The weekend was busy as Damien moved. Pa was so excited to have an additional member in the house. It was more like someone whom he could control. We laughed at how much he hovered over Damien. We spent Saturday night having barbeque and beers and Damien seemed surprised at how relaxed the atmosphere was. I could see the sadness in his eyes disappear once he settled in. Come early Monday morning, Pa was already up, and he prepared the lunch dishes and handed them over to Damien. Auden groaned, and Uncle Malkiel laughed while I smiled happily. Finally, we had something to keep Pa occupied. I was worried that he felt dejected since he could no longer paint. "I am getting a dog and that's final," he said as we all walked to the villa parking lot. "A dog is manageable. It would be good to keep you company, sir," Damien responded. We all turned to look at Damien in frustration. Pa had set a trap that he had walked right into. He happily rushed back to the house and shouted, "Finally
VAUGHN'S POV It has been a quiet weekend. After the text I sent to Wade, there was no response though I could see it had been read a second after I sent it. I smiled and promised myself I would crawl back to him if need be. Ma had been quiet the whole weekend and Elaine kept checking on her as she spent it behind closed doors in her villa. At some point, Elaine saw her crying while she was drinking. I knew this had something to do with her visit to Wade's office. I had my mission to accomplish, and I did not want to be deterred.On Monday morning I sent another text to Wade.'I hope to see you this week.' It was a long shot, but I wanted to be near him. I waited and saw that the text was left on read and it made me happy.The week started busy and on Monday afternoon while I was reviewing the reports Elaine walked into my office and took the corner seat. I was used to her coming to my office often to hide from the world and relax. The elite society had been cruel to her sinc
"What the f*ck did you say?" Wade walked over, and I swore he looked taller and more muscular. Sparks flew and the air sizzled.I felt the buzz of attraction all over again. I reduced the space between us as I felt the alcohol kick in. "Why the f*ck do you keep running?" "Running from what exactly?" he coldly asked.I was undeterred. "Why did you come back? If you wanted to be unbothered, you should have stayed away from Valletta so that I could die in peace.""Die? You will never have it easy, Vaughn," Wade sneered. I heard Auden tell Elaine, "Let's leave them alone," as he pulled her away from the room. "Why should I leave him with Wade? He is already hurting. Should I let him be hurt again?" Elaine whispered. "Let them sort this out," Auden stated and then the door of the private room closed. His words were so cold but his body… it was a green light. His body burned and the more I pressed myself on him, the harder he got. He tried to push me away, but I had already wrap
WADE'S POVWhen Auden suggested visiting his new club, I was reluctant since it meant that Pa would be left alone for dinner. But Uncle Malkiel and Damien assured me that they would keep Pa company and Auden did a whole celebratory dance. We had not been out together since we came back to Valletta. An hour into the club, I was impressed at how modernized he had made it. He had borrowed a lot from the high-end clubs in Milan.We sat on the counter and suddenly the waiters' gossip passed by our ears. "Guess who has come in today? The Everette's are here." They giggle and then one of them said, "I swear if Vaughn would ask me to be his, even as his mistress, I would agree."My body burned with jealousy and before I knew it, I stood up and walked into the VIP area. Auden pulled me back before I walked in and said, "Let me handle this, please."I stared at him in a daze and then he turned around and walked in. "If it isn't the Everette's. Such high-profile guests are here at my club."
It was almost late evening when Damien knocked on my office door. "Sir, I am leaving. I have emailed you all the reports for your review. I also sent out the press release for tomorrow about the museum and art gallery event this Friday. I emailed Elaine, as requested so that plan the event." "That's fine. Are you still feeling guilty about this morning?" He nodded and looked away."Don't. I already talked to Vaughn as you suggested. You have nothing to worry about, I promise to handle the matter calmly and carefully. Are you prepared for tomorrow?" Damien's smile was back. "I increased the security guards that will be on duty tomorrow. I also have requested two canine patrol dogs. Just in case." "Do you anticipate a lot of media attention or backlash from Bexley?" I asked. "It's good to be prepared. I am leaving now. Will you be working late?" Damien asked. "After the press release tomorrow, I know we shall have our hands full. So, I will finish up all the work for today
"How dare he summon me like this?" I yelled while I got out of bed and walked out of the villa. Huffing in anger, the security guard stared at me in shock as he saw me approaching. He rushed to open the gate and a red BMW parked by the gate came into view. The gate closed behind me and then Vaughn got out of the car and banged the door closed. I smirked at his behavior, but my pulse jumped in anticipation. He walked over, and we stood toe to toe. "What the f*ck do you want, Vaughn? I have a busy day tomorrow." I drawled with a non-committal tone. All I wanted was to annoy him enough to send him away. "Are you still going to drag out the past?" he asked with a raised eyebrow."Just state what you came to say and leave," I huffed. "Do you have a lover?" Vaughn asked. I took a step back and squinted my eyes at him. "What right do you have to ask such a question?" "Wade, do you honestly believe that the feelings between us are simple?" Vaughn asked with a sad smile. I turn
"Shut up, Auden!" I yelled. "Calm down, Wade," Uncle Malkiel said. "If only you explained this, we would not be speculating. You should have been clear before you left the villa. And to find Vaughn in your office? It did not look good."We all went silent, and the office door was knocked on. Damien walked in. "Sir, the media wants an interview with you. Vera Bexley, Sam Bexley, and Mayor Everett all have requested to meet you.""I am not available to meet anyone," I murmured. "Cancel all my meetings.""The Milan office called. The call is scheduled in an hour," Damien stated. "Sh*t. Okay, fine. I need to clear things up. The exhibition is this Friday. Send out a press release, Auden. Direct the media to another story. That the exhibition will be open to all. Anyone can attend the event. Change the exhibition from the garden to the main exhibition hall. Have a call with Elaine to discuss these latest changes."Auden nodded and left the office. "You need to call your Pa and inf
"Right on time." Vaughn's eyes twinkled as he rearranged my clothes. I felt him rub the bite on my neck and he left the shirt wide open making the bite and the tattoos visible."You are such an unruly brat." I laughed at his naughtiness and walked toward Auden as Vaughn followed behind with a grin. Turning around I stated, "Don't follow yet. I want to know why she is looking for me." Vaughn shook his head in defiance and Auden responded, "You go. I will remain behind with Vaughn." I walked back to the counter, ordered a drink, and pretended not to see Vera. My hand froze midair as I was about place the glass to my mouth and heard her state, "If it isn't the Wade Malkiel. The husband snatcher." I smiled and gulped down the whiskey. I ignored her and ordered another glass.Vera pressed on with her voice louder this time. "Aren't you ashamed to be seen with someone else's man?" The whole bar went silent. The loud voices quieted down and the mood changed. Everyone was listening