Take It All 4a4y6p

Take it All

Craven Cove Series

Alexa Riley

Contents

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

Epilogue

Epilogue

Chapter 1

Read Me Romance

Stalk the Author

Take It All

by Alexa Riley

Anna started her relationship with Rory on a lie, so what happens when he finds out the truth? From the beginning Rory has known her secrets, but does Anna know all of his? Warning: Find out how these two fell in love, and how they manage to stay together.

Copyright © 2021 by Author Alexa Riley LLC. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email to [email protected]

http://alexariley.com/

Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

Edited by Aquila Editing

For second chances… and maybe a third and fourth.

Chapter One

Anna

Nothing in this world makes me smile more than when I see my daughter's beautiful face. It doesn't matter what mood I’m in; the moment I see her, a sense of peace fills me. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but she’s the one thing I’ve done right in this world. I make my way across the quaint coffee shop to where she’s sitting in the corner. She clicks away on her laptop looking adorable, and I wonder if she’s nervous to start a brand-new high school next week. It’s her senior year, and I’m sure she’s finding out everything she can about Craven Cove High. I thought she should spend her last year of high school actually in school since over the years we’ve shifted between homeschooling and in-person. It normally depended on where we were at the time, but it felt like this last year was important. I wanted her to get to do all the things so many high school girls love. From dating, to parties, to prom, and even graduation. So much of our lives were anything but the norm to everyone else, but I wanted to make sure she got every experience in life other girls got growing up. Things that I didn’t get. “Everyone here is so lovely,” I say, placing the cup of coffee I got her on the table next to her laptop before I take a seat at the small table. I don’t know where she picked up the coffee habit because I don’t even like the smell of it. Celeste can be so different from me at times and others exactly the same. I’m not sure if that's good or bad. I suppose bad since I am a bit of a con artist. “Making friends already, I see.” She flicks a glance over to the ladies who have

taken a seat at one of the corner tables. I was chitchatting with them in line a few moments ago. “A girl’s gotta make a living.” I give Celeste a wink, making her laugh. All three of the women engaged in conversation with me. I am new in town, and most women are nosy. It makes my job easier really. The more people try to dig into your life with their questions, the more they actually give away pieces of their own. All three of them have given me a peek into their lives so easily without realizing it. Doing a reading for them would be like taking candy from a baby. I don’t hide what I do from my daughter. Most would call me a con artist, but I tell people what they want to hear or what they already know but can’t it to themselves. They want me to talk to a loved one they’ve lost or tell them their future. Can I actually do any of those things? In a way I suppose, but only because of the information they give me or from what I’ve picked up on. Basically, people pay me to give them reassurance about their past or their future. “I think you’re fine on money, Mom.” She takes a sip from her coffee. We are. I’ve never been frugal with our money. I know what it’s like to go without a roof over my head and go to bed hungry. Some nights the stomachaches were so bad it made it almost impossible to sleep. My daughter will never have those experiences. I don’t care who I have to con to make sure that happens. I reach across the table, pulling her smudged glasses off her face to clean them. “What do you think of this place?” I ask. I don’t know what it is about Craven Cove, but something has been pulling me toward it for a while now. It first caught my attention when I was reading an article about some of the richest men in Washington State. Rory Crew topped the list, and after doing a little digging, I found he’s done it for years. Rich men have always been a bit of an easy mark for me, and I don’t carry any guilt about it after I get what I want from them. The more I dug up on Rory, the more intrigued I became. A single father well known in the business world and even more known in the small island town of Craven Cove.

The next thing I knew I was packing us up and moving to the small island town. It would be the perfect place for Celeste and me to settle down for a while. I’ve been getting the sense Celeste is longing to put her roots down somewhere, so why not one of the best places in the country? If I’m honest with myself, I think I might be ready to settle down a bit too, even if the thought of doing so scares the crap out of me. For some reason, the thought of being tied down somewhere gives me the sensation of being trapped. “It’s nice so far.” Celeste smiles. It’s so hard to believe my little girl is eighteen now. Where has the time gone? “Change is coming,” I say as I hand her glasses back to her. Soon she’ll be off on her own and I’ll be all alone. Then what? I don’t even want to think about that. It’s always been her and me against the world, and I’m not ready to let her go. “I’ll meet you at home?” “Yeah, I’m going to roam around.” “I know you are, honey.” My girl might be on the shy side, but she’s always been curious. “It gets dark early here, keep that in mind—” “And stay away from the water,” she finishes my words for me. “We’re on an island. That might be a hard one to stick to, Mom.” She smirks at me. “I was going to say to turn your phone off silent.” “Liar,” she calls me out, but only because she knows me. Sadly, if there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s lying. It’s a skill set I picked up young in life and has gotten me through quite a few tight spots. “Fine.” I place a kiss on the top of her head before I head toward the door to leave. As I get to the entrance, the door opens, and my breath catches. My eyes briefly lock with Rory Crew’s as he holds it open for me. He’s far more handsome in person than the pictures I saw online. He’s also much taller and broader than I’d realized. I step through the door, not bothering to thank him for holding it open for me as I look straight ahead.

Then I do the one thing I know that will drive a man crazy. Especially a rich man who is used to getting everything he wants. I ignore him. I don’t have to glance back to know he’s following me, and I smile to myself. He really is going to make this too easy. I should know better than anyone, nothing is ever that easy. Especially when it’s that damn good.

Chapter Two

Rory

The time before school starts is always my favorite time of year. Apollo is going to be a senior next week, and then he’s headed to college. This summer felt different because I knew change was coming. This was my last summer with him at home, and I’ve spent as much time as possible soaking it up. This morning we got out on the water and took the boat for a ride. I need to go into the office today, but I wanted to get coffee with Apollo before that. He told me he has plans to hang out with Jackson this afternoon, so we’re just stopping in for a quick drink before we have to go our separate ways. I made him promise to have dinner tonight with me at least three times this week, and he agreed without much of a fight. He’s such a good kid. He’s my entire world. There are a lot of wrong turns I made, especially being a single dad his entire life, but seeing him thrive and become an incredible person has been my life's joy. When I was younger, some of the guys at the country club used to try and push women on me, telling me I should be living it up or that I needed to find Apollo a mom. I quit going to the club after that. My life has been all about my son, and I’ll never ever regret putting him first. With him going to college next year, it feels like I’m losing him, and I’m not ready. He’s always been my little boy, even now when he’s as tall as I am. He’s even managed to get into State without a single ounce of help from me, thanks to the sneaky behind-the-scenes work between him and Principal Nolan. I wasn’t at all surprised he wanted to get in on his own merit, I just hate that he kept it from me until it was a done deal. Maybe I push my agenda on him too much, and maybe I smother him with my attention, but I don’t know how not to love him like this. “What do you want from the counter? I can order for us,” he says to me as we

walk to the front door of the coffee shop. “Probably just an iced coffee. I’m going to take it and go.” I glance at my watch as I reach for the door. “Are you going to get food?” As I open the door, I see someone coming and pause. The woman coming out of the coffee shop isn’t from Craven Cove, because there’s no chance in hell I wouldn’t seeing her before now. Her blond hair is over one shoulder and looks like spun gold. She’s got on a tight dark blue sweater and jeans with boots. My eyes travel up and down her curves as I stand there completely stunned. It’s like I’ve been hit by a fucking freight train. “Dad, are you coming?” Apollo asks as he steps into the coffee shop. “Um, no, I think I need to get to work early. I’ll see you tonight, right?” “I’ll text you. Coach may want the team to come out tonight just to go over the matches before school starts.” “All right, let me know,” I say before we say goodbye and I move briskly to the parking lot. Scanning the lot quickly, I see the blond woman making her way to her car. I hurry over and move in front of her car before she gets in. “Excuse me.” When she turns her bright green eyes on me, I realize that I have no idea what I’m going to say to her. “Hi,” she says, and it’s so damn sweet. “You’re new in town.” I hate that it comes out like an accusation instead of a question. “Sorry, I mean it’s just that I know everyone here.” “Yes, I just moved here.” She leans up against her car and doesn’t make a move to come closer to me. “I’m Anna Binx.” “I’m Rory Crew.” I move closer to her and hold my hand out. When she smiles at me, I think it might have been kinder if she just kicked me right in the gut. She glows like an angel, and for a second, I completely lose the power of speech. She takes my hand and lets out a little laugh when she sees how stunned I am.

“Nice to meet you.” I see the beautiful pink in her cheeks as she blushes and then releases me. “Well, thanks for the warm welcome.” “Wait,” I blurt out, still trying to gather my thoughts. “I’m not usually this scattered, but you’ve taken me by surprise.” “I get that a lot.” She smirks, and damn if it doesn’t make me hard. “You live around here?” “Yeah,” I answer, thankful she’s navigating the conversation. “On the east side, by the water.” “Oh, the fancy part of town.” She points her thumb behind her. “I’m over on the west side in a rental off Ivy Avenue.” “The little blue house?” “Yeah, you know it?” “It’s one of my investment properties.” I’m excited by the small connection, because it can give me several reasons to see her again. “I have a company that maintains the rental contracts.” “Small world.” The way her eyes sparkle makes me think she’s got a secret. “Would you like a tour of the island?” I pretend to be casual about it when I’m nothing close to it. “I can show you all the people to avoid.” The smile in my voice is genuine, and it surprises me. I can’t the last time I had a conversation with a woman that wasn’t business related or about Apollo. “Oh, so you’ve got the town gossip?” When she smiles, it’s like looking into the sun, and she might just make me blind. “No, but I have no problems making something up so you’ll spend some time with me.” “Hmm.” She pretends to think it over, and I realize that I’m nervous. When was the last time I wanted a woman’s attention? Jesus, Apollo is eighteen, so at least that long. After he was born and his mom took off, that was the last

time I ever factored women into my life. But here I am standing outside the coffee shop, wondering if I can convince this woman not to run away from me. I was never good at picking up women, and I wasn’t a player even when I was young. Being completely focused on my son for the past eighteen years has given me blinders to relationships, and now it feels like I’m lost. “I was planning on going to the farmers market. Maybe you could come with me?” “Yes,” I say too quickly and then clear my throat. “I’d like that.” “Good, let’s go for a walk.” She pushes away from her car, and I move beside her, matching her steps. For the first time in my life, it feels like maybe I don’t have everything I want. Maybe there’s something missing, and maybe it’s Anna Binx.

Chapter Three

Anna

It’s always been easy for me to get a read on people, but it never really takes much. To my surprise, Rory Crew isn’t proving to be so easy. I had an idea of who he was in my mind with the small amount of information I’d gathered on him. Turns out I was wrong with that as well, and I’m finding myself a bit off balance. “Is there something in particular you’re looking for at the market?” he asks, putting his hand on the small of my back. The simple touch cascades through my body, and I’m not prepared for how good it feels. “Not really. I’m a terrible cook, but I could pick up some fruit,” I it. Celeste can cook, but I don’t have the patience for it. Everything I make is either burnt or not cooked all the way. We all have our talents in life, and cooking isn't mine. “I’d be happy to cook for you anytime.” He shoots me a charming smile as he moves in closer to my side. Anyone seeing us right now would think we’re a couple. Which is nothing like the Rory Crew I’ve read about. I couldn’t even find out who the mother of his son Apollo is. When it comes to his love life, there’s nothing. Not even any speculation. There isn’t a single picture of him standing as close to someone of the opposite sex as he is with me right now. In fact, he’s kind of terrible at flirting. He’s stumbling over his own words while trying to figure out a way to spend more time with me. It’s adorable and endearing, especially coming from a man who has all the power he does. “You’re good in the kitchen?”

“I suppose there’s only one way for you to truly find out.” His hand slips from my back and goes around to my hip. I find myself leaning into him and letting him guide me through the market. “Your house or mine?” I tease. “Whichever one I can get you to agree to.” “Will there be dessert?” He pauses, gazing down at me. “Always.” His eyes linger on my mouth, and for a moment I let myself fantasize about what it would be like to kiss him. I jerk my head in the other direction, breaking the spell he’d put me under. What is wrong with me? Never once have I thought about kissing someone I was thinking about running a con on. Rory Crew is way too tempting. We work our way from one stand to the next, and I don’t miss the long stares and surprised looks on people's faces at seeing Rory with me. He walks slowly and makes sure we see everything as he draws out our time together in the market. For some reason, I let him. “Are you going to let me feed you?” He glances down at the watch on his wrist and nods up ahead. “Gio’s is opening for dinner now, and it’s the best place in town.” “Okay,” I agree before I can think more on it. My answer should have been no and then let the chase begin. “What brought you to Craven Cove?” he asks, taking the bags of fruit from my hand. “My daughter. I wanted to settle down for her to do her senior year of high school.” “My son is in his senior year as well.” “Only one child?” I already know the answer.

“Yes, he’s been my world. You?” “Same. It’s always been just the two of us. I’d do anything for my Celeste.” “I know the feeling.” He holds open the door to the restaurant for me. “Mr. Crew!” A short, round man dressed in all white makes a beeline toward Rory. “I didn’t know you’d be coming in tonight.” The man’s eyes widen when he sees me standing next to Rory. As if on cue, Rory’s arm wraps around me, his fingers sinking into my hip. A thrill runs through my body, and once again I realize that I’m enjoying this far too much. “I brought a date this evening,” Rory says. “Gio, this is Anna. She’s new in town.” “A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.” Gio starts to hold his hand out for me to take, but Rory cuts him off. “The table in the back please.” I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. “This way.” Gio quickly grabs two menus before leading us toward the back of the restaurant. Rory orders a bottle of wine right away so we’re once again alone. “Date?” I tease, and he shrugs like it’s no big deal. The man who was tripping over his words an hour ago is quickly fading. “You must have been young when you had your daughter if she’s a senior,” he inquires. “I was. Seventeen.” Gio returns with the bottle of wine and pours us both a glass. “May I order for us?” Rory asks, and I nod. Picking up my glass of wine to take a sip, I try to settle my nerves. This isn’t going how I planned. If he were anyone else, I would have thought it was arrogant to order for me, but with Rory, something is different. He’s not trying to be cocky or high-handed. He’s trying to take care of me. A rush of unexpected

emotion hits me, and I realize this is bad. That familiar urge to run hits me, and I glance toward the door. After Rory has finished ordering, I take a breath and steer the conversation away from my past. I’m used to the surprised faces I get when I tell them I have an eighteen-year-old daughter or when they see Celeste and me together. Most don’t dig. Not when you circle everything back to them. People love to talk about themselves, so it’s not hard to guide them away from asking too many questions about your life. I’m not so sure that’s going to be easy with Rory. “What about you? I take it you're a single father.” “I am.” He smiles, clearly proud of that fact. “His mother has been out of the picture from the beginning.” I watch him closely, not seeing any love lost there. “I take it you’re a single mother as well.” “Yes” is the only answer I give. Once upon a time I’d been the silly girl thinking a man was going to save me from my terrible life. I learned my lesson. No one can save you but yourself, and you can only ever depend on yourself. I'll never let myself forget that. Especially when it comes to a man like Rory Crew.

Chapter Four

Rory

“So you can tell me my fortune?” I ask as we exit the restaurant. “Maybe,” she hedges, but I see the smile she tries to hide. “I’ve never met anyone who uses tarot cards before.” Reaching down, I take her hand as we walk down Main Street toward her car. It’s late, and we were at the restaurant long enough for the stars to come out. I’d gotten a text from Apollo at dinner telling me he was eating with Jaxson and would be home late. Then Anna got one from her daughter Celeste saying she’d grabbed food on the way home and was watching a movie. When her hand is in mine, it feels like we’ve done this for a long time. It’s natural and easy with Anna, and I’ve never felt so pulled into a woman before. With Apollo’s mother it was a drunken one-night stand, and I didn’t even know her before that night. When Heather told me she was pregnant, I was shocked to say the least but was ready to step up and be the father my son deserved. I’d even made a room at my family estate for her to live with us while we tried to co-parent. Heather didn’t even stay one night after coming home from the hospital. She dropped Apollo at my house and said she needed a break after taking care of him for nine months. Those first few days alone with him were the scariest of my life, but somehow we made it through. “You can tell me what you’re looking for or ask me a question, and I can use the cards to guide me. I’ve been told I’m pretty good at it.” “What would they say if I asked you to see you again?” Her car is up ahead, and

I’m desperate for this time with her to keep going. “Hmm.” She pretends to think it over, but I can see the light in her eyes. She’s not fooling me. “I think there’s a very good chance of me agreeing.” “Tomorrow,” I say when we stop and she takes out her keys. “So soon?” Her blond hair shines in the moonlight, and I step closer. I’m dying to run my fingers through it, but I settle for tucking it behind her ears. “I don’t date, Anna.” She swallows hard as I move in a little closer and her back presses against the side of her car. “I haven’t had sex in a long, long time.” She licks her lips and looks up at me through her lashes. “How long?” The question is so soft I almost don’t catch it. “I’d say about eighteen years and ten months, give or take a few weeks.” I watch her throat move as she audibly swallows. “T-that’s a long time.” “I’m not one to be casual about any decision I make.” Leaning closer to her, I watch her eyes close slightly as I move my mouth to her ear. “And I’d very much like to make love to you.” She gasps as I graze my lips against the shell of her ear and inhale her sweet scent. “Rory, I—” She swallows again as I lick the same trail my lips made. It’s been so long since I’ve been this close to a woman, I don’t even know if what I’m doing is right. I just know this feels so fucking good, and from the quake in her body, she agrees. “You don’t have to answer yet.” My lips move to her neck and then slowly along her jaw. “I’m not going anywhere.” When I get to her cheek, I lean back so I can take her face in both of my hands. With one long look in her eyes, I make my intentions clear. When she doesn’t tell me to stop, I bend down and press my lips to hers.

Hot electricity cracks between us, and for half a second, I wonder if she’s shocked me. The warmth of her soft lips melts against mine, and she gasps as if she feels it too. I take the opening to slide my tongue inside and sweep it against hers. She’s hesitant for a heartbeat before she returns the taste. Her hands come to my chest, and her fingers move to the inside of my jacket and around my ribs. It feels like she’s everywhere, and goddamn it, I wish she was. I groan into her mouth as I push my body flush against hers, my cock grinding against her belly. My hands hold her face steady as I kiss her like it might be the last one I’ll ever have. It’s consuming and so thorough that there isn’t a chance in hell she’s ever been kissed like this before. I’m desperate to keep taking more and more, but afraid she’ll push me away. “Rory,” she moans, and her nails dig into my sides. Fuck. One of my hands slides down to her thigh, and I hitch it up so I can get closer to that heat between her legs. Without considering where we are or if anyone is watching, I thrust against that sweet heat between her legs. “More,” I growl and kiss her again, harder and more possessive. There’s a small whimper in the back of her throat, but all she does is cling to me harder and suck on my bottom lip. Holy shit, I’ve never felt anything so damn good, and I wonder what her mouth would do on my cock. “Excuse me.” There’s a voice behind me, and I startle at the intrusion. It annoys me that I have to stop kissing Anna and that I have to put her leg down. I can’t turn around because my cock is too fucking hard to hide, so I crane my neck around to see the asshole that interrupted us. “Sorry, Mr. Crew, but you forgot your credit card,” the waiter from Gio’s says as he nervously walks closer and holds it out as far as he can. Anna must feel my dilemma because she smiles at me then reaches out and takes it from him. “Thank you,” she says, and I hear the waiter quickly scurry away. “I would apologize, but I’m not sorry.” I slide my hands around her back and then lower them to grip her ass. “Come home with me.”

I’m already thinking of a way to get her home before Apollo gets in. The estate is big enough that we have multiple entrances and exits. Plus our rooms are in opposite wings of the house. “I, um…” She looks up at me, and damn it, I know that was too fast. “Hey,” I say, moving my hands up her body. I rest them on the hollow of her neck, and I can feel her heart beating under them. “It’s been so long, I’m not sure how to do this anymore.” When I smile, she softens. “I’ll do this at whatever pace you set. You tell me what you need, and I’ll give it to you.” “That simple, huh?” she teases. “Yes.” When my voice is serious, I think it surprises her. “I’m not a man that does anything half-assed. If you want the world, I’ll give it to you. All you have to do is ask.” “You are not at all what I expected,” she says, more to herself than to me. “Tomorrow. I need to see you tomorrow.” I have no idea what’s on my calendar, but it just got wiped clean. “We’ll see.” She grabs her keys off the ground, and I didn’t even realize she’d dropped them. I step back, giving her room to open her car door but desperately worried she’s going to slip through my fingers. “Anna.” “I have your number,” she says before she goes up on her tiptoes to give me another kiss. I lean down to meet her lips, and it’s just as soft and sweet but over far too quickly for my liking. “Goodnight, Rory.” I watch as she gets into her car and then drives away from me. It takes everything in me not to go after her, but even just meeting Anna today, I can tell she’s not the type of woman you hold down. She’s as skittish as a kitten, and I’m going to have to lure her closer. When she decides to give herself over to me, that’s when it will be too late for her to run.

Chapter Five

Anna

“What am I doing?” I mumble to myself, putting my phone back down on the kitchen counter. I told myself I was going to wait to text Rory. It’s already been a handful of days since I saw him, and I can’t stop thinking about the man. I run my fingers across my lips, thinking about that kiss. It was something else. I don’t think I’ve been kissed that way in all my life, but it’s not exactly like I’ve gotten a ton over the years. Men don’t play me anymore—I play them. Long ago, I wiped away my desire to have a partner in life. What’s the point really? All they bring you is pain and heartache. I can take care of myself; I’ve been doing it all my life. Rory made me question that, and it scares the hell out of me. I almost believed what he told me about not being with anyone in almost two decades. It wasn't that far-fetched to me. I could relate to it, but I’m not a man. Everyone knows men only care about one thing, so there’s no way a man like him hasn't been with anyone in that long. Even if I can’t find evidence of it, it’s an impossibility. When I hear a knock on my front door, I check the clock. Celeste isn’t out of school for at least another hour. When I look out the window, I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face when I see who is standing there waiting. “Rory.” I smile up at him as I open the door and lean against it. Damn, he’s even more handsome than I . “You didn’t call,” he accuses, and I lift my brows. “Fuck. That came out wrong.” He runs his hand through his short hair and he’s once again adorably flustered. Okay, maybe he wasn’t lying about not having been with a woman in years.

“How was it supposed to come out?” I tease. “Like this.” He rushes forward and grabs me, then pulls me into his body. His mouth comes down onto mine faster than I can blink, and as much as I want to push him away, I melt at his touch. This is a bad idea. I know Rory is dangerous because he has me wanting things that I shouldn’t. And the worst part is he has me questioning myself. Even with all those reasons, my fingers dig into his shirt as I try to pull him closer. “Open for me, Anna. I need this.” How does he make it sound like he’s begging and demanding all at once? My body is doing what it wants now, not listening to my logic. His tongue touches mine, and he groans into my mouth. The sound reverberates through to my chest and straight to my sex. His hands go to my ass as he lifts me off the ground and kicks the door closed behind us. When it’s shut, he carries me over to the couch and lays me down without his mouth ever leaving mine. “Rory.” I break from the kiss, trying to catch my breath. His mouth moves down my neck, and desires I put away long ago come crawling to the surface with a vengeance. “I’ve been going insane,” he says between open-mouthed kisses on my neck. “You didn’t call,” he repeats. “You know how many times I’ve driven past here just trying to see you?” His mouth moves down to the top of my breasts. “Stalker,” I moan. It really shouldn’t turn me on that he drove by so much, but I can’t talk to my body right now because it’s beyond my control. Instead of running for the hills, I spread my legs. “You have no fucking idea.” His hands push my dress up, and I lift my hips in invitation. I want his mouth everywhere all at once, and I’m beginning to bargain with my determination. How much could it really hurt? We could have a bit of fun, and it might work out some of this fascination I have for him. Maybe this is exactly what I need to get him out of my system.

He moves farther down my body as his fingers slip into my panties and he drags them down my legs. To my shock, he stuffs them into his pocket, but I don’t have time to process that right now. His eyes are staring right at my pussy, and there’s a barely restrained hunger there. “You smell so damn good.” He leans in, and his warm breath tickles as he inhales deeply. “Stop teasing.” I try to lift my hips, but he pins me to the couch. “I’m the one teasing? I could have been eating your pussy for the past week. I think you’re the one stringing me along.” “Rory,” I moan, and then I do something I said I’d never do again: I beg. “Please.” “Oh, you’ll get it, Anna. I’m not leaving here without having you on my tongue,” he says before his mouth descends. He groans loudly the second his mouth connects with my clit, and I gasp at the sensation. His tongue circles around the bundle of nerves before dipping lower to thrust inside of me. He pumps his tongue in and out like he’s fucking me, and holy shit, does it feel good. With each thrust of his tongue, he knocks down all the walls I’ve built to keep out the desires to be with a man. Now all I can think about is him rutting on top of me. Maybe it’s because we’ve both gone so long without, or it’s the crazy desire between us, but right now this room is charged with electric lust. He replaces his tongue with his fingers and goes back to sucking on my clit. The first orgasm hits me fast, and I cry out his name as my legs shake. Then he pins me down with his arm as he keeps eating, and I think I might die from the erotic torture. When he hooks his finger deep inside of me, another orgasm hits. This one is different from any other I’ve ever felt in my life, and I cry out his name. My eyes close, and I enjoy not only the pleasure but the peace of having him so close. When he moves up my body and starts to kiss me, I kiss him back, tasting myself on his lips. “I’ve never done that before.” The words are out before I know I’m speaking,

and I realize I’ve said too much. I’m supposed to keep those things to myself. “Then the men you’ve dated before me didn’t deserve you.” This time the kiss is hard and possessive. He doesn’t like the idea of other men having been with me, and there I go again, enjoying something I shouldn’t. A jealous man is never a good thing, but the brain between my legs is loving it. “Oh gosh, my daughter.” I sit up quickly. “I need to pick her up from school soon.” He nods in understanding. “I'm having an event at my house this weekend. Say you’ll come. You can bring your daughter. I’d love to meet her.” “I don’t know.” I’m falling way too fast for this man. “The whole town will be there.” My teeth sink into my bottom lip. It would be a good time to meet everyone. “I think you just want to show me off,” I tease him, but he doesn't deny it. “Say you’ll come.” “I just did.” I smirk, making him let out a deep, sexy chuckle. “I want your number. You can’t be trusted to call me.” When he stands, my fingers itch to grab him and pull him back down on top of me. There’s no missing the outline of his hard cock, but he doesn't push me to get him off. In fact, all he’s pressing me for is my number and more time with me. “Okay,” I agree, rambling my number off to him. He puts it into his phone, and a moment later mine is ringing. He offers me his hand and helps me to my feet. “Until then.” He kisses me again once more and then he’s gone. Afterward, I stand there a bit dumbfounded. Rory is better at working me over than I am at working him. How is this even possible? It’s a few moments later when it sounds like someone pulls up outside. When I go to the door, I see a fancy sports car in the driveaway. When I step out to see

who it is, I realize my daughter is in the car making out with a boy. I have to fight a laugh as I walk over and tap on the window. They break apart, clearly caught, and when I see who the boy is, I’m shocked that I recognize his eyes all too well. This is Rory’s son. It has to be. Which makes things a bit more complicated.

Chapter Six

Rory

Hosting parties at the estate is always a lot of work, but good for the community. Unfortunately because I’m hosting, I’m pulled in a lot of different directions all night. Thankfully this year I’ve managed to keep myself out of the bachelor auction, but Apollo has been entered instead. I’ll need to remind him of that before he has to go on stage. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him waiting on Celeste, and my heart aches. After I left Anna’s house, I saw him in the car with a young woman. It surprised me, because although I’ve expected Apollo to date, he never has. So seeing him with someone was a bit of a shock. Even more so when I slowed down and watched his car turn into the driveway of the little blue house I just left. I parked at the end of the road out of sight and waited just to be sure. When I saw Anna come out and speak to the young woman in the car, then the two of them go inside, my suspicions were confirmed. I didn’t know how to react to this discovery, and it felt like it was too coincidental. How could both of these women manage to get the two of us to fall for them? Apollo wouldn’t be driving her around unless he was serious. After what I’d done with Anna, I wondered just how serious Apollo was about her daughter. Apollo has so much still ahead of him. I’ve lived my life and made my way in the world. When I got his mother pregnant, we didn’t know each other and were too young to think about the future. All we were concerned about was instant gratification. It led to the most incredible part of my life by having my son, but I wouldn’t wish the hardships I went through on him. Guilt weighed heavy on me as I went back to the estate and closed myself in my

office. After some thought, I reached out to one of my s in security and had him run a background check on Anna. It’s not that I didn’t trust her, I just needed to be sure that for Apollo’s sake, there wasn’t something or someone they were running from. It didn’t take long to hear back, and the long list of suspicious activity from Anna had my worry doubling. Not that I cared that she had a past, but why did she do those things to begin with? Who put her in a situation where she had to con her way across the country? Did I even care if she was running a con on me? I sat back in my chair and thought it over for about two seconds. It didn’t matter if she cleaned out my bank , I’d write her a check if she asked for it. Maybe that’s naïve, but I’ve been around the business world a long time, and I’ve seen the type of people who wanted to take advantage of me. Anna isn’t doing it to a lavish lifestyle or to hurt people; she’s only trying to do what she can to raise her daughter. As a father, I don’t fault her, and I would probably do the same if I was in her shoes. My concern is that if Apollo feels anything for Celeste like what I feel for Anna, he’ll turn his back on his future. There’s also this secret part of my heart that longed for more children, even though I never allowed that to become a possibility. Having a daughter would complete that missing piece, but I’m terrified of what it will cost me. What if she turns Apollo against me? What if I invest my love in Celeste and she breaks Apollo’s heart? What if she does to him what Heather did to me? I didn’t love Heather, but she left me with a child who longed for a mother that didn’t want him. I had to be the one to answer him every time he asked why he didn’t have a mom. That’s not anything I would ever wish on my son. With all of that heavy on my shoulders, I talked to him before the party and did my best to explain that he needed to have his fun and end it before it went too far. I’m a grown man, and I can deal with Anna and what she’s after. I won’t allow Apollo to do the same. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Apollo stand and then embrace a young woman. When he releases her, I see it’s Celeste, and for a second I watch my son. The way his eyes light up and the way he looks at her is nothing I’ve seen in him before. The worry I have doubles as the two of them disappear into the

crowd. When I glance at the entrance, I’m stunned still as I see Anna walking inside, her head held high and looking like she belongs here. She does. I excuse myself from the group of people talking to me but don’t wait for them to reply. Instead, I go right to Anna and take her by the hand, pulling her behind me. “Well, hi to you too,” she sasses, and I grit my teeth. Leading her down a long hallway, I open the first door on the left. It’s a storage room, but I don’t give a fuck. I need to be alone with her. “Rory, what are you—” Her question is cut off when I pin her against the door and press my body to hers. “Enough,” I say as I look down at her deep purple dress and how it clings to her heavy curves. “Did you wear this to torment me?” “Yes.” She doesn’t even try to deny it. “What do you want?” It’s a loaded question, and I don’t even know what I’m asking for. “Tell me, and you can have it.” Her lips part, and her eyes are uncertain as she stares at me. “Rory, I don’t know what you mean.” “Do you have any idea how badly I want you?” My hands move to her hips and around to her ass. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to make you mine.” She gasps as I grind my cock against her, and I swoop down, stealing her breath. When my lips press to hers, I groan so loudly it rumbles between us. She’s soft against me, and I want nothing more than to rip away the clothes that separate us so I can plunge into her molten heat. The sound she makes when I break the kiss has me harder than ever. Kneeling down between her legs, I push her dress up and order her to hold it. She does as I ask, and in one swift move, I have her panties down around her knees and my face in her cunt. She’s sweet softness between her thighs, and I lick the insides to clean up her

messy desire. My body shakes with need, but it’s not for my own pleasure. I have to make her cum, have to mark her as mine. My need to stake my claim is burning all over, and if I don’t do it now, I might just die. “Rory,” she moans, and I don’t know if her hands in my hair are pulling me closer or pushing me away. “Mine.” I’m hungry as I feast on her honey and slide my fingers into her soft folds. As I curl them in that perfect way, she cries out in ecstasy. The sounds of her climax are loud, and there’s no doubt that if anyone is in the hallway, they heard her. Hell, they might have in the ballroom too. When she’s sated and spent, I clean my fingers and put her panties back into place. “Drop the dress,” I say, and her hands let go of the material she was clinging to. Her eyes are heavy-lidded as I stand and loom over her. “You’re mine, Anna, and if I have to fuck you in front of the entire island of Craven Cove to make it known, I will.” Her eyes widen at my words as I lean down and cup her cheek. “But make no mistake, there isn’t a place on this planet where you can hide from me.” She swallows hard as I brush my lips against hers. “Run all you want, but you’ll end up exactly where you belong.” “Where’s that?” she asks softly, and I smile. “In my bed, and under me.”

Chapter Seven

Anna

My legs tremble as Rory keeps me at his side and introduces me to one person after another. I’m not sure if I should be annoyed or not. On one hand he’s parading me around like a show pony, but at the same time he only wants everyone to know I belong to him. The worst part is that I want to belong to him. I’d worn the dress to get at him, and maybe he was right about me getting off on making him lose his mind. Everyone always says how cool and collected Rory is, yet somehow, I shatter that control. It makes me feel powerful. Most men just want to get in my pants or for me to be some dirty secret. It helps wash away the guilt of conning money out of them. With Rory, I don’t have that luxury. Everything I’ve seen of him so far is good. I keep telling myself he’s a job, but it’s a lie. I’m falling for him, and I’m pretty sure my daughter is falling for his son. “Can I leave you alone for a few moments? I need to go get my son,” Rory whispers into my ear. “What is that supposed to mean?” I glare up at him, enjoying this game we’re playing. “I see the way men are staring at you.” His hold on me tightens. “I can’t control what other people do.” “I should drag you upstairs and tie you to my bed until the night is over.” Lust blooms through my body at the thought, but I narrow my eyes. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.” My body only heats more at his intensity. “I’ll be a good girl. Unless you give me a reason not to.” He doesn’t take his eyes off my mouth as he watches me lick my lips. “I’m not sure I believe that.” It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him he shouldn’t. “Mr. Crew, the auction is about to start,” a woman about my age says, interrupting our conversation. Her eyes bounce between the two of us, and like everyone else tonight she’s curious. “I’ll be right there,” he tells her before he turns his attention back to me and pulls me close. Without warning, he bends down and gives me a long, hard kiss. “Stay out of trouble” is all he says before he’s gone. It takes me a second to find my footing, but after I steady myself, I decide to mingle. Drifting around the room, I say hello and meet a few new people. Craven Cove has surprised me with how sweet it is with everyone making an effort to get to know me. They ask a few more questions than I care to answer, but they mean well. I spot Celeste when she enters the tented area, and I can see the distress on her face. If that little prick broke her heart, I’ll make him and his father regret it. If there is one way to snap me out of the fog Rory has covered me in, it’s by hurting my daughter. Apollo guides Celeste over toward me, and I spot one of the bidding paddles in her hand. “Ms. Binx. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” “Call me Anna,” I say, letting him take my hand. Celeste is leaning into his side, making me think it’s not him causing her distress. “I wish I could stay longer, but I’m needed on the stage.” He gives Celeste a kiss on the cheek before he’s making his way through the crowd. Celeste's eyes follow Apollo, and there’s no mistaking she’s already in love with him. “You’re bidding?” I ask, nodding to the paddle in her hand and drawing her

attention back to me. “Yes.” “Tell me,” I push, wanting to know what is bothering her. “His dad is making him do it. Apollo tried to get out of it, but his dad wasn't having it. I don’t think he likes me.” I try to keep my face imive, but anger builds inside of me. The thought of Rory not liking Celeste chills me to the bone. I’d thought Rory was one of the good ones. To be rude to a sweet young girl is unacceptable, even more so when it’s my little girl. “His father is making him do the auction after he said he’s with you?” I ask, wanting to make sure I’m getting this right. She nods. “Did he say anything to you?” “Not a word.” “I see.” Celeste’s eyes widen, not missing the irritation I’m trying to hide. “It’s fine, he was in a hurry,” she rushes to say. My sweet girl is trying to cover up for him and come to his defense. “The auction is starting, honey.” I change the subject as Rory steps out on the stage with the microphone. His eyes come straight to me, but I divert mine and start talking to the man next to me, knowing it will piss him off. If Rory wants to push his son into this silly auction and make it hard on my daughter, I can do the same to him. He’s stuck on stage and unable to do anything about it. He calls Apollo up first, listing off all of his son’s impressive accomplishments. Does he think his son is better than my daughter? I grit my teeth. “You must be new in town,” the man next to me says as he takes my hand and kisses it. I barely pay attention to what he’s actually saying. My focus is on my daughter and the bidding war that is happening over Apollo. “Five thousand.” Celeste lifts her paddle to bid, fighting through her shyness.

Good, she’s going after what she wants. Another girl throws out a bid from across the room, and Celeste shifts on her feet. “Ten,” I whisper to her so she can end this. Her eyes widen for a moment, and I give her a nod to place the bid. It’s not as if the Crew family can’t afford it. Rory brought this on himself. He’ll pay in more ways than one for disrespecting my little girl. Celeste holds up her paddle, making the bid. “I have ten thousand from the lady in the front, do I have another bid?” Rory asks as he looks in the crowd, dragging this out. I glare at Rory when his eyes come back to me. Apollo walks over and takes the microphone from him, calling the bid. My respect for Apollo grows because it’s clear he cares about Celeste, at least to some degree. When he makes his way off the stage, he comes straight for Celeste. “I can’t believe I just did that,” she says to him. Apollo kisses her right in front of everyone, making his claim clear to the room. “Thank you,” Apollo says to her. Celeste ducks her head as her cheeks flush with color. “You’re welcome,” Celeste responds, biting her bottom lip nervously. “Congratulations,” I say, cutting in. “This has been a wonderful party, but it’s getting late.” I want to get my daughter out of here and away from anyone who would dare try and hurt her. “Of course.” Apollo’s disappointment is evident. “Are you free tomorrow? I can take you out on the water—” “We’re going into the city tomorrow for a girls’ day,” I cut in again before Celeste can agree to his offer. I take my daughter’s hand, giving it a small squeeze. “What about tomorrow night?” Apollo tries again.

“We won’t be back until late,” I shut him down. I’m not sure how I feel about these Crew men. As pissed as I am at Rory right now, my heart is aching too. I hate that I let myself fall even a little for him because I should know better. “Mom,” Celeste hisses at me, but I don’t care. I’m trying to protect her. “I guess I’ll pick you up for school on Monday then,” Apollo tries to confirm, and Celeste beats me to this one. “Yes.” Celeste cuts me a glare, reminding me of my own. “I’ll be ready at eight.” “It was lovely to see you again, Apollo,” I say before releasing my hold on Celeste. “I’ll meet you at the car, sweetheart,” I tell her when I see Rory headed right for me. Ignoring him, I begin to walk away, but he steps in front of me. “Where are you going?” he asks, but I sidestep him and keep walking, wanting space between Rory and my daughter. She doesn’t need to hear what might be said. “Don’t run from me,” Rory all but growls, stepping in front of me again. Deciding to get this over with, I put my hand on his arm, leaning in close. “You can fuck off, Rory. You disrespect my daughter, you disrespect me,” I hiss, unable to keep my emotions in check. My voice is low enough that no one else can hear us. If anything, it looks like we’re flirting. “It’s not what you think, Anna. I’m sorry—” he rushes to say. “Sorry isn't enough,” I cut him off. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a black American Express card, and it's like a slap to the face. “Let me make it up to you. I heard you say you’re going to the city for a girls’ day. Let me pay for it.” Without hesitating, I take the card from his hand. He wants to treat me like a whore, I’ll act like one. Not only will I take all his money, but I’ll take his heart while I’m at it.

Chapter Eight

Rory

From the end of the road, I wait for Apollo to pick up Celeste for school. It’s early, but I wanted to wait until Anna was alone to talk to her in person. I texted her over the weekend, and she never responded, not that I could blame her. Once I see them turn in the opposite direction, I pull out of my spot and drive to Anna’s house. After I park in her driveway, I go to the door and knock softly. I didn’t even bother dressing for work today. I’m in a T-shirt and gray sweatpants. As soon as I woke up, I was ready to see her. There’s a sound inside, and I hear her come closer. “Did you forget something, sweetheart?” When she finally opens the door and looks at me, she starts to close the door in my face. “Wait.” I put my hand on it to stop her. “Let me talk.” “I don’t want to hear what you have to say.” She steps out, and I see she must have woken up not long ago. Her blond hair is piled high on her head, and she’s in a pale blue tank top and sleep shorts. She’s not wearing any makeup, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look more beautiful. “You will.” I take a step toward her, but she doesn’t give an inch. “I’ll do it out here in the street if you want, but either way, you’re going to hear it.” She hesitates for half a second before she rolls her eyes. “Fine.” She steps to the side and then closes the door after me once I walk in. “Hurry it along. I’ve got things to do today.” She won’t even look at me, and I grind my teeth in frustration. “I’m scared,” I

it, and that gets her attention. “What?” “What you make me feel is so powerful it’s almost unbearable. If you wanted me out of your life, it would break me, Anna. But I’d do my best to give it to you.” “Well, that’s what I want,” she snaps. “Hear me out.” I step closer, and she crosses her arms over her chest. “I would do that for you because I’m falling in love with you.” She swallows hard as her eyes meet mine. She doesn’t say a word as I take another tentative step closer. “I would somehow learn to live with the hole in my heart you’d leave behind, because I have to keep going for my son. But I know that Apollo feels this way about Celeste. I can see it in every part of him, and the way he looks at her. I’m scared that if she pushes him away like you’re pushing me away, he won’t be strong enough to survive it.” “Rory, I—” “I’m so damn sorry that I made you think for even a second that I don’t care about Celeste, and I want to apologize to her too. Because in reality, I care too much, and I’m afraid. I’ve never done this before, and putting it all on the line means I have everything to lose.” I let out a long breath. “I’m already pushing my son away with how I’ve behaved, and it has to change. I have to change.” “I’ve never done this before either.” Her arms fall to her sides, and I see the honesty in her eyes. “Celeste will always come first for me, Rory. Just like Apollo will come first with you.” “I know, but that doesn’t mean that you aren’t a priority to me.” This time when I step closer, she’s within my reach. Slowly, I bring my hand to her arm and trail my fingers against her bare skin. “Let me try and get this right. I’m going to fuck up and make mistakes, but I want to be in any part of your life, as long as I get to be with you.” “I’m trying to stay mad at you.” When the edge of her lip curls up, hope blooms

inside of me. “You can be mad at me as long as you let me put my hands on you.” Reaching out with my fingers, I take her hand in mine. “I love you, Anna. I’ve never said that to another woman before, and you don’t need to say it back until you’re ready. Just give me a chance to show you that I can be the man you need.” “You’re making it hard to say no.” She looks down at our ed hands and then back up to me. “You don’t have to say anything.” Taking her face in both of my hands, I bend down and brush my lips against hers. It’s tentative at first and I can almost feel her body tremble as I deepen the kiss. When my tongue slides against hers, it’s like a bomb goes off inside of me. Without thinking, my hands go to her ass, and I pick her up. Her legs go around me, and I turn around, walking toward the back of the house. “Which one?” I say, barely breaking the kiss long enough to ask which room is hers. “On the right.” When I turn in that direction, she breaks the kiss again. “Shit, my right.” My mouth finds hers again as I stumble into her bedroom. Not taking the time to look around, I go straight for the bed. It’s been so goddamn long since I’ve had a woman, but my body knows exactly what to do. Falling down on the mattress, I lie on top of her, my hands and mouth all over her. I’m like a hungry tiger that’s just found a gazelle, and all I want to do is feast. I bite at the tender spot on her neck and then move lower. “Oh my god!” she cries out as I yank down the front of her tank top and latch on to her nipple. My teeth graze the underside of her breast, and I’m not exactly gentle about it. Her fingers thread in my hair, and she pulls me closer, silently begging for more. Grabbing her wrists in one hand, I pin them over her head as I move between her tits, sucking and biting them until she’s writhing on the bed.

“You’re mine, Anna.” With my free hand, I reach between us and grab the edge of her sleep shorts. They’re thin and soft, and with one hard tug, the material rips away, and she’s bare underneath. “Good girl.” Breathing deep, I inhale her sweet scent as I push down the front of my sweatpants and free my cock. It springs between us hard and thick as its long length rests against her pussy. I thrust against her and get it slick with her juices before I grab the base and settle my tip at her opening. She raises her hips in invitation as I suck hard on her nipple and thrust all the way inside. Anna cries out in pleasure, and the sound has me throbbing in her tight sheath. “Anna,” I grunt, falling completely on top of her. I’m unable to hold myself up as she grips me like a vise. “Perfect.” “It’s been so long, and you’re so big.” Her nails dig into my back, and I begin to slowly thrust in and out of her. “I can’t stop.” My body is moving on its own as I rut into her. “Oh fuck, you’re tight.” Every slide of my cock is delicious torture as I thrust deeper and deeper. I grab one of her legs and throw it over my shoulder, trying to get into her as far as I can go. I want to possess every inch of her and know that I’ve claimed it as mine. “Rory.” She arches her back, and I hold her hips down so I can drag my cock along her clit. Her eyes shut tight as I keep my rhythm steady, and with just a few more strokes, she goes off. Her orgasm races through her body, and her pussy clamps down hard. With one last thrust, I seat her all the way on my cock until I feel her wet pussy around the base. Then I finally let myself fall over the edge as I cum inside her. My orgasm comes in long, hard pulses up the shaft of my cock, and it feels like heaven when I release it. Never have I had anything feel so good before, and I do my best not to collapse on her again. “Wow,” she says after a long quiet moment. She’s trying to catch her breath, and all I can do is nod as I rest my cheek against her bare breasts.

I’m still almost fully dressed, but I can’t move. Not yet. All I can do is close my eyes and savor the feeling of her wrapped around me. I never want this moment to end, and I’m already thinking about how I can get her back to my place without pulling out. “Spend the day with me,” I say when I finally look into her eyes. “Let me keep you in bed all day and worship your body.” She smiles as she reaches out and brushes the hair away from my face. “How am I supposed to say no to that?” Leaning into her soft touch, I close my eyes. “You’re not.” “Then I suppose you have your answer.” When I look at her again, she’s practically glowing. “Good, now let’s do that again.” She gasps as I thrust into her, still just as hard as I was before. The day goes by too quickly, and I realize my time with her is always like that. It’s never enough, and now I just need to figure out how to make it last forever.

Chapter Nine

Anna

When there’s a knock at the door, I smile as I check the time. He’s early. I’m not surprised, but he told me he might end up being late tonight because of his son’s race. I know there’s no reason to carry on with this cat and mouse game when it comes to Rory, but old habits die hard. Taking my time, I walk slowly to the front door, making the man wait for absolutely no reason. For someone who has spent the last decade leading men on, I should be better at this whole dating thing, but before now my feelings weren’t involved. It’s normally only a job, and there’s no real investment in it. With Rory, I’m all in, and it’s scaring the crap out of me. I barely turn the door handle and Rory is already opening the door on his own and pushing his way into my home. “I need a key,” he says before he’s on me and his mouth claims mine. I moan as he lifts me off my feet and he pins me to the nearest wall. “Fuck, I missed you,” he says between kisses. “Need inside of you.” His words are broken, but there’s no missing the demand. I bite down on his lip, making him groan. “You telling me no?” I don’t answer as he shoves my dress up and rips my panties from me. I would complain, but he bought them. He’s bought me dozens of panties after I pretended to be offended the last time he did it. With one loud grunt, he thrusts all the way inside of me. “Rory!” I gasp, my nails digging into his shoulders. As wet and ready as I am for him, he’s still a damn tight fit. “I have no control when it comes to you.” He pulls out and thrusts all the way

back inside of me. “I’m a grown man,” he says as he pumps harder. “I shouldn’t be counting down the seconds to get back inside of you.” He almost sounds angry. “I’m never going to get enough.” My orgasm doesn't get time to build, it’s just there. Rory can yank them right from me like he does everything else in his life. I can’t tell if it’s the way he fucks me, the things he says, or how he looks at me that gets me off so quickly. But damn if that combination doesn’t do it for me every single time. I cry out his name as the pleasure floods me, but he doesn't stop. Rory never does. He keeps thrusting and taking what he wants, dragging my orgasm out. He’s a possessive man that’s always so hungry for more of me. “Not done,” he growls. “Never going to be done.” My heart flutters, wanting so badly for that to be true. “Come with me again. I want it, and you’re going to give it to me.” “Yes.” My whole body clamps around him as I cum again. He mumbles something against my neck and then I hear my name. “Anna.” His warm cum enters me and I feel every pulse of his cock. He buries his face in my chest as he thrusts two more times, and I squeeze around him, milking out the last drop. I’ve lost track of how many times he’s cum inside of me this week. Every morning he’s at my door, and the second Celeste is gone, he’s pushing his way in. Not only into my home, but into my body and my heart. He stays until he has no choice but to leave, but twice this week I woke up to him crawling into my bed in the middle of the night. I’d almost thought it was a dream. Rory made sure to leave before the sun came up, and every time he left, he took a piece of me with him. I would get up and start my day, still smelling him on my skin and feeling him on my body. He’s taking over my world, and part of me wants to let him. Only there’s another part of me that fears what will happen when one day he’s gone. There will be a time when his excitement starts to wane, or worse, he finds out who I really am. “Anna.” He kisses me gently before he lifts his head. “I missed you.” I let out a

small laugh that has his cock jerking inside of me. “I missed you too.” I brush my mouth against his, and he lets out a groan as he puts me back on my feet, and his cock slips free. “Don’t clean me off. I want to take you to dinner like this.” “You’re a dirty old man,” I tease him as I right my dress. “You have no idea all the dirty things I want to do to you.” He gives my ass a squeeze before releasing me fully. “Let me get my purse and freshen up.” I walk over to grab it off the kitchen counter, but Rory stops me. “Pack a bag. You’re staying with me tonight.” “I don’t know. Celeste…” “Is at a party,” he interrupts. “I’ll make sure Lo takes care of her. He’s a good kid.” I chew on my bottom lip, thinking it over. Celeste is eighteen, and soon she’ll be off to college. She texted me not long ago telling me she was going to a party and that she’d be with Apollo tonight. I’ve got to learn to let go, at least in some ways. She’s never done anything to make me question her judgment, and I need to trust. It helps that Apollo really is a great guy. Between what I’ve heard from my daughter and Rory, and people in town, he treats her like a gentleman. It also helps that Apollo even stood up to Rory for her. “Okay,” I give in, making Rory’s whole face light up with a smile. It warms every part of me and makes him look boyish with how happy he is. The man is so tempting. With Celeste I know I’m needed because every kid needs their mom, but with Rory it’s different. He doesn’t have a reason to need me other than wanting me. I’m falling in love with him. Hell, he thinks he loves me, but he has no idea who I really am.

I head into my bedroom and pack a quick bag before we’re out the door. “Are you going to give me a key soon?” Rory asks, holding the car door open for me. “Don’t play coy. You own the place. I bet you’ve got a key to my place on you right now,” I challenge, and he doesn't deny it. His eyes glance down to the keys in his hand, and if I’m not mistaken, I see a little pink tinge his cheeks. “Might be nice if you offered.” He actually pouts, and I roll my eyes at him. Rory doesn't only take me out to dinner. He actually takes me out dancing too. I don’t miss how everyone in town stops to watch us together and some of my old insecurities start to claw inside of me. They’re probably all wondering what the hell he’s doing with someone like me. I try my best to push those negative thoughts away, but the truth is that I’m kind of wondering the same thing. What is Rory Crew doing with someone like me? He’s only with me because he thinks he knows who I am, but what if he knew the truth? Is it fair to let him fall in love with me, or me to fall in love with him when it’s not reality? Sure, he does know some of it, but only the pieces I want him to know. He knows my story about Celeste and how I was young when I got pregnant by a much older guy. And how he took off the second he found out. I’d even told him about my shitty upbringing. He’s built it in his mind that I got myself and my little girl out of the trailer park and away from my messed-up family. He just doesn't know the trail of lies and cons I left to make that happen. It’s all fake, and right now I’m not even sure if I know who I really am. “Did I wear you out? You’ve gone quiet on me,” Rory asks when we make it back to his beautiful home. “Maybe a little.” I am worn out, but it’s not from a night of dancing. Rory takes my hand, and his fingers thread through mine as we walk inside. The farther inside he takes me, the more like a con I feel. The weight of it is pressing down on me and then anger at all the guilt I feel too. I remind myself that I’ve done what I had to in order to keep Celeste and myself safe.

“If you lived here you wouldn't have to pack a bag, you know,” Rory says, jerking me from my spiraling thoughts. “We’ve gone from you wanting a key to my house to the two of us moving in together?” I tug on my hand, but he doesn’t let go. “You don’t think it would be nice to live together? We wouldn’t have to sneak around.” “We can’t live together, Rory.” I shake my head at the stupid thought. Then the anger I already have inside of me builds. I want it. But wanting things you can’t have is dangerous. I don’t let myself do that anymore, not since I was a young girl. “Why?” Rory stops walking, looking confused. To him it’s so simple. He doesn’t have anything to lose. Must be nice. “You don’t even know me, Rory. We can’t live together.” I roll my eyes, trying to jerk my hand out of his again, but he only tightens his hold on me. Something crosses his face, and his whole demeanor changes. The air around us grows thick with tension and then it hits me. He knows. Of course he knows. “Don’t play stupid, Anna. You’re far from it,” Rory says. “I’m not stupid either. I know who you are.” Maybe I am stupid, because I thought I could con a man like Rory Crew and he wouldn’t go digging into my past. With how much time he’s spent not only with me, but inside me, of course he did. I have no right to feel betrayal, but it hits me right between the ribs. Never once did I have the upper hand with him. I was once again just a silly girl who let an older man cloud her judgment. “Good for you, Rory. Did you learn anything interesting?” No wonder he shoved that black American Express into my hand so quickly that night. He knew if he gave me money, he could keep me for as long as he liked. “Besides the fact that you and Celeste are con artists? The Binx girls go across the country robbing fools and cheating men?”

Fuck, that stings. The look on his face is so confusing because I’d swear it’s like those things mean nothing. “You’re one of those fools, Rory,” I point out, wanting to hurt him right back. Why the hell would he ask me to move in, knowing those things about me? My head starts to spin because none of this is making sense. “Is that true?” I hear Apollo’s voice, and my eyes snap to the door Rory and I are standing next to. Apollo and my daughter are here. “Kind of?” Celeste responds to him, her voice soft. They both must have heard everything Rory and I said. I close my eyes as guilt engulfs me, and I don’t catch whatever Apollo says back to her. “It’s not what you think,” Celeste answers. “This is all a con?” Apollo says back to her. “Are you even on birth control? Is that what this is? You’re trying to trap me.” My eyes fly open, and I see red. I’ll fucking kill him. When I jerk my hand again, this time Rory is smart enough to let it go. Celeste’s gasp is loud from the other side of the door, and Rory shakes his head before he rubs his hand across his face. Even he’s disappointed by his son’s response. “Fuck you,” Celeste hisses. “I’m pretty sure you fucked me,” Apollo spits, then it’s followed by a loud smack that I know without a doubt my little girl gave him. “Celeste.” I grab the door, trying to open it because I need to get to her. “Leave us alone,” Apollo shouts. His voice filled with panic. It should be. “Rory.” I glare at him, making it clear he better get this fucking door open for me right now. “Oh, I’m definitely going to leave you alone,” Celeste says a moment before I

hear the lock pop, and I yank the door open. “Can we leave?” Celeste blurts out when she sees it’s me standing there. “Yes,” I say without hesitation, but both the Crew men say “no” at the same time. As if they could stop me right now. “We’re not done,” Apollo says, trying to step in front of my daughter. His cheek is already starting to turn red where she smacked him. Good. “We’re more than done,” Celeste responds to him, holding her chin up high, fighting those tears. She pushes past him, and I grab her hand. Apollo doesn't hide his feelings of regret and anguish. Good. The little fucker should regret what he said to Celeste. It will do him good to wallow in it for a few days. Rory almost steps in front of me but thinks better of it at the last minute. “This isn’t over,” he says. “You’re right.” I let all my anger show. “I’m taking your car, and you can pick it up tomorrow. Then it will be over.” I want to break, but I don’t have that luxury. I have to be strong for my little girl. All I’ve ever wanted to do was protect her and to protect the little girl that still lives inside of me. I’ve failed both of us.

Chapter Ten

Rory

“Anna, answer the damn door or I’m coming in.” I’ve been miserable without her. She not only took my car the last time I saw her but left the island for a weekend in the city. I know because I kept getting alerts on the charges. At one point, the hotel manager called me because she was trying to buy a three-thousand-dollar handbag, and I told him if he denied her so much as a cup of ice, I would buy that hotel and fire him first. After that, she really put my card to work, but I didn’t give a shit. She could take it all, because none of it mattered without her in my life. I’ve been watching her house all week and driving in circles around the island, stalking her. Every morning when she takes Celeste to school, I follow them. Maybe I should be ashamed of just how crazy she’s made me, but I don’t care. She won’t answer my calls, and I don’t want to show up when Celeste is home. We need to do this in private, and I know once I get my hands on her I’m not letting go. But I’ve had enough of her avoiding me. This stops now. After she dropped Celeste off at school this morning, she went all over town running errands. I wouldn’t be surprised if she did it just to tease me. I had to stop following her for a short time while I went to Apollo’s rowing race. We had a good talk, and I said the things I should have said a long time ago. Apollo has grown into an amazing man, and I’m so proud of him. Maybe it’s Anna that’s changed me, but I’m seeing things so differently than before. When the race is over, it doesn’t take me long to find Anna again. It’s like she was waiting until I came back to start driving. I follow close behind her and watch as she pulls into the driveway of her house and darts inside. That’s when I

know for sure she’s seen me watching her. “I swear to god, I’ll break down this door.” “I’ll call the cops,” she yells from the other side of it, and I growl. But the tiniest part of me wants to smile, because if she’s yelling at me then she still cares. If she didn’t, she would have walked right past me without even looking my way. “You want to borrow my phone? I’ve got all of them on speed dial.” Just then she jerks open the door and scowls at me. “That’s illegal.” “No, it’s not, but this is.” Anna gives me a funny look right before I grab her and throw her over my shoulder. She begins kicking and screaming right away, but I anticipated this. I walk over to my SUV and open the back door, tossing her in. She immediately lunges for the door, but I’ve got the child locks on, and she’s not going anywhere. Getting in the driver's seat, I start the car and head for the estate. She’s glaring at me in the rearview mirror, and that tiny part of me that was smiling earlier wants to roar in victory. “You can’t do this, Rory. It’s kidnapping.” “I know,” I respond coolly as I make the turn toward my home. It’s not far at all, so this should be quick. “I don’t want to do this, and you should respect me enough to give me my space.” She crosses her arms over her chest, and I shake my head. “No.” “No? That’s all you’ve got to say?” She blows the hair out of her face. “I should have spent more of your money,” she mumbles to herself. “You should have.” When I say that, she snaps her eyes to mine again. “You can’t be serious.”

I shrug as I make the next turn through the iron gates of the estate. We’re silent for a long moment as I pull into the driveway right up to the front door. “Are you going to fight me when I let you out?” I ask, and she presses her lips together. “All right then, another piggyback ride it is.” “Rory!” she shouts as I get out of the SUV and open the back door. She starts to kick me, but I snatch her ankle in my hand and throw her over my shoulder again. “It didn’t have to be this way.” I feel her hands smack my ass, and I grin as I carry her through the house and up to my bedroom. By the time I make it there, she’s gone limp in my arms, and it goes a long way to settle the anxious feeling inside of me. When we’re in my room, I lock us in and walk over to the bed. After I toss her in the middle of it, she scowls at me. “I’ll scream until someone comes to save me.” “I’ve given the staff the day off,” I say, kicking off my shoes and socks. “Celeste needs to be picked up from school.” She’s searching for a reason for me to let her go. I just shake my head. “Lo is bringing her home.” She watches me carefully as I grab the edge of my T-shirt and pull it over my head. It drops to the floor in a pile, and my hands go for my jeans. “What are you doing?” “We’re going to talk.” I push my jeans down, leaving me in only my boxer briefs. “Then why are you getting naked?” She tries so hard, but her eyes dip down to my cock for half a second as I walk over to the bed. “Because when you finally listen to what I’ve got to say, you’re going to want me to fuck you. And baby…” I put a knee on the bed and move closer. “I’m aching to get inside you.”

She swallows hard as I crawl toward her, taking away all the distance between us. “There’s nothing you can say, I mean, we don’t need to talk. You should just, you know.” She looks down at my cock that’s straining to break through my underwear. When she licks her lips, I don’t think she even realizes she did it. “I should go.” I move over her as she flattens out on the bed and shake my head. “You’re not leaving.” I take her hands and pin them over her head. “You’ll lie here and listen to what I’ve got to say. Then you’ll let me make love to you.” “Rory.” This time her voice cracks, and I see the worry in her eyes she’s always trying to hide. “I wanted to know everything I could about you. That’s why I had someone look into your past. Maybe it was too much, but I’m not sorry. Finding out what you’d done?” I shrug. “That just sealed the deal for me.” “Why?” “Because I knew that there wasn’t anything you could have done that would make me stop loving you.” “You don’t mean that.” She looks in my eyes, and I can see the tears in hers beginning to form. “I do mean that, with every part of my soul. I’m never letting you go because I love you, Anna. I love you even if you've done things in the past you’re not proud of. I love you because you did what you had to do to get away from your horrible home life. I love you because you protected you and your daughter, no matter, the cost. I love you, and I will never, ever leave you.” The tears fall from her eyes, and I lean down to kiss them away. She tries to blink until they’re gone, but they keep coming. “I love you because every time I’m with you, I feel whole. I don’t care what you did before me. I know who you are inside. I know that your soul belongs with mine, and if you leave me, you’ll take it with you. I can’t let you do that, Anna.”

“Why?” she asks again, but this time it’s not curiosity, it’s that she needs to hear the words. “You and Celeste are a part of my story, now and forever.” I brush my nose against hers and feel her body melt under me. “I’m sorry for all the things I did wrong, because I know I’ve fucked up. I’ve never done this before, and I don’t plan on doing it again. I’m only falling in love once, and that’s with you, baby.” “I love you,” she says softly, and I close my eyes, savoring it. “Now can I make love to you?” She nods just before I bring my lips down onto her. The fire between us burns bright as I pull off her clothes and move between her legs. “This first time is going to be quick; it’s been too damn long since I had your pussy.” “Rory,” she moans, spreading her thighs, and I thrust into her warmth. “Always so fucking tight,” I groan as I begin to thrust. “Goddamn it, don’t squeeze.” I close my eyes tight, fireworks sparking in my vision. She clenches around me again, and it’s all I can do not to cum right that second. “Don’t stop.” She presses her feet against my ass, and I start to pump into her. “I’m going to have to fuck you while I’m cumming.” I plant my knees on the mattress and begin to move. My cock swells, and it’s shameful how fast I go off. With a few quick strokes, I’m emptying into her, but I don’t stop. “Tell me,” I demand as I thrust harder this time, my release spreading all around where we’re ed. “I love you,” she moans and arches her back. I reach between us, and her clit is slippery as I rub my fingers across it. I don’t stop rutting into her as I pet it gently, feeling her body ready itself for her climax. Her head goes back, and her eyes squeeze shut as the flush of color spreads across her chest and to her breasts. Leaning down, I suck a nipple into my mouth just as she goes off around me. The pulses of her pussy cause me to go again, and I fill her with my second load. The feeling is like pure heaven, but it’s still not enough. Not by a long shot. Before she can finish her climax, I roll over, keeping my dick in her while I put

her on top. I lift my knees and grab her hips as I bounce her up and down on my cock. Her orgasm keeps going, and so does mine as I watch myself disappear inside her cunt. “More,” I demand, and it’s like her pussy can hear me, because she cums again. I’m still as hard as I was when I walked in here, but now it’s less urgent. I slow her hips and lift her up and down gently, taking my time as I glide into her. We’re an absolute mess where we’re connected, but seeing her covered in my cream makes me calm and happy. She’s breathing hard when she falls on my chest, and I wrap my arms around her, holding her tight. “Without you I’m nothing.” I kiss her forehead and close my eyes. “Please don’t make me chase you down again.” She looks up at me and rests her chin on my chest. “I love you, Rory. I’m not going anywhere.” We make love again, and this time it’s slow and lazy. When we eventually find our release, it’s together and full of so much more than love. It’s a ing of hearts from now until the end of time. It’s much later when I’m holding her in my arms and thinking of how I can convince her to marry me this weekend, that I hear my phone ring. It’s the ringtone I have assigned for Apollo, so I get up and grab my cell out of my jeans. When I answer it, I have to grab onto the bed so I don’t collapse. With one sentence, my whole world is turned upside down. “Mr. Crew. Your son’s been in an accident.”

Chapter Eleven

Anna

I stand outside Apollo’s bedroom door like a creeper. I can’t help myself. Celeste isn’t my little girl anymore so I can sneak into her room and sit on the end of her bed. She’s a woman now, and I’m going to have to get used to it. When I hear my daughter’s giggle from the other side of the door, I close my eyes for a long moment and smile. I should be all bent out of shape that my daughter is shacked up in her boyfriend’s room, but the last few weeks have put everything in perspective. Life can be short. I’d never been more terrified than when Rory got the call about Apollo being in an accident. A car slammed into the enger side where Celeste was sitting. They had to pry her from the car, but thankfully she’s okay. Apollo was banged up too, but it was Celeste that suffered a major head injury. We’d all been lucky. That night put everything in perspective. For the first time I let go, and Rory was there to catch me. Everyone’s walls came tumbling down, and Rory has been at my side ever since, making sure I don’t try and rebuild any of them. I’d even gotten to see another side of Apollo. He was dripping blood everywhere and was still fighting to get to Celeste. It was clear more than ever he loved her and that she came first. Since then, I’ve taken a step back and let the two of them find their own way together. My and Rory’s bullshit wasn’t going to come in the way of Apollo and Celeste. Enough of our stuff had already been affected, which is another reason I’m not upset that she’s been in Apollo’s room since we left the hospital.

“You know I hate when you sneak out of our bed.” Rory wraps his arms around me from behind and kisses my neck. “I was checking in on them,” I say as he spins me in his arms. The nights are numbered for me to be able to walk down the hall and check on her. As hard as it’s been to let go, I'm happy my daughter found a good man. “Apollo isn’t going to let a hair on that girl's head get hurt.” I smile, knowing that’s the truth. I thought I could be overprotective, but he takes it to a new level. “I know.” Rory talked with Celeste to clear the air between them, and it went a long way to make all of us a family. “She’ll always be my little girl. I’m just trying to learn to loosen my grip.” Rory’s face softens in understanding. I didn’t think there were men like Rory in the world. Men that could care about their children on the same level as a mom could. It’s clear I’ve met a lot of shit men in my life because Rory and I have this understanding and bond of what our children mean to us. “We’re not going to let them get too far.” He leans down, pressing his mouth against mine, and I slide my hands up his chest to wrap around him. Going back to bed might be a good idea. “Can’t you two make out on your side of the house?” Celeste teases me. She’s got a bright smile on her face, and I’m thankful all the bruises and scratches have faded. “Sorry.” My face flushes with heat because I’ve been caught making out by my own daughter. I’m too old to blush, aren't I? Celeste knew I would lead men on, but she also knew I never crossed a line and brought men into her life. There had never been any to bring. I thought I was too old for a lot of things, but Rory is making me second guess that. I suppose I’m only thirty-five, but I still have an eighteen-year-old daughter. That will put some age on anyone. “Why don’t I make you girls breakfast,” Rory offers. “I can make my girl breakfast.” Apollo steps out of his bedroom behind Celeste.

He’s got both of their backpacks in his hand. “I can make my family breakfast.” Rory pushes right back, taking the bags out of his hand. “You're still on light duty, Lo,” he reminds him. Celeste might have been the initial big scare in the accident, but Apollo’s had some lasting effects with his injuries that will take a few weeks more to heal. Celeste is all but healed at this point, but we have to make sure they both take it easy. “Fine.” Apollo takes Celeste by the hand and leads her down the hallway to the kitchen. “It’s only going to be us soon.” Rory kisses me again, and suddenly I wish he hadn’t promised everyone breakfast. I want to pull him back to our bedroom and finish this. “It will be bittersweet, but I won’t mind having you all to myself.” He tugs on the tie of my rope, and I know he’s thinking being naked all around the house. “You have a house staff,” I remind him as we head toward the kitchen. “I can give them weekends off,” he grumbles. “We need to soak up our free time before grandkids come along.” “We have time.” At least we better have time. Family has never been big for me since mine was crap. Both of my parents were addicted to drugs, and I honestly have no idea where they are today. Nor do I care. My mom used her body to feed their habits, and my childhood had not been a good one to say the least. I guess the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. I used my body to my benefit too, but I didn’t only target men. I targeted anyone with money. Telling people their fortunes hasn't been hard for me. All you have to do is read a room. People give away more than they realize with their own questions and comments. Oftentimes I told people what they needed to hear. I’d learned to read people early in life, and it helped keep me safe at a young age. My Celeste is different. She longs for family and to be a mom. I want her to have that, but there’s no rush. I put her on birth control when she turned sixteen and

she promised she’d talk to me if she ever thought it might be time to have children. I’ve never been a traditional mom, but I hope she waits until she tries the whole college thing and walks down the aisle to get married. There is no reason to rush. But there’s a little part of me that knows it will be exciting to see what kind of grandbabies Apollo and Celeste will make. It will be amazing because they will be a part of Rory and me. A sudden thought hits me, and the idea of breakfast makes my stomach turn. What if I got pregnant? I almost want to smack myself because the thought never crossed my mind. I’m only thirty-five. “Waffles?” Celeste asks when Rory and I enter the kitchen. Apollo is already making her a cup of coffee, and Rory heads to the fridge to get me some juice. Coffee has never been my thing. “Waffles it is,” Rory says, handing me my juice before he starts breakfast. I think back to my period as I try to the last time I had one. I don’t keep track because there’s never been a reason for it. “You okay?” Rory asks after the kids are fed and out the door. “Yeah, just thinking of some errands I need to run.” “If you want to wait a little while I'll come with you. I need to make a few calls and one of them is to the movers.” He smirks about his last comment. “Do we really need to hire movers? We don’t have a lot of stuff.” Arguing about moving in is a moot point now. We'll never leave. “Most everything is here already.” “I want it all to be finished.” “I’m not going to change my mind.” I slip off the high-top chair, and he gives my ass a squeeze. “I wouldn’t let you. I also want to set an appointment with the decorator.”

“Rory, this place is beautiful already.” “But it doesn't scream us. Just start with our bedroom. I want this place to be ours.” “Okay,” I agree. How can I say no to that? No way has a man ever wanted to sweep me off my feet, so I should let him. “If you want me to blow more of your money, it’s the least I can do.” He only smiles and kisses me hard. I watch him leave for his office before I grab the keys to one of his cars and head out. When I leave the estate, I go straight to the pharmacy. I’m already beginning to worry how Rory might take this, if there’s anything to take. Maybe it’s a false alarm. No matter what I do, Rory never gets upset with me. I’m sure he thinks I’m on birth control of some kind. He’s never once asked, and he’s never tried to put a condom on either. It scares me this might be the one thing that I’ve done that’s gone too far. Everything has been so good between us, and I’m not sure I’m ready for the boat to be rocked. Ducking my head when I walk inside, I try to keep a low profile. This is a small town, after all, and I don't want to stir up gossip. Standing in front of all the tests, my emotions move all over the place. “Why does there have to be so many?” a woman asks, coming to stand beside me. This is the last place I want attention. “I mean really. A simple yes or no works.” I turn my head her way, not recognizing her. I’m good with faces, so if she lives on the island, odds are I would have seen her. She’s a beautiful woman with long dark hair and killer legs. She towers over my short stature, and she’s probably at least ten years older than me. “Right?” I say with a laugh. “I bet it’s because they know we'll buy more than one if we have options.” “So true.” She gives me a warm smile. “I’m Heather. I’m new to town.” She offers me her hand, and in that second, I can tell she’s lying. Even her smile is forced, and it doesn’t quite meet her eyes. All of my internal alarms are going

off, but I play it cool. “Anna,” I say, still offering her my hand. Don’t try to con a con artist. Some habits are hard to break, but she wants my attention. Too bad for her, now she’s got it.

Chapter Twelve

Rory

Anna ends up being gone most of the day, and when she finally comes back, the movers are in full swing, and the decorator shows up early. I asked her to come the following day, but she was eager to meet Anna and get started. I’m sure her commission check motivated her to come over as soon as possible. Anna’s cheeks are flushed as she runs around, but she’s as beautiful as ever as she points people in the right direction. She talks to the decorator about the style she’d like for the house, and I work some more until dinner. After that we end up by the pool, and just when I’m about to ask her about her day, Apollo wants to talk with me. “Come sit down,” I tell him as Anna goes into the house to give us some privacy. “What’s on your mind, son?” “I need to talk to you about something I heard today.” His eyebrows are drawn together, and he looks like he’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. “All right, let me hear it.” I try to stay calm because it sounds like he has bad news he doesn’t want to give me. “Do you know anyone named Shy Wells?” The name doesn’t ring any bells, and I think about all the people on the island. Nobody has the last name Wells, so I shake my head. “No, the name isn’t familiar. Who are his parents?” “I don’t know, I’ve never met them.” He pauses and then begins again. “He made some pretty vague but serious accusations about you this afternoon, and I

just want to talk to you about it.” “Hey, you can tell me anything,” I say as I reach out and squeeze his knee. “I know.” He nods and takes a deep breath. “He said that you’ve ruined women in Craven Cove. I don’t understand what he meant by that.” “I have to say I’m at a loss myself.” I want to laugh because I’ve never been with anyone on the island or off of it in over eighteen years. “Anna is the first woman on Craven Cove that I’ve ever even gone on a date with.” “He said that if I don’t leave Celeste alone he’s going to blow our world up, or whatever it is he intends to do. What kind of dirt could he possibly have on you?” There’s all kinds of business deals I make, but I’ve never done anything illegal or even morally wrong. The only reason someone would have dirt on me is if they made it up. “Lo, I have nothing in my past I’m ashamed of.” “What about the woman that gave birth to me?” I notice he doesn’t call her his mother, and with good reason. Heather ran out of here as fast as she could after he was born. I sigh and hate that we have to talk about her, but Apollo will always get the truth from me. “I’m not ashamed that she ran out; that was her choice. I feel sorry for her that she didn’t get to see how wonderful her son is, and she missed out on the joy of raising you.” I smile at him and see the corner of his mouth turn up as I squeeze his leg again. “No, I’m not ashamed that she left me, and making that public wouldn’t embarrass me either.” “Okay.” He nods, and it looks like some of that weight has lifted off of him. “There aren’t skeletons in my closet, Apollo. I don’t have a single regret because it all made me the person and father I am today. If someone believes that they can shame me publicly with my past, then let them go for it. I have nothing to hide.” His eyes meet mine, and I sit there, letting him decide what to believe. There is a trust between us that’s so strong, and I hope he sees it. As if making a decision,

he lets out a long breath like he’s relieved and stands up. “Thanks, Dad.” When I put my arms around him, I take a moment to hold my son, because these moments are too few lately. They’ll be even fewer when he goes to college, so I’m trying to soak it up before it’s gone. He tells me goodnight just as Anna comes back out on the patio, and then I see something that melts my heart. He leans down and gives Anna a hug, and I wonder if he’s missed having a mom. I thought for a long time I could be enough for the both of us. This is just another lesson Anna is teaching me, and Celeste is teaching Apollo. There’s room for more love here in this home and in our hearts as well. “What was that all about?” Anna asks when we’re alone. “He was asking about his birth mother,” I say, taking a drink of my wine. Anna stiffens beside me only for a second, and it happens so fast I’m not sure if it was really there. “Are you okay?” “Yes,” she says quickly. “It’s been a long day.” She smiles, but then it falters. “I need to talk to you about something, Rory.” “I guess it’s the night for big questions,” I tease as I turn toward her. “Lay it on me.” When she doesn’t tease me back, my stomach drops, and I take her hands in mine. “Anna, what’s wrong?” “We’ve never talked about birth control,” she says softly, and my stomach drops a little more. “I didn’t really consider it until this morning, when I couldn't the last time I had my period.” “What?” I snap, quicker than I mean to. My hands feel cold and clammy as I look her up and down. “Are you…are you pregnant?” Before she can answer me, I’m out of my seat and pacing along the patio. I run my fingers thorough my hair, wondering how the fuck this happened. “No,” I blurt out and turn toward her.

“No?” Her brows bunch together in confusion. “I know you’re young, but no. I’m not sharing you.” I shake my head and begin to pace again. This can’t be happening. “Why didn’t I ever go back for that follow-up? Fuck.” “Rory, what are you talking about?” I stop, and this time when I look at her, it’s with pleading eyes. “I had a vasectomy after Apollo was born. I didn’t want to chance it ever happening again.” I run my hands through my hair again. “But I was supposed to go back for a follow-up, I just didn’t do it. I thought it was fine and Apollo was so little and it was just me.” I’m rambling now, and I know it. “I’m not ready for our bubble to pop. I want time with you, Anna. I’m selfish as fuck, and I’m not ready for this.” “Rory.” She tries to get my attention, but I can’t hear her over my own anger. “Goddamn it.” I pick up the small concrete gnome next to the pool and launch it into the water. I stand there watching the waves, knowing that I’m acting like a child throwing a tantrum, but fuck, I just found Anna. I just got her all to myself. I’m not ready for a baby to come between us.

Chapter Thirteen

Anna

I stare at Rory in shock. I wasn't sure what his reaction was going to be, but this isn’t it. It’s clear that he doesn’t want more children. “I’m sorry.” He swings back around to face me, and his hands are clenched tight at his sides. “For you, I’ll do it. I’d do anything if it makes you happy.” “You did it for—” He cuts me off before I can finish. “I didn’t do shit for Apollo’s mother. It was a one-night stand, and I was so drunk that night I don’t even it. I didn’t want to be with her, but I set her up here to stay. I wanted to give her an opportunity to raise our son together even if there was no way we’d have a relationship. I didn’t do anything for her. Everything I did was for my son, which is something I have no doubt you of all people will understand.” I nod because I do understand what he’s saying. He clears the space between us and takes my face in his hands. “I’ll have a baby with you if it’s what you really want. I’d do anything for you, Anna. For so long I’ve taken care of Apollo and that’s been my entire life. For the first time in forever, I wanted to be selfish with you. You’re supposed to be only mine, but if having a baby makes you happy, then that’s what we’ll do. I’m sorry for being an ass.” When tears begin to roll down my cheeks, he looks stricken. “Fuck, don’t cry.” He kisses me tenderly, and I see the pain in his eyes. “I’m not pregnant,” I say. “I was so happy when I saw only one line on the test, but then I freaked out thinking maybe you wanted a baby. We never talked about birth control, and it was hard for me to think you’d forget something like that.”

“You don’t want a baby?” he asks, clarifying, and I shake my head. “I’ve spent the last eighteen years raising my daughter. I want to be selfish too,” I say, and as soon as the words are out of my mouth, his lips come down onto mine in a possessive kiss. “I’m not sharing you with anyone.” He lifts me off my feet and I wrap my legs around him as he carries me off somewhere. I’m too lost in him to pay attention, but I manage to moan. “Want in you,” he growls against my mouth, and I nod as I reach between us. He pushes my dress up and then groans. “No panties. You left the house like this?!” “Oops.” I lick my lips. “Have a baby?” He shakes his head. “I have enough on my hands with you.” “Damn straight you do.” My hand wraps around his cock when I finally get him free. “You want that, don’t you? For me to take care of you? You need me to keep your little ass out of trouble?” “I do,” I agree, lifting my hips to help him align himself at my entrance. “You can’t help yourself. Men are always trying to get your attention.” His voice is clipped as he teases me with his cock. “And you love attention.” I do, but only from him. “They think they can have you.” “I can’t help it.” I can’t, because I love when he gets worked up over me. When I get his control to break, it’s the best feeling in the world. “But I can,” he grits out before he thrusts all the way inside of me. “Rory!” I cry out as both pain and pleasure mix inside of me. He’s always a tight fit, but I enjoy the feeling of him stretching me. It’s a reminder I’m his and no one else's. Men have tried to get me to fall for them, because they fall in love with the woman they think I am. With Rory, his possessiveness makes me want to get

closer instead of running for the hills. I get off on how much he wants me and that he lets me get away with some things. When I go too far, he’s there to remind me I’m his and that I only get away with what he allows. “Your pussy enjoys the way I own it. It’s why I’m the only one that can ever get in here. You never let anyone else get close enough to catch you.” Except him. He hadn’t really given me much of a choice. He shifts as he starts to thrust in and out and hits that perfect spot deep inside of me. My fingers dig into his shoulders as the orgasm builds, and he goes harder. “All mine. Say it.” “I’m all yours!” I cry out as my climax peaks. I only ever want to ever be his. “Take it all, Anna,” he groans as he cums with me. His warmth spills deep inside of me, and he buries his face in my neck. “Fuck,” He keeps coming and I clench around him. “I love you. You have no idea how much I love you,” he says when he lifts his head. “I love you too.” His cock jerks inside of me, ready to go again. I lean in, kissing him. For so long I’ve had to stand on my own. It’s nice to know I have Rory to lean into now. He wants to take care of me, and I know he will always be here for Celeste and me. “Was I too rough?” he asks when he pulls back from the kiss. “No, you’re never too rough with me.” He slowly lowers me to my feet, helping me with my dress. “We still need to talk about leaving the house with no panties on.” He gives my ass a squeeze, and I smile. I hadn’t really meant to. I didn’t even know I was going to be leaving so quickly when I’d gotten dressed this morning. “You’re not the boss of me,” I tease him, and he gives my hair a tug. “Watch it.” He takes my hand and leads me back out onto the patio. “There’s more on your mind.”

“How do you do that? What’s my tell?” In all my life only Rory has been able to read me as well as Celeste. Her intuition comes from years of growing up around me. But from the second Roxy spotted me, he’s seen inside my soul. He hands me my glass of wine from earlier and waits, wanting me to tell him what’s on my mind. “When I went out to get the test, I ran into a woman. She tried to make friends.” “Tried?” “Yes, tried. It wasn’t genuine, and the way she was forcing it let me know she was after something.” Something that doesn’t belong to her. “Don’t tell me she was trying to run a con on you?” He takes a seat on the patio couch next to me. “She has no idea who she’s dealing with, does she?” He smirks like he’s almost smug about my ability to read people. “No, she doesn't.” I smile at him. This man really does love everything about me. “She’s after you. She was trying to get an invite to the estate.” “Me?” His brows pull together in confusion. “Does the name Heather ring any bells?” His face drops and then hardens as I watch his jaw tick. “Should I be jealous?” I ask, teasing him, because I don’t like the look on his face. I know who the woman is. The more I stared at her, the more the pieces came together for me. She’s Apollo’s mother.

Chapter Fourteen

Rory

Two days later, I’m sitting at The Blue Marlin on the back deck, having a glass of white wine. It’s beautiful out here, and I wanted to watch the sunset over the water. I check my watch for the third time and take another sip. “Sir, your guest has arrived,” the maître d’ says, and I stand from the table. Behind him, I see Shy Wells approaching the area I have reserved for our meeting. The maître d’ steps away, and I extend my hand out to Shy. To his credit, he doesn’t flinch as he takes my hand and looks me directly in the eye as he shakes it. “Thank you for coming,” I say as we both take a seat. “I was expecting your call after my confrontation with Apollo.” He glances out to the water and then back to me. “The best table on the island, I assume.” “That’s what I’d like to talk to you about today, Shy.” When he looks at me quizzically, I lean back in my chair. “Your assumptions.” He presses his lips together, and as the waiter begins to approach, I wave him off. I want to get to the point of this meeting, and I’m sure Shy does too. “Are you going to warn me to stay away from your son?” “No.” He’s surprised by this answer. “You told Apollo that you have information about me that isn’t public, something that could ruin my reputation. I’m guessing you think that it would embarrass me or Apollo.” When he doesn’t confirm or deny, I try a different tactic.

“Why did you agree to meet me here today?” He’s silent for a long moment before he answers. “Because I don’t want anyone else getting hurt because of the Crew family.” “And you think that’s what I’ve done? I’ve hurt someone?” “I know you have,” he snaps, his cheeks flushed. “You live with your aunt,” I say, and it’s a statement, not a question. Again he looks surprised. “I make it a point to know people on the island because I do a lot of charity work here, and I like to include as many families as possible.” “Yeah, you like to throw your money around.” His words are defensive, and I ignore them. “When Apollo mentioned your name, I didn’t recognize it at first, but afterwards it dawned on me. Wells is your last name—your aunt's name.” “So what?” He looks bored, but I try to give him some grace. “It’s been so long that I’d forgotten that name. I’d forgotten it was Heather’s family name.” Shy’s jaw hardens. “She mentioned once that it was her mother’s name, but she didn’t use it.” He looks surprised by my discovery but only for a second before his emotions are sealed off once again. “I don’t need a lesson in the family tree.” Shy sits forward now, his fist clenched in front of him on the table. “Heather was secretive about her past, and I didn’t know she had a sister.” I sigh as I look out at the water and then back to him. “She must have told you awful things about me.” When he doesn’t respond, I nod. “Did she tell you I asked her to leave?” “She told me you kicked her out.” He’s so angry at me, and it looks like he’s been holding on to this for a long time. “She told me all about how you left her with nothing and I had to live with my aunt while she went to work in the city.”

It’s a hard truth to swallow when you find out someone isn’t as perfect as you think they are, and right now, I don’t want to hurt Shy. After my talk with Anna, I looked up Shy, and when I saw him I knew exactly who he was. He has Heather’s eyes, and once I realized that, then the last name clicked. Knowing how Heather was, I’m sure she wasn’t above manipulating her sister or her son to her advantage. Right now, I just want Shy to know the truth and for him to heal. “When I met your mother it was a one-night stand, but when she told me she was pregnant I didn’t send her away.” Shy tries to interrupt, and I hold my hand up gently. “Please, let me finish.” After a moment he nods and then I continue. “I made sure she had the best care while she was pregnant and then after she gave birth I had a room made for her on the estate, along with staff and access to whatever she needed.” “That’s a lie,” he says, but I keep going. “She was given a car, an allowance, and a free place to stay.” I shake my head. “We knew immediately that a relationship between us would never work, but I wanted to do what we could to raise a child together. It only took a few days before she came to me and asked to leave.” Shy is silent now as he listens. “She said she didn’t want to have a baby and wasn’t ready to be a mother. I thought maybe it was postpartum depression, but she refused any medical care. When I pressed her, she said that she didn’t want the baby and if I didn't take it, she would give him up for adoption.” “Why should I believe any of this bullshit?” “The worst thing I ever did was let her go, not because I wanted her, but because it left Apollo without a mother. I should have tried harder to get her to stay for him, but she wouldn’t bend. All she said was she wanted a check and the title to her car.” I shake my head. “I didn’t know what else to do, so I gave it to her.” “You’re lying.” His brows furrow, and he’s fighting to hear the truth. “What do I stand to gain by lying?” My question causes him to pause. Reaching down to the briefcase on the floor beside me, I pull out a file with the documents inside. “You don’t know me, so I can’t expect you to take my word for it. I don’t know if I’d believe me if I was in your position, but it’s the truth.”

I place the file in front of him, and he hesitates for a moment before curiosity gets the better of him. Slowly he scans the document and then looks up at me through his lashes before he goes back and turns the page. For a long time there’s only silence between us as he flips the pages. Once he reads the last page, he snaps the file shut and leans back in his chair. His eyes are red at the edges as he looks out over the water. Part of the reason I chose this table is because it’s private and because it’s peaceful. I knew that if Shy wanted to walk out of here, he could easily get up and leave without causing a scene. But if he wanted to stay, this would give him the space to do so without forcing conversation. He’s quiet for so long, but eventually he looks at me. “Why would she lie to me?” “I can’t answer that, but I can make assumptions.” I nod at the file lying between us. “My legal team reached out to her every year until Apollo was eighteen. Every year she refused to see him. I didn’t have any with her, and I asked that I not be informed on where she was or what she was doing. Just that my attorney would offer her the ability to be in his life if she changed her mind.” I pause as I wait for his eyes to meet mine. “She never did.” “My aunt raised me from a baby,” he its as he looks out on the water again. “I only saw my mom a handful of times, but she always said she couldn’t stay in Craven Cove because of you.” He turns to face me and his eyes are red again. “Because of the Crews.” “I gave her the money she asked for, and she didn’t come back.” I lean forward again and give him a sympathetic smile. “From what I learned, your birthday is ten months after Apollo.” His jaw tightens, and I realize this isn’t news to him. “You knew that Apollo was your half-brother all this time?” He nods sharply but doesn’t meet my eyes. “How alone you must have felt.” “I don’t need your pity,” he snaps.

“It’s not pity. You seem to have done well for yourself. You’re captain of the swim team and have a full ride next year.” “What’s your point?” “I’m sad that all this time I never got to know you.” This sentence might surprise him the most as he looks at me with wide eyes. “No matter what your mother did, you’re part of my family.” “I don’t need any more family.” He pushes his chair back and stands abruptly. “Listen—” “You don’t have to say anything,” I cut him off, not ready to end this conversation, but knowing it has to stop for now. “My number is in the file, and that’s yours to keep. You can call me anytime.” I want to tell him that if he needs anything I can help, but it feels like that might be insulting him and pushing things too far. His jaw ticks once more before he gently picks up the folder like it might burn him. “Thank you,” he says quietly, and I stand. Holding out my hand, I wait until he eventually puts his hand in mine. “Shy,” I say softly and we’re almost eye to eye. “I won’t say a word to anyone about this, okay? Your secrets are not mine to tell.” He lets out a breath and nods as he turns to leave the restaurant. I watch him leave, and my heart aches to go after him, to put my arms around him and tell him it will be all right. Maybe one day I can, but that’s not today. The kind of truth he’s just received is a heavy rock to swallow. “Did you get all that?” I ask as I turn around. “Yes,” Anna says as she wipes the tears from her eyes. Without speaking, I pull her into my arms and close my eyes. It’s awful seeing a child being hurt by their parent’s actions and not being able to do anything for them. We made a plan the other night, and this was step one. I wanted to lay all the

cards out on the table for Shy before we went after Heather. Even now I don’t know what she’s capable of, as if hurting her child to get back at me wasn’t low enough. Once Anna has stopped crying, I take her by the hand and we exit The Blue Marlin. Now it’s time for the second part of our plan.

Chapter Fifteen

Rory

The party on the yacht is being thrown by one of the prominent families in Craven Cove. It’s a benefit for the school and their art department, so the turnout will probably be quite large. Good thing the yacht is the biggest in the marina. Turning to Anna, I kiss the back of her hand, and she nods at me. “I’ll see you soon,” I say as I let her go. The plan is to arrive separately tonight, so I’m giving her extra time to board the boat. After enough time has ed, I begin the long walk down the dock and to the waiting yacht. I’m greeted by the staff and crew and welcomed aboard. Once inside, I take a glass of champagne off a waiting tray and circle to the back. In the distance, I see my Anna, looking beautiful in an emerald-green gown that’s practically glowing in the moonlight. Then I look beside her, and there’s Heather. It’s been over eighteen years since I’ve seen her, and I still feel nothing when looking at her. Well, I guess now there’s anger and hurt because of what she’s done to Shy. At least I was able to protect Apollo from her, but I didn’t know about Shy or I would have done my best to protect him too. How can a mother be so cruel? When Anna gives me the signal, I begin to walk over. I’m almost by her side before Heather turns and sees me. Slowly I slide my arm around Anna, and she leans into me, a united front against this horrible human that doesn’t deserve the title of mother. Just as she realizes what’s happening, the boat begins to pull away from the marina. Good, now there’s no place for her to go. “Good evening, Heather,” I say.

“Rory, hi, um…I, uh, didn’t know you were with Anna.” “Sure you did.” I tilt my head to the side and wait for the bullshit explanation she’s going to give next. “I’ll just be going.” She tries to retreat, but we anticipated this. There’s security waiting behind her, and she pauses when she sees them. “What was your plan, Heather?” Anna asks. “Did you really think you could befriend me and go to the estate? Then what?” “I think she was planning on getting to Apollo,” I say to Anna and then look up. “Am I close, Heather?” “I don’t have to answer any questions,” she hisses. “I was invited here tonight.” “I know, I made sure of it,” I say to her as I nod to the security guard. “Follow me.” He takes her by the upper arm casually so that we don’t make a scene. I take Anna by the hand, and we move below deck until we are in the media room. In here there’s a large television with lounge chairs and couches. Once security has brought her into the room, they take her over to one of the chairs and wait for her to sit. She makes a huff of protest but finally does it. “What the hell is all this, Rory? Just let me leave, okay? You’ve made your point.” “No, I don’t think I have.” I pull Anna beside me as I lean up against the bar and take a long drink of my champagne. I’m trying to calm down when all I want to do is rage on her. Reaching into my pocket, I take out the remote for the video and hit play. “What the hell is this?” she says as she watches the video of herself. “This is security footage of you breaking into Anna’s old house,” I say casually and click to the next screen. “This is footage of you at four separate banks writing fraudulent checks on the old I had set up for you.” She swallows hard but doesn’t say a word.

“And these are the documents I gave to Shy a few hours ago.” I click the screen and pause on each one so that she can see everything I gave him. I’d thought about recording Shy when he received it but decided not to because it would be a violation of his trust. Instead, I had Anna sit on the other side of the restaurant with a listening device so she could hear it with me. She didn’t record it, but I couldn’t do it alone. It took everything in me to not get up and go after Heather right that second, and I needed Anna to be there in case I did. “This is bullshit.” Her face is red and angry as she glares at me. “I’m going to have you arrested for tresing and then sent to federal prison for check fraud.” Her eyes widen in surprise. “Oh, you didn’t know that messing with a government financial institution would send you to federal prison? I guess you should have looked that up before you blew through all the money I gave you in a matter of months.” “You can’t do this.” She stands up and points her finger at me. “I’ll ruin you.” I feel Anna’s hands on me tighten but I remain seated and cool. “You can’t do shit, Heather. You’re nothing to me, and even worse, you’re nothing to Apollo.” Her face pales. “I’ll make sure Shy is protected from you for the rest of his life.” “He won’t believe you.” I shrug. “That’s not up to you anymore. He has the facts. Now it’s his life to live.” “Rory, please,” she begins to beg, and then the rage inside me spills. “Please what?” I snap. “You left. You made the choice to walk out the fucking door on your baby.” Anna’s hand slides up my chest. “And not only with Apollo, but Shy too.” I shake my head. “You will never get near my family ever again, and that includes Shy.” Movement out of the corner of my eye causes me to look up. And when I see Shy standing there, my stomach drops.

“Shy, do you hear how he’s talking to me?” Heather pretends to burst into tears, but I ignore her as I take a step toward him. “Yeah, I heard all of it,” he says, his face unreadable as he looks at all of us in the room. When Heather sees that he’s not falling for her trick, she turns an angry glare my way. “You’ll pay for this.” “No,” Shy says simply, and Heather turns to him. “It’s over.” I nod to the security waiting in the corner, and they come over to take her by the arm. “There’s a boat beside us waiting to take you back to the island. The police are there too.” “You can’t do this,” Heather hisses as she tries to fight the security. She turns to Shy and begins to plead. “Come on, Shy, please. Tell them to let me go.” He gives her one last look before he turns around and gives her his back. It’s the only answer she’ll get as security takes her out of the room kicking and screaming. A deafening silence falls over the room before I walk over to where Shy is standing. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for you to see that.” “I know,” he says and his shoulders drop. “I followed my mom after I left the restaurant. I saw her getting on the yacht, and I followed her. I wanted to confront her, but I was still hoping that—” He blows out a breath. “I guess that it somehow wasn’t true.” I nod in understanding as I place my hand on his shoulder and give it a squeeze. “I meant what I said. You’re part of our family now.” “I’m not sure I know what that means anymore,” he says so softly that I almost don’t catch it. “We’ll figure that out together.” My words are almost as soft as his. When he looks up at me, there’s a sliver of hope in his eyes. Maybe all he needs is time, but for right now, this is enough.

Chapter Sixteen

Anna

I know I’m madly in love with Rory, but after today, there is no going back. To be without this man would kill me, and I know I wouldn’t be able to survive it. I didn’t realize there were men in the world like him, and I don’t know how I got so lucky that he’s mine. “You’re a good man. You know that?” I tell him when we pull into the garage a few hours later. “You wouldn’t say that if you knew the things I thought about doing when you kept trying to get away from me.” He hits the button to close the garage door behind us. “Are you sure about that?” I click my seat belt and crawl over into his lap. “I think it might be hot to live out some of those fantasies.” “Might have looked into buying an island so I could kidnap you.” “You’re not even joking.” I shake my head at him. Rory is a good man, but when it comes to me he’s more than willing to be bad to get his hands on me. I love and adore that I can bring out a different side of him. The lengths he’s willing to go shows me how much he really does love me. I’ll never doubt that. “One way or another, I was going to make you fall in love with me.” He digs his fingers into my hair, getting a firm grip on me. I’m not going anywhere. “I came to Craven Cove because of you,” I it, and his face stills with surprise. “I wanted to find a place to settle down for Celeste to do her final year of high school. Then I saw you and I started digging. I found out you were here on the island and I needed to come see you for myself. You’re why I came here

to begin with.” Without him I wouldn’t have known it existed. “Seriously?” “Yeah, it’s kind of crazy, but I’d planned on you being a mark while I was here.” I shake my head as I let out a small laugh. It’s a bit crazy how this all unfolded along the way. “Fate brought us together.” “You really believe that?” I ask, pondering the idea. I never believed in the fortunes I’ve given, even if a lot of them did come true. I’ve always chalked it up to being able to read people and pull small pieces of information out of them. If people are looking for love with an open heart, they are likely to find it. You can give a reading that helps to guide the person down the path they are already on, but they’re already on the path. I just nudge them to keep going or sometimes to turn back around. I’ve often felt like more of a counselor than anything. I’ve been saying over and over that I came to Craven Cove for my daughter and to give her some stability, but what if the reality is I was doing it for myself too? I had Rory Crew in mind the whole time, but maybe I was unwilling to it it out of fear. Now I’m giving myself a reading. “To a degree I believe in fate. Fate gave me Apollo, and I also think fate pulled Shy toward us for a reason. With you, though, I wasn't waiting on fate to do its thing after I saw you.” No he wasn't. He made it clear from the start he was coming for me. “I need that. I might get all pissy when you push, but I need it.” “I know. I’ll always fight for you, for us.” “For all of us,” I agree. When it comes to this family, Rory does whatever it takes. Shy is Apollo’s half-

brother, and without a thought Rory is ready to bring him into our little family. To welcome him in so that Apollo can have a chance to be close to his halfbrother if he chooses to. “I will do whatever I have to for this family. And with that said, as much as I love our kids, it’s our time now. My first thought is going to be how something will affect you, but in that I know you’ll be thinking about our children. You’re a damn good mom, Anna.” He always has such faith in me, even with my background. ”I did my best. I know not everything I did was right but—” My eyes sting with tears. “Don’t. I’m not going to listen to that bullshit. You never hurt anyone, at least anyone that didn’t have it coming. All that is in the past, and how you protected you and our daughter is all that matters.” “Rory.” There is no holding back the stupid tears because he is killing me. “You’re a good mom, but I’d love it if you’d be my wife too.” He reaches into his pocket and takes out a ring. “I’ve been trying to find the right time, but I can’t wait anymore.” “Don’t wait.” I lift my hand for him to put the ring on. “Rory! I’m going to hurt someone with this thing,” I laugh as he settles it onto my finger. “Of course I’ll marry you.” “I wasn't really giving you a choice.” His smirk is unbelievably sexy. “Don’t even think about taking me to the courthouse,” I tease. “As crazy as it sounds, I want to do this right. I want a wedding.” I never thought I’d say that in my life, but I want to celebrate this moment and I want my daughter and Apollo there. “I want that too,” he agrees. “Then you’re going to show me the world.” He nods and tightens his hold on me. “I’ll show you anything as long as I’m by

your side.” “Good, because that’s right where I want you.”

Epilogue

Rory

A little while later…

“Think of this as a trial run,” I tell Apollo as he looks out the window to find Celeste. “I’m counting down the days.” He looks back and smiles at me, and I can see the genuine love in his eyes. “I’m so damn proud of you,” I tell him as I walk over and hug him close. “Oh, Dad, you’re not going to get all sappy on me, are you?” he teases and hugs me back. “Yes. It’s my wedding day, and I get to do whatever I want.” “How is this different from any other day?” When I pull back to look at him, he’s smiling. “Well, to be fair, it’s your mom's day, and she’s allowing me to participate when necessary.” “You love it.” He squeezes my shoulder, and I nod. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.” There’s a knock on the door, and when I turn around, I see Shy entering the room wearing his matching tuxedo. “Hey guys,” he says softly.

Our relationship is going slowly, but when I asked him to be a part of my wedding, he didn’t hesitate. He’s a good kid, and all he really needed was someone he could count on. “You look almost as good as me,” Apollo teases as he goes over to the mirror and brushes back his hair. “You wish.” Shy smirks as he leans against the wall and watches. “According to the schedule, we’re right on time.” I flip through the next page and nod. “Looks like you two need to be at the front of the garden to greet guests, and I’m going to find my almost-wife for a sneaky squeeze.” “TMI,” Apollo groans as he pats Shy on the shoulder. “Let’s get out of here before he makes us watch.” “I’m right behind you,” Shy says, but just when he’s about to leave, I call his name. He turns around, and I smile as I walk over to where he’s at. “It means so much to me that you’re a part of this today,” I say, and before he can protest, I pull him into a hug just the same as I did with Apollo. “Thank you.” He’s silent for a beat, and then I feel him pat my back as he nods. “Thank you for asking me.” When I let him go, Apollo is there watching the two of us. “I’m glad you’re here too,” he says and offers his fist out for a bump. Shy does the same, and they walk out talking in low voices about something I can’t hear. I wouldn’t say they’re close yet, but they’re working on it. Like most things, time heals all wounds. Once they’re gone, I sneak out into the hallway and tiptoe down the hall. When I get to the door that’s decorated in pink and white, I knock softly. “Rory, that better not be you,” Anna says, and I smile to myself. “I’ll close my eyes,” I promise, but we both know it’s bullshit.

“Liar.” Without waiting for her to say okay, I open the door and then lock it quickly behind me. Instead of turning around, I face the door, trying my best to not look at her. “You didn’t actually think I could go all this time without seeing you?” “It’s only been three hours!” I hear her stomp her foot, but I’m still facing the door. “I need a kiss.” “You’ll get your kiss at the altar,” she sasses. “Now who's the liar?” The energy changes in the room, and suddenly it feels like electricity is rolling between us. Slowly I turn around, giving her plenty of time to tell me to stop. We both knew this would happen, so there’s no use in fighting it. I stand there for a moment, taking in my beautiful bride before I close the distance between us in two long strides. “Anna,” I groan, pulling her body against me and leaning down to kiss her. She looks like an angel and a vixen all at once, and I can’t help my reaction to her. My need for her is like fire in my blood, only the more I take from her, the stronger it gets. It’s an inferno I can’t control, and I don’t even want to try. “Rory.” Her hands are at my tuxedo, and she’s pulling at my shirt and tie. “I’ll be quick,” I promise, hiking her skirt up and walking her backward to the wall. “So quick.” “Oh god,” she moans but doesn’t deny me. As soon as the layers of her dress are bunched around her waist, I lift her up, and she wraps her legs around me. My cock is free and sinking into her hot little pussy before she has time to catch her breath. She cries out, and I put my hand over her mouth as I begin to thrust. I bury my

face in her neck and breathe in her scent, pumping my hips over and over. She bites my palm, but I don’t move it away. Instead I go harder and then I feel her pussy clench. She’s completely soaked, and my cock is slippery as it squeezes into her snug cunt. “Cum around my cock while you’re in your wedding dress. I want this pussy all over me when I say, ‘I do.’” She moans against my hand, and then I feel her whole body tense as her pussy begins to pulse. Her orgasm is hot and fast, and I have no choice but to follow her over the edge. My cock throbs as it flexes and empties into her. When we’re both spent, I gently lower her to her feet but keep my cock inside of her. I don’t want to leave her warmth even though I know I need to. “I love you,” I say as I try to wipe away all the smudges I made on her makeup. “I love you too, almost-husband.” This time when I kiss her, it’s slower and gentler. My cock is still demanding more, but for now, this is enough. “Think we can just do our vows like this?” I ask, pushing into her a little more. She moans and pushes her hips forward. “I wish.” “Don’t tempt me.” I raise an eyebrow at her, and she pulls me down for another kiss. “Tempting you is my favorite pastime.” We’re late to the ceremony, then we’re late to the reception. We’re even late to leave for our honeymoon, but I don’t care. This day has been perfect, not only because I’ve gotten to marry the love of my life, but because my family was a part of it. Life has taken a different turn than I imagined it would, but somehow I’ve ended up exactly where I needed to be. Now all we have to do is enjoy forever.

Epilogue

Anna

Many years later…

“Are you leaving already?” I ask Celeste before she can slip out of the tent. I love when they visit the estate because the grandchildren's laughter fills our home. If it was up to me, they’d never leave, but as of right now, Apollo’s office is still in the city. I miss them all terribly when they’re gone, but I’m trying to be patient. There’s nothing like a mother’s love, but a grandmother's love is something else altogether. I have a feeling they might be coming home permanently soon, but Apollo told me to keep a lid on it. “Lo needs feeding.” I nod in understanding. The sitter could warm up a bottle of breast milk, but Lo sleeps better when he nurses from his mama. “The twins are still out?” I ask and then fight a smirk. Rory and I took them all around the estate tonight during the annual charity fair. The first part of the night was more for the kids, but the auction is starting soon. “They’re out for the night. You and Rory must have worked some magic.” “All right, if you need anything, just let me know.” I give her a kiss on the cheek before she goes inside, but I’m pretty sure she’s in for the night. When you have three kids, you have to take your free moments when you get them. I’m so happy for Celeste and Apollo and how madly in love they are. “Go win your man,” Celeste teases me before she waves goodbye, and I return to the tent.

The bachelor auction is about to start, and my husband took off a few minutes ago. He’s up to no good, and he knows it. “That man loves for me to spend his money,” I say with a laugh, grabbing a glass of champagne off one of the trays. Why else would Rory put himself in the auction? He’s far from a bachelor, and Craven Cove knows it. He wasn't even really a bachelor when he had the chance to be one. The man knows I’m not going to stand here and let some other woman bid on him and win a date with my husband. I don’t care if I have to bankrupt him, it’s not happening. Turns out I’m kind of jealous when it comes to my man. “Mrs. Crew,” Sarah calls, snagging my attention. I head toward where she’s standing with a group of women. Some of the women in Craven Cove are lovely, and I’ve become close to them. A few are cold-hearted bitches. Sarah is a good one, and I’m grateful for that. “Hey.” I walk over and stand by her side. “Is this real?” She holds up the paper that lists the bachelors up for auction. I roll my eyes. “I think he wants to watch me fight over him or something.” I take a sip of my drink. If I had it in me, I’d let someone else win him. He hates it as much as I do when women try and paw at him. “Some of these snakes are running their mouths about it. The rumor tonight is there's trouble in paradise. They actually think they have a chance to win.” “I don’t care what they whisper,” I say honestly. “You’d have to be blind and deaf to think Rory and I are having marital problems.” Rory has a major PDA problem. The man can’t keep his hands off me, and I stopped fighting it years ago. Not to mention he’s always bringing up that I’m his wife or that he’s married to anyone within five feet of him. Like anyone has forgotten. I glance to my left to see Bianca, Brandi, and Bonnie all dolled up with paddles in their hands. Sarah calls them the Triple Bitches. They have that typical Stepford Wives thing going on. Or they did until two got divorced a few years

ago. One is newly separated. They’ve always disliked me, but I’m used to it. I don’t fit into the mold, and I also don’t let them get away with their backhanded remarks. I ignore them for the most part because their dislike for me is more about themselves. The Triple Bitches perk up when the auction starts. This is the first year Rory isn’t hosting it, and I’m guessing it’s because he’s in it. “You girls really think you have a chance?” Sarah comes to my defense even though I don’t need one. “He put himself up there for a reason,” one of them says, lifting her chin. “He gets off on me spending his money. That’s why.” They all purse their lips at my comment. “I mean, what kind of wife would I be if I didn’t spend it? He worked so hard for it, and I want to show him I appreciate it. It’s exhausting sometimes, though. No matter how hard I try, I can never make a dent.” I let out an exhausted huff. “You poor thing,” Sarah says through a giggle. “You’re a terrible wife,” one of them hisses. “Trust me. I know.” I smirk. “He loves it the most when I’m terrible.” “Hush, he’s up!” another one of them hisses as my sexy-as-hell husband strolls onto the stage. “Five million dollars,” I call out before the bidding can even begin. I don’t need the auctioneer to list off all the wonderful things about Rory. I know he’s a good man that’s worth so much more than even that bid. The crowd bursts into laughter. Craven Cove is used to our antics. “It looks like my beautiful wife has won me again,” Rory says into the microphone before he jumps off the stage and heads straight for me. “You’re in trouble,” I tell him when he gets to me. Instead of answering, he grabs me and pulls me flush against him. His hand

roams down my ass, and when he grabs me there, he pauses. “No panties. I think you’re the one in trouble.” He had the no panties coming, and he knows it. “Rory!” I yelp when he lifts me off my feet and throws me over his shoulder. “Thank you all for coming, but it’s time I take my beautiful wife to bed,” he announces before he carries me into our very own happily ever after. He offered me everything and told me to take it all. I did, and I’m never letting any of it go.

THE END!

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Prom King

by Alexa Riley

Celeste's mom has taken her all over the country running cons on rich people. On the first day at her new school, she somehow manages to catch the attention of the school's rowing captain…only in the worst way possible. Too bad the guy coming to her rescue is her mom’s next con. Apollo’s family is known all over town, but he’s ready to get off the island of Craven Cove. What he isn’t ready for is the new girl changing all his plans. Warning: This high school romance gets an A+ in steam and a B- in drama. Grab your backpacks because class is in session.

Chapter 1

Celeste

The sound of my mom’s laughter has me lifting my head and pushing my glasses up my nose to find her. She’s standing in line to order a drink, but I’m not sure why. She hates coffee, always has. She’s up to something. The three women in front of her in line give her all their attention. Their eyes are wide, and they’re hanging on to every word she says. If my mom wants your attention, she’ll get it one way or another. She can control the energy in the room with a few words or movements. Her blond hair shines in the light that’s coming through the windows at the front of the quaint coffee shop. Even the light has no choice but to give her notice. Some people think of her as magical or even supernatural. I think others might call her a con. If they could ever catch her, that is. The reality is she can read the room even with her eyes closed. When I was little, I thought of it as a gift, but as I’ve gotten older, I’m not sure that’s the case. Her head turns my way and then her smile changes to one that’s genuine. When she goes back to speaking to the women in line, they all take out their phones to save her number. We’ve been in the town of Craven Cove for two days, and she’s already luring people in. Even I can tell the ladies she's speaking to come from money. It won’t take Mom long to have them pouring it into her hands. I go back to clicking through the website for my new high school. Mom said we’ll be staying here for the year, or at least until I graduate. She’s so determined to have me finish out my final year of high school in an actual school. Personally, I think she has this whole idea of prom and me walking across a stage for graduation. This isn’t really a new dream, because we’ve been through

this before. Just as she begins to put down roots somewhere, she’s telling me we’re on to the next adventure. I’ve been in and out of schools all my life. Oftentimes I’m able to attend online. But that was more so when we traveled with that circus for a few years. Now it depends on where we land after we take off from the town before. Part of me is excited to stay in one spot for a whole year, but the rest of me is filled with an unease I can’t explain. “Everyone here is so lovely.” Mom sits down in the chair across from mine and places a drink in front of me. “Making friends already, I see.” Snagging the coffee she got for me, I take a giant gulp. She might not be a coffee lover, but I am. I picked up the addiction when I realized coffee could help me stay up and keep reading my books through most of the night. “A girl’s gotta make a living.” She winks at me, making me laugh. I have no clue how I’m her daughter. We couldn't possibly be more opposite in personality. She steals the spotlight while I never want to be anywhere near it. It’s not usually hard for me to make friends, but I’m still pretty shy. “I think you’re fine on money, Mom.” We aren’t loaded, but I’ve never gone without. She reaches across the table and plucks my glasses off my face. She cleans the lenses and looks around. “What do you think of this place?” “It’s nice so far.” It’s really different from anywhere else we’ve stayed for an extended length of time. You have to take a ferry to get on and off the island, which is nothing like anywhere we’ve been. Most everyone around here knows each other from what I can tell, and there seems to be a mix of classes as well. Some of the homes are breathtaking, complete with helipads to take them on and off the island. I’ve spotted a few of them, but then there’s modest places like the one we’re renting. “Change is coming,” she says, handing me my glasses. What the heck does that even mean? I know my mom isn’t actually psychic. “I’ll meet you at home?” she

asks, and I nod. “Yeah, I’m going to roam around.” “I know you are, honey.” She stands up and then leans over to kiss on the top of my head. “It gets dark early here, keep that in mind—” “And stay away from the water.” I finish her words for her. “We’re on an island. That might be a hard one to stick to.” “I was going to say to turn your phone off silent.” “Liar,” I toss back at her. Mom can smell a lie from a mile away, but knows how to tell one without giving herself away. Too bad I know her better than anyone and can tell when she’s lying. “Fine.” She places another kiss on my head before she’s heading for the door. A handsome older man in a suit holds it open for her and then pauses for a long moment as she walks past him. He openly stares after her until a younger version of the man is in front of him. The guy is more casual in jeans and a T-shirt. They share a few words before the suit is back out the door. I have no doubt he’s chasing after my mom. My mother, Anna Binx, is a bright blue flame, and men flock to her like moths. I shake my head at the poor sap and pack up my things in my bag. I want to check out the small bookstore I saw a few blocks down. After tossing my empty cup in the trash and cleaning my table, I turn around too quickly. “Oh!” I gasp when I run right into someone. The pastry he has on a small plate is pressed into the front of his shirt. “I’m so sorry.” I put my hands over my mouth and then realize it’s the guy that was with the man in the suit. This close, I can tell he’s younger than I originally thought. He might even be around my age or a few years older. His large size threw me off with the distance, but this close, I can see so much more. “Shit,” he grumbles, sounding pissed. I can’t blame him. Blue and yellow icing

is smeared across his white shirt. “I really am sorry. I’ll buy you another,” I offer. Why does this always happen to me? And of course it’s with some super-hot guy. My mom is always graceful and never misses a beat. Yet I’m always stepping right into something and making a mess. “Don’t bother.” He lifts his gaze from his shirt to meet my eyes. His dark green eyes widen, and his lips part. No words come out, and I stand there staring at the specks of gold that mix in with the green. I’ve never seen eyes like his before, and I’m somehow embarrassed that I can’t stop looking at them. “Sorry,” I blurt out again before I’m rushing out of the coffee shop and onto the street. “Wait!” he shouts after me, but I keep going. Quickly I make my escape into the bookstore, praying that I never run into him again. In a town like Craven Cove, that’s going to be next to impossible.

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