"I really don't want your apology, Tim" Chloe said. "I would prefer you didn't treat me like some unwanted stranger you can't wait to be rid of." There was a throb of irritation in her voice. "I don't treat you like a stranger. Things are just different now." Timothy replied. "Oh please" replied Chloe. "All you did in there was frown whenever my name was mentioned. And let's not even talk about the cold manner in which you have spoken to me since I arrived. You look like this is the last place you want to be just because I'm here. Am I really that vile?" Timothy said nothing. Instead he gritted his teeth and shoved his hands into his pocket. Even in her anger, Chloe noticed him... Every inch of him... And his smell. She could pick out his unique scent. Rough. Masculine and mouthwateringly sexy. It made no sense to her, but she was attuned to his every nuance. The man she had called her best friend until a dizzying series of events dissolved the title like sugar in hot water stared at her dispassionately. It was a good thing they were outside and she hoped that he couldn't see the hurt and disappointment on her face. The look wasn't just in his eyes. It seeped through every shrug, every curl of lips she had once thought were the most perfectly created set of lips on earth. She looked deeper, pathetically desperate to find something else. Something more. A reminder of those times when they would talk to each other for hours, and resume conversations the moment they saw one another again. But clearly the Tim she knew had been replaced by a harder, edgier version of a Timothy Kavell - Packard. He was hard and edgy and cynical to start off with. If she had known that he hated her this much, she wouldn't have agreed to his parents offer to have dinner with them. She had agreed because a stupid part of her had hoped that somehow, they would fix things and be friends again... And she was just beginning to see how wrong she had been.... __________________ Chloe Gilbert finally lands her agency's most wanted account with Packard Enterprises. Her boss is happy and proud of her. Her career is finally moving in the right direction, and she has every reason to be happy. But she wants one more thing... She wants her best friend back, but Timothy Kavell Packard can't seem to get over the fact that she had walked away from their relationship years ago. He was right. They weren't the same people they were back then. But he was very much a man. And she was a woman with needs and feelings. What exactly did she want from Timothy? Friendship or sex? Maybe she should just settle for one over the other since they were going to be working together. But her heart lurched wildly as it accepted the truth. .... She wanted both.
Timothy Kavell-Packard hurried to his father's office like he was being chased. He was actually driven there... Driven by surprise and anger that his father had made such a big decision about their company without telling him first.
Actually, he had been told, but he just didn't think that giving the account to Golden gate promotions was a good idea when there were better Ad agencies to consider, and he couldn't believe that after making it clear that he hadn't made up his mind yet, his father had gone through with it without notifying him.
His father, Jensen Packard was strong willed and determined, but it was still unlike him to make a decision like this without making sure that they were both on the same page. Which was why he was heading to his office to make his displeasure known.
He was greeted by some of the staff as he walked by, and he responded to their greetings with series of nods and handshakes, although he wasn't even really listening to what any of them said. He was so tensed that he didn't knock when he got to his father's office, but he simply grabbed the door knob and pushed the door open.
Jensen Packard sat behind his desk, his head bowed as he wrote on a paper in front of him. That head rose now and there was a frown on his face. Probably pissed at whoever had the guts to open his office in that manner and ready to make sure they didn't do it again. Only his wife would do something like that, and he was sure that she wouldn't unless he had done something to piss her off. He didn't remember doing anything because he was always careful not to. Katherine didn't always get angry, but whenever she did.... Well, Jensen just hated to see her in that mood so he did his best to avoid it.
His features softened when he realized that it was his son, but that didn't stop him from scolding him.
"What is the matter with you? Don't you knock?" he questioned. "I believe I raised you better than that"
Timothy didn't reply, instead he closed the door behind him and stepped into the lavishly designed office. The windows were huge. A sea of royal-blue carpet covered the floor. There was a vast desk at one end and some fascinating etchings framed in gold on the walls. At the other end there was a brown leather buttoned three-piece lounge suite set about a coffee table.
Jensen Packard sure knew how to enjoy life. In his late fifties, Jensen still looked really good and could pass for someone in his late fourties. He was an intriguing looking man, and the patch of Grey hair on the left side of his head mixed well with the dark ones, giving him a 'sugar daddy' kind of vibe. Not only was he a fine physical specimen beneath the faultless tailoring of the navy-blue suit he was wearing, he also had rather remarkable dark eyes. The planes and angles of his face were sculpted finely and his mouth was thin and chiseled. There was a kind of eagle intensity to those dark eyes that gave every intimation of a man who knew what he wanted.... and got it.
Tim was like his father too....Not physically, because Tim was adopted. They both had dark hair, but while Jensen's was straight, Timothy's was curled. Something he had disliked when he was a teenager and had done a lot to straighten. Back then he didn't understand why everyone loved it so much. To him, they looked childish.
Although Tim didn't share facial resemblance with Jensen, he had learnt so much from him... In fact he had learnt everything he knew about business from him. He knew that the company would be his when Jensen retired, and that was why he was so upset that such a decision had been made without him. He felt left out. Maybe it was a good idea to give the account to Golden gate promotions, he wasn't sure, but still he didn't like that his father had gone through with it without checking with him.
So Jensen could look as intimidating as he wanted, but Tim wasn't affected. He knew that beneath all that tough look, was a kind, loving man. He knew because Jensen had raised him... And he knew that if he couldn't get something from his father, all he had to do was persist, and if that didn't work, he could just speak to his mother, and he would get it. He knew how much his father loved his wife, Katherine Kavell-Packard. There was nothing he wouldn't do for her, but Tim tried not to make a habit of rushing to his mother when ever things went wrong.
There was no need to involve his mother in this. He could handle it on his own. He slammed the papers he was holding on the desk in front of Jensen. Papers that Jensen didn't make any effort to look at. There was no need to look, he knew exactly what was in them, and he had expected this exact reaction from his son so he remained calm.
"You should have told me" said Timothy, pacing the room back and forth. "I can't believe that you made a decision without telling me. What the hell dad?"
The expression on Jensen's face immediately turned back into a frown. "Mind your language, Young man" he said sternly, but the frown disappeared from his face almost as quickly as it had appeared. "Now sit down and tell me what's got you all worked up"
Timothy made no move to do as his father said. Instead he stopped pacing only to look his father dead in the eye. "You know damn well why I'm upset. I'm so mad at you dad" he said, gritting his teeth. "You have no idea how...."
"I said sit down" Jensen repeated. "I will pay you no attention if you are just going to stand and stare down at me. Now sit down and tell me what's you are so mad about"
Timothy knew that tone. He knew when his father was serious, so he took a seat, and started speaking right away.
"I can't believe that you would decide to give the account to Golden gate promotions and you didn't tell me about it "
Caroline broke off as Nicholas took another step forward, until they were now once again standing so close they were almost touching. She gave a determined shake of her head. "Mr Connelly," "Nick," he corrected, "Nicholas" "Nick," he repeated, Caroline was a bit frustrated, "Nick," she bit out, "if you're trying to intimidate me then I think I should warn you-" "Warn me of what...?" Nicholas murmured throatily, even as he raised one of his hands to cup the warmth of her cheek, before moving the soft pad of his thumb over the softness of her lips, feeling the warmth of her breath against his fingers as he parted those lips in preparation for his kiss. His own arousal intensified at the feel of that sensual warmth against his skin. His shaft was hard and pulsing, demanding. Caroline's eyes were wide, deep amber pools as she stared up at him. "I should warn you-" "Yes...?" Nicholas prompted softly, holding that wide and startled gaze with his own as his head began to lower towards hers. She breathed softly. "I really should warn you-" "Warn me later, hmm?" he dismissed gruffly, before finally claiming those full and pouting lips with his own.
Elena stifled a smile, but he already saw her mouth start to curve upwards and he grinned at her. She ignored him. "I'm serious, Chandler." His smile was instantaneous. "Noted." She licked her lips. Her eyes were wide and nervous, and she tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "And you can't kiss me." Chandler tilted his head to the side and studied her. Pushing away from the car, he took a step closer to her. She held her ground, lifting her chin at his approach. "What if you ask me to kiss you?" he said quietly. "Then can I?" Elena exhaled shakily. "I won't do that." "No?" Carefully, he touched his thumb to the curve of her chin. She shook her head, and his hand fell away. "Maybe you won't," he told her. "But hear me right now, love, I'd love it if you asked me for a kiss."
"We'd like you to come with us to the station immediately," Vanessa's heart began to beat faster, "I don't understand," she said, "What for?" "Mrs Spencer, you're wanted as a prime suspect in the murder of your husband, Mr Christopher Wesley. You need to come with us to the station for questioning. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you do or say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. I suggest you don't try to resist. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you?" Vanessa's jaw dropped. Christopher was dead! It was impossible to believe. She'd just spoken to him that afternoon. It had to be a mistake. She nodded, "I.... I.... I need to call my lawyer," she said, when she finally found her tongue," "Ma'am, you can do that at the station. Turn around, please," ------------ Politician and governorship candidate, Christopher Wesley is dead ; shot in the head right in his own house. The killer is unknown, but the police have a suspect -his estranged wife, Vanessa Spencer Detective Alaric Harper and his partner are placed in charge of this case and at first Alaric is certain that Vanessa had killed her husband. Her motive? He's not sure of. Could it be spite? Maybe the money? Or maybe she just got tired of him delaying their divorce? He's determined to find out and he's sure that he will, but one thing he never expected - falling for her.....
"Why did you leave the party in such a hurry earlier?" Ignoring her sarcasm, Kaleb changed the subject. He just had to ask! The audacity he had! Sasha smirked. "Did you want to enjoy seeing the girl you just kissed a few minutes ago making a friendly chat with your girlfriend?" she snapped, her wound reopened. "Oh, so you left because of Claire?" Again, Kaleb's voice was mocking. "No, I left because of me," Sasha recoiled, and it was her stupidity sending him a text. "And what about you and Samson? I see the way he looked at you at the party. He seems to really like you and the both of you seem really familiar with each other. What do I make out of that?" Kaleb sounded different, odd even. —---------- When Kaleb Luthor decides to move back to the town he grew up in, Sasha Sullivan is bombarded with a lot of emotions. This is a guy she has had a crush on for as long as she can remember, and this is her chance to make him see her more than just his sister's best friend. But as she gets closer to Kaleb, Sasha realizes that he's a totally different guy from the one she has built up in her head, but she still can't let him go. A one night stand was all she needed… But she isn't prepared for the consequences that one night could bring…. And what an affair with Kaleb Luthor would do to her friendship with her best friend, Tilly Luthor.
The last thing Scott McCall expected to see in his hotel room one night is a beautiful waitress. A woman so desperate for a job at his company that she would do anything to get his attention…like sneak into his hotel room to talk to him. Despite his growing attraction for this woman, Scott McCall throws logic out the door and hires her anyway. Vivian Sanchez is excited. She got a job at a successful company, despite all the mistakes and bad decisions she made… and she couldn't believe it. Everything was falling into place and It was all happening like a fairytale. She vows to give this new job her best, but there's just one problem. …. Her boss Being crazily attracted to Scott McCall was a situation Vivian didn't quite anticipate when she asked for this job, and she doesn't quite know how to handle it. The long awkward gazes, subtle flirting and tension between them is enough to make anyone crazy. An affair with the boss could ruin her, but what is life without risks?....
Nina felt Julian's grip on her hand tighten and the cool metal slide over her finger, Nina regretted having agreed to come. She tried to look down, wondering what Julian had done to her finger, but he kept his hand over hers. Awkward didn’t begin to cover it. She felt as if she’d just entered a minefield. “Mom. Dad. I would like you to meet—” His entire body tensed and he gripped her hand almost painfully. It was like he was sending her a silent message. “I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Nina Taylor.” Nina froze. There was a horrible buzz in her ears, and she stared in horror at Julian. She hadn’t heard him right. What kind of idiotic thing had he just done? She wasn’t sure who was more stunned. Her or his family. Abby looked shocked. Loveth looked as if she just swallowed a lemon. Sam looked annoyed, while Julian's father simply frowned. ---------------------- Nina Taylor relocates to New York and reunites with Abby Martin, her best friend from high school, despite the fact that her father disagrees with her decision. But Nina is tired of letting her father dictate every aspect of her life, especially now that he has arranged for her to marry Christopher Anderson, so she is convinced that she has made the right decision by leaving. Soon Nina finds herself in the same situation with Julian Martin.... Will she walk away this time? She only has to pretend to be Julian's fiance for a while though.... She could do that. What could possibly go wrong?
After two years of marriage, Kristian dropped a bombshell. "She's back. Let's get divorced. Name your price." Freya didn't argue. She just smiled and made her demands. "I want your most expensive supercar." "Okay." "The villa on the outskirts." "Sure." "And half of the billions we made together." Kristian froze. "Come again?" He thought she was ordinary—but Freya was the genius behind their fortune. And now that she'd gone, he'd do anything to win her back.
For the whole 17 years of her existence, Alana did not know the word freedom and happiness having been confined in the basement of her family's house accused of killing her own mother. She's beaten, cursed at, and barely survived from crumbs of food thrown at her. She thought this is her final destiny and has accepted the bitter fate of her life not until the night of her 18th birthday, a mysterious alpha appeared at her door telling her that she is the long-lost daughter of the alpha king and claiming her as his mate he's been looking for several years now.
"Is it considered betrayal to develop feelings for your best friend's boyfriend? What about when fate intervenes, and he turns out to be your destined mate? You might think it's luck and thank the moon goddess for such a twist of fate. That's what I believed until the love of my life uttered those dreaded words: 'I want a divorce!' As I stared at the pregnancy test in my hands, I realized it was better to keep my secret to myself. My name is Violet, and this is my story."
Alyssa never expected her life to get this bad. A sudden rogue attack wiped off her pack, turning her into a mute and wolfless orphan. She once believed that being mated with her crush Ezekiel was compensation for her miserable life. However, it just made her life worse. What could be more suffering than your fated mate unwanting you and even your child? Ezekiel already picked himself a perfect Luna but fate gave her a mute mate. And owing to his father's last words, he had to marry Alyssa to get his rightful Alpha position. He married her yet kept their relationship unpublized. He hated her but wasn't ready to let her go. Everyone believed Alyssa would bear and wait like she always did until Ezekiel finally could make a decision. He's her husband, her mate, and her Alpha, and taking in everything he wanted without complaining was her duty. No one expected she would be the one who asked for a divorce and even dared to run away carrying his heir. Ezekiel swore to make this little omega pay but why did his heart break when she returned smiling at some other guy?
June Rivera was divorced by her husband after three years of marriage because he wanted to be with her sister who was pregnant for him. Kicked to the curb with a divorce and rejected by her parents,she struggles to make ends meet and get a job until she saves Luis Ambrose from an accident - the only child of Rafael Ambrose, a widowed man and the CEO of Ambrose Corporation. When little Luis asks to have her as a nanny, and Rafael's mother pressures him to get married, they draw a contract. To be Luis's nanny and his fake wife for one year in exchange for 50 million dollars!
"I, Riccardo Saviano, future Alpha of the Grey Shadow Moon Pack, reject you, Artemisia Guerrieri, Daughter of Alpha Franco of the Blood Moon Pack, as my mate and future Luna." One single sentence. One stupid single sentence was all it took to disintegrate my life. And the day of my birthday, on which this sentence was audaciously uttered to me, I lost the love of my life, my future mate, and my wolf, all at once. As I'm still assembling the pieces of my shattered heart years later, there they come. Like lightning out of a crystal blue sky. My Mates. But wait... If I am mated to triplets, how come I'm about to be mated to 5 gorgeous men? *** TW: explicit and foul language; spicy content; explicit sex scenes ***