AHEROFORSALE

AWOUNDEDSOLDIERSSTORY

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AHEROFORSALE

AWoundedSoldiersStory

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MILLYTAIDEN

SIGNUPFORMILLYTAIDEN’SNEWSLETTERFORLATESTNEWS,

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Captain Nick Gates isn’t looking for love. He’s also not interested in being sold in a
bachelorauction.Unfortunatelyforhim,it’shappening.Theauction,thatis.Love,that’s
another story. He was severely burned when his fiancée dumped him right after he was
hurtduringthewar.Love?Hedoesn’tdothat.NomatterhowcutehethinksAddyis,his
heartisofflimits.

Addilyn Walton did something she’s never done before for Nick Gates and he doesn’t
evenknowit.TheonethingshedoesknowisthatNickwillhatehergutsoncehefinds
out who she is. Still, Addy is nothing like her sister, the evil spawn from hell. She has
feelings and she really likes Nick. Enough to buy him at an auction for an outrageous
amountofmoney.It’sforcharity,soit’sokay,right?

Nick and Addy can’t fight their attraction. They also can’t fight the fact she’s related to
someonehedespises.Maybe,iftheyfocusonfallinginlove,thingswillworkthemselves
out?Soon,they’regoingtofindoutthatinloveandwar,anythinggoes.

Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thenames,characters,places,andincidentsarefictitiousorhavebeenusedfictitiously,

andarenottobeconstruedasrealinanyway.Anyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,actualevents,locales,or

organizationsisentirelycoincidental.

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AHeroforSale

CoverbyS.A.Price

Editedby:TinaWinograd

AllRightsAreReserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybeusedorreproducedinanymannerwhatsoeverwithoutwritten

permission,exceptinthecaseofbriefquotationsembodiedincriticalarticlesandreviews.

PropertyofMillyTaiden

November2017

CreatedwithVellum

—Forourmilitaryheroesandheroines.

Thankyouforyourservice.Freedomisneverfree.

Beforewestart,haveyousignedupformynewsletter?There’salwaysgiveawaysandtons

offunstuffgoingon.Ipromisenottospamyou.

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“D

’

this to me, man.” Navy SEALs Captain Nick Gates hated the way his voice

sounded almost like he was begging. He held the beer in his hand in a death grip, palm
almostgoingnumbfromthecoldbottle.

“Sorry,bro.YouofferedyourselftoKaylaandthisiswhathappens.”RyanMitchell,

hisfriendandformerSEALunitmember,chuckled.

Ryan’s wife had cornered Nick at their previous get-together and asked for his help.

Sure, he was glad to help in any way he could. She smiled devilishly at him and said
thanks. He hadn’t heard back until now. “I didn’t realize she meant I was going up for
auction.”

Ryan’slaughterechoedaroundtheyard.ThoughitwaswinterinNewYork,atGolden

Island fifteen hundred miles due south, the weather was warm and beautiful. Sun shone
throughthetallpalmsandwindpropelledthesaltyoceanbreezetowardthebeachhouse.

Itwastheguys’weekend,Kaylahadinsisted.She’dinvitedtheentireunittostay.Matt

andhisfiancéeJessiealmosthadn’tmadeitduetoabadstorm.Jessiewasagoodfriend
ofKayla’sandthetwowomenwerehappytoentertaineachotherwhilethemenhungout.
Nick watched Matt bring Jessie a glass of wine. She smiled, curled an arm around his
waist,andturnedbacktoherconversationwithKayla.

“Do the others know?” He watched some of his other friends get roped into Kayla’s

ministrations.

Ryanshruggedanddrankfromhisbeer.“Iftheydon’t,theywillsoonenough.She’s

goingtomakesureeveryoneknowswhat’supbytheendofthistrip.”

Nick sighed and slipped cold fingers through his still wet hair. Kayla was masterful.

She’dmadesurethatshe’dinvitedallofRyan’soldcombatunitdowntoGoldenIsland
offtheFloridaKeyswhiletheweatherwascrazyinNewYork.Madeiteasyforeveryone
toagreetogo.Italsomadeiteasyforhertogetherway.

“Listen,” Ryan met his gaze with a cheeky grin, “all I know is that my wife is in

chargeofthehospital’sannualeventtoraisefundsfortheburnunit.Thatmeanssheand
Jessiearegoingtogeteachofyousinglementostrutyourstuffforourdonations.How
canyousaynotohelpingagoodcause?”

Fucking hell! He couldn’t. Nick couldn’t say no to any of the females in his family.

HowcouldhesaynotoKayla,thewomanwhohadbroughthappinessintooneofhisbest
friend’slives?Hecouldn’t.

“Ihavetogetatux,huh?”

Ryangrinned.“Yeah.Atux,andit’sfromthisonestorewhereshehashadmebuya

fewsuits.Theownerandhissonsareamazing.Theyworkmagicandcanmakeyoulook
greatinasuit.”

Nickgavehisfriendalookofdisdain.“Yousoundlikeyou’reenjoyingthistoodamn

much.”

Ryan chuckled and drank his beer. “Look, you might as well get a nice suit and sit

backandenjoyalltheladiesputtingtheirmoneyupforyou.Imean,you’retheonewe’re
sure can get the most money,” he told Nick. “Kayla is counting on your good looks to
makewomenopenuptheircheckbooksandgocrazy.”

Nickfrowned.“AslongasIdon’thavetotakeanythingoff.”

KaylaandJessieturnedtofacehimatthatmoment.

Kaylagavehimawidegrinandshookherhead.“Ican’tbelieveI’mhearingthatcome

out of your mouth, Nick. I would never want you to feel pressured into anything just
becausesomewomanboughtyoufortheevening.”

Jessiesnorted.“Oh,please,Nick.You’llhavemostofthosewomenfightingforafew

hoursalonewithyou.Youcan’ttellmethatwouldbesobad.”

“I’m not interested in hooking up with anyone,” he said, making his feelings clear.

Nick hadn’t dated since he’d been brought back half alive from a bad explosion. He’d
beenluckynottoloseanylimbs,unlikeRyan,butheneverfeltcomfortableremovinghis
clothinganymore.Themultiplesurgerieshadtakenatollonhisphysique.He’dendedup
withmultiplescarsalloverhistorso.Healsohadburnmarksonhisbodyandonegiant
scarfromwhenhe’dbeenopenedtoremoveapieceofsteel.

Kaylanoddedsolemnly.“Igetit.AllIexpectisforyoutoplananoutingthatinvolves

spendingtimewithyourwinner.Whatyoudecidetodoisuptoyou.”

“Aslongasweunderstandeachother,”hesaidandwalkedofftoputhisemptybeer

bottleintherecyclingbin.Hestaredoffatthewaveslappinghungrilyatthesand.

Itfeltlikeforeveragothathe’dbeenplanningtobetherewithhisfiancée,Gracie.But

when he’d been injured, the first call he got after days of surgery was from her. She
wantedtobreakup.Shewasafraidthathe’dbeendisfiguredtothepointshewouldn’tbe
abletobewithhim.

He hadn’t bothered explaining to her that his body was still in one piece and he’d

eventually walk, though he’d need months of physical therapy first. No. Instead, he’d

hung up and shut out that part of his life. He wasn’t Ryan or Matt. He didn’t expect to
meetawomanwhowouldlovehimdespiteallhissurgeriesandthemassiveherniarepair
he’dgonethrough.Nickwasn’tsurehe’dtrustanywomantolovehimlookingthisway.
Tounderstandthenightmaresandthereasonheclosedhimselfoff.

“Hey,” Matt said, walking up to him and putting an empty bottle in the bin. “You

okay?”

Nick was the latest one to be done with physical therapy. He’d already gotten a job

offer from a security company Ryan had started. They could do different types of
protecting.

“Yeah,I’mfine.”

“Listen,KaylaandJessie,theymeanwell.Theyjustwanttohelpyouallmeetwomen

andraisemoneyforagoodcause.She’snotgoingtoplaymatchmakeronalargescaleif
that’swhatyou’reworriedabout.”

“Iwas,yes,”headmitted.“I’mnotinterestedinromance.”

“Youdon’thavetobe.Justhaveagoodtimeandhelpoutthecharity.”

Nick nodded. He would. That charity had helped many kids and knowing how

insecurehefeltabouthislooks,hecouldonlyimagineakidhavingtogothroughit.He’d
go. He’d get a suit and he’d smile and help raise money. But he wouldn’t allow any
womantogetideasaboutromance.Hewasn’tlookingforlove.Notnow,notever.

ddilyn Walton had to count to ten before she punched her sister in the face.
SincewhenhadGracenlostalltracesofhumandecency?

“No, Gracen. Taking the company jet to your friend’s wedding is not a business

reason.”

Gracenpouted.“Fine.I’lltalktoDaddyaboutusingthefamilyjetthen.”

Addilynglanceddownatthefinancialsinfrontofher.“Fine.Dothat.I’msurehe’ll

giveintoyou.Healwaysdoes.”

Oneofthebiggestproblemsherfatherhadwasthefacthedidn’tknowhowtosayno

to Gracen. She was a spoiled brat and Addy still didn’t know how they could be twins.
Talkaboutpolaropposites.Theydidn’tevenhavethatsupposedtwinconnectionpeople
spokeaboutsomuch.Whenitcametotheirrelationship,awkwardandpolitewasmoreon
pointthanwarmandsisterly.

AddyfeltatleasttenyearsolderthanGracen.Havinginternedinthefamilybusiness

sincehighschoolandthenmovedintotheCFOposition,shehadalwaysbeenmoreadult
thanherall-funsister.WhenGracentoldAddyshemetacutesoldierandshewasinlove,
Addy knew her sister was once again infatuated. Gracen was good at infatuation and
fallingforgoodlookingmenuntilshegrewboredofthem.

Butthen,whenGracenfoundouthermilitaryboytoyhadsufferedsevereinjuriesthat

couldmeandisfigurementorevenlossoflimbs,shedecidedshewasgoingtobreakitoff
withhim.Addycouldn’tgethersistertoreconsider.Notthatshe’devermettheman,but
nobodydeservedtobedumpedafteralmostlosinghislife.Certainlynotwhilefightingfor
thecountry.Hersisterhadnocompassion.

Torn,AddyhadgonetothehospitalwhereCaptainNickGateswasgoingthroughlife-

savingsurgeryandsatinthewaitingroomforhourseverydayjusttogetaglimpseofhim
beforehewokefromanesthesiaandwasputtosleepforhisnextsurgery.Thatwentonfor
weeks.Shehadn’ttoldanyone,andshe’dmadesurenottobotherNickoncehewoke.

But for those few moments after surgery, she wouldn’t let him be alone. Eventually,

his only sister had shown up and Addy had been careful to not be there when she was
around.HissisterlivedinJapanwithhermilitaryhusband,soitwasobviouswhyshe’d
takensolongtoseehim.TherewasnowayAddycouldleavethepoorguyinahospital
withnobodytoworryabouthim.

Once Nick was on the road to physical therapy, she stopped going to the hospital.

TherewerenomoresurgeriesandnomorealonetimewithNick.Butthathadn’tbeenthe
endofherinvolvement.She’dcalledeverydaytoaskhowhewasdoing.

When she found out Gracen had broken things off with Nick, she couldn’t help but

feel relieved for him. Gracen would never understand what he’d lived through and she
wouldn’t care. Life was about her. Plus, those moments where she was alone with him
aftersurgery,she’dopenedupandtoldNickaboutherself.Thingsshedidn’ttellanyone.
Itwasstrange,butshefeltlikehewasherfriendandhedidn’tevenknowit.Hehadno
ideasheevenexisted.

“Areyoucomingtothewedding?”Gracenasked,snappingheroutofherthoughtsof

Nick.

“No.Ihaveacharityfunctiontoattend.”

Gracenrolledherblueeyesathertwinandtossedasuperstraight,longblondestrand

behind her shoulder. “You are so boring. How is it you’re always doing something for
charity?Doesn’tthatgetold?”

“No.Itdoesn’t.Wehaveasocialresponsibilitytodowhatwecanforthoseinneed,as

alargecompany.Aspeople.Doyougetthat?”

Gracenshrugged.“Meh.”Shegotupandpulleddownonthehemofherminidress.

Addydidn’tunderstandwhysheworeitifshehadtopullitdowneveryfewminutes.“I’ll
see you next week then. Have fun at your whatever,” she said, waving her hand
dismissively.“I’mgoingtoseeDaddy.Ciao.”

Addywaiteduntilhersisterwasgonetopulltheenvelopewiththeinvitationfromher

drawer. She’d become good friends with the hospital administrators and the person in
chargeoftheburnunitcharityevents,KaylaMitchell.Onceshefoundouthowmuchhelp
the burn unit needed, Addy made it her business to make sure their company donated
enoughtoaddasecondwingtotheburnareawiththelatestequipment.She’dalsomade
sureNickGateshadnevergottenasinglehospitalbillandhadgottenaprivateroomwhile
hedealtwiththemultitudeofchangesandsurgerieshewentthrough.

Really,theideaofabachelorauctionhadbeenherassistant’s,Dina.Shesaidthebest

waytogeteverywomanintheirsocialgrouptospendmoneyforagoodcausewouldbe
togetsomehotmenuponstage.Shortofgettingthemnaked,thiswasthebesttheycould
comeupwith.

ShepressedabuttonandDinacameinwithanotepadandpen.Shewalkedovertothe

Keurigandmadetwocupsofcoffee.

“Iseeyoudidn’tpulledoutallyourgorgeoushairafterthatlittlefamilyvisit.Hasshe

finallygrownintoheryears?”

Addy shook her head but grinned. “I wish. You know, for a thirty-year-old woman,

Gracen acts like life is going to be a party forever. I don’t know what she expects will
happenasshegetsolder.”

“Uh, you do realize your sister, like you, is gorgeous and gets any man she wants?

She’salso,likeyou,verywelloff.Shedoesn’thavetodoanythingfortherestofherlife

butpartyandcarryherlittledoginherpurseforever.”

Addygroaned,herheartgoingouttohersister’sdog,Benji.“Thatpooranimal,”Addy

sighed.“Hejustpopshisheadoutofherpurseandyapstobeletloose.”

“TeacupChihuahuasarelikethat.Theycomplainalot,buttheyjustwantattention.”

“Didyouseethebowonhim?”Addysighedinfrustration.“Ican’tjustifyputtinga

pinkbowonamaledog.IswearIfeellikehelookedatmeandsaid,‘Pleasehandmemy
ballsback.Iusedtobeaboyonce.’”

Dinalaughedandhandedherafreshcupwithcreamandsugar,justthewaysheliked

it,lightandsweet.

“Here.Thiswillputyouinabettermood.Idon’tknowhowGracendaredtoshowup

here before you’d had at least five cups,” Dina told her and sat in the seat across from
Addilyn.

“Because she’s got a busy social life. I’m still trying to figure out how she is awake

beforenoon.Thatpartisstumpingme.”

Dinarolledhereyes.“Forgether.Let’stalkaboutthebachelorauction.”

“Let’snot,”shelaughedandsippedonhermorningmiracleworker.

“Ohno,youdon’t.You’regoingtotellmehowit’sgoingwiththishugeeventthatwe,

orbettersaid,youaresponsoringwithcompanyfunds.”

Sheshookherhead,pushingtheblondestrandsthatfellforwardbehindherear.“We

haveafoundationforthesethings.I’mgladtobechair.Besides,whenIbroughtitupat
ourlastmeeting,nobodyhadanissue.Infact,mostwerereceptivetoit.”

“Yeah,”Dinasnorted.“They’reallolderwomenexcitedtobidonahotyoungstud.”

“Dina!”

Dinashrugged.“Youknowit’strue.”

“Itdoesn’tmatter.Raisingmoneyforcharityiswhatmatters.”

“Willhebethere?”Dinaasked,meetinghergazewithcuriosityandexcitement.“You

know,CaptainHotStuff.”

Shehonestlydidn’tknow.“Ineverrequestedanyoneinparticularbethere.Kaylaisin

chargeofthat.”

“Yeah,butdidn’tshesendyoualistofthebachelors?Imean,hisnamewasonit,”she

saidanddrankfromhermug.

“Shesaiditwastentative.Nothingfinal.Shemadethatlistupandhadn’tevenasked

themenifthey’ddoit.AsfarasIknow,hecouldbehavingacowaboutbeingputupfor
auctionandsayinghellno.”

Dinamadeaface.“Please!Heowesthatburnunitfortakingextracareofhim.Your

foundationmadeitpossibleforhimtonothaveanyhospitalorutilitybillstogohometo.”

Shebitherlip.“Idon’tgetthat.Whyaren’tourwoundedsoldierscomingbackwith

fullpaidmedicalandmoneytohelpthemgetontheirfeet?Imean,theyneedit.Notlike
theycanfindajobwhenthey’reinthehospitalformonths.”

Dinasighed.“I’llnevergetalotofshit,butthat’sonethingIknow.YoumadeNick’s

lifealoteasier.Evenifhedoesn’tdothisforyourfoundation,heneedstodoitforyou.”

Addychuckledatherfriend.“Hedoesn’tknowI’mthefoundation.”

“He should. Maybe he’d finally realize who the worthwhile twin is,” she grumbled

intohercup.

“Oh, Dina, don’t. This isn’t a competition between me and Gracen. She’s very self-

involvedandI’m…”

“Not.You’regivingandlovingandkind.Heneedsawomanlikeyou,”Dinasaidand

puthermugonthecoasteronAddy’sdesk.“Now,let’stalkdresses.”

Addygroanedanddroppedherheadback.Shewasnotlookingforwardtothisevent.

Wantingforittobeasuccesswasonething,buthimbeingtherewasmentallymessing
herupbigtime.

ick fixed his bow tie once again. The damn thing was annoying and he didn’t
wanttowearit.Infact,hedidn’twanttowearanyofit.Notatux,orafucking
bow tie and not the ultra-shiny patent Italian leather dress shoes. Thank god,

he’dbeenabletoswitchthosefordressbootsinstead,butstill.

“Mr. Attiomo, do you have anything without a bow tie?” Nick asked, turning to the

proprietorofAttiomoandSons,theplacethey’dbeensentfortheirtuxes.

Mr.Attiomogavehimalookfromwherehewasbenttakinginthehemofhispants,

his thick-rimmed glasses gave him the appearance of an elder college professor. “Young
man,awell-dressedmancanmakeanythinghappen.Youwillwearabowtiewithyour
tux.ItwasaspecificrequirementbyMrs.Mitchell.”

Nickglancedaroundtheexpensiveshop.HelovedLittleItalyinNewYorkCity.They

had the best food, after all, but he hadn’t expected this little shop to be there. From
outside, it appeared to be a hole-in-the-wall place, but once inside, he realized just how
bigandgranditwas.

Kayla’s family came from wealth, so he shouldn’t be surprised she had chosen this

placetodressthebachelorsforsuchabigcharitableevent.Ticketsaloneweregoingfor
ten thousand per table. That was aside from the auction itself. Nick couldn’t fault them.
The foundation working with the burn unit on the auction had done a lot for him in his
timeofneed.

“Don’tslouch,youngman,”Mr.Attiomochastised.“Iunderstandyouwereatwar.”

“Yes, sir,” he replied, trying to look everywhere but at himself in the mirrors

surroundinghim.

“That’snotanexcuseforpoorposture,”saidthelittleoldman.“Themilitarytaught

youbetter.”

Nickgrinned.Theownerremindedhimofhisdad.Beforehisparentspassedawayina

carcrashtwoyearsback,Nick’sdadpulledhiscoatoneverything.

HesighedandgaveintothepokingandproddingbyMr.Attiomo.

“I think a cup of coffee will help you relax,” Mr. Attiomo told him. He stopped

pinningthehemofhispantsandpointedtoablackleatherchair.“Sit.”

Nicklaughedandsat.Yeah,Mr.Attiomodefinitelyremindedhimofhisdad.“Gota

lattesomewhereinthisstore?”

Mr.Attiomoraisedhisbushybrowsandfinallysmiled.“Ilikelattes,too.Idohavea

verygoodmachineinthenextroom.I’llbebackshortly.”

Nickletthenervesgoandfocusedonthefactthiseventwasforcharity.Manypeople

wouldbenefitfromallthemoneythey’draise.Thatwasreasonenoughtogethimonthat
stage.Hecouldonlyhopehewasn’tsoldtosomegrabbyoldladythinkingshewasgoing
tobecougaroftheyear.

ICK

TOOK

DEEP

BREATH

. Nope. It didn’t help. A glass of champagne materialized in

frontofhim.

“Drinkit.”

Hetookitandgulped,thenturnedtofaceRyan.Hisfriendwasdressedinatuxmuch

likehisown,butadifferentnecklinestyle.

“Iseeyou’vebeentoMr.Attiomo,too,huh?”

“He reminds me of your dad,” Ryan laughed. “I think that’s why I keep going back.

That,orI’msomekindofsadistforhissarcasm.”

Nicklaughedandgavehisemptyflutetoapassingwaiter,takinganotherfullone.“He

didremindmeofmydad.”Nickglancedaroundthebackstage.Nameswerebeingcalled
and thousands of dollars were being offered for a night with each man. “So why a
bachelorauction?”

Ryan shrugged. “I asked Kayla the same thing. She said the chair head of the Scars

Foundation, the people helping to host this, suggested it as a great way to raise funds.
FromwhatI’mseeing,theywereright.”

Thehotelballroomwaspacked.NickhadneverbeentoThePlaza,noraneventthere,

but nothing could have prepared him for the place looking like a wonderland. They’d
decoratedwithmanyyellowrosessincethatwasthecolorforsoldiersandtheywerethe
onesonauction.Allthebachelorshadaboutonnièrewithayellowrose.

“Listen,”Ryanclearedhisthroatandsqueezedhisshoulder.“Itwillbefine.I’mglad

youdecidedtodothis.AfterwhatScarsFoundationdidforyou,Ireallyam.”

Nickfrowned.“Whatdidtheydo?”

Ryan’sbrowsrose.“Youmean,youdon’tknow?”

One of Kayla’s assistant showed up and grabbed his arm. “Let’s go, Mr. Gates. It’s

yourturntoshowthemwhatyou’reworkingwith.”

NickwasdraggedoffbeforehehadachancetofindoutwhatRyanwastalkingabout.

“Havefun,”Ryancalledout.“We’llchattomorrow.”

NickwastakentoastagewhereKaylawasplayingMCbehindapodium.

“Our next bachelor is extra dreamy,” she gushed. The women ooohed while lights

focused on him, making him almost blind in the process. He couldn’t see anyone at the

tables. “Ladies, this is Captain Nick Gates. He likes to eat Chinese food. His favorite
movieisJawsandhisfavoritethingtodowhenhe’snotinthemilitarysavingourcountry
is playing pool. So, let’s hear the opening bid for Captain Gates. Do I hear a thousand
dollars?”

Nicksmiledstifflyatthecrowdoffemalesheknewwastherebutcouldn’tmakeout.

Withhishandsinhispockets,heprobablylookedlikehewasposing,buthereallydidn’t
knowwhattodowiththem.

“One thousand from number thirty-seven,” Kayla said. “Anyone want to up that?

Captain Gates is going to make someone laugh with his charming sense of humor,
tonight.”

Nickglancedather.Whywasshemakingshitup?Nickhadnoideawherethishumor

would be coming out of. His ass? Not like he was known for being funny. Broody, yes.
Serious,yes.Funny,no.

“Two thousand from number forty-six,” Kayla said. “Three thousand from number

thirty-seven.”

Nick squinted, trying to figure out who the numbers were. “Five thousand,” said a

voicefromthefloor.

“Fivethousandfromnumbersixty-nine,”Kaylagiggled.“Anyonewanttochallenge?”

“Tenthousand,”saidsomeoneelse.

“Ten thousand from number thirty-seven,” Kayla chuckled and winked at Nick.

“CaptainGatesalsolovesthebeach.He’sbeengivenuseofmyfamily’sbeachhousein
GoldenIsland.ThewinnerwillgetafullweekendwithCaptainGates.DoIhearfifteen
thousand?”

Nick’s brow rose as he turned to Kayla. When had that invite been sent? He hadn’t

gottenityet.Thewomanonstagenexttohimgrinnedathim.

“Twentythousandfromnumberthirty-seven,”Kaylasmiled.“Oh,Iseeanother.Thirty

thousand from number forty-six. Captain Gates has surpassed our highest bachelor who
wentfortwenty-fivethousand.”

“One hundred thousand dollars,” said a soft but strong female voice. There was

somethingfamiliaraboutthevoice,buthecouldn’tseethefacethroughthelights.

“Onehundredthousandfromnewcomernumberseventeen.Goingone.Twice.Sold.”

Sheslammedahammerdown.“Thankyou,CaptainGates.”Kaylasmiledandwavedat
him. Her assistant was there in seconds, pulling him from the stage and dragging him
somewhereelse.

“Wherearewegoing?”heasked,tuggingatthebowtie.

“Yourwinneralreadypaidforhertimewithyou.Tonight,allyouhavetodoismeet

her and have a few drinks. Kayla is giving up Golden Island for a few days so you can
haveaweekendwithyourwinner.”

Hestoppedshortandglancedattheassistant.“Whatexactlyarewedoingthere?”

Shegavehimalookasifhe’dlosthismind.“Swim,eat,talk.Theusualbeachstuff

people do. She said to make sure you knew there was no matchmaking involved. Kayla
realizedthismightbringmoremoneysothat’swhysheoffered.Itworked.Nowlet’sgo
meetyourdate.”

Theywentdowntothebarareawhereablondewomaninayellowgolddressstood

bythebarwithaglassofchampagne.Shelookedfamiliarfromprofileuntilsheturnedto
lookathim.Furyfilledhischest.Hemarchedtherestofthespacebetweenhimandher
andstoppedafootaway.

“Whatthehellareyoudoinghere?”

ddilyn gulped at the anger emanating from Nick. She’d yet to formally meet
him, and had been so nervous, it was making her stomach hurt. Drinking
champagnewasnothelping.Butseeinghisreactiontoher,she’dbeenrightto

beworried.Nickhatedherguts.Well,nothersexactly.

“Excuseme?”

“You heard me, Gracen. You dumped me at the worst time of my life and you think

youcancomehereandthrowabunchofmoneyandI’lljustforgetwhatyoudid?”

Addy realized Gracen must have never told him she was a twin. She was trying to

figureouthowtoexplainittohimwhenKaylashowedup.

“Nick! I see you met Addy. Addy, thanks so much for tonight. Girl, one hundred

thousand for this grumpy man is a fortune.” She laughed and glanced back and forth
betweenthem.“Youtwookay?”

“Who’sAddy?”Nickbarked.

Addywincedatthevenominhisvoice.Helookedlikeawildanimal,readytotearher

topieces.

“Nick!” Kayla gasped. “Addilyn Walton is the head of the Scars Foundation and the

womanwhowonyoufortheauction.Whatiswrongwithyou?”

“Thisisn’tAddilynWalton.ThisisGracenWalton,”hespitout,hisangerbrightinhis

gaze.

“What?”Kaylafrowned.

Addyclearedherthroatandtookasipofchampagne.“Allowmetoexplain.Ibelieve

Nick has confused me for my twin sister, Gracen.” She met his gaze and watched
confusioncloudhiseyes.“Ibelieveyoudatedherbeforeyoudeployed,yes?”

“Wait,”Nickgrowled,narrowinghiseyes.“You’renotGracen?”

Addyshookherhead,awareofhowhewasseeingherwithneweyes.Nolongerwith

theangerfromwhenhethoughtshewashertwin.Now,hewasassessingherfromheadto
toe, in complete disbelief. “No, Nick. I know we never got to meet while you dated my
sister,butIamnotGracen.I’mAddilyn.Gracen’stwin.”

Kaylagapedatbothofthem.“Youthoughtshewassomeonewhodumpedyou,”she

mumbled, shaking her head. “No, Nick. Addilyn is the sweetest, nicest person ever. Her
foundationhasdonesomuchforsomany.”

“Please,” Addy stopped Kayla. “I think Nick is having a hard enough time trying to

cometotermswiththefacthecouldn’tventhisangeratmysisteronme.Nick,youdon’t
havetotakemeoutorspendtimewithme,”Addytoldhim,grabbingherclutchfromthe
bartop.“Iwouldhavedonatedtotheeventnomatterwhat.”Sheputthefluteonthebar
andthensmiledatKayla.“Thanksforeverything.I’llchatwithyouMonday.”Thenshe
metNick’sstillangrybutnowconfusedgaze.“Itwasnicetomeetyouinperson,Captain
Gates,goodnight.”

Shedidn’twait.Shecouldn’t.Headingstraightfortheelevators,shewasgladshegot

asuiteatthehotelforthenight.She’dsentherdriverhomeandthelastthingsheneeded
wastoworryaboutfindingarideortakingataxiinherone-of-a-kinddress.Herfriend,
Gerard, the designer would have her head if she went into anything but a limo in his
creation.

Herhandsshookasshepressedthebuttonfortheelevator.Shehadhercellphoneand

keycardinherclutch.She’dneedthekeycardtogetuptohersuite.

“Wait,”Nickgrabbedherarmandturnedhertomeethisgaze.“IneversaidIwouldn’t

holdmyendofthebargain.”

Theelevatorarrivedandsheslippedinside.Hefollowedbehindher.Aftersheslipped

herkeyinthecardslottopressaccesstohersuite,sheturnedtofacehim.

“Look,Nick.Iappreciatewhatyou’retryingtodohere.Ido.Butyouwentoutwith

mysisteranditisclearlystillsomethingsoreforyou.ItwouldbeawkwardandIdon’t
like awkward. I like simple and to the point. So, let’s cut our losses and leave it as is,
okay?”

He’dbeenstaringhardather,hisgazestuckonherface,roamingfromhereyestoher

lips.“Youreallyaren’ther.Iseeitnow.You’renotasidenticalasIthoughtatfirst.You
haveabeautymark,righthere,”hesaid,touchingthetinyspotonherrightcheek.Oneof
the many ways her mom and dad had learned to tell them apart when they were babies.
“Yourvoiceisdifferent,too,”hesaid,“lesswhiny.”

Shelaughedatthat.“That’soneIhadn’theardbefore.”

Hisfrowngrewfiercer.Shebethescaredthecrapoutofalotofpeoplewhenhewas

pissed.“Evenlisteningtoyouspeak,Icantellyou’renothinglikeher.Notoncehaveyou
spokenaboutyourself.”

Theelevatordingedandshegotoutonherfloorandhefollowednexttoher.“Weare

twoverydifferentpeople,Nick.”

“I’mstartingtoseethat,”hesaid.

Her suite was at the end of the hall. “I appreciate you acknowledging that. But it’s

probablynotagoodideaforustobe…familiar.”

Theystoppedatherdoorandsheturnedtofacehim,butdidn’trealizehe’dgottenso

close.Airfrozeinherlungsassheglancedupathisface.

“Whynot?YoubidonmeandnowI’myours.”

Shelickedherlips,wantingbadlytotouchhisfacebutkeepingherfingerstoherself.

“Mine?”

“Itcan’tbethatbad,Addilyn.Whydidyoubidonme?”

Shegulpedandswallowedatthedrynessinherthroat.“I…uh…”

Awolfishgrinspreadoverhislips.“I’mnotlookingforlove,beautiful.Butifit’sa

goodtimeyouwant,maybewecanworksomethingout.Youcan’tbethatdifferentfrom
Gracen.Shelovedagoodtime.”

Her hope fell and anger flooded her cheeks. “A good time?” She turned and opened

thedoorandthenfacedhimagain.“No,Nick.Ithoughtyouwereworthmorethanafew
hoursoffun.Andyouknowwhat?IknowIam.Haveagoodnight.Don’tworryaboutthe
bid.Thepaymenthasbeenmade.You’reoffthehook,Captain.”

She then shut the door in his face. As much as she hated doing it, she realized Nick

hadonemindframe,easyliaisons.Addywasn’taone-nightstandtypeofgirl.Thatwas
allGracen.Shewasthecommitmentgirl.Theonewhodidn’thavesexwithamanunless
theywereinarelationship.

She’dcometolikeNickfromthattimeinthehospital.She’dcometofeelthingsfor

him.Eventhoughhe’dbeendruggedforallofit.Now,sherealized,she’dbeendoingthis
allalone.Nickhadnoclueandhe’dneverseeherasherself.She’dalwaysbethemirror
imageofthechickhehatedfordumpinghimatthehardesttimeofhislife.

No, she wasn’t looking for a good time from Nick. She was looking for more. So

muchmore,itscaredher.

ickglancedatthereportMatthandedhim.

“Whatisthisabout,Nick?WhydidyouneedafullbackgroundonAddilyn

Walton?” Matt asked, picking up a beer at the local bar where Nick met him to get the
report.

“Shepaidonehundredthousanddollarstospendtimewithme.”

Mattgrinnedandraisedhisbeerintoast.“You’renotcheap,man.”

Nickfrowned.“Idatedhertwinsister,Gracen.Itmakesnosensetomewhyshe’ddo

this.Whyme?”

Mattshrugged.“Idon’tknow.Shelikesyou?”

“I’venevermetherbefore.”

Mattscowledasifpuzzled.“Yougotmethere,then.I’venoideawhyshe’dspendthat

kind of money wanting to waste time with your boring ass,” he joked. “But seriously,
Nick.Maybeshewasdoingitforcharity.”

Nick shook his head. “No. There’s more there. I just don’t know what. She seemed

so…nice.Itwasweird.”

Matt nodded. “Because her bitch of a twin hurt you, now you expect the same from

her?”

“I’msuretheycan’tbethatdifferent.”

Mattputdownhisemptybeermug.“Well,”hesighed,“accordingtothatreport,she

is.WhereGracenispartyingandhavingfunalldayeveryday,Addilynisbusyrunninga
Fortune 500 company. She’s a CFO and handles multiple charities for her Scars
Foundation,whichisherbaby.Sheputthattogether.”

Nick’sguttoldhimhewasmissingsomething.HowcouldAddilynandGracenbeso

differentbutlookliketwodropsofwater?Itwasstrange.“They’reidenticaltwins.”

“Yeah. According to the medical records, Addilyn is actually older by, like, two

minutes.Butfromthelooksofthings,it’salmostlikethosetwominutesmeantabigdeal
to the family.” Matt picked up a barbecued chicken wing and took a bite. “She’s been
working at the company since she was a teenager. She’s gotten to know it so well,
everyonelovesher.”

“Andwhataboutthefamilylife.Whatthere?”Heleafedthroughherhistory,looking

foranythingtoprovetohimselfshewasjustlikehertwin.

“She’s got a huge trust fund. Much like her sister. Except Addilyn works, so she’s

madeanotherfortuneontopofit.Sheinvestsanddoeswell.”

NickgaveMattalook.“Idon’tcareabouthermoney.Iwanttoknowaboutthefamily

relationships.”

“Ididn’tgetasenseshe’sclosetoGracen.FromwhatIfound,Gracenisalwaysinthe

spotlight with celebrity friends and at parties or traveling. Addilyn works a lot. She’s
alwaysseenoutandaboutforhercharities.Herparentsareabitweird.Theyseemtodote
onGracenasifshewereachild,buther,theytreatlikeanadult.Strangesincethey’rethe
sameage.”

NickrecalledmeetingGracen.He’dbeeninvitedtoapartybyanoldcollegefriend.

He was a movie producer, so there were lots of celebrities at the event. Nick felt
completelyoutofplaceandreadiedtoleavewhenhesawher.Shewaslaughingandhada
groupofpeopleenrapturedbywhatevershewassaying.Thenshestopped,glancedathim
andleftthegroup,noexcusesoranything,andcamestraighttohim.

They’dbeeninseparableafterthat.He’dgonetofloorseatgamesandpartieshedidn’t

wanttoattendbutdidforher.She’dbeensosweetandalmostinnocentinaskingtoget
herway.

She’dbeggedhimtogotoParisforashortbreakbeforehewasdeployedagain.He’d

proposed in front of the Eiffel Tower. She’d said yes and he really thought this was his
dreamcometrue.

What a fucking moron he’d been. The call of her breaking up with him was one he

didn’tforget.Mainly,becausehehadthevoicemailofherdoingit.Shedidn’twanttowait
toknowifhe’dliveordie.Instead,shemadesuretolethimknowshewasn’tabletodeal
withamanwhomightnotbewhole,sobesttobreakitoff.She’dmailedhimthering.

“So,whatareyougoingtodo?”Mattasked,wipingsauceoffhisface.“Youlooklike

there’s something about her that caught your attention. Why not get to know her? You
mightbesurprised.Maybeshe’sreallynice.”

Highlydoubtful.Still,she’dpaidallthatmoneyforhistime,andhewasamanwho

honoredhispromises.Heflippedthroughthereport.“Herfoundationishavinganeventto
honorbreastcancersurvivors.”

Matt grinned and grabbed another wing. “Yeah. It’s called Beauty Scars for women

who survived a mastectomy. It’s by invitation only.” He picked up his beer and drank.
“ButIknowKaylagotinvited.”

UNTITLED

Bingo.Kaylawasgoingtobehisticketintothatevent.Nowhejusthadtofigureouthow
togethertoagreetotakehiminsteadofherhusband,Ryan.

“Comeon,Kayla.Ididwhatyouasked.Ineedtogotothisdinner.”

Kaylastirredapotofsomethingdeliciousandstoppedtoglareathim.“WhyshouldI?

You upset my new friend. Addy has been nothing but the sweetest person ever. She’s
given so much and her foundation has helped the hospital tremendously with their
donations.Iwon’thaveyouupsettingheragain.”

Hegroanedandranhisfingersthroughhisshorthair.“I’mtryingtorectifywhatIdid.

Iwouldliketoholdmyendofthebargainandseeshegetsthetimeshepaidforwithme.”

Kaylasniffedandclosedthelidonherpot.“You’reluckyIlikeyou.AndI’vegotten

toknowyouprettywell.Iknowshecaughtyourattentionoryouwouldn’tbethiswilling
toputonatuxagain.”

Hecursedunderhisbreath.“Again?”

“Yeah. Again. Luckily, she really likes me and gave me an extra ticket, aside from

mine and Ryan’s, for my mother. My mom’s staying with Lucy, so she can’t come. The
ticketisyours,butifyouupsether,I’llmakeyourlifemiserable.”

Nicknodded.“Agreed.Okay,thanks.Ipromise,youwon’tregretthis,”hesmiled.

“Ialreadydo.”

ddylistenedtoHenriWinebergtellherhowgreathewasdoingafterhislatest
investment.

“Really,Addilyn,”hesaidinthatmonotonevoice,makingherwanttofallasleepon

herheels.“Youshouldletmetakeyououttodinnersowecandiscusswhatmyclientcan
doforyourcompany.”

Shesmiled,tryingtobepolitebutknowingfullwelltherewasnochanceinhellshe’d

go out to dinner with Henri. Not with his slippery eel hands that were common
knowledge.Everyoneinhercircleknewfullwellhewaslookingtogetasecondorthird
mistressandthatwasnotgoingtobeAddy.

“Yourclientsoundsfascinating,Henri.Maybeyoushouldsetupsometimeforhimto

talktooneofmydirectorsandgethimtogiveafullpresentationonhisideasforworking
withthecompany.”

Henriwouldhavemovedcloser,butawaiterstoppedtotakeherwineglassandgive

herafreshone.Shedidn’tmissthewayHenri’sgazestucktothelow-cutnecklineofher
form-fittingdress,northewayheboldlyglanceddownherentirebodywithadisgustingly
hungrylookthatmadeherwanttothrowablanketoverhershoulders.

Butshewouldnotcoverup,seeingasherdresswasperfectlydecentanditwasreally

pretty. Her designer friend had made it just for her. Blue to match her eyes in a sheer
wrinklygauzematerialthatwasalmostsee-through.Therewasafull-lengthskin-toneslip
under it that hid everything but the dress still gave the impression of showing off a lot,
eventhoughitdidn’t.

“How about just you and I work out some details over dinner or drinks,” Henri said

again.“Thishotelhasgreatbreakfast,”hetoldher.“Ifyouwantedtostaythenightand
chat,I’msurewecanworksomethingout.”

Seethingfromtherootsofherhairtothetipsofhertoes,shepressedherlipstogether

andcountedbackwardandforwardtokeepfromslappingthesleazygrinoffhisface.“I
don’tthink—”

“Thereyouare,darling,”saidafamiliarvoiceandthenastrongarmwrappedaround

herwaist,pullingherbackintoahardbody.“You’vegottostophidingfromme,love.”

SheturnedslightlyandglanceduptomeetNick’sgaze.“Nick.What—”

“Hi,” Nick interrupted her and offered his hand to Henri, who was scowling at him.

“I’mNickGates,Addy’sboyfriend.Shesaysshelovesmypancakes,butIthinkshereally
onlywantsmeformybody.”

Addytensed,butNickmassagedherwaistwithhisfingersandshehadahellofatime

notrelaxingintohistouch.

“Nice to meet you,” Henri said without a hint of truth. “Addilyn. I’ll speak to you

anothertime.Wecansetupsomethingaboutthatbusinessidea.”

“Haveyourclientcallmyoffice,”shesaidasHenriwalkedaway.

ShewaiteduntilhewasoutofearshotbeforesheturnedfullytofaceNick.“Whatthe

helldoyouthinkyou’redoing?”

Atherattempttopullaway,heleanedfartherintoherandloweredhisheadtoherear.

“Careful,yourfriendHenriiswatchingus.Nowactlikeyou’reinloveorhe’sgoingto
makeyouuncomfortablethefirstchancehegetstheminuteIwalkaway.”

Addydidn’tlookforHenri.Thatwould’vebeenstupid.Instead,sheallowedNickto

holdherandfrowned.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Hegaveasheepishgrinthatmadeherinsidesmelt.Theguywasgorgeous.Howcould

her sister have ever let him go the way she did? Just thinking of Gracen and her
selfishnessmadeherforgetshewasannoyedwithNick.

“Iwantedtoapologizeandfoundthebestwaytodoit,sinceyouweren’ttakingmy

calls,wastocometooneoftheeventsyouwouldbeat.”Heglancedoverhershoulder.
“Shit.”Thenhemethergaze.“Sorry.”

“Sorryfor—”

Therewasn’tachancetofinishthequestion.Hisheadcamedownfast,hislipstaking

hers,andforasecond,shewasn’tsurewhathewasdoing,untilhistonguelickedtheseam
of her lips. Then she knew. And she opened for him. Oh, she definitely opened to Nick
andtheonethingshe’dbeendreamingoffortoolong.Hiskiss.

His lips pressed over hers, sucking lightly while his tongue swept into her mouth to

curloverhers.Thekisswassexy,slow,hot.Itwasn’tlikeanyotherkissshe’devergotten.
Nick wasn’t like any other man. His hands pulled her tightly to his body. His hardness
made her ache. She wanted more of Nick. More of this heat he’d ignited in her and she
wasn’tsurehowtohandle.

Thenitstopped.Hepulledawayandhermindarguedtobringhislipsback.Herbody

desperatelysoughtmoreofthatwarmth.Shelickedherlipsandmethisgaze.

“Washelooking?”shefinallyasked,hervoicehoarse.

Nickraisedahandtoherface,rubbinghercheekwithhisthumb.“No.Ijustcouldn’t

stopmyselffromkissingyou.”

She pulled out his arms and turned to people watching them and making comments.

This wasn’t Addy. She wasn’t into public displays. She made sure to keep a very
professionalimageandwascarefulwhenevershedatedtokeepmenatarm’slength.The
lastthingshewantedwastobeconfusedwithGracen.

“I’msorryaboutthewayItreatedyou,”hesaid.

Sheclearedherthroatandglancedaround,lookingforaplacetheycouldtalkwhere

everyonewouldn’tlisten.“Comeon.”

ddy’sinsidestrembledfromnervesandexcitement.Hefollowedbehindasshe
ledhimoutofthegiantballroomandpulledhimbehindagiantplantdownthe
hallway.“Howareyouevenhere?”

Hegrinned.“Ihavemyways.”

Sheshookherhead,tryingtomakesenseofwhathewastellingher.“Look—”

Heplacedafingeroverherlips.“No.Ifuckedup.Iownuptothat.Itreatedyoubadly

justbecauseyou’rerelatedtoGracen.”

Shesmirked.“HerandIlookingexactlyalikehadsomethingtodowithit,I’msure.”

“IwasconfusedwhenKaylasaidyouwerehertwin.Shenevermentionedatwin.She

saidshehadanoldersister.”

Addy laughed outright. “Yeah. By two minutes. Listen, Nick, it’s okay. I know you

weren’ttryingtoberudetome.YouwerelashingoutatthepersonyouthoughtIwas.I
getit.”

“Good.Thenyou’llletmetakeyououtsowecangetyouwhatyoupaidfor.”

Sheshookherhead.“It’snotnecessary.LikeIsaid,Iwould’vedonatedanyway.”

“Itisnecessary.Iwanttogettoknowyou.”

Didhereally?Orwashejustsayingthatoutofguilt?Herowndesiresweremakingit

difficulttomakearationaldecision.Perhapssheshouldfollowhisleadandseewherethis
went.“Okay.”

Hissmilealmostdidherin.“Great.Ihavetheperfectplacetotakeyou.”

Oh,boy.NickGatesturningonthecharmwasaverydangerousthing.“You’llhaveto

givemeacallsowecanfigureoutadateandtime.I’munsurewhatmyweeklookslike
rightnow.”

Theyheardpeoplelookingforherpassingby,sotheylefttheirhidingspotandwent

backtothedinner.TheretheyfoundKaylaandherhusband,Ryan.

“I see Nick found you,” Kayla said with raised brows. Ah, yes. Now she knew how

Nickgotintotheevent.

Nickhadhishandonherback,givingeveryonesomethingtotalkabout.Sheshould

be worried or uncomfortable, but she rather liked him touching her. “Yes. We were
discussinggettingtogether.”

“Ifyoudon’twantto,”Kaylastarted.

“No,no,”Addyreassuredher.“It’sokay.NickandIwillbefine.”

Well,maybefinewasn’ttheword.She’dhavetocontrolherselfwithNick,something

she’d never had to do with any man. Nick was temptation unlike any she’d ever
encountered.

DinnerwouldhavebeenaneasyeventhaditnotbeenforNicksittingnexttoher.His

handonherlapcausedallkindsofdistractions.

“How’syourchicken?”heasked,aknowinggrinonhisgorgeouslips.

“Good,”shelied.Shecouldn’trememberwhatittastedlikenomatterhowmuchshe

ate.“Yoursteak?”

Heleanedforwardandwhisperedonlyforherears.“I’mnothungryforfood.There

areotherthingsI’dlovetoeatrightnow.”

Goodgod.Shegulpedherwaterandputherforkdown,givinguponanypretenseof

eating.“Whatcausedthischange?Unlessyou’restillundertheimpressionallIwantisa
one-nightstand.”

She had to know. Nick had been adamant about how she was the devil because she

wasrelatedtoGracen.

Theflirtatiousgrinlefthiseyes.“No,Idon’t.Ican’tbelieveIputyouinthatcategory.

Iknowyoucanberelatedandbetotallydifferent.Ijustdidn’texpectitwithtwins.”

She nodded and waited until her plate was taken before saying anything. “Actually,

that’smostcommonwithtwins.There’susuallyabigdifferencebetweenthetwo.”

“GoestoshowwhatIknow.Ireallydowanttogettoknowyou,Addilyn.”

Shesmiledathowsoftandsexyhesaidhername.“Mostofmyfamilyandfriendscall

meAddy.”

He glanced around the table and then at her. “So how many of these do you go to a

week?”

Ashortlaughburstfromher.“Yousoundlikemyfather.Notmany,really.Aroundone

ortwopermonth.Therearealotofcharitiesthatneedhelp.Andalotofeventshappening
toraisefunds.ItrytohelpandbeingthefaceofScars,IneedtomakesureIshowupto
some of them. A lot of times, my co-chairs take my place, but in many of these, the
organizershaveinvitedmebecauseweknoweachother.”

Henoddedandlistenedtoherspeakaboutherlovefornonprofitsandfundraising.She

would’ve believed he was faking interest but he asked questions and commented and
seemedgenuinelyintowhattheyweretalkingabout.

By the time the music started playing for people to dance, he pulled her on to the

dancefloorandsheknewfullwellthattherumorwasgoingtogetaroundaboutthem.She
neverdancedatanyoftheseevents.Theyweredoingaslowlydanceandhermindwas

wrappedupinthevisionofhimandherandsoftsheetsandslickbodies.Someonetapped
onhershoulder.

“Hello,sweetheart.”

Shecouldn’tbelieveherparentshaddecidedtoshowuptothisdinneroveranyofthe

othersthey’dbeeninvitedto.

“Dad!Hi,”shekissedherfatherandthenhermotherandturnedtoNick.“Dad,Mom,

thisisCaptainNickGates.Nick,thesearemyparents,GregandAllisonWalton.”

She’d worried they might recognize the name from someone Gracen had dated, but

neithergaveanysignofit.

“Captain Gates, a pleasure,” her dad said and shook Nick’s hand. “You must be

incredibly persuasive to get my little Addy on the dance floor. She never dances unless
I’mhere.”

Nicksmiledatherdad,butshenoticeditwasn’taswarmashe’ddonewithher.“Well,

youhavealovelydaughter.”

“That,Ido,”herdadsaid.

“Sweetheart,”hermompulledhertothesideforasecond.“Heseemslikeaverynice

man.ToobadGracendoesn’tmeetmenlikehim.Youshouldseeifhehasabrother.”

“Mom,Ireallydon’tthink—”

Hermomshushedher.“Askwheneveryougetachance.Youknowyoursisterneedsa

goodmaninherlife.Thepoorgirl.Okay,we’regoingtocirculate.”Sheair-kissedAddy’s
cheekandpulledherdadawaybeforeAddygotachancetosayanythingelse.

Addy took a deep breath and let it out in a whoosh before turning to Nick. “Sorry

aboutthat.”

“TheyreallyhavenoideathetypeofwomanGracenis,dothey?”

Sheshruggedandglancedatherparentschattingwiththeeventorganizer.Hermother

was the ultimate socialite. She spent her days giving orders in multiple households,
arranging staff, and keeping everything running smoothly. Then she went to the spa, the
club,andwasbusyworkingouttostayfit.

Her dad was a busy man with multiple companies to run. Both of them indulged

Gracen.Shewastheirbaby.

“Theyletalotslidewhenitcomestoher.She’salwaysplayedthebabyrolewell.”

ick had been fooled again. First, he’d been pulled in by Gracen’s games. The
innocent glances. The soft smiles. It was all a fucking act. His gaze roamed
Addyfromheadtotoe.Herblondehairwaspickedupononesideandfellon

big,fluffycurlsonherleftshoulder.

Thelongmermaidstylesapphire-bluedresswascaptivating.Itfitherhourglassfigure

like second skin. Long crystal beading on the bust made the top stand out, but the
shimmery fabric covering her neckline and upper back stopped it from looking overtly
sexualandinsteadmadeitlookstunning.

ItwasclearAddydidn’thavetotryhardtolookelegant.Shewasn’twearinganybig

jewelry pieces tonight. All she had on was a large sapphire ring on her right hand. Her
paleskinglowedunderthelightsoftheballroom.

Hewantedtotouchheragain.Definitelykissher.

“Whyisn’tshehere?”

Addygavehimasurprisedlook.“Gracen?She’sneverhereunlessthere’soneofher

celebrity friends attending. She’s more interested in private parties and club openings or
restaurantsthancharity.Idon’tmind.Idislikethetypeofatmospheresomeofherfriends
create.Iprefertheseeventstogooffwithoutanydramathattakesawayfromwhatwe’re
tryingtoaccomplish.”

Henodded.Fromwhathe’dseensofar,Addywasalotmoreprivateandtoneddown

thanGracen.Eventhewayshedressedwasmoreelegantandclassy.

“Sowhydon’tyouhaveaboyfriend?”He’dlookedatthereportMatthadgivenhim

thoroughly.Thelastmanshe’ddatedwasthepresidentofalargeconsultingfirm.Someof
the photos in the file of them together made them look like a power couple. Like her
parents.

Someonestartedwalkingtheirway,buthewasn’treadytogiveuphistimewithher,

sohetookherontothedanceflooragain.Anotherslowsongplayed.Havingherinhis
arms was fucking with his mind. He liked how she felt. Her tiny curves pressed against
himperfectly.Shebelongedthere.

The rest of the night passed with people coming up to speak to her, and him never

leavingherside.Hewantedtoseeheraroundothers.Wassheplayingtheinnocentrole?

Hisinstinctcouldn’tbethatwrong,buthewasn’tsureanymore.He’dthoughtGracenwas
theoneforhim.Thathadbeenabigmistake.

Whenhewasreadyingtotakeherhome,amanwalkeduptothem.Herecognizedhim

asherex,WilliamHeltonIII.

“Addilyn,”WilliamsaidasNickhelpedherputonherlongwoolcoatwithfurcollar.

AddysmiledatWilliam.“Hi,William.Howareyou?”

Nick frowned at the other man, watching him closely. There was nothing about him

thatmadehiminstantlydislikehim,buthe’dsleptwithAddyandthatalonewasenough
tomakehimwanttoriphisballsoff.

“I’mgood.Iwantedtoseeifyou’dgivenanythoughttomymessage.”

Addy’ssmilefellandsheblushed.“Uh,William,Idon’tthinkso.Now’sreallynotthe

time.”

“Thinkaboutit,”WilliamsaidandmadeamovetocomecloserbutNickcuthimoff

bypullingAddyintohisside.William’sbrowsroseasheglancedfromonetotheother.
“Oh.”

“Haveagoodnight,William,”shesaidpolitely.“Itwasgreatseeingyou.Thanksfor

yoursupporttonight.”

Once William was gone, Nick walked her to the limo waiting for her outside. He

openedherdoorandjustbeforeshewentin,hepulledhercloseandgaveheraquickkiss.
Itwasmostlytocalmthethunderinginhischestforanothertasteofher.Butitendedup
drivingthehungerinhimoutofcontrol.

Shepulledbackandstaredathimwithlust-filledeyes.“Goodnight,Nick.”

ddy stretched in her bed and stared at her high ceiling. Unlike Gracen, who
made her father buy her a house only to spend all her time at their parents’
mansion,AddylivedinapenthouseonFifthAvenue.

She’d worked hard enough and made good investments. Her penthouse was another

soundinvestment.Thetwostorieshadbeenguttedandremodeledtogiveitaclean,sleek
feel.Itwasmostlywhitebecauseshelovedwhite,butalsobecauseitwassuchasoothing
color.

Shegotupandheadedforherkitchen.ThesoftBerbercarpetingrubbedthesolesof

her feet and made her feel extra cozy on such a cold day. June, her housekeeper, was
probablygonefortheday.

Saturdays,sheonlycameinearlytomakelunchandleaveAddybreakfastforwhen

shewoke.Shepaddedtowardthekitchen,ayawnfallingfromherlipsonlytostopinher
tracks.

“There you are, Addy,” June said, her coat on as she readied to leave. “I could not

believetheseallcameinforyou.”

Addy glanced at her white living area covered in vases of long-stemmed red roses.

Therehadtobetwentyvasesalloverherplace.

“Whatisthis?”

June grinned. “There’s a card, Addy. Read it. I want to know what man shows this

typeofromanceforyou.”

TakingthecardfromanexcitedJune,sheopeneditandreadapersonalizednote.

Onerosewasn’tenoughtotellyouhowmuchIlovedseeingyoulastnight.

-Nick

Goodness.Sheglancedaroundherhome.Nickhadsentheratleasttwofloristshops’

worthofflowers.

“Ah,”Junesighed.“Icantellyou’rehappywithwhoeversentthem.Ihopeyouhave

finallyfoundlove,Addy.Youdeserveit.”

“Thankyou,June,”wasallshecouldthinktosay.

“YouhadacallfromaNick,”Junetoldherassheheadedtothedoor.“Hesaidhe’dbe

hereattentotakeyouforbreakfastandforyoutodresscomfortableandwarm.”

Wait.What?Herhearttrippedassheglancedatthedecorativeclockonherwall.He

wasgoingtobethereinfiveminutes.Crap!

“Bye,June.Haveagreatweekend,”sheyelledassherushedovertoherbedroomto

showerandtossherentireclosetonherbed.

She didn’t know how, but she managed to be dressed by the time the security man

calledlettingherknowshehadavisitor.Wearingapairofblackleggings,knee-highflat
leather boots, and a long sweater, she slipped on her more casual wool coat, an eternity
scarf, and a beanie hat. For makeup, she went with cherry Chapstick to keep her lips
moisturizedinthecold.Yeah,shehadtakencasualtoawholenewlevel.

Sherushedtothelobbyandlostallairfromherlungs.Nickworeapairofblackjeans,

a black wool coat and a navy turtleneck under it. He had Timberland boots and she
grinnedatthat.TimswereaNYthingbutshe’dneverdatedamanwhoworethem.Nick
wasafirst.Itwasgreat.

“Iseeyou’rejudgingmyboots,”hegrinned,pulledherintohisarmsandkissedher

soundly.

“No,”shelaughed,lovingthefeelofhislipsonhers.Thatwarmthhemademagically

appearinhershowedupoutofnowhere.“Iactuallythinktheylookverycool.”

“They’regoodbootsforthewinter.Readytogo?”

She nodded and took his offered hand. They went to his Jeep and she loved that he

alreadyhadtheheatonsoshewouldn’tgetcold.

“Doyouevergooutofthecity?”heaskedashedrovethemontotheMajorDeegan

Highway. Thankfully it was Saturday morning so the traffic wasn’t too bad. Once the
holidayvacationersmadeanappearance,itwouldtakeforevertogettouptownManhattan
andoutofthecity.

Sheshrugged.“Afewtimes.There’ssomehospitalsupinNyackandWestchesterthat

havehadeventsI’veattended.”

He picked up her hand from her lap and brought it to his lips, placing a kiss on her

palm.“Todaywillbefun.”

The first stop was George’s Diner in the Bronx. Located right under the 6 train on

WestchesterAvenue,itwasapparentlyverypopular.Theplacewaspackedtothegillsand
you’dthinktheyweregivingthefoodaway.Therewereevenpeoplelinedupoutside.The
scentoffreshbrewedcoffeeandpastriesmadeherstomachgrumble.

Nickshooktheguy’shandattheregisterandtheywerequicklyseatedinabooth.

“I’mguessingyou’vebeenhereafewtimes?”

hesmiledattheguiltylookonhisface.

Nick laughed. “Yeah. A bunch of the guys in the unit shared a condo two

blocksfromhere.Weusedtocomeeatallthetime.Thefoodisgreat.Youcan’tgowrong
withtheirFrenchtoastorpancakes.”

She nodded and was glad the incredibly fast waiter brought a pot of coffee and two

mugs.ShenoticedNicklikedhiscoffeelightandsweetlikeher.Itmadehersmile.

“Gotenoughsugarthere?”

He raised a brow. “Look who’s talking. I saw all the sugar packets you dumped in

yours.”

Shelaughed.“Yeah.It’stheonlysweetthingIhave.Mymomtriedtobreakmeofthe

habit,sayingit’snotgoodformeandthatI’dgainweight.ButIonlyhavesugarinmy
coffee.”

He glanced at her lips then back at her eyes. “You’re in good shape. A little sugar

won’thurtyou.”

Sheshookherheadandsippedhercoffee.“Iworkoutandeatsuperhealthyeveryday

orI’dgaintheeightypoundsIlost.Butsweetcoffeeisstillmyundoing.”

“Well,Ihopeyou’rereadytocheatalittletoday.”Hewinked.Herresistancecrumbled

athisheatedlook.

“Maybealittle.”Whothehellwasshekidding?Shewasreadytosayfuckthefood

andeathimup.

Nickhadbeenright.TheFrenchtoastwastodiefor.Afterbreakfast,theywereback

inhiscar,drivingnorth.

Whentheystoppedatanelementaryschool,shegavehimaconfusedlook.“Whatare

wedoinghere?”

Anotherwink.“You’llsee.”

Carswereparkedandpeopleweregoinginsidewithchildren.Atthefront,therewasa

womanwithaclipboardtellingeveryonewheretogo.ShesawNickandsmiledwide.

“Captain Gates! Thank you for coming back. We missed you while you were in the

hospital,butthekidsareexcitedtoseeyouthisyearagain.”

“Thankyou,Orla.We’regoingtoheadovertotheclass,”NicksaidandtookAddy’s

handandguidedherdownahall.

Theywentintooneoftheclassroomsthathadtablesformedintoabigcircleandkits

every two seats. There were already kids opening kits and when they saw him, they
squealedandjumpedupanddown.

“CaptainGates,”oneoftheolderboyssaid.“Iamreadytowinthisyear.”

Addy followed Nick to the table at the front, where a kit for making a gingerbread

housesat.Nickturnedtoherandsmiled.“Kids,thisisMs.AddilynWalton.Addy,these
arethekids.They’rehereforagingerbreadhousebuildingcompetition.Everyonegetsa
basic kit, extra candy can be found by the back window. Today,” he pulled Addy close.
“We are the judges. We are looking for creativity and how badly the design makes you
wanttoeatit.”

Addylaughed.“Thatsoundsgoodtome.”

Thetwoofthembuilttheirownhousewithicingholdingupthewallsandherlovefor

whitereallyshowedwhenshecoveredtheirroofwithmorewhiteicingshecalledsnow.

“You’re a terrible architect, Ms. Walton,” Nick told her. “Our roof is gonna cave in

thankstoyourmillionpoundsofheavysnow.”

Shetossedsnowflakecrystalsontheroof,makingitevenheavier.“Butit’ssopretty.”

A few of the kids laughed and that’s when Addy glanced around and realized she’d

used candy cakes as columns to keep her front porch up, but she still had a ton of
gumdropswaitingtobeused.

“Whatareyouthinking,love?”Nickwhisperedbyherear.

“What the heck am I supposed to do with these?” she asked, pointing at the gum

drops.

Nickcockedhisheadpensively.“Hm.Whataboutmakingabench?”

Only he would think to make a gumdrop bench. It worked and looked great next to

their little way-too-white house. Once they’d judged and all the kids got some kind of
recognition, they went to the back of the school, where the rest of her surprise awaited,
accordingtoNick.

They were going sledding. She’d never done that in her life. Not even as a kid. Her

parentshadtakenherandGracenskiingalloverEurope,Switzerland,andthebestresorts
inColorado,butshe’dneverdoneanythingasfunassledding.

Bythetimetheywerereadytogo,hercoatwassoaked,herclothesweresoakedand

herhairhungindampclumps,butshe’dneverlaughedorsmiledasmuchasshehadwith
Nick.They’dfallenoffthesledsomanytimes.Thekidsfeltbadforthematonepoint.

Whentheygottoherbuilding,shetookhimtoherpenthouseandsighedthemoment

the warmth from her fireplace greeted them. She’d turned it on from her phone as he
parkedsoitwouldbeniceandcozywhentheygotupstairs.

“Do you want hot chocolate?” she asked. “I got the stuff to make some. Old school

style.”

Hestrippedoffhiswetcoatandbootsandpaddedtowhereshesat,gotdownonhis

kneesandhelpedgetherbootsoff.“Oldschool?”

ddylaughed.“Juneissuperstrictaboutsomestuff.Goodhotchocolateisone.
SosheboughtmetheSwisscocoapowder,milk,cream,vanillaandtaughtme
tomakeitfromscratch.”

“I was going to say no, but now that you mentioned all that goes into it, I’m gonna

havetotryit.”

She nodded. “You’re going to like it. I have a guestroom down the hall. You can

showerandthere’sarobeinthereifyouwannauseitwhileIputourclothesinthewash.”

“Soundsgood.”

Afterhershower,sheputonherrobe,madethehotchocolateandwashappyJuneleft

herafreshbakedmarblecake.Usually,Addygavethecaketothesecurityguysdownat
thelobby,butnotthistime.

She’djustputhisclothesinthedryerwhenhecameoutoftheguestroom.Withthe

hot chocolate and cake on the coffee table by the fireplace, she sat on the carpet and
watchedhim,sippingonherchocolate.Therobeheworewasjustatadsmall,soshesaw
agoodamountofhischest.Therewerescars,butshe’dknowntheyexisted.Lookingat
thempeekingthroughthenecklineoftherobe,shewasgladtheyhealedalotbetterthan
whenhe’dbeeninthehospital.

Hisgazecaughtholdofhersandshesawtheinsecurityinhiseyes.Shewasn’tsure

howtolethimknowhewasstillagood-lookingmanevenifhe’dsufferedthoseinjuries.
Hejoinedheronthecarpet,andtheminutehesat,sheleanedforward,grabbinghisrobe
bytheneckandmakingamovethatwastotallyunlikeher.

She kissed him. Excitement buzzed in her veins. How wonderful to feel his lips on

hers again. His tongue fondling hers like old lovers reuniting. She moaned, moving to
straddlehislegsandwrapherarmsaroundhisneck.Shescoredhernailsonthebackof
hishead,suckinghistongueandwigglingonhislapatthefeelofhiserectionpressingat
herinnerthigh.

Hepulledback,kissingthecornerofhermouthandliftedhertositonthesofabehind

them while he kneeled between her legs, his hands pulling her robe open and his gaze
eatingathernakedness.

“I’veneverseenanyoneasbeautifulasyou,Addilyn.”

Shegrinnedandtuggedonhisrobe.“Icouldsaythesame.Thishastogo.”

For a second, he seemed unsure but she shook her head and leaned forward, fingers

pullingthematerialoffhimandleavinghimbaretohergaze.“Iwasright,”shetoldhim.
“Icoulddefinitelysaythesame.”

A flicker of something showed in his eyes and then determination filled his gaze. “I

wantyou.”

Shelickedherbottomlipandnodded.“Iknow.Iwantyou,too.”

She splayed her hands over his tortured chest, her fingers caressing each scar they

couldreach,wishingshecouldmakethehurtsheknewhe’dsufferedwitheachdisappear.

“Areyousureyouwantthisnow?”heasked,hisvoicelowandrough.Shecouldtell

hewasholdingontohiscontrol,butbarely.

Asharpnodwasheronlyreply.Thenhewaspressingherbackintothewhitecushions

and pulling her hips forward, her legs wide open for his view. The way he stared at her
body,sopossessive,sentshiversdownherback.

Shetooklargegulpsofbreath,hermusclestight.Hernailsdugintothearmrestsshe

held on to at her sides. He smoothed his hands over her inner thighs and she forgot to
breathe.

“This is beauty in its most natural form.” He ghosted a caress over her pussy. She

gasped,herbodybeggingformoreofhistouch.“Ihavetohaveyou.”

Herpussythrobbedwithneed.She’dneverbeentothepointherbodywassoreadyto

giveintoanyman.Ever.

He leaned down and rubbed his nose over her clit. Electricity shot down from her

nipples to her pussy. She groaned and pushed her hips closer to his face. She forgot all
aboutmodesty.Allaboutthisbeingafirsttimewithhim.Allthatmatteredwashimand
her.Hereandnow.Takingtheonethingherbodyandmindhadcravedforsolong:Him.

“You’resosleekandwet.”

“Ohgod!”shemoaned.

The feel of his tongue on her flesh was like a cool wave on a hot day. Instant fire

scorched her insides. She loved the long licks he did going from her ass up to her clit.
Then,tomakeherevencrazier,heflickedhistongueoverthetinynervebundleinquick
swipes.Hereyesrolledtothebackofherheadandshegrippedthesofa’scushions,nails
diggingintothesmoothbutteryleather.

Heliftedhisheadandwinkedatherashelickedhislips.“That’sit,beautiful.Show

methewildsideofyou.”

Jesus.Shemightnotmakeitoutoftherealive.

Nick’s head dropped between her legs again. It was the most amazing thing

she’dfeltinherlife.Histonguedancedoverherclit,downtoherentranceandevenlower
toherass.Thenhediditagain.Shegrippedtheleatherharder.

A ball of fire burned bright in her pussy. She gasped at the quick tightening of her

muscles.Theorgasmcaughthercompletelybysurprise.Hislicksandsucksonherpussy
turnedfaster,harsher.

Tensionsnappedinsideher.Shepressedherheadbackagainstthesofacushionandlet

her body lose control. She screamed. The burning call for him rushed up her throat and
leftherlipsatthesametimeawaveofblissblastedher.

Nick glanced up from between her legs. A sexy smile flirted over his lips. “I knew

you’dtastegood.Likefuckingpeaches.”

Addy slid down the sofa and kissed him, pushing him onto his back in front of the

fireplace.Desirewastoogreattostopnow.Nickwasallsheneeded.

Getting him out of the robe had been quick. “You have an amazing body,” she said.

“Sostrong.Sotight.”Spreadingherhandsoverhissmoothmuscledskin,sheleaneddown
andkissedthefirstofmanyscars.Thenthenextandtheoneafter.That’swhatshewanted
totouch.Skin.Shewantedtoshowhimthroughhertouchthathewasjustasperfectas
he’dbeenbeforehisinjuries.Beforeallthoseoperations.Beforehe’dlosthisbellybutton.

She watched him inhale sharply and stopped. Their gazes met and a world of

communicationhappened.Sheknewwhathewaswatchingherfor.

ddyshould’vebeenworriedaboutwhathersisterwouldthink.Whatherparents
would say once they found out she was sleeping with her sister’s ex. But she
didn’tcare.Nickwastoomuchtemptationwrappedinhotandsexytoignore.

Shetookalongsweepdownhisbodyandfellinlustalloveragain.Fromhispowerful

arms,downhisscarredtorsotohisrock-hardcock,shewasmorethanalittleimpressed.
Shewasreadyforataste.

“Nick,I’veneverbeenthisdesperate,”shemoaned,rubbinghernoseonthecurveof

his neck. He caressed his hands up to her chest, taking her breasts into his hands and
fondlinghernipples.

“Baby, you’re the one built to bring a man to his knees,” he said softly. “Or to his

back.”

Shetookasmalllickofhisskinandfeltherpussysqueeze.Jesus,shewasintrouble

now. In fact, she couldn’t stop herself from licking her way down to his cock. His abs
contractedassheslidpastthem.

Hewassohardandhot.Shelovedthelengthandgirthofhiscock.Normally,she’d

paylittleattentiontothat.Afterall,itwashowamanuseditthatcounted,butwithNick,
therewasnoignoringit.

She licked from root to tip and sighed. Nick tasted amazing. She twirled her tongue

aroundhiscockincircles,usinghersalivaandhispre-cumtolubricatehislengthbefore
openingwideandsuckinghimintohermouth.

“Ah,baby!”hegroaned,pullingherheadtohiscock.“Yourmouthisheaven.”

Shebobbedherheadupanddown,allowinghersalivatoslidedownhislengthasshe

sucked.Withonehand,shejerkedhimatthebaseandsheranherotherhandoverhisabs.
Shehadlittlecontroloverheractionswiththegruntsofpleasurehekeptgiving.Hergaze
strayeduptohisabsasshesucked.Everytimeshesuckedharder,he’dgroanandthegrip
onherhairwouldtighten.

Therewasnoturningbacknow.Shesuckedhimtothebackofherthroatandusedher

tongue to flick over his balls. At the same time, she scratched at his chest while still
jerkinghimoffandbobbingherheadoverhisdick.

“Fuck!Youaresogoodwiththatmouth.”

There wasn’t time for her to keep sucking. He pulled her off him and she straddled

himagain,herlegsgoingtoeithersideofhishipsandhisslickcockrightattheentrance.
Sheglancedathimandsmiled.

The head of his cock pressed against her wet sheath. “I can’t wait to be inside you.

Ballsdeep.Feelingyourpussygripme.”

She gasped at the first intimate touch of his cock pushing into her. She wasn’t

inexperienced,butsinceshe’dseenhiminthehospital,shehadn’tbeenonadateandthat
wasoverayear.Hisinvasionofherbodyburnedandfeltsofuckingamazingshecoulddo
nothing but push down on his thickness and feel her pussy close around him. Christ! It
washeaven.Pureheaven.

Sheroseandthenslidbackdown,takinghimdeeperthanbefore.Hishandsgripped

herhipshardasheguidedherupanddownhislength.Hishandsencouragedhertomove
faster,harder. To takehim as deepas possible, and thenrise and dropso fast, she could
barelythink.Breathsrushedoutofherlungsinarace.

“Fuck,”hegrunted.

Her body throbbed and she knew her pussy folds were sucking his dick hard. She

groaned,rockingherhipsasherpussycontractedaroundhim.

“God.”

Hishipsliftedoffthecarpet,risingwitheveryoneofherdrops,andthrustinghimso

deeply, she whimpered with each drive down. His rising thrusts felt like she was being
brandedwithahotironfromtheinside.

Shebitherlipandmoaned.Shefocusedonthetensionbuildinginsideher.Ontheway

he rose to his elbows and sucked on her nipple. With every hard slam down, her pussy
grippedhiscock.

“Ilovehowtightyoufeelaroundme,”hegroaned.“Howhotandwetyouare.”

Shemoaned,herbodyonfire.She’dneverwantedsobadlytocomeorforamanto

comeinsideher.Hell,she’dneverhadamancomeinsideher.ButwithNick,shewanted
tobehis.Allthatmatteredwaswhattheirbodieswanted.Eachother.

“God, Nick. I can’t hold on,” she moaned, the tension rising to a crescendo in her

body.

“Just a little longer, baby,” he said, switching from one nipple to the other. “Do you

wantmetocomeinsideyou,Addy?Wantmetofillyou?”

Heslidahandbetweenherlegstofondleherclit.“Tellme,Addy.”

“Yes.Please,yes.”

Hepressedatherclitononeofherslamsdown.Thepinchwashardenoughtopush

herovertheedge.Herbodyconvulsedwiththeforceofherorgasm.Sherockedhardon
hisdick,takinghimasdeepasherbodyallowed.

Thenhetensedunderher,hisfingersgrippingherhipsandslammingheronhiscock

untilhewasgroaninghername.

“One night won’t ever be enough with you,” he gasped out as he came, his cock

pulsingdeeplyinsideher,fillingherwithhisseed.

ickglancedatthemessageonhisphonewithagrin.Addyhadtoldhimshehad
toworklateandwouldn’tbeabletomakedinner.Butafterhecamebackfrom
his run, he had a message from her, letting him know that she had to go to a

smalleventandcouldmeethimthere.

Hepulledoutasuit.Hecouldn’tremembereverbeingexcitedtoseeanyonelikehe

waswithher.NotevenGracen.Heknewhewasnowhereinherwealthscale,buthehada
newjobwithMattandRyandoingsecurity,soitwasn’tlikehecouldn’tearnapaycheck.
For a long time, he thought he might not be able to. At one point, he really worried his
sisterwasgoingtobestuckwithhim,takingcareofhim.Thankfully,thathadn’tbeenthe
case.

Dating had been something he wasn’t interested in, mainly because he knew not all

womenwould look ata body likehis and see pastthe scars. Addyhad done that. She’d
kissedhisscarsandshownhimthattheydidn’tdisgusther.

Whenhegottothehotelwherethecharitydinnerwasbeingheld,heglancedaround,

looking for Addy. A group of men by the bar caught his attention. He frowned and
watchedasthemenmadespacetorevealAddysmilingatthem.

Sheworeadressthatwasliketheoneattheotherevent.Elegantandbeautifulwith

herhairupinaFrenchtwist.Hemarcheduptothegroupandtherecognitioninherface
made her smile. She left the group of men and placed a kiss on his lips before moving
backandclearingherthroat.

“Hi,”shesmiled.“Ididn’tthinkyou’dmakeit.”

He had to stop himself from pulling her into his arms and hugging her tightly. He

wantedtokissher,reallykissher,sobadly.“Foryou,I’dgototheendsoftheearth.”

Hersmilewidenedandshewavedhimoff.“Stop.”Thenaseriouslooktookoverher

face.“Iwantedtotalktoyouaboutthis,”sheglancedaround,hergazeoneverythingbut
him.“Us.”

“Whataboutus?”Hischesttightened.Hedidn’tlikethewaysheavoidedhisgazeor

howshewrungherhandstogetherinfrontofher.

“We’removingtoofast,Nick,”shesaid,glancingdownatthefloor.“Idon’tknowthat

I’mtherightpersonforyou.Youneedsomeonewhocanadjusttoyourdisability.”

He reeled back as if he’d been slapped. Ice froze the blood in his veins. Was she

pityinghim?Afterlastnight?Sheranashakyhandoverherfaceandletoutasoftsigh.

“Whatareyousaying,Addilyn?”

Sheglancedathisfaceandthenawaytolookatthepeoplearoundthem.“Idon’tthink

thisisgoingtowork.I’vehadfun,butweshouldstopbeforeyougetthewrongidea.I’m
notlookingforarelationship.Notwithyou.”

Thewayshesaidthewords,asifhewassomeonebeneathherandshewouldn’tdare

becaughtinarelationshipwithhim,madehimturnonhisheelandleave.Heshouldhave
known better. She was just like her twin. No matter what he’d wanted to believe, deep
down,heknew.AddyandGracenweretwopeasinapod.

OMEONE

KNOCKED

athisapartmentdoor.Hestumbledthroughthedarklivingroomand

openedthedoortoKayla.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”heasked,morethanalittleannoyedather.Itwasherfault

he’d met Addy and fallen for the façade again. He’d been taken for a fool for a second
timeinarow.

Kaylascrunchedhernoseathim.“Whatthehell,Nick?Whenwasthelasttimeyou

showered?Youlooklikehell.”

Sheshovedpasthimintohislivingroomandturnedonthelightshe’dpurposelyleft

off.

“Ididn’tsayyoucouldcomein,”hegrowled.“Whyareyouhere?”

Kayla turned on her heel and faced him. “I’m going to ignore that tone. You were

supposedtocometomyofficetosignpaperssoyouandAddycouldgodowntoGolden
Islandforthatweekendgetaway.”

“Look,Kayla,nooffense,butifIneverseeAddyorhersisteragain,itwouldbetoo

soon. And no, I don’t need to be matched with anyone. Ever. I’m fine as I am. I tried
tellingyou,butyouwouldn’tlisten.”

Kaylaslappedherhandsonherhips.“Whatthehell,Nick?What’sgoingon?Youand

Addyweredoinggreat.”

Hesnortedandwalkedtothekitchentogetabottleofwater.Shefollowedafterhim.

“Sayswho?AllIknowisthatweweresupposedtomeetupfordinnerandIwasgiven

my walking papers. She couldn’t date someone with my disabilities. That I was not the
manforher,”hequotedAddy’swordstoKayla.

“Addysaidthat?”

He nodded and gulped the water. “Then she tried to call me. Maybe she wanted

anothernightoffun.Ormaybeshewantedtomakefunofmyscars.Idon’tknow,butI
wanttoforgether.Idon’twanttoseeherortalktoher.I’mdone.”

Kaylafrowned.“Didyoudosomething?Didsomethinghappen?”

Hegaveaharshlaugh.“Yeah.Wehadsex.Wefuckinglovedit.Itwasgreatandthen

she dumped me. A guy that’s disfigured like me doesn’t deserve someone as perfect as
her.”

Kayla growled. “You stop that right now. This pity party is beneath you. You’re a

strongwarriorandthosescarsonlymeanyou’vefoughtabattleandwontherighttostay
alive.Idon’tknowwhathappenedwithAddy,butitdoesn’tmakeyouanylessofagood
man,Nick.Don’tletitgetyouthisway.”

His shoulders dropped. God. He’d turned into such a fucking pussy. He’d fallen for

Addy’ssweetnessandnowhecouldn’thandlebeingdumpedbyher,too.Howcouldhego
onifhedidn’tlearntoletthisshitgo?

“Ithinkyouneedtotalktoher.”

“Hell,no,”hesnapped.“Nofuckingway.Shewasprettyclear.”

Kaylabitherlip.“Idon’tthinkshewas.”

“Whatever.I’mdonebeingplayedforagoddamnedfool.”Hishearthurt.He’dfallen

forAddy.He’dfallenforthewomanhe’dsharedhistimewith.Theonehe’dlaughedwith
andplayedinthesnowwith.Butsheneverexisted.

ddyhadnoideawhathappened.Nickcutoffalltheircommunicationwithouta
singlenoticeandshedidn’tknowwhy.ShewassupposedtogotoabigAIDS
function her entire family attended with several high-profile celebrities, which

meantGracenwouldprobablybethere.Butshedidn’tfeellikegoinganywhere.

AllshewantedwastotalktoNickandfindoutwhatwasgoingon.She’dalreadytold

hermothershewasprobablygoingtostayhome,butwasstillunsureifsheshould.

Hercellphonerangandshedebatedansweringbeforepressingthecallanswerbutton.

“Hi,Kayla.Howareyou?”

“Addy.Isitreallyyou?”

Shefrowned.Whatastrangequestion.“Yes.Everythingokay?”

“Yes.Actually,Iamhopingyou’regoingtothatAIDSballtonight.Iwantedtospeak

toyou.”

Sheglancedatthereddressshewassupposedtowear.“Iguess.”

“Listen,canyoupleasego?Iwantyoutoseesomethingandithastobeinperson.”

She should go anyway, people were expecting her to be there and run the event as

usual.“Youknow,Ireallydidn’tfeellikegoing.”

“Please,Addy,”Kaylasaidwithurgency.“IthinkyouneedtoseewhatIhavetoshow

you.”

“Ifit’sthatimportantthenyes,I’llgo.”

Shestillhadanappearancetomaintain,soshecarefullyappliedhermakeupandput

onherredmermaiddressinsatinandtinysilverbeading.Bythetimeshegottotheball,
theplacewasfullofcelebritiesandtopdonors.

Themainballroomhadajazzbandplayingandsoftlightingtogowiththemood.She

squintedandsearchedforKaylaintheroom.

“Thereyouare,”someonesaidfrombehindher.

SheturnedandsawKaylaandherhusbandRyanlookingaround.“Hi.Haveyoubeen

waitinglong?”

“No,butIthinkthere’ssomethingyouneedtosee,”Kaylatoldher,pullinghertoward

the area by the bar. There, the crowd was thicker, so it was difficult to get through, but
afterawhileshesawGracenandWilliammakingout.

“Whatthehell?”

ShemarchedforwardandtappedWilliamonthebackofhisshoulderuntilhestopped

kissinghertwinandturnedtolookather.HefrownedandthenglancedbackatGracen.

“William,whatareyoudoingwithmysister?”

Williamtookastepback.“What?”ThenhelookedatGracen.“Addilyn,whydoesshe

soundjustlikeyou?IrememberGracenbeingdifferent.”

“Addilyn?”AddyaskedGracen.

Gracenshrugged.“Itwasanhonestmistake.WilliamthoughtIwasyou.”

“Whatisreallygoingonhere?”

One of her best donors stopped as he was walking by and met her gaze and then

glancedatGracen.“She’snotGracen,isshe?You’retherealone!”

“Whywouldyouthinkshewasme?”Addyasked,completelydumbfounded.

“Becauseshesaidshewas,”herdonorsaid.“Shesaidshewasyouandthenproceeded

tohitonmeeventhoughItoldherIwasamarriedman.”

Addygasped,shockrootinghertothecore.“No.”

“Yes,”Williamtoldher,movingawayfromGracen.“Shesaidshewasyou.Actedlike

you.Toldmeshe’dthoughtaboutitandwantedtogetbackwithme.”

“Ohgod,”Addymumbled.“I’mgonnabesick.”

“What’sgoingonhere?”Herfathermarcheduptothecrowdwithhermothernextto

him.

“Daddy—”

“I’ll be happy to explain,” said the donor, who was also her father’s best client.

“Gracen tried to pass for Addilyn and hit on me, making me question if doing business
withyourfamilywastherightthingforme.”

“Therehastobesomekindofmisunderstanding,”hermomsaid,immediatelylooking

toplaceblameonanyonebutherdaughter,theevilspawnfromhell.

“Misunderstanding?”Addyasked.“Mother,Gracenhasbeenpassingherselfoffasme

andruiningmylifefromthelooksofit.Howisthisamisunderstanding?”Addyreached
out to Gracen’s face and wiped at the beauty mark on her right cheek, smearing it. The
othersgasped.

“Gracen,”herfathersaidinasteelyvoice.“Whathaveyougottosayforyourself?”

GracenglaredatAddy.“Shedeservedit.ShewasgoingoutwithNick.Nickwasmine

first!”

Hermother’seyeswidened.“Thatnicecaptain?Youdatedhim?”

“Yes, Mother,” Addy replied, her voice shrill from anger. “She dated him. And she

alsodumpedhimwhenshefoundouthewasseriouslyinjuredatwar.Yourbabygirldid
that.”

“Oh,Gracen,”hermotherwailed.“Howcouldyoudosomethingsohorrible?”

“He was going to be all deformed and ugly. But he’s not that bad. And instead of

lettingmehavehimagain,Addytookhim.Hewasmine!Mine!”

“Gracen Marie Walton!” her father roared. “That is enough! Get your coat. We’re

going home and we’re going to discuss what you’ve done here tonight and how you’ve
triedtodamageyoursister’sreputationandourcompany.”

“But,Daddy!”Gracenbemoaned.“It’sAddy’sfault.”

“You!”cameawomanfrombehindherfatherandgrabbedhersisterbythehair.She

lookedlikeoneofthesamecelebritiesGracenlikedtohangoutwith.“Iknowwhoyou
are, Gracen. Even if you try to dress like your twin. Your whorish ways follow you
around.”ShepulledGracenandbothwomenstartedclawingateachotherwhileeveryone
elsemovedbacktogivethemspace.

ddygapedatthetwowomenfightinginthemiddleofaballroomforacharity
event.

“Letgoofme,Diamonique!”Gracenscreamed,herdresslookingdangerouslylikeher

topwasgoingtofailandshowherbreaststothepackedballroom.

“Youfuckingwhore!Yousleptwithmyhusbandandtriedtosayyouwereyourtwin,

likemysecuritycan’tfigureoutwhothehellcomesinandoutofmyhusband’sstudio.”
SheslappedGracenhard,thesoundmakingAddywince.

Addyfounditinterestingthatnobodydaredinterfereinthecatfight,eventhoughher

ownparentsstoodwatching,frozeninplace.

DiamoniquescratchedGracen’sfaceandmadeabird’snestoutofherhair.Sheripped

the delicate beading off the gown and one of her earrings had come off at some point.
Meanwhile,Diamoniquestilllookedjustasgoodasshehadallnight.

Suddenly, security guards rushed in and pulled the women apart. Diamonique’s

husband,awell-knownhiphopstarthatcametodonateforthefirsttime,pulledhiswife
awayfromGracen,hiseyesgluedtoAddyinconfusion.

“There’stwoofthem?Bro,I’mtripping!”

Diamonique turned her fury to her man, shoving him away. “Don’t get any fucking

ideas,orI’llmakeyousorryyoueverpulledyourdickoutofyourpantswiththatho.To
think,Ireallybelievedherwhenshesaidshewasmyfriend.Fuckinglyingbitch.”

Security and their own guards accompanied the hip hop star and his wife out of the

ballroom.

“Let’s go, Gracen. Don’t make me make a bigger scene than the one you’ve already

created,”herfatherwarned.

Gracenbentdowntopickupherheelsandstormedoff,clutchingthenecklineofher

gowntoherchest.Addywatchedasherfatherpulledthedonortothesidetoapologize.
WilliamrushedovertoAddy’sside,hisfeaturespaleandworried.

“Addilyn,Iamsoverysorry.Ishouldhaveknownyouwouldneveractthewayyour

sisterdid.Iwasjustsohappywhenshesaidyou’dgivemeanotherchance,thatIignored
everythingelse.”

Addy patted his arm. “I’m sorry, William. We had our chance. It didn’t work out.

You’reagreatguy,really,butnottheoneforme.”

ThepartywentbacktonormalandsheturnedtofaceKaylaandRyan.

“Howdidyouknowaboutthis?”sheaskedKayla.“Mostpeopledon’trealizeoneof

Gracen’sfavoritepasttimesasakidwastoswitchintoAddymode.Shestoppedalong
timeagopretendingtobeme,butIguessshemustbereallyangrytodothisnow.”

Kayla and Ryan glanced at each other and then Kayla spoke. “She did it with Nick,

too.Shesaidsomestuff.Hurtfulthings.It’swhyhewon’tansweryourcalls.”

Ohgod.HowcouldGracenbesospiteful?Herheartsank.“Maybeit’sforthebest.I

don’tknowthatNickeverthoughtIwasanydifferentthanher.”

“What?”Kaylagasped.“No!Don’tsaythat.YouarepolaroppositetoGracen.You’re

honest, sweet, kind and loving. She’s just a bitch. A spoiled one at that. Nick saw the
differencesandfellforyou.You.Youneedtotalktohim.”

“I have an idea,” Ryan finally spoke up. “It will require you being away for a few

days.”

Shegaveasharpnod.IfitmeantseeingwhereherrelationshipwithNickwasgoing,

she’dgoasfarastheytoldher.Nickdeservedit.Hewasagoodman.

ickwentuptothehospitalunithe’dlivedinforsolongtovisitafellowSEAL
whohadlostalegandwasgoingthroughmultiplesurgeries.Whenhearrivedat
the floor he’d stayed, the Intensive Care Unit, the nurses remembered him.

NurseParker,theonewhohadbeenassignedtohisroom,rushedoverandhuggedhim.

“I am so happy to see you’re on your feet and doing your thing, Captain,” Nurse

Parkergrinned.

“Thankyou,NurseParker.IcametoseeLieutenantThompson.”

Shesighedandmadeasadface.“It’salwaysdifficultwhenyoufirstgethere.ButI’m

gladyoucame.Hehasnofamily.AtleastyouhadMs.Addyvisityou.”

Hefrowned.“What?Whocametovisitme?”

Shecockedherhead.“MissAddyWalton.Youknow,fromtheScarsFoundation?We

allgottoknowher.Shewashereeverydaythefirstfewmonths.Then,whenyouwoke
from the coma and were out of the anesthesia, right after surgery, she was here. As you
recuperated,she’dcalltomakesureyouweredoinggood.Everyday,likeclockwork,she
called.”

“Areyousure?”heasked,hisheartthuddinghardinhischestandhishandsturning

clammy.“AddyWaltonwashere?”

“Boy!”Shelaughed.“I’msure.Ispoketohereveryday.Shewasonlyherewhileyou

weredruggedup.Shewasveryparticularaboutyounotknowingshecame.Shesawyou
inpainandshe’dcryandtalktoyouwhileyouslept.Shedidalotoftalking.Atonepoint,
shestartedbringingbooksandreadingtoyou.”

Addy? No. It couldn’t be. He hadn’t met her when he’d been in the hospital. How

wouldsheknowabouthim?

“Whywouldshecomeseeme?”

Nurse Parker shrugged. “I thought she was your girlfriend. She was so good to you.

Shemadeuschangeyourhospitalsheetsforspecialonesshe’dgottenthatweregoodfor
theskin.Andshehadyouinyourownroom.”Shesmiledexcitedly.“Whensherealized
thatsomepeopleintheICUhadtosharerooms,shegrewupsetandhadyoumovedtoa
singleandthensaidshe’dseeaboutgettinganotherwingaddedtotheICUsopeoplewith
traumaticeventsdidn’thavetoshare.”

AfterhisvisitwithLieutenantThompson,NickwentstraightforKayla’sofficethere

atthehospital.Shewasalone,behindadeskandwritingnoteswhenhearrived.

“Nick,whatareyoudoinghere?”

“IcametoseeLieutenantThompson.”

Shepressedherlipsintoasadline.“Ah,yeah.Heneedsallthevisits.”

“Kayla,NurseParkerfromtheICUjusttoldmesomethingthatconfusedme.Shesaid

Addy came to see me every day for the months I was in a coma and after surgery.” He
frowned.“Why?Whywouldshedothat?Shedidn’tknowme.”

Kaylaputherpendownandsatstraight.“WhenshefoundoutthatGracenhadbroken

things off with you right when you’d been hurt, she couldn’t let you go through all that
alone.So,shewasheretolendhersupportwhileyouweregoingthroughsurgeries.She
did a lot. Mainly be here for you, but she also handled your entire bill through the
foundation. She made it so all vets who come injured from war can get extra medical
coveragefromScars.Allbecauseofyou,Nick.”

Nick’schestfelttight.Hedroppedontotheseatacrossfromherdeskandglancedat

Kaylainconfusion.“Shesawme?Then?”

Shenodded.“Everything,Nick.Shesawallthescars.Alltheoperations.Alltheopen

wounds.Sheneverleft.Shealwaysstayedbyyourside.Andsheaskedeveryonetokeep
ittothemselvesbecauseshedidn’tthinkyou’dappreciatehavingyourex’sfamilythere.”

He didn’t understand any of this. He had to see her. The only way he’d get to the

bottomofwhywouldbefromAddy’slips.

“You look like you need more information than I can give you,” she smiled. “How

aboutIsetupaflightsoyoucantalktoheryourself?”

ddy glanced at the crashing waves and dug her feet into the warm wet sand.
Thisplacewasparadise.HowcouldKaylaownthisislandandeverbeableto
leave?Thiswasherseconddaythere.Ryanhadsaidhe’dtalktoNicktoseeif

he’dcomedowntotheislandbuttherehadbeennoothercallsfromeitherhimorKayla.
Nowthatshethoughtaboutit,shewonderedifmaybeNickwasn’tinterestedinlearning
thetruth.Maybehewantedtobelievetheworstinher.

Sheturnedbackdownthebeachtoheadtothegiantblanketthehousekeeperhadput

underabigpalmtreeforher.Thesunwassettingandthepicniclunchshe’dbroughthad
feltlikealotoffoodbefore,butnowwouldmakeagreatdinner.

Fromadistance,shecouldseesomeoneonherblanket.Shefrowneduntilsherealized

whoitwasassheapproachedhim.

“Nick?”Shestoppedafewfeetawayfromhim.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

He met her gaze and offered her a hand. “Why did you spend all that time at the

hospitalwithmewhenIwasgoingthroughallthosesurgeries?”

She took his hand and sat next to him on the big blanket, both facing the water and

watchingthesungodown.“Iwasheartbrokenforyou.Icouldn’tbelieveGracencouldbe
soemotionlessandleaveyoutodealwiththatalone.”Sheturnedtomeethisgaze.“You
did something heroic and were hurt. I couldn’t let you live through that without some
support.”

“Butwhynottellme?Whynotletanyonetellme?”

Sheshrugged.“Ididn’tthinkyouwouldwanttothinkaboutGracenwhenyouwere

fightingforyourlife.”Shesighed.“Ialsodiditforme.WhenIstartedgoingtoseeyou,I
wantedyoutofeelsupported.Evenifyouwereinacoma.Butthen…”

Hisfrowndeepened.“Butthen?”

“IrealizedIenjoyedspendingtimewithyou.IlovedtellingyouhowIfeltandhow

workwasandwhenyoudidgoodafterasurgery,Iwassohappy.Igotattachedtoyou,
Nick.”

“Iremember,”hemurmured.

“What?”

“Iremember you readingto me whenI was in andout of theanesthesia. I thought I

was dreaming, someone telling me how good I was doing. How proud she was of me.
Howmuchshewantedmetogetupandkeeplivinglifetothefullest.”

“Ohgod,”shewhispered,coveringhermouthwithherhand.“Youdoremember.”

Hetookherhandfromhermouthandbroughtittohischest.“Ievenrememberyou

telling me those scars were honorable. That I should feel like the ultimate warrior. That
youwereproudofme.”

Atearslippeddownhercheek.Emotioncloggedherthroat.She’donlysaidwhatwas

inherheart,notforasecondthinkinghe’drememberanyofit.

“I’msorrythatGracentreatedyouthewayshedid,”shesaid.

“I’mnot,”hesaidsolemnly.“Ifshehadn’t,Iwouldn’thavemetthewomanwhoreally

deservesmylove.”

“Nick—”

“I was angry when I thought it was you saying those things, but now I realize that

could’venevercomeoutofyourmouth.Ishouldhaveknownbetterthen.Shedidagood
jobpretendingtobeyou,butwhereitcounts,”hesaid.“Inherheart?She’snowherenear
you. She’s a cold, mean, bitch and her dumping me is the best thing she could’ve ever
doneforme.”

“Really?”Shesniffled.“Ican’tbelieveshepretendedtobemewithyou,too!”

“IfIhadn’tbeensoangryoverthewordssheused,Iwould’venoticedshewasn’tyou.

ButangertookcontrolandIdidn’twanttohearanythingelseyouhadtosay.”

“So you ignored all my calls,” she said, finally realizing why her messages went

unanswered.

“Forgive me, Addy,” he said, raising his hand to cup her cheek. “Give me a chance.

Let’sseewherethisrelationshiptakesus.”

Addy nodded, her heart filling with emotion once again. “Yes. Nick, you’re the first

mantomakemewantthat.Arelationship.”

Heleanedinandkissedher,hislipssoftoverhersatfirstandthenshewaspullinghim

toher,closer.Theirlipsmatedandtheirtonguesdancedinaritualthatwarmedherfrom
theinsideout.Addy’sbreathspoundedinherears.Somethingchangedinthekiss.

Itwentfromsofttoaggressiveandpossessiveinasingletongueslide.Hishandswere

underhertanktop,slidinguptocupherbreastwhileherfingerswerealloverhisT-shirt,
tugging and trying to get it off him without breaking their kiss. It wasn’t happening. He
pulledbackandgothisshirtofffirst,thenhersbeforeattackingherlipsagain.

He pulled from her lips, giving her a chance to gulp air. There was no stopping,

though. He glided down, kissing and licking long slides down her neck. Warm wind
skatedupherthighashecaressedherleg,pushingthematerialofherskirtuptoherhips.
ThebreezesoundedandthesunhidbehindthewavesasNick’stouchturnedscorching.

Shegrippedhishairbetweenherfingers,holdingontohimwhilehelickedherchest.

Theswimtopcameoffandhismouthsuckedhernipple,sendingarushofmoisturedown
herchannel.

Hecrawledhishandsupherlegsandundidthetiesatthesidesofthebikinishewore

under her skirt. Then his fingers were touching her so intimately she lost her ability to
think.Shegulped,feelinghisfingerspartherpussylipsandpressatherclit.

“Oh…god!”shemoanedbrokenly.

He didn’t stop; he flicked circles on the tiny, aching nerve bundle with the speed of

oneofhersextoys.Shegaspedathistouch.Shearchedherback,pushingherbreastinto
hismouth,hopingformoreofthatsucklinghedidthatsentelectricitycareeningstraight
toherclit.Hesuckedhernippleandbit,makingherachedowntohercore.

Thefingersonherclitmassagedandthendippedintohersex—inandout,slowlyat

firstandthenfaster.Hermusclesstartedtoburnasshetensed,expectingthewavefrom
herrelease.

It didn’t take long. He rubbed a wet thumb on her clit and sucked harder on her tit,

groaninghowgoodshetastedagainsthernipple.

“Ohgod.Yes!”

ddywastotallylosttotheemotionsrushingthroughherveins.Vibrationsshot
down her body, pushing her over the edge. Her pussy clamped around his
fingers,grippingandsuckingwiththecontractionsfromherorgasm.Wavesof

warmblisswashedoverher.

Hemethergazeandsatup.“Comehere.”

Shegrinned,theskirtcameoffasdidhispants.Itwasjustthetwoofthem,thewaves

andthebeach.Shestraddledhim,givinghimthechancetohelpherkneelattherightspot.
Hepalmedherbarepussy.Shewantedhimsobadly.Nickwastheonlymantoturnheron
likethis.Soprimitively.

Hegrabbedhiscockattheroot,guidingittoherentrance.

Instead of taking it slow and easy, she knew she was wet enough to take him, he’d

workedwonderswithhisfingers.Sheloweredintoasittingposition,impalingherselfwith
hiscock.

Hekissedher,drawinghergaspintohismouthandfuckinghermouthwithhistongue.

She yanked away from the kiss, moaning at the sensations coursing through her body.
Wavesofheatsetherbloodonfire.

“Nick…”

“Youfeelperfectaroundme,”hegroaned.

He gripped her ass and rocked her on his cock. She dug her nails into his arms and

wiggledherhips,takinghimevendeeper.Sherockedbackandforthonhim,lovingthe
way he rubbed her insides, touching parts of her no one had ever touched before. Her
pussymusclesclampedtightlyaroundhislength.

She moaned words, vowels, something. Tension wound fast in her core, seizing her

abilitytomove.Hecontinuedrockingher,glidingherupanddownhisdick.Shelether
headfallback,hereyesclosedtightly,andfireworkssparkedbehindherlids.

Helickedtheareawhereherpulsebeaterraticallyatthebaseofherthroat.“Letgo.”

She was so close, so damn close to going over the edge. He took her breast into his

mouth, suckling hard on her nipple. Her body unraveled at light speed. She gasped,
pressing her pussy down to take him deeper. She dug her nails hard in his shoulders,
clingingtohimfordearlife.

Wavesofpleasurefellthroughher;itwaslikeacoldglassofwateronascorchingday.

Shescreamedathowhardherpussycontractedaroundhiscock.Pleasureandpainmixed
together,leavingherbreathlessandshaking.

Heletgoofherbreastandtensed,grippingherass.Aloudgroansoundedfromhim.

He continued to lift and drop her hard on his cock, until he suddenly stopped. His cock
pulsedinherpussy,thick,hot,andhard.Jetsofhishotsemenfilledherchannelwithhis
seed.

They fell back on the thick blanket, she lay sprawled on top of him, his cock still

insideher.Hepushedherhairawayfromherfaceandcaressedupanddownherback.

“Itmightsoundcrazy,”hesaid.“Itmightbetoosoon.ButIloveyou,Addy.”

She raised her face from his chest and looked into his eyes. “We can’t control love,

Nick.Iloveyou,too.”Shebitherlowerlip.“Whatdowedonow?”

Agrinslippedhislips.“Nowwedotherelationshippart,babe.”

“Canweliveinmyplace?Ireallylikeit.”

Hechuckledandkissedherforehead.“Yeah.Ikindoflikeit,too.”

EPILOGUE

ddyslippedonherweddingringsandleftthebedroomtofindNickpouringa
glassofwineforher.

“CaptainGates,youlookdashinginthattux.”Sherosetothetipsofhertoohighheels

andkissedherhusband.

“Mr.Attiomoknowshisshit.”

“Iknow.That’swhyIaskedKaylatohaveallthebachelorsgotheretogetsuits.He’s

beendoingmyfamily’ssuitsforever.”

Nickshookhisheadandgavehertheglassofwine.“Ofcourse.HowdidInotguess

that?”

She took the wine and put it down. “Before we leave tonight, there’s a few things I

needtotellyou.”

“Uh-oh.”

“First,”shewentonasifhehadn’tspoken.“DadandMomarehappytoseeusback

from the honeymoon. I think Mom was sad we eloped and she didn’t get to plan a
wedding.”

He laughed. “We’re allowing them to do a huge reception. That’s kind of the same

thing.”

Sheslappedhimontheshoulder.“No,itisnot.Second,Gracenisbackfromhertrip.”

“Ah.Soyourdadsendinghertodocharityworkoverseasaspunishmentisover?”

Shecurledherarmsaroundhisneck.“Ineedtoknowyou’reokaywithbeinginthe

sameroomwithherorwedon’tgoanywhere.”

Hemethergaze.“Really?You’dstopgoinganywhereshe’satifitbothersme?”

She nodded. “Absolutely. She’s never cared about me. You, I love. You’re my

husband.Yourfeelingsmatteraheckofalotmoretomethanhers.”

“Iloveyou,Addy.Iwouldneveraskthatofyou.Itwon’tbothermetoseeheragain.

Notwhenallmyloveandattentionisfocusedonyou.”

She grinned and kissed his bearded chin. “Good. She has apparently made some

changesinherattitude.Atleast,that’swhatthedirectorofourAfricansitesays.We’llsee

tonight.Oh,there’sonemorething.”

He leaned her back, pressing her against the counter. “Hmm?” he hummed, pressing

hotkissesdownherneck.

“Nick!Stopthat.I’mtalkingtoyou,”shegroanedatthekissheplacedbehindherear.

“Nick,I’mpregnant.”

Hestoppedandmethergaze.“Youare?”

Shelaughedathisshock.“Well,it’snotlikewe’reusinganyprotection.”

Hekissedherhard,thensoftandranhishandsdownthebodiceofherpurpledressto

stopatherstillflatbelly.“Ababy?”

“Ourbaby,”shereplied.“Ourfamily.”

Anothergrinsplithislips.“Iloveyou,Addy.”

“Iloveyou,too,Captain.Nowlet’sgoletmyparentsshowoffthenewlywedcouple

totheirfriends.BetsonhowlongittakesGracentotrytobethecenterofattention.”

Hechuckledandgrabbedherjacket.“You’reon.Igiveitthirtyminutes.”

Shesnorted.“Ten.Tops.”

“WhatdoIgetifIwin?”heasked,ticklinghersides.

“Twentyminutesofpeacebeforetheshowbegins,”shelaughed.

“IknewIlovedyourwit,wife,”hesmackedherbacksideastheyleftthepenthouse.

Addystillcouldn’tbelievethatabachelorauctionhadgivenhertheherotomakeherlife
complete.

THEEND

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

NewYorkTimesandUSATodayBestsellingAuthor

Hi!I’mMillyTaiden.Ilovetowritesexystoriesfeaturingfun,sassyheroineswithcurvesandgrowlyalphamales

with fur. My books are a great way to satisfy your craving for paranormal romance with action, humor, suspense and
happilyeverafters.

IliveinFloridawithmyhubby,ourboys,andourfurchildren“NeedySpeedy”and“Stormy.”Yes,IamawareI’m

bossy,andIamseriouslyaddictedtoicedcaramellattes.

Ilovetomeetnewreaders,socomesignupformynewsletterandcheckoutmyFacebookpage.Wealwayshave

lotsoffunstuffgoingonthere.

SIGNUPFORMILLY’SNEWSLETTERFORLATESTNEWS!

http://eepurl.com/pt9q1

FindoutmoreaboutMillyhere:

www.millytaiden.com

milly@millytaiden.com

ALSOBYMILLYBERMUDEZ

Ifyoulikedthisstory,youmightalsoenjoythefollowingbyMillyTaiden:

SassyMates/SassyEverAfterSeries

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Also,checkouttheSassyEverAfterKindleWorldonAmazon

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Document Outline

Epilogue
Untitled
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
About the Author
Also by Milly Bermudez

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