All Chapters of Mine Alone: you belong to me : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

"I'm Nick Delaware. I own Software Solutions."Abbey didn't know whether to laugh out loud or slap him across the cheek for lying to her as well. This was getting ridiculous. Why was this man pretending to be Nick while Nick was pretending to be Damien?Whatever their reason, it meant he was probably the real Damien Vane.Abbey glanced at the real Nick—her Nick—who was standing calmly by, watching the charade play out in front of him. He seemed disinterested, sipping from a champagne flute, his eyes lowered.No, not entirely true. He was watching them through his lashes, and his lips had formed into a tight line as he stared at the hand now caressing Abbey’s. He was studying her reaction to the fake Nick like a hawk watches its prey just before it attacks.Damn him. What game was he playing? Why all this duplicity?Abbey returned her attention to the fake Nick, still fawning over her hand. She became aware that Tarken was hovering very closely by, but she doubted it had anything to do

Nick's kisses increased in ferocity. His tongue explored, hers responded, and before she knew it his hands were behind her, caressing her bare back, pulling her to him. His erection was rock hard and proof of how much he desired her.His hands didn't stay long on her back. They roamed to her rear, cupped her cheeks and squeezed. Then they moved down, brushing against her flesh at the edge of the dress. His hands lifted the hem and moved upwards, slowly caressing every inch of her thighs until he reached her bottom again. She was wearing a thong and when he realized this, he let out a strangled cry."Oh, Abbey," he whispered hoarsely against her lips. "My sweet Abbey."His words and velvety voice sent a thrill through her body, puckering her skin in anticipation of what was to come. She realized she'd never wanted any man as much as she wanted Nick. Somehow, tonight, she felt as if things were so much more intense between them. So much more than just sex. There was a need there, a desi

Abbey sat on her couch, head in her hands, trying not to cry. She didn't want Lucy to think she was weak and hopeless when it came to men.After ten minutes, she gave up trying to hold back the burning tears and let them pour out of her. Lucy would understand. She knew what Abbey was like anyway.She heard Lucy sigh, pad across her floor and felt her comforting arm around her shoulders."Why do you do this to yourself?" Lucy asked.Abbey shrugged. She didn't have an answer to that. She just figured she was genetically geared to fail where men were concerned. She had a habit of picking the wrong ones, except this time it was worse. She really felt like her heart had been ripped out of her body, tossed around, then put back upside down and inside out.She felt awful.And she had no one to blame but herself."I let him think I slept with Vane.""What! Why?"Abbey shrugged. "It seemed like a good way to punish him at the time." She sobbed. "And because I'm an idiot."Lucy hugged her. "You

Nick laughed quietly to himself. He imagined Tarken reading about Vane leaving Software Solutions in the business pages of the newspapers.He'd probably think it was because of what he said. Nick wondered if they'd print a photograph. Maybe he should send one in to the papers, just to confuse Tarken. But that wouldn't help his company's business prospects in Melbourne with hundreds of seminar attendees who'd also wonder at the difference.There was a knock on Nick's door and his personal assistant popped her head around."Can I get you some lunch, sir?" asked the middle-aged blonde.He shook his head. "No thanks, Beverly. I'm not hungry."Beverly's face fell. "But you haven't eaten anything all day. Usually you have breakfast, and at least three cups of coffee by now —" "I appreciate your concern, but I'm really not hungry."She attempted a smile. "Sure. What about those appointments you cancelled this morning? Can I reschedule them yet?""I don't know when I'll be able to fit them in

"Hello, Nick."It was clear he hadn't been expecting her. The wide-eyed stare and pale expression made her heart skip wildly. Was this a good sign or a bad one? Was he happy to see her?Right now he just looked shocked. His mouth hung open like an unhinged door.He also looked incredibly sexy. But despite the neatly combed hair and the carefully shaved chin, Abbey could see signs of stress. A web of spidery lines that hadn't been there before crept across his forehead, and his black eyes—which she could only remember as shining brilliantly—were dull.So, the last month had been hell on him, just like it had been for her.Good. He deserved it.Nick's colleague cleared his throat and approached. He introduced himself as the new VP of Marketing, Mathew Willis, and she introduced herself as the new manager of the JJC Pharmaceuticals Melbourne office.They sat at the long table and for several moments everyone stared awkwardly at each other.Finally, Nick stirred from his stupor. "Where's