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Chapter Nineteen
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2025-04-22 20:18:25
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RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Twenty
AmiriamShe kinda loved Italy's public transportation. The train was efficient, cheap, and got them from point A to point B with no effort on her part. And she got to see some of the countryside. Win-win. Actually, she thought it was a win-win-win-win? Anyway, she loved it.What she did not love were the gorgeous Italian women sitting across the aisle. They'd been ogling Luke for the past thirty minutes, and it was driving her insane.Not that she was jealous, she might insert. But because he was wearing a freaking wedding ring, and his—cough—wife—cough—was sitting right next to him! Normally, she wouldn't care. But these were not exactly normal women. These were catwalk models. Long, dark hair, flawless olive skin, tiny waists, and huge breasts. Could she possibly feel more insecure? No. No, she couldn't.Unfortunately for her, she needed to pee. Which also meant she needed to leave her post. And that would leave the second she did, the two handsome Italians free rein to her husband!
Last Updated : 2025-04-24RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Twenty-one
Amiriam"I am totally in love with these shops," Amiriam bubbled as she walked back and forth along a quaint little side street in a small town in Tuscany.She had decided to ignore the whole train fiasco. Why? Because if she did, she'd be a wreck and find herself doubting every little thing Luke Oden did. She didn't think her nerves could handle it.And for real? It made sense. He was a guy who could just compartmentalize his emotions from the…body business. So she shouldn't be surprised that he liked kissing her. And did it make her feel more confident at the same time putting the Italian hooters in their place? Why, yes. Yes, it did.Problem averted. Let's get on with it. Which was exactly what she was doing.In. Freaking. Tuscany.Luke Oden pushed his palms into the front pockets of his snug-fitting jeans before he gave the side-eye to Amiriam while they continued walking along the cobblestone paths."Never figured you'd be a shopper," he told her."I'm a shopper, not a buyer," Am
Last Updated : 2025-04-27RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Twenty-Two
Luke OdenThe next few days went by in a daze for Luke Oden. There was a veil of honeymoon bliss that almost felt real when he looked at Amiriam until he would remember that the minute they got home, they were going to divorce. For some reason, there was a small part of him that wished they could break away from their home and stay in Italy forever. There was something in the pretty countryside that felt like a new start. And if anyone could do with one of those, it was him.That was the problem, though, wasn't it? Amiriam did not need a new start. She had a perfect life at home. She was not running from anything. She did not have to. Everything she had ever wanted was there.And then there was Luke. The guy who was too much of a wimp to say anything about it and tell the truth that this union was a total hoax with an expiration date that was inching ever nearer, no matter how much he wished it would stop.He needed a bloody drink.Which was a relief because they had just gotten into
Last Updated : 2025-04-28RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Twenty-Three
AmiriamFun fact. Italians are a lot of fun to flirt with.Second fun fact. Especially ones who have access to plenty of booze.Third fun fact. Luke was absolutely correct. Drinking oneself silly is actually, actually fun. Amiriam could testify to that."I think that's enough," Luke ordered beside her. Following a rushed tour of the vineyards, they were led to a quaint little balcony with little tables scattered around its edge. That's when the wine showed up, accompanied by a smooth talk about the different alcohols and how they complement pasta, cheese, yada, yada, yada. Luke put a hand over the rim of Amiriam's just emptied glass in a bid to dissuade Gabri from pouring more Black Rooster Chianti into it.Not just Chianti.Black Rooster Chianti.It's a thing. Amiriam had no idea what it was or why it was important, but Gabri made sure she knew that his Rooster was better than any other Rooster that existed.Then he made her taste it. In fact, he made her taste a lot of it.And she'd
Last Updated : 2025-04-29RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Twenty-Four
LukeThe smell of vomit stuck in her hair as Luke held a fistful of it. Amiriam's tiny form jerked on the bathroom floor as she vomited another round of wine from her stomach."This is your fault," she groaned after a few minutes.A chuckle escaped him as he grabbed a damp washcloth and wiped her face. At least they'd made it back to their apartment so he could at least have a little more control of all this."How the hell is this my fault? If you're looking to yell at someone, maybe you should scream at Gabri for pouring you so much Chianti in the first place."She rolled her eyes. "Nope. I blame you. You're the one who pissed me off.".Never drink when you're mad, baby. I believe the word you used was substance abuse?" When she glared, he went on, "Just kidding! Blame me if you want. I was a moron, and I'm sorry for making you go through hell, including the fact that I kind of goaded you into drinking too much, and then went on to vomit your guts out for the last quarter hour.".She
Last Updated : 2025-05-01RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Twenty-five
AmiriamAs a new Greyhound, the smell of coffee rouses Amiriam from her restless slumber."Hey, sleepyhead," a grumbling voice growls.Amiriam slept like crap. She hadn't listened to what other folks were saying. Booze didn't put her to bed like a baby. How anticlimactic. She'd also determined that getting bombed wasn't everything it was built up to be. She rolled and turned the entire night, her stomach grumbling the whole night as she sought a position that would not cause her to vomit. She didn't know she actually slept until this morning. However, the smell of caffeine, which was familiar, and the husky voice beside her ear were enough to rouse her from a disturbed sleep.Gradually, Amiriam gradually opened one of her eyes to catch a glimpse of a superhero hiding under a black T-shirt and tattered blue jeans that sit low on his hips."Hello, Husband," she said with a smile.He returned her smile. "Hello, Wife. How's it going?""Feeling better now that I'm going to have a cappuccin
Last Updated : 2025-05-01RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Twenty-Six
Amiriam"So, what are we doing today?" Amiriam inquired, still ensconced in the sheets. They hadn't left their apartment all day. And it had been the perfect hangover cure.Luke Oden's fingers teased her long locks as she nestled her head in his chest. Every so often, he pulled softly, making shivers spread along her scalp. It was incredible, and she'd already decided she never wanted to shift from the position. Nope. She was fine. She'd just stay right here forever."Today is quite short," he conceded, confirming her suspicion. She could detect the smile in his tone, but she did not bother to look up. He was far too damn comfortable. "But I was thinking tonight we'd go to a special spot with the most incredible view of Florence you've ever seen. Maybe we can watch the sunset. What do you think?""I think that sounds wonderful. I should shower first, though."His broad chest shook with laughter when she didn't move an inch. "Like…today? Or…?"Laughing, she slapped his chest and fought
Last Updated : 2025-05-02RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Twenty-Seven
AmiriamIf Amiriam learned anything from the Italians, it was that they knew what to eat. She massaged her full belly after a Pasta Carbonara dinner and propelled her back into the comfortable chair that she was reclining in."Did you like it?" Luke Oden asked with a sympathetic smile.She replied back with one of her own. "How is everything freaking so good here? Tell me."Shrugging, Luke reached for his wine glass and had another sip. The Italians really knew their wine as well. And when you weren't bingeing it with the intention of becoming drunk, it was a great accompaniment to food. Luke had found it entertaining to mention it prior to the waitress arriving to put in their order.Smartass."I wish I knew," Luke said. "You can't find Italian food like this at home."No. No, you can't. Which means we have to order some tiramisu."Especially since this is our last night," Luke noted before settling back in his chair across from her and mirroring her move by slapping his six-pack. Th
Last Updated : 2025-05-02
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RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter thirty-three
Amiriam "Yup. I'm getting divorced.""But, you love him.""Yup.""And he proposed."There's this huge, silly grin that spreads across Amiriam's face, and she looks down at her hand resting on the kitchen counter. "Yup.""And you said, 'Yes.'""Sure did.""And you're moving out?" Christiana questions.Amiriam nods, tearing her eyes off her left hand that's sporting the ring of her dreams and back at her sister. "Right again, my friend."Are you moving back to live in his parents' home?""Nope. We're actually going to go apartment hunting for the meantime. I think it'll be our home base, and then the rest of the time, we'll be traveling the world and helping those who are less fortunate than us."Gah! It sounds so wonderful when she says it like that!“You’re serious,” Christiana replies, inspecting Amiriam like she’s been captured by a body snatcher, and she’s not her real sister anymore.“Yup. Dead serious.”“And you’re okay with this?”Laughing, Amiriam walks around the counter and
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter thirty two
Amiriam felt the low vibration of Luke's voice humming in her ear, and she opened her eyes. He'd spent the night—in her apartment. An apartment that she was positive they'd left within a day. Indeed, her confused mind was still convinced that she was dreaming."Yah?" she croaked, holding the sheet over her mouth to protect him from a nasty morning breath.Luke grinned, yanked the sheet off, and pecked her on the lips. The action dispelled any fear that it would disturb him. "I want to ask you something.""And what's that?" Amiriam answered, still with a husky voice from sleep."I see how much you love James, and I see how much it killed you to be separated from him all these past months. My dad told me that he offered the job to you when he stopped by a week or so back. You've said yes already, haven't you?""I haven't decided yet," Amiriam admitted, weighing the pros and cons. "I've been thinking about it a lot, though.". I miss James crazy, but I also understand that things will nev
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Thirty-one
Amiriam failed to appear. Not the day after Mr. Oden's unexpected visit, nor the following day. She'd given up hope when she crawled into her frayed pajamas on Sunday night with the intention of surviving another lonely night of ice cream and Netflix. She'd told her family that she wasn't feeling well. Generally, they met Sunday evenings for dinner and cards, but she was not in the mood tonight. She'd rather spend her night wallowing in self-pity.She was such a sad case.Grabbing a spoon and a pint of mint chocolate chip ice cream, she watched as the front door creaked to a persistent knock. Her heart fluttered in her chest before she convinced herself it was just the FedEx man. Because, you know, he usually came on Sunday nights. She rolled her eyes and tiptoed to the door, not allowing herself to get her hopes up. Peering through the peephole, the spoon dropped from her fingers and clattered on the floor."Amiriam?"Luke's deep voice boomed through the thick door as she leaned agai
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Thirty
Amiriam remained with Christiana. It was the only sensible thing to do with all the time they were spending together. And since Amiriam had also been kicked out of the Oden house a few days previously, it was a welcome relief. Frank and Rita were wonderful and did the dirty work for her, carting off her stuff so she didn't have to.The next few sentences just went by, and a massive chunk of Amiriam hated how Luke hadn't even bothered to reach out to her. No calls. No texts. Zero. Her stomach turned at the mere thought, and her eyes ached from all the crying they had done over a guy who obviously never did care about her. Elaine, mother of one of Christiana's classmates a year previously and who conveniently happened to be a divorce attorney, was fantastic and had all the paperwork drawn up as quickly as possible before agreeing to drop everything off at Luke's. As long as Amiriam never had to lay eyes on him, she didn't particularly care how he took the papers. She just wanted this li
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Twenty-nine
And storming off after, Amiriam had just been able to grab purse and keys when she slammed the front door behind her and got behind the wheel. Luckily she'd left her car at Oden's instead of home. She'd go back for the rest of it later. Or maybe she'd have Rita do it. Anyway, she was repaying her for all that kitty litter she'd cleaned up after her for years. Her fingers fumbled over her cell phone as she punched in her sister's number and waited for it to ring. As it did ring, she jammed her car into reverse and backed out of the Oden's driveway."Hey, Amiriam! Back from your honeymoon?" Christiana's voice was altogether too perky for Amiriam's grouchy demeanor.With a sniff, Amiriam growled, "Do you know any lawyers?"Christiana hesitated, her previous cheerfulness lost. "What?""Lawyers. Do you know any? Or maybe I should call Rita. She had to get one when the whole Frank fiasco occurred, didn't she? Yeah, I should really call––""Amiriam. What is going on?""I'm getting divorced."
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Twenty-eight
Amiriam was confused somehow as the car drove her home to Luke Oden's family house. The flight home had been like she burst a bubble over a parallel universe where everything existed. She glanced at their joined hands, her gaze on Luke's thumb as he stroked it slowly back and forth across her knuckle. It was soothing, rhythmic movement, and just enough to relax her.Are we really going to give this a shot? Can this be my happily ever after?She sighed and looked out the window. The trees whirled down the highway, close enough to make her drowsy. She didn't even know it until the car slowed, and they were at Luke's parents' house."Ready?" Luke asked."For what?" Amiriam replied with a whisper that was almost lost in her own ears."For our life to begin," he grinned, pulling her away from the car.Upon approaching the entrance door, it swung open automatically. Amiriam's stiletto heels scraped against the cement.What the hell?"Hi, baby," Stacy cheered out, her arms folded over her ch
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Twenty-Seven
AmiriamIf Amiriam learned anything from the Italians, it was that they knew what to eat. She massaged her full belly after a Pasta Carbonara dinner and propelled her back into the comfortable chair that she was reclining in."Did you like it?" Luke Oden asked with a sympathetic smile.She replied back with one of her own. "How is everything freaking so good here? Tell me."Shrugging, Luke reached for his wine glass and had another sip. The Italians really knew their wine as well. And when you weren't bingeing it with the intention of becoming drunk, it was a great accompaniment to food. Luke had found it entertaining to mention it prior to the waitress arriving to put in their order.Smartass."I wish I knew," Luke said. "You can't find Italian food like this at home."No. No, you can't. Which means we have to order some tiramisu."Especially since this is our last night," Luke noted before settling back in his chair across from her and mirroring her move by slapping his six-pack. Th
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Twenty-Six
Amiriam"So, what are we doing today?" Amiriam inquired, still ensconced in the sheets. They hadn't left their apartment all day. And it had been the perfect hangover cure.Luke Oden's fingers teased her long locks as she nestled her head in his chest. Every so often, he pulled softly, making shivers spread along her scalp. It was incredible, and she'd already decided she never wanted to shift from the position. Nope. She was fine. She'd just stay right here forever."Today is quite short," he conceded, confirming her suspicion. She could detect the smile in his tone, but she did not bother to look up. He was far too damn comfortable. "But I was thinking tonight we'd go to a special spot with the most incredible view of Florence you've ever seen. Maybe we can watch the sunset. What do you think?""I think that sounds wonderful. I should shower first, though."His broad chest shook with laughter when she didn't move an inch. "Like…today? Or…?"Laughing, she slapped his chest and fought
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY Chapter Twenty-five
AmiriamAs a new Greyhound, the smell of coffee rouses Amiriam from her restless slumber."Hey, sleepyhead," a grumbling voice growls.Amiriam slept like crap. She hadn't listened to what other folks were saying. Booze didn't put her to bed like a baby. How anticlimactic. She'd also determined that getting bombed wasn't everything it was built up to be. She rolled and turned the entire night, her stomach grumbling the whole night as she sought a position that would not cause her to vomit. She didn't know she actually slept until this morning. However, the smell of caffeine, which was familiar, and the husky voice beside her ear were enough to rouse her from a disturbed sleep.Gradually, Amiriam gradually opened one of her eyes to catch a glimpse of a superhero hiding under a black T-shirt and tattered blue jeans that sit low on his hips."Hello, Husband," she said with a smile.He returned her smile. "Hello, Wife. How's it going?""Feeling better now that I'm going to have a cappuccin
