Night for ruthless whispers: a bad boy billionaire romance ava damon download pdf

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Night for Ruthless Whispers: A Bad Boy Billionaire Romance Ava Damon

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NIGHT FOR RUTHLESS WHISPERS

AVA DAMON

Allrightsreserved

Thisisaworkoffiction Allofthecharacters,organizationandeventsportrayedinthisstoryareeitherproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwritten permissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview.

Warning:Theunauthorizedreproductionordistributionofthiscopyrightedworkisillegal.Criminalcopyrightinfringement,includinginfringementwithoutmonetarygain,is investigatedbytheFBIandispunishablebyupto5yearsinprisonandafineof$250,000

ISBN-13:978-1-950405-72-5(paperback)

Specialdiscountsareavailableonquantitypurchases Fordetailscontactthepublisheratwwwpurposeprevailspublishingcom

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter15

Chapter16

Chapter17

Chapter18

Chapter19

Chapter20

Chapter21

Chapter22

Epilogue

SneakPeek

AuthorNote

AboutAva

AboutthePublisher

GetaBadBoyBillionaireRomanceforFREE!

CONTENTS

NIGHT FOR RUTHLESS WHISPERS

She's the risk hanging on the edge of a knife I'm all too willing to dance on. After all, what's life without a bit of danger?

Kristine MurphyPrescottsoughtrefuge inmyclub and the storyinthose greeneyes calls to me. Her defiance, wrapped in vulnerability,demandsmyprotection,andignitesadesireIcan’texplain orignore

ProtectingKristineandhersonAsherfromherruthlessexbecomesmymission.AndI'mnotjustfightingherbattles.

I'm battling my own demons, whispering she's better off without me But every touch, every stolen kiss, shatters my defenses,makingmecraveafutureIthoughtI'dneverhave.

Suddenly losing her is a risk I can't afford. She gives me a glimpse at a future I never dared dreamof, a promise of somethingworthfightingfor.

KristineisthegambleIneverexpectedtotake.Shecouldbemysalvationormyend eitherway,I'mallin.

Asteamy short, standalone billionaire bad boy romance with all the feels, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA

CHAPTER ONE

“WHO IS thewomansittingaloneatthebar?”IleanoverVince'sshouldertogetacloserlookatthemonitor

“Idon'tknow,Mr.Callahan.Wouldyoulikemetoheaddownandinspectthearea?”Vinceisoneofmyseniorandmosttrustedsecurityguards.Hestands,anticipatingmydirective.

The security control room is my fortress of solitude, a dimly lit chamber lined with sleek, black panels and rows of monitors.EachmonitorisawindowintothepulsatinglifeofClubAllure.

ItakeVince'sseat,sinkingintothesuppleleatherthatcontourstomyformlikeasecondskin Thefainthumofelectronics istheheartbeatofthisplace,thesteadyrhythmsyncingwithmyown.

Myeyesscanthegridofscreens,eachflickeringwiththevividcolorsandmovementofadifferentscene It'sall routine untilonemonitorpullsmein alonefigureperchedatthebaramidaseaoffestivepatrons.

Agoddess among mortals.

Her delicate frame is draped over the bar counter, an untouched drink casting a long shadow beside her There's an elegance to her posture that belies her casual setting a dancer's grace in repose. Yet something's off. A tension in her shoulders,aninvisibleweightthatseemstobowhereversoslightly

AsIzoominonher face,mybreathcatchesatthesightofolive-greeneyesthatseemtoholdworldswithinthem deep and expressive, with a touch of melancholy that doesn’t belong in a place like this. Dark hair cascades down her back, untouchedbythestrobelights'freneticdance.

Aninexplicablepulltightensinmychest,aninstinctiveneedtoensureshe'ssafe.It'sunusual I'mnotoneforunnecessary intervention My days of playing hero are long past, burned away by too many disappointments But something about this womanstrikesachordwithinme,resonatinginafrequencyIthoughtI'dsilencedlongago.

Ileancloser to the screenas ifproximitycould grantme insightinto her story Her fingers tap anabsentrhythmonthe counter perhapsshe'swaitingforsomeone,ormaybeshewishestobeanywherebuthere.ThenInoticetwomenstaringat her.

“Shit,”Imumbleundermybreath,abadfeelingwellingupinsideme.

Vince'swordsechobackatme:“Wouldyoulikemetoheaddownandinspectthearea?”Butno,thisrequiresmypersonal attention somethingIhaven'tfeltcompelledtoofferinfartoolong

“Stayhere,”ImurmurmoretomyselfthantoVinceasheexitstheroom.“Keepaneyeoneverythingelse.”

Ipushbackfromtheconsole,everyinstincthonedfromyearsofwatchingoverthisclubtellingmethere'smorebeneaththe surface with this woman more than just another patron lost in the thrumming bass and whispered promises of fleeting connections.

Withonelastglanceatthemonitor,Irisefrommychair

IslipanearpieceintomyeartocommunicatewiththerestofmyteamwhileI'monthefloor.Ileavethequietofthecontrol roomandstepintothechaosoftheclub

The neonlights dance across the dance floor as the DJ plays a customblend ofthe hottestmusic onthe charts. Iweave throughthecrowd,makingpurposefulstridestothebar

Five years ago, Jackson, Landon, Damien, Andres, and myselfopened Club Allure, anelite club inNew YorkCity. We eachhavedesignatedtaskstoensureeverythingrunssmoothly.Ihandlethesafetyandsecurityofourhigh-profileguests. Itsuitsme

Ipreferamuchquieter,somewhatanonymouspresenceandrole.AlmostasifIwereavoyeur,Iprefertostayaloneinthe controlroomandwatcheverythinginsilence,awayfromtheworld

Offeringfalsesmilesandnurturingegosdoesn'tsuitme.Instead,Iobservethemovementoftheclubfromtheengineroom, ratherthanhavingtogetinvolvedintheusualbustleofClubAllure.

Itispreciselythisdistancethatallowsmetonoticethestrangesituationinwhichthewomanfindsherself Imoveforward,ignoringtheinterestedstaresandstoponlywhenIseehersittingattheendofthebar.She'smorebeautiful inpersonthananysecuritymonitorcouldeverconvey

AsIdrawcloser,thedetailsofherappearancesharpenintofocus.Sheisn'tparticularlytallorshort,standingatanaverage heightthat'saccentuatedbyher slender frame Thedarkdressshewearshugsher figureinall therightplaces,showcasinga tonedphysique.

Ican'thelpbutadmireher.She'smagnetic,aforcethatcommandsattentionwithouteventrying.It'sasifshebelongstoa differentnarrative onethatdoesn'tfithere

Inanotherlifetime,andifIwereadifferentman,I'dpursueher.ButI'vebuiltwallsforareason,andthey'remeanttokeep mefromgettingdrawnintosituations orattractions thatcouldendlikebefore

Despitemybetter judgment,mybodyresponds toher presencewithanintensitythat's hardtoignore.Mypulsequickens witheachstep

Thewaysheholdsherself there's astorythere,oneIinstinctivelywanttounravel.It'sdangerous territoryfor someone likemewholongagodecidedtokeeppersonalentanglementsatarm'slength.

Still, Ican'tshake the feelingthatshe's here for a reasonbeyond justa nightout There’s somethingabouther a quiet strengthmaskedbyvulnerability thatresonateswithmeonalevelIcan'tquiteexplain.

But no, Ihave to remind myselfwhyI'mapproachingher inthe first place it's not because ofthe waymybodyleans toward hers or how my senses seem more acute with her mere presence. It's about ensuring her safety a task that falls squarelyonmyshoulders.

Witheachstepcloser,myresolvestrengthensevenasmycuriositygrows.Shemightbeanenigmawrappedinallureand grace,buttonightshe'salsosomeoneundermyprotection whethersherealizesitornot.Andasmuchaspartofmeyearnsto delvedeeperintothemysterybeforeme,Ihaveresponsibilitiesthatcannotbeignored

Fornow,thosedutieswillhavetosufficeasabarrieragainstwhateverdangerouspullthiswomanhasoverme.

Iclose the distance betweenus justas one ofthe burlymenwho've beeneyeingher moves in, his unwelcome approach etchedclearlyonherfacebyalookoffear.Astarkcontrasttotheguestsdancingandlaughingaroundher.

Themanstopsbeforeher,reachingouttograspherhand.Inaninstantreaction,shethrustshishandawaywithaforceful joltandhersuddenmovementbrushesheruntoucheddrink,sendingthebrownliquorspillingacrossthebar.

“Howdareyouputyourhandsonme...”thewomanthreatensinastrong,determinedvoice. She has a temper,Ithink. “Comeon,Mrs Prescott Youknowthebossdoesn'tlikeyouhangingoutinclubswithouthim”

“Idon'tcarewhatBrandonthinks.HecangofuckhimselfforallIcare.WhatIdoorwhereIgoarenolongerhisconcern.” Themomentthemanraiseshishandtotouchheragain,Istepbetweenthem “She'smadeitclearthatshedoesn'twanttogo withyou.”

Themanisbiggerthanme,butthatdoesn'tintimidateme.Istandfirmlyinfrontofhim,shieldingthewomanbehindme.

“Mindyourownfuckingbusiness,”themanmumbles

Asmallsmirkcreepsacrossmylips,andwithacalmauthorityinmytone,Iusetheearpiecetosummonmyteam.“Vince,I needthesegentlemenescortedout now They'repermanentlybannedfromClubAllure”

The big man and his partner immediately turn around, surveying the scene. At least four members of my security team approachthem

Lookingatmewithdeepcontempt,themaninfrontofmetakesastepforward.“Youhavenoideawhatyou'regettinginto, orwhoyou'remessingwith,prettyboy,”hewarns.

Thesmileonmylipsbecomesmuchmorepronounced “Luckilyforyou,Idon'tgiveafuck”

Ignoringhim,Iturnasmymenescortthetwomastodonsoutoftheclubandinsteadfocusmyattentionontheyoungwoman atmyback

Shelooksupalmostimmediately,hergreeneyeslockingontominewithanintensitythatseemstopiercethroughmywalls. AsIwatchher,Ifeelsomethingstrangecontractinsidemybody,asifanolddormantemotionisawakeninginsideme No,Iattempttowarnmyself,knowingthatthismysterywomanismakingallmyalertssuddenlyjump.

“Areyouokay?”IaskinthecalmesttoneofvoiceIpossess.

Shenodsandrunsherfingersthroughherhair,goingthroughitinanapparentnervousgesture “Iappreciatewhatyou've done,butthatwon'tstopthem,”shestates.

“Icancallthepolice,ifyouwish”

The stranger denies. “No. Withthemitwon'tdo anygood.” Agrimace furrows her perfectlips. “They're partlyright. I appreciatethehelp,butyou'ddowelltostayoutofit.Youdon'tknowwhoyou'remessingwith.”

Curious, Iraise aneyebrow. It's obvious thatshe's runningfromsomeone, and thatpersonintimidates her enoughto not wanttoinvolveanyoneinherproblems.

It'salsoevidentthatshe'sastronggirl.Facedwiththeprecariousnessofthesituation,sheisnottrembling,nor

lookscared,justresentful.

“Inthatcase,I'llwalkyoutoyourcar,ifyou’dlike” “Ididn'tbringacar,”admitsthestranger.

“Doyouwishmetodriveyousomewherethen?”

Shelooksatmewithoneofhereyebrowsraisedinquestion.“Thatwon'tbenecessary...”

“Ethan,”Iintroducemyselfandextendahandtowardher “EthanCallahan,ownerofClubAllure” Forthefirsttime,thestrangerlooksimpressed.Shereachesoutherhandandshakesmine.Hersteadypulseandwarmhand combinedwiththefleetingbuttantalizingscentofherperfumeismesmerizing.

“Kristine KristineStern-Prescott,”sheintroducesherself

Married or divorced last name, interesting...

“Kristine,”Icallouttoher,drawingheralittleclosertomebecauseofthebustleoftheclub,tryingtoignoretheobvious chemistryfloatingbetweenus. “Iunderstand thatyoumaybe ina delicate situation, butIhave a feelingyoucan't, and don't wantto,spendthenighthidingherefromthemeither”

Agrimacecurvesherlips,andsheslowlyshakesherhead.“No,thatisnotmyintention,”sheadmits.

“Thenletmetakeyouhome.Orifyouprefer,toahotel.They'llexpecttoseeyouleave,buttheywon'tfollowmycar,”I assureher

She gives me a look, somewhat distrustful, though I would also say she seems amused. “How do I know you can be trusted?”

Asmilealmostformsovermylips.“Youhavenowayofknowing.You'lljusthavetotrustme.” “I'mnotgoodattrustingstrangers.”

That makes two of us.

Shelooksatme,probablyanalyzingthesituationandrealizingthatIam,infact,heronlyoption.

Sighing,Kristinenods “Okay I'llgowithyou”

Ireachoutandshetakesmyhandcarefully,almostgently.

Herfingersaresoftandwarmtothetouchandhergazepossessesacertainstrengthandcouragethatdazzlesme,thoughit doesn'tcompletelyeclipsethewearinessIseereflectedinhereyes.

Thesituationisprobablybeyondher.

FeelingIoweittoher,Istate,“Iknowyoudon'tknowme,butyoucantrustme.Iwon'thurtyou.” Kristinenods.“Iknow,”sheadmits.

“Howdoyouknow?”

Shegivesmeasmile.Thefirstoneofthenight.“Becausetheprincedoesn'tshowupinthestorytokidnaptheprincess.” Wantingtoburstoutlaughing,Ichallengeher “Believeme,I'mnottheprinceinthestory Morelikethedarkknight” “Good.Evenbetter,”shesighs.“BecauseI'mnoprincess.” “Sothen,whoareyou?”

Kristine seems to hesitate for a moment, but finallysmiles “Probablythe little red ridinghood who kills the wolf, or someonewhorunsawayfromthevillain.ButIassureyou,I'mnottheprincesswhostandsstill,waitingtobesaved.” “ThenIdon'thavetosaveyou”

“No,butifyougetinvolvedwithme,youmightneedbackup.”

CHAPTER TWO

KRISTINE PRESCOTT

I SHIVER INVOLUNTARILY AS westepoutoftheclub'sbubbleofwarmthandthechillofthenightairbitesatmyskin BeforeI canprotest,Ethan'sjacketsettlesovermyshoulders.Asurprisinggestureofchivalryfromamanwhosesternexteriorsuggests anythingbut.Thefabriciswarmfromhisbodyandcarriesahintofhiscologne,awoodsyscentthatseemsascomplexand intriguingasthemanhimself

“This isn't necessary,” I insist, lookingup to meet his eyes. His gaze holds mine for a heartbeat too long, anunspoken challengeinthedepthsofthosebrownorbs

“Idon'tmakeahabitoflettingwomenfreezeonmywatch,”hereplies,hisvoicesmooth,likeagedwhiskeypouredover ice

Ican'thelpbutnoticethewaythedimstreetlightscastshadowsacrosshisface,accentuatingthestronglineofhisjawand thecurlsthatdaretotrespassontohisforehead.He'shandsome undeniablyso andit'sinfuriatinghowmyheartdecidesto skip a beator two inhis presence Iscold myselfinternally;I've danced this dance before and know all too well where it leads.

Yetthere's somethingabouthimthatdraws me in Maybe it's the wayhe commands the space around him, anunspoken authorityemanatingfromhimthatseemstowhisperpromisesofsafetyandprotection.Orperhapsit'sthesheerphysicalityof him tallandwell-builtinawaythatspeaksofstrengthwithoutarrogance.

We walk in silence toward his car, and every step feels like a battle between my resolve and the magnetic pull I feel towardhim.Thenightwrapsaroundus,carryingawaythepulsingbeatofmusicfromClubAllureandleavingbehindaquiet thatfeelsheavywithwordsunsaid

Heopensthepassengerdoorforme,andasIslideintotheleatherseat,ourhandsbrush justbarely acurrentzippingup myarmatthecontact Iwithdrawquickly,foldingmyhandsinmylapasifthey'vebeenburned

Ethanslidesintothedriver'sseatwithease,startingtheenginewitharoarthatbreaksthroughmyreverie.“Whereto?”he asks,glancingoverwithanunreadableexpression.

“MapleStreet,”Ireply,keepingmyvoicesteadydespitethestormraginginsideme.“It'sthebuildingonthecorner.”

TheheatfromhisjacketenvelopsmelikeanembraceIdidn'tknowIwascraving.Myfingersgrazeoveritsmaterial.It's softyetsubstantial muchlikehowIimagineEthan’shugsmightbe,envelopingbutnotsuffocating Idon'thaveajacketwithmebecauseIleftitattheevent,whichIhadtofleefromtotrytogetridofthosetwo.Butthat's somethingIcan'texplaintoEthan

Ican'texplain anything thathappens.Thatthemenfollowingmearetwoofmyex-husband'sbodyguards.Thatafteryears ofabuseIleftBrandon,buthe'snotcomprehendingthatasignedadivorcedecreemeanshecan'tdictatemylife.

NorcanItellhimaboutthemillion-dollarsummyex-husbandhasdemandedhegetoutofthisungodlycustodywarover ourson.Becausehe'sawell-knownandpowerfulpolitician,hell-bentonmakingmylifemiserableforwantingout.

No,thedetailsofmylifearenotEthan'sbusiness,norshouldtheybeanyoneelse's Theyareminealone Still,theywould servetoexplainwhyIhadtotakerefugeinhisclub,withoutacoat,afteraheatedchasethroughthestreetsofNewYorkinthe middleofthenightwhenwinterisdeepintotheseason

ButI'mgratefulforEthan'sintervention.Andthere'ssomethingabouthimthatIcan'texplain.Somethingthatcallstomeas ifIamdrawntohimbyamysteriousbutundeniableforce.

As we drive, the cityblurs pastus a canvas streaked withcolors frompassingcars and neonsigns Mymind wanders backtoBrandon,toourmarriagethatwasnothingmorethanawell-constructedfaçade.

WithEthanbesideme,everymilewecoverfeelslikeanotherstepawayfromthatlife alifewhereIwasnothingmore

thananaccessorytosomeoneelse'sambitions.

Ethandoesn'tattemptsmalltalk,forwhichI'mgrateful.There'scomfortinthesilencebetweenus itallowsmetocollect mythoughtswithouthavingtoputupwallsordonmasks

I study himout of the corner of my eye. There's an ease to his movements a relaxed grip on the steering wheel, an occasional glance inthe rearview mirror thatcontradicts the tensionIsensed inhimbackatClub Allure He drives with purposeyetwithouturgency,navigatingthroughtrafficasifheownseveryinchofthiscity.

Ethanis obviouslyolder thanme,althoughIfindhimnoless attractive He's probablyinhis late thirties,while I'monly twenty-seven.

Yethestill hasacertainyouthful air abouthiscountenance.Heistall,withdarkcurlyhair thathewearscroppedonthe sidesandalittlehigherontop,lookingslightlytousledandfashionable

Withsun-brownedskin,browneyes,fulllipsandaworkedbody,Ethanisextremelyattractivetome,andthereisacertain aloofairabouthimthatintriguesme

Thecar slowsinfrontofoneofNew York'smostupscaleneighborhoods.Myluxuriouscage.Awaveofdisappointment washes over me the ride was too short, this strange interlude with Ethan is ending too soon But it’s for the best After Brandon’sbetrayal,trustisnotsomethingIgiveawayfreelyanymore.

“Thankyou,”Imurmurasheputsthecarinpark.“Foreverythingtonight.”

Ethannodsoncebeforerespondingwithahintofwarmthbreakingthroughhisotherwisecooldemeanor “It'swhatanyone would'vedone.”

Butwebothknowthat'snottrue There'ssomethingdifferentaboutEthanCallahanand despiteeverylogicalfiberinme screamingcaution,againstallbetterjudgment Ifindmyselfdrawnintohisorbit. Iglanceinthesidemirror,andthroughthetintedwindows,Icanseemypursuers'carparkedacrossthestreet.

“They'rewaitingforyou,”Ethannotes,followingmygazeandsettlinghisonthesamecarI'venoticed. Inod.“Whatever.They'llgettiredofit,”Isay,eventhoughIknowit'salie. “Dotheyhaveaccesstoyourplace?”

“Ichangedthecodeonthedoors,butsomethingtellsmetheymightknowit,”Iadmit. Sighing,Ethanreachesforhishandleandopensthedoor

“Whatdoyouthinkyou'redoing?”

“Isn'titobvious?I'mcomingwithyou.”

Ilookathim,impressed,tryingtodeducewhathe'supto,butIunderstandhe'sjusttryingtohelp.

Allinall,Ican'tdenythatIfindtheoffertemptingbecauseIdon'twanttobealonerightnow.I'llneveradmititoutloud, butBrandon'sguardsscaretheshitoutofme

Ourstepsechointheemptylobby.It'sacoldreminderoftheopulencethatfailstocomfort.Ethan'shandrestslightlyonmy back,notpushingorsteering,justthere asilenttestamenttohisunspokenpromiseofsafety

I punch in the elevator code, a series of numbers I've done a thousand times, but now my fingers tremble. He doesn't commentonit,justwatchesthenumberslightuponebyone.

Weascendinsilence,thesofthumoftheelevatorlikealullabyI'mtoostrungouttoappreciate Ileanagainstthemirrored wall, catching our reflection. We look like opposites his dark and brooding figure next to my lighter frame but there's somethingeerilyrightaboutusstandingsidebyside

The hallway to my apartment is deserted, the plush carpet muffling our footsteps. Every door we pass is an unspoken reminderofneighborswhosleeppeacefully,oblivioustotheturmoilinmychest

The guards are outthere Brandon's henchmen and thoughtheycan'treachme here, their presence is a shackle Ican't shakeoff.

Ethan'sproximitysendsacurrentthroughmethat'spartadrenaline,partsomethingfarmoredangerous Icanfeeltheheat radiatingfromhisbody,smellthatsamewoodsyscentthatclingstohisjacketstilldrapedovermyshoulders.Myheartthrums achaoticrhythm FearandattractionintertwineuntilIcan'ttellthemapart

Wereachmydoor,andIhesitatebeforeenteringthecodeintothekeypad.Willtheyknowit?Havetheybeenherealready? IpushthethoughtawayandfocusonEthan'spresencebesideme asolidforceinthisshiftinglandscapeofmylife

The door clicks open, and we step inside. The familiar sightofmylivingroomoffers no solace tonight. Everyshadow seemslikeahidingplaceforunseenthreats.Ethanmovespastme,surveyingthespacewithanexperiencedeye aprotector assessingpotentialdangers

Ishouldbeterrified Iamterrified butthere'sathrillthatcomesfrombeingthisclosetoEthanCallahan.Hisnearness sendsshiversdownmyspinethathavenothingtodowithfear

It’smadness afterBrandon,afterswearingoffmenandtheircomplications tofeelthispulltowardsomeonelikeEthan. Iwatchhimmovethroughmyspacewithagracethatbelieshissize.Hecheckswindows,testslocks.Hisvigilanceasilent vow againstthreats lurkinginthe night. And witheverycareful checkhe performs, somethinginside me uncoils, a tensionI didn'trealizeIwasholding.

“Lookssecure,”hefinallysays,turningbacktofacemewiththosedeepbrowneyesthatdon'tmissathing.

“Thankyou,”Iwhisper,thoughitfeels inadequatefor all he'sdone for all he's makingmefeel inthesestolenmoments awayfrommyreality

“Don'tmentionit,”hereplieswithashrugthattriestoseemnonchalantbutdoesn'tquitesucceed.

Iwanttosaymore totell himhow hismerepresencehasbecomebothbalmandtormentformetonight Butwordsfail me.They'retooflimsytoconveythedepthofwhat’sstirringwithin.

EthanstepscloserandforamomentIthinkhemightactuallyheartheclamorofmyheartbeat Hereachesoutslowly asif givingmetimetoretreat andgentlypullshisjacketfrommyshoulders.

Hisfingersbrushagainstmyskinandit'selectric asparkthatthreatenstoignitesomethingneitherofusispreparedfor. Ishouldpull away,buildwallsbetweenusthickenoughtorival theonesaroundthisfortressofmine Butinstead,Ifind myselfleaningintohistouch,cravingmoreofthisdangerouscomfortheofferswithouteventrying.

“Youshouldgetsomerest,”Ethansayssoftly,thoughthere'satensioninhisvoicethattellsmerestisthefurthestthingfrom hismind.

Inodandwatchhimheadforthedoorwithslowsteps Butbeforeheleaves,Istophim “Wait,”Iask Myhandsettlesonthecrookofhisarm. What am I doing? Iwonder.Buttheinstanthiseyesmeetmine,IknowthatIdon't wanthimtoleave.

“Stay,”Iaskhim

Ethanlooksintomyeyes.Helooksintrigued,butnotsurprised.

Partlyhatingmyselfforhavingtoadmitit,Iconfesstohim “Idon'twanttobealone”

IholdEthan'sgaze,unwaveringdespitethestormofemotionsswirlinginsideme.Hiseyes,adeepwellofbrown,search mineasifhe'slookingforsomethingmorethanthewordsI'vejustspoken.It'sascrutinythatfeelsasheavyasitiselectric,and Ibracemyselfagainstit.

“Please.”Thesinglewordhangsbetweenuslikeadare.

He doesn'tmove atfirst, doesn'tspeak Instead, Ethanstands there withanintensitythatseems to fill the room, to wrap aroundmeinawaythat'sbothterrifyingandexhilarating.Icanseethegearsturningbehindthoseeyes,thecarefulweighingof myrequest

Iknowhowitmustlook howvulnerableImustseem.Awoman,aloneandscared,askingamanshebarelyknowstostay thenight.ItgoesagainsteveryruleofcautionI'vesetformyselfsinceBrandon.Butrightnow,withEthan'spresencefillingup thespacelikeatangibleforce,cautionisalanguageIrefusetospeak.

Thesilencestretcheson.Istandrootedtothespotbymyownplea,bytherealizationthatI'velaidbareaneedIdidn'tfully understanduntilthismoment

Finally,hebreaksthesilencewithwordsthatcomeoutmeasuredandlow.

“Kristine ”Ethanstarts,hisvoicethreadingthroughmynamelikeit'ssomethingprecioushe'safraidtobreak “Areyou sure?BecauseifIstay...”

He doesn't finish the sentence, but he doesn't have to. The implication hangs in the air palpable and charged with possibility Ashiverrunsthroughme notfromfearbutfromsomethingelseentirely “Yes,”Icutinbeforedoubtcanpoisonmyresolve.“I'msure.”

Ethannodsslowlyasifhe'smadesomeinternaldecisionthatwasn'teasyforhimeither Hestepsbackintomyspaceand closesthedoorhehadbeensecondsawayfromexiting.

“I'llstayforabitthen,butIcan’tstaythenight,”hesayssimply,andthosethreewordsunleashatorrentofreliefsofierce itnearlybucklesmyknees.

Iwatchhimmovethroughmyapartmentagain thistimenotasaprotectorcheckingforthreatsbutasaguestsettlinginto anunfamiliarspace There'sanoddsenseofintimacywatchinghimrolluphissleevesorglancearoundtheroom apeekinto howhemightinhabithisownworldwhennooneelseiswatching.

Ishouldprobablyofferhimsomething wateroranextrablanket somegestureofhospitalitytobridgethisgapbetween strangerandsavior.Butinstead,weembraceanunderstandingthattranscendssuchformalities.Anunderstandingthattonightis aboutmorethansocialniceties

AsEthansettlesontomycouchwithaneasethatbeliesthetensionwe'rebothfeeling,Irealizehowmuchthismeans how much he meansalready.Inthiscityfull ofpeople,he'sbecomemyislandinastormysea,theonethingstandingbetweenme andthechaoswaitingjustoutsidemydoor

I'mnotnaive enoughto thinkthis changes anythingaboutmycomplicated life or the battles yetto come. Butfor tonight, withEthanCallahanchoosingtostaybymyside,Ifeel somethinglike hope stirringwithin Adangerous thingfor a heartas batteredasmine.

Inafearlessmovement,Istandonmytiptoes,seekingtogetclosertohimandlookupathim,feelingthetensionfloating betweenusintheair.

Ethanwatchesme,waitingformetomakemymove.HeknowsaswellasIdowhatIdesire.Probablybecausehedesires

thesamething.

Myhead moves forward a little, tilts, and thenIwait. Ifhe wants this, will he take the laststep and bridge the distance betweenus?

For a momentnothinghappens, butthenEthancomes closer. The softbutfirmtouchofhis mouthfinds mine, and a sigh leavesmymouth Ibegintokisshim,notknowinghowwegottothismomentbutalsohopinghewon’tstop.

Ethan's hands wrap around mywaist Slowly, almost as if he intends to prolongthe sensations betweenus as muchas possible,hesqueezesandholdsmeagainsthisbody,causinganunexpectedmoanofsurprisetoleavemylips. Hepullsawayforamoment,hisforeheadrestingagainstmine.“Tellmeifyouwishmetostop.” “Pleasedon'tstop”

Hislipsfindmineagainandhenimblyliftsmeupashepullsmetightagainsthisbody. And,asmylegswraparoundhiships,IdiscoverthatthisisexactlywhatIwant, what I need It’sbeentoolongsincethelasttimeIfeltlikethis,temptedbyamantothepointofwantingtogivemyselfawayforeven onenight Toforgeteverything,myname,mydivorce,andmyex'sthreats Iwanttolosemyselfinsomeoneelse. In him.

CHAPTER THREE

ETHAN

MY HANDS GLIDEwitheaseoverKristine'sAphrodite-likefigure

“Ethan...”whispersKristineagainstmymouth,justbeforeIdropherontothebed.

Ineverthoughtthenightwouldendthisway,buthereweare,withhersprawledoutonthebedformeas,forthefirsttime inalongtime,IcraveundressingawomanwithallthatIam MyhandssettlesecurelyonKristine'sgracefulfigure,rollingherontothesheets,andIfinishremovingherdress.

Sheturnsherheadandlooksupatmethroughacloudofdarkhairframingthegreenofhereyes Shecatchesmeeyeingher asscoveredbylacypanties.

“Enjoyingtheview?”sheteases

Herteethbitingherlowerlip,shewaitsasIexamineherass,revelinginthesightandenjoyingknowingthatthisperfect womanismine.Atleastforonenight.

“Youhavenoideahowmuch ”Igrowl

MyhandsmovenimblyoverthebeltofmypantsasIunbuckleit.Kristinefinishesrollingoveronthebedandhertorsois exposed

“Okay,hurryup.Youdon'twanttoseewhatI'mlikewhenIgetimpatient.”

Smiling,shetwists,andIdragmyhandoverherbody.Sherollsthelengthofmytiearoundherhand,andIletherguideme toherbody,mymouthfindinghersagain.

Myhandstangleinherhairasherfingersquicklyundothebuttonsofmyshirt.Herhandsgoupandovermyshoulders.Ilet hercontrolthepaceasIcatchherwristswithoneofmyhandsandnibblefromhershouldertoherneck

“Doyouhaveacondom?”Iwhisperinherear.

Kristinenods “Onthenightstand,”shemurmurs

“Good,”Istandupandslowlypulloffmyshirtandpants,enjoyingherimpatienceashereyesdevourmeprovocatively. She watches mycockas itis exposed, erectand withprecumbeadingatthe tip, eager to sinkdeep into her. One ofher eyebrowsrises.

“Whatdoyouwanttonight?”Ileanover,brushingthequestionoverherheatedskin.

Kristine's moanis somethingthat could become anaddiction Takingher firmlybythe hips, I pull her to me and begin kissingherbelly.

Immediately, Kristine releases a moan of pleasure My thumbs hook into her panties and tug at them, stripping her completelynaked.

Ipositionmyselfbetweenherlegs,gettingonmyknees,andIspreadherlegswide.Kristinelookssurprised.Ismilewith hersexcompletelyatmydisposal

Itakeherentiremoistcoreintomymouth,mytonguefindingherentrance,partingherfolds,andIsuckgentlyonherclit. Iteaseherwithsoftlicksandflicks,tastingherjuices,savoringthetangy,saltyflavor Herlegstrembleastakemytime, kissingandnippingathersex.

“Ethan ”Theshakeinhervoiceletsmeknowshe'sclose Ichuckle,takingthataspermissiontodivebackin,lickingandsuckingonhersweetfolds,circlingherclitwithmytongue beforedelvinginsideher.

She groans loudly, buckingagainstmyface as Idevour her pussylike it's dinner She throws her head back, her fingers twistinginmyhair,diggingintomyscalp.

Mytonguestrokesoverher,givingherpleasure Shethrustsagainandagainagainstmytongue,withhermoansresonating

acrosstheroom.

Thenacryripsthroughtheair,herlegsrelaxthenclench,butIdon'tstop.AsIfeelhercoming,Ipreparetopossessher.

Ipullback,lickinghersweetnessfrommouth She'slimpbeneathme

“I'mnotfinishedwithyou.”

One ofmyhands slips betweenher legs and begins to caress her as the other moves up to her breasts to manipulate the erectnipples.Thatwastheappetizer,nowI'mgettingherreadyforthemaincourse.

Withoneofmyfingers,Ipenetrateher,feelingthedelicious,excitingwetnessagain Shemoansandanotherofmyfingers slipsinsideher,slippinginandoutwithease.

“Oh,Ethan...please,”shebegs.

Imassageherfullbreasts,manipulatinghererectnipples,whileshekeepsbeggingformore “Pleasewhat?”Ismileandthentakemyerectcockinmyhand.

“Iwantyouinsideme”

“Yourwishismycommand.”

Ifinallyslidemycockintohertight,wetheat

Her moanblends withmygroan. Ipull backslightly, makingher whimper inprotest before Iplunge backinagain, her warmthencasingme.She'ssoftandwet,andsofuckingtightmybodyshuddersatthefeelofhergrippingme.

“You'resotight,”Igroan,slidingmyhandsdowntoherhipsandgrippingthemtightly “Fuck ” Her breathhitchesasIgripher shoulder,pumpinginandoutofher.Iwatchher breastsjigglewiththemotionwitheach thrust Imovemyhandtoherclit,circlingitwithmythumbasIpushdeeper

My eyes lock onto hers. She watches me intently, mouth slightly open, eyes filled with desire and lust. I feel her heat envelopingme,herwetnesscoatingmycockasIstarttomovefaster,harder.

Thisisn'twhatIexpectedwhenIsawKristinethroughthemonitor.IthoughtI'dhelpheroutandbeonmyway,yetherewe are.

Hernailsdigintomyshouldersasshegaspsforair,bitingherlip,holdingbackamoan “Oh,Ethan,”shepants “Fuck harder.”

Ismile downat her, takingher lips ina bruisingkiss as Ithrust into her Her hips buckup to meet mine and her body tremblesunderneathme.Thesweetscentofherarousal fillsmynostrils,andIcan'thelpbutpull herintoanotherdemanding kiss.

MytonguetwirlsaroundhersasIpushdeeper.She'ssoftandwarmandtasteslikethefinestredwine.Herdelicatefingers clutchatmyshoulders,holdingonfordearlifeasIpumpintoherwithaslow,deliberaterhythm.

Iteaseherclit,circlingitexpertly,myfreehandworkingitsmagic Herhipsbuckuptomeetmine,beggingformore,her gaspsofpleasureminglingwithmyroughgrunts.

Igripherhairandpullherback Myeyestracethecurvesofherbody,takingineveryinchofher,memorizingthewayshe looksinthismoment.

She'sgorgeous,passionate,wild.

Herscentisintoxicating,herskinfeverishlyhotundermytouch Witheachthrust,Imaintainmyfocusonherclit,rubbingit fasterandharder,aimingtoerasethebullshitshehadtoenduretonight.

Kristine'ssoftmoansturnintogrowls,andIincreasemypace Ipushsodeepwe'rebreathinginunison,inaheightenstate I'veneverexperienced.

Herskinglistenswithsweat Ifeelherinnerwallsclenchingaroundme,squeezingmetight Ileandown,mylipstracinga pathfromherjawlinetoherearlobe,nippinggently.

“That'sit,baby.Letgo.Letgoforme.”

Herbodyquiversunderneathmine,andIkissherneck,tastingthesweetsaltinessofherskin Islamintoheragain,hearing thesoftthudofourhipsmeeting.

Mybody's thrusts accelerate Myconcentrationand mydesire completelysurrendered to the beautiful womanwho has captivatedme.

Acryripsfromherlipsandherpussygripsmycocklikeavice

“Fuck…”Ibuck.

AndjustwhenIthinkIcan'ttakeanymorepleasure,theorgasmspillsoutofme,andwithahoarsemoan,Icome,feeling thewayherbodytensesandpressesagainstmycockjustbeforeshecumsagain Webothcollapseonthebed,exhausted.Herlegsintertwinewithmine.Herarmsarelockedaroundmychest.

I'mnotthekindofmansheneeds Itriedbeingthegoodguyanditleftmebetrayedwithaholeinmyheartthat'shealed withanuglyscar.

“Ohmygod.Thatwas...”

“Iknow,”Ideclare,kissingKristine'slipsslowlyanddeliciously,knowingthatwithher I'vesurrenderedinadangerous way.

InawayIsworeI'dneversurrenderagain.

Kristinelooksatme,andforamoment,IthinkIfindsomethinginhereyesthatIrecognize.Somethingthatmakesmefeel andunderstandthat,forher,thishasn'tbeenafleetingthingeither

MytextnotificationsoundsthenandIcheckitonthespot,byinstinct.It'sfromJackson,mybusinesspartner.I'msupposed tobetheownerondutytonight

Sighing,Istandup.“Igottago.”

“Youwereseriousaboutnotstayingthenight,”shejokes,coveringhercleavagewiththesheets Agrimacefurrowsmylips.“I'dstaylongerifIcould,but...”

“Don'tworry.Iunderstand.Youhavenothingtoexplaintome,”sherepliessimply. Shestandsup,allowingmeanotherglimpseofherperfectbody

Irevel initasIlookatherandthenshakemyhead,knowingImustgetdressedandleaveassoonaspossible.Theclub needsme

ButIcan'tjustleaveandwalkawayfromher.Ijustcan't. “Hey,”IsaytoKristine,pullingherbacktome

Itakeherhandandkissitlongandhard,leavingoneofmybusinesscardsinherhand. Shelooksatmeandraisesaneyebrow.“What'sthis?”

“Mypersonalnumber,”Ianswersimply,hopingI'mnotmakinganothermistake Kristinelooksatitandnodsslowly.

“Don'tdisappear,”Iaskher

Shegivesmeasmall,precioussmile.“Ditto.”

Kissingherlipsonelasttime,Isilentlysaygoodbye,leavingtheroominahurry,andIwalkthesilenthallwayswithbarely aglancetotheside.

ButwhenIreachthelobby,Idiscoversomethingthatcatchesmyattention.Apictureofaman,smiling,holdinghandswith achildandKristinegatheredtohischest

Tall,withtannedskinandaperfectsmile,darkhair,andanexpensivesuit.Hislooksvaguelyfamiliar.Andthen,suddenly, IrealizewhoKristine'sex-husbandis

“BrandonPrescott...Youdidn'tmentionyouweremarriedtoasonofabitch,”Iwhispertomyself.

Therenownedpolitician,BrandonPrescott,orashe’sknownintheunderworld:TheChameleon. “Lovedbyallindaylight,butintruth...”

Suddenly,itallmakessense.Theclubthugs,Kristine'sreluctancetoleavewiththem,andherfear,aswellasherwarnings. TochallengePrescottinsidethiscityistomesswithdeath ButIdon'tcare

Afterall,forthefirsttimeinalongtime,IthinkI'vefoundsomethingworthfightingfor.

CHAPTER FOUR

KRISTINE

“COME ON,Krissy,didyouhavetochallengemelikethat?”Hisvoice,colderthantheiceunderfoot,slicesthroughme Isigh,tryingtoholdbackthescreamthatattemptstoleavemylips,aproductofmyfrustration.

FrostnipsatmycheeksasIwalkinthequiethushofthewintermorning.Theairiscrisp,clean,filledwiththepromiseof snow,andeachbreathfeltlikeafreshstartuntilBrandoncalled Mybootscrunchover thefrostthatcarpetsthepaththroughCentral Park.Thisplace,atranquil sanctuaryinthemidstof citychaos,hasalwaysbeenmyescape

Idrawinasharpbreath,watchingitcrystallizebeforeme.Myheartsinkslikeastonethrownintoafrozenlake.Thebeauty aroundmefadestograyatthesoundofhisvoice Yetanotherthingmyex-husbandhasruinedforme

“Ididn'tchallengeyou,”Isayevenly.“Ijuststoodupformyself.”

“Standingup for yourself,” he scoffs. “Youknow what's atstake here.” Brandon's words have anedge thatcould freeze overhellitself

“Yes,Idoknow,”Ireply,refusingtoshowhimevenanounceoffear.“That'sexactlywhyIwon'tbackdown.”

“Justrememberwhatyouhavetolose”Thepredatorytoneinhiswordsshouldwarnme,butI'mtiredofbeingbulliedand forcedintoacorner.

Istop,holdingthephonetightlyandtryingnottoletmyhandtrembleasIrespond.“Challengingyou,Brandon?Youhave norighttosendyourgoonstokeepaneyeonme!”

Heburstsoutlaughing.“Onthecontrary,Krissy.IhaveeveryrighttodowhatIdid.”

“Don'ttalklikeyouownme,Brandon Andstopcallingmethat”

IhateitwhenhecallsmeKrissy,orKris.Somehow,itmakesmefeelsmall,likeI'minferiortohim.

IcanalmosthearthesmileonBrandon’sfacewhenhereplies “Honey,doesitbotheryouthatIuseouroldnames?It'syou whohaschanged,notme.Thingsarebadbecauseofyou.”

“They'rebadbecauseyou...”Istarttosay,butIshutup.Idon'twanttobringupour wholehorriblepast.His words are nasty,buthisrighthookisworse.

I'mtiredofthathistory.OfbeingthewomanIalwayspromisedmyselfIwouldn'tbe.

Andheknowsit It'ssomethingheactuallyenjoysthrowinginmyface “Nomatterwhatyousay,youbelongtome,Krissy AndneedIremindyou,I'mtheonewhorulesthiscity,andnotyou?”

Hegetssilencefromme MyhandsinvoluntarilyclenchintofistsandmyteethbegintobitetheinsideofmycheeksuntilI tastebloodinmymouth.Theproductofhelplessness.Brandonseemstoknowhehasmerightwherehewantsme.“Nexttime youthinkaboutgivingyourselftooneofyourlittleescapades,rememberit'snotyouwhowillpayforit,it'shim.”

“No Don'tyoudarebringAsherintothis,”Ithreaten

“You'retheoneputtingoursonatrisk,notme,honey.Youwithyourstupidwayofacting,forgettingthateverythingyoudo influenceshim ”Afeignedsighcomesacrossthelineasifhe’srunoutofpatience “Iwouldhatetodepriveoursonofhis mother,youknowthat,butifyoukeepbehavingthisway,I'mafraidI'llhavenochoice.”

“Iwillnotallowyoutotakehimawayfromme”

“That'snotforyoutodecide,mydear,it'sforthejudgeto.AndmayIremindyou,bytheway,he’sagreatfriendofmine.” Thethreatisevident.Asalways,hetriestoletmeknowthatheistheonewhohasthepowerinthisrelationship. Apowerheachievedonlybecauseofmeandthathenowholdsagainstme Resistingtheurgetocry,Iclosemyeyes,silentlygratefulthatAsherisfarawayfromallofthis.Thecustodytrialwilltake placeinamonthanduntilthen,he’sstayingwithmymotheronvacation

“Don'tforgettobehaveyourself,honey.Andremember,I'llbewatchingyou.” Andwiththat,heendsthecall.

“Excuseme,miss,areyoualright?”

Avoicebehindmemakesmejumpandturnaroundtoseeasmartlydressedmanstandingveryclosetome. Ihadn'tevenheardhimarrive

Forcingasmile,Ishakemyheadandpocketmyphone.

“Oh,don'tworry Ifeelfine,”Isay

Thestrangerexaminesmewithanalyticaleyes.“Excusetheboldness,butdon'tweknoweachother?” “Idon'tthinkso,”Iaffirm.

“That'sfunny Iwouldsayyes”Hetapshislowerlipasifweighingthesituation,andsuddenlyasmilelightsuphisface “Ofcourse!Aren'tyouBrandonPrescott'swife?”

Here we go “Iamhisex-wife,yes,”Ireplywithasmile

Apparently,the news catches the stranger offguard,buthe immediatelyrecovers.“Right,ofcourse.Forgive me,it's just thatIoncehadtheopportunitytomeetyourhusband ”

Thatgetsmyattention.Itakeastepback,givingmyselfsomespace.

“Butwherearemymanners?MynameisDexterWhitmore.IamtheownerofTheVault.”

ThemanshakesmyhandandIforcemyselftosqueezehishandback “KristineStern-Prescott,”Iwhispermyname “It'sapleasuretomeetyou,Mrs.Prescott.”

“Samehere,”Ireplywithfauxpoliteness “Kristineisfine”

HisresultingsmilemakesmyskincrawlandItakeanotherstepback.Marriagetoapoliticianexposedmetoalltypesof people.Andithonedmyradarforcreepersbeyondmeasure. “Kristine.”

Myheadjerksinthedirectionofthefamiliarvoice.Andforthesecondtimeinasinglemorning,I'mcaughtoffguard.But thistimeit'snotanothercreepbutEthan Ethancrossesthestreetwithhisconfidentstrides.Themanisgorgeous.

Judging by his attire, he must be on his way to work Club Allure is not far away, just around the corner, so I'mnot surprisedtoseehim.Whatdoessurprisemeisthesternlookonhisface.

Ethan'simposing,aswellashandsomeinablacksuitandredtie.Theedgesofhistopcoatflapinthewind,givinghima polished,high-society-bad-boylook.

Histhick,tousledhairfallsoverhisface,andhepushesoutofthewayasheremoveshissunglasses.

There’sascowlthatseemstosignalawarningassoonashenoticesDexter “Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Ethanstandsnexttomeandsettlesahandonmybackinwhatseemstobeasomewhatterritorial,orpossiblyprotective, gesture

Butwhoisheprotectingmefrom,Dexter?Iswingmygazetothemanstillstandingbesideme,andImoveclosertoEthan. “Ah,Ethan...It'sgoodtoseeyou,”hesays.

Yes,he's tryingtoprotectme fromhim,Iimmediatelyunderstand,since the lookEthangives the rival clubowner is not friendlyatall.

“I'mafraidI'vebeenthecauseofkeepingMrs Prescottlongerthannecessary” “Don'tworry,”Istatewithafeignedsmile.“It'sbeenapleasure.”

“Samehere,”Dextersays

EthangentlynudgesmeawayfromhimandwemakeourwaytowardClubAllure.“Whatareyoudoinghere?” “I was out for my morning walk and somehow I found myself halfway to see you,” I confess. “I guess... I just got distracted”

“DexterWhitmoreisnotthekindofpersonyoushouldgetdistractedaround,”heclaimswithavehementbutdetermined tone “Jealous?”Iinquirewithasmile.

“Notatall,”Ethandenies “Buthe'sawolfinsheep'sclothing It'sbesttostayawayfromhim” “Andwhataboutyou?AreyouthekindofguyIcanbedistractedaround?”Iask,stoppingandturningtolookathim. Ethan'slipsdrawintoagrimace.“I'vetoldyoubeforethatI'mnotthegoodguyinthestory.It'sbesttolettheothernightbe whatitwas”

“AndItoldyouI'mnotahelplessprincess.Icantakecareofmyself.”

Ethanstuffshishandsinhispockets,facingme “Alrightthen Nowthatwe'veclarifiedourrolesinthestory,Ms Prescott, towhatdoIowethepleasureofyourvisit?”

HastilyIswallowbutholdbackmynerves,liftingmyheadbravely.

“Yousaidnottogetlost.”

Hisbrowcrinkles,thenanalmostimperceptiblesmiletugsatEthan'slips.“DidI?”

Inod.“Twodaysago,doyouremember?”

“Ido,yes...”

Suddenly,somethinginsidehisbodyseemstocalmdown,andIsensehisposturerelaxing

How is it possible that in such a short time he has managed to win me over? Ithinkto myself, impressed and a little scared

OneofEthan'shandsreachesuptomyface.Heseemshesitant,butafteramoment,heletshisfingerswanderandtucksa lockofmyhairbehindmyear

“Imayhavesaidthat...I'mgladyou'resuchanobedientwoman,”heteases.

Unabletohelpmyself,Isnortundermybreath.“Oh,I'mnotobedientatall,”Iobject,placingmysunglassesovermyeyes. “ButI'musuallydeterminedandgoafterwhatI'minterestedin”

“Doesthatmeanyou'reinterestedinme?”Again,Ethanraisesaneyebrow,andwiththatheliftsoneofthecornersofhis lips Helooksamusedandinterested

“IfMohammedwon'tgotothemountain...”Istarttosay.

Immediately,Ethanburstsoutlaughing “You'rehopeless,Kristine,”hesaysdecisively Butaspaymentformyboldness,IreceiveanunexpectedrewardwhenEthanleansin.Hislipsfindmine,agentlecollision thatfeelsliketheanswertoaquestionIdidn'tknowIwasasking.

Theworldaroundusblursintoirrelevance TheonlythingthatexistsinthismomentisEthanandthetenderwayhismouth movesagainstmine.

Ifeel mybodyrespond,everynerveendingfiringasifthey'recomingalivefortheveryfirsttime Hiskissdeepens,and I'mlostinthesensation,inthewarmthofhislips,thefainttasteofcoffeelingeringfromhismorning.

It'saslow dance,sensual andunhurried.Myhandsfindtheirwaytohishair,thickcurlsbetweenmyfingers,pullinghim closer,notwantingevenasliverofspacebetweenus.

Thecoldofwinterfadesaway,replacedbytheheatthatpoolswithinmeathistouch.Ethan'shandcradlesmyface,thumb brushingovermycheekboneinacaressthatsendsshiversdownmyspine He'severywhere,surroundingme,andI'mdrowning inthebestwaypossible.

Ourbreathsmingle,atestamenttotheintensitybuildingbetweenus Icanfeelthesteadybeatofhisheartagainstmychest ashepullsmecloser.There'saneedbuildingwithinme,onethatwhispersformore foreverythingEthaniswillingtogive.

Time seems to stand still as we explore eachother withanurgencythatspeaks volumes. His other hand trails downmy back,tracingthelineofmyspinethroughthefabricofmycoatbeforerestingonmywaist.It'sapossessiveholdthattellsme I'mexactlywhereIbelong.

I've never been kissed like this before like I'ma treasure that he's afraid to lose It's both exhilarating and terrifying because with each passing second, I realize more and more how much I want this man. How much I crave his touch, his presence

How did it happen so fast?

Whenwefinallypartforair,ourforeheadsrestagainsteachotheraswetrytocatchourbreath.Hisbrowneyesaredark withemotion,andtheylockontominewithanintensitythatnearlyknocksmeoffmyfeet

“I'mnotusuallysoforward,”Iwhisper,butthere'snoregretinmyvoice onlywonder. Ethansmirks,“Icouldgetusedtoit”

And just like that, with one simple kiss, Ethan has shifted something within me something profound and terrifyingly beautiful

“Does this meanyou'reinterestedinmetoo?”Iinquire.Oneofhis hands tangles inmyhair,his warmbreathtracingmy lipslikeapreludetoanotherkiss.

“I'mnotthegoodguy,Kristine”Ethanstepsback,andIresistthetemptationtoreachforhimagain

Hisproximitydoesstrangethingstomyinsides,makingthemflutterwithanticipation.Hewarnedmethathewasn'tagood guyandyethereIam,unabletowalkaway

Somethingabouthimkeepsdrawingmein.

Hisexpressionsoftensashestudiesme,hisgazemovingovermyfeaturesasthoughcommittingthemtomemory Iholdmy breath,waitingforwhatevercomesnext.

“AndI'mnotaskingyoutobe.”

“Butyoushould,sweetheart,becauseyoudeserveit”HecupsmycheekandIreachup,grippinghiswrist,holdinghimin place.

“HowaboutyouletmedecidewhatIneed?”Itakethatlaststepsothathismouthandminecanmeet ThistimeIkisshim.Amoanslipsbetweenmylipsandhisthicktonguefindsmine.Eagerlipssilentlyspeakingalanguage farolderthanwords.

AndIletmyselfgo,payingnoattentiontoanythingandsurrenderingtothepleasureofhavinghimclose.Iknow thatI'm probablynotthewomanheneedseither.

Icomewithbaggage.Butthatdoesn'tmatternow,becauseit'suptohimtodecidewhethertheriskisworthit. “You'vebeenwarned.”

CHAPTER FIVE

ETHAN

“ARE youhavingfunwithGrandma,honey?Ofcourse,don'tworry!You'llbehomesoon”

Kristine's voice is softbutlivelyas she speaks to her son. I'mcaptured bythe subtle shifts inher tone, the warmththat seemstopourthroughherwords.It'sanintimatedisplay,onethathintsatamaternallovethat’sprofoundandunconditional.

Myeyeswanderthroughherapartment,takinginthedetailsImissedinthedarknessoflastweek

Classical music plays in the background. Vivaldi's strings swell with aching beauty, each note resonating in the highceilingedroom Fillingthespacewithanauraofbothgraceandmelancholy

For a moment, I'mlost in the interplay of sound, the way it weaves through the clinking of utensils in the kitchen, her muffledlaughter,andthedistanthumofthecitybelow

Isitbackonthecouchandtakeabreather.KristineandImetlastweek,andbetweenlate-nightphonecallsandtheclub,I coulduseafewhoursofsleep.

Thefurniturespeaksofrefinedtaste Thewoodhasarich,deephue,polishedtoashine Here,amidhercarefullychosen decor,Kristinehasmanagedtocreateasanctuaryfromthechaoticpulseofthecity.

Thescentofgarlicandonionsfilledtheairmomentsago,andnowitmingleswiththeearthyaromaofmushroomsandthe richnessofcream.It’sacomplexaroma,onethatstirsasenseofhomeandalifefarremovedfromtheglitzofClubAllure.

“I'msosorryfortheinterruption.”

Kristinere-entersthemainroom.Ineachhand,shecarriesadeepplateofraviolicoatedinaheavycreamsauce.Ihelpher carryitallovertothecoffeetable,andwesitcasuallyontheflooraswetakeinthebreathtakingviewofthecity.

ThethickweaveofthePersianrugbeneathourlegs,theslightchillofwineglassesasourfingersbrushagainstthem,the smoothsurfaceofporcelainaswesetourplatesdown.

Asilencefallsbetweenus

Icutintothedish.Thepastaisperfectlyaldente,eachbiteatestamenttoherskillsinthekitchen,asurprisingcontrastto theimageofherpresentedbythemedia awomanofgraceunderpressureandnottheculinaryartistsheprovesherselftobe.

Kristinestaresoutthewindowattheautumnalscenery,sippingfromherglass.

“Tellmeaboutyourson.Whyisn'thewithyou?”

Hergreeneyesroundasshelowersherwinetothetable Sheswallows,givingmeastrainedsmile “It'salongstory,”she replies.“NothingI'dwanttoboreyouwith.”

Which couldn't be further from the truth because I want to know everything about her

Themysteriouswomanfascinatesme.Wehadamazingsex,andIwalkedaway,neverintendingtocircleback.

Inthefirstcoupleofdays,Idebatedwhethertocallher,butthefearoffallingforawomanagainalwaysstoppedme.But fatebroughtherbacktome

Pickingupthefork,Icutintoamushroomravioliandpopitintomymouth.

“Testme,sweetheart”

Kristine hesitates, a blushwarmingher cheeks.Emotions flitacross her face, her eyes darkenwithmemories before she steelsherself Theworldoutsidemoveson,indifferenttoherturmoil

“Afterwhatfeltlikeaneternityofcourtroombattlesandemotionalupheaval,theinkonmydivorcepapersfinallydrieda fewmonthsback.”

Inod,notwantingtointerrupthersinceI'minterestedinthestory

ThePrescottdivorceshouldhaveasectioninTheNewYorkTimes.Iknowtheminorinsandoutsoftheirmessydivorce, butmygrowinginterestinallthingsKristinePrescottisaboutthedetails Thelastreportwasaboutherexwasholdingoutfor

amulti-million-dollarpayoutfromtheSterns.

“Brandoncan'tacceptdefeat,andwhenmyfolksthreatenedtofilecharges,hesigned.Butnotbeforemakingmepayforthe bad press” Kristine states, playfully pushing the ravioli back and forth on her plate “He doesn't particularly like it, the rejectionorthatthedivorcegavehimverybadpublicity.Sohe'spunishingmebytakingawaytheonethingIwantfromhim.” “Yourson”

Shenods.“Asher.”

Kristine’s voicetrembles slightlyas shebegins tospeakofBrandonandAsher,her toneastarkjuxtapositionagainstthe serenityofhersurroundings.Thetensionintheroompulsesasifthewallsarepressinginwiththeweightofherconfession.

She folds over, her sobs fillingthe silence. Iround the table and gather her inmyarms, kissingthe top ofher head. The roomfeelssmaller,moreintimate,asifhervulnerabilityandthetruthbehindithavesuckedtheairfromtheapartment

“Don't cry, sweetheart. I'm here.” My embrace tightens, my resolve to shield her from any more harm is fierce and unwavering “He'spressingforsharedcustody”

Herreplyisresolute.“No.Full.”

Thereareotherstories “Andaretheotherstoriestrue?Abouttheabuse?” “Brandonwouldn'tdarelayafingeronAsher.”

Angersimmerstothesurface.“Andyou,Kristine?Didheharmyou?”

“Yes”Heradmissionisbarelyaudible,lacedwithrawemotion “ThelastthingIwantisformysontomirrorhisfather's ways,”shemurmurs,thewordscatchinginherthroat.

Ipullherevencloser

Kristine sighs. “I have money, but he has power. People protect himwhile he makes me look like a negligent mother. Thankfully,he'sscaredofmyparents.Butitdoesn'tstophimfromfuckingwithme.”

“HowcanIhelp?”

ButKristineshakesherhead.“Youcan't.That'sthejoyofbeingmarriedtoapolitician.He'sBFFswithjudges,lawyers, andthepolice Hewon'tstopuntilheforcesmetogoback”

No. That'll never happen.

Shecoversherfacewithherhands,rocking “Ican'tlosemyson,Ethan IfthejudgerulesinBrandon'sfavor,I'llbeforced togoback.I'llhaveto,toprotectAsher.”

Shebeginstosob,andthenIcannolongercontainmyself.

Iliftherfacetoseeherbeautifulgreeneyes.“Hey,lookatme.Thatwon'thappen.”

Kristineshakesherhead.Evenwithherpuffyeyesandtear-stainedcheeks,shelooksbeautiful.Withherdarkhairfalling overhershoulders,thesleevelesscreamsweatershe'swearingfitsinharmonywiththewarmtoneofherskin

Tearsbriminhereyesasshevoicesthepainfultruth.“WhathurtsmostisIpickedhim.IchoseBrandon,andnow...”She pauses,theweightofherdecisionheavyinhersilence “Nowhe'lldoanythingtogetmeback,evenifitmeansmakingourson apawninhistwistedgame.”Hervoicecracks,amixofangerandsorrow.

“Ipromiseyouthatwon'thappen,”Iassureher,mythumbgentlybrushingawaythedamptrailsonhercheeks.

“Howcanyoubesosure?”shewhispers,skepticisminhertonelacedwithafaintglimmerofhope “Because,sweetheart,”Iwhisper,“Iwon'tletit.”

Somehow,I'vebecomeentangledinasituationfarbeyondwhatIeveranticipated,allbecauseofawomanwhosepresence inmylifespansmerelysevendays.Yetthetimeframeisirrelevant.There'sanundeniablepull,auniquequalityaboutherthat beckonsme,convincingmeshe'swortheveryounceofdangerthatshadowsher

Asurgeofprotectiveness,asensationthathas laindormantwithinmefor whatfeels likeaneternity,courses throughmy veins.Yieldingtothisrareimpulse,Idrawhercloser,myembracetighteningeversoslightly.Myarmsbecomehershield,a barrieragainstanyconceivablethreatthatdarestocometooclose

Kristineexhales,asifexhausted,andshecuddlesuptome.Atfirst,hercryingisquiet,butsoon,Ipresshertomeasher bodyshakes

“You'resafewithme,”Ipromise,mytoneresoluteyetgentle.

Kristine'seyessearchmine,aglimmerofvulnerabilityflickeringintheirolivedepths “Why?Youdon'tevenknowme”

Ican'thelpbutletasmiletugatthecornersofmymouth,hopefulandfirm.“Wecanchangethat,Kristine.Wehaveallthe timeintheworldtolearnabouteachother.”

Hersmile,delicateyetprofound,piercesthroughthelayersthatguardmyessence,asifonaquestforauthenticitywithin thedepthsofmybeing.Iholdhergaze,unwaveringandtransparent,myresolvemirroredinmyeyes.

Thedeclarations thatleftmylips carryaweightbeyondthesilenceofthenight Theyarethetangibleexpressions ofmy sincerecommitments,spokennotjusttobeheard,buttobefeltandheldastrue.

Our truth

.

That Kristine's life has become enmeshed with a man whose madness knows no bounds, a man driven by control and corruption,andI'mfiercelyresolvedtobe her sanctuary.Her shelter fromthe stormofhis tyranny.Thattime holds nosway

overthedepthofmycommitment.

Thisisourtruth he'sobsessedwithdominatingher,andI'mequallyconsumedwithprotectingher.

Unexpectedly,herbodymoves,andhermouthseeksmine,causingmylipstorespondinkind Ikissherwithouthesitation,allowingherperfumetopermeateeverythingasshesettlesin.

It is no longer tears that quicken her breathing but our kisses, salty and sweet tasting at the same time It's her tongue tanglingwithmine.Herlegssettlingintomysidesassheclimbsovermyhips,causingherbrownleatherskirttorideupher thighswithhermovementsuntilherheatrubsagainstmycock

It'sinsane,butIunderstand.It'saprimalneed.

Food,security…sex.

Rushed hands undo the buttons ofmyshirt Ipushher skirtup until Ifeel the satinofher panties brushmyfingers She unzipsmypants,releasingmyachingerection.Irollonacondom.

Kristinestandsoverme,lookingatmelonginglyasshewigglesherunderwearoverherhipsanddownherlegs HereyesfluttershutasIpushdeepinsideher,feelingthetightnesssurroundingmycock.Shegasps,herfingersdigginginto myshoulders,holdingontightlyassheadjuststothesensationofbeingfilled

Her bodytrembles slightlyunderneathmine, and Icanfeel her muscles contractingaround me, pullingme closer. It's a feelingunlikeanythingI'veexperiencedbefore raw,primal, urgent.

Wegroaninharmony Thegentlepressureurgesheragainstme,andIfeeltheheatofherbodyagainstmychest Myfreehandbrushes throughher long,darkhair,feelingthesilkiness ofitslidebetweenmyfingers.Rollingher tresses aroundmyhand,Igentlytug,exposingherneck

Mylipsgraze,sucking,licking,andkissingasIpullhercloser,myhandtrailingdowntocupherass.

Kristinerocksherhips,backandforth,moaningasmyhandsmoveupherbody.IpullhershirtoffsoIcanlickherbreasts. Allthewhile,sherepeatsmynameoverandoveragain.Likeaplea,orperhapslikeaprayerforprotection.WhileIpray forredemption,thatIcankeepher,thatIcansaveher.

Isavorher,enjoyingthedazzlingbeautythatsheisandsilentlypromisingmyselfthatnothingandnoonewilleverharmher again.

“Ethan ”

I don't know how I'll stop it, but I know that whenI set a goal, nothingstops me fromachievingit, and right now, her protectionisallthatmatters.

CHAPTER SIX

KRISTINE

“COME WITH ME,”Ethanwhisperstheinvitationacrossmylips,nudgingmeonward Achuckleescapesme.Themanhasmefeelingandactinglikeayounger,lessjadedversionofmyself.“Ithingesonone thing.Doyoutrulybelievethisiswise?”

Ethanwinksatmetantalizingly “I'vetoldyoubefore You'resafewithme” Smiling,Ireachoutandtakehishand,withthestrangefeelingthathe'snotlying.

Forthefirsttimeinages,asenseofsecuritywashesovermeinthepresenceofaman,anoddandunsettlingsensation,yet incrediblyfreeing.

Inthelastweek,I'veforgotteneverythingandjustletgo,losingcontrolwithEthan Havingbreakfastwithhiminbedand spendingthenightsinthemidstofconversationsthatarechoppyasdesireconsumesus,andweareforcedtosuccumbtoour undeniableattraction.

Nowit'sFriday,andhehasinsistedthatIaccompanyhimtoClubAlluretoseewhatit'slikesincethefirsttimeIvisited,I wastoobusyrunningfrommyex-husband'sgoonstoappreciatetheclub.

ThevalettakesEthan'scarawayasIgetout,andayoungwomanattheentrancetakescareofmycoatandpurse

Ethan'sfingerslacewithmine,theirwarmthagroundingpresenceaswestepintothepulsatingheartofClubAllure.The transitionfromthecrispnightairtotheclub'swarmcocoonofsoundandlightislikeslippingintoanotherworld.Athrumming basslineseepsintomybones,aninsistentbeckoningtojointherhythmthatanimatesthespace.

Theclubunfoldsbeforemeinlayersofsensoryindulgence.Myeyesroam,drinkingintheopulence amosaicofmoving bodies cast inthe glow of rovingspotlights The dance floor is a sea of undulation, a hypnotic blend of motionand music wherestrangersbecomepartofacollectivepulse.

Icanfeel Ethan's gaze onme, perhaps gaugingmyreaction His thumb strokes the backofmyhand, a small gesture that speaksvolumes.Inthisrealmhe'screated,heremainsanenigma bothkingandguardian.Heleanscloser,hisbreathwarm againstmyear.

“Welcome to myworld,” he murmurs, and there's a hint of pride mingled withsomethingelse vulnerability? It's gone beforeIcandissectitfurther.

Awaitressglidestowardus,hersmilepracticedyetwelcoming “Mr Callahan,yourusualtableisready”

Henods,andwefollow herlead.ThecrowdpartsforEthanasifbysomeunspokencommand,andI'macutelyawareof thepowerhewieldshere It’sintoxicating,thisproximitytosomeonesocommandingyetsocomplex

We reachanintimate table nestled ina secluded corner. Itoffers a panoramic view ofthe club's vibrantlifeblood the dancefloor whileallowingjustenoughprivacyfortwopeopletoexistintheirownlittlebubble.

The tabletop gleams under low-hanging lights that cast everything in a soft golden hue He pulls out a chair for me chivalrousgesturescomenaturallytohim andIsinkintotheplushcushioning.Ethansettlesacrossfromme,hisbrowneyes holdingminewithanintensitythatsendsaripplethroughmychest

Asheconverseswiththewaitressaboutourdrinks,Itakeinmoredetailsofoursurroundings thesleeklinesofthebar counterwherebartendersmovewithchoreographedprecision,pouringandshakingcocktailslikeliquidartists Thesumptuous aromaofexoticperfumesminglingwiththesubtlescentofagedwoodandcitrusfromfreshlyzestedgarnishesfordrinks. EverywhereIlook,therearefacesilluminatedbyfleetingexpressions joy,desire,abandon allsetagainstthebackdrop ofthislavishplaygroundEthanandhisbusinesspartnershavemasterminded There'sbeautyhere,butalsosomethingcuttingedgeandevolvingjustbeneaththesurface.

Ourdrinksarrive aglassofredwineformeandsomethingdarkerforEthan andourfingersbrushaswebothreachfor

ourglasses.Thecontactisbriefbutelectric.

“Tonewexperiences,”hetoasts,hisvoicelowandresonant.

Ourglassesclinkgently “Andunexpectedcompanions,”Iadd

The wine tastes richand complexonmytongue. Eachsip is like peelingbackanother layer of Club Allure’s perfectly crafted appeal Mygaze lingers onEthan, observingas he surveys the surroundings a vigilantguardian, always alerteven amidthefestivities.

TheDJshiftsgears,andasultrybeatreplacesthepoundingbassline asirensongthatseemstoechomyownaccelerating heartbeat.Ethanstandsandextendshishandtomeoncemore.

“Comewithme?”There’snocommandinhistonenow onlyaninvitationlacedwithdesire. Risingtomeethim,Iplacemyhandinhisonceagain aperfectfit andallowhimtoleadmetowardthedancefloor My pulse quickens as we approach. It’s not fear that propels it now but anticipation the thrill ofbeingdrawndeeper into his world

Ethanleadsmethroughthecrowd,pastthedancefloor,andupaflightofstairstotheVIPareaoftheclub. Ethan'svoiceresonateswithahintofprideasheguidesmethroughthethreshold “Welcometothetestinggrounds,where exclusivitytakesonanewmeaning.”Hisarmsweepsacrosstheexpanse,directingmygazetotheopulencebeforeus.“This,” hegestures,“isthemainroom,frequentedbypeopleyou'llrecognizefromthemusicandfilmindustry.”

Ifollow hisgaze,myeyescatchingtheglitteroffameminglingabout,aconstellationofcelebritiesthatwoulddazzleany onlooker.“It's...incredible,”Imurmur,wordsfailingtoencapsulatethegrandeur.

“Andbeyond,”Ethancontinues,leadingmeforward,“areourprivaterooms”

Hiseyestwinklewithaknowinglookasheushersmeintoaprivateroom.Hepoursmeadrink.

Iplopdownonthecouch.“FromwhatIsee,you'resucceeding.EveryonehassomethingtosayaboutClubAllure.”

Ethanoffersareassuringgrin,butIdetecttheworrywithin.“MyfriendsandIaimtotranscendtheordinary.Weaspireto craftanenvironmentofunparalleledexclusivityandsophistication.”

“Ihavenodoubtyouwillsucceed,”Istate,clinkingmyglasswithhis Ethan cuddles up next to me and drapes his armover my back. “Thank you for agreeing to come with me today,” he whispersashislipskissthecurveofmyneck

“This is the party of the year.” I give hima mischievous look. “And... how could I resist when I received a personal invitationforaveryhandsomebadboy?”

Herunsafingerdownmycheeks.“Youhavesomuchmorethanthat.”

Ethan'slipsfindminewithease.Afteraweekofmemorizinghismouth,you'dthinkImighthavegottenalittleusedtothe touchofhislips,butthat'snotthecase

Instead,everytimehistonguemeetsmine,Ifeelmyselfbreakinginside.Asifhehasthestrengthtoshattermeintopieces andputmebacktogethertohelpmebecomeabetterversionofme Muchstrongerandmoreconfident Inthemiddleofourkisses,aknockatthedoorinterruptsus.

“Comein,”Ethansays,pullingawayfromme.

IslylyfixmymakeupasIseeatall,confidentmaninaleatherjacketwithshortblondhairapproachingus “I'msorry.Ididn'tknowyouhadcompany.”

“That'sokay,”Ethanstandsupandreachesoutahandtotakemine “Kristine,thisisJacksonPierce,mybusinesspartner andoneofmybestfriends.”

“Nicetomeetyou,”Isay,claspinghishandwithasmile

Jackson'sgazesweepsoverme,notnegatively,butperhapstoassessthecircumstancesbeforehim.Hishandiswarm,his gripfirmyetrespectful.

Aflicker of recognition dances in his eyes, and I can't help but brace myself for the usual onslaught of whispers and judgment.Sevenyearsundertheharshspotlightasapolitician'swifehastaughtmetoexpectit,toalwaysbeonguard.

ButJacksonsimplynods,acourteousdipofhisheadthatseemstoacknowledgemypastwithoutdwellingonit “I'veheard yournamebefore,”hesays.“You'vegotquitethepresenceinthiscity.”

Iforceasmile,feelingEthan'sthumbbrushagainstmyhandinsilentsupport “Thatwasanother life,”Ireply It'strue sincethedivorce,I'vebeenworkinghardtoshedthatoldskin,toredefinewhoKristineStern-Prescottisonherownterms. Jacksonseems to pickup onmydiscomfort and gracefullychanges the subject. “Well, it's a pleasure to meet younow. Ethanhasn'tstoppedtalkingaboutyou”

Ethan's gaze locks with mine, a stormof emotions swirling in those deep brown eyes. It's disarming how quickly he's becomemysafeharboramidallthischaos

Jacksonleansagainstthewall,hiscasualdemeanorastarkcontrasttothetensionthatlingersbetweenEthanandme.“So, whatbringsyoutwoouttonight?Celebratingsomethingspecial?”

“We'rejustenjoyingtheparty,”Ethananswerssmoothly,hisarmslippingaroundmywaist.“Kristinehasn'treallyhadthe chancetoexperienceClubAllureproperly.”

“That'sright,”Ichimein,eagertokeepthingslightandsteerawayfromanythingtoopersonal.“ThelasttimeIwashere didn'texactlycountasanightout.”

Jacksonchuckles,andIcanseewhyheandEthanarefriends There'saneaseabouthimthat'sinfectious “Wellthen,you're inforatreattonight.We'vepulledoutallthestopsforthisone.”

The room buzzes with energy as more guests filter into the private space The club beyond is alive with music and movement avibrantcontrasttotherelativecalmofoursecludednook.

Itakeasipofmydrink,allowingthesmoothliquidtosettlemynerves Tonightisaboutnewexperiences,aboutlettinggo ofoldfearsandembracingwhatcomesnext.

“Ethan,canyoucomewithmeforamoment?Ineedyoutochecksomethingonthecameras.”

“Sure Kristine,I'llberightback Askforanythingyouwant”

“Ofcourse,”Isay,watchingthemleave.

Theyleavetheroom,andIsitbackdown,butafteramoment,IseeIhaveamissedcallfromanunknownnumber Imove todropmyphonebackinmypursewhenitvibrateswithanincomingcall.IpickupsolelytoconfirmthatAsherisn'tinurgent trouble

“Hello?”

“Ah,Kristine,dear.Iwashopingtospeakwithyou,”saysaman'svoice.

“Excuseme,whoamIspeakingto?”Iinquirewithafrown

“Myvoicedoesn'tringabell?That'sratherdisheartening.ThisisDexterWhitmore.”

Ashivercutsdownmyspineashisnameslipsthroughthespeaker “Oh,Mr Whitmore ”Igraspmyphonemoretightly, tryingtostillthetremblingofmyhandasIpressthephonetightertomyear.“Howdidyougetmynumber?”

Hislaughcracklesthroughtheline,asoundthatfeelslikethebrushofacold,unseenhanddownthesmallofmyback.

“Theparticularsofthatareinconsequential atthemoment.Iwaseager totouchbasewithyou.How'severythingcoming alongwiththecustodyhearingforyourson?”

Iimmediatelytenseup “Idon'tseehowthatconcernsyou” “Butitdoes,”Dexterreplies,laughing.“Orrather,itisinyourbestinterestformetostayoutofit.BecauseIhavenodoubt thatyourex-husbandwouldlovetoknowhowbusyyou'vebeenthispastweek ” “Meaning?” Ishiftuneasily, the plushcouchbeneathme offeringlittle comfort. Mytongue darts outto wetsuddenlydry lips.

Myphone vibrates againstmycheek.WhenIpull itaway,Isee incomingtextmessages.Itapthe screenandstare atthe picturesofmeandEthan.

EthanandIleavingtheclub

EthanandIkissinginfrontofhiscar.

EthanandI

Thefoggywindows,withmyfootpressedagainsttheglass,revealmorethanapictureshould. Istare,frozen mypulseracinginsidemyveins.

“Nowyouseewhythiscallisofupmostimportancetome,to us ” “Whatdoyouwant,Mr.Whitmore?”Imumble.

“Nothingfornow,mydear,butsoonyouwillbeofgreatusetome Ifyoudon'twantyourhusbandtohaveproofofyour newrelationship,youwilldoasIsay,whenIsayit.”

“Youcan't Youmustn't ”

“Idareyoutoproceed,”Dexter'svoicesinksintoalethal hush.“Negotiationisn'tanoption.Takemywordstoheart.To ensureyoursonremainswithyou,maintainsilenceregardingourconversationandcontinueyourlifeasifthisneveroccurred. Anduponmycommand,youwillactasIdictate Understand?”

Inodjustonce,despitethefactthathecan’tseeitoverthephone,andfeelalumpforminmythroat.Suddenly,Ifindithard tobreathe “Okay,”Iwhisper “Wonderful.I'llbeintouch, Mrs.Prescott.” Thecallcutsoff

IstareatthephoneattheintimateexpressiononEthan'sfaceashestrokesmyhair,withhisheadleaningtowardmine,just beforehekissesme.

“Thiscan't This can't be” Iburymyfaceinmyhands,forcingmyselftobreathe.ButIcan't.

Recognizingthepotential collapseofmyworld,Iknow Brandonwill exploitmyrelationshipwithEthanasaweaponin courttotakeAsherawayfromme.

Andhe'llsucceed.BecauseeveryoneknowsandlovesBrandonPrescott,andthosewhodon'tlovehimfearhimenoughnot togetonhisbadside.

IhavenochoicebuttodowhateverDexterasksofme,nomatterwhat.

Atallcosts,Imustkeepcustodyofmyson,evenifitmeanslosingeverythingandeveryone. IncludingEthan.

CHAPTER SEVEN KRISTINE

“ARE YOU READY?”asksEthanontheotherendoftheline Ireplywithalaugh.“Notyet,butalmost.” “That'sgood,becauseI'mgettingthere.”

“Ican'tbelieve yougotreservations at Cibo Italiano I've beenwaitingover a year to eatthere!It's the mostexclusive placeintown.”

“WhatcanItellyou?I'mfullofsurprises,”Ethanstates

Shakingmyhead,Irunaroundtheroom,lookingformythings.There'sapairofearringsIwanttoweartonight,andIcan't findthem

“I'mhangingup.Ineedtogetready,andyou'rejustdistractingme!”

“Okay.”ThesmileonEthan'slipsisevidentinhiswords.“Butdon'tbelong.I'llwaitforyoudownstairs.”

“Okay Seeyouinfiveminutes,”Ipromisehim

Icutthecallandlookatmyselfinthemirror,finishingarrangingmydressovermybody.Myslenderfigureishighlighted bythewaythefabricclingstome,andthecolormatchesmyeyes

Smiling, I tuck my hair to the side of my face and finish my makeup. It's been a long time since I've felt like this, so attractiveandcomfortablewithmyself,andIlovethefeeling.

I'mgladtoknowthataftereverythingthathashappened,apartofmethatIthoughtwasdeadhasbeenreborn. Contemplatingmyappearanceinthemirroronelasttime,Igrabmypurse,readytoleavethehouse.

AsIwalkdownthestairs,Ihearthedoor IgaveEthanthekeytothelockafewdaysago,soitmustbehim “Wait,didn'tyousayyouweregoingtowaitformedownstairs?”Iinquire,laughing. “I'msorry Ididn'tknowyouhadanappointment IthoughtI'dsurpriseyou,”statesafamiliarandnotatallwantedvoice Mybodystiffens,andasIfinishwalkingdownthestairs,Inoticethemanstandinginfrontofthecouch. Tall andimposing,withshortdarkhair thatisalwayswell combed,browneyes,atrimmedbeard,andaslightlyangular face.Hischarismaticandcompletelydeceptivesmilehoversovermelikeashadowovermyhappiness.

“Brandon,”Iwhisper.“Whatareyoudoinghere?Howdidyou...?”

Heclickshistongue “Ithoughtitwastimetopayyouavisit,Krissy Wehaven'ttalkedinsolong” “Don'tcallmeKrissy.Youhavenorighttobehere.Youknowthat.Thisisn'tyourhomeanymore.”

“Isn'tit?”Brandongivesmeaslylook,asifdaringmetothrow himoutofhere “Comeon,honey What'syoursismine andwhat'smineisyours,remember?Tilldeathdouspartandallthat.”

Ibegintoapproachslowly,measuringmymovements.Brandonisasnake.Youhavetogaugeeverystepyoutake,because atanymoment,hecouldjumponyouandbiteyou

Clearly,hedetectsmyunease.Hisgrinwidensintosomethingthreatening.

“Since whendid youbecome so afraid ofme?” he jokes, headinginthe directionofthe kitchen, beginningto rummage throughmythings.

“SinceIlearnedhowtreacherousyouare,”Ikeepmydistance,steelingmyself “Iwantyououtofmyhouse,Brandon This veryinstant.Orelse...”

“What?”Heburstsoutlaughing.“Willyoucallthepolice?Orbetteryet,letmeguess,yournewboyfriend?” Oneofhiseyebrowsrises,andhelooksatmewithapoorlydisguisedgrimaceofhatredinhisgaze Hence his unexpected visit.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Istarttosay,distressed,butheignoresme

Instead,hepicks uponeofthecontainers offoodIhavestoredintherefrigerator.“Youmadelasagna?Youknow Ilove yourlasagna,honey.”

Brandonwinks atme and takes the container to the microwave He heats itfor a few moments and thenpicks up a fork, pickingatthefood.

“Delicious,asalways YouknowIdon'tlikeyoueatingcarbsthough It'snotgoodforyourfigure”

“Brandon,enough!”Iexclaimnervously,feelingmyselfstarttotrembleasIlookathimwithindignation.“Tellmewhatyou cameherefornowandgetthehelloutofmyhouse”

“Alright,I'llgetstraighttothepoint.”

Brandonswallows a piece oflasagna and leaves the container onthe counter. He pulls his phone outofhis pocketand placesitbeforeme

I'mobviouslyexpectingwhatI'mfacedwith.ThepictureofEthankissingmeinfrontoftheClubAllure. Holdingmybreath,Itrytoremaincalm “Sowhat?AsfarasIremember,nolaw forbidsmefromhavingaboyfriend,”I state.

“Don'tgetsmartwithme,”Brandonsays,usingathreateningtoneofvoice,muchmorenaturaltohimthanthefeignedone ofcomplacency.“Youdon'twanttoplaythisgame,Krissy.Makingmelookbadisnotsomethingyouwanttodo.”

PretendingtofeelmoreconfidentthanIactuallydo,Ifakelaugh.“Thisisn'taboutyou,Brandon.Thisisaboutmeandmy life”

Butchallenginghimhasneverbeenagoodidea.Hegrabsmywristtightlyandpullsmeagainsthisbodyinanimpulsive andutterlyterrifyingmove

“YouforgetwhathappenswhenIgetupset,honey.AndIdon'tthinkyouwantareminder.”

Inside,Ifeelmyselftrembling,butIavoidshowinghimhowterrifiedIam.

Brandonknowstoowellthefearinmyhead.Asmilecreepsoverhislips.“Besides,mayIremindyouthatwestillhave somethingincommon?AsmallmiraclethatIwon'thesitatetotakefromyou.”

“No!Don'tbringAsherintothis!”Iexclaim,pullingawayfromhimandturningaway

ButBrandonfollows me. His hand closes around mywristagain, and the other presses againstmyneck. He pushes me againsttheclosedrefrigeratordoorsandstaresintomyeyes

“Itwasyouwhoruinedthingsbetweenus,Krissy.Youwhodestroyedeverything.Don'tforgetthat.”

Heyanksme,andIforcemyselfnottolookaway.Asilenttearrunsdownmycheek.“Iwon'tletyoukeepmyson.”

“Youcan'tdoanythingaboutit,”Brandonsays,givingmeavindictivesmile.“IwilluseeveryresourceIhavetokeephim, andyouknowIhaveplentyofresources.”Hechuckles.“Andyoucandecideifyouseereasonandbecomepartofthisfamily again Orifyou'dratherstaywithyournewlittleboyfriend I'msureI'dgetalotofpressasadedicatedsinglefather” “Never.”Moretearsstreamdownmycheeks.Finally,Brandonreleasesme.

Myheartpoundsagainstmychest,adrumbeatofdreadthatechoestheterrorseizingmyveins Istandrootedtothespot, Brandon'svenomouspresenceconstrictingaroundmelikeanoose.Icursemyselfsilentlyforeverlettinghimslipintomylife, foroncebelievinghischarmingfacade.

IthoughtIknewhim,onceuponatime ThoughtthemanI'dmarriedwouldbemypartner,myprotector HowfoolishIwas totrusttheglossysurfacewithoutquestioningwhatlaybeneath.NowhereIam,inmyownhome aplacethatshouldbemy sanctuary facingthemonsterIinvitedintomybed andmylife

Hisgriploosens,butthethreatlingersintheair,heavyandstifling.Thescentofhiscolognemixeswiththewarmaromaof lasagna,asickeningblendthatmakesmystomachchurn Thehumoftherefrigeratorisadistantnoisecomparedtotheroaring inmyears.

Mymindraces,searchingdesperatelyforawayoutofthisnever-endingnightmare.HowcanImakeitend?WhatcanIdo toprotectAsherfromthis thismonsterwhodarescallhimselfafather?

Brandon's eyes bore into mine, sharp and calculating. “Youreallythoughtyoucould escape me?” he taunts, his voice a smoothpoisonthatslithersintomyear

Iswallowhard,fightingbackthebilerisinginmythroat.“We'reover,Brandon.Divorced,”Ireplywithmorebravadothan Ifeel

Adarkchuckle escapes himas he steps back, givingme roomto breathe butnotto relax. “We're over whenIsaywe're over.”Hisgazedriftsovermelikeaphysicaltouch onethatleavesatrailoffilthonmyskin.

I'mtremblingnow, whether fromrage or fear, Ican'ttell Maybe it's both The memories flood back his manipulative words,hiscontrollinghands,hiscoldindifferencetoeverythingbuthisowndesires.

HemovescloseragainandIstepbackinstinctivelyuntilmyspinehitsthecoldsurfaceofthekitchencounter “Youbelong tome,”hewhispers,eachwordlacedwithmaliceandentitlement.

Asurgeofdefianceriseswithinme.“That'stheproblemwithyou.I belong tonoone,”Iassert,pushingpasthimwitha strengthfueledbyyearsofsuppressedanger.

ButBrandonisn'tdeterred.HefollowsmelikeashadowasImovethroughthelivingroom apredatorstalkinghisprey.

Thesoftcarpetdoesnothingtocushiontheweightofhisominousfootstepsbehindme.

“ThinkaboutAsher,”hesayssuddenly,andthatstopsmedeadinmytracks.

HowcouldIforgetthelightofmylife?I'mhidinghimatmyfolks'house,prayingthiswillallendsoon BecauseAsheris everythingpureandgoodinthisworld,everythingBrandonisnot.

“Iwillneverletyouhurthim,”Isaythroughgrittedteeth Brandonsmiles acoldtwistoflipsdevoidofwarmth.“Thenyou'lldowhat'snecessary.”

Andthereitis theunspokenultimatumhangingbetweenuslikeanexecutioner'saxepoisedtofall Mypulseraces.AsmallvoiceinsidemewhispersforEthan'sstrength,hisprotection butanotherpartscreamsthatthisis nothisbattletofight.

It'smine,andminealone

“I'lldowhat'snecessary,”Irepeatsoftly notinsubmissionbutinpromise.ApromisetomyselfandtoAsherthatthiswill end somehow

“Ihope youunderstand whyI'mdoingall this, honey. I’mprotectingyoufromyourself, and soonyou'll understand.” He sighsandadjustshistie,after whichhereachesoutoneofhisfingerstowardmeandbrushesmycheek “Lovemakesusact crazysometimes.”

Ipullawayfromhimanddrymytears.“Whatdoyouwant,Brandon?”

“Nothing,atleast,fornow,”hestates,turningaroundandheadingtowardthelivingroom “Fornow,youcankeepfucking thatgood-for-nothing.Butatsomepoint...I'llcomeforyou,andyou'lldoasIask,orelseyoucansaygoodbyetoAsher.”

“AndwhatifIdon't?”Iinquire,crossingmyarms

Heburstsoutlaughing.“Oh,honey,youdon'twanttodothat.”HepicksuptheforkandTupperwarewiththelasagnaand eatsslowly.“Don’tforgetwhichoneofusisfriendswiththejudgehandlingthecase.Makemeangry,andI'llmakesurethese photosarepartofthecase.Andbelieveme,I'lldoitinsuchawaythatnooneinthatcourtwillhesitatetocondemnyouasa whoreofamother.”

Hethenliftsthebowlandsmilesatme “I'lltakethisontheroad Enjoyyourdate,honey Youlookbeautiful”

Brandonwinksbeforeturningonhisheelandleavingasabruptlyashecame leavingmealonewiththedeafeningsilence andtheshredsofwhatwassupposedtobeaneveningfilledwithhopeinsteadofterror

Thedoor clicks shutbehindhim,butitdoesn'tfeel likeclosure.Itfeels likethebeginningofsomethingelse something dangerousandinevitable.

AndIslidedownagainstthewallontothefloor,huggingmykneescloseandlettingtearsfallfreelynowthatthere'snoone aroundtowitnessthem.

Thephonestartsringingonthecounter Iscrambletoanswer,rememberingthatEthan'swaitingforme Ianswerafterdryingmytears.“Hello?”

“Everythingokay?”asksEthanontheotherendoftheline “Icouldhaveswornit'sbeenmorethanfiveminutes” IsmilereluctantlybecauseIknowhe'llnoticethetearsonmyface.“Yeah...Don'tworry.ItookalittlelongerthanIshould have.Icouldn'tfindmyearrings.I'llberightdown.”

“Gotit Areyouallright?”

“Perfect,”Ilie.“I'monmyway.”

Icutthecall,unabletostopthetearsfromfalling Myworldiscollapsingaroundme,andallIwantistoreturntoasense ofnormalcyformyselfandmyson.ButBrandonwon'tallowit.Hewon'tletmeandAshergo.

Somethingmustchange AndIknowthatwhatevercomesnext itwill changeeverything

CHAPTER EIGHT

ETHAN

“BE HONEST WITH ME What'sgoingon?”

“I'msorry,whatdoyoumean?”

Kristinelooksatme,andsheseemssurprised.HergazeislostamidthelightsilluminatingtheskyscrapersofNewYork.

The clink of fine china and the murmur of conversation swirl around us, a symphony of high-society dining at Cibo Italiano.It'saplacethatcommandsattentionwithitsgildedmirrorsandcrystalchandelierscastingawarmglow overevery meticulouslysettable Yet, despite the opulence envelopingus, Kristine seems adrift, her spirituntethered fromthe moment we'resharing.

“Iaskedwhat'sgoingon”Iprobegently,leaningforwardtocatchhereye

“I'msorry,whatdoyoumean?”Herreplycomesquick,areflexiveparrytomyconcern.Shegazesoutthewindowwhere thecityscapeunfurlslikeacanvasoflivingart lightsblinkinganddancingacrossthesteelandglassgiants.

Ithoughtthisdatewouldexciteher Afterall,it'sourfirstone achancetoleaveourtroublesatthedoorandindulgein eachother's company. Butthere's a veil ofpreoccupationdimmingher olive-greeneyes, eyes thatusuallyhold a sparkeven whensadnesstugsattheircorners

Iwatchherfingerstoywiththestemofherwineglass,delicateandpurposefulintheirmovement,muchlikethewayshe movesinballet adanceI'veonlyseenherdothrougholdvideosshesharedbutfeelthrougheachfluidgestureshemakes. “Youseemabsent,”Icontinue,tryingtocoaxoutwhatliesbeneathherpolishedexterior.“Likeyou'dratherbesomewhere else.”

Sheblinksslowly,bringingherfocusbacktome “Ethan,it'sjustbeenalongday”Hervoiceissoftbutdoesn'tcarrythe weightoftruth.There'ssomethingmore somethingshe'sholdingback.

Thewaiterarriveswithourappetizers aduoofscallopssearedtoperfection,restingonabedofpureedcauliflowerwith a drizzle of aged balsamic. The scent alone is enough to draw a sigh from anyone who appreciates culinary artistry. Yet Kristinemerelyoffersitanabsentsmilebeforeturningbacktofaceme.

“Ethan,” she starts again, thenhesitates. I cansee the internal struggle playingout across her face the dance between disclosureandrestraint.

The flavors ofmyowndishbarelyregister as Iwaitfor her to continue The warmthofthe restaurantseems to cool by degrees witheachpassingsecond ofsilence. Kristine is poised as ever inher elegance her darkhair cascadinginwaves overhershoulders,framingherfacethatcouldinspiresonnets andyetit'sasifshe'smilesaway

“Something happened between that phone call and you getting in my car,” I say finally, not as an accusation but as an invitationforhertrust.“Whateveritis,youdon'thavetocarryitalone.”

Hergazedropsthenflickersbackuptomine,asilentbattleragingbehindthoseexpressiveeyes Mychesttightensatthe sight it'snotjustconcernforwhatshemightsaybutfearthatwhateveritiscouldwedgeitselfbetweenusbeforewe'veeven hadthechancetoexplorewhatwemightbecome

Shereachesoutthen,layingahandatopmineonthetableclothsowhiteitseemstoglowagainstourskin.Thetouchsends ajoltthroughme electricandgroundingallatonce

“Ethan,”shebreathesoutmynamelikeitcostshersomething.“It'sjust...complicated.”

Icoverherhandwithmyotherone,feelingthecoolnessofherskinagainstmine acontrasttothewarmthbetweenusthat growsdespite orperhapsbecauseof thesecretsshekeepslockedaway

“Kristine,”Isaysoftly,leaningcloseracrossthetablesoourconversationremainsbetweenus.“Complicatedissomething Icanhandle”

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