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Chapter 14 - Jo Thompson
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2023-05-07 00:01:13Jo POV
I lock the door and start pacing around, moving my hands down my face, and I feel tears rolling down. I shake my head, trying to push away the memories, the pain. How? How is he here? He is a bad guy. How is he with Sissi? I guess her bad taste in man keeps coming back to bite her in the ass. I can’t believe this is happening.
His name is Greg. Now I gave a name to match the face. A soft knock on the door brings me back to the present. I take a deep breath clearing the tears from my face even though I won’t be able to hide the puffiness and the red on my eyes.
I open the door and immediately a hand collides with my mouth pushing me inside the bedroom and locking the door behind him. My eyes are wide, and I stop breathing as his evil eyes lock with mine. “Shhhh, don’t make a noise and I will move my hand” he whispers, and I nod my
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The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 15 - Dylan Ashford
Dylan POV“What time are you picking me up?” Savanna asks me on the phone.“I am on my way,” I say, and she takes a deep breath.“I need more time than that, Dylan. Why didn’t you message me earlier?” She asks, and I take a deep breath. I was stuck inside a fucking court all day while Richard was getting his sentence. He really is fucked. I feel for my brother, and this thing didn’t go according to plan for him. I feel bad.“I was in court, babe, you know that,” I say, and she takes another deep breath, and I can imagine her rolling her eyes. That’s like a trademark for her.“Okay, I need another thirty minutes, so wait for me in the car,” she says, and I accept her terms. I always accept anything she tells me, and I love the w
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2023-05-09The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 16 - Jo Thompson
Jo POVFinally back in New York and in my own bed, I rest my head back on the pillow and close my eyes. These last few days have been my worst nightmare, first, Dylan shows up from nowhere, and then that Greg guy threatens me. I shove my arm over my eyes taking a deep breath. I don’t think I have any more tears to spill over this. I think that I am dry now.I hear the front door closing and I know Layla is home now. But she doesn’t know I am back and I am going to keep it that way for a little while longer. I have my door closed and locked. I don’t want Layla worrying and asking questions, I don’t want her involved in this.I turn around on the bed, resting on my side. Dylan is the first thought that pops into my head, how I wish he would kiss me again. No, what am I thinking? He is a playboy, everything I despise in a guy. I can’t do t
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2023-05-11The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 17 - Dylan Ashford
Dylan POVSavanna is traveling again, and I have to say I am relieved. I like being alone now. She makes so much noise and is always recording us. I barely see her face, and she always has her phone in front of it. I take a deep breath leaving comfortably against the headboard of the bed while I flick through different channels until I reach CNN. I put it louder before I get out of bed, resting both feet on the floor and stretching my arms above my head.I walk into the bathroom to have a shower and start my day, but the news catches my attention, and I look out at the screen. I shake my head as they only talk BS about the company. They have no clue what is really happening. I walk back into the bathroom, finishing to get ready.“Good morning,” I say to Alma as I take my place at the kitchen table. She smiles, placing my coffee in front of me. “New
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2023-05-13The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 18 - Jo Thompson
Jo POVI feel like I am being watched, and I can feel every hair on my body rising. I look around, but I can’t see anyone. I start walking faster toward the apartment. The bags are heavy, but I can make it work. As soon as the building door closes behind me, I take a deep breath. I look back, but there’s no one there. I guess with everything that is going on, and my mind is just on overdrive. Nothing happening. Once inside the house, I get everything in the fridge. Being away from home makes the fridge empty, but at least now I can cook again. I walk back into the living room, and I hear something at the door. I frown.I can hear someone trying to open it. I look at my watch, and it’s too early for Layla to be home. Slowly so I wouldn’t make any noise, I walk to the door and peek through the magic eye, and I see him… Leo.. his eyes are bloodshot. He looks like he has aged ten years in the last few weeks.
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2023-05-15The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 19 - Jo Thompson
Jo POVGetting into the car I see Richardโs daughter. The girl is beautiful. She is Richardโs female version. I didnโt even know that it was possible. Layla hugs her while she gives me a nasty look. Well, I am interrupting their plans after all. โWhat happened?โ Mia asks looking at me and Layla waiting for someone to tell her why the hell I am here. To be honest, I would like someone to tell me that as well. I should go to a hotel. โMia, this is my best friend in the entire world. This is Joโ, Layla tries to introduce us while she smiles, but all I get from the girl is a small nod. Brat. I never like entitled kids, and she is one. But this is not my place to say anything. โIโve heard so much about you. Itโs a pleasure to finally meet you,โ I let out trying to sound casual and actually happy to meet her but again she only nods. Argh, teenagers are the worst. I kept my eyes out of the window watching as people walked around in the rain, some people running and others just casually w
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2023-05-17The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 20 - Jo Thompson
Jo POV The flight home was quiet and peaceful. I canโt believe I was putting my tail between my legs, and I am running home to Mommy and daddy. Standing in the middle of the airport, watching people pass, has become somewhat normal for me. I take a deep breath, grab my bag and throw it over my shoulder while I pull my suitcase with my other hand. โJo?โ I hear someone call, and I frown, looking around, trying to find the source of the voice, and I find it. I canโt believe this is happening to me. โBecca,โ I say as she walks to me with open arms and pulls me into an embrace. My bag falls on the floor, but she doesnโt even budge. I keep my hands on my things while she squashes me. I havenโt seen her since high school. โI heard you were living in New York. What brings you back home?โ She asks as she grabs my bag and carries it to the airport bar. I take a deep breath, following her. The last thing I need right now is a meddling person in my life. โYeah, I just needed a vacation,โ
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2023-05-18The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 21 - Dylan Ashford
Dylan POV I throw my phone on the bed and start pacing around. Jo has her phone off, and I am starting to get worried. Richard told me about what happened and how scared the girls were. I have a meeting with our private detective today, and I am going to rip his fucking head off. How is it possible he didnโt find that excuse of a person, but he walks into Joโs house unannounced? I shake my head. โAre you okay?โ Savanna asks, resting her hand on my shoulder, but I move away from her. I canโt bear to be touched right now, and I need to figure out what the fuck is going on. Jo has gone back to her parent's house and had a huge argument with Layla. None of this makes any sense. The girl breathes New York, and she looks the part as well. โOkay, I donโt know what is wrong with you, but I need you to remove your head from your ass and give me some attention,โ Savanna says, and I roll my eyes, shoving my hands into my pants pockets as I stare at her. โThe world doesnโt revolve around y
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2023-05-18The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 22 - Jo Thompson
Jo POV โI am working,โ I tell my mom, that ignores what I just said and walks into my room with a tray in hand. I am in the middle of a conference call, having some training. She walks behind me, and my boss frowns. Great. Now he is going to know I am not in New York. Yes, I can work remotely, but not remotely from across the country. โJo? Was that your mother?โ My boss asks, and I nod. I bite my lower lip as he looks at me, and I smile. โShe came to visit before the holidays,โ I lie, and he nods, offering me a smile, and my mom looks at me as if I am the most terrible person in the world for lying. I wave her off, and she walks out of my room, allowing me to focus again on the matter at hand. When the meeting is over, and I am free, I throw my earphones on the desk and stand up, walking straight into the kitchen to find Becca sitting at the kitchen table talking to my mom. I stop near the door, and when her eyes meet mine, I can tell she has been crying. Becca clears the tears
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2023-05-18
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The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 92 - Dylan Ashford
Dylan POV โCome on sleepyhead, itโs time to get up,โ Jo says as she pulls the covers from my body. โArgh,โ I let out, rolling onto my stomach and burying my head on my pillow as Jo opens the curtains. โWhat are you doing? Itโs Saturday,โ I let out with my head still on my pillow. โCome on, I need you to get up,โ she says, but I groan again, closing my eyes harder, shaking my head. โNope,โ I say, popping the P. Jo screamed for help and I jumped out of bed, disoriented. I saw her in the doorway, already dressed and showered. I shake my head, regretting standing up so fast. โWhat the fuck was that for? I almost had a fucking heart attack,โ I say, going back to bed, but she runs, grabbing my wrist, stopping me. I turn around to face her and she is smiling. She looks way too excited. โOkay, whatโs with that face? Thatโs terrifying,โ I say as I move my finger in circles, pointing at her face. Jo smacks my finger away as she pulls me
The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 91 - Jo Thompson
Jo POV Dylan pulls me closer to him. I keep my eyes closed, my brain is tired that I canโt even open my eyes. I can feel Dylanโs lips move up and down my neck and move to my shoulder. I take a deep breath as he helps me to roll onto the bed to face him. I smile slightly as he kisses me and then kisses my face, my nose, and my eyes. โGood morning,โ he whispers, and I smile again. I open my eyes to be faced with those beautiful ocean-blue eyes that take my breath away every time he smiles at me. โGood morning, husband,โ I say and he chuckles as I move, resting my head on his chest. Dylan hugs me tightly against his body as I keep my eyes closed, moving my hands slowly up and down his stomach, feeling his rock-hard abs. This man feels like the Gods have carved him just for me. I lick my lips as I open my eyes to look at him. He looks lost in thought, and I canโt blame him. Our lives had turned upside down since we got together and we got married. I donโt
The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 90 - Dylan Ashford
Dylan POV โAre you sure you want to do that?โ I ask Fred, while he takes his glass to his lips. He shrugs and I canโt help but smile. โI donโt know, but it seems like a good idea,โ he says, and I take a deep breath. โJust because it seems like a good idea, it doesnโt mean that it will be a successful business,โ I tell him. He nods and I can hear Joโs voice in my ear. โI am going to the bathroom, husband,โ she says and I look back at her while she smiles, with Layla standing next to her. I nod while I smile. She called me husband, the best word in the world right now. I think I have never loved this woman more than I love right now, and I donโt even know if I will ever love her more than right now. Layla wraps one arm around Joโs arm as they walk slowly toward the bathroom. They get stopped so many times and I can tell Jo is not loving it. Archie starts crying and Richard immediately goes into panic mode. He looks around, and Layla is nowhere to be seen. He picks up the little one
The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 89 - Jo Thompson
Jo POV Dylan holds my hand while we wait to be called into the ballroom. โHow are you feeling?โ He asks me and I look at him before I look at the double door again and smile. โNervous, but very happy. How did you pull this off?โ I ask and he looks at me. I turn around to face him and he places both his hands on my face and kisses me slowly. I close my eyes, allowing him to savor the moment. โI didnโt pull anything off. I was with you the entire time. This is all Layla,โ he tells me, and I smile. The double doors open and I can hear someone announce us. โMr. And Mrs. Ashfordโ My heart beats fast as we walk into the room with round tables and everyone standing while they clap. I smile as Dylan tightens his grip on my hand. โLadies and Gentleman, the first dance,โ someone says and Dylan pulls me towards him as he wraps his arms around my waist. I wrap both my arms around his neck as we sway to the sound of Extreme more than words. I smile as I rest my head against his chest. When th
The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 88 - Dylan Ashford
Dylan POV โYou need to chill,โ Richard says as he helps me with my butterfly tie. I look at him and he smirks. I grab his glass from the side table and empty its content in my mouth. Argh, that was strong. I lift the glass, showing that it is empty, and Jude laughs as he grabs the bottle and pours another dose into it. โYou should take it easy,โ Jude says and I flip him off as I look at my reflection in the mirror. Today is the most important day of my life. I am marrying the woman of my dreams. I am finally allowing myself to be happy. A soft knock on the door brings my attention back to the room. Layla steps inside and she looks beautiful in a blush pink dress. โThe bride wants you,โ she says as she looks at me. I frown and she holds my hand, pulling me out of my room. โItโs bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,โ says, and she waves me off. โYou will not see her. She will be on the other side of the door and you will be back to back. She just needs to touch you for reas
The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 87 - Jo Thompson
Jo POV Dylan closed all the windows, not allowing me to lookout., I realised we were not in New York. The flight took longer than what it would take for new York. But I decided not to question him. He looks so lost and I feel like his heart is so broken that I wish I knew what to do. โAre you ready for this?โ Dylan asks me and I nod as he holds my hand while we walk down the stairs that connect the private jet to the airport. Once outside, Dylan talks to the pilot while our things are brought out of the jet. He looks so confident when he is around other people, but when itโs the two of us, he looks broken. A minibus stops in front of us, and Dylan holds my hand, guiding towards it. The door opens and my eyes go wide and I squeal in happiness when I see Layla, Fred, Richard, and even Jude inside. โWelcome to your bachelorette party bus,โ Dylan says as Jude, Fred, and Richard leave the bus, and I look around, not really understanding what is going on. โWhat?โ I say, but I donโt even
The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 86 - Dylan Ashford
Dylan POV โThank you for the hospitality,โ I say as I give Josie a big hug before shaking Billโs hand. โYouโre always welcome here, and hopefully next time Jo will have a ring on her finger,โ Bill says, and I smile. After she said yes to my marriage proposal, I have been so happy that I hadnโt even looked at my phone. I informed my brothers that we would go under the radar for a few days to let the dust settle while Richard took care of everything for us. The only person I kept some contact with was Layla because she would kill me if I kept her best friend away from her. Besides, I needed her to help with a surprise. I open the taxi door for Jo to get in as I wait for her to come. She is still hugging her mom and dad. She hasnโt spoken to her sister since that incident and everything got worse when she had a relapse and is being treated again. Such a shame, another soul that Greg destroyed, and I canโt wait to destroy him. Jo walks towards me. She looks sad, and I know she hates
The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 85 - Jo Thompson
Jo POV Itโs been three days since we got here and Dylan is looking a lot more relaxed and even I feel much better. Itโs like everything that happens in New York doesnโt matter here. People donโt really care about the big and famous the big city. โAre you ready?โ I ask as I walk back into the guest room where Dylan has been sleeping, and I have been sneaking in every night. โAlmost,โ he says as he puts his shoes on. He looks so good with normal clothes and not his tailored suits. Donโt get me wrong, one pair of his denim trousers probably cost more than my entire wardrobe, but he looks relaxed with his plaid shirt and dark blue denim pants. Dylan pulls me into his arms and I canโt help but squeal as he kisses my neck, making me giggle. โStop, come on, my dad will hear us,โ I say, but Dylan doesnโt seem to care, especially when he closes the door with his foot pressing my back against it. โWeโre gonna get caught,โ I whisper between kisses while Dylan undoes the button from my pants
The Joker - The Ashford Brothers Series - Book Twoย ย ย Chapter 84 - Jo Thompson
Jo POVLeaving New York is the best thing that we did. After the dinner at Dylan’s house, I think we both need to be away from the city for a little while. We found out so much more stuff that his dad did that it made me sick to my stomach. Dylan has been very quiet the entire flight and drive to my parent’s house. But I can’t really blame him. It was a shit show.As soon as the car stops in front of my parent’s house, I open the door without even thinking about my own actions. I run up the front garden and open the fence before I storm up the stairs to hug my mom, that per usual, is waiting by the door.Her arms wrapped around my body give me a sense of security I didn’t know I needed. I feel safe with Dylan; I feel safe in his arms, but… this is all I need right now. I need my mommy. I’ve been hurt and I am not ashamed to admit that I need my mommy.Mom cradles my face with both her hands and kisses me on the f
