๋ก๊ทธ์ธ๊ณต์
Chapter Twenty-Two
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๋ฐ์ดํธ:
2025-04-28 00:20:35
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RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-04-29RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-05-01RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-05-01RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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. "Likeโฆtoday? Orโฆ?"Laughing, she slapped his chest and fought
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-05-02RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-05-02RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-05-03RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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 callโโ""Amiriam. What is going on?""I'm getting divorced."
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-05-03RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย chapter one
AmiriamAs Amiriam pulled up to James's residence, she scowled and studied the unfamiliar car ahead. It was a gaudy, red BMW, but she couldn't put a model name to it for the life of her. Her favorite six-year-old squirmed in the back seat, reminding her. Looking in the rearview mirror, she mashed her SUV into park and focused on matters more urgent. Like preventing urine from dripping onto her leather seats."Do you need to go pee?" she asked James. She was his nanny for a couple of years, and it truly was the greatest job in the world. He had a sticky mop of dark, curly hair on his head, and two dimples that made him able to get away with murder. Most of the time, at least.With a quick motion of his head, James unfastened his seat belt and scooted over toward the back passenger door as if his pants were afire.That's what you get for not going while we were still at my sister's house, Amiriam had to think about saying, but she kept quiet. It made no difference how many times she ins
์ต์ ์
๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-04-12
์ต์ ์ฑํฐ
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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 callโโ""Amiriam. What is going on?""I'm getting divorced."
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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 ย ย ย 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 ย ย ย 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. "Likeโฆtoday? Orโฆ?"Laughing, she slapped his chest and fought
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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
RECKLESS DESIRES: THE ODEN LEGACY ย ย ย 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 theโฆbody 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
