 
# Captivated By You

### The Billionaire's Twisted Love Book 1

## Wanitta Praks

#### Wanitta Praks Media
Copyright © 2019 by Wanitta Praks

All Rights Reserved

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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This book was self-published by the author Wanitta Praks. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without agreement and written permission of the author. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author's rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

* * *

**Captivated By You**

**The Billionaire's Twisted Love Book 1**

Author: Wanitta Praks

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**Copy Editors:**

Gathering Leaves Editing

Dragonfly Editing

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www.wanittapraks.com

### Contents

Captivated by You

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

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Loved By You

Maid to the Mafia

The Mafia and His Maiden

A Mafia's First Love

Her Majesty & The Four Kings

Baby Be Mine

Boss Lady

Let Me Love You

Books by Wanitta Praks

About the Author

# Captivated by You

### The Billionaire's Twisted Love: Book 1

_"I want to be scorched by your flame. I want to be enticed by your touch. Let me in. Open the door to your heart so I can save you."_

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What is it about the enigmatic and taciturn Julian Devereux that captivates me so? His kind and selfless acts towards others ignite my compassionate nature to protect him from the bitter onslaught of his brother, Joshua Devereux.

* * *

But is it merely my nature to help the weak, or is it simply to indulge myself in pleasure, watching in delight as two brothers battle for my attention and their family inheritance?

* * *

Maybe deep down, I already know I love him and am willing to sacrifice and back him up in every ordeal. But I didn't anticipate the path I chose would eventually spiral out of my control, tearing at my heart and tossing me into a labyrinth of illusion.

# Prologue

"Girls, girls, all this talking about summer work is really boring me. Let's talk about boys," I announced while sipping my wine. And when three pairs of eyes stared back at me blankly, I could only shrug my shoulder. "What? Can't a girl have some fun?"

"Kimmy, your idea of fun is to seduce a guy, then leave him high and dry. Am I right?" Joanna accused me.

"Hey, hey, a girl can flirt, but that doesn't mean any guy can get under her skirt," I retorted.

"You just like to mess with people's lives, like the puppet master you are," Amelia commented, shaking her head.

"I so don't," I chided, smiling at my friends Amelia, Joanna, and Theresa, who were busy drinking and eating their meals.

We were out celebrating our end-of-year exam at Italiano, a restaurant in town, and their conversation about their proposed work over the summer holiday really did bore me so much that I had to say something just to change the topic. And now they were all pressuring me into admitting I was the puppet master who enjoyed controlling men, all due to my playful nature.

"Don't argue with us. We know you, Kimmy," they all chorused, shutting me off.

I couldn't negate that last comment. I was always seen out and about with a different guy each month. But that didn't mean they owned my heart nor my body. It was what I called my game of date selection.

How would I know who my future spouse was if I didn't go out on dates? Amelia liked to blame it on my playful nature. As for me, I thought this trait could be attributed to my birthright. My father was a highly established businessperson, owning almost half the malls and properties in Queensland. I always thought this was an important aspect of my life, finding the right man comparable to my status. But unluckily, the end of my journey to finding the right man seemed light-years away. Then again, I was only nineteen and still in college. A long way to go before settling down and finding a suitable man to meet my father's approval.

"And how is Simon?" I changed the topic again.

Amelia looked a little troubled. She put down her fork and took a sip of water.

Something was up.

"Amelia, what's wrong?" I immediately asked.

"I haven't heard back from Simon yet," she commented.

I thought it was just plain lies.

"Look at me." I couldn't help myself and pulled her face to meet mine. It was always like this. This compassionate and justice-seeking nature of mine always unleashed whenever one of my friends was in trouble. "Tell me, did he do something to you?"

"No, of course not." She shook her head, making me drop my hands.

"Then what is it?" I asked again. By this time, the whole table was quiet. Joanna and Theresa were both looking at us.

"Yeah, what is it, Amelia?" Joanna echoed my thought again.

"Guys, it's nothing. I'm just relieved our exams are over," she said and then proceeded to fork another mouthful of spaghetti into her mouth.

I wasn't one to be fooled. I'd known Amelia for years now and this was the behavior she usually exhibited if something troubled her. While the other two went back to their food and laughed merrily over some joke, I focused all my attention on Amelia.

"Simon hasn't been calling you?" I whispered to her so the other two didn't overhear our conversation.

"He's busy, Kimmy." She sighed, as if not wanting to pursue the subject any further.

Abruptly, a chair was pulled out, and my focused shattered, shifting to Joanna who only beamed her bright smile at me.

"Sorry, got to dash to the loo. Too much water," she said before heading off.

"I'll come too," Theresa said before they both went off in the direction of the ladies' room.

I turned my attention back to Amelia.

"When was the last time he contacted you?" I asked immediately, no longer concealing my voice. In the far distance, I could hear Joanna and Theresa laughing about something.

"Do we have to go through this, Kimmy? We've just finished our exams. Let's just eat, talk, and have fun."

"We are eating"—I held up my own plate of spaghetti to show her—"and talking; about your boyfriend. And the other two are laughing. Hence, they're having fun. So talk."

"Oh, Kimmy," she laughed and shook her head.

I felt much happier at that point to see her smile. But I didn't give up. I urged her on.

"It's been three weeks since I last talked to Simon."

"Three weeks!" I gaped. "Are you kidding me? All my previous boyfriends didn't even give me two hours of peace before they rang my damn phone. I almost give in to my urges to smash that damn phone into smithereens sometimes. Have you tried texting him? Calling him?"

"Don't give me that look of disbelief. I called him before coming here. He said he's busy. He's taking his bar exam after all. He needs to study. I don't want to interrupt him."

"So what? As his girlfriend, you have the right to interrupt him. I say go see him tomorrow."

"That was my intention."

"So what did he say when you called him?"

Amelia was quiet again. She was pushing her food around in her plate with her fork again.

"Amelia! What is it?" I drummed when she refused to answer me.

"Hey... hey, what are you two talking about?"

I looked up to see the other two back in their seats and staring at me. I knew Amelia wouldn't like her problem advertised to the other two since she wasn't that close to them, so I let the subject go.

"No. Nothing." I pretended to wave aside the subject, deciding to dig deeper at a later time. "Oh hey, I heard there's a new club called Moonlight. We should definitely go clubbing there tonight. What do you think, Joanna, Theresa?"

"I'm all for it," Theresa said, agreeing on the spot.

"Joanna?"

"All in. It's been ages since I busted my moves on the dance floor."

"Amelia?" I asked, looking at my friend.

"Sure, why not?" she said after a long moment.

Not knowing she'd fallen into my trap, I smiled mischievously as we all headed out to Moonlight.

Out on the dance floor, the music was loud. Theresa and Joanna were already out shaking their booties. Amelia wanted to join them too, but I held her back and gave her a cocktail.

"We need to talk. Like right now."

"Okay. I'm all yours."

I smiled.

"So..." I got into the mood of things, ready to fire my questions. "Tell me—"

"Hey, can I buy you a drink?" someone said next to my ear. I turned a sour face toward that someone for interrupting my concentration.

It was a man. Who was clearly drunk.

_Someone should definitely kick him out of the club._

"No, thank you," I said before turning to my friend again.

"Oh, come on. Just one drink. Want do you say?" He continued to bug me.

"I said no. Now bugger off," I told him in a heated tone. But clearly, he didn't get the message as he took liberty with my bare skin and touched my arm.

"Oh, come on. Don't play coy. With that dress on, you're just begging me to fuck you, right?" he whispered into my ear.

I turned red. Sultry chestnut hair, curled to flirt around my shoulders, and wearing a deep, rich red sleeveless dress, I was a goddess on the dance floor. I couldn't complain when he said I was begging to be fucked. I really did dress to impress. Although, to be fucked was not my intention.

I tore his fingers off my arm, disgusted at the way he degraded me. I pushed him off the stool, pleased when his butt hit the floor with a big thump.

"Don't you dare touch me," I warned him. "Get away from me, you disgusting toad, or you'll be sorry."

I wasn't kidding when I said he'd be sorry. If Papa knew I'd been manhandled by any man, they'd be sure to never get a job in their life. Coming from an influential family with connections, I made sure no man had the liberty to touch me if I didn't wish it.

"Who's a fucking toad, you bitch." He didn't heed my warning and swore at me.

"I'm talking to you, you gutless bastard. Clearly, you don't understand the human language. So get out of my sight."

"What if I say no?"

"No?" I hissed. "How about this?" I threw my cocktail into his face. "Now go!"

His face brewed an evil storm. "You fucking bitch."

He pulled me up close and glared at me. His foul breath threw me off. His touch sent a wave of revulsion through my body.

"I said don't touch me," I yelled, peeling away at his fingers.

By this stage, I was aware many eyes in the club were on me. But I didn't care. This bastard needed to be taught a lesson. But before I could pick up Amelia's drink and toss another dose of cocktail venom at him, he had his palms up in the air. And I felt it before I saw it, that hand advancing towards me. And I knew I couldn't escape.

It was too fast. I closed my eyes, waiting for that palm to slice my cheek, to feel the sting, whatever it was—something at least—but... there was nothing.

I opened my eyes and saw black. No, it was someone standing in front of me, wearing a black suit. I tilted up my head and saw ink-black hair. It was someone coming to my rescue. And it wasn't until that someone spoke that I realized I was holding my breath.

"The lady said not to touch her," that person spoke, his commanding tone vibrating off his back.

At that point, I felt my knees weakening. That voice, it did something to me. And the next thing I knew, toad face bastard ran off like the little rat he was and deep baritone voice man turned towards me.

I froze, suspended in time. My breath caught in my throat and my arms became limp. He was a beautiful man. Large deep-grey eyes, the color of a brewing storm, straight-set eyebrows, inky black hair slicked back in a fashionable style, long Roman nose and a mouth made only for kissing. I swallowed while my heart continued to thump in that odd crescendo, about to explode.

I wanted him to talk again. I wanted to hear his voice again so I could wake up from this delirious state. But it was my friend Amelia's voice that got through to me.

"Kimmy, are you all right?" she asked.

"Huh?" I turned my attention to Amelia, and it was a moment I deeply regretted. It was only for a split second, but by the time I regained my equilibrium, Mr. Baritone-voice had already disappeared.

"Kimmy?" Amelia shook me awake again when she saw my eyes searching for that man in the black suit. But he was gone. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said absentmindedly.

"Kimmy!" Amelia shouted at me again.

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry. Now where were we? Oh yes, we were talking about Simon, right?"

"I don't want to talk about Simon. Come on. Let's go dance. It's safer than hanging out here."

She dragged me out to the middle of the dance floor, where we found Theresa and Joanna. They didn't witness the disturbing event previously, so both didn't notice my troubled state.

We were dancing. My body was shaking, my legs were moving, but I was like a rigid doll, moving along to the beat of "Pound the Alarm" by Nicki Minaj, without a soul and purpose to my step. My head was too preoccupied with the man with grey eyes.

Who was he? He clearly wasn't a college student, judging from the way he was dressed. He could be from overseas, having a business meeting here. He did sound American. But it was damned eleven o'clock at night already, and if he clearly wanted to entertain his clients, then shouldn't he pick a club that wasn't ninety percent populated with students?

My mind went around and around in an endless loop. _Why am I thinking about this stranger when I only saw him for less than five minutes? Why am I so captivated by him?_

I didn't want to think about him anymore. It wasn't like I'd be seeing him again. And just like that, I relaxed, closed my eyes, and moved my body as a new song began, "Disturbia" by Rihanna.

"What's wrong with me? Why do I feel like this? I'm going crazy now," I lip-synced, closing my eyes. "Your mind's in disturbia. It's like the darkness is the light. Disturbia. Am I scaring you tonight? Disturbia. Ain't used to what you like. Dis—"

I opened my eyes at that moment and sucked in my breath. Right there, staring right back at me with the same intensity, was the man with grey eyes.

My heart pumped, my throat ran dry, and at that moment, I begged the universe for him to speak again. But the distance between where he sat in his private booth and the dance floor where I danced were light-years away.

_How do I show him I'm interested in him?_

_Remain eye contact. Don't ever waver. Look him straight in the eye. Flirt with him. Toss your hair about. Dance seductively around your friend. And no matter what, remain eye contact at all times._

I did all of the above, tossing my hair, flirting with my eyes, looking at him beneath my lashes while constantly keeping eye contact with him.

He was gripping his flute of champagne very tightly. His lips pressed into a firm sexy line. And his eyes remained focused on me. Did he feel that attraction too?

In the next moment, he placed his flute neatly on the table, stood up, and made his way towards me.

_Oh my God. He's coming my way. What do I say? How do I address him? What's his name?_

"Simon."

"Simon?" _His name's Simon?_

"Simon's here," Joanna said close to me.

"What? Simon's here?"

I got distracted, turning my gaze from Mr. Baritone-voice, and followed Amelia wedging between the many sweaty people, until my eyes could make out two bodies in the midst of making out near the toilet.

Simon, sweaty and rough, was smooched up to a girl about the same age as us, one hand up her skirt, the other playing with her breast, mouth stuck to her lips like a leech. Simon, blond hair, lean frame. I could recognize that frame from a mile away.

"Simon! You bastard!" I leapt forward and ripped his head from that girl before my mind could formulate a plan.

"Owww, what the fuck!" he screamed, turning to me. That bastard squealed like a girl. His eyes glared at me, but once he saw Amelia, he shut his mouth and immediately went to her. "Amelia, it's not what you think?"

Amelia looked like she was about to cry. Tears were already simmering in her eyes. That soft-hearted friend of mine.

It was all my fault. I was the one who introduced that bastard to my friend. All because he was the son of my father's associate. I thought they made a good match. Good match my ass.

I tugged Amelia behind me and lashed out at Simon. "Not what Amelia thinks?" I reiterated my point. "What does Amelia think, with you smooched up to that girl like that, Simon?"

"Shut up, Kimberly. You stay out of this. I'm talking to my girlfriend."

"No, you shut up and listen, _Simon_. No boyfriend would bring a random girl out to a night club and eat her face like that when he claims he has a bar exam coming up."

"Amelia, don't listen to her. I can explain."

"What is there to explain?" I shut him off again. "The evidence is there." Simon seemed to be running low on steam. And when he didn't reply, I gave him my verdict. "You make a lousy lawyer."

This only made him more determined to outdo me. But clearly, he hadn't enough wits in his brain to counterattack my statement. He huffed, and knowing he'd been cornered with no way out, he escaped, dashing after Amelia, who was already backing out of the scene. He pushed me along the way too, gutless thing making me twist on my heel, and I knew then I would collapse on the dance floor.

Shit! Two assaults in one night. What a pleasant night this turned out to be.

Once again, I expected to hit the floor, land on my butt, and be the laughing stock of the whole club. But tonight just seemed to be the night when random knights in black suits came to my rescue. I was held back by a pair of strong arms, embraced from behind by a wall of steel chest.

"Are you all right?"

My heart convulsed. I looked up. _Oh, dear Lord, help me!_

Mr. Baritone-voice, the pure sex god had appeared once again.

His touch scorched me. Every single particle of my being came alive.

"Let my leg go. I need to see to my friend." I tried to distract him from feeling my foot up and down like he was making love to my leg with his fingers.

He didn't listen to me. His steel-grey eyes continued to manipulate the tensed muscle at my ankle.

"You twisted your ankle."

"But my friend?" I tried one more time.

That got his attention, and once again, I was faced with his beautiful kissable lips and mystifying grey eyes. "Your other friends have already followed her."

"But..." I wanted to say I wanted to follow them too, but those fingers were really distracting.

I tried. Seriously, I tried. When I found myself within his embrace, I was lost for a full minute before my brain kicked back into gear. I stood up, wanting to follow the rest of the party after Amelia had disappeared off into the crowd, only to fall back clumsily right into his arms. And he really was my knight in shining armor, gallantly carrying me off to his private booth, all the other girls glaring daggers at me for being the one to capture this dark knight's attention.

My mind returned to the present situation when he massaged my leg a little too hard, squeezing it until I yelped.

"Sorry." He smiled up at me. "Feel any better?"

I wanted to scream right there in orgasm. Did he know how fuckable he looked at that moment? Body crouched in a kneeling position, head below my knees, eyes assessing my ankle—I could imagine a thousand ways he could make me feel better already. And nothing involved him staring at my ankle.

"Better, thank you," I rasped, darting my tongue out to lick my dry lips.

That small action made his eyes flick in my direction, flaring something stormy and intense.

The atmosphere changed. Tension brewed in the air. An electric sexual tension that was so virile and raw I could almost feel it and taste it.

Shit! Would this finally be the day I had a one-night stand with a complete stranger?

"Take better care of yourself. A beautiful and delicate girl like you should always have someone to protect her."

If another man dared use the word delicate to describe me, I would have boxed his ears. But for him, I agreed wholeheartedly. A beautiful and delicate girl like me definitely needed protection against crazy men. And it was almost on the verge of my tongue to utter, _Maybe you can protect me against those men_ , when he dropped my foot and looked up at me. I mean really looked at me, focusing all his attention on me.

Once again, my world tilted on its axis, and I couldn't stop my smile from forming. He was too beautiful, too handsome to be described with mere words. My head become dizzy, too much of his pheromones in the air, intoxicating me until I was no longer talking straight.

"Thank... thank... thank..."

He laughed. That deep, husky baritone voice throbbed against my pleasure spot and instantly made me wet.

I harped incoherently again. "What... is... is—"

_Why can't I just ask him for his name? Better yet, go for his phone number too._

"Would you like me to call a taxi for you?" He cut me off before I could ask anything.

"My friends," I managed to leak out, indicating they were probably waiting for me somewhere in the club.

He shifted his attention to his watch, an expensive-looking Rolex that must have cost over fifteen grand. Papa wore a similar one.

"I have to go now. Take care of yourself."

It was on the tip of my tongue to stop him, pull him back and kiss him before he left. But I was too slow because, once again, my brain shut off when he smiled at me.

I watched as he disappeared, leaving me in a wet puddle.

Shit! Now there was nothing to dampen my desire except a cold shower. _I must see to it tonight._ More importantly, I had to see to poor Amelia.

As I got up and went in search of my friend, I wondered to myself, _Will I ever see him again?_

# Chapter 1

_Three Years Later_

The sweltering summer air of Miami greeted me in a fierce welcome. I was already drenched in sweat as soon as I stepped onto the tarmac.

"Welcome to Miami," I muttered to myself, checking my cell phone for the current time. 5:00 p.m. Miami time.

Miami was fourteen hours behind Brisbane. Amelia must be up already at 7:00 a.m., fretting about Dunstan's funeral.

Poor girl. Dunstan was like a father to her, but now he'd died, all because of her sister's cruel act.

What a way to treat a man who'd saved you from living on the streets. Corinne should have never brought that guy she'd met online to her house and hurt Dunstan's heart like that. Then again, Dunstan was also wrong to be involved with Corinne. He was an old man, even older than Papa. I wondered if he had some problem with his family to actually have an affair with a woman who was as young as his daughter.

I'd never warmed up to Corinne. I didn't actually know what Amelia saw in her sister to care and protect her like this. Then again, I didn't have any siblings, so it was quite hard to factor in that part of my personality.

I really should stop thinking about other people and start thinking about myself. That soul mate of mine, the man I saw three years ago, who I dubbed Mr. Baritone-voice because of his ability to conjure up sexual images in my head just with his voice, was nowhere to be found.

Damn me. Countless hot dreams of us lying naked on a large bed, his hot mouth sucking the rose bud of my breast, still made me hot and bothered. Just remembering his six-pack abs sliding across my body and his cock thrusting into me made my skin glisten wet with a longing that could only be quenched with a cold shower.

I firmly shook my head to calm my raging heartbeat and the throbbing of my clit, reminding myself it wouldn't be long now before I could hit that cold shower. Feeling better, I went to collect my baggage.

One bag.

I traveled light. This was a business trip after all. Papa wanted me to meet his business partner Mr. Devereux from Devereux Enterprises. He owned a majority of the properties here in Miami. Both Mr. Devereux and Papa had similar ideas, wanting to join forces to create even bigger and better properties. And their project was a massive mall covering an area the size of three football fields right in South Beach. And it was my job to see to their proposal before accepting the terms of the joint venture.

After graduating from university just a few weeks back, I thought I could have the chance to travel around the world for a bit, right before I settled down to work for Papa, but he was a very persistent man.

"Why don't you go to visit Beau, my business partner? You remember him, right, Kimmy-berry? He used to come to Australia when you were a little girl," he said while we were having dinner at our favorite Chinese restaurant. "That way you could go sightseeing around America, all while getting some work done."

"But, Papa. The world isn't America. The world is Sweden, Germany, China, Thailand, Cambodia—not America. And besides, I don't remember Mr. Devereux. Why don't you go instead? It would be kind of a reunion for the both of you."

Papa simply ignored my question. "Well, you can start with America first."

"Seriously, Papa?" I rolled my eyes. "I only graduated like yesterday. The ink on my degree hasn't even dried yet, and you want me to work?"

"Kimmy-berry. This is very important to Papa. If you're happy with how they run things, then we'll go ahead with the new venture."

"Why does it have to be me? Haven't you already discussed this with Mr. Devereux? I don't need to be involved in this project."

"Yes, you do, Kimmy-berry. You're my only daughter, and in the future, this whole empire will be yours."

"But that's like light-years away."

"You have to be prepared now."

And that was how it ended, me being prepared for whatever was about to happen.

Being the good girl I was, I could never refuse Papa's request. How could I? He was my dad and the only living relative in my family. Mum passed away due to breast cancer shortly after I was born. And now two weeks after that discussion, I was here. In Miami. Ready to meet Devereux.

_But where is he?_

I sank onto the couch in the private lounge, folding my legs and casually playing with my tablet like I hadn't a care in the world. But it was all an act. I was beyond exhausted and irritable to boot. I was so tired from the trip, feeling my muscles in my arms tensing. My temperament wasn't too pleasant either. During the flight, the turbulence was really bad, rocking my body like a baby rattle.

I looked at the time again. Papa said someone was to pick me up at the private lounge at 5:30 p.m. It was already nearing 6:00 p.m. I was hungry. I needed dinner, a bath, and a facial, like right now.

Just before I attempted to find myself a taxi, a middle-aged man walked into the lounge with my name written on a nameplate.

_Finally!_

I shook my head and stood.

"Miss Kimberly Henderson?" he asked, unsure. In my messy state, even I wasn't surprised no one recognized the daughter of multi-millionaire Geoffrey Henderson.

"Yes. I'm Kimberly Henderson." I tried to smile, but really, this wretched weather was getting to me. And I smelled like a skunk.

"I'm so sorry, Miss Henderson. The traffic is really bad. It took me more than an hour to get here."

"I understand. Brisbane is pretty much the same." I nodded and picked up my one bag but was stopped by the chauffeur.

"No, Miss Henderson, I'll carry that for you."

"Please call me Kimberly." I smiled. "And your name?"

"John, Miss Kimberly. Mr. Devereux sends his sincerest apologies. He's been detained at another meeting and won't get to see you until tomorrow morning. He's sending one of his sons to greet you at the hotel and take you out to dinner."

"No. There's no need. I'm really tired. I'd like some time to myself. Please tell Mr. Devereux I thank him for the suggestion, but I have to decline."

"Okay then, Miss Kimberly. I'll pass on the message."

I nodded, pleased now to have some privacy before I had to meet all these people as Papa requested.

We made our way outside into the boiling sun, once again sweat pouring by the bucket from my body. Oh how I craved a cold shower.

We arrived at the Miami Silverton Hotel, one of the many hotels that were popping up like daisies around Australia and New Zealand. Hunter and Anton Silverton, both heirs of Silverton Corporation, had decided to expand their services in America too.

And excellent service they provided. If possible, I always planned to stay at the Silverton Hotel wherever I went.

"The meeting is scheduled at ten tomorrow morning, Miss Kimberly," John reminded me.

"Thank you, John. I won't forget."

After showering and receiving a facial treatment, I couldn't suppress my hunger anymore. I needed to eat. It was way past dinnertime already.

Although it was going to be a meal for one, I was still dressed to impress, as usual. A strappy summer dress, my freshly washed and dried chestnut hair cascading all the way down my back, and summer heeled sandals. I was quite pleased with my accomplishment since it was a job performed in haste.

"Table for one, please." I smiled as a waitress approached me. She led me to a table near the window. The restaurant was on the fifteenth floor, so the view outside was quiet breathtaking.

I gazed around the restaurant. Surprisingly, it wasn't as full as I'd anticipated. Looking at the menu gave every indication as to how expensive and well established this place was.

The waitress came back, and I ordered my favorite spaghetti bolognese dish, accompanied with a glass of pinot noir. Just when the meal was put in front of me and I was about to indulge, I sensed someone staring at me. I looked up and a man with blond hair and a bent nose smiled back at me.

"May I sit?"

I was about to say, _No, I want to be alone_ , when he took my silence as an invitation. Maybe I should have taken my tablet with me as a distraction, making me less approachable. I really didn't want any company tonight.

"Here on holiday?" he asked in his American accent.

"On a business trip," I replied coldly.

"How crazy. You have an Aussie accent. Are you from Australia?"

"Yes, I am." Again, I gave him the cold vibe, but he clearly wasn't registering the warning.

"My ex-girlfriend was an Aussie. The last time we went to Queenstown New Zealand to bungee jump, she screamed all the way down. It was hilarious."

"I don't find that funny at all." I put down my fork, my innate sense of justice kicking in. "How can you laugh at someone who's scared? What if I dump you in a pool full of crocodiles? See if you're scared and piss your pants?"

The man held a blank look, unsure of what to make of my comment. Then he burst out laughing, a full belly laugh that showed off his chubby tummy.

By this stage, I was already fed up with him, and a conversation from three years ago flitted back through my mind. _"A beautiful and delicate girl like you should always have someone to protect her."_

Mr. Baritone-voice. I wondered where he went to after that night.

"I've already organized everything. All you have to do is put forward the presentation."

I froze. My heart increased in beat. Every fiber within my body sizzled alive.

That voice coming from behind me, it sounded so deep, such a rich baritone, reminding me of Mr. Baritone-voice.

He was talking on the phone, I suspected. I couldn't quite hear properly since Mr. Potbelly yapped nonstop.

"Hush!"

That got Mr. Belly-roll to shut up for a minute while I listened to that baritone voice continue to speak.

"Father has set the meeting. It will be held at ten in the morning. Can you wake up in time?"

Why was that voice tormenting me? I must have been deeply affected, for I could never forget that voice.

"Okay. That's all. I'll see you tomorrow. Take care."

_Take care._ That was Mr. Baritone-voice.

I swirled around in my seat, quick enough to only catch a glimpse of inky black hair just as the man took off. I hurried out of my chair, ignoring Mr. Jelly Belly, who moaned like a child when I made a dash to follow Mr. Baritone-voice.

I need to see his face to confirm my suspicion. _Please tell me this isn't my imagination_. I swore if it were him, I'd make sure to get his name and phone number this time.

I caught sight of the man with black hair again as he walked into the main hallway. But there were so many people going in every direction that I couldn't get close to him. Suddenly, he was swallowed up by the crowd. I gritted my teeth and weaved through. But he was already gone. When I thought I'd lost him again, he reappeared before my eyes, stepping onto the elevator.

"Hey!" I rushed up to the lift, waving my hand about, hoping he would see me.

But he didn't. And that damn elevator closed its doors right in my face.

After standing there staring at the stainless steel for what seemed like ages, I blinked and laughed at myself.

_Oh God, I must be crazy._ After three years, I was still affected by that scorching touch on my ankle, those stormy eyes, those kissable lips, and that rich voice. I was acting like a stalker searching for my prey.

# Chapter 2

It was bright and early and the sun was already beating mercilessly down upon me when I arrived at Devereux Holdings promptly before the 10:00 a.m. meeting. Immediately upon arrival, an elderly gentleman of about Papa's age rushed towards me, his arms extended wide.

"My dear." He enveloped me against his large stature. "You must be Kimberly. My, my, look at how much you've grown. Geoff used to send pictures of you from when you were a little girl all the way through to college. And now look at you, all grown up and ready to take on Henderson Corporation and our joint venture."

"Not yet. I still need experience," I said, smiling warmly at him.

"Don't sell yourself short. Geoff must have seen something in you to put you in this position."

"I'm his daughter." I laughed, liking Beau in that instant.

"Tsk!" Beau rubbed my head affectionately like Papa used to when I did a good job. "Daughter or not, he believes in you."

I only nodded, smiling again.

"Now, speaking of Geoff. How is he?"

"Papa's doing great. He sends his regards."

"I miss that man. I have to invite him to my upcoming birthday party."

"He would love that."

"Come." Beau led me inside.

Along the way, many people greeted us. I was introduced as the new temporary intern that would be helping out at the company. No one would know my true identity, except for close parties. This was to help prevent shoulder-rubbing of employees who wanted to climb the ladder faster through me.

"I have to introduce you to my sons. They'll be working on this project too. I thought it'd be a good idea that you next-generation kids work together." Beau laughed out loud.

I joined in his laughter. But our happy mood didn't last long. Entering the meeting room where the presentation was to take place, we found all the staff looking at each other warily, as if something were the matter.

Beau's facial expression changed immediately as soon as he looked at the projector. Nothing was set up.

"What is going on? Why is the presentation not set up?"

"The projector broke down. We don't know what happened. As soon as we came to set up thirty minutes ago, it wouldn't turn on. We're replacing it with a new one now. It's coming in five minutes. I'm sorry, sir," one of the staff explained.

"Kimberly, I'm sorry. I wasn't expecting this." Beau apologized, turning to me.

Time is money in business. And to think I'd come here and nothing was prepared, this was sloppy work. Someone should have checked the projector more than half an hour before the presentation. But there was no point in dwelling on it now. I let the matter slide. "Don't worry, Beau. I'm happy to wait."

I sat down and took out my tablet, reading _A Demon's Wrath_ , by Alexia Praks while the staff fussed around with the new projector.

Somewhere in the background, I could hear Beau talking in a frustrated tone to one of the staff. "Where is that boy? He's supposed to be here."

"I'm here." A male's voice spoke. "Sorry, Dad, I came as fast as I could."

"Come here. I want you to meet the representative of the Henderson Corporation. Kimberly Henderson, the heir of Henderson Corporation. Kimberly dear."

When Beau called my name, I looked up and saw the young man standing next to him. He was of medium height with sandy-blond hair and crystal-blue eyes. He looked no more than twenty-five when he smiled at me.

"Kimberly dear, this is my son Joshua."

"Miss Henderson." The man standing in front of me thrust out his hand, his eyes lighting as soon as he saw me.

"Mr. Devereux," I greeted, smiling back at him.

"Mr. Devereux is my father. Please call me Josh."

Josh held my palm a little too long to be considered a professional handshake between business partners. I shook his hand, and he playfully caressed it while his father was looking away. I shook my hand free.

Josh was a natural flirt.

I returned his playful flirtation with a businesslike look. "Maybe you're ready for the presentation now."

Beau looked uncomfortable when he turned back. He pushed his son off to organize the presentation. Ten minutes later, with the arrival of the other members of the board, along with more introductions, the presentation went underway.

The whole room was enclosed in darkness then. Only the light streaming from the projector could be seen.

I had to admit, even though Josh was a natural flirt, he really did know his stuff. Papa would be impressed with all the information and facts he researched. In fact, I was so absorbed in the presentation that by the time it had finished, I was already anticipating calling Papa to move forward with the deal.

When the presentation came to an end, Beau invited me this coming weekend out to his home in Key Biscayne, where he resided with his wife.

"It would be like a family reunion," Josh said, butting into our conversation. "Plus, I'm sure you would like my mother."

Beau scrunched up his face at the mention of his wife. But it was only for a second before his big grin appeared again.

"It is rather a long drive. I will have John escort you there," Beau added.

"I'll accompany you." Josh beamed, edging towards me. "It's a long drive. You'll get bored looking out at our monotonous beachy scenery. Having a friend to talk to along the way would help make the time move faster, don't you think, Kimberly?"

"I do enjoy a quiet journey, Josh."

"I still think it's better if I accompany you."

"Perhaps it is a good idea," Beau added.

In the end, I couldn't refuse Beau's suggestion, so I agreed to John picking me up with Josh accompanying.

Back at the hotel, as soon as I stepped foot over the threshold, my phone rang.

"How was the meeting? Did you see Beau? And how was the presentation?"

"Papa, your daughter has been away twenty hours, and the first thing you ask is about the meeting? You don't love me anymore?" I playfully teased him.

"Kimmy-berry, I'm sorry, honey. Let's start again. How's everything, my sweet?"

"Beau was very nice. I saw his son Josh. He was the one who presented the proposal."

"And what did you think?"

"About the presentation?"

"No, Josh."

Something clicked inside me. "Papa, are you trying to set me up?"

"Kimmy-berry..."

"No, Papa. I'm here to learn the ropes, not get hitched."

Papa didn't say anything.

"Papa, are you still there?" I asked when the silence was too long to bear.

"Yes, Kimmy-berry. Papa is here," he said in his haggard tone.

I knew he must have been upset with the turn of our conversation, but I would never have thought he would scheme to get me hitched. For the life of me, I couldn't imagine myself getting married until I found the one that made my skin burn with just one touch. And that person was here, in Miami. How could I give in to Papa when my heart yearned for that man?

"If there's nothing else, I'll hang up now. Devereux has invited me to visit his home tomorrow. I'm really tired, so I'm going to rest a bit."

"You do that, then."

Papa sounded so sad that I had to console him. "Papa, I was really impressed with their presentation. Maybe there's a chance our families will get to work together," I managed to squeeze out.

Papa laughed. "That's my girl. I'm looking forward to hearing your report."

The drive to the Devereuxs' household was a boring and trying one. Josh wouldn't stop leaning into me, talking in his animated tone. Constantly, he would narrate about his high school days, university life, and his life now. Everything, it seemed, was about him.

"That's the place where I first learned to drive a car." He pointed to a narrow path. "I crashed my car into that tree there."

His fingers brushed against my shoulder, lingering there for a bit too long. I rolled my shoulder to shake off his touch. But that was only the beginning. Every word, every animated action, he would make every attempt to touch me, disguising it as innocent gestures.

"Josh, you're a very touchy person, aren't you?" I had to ask.

A snarky smile appeared on his face. "That's my way of expressing myself." Suddenly, the playfulness was gone, replaced with a deep, raw hunger within those blue eyes. And then, only for my ears so John wouldn't hear, he whispered, "Are you a touchy person too, Kimberly?" His hand came to rest upon my exposed thigh, his eyes staring into the depths of my green irises.

I was caught off guard. I didn't expect Josh to act this way. A chill ran down my spine. "Only with the ones I _want_ to touch." I tore his hand off my thigh.

Once again, he laughed, lifting the tension in the air. After that, the conversation returned to normal.

Eventually, John stopped the car. I was greeted at the door by Beau's big bear hug, followed by his wife Fiona, dressed like a trophy housewife, a role that could never befit me. We exchanged a few pleasantries, all the while Josh standing near me, his arm gently pressing the small of my back. I was irked with his behavior, but because we were in front of his parents, I didn't want to embarrass him.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a silent onlooker in the background, a man with inky black hair standing by the grand staircase. My heart recognized him as it drummed rhythmically, making my ears ring.

That long Roman nose, those kissable lips, and those strong, straight eyebrows. His eyes, the color of a brewing storm, held a look so haunting they pierced into my soul as he observed me through black-rimmed glasses. I could remember it all. Those fingers rubbing on my ankle, that scorching flame burning into my skin, and the deep, rich baritone voice of his. It was him, the one I'd been dreaming about and seeking for the past three years.

I wanted to speak to him, to ask him who he was, but Josh beat me to it.

"Julian. I didn't expect you to be here."

# Chapter 3

The tension between the two men was as thick as a dense fog. They both stared at each other—Josh, a heated and undisguised disgust radiating from his eyes, and Julian, a solemn expression.

I stared, bewildered by the whole situation, but it was Beau who broke the tension between them.

"Julian, come here. Let me introduce you to Miss Kimberly Henderson from Henderson Corporation."

Julian came to stand beside Beau. I still didn't know who Julian was and how he was related to Beau. But from Beau's behavior, the way he placed his hand on Julian's shoulder with affection, I knew he was someone close to him.

"Kimberly, this is Julian, my eldest son."

"Miss Henderson," Julian spoke, thrusting out his hand. Once again, I found my body trembling with need, a deep, raw need that only he could satisfy.

Josh released an annoying scoff. I ignored it and pulled out my hand, wrapping my fingers around his palm.

"Julian, very nice to make your acquaintance."

Julian gripped my hand, a bashful look on his face, unlike that first time I saw him, full of confidence and charisma.

Did he remember me? Or was this just my one-sided attraction?

I couldn't help testing the boundary. I squeezed his hand a bit longer, noticing his face turning bright red. His tongue darted out to lick his lips. And all I could think about was those lips licking every inch of my body.

A cough resounded from the side, and I turned to glare at Josh, who was already extracting my hand from Julian's and steering me away in the direction of the lounge.

"It's too suffocating in here. I'll show you our back garden. It's a sight you'll marvel over. Plus, Randy would be happy to see you. Dad, Mum, sorry for stealing Kimberly away from you. I'll bring her back before dinner."

I turned back to see Julian gazing at me, a small smile playing on his lips. There was definitely something in his eyes. And it wasn't an illusion when I tilted my head slightly, gazing at him beneath my lashes to show him my intention, to see whether he felt the same. And I was right. There was hunger, a raw and sexual hunger just waiting to be unleashed.

What kind of relationship did these brothers have? I couldn't fathom why they would hate each other that much. But it was just that as Josh warned me about his elder brother Julian.

"Don't hang around him. He's very unsafe to be with."

"And you're safe to be with?" I asked when he dragged me to look at his pet snake Randy.

"Randy is perfectly safe. He has no venom."

The green snake basking in its cage really turned me off.

"Josh," I asked, halting him when he showed me yet another snake. "Why do you dislike your brother so much? Did he do something to you?"

The sun struck his sandy-blond hair as his eyes glimpsed into the far distance. Those eyes coldly displayed an underlying hurt.

"Just don't associate with him. That's all I can say for now." He turned back to me and smiled.

By the time Josh showed me the whole garden filled with his pets, I was beyond exhausted and scared to my wits end. I finally asked to see to my room, since I would be staying at their house for the weekend. After resting for a bit, I became bored and decided to venture out on my own. Thankfully, Josh was nowhere in sight.

I saw a green pavilion when I was upstairs, so making haste, I ran outside, making my way there, glad Josh didn't follow. As I entered the double doors, I was surprised and so damned pleased when I saw Julian, all alone, sitting near the many shrubs and orchids that partially obscured him. I took this opportunity to fully assess him before he noticed my presence.

Julian was so beautiful, like a dark angel that fell from heaven, needing to redeem himself. His black hair was longer. His lips still looked kissable, except now they were held in a firm grim line instead of that warm smile from our first greeting. His eyes held a faraway look, as if he were in deep thought.

_What is he thinking about?_

"Julian." I couldn't control myself and called out. His body tensed up but then immediately relaxed when he saw it was me.

"Miss Henderson," he said bashfully, his face suffused in a dark-red color all the way to his neck.

I'd never seen a man blush so much in my entire life. It was cute and adorable and so damn sexy.

"Kimberly, actually." I corrected him, sitting on the available seat in front of him. I intentionally made my knee-length skirt ride a bit higher, exposing my creamy porcelain thighs for his viewing, just to check his reaction.

His eyes lingered on my thigh for a bit before he diverted them to the orchid beside me.

I laughed quietly. Somehow I felt proud and happy my action could cause him to react this way.

I sat smiling at him, almost teasing him with my gaze. Julian just took it all in, staring back at me with a face the color of a ripe tomato.

"Do you always blush when talking to a woman?" I asked, curious.

"Only beautiful women," he replied quietly.

_Did he just imply I'm beautiful?_ My confidence soared, and I inched my skirt a bit higher, then spoke seductively. "Are you saying I'm beautiful, Julian?"

"Australian women are beautiful," he answered rigidly.

I laughed. How awkward. This man, he could only give honest answers in simple sentences. It had me fascinated.

I leaned into him then. There were so many things I wanted to know about him. So many things I wanted to ask him, like his phone number or why Josh had warned me not to get close to him when he was so clearly easy to get along with. But what came out of my mouth surprised even me.

"You have a nice house." _What is this?_ This wasn't the conversation I had in mind.

"It's not my house, Kimberly," he said, that baritone voice once again doing something to my body. I swallowed, feeling my throat constrict suddenly.

"Well, your parents' house, then." I corrected. "Where do you live?"

"Why do you want to know?"

My smile dropped. I was disappointed. Did he just shun me? Did I misread the situation? I thought he liked me when he looked at me with that raw hunger in his eyes.

"Oh, nothing. Just making conversation," I said, trying to hide my bruised feelings.

He must have detected I was feeling sour, because afterward he apologized. "I didn't mean to upset you. It's just no one in this family really cares about me. So since you're Father's guest, I didn't expect you to want to know me."

"Why wouldn't I want to know you? You're charming and good-looking. Who wouldn't want to talk to you?"

A rush of red appeared on his cheeks again. He adjusted his glasses and nervously explained his reasoning. "Most people don't give a hoot about me since I don't talk much."

"Hoot?" I laughed, leaning closer to him. "You use the word hoot?"

"Yes. I like to use that word."

I laughed again, he smiled, and his whole face transformed into such a surreal beauty I had to remember to breathe.

"You know..." I leaned closer still, until our noses were almost touching. "No one uses the word hoot to describe that kind of situation anymore. This is the twenty-first century. It's either 'fuck' or 'shit.'"

"That's not within my vocabulary." His warm breath fanned my face, sending waves of erotic lust through my brain.

"Since your vocabulary is very limited and outdated and you don't talk much, that's why most people don't give a hoot." I summarized his condition.

"Yes." He swallowed, not tearing his gaze from me.

I smiled, pleased I was able to mesmerize him with my seductive spell. A surge of confidence washed over me.

"Then let me prove them wrong." I was bold, tracing his jawline with the pads of my fingers. "Hear this, Julian. I would love to get to know you better. In every possible way."

Julian went stiff as a floorboard. He just blinked back at me.

I relaxed back into the chair and folded my long legs again, legs I planned to have wrapped around his neck when he decided he wanted to fuck me. I gazed at him behind my lashes and gave him a bewitching smile, one that was guaranteed to make every man go hard.

Julian didn't know what to do with himself. He shifted in his seat a few times, as if uncomfortable with his seating position. He coughed, then shyly took off his glasses and cleaned the lenses.

_Does he think he can avoid my seductive gaze just by taking off his glasses_?

I chuckled. This bashful man, who couldn't even say the word fuck, really was a gentleman. How could I not be attracted to him? He was hot. He was perfect. Why would he think no one wanted to know him? I couldn't understand. But he did look insecure at that moment, meek even, and a rush of emotion overwhelmed me, making me want to console him.

"Do you remember me, Julian?" I clasped my hand on top of his and took his glasses away to rest on the small stand next to us. "From three years ago. In the nightclub."

His body went rigid, his eyes flicking in my direction, gazing at me with a yearning that I also experienced.

"I do."

It was only two words, but it made my heart swell up with happiness.

"Then why didn't you say something?"

"You looked like you didn't remember me when I greeted you."

"I remembered, but I was scared you didn't recognize me from before. That's why I was so happy to see you here. I want to talk to you. I want to tell you I remember everything. From the way your touch seared my skin... to the way your voice made me think erotic thoughts," I whispered, almost like I was hypnotizing him, luring him into my intricate web of desire.

I grasped his hand and placed it on my bare thigh. He flinched, wanting to remove it, but I held him still. Scorching heat penetrated my skin immediately.

"Do you like me?" I couldn't bear not knowing the answer anymore. The man who I'd been obsessed with for the last three years, the man that had captivated my eyes since that first moment I saw him in the club, was now sitting in front of me. I needed to know if he liked me, even though I'd only known him for less than a day. Time at that moment wasn't an issue. To me, I'd known Julian for more than a lifetime already. He was the man in my dreams and of my dreams. And that was enough for me.

"I do," he said quietly.

It seemed like my bold personality hadn't yet diminished, surging more than before when he said those two words. I took this opportunity to leap into his lap and kiss those lips of his in answer to my hungry question.

Julian didn't resist. Instead, he claimed my lips, thirsting for my scent, hungering for more when I gave him permission to explore my mouth further. His tongue probed, licking all the available surfaces of my cavity, plunging down my throat, then winding back with my tongue. His hand came up to my breast, without me having to urge him on. He squeezed them, pinched them, and rolled them until my clit throbbed, wanting him to administer the same action there. It cried. It mewed in sadness as it secreted tears, wetting my underwear.

Not wanting him to stop, I peeled away one of his hands that was busy digging into my hair and led him to the center of my core.

"Touch me," I whispered, taking a breather, then resumed with my venture, kissing his cheek, licking his temple, and sucking his earlobe.

"Kimberly," he rasped hotly, his hand pausing at the line of my underwear, unsure whether this was what I wanted.

"Touch me," I repeated again, urging him on. "Touch me and then take me."

"I can't do that, Kimberly. Not right here."

"Then make me come."

Hiding in the covering of the green pavilion where native shrubs and flowers surrounded us, Julian finger-fucked me. The skirt I wore somehow made its way to my midriff and my underwear was now hiding the bashful faces of the orchids.

Julian swirled his finger at the lip of my sex, teasing me like I teased him before with his hand on my thigh.

Was this his repayment? I gritted my teeth in frustration at his lack of understanding of my needs.

"Touch me," I hissed again.

This time he obeyed.

It was a slow move but the right move. Julian slowly dipped into my whirlpool, making me cry out in pleasure, exuding white-hot fluid onto his finger.

"You're so wet," he commented.

"That's because you made me like this," I rasped, barely able to speak.

"You're blaming me?" he teased.

His voice was no longer soft, no longer meek, but a manly voice that commanded attention, one I was unused to associating with Julian. But somehow I imagined him whispering dirty thoughts into my ear.

"As a man, you have to take initiative." I teased him back, wanting him to speak in that tone again.

Julian really did take the lead, slipping into my sex until I could hardly talk or breathe. He used one finger, and then when it wasn't enough, he slipped another one in. I almost screamed when an extra digit managed to fit, and then the ride began.

"Hold on tight and brace yourself," he spoke, making my head spin already.

I held on to him fast, my fingernails digging into his arms as his fingers ministered to my sex. Again and again, he probed, until at the depth of ecstasy, I climaxed, sending my mind spiraling to an unknown realm.

"Wow. That was explosive," I managed to rasp out once I caught my breath again.

"Yeah." He agreed, barely holding himself together.

If getting finger-fucked by Julian caused me to lose my mind like this, I couldn't imagine what his cock would do to me.

# Chapter 4

Dinner that night was a battle between the two brothers. It was entertaining to watch them battle out who could garner my attention the longest.

"Kimberly, you should try this chicken. Freshly killed and cooked. No added hormones like in the city." The younger brother, who sat on my right side, carved some roast chicken onto my plate.

"The vegetables here are also fresh. Father and Mother have a garden out back. Have you seen it?" Julian, who sat on my left, forked some onto my plate.

"Yes, I have, Julian. Josh showed them to me earlier today." Josh smirked at his brother, since, in his eyes, he'd scored a brownie point from me already. I thought not. "Although, I prefer vegetables tonight." I smiled at Josh and moved his chicken to the side of my plate.

Josh flashed a cold gaze at his brother, then took a sip of his wine to stop his jaw from clenching.

The tension inside the dining hall was thick. They both volleyed stares at each other. One of anger and contempt, the other of sincere and undisguisable sadness.

What caused the rift between the two? Surely, I was only a surplus to their already brewing storm. Josh had already told me to be careful around Julian, way before this event took place.

"Kimberly dear, vegetables are good for you, but a bit of protein is also good for the body," Fiona said, adding more tension. And this time, I stared at the woman sitting in front of me, a little feeling of dislike creeping into my heart.

_You say I should eat more protein for my body, but shouldn't you be preaching that to yourself? Skin and bones hold you together. Maybe you should have some chicken too._

That was what I had in mind for Fiona, since she seemed to worry about my size-eight figure, but Julian said, "You should also eat some chicken."

_What? What is this? I thought he was on my side._

Then I felt it. Julian's hand, gripping onto mine for the longest time, until I felt my anger dissipate.

"Beau, where are some good sightseeing places around in Key Biscayne?" I had to say something just to cut the tension. Julian released my hand then. I craved for his touch already.

"What awful hosts we are! There are many places, Kimberly. In fact, forget Key Biscayne. Go visit South Beach. That's where all the young ones and celebrities go. Josh could show you around."

"Yes, Kimberly. I'll be your guide. We could go to art galleries or if you like, ride the roller coasters." Josh's face lit up at the mention of being my tour guide.

"I don't ride on roller coasters. It makes me sick," I said.

"Well, we could go see the dolphins."

Out of nowhere, I could feel someone's finger lingering on my bare thigh. Someone who was sitting to my right. I glared at Josh, but he didn't seem to notice my wrath. I stilled his fingers so he wouldn't continue that abhorred action, but his fingers carried on moving.

"Yes. We could even swim with the dolphins. I like the feeling of the water sliding off my skin. You'll feel nice too, once you've had a swim with the dolphins," he said, his eyes hinting at the dirty thoughts in his head while his hand continued to roam my thigh.

I tried again, catching his hand and stopping it, but his will was too strong. I couldn't still it.

"If you don't want to swim with the dolphins, we could go for the boat ride. This Monday, I'll take you there."

A sly smile appeared on my lips. "I thought you had a meeting with the other board members on Monday. Or was that another day?"

I hit the jackpot. His eyes wavered, coming back into focus as he remembered his promise to the board members the other day.

I smirked and ripped his hand off my leg. He relented.

"Maybe Julian is free." I decided to add more salt to his wound. "He could act as my guide. What do you think, Fiona?"

Fiona dropped her fork, staring at me like I was Medusa out to catch her boys. I only smiled. Josh was biting his lips, and Julian offered a small smile. The tension in the room was back again and by now was almost as thick as a block of butter. Only Beau seemed to be immune to this.

"Beau, what do you think?" I added more fuel to the already burning fire.

"I don't see why not. Julian is free at the moment. Julian, what do you say, son? That project of yours is all done, right?" Beau turned to his son.

"Yes, Dad," Julian replied, then turned to me and offered me a shy smile. "I'll be happy to act as your guide."

I smiled in satisfaction. "And when is your birthday? Papa wants to know," I added, just to change the subject.

"Sometime in the next few months. I haven't thought about it yet, but Geoffrey would definitely be invited. Fiona, will you help me organize?" Beau asked his wife.

"Isn't that what a wife is for?" She spoke sharply.

Julian gripped his fork, his jaw clenching suddenly, and Josh just smirked.

At that moment, I was more confused than when I was playing the Rubik's cube. Just what game was this family playing at?

# Chapter 5

I woke up to a dry throat. It was already midnight, but nothing could be done except to get a drink of water. I recalled the kitchen being near to the lounge. And since my room was upstairs, I needed to take the stairs to reach the kitchen on the ground floor.

I arrived safely without getting lost on the way. Pouring some water into a glass, I took a sip to my heart's content, when I felt a strong pair of hands came and crash me against a hard wall of chest.

"Kimberly." The heavy alcoholic breath puffed into my ear.

I froze. Then upon recognizing that voice, I immediately twisted on my heel to push that chest away from me.

"Josh. What do you think you're doing?"

"You don't know what I'm doing?" Josh slurred as he came into the light. His hazel eyes were tired but hungry when he saw me in my nightdress. He pinned me against the wall and breathed out harshly, "I fucking want you. That's what it is. Don't tell me you didn't get the hints I've been sending your way."

"Well, you can go fuck yourself. I'm not interested in you." I pushed him off again.

Josh stumbled backwards but regained his equilibrium just as fast, throwing me against the wall again. I cried when my back hit the hard surface.

"You're playing hard to get, right, Kimberly? You want me too, right? I know you do. I saw the way you looked at me."

"Are you an idiot?" I hissed. "I wasn't looking at you."

His nostrils flared and his eyes turned red. "So you want to fuck him, then, that stupid, meek brother of mine."

I was scared shitless at Josh's behavior, but I smirked, pretending his abnormal attitude had no effect on me.

"I can fuck whoever I want," I shot back. "But just know it's not you. Now get off me."

"Today I don't get you, but someday—you mark my words—I'm going to fuck you, over and over until you scream my name."

"You fuck me and I'll sue you. In fact, I'll sue your father too. And forget about the joint proposal, because it's not going to happen if you dare touch a single strand of my hair again.

Josh seemed to have woken up from his stupid alcoholic state then, realizing his mistake for angering me. He flinched but then tugged me forward, gripping my arm until I winced. "If I find out you fucked him, I won't let you go."

When Josh left, all my bravery slipped out of me. I sank to the floor and cradled myself into a fetal position.

_What the fuck is up with him? Shit, I need to call Papa, Amelia, anyone._

"Kimberly."

"Get off me." I pushed at the unknown hand that suddenly appeared on my shoulder and rushed out of the kitchen. I didn't know where I was heading, but I had to get away from there. Josh might come back.

"Kimberly." Someone pulled at my arm and dragged me into their embrace.

"I said get off me. I want to go home. I don't feel safe here anymore." I fought at that chest, hitting it and clawing at it.

"Kimberly, wait, it's me. Listen to me. It's Julian." That person gripped at my arm and shook me, intending to wake me up. It worked.

"Julian?" My foggy mind cleared up a bit when I heard his name. "Julian, is that really you?"

"Yes, it's me, Kimberly. What's wrong? Tell me what's wrong." His grip lessened and he took me in for another hug.

"Julian, Julian." I repeatedly called out his name just to reassure myself he was there beside me. I hugged him and buried my face in his shirt, tears streaming down my face.

"What's wrong? Tell me what's wrong."

His deep baritone voice soothed my soul. But still, I couldn't speak. I just sniffled and cried until I was so exhausted I slipped to the floor. Julian caught me in time and carried me to my bedroom. He turned on the lamp and tucked me into bed. He kissed my forehead and held my hand.

"Please tell me what's wrong. I can't help you if you keep silent like this."

"Julian," I cried again and tried my hardest to explain the whole situation. But with hiccups and sobs, my voice became distorted.

"Why don't you go to sleep? Tomorrow when you feel better, we can talk."

Julian got up to leave after he kissed me on the forehead, but I stopped him.

"Please don't leave me." I gripped his hand tight. "Just stay with me until I fall asleep."

I was scared. I didn't want to stay inside this room, let alone inside this house. If Josh could attack me in the kitchen out in the open, then my bedroom would be like the golden sanctuary where he could get away with anything.

Julian covered my hand with his and rubbed it gently, giving me a warm glowy feeling of safety. "Don't worry, Kimberly. I'll watch you until you fall asleep."

"Thanks." I smiled weakly and closed my eyes.

After that exhausting episode, I fell asleep straightaway, knowing my handsome dark knight was only a short distance away, ready to protect me against any monsters lurking in the shadows.

# Chapter 6

Josh greeted me warmly the next morning, as if our episode from last night didn't exist. I didn't return his greeting. I walked straight past and sat down at the breakfast table where one of the kitchen staff was serving toast.

"Kimberly." Josh came to sit next to me. "Did you hear me? I said good morning."

Out here where there was sunlight, I wasn't afraid of the shadow anymore.

"Don't tell me you want to kiss and make up," I hissed at him, totally ignoring him and smearing jam onto my slice of toast.

He smiled and asked playfully, "Did we kiss?"

"Get away from me, Josh. If my pa didn't know your father, I would have been gone from this house last night." I lashed out at him when he touched my arm.

His eyes looked frightened. "What... what happened last night? Did I do something to you?"

I had about enough of his acting. I slammed the knife down and glared at him.

"You said you want to fuck me."

He swallowed, another frightful look flashing across his eyes.

"I don't remember. Did I really say that?" Then he gripped my hand in alarm. "Kimberly, I'm sorry if I said all that. I really don't remember. But I do like you. I like you a lot."

"Get your hands off me."

He let go of my hand without rebutting, his eyes looking lost. "I'm really sorry, Kimberly." Then, like a psychotic person, he glared at me. "Was... was... Julian there?"

"No, he was not. You were the only one there." I didn't add that Julian was there to console me afterward.

"Kimberly, I'm sorry for whatever happened last night, but I would never force myself on you."

"That's a bit hard to believe when you're gripping my wrist so tightly."

Josh's eyes flared up when he realized this. He let go of my wrist immediately.

"Please don't mention anything to my parents," he begged.

I was softhearted. So I made a bargain with him. "If you promise not to do that again, then we have a deal."

"I promise." He finally relaxed, his playful self now in full control. "How about a handshake?"

"Don't ever flirt with me again," I warned. "I'll tell you again I'm not interested in you."

He took my hand and shook it anyway, smiling softly at me. "Today you might not like me, but tomorrow, you might change your mind."

I couldn't understand what he meant by that, so I just shook my head, whipped my hand away from his grasp, and resumed pasting jam onto my toast.

All of a sudden, Josh banged his plate on the table.

I got annoyed. "What is your pro—"

"Why are you still here?" Josh shouted, cutting me off.

I looked up and saw Julian standing by the door. I was about to smile, but my lips froze in place when I saw his eyes brewing an angry storm. Julian must be angry, seeing a blissful picture of Josh and me eating our breakfast together.

"Julian," I called out to him. "Come have breakfast."

"No, Kimberly. I've come to check if you're fine. But you weren't in your room." His eyes flicked to his brother before falling back to me. "It seems like you're fine now so I'm going back home."

"Julian, wait." I ran after him, leaving Josh to eat by himself. "Are you leaving already? Tell me you're not leaving yet?"

I ran after him until we reached a secluded spot somewhere in the house.

"Julian." I dragged him around to face me.

The expression on Julian's face frightened me a bit, like a wild beast waiting to be unleashed. Looking to the left and right, he took my arm and dragged me inside a room, before slamming the door shut and locking it. He faced me, that frightened look gone, replaced instead with a tired expression.

"Kimberly." He crowded my space, speaking in his low baritone. "I don't share my woman with my brother. Just remember that." And he turned to go, his hand pausing at the door.

I ran to him, hugging him from behind. His body went stiff again. I wound my arms around him tightly, preventing him from leaving me.

"Julian," I whispered into his shirt. "I'm not your woman."

He spun to face me, his facial muscles contorted with pain. "You're right. You're not my woman. You're your own woman. A beautiful and capable woman who every man wants to claim. Even my brother." His voice dropped to a deeper crescendo. "Even me. And I'm sorry for feeling this way towards you. I know I've only known you for a short time, but I like you. And for the benefit of the both of us, I won't ever act this way around you again. So rest assured. There won't be any hard feelings when you date Josh."

Julian turned to go again after he gave me his confession. But I held him back, throwing myself into his arms, looking for that comfort I craved since last night.

"You stupid, awkward man." I hugged him, digging my head deeper into the hollow of his neck, smelling his manly scent, which reminded me of our evergreen trees in Australia, a scent I associated with peace and love. "Is that how you confess to a woman? Telling her you like her and then turning to leave."

"Kimberly," he said slowly, stroking my hair with love and affection. "I don't know how else to tell you."

I lifted my face to look at him. His glasses were fogged up. I removed them and placed them on a stand. I stroked his jaw, his morning stubble tickling the pads of my fingers.

"Julian," I said, staring right into his eyes. His pupils were almost like a reflection of my soul, murky but clear at the same time. "Julian. When I say I'm not your woman, it's because I'm not. You haven't slept with me yet."

"Kimberly..." His breathing changed, his breath coming in heavy fits. "My Kimberly. I want you. I want you to be my woman."

"Then take me." I encouraged him by taking his hand and leading it to my breast.

Julian sucked in his breath upon the light contact.

"But Josh..." He wavered, his eyes unsure. "Josh likes you."

"And I like you."

"But—"

"Why are you being like this? Why are you being so noble to your brother? You said you don't share your woman. And I'm willing to be your woman now. So take me."

"If I take you, you can no longer belong to another man. Not ever in this lifetime."

So that was what worried him. _My Julian, the worrywart._ To appease him, I kissed his lips and whispered, "I will never be with another man as long as you want me."

"Promise me, Kimberly. I don't think I can bear it if you no longer belong to me."

"I belong to you, Julian. So take me." And to encourage him and to make sure he didn't back out of our deal, I removed my underwear and tossed it aside. Then I sat on what I found out to be a large bathroom basin and spread my legs wide so his eyes could get a good viewing of my desire down at the center of my core, which was waiting for him to claim it.

Julian was stunned, paralyzed by my bold move. I felt nervous, so nervous, now that I got his attention. I was scared he was going to unlock that door and walk out of here.

"You want me to take you?"

I nodded, not backing out.

"Then get ready to hold onto your seat."

At that moment, it wasn't Julian the meek and awkward man I'd come to like who spoke, but another virile beast, one who would rock my world and crash the very foundation I stood on.

# Chapter 7

Three years I'd imagined Julian as my phantom savior. Three years he'd appeared in my dreams. And now here he was, three years later, standing in front of me, ready to make my dream come true. But I hadn't imagined our first time would be anything like this. Dear God, I was going to let Julian fuck me in the bathroom.

Julian advanced towards me like a predator seeking its prey, slowly and with precision at first, and then when I was unaware, he made his surprise attack. Snatching my head back, he roughly threaded his fingers through my hair, tugging my face forward, meeting me halfway when he slammed his lips onto mine.

It was no gentle move. He was rough, raw, lethal even, to the point of biting my lips. He sucked and nipped until I felt it was bruised and swollen.

My nipples also became sensitive, the most erogenous zone of my body. I released a moan when Julian started applying the same technique to my breast through the thin cotton dress. I arched back, lifting my hip as that little wave of passion rode through me. He held me still when another wave hit me. I had the urge to touch him, to feel those rippled muscle beneath the pads of my fingers, but he won't let me, holding my hands tight with one hand.

I frowned, wondering why I couldn't touch him.

"Not today, Kimberly. Just let me be the one to give you pleasure."

_How kind. He wants to give me all the pleasure and not have any in return._

I smiled, satisfied either way, but promised myself secretly that I'd have to return the favor some other time.

Julian partially unzipped the back of my dress, letting the now loose strings slide easily off my shoulder, revealing my Victoria's Secret bra. He unclasped my bra and tossed that aside along with the cotton dress. I now lay nude and bare. I felt free, unbound, exhilarated, without the constriction of those clothes.

Cool air made my nipples more sensitive. They stood taut and swollen. Julian wasted no time basking his attention on them. He feasted his lips there, licking and sucking, nipping and gliding, his tongue swirling around and around until another wave hit me, making me moan out aloud.

"Ahhh... Julian, that feels so good."

There was no need for a reply when the evidence of his arousal was in his eyes, burning fiery bright as he continued with his ministrations. He was so focused beads of perspiration dotted his brows. I leaned forward, using his body as leverage to lick the salted water.

His eyebrows arched back in confusion. How could I touch him when he had my hand held back?

"Even without my hands, I can still touch you." I smirked. But it was like punishment for talking, because next, he pushed his finger inside me.

I jolted, surprised at the sudden attack, feeling his rough digit invading my private space. But oh my did it feel good.

Initially, I felt nervous at Julian's sudden change of character. This Julian was more honest, more brutal in his ways with me, unlike the last time he fingered me. It felt like he was in control this time, and honest to god, I found that hot and sexy.

Maybe Julian, the meek, humble person, liked being in the dominant role during sex. Even after I cried and arched my back for him to take me, he still wouldn't.

"Do you want to see me die?" I writhed like a worm. "Please, just... God, just... fuck me already."

The sensation was just too much. I'd never felt this incredible torment before. So beautiful yet so crazy it was driving me wild.

"Julian," I begged. "Please."

My throat was raw, dry, crying out for him to listen to my needs. Burst of lights blinded me in that instant, while rolls after rolls of pleasure hit me like waves on a seashore. I heaved, my breath coming in heavy fits as I tried to control my breathing. I just had my second orgasm. With just his fingers alone.

And then Julian finally made his move.

He pulled me to the edge of the bench and spread my legs apart. I fell back, putting all my weight on my elbows as I lay in a semi-supine position, butt lifting off the bench, my legs dangling over the edge.

Fire, hot and smothering heat, burnt all over my skin when he unzipped his jeans to release his cock. I swallowed, my eyes following the movement of that cock as it stood erect, pointing straight in my direction, as if saying it wanted me.

He was truly gifted in that department. I'd never seen a cock that big before. It was gigantic. And it made me a little nervous to think I might have trouble fitting him in.

Julian shifted his position a bit more to get closer to my center, while milking his cock along the way in preparation for the grand entrance. His cock twitched as if it could smell my arousal. Slicked at the entrance, my clit throbbed for him to be inside me. Thankfully, he aligned at the gateway of my entrance right before I thought he was going to prolong it again. He pushed forward a bit, letting me get used to the feeling of how big he was inside me, then pushing in a bit more. I breathed slowly through my nose, feeling my muscles tighten around his length.

It'd been so long since I last had sex. I didn't even remember anymore what it felt like. Full and satisfying. How did I survive for three whole years without a man? A simple answer, my vibrator and the image of Julian in my head from three years ago.

Julian stayed still for such a long time I thought he wasn't going to go ahead. It was only when that first glint appeared in his eyes that I knew what was coming next. I braced myself, fingers tightly gripping to the edge of the bench. Although this was my first time with Julian, instinct told me I should prepare myself. I was going to get pounded until I lost my senses.

And it was true. He pounded into me with aggression, like a wild beast taking down its prey. And I was his prey, being eaten up by him. I cried, moaned, and writhed as he slammed into me, again and again.

Never before had I experienced this kind of sensation. Never before had my past experience put me through this much shame. I thought I was strong, having experience with a few of my past boyfriends, but this, nothing had prepared me for this ongoing slaughter. I was weak, like a little virgin catapulted into a vault filled with endless amounts of desire I didn't know even existed. I thought I was an expert in this game. I thought I was the one that had seduced him, this meek and humble man. But now our role had been reversed. I was his puppet, and he was my master, pulling at my strings, playing all the right cords, making me sing and moan.

Julian didn't know what was going through my mind. He was also in his own world, busy giving off a series of grunts, animalist sounds that only he could make sound sexy.

"You're so tight, Kimberly," he hissed in my ears.

_Of course I'm tight. My vibrator isn't that big._ But I couldn't even tell him that. I was gasping for air, losing myself to the motion of his thrusts.

Julian continued with his rhythm, already knowing I was almost there. His rapid succession of push and thrust, push and thrust, made my body soft and malleable. I no longer had control over my limbs. My mind was already gone.

I looked at Julian, his face a blank mask, sweat pouring down his forehead again. He was lost in his own realm too. His eyes rolled back. His jaw was clenched, as if he were trying to suppress a certain feeling that wanted to leap out at that moment. Then suddenly—

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" His lips spewed out those words. His face contorted in a series of emotional masks as he raced towards a climatic ending. All too soon it ended for me too, with flashes of bright light and Julian's essence spilling inside me.

I lay still, barely able to move a muscle. My face flushed red, my body tingled, all of my nerve endings slowly reanimating. I felt the smooth but hard bench beneath my buttock, the rough sleeve of Julian's shirt when it rubbed against my bared arms. These were all evidence of how hypersensitive I was after climaxing.

I closed my eyes and reminisced Julian's final moment before he climaxed. It was a glorious picture, the way his facial expression changed from passive to aggressive, to anger and then finally calm before returning to the humbly meek Julian's facial expression I'd come to know so well. It was such an intimate moment for Julian, and I was blessed to be able to witness this.

"Glorious, fabulous, and awesome," I said once I regained my equilibrium. Julian frowned again, almost like he was lost and didn't know what he'd done. I kissed his dark frown away, holding him inside me, not wanting to let go. "And here I thought you had limited vocabulary."

Julian finally found himself again. He chuckled and kissed the top of my head. He pulled his cock out of me, all wet and soft. The evidence of our lovemaking dribbled down my leg.

I laughed, feeling suddenly happier than ever before in my life.

"What are you giggling at?" he asked shyly.

"You and this?" I gestured to our love juice.

"Sorry I made such a mess," he apologized, looking meeker than ever before.

Being a gentleman, he tore some tissues and wiped them between my legs, then disposed of our evidence in the tight-lidded rubbish bin. In my mind, I was thankful we did it in the bathroom.

I stared at our surroundings now that all my senses came back to me. The room was in complete shambles. I was surprised nothing was broken. The amount of force and energy that went into our lovemaking was like a stampede of wild elephants in the Amazon.

Shaking my head, I hopped off the bench just as Julian picked up my discarded underwear.

"Let me help you dress." He held out my underwear.

I slipped my legs in, already missing the feel of his cock inside me. _There's always tonight_ , I thought... if Julian hadn't decided to leave here yet.

While my thoughts were running wild with ideas on the next time we should meet up, he was already dressed and laying my dress out for me. I hopped in again, and he zipped me up.

I was like a little girl again, getting dressed for the first time by Papa, except this time, it was Julian. I should have felt shy, but instead, I felt a warm feeling inside my heart. I wasn't embarrassed. This act that had happened between us proved we really had crossed the line. We were no longer two strangers, but two people committed to caring for each other. To me, this experience wasn't a one-time thing. To me, this was the beginning of something new, of something beautiful between Julian and me.

Seeing Julian's glasses on the stand, I picked them up and gestured for Julian to come forward. He stood between my thighs, and already, I could feel his length poking into me.

"You're hard again," I commented.

Julian only nodded.

"So you want me that much?"

Again, Julian just nodded.

I smiled, leaned forward, and slipped the frames onto the folds of his ears, then gave him a mouthwatering kiss.

"Maybe next time you should start carrying condoms," I said, smiling before exiting the door.

Julian stared blankly at me before he understood my full meaning.

# Chapter 8

Julian didn't appear for dinner that night. I was a little guttered. He didn't tell me he went away. After our amazing sex session in the bathroom, I'd left first and gone back to the dining room, hoping he would follow. But he never did. I wanted to know where he went to but didn't want to question Beau, and especially Fiona, since she gave me that look from last night when she thought I might seduce her son. Well, if she knew I had seduced Julian, what would she think?

Josh was his giddy self again, happy I supposed, since Julian wasn't at the table. I didn't talk much, even though Josh kept trying to make conversation. By 10:00 p.m., I excused myself to go to bed, blaming it on jet lag.

I went into the kitchen to get myself a full glass of water, then headed upstairs and locked the doors to my bedroom. I wasn't going to repeat last's night mistake of venturing in the dark to find water for my parched throat. Josh had apologized again for attacking me last night, saying adamantly he didn't remember. Honestly, I was tired. I'd already forgiven him, but it pays to be cautious.

After calling Papa about my report on the Devereux and that I'd be sending the presentation to him in the next few days, I got into bed, praying I would see Julian one last time before heading back to the hotel tomorrow. John would come to collect me. Josh, thankfully, wouldn't be accompanying me back.

Yawning suddenly, I tucked myself into bed and dreamed of Julian kissing me.

I woke up to a dark shadow looming over me. My heart went into flight mode as I tried to scramble out of my tangled sheets, shouting my lungs out for help.

But no sound came out. My lips were blocked with another pair of lips, kissing me. Hot tongue swirled inside my mouth, pulling at my life force, dampening my shout until it transformed into a whimper.

Josh, was this Josh? But why did my heart feel calm, like it had experienced this kind of kiss before?

"Julian?"

"Kimberly," The deep-threaded baritone voice sang into my ear.

"Julian!" I wrapped my arms around him, taking comfort in his embrace. "Julian, you frightened me."

"I'm sorry, Kimberly." He rubbed my back, calming me. "I got worried that you couldn't sleep, so I came to check on you."

"Where were you today?" I asked, the first thought that flew into my mind.

"I had work in the city today. Urgent business. It was a long and exhausting drive, but I made it back before midnight."

"Why did you come back? I'll be heading back to the hotel tomorrow anyway."

"You didn't want me to leave, remember."

In the dark, I searched for his lips, wanting this kiss to convey how much he meant to me. It was only a simple request on my behalf, but he took it at face value, fighting the three-hour traffic jam just to get back here to see me. _This docile man, so gentle and sweet. I am so lucky to have met him again after all these years._

Our kiss was nothing short of explosive. He sealed my lips, gliding his tongue in and out, locking and dancing with my own. It wasn't until we needed to breathe that we parted. I lay nestled at the crook of his neck, holding his hand, feeling warm and cozy to the bones.

"How did you get in? I had the door locked," I asked, making conversation.

"I have spare keys to the house."

I jumped out of his arms at that answer. "Does Josh have spare keys too?"

A low chuckle vibrated off his chest. "No. Only me. Josh hardly stays here. He has his own apartment in Miami."

"Where do you live, Julian?" I felt bold all of a sudden, slipping my hand underneath his shirt, searching for that taut chest. I sighed with happiness when I felt the ripples beneath my fingers.

Julian sucked in a breath when I touched one of his nipples. He extracted my hand and held it behind my head, tying both hands with something that felt like a ribbon.

I only giggled. "Playing the dominant male again?"

Again, he didn't answer me as he kissed my lips and then crawled down my body, licking each inch of skin with his tongue. He kissed my chin, down my throat, and at my collarbone. Briefly stopping at my breasts, he squeezed them through the fabric of my nightdress, making me whimper for more.

He was good; I give him that. No, scratch that. He was amazing. Two orgasms with just his fingers and one massive release with his cock. I was in for a treat tonight.

Again, curious as to where his destination was, I chuckled and lifted my head to see him beneath the sheets, near my breasts.

But he moved lower still.

"Julian, what are you...? Arrgghhh."

My head fell back and my hips arched upwards as that warm, wet sensation hit me on all four corners. He attacked me with his tongue, hitting my clit, making my pleasure spot throb with such thunderous need. How could he do this to me? I wasn't prepared for this. A thousand fireworks erupted before my eyes with just one lick. I gripped the pillow with my bound fists as ripples of hot waves washed through me.

"Julian," I panted. "Julian."

His name became my chant, my chant for survival through this night. As he flicked in and out of my passage, I buckled and writhed, moved and tilted, contorting my body to give him the best access. By this stage, the bed sheets were all scattered to the floor, and I could make out Julian's head between my thighs as he sucked me off. His warm tongue swirled, licking my essence again and again.

"Julian, Julian, Julian." I groaned.

In the dark, I searched for his hair, managing to grip a few strands and pull his head up. The small beam of moonlight that threaded its way into the room provided me enough light to make out sparkling grey eyes staring back at me.

"Please," I whimpered, begging him to let me come. "Please."

Julian didn't say another word. He obeyed me. Pulling my legs apart again, he inserted the tip of his cock at the junction of my entrance, and with one smooth thrust, he was in all the way to the hilt. My head hit the pillow again with such force it bounced off twice.

"Julian," I screamed. "Julian."

Julian didn't stop. He didn't even say a word. He didn't need to because I could feel his love for me through his actions, through his attention to details. Those kisses, the gentle caress of my breasts, and the slow thrusts—they all showed how much he cared, how much he wanted to please me.

I came just like last time, the surge of pleasure rocking my body and Julian's seed spilling inside me before my world turned dark and I sank into a black abyss.

In the morning when I woke, Julian was gone. Only the lingering scent of sex permeating the air and rumpled sheets remained, telltale signs he was here last night, making amazing love to me.

# Chapter 9

I was back at the hotel late in the afternoon. As soon as I got to my room, I collapsed on the bed, reminiscing about all the glorious moments with Julian. Julian standing there with his big cock hanging between his legs as he looked at me with indescribable passion in his eyes. Julian with his hands on my hips as he pumped into me until I screamed. Julian all sweaty and sated as we both climaxed together. And then there was Julian in the dark, taking me like we were forbidden lovers, stealing kisses underneath the stars.

The plan to travel to South Beach tomorrow was still on. John had told me so before dropping me off. Seeing dolphins and marine life was exciting, but nothing got my blood running hot more than the thought of seeing Julian again.

I laughed. Already I was giddy to see him, wanting more of that juicy action. Great, thinking about Julian now made me hot. And it had nothing to do with the temperature in this room.

How bothersome. There was nothing to relieve me except that damn vibrator. I supposed beggars couldn't be choosers.

I extracted the toy and fingered myself until I was wet. Then when I couldn't control myself anymore, I inserted it into the lip of my sex. It was good, but it felt like something was missing. It wasn't enough. Only when I finally climaxed did I figure it out.

Julian.

Just peachy! Two finger-fucks and two amazing orgasms later, even this sex toy failed in comparison.

God, I definitely needed a shower.

After the satisfying shower, I emerged in a large towel wrapped around my body. It was already past dinnertime. Figuring it was a waste of time to change into new clothes, I rang room service for a meal delivery. When it arrived, I wolfed down the whole lot in less than five minutes, which just goes to show I was hungry. I supposed as the saying goes, a good round of exercise will increase your appetite. And that includes sex.

I planned to write the presentation report for Papa as soon as I finished eating. Taking out my laptop and notes from the presentation, I collaborated all my points together, summarizing for Papa so I could easily get my points across when we had our meeting back home.

Thinking about home made me think about Julian. What would happen when I went home? Would he be willing to start a long-distance relationship with me?

I didn't get to dwell on this matter when someone texted me on my phone.

_Log onto Skype_

"Amelia." I beamed.

I logged on and immediately saw my friend's face on the computer. She still looked the same. Dark-brown hair, oval face like a porcelain doll, and sharp almond eyes. That friend of mine was gorgeous, but since that episode with Simon cheating on her, she hadn't attempted to find another guy.

"How did the funeral go?" I asked her, curious to know how it all went while I was here with Julian.

"It was fine," she explained, her eyes twitching with tiredness. "But they thought I was Corinne,"

"What?" I gasped. The thought of Julian disappeared from my mind in a nanosecond flat. "They thought you were Dunstan's mistress? Did you even get to correct them, that the mistress was actually your sister?"

"No." She shook her head. "I got kicked out before I could explain myself."

"Oh, these awful people. I hope you don't get to see them again."

"That might be hard since Corinne was called to attend the reading of the will. Apparently, Dunstan left her something upon his death."

"So you'll be going, then. I mean with your sister."

"Yes." Amelia rubbed her eyes, a yawn escaping her.

At that moment, I really felt for Amelia. That girl really had a tough life. Unlike me, the daughter of millionaire magnate Geoffrey Henderson, Amelia just came from a normal middle-class family, with one older sister named Corinne.

Ten years ago, after the death of their parents, which made them orphans, Corinne quit university to work three different jobs to help support twelve-year-old Amelia and their home, which had a huge mortgage attached to it. Since they had no relatives to rely on, they had to fend for themselves. Three years after, they both hit a brick wall when Corinne lost her main job due to recession. The house they were living in was about to be repossessed by the bank. But Dunstan came along, helping them out. All he asked in return was to visit them regularly. But somehow, over time, Corinne and Dunstan fell in love.

Of course, I don't actually know the full story. These were bits of information I'd pieced together when Amelia told me some years ago, back in our university days.

I often wondered how we could become such lifelong friends when we really hadn't been together that long though. And especially since our personalities were like chalk and cheese.

I was often the wild one, the one that needed to be looked after when a party was in full swing, whereas Amelia was the quiet one, the sensible one. But I was also the one that stood up for my friends' rights, like that night when Simon cheated on Amelia. The night when Julian came to rescue me like a dark knight.

_Ahh... Julian._

I missed him already. Missed his lips on mine. Miss his hands roaming my body. Most specifically, I missed his cock inside me, feeling him taking up space in my passage.

I didn't realize I was daydreaming until Amelia yelled at me.

"Daydreaming at night? What's going on?"

I just smirked. "Nothing to confirm yet. Once I'm all sussed, I'll let you know."

"Have you met someone there?" She paused for a moment, reading my expression. "Kimmy, you're very fast. You've only been there less than a week."

"What can I say? I'm a seductress. All men fall at my feet." I laughed. "Oh, sorry Amelia. I have an incoming call. Unknown number." I swiped the talk button on my phone. "Hello," I chirped into the phone.

"Kimberly."

Ripples of lust shot through me in a nanosecond, from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes. Julian's voice on phone was like eating crispy hot wafers while having sex in the pool: crispy, hot, and wet. Dreamy.

"Hello, Julian." I flicked my gaze to Amelia and signaled her I needed a minute. She smiled, shooing me off, then disappeared off screen too. "Hi. How are you? Did you have to go into work again?"

"Yes. I'm sorry I didn't get to wake up with you this morning."

"Oh, that's all right. I thought I'd imagined that scene from last night. If not for the crumpled bed sheets, I'd be sure I dreamed it all."

"You didn't dream. I did take you."

My legs couldn't take it anymore. This was like phone sex. His voice really got to me.

"So why did you call?" I asked, throwing myself on the bed and drawing lazy circles on the bedspread. "Miss me already?"

"I do. Missing you now."

I laughed. "Anything else?"

"And to give you my cell number. I keep on forgetting to give it to you."

"Uh-ha." I nodded, smiling like a fool. "Anything else?"

"And about tomorrow."

Oh God, don't tell me Julian's backing out of our deal already. I had so many things planned for tomorrow, like his cock in my mouth, after he took such good care of me last night. It would be like revenge, except we'd both be having a good time.

"Are you changing your mind about tomorrow?" My voice squeaked in fear at the possible outcome. If he really canceled, then I'd slump in this bed until I went hungry.

"No. It's just we have to go to the office first. I have some things I need to sort out. Then we'll be on our way."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, that's fine, then."

"Would you like to come along too? I'll pick you up and we can depart straight after."

"Splendid idea, Julian. I like that idea very much."

"Then I'll let you get some sleep."

"Okay, thank you for calling."

"Oh, I almost forgot."

I held my breath. "Yes, what is it?"

"I love you."

My heart sped up. I gripped onto the phone tighter, pressing my ear closer, as if doing this would allow me to be closer to him.

"I love you too," I whispered.

"Until tomorrow, then," he said when I didn't say anything more.

"Until tomorrow, then, Julian. Good night."

"Good night, my Kimberly."

I fell back onto the mattress without even knowing.

_My Kimberly. I'm his Kimberly. And he said he loves me._

I blushed. Could two people really fall in love in less than a week? But that was what I'd been feeling since I saw him. He made me want him. He made me miss him. Like right now. The phone was already disconnected, but I was still staring at it like a fool.

_Oh God, Julian. He called me my Kimberly. Oh God, Amelia! I left her online._

"Amelia, Amelia, are you still there?" I scrambled out of bed and yelled through the microphone.

"Coming." I heard her voice first before I saw her face.

As soon as she sat down, I apologized to her.

"I'm so sorry. I got sidetracked."

"Who was that?"

"Someone." I gave her a cheesy smile.

"That someone you like? That someone you just told me about a minute ago?"

"Yes, that someone."

"What did he say?"

"He said he'll pick me up tomorrow so we can go to Miami Seaquarium."

"Good for you."

"Your turn will come soon." I soothed her. "Who knows? You might meet someone tomorrow."

"Ahhhh," Amelia screamed in panic. "Thank you for reminding me about tomorrow. I have to wake up early tomorrow morning to pick up our boss from the airport. Our old boss has retired so our new boss is taking over our company. I heard he's very scary. So I have to go now. See you here soon. Have fun tomorrow with your Mr. Someone."

"Bye-bye." I waved at her, then switched off the laptop.

That night, I went to bed with a smile on my face, looking forward to tomorrow when I would spend the whole day with Julian, the man I loved.

# Chapter 10

Monday morning found Julian and me exiting Silverton Hotel hand in hand, like the perfect couple we were. Julian was very attentive, hooking my seatbelt for me when I got in the car and making sure the air-conditioner was turned to the right temperature before driving to Devereux Headquarters.

Julian wouldn't stop looking at me, even when we were sitting in the car. His eyes were on fire as he took in my form. It was almost like he was making love to me without touching me. That came as no surprise since I took extra care with my beauty routine last night. I wanted to go all out with him today. It would be like a date. But all that was spoiled because of one small thing. His odd question.

"Is it okay if I kiss you?"

I stopped short and looked at his face in confusion. Then I turned red.

"Why do you have to ask? We had sex. Twice. You gave me amazing orgasms. I lost count on that one. Yet you're not sure if you can kiss me?"

I turned my back to him, staring at the window, totally in a pissed-off fashion. Wow, this just totally ruined my mood.

"Kimberly, are you mad at me?" he asked solemnly.

"What do you think?" I asked, refusing to look at his face.

"Kimberly," he repeated again, this time accompanied with the lightest of touch across my bared arm.

I wasn't swayed. Even when that touch scorched my skin and turned my mind into a puddle of goo.

_Think, Julian, think. What does a girl like me want?_

Julian didn't say anything, but started the car and drove off to Devereux Enterprise. Throughout the drive, he kept staring in my direction with that sad, solemn look. I wished he would just take the initiative and kiss me. I wanted my man to dominate me sometimes. I didn't want to be the one who always had to seduce people.

As soon as the car stopped at Devereux Enterprise, I flew out and into the elevator. Julian hurried after me just before the door closed.

"Kimberly, what's wrong? Tell me. I'm sorry."

See, it was this behavior here I wanted him to change. Be a man and take charge. Where was the man who made love to me? Where was the man I saw three years ago? It was like he was play-acting and it confused me. Who was the real Julian?

"I'm going to see Beau." That was all I said. He should get the message I didn't want to talk to him.

I turned my back on Julian again and stared at the wall, folding my arms and pouting. Julian was about to say something when a bunch of people came into the elevator, crowding me, pushing me to the back until I hit his hard chest.

"Kimberly," he spoke, his fingers brushing my arms, balancing me when I almost toppled over from the impact.

In the jam-packed elevator, I was pressed like a pancake, with Julian as my back support while people clamored in front of me. Suddenly, I felt something poking at the small of my back.

_Oh God, it's Julian. He's reacting to my body._

I sucked in my breath and ignored it, reminding myself I was still mad with him. But it was extremely hard when my damn body was turning all hot and bothered, like I needed him too.

Why was I reacting to him when I was mad like this? Why were our bodies so in tune with each other, even when our minds spoke different languages?

As more people entered and exited, Julian's erection didn't cease. And my desire for him to be inside me grew even more. A little bump in the ride caused my butt to rub against him, and I shivered. It was one hell of a delicious shiver too, one that had my desire increased by tenfold. I was so wet. I bit my lip and closed my eyes, concentrating on my breathing pattern instead, hoping to suppress any further humiliation.

Finally, I arrived on Beau's floor. I rushed out like the wind, not because I was mad with him, but because I needed to sort out my body.

Once back to my original state, I rushed out of the bathroom and collided into someone. Then papers flew everywhere.

"I'm so sorry." I apologized to the woman who was sprawled on the floor with papers scattered around her.

She rubbed her bottom, then got up and smiled at me. I hope she didn't get a concussion from this.

"I'm fine," she said, which relieved me greatly.

"Here, let me help you with them," I offered, picking up the papers.

She smiled and accepted my offer.

As I was about to gather them into a pile, one document caught my attention. It was the research materials used for the presentation on Papa's joint venture with Devereux.

"Are you taking these to Josh?" I asked, realizing it might be Josh's since he was the one who presented the proposal.

"No, to Julian," she said, smiling.

"Oh," I replied, surprised. It was Josh's presentation, so why was this woman taking this research material to Julian?

"I just came to collect these from Josh's office, that's all. Julian wanted them back."

"Back?" I couldn't understand where this was going.

When she saw the look on my face, she explained. "These notes belonged to Julian. Josh was just borrowing them for the presentation."

"Oh," I said again. I was beginning to understand what was happening. One brother does the research while the other one does the presentation. Yet they don't get along.

"Thank you for helping me out." The woman tucked the files under her chin, then walked off. I couldn't bear seeing her carry so many files, so I offered to help carry them to her office.

"My name is Kimberly by the way," I told her.

"Ah, so you're the new girl," she exclaimed. It seemed like everyone really did think I was the new intern here. "Everyone here has been talking about you. Saying you're a beautiful thing."

"Thank you for the compliment."

"My name is Melissa. I work with Julian."

We arrived at her desk, which was outside Julian's office. I didn't follow Melissa in. I sat outside and watched her work instead. From the way she worked, I assumed she was Julian's secretary.

"Are you here to learn from me today?" she asked when I didn't go back to where I came from.

"Yes, I was assigned to work here." I made up a lie.

"That's good. Come sit beside me. I'll teach you how to do things."

Sitting beside her, I watched the way she worked, and I had to admit she made one hell of a secretary. In the duration I was there, she was running backward and forward, in and out between her small desk and Julian's office, with files up to her ears, while the phone was constantly ringing off the hook.

Melissa was on her last trip when the phone rang again. I looked up at her, signaling the phone was ringing, but she just told me to it pick up. I did as requested.

"Hello, welcome to Devereux Enterprise. You're speaking with Kimberly. How may I help you?"

"Hi, this is Karen from Mannings Construction. My boss, Mr. Phillips, would like to speak with Mr. Julian Devereux regarding the construction plan for the land development in South Beach. Could you please connect me through?"

"Yes, sure." I connected the phone. "Mr. Devereux, phone call from Mannings Construction."

Julian's sexy voice rang into my ear immediately and made my knees shake.

"Kimberly—"

I put the phone down. I didn't want to hear his voice. It would just remind me how much I wanted him. And how stupid and immature I acted. I should stop behaving like a brat. It wasn't Julian's fault he treated me like that. He was just a gentleman, respecting me, that's all. What more could I ask from a guy? He was hardworking, conscientious, and very attentive to me. Perfect boyfriend material. I had to go and apologize to him.

I got up just as Melissa came in looking for another file. When she said she needed to deliver this file to Julian urgently, I offered to go instead.

Melissa happily took my suggestion, sinking into her seat in exhaustion.

She was only in her mid-thirties, as she'd told me when we started chatting, but with blond wispy hair that looked like it hadn't seen a salon since the turn of the century, her whole appearance made her seem decades older.

Melissa really was hardworking. If she were to resign from here, Papa would have no qualms in hiring her.

I sneaked a look at the files when I took them to Julian. Information on building consent and land development in South Beach were attached, along with the plans.

I walked with the file in hand and stood in front of Julian's door. There was just his name and a title that read General Manager.

I wondered what department he was under. Since he was the eldest son of Beau, I was surprised his title was only General Manager.

I knocked on Julian's door, heart almost beating out of my chest. He answered with his deep baritone, which didn't help my nerves one bit. My legs were like jelly, and I realized I hadn't the guts to apologize to him in person. I'd text him instead.

Walking with my face down, I placed the file on his desk and was about to leave when Julian grabbed my hand and swung me with such force the wind was almost knocked out of my lungs. He yanked my head towards his and slammed his mouth to mine, attacking me with such ferocity my knees buckled. Julian lifted me to sit on his desk, all without removing his lips from mine.

We both kissed each other until we were drunk. He was as intoxicated as I was. In fact, we were both stupidly crazy for each other, hands tugging on each other's clothes and mouths attacking every bit of exposed skin. Until—

"Ohhh Jesus, this isn't part of the plan," Julian muttered, pulling away from me.

"What plan?" I asked, looking at him through a misted hood of lust. I could see he was trying to fight his desire for me, but his eyes proved otherwise. I pulled him in again and rested my head on his shoulder. "You didn't plan for all this to happen, did you? To fall under my spell. To fall in love with me."

"Kimberly," he puffed out, almost out of energy. He rested his chin on my head, bringing my body close to his. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry," he repeatedly said. "I'm sorry if I made you mad. I'm sorry for not apologizing earlier. I'm sorry for bringing you here and making you wait for me. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sor—"

"Stop!" I pressed my finger to his lips. "It's I who should be sorry. I was immature. I wanted you to take initiative and kiss me when you think it's appropriate. I don't want to have to give you permission to do something like kissing me. I love it when you kiss me. I could never get mad with the way you kiss me. That's why I got mad when you asked."

"From now on, I'll take the initiative." He kissed my hair and hugged me closer. In a soothing voice, he asked, "Are you happy, Kimberly, being with me?"

I looked up into those stormy grey eyes of his, a mixture of love and elation pouring out of me.

"Happy as a newborn lamb." I grinned and hugged him again, listening to the sound of his erratic heartbeat in his chest.

"I just have to go to father's meeting first and then we'll be on our way. Would you like to join the meeting too?"

I smiled at that question. "Only if you sit beside me."

# Chapter 11

In the meeting, I sat next to Julian, holding his hand under the table while the presentation took place. Josh, who came in late, was so surprised to see me that throughout the meeting, he couldn't stop giving his brother death glares. When he caught my eyes, he sent me a jealous look. I didn't care and only smirked at him in return. I held on to Julian's hand tighter. He squeezed back as reassurance.

"Now regarding the building consent on our planned site in South Beach, have you got the documents, Josh?"

Huh? I turned to Julian. He didn't say anything.

"Yes. I've also spoken to Mr. Phillip from Mannings Construction."

What? But... but... Wasn't it Julian who just got off the phone with a Mr. Phillip from Mannings Construction? I was the one who put that call through. What was going on here?

Josh's voice drifted off. I didn't listen to him. My mind was in turmoil.

What was up with these brothers? Firstly, all the research was done by Julian, but Josh ended up doing the presentation.

And now this.

Josh outlined all the plans that were in the document I had passed on to Julian. Every single word. Every single design. He repeated them all.

After Josh finished Julian's report, all the board members congratulated him. Not Julian, but Josh.

"That's why you're the Managing Director," they all chorused. They gave Julian a pitied look.

I didn't understand what was going on, but from what I could conclude, Josh stole Julian's work and was claiming it as his own.

I needed to talk to Julian about this. Pronto!

"What is the meaning of this?" I jabbed Julian in the chest, pushing him into a corner when we were both back in his office.

"What are you referring to?" Confusion clouded his eyes.

_Why is he acting innocent right now?_

"You know what I mean, Julian. The data. The research. They were all done by you. Don't think I didn't know. I crashed into Melissa and those documents flew out of her hands. I saw them."

"Are you hurt anywhere?" he asked, gently feeling for any damage.

I dashed his hands off. "Don't change the subject. It was only a small collision. And stop touching me. You're making me hot and bothered. And back to our current subject. Why didn't you say anything during that meeting?"

"Josh deserves to be recognized for his work."

"Julian, it's _your_ work. He's only reaping the fruit you sow. He stole those reports from you."

"He didn't steal them from me. I gave them to him."

"Why? It's your hard work. Why would you give it to him? You deserve to be recognized. Did you see the way those board members looked at you? They pity you. They think you're incapable."

"Kimberly, please, can we not talk about this?"

"I'm trying to help here. But it's you who's not helping yourself. Don't you have any pride?"

"Pride doesn't cut it," he shouted at me. Then, realizing his mistake, he slumped into his chair in defeat. He looked up at me through his glasses, his voice so painful it hurt me too. "He's my brother, Kimberly. Father has already chosen him to be the son to inherit the business. Why do I have to compete with him?"

"I'm not asking you to compete with him." I stepped up to Julian and hugged him from behind. "I'm asking you to show your strength and skills to the board so they can judge for themselves who should be given credit. It's unfair you worked so hard, yet someone else took credit for your work. I'm not saying this because I like you. Even if I didn't know you, I would still try to help you. I don't like seeing people stepped on. It's unjustifiable."

I massaged his shoulder to help relieve his stress. He pulled me down to sit on his lap, burying his head between my breasts, and hugged me for the longest time. I patted his head, soothing whatever pain was in his heart. I loved this man. For three whole years, I'd dreamt about him. I wanted to see him happy. To see him gain recognition for the work he produced. I didn't know what Josh did or said to him that turned Julian into this kind of person, but I didn't want to see him suppressed and upset any longer.

"Julian—" I started.

"Please, Kimberly." He stopped me. "Let's not talk about this. I want to take you out. We've only got the afternoon. I want to spend time with you before you go back home."

The word home struck me like a knife in my heart. In a week's time, I would have to leave Miami and head back home to Papa in Brisbane. I didn't want to think about this. I just wanted to spend time with Julian. Every single second spent with him would be the most precious moments of my life.

"I don't want to go out." I rocked my body on his lap, searching for that hunger in his eyes.

"Then where do you want to go?" Julian's voice came out strained, a simmering hunger emerging from those steel-grey eyes of his.

I was pleased. This was what I wanted.

I wound my arms around his neck, looking straight into his eyes. Slowly, I whispered into his ear, "I want you to take me to your house. I want you to fuck me until your glasses fog up. I want you to fuck me like crazy until I'm too tired to think about all this other mess. Can you do that for me?"

# Chapter 12

"Julian, how far is your house?" I asked, eyes transfixed on the passing scenery of beautiful apartments and lush palm trees.

"I don't live in a house. I live in an apartment on Bal Harbour."

"How long before we get there?"

"Not too long."

"How long to be exact?"

"Oh, just five minutes away."

"Good. Hold on tight to the steering wheel, then."

"What do you mean hold on to the—Jesus Christ!" Julian blared. He looked at me with a shocked face, then at my hand, which was busy feeling his crotch.

"Kimberly, what are you doing?" he hissed.

I knew he hated it when I touched him in the past, but our days were limited. I wanted to touch him, to make him come just by having my fingers on him.

"Kimberly, take your hand away," he warned.

I didn't listen. I continued to stroke him until I could feel his cock swelling up inside his pants.

"Shit! Shit! Shit!"

I smirked. "Your vocabulary has broadened greatly since you met me, Julian."

"Kimberly, I warned you. Stop this instant." I could tell he was getting angry, but I didn't give up.

"Make me." I challenged him.

Julian swerved his car around the corner so fast it flung me back in my seat. He stopped, unbuckled his seatbelt, and flew at me, tearing at my clothes without reservation until I was naked. Removing his belt, he tied my hands together and pinned me against the seat, then unzipped his pants and thrust his engorged cock into me in less than five seconds flat. I was so full of him I couldn't even breathe.

"Julian..." I tried to placate him, but he didn't listen. He was like a beast gone wild. He pulled at my hair, smashing his lips onto mine, teeth biting at my delicate skin, and tongue sliding to the back of my throat.

"Julian..." I panted when he released my lips. "Slow down."

But he didn't slow down. He continued to pump into me, thrust after thrust, faster and faster, until that dry friction between us ignited into flames. Soon, my cries of complaint turned into moans of sweet yearning, wanting him to pump into me faster, wanting him to pump into me longer until I burst into flames and climaxed.

I thought it was finished when his cock pulled out, but it was hard again, engorged to the point it was spearing into my stomach.

"Julian," I heaved, out of breath. "It's hard again." I looked at that cock and wondered why it still hadn't gone soft.

Julian didn't reply, but dragged me out of the car, using his jacket to cover my nakedness. As soon as he got us safe into the elevator, he pinned me to the wall and thrust into me again, pumping and pounding into me until I climaxed again.

I lost count of how many orgasms I had. My mind was in a swirl. One minute I was in the car, and the next I was backed up against the wall of his apartment, one leg supported by his arm and the other foot on the floor. Then he resumed pounding into me again.

I was so exhausted I fell, but Julian caught me in time. He didn't disconnect from me. Instead, he carried me, my legs wrapped around his hips, his cock still buried deep inside me, until we reached the couch. Once there, he spread my legs wide and thrust some more.

We went on for what seemed like hours and hours. My knees hurt from being on all fours when he thrust into me from behind. My back hurt when he bent me over backwards, elevating only my legs to get better access to my core. His love juice poured out of me like water. I was wasted, completely exhausted. When my last orgasm hit me, I collapsed and lost consciousness.

# Chapter 13

I woke up to pain radiating throughout my body, especially the lower region. It was now approaching evening. The orange sun glowed into the room, making the atmosphere warm and cozy. The air tasted of sweat and a musty scent of sex.

I sat up and glanced around myself for the first time.

There were condoms everywhere. Chairs were overturned and cushions scattered all over the floor.

_God, how many times did we do it?_

I glanced at Julian, who was sleeping beside me, sweat still glistening on his chest.

When did he take off his clothes? All the times we had sex, he'd always taken off only his pants. Never his shirt.

I looked at Julian's sleeping face. Then something peculiar finally struck me. He looked nothing like Josh. Julian had black hair, whereas Josh was blond, just like Beau and Fiona. Julian had a strong jawline, reminiscent of men in the Scottish clan, fierce, brave men who fought for their land and protected their women, unlike Josh's rounded features.

Was he really Josh's brother?

A subtle cry made me turn to Julian again. He was shaking his head, thrashing it violently to the sides. He had a frown on his forehead; his breathing was shallow and erratic. His fists were clenched tight.

Why did he look so troubled in his sleep? Was he having a nightmare?

I leaned over and kissed his frown away, hugging him close to me until his breathing slowed and a calm expression washed over his face. Julian's black hair was matted to his forehead, sweat still beading there. I tugged the few strands to the side and watched him sleep peacefully again.

What had gotten into him last night? Why did he behave like a raving lunatic? Not that I was complaining. The sex was amazing. I did ask for him to fuck me like crazy until I forgot all about that morning's events, but it would have been nice if he'd told me in advance, before fucking out my brains.

I crawled out of bed, feeling a sharp pain in my lower region. I rested a bit and got up again, walking on wobbly feet to find some water for my parched throat. I must have been screaming so hard last night. My throat felt like dry sand in the Sahara Desert. I only made it halfway across the room when I collapsed on the floor due to my weakened legs.

Suddenly, I was hauled off my feet, carried to bed by Julian, fussing around me like I was a baby.

"Julian, stop. I'm fine." I stopped him when he continued to pat pillows and tuck me into bed.

It was so hot I was roasting. How could he bundle me in bed knowing I was sweating like a pig? And the air-conditioner wasn't helping one bit to improve the temperature in the room.

"Kimberly." He looked sad, regret reflecting in his eyes. He pulled me in for a hug. My face squashed against his bare chest with his arms tightly secured around my neck, which just made me even hotter. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I'm sorry."

I tried pushing him back, but thinking I was angry because of last night, he clamped me back into his embrace.

"Julian, let me go. I'm hot. I can't breathe."

Julian immediately released, giving me enough room to breathe. He stared at me, searching for any hatred or disgust in my eyes.

"I'm not angry," I said, sitting up straight. "I'm just a little sore. You were quite aggressive last night. You should have told me in advance."

"I'm sorry, Kimberly." He grabbed my hands and kissed them passionately. "I won't do it again. I promise."

"Why are you always like this?" I asked. "You're aggressive and dominant during sex, but when we talk normally, you're so careful, so polite. It's like you're two different people."

Julian looked down, clenched his jaw, took a deep breath, then looked up at me again. "I promise I'll be less aggressive when we do it next time."

That was all he had to say about his strange split personality?

I cracked a smile and shook my head. He was so adorable, like a child trying to win back his prized toy. I traced his lips, those kissable lips I'd been dreaming of for three years.

His jaw clenched and his lips pressed into a firm line, as if he didn't want me to touch him, yet he didn't say anything to stop me. He let me run my fingers along his face, tracing his jawline, touching his eyelids, and feeling for that pulse at the base of his throat.

I smiled and cupped his chin, pressing my own lips against his, slowly tasting him for the first time, slowly probing my tongue in for the first time. We weren't in a hurry. We took our time. We had all the time in the world.

The sounds of the crashing waves outside and the cars zooming in this busy part of Bal Harbour were blocked out. We were a million miles away from that busy life. Here, inside this room, we took everything slowly, relishing the feel of our tongues entwining together, our lips binding together, and hands gliding across our bodies.

I was feeling it again. Sparks of fire on my skin, a throbbing need at my core, and breaths that came out in short fits. I wanted him right now, so bad it hurt, but I knew I couldn't let Julian take me so soon. I was too sore. So I pulled back, missing the feel of his lips on mine.

"Sorry. Not right now." I panted.

"Shit!" Julian cursed. He pulled away from me abruptly and disappeared off somewhere. Sounds of crashing bowls and running water were heard before he appeared before me again, carrying a bowl of steamy warm water and a washcloth.

Julian peeled away the bed sheets, revealing my naked body in front of his eyes. He clenched his teeth together and took deep, slow breaths. He put the bowl on the nightstand and dipped the cloth into the water, then sponged my legs, slowly removing traces of dried fluids. Every swipe, every movement on my skin, took him so much effort to perform. He even refused to look at me, instead focusing all his energy on the task at hand and controlling his breathing pattern. I took this chance to view him.

He really was a magnificent gentle beast. His shoulders were so broad, his chest so wide, his muscles bulging in the right places. He looked so fit and virile, like a man that was proud to own this body. I bet he spent so much time in the gym to achieve that stature.

My eyes travelled down his body. His arms were strong. I had the pleasure of experiencing that when I tried escaping from his trap whenever he pinned me down during sex. I couldn't even move an inch, let alone try to escape from those arms. Down to his legs, I could make out his small bush of hair where his lovely cock rested. It was long and big. And that's when it wasn't erect.

_How did I ever accommodate him when my body is so tiny against his?_

Julian was still washing me clean after I had a good survey of him. Which just reminded me... _How many orgasms did I have last night?_ It _was_ taking such a long time to remove the evidence.

And his swirling action really didn't help cool me down. It only increased my lust for him, my pleasure spot throbbing so that I almost cried. I buckled back a bit and panted.

Julian flicked his eyes to mine. He saw the fire crackling in my eyes. He ignored it and swiftly got back to work. The only difference was now he was more determined. His pace was quicker. And his fingers trembled.

I couldn't help the illicit moan that escaped my lips when Julian made a swirl in my inner thigh.

"Jul—"

I skidded across the bed sheets, legs being jerked apart by the sudden force of Julian parting my legs. Then his tongue hotly licked my skin.

His tongue was like velvet, silky smooth, igniting all the embers within me.

"Julian," I panted again, arching my back when his tongue licked higher and higher up my thigh. "You're not helping."

He didn't listen nor respond to my comment. He just continued with his job, diligently cleaning away at my thighs. And then—

"Ahhhhhh... Julian," I screamed when his mouth found my slit. He licked and sucked my lips, making my pleasure spot throb against his dexterous tongue.

I tugged at his black hair to stop, but I should have known by now that whatever Julian wants, Julian gets, regardless of where we are and what situation we're in.

I still tried though, pulling at his hair, but that too soon turned into a vigorous tug for him to dig deeper into me, for his tongue to probe farther.

And like many times before, I exploded with a fierce bang. A spectacle of fireworks, bright blue, green, and red, danced before my eyes. Thunder drummed in my ears and the sea bashed onto the land, making my body feel like I was floating in an empty void before crashing back down to earth with a big thump.

"Julian," I said weakly when I opened my eyes again.

But I did not expect from this man who now owned my heart and soul those two words coming from his mouth.

"I'm sorry."

# Chapter 14

"You must be hungry. Let's go out to dinner," Julian announced, caressing my cheek after giving me another amazing earth-shattering orgasm.

"That would be nice. I'm sure I'd pass out if I were to climax again."

Julian chuckled. "Sorry about before. The temptation was too strong."

"The temptation is always strong whenever it's with me, Julian."

Julian only shook his head and then lifted me off the bed, carrying me like a bride into the bathroom.

"I've set the towels already. Have a shower or bath. Then we'll head out," he said, staring at me.

"That would be lovely, Julian, but if you could put me down, I'm sure I could get to work with that bath," I said after a full minute in his arms.

"Oh, sorry." Julian bashfully apologized, setting me on my feet.

I giggled at his red face. "Temptation again, I suppose." I tapped at his nose.

"Yes. Temptation again."

"Okay, okay." I wiggled my butt out of his arms and walked towards the bathtub.

Julian just stood there by the door, admiring me. "You're not embarrassed I'm seeing you naked like this?"

I scoffed. "Julian, we've had sex. Many times. Why would I be embarrassed in my own skin with you as audience? Now if you were a stranger, that's another story."

"You really are beautiful, just as they say."

"What was that? Did you say something? I didn't catch that."

"It's nothing. I'm just trying to refrain from wanting you. I'm gonna go wait outside."

"Julian, wait." I strode towards him. Standing on tiptoes, I kissed his nose. Julian's face turned even redder than before. "You don't look too bad yourself. Especially when you blush."

"I don't blush."

"Okay then, what's that red-hot color on your cheeks, then?"

"That's just blood rushing to my cheeks to help cool down my body temperature because this room is too hot."

"Yes. A bodily reaction to a hot room." I smiled.

"I'm going to go. You're distracting me big time."

"Stay a little longer and I'll distract you even more." I laughed as Julian shook his head again and disappeared out of the bathroom.

I turned to the warm bath and got in right away. I made quick work of cleaning myself, not wanting Julian to wait long. Also, I was feeling so famished I might really pass out if I stayed in here too long.

Grabbing a towel, I set foot outside the tub and felt my head spin a little. Okay, definitely needed to eat something quick. I hurried out of the bathroom and stopped short when I realized I had no clothes to wear. All my clothes were ripped in Julian's car.

"Julian," I called.

"Mmmm?" Julian must have been waiting outside the door, because he came running in an instant.

"I don't have any clothes." I moaned.

"Oh, they're in here." Julian went into his wardrobe and pulled out a dress.

I frowned. Where did he get the dress? Did he know I was staying at his place in advance?

"Here." Julian wedged his glasses up his nose. "This is for you. I bought clothes just for you."

I beamed, then realized something. "You ripped my clothes on purpose?"

"No. That was temptation again. You tempted me, Kimberly. I don't like it when I lose control."

"And I made you lose control?"

"Yes."

"Isn't it good, then? To lose control once in a while?" I smirked and snatched the dress off his arm. "That shall be all, Julian. You can go back now. I'm getting changed."

"Didn't you say you're not embarrassed to be naked in front of me?"

I jerked my head to Julian and gazed at him. "What are you implying?"

"I want to see you dress."

"And give you the chance to take me again? No. I'm still sore. Not tonight."

"I promise I won't take you tonight."

"Well, I can't promise that. You're too beautiful, Julian, and if you look at me while I'm getting dressed, I might just attack you myself."

Julian chuckled. "Okay, you win. I'll wait outside."

I smirked and turned to change. Not ten minutes later, I was ready.

I found Julian sitting on his back deck overlooking the beach. His back was so broad I couldn't help but run to hug him from behind. Julian caught my arms and wrapped his hands around them.

"You smell lovely."

"Was that the sniff test?"

"Yes. But you do smell lovely and fresh."

"Thank you. That's all thanks to the bath of course."

"No. It's your very own scent. I love your smell. Now turn around so I can see you."

I did as he bid, feeling beautiful when his gaze hungrily surveyed me. His eyes stopped at my breasts, seeing them punctuated by the way the dress was designed. His fingers caressed my arms, lingering at my throat, then traced down to the swell of my breast.

"You're so beautiful, Kimberly. That dress doesn't do you justice."

"Even when I'm naked?"

"Even when you're naked."

"Come on. You're making me hot and bothered again. I almost passed out in the bathroom from hunger. My need to eat ranks higher than my need to be one with you at the moment."

"Okay, Miss Henderson. I'll take you to a lovely place with good food and good atmosphere."

Julian clasped my hand, and together we started walking to our destination. We kept quiet for some time, me relishing the feel of his warm palms holding mine.

"How old are you, Kimberly?" Julian asked out of the blue.

"I should ask the same of you." I played hard to get.

"I asked you first."

"Okay. I'm twenty-two. You?"

"Twenty-nine."

"Ow, you're old." I teased him.

Julian looked wounded. "Really?"

I laughed. "You're so adorable like that. If you want to know my secret, I'll tell you."

"What secret is that?"

"Promise me you'll tell me one secret as well. Then I'll tell you mine."

"I don't have any secrets." Julian turned away suddenly.

"Okay, okay. You don't have to tell me yours. I'll tell you mine. I like my men old. Especially ones that are in the twenty-eight to thirty-year range. Young ones don't do it for me."

Julian clasped his hand to mine, a smile playing on his lips.

"And I was only kidding. You're not old at all. No grey hair just yet."

Julian chuckled again.

We talked about random stuff as we walked. Before I knew it, Julian stopped walking and I stood staring at the beach restaurant.

It was a nice restaurant with exceptionally nice food. The only thing I wasn't happy with was the waitress. She just wouldn't stop gawking at Julian. I had to claim him as my own when the ogling wouldn't stop. Finally, the food arrived. We ate in peace, with Julian's hand holding on to mine.

It was such a lovely warm atmosphere. A live band was playing out on the beach. I watched as people danced with their partners. I glanced at Julian a few times, signaling I wanted to dance too, but he didn't seem to notice.

Maybe he wasn't as romantic as I thought. Feeling a little jaded, I stood and Julian caught my hand and led me out to the beach dance floor.

"I thought you were never going to ask me to dance."

"I was waiting for the right opportunity."

Everything was beautiful and romantic. And that was what I was feeling right then when Julian enclosed his arms around me and danced. The music wafted into my ears, lighting my mood, and with Julian sensually touching the small of my back too, I felt safe. I rested my head on his shoulder, taking in his manly scent. It made me dizzy with want. I realized I could never get enough of this man.

When the music stopped, Julian took me to an isolated spot on a sandy piece of land.

"This is my secret place," he said, sitting me down.

"So you do have secrets."

Julian didn't say another word, but just looked out into the dark sea.

It was a beautiful area overlooking the city. On one side, the city stood, with lights illuminating the dark night. On the other, the gentle sounds of the beach washed over the sandy shore. Everywhere I turned, I found peace.

"There are times when I want to be alone, and this is the place I think. I feel at peace here."

"It's beautiful, Julian. Thank you for showing me your secret place," I said, laying my head on his chest in serenity.

"Can we talk?" Julian's raspy voice alerted my senses. I propped my head up and gazed at him in curiosity.

"What about?"

"You."

I froze. What did he want to talk about?

"Yes. I'm listening."

"When are you leaving to go back home?"

My chest hurt a little when home was mentioned.

Home. I almost forgot about home. Only a few more days. I'd have to head back home to Brisbane. This, after all, was just a business trip turned holiday. I knew it was imminent, but I wanted my time with Julian to be filled with only sweet memories. I didn't want to think about home just yet.

"I love you, Kimberly."

Julian said it all too suddenly and it made my heart swell up with undue happiness. I held his hand tight, looking up into his dark pupils, which in return gazed down at me with love. I gently caressed his cheek with love and whispered softly to him my true feelings.

"I love you too."

Julian grasped my hand and held it still. He inhaled air, as if he were having a hard time trying to explain himself. I sat up, wanting to comfort him of whatever trouble he was having.

"Julian. What is it? Tell me. You're worrying me."

"I love you, Kimberly. With all my heart. That's why I want to have a proper relationship with you. Even though you live far away, I can visit you. Or you could visit me. We could take turns. Or I might just move to Australia to be with you."

My eyes shimmered, tears threatening to leak out. I kissed his cheeks, then his nose, forehead, and finally lips. "I would never imagine you saying that, Julian. And for that, I'm so happy. I want us to have a proper relationship too. When I leave here, we could start with a long-distance relationship. If that doesn't work, then we'll talk about moving in together. Either Miami or Brisbane. I'm sure Papa wouldn't mind."

Julian nuzzled my nape, then took out something from his pocket. I gaped, seeing the gold necklace with a rose pendent at its center.

"Then if you accept me and the start of our new relationship, could you wear this?"

"Julian, it's beautiful." I marveled at the stone. Despite hardly having any light to illuminate the stone, it still shone brightly, reflecting off the many streetlights around us.

"It will be more beautiful on you, my Kimberly." Julian fastened the necklace around my neck.

I lay back to rest against his steel chest and played with the pendant. Julian's baritone voice hit deep into my heart when he whispered into my ear, "No matter what happens in the future, just remember I will always love you."

I tilted up my head and kissed him on the lips. "No matter what happens in the future, this Kimberly will always belong to you."

Julian kissed me. His kiss was intoxicating, poisoning my system and making me weak with want. I needed him. I wanted him. But just when I was about to give myself to him, the sky opened up and rain poured on us.

We both ran, squealing and giggling until we got back to the apartment. We were both wet to the bones. That night, we took turns taking off our clothes and made sweet love under the stars until I was so exhausted I fell asleep in Julian's arms.

# Chapter 15

"You're sick," Julian declared the next morning when I didn't wake up to get ready to go back to the hotel.

I didn't even know I was sick. I was just tired. Maybe I overslept, but when I woke, Julian was sitting at the edge of the bed, a cool cloth over my forehead.

"And who is to blame but you, Julian? You took me out to dinner and made me walk back in the rain." I removed the cloth from my forehead and snuggled under the blanket a bit more, not wanting to let go of this warmth. I didn't want to go back to the hotel yet. It was so lonely there.

"Would you like to rest here today?"

How did he read my mind? That was exactly what I wanted to do. Rest in his bed all day.

I nodded my head and gave him a pout. "If you don't mind."

Julian cradled my cheek and kissed my pout, resting his forehead on mine. "Of course I don't mind. I'm just happy being with you, Kimberly."

"That's because you've fallen in love with me," I smartly replied, looking into his steel-grey eyes.

Julian shook his head, but a hint of a ghost smile played at his lips. He snuggled his head at the curve of my neck and shoulder and rested there, taking deep breaths as if he were calming himself down.

"Julian, what are you doing?" I asked, curious.

"Smelling you."

I blinked, not understanding what he meant by this. "I haven't had a shower yet. What is there to smell?"

"Your morning scent."

"Don't tell me you've never brought a girl home before. We all smell the same."

"You're the first one."

I was the first one. I couldn't say anything more. My heart was overwhelmed. I was Julian's first woman brought to his home. And he'd confessed last night that he wanted to be in a serious relationship with me too. What more could I ask for in a boyfriend?

Julian's face was still snuggled in my shoulder. I captured his head and brought his lips to mine.

"And this is what a woman kisses like early in the morning," I said before giving him a kiss so passionate and sensual it made even my toes curl.

Julian was caught up in this sensual passion just like I was. We both kissed for the longest of time before we parted ways.

"You should rest. I have to go into work now. I should finish before three so I'll come back here. I'll take you out to dinner this evening."

"That sounds nice." I smiled.

"Breakfast is in the kitchen. Just heat it up in the microwave. Make yourself at home." Julian gave me a kiss on the lips again and then left.

I breathed a sigh. Seven days to go before I had to head home. Right now, all I wanted to do was stay beside Julian.

My business trip here in Miami hadn't produced much results in terms of Papa's expectations, but my love life sure bloomed nicely. Thinking I might as well get some work done since I was to be holed up in Julian's apartment for the duration of the day, I got out my tablet and started on that report again. I finished it sooner than I expected. Having nothing else to do, I explored his apartment.

Julian's apartment was on the top floor of K apartment, one of the top luxurious apartments in the Miami. Which reminded me. How did he ever bring me here naked without having the security guard questioning his intentions? I shook my head and explored farther.

I found myself in Julian's office. It was an immaculate space, a deep-grey tone throughout the interior. If I didn't know Julian's personality, I would have assumed whoever occupied this room would exude elegance and authority. Although Julian did showcase this personality, it was only during our sexual escapades. On a normal daily basis, Julian was usually his humble self, a complete contrast to the tone of this room. Maybe the interior designer got the wrong design.

I sat on the giant black swivel chair, overlooking the pristine golden beach of Mermaid Bay, the beach where we sat and talked about our future last night. I wondered how the future would pan out for us.

I sat on that chair for so long that by the time I got up to leave, my leg gave out. I collapsed onto the floor, taking along with me a pile of letters on Julian's desk.

"Ahhh... sore," I muttered before straightening my back. I leaned down to pick up the letters when a few caught my eyes.

These weren't normal letters. These were bank account statements. Piles upon piles of bank account statements of money being transferred to a different offshore account. All under Josh's name.

My hands shook. I was staring at evidence of money embezzlement from Devereux Enterprise.

I flipped through the statement quickly. They all stated the same thing, money being transferred from the Devereux business account to Josh's private account. But then to compensate for that loss, funds from Julian's private bank account were transferred to the Devereux's account. On the last statement, a letter from someone named Barry Turnbull was attached. I read the letter with shaky hands.

> Dear Mr. Julian Devereux,
> 
> As per your instruction, I have deposited a further $100,000 into the Devereux Company's bank account. All matters regarding money being transferred out of your own account into the company account have been kept anonymous. If you would like me to make any further transactions on your behalf, please email me again.
> 
> * * *
> 
> Warm regards,
> 
> Berry Turnbull
> 
> Solicitor

I clamped the letter in my hand, heart in my throat.

_Julian. What are you up to?_

# Chapter 16

As soon as Julian walked through the door, I shoved the solicitor's letter right in his face. "What is the meaning of this?"

"You've been going through my stuff?" Julian snatched the letter from my hand and turned away.

"No, I have not been going through your stuff. But this... I found this by accident, and you better tell me what the hell is going on here."

Muttering under his breath that he should have kept those documents in a more secured place, Julian turned away from me again.

_Oh no. You are not getting away from me this time, Julian._

I dragged him to face me again.

"I heard that. And even if you hide them, I can still find them. Now tell me why you are hiding these documents."

"I don't want to talk about this." Julian turned again.

"Not again, Julian. Stop acting like a jerk. This is serious business. If you want to have a relationship with me, you better speak up. I can't tolerate you acting like this any longer."

"You're digging into secrets, Kimberly. And I would prefer it if you don't. You'll only get hurt."

"Tell me what secret it is that would hurt me so deeply. Because right now, the only secret that will hurt me is if you betray me and sleep with another woman. And if it's not that, then nothing will hurt me."

Julian didn't speak. Instead, he continued to stare out to the sea. After a minute of silence, I grew angrier.

"Ahhh, Julian, you frustrate me," I shouted, marching to his alcohol cabinet and dumping a glassful of Pinot Noir, choking the whole thing down in one gulp. Then I poured another and gulped that one too. And then another and—

Julian took my glass away. I snarled at him.

"You don't want to talk about whatever it is in that letter, and now you're depriving me of alcohol too. How sweet, Julian. How sweet," I sarcastically lashed out.

Somehow I found I wanted to hurt him too for the way he was always hiding things from me. Did he even care about me? What about last night? All those words about wanting to have a real relationship with me? Were they all lies?

"I can't let you drink alcohol without food."

"Oh, so you do care about me, then. Then why don't you care to explain what the fuck is with that letter, then?"

"If I explain it, it will only hurt you. I don't want to hurt you."

"Stop saying the same things. The only thing hurting me is you. You're hurting me right now, Julian. By not explaining what the hell is going on. You've been transferring your own money into the Devereux's company account. Why? And why is Josh withdrawing money for his personal usage without consent?"

"What's the point? Even if I explained it, nothing's going to change." He spat through gritted teeth.

"What's the point?" I asked, my temper in the red. I couldn't believe this. What a stupid question. I picked up my wine glass and stalked towards him. I just wanted to strangle his neck right there. I shouted back at him, frustrated, "The point is, Julian, that I am interested in where this money has disappeared to and whose bank account it disappeared into. We're be joint partners in this new project and whatever is going on, my father will need to know. If Josh continues to withdraw money without consent, there's no point in us forming a contract. And you have all the evidence. And from what I can see, you're hiding it from the shareholders. So tell me why you're doing this."

"Because Josh is my brother."

"For goodness sake, Julian. We've had this conversation already. I don't care if he's your brother. What I want to know is why you're hiding it from the shareholders. If they find out you're protecting Josh, you'll be in big trouble. You are more than capable of handling this business. Why are you so adamant to put yourself down and let Josh gain all the recognition when in fact he's the fraud? Just tell me that much."

"Because there's no point," Julian said in exasperation, as if he'd already given up on this conversation, clamming himself shut from me. But I wasn't going to let him off that easily.

I pushed him on. "There's always a point to everything, Julian. Tell me."

"For this particular point, it's not worth discussing."

"Julian!" God he frustrated me. I gripped my wine glasses until my knuckles turned white. I was so frustrated with him I ended up pacing back and forth around the room just to calm myself.

"You tell me right now or our relationship will end right here. Because from what I can see, this so-called secret of yours, which you implied will hurt me, has already hurt me because you bloody clammed your mouth shut. So just say the word."

"Kimberly, you can't be serious."

"Oh, I'm serious all right, Julian. Whatever secret you're hiding, it's putting a wedge in our relationship. And unless it's out in the open, our relationship can't move on." I didn't want to threaten him, but in a relationship a couple needed to trust each other, and Julian, right now, was hiding something from me. And because he didn't trust me, he wouldn't tell me.

"Kimberly, don't you get it? No matter what I do, I will not be recognized for my true worth. Even if I tell them, who would believe me?"

I gritted my teeth and shouted at him. "That's because you don't show them. This bloody evidence and your true worth."

"No, it's because I'm a bloody bastard, that's why."

My glass dropped. Red wine seeped into the grey carpeting like blood. Tension hung thick in the air. I looked up at Julian and blinked. "A bastard?"

Julian gritted his teeth, his eyes betraying the hurt he tried to hide. He suddenly lacked the energy to fight me. He slumped into his chair, shoving his fingers through his hair. "Yes, a bastard. The son of a mistress. The son who's been kicked to the curb. This is the secret I'm trying to keep."

"Julian." I couldn't make sense of this. "Julian," I said again.

"You don't have to look at me like that," he said, his jaws clenching, fire piercing me through his stare.

What did I look like? What kind of expression did I show on my face? Pity? Like those shareholders who looked at Julian like he wasn't capable of doing anything even though he was the elder brother?

"Julian, I don't know what to say." I was at a loss. I didn't expect him to tell me he's the bastard son of Beau. God, I didn't even know Beau had a mistress.

"You don't have to say anything, Kimberly." Walking towards the door, Julian opened it. "If you want to leave, you can. Now that you know the truth."

"Are you asking me to go?" I stormed towards him, my fury back in action.

"It's up to you. You're the one who said this secret of mine is putting a wedge in our relationship. And if you think my love for you isn't strong enough, then you can leave. I can't control you."

I was simmering inside. How dare he ask me such a stupid question? My eyes bore into him, fire blazing from within.

"If you think I would leave you because of that one lousy reason, then I should definitely leave you because you're a stupid fucking idiot. I let you have sex with me. I let you into my heart like no other man, and this is how you treat me. If I cared about where you come from, then I wouldn't be here in the first place. Listen, Julian. I'm the kind of woman who loves a man for what he is, not his birthright. But it looks like you're like all the other men. Thinking I'm just one of those rich bitchy heiresses who only want a rich guy for a hubby. Well, fuck you. I'm not. My love is stronger than that. Good-bye, Mr. Fucking Jul—"

I was dragged from the doorframe and pinned to the wall. Julian crowded my space, his nose just inches from mine. With haggard breath, he panted to me, "I'm not a fucking idiot. I want you. Goddamn, I want you more than my last fucking breath. I want to fuck you and take your heart out so it will only belong to me."

"Then what are you waiting for? I've been yours from the beginning anyway," I screamed back, bringing all my pent-up energy to the surface, my hurt and frustration.

There was silence between us then, like the silence before a storm. And then—

Julian ripped my dress, exposing my breasts. And before I knew it, we were both tearing at each other's clothes as fast as we could manage. It was a primal need. Each of us needed to be near each other, touch each other, to make sure we could survive this secret together. I wasn't afraid to show him my imperfection. I wasn't afraid to show him my secrets. He was all mine and I was all his. There was nothing to hide between us anymore.

Once we were both naked, we stumbled and fell into a heap on the bed, arms and legs entwined. I opened my legs wide, allowing him to enter me. He thrust into me just as ferocious. I panted, he panted, and together we came, Julian's essence exploding into me.

I hoped what I'd given him would be enough for him to not feel ashamed about exposing his dark secret to me, because to me, Julian would always be my dark knight in shining armor, not the bastard he claimed to be.

# Chapter 17

I woke in the same position as I drifted off to sleep last night, with Julian still inside me. I smiled, loving this feeling. But my body ached. I adjusted myself, his cock slipping out of me. Once comfortable, I lay back, my cheek pressed against his naked chest.

Outside, Miami was still asleep, as were the rest of the building's residents. Dawn had not yet arrived. I glanced at Julian. He was still asleep. His long black lashes were beautiful. They would make any girl jealous. I was pleased, though, because this man belonged to me. I drew lazy circles on his skin, then found his nipples before giving them a pinch too.

"Kimberly, you should stop. You're making me hard again."

I lifted my head to see Julian staring at me with his lusty gaze.

"So you are awake. Here I thought I would have to do something drastic." I continued to draw lazy circles around his nipple, ignoring his warning. Julian gripped my hand, stopping me.

"Please stop. You're seriously making me hard."

"But that's good. I want to make you hard so we can make love again." I gave him little kisses on his chest to show I wanted him.

"Not yet, Kimberly."

I reluctantly nodded, but in turn settled myself on his chest, relishing the feel of his hard muscles protecting me. Julian played with my hair as I listened to him breathing. Right then, everything felt so blissful. I wished time would just stop, just for me to enjoy this moment longer.

"Call me Kimmy, Julian," I said randomly.

"Why?"

I looked up to see him giving me a quizzical gaze.

"Because you're my boyfriend now." I tweaked his nose, like that wasn't obvious enough. "My close friends call me Kimmy. Papa calls me Kimmy-berry. Everyone else uses Kimberly."

"I like your three-syllable name. So I'll continue to call you Kimberly."

My heart swelled with happiness. I lifted myself off his chest and gave him another mouthwatering kiss. "Only you know how to make a girl happy." Then I resumed my attention to his chest and drew lazy circles again. "Now talk."

"What about?" His deep baritone vibrated through his chest.

"About you. About you calling yourself a bastard."

"There's really nothing to explain." Julian sighed deeply. I could sense the slight resistance in his answer.

"Please," I begged. "I want to know you more. You're very important to me. You and your other secret self."

Julian sighed again. Then slowly he explained his past. "Dad had an affair, and I'm the product of that affair."

"So your mother had you first before Fiona had Josh."

"Yes."

"Is that why Josh treats you like shit? And Fiona eyes you like an insect?"

"Yes."

"Then why do you tolerate their behavior? If it were me, I would go away and live with my mother. I wouldn't need to see their faces, especially Josh's and Fiona's."

"My mother passed away when I was a little boy. Dad took me in. And because he's been so kind to me, I didn't want to disappoint him in leaving him. He only has me."

"Mmmm." I listened. "Tell me more. About those bank statements and your solicitor's letter."

After a long sigh, Julian started again. "Josh has been taking funds out of our company account. Dad knows about this. He came to me for help. I had to help. I had Barry, my private solicitor, put in my own money to cover it up so the board wouldn't know it went missing."

"I know he's embezzling money from the company, but to have you cover it up, Julian, that's not right. You can't go on being his enabler."

"I know. When the time comes, I'm going to leave. Go far away from here. Leave everything behind. Then you and I, we can grow old together."

"I would like that too. To grow old with you. But what are you referring to... leave when the time comes?"

"When Dad dies and Josh becomes the heir."

I sucked in my breath and shot my head up to stare at Julian in shock. "Julian, if Josh becomes the heir to Devereux Enterprise, then he'll run the company into the ground. I can't invest in your company if Josh becomes heir. I won't allow it. Papa won't allow it either."

Julian placated me and settled me back against his chest, then resumed with his gentle hand stroking my hair. "In the end, it's all up to you. I can't control your decision."

"This isn't right, Julian. Not right at all."

"Can we not talk about this?"

"Okay, I won't. But you should never feel ashamed of yourself. You're a good man. I'm glad your mother gave birth to you. Otherwise, what would I do? I wouldn't have met you. I wouldn't have fallen in love with you."

"You really love me, Kimberly?" he asked as if unsure of the answer. What could I do to show him, to convey to him my love for him was stronger than the blood bond he had with Beau?

Julian caressed my cheek. I purred at his touch and closed my eyes, feeling that rough hand moving gently against my skin. I opened my eyes again and gazed at him.

"Why do you have to ask? I love you. I've loved you since I saw you three years ago."

"You're not ashamed to date a bastard? What happens if the media finds out?"

"I don't care about the media. What I care about is how you feel about this."

"I feel I'm not equal with you. You're so beautiful and rich. And I'm—"

"A man worth more than a billionaire. Julian, don't you get it? Even without your father's company, you're already capable. You're a self-made man. And that's why I like you. You thrive to be the best in everything. The only downfall is you love Josh too much. Even when he's a bastard, no pun intended."

Julian chuckled, then grew serious again. "I can't help myself, Kimberly. He's my brother."

I sighed too. What could I say about Julian? He was a very humble man. He reminded me of a turtle who felt sorry for the rabbit even when the rabbit tried to outsmart him to win the race. And that was what Julian did, always thinking about his brother before himself. And for that, I had to teach him a lesson. I mounted him and straddled my legs on either side of his body.

"Fuck, Kimberly, what are you doing?" he asked in surprise when I started rubbing myself against him.

"Riding you. Showing you how much you mean to me. I need this, Julian. I need you to trust that I want you. I want you to feel me. I want you to know you being the bastard son of Beau doesn't mean a thing to me."

"Fuck... shit... Kimberly." He panted, heavy breaths kicking in as soon as I positioned myself at the tip of his cock. My entrance was already slick and throbbing for him to be inside me. Julian held on to my hips, easing me in slowly. I slid down his whole length and caught my breath.

Oh God, he was so big. He filled me up and then some.

"Fuck, Kimberly, you're driving me crazy."

"Shush." I closed my eyes and started moving, slowly at first, and then it was like the bullet train of Japan, the ride went faster and faster until I lost track of who was riding who. Julian held on to my waist as he lifted his butt off the bed and pulled me slamming down again, making his tip run all the way to the end of my passage.

"Julian," I screamed. Again and again we rode like this until I couldn't take it anymore and came and collapsed on top of his sweat-sheened body.

Julian's black hair was matted to his temples. I slipped it back behind his ear and whispered, "You're not a bastard, Julian. You're my man."

Julian turned to face me, a sated look on his face. He kissed me on the lips and with just one sentence, he made me the happiest woman. "And you're my woman, Kimberly. Remember that."

# Chapter 18

My day with Julian started with a kiss on the lips and a ride in the elevator with his throbbing member rubbing against me through his slacks. I flushed from the intimate contact and smiled secretly at myself, already anticipating the coming afternoon when we would be alone, possibly making love again.

As more people filed into the elevator, I had no room to escape except to plaster myself against Julian's massive chest. Julian was trying his hardest to remain calm.

I lifted my chin up to see his lips clamping shut and his jaw clenched. I supposed he was trying to dampen his desire too.

I, myself, wasn't one to dampen any mood. I wiggled my butt and pressed my body into his form, almost like I was molding my body to his. Julian sucked in his breath, which pleased me even more.

As soon as everyone vacated the elevator, Julian pushed the emergency stop button and dragged me across the space to pin me to the wall, riding up my skirt then pushing down my panties to expose my feminine core.

"Oh God, Kimberly, you're so wet. I can't keep my hands off you."

"And you shouldn't take them off me. I love your hands on my skin."

"This is crazy," he rasped, sucking on my lips as if he were thirsty.

"You're the one who's driving me crazy." I corrected him.

It looked like I didn't need to wait until the afternoon to feel Julian's naked skin against mine. He took me right there in the elevator. It was a quickie, but a totally smooth one. Once we both climaxed, he cleaned me up and dressed me back in the appropriate state for work.

"Why do you always wear a skirt?" he complained when my skirt refused to be wrinkle free, even after smoothing it so many times with his hands.

"So you can have easy access." I smirked.

"You're making this very difficult for me." He pulled me forward, pressing his already hard member against my soft body.

My eyes fluttered open in anticipation again. "Well, it's not my fault, Mr. Julian Devereux. It's you who should learn to control your own body. Don't blame me because you have such a high sexual appetite."

"Only with you."

"Really?" I caressed his butt, wiggling my eyebrows in mischief.

"We don't have time for another session. We have to get to work now." He reprimanded me and held on to my hand before I could attempt to seduce another part of his body.

I pouted but smiled anyway. He took my hand and together we walked out, hand in hand—and stopped short.

Josh sat in the coffee room. As soon as he saw us, he immediately stalked towards us. I could tell he was flaming mad.

"What the hell are you doing?" he asked his brother but yanked my hand out of Julian's grasp.

Julian shook his head and said calmly, "Let's talk somewhere else." Then Julian turned to me and said, "Wait inside my office. I'll be back soon."

Julian let my hand go and walked out. Josh followed Julian.

I knew there'd be a big fight, all because of me, so I followed them. But obviously, my legs were shorter than theirs, by the time I rounded a corner, they were already gone. I walked along the hallway, trying to find them, peering into the different meeting rooms, but they weren't there. I knew I lost them. But then, some shouts from a room a few meters away drove me to them.

A row was in process between the two brothers. I inched the door opened and glimpsed at the sight with my ear plastered to the door.

"Didn't you say you'd give her to me?" Josh shouted at his brother.

"I love her," Julian said quietly.

A brilliant smile beamed across my face. I felt pleased he was already confessing to his brother he loved me. But what Josh said next made my blood run cold.

"I don't care. It's your birthright to sacrifice everything for me. You're born on this earth to serve me."

What a selfish and obnoxious person he was. How could he talk like that to his older brother? Bastard or not, Julian was _still_ his older brother. This made me really mad. Before I had the chance to set things straight and give Josh a piece of my mind, someone tapped on my shoulder. I turned to glare at that person for interrupting, then stopped short when I saw Beau.

"Kimberly, what are you doing here?" he asked.

"Josh and Julian are having a fight. I was going to stop them."

"Boys." Beau laughed. "They're always fighting. Let them be. Once they use up all their pent-up energy, they'll settle down."

"But..." I couldn't get another word in when Beau led me away from the door.

What was going on? Was this the way of this household, letting their children fight without intervening until they sorted themselves out? Just because Julian was the bastard child, did this mean he would always be at the receiving end of their neglect?

_My Julian._

Beau led me to the conference table and asked how I was settling in.

I stared at Beau. Could this man really be Julian's father? Did he know I knew Julian was his bastard child?

"Beau, can I ask you something?"

"If I can answer it, I will."

"Julian isn't Fiona's, right?"

I was sitting in his office when Julian walked in wearing a worried face.

"Julian. What's wrong?" I ran to him, pulling him into my embrace.

Julian turned to me, plastered on a sad smile, then hugged me for the longest time. Finally satisfied, he then deposited himself in his seat and fired up his laptop.

"Talk to me," I said, drumming my fingers on his desk. "What did Josh say?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing? It doesn't look like nothing to me." Not the way he was walking with his shoulders hunched up in addition to wearing that defeated expression. Something was definitely up.

Julian gave me a weak smile. "Okay, he said something. But it's nothing to fret over." He wedged his glasses up his nose and got back to work.

"Are you ignoring me, Julian?" I asked.

Julian turned back to me. "No, Kimberly. I just don't want to talk about it."

"So you're at that again." I accused.

"I'm sorry." Julian pulled my body close and hugged me around my waist.

"Don't be sorry. Just talk. Tell me. What did he say?" I urged him on.

"He didn't say much. Just that I'm supposed to give you to him."

I lashed out of his embrace. "Oh, so now I'm just a possession between you two? So you're just going to hand me to him like I'm a can of tomatoes?"

"No, Kimberly." He reined me back into his embrace and hugged me close again, resting his head between my breasts. "Never, Kimberly, never. You belong to me."

That was the answer I wanted. But I needed proof, so I sat on his lap. Julian sucked in his breath. His glorious manhood stood out as soon as I unzipped his fly.

"I need proof, Julian. That you still want me."

"Kimberly, this is work," he hissed under his breath, afraid Melissa might come in at any time.

"I'm a risk-taker, Julian. Deal with it." I stroked his member until it was fully erect.

"We shouldn't be doing this here." He gripped my hand, wanting to tear it away, but I was adamant. I didn't let go.

"Fuck!" He cursed when I kept going at it with my hand, up and down his shaft, from the tip all the way to the root.

"Are you scared of him?" I asked again.

"No, I'm not." He panted, his eyes already glazed with lust.

"Then why are you being like this?"

"Because this is the workplace."

"Don't tell me you never fantasize about fucking a girl at work."

"I never fantasize about fucking any girl. The only girl I fantasize about is you."

"So take me, then. Unless you're scared of our relationship leaking out. Unless you're scared of Josh finding out about us."

"I'm not scared of any of them." He gritted his teeth, his endurance almost spent.

"Then what's stopping you?"

"Fuck! Because I'm a bastard child." He exploded, his release erupting onto my hands. He pushed me off his lap, and I ended up sprawled on his desk. He took some tissue and cleaned my hands.

"I'm sorry, Kimberly. I lose control when I'm with you," he said without looking at my face. He then sank back into his chair, his rough hands threading through those black strands in exhaustion.

_Did I push him too far?_

"Julian," I said quietly, moving in to comfort him. I ran my fingers through his hair and rubbed his shoulder. "Stop saying you're a bastard child. I don't care."

"It's not that easy, Kimberly. What Josh said, it only reminded me I'm beneath you. I'm not worthy of you. I tell myself again and again how lucky I am to have met you again after three years. But how can I compare to you? You're a millionaire's daughter, and I'm... I'm only a bastard, a child of a mistress."

"Was last night's display of love not enough to convince you I love you for who you are and not your name, not your position? I don't care if you're a beggar. I don't care if you have no money. I love you. I love you. I love you," I cried, choked up.

I pushed him away and went to sit on the couch. I didn't want to see his face. I couldn't face him right now. I bared my soul for him. I didn't know what else I could do to stop this destructive conversation that could ruin our relationship. I was tired of his negative thoughts, his constant putdowns of himself.

Julian hugged me. I didn't want to see his face just yet, so I buried it into the crook of his neck. Soon, gentle patting motions smoothed over my hair. "Kimberly, I'm sorry. I'll stop saying that now. I promise."

I lifted my head, tears staining my eyes. He wiped them clean.

"You promise?"

"I promise," he said again before kissing my eyes to stop my tears from falling.

"I know you love your family, but are you willing to lose me too, for the sake of compensation to your brother."

He spoke so quietly I almost couldn't hear. "That's the one thing I can't afford to lose. I can give him anything, but you. You're _my_ woman. I'm not going to lose you. Do you still want me?"

"Julian. I fell in love with you three years ago. I don't care if you're Beau's bastard child. I don't care if you don't earn a cent from this family. You're enough for me."

"Kimberly, I love you. You're my woman. Mine, mine, mine." He nuzzled his head at the nape of my neck. I let him take charge, letting him have his way with me. Just hearing him say I was his made me wet with desire. And so I gave myself to him, right there in the office.

# Chapter 19

For the next few days I claimed myself as Julian's assistant. No matter what Beau or Josh said, I didn't listen. My time was running out, and I had to do what I could to help this man gain recognition. In several meetings, since I was the representative from Henderson Corporation, I'd asked many difficult questions of Josh, only to have Julian answer them instead. I had the basic tactic sorted out: humiliate the one that tries to pose as the winner. Many now saw Julian in a new light, which pleased me greatly.

But still, my desired outcome wasn't manifesting fast enough. With one phone call to Papa, a private auditor came to review the accounts at Devereux Enterprise. Beau was white with worry. Julian was surprised, and Josh... What could I say? He was hiding behind his desk when the auditor asked to speak to him in private.

In the end, Josh was outed throughout the whole company for embezzling money for his gambling.

"Are you trying to tear my family apart?" Julian haggardly asked while he was busy thrusting into me later that afternoon in my hotel room. His cock slid in and out of my passageway without resistance. I was catapulted into a new realm. I couldn't even find my voice to speak. "Answer me!" he growled.

"Maybe we should finish this first before starting with your interrogation," I managed to say while another wave of electric current washed over me. Droplets of perspiration trickled down my forehead. My body was covered in a sheen of sweat. I was almost at my breaking point, and Julian wanted to question me now?

"Kimberly," Julian warned. There was a slight dangerous edge to his voice that I'd never detected before. Coupled with his aggressive thrusting, I almost went insane.

"Fine!" I yelled. "It was me who sent the private auditor. It was me who called Papa. I was only trying to help."

"You don't know what you've done!" He unleashed his seed into me before collapsing onto me.

We both stayed like this, naked and entwined, exhausted and sated. Slowly, he pulled out of me and got up to put on his pants. I missed him inside me already.

"What do you mean I don't know what I've done?" I asked, winding my arms around his naked torso to stop him from leaving.

"You don't know Josh." Julian turned and kissed the top of my head. "You don't know what he's capable of. Putting his name to shame like that will only cause you trouble."

"So you let him bully you."

"He's not bullying me." Julian shook his head, resuming his task of zipping his pants.

"Yes, he is, Julian. He bullies you. I know. In everything." I snuggled back in the blanket.

Julian came and cupped my chin. "Well, the one thing he can't take away is you."

"I know. Even if the world is reversed and you end up being the bad character in this whole story, I'll still choose you."

Julian traced my lips and stared at me with his stormy grey eyes.

"You really mean that? Even if it turns out I'm blamed?" His eyes were shining, as if thirsting for the truth behind the meaning of my words.

"Yes. I love you, Julian. And no matter what people say about you, I don't believe them." I rested my cheek in his big palm and closed my eyes. "Even if I've only known you for a short time, to me, you're the most real thing in my life."

"Well, whatever happens, just be careful. I don't trust Josh around you."

"You just have to trust me, then. Will you be staying for the night?" I opened my eyes and asked.

Julian was already in his jeans, although shirtless. He was so hot. I wondered how I'd captured him. How lucky was I to get his body _and_ his heart?

"No. I have to meet Dad. I'll call you in the morning."

"All right. Work hard." I kissed his forehead and joined him at the door, watching him put on his shoes.

"You shouldn't walk around naked like that," he said suddenly. "I get jealous of the birds watching you from the windows."

I giggled and hugged him from behind, my breasts squashing flat against his hard back. Julian's body went still. I giggled again.

"I didn't know you were such a jealous man. Your mood changes like a chameleon changing its color. The more I know you, the more I'm confused by what is your true nature."

"There's more to me that you haven't seen yet." Julian's voice was taut. He turned to me, tossing me over and grabbing me around his waist. "In time, you will come to know I'm a very possessive man. What belongs to me only belongs to me." With this said, he popped one of my nipples into his mouth.

I was so surprised by this I gasped. "Julian, didn't you say you have to go now?"

"You tempt me so much." Unzipping his pants, he slipped his length into my already drenched core, then assumed his thrusting, with me on his lap.

I bounced up and down, galloping like a rider atop a horse, riding on the racetrack. It wasn't anything like that fast bullet train Julian took me like the last time in his office. This time, it was a nice slow ride. Tension was built slowly. I loved the way his length almost slid out of me and then bang, it rammed all the way back to the hilt of my passage. And when I came, I trembled, like an earthquake erupting in my body. My pores opened and my skin hummed from the afterglow of another satisfying love making with Julian. I do admit, I found the whole image of our love making very erotic. Julian was fully clothed, while I was fully naked.

"I'm really losing my sanity over you." Julian shook his head to free himself from his lustful state as soon as we both climaxed. He stood up, dragging me along with him. Cleaning himself up, to make sure he looked presentable enough for a meeting with Beau, he then turned to me and dragged me again to the wardrobe. Taking a thin, silky gown out of the wardrobe, he dressed me and secured it tight with the long sash. "Keep yourself covered. I don't want anyone seeing you naked. I'm the only one allowed to see you in this state."

I opened my robe to expose one of my breasts. "Oh, who's going to see me but the birds outside anyway?" I teased.

"There are men outside cleaning the windows. I can't guarantee they'll retain their eyesight once they see you."

"What are you going to do? Blind them?" I brought my lips to his, teasing him with my tongue, when the look Julian gave me stopped me in my tracks.

Julian only stared at me, his dark gaze so sharp it frightened me. I laughed, covering my discomfort. "Okay, okay. I promise I will not walk around naked anymore. Only in front of you. Happy?"

Julian grabbed me and pulled me close to him until I was plastered against his hard body. He buried his face in my hair and kissed my nape. "Just remember, Kimberly. You're my woman."

My pulse shot up. My legs wobbled. Whenever he acted like this, I found myself answering him with timid replies. "I'm your woman, Julian. Only your woman."

Julian finally smiled. And my fear disappeared.

After saying good-bye, I stood watching Julian until he went into the elevator. I trudged back into my room as soon as he was out of sight. I looked at the messy bed. This was the first time we made love in my hotel room. The rest of the time, it had always been at Julian's place.

I shivered slightly, feeling cold already. I gazed out to the scenery outside. The sun was starting to set already. I closed the robe around my body more securely. I needed Julian. I needed him to keep me warm. He was like my sun, and only he could keep me warm and make me survive. I wanted him here. I wanted him back in my bed, tender and sweet or hard-core.

I shook off this melancholy thought and went to tidy up the bed. There on the side table was Julian's Rolex watch. He must have forgotten it.

I grabbed my phone, planning to call him, when the hotel phone rang. I looked at it in surprise, wondering who would be calling me. There was only one way to find out. I picked up the receiver.

"Hello," I said into the mouthpiece.

"Miss Kimberly, is that you?"

_Must be the receptionist._

"Yes, this is she."

"I've got a Mr. Devereux here to see you."

_Ahhh, so he remembered his watch._

"Thank you. Please send him up." I placed the phone down and waited in anticipation for Julian to arrive.

As soon as the doorbell rang some minutes later, I jumped up and flew to the door. I swung it open.

"Julian, did you forget—"

I scrambled backwards and ran for my life.

# Chapter 20

Josh rushed at me as soon as I opened the door.

I wasn't fast enough. He grabbed me and threw me on the floor.

"What do you want, Josh?" I shouted when he advanced towards me, a menacing look on his face. I knew there was trouble the minute I saw his expression

"You fucked him, didn't you?" Josh shouted after me, slamming the door shut.

"Josh, get out of my apartment." I scramble up, searching for a way out, only to back into a wall. My eyes scanned for any object to use as a weapon. But there was none. And Josh was still advancing towards me.

"I told you, didn't I? That he's dangerous?" Josh continued to shout, his eyes bulging, scaring the shit out of me.

He was nothing like Julian, no virile beast, no manly charisma, but it was his presence alone that scared me.

"Get away from me, Josh. Now. Or I'll call security."

He didn't listen to my warning. He tackled me and pinned me to the mattress.

"What's so special about that stupid meek brother of mine, anyway?" Josh's foul breath fanned over me. He was drunk. "He's nothing but a pathetic loser. You know what he said? He said I can have you as soon as he fucked you. And I guess he did fuck you, didn't he?"

_What is he talking about?_

"Let me go, you bastard." I pushed him off me, but he was stronger.

"I guess he did fuck you good. Did it feel nice to have his dick inside you? How about your mouth? Did he ever have you suck him off?"

His lips invaded my mouth as soon as he said this. I struggled and screamed, but it was to no avail. Suddenly, Julian's warning came back to my mind.

_You don't know what you're getting into. He's dangerous._

Was this what Julian meant by that? Was Josh going to rape me now? It was me, after all, who had humiliated him and exposed his true nature for the whole world to see.

_No!_ I didn't want this. Julian was the only one for me. I wouldn't allow any man to touch me.

I struggled and pushed, but it only resulted in Josh pinning me more securely. He ripped my nightgown, exposing my breasts.

"Wow. These are amazing jugs." He squeezed my breast, and I almost vomited from the revulsion running through my body.

_Julian. Julian. Where are you? Save me._

And just when I was about to lose consciousness, I saw Julian hurling Josh across the room like a rag doll and Beau standing at the door with a stark-white face.

I opened my eyes to see Julian's angelic face.

"Julian," I cried, burying my face in his embrace. "I'm scared. Josh, he, he came into my room. I thought it was you. He... he..."

I sobbed. I couldn't speak. I choked on my last words.

He continued to hold me and soothed me with soft whispers of love. "Shush. Don't talk. It's over now. I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough. I shouldn't have left."

"Julian." I kept saying his name. Only his name could help soothe my pain, my hurt, my humiliation. And most of all, my fear.

"What was wrong with him? Why did he act like that? It was the same as before."

Julian went rigid. "He was like that before? Kimberly, did he attack you before too?" Julian's sharp gaze was pierced with anger. When I didn't respond, he shook me. "Kimberly, did he attack you before?"

"Yes. On that first night I stayed at your parents' house."

"Fuck." Julian shoved his fingers through his hair in frustration.

"Do you still love your brother?" I asked meekly.

"Right now, I want to kill him."

"What's going to happen to Josh?"

"He's with Dad now. I don't know what will happen to him. Dad wants to see you. You'll have to be the judge for this one."

"Do I have to see him now?"

"No, my Kimberly. You just rest for now." Julian tucked me back into bed. Just as he was about to leave, I grabbed hold of his hand.

"Don't leave me," I whispered, fresh tears shedding from my eyes. My body shook with the desperation, wanting Julian to be close to me.

Julian wiped them clean and gave me a warming smile. "I'm not leaving you." He took off his glasses and crawled underneath the blanket with me, drawing me into his arms and cuddling me close. I felt secure in his embrace. My shaking stopped.

"Feel better?"

"No," I mewed into his chest. "I feel dirty."

"Kimberly, why would you say that? You're beautiful."

"He touched me."

Julian clenched his jaw, then breathed slowly through his nose, as if trying to calm his temper again.

"Where did he touch you?"

"On my breast. On my arms."

"Did he touch you anywhere else?"

"No." I looked up at Julian with tear-stained eyes. "I feel dirty," I confessed to him. "Please kiss me, Julian. I want to forget it. I want you to erase those awful memories and replace them with your own touch."

Julian leaned over me, cradling my cheeks and kissing me slowly. "Kimberly. My Kimberly. You're not dirty. You're beautiful. To me, you're my angel."

Julian kissed me, making my pulse shoot up and my blood run hot.

"Make love to me, Julian. Make me forget."

Julian complied. That night, he made me forget about Josh. His tender touches were the only thing that seared into my memory the next morning.

I sat facing Beau and Fiona in the office the next morning. I wasn't surprised to see Beau, but to see Fiona too, that was really unanticipated. Then again, Fiona was Josh's mother and whatever decision I made today would affect her too.

Julian was in his office, working. He wanted to accompany me, but this decision, it would have to be made by me alone. I didn't want anyone thinking he influenced me.

"There's only one way around it if you don't want me to sue you, Beau, and put Josh in prison. Let Julian become your sole heir. Let Julian control all the shares you own in Devereux Enterprise."

"You can't be serious." Fiona screeched out of her chair, shouting at me in anger.

"I'm very serious, Fiona. Your son almost raped me. And for that, just one word to the police would have him behind bars already."

"But he was drunk." Fiona defended her son. "He didn't know what he was doing."

"That was the second time he attacked me, Fiona. I was very lenient the first time. He asked for my forgiveness. I gave it to him without thinking further. But he touched me again. I'm upset. Mad. Humiliated. You're lucky I'm happy to offer you a better solution than to sue your company and put your son in jail. If Papa were to catch wind of this too, I don't know what would happen to your company."

I looked at Beau, then at Fiona. I sat back in my chair in style. I was the queen in this room. I decided the fate of this family's future.

I turned to Beau. He looked troubled.

Why wouldn't he be? How could he not give Josh anything when he was also his son and, let alone, a legitimate one too? But if he didn't agree to my deal, then Devereux Enterprise would plummet down the stock market the instant I sued him.

"This is all your fault, Beau." Fiona turned the knife at her husband. "If you didn't bring that slut into the house in the first place, then that bastard wouldn't have been born. Now you want me to face society with that bastard as your heir and not our own flesh and blood son?"

"Watch your mouth, Fiona. Julian is also my flesh and blood."

"But he's not legitimate."

I smirked, watching them fight over their favorite sons.

"Enough of the fight, Beau, Fiona." I relaxed into the chair and asked them the ultimate question. "So what will it be? Julian inheriting the Devereux legacy or Josh in jail?"

# Chapter 21

> "Breaking news: Devereux Enterprise co-founder and president Beau Devereux announced today that he will be retiring from his position as president of Devereux Enterprise. In effect, he has transferred all his shares and role as president to his eldest son, Julian Devereux. He has also stated when he passes on, his son Julian will also become his sole heir. As for the younger son, it is unsure yet what position he holds..."

* * *

"Hello, Papa," I spoke into the phone while my eyes were still trained on the television set announcing the latest business breaking news.

"I thought all this time, Josh would be the one to succeed. What is this older son like anyway? I've never heard of him at any event."

"Oh, Papa. He's more than capable. I'm sure he'll make an excellent president."

"Really? He's that good."

"Really good. His work excels in all areas." And that included in the bedroom. But I didn't tell him that. "Papa, I think we should sign the contract to work with the Devereuxs."

"You think?"

"Yes. I think we're making the right move with this new young president behind Devereux Enterprise."

"We'll discuss it when you come back. It's tomorrow, isn't it? I'll get you at the airport myself. Then we can go to our favorite restaurant and discuss that world tour you're after."

"Papa." I hesitated. "Is it okay... if I stay here a few more days?"

"You like America now, Kimmy-berry?" I detected a subtle undertone of intrigue in Papa's voice. "And here I thought you wanted to travel the world."

"Well, America is part of my world tour. I just want to stay here a bit longer."

"Okay, I'll have my secretary amend your flight details, then."

"Thank you, Papa. I'll see you soon."

"Love you Kimmy-berry."

"Love you too, Papa."

I snapped the phone shut and gazed at the golden beach from Julian's apartment. The sun was starting to set already. The orange glow reflected off the sea, displaying a magnificent view. I could get used to living here, watching the sun set like this.

Just as the sky turned black, I heard the door unlock. I ran to the door and jumped on Julian.

"Kimberly!" He held me, balancing himself against the wall.

"Julian. I missed you." I attacked him with kisses.

Julian waited silently while I covered his face. Then finally he said, "What did you say to Dad, Kimberly? All the media was out there. They said I was the new president or something. I tried to get away, but they kept interviewing me. I couldn't get free until now."

"Aren't you happy?" I trapped his neck and brought my lips to meet his again. "You're the new president as well as the sole heir to Devereux Enterprise. Now no one will look down on you."

"You're not mad, are you?" he asked when I resumed my quest of kissing each part of his face.

"No. I'm not mad. I'm happy. Very happy. Are you happy, though?"

Julian kissed my eyes, nose, chin, lips, everywhere. Not one inch was left unmarked on my face.

"Yes. I'm very happy. Thank you for everything."

I dragged him to the dining table where I poured his favorite Pinot Noir. I handed one to him, my hand lingering just a second longer on his fingers. I smiled at him with mischief in my eyes.

"For you," I said, handing over the glass.

Julian took it and together we made a toast.

"To Julian, who's now the heir and president of Devereux Enterprise. May all your plans and goals succeed in the future," I said.

Julian gripped my waist and deposited me on his lap.

"You really want all my plans to reach fruition?" He fixed his gaze sharply at me.

"Yes. All your plans and your goals," I said, smiling. And now..." I smirked at him, putting his glasses down on the table. "It's time to celebrate."

I began unzipping his fly...

# Chapter 22

I woke up to find Julian absent from bed. It was two in the morning. Why was he not in bed? I stepped out and grabbed my gown. Down the hallway, I could hear Julian's voice.

_So he's talking to someone. On the phone perhaps._

I smiled, my hand closing over the doorknob, and was about to turn when something Julian said made me freeze.

"So Josh has been taken care of?"

_Josh?_ That was Julian's voice, but it didn't sound anything like him. I listened some more.

"Yes, sir."

_Melissa? What is she doing here?_

"And the matter regarding the shares of Devereux Enterprise?"

"You own everything, sir. Your father wrote all his rights to you."

"Good. It pays to check everything."

This... this doesn't sound anything at all like the Julian I know. His voice sounded more confident, like he was more in control of his life, unlike the meek, innocent Julian that I knew. I pressed my ear to the door, listening intently.

"I can't believe your plan worked out that great, sir. To know everything had fallen into place so easily."

"It's called careful grafting, Melissa. Planning, execution, and finding the right pawn."

_Careful grafting? Execution? Pawn? What is Julian talking about?_ My heart pounded as I continued to listen to their conversation.

"What shall we do with our pawn, sir?"

"Kimberly." My name came up. A prickle of fear travelled down my spine. "Mmmm. Leave her to me."

"Yes, sir."

My world collided. _I'm a pawn? What game is this? What's the meaning of this?_

I didn't wait a moment longer to find out. I tore the door open, just in time for Melissa to step out.

"Melissa." I accused. "What are you doing here at two in the morning?"

Melissa just smiled slyly at Julian. He in turn smiled back at her before nodding.

"Well, sir, I'm off now."

"You do that, Melissa. And take care."

"Take care?" I pushed Julian back after Melissa had left. "What the hell was that? Explain right now!"

"What is there to explain?" Julian said standoffishly. "You heard everything, right?"

"Are you telling me whatever you said in there was the truth?"

Julian went to his alcohol cabinet and poured himself a glass of Pinot Noir. He went to sit on his couch, then took off his glasses. He gazed at it, glass twirling around in his hand. Then he shifted his gaze to me. A look of pure malice, unlike the timid and meek Julian I loved, shone through in his stormy grey eyes.

_Who is this man? Who is this stranger?_

"Remember what you said, Kimberly," he said as he looked at me over the rim of his wine glass. "Remember when you said even if I'm the bad character in this whole story, you'll still stand by me because you love me?" He flicked his gaze to me again. What he said next struck me to the core. "I _am_ the bad one in this whole story. I was the one who manipulated you. I was the one who knew your weak nature. Do you know how hard it was for me to pretend to be that stupid, meek character? I was so good at it, but sometimes, Kimberly, sometimes you broke me. Whenever you wanted me and whispered those dirty thoughts in my head I almost lost it. It was so hard, but finally I came through. I win. I got everything back. The Devereux legacy is now mine."

"You framed Josh?" I staggered back and fell on the couch, my eyes opened wide at the startling realization, my face drained of color at the simple truth behind this menacing man.

"No. I didn't frame him," he said calmly, looking at his red drink again. Then he took a sip, gently, before turning back to me and saying casually, "He did take the money. I was just being a good half-brother, putting my own money back into the company's account, waiting for you to see through Josh's true nature while I waited to gallantly take over the company."

"So that was your true purpose. You bastard." I flew at him and slapped him hard across his cheek before he could even react, splashing his wine all over the carpet. Blood smeared on his lip, but he only smirked at me, eyes twinkling with amusement.

"I love it when you act like this, Kimberly." He put his glass down and advanced towards me like a predator cornering its prey. "You know how much I want to dominate you. And now I don't have to hide it anymore."

I braced myself. But it wasn't fast enough. Julian was too quick. He caught me and gripped my wrists with his steel strength. He locked eyes with mine, daring me to defy him.

I stared back. Unrelenting. If he knew one thing about me, it was that I was never one to back down from any challenge.

But just as quick as a storm, he blinked and backed off, a shrewd smile playing on his lips. He went to fetch another drink, to compensate for the one I'd destroyed.

"All this for the Devereux legacy, right?" I tried to draw back his attention. I needed to know why he used me. Why he did this to me when I wasn't involved with any part of their plan.

"Yep," he responded.

"When did it all start?"

_Please don't tell me he planned this from three years ago. Please, please._ I begged inside my head. _Please let this be all a nightmare. Please let me wake up so the Julian I know will come back._

"Oh, about three years ago."

"Three years," I repeated like a fool.

"Oh, sweet, sweet Kimberly. You really are naïve, aren't you?" Julian must have seen the stunned and shocked look on my face. He caressed my cheek. But all I could feel was revulsion striking through me. "Let me tell you the story from the very beginning."

Julian led me to a chair and sat me on his lap. I didn't react. I didn't refuse his action. I was like a doll, obeying my master.

His fingers lingered on my skin, but I didn't feel that. All I heard was his voice explaining to me the story, his story, his plan he'd concocted three years ago.

"I saw your photograph in Dad's album. I have to admit you were beautiful. Chestnut hair, green eyes—those were very striking. Dad talked about you a lot. I knew then that you were my final piece to my jigsaw puzzle. I researched you. I had you watched. You're a very playful person, aren't you? Tempting all those men and then leaving them dry before they had a chance to taste you. To think I was the one who reaped all the rewards."

I shuddered, feeling disgusted with myself. But still I didn't move.

"So when you helped me in Simon's attack, you planned that too," I squeaked out at last.

"No, although I have to admit it was a good addition to my plan. To have you twist your ankle like that and have me carry you like a knight. What girl wouldn't swoon over that?"

How stupid could I get? How gullible could I be? To be manipulated by this man.

"How about that man, the one who wanted to buy me a drink?"

Julian smirked. "That guy? Yes. I did pay him."

I laughed drily, thinking about my stupid situation. I was going insane. I was the puppet master, the queen who constructed all the strings in this game. I planned for Julian to become the sole heir because he deserved it, but to have the table turned... I laughed again. And pushed out of his lap.

"Tell me, Julian. In that three years, did you have me followed too?"

His answer was too quiet, but I caught on. "Yes."

I laughed again. "And then what? What happened?" By this stage, I was beyond caring. My life had turned into a game for this man to manipulate. I could cry later. I could bash my head against a brick wall until I bled later, for being a fool, for allowing this person into my heart and manipulating me. But for now, I had to act strong.

"I followed you at the airport."

"You followed me?"

"Yes."

"And then?"

"I followed you to your hotel at the Silverton."

"Oh, so you were the one who sat behind me at the restaurant. You did that on purpose?"

"Yes. I deliberately planned that too."

"And that conversation you had with whoever it was on the phone. That must be Josh, right?"

"Yes."

"Oh my God." I could die laughing. I could no longer talk sense. "You planned everything, didn't you? You're so meticulous, so detailed. Of course you would succeed in your plan. Tell me. You asked Josh to present those presentations on your behalf. You gave Josh those presentation materials. You manipulated him as well as me. So that projector that broke down before the presentation? That was—"

"That was me." He cut me off. "I had Melissa cut the wire so it wouldn't work."

"Bravo. And I supposed you made Josh drunk so he could rape me too?"

"Not the second time. Just the first."

I bit my lip. Why didn't it click? Why was I so thickheaded? Julian was there minutes after Josh left me. I felt disgusted with myself. I let this monster take me, again and again.

"Wow. All that for the sake of being the heir of Devereux Enterprise."

"Yes."

"So I was your pawn, the star of your show, the centerpiece to your whole scheme. You just made yourself look humble and meek so I would help you."

Julian didn't say anything. He just stared at me with an expression I couldn't decipher.

"I suppose you had Melissa work for you too, deliberately crashing into me so those files could be seen. And then, when Josh did the presentation, I would assume right away he stole your work. And you also left those documents regarding those funds transfers in your apartment where I could easily see them. I bet you even constructed that letter from this Barry Turnbull guy yourself, so I could see it as hard evidence. Oh, you are so good, Julian. You go around playing the mastermind behind everything. You did a really good job. I should give you an A for creating such a brilliant plan. Tell me. Is Melissa a good girlfriend?"

"Melissa works for me. She's not my girlfriend. I don't have a girlfriend." Irritation threaded his voice.

I gasped. What he said pained me.

"Just tell me one thing, Julian. When you said you loved me, did you really mean it?"

"Love isn't in my vocabulary." His eyes frosted over, but his fingers continued to trace my lips.

"Just like the word fuck and shit weren't in your vocabulary before, right?" I tore his hands away from me.

Julian finally chuckled. "It was a fun game, wasn't it? All that pretending."

"You're worse than Josh. You're a monster."

"I am a monster. I never said I was a saint, nor your knight in shining armor."

I felt sick. I couldn't breathe. I had to get out of there. My hand touched my throat and there I felt the necklace Julian gave me. His promise of love for me. His fake promise.

I tore the necklace off like germs on my skin.

Julian finally snapped. He clamped my hand like a vise, trapping me within his hold against the wall so I couldn't move.

"What do you think you're doing taking that necklace off?" That deep baritone that in the past made me melt now only caused fear within my heart.

"Throwing it in the bin," I shouted at him. "It's just trash. It's not important to me. Just like this place. Just like you. I'm leaving here."

I kicked him in the shin, but he reacted in time, cornering me instead and dragging me, dumping me on the bed. I got up and quickly crawled to escape, but he caught my ankle. He tossed me over until I lay flat against the bed. I was about to kick him again, but he trapped me with his body. He towered over me, preventing me from thrashing around like a fish on land. But I was also like a cat, scratching at him with my claws. He was bleeding, his chest and arms. I defended myself with all my strength, but Julian was relentless and very powerful. He pinned me down until I could no longer move. We were both panting. Me from exhaustion. Him from taming me.

Finally, he spoke. "You said I've captivated you, Kimberly. And now I'm going to trap you. In my embrace. You're my woman, Kimberly. I own you. I possess you. And if any man dares touch you, I will personally kill him myself. You're mine, Kimberly. Remember that. You're _mine_."

I looked at him, staring at his stormy grey eyes. My mind took me back to that moment from three years ago when I was in the nightclub. I saw those eyes too. They captivated me from the first moment I saw him. And now, to think that three years later I was trapped, because of those eyes.

I didn't move. I didn't flinch. I just watched as those kissable lips that I craved before now descended upon mine, sealing my mouth and capturing my soul with just one small kiss. His body too. That part of him I craved to have inside me before now binding us, thrusting into me, again and again. Hoping I would react, wishing I would respond. But I didn't. I didn't give him any reaction. Because I knew, even when fireworks shot before my eyes, that I could never escape from him. I could never escape from the prison of his arms... because I was truly trapped.

# Chapter 23

_" Julian, where are you, little buddy? It's time to take your medicine. Come get your shot."_

_"Stop talking sweet and find him."_

_"He's not under the bed. Where did he hide this time?"_

_"How the fuck would I know? Just fucking find him. I don't have all night. I've got a party to attend to."_

_"Yeah, like any girl would want to dance with you once they find out you work in a loony hospital."_

_I can hear their voices. The good one and the bad one. They're coming for me again. Every night they come for me. They inject me with stuff, telling me it'll make me feel better. And once I feel better, I can go home. To Papa._

_But it never makes me feel better. It makes me have dreams about monsters and death. Sometimes I don't need to sleep to see them. They're everywhere, haunting me. Little green blobs in the corners of the room. A dark shadow at the end of my bed. I scream every night, telling them I'm scared, telling them I'm not crazy, that I don't need that stuff, but all they do is give me more._

_I stay quiet, huddled in the closet, holding Mama's rose pendant necklace close to my heart. I can see them through the thin slits of the door, their feet stomping around the room, searching for me._

_Don't let them find me, Mama. Don't let them find me. I don't want them to come near me again. Help me, Mama. Don't let them hurt—_

_The closet door slams open. The bad one, he sees me._

_"There you are, you little shit," he snarls in my face. His breath stinks of cigarettes and alcohol._

_I shift farther into the closet, shaking my head, hugging myself into a tight ball. "No. Don't hurt me. Don't hurt me."_

_"Hey, little Julian, why're you hiding in the closet?" the other man, the kind one asks me._

_I look at the kind one. "Don't let him hurt me. Please."_

_"We're not going to hurt you, little Julian. We're just going to give you something to make you sleep better tonight."_

_I look at the long, thin needle in his hand. It's that same one. He's going to make me see monsters again. The kind one is going to make me see monsters._

_"No. Don't. I'm not crazy. I'm not crazy. I don't want it. Don't give it to me," I scream, launching out of the closet and kicking him in the shin._

_He hits the floor. I race past him but am pulled back, losing my step and crashing to the floor. I get up again, needing to escape, but someone slaps me in the face. Blood coats my mouth._

_It's the bad one. He hit me. He turns me over, pinning me to the floor, his red eyes glaring at me._

_"Let me go," I scream, my hands thrashing about. I hit him in the face. He growls, bashing my head into the linoleum, smearing more of my blood on the floor._

_"You dare fucking hit me, you little shit. Here, take it. Take it." He punches me, again and again, in the stomach, making me lose my breath._

_"Hey, Tony, take it easy. He's just a kid."_

_"Shut up, Rory. Get me some toilet paper."_

_"What you need it for?"_

_"Just fucking get me some."_

_I whimper on the floor, still pinned underneath him. His weight crushes me. I'm in so much pain. I'm so scared. But all I can do is cry for Mama to save me._

_"Don't hurt me. Mama, help me. Don't let them hurt me."_

_"What are you shouting for your mama for?" he spits in my face. "She ain't going to help you. She's dead. You got that? She's dead. No one's coming to save you now."_

_"Mammmaaaa. Help me. Help me." I keep on crying, my wailing loud._

_"For fuck's sake. Shut up, you little shit."_

_He gags me, stuffing toilet paper in my mouth. I still sob, tears welling out of my eyes, still trying to fight them with my little strength, but they are big people. They hold me down and now I can't move._

_The bad one is holding the needle in his hand, the hand that has a skull tattoo on the wrist. I watch that hand bring the needle closer to my arm._

_I shake my head, eyes opening wide in fear, screaming through the gag for someone to save me, but no sound comes out. My voice is lost. I'm trapped._

_And then the needle pierces me._

_I lose strength in my arms. Darkness closes in on me. Now all is silent._

_I open my eyes slowly. I'm in bed, inside my room again. Those two are now gone._

_But then I see them. One by one. The green blobs. The dark shadows. The monsters. They're all coming out to play. They snarl their slimy teeth at me. And then they race at me, grabbing hold of my legs, dragging me to play._

_"No. No. Let go. Go away. Go away. Noooooooo..."_

* * *

I woke to the sound of petrified wailing. _Fuck. That was me._ I was drenched in sweat. My head was spinning. My heart was pounding.

My nightmare was back.

I placed a hand on my chest and felt my heart beating against my ribcage. I was alive. I wasn't dead yet.

Despite no scar on my chest, I still felt that pain.

Like the saying goes, a wound could heal, but it would leave behind a scar. Just like that event in my life. Time and medication had healed my conscious mind and physical scars, but those memories would continue to haunt me and plague me until I self-destructed.

My hand searched around, seeking for that comforting warmth that resided beside me all through last night, that source I now craved with infinite hunger.

Kimberly. I wanted to get close to her again. Wanted to bury my cock deep inside her again so I could forget about everything, even for only a small second, just to release this myriad of torrid emotions deep within me.

But the space beside me was empty. Kimberly was gone.

Kimberly and Julian's love story continues in

* * *

**Trapped by You**

Available for free on selected online stores

* * *

LINK

If you love Kimberly and Julian's story, please spread the love and consider writing a review on the website you purchased, or downloaded this book from. Thank you.

* * *

LINK

Click on the 'Sign Up' link below to subscribe to Wanitta's Mailing list for notification on her next book release

* * *

Sign Up

# Trapped By You

### The Billionaire's Twisted Love Book 2

_"Your touch singes me. Your kisses are like drugs. I am addicted to you. I am trapped by you. Yet I don't want to escape from this beautiful prison."_

* * *

Julian Devereux. So beautiful and mysterious on the outside, yet so damaged and broken on the inside. W

* * *

ho is this monster standing before me?

* * *

I thought I knew you well, but the past was only an illusion. But why do I find myself coming back for more? Do I enjoy being your pawn in your elaborate game to gain back the title of heir to the Devereux Legacy? Or am I so captivated by you that I am trapped by my own doing?

* * *

Maybe deep down, I want to dig for the truth, to find out why you turned out to be this monster. But I didn't anticipate the story unfolding was beyond what I could imagine. Julian, what have you gone through?

This book is available for free to read or download on your favorite online store. Click the link below to get a copy.

* * *

Trapped by You

# Loved By You

### The Billionaire's Twisted Love Book 3

Book 3: Loved by You

_"You captivated me. You trapped me. And now I am bound to you. Now and forever."_

* * *

Julian Devereux. So strong and courageous on the outside yet so fragile and sensitive on the inside. My damaged prince. How long will you let the past destroy you? How long will you let those secrets torment you?

* * *

Let it go. Take my hand and we will escape together, escape to a future filled with love.

* * *

But is letting go the hardest decision to make? Or is there something else holding you back?

* * *

Whatever choice you make, I will stand by your side.

* * *

But never in my life did I anticipate such a violent ending to our story.

# Maid to the Mafia

### Jenny and Giovanni's love story

Book 1: Totally Captivated

Now free to download on all online stores

_"I'll do anything. Cooking, cleaning, even making coffee. I'm good at making coffee."_

* * *

Upon uttering the word coffee, Jenny Stone, the smart, resilient, and sharp-tongued girl somehow finds herself paying off her father's debt by working as a maid to the mafia boss, Giovanni Dente, the obsessive-compulsive coffee drinker with movie star good looks.

* * *

And this is just the beginning of Jenny's new life.

* * *

Between serving the man his brew at ungodly hours and doing his dirty work, she also has to attend college, ace her exams, and find a way to contact her father and sister who have abandoned her.

* * *

But within the intricate web Giovanni binds around her, when it comes time for her to leave, she isn't sure if she can make it out alive, especially when somewhere along the way, she realizes her heart is totally captivated.

# The Mafia and His Maiden

### Amelia and Nikolas' Love Story

Book 1: Beautiful Hell

Preorder Available Now

Release Date: January 13 2021

From the author of _Maid to the Mafia_ comes another anticipated and highly charged passionate new love story.

* * *

**Amelia Stone**

* * *

_Choices. Every choice leads to a consequence. This is now my new life. And I must live with this consequence._

* * *

Nikolas Lorenzo, head mafia of the Lorenzo Group. He barged into my life like a raging pit bull, destroying my orderly lifestyle and shattering my innocent dreams. Gun poised at my father's temple, he asks me point blank, "Choose between his life or yours."

* * *

I've made my choice, and now I must live with this consequence. I become his.

* * *

But ours is a volatile and erotic relationship. He's coldhearted and ruthless, but beneath the surface, I can see his fragile heart, haunted by the ghost of his past.

* * *

He is a reflection of me, both damaged souls, bonded together through an unfortunate incident. Will we both live to see the day we cherish each other, or will we both suffer in this beautiful hell together?

* * *

**Nikolas Lorenzo**

* * *

_"An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth." If you hurt me, I will hunt you down and exact vengeance on you tenfold._

* * *

Nikolas Lorenzo lives in a chaotic world, one filled with bloodshed and death. The only light in his life is his kid brother. But when his life got taken away too, Nikolas self-destructs, going on a warpath to search for the culprit. And it leads him to Amelia Stone.

* * *

She's painted as an innocent maiden in his brother's eyes, but he knows better. He asks her to make a choice. Life or death. She chooses death. But death is too easy of a way out. She needs to experience the hell she put his brother through.

* * *

And so he constructs the perfect hell for her, one where he has absolute control. But whenever he looks into her amber eyes, he can't help seeing that innocent soul in her. Is this regret he's feeling, or will he languish his moments with her in this beautiful hell he created?

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**_The Mafia and His Maiden: Beautiful Hell_ is the first book in _The Mafia and His Maiden_ series. Heartrending, angst, and filled to the brim with sensual smut scenes, this first book ends in a cliffhanger.**

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**Author's Note: Amelia is Jenny's sister in Maid to the Mafia series. Nikolas Lorenzo is Giovanni's frenemy. Both Amelia and Nikolas will appear in Book 4: Totally Devoted in Maid to the Mafia series.**

# A Mafia's First Love

### Lily and Justin's love story

Book 1: Completely Breathless

Preorder Available Now

Release Date: September 15 2020

**Justin**

* * *

No food. No energy. No money.

* * *

F*ck my life. Nothing can get worse than this. I'm about to go out on that boxing ring to fight for that $200 in cold hard cash.

* * *

It should be easy. I'm primed for this. I'm trained for this. But I'm hungry. I have no food. I'm going to die. Then I see her. She stumbles into my path.

* * *

One look. One lick. One taste. That's all I need to confirm she's mine.

* * *

**Lily**

* * *

"A kiss, in exchange for saving your life." That's what he says to me after he steals my first kiss under the moonlight.

* * *

I'm trying to search for my freedom, escaping from my suffocating family, only to find him; Justin Valenti, the heart-throb idol of our college campus, dubbed Heartbreaker.

* * *

He's hot. He's dangerous. Like his name implies, he's a heartbreaker. There's no way I'm falling for a guy like him.

* * *

But the more I know him, the more I realize he's an honest and quintessential hardworking man.

* * *

And with every touch, he leaves me completely breathless.

* * *

**Author's Note:** This is the story of Justin Valenti, Giovanni Dante's best friend, who appears in book 3 and book 4 of _Maid to the Mafia_. _Completely Breathless_ , will take the readers back to when Justin was still a college student and how he met Lily, his first love. Raw and romantic, this first book ends in a cliff hanger.

# Her Majesty & The Four Kings

### Clarissa Rose's Reverse Harem Love Story

Book 1: Her Majesty is Here

Free to download through online stores

_Getting crushed under a monster truck is never a pleasant feeling. If I could relive that moment, I would never have taken that route. But we never really get a second chance at life. Or do we?_

* * *

I want to say I died a noble death. And for that reason, I was given a second chance at life. I don't hesitate to take the offering, outlining the criteria on my wish list.

* * *

  1. Enjoy life to the fullest
  2. Fall in love with a man
  3. Would like to have a warm, loving family
  4. Eat plenty of delicious food as I was starved for most of my life growing up

* * *

All is well and good, until I open my eyes to a strange new world, with four strikingly stunning men staring back at me. They said they were the four kings, in charge of governing the four nations of Alyria, and I am their queen, the overall ruler of their kingdom.

* * *

But it isn't just pretty flowers and wispy daisies. They suspect I'm not who I say I am. I live under their watchful eyes, as they literally, and figuratively, peel away every layer of my clothing to get to the real me. Trying to keep my real identity under wraps is one thing, but getting tempted by the four kings is another matter, entirely. How am I to survive in my new world?

* * *

**_Her Majesty is Here_ is a reverse harem fantasy romance novel. It is the first book in _Her Majesty & the Four Kings_ series. With laugh out loud moments, political intrigue, murder mystery, and steamy romantic scenes, this first book ends in a cliffhanger.**

# Baby Be Mine

### Clarice and Hunter's love story

Book 1: Baby Be Mine

Free to download through online stores

Turning thirty is like a big sale at the meat market. You have to go on discount before someone starts considering you. And that's not the only problem Clarice Mason has to deal with, because right now her biological clock is ticking and she realizes that one morning she might wake up with white hair and a walking cane as her only companion. So to soothe her problem, Clarice has resolved to have a baby.

* * *

Enter Anton Silverton, the man that possesses all the traits Clarice has ever wanted in a mate: tall, handsome, smart, and an overall gentleman—all the perfect genes for her baby. All she has to do now is ask him nicely to donate a little sperm so she can conceive. But damn Hunter Silverton—Anton's smart-mouth, no-good cousin with the title of number one Casanova in Australasia—has to come stirring up trouble. And now, under the influence of hormonal imbalances, Clarice finds her craving for a baby might not be enough, for she is beginning to crave the love of one of these men.

# Boss Lady

### Whitney and Darcy's love story

Book 3: Boss Lady

Whitney, the so-called tyrant boss of E Magazine, is in trouble. Her best friend Clarice is getting married and has asked her to be one of her bridesmaids, which requires wearing beautiful feminine gowns. That's fine by her, but how is she to keep up her persona of the militant boss when Darcy, her submissive personal assistant, will be tagging along too? What makes everything worse is the more she knows Darcy outside of work, the more she realizes that distinct black and white guise of hers is starting to become a blurry grey line.

* * *

Darcy is also in trouble. After tasting the forbidden fruit, the hatred he feels for his boss has now somehow turned to heated desire. Now he can't stop thinking about her. But Darcy knows one thing for sure. When it comes to matters of the heart, Whitney may be the dictator in their office, but only he will come out on top in the bedroom.

* * *

This story of a tyrant boss and her submissive personal assistant is about to get interesting when mistaken identity and convoluted circumstances take place. In the end, they are left with the question: Who's the master and who's the submissive in this relationship.

* * *

**Spinsters and Playboys series is set in the beautiful country of New Zealand. Still humorous and steamy, this third book features a new couple, complete with a happy ending. This book can be read as a standalone, but for more enjoyment, it's best to read in the following order:**

1) Baby Be Mine (Clarice and Hunter book 1)

2) Baby I'm Yours (Clarice and Hunter book 2)

3) Boss Lady (Whitney and Darcy) A standalone novel

# Let Me Love You

### Ivy and Zac's love story: A Young Adult High School Romance Novel

**Let Me Love You**

**Ivy**

* * *

I'm good at hiding. I left all those bad memories behind and now am starting a new life in this new town.

* * *

A new school. A fresh start. Life is good. Until I meet him. And all my nightmares come rushing back.

* * *

Zac, the lead singer of Apollo, with his inky black hair and deep emerald eyes, tempts me in ways no guy has ever done before. He makes me want him, but my past keeps pushing him away.

* * *

I keep telling myself it's okay, forget the past and move on. But no matter how many excuses I come up with, in the end, he still is the center of my nightmare.

* * *

**Zac**

* * *

Ivy. She intrigues me. She's like a cute little rabbit, always wanting to scramble away whenever I get near her.

* * *

Does she hate me?

* * *

I don't think so. I can feel this attraction between us when we're together.

* * *

But no matter what excuse she has, I'll make her mine.

* * *

That is, until I found the reason why.

* * *

**Let Me Love You is a young adult full length romance novel, centered on first love, and the power of forgiveness. It's a slow burn romance, complete with a happy ending.**

# Books by Wanitta Praks

**Alyria Kingdom**

**_(Fantasy /Contemporary/Transmigration Romance)_**

All main characters in these series occur in the same universe

**Season one:**

**Her Majesty & The Four Kings**

(Clarissa Rose's Reverse Harem Love Story)

Book 1: Her Majesty is Here

Free to download

**The Sinister Bachelor Billionaires Universe**

**_(Steamy New Adult Contemporary Romance)_**

All main characters in these series occur in the same universe

* * *

**Season one:**

**The Billionaire's Twisted Love**

(Kimberly and Julian)

Book 1: Captivated by You

Free to download

Book 2: Trapped by You

Book 3: Loved by You

The Boxset

**Season Two:**

**Maid To The Mafia: The Series**

(Jenny and Giovanni)

Book 1: Totally Captivated

Free to download

Book 2: Totally Alluring

Book 3: Totally Intoxicated

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Book 4: Totally Devoted

**Season Three:**

**A Mafia's First Love: The Series**

(Lily and Justin)

Book 1: Completely Breathless

Preorder Available Now

Release Date: September 15 2020

Book 2: Completely Enthralled

Preorder Available Now

Release Date: May 13 2021

**Season Four:**

**The Mafia and His Maiden: The Series**

(Amelia and Lorenzo)

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Book 1: Beautiful Hell

Preorder Available Now

Release Date: January 13 2021

**Spinsters & Playboys**

**_(Steamy Contemporary Romance)_**

All main characters in this series occur in the same universe

Book 1: Baby Be Mine

(Clarice and Hunter)

Free to download

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Book 2: Baby I'm Yours

(Clarice and Hunter)

Book 3: Boss Lady

(Whitney and Darcy)

**Stand Alone Novel**

Let Me Love You

Young Adult Romance

# About the Author

A girl who loves reading, eating and watching practically anything to do with mystery, romance and action. If not writing, she indulges herself in reading boys love romance novels and listening to kpop music.

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A hermit who loves to stay at home but also enjoys eating out. Her mind extends as far as her imagination. When she starts writing, she loses herself in that world.

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Sign up to her mailing list for updates and notifications on book releases. She promises never to spam.

* * *

_Get to know Wanitta:_

www.wanittapraks.com

  Facebook

### Contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Contents
  5. Captivated by You
  6. Prologue
  7. Chapter 1
  8. Chapter 2
  9. Chapter 3
  10. Chapter 4
  11. Chapter 5
  12. Chapter 6
  13. Chapter 7
  14. Chapter 8
  15. Chapter 9
  16. Chapter 10
  17. Chapter 11
  18. Chapter 12
  19. Chapter 13
  20. Chapter 14
  21. Chapter 15
  22. Chapter 16
  23. Chapter 17
  24. Chapter 18
  25. Chapter 19
  26. Chapter 20
  27. Chapter 21
  28. Chapter 22
  29. Chapter 23
  30. Trapped By You
  31. Loved By You
  32. Maid to the Mafia
  33. The Mafia and His Maiden
  34. A Mafia's First Love
  35. Her Majesty & The Four Kings
  36. Baby Be Mine
  37. Boss Lady
  38. Let Me Love You
  39. Books by Wanitta Praks
  40. About the Author

  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Contents
  5. Beginning
  6. Prologue
  7. Praise for Wanitta Praks
  8. Also by Wanitta Praks
  9. About the Author

