MYKEL Adley ended up in my arms since we slept in the same bed together. It was constant. And it felt so damn good that I didn’t have to be in a hurry to escape all the time after getting what I wanted. For the first time, I realized what I had been doing had nothing to do with sexual pleasure. I was running away from commitment—the fear of failure, trust, and intimacy. I was looking for an instant connection, and I didn’t find it in those women but with Adley. Adley stirred and stretched out with a groan. She suddenly stiffened, realizing she was tangled with me. “This is getting so embarrassing.” “What is it?” I remained calm before her situation became awkward, even though I was beyond cool with this. “Just so you know, I was sleeping. I didn’t know what I was doing.” Her voice was still groggy and low. She moved to her side. “It’s not your fault.” “It is, Mykel. My space is empty.” I chuckled. “It’s okay. I think my boxers are still on. I don’t feel like being assaulted, a
ADLEY Mykel missed me. What was that even mean? But his words kept repeating in my head and made my heart skip. I admitted that I somehow looked forward to seeing him at his penthouse after work, though I knew I would only be disappointed. I had mixed feelings of being happy and sad at work. I found someone to look forward to seeing. At the same time, Blaze and I were not okay. He never called in sick until today, and I knew something did not add up. Before I left the office, I called Elise. She answered on the first ring as if she was expecting a call. “Hey, Adley. Is it okay to call you Adley, or do you prefer Mrs. Creed?” “Mrs. Creed is overrated. Adley is fine.” “Adley then. I’ve been meaning to say this—I hope you don’t mind me dating Blaze.” I couldn’t help but smile. “Blaze looks happy he met you, Elise. Just don’t break my best friend’s heart.” “I could say the same thing for you.” This time I laughed. “I hope not. By the way, I know you’re at work, and Blaze just ca
ADLEY “You can’t. It will only raise suspicion for Mykel and Elise. Just go out on a date with Elise and report back to the office tomorrow like today did not happen.” He gave a slow nod. “You’re staying with your grandfather?” “No. It won’t take long, but I’m going to the penthouse after.” “I still don’t like this.” He scowled. “Grandpa would never hurt me,” I insisted. “This must be very important.” “Will you call me as soon as you reach there?” “Of course.” Blaze hugged me and whispered, “Please, take care.” “I’m not going to a battle, Blaze.” “I’m sorry.” He smiled. Two black sedans were already waiting in the parking lot. Blaze followed me down to make sure I was going to be okay. “Insurance.” He also took pictures of the plates of the car. “Silly.” I kissed him on the cheek. “I have to go.” Before I climbed into the sedan, I asked the tall guy, “What’s Grandpa’s favorite place?” “Lake Amelie, ma’am.” I looked at Blaze and shrugged. “See? He’s legit.” The trip to
MYKEL The meeting went well. From the beginning, I was interested in a company that produced better quality medical equipment. The visit to MicroLab Biotechnology was refreshing and eye-opening. I wanted honesty and play-by-the-book answers. And I got it. “A lot of investors declined us because there’s already a company which is the major producer like our products,” the co-founder said. “What made you come to me?” “I researched some major companies you’ve invested in. It caught my attention that most of them are promoting environmental, economic, and social sustainability.” “As much as I love making money, I can’t enjoy it if the world is on the brink of ending. So, in my own small way, I’m trying to help fight this climate change. And your company is helping.” “It’s not a small way, Mr. Creed. I’m not trying to boost your ego, sir. But you are one of a few wealthy men who give a crap, sorry for the use of the word, who cares about mother earth.” “You mentioned earlier that
ADLEY Grandpa made me promise not to disclose his condition, even to Mykel, and I had to respect his wish. “Are you staying for the night?” He was already in his bed after his dialysis. I was grateful he didn’t develop hypotension or low blood pressure during the treatment, which was a common side effect, according to his doctor. I smiled in assurance. “I’m not going anywhere, Grandpa. You should get some rest.” “Have you talked to Mykel?” “Yeah, when I was in my room.” My smile faded. “He knows you’re with me, doesn’t he? He thinks I’m taking you away from him.” I chuckled as I rolled my eyes. “He knows, but I didn’t tell the reason. Maybe Blaze told him how I got here. That’s why he’s kind of, you know... being Mykel.” He sighed deeply. “He seems to care a lot about you. I always knew that one day he’s changed. I didn’t know it was because of you.” “That’s absurd, Grandpa. He’s still him. How come I never met him? Or he never knew me at all?” Grandpa smiled. “I make sure
MYKEL I took her face in my hands. I breathed in as I leaned closer to meet her lips. Finally, our lips connected. Everything stopped—my breath, thoughts, heart, and time. And she gasped, parting her lips. She tasted sweet like honey and had never been addicted to anything or anyone. If this was the life of having someone to go home to—to kiss, care for, and love, I could be here at this moment for the rest of my life. On my trip back, all I could think about was my wife—to be with her and kissed like this right now. I fucking missed her like crazy. Seeing her, kissing her, feeling her against my skin would cure this insanity called falling in love. Yes, I fell in love, so fucking fast like a train ran out of its rail, wrecking into my chest. Until a clearing of a throat brought me back to the world. “That’s my granddaughter you are kissing, Mykel,” Lex just scolded me. As much as I’d love to kiss her more, the old man was watching. Adley broke first, laughing. “Who happened to
MYKEL My wife was pissed, like really, really pissed at me right now—about to burst into flames. So did I. “Do you think this is a joke? Well, I can handle this, but I chose and agreed with Grandpa because we trusted you, and I respect you as my other half. You can politely decline our offer and move on, and I will take the position for his sake.” I stared at my wife in shock. I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. Days ago, she was adamant about a payback. Right now, she was like another person that I had just met. “Why me?” My gaze flew between them. “I have no easy way to say this, but I trust you can handle two seats, CEO of both major companies. Because I can’t throw it at someone, not my blood, and I don’t fully trust. Call it nepotism, but this corporation is my sweat and blood.” “I am missing something here. And I don’t even have a share in your company.” “Once I get my inheritance, I’m selling it to you.” I glared at my wife. “Are you crazy?” “Better with you than
ADLEY“Isn’t this what you want?” I felt hurt. My ego was bruised. We’d waited for weeks, and this was how it ended. What was the matter with him? Had he changed his mind? Did he find someone already?“Yes, and every inch of you, but not when you are like this.” He tentatively pulled me into his arms again, but this would not happen again.“Don’t touch me.” I dragged myself out of bed.“Baby, wait.”“I’ve waited long enough.” I stomped my way to the bathroom. Soak in the tub might clear up my head and ease the ache between my thighs.I stripped off my clothes one by one. If this were some kind of a hormone that made me crazy with needs, then I would deal with it. I turned on the faucet. Even if it just started to fill in, I went inside.Being so turned on and angry was not a good combination. It made me want to break everything around me. I poured some bubble soap in and rested my head. Then I felt him.“I know you’re mad at me.” His words were calculated. He should be because I was n