Julie entered the bathroom in a hurry. She didn’t want to miss anything. Julie wanted Hugh Dawson, the artist, to see her as acceptable. Who’d been sweet enough to do her book covers for nothing but only for her mention that he’d created them for her? She mentioned every time he made the covers for her. With three books published, his name appeared on each cover as the cover’s creator, beneath her name as the author. Tonight, Hugh wanted to unveil publicly the cover of her fourth book for her to thank her for the exposure of her books gave his work. Rising Tides and Passions Voyage, was her latest novel, a second chance romance of two single people on a couple’s cruise. Julie was nervous he’d expose her identity in his showy excitement. She told Hugh that she’d be here, but she didn’t want him to identify her as the author. Juliette stressed that this was his event, and she didn’t want to detract any attention from him. She wanted to avoid people seeking photos or autographs from her.
“Did I see you with Juliette Monroe? Where did she go?” Michael said. His casual ability to sound both polite and superior simultaneously amazed Julie. “Julie went to use the restroom before the event to avoid missing anything.” Beckett Heinz, or Beck as his friends called him, said. “So, you are friends of hers?” Michael asked. He then continued when Aria rudely interrupted him. Julie didn’t know how Aria wasn’t feeling annoyed by the wild swinging of her drop earring. They sparkled intensely, as Aria sought maximum attention. Even now, Julie worried her outfit was too understated for this gathering. Unlike Aria’s over the top outfit. They expected creativity from Julie and crazy from Aria. Aria’s words ran right over Stephen Jones, Julie’s agent. “Aren’t you going to introduce me, Michael dear?” Aria said in a loud voice with a huge smile. She wasn’t really asking. She demanded to be the centre of attention. “We work w
Michael finally found Juliette. He couldn’t believe she’d wear that dress here. It was too far beneath her station and his. What was she thinking? She owned a closet full of appropriate clothing, and if that didn’t work, he would rent or buy something for her. She was his wife, after all. Then he remembered exactly why he needed to speak with her. He ignored Aria. The woman grew tired of chasing him. Juliette appeared uncomfortable, and the look on her face told him he wasn’t welcome. Michael wanted to be heard and understand the truth of what was going on, with no further interruptions. Who were these two men? She had been discussing their marriage, and Stephen felt entitled to share his opinion, as if it held any weight. “Michael, before you say anything. I have nothing to say to you. I know they did not invite you and I have told you never to contact me directly. If you need to contact to me, go through my lawyer.” He noticed she
“Really, Micky baby. I just want that big hard cock of yours stretching me open and showing me exactly what I’ve been missing.” Aria stopped right in front of Michael, and he struggled not to flinch when she grabbed the front of his pants. “I couldn’t care less where you fucked her, as long as you fuck me.” “Oh, I’ll fuck you alright. But I give the orders, you sexy little slut.” She ate up his words, oblivious to Michael’s disgust. She believed he was acting for her. Michael struggled with this. He’d fucked Aria many times before their aborted wedding. He knew sex with her wasn’t bad at all. Aria’s presence now was solely for Michael to show his ability to replace Juliette. Aria was ready to move on from her fling and start dating again. The idea felt strangely wrong when it should feel right. He’d replace Juliette with Aria for a time. But if Aria thought for a minute, he’d marry her, then she fooled herself. She was a tool to him.
Michael checked his messages as he adjusted his pants to ease his discomfort. There was a date, and time to meet with Juliette and her lawyer. He would have to wait a week. Aria had a week to settle in and learn how to support herself. If she couldn’t, she could seek alternative lodging. He also received a response, apologizing for the mistake with excuses. Once it’s over, he’ll seek a new law firm and consider suing them for mishandling his divorce. Michael wanted Juliette here. He wanted her full lips wrapped around him, eating him up like he was a melting ice cream cone on a hot day. “Fuck.” Having completed the task, he sought a willing partner to relieve his sexual tension. Michael locked his office behind him and stalked with determination down the hallway to the guest bedroom. He informed Leon that Aria was waiting for him. “I got bored and warmed up while I waited for you.” Aria purred as she lay on the bed nak
The next morning Michael woke from a deep sleep with his tablet lying on Juliette’s pillow and remembered last night. The gallery and the confrontation. Allowing Aria to stay and the sloppy unfulfilling sex. He imagined himself as the male protagonist in the three novels he had read. It wasn’t pretty seeing him treat women like that and reading how it left them feeling. He’d laughed and cried. It disgusted him and turned him on to the point his dick was sore from jerking off to relieve himself. Now Michael was ready to put Aria through her paces. He’d sent a list to her phone of the things he expected from her each day. She’d start today. Let’s test her resilience, just like Juliette when life throws a curveball. Michael knew her father spoiled her to the extreme. Her father clarified he expected Michael to keep that going. He agreed initially, but never intended to follow through. After all, Aria’s father spoiled her only to keep her quiet and to avo
“Now, how are you doing? Are you nervous?” Juliette suspected Stephen was more nervous than she was. He’d somehow worked miracles and found a series of bookstores interested in having her do an in person signing and a reading from her most recent novel. She didn’t make a big deal out of it. He’d been in the business for decades now. He probably had a list of bookstore managers and owners on speed dial for just this situation. However, Stephen pulled it off, Juliette got out of the city on tour for a week. Which made her happy. She could forget to look over her shoulder or ensure she was avoiding those who claimed to be her friend for her husband’s connections. Or rather, so their husbands could have a connection to Michael. The encounter with Lizzi Hamilton at the gym was not pleasant. Juliette came prepared to avoid any confrontations and avoid any negative reactions. That wouldn’t happen for her. Lizzi had the nerve to fake a whisper about the an
“So, without further ado, I’ll start the reading and then go to signing your books. I’m afraid I won’t be taking questions. However, we have several ways you can get your questions to me, and I will select the best questions and post them in my next newsletter and on my website. I hope you will enjoy the section I’ve chosen to read tonight.” Juliette read a spicy scene from her novel, and a few cameras took pictures of her doing this. The owner quietly had them stop taking photos. Juliette felt trapped in her own personal torment. It couldn’t end soon enough. All she could feel was Michael’s eyes watching her. Judging her. In the end, Juliette moved to the table and began her signing section of the event. She became too busy to keep track of Aria and Michael, but she could still feel Michael’s nearness. It wasn’t until she heard Aria’s upset, whining tone. “I don’t want it anymore if she’s the one behind writing it. I want to go home now. Take me