Novels by Michelle Chiemela

Eliana's POVThe evening had been quite lovely. My dad wasn't home—he wasn't in Houston for some work-related reason.After dinner, I went back into my room, staring out the window, lost in thought. I had missed a call from Scott and found the text he had left me. I texted back. That was like an hour ago and still, no reply. I knew I should not have been worried, but I just couldn't help it.A soft knock on the door caught my attention.“Who is it?”“It's me, sweetie.”Aunt Susie? I hurried to the door and opened it.“I'm glad you're awake. I—can I come in?”“Yes, of course.”Walking slowly to the bed, she sat down and tapped the side, signaling for me to do the same. We used to have nights like this… We basically just talked until dawn. She asked questions, I asked questions—it was basically bonding time. It had been quite a while since the last one, though.“I noticed how restless you've been all day. In the car, you barely said anything. I did most of the talking.” Susi

Scott's POVThe house felt empty and void without Eliana. A darkness loomed, leaving a sour taste on my tongue.An hour into the charade and I was already at the brink of losing it. I had to set some sort of boundaries because she was already crossing them. Breathing the air in my home was one of them.I dragged myself downstairs. The sheer joy on her face when she noticed my presence infuriated me.“You know, with Eliana gone, we can finally discuss this new chapter—parenthood.”Parenthood? How could anyone be so foolish? I could have sworn this was a lie. A lie that was inconsistent. If she had tugged at her shirt any further, her nipples would have been in plain sight.“Listen here, you're carrying my child, which means I'll take care of your needs as well as those of the child.”She grinned from ear to ear, lifting her skirt to expose her thighs. I couldn't believe I had actually fucked this bitch in the past. Shame.“The baby and I actually need your attention, Sc

Eliana's POVCan you trust a person's words and still doubt them at the same time?“While you were busy fighting for your life, Scott was so busy fucking my brains out.”I was taken aback for a moment. I studied Scott's face to determine if there was any truth in what Stacey had said.“That's a bloody lie—”“Scott, let her speak.” I clenched my teeth. It better be a lie. “Is that all, Stacey? You two fucking is no news to me.”She had a huge ass grin. “Actually, no, there's more.”“You can't possibly listen to her. She's crazy,” Scott interjected.I glared at him. Returning my gaze to Stacey, I smiled softly. “Tell me everything.”“I'm pregnant with Scott's child. I swear it was all his idea. He said he wanted kids and wanted to start a family.”A sickening chill ran down my spine. I had hoped it was all a lie, but this seemed too real. Scott wanted a family and I wasn't ready. He was a man known for his sexual prowess; his reputation in that area was quite popular. In t

Scott's POVThe room was a lot different from the rest of the house. Was the heating system faulty, or was it just the sight of her luscious curves that had me breathless and hot with need?“Prenatal DNA tests are risky. This way is safer.” How come I hadn't thought of a non-invasive prenatal paternity test? For some reason, I was certain she wasn't pregnant. Every word and movement that Eliana made left my throat dry with heat. Beads of perspiration formed all over my skin. I couldn't decide if the talk had brought about relief or pain. The creamy exposed skin of her thighs and breasts called to me.My balls were definitely in pain. Not a kick-in-the-gut kind of pain, but pain from not being able to nut. “Make me breakfast.” It was her only condition to forgive me. She didn't have to ask twice. Although, I think she was purposely making me suffer. The way she bent over, putting that perfect ass in the air... if it weren't for her injuries, I would have been slamming my co

Eliana's POV Forgiving Scott solely depended on him cooperating with me in the way I wanted him to. He'd come into my room with a wrinkled forehead, his worry as he stood at the door watching me.It did not last for long. The second I told him I had an idea that could help us deal with Stacey, his face muscles relaxed.“That’s a wonderful idea, my love.” His eyes were bright with admiration. “Prenatal DNA tests are risky. This way is safer.” The possibility of Stacey carrying his child hurt me. Although I hoped it was false. I wished it wasn't his. Still, I didn't want harm to come to the child if it was real. The last thing I'll ever do is take away his first chance at being a father.Deep down, I felt jealous. I wasn't jealous of the child, nor did I fear it'll take Scott away from me but I was jealous of Stacey. Foolish as it may sound, Stacey got to live the dream I had always hoped for before I did. “Does this mean you have forgiven me?” His voice brought me out of

Scott's POV Everything shifted quickly. From being on the receiving end of Camila's anger to discussing something I would have preferred to talk about in Eliana's absence.Telling her to leave would have only made things worse.“Why exactly did he tell you all this?” “What do you mean, why? I should know. It concerns my daughter's safety.” She was right. Still, we could have gone about it differently.“What are you hiding from me, Scott?” Not now, not today. Camila squinted, nodding slightly. Of course I have to tell her but not like this.I could easily get a DNA test done but with its risks, I can't possibly do anything to harm a baby, mine or not.“You could spill the truth to anyone and everyone else but me?” Her voice kept getting a pitch higher.That was not good. She was probably in pain physically, trying to get me to speak. But then if I speak, I may hurt her emotionally.Everyone knows women don't usually tolerate things like this. We weren't exactly a thi

Avery's POV The look on Aiden's face was both scary and confusing. It looked like he was pissed but there was an undeniable look of guilt in his eyes. I had to say something— apologize now before the tension thickens and causes a rift in this Haven I'd finally found these past few days. Aiden was no longer someone whose attitude frightened me or angered me. Instead he was like my safe haven, I felt safe in the way I never felt back home with my family and I wanted it to remain that way. “Aiden, I'm sorry I—” My throat tightened, I just couldn't come with the right words, the words I so desperately needed as I stared at his retreating back. He stopped, his rich deep voice interrupted me. “You don't have to apologize—” I couldn't tell what he was about to say because he got a call. “Rosa?” There was a pause, I couldn't quite grasp what she said on the other end. “Fuck! You scared the fuck out of me. Where are you?” I could hear relief in his voice. Thank goodness she was safe.

Aiden's POV I've never felt as dumb as I felt the moment Avery told me the pain she felt was normal during pregnancy, in between chuckles. The beautiful spark in her eyes as she laughed, made me smile as well. “Oh… I see.” I murmured in understanding and confusion, a weird combination of contrasting emotion. I made a mental note to do some research on pregnancy and maybe read a book or two so I'll understand this better and know how best to care for her. When I stared at her again, there was something in her eyes, longing, maybe I was projecting. I wanted her and I wanted her to want me as well. My eyes lingered on her lips, those soft, plum, beautifully shaped lips in the pinkest shades. I found myself leaning closer until our lips met, a slow passionate kiss with the promise of a lot more. Avery slipped her hand under my shirt, caressing my skin, sending chills down my spine. She wanted me just as much as I wanted her. I was going to let us both get what we want but then,

Avery's POV I had the best time of my life. I slowly brushed my hair as I remembered everything that had happened earlier. To think I had been against marrying him at the beginning. As horrible as things had been in the beginning, life here was way better than life at my dad's house. Now, it's heaven and I hope it only gets better. Kiki had gone home— Aiden had some security escort her back home. I sat there smiling at the mirror, brushing my hair as I anticipated what was sure to happen later tonight. "What makes you smile so sweetly?" Aiden asked softly. I didn't realize he had entered the room. "Nothing." I replied, smiling even more. He walked over to where I sat, bent down and kissed the top of my head and stared at my reflection in the mirror. There was a glint of pride in his eyes. Why? I do not know but he seemed proud and happy for some reason. "You're so beautiful, Avery. Have I told you that?" His voice was deep, eyes dark with desire, half closed as he kept st

Aiden's POV A simple, ordinary surprise could bring such joy and happiness, who knew? If I had known, I would have done this sooner... really? "Easy, Bella Mia...easy." I said, putting my arms around her to stop her from jumping. "Thank you so much, Aiden!" She paused. Sydney had come out with beautiful flowers. "Everything is so perfect!" Honestly, I hadn't thought of the flowers, the music...It seemed everyone wanted to make this moment as beautiful as possible for my Avery. This petite woman had come into my life— no, I had dragged her into it. Anyways, she'd come into my life and made a mark on everyone's heart. Hard as it was to admit it, I'd let her into my heart. I, Aiden Adrian Armstrong had finally fallen for a woman. The realization didn't come as a shock nor did it make me frown, no, I was delighted. I knew I wasn't worthy of her, so I decided then and there to do my best to be worthy. I reached for the ring in my jacket pocket. When I opened the box, I couldn

Avery's POV The wait was getting painfully annoying. I mean, I thought we were cool. He'd carried me into the room without saying a word to me even when I tried to start a conversation with him. I had even gone to his study, to try and talk to him, he'd acted cool, made me believe he was ready for some steamy time. I had freshened up and slid into the only sexy dress I own. It was way too short compared to what I was used to, exposing more cleavage than was necessary. The dress was all Sydney's idea. She'd suggested it some days ago, I did get it but didn't bother wearing it. If a man was going to love me, it wouldn't be because of how much skin I expose, right? An hour had already passed. I called his number and he wouldn't pick up. Maybe he was pissed after all and just didn't want to show it or was this my punishment? If it was he won because I feel stupid as hell. Munching on the snacks Aiden had them bring to me, I sat quietly as my thoughts made the loudest noise, not lit

Aiden's Pov "What the fuck was the meaning of what I saw out there?" I asked Stephan when we were in the study. I had carried my wife, Avery to our room— our room? She was so determined to explain and I was determined to not listen. I knew none of that was her doing so I had to find out from Stephan. Why on earth would he carry my woman, my Avery in his arms like that? "Boss, I had to. You had asked that I make sure she was safe, that is what I did." He said with a straight face. I folded my fingers into a fist. It was all I could do to keep myself under control. "Don't let me ask that question a second time." "She was excited about some fireworks and kept running to see it clearly. Believe me boss, I tried stopping her, I advised her not to. When she didn't listen and continued running, I stopped her by carrying her." Stephan said, matter of factly. Wait… fireworks? The same fireworks I had seen on my way back? "She was excited about that?" I asked. My voice had softened.