I spun around so fast, I might have broken my neck. The car door swung open, revealing the mysterious Mr. Hunter. He sat relaxed against the plush leather seat, his piercing eyes fixed intently on me. I almost took a step back but reminded myself of the importance of today's task.
I was taken aback by his extraordinary physical presence. In all my dealings with Luke Hunter, I had never had the pleasure of meeting him in person. He normally sent his assistant. "Miss Jones, if you are done checking me out, we can proceed," he said in a low, but deep voice, his dark gray eyes shining with amusement. "Oh, yes, of course. Sorry about that," I said, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "It was very impolite of me." I slid into the luxurious car and sat across from him. With a deep breath, I opened my file and started explaining my proposal, carefully outlining the value of my shares and the benefits of buying them. "So, let's get this straight," His eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned forward. "You own the rights to all their major projects. The Venco homestead, the Lex Building, the Tevan Estates. And now, you want to sell your shares in the company so you can publicly disclose your involvement in these projects, is that correct?" "Yes Sir," I replied, my voice firm and confident, as I met his piercing gaze. "Now, tell me, Miss Jones, why should I buy shares of a company that's going to be dragged into mud soon?" "Because, even though I designed them, Hales Enterprises still owns the rights," I explained. I already knew my reality "They invested in the projects, which means the best I will get will be a percentage of the profits they generate each year. And if they hire a better lawyer, I may even be forced to sell out my rights entirely.” He didn't seem convinced so I added. "My case can't permanently damage Hales Enterprises. You won't be at a loss." "Oh, but I will," he leaned closer, his voice deep and rich. "The mastermind behind that company is leaving. I don't want to be part of a company that solely relies on past projects to survive." He looked me directly in the eyes. His thumb traced a gentle path along my jaw. “And what's worse, what if you join the competition, or start a company of your own? Will Hales Estates even survive?” He raised my chin so I could face him, his thumb still caressing my jaw. "Real estate is not the only sector in Hales Enterprises," I replied, trying to sound calm even though I was panicking, he was my best chance. His face drew even closer, I could feel his warm breath on my skin, sending shivers down my spine. He smelled like pine and earth. "Miss Jones," Luke whispered, his lips inches from mine. "Uhmm, as I was saying," I continued, trying to focus despite the distraction of his handsome face, "you have always wanted an entry into the Hales group. With my shares in your hands, you will have the power to slowly buy out the Hales group... or destroy it." "But you would prefer I destroy it, right, little one? Is that your wish?" I nodded, his closeness was making me nervous. He laughed, his voice deep and rich, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You are a little devil, you figured you may not be able to destroy Hales Enterprises on your own, so you seek me out, how vengeful." “I….l,l” I was stammering now, but what could I say? Luke Hunter had seen right through me. "You what?" He was so close now, his index finger gently lifted my chin, guiding my face upwards until our eyes met. "You have the most beautiful eyes," he whispered. "Big, round, innocent baby blue eyes, but you're not innocent, are you, little one?" "Mr. Hunter," I said, trying to sound calm and composed. "Do you agree with my proposal?" I held my breath, waiting for his response. In a swift, unexpected move, Luke Hunter pulled me onto his lap, his arms wrapping around me. "Should I? Tell me, Stacy, what will my gain be?" “STACY” I repeated after him "You called me Stacy," my voice was trembling and filled with surprise, curiosity and fear. He smiled, and before I could react, his lips covered mine, I tried to talk, but that only granted him access, and his tongue swept in, hot and demanding. His lips moved on mine in soft caresses, his hand cradling the back of my head. In that moment, I lost myself, melting into the kiss. But then, his hand slid down, and I felt the zipper of my dress slide open, the sound snapping me back to reality. "Mr. Hunter, what are you doing?" I asked, my voice shaking slightly as I tried to push him away. "It would be wrong if you didn't enjoy it, Stacy," he whispered in my ear, as his hand caressed my back, sending shivers down my spine and arousing emotions I hadn't felt in a long time. "Why do you keep calling me Stacy?" I asked, my voice filled with a mix of curiosity and anxiety. "Have we met before?" I searched his eyes, trying to place where we met. "Let's say I have done my research," he said smiling. "You have given me quite the headache these past few years." I looked at him skeptically. "That research must have taken all your time and resources." Stacy was a name I had left in the past, in the rundown orphanage I preferred not to remember. I struggled to free myself from his lap. "I have to go," I said, my voice firm. "Please, call me once you have agreed to my proposal." He held me down, his lips claiming mine once again. The straps of my dress slipped down, exposing my chest and back. "We shouldn't be doing this, Mr. Hunters," I whispered, trying to pull away. "It's wrong." Rather than responding, I felt his hands on my breasts gently caressing, his mouth lowered and he sucked on my other nipple. I couldn't help but moan in pleasure, it felt amazing. "But it feels so good, Stacy," he whispered, his breath hot against my skin. "I have wanted this for so long... so long." His voice trembled with desire. "But ……” I tried to find the right words to stop this. “Call me Luke." "Lukе, can wе..." My voicе trailed off as I felt his tongue roll around my nipple. "Oh, heavеns." I moaned as his hand was caressing my other breast with so much skill I couldn’t focus, I looked at those inviting pink lips, craving another kiss. Those long, skilled fingers would definitely work magic. What are you thinking, Alexa? Have you gone mad? Are you really considering sleeping with a man you have just met? While lost in the kiss his hand on my thigh somehow reached my pants, he gently moved my pants aside and slid his finger deep into my folds. A loud moan escaped my lips. The finger vanished as quickly as it appeared; he sniffed and then sucked it. He smiled, “I finally get to taste you, little Stacy, you are delicious. Do you want to know how you taste?” "Lukе, pleasе," I whispered, but hе silenced mе with another kiss. This timе, hе savored еvery part of my mouth, his lips moving slowly, deliberately. Then, I felt myself being lifted, and my feet touched the ground. Wait a minute! Was that the ground beneath my feet? I did a double take, and my eyes widened in surprise. Yes, I was standing in the Hales Group parking lot. "Oh God, I almost forgot my meeting!" I turned to face Luke, and he was smiling at me. His hands were busy arranging my dress. Then, he handed me my files, his fingers brushing against mine. "You're not safe in my hands, little one," Luke whispered, his voice low and husky. "But in my defense, I kept my distance until you sought me out. Now, you can't run from me." He lifted my hand and placed a gentle kiss. "See you in the meeting," Luke called out, waving the share transfer documents in the air. "I will complete this." I frowned, confused. "What do you mean?" I asked, but he didn't respond. His line of cars was already turning and preparing to depart. I scanned my surroundings, relieved that no one had witnessed our encounter. My dress was still in perfect condition, only that my panties were soaked. "Ohhh Alexa, you really have no self-respect, do you?" I heard a very familiar voice.(ALEXA'S POV)"You will never be my mistress," he murmured, his voice low against my ear. "Because you are the only one for me, little one.""But you are marrying her," I whispered, the words bitter in my mouth. "She is the mother of your child.""It's not a real marriage," he insisted, tightening his grip on me. "It is for appearances, nothing more."I buried my face in his neck. "I am so scared I am going to lose you," I confessed, my lips trembling as I showered his chest with small kisses.He lifted my chin, his eyes searching mine. "Never," he vowed, his voice thick. He brushed a stray strand of hair from my face. "My heart belongs to you Mi Alma. I am so sorry you have to endure this, I will make it up to you.""Maybe we will get through it," I said. Or maybe, a dark thought whispered in my mind, it will tear us both apart.Just then, the ringtone of his phone shattered the moment between us. He let out a sigh of frustration and put the call on speaker. It was Ethan, his assista
(ALEXA'S POV)“Yes," Garay replied, his voice low and serious. "One of the most dangerous."My hands curled into fists at my sides in anger. "Then why is she still pretending to be my mother?" I demanded."It can only mean one thing," Grandpa answered. "Our family was under suspicion, and you were the pawn they sent to confirm it."We sat in silence. Each of us lost in the weight of his words.Garay was the first to move. "It was good to meet you, cousin." He said as he pulled me into a hug. "Call me if you need help in the war that is surely coming your way.” He said sorrowfully, “But right now, I need to go and warn the family to move." He shared a quick nod with Grandpa and was gone."Should we tell Eleanor?" Grandpa asked, his voice barely a whisper.I let out a bitter laugh. "What? That her husband is drugging her and the girl she thinks is her daughter is actually her enemy?"Grandpa winced. "We can phrase it better." He said.My mind flashed back to my last visit, I had unfortu
(ALEXA'S POV)"I need you to secretly install cameras in my mother's room and the hallway," I instructed Sylvie as I sat in our office at The Dove. "Tell the soldiers at the door to be less vigilant. I want it to be easy for someone to sneak in."The Dove was my creation, a company that operated in the shadows, a subcontractor with sectors in everything, but not dominant in any.My thoughts shifted. "Have you taken care of Brandon's scholarship?" I asked. "I need him out of the country. The sooner, the better.""Of course," Sylvie replied, it would hurt without her, she was always efficient.I looked at her, my eyes heavy with unwashed tears. It felt like yesterday that I, a fourteen year old, had met a six year old Sylvie. All the money I earned went to her, to make sure she had a life I never did. When I started working for Steven, I brought her here, to a better school, to be closer to me."Sylvie," I said, my voice gentle. "You are twenty now. It's time for you to go further with
( ALEXA'S POV)“Uhhhhhhh, Michelle gave it to me," I said, trying to sound as innocent as possible."It's beautiful," he said softly, passing it back. I sighed in relief as I took it, my fingers wrapping tightly around it."Lala called," he said. "Your mom has stabilized and will be out of the hospital soon. Do you want to go see her?"I sat down on the bed, thinking. This was the one thing I have been desperately trying to avoid. "I guess I should," I mumbled, the words feeling heavy on my tongue."You don't sound happy about it," he observed, turning to face me. His eyes narrowed slightly. "By the way, what did Steven want in exchange?"My heart hammered against my ribs. I had meant to tell him yesterday, but right now, I couldn't find the courage. "Nothing," I insisted. "He just did me a favor.""Really?" One of his eyebrows rose in disbelief."Yes," I said confidently. I moved behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist and pressing my face into his back, hiding from his questio
(ALEXA'S POV)He looked up, his eyes filled with sorrow. “They have her.”A gasp escaped my lips. “They do?” I asked my voice filled with disbelief.“Yes,” he confirmed. “But she is safe, as long as I remain under their control.”I chose my next words carefully, my eyes fixed on his troubled face. “Have you seen her?” I askedA flicker of pain crossed his features. “Yes, I see her when I can. She is living in Mr. White’s house, working as a maid. But she is fine.”The name sent a wave of shock through me. “Mr. White? One of the highest lords?”He nodded grimly. “He trained me personally.”“So, have you been with your mother ever since you left the Garden? You were never separated?” I asked once again, just to be sure.He tilted his head, looking at me curiously, but answered without hesitation. “I lost contact with her during my training in the kingdom of Lanka. But I could see her whenever I met with Mr. White.”“Are you sure she is your mother?” I decided to ask boldly.He lifted hi
(ALEXA'S POV)"Moon" I hugged him tightly "Why did you lie to me? Why did you hide?" I asked in frustration. “You know I have been searching for you.”He looked away for a second, his jaw tightening. "It was selfish of me to even look for you in the first place, little dove. You left clues for me, and I tried so hard to ignore them, but I couldn't. Then I saw you with Steven, and I thought maybe it was fate. You had fought so hard for your freedom, and I knew I should let you go. But then, that day, you walked into my company's lobby, asking for my help. I couldn't stop myself. I had to have you back. I am sorry. It was selfish.""Is that why you hid who you were?" I cried, my voice filled with fear and anguish. "You should have told me, Moon! I searched everywhere for you.""I am an Orchid Lord, Dove. I am always being watched," he said, his voice calm. "It was safer for you if you never knew. You went through too much to gain your freedom, and I couldn't be the one to drag you back