There was nothing wrong with her, in fact, the quiet seemed to eat at me the entire drive. And the worst thing about it was his car smelled so damn good. The events of today hit me like whiplash, leaving a numbness behind that only his masculine scent seemed to penetrate. Instead of the prickling feeling of panic, his close proximity and the idea of his hands on me were driving me insane.It was as though my body focused on the primal aspect I’d been craving so I wouldn’t be traumatized by the event. A protective mechanism.I was equating marrying Nicolas to severe trauma.Truly, it didn’t seem far apart.There was a difference between lusting after a man and wanting him to be the father of your children. The idea pulled me in two resilient directions: thrill, and terror.The feelings were so tenacious I remained only numb, leaving room for one thing. Warmth hummed between my legs, my skin a nesting ground for electricity and ice.My mamma had watched me walk out the door with Nico ca

I couldn’t make love to him and then watch him do it with someone else. And I already knew he had no desire to remain faithful, from what he’d told me in the alley that night. I couldn’t share myself with someone so carelessly and indifferently, especially now, after my past mistake. So I could only give him a part of me—the only one he would want—and hope I would survive.I didn’t expect him to argue or to even care about my refusal. Kissing was romantic in a way, and I couldn’t see him wanting to share that with me.My hands still gripped the counter on either side of me, and when he glanced at my left, the one with the ring, his gaze turned black with contempt. I could taste his sudden animosity on my tongue. Anger wasn’t a reaction I’d expected from him, but I guessed telling this man he couldn’t have something was only a way to make him want it more.“Spread your legs.” His command was cold, rough, and rattled the existing fear.With an unsteady inhale, I complied.His palms ran

My brows pulled together. “Why wouldn’t you?” His gaze turned to ice. “Good question,” he said, letting out an outrageous smirk. Something was definitely off about him, and I didn't like any part of it one single bit.I knew I’d walked myself into that and sort of deserved it, but I still bristled from his insinuation. If this was how all of our conversations were going to go, I would go insane before we even got married.I hesitated, not understanding any of this. “We won’t do well together,” was what came out when I wanted to say, You’re the only man I’ve met who could do me permanent damage.“You seemed agreeable enough to me earlier.” His expression had kitchen island and naked written all over it. His statement, on the other hand, couldn't be comprehended by myself, and it all looked strange, to be honest. I couldn’t stop the heat from rushing to my cheeks at his crass reminder, but also because I was quickly losing control of this conversation and growing more flustered by the

"Good day, young master Christopher. I am the caretaker of your father's consortium, and I am going to be your guide for today."A man came forward to Christopher and bowed before him. He had decided to visit the company, as he had been informed by Ben earlier on. From the way that sweat dripped down from the corner of his face, it was evident that he had been waiting there for quite a while.From what Christopher had already been informed, Mr. Matthew was going to take him through the list of his father's companies. Since it was scattered all over the city with various headquarters, they got into the car to begin their tour. The first point of call was Top Hills Technology Enterprise."This enterprise was established by your father about a year before he handed it over to him and has seen a big bang in growth. While we initially began as a battery-making facility for various tech companies, she has ever since grown in other areas. Top Hills phones and Top Hills cars are well known, a

The bustling air welcomed Christopher and Mia as the double glass door of the Hit-Me clubhouse slid open, revealing a sea of heads through the neon lights in the room. Mia barely saw anyone’s face through the alternate fluorescent lights, which were shades of blue, red, green, and other colors. The sound filling the air from the disc jockey’s end was too much for her, and she struggled to follow Herbert, who was headed toward the lounge. He stopped in his tracks and looked behind him, pulling her against him in one swift motion, taking her by surprise. “You’d have to stay this close to me if you don't want to lose me. Right here, you’re Mia, my girlfriend,” he whispered into her ears, his voice a little louder than usual because of the noise, and she felt the huskiness down to the pit of her stomach.Despite the boisterous scenery, his closeness hit her like a tornado, and she gulped, nodding at his words.With their position, anyone would think Christopher was kissing his way up he