T H O M A SI lean in closer, eager for the games to end. "Absolutely. We have the power to do anything we desire." The gap between us diminishes as we step forward."This...this can't be real," she protests. "You're my landlord.""In this town, I'm everyone's landlord. Everyone obeys me." Screw it. I'm done playing nice. I need to feel her. Finally, I close the distance between us, our lips meeting in a passionate and intense kiss.Her hands clutch my shirt, and she gasps into my mouth. I seize the opportunity to slip my tongue between her lips, and I moan. I can taste her apprehension, her fear, but most importantly, her desire. I guide the kiss by holding onto the back of her head. Her hair falls from its messy bun, cascading down her shoulders. I growl as she grinds her hips, rubbing her sex against my hard cock.I flip her onto her back, pressing her against the couch, keeping one arm wrapped around her to keep her close. Our tongues entwine, but there's no resistance.She unders
T H O M A SI'm not a fan of her not taking care of herself. She deserves the best, just like her kids do. When I sit down, I casually drape my arm over the back of the couch, and she snuggles up against my side, placing the charcuterie board on my lap.There are going to be some changes in her life. First, I'll ensure she has everything she needs to take care of herself. If we were together, she wouldn't miss a single meal. I'd cook for her, bring her breakfast in bed, and take her to an incredible restaurant for lunch while the kids were at daycare.Hera has this fantastic ability to make me want to plan out my entire life, but only if she's a part of it and if she will become my Luna, my Queen."Do you mind telling me how you came to own the building?" she asks.I pop an olive into my mouth, hoping this revelation won't scare her away. I won't mention that she's made a promise to me and me alone in our agreement. She's an independent woman with a strong backbone, and I know she won
H E R AAs I stand in my bakery, the lingering scent of smoke fills the air, reminding me of the chaos that unfolded. It's overwhelming, and I can't help but feel defeated. The to-do list seems never-ending, and the weight of all the tasks that need to be accomplished makes me question if it's even worth it.And then there's Thomas. Last night, he tried to convince me and the kids to go home with him, promising safety. But I denied him. It's complicated because we might have reignited an old flame, which is both amazing and possibly a bad idea.It's consumed my thoughts all morning—his lips on mine and his body against mine. If I close my eyes, I can almost feel his lips on mine, his warm breath against my skin, and it awakens every fiber of my being.How is it that one man can have such power over me?Suddenly, a familiar voice breaks through my thoughts. I turn around to find Dale standing in the doorway, hands in his pockets and wearing a beanie. Seeing a friendly face brings a sen
H E R A "The location of your father’s fortune.""Dale—""No, listen. You can tell him the truth about the twins, but it will link you in more intimate ways. He’ll think he has rights to more information.""Like…" I’m not catching on."Like your father’s fortune. He might use your kids against you to find out where all that money is. I’m just saying you can’t be too careful."I never thought about that, but as I sit here and process what Dale just said, my instincts tell me I have nothing to worry about.Thomas has been nothing but a gentleman to me this entire time. He’s treated the kids amazing, and while he is intense most of the time, I have never once had an ill feeling in my stomach.It's not like I get around Dale often, and I blame being alone for five years with no friends. I distrust every person I meet, but Dale hasn’t done anything either. He’s been supportive, too. He’s helped me with the bakery and even helped me bake a last-minute batch of cookies. He’s been so nice.B
H E R A"But things have changed now; and you'll have to adjust. Especially when you mention the kids.""Yeah, I get it, but he should have discussed it with me.""You're not mistaken, but remember who we're talking about. This is Thomas Morris. He's not one to initiate conversations. He's all about taking action. Doing. In his world, that's how things get accomplished. He's not your average guy, Hera. If you're looking for someone who communicates openly, Thomas isn't the right person for you. He's a man of action. He acts before he speaks, and you need to be prepared for that."A big family walks into the bookstore, and Dale gives my knee a pat. "I need to assist them, but feel free to stay as long as you want, okay?""Thank you. I think I'll head back to my apartment and catch a nap. Thanks for everything. You're a great friend."A shadow passes over his eyes, and that familiar feeling of unease creeps back in, telling me that something is off, but once again, I can't pinpoint what
H E R AThe mere idea of never baking again makes me feel down. Baking, along with my children, is what brings me joy. It helped me get through tough times when I was a new mom with two crying newborns.They would sleep, but I couldn't, so I turned to baking to calm my mind and emotions. It was something just for me, not involving my kids.I know it sounds awful, but there was a moment when I resented them. I was depressed, crying every night. I didn't want to get out of bed when they cried. If they cried, I cried. I felt lost as a mom, wanting to give up.I hated that I felt like they took something from me. Even in that hate, I still loved them. It was a conflicting feeling, but baking gave me something for myself. It helped me heal, and eventually, my babies healed me too.My mental state improved, and I realized I only needed myself and my twins. My phone interrupts my thoughts, reminding me to pick up Addison and Aiden from daycare.Have I been cleaning for that long? Where did t
T H O M A SI need to keep my cool. The kids can’t know that I’m ready to set this city on fire if anything happens to their mother.As I park in front of the bakery, I reach for my gun, but Gelo stops me.“I can handle this, Thomas. You stay with the kids.”“No. If something happens, I want to be the one to find Hera,” I say quietly. “Take them for ice cream. Be back in twenty minutes, no longer. Got it?”“Sure thing.” He glances at the kids in the rearview mirror. “Who wants ice cream?”“I do! I do!”“Me too!”Their excitement is contagious, but my worry remains. I step out of the car, and the kids protest.“Mr. Thomas, you’re not coming?”“I wish I could, Aiden, but I need to help your mom with the bags. Everyone is coming to stay with me for a bit. Sound good?”“Yay! A sleepover!” Addison cheers.That's right. So Gelo is going to get you some ice cream, and I'm going to assist your mom in getting ready.""Alright. Bye, Mr. Thomas.""See you soon." I shut the door and quickly made
T H O M A SThe ride is quiet, but not uncomfortable. I reach back and place my hand on her leg to stop it from bouncing, and she lets out a long breath to relax.When we arrive at the iron gates of my estate, Gelo presses a button on the wheel and they open. I guess my taste leans more towards Victorian Gothic when it comes to describing my home. The estate looks like a small stone castle from the outside, but the interior is very modern and up-to-date.“Oh my goodness. I'm going to be a princess!” Addison kicks her little legs as she gazes out the window. “Mommy, Mommy! Look.” Addison points to the tower.It really does resemble the ones in Disney movies.“You're already a princess,” Hera says.I rest my elbow on the middle console as Gelo pulls around to the front. “I want extra security. I want someone to check the security system in her building too. I need answers.”“You got it,” Gelo replies as we both step out of the car simultaneously.I open the back door and help Ad