Scarlett“Hello,” I grumble the next morning, as I answer my mobile phone. My alarm hasn’t gone off yet, and I curse my friend as I see her name on the screen.“Hey Scarlett, how are you getting on with your secret crush?”I glance at the time and drop my head on the pillow. “It’s six thirty, Hetty. What are you doing?”“I want the tea.”“There is none.”She laughs. “Of course there is. Now start by telling me how he looked at you? Did his hand linger anywhere on your body for longer than necessary? Did he look at you weirdly?”“Ugh! He showed me my room, made me dinner, and it was more awkward than I expected. So, I’m going to pretend I’m not living in his house for a week. He looks at me like he’s still embarrassed that I tried to kiss him at the wedding.”“He would never kiss you in front of all those guests. Just turn on the charm while you’re living with him, and he’ll be eating out of your hand in no time at all.”“Do you think?” I ask, hopeful.“Yeah, of course. Just don’t be m
“Not really.” I sink deeper into the pillows. They smell like Anton’s laundry detergent.“Tall, dark hair, killer smile? He asked about you.”“I don’t—”“If you say no, I’m going to drag you out myself.” Her voice turns serious. “One night. That’s all I’m asking. It might send Anton crazy.”“I doubt it.” I sigh, knowing she won’t drop this night out, but also because I know Anton doesn’t want me. “Fine.”“Really?”“Yes.” Maybe Anton will be relieved to have the house to himself. To not worry about running into me in the hallway or catching glimpses of me in silk pajamas. “What time?”“Straight after college. Bring some clothes with you to the gym. We’ll start at The Lock & Key.”“Okay.” My stomach twists at the thought of leaving, but I push the feeling aside. “But I’m not staying late.”“You’re sleeping at mine. No arguing.”I roll my eyes.Her laugh echoes through the phone, and it’s as though she can see me. “Bring that black dress. The one with the—”“Okay. I need to go.” I cut he
“You’re up early.” His gruff voice makes me jump.I turn to him. My eyes bulge as I try to withhold a squeak as Anton walks in. He is only wearing fitted boxer shorts that leavenothing to the imagination, and a thin dressing gown which is not, but really should be, tied at the waist.When he's in a suit, everything about him radiates power and dominance. But now he is almost naked, and I feel dominated in a different way.Suit or not, the power rolls off him.He’s a big man. He towers over my father, who stands at six feet on the dot. But unlike my father, Anton is big all over—all over.I swallow.I need to stop looking right away.His thighs are large and firm. Taut, defined muscles cover his stomach, and he has a delicious V that ends underneath the boxer shorts I’m staring at—and can’t stop.Stop staring at him.My gaze quickly rises, as does the heat on my face.“Where are you going?” he asks, like my staring is normal in his world.“I’m meeting Hetty.”“You haven’t had breakfast
AntonI sit in my car as it idles on the opposite side of the road to where Scarlett is in a bar with her friends.My jaw aches from clenching my teeth not only because she disobeyed me but also at each time she flings her head back and laughs at what her male friend says.It’s not like I haven’t watched her from afar before, but then I was merely a stalker, but today, I’m her guardian and I’m fucking fuming with her. One day and she is already going against me.Me.The man who has had her back whenever her father has said disgruntled, and sometimes unkind, things about her.She doesn’t know how much I've protected her in the past.But I’ll bide my time before I make my move. Because when that happens, she won’t have a clue what hit her.But right now, my sole focus is getting her in the car and then home. Then...who knows?I’ve gone crazy the entire day, since seeing her this morning, hearing her whimper as I held her against the wall. Then, like now, I want to lick every inch of her
She pushes her chair back and stands before she disappears from the table and my view. One guy keeps looking in the direction she went.Does she have a boyfriend?Her father mentioned nothing about any men in her life. He told me she never has the time, and that she is a good girl that likes to study.Which really means he never asks her.Finally, Scarlett strolls back to the table where her friends are at, but she is looking out of the window. I glance down the street at where she looks and then back to her and I think she’s spotted me.Fucking good job.“Now come to me,” I mutter.Because Scarlett has always been mine and now she is nineteen, I am going to finally have her. Because ever since her delectable curves hit a year ago, I’ve wanted her for my own. It was probably about the same time my marriage went downhill. Not that it was ever on a high. Cassandra and I were two people who had very different dreams, and once I realized how much I wanted Scarlett, I was happy to let go o
ScarlettHis touch sends a heat down my spine that I never thought possible. I hate that I’m attracted to my father’s best friend, rather than men my age. But I am.I’ve been secretly in love with him for a few years now. Probably at the same time my friends were noticing boys. I was different. I never noticed boys my age. My eyes only stared at Anton—a man I know is way out of bounds—way out of my league.The man whose hand is still on my bare leg.I place my hand on his and try to lift his fingers from my thigh, but he traps my hand underneath his. I glare at the side of his handsome face. His jaw and cheekbones are still taut, but there are shimmers of silver slicing through his black hair.Why have I never noticed them before?“I don’t think I can escape,” I say when he notices me staring. “And maybe you should keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.” I continue playing hard to get—that's as good as Hetty's strategy was.A small smile tugs at his lips, and he looks
He tilts my face up as he lowers his and with his mouth hovering less than an inch from mine, he says, “You areinfuriating, but beautiful.” Our eyes meet as I take in that he called me beautiful. “Today is my‘one day.’”“One day,” I repeat before our mouths clash and I moan as he grasps my ass, hauling me upward and pressing me against the door. His tongue is in my mouth as the kiss becomes hot and passionate.His dick grows hard and I wrap my legs around his hips, feeling how hard and big he is as the position presses his dick against my pussy.For a few minutes, it’s chaos as we kiss. Our tongues dance. He licks my mouth, my lips. My fingers push through his hair, dragging him closer. Wanting more.He tilts my face, deepening the kiss like he can’t get enough of me either.Securing me between his body and the door. His hand skims over my hip, my waist, my tit, feeling every part of me.His mouth kisses down my throat as he presses into me. “God, you smell so good, so sweet,” he says
ScarlettI nod again.“And mine. Tell me you’re mine.”Oh my God. This is Anton, my long-time crush, telling me how much he wants me. "I'm yours."“Good girl, now lean back on your elbows,” he says, helping me lean back on the kitchen island. His thumb grazes against my clit, sending a jolt of electricity through my center. My eyes lock onto his as he presses and strokes a little harder.“Can I taste you?” he asks, looking into my eyes.I nod and it’s only then I realize I’m chewing on my lip.He lowers until his head is between my thighs. My heart is racing at the thought of where he is. My breathing comes hard and fast.He stares between my spread legs, rubbing his nose along my panties and inhaling. “Beautiful.”A half whimper escapes when he drags his tongue along the same place.He stops for a moment; he has one hand on my thigh as the other strokes over my panties and it is as though he is conflicted or mesmerized.Or not so conflicted, because I gasp as the tip of his warm tong
He’s a coward.Anger rises in me again, and I reach my drink and take it to my lips.I’m enjoying it when I see Charles walk up to me. He’s told me he’d be working with his team until late on a small gathering they’re throwing the next day for people of the trade. I wave at him, and he comes to my table with a determined expression, and long strides like he knows what he’s looking for. Who he’s looking for.My gut clenches. Something isn’t right.Was Dan an ass to him too, on the way back? Did Dan say anything bad about Whitney?Or did a bastard like me do something bad to Whitney?Like fuck her, again and again? I feel color draining from my face, and when Charles gets on the table with a disappointed look on his face, I already know it.“You jerk! I trusted you all those years. My daughter, really?” Charles says, flushed.My throat is dry and tight.Somehow he found out, and denying it will only make him angrier.Guilt crawls its way into my chest, and it’s hard to breathe. How can I
Maddox“And this is where guests and locals come for drinks and music,” I say, gesturing as we emerge into the club. I see quite a few more patrons than the past few weeks, which shows me that Whitney’s efforts have worked. We’ve had more visitors and increased sales. Always a plus.I’d be a lot happier if it weren’t for the company.My body is still stiff, as I had to go through an entire dinner with Dan Walters who happens to be almost as annoying as he is misogynistic. I guess it’s been a while since I last sat through a meal with the guy. We’re not friends, and I’ve met him in social events and basically small talked.I want to give him the benefit of the doubt and say maybe the reason why he’s been talking about women nonstop and not under the best light is because of his divorce. Maybe he’s broken, and feels more powerful if he’s bragging about all the pussy he’s getting.But the cynical part of me knows better.This guy is a certified douchebag, and I hope Astrid can get a good
WhitneyI strideinto the hotel lobby.Right now, Dan Walters the politician should be having dinner with Maddox. Maybe dinner is already over and they’re touring the hotel. Astrid is there in the club, ready to snap a couple of pictures as planned, and then send it to a gossip columnist friend of ours.If this was another client, I wouldn’t be here. My presence isn’t required since Astrid is here, as per her text.But I am shamelessly using every excuse in the book to be around Maddox, to see him more often, to spend more time with him.Ever since our ax throwing date, I can’t stop thinking about how far we’ve come. From him avoiding me for years to hinting about having children together one day. Who would have thought?A ball of joy rolls inside me, like a bowling ball running down the lane. Striking out.I add a little bit more pep to my step, and my goal is to pass by the restaurant and see them without introducing myself. But before I make it there, I almost bump into them, with b
Maddox“Your turn,”she says, handing me the ax.I hold the weight of the tool, and clasp it. This is the first time visiting an ax throwing joint, and if at first the idea seemed silly at best, now I’m actually enjoying myself. Then again, why wouldn’t I? For the past few days, we’ve been together non-stop, or as much as our schedules allow.Still, it doesn’t feel like it’s enough.I shoot the damn thing at the target, hitting it right at buzz’s eye. She squeals, cheering me on, then takes a sip of her beer.She’s invited me here because she needed to come for an appearance and check out the place, take some pictures, then post about it later. So even though this should technically be work, it’s still relaxing. At least, to me.Besides, I get to see how she fills those skintight jeans and plaid shirt she’s wearing. I’ve seen how a couple of men looked at her, and wanted to punch each one.Though I know she’s mine.Mine forever.A warm glow flows through me, spreading into my veins. Wh
“Maybe,” Maddox says, then clears his throat. “I hate to cut this short, but I have some phone calls I need to make soon.”“Oh, sure, no problem,” Dad says, then stands. We’ll leave you to it.”I hold the arms of the chair and am about to surge to my feet, when his gaze connects with mine and pins me to the spot.“I still have a question for you, Whitney,” Maddox says. “About the posting you’ll do later.”“Sure,” I say, and plop down on the chair again.Dad leaves and closes the door behind him.Quietly, Maddox stands and walks up to the door, and locks it. “You’re upset,” he says, picking a chair next to mine and sitting.I cross my legs, then uncross them and cross them again. “What? No,” I say in a hissy voice that betrays my words. I’m upset, and also embarrassed for being upset about him not acknowledging he’s seeing someone to my father. And maybe a tad jealous. What if Dad really tries to find him a date? My heart lurches. The idea of him with another woman gives me instant aci
“There you are,” my dad says, walking up to us, bursting that bubble.I withdraw as if I’ve been burned.“Hey, Dad,” I say in an extra chipper voice. “What’s up?”“Can we all meet at the conference room for a quick meeting? I have some news to share.”I have some too, I say inwardly.I slept with your best friend and can’t wait to do it again.A twinge of guilt twists at my heart, like the sharp end of a new blade. My dad doesn’t deserve to be hurt in all this, but would his hurt last? Besides the immediate surprise, would he really put up a long lasting fight against our relationship? I doubt it.Dad isn’t the typical father.He tends to be more open minded than most. Growing up, I always kept a channel of communication open with him. I confided in him about tiffs with friends, dates gone wrong, and when things started to happen for me as a digital influencer, he was my biggest cheerleader. He encouraged me and my dreams.The thoughts keep me busy as the three of us walk through the h
Whitney“How’s everything?”I ask the table of six influencers who were carefully curated for this lunch. Two of them, Rick and Ashley, are successful foodies and post about restaurants and the food scene in Texas. Then there’s Antoine and Ava, Claire and Kendall. Hashtag all-stars.“Oh, great. I’ve never been to this place,” Ava says, tossing her long brown hair to the side.“I have to say… I’m not a big fan of hotel restaurants in general,” Rick says, with his posh British accent. “But this one has surprised me so far.”“Excellent,” I say. “If you need anything, just let me know.,” I say, then turn around and walk away from their table.A thread of excitement works its way up my spine. I’m usually invested in my clients, as I love what I do. I love being able to highlight people’s talents or products and help them increase their visibility and profit. This time, though, I’m even more invested.Because of Maddox.I sigh.Two days ago, we had the most amazing date, and sex afterwards.
MaddoxI embraceher tightly against me, then pull the sheet over us. Our bodies are entangled, and she’s resting her head on my shoulder, her hand hovering on my chest and making little invisible patterns around my nipples.Her phone buzzes at the distance, but she doesn’t move an inch.“Do you need to get that?”“No. It’s Astrid probably reminding me of a place I need stop by later,” she says, and kisses my shoulder. A small gesture that only enhances this amplified intimate post-sex bliss. “Or asking where I’ve been.”I kiss the top of her head, and tendrils of relief course through me. I don’t want to let her go. Is it strange that now I get what she meant by saying she wanted to make the most of our time together? It’s not enough. Feels like whatever time I have with her, it’ll never be enough. Unless—She hums, the sweet sound yanking me from my thoughts. “I don’t think I can move anytime soon, anyway.”Pride swells in my chest, my male ego nicely massaged. I don’t want to move e
He gets the hint and plants kisses down my body, on my stomach, he nips my hips, then drags his mouth shamelessly between my thighs, and the second he breathes over my sex, I moan, already knowing what’s to come—me. Pretty soon.With a masterful swish of his tongue, he tastes me, exploring every inch of me with an eagerness that causes me to shudder in response. This time, he’s even more eager than he was at the restaurant. It’s like the more he tastes, the hungrier he gets.“Yes,” I hiss.He continues his teasing exploration, relentless, until tendrils of pleasure swirl through me, and I let go. Pleasure rockets through me, and I call out his name in a long winded moan, my limbs sweaty, my heartbeat frantic. Damn.I’m still dazed when he rises from between my legs, his body covering mine, the warm intensity in his eyes quickly re-energizing whatever sexual fuel I thought I was emptied of a second ago.“God. You’re stunning,” he says, and there’s a vulnerability in his voice that’s al