My Father_s Best Friend - Fiona Davenport

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My Father’s Best Friend Fiona Davenport

Copyright © 2016 Fiona Davenport All rights reserved. Edited by PREMA Editing Cover design by Elle Christensen All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing. For permission requests, please send your email request to [email protected]. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used factiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons or living or dead, events or locales are entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/ Use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owner.

Table of Contents Title Page Copyright Page My Father’s Best Friend Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Epilogue Fraternization Rule Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9

Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Epilogue Books By This Author About the Author

My Father’s Best Friend When Ethan Parker’s investigation leads him to Delilah Brooks, he hopes he’s finally found his best friend’s long-lost daughter. What he wasn’t expecting was to want her for himself—with an intensity that drives him to get her pregnant before her father finds out about the two of them. Delilah falls hard and fast for Ethan. But she isn’t sure what to think when he confesses his connection to the father she’s never met. Or how her father is going to react when he learns she’s having his best friend’s baby.

Prologue Bonnie I stared down at the cashier’s check, the white paper stark against the gleaming dark wood of the desktop. I could barely process what was happening. Holy cow. Apparently, getting rid of me was worth a whole lot of zeros. Despite my shock, anger rose to the surface and I glared at the stuffy man in the immaculately pressed suit sitting in front of me. “I don’t know what makes you think I can be bought,” I said defensively. “But, I’m not with Sam for his money. We’re getting married, becoming a family, and raising our baby together.” He laughed and shook his head, then smiled at me sympathetically. “Everyone has a price, Ms. Hart. Samuel isn’t the type to ever settle down. Much less at twenty-two. Do you think you’re the first woman who showed up claiming to be pregnant and demanding marriage?” I gasped and recoiled in my chair. “I never once brought up marriage, it was Sam’s idea. He loves me.” Even I could hear the note of uncertainty in my voice. Sam had a reputation as a ladies’ man, but he’d settled down when he met me. We were in a committed, monogamous relationship. Weren’t we? Sam was the most affectionate, loving man I’d ever known. He made me feel like I was the center of his universe. He was certainly the epicenter of mine. The last few months had been a dream and I clung to it desperately. “Ms. Hart, I’m doing you a favor here. I have no doubt Samuel will marry you and stay married just long enough to be able to easily gain custody of your child when he eventually files for divorce.” He paused and pushed the check a little further towards me. “Take the money, go somewhere he won’t find you, raise your baby in peace.” His voice was gentle but I wasn’t fooled, the snake was poised, ready to strike any moment. “I’ll even help you change your identity so that he won’t ever be a threat to your daughter.” At my continued hesitation, he sighed and pulled out a sheaf of papers, laying them on top of the check. “This is the prenuptial agreement he had drawn up. I can only imagine that he assumed you wouldn’t read it thoroughly.”

With shaking hands, I grasped the stack and lifted it to scan the contents. Pieces of my heart chipped away with every turn of a page. Until I reached the section that broke it altogether. It was buried in legal jargon, but I was smart enough to recognize the basic points. In the case of divorce, I had to prove my ability to provide for my child, in equal measure, what could be provided from her father. Otherwise, custody would default to the paternal parent. I would receive a tiny settlement, but it wasn’t even in the stratosphere of what I would need to fight for my baby. There was more, but I couldn’t continue reading through my tears. It didn’t matter anyway, there was no way I was going to sign this document. I took a deep breath and calmly tore the packet down the center before flinging it on the desk. Jumping to my feet, I threw my shoulders back, gathered my coat and purse, and snatched the check. Carefully, I smoothed over my face, leaving no expression. It was easy since I had no feelings to express, my heart had turned to stone. “I’ll handle the details. I certainly don’t want anything more from you, or anyone associated with Samuel Wentworth.” Spinning on my heel, I marched out of the office and into the pouring rain. I stood for a moment, letting it cleanse me, while my hand rested tenderly on my belly. We’ll make a fresh start, baby. Just you and me.

Chapter 1 Ethan Bonnie Hart (Hanna Brooks), age thirty-eight, passed away on June 3rd at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. At age twenty-five, she received her degree as an RN and spent her life caring for others, even after she was forced to stop working due to her cancer. She was a loving mother and loyal friend. Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Delilah Brooks. Services will be held… I read the obituary twice more before reclining in my desk chair. My head fell back and I stared at the white ceiling, contemplating my next steps. It was about fucking time. I’d been waiting ten years for this, for the moment when the name Bonnie Hart was flagged on my system. Obviously, I didn’t expect her to be the only woman with that name, but this time, things lined up. The ages matched. The picture printed with the obituary resembled the picture Samuel had given me the day he hired me to continue his search for her. Even the fact that her daughter didn’t share her name fit the circumstances, since it was likely she changed her name before the baby was born. But… Delilah. It was Samuel’s mother’s name. Bonnie had disappeared without a trace, her cold trail leaving me no clues. I’d basically had nothing to go on when I started my search for the love of my best friend’s life. I questioned why she was being buried under her real name for half a second, then decided to forget it and take the win. Samuel and I had grown close over the years—eventually becoming best friends—and I’d watched his hope die bit by bit until there was nothing left. He became convinced that she hadn’t loved him after all. But, I’d seen the photos of them together, heard the stories he’d shared about her. It sounded to me like Bonnie and Samuel had walked right off the set of a sappy, romantic, chick-flick. I didn’t think she just simply up and left. Samuel was a hard man to fool. I found it hard to believe he’d been so wrong about the woman who’d stolen

his heart. I couldn’t give up completely. Something went wrong, and I was determined to find out what. In all these years, this was the first time I felt that niggling sensation I get when I’m grasping at just the right straw. I needed to get to New York. *** I stood back, away from the graveside and shadowed by a crop of trees. Waiting. Even though I’d never met Bonnie, I knew the girl was her daughter. Her long, silvery-blonde hair was pulled back from her stunning face in a low ponytail that hung down to her waist. She wore a black wrap dress that showed off a pair of gorgeous legs and clung to her curves, causing my eyes to linger on them for far too long. I imagined my hands running over those soft hills and valleys, those legs wrapped around my waist as I drove deep inside her. Whoa! Shut that shit down right now, Parker. I shook my head to dispel the daydream. She was barely fucking legal, having only turned eighteen three days before her mother died. Not to mention the mental sucker punch I gave myself for forgetting that she was my best friend’s daughter. For fuck’s sake, I was almost twice her age. Seventeen fucking years older than her, Parker. Samuel had only just inherited his father’s investment firm when he met Bonnie. After she left, it took him years to realize how badly their security team had dropped the ball on the search for Bonnie. He’d wanted someone to give it another go. A mutual friend steered him in my direction. It didn’t take long for us to develop a friendship. We had similar backgrounds, both of us trust fund babies who grew up to be irresponsible playboys. I’d gotten myself into all kinds of shit, and I’m positive there were times my parents despaired that I would even reach the age of twenty-one. My juvenile record was quite colorful. From what he told me, his wasn’t far off from mine. We’d both attended Harvard, though five years apart. His wild reputation practically made him a legend. However, he’d cleaned up his life after meeting Bonnie, going on to graduate and keep his family’s company successful. It took me a little longer to get my college career on track. My parents died my freshman year and I’d gone a little off the rails. Partying, drinking to excess, and never fucking the same woman twice.

Maturity crept in there somewhere though and I managed to graduate, a stipulation for accessing the rest of my inheritance. I took the money and opened Parker Security and Investigations. I left behind most of my vices, but I still never found myself sticking with a woman more than one night. I hadn’t looked too deeply into the reasons behind my lack of commitment, and it was actually Samuel’s determination to find Bonnie— eight years after losing her—that was my wake up call. Though, the lesson learned could have easily been not to give your heart, I ended up learning something else. I wanted what they’d had, with a different final outcome, of course. Samuel remained alone until a year ago when he met his fiancée, Lola. After I realized what I wanted, I’d dated for a few years, but no one ever kept my interest. I hadn’t even bothered in quite some time. Some time, meaning at least six years. This is what I blamed my runaway thoughts and suddenly hard cock on. The crowd eventually thinned and Delilah stood alone, head bent, hands clasped tightly in front of her. I gave her a few moments alone, then began to slowly make my way towards her. I made sure to announce my presence by deliberately stepping on a few twigs. Her head lifted as I neared and my heart ached at the sight of watery pain in her blue eyes. They widened a little as she surveyed me. I wasn’t a small guy and in my black, tailored suit, I knew I looked intimidating. Stopping a few feet away, I softened my expression and murmured, “I’m sorry for your loss.” “Thank you,” she whispered, her had canting slightly. She looked up at the cloudy summer sky and blinked back her tears. After a moment, her gaze returned to mine and she smiled softly, a dimple popping in her let cheek. “How did you know my mother, Mr…?” she trailed off, looking at me expectantly. I hesitated, suddenly unsure about the lie I’d prepared. Being dishonest with her didn’t sit well, but until I could confirm her identity one hundred percent, I wasn’t ready to lay everything out in the open. So, I decided on a half-truth. “Parker,” I informed her, holding out my hand. “Ethan Parker.” Her skin was soft as we shook, and I had to stifle the urges to lift her hand to my lips and test the silkiness against them. Instead, I pulled away. “I didn’t really know her. I was in town and came at the request of a friend to pay their respects. I’m told your mother touched a lot of lives.”

Delilah’s smile grew and she nodded. “She was pretty amazing.” A horn honked and drew her attention to a black Town Car idling nearby. She waved before turning back to me. “I’d better go. Will I see you at the luncheon?” I shook my head and took a step back, a little overwhelmed by the jealousy swamping me. Who was in the car? A boyfriend? Fuck. What was the matter with me? I needed to get the hell out of there. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it.” Disappointment flashed across her face, almost making me smile. In the few minutes I’d been talking to her, she’d telegraphed her every emotion, she was an open book and I found that I liked it. A lot. “It was nice meeting you, Delilah Brooks.” “Lilah,” she corrected sweetly. “You can call me Lilah. And, I’m glad we met too.” With one last smile in my direction, she turned and hurried over to the waiting vehicle. I watched until her womanly body disappeared inside, and then headed back to my own car. My plan was to give her a few days, get some distance from the funeral, before approaching her again. It was clear from my body’s reaction to Lilah that I needed to take the time to get my head on straight. To shake off this attraction. The last complication in the world I needed right then was to fuck my best friend’s daughter.

Chapter 2 Delilah The apartment was silent. Still. Empty. Just an hour ago, it had been filled with all the people whose lives my mom had touched. They’d come to the funeral in droves to pay their respects. Many had stopped at our place afterwards, bringing casseroles and soups. Pastas and salads. Desserts and more desserts. More food than we needed for the luncheon. So many dishes that I wasn’t sure I’d be able to squeeze the leftovers into the fridge and freezer. A couple of the nurses who’d worked with my mom had offered to stay and help with the clean-up, but I’d wanted to be alone. Or at least I thought I did. The home I’d shared with my mom had always been my safe haven growing up, filled with her love. Even after we moved to the city so she could start her cancer treatments, she’d made our modest, two-bedroom apartment seem like a cozy home in the country. Only it wasn’t the same anymore. She was gone forever, and when everyone else left, the silence became deafening. It made me second-guess my decision. A loud knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts, giving me something else to focus on besides my loss. I smoothed a hand down my dress, tugging at the front to make sure my boobs were fully covered by the material, and tucked a lock of my hair behind my ear as I made my way to the front of my home. Our apartment had a separate entrance from the rest of the building, exiting straight out to the sidewalk. A quick glance through the peephole had butterflies swirling in my belly as I recognized the man standing on my porch. “Hello,” I gasped as I pulled open the door, clearing my throat afterwards to steady my voice so it didn’t sound breathy when I continued. “I wasn’t expecting to see you again today since you said you couldn’t make the luncheon. Or any other day really since you’re not from around here.” I didn’t add how much I’d wanted his answer to be different. How much I’d wished he’d said he was coming to the house. How much I wanted to see him again.

My reaction to Ethan Parker was completely inappropriate considering I’d met him at my mom’s funeral. And because my guess was that he was closer to her age than my own. But it was impossible to ignore the impact he’d had on me from the moment I’d lifted my head and found him standing there, staring at me with heated dark eyes. His black hair fluttering slightly in the wind. Tall and imposing in a black suit that looked like it cost more than I’d ever spent on a piece of clothing. The jacket was gone, and the sleeves of his pristine white dress shirt were rolled up to his elbows. His shoulders looked broader than before, and I could swear the dark scruff on his jawline had darkened in the hours since I’d seen him. Each time my mind had wandered towards him during the luncheon, I’d tried telling myself that I was exaggerating how attractive he’d been. How wrong I was. If anything, I’d underestimated the impact of this man on my libido, considering he was potent enough to be the first to wake it up—and on this dark day. “I’m sorry to intrude.” He looked towards the mostly empty sidewalk, huffed out a deep breath, and then returned his gaze to me. “I hadn’t planned on it. But I was out for a walk and I somehow found myself on your street.” He sounded perplexed by how it had happened, but I didn’t care. I was just happy it had. “Would you like to come in?” “As long as I’m not interrupting anything.” His gaze drifted over my shoulder, as though he expected someone else to be with me. “Only a pity party for one,” I mumbled under my breath. “Pardon?” “Nothing,” I sighed. “Your timing is perfect. The last of my visitors left about thirty minutes ago, and I’d just realized how quiet the house was. I’d actually appreciate the company.” “Well, then I guess I’m glad the car had a mind of its own.” “Me, too,” I breathed out, catching a whiff of his cologne as he walked past me. As he looked around the living room, I was glad I’d started my clean-up in there. “I have plenty of food leftover, if you’re hungry?” I offered. “I was working on putting everything away when you knocked.”

He hesitated before answering me, his eyes sweeping over my body. For a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of hunger, but then it was gone and I figured I must have imagined it. “I ate already.” “What about dessert? You’d be doing me a favor by having some since my kitchen is overflowing with sweets. Otherwise, I’ll eat them all myself.” Dragging a hand down the side of my dress, I emphasized exactly why that would be a bad idea. My appreciation of all things sweet was a big part of the reason for all my curves. “If that’s”—his eyes lingered on my cleavage and hips before lifting back up to my face—“the result of you enjoying dessert, then I’m all for you having as many as you want.” “Wow,” I breathed out at the heat in his stare. “That’s not exactly the usual response I get from guys.” His eyes flared hotter as he stalked towards me. “Then they’re idiots.” “Yup,” I gulped. “Most of the boys at my school were morons.” The exact moment I said “school,” he stopped dead in his tracks. I wanted to kick myself for reminding him exactly how young I was. Apparently, I was a moron too. “I’m not a boy, Lilah. I’m a man.” The words were growled with an air of warning. “But are you a man who enjoys cherry cheesecake, strawberry shortcake, or peanut-butter-fudge pretzel brownies?” I joked, hoping to lighten the moment and get his mind off our age difference. “You had to go and say strawberry shortcake,” he groaned. Yes! I mentally fist-pumped. “Coming right up if you’ll follow me into the kitchen.” I was acutely aware of him walking behind me and added a touch more swivel to my hips than usual. I served him the biggest piece of shortcake I could find, with a heaping mound of strawberries and whip cream. Then I dished myself up one of the brownies and joined him at the table. When he moaned at his first bite, I knew I was going to ask my next-door neighbor for her recipe. If strawberry shortcake was Ethan Parker’s weakness, I was about to become an expert at making it. We didn’t talk much as we enjoyed our desserts. Ethan looked like he wanted to lick his plate clean when he reached the bottom, making me giggle.

“I have plenty left if you’d like to take some with you,” I offered. “As delicious as it was, I have to say no. I don’t have a fridge in my hotel room.” My heart dropped at the reminder that he didn’t live here. “You’re welcome to raid my fridge tomorrow if you’d like.” “How about I take you out to dinner first?” “Yes!” I accepted before he could change his mind. I was probably a horrible person for setting up a date on the same day as my mom’s funeral, but I had a feeling she would have wanted me to say yes. Although I’d never seen her go out on a date—ever—she’d always sounded hopeful whenever she asked me about boys. She was addicted to reading romance novels, and I’d always thought my mom didn’t date because she’d had her one true love and was pining for him. My father. The man who’d broken her heart, only I’d only never known what had happened until she was on her deathbed. But this wasn’t the time to dwell on that, not with Ethan smiling at me from across the table. “I’d love to have dinner with you tomorrow night.” “I can’t do tomorrow.” My heart dropped, only to pick right back up again. “How about the day after?” “Yes, please.” He twisted his wrist to look at the gleaming watch strapped to it, his forearm muscles tightening attractively. “I should probably head back to the hotel since I have a conference call in about thirty minutes.” “But it’s Saturday.” “In my line of work, every day is a business day,” he explained as he rose from the chair. “What do you do?” I asked, following him into the living room. “I own a security and investigations company.” I wasn’t surprised to learn he was his own boss since he had an air of authority about him. One which wasn’t due to his age, but the way he carried himself. He paused at the door, and then leaned towards me to place a gentle kiss on my cheek. “I truly am sorry for your loss.” “Thank you.” “I feel like I’m taking advantage of you when you’re vulnerable,” he murmured.

“How so?” “Asking a pretty girl out on a date on the same day she buried her mom isn’t exactly the right thing to do.” “Then don’t be nice,” I interrupted. “Because I’m glad you asked me out. And that you stopped by.” “Let’s just hope you stay that way,” he said, reaching up to tuck the pesky lock of my hair that was always falling in my face back behind my ear. “Ouch!” I cried out when he pulled his hand away and his watch tugged at my hair. “I’m sorry, baby girl. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he rasped as he carefully untangled his watch from my hair. “Never want to hurt you.” “Then don’t,” I answered simply, earning me a quick kiss on the lips before he turned and walked away.

Chapter 3 Ethan Fucking strawberry shortcake. It was a weakness of mine and with the temptation of two such sweet treats in front of me, all rational thought had fled. Still, taking her to dinner was harmless. And, I’d given myself two days to get my head on straight. I debated whether to use my connections to get a rush on the DNA test from the hair I’d snagged off of Lilah’s head. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Almost literally, considering the state of my dick since I met her. If the test was positive, then I was lusting after my best friend’s daughter —teenage daughter. If it was negative, then I would once again be no closer to finding Samuel’s child and hopefully, closure. Either way, I knew taking her to dinner was a bad idea. Especially without telling her who I really was, which I couldn’t do until I had the results anyway. I was being stupid and selfish, but I wanted time with her. Before the realities of our situation intruded. I worked from the hotel the next two days, digging into the lives of Hanna and Delilah Brooks. I kept telling myself I would do it, but I never did end up making the call to put a rush on the test. Monday night approached, and I’d almost convinced myself that I would be able to keep my distance from her. Even while taking her to dinner. I was simply being a good friend, caring for Samuel’s daughter, making sure she was all right. It was utter bullshit and at some point, I was going to have to stop lying to myself. That point stabbed me in the chest the moment Lilah opened the door for our date. Damn, she was beautiful. Her hair was pulled to one side and wrapped in a bun thing, exposing the length of her elegant neck. She wore a pale-pink sweater that did everything for her generous breasts and a swishy black skirt that showed far too much of her creamy thighs when she backed up to let me in. Her knee-high, black,

high-heeled boots begged to be the sole piece of clothing on her luscious body when I fucked her. Her blue eyes sparkled with delight and plump, glossy lips lifted in a welcoming smile. Even with her womanly, practically sinful curves, there was an innocence about her that kept me from losing all control. Instead of following her inside, I retreated a few feet. Not going into the house alone with her was a miracle. Two more and I’d be eligible for sainthood, I scoffed to myself silently. I didn’t see that happening in this lifetime because this was the moment when I knew the struggle was pointless. I was going to do whatever it took to make Lilah mine. She looked confused and I stepped forward again, reaching out to run a finger down the soft skin of her cheek. “Grab your coat, baby girl,” I told her with a smile. “I’m starving.” Her grin lit up her whole face, and I nearly groaned in pain as my gut twisted and my balls tightened from the sight. She disappeared for a moment before returning with a light coat and joining me outside, then locking her door. I snatched the coat from her hands and held it open for her to slip her arms inside. My head drifted down and I inhaled the scent permeating from her bared skin. The spicy aroma was intoxicating. A growl of protest slipped from my chest involuntarily when she moved away. Lilah flipped around to face me and once again, I was bowled over by her enchanting innocence. If only she knew the thoughts that were flooding my mind. “Ready?” she asked sweetly. I nodded and took her hand, lacing our fingers together. The blush that stole over her cheeks was going to be the death of me. I’d taken a cab and instructed him to wait, so I led Lilah over and helped her in before sliding onto the cracked, leather bench seat beside her. The cabbie dropped us at a quaint little Italian place a few blocks from her apartment on the Upper East Side. She laughed as we climbed out of the vehicle. “We could have walked, you know.” I frowned as I opened the restaurant door for her, glancing down at her sexy, impractical footwear. She giggled again and something warm exploded in my chest. “I’m a New Yorker and a woman. My feet have long since stopped trying to convince me to wear comfortable shoes.” She winked, then sashayed past

me. My hand itched to smack her sweet little ass, but I stifled the urge and followed her to the hostess podium. Once we were seated and had ordered, I went back to her previous comment. It was the perfect opening. “You grew up in New York?” I asked, knowing full well that she hadn’t. Once I knew her name, I learned everything there was to know about my girl. “No, we moved here from a small town in Florida when I was fourteen.” The twinkle in her eyes dulled slightly. “My mom had been fighting cancer for a couple of years and they started an experimental drug treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, so we moved here.” “I’m sorry,” I murmured, covering one of her hands with my own. “It must have been hard to move away from your home and then lose your mother so quickly after.” Lilah nodded and took a sip of her water with her free hand. “Yes, but nothing that is worth anything is easy. I’ve kept in touch with my best friend, Maggie, and I’m thinking about moving back there to be near her.” It was on the tip of my tongue to tell her that would be happening over my dead body, but I didn’t want to scare her. She was so young and naïve that I knew I needed to tread carefully. Our food arrived and as we ate, she told me more about her friend and childhood. Genuinely interested in anything my girl had to say, I sat back and simply enjoyed listening. However, near the end of our meal, there was a lull and I took the opportunity to steer the conversation. “And”—I hesitated, trying to find the right words—“what about your father?” Her expression had begun to lighten again as she talked, but at the mention of her father, I was shocked to see anger rush over her face. “I don’t want to talk about my father,” she uttered darkly. “As far as I’m concerned, I don’t have one.” I was taken aback by her fierce declaration. Clearly, Bonnie had been bitter about Samuel and apparently, passed it along to her daughter. It wasn’t the time to get into it all, though, so I changed the subject. “What about college?” Lilah sighed. “I’ve been accepted to Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, and Yale.” Again, this wasn’t news to me, however, her complete lack of emotional response to her answer was. “You don’t sound particularly pleased over that impressive list,” I teased.

She giggled. “It’s not that. It’s just…” she trailed off, looking uncertain. “You can be honest with me, baby girl,” I urged, taking her hand once again and giving it a gentle squeeze. “My mom was so proud. It was everything she wanted for me. She even had an inheritance that she set aside specifically for my college, never once touching it.” Her eyes misted, and I wanted to pull her into my lap and cuddle her close to make her distress go away. “I feel so guilty.” I raised an eyebrow at that. “Why?” She leaned forward, almost conspiratorially, and whispered, “I don’t want to go to college.” She said it like she’d just confessed to murder, and I had to compress my lips to keep from chuckling. She was fucking adorable. Every minute, I was more and more convinced I needed to keep her. Lifting her hand, I brushed my lips across the back and smiled at her pleased blush. “I’m confident your mother wanted what was best for you, Lilah. I didn’t know her, but I can’t imagine the woman you’ve described wanting you to be anything less than completely happy.” She shrugged, but I saw a spark of hope light her crystal blue eyes. “What do you want to do, Lilah?” I queried. Her cheeks tinged pink and she glanced down shyly. “I’ve always loved to draw, and I think it would be amazing to be an illustrator for children’s books.” She became animated as she continued. “Not only would it be fun, but I could do it from home and be with my kids—” she broke off abruptly and red engulfed her face. “Um, not that I have kids, or am planning them anytime soon. I mean, it’s not like I want to get married and have babies right now”—she blushed even harder as she prattled on—“I shouldn’t have mentioned marriage. It’s too soon to be talking about—not that you would want to marry me—oh, sweet heaven, please let a hole in the earth open up and swallow me now.” I lost it. Threw my head back and belly laughed so hard that my stomach hurt and my face ached. Lilah sat silently, looking completely miserable, and it was only her sadness that curtailed my amusement so I could stop laughing. I stood abruptly and picked up her hands, lifting her to her feet as well. “C’mon, baby girl. We need to go.” I tossed some money on the table and led her from the restaurant, ignoring her crestfallen expression. Outside, I stepped off of the curb and raised a hand, hailing a cab. It zoomed up next to us and screeched to a halt. “Midtown Hilton,” I barked after we were both securely inside.

Twisting my upper body, I grabbed her around the waist and dragged her over until she was straddling me. She gasped as she settled on my lap, clearly feeling my physical reaction to her as it pressed against the heat of her pussy. There was nothing left for me to hold onto, I’d thrown caution and logic out the window. I was going to get inside her that night or I was pretty sure I would fucking die. Palming her cheeks, I looked straight into her blue pools. “You are too young, too beautiful, and I’m nowhere near good enough for you. But fuck, Lilah, I can’t resist you.” Then I slammed my mouth down over hers.

Chapter 4 Delilah Holy moly! One moment, I was mortified about embarrassing myself because I’d spewed word vomit about babies and marriage to Ethan. And the next, I was on his lap in the back of a cab, his tongue in my mouth, while we were on our way to his hotel. My lips had parted in surprise, and he’d taken full advantage, his tongue tangling with mine and taking my breath away. He didn’t lift his head until we pulled up in front of his hotel. “Come upstairs with me.” It wasn’t really worded as a question, more of a demand. What I should have done was tell him to take me home, but I couldn’t make myself do it. Not when I wanted more kisses and to keep him looking at me like he wanted to take me right where we sat. “Yes,” I whispered, and he dragged me from the cab after swiping his credit card to pay for our ride. His dark, penetrating gaze didn’t leave mine, except to sweep over my body and linger at my chest, the entire ride up in the elevator. His stare had my nipples hardening under the scrutiny. The tension between us was palpable, the air around us practically crackling as Ethan led me into his hotel room and the door closed behind us. Then he was behind me, and I felt the whisper-soft touch of his lips against the back of my neck. His fingers sifted through my hair, loosening it from the low side-bun I’d pulled it into earlier. “I told myself I wasn’t going to do this. That I should stay away from you for your own good. But I can’t do it. You’re just so fucking perfect.” “Perfect?” I repeated, stunned. I really had thought I’d managed to ruin everything at the end of dinner. “I’m a mess. I was literally talking about babies and marriage on our first date. You shouldn’t think I’m perfect, you should be running in the opposite direction from the crazy woman you took to dinner.”

He spun me around in his arms, staring down at me with a blaze of fire in his eyes. “If you think I haven’t imagined what it would feel like to fill you up with so much of my come that it would be impossible for you not to be pregnant, then you really are crazy.” “But you laughed at me,” I breathed out. “I wasn’t laughing at you, baby girl. I’d never do that,” he swore. “I was laughing because you’re so fucking adorable. Because your openness is a breath of fresh air when I’m used to dealing with liars and cheats. And because it was just more proof that my decision to make you mine was the right one. It made me so damn happy.” “Holy crap.” Any thoughts of walking out the door with my virginity intact flew right out the window. I wanted him too much, and as impossible as it was to believe, he wanted me right back. I’d never experienced anything like it, and I wasn’t willing to let go of how he made me feel. “Tell me I can have you, baby girl. That you want to be mine. I swear, I’ll make you feel so fucking good.” His fingers drifted up my side to cup my breast through my sweater, making my breath catch in my throat. Then his thumb rubbed over my pebbled nipple, and my head fell back, my eyes drifting shut. “Yes,” I gasped. “Thank fuck,” he groaned. “I’m not sure what I would have done if you’d said no. I want you too fucking much.” He pulled me against his hard body and rocked into me, his hard-on pressing against my stomach and showing me exactly how much he wanted me. If we were judging the depth of his desire by the size of his dick, it definitely was too much because he felt huge. “I don’t think you’re going to fit.” When I was nervous, I tended to blurt out every thought in my head, and there I went, doing it again. He lowered his head, leaning in close to my ear. “I’ll be gentle.” Then he lifted me in his arms and carried me to the king sized bed, carefully laying me down on the mattress. He lifted one of my feet up, slowly unzipping the side zipper of my boot and pulling it off before doing the same with the other side. “I’m going to want you to wear these again, just so I can see you in nothing but these hot-as-fuck boots.” It was an incredibly sexy thought, but my lack of experience worried me. Made me nervous. “I don’t know what to do.” “I know, baby girl, and I love it. But I do, and I’ll show you.”

His hands lifted from my legs and he took a step away from the bed. I watched, riveted by the sight of him unbuttoning his shirt. My gaze ate up all the muscles he revealed, but then dropped lower when he moved his hand to unzip his pants after he’d toed his shoes off. He allowed them to fall to the floor, joining his shirt in a quickly growing pile. His hard-on pressed against the material of his black boxer-briefs, making me swallow hard. I could barely breathe when his thumbs eased both sides down and his thick length was bared. He was even bigger than he’d felt. I tried to swallow again, but my throat felt swollen and my mouth was dry. With a quick shuffle of his feet, his socks were off and he was crawling onto the mattress with me. His eyes met mine, and they were filled with so much heat. But as he looked down at me, there was a softness in them as well. “Lilah,” he breathed against my lips. “My baby girl.” He dipped his head lower, his mouth devouring mine. His hands plunged through my hair, tugging at it. All my worries slipped away when he moaned into my mouth, and I was wholly focused on making him do it again. He made quick work of my skirt and sweater, tossing them to the floor until I was in nothing but my bra and panties. The masculine appreciation in his eyes made the quick trip I’d made to Victoria’s Secret to buy the pale-pink silk and lace set well worth it. “So fucking gorgeous.” He slipped his hand underneath my back to unclasp my bra and pull it off my body. “Fuck. Your tits are amazing.” He cupped them with his hands, kneading the flesh as he dipped his head to suck a pebbled nipple into his mouth. “And delicious,” he murmured when he switched sides. My hips jerked up at the tug of his mouth against my flesh. I felt each suck deep in my core. “Ethan, please,” I whimpered. “Does my baby girl need some relief before I feel her tight, virgin pussy around my cock?” “Yes,” I hissed. His fingertips drifted up my outer thighs until they reached my panties and tugged them down. Then they traveled back up the inside to spread me open. Head bent over me, his tongue flicked over my clit, and I exploded. “Ethan!” I screamed, as waves of pleasure rushed through me. I’d never felt anything like it before.

“Give me another one, baby girl.” He slipped his fingers through my wetness, slowly sinking one inside me. I wanted to be embarrassed by how slick I was down there, but my mind was otherwise occupied. My pussy clenched against him, making it difficult for him to get very far. But when his tongue licked at my clit again, he made it past his knuckle while I fluttered around him. He twirled his finger around, stretching me, and my body splintered apart again when he tugged my clit into his mouth with a quick suck. As I lay there gasping for air, Ethan rose up to his knees and positioned himself between my legs. I squeezed my eyes shut as his dick pushed its way into my tight opening. “So wet for me,” he groaned, going slow until he filled me to the brim. I was frozen beneath him, tears leaking from the corners of my eyes at the pain of his invasion. “Give it a minute, baby girl. I promise it gets better.” He held still, his dick deep inside me, for what felt like forever. And then the pain eased, leaving a slight discomfort behind, along with a feeling of fullness—and pleasure. So much pleasure that my eyes popped back open when he started to move again. Our gazes connected as he thrust in and out. I braced my hands on his chest, my nails digging into his skin. His face was strained with the effort it was taking him to go slow, and I could tell how much it was costing him. “You’re mine,” he rasped. “Yours,” I agreed as he lost control, surging up and wrapping his arms around my back. He felt so good inside me as he rocked back and forth. Another orgasm was near. “I’m so close.” His hands traveled back down, tightening on my hips as he quickened his thrusts. Reaching his fingers in between my legs, he rubbed at my clit, and my pussy started to clench around him as I began to climax. After a few more thrusts, I felt the heat of his come filling me. I melted into the mattress, completely sapped of energy. Ethan’s arms loosened as he rolled to the side and dropped down onto the mattress next to me. “You okay, baby girl?” he asked, sounding concerned. “Way better than okay,” I answered. “I think I might be addicted to sex now.” “That’s an addiction I’m more than happy to feed,” he rasped. “With me, and only me.”

Chapter 5 Ethan I panted harshly as I waited for my heart beat to slow down. Fuck. I’d never experienced something so incredible, never come that hard in my life. Lilah was everything I could ever, would ever, want. My cock had barely softened, but then I leaned up and turned to look at my beautiful girl. The sight of my come leaking out of her, slightly pink with evidence of her virginity, had me becoming painfully hard once more. Leaning down, I brushed a kiss over her lips, smirking at her exhausted state. “Wait here, baby girl. I’m going to take care of you.” I climbed off of the bed and walked to the bathroom to fetch a cloth. After running it under warm water, I returned to find her in the exact same position, her blue eyes drowsy and sated. My chest was practically bursting with emotion, and though I was somewhat stunned by the abundance of it so fast, it didn’t scare me. It only made me want her more. I tenderly cleaned between her thighs, trying to ignore the need building inside me from the sight of her glistening, pink pussy. I’d been honest with her when I admitted to thinking about planting my baby in her belly. The image of her with a rounded and swollen stomach made my blood boil, my cock pulsing with the desire to make it a reality. It had been a conscious decision not to use protection, one I hadn’t discussed with her beforehand. For a split second, I felt a little guilty for my ulterior motive, but my desire for her, my need, it pushed away any doubt immediately. I would need to return to Texas soon, and I was determined to get Lilah pregnant before we left. No one, not even her father, could take her away from me if she was having my baby. I also hoped it would negate her anger at finding out who I really was. Done with my ministrations, I tossed the rag towards the bathroom and fell back down beside Lilah before pulling her into my arms. She snuggled

into me and sighed with contentment. Her body fit mine like a glove, clearly made for each other. “Rest now, baby girl,” I murmured gruffly with a soft kiss on the top of her head. “You’re going to be sore, and I don’t know how long I’m going to be able to wait before I fuck you again.” She shifted restlessly and my arms tightened to hold her still. If she kept rubbing her silky skin against mine, I wouldn’t be able to hold out very long. With one hand, I began to rub slow circles on her naked back and her breathing eventually evened out as she fell asleep. A million thoughts were swirling around in my head, and they kept me from drifting off until the early hours of the morning. The ping of my cell phone, alerting me to an email, woke me a little after six. Lilah was sprawled across me, using me like a full body pillow, and I hated to disturb her by moving, but figured the sound of my phone would do it anyway. As gently as possible, I reached to the bedside table and grabbed it. My thumb unlocked it and I opened up my email. There it was. The one I’d been waiting for. I hesitated, again torn at what to hope for. Telling myself not to be such a pussy, I clicked on the message. 99% positive match. Lilah was officially my best friend’s little girl. She shifted and I quickly shut down my phone, tossing it back onto the nightstand. Her wiggling brought my cock to full attention, and I focused solely on my girl. My girl. “How are you feeling, baby girl?” I asked when she lifted her head. She smiled shyly, and I pushed her wayward hair out of the way so I could see her face. “Um”—her cheeks turned pink, striking a match and lighting a fire in my core—“incredible.” I grinned. I fucking loved how honest she was. Her every thought was broadcast on her face, but the way she blurted things out was so fucking cute. “Are you sore?” She squirmed again, seeming to test out her muscles and I grabbed her hips, stilling her. “Don’t move like that, baby girl,” I groaned. She froze and stared at me wide-eyed. “Oh, I’m so sorry. Did I hurt you?” I suppressed my smile, not wanting to hurt her feelings. “Only by making me so hard I ache for you. I’m dying to sink back into your soaked pussy and

make you come again.” My hips bucked slightly, emphasizing how much I wanted her. She moaned and it took every fucking shred of my control to keep from flipping us over and burying myself inside her. With one finger, I titled her chin up and kissed her softly. This time, when she whimpered, I lost my grip. I took hold of her torso and slid her up my body until she was fully straddling me and her sexy as fuck tits were right in my face. The rosy nipples were hard and I sat up to suck one into my mouth. She made another noise, and I felt the wetness of her pussy coating my cock where we were pressed together. Already, she was fucking soaked. I switched to the other peak and her breathing picked up, her hips beginning to rotate, seeking release. I let her nipple go with a pop and growled, “No! Your orgasms are mine, Lilah. You come when I say so and only when I say so. Is that clear?” She bit her bottom lip as she gazed down at me, her eyes heated to a darker blue and clouded with lust. I tweaked her nipple and she bucked involuntarily. With another warning growl, I smacked a hand down onto one of her ass cheeks. With a gasp, she reared back and looked at me in confusion. But, it wasn’t at why I had spanked her, I could see her struggling with the fact that she had liked it and wondering if she wasn’t supposed to. Her inexperience was such a fucking turn on. I couldn’t wait to teach her everything about sex, but I also hoped she never truly lost her air of innocence. “It’s okay to like anything we do together, baby girl,” I soothed. “Never be ashamed of the feelings and sensations we experience.” I palmed both her butt cheeks and squeezed firmly. “Although, it’s not really an effective punishment if you like it,” I teased. She blushed again and smiled coyly. “Because then I’d be tempted to be bad.” My hands tightened even more, likely leaving finger prints on her sweet little ass. “My little vixen,” I purred before taking her mouth in a deep, tongue dueling kiss. Lifting her by the ass, I positioned her over my cock and slowly lowered her, taking care to be as gentle as possible. When I was fully seated inside her, I flopped back onto the bed, my eyes shutting to revel in the blissfully tight, hot glove of her pussy surrounding me. “Lean forward and grab onto the headboard, baby girl,” I commanded. After she complied, her tits were hanging right over my mouth and I licked

one rosy tip as my hands began to move her hips. She rocked forward and this time, not only did I spank her a little harder, but I bit her nipple lightly in warning. “I control the pace, Lilah. Don’t you dare fucking come until I tell you to.” She squeezed her eyes shut and nodded. I began to move her again, helping her to lift and fall as I thrust up, bottoming out every time. “Ethan!” she cried out, her head dropping back, her long hair cascading down and tickling my hands where they were clenched on her ass. “Yeah, baby girl,” I snarled. “I want to hear my name from your gorgeous lips. Yell it as loud as you want and I’ll give you what you need.” “Yes! Ethan! Oh! Oh, Yes! I’m—” “Come, Lilah.” She screamed my name as an orgasm ripped violently through her and it only made me desperate for more. I pumped harder into her, the bed squeaking from the force of my thrusts. Before she’d even completely come down from her high, I drove her up again. “Another!” I bellowed, and it triggered an explosion. I was so fucking close, but I was determined to come together this last time. If she was in the midst of coming when I let go, she would be all the more open to accept my seed. Sucking in my breath, I held on, driving up so furiously that our skin slapped together. On a whim, I unclenched my hands from her ass and pulled her hands off of the headboard before flipping us over, staying buried in her heat. I grabbed her thighs and pushed her legs up, knees bent and opened wide. I shoved a pillow underneath her and then returned to my deep, almost punishing rhythm. She was going to be raw afterwards, but all I could think about was making sure that she took every fucking drop of me. My balls tightened and a tingling grew from the base of my spine, spreading over me. Lilah’s hands gripped my biceps, her nails digging into my flesh. “Fuck, baby girl! I can’t get deep enough inside you. I want to live in this pussy. Oh fuck, Lilah!” I slipped a hand between us and pinched her clit, pushing her over the edge one last time. The bed hit the wall as I slammed into her twice more before letting myself break apart with a roar. I felt like I was suspended in the air, each molecule of my body splitting and vibrating with pleasure. Pulsing with my cock as I poured seemingly endless jets of hot come into her womb.

One by one, each piece of me slowly came back until I felt whole again. I held most of my weight off of Lilah, but let my hips settle fully onto her pelvis. I kept her entrance sealed tight, making sure nothing escaped. Lilah drifted off, and I watched her sleep for a half hour or so before she stirred again. Satisfied that she’d taken all of me, I eased out, careful not to cause her pain. She winced a little and I silently berated myself for losing control. I left her for a minute to start a warm bath, then came back and swept her up into my arms and carried her to the bathroom. After cleaning us both up, I stepped into the bath and then lifted her in as well. Once we were settled with her in between my legs, her back resting against my chest, I decided to broach the topic of the future. One of my hands drifted to her tummy and I drew delicate circles around her belly button with my fingertips. “We need to talk about what’s going to happen now, baby girl.” Her head drifted back and she looked up at me, worry swirling in the blue depths. I smiled and pecked her lips, baffled as to how she could think I wouldn’t make this all work out. We agreed. She was mine. I wasn’t going to let her go for anything or anyone. “How long do you need to stay here before coming home with me?” She bit her plump bottom lip again and I pressed my thumb to it, releasing it from her teeth. “I forgot that you don’t live here. Holy crap. I don’t even know where you live. How is this even going to work? I barely know you and oh my gosh, we didn’t use protection. What if—” She was spiraling, so I made quick work of turning her to face me. I took her chin firmly between my fingers, forcing her to stop rambling and look me straight in the eyes. “You’re mine, baby girl. I’m keeping you,” I said in a tone that brooked no argument. “My heart knows you and right now, that’s enough. We’ll get to know all of the other stuff later. And as far as protection, I won’t ever put anything between us. You may as well accept that right now. If you get pregnant … I can’t wait to see you round with our baby, Lilah.” Her eyes softened and she practically melted into me, resting her cheek over my heart. “My heart knows you too, Ethan,” she whispered. “Um, this seems like a silly question but, where exactly is your home?” I chuckled and lifted her chin with my index finger. “Our home is just outside of Dallas. It’s beautiful there, you’ll love it.” I got her settled in her

previous position and spent some time telling her about where I lived and my life there, avoiding any mention of Samuel. Excitement was in her voice when she asked me questions and it caused warmth to bloom in my chest, knowing she was as eager to start our life together as I was. When the water was cold, we got out and I dried us both off before wrapping her up in a hotel robe. I ordered breakfast and we discussed plans for packing up her life in New York and transporting it to Texas. My company was fairly easy to run from anywhere since I had a trustworthy and competent staff. Thank fuck for that because I had no intention of leaving Lilah’s side. We decided two weeks was sufficient to get things in order, and it gave me time to tell her the truth and help her come to terms with it.

Chapter 6 Delilah My eyes popped open as I went from sound asleep to fully awake in a heartbeat and it hit me—I was only a few days away from moving to Texas with Ethan. The last week and a half had flown past in a whirlwind of details. He’d worked swiftly to get everything situated so the move would be easier on me. He’d hired a moving company to pack up the apartment. Bought me out of the lease, since my mom’s estate was legally responsible for rental payments until the lease expired in another nine months. He’d even made all the necessary arrangements with the utilities. He’d also urged me to notify Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, and Yale that I was declining their acceptance. We’d talked more about my love for drawing, and he’d encouraged me to give illustrating children’s books a try. He’d even gone so far as to hire contractors to build a studio for me on his property. An entire studio, just for me. I could hardly believe it. Ethan was almost too good to be true, and there was a small part of me waiting for the other shoe to drop. Or maybe a not-so-small part, considering how worried I’d grown the last couple days about how he was acting. Every so often, he seemed distant. Like he was worried about something but didn’t want to share his concerns with me. I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe he was second-guessing the decision to take me to Texas with him so quickly. Except, it didn’t make any sense because he was the one who’d pushed for it to happen. Who’d moved heaven and earth to make sure nothing halted his plans. Who’d spent each and every night we’d been together making love to me. He’d made me feel like I was the center of his world, and those weren’t the actions of a man who wasn’t sure about having the woman in his life move in with him. Rolling out of bed, I grabbed the pink silk robe Ethan had bought me— since he preferred me to sleep naked—off the chair. After I’d cinched the belt tight, I took a deep breath and went in search of Ethan. Since the apartment I’d shared with my mom was a mess, he’d moved us back into the Hilton but into a suite so we had extra space. Not that we needed it often, since we spent much of our time together in bed.

Moving through the doorway separating the bedroom and living area, I looked towards the work space to the left but didn’t find Ethan there. Scanning the room, my gaze finally landed on him when I hit the windows. He was standing with his back towards me, staring out, but I had a feeling he wasn’t taking in any of the amazing city view we had since he seemed pensive once again. “Ethan?” I asked softly, half hoping he wouldn’t hear me because I was afraid I wouldn’t like what he had to say. But I forged ahead anyway, needing to know if I was going to move halfway across the country with him. So I cleared my throat and raised my voice. “We have to talk.” “About what, baby girl?” he murmured distractedly, turning towards me and opening his arms wide. I ran into them, feeling safer in his embrace. “Something’s bothering you,” I mumbled against his shirt. “Don’t even try to deny it.” I felt him sigh deeply, his chest expanding against me, and his breath ruffling my hair. “Whatever it is, you can tell me. Please.” His arms tightened around me. “Remember when I asked you about your dad on our first date?” I had no idea where he was going with this, but my nose wrinkled at the reminder of a man I never wanted to think about again. “Yeah.” “I know him.” “You know who?” “Your father,” he replied, confirming that I’d actually heard what I thought I’d heard the first time around. I tried pulling out of his embrace, but he didn’t let me go far. I was only able to back away enough so I could look up into his face. “What do you mean, you know my father?” “We’re friends,” he bit out. “Close friends.” “What? How? But—” Apparently my propensity to blurt things out couldn’t withstand the shock of his announcement. I had no idea what to say. “He hired me ten years ago to locate your mother. And you.”

“Ten years ago? What, did he suddenly grow a conscience and wonder what happened to his daughter and the woman whose heart he broke?” “I don’t know what your mother told you—” “Don’t!” I cut him off. “My mother let me keep my rose colored glasses about the man who fathered me, right up until she was on her death bed. She never, not once, said anything bad about him while I was growing up. Even though she had every reason to, considering he’d planned to trick her into signing a prenuptial agreement that would allow him to take me away from her when he divorced her.” “Fuck,” he hissed. “I don’t know what to tell you, baby girl, except that the Samuel I know would never do that. Especially not to your mother. From everything he’s told me, and all of the information I’ve managed to dig up about their relationship on my own in the course of my investigation, he was madly in love with her. So much so that it took him seventeen years to get serious with anyone else.” “Oh, yeah? Then why did it take him eight years to start his search? If he loved her so much back then, he wouldn’t have wasted so much time.” “He didn’t waste any time, Lilah. He had the security team at his investment firm begin the search the moment he realized she was gone. It just took him eight years to figure out how they were bungling the job, fire them all, and hire me to take over.” I shook my head, refusing to believe what he was telling me. He had to be mistaken. It wasn’t possible. “Maybe they messed up because he didn’t really care. Or because they knew he was a bad guy and they were secretly rooting for my mother to have enough time to get away.” He led me over to the couch and settled me on the cushions, sitting beside me with one arm stretched over my shoulders and the other stretched out so he could hold my hand. “I don’t know what happened back then to make your mom think what she did, but I promise I’ll get to the bottom of it. For you.” He lifted my hand and placed a kiss on the palm. “And for Samuel because he deserves answers too.” “Why do you care about what he deserves?” “Because he’s my best friend, baby girl.” I recoiled away from him as it dawned on me. “At my mom’s funeral, you told me you were there to pay respects for a friend because you happened to be in town. But that wasn’t true, was it? You were in town because of the

funeral. Because of your search for my mom and me. Because of my stupid decision to include her real name on the obituary so she could have some peace as she left this world.” “Yes,” he answered, and tears filled my eyes. “I came because of Samuel, but that’s not why I stayed. That was all you—the beautiful girl who took my breath away from the moment I first saw her. I planned on getting a DNA sample to confirm you were Samuel’s little girl and then staying away until the results came in, but I couldn’t do it. It was impossible to stay away from you because you’re mine.” I thought back to the day of my mom’s funeral. “My hair. It tangled in your watch, giving you the sample you needed.” “Yes.” “When will you get the results?” “I’ve had them since the day after our date. There’s no doubt about it. You’re Samuel Wentworth’s daughter.” I jumped up and paced back and forth. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? How could you sleep with me, let me fall for you, agree to move to Texas with you—all while you were keeping this secret from me?” Ethan stood, but didn’t approach me. Instead, he moved to stand between me and the door, as though he was blocking my exit. “I tried, Lilah. Many, many times. But I couldn’t bring myself to do it. One day turned into two. Two days into a week. Before I knew it, we were only days away from me taking you home and I didn’t know how to get the words out without hurting you.” “I don’t know what to do,” I cried. “What to think. Who to believe.” “Me,” he rasped. “Believe me when I tell you I’ll do everything in my power to make you happy. Come to Texas with me. Be mine, like you already are.” “It’s not that simple.” It couldn’t be, could it? “When it comes to you and me, it’s exactly that simple, Lilah. We’re a team, you and I. Maybe even a team of three if you’re already carrying my baby.” “You really expect me to follow you to Texas? To live with you. To meet the man who knocked my mom up and scared her off… while I may very well be pregnant with your child? With his best friend’s child? Sure. Why not? I’m sure nothing can go wrong with that plan.” Sarcasm was thick in my tone, but

Ethan didn’t seem to care. He rushed towards me and wrapped me up in his arms. “Samuel’s not like that. Once he gets used to the idea of the two of us being together, he’ll be happy for us.” He paused to kiss my forehead and drop a hand to my belly. “After he tries to kick my ass, of course.” “Oh, no,” I gasped. “No way. You want me to meet my father? The only way that’s going to happen is if we keep our relationship a secret for a while. I’m not ready to face two battles at once. Not yet.” “Fuck no,” he growled. “I refuse to hide what you are to me. Mine.” “Well, then. I guess you should have told me all of this sooner. Maybe I would have had time to come to terms with it. But you didn’t, so you’re going to have to suck it up and do this my way, ‘cause it’s the only way it’ll happen at all.”

Chapter 7 Ethan I glanced over at Lilah as we waited for a car to pick us up at the Dallas airport. She’d been quiet since our talk the other night. Too quiet. I missed her chatter and the cute way she blurted out all of her thoughts. I was grateful that she hadn’t pulled away from me, but I wanted her smile back, the spark of life inside that I fell for the first time I met her. There was a lot to process and she was nervous. I’d called Samuel the day before we left and finally given him the news that Bonnie had passed away and I was returning with the daughter he’d always wanted but never had the chance to know. It took great restraint on my part not to let any of my feelings for Lilah bleed through my words. Keeping our relationship from him was not going to be easy, especially when I wanted to let the whole world know she was mine. I would have fought Lilah harder about it, but ultimately decided to go along for a little while. Samuel deserved some time with her, and I wasn’t anxious to test our friendship. I was fucking his little girl, doing my best to put my baby in her, and would be taking her away from him when I put my ring on her finger. It was not a conversation I was looking forward to. A black Escalade pulled up to the curb in front of us and parked. The driver alighted from the car and came around to greet us. He started loading our bags as I opened the door and helped Lilah climb into the back seat before following behind her. She scooted to the far side and stared out the window, her fingers twisting together in her lap. The driver returned to his seat and pulled out onto the road. I slipped an arm around her waist and hauled her over to my side. Lifting her chin, I stared down at her intensely. “Do you trust me, baby girl?” I asked quietly. Her quick nod of agreement filled me with satisfaction, and I rewarded her with a swift but hard kiss. “I would never put you in a harmful situation. I protect what’s mine, and you”—I placed my hand over her flat stomach

—“and the little one I’m doing my damndest to put in here, are mine.” Lilah blushed prettily and laid her head on my shoulder. I had wanted to take Lilah home first, but she’d insisted that she wouldn’t be able to relax until after the initial meeting with her father was done. I almost put my foot down but I was worried about her stress level, especially if she was already pregnant. She’d already been more tired than usual from all the worry and anxiousness. So, we were going straight to Samuel’s house. I was immensely relieved when she quickly fell asleep on the drive. She needed to rest. A little over an hour later, we pulled into the driveway of a large, brick house with white pillars and shutters. Samuel had built the house for Bonnie after he’d proposed, but she’d never had the chance to see it. When he got serious with Lola, he considered selling it, not wanting to make his new fiancée live in the house he’d built for another woman. Except, Lola was everything Samuel needed and she knew that it wasn’t actually Bonnie tying him to the house. The truth was, he was afraid to move just in case his daughter ever tried to find him. The front door opened just as the vehicle came to a halt in front of it. Samuel stepped over the threshold and stood on the top step, hands in his pockets. To anyone other than me and Lola, it would be almost impossible to recognize how nervous he was. I looked down at Lilah, wishing I didn’t have to wake her. The windows of the car were tinted, so I kissed the top of her head and drew a fingertip down her soft cheek. “We’re here, baby girl.” She stirred, her eyelids lifting groggily, and she looked up at me with a sweet smile. “Here?” she asked. Before I could answer, her blue pools strayed to the view outside the window and she stiffened. Then she quickly slid back across the bench seat, her hands smoothing her hair and the wrinkles in her mint green blouse. I frowned at her retreat, but refrained from commenting, simply holding out my hand. She looked at it silently for a moment, her eyes blinking owlishly. Then she met my gaze. “We decided to keep it a secret for now, remember?” she urged. “I can’t hold your hand, he’ll know!” I sighed. “No, you decided and I gave in. But, that’s not the issue right now. I’m simply helping you from the car, baby girl.” “You can’t call me that either,” she hissed, slapping a hand over my mouth. My tongue darted out and licked at her palm, causing her to snatch it back. Her eyes heated and I once again hauled her over to me, my mouth

slamming down over hers. She went a little boneless, sinking into the kiss, and I ravaged her lips until I felt like she’d been thoroughly claimed. Leaning back, I smiled smugly at the sight of her pinkened, kiss-swollen lips. It took another minute for me to move while I willed my erection back down. It would be hard to explain away my hard-on. I opened the door and hopped out, then reached in and helped her down from the car. With her feet steady on the ground, she dropped my hand like it was on fire and a low growl escaped from my throat. Lilah scowled at me, then faced the house and took a tentative step forward. Then another. Samuel’s face lit up at her approach and he met her at the bottom step. From the tenseness in his arm muscles, I knew he was fighting the urge to pull her into his embrace. Eighteen years he’d waited, hoped, dreamed of meeting his daughter. I was so fucking happy to give this to him and it made the wait to tell him about us worth it, though it didn’t make it any easier. “Lilah,” he breathed, his voice filled with awe. “You’re so beautiful, sweetheart. You look just like your mother.” Lilah flinched at his words and before I could stop myself, I was standing at her back. I didn’t touch her, but let the heat from my body give her comfort, reminding her I was there for her. “Thank you,” she murmured awkwardly. Some of the elation on Samuel’s face dissipated and he looked between Lilah and I for a moment, his expression telling me nothing. Finally, he smiled at me with gratitude and nodded. I lifted my chin in reply but otherwise, stayed still. “Let’s go inside and talk,” he suggested. He turned, and I put my hand softly on Lilah’s lower back as we followed him into the house. At my touch, her rigid spine relaxed a little. We entered a room decorated with neutral tones and comfortable furniture meant to exude a laid-back atmosphere. Samuel took a seat on one of the couches and hesitantly gestured for Lilah to join him. “Where is your ladies’ room?” she inquired, and Samuel gave her directions. After she left the room, he stood and walked over to where I was casually lounging against a wall by the door. He stuck out one hand and I shook it as his other clasped my shoulder. “I don’t know how to thank you, Ethan. You know how long I’ve waited.” He glanced at where Lilah had disappeared and sighed. “It’s obvious that you’ve protected her like your own daughter”—my gut clenched in rejection of his

summation. I didn’t see Lilah as anything but my soul mate, my soon-to-be wife and mother of my children. But, respecting her wishes, I kept quiet —“and while I’m a little jealous of the relationship you have, I’m grateful. I just hope I can build one with her too.” Voices outside the door alerted us to her return and Samuel went back to his spot on the sofa. Lilah walked in accompanied by a plump brunette in her early forties, with a wide smile and a rock the size of Texas on her left ring finger. Lola was a bright ray of sunshine in Samuel’s life, and I was certain she would be a bridge between father and daughter. “Well now,” she said excitedly, her brown eyes sparkling. “We’ve certainly gotten lucky, Sam. She’s a keeper.” Lilah blushed, but as I expected, Lola’s bright attitude and charismatic draw had put Lilah more at ease. “And, I’ve even convinced her to forget this rubbish plan of staying somewhere else. She’ll have the whole guest suite downstairs!” My body went rigid at her announcement. What the fuck? Lilah wouldn’t be staying anywhere but in my fucking bed, and I’d been completely clear about it from the beginning. I’d agreed to keep our relationship a secret for a while with the condition that she tell them she was “staying with a friend.” Lilah peeked at me through her lashes and when she clocked my no doubt thunderous expression, her eyes darted away guiltily. She rushed over and took a seat on the opposite side of the couch from her dad, keeping her back to me. Lola launched into a conversation, drawing both Lilah and Samuel out of their shells, keeping the topics light and helping them get to know each other. All the while I stayed where I was, silently fuming. Sometime later, Samuel looked up at me and I quickly wiped all expression from my face. “I hope you’ll stay for dinner, Ethan.” “Absolutely,” I answered evenly, trying to hide my clenched jaw and the anger radiating from my body. Lola smiled happily and stood. “Great! I’ll go check on it.” As she neared me, she placed a hand on my arm to gain my attention. “Would you mind grabbing Lilah’s bags from the car and take them to her room, Ethan?” It was on the tip of my tongue to refuse, but I decided to do as I was asked for now. I needed to talk to Lilah alone before I caused a scene. After retrieving her small amount of luggage, since most everything had been

shipped to our home, I dropped it in the bedroom of the guest suite on the first floor. Stalking out into the hall, I glimpsed a flash of mint green, and platinumblonde hair, vanishing into Samuel’s office. I purposefully strode after her and walked in to find her bent over, her round little ass in the air, rummaging through an open drawer of the desk. I shut the door behind me, flipping the lock. At the sound of the click, Lilah whirled around, clutching a small book to her chest. She breathed out in a huff and frowned. “You scared me,” she accused. “Lola sent me in here to grab this photo album.” Her defensive explanation was unnecessary. I didn’t give a flying fuck why she was in there. My long legs quickly ate up the distance between us and I snatched the book from her, tossing it onto the desk. Then I put her wrists behind her back, locking them in one of my hands. I backed her up until she was caged between me and the desk. “I ought to put you over my knee and spank the shit out of you, baby girl,” I growled. Her eyes widened and she glanced over my shoulder to the office door. “Eyes on me!” I snapped. “You want to explain why the fuck Lola thinks you’ll be spending your nights here?” She dropped her blues to my chest, and I used my other hand to grip her chin and lift her face. “I said eyes on me!” “It just seemed simpler than trying to hide where I was actually staying and make it easier to get to know them.” Her lips pursed. “Isn’t that what you convinced me I should do?” she asked stubbornly. This whole situation had me on edge and I leaned my face down so I was only a breath away, snarling, “Is that what you want, baby girl? To sleep alone? To go to bed every night and dream about my mouth making you come? My cock filling your soaked pussy?” Her face heated at my words, but I wasn’t done yet. The position I had her in was pushing her tits into my chest and my rock hard cock against her belly. I pressed a little more, emphasizing my point. “Is that what you want, Lilah? Dreams of me, instead of the real thing?” “Um—well, I—” she stuttered. I cut her off, sealing my mouth over hers. My tongue pushed into her mouth, dancing with hers and she moaned. I couldn’t fucking take it any longer. Between my anger and raging desire, I lost my mind. With one hand at her waist, I lifted her onto the desk, perfectly aligning our centers. Pulling on her arms and arching her back even

more, I palmed one of her tits, squeezing it in rhythm with the plunges of my tongue. I eventually tore my mouth away from hers and waited, panting, for her to open her eyes. They were glazed and filled with fire. “You need to keep quiet, Lilah. You don’t want your daddy to hear me fucking his little girl, do you?” My words shattered her haze and she glanced at the door once more. Setting her on her feet for a moment, I slapped her ass with a swift crack. “I won’t tell you again, Lilah,” I barked, and her eyes shot back to mine. I nodded, satisfied with her obedience and placed her back onto the top of the desk. “Can you be silent?” I pushed as I tweaked a rigid nipple. Her lips pressed into a straight line and she nodded. “Good girl.” I let go of her wrists and put her palms down on the wooden surface so they supported her position, back arched, tits thrust out. “These don’t move,” I instructed harshly. “And, I want you watching everything I do to you.” I was out of fucking patience, and I didn’t wait for her agreement before shoving her blouse up and pulling down the cups of her bra. My lips wrapped around one peak and I sucked it deep. I glanced up through my lashes and drank in the sight of her hooded eyes watching me. I bit down lightly and she bit her bottom lip, turning it white in her effort to stifle her moans. I needed a taste of her. In record time, I unbuttoned her jeans and pulled them, along with her underwear, all the way off. I pushed her legs open as wide as they would go and bent her knees, setting her feet on the edge of the desk. My mouth immediately latched on to her pussy, devouring her sweet nectar. I licked and sucked, periodically driving my stiff tongue inside her, until she was vibrating with tension. My girl was loud and normally, I fucking loved it. But, I didn’t want anyone hearing her come but me, and I wasn’t convinced she would be able to hold it in. So, I reached up and clamped a hand over her mouth before plunging a finger inside her and drawing her swollen clit between my teeth. A few thrusts and I was proved right as my hand muffled her scream while her body shuddered with the force of her orgasm. I surged to my feet, unzipping my slacks and freeing my cock on the way. Grabbing her naked ass, I lined up my dick and pulled her forward roughly, impaling her until I was balls deep. “Fuck!” I shouted before I realized what I’d done. Shit! Lilah giggled and I glared at her, quieting us both by taking her mouth in a deep, wet kiss. Her legs flew around me and my hips set a punishing pace, thrusting in and out,

fast and hard. “We have to hurry, baby girl,” I whispered against her lips. “Squeeze that tight little pussy. I need you to come again.” She clenched her walls, milking my cock and it grew impossibly bigger, aching with the need to let go. I was practically delirious with the delicious pain, but coherent enough to suck on Lilah’s sweet, rosy nipples and pinch her hard little clit. The feel of her pussy rippling around me as she came had my orgasm barreling through me like a freight train, and I buried my face in Lilah’s neck to muffle my roar. Driving all the way in one last time, I planted myself deep and my cock splashed my seed all over her womb. The feeling seemed to set her off again and she bit down on my shoulder to keep from screaming. My dick began to spurt even harder, filling her until there was nothing left. “Fuck, baby girl,” I panted quietly. “I can’t get enough of you. You’re coming home with me, and I don’t want to hear another argument about it.” A knock on the door had Lilah’s head suddenly flying up, hitting me in the chin. “Son of bitch!” I yelped. The door handle rattled. “Lilah?”

Chapter 8 Delilah Hearing my father’s voice as I was coming down from an intense orgasm, with Ethan’s come dripping out of me, was a wakeup call I could have done without. We’d managed to get cleaned up and my clothes back on me lightning fast, but I’d had no idea how to explain what we’d been doing in there. Ethan had handled it for me after opening the door just enough so he could step outside and speak to my father. He’d made some lame excuse about me being emotionally overwhelmed, and when they walked away, I’d escaped to the suite where he’d put my luggage to lie down for a nap. Between my fear of getting caught again and Ethan’s anger, the decision had been simple. I couldn’t stay at my father’s home for more than a few days. The next morning, I explained it to him—as beautiful as his home was and as much as I wanted to get to know him, I needed space for myself. The plan was for me to enjoy the weekend with him and Lola before moving in with my friend. My father wanted to spend as much time with me as possible, and I was starting to realize he wasn’t quite the monster I’d built him up to be in my head. He kept me busy all day Saturday and other than a quick text to Ethan to let him know that I’d told my father I was moving on Monday, I didn’t have a chance to talk to him. I’d forgotten my phone in my room before we’d left the house after breakfast and we hadn’t made it back until almost two o’clock in the morning. By then, I’d been exhausted and had fallen asleep the moment I’d fallen into bed. When I finally woke up, it was almost noon. I frantically reached for my phone and found ten missed calls and a dozen text messages—all from Ethan. I didn’t take the time to read them or listen to the voicemails he’d left, calling him instead. As the line rang on the other end, there was a knock on my door. “Come in,” I called out. The door opened and the ringing sound was in stereo, coming through my phone and from across the room where Ethan stood. I hit the red button to disconnect the call and leapt from my bed.

“I’m so sorry,” I cried out as I rushed towards Ethan. “You damn well better be,” he grumbled, his arms wrapping around me and squeezing tightly. “Don’t you ever do that to me again.” “Never,” I promised. He released me, took a step backwards, turned, and locked the door. “The only reason I’m able to be semi-rational right now is because you’re going to be in our home come Monday morning.” I gulped at the heat burning in his eyes and trembled when his hand moved to his belt and unbuckled it. “Forty-one hours,” he growled. “That’s how long I went without seeing you. Without hearing your voice. Without knowing if you were okay.” “I’m so so sorry,” I apologized again, hating the pain I heard in his voice. “I know you are. That’s why I’m going to let you show me exactly how sorry you are.” I shivered at the sensual threat in his tone. He slid his zipper down, pulling out his dick and fisting the hard length. “Come here.” I moved forward, instinctively dropping to my knees directly in front of him. I’d never done this before, but I wanted to give Ethan whatever he needed. He threaded his fingers through my hair and tilted my head up. “Open your mouth,” he demanded, running the tip of his dick over my lips. I opened my mouth and licked my lips, my tongue darting out to flick at the the drop of pre-come glistening at the tip. The salty smell of him filled my senses, and my tongue coated him with saliva. “Suck me, Lilah,” he groaned. I sucked him into my mouth, making him moan. I swallowed reflexively, and his fingers clenched my scalp. He released another moan of pleasure, igniting my confidence. He rocked back, and my tongue slid along the underside of his shaft until only the head of his dick was between my lips. Then I licked along his length, swirling my tongue round and round. My eyes drifted shut, and he pulled away from me. “Look at me, baby girl. I want to see your eyes while your lips are wrapped around my cock,” Ethan commanded. My eyes popped open, and I tilted my head up to make eye contact with him through my long lashes. “That’s it, Lilah.” Then his hardness was at my lips again, sliding between them to dip into my mouth. Bobbing my head up and down, I circled my tongue around the

head of his dick on each upsweep. It didn’t take long before I felt him tense up. “Pull off, Lilah. Before I come down your throat,” he warned. It only made me suck harder, determination filling me. He groaned when he found release, his fingers clenched against my scalp as his hard shaft throbbed in my mouth. Spurt after spurt of semen shot into my mouth and down my throat. “Holy fuck, baby girl,” he rasped. “That was amazing.” He pulled out of my mouth, tucked his dick into his pants, and zipped them back up. Then he crouched down and helped me to my feet, his thumb swiping across my bottom lip. “Your lips are puffy and swollen, just like they get when I kiss you.” He bent his head to do just that, but we were interrupted by yet another untimely knock on the door, followed by my father’s voice calling my name. “Seriously?” I hissed softly. “Does he have a radar or something?” “Go on,” he told me softly. “I’ll slip out of here after you leave and meet you guys in the kitchen in a minute.” “Coming!” I shouted, dashing into the bathroom first to quickly swish some mouthwash before leaving the room. “Or I would have been if you didn’t have such horrible timing,” I grumbled to myself as I reached for the door knob. Ethan was across the room, leaning against the wall, grinning. I scowled at his amusement, which only made his smile widen. Then he winked and mouthed, “Later.” The thought bolstered my spirits and I opened the door, walking out of my bedroom with a spring in my step. “Good morning, sweetie,” Lola trilled when I walked into the kitchen. She peeked her head out of the fridge. “How does French toast sound for breakfast? Ethan’s around here somewhere and it’s one of his favorites.” “Don’t let her fool you,” my father said from where he was sitting at the kitchen counter. “It’s one of her favorites, too.” The look on his face while he watched Lola reminded me of how Ethan stared at me. I moved to sit down next to him. “Sure, that works for me.” “What works for you?” Ethan asked as he walked in, shoving his phone into his pocket. “French toast,” Lola answered.

“Where did you get off to?” My father pinned Ethan with a suspicious look that made me squirm in my seat. “Sorry about that. Phone call.” He seemed mollified by Ethan’s answer, and I sighed in relief. “Lola mentioned that Lilah is moving in with her friend tomorrow morning.” “Unfortunately, yes,” my father grumbled. “We’ve tried talking some sense into her, but she refuses to listen to reason.” “Don’t you usually have a big staff meeting first thing on Monday mornings?” Ethan asked. “Yeah, but I’m going to move it.” “You don’t have to do that,” I protested. “I’ll be perfectly fine. There’s no need for you to miss an important meeting because of me.” “What kind of a father would I be if I let my little girl move without help?” “Why don’t I step in and give her a hand?” Ethan offered, the sly devil. “No, it’s kind of you to offer, but she’s my daughter and I want to do it.” “Samuel,” Lola chided. “It’s the logical choice, and aren’t you the one always telling me to be more reasonable?” “Fine,” he huffed. “But I want her to check in with me once you’re there.” “Sure, Samuel. Whatever you want,” Ethan agreed. “What I want is for my little girl to live under my roof. I missed the first eighteen years of her life, already. I don’t want to miss anything else.” He turned to me with a soft expression. “I’ve pictured you in every stage of childhood throughout your life. But, you’ve never really grown up in my mind. I know you’re technically an adult, sweetheart, but you’ve only just graduated from high school a few weeks ago, and then losing your mom…I— I can’t help wanting to take care of you.” I felt guilty. Horribly guilty. So much so that my stomach started turning. Then the scent of the bacon Lola was cooking wafted towards me, and the turning changed to full out rolling. And nausea. I tried to breathe through my mouth instead of my nose, but it didn’t do any good. Bile crept up my throat and I leapt out of my chair to run towards the bathroom. I barely made it in time, dropping to my knees and flipping the toilet seat open to puke my guts up. As if that wasn’t bad enough, everyone had

followed me. Lola made soothing sounds as she pulled my hair out of the way and patted my back. My father grumbled about me not moving when I needed to see a doctor immediately. Only Ethan remained silent. But he didn’t need to say anything because his eyes did all his speaking for him. They burned with triumph when his gaze dropped to my belly. It looked like he might just have accomplished what he’d set out to do—knocking up his best friend’s daughter.

Chapter 9 Ethan “We should get you to a doctor, sweetheart,” Samuel said, frowning at Lilah with concern. I opened my mouth to respond, but shut it when I saw the pleading look in Lilah’s eyes. I narrowed my own in warning, I wasn’t going to keep quiet much longer, but for the moment, I didn’t speak. “I’m fine, Sa—Dad,” she assured him with a minute smile. Samuel’s face lit up when she called him Dad, and he carefully helped her up from the ground. I itched to push everyone out of the way and scoop Lilah into my arms. Instead, I stood back as Lola and Samuel led her out of the bathroom. I fucking hated that I had to pretend she wasn’t mine, that she didn’t mean everything to me. “I probably just ate something bad yesterday,” she insisted. “Maybe there were carrots in the salad and I missed it somehow. I’m allergic.” Samuel started to argue, but she placed her hand on his arm and patted it lightly. “I’ll make an appointment if I get sick again, okay?” He looked like he wasn’t going to let it go, but Lola jumped in. “Why don’t you go lay down, Lilah,” she suggested. “If you feel like eating later, I’ll whip up some lunch.” Lilah nodded and with a last, quick glance at me, she headed off to her suite. I practically glued my feet to the floor to keep from following. “Ethan, let’s go into my office,” Samuel said, breaking me out of my intense focus on Lilah. “I want to talk to you about something.” He kissed Lola’s cheek and then turned in the direction of his office. I walked slowly behind him and pulled out my phone to send a text. Me: Make that doctor’s appointment today, Lilah. My phone didn’t vibrate with an incoming text until I was seated on a small couch, with Samuel at his desk. He was shuffling through some papers, so I looked down to read the text.

Lilah: I’ll call Monday, after the move. Me: Today. Lilah: You’re so bossy. And, over-reacting. Me: You’re begging for another spanking, baby girl. Me: Call today. Lilah: Fine. “Ethan.” Samuel called my name and I put my phone away, satisfied Lilah would do as she was told. “My daughter and I haven’t really talked about what happened with her mother”—he frowned thoughtfully—“In fact, she’s done her best to avoid it. But, it’s clear that things were never as they seemed. She seems to trust you. Did she talk to you about it?” I thought for a moment, wondering if I should be completely honest. Would it betray my feelings for Lilah? I didn’t think so, but I wasn’t sure she’d see it that way. However, I needed to get to the bottom of this, so I didn’t hedge around it. “Yes, but all she had to go on was her mother’s version of events though.” Samuel’s lips turned down and his eyes darkened with sadness. “From the little Lilah has said, it seems Bonnie was extremely bitter. Ethan, I’ve got to know what happened. I’ll have to live with it for the rest of my life, but I won’t be able to truly move on until I know why.” I nodded and mulled over what I’d pieced together from my talks with my girl. “Bonnie told Lilah you asked for a prenup and that the provisions were set in such a way that it looked like you were preparing to take Lilah away from her.” Samuel sat back, a stunned look on his face. “How could she think I would do that?” he breathed. “I loved her so damn much. I would have given her everything without a second thought.” I had no doubt what he said was true. “It had to have been convincing. From what you told me, she wouldn’t have believed it without proof.” Samuel shook his head slowly, still seeming in a daze over the information I’d shared. “No, it had to have been concrete evidence. But, when my attorney asked me about a prenuptial agreement, I told him no. I never had one even drafted. I—” Samuel stopped suddenly, suspicion and confusion both clouding his expression. “It could only have come from Marcus. But, why?”

Marcus was the Wentworth family attorney. It made sense that he would want to protect his very wealthy clients, but not to the extreme of scaring Bonnie off like that. I didn’t see many other options that explained the situation though, and clearly, neither did Samuel. “Call him for a meeting.” I tapped a finger against my lips for a moment, then added, “But don’t tell him what it’s about.” Samuel’s face was turning red, the anger boiling up inside. “You need to keep your cool until we know for sure, Samuel.” He swallowed harshly and took a few deep breaths until his color began to turn to normal. “He’s been in Europe the last month, handling my estate in London. I’ll tell him to return immediately.” He plunked his elbows down on the desk and dropped his head into his hands. “My little girl,” he sighed, his voice muffled. “I’ve missed so much of her life. I hope she’ll let me be a part of the rest of it. I want to watch her grow into a woman, graduate from college, pursue her dreams. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for her.” “She’s already a woman,” I barked. Shit. I might have been a little too forceful with my answer. Samuel’s head lifted and he eyed me with an unreadable expression. “I mean, she’s eighteen and she’s been an adult practically since she was sixteen, when she had to start caring for her mom.” He stared at me for another moment, but then seemed to accept my explanation. “True. Well, maybe she’ll get to have some of those carefree years back while she’s in college.” His eyes roamed over to the door, and he smiled ruefully. “I know you told me she was accepted to all of those ivy league schools, but selfishly, I can’t help hoping she chooses a Texas school.” I was a little surprised that Lilah hadn’t told him about her decision not to continue school. However, they’d only had a couple of days together and it might not have come up. I debated what to say, it wasn’t really my place to divulge Lilah’s plans. Yet, I had to fight the desire to stake my claim, to tell him she would absolutely be staying put, that she was going to be a wife and mother. He needed to start seeing Lilah as the fully grown woman that she was. If not, it would be a whole lot harder for him when he found out about us. “I suggest you talk to Lilah about it, Samuel. If anything, she’ll appreciate that you want her close.” He leaned back in his chair, still staring off at some unseen thing in his mind. “I’m sure you’re right.” Finally, his head turned and he looked at me. “I better go check on Lilah. Thanks for offering to help her on Monday.”

I lifted my chin in acknowledgment and stood. “Let me know when you hear from Marcus.” He got up from his chair and we walked into the hall. “Will do,” he said before slapping me on the back and going in the direction of Lilah’s room. I stood and watched him go, irritated that he was the one checking on her and not me. I talked myself into going to work for a while, though my thoughts never strayed far from Lilah. At some point I started digging into local obstetricians, looking for the best. I called in a favor with a friend and got an appointment for the next morning. Then I shot off a text to Lilah, letting her know I’d taken care of it. She responded by calling me bossy again and I grinned at my phone, planning all the ways I’d show that I was the boss, both in and out of the bedroom.

Chapter 10 Delilah Leaving my father’s home the next morning was harder than I expected. It wasn’t as though I was even going far since Ethan’s house was only a twentyminute drive. But I’d only had a few days with Samuel and Lola, and much to my surprise, the idea of having a dad and a step-mom was quickly growing on me. I was having a hard time reconciling the man I was getting to know with the one who’d broken my mom’s heart, though. He seemed to be everything Ethan had said he was, and nothing like the man my mom had described to me before she died. I struggled with the conflicting stories, unsure what to think and afraid to trust what my heart was telling me about my father. But it wasn’t something I could deal with at the moment because I had more pressing concerns on my mind, more specifically my possible pregnancy. Even though I was tempted to hide my head in the sand about the tiny life that was most likely growing in my belly, Ethan wouldn’t let me get away with it. He’d played it cool when he came to pick me up under the guise of helping me move into my imaginary friend’s house—with the exception of his minor freak-out when I’d tried to carry anything out to his car—but the façade dropped the moment we’d pulled out of the driveway. “Drink this,” he ordered, pulling a bottle of orange juice out of the cup holder and shoving it into my hand. “It’s a good source of folic acid. I was reading about your pregnancy last night, and it’s important to get enough folic acid in the first month to help prevent birth defects.” “We don’t even know if I’m pregnant yet,” I reminded him, more than a little disturbed by the way he was talking and acting, as if it was already a definite thing. He was reading pregnancy books already, for goodness sakes! That was not normal guy behavior—unless you were an overly protective, alpha caveman like Ethan. “Lilah,” he sighed in exasperation. “You’re not on birth control, and I’ve filled you with a bucket-full of come over the last couple of weeks. You’ve been more tired than usual, and the smell of bacon had you running into the

bathroom to puke. Having the doctor confirm it is a mere formality. You’re pregnant.” “Whatever,” I mumbled, lifting the bottle to my lips to take a sip. “Whatever I want? Sounds good to me,” he quipped. My startled laughter quickly died in my throat when he handed a cereal bar to me next. Followed by a banana. “You do know that Lola fed me breakfast when I woke up this morning, right?” His narrowed eyes slid to me for a moment before returning to the road. “You’re eating for two now.” “Bossy,” I grumbled under my breath. My exasperation didn’t stop me from eating both items during our drive, though. What could I say? I was hungrier than I was irritated. When we arrived at the doctor’s office, we were quickly ushered to an examination room in the back, even though there were several people in the waiting room already. I’d barely put on the gown I’d been instructed to change into when a nurse came in. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Parker,” she greeted us. “I understand you’re here today because you think Mrs. Parker may be pregnant?” “I thought we’d be seeing Dr. Reynolds during this appointment?” Ethan barked. “Ms. Brooks,” I corrected. We’d spoken at the same time, but the nurse took it in stride. Ethan, however, had not since he was clearly unhappy, considering the way he was glaring at me. “Yes, Dr. Reynolds will be in with you shortly,” she explained, answering Ethan’s question. “But first”—she handed me a little plastic container—“we need Ms. Brooks to provide a urine sample so we can run a pregnancy test.” Ethan growled when she said my name, but it only earned him a raised eyebrow from the nurse and a dirty look from me. I followed her out of the room and down the hall to a bathroom. Providing a sample was no problem since I’d drunk all the juice Ethan had brought me. The nurse smiled at me when I handed the container over to her and let me know the doctor would be in to see me shortly, just as soon as they had the results from the test. Ethan was pacing the floor when I walked back into the examination room. His hands were in his pockets, and he appeared to be deep in thought. I

cleared my throat, and his eyes locked with mine. “You’re mine,” he growled. “Baby or no baby, it doesn’t matter to me.” “Of course I’m yours,” I soothed. “I’ve admitted it about a million times already.” “I didn’t like hearing the nurse call you Ms. Brooks.” “It is my name,” I reminded him. “But I don’t want it to be,” he rasped, pulling a navy blue jewelry box, embossed with the Harry Winston logo, out of his pocket. He flipped one side of the top open, quickly followed by the other, and I swore my heart stopped in my chest at the sight of the ring inside. The cushion-cut diamond in the center was flawless—and huge. At least five or six carats. It was framed by micropavé diamonds and set on a micropavé platinum band. The design was delicate, feminine… and perfect for me. “Oh my goodness.” “Marry me.” He lifted the ring out of the box and slid it on my finger. “It fits,” I breathed out. “Of course it does,” he rasped, his thumb sliding over the band circling my finger. “I had it made for you.” “You did?” I cried, tearing my gaze away from my finger to look up at him once again. “I wanted to wait. To propose to you the right way, making it special. But as usual, you’re impossible to resist.” “I’m glad.” I rose up on my tiptoes to give him a kiss. “Because if the doctor walks through that door and tells me I’m pregnant, I would have wondered if that’s why you proposed to me.” “It looks like I have perfect timing,” a feminine voice full of laughter interrupted. We both turned to find a woman standing at the door, dressed in a white lab coat with Dr. Reynolds stitched above the upper left pocket. “Congratulations on your engagement. And your pregnancy.” I barely registered anything else she told me during the appointment. I wasn’t too concerned, though, because Ethan took notes. He also asked questions, really embarrassing ones about our sex life too. When we made it to his house a couple of hours later, after stopping to pick up more pregnancy books on the way, I was exhausted. I hardly noticed the grandeur of his home, heading straight back to the master bedroom for a nap.

My head was still fuzzy a couple hours later when I woke up. After going to the bathroom and washing my face, I tossed on my robe and went in search of Ethan. The house was huge, and I poked my head into no less than ten rooms by the time I made my way into the living room. “This isn’t a house, it’s a freaking mansion,” I mumbled to myself, just as the doorbell rang. In hindsight, I only had my tiredness to blame for what I did next. Wandering towards the foyer, I pulled open the door without looking through the peephole to see who it was. “Lilah?” “Uh, hi, Dad,” I replied lamely. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his eyes dropping to my short, pink robe. They snagged on my left hand, and the ring I wore there, before moving back up to my face and taking in my sleepy eyes and mussed hair. His face heated, and his eyes narrowed in anger. “Fuck,” Ethan groaned from behind me, right before his hand slid to my lower back and I felt the heat of his body against mine. “Ethan,” my father growled. “What the fuck is my little girl doing here and dressed like that?” He was shouting by the time he finished. “I can explain. And I will. But first,”—he tugged me further inside the house, glaring at my bare legs—“Lilah is going to promise me she will never, ever answer the door dressed like this again.” Awesome, both of the most important men in my life were pissed.

Chapter 11 Ethan You would think my heart would have frozen at the sight of my best friend seeing his daughter at my house in nothing but a tiny robe. But, no. My heart stopped at the fact that my woman was standing in front of another person in a tiny, fucking pink robe! I turned her around and urged her back towards our bedroom. “Go change, baby girl. I need to talk to your dad.” I deliberately ignored Samuel, who was sputtering on the front porch. Lilah resisted the movement a little, looking at me over her shoulder with a stubborn glint in her eye. “But I—” “Clothes first, Lilah,” I interrupted her argument, infusing my tone with steel. She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes, but flipped her head around and marched away. “Ethan!” Samuel roared as he barreled inside. I stepped out of the way before he crashed into me. There was murder in his eyes, and I could practically see the steam blowing from his ears. I gestured down the entry hallway to where my den was located, indicating he should go first. He glared as he stomped past me and I trailed after him. I was willing to admit it, I felt somewhat nervous, but I would be unbending in my resolve to keep Lilah. We’d barely crossed the threshold before Samuel spun around and started shouting. “You bastard! Of all people, I would never have suspected this from you.” His chest was heaving and his face had become splotchy and red, but his voice lowered slightly. “She’s my little girl and what she’s gone through … You took advantage of a grieving child, Ethan,” he said sadly. I had intended to let him say his piece, to hear him out before reasoning with him. I felt I owed him that. But, I couldn’t keep quiet when he spewed an accusation like that. “She’s a grown woman, Samuel. And, I’ve never looked at her and seen anything but that. You need to get that through your head and stop seeing her

as a kid. I know you lost out on her childhood, but it’s gone and the best thing for all of us is to look to the future.” “A future with you?” he spat. “You’re seventeen fucking years older than her! She isn’t ready for the life you want.” “I think that should be my decision, don’t you?” Lilah stood calmly in the doorway, thankfully dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. “Sweetheart, you’re too young to be getting married and settling down,” he pleaded. Then he threw me a disgusted scowl. “You should be going to college, dating, at least being with someone your own age.” A growl rumbled in my chest when he talked about her dating. “Over my dead body.” “Dad, you need to listen to me,” Lilah said gently, walking over to Samuel and taking his hand. “We haven’t had much time to really get to know each other, but I need you to trust that I am old enough to know what I want. College was never something I aspired to. I want a home and a family, and while there are other things I’ll pursue, they will always be my top priority.” “Lilah,” he sighed. “At least come home with me and take some time to think things over.” “My fiancée and baby,” I stressed, as I walked up behind her, “aren’t going anywhere.” Lilah whirled in my direction. “I wasn’t ready to tell him that, Ethan!” she snapped. I just shrugged. I was tired of hiding things, and I’d only spoke the truth. “You’re pregnant?” Samuel breathed in shock. She turned back and shuffled her feet awkwardly. “Um, a little bit, yeah,” she said tentatively. I snorted and rolled my eyes. “Right, like being a little bit dead.” For my comment, I received a sharp elbow jab in my ribs. Samuel’s gaze was bouncing back and forth between Lilah and I. Finally, his shoulders slumped and he took both of Lilah’s hands in his. “I want you to be happy, sweetheart. I don’t agree with your choice, but I’m here for you no matter what.” Eyes dropping to her stomach, his face softened. “And, my grand-baby.” He let go of her and pointed a finger directly at me. “You and I are done. But if you put one toe out of line, if I feel for even one second that you aren’t treating her right, there is nowhere you can hide that I won’t find you and put your ass in the ground. Got it?”

I nodded, slipped an arm around Lilah’s waist, and pulled her into my side. I knew there was nothing I could say at the moment that would make a difference. This hadn’t gone as I’d wanted, but there was a spark of hope that he would come around and we could salvage our friendship. “Dad—” Lilah started as tears spilled from her eyes, but he held up a hand to stop her. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, before stepping back and away from us. “Come and see me soon, sweetheart. I love you.” Looking at me once more, he lifted his chin, indicating he wanted a private moment in the hall. I kissed Lilah on the top of her head and whispered, “Give us just a minute, baby girl.” Samuel’s face reddened at the use of my nickname for her and he streamed out into the hall. Yeah, that might not have been the best time to use it. Again, though, I was done tiptoeing around my relationship with Lilah. “Why?” Lilah asked suspiciously. “I don’t want you two to fight anymore.” “We won’t, Lilah. It’s business related.” I kissed her forehead, then the tip of her nose. “Why don’t you go and get a snack?” “Promise you won’t fight,” she demanded. I laughed and her brows furrowed, clearly miffed at my amusement. “You’re so fucking adorable when you try to order me around, baby girl.” She grumbled something under her breath, making me smile even wider. “I promise.” My agreement cooled her ire, and she nodded before traipsing off to the kitchen. I joined Samuel in the hall where he was pacing. He stopped when he saw me and folded his arms over his chest, staring at me darkly. “I actually stopped by to tell you that Marcus will be here tomorrow. I’d called him about changing my will the day after Lilah arrived anyway, so I simply told him there was an urgency that I’d explain when he arrived. I know you’ve been digging into him, so bring anything you’ve found to the meeting.” I mirrored his stance, though I kept my expression neutral. “Text me the time and place.” Samuel nodded and headed for the front door. I held it open silently, watching him step outside and wishing there was something I could say— wait. There was something. “Samuel.” He paused. “I love her. She’s my Bonnie.”

His head whipped around and he looked stunned. Then confused. “I don’t know how to digest that, Ethan,” he mumbled. “It’s a lot to take in.” He held out his hand, and a trickle of relief floated through my veins as we shook. At least it was something. After he was gone, I shut the door and turned to look for Lilah. I didn’t have to go far. She was standing right behind me, her face masked with the same shell-shocked expression Samuel had been wearing. “Were you telling him the truth?” she rasped. I prowled over so I was standing practically toe to toe with her and cupped her face in my hands. “It just hit me that I haven’t told you, baby girl. I’m so sorry, those words should have been for you first.” I kissed her lips softly. “You love me?” she parroted. “More than anything.” I slid my hands down, over her tits, down her flat belly, around her waist, and they landed on her ass. Gripping her cheeks, I hoisted her up so her legs came around my hips, and she grabbed onto my biceps. “I love you and our little one more than words could ever say,” I whispered before sealing my mouth over hers. Our kisses were drugging and I was addicted, I knew I would never get enough of her taste. I stumbled around for a moment before finding a wall to press her back against and ground my erection into the juncture between her legs. She tore her lips away and I growled in protest, seeking them out again. “I love you too.” I stopped and lifted my hooded gaze so our eyes met. Her crystal blue pools were overflowing with emotion and it spread warmth throughout my body. Since I was already on fire for her, it blew my desire up by epic proportions. I dropped her to the ground and fell to my knees. Making quick work of her button and zipper, I had her bare from the waist down in seconds. With lust controlling my mind, I spread her legs and dove in to lick between the folds of her pussy. She was wet, so fucking wet. I latched on to her clit and sucked hard while plunging two fingers inside her. A few thrusts and she was screaming my name. I kept at it, holding her tight when her knees buckled. She was practically tearing my hair out with her grip, and it was sexy as fuck. I surged to my feet, whipped out my cock, lifted her and yanked her down as I pumped up. She cried out, and I felt my eyes roll back in pure bliss.

“Fuck! You are so damn tight every time, baby girl. But you’re drenched and I slide right in. Yes! Take it, Lilah.” I braced her securely against the wall and drove in, over and over. “Ethan! Oh yes, I’m—oh! Yes!” I fucking loved it when she got loud. “I’m going to—” I halted abruptly, though it took everything in me to do so. “What’s the rule, Lilah?” I snarled. “I can’t hold it back, Ethan!” she whimpered. “You will,” I commanded, then resumed fucking her, hard and fast. “Please, please, please.” She was chanting, writhing with the effort to hold back. My balls tightened and drew up, a tingling spreading from the base of my spine. “Together, baby girl,” I grated. A few seconds more, and I roared, “Now!” Color and sensation burst in front of my eyes. Shudders of pleasure wracked through my body, and I could feel the same tremble from Lilah. The walls could have come tumbling down and neither of us would have noticed. “I love you so damn much,” I whispered when I was finally steady on my feet. “I love you too, Ethan.”

Chapter 12 Delilah I probably should have left good enough alone, but I just couldn’t leave things the way they were with my dad and Ethan. I waited until after Ethan had left for his office, since he had a couple meetings he said he couldn’t miss, and I got dressed to go out. Ethan had left me a set of car keys, so I grabbed them and went out to the SUV they belonged to. Then I headed to my dad’s office. I was hoping that the element of surprise would be enough to get him to really listen to me. Getting in to see him wasn’t as easy as I had expected it to be, though. The receptionist’s job description must have included the term “guard dog.” “I’m sorry,”—except she didn’t sound even the tiniest bit apologetic —“but without an appointment, there really isn’t any way you’ll be able to get in to see Mr. Wentworth today.” “You don’t understand,” I breathed out heavily. “He’ll definitely want to see me.” “It’s okay, Sandy,” an unfamiliar masculine voice said from behind me. “I’ll handle this.” I turned to find a short, portly man standing there. He had a receding hair line, and a shifty look in his eyes that were in contrast to the expensive suit he was wearing. He offered me an insincere smile and lifted his hand to wrap it around my elbow. “Miss Brooks, is it?” “Yes,” I replied warily. “Thanks for coming in. You saved me a phone call and a trip out to see you.” “Um, okay.” “If you’ll follow me this way.” He didn’t really give me a choice, not without causing a disturbance, so I allowed him to lead me into a corner office down a long hallway. After he

settled me into a chair, he walked around his desk and plopped down into his own seat. While his back was turned I sent off a quick text to Ethan, letting him know where I was since there was something about this man that made me uncomfortable. “I’m Marcus Chesterton, Samuel’s lawyer.” “It’s nice to meet you,” I whispered, in an attempt to be polite since it most definitely wasn’t nice. My dad apparently had a slimy lawyer on staff. How wonderful. “I wish I could say this was going to be a friendly conversation,” he sighed. “But what I have to tell you isn’t going to be pleasant.” What the heck? I didn’t appreciate his patronizing tone, and I had literally no idea how he could have something unpleasant to discuss with me. “Pardon me?” He yanked open the top drawer of his desk, pulled out a sheaf of papers, and laid them down in front of me. “This is your father’s will. If you’ll read through it, you’ll notice that there’s no mention of you anywhere in it. Lola, as his fiancée and eventually his wife, is his sole beneficiary.” I shoved the papers back towards him. “Not that the money matters to me, but he didn’t even lay eyes on me until four days ago. It’s not as though he’s had the time to think about changing his will.” “I can understand why you’d like to look at it that way,” he conceded. “But he’s known about you since your mom turned up pregnant. Yet, in all these years, he’s never made any arrangements for you in the case of his death.” “He didn’t?” I wasn’t willing to admit it to this man, but that part hurt. A lot. “I’ve drawn up each and every one of his wills, and there has never been mention of his possible offspring in any version. Samuel’s worth millions of dollars, and I’ve done an excellent job making sure you would never be able to lay claim to a penny of it … at his repeated request. I’ve tried to talk him out of it time and time again, but he wasn’t willing to listen to reason.” “No,” I cried, shaking my head. “It isn’t possible.” I wasn’t upset about the money. I couldn’t care less about that. But I felt sick knowing the extent to which my father had gone to cut me out of his will. I’d convinced myself that my mom must have been mistaken somehow, that my father would never have done what she’d accused him of. But this new information made me question my decision to let him into my life.

“Look, Ms. Brooks. I’ve known Samuel his entire life. He’s never wanted children. It doesn’t make him a bad man, he’s just not the fatherly type. You’ll do much better on your own, out of this town, and away from his influence.” “I can’t leave town. This is where Ethan lives. He has a business here. We can’t just pack up and go.” “Ethan?” he parroted with a stunned expression on his face. “Ethan Parker?” “Yes.” I held up my left hand and turned it so he could see the ring. “We’re engaged to be married. Surely you can see why what you’re suggesting is impossible.” “It’s even worse than I thought, you poor girl.” He heaved a deep breath, stood, and walked around to my side of the desk. “Ethan is Samuel’s best friend, and quite protective of him. He’d do just about anything for him— including taking care of the potential issue of the long-lost daughter who suddenly turned up.” “What? No!” I shouted, jumping out of my seat. I shoved Marcus in my attempt to get around him. I almost made it to the door, too, until he grabbed my arm and yanked me around. “Where do you think you’re going? We aren’t done!” “Out of here,” I cried. “You’re a lunatic if you think I’m going to believe a word you’ve told me. I might have fallen for it for a minute, but only because I haven’t had the chance to get to know my father well enough yet.” “It won’t matter how well you get to know him. Facts are facts.” “Yeah, and the fact is that Ethan loves me. He’s going to marry me. And he’s going to be an amazing dad to our baby.” My free hand dropped protectively over my belly. “If you’d kept Ethan out of it, I might have believed you about my father. But there’s nothing you can do or say that will convince me that Ethan is a bad guy.” “It’s like déjà vu all over again,” he growled. “You and your mother. You’re two of a kind.” “My mother?” I gasped. “Bonnie?” my father asked from behind me. I swiveled around and found him standing in the doorway. I tugged on my arm, trying to get the lawyer to let me go. “You’re the reason Bonnie disappeared all those years ago?” His eyes darted between us and lit with rage. “And you’re trying to do it again, but

with my daughter this time?” Marcus sputtered, and I used his distraction to pull away from him, taking a couple steps backwards. It was good timing since Ethan barged in right behind my father. He took one look at my tear-streaked face and charged towards Marcus. “Nobody makes Lilah cry and gets away with it!” he roared, punching him square in the jaw. Marcus fell to the floor, knocked unconscious. I rushed towards Ethan and threw myself into his arms. They wrapped around me tightly, and I felt safe once more. “Marcus was behind it all,” my father rumbled. “Scared Bonnie off, convinced her I was going to try to take Lilah away from her.” “Fuck, Samuel. I’m so sorry.” Ethan turned me in his arms so we were both facing my dad. “But we’ll make sure he pays for what he’s done.” “It wasn’t illegal, so he won’t go to jail like he should. But I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure he loses everything that matters to him.” My dad paused and shifted his gaze to me. “Just like he tried to do to me again, by scaring you off, the same way he did your mom. He would have succeeded, too, if it weren’t for your complete faith in Ethan’s love for you.” Ethan gave me a gentle squeeze and kissed the top of my head. “I only wish your mom’s faith in me had been as strong, but I didn’t manage to give her the same confidence in our relationship that Ethan has done with you,” my dad sighed, flashing me a smile before looking Ethan in the eyes. “You’re a good man. My best friend. A better man than me. You’ve proven it time and time again, but it’s something I forgot in my anger.” “It’s okay, Samuel.” “No, it’s not, Ethan,” my dad disagreed. “I didn’t react to the news of you and Lilah well, and for that I owe you an apology. You were right. She’s not the little girl I missed growing up. She’s a woman who makes me so damn proud. A woman in love with my best friend, and I’m damn lucky for it because I know you’ll treasure her the way she deserves.”

Epilogue Ethan “I’m pregnant.” I stared at Lola in shock as she gripped Samuel’s hand tightly in her both of hers. Her cheeks were bright pink and she ducked her head before whispering, “I didn’t think I could—um, so we didn’t—” she broke off, burying her red face in Samuel’s shoulder. My best friend, on the other hand, was puffed up like a peacock and grinning smugly. We had just finished dinner, barbecuing on the back patio Lilah had recently re-decorated when they’d asked us to sit so they could share some news. I bit my lip to keep from snickering, but Lilah started giggling, leaning into my side as she began to shake. “I didn’t think we needed to have the protection talk with you two. Aren’t you old enough to know better?” The last word was snorted out as she threw her head back and laughed hysterically. Her large, round belly bounced with the force of her laughter and I frowned, placing my hand on the hard surface. “Calm down, Lilah. You’ll put yourself in labor.” “Good,” she chuckled with a roll of her eyes. “I’m a week late, Ethan. It’s about time your son made an appearance, don’t you think?” “You’re okay with this?” Lola asked hopefully, prompting Lilah to raise her eyebrows in surprise. “Why wouldn’t I be?” “Well, you haven’t had much time with Sam and I don’t want you to think this baby will replace you or anything.” With a groan, Lilah pushed off of the love seat we’d been cuddled on and staggered to her feet. I jumped up to help her, then kept my arm around her waist to keep her steady. She waddled over to Lola and held out her arms. “I couldn’t be more thrilled for you guys, as long as you’re happy.” Lola stood and fell into Lilah’s arms, crying happily.

“I counted myself the luckiest woman in the world to have you for a daughter, Lilah,” she sobbed. “Now, I get another one. I’m terrified and excited, all at the same time. I’m too old to have a baby! “ Lilah hugged her as best she could around her large stomach. “Oh hush,” she told her with a beautiful smile. “You’re only forty-two for Pete’s sake! Besides, I’m scared and excited too, Lola. At least we’ll be doing it together. This is—Oh!” Lilah yelped and stumbled backwards in to me, grabbing onto her belly. “Shit! This hurts!” It was the first time I had ever heard Lilah swear, and I wanted to laugh at how cute she was. Except, it hit me that if my woman was cussing, she had to be in labor. “Oh, fuck! Ethan! I’m going to kill you!” *** I couldn’t take my eyes off of my wife as she fed our eight-week-old son. They were both gorgeous. Rush turned out to be a fitting name for our boy, since he came screaming into the world after only four hours of labor. However, it had been too fast for Lilah to get an epidural and I learned that my wife, for all she seemed so pure and innocent, had the swearing repertoire of a sailor. My phone vibrated in my pocket and I stepped out of the nursery to answer. After speaking with the other person for a few minutes, I was grinning when I pressed the end button. After Samuel had fired Marcus and had him escorted from the building, I’d made a call and my team had gotten to work. It had been easy to spread the word, making him a virtual pariah in the business world, but that wasn’t enough for me. It took some time, but an associate of mine had finally found evidence of fraud. He’d just called to tell me that charges had been filed and Marcus arrested. Now, I could put it behind me and focus on my family. I padded back into Rush’s bedroom just as Lilah was laying him down in his crib. Her pretty little ass was in the air as she bent over, and my mouth started to water. It felt like it had been weeks since I’d really sunk my dick into her sweet pussy. Quickies and silent fucking while trying not to wake the baby weren’t cutting it anymore. I’d finally convinced Lilah to move Rush to the nursery, and I was going to take advantage of it before she batted her eyelashes at me and I let her change my mind. Lilah stood up and turned around, a soft smile on her face. I held out my hand and when she took it, I pulled her into my arms. “My turn, baby girl,” I

growled. “I can’t let Rush have all the fun with your tits.” My lips found hers as I swept her up into my arms and stalked down the hall to our bedroom. I set her on her feet at the end of the bed and slowly removed her robe. She was wearing sexy little red panties underneath it, and I kissed every inch of her skin as I helped her out of them. After she was naked, I lifted her onto the bed, then got rid of my own clothes. Lilah’s heated eyes were glued to my erection standing hard and long against my belly. It grew even more under her stare, and I groaned at the mixed pain and pleasure. I quickly checked the monitor and then climbed onto the bed. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Lilah,” I murmured reverently as I looked over her. She moved to cover her tummy, still deliciously soft from carrying our baby. Grabbing her hands, I set them above her head. “Don’t. I love your body, baby girl. Every inch.” Leaning down, I kissed her stomach. “I miss seeing you pregnant.” “Swollen, bloated, and as big as a house?” she scoffed. I grinned. “Yep.” Lilah rolled her eyes and wiggled, trying to get out of my grasp. I held tight and moved fully over her, lowering until we were skin to skin. “Ethan,” she moaned, and I almost came right then. I let go of her hands to cup her full tits. Milk pebbled on her nipples and I licked each one clean. Lilah whimpered and her pelvis bucked up. “I love that your tits are so sensitive.” I sucked on one, then the other. “Fucking delicious.” “Ethan, stop playing. Hurry, before Rush wakes up,” she whined. “Rush is in his nursery, baby girl,” I reminded her before returning to my ministrations. Her hips thrust up again, taunting me. “Lilah,” I snarled in warning. I was going to take my fucking time and savor every inch of my wife’s delectable body. The little minx didn’t stop trying to egg me on. As punishment, I brought her to the edge with my mouth and fingers over and over, never letting her fall. Finally, she was begging, pleading for me to fill her. I decided to press one more advantage. She’d been adamant about waiting a year before trying for another baby. I refused to wear a condom and she hadn’t had a chance to get on birth control, as if I would have let that happen. Every time we fucked, I’d managed to have her so out of her mind, she didn’t notice when I went in bare.

I was tired of the game. “Do you need to come, baby girl?” I purred. “Yes! Please, Ethan. Please!” I kissed her deeply again and rubbed my shaft over her soaked pussy. “I’m going in bare, Lilah.” My voice was tight and gruff from keeping control. “I’m going to fill you with come and plant another baby in your belly.” “But—” “No buts, Lilah. I don’t want to wait and”—I pulled back slightly and looked down into her shining blue eyes—“I think if you stop and really consider it, you’ll realize you don’t either. Don’t you want another little Rush, baby girl? Maybe a little Bonnie this time?” Lilah’s eyes softened and filled with tears. “Bonnie?” I nodded and smiled before kissing her softly. “What do you say? Should we make a little Bonnie, my sweet Lilah?” “Yes,” she breathed, and I didn’t wait another second before burying myself so deep inside her I didn’t know where she ended and I began. By the time we fell to our backs, sweaty, exhausted, and completely sated, I’d come in her at least three times. “I love you,” I murmured as I held her close while she fell asleep. When I woke a few hours later and Rush was still asleep, I filled her one more time for good measure. One month later, when we discovered she was pregnant, I figured it was that last time which got the job done. Keep reading for a bonus book—Fraternization Rule.

Fraternization Rule Risqué Contracts 3

Fiona Davenport

Fraternization Rule Risqué Contracts 3 Falling for her college professor has turned Charlotte Young into a romance novel cliché. The hint of taboo makes her want him more every time she sees him. How can she hope to lose her virginity when all her peers pale in comparison to him? What Charlotte doesn’t know is that Gabe Alrdic has been watching her as closely as she has him. The college’s fraternization rule makes a relationship between them impossible. Now he’s done waiting and Charlotte won’t know what hit her when he makes his move. Warning: This is an insta-love story about a girl who believes in fairy tales and an alpha male professor who knows what he wants. It’s a quick and dirty read, but don’t worry, she’ll earn all her O’s. **This is the third novella in the Risqué Contracts series, but each story can be read as a standalone and features a different couple.

Chapter 1 Charlotte Somehow I’d turned into a romance novel cliché—the twenty-one-year-old virgin with a crush on her college professor. If my life was anything like the books I secretly loved to read, Gabe Aldric would have spotted me the minute I walked into his American Lit class. Then he would have fallen madly in love with me and quit his new job so we could be together. Unfortunately for me, my reality was nothing like fiction. The object of my obsession barely knew I existed, except for when he called upon me in class, which was almost never since he seemed to avoid me like the plague. At the start of the semester, I raised my hand often, partially in an attempt to impress him but also because I was excited about his class. It wasn’t every day a student got the chance to learn from someone who’d successfully published several novels. When the school announced his addition to the faculty, there was a mad dash by all the English majors to sign up for his courses. We were eager for the chance to study under someone who’d done what we all privately hoped to accomplish someday—hit the New York Times Bestsellers list. When we met him in person the first day of class, all the female students had another reason to be excited to wake up in the morning. It had nothing to do with his ability to teach and everything to do with his looks. With his wavy dark hair and hazel eyes, Gabe Aldric was gorgeous. Add in an athletic build he definitely didn’t get by sitting at his computer all day along with a pair of stylish glasses he used whenever he was reading, and you had the dream man for nerd girls everywhere. I was no exception, but my feelings for him grew deeper as the semester wore on. This wasn’t a mere schoolgirl crush based on looks alone anymore. It didn’t take long before I was equally as attracted to his personality. I listened raptly to all of his lectures, intrigued by his perspective on stories like The Great Gatsby and Little Women. When he read aloud from A Streetcar Named Desire, I almost melted into my seat as he spoke of a sudden and complete love. It felt like his words were directed towards me, but I knew it had to be my imagination because his eyes didn’t land on me. Not even once.

In an attempt to feel closer to him, I devoured his books. Rereading them over and over again during the semester, even though thrillers were the complete opposite of my usual reading preference. They were a brief glimpse into his psyche, one I desperately wanted because it felt like he was deliberately freezing me out. As the semester wore on, I raised my hand less and less, feeling defeated each time his piercing gaze passed me by so he could call on another student. Last week, I finally gathered my courage and went to speak to him one-on-one. However, as soon as I arrived at his office, he informed me that he had to cut his office hours short, with nothing more than a dismissive glance my way. At that point, I decided it was time for me to give up on my fantasies about Gabe and focus on my future. It wasn’t like I could say fairy-tale romances didn’t exist in the real world since my big sister’s whirlwind marriage was proof that it could happen. Just not to me apparently. It was looking more and more like I was going to end up the maiden aunt. Not that I didn’t love my new nephew. Gregory was beyond adorable, but every time I saw him it felt like my ovaries were about to explode. The same way they felt each time I saw Gabe. Like right now as he walked into the classroom. I was seated in the front row, the same spot I’d chosen when I arrived early to class the very first day. A spot I’d quickly grown thankful for because it allowed me an unobstructed view of Gabe. Professor Aldric. Dammit, I needed to remember to think of him as my professor before I addressed him in class the wrong way and embarrassed the hell out of myself. Like staring at his ass the way I was at this precise moment wasn’t enough to do it. As he situated himself at the lectern, he did absolutely nothing to acknowledge me, but I still somehow felt like I’d been caught redhanded in my ogling. I shifted in my seat, my face heating, while I waited for him to begin. “As you’re all well aware, your final exam is a week from today and counts for twenty percent of your grade. As such, I’d planned to spend this week on a review of the materials for which you’ll need to fully understand if you have any hope of passing the test.” Profound silence met his stern statement. Then his lips tilted in a small grin, and the sound of female sighs of appreciation filled the room. “Relax. I’m kidding, guys. You’ve done the work all semester, and I have no doubt you’ll be able to ace this final as long as you put some effort into your studying.” Exhales of relief surrounded me, and I steeled myself against the fluttering in my belly at his display of humor. I’d promised myself that I’d find a way to move past the feelings he evoked in me. One more week. I needed to make it through the final exam and then the distance I’d be able to

put between us should help me get over my unrequited obsession with him. It was my only hope because evidently I wasn’t strong enough to resist his pull on my own. I couldn’t even withstand one minute in the same room with him. “Let’s start with an easy question. Who can tell me the difference between modernism and post-modernism?” My hand shot up before the question was finished and without my intending to do so. It had been more than a month since the last time I’d even bothered, and it garnered a response. A minute one, an infinitesimal glance my way from his hazel eyes, but a reaction nonetheless. Only a day ago it might have been enough to spark hope in my heart, but I couldn’t allow that to happen. Not if I was going to survive my final days as an undergrad and the decision I’d made for my future.

Chapter 2 Gabe Eyes up. Eyes up. Fifty students in this class, you should be able to keep your fucking eyes off of one! This thought kept running through my head on a loop. Ever since Charlotte Young walked into my classroom, I’d spent the better part of my days wrestling with the dirty fantasies she inspired. If we’d met any other way, I would have pounced on her in a fucking instant. I couldn’t though, because she was my student and the school had a strict no fraternization rule. Not to mention there was a ten-year difference in our ages. Yes, I’d abused my position and pulled her student records to check. Not just her age, either. I memorized every single fact the school had on her. But, I was completely taken with the girl, and as the end of the semester neared, I’d just about given up entertaining the idea of letting her go. I had to get through the class and the only way I could control myself was to ignore her. I couldn’t look at her beautiful face, with her flowing, blonde hair and pink, rosebud lips. My gaze would inevitably drop to her perky tits, not large but the perfect size to fit in my palms. She always sat in the front row, torturing me with her long, lean legs. She wore skirts more often than not and the view brought thoughts of burying my head between them, or having them wrapped tight around me. Fuck, everything about her made me dream about her naked body. It’s why I’d so studiously ignored her all semester. When I’d pass over her hand in class, barely glancing at her, in that millisecond of eye contact, I could see the hurt. It stabbed my chest with pain, but this was the way it had to be until she was no longer my student. The one time she approached me during office hours, I brushed her off and hightailed my ass out of there as quickly as possible. I knew if I stayed, I’d have her spread out on my desk with my mouth on her pussy in seconds. One week, I had one more week of cold showers and sleepless nights. I’d already checked my rosters for next semester and her name wasn’t on a single one of them. At first I’d felt a surge of relief, but then I’d realized I wouldn’t have the chance to see her every day and it had pissed me off. As insane as it

sounded, I’d have preferred to take the torture of lecturing with a rock-hard dick every class if it meant I got to see her three times a week. *** It was finally Friday. Halle-fucking-lujah. The test was Monday and then my wait would be over. It was still against the rules for us to be together, but I’d finally decided I didn’t fucking care. I’d be able to do— “Hey!” My thoughts were interrupted when Mark Baker, another student, called out to Charlotte as she was packing up her things. I’d purposely kept my back to her, but I turned just enough to covertly watch the exchange. The punk put his hand on her shoulder and I tamped down the instinct to break his hand. “What are you up to tonight, Char?” Charlotte. She hated being called by a nickname. “Charlotte,” she corrected. A smug little smirk tugged at my lips. “Packing, I guess. I have to be out of my dorm after my last final next week.” What the fuck? Charlotte still had a semester before she was done with her undergrad. Why was she being kicked out of her housing? “Why are you being kicked out of housing?” Well, at least you’re good for something, Mark. “Oh, I’m not, I gave my notice and am moving off campus.” Her words washed over me, leaving some relief behind. I wasn’t about to let anything stand in my way, and Charlotte living off campus would make it easier to keep our relationship under the radar. “Oh, well, if you get done early and want to do something, let me know.” Over my dead body, you little fucker. She offered him a small smile even while she turned him down, and it was all I could do to not punch his fucking lights out so he couldn’t see how beautiful she was. “Thanks. But, my sister and her husband are coming to help me move all of my stuff to the new place tonight and tomorrow.” She sighed and shook her head ruefully. “My brother-in-law is a little over protective and bought me the apartment even when I told him it wasn’t necessary. I would have been just as happy staying with them while I figure stuff out. I would have preferred it actually, because I could have spent more time with my baby nephew.“ It was completely irrational, but I gritted my teeth at the idea of another man providing my Charlotte with a place to live. Even if he was married to her sister.

My determination to have her permanently in my house, in my bed, was renewed. There wasn’t anything for her to figure out, she was going to be mine. End of story. Rings and babies came to mind, but she was young and I didn’t think she’d be ready for all of that now, even if she sounded all dreamy when she talked about her nephew. I wasn’t happy about giving her time to adjust to the idea of those things, but I was trying to be flexible. I’d give her a year. Maybe. I’d made millions on my books, there was no need for her to work ever again. Once she gave me a son or daughter, she’d be home with them anyway. I shook my head, trying to clear away the jumble of thoughts, narrowing them down to one goal at a time. Step one was getting her in my bed. Once I had her there, I’d make sure everything else fell into place. She was about to walk through the door when I called her name, “Charlotte.” She stopped instantly, almost frozen, then slowly pivoted in my direction. Her soft brown eyes were wide, and confused. Her pretty little mouth parted in shock. “I’d like to see you in my office after the exam on Monday.”

Chapter 3 Charlotte “So, you’re totally fine if I toss out your box of signed books?” My sister’s voice was laced with ironic humor. Understandably so since she knew damn well that I’d kill her if she did any such thing. “What? No! Not my preciouses.” I ran forward and got between her and the box in question. “I stood in line for hours to get some of these babies signed. They are my most prized possessions. You can’t throw them away.” “You know I didn’t mean it,” she reassured me. “But I had to do something to grab your attention. I don’t think you’ve heard a word I’ve said. Is it finals? Don’t worry about them so much. You’re set to graduate a semester early when the trend is to take five years instead of four. You’ve already been accepted to your top two grad school choices. In the grand scheme of things, these last few tests won’t mean much, and knowing you I’m sure you’ll ace them anyway.” “It’s not finals,” I admitted, pausing to gather my thoughts, trying to find the words to properly explain to Elisa why I’d been so distracted. I took a moment to appreciate the beauty of my new fully furnished apartment before walking over to the couch and slumping down onto the soft cushions. She followed me over and sat down beside me. “It’s time to spill the beans, Charlotte. I’ve let you get away with keeping your lips zipped, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t noticed you’ve been off lately. For months.” “Crap,” I sighed. “It must be more noticeable than I thought if you noticed, since you’ve had your hands full with Brysen and Gregory.” She crossed her arms over her chest, a sure sign she wasn’t about to give up on getting me to talk. “Yeah, and if you want to tell me without my hubby listening in and taking over, you better start talking now.” She glanced down at the diamond watch on her wrist, a gift from Brysen at the birth of their son. “They left for their walk to the park five minutes ago.” “Which means we have maybe five minutes left,” I joked, well aware that Brysen didn’t like to leave his wife’s side. It didn’t get me a laugh from my

sister. She just glared at me, tapping her foot while she waited for me to begin my story. I’d run out of time. “There’s this guy,” I began, and her eyes lit up. “A guy,” she breathed. “I should have known! I can help with a guy situation a lot easier than I can with the whole grad school thing because I didn’t want to unduly influence you. Tell me all about him. Did you meet him on campus? Is he part of the reason you’re having a hard time picking which school to attend next year?” “You could put it that way,” I drawled, interrupting her litany of questions. “And yes, I did meet him in class.” “Is he a senior too? Are you waiting to hear which grad school he’s been accepted to or is he planning to head straight into the job market after graduation? And why haven’t I met him yet?” “Lissa!” I snapped. “You aren’t making this any easier for me, so I might as well just spit it out. Gabe isn’t a student. He’s a professor. I’m in love with one of my professors.” “Your professor?” Brysen barked out from behind me. I hadn’t heard the door open when they returned. “What the fuck is his last name? The bastard should have known better than to mess around with one of his students.” “Watch the language,” Elisa snapped as she rushed over to lift Gregory out of his stroller. “And give my sister a chance to explain before you go all caveman on her behalf.” “He hasn’t done anything wrong,” I hurriedly explained. “He doesn’t even look at or call on me. We’ve barely spoken to each other, not even in class, which is saying a lot considering professors and students are supposed to interact.” Elisa handed the baby off to Brysen and sat down next to me again, hugging me to her side. “Is that why you’ve been so distracted lately? You’re suffering from unrequited love?” “I think so,” I sighed. “There have been moments when I would have sworn the connection went both ways, but I think it’s time for me accept the fact that he would have done or said something if he was even remotely interested in me.” “Unless he’s been biding his time until you aren’t his student anymore,” Brysen grumbled. “You mean like you did when you pretended you didn’t want to buy our house so I’d be forced to show you a dozen homes you had no interest in

buying?” Elisa teased. Brysen pointed between himself and my sister. “Our situation”—then his finger turned in my direction—“is entirely different from some professor perving on your baby sister.” “Ignore that part and focus on the first part of what my caveman hubby had to say because as he once told me, he’s a man so he understands how guys think. Which means it’s entirely possible that your professor really is interested.” “Well, he did tell me he wanted to see me after the exam tomorrow.” Elisa jabbed a finger into my side. “See, maybe Professor Hottie has been keeping his hands, eyes, and voice from you all semester long because he didn’t trust himself around you. Now that your class is over, he could be ready to make his move.” “I don’t know,” I murmured, finding it hard to believe it was remotely possible. Not after the way he’d ignored me for months. “If he was waiting because of the college’s fraternization rule then why would he act now?” “Because you won’t be an undergrad student there after this week,” Elisa answered. If only it were that simple. “But he doesn’t know I’m graduating early. And, what happens if I choose to stay here for school? We’d have the same problem.” “You’ll have months before the rule will be an issue again,” she reminded me. “And that’s only if you decide not to go to Berkley. Who knows what will happen in those months? It might not even be an issue by then.” My conviction to move past my feelings for Gabe flew out the window. How the heck was I supposed to pass any of my exams when the only thing I was going to be able to think about between now and tomorrow afternoon was whether or not Brysen and Elisa were right? *** Gabe’s class was my favorite, and not just because he was the professor. The exam should have been a breeze because I’d been obsessed with American literature for years. I knew the material inside and out, but I couldn’t for the life of me focus on a single question. I’d barely slept in the last twenty-four hours. All I could do was obsess about what was going to happen when I met Gabe in his office after class. I didn’t crack open a single book as I counted down the hours until his class began. A decision I might come to regret, once

I received my grade for my senior seminar since I had no idea if I was coherent during my presentation this morning or not. I might not fare any better on Gabe’s test either. It felt like I’d been sitting here forever, but I was only halfway through the questions. I glanced up to check the clock and blushed when I found Gabe’s gaze on me. He was blatant in his perusal, his hazel eyes locked on my legs. I uncrossed them and a surge of power rushed through my veins as I watched his eyes heat. Then he lifted his gaze to my face and shook his head, gesturing to the test packet on my desk and circling his finger in a you better get moving gesture. So with damp panties and a brain that was exclusively focused on whatever he wanted to talk to me about in his office, instead of on my answers, I finished the exam and hoped I managed to pass. When I handed him my packet, he slipped something into my palm. “Wait for me in my office.” His voice was a low murmur, sending shivers down my spine. Glancing down, I found a key in my hand. I gave him a slight nod and hurried from the classroom, stunned by this turn of events. It was starting to look like Elisa and Brysen were right. Why else would Gabe give me the key to his office? Lucky for me, I didn’t have long to wait to find out. I’d only been waiting for about ten minutes before Gabe stormed into his office, shut the door, and locked it. He dropped his bag to the floor, and pulled me from the chair where I’d been sitting to lift me onto my toes, our chests pressed against each other. I gasped in surprise and he took advantage of the moment to claim my mouth, his tongue sweeping inside to tangle with mine. By the time he lifted his head, my legs were jelly and he was the only thing holding me up. “Four months,” he growled. “Sixteen weeks of torture, I didn’t know if I could survive with you in my class. But I made it through and I’m not going to do it again. The school is just going to have to be satisfied with the fact that you’re not my student. I don’t give a damn about their fraternization rule.” They had been right! Gabe had been biding his time and finally cracked now that I’d taken his final. He wanted me enough to throw caution to the wind and risk his job to have me. It was beyond romantic, and unnecessary, for now, since there was one little fact of which he wasn’t aware. “I’m graduating early.”

Chapter 4 Gabe Her statement set off every nerve in my body. Fireworks exploded, burning until I was so consumed with need, I nearly lost my control, completely. She was graduating early. I had the freedom to kiss her, to fuck her, to make her mine. I fused our lips together once again, our tongues tangling. Tilting my head, I took the kiss even deeper as one hand left her waist to grasp her ass, lifting her higher and wrapping a leg around my waist. Her other leg followed suit without any urging. She’d worn a skirt to class, something I was immensely grateful for at that moment. Her pussy was pulsing with heat. I could feel it through my slacks where my cock was lined up in the perfect position. I needed more. I needed to feel her pressing into me, her warmth enveloping my painfully hard erection. I turned towards the door and slammed her up against it, my cock tight against her pussy. I wanted to bury myself inside her more than anything, but somewhere in my brain was a thread of logic, reminding me of meetings I had to attend and papers I had to grade. “Fuck, Charlotte. I’ve wanted you for so long. I want to feel you coming all over my cock, but we haven’t got the time right now. So I’ll settle for you coming on my tongue,” I mumbled as I placed hot, wet, open-mouthed kisses down the column of her neck. She whimpered and her back arched, thrusting her chest up. She’d removed her sweater during class and I could see her nipples beaded and hard under her thin camisole. They were impossible to resist, so I didn’t even try. I licked her right bud through the silky fabric before sucking it into my mouth. She cried out and pushed her chest further into my face. I nibbled and sucked on it before moving to the left one, wishing they were naked in my mouth. Charlotte was gripping my biceps and rocking into me, my dick straining to reach the pulsing heat of her pussy. I needed to stop, before I reached the point where I wouldn’t be able to. Which I was really fucking close to. My hands had been firmly on her ass, but I removed one to snap the bands of what felt like a G-string, so the fabric would drop to the floor. I slid my

palm along her outer thigh until it reached her knee. Urging her to unhook her leg, I draped it over my arm and did the same with the other. I held her up with my arms beneath her knees, my hands coming over to part her thighs. Then I used the wall as leverage to push her up and put her legs over my shoulders, putting her dripping pussy at just the right height. She squeaked in surprise but it turned into a moan when I licked her from bottom to top. “Hold on, sweetheart,” I commanded, and she grabbed onto my head to balance herself. “I’m going to eat this drenched pussy until I’ve had my fill. These walls aren’t soundproof, so as much as I’m dying to hear you scream out my name, you need to keep quiet. Got it?” I licked her again and she cried out. I turned my head and bit her thigh lightly. “I’ll stop if you don’t keep quiet.” I looked up to see her press her lips together and nod her head. I began to devour her pussy. It tasted fucking amazing. Her sweetness exploded on my tongue. Her thighs started to quake and the muffled sounds contained behind her closed lips hinted that she was almost there. “Are you ready, sweetheart?” I asked, my voice muffled with my face still deep in her heat. “I’ve got you. But, hold on tight and stay silent.” I didn’t wait for her answer. I shoved my tongue inside her and slid it up to her clit, sucking it into my mouth with deep pulls. One more thrust of my tongue before I returned to her clit, and she went off like a fucking rocket. Her head banged back against the wall, her body shook with tremors, and her grip on my head was almost painful. I licked her through the shaking, then unwound my arms, cupping her ass and sliding her back down to a safe height where I could let her legs fall to the ground. She would have stumbled a little if I hadn’t had a hold of her waist. The look of her face…fuck. It was flushed, her eyes glazed over, but looking so satisfied. I was determined not to wait long before seeing that expression again, this time while I was balls deep inside her. I kissed her swollen lips softly and stepped back, testing her ability to stay standing. She didn’t wobble so I let her go and grabbed her sweater from where she’d flung it across a chair. “Here, sweetheart. Put this back on.” I started to help her but she pushed my hands away. “I’m too hot.” “Charlotte, I’m the only man who is ever going to get to see those pretty, pink nipples again,” I said firmly. She rolled her eyes, “I wasn’t planning on walking out naked, Prof—.” “Gabe,” I corrected her, needing to hear my name on her lips while I could still taste her on my own.

“Gabe,” she dutifully repeated. I looked down at her top pointedly. The wet spots around her nipples had made the camisole and sheer fabric of her bra see-through. Her little rosebud lips formed a silent O and she snatched the sweater from my hand, allowing me to help her put it on this time. As she covered up the slightly opaque top, I narrowed my eyes at her. “I don’t want you wearing something so revealing. This sexy body is for my eyes only.” She opened her mouth, presumably to argue with me, but I shut her up with my mouth over hers. When she’d melted into my arms, I ended the kiss but still held her close, whispering in her ear, “No more practically seethrough tops. And, while we are on the subject, no more skirts that barely cover your ass.” I emphasized my words by slipping my hands under her hem and squeezing her bare cheeks. Her eyes opened dazedly, and I watched her without speaking, waiting. She nodded, “Good girl.” I quickly kissed her again and set her away from me, on the precipice of saying fuck it to my responsibilities and spending my day in bed with Charlotte. It wasn’t possible, but it was so damn tempting. I glanced at my watch and growled in frustration. Walking around my desk, I grabbed a scrap of paper. Scribbling my address down, I thrust it at her. “I’ve got another class and two faculty meetings. I’ll make sure my doorman knows to expect you at seven.” She stared at me for a moment, seemingly contemplating something. I raised a single eyebrow in question, silently daring her to say no. This was not a request. She was going to be at my home tonight even if I had to drag her there. “Fine,” she huffed. “I’ll meet you there.” Damn straight she would.

Chapter 5 Charlotte I couldn’t believe I was here, standing outside Gabe Aldric’s door. My hunky American Literature professor who also happened to be the only guy who’d ever made it to third base with me—and in a way I never imagined was possible. I’d read scenes like that before, where the hero hoisted the heroine over his shoulders and held her up while he made her come. I’d always thought the author was full of crap when they included that kind of sexytimes because there was no way a guy could actually do that. But Gabe had certainly proved me wrong earlier. I would have said I had the wet panties to prove it, but I’d left them on his office floor. They were a brand new pair, too, since I’d decided I wanted to feel sexy, just in case my sister was right and my meeting with him turned into something other than academic. It was a good thing I had, because the moment might have been lost if I’d been wearing my usual plain, cotton panties. The sexy G-string was worth the sacrifice, though. So was the pair I’d put on tonight. It was a good thing I’d grabbed a few pairs when I went shopping on Sunday. I blushed a little as I thought about the other pieces of lingerie I’d bought while I was at the mall. I’d never really had a need for more than basic bras and underwear before. Now that I knew Gabe was going to see me without my clothes, that all changed. Breathing deeply, I straightened my spine and knocked on the door. It only took about a minute before it swung open and I was staring at Gabe. “How did you make it past the doorman? He was supposed to call me when you were on your way up.” He looked adorably flustered, with his hair mussed and his glasses perched on his nose. “Funny story,” I answered, laughing lightly while he ushered me into his penthouse apartment. “I actually live in your building. My brother-in-law bought me a place as a graduation present, and I moved in this past weekend.” “Nice gift,” he murmured, sounding a little put out.

“That’s what you get when your big sister marries a former football star who’s made some excellent investment decisions.” I didn’t protest when he took my purse off my shoulder and dropped it onto a table in the foyer. “Brysen decided to take his new role as big brother very seriously. It’s been killing him that I was living in the dorm. He didn’t think it was the best place for me. So he used my graduation to his advantage and moved me into a building he thought was safe.” “I guess I can’t complain too much since it will make things more convenient for me with you living in my building.” “It sounds like you plan on me being around a lot.” I didn’t disguise the hope in my voice as I followed him into the kitchen, surprised to find several pots and pans on the stove. “You’re making me dinner?” He lifted a couple lids, stirring the contents of the biggest pot, and then turned back to me. “Yes, I’m cooking for you.” He prowled my way, sliding a hand around my waist and tugging me towards him as soon as he got close enough. “And you’d might as well make yourself comfortable because you’ll definitely be around a lot. I waited sixteen weeks to get you where I wanted you, and now that I have, I’m not willing to let you go.” He was telling me exactly what I wanted to hear, what any woman would yearn for him to say. I should be thrilled, not scared that he’d change his mind once he was more familiar with me. “But we barely know each other.” My protest was a whisper of air against his lips. “I know you,” he growled, claiming my mouth in a brief but brutal kiss before he lifted me up onto the granite countertop. “I’ve felt your pussy contract against my tongue while your sweetness covered my face.” “Is that all it takes for you to want to keep a woman around?” He cupped my face in his hands, staring straight into my eyes for a moment before he responded. “You’re not just any woman. You’re Charlotte, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and an eternal optimist who sees the world through rose-colored glasses.” He kissed me softly this time, licking at the seam of my lips until I opened them and allowed his tongue inside. “Your idealism shined through in each of your papers. It didn’t matter what you were writing about, you always managed to find the positive in a story. Don’t try to tell me I don’t know you, Charlotte. I’ve known who you are underneath the pretty packaging since the first week of my class when you waxed poetically about how Steinbeck left us with an image of hope at the end of The Grapes of Wrath.”

“I don’t know why so many of my fellow students failed to see that the story really is about second chances and the innate kindness that lies within all people.” I frowned, thinking about the discussion in class that day and how my heart had beat wildly as I waited and hoped that Gabe would support my position. “Or why you didn’t speak up for me if you were impressed by my argument.” His palms slid along my legs, pushing my skirt up until his thumbs rested at the juncture of my thighs. I squirmed in his hold, my panties dampening from the feel of his hands against my skin. “I’m sorry I was such an ass all semester, sweetheart. My only defense is that I was fighting the chemistry between us. Ignoring you was the only way I could stop myself from taking you while you were my student.” “It hurt,” I admitted softly. “Thinking this was one-sided.” “Let me show you how much I want you,” he whispered in my ear while he lowered me onto my back. “How sorry I am for ever making you doubt yourself.” The granite countertop was cold, but I didn’t feel the chill of it because his mouth was already over my panties. Hot air puffed through the damp material and I moaned, spreading my legs wider to give him better access. “I think I should start every meal with my dessert first.” His breath was hot against my inner thigh as he yanked my panties to the side. “I could eat this little pussy morning, noon and night.” His thumbs spread my pussy lips, and I felt the cool air of the room against my heated flesh for the barest of seconds before his tongue was on me. He gently licked my clit with just the tip of his tongue, then moved downwards to dip inside me before sliding back up again. In his office, it felt like he was devouring me, but this was more like he was worshipping my pussy. It was a slow, torturous buildup, his mouth moving up and down my inner thighs each time I got close, slightly nipping on me here and there. His hands rubbed along my thighs the entire time, making me feel like he couldn’t stand not touching me. “Please,” I begged. “I can’t take much more.” “Then come for me, Charlotte,” he rasped against my skin, his tongue flicking out and circling my clit before he sucked it into his mouth. “Gabe!” My voice cracked as I splintered apart, shuddering with the force of my orgasm. His licks turned gentle again, his hands soothing, as I rode the waves of my release.

“You taste so fucking good,” he murmured as he stood and leaned over me. The evidence of my climax glistened on his chin as he grinned down at me, his hands shifting my panties back in place and tugging my skirt so it covered my thighs again. “Thanks,” I stuttered, unsure how to respond to the compliment. There hadn’t been time for the awkward moment after in his office because he’d left so quickly, but I felt it now. Gabe was an incredibly handsome and successful author and professor, and I was just me. The women he’d been with before me would have known how to react. I was sure they were experienced and sophisticated. And I was… “I’m a virgin.”

Chapter 6 Gabe A lot of men would have taken off running at her announcement, but it turned me the fuck on. I was already hard from eating her pussy, but damn, my cock was begging to be where my mouth had been. Somewhere no one else had ever been. I wanted to shout to the world that Charlotte Young was mine, had only ever been, and would always be mine. I couldn’t wait to teach her all about sex, explore new things, and learn to please each other. Not that I was worried about pleasing her. I don’t care how conceited it made me sound, I was an expert at satisfying women in the bedroom…or wherever. I took a deep, calming breath. Charlotte’s face was filled with trepidation and I realized that she was taking my silence as a bad sign. I helped her sit up, then reached up and smoothed out the worry lines on her forehead. Then I trailed my finger down her cheek, and over her rosy lips. “Sweetheart, stop jumping to conclusions.” I kissed her lightly. “I love that you’re untouched. Don’t mistake my silence for anything other than me trying to control my impulse to throw you over my shoulder and take you to the bedroom so I could pop your sweet cherry.” Her face brightened and she locked her legs around my waist, making me groan at the contact. She gripped my shirt with two hands and pulled me close. “I have no objections to that plan,” she whispered across my lips. I was about to give in when we were both startled by the oven timer. I removed her legs from my waist and quickly grabbed my oven mitts to remove the fresh, crusty rolls from the oven. I threw a glance her way before checking on the asparagus. “We’ll talk about that idea after dinner.” I turned back to the food, but not before I glimpsed her cute pout, making me smile. I dished up the asparagus, wild rice, and parmesan encrusted chicken, placing each on the table. Lifting Charlotte off of the counter, I handed her a bottle of wine and two glasses, then grabbed a basket for the rolls. We sat

down, our chairs at the corner of the table so that we were close, but still faced each other. Charlotte looked over the meal, her expression indicating that I had impressed her. I winked at her and watched as a blush stole across her face. My hard-on had settled a little but that beautiful sight had me shifting uncomfortably in my chair. She took a bite of chicken and moaned, making me way beyond uncomfortable. I needed a distraction. “Tell me what I don’t know about you, sweetheart,” I requested as I poured us each a glass of white wine. “There isn’t much to know,” she said in between bites. “My parents died when I was fifteen, and since Elisa was eighteen, she was able to become my guardian. I grew up, went to school, and made every effort to graduate early so that Elisa wouldn’t have to continue supporting me. Oh, I also had a huge crush on my professor, and here we are.” I chuckled. “You forgot, practically seduced said professor with your gorgeous legs, always on display with your short skirts.” I gave her a stern look. “Which is another topic we will be discussing at some point.” Charlotte smirked and I glared at her. However, this wasn’t what I wanted to be talking about tonight, so I steered the conversation back on track. “How is it that such a beautiful and intelligent woman is still a virgin at twenty-one?” She blushed again and I decided it was one of my favorite things to see. “It’s not like I didn’t have the birds and bees discussion with Elisa. And, the safe sex lecture. I guess I was too busy with school and, um, I hadn’t—” She broke off and her blush intensified, spreading from the roots of her flaxen hair to dip below the collar of her low-cut sweater. I was dying to know how much of her body was covered with the pretty pink hue. “Hadn’t what?” I pressed. She cleared her throat and averted her gaze. I took her chin firmly between my thumb and forefinger, turning her face so her brown doe eyes stared into mine. “Eyes on me when you talk, Charlotte.” “I hadn’t found anyone I wanted to be with like that.” My heart swelled with emotions I hadn’t taken the time to truly examine yet. She was so fucking perfect. “I’m ecstatic that you want to take that step with me, sweetheart. Although, even if you didn’t, I would have chained you to my bed and spent every second convincing you that you’re mine.”

Her coffee colored eyes widened a bit. There was surprise, yes, but it was the shadow of lust that had me grunting in satisfaction. I threaded my fingers through the silky strands of her hair, rubbing the ends between my fingers and thinking about her neatly trimmed pussy. I let it go and ran the back of my hand down the side of her torso, my fingers brushing along her round tit. My mouth watered at the memory of sucking on the hard little buds topping them. “Let me be crystal clear about something, sweetheart. This body, every part of you, belongs to me. Now that I have you, I’m holding on tight. It’s going to be my cock that pops your juicy cherry, my mouth that eats your pussy, and my hands that feel your creamy skin. No one else touches what’s mine. And, I’m going to make damn sure everyone knows you belong to me.” The knowledge that I didn’t have to fight it anymore swept over me again, relief mixing with desperate need. Finally, finally, I could be with her and not be forced to hide it. Shaking my head, I brought my focus back to my girl, only to notice her brow furrowed and her eyes brimming with anxiety. She looked away again, “Eyes, Charlotte!” I barked. Her head whipped back, “I’m supposed to start grad school at the end of the summer.” Well, fuck. I was pissed we’d have to hide our relationship, but it wasn’t something we couldn’t handle. I’d figure a way around it eventually. “I can stay here for school, but, um, I’ve also been accepted to the University of California—Berkeley. It’s one of the best programs in the country. I’d be crazy not to go in the fall.” Not fucking happening. I was consumed with panic but I tamped it down with solid resolve. She couldn’t leave. I wouldn’t allow it. I’d convince her to stay. But, that meant her continuing as a student here. Triple fuck. Ok, so I needed to convince her not to go back to school at all. The plan to keep her chained to the bed was looking really good at that moment.

Chapter 7 Charlotte “I guess I’d better show you why you should stay,” he growled, pushing his chair back and bending over to lift me from mine. “Gabe!” I squeaked when he slung me over his shoulder and gave my ass a quick slap. “What about the dishes?” “Fuck the dishes,” he snapped. “They can wait, but I can’t.” His hand tightened on my ass, steadying me as he strode out of the kitchen, through the living room and down the hall to a massive bedroom. He dropped me onto the edge of the mattress, and made quick work of the buttons on my top before tossing it onto the floor. My bra followed and then he was sliding my skirt down my legs and taking my panties with it. He lifted me back into his arms and placed me in the center of the bed before rising up on his knees to tear his shirt over his head. I stared, transfixed, at the play of muscles while he unsnapped his pants and lowered the zipper. A soft sigh of disappointment escaped when I realized he’d left his boxers on. “You’ll get my cock soon enough, sweetheart,” he chuckled seductively. “But first I need to get you ready and I need the barrier my boxers provide while I do it. Without it, I’m not sure I could wait until you’ve come again before I take you.” His hands nudged my legs apart, sliding up until he was touching my pussy. I was still wet from when he made me come on the kitchen counter. One of his fingers slipped inside me and pumped a few times before he added another. It was a tight fit, and I felt the burn as he stretched me. Considering the enormous bulge in his underwear, I wondered how he’d be able to fit inside, and tensed up at the thought. “Shhh, sweetheart,” he soothed. “I’m going to make this so good for you.” He ground the heel of his hand against my clit and my pussy fluttered in response. It typically took me forever to climax when I masturbated, but he already had me so close. He twisted his hand, fingers curling upward on the

next thrust and my whole body stiffened. A swipe of his thumb over my clit and I was splintering apart, shuddering in his embrace. “This is it, you know that right? Once I take you, there’s no going back. I’ll be the first, last and only man to touch you.” He shifted over me and I felt the tip of his cock nudge my entrance, sliding against my wetness. “You’re the first man I’ve ever wanted this way. The only man who’s made me come. All semester long, I thought I’d never have a chance to see you like this, to feel you move inside me. Going back is the last thing I want to do, I’m ready for this” “Thank fuck,” he muttered. “I want to take you bare this first time, sweetheart.” “I’m on the pill,” I admitted softly. “My sister insisted on it back in high school.” “I haven’t looked at another woman, let alone slept with one, since I saw you four months ago.” His admission soothed some of my insecurities. “Before that even. I’m clean, sweetheart. Let me feel your sweet cherry on my bare cock.” “Do it,” I rasped out. “Deflower me.” He paused, the head of his erection pushing inside me as his whole body shook with laughter. “Deflower?” “It’s what they call it in romance novels,” I giggled. “If you’re thinking about what you’ve read, I must not be doing this right.” I reached up and stroked his face with my palm. “I can’t imagine anything better than this. I’m just nervous, and I tend to babble when that happens.” “Don’t be nervous, sweetheart. I know this is a big step, but I want you so much. Seeing you in my bed like I’ve fantasized about for months, I’ve never been this hard in my life. It’s better than I ever imagined.” “Oh, Gabe,” I sighed. “I want this. With you. Now.” “I’m so fucking lucky it’s me,” he groaned. “I don’t know what I ever did to deserve the gift of your cherry, but I swear I’ll do whatever it takes for you to never regret this moment.” All of my nerves disappeared at his vow. My fingers digging into the blanket underneath me, I lifted my hips up a little, making his cock slip further inside me. Even though I’m soaking wet, he barely moved an inch. I was so damn tight around him.

“You ready?” “Yes.” My sigh turned into a hiss when he plunged deep without any warning. “So fucking tight,” Gabe groaned. Holding himself stiffly above my body, he gave me a moment to adjust to his invasion. “Did I hurt you?” “I think I’m okay.” My voice has a slight wobble to it, and I gripped his ass when he started to pull back. “No, don’t leave me. My cherry’s officially popped and I want the pleasure that follows the pain.” “You ready for me to move, sweetheart?” he asked. I shimmied my hips a little, feeling incredibly full but not in pain. “So ready,” I breathed. Leaning farther down, he slid his hands under my body until he gripped the back of my neck, my body flush against his. “Much better.” He pulled out and plunged back in on a hard stroke, and a low moan escaped my lips. I slid my hands up his back and held on as he picked up speed. Cocking my legs up, knees bent, my toes curled into the mattress. I was already close to the edge, and each thrust of his hips sent a shock of pleasure up my spine. “I’m so close.” My whole body was clenched around his. My hips slammed up to meet his thrusts, and I dug my nails into his back as I hung suspended on the edge. “Come for me now,” he whispered, his finger slipping between our bodies to circle my clit. The combination sent me over, and I started to come. I hung on to Gabe limply while he continued to pound into me until he finally jerked against me and gripped my hips tightly. I felt the heat of his come jetting into me as he found his own orgasm. When his shudders died down, he slipped out of me and collapsed onto the bed at my side. “Wow,” I muttered a few minutes later, once I’d managed to regain my breath. “If I made you lose the power of speech, then I guess the deflowering was a success.” I swatted at his shoulder, but my arm felt like a limp noodle. I missed my mark and ended up resting my arm on his belly instead. “I should have guessed you were a smartass.” “It’s not like I have the chance to act like one in class. The college would frown upon that kind of behavior from one of their professors.”

I laughed, thinking about how they’d react to the sight of the two of us in bed together. Being a smartass would be the last of Gabe’s worries if I decided to start back as a grad student in the fall, but that wasn’t something I wanted to think about right now. “From your books.” He shifted on the bed, pulling me into his arms so I faced him while he stared into my eyes. “You read my work?” “Every single word. More than once,” I admitted. “It was the only way I could feel close to you.” His expression filled with pleasure. “Damn, sweetheart. We’ve got a lot of time to make up for.” He went about showing me how much my reading his books meant to him. Twice.

Chapter 8 Gabe I was already awake when my alarm went off in the morning. I’d been laying there with Charlotte draped over me, running my fingers through her honeyblonde hair, and listening to her even breaths. I’d never felt such contentment before, and I refused to lose it. I needed a plan to make sure I would have this forever. Charlotte stirred and the movement pushed her soft tits against my chest. The leg she had thrown over mine shifted, brushing across my groin. My cock was already half hard with her naked body practically glued to mine, but now it was standing at full attention. She moaned as she stretched. “Are you sore, sweetheart?” I asked gently, turning on my side so we faced each other. Her lashes lowered over her chocolaty eyes, and her cheeks tinged pink. “A little.” I lifted her chin with a single finger. “I like to look into your beautiful eyes when you talk to me, sweetheart.” I waited for her nod of agreement. “There is no reason for you to be embarrassed. You were bound to be tender this morning. I probably shouldn’t have taken you so hard the second time, but I can’t seem to control myself with you.” Her face lit up with a pleased smile. “I can’t say I’m not happy that you’ll be feeling me all day, though. Every move you make will remind you who you belong to.” This time, she rolled her eyes and patted my chest condescendingly. “You’ll have to hold off on clubbing me over the head and dragging me back to your cave until I finish my finals.” I pretended to think about it for a moment. “How about a compromise? I’ll wait until after finals, but then I get to cuff you to my bed and have my wicked way with you for the next week?”

Her burst of laughter had me grinning and planting a hard kiss on her lips. I decided to keep the fact that I wasn’t kidding about the cuffs to myself for a while. I climbed from the bed and leaned down to smack her luscious ass before I lifted her into my arms. I carried her to the bathroom and set her on the vanity. I handed her a spare toothbrush and chuckled when she glared at me. “I bought that for you, sweetheart. I don’t keep a stash of toiletries for onenight stands.” I traced a finger down her forehead, over her nose, and tapped the tip. “I told you, it’s been months, not since before I first saw you.” She immediately looked sheepish and twisted to wet her toothbrush and add toothpaste. I padded over to shower, adjusted the temperature on the control panel and turned on the water. After grabbing a hand towel, I turned to pass it to Charlotte and found her staring at me with wide eyes, her foamy mouth hanging open. “What?” I asked, curious at her expression. She gestured to the shower, and then quickly leaned over the sink to spit. She sat back up and took the towel I held out for her, wiping her mouth. “You have a smart shower?” she asked incredulously. “The whole house is wired for it, so of course the shower is linked to the system. The floor and towel racks are heated and…” I trailed off as I realized what had her in a state of shock. To my own astonishment, I felt a warming sensation crawling up my neck. I was fucking blushing? When did I grow a vagina? “I have eleven bestselling novels, sweetheart.” I didn’t mention the endorsement deals, the money from the lecture circuit, or my inheritance. “And, you live in the penthouse.” It was clearly a rhetorical question, so I didn’t answer. “A smart house.” I nodded this time. She cocked her head to the side and mused, “So, basically, you’re extremely wealthy.” “I do all right,” I joked. She raised a brow, but the side of her mouth kicked up. “I fail to see the problem here.” She grinned. “There isn’t one. I was just surprised to see a college professor living in a multimillion-dollar home. Come to think of it, why do you teach?”

I smiled and gripped her waist, helping her off the counter, focusing on answering her question and not on her lush, naked body. “Because I love it. I was a teacher before I published my first novel. I decided to slow down on the writing a little and go back school.” I laughed ruefully, “My publisher was less than happy when I signed a contract for three years. But, as long as I met my deadlines, they knew they had no strings to pull.” Her face softened as she listened to my words. When I finished, she cupped her hands around the back of my neck and pulled me down for a deep kiss. I was done talking. Not breaking the seal of our lips, I walked her backwards until she was pressed up against the stone wall of the shower. Then I shuffled to the side, finding the entrance and stumbling in. We stood under the spray of multiple heads, steaming the shower up right along with the hot water. Eventually, we were both shaking with need. I grabbed her hand and led her over to the bench where I took a seat. I turned her away from me and slipped a finger into her pussy, checking to see if she was ready for me and making sure she wasn’t too tender. Her reaction was a deep moan and it had my cock so hard, the head was purple and angry looking. I kicked her legs apart and brought her back to straddle my legs, then I took my dick in one hand and used the other to guide her down, sheathing me as she sat on my lap. “Gabe!” she cried out, I paused to determine if it was a sound of pain. She wiggled a little and moaned, sweeping my worries away. I began to swivel my hips and slid my hands around her wet torso and up to cup her tits. “Mmm, you have the most perfects tits, sweetheart.” I twisted and plucked at her nipples, “Perfect nipples.” She started to bounce a little and I let go of her tits to grasp her waist. Leaning back against the wall for leverage, I began to guide her into riding my cock while I thrust my hips up to meet each downward movement. “You’re so fucking tight! So hot and wet, I love how you take everything thing I’ve got. Come on, sweetheart, take it deep. I want to empty so far into you that I’ll brand you inside out as mine.” She began to convulse, right on the edge. I brought my hands down to her inner thighs, opening her even wider. I was so close, I lifted a hand and slapped her pussy, hard. She screamed and I pinched her clit as I gave one final drive and we exploded together. *** “I’m driving you, sweetheart.”

“You can’t, Gabe.” “Charlotte, get your sexy ass in the car.” “Someone will see us!” “I’ll be stealthy.” Charlotte snorted, “Right, because a young professor rocking the hot geek look is so unnoticeable.” I grinned and kissed her, flustering her enough that she didn’t fight me when I put her in the car and buckled her up. I hit the remote lock and ignored her glare as I jogged around to my side of the car. I used my key to unlock my door and get in, smirking at her as I pulled out of the parking garage. My eyes were focused on the road, but I reached over and laced my fingers with hers. It was only a ten-minute drive to campus, even in New York traffic. I turned into a lesser used entrance that led right to the faculty lot. I had early meetings, and the lot was mostly empty. I pulled up and stopped near the entrance but under the cover of trees. “I’ll let you out here and go back to park.” She released my fingers and reached for the door handle. My hand shot out and caught hold of her arm. “Sweetheart, get your ass back here and kiss me goodbye.” Charlotte’s eyes dashed around the lot. “Gabe!” she whispered fiercely. “What if someone sees?” I sighed, “I don’t give a fuck. When you have to be out of my presence, I expect you to leave me a piece of you to take with me.” Her eyes went soft and she leaned across the seat to place a sweet kiss on my lips. “I don’t think so, sweetheart.” I dove a hand into her hair and gripped it tight, slamming her mouth down over mine. My tongue thrust into her mouth and she moaned, her mouth opening to welcome me in. I kissed the shit out of her, only pulling back when I was close to the point of no return. I grunted in satisfaction at the glazed look in her eyes and winked. “See, sweetheart? You need to relax. Now get to class and daydream of me.” Charlotte smiled wide and practically bounced out of the car. I watched her until she was inside, then put the car back in gear. As I pulled away, my eye caught movement and I saw another student walking around the corner of the building, his head bent, absorbed in his phone. He glanced up as he

reached the door, looking right to where I idled, and our eyes met. Then he opened the door and rushed inside. Had he seen us? I rolled my eyes and shrugged it off. Charlotte’s paranoia had apparently rubbed off on me.

Chapter 9 Charlotte The exam for my Shakespeare class was easier than I expected, a lucky thing too, considering how little studying I’d gotten done in the last three days. My Special Themes in Literature exam was a breeze, as I’d expected. I was just reading through my answers when the professor called out my name, drawing my attention to the front of the room. “Miss Young you’re wanted in the dean’s office.” I glanced down at my test packet one last time. “Almost done,” I mumbled. “I’m sure your answers will be sufficient considering you have a nearly perfect grade in my course and haven’t written anything new for the last five minutes.” “Okay,” I agreed reluctantly, shoving all my stuff into my backpack. Nerves fluttered in my stomach as I handed her my test. The only communication I’d had with the dean since I started school here three and a half years ago was the letter I received each semester letting me know I’d made President’s or Dean’s list for my grades. What the hell could he want to speak with me about now that would make one of my professors act so strangely? By the time I made it across campus to the administrative building, I was a nervous wreck. The dean’s administrative assistant was seated at her desk outside his office. “Hi, I’m Charlotte Young. My professor told me I needed to come in to see the dean.” “Yes, Miss Young,” she responded, eyeing me up and down with a hint of disdain. “Mr. Whitehall will be ready to see you in a moment. Please take a seat over there while you’re waiting.” She waved towards a row of chairs against the wall and turned her attention back to her computer. When I took a seat, I realized my hands were shaking and gripped them together in my lap. Then my foot started tapping,

the sound echoing in the room. Mr. Whitehall’s assistant cleared her throat and glared at me. I glanced at the clock, staring at it as the minutes passed. After ten minutes, my nerves turned to irritation. I didn’t understand why my professor rushed me out of the classroom only for Mr. Whitehall to make me wait for this long. Another five minutes passed, and irritation morphed into anger. I was stuck cooling my heels while waiting for the dean for who knew what reason, while his assistant sent nasty looks my way. And then his door opened, and I wished I was still waiting because I finally knew what the reason was for this meeting. “Fuck no,” Gabe muttered, standing in the doorway. He swiveled on his heel and marched back into the office, and I leapt from my chair, following behind him. “Wait! You can’t just go in there,” the assistant protested. I shut the door in her face and felt a moment of satisfaction at the action. The feeling was fleeting because when I turned to face Gabe and Mr. Whitehall, they were facing off across the desk “I need to speak with Miss Young alone.” “No, you don’t,” Gabe disagreed, coming to stand next to me. His hand slid into mine, and I took comfort in the quick squeeze he gave me. “It’s okay. I’m willing to answer any questions Mr. Whitehall has for me.” “If you and the girl have nothing to hide, then you shouldn’t mind if I talk to her while you wait outside.” “Gabe,” I whispered. “It really is fine.” “It isn’t about trying to hide something. It’s about me standing by my woman for what I’m sure will be a difficult conversation. What kind of man would I be if I left her alone to handle this?” My heart melted at Gabe’s vehemence. Seriously, was there any question about why I’d fallen for this man? “While I understand where you’re coming from, I have to say, calling the girl ‘your woman’ makes it hard for me to believe the relationship started a day ago.” I jumped slightly, having forgotten that the dean was in the room with us while I swooned over Gabe’s protective streak. My cheeks heated, and I cursed my habit of blushing whenever I got embarrassed. I turned towards the

dean and tugged Gabe along with me as I moved to sit down in one of the chairs across from the dean. Gabe and Mr. Whitehall followed my lead, sitting down also. Taking a deep breath, I tried to think of the best way to explain what had happened between Gabe and me. I understood the dean’s skepticism because our story was hard to believe. “I’m not sure what Gabe has already told you or how you found out about the relationship that’s recently developed between us.” “Why don’t you tell me your side of the story and then we’ll discuss what Professor Aldric has already told me and how I learned about this potential violation of our fraternization rule.” I looked towards Gabe, who nodded his head in encouragement, before I began telling the dean about how I’d spent the semester hopelessly attracted to my professor. It was mortifying, but I braved through it because I had to if I wanted to be able to graduate without a black mark on my record. “Gabe never did anything untoward. Not once all semester. If you asked my fellow students, I’m sure they’d tell you there was virtually no interaction between the two of us all semester long. But that didn’t stop me from falling for him all the same. It wasn’t until after I finished my final exam for his class and was no longer his student that anything happened between us.” “Yesterday?” Mr. Whitehall asked. “Yes, sir,” I replied. “As hard as it is to believe, yesterday was the first time we even spoke more than a handful of words to each other.” He stroked his chin as he considered what I’d told him, his gaze moving between Gabe and me. “And before this interaction”—he paused there and I fought hard not to laugh at the word he’d chosen to use because it didn’t come close to describing what had happened last night—“happened, you graded her exam and submitted her score to finalize her grade in your class?” “No.” I felt a sinking sensation in my stomach, having not thought about the fact that he couldn’t possibly have graded my exam before we had sex. “As I explained earlier, the very first thing I did after my faculty meetings yesterday afternoon was ask my TA to grade Charlotte’s exam. The same way he’s graded all of her tests and papers this semester because I knew I was developing feelings for her and didn’t want there to be a conflict of interest.” “You’re the only two people who know exactly what happened and when. The only proof included in the complaint which was made by a fellow student

was a photo of the two of you which I can only assume was taken today since you’re both wearing the same clothes you currently have on.” Someone had taken a photo of us? “Considering that Miss Young has an exemplary record during her time here and you’re a valued member of the faculty, I’m prone to accepting your version of the facts.” I heaved an enormous sigh of relief. “Thank you so much, Dr. Whitehall.” “Don’t thank me yet.” I reached out for Gabe’s hand, clenching my fingers tightly when they slid around his palm. “Assuming you pass all your courses this semester, I’ll allow you to graduate as planned, Charlotte. However, you’ll need to think long and hard about your next step from here because the fall semester is only eight months away and if you want to be a graduate student here, you’ll have a hard decision to make. You can’t be in a relationship with Professor Aldric while you’re a student in his department.”

Chapter 10 Gabe The ride back to our apartment building was quiet, the silence between us heavy. I’d hoped to have more time to come up with a strategy, one that would convince her to stay. The only option for her to do that, other than going to a school without a decent program in her field, meant forfeiting her goals for higher education. There was one solution that seemed obvious. I was going to do it sooner rather than later. Why wait if it will do the job now? Once parked, I helped Charlotte from the car, grabbing our bags and heading inside, my hand at the small of her back. Her shoulders were slumped and she had a dejected look on her face. We walked to the elevator and stepped inside. I pressed the button for the penthouse, but to my surprise, Charlotte pressed the button for her floor. She kept her head down and shuffled her feet as an awkward silence descended. “Sweetheart?” “I just need some time, Gabe,” she whispered. I sighed, “Charlotte, please look at me when you’re talking to me.” My voice was firm. “I don’t want to tell you again,” I reprimanded. She lifted her head and I saw a small spark of defiance in her eyes. It was so much better than the overwhelming anxiety and sadness I’d seen when we left campus. “Good girl. Now, why don’t you come home and we’ll talk about it.” “I need time to process this, Gabe,” she objected. “I have big decisions to make and I can’t think clearly when you’re near.” I opened my mouth to protest, but it occurred to me that she was giving me the perfect opportunity to set up my plan. I wasn’t happy about giving her time to mull things over, possibly deciding that leaving was best. It would be harder to persuade her to my way of thinking, but not impossible. I’d make sure of it.

I pulled her close and kissed the top of her head as she snuggled up to me, “Ok, sweetheart. I’ll give you some time, but I want you up at our place at eight.” My hand ventured down to palm one round globe of her spectacular ass. I squeezed it and brought our bodies flush, front to front. Her eyes heated, reflecting the burn I was feeling, the desire to have her naked and writhing underneath me. I feathered a kiss across her rosebud lips, then moved to her ear. “Don’t be late or there will be handcuffs waiting in the bedroom with your name on them.” She giggled and I shook my head, she’d find out soon enough. The elevator dinged on her floor and I stepped off to carry her bag for her. She unlocked the door and I set it down just inside her apartment before pressing a key to my place into her hand. Before I left, I drew her into my arms and kissed the fuck out of her until I was satisfied that I’d be clouding her “thinking” time without even being there. *** I’d cooked for Charlotte the night before and it had seemed to delight her. So, I went out and picked up groceries to do so again. I made an extra stop before returning home to get started on dinner. When the food was mostly done, I went into the bedroom and set things up for the night. Charlotte would be making a very big decision about her future and I knew that meant it was time to be clear about my preferences in the bedroom. If, for some reason, she couldn’t take it or simply didn’t like it, I would put it all behind me. I would do anything for her and there was no way I was willing to let her go. I expected her to be wary, but I was almost certain that Charlotte would end up loving my methods of pleasure. There was something in her, particularly in her eyes, when I got overly alpha on her that told me she was a submissive in the bedroom. Just before eight, I looked around one last time to make sure everything was ready to go. I poured us each a glass of wine and was just placing food on the table when I heard the key in the lock. I met her in the hall pulling her in for a giant bear hug, sensing she needed simple comfort at the moment. “Hi, sweetheart.” I kissed her forehead, each closed eyelid, her nose, and finally a sweet meeting of our lips. When she looked up at me, I could see her gratitude in not jumping right into things and demanding an answer. We walked side by side into the dining room and she molded into my side as we entered.

“This looks amazing, Gabe.” I didn’t think I’d done all that much, adding candlelight and a pink rose over her plate, but I loved that it made her so happy. “Dinner is ready,” I said, pulling her chair out for her. Once she was seated, I swept her hair to the side of her neck and kissed the sensitive flesh I’d bared. She shivered and I was suddenly more than anxious to get dinner and our discussion over with. Over our meal, we kept the conversation light. She told me about her finals and shared a few funny student stories. I watched every bite she brought to her mouth. By the time we were done, my cock was hard and my balls were aching, practically about to come in my pants. Unfortunately, we still had to have our discussion, so I cleared the table, using the time to talk my cock off the orgasmic ledge. Once our wine glasses were refilled, I led her over to the couch. I settled next to her, but far enough away that I could face her, and avoid torturing myself any further by being so close to her. “So?” I asked with a raise of my brow. “How was your thinking time?” Charlotte laughed softly and the sound soothed away some of my turbulent emotions. “I don’t know, Gabe. I want to be with you. I’ve wanted that for so long,” she confessed. “But, I’ve wanted to go on in school, to get my doctorate since I was a kid. My parents were both teachers and I’ve always wanted to be like them. To teach at a higher level. To mold minds, and guide the people who will be the future.” She’d given me the perfect opportunity without realizing it. I stomped down a little spark of guilt for what I was about to do, knowing it would mean giving up that dream. My hope was that it would inspire a new one. “Sweetheart, teaching at a school isn’t the only way to accomplish your dream.” I ran a finger down the side of her face, smiling softly. “What about molding the minds of our kids? Guiding them and helping to carve out a path for their future.” At the mention of kids, her eyes got wide. Don’t you mean at the mention of our kids? That guilty little voice pissed me off and I stomped it down again, this time grinding it with my heel. “You’ll have an even greater influence over your own children, and an unimaginable sense of pride that you won’t get from students coming and going through your classroom.”

“I suppose that’s true,” she admitted a little begrudgingly, “but maybe I want both.” There was uncertainty lurking in her tone. Then her eyes lit up for a second. “Why don’t we both go to California? I’m sure Berkeley would love to have you.” I hated to dim the joy creeping onto her face. “If it were possible for me to keep you with me and give you both, I would in a heartbeat, sweetheart,” I answered. “But I have another two and a half years on my contract. Besides that, do you really want to leave your family? You’ll miss so much of Gregory’s life.” I was laying it on pretty thick, but desperate times and all that. She sighed, “Well, what about long distance? We can do it for that long. Then your contract will be over and I can return here for the rest of my education. Maybe by then, you’ll be ready to go back to writing full time and take some time off from teaching again?” Her voice was on the verge of pleading. This was not an option I’d even entertained, not for one second and the fact that she even suggested it had my temper coming to a boil. I started a mental tally in my head. One. “No fucking way, Charlotte. You will be sleeping in my bed from now on. That subject is closed and not up for discussion.” Charlotte looked taken aback for a moment. Then she jumped off the couch and stood over me, her hands on her hips, and her chest heaving with anger. Holy fuck! She looked hot as fucking hell. Focus, I needed to focus. “So, it’s your way or the highway?” Two. I glared at her. “There is no ‘highway,’ Charlotte. So stop bringing it up. You are mine. I told you last night, when you let me pop that sweet cherry, that no other man would ever touch you. I warned you that you couldn’t turn back.” “You have to know this isn’t about me wanting another man, Gabe. It’s about me trying to find a solution we can both be happy with. You’re asking me to give up everything, while you give up nothing!” she yelled at me. “Maybe it’s useless for me to even try. Maybe there is no middle ground. If so, I can solve this problem easily by going to California.” Three. “Sweetheart, sit down,” I suggested, doing my best to keep my voice smooth. When she didn’t do as I asked, I infused steel into my voice. “Charlotte, sit your pretty little ass down, and do not ever threaten to leave me.” Four.

Something in my tone must have made her realize I wasn’t fucking around and she sat gingerly on the couch, eyeing me warily. “Your sass is sexy as hell, sweetheart, but you’re just asking to be punished for defying me in the one thing I’ve asked you not to push.” “Punished?” Her voice squeaked adorably. “Remember those cuffs?” A small spark of desire mixed with the curiosity in her eyes. I kept my face impassive, but inside I was smiling like a Cheshire cat. “Does that intrigue you?” I asked knowingly. She gave me just the barest nod, seeming confused by her own admission. “You want to know what it’s like to be tied up by me, dominated, owned by me, don’t you?” She blinked at me silently, but once again, I could see everything in her eyes. I was right about her submissive nature and thinking about later, when I would show her how much she’ll love it…I had to stop. It wasn’t time yet. I stood and started walking towards the kitchen. It broke the trance-like state that had come over Charlotte. “Where are you going?” I glanced back. “I’m not asking you to give up everything, sweetheart. I’m asking you to mold your dreams. Maybe create new ones,” I said over my shoulder as I reached my destination and pulled a small box from a drawer and dropped it into my pocket. When I returned to Charlotte, I went to my knees in front of her. I wanted her to know that my words were a request, and not a demand. That despite my dominant and over-possessive nature, there was give and take in this relationship. Not that I was willing to budge on this, but I figured giving her the illusion of having a choice would serve me better. “Sweetheart, I know things between us are moving at lightning speed. But, I’ve loved you for months and now that I have you, I can’t give you up. I can’t do it, Charlotte. It would tear me apart.” Her face softened and I could see her love shining through. “I had every intention of giving you some time before asking this. Not much, but some. However, I simply can’t wait. And, honestly, I don’t see a reason to. Not when I know you love me.” She nodded and her eyes brimmed with tears, whether they were happy or sad, I wasn’t sure yet. “I do, Gabe. I love you more than anything.” I pulled the little box from my pocket and opened it to show her a sparkling diamond set in rose gold filigree that was molded around it to form

a rose. It was an antique, and when I saw it, it reminded me of my sweet Charlotte’s pink rosebud mouth. “I want you to be mine in every way possible. I want you to be my wife, my lover, and the mother of all our children. I want you to raise them to be strong, independent, and smart, just like their mother. I know you’re young sweetheart, but I also know you will never be more ready to start a family with me than you are now. Because you will already be the perfect mother.” Tears slipped down her cheeks, but there was a smile hovering around the edges of her mouth. Her fingers ghosted over the ring and her smile grew. “Okay.” “I’m sorry, sweetheart, did you just answer ‘okay’ to my heartfelt, poetic, and utterly, devastatingly romantic proposal?” I asked with mock offense. She laughed, “I’m terribly sorry to have offended your delicate sensibilities, sir.” It took everything in me not to rush her to the bedroom, get her naked, and hear her call me sir on a moan. I shook it off as best I could, reminding myself that it was almost time. Removing the delicate ring from the silk it was nestled in, I started to slip it onto her finger— “Wait!” I froze, but held tight when she attempted to pull her hand back. “Wait, why are you asking me now?” My brow furrowed, not understanding her question, “What do you mean? I told you, I want you to be mine.” “But why. Why specifically now?” I gritted my teeth at her inquiry, irritated that she was so close to seeing my ulterior motive. Did it really matter though? In the end, it was all because I loved her and couldn’t live without her. “Are you proposing just so I won’t leave?” Her voice was rising in pitch and it made me wince. I refused to attribute any of my reaction to guilt. “Of course I don’t want you to leave, sweetheart,” I answered honestly. “But, does it really matter when I marry you when it was always going to happen anyway?” “Yes it matters, Gabe!” she screeched. “You’re supposed to propose because you’re overcome with the need to marry me. Because your love is so strong that you have no other choice. Not because I was thinking of leaving and you had no other solution.”

Was. That told me all I needed to know. She’d decided to stay. “Charlotte, look at me,” I commanded. Her eyes immediately found mine. “Do you believe that I love you?” She nodded without hesitation, saving herself another count on the tally. “Does it really matter, in the long run, why I’m choosing now when we both know it was going to happen eventually?” She considered me for a few moments and I could practically see the cogs whirling in her mind. “Do you want to marry me, Charlotte?” “Yes.” Her voice waivered and she smiled tentatively. I surged up from the floor and lifted her into my arms, twirling her around, drowning in the beautiful sound of her laughter. “Then let that be your answer now.”

Chapter 11 Gabe “Yes.” Her voice was muffled by my shirt, but I felt her answer to the depth of my bones. When I stopped moving, I let her slide down my body until her feet touched the floor. I wanted her to feel how much I wanted her. Then I cupped her face in my hands and looked deep into her eyes for a moment. “Do you trust me, sweetheart?” I was getting more and more excited to teach her different methods of pleasure. I knew I’d have to go slow and make sure she wasn’t frightened by it, because I knew she’d love it in the end. “Of course.” I fucking love this woman. “I want to teach you about some of my sexual preferences, things I think we will enjoy doing together.” She raised an eyebrow, intrigued rather than wary. My woman is fucking awesome. I kissed her with all of my pent up passion from the evening. When I pulled back, she looked dazed and excited. “Go to the bedroom and strip, get in bed and wait for me on your back, legs open. Okay?” “Okay,” she agreed, a sweet blush tingeing her nose and cheeks with pink. I turned her towards the bedroom and patted her ass to get her moving. She padded down the hall and I went into the kitchen to get the first thing I would need. When I entered the bedroom, I was pleased to see she’d done exactly as I’d asked. I set the container in my hands down on the floor and walked to the end of the bed to see the full effect. After simply admiring the view for a moment, I reached out and ran a finger between the lips of her pussy. It came away shiny and I stuck it in my mouth, her taste building my need.

“You have no idea how absolutely gorgeous you are right now, sweetheart. Your pink pussy open and already drenched for me.” She squirmed a little, but didn’t close her legs. I winked at her in approval, and rounded the bed, stopping at her side of the headboard. “I’m going to cuff you to the bed, sweetheart. All right?” She nodded in response. I sat beside her and kept our gazes locked. “When I ask a question, I need you to answer me out loud. I don’t want to misinterpret anything.” Her head started to bob again, but stopped halfway, “Yes, you can, um, cuff me.” She looked uncertain and excited at the same time. It was going to be the biggest challenge of my life to get through my plans without coming. I grabbed the pair of buttery soft, leather restraints in the table beside the bed that I’d put there just for this occasion. The chain attached to both sides of the headboard, then met in the middle where there was a gadget that allowed the person cuffed to turn over without getting twisted up. After affixing her hands in the cuffs, I lifted a silk swath of fabric and showed it to her. “Do you trust me enough to let me blindfold you? I’ll only go as far as you’re comfortable with, as long as you agree to let me push your boundaries a little.” She looked between me and the black silk a few times, then took a deep breath, “Yes, I trust you,” she whispered. “You can blindfold me.” As I tied it around her head, I gave her a quick kiss of appreciation. I swiftly undressed, although I left on my boxer briefs in the hope it would help me keep myself in check. Grabbing the container from the floor, I climbed onto the bed and knelt between Charlotte’s thighs, setting it next to me. Laying my hands on the silky skin of her thighs, I moved them slowly over her hips and her stomach, to cup her tits, their perfect size spilling from my palms. Hovering over her, I took her mouth in another consuming kiss, driving up her desire, drinking in her moans. Breaking the kiss, I sat back on my heels and opened the container, removing a piece of ice. At the first touch on her nipple, she gasped and shivered. Her rosy bud hardened, becoming a stiff peak. Leaning down, I licked it and she shivered for a whole other reason. I circled the nipple with the ice a few times, then ran it across the tip again. Alternating with licks and nips, then giving the other tit the same attention. Her moans were escalating and I smiled to myself, pleased that she was finding pleasure in this. After loving on her tits for a few minutes, I grabbed a new ice cube and slid it between her breasts, down to her belly button, circling and licking there as well.

Then I moved on to her pussy. Taking a fresh cube, I licked her from bottom to top, following the path with the ice. Charlotte cried out and bowed up on the bed, attempting to close her legs, but I was hindering the movement. I used the ice and my tongue to torture her until she was whimpering in desperation. With another new cube, I slid it inside her, pressing in with my finger and latching on to her clit. I sucked hard, setting her off like a rocket, screaming my name and convulsing. Pre-come was leaking furiously, my cock begging to be released. I used the time to move off the bed and put the container of ice in the bathroom to calm myself down. After I felt a little stronger, I sat down at her side again and gave her another sweet kiss. “How do you feel, sweetheart?” “Fucking hell, Gabe. That was amazing,” she panted, still worked up from her orgasm. “It’s crucial that you listen carefully to my instructions, Charlotte. There is great pleasure to be had in what comes next, but only if you do as you’re told. I don’t want you to be hurt or frightened.” “All right.” Her voice held a hint of trepidation. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I will always take care of you.” I opened the drawer again and lifted the small, leather crop, running the strips through my fingers as I gave her instruction. “First, you need a word, something you can say that will tell me I’ve gone beyond your limit and I need to stop. I will always stop. Do you understand?” “Yes.” She chose a word, and I went back to my explanation. “You are giving me complete and utter control of your body, sweetheart. You will not make a sound unless you are asked a direct question or are using your safe word. Not even a moan, Charlotte. That was the only time tonight you will be allowed to come without permission. You are not to orgasm unless I allow it. Your orgasms are mine. And, let me be very clear about something, that particular edict extends beyond what we do together this evening. You won’t always have to ask, but you are not allowed to get off on your own. That’s my job, and mine alone. Should you break this rule, you will be punished.” She stilled and went rigid at my announcement. “Sweetheart, trust, remember? I would never do anything to hurt you beyond adding to our pleasure. Do you have any questions?” She shook her head slowly, and said, “No, not right now, but I probably

will later.” I saw that she was nervous and soothed her by petting her body a few times, soft gestures of comfort and love. “Before we begin, I’m going to warn you. You are already due for punishment.” She gasped, “What for?” I laid a hand on her throat and put just the slightest pressure there. “For even thinking about leaving me. I counted four times.” I pressed a little harder. “Although threatening to leave should warrant several more. But, I’m feeling generous and keeping the tally low. Be grateful for that and turn over, sweetheart. Get on your knees and forearms, legs spread wide and your sexy ass high in the air.” She paused again, looking uncomfortable. “There won’t be any anal play tonight,” I said, knowing the direction her thoughts had gone in. “Maybe someday, but don’t worry about that tonight.” Tension seeped from her shoulders as I helped her turn and get into the right position. Then I situated myself behind her, my cock practically weeping at the sight of her body offered up to me, her arousal glistening on the lips of her pussy and the inner skin of her thighs. Leaning over her back, I grasped her tits and squeezed, manipulating her nipples, twisting and plucking, ratcheting up her need. Going back to my original spot, I pushed her legs a little wider and used my thumbs to hold open the lips of her pussy so I could lick and suck all the evidence of her desire. After a few minutes, a moan slipped from her mouth and I immediately stopped and sat up. “Silence,” I commanded, my voice hard as steel, much the same as my cock. “You broke a rule, sweetheart.” Picking up the crop, I lashed it lightly across one round globe of her ass, ready to explode at the reddening of her creamy, white skin. Charlotte cried out and I immediately halted to make sure she was okay. “Are you using your safe word, sweetheart, or do you trust me to go on?” She didn’t answer right away and I began to worry that I was wrong about my belief that this would appeal to her. Then she spoke. “You can continue,” she said shakily. “Since that was so unexpected, I’m going to forgive your outburst at the first lash. But, no more, Charlotte. I expect silence.” I waited and she obeyed, so I rubbed away the sting on her bottom, and kissed the skin. “I’m going to give you the punishment you tallied up so it’s out of the way.”

I checked to make sure that she was still wet, much needed proof that this was turning her on, and found her absolutely soaked. I administered two quick slaps of the crop on each cheek, then smoothed my hand over the pinked skin, helping to alleviate some of the sting. “Fuck, sweetheart. Seeing these marks on your unmarred skin has me so close to coming.” Feeling her wetness again, I groaned. “Is it making you hot, sweetheart? Answer.” “Y—yes. I didn’t think it would be so…” she trailed off, seemingly searching for the right word, “erotic.” I smiled widely, even though she couldn’t see it. Fuck yes! I knew she was fucking made for me. I started to explore her body with my hands and mouth, always returning to her pussy, licking and nipping everywhere but where she wanted it most. She was shaking and squirming with the need to be vocal and when I finally ran my tongue over her clit, she couldn’t hold it in and cried out my name. I immediately slapped the crop across her ass, a little harder this time. Then I took the leather strips and pressed them to her pussy, wetting them with her juices, before coming over her and bringing them to her mouth, commanding her to lick them clean. “See how much this turns you on, sweetheart? What I do to you, the taste I am always starving for.” Before moving, I released the blindfold and looked deeply into her chocolate eyes. They were glazed over with passion, well on her way to subspace. I played with her tits and nipples on my way back to kneeling behind her. Then attacked her pussy with a vengeance, but backed off as soon as I felt her on the brink. I did it over and over until her body was humming with need and she was sucking in big gulps of oxygen. “You’ve been such a good girl, sweetheart. I think you deserve a reward. Do you want to come?” “Please, Gabe.” I whipped the crop across her ass. “I did not specifically tell you to answer.” She looked back at me, her lips pinched together, the color drained from them as she attempted to keep silent. My mouth back on her pussy, I plunged two fingers into her tight little hole and heard her moan. I kept my position as I administered another lashing and greedily sucked up the rush of arousal that flooded my mouth. “Come, Charlotte,” I mumbled against her.

Her orgasm ripped through her and I lapped up every drop, alternating between her clit and tongue fucking her, keeping her flying high for as long as possible. After she had come three times, she was limp and barely able to keep herself upright. I backed off and ripped away my boxers, unable to wait any longer. “You were incredible, sweetheart. I’m proud of you for obeying me. Grab onto the headboard and this time I want to hear you. Scream the house down so everyone in this building knows you are being thoroughly fucked.” “Gabe, I don’t think I can,” she whimpered. I used my hand this time, leaving a beautiful palm print and draining my last reserves of control. “You can and you will, Charlotte. When I tell you to, you will come for me one more time.” Strands of her long blonde hair were glued to the skin of her back from sweat. I grabbed a handful and wrapped it around my fist, tightening, but not pulling. My cock was so hard, I was worried I might blow the moment I was inside her. I squeezed the base for a second, trying to push back my orgasm. It was just enough that I had a little more confidence. I lined it up with her pussy and plunged inside, bottoming out in that first thrust. She screamed, the sound making my ears ring and making my cock, somehow, impossibly harder. I set a punishing rhythm, thrusting in and out so hard that the bed slammed up against the wall. Her pussy was clenching around my dick, practically strangling the life out of it. “Oh fuck. Damn you’re tight, sweetheart. Your pussy doesn’t want to let me go.” Every time I pulled out, it fought to keep me, the suction almost too strong. I firmed my grip on her hair and began to tug it roughly with every forward shove, not enough to truly hurt her, but enough to cause a tingling prick of pain, adding to her experience. “Yes, Gabe. Oh! Yes, yes, YES! I felt her walls bearing down and I slapped her ass. “Not until I give you permission, Charlotte.” I could see her bite her lip, desperately struggling not to come. “I could spend my life doing nothing but fucking you, sweetheart. Your pussy was created just for me. Oh fuck, yes! That’s it, take it deep and don’t let go. Fucking hell!” I was yelling as loud as she was at that point. When I couldn’t take anymore, I brought my hand down on her ass four

times, tugging her hair with each slap. “Come for me, Charlotte!” I bellowed and with one last drive deep, I pulled her hair hard and reached around to slap her pussy, setting us both skyrocketing into oblivion. I’d never come so hard and long in my entire life. I wouldn’t be surprised if that amount of come and the force with which it was shooting into her, made her birth control obsolete. Particularly with the way I felt Charlotte’s body taking every last drop. It was that fucking good.

Chapter 12 Charlotte Gabe woke me a few hours later and made love to me gently. It had none of the frenzied urgency of the night before but left me just as satisfied. He was careful with me as he stroked into me lazily, like he had all the time in the world. And I guessed he did since I’d agreed to become his wife. After we’d both come, he’d drawn me a bath, carrying me into the bathroom and sitting in the tub with me while I let the hot water soothe the aches I still felt from my introduction into the rougher side of sex. When I started to drift off in his lap, he lifted me out of the tub, dried us both off and carried me back to bed, where we’d spent the rest of the night wrapped around each other as we slept. I woke again in the morning to the sound of Gabe’s voice. ‘Wake up, sleepy head.” “Too early.” My voice was muffled by the pillow I buried my face into. I didn’t have another final until tomorrow and I had no desire to wake up until after noon. I needed to make up all the sleep I’d lost the last two nights. A loss that was well worth the pleasure I’d received, but one which needed to be at least partially caught up on soon or else I’d become a cranky bitch. No amount of orgasms would stop it from happening. I was a person who needed her sleep. If I was going to marry Gabe, it was a lesson he needed to learn sooner rather than later. Wait a second. I turned my head to the left and lifted my hand into my line of sight. There it was. The antique diamond ring Gabe had slid onto my finger last night. An engagement ring. I’d told Gabe I would marry him. “We’re engaged.” He rubbed the underside of my finger along the gold encircling it. “Your future hubby refuses to leave home without a goodbye kiss.” My freak out stopped in its tracks while he claimed my lips. As always, I lost myself in his kiss and all thoughts flew out of my brain. But then they came rushing back in as soon as he walked out of the bedroom and I heard the front door close behind him. In the cold light of day, without Gabe around to fog my mind, my decision to accept his proposal seemed insane.

I needed advice, and there was only one person I went to when I wanted input into my decisions. I groped at the nightstand for my cell phone to call my sister. “Morning,” she chirped. “How are finals going?” “Easy peasy so far.” My voice cracked as tears filled my eyes. “Then why do you sound like it’s the end of the world?” “A lot has happened since I last saw you,” I sniffled. “Today is Wednesday, Charlotte. I saw you on Sunday. How much could have happened in three days? Is this about the professor you were telling me about?” Her pitch got higher with each question. “Did he hurt you? Do I need to send Brysen over?” “Not unless he wants to see my engagement ring before you do.” Dead silence met my flippant remark. I could practically picture the stunned look on her face. “I’m sending a car for you.” “I can drive over, you know.” “Nope,” she shot back. “No way. No how. This calls for alcohol and you’re drinking with me.” I glanced down at the screen of my phone. “It’s only nine o’clock in the morning and I have my last final tomorrow.” “Too bad, so sad,” she sighed. “’Cause you’re coming over and you’re drinking bloody marys or mimosas with me. Depending on how the conversation goes, we may move on to the harder stuff at lunch. And don’t even try to tell me you’re going to study today because we both know you’ve been ready for your exams for weeks.” I couldn’t really argue with her. Not when she was right. “Whatever. Give me an hour to get ready.” “Just so long as you don’t fall back asleep, or else I’m going to come over and pull you out of your bed,” she threatened. “Fine,” I grumbled, tossing the blankets off my body and apparently talking to myself as I heard three beeps letting me know the call had ended. Odds were good that Elisa was already on the phone with a car service. I climbed out of bed and headed into the bathroom to get ready because I didn’t have any time to waste. It was a good thing, too, because there was a call from the doorman to my cell phone fifty minutes later to let me know my car was here. When we pulled up in front of my sister’s home, she was waiting for me on the steps with a drink in each hand.

“You decided mimosas weren’t strong enough?” I asked, taking one of the bloody marys from her. “No, I decided I was morally against mixing two thousand dollar champagne with orange juice.” Startled laughter bubbled up from my throat. I pointed to the four million dollar house behind her. “I think you guys can afford it.” “You’ve gotta draw the line somewhere.” I followed her into the house, chuckling softly while we settled on the couch in her living room. “Drink up and then tell me everything that’s happened with you and Professor Hottie.” I blushed at the thought of telling her about all the things Gabe had done to me in bed last night. She raised her eyebrows at me, her gaze scanning my face. “Okay, maybe you should leave out a few details. You are my baby sister, after all.” I told her about the time I’d spent with Gabe, what happened with the dean and his subsequent proposal. “I’m worried this is all moving too fast. I’ve longed for him from afar for four months, but we’ve only really been together for three days. And I can’t help but think the only reason he popped the question is because he doesn’t want me to go to Berkley in the fall.” “I’m the last person to judge you for the speed of your relationship, Charlotte. Remember me? You’ve known Gabe for about four times as long as I knew Brysen before I married him—married, not just accepted his proposal. And that was three days into our actual relationship.” I thought about how perfect Elisa and Brysen were together, how I’d seen it for myself from the moment I brought our mom’s wedding dress to her in Lake Tahoe. They were proof that whirlwind romances could work, but their story was different from mine and Gabe’s. “Brysen didn’t have any ulterior motives when it came to asking you to marry him that weekend. Nothing other than wanting you to be his wife right away.” “The best advice I can give you is to talk to Gabe about your worries. Let him know what’s in your heart. The only way to build a solid relationship is to communicate with each other, even when it’s hard.” She paused for a moment. “Actually, scratch that. Especially when it’s hard.” I knew she was right. I needed to talk to Gabe when he got home tonight. I gulped down my bloody mary and reached for the pitcher on the coffee table to refill my glass. I needed some more alcohol to settle my nerves. ***

I was sitting and waiting for Gabe in his dining room when he got home, dinner on the table. It seemed to be our thing, and I wanted our conversation to go as smoothly as possible. Although Gabe was an excellent cook, my skills in the kitchen were lacking so I’d ordered take-out and picked it up on my way back from my sister’s house. Gabe’s gaze swept over me, lingering on my legs as I uncrossed them before standing next to the candlelit table. “Aren’t you just a sight for sore eyes?” He dropped a quick kiss on my lips and then settled into the chair next to me. “But you didn’t have to make dinner. I would have done it. I like feeding you.” “And I like being fed by you.” His eyes heated at my response, his gaze dropping to my lips and I knew he wasn’t thinking about watching me eat but seeing something else slide into my mouth instead. I licked my lips at the thought of tasting his cock and then shook my head, trying to fight the sensuous fog I quickly fell into when I was around him. He was too damn sexy for my own good. The food would get cold, but I knew if I didn’t start this conversation now, the odds were good I’d forget what I wanted to say and we’d end up in bed together without talking at all. I took one deep breath to settle my nerves and then dove right into the heart of the matter. “We kind of got sidetracked last night and didn’t talk about the timing of our engagement and what you see happening next.” “The timing of our engagement? What’s there to talk about? I asked, you said yes. It’s done. My ring is on your finger.” He tugged my hand into his. “And that’s where it’s going to stay forever.” “But we didn’t really talk about why you asked me now instead of later.” His fingers tightened around me. “I thought we moved past this last night?” “You kind of avoided the question and distracted me.” “There was a chance you were going to leave. I didn’t want that to happen. Getting married solves this problem. I admitted then that asking you to marry me was influenced by my desire to keep you here. You still said yes. End of story.” His tone was harsh and I hesitated to push forward, but I kept my sister’s advice in mind. “You can’t just make decisions like this for both of us without talking things through with me first, Gabe.” “I know, sweetheart.”

I narrowed my eyes at his placating tone. “No, I don’t think you do. Don’t try to feed me some macho bullshit about how you’ll talk to me about this later, not until you actually stop and think about this. We both know there will be a next time, an instance when we’re faced with an important decision and you’ll want to decide what’s best. I need to know that we’ll make those decisions together. Do you get how huge this is to me?” “I get it,” he murmured. “I’m not just telling you what you want to hear so you’ll be quiet. I saw a problem and I looked for a solution. It’s how my brain works. I needed to keep you by my side, couldn’t risk you going to California without me. It killed me to know you had that option and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it because I can’t go with you, sweetheart. Not until my contract is done.” The last little bit of his speech jumped out at me. “What if I defer my acceptance to both schools? Buy us some time while you finish out your contract here and see what happens before I have to make a final decision.” “There isn’t anything to see,” he growled. “You said yes last night, sweetheart. You want to marry me, same as I want to marry you.” My head was spinning. “Someday, yeah. But this is going so fast.” “Four months we wasted, both of us devouring every written word we could find from the other while we couldn’t be together. One hundred and twenty-nine days is not too fast. Not when we fit together perfectly as a couple.” “I’m scared,” I admitted. “I get that,” he replied, turning in his chair so he could pull me onto his lap. “I really do. But what I haven’t heard you say is you don’t want to be my wife.” Of course he hadn’t heard me say that, because there wasn’t any way I could force those words past my lips. Not when it’s what I wanted more than anything in the world, but I needed to know he wanted it the same way I did —a fear he’d vanquished the second he’d told me the exact number of days we’d known each other, because I’d counted each of those days too. Now, there wasn’t anything else holding me back.

Chapter 13 Gabe I sat in my car in the employee parking lot running over the events of the last several days. After our big talk, Charlotte seemed more at ease and accepting of our decision to get married. Her solution to defer for two years was perfect, but something about it was bothering me. She’d completed her last final and we’d begun moving her into my apartment. Okay…I started moving her in while she was taking her exam. She was a little irritated at my “high-handedness.” But, it didn’t take me long to convince her around to my way of thinking. Especially after the third orgasm. No matter what she said though, I could see that there was disappointment under a false bravado. She was eager to finish school and become a teacher, like her parents. I knew she would be amazing, the teacher every kid remembered years later. I wanted my sweet, genuinely happy Charlotte back. But, I didn’t have a fucking clue how we could make it work. I sighed and climbed from the car, grabbing my bag and heading for the main office to drop off final grades. While I was there, Dean Whitehall happened to step out of his office, and when he saw me, he called out and motioned me inside. “Gabe,” he said, holding out his hand. “Dean Whitehall.” I shook his hand before taking a seat in front of his desk. “Call me Paul,” he offered as he walked around and sat down. He leaned his elbows on the desktop and his fingers formed a steeple beneath his chin. “Miss Young was in my office yesterday,” he said casually. I nodded, aware that she’d been in to file for deferment. “You know she’s putting off school?” Again, a nod. I didn’t see the need to speak. “Is it because of the fraternization rule?”

I sighed, “Yes. We couldn’t live without each other and there was no way for me to go with her. So, she’s putting off school until my contract is up.” Paul leaned back in his chair and studied me, making me feel like a kid who’d been sent to the principal’s office. “Gabe, we love having you on staff here. The students and the faculty have nothing but wonderful things to say about you. And, one of the things that makes you a good professor and role model is your dedication and sense of responsibility. This is why I was rather surprised that you never approached me about being let out of your contract. I could have gone to the board and presented your case.” “I accepted the contract. I didn’t feel right about asking to be released, especially only a semester into it.” “That’s exactly my point,” the dean responded. “So, I did it anyway.” I sat up straight and peered at the dean. “Excuse me?” I wanted to be very sure I understood him before getting my hopes up. “I went to the board and convinced them to let you defer, instead of Miss Young. When she has finished her master’s degree, she’ll have to look elsewhere for a doctorate so that you can return to teaching here, unless you’re married of course. But, I know it’s a little early for you two to even be thinking about that route.” “Wait,” I interrupted. “What do you mean, unless we’re married?” “Oh, well, if the two of you eventually get married, it makes you an exception to the fraternization rule, as long as she isn’t enrolled in one of the courses you teach,” he explained. “Paul, Charlotte and I are engaged.” His bushy eyebrows flew up into his salt-n-pepper hair. “You—you are— already?” he spluttered. I laughed, “I know it seems crazy to others, but it’s right for us.” Paul scratched his head, looking at me curiously. “I guess, um—well, anyway. As long as you’re married by the time she registers for fall classes, you can both continue at the university.” I stood, unable to contain my excitement. I reached across the desk and pumped his hand up and down. “I appreciate what you did for me, Paul. That was incredibly generous of you. But, I’ve got this covered.” I ran from the office without waiting for a reply. Grabbing my coat and bag from where I’d left them in the front office, I sprinted out to the car and

sped home. Then I made a mad dash up to our apartment, flinging the door open. “Sweetheart?” I called. “Kitchen!” she yelled back. When I got to the room, I scooped her up, making her yelp in surprise, and threw her over my shoulder before heading straight to the bedroom. We got to the bed and I tossed her down, letting her bounce a few times before landing on top of her. “You know I love you, right?” I asked fervently. She was still giggling from bouncing on the bed, but she calmed and placed a palm on each of my cheeks. “Of course, and I love you too, more than anything.” I kissed her softly and grinned. “How fast can I get you to walk down the aisle with me?” “Umm…” She blinked at me in surprise. “When do you want to get married?” I didn’t hesitate. “Tomorrow.” She laughed and then stopped suddenly when she noticed I hadn’t joined in. “Not tomorrow,” she said firmly. “When?” I pushed. “I hadn’t—well, I guess we could get married at the end of the summer. Before you start school again?” I grinned. “Perfect. How about the first weekend in August? That will give you time to get registered for classes and get used to being Mrs. Aldric before beginning classes.” Her eyes widened, utterly confused. “I talked to the dean today. He told me that there is an exception to the fraternization rule. If we are married and you aren’t in any of my classes, we can both continue at the university at the same time.” She couldn’t seem to get words out of her cute little rosebud mouth, just opened and closed it a few times. “Oh,” I added, “I’d also like to point out how you picked the date.” I smirked. “Notice how I didn’t make the decision for us?” Charlotte’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, “But you would have, wouldn’t you?”

I winked at her. “Guess you’ll never know, will you?”

Epilogue Charlotte Swiping gloss over my lips, I studied myself in the mirror and decided this was as good as it was going to get today. I was incredibly tired, but it was graduation day so I’d put a little more effort into my preparations this morning than I had in a while. Energy which was well spent if the look of Gabe’s face as he walked up behind me was any indication. “Gorgeous,” he murmured, his arms caging me in on either side while he dipped his head to nibble at my neck. “Careful or you’ll muss me up,” I warned half-heartedly. We both knew I could care less about my hair or makeup, not when it was my husband doing the disheveling. “You’re making me as hard as a rock, sweetheart.” He backed up his statement by grinding the proof against my ass. “That’s how I like you best.” I wiggled my ass, enjoying the feel of his hard length. His hands moved off the vanity to my hips, gripping me tightly and holding me in place. “You keep that up and I’m going to fuck you hard right here.” I did a quick calculation of the time in my head. It would be close, but it was definitely doable. I didn’t bother answering, just slid the bottom of my skirt up with one hand and tugged my panties down with the other until they fell to my ankles. Lifting a foot, I pointed my toe and let the panties drop further so I could widen my stance when I stepped down again. “Fuck, sweetheart. You make me lose control every single time.” He unbuckled his belt, undid the button on his suit pants and slid the zipper down. They slid partially down his thighs, exposing his cock since he’d apparently gone commando today. Then his cock was at my entrance. There was no preamble, no warm-up. I was already drenched, and he slammed into me. I cried out, leaning against the vanity to let him go deeper. Our eyes were locked on the image of us in the mirror as I ground back

against him while he rode me hard. We were both out of control, my pussy swallowing his thick cock over and over. He watched the heated flush spread over my skin, my eyes going wide as my mouth formed his name in a startled gasp. “So fucking beautiful when you come.” Only then did he allow his orgasm to take him, after he’d watched me reach my own climax. He hammered into me several more times, each stroke harder than the last. My fingers clenched against the vanity as I pushed back against him, meeting each thrust until he buried his face in my neck and held still, his cock jerking inside me. “I love you so fucking much, sweetheart.” “And I love you more than anything.” *** Today was the culmination of the dream I’d had for so many years, and we’d barely made it here in time for me to take the stage before the ceremony began. I wasn’t just graduating with my PhD, I was the valedictorian of my class. Stepping up to the podium, I placed the notecards with my speech in front of me and took a deep breath. “When I started as a student here, as a freshman working on her undergraduate degree, I’d hoped to honor my parent’s memory.” As I stared out at the audience, my gaze landed on my sister and my heart swelled with happiness. For too long, it had been her and I alone, united against the world after the deaths of our parents. Now she had Brysen, right by her side today just as he always was. They were surrounded by my three nephews—Gregory sat next to Elisa, who had baby Gavin on her lap, while three-year-old Garreth sat next to his daddy. Gabe and I liked to tease them about their name choices, accusing them of taking all the best boy names starting with the letter G. My sister’s reply had always been that I wouldn’t need them. When I’d found out I was pregnant with twin girls? Yeah, I told her she made it happen from all her trash talking. Luckily she hadn’t done the same to Brysen’s best friend Maddie, who sat on the other side of Garreth. She was joined by her husband Caleb and their two children. Nathan was perched on his mom’s knee and Rachel on her dad’s. “I studied hard, taking more than a full course load in the hope that I would graduate early. I was in large part motivated by the need to recognize

the sacrifices my sister had made on my behalf. I lived for my studies, wholly focused on my goal.” I paused and my eyes locked on Gabe’s. He’d taken the end seat in the front row, daring anyone to tell him he had to move. He was determined that he would have the best seat in the house. One with enough space for the double-stroller which held our nine-month-old daughters, Lily and Lacey. “My eyes were opened to the other possibilities life holds for us the day I walked into my American Lit class during my senior year and met my fate. We married the summer between undergrad and grad school and I had a new purpose. I planned to make him proud, honoring my new last name which I shared with him. Then life threw us a curve ball in the form of the beautiful daughters we had last summer. And today I stand before you knowing you really can have it all. The secret is to simply believe that you already do.”

Books By This Author Risqué Contracts Series Penalty Clause Contingency Plan Fraternization Rule Yeah, Baby Series Baby, You’re Mine Baby Steps Baby, Don’t Go Dance With Me, Baby I’m Yours, Baby Brief Me, Baby Mafia Ties: Nic & Anna Deception Danger Devotion Mafia Ties: Brandon & Carly Pursuit Power Passion Sex & Vows Until Death Do We Part For You, I Will

About the Author The writing duo of Elle Christensen and Rochelle Paige team up under the Fiona Davenport pen name to bring you sexy, insta-love stories filled with alpha males. If you want a quick & dirty read with a guaranteed happily ever after, then give Fiona Davenport a try! For all the STEAMY news about Fiona’s upcoming releases… sign up for the mailing list! You can also connect with Fiona online on Facebook or Twitter.