LOGINNashMay 2025 - The Prissy Pint Cocktail BarEver since Mason and I had rejected Father's marriage proposal/business merger, he had become insufferable.Every report we submitted suddenly had flaws. Every decision was questioned. Every meeting became another opportunity for him to remind us that we were supposedly competing for the same prize.CEO. Ultimate control of Midas Media. He kept dangling it between us like a carrot, clearly expecting the old rivalry to resurface.It didn't. If anything, Mason and I had become closer.We still had our afterwork Friday catch-ups, even though there had been absolutely nothing new from the PI. We still went out for drinks, played squash, occasionally squeezed in a round of golf when our schedules allowed.Somewhere along the way, my brother had stopped being my competition. He had become my best friend. Neither of us would actually say it out loud, but it didn’t make it any less true.Then in May, the inevitable happened. Mason met Lacey.It ha
Sunday, 8th February 2026 – Bennett ResidenceValentinaWe returned to the task, but the *work* became a game of sensual torture. As I scrubbed a plate, Ethan didn't just dry…he lingered. Every time he reached for a dish, his hand would *accidentally* brush against my hip or slide firmly across the small of my back. I felt the heat of his hands through the fabric of my sweater, and his touch made my stomach clench with anticipation.Sometimes he'd shoot me a naughty smile. Sometimes I would look up from soaping plates and catch him watching me hungrily, blue gaze intense and fixed on me.When I splashed a little water at him after one particularly smug grin, he looked down at the damp spot on his shirt with exaggerated disbelief. "You attacked me.""I defended my honour.""Watery defence…no substance Miss Rossi." He flicked a droplet of water back at me.I gasped. "Ethan!""What?" he asked innocently. "You started it.""I distinctly remember being minding my own business." I huffed.
Sunday, 8th February 2026 – Bennett ResidenceValentinaMaddie and I had just finished bringing in the last of the dinner dishes, when Ethan wandered into the kitchen, rolling the sleeves of his Henley up his forearms."Go upstairs and put your feet up, Mom," he said, gently taking the tea towel from her hands. "Valentina and I will finish the rest."Maddie looked between the two of us with a concerned look. "You've both had a long day. It was bad enough Val wouldn’t listen.""I am fine Maddie. I feel bad that I didn’t even help make supper.” I said. "Besides, I am gone again tomorrow, it is my first runway practice.""And dad will be buried in contracts at Bailey's," Ethan added. "You'll have Rhys all afternoon. You deserve a break.""I can take Rhys with me," I offered. "Or get a sitter."Maddie looked almost offended. "Absolutely not." She smiled softly. We treasure every minute with that little boy. Your father already has plans to introduce him to every bird in the garden."I cou
Tuesday, 3rd February 2026 - SoHo Penthouse "Check employment. Friends." My voice dropped to a lower register, eyes narrowing. “Anyone that you deem more than a friend…” "Fine. So basically everything." He chuckled quietly. "Still subtle as ever." "I've never claimed to be subtle." "When do you need it?" "Preliminary report? Within forty-eight hours." "I'll have something." He assured me. "I know you will." I said in a voice that brooked no argument.I ended the call without saying goodbye. No need. Lester understood efficiency. I placed the phone face down on the marble counter before walking into my studio.The room smelled exactly as it should. Linseed oil. Turpentine. Fresh canvas. This is where every creative concept started.This was my quiet place…My sanctuary.Dozens of completed paintings lined one wall beneath protective cloths awaiting the exhibition.Powerful works. Technically flawless. Collectors would fight over them. Critics would dissect them. Students would st
LeightonTuesday, 3rd February 2026 - SoHo PenthouseThe exhibition was just over three weeks away.By any reasonable standard I had given myself an impossible deadline. The feature piece alone would measure nearly four metres across, far too large to complete in my studio. It would have to be painted at the gallery itself after installation, the final brushstrokes witnessed by no one. I painted for escape, because it quieted the noise in my head, even if it was only for a little while.I poured myself into my work, probably the only time I shared any bit of me with the world. But even this creative outlet, was split. One meant for the public eye and the other just for myself.Other people invited patrons, critics and collectors to watch the process. They would call it performance art.I called it theatre.Art was never simply paint on canvas. It was imagination. Creation. Obsession. And every work only became a masterpiece with the appropriate audience to validate its beauty, origin
EthanSunday 8th February 2026 - Bennett Residence"Well I am not the only one that is going to be famous." Valentina piped up mischieviously, grinning at me. "Ethan ended up modelling too,"Mom's eyebrows shot upward. Dad put down his cutlery. "You did?"I shrugged. "Occupational hazard of being too handsome to just practise law."The whole table laughed. "So all of Manhatten and 5th Avenue are going to see my two babies looking gorgeous..." mom said puffing with pride.Before I could answer, I leaned toward Valentina again. "I'd much rather you were the only one looking."She inhaled sharply. Her fork slipped from her fingers. *Clang.* Every head turned to her. "Everything alright sweetheart?" Mom asked."I'm sorry," Valentina mumbled, mortified.I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself laughing. Dad looked directly at me. The stern expression clearly said *Behave.* I gave him my most innocent smile.Dessert arrived. Conversation drifted to Matteo's upcoming show. I'd finally d
2 years ago – Saturday 29th February Valentina The battle in front of the mirror continues. My subconscious tuts, mocking me. *He chose you for weekends Valentina...* she corrects. 'There’s a difference.* My reflection blurs. I’m not crying. I refuse to cry before I even try. My hands are trem
2 years ago – Saturday 29th February ValentinaI woke up later than normal, the sun already high in the sky.I blushed as last night came rushing back. Nashian had been an absolute animal. He had taken me three more times. In the shower, strapped to the bench and finally on the giant four poster
2 years ago – Friday 28th February Valentina And then his mouth crashed down onto mine, teeth nipping my lower lip, tongue delving deep as if he he couldn't get enough of the taste of me. Plunging, duelling, conquering like a starving man offered a banquet and that had decided to swallow me who
2 years ago – Friday 28th February Valentina The call came early on Friday morning. Dianne, my publisher, breathless with excitement and enthusiasm had told me that we had done it. My breath caught…A million...the number seemed unreal for a series that had been out for just a year and a half.







