LOGINBelleI felt his lips first.Warm against my collarbone, trailing up the side of my neck, unhurried, like he had nowhere in the world to be and no intention of rushing any of it. My eyes were still closed and I lay there, a smile tugging at my mouth before I was even fully awake.His lips moved along my jaw. Then my chin. Then my cheek.I turned my face toward him and kept my eyes shut and just felt it. His hands were wrapped around me, one at my waist, one at my back, holding me against him like I might drift away if he loosened his grip.It was the best way I had ever been woken up in my life.“Happy birthday, sweet Fox.”My eyes flew open.I stared at him.He was looking at me with a knowing smile, fully aware of what he had done and clearly enjoying every second of it.“It’s my birthday,” I murmured. I pushed myself up onto one elbow and looked at him. “I completely forgot. I haven’t thought about it in weeks.”He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.“How do you know my birt
JamesThe old folks left. Better. I did without them for two decades. I didn’t need them now.I turned to Belle trying to cool my furious emotions. “I did it again. Made a decision for you without asking.” I was just so pissed, and I knew it wasn’t an excuse Belle had to accept, but it was all I had. I didn’t want her judging me for it.“James.” Her eyes studied me with concern. “I know seeing them again was a lot for you.”“I’m sorry. I was so angry I couldn’t think straight.”She watched me for a long moment. “What are you going to do now?”“I don’t want to talk about it.” I headed inside, taking off my clothes and going into the shower.Later in bed, I lay with my head turned away from her. She moved closer and wrapped her arms around me. I turned and tugged her against me, her belly pressing against mine.“They hurt me, Belle.” I whispered, still feeling all the hurt. A part of me felt shame. Because they were right about Angelina. But Tania, she was innocent. I wanted her to live
Belle “Y…your son is dead. He…he had an accident. James couldn’t be him.” My voice came out weak and confused.“It was easier to tell people that I was dead than explain that they disowned their son for stepping up to his responsibility.” James’ eyes carried so much hurt, and every muscle in him locked up.Oh no.My suspicions were right after all.“James, son…” Mrs. Debbie called out and reached for him.“Don’t you dare call me that. Your son is dead, remember.” He stepped back from her touch.“We made a mistake. We’re so sorry.” Debbie pressed forward with tears streaming down her face.“We had no idea where you were until we heard about a growing successful company, Wilders Corporation. Since then, we kept up with you, how you turned your life around, the big things you accomplished. But we didn’t know how to take it all back.” She wrung her hands and looked at him with desperation in every movement.“I don’t want to hear any of this. Just leave.” He turned his back to them.Georg
BelleI stepped out into the living room and it seemed like I was living in another house. Everything was so different.“Belle, you’re awake.” He flashed me his charming smile, but it wasn’t going to get him out of this.“Yeah. I am.” I glanced around the room again, still trying to take it in. “What’s going on here?”“A makeover. You just missed the interior designer. She was such a delight.” He gestured around the room, looking far too pleased with himself.“I know. I’m asking why you would transform the house without letting me know.”“I wanted to surprise you.” He walked closer and searched my face for approval.“Surprise me?” My brows drew together. A small laugh left me. “This is my house, James.”“I know. I thought you’d love it.” His smile faltered and confusion crossed his face.My gaze landed on the new dining set that fit perfectly into the small space, but I refused to let him see that I liked it.“James, I don’t appreciate you making decisions without me. Now I’d have to
JamesWhat Belle just said started connecting dots in my head. Alarm bells rang in my mind.I stepped closer and watched her shrink back. “I wanted us to finish the conversation we were having back in the hospital before Tania interrupted. After you fell, I’d said some things to you, and I know that must have confused you. I wanted to explain. But now I find out you’ve been keeping secrets from me.”Belle took a breath and her fingers twisted together. “I’m going to tell you everything, but you can’t get angry. Just hear me out first.” She looked at me with wide eyes that begged me to listen.“What are you talking about?” I pressed on, taking another step closer. “What is going on?”“Remember the day we were at the lake house? I received a phone call and told you I was helping Jason choose a gift for Jenna?” Her words tumbled out, rushed and uneven, and I could see her pulse racing at her throat.I nodded. “I remember.”“I lied.” She couldn’t look at me, and her whole body went still.
BelleTania was impossible. And yes, if she hadn’t confronted me, the fall wouldn’t have happened. But I couldn’t help but feel disturbed. James had left her homeless. She was living her worst nightmare. And I should have been pleased—this was my revenge plan. But I didn’t want James to choose me over Tania like this. Not this way. He loved her, and even though he was still so mad at her, I could see it.“James, you should look for Tania. She has nowhere to go,” I tried to persuade him. “She could end up sleeping on the streets.”“Tania’s whereabouts are no longer my concern,” he answered coldly. “She always wanted freedom, wanted to go out and party, and constantly saw me as a bad father whenever I tried to set boundaries. If that is the life Tania wanted, then she is free to live it.”I studied his face. “I think you still care.”He looked away for a moment, then back at me. “You were right about Tania all along. I’m sorry for not believing you sooner.” He rubbed the back of his nec







