NathanielI knew this would be hard, but I didn’t think it would be this fucking unbearable.There’s always been an emptiness inside me—it comes with all the baggage of being an unwanted child. But I’ve managed it well through the years.Or, I thought I had.Turns out, I was only numbing it with no way to effectively deal with it. Which is why I’m here, in the middle of nowhere.On the mountain.I’ve done a lot of hiking and thinking, mostly about her.The girl I left behind without a word because her dick of a father is testing me.“Stay away for a while and take the time off as an overdue vacation,” he told me that day. “If she’s really serious about you, she won’t move on. But if she does move on, you will fuck off from her life.”He also wants ten percent of my shares, which will give him the majority in W&S. We agreed to never sell our shares to outsiders or each other in order to keep an equal power balance. But he’s using the circumstances to twist my arm.I agreed anyway. Fuck
“Does that mean you approve?”He stands up on the stairs so that he’s towering over me and flicks the Zippo shut. “She said you’re the best thing that’s happened to her since me, that she needs you in her life as much as she needs me. I don’t really have a say in the matter now that you’ve made your mark all over her. Besides, you’re my best friend. I know you better than anyone and I’m well aware that when you care about someone, it’s for life.”“I’m serious, King. I would never hurt her.”“Fuck right you won’t. If she cries because of you, I will kill you. For real. This place gives me inspiration for a good burial site.”“I see the head injury didn’t reduce the crazy.”“Fuck off.” He sits again, flicking his lighter, and I drop down beside him. He doesn’t kick me in the nut, so that’s a good sign.“How is she?” I ask.“Depressed. I knew shit was hitting the fan when she wasn’t eating her vanilla ice cream for a whole week. Can you believe that?”“That’s a record.”“I know.” He lean
GwynethThe day Nate came back, I could feel it.I got out of bed early on a Saturday for no reason at all and made lots of cupcakes that I won’t be eating, then I told Dad to go jog without me.I sat on the edge of the pool clutching a vanilla milkshake, removed my sneakers, and dipped my feet in the water.Sometimes, it’s calming because I remember when Nate and I had hot sex here. But other times, all I can think about is when Dad tried to drown him.I shake that image away and grab the milkshake, then stare at it in the sun. “What’s wrong with you, buddy? Why are you tasteless?”“Are you really talking to a milkshake?”Ever since I got up this morning, I had a feeling, but having that feeling and the actual reality is entirely different.Because the sound of his voice after such a long time is like a shockwave and it’s now spreading through me, lighting up all my nerves.God. His voice, that rich depth in it, clutches me in a tight noose.His face blocks the sun as he stares down
Epilogue lNathaniel Three years laterSomething’s wrong.I can tell because Gwyneth has been avoiding me.She never avoids me.Not even when she says I’m being a jerk and drive her mad sometimes. Instead of turning her back to me or sulking, she jumps onto my lap and makes me teach her how to behave.But now, she’s been avoiding me.For two days.She’s also been staring at her negative words list before bed, which she rarely does. These past three years, she’s been working more on herself and has a better grasp on her emotions. She even has a positive words list that makes her smile and laugh and puts her in a bright mood.However, the list she’s been looking at is the negative one. And she’s done it two nights in a row.“My angel finally realized that being with you is a mistake,” King said when I asked him if she’d told him anything. “Now, she can divorce you and come back to me.”“Fuck you, King.”“Hey, is that any way to speak to your father-in-law, motherfucker?”Needless to sa
Epilogue 2 - GwynethOne year later“Don’t cry…I’m here…” I croak, patting my hand on a chubby chest and holding another chubby bottom so she can suck on my breast.Only…I’m not holding anything. I’m not sitting down either and I’m only touching the mattress.I startle, my eyes flying open.Our bedroom comes into sight with the pulled-down curtains that make it dark even though the clock on the wall reads ten in the morning. I fumble for the baby monitor, my heart beating so loudly, I hear it in my ears.Holy shit.Shit.Where are my babies? I clearly remember falling asleep breastfeeding Lily and rocking Logan back to sleep around two in the morning.Did I lose them somehow? Nate spends one night working late in the office,one night, and I lose our twins?They’re three months old—I think I got pregnant that day before Nate’s birthday a year ago. As soon as we found out the news, I was ecstatic, but that can’t be said about everyone else. Dad wondered if I was going to be fine with la
BLURB I’m only nineteen, but it doesn’t stop me from fantasizing about my dad’s best friend I’ve done my best to keep away from Anton Hawthorn this past year. That’s the only way to get over his refusal to kiss me under the mistletoe. That all changes when he agrees to my parents’ request for me to stay with him for one week. I was warned to stay out of his way, but maybe I can turn on the charm for one last chance. Because now I know how to drive him wild—I saw the jealousy in his eyes when a boy took me to my prom. So, if I plan it well, he’ll be putty in my hands. I can’t fail, right? And I don’t care about the age gap or that he’s my dad’s best friend. I only care that I have one week with Anton, and I’m going to do everything I can to make him mine. Because all I want is to be Mrs. Anton Hawthorn…and to carry his child. Chapter 1 Scarlett I stare down at the cherub in my arms. She’s a beautiful little girl with too much hair for a seven-day-old baby. My fingert
“Of course.” Jade pulls me into another hug. Her perfume, mixed with that new-mom scent, fills my nose. “And stop worrying about staying with Anton. You’ve known him forever.”“That’s what worries me.” I step back, wrapping my arms around myself.Max closes the back door with a solid thud. “Ready to go, hon?”“Remember what I said about the job?” Jade slides into the passenger seat. “Show him what you’re made of.”Soon, my parents and sisters are near Jade’s car.“See you soon,” Mum says, rapping her knuckles over the side window of Jade’s car.I sigh as everyone waves as their car pulls away from my parent’s home. Wondering if I will get the same treatment when I leave later today.I doubt that very much.A hand touches my lower back.I know it is him.It’s the same gentle touch that sends electricity down my spine every time his body touches mine. It doesn’t matter that I’m wearing a tee shirt. I always seem to get a thrill from his touch.I know I shouldn’t.Not only is he Dad’s fo
AntonMy knuckles whiten against the steering wheel as I drive back to my townhouse. Scarlett’s perfume fills the car—a gentle mix of vanilla and something floral I can’t place.She shifts in her seat, crossing her legs. A sideways glance catches her profile. Those full pink lips curved up in a slight smile. The streetlights paint shadows across her face, highlighting her cheekbones before my gaze lowers to her Eiffel Tower print tee-shirt, and then I see the whisper of fabric over her bare legs.I snap my eyes back to the road.Focus on driving. Focus on anything else.I grip tighter. She tests every ounce of self-control.“Your place is in a lovely area.” Her voice breaks the tension as we pull into my driveway.“You’ve been before,” I tell her. Clenching my jaw. “And I like the area because it’s a short commute to the office.” My words come out rougher than intended.She turns toward me, and I feel her gaze on my face. I also feel as her eyes roam down my body, and it’s like the to
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