JAXONI pushed the glass doors open, letting myself onto the rooftop. The chilling breeze that lingered in the air wrapped me up in its airy and soothing essence, running swiftly across every inch of my skin that was bare to its touch. It cocooned me and I couldn't help but release a soft sigh. A wave of tranquillity washed over me, luring me into its embrace, and I found my stiff muscles succumbing to the sensation.The chills that settled on my skin pierced their way through it, easing me off the weight that seemed to burden my shoulders before I stepped onto the rooftop.I tucked my hands into my pockets, striding toward the strong iron bars that made up the rails. My hands dropped on it, wrapping around it immediately while I soaked in the beguiling view of the city from where I stood.There was a distinct allure the evening possessed from up here. I literally felt like I was floating in the air, utterly captivated by the sheer beauty the night held. The moonlight cocooned the da
Four years later…ASHLEY."Duncan, I do not give a fuck!" Arden's strident voice boomed across the room, threatening to bring the house to its feet. The resonance of his voice was thick and rough.I exhaled and turned off the gas cooker."Get it done!""I do not care how you are going to do it but find that fucker---you know what? Just get out!" He fired and I flinched.I wasn't near him but the effect of his brazen voice made my heart slam against my ribcage."Where's my wife, Alberta?" I heard him ask Alberta and I rolled my eyes, strutting over to the counter to pick up a napkin.His loud footsteps echoed behind the door and he pushed the door open in no time. My head shot up from the kitchen island. My eyes drifted to his tall figure standing a few feet away from the door.His eyes were pinned on me and the intensity in them made me feel so conscious of the little black dress I was wearing. My mouth ran dry as my eyes roved his shirt-clad body, unabashedly.Age has nothing on my h
~ASHLEY~Coffee.That was the only thing keeping me sane right now. If it weren't for this black coffee, I wouldn't survive the series of mental breakdowns that were breathing down on my neck. I stuck my pen into my hair that was tied in its signature ponytail, my eyes skimming through the mail I had been trying to correct since I got to work this morning.I yawned, struggling to keep my eyes open. My eyes left the computer in front of me, darting over to the sealed cup of coffee beside the stack of books on my table. I picked it up and opened it, chugging a generous amount down my throat. The black liquid rolled down my throat and I shuddered at its bitter taste.I shook my head and groaned, dropping my head into my palms.I was exhausted.I barely had the chance to shut my eyes all night. I was so busy filing the paperwork that Genevieve ordered me to work on yesterday. I couldn't finish it at work. I had to take it home and doing that occupied most of my time.I couldn't even remem
ASHLEYA sharp pain tore through the bones that surrounded my brain, resonating through it with a pounding headache that threatened to split my head into it. I groaned softly and my eyes fluttered open. I had to squint my eyes, due to the sensitivity of the ray of light that shot through the windows, settling directly into my eyes.A loud grumble exited my lips, the minute I remembered that I had to go to work. Again. I rolled to my side, my eyes dropping to the masterpiece snoring away softly on my chest. His reddish-brown hair looked so messy, his mouth was a little ajar as he breathed softly. He looked so peaceful.I giggled at the sight of him. I could look at him all day. But then, that meant not getting up from this bed. I shifted in his embrace, gently prying myself out of his strong grip, so I wouldn't wake him up. I rose to my feet, clutching the satin sheets to my naked body. My eyes landed on my black nightie, lying a few feet away from me.My cheeks turned crimson in embar
JAXON"I don't care whether it's possible or not. Get it done, Eric. Find him and bring him to me," I paused, dabbing my cigarette onto the ashtray. I could hear his heavy breathing from the other end of the phone, scorched and shredded. I could feel the fear radiating off him in waves through the phone.Just the way it should be."If you fail to do this, Eric." I paused, a mirthless chuckle escaped my lips. The pause I left in between my words was solely for one purpose, it was so my words could sink properly into his skull.I wanted him to know I meant every word."I'll find you, Eric…""I'll find you and drain every ounce of blood that courses through your veins. I'll set you on fire and watch you burn until there's nothing left other than your ashes," I growled into the phone, pounding my fists into my table for the umpteenth time.I heard his breathing pick up at a faster pace."You can call my bluff, but as you know, I'm a man of my word," I said into the phone, my gaze travelin
ASHLEYHome.The one place I got to be truly happy. Where I got to be more of myself and bond with some of the most important people in my life. It was a habitual thing for me to go home every weekend. Although I missed the last one, I knew there was no way in hell I was going to miss this one.A sudden wave of nostalgia hit me, once I pulled over in the driveway that led to the cute bungalow I grew up in. I squealed to myself like a little girl, hopping out of my car. The neighborhood was quiet with very few people roaming around and going about their normal routine.I rang the doorbell twice and waited for a response, tapping my foot on the doormat impatiently. The door creaked open and an unfamiliar face came into view. One of my brows tugged up at the petite lady, instinctively, earning a warm smile from her."Hello, I'm Julia. You must be Ashley." She introduced herself, extending her hands forth, for a handshake. I slipped my hand into her waiting ones, giving her a confused smi
ASHLEY"You are so incompetent!" Genevieve snarled, her strident voice booming across her office, wanting to bring the whole building to its feet. Her words slapped me in the face, giving me a mental whiplash. I shifted my weight on my other foot, looking down at my feet like they had something interesting going on. My hands fell limp at my sides, balling into fists. The throbbing ache that clawed at my abdomen made me dizzy with pain."Look at me whenever I'm speaking to you!" She bellowed and I jolted upright, wanting to shrink into a ball underneath her searing gaze. Her pitch-black orbs were narrowing slits at me, her jaw clenched tightly with the veins in her neck looking like they wanted to pop out."What exactly are you being paid for in this company!? To sit in your wretched office and sip coffee all day?" She scowled at me and her frown deepened, even more."And do nothing all day! God, I'm so sick of you! How long is it going to take you to fix meetings and draft out a new
ASHLEYThe microwave beeped, signaling that the pizza I was heating up was ready. I jumped down from the kitchen counter, humming as I typed away on my phone, taking a sip from my glass of red wine. I was starving. I turned it off and brought out the container, wincing at how hot it was."Ouch!" I cried, dropping it on the counter with a thud. I opened the tap and rinsed the affected finger, sucking it off a little. I downed the remaining wine at a go, setting the cup on the counter. I opened the container and took a large bite from the pizza, moaning in satisfaction."Babe!" Adam called out to me."In the kitchen, honey!" I said through a mouthful of pizza. His footsteps drew nearer and he stepped into the kitchen, pushing his hoodie off his head, revealing his red-rimmed eyes. I furrowed my brows at him and dropped my pizza, walking over to meet him."Is everything okay?" I asked quietly and he nodded with a smile. He opened his mouth to speak, the pungent smell of alco