too. It was all very nice.


    But I was fucking miserable without Jesse. I missed him. Found myself aching for him. I couldn¡¯t count the number of times I caught myself thinking about him throughout the day.


    I was in bed, curled up in a ball beneath the fine goose down duvet. I was surrounded by a mountain of fluffy pillows, smooth silk sheets gliding against my skin. My little nest was the only ce I felt stable, safe. Lance would check on me every now and then, knocking on my door to see if I needed anything, but I always sent him away.


    What I needed was to tell Jesse I was pregnant.


    What I needed was for Jesse to tell me everything was going to be okay.


    I¡¯d consider Lance a miracle worker if he could get me both those things.


    Gently rubbing my stomach, I wondered how my little one was doing. I was overwhelmed at first. I was being hunted by a cartel, for goodness¡¯ sake. Thest thing I wanted was to drag an unborn child into the mix. The mental imagery of Chicago¡¯s criminal underbelly and cute baby showers shed inside my brain. They were as opposite as opposites could get.


    Yet the idea of being with child excited me. I was going to be a mother. There was life within me, a hopeful beacon of light despite the turmoil of my situation. The possibilities were endless. Thoughts of picking out schools and teaching them how to ride their first bike and reading them bedtime stories every night brought a smile to my face.


    I was sure I¡¯d be a good mother. I learned by example exactly what not to do. My memories of my own mother were foggy, but what little I could recall wasn¡¯t the greatest. I wasn¡¯t addicted to anything like she¡¯d been. I had an education. I was independent. I had a good head on my shoulders. As far as I was concerned, I was already leagues above her in the parenting department.


    I¡¯d always loved children, too. Growing up in different foster homes, I came across countless kids going through the same things I was. We looked out for each other. We understood the struggle of trying to fit in. I always paid particr attention to the younger ones, kids who were new to the system and afraid to open up. I did what I could to take care of them, help them along. If I could look out for them, I was sure I could look out for a baby of my own.


    But not with the Azure Cartel keeping me on my toes.


    I needed to deal with them as soon as possible. As long as they were still hunting me, that meant my baby was in danger, too. Whether it was self-perseverance or an innate motherly instinct, I threw my covers off and got to work. Enough was enough. They were going down.


    I got out of bed and shifted through the contents of my duffle bag, retrieving the USB I¡¯d swiped from Blue Cloud Financial weeks ago. I¡¯d hidden it within the inner lining of the bag for safe keeping, afraid to lose it.


    No progress had been made in terms of cracking open the encrypted files. I didn¡¯t know the first thing aboutputer programming, and I didn¡¯te up with anything useful despite my extensive online research.


    No. What I needed was a professional. Someone who knew what they were doing.


    But who?


    I rubbed my temples, fending off the impending headache I senseding. ¡°If only I knew someone who worked withputers for a living¡­¡± I muttered to myself.


    And then I remembered.


    Devin White. Jesse¡¯s brother. Wasn¡¯t he the head of cybersecurity at Pegasus Star? It hadn¡¯t even urred to me that maybe decrypting sensitive files like these would be right up his alley. If I reached out to him, would he be able to help me? If we cracked open these files and sent them to the police, maybe I¡¯d finally start to gain some traction against the cartel.


    It was worth a shot.


    I exited my room and found Lance in the living room, seated on the ck leather couch. The TV was turned onto the news channel, volume on its lowest setting. He wasn¡¯t actively watching, instead scrolling through the news feed on his phone.


    If I had to venture a guess, Lance was approximately ten to fifteen years younger than Jesse. Just as serious, but not as broad ormanding. He was a capable man, but I didn¡¯t get the same sense of confidence from him than I did with Jesse. Lance was a yes man, not the man being said yes to.


    He noticed me out of the corner of his eye and stood, pocketing his phone. ¡°Miss Jones. Is there anything I can help you with?¡±


    ¡°Um, yes. I was wondering if you could get a phone number for me.¡±


    Lance arched a brow. ¡°Of course. Who are you hoping to reach?¡±


    ¡°Devin White.¡±


    He tilted his head, clearly confused by my request. ¡°The boss¡¯ brother?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s him.¡±


    ¡°I guess I could get you his number, but may I ask what this is pertaining to?¡±


    I held my breath. Lance would have a field day if he knew I was in possession of proof of the cartel¡¯s illegal moneyundering scheme. Once I had ess to the files, I¡¯d be putting myself in danger. I said as calmly as possible, ¡°I was just having some issues with myptop. Thought he could help me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sure,¡± he said, buying into my lie. ¡°I¡¯ll write it down for you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. I appreciate it.¡±


    The second he gave me the number, I hurried back to my room and locked myself inside. That worked way better than I thought it would. A part of me felt bad for tricking him, but I figured there were more important matters to deal with. Hopefully Lance would understand.


    I called the number he gave me but was immediately put through to a generic voicemail message. I tried a second and third time, only to have the same thing happen. Did I have the right number? Or was Devin out of the office?


    I tried once more. This time, he answered on the first ring tone.


    ¡°This is a private number,¡± he snapped gruffly.


    ¡°Devin? This is Vivian Jones. Do you remember me?¡±


    ¡°I remember you. You¡¯re Jesse¡¯s girl.¡±


    My heart skipped a beat. ¡°Oh, uh¡­ I mean, we weren¡¯t


    -¡±


    ¡°You were under his protection, right?¡±


    I cleared my throat. ¡°Yes. Yes, that¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    I almost scoffed, indignant. They may have been rted, but it was clear Jesse and Devin adopted an entirely different set of manners. ¡°I¡¯m calling to ask a favor of you,¡± I said, getting straight to the point. ¡°I have some files I need decrypted. Is that something you¡¯d be able to do?¡± Devin snorted. ¡°Child¡¯s y.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean you¡¯ll do it?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t say that.¡±


    I groaned. ¡°Devin, please. I know you¡¯re probably a really busy man, but this is important. A matter of life and death.¡±


    ¡°I work in security. Everything¡¯s a matter of life and death. What¡¯s in it for me?¡±


    My mind nked. ¡°What¡¯s in it for you? I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°You called me on my day off asking me to do work, but you don¡¯t have anything to offer in return?¡±


    ¡°How about a job well done and a pat on the back.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m hanging up now.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± I eximed. ¡°Please, wait. I don¡¯t know who else to ask. You might be my only hope.¡± I unconsciously ced a hand over my stomach. ¡°Please.¡±


    After a long silence, Devin finally sighed. ¡°Fine. Give me your email address. I¡¯m going to send you a link that¡¯ll give you ess to a shell that¡¯ll give me ess to yourptop.


    I¡¯ll be able to see the files in question.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t I just send them to you in an attachment?¡±


    Devin made a sound that was half-way between augh and a choke. ¡°Absolutely not. That wouldn¡¯t be secure in the slightest. If these files are sensitive, we can¡¯t risk leaving a trail. Got it? Or do you need me to exin again?¡±


    I huffed. It was nice to know that Jesse¡¯s cockiness wasn¡¯t this bad. ¡°No, I¡¯ve got it. How long do you think this is going to take?¡±


    ¡°Depends.¡±


    ¡°On?¡±


    ¡°A number of things. How many files, the kind of encryptionnguage that was used, the size of the files, and so on. Why? Are you in a particr hurry?¡±


    ¡°Yes, actually. I was hoping you could get them done in a couple of hours.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the movies. I don¡¯t just type random things into my keyboard and boom. Hacked. I might need a day-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not so bad.¡±


    ¡°-to a month.¡±


    ¡°A month?¡± I gasped. ¡°I don¡¯t have a month.¡±


    ¡°Look, you¡¯re just going to have to be patient. It¡¯s the way these sorts of things work, alright?¡±


    I sighed. I didn¡¯t have a choice in the matter. Devin was the only one I could turn to. ¡°Alright,¡± I said. ¡°But if you do


    manage to break through the encryption-¡± ¡°When,¡± he corrected.


    ¡°Yes. When you do, can you send the information inside to someone for me?¡±


    ¡°Sure. Who?¡±


    ¡°Detective Anderson Monroe with the Chicago PD,¡± I said. ¡°He¡¯ll know what to do.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Anything else?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s-¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± He hung up before I could finish my sentence.


    ¡°What a dick.¡±


    A weight lifted off my shoulders. It wasn¡¯t progress in leaps and bounds, but at least I was getting somewhere. If anything happened to me, Devin would deliver on his promise to send the ount files to the cops.


    I returned to bed, sitting with my back against the headboard with my knees pulled up to my chest. I was tempted to go back to sleep -my bouts of morning sickness really took it out of me- but I was also tempted to order something to eat. I had the weirdest craving for banana peppers and vani ice cream.


    Before I could decide to indulge my peckishness, my phone rang. I checked the screen only to find that it was from an unknown caller.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I answered hesitantly.


    ¡°Vivian!¡± a woman cried on the other line.


    A chill shot through me, chilling my blood and leaving goosebumps crawling up and down my skin. I¡¯d know that voice anywhere.


    ¡°Molly?¡± I gasped, sitting up straight. ¡°Molly! Where are you? Are you okay? I¡¯ve been worried sick about you. Tell me where you are and I¡¯lle get you-¡±


    ¡°Listen to me!¡± she shrieked. ¡°Whatever you do, don¡¯t listen to them! It¡¯s a trap. Don¡¯-¡± Molly wailed as she was silenced. It sounded like she was being gagged with something.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    My heart was racing. I couldn¡¯t believe it. After all this time, Molly was alive!


    ¡°Molly? Molly, talk to me!¡±


    ¡°I know you have copies of the files,¡± a man¡¯s voice intoned. He sounded familiar, too, but I couldn¡¯t quite ce him past the ringing in my ears. ¡°Listen to me very carefully, Miss Jones. I¡¯m going to offer you a deal. Bring me that USB you stole, and, in exchange, I¡¯ll give you your friend.¡±


    Fire reced the ice in my veins as I seethed. ¡°You son of a bitch. Just let her go!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t hesitate to kill her here and now. Is that really what you want?¡± When I didn¡¯t answer, the man on the phone chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s what I thought. I¡¯ll text you an address. Meet me there. Come alone. And if you go to the police, I¡¯ll-¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, you¡¯ll kill her,¡± I said fearlessly. ¡°Got it.¡±


    The man hummed. ¡°You have one hour. Don¡¯t keep me waiting.¡±


    My hands shook violently as I struggled to gain control over my breathing. My heart was erratic, beating so hard and so fast I thought it was going to pop straight out of my chest. I inhaled through my nose and concentrated on the facts.


    Molly was alive. Her captor wanted me to bring the


    USB. I had one hour to meet him at his specified location. If I didn¡¯tply, I might lose Molly.


    My phone pinged, alerting me to a text from the same unknown number that called, citing the address to a restaurant downtown.


    The tiny voice in the back of my head told me it was a trap. Molly told me so herself. But what other choice did I have? The smart thing to do would be to go to the police, but I wasn¡¯t going to risk Molly¡¯s safety. I only had an hour and dwelling on the best course of action would waste what little time I¡¯d been granted.


    Now was the time to act.


    And the first thing I needed to figure out was how to get past Lance.

 126

    JESSE


    I may or may not have camped out on the couch watching


    Jeopardy all day instead of work. I didn¡¯t even like the show, probably because I was terrible at trivia games. I watched regardless because it reminded me of her. It never ceased to amaze me what weird and obscure facts she could pull out of the top of her head. Watching made it feel like she was still here.


    I must have dozed off at some point because I awoke with a start at the sound of the elevator door sliding open. At first, I thought it was an intruder. Instead, it was Wally.


    I sprang out of my seat. ¡°Wally? What are you- I mean, I¡¯m d to see you. I need to talk to you about-¡±


    Wally brushed right past me and headed toward his room. ¡°I have nothing to say to you.¡±


    I followed, determined to get him to listen. ¡°That¡¯s fine.


    You don¡¯t have to say anything, but please listen.¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯m only here to get my things. Save your breath.¡±


    He mmed his door and nearly clipped off my nose. I pressed on. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m truly sorry, alright? Vivian and me¡­ I didn¡¯t n on anything happening. It just sort of did.¡±


    All I could hear inside his room was shuffling and rummaging through drawers. I spoke a little louder to make sure I got through.


    ¡°I care about her, Wally. A lot. And fuck! I know this isn¡¯t what you want to hear, but I haven¡¯t felt this way about


    anyone in a long time. Vivian¡¯s¡­ special.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not listening,¡± my son shouted.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want you to find out the way you did. I swear, it was never my intention to hurt you.¡±


    He yanked the door open furiously. ¡°Hurt me? Do you have any idea how screwed up this all is? What the fuck did you think was going to happen, Dad? Were you going to sit me down at a family dinner and let me know that you¡¯ve been screwing my ex behind my back and expect me to be okay with that?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not-¡±


    ¡°Vivian¡¯s still my friend, alright? I brought her to you because I thought she¡¯d be safe.¡±


    ¡°You make me sound like a fucking predator.¡±


    ¡°I mean, she is half your age.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you fucking go there,¡± I hissed. ¡°This was something that we both wanted. I didn¡¯t mean to fall in love with her, alright? But I did and I don¡¯t regret it. I want to keep her safe just as much as you do, so don¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re in love with her?¡± The question was deafening.


    The words fell out of my mouth before I had a chance to think, but they rang true. I was in love with Vivian. I loved her more than I ever thought possible.


    I nodded slowly. ¡°I love her.¡±


    Wally pressed his lips into a thin line. ¡°And does she love you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Where is she?¡±


    ¡°I sent her away. She¡¯s at a different location with another bodyguard.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because when we saw how upset you were, we decided we weren¡¯t going to work.¡±


    My son shifted his weight from foot to foot, anxiously crossing his arms over his chest. ¡°You sent her away because of me?¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t want to get in the way of family. And I wasn¡¯t going to risk losing you, so¡­¡± I rubbed a hand over my face. I was weary to the bone. ¡°So I sent her away. Because you¡¯re the most important person in my life, Wally. I know I haven¡¯t done a very good job of making that known, but you are. You¡¯re my son. And if my being with Vivian makes you


    that upset, then I won¡¯t see her anymore.¡±


    Wally frowned. ¡°But you love her.¡±


    ¡°Yes. But I love you, too.¡±


    My son stood there for a long time, studying me from head to toe. He searched my face for something. A crack in my resolve, perhaps. Or maybe a hint that I might be lying, which I wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°Does she make you happy?¡± he asked after a while.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I answered without hesitation. ¡°Happier than I¡¯ve been in a very long time. And it kills me that she isn¡¯t here. But if you never want me to see her again-¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t¡­¡± Wally sighed heavily. ¡°Don¡¯t do that.¡± He leaned against the door frame, ring at his shoes. ¡°I just¡­ I thought you were just screwing around. I didn¡¯t know you loved her.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°Of course it does, Dad.¡± He looked me in the eye, unwavering. ¡°I reacted the way I did because¡­it was a shock, alright? I thought maybe you were mad at me about the whole culinary school thing, and I thought you were


    trying to get back at me by sleeping with Vivian.¡±


    ¡°I would never do something like that, Wally.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know. It sounds stupid in hindsight. It¡¯s just what I was thinking.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying, son?¡±


    ¡°If Vivlly ou happy and you do love her, I don¡¯t want you to not see her for my sake. I mean, it still kind of weirds me out. Weirds me out.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± I said quickly, cutting him off. ¡°I get it.¡±


    Wally shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard you talk about anyone like the way you do Vivian. Not even Mom. I can see now how much you care. It¡¯s¡­ I¡¯m just going to need some time to get used to it, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered. ¡°I mean it, Wally. Thank you.¡±


    He chewed on the inside of his cheek. ¡°I¡¯m still moving out.¡±


    ¡°Oh. I see.¡± I took a deep breath. ¡°Well, I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m proud of you. It¡¯s a big change.¡±


    He shrugged a shoulder. ¡°I figured it was about time. Spread my wings, or whatever the cliched saying is.¡±


    ¡°If you need anything, please let me know. If you need help with the move, I can always outsource my guys at the firm.¡±


    Wally chuckled lightly. ¡°I might take you up on that.¡±


    I swallowed. ¡°Listen, about culinary school-¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have to talk about it.¡±


    ¡°No, I think we should. I¡¯ve been giving it a lot of thought. If it means that much to you, then I¡¯ll support your decision.¡±


    A smile crept onto his lips. ¡°Seriously? What about medical school?¡±


    ¡°Something to fall back on, if need be, but I doubt you¡¯ll need to.¡± I smiled at my son. ¡°You¡¯re a smart kid. Smarter than I give you credit for.¡±N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°Gee, thanks,¡± he replied dryly.


    ¡°What I mean is you¡¯llnd on your feet. No matter what you end up doing with your life, I know you¡¯ll give it your all. I know you¡¯ll make me proud-¡±


    Wally lunged toward me, throwing his arms around me to pull me into a tight hug. Iughed softly, patting him on the back. I couldn¡¯t remember thest time we¡¯d hugged like that.


    ¡°Fuck, when did you get so tall?¡± I muttered, ruffling his hair.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always been this tall. Maybe you¡¯re shrinking in your old age.¡±


    ¡°Watch it, kid.¡±


    When he let go, he took a step back and said, ¡°Thanks, Dad. I promise to work hard. This isn¡¯t some throwaway thing. I want to be a chef.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I know. You¡¯ll do great. You have my blessing, not that you need it. I¡¯m sure you would have gone regardless of my opinion.¡±


    ¡°True, but it means a lot.¡±


    ¡°Do you still have those pamphlets? I¡¯d love to take a look. Unless you¡¯ve already got a school in mind?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve still got them. My heart¡¯s kind of set on this school in London.¡±


    ¡°Ennd?¡±


    ¡°Ontario, Canada.¡±


    ¡°Ah. When do you think you¡¯ll go?¡±


    ¡°Not until the next school year, I think. I¡¯ve only got a few more months here. I might as well finish my undergrad.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Very sensible. I approve.¡±


    Wally rolled his eyes. ¡°Listen, I haven¡¯t eaten yet today. I know you don¡¯t do junk food, but there¡¯s this artisanal pizza ce that I¡¯ve been dying to try. Feel like grabbing a bite with me before I have to pack?¡±


    I patted him on the shoulder. ¡°You know what? Sure. Sounds good. Let me just grab my coat. Now, what exactly makes a pizza artisanal?¡±


    ¡°Oh, gosh. Several things. How it¡¯s made, the types of ingredients¡­¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a ploy to charge customers more.¡±


    ¡°Also that.¡±


    We started toward the elevator when my phone started to ring. I was tempted to ignore it and spend some quality time with my son. Our rtionship was far from fully repaired, but this was a step in the right direction. We could heal from this. Learn from it. Maybe start to see things eye to eye.


    I answered anyway, only because I noticed Lance¡¯s caller ID pop up on the screen. He wasn¡¯t due to make his check-in call for another hour, and he was never one to call just for the hell of making conversation. Something must have happened.


    I answered quickly, concern rising into my throat. ¡°Talk to me.¡±


    ¡°-slipped me somethin¡¯,¡± Lance said, words slurred.


    ¡°What? Is everything alright?¡±


    ¡°Oh, fuck,¡± he blurted. ¡°What the fuck did she give me?¡±


    ¡°Do you mean Vivian? What happened? Is she okay?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s¡­ gone, Jesse. I, um, can¡¯t find her anywhere.¡±


    ¡°What do mean she¡¯s gone?¡±


    ¡°She, uh, made me some tea,¡± he mumbled. ¡°Next thing I know I¡¯m wakin¡¯ up on the floor and-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right there,¡± I said, hanging up. I looked at Wally and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I have to go. Can I get a rain check on that pizza?¡±


    ¡°Sure, I understand. Need me toe with?¡±


    ¡°No, I think it¡¯s better if you stay here. I¡¯ll take care of her, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°Be careful, Dad.¡±


    I nodded. He didn¡¯t have to tell me twice.

 127

    VIVIAN


    All I had to do was wait for Lance to conk out before I swiped his car keys and made for the door, pulling out of the driveway with ease. Did I feel bad about slipping him enough sleep aids to tranquilize a horse? Of course. Was I worried that it would be enough to kill him? Not at all. I made sure to double-check my math before slipping the medication into his tea, which I offered him politely as a kind gesture. I¡¯d apologize once this whole ordeal was over and done with.


    I followed the navigation app on my phone to the exact location Molly¡¯s kidnapper requested. Much to my surprise, it led me straight to a busy restaurant, which was a relief. I thought for sure he¡¯d want me to go to some abandoned warehouse or some other textbook viin hideout location.


    There were tons of people inside, plus a handful of waitstaff. If anything went sideways, at least there¡¯d be plenty of witnesses to call 9-1-1. A part of me did wonder why he¡¯d choose somewhere so public. Maybe he didn¡¯t want to make a scene. Maybe all he wanted was the USB in exchange for Molly, no funny business.


    Either that, or he was trying to lull me into a false sense of security. I proceeded with caution.


    I walked up to the hostess standing behind her podium. Before I could even open my mouth, she smiled and said, ¡°Wee, Miss Jones. We¡¯ve been expecting you. Right this way, please.¡±


    She led me to a table near the back of the restaurant where it was quieter. Not quite closed off but designed for the fancier guests. We reached a booth in the far back corner where a man was already seated, his back to me.


    I recognized the cane next to him, leaning against the table. I slid into the booth across from Alistair McCloud, staring him down.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± I demanded through my disbelief. I couldn¡¯t believe the kindly old man was a criminal mastermind.


    Alistair casually flipped through the pages of the menu, unperturbed. ¡°She¡¯s somewhere safe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to y games,¡± I snapped. ¡°Release Molly.


    I¡¯m the one you¡¯re after.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know. We realized very early on that she didn¡¯t know what she stumbled across. Not very bright, that friend of yours.¡± He held his palm open expectantly. ¡°Hand it over.¡±


    I remained perfectly still, poised, and ready to react. On the surface, I was calm. I refused to show him just how rattled I was. I didn¡¯t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he¡¯d gotten what he wanted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± I said. ¡°Not until you let Molly go.¡±


    ¡°I have the patience of a saint, dear. I¡¯ll wait until you feel ready to give me the USB.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s stopping you from taking it and offing Molly and me right after?¡±


    His nostrils red. ¡°It brings me no pleasure to do any of this. I¡¯m trying to help you.¡±


    ¡°Help me?¡± I scoffed. ¡°You¡¯ve got a pretty fucked up definition of help.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re in over your head, Vivian. The Azure Cartel wanted to kill both of you on sight. If it weren¡¯t for me and my intervention, Molly would be rotting at the bottom of the bay by now. I convinced them to keep her locked away, but their patience has worn thin. Give me the damn USB and I might be able to convince them to let the two of you go.¡±


    I shook my head in disbelief. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I used to look up to you. Did you know you were my role model? How did you even get involved with all this mess?¡±


    The old man stared past me, appearing lost in thought. ¡°Back when I was still new to the world of investing and my firm was but a business venture, back when Blue Cloud Financial was a name no one had ever heard of, I was struggling to get clients. After all, who wanted to invest in an underdog with next to no track record?


    ¡°A member of the cartel approached me. He said he¡¯d happily give me arge cut of every investment I purchased on their behalf. It was a win-win. They got tounder their money, and I got a healthy paycheck I could then use to build my empire.¡± He shifted in the booth as he continued.


    ¡°I refused at first. I wasn¡¯t a criminal. I didn¡¯t want to stoop to such horrid tactics. But I can¡¯t stress this enough, Vivian. Being in business for yourself is hard. Very few of us make it. You don¡¯t get to the top without a little help. I brushed the cartel off as long as I could, but by the end of my first year in business, I was this close to losing it all.¡±


    ¡°You were desperate,¡± I realized aloud.


    McCloud nodded. ¡°That¡¯s putting it mildly. I gave everything I had to build the firm. Every penny I had, I stood to lose. So I took them up on the offer. As Blue Cloud Financial grew, so did the amount and number of their investments. Naturally, I had to do it under the name of a shell corporation. How you managed to stumble upon their ount records is beyond me.¡±


    I shook my head in dismay. ¡°You¡¯ve been working with them all this time?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so, dear.¡±


    ¡°Why not go to the police? Couldn¡¯t they help you? Maybe they¡¯d give you a lighter sentence if you turned the cartel in.¡±


    ¡°A lighter sentence is still a sentence. I¡¯d rather not risk jail time at all.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel bad about what you¡¯re doing? You¡¯re helping a group of people who hurt others for a living. Don¡¯t you feel guilty?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve made my peace with it. Because of them, I¡¯ve led a very sessful life. I¡¯ve never wanted for anything and neither has my family.¡±


    ¡°At the cost of your soul.¡±


    McCloud rolled his eyes. ¡°Spare me the speech. You¡¯d think the same thing if you were in my shoes.¡±


    ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t. I¡¯m a good person.¡±N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s the hero of their own story. I bet if I offered you a sizable sum of money to stay quiet, you¡¯d take it.¡± He reached into the inside pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out a checkbook and pen. ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­ How much do you want, Vivian? A million? Two million? You could start a whole new life somewhere in the tropics. New name, new possibilities.¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to buy my silence?¡±


    ¡°Like I said. I¡¯m trying to help. I don¡¯t agree with the cartel¡¯s more violent antics. If you don¡¯t stay quiet, they


    will kill you. I see this as the best option for you.¡±


    ¡°How on Earth is this the best option? You want me to give up everything I¡¯ve ever known. You want me to move to God knows where and let you get away with this?¡±


    His eyes were steely and cold. ¡°I take it that¡¯s a no.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not taking your money. I won¡¯t beplicit. What¡¯s to stop the cartel from changing their mind and killing me at ater date?¡± I leaned forward, gripping the edge of the table. ¡°I¡¯m telling everyone. Media outlets. Your clients. The police. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m going to let this slide.¡±


    He sighed, closing his menu with a hard snap, and the restaurant fellpletely silent. There wasn¡¯t a hint of conversation to be heard. No clinking of utensils on tes.


    No shuffling from inside the kitchen. Complete stillness.


    I looked around, rmed. What was going on?


    Alistair McCloud snapped his fingers. Everyone in the restaurant stood up and vacated their seats, save for the handful of intimidating men who I now realized all had


    snake tattoos coiled around their throats. Molly was right.


    It was a trap.


    ¡°Gentlemen,¡± he said to the two men nearest us. ¡°Please take Miss Jones to the freezer. I think she needs to cool her head.¡±

 128

    JESSE


    Lance was still woozy, shaking off thest of the sleep aid. The pot of tea Vivian had brewed for him sat


    forgotten on the coffee table, half-empty.


    ¡°She could have killed me,¡± Lance grumbled. ¡°What if I overdosed?¡±


    I nced toward the kitchen, noting the scrap piece of paper hastily shoved beneath the toaster. It was covered in numbers and equations. She¡¯d done the math, I realized, because, of course, she did. Vivian was too smart to just dump a bunch of medication into a man¡¯s tea. She took the time to figure out the proper dosage, ounting for every milligram of diphenhydramine.


    If I weren¡¯t so worried about her wellbeing, I would have been impressed.


    ¡°How did she even get her hands on the stuff?¡± I asked him.


    Lance rubbed at his eyes and groaned. ¡°She had me order her some things. Said she was having cravings. Ice cream, sliced banana peppers, chamomile tea, the damn sleep aids¡­ I didn¡¯t think twice because she¡¯d been having trouble sleeping since she got here.¡±


    ¡°Ice cream and banana peppers?¡± I echoed, curious.


    ¡°Did she eat them separately, or at the same time?¡± ¡°Does it matter?¡±


    I chewed on the inside of my cheek. That particrbination of foods struck me as odd. When Melissa was pregnant with Wally, she¡¯d craved oddbinations of foods as well. I shook the thought from my head. I needed to focus.


    ¡°You said she took your keys?¡± I asked him. Finding Vivian before she could get herself into trouble was my priority here, not dwelling on her strange eating habits.


    Lance nodded. ¡°Yeah. She must have swiped them straight from my pocket.¡±


    ¡°Good. All thepany cars are fitted with onboard tracking in case of theft. I¡¯ll call Devin and have him pull the vehicle up in the system. Should lead us right to her.¡±


    ¡°Devin again,¡± Lance mumbled. ¡°Isn¡¯t it his day off today? He probably won¡¯t take too kindly to being disturbed.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°Again? What do you mean again?¡±


    ¡°Miss Jones asked me for his phone number.¡±


    ¡°Did she say what for?¡±


    Lance shrugged. ¡°Something about herptop not working. I didn¡¯t think it was a security risk to give her the number. He¡¯s one of ours, after all.¡±


    The gears inside my skull were working in overdrive. What business did Vivian have calling my brother? What kind of trouble was she up to?This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Stay here and rest,¡± I ordered.


    Lancey down on the couch, rubbing at his temples. ¡°Trust me. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m going anywhere for a while.¡±


    I put my brother on speaker the second I got behind the wheel.


    He answered grumpily. ¡°It¡¯s Sunday. Even God took a day off, Jesse.¡±


    ¡°I have a missing vehicle,¡± I said. ¡°I need you to track it down for me.¡±


    ¡°Am I being paid overtime?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay you with a swift kick in the ass, how about that?¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine. Whose car got swiped? Pinkerton? I bet it was Pinkerton. Airhead always forgets where he put his keys.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Lance¡¯s. Vivian stole his keys while he was, uh¡­ incapacitated.¡±


    ¡°Vivian?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Why?¡±


    ¡°She called me earlier. Asked me to decrypt some files for her. She¡¯s bossy when she wants to be.¡±


    ¡°Files? What-¡± Everything clicked into ce. When she went back to Blue Cloud Financial, she must have downloaded the files she needed to incriminate the cartel. ¡°You should have told me,¡± I snapped at him. ¡°She could be in danger!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize, alright? She didn¡¯t exactly tell me the whole story.¡±


    ¡°Shit. Do you have a location yet?¡±


    ¡°Still loading.¡±


    ¡°I thought you said the trackers we installed were top of the line.¡±


    ¡°They are. Excuse me if GPS technology needs a second to orient itself.¡±


    ¡°Devin, I swear to God-¡±


    ¡°I got it, I got it. The car¡¯s parked on the corner of Hastings and Milden. Right in front of El Ronso, a Columbian restaurant.¡±


    I sucked in a sharp breath through gritted teeth as I floored it, mming on the gas and shoving my way into traffic. I earned several loud honks and a less-than-polite gesture from a few of the cars behind me. I didn¡¯t care. Vivian was in danger.


    ¡°Hastings and Milden¡­¡± I grumbled. ¡°That¡¯s smack in the middle of the Azure Cartel¡¯s territory. What the fuck was she thinking?¡±


    ¡°Ooh, shit,¡± Devin piped up.


    ¡°What? What is it?¡±


    ¡°I ran those files she gave me through a program I wrote. It just finished loading.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°Jesus. She¡¯s got years¡¯ worth of financial records that link the Azure Cartel directly to Blue Cloud Financial. It looks like they¡¯ve been investing on the cartel¡¯s behalf and Blue Cloud¡¯s been cleaning their money. Is this the reason she was ced in your care in the first ce?¡±


    I sped straight through a red light, nearly clipping a car through the intersection. ¡°Devin, send the files to the police and call for backup to my location.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to charge in, are you-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m charging in.¡±


    ¡°Jesse, don¡¯t be stupid. Wait for backup to arrive.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯d better call them before I get there.¡±


    I ended the call and whipped around a corner, tires screeching in protest. I silently cursed the congested Chicago traffic. Every second I spent trapped behind the beat-up minivan full of kids on their way to ser practice, the greater the chance that something could happen to Vivian.


    She was the only thought that upied my mind as I weaved in and out of traffic. What on Earth had she been thinking, venturing out all alone? Why would she drug Lance and head straight into cartel territory? Did someone contact her, and give her instructions on where to meet them? If they knew she had copies of the cartel¡¯s transactions, her life was in grave danger.


    I prayed I wasn¡¯t toote.


    I ran another red light. This time, the sound of police sirens and the sh of red, white, and blue lights reflected off my rearview mirror. The police car gave chase. Their siren wailed twice, signaling for me to pull over, but I didn¡¯t. This was perfect. They were just going to have to follow me to the restaurant. They would serve as my backup. They just didn¡¯t know it yet. With any luck, they¡¯d call for reinforcements.


    I was going to roll up to this ce with my army. If any cartel members were in the area, they¡¯d hopefully have the good sense to leave before things got ugly.


    Don¡¯t worry, angel. I¡¯ming.

 129

    VIVIAN


    They shoved me into the walk-in freezer and mmed the door. I was surrounded by ckness. Unable to make out my surroundings, I bumped into multiple stic storage crates and produce shelves as I felt around aimlessly in an attempt to gather my bearings. It was no use. I couldn¡¯t see anything at all.


    It wasn¡¯t long before I started to shiver furiously. The chill bit through the thin fabric of my shirt and pants, seeping into my skin and bones. My teeth chattered. My lips chapped. The tips of my fingers and toes started to throb from the cold. I needed to find a way out of here before I froze to death.


    Or before the cartel could drag me to some undisclosed location and do much worse.


    The sound of someone sniffing reached my ears. I followed the sound forward until I bumped into something.


    Or rather, someone.


    ¡°Ow!¡± Molly cried. ¡°Don¡¯t s-step on m-me.¡±


    I crouched down, reaching out blindly. ¡°Oh, my God,


    Molly! Is that you?¡±


    ¡°V-Vivian?¡± she gasped. Her voice was faint. Exhausted. ¡°W-what are y-you doing h-here?¡±


    I wrapped my arms around her as best I could. It was clear she¡¯d been locked inside the freezer for much longer than I had. Hypothermia was suddenly a very real and dangerous threat to us both. Hopefully, we¡¯d be able to generate enough body heat to keep us warm.


    ¡°I came to rescue you,¡± I said, hugging her tight. ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    ¡°N-no. They m-manhandled me, but they n-never hurt me. McCloud is-¡±


    ¡°I know. He¡¯s working with them.¡±


    ¡°N-no. He made sure they didn¡¯t hurt me.¡±


    ¡°Save your strength,¡± I told her. ¡°Don¡¯t waste your energy. We¡¯re going to find a way out of here, I promise.¡±


    ¡°They kept me in a basement somewhere,¡± Molly grumbled. ¡°I was so s-scared, Viv.¡±


    I held her close to my chest, rmed by how frigid her skin was. There was no telling how long she¡¯d been held captive in here. The cold metal floor was doing a good job of sapping what little heat we could generate. I needed to figure out a way to keep warm and fast.


    I reached to my right and bumped against what felt like a cardboard box. Perfect. I ripped it apart, dumping its contents onto the floor.


    ¡°W-what are y-you doing?¡± Molly asked, shivering.


    ¡°H-here,¡± I said, cing the material beside her. ¡°Sit on this. We need to minimize contact with m-metal to stay as warm as possible. The heat will s-sap right out of us otherwise.¡± I was starting to shiver badly.


    ¡°Oh, s-so smart,¡± she replied, sounding loopy.


    I found more boxes and dumped their contents as well. I fashioned a makeshift tent of sorts, covering Molly¡¯s body as best I could. It wasn¡¯t ideal, but at least her body heat wouldn¡¯t escape as quickly.


    ¡°Where d-did you learn how to d-do this?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been w-watching a lot of nature documentariestely.¡±


    Molly curled her nose like it was the most preposterous thing she¡¯d ever heard. I took this as a good sign. If she still had the energy to be her usual sassy self, then she was fairing a great deal better than I first thought.


    Once I was sure Molly was covered, I stood up and aimlessly felt around for¡­ anything. Possible items I could use as a weapon if someone came to drag us away. Maybe a light. Some sort of emergency lock release. Surely these things weren¡¯t built without some kind of failsafe, right? What if some poor chef found themselves stuck in here like us? There had to be a way out of here.


    I found a light switch on one of the furthest walls. Flicking it on turned out to be a mistake because now I knew there was no escaping this ce.


    The walk-in freezer must have been modified and had no emergency release. The door looked reinforced, only operational from the outside. Worse still were the traces of old blood on the floor from whatever poor victim was here before us.


    My stomach lurched. I almost threw up.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I mumbled to myself. ¡°Okay, okay, okay. This is fine.¡±


    Molly frowned. ¡°F-fine? How is any of this f-fine?¡±


    ¡°Jesse. He¡¯ll ce find us.¡±


    ¡°Who the hell is J-Jesse?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± I said through chattering teeth. ¡°My bodyguard. And my¡­ boyfriend, I guess? Except not really.


    And I¡¯m, uh¡­ I¡¯m pregnant.¡±


    Molly¡¯s mouth dropped open. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Like I said. Long story.¡±


    ¡°Well, hot damn. Mazel tov, I g-guess?¡±


    ¡°You have surprisingly few questions.¡±


    ¡°Too c-cold. Tell me lter.¡±N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    I nodded. ¡°Fair enough.¡±


    I inspected the nearest shelf. It was portable, set on four wheels for easy maneuvering. I yanked hard on one of its support poles, hoping to pull it loose and use it to knock a few heads if the cartel was stupid enough to try me a second time.


    I was filled with a renewed protectiveness. Knowing both Molly and the baby were in my care, I was ready to throw hands with the next person who walked through the freezer door.


    Outside, I heard a ruckus. The sound was muffled but undeniable. Sirens. A whole squad, if I had to venture a guess. I could hear movement, the shuffling of feet, and frantic shouting. Were the policeing for us? Did they know I was here?


    Lance was likely awake by now, which meant that he¡¯d know I was missing. He¡¯d have no choice but to report my disappearance to Jesse. My heart skipped a beat and my stomach flipped. There wasn¡¯t a doubt in my mind. I was certain he wasing for me.


    I managed to break the support pole free from the shelf. I wielded it like a bat, prepared to swing. I took a deep breath and waited, ready to pounce at the slightest hint of movement. My heart was pounding harder and harder as the chaos outside devolved into outright havoc. I didn¡¯t know what was going on.


    All I knew was that I was going to get all three of us the fuck out of there.

 130

    JESSE


    Rule number one aboutbat: never go in with guns zing.


    Rule number two aboutbat: never go in alone.


    I broke both rules in thirty seconds and honestly didn¡¯t give a shit. There was too much on the line. Vivian needed me. I pitied any man foolish enough to stand in my way.


    The restaurant in question was deeper than it was wide, amodating four columns of tables with approximately ten rows. It didn¡¯t take a genius to figure out that the cartel was likely keeping Vivian somewhere in the back, provided they hadn¡¯t already moved her to a secondary location, of course.


    The attack came as a rush. Cartel members shouted profanities, drawing their weapons just as the police behind me charged in. They were there for me, but their intended targets quickly changed when they clocked the bigger, more immediate threat.


    Mayhem broke out. Officers and cartel members alike opened fire. The smell of gunpowder filled the air. I ducked out of the way, quickly overturning the nearest table to hide behind as a shield. This was going to get messy, but I had to push forward no matter what. I drew my gun, a standard-issue Beretta, waiting for the opportune moment to fire.


    I was outnumbered and outgunned. I only had fifteen rounds, so I needed to make them count. There was no time toe up with a n. No time to think. I was running on instinct alone.


    This was nothingpared to my time at war. This was a simple gunfight, yet I was terrified. Not because I was afraid for my life, but for hers. She was all I could think about as I popped up from behind my barrier and shot a man in the gut. Her voice was the only thing I could hear as I hopped to the next table, slowly but surely pressing forward.


    I didn¡¯t know what I¡¯d do if anything happened to Vivian. She was everything bright and sweet and good in my life. If they dared toy a hand on her if they¡¯d harmed her in any way¡­


    Nothing on Earth would be able to save them from my wrath.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a cartel member cowering behind a nearby table. They were out of bullets, pinned down by the hellfire the police were raining down on them. I waited for an opening and vaulted over the table, snatching him up by the cor and pinning him on his back.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± I shouted. ¡°Where¡¯s the girl?¡±


    He was too stunned to speak, but I didn¡¯t have the time or patience to wait for an answer. I punched his jaw, hoping to jolt an answer out of him.


    ¡°No hablo ingles!¡± he sputtered, blood staining his teeth.


    My nostrils red. ¡°Donde mujer?¡± I shook him hard.


    The man put his hands up in surrender, fear clear in his eyes. He was too afraid to speak, so he merely pointed with a shaky finger toward the kitchen in the back. I threw one more punch to knock him out cold in thanks.


    I ran for it, practically throwing myself at a cartel member who was foolish enough to try and block me. I lunged, knocking him to the ground. He was quick to get up on his feet, though, dashing at me with his fists swinging. There wasn¡¯t enough room to dodge, so I had no choice but to absorb the hit, taking it straight to the gut, which was enough to knock the air from my lungs and make my eyes water.


    But I wasn¡¯t down for the count yet. Not by a long shot.


    I fought until my knuckles were numb my muscles were burning, and my bones vibrated with the impact of every blow, both given and received. The rest of the world faded, and the need to get to Vivian my pair of blinders. The gunshots were nothing but background music, the men in my way mere obstacles.


    They were waiting for me in the kitchen, a whole swarm of them buzzing around me like vultures, waiting for the moment to strike. I counted five of them, though it very well could have been six. It was hard to tell past the adrenaline blinding me to my surroundings.


    They surrounded me. Some of them had knives. Others were frantically reloading their guns. Thest few ran at me with nothing but their clenched fists.


    I sprang into action, but not with as much speed as I hoped. I wasn¡¯t as young as I used to be. Back in my heyday, a fight like this would have been over in less than a minute. I needed to fight smart, not hard. I knew I couldn¡¯t waste energy on needless haymakers and pointless defensive moves.


    What I needed was to be urate and consistent. What the cartel had in numbers I made up for in experience and skill.


    A punch to the throat to paralyze vocal cords. A kick to the groin sent a man crying for his mother. A swift dislocation of his arm rendered his trigger finger useless. A forceful chokehold to leave thest assant unconscious.


    When the dust settled, I was the only one standing.


    I silently promised myself that when this was all over, I was taking a vacation. A nice long one. I was well overdue.


    I looked around in dismay. Vivian was nowhere in sight.


    Crash.


    I heard movementing from the walk-in freezer. I swiped a fresh gun from the belt of one of the unconscious men on the floor and approached slowly, silent like the night. I needed to get the drop on whoever was inside. It was them or me.


    With a finger on the trigger and one hand on thetch, I moved in one smooth movement, pulling the door open swiftly before aiming inside. I was fully prepared to shoot when-


    ¡°Wait!¡± a woman screamed.


    I dropped my gun instinctively, the sound of Vivian¡¯s voice snapping me out of my trance. Her hands were up and trembling violently.


    ¡°Jesse? Jesse, thank God! I¡¯m so happy to see you-¡±


    I cut her off with a deep kiss, holding her like I¡¯d never let her go again. Her skin was distressingly cold, and her lips were likely stiff because of it. Vivian clung to me, sighing happily as she kissed me back.


    I checked her over quickly. ¡°Are you hurt?¡± I asked. ¡°Did those bastards do anything to you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Jesse. I promise.¡±


    A noise came from behind Vivian, and I looked over her shoulder and saw another woman huddling close by.


    ¡°Jesse, this is Molly. Molly, Jesse.¡±


    ¡°P-pleasure,¡± she said dryly. ¡°Can we p-please go h-home now?¡±


    The police and cartel were still fighting out front, and I didn¡¯t want to risk Vivian and her friend getting caught in the crossfire.


    ¡°Stay low,¡± I instructed. ¡°We¡¯ll have to take the back exit. Whatever you do, don¡¯t stop moving.¡±


    Vivian gasped. ¡°Behind you!¡±


    Something heavy hit me across the back of the head, knocking me to the ground. The room spun; the floor slipped out from under me. I couldn¡¯t hear anything past the loud ringing in my ear. Before I coulde to my senses, someone had me by the cor.


    They hoisted me up and tossed me across the room. I skidded across a metal preparation table andnded in a hard pile on the cold tile floor. I struggled to my feet, disoriented. I didn¡¯t need a doctor to tell me that I¡¯d bruised a rib. I could feel it, the throbbing pain taking hold of every nerve in my body.


    My assant charged me with a chef¡¯s knife in hand, bringing it down to take a chunk out of my leg. I rolled out of the way and pulled myself up in a hurry, dodging swipe after swipe. He moved with such force that I could feel the air split as he waved his de around, the edge just barely nicking me each time.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ¡°Vivian, run!¡± I shouted, praying she had the good sense to listen this time.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Vivian lunge toward me. Terror, unlike anything I¡¯d ever experienced ripped through my core. I caught her in my arms, horrified by the red soaking into her shirt.


    The guy I¡¯d been fighting stepped toward us, brandishing his knife. With a wicked grin, he swung at both of us. I was fully prepared to use my body as a shield when thunk! Molly threw a heavy cast iron skillet at the man¡¯s head. It knocked him out and sent him crashing to the floor.


    Blood was everywhere. So much so that I couldn¡¯t figure out where her wound was. I felt around hopelessly, attempting to staunch the bleeding but with no sess. I could feel her fading, growing limp and weak arms. Vivian¡¯s breathing wasbored, her eyes fluttering closed.


    ¡°No!¡± I eximed. ¡°No, no, no. Vivian, hang on.¡±


    ¡°The ba-¡± she croaked incoherently. ¡°The baby.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°Baby? What baby?¡±


    With a shaky hand, Vivian took mine and ced it over her stomach. It took me far longer than I cared to admit to understand what she was trying to tell me.


    Joy followed by immediate dread.


    Happiness with a harsh p of horror right after.


    A healthy dose of confusion.


    ¡°You¡¯re pregnant?¡± I whispered gruffly.


    Vivian nodded, her head lolling to the side. She was pale. Too pale. I was losing her. I was losing them.


    I shook her gently, trying everything in my power to keep her awake. ¡°Vivian. Vivian, stay with me. Don¡¯t do this to me, angel. Come on, just-¡± I looked up, frantically searching for help. ¡°I need an ambnce in here!


    Someone! Anyone!¡± But nobody came.


    All I could do was hold her. I¡¯d never felt more useless in my entire life.


    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± I whispered, brushing her hair with trembling fingers. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have done that,


    Vivian.¡±


    ¡°To save you,¡± she mumbled weakly.


    ¡°Save your strength, angel. I¡¯m going to get you out of here.¡±


    ¡°Jesse, I-¡± Her breath came out as a wheeze. ¡°I love you.¡±


    Vivian closed her eyes and didn¡¯t open them again. I shook her again to jolt her back into a conscious state, but it didn¡¯t work. My pulse spiked.


    ¡°Vivian? Come on, angel. Wake up. Wake up!¡± Hot, angry tears streamed down my face. I couldn¡¯t lose her. Not like this. I couldn¡¯t stand the thought of Vivian dying in my arms.


    I didn¡¯t even get to tell her that I loved her, too.

 131

    VIVIAN


    I was only partially aware that I¡¯d been drifting in and out of consciousness. It all felt like a dream. Snippets of conversation held in low, concerned murmurs. Bright lights overhead. The beeping of heart rate monitors and the whir of various other equipment. The smell oftex and the calm blue of nurses¡¯ scrubs.


    It was impossible to tell how much time had passed. Days. Weeks. Months. In the end, it didn¡¯t matter. The second I thought I was alert enough to return and face reality, I was hit with an almost euphoric level of rxation. It was probably the medication, but I wasn¡¯t ever awake long enough to piece together what was going on around me.


    I didn¡¯t dream of anything while I was under, though I did asionally hear a voice. Sometimes it would talk to me. Sometimes it would talk to someone else. It was low and soothing. Familiar in its richness and lilt. While I wasn¡¯t aware enough toprehend anything, I did get the sense that the voice belonged to someone who cared about me. I could tell through their tone, always gentle with an edge of protectiveness.


    When I finally managed to summon the strength to wake up, it was morning. The sun was out and shining, rays of warm light streaming in through the sheer white curtains.


    The scent of antiseptic and stic filled my nose. It wasn¡¯t unpleasant, just different. The soft voice over a PA speaker down the hall alerted me to the fact that this wasn¡¯t home, but a hospital.


    And God was it a fancy ce.


    This wasn¡¯t some cramped, dark, understaffed inpatient wing. This was a private room, the kind that only super important people or celebrities could afford so they didn¡¯t have to recover from their ailments with a simple curtain separating them from the next patient. Cream walls freshly cut flowers in tall vases and a big t-screen TV mounted opposite me for entertainment were clear signs of the private institution.


    I knew for a fact that my health insurance through Blue Cloud Financial would never cover a ce like this.


    No, I knew exactly who to thank for this private room. The man in question was sitting right next to me, holding my hand like a lifeline.


    Jesse was asleep in the guest chair next to my hospital bed, folded over with his head resting against his forearms. His dark stubble was growing in, and I thought he looked rather dashing. I contemted waking him up, but the dark circles beneath his eyes were a good indicator that he needed the extra Z¡¯s.


    I turned on the TV instead and quickly turned the volume to its lowest possible setting to not disturb him. The first channel to pop up was the local news, big red borders, and fast-moving headline ticker sweeping across the bottom of the frame. I was about to click away to find something more rxing -maybe one of those boring documentaries Jesse liked because they were growing on me- when video footage of Alistair McCloud shed across the screen.


    ¡°The investigation continues into Blue Cloud Financial¡¯s illicit activities,¡± the anchorwoman exined. ¡°Thises just a week after the arrest of the investment firm¡¯s Chief Financial Officer, Alistair McCloud, who has alleged ties to organized crime and gang-rted activity. Police raided several locations suspected of being the operational hotspots of the Azure Cartel and have made several major arrests of head members. McCloud is expected to appear in front of a judgeter this week. If found guilty, he could serve several life sentences behind bars.¡±


    I was hypnotized by everything I was seeing. It was strange, but I hoped the courts didn¡¯t treat him too harshly. Even though I thought what he did was reprehensible, he did keep the cartel from killing Molly. It was proof enough to me that he wasn¡¯t all bad. Maybe that was naive of me, but it was the truth.


    I shifted in bed, my muscles sore and my skin tight. The bed sheets were starchy and stiff. Ufortable. As I readjusted my position in bed, I noticed the tightness in my abdomen. Iid my free hand on my stomach to inspect. I could feel the stitches, the taught bandage. And that was when it hit me.


    ¡°The baby,¡± I blurted, freaked out. Everything happened so fast. I didn¡¯t remember much about the attack, only that I¡¯d been hit while trying to save Jesse. What if something happened to the baby?


    Just as I was starting to hyperventte, Jesse awoke. He stood immediately and grasped me firmly by the shoulders, likely to keep me from hurting myself. He spoke softly, ¡°Everything¡¯s fine, angel. The babies are fine. The cut was long, but not deep.¡±


    ¡°Babies?¡± I echoed.


    The smile that broke out across Jesse¡¯s face was unlike anything I¡¯d ever seen. Pure joy and tion. Excitement.


    Bone-deep devotion and love.


    ¡°Yes, angel. We¡¯re having twins.¡±


    I finally took a much-needed breath. ¡°Twins¡­ Do we know what they are yet? Or is it too early? I¡¯ve never done this before.¡±


    Jesse chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s too early to tell. All the doctors could tell from the ultrasound was that there are two of them and they¡¯re both doing well.¡± He reached behind him to retrieve a small slip of paper, a sonogram by the looks of it. ¡°Here.¡±


    I squinted at the image. ¡°I have no idea what I¡¯m looking at.¡±


    Jesse pointed to two little dots near the center. ¡°That¡¯s one, and this is the other.¡±


    Giddiness erupted within me, happy tears welling up in my eyes. ¡°Oh my God, they¡¯re so tiny!¡±


    I scooched over to make room for him. Jessey down next to me, one arm around my shoulder bracing my head while his other handy gently on my stomach. He kissed my temple, still peering down at the sonogram in wonder.


    ¡°I love you, too, by the way,¡± he whispered.


    I looked him in the eye, heart skipping a beat. ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°I love you, too. You told me you loved me but passed out before I got the chance to tell you.¡± His expression


    darkened. ¡°I thought I¡¯d never get to.¡±


    ¡°Jesse¡­¡±


    ¡°I love you, Vivian. Seeing you like that¡­ I thought you were going to die. I thought I was going to lose you.¡± Pain shed across his face as his brows furrowed. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know what to do with myself if something happened to you. I know that now. So, please, if you¡¯ll have me¡­ I¡¯d like to be with you. To take care of you and take care of our children. And I know settling down probably isn¡¯t what you want at your age, but I promise I¡¯ll do everything in my power to make sure you¡¯re happy.¡±


    I ced my hand over his and pressed it firmly against my stomach. ¡°Who says that¡¯s not what I want?¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    A shakyugh bubbled past my lips. ¡°I was worried that maybe you didn¡¯t want to have kids again.¡±


    ¡°Only if I get to raise them with you.¡±


    I tilted my chin up to kiss him. It felt good, likeing home. But a thought popped into my head just as I pulled away. ¡°Wally.¡±


    Jesse grimaced. ¡°No, my name¡¯s Jesse. Should I call a nurse? Maybe the meds are too strong.¡±


    ¡°No, no. I meant what about Wally? I want to be with you, I do, but I refuse toe between you and your son.¡±


    ¡°I spoke with him after I sent you away.¡±


    ¡°Oh. And?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s¡­ adjusting. I¡¯d say seventy percent onboard.¡±


    ¡°Better than not at all, I guess. I¡¯m d to hear it.¡±


    Jesse kissed me again, slower this time. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to take you home.¡±


    ¡°When do you think they¡¯ll let me out of here?¡±


    ¡°Another couple of days.¡±


    ¡°How long have I been out?¡±


    ¡°Almost a week.¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°Jesse.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°A private room costs, like, a million dors a day.¡±


    ¡°More like four hundred.¡±


    My brain ran the numbers automatically. ¡°Twenty-eight hundred dors and they want me to stay three more days? Not. I¡¯m fine. I feel great. Let¡¯s get out of here before they bleed us dry-¡±


    ¡°Vivian.¡± The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled. ¡°Rx. The bill¡¯s already been taken care of. I meant what I said. I¡¯m going to take care of you. All you have to do is let me.¡±


    Iy back down, soothed by his deep voice. ¡°Alright, alright.¡±


    ¡°How are you feeling, angel? Any pain?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m good. Just stiff and restless.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get the doctor to check on you. They should know you¡¯re awake.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± I said, clutching onto his hand. ¡°You can get them, just¡­ In another five minutes, okay?¡±N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    He held me close, cradling me in his arms and pressing kisses into my hair. ¡°Okay. Five minutes.¡±


    ¡°Ugh.¡± Molly was standing at the doorway. ¡°You guys are so cute it makes me want to throw up. Can¡¯t you get a room?¡±


    ¡°We are in a room,¡± I pointed out.


    Jesse moved back to his chair but didn¡¯t let go of my hand as Molly made her way to my other bedside. She looked to be in good spirits, despite everything.


    ¡°How are you?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Better. Thank you foring for me. I knew you wouldn¡¯t give up.¡±


    ¡°I heard Alistair¡¯s been arrested.¡±


    Molly nodded. ¡°Some guy, Detective Monroe? He said that he received all the investment records he needed to link Blue Cloud Financial to the cartel. Someone emailed him from an anonymous address or something. He grilled me for hours about it, but I didn¡¯t have a clue what he was talking about.¡±


    Jesse nced at me out of the corner of his eye.


    ¡°Devin?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Devin.¡±


    Molly shrugged. ¡°So, what are you going to name the babies?¡±


    ¡°You know?¡±


    ¡°Kind of hard not to. Jesse wouldn¡¯t shut up about it.¡±


    I smiled at him. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    Jesse huffed. ¡°I was excited. Sue me.¡±


    ¡°If they¡¯re girls, you should name one of them Molly,¡± she announced, smirking. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m going to be an aunt. I¡¯m going to spoil them rotten when they get here.¡±


    Iughed, patting my stomach tenderly. I could very clearly imagine Fun Aunt Molly. She¡¯d be the one to sneak the kids their first sip of alcohol or take them to their first-ever concert despite my express conexpressionedat it¡¯s a school night.


    I could also imagine Jesse as a father. Warm and caring and stern at times, but only because he cared so much. I¡¯d be there to reign him in when needed, but there wasn¡¯t a doubt in my mind that he¡¯d be a fantastic father to our children.


    I smiled as I listened to Molly recite an entire speech on why we should name one of the twins after her. Jesse held my hand and squeezed my fingers gently. I was happy.

 132

    JESSE


    Vivianughed as I carried her over the threshold into the penthouse. ¡°You¡¯re going to drop me,¡± she said,


    half-chiding.


    ¡°I would never let that happen.¡±


    ¡°You can put me down now, Jesse. My legs work just fine.¡±


    I kissed her on the tip of her nose. ¡°True, but you¡¯ll have to forgive me for being clingy. You¡¯re carrying precious cargo.¡±


    ¡°Am I part of that cargo?¡±


    ¡°Most definitely.¡±


    I carried Vivian to the kitchen and set her down in the nearest chair. ¡°Tea? Water? Something to eat?¡±


    She giggled. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Jesse.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to lie down and take a nap?¡±


    ¡°Trust me, I think I¡¯ve gotten more than enough sleep.¡±


    ¡°How about a-¡±


    ¡°Jesse.¡±


    ¡°Yes, angel?¡±


    Vivian stretched her arms out toward me. ¡°Come here.¡±


    I went to her without question, kneeling before her feet so I could hug her, pressing my ear to her stomach. I knew the babies were still too small to kick, but I could sense them. It was almost crazy how much I loved them already and they weren¡¯t even here yet.


    Vivianbed her fingers through my hair, nails gently scraping against my scalp. ¡°I think we should n.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Well, now that we know the babies are doing okay, I think we should sort out the logistical side of things. Am I going to stay here with you? What am I going to do with my apartment?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love it if you moved in here with me. I can turn the home office into a nursery. I¡¯m in contact with several contractors. We can do it up any way you¡¯d like. And if living in the city isn¡¯t what you want, I¡¯d happily buy you a house out in the suburbs.¡±


    ¡°A whole house?¡±


    ¡°No, half,¡± I replied dryly. ¡°Of course a whole house. We can have a backyard for them to run around in and a big driveway where we can teach them to ride their bikes.¡±


    ¡°I like the sound of that,¡± she mused. ¡°What about finishing school? I¡¯m so close to finishing my degree.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll make it work,¡± I promised. ¡°I¡¯m sure we can discuss remote learning options. Or we can wait until after you¡¯ve had the babies, you can go back to school, and I¡¯ll watch over them.¡±


    ¡°How are you going to juggle work and taking care of the twins?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a step back from the firm, be a little more hands-off. I¡¯m sure I can appoint someone to be in charge.


    Maybe Devin. Probably not, but he¡¯s an option.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d be willing to do that?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I wasn¡¯t around enough for Melissa and Wally. I won¡¯t make the same mistake. I¡¯ll do everything I can to spend as much time as possible with the three of you. Whenever you need me, I¡¯m there. You¡¯ve made me the


    happiest man alive, so it¡¯s the least I can do.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be an amazing father to them.¡±


    I peered up at her, transfixed by her lovely, soft eyes. ¡°You know, it¡¯s going to get crazy around here once the babies are born. I should warn you, it means a lot ofte nights and stinky diapers.¡± ¡°And constant crying?¡± ¡°Constant,¡± I agreed.


    ¡°I wonder if we¡¯ll ever get a moment to ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Eventually. When they¡¯re a little older and more independent.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we should take advantage of the time we have alone together now.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I grinned. ¡°Can I take you to the bedroom?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t even have to ask.¡±


    She shrieked andughed as I picked her up in my arms, carrying her down the hall to my room. I set her down on the edge of my bed and shimmied her out of her clothes, unwrapping her like the gift she was. Kissing her was a delight, still as sweet and warm as the day I first put my hands on her. Little did I know then how she¡¯d willingly be mine.


    I was mindful of her bandages. The doctors said Vivian was in good condition, out of any grave danger, though the skin around the sh might still be a tad tender. I treated her with the utmost care regardless,ying her down on her back while I stamped my lips down her stomach. The knowledge that there was not one, but two lives growing within her set my blood on fire.


    ¡°You¡¯re amazing,¡± I murmured as I settled between her legs, peppering kisses against her inner thighs. ¡°So beautiful. Mother of my children.¡±


    Vivian tilted her head back and moaned as I teased her clit with the tip of my tongue. She was already wet and ready for me, but I intended to savor this moment. We had all the time in the world. Nobody wasing after us. We had the whole ce to ourselves. I took it upon myself -a private challenge of sorts- to make her scream my name.


    Her knees trembled as she gasped with pleasure, toes curling as she dragged her fingers through my hair.


    ¡°J-Jesse,¡± she whined. ¡°Oh, fuck, right there.¡±


    ¡°Right here?¡± I teased her entrance, relishing the way she giggled. I nipped at the inner corner of her knee. ¡°Or did you mean right here?¡±


    Vivian cackled. ¡°Stop it, babe. Quit ying.¡±


    I sucked in a sharp breath. ¡°Call me that again.¡±


    ¡°Babe?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    She caressed my cheek and smiled. ¡°Whatever you want, babe.¡±


    The sound of the endearment made my skine alive. Yet another reminder of how much I loved this woman. How I managed to function without her up until this point in my life was beyond me. She was my everything, and now she was all mine.


    I returned my attention to her swollen bud, drawing tight circles against her. Her voice grew higher with each pass, her back arching as I pushed her closer to the edge.


    When she came, it was with a rapturous moan. Her toes curled. She gripped the sheets. She was putty in my hands. Her pale skin was flushed in ces, her cheeks and neck rosy with desire.


    ¡°I take it you enjoyed yourself?¡± I asked.


    Vivian snorted. ¡°I¡¯ve said it once and I¡¯ll say it again.


    You¡¯re a cocky bastard.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m all yours.¡±


    ¡°That you are. But there¡¯s a slight problem.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°What?¡± I lifted myself, looking her up and down. ¡°Shit, I didn¡¯t hurt you, did I?¡±


    Vivian shook her head, a demure smile on her lips. ¡°No, no. Nothing like that.¡±


    ¡°Then what is it?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not nearly nude enough.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t do that,¡± I grumbled but started to take my shirt off.


    Vivian sat up to help in the disrobing. She made quick work of the front of my pants, all but yanking them down to free my cock. I¡¯d been so focused on her pleasure that I hadn¡¯t realized just how hard I was. I was throbbing, desperate for release. Once thest bit of my clothes was discarded, I returned to her, scooping her up to cradle her close.


    ¡°How do you want me?¡± she asked, almost shyly.


    I kissed her, sweeping my tongue past her lips to taste her mouth. ¡°Just like this,¡± I murmured. ¡°I want to make love to you.¡±


    Vivian grinned, cupping my cheeks with her hands. ¡°I want that, too.¡±


    I spread her legs and aligned myself with her entrance, gathering her wet heat with the head of my cock. A shiver shot its way down my spine, anticipation mounting. I pressed into her slowly, inch by inch, admiring the way Vivian¡¯s mouth fell open to release the softest of cries.


    Her walls stretched to take me in, slick and warm and weing. A perfect fit. Like she was made for me. It took all my willpower not to fall over the edge. Determined to make thingsst, I distracted myself with the task of iming her lips. I held myself within her, feeling the walls of her pussy flutter around my shaft.


    ¡°Babe,¡± she groaned. ¡°Please move.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the rush, angel?¡± I asked, sucking on her bottom lip.


    ¡°I want-¡± She bucked her hips and sighed. ¡°I want to make you feel good.¡±


    ¡°Just being with you makes me feel good.¡±


    ¡°You know what I mean.¡± She reached around, circling my neck with her arms. She dragged her nails down my


    back, panting. ¡°Jesse, please.¡±


    ¡°Have I ever told you how much I love how greedy you are? Do you need my cock that much?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± she blurted. ¡°Yes, I need it.¡±


    ¡°Say it.¡±


    ¡°I need your cock, Jesse. I need to feel you inside me. I need everything you can give me.¡±


    ¡°Alright, angel. Whatever my baby needs.¡±


    I rolled my hips against her, plunging my cock as deep as she could allow. I swallowed her groans, determined to kiss her breathlessly. My rhythm was slow at first, testing the waters. I wanted nothing more than to dive right in. Be selfish. Make up for lost time. But this was good, too. This was all things tender and loving and wonderful.


    It was a privilege to see her hair all messy and tangled. It was a delight to listen to her cries of pleasure. There was nothing Vivian could do that didn¡¯t set my nerves on fire.


    ¡°Fuck, I love you,¡± I growled in her ear. ¡°I love you so much, Vivian.¡±


    ¡°I love you, too,¡± she said, voice tight and breathy. ¡°God, Jesse. I¡¯m so close. I¡¯m going to-¡±


    I reached down between us and used my fingers to tease her clit, drawing tight circles guaranteed to make her lose her mind. Vivian¡¯s body seized and sputtered as climax took over.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± she screamed. ¡°Jesse, yes!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my girl,¡± I cooed. ¡°So nice and tight for me.¡±


    ¡°Babe-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, angel. Gonna fill you right up. Do you want that?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Yes, I want all of you.¡±


    The hot, tight coil in the pit of my stomach exploded, ecstasy shooting through my veins and wiping my mind of any thought. For the briefest, most beautiful moment, I was in heaven.


    Wey in bed together, in afortable haze. I yed with her hair while she stroked my jaw, scraping at my stubble.


    ¡°You¡¯d look cool with a good ol¡¯ fashion Dad ¡®stache.¡±


    I kissed her fingers. ¡°I love you, but not.¡±


    ¡°What? I think you¡¯d look good with a mustache.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll consider it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all I ask.¡±


    I took a deep breath and looked off into the distance.


    ¡°Okay. I thought about it.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Vivianughed, bright and beautiful.

 133

    VIVIAN


    ¡°Well,¡± Wally said, pping his hands together.


    ¡°This is it. What do you think?¡±


    Jesse and I stepped into the apartment. It had two bedrooms with a shared bathroom at the end of the hall and a cozy living room that opened into the small kitchen. Video game and movie posters decorated the walls. The furniture was all mismatched, likely purchased over time from different ces -garage sales, picked up off the side of the curb- but that¡¯s what gave Wally¡¯s apartment so much charm. A definite bachelor pad, but there was a spark of pride in his eyes.


    I recognized it, that look. I¡¯d felt the same about my apartment. It was his, something he could have all to himself. And, of course, his roommate with whom he split the rent.


    ¡°It¡¯s lovely,¡± I said. I nudged Jesse in the ribs with the tip of my elbow. ¡°Right, babe?¡±


    Jesse nodded slowly. ¡°Yes. Lovely.¡±


    I cleared my throat. A warning.


    Jesse brightened his tone. ¡°I¡¯m proud of you, son. How¡¯s the new job treating you?¡±


    Wally smiled wide. ¡°Good. Long hours, but it pays great. I¡¯ve already got enough saved for my flight to Paris next year. In the meantime, it¡¯s a great learning experience.¡± He waved us into the kitchen. ¡°Please, have a seat. Dinner¡¯s almost ready. I just need to add the final touches to a couple of things.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for inviting us,¡± I said as Jesse pulled my chair out for me, ever the gentleman. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking forward to trying your cooking. Oh, did you remember the thing about the tuna?¡±


    Wally nodded. ¡°Yes. Tuna¡¯s not on the menu tonight. Dad made sure to remind me. Twice.¡±


    Jesse shrugged as he sat down next to me at the table. ¡°I thought it needed repeating.¡±


    Although the kitchen was small, Wally moved fluidly around like it was his kingdom. His knives were sharp, his timing impable, his measurements precise. The way he yed made our meals look like edible works of art. He wasn¡¯t shy about the seasoning, and he delivered our food piping hot and ready to be devoured. It was quite literally dinner and a show.


    And Jesse looked like he couldn¡¯t be prouder.


    ¡°Dig in,¡± Wally said. ¡°Tonight we¡¯re having pan-fried halibut in a buttered panko crust with a side of scalloped potatoes and sauteed vegetables. The omega-three in the fish¡¯ll be good for you and the kiddos.¡±


    I took a bite and practically swooned. The halibut was delightfully crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, practically melting on my tongue. The potatoes were creamy, and the vegetables offered an earthy finish.


    ¡°This is amazing,¡± I mumbled, not the least bit concerned that I was talking with my mouth full.


    ¡°Five-star worthy,¡± Jesse said, nodding in agreement.


    Wally smiled, clearly pleased. ¡°Thanks, Dad. Thanks,


    Viv.¡±


    ¡°How long is that culinary program again?¡± Jesse asked.


    ¡°Two years, give or take.¡±


    ¡°You must be excited.¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°My offer still stands, you know. I don¡¯t mind paying for the flight. You might as well save your money and use it on whatever supplies you need when you get there.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve already paid the tuition, Dad. I think I can handle the ne ticket. Besides, the school pays for our


    things. It¡¯s built into the program.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m here if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Wally said meaningfully. ¡°Thank you. Really.¡± We continued to eat, conversation light and pleasant.


    ¡°So, how¡¯s the baby name debate going?¡± Wally asked.


    I groaned, rolling my eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t even get me started.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re stuck between Alexander or Matthew if one¡¯s a boy,¡± Jesse exined.


    ¡°No,¡± I said firmly. ¡°You¡¯re stuck between Alexander and Matthew. If they¡¯re boys, I want to name them Peter and


    Jack.¡±


    ¡°Peter and Jack are such boring names,¡± Jesse argued.


    ¡°And Alexander and Matthew sound way too stuffy!¡±


    ¡°We can always shorten it and call them Alex and Matt.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sure. It¡¯s the length of the names that¡¯s the problem.¡±


    Wally chuckled. ¡°And if they¡¯re girls?¡± Jesse rubbed his temples. ¡°No, not this again.¡± ¡°Anastasia and Charlotte,¡± I announced.


    ¡°No,¡± he said. ¡°I thought we agreed on Isabe and Daisy.¡±


    ¡°Oh my God, we¡¯re never going to agree on anything. Can we just pull an Elon Musk and give them numbers in their names?¡±


    ¡°I love my children too much to do that.¡±


    ¡°Okay, fair. I guess it¡¯s back to the drawing board.¡±


    Jesse sighed. ¡°Look, how about we let Wally decide?¡± Wally threw his hands up and shook his head. ¡°Nope.


    Leave me out of it.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we could ask Molly?¡± I suggested.


    ¡°She¡¯s biased. She¡¯ll agree with you.¡±


    ¡°And what? Wally isn¡¯t biased? He¡¯d just agree with you.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I should give Theo and Ava a call.¡±


    ¡°But there¡¯s two of them. We need an odd number of votes for a deal breaker.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, okay. How about-¡± Jesse¡¯s phone rang, interrupting him mid-sentence. He checked the screen and frowned. ¡°Ah, shit. It¡¯s work.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s after work hours,¡± I pointed out, mildly disappointed. ¡°You promised, babe. No phone calls after seven.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, angel. It¡¯s Devin. You know he only ever calls if it¡¯s an emergency. I¡¯ll be sure to tell him off.¡± ¡°You¡¯d better,¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Excuse me just a sec. I¡¯ll be out in the hall.¡± Jesse got up from the table and kissed the top of my head before leaving for a more private area to speak.


    ¡°Things seem to be going pretty well between you two,¡± Wally observed aloud. ¡°Apart from the whole baby name thing.¡±


    I giggled. ¡°Yeah. We normally agree on everything, but this is turning out to be a lot harder than we first thought.¡±


    Wally took another bite of his food, chewing slowly. ¡°I¡¯m happy for you two. Really.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Wally. That means a lot to me. To us.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m going to be an older brother in a couple of months. That¡¯ll be weird.¡±


    ¡°Well, think of it this way: you don¡¯t have to share any of your toys.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. I¡¯m probably going to spoil them, either way.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Molly¡¯s way ahead of you on that one. She¡¯s for some reason taken it upon herself to be the one the kids run off to when they¡¯ve got problems.¡±


    Wallyughed softly. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll be the one they run off to when they get sick of your cooking.¡±


    ¡°Who says they¡¯ll get sick of my cooking?¡±


    He held up his hands in mock surrender. ¡°I¡¯m sure your cooking¡¯s fine.¡± He pulled a face. ¡°You¡¯re not going to make me call you my stepmom, are you?¡±


    I nearly spat out my water. ¡°Oh, God no. That¡¯d be so weird.¡±


    ¡°Oh, good. Yeah. Very weird.¡±


    ¡°But I doubt that¡¯s something you¡¯ll have to worry about any time soon.¡±


    ¡°Oh? You mean he hasn¡¯t popped the question yet?¡±


    I shook my head, heat filling my cheeks. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Do you want him to pop the question?¡±


    I peeked over my shoulder to make sure Jesse was still in the hallway taking his call. I leaned forward and whispered, ¡°Yes and no.¡±


    ¡°Could you be any more confusing?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯d like him to ask, but not right now.¡±This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Really? Even with the twins on the way?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°I like the way things are right now. And I know Jesse will be there for me and the kids no matter what. With or without a ring, I love him and I know he loves me. For now, that¡¯s all I need. Besides, it¡¯s the twenty-first century. Just because I¡¯m expecting doesn¡¯t mean we have to tie the knot.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s very true. Although¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Wally mumbled. ¡°Dad¡¯s always been such a traditional kind of guy. You¡¯ve changed him.¡±


    ¡°Nah,¡± I said lightly. ¡°I think he did that all by himself.¡±


    Jesse returned some minutester, shaking his head as he shoved his phone into his back pocket. I arched an eyebrow at him, to which he responded, ¡°One of the bodyguards couldn¡¯t remember where they put his duffle bag.¡±


    ¡°Ah, so not a work emergency, then?¡±


    ¡°I mean, it did have his gun in it. I can¡¯t have work-issued firearms floating around for anyone to find.¡± Jesse kissed my cheek apologetically. ¡°Sorry. No more work calls after hours, I promise.¡±


    ¡°You have changed,¡± Wally muttered as he took another bite of his deliciously prepared meal.

 134

    JESSE


    I paced around the room, looking at the informative diagram posters on the wall without really taking them in. The doctor was runningte. The only reason I wasn¡¯t kicking up a stink about it was because Vivian said she wasfortable and rather liked this OBGYN. I¡¯d taken her to meet several doctors in thest couple of months, determined to find her the best care avable for her and the babies and this was the one she¡¯dnded on.


    ¡°Would you please sit, babe?¡± she asked me sweetly. ¡°You¡¯re making me a little anxious.¡±


    ¡°But you said you weren¡¯t feeling well this morning. I want the doctor to check you out as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Jesse, rx. I was probably just bloated.¡± Vivian rubbed her stomach, which was nowrge and swollen. The babies were getting big. I had no idea how Vivian managed to get around the way she did, still surprisingly nimble and quick on her feet. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have eaten all those cookies.¡±


    ¡°I did tell you to pace yourself.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know. You were right.¡± She said this with a pout, but I knew her well enough to know she was only pretending to be upset.


    I checked my watch. ¡°What¡¯s taking her so long?¡±


    ¡°She probably has other patients.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but we have an appointment.¡±


    ¡°Babe,¡± Vivian said firmly. ¡°As much as I appreciate the protective Papa Bear in you, I need you to reign it in a little. Everything¡¯s fine.¡±


    I took a seat next to her and held her hand, kissing the back of her knuckles. ¡°I just want to make sure you have everything you need, angel. And I¡¯m excited.¡±


    Vivian grinned. ¡°I¡¯m excited, too. Ava has money on the twins being girls.¡±


    ¡°Funny. Theo bets it¡¯s boys.¡±


    ¡°Which do you want?¡± she asks jokingly.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. As long as they¡¯re happy and healthy.¡±


    Vivian leaned over and kissed my forehead. ¡°You¡¯re so cute.¡±This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I am.¡±


    She stuck her tongue out. ¡°When did we get so gross?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but you probably started it.¡±


    There was a knock at the door. The OBGYN walked in, examining a chart in her hands. ¡°Miss Jones,¡± she greeted with a smile, ¡°and Mr. White. Good to see you two again. Apologies for keeping you waiting.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no problem,¡± I said coolly, earning a pointed stare from Vivian.


    The doctor sat down on a rolling stool and scooched over to Vivian¡¯s bedside, still reading her chart. ¡°It says here you¡¯re five months along?¡±


    Vivian nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Any difort? How¡¯s your appetite?¡±


    ¡°Appetite¡¯s fine,¡± she answered. ¡°But I feel full fast. I hope I¡¯m getting enough nutrients.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that tends to happen when you¡¯ve got two buns in the oven. There isn¡¯t a whole lot of space for food. But your bloodwork¡¯s juste in. It looks like you¡¯re getting what you need, though I always strongly rmend a calcium supplement.¡±


    I whipped out my phone and wrote everything down in my note app. ¡°Any particr brand?¡±


    ¡°Any of them will do. What matters is the consistency in which you take them. At least one a day to make sure your bones stay strong.¡±


    Vivian ced a hand on my wrist. ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll get on that straight away.¡±


    ¡°Already ordered off Amazon.¡±


    The doctor grabbed a pair of blue stic gloves and pulled them on before retrieving a bottle of lubricant. She rolled Vivian¡¯s shirt up over her baby bump and flicked on therge ultrasound machine beside her. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s take a look.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s cold,¡± Vivian said with a giggle as the doctor squirted the gel onto her skin.


    I leaned against the edge of the table carefully, eyes transfixed on the screen across from us. It was hard to make out the shapes at first. Nothing but ck and white curving lines with a few splotches in between as the doctor moved the wand around. She eventually settled on the image of two very distinct baby shapes.


    ¡°There they are,¡± she announced happily.


    ¡°How are they doing?¡± I asked, holding my breath.


    ¡°Everything appears fine. Both are very healthy. A little on the small side, but that¡¯s perfectly normal when ites to twins.¡±


    Vivian breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡±


    The doctor looked at us both. ¡°Are you interested in learning the genders?¡±


    I nodded, holding onto Vivian¡¯s hand. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Well, this one here-¡± The doctor pointed to the baby on the left side of the screen, ¡°-is a girl. And this one¡¯s a boy.¡±


    If my mouth could drop any wider, it would have touched the floor. ¡°You mean-¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re having one of each?¡± Vivian asked, bewildered. ¡°Yes, congrattions.¡±


    I kissed Vivian, ted and practically floating from the high. ¡°We¡¯re naming them Luke and Leia.¡±


    Vivian threw her head back andughed. ¡°Not.¡±


    ¡°Hansel and Gretel.¡±


    ¡°Jesse, please know that I love you when I say this, but fuck no.¡±


    The doctor chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll give you two some privacy.¡±


    ¡°Tate and Kate?¡± I suggested as I adjusted my cufflinks.


    We were back home at the penthouse, getting dressed before our big dinner date. It had been a hot minute since I took Vivian out to a fancy restaurant because her cravings were normally so specific that we usually just ordered in.


    Banana peppers and pineapples on pizza. Vani ice cream with bacon bits on top. Pickles and hard-boiled eggs.


    But tonight was special. It took some convincing, but Vivian finally agreed to let me treat her to La Cordova, an upscale restaurant in downtown Chicago.


    ¡°We¡¯re not naming them Tate and Kate,¡± Vivian said, exasperated. She exited the bedroom, smoothing her hands over the fabric of her dress. She grimaced. ¡°Are you sure I don¡¯t look fat in this?¡±


    ¡°Angel, you¡¯re pregnant, not fat.¡±


    ¡°If this ce is as fancy as you say it is-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the most beautiful woman on the whole, Vivian. You could show up in a tube top and jean shorts and they¡¯d still let you in.¡±


    She walked over with the tiniest trace of a waddle ¨C which I found adorable- to ce a kiss on my lips. ¡°We better get going then. Isn¡¯t our reservation in twenty minutes? What if they give our table away?¡± ¡°They won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Let me guess. The restaurant owner is a former client of yours?¡±


    ¡°Am I so predictable?¡±


    Vivian hummed. ¡°Why would a restaurant owner need bodyguard protection?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say the restaurant business is far more cutthroat than I first gave Wally credit for.¡±


    ¡°Have you called him yet?¡±


    ¡°I did earlier when you were in the bathroom.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s excited for us. He thinks we should name the twins Sam and Pam.¡±


    Vivian rolled her eyes. ¡°I guess poor naming skills must run in the family.¡±


    By the time we got through traffic, we were officially ten minuteste for our reservation, but I was pleased to see that the owner had followed through with the favor I called.


    The hostess showed us to our private table in the back near the water feature. It was a quiet corner, nothing but the low rumble of conversation from the front of the restaurant with asional ruckus from the kitchen. The table itself was covered in a white linen cloth, a single-cut rose stood at the center in a tall crystal vase.


    ¡°Delh and Julius?¡± she suggested over appetizers. I made sure not toment about how she dipped her cmari into a side of mustard. My angel could eat whatever the hell she wanted, even if it was an affront to good taste everywhere.


    I considered thebination. ¡°Not bad, but they don¡¯t strike me as a Delh or Julius.¡±


    ¡°Amelia and Jude?¡± she asked over entrees. Vivian ordered an entire rib-eye steak and a lobster tail. It was impressive how she cleaned the entire te, not a morsel to be found.


    ¡°Getting warmer,¡± I said. ¡°I like Amelia. Jude needs workshopping.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± she said definitively over dessert. She ordered the chocte mousse with extra whipped cream on top. ¡°How about Amelia and Adam?¡±


    At this point, I was no longer listening. I would have agreed to whatever names she wanted because right now, at that very moment, I had far more pressing matters. My heart was thumping steadily but loudly in my chest. So much so that I was worried she¡¯d be able to hear it.


    I patted my suit jacket, reassured by the solid mass hidden inside my pocket.


    ¡°Jesse?¡± Vivian called. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Amelia and Adam,¡± I echoed. ¡°Sounds great. A winningbo.¡±


    She giggled. ¡°What¡¯s going on, babe? You look either sick or excited. I can¡¯t tell in this lighting.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, angel. I¡¯m not sick.¡±


    I shifted out of my seat and got down on one knee, producing the ring box from inside my pocket. I opened it, revealing the diamond ring inside.


    My first instinct upon walking into the jewelry store was to buy the biggest diamond I could find, but I stopped myself before the pushy saleswoman could hook me in for the sale. It wasn¡¯t the right one, and I knew it deep within my gut.


    Vivian wasn¡¯t about the sh. She was humble kind and caring. I wanted to give her something she could wear with pride, and show off to the world without feeling like she was bragging. Because I knew her. I knew she¡¯d appreciate the elegance and simplicity.


    The ring was a thin band of white gold with three diamonds sandwiched together, the center one being thergest with the two outer ones slightly smaller. It caught the light beautifully, glistening in my palm.


    ¡°Jesse,¡± she breathed. ¡°Oh my God, is this happening?¡±


    ¡°You are the light of my life,¡± I said, peering deep into her eyes. ¡°You make me so unbelievably happy that I can¡¯t put it into words. You keep me grounded. You¡¯re my reason for waking up in the morning. You¡¯ve renewed a sense of purpose in me that I didn¡¯t even realize was gone until I met you. You¡¯re smart beautiful and ambitious. You¡¯re headstrong and loyal and the funniest person I¡¯ve ever met. I know that I¡¯m lucky just to know you. And I¡¯d be luckier still if you¡¯d do me the honor of being my wife. Will you marry me?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she said, so soft I almost didn¡¯t hear her. Her smile was a loud enough response.


    I slipped the ring onto her finger and rose to kiss her. Nearby tables apuded politely, but I didn¡¯t pay them any


    mind. All that I cared about was Vivian. My future wife. My angel.

 135

    E P I L O G U E


    VIVIAN


    Thanksgiving wasn¡¯t this big of a deal for me. Growing up, it was just another day. Sometimes I had an extra helping of pudding after dinner, but that was about it. There wasn¡¯t a whole lot to be thankful for as a foster kid. But now, I have a million and one reason to be thankful.


    Amelia was asleep in my arms. She was a deep sleeper, sucking quietly on her thumb while unaware of the rambunctious goings on at the Phillips house. Jesse was holding Adam, who -unlike his sister- rarely ever slept at all. My son was so alert and curious, always looking about with his big eyes to take in his surroundings. I figured that was something he got from his father.


    I could see Jesse in the kitchen with Theo and Devin, baby Adam reaching up with his tiny hand to tug at his father¡¯s beard. It wasn¡¯t a mustache like I¡¯d wanted. The beard was much better. It tickled when he kissed me, and it gave Adam something to y with.


    Ava, Molly, and I were in the living room. The turkey was still in the oven, not quite done, so we had some time to kill. The TV was on, switched to some weird contest show featuring child geniuses.


    ¡°What kind of parent would let their children go on a show like this?¡± I wondered aloud. ¡°Can¡¯t kids just be kids?¡±


    Molly shrugged. ¡°I mean, the prize for first ce is ten grand. Wouldn¡¯t you want Amelia up there if she could win?¡±


    I pressed my lips into a thin line. ¡°No. Not unless she wanted to be up there. But even then, it feels icky putting your children out there for the world to see.¡±


    Ava nodded. ¡°I know what you mean. It feels sort of exploitive.¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly!¡±


    Amelia whimpered, stirring from her slumber. She sobbed, breaking out into choked-off cries. I patted her on the back and bounced her gently, hushing her. ¡°It¡¯s okay, sunshine. I¡¯m here.¡±


    ¡°Do you think she needs a diaper change?¡± Molly asked.


    ¡°No, that sounds like an I¡¯m hungry cry,¡± Ava said.


    I retrieved Amelia¡¯s milk bottle from the coffee table in front of me and brought it to her lips. She immediately took to it, eating hungrily. ¡°You were right.¡±


    ¡°Huh,¡± Molly said. ¡°I feel kind of left out. Maybe I need to find my silver fox and have a baby so I can join the club.¡±


    Cory, who¡¯d been ying with Cassie on the other side of the room, looked up. ¡°What does silver fox mean?¡±


    Molly made a strangled sound, something between augh and a choke. ¡°Nothing, nothing,¡± she said dismissively.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re allowed to keep foxes as pets,¡± Cory continued.


    Ava and Iughed. Molly¡¯s face was bright red.


    Luckily, Wally¡¯s sudden arrival rescued her from Cory¡¯s innocent remarks. He came in through the front door with heavy grocery bags hanging from both his arms. ¡°Sorry that took so long,¡± he said. ¡°It was nuts at the grocery store.¡±


    ¡°Of course it was,¡± I said. ¡°Everybody¡¯s probably out trying to dost-minute shopping.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll say. I almost had to wrestle a little olddy for thest turnip they had.¡±


    ¡°Did you get it, though?¡± Molly asked, walking over quickly to help with the bags.


    Wally fished the turnip in question out, holding it up like some sort of trophy. ¡°I did. Almost lost an eye, but you


    know. That¡¯s what Thanksgiving¡¯s all about.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°Grocery store fights?¡±


    ¡°No, the perfect ingredients for dinner.¡±


    ¡°I thought it was about being thankful,¡± Ava teased.


    ¡°Everybody go wash up,¡± Wally said. ¡°I¡¯ll have the rest of dinner ready in five.¡±


    We gathered around the kitchen together. There were so many of us around the table, but I wasn¡¯t going toin. It was wonderful, my first Thanksgiving with the whole family. It was loud and chaotic and perfect.


    Jesse sat next to me, checking on Amelia while kissing me on the temple. ¡°How are my two favorite girls doing?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re doing good. Hungry, though.¡±


    ¡°I thought I heard her crying.¡±


    ¡°What were you boys talking about in the kitchen?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you know, talking shop. Boring stuff.¡±


    ¡°Firewall design isn¡¯t boring,¡± Devin grumbled from his side of the table. ¡°It¡¯s way more interesting than talking about Adam¡¯s weight gain. Right, Theo?¡±


    Theo put his hands up in mock surrender. ¡°I have no opinion.¡±


    ¡°Did you hear that, Adam?¡± Jesse asked our infant son. ¡°Uncle Devin doesn¡¯t think it¡¯s impressive you¡¯ve grown so much, no he doesn¡¯t.¡±


    Devin rolled his eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t say it wasn¡¯t impressive.


    He¡¯s a baby. Babies grow.¡±


    ¡°Do I have to eat the Brussels sprouts?¡± Coryined. Ava gave him a gentle smile. ¡°Yes, sweetie. You have to.


    Do you want to grow up big and strong like your father?¡± ¡°But Cassie doesn¡¯t like Brussels sprouts, either.¡±


    Theo huffed. ¡°How about for each one you eat, I¡¯ll give you a quarter?¡±


    Ava frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t think we should pay them to eat their food, dear.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t take the offer, I will,¡± Molly said, leaning over to whisper in Cory¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Deal!¡± he shouted, portioning out a small pile of greens onto his te.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Wally dered from the oven. He retrieved the turkey from inside and expertly moved the bird onto a long serving tter. ¡°Who¡¯s hungry?¡±N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    An enthusiastic murmur of agreement washed over the room as Wally sat the te down in the center of the table before taking his seat. We dug in without much fanfare, feasting to our heart¡¯s content. Everything was delicious. The turkey was juicy. The stuffing was savory. The gravy was thick and salty.


    Cory worked on his vegetables and earned himself a whole dor before giving up. Molly helped herself to a second ss of red wine, listening intently to Devin talk about the coding project he was working on even though she didn¡¯t know a thing aboutputers. Theo and Ava traded Cassie back and forth, taking turns eating. Wally told Cory all about what it was like in Paris and the endless number of art museums there.


    Jesse and I sat together, knees touching beneath the table. Amelia and Adam were both awake now, but they weren¡¯t fussy, too busy taking in all the sights and smells. Jesse raised his ss. ¡°A toast,¡± he said. ¡°To family.¡± ¡°To family!¡± the room cheered.


    And then, he murmured in my ear, ¡°And to you, the love of my life.¡±


    I grinned at him. ¡°Right back at you,¡± I said with a wink.

 136

    JESSE


    Four yearster


    I couldn¡¯t afford to bete. Even though I work mostly from home now, certain work-rted emergencies warranted an asional drop in first thing in the morning. I was still the boss, and my employees needed to remember that. I might not rule with an iron fist anymore, but I still expected a level of professionalism and efficiency. I grabbed the necessary documents from my office before bolting right back out the front doors of Pegasus Star Security, hopping into the front seat of the SUV I¡¯d parked by the curb.


    ¡°Dad,¡± Ameliained. ¡°Gonna bete!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna go to school!¡± Adam whined, crossing his arms and kicking his feet.


    Vivian turned in the passenger seat to look at our children. ¡°Now, now. Don¡¯t you want to make new friends?¡±


    Adam pouted. ¡°Don¡¯t wanna.¡±


    Amelia raised her hands, practically jumping out of her seat. ¡°I wanna make bracelets.¡±


    ¡°Bracelets, sunshine,¡± I corrected. ¡°It¡¯s pronounced bracelets.¡±


    ¡°Brathelets,¡± she tried again. I couldn¡¯t me her considering she was missing two of her front baby teeth.


    I signaled and merged into traffic. The preschool was only a couple blocks away, but Chicago traffic was unpredictable. There was also the added stress that I needed to drop Vivian off at Jones-White & Burke Investments before eight. She had a very important meeting to get to, and I didn¡¯t want to be the reason she didn¡¯t show up on time.


    ¡°I want to color,¡± Amelia said. ¡°And y tag. I don¡¯t want to be it.¡±


    ¡°Are there tests?¡± Adam asked. ¡°Cory says tests are hard.¡±


    Vivian chuckled. ¡°No, sunshine. I don¡¯t think they¡¯re going to give you tests. You¡¯re still too young for those.¡±


    At this, Adam rxed a little. ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    We pulled up to the front of the school just in time to see thest few children walk in. Vivian and I guided Amelia and Adam to the doors, holding their hands. I crouched down to look them both in the eye.


    ¡°Now remember,¡± I said. ¡°Always be there for each other, okay? Be nice. y with everyone. Make lots of friends. And be sure to listen to what your teachers tell you.¡±


    ¡°When are youing back?¡± Amelia asked, swinging her backpack in one hand by the strap.


    Vivian crouched down, too, kissing Amelia¡¯s forehead while pinching her cheek. ¡°We¡¯ll be back to get you in a couple of hours.¡±


    ¡°Promise?¡± my son asked, looking very much like he was about to cry.


    I ruffled his hair and smiled. ¡°I promise, buddy. Don¡¯t worry. Dad never breaks his promises, right?¡±


    Adam nodded slowly. ¡°Right.¡±


    Inside, the school bell rang loudly, echoing off the hallway walls. I patted both my children on the backs and gave them a gentle nudge in the right direction. Their teacher waited patiently for them on the other side of the doors.


    ¡°I love you,¡± I called after them.


    ¡°We love you, too,¡± they said together before disappearing inside hand-in-hand.


    I rose and sighed, ignoring the crack in my knees. ¡°That teacher,¡± I mumbled. ¡°Have I seen her before?¡±


    Vivian took my hand, leading me away. ¡°Yes, you have.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember her.¡±N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°She¡¯s a teaching assistant from the local college.¡±


    ¡°Did I run a background check on her?¡±


    My wife rolled her eyes. ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t let you remember?¡±


    ¡°Hm. Maybe I¡¯ll get Devin right on that.¡±


    ¡°Babe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m only kidding, angel.¡±


    Vivian squinted at me as we climbed back into the car.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not.¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m not,¡± I agreed.


    ¡°They¡¯ll be fine,¡± she assured. ¡°Ava works at this school, for goodness¡¯ sake. They can always turn to their aunt in case anything happens.¡±


    ¡°True, but you know how I get sometimes.¡±


    Vivian hummed. ¡°They¡¯re in good hands, Jesse. Don¡¯t worry about a thing.¡±


    I turned the engine back on and drove to our next stop. I hit a streak of green lights, so we were making good time.


    ¡°They¡¯re growing up so fast,¡± I mumbled, mostly to myself. ¡°Next thing you know, I¡¯ll be fending off Amelia¡¯s boyfriends with a bat at my doorstep and giving Adam the talk. It was bad enough when I had to sit Wally down to talk about the birds and the bees. Now I have to do it all over again.¡±


    ¡°Well, think of the first time as a learning experience. Whatever you did to make things awkward for Wally, don¡¯t do it for the twins.¡±


    I smiled. ¡°The fending off boyfriends thing, or the talk?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± was my wife¡¯s dry answer.


    ¡°Their birthday¡¯sing up soon,¡± I said. ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll want two different themes? Or do you think we can get away with abo party likest year?¡±


    ¡°Amelia¡¯s been saying how much she wants to go to Chuck E. Cheese, but Adam¡¯s scared of that mouse mascot.¡±


    I snorted. ¡°Can you me him? That thing¡¯s fucking freaky.¡±


    Vivianughed. ¡°Very true. We can talk to them about itter. I¡¯m sure we can find a middle ground they¡¯ll both enjoy.¡±


    ¡°Maybe a trip?¡± I suggested. ¡°The twins keep asking about visiting Wally in Paris.¡±


    ¡°Maybe. Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a bit much for a birthday, though?¡±


    ¡°They want to see their brother. I hardly think that¡¯s spoiling them. It¡¯s just some quality family time.¡±


    ¡°You have a point. How¡¯s his restaurant doing, by the way? I forgot to ask yesterday when he called.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s doing great,¡± I said. ¡°Just opened his third restaurant down the road from the Champs Elysee. It¡¯s the talk of the town, or so I¡¯ve heard.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so proud of him,¡± Vivian said. ¡°I knew he could do it. Okay, we¡¯ll talk about it when I get back from work. We can congratte him on the opening in person.¡±


    I pulled up to the curb in front of a massive modern office building. At the very top, the sign read Jones-White & Burke. Sometimes it was almost surreal to see my wife¡¯s name up there, synonymous these days with ountability, wealth, and progress. She¡¯de a long way and I couldn¡¯t be prouder.


    ¡°You¡¯d better get going,¡± I said. ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll have to stay the whole day?¡±


    Vivian shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m the boss, babe. I can go home whenever I want.¡±


    I smirked. ¡°Cocky.¡±


    ¡°You like it.¡± She leaned over the center console and kissed me deeply. ¡°I love you.¡±


    ¡°I love you, too.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t work too hard, okay?¡±


    ¡°I was going to tell you the same thing.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she said with a wink. ¡°Whatever work I don¡¯t get done, I¡¯ll just give to Molly.¡±


    ¡°Tell her I said hi.¡±


    ¡°Will do.¡±


    ¡°See you soon, angel.¡±


    ¡°Later, babe.¡±


    Vivian got out of the car and entered the building. I made sure to watch her go inside before leaving. Old habits died hard.


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