*Lexie’s POV*My heart races as the limousine pulls up the winding drive of Noland Reynolds’ sprawling estate. After months of struggling to put the pieces of my life back together, Natasha has finally convinced me to join her at one of her lavish parties.Part of me craves an escape from my daily routine, but another part dreads the scrutiny of Santa Barbara’s elite. Their pitying glances and whispered gossip about who I am and what I am doing here at such a private event.Natasha gives my hand an encouraging squeeze. “You’re going to have a wonderful time. Everyone will be busy, and you will get a chance to meet some people and have fun.”I offer her a wan smile, unconvinced. What I am convinced of, though, is to not become an annoyance in her summer, so I will do my best to really have some fun.The limousine comes to a stop, and my breath catches at the sight before me. Fairy lights illuminate winding cobblestone paths, while strains of classical music float on the night air
The leather seats creak under me as the sleek Bentley glides along the winding coastal road. My heart thumps wildly, Noland's proximity setting my nerves alight.When his phone rings, I start to get anxious. Noland answers in a low murmur, tension etched into the lines of his face. His gaze flicks to me for a brief moment before he turns away, voice dropping further.My breath catches in my throat. Caleb. They are talking about Caleb.Panic bubbles in my chest as fragments of the hushed conversation reach me. ...dealt with...won't be a problem anymore...taught him a lesson. Each word is a blow, cinching my lungs in a vice-like grip.When the call ends, silence engulfs us. Noland's knuckles are white as he tightens his fists, his jaw clenched.I take a deep breath and brace myself for what is coming. "What does he mean by 'dealt with'?"Noland's eyes darken, stormy seas in the dim light. "It's nothing for you to worry about.""I disagree. This involves Caleb, so it involves me."
The image of Noland's captivating smile lingers, setting my heart ablaze with a mix of emotions, leaving me struggling to focus on the movie playing before me and Natasha. She seems to enjoy it, and I avoid making comments so she doesn’t notice I am not paying attention.No, my attention is on Noland. His touch, the warmth of his breath against my lips, the way his eyes darkened with desire—they haunt my thoughts, igniting a craving I've long denied. I think this all started that night, many years ago, when he held me close to him during that stormy night. The way he made me feel back then, I was never able to find someone that made me feel like that again. Not until now.A knock on the door makes Natasha pause the movie and we both turn to see Noland there. My heart is skipping a beat already.“Good afternoon ladies. How is the movie going?” He says casually.“Hi daddy,” Natasha is back on ‘daddy’ terms with Noland, which means their relationship is well. “The movie is nice, fun a
*Noland’s POV*Lexie's allure haunts my thoughts as I gaze into the crackling fire. The mansion is still, shrouded in slumber, yet her essence fills the space, my mind refusing to relinquish the memory of her touch, her scent, the softness of her skin beneath my hands. A fierce ache pulses through my veins, an unyielding need that transcends the boundaries of reason. Each moment we spend close to each other only serves to deepen my longing for her, my restraint wavering in the face of a desire I'm powerless to resist. I need to control myself. I need to realize that if I take her, I might damage her with my dark desires.Silently cursing my weakness, I rise and pour a glass of scotch, the amber liquid burning a path down my throat. Anything to dull the ferocity of this craving, anything to temper the fierce battle between duty and passion raging within. The clock ticks past midnight, then one, and still sleep eludes me. My thoughts fixated on the vision of having Lexie in my st
*Lexie’s POV*The warm sun does little to ease my churning thoughts as I lay out by the pool, the memory of Noland's touch lingering on my skin. How did we let things go so far? Each fleeting caress played on loop, my cheeks burning with shame and arousal in equal measure. Natasha emerges, her laughter shattering my reverie. "Did you see the interview outfit I picked? I want to give them a very good impression of me. Not only looks but also brains, you know what I mean?" She flashes a coy smile, oblivious to the turmoil raging within me. I force a smile, pushing aside the swell of guilt. "You always look stunning. And you irradiate confidence and brains Tash, don’t worry. You got this." "Thank you Lex, you know exactly what to say to cheer me up and give me confidence." Natasha settles into the lounge chair beside me. "So, how was your morning? You disappeared after breakfast, it was just me and daddy. I was looking for you." My pulse quickens at the mention of Noland. Did h
The delicate aroma of rosemary and thyme fills the opulent kitchen as I focus on chopping fresh vegetables for a salad. Beside me, the family chef meticulously plates an intricate meat dish that seems almost too beautiful to eat. The warm, golden hues of the setting Santa Barbara sun stream into the room, casting a glow over the marble countertops and reflecting off the polished stainless steel appliances."Ugh, I'm so exhausted," Natasha sighs as she breezes through the door, her usually vibrant energy slightly subdued. Her hair is piled atop her head in a messy bun, and her face holds the remnants of makeup from her long day."Hey, how's your day?" I ask, pausing my work to give her my full attention. She is my rock, after all, and I genuinely care about her well-being."Actually, it's going really well! My interview got picked up by a national network! Can you believe it, Lex? I'll be on TV soon!" Natasha's eyes sparkle with excitement, rejuvenating her spirit as she speaks."Wo
As Natasha and I step into the sunlight, a warm breeze tousling my auburn curls, I can't help but feel invigorated by the vibrant streets of Santa Barbara. The city's opulent charm seems to cast a spell on me, momentarily dulling the tumultuous storm brewing within. Noland stands in the doorway behind us, his imposing frame casting a long shadow onto the cobblestone path."Have a great time at brunch, ladies," he says, his deep voice resonating with an undeniable authority. Unable to resist the magnetic pull of his gaze, I lock eyes with him for a fleeting moment, my heart skipping a beat as a blush creeps up my cheeks. What is it about this man that makes me feel so undone?"Thanks, daddy!" Natasha replies with a playful grin, her blonde locks cascading like a golden waterfall down her back. She links her arm through mine and leads me to the car, then we head to the bustling streets.I feel relaxed as we drive and I don’t even ask Natasha where we are heading, I just enjoy the beau
“Let me show you how much I care for you, Lexie," Noland murmurs against my lips, his hands beginning to roam over my body with a tantalizing mixture of tenderness and possessiveness that sends shivers down my spine.I nod my consent, unable to resist the magnetic pull between us any longer, and Noland slowly undresses me with reverent hands. The cool air of the room mingled with the heat of his touch, heightening my anticipation.Noland kisses me with a hunger that threatens to consume us both, his hands tangling in my hair to hold me in place. I cling to him, lost in the dizzying rush of sensations—the taste of him, the scent of his skin, the firmness of his body against mine.He tears his mouth from mine, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses along my jaw. "Tell me what you want," he rasps against my ear, nipping at the lobe.I gasp, desire coiling tight within me, but I can’t form the words to speak. He then nibbles my lobe and now I feel myself tremble, shaken by the way he seems