MYKEL “What?” “That’s the difference between you and Gary.” I sneered a mock. “I’m sure we have nothing in common. But what exactly did you notice?” “I ordered pasta, and you want to have the same.” “I would never forbid you to eat anything you want as long as it won’t poison you.” “But you only had hookups with sexiest women.” Okay, I knew where it was going. “When you don’t have to make an effort, Adley. Media people set that standard as sexy and beautiful. I don’t. Honestly, I find you more attractive and gorgeous. You don’t have to impress me. I already am.” She slightly gaped at what I had said. I couldn’t read her expression exactly, but I wanted her to believe in everything I said because it was true. “To be honest, the first time I saw in you was your pretty ass.” “So, it’s really my ass on the line here. Literally.” “But your ass didn’t do justice to the whole package, and you are also honest and hardworking despite the fact that you can spoil yourself, sit pretty
ADLEY My first thought was to run away after seeing myself standing in front of a jewelry shop. But looking back at what was at stake, it was a one-way trip. I had to do this. “This one.” I showed Mykel the ring I chose. It had no center stone yet, but it was gorgeous. I imagined myself wearing an engagement ring one day, but never had I imagined it would be today and by the man sitting beside me, whom I despised for being so vocal about his opinion. He took it from me. “I like it. The wedding band, baby.” He kept calling me that, which might stick for another twelve months. Sometimes, I felt I was blushing, and he knew the effect of his endearment on me. I chose the eternity design, while he preferred pure platinum faceted squares around the band with a single stone in the center for himself. “I like that one.” “Really? I need your honest opinion since you’re a designer.” “Suits you perfectly.” His smile was contagious. “Thanks. I’ll be right back.” What I least expected wa
MYKEL The ring I picked up earlier was still in my pocket—it was gorgeous after a bit of customization, and I was confident she would love it around her finger. As I began to get to know beneath the tough, beautiful woman beside me, she was penetrable, and I liked her even more. Even though my reputation preceded me, I was willing to throw away the title of the most sought-after billionaire bachelor in the city. The car was parked at the private airport. I also had a little surprise waiting for her on the jet. I helped her climb out. She drew a shaky breath and braced herself against the car. “You okay?” “Y-yeah.” “You’re not getting cold feet and planning on ditching me at the altar, are you?” I joked when I sensed her feeling sick, her fingers trembling. She shook her head. “No.” “Good to hear,” I said, though I wasn’t entirely aware of what was going on with her. Then she suddenly froze. Her face went pale. Her eyes flared wide as she stared at the jet. Then I realized so
ADLEY I feel so embarrassed. I was aware of the fact that this day would come that I had to face and end this foolish, irrational fear of the unknown. Knowing that it was only in my head, I couldn’t let that trauma control my life. Mykel was right. And I’d been too caught up with the illusion that I could live with it. And I had been living with it for sixteen years. “Adley, I’m still waiting.” “Yes.” Mykel slipped the ring into my finger and kissed my hand. As soon as I said yes, I heard the applause behind us. I wasn’t aware that we had an audience. Then we were served two flutes. “To our future together.” He proposed a toast with a huge smile on his handsome face. I lifted and sipped the champagne. Mykel joined beside me again. “How long is the flight?” I completely forgot to ask. I was still pretty shaken until now, but I held on to his promise that he would not leave my side. “Five. Maybe less.” “Five?” I covered my mouth with my hand, and his gaze dropped to the en
MYKEL “Is she okay?” I asked Blaze as he walked into my hotel room. “For a second, I thought you genuinely care.” He grumbled with narrowed eyes. “Cut the bullshit, Burns,” I snapped. “Don’t you know she dislikes that kind of words?” “I’m working on it.” Blaze finally noticed that I wasn’t alone in the room. “My friend Dash Chandler. Dash, this is Blaze, Adley’s best friend.” While they exchanged pleasantries, I dialed Adley. She picked up right away. “Can we talk?” “Bad idea,” the two assholes chorused, staring at me as if I went mad. “It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” Dash added. I covered the mouthpiece. “It’s not that—” “What?” Blaze growled. “Real wedding or you two are in love? Are you fucking serious right now?” “Aren’t you both getting married like real fucking married?” Dash argued. “Of course, this is real.” “Then fucking stick to the plan.” I glared back at Blaze. “He’s right, man. Pull yourself together. Just talk to her over the phon
ADLEY I kept having to pinch myself to make sure I was not dreaming. After the brief wedding ceremony, we rode in the getaway car, and I didn’t know exactly where we were going. I kept my mouth shut. I felt a shiver coursing through me, thinking of the abrupt yet too intimate kiss we had shared earlier. I could still feel his lips against mine. It shouldn’t bother me because I’d kissed men, yet it didn’t leave me breathless or speechless the way I had with Mykel. It wasn’t awkward either. Maybe what I saw in his eyes gave this stupid tingles and image in my head. I squeezed my eyes shut with a groan. “You okay?” I cracked my eyes open to see the familiar airstrip. “Not again.” “Baby, you survived our trip. You can do better than that.” “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one who felt like vomiting the gut out every time I see aircraft,” I dryly remarked. “Would you rather travel through the land to New York? I’m fine with it.” My gaze stayed hard at him for a moment, consid
ADLEY “You’re overthinking. I could literally hear your brain reeling.” “Elise told me how you helped her. It’s in your nature to help people. I shouldn’t have wondered why you did agree to help.” “To be honest, I agreed because I like you.” I snorted and rolled my eyes. “You like everyone has a female part.” “Ouch. I’m wounded. I do have tastes, baby. I might have ten wives and divorced ten times if I was willing to marry anyone who came to me.” “Are you sure I am your first wife?” “Hopefully, the last.” I let that last words go. “Where are Blaze and Elise, Mykel?” “They will fly commercial first class in a few hours. Don’t worry. They’ll be home in the morning. You can call Blaze once we land.” We shared our first meal as a husband and wife then I dozed off. Mykel was on his laptop when I got up from my nap. “You need your energy, Adley. Get some sleep.” His words were soft as if we were in a real relationship. I inwardly shook my head as I tried to pull myself together.
MYKEL Waking in this position with a woman in bed should terrify me. Not this time. I found my wife’s arm on my abdomen, her leg over my thigh, and she sprawled out over my chest. I wondered how she would react to seeing herself in this position—she lay entangled with me. I couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when I told her. I was still trying to wrap around my head the fact that I was a married man. Not so long ago, I swore not to get in a relationship as I was already married to my work. I realized I wasn’t scared about the idea of being with someone. I admitted I had abandonment issues and inflated my ego so much that what mattered to me was living life to the fullest. It wasn’t such a bad idea to be with somebody like the woman beside me right now. Or I just met the right one who taught me how to throw those doubts and fears out of the window. I looked down at her peacefully sleeping, her hair in disarray. Yet, she was the most beautiful woman who walked to earth, dest