The events of that week had left a mark on her, one that I knew she couldn't easily shake. The danger, the fear, and the uncertainty opened her eyes to the dangers that arose from her involvement with Hernandez. Hernandez and his team were given a second opportunity, on the condition that his establishment would not exploit individuals of any gender or age. Rick decided that Hernandez would be a valuable connection and serve as an example to others who may opt for change instead of death."So what should I call you? Ethan or Arden?" she asked, tapping her fingers on my bare chest. I shared everything about myself and answered all her questions."Arden, that is how you know me," I told her. I could see the curiosity in her eyes as she traced her fingers lightly across my chest. Did this woman have any idea that such a simple touch stirred my cock under my sweatpants?"Arden," she repeated."That's the name that holds my true identity. Ethan is just another mask I wear to protect mysel

DAX"Where are we going?" Her round amethyst eyes held a suspicious glint as she got inside the car. I had simply told her to be ready, and she had swiftly changed into jeans and a loose shirt. Her straight caramel-brown hair was unstyled, cascading freely over her shoulders. This woman exuded simplicity, and it didn't sit well with me.Don't compare, Dax. Ignoring her question, I pulled out of the driveway. She crossed her arms, her expression grim, her plump lips set into a thin line. As we drove through the city, her gaze flickered between the passing scenery and me. I could see the questions above her head. Part of me wanted to offer an explanation, but this was her job, wasn't it?"So, do you make it a habit of dragging people into your spontaneous adventures?" she asked, her tone mocking."When she's paid to do it, then yes."She rolled her eyes, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed. "Paid or not, I still deserve to know what I'm getting into."After two weeks of living with thi

I had initially considered slamming the door shut with a thunderous sound, but I managed to restrain myself and closed it with relative quietness. As I did, I couldn't forget the smug expression on Jade's face when Daxton casually mentioned he had already ordered food for tonight.I left them in the living room and turned back to my room, where I felt a strong urge to stomp my feet in annoyance."They can eat together, preferably after eating each other's faces because that's clearly what the woman wants," I muttered under my breath as I stewed in my irritation.Why are so irritated?asked the woman in my head."Why?" I scoffed aloud as I turned on the water in the tub to make it warm. "I plan to ask him about his whole plan in this messed-up situation he's trying to fabricate."A voice inside my head piped up,"You sure you're not just a tad bit jealous?""Jealous?" I thought with a smirk as I removed all my clothing and searched for the shaving cream. "Why on earth would I be jealous,

The surgery had gone well, and my father was resting peacefully. The beeping of the monitoring equipment was the only noise I could hear in the quiet room.I sat by my father's bedside, my fingers gently intertwined with his. I watched his chest rise and fall with each steady breath, a small smile of gratitude tugging at the corners of my lips. It was a moment I had feared might never come, and yet, here we were.A nurse entered the room, checking the monitors and assessing my father's condition. She offered me a reassuring smile. "He's doing great. The surgery was a success. He'll need some time to recover, but he's on the right track."Tears welled up in my eyes as I nodded, my voice choked with emotion. "Thank you. Thank you so much."The nurse patted my shoulder gently before leaving the room.I felt a profound sense of gratitude, not only for the medical team who had saved my father's life but also for Daxton. After I said yes to his proposal, he quickly arranged everything. And

We walked inside the house, the tension thick in the air. The anticipation and tension that had simmered between us in the limousine seemed to follow us. The atmosphere inside the house felt different. I could feel his warmth trailing behind me. I felt his eyes undressing me like a physical caress, tracing over the contours of my body. "I...I'm going to my room now," I told him, but my voice came out breathless. His pupils dilated, dark desire flickering in his eyes as he took a slow, deliberate inhale."Are you telling me so I will follow you?" he replied, his voice husky with lust.I bit down on my lip. The desire that pulsed between us was undeniable, so I smiled seductively as I turned to head to my room. "I need help to get this dress off me." In an instant, Dax's desire ignited, and he lifted me from the ground, his strong arms cradling me as he carried me toward the living room instead. The suddenness of his actions sent a thrill of burning anticipation coursing through me