Share

CHAPTER 4

Author: Emma Swan
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

Closing her eyes, she rested her head and just sat for a minute, soaking up a luxury she rarely made time for. After a few minutes of pure, unadulterated bliss, Rowena reached for a piece of brownie, letting the salted caramel melt in her mouth and slip down her throat.

The bold, salty taste burst through her mouth, reminding her of the brownies her grandmother had always made every time she knew Rowena was coming to visit her. Times like these she missed her family… even her mother.

Yes, she’d needed to escape Fairhaven, Massachusetts, to put s considerable space between her family’s overprotective tendencies and her mother’s inability to understand.

This decision had been an important step in her recovery, one she’d needed to take. The anonymity she’d found in Seattle hadn’t hurt, either. Here, she wasn’t Rowena Killian… In Seattle, she was just another nobody.

“Please, God… Let me remain nobody…” she whispered.

Closing her eyes, Row
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP

Related chapters

  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 5

    “Everything’s set with the girl?” Timothy met Heath at the door, pushing back a throng of women to let him into ‘Fog Room’, one of Seattle’s hotspots. These personal appearances were part of the job, something Heath loathed.“Yes. We’re meeting Saturday. We’ll have dinner at ‘Le Cirque’. I’ve already reserved a private room.”“Private, huh? Don’t tell me you’re considering her request... I know you’ve been off your dating game lately, but that’s low.” Heath frowned. He was not off his game, he was out of it entirely… by choice. He was tired of pasting on a smile and playing someone else, someone he no longer wanted to be.“Of course not. I’m trying to keep a low profile. Somewhere I can get in and out without anyone noticing me.”“Dr. Lovejoy!!!” Two women slipped past the bouncer holding back the crowd and raced toward him, yelling at the top of their lungs. Heath took a bracing step backward and held his breath. Before they could reach him, another boun

    Last Updated : 2024-10-29
  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 6

    Steven Lockwood sat in his car and fought down the rage. Fuck! That arrogant little shit had the nerve to say no to him! Then the red Jaguar F-Type Convertible was about the only thing of value he owned, and he only owned that because he’d sweet-talked Rose into putting the title in his name. It was amazing what women would do if you gave them a mind-blowing orgasm. Selling the car wasn’t an option… Steven wasn’t ready to part with it just yet. It was perfect for his image, and it reminded him of the youth he’d squandered bowing and scraping to women in order to get by. He’d deserved so much more… There was another way back to the lifestyle he’d grown accustomed to, the lifestyle he deserved so much. But it required start-up capital, something he didn’t have. But Dr. Lovejoy did. Taking a deep breath, Steven unclenched his fists and laid them over the leather-wrapped steering wheel. He stroked th

    Last Updated : 2024-10-29
  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 7

    Heath watched Rowena from across the table. She wasn’t what he’d expected after hearing her on the radio. When Heath had pictured her in his mind, Alissa aka Rowena Killian hadn’t been an ugly woman but she hadn’t been beautiful, either. Plain, average, unexciting… At least that’s what he’d expected. What he’d gotten was nothing close to unexciting. She was something very similar to a fairy. Her beauty was out of this world. So much so that Heath had to pinch himself just to be sure he wasn’t imagining her at his table in the private room. Rowena Killian was the k

    Last Updated : 2024-10-29
  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 8

    All through dinner, Rowena felt as if she was walking a tightrope. Despite the fact that every cell in her body seemed swollen, excited, and expectant, somehow, she managed to keep her reaction to herself. Or she hoped she had… Leaning toward him across the table was normal, right? She wanted to hear him over the kitchen clatter coming from behind the doors. And so, what that she’d forgotten and let their hands touch... It was an accident… pure accident. She just hoped Heath hadn’t noticed that when dessert arrived and her tongue darted across her lips in anticipation, she hadn’t been staring at his chocolate tart.“You should try this, Rowena. It’s delicious.” Heath looked at her across the table, his fork halfway to his almost-empty plate, a thoroughly satisfied smile on his face. Chocolate could do that to a person. Rowena started to protest, opening her mouth to insist she was full already. But he didn’t give her a chance.

    Last Updated : 2024-10-29
  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 9

    Heath nodded his head sideways, toward the back window and the tiny cluster of people standing behind them. Dammit! Dammit! Dammit! He was right… If they left in separate cars, the journalists would know immediately that she wasn’t just some date he’d taken out on a normal Saturday night. And they’d see her license plate number. Turning back to face him, she glared.“Great! I didn’t need this… So, what do you suggest?”“Have you ever been to 'Angels Meadow'?” 'Angels Meadow'? Was he out of his mind?“No, I haven’t. And we’re not going.” Any other time, Rowena might have thought she’d died and gone to heaven. The sexiest, most charismatic, most amazing man she’d ever met was asking her to take a walk in a park with him. But not because he actually wanted to kiss and touch her. If he had, she’d have said yes in a heartbeat. No… She’d been the one fantasizing about all the fun they could have in the compact sports car.

    Last Updated : 2024-10-29
  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 10

    “What the hell is going on?” Rowena jerked, stabbing herself with her pen and sending black ink gliding across the back of her hand. She blinked at Summer, disoriented and a little unsteady.“What are you talking about?”“This…” her friend replied, slapping a folded newspaper on top of the year-to-date expense report she’d been reading before Summer’s incredulous voice had interrupted. Rowena stared… She’d never seen Summer so agitated. Leaning forward, she furiously scanned the page.“There’s a gala at Paramount Theatre on Saturday?” Rowena said then looked up. “I can’t get an invitation, Summie. You’re the one with family in high places.”“Very funny! No, not that.” Summer glared and pointed to the bottom of the page.“This. The story about Dr. Lovejoy. Accompanied by a picture of him with you.”“What?” Snatching the flimsy paper from her desk, Rowena stared at the unmistakable picture of Heath… with his arm draped around her shoulders. It had

    Last Updated : 2024-10-29
  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 11

    Fighting the urge to hold up open palms in a gesture of surrender Heath smiled at Summer.“We’re just friends…”“Yeah… and I’m a supermodel…” She shifted away. Somehow the widening gap between them didn’t make him feel any more comfortable.“I know lust when I see it… Just remember I’ve got her back. Rowe might not stoop to revenge, but I have no problem with physical retribution.” The fact that she recognized the attraction he was trying desperately to deny set his nerves on edge.“Summer, we’re not involved.” She shrugged.“Okay… Whatever…” Before he could pursue it further, convince her that he meant what he said, Summer turned and left him there. A few seconds later, Rowena reappeared.“Where’s Summie?” she asked looking around.“I guess she didn’t need coffee anymore… She just… left…” Rowena sighed and shook her head.“Dammit… I’m going to kill her…” she whispered. Then, snagging him by the elbow, Rowena tugge

    Last Updated : 2024-10-29
  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 12

    Rowena’s body hummed. That was some kiss. And she wanted more. Of course, from the moment she’d set eyes on him, she’d known. Known Heath could cut through the protective layers she’d built up and melt the ice that kept her frozen for all these years. Known he could turn her on like no one before. Known that with Heath Evans nothing else would matter. And she’d been right. Not that he seemed to care. Heath blinked down at her. His eyes were glazed with the same arousal still writhing through her body. But as he took another tiny step away, it became crystal clear he had no intention of a repeat performance. And Rowena was so ready for an encore. “My God, Heath… Why are you looking at me like that? What are you afraid of?” The words burst from her like an accusation. Rowena hadn’t meant them to be, but he was looking at her like she was Medusa or something. Between the two of them, she was supposed to be the o

    Last Updated : 2024-10-29

Latest chapter

  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   EPILOGUE

    Heath pulled her beneath the surface of the lake. His hands trailed up her body from ankle to calf to thigh. One played rogue beneath her bathing suit as he pulled her face to his for an underwater kiss. Surfacing moments later, Rowena was light-headed from lack of oxygen and pleasantly giddy with desire. Her gaze raked the shore, where her family had gathered to enjoy the long holiday weekend. She was glad Heath had talked her into coming, into getting away. While the media frenzy had quickly died down, things were still a little crazy back in Seattle. At least, they no longer had to worry about Steven Lockwood. At the moment, he was rotting in some tiny little prison she hoped to God was very unpleasant. Even with everything that had happened, the man still had the audacity to ask Heath to post bail. He’d delighted in declining. Rowena, on the other hand, had taken advantage of this trip to mend fences with her mother. Thin

  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 34

    An ironic smile touched the corners of her mouth. In more ways than one. She looked up at her friend, pleading. Summer’s eyes narrowed into bright green slits.“You know what? My house, my rules. So, no! I won’t turn it off. Not a chance!” She took the harshness of her words away with a gentle smile. Dropping back onto the pillow stuffed behind her, Rowena rolled her head against the arm of the couch and stared up at the ceiling.“You do realize it’s over between Heath and me, right? I mean, it was only supposed to last for a few days, anyway. What can I say? I was nothing more than a pet project to him. And I don’t want another few days with him just because he feels guilty his father tried to kill me.” A launched throw pillow landed squarely on her chest.“Oh, Rowe… I adore you! You’re the strongest, most determined woman I know but right now, you’re so full of shit. I think you’re just scared to open yourself up and let him in. You’re scared shitless t

  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 33

    Rowena stared at Steven as he was pacing through her living room. Her butt was numb from sitting on the wooden floor for the last several hours, her back was pressed tightly to the wall. It didn’t matter, though... She’d sit here forever if it meant this awful man wouldn’t point that gun at her again. She’d honestly thought her life would end the moment he’d realized Heath had called the police. Steven had stalked across the room, grabbed a handful of her hair, and pressed the hard barrel of the gun to her head. He’d ground it against her skin… the spot still throbbed. But he hadn’t pulled the trigger. Not at her, anyway… Instead, he’d shot several times through the front window. She didn’t think he’d been aiming at the cops, but… The more Rowena watched him, the less certain she was that he could do it. That he could… kill her. Yes, the man had issues, but was he a murderer? A killer? His goal w

  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   EMMA'S NOTE

    Hi, Y'all!!!!! The end of this book is almost near... There are 2 chapters + Epilogue left that I'm going to publish later on or, maybe, tomorrow. Thank you so much for everything... for reading this book, for your gems. I must say I'm a bit disappointed about the comment section of this book. I would've loved to hear from you, to find out more about your thoughts and opinions about this story. Maybe have a few reviews... Nonetheless, thank you kindly for every single thing. I am preparing a new story that I hope to start publishing in a week or so. I'm not a spoiler fan, so I won't give up too many details. All I can say about it is... well, it's going to be a Romance story (as always). Hope to have you by my side in my future adventure. THANK YOU AGAIN! BACI E ABBRACCI (HUGS AND KISSES) Emma

  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 32

    “Just a minute…” Rowena pulled the warm, fuzzy bathrobe tighter around her body and jerked the knot to be sure. The pounding on her front door had been so loud she’d heard it all the way inside her bathroom, despite the closed door. Something about the noise set her spine on edge. She looked through the peephole but didn’t recognize the older man with black hair standing on her porch. “Who is it?” “Rowena? I’m Steven, Heath’s father. I need to talk to you.” Heath’s father? She didn’t even know he had one. He’d mentioned his mother, but never his father. She’d just assumed the man was either dead or not a part of his life. Just more proof that he had never seen her as someone really important. She’d shared the intimate details of her worst experience, but he… well, he hadn’t even mentioned a father living here in the city. Rowena looked back through the peephole again. She did recognize a certain resemblance between the two men.

  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 31

    Heath walked into his house, his stomach still rocking and rolling from that horrible encounter with his father. Steven was such a bastard but he was able to protect the woman who started to mean the world to him. The old bastard asked for 100k… Heath gave him the check so… Rowena’s identity would remain anonymous. It was over… He’d taken his father’s word. He hated to do it but didn’t have much choice. Aside from killing the man where he stood, something Heath wasn’t willing to do, much as he was tempted, he could never be certain.“Rowena? Baby girl, I’m here…” He called gently through the house. It was late, almost two in the morning, and if she had fallen asleep, Heath didn’t want to wake her.

  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 30

    ‘A wild ride...’ Rowena turned her focus back to the paper in her hand and continued reading… or trying to.“‘Susan from Seattle is on the line. Let’s find that spark in your love life.’”“‘Dr. Lovejoy, how can I make a man commit? I’ve been dating the same guy for three years now, the sex is fantastic, we practically live together, but he will not propose.’”“‘Susan, I can honestly say this is the question women ask me the most. There’s a simple answer, but unfortunately, no one likes to hear it. Men who want to commit do, the ones who don’t… well, they won’t. There isn’t anything you can do or say. What you need out of the relationship is something he can’t or won’t give you. Get out

  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 29

    They drove back late that afternoon, stopping for a quick bite at a roadside place along the way. Rowena knew their weekend was coming to an end, but she didn’t expect the veneer of peacefulness she had wrapped around herself, thin though it might have been, to break almost the minute they walked through Heath’s front door. The abbreviated tour of his place, punctuated by stolen kisses and a brief bout of groping in the kitchen, came to an abrupt end in the back hallway when Rowena’s heel crunched on shards of broken glass.“Baby, call 911, then get next door.” Heath shoved his cell into her hand as he thrust Rowena unceremoniously out the door. She couldn’t decide whether to be pissed or scared because he hadn’t joined her.&nb

  • SPEAKING OF SEX & LUST   CHAPTER 28

    A bolt of lightning ripped open the sky, and the rain poured. They were soaked in minutes, puddles of water collecting in the seats and floorboards of his SUV when they finally made it there. Even as the day darkened and the rain came down, the air around them thickened with humidity… and tension. Rowena’s words hung between them. It was difficult to breathe against the band tightening his chest. He was so far out on a limb here that it wasn’t even funny. Heath didn’t want to return to reality, either. He’d done what she asked… He cured her sexual inhibitions and showed her there was absolutely nothing wrong with her sex drive. And now the thought of her sharing those moments with another man, of him touching her skin, kissing her mouth, sliding home deep inside her bod

DMCA.com Protection Status