After a refreshing shower, Brynne felt human again and walked out of the suite. As she approached the kitchen, the children’s mindless banter and laughter echoed in the air. It almost felt as if this was the family she craved. Should she disturb their happy bubble?“What’s taking Brynne so long?” asked Lucas, making Brynne smile.“I’ll find out,” said Luke. “No, Dad,” chorused the children.“You can’t escape now that you offered, Dad. Please make dinner or Brynne won’t marry you,” scolded Leonardo. Brynne laughed at his advice and walked into the kitchen to check. Her eyes went wide at the sight of a charred glazed chicken sitting on the counter in a baking dish.Luke gave her an apologetic look. “Sorry, I burnt our dinner. I can order something.” Brynne looked around at their disappointed faces. “We can all make something quick.”“We? I can’t cook, Brynne,” said Lucas with a shrug. “Please let’s cook. We had pizza for lunch. I don’t want to eat it again,” said Leonardo. “Are you
Grandpa Benson left for his laughter club, and Luke went to drop the kids off at school. Brynne hummed a tune as she wrapped the chores. Why did this family feel like her own? It hadn’t been long since she met them, yet they accepted her readily in their lives. She smiled, remembering Liliana’s words. Did Liliana look up to her as a mother?Brynne sighed and looked around at the mountain load of work around her.There was so much to do soon she forgot to keep track of time. She had to make lunch for the kids, do the laundry, clean the kids’ room, shower, get ready for work, and also pack for herself and the kids. Why did Luke give the cleaners a holiday? Wasn’t he weird? She wasn’t even halfway through her chores when the main door unlocked, and Luke returned. “Brynne,” he yelled the moment he stepped in. Brynne was in the kitchen, cleaning the breakfast utensils, when she heard him yell. Now, what did he want? Startled, she rushed out to see him with an enormous bouquet of red ros
Luke’s phone buzzed with an incoming call from his new PA, Robert Young. “F*ck! What does he want now?” He scowled as he picked up his phone to accept the call. He walked out of the bedroom with one glance in Brynne’s direction. It had to be important, or Robert would never have disregarded his wish not to be disturbed all day. “Yes, Robert,” he barked impatiently into the phone. “I’m sorry to disturb you, sir. But there’s someone called Celine Davidson here to see you. She claims to be your wife.” “Ex-wife. Ask her to make an appointment before coming over. I’m not seeing her today.” Luke’s good mood evaporated at Celine’s sudden appearance. Why was she at his office after so many years? He was sure she had some ulterior motive behind her visit. Did she expect to grab hold of Brynne in his absence today? Then how did she know he wasn’t going? “Yes, sir.” Luke disconnected the call and walked back to the bedroom absent-mindedly. What could Celine want? After Brynne’s entry into hi
Luke marched out of his bedroom suite, still with his phone glued to his ears. “Celine’s here, Mr. Thompson. I want you to arrive immediately.” He disconnected the call and looked at his grandpa at the door. “Wait, grandpa. I’ll open the door.” Luke glanced around to see the children busy at the dining table while Brynne walked towards them to protect them from the impending storm. His grandpa stepped backward with a frown. “Who’s there?” From Luke’s stance, he had a rough idea about the person outside. “Celine.” The doorbell buzzed louder this time, and Luke opened the door, blocking the entrance and scowling at his ex-wife. “Took you long enough to open the door.” She gave him a disgusted look. “Why are you here, Celine? I thought I made it clear to you I won’t entertain you here.” His blood boiled at the sight of her and her lawyer, Jake Clayton. There were rumors she slept with him as well, but Luke didn’t care.“Then you don’t know me at all, Lucien darling. Well, I have a g
“I don’t trust Celine. We have to exercise caution, Grandpa.” Luke walked out of the reception room, his eyes searching for Brynne. The way she calmly handled the situation, as well as Leonardo, touched his heart. He had lost his sanity, but not Brynne. He wanted to thank her for being there for his son. “Something tells me this isn’t the end, Luke. She will be up to some mischief.” Luke turned to give his grandpa a knowing look. “Yes. Somehow the break-in attempt in tower 3 looks suspicious, Grandpa.” They walked out towards the children’s suite where Brynne was with them. Luke looked around to find the twins watching a cartoon on television. They looked unperturbed by the commotion around. Grandpa sat down with them while Luke walked into Leonardo’s room. He saw Leonardo studying with Brynne. They looked almost normal as if the ordeal hadn’t happened a few minutes earlier. He was indebted to Brynne for handling his children so well. Brynne looked at him with concern. Luke felt e
“Don’t worry, Brynne. I had a word with Mr. Thompson and his senior attorney, Mr. Wright. They’re on their way to the police station. I’m reaching there. Why don’t you take care of the children? Our guards are stationed outside. I think you’ll be safe here. Don’t venture out. I promise I’ll bring Luke back to you.” Brynne nodded at Grandpa Benson. His words gave her the strength to go through this ordeal. She went inside to see the children trembling with fear in the living room. The twins rushed to cling to her. “Why did the cops take Dad away, Brynne?” asked Lucas in a hoarse whisper. “Why didn’t you tell them my dad is good?” asked Liliana, looking agitated. “I told them, but they didn’t listen to me. Your Great Gran has gone to the police station with two lawyers to save your dad. I’m sure he’ll be back.” They released her and gave her a hopeful look. “Do you mean that Brynne?” asked Lucas. “Yes. Now go to your room and play. I’ll call your teachers and cancel today’s classe
Brynne trudged towards the kitchen to make breakfast. It was the worst day of her life. After Luke’s shocking announcement, she didn’t get any rest. Her mind was in turmoil while Luke slept like a log. He had even pinned her under him with a thick leg sprawled all over her. How could he sleep so peacefully when she was going crazy, thinking about her impromptu wedding? It was 6 o’clock, and she finally gave up. If they were to marry, maybe the children would skip school. With Luke still sleeping, the decision was hers now. Maybe her brain would clear up after a cup of steaming coffee. Brynne started the coffeemaker and went to check on the children. Leonardo was already up and smiled at her as he arranged his bed. “Dad came home, Brynne. I’m so happy.” Brynne helped him and smiled back. “Yes, how do you know?” “Great Gran told me. We aren’t going to school today. He said you and Dad are getting married today!” He had a wide grin on his face. “Was Great Gran playing a prank on me
The car sped through the scenic highway until the majestic Ramapo Mountains came into view. It might not be a secluded island venue, but it definitely took Brynne’s breath away. “We’ve reached!” Lucas couldn’t contain his excitement as he pointed at the pristine 18-hole golf course nestled in the heart of Hudson Valley, far ahead. “Yeah, you remember, buddy.” Luke was surprised at Lucas’s sharp memory. “Yes, you brought us here last year, Dad. I love it.” His eyes twinkled as he described what he remembered of his last trip. “I like it too. But only the flower garden and the video gaming room,” said Liliana. While they discussed their likes and dislikes, Brynne gazed at the majestic clubhouse building that would host their wedding. She had expected nothing this grand. Why was Luke making so much effort when he wanted just a fake wedding with her? His earlier admission echoed in her mind. Yes, he had framed no legal, binding agreement for her to sign. What did that mean? No, she
Daniella He smiled, moving his delicious lips over mine while his hands roamed through my hair slowly. But the gentleness was momentary. The moment I relaxed into his touch and relished his minty taste, he took over. His mouth ravished me with so much passion, it robbed me of my senses. I was so adrift in my ocean of ecstasy that I had no idea when he lowered me onto the sofa with his lips still fused with mine. “I want to burn with you!” he hissed, releasing my lips momentarily for breath before smashing them back again to mine. I kissed him back, giving vent to the heated lust that ravished every cell in my body. The need was so intense, it took control of my senses. His lips were warm, and so was his skin. I could do this all night and yet not get enough of him! He groaned against my mouth, his free hand finding my exposed skin at my waist where the top hitched. A gasp escaped my lips as I felt his rough hands stroking the skin on my waist and abdomen. Heat pooled between my l
Daniella “Let’s make the most of our situation. The date continues!” Drake announced, rising and pulling me up with him.There was a tap on the door, and I frowned. “Are you expecting someone?” He shook his head, frowning deeply. Then he smiled, remembering something. “It should be our dinner. I opted for room service.” I released the breath I was holding. After his mom’s call, I seriously thought for once she was waiting outside to grab me by my neck! Drake accepted the food tray and locked the door. The sight of food made my mouth water. After a hectic day, I had no energy left to go out to eat. “Come on, help yourself. Or do you expect me to feed you?” He winked as he carried the food to the table. “I would love that!” I winked back, surprising him. “I see!” He sat at the table and patted his lap. “Sit and I’ll feed you!” His eyes sparkled as he challenged me, waiting for me to rise to the bait.My heart pounded in my chest. I wanted to accept his offer, but strangely, shyne
DrakeI commiserated with Daniella on the dreadful situation we were in. Although it gave me a strange thrill, I couldn’t express it in front of her. “Who’s Jake? I saw you reacting to the name!” Ever since I had heard the name, I had been dying of curiosity. I wondered if he was her ex. From Daniella’s conversation with her mom, I could gauge her nature well. She had the same notorious reputation as I did. It didn’t deter me from wanting her. Who wanted an inexperienced virgin? It made me want to know her better. I couldn’t imagine how Daniella would be in bed. But I had to gain her trust first. She wasn’t one I could easily lure into having se* with me. “Do you have to remind me of him?” She groaned instead of giving me a straight answer. ‘Well, what did you expect, Drake?’ taunted my inner mind. But I wasn’t giving up. “Still, I need to know if I’m going to be a part of your future. Is he your ex?” “Hell, no. Jake’s my thirty-five-year-old neighbor who’s dying to marry me. He
DaniellaBefore my body could react to his announcement, my phone buzzed with an incoming call from my mom. Startled, I almost jumped! Couldn’t Mom find another time to call? I was about to satisfy my urges and get kissed by the hot creature eyeing me like a piece of candy!“Your mom,” he reminded me, eyeing my phone as if I didn’t know that already. “Aren’t you taking her call?”I panicked. “No, she’ll know I’m with a guy! Her sixth sense is too strong! I can’t risk it.” The phone stopped buzzing, and I heaved a sigh of relief. But the magical moment was broken, and we just quietly cleared our lunch. Yet I couldn’t relax. I knew Mom’s nature. If she called once, she would do so repeatedly until she spoke to me.“So, what do you want to do now? Play twenty questions or rest?” We flopped onto the bed when my phone buzzed again.“Mom won’t let this go. I need to take this call. So shh, not a sound! You aren’t here. Get it?” I glared at him to force him to agree. What if he gave himself
Daniella I tried to block my ears to his silly banter with Mrs. Griffin. If we were to act as a married couple, these shouldn’t affect me, right? Yet it did. Coz this was uncharted territory, and all we shared was a kiss and a horse ride. “Okay, let’s start, everyone!” said Mrs. Griffin, walking away. Drake leaned in towards me, his eyes dancing with excitement. I wondered what he was so excited about! Me cooking or him watching me cook! “Make it finger-lickin' good! I’ll be watching you!” He turned to go, but I grabbed his hand. “Where do you think you’re going? Stay and help.” I released his hand and shoved the whole chicken towards him. “Massage the oil all over.” He gave me a lost look. “Are you sure?” I nodded and set about preparing the vegetables and ranch dressing. We were making grilled chicken in Wild West Sauce to start with. Although it was a very basic recipe, I was making the sauce for the first time. Mrs. Griffin yelled out her instructions while we struggled to
Daniella Toby’s saddle was perfect for double riding, but I couldn’t relax. It wasn’t because of the trauma I had just been through. It was because of the hottest male creature on earth perched behind me. With his body plastered to my back, I could feel every muscle ripple against me. I had seen him. And it worsened the situation. Even now, I could visualize him naked. He was a solid bulk of muscle with pure power emanating from every fibre of his body. I could feel his face inches from mine, and the temperature soared around us. Drake’s hot breath fanned my heated nape while his arms brushed against my sides as they handled the reins. He reached forward, his arms further encasing me inside his muscular body. I realized it was stupidity to mount in front of him. I should have known. “Are you okay, Daniella?” With his lips millimeters from my right ear, I could feel their movement as he spoke. “Yes,” I said, my voice a breathless whisper. My mind screamed in desperation, urging him
Daniella I tried to focus on my food instead of reacting to his admission. It was a difficult task indeed. “Must you flirt with every female you meet? You’re so pathetic, Drake Ashford!” “No, only you. All my efforts are now focused on you.” His face lost its goofiness as he spoke. If I didn’t know his true nature, I would have believed his shit and fallen for him already. “Why? Don’t tell me you’re short on offers. I’m sure there are others, easier to charm and easy to conquer.” Unconsciously, I held my breath, waiting for his reply.“I don’t want the others. I want you. Don’t worry, I love a clash before a conquest.” He grinned at my jaw-dropped look. I hadn’t expected that. “Overconfidence? You can’t conquer me. I’ll disappear from your life after the trip.” It wasn’t a future threat. I intended to do it. Staying around Drake challenged my emotional and mental well-being. I didn’t want to fall for the devil. This constant battle to resist him was taking a toll on me. If one kis
Daniella“Oh, thank you so much. We’re on a day trip from our honeymoon cruise. The cruise ship will leave Port Canaveral at 10 pm. So we should check out from here after dinner.” Drake winked at me before I could correct the cowgirl.What the fuck is he up to? Why was he pretending we were a honeymoon couple? Was he crazy? I glared at him, watching him chat with the receptionist. He completed the check-in formalities, totally ignoring my reaction.“Is there anything else you may need? We have a fifty percent discount on everything for honeymoon couples today. You’re our first couple! The rest are all families here for the rodeo.”My jaw dropped with surprise. “Oh! Why?”“It’s our owner, Mr. and Mrs. Griffin’s golden anniversary today!” she gasped, handing us our key card. “Your glamping tent is that way, sir, ma’am. Have an enjoyable stay.”“Thanks. That would be all for now. We’ll freshen up and bother you again.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me along. “Let’s go, baby! I can’t wait
Daniella Drake drove the rental car down the Florida Ramp towards Orlando Hwy, and a strange thrill coursed up my body. Knowing his reputation, I didn’t understand why I felt so excited to spend the day with Drake. Why was he killing me with his charm? Did he want to get into my pants? Definitely, yes. Yet my heart thumped wildly in my chest. My reaction to his attention surprised me. Why was I behaving like a hormonal teenager around her first crush? I was a twenty-five-year-old woman, having slept around with plenty of players like him. But there was something about Drake Ashford that pulled me towards him like a magnet. Somehow, I craved his attention. “Have you been to a dude ranch before?” His raspy bedroom voice brought me out of my thoughts. “No. My twin brothers prefer those. I’m more into the star-rated swanky hotels.” I hated the rustic, dirty camps and cabins in the countryside, with insects bothering me. The twins preferred glamping in those. “Oh, you’re lucky to have