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Eve Of A Thousand Wakes 33 Claire Meets Jake
"Don't forget to smile," Bono always reminded her. Powerful men had no interest in a dull and disobedient face.Chicksaw had barely looked at her face. He had a scotch in one hand- his fifth of the evening. His eyes crawled over her from bust to hip, over and over. Spencer kissed her hand, and his lips lingered on her skin a while longer than comfortable.Perry was the most daredevil. "That body is to die for, girl."Claire felt more flattered than offended. 'These are men who could have any girl they wanted, and yet they are interested in what I have to offer,' she told herself."Thank you," she replied with her least flirtatious smile."Last but not the least, Kumar Rajesh, the Assistant District Attorney," Rory said."Welcome to the party, ma'am," Rajesh said, his sharp eyes meeting hers. 'Perhaps the only gentleman at the party,' Claire surmised. "I must ask," she addressed the elite group. "I was looking forward to meeting the host of the party. Has he retired for the day?"All
Eve Of A Thousand Wakes 34 Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater
Jake shook Claire's hand for the right amount of time and let go. 'Very professional,' she thought. He made constant eye contact and did not stare at her body as the other billionaires did. Part of him was aloof, as if he was somewhere else."I will take your leave, then," Rory announced. "The guys need a babysitter."Jake nodded, and Claire gave him two thumbs up as he left."Please join me," Jake invited her to the other end of the gallery. There were high-backed lounge chairs large enough to lie down. A low single-block dining table was aligned with them.Claire sat beside the billionaire, facing him, her legs crossed. "Thanks.""I noticed when you went to the bar; you ordered cranberry juice. Are you not allowed to drink? Any photoshoots or events coming up?""It's not that, Mr. Grayson-""Please call me Jake.""Hmm. It's not that, Jake, I do drink, but with the right company.""I can't promise to be the best drinking partner but, let's see what we have here–"Jake removed a tinte
Eve Of A Thousand Wakes 35 Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater 2
Jake tilted his head and regarded her with a smile. He liked flattery, especially from a beauty like Claire."Tomorrow, I'm gonna tell this story to my college friends," she murmured."What are you going to tell them?""Whatever happens tonight…." She trailed off as Jake took a hand to her thigh."Go on," he said, feeling the entire length from her knee to her hip."On second thought, I will not tell them the entire story.""Oh, really?" Jake grinned, leaning in and kissing her neck. "Will you be embarrassed by what happens tonight?""Maybe."Jake kissed her on the lips. "Good. I want you to be."Claire nodded. The wine had made her dreamy. Jake stood up and took her hand. He led her to the other end of the balcony.The girl was excited. Her heart was hammering like crazy. It was finally happening! Everything had fallen into place.Jake pulled her close. His hands went behind her and grabbed her buttocks. 'Ah, this feels good,' he thought. 'No silicone. Just a well-toned natural ass.'
Eve Of A Thousand Wakes 01 Divorce
Ashley Palmer barged into the forty-fifth floor of the Grayson Enterprises building. Jake's office was naturally the best in the entire company—a lavish corner office at the executive corridor's end. After all, he was the company's Chairman. His private secretary, Tammy, waited outside his chamber like a sentinel. She was a tall redhead who intentionally wore clothes one size smaller so that little of her curvy shape was left to the imagination. Ashley knew Tammy was one of Jake's mistresses, of which he had many. "Mrs. Grayson, this is a pleasant surprise," the secretary greeted her with a plastic smile. "Mr. Grayson is just about to wrap up an important meeting. Meanwhile, you can wait in the VIP lounge." Tammy pointed curtly toward a luxurious waiting room adjoining the Chairman's office. Ashley narrowed her eyes. Pleasant surprise? Give me a break, bitch! Ashley was Jake Grayson's unfortunate wife and endured his lies and infidelity. She was a beautiful, classy twenty-four-year
Eve Of A Thousand Wakes 02 The Detective
"Jake," her voice trembled. "I loved you and gave away everything I had to you. But you are a liar and a crook! How do you live with yourself?" "You have only yourself to blame, Ash," Jake scoffed, taking another sip of his drink. "The business world is a dangerous game. Gullible, weak women like you are doomed to perish! You should learn a few things from your stepsister." Jake's eyes shimmered like a bottomless ocean, invitingly evil. Even though Scarlet had manipulated him, that was no excuse for his behavior. Without a doubt, Jake Grayson was a monster hidden among men, and Scarlet unlocked that monster. He had taken everything from her ruthlessly, leaving her naked and exposed. No more. Ashley walked towards the table, picked up a pen, and signed the divorce papers. "You think you've won, Jake Grayson! But you are mistaken. I have already talked to my attorney about the illegal takeover of Palmer Industries. I've reported you for fraud and will definitely take back my
Eve Of A Thousand Wakes 03 Mystery Solved
"If you're messing with me, I swear I'll strangle you with my bare hands," Ashley added. "We'll get to the revelation shortly, doll," Doyle replied. "What about the paycheck?" Ashley fished into her purse and removed a paper bag. Doyle extended his hand to relieve her of it, but she held back and shook her head. "I've brought your three thousand dollars, Harry. I'll give it away, but first, you must tell me what you discovered." Doyle shrugged. "Fine. I'll do you one better. I will show you what I unearthed." The dashing detective opened his Prius' back door and invited Ashley in. Once they were inside and the tinted windows were up, he booted up a laptop and placed the mouse pointer on a video file. "This will not be easy, doll," he warned. "I'm going to play it, but you can stop watching anytime if it is too much for you." "Why are you being so ominous? Who is the culprit?" "See for yourself." Doyle clicked play. The video looked like it was taken from a CCTV security camera
Eve Of A Thousand Wakes 04 Confrontation
Palmer Estate was a sprawling property spread over three thousand acres. The primary residence, Palmer House, was a Chateauesque-style mansion built between 1856 and 1892 by Reginald Palmer, the late founder of the family. Palmer House was the largest privately owned house in the city, with over fifty thousand square feet of floor space. Jake Grayson was undoubtedly the wealthiest in the city, but the Palmer family was literal royalty. Ashley was ushered into the house by a Head Butler whom she did not recognize. "Who are you?" she asked him quizzically. "Where is Marvin?" Marvin had been Head-butler even before Ashley was born. He had practically raised the little girl when her mother passed away. The servant looked at her garb and frowned. Ashley's clothes were shabby, and it seemed she hadn't conditioned her hair for weeks. Even though she was technically wealthy again, the young woman didn't have time for a makeover before returning home. "I am Levi," he replied, trying har
Eve Of A Thousand Wakes 05 Ashes To Ashes
"Why did you do it?!" Ashley asked in a fury. "Was it even worth it? I have already been reinstated as Chairperson!" Scarlet laughed hysterically, pointing at her stepsister. "You ask why? Because Dad always loved his firstborn daughter more! I had to live under your shadow! All my life, I received hand-me-downs. Always second priority! Arthur always favored his previous princess, Ashley!" "You never deserved or earned the happy life you lived! Did you think I would torture myself, watching you have a loving husband? Or let you become the Chairperson of Palmer Industries? There's no way I'd let any of that happen! So I destroyed everything!" Scarlet's eyes were wild and flaring as if she was possessed. "You need a psychiatrist, Scarlet," Ashley said, deeply disturbed by her sister's outburst. "But first, you will go to prison!" "What is going on?" a voice asked from the door. Ashley turned to see Mary Palmer, Arthur's second wife and mother of Scarlet. Mary was in her forties b
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- Eve Of A Thousand Wakes
35 Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater 2
Jake tilted his head and regarded her with a smile. He liked flattery, especially from a beauty like Claire."Tomorrow, I'm gonna tell this story to my college friends," she murmured."What are you going to tell them?""Whatever happens tonight…." She trailed off as Jake took a hand to her thigh."Go on," he said, feeling the entire length from her knee to her hip."On second thought, I will not tell them the entire story.""Oh, really?" Jake grinned, leaning in and kissing her neck. "Will you be embarrassed by what happens tonight?""Maybe."Jake kissed her on the lips. "Good. I want you to be."Claire nodded. The wine had made her dreamy. Jake stood up and took her hand. He led her to the other end of the balcony.The girl was excited. Her heart was hammering like crazy. It was finally happening! Everything had fallen into place.Jake pulled her close. His hands went behind her and grabbed her buttocks. 'Ah, this feels good,' he thought. 'No silicone. Just a well-toned natural ass.'
- Eve Of A Thousand Wakes
34 Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater
Jake shook Claire's hand for the right amount of time and let go. 'Very professional,' she thought. He made constant eye contact and did not stare at her body as the other billionaires did. Part of him was aloof, as if he was somewhere else."I will take your leave, then," Rory announced. "The guys need a babysitter."Jake nodded, and Claire gave him two thumbs up as he left."Please join me," Jake invited her to the other end of the gallery. There were high-backed lounge chairs large enough to lie down. A low single-block dining table was aligned with them.Claire sat beside the billionaire, facing him, her legs crossed. "Thanks.""I noticed when you went to the bar; you ordered cranberry juice. Are you not allowed to drink? Any photoshoots or events coming up?""It's not that, Mr. Grayson-""Please call me Jake.""Hmm. It's not that, Jake, I do drink, but with the right company.""I can't promise to be the best drinking partner but, let's see what we have here–"Jake removed a tinte
- Eve Of A Thousand Wakes
33 Claire Meets Jake
"Don't forget to smile," Bono always reminded her. Powerful men had no interest in a dull and disobedient face.Chicksaw had barely looked at her face. He had a scotch in one hand- his fifth of the evening. His eyes crawled over her from bust to hip, over and over. Spencer kissed her hand, and his lips lingered on her skin a while longer than comfortable.Perry was the most daredevil. "That body is to die for, girl."Claire felt more flattered than offended. 'These are men who could have any girl they wanted, and yet they are interested in what I have to offer,' she told herself."Thank you," she replied with her least flirtatious smile."Last but not the least, Kumar Rajesh, the Assistant District Attorney," Rory said."Welcome to the party, ma'am," Rajesh said, his sharp eyes meeting hers. 'Perhaps the only gentleman at the party,' Claire surmised. "I must ask," she addressed the elite group. "I was looking forward to meeting the host of the party. Has he retired for the day?"All
- Eve Of A Thousand Wakes
32 Cream of the City
"Hi! Miss Fox, is it?"Rory James was the only casually dressed guest in Elysium Hall at the moment. He looked not very different from his YouTube videos. The close-cropped ash-blond hair, the youthful charm, the Versace pullover cardigan with Escada jeans. Everything spelled Rory James in caps. His casual wear was more expensive than most of the suits at the party, though. Even then and there, at the bachelor party of his best friend, he was promoting brands like Nike, Apple, and Rolex. The truth was, Rory liked suits and formal wear over casuals. His boyfriend shopped for them both at Armani and REISS. However, both his love for the tuxedo and his sexual orientation were best-kept secrets. Only his inner circle was party to his preferences and inclinations.Rory had to keep up the image of the cool, straight, urban, and carefree guy. It defined his internet personality. Anything different would be damaging to his social media image.Rory had sprung into action on Jake's request and
- Eve Of A Thousand Wakes
31 Jake Seeks Claire
Claire's victory in the Miss World Norwich contest was no fluke. The judges had unanimously voted for her. She was genetically gifted, with her nordic blue eyes, facial symmetry, high cheekbones, and flawless skin. Her Swedish descent from her mother's side had mixed well with her father's Connecticut genes to produce a one in million beauty. Claire had crafted her god-given gifts into a masterpiece. She looked around and saw the 'hot models' at the party. "Where are these other girls from?" she asked Bono. "Pfft! Them? Talent agencies. Luxury strip clubs. Escort services. The organizers paid a steep dime to get the best girls. But they are all uglies compared to you, baby." "Thanks, Bono." Her manager did exaggerate her beauty sometimes. Nevertheless, he was not wrong this time. The girls traipsing around as if the place belonged to them were undoubtedly attractive from their shapes and sizes. However, nobody came close to Claire in sheer beauty. She turned more heads than al
- Eve Of A Thousand Wakes
30 The Bachelor Party
The 50th floor of Malory Towers had a banquet hall so spacious that it dwarfed the town hall of Norwich City. Ten years back, when the 50th story was constructed, Jake's late father, Richard Grayson, had named the cavernous den Chive hall after a street he grew up on. Chive street belonged to rural Scotland. The name was reminiscent of Richard’s journey from a hapless boy on the streets of central Scotland to the wealthiest man in one of the leading cities in America. His rags to riches story was fit for a movie screenplay. Unfortunately, Richard suffered a heart attack three years back, leaving his staggering empire for Jake. His son was a swashbuckling businessman and took Grayson Enterprises to greater heights. However, he did not share the same roots of sentimentality characteristic of the founder of the company. The previous year, Jake had renamed the banquet space to Elysium Hall. Regardless, Elysium Hall lived up to the grandeur of its name. The ceiling, fifty feet high, was
- Eve Of A Thousand Wakes
29 Knight in Shining Armor
Ashley watched the scene with a gaping mouth. Once the action stopped, she immediately exited the van. She picked up the gun that had skidded near the front tires."Who are you?" Ashley shouted, aiming the gun at the stranger. "Show me your face!" In the van's fog light, the man turned around with a flourish. He raised an arm and opened his man-bun. Shoulder-length hair bounced down the Frenchman’s face.Guiscard! It was Chevalier de Guiscard!"It is me! Chevy, ma'am!" he said, ruffling his hair."Oh, my God!"Ashley pulled the trigger. Bang! The target took the bullet and collapsed. She had shot Nicolai, who had been trying to inch closer to a dropped gun."Good shot," Guiscard said.Ashley walked towards him. "Give me a minute."He nodded. "Sure, ma'am."The young woman headed to where Pavlov lay, writhing in pain. As Ashley approached him, he grimaced with disgust.“Jebena drolja (Fucking slut)! Daj mi pistolj! (Give me the gun)!” "You like hitting women, don't you?" Ashley fired
- Eve Of A Thousand Wakes
28 Take Three, Action!
Ashley's eyes opened a crack. The surroundings were cramped and dimly lit. She lay on her back; her wrists and feet were bound with duct tape. The place smelled of mildew and armpits. A splitting headache and nausea hit her, but she held back from groaning. Ashley's eyes had adjusted to the lighting, and she could see two thickset men looming over her. The Serbs! Zetelica!They seemed to ignore her for the time being, assuming she was knocked out. It took Ashley another minute to realize that she lay on the molded carpet of a vehicle in motion. 'A van? A large wagon?' Because of the poor lighting, her captors did not notice that she had returned to her senses.A blinding migraine overwhelmed her for a few seconds. Ashley let the memories of the day flood back. 'Let me review the situation. The testosterone capsules have worked, apparently. They dulled the longevity of the sedative that Milan gave me in the coffee. I woke up much earlier than I was supposed to.''But then, what
- Eve Of A Thousand Wakes
27 Back To The Future 2
The little girl shook her head and let out a fresh spurt of sobs. Evelyn bit her lip. How much suffering has Ashley been through to travel back into her childhood? Regardless of age, the girl was her daughter."It is okay, sweetie," Evelyn said, "I do not think you have much time left here with me, so let me tell you this quickly. Be patient and strong no matter how painful it gets. It is all for a purpose. Remember that.""What purpose? I cannot do this anymore, mom! Please help me! It is too much!"Evelyn regarded her dewy-eyed daughter. 'She is going to fall apart this way.'"Hey, sweetie, do you remember Toby?" Ashley looked up, trying to remember. "Toby?" the little voice squeaked."Let me remind you. Toby was this nuisance from 3rd grade in school. He was a real you-know-what. One day the boy picked on you and pulled on your pigtails while singing a funny song. Everyone in the class laughed at you."Ashley opened her mouth, trying to recall the incident. She had a vague recoll
