Semua Bab Burning Desires (An Open Marriage With The Billionaire): Bab 1 - Bab 10

SOPHIA LANCASTER The crystal flute felt cold against my palm. As the glittering gowns and tailored tuxedos parted and swirled across the ballroom, my eyes were fixed on a single person. Daniel, my husband had his arm wrapped around her waist, his head bent low as he whispered something into her ear. She laughed and threw her head back. It was the same woman I had found him with in our summer house just last week.I had walked in on them, there was no shame, no apologies, just later that night, he had laid out his grand solution which wasn't a divorce, not a promise to change, but a proposition of an open marriage."It's modern, Soph," he'd said, his voice casual as if suggesting we try a new restaurant. "We'd have our freedom, but everything all stays intact."My world had tilted, was that my worth? After five years of marriage, after shelving my own ambitions to build his, after being his shadow partner, his strategist, his ghostwriter, his everything... my reward was to be offered

SOPHIA LANCASTERI stared at my reflection at the giant mirror in the room, I let out a deep breath fully dressed. I was supposed to meet Ethan Calder regarding the ridiculous business deal we were talking about. My phone buzzed on the dressing table and I picked it up, Lola's name flashed on the screen. I almost ignored it, but I knew she'd just call back."Hey," I answered, my voice flatter than I intended."Soph! I got your text. Seriously, what is with the doom and gloom? Why are you so down about Daniel wanting to turn your marriage into an open one? Seriously, girl, this is an opportunity!"I leaned against the mirror, "An opportunity for what, Lola?" I asked, my voice flat."To explore! To start building yourself, Sophia! You're still married, right? This gives you space to breathe, to figure things out. Who knows, maybe you guys can even find your way back to each other later."Her words meant to be comforting were like salt in an open wound. I squeezed my eyes shut, she didn

SOPHIA LANCASTER"You don't get to make the call after kissing me first, Sophia," he rumbled, his initial rigidity melted, replaced by a warmth as his mouth parted beneath mine. My fingers, still cupping his strong jaw, felt the slight tremor that ran through him, a delicious confirmation of the impact I’d made. His eyes locked onto mine, he was a man carved from desire, sculpted with a raw, untamed elegance that left me breathless. Every line of his face, every shadow playing across his sharp cheekbones, screamed power, control, and now something yielding, something I had awakened.I didn't answer with words. My tongue traced the seam of his lips, a bold invitation and he accepted, his mouth opening wider, allowing me access. I dove in, tasting him fully, my hands slid from his jaw, tracing the strong column of his neck, feeling the pulse hammering beneath my fingertips. I pulled him closer, pressing my body against his, his arms, which had been hanging loosely at his sides, now wra

SOPHIA LANCASTER The moment I opened my eyes, I felt Daniel’s hand around me and I almost gagged. How had I ever found comfort in this? "Mmm..." Daniel groaned, his arm tightening around me as he nuzzled into my shoulder. My skin crawled. It took every ounce of willpower not to recoil violently. I shoved his arm away and rolled off the bed, putting distance between us immediately.I marched into the en-suite bathroom, locking the door behind me. I turned the shower on as hot as I could stand it. I scrubbed my skin raw, trying to wash away the lingering taint of this house, of him. By the time I stepped out of the shower, the disgust was gone, and I felt awake for the first time in years. I dried my hair and applied my makeup. I dressed in a tailored white blouse, leaving the top two buttons undone, and a pencil skirt that hugged my curves tighter than my usual office attire.I grabbed my phone and dialed. "Tell me you didn't cave," Lola answered on the first ring, her voice thick w

SOPHIA LANCASTER The world was soft.I was resting against the sofa in Ethan's office, my legs tucked under me, a cashmere throw blanket draped over my lap.Ethan moved around the room restoring order to the chaos we had created. I watched him right the chair, stack the scattered files, and pick up the crystal tumbler. He walked over to the wet bar, poured a glass of water, and returned to me. He crouched down so he was eye-level with me."Drink," he murmured, pressing the glass into my hand.I took a sip, the water soothing my parched throat. "Thank you.""Are you hungry?" he asked, his eyes scanning my face, searching for any sign of regret. He wouldn't find any."A little," I admitted. "My legs are still...""Useless?" he supplied with a smirk, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear."Shaky," I corrected, though I couldn't fight the blush rising to my cheeks. "You didn't have to go that hard."His expression darkened, the playfulness vanishing into something mor