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1,938,653	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938545}'	No	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	867742821924581	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	I left only to find out I was pregnant with Ink's child a month later. 18 with no home, no family and totally out of options.<br /> Five years later, I came back to be a stripper at Ink's club. I would never forget his eyes which was the same as my daughter...<br /> I closed in on my car. Shoving the key in the door. Twisting it as fast as I could. I yanked the door.<br /> "Why do you have a booster seat in your car? It is for a baby, isn't it?" He said suddenly. <br /> Panic raced through me but I didn't make eye contact. I felt the blood drain from my face.<br /> "I...I..."<br /> ————————<br /> INK POV<br /> The curtain lifted as the dancer walked around the pole to the beat. A black sheer halterneck covered her chest with a small hood barely containing the raven black hair she had her firm hip barely contained by the strappy ripped shortys. Warm but naturally tanned skin covered her whole body with glitter making her shimmer under the spotlight.<br /> I instantly got hard. Straining against my jeans zipper.<br /> Sage quickly rushed behind the bar, her heels clicking against the flooring like a galloping horse.<br /> "Ink" she said anxiously but I couldn't take my eyes off the dancer.<br /> As the song got stronger the dancer climbed the pole with easy. Simple attractive with all eyes in the club on her.<br /> "Ink!" Sage repeated.<br /> As the dancer turned to face my way she made direct eye contact.<br /> Those ice blue eyes I'd remember anywhere.<br /> A moment of panic flashed in her eyes before smirk crossed her lips. I felt like a cold hand slapped me across the face.<br /> "Angel" I whispered as she turned doing another spin before body rolling against the pole. Grinding against the pole teasing the front row.<br /> She's back.<br /> She looked the same but totally different. 5 years had changed her.<br /> Her body had gained more curvy in all the right places but she was fit.<br /> Her toned flat tummy had a small piercing which caught the light. Her hips wide enough to want to grip onto as I imagined drived into her right on the stage. Her legs seeming to go on for days as she strut around in the 8 inch pleasers.<br /> I groaned as my manhood strained again my pants.<br /> "Ink, it's.." Sage leaned in, she was clearly trying to warn me but it was far to late for that.<br /> "I know."<br /> "Dont screw it up." She replied looking at me with knowing eyes. Looking back up to Angel on stage as she glided around the pole like she owned it.<br /> "I let her go once. It won't happen again." I replied to Sage not letting my eyes leave Angels sinful form.<br /> Talk about Destiny. That's what was right in front of me.<br /> <br /> Angel POV<br /> 5 year.<br /> 5 years I promised I'd never come back.<br /> But given my mother had drunk herself to death I had no choice but to return.<br /> Not that she was much of a mother but given I was the only one left, well not quite.<br /> "Mummy! I'm hungry" Lila whined yawning from her car seat. She pushed her crazy curls from her face that had flopped in her eyes while she slept on the drive over. We'd been on the road for 3 days. We had stopped at motels along the way to rest and stretch out but I had serious thoughts of just turning the car around and driving home.<br /> Home. Rosetown wasn't home. It didn't feel like home, even with Lila and I in the dump of an apartment that was in dire need of a update we made it our own. I tried to make it feel like a home but you can't polish a turd.<br /> If I could move anywhere I'd move back to Ashford but that idea scared it out if me more then our terrible neighborhood we were in.<br /> But with mothers house and the little equity it did have, i could sell it for a bit and use my saving to finally buy a little house for us. I could move back and that's what I was planning. <br /> So after giving my noticed to my creep of a landlord Anthony and my work at the nearby diner and the strip club I worked at on weekends. We packed up the tiny amount of things we had into my little Corolla 3 days ago and left for Ashford. Kelly, the only person I had kept in touch with and my closest friend was letting us crash at hers with her brother for the time being while we go on our feet.<br /> She was so excited we were finally close by again that it didn't involve flying to Rosetown every Christmas or birthday. She knew I didn't have the heart or guts to show my face in Ashford again but now I knew it was now or never.<br /> It wasn't just to give us a home but there was one person in Ashford that deserved to have Lila in there life even if the idea scared absolutely me.<br /> "Okay baby we'll get you some food, sweetheart" I called over the backseat to see Lila picking a new movie to watch on her iPad Kelly had bought her for Christmas last year.<br /> I grabbed her a Happy Meal before we rolled up to Kelly's place. She had been the only one I had kept in contact with all these years. She was the only one from Ashford that knew about Lila.<br /> I don't think that secret would be kept for long sadly. I think Ink would soon find out because the Club ran this town. If I could've stayed away forever I would have as selfish as that sounds. But that only meant less pain for me and no answers for Lila in the long run.<br /> He made it clear I wasn't welcome. So I did what he wanted and left only to find out I was pregnant with his child a month later. 18 with no home, no family and totally out of options.<br /> Ink was drama plain a simple, or at least he was. He broke my heart into a million pieces I didn't need him to do it to Lila as well. She didn't need to have her heartbroken.<br /> I knew it would hit the fan as soon as he found out but I couldn't delay it forever.<br /> At almost 4 and a half Lila was becoming aware that all of her friends had daddy's except her and I knew the conversation would come up soon about where her daddy was.<br /> Dredding wasn't a strong enough work to describe how nervous I felt about telling Ink.<br /> Kelly's front door flew open and I could hear her screams of excitment as i hopped out as the crapola groaned to a hold. Almost as if it was warning me that it was it's final journey.<br /> <br /> "Oh so you are staying? What about Ink?" I sighed.<br /> She knew as well as I did it was about time I told him and it would be better if I told him before someone else did. God knows she may look like me but she had his emerald eyes.<br /> It didn't take a genius to figure out he was her dad.<br /> Evergone and there mother knew Ink and I were as thick as thieves as teens. Suddenly showing up 5 years later with a 4 year old screamed gossip central.<br /> "I'm gonna have to talk to him, but I need a job. I can't sleep on your couch forever. If he doesn't wanna be involved I'll leave him be. We don't need the trouble. I don't blame him if he doesn't wanna be apart of her life."<br /> "You never know, Angel. Mike's said the club's done some good things in thae last few years. Maybe hes changed."<br /> "I doubt it Kel." I said blowing on the hot coffee she had just passed along the counter.<br /> "You never know, Ink was never a bad guy." she said kindly and she wadnt wrong. What Ink did was so out of character but his words cut so deeply.<br /> "He didn't want me once. He made that clear"<br /> "That was 5 ye-" but before she could finish I cut her off<br /> "Does Sage still have Try Out Tuesdays?" I ask quickly<br /> "You wanna be a stripper?"<br /> "I already am one Kels, it's good money. Plus try outs are a good place to start 1k if i win, plus tips and a job. Sounds like easy money to me" I shrug taking a long sip.<br /> Kelly raised an eyebrow before looking me up and down "yea if i had your bod i would too girl but you know Sage's is a club joint"<br /> "So?" Yea the MC owned Sage's but that wasn't going to stop me. I was bound to run into them. Might as well get it over with.<br /> "Your funeral" she sings walking to the pantry to pull out some biscuits.<br /> "Itll be alright, Kels" I said with a smile. She was comcerned about people getting handsy but if anyone touched me they'd know quickly not to do it again. I wasn't some doormat or snowflake any longer.<br /> "Could you watch Lila tonight so I can go try out? Just need to go for a run and get ready"<br /> "Omg really?" She squealed excitedly. I wasn't sure why Kelly was a nurse she was more suited to working eith kids. She was obsessed and so clucky.<br /> Smiling I quickly ran her down on Lilas updated list of fave movies and bedtime routine.<br /> "Yes. I love Moana!" She squealed pulling a microwave packet of Popcorn from the pantry.<br /> <br /> A few hours later I had showered tucked Lila in and hopped into the car and pulled up to Sage's.<br /> My back seat full of boxes and bags begging to be unloaded in the morning.<br /> Parking in the back corner of the car park a line of bikes ran the length of the club. And I could see Sage standing outside taking a drag of her smoking by the back door. Grabbing my bag I pulled my coat tighter as I closed the gap between us.<br /> "Those will kill you one day" I teased quietly strolling up to her through the now dark car park.<br /> "Yea ye- Angel?" Sage gasped dropping the smoking on the ground.<br /> "Oh my god, your-....But you-.....Are you....Oh my god" she babbled. Pushing her hair out of her face. I tried to give her a gentle smile.<br /> Sage was undeniably gorgeous. Naturally icey blonde with deep blue eyes like the ocean after a storm. With the attitude to match resting bimbo face was no match for Sage. She was a wonder. She was dressed in tight blue ripped skinny jeans and killer black heels with a diamonte bra covered with a sheer black blouse.<br /> "You still do try outs Tuesday?" I said quietly reading her confused face.<br /> "Yea, yea of course. Do you wanna?" She seemed to pale slightly.<br /> "You bet" I smiled<br /> "Okay come on. I'll show you the dressing room" Sage grasped my hand like she thought I was going to disappear any second. I knew it would be a shock I had returned I hadn't even said goodbye to anyone the night I left town.<br /> I just disappeared. Packed my stuff even stole my mum's car. Not that she even noticed because she never reported it stolen.<br /> As we walked up the back steps into the dressing rooms a few heads turned to look. A few I remembered as club hang arounds. One I knew very well then stepped up to me.<br /> "Angel?" She hissed anger flashed in her eyes.<br /> She had gotten implants that was for sure. The fake things stuck out like traffic cones under her orange bikini and terrible fake tan.<br /> "Cherry" I replied coldly. She was a bimbo then in high school . She would be a bimbo now. She hated me then. She clearly hated me now.<br /> The fun begins<br /> "What the fu-" Cherry started flipping her bottle blonde fried hair over her shoulder.<br /> "One more word and you're fired" Sage snapped cutting her off. Shock covered Cherrys face as I smirked.<br /> "Bu-" Cherrys mouth dropped open.<br /> "What? What was that? Shut up and sit down before I give her your job" Sage snapped Cherry plopped into her seat with a huff continuing on her makeup.<br /> The other staring girl quickly followed in suit. Not daring to question Sage.<br /> "Okay so here is your spot. I'll give you your hours after your performance" Sage said showing me to a little makeup desk and mirror in the corner beside the inner stairs.<br /> "But I haven't even-" I started<br /> "Dont argue. You've got the job. I know you'll be great with that bod. Pwoah. You are fine" Sage said with a wink "I'll be at the bar. You're up in 30 so better get a wriggle on. Whats your stage name?"<br /> "Destiny" I smiled.<br /> 30 mins later I'd probably broken a world record for fastest makeup up application. False lashes, a Smokey eyes and covered in body glitter finished with a long hip length raven black wig that was on so tight I'd probably get a headache.<br /> I was hoping it hide my face long enough i wouldnt get immediatly recgonised. But i doubted it.<br /> God knows I'd probably get recognised in 30 seconds just like Sage did.<br /> I had slipped on my outfit, a sheer holter neck hooded crop top with lace papillae pasties underneath and strappy cheeky matching bottom and 8 inch pleasers before heading to the inner stairs.<br /> Quickly looking back across the room to see 2 other woman standing right next to Cherry whispering and glaring.<br /> I blew a buss in her direction before continuing down the stares hearing her yell "bimbo!"<br /> Well she wasn't wrong.<br /> I wasn't the same girl I was 5 years ago. And shed learn the hard way if she thought otherwise<br /> It would be her mistake if she stepped up to me.<br /> I wasn't interested in bimbo fights but I sure it would take her bad mouthing if she started up.<br /> 3 years of self defense and boxing had kept me fit as well as safe from anyone. Living as a single mum in an area with no self defense skills was a recipe for diaster so I also bought a taser and mace.<br /> And it wasn't my first rodeo being a stripper. Guys getting to handsy before the bouncer got around to kicking there asses out. But I made sure they knew to keep hands off. 3 broken noses, 4 broken fingers and 2 ruptured testicles later guys new not to touch the merchandise.<br /> I wouldn't take it from anyone now. Men or women. I wasn't a victim of anyone's.<br /> As I neared the DJ booth recognition flashed on his eyes before he took my song request.<br /> As my song started. A wave of anxiety flooded me. But with a deep breath I focus on my routine. I knew it well. It was my fave and my most popular.<br /> As I walked around the pole faces all around looked up seeing a seemingly new face.<br /> Body rolling and a few spins to the slow building beat. A few simple tricks later money was flying up at the stage. A few hoots and hollers encouraged my dancing as it went into the chorus again stripping off my hoodie now only in the pasties and thong. As I spun around to face the bar my eyes landed on him.<br /> I'd remember those eyes anywhere. Till the day I died.<br /> My daughter's eyes.<br /> Ink.<br /> He looked pissed but I wouldn't let him win. Continuing my routine as it neared the end his eyes were felt burning into me. Heat built from my core. He was even hotter then 5 years ago. His hair was longer tied into a man bun uptop his head and he had grown in a beard. But not a ratty kind. Manly and well taken care of.<br /> He wore his cut over the top of a hoody but i could see his tattoos on his hands and neck.<br /> He was hot.<br /> I felt my papillae harden as I held his gaze as I grinded against the pole finished up the routine.<br /> Cheers filled the club as more money flew up into the stage. I picked it all up and my clothes as gracefully as I could before making my way off the stage towards the stairs letting the next girl start her routine.<br /> Before I reached the stairs at the back of the room large hairy arm wrapped around my waist. Yanking me towards 2 men standing alone.<br /> "Hey Doll, you must be new here" one slurred tightening his arm around my waist like a boa constrictor.<br /> "Give us a private dance would ya?" The one who touched my waist said and then trying to slide his hand over my hip to grab as handful of my cheek.<br /> "Hands off." I said coldly as they stiffened ones grip on my shoulder got firmer.<br /> "Aww dont be that way doll" the second drawled lowing his hand to rub the top of my hip.<br /> "I said..." I began quickly twisted the first ones hand off my shoulder hearing him curse in pain as I twisted out of his grip and threw my wrist into his nose. As he toppled away the second tried grabbing my wrist only to have my knee connect with his nose as I grabbed a handful of his salt and pepper hair it let out sickening crack as he fell to the ground screaming in pain.<br /> "Don't touch" I snapped as they both rolled onto the floor swearing in pain.<br /> "You bimbo!" One cursed turned to reach out to me again. But before he could touch me again the toe of my pleasers pressed on his crotch.<br /> "Sorry what?"<br /> "Nothing" he spat out glaring at me with his bloodshot eyes.<br /> "Now Barry what did i tell you about touching my girls" Sage said appearing beside me her touch on the small of my back gliding me out of the space. Sage spoke to two prospects who had suddenly appeared also telling them to throw them out.<br /> "You ain't welcome here ever again" she yelled guiding me upstairs, i knew better to look back and connect eith Inks eyes I had no doubt were boring into the back of my skull.<br /> "Remind me not to bang with you" one of the prospects mumbled looking impressed at the 2 groaning bleeding men.<br /> "Well looks like your hired love. Got you on 3 days a week from 9 till 2. You'll get $500 a night without tips ontop and you will be popular by the looks of it." Sage handed me a small piece of paper telling me what days I was on. She also passed me a wad of hundred from her back pocket with a smile, before taking her cut from the tips she smiled "looks like you won try outs by a mile, go home love I'll see you Thursday." Sage finished with a wink.<br /> As she reached the balestrate she turned to look at me a final time "Oh Angel?"<br /> "Mmm?" I looked at her shoving the money in my duffle bag.<br /> "Ink saw you" she said softly with gentle eyes.<br /> I sighed unclipping the wig and sliding it off "I know."<br /> "He's gonna wanna talk"<br /> I looked back at her and nodded before she replied the same and headed back down the stairs<br /> "Hey!" Cherry snapped appearing at my side.<br /> "Yes?" I said back bored.<br /> "Stay away from Ink, He's mine" she spat.<br /> "Good. I don't want him" I lied<br /> "I saw you eyefucking him down stairs." She snarled.<br /> "Threatened are we?" I said with a smirk.<br /> "What? No!" Cherry shrieked looking at her minions in outrage.<br /> "You sure?" I asked with fake concern.<br /> "Why don't you get off back to the hole you crawled out of Angel. No-one wants you here" Cherry hissed closing the space between us.<br /> As i stepped up to her with my heels on I was almost a foot taller then her.<br /> "Or What Cherry?"<br /> "You'll regret it! I mean it. Stay away from Ink. Hes. Mine" She snapped. She was about as threatening as a goldfish.<br /> "Don't worry, Cherry. You can have him." I bit back.<br /> Cherry quickly turned with her bottle blonde whipping across my face as she walked away. As if she'd won the battle trapsing off with pride.<br /> bimbo. I thought to myself. Some things never change. I wish her 8 inches would snap and shed break an ankle or something.<br /> All I knew was when Cherry finds out about Lila I was screwed. And if she told Ink before me I would be totally screwed. And not in a good way.<br /> God knows I needed it but if I didn't tell him before he found out through someone else it would be really bad.<br /> I quickly changed back into my normal clothes before hurrying down the back steps heading towards my car.<br /> Only when I got down the step I crashed straight into a wall I hadn't realised was there before.<br /> A wall that smelt amazing. His cologne hit my nose in a wave. I almost moaned at the familiar smell before snapping out of it.<br /> I muttered bouncing back. Looking up my eyes met with those Emerald Green eyes that lit a fire in me I could never control.<br /> "Better watch were you going, Darlin" he said with the voice I remember.<br /> His voice was killing.<br /> Sweet baby Jesus.<br /> "Or what?" I snapped stepping around him.<br /> "Woah, someone's fiesty" he scoffed following behind me.<br /> "Leave me alone, Ink" I couldn't tell him hear and my body screamed run. As fast as i could. Away. Right now.<br /> "Playing hard to get Darlin'?" he drawled I could hear the smile on his lips.<br /> "I'm not playing anything with you, Ink." I snapped closing in on my car. Shoving the key in the door. Twisting it as fast as I could.<br /> "Aww dont be that way" Ink whined smoothly as I yanked on the door.<br /> "Leave me alone, Ink." I fired back<br /> "Why do you have a booster seat in your car? It is for a baby, isn't it?" He said suddenly. Panic raced through me but I didn't make eye contact. I felt the blood drain from my face.<br /> "I...I..."	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1,938,651	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938528}'	No	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	850840546954130	Unlock the secrets of The Unwanted Billionaire Heirs 🥰	The Unwanted billionaire Heires🥰	LEARN_MORE	https://xsrrq.i299sdgktl.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adi	126997507157767	SHORT TV	https://facebook.com/61551042265812	408,670	1	984,399,753,417,827	2024-07-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Learn more	SHORT TV	120208945352990284	xsrrq.i299sdgktl.com	NONE	video	💥 Billionaire Heirs: Unwanted Inheritance? Discover the Ultimate Solution for Your Legacy!	https://xsrrq.i299sdgktl.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=30468&language=en&timestamp=1721387850242&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-07-26 05:42	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452936001_485194217387238_3396333823673888852_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-PMkKu8ZFx4Q7kNvgHD4kOa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYAZl30Vzrca1FGUGL9p6m2A7ZkDxC_YHROyo8kOilw9PA&oe=66AA2118	person_profile	SHORT TV	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453150962_1119588235807126_5579078342537774233_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MWxJML2E0WoQ7kNvgEb56yX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQmIketOFgmRklObzneoTC0Yw14ev5poGQBnNpwK5Zgw&oe=66A9F990	3	SHORT TV	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,938,656	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938491}'	No	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	875368677738549	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	Had he almost smooched her last night?<br /> <br /> He ran his hand through his messy hair and went to his own room to clean up and get dressed. The more he tried to remember, the more it seemed he had indeed almost smooched her.<br /> <br /> Not that he was happy she had gotten sick, but it was for the best. smooching would have messed up everything.<br /> It didn't matter if they had a great time talking about old times. It didn't matter that her smile made his body respond in the same way it did when he was twenty-two. Under all the happy times and the great memories were still two people who had major problems.<br /> <br /> Problems that wouldn't just go away with a bottle of beverage.<br /> <br /> She wanted things he couldn't give her, and he had obliterated any chance they'd had to reconcile by moving out and filing for divorce without even talking to her, and then taking on a girlfriend immediately. She would never be able to forgive him for that. The fact that she was even able to be civil was a testament to how incredibly generous she was.<br /> ————————<br /> <br /> Just then her ears popped from the pressure as they climbed farther up into the mountains. Some things couldn't change, like gravity or air pressure or how much she still loved the man sitting next to her. She sighed and pushed the thought away. It was such a beautiful April day, it was impossible not to be happy on some level.<br /> They drove through the small town near the cabin. There were two places to eat, a post office, a tiny grocery store, a gas station, and four churches.<br /> "Why don't we stop and pick up some food? I can make dinner," she suggested.<br /> He eyed her with a little smile.<br /> "You're going to make me dinner?" he asked.<br /> "I'm going to make dinner and you can have some. Don't make a big deal out of it," she said, trying to hide a smile.<br /> "You always need to feed everyone," he teased her as he pulled in at the grocery store.<br /> "It's not the worst problem to have." She stuck out her tongue as she jumped out of the car.<br /> He pushed the cart while she filled it with the ingredients needed to make the few meals they would need over the weekend. She also got some lunch meat and breakfast items. Ian hissed an enthusiastic "Yes!" when she threw the bacon in the cart.<br /> At the checkout, Ian held out his credit card and pushed hers away playfully.<br /> "You fry, I'll buy," he joked.<br /> The awkwardness between them was completely gone by the time they loaded up the groceries and continued on their way.<br /> When they pulled into the parking area in front of the cabin, her whole body relaxed. It was impossible to be there and be tense. It was as if the mountains wouldn't allow it.<br /> She looked over at Ian and saw him relaxing, too. He gave her a grin, like he couldn't help it.<br /> The scents that greeted them when Ian opened the door for her were like coming home. The smell of wood, from the floors and the paneling. Smoke from the fireplace, mixed in with the light smell of dust, old air, and whatever had been cooked there last before it got sealed inside.<br /> She smiled as she looked up at the high ceiling in the main room. Opposite the front door was a large wall of windows that looked out over the small backyard, the deck, and then the view of the mountains and the valley below. To the right was a two-story stone fireplace with a rustic mantel that held photos of the Montgomery family over the years.<br /> To the left, the wall went up to the loft. It was covered in frames. More photos of family mixed in with some paintings and other art. It was eclectic and probably assembled over the years without much planning, but she always thought it was laid out beautifully.<br /> Under the loft area was the eat-in kitchen and laundry room. Up the stairs were two bedrooms and the bathrooms. It was cozy and perfect.<br /> She and Ian unloaded the groceries together. They made sandwiches side by side, sharing the condiments and laughing when they reached for the same thing at the same time. When they were finished with their hasty dinner, he opened a bottle of white beverage from the cellar and poured both of them a glass.<br /> "You want to sit out and catch the sunset with me?" he offered.<br /> "Sure. Thanks." She took the glass and grabbed a blanket off the sofa before she followed him out on the deck.<br /> In the past they used to share one of the large wooden chaises that lined the deck. They would snuggle up so long they'd sometimes fall asleep out there.<br /> This time, they each took their own seat. Hers felt too big, like it would swallow her up. Ian slid it so it would be positioned for a good show. As he bent to move his, she saw the top of his boxers sticking out above his cargo shorts. His muscles flexed under his T-shirt, and she gulped down her beverage and tried to look away.<br /> Ian was hot. She'd thought it the first time she met him, and it was just as true today. He was tall and muscular, with dark hair and warm brown eyes that made her melt.<br /> She already knew she missed Ian. His comfort and how he could make her laugh when she was having a bad day. But she hadn't fully realized how much she'd missed him in the physical sense.<br /> She hadn't allowed herself to think about him sexually because intercourse—or at least the ineffectiveness of it—had kind of been the root of their problems. But being there with him, drinking beverage and watching the sunset, brought memories of passionate times flitting through her mind. She drank more beverage in an effort to keep them at bay. Ian was waiting to refill her glass when it was empty.<br /> "This is nice," she said stupidly.<br /> He looked over at her and smiled. "It is nice. Thanks for agreeing to come with me."<br /> "No one says no to Jimmy." She shrugged and finished her second glass of beverage.<br /> "Did he boss you around in his letter?" he guessed.<br /> She nodded slowly. "Pretty much."<br /> "Me, too," he said as he took a drink and then filled their glasses again. "To Jimmy. Telling us what we don't want to hear, because I guess we need to hear it anyway," he said.<br /> "To Jimmy," she said in agreement, and tapped her glass against his before taking a sip.<br /> Lexi's teeth were chattering, but she still insisted she didn't want to go inside yet.<br /> He didn't blame her. The stars were out, and without the light pollution from civilization, it looked like they could reach up and help themselves to one.<br /> They finished off the second bottle of beverage, and he was feeling very relaxed. He had been nervous about this trip, but so far they'd been able to chat about easy things and have a good time, considering.<br /> Seeing her huddled up in the blanket on the chaise made him want to snuggle in beside her and offer his warmth, but he didn't.<br /> He watched her openly as she looked up at the sky. Her dark hair scattered around her shoulders and a content expression on her face.<br /> She yawned.<br /> "Come on. Let's go in before you fall asleep out here and I have to chisel your frozen body off that chair in the morning," he said.<br /> She laughed a little easier than normal. Alexis was a lightweight, and the beverage had made her tipsy. God, he loved her laugh. Another thing he'd taken for granted when they were together.<br /> As he helped her up, she stumbled, and he instinctively put his arm around her back to right her so she wouldn't fall. God, he loved touching her, too.<br /> He followed her inside, keeping his focus on the floor so he wouldn't look at her when they were so close.<br /> It was only when he lifted his head that he realized he was a bit tipsy as well. The room slanted slightly.<br /> "Whoa." He laughed, and Lexi laughed with him. "You're so beautiful when you laugh. Did I ever tell you that?" he said without thinking first.<br /> She stopped laughing and just blinked at him.<br /> "Um. Yeah. You did. A long time ago."<br /> "I should have told you every day." Why couldn't he stop talking? Oh, right. He'd drunk a bottle of beverage.<br /> Lexi flopped down on the sofa and let her head rest on the pillow.<br /> "I'm just going to sleep here. I can't make it upstairs."<br /> "Come on. I'll carry you," he offered.<br /> "You can't carry me."<br /> "Why not? You're skinnier than you were the last time I carried you."<br /> She glanced down at herself and frowned.<br /> "It's strange that I lost weight after so many nights of eating cookie dough and ice cream for dinner. Maybe I cried the weight off," she said with a sad giggle.<br /> "Lex, I'm—"<br /> "I'm so sorry. Pretend I didn't say that.I'm drunk. That beverage is like truth serum."<br /> "Let me help you to bed. You might want to be near a bathroom in case this goes bad." Something he was expecting to be inevitable after seeing her try to get up from the sofa.<br /> He wrapped his arm around her waist and hefted her to her feet, which caused another bout of the giggles.<br /> "I like your muscles. Did I ever tell you that?" she said.<br /> "Yeah, Lex, you did." He smiled at her confession.<br /> "I should have told you every day," she said, repeating his words.<br /> "I think you might have," he joked.<br /> He got her into her room and flipped on the light in the attached bathroom so she could find it easily when she needed it.<br /> She sat on the end of the bed and tried to unlace her sneakers.<br /> "Here. Let me." He bent down and untied them. When he got them off he looked up. Her face was so close. Her beautiful face.<br /> Her blue eyes studied him intently. They were inviting him. He leaned in, wanting to smooch her.<br /> His mouth was so close to hers that he could feel her breath against his lips. His heart was pounding like it would be their very first smooch, instead of the millionth time he'd smooched her.<br /> Just when they were about to touch, she pulled back quickly. Her blue eyes were wide with surprise.<br /> For a second, he assumed she realized what was about to happen and stopped because it was such an incredibly bad idea, but then he saw her skin tone change from her normal ivory to a putrid greenish color.<br /> "I don't feel well," she announced, and with that, she jumped up and ran to the bathroom to throw up.<br /> <br /> ...<br /> She couldn't believe this was happening to her.<br /> Not just that she was on some strange weekend road trip with her ex-husband and was now sick, but that he was in the bathroom with her, holding her hair and wetting a washcloth for her neck.<br /> It was surreal.<br /> The only thing she could seem to get out between the heaving was a torrent of apologies. All of which he assured her were unnecessary, while he rubbed her back in that soothing way of his.<br /> "Why did you drink so much?" he asked when it seemed her stomach was content to stay inside her body.<br /> "I was having a nice time talking to you. I guess I wasn't paying attention." She sounded so stupid, but he simply brushed his hand down her hair and sighed.<br /> She was able to stand long enough to brush her teeth and stumble to bed, where she fell in and closed her eyes, hoping to disappear.<br /> That didn't happen.<br /> When she opened her eyes, she thought she was dreaming.<br /> Ever since Ian had moved out, she'd had dreams of him in bed with her. Holding her. Smiling. Sometimes other things, but for the most part, he was just there. The reassurance of him helped her sleep, whether real or imaginary.<br /> She put her hand out slowly and touched his face.<br /> This was real.<br /> He was in bed with her.<br /> One glance down and she could see they were both still clothed and lying on top of the covers. They had literally crashed there; Ian's one foot wasn't even on the bed.<br /> Moving quicker than was comfortable, she grabbed some clean clothes and jumped in the shower, hoping not to wake him.<br /> She wasn't sure how to deal with their sleeping together, despite the fact that nothing had happened. They'd had a great time the night before. The beverage and the laughter had made it feel like old times.<br /> She froze with suds on her face.<br /> Had he almost smooched her?<br /> Surely she was mistaken. Or maybe it was wishful thinking. A drunken hallucination? Maybe she had dreamed of him moving closer, with those chocolate eyes melting.<br /> She tiptoed out of the bathroom with her hair still dripping.<br /> There he was. Lying across the bed, looking like a god.<br /> Without a sound, she grabbed her sneakers, left the room, and went downstairs.<br /> She grabbed a granola bar and a bottle of water before heading out for a long walk. She needed to make sense of this situation and get her feelings in check before she did something even worse than throw up in front of him.<br /> When Ian woke up, he was alone in Lexi's bed.<br /> He was both relieved and saddened by this.<br /> Crawling into bed next to her had been like a soothing relief for his heart. He hadn't even realized how much he missed lying next to her just to sleep.<br /> Had he almost smooched her last night?<br /> He ran his hand through his messy hair and went to his own room to clean up and get dressed. The more he tried to remember, the more it seemed he had indeed almost smooched her.<br /> Not that he was happy she had gotten sick, but it was for the best. smooching would have messed up everything.<br /> It didn't matter if they had a great time talking about old times. It didn't matter that her smile made his body respond in the same way it did when he was twenty-two. Under all the happy times and the great memories were still two people who had major problems.<br /> Problems that wouldn't just go away with a bottle of beverage—or two.<br /> She wanted things he couldn't give her, and he had obliterated any chance they'd had to reconcile by moving out and filing for divorce without even talking to her, and then taking on a girlfriend immediately. She would never be able to forgive him for that. The fact that she was even able to be civil was a testament to how incredibly generous she was.<br /> The downstairs was empty, and for a second he worried she'd left, but her purse was still there. Her suitcase had been in her bedroom. She was coming back.<br /> She'd probably just gone for a walk, like she normally did when they came there.<br /> Should he go after her? Should he leave her alone?<br /> He decided to leave her alone, mainly because he didn't trust himself to be near her when he was still thinking of how warm her body was when she was lying next to him in bed.<br /> He definitely needed to clear his head before he saw her again.<br /> After breakfast, he wasted a bunch of time straightening things. Then he jumped in the car and went for a drive into town to stock up the beverage cellar. Because beverage had worked out so great the night before.<br /> When he got back, he decided to go looking for her. He told himself he only wanted to make sure she was safe, but he knew the truth. He wanted to be with her. He wanted to make her laugh. He wanted to talk with her about easy things. He wanted to be happy again.<br /> He was also aware of the other things he wanted. Things he couldn't have. Things like touching her, and smooching her.<br /> Hopefully, she wouldn't remember how close he'd come to smooching her the night before.<br /> Ian had definitely planned to smooch her.<br /> Lexi determined this while walking around the lake for the second time. Needing to talk to Roslyn or Kelly, she pulled out her phone to find she had no reception. She was on her own to figure this out. Why else would he lean down close to her lips with that unmistakable look in his eyes?<br /> He was going to smooch her.<br /> She didn't know why, other than the fact that he had been drunk, too, and maybe he had slipped into something that had been so normal he never needed to think about it.<br /> So many times she'd smooched him and never given a thought that it might be the last time. Until it was too late.<br /> She sat on the same bench she had sat on with Uncle Jimmy in the fall. Back then, the leaves had been a multitude of warm colors. Now everything was sticks and buds. A reddish haze, threatening to burst open and unleash the green at any moment.<br /> Her phone was still able to tell her the time at least. It was after noon.<br /> She needed to get back before Ian launched a search party.<br /> Before she got up, someone sat down next to her.<br /> "I was just about to send out a search party," Ian informed her, making her heart hurt. She knew him so well.<br /> She gave him a smile and looked out over the lake.<br /> "I was just thinking and lost track of time," she said.<br /> "What were you thinking about?"<br /> "How much I hate white beverage." They laughed together.<br /> "I just got back from the store. There's plenty of red in the cellar."<br /> "Good."<br /> "Were you hiding from me?" he asked quietly.<br /> "Yeah. That, too."<br /> "Sorry. You know how much I hate being alone." She did. He hated it, thus he got himself a girlfriend immediately after leaving her.<br /> It wasn't like she liked being by herself, but what choice did she have? She wasn't going to force herself into a relationship just so she didn't have to be alone.<br /> "Maybe you should talk to someone about that," she suggested.<br /> "I have. I talked to you," he reasoned.<br /> "I'm a guidance counselor, not a therapist."<br /> "Still." He shrugged it off, missing the point.<br /> Ian had never been alone. His mother and older sister had taken care of him when he was little. He'd always had tons of friends and cousins to hang out with. He didn't know how to be content on his own for very long. He would get restless and seek out companionship.<br /> Just like he did when they got divorced.<br /> "I guess we should get back," she said as she stood and stretched.<br /> "I made us lunch," he said.<br /> "Thanks."<br /> "I guess that leaves you to handle dinner, if we're taking turns." He grinned innocently at her, making her laugh.<br /> <br /> ...<br /> As they walked down the trail to the cabin, her hand seemed to want to reach out to him on its own. Twice she noticed his hand twitch. Maybe he was having the same problem.<br /> Before she realized it, they were at the Place. She had been so focused on not touching him, she hadn't noticed which path they were taking back to the house.<br /> This path led them right past the downed tree where Ian had proposed.<br /> He had brought her to the cabin for a romantic weekend on spring break. On the way back from the lake, he'd stopped suddenly on the path, pretending he had something in his shoe. She'd sat on the benchlike branch, looking up at the trees while he bent down to remove the irritation.<br /> Then she felt something touch her knee, and when she looked over there, he had the ring box open, a huge grin on his face.<br /> It had never crossed her mind it wouldn't last, so she'd shouted "yes" almost before he got the question out. That had been a long time ago.<br /> She froze at the sight of the tree and that memory.<br /> Ian stopped when she did, and then awareness came over his face as tears streamed down hers.<br /> "I'm sorry, Lex. I'm so stupid. I wasn't thinking about which way we were going," he apologized.<br /> She brushed the tears away quickly and gave him a strained smile.<br /> "It's fine. It's not a bad memory. It's one of my favorites. It just hit me a little hard. I'm okay."<br /> For a second he looked uncomfortable as his hands flexed into fists by his side, and then he grabbed her and pulled her against his chest in a hard embrace.<br /> He didn't say anything for a long time. He just held her, rubbing her back. She wasn't crying anymore; she was too busy taking him in. She couldn't get enough of his smell, the hardness of the muscles in his chest, and the feeling of his hands on her back.<br /> She felt treasured and protected, like she always had in his arms.<br /> "It's one of my favorite memories, too," he whispered as he let her go.<br /> She instantly felt alone again.<br /> To cover the overpowering loss, she wrapped her arms around herself and started walking again.<br /> "We have a lot of great memories," she said, not looking at him.<br /> "Yes, I know. I haven't really allowed myself to think about them lately. It seemed unfair." He sniffed and shook his head. "I hope someday you can forgive me, so I can remember all those great times without the guilt."<br /> "You don't have anything to feel guilty about, Ian."<br /> He nodded, but it was obvious he didn't agree with her; he just didn't want to argue.<br /> As promised, the red beverage came out for dinner.<br /> Ian made a show of marking down how many glasses she had on the notepad hanging on the refrigerator.<br /> "I'm cutting you off after three," he said as he helped her carry the dirty dishes to the sink and wash them.<br /> He was always a partner with household chores. When they were married, he was content to do laundry and dishes. He always said it saved time, so when she came home they could just relax. They still worked together in perfect synchronization.<br /> Soon they were done and sitting on the deck again, with beverage refill number three.<br /> As he sat next to Lexi on the deck, Ian tried to see things from her perspective. He couldn't comprehend what she had said on the way back from the lake that afternoon. How could she not hate him, much less not want him to feel guilty for leaving her?<br /> She was already hurting from the failed attempts to start a family, and he'd left her to deal with everything on her own. Not only had he hurt her but he'd kicked her while she was down. The divorce, the girlfriend? God, how could she even stand to be near him without stabbing him? Men had been stabbed for lesser offenses.<br /> It wasn't as if he remembered his wedding vows word for word, but he knew there had been a lot of promises of forever in them. Or at least until he died.<br /> Maybe that was it, though, the loophole that absolved him of this traitorous act.<br /> Ever since that afternoon when he'd closed the door at their home for the last time, he had felt dead inside. A shell of the man he was when he bent down beside that tree and held up the ring with hope in his eyes and love in his heart.	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1,938,659	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938502}'	No	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	906031734605372	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	When I pulled an older iPhone out from between the mattress and box springs, I saw a screen full of text messages.<br /> And my heart froze solid.<br /> 【I’m heading to the hotel.】<br /> 【Where are you?】<br /> 【Don’t keep me waiting, honey.】<br /> 【I need you.】<br /> Text messages from another woman.<br /> A hidden cell phone.<br /> Sudden long hours away from his family.<br /> Cheating.<br /> There was a strong possibility that the man I loved was cheating on me.<br /> ————————<br /> I straightened from putting the last plate into the dishwasher and stretched for a towel to wipe my hands. I was exhausted after twenty-four straight hours with the kids, and Rob still wasn’t home. Not to mention, I needed to make cupcakes for Max’s school—and somehow do it without sugar.<br /> So the ensuing crash upstairs was not welcome.<br /> Dropping the towel, I whisper-sprinted up to the second floor—running on tiptoes while hopping, leaping, and skipping over every toy obstacle, creaky floorboard, and rogue crayon along the way.<br /> The light was on in Max’s room, and considering that I had made this trek a half dozen times in the last hour, I was out of patience.<br /> “You need to go to sleep,” I growled, throwing open the door, my fierce mom glare already in place.<br /> Except the devil child was asleep.<br /> He’d fallen out of bed, crashed onto an entire village of Legos—scattering them to inferno and back—and was dead asleep.<br /> My heart gave a little squeeze even as the logical part of me recognized the giant mess I’d be picking up tomorrow.<br /> It was just that face.<br /> A cupid’s bow of bright pink lips, slightly parted, rosy cheeks, and mussed hair. The boy was cute, and it was hard to believe he was part of me, that he’d come from my body.<br /> I clucked my tongue at myself, knowing I was being ridiculous and romantic and Melissa-like because I’d spent the day with Kelly and her toddler, Abby.<br /> My baby sister had a baby. And a man. And was all grown up—<br /> Oh God. There I went with the tears again.<br /> Swiping a finger under each eye, I navigated the minefield of toys as I made my way over to Max. I gave an internal grunt as I lifted the little—or not so little, anymore—monkey and tucked him back into bed.<br /> One hastily constructed barrier of pillows and blankets and stuffed Minecraft toys later, and I was heading back out of the room.<br /> I flicked the light off, started to leave—<br /> “Too dark, Mommy,” he murmured.<br /> A sigh. Back on it went. “Good night, sweetheart.”<br /> “Night.”<br /> This time I made it to the top of the stairs before a sound stopped me.<br /> It wasn’t the kids. No. This was more like . . . buzzing?<br /> I cocked my head and listened, then made my way to my bedroom, a growing pile of toys in my arms as I went.<br /> The door was open, and I walked inside, dumping the pile on the coverlet before stopping to pinpoint the sound.<br /> I felt my pockets for my cell. Not even two days before, I’d scoured the house for my phone, it somehow having fallen out of my pocket, ending up under the dresser. It had taken darn near fifty calls and a search of the entire house before I’d found it.<br /> Those locating apps were all well and good, but they couldn’t tell a person which room in a house their phone was. Which meant the app, for my day-to-day exploits, was pretty much useless.<br /> I hardly left home at all except for the kids’ activities and school pickup or drop off.<br /> Or if Rob needed something down at the station.<br /> And that was fine. My place was at home. The kids needed me, Rob needed me. It was just that sometimes . . .<br /> No. Don’t get sidetracked.<br /> My phone was in my pocket. The sound wasn’t coming from beneath the dresser.<br /> It was coming from the bed.<br /> I peered under, saw nothing, and I was reaching for Rob’s flashlight in his nightstand when I realized where exactly the noise was originating from.<br /> My hand slid between the mattress and box spring, jumping a little when the object buzzed against my fingers.<br /> “What—?” I pulled it out, saw it was an older-looking iPhone. Why was there—<br /> Then I saw the texts. An entire screen worth of them.<br /> And my heart froze solid.<br /> I’m heading to the hotel.<br /> Where are you?<br /> Don’t keep me waiting, honey.<br /> I need you.<br /> The question wasn’t why Rob had hidden a phone under his side of the mattress. It was why someone named Celeste was calling him honey and telling my husband that she needed him.<br /> Downstairs, I heard the garage door rumble open and close, the clink of Rob’s keys on the kitchen counter. “Miss?” he called softly up the stairs.<br /> My voice was gone, my throat tight. My eyes burned, and still, I held the phone. It wasn’t until I heard him walking down the hall to the bedroom that I sprang into motion.<br /> I shoved the phone back under the mattress and scooped up the toys.<br /> Rob stopped short in the doorway. “Oh.” He smiled. “I called you.”<br /> “Sorry, I was cleaning.”<br /> He touched my cheek, slid past me. “You don’t have to do that.”<br /> “It’s my job,” I said brightly, and if it was too bright then what did it matter anyway?<br /> My husband was moving toward the bathroom, already unbuttoning his shirt. “Is there a plate for me?”<br /> I turned, saw he’d paused, and forced a smile. “Yup. I’ll heat it up for you.”<br /> “Thanks, love.”<br /> “Of course.” I walked out of the bedroom but didn’t go downstairs.<br /> Instead, I hesitated in the hall, silent and waiting.<br /> And my gut tied itself into knots when I heard Rob’s footfalls across the carpet, the slide of his hand beneath the mattress as he pulled out the phone.<br /> “MOOOOOOOOOM!”<br /> The camera in my hands jumped, and that perfect angle, the perfect highlight of the sun’s rays coming through my kitchen window and traipsing across my gorgeous display of a salad—if I did say so myself—disappeared in a flash.<br /> No pun intended.<br /> Footsteps pounded across the floor overhead. Eight feet. From two kids and one dog. The trio was streaking across the hallway, preparing to hurtle themselves down the stairs.<br /> Which meant I had approximately twelve seconds to get the shot before chaos descended.<br /> Back up on my tiptoes, extending my arm precariously over the plate as I leaned—read: contorted—myself in such a way as to obtain that perfect angle without marring the photograph with something as egregious as my shadow.<br /> Bang. Bang. Bang.<br /> “Ow!” Allie. She’d just turned five and was a terror on two legs. “I’m telling Mom!”<br /> “Almost there,” I puffed.<br /> “It was your fault.” Max. My sweet boy. Now eight and not so little.<br /> “Ruff!” The dog. The terror on four legs. Rocco was seven months old and sixty pounds of exuberant energy, potty accidents, and counter surfing.<br /> But Rob loved the fluffball.<br /> Rob.<br /> My eyes burned.<br /> The trio slid around the corner into the kitchen, Rocco colliding with the far wall.<br /> His brakes weren’t great yet.<br /> With the group’s appearance, the noise level in the room rose to deafening.<br /> Click.<br /> I checked the shot and breathed out a sigh of relief. Perfect.<br /> Stepping down from the stool I’d been perched on, I stashed my camera carefully out of reach of canine and human troublemakers then stowed the plate in the fridge. Another taste test wouldn’t hurt, just to perfect the recipe.<br /> And really, I wasn’t going to waste one crumb of that goat cheese. Not when it was so expensive and difficult to find in Nowhere, Utah.<br /> Or rather, Darlington, Utah.<br /> “Mom.”<br /> Max stood with his arms crossed. He was tall for his age with dark hair and eyes and the spitting image of Rob, a fact that made my bruised heart ache all the more.<br /> Allie was like me: slender, tall, and blond with pale brown eyes and skin that never failed to burn in the sun.<br /> We needed to invest in sunscreen stock. God knew we bought enough of the stuff.<br /> Both kids were talking over each other, furious frowns pulling their brows down as they tried to prove their point . . . or, rather, ruin my eardrums by being the loudest.<br /> Even Rocco chimed in with several well-timed barks.<br /> I did what I always did in these situations.<br /> I stood silently. And waited.<br /> It never took long, I’d found. If I tried to raise my voice over theirs, tried to shout my way for quiet, like Rob did, nothing. He used his magical cop skills to reign tough over the kids—and dog, I thought, as Rocco eyed the countertop like it held a king’s trove of treasure.<br /> My voice didn’t do that.<br /> My glare did, however.<br /> Rocco paused mid-leap and plunked his front paws back on the tile floor.<br /> Max was the first human to stop contributing to the noise. Older and wiser, he was.<br /> Allie went on for a few more beats before her eyes widened and her mouth clamped closed.<br /> “Max, explain your side first.”<br /> “I was playing with my Legos, and Allie barged in and broke my set—”<br /> “I did not!” Allie protested.<br /> “It’s not your turn to speak,” I told her.<br /> She huffed and crossed her arms.<br /> “She broke my house, and I’ll never be able to find all of the pieces, and I-I—” Tears welled in his brown eyes, and I had to steel my heart against those glistening orbs. He might be cute, but he was also smart.<br /> Too smart for my good.<br /> “Okay,” I said. “Allie, your side.”<br /> “He took my Lego set, and I wanted to get the pieces back. It was my house, and he can’t keep it.”<br /> “You let me borrow it!” Max said, indignant.<br /> “I want it back.”<br /> “I—”<br /> “You—”<br /> I waited.<br /> The second round took less time.<br /> “What happens when you fight over toys?” I asked.<br /> Two sets of eyes went wide. Rocco whined and lay down on the floor, burying his nose in his paws.<br /> Max glanced at Allie. “How about you use my Legos and build your own house?”<br /> Allie considered this. “And then when we’re done we can switch back!”<br /> Max nodded. “Okay.”<br /> They ran off, Rocco trailing their progress, leaving with as much noise as they’d entered the room.<br /> “Ten minutes until bath time!” I called, but they were already out of earshot.<br /> With a rueful smile, I pulled my plate from the fridge and a fork out of the drawer.<br /> “You’re deduce when you pull that stern glare out.”<br /> I shivered at the voice in my ear, the chest very close to my spine. My body knew my husband’s on an intrinsic level, and so I didn’t jump in surprise or shriek in fear.<br /> Instead, I melted into his warmth, soaked up his scent.<br /> “Hi, baby,” he said with a soft peck to the side of my neck.<br /> “Hi, yourself.” I turned, slipping carefully out of his embrace. Because even though I loved this man with every fiber of my being, he might not feel the same.<br /> Text messages from another woman.<br /> A hidden cell phone.<br /> Sudden long hours away from his family.<br /> Cheating.<br /> There was a strong possibility that the man I loved was cheating on me.<br /> ---<br /> Rob was back to snoring when I crept through the bedroom. I shook my head and closed the door behind me, heading for the top of the stairs.<br /> That was when I heard the first noise.<br /> A moan. The rustling of bedclothes. I dropped my shoes and bolted for Allie’s bedroom.<br /> She began crying.<br /> “Mom!”<br /> I skirted the mess of toys on the floor, picking my way across with all the finesse of an American Ninja Warrior.<br /> “What’s wrong, honey?” I asked.<br /> “I don’t—”<br /> I was already reaching for her when she exploded.<br /> Okay, not exploded exactly. More like Poltergeist-vomited, all over me. It dripped down my hair, soaked into my blouse, my jeans, the carpet, and bedding.<br /> Perfect. Just perfect.<br /> Allie began crying in earnest, and I soothed her as I swept her into my arms. We made it to the bathroom in record time.<br /> I set her down in front of the toilet, holding her hair back when she gagged again and again. “I’m sorry, honey,” I said when she stopped. Then I wet a towel and wiped her face and neck. “Let’s get you out of these clothes.”<br /> She was shaking, tears sliding down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Mommy.”<br /> “Shh. Not your fault.” I wrapped her in a towel and cuddled her close until she stopped shivering. “Let’s get you a quick bath, and then I’ll set you up on the couch, okay?”<br /> “O-okay.”<br /> Fifteen minutes later she was in clean pajamas, wrapped in blankets, and tucked into the couch, a bucket within arm’s reach.<br /> I went back upstairs to strip the sheets and clean the carpet. Then I carried all of the dirty linens back down to the laundry room and tossed them in the washer. By now the vomit had mostly dried on my clothes and hair, and I was in desperate need of a shower.<br /> Time would tell if this was the stomach bug plague or if Allie had just eaten something that didn’t agree with her.<br /> Would one fall? Or would they all?<br /> I snorted quietly as I slipped back into the bedroom, only to be bowled over by Rocco, wagging tail and wriggly butt. Rob must have let him out. He sniffed the carpet, did a one-eighty.<br /> Uh-oh, potty time.<br /> “Come on,” I said, opening the door.<br /> He pushed past me and sprinted down the stairs. I hustled after him, not wanting him to wake up Allie, who’d finally fallen back asleep.<br /> But I needn’t have worried. He bypassed the living room completely and went straight to the back door. “Good boy,” I told him and opened it just wide enough for him to slip out. The icy morning breeze shot through the gap, having the dual effect of kicking up the smell of puke on my person and cutting directly through my still-damp clothes.<br /> I shivered. “Hurry up, dog.”<br /> Rocco took a few more minutes. It was too cold to leave him outside, young as he was. Of course, he was the one with the thick fur.<br /> Finally, he was done and sprinted for the opening into the house.<br /> Or rather, crashed into the door, since those brakes were still under training.<br /> “Come on, goofy,” I told him as I snagged his collar and corralled him past the sleeping Allie on the sofa.<br /> I’d already lost count of the trips up and down the stairs and it wasn’t even six yet. Who said my butt wasn’t high and tight? At this rate, I’d be a Kardashian in no time. Rocco wriggled his way alongside me, not fighting when I stuck him back in his kennel. Though that was probably because I promised him breakfast after I’d showered.<br /> The bathroom light shone through the crack in the bottom of the door, and the bed was empty.<br /> That plus the absence of chainsaw sounds told me Rob was in the bathroom.<br /> Who was the detective now? I thought with a smirk.<br /> I crossed to the bathroom and opened the door.<br /> Or tried to.<br /> It was locked.<br /> I frowned.<br /> Tried again.<br /> “Rob?” I knocked, tilted my head when I heard . . . was he talking to someone? “Rob?” I asked louder.<br /> The sounds inside the bathroom cut off. After a pause, he called, “Miss?”<br /> “The door is locked.”<br /> Another pause. Then footsteps. The locked clicked before the door swung open. Rob was wrapped in a towel, his chest undressed and glittering with drops of water. Normally, I’d have been distracted by those little beads of liquid. Today I barely noticed because there was a mark on his neck.<br /> A suspicious bruise on the base of his throat—<br /> Where someone might have pecked him.<br /> And that someone had not been me.<br /> Rob smiled, but it looked strained. “Sorry, hon. Force of habit.” He turned and walked into the closet, closing the door behind him.<br /> I was still on the threshold, blinking after him, when the door popped back open and he stuck his head out. “You look cute, by the way.”<br /> Before I could stammer out a thanks, the door shut again.<br /> Had he not noticed the puke? Or was he trying to be nice because it looked like I’d been put through the wringer?<br /> Or perhaps most important of all, had I imagined the mark?<br /> I rushed the shower, hissing as the cold water streamed from my hair and down my back.<br /> Rob came out of the closet just as I stepped out, shivering more violently than Allie had been an hour earlier. He wore a button-down shirt, tie, and slacks.<br /> “You look nice,” I said, unable to ignore the fact that the shirt covered his neck. Should I pull it down and confront him?<br /> “Meeting with the chief today.”<br /> Darlington was too small for its own police force. Rob worked at the county sheriff’s office. The bigger force meant more resources for our little group of towns and better coverage.<br /> “What about?” I asked as I wrapped a towel around my head.<br /> “A case I’ve been working on.”<br /> “What case?” I ran the towel up one leg, then the other. Rob’s eyes followed the movement.<br /> “Can’t talk about it yet,” he said. I frowned, but before I could press his answer—we always discussed his cases, if not in specifics then at least in generals—he went on, “When was the last time you had something besides a salad?”<br /> I straightened, pulling the towel around my breasts. “What do you mean?”<br /> “You’re too thin, Miss.”<br /> “What?”<br /> He crossed over to me, pulling the towel open and splaying one hand over my side.<br /> My heart skipped a beat. Calloused fingers. Rough skin against smooth. I forgot about the bruise on his neck, about the phone and suspicions. I wanted his hand to move.<br /> Up or down. I almost didn’t care.<br /> I needed him to touch me.<br /> His head dropped next to mine, hot breath on my neck, my ear. “You need to eat more.”<br /> It took a second for the words to process. I stiffened, leaned back.<br /> Not that it mattered since Rob had already stepped away.<br /> ---<br /> The bed dipped, and I rolled over to see Rob sitting on the side of the bed.<br /> “Is there anything for dinner?” he asked.<br /> “Not today,” I said. “We were all sick.”<br /> His dark brows pulled down. “You were? Why didn’t you call me?”<br /> “I texted you three times.”<br /> “You did? I didn’t get them.” He pulled out his cell and unlocked it. The little green box had a red bubble with a three in the upper right corner. He tapped it and, lo and behold, my messages were there.<br /> Any chance you can come home early? The stomach plague has hit.<br /> <br /> I’m feeling really lousy, could use some help.<br /> <br /> So much puke. I need backup.<br /> <br /> “Sht,” he muttered.<br /> I reached over him, tapped the lower case “i” on the right side of the screen, and swiped off the mute function.<br /> “Maybe don’t put your wife on Do Not Disturb?”<br /> “Oh, I didn’t realize—”<br /> I sighed and flopped over to my side, facing away from him. My heart felt fragile, ready to shatter into a million pieces. I kept telling myself that I was crazy, that things were fine and we were going through a rough patch.<br /> But . . .<br /> This didn’t feel like a rough patch. It felt like—<br /> I bit my lip hard, stopping the thought before it could completely materialize.<br /> We’d worked through tough times before. Every couple had ups and downs. What made us different was that we could talk to each other about anything.<br /> Or we used to, anyway.<br /> I turned my head so I could see him over my shoulder. “Not realizing things seems to be the theme with you lately, Rob. Can we talk about what’s going on? It’s not like you to be so detached.”<br /> Silence.<br /> He sat six inches away from me, eyes on his phone, and he didn’t even look at me.<br /> He. Didn’t. Look. At. Me.<br /> In that moment, I felt ten years old again. Begging my mom to see me. To want me. To value me.<br /> And in that moment, I hated my husband for making me feel that way.<br /> I wasn’t that little girl any longer. I knew my own worth. I—<br /> Didn’t beg for love. That came internally. I loved myself.<br /> Because Rob had given me the strength to learn how.<br /> His touch made me jump.<br /> It was a gentle caress, one soft brush of his thumb beneath my eye to collect a drop of moisture I hadn’t realized was there.<br /> “Miss, I—”<br /> His phone rang. He glanced down at it, and I held my breath, waiting for him, wishing he would decline it.<br /> He didn’t.<br /> His finger swiped across the screen.<br /> “Hello?” Rob said and walked from the room.<br /> I think we urgently need to talk.<br /> For my kids.<br /> For me.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.popstorys.com/ad/UmVhZGZpYy8yNTE2NjQvMjA	122101967096006835	Hut001	https://facebook.com/61550056771112	69	1	836,262,915,148,290	2024-07-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Hut001	120210538280460366	a.popstorys.com	NONE	video		https://a.popstorys.com/ad/UmVhZGZpYy8yNTE2NjQvMjAyNDA3MjUxMTQ5NDAvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-07-24 23:40	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452669154_1179043866707412_8997496116186127596_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPZujicXGg4Q7kNvgGrV_we&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBQtrFnzMb-kQ3ju4AjbdsgSWm6MaCXZ3N4WxDUY-oisQ&oe=66A9F94E	person_profile	Hut001	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452865143_1032653804876295_234294408719568445_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hI1LOjHsjnkQ7kNvgG4Uujc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYAmcv6tBGQ0jEYJZUfS3l15Hk_r_ool1n9MixcRWanXQA&oe=66AA14C2	3	Hut001	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,938,663	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938446}'	Yes	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	994720395440937	Continue watching more series 👉👉👉	😱🔥The Unwanted billionaire Heires🥰	WATCH_MORE	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.	126997507157767	SHORT TV	https://facebook.com/61551042265812	408,670	7	1,175,395,550,370,581	2024-07-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Watch more	SHORT TV	120209615920210599	play.google.com	NONE	video		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.shorttv.apps	2024-07-20 08:55	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/451973569_1053157910144988_6154811049539737246_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MVBsnKgbokoQ7kNvgESsauw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB_-1bNpLmkkBYpRG2RehEwN37wbgpQ0Ehsm74wMkU9sg&oe=66AA17AC	person_profile	SHORT TV	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/451973470_507717891761677_7450996828266800075_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6tVbz0vtQbUQ7kNvgHURNoZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDcMmI4_ysO-PZpHLaPdPCz5Gl3XPNYVqYXp8A3kTA2YA&oe=66AA1F4A	3	SHORT TV	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,938,661	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938446}'	No	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	985619969932545	Continue watching more series 👉👉👉	😱🔥The Unwanted billionaire Heires🥰	WATCH_MORE	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.	126997507157767	SHORT TV	https://facebook.com/61551042265812	408,670	5	430,061,663,327,403	2024-07-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Watch more	SHORT TV	120209615908640599	play.google.com	NONE	video		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.shorttv.apps	2024-07-20 08:55	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452258940_771666594875442_4296056274542398270_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2cZcE7qDrYYQ7kNvgFb_K7l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBWvVZCX1ya_OsaMvXiLmlIzbG9AJ1HtMMQpkdAxYoNvw&oe=66AA1263	person_profile	SHORT TV	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452256760_1209302593592836_2332565058471133288_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1tXg9nc7WNIQ7kNvgFlQsNS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBE-bebilYyJUrOru0vCv0Zk0_XQtYlV9YERVD6wyLgSQ&oe=66AA18E2	3	SHORT TV	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,938,665	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938502}'	No	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	1007036521432409	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	When I pulled an older iPhone out from between the mattress and box springs, I saw a screen full of text messages.<br /> And my heart froze solid.<br /> 【I’m heading to the hotel.】<br /> 【Where are you?】<br /> 【Don’t keep me waiting, honey.】<br /> 【I need you.】<br /> Text messages from another woman.<br /> A hidden cell phone.<br /> Sudden long hours away from his family.<br /> Cheating.<br /> There was a strong possibility that the man I loved was cheating on me.<br /> ————————<br /> I straightened from putting the last plate into the dishwasher and stretched for a towel to wipe my hands. I was exhausted after twenty-four straight hours with the kids, and Rob still wasn’t home. Not to mention, I needed to make cupcakes for Max’s school—and somehow do it without sugar.<br /> So the ensuing crash upstairs was not welcome.<br /> Dropping the towel, I whisper-sprinted up to the second floor—running on tiptoes while hopping, leaping, and skipping over every toy obstacle, creaky floorboard, and rogue crayon along the way.<br /> The light was on in Max’s room, and considering that I had made this trek a half dozen times in the last hour, I was out of patience.<br /> “You need to go to sleep,” I growled, throwing open the door, my fierce mom glare already in place.<br /> Except the devil child was asleep.<br /> He’d fallen out of bed, crashed onto an entire village of Legos—scattering them to inferno and back—and was dead asleep.<br /> My heart gave a little squeeze even as the logical part of me recognized the giant mess I’d be picking up tomorrow.<br /> It was just that face.<br /> A cupid’s bow of bright pink lips, slightly parted, rosy cheeks, and mussed hair. The boy was cute, and it was hard to believe he was part of me, that he’d come from my body.<br /> I clucked my tongue at myself, knowing I was being ridiculous and romantic and Melissa-like because I’d spent the day with Kelly and her toddler, Abby.<br /> My baby sister had a baby. And a man. And was all grown up—<br /> Oh God. There I went with the tears again.<br /> Swiping a finger under each eye, I navigated the minefield of toys as I made my way over to Max. I gave an internal grunt as I lifted the little—or not so little, anymore—monkey and tucked him back into bed.<br /> One hastily constructed barrier of pillows and blankets and stuffed Minecraft toys later, and I was heading back out of the room.<br /> I flicked the light off, started to leave—<br /> “Too dark, Mommy,” he murmured.<br /> A sigh. Back on it went. “Good night, sweetheart.”<br /> “Night.”<br /> This time I made it to the top of the stairs before a sound stopped me.<br /> It wasn’t the kids. No. This was more like . . . buzzing?<br /> I cocked my head and listened, then made my way to my bedroom, a growing pile of toys in my arms as I went.<br /> The door was open, and I walked inside, dumping the pile on the coverlet before stopping to pinpoint the sound.<br /> I felt my pockets for my cell. Not even two days before, I’d scoured the house for my phone, it somehow having fallen out of my pocket, ending up under the dresser. It had taken darn near fifty calls and a search of the entire house before I’d found it.<br /> Those locating apps were all well and good, but they couldn’t tell a person which room in a house their phone was. Which meant the app, for my day-to-day exploits, was pretty much useless.<br /> I hardly left home at all except for the kids’ activities and school pickup or drop off.<br /> Or if Rob needed something down at the station.<br /> And that was fine. My place was at home. The kids needed me, Rob needed me. It was just that sometimes . . .<br /> No. Don’t get sidetracked.<br /> My phone was in my pocket. The sound wasn’t coming from beneath the dresser.<br /> It was coming from the bed.<br /> I peered under, saw nothing, and I was reaching for Rob’s flashlight in his nightstand when I realized where exactly the noise was originating from.<br /> My hand slid between the mattress and box spring, jumping a little when the object buzzed against my fingers.<br /> “What—?” I pulled it out, saw it was an older-looking iPhone. Why was there—<br /> Then I saw the texts. An entire screen worth of them.<br /> And my heart froze solid.<br /> I’m heading to the hotel.<br /> Where are you?<br /> Don’t keep me waiting, honey.<br /> I need you.<br /> The question wasn’t why Rob had hidden a phone under his side of the mattress. It was why someone named Celeste was calling him honey and telling my husband that she needed him.<br /> Downstairs, I heard the garage door rumble open and close, the clink of Rob’s keys on the kitchen counter. “Miss?” he called softly up the stairs.<br /> My voice was gone, my throat tight. My eyes burned, and still, I held the phone. It wasn’t until I heard him walking down the hall to the bedroom that I sprang into motion.<br /> I shoved the phone back under the mattress and scooped up the toys.<br /> Rob stopped short in the doorway. “Oh.” He smiled. “I called you.”<br /> “Sorry, I was cleaning.”<br /> He touched my cheek, slid past me. “You don’t have to do that.”<br /> “It’s my job,” I said brightly, and if it was too bright then what did it matter anyway?<br /> My husband was moving toward the bathroom, already unbuttoning his shirt. “Is there a plate for me?”<br /> I turned, saw he’d paused, and forced a smile. “Yup. I’ll heat it up for you.”<br /> “Thanks, love.”<br /> “Of course.” I walked out of the bedroom but didn’t go downstairs.<br /> Instead, I hesitated in the hall, silent and waiting.<br /> And my gut tied itself into knots when I heard Rob’s footfalls across the carpet, the slide of his hand beneath the mattress as he pulled out the phone.<br /> “MOOOOOOOOOM!”<br /> The camera in my hands jumped, and that perfect angle, the perfect highlight of the sun’s rays coming through my kitchen window and traipsing across my gorgeous display of a salad—if I did say so myself—disappeared in a flash.<br /> No pun intended.<br /> Footsteps pounded across the floor overhead. Eight feet. From two kids and one dog. The trio was streaking across the hallway, preparing to hurtle themselves down the stairs.<br /> Which meant I had approximately twelve seconds to get the shot before chaos descended.<br /> Back up on my tiptoes, extending my arm precariously over the plate as I leaned—read: contorted—myself in such a way as to obtain that perfect angle without marring the photograph with something as egregious as my shadow.<br /> Bang. Bang. Bang.<br /> “Ow!” Allie. She’d just turned five and was a terror on two legs. “I’m telling Mom!”<br /> “Almost there,” I puffed.<br /> “It was your fault.” Max. My sweet boy. Now eight and not so little.<br /> “Ruff!” The dog. The terror on four legs. Rocco was seven months old and sixty pounds of exuberant energy, potty accidents, and counter surfing.<br /> But Rob loved the fluffball.<br /> Rob.<br /> My eyes burned.<br /> The trio slid around the corner into the kitchen, Rocco colliding with the far wall.<br /> His brakes weren’t great yet.<br /> With the group’s appearance, the noise level in the room rose to deafening.<br /> Click.<br /> I checked the shot and breathed out a sigh of relief. Perfect.<br /> Stepping down from the stool I’d been perched on, I stashed my camera carefully out of reach of canine and human troublemakers then stowed the plate in the fridge. Another taste test wouldn’t hurt, just to perfect the recipe.<br /> And really, I wasn’t going to waste one crumb of that goat cheese. Not when it was so expensive and difficult to find in Nowhere, Utah.<br /> Or rather, Darlington, Utah.<br /> “Mom.”<br /> Max stood with his arms crossed. He was tall for his age with dark hair and eyes and the spitting image of Rob, a fact that made my bruised heart ache all the more.<br /> Allie was like me: slender, tall, and blond with pale brown eyes and skin that never failed to burn in the sun.<br /> We needed to invest in sunscreen stock. God knew we bought enough of the stuff.<br /> Both kids were talking over each other, furious frowns pulling their brows down as they tried to prove their point . . . or, rather, ruin my eardrums by being the loudest.<br /> Even Rocco chimed in with several well-timed barks.<br /> I did what I always did in these situations.<br /> I stood silently. And waited.<br /> It never took long, I’d found. If I tried to raise my voice over theirs, tried to shout my way for quiet, like Rob did, nothing. He used his magical cop skills to reign tough over the kids—and dog, I thought, as Rocco eyed the countertop like it held a king’s trove of treasure.<br /> My voice didn’t do that.<br /> My glare did, however.<br /> Rocco paused mid-leap and plunked his front paws back on the tile floor.<br /> Max was the first human to stop contributing to the noise. Older and wiser, he was.<br /> Allie went on for a few more beats before her eyes widened and her mouth clamped closed.<br /> “Max, explain your side first.”<br /> “I was playing with my Legos, and Allie barged in and broke my set—”<br /> “I did not!” Allie protested.<br /> “It’s not your turn to speak,” I told her.<br /> She huffed and crossed her arms.<br /> “She broke my house, and I’ll never be able to find all of the pieces, and I-I—” Tears welled in his brown eyes, and I had to steel my heart against those glistening orbs. He might be cute, but he was also smart.<br /> Too smart for my good.<br /> “Okay,” I said. “Allie, your side.”<br /> “He took my Lego set, and I wanted to get the pieces back. It was my house, and he can’t keep it.”<br /> “You let me borrow it!” Max said, indignant.<br /> “I want it back.”<br /> “I—”<br /> “You—”<br /> I waited.<br /> The second round took less time.<br /> “What happens when you fight over toys?” I asked.<br /> Two sets of eyes went wide. Rocco whined and lay down on the floor, burying his nose in his paws.<br /> Max glanced at Allie. “How about you use my Legos and build your own house?”<br /> Allie considered this. “And then when we’re done we can switch back!”<br /> Max nodded. “Okay.”<br /> They ran off, Rocco trailing their progress, leaving with as much noise as they’d entered the room.<br /> “Ten minutes until bath time!” I called, but they were already out of earshot.<br /> With a rueful smile, I pulled my plate from the fridge and a fork out of the drawer.<br /> “You’re deduce when you pull that stern glare out.”<br /> I shivered at the voice in my ear, the chest very close to my spine. My body knew my husband’s on an intrinsic level, and so I didn’t jump in surprise or shriek in fear.<br /> Instead, I melted into his warmth, soaked up his scent.<br /> “Hi, baby,” he said with a soft peck to the side of my neck.<br /> “Hi, yourself.” I turned, slipping carefully out of his embrace. Because even though I loved this man with every fiber of my being, he might not feel the same.<br /> Text messages from another woman.<br /> A hidden cell phone.<br /> Sudden long hours away from his family.<br /> Cheating.<br /> There was a strong possibility that the man I loved was cheating on me.<br /> ---<br /> Rob was back to snoring when I crept through the bedroom. I shook my head and closed the door behind me, heading for the top of the stairs.<br /> That was when I heard the first noise.<br /> A moan. The rustling of bedclothes. I dropped my shoes and bolted for Allie’s bedroom.<br /> She began crying.<br /> “Mom!”<br /> I skirted the mess of toys on the floor, picking my way across with all the finesse of an American Ninja Warrior.<br /> “What’s wrong, honey?” I asked.<br /> “I don’t—”<br /> I was already reaching for her when she exploded.<br /> Okay, not exploded exactly. More like Poltergeist-vomited, all over me. It dripped down my hair, soaked into my blouse, my jeans, the carpet, and bedding.<br /> Perfect. Just perfect.<br /> Allie began crying in earnest, and I soothed her as I swept her into my arms. We made it to the bathroom in record time.<br /> I set her down in front of the toilet, holding her hair back when she gagged again and again. “I’m sorry, honey,” I said when she stopped. Then I wet a towel and wiped her face and neck. “Let’s get you out of these clothes.”<br /> She was shaking, tears sliding down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Mommy.”<br /> “Shh. Not your fault.” I wrapped her in a towel and cuddled her close until she stopped shivering. “Let’s get you a quick bath, and then I’ll set you up on the couch, okay?”<br /> “O-okay.”<br /> Fifteen minutes later she was in clean pajamas, wrapped in blankets, and tucked into the couch, a bucket within arm’s reach.<br /> I went back upstairs to strip the sheets and clean the carpet. Then I carried all of the dirty linens back down to the laundry room and tossed them in the washer. By now the vomit had mostly dried on my clothes and hair, and I was in desperate need of a shower.<br /> Time would tell if this was the stomach bug plague or if Allie had just eaten something that didn’t agree with her.<br /> Would one fall? Or would they all?<br /> I snorted quietly as I slipped back into the bedroom, only to be bowled over by Rocco, wagging tail and wriggly butt. Rob must have let him out. He sniffed the carpet, did a one-eighty.<br /> Uh-oh, potty time.<br /> “Come on,” I said, opening the door.<br /> He pushed past me and sprinted down the stairs. I hustled after him, not wanting him to wake up Allie, who’d finally fallen back asleep.<br /> But I needn’t have worried. He bypassed the living room completely and went straight to the back door. “Good boy,” I told him and opened it just wide enough for him to slip out. The icy morning breeze shot through the gap, having the dual effect of kicking up the smell of puke on my person and cutting directly through my still-damp clothes.<br /> I shivered. “Hurry up, dog.”<br /> Rocco took a few more minutes. It was too cold to leave him outside, young as he was. Of course, he was the one with the thick fur.<br /> Finally, he was done and sprinted for the opening into the house.<br /> Or rather, crashed into the door, since those brakes were still under training.<br /> “Come on, goofy,” I told him as I snagged his collar and corralled him past the sleeping Allie on the sofa.<br /> I’d already lost count of the trips up and down the stairs and it wasn’t even six yet. Who said my butt wasn’t high and tight? At this rate, I’d be a Kardashian in no time. Rocco wriggled his way alongside me, not fighting when I stuck him back in his kennel. Though that was probably because I promised him breakfast after I’d showered.<br /> The bathroom light shone through the crack in the bottom of the door, and the bed was empty.<br /> That plus the absence of chainsaw sounds told me Rob was in the bathroom.<br /> Who was the detective now? I thought with a smirk.<br /> I crossed to the bathroom and opened the door.<br /> Or tried to.<br /> It was locked.<br /> I frowned.<br /> Tried again.<br /> “Rob?” I knocked, tilted my head when I heard . . . was he talking to someone? “Rob?” I asked louder.<br /> The sounds inside the bathroom cut off. After a pause, he called, “Miss?”<br /> “The door is locked.”<br /> Another pause. Then footsteps. The locked clicked before the door swung open. Rob was wrapped in a towel, his chest undressed and glittering with drops of water. Normally, I’d have been distracted by those little beads of liquid. Today I barely noticed because there was a mark on his neck.<br /> A suspicious bruise on the base of his throat—<br /> Where someone might have pecked him.<br /> And that someone had not been me.<br /> Rob smiled, but it looked strained. “Sorry, hon. Force of habit.” He turned and walked into the closet, closing the door behind him.<br /> I was still on the threshold, blinking after him, when the door popped back open and he stuck his head out. “You look cute, by the way.”<br /> Before I could stammer out a thanks, the door shut again.<br /> Had he not noticed the puke? Or was he trying to be nice because it looked like I’d been put through the wringer?<br /> Or perhaps most important of all, had I imagined the mark?<br /> I rushed the shower, hissing as the cold water streamed from my hair and down my back.<br /> Rob came out of the closet just as I stepped out, shivering more violently than Allie had been an hour earlier. He wore a button-down shirt, tie, and slacks.<br /> “You look nice,” I said, unable to ignore the fact that the shirt covered his neck. Should I pull it down and confront him?<br /> “Meeting with the chief today.”<br /> Darlington was too small for its own police force. Rob worked at the county sheriff’s office. The bigger force meant more resources for our little group of towns and better coverage.<br /> “What about?” I asked as I wrapped a towel around my head.<br /> “A case I’ve been working on.”<br /> “What case?” I ran the towel up one leg, then the other. Rob’s eyes followed the movement.<br /> “Can’t talk about it yet,” he said. I frowned, but before I could press his answer—we always discussed his cases, if not in specifics then at least in generals—he went on, “When was the last time you had something besides a salad?”<br /> I straightened, pulling the towel around my breasts. “What do you mean?”<br /> “You’re too thin, Miss.”<br /> “What?”<br /> He crossed over to me, pulling the towel open and splaying one hand over my side.<br /> My heart skipped a beat. Calloused fingers. Rough skin against smooth. I forgot about the bruise on his neck, about the phone and suspicions. I wanted his hand to move.<br /> Up or down. I almost didn’t care.<br /> I needed him to touch me.<br /> His head dropped next to mine, hot breath on my neck, my ear. “You need to eat more.”<br /> It took a second for the words to process. I stiffened, leaned back.<br /> Not that it mattered since Rob had already stepped away.<br /> ---<br /> The bed dipped, and I rolled over to see Rob sitting on the side of the bed.<br /> “Is there anything for dinner?” he asked.<br /> “Not today,” I said. “We were all sick.”<br /> His dark brows pulled down. “You were? Why didn’t you call me?”<br /> “I texted you three times.”<br /> “You did? I didn’t get them.” He pulled out his cell and unlocked it. The little green box had a red bubble with a three in the upper right corner. He tapped it and, lo and behold, my messages were there.<br /> Any chance you can come home early? The stomach plague has hit.<br /> <br /> I’m feeling really lousy, could use some help.<br /> <br /> So much puke. I need backup.<br /> <br /> “Sht,” he muttered.<br /> I reached over him, tapped the lower case “i” on the right side of the screen, and swiped off the mute function.<br /> “Maybe don’t put your wife on Do Not Disturb?”<br /> “Oh, I didn’t realize—”<br /> I sighed and flopped over to my side, facing away from him. My heart felt fragile, ready to shatter into a million pieces. I kept telling myself that I was crazy, that things were fine and we were going through a rough patch.<br /> But . . .<br /> This didn’t feel like a rough patch. It felt like—<br /> I bit my lip hard, stopping the thought before it could completely materialize.<br /> We’d worked through tough times before. Every couple had ups and downs. What made us different was that we could talk to each other about anything.<br /> Or we used to, anyway.<br /> I turned my head so I could see him over my shoulder. “Not realizing things seems to be the theme with you lately, Rob. Can we talk about what’s going on? It’s not like you to be so detached.”<br /> Silence.<br /> He sat six inches away from me, eyes on his phone, and he didn’t even look at me.<br /> He. Didn’t. Look. At. Me.<br /> In that moment, I felt ten years old again. Begging my mom to see me. To want me. To value me.<br /> And in that moment, I hated my husband for making me feel that way.<br /> I wasn’t that little girl any longer. I knew my own worth. I—<br /> Didn’t beg for love. That came internally. I loved myself.<br /> Because Rob had given me the strength to learn how.<br /> His touch made me jump.<br /> It was a gentle caress, one soft brush of his thumb beneath my eye to collect a drop of moisture I hadn’t realized was there.<br /> “Miss, I—”<br /> His phone rang. He glanced down at it, and I held my breath, waiting for him, wishing he would decline it.<br /> He didn’t.<br /> His finger swiped across the screen.<br /> “Hello?” Rob said and walked from the room.<br /> I think we urgently need to talk.<br /> For my kids.<br /> For me.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.popstorys.com/ad/UmVhZGZpYy8yNTE2NjQvMjA	122101967096006835	Hut001	https://facebook.com/61550056771112	69	1	1,028,049,098,665,848	2024-07-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Hut001	120210538224430366	a.popstorys.com	NONE	video		https://a.popstorys.com/ad/UmVhZGZpYy8yNTE2NjQvMjAyNDA3MjUxMTQ5NDAvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-07-24 23:40	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452750596_367292039731047_7656969023157608948_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VpcgHbYGVWMQ7kNvgFWXx_G&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYB_L5k6CMYDYFHYyB_-Zw37ymNplyclompGTYpaS_vwlw&oe=66A9F570	person_profile	Hut001	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452750630_1008635707152965_9210704738724652613_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yopoUNwVarEQ7kNvgHqOy7B&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB45l0ACzVpfBhdPKBWByTzbQfiYvj_vIdToaHK-a38bQ&oe=66AA1E29	3	Hut001	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,938,674	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938491}'	Yes	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	1026049642560843	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	Had he almost smooched her last night?<br /> <br /> He ran his hand through his messy hair and went to his own room to clean up and get dressed. The more he tried to remember, the more it seemed he had indeed almost smooched her.<br /> <br /> Not that he was happy she had gotten sick, but it was for the best. smooching would have messed up everything.<br /> It didn't matter if they had a great time talking about old times. It didn't matter that her smile made his body respond in the same way it did when he was twenty-two. Under all the happy times and the great memories were still two people who had major problems.<br /> <br /> Problems that wouldn't just go away with a bottle of beverage.<br /> <br /> She wanted things he couldn't give her, and he had obliterated any chance they'd had to reconcile by moving out and filing for divorce without even talking to her, and then taking on a girlfriend immediately. She would never be able to forgive him for that. The fact that she was even able to be civil was a testament to how incredibly generous she was.<br /> ————————<br /> <br /> Just then her ears popped from the pressure as they climbed farther up into the mountains. Some things couldn't change, like gravity or air pressure or how much she still loved the man sitting next to her. She sighed and pushed the thought away. It was such a beautiful April day, it was impossible not to be happy on some level.<br /> They drove through the small town near the cabin. There were two places to eat, a post office, a tiny grocery store, a gas station, and four churches.<br /> "Why don't we stop and pick up some food? I can make dinner," she suggested.<br /> He eyed her with a little smile.<br /> "You're going to make me dinner?" he asked.<br /> "I'm going to make dinner and you can have some. Don't make a big deal out of it," she said, trying to hide a smile.<br /> "You always need to feed everyone," he teased her as he pulled in at the grocery store.<br /> "It's not the worst problem to have." She stuck out her tongue as she jumped out of the car.<br /> He pushed the cart while she filled it with the ingredients needed to make the few meals they would need over the weekend. She also got some lunch meat and breakfast items. Ian hissed an enthusiastic "Yes!" when she threw the bacon in the cart.<br /> At the checkout, Ian held out his credit card and pushed hers away playfully.<br /> "You fry, I'll buy," he joked.<br /> The awkwardness between them was completely gone by the time they loaded up the groceries and continued on their way.<br /> When they pulled into the parking area in front of the cabin, her whole body relaxed. It was impossible to be there and be tense. It was as if the mountains wouldn't allow it.<br /> She looked over at Ian and saw him relaxing, too. He gave her a grin, like he couldn't help it.<br /> The scents that greeted them when Ian opened the door for her were like coming home. The smell of wood, from the floors and the paneling. Smoke from the fireplace, mixed in with the light smell of dust, old air, and whatever had been cooked there last before it got sealed inside.<br /> She smiled as she looked up at the high ceiling in the main room. Opposite the front door was a large wall of windows that looked out over the small backyard, the deck, and then the view of the mountains and the valley below. To the right was a two-story stone fireplace with a rustic mantel that held photos of the Montgomery family over the years.<br /> To the left, the wall went up to the loft. It was covered in frames. More photos of family mixed in with some paintings and other art. It was eclectic and probably assembled over the years without much planning, but she always thought it was laid out beautifully.<br /> Under the loft area was the eat-in kitchen and laundry room. Up the stairs were two bedrooms and the bathrooms. It was cozy and perfect.<br /> She and Ian unloaded the groceries together. They made sandwiches side by side, sharing the condiments and laughing when they reached for the same thing at the same time. When they were finished with their hasty dinner, he opened a bottle of white beverage from the cellar and poured both of them a glass.<br /> "You want to sit out and catch the sunset with me?" he offered.<br /> "Sure. Thanks." She took the glass and grabbed a blanket off the sofa before she followed him out on the deck.<br /> In the past they used to share one of the large wooden chaises that lined the deck. They would snuggle up so long they'd sometimes fall asleep out there.<br /> This time, they each took their own seat. Hers felt too big, like it would swallow her up. Ian slid it so it would be positioned for a good show. As he bent to move his, she saw the top of his boxers sticking out above his cargo shorts. His muscles flexed under his T-shirt, and she gulped down her beverage and tried to look away.<br /> Ian was hot. She'd thought it the first time she met him, and it was just as true today. He was tall and muscular, with dark hair and warm brown eyes that made her melt.<br /> She already knew she missed Ian. His comfort and how he could make her laugh when she was having a bad day. But she hadn't fully realized how much she'd missed him in the physical sense.<br /> She hadn't allowed herself to think about him sexually because intercourse—or at least the ineffectiveness of it—had kind of been the root of their problems. But being there with him, drinking beverage and watching the sunset, brought memories of passionate times flitting through her mind. She drank more beverage in an effort to keep them at bay. Ian was waiting to refill her glass when it was empty.<br /> "This is nice," she said stupidly.<br /> He looked over at her and smiled. "It is nice. Thanks for agreeing to come with me."<br /> "No one says no to Jimmy." She shrugged and finished her second glass of beverage.<br /> "Did he boss you around in his letter?" he guessed.<br /> She nodded slowly. "Pretty much."<br /> "Me, too," he said as he took a drink and then filled their glasses again. "To Jimmy. Telling us what we don't want to hear, because I guess we need to hear it anyway," he said.<br /> "To Jimmy," she said in agreement, and tapped her glass against his before taking a sip.<br /> Lexi's teeth were chattering, but she still insisted she didn't want to go inside yet.<br /> He didn't blame her. The stars were out, and without the light pollution from civilization, it looked like they could reach up and help themselves to one.<br /> They finished off the second bottle of beverage, and he was feeling very relaxed. He had been nervous about this trip, but so far they'd been able to chat about easy things and have a good time, considering.<br /> Seeing her huddled up in the blanket on the chaise made him want to snuggle in beside her and offer his warmth, but he didn't.<br /> He watched her openly as she looked up at the sky. Her dark hair scattered around her shoulders and a content expression on her face.<br /> She yawned.<br /> "Come on. Let's go in before you fall asleep out here and I have to chisel your frozen body off that chair in the morning," he said.<br /> She laughed a little easier than normal. Alexis was a lightweight, and the beverage had made her tipsy. God, he loved her laugh. Another thing he'd taken for granted when they were together.<br /> As he helped her up, she stumbled, and he instinctively put his arm around her back to right her so she wouldn't fall. God, he loved touching her, too.<br /> He followed her inside, keeping his focus on the floor so he wouldn't look at her when they were so close.<br /> It was only when he lifted his head that he realized he was a bit tipsy as well. The room slanted slightly.<br /> "Whoa." He laughed, and Lexi laughed with him. "You're so beautiful when you laugh. Did I ever tell you that?" he said without thinking first.<br /> She stopped laughing and just blinked at him.<br /> "Um. Yeah. You did. A long time ago."<br /> "I should have told you every day." Why couldn't he stop talking? Oh, right. He'd drunk a bottle of beverage.<br /> Lexi flopped down on the sofa and let her head rest on the pillow.<br /> "I'm just going to sleep here. I can't make it upstairs."<br /> "Come on. I'll carry you," he offered.<br /> "You can't carry me."<br /> "Why not? You're skinnier than you were the last time I carried you."<br /> She glanced down at herself and frowned.<br /> "It's strange that I lost weight after so many nights of eating cookie dough and ice cream for dinner. Maybe I cried the weight off," she said with a sad giggle.<br /> "Lex, I'm—"<br /> "I'm so sorry. Pretend I didn't say that.I'm drunk. That beverage is like truth serum."<br /> "Let me help you to bed. You might want to be near a bathroom in case this goes bad." Something he was expecting to be inevitable after seeing her try to get up from the sofa.<br /> He wrapped his arm around her waist and hefted her to her feet, which caused another bout of the giggles.<br /> "I like your muscles. Did I ever tell you that?" she said.<br /> "Yeah, Lex, you did." He smiled at her confession.<br /> "I should have told you every day," she said, repeating his words.<br /> "I think you might have," he joked.<br /> He got her into her room and flipped on the light in the attached bathroom so she could find it easily when she needed it.<br /> She sat on the end of the bed and tried to unlace her sneakers.<br /> "Here. Let me." He bent down and untied them. When he got them off he looked up. Her face was so close. Her beautiful face.<br /> Her blue eyes studied him intently. They were inviting him. He leaned in, wanting to smooch her.<br /> His mouth was so close to hers that he could feel her breath against his lips. His heart was pounding like it would be their very first smooch, instead of the millionth time he'd smooched her.<br /> Just when they were about to touch, she pulled back quickly. Her blue eyes were wide with surprise.<br /> For a second, he assumed she realized what was about to happen and stopped because it was such an incredibly bad idea, but then he saw her skin tone change from her normal ivory to a putrid greenish color.<br /> "I don't feel well," she announced, and with that, she jumped up and ran to the bathroom to throw up.<br /> <br /> ...<br /> She couldn't believe this was happening to her.<br /> Not just that she was on some strange weekend road trip with her ex-husband and was now sick, but that he was in the bathroom with her, holding her hair and wetting a washcloth for her neck.<br /> It was surreal.<br /> The only thing she could seem to get out between the heaving was a torrent of apologies. All of which he assured her were unnecessary, while he rubbed her back in that soothing way of his.<br /> "Why did you drink so much?" he asked when it seemed her stomach was content to stay inside her body.<br /> "I was having a nice time talking to you. I guess I wasn't paying attention." She sounded so stupid, but he simply brushed his hand down her hair and sighed.<br /> She was able to stand long enough to brush her teeth and stumble to bed, where she fell in and closed her eyes, hoping to disappear.<br /> That didn't happen.<br /> When she opened her eyes, she thought she was dreaming.<br /> Ever since Ian had moved out, she'd had dreams of him in bed with her. Holding her. Smiling. Sometimes other things, but for the most part, he was just there. The reassurance of him helped her sleep, whether real or imaginary.<br /> She put her hand out slowly and touched his face.<br /> This was real.<br /> He was in bed with her.<br /> One glance down and she could see they were both still clothed and lying on top of the covers. They had literally crashed there; Ian's one foot wasn't even on the bed.<br /> Moving quicker than was comfortable, she grabbed some clean clothes and jumped in the shower, hoping not to wake him.<br /> She wasn't sure how to deal with their sleeping together, despite the fact that nothing had happened. They'd had a great time the night before. The beverage and the laughter had made it feel like old times.<br /> She froze with suds on her face.<br /> Had he almost smooched her?<br /> Surely she was mistaken. Or maybe it was wishful thinking. A drunken hallucination? Maybe she had dreamed of him moving closer, with those chocolate eyes melting.<br /> She tiptoed out of the bathroom with her hair still dripping.<br /> There he was. Lying across the bed, looking like a god.<br /> Without a sound, she grabbed her sneakers, left the room, and went downstairs.<br /> She grabbed a granola bar and a bottle of water before heading out for a long walk. She needed to make sense of this situation and get her feelings in check before she did something even worse than throw up in front of him.<br /> When Ian woke up, he was alone in Lexi's bed.<br /> He was both relieved and saddened by this.<br /> Crawling into bed next to her had been like a soothing relief for his heart. He hadn't even realized how much he missed lying next to her just to sleep.<br /> Had he almost smooched her last night?<br /> He ran his hand through his messy hair and went to his own room to clean up and get dressed. The more he tried to remember, the more it seemed he had indeed almost smooched her.<br /> Not that he was happy she had gotten sick, but it was for the best. smooching would have messed up everything.<br /> It didn't matter if they had a great time talking about old times. It didn't matter that her smile made his body respond in the same way it did when he was twenty-two. Under all the happy times and the great memories were still two people who had major problems.<br /> Problems that wouldn't just go away with a bottle of beverage—or two.<br /> She wanted things he couldn't give her, and he had obliterated any chance they'd had to reconcile by moving out and filing for divorce without even talking to her, and then taking on a girlfriend immediately. She would never be able to forgive him for that. The fact that she was even able to be civil was a testament to how incredibly generous she was.<br /> The downstairs was empty, and for a second he worried she'd left, but her purse was still there. Her suitcase had been in her bedroom. She was coming back.<br /> She'd probably just gone for a walk, like she normally did when they came there.<br /> Should he go after her? Should he leave her alone?<br /> He decided to leave her alone, mainly because he didn't trust himself to be near her when he was still thinking of how warm her body was when she was lying next to him in bed.<br /> He definitely needed to clear his head before he saw her again.<br /> After breakfast, he wasted a bunch of time straightening things. Then he jumped in the car and went for a drive into town to stock up the beverage cellar. Because beverage had worked out so great the night before.<br /> When he got back, he decided to go looking for her. He told himself he only wanted to make sure she was safe, but he knew the truth. He wanted to be with her. He wanted to make her laugh. He wanted to talk with her about easy things. He wanted to be happy again.<br /> He was also aware of the other things he wanted. Things he couldn't have. Things like touching her, and smooching her.<br /> Hopefully, she wouldn't remember how close he'd come to smooching her the night before.<br /> Ian had definitely planned to smooch her.<br /> Lexi determined this while walking around the lake for the second time. Needing to talk to Roslyn or Kelly, she pulled out her phone to find she had no reception. She was on her own to figure this out. Why else would he lean down close to her lips with that unmistakable look in his eyes?<br /> He was going to smooch her.<br /> She didn't know why, other than the fact that he had been drunk, too, and maybe he had slipped into something that had been so normal he never needed to think about it.<br /> So many times she'd smooched him and never given a thought that it might be the last time. Until it was too late.<br /> She sat on the same bench she had sat on with Uncle Jimmy in the fall. Back then, the leaves had been a multitude of warm colors. Now everything was sticks and buds. A reddish haze, threatening to burst open and unleash the green at any moment.<br /> Her phone was still able to tell her the time at least. It was after noon.<br /> She needed to get back before Ian launched a search party.<br /> Before she got up, someone sat down next to her.<br /> "I was just about to send out a search party," Ian informed her, making her heart hurt. She knew him so well.<br /> She gave him a smile and looked out over the lake.<br /> "I was just thinking and lost track of time," she said.<br /> "What were you thinking about?"<br /> "How much I hate white beverage." They laughed together.<br /> "I just got back from the store. There's plenty of red in the cellar."<br /> "Good."<br /> "Were you hiding from me?" he asked quietly.<br /> "Yeah. That, too."<br /> "Sorry. You know how much I hate being alone." She did. He hated it, thus he got himself a girlfriend immediately after leaving her.<br /> It wasn't like she liked being by herself, but what choice did she have? She wasn't going to force herself into a relationship just so she didn't have to be alone.<br /> "Maybe you should talk to someone about that," she suggested.<br /> "I have. I talked to you," he reasoned.<br /> "I'm a guidance counselor, not a therapist."<br /> "Still." He shrugged it off, missing the point.<br /> Ian had never been alone. His mother and older sister had taken care of him when he was little. He'd always had tons of friends and cousins to hang out with. He didn't know how to be content on his own for very long. He would get restless and seek out companionship.<br /> Just like he did when they got divorced.<br /> "I guess we should get back," she said as she stood and stretched.<br /> "I made us lunch," he said.<br /> "Thanks."<br /> "I guess that leaves you to handle dinner, if we're taking turns." He grinned innocently at her, making her laugh.<br /> <br /> ...<br /> As they walked down the trail to the cabin, her hand seemed to want to reach out to him on its own. Twice she noticed his hand twitch. Maybe he was having the same problem.<br /> Before she realized it, they were at the Place. She had been so focused on not touching him, she hadn't noticed which path they were taking back to the house.<br /> This path led them right past the downed tree where Ian had proposed.<br /> He had brought her to the cabin for a romantic weekend on spring break. On the way back from the lake, he'd stopped suddenly on the path, pretending he had something in his shoe. She'd sat on the benchlike branch, looking up at the trees while he bent down to remove the irritation.<br /> Then she felt something touch her knee, and when she looked over there, he had the ring box open, a huge grin on his face.<br /> It had never crossed her mind it wouldn't last, so she'd shouted "yes" almost before he got the question out. That had been a long time ago.<br /> She froze at the sight of the tree and that memory.<br /> Ian stopped when she did, and then awareness came over his face as tears streamed down hers.<br /> "I'm sorry, Lex. I'm so stupid. I wasn't thinking about which way we were going," he apologized.<br /> She brushed the tears away quickly and gave him a strained smile.<br /> "It's fine. It's not a bad memory. It's one of my favorites. It just hit me a little hard. I'm okay."<br /> For a second he looked uncomfortable as his hands flexed into fists by his side, and then he grabbed her and pulled her against his chest in a hard embrace.<br /> He didn't say anything for a long time. He just held her, rubbing her back. She wasn't crying anymore; she was too busy taking him in. She couldn't get enough of his smell, the hardness of the muscles in his chest, and the feeling of his hands on her back.<br /> She felt treasured and protected, like she always had in his arms.<br /> "It's one of my favorite memories, too," he whispered as he let her go.<br /> She instantly felt alone again.<br /> To cover the overpowering loss, she wrapped her arms around herself and started walking again.<br /> "We have a lot of great memories," she said, not looking at him.<br /> "Yes, I know. I haven't really allowed myself to think about them lately. It seemed unfair." He sniffed and shook his head. "I hope someday you can forgive me, so I can remember all those great times without the guilt."<br /> "You don't have anything to feel guilty about, Ian."<br /> He nodded, but it was obvious he didn't agree with her; he just didn't want to argue.<br /> As promised, the red beverage came out for dinner.<br /> Ian made a show of marking down how many glasses she had on the notepad hanging on the refrigerator.<br /> "I'm cutting you off after three," he said as he helped her carry the dirty dishes to the sink and wash them.<br /> He was always a partner with household chores. When they were married, he was content to do laundry and dishes. He always said it saved time, so when she came home they could just relax. They still worked together in perfect synchronization.<br /> Soon they were done and sitting on the deck again, with beverage refill number three.<br /> As he sat next to Lexi on the deck, Ian tried to see things from her perspective. He couldn't comprehend what she had said on the way back from the lake that afternoon. How could she not hate him, much less not want him to feel guilty for leaving her?<br /> She was already hurting from the failed attempts to start a family, and he'd left her to deal with everything on her own. Not only had he hurt her but he'd kicked her while she was down. The divorce, the girlfriend? God, how could she even stand to be near him without stabbing him? Men had been stabbed for lesser offenses.<br /> It wasn't as if he remembered his wedding vows word for word, but he knew there had been a lot of promises of forever in them. Or at least until he died.<br /> Maybe that was it, though, the loophole that absolved him of this traitorous act.<br /> Ever since that afternoon when he'd closed the door at their home for the last time, he had felt dead inside. A shell of the man he was when he bent down beside that tree and held up the ring with hope in his eyes and love in his heart.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.crazynovelapp.com/ad/cG9wU3Rvcmllcy8yNTI	159053407284011	Cra0005	https://facebook.com/61552221517359	42	1	376,312,435,484,210	2024-07-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Cra0005	120213804884420404	a.crazynovelapp.com	NONE	video		https://a.crazynovelapp.com/ad/cG9wU3Rvcmllcy8yNTI5NzAvMjAyNDA3MjUxODIzNTUvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-07-25 05:26	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452951360_468306592802783_8811560710390474382_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OL3SX6hjH4wQ7kNvgFW4mPS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCgqK8fIpmHvAzp8L6-zIuzPfX-XoMOigpvEGBq2WX_Sw&oe=66AA2203	person_profile	Cra0005	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452588686_427667780240058_6409685411928376997_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=k1zfI3kFeQEQ7kNvgFgYuzs&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYDNyf8GmvydakjPo-7GkMSs0ed7f4xP6o87OLOfiEbmgA&oe=66AA1A85	3	Cra0005	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,938,675	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938598}'	Yes	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	1030360438424217	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Your pregnant by Ryder, right?" She asked and I just nodded. Not even know why I just answered that when she knows him. "He is like my brother, we live together!" She said.<br /> My eyes widen, "You can't tell him!" I jumped up. She looked shocked and confused. "Why not?"<br /> I didn't know why. Did I want him to know? Did he want to be a father to my child? Was he going to just reject us? I was just a one night stand.<br /> "He won't care! He is a biker and wouldn't want this kid." I yelled.<br /> __________<br /> Talia POV<br /> 3 YEARS LATER<br /> I woke up to my alarm on my nightstand blaring loudly as I moan and grab it to shut the annoying beeping up. I stretched my body before I rolled out my bed and headed towards the bathroom to do my morning business.<br /> Your probably a little confused. Well let me explain real quick, the day I got the job, Kelly made a few phone calls and was able to find me a cheap, small one bedroom apartment. That same day, she called her husband and told him to bring me a bed from one of their guest bedrooms. She also took me grocery shopping and bought me a small TV for my room. Kelly was really sweet lady, like a mother figure and of course I kept telling her I didn't need all that and not to bother but she ignored me. I didnt realize that walking into that Diner, I wasnt going to just get a job, but I was also going to get a new home.<br /> I finish getting ready for my shift at the diner. I was walking out my front door when I noticed a piece of paper that was slid under my front door. I picked it up and ripped it open. Moaning when I noticed it was another shut off notice. I sighed in annoyance because this is the second one I got in the last two months.<br /> About a year ago, we got a new landlord and he is the true definition of an prick. He even looked like the part. You know the creepy, rude, aggressive and perverted kind of prick. He raised everyones rent and it annoying because now I cant keep up with all my bills on time and have been paying rent late. Like this month, I am almost two weeks behind on rent. Its frustratingly hard and he doesnt care. All my bills are piling up and all stamped as past due. I get a migraine just looking at the big bold red letters. I read the notice again before I roll my eyes and place it on my counter before leaving out the door, heading to work.<br /> After a fifteen minute walk, I arrive and see that the diner is in full swing. It was just about 10am and we were still serving breakfast. We tend to be more busy during breakfast before anything else. I walk in the back and place my bag in my locker and grab my aprin that has my name on it. I tie it and started to head to the front to grab my notepad and to see what tables I'm assigned to during my shift.<br /> While looking at the sheet, Im interrupted by someone moaning. I look behind me and see Alicia. Since the day I got the job, we became really close friends. She trained me and we became someone important to me since than. We hung out outside of work, went shopping, had coffee days and girls night at each others house.<br /> "Im so glad your here, Lia. Its been a crazy morning." She said as she places the bucket of dirty dishes in the sink. I look around the diner and nod, "I can see that. I was just looking at the tables Im assigned to." I said as she turned to face me. "Yeah, I have been working mine and yours since Kayla decided not to show up for work again." She rolled her eyes. "Again?" I question with a frown and she nods, "I dont see why Kelly doesnt just fire her. She is never here." She scoffs.<br /> "She did." I looked at her and she smiled widely, "Thank goodness. Kayla was a snob and she was so lazy. She never kept up with her tables and was consantly rude. Very flirtation with every single guy or man in a suit that she considered cute or thought had money." She rolled her eyes, making me shake my head at her.<br /> "Well I'm going to clean the tables you just got these dishes up from and start dealing with my tables. Ill see you at 3pm for our break." I say as I hug her and start to walk to the messy tables to clean and then work on taking orders.<br /> I like working mornings because this is where I make most of my tips. One time this family left me a $50 tip. I was suprised and blessed that day. It might not seem a lot but to someone who makes minimum wage, it's a lot. Finishing up breakfast around 11:30, I would have served about 20 tables by the time lunch time hit. We get a lot of pick up orders during lunch time, which I love since it means less cleaning.<br /> I'm currently taking a huge order on the phone when I look over to my right and see Alicia sitting there smiling at her phone. She had this glint in her eyes and when she looked at me, she smirked and I knew that smirk to well. It was something that's going to get us in some trouble. Trouble that I didn't need right now.<br /> The last three years, I have noticed a lot of things about Alicia. She is the life of the party, the friend that lifts your spirit when your down. She always comes up with these weird ideas that sound crazy but ends up being two different ways. It can be actually fun or become a problem. So when she looked at me with that smirk, I knew it was going to be one of those and to be honest, I didn't really want to find out.<br /> I finish taking the order and handed the chef the order so he can get to work on it. When I came back to the front, Alicia was making her way to me with a grin on her face. Here we go, I thought to myself.<br /> "Sooooo, you know how we're both not working tomorrow?" She said and I nodded because I knew where this was going. "And you know how it's Friday?" I nod again. "Well, I got invited to a-" I shook my head to quickly cut her off, "Nope."<br /> She gasped, "How you going to say nope and you don't even know what I was going to say." I gave her that 'your kidding me' look. She knew I hated parties but never stopped trying to make me go with her. She rolled her eyes at me and I shook my head before looking at her.<br /> "Every single time you get invited to a party, we end up getting into some drama. Like last time, remember when we got into that fight because you were pecking that girls boyfriend." I said, remembering how crazy that party was.<br /> We got invited to this college party from one of Alicia friends and the moment we walked in, this guy kept on looking at Alicia. Like a predator looking at his prey. Alicia loved it since she is into all that kinky attention seeking things. She loved the attention she gets from guys. She sucks that in and runs with it. We are defiantly the complete opposites. But anyways, the guy end up coming up to her and they were chatting most of the night and within an hour or so, I was ditched and they were making out in the corner of the living room. I didn't mind since I was used to it. While I was in the kitchen getting me another drink, some random girl came up to tell me that the person I came in with was arguing with someone. I followed the girl to see what she was talking about and seen Alicia and some girl fighting. Yelling and swinging at each other. Apparently the girl was the guys fianc茅. Some fianc茅, right?<br /> But I had to jump in because one of the girls friends or sister tried to jump in and I wasn't going to let Alicia get jumped. I was her friend and I wasn't going to let anything happen to her. In the end, cops were called and we got arrested and ended up spending the night in jail. It was my first time in jail, I was angry with Alicia for a few days but now we just laugh about it.<br /> "It's not a party this time, it's a bar and I'll be treating you all night." She said, wiggling her eyebrows and I looked at her. A bar doesn't sound to bad and I could use a drink or two. Especially with the eviction threat and stuff. I could use a night out.<br /> The diner phone started ringing and I walked over to it, "Fine, I'll come." I said before picking up the phone and taking yet, another big order.<br /> She clapped and yelled as she went to go finish cleaning the tables.<br /> All I know is that, if I knew tonight was going to change my life extremely, I probably would of never went. I probably would of never drank and made the mistake of not being careful.<br /> Talia POV<br /> After we got off work, Alicia brings me to her place. She said we could just get ready there and she had a casual, simple bar outfit I can wear. She knew I wasn't into all that extra showing skin, mini skirts and crop tops. So I trusted her and agreed to just leave with her when our shift ended.<br /> When 7pm hit, we clocked out and headed to her place to get ready for tonight. She was to excited for tonight. She got in the shower first and once she finished, she left it running so I could hop in right after.<br /> The moment I stepped in that shower, I knew I didn't have much time before the water went cold so I quickly washed my hair, scrubbed my body and got out. It was a good fifteen minutes before I got out and wrapped myself in the white towel she gave me.<br /> Walking out the bathroom and headed towards her bedroom, there she sat at her vanity, doing her make-up. I smiled at her because man was she beautiful.<br /> She had thick golden reddish brown hair, and gorgeous green eyes. She had a freckles that lingered across her nose and cheeks, even though they were barely visible. She had this glowing olive tan skin. She could be a model and she knows it. I walk over to the bed and I looked and seen that she laid out two outfits.<br /> One outfit was all black outfit with a leather jacket and the other was a snake skin tank and light blue jeans.<br /> I was going to ask her what outfit is mine but she beat me to it.<br /> "The all black one is yours since I know it's your favorite color. It's classy. What you think?" She asked and I smiled at her. "It's great, Alicia."<br /> "Good, get dressed and then we can switch and you can do your makeup and hair, while I get dress." She said before she turned back around to finish straightening her long hair.<br /> I put the outfit on quickly and looked at myself in the full body mirror she had. It was hung up on her sliding closet door. Once I got the outfit on, I looked at myself and I like it, it was so me. The black knee cut, high waist jeans and the black simple tank top.<br /> I didn't put the leather jacket on, just yet because I didn't want to ruin it before we left.<br /> She finished doing her hair by the time I buttoned up my jeans. We switched places and I quickly blow dried my hair before I curled it with the wand. Once I finished doing big curls, I ran my finger threw them to make them look more natural.<br /> I don't wear make-up really so I did a simple dark brown glittery eyeshadow, black eyeliner and mascara. Something simple and natural looking. I finished and turned to look at Alicia. She sat there buckling up her heels and the moment she stood up, I smiled at her.<br /> "If I was gay, I'd sleep you." I said and she looked at me wide eyed before she smiled. "Your such a weirdo." She said and I shrugged. I went by the bed to grab my black vans before I felt someone smack my shoes out my hands.<br /> "What do you think you are doing?" She asked and I looked at her confused. "Well I was trying to put my shoes on before you smacked them out my hand." I said as I rolled my eyes.<br /> She gasped, "I don't think so." She walked to her closet and stood there for a minute before she smiled, bent down and grabbed a pair of black heels and handed them to me.<br /> "Put these on." I looked at them for a second before I took them, sat down and put them on.<br /> I stood up after I laced them up and she moaned. "Girl, you look hot." She said and I just shook my head. "Let's go! I called an Uber when you were doing your make-up. Their outside already."<br /> (Their Outfits)<br /> I nodded and followed her out the house. We got in the Uber and she gave them the bar address. I looked at my phone and noticed that it was 9pm.<br /> Fifteen minutes later, we pulled up to a bar called 'Reds'. We got out and my eyes automatically widen at all the motorcycles that were parked and lined up outside the bar. Big huge men with bike vests smoking cigarettes as they talked to some women in short leather tight outfits.<br /> I looked towards Alicia and she had the biggest smile plastered on her face, "What you think?" She said and I scrunched my eyesbrows together, "You took me to a bikers bar!" I said and she just nodded, keeping that stupid smile on her face. I took a deep breath.<br /> "Come on, live a little. It will be so much fun." She said as she took my wrist and dragged me to the front door, where we gave the bouncer our ID's and when he handed them back to us, he wished us a fun night.<br /> We walked in and it was fully packed. People where playing pool and drinking spirits. They had money sat on the side of the pool tables, betting most likely. People were dancing with their drinks in their hands as waitresses walked around in tiny little outfits, delivering drinks to tables full of bikers. I knew this wasn't my kinda party but I needed to relax and maybe tonight wouldn't be as bad.<br /> We headed towards the bar where a pretty red headed girl was making drinks. She saw us and smiled.<br /> "What can I get y'all?" She asked and Alicia ordered us some whiskey shots and two spirits. I smiled at her choice, loving how well Alicia knew me. I'm not one of those girls that drinks fruity drinks. I like that sweet burn to the throat, dark western drinks.<br /> The red headed girl smiled, "This y'all first time in here?" She asked with a small country accent and I nodded. "Alright well then, first shots on me and I'll take one with y'all. How that sound?" She said as she pour three shots of whiskey and handed each of us one, "Welcome!" She yelled before we took the shots.<br /> "I'm Fawn!" She yelled over the music. I smiled at her "I'm Talia and this is Alicia." I introduced us as I pointed to Alicia, who has already ditched me to talk to some guy. I just rolled my eyes, which made Fawn laugh.<br /> I ordered another shot and she took that one with me as well. She was really pretty, she had bright hazel eyes and straight shoulder length dark red hair. She was short and curvy with boobs out this world. But unlike the rest of the waitresses here, she is covering them completely.<br /> "It's good to see new faces, especially when you see the same ones over and over again, it's exhausting." She giggled.<br /> "You been working here for awhile?" I asked and she nodded, "almost 5 years. I know the owner, he is my cousins bestfriend." She said as she pointed at a tall, bulky dude who sat with a few bikers. He had blond short hair and fully covered in tattoos. He was wearing a biker vest, like everyone else. As I looked at the table, one guy caught my eye.<br /> He was the most sexiest man I have ever seen. He was muscular, wearing a black t-shirt that showed his arms that were full of beautiful tattoo work. I knew his whole body had to be inked because I can see his chest a little and it was full of art work. But that face, his weight but wavy brown hair, dark piercing blue eyes that were staring deep into my soul that it sent a shiver down my spine. He had a perfectly sharp jawline and those beautiful parted lips. The way he sat, you can tell he was over six feet tall. He looked like god took his precious time to make him into a perfect.<br /> I felt a tap on my should and turned to see Fawn smirking at me. She stood next to a girl with short light brown hair and bright blue eyes. "This is Selena, she is my cousins Old Lady."<br /> I shook the girls hand, "Old Lady?" I asked and they bother giggled, "I'm sorry, old lady means girlfriend in biker language." I nodded showing them I understood. We started talking about a lot of random stuff. They were really sweet girls and I'm glad they were talking to me since Alicia left to the pool tables to make out with a biker dude.<br /> They kept giving me shots and I started to feel a little tipsy. We were laughing so hard until a deep husky voice spoke and it made me freeze in my spot.<br /> "Are y'all going to work or keep taking shots?" I turned to see who's body that dark voice belonged to and I turned myself and froze. It was that man that I was looking at. Gods special creation.<br /> "My bad Rider, this is Talia and it's her first time here. Her friend kinda of ditched her for Butch. Just trying to keep her company." Selena said and he nodded his head before he turned and looked at where Alicia was, laughing with the guy I guess named Butch. He turned back and looked at Selena, "Alright, get back to work." He said before he looked at me, "Does she always ditch you?" He asked.<br /> I sat there silently for a second before I answered, "Yeah, I'm use to it." I said and he nodded, "Okay, but you haven't even been here for 2 hours and she ditched you already." He said and I looked at him confused, "So you been watching me?" I asked and he took a step closer to me. We were just a few inches away from each other, he leaned down so his mouth was to my ear, "I've been watching you since the moment you walked into my bar."<br /> I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a second. When he spoke in my ear, his lips barely touched me and I wanted to lean into him. I opened my eyes and I seen he was looking at me with a smirk on his face, which made me blush.<br /> "Your bar?" I stuttered and he just nodded. I gulped before I turned my back to him and took a deep breath, asking Fawn for another spirits. She smirked at me and handed me the spirits. I took a sip and almost choked when I felt someone press against me from behind and their breath on the back of my neck.<br /> "You know, I haven't seen a girl that looks like you before." He whispered and I shuttered as I leaned back into his chest. "You are the most beautiful and innocent looking girl I have ever seen and all I want to do is take you home and make you beg under me."<br /> I gasped and I didn't know what was wrong with me. I knew I was drunk but I didn't know where the courage came from when I said, "Then do it." I don't know what happen next, all I know is I was leaving with this mysterious guy and we were on the back of a motorcycle, heading to somewhere. It wasn't the first time I rode on a bike before.<br /> We pulled up to a two story house and he took me straight through the front door and down a hall to the back of the house. He opened a door and pulled me into him before he kicked the door close with his foot.<br /> (Mature Content Warning)<br /> The moment my jacket was off, I was thrown onto a huge bed with black sheets. I tried to sit up slightly but was pushed down by lips pressed against mine. I moan and he took the opportunity to stick his tongue in my mouth. His warm tongue that tasted like whiskey and mint roamed the canvas of my mouth. His hands rubbing up and down my sides, gripping the hem of my black shirt before he pulled it up, over my head. Leaving me in my navy blue lace bra.<br /> He smiled down at me and ran his finger from my lips, down to just under my bra.<br /> "So beautiful." He said and it made me blush. He brung his fingers down and slowly ran them down my waist and into my hips. His fingers stop, just above my pant buckles.<br /> "Are you sure?" He said and I couldn't answer, all I knew was I needed him so not trusting my voice, I nodded my head and he took that as my answer and unbuttoned my jeans and slid them off in one smooth motion, along with the shoes I wore.<br /> I was so happy I wore matching panties because that would of been embarrassing. He reached his hands behind me and undid my bra and discarded it to the side. He grabbed the hem of my panties and pulled them down slowly as his fingers lightly touched my skin. When my panties were off, he ran his hands from my ankle to my knees and he stopped there and spread my legs wide so I was fully exposed to him. I was embarrassed. Don't get me wrong, I'm no virgin but I have never had intercourse with a man as good looking as him.<br /> He must of seen I was in my own world because seconds later, I was a moaning mess when I felt his hot tongue lick slowly down my core. I felt like I needed to come that second. He ate me out like he was starving and I was his favorite meal. He licked, sucked and fingered me until I was moaning loudly and had me under his spell. I have never moaned and withered under a man like this. The way his tongue explored every part of my core and the way he held my hips down so I couldn't escape, told me this was defiantly something he loved to do. I started seeing dots and I knew I was at my peek as I came into his mouth with a loud moan and he licked me all up, making sure he didn't miss a drop.<br /> I was in a daze that I didn't even know he was undressed until I heard a protection wrapped being open and he slid it on before he positioned himself at my entrance. My eyes went wide when I noticed his size. He was huge. Thick and long and I knew it was going to hurt. I have never slept anyone as big as him before. He had to be at least 9inches long and imagine it thick also.<br /> He slid into me slowly and I gasp. He paused for a second to let me get use to him. When he seen I was okay, he didn't wait, he rammed into me and I screamed. I felt the pain but then pleasure took over me as I wrapped my legs around him and he started sliding out slowly and then slamming back into me. Hitting that spot that make me moan and scream out. He barely entered me and I was already seeing dark dots. I was going to come again but I held back and wanted to wait. I wanted him to feel me tighten around him.<br /> "Your so tight!" He moaned and it only made me moan louder.<br /> So enough, the only thing that was surrounding the room was our moans and moan, as well as our skin slapping together.<br /> I don't know how long we were going at it, but I was loving every second of it and soon darkness consumed me.	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1,938,683	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938545}'	No	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	1049116793297557	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	I left only to find out I was pregnant with Ink's child a month later. 18 with no home, no family and totally out of options.<br /> Five years later, I came back to be a stripper at Ink's club. I would never forget his eyes which was the same as my daughter...<br /> I closed in on my car. Shoving the key in the door. Twisting it as fast as I could. I yanked the door.<br /> "Why do you have a booster seat in your car? It is for a baby, isn't it?" He said suddenly. <br /> Panic raced through me but I didn't make eye contact. I felt the blood drain from my face.<br /> "I...I..."<br /> ————————<br /> INK POV<br /> The curtain lifted as the dancer walked around the pole to the beat. A black sheer halterneck covered her chest with a small hood barely containing the raven black hair she had her firm hip barely contained by the strappy ripped shortys. Warm but naturally tanned skin covered her whole body with glitter making her shimmer under the spotlight.<br /> I instantly got hard. Straining against my jeans zipper.<br /> Sage quickly rushed behind the bar, her heels clicking against the flooring like a galloping horse.<br /> "Ink" she said anxiously but I couldn't take my eyes off the dancer.<br /> As the song got stronger the dancer climbed the pole with easy. Simple attractive with all eyes in the club on her.<br /> "Ink!" Sage repeated.<br /> As the dancer turned to face my way she made direct eye contact.<br /> Those ice blue eyes I'd remember anywhere.<br /> A moment of panic flashed in her eyes before smirk crossed her lips. I felt like a cold hand slapped me across the face.<br /> "Angel" I whispered as she turned doing another spin before body rolling against the pole. Grinding against the pole teasing the front row.<br /> She's back.<br /> She looked the same but totally different. 5 years had changed her.<br /> Her body had gained more curvy in all the right places but she was fit.<br /> Her toned flat tummy had a small piercing which caught the light. Her hips wide enough to want to grip onto as I imagined drived into her right on the stage. Her legs seeming to go on for days as she strut around in the 8 inch pleasers.<br /> I groaned as my manhood strained again my pants.<br /> "Ink, it's.." Sage leaned in, she was clearly trying to warn me but it was far to late for that.<br /> "I know."<br /> "Dont screw it up." She replied looking at me with knowing eyes. Looking back up to Angel on stage as she glided around the pole like she owned it.<br /> "I let her go once. It won't happen again." I replied to Sage not letting my eyes leave Angels sinful form.<br /> Talk about Destiny. That's what was right in front of me.<br /> <br /> Angel POV<br /> 5 year.<br /> 5 years I promised I'd never come back.<br /> But given my mother had drunk herself to death I had no choice but to return.<br /> Not that she was much of a mother but given I was the only one left, well not quite.<br /> "Mummy! I'm hungry" Lila whined yawning from her car seat. She pushed her crazy curls from her face that had flopped in her eyes while she slept on the drive over. We'd been on the road for 3 days. We had stopped at motels along the way to rest and stretch out but I had serious thoughts of just turning the car around and driving home.<br /> Home. Rosetown wasn't home. It didn't feel like home, even with Lila and I in the dump of an apartment that was in dire need of a update we made it our own. I tried to make it feel like a home but you can't polish a turd.<br /> If I could move anywhere I'd move back to Ashford but that idea scared it out if me more then our terrible neighborhood we were in.<br /> But with mothers house and the little equity it did have, i could sell it for a bit and use my saving to finally buy a little house for us. I could move back and that's what I was planning. <br /> So after giving my noticed to my creep of a landlord Anthony and my work at the nearby diner and the strip club I worked at on weekends. We packed up the tiny amount of things we had into my little Corolla 3 days ago and left for Ashford. Kelly, the only person I had kept in touch with and my closest friend was letting us crash at hers with her brother for the time being while we go on our feet.<br /> She was so excited we were finally close by again that it didn't involve flying to Rosetown every Christmas or birthday. She knew I didn't have the heart or guts to show my face in Ashford again but now I knew it was now or never.<br /> It wasn't just to give us a home but there was one person in Ashford that deserved to have Lila in there life even if the idea scared absolutely me.<br /> "Okay baby we'll get you some food, sweetheart" I called over the backseat to see Lila picking a new movie to watch on her iPad Kelly had bought her for Christmas last year.<br /> I grabbed her a Happy Meal before we rolled up to Kelly's place. She had been the only one I had kept in contact with all these years. She was the only one from Ashford that knew about Lila.<br /> I don't think that secret would be kept for long sadly. I think Ink would soon find out because the Club ran this town. If I could've stayed away forever I would have as selfish as that sounds. But that only meant less pain for me and no answers for Lila in the long run.<br /> He made it clear I wasn't welcome. So I did what he wanted and left only to find out I was pregnant with his child a month later. 18 with no home, no family and totally out of options.<br /> Ink was drama plain a simple, or at least he was. He broke my heart into a million pieces I didn't need him to do it to Lila as well. She didn't need to have her heartbroken.<br /> I knew it would hit the fan as soon as he found out but I couldn't delay it forever.<br /> At almost 4 and a half Lila was becoming aware that all of her friends had daddy's except her and I knew the conversation would come up soon about where her daddy was.<br /> Dredding wasn't a strong enough work to describe how nervous I felt about telling Ink.<br /> Kelly's front door flew open and I could hear her screams of excitment as i hopped out as the crapola groaned to a hold. Almost as if it was warning me that it was it's final journey.<br /> <br /> "Oh so you are staying? What about Ink?" I sighed.<br /> She knew as well as I did it was about time I told him and it would be better if I told him before someone else did. God knows she may look like me but she had his emerald eyes.<br /> It didn't take a genius to figure out he was her dad.<br /> Evergone and there mother knew Ink and I were as thick as thieves as teens. Suddenly showing up 5 years later with a 4 year old screamed gossip central.<br /> "I'm gonna have to talk to him, but I need a job. I can't sleep on your couch forever. If he doesn't wanna be involved I'll leave him be. We don't need the trouble. I don't blame him if he doesn't wanna be apart of her life."<br /> "You never know, Angel. Mike's said the club's done some good things in thae last few years. Maybe hes changed."<br /> "I doubt it Kel." I said blowing on the hot coffee she had just passed along the counter.<br /> "You never know, Ink was never a bad guy." she said kindly and she wadnt wrong. What Ink did was so out of character but his words cut so deeply.<br /> "He didn't want me once. He made that clear"<br /> "That was 5 ye-" but before she could finish I cut her off<br /> "Does Sage still have Try Out Tuesdays?" I ask quickly<br /> "You wanna be a stripper?"<br /> "I already am one Kels, it's good money. Plus try outs are a good place to start 1k if i win, plus tips and a job. Sounds like easy money to me" I shrug taking a long sip.<br /> Kelly raised an eyebrow before looking me up and down "yea if i had your bod i would too girl but you know Sage's is a club joint"<br /> "So?" Yea the MC owned Sage's but that wasn't going to stop me. I was bound to run into them. Might as well get it over with.<br /> "Your funeral" she sings walking to the pantry to pull out some biscuits.<br /> "Itll be alright, Kels" I said with a smile. She was comcerned about people getting handsy but if anyone touched me they'd know quickly not to do it again. I wasn't some doormat or snowflake any longer.<br /> "Could you watch Lila tonight so I can go try out? Just need to go for a run and get ready"<br /> "Omg really?" She squealed excitedly. I wasn't sure why Kelly was a nurse she was more suited to working eith kids. She was obsessed and so clucky.<br /> Smiling I quickly ran her down on Lilas updated list of fave movies and bedtime routine.<br /> "Yes. I love Moana!" She squealed pulling a microwave packet of Popcorn from the pantry.<br /> <br /> A few hours later I had showered tucked Lila in and hopped into the car and pulled up to Sage's.<br /> My back seat full of boxes and bags begging to be unloaded in the morning.<br /> Parking in the back corner of the car park a line of bikes ran the length of the club. And I could see Sage standing outside taking a drag of her smoking by the back door. Grabbing my bag I pulled my coat tighter as I closed the gap between us.<br /> "Those will kill you one day" I teased quietly strolling up to her through the now dark car park.<br /> "Yea ye- Angel?" Sage gasped dropping the smoking on the ground.<br /> "Oh my god, your-....But you-.....Are you....Oh my god" she babbled. Pushing her hair out of her face. I tried to give her a gentle smile.<br /> Sage was undeniably gorgeous. Naturally icey blonde with deep blue eyes like the ocean after a storm. With the attitude to match resting bimbo face was no match for Sage. She was a wonder. She was dressed in tight blue ripped skinny jeans and killer black heels with a diamonte bra covered with a sheer black blouse.<br /> "You still do try outs Tuesday?" I said quietly reading her confused face.<br /> "Yea, yea of course. Do you wanna?" She seemed to pale slightly.<br /> "You bet" I smiled<br /> "Okay come on. I'll show you the dressing room" Sage grasped my hand like she thought I was going to disappear any second. I knew it would be a shock I had returned I hadn't even said goodbye to anyone the night I left town.<br /> I just disappeared. Packed my stuff even stole my mum's car. Not that she even noticed because she never reported it stolen.<br /> As we walked up the back steps into the dressing rooms a few heads turned to look. A few I remembered as club hang arounds. One I knew very well then stepped up to me.<br /> "Angel?" She hissed anger flashed in her eyes.<br /> She had gotten implants that was for sure. The fake things stuck out like traffic cones under her orange bikini and terrible fake tan.<br /> "Cherry" I replied coldly. She was a bimbo then in high school . She would be a bimbo now. She hated me then. She clearly hated me now.<br /> The fun begins<br /> "What the fu-" Cherry started flipping her bottle blonde fried hair over her shoulder.<br /> "One more word and you're fired" Sage snapped cutting her off. Shock covered Cherrys face as I smirked.<br /> "Bu-" Cherrys mouth dropped open.<br /> "What? What was that? Shut up and sit down before I give her your job" Sage snapped Cherry plopped into her seat with a huff continuing on her makeup.<br /> The other staring girl quickly followed in suit. Not daring to question Sage.<br /> "Okay so here is your spot. I'll give you your hours after your performance" Sage said showing me to a little makeup desk and mirror in the corner beside the inner stairs.<br /> "But I haven't even-" I started<br /> "Dont argue. You've got the job. I know you'll be great with that bod. Pwoah. You are fine" Sage said with a wink "I'll be at the bar. You're up in 30 so better get a wriggle on. Whats your stage name?"<br /> "Destiny" I smiled.<br /> 30 mins later I'd probably broken a world record for fastest makeup up application. False lashes, a Smokey eyes and covered in body glitter finished with a long hip length raven black wig that was on so tight I'd probably get a headache.<br /> I was hoping it hide my face long enough i wouldnt get immediatly recgonised. But i doubted it.<br /> God knows I'd probably get recognised in 30 seconds just like Sage did.<br /> I had slipped on my outfit, a sheer holter neck hooded crop top with lace papillae pasties underneath and strappy cheeky matching bottom and 8 inch pleasers before heading to the inner stairs.<br /> Quickly looking back across the room to see 2 other woman standing right next to Cherry whispering and glaring.<br /> I blew a buss in her direction before continuing down the stares hearing her yell "bimbo!"<br /> Well she wasn't wrong.<br /> I wasn't the same girl I was 5 years ago. And shed learn the hard way if she thought otherwise<br /> It would be her mistake if she stepped up to me.<br /> I wasn't interested in bimbo fights but I sure it would take her bad mouthing if she started up.<br /> 3 years of self defense and boxing had kept me fit as well as safe from anyone. Living as a single mum in an area with no self defense skills was a recipe for diaster so I also bought a taser and mace.<br /> And it wasn't my first rodeo being a stripper. Guys getting to handsy before the bouncer got around to kicking there asses out. But I made sure they knew to keep hands off. 3 broken noses, 4 broken fingers and 2 ruptured testicles later guys new not to touch the merchandise.<br /> I wouldn't take it from anyone now. Men or women. I wasn't a victim of anyone's.<br /> As I neared the DJ booth recognition flashed on his eyes before he took my song request.<br /> As my song started. A wave of anxiety flooded me. But with a deep breath I focus on my routine. I knew it well. It was my fave and my most popular.<br /> As I walked around the pole faces all around looked up seeing a seemingly new face.<br /> Body rolling and a few spins to the slow building beat. A few simple tricks later money was flying up at the stage. A few hoots and hollers encouraged my dancing as it went into the chorus again stripping off my hoodie now only in the pasties and thong. As I spun around to face the bar my eyes landed on him.<br /> I'd remember those eyes anywhere. Till the day I died.<br /> My daughter's eyes.<br /> Ink.<br /> He looked pissed but I wouldn't let him win. Continuing my routine as it neared the end his eyes were felt burning into me. Heat built from my core. He was even hotter then 5 years ago. His hair was longer tied into a man bun uptop his head and he had grown in a beard. But not a ratty kind. Manly and well taken care of.<br /> He wore his cut over the top of a hoody but i could see his tattoos on his hands and neck.<br /> He was hot.<br /> I felt my papillae harden as I held his gaze as I grinded against the pole finished up the routine.<br /> Cheers filled the club as more money flew up into the stage. I picked it all up and my clothes as gracefully as I could before making my way off the stage towards the stairs letting the next girl start her routine.<br /> Before I reached the stairs at the back of the room large hairy arm wrapped around my waist. Yanking me towards 2 men standing alone.<br /> "Hey Doll, you must be new here" one slurred tightening his arm around my waist like a boa constrictor.<br /> "Give us a private dance would ya?" The one who touched my waist said and then trying to slide his hand over my hip to grab as handful of my cheek.<br /> "Hands off." I said coldly as they stiffened ones grip on my shoulder got firmer.<br /> "Aww dont be that way doll" the second drawled lowing his hand to rub the top of my hip.<br /> "I said..." I began quickly twisted the first ones hand off my shoulder hearing him curse in pain as I twisted out of his grip and threw my wrist into his nose. As he toppled away the second tried grabbing my wrist only to have my knee connect with his nose as I grabbed a handful of his salt and pepper hair it let out sickening crack as he fell to the ground screaming in pain.<br /> "Don't touch" I snapped as they both rolled onto the floor swearing in pain.<br /> "You bimbo!" One cursed turned to reach out to me again. But before he could touch me again the toe of my pleasers pressed on his crotch.<br /> "Sorry what?"<br /> "Nothing" he spat out glaring at me with his bloodshot eyes.<br /> "Now Barry what did i tell you about touching my girls" Sage said appearing beside me her touch on the small of my back gliding me out of the space. Sage spoke to two prospects who had suddenly appeared also telling them to throw them out.<br /> "You ain't welcome here ever again" she yelled guiding me upstairs, i knew better to look back and connect eith Inks eyes I had no doubt were boring into the back of my skull.<br /> "Remind me not to bang with you" one of the prospects mumbled looking impressed at the 2 groaning bleeding men.<br /> "Well looks like your hired love. Got you on 3 days a week from 9 till 2. You'll get $500 a night without tips ontop and you will be popular by the looks of it." Sage handed me a small piece of paper telling me what days I was on. She also passed me a wad of hundred from her back pocket with a smile, before taking her cut from the tips she smiled "looks like you won try outs by a mile, go home love I'll see you Thursday." Sage finished with a wink.<br /> As she reached the balestrate she turned to look at me a final time "Oh Angel?"<br /> "Mmm?" I looked at her shoving the money in my duffle bag.<br /> "Ink saw you" she said softly with gentle eyes.<br /> I sighed unclipping the wig and sliding it off "I know."<br /> "He's gonna wanna talk"<br /> I looked back at her and nodded before she replied the same and headed back down the stairs<br /> "Hey!" Cherry snapped appearing at my side.<br /> "Yes?" I said back bored.<br /> "Stay away from Ink, He's mine" she spat.<br /> "Good. I don't want him" I lied<br /> "I saw you eyefucking him down stairs." She snarled.<br /> "Threatened are we?" I said with a smirk.<br /> "What? No!" Cherry shrieked looking at her minions in outrage.<br /> "You sure?" I asked with fake concern.<br /> "Why don't you get off back to the hole you crawled out of Angel. No-one wants you here" Cherry hissed closing the space between us.<br /> As i stepped up to her with my heels on I was almost a foot taller then her.<br /> "Or What Cherry?"<br /> "You'll regret it! I mean it. Stay away from Ink. Hes. Mine" She snapped. She was about as threatening as a goldfish.<br /> "Don't worry, Cherry. You can have him." I bit back.<br /> Cherry quickly turned with her bottle blonde whipping across my face as she walked away. As if she'd won the battle trapsing off with pride.<br /> bimbo. I thought to myself. Some things never change. I wish her 8 inches would snap and shed break an ankle or something.<br /> All I knew was when Cherry finds out about Lila I was screwed. And if she told Ink before me I would be totally screwed. And not in a good way.<br /> God knows I needed it but if I didn't tell him before he found out through someone else it would be really bad.<br /> I quickly changed back into my normal clothes before hurrying down the back steps heading towards my car.<br /> Only when I got down the step I crashed straight into a wall I hadn't realised was there before.<br /> A wall that smelt amazing. His cologne hit my nose in a wave. I almost moaned at the familiar smell before snapping out of it.<br /> I muttered bouncing back. Looking up my eyes met with those Emerald Green eyes that lit a fire in me I could never control.<br /> "Better watch were you going, Darlin" he said with the voice I remember.<br /> His voice was killing.<br /> Sweet baby Jesus.<br /> "Or what?" I snapped stepping around him.<br /> "Woah, someone's fiesty" he scoffed following behind me.<br /> "Leave me alone, Ink" I couldn't tell him hear and my body screamed run. As fast as i could. Away. Right now.<br /> "Playing hard to get Darlin'?" he drawled I could hear the smile on his lips.<br /> "I'm not playing anything with you, Ink." I snapped closing in on my car. Shoving the key in the door. Twisting it as fast as I could.<br /> "Aww dont be that way" Ink whined smoothly as I yanked on the door.<br /> "Leave me alone, Ink." I fired back<br /> "Why do you have a booster seat in your car? It is for a baby, isn't it?" He said suddenly. Panic raced through me but I didn't make eye contact. I felt the blood drain from my face.<br /> "I...I..."	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1,938,687	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938632}'	No	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	1148003286490326	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"What were you doing, Mitch!" Kelly said.<br /> "Oh god, Kel!" Mitch said. He pulled away and got dressed as did his assistant. She threw the bag of food at him.<br /> "I can't believe you!" Kelly said.<br /> "Baby please," Mitch said.<br /> "Don't call me that, not anymore, we are done! It's over!" Kelly yelled. She ran out the door and got on the elevator and the doors closed and she ran out when she got on the ground floor.<br /> "Leave me alone!" Kelly yelled.<br /> ————————<br /> Kelly sat in her office at the bakery she owned with her twin sister and best friends.<br /> "Sis, what's wrong?" Kate asked.<br /> "It was our anniversary yesterday and he never showed up, he called and said he had to go out of town for work, but I called my father-in-law and he said there was no reason for him to go out of town," Kelly said.<br /> "So, he lied about it," Kate said.<br /> "Yeah, it's becoming a habit, I don't know what to do," Kelly said.<br /> "You two should ivorce," Kate said.<br /> "Sis," Kelly said.<br /> "He's a prick who left his wife alone on your anniversary and lied to you," Kate said.<br /> "Hey guys," Melanie said.<br /> "Mel, where is that good for nothing brother of yours," Kate said.<br /> "At work I assume?" Melanie said.<br /> "Do you have any clue where he was last night?" Kate asked.<br /> "Home?" Melanie asked.<br /> "Nope," Kelly said.<br /> "What happened?" Melanie said.<br /> "He called and said he was going out of town for work, I called your dad, he said there was no work out of town for him to go for," Kelly said.<br /> "That lying sack of prick, I'll be back, sis," Melanie said. She left. Kelly sat back in her chair. Kate sat down at her desk.<br /> "Hey girls," Tara said.<br /> "How's it looking out there?" Kelly asked.<br /> "It's okay, Sarah has it covered," Tara said.<br /> "Where's my beautiful wife?" Ryan asked.<br /> "Baby!" Kate said. She jumped up and went to him and hugged him.<br /> "I missed you today," Ryan said.<br /> "I missed you too," Kate said.<br /> "Hey bro," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey sis, what's going on?" Ryan asked.<br /> "Not much, just my husband is a lying sack of prick," Kelly said.<br /> "I'm what now?" Mitch asked.<br /> "You're in trouble man," Ryan said.<br /> "Prick," Kate said.<br /> "What did I do?" Mitch asked.<br /> "You lied to me that's what," Kelly said.<br /> "You didn't go out of town yesterday," Kate said.<br /> "I called your dad," Kelly said.<br /> "Kel, baby, I'm sorry," Mitch said.<br /> "It was our three year wedding anniversary yesterday and you couldn't come home and made up some excuse, where were you," Kelly said.<br /> "I went on a road trip to get something for you," Mitch said.<br /> "What did you get," Kelly said.<br /> "It's outside," Mitch said.<br /> "Mitch," Kelly said.<br /> "Kel, come on," Mitch said. She shook her head and got up and walked out the door and went to the front door and opened it and and saw it.<br /> "What the?" Kelly asked.<br /> "It's the one you wanted right?" Mitch asked.<br /> "Yes," Kelly said.<br /> "I found it at a car dealership about two hours away," Mitch said.<br /> "But there are dealerships here," Kelly said.<br /> "They didn't have your color baby," Mitch said.<br /> "Mitch," Kelly said.<br /> "Happy Anniversary, baby," Mitch said.<br /> "Wow, I guess this made up for missing the actual day," Kate said.<br /> "Kate," Kelly said.<br /> "Baby," Ryan said.<br /> "It's fine, I'll be making it up to her for awhile, this is a start, next week is birthdays," Mitch said.<br /> "Better not come up with an excuse to forget it," Kate said.<br /> "No because she is going with me to the Maldives," Mitch said.<br /> "What?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Happy Early Birthday baby, a second honeymoon," Mitch said.<br /> "Okay I was wrong," Kate said.<br /> "What's that, Kate?" Mitch asked.<br /> "Sis," Kelly said.<br /> "Sorry," Kate said. Kelly looked at her husband and hugged him tight. He buried his face in her neck.<br /> "I love you and I'm sorry about yesterday," Mitch said.<br /> "Just don't do it again," Kelly said.<br /> "I promise baby," Mitch said. He pecked her and they went for a drive.<br /> Two weeks later, Kelly walked into the bakery after coming home from the trip she and Mitch took. Sarah and Tara were there.<br /> "Hello ladies," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey girl, how was the trip?" Tara asked.<br /> "Amazing, it was like our honeymoon all over again," Kelly said.<br /> "So you guys never left the bed?" Sarah asked.<br /> "Oh we did, we would do things like snorkeling at the Banana Reef, went to the beach, swimming, romantic dinners, and every night we would be in bed making love," Kelly said.<br /> "So babies could be coming soon?" Tara asked.<br /> "I'm still on the pill, he still says he's not ready yet," Kelly said.<br /> "Kel, you have a visitor," Tara said.<br /> "Who is it?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Matt," Tara said. Kelly got up and went out and saw her brother-in-law standing at the counter drinking coffee.<br /> "Matt," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey beautiful, I've missed you," Matthew said.<br /> "Oh you have huh," Kelly said.<br /> "Yeah, heard you just got back from a trip with your husband," Matthew said.<br /> "Your brother yes I did," Kelly said.<br /> "Have a good time?" Matthew asked.<br /> "Yes I did, it was a second honeymoon," Kelly said.<br /> "That's great, so you guys making me an uncle soon?" Matthew asked.<br /> "Not yet," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey guys," Benjamin said<br /> "Hey Ben," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey boys what's up?" Sarah asked.<br /> "Hey Sarah, just a coffee to go, I've got to get back to the job site," Benjamin said.<br /> "I better get back to the office, see ya sis," Matthew said.<br /> "Bye Matt," Kelly said.<br /> "How are you gorgeous," Benjamin said.<br /> "I'm good, how's the job?" Kelly asked.<br /> "It's going very well," Benjamin said.<br /> "That's good," Kelly said.<br /> "I better get going, gorgeous, see you soon," Benjamin said. He went out the door and she looked at the girls.<br /> "Gorgeous? Beautiful? I think they have the hots for you," Tara said.<br /> "They've always called me those names and Mitch knows and agreed of them calling me," Kelly said.<br /> "He's okay with his brothers calling you gorgeous and beautiful," Tara said.<br /> "Yeah because he knows that nothing will happen with them, he trusts me and he trusts his brothers, he knows they won't cross the boundaries," Kelly said.<br /> "Yet," Sarah said.<br /> "What," Kelly said.<br /> "They both were looking at you," Tara said.<br /> "Both were eye watching you," Sarah said.<br /> "Oh yeah," Tara said.<br /> "They wouldn't do that to their brother," Kelly said.<br /> "They both want you in their bed," Sarah said.<br /> "You both are wrong, okay, you are wrong," Kelly said. She went to the office and sat down and worked on some bills.<br /> Three days later, Kelly was at the bakery helping a customer when Benjamin came in.<br /> "Hey gorgeous," Benjamin said.<br /> "Hi Ben," Kelly said.<br /> "How's my favorite sister-in-law doing?" Benjamin asked.<br /> "I'm fine and I'm your only sister-in-law," Kelly said.<br /> "I know that, that's why you are my favorite one," Benjamin said.<br /> "Hey Ben," Sarah said.<br /> "Sarah, how are you," Benjamin said.<br /> "I'm good," Sarah said.<br /> "Are you ready?" Benjamin asked.<br /> "Yeah, is it okay for me to go, Kel?" Sarah asked.<br /> "You guys got a date?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Yeah I asked her the other day," Benjamin said.<br /> "Go on, have a good time," Kelly said.<br /> "Okay see ya tomorrow," Sarah said.<br /> "Bye sis!" Benjamin said. They left and Kelly smiled and cleaned the counter.<br /> "Hey beautiful," Matthew said.<br /> "Matt, what's up?" Kelly asked.<br /> "I came to see my favorite sister-in-law," Matthew said.<br /> "As I told Ben, I'm your only sister-in-law," Kelly said.<br /> "And I'm sure he said that it makes you our favorite," Matthew said.<br /> "Yeah so what would you like?" Kelly asked.<br /> "A latte please sis," Matthew said.<br /> "Coming right up," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey baby, hey bro," Mitch said.<br /> "Hey bro," Matthew said.<br /> "Hey what brings you by?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Just letting you know that I'll be working late," Mitch said.<br /> "Oh babe," Kelly said.<br /> "I'm sorry baby," Mitch said.<br /> "It's fine, I'll be okay," Kelly said.<br /> "If you have to work late, how did you manage to get away?" Matthew asked.<br /> "I took a lunch break and came here to tell her, I didn't want to tell her over the phone," Mitch said.<br /> "And I appreciate you coming to tell me, babe," Kelly said. He came over to her and hugged her close and pecked her softly.<br /> "I will text you when I'm headed home okay, I know you have an early morning so you don't need to wait up for me," Mitch said.<br /> "Okay, love you," Kelly said.<br /> "Love you baby," Mitch said. He pecked her and went out the door. Matthew looked at her and smiled.<br /> After work，<br /> Kelly drove to Mitch's office with some food and went to his office and heard sounds coming from inside and she opened the door slowly and saw something that made her heart break. Her husband slept with his assistant on his desk.<br /> "What were you doing, Mitch!" Kelly said.<br /> "Oh god Kel!" Mitch said. He pulled away and got dressed as did his assistant. She threw the bag of food at him.<br /> "I can't believe you!" Kelly said.<br /> "Baby please," Mitch said.<br /> "Don't call me that, not anymore, we are done! It's over!" Kelly yelled. She ran out the door and got on the elevator and the doors closed and she ran out when she got on the ground floor.<br /> "Leave me alone!" Kelly yelled. She went to Kate's house and went to the door and knocked. Ryan opened it and saw her.<br /> "Kel, sis, what happened?" Ryan asked. She broke down crying and he pulled her in and closed the door.<br /> "I took food to Mitch at his office and found him sleeping with his assistant on his desk," Kelly said crying.<br /> "Oh my god, he's so dead!" Ryan said.<br /> "No he's not worth it, I told him I was done," Kelly said.<br /> Three days later, Kelly went home and found him there sitting on the couch. She went to the bedroom and began packing her bags. She sent a quick text as she packed. He came to the door.<br /> "Kelly please," Mitch said.<br /> "Don't! I don't want to hear any excuses, there is no excuse for what you did, how long has it been going on?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Kelly," Mitch said.<br /> "How long?!" Kelly yelled.<br /> "Three months," Mitch said.<br /> "And you said you loved me," Kelly said.<br /> "I do!" Mitch said.<br /> "No you don't or you never would have slept with her in the first place! No man who says he loves his wife would ever cheat on her! You are not a man, you are nothing!" Kelly yelled.<br /> "Mitch!" Matthew yelled. Matthew cam and pulled his brother away from the door.<br /> "Matt," Mitch said.<br /> "I heard what you did, how could you do that!" Matthew said.<br /> "It was a mistake!" Mitch said.<br /> "A mistake is one time, three months isn't!" Matthew said.<br /> "How did you find out?" Mitch asked.<br /> "From her sister, she told me when I went to get coffee this morning," Matthew said.<br /> "Matt," Mitch said.<br /> "Leave her be, Mitch, go for a walk for an hour and let her get her things out," Matthew said.<br /> "I'm not giving her a divorce," Mitch said.<br /> "You better," Kelly said.<br /> "I don't want to lose you!" Mitch said.<br /> "You lost me the moment you put your private part inside Delia," Kelly said.<br /> "Go Mitch now!" Matthew said.<br /> "Get him out, I'll help her finish up and get her stuff in her car," Matthew said. Harris pulled Mitch out the door. Matthew went to Kelly and she broke down in his arms.<br /> "Oh beautiful it will be all right, let's get your stuff and get out of here," Matthew said. They finished packing up her stuff and got it all in her car and his.<br /> "Thank you Matt," Kelly said.<br /> "You're welcome, now where are you staying? Matthew asked.<br /> "I was staying at Kate's, being there for her and Ryan, she's having a rough time with her pregnancy," Kelly said.<br /> "Let's go then," Matthew said. They went to Kate's house and got out. Ryan came out.<br /> "Hey Matt," Ryan said.<br /> "Hey man, got her stuff here," Matthew said.<br /> "Let's get it inside," Ryan said. They got her stuff moved into the house and she got her clothes in the bedroom and the rest in the other spare room for the time being.<br /> "So I'll be going now," Matthew said.<br /> "Thanks for the help, Matt," Kelly said.<br /> "Of course beautiful, see you later," Matthew said. He pecked her cheek and hugged her and left. Kelly sat on the bed. Ryan sat next to her.<br /> "You okay sis?" Ryan asked.<br /> "I guess so, are you okay with me staying here?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Of course, Kate wants you here, I'm glad you are here for her, it makes me feel better knowing you are helping her," Ryan said.<br /> Three weeks later, Kelly found herself a house close to Kate and Ryan. She got all moved in and settled. <br /> Then she heard the front door ding announcing there was a customer. Kelly and Sarah went up front and the person there was the last person she was expecting to see, Mitch’s assistant.<br /> "What are you doing here," Kelly said.<br /> "I wanted to talk to you please," Delia said.<br /> "What could you have to say to me," Kelly said.<br /> "I wanted to explain it to you," Delia said.<br /> "I really don't care, he slept with you for three months, I can't forgive and forget," Kelly said.<br /> "Kelly, please," Delia said.<br /> "Why should I listen to anything you say, did he send you here to plead his case so I would take him back, tell him to go away," Kelly said.<br /> "Kelly, he's checked into rehab," Delia said.<br /> "What for?" Kelly asked.<br /> "He had an accident at work five months ago, it wasn't bad but he required some painkillers to keep you from finding out because he didn't want you to worry or anything, he got hooked on them and he was so in need for them that he got mixed up and thought I was you, he called me Kelly," Delia said.<br /> "Oh geez," Kelly said.<br /> "Seems like nonsense to me," Sarah said.<br /> "Yeah he's just trying to get me to take him back, tell him I'm not going to take him back ever, he and I were over the moment his private part was inside you so get out of here and stay away from me," Kelly said.<br /> "Okay I'll go and I'm sorry for my part in all this," Delia said. She left and Sarah looked at Kelly. Kelly went back to her office. Benjamin came in and smiled and pecked her.<br /> "Hey baby," Benjamin said.<br /> "Hey," Sarah said.<br /> "What's going on?" Benjamin asked.<br /> "You won't believe it," Sarah said. She told him what happened. He sent a text and soon the door opened and Matthew came in. Kelly came out of her office and saw him and he took her in his arms as she sobbed against him.<br /> "It's okay beautiful, I'm here," Matthew said.<br /> "Why can't he understand that I can't be with him anymore," Kelly said.<br /> "I don't know but I do know that he never deserved you," Matthew said.	LEARN_MORE	https://b.choicesnovel.com/ad/Y2hlcnJ5ZmljdGlvbi8y	130664723473312	Cho006	https://facebook.com/61554258470271	18	1	861,385,715,590,062	2024-07-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Cho006	120216087027960011	b.choicesnovel.com	NONE	video		https://b.choicesnovel.com/ad/Y2hlcnJ5ZmljdGlvbi8yNTIyNDMvMjAyNDA3MjUxNTI5MDcvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-07-25 02:36	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453042662_836866708420364_6903186622691907670_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3JJOmmIZ_kIQ7kNvgFAv2Fz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYD0SuzFBXRQR9tz8trB-IeRWmqc-QdgWAA_YGa9CVd4vA&oe=66AA1380	person_profile	Cho006	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452705605_401372426278397_8720997930427623981_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=O7Ac0o3BLmIQ7kNvgErdJkP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYA7088TSoI77OU2Yobco-Kxv4htst3F8iewOku5hDwkGQ&oe=66AA22DE	3	Cho006	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,938,707	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938638}'	No	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	1536666476925768	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	I left only to find out I was pregnant with Ink's child a month later. 18 with no home, no family and totally out of options.<br /> Five years later, I came back to be a stripper at Ink's club. I would never forget his eyes which was the same as my daughter...<br /> I closed in on my car. Shoving the key in the door. Twisting it as fast as I could. I yanked the door.<br /> "Why do you have a booster seat in your car? It is for a baby, isn't it?" He said suddenly. <br /> Panic raced through me but I didn't make eye contact. I felt the blood drain from my face.<br /> "I...I..."<br /> ————————<br /> INK POV<br /> The curtain lifted as the dancer walked around the pole to the beat. A black sheer halterneck covered her chest with a small hood barely containing the raven black hair she had her firm hip barely contained by the strappy ripped shortys. Warm but naturally tanned skin covered her whole body with glitter making her shimmer under the spotlight.<br /> I instantly got hard. Straining against my jeans zipper.<br /> Sage quickly rushed behind the bar, her heels clicking against the flooring like a galloping horse.<br /> "Ink" she said anxiously but I couldn't take my eyes off the dancer.<br /> As the song got stronger the dancer climbed the pole with easy. Simple attractive with all eyes in the club on her.<br /> "Ink!" Sage repeated.<br /> As the dancer turned to face my way she made direct eye contact.<br /> Those ice blue eyes I'd remember anywhere.<br /> A moment of panic flashed in her eyes before smirk crossed her lips. I felt like a cold hand slapped me across the face.<br /> "Angel" I whispered as she turned doing another spin before body rolling against the pole. Grinding against the pole teasing the front row.<br /> She's back.<br /> She looked the same but totally different. 5 years had changed her.<br /> Her body had gained more curvy in all the right places but she was fit.<br /> Her toned flat tummy had a small piercing which caught the light. Her hips wide enough to want to grip onto as I imagined drived into her right on the stage. Her legs seeming to go on for days as she strut around in the 8 inch pleasers.<br /> I groaned as my manhood strained again my pants.<br /> "Ink, it's.." Sage leaned in, she was clearly trying to warn me but it was far to late for that.<br /> "I know."<br /> "Dont screw it up." She replied looking at me with knowing eyes. Looking back up to Angel on stage as she glided around the pole like she owned it.<br /> "I let her go once. It won't happen again." I replied to Sage not letting my eyes leave Angels sinful form.<br /> Talk about Destiny. That's what was right in front of me.<br /> <br /> Angel POV<br /> 5 year.<br /> 5 years I promised I'd never come back.<br /> But given my mother had drunk herself to death I had no choice but to return.<br /> Not that she was much of a mother but given I was the only one left, well not quite.<br /> "Mummy! I'm hungry" Lila whined yawning from her car seat. She pushed her crazy curls from her face that had flopped in her eyes while she slept on the drive over. We'd been on the road for 3 days. We had stopped at motels along the way to rest and stretch out but I had serious thoughts of just turning the car around and driving home.<br /> Home. Rosetown wasn't home. It didn't feel like home, even with Lila and I in the dump of an apartment that was in dire need of a update we made it our own. I tried to make it feel like a home but you can't polish a turd.<br /> If I could move anywhere I'd move back to Ashford but that idea scared it out if me more then our terrible neighborhood we were in.<br /> But with mothers house and the little equity it did have, i could sell it for a bit and use my saving to finally buy a little house for us. I could move back and that's what I was planning. <br /> So after giving my noticed to my creep of a landlord Anthony and my work at the nearby diner and the strip club I worked at on weekends. We packed up the tiny amount of things we had into my little Corolla 3 days ago and left for Ashford. Kelly, the only person I had kept in touch with and my closest friend was letting us crash at hers with her brother for the time being while we go on our feet.<br /> She was so excited we were finally close by again that it didn't involve flying to Rosetown every Christmas or birthday. She knew I didn't have the heart or guts to show my face in Ashford again but now I knew it was now or never.<br /> It wasn't just to give us a home but there was one person in Ashford that deserved to have Lila in there life even if the idea scared absolutely me.<br /> "Okay baby we'll get you some food, sweetheart" I called over the backseat to see Lila picking a new movie to watch on her iPad Kelly had bought her for Christmas last year.<br /> I grabbed her a Happy Meal before we rolled up to Kelly's place. She had been the only one I had kept in contact with all these years. She was the only one from Ashford that knew about Lila.<br /> I don't think that secret would be kept for long sadly. I think Ink would soon find out because the Club ran this town. If I could've stayed away forever I would have as selfish as that sounds. But that only meant less pain for me and no answers for Lila in the long run.<br /> He made it clear I wasn't welcome. So I did what he wanted and left only to find out I was pregnant with his child a month later. 18 with no home, no family and totally out of options.<br /> Ink was drama plain a simple, or at least he was. He broke my heart into a million pieces I didn't need him to do it to Lila as well. She didn't need to have her heartbroken.<br /> I knew it would hit the fan as soon as he found out but I couldn't delay it forever.<br /> At almost 4 and a half Lila was becoming aware that all of her friends had daddy's except her and I knew the conversation would come up soon about where her daddy was.<br /> Dredding wasn't a strong enough work to describe how nervous I felt about telling Ink.<br /> Kelly's front door flew open and I could hear her screams of excitment as i hopped out as the crapola groaned to a hold. Almost as if it was warning me that it was it's final journey.<br /> <br /> "Oh so you are staying? What about Ink?" I sighed.<br /> She knew as well as I did it was about time I told him and it would be better if I told him before someone else did. God knows she may look like me but she had his emerald eyes.<br /> It didn't take a genius to figure out he was her dad.<br /> Evergone and there mother knew Ink and I were as thick as thieves as teens. Suddenly showing up 5 years later with a 4 year old screamed gossip central.<br /> "I'm gonna have to talk to him, but I need a job. I can't sleep on your couch forever. If he doesn't wanna be involved I'll leave him be. We don't need the trouble. I don't blame him if he doesn't wanna be apart of her life."<br /> "You never know, Angel. Mike's said the club's done some good things in thae last few years. Maybe hes changed."<br /> "I doubt it Kel." I said blowing on the hot coffee she had just passed along the counter.<br /> "You never know, Ink was never a bad guy." she said kindly and she wadnt wrong. What Ink did was so out of character but his words cut so deeply.<br /> "He didn't want me once. He made that clear"<br /> "That was 5 ye-" but before she could finish I cut her off<br /> "Does Sage still have Try Out Tuesdays?" I ask quickly<br /> "You wanna be a stripper?"<br /> "I already am one Kels, it's good money. Plus try outs are a good place to start 1k if i win, plus tips and a job. Sounds like easy money to me" I shrug taking a long sip.<br /> Kelly raised an eyebrow before looking me up and down "yea if i had your bod i would too girl but you know Sage's is a club joint"<br /> "So?" Yea the MC owned Sage's but that wasn't going to stop me. I was bound to run into them. Might as well get it over with.<br /> "Your funeral" she sings walking to the pantry to pull out some biscuits.<br /> "Itll be alright, Kels" I said with a smile. She was comcerned about people getting handsy but if anyone touched me they'd know quickly not to do it again. I wasn't some doormat or snowflake any longer.<br /> "Could you watch Lila tonight so I can go try out? Just need to go for a run and get ready"<br /> "Omg really?" She squealed excitedly. I wasn't sure why Kelly was a nurse she was more suited to working eith kids. She was obsessed and so clucky.<br /> Smiling I quickly ran her down on Lilas updated list of fave movies and bedtime routine.<br /> "Yes. I love Moana!" She squealed pulling a microwave packet of Popcorn from the pantry.<br /> <br /> A few hours later I had showered tucked Lila in and hopped into the car and pulled up to Sage's.<br /> My back seat full of boxes and bags begging to be unloaded in the morning.<br /> Parking in the back corner of the car park a line of bikes ran the length of the club. And I could see Sage standing outside taking a drag of her smoking by the back door. Grabbing my bag I pulled my coat tighter as I closed the gap between us.<br /> "Those will kill you one day" I teased quietly strolling up to her through the now dark car park.<br /> "Yea ye- Angel?" Sage gasped dropping the smoking on the ground.<br /> "Oh my god, your-....But you-.....Are you....Oh my god" she babbled. Pushing her hair out of her face. I tried to give her a gentle smile.<br /> Sage was undeniably gorgeous. Naturally icey blonde with deep blue eyes like the ocean after a storm. With the attitude to match resting bimbo face was no match for Sage. She was a wonder. She was dressed in tight blue ripped skinny jeans and killer black heels with a diamonte bra covered with a sheer black blouse.<br /> "You still do try outs Tuesday?" I said quietly reading her confused face.<br /> "Yea, yea of course. Do you wanna?" She seemed to pale slightly.<br /> "You bet" I smiled<br /> "Okay come on. I'll show you the dressing room" Sage grasped my hand like she thought I was going to disappear any second. I knew it would be a shock I had returned I hadn't even said goodbye to anyone the night I left town.<br /> I just disappeared. Packed my stuff even stole my mum's car. Not that she even noticed because she never reported it stolen.<br /> As we walked up the back steps into the dressing rooms a few heads turned to look. A few I remembered as club hang arounds. One I knew very well then stepped up to me.<br /> "Angel?" She hissed anger flashed in her eyes.<br /> She had gotten implants that was for sure. The fake things stuck out like traffic cones under her orange bikini and terrible fake tan.<br /> "Cherry" I replied coldly. She was a bimbo then in high school . She would be a bimbo now. She hated me then. She clearly hated me now.<br /> The fun begins<br /> "What the fu-" Cherry started flipping her bottle blonde fried hair over her shoulder.<br /> "One more word and you're fired" Sage snapped cutting her off. Shock covered Cherrys face as I smirked.<br /> "Bu-" Cherrys mouth dropped open.<br /> "What? What was that? Shut up and sit down before I give her your job" Sage snapped Cherry plopped into her seat with a huff continuing on her makeup.<br /> The other staring girl quickly followed in suit. Not daring to question Sage.<br /> "Okay so here is your spot. I'll give you your hours after your performance" Sage said showing me to a little makeup desk and mirror in the corner beside the inner stairs.<br /> "But I haven't even-" I started<br /> "Dont argue. You've got the job. I know you'll be great with that bod. Pwoah. You are fine" Sage said with a wink "I'll be at the bar. You're up in 30 so better get a wriggle on. Whats your stage name?"<br /> "Destiny" I smiled.<br /> 30 mins later I'd probably broken a world record for fastest makeup up application. False lashes, a Smokey eyes and covered in body glitter finished with a long hip length raven black wig that was on so tight I'd probably get a headache.<br /> I was hoping it hide my face long enough i wouldnt get immediatly recgonised. But i doubted it.<br /> God knows I'd probably get recognised in 30 seconds just like Sage did.<br /> I had slipped on my outfit, a sheer holter neck hooded crop top with lace papillae pasties underneath and strappy cheeky matching bottom and 8 inch pleasers before heading to the inner stairs.<br /> Quickly looking back across the room to see 2 other woman standing right next to Cherry whispering and glaring.<br /> I blew a buss in her direction before continuing down the stares hearing her yell "bimbo!"<br /> Well she wasn't wrong.<br /> I wasn't the same girl I was 5 years ago. And shed learn the hard way if she thought otherwise<br /> It would be her mistake if she stepped up to me.<br /> I wasn't interested in bimbo fights but I sure it would take her bad mouthing if she started up.<br /> 3 years of self defense and boxing had kept me fit as well as safe from anyone. Living as a single mum in an area with no self defense skills was a recipe for diaster so I also bought a taser and mace.<br /> And it wasn't my first rodeo being a stripper. Guys getting to handsy before the bouncer got around to kicking there asses out. But I made sure they knew to keep hands off. 3 broken noses, 4 broken fingers and 2 ruptured testicles later guys new not to touch the merchandise.<br /> I wouldn't take it from anyone now. Men or women. I wasn't a victim of anyone's.<br /> As I neared the DJ booth recognition flashed on his eyes before he took my song request.<br /> As my song started. A wave of anxiety flooded me. But with a deep breath I focus on my routine. I knew it well. It was my fave and my most popular.<br /> As I walked around the pole faces all around looked up seeing a seemingly new face.<br /> Body rolling and a few spins to the slow building beat. A few simple tricks later money was flying up at the stage. A few hoots and hollers encouraged my dancing as it went into the chorus again stripping off my hoodie now only in the pasties and thong. As I spun around to face the bar my eyes landed on him.<br /> I'd remember those eyes anywhere. Till the day I died.<br /> My daughter's eyes.<br /> Ink.<br /> He looked pissed but I wouldn't let him win. Continuing my routine as it neared the end his eyes were felt burning into me. Heat built from my core. He was even hotter then 5 years ago. His hair was longer tied into a man bun uptop his head and he had grown in a beard. But not a ratty kind. Manly and well taken care of.<br /> He wore his cut over the top of a hoody but i could see his tattoos on his hands and neck.<br /> He was hot.<br /> I felt my papillae harden as I held his gaze as I grinded against the pole finished up the routine.<br /> Cheers filled the club as more money flew up into the stage. I picked it all up and my clothes as gracefully as I could before making my way off the stage towards the stairs letting the next girl start her routine.<br /> Before I reached the stairs at the back of the room large hairy arm wrapped around my waist. Yanking me towards 2 men standing alone.<br /> "Hey Doll, you must be new here" one slurred tightening his arm around my waist like a boa constrictor.<br /> "Give us a private dance would ya?" The one who touched my waist said and then trying to slide his hand over my hip to grab as handful of my cheek.<br /> "Hands off." I said coldly as they stiffened ones grip on my shoulder got firmer.<br /> "Aww dont be that way doll" the second drawled lowing his hand to rub the top of my hip.<br /> "I said..." I began quickly twisted the first ones hand off my shoulder hearing him curse in pain as I twisted out of his grip and threw my wrist into his nose. As he toppled away the second tried grabbing my wrist only to have my knee connect with his nose as I grabbed a handful of his salt and pepper hair it let out sickening crack as he fell to the ground screaming in pain.<br /> "Don't touch" I snapped as they both rolled onto the floor swearing in pain.<br /> "You bimbo!" One cursed turned to reach out to me again. But before he could touch me again the toe of my pleasers pressed on his crotch.<br /> "Sorry what?"<br /> "Nothing" he spat out glaring at me with his bloodshot eyes.<br /> "Now Barry what did i tell you about touching my girls" Sage said appearing beside me her touch on the small of my back gliding me out of the space. Sage spoke to two prospects who had suddenly appeared also telling them to throw them out.<br /> "You ain't welcome here ever again" she yelled guiding me upstairs, i knew better to look back and connect eith Inks eyes I had no doubt were boring into the back of my skull.<br /> "Remind me not to bang with you" one of the prospects mumbled looking impressed at the 2 groaning bleeding men.<br /> "Well looks like your hired love. Got you on 3 days a week from 9 till 2. You'll get $500 a night without tips ontop and you will be popular by the looks of it." Sage handed me a small piece of paper telling me what days I was on. She also passed me a wad of hundred from her back pocket with a smile, before taking her cut from the tips she smiled "looks like you won try outs by a mile, go home love I'll see you Thursday." Sage finished with a wink.<br /> As she reached the balestrate she turned to look at me a final time "Oh Angel?"<br /> "Mmm?" I looked at her shoving the money in my duffle bag.<br /> "Ink saw you" she said softly with gentle eyes.<br /> I sighed unclipping the wig and sliding it off "I know."<br /> "He's gonna wanna talk"<br /> I looked back at her and nodded before she replied the same and headed back down the stairs<br /> "Hey!" Cherry snapped appearing at my side.<br /> "Yes?" I said back bored.<br /> "Stay away from Ink, He's mine" she spat.<br /> "Good. I don't want him" I lied<br /> "I saw you eyefucking him down stairs." She snarled.<br /> "Threatened are we?" I said with a smirk.<br /> "What? No!" Cherry shrieked looking at her minions in outrage.<br /> "You sure?" I asked with fake concern.<br /> "Why don't you get off back to the hole you crawled out of Angel. No-one wants you here" Cherry hissed closing the space between us.<br /> As i stepped up to her with my heels on I was almost a foot taller then her.<br /> "Or What Cherry?"<br /> "You'll regret it! I mean it. Stay away from Ink. Hes. Mine" She snapped. She was about as threatening as a goldfish.<br /> "Don't worry, Cherry. You can have him." I bit back.<br /> Cherry quickly turned with her bottle blonde whipping across my face as she walked away. As if she'd won the battle trapsing off with pride.<br /> bimbo. I thought to myself. Some things never change. I wish her 8 inches would snap and shed break an ankle or something.<br /> All I knew was when Cherry finds out about Lila I was screwed. And if she told Ink before me I would be totally screwed. And not in a good way.<br /> God knows I needed it but if I didn't tell him before he found out through someone else it would be really bad.<br /> I quickly changed back into my normal clothes before hurrying down the back steps heading towards my car.<br /> Only when I got down the step I crashed straight into a wall I hadn't realised was there before.<br /> A wall that smelt amazing. His cologne hit my nose in a wave. I almost moaned at the familiar smell before snapping out of it.<br /> I muttered bouncing back. Looking up my eyes met with those Emerald Green eyes that lit a fire in me I could never control.<br /> "Better watch were you going, Darlin" he said with the voice I remember.<br /> His voice was killing.<br /> Sweet baby Jesus.<br /> "Or what?" I snapped stepping around him.<br /> "Woah, someone's fiesty" he scoffed following behind me.<br /> "Leave me alone, Ink" I couldn't tell him hear and my body screamed run. As fast as i could. Away. Right now.<br /> "Playing hard to get Darlin'?" he drawled I could hear the smile on his lips.<br /> "I'm not playing anything with you, Ink." I snapped closing in on my car. Shoving the key in the door. Twisting it as fast as I could.<br /> "Aww dont be that way" Ink whined smoothly as I yanked on the door.<br /> "Leave me alone, Ink." I fired back<br /> "Why do you have a booster seat in your car? It is for a baby, isn't it?" He said suddenly. Panic raced through me but I didn't make eye contact. I felt the blood drain from my face.<br /> "I...I..."	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1,938,712	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938682}'	No	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	1693571458078645	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"What were you doing, Mitch!" Kelly said.<br /> "Oh god, Kel!" Mitch said. He pulled away and got dressed as did his assistant. She threw the bag of food at him.<br /> "I can't believe you!" Kelly said.<br /> "Baby please," Mitch said.<br /> "Don't call me that, not anymore, we are done! It's over!" Kelly yelled. She ran out the door and got on the elevator and the doors closed and she ran out when she got on the ground floor.<br /> "Leave me alone!" Kelly yelled.<br /> ————————<br /> Kelly sat in her office at the bakery she owned with her twin sister and best friends.<br /> "Sis, what's wrong?" Kate asked.<br /> "It was our anniversary yesterday and he never showed up, he called and said he had to go out of town for work, but I called my father-in-law and he said there was no reason for him to go out of town," Kelly said.<br /> "So, he lied about it," Kate said.<br /> "Yeah, it's becoming a habit, I don't know what to do," Kelly said.<br /> "You two should ivorce," Kate said.<br /> "Sis," Kelly said.<br /> "He's a prick who left his wife alone on your anniversary and lied to you," Kate said.<br /> "Hey guys," Melanie said.<br /> "Mel, where is that good for nothing brother of yours," Kate said.<br /> "At work I assume?" Melanie said.<br /> "Do you have any clue where he was last night?" Kate asked.<br /> "Home?" Melanie asked.<br /> "Nope," Kelly said.<br /> "What happened?" Melanie said.<br /> "He called and said he was going out of town for work, I called your dad, he said there was no work out of town for him to go for," Kelly said.<br /> "That lying sack of prick, I'll be back, sis," Melanie said. She left. Kelly sat back in her chair. Kate sat down at her desk.<br /> "Hey girls," Tara said.<br /> "How's it looking out there?" Kelly asked.<br /> "It's okay, Sarah has it covered," Tara said.<br /> "Where's my beautiful wife?" Ryan asked.<br /> "Baby!" Kate said. She jumped up and went to him and hugged him.<br /> "I missed you today," Ryan said.<br /> "I missed you too," Kate said.<br /> "Hey bro," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey sis, what's going on?" Ryan asked.<br /> "Not much, just my husband is a lying sack of prick," Kelly said.<br /> "I'm what now?" Mitch asked.<br /> "You're in trouble man," Ryan said.<br /> "Prick," Kate said.<br /> "What did I do?" Mitch asked.<br /> "You lied to me that's what," Kelly said.<br /> "You didn't go out of town yesterday," Kate said.<br /> "I called your dad," Kelly said.<br /> "Kel, baby, I'm sorry," Mitch said.<br /> "It was our three year wedding anniversary yesterday and you couldn't come home and made up some excuse, where were you," Kelly said.<br /> "I went on a road trip to get something for you," Mitch said.<br /> "What did you get," Kelly said.<br /> "It's outside," Mitch said.<br /> "Mitch," Kelly said.<br /> "Kel, come on," Mitch said. She shook her head and got up and walked out the door and went to the front door and opened it and and saw it.<br /> "What the?" Kelly asked.<br /> "It's the one you wanted right?" Mitch asked.<br /> "Yes," Kelly said.<br /> "I found it at a car dealership about two hours away," Mitch said.<br /> "But there are dealerships here," Kelly said.<br /> "They didn't have your color baby," Mitch said.<br /> "Mitch," Kelly said.<br /> "Happy Anniversary, baby," Mitch said.<br /> "Wow, I guess this made up for missing the actual day," Kate said.<br /> "Kate," Kelly said.<br /> "Baby," Ryan said.<br /> "It's fine, I'll be making it up to her for awhile, this is a start, next week is birthdays," Mitch said.<br /> "Better not come up with an excuse to forget it," Kate said.<br /> "No because she is going with me to the Maldives," Mitch said.<br /> "What?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Happy Early Birthday baby, a second honeymoon," Mitch said.<br /> "Okay I was wrong," Kate said.<br /> "What's that, Kate?" Mitch asked.<br /> "Sis," Kelly said.<br /> "Sorry," Kate said. Kelly looked at her husband and hugged him tight. He buried his face in her neck.<br /> "I love you and I'm sorry about yesterday," Mitch said.<br /> "Just don't do it again," Kelly said.<br /> "I promise baby," Mitch said. He pecked her and they went for a drive.<br /> Two weeks later, Kelly walked into the bakery after coming home from the trip she and Mitch took. Sarah and Tara were there.<br /> "Hello ladies," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey girl, how was the trip?" Tara asked.<br /> "Amazing, it was like our honeymoon all over again," Kelly said.<br /> "So you guys never left the bed?" Sarah asked.<br /> "Oh we did, we would do things like snorkeling at the Banana Reef, went to the beach, swimming, romantic dinners, and every night we would be in bed making love," Kelly said.<br /> "So babies could be coming soon?" Tara asked.<br /> "I'm still on the pill, he still says he's not ready yet," Kelly said.<br /> "Kel, you have a visitor," Tara said.<br /> "Who is it?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Matt," Tara said. Kelly got up and went out and saw her brother-in-law standing at the counter drinking coffee.<br /> "Matt," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey beautiful, I've missed you," Matthew said.<br /> "Oh you have huh," Kelly said.<br /> "Yeah, heard you just got back from a trip with your husband," Matthew said.<br /> "Your brother yes I did," Kelly said.<br /> "Have a good time?" Matthew asked.<br /> "Yes I did, it was a second honeymoon," Kelly said.<br /> "That's great, so you guys making me an uncle soon?" Matthew asked.<br /> "Not yet," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey guys," Benjamin said<br /> "Hey Ben," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey boys what's up?" Sarah asked.<br /> "Hey Sarah, just a coffee to go, I've got to get back to the job site," Benjamin said.<br /> "I better get back to the office, see ya sis," Matthew said.<br /> "Bye Matt," Kelly said.<br /> "How are you gorgeous," Benjamin said.<br /> "I'm good, how's the job?" Kelly asked.<br /> "It's going very well," Benjamin said.<br /> "That's good," Kelly said.<br /> "I better get going, gorgeous, see you soon," Benjamin said. He went out the door and she looked at the girls.<br /> "Gorgeous? Beautiful? I think they have the hots for you," Tara said.<br /> "They've always called me those names and Mitch knows and agreed of them calling me," Kelly said.<br /> "He's okay with his brothers calling you gorgeous and beautiful," Tara said.<br /> "Yeah because he knows that nothing will happen with them, he trusts me and he trusts his brothers, he knows they won't cross the boundaries," Kelly said.<br /> "Yet," Sarah said.<br /> "What," Kelly said.<br /> "They both were looking at you," Tara said.<br /> "Both were eye watching you," Sarah said.<br /> "Oh yeah," Tara said.<br /> "They wouldn't do that to their brother," Kelly said.<br /> "They both want you in their bed," Sarah said.<br /> "You both are wrong, okay, you are wrong," Kelly said. She went to the office and sat down and worked on some bills.<br /> Three days later, Kelly was at the bakery helping a customer when Benjamin came in.<br /> "Hey gorgeous," Benjamin said.<br /> "Hi Ben," Kelly said.<br /> "How's my favorite sister-in-law doing?" Benjamin asked.<br /> "I'm fine and I'm your only sister-in-law," Kelly said.<br /> "I know that, that's why you are my favorite one," Benjamin said.<br /> "Hey Ben," Sarah said.<br /> "Sarah, how are you," Benjamin said.<br /> "I'm good," Sarah said.<br /> "Are you ready?" Benjamin asked.<br /> "Yeah, is it okay for me to go, Kel?" Sarah asked.<br /> "You guys got a date?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Yeah I asked her the other day," Benjamin said.<br /> "Go on, have a good time," Kelly said.<br /> "Okay see ya tomorrow," Sarah said.<br /> "Bye sis!" Benjamin said. They left and Kelly smiled and cleaned the counter.<br /> "Hey beautiful," Matthew said.<br /> "Matt, what's up?" Kelly asked.<br /> "I came to see my favorite sister-in-law," Matthew said.<br /> "As I told Ben, I'm your only sister-in-law," Kelly said.<br /> "And I'm sure he said that it makes you our favorite," Matthew said.<br /> "Yeah so what would you like?" Kelly asked.<br /> "A latte please sis," Matthew said.<br /> "Coming right up," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey baby, hey bro," Mitch said.<br /> "Hey bro," Matthew said.<br /> "Hey what brings you by?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Just letting you know that I'll be working late," Mitch said.<br /> "Oh babe," Kelly said.<br /> "I'm sorry baby," Mitch said.<br /> "It's fine, I'll be okay," Kelly said.<br /> "If you have to work late, how did you manage to get away?" Matthew asked.<br /> "I took a lunch break and came here to tell her, I didn't want to tell her over the phone," Mitch said.<br /> "And I appreciate you coming to tell me, babe," Kelly said. He came over to her and hugged her close and pecked her softly.<br /> "I will text you when I'm headed home okay, I know you have an early morning so you don't need to wait up for me," Mitch said.<br /> "Okay, love you," Kelly said.<br /> "Love you baby," Mitch said. He pecked her and went out the door. Matthew looked at her and smiled.<br /> After work，<br /> Kelly drove to Mitch's office with some food and went to his office and heard sounds coming from inside and she opened the door slowly and saw something that made her heart break. Her husband slept with his assistant on his desk.<br /> "What were you doing, Mitch!" Kelly said.<br /> "Oh god Kel!" Mitch said. He pulled away and got dressed as did his assistant. She threw the bag of food at him.<br /> "I can't believe you!" Kelly said.<br /> "Baby please," Mitch said.<br /> "Don't call me that, not anymore, we are done! It's over!" Kelly yelled. She ran out the door and got on the elevator and the doors closed and she ran out when she got on the ground floor.<br /> "Leave me alone!" Kelly yelled. She went to Kate's house and went to the door and knocked. Ryan opened it and saw her.<br /> "Kel, sis, what happened?" Ryan asked. She broke down crying and he pulled her in and closed the door.<br /> "I took food to Mitch at his office and found him sleeping with his assistant on his desk," Kelly said crying.<br /> "Oh my god, he's so dead!" Ryan said.<br /> "No he's not worth it, I told him I was done," Kelly said.<br /> Three days later, Kelly went home and found him there sitting on the couch. She went to the bedroom and began packing her bags. She sent a quick text as she packed. He came to the door.<br /> "Kelly please," Mitch said.<br /> "Don't! I don't want to hear any excuses, there is no excuse for what you did, how long has it been going on?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Kelly," Mitch said.<br /> "How long?!" Kelly yelled.<br /> "Three months," Mitch said.<br /> "And you said you loved me," Kelly said.<br /> "I do!" Mitch said.<br /> "No you don't or you never would have slept with her in the first place! No man who says he loves his wife would ever cheat on her! You are not a man, you are nothing!" Kelly yelled.<br /> "Mitch!" Matthew yelled. Matthew cam and pulled his brother away from the door.<br /> "Matt," Mitch said.<br /> "I heard what you did, how could you do that!" Matthew said.<br /> "It was a mistake!" Mitch said.<br /> "A mistake is one time, three months isn't!" Matthew said.<br /> "How did you find out?" Mitch asked.<br /> "From her sister, she told me when I went to get coffee this morning," Matthew said.<br /> "Matt," Mitch said.<br /> "Leave her be, Mitch, go for a walk for an hour and let her get her things out," Matthew said.<br /> "I'm not giving her a divorce," Mitch said.<br /> "You better," Kelly said.<br /> "I don't want to lose you!" Mitch said.<br /> "You lost me the moment you put your private part inside Delia," Kelly said.<br /> "Go Mitch now!" Matthew said.<br /> "Get him out, I'll help her finish up and get her stuff in her car," Matthew said. Harris pulled Mitch out the door. Matthew went to Kelly and she broke down in his arms.<br /> "Oh beautiful it will be all right, let's get your stuff and get out of here," Matthew said. They finished packing up her stuff and got it all in her car and his.<br /> "Thank you Matt," Kelly said.<br /> "You're welcome, now where are you staying? Matthew asked.<br /> "I was staying at Kate's, being there for her and Ryan, she's having a rough time with her pregnancy," Kelly said.<br /> "Let's go then," Matthew said. They went to Kate's house and got out. Ryan came out.<br /> "Hey Matt," Ryan said.<br /> "Hey man, got her stuff here," Matthew said.<br /> "Let's get it inside," Ryan said. They got her stuff moved into the house and she got her clothes in the bedroom and the rest in the other spare room for the time being.<br /> "So I'll be going now," Matthew said.<br /> "Thanks for the help, Matt," Kelly said.<br /> "Of course beautiful, see you later," Matthew said. He pecked her cheek and hugged her and left. Kelly sat on the bed. Ryan sat next to her.<br /> "You okay sis?" Ryan asked.<br /> "I guess so, are you okay with me staying here?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Of course, Kate wants you here, I'm glad you are here for her, it makes me feel better knowing you are helping her," Ryan said.<br /> Three weeks later, Kelly found herself a house close to Kate and Ryan. She got all moved in and settled. <br /> Then she heard the front door ding announcing there was a customer. Kelly and Sarah went up front and the person there was the last person she was expecting to see, Mitch’s assistant.<br /> "What are you doing here," Kelly said.<br /> "I wanted to talk to you please," Delia said.<br /> "What could you have to say to me," Kelly said.<br /> "I wanted to explain it to you," Delia said.<br /> "I really don't care, he slept with you for three months, I can't forgive and forget," Kelly said.<br /> "Kelly, please," Delia said.<br /> "Why should I listen to anything you say, did he send you here to plead his case so I would take him back, tell him to go away," Kelly said.<br /> "Kelly, he's checked into rehab," Delia said.<br /> "What for?" Kelly asked.<br /> "He had an accident at work five months ago, it wasn't bad but he required some painkillers to keep you from finding out because he didn't want you to worry or anything, he got hooked on them and he was so in need for them that he got mixed up and thought I was you, he called me Kelly," Delia said.<br /> "Oh geez," Kelly said.<br /> "Seems like nonsense to me," Sarah said.<br /> "Yeah he's just trying to get me to take him back, tell him I'm not going to take him back ever, he and I were over the moment his private part was inside you so get out of here and stay away from me," Kelly said.<br /> "Okay I'll go and I'm sorry for my part in all this," Delia said. She left and Sarah looked at Kelly. Kelly went back to her office. Benjamin came in and smiled and pecked her.<br /> "Hey baby," Benjamin said.<br /> "Hey," Sarah said.<br /> "What's going on?" Benjamin asked.<br /> "You won't believe it," Sarah said. She told him what happened. He sent a text and soon the door opened and Matthew came in. Kelly came out of her office and saw him and he took her in his arms as she sobbed against him.<br /> "It's okay beautiful, I'm here," Matthew said.<br /> "Why can't he understand that I can't be with him anymore," Kelly said.<br /> "I don't know but I do know that he never deserved you," Matthew said.	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1,938,693	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938446}'	Yes	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	1177429416712349	Continue watching more series 👉👉👉	😱🔥The Unwanted billionaire Heires🥰	WATCH_MORE	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.	126997507157767	SHORT TV	https://facebook.com/61551042265812	408,671	5	1,641,747,479,706,221	2024-07-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	Watch more	SHORT TV	120209615913220599	play.google.com	NONE	video		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.shorttv.apps	2024-07-20 08:56	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/451842738_8136962583034307_4247931212896576666_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=L-zzuhjuNnQQ7kNvgHfS8of&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYBXs5B7C3YVHs8mUd4Re3tkdjjefxdCsARlRL33P35sZA&oe=66AA1206	person_profile	SHORT TV	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452000440_2204328533238642_2624120373913743329_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AkTwaueHerUQ7kNvgHIhe1a&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYANC1huY8DSL1A7PD2Q7wQ0a-nXh595HwmcZW5MGdP3WA&oe=66A9FA49	3	SHORT TV	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,938,685	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938533}'	No	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	1127651541654744	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Why are you packing all your things," he hissed, through gritted teeth.<br /> I took a deep breath, with my finger over the button, readying to hit send. I said, "Because I am leaving you."<br /> "No, you are not leaving me," he yelled.<br /> "I saw you earlier, banging another woman, in what should have been our bed. It was what I needed to see that you were a controlling prick our whole relationship. So, yes, I am leaving you," I responded calmly, turning and hitting send.<br /> He growled, "You are not leaving me! I bet you think this because you are cheating on me. Who is he? Show me who you were sending a text too just now."<br /> "I never cheated. You did. You have restricted me, banned me, belittled me, and treated me harshly on countless occasions. My heart is broken. How I could ever love a man like you, I do not know."<br /> _______________<br /> <br /> Eilith's POV-<br /> I am heading home early from my grandparents' house. I decided to visit them, because I wanted to see them. I do not see them as much as I would like too, since I finished University and started making my way in the world. You see, I have lived with my grandparents since I was five years old, because my parents sadly died in a car accident, I don't know much else than that. There was no other family, and my grandparents fought to keep me with them.<br /> My parents left a will, but never changed the will to say who would take me in if they both died, so I would have automatically been taken under the care of county, until they could confirm whether my grandparents could take me in.<br /> I remember very little of my parents, but my grandparents kept their memory alive. From the day I started Secondary School, albeit a private Secondary School, my grandparents told me to use my mother's maiden, to hide who I was. They would go by my mother's maiden name when going to certain places and meeting my friend and their parents. They didn't do in the private Primary school I was in when my parents died, because it would be too much, and I would not likely understand fully why it had to be that way. It was and still is the way things had to be, because of who my grandparents are and who my father was.<br /> My father was the heir to a very powerful business. He had been running it for ten years before he died, but after he passed, my grandparents made the difficult decision of selling the business to the highest bidder. My grandparents focused on investing after that to maintain their wealth.<br /> My family is one of the very wealthy families in the United Kingdom. As the sole heiress to the wealth, my grandparents did not want me to have friends or boyfriends who just wanted me for my money, so I told everyone my name was Eilith Smith, not Eilith Clarke, which is my actual name. I have only told Kelly Roberts, my best friend, because she was a rich girl too, and has been my closest and dearest friend since we were eight years old. I really would not know what I would do without her, she has been there for me through so much.<br /> I had told my boyfriend, Dylan Harrison, that I would be out for most of the day and will not likely be home till the evening. In a note on his bedside, next to his phone, because he was still asleep, as I had woken up very early. I wanted to get to my grandparents before the morning traffic rush. But when I got there, my grandparents were going to visit a friend of theirs for and early dinner, so I had to leave far earlier than expected.<br /> When I usually visit them, I spend all day, sometimes into the next day with them, because they raised me and it is nice to be able to help them out around their home and visit my horse, which they keep at their home, in the stables on their land. When they were ready to leave to go have dinner, that was when I left to go home. I didn't mention to my boyfriend that I was on the way home. I was thinking I would surprise him.<br /> I returned home, thinking I would be able to have a nice relaxing bath, and then maybe plan a nice romantic dinner for myself and Dylan, if he is home from the football match early enough. It wasn't something we often did at home. I thought it would be a nice change. I love to cook, but he prefers to eat out at lavish places. He is the type to love to flaunt his wealth. Those plans were soon dashed...<br /> I entered my flat quietly, just in case Dylan was still asleep, which is how I left him this morning when I left to visit my grandparents. What I saw in front of me stopped me in my tracks. My mind went blank. In that moment, I almost forgot to breathe.<br /> I somehow managed to get the front door closed behind me quietly. When I turned around, I focused more on what was going one even though I was already beginning to understand what was going on, and honestly it didn't feel real. It didn't feel like it was happening to me.<br /> A cooked breakfast that had been made and eaten by two was left on my dining table. Romantic music played on the radio. I couldn't quite hear it; I think because this whole thing felt like an out of body experience. I could not believe my eyes; Dylan had never once done anything like this for me. He would never cook for me, I think he even joked that it was a woman's job once, but he was drunk and with friends, so I never took it to heart. Yet he would do it for a woman, who was not his girlfriend.<br /> I felt pain in my chest, that spread up my throat choking me. I knew I would not be able to say anything to him, but I had to know, was he really cheating on me?<br /> I quietly walked further into my flat, towards my bedroom, almost tripping over his shirt that lay discarded on the floor. It was not the only article of clothing strewn across the floor. There was some woman's clothing on the floor too. Judging by the size the woman had to be a supermodel or something. The clothing was so small. It had to be the smallest size you could get here in the UK for women.<br /> I suddenly felt so insecure, because that size of clothing would never fit me now, it did when I was in my late teens, but not now.<br /> I arrived at my bedroom, but I made sure to remain hidden out of sight. Thankfully the door was open a little bit, so I could see everything. I could hear his distinct grunts and moans, as well as the moans of another woman.<br /> I peered through the small crack in the door and saw him having intercourse with another woman in my bed. His back was to me, so he didn't notice that I had seen what he was doing. The woman looked like a supermodel to me, but I really couldn't see her very well, except for a little bit of her blonde hair that was spread across the sheets. I didn't know her, but a hatred grew in my heart almost straight away for her.<br /> I could feel my eyes well with tears, as my hand covered my mouth. I could not stay here any longer, my voice was all but gone. I couldn't stay there to speak with him, let alone look at him right now. Not to mention, I know he has a temper when someone confronts him, it has happened before when we were out, but it has never been aimed at me before. Something I was always scared of happening. How could he do this to me, after everything I had done for him? How could he cheat on me after all these years? Has he been cheating on me this whole time? Could I really forgive him if he made promises? I just needed to get out of here for now.<br /> So, I left, as quietly and quickly as I could. I didn't want him to know that I had seen him, because I could not deal with the confrontation right now, and his excuses and temper.<br /> Eilith's POV-<br /> My best friend, Kelly, had a little while before she started work at the restaurant, she was a manager at. She has dreams of starting her own restaurant chain and wanted to get experience working the lower levels in the restaurant beforehand. I jumped into my car, and headed to the restaurant she works at. I texted her to tell her I was on my way to her, before I left.<br /> It only took me twenty minutes to get to her. She was waiting outside when I pulled the car into the car park. She rushed over and jumped into the passenger's seat of my car. She looked at my concerned, and asked, "What is wrong? You have me worried."<br /> "I... I found... Dylan cheating on me," I choked.<br /> "I am not surprised. I have told you many times, he is not worthy of you. Think about your entire relationship. I have known you far longer than Dylan has known you. You were always so confident and free. You wore what you want, when you wanted. Red is your favourite colour, and you have stopped wearing anything red, because he didn't like you wearing red. You told me it made him mad if you wore red. You stopped eating pasta, one of your favourite things to eat, because he said you would get fat. He told you to stop hanging around with my brother, who treats you like a sister. I bet he gets mad if he finds out you were with me and my brother. That is controlling behaviour, a major red flag. If you stay with him, he will just keep cheating on you, and this controlling behaviour will just get worse, until you are isolated from your friends and family, and that is when he will start physically abusing you. Eilith, please, you must leave him now," she said.<br /> I sat in the driver's seat of my car, thinking about what she said, and as I thought, I couldn't hold back the tears I felt any more. I wasted four years of my life with this man. I had met his entire family, and they all loved me, according to him. It did make me very happy, because honestly his grandparents were lovely, his father was kind, but his uncle was always so charming, and is a very good-looking man, even though I rarely saw him. I had specifically gone to speak with my grandparents today to get their blessing on telling this man my real name and introducing him to them properly. Thankfully, I did not get the chance to speak with them about it. Kelly wrapped her arms around me, as she whispered, "It is okay. You will make it through this and be stronger for it. You will find someone far better and more deserving of your love and kindness."<br /> "Was he really that bad? I can't believe I let him do that to me, to do everything that he did to me," I whimpered.<br /> I was glad she didn't ask what he did to me, because I wasn't ready to talk about it. She rubbed my back, and said, "It is okay. One day soon we will sit down and have a long hard talk about everything that he did. Maybe it will be best if you go to therapy too. But I will not leave your side. I will stand by you through this whole ordeal, I promise."<br /> "How am I going to make it without you? You're leaving to move to London in a few days," I whispered, in between my sobs.<br /> "Come with us. Josh and I have brought a three-bed house in London. Josh won't mind you moving into the spare bedroom, until you get back on your feet. He will understand. He sees you as a little sister," Kelly suggested.<br /> Josh is Kelly's older brother. He really did see me as his little sister, just like I see him as my brother. I looked at her, a little shocked about that idea. I whispered, "But, I have nothing packed, and he is at home."<br /> She nodded, pausing and thinking about what I could do to deal with this situation. I too, was thinking, because I didn't want things to turn out like this. Dylan was very scary when he was mad. In those moments, I believed that he could hit me, even though he never got angry at me. She cleared her throat, and said, "I am only doing a four-hour shift, to cover the time the other manager can't be in due to childcare. When she gets here, I will have Josh pick me up and come straight over to help you. Once you know he is out of your flat, go there and pack everything up that you can, as quickly as you can, and leave. Get it done before he gets home. If he does get home, before Josh and I get there, send me our code word. So, I know you are in danger, and need help I will call the police."<br /> We have had a code word, for a great many years. It was more to ensure our safety while we were out at night. We knew the other would need help if we received HOD by text. It stands for House of Dead, an arcade game that we both loved to play with Kelly's brother. It was short simple and to the point. Plus, three letters that meant something to the both of us makes a great code word.<br /> "But what if he tries to hurt you or Josh," I said.<br /> "Do you know why he hates Josh," she responded.<br /> I shook my head, and asked, "Why?"<br /> "Do you remember that day when we were looking at dresses online, before we went shopping. According to Josh, when I said you would look drop dead gorgeous in that red dress you were looking at, Dylan looked at it, and muttered some vile things about you. Josh heard that, when they were alone, Josh laid into him. Dylan tried to get in Josh's face, Josh didn't flinch instead he just smirked. Dylan backed down," she explained.<br /> Josh was different from Dylan, physically. Josh is taller and has broader shoulders and is more muscular compared to Dylan. Josh is a gym rat. He loves working out and using weights. Dylan, on the other hand, rarely goes to the gym, but is well toned and skinny. Dylan wouldn't stand against Josh in a fight, not only due to their difference physically, but because Josh is training to be a boxer for the Olympics. I have seen him knock a man out with a single punch. So, he is a strong man. The perfect kind of older brother you want.<br /> "So, that is why he didn't want me to be around Josh," I said.<br /> She nodded, "Josh made him feel emasculated. He is toxic, so you need to leave him. I will call Josh and tell him to be ready and get here to pick me up early, in the hopes that I may be able to leave earlier. I must go. Josh and I will be on our way to help you as soon as we can. Stay safe."<br /> I nodded, "Thank you, Kelly."<br /> "Be careful and send me text updates. Please make sure that if he comes back, you send me that code word," she said, as she began climbing out of my car.<br /> I nodded, "I promise."<br /> I watched as she called Josh and headed inside the restaurant to start her shift. I looked down as my phone, and realised I had a text from Dylan.<br /> Dylan: "Hey babe, I hope you are having fun with your grandparents. I won't be in when you come home. I am going to watch the football match with the boys. I will be back later tonight. Make yourself dinner. Xx"<br /> I stared down at the text. The football match he was talking about was in two hours, so he would leave the home in thirty minutes to meet with his friends, so he can head to the match with them. I had to reply but keep it as normal as possible to my usual texts, and honestly that was the frightening thing. One mistake and this could go wrong.<br /> Me: "I am just about to leave my grandparents. I will be about an hour, maybe a little longer, as there is some road works near my grandparents' home. Have fun at the football match. Text me when you are on your way home. Xx"<br /> He read the text message and replied with a simple okay. As it would only take me twenty minutes to get home, I decided to wait forty minutes, in that car park. I wrote a little list of things I would need to make sure I pack. I texted Kelly and let her know what I was doing. I figured that I would start looking for a new job in London. I also contacted my boss and explained the situation. Normally, I would have to give a one-week notice, but he told me I had unused holiday, so I could use that as my one week notice period, and just not return after my holiday. I also sent my CV to a few reparable companies based in London. The forty minutes were up, so I started my car, and drove back to my flat, to pack and leave it and him behind.<br /> Eilith's POV-<br /> I arrived home, after seeing Kelly. When I go there, my flat was empty, Dylan was gone, and the bed had been made. A wave of anger crashed over me, here he was trying to hide what I already knew. I was seeing everything he said to me as a lie. The anger that I felt, fuelled me with determination. A determination that will give me the strength I need to do this, to leave him. I was frightened he would come back and see me trying to leave. I had two hours before Kelly and Josh would be here to help me. I just had to get as much as I could packed before then, and hope that Dylan stays away until after they get here. Kelly texted me and asked if I was home, so I text back that I was indeed home and Dylan was out.<br /> I knew I had to start packing everything that I had to take. I pulled out my list and got to work. I headed to the safe, I kept hidden in the bedroom. I unlocked it, and took out my passport, my mother's jewellery box, and the folder I kept important letters and documents in. I shoved them in my handbag, which thankfully was large enough to hold all of it. I grabbed my suitcases out of my wardrobe. I had two sizes a large one and a cabin one. I opened both, leaving them on the floor. I quickly yanked some of my clothing off the hangers and threw them in the suitcase. I emptied my drawers of clothing and just threw them in my suitcase. I chucked in my favourite pairs of shoes. I grabbed my electronics that I wanted to take. Though I could buy replacement electronics, and I probably will once I get settled in, I need to be able to keep a line of communication open with my grandparents and so I can get a new job in London. I grabbed whatever else I could.<br /> I looked at the time and saw a text from Kelly. She had managed to leave work an hour early, and Josh had picked her up. They were on their way to me. I suddenly had this feeling like someone was behind me. I typed HOD into a text before I turned around. Dylan was standing in the doorway to what was our bedroom. He had his hands clenched into fists by his legs. A rage in his eyes that I have never seen before, far worse than all the other times he was angry.<br /> "Why are you packing all your things," he hissed, through gritted teeth.<br /> I took a deep breath, with my finger over the button, readying to hit send. I said, "Because I am leaving you."<br /> "No, you are not leaving me," he yelled.<br /> "I saw you earlier, banging another woman, in what should have been our bed. It was what I needed to see that you were a controlling prick our whole relationship. So, yes, I am leaving you," I responded calmly, turning and hitting send.<br /> His heavy footsteps thunder towards me, making the floor of our flat shake. His hand tangled into my hair, and yanked my head back, before snatching my phone from my hand. Thankfully, I locked it before he could read my texts. He growled, "You are not leaving me! I bet you think this because you are cheating on me. Who is he? Show me who you were sending a text too just now."<br /> "Get off of me," I yelled, trying to push him away from me.<br /> "Who is he," spitting as he shouted, pulling my hair harder.<br /> I pushed him away from me. It surprised him enough to let go of my hair and to stumble backwards away from me, I screamed, "I never cheated. You did. You have restricted me, banned me, belittled me, and treated me harshly on countless occasions. My heart is broken. How I could ever love a man like you, I do not know."<br /> Tears welled in my eyes, so I turned around and began to zip up my suitcases. I didn't want to see his reaction to what I said, I couldn't deal with him if he started crying. I really might faulter if that happens. That was when I felt something hard hit the back of my head. My head began to pound and ache. I gripped where he hit me on my head with my hand and turned to look at Dylan. But before I could say anything, he raised his fist and slammed it into my face. The blow was hard enough, to knock me backwards into the bedside cabinet. I hit my head on the corner of the bedside cabinet, before hitting the floor. I could feel a wet hot liquid slide across my face. I touched it and looked at my hand. It was blood. I was bleeding from my head. I gripped my head and began to curl up into the fetal position. Before I could curl up, Dylan kicked me in the stomach and ribs, not just once, but many times. I lost count how many times he kicked me. I felt something crack in my rib cage. I tried my best to use my arms to protect my body and head, but there was only so much I could do, while in so much pain. The pain was excruciating. All I could do was cry and whimper the pain made it too hard to move. He grabbed my hair on the back of my head, tearing some hair from my head, and snarled, "If you hadn't threatened to leave, then none of this would have happened. Do you want to know why I sleep with other girls, because after all the times we have intercourse, you were never ready for what I needed to be full satisfied. But now you are going to find out. Remember this is all your fault."<br /> He slammed my head into the ground. The impact made my head heavy and made it hard for me to keep myself conscious. My ears were now ringing from the impact. It was because of that, that I did not hear what he was doing. The ringing subsided, only for me to hear a massive crack, and a shocking sting across my back, which made me cry out. I managed to look up and see that he was holding a whip. He hit me with a whip. I was now seeing a completely different side to him, a side that would have made me run for the hills years ago. How did I not see this side to him?<br /> "This is what I like," he growled, lust evident in his voice.<br /> I tried my best to move, to get away. But I was in so much pain. The sound of the crack of the whip came again, just before the impact on my back. I screamed out. This time it was even more painful. The taste of blood filled my mouth, as I felt a trickle of blood pooling on my back. Tears were streaming down my face. I was trying to prepare myself for another blow. But that was when I heard the sirens. In that moment, I had never felt so happy to hear sirens before. Dylan dropped the whip, and muttered, "Gosh."<br /> That was when he bolted out of the door. I breathed a sigh of relief, even though my chest hurt so much. Pain was all over my body. My head and back were the most painful. With my head hurt, it was getting harder for me to stay awake my consciousness was wavering. My eyes closing slowly, the pain becoming unbearable.	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1,938,700	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938632}'	No	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	1427464825311893	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"What were you doing, Mitch!" Kelly said.<br /> "Oh god, Kel!" Mitch said. He pulled away and got dressed as did his assistant. She threw the bag of food at him.<br /> "I can't believe you!" Kelly said.<br /> "Baby please," Mitch said.<br /> "Don't call me that, not anymore, we are done! It's over!" Kelly yelled. She ran out the door and got on the elevator and the doors closed and she ran out when she got on the ground floor.<br /> "Leave me alone!" Kelly yelled.<br /> ————————<br /> Kelly sat in her office at the bakery she owned with her twin sister and best friends.<br /> "Sis, what's wrong?" Kate asked.<br /> "It was our anniversary yesterday and he never showed up, he called and said he had to go out of town for work, but I called my father-in-law and he said there was no reason for him to go out of town," Kelly said.<br /> "So, he lied about it," Kate said.<br /> "Yeah, it's becoming a habit, I don't know what to do," Kelly said.<br /> "You two should ivorce," Kate said.<br /> "Sis," Kelly said.<br /> "He's a prick who left his wife alone on your anniversary and lied to you," Kate said.<br /> "Hey guys," Melanie said.<br /> "Mel, where is that good for nothing brother of yours," Kate said.<br /> "At work I assume?" Melanie said.<br /> "Do you have any clue where he was last night?" Kate asked.<br /> "Home?" Melanie asked.<br /> "Nope," Kelly said.<br /> "What happened?" Melanie said.<br /> "He called and said he was going out of town for work, I called your dad, he said there was no work out of town for him to go for," Kelly said.<br /> "That lying sack of prick, I'll be back, sis," Melanie said. She left. Kelly sat back in her chair. Kate sat down at her desk.<br /> "Hey girls," Tara said.<br /> "How's it looking out there?" Kelly asked.<br /> "It's okay, Sarah has it covered," Tara said.<br /> "Where's my beautiful wife?" Ryan asked.<br /> "Baby!" Kate said. She jumped up and went to him and hugged him.<br /> "I missed you today," Ryan said.<br /> "I missed you too," Kate said.<br /> "Hey bro," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey sis, what's going on?" Ryan asked.<br /> "Not much, just my husband is a lying sack of prick," Kelly said.<br /> "I'm what now?" Mitch asked.<br /> "You're in trouble man," Ryan said.<br /> "Prick," Kate said.<br /> "What did I do?" Mitch asked.<br /> "You lied to me that's what," Kelly said.<br /> "You didn't go out of town yesterday," Kate said.<br /> "I called your dad," Kelly said.<br /> "Kel, baby, I'm sorry," Mitch said.<br /> "It was our three year wedding anniversary yesterday and you couldn't come home and made up some excuse, where were you," Kelly said.<br /> "I went on a road trip to get something for you," Mitch said.<br /> "What did you get," Kelly said.<br /> "It's outside," Mitch said.<br /> "Mitch," Kelly said.<br /> "Kel, come on," Mitch said. She shook her head and got up and walked out the door and went to the front door and opened it and and saw it.<br /> "What the?" Kelly asked.<br /> "It's the one you wanted right?" Mitch asked.<br /> "Yes," Kelly said.<br /> "I found it at a car dealership about two hours away," Mitch said.<br /> "But there are dealerships here," Kelly said.<br /> "They didn't have your color baby," Mitch said.<br /> "Mitch," Kelly said.<br /> "Happy Anniversary, baby," Mitch said.<br /> "Wow, I guess this made up for missing the actual day," Kate said.<br /> "Kate," Kelly said.<br /> "Baby," Ryan said.<br /> "It's fine, I'll be making it up to her for awhile, this is a start, next week is birthdays," Mitch said.<br /> "Better not come up with an excuse to forget it," Kate said.<br /> "No because she is going with me to the Maldives," Mitch said.<br /> "What?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Happy Early Birthday baby, a second honeymoon," Mitch said.<br /> "Okay I was wrong," Kate said.<br /> "What's that, Kate?" Mitch asked.<br /> "Sis," Kelly said.<br /> "Sorry," Kate said. Kelly looked at her husband and hugged him tight. He buried his face in her neck.<br /> "I love you and I'm sorry about yesterday," Mitch said.<br /> "Just don't do it again," Kelly said.<br /> "I promise baby," Mitch said. He pecked her and they went for a drive.<br /> Two weeks later, Kelly walked into the bakery after coming home from the trip she and Mitch took. Sarah and Tara were there.<br /> "Hello ladies," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey girl, how was the trip?" Tara asked.<br /> "Amazing, it was like our honeymoon all over again," Kelly said.<br /> "So you guys never left the bed?" Sarah asked.<br /> "Oh we did, we would do things like snorkeling at the Banana Reef, went to the beach, swimming, romantic dinners, and every night we would be in bed making love," Kelly said.<br /> "So babies could be coming soon?" Tara asked.<br /> "I'm still on the pill, he still says he's not ready yet," Kelly said.<br /> "Kel, you have a visitor," Tara said.<br /> "Who is it?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Matt," Tara said. Kelly got up and went out and saw her brother-in-law standing at the counter drinking coffee.<br /> "Matt," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey beautiful, I've missed you," Matthew said.<br /> "Oh you have huh," Kelly said.<br /> "Yeah, heard you just got back from a trip with your husband," Matthew said.<br /> "Your brother yes I did," Kelly said.<br /> "Have a good time?" Matthew asked.<br /> "Yes I did, it was a second honeymoon," Kelly said.<br /> "That's great, so you guys making me an uncle soon?" Matthew asked.<br /> "Not yet," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey guys," Benjamin said<br /> "Hey Ben," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey boys what's up?" Sarah asked.<br /> "Hey Sarah, just a coffee to go, I've got to get back to the job site," Benjamin said.<br /> "I better get back to the office, see ya sis," Matthew said.<br /> "Bye Matt," Kelly said.<br /> "How are you gorgeous," Benjamin said.<br /> "I'm good, how's the job?" Kelly asked.<br /> "It's going very well," Benjamin said.<br /> "That's good," Kelly said.<br /> "I better get going, gorgeous, see you soon," Benjamin said. He went out the door and she looked at the girls.<br /> "Gorgeous? Beautiful? I think they have the hots for you," Tara said.<br /> "They've always called me those names and Mitch knows and agreed of them calling me," Kelly said.<br /> "He's okay with his brothers calling you gorgeous and beautiful," Tara said.<br /> "Yeah because he knows that nothing will happen with them, he trusts me and he trusts his brothers, he knows they won't cross the boundaries," Kelly said.<br /> "Yet," Sarah said.<br /> "What," Kelly said.<br /> "They both were looking at you," Tara said.<br /> "Both were eye watching you," Sarah said.<br /> "Oh yeah," Tara said.<br /> "They wouldn't do that to their brother," Kelly said.<br /> "They both want you in their bed," Sarah said.<br /> "You both are wrong, okay, you are wrong," Kelly said. She went to the office and sat down and worked on some bills.<br /> Three days later, Kelly was at the bakery helping a customer when Benjamin came in.<br /> "Hey gorgeous," Benjamin said.<br /> "Hi Ben," Kelly said.<br /> "How's my favorite sister-in-law doing?" Benjamin asked.<br /> "I'm fine and I'm your only sister-in-law," Kelly said.<br /> "I know that, that's why you are my favorite one," Benjamin said.<br /> "Hey Ben," Sarah said.<br /> "Sarah, how are you," Benjamin said.<br /> "I'm good," Sarah said.<br /> "Are you ready?" Benjamin asked.<br /> "Yeah, is it okay for me to go, Kel?" Sarah asked.<br /> "You guys got a date?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Yeah I asked her the other day," Benjamin said.<br /> "Go on, have a good time," Kelly said.<br /> "Okay see ya tomorrow," Sarah said.<br /> "Bye sis!" Benjamin said. They left and Kelly smiled and cleaned the counter.<br /> "Hey beautiful," Matthew said.<br /> "Matt, what's up?" Kelly asked.<br /> "I came to see my favorite sister-in-law," Matthew said.<br /> "As I told Ben, I'm your only sister-in-law," Kelly said.<br /> "And I'm sure he said that it makes you our favorite," Matthew said.<br /> "Yeah so what would you like?" Kelly asked.<br /> "A latte please sis," Matthew said.<br /> "Coming right up," Kelly said.<br /> "Hey baby, hey bro," Mitch said.<br /> "Hey bro," Matthew said.<br /> "Hey what brings you by?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Just letting you know that I'll be working late," Mitch said.<br /> "Oh babe," Kelly said.<br /> "I'm sorry baby," Mitch said.<br /> "It's fine, I'll be okay," Kelly said.<br /> "If you have to work late, how did you manage to get away?" Matthew asked.<br /> "I took a lunch break and came here to tell her, I didn't want to tell her over the phone," Mitch said.<br /> "And I appreciate you coming to tell me, babe," Kelly said. He came over to her and hugged her close and pecked her softly.<br /> "I will text you when I'm headed home okay, I know you have an early morning so you don't need to wait up for me," Mitch said.<br /> "Okay, love you," Kelly said.<br /> "Love you baby," Mitch said. He pecked her and went out the door. Matthew looked at her and smiled.<br /> After work，<br /> Kelly drove to Mitch's office with some food and went to his office and heard sounds coming from inside and she opened the door slowly and saw something that made her heart break. Her husband slept with his assistant on his desk.<br /> "What were you doing, Mitch!" Kelly said.<br /> "Oh god Kel!" Mitch said. He pulled away and got dressed as did his assistant. She threw the bag of food at him.<br /> "I can't believe you!" Kelly said.<br /> "Baby please," Mitch said.<br /> "Don't call me that, not anymore, we are done! It's over!" Kelly yelled. She ran out the door and got on the elevator and the doors closed and she ran out when she got on the ground floor.<br /> "Leave me alone!" Kelly yelled. She went to Kate's house and went to the door and knocked. Ryan opened it and saw her.<br /> "Kel, sis, what happened?" Ryan asked. She broke down crying and he pulled her in and closed the door.<br /> "I took food to Mitch at his office and found him sleeping with his assistant on his desk," Kelly said crying.<br /> "Oh my god, he's so dead!" Ryan said.<br /> "No he's not worth it, I told him I was done," Kelly said.<br /> Three days later, Kelly went home and found him there sitting on the couch. She went to the bedroom and began packing her bags. She sent a quick text as she packed. He came to the door.<br /> "Kelly please," Mitch said.<br /> "Don't! I don't want to hear any excuses, there is no excuse for what you did, how long has it been going on?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Kelly," Mitch said.<br /> "How long?!" Kelly yelled.<br /> "Three months," Mitch said.<br /> "And you said you loved me," Kelly said.<br /> "I do!" Mitch said.<br /> "No you don't or you never would have slept with her in the first place! No man who says he loves his wife would ever cheat on her! You are not a man, you are nothing!" Kelly yelled.<br /> "Mitch!" Matthew yelled. Matthew cam and pulled his brother away from the door.<br /> "Matt," Mitch said.<br /> "I heard what you did, how could you do that!" Matthew said.<br /> "It was a mistake!" Mitch said.<br /> "A mistake is one time, three months isn't!" Matthew said.<br /> "How did you find out?" Mitch asked.<br /> "From her sister, she told me when I went to get coffee this morning," Matthew said.<br /> "Matt," Mitch said.<br /> "Leave her be, Mitch, go for a walk for an hour and let her get her things out," Matthew said.<br /> "I'm not giving her a divorce," Mitch said.<br /> "You better," Kelly said.<br /> "I don't want to lose you!" Mitch said.<br /> "You lost me the moment you put your private part inside Delia," Kelly said.<br /> "Go Mitch now!" Matthew said.<br /> "Get him out, I'll help her finish up and get her stuff in her car," Matthew said. Harris pulled Mitch out the door. Matthew went to Kelly and she broke down in his arms.<br /> "Oh beautiful it will be all right, let's get your stuff and get out of here," Matthew said. They finished packing up her stuff and got it all in her car and his.<br /> "Thank you Matt," Kelly said.<br /> "You're welcome, now where are you staying? Matthew asked.<br /> "I was staying at Kate's, being there for her and Ryan, she's having a rough time with her pregnancy," Kelly said.<br /> "Let's go then," Matthew said. They went to Kate's house and got out. Ryan came out.<br /> "Hey Matt," Ryan said.<br /> "Hey man, got her stuff here," Matthew said.<br /> "Let's get it inside," Ryan said. They got her stuff moved into the house and she got her clothes in the bedroom and the rest in the other spare room for the time being.<br /> "So I'll be going now," Matthew said.<br /> "Thanks for the help, Matt," Kelly said.<br /> "Of course beautiful, see you later," Matthew said. He pecked her cheek and hugged her and left. Kelly sat on the bed. Ryan sat next to her.<br /> "You okay sis?" Ryan asked.<br /> "I guess so, are you okay with me staying here?" Kelly asked.<br /> "Of course, Kate wants you here, I'm glad you are here for her, it makes me feel better knowing you are helping her," Ryan said.<br /> Three weeks later, Kelly found herself a house close to Kate and Ryan. She got all moved in and settled. <br /> Then she heard the front door ding announcing there was a customer. Kelly and Sarah went up front and the person there was the last person she was expecting to see, Mitch’s assistant.<br /> "What are you doing here," Kelly said.<br /> "I wanted to talk to you please," Delia said.<br /> "What could you have to say to me," Kelly said.<br /> "I wanted to explain it to you," Delia said.<br /> "I really don't care, he slept with you for three months, I can't forgive and forget," Kelly said.<br /> "Kelly, please," Delia said.<br /> "Why should I listen to anything you say, did he send you here to plead his case so I would take him back, tell him to go away," Kelly said.<br /> "Kelly, he's checked into rehab," Delia said.<br /> "What for?" Kelly asked.<br /> "He had an accident at work five months ago, it wasn't bad but he required some painkillers to keep you from finding out because he didn't want you to worry or anything, he got hooked on them and he was so in need for them that he got mixed up and thought I was you, he called me Kelly," Delia said.<br /> "Oh geez," Kelly said.<br /> "Seems like nonsense to me," Sarah said.<br /> "Yeah he's just trying to get me to take him back, tell him I'm not going to take him back ever, he and I were over the moment his private part was inside you so get out of here and stay away from me," Kelly said.<br /> "Okay I'll go and I'm sorry for my part in all this," Delia said. She left and Sarah looked at Kelly. Kelly went back to her office. Benjamin came in and smiled and pecked her.<br /> "Hey baby," Benjamin said.<br /> "Hey," Sarah said.<br /> "What's going on?" Benjamin asked.<br /> "You won't believe it," Sarah said. She told him what happened. He sent a text and soon the door opened and Matthew came in. Kelly came out of her office and saw him and he took her in his arms as she sobbed against him.<br /> "It's okay beautiful, I'm here," Matthew said.<br /> "Why can't he understand that I can't be with him anymore," Kelly said.<br /> "I don't know but I do know that he never deserved you," Matthew said.	LEARN_MORE	https://b.choicesnovel.com/ad/Y2hlcnJ5ZmljdGlvbi8y	130664723473312	Cho006	https://facebook.com/61554258470271	18	1	498,172,222,897,173	2024-07-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Cho006	120216087050300011	b.choicesnovel.com	NONE	video		https://b.choicesnovel.com/ad/Y2hlcnJ5ZmljdGlvbi8yNTIyNDMvMjAyNDA3MjUxNTI5MDcvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-07-25 02:37	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453000645_848452450704980_8772679812667648058_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sUtr5oU8GgUQ7kNvgGhsFnb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDXcFXNwdLh-QUoniuRdsACXXZToGt5D6fQ4fKVoYbP2Q&oe=66A9FC5E	person_profile	Cho006	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452615363_1163276534884130_2449110144206197225_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CNNPdRDa1SwQ7kNvgH9ReW5&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYB6MiOeGMCzaRalrI9NIFN4irzhDD5oLQT9GBTqpF9wcw&oe=66AA1097	3	Cho006	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,938,708	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1938545}'	Yes	2024-07-26 19:18	active	1175	1558925581700325	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	I left only to find out I was pregnant with Ink's child a month later. 18 with no home, no family and totally out of options.<br /> Five years later, I came back to be a stripper at Ink's club. I would never forget his eyes which was the same as my daughter...<br /> I closed in on my car. Shoving the key in the door. Twisting it as fast as I could. I yanked the door.<br /> "Why do you have a booster seat in your car? It is for a baby, isn't it?" He said suddenly. <br /> Panic raced through me but I didn't make eye contact. I felt the blood drain from my face.<br /> "I...I..."<br /> ————————<br /> INK POV<br /> The curtain lifted as the dancer walked around the pole to the beat. A black sheer halterneck covered her chest with a small hood barely containing the raven black hair she had her firm hip barely contained by the strappy ripped shortys. Warm but naturally tanned skin covered her whole body with glitter making her shimmer under the spotlight.<br /> I instantly got hard. Straining against my jeans zipper.<br /> Sage quickly rushed behind the bar, her heels clicking against the flooring like a galloping horse.<br /> "Ink" she said anxiously but I couldn't take my eyes off the dancer.<br /> As the song got stronger the dancer climbed the pole with easy. Simple attractive with all eyes in the club on her.<br /> "Ink!" Sage repeated.<br /> As the dancer turned to face my way she made direct eye contact.<br /> Those ice blue eyes I'd remember anywhere.<br /> A moment of panic flashed in her eyes before smirk crossed her lips. I felt like a cold hand slapped me across the face.<br /> "Angel" I whispered as she turned doing another spin before body rolling against the pole. Grinding against the pole teasing the front row.<br /> She's back.<br /> She looked the same but totally different. 5 years had changed her.<br /> Her body had gained more curvy in all the right places but she was fit.<br /> Her toned flat tummy had a small piercing which caught the light. Her hips wide enough to want to grip onto as I imagined drived into her right on the stage. Her legs seeming to go on for days as she strut around in the 8 inch pleasers.<br /> I groaned as my manhood strained again my pants.<br /> "Ink, it's.." Sage leaned in, she was clearly trying to warn me but it was far to late for that.<br /> "I know."<br /> "Dont screw it up." She replied looking at me with knowing eyes. Looking back up to Angel on stage as she glided around the pole like she owned it.<br /> "I let her go once. It won't happen again." I replied to Sage not letting my eyes leave Angels sinful form.<br /> Talk about Destiny. That's what was right in front of me.<br /> <br /> Angel POV<br /> 5 year.<br /> 5 years I promised I'd never come back.<br /> But given my mother had drunk herself to death I had no choice but to return.<br /> Not that she was much of a mother but given I was the only one left, well not quite.<br /> "Mummy! I'm hungry" Lila whined yawning from her car seat. She pushed her crazy curls from her face that had flopped in her eyes while she slept on the drive over. We'd been on the road for 3 days. We had stopped at motels along the way to rest and stretch out but I had serious thoughts of just turning the car around and driving home.<br /> Home. Rosetown wasn't home. It didn't feel like home, even with Lila and I in the dump of an apartment that was in dire need of a update we made it our own. I tried to make it feel like a home but you can't polish a turd.<br /> If I could move anywhere I'd move back to Ashford but that idea scared it out if me more then our terrible neighborhood we were in.<br /> But with mothers house and the little equity it did have, i could sell it for a bit and use my saving to finally buy a little house for us. I could move back and that's what I was planning. <br /> So after giving my noticed to my creep of a landlord Anthony and my work at the nearby diner and the strip club I worked at on weekends. We packed up the tiny amount of things we had into my little Corolla 3 days ago and left for Ashford. Kelly, the only person I had kept in touch with and my closest friend was letting us crash at hers with her brother for the time being while we go on our feet.<br /> She was so excited we were finally close by again that it didn't involve flying to Rosetown every Christmas or birthday. She knew I didn't have the heart or guts to show my face in Ashford again but now I knew it was now or never.<br /> It wasn't just to give us a home but there was one person in Ashford that deserved to have Lila in there life even if the idea scared absolutely me.<br /> "Okay baby we'll get you some food, sweetheart" I called over the backseat to see Lila picking a new movie to watch on her iPad Kelly had bought her for Christmas last year.<br /> I grabbed her a Happy Meal before we rolled up to Kelly's place. She had been the only one I had kept in contact with all these years. She was the only one from Ashford that knew about Lila.<br /> I don't think that secret would be kept for long sadly. I think Ink would soon find out because the Club ran this town. If I could've stayed away forever I would have as selfish as that sounds. But that only meant less pain for me and no answers for Lila in the long run.<br /> He made it clear I wasn't welcome. So I did what he wanted and left only to find out I was pregnant with his child a month later. 18 with no home, no family and totally out of options.<br /> Ink was drama plain a simple, or at least he was. He broke my heart into a million pieces I didn't need him to do it to Lila as well. She didn't need to have her heartbroken.<br /> I knew it would hit the fan as soon as he found out but I couldn't delay it forever.<br /> At almost 4 and a half Lila was becoming aware that all of her friends had daddy's except her and I knew the conversation would come up soon about where her daddy was.<br /> Dredding wasn't a strong enough work to describe how nervous I felt about telling Ink.<br /> Kelly's front door flew open and I could hear her screams of excitment as i hopped out as the crapola groaned to a hold. Almost as if it was warning me that it was it's final journey.<br /> <br /> "Oh so you are staying? What about Ink?" I sighed.<br /> She knew as well as I did it was about time I told him and it would be better if I told him before someone else did. God knows she may look like me but she had his emerald eyes.<br /> It didn't take a genius to figure out he was her dad.<br /> Evergone and there mother knew Ink and I were as thick as thieves as teens. Suddenly showing up 5 years later with a 4 year old screamed gossip central.<br /> "I'm gonna have to talk to him, but I need a job. I can't sleep on your couch forever. If he doesn't wanna be involved I'll leave him be. We don't need the trouble. I don't blame him if he doesn't wanna be apart of her life."<br /> "You never know, Angel. Mike's said the club's done some good things in thae last few years. Maybe hes changed."<br /> "I doubt it Kel." I said blowing on the hot coffee she had just passed along the counter.<br /> "You never know, Ink was never a bad guy." she said kindly and she wadnt wrong. What Ink did was so out of character but his words cut so deeply.<br /> "He didn't want me once. He made that clear"<br /> "That was 5 ye-" but before she could finish I cut her off<br /> "Does Sage still have Try Out Tuesdays?" I ask quickly<br /> "You wanna be a stripper?"<br /> "I already am one Kels, it's good money. Plus try outs are a good place to start 1k if i win, plus tips and a job. Sounds like easy money to me" I shrug taking a long sip.<br /> Kelly raised an eyebrow before looking me up and down "yea if i had your bod i would too girl but you know Sage's is a club joint"<br /> "So?" Yea the MC owned Sage's but that wasn't going to stop me. I was bound to run into them. Might as well get it over with.<br /> "Your funeral" she sings walking to the pantry to pull out some biscuits.<br /> "Itll be alright, Kels" I said with a smile. She was comcerned about people getting handsy but if anyone touched me they'd know quickly not to do it again. I wasn't some doormat or snowflake any longer.<br /> "Could you watch Lila tonight so I can go try out? Just need to go for a run and get ready"<br /> "Omg really?" She squealed excitedly. I wasn't sure why Kelly was a nurse she was more suited to working eith kids. She was obsessed and so clucky.<br /> Smiling I quickly ran her down on Lilas updated list of fave movies and bedtime routine.<br /> "Yes. I love Moana!" She squealed pulling a microwave packet of Popcorn from the pantry.<br /> <br /> A few hours later I had showered tucked Lila in and hopped into the car and pulled up to Sage's.<br /> My back seat full of boxes and bags begging to be unloaded in the morning.<br /> Parking in the back corner of the car park a line of bikes ran the length of the club. And I could see Sage standing outside taking a drag of her smoking by the back door. Grabbing my bag I pulled my coat tighter as I closed the gap between us.<br /> "Those will kill you one day" I teased quietly strolling up to her through the now dark car park.<br /> "Yea ye- Angel?" Sage gasped dropping the smoking on the ground.<br /> "Oh my god, your-....But you-.....Are you....Oh my god" she babbled. Pushing her hair out of her face. I tried to give her a gentle smile.<br /> Sage was undeniably gorgeous. Naturally icey blonde with deep blue eyes like the ocean after a storm. With the attitude to match resting bimbo face was no match for Sage. She was a wonder. She was dressed in tight blue ripped skinny jeans and killer black heels with a diamonte bra covered with a sheer black blouse.<br /> "You still do try outs Tuesday?" I said quietly reading her confused face.<br /> "Yea, yea of course. Do you wanna?" She seemed to pale slightly.<br /> "You bet" I smiled<br /> "Okay come on. I'll show you the dressing room" Sage grasped my hand like she thought I was going to disappear any second. I knew it would be a shock I had returned I hadn't even said goodbye to anyone the night I left town.<br /> I just disappeared. Packed my stuff even stole my mum's car. Not that she even noticed because she never reported it stolen.<br /> As we walked up the back steps into the dressing rooms a few heads turned to look. A few I remembered as club hang arounds. One I knew very well then stepped up to me.<br /> "Angel?" She hissed anger flashed in her eyes.<br /> She had gotten implants that was for sure. The fake things stuck out like traffic cones under her orange bikini and terrible fake tan.<br /> "Cherry" I replied coldly. She was a bimbo then in high school . She would be a bimbo now. She hated me then. She clearly hated me now.<br /> The fun begins<br /> "What the fu-" Cherry started flipping her bottle blonde fried hair over her shoulder.<br /> "One more word and you're fired" Sage snapped cutting her off. Shock covered Cherrys face as I smirked.<br /> "Bu-" Cherrys mouth dropped open.<br /> "What? What was that? Shut up and sit down before I give her your job" Sage snapped Cherry plopped into her seat with a huff continuing on her makeup.<br /> The other staring girl quickly followed in suit. Not daring to question Sage.<br /> "Okay so here is your spot. I'll give you your hours after your performance" Sage said showing me to a little makeup desk and mirror in the corner beside the inner stairs.<br /> "But I haven't even-" I started<br /> "Dont argue. You've got the job. I know you'll be great with that bod. Pwoah. You are fine" Sage said with a wink "I'll be at the bar. You're up in 30 so better get a wriggle on. Whats your stage name?"<br /> "Destiny" I smiled.<br /> 30 mins later I'd probably broken a world record for fastest makeup up application. False lashes, a Smokey eyes and covered in body glitter finished with a long hip length raven black wig that was on so tight I'd probably get a headache.<br /> I was hoping it hide my face long enough i wouldnt get immediatly recgonised. But i doubted it.<br /> God knows I'd probably get recognised in 30 seconds just like Sage did.<br /> I had slipped on my outfit, a sheer holter neck hooded crop top with lace papillae pasties underneath and strappy cheeky matching bottom and 8 inch pleasers before heading to the inner stairs.<br /> Quickly looking back across the room to see 2 other woman standing right next to Cherry whispering and glaring.<br /> I blew a buss in her direction before continuing down the stares hearing her yell "bimbo!"<br /> Well she wasn't wrong.<br /> I wasn't the same girl I was 5 years ago. And shed learn the hard way if she thought otherwise<br /> It would be her mistake if she stepped up to me.<br /> I wasn't interested in bimbo fights but I sure it would take her bad mouthing if she started up.<br /> 3 years of self defense and boxing had kept me fit as well as safe from anyone. Living as a single mum in an area with no self defense skills was a recipe for diaster so I also bought a taser and mace.<br /> And it wasn't my first rodeo being a stripper. Guys getting to handsy before the bouncer got around to kicking there asses out. But I made sure they knew to keep hands off. 3 broken noses, 4 broken fingers and 2 ruptured testicles later guys new not to touch the merchandise.<br /> I wouldn't take it from anyone now. Men or women. I wasn't a victim of anyone's.<br /> As I neared the DJ booth recognition flashed on his eyes before he took my song request.<br /> As my song started. A wave of anxiety flooded me. But with a deep breath I focus on my routine. I knew it well. It was my fave and my most popular.<br /> As I walked around the pole faces all around looked up seeing a seemingly new face.<br /> Body rolling and a few spins to the slow building beat. A few simple tricks later money was flying up at the stage. A few hoots and hollers encouraged my dancing as it went into the chorus again stripping off my hoodie now only in the pasties and thong. As I spun around to face the bar my eyes landed on him.<br /> I'd remember those eyes anywhere. Till the day I died.<br /> My daughter's eyes.<br /> Ink.<br /> He looked pissed but I wouldn't let him win. Continuing my routine as it neared the end his eyes were felt burning into me. Heat built from my core. He was even hotter then 5 years ago. His hair was longer tied into a man bun uptop his head and he had grown in a beard. But not a ratty kind. Manly and well taken care of.<br /> He wore his cut over the top of a hoody but i could see his tattoos on his hands and neck.<br /> He was hot.<br /> I felt my papillae harden as I held his gaze as I grinded against the pole finished up the routine.<br /> Cheers filled the club as more money flew up into the stage. I picked it all up and my clothes as gracefully as I could before making my way off the stage towards the stairs letting the next girl start her routine.<br /> Before I reached the stairs at the back of the room large hairy arm wrapped around my waist. Yanking me towards 2 men standing alone.<br /> "Hey Doll, you must be new here" one slurred tightening his arm around my waist like a boa constrictor.<br /> "Give us a private dance would ya?" The one who touched my waist said and then trying to slide his hand over my hip to grab as handful of my cheek.<br /> "Hands off." I said coldly as they stiffened ones grip on my shoulder got firmer.<br /> "Aww dont be that way doll" the second drawled lowing his hand to rub the top of my hip.<br /> "I said..." I began quickly twisted the first ones hand off my shoulder hearing him curse in pain as I twisted out of his grip and threw my wrist into his nose. As he toppled away the second tried grabbing my wrist only to have my knee connect with his nose as I grabbed a handful of his salt and pepper hair it let out sickening crack as he fell to the ground screaming in pain.<br /> "Don't touch" I snapped as they both rolled onto the floor swearing in pain.<br /> "You bimbo!" One cursed turned to reach out to me again. But before he could touch me again the toe of my pleasers pressed on his crotch.<br /> "Sorry what?"<br /> "Nothing" he spat out glaring at me with his bloodshot eyes.<br /> "Now Barry what did i tell you about touching my girls" Sage said appearing beside me her touch on the small of my back gliding me out of the space. Sage spoke to two prospects who had suddenly appeared also telling them to throw them out.<br /> "You ain't welcome here ever again" she yelled guiding me upstairs, i knew better to look back and connect eith Inks eyes I had no doubt were boring into the back of my skull.<br /> "Remind me not to bang with you" one of the prospects mumbled looking impressed at the 2 groaning bleeding men.<br /> "Well looks like your hired love. Got you on 3 days a week from 9 till 2. You'll get $500 a night without tips ontop and you will be popular by the looks of it." Sage handed me a small piece of paper telling me what days I was on. She also passed me a wad of hundred from her back pocket with a smile, before taking her cut from the tips she smiled "looks like you won try outs by a mile, go home love I'll see you Thursday." Sage finished with a wink.<br /> As she reached the balestrate she turned to look at me a final time "Oh Angel?"<br /> "Mmm?" I looked at her shoving the money in my duffle bag.<br /> "Ink saw you" she said softly with gentle eyes.<br /> I sighed unclipping the wig and sliding it off "I know."<br /> "He's gonna wanna talk"<br /> I looked back at her and nodded before she replied the same and headed back down the stairs<br /> "Hey!" Cherry snapped appearing at my side.<br /> "Yes?" I said back bored.<br /> "Stay away from Ink, He's mine" she spat.<br /> "Good. I don't want him" I lied<br /> "I saw you eyefucking him down stairs." She snarled.<br /> "Threatened are we?" I said with a smirk.<br /> "What? No!" Cherry shrieked looking at her minions in outrage.<br /> "You sure?" I asked with fake concern.<br /> "Why don't you get off back to the hole you crawled out of Angel. No-one wants you here" Cherry hissed closing the space between us.<br /> As i stepped up to her with my heels on I was almost a foot taller then her.<br /> "Or What Cherry?"<br /> "You'll regret it! I mean it. Stay away from Ink. Hes. Mine" She snapped. She was about as threatening as a goldfish.<br /> "Don't worry, Cherry. You can have him." I bit back.<br /> Cherry quickly turned with her bottle blonde whipping across my face as she walked away. As if she'd won the battle trapsing off with pride.<br /> bimbo. I thought to myself. Some things never change. I wish her 8 inches would snap and shed break an ankle or something.<br /> All I knew was when Cherry finds out about Lila I was screwed. And if she told Ink before me I would be totally screwed. And not in a good way.<br /> God knows I needed it but if I didn't tell him before he found out through someone else it would be really bad.<br /> I quickly changed back into my normal clothes before hurrying down the back steps heading towards my car.<br /> Only when I got down the step I crashed straight into a wall I hadn't realised was there before.<br /> A wall that smelt amazing. His cologne hit my nose in a wave. I almost moaned at the familiar smell before snapping out of it.<br /> I muttered bouncing back. Looking up my eyes met with those Emerald Green eyes that lit a fire in me I could never control.<br /> "Better watch were you going, Darlin" he said with the voice I remember.<br /> His voice was killing.<br /> Sweet baby Jesus.<br /> "Or what?" I snapped stepping around him.<br /> "Woah, someone's fiesty" he scoffed following behind me.<br /> "Leave me alone, Ink" I couldn't tell him hear and my body screamed run. As fast as i could. Away. Right now.<br /> "Playing hard to get Darlin'?" he drawled I could hear the smile on his lips.<br /> "I'm not playing anything with you, Ink." I snapped closing in on my car. Shoving the key in the door. Twisting it as fast as I could.<br /> "Aww dont be that way" Ink whined smoothly as I yanked on the door.<br /> "Leave me alone, Ink." I fired back<br /> "Why do you have a booster seat in your car? It is for a baby, isn't it?" He said suddenly. Panic raced through me but I didn't make eye contact. I felt the blood drain from my face.<br /> "I...I..."	LEARN_MORE	https://b.mystoryapps.com/ad/bXlzdG9yeS8yNTIyNTcvM	189647400891297	Ory004	https://facebook.com/61554098218435	8	1	2,729,979,877,162,226	2024-07-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Ory004	120209801538870185	b.mystoryapps.com	NONE	video		https://b.mystoryapps.com/ad/bXlzdG9yeS8yNTIyNTcvMjAyNDA3MjUxNTMwMDIvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-07-25 02:43	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452674889_1024021835995103_2081798699326267213_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qUSAukmB-0MQ7kNvgGdP5EQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYBvMRJWtgMA1goCjPvNITC1mvPpC4rwobPBiLT11Yp0Sw&oe=66AA0F36	person_profile	Ory004	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/452879519_1930627174066004_3997385824520388883_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0R3W9UlAUyUQ7kNvgEc8yOu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYC9rYoHliMrwJ3MrJV6NeIG-hNFa8_YwVnPOUOMfqqWLQ&oe=66AA11E4	3	Ory004	2024-07-26 02:00	View Edit Delete

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