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

MYKEL We stayed in the tub for a while. My raging cock was still hard as steel. Even if I was losing my shit and wanted to take Adley right now, I pulled myself together, allowing my brain to rule for a while. I pulled the spray and pointed it at her as I rinsed her clean. “I can help you with that.” Her voice was still low and shaky from her orgasm. Despite my unattended needs, I could still comprehend what she was trying to say. “I’ll be fine.” I chuckled. “Can I ask you something?” “Is that something making the situation awkward?” “No, baby.” She turned to face me. “Go ahead.” I looked into her eyes. The sparks of anticipation were present. “Will you go out on a date with me?” Judging by her reaction, she wasn’t expecting it. “Oh, even if we’re already married?” “We can still go out on a date and have fun.” “We had dinner before.” “This time, it’s different. You know my feelings about you. So?” She smiled. Flush crept up her ivory skin. “Okay. Where are you taking me f

MYKEL That was the best sex of my life—it was different, exceptional. I pulled the duvet over her naked body as she curled into a ball. She fell asleep right away before we could talk. It looked like we were okay since she was not running away from bed or telling me this was a huge mistake— it won’t happen again speech—shit like that. I dragged myself out of bed no matter how I wanted to take her again. I went to the study to follow up on Dash. I dialed his number and turned my laptop on. “Hey, man. How’s Adley?” I told him I had an emergency and that it had something about my wife. I was right, after all—a lot going on when I arrived. “She’s fine. She was with her grandfather and stayed for the night.” “Am I gonna be an uncle very soon?” I chuckled. “Adley said you’re very optimistic.” “And handsome than you.” “Shut the fuck up. But yeah, that sounds great. Even Lex wants a great-grandchild.” “So the old man has finally come to his senses that you and Adley are perfect for

MYKEL “You’re upset.” I took off my suit and watched her undress in silence. It was a pleasant dinner until Lex opened up about expanding a family. I didn’t take it as a burden. A pressure, maybe. In fact, I wanted to have a family with Adley, but I wanted us to be on the same page because this was a lifetime responsibility. Considering what kind of past I had, I wouldn’t want to raise my child alone. “I’m fine.” Adley’s necklace was stuck in her dress, and she struggled not to damage what Mom gave her and the dress. “I’m here, baby.” I went to her. “Asking for help is not a flaw.” “Who said it’s a flaw?” “Let me.” The clasp was stuck into the lace of her dress. “Done.” Once done, she put a sweater on and left the walk-in closet after hanging her dress. I changed into sweatpants and shirts. Then I went to the office. I knew I would find her there. “You can use the desk.” Her laptop was on her lap as she typed something, her eyes glued to the screen. “I’m fine.” “But we’re

MYKEL Rage blinded me that I could barely grip into my self-control. I was mad at myself for not being there to keep her safe. I was beyond furious at Gary fucking Merick for assaulting my wife, but no matter how I wanted to blame Adley for not telling me, I couldn’t. I couldn’t even yell at her, and I could barely look at her for the guilt I felt inside. Somehow, I blamed Lex, and I blamed myself even more. “Just get it over with.” She was undressing herself. “Scream out the rage and anger inside your chest. It’s my fault that I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to get in trouble.” “So I should thank you for doing me a favor. Is that it?” I grunted, asking her sarcastically. “I know how you feel about Gary, Mykel.” “We’ve talked about keeping secrets, yet here we are again.” I threw my hands in the air. “If your assistant didn’t call the cops and me, you would have been hurt, Adley. Do you know how it feels watching someone I care about get hurt? Of course, you don’t. A