Until You Loved Me 46920

Until You Loved Me

Yuwanda Black

Published by Inkwell Editorial Publishing, 2018.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

UNTIL YOU LOVED ME

First edition. November 13, 2018.

Copyright © 2018 Yuwanda Black.

ISBN: 978-1386221173

Written by Yuwanda Black.

Also by Yuwanda Black

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Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Also By Yuwanda Black

PREVIEW

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

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

END NOTES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Further Reading: An Accidental Island Wife

PREVIEW

BILLIONAIRE JAVELIN, aka “Jav,” Montague had never met a woman like Serena Luckett. She intrigued him, he desired her and what Jav Montague wanted, Jav Montague usually got ... until Serena.

THE LAST THING DOWN-on-her-luck, single mom Serena Luckett was in the market for was a relationship—of any kind, especially with the likes of Jav Montague. She knew his type all too well. At Eastside Prep, the exclusive private school she'd attended years ago, she saw first-hand the arrogance of the rich, especially the boys. They thought they were entitled to whatever and whomever they wanted. They grew up to be men who were used to using women and discarding them when they tired of them. Men like Jav Montague. No thanks! Serena vowed. While she was grateful for what Jav had done for her, she wanted nothing more from him. At least that's what she told herself to keep from falling for him. And the longer she and her daughter remained under his roof, the harder it was to make herself believe.

“THIS IS WRONG. WRONG!” Serena screamed. “The only crime I’ve committed is being poor. You can’t take my baby! You can’t do this,” she ended on a desperate whisper, reaching for Kayla again. A struggle ensued and Kayla was finally whisked away from her. Serena's guttural screams competed with her daughter’s more heartbreaking Mommy! Mommy! cries, bringing hundreds of eyes in the station to their little corner, including the cool, slate-grey orbs of billionaire Jav Montague.

IT HADN’T EVEN BEEN a year since Keith, her fiancé, had been killed. She had experienced living on the edge of poverty before she met Keith, but she had no idea how quickly things could plunge headlong into it when the financial rug is pulled out from under you. Within six months of his death, she and her daughter found themselves homeless, living in her car. And tonight, but for Jav stepping in, she could have lost her daughter to foster care, possibly forever. Serena couldn't believe he'd done what he did. “Why would you put yourself on the line like that for a perfect stranger?” Serena asked. “To be perfectly honest, I did it for your daughter,” Jav explained. “No child that young should be separated from a loving parent,” he said, Kayla’s screams ringing in his ears once again. Serena clasped Kayla’s hand tighter, his frankness disarming her. “I happen to know something about that,” Jav continued, a flicker of sadness in his eyes. A pang of guilt shot through Serena at her undeniable attraction to her rescuer. She was still grieving one love. How could she be so stirred by another?

Chapter 1

SERENA WOKE WITH A start to an orb of light piercing her retinas. She shielded her eyes and immediately glanced behind her to check on her daughter. Kayla was still asleep, wrapped in her favorite, fuzzy pink and blue blanket. The light moved, illuminating Serena from the side window. Squinting and heart hammering, she peered through the glass in an attempt to make out who was behind the blinding light. It was still dark and the dimness of the streetlights weren’t a big help. She literally jumped in her seat at another rapid tapping on the glass. She squeezed her hand around the #2 Phillips screwdriver she kept as a weapon, hoping against hope that the time hadn’t come for her to use it. Tap, tap, tap. “Montgomery PD, open up.” The police? Thrown into a frenzy of shocked confusion, Serena reached for the door handle but froze. She couldn’t be sure it was really the police. Turning the key in the ignition instead, she rolled down the window slightly, ready to speed off at the first sign of danger. “Can I see your badge please?” “Sure thing, ma’am.” Serena studied the presented badge and nodded. “Have I done something wrong?” she asked, releasing her hold on the screwdriver. The officer glanced at the sticker on the windshield. “You have an expired tag. License and registration, please.” Stifling a groan, Serena opened the glove compartment. She knew she was in trouble. Everything was expired, a fact the law was about to be made all too aware of. And to think, a few hours ago, she’d thought life couldn’t get much worse. The officer scanned the presented documents. “Please, come out with your hands up, ma’am.” Apparently, life could get much, much worse. Serena looked in the back seat at Kayla, who stirred and opened her eyes. “Mommy, who’s that?”

“It’s okay, baby. Just sit tight okay?” Kayla rubbed her eyes and nodded trustingly. “Officer, is all of this really necessary? I have a child and she’s-” “Out with your hands up, ma’am,” the officer commanded more sternly. Hands trembling, Serena fumbled for the door handle. She couldn’t believe it. She was being treated like a felon for a few expired documents. The most humiliating part was being patted down, but she gritted her teeth and endured the procedure. When the female officer finished, the male officer began questioning her. The female officer began inspecting her vehicle more closely, shining her flashlight in the car. Serena could barely focus on answering her interrogator’s questions for worrying about her daughter. Her attention kept straying to Kayla’s scared and curious face. “Sir please. Can’t you just let me off the hook this once? I’ll get everything sorted out, I promise. I was going to -” “Ma’am is that your child?” the officer inquired. “Yes.” “Are you and the minor living in your vehicle?” he asked directly. He had obviously spotted the bags and articles of clothing folded neatly on the enger and back seats while his partner was shining her flashlight in the car. Serena’s first instinct was to lie, but she’d never quite mastered the skill. “Yes. I mean no, not exactly. It’s uhm ... it’s temporary, just until-.” Heat seeped up Serena’s neck and spread to her cheeks. It was embarrassing, itting to strangers that she was living in a car with her kid. She’d recently fallen on really hard times and was finding it more impossible by the day to dig her way out of the hole. She used to wonder how people found themselves homeless; ask what they had done to deserve it. Now she knew all too well that no matter how you got there,

once you were homeless, each day it got harder to dig yourself out. She’d just missed two rent payments and she was on the streets. That’s all it took; a couple of months of not making rent, and you were homeless. She still couldn’t believe it. “I’m afraid we’ll have to take you in, Ms. Luckett,” the officer said, interrupting her galloping thoughts. “For being homeless?” Serena questioned incredulously. The officer cleared his throat. “No. For your expired tag and registration, ma’am. And for endangering the welfare of a minor,” he finished. Serena shook her head, her eyes wide and pleading. She couldn’t to jail. What about Kayla? And her job? It was hard enough landing a job with just a high school diploma. To have a criminal record would be employment suicide. “Please officer. Don’t do this. I’m begging you.” “I’m sorry ma’am,” the police officer said, reaching for his cuffs. “Please don’t arrest me in front of my daughter,” she whispered frantically, a tear streaming down one cheek. “Please,” she requested again. She knew Kayla was scared, peeping out the window taking everything in. She didn’t want her to become even more frightened. The officer’s hard expression softened slightly. “Alright,” he said, relenting as he looked over at Kayla, her brown eyes unblinking; her small hands pressed against the back left door window. “I won’t cuff you, but we have to take you in. Maybe it’s for the best. You’ll both be safer.” “But-” “Serena Luckett, you're under arrest. You have the right to remain silent...” She didn’t hear anything after that, just the rapid beating of her heart. “My daughter,” Serena whimpered. “What’s going to happen to my daughter?” The female officer looked at her male partner. She didn’t have the nerve to tell the woman that her child would be taken by S, Child Protective Services. She diverted instead. “You can get her once all this is sorted out. And don’t worry,

you won’t be cuffed you in front of her,” she reassured Serena. Serena gulped as the female officer collected Kayla from the back seat of her car. She handed Kayla to her after the male officer deposited her in the back seat of the police car. “Are we going for a ride with the police mommy?” “Yes, sweetheart, we sure are,” Serena said, pasting a bright smile on her face as she buckled Kayla into her seat. The police car pulled away with them in it. Serena held her daughter’s tiny hand tightly, afraid of what awaited them once they got to the police station. If she went to jail, what would happen to Kayla? The thought of her ending up in some foster home was so terrifying that she almost gave in to the panic attack that threatened to overtake her. She could feel her daughter’s fear in her uncharacteristic quietness, and in the trembling of her small hand. Serena pulled Kayla’s head to her chest and rubbed her hair. She kissed the top of her head as they all rode silently in the darkness. All she could think about on the drive was how fast she’d found herself homeless. She was still reeling from the shock of it all.

Chapter 2

AT TWENTY-EIGHT, SERENA’S life was in a downward spiral. The only bright spot in it was her almost five-year-old daughter, Kayla, whom she adored. She felt like the worse mother in the world for allowing them to be in this dangerous situation. Sleeping in a car in front of a park was bad enough as a woman alone, but with a small child, it was just asking for trouble eventually. Serena knew this, but she didn’t have options these days. Determined though, she was doing everything in her power to get a steady roof over their heads again. She had two part-time jobs, but the hours weren’t steady enough and didn’t pay enough for her to save for even a small apartment. She knew because she’d looked. She didn’t have bad credit. What she had was worse in the eyes of potential creditors: no credit. This meant that any apartment she found would mostly likely require an extra month or two of a security deposit, in addition to first month’s rent. And when you added in what she’d have to pay to get utilities turned on, the at-minimum $4,000 or so she’d need to get started might as well have been $40,000. All she was able to do in her current financial situation was keep their heads above water, barely. This meant keeping gas in the car; food in their bellies; clean clothes on their backs and every week or so, maybe ... maybe a motel room for a night or two. The glaring lights of the police station brought her back to the present.

Chapter 3

“PLEASE MA’AM, CALM down. I know this is all upsetting, but just follow procedure for right now, ok? The child will be fine. If you don’t have anyone to call to pick her up, someone from Child Protective Services will care for her,” the patient officer explained to Serena, who was squeezing Kayla to her tighter and tighter. “No!” Serena continued to object. They were trying to take her child away from her, and no one would answer her questions as to where she was being taken and when she could get her back. “Sir, please. If you’d just let me go, nothing like this will happen again, I promise. But please don’t take my baby,” she begged, her eyes wild with fear. A social worker entered the room. She introduced herself to Serena, extending her hand. Serena instantly backed away from her; her instincts telling her that this woman was no friend. “No. No,” Serena repeated, her eyes getting even wider as she held onto Kayla. The woman reached for the little girl. Kayla screamed. “Mommy! Mommy!” Her little arms squeezed Serena as hard as she could. “No. Wait. Wait. Please wait,” Serena stalled, pushing the woman away from her and her daughter. The female officer who’d been part of the team who arrested her earlier stepped in front of the social worker. The officer tried to pry Kayla away from Serena, but she held on tighter and cried harder. Serena screamed hysterically as Kayla sobbed, clutching onto her mother’s neck for dear life. “Ma’am please, don’t make this harder than it needs to be,” the officer pleaded. “It’s in the child’s best interest. She can’t live in a car; it’s against the law. And we can’t give her back to you unless you can prove you have adequate shelter. I’m sorry,” she said, finally yanking Kayla away from her.

“This is wrong. Wrong!” Serena screamed. “The only crime I’ve committed is being poor. My daughter needs me. Please, I’m begging you; don’t take her. You can’t. You just can’t,” Serena’s voice broke. “You can’t take her. You can’t. You just can’t. I’m begging you. Please. Please. You can’t take my baby! You just can’t! Oh God please don't let them do this! You can’t do this,” she ended on a desperate whisper, reaching for Kayla again. A struggle ensued and Kayla was finally whisked away. Serena had to be restrained by two officers. She sobbed, begged and fought as hard as she’d ever fought for anything in her life. Her guttural screams competed with her daughter’s more heartbreaking Mommy! Mommy! cries, bringing hundreds of eyes in the station to their little corner. Even hardened police officers never got used to the sight of children literally being ripped from their parents’ arms. As the social worker disappeared down the hall with her hysterical four-year-old, Serena buckled to the floor, her heart beating out of her chest ... down that long hall where the only thing that mattered was being taken.

Chapter 4

“MR. MONTAGUE, WE HAVE to stop meeting like this.” Jav gave the officer a tight smile and nodded. “Sergeant Martin. How are you?” Jav had become well acquainted with the burly, friendly, African American man because he’d been to the Winston Lake police station way too often. He knew all the senior officers and a good many of the patrol officers by name. At the rate he visited, he may as well slap on a uniform and call himself staff. “As good as I can be working at 3 a.m. Thanks for asking. How ‘bout yourself?” “Hanging in there Sarge. Hanging in there. So tell me, how bad is it this time?” Jav asked. Sergeant Martin’s lips twisted into a wry smile. “Actually, our boy didn’t commit a crime this time.” Jav’s brows flew up. “Sometimes miracles do happen. So why is he here? Better yet, why am I here?” he quipped. Sergeant Martin cleared his throat. “Well, there was a raid at a party at a house that allegedly had a heavy narcotic presence. Your brother didn’t have anything on him, but I advised my boys to haul him in before his presence in the residence could reach the media. I thought you’d appreciate a break from having to squash media stories. Plus, he’s still hasn’t come down from his high. I told him I wouldn’t let him leave unless you came to get him.” Jav let out a long sigh. “You’re a good man, Sergeant Martin. I appreciate your looking out.” Thanks to the officer’s generosity, he wouldn’t have to spend the morning threatening local media outlets to prevent stories leaking about billionaire magnate Jav Montague’s troubled younger brother. “Where is he?” “I had him put in a holding cell; figured sitting behind bars for a few hours would knock some sense into him.” “Sound reasoning, but I doubt it’ll work,” Jav said dryly. “He’s come to think of this place as a second home I’m afraid,” he half-way joked. Sergeant Martin grunted. “Keep an eye on him Jav. He’s headed down a

dangerous path. It won’t end well if he keeps it up; that I can guarantee. I’ve seen it too many times to be wrong.” Jav didn’t respond. He knew better than anyone that his twenty-one-year-old half-brother Sage was on a fast track to nowhere – nowhere but trouble. At eighteen years younger than Jav, he was more like a son than a brother. Jav had been his sole guardian since their parents died when Sage was just nine years old. It had been a rough time for both of them, but even after all these years, Sage still hadn’t made the adjustment from wounded child to responsible adult, as Jav kept hoping. It didn’t help that for the nine years his parents were alive, Sage’s mother had raised him to be a spoiled, entitled brat. Jav was just about at his wit’s end with his little brother’s antics. The only thing he hadn’t tried was leaving the young man to his own devices. Spending some time behind bars would probably do him some good, he reasoned. Thus far, however, he hadn’t been able to let that happen. After all, they were blood and the only close family each other had. Jav just couldn’t find the resolve to abandon Sage, not after he’d suffered the cruelest abandonment of all, and at such a tender age. That’s the part that got him every time. The part that kept him running to Sage’s rescue. He always bailed him out, even when he knew he was doing him more harm than good. If he could just get rid of the damned guilt! Sure he’d been there when it came to getting him out of scrape after scrape with the law. But he hadn’t been there when Sage had really needed him – when he was growing up; a lost little boy who needed a firm hand tempered with love. Jav had been too busy making sure their father’s empire survived. His only consolation was that he was doing what he was supposed to do – taking charge of what their father had spent his whole life building: Montague Technology Solutions, an electronics manufacturing conglomerate. It was not only his legacy, but Sage’s too. His hope was that one day his younger brother would take his rightful place beside him in the business, as Jav had done with their father before his untimely death. He knew it’s what their father would have wanted, and he was doing everything in his power to make that dream a reality. Jav sighed, folded his arms and leaned against Sergeant Martin’s desk. “Mr. Montague,” a young patrol officer waved as he ed. “Sage at it again?” an older detective said as he stopped to talk to Jav.

Jav just shook his head, wishing that he could be anonymous sometimes. But it was impossible. As one of richest men in the country, just about everyone knew who he was, especially in Winston Lake, his hometown. “Your father and I grew up together,” the detective said. “He was a scamp for a time too. So hang in there with him Jav. He’ll grow out of it.” “From your lips to God’s ears,” Jav sighed. “Sage is a chop off a good ole block,” the detective laughed. “Takes a firm hand and a lot of patience. But he’ll get it together. I practically guarantee it,” he said, patting Jav on the shoulder as he continued on his way. Jav certainly hoped the detective was right. He’d inherited the company at the tender age of twenty-seven – just a few years younger than Sage was now. And at Sage’s age, he’d already been a responsible adult for a few years. It had served him well as he fought to stay in control of his father’s company. He’d even had to fight his own Board of Directors, a few who chomped at the bit to take the reins after his father’s ing. But Jav had weathered every attempt to wrest control from him. It had taken a solid three years before the takeover bids had stopped and he was able to come from behind the esteemed shadow of his father, and finally start putting his stamp on the company. No one had expected someone as young and relatively inexperienced as he’d been to come in and successfully fill his father’s shoes. At times, even he’d been worried, wondering if he had what it took. He knew he had a good head on his shoulders, but the company was much larger and more complex than he realized, even though it was still just a regional conglomerate. With the wings of doubt and greed by those wanting him to fail at his back, he busted his ass and turned what had been a regional powerhouse into an international conglomerate in less than two decades. And Seattle had benefited mightily, especially the bustling city of 100,000 that made up Winston Lake, situated 21 miles outside of Seattle. Instead of moving headquarters from there to a larger, better-known city like big city like New York or Chicago, Jav had kept headquarters and one of the main manufacturing plants in Winston Lake, supplying almost fifteen percent of the area’s technology jobs. “Hey,” Jav heard a familiar voice say. He was pulled from his reverie by the sight of his brother. Even though Sage stood head-to-head with his older brother,

the rest of his body hadn’t grown fully into its six-foot, two-inch frame. His build was still in its gangly, post-teen, but not-quite-man, stage. Right now, his skin was as pale as snow and his eyes were bloodshot and unfocused. The kid was still high, or drunk, or both. Jav let out a tired breath, ready to give his brother a good old-fashioned tongue lashing right there in the middle of the police station. An unnatural scream from down the hall snatched his attention, as it did everyone else’s in the crowded stationhouse. His grey gaze landed on a woman struggling with two officers. She was screaming and pleading for her child. The raw depths of her pain shook him; he’d never heard such total despair from a living being. Not realizing he’d moved, his curious eyes landed on her face. Even though her features were twisted in terror and hopelessness, her beauty was very evident. “You can’t take her. You can’t. You just can’t. I’m begging you. Please. Please. You can’t take my baby! You just can’t! Oh God please don't let them do this! You can’t do this.” Her voice broke with every desperate word. She kept fighting and pleading and fighting, even though everyone around her knew it was a losing battle. A little girl with the sweetest, most innocent face he’d ever seen sobbed and attempted to twist out of the arms of the woman holding her. “Mommy! Mommy! I want my mommy!” she cried, as the woman quickly headed down a hallway with her. The little girl’s mother crumpled to the floor in abject defeat. Jav looked from the little girl’s hands desperately reaching for her mother over the woman’s shoulder, to the woman on the floor, mewling in pain as if someone had driven a bayonet into the very pit of her. Jav had a reputation as a cold-hearted SOB in business. It was richly and well deserved. But no heart was cold enough to withstand what he’d just witnessed. He knew the woman’s screams would haunt him forever. Uncharacteristically, he acted before his brain could fully process what he was going to do.

Chapter 5

“OFFICER,” JAV SAID, speaking to police officer who was obviously in charge. He stepped in front of the crowd gathered close to the woman, taking in her defeated appearance. Serena paused at the presence of the stranger, her amber eyes wide and glistening with tears. Her full, sensuously curved lips parted slightly as she struggled to breathe. Her smooth, dusky skin was flushed and her chest heaved up and down. His eyes were transfixed by the beauty of her heart-shaped face. In the struggle, strands of her dark-brown, curly hair had slipped out of its high ponytail. His attraction to her ed and Jav was keenly aware of how inappropriate it was, particularly given the situation. But he couldn’t help it. She was an ethereally beautiful creature, displaying a fragility that ripped at him. He willed his eyes away from her, turning to the officer in charge again. “Mind if I ask what’s going on?” he inquired calmly. “They’re trying to take my baby,” the woman volunteered, guessing – hoping – that he was some kind of lawyer; one who could help her. “I’m all she has. Are you a lawyer?” she asked, looking at his expensive suit. She didn’t know how she would pay him, but she’d figure something out if he would agree to help her. “Can you help me?” she begged. “Please,” she all but whispered. “He’s not lawyer, ma’am,” the officer said. Normally Jav was turned off by any sign of weakness. But it was obvious that her love for her child overrode any pride she had. Jav found himself respecting her. “Oh,” she said, hope draining from her like blood from a dying man. “I’m not a lawyer, but I may still be able to help. Let me see what I can do,” Jav said, and turned to the officer in charge. “Mr. Montague, no disrespect, but this is a police matter,” one of the officers in the crowd around them said. “I didn’t kill anyone for Christ's sake!” the young woman ground out, anger

starting to overcome her grief at having her child ripped from her. “It was just an expired tag. You’d take a child from the only parent she has for an expired tag and out-of-date registration?! Is that what you call ‘protecting and serving’ the citizens of this city? For God’s sake, I’m all she has. How do you think she’s going to feel when she lays her head down to go to sleep tonight when the only person she’s ever known is nowhere to be found and she’s with strangers who she’ll likely be afraid to death of. How? How is that justice?!” Serena demanded, her anger rising with every word. Jav noticed her bottom lip trembling. He watched a tear roll down her cheek. He could swear her soul left her body as she realized the gravity of what may happen to her child. He recognized the second it did, because it had once happened to him – the day two police detectives and two police officers had come to his apartment and told him that his father and stepmother were dead. The one person he loved more than any other – his father – was gone. And even though he’d never been close to his stepmother, he grieved her loss too because he knew that it would affect his younger brother. That day had defined the man he would become. He wondered if it would have the same effect on the beauty before him, and her child. Would it break her, or would she use it to move forward in life? Right now, he’d bet on the former. She seemed so lost. And so hopeless. “Sergeant Martin, is what she says true? Is she being arrested for an expired tag and registration?” “Yes. Well that and there’s evidence of ch...” “And nothing,” Serena interrupted. “If you hadn’t run my tag, you would have had no cause to bring me in and you know it,” she finished. She under no circumstances wanted this stranger to know that endangering the welfare of a child was the other purported charge against her. She didn’t know how or why, but she was not leaving this police station without her daughter. “And you’re separating a mother from her child for that?” Jav asked, incredulous. The Sergeant stood his ground. “Jav I know it may sound cruel, but it’s the law. My officers had no choice but to arrest her. Her car also has no insurance on it.

What if she hit somebody? Hurt them? You see my dilemma?” “I know Charlie,” Jav said to the Sergeant, but how ‘bout if I said I’d be responsible for her? It seems like such a minor thing to have to pay such a big price for. No child should be taken from their parent for such a thing. I know you agree.” The Sergeant knew that Jav was ing when he had to tell him and his younger brother about his parents. He’d been one of the officers to deliver the news to them. “I ain’t got ice in my veins Jav. Of course, I agree. But like I said, it’s the law. My boys had to haul her in. And her vehicle’s been impounded–“ “I’ll make sure it’s legal before she gets back on the road. Again, I’ll take full responsibility for her if you let her leave with her daughter.” Sergeant Martin rubbed his chin, clearly distressed about being put in this position. Putting his arm around the sergeant like the old family friend he was, Jav led Charlie a few feet away from the group. “Can we speak privately for a moment?” he asked, knowing he’d have a better chance of convincing the bythe-book cop if he could speak with him one-on-one. “I don’t know Jav. That’s just not how things are done. If it was just the lady, I’d be inclined to say yes. But there’s a child involved. If something happens, it’s my head that’s gonna roll.” “I understand your concern Charlie; really I do. And you know I would never put you on the spot like this if I intended to let your head roll.” Jav looked Charlie directly in the eye. “Have I ever broken my word to you?” “No. Never. But then, you’ve never asked for something like this either. It’s not a personal favor you’re asking. You’re asking me to flat out flout the law; to – when you get right down to it – put my career on the line.” “I guess I hadn’t thought about it like that,” Jav said thoughtfully. He realized it was asking a lot, even for someone like him. But he couldn’t help himself. “It’s just, hearing that little girl scream for her mother. ... I know Child Protective

Services is going to take her and who knows when, or if, she’ll be reunited with her mother. If something happens to that kid while she’s in there, that will be on your head too Charlie. Are you willing to take that risk?” The Sergeant resumed rubbing his chin. “Dammit Jav!” Knowing he had the advantage now, Jav pressed on. “You know I’ve always been there for Sage. You’ve let me bail him out of scrapes his whole life. So bet on me – someone you know and trust – to do the right thing for this little girl. You know you can. Or do you want to wager on the cold, bureaucratic jungle of S? I know they do the best they can, but it’s no place for a child; especially if there’s a viable alternative. Come on Charlie, you know you’ll rest easy tonight knowing that little girl and her mother are together.” Charlie cut his eyes at Jav, his fingers mid-rub on his chin. “I’m taking full responsibility, ?” Jav reminded him. “Alright, alright. Take’em. But Jav, I swear to God, if this backfires–” the clearly still-conflicted Sergeant said, pointing his finger at Jav. “It won’t. I promise you it won’t,” Jav said, releasing a breath he didn’t even know he was holding. “You’re a good man Charlie,” he smiled. While all of this was happening, Serena kept looking from the circle of officers standing to one side and the powerful-looking man and the older officer on the other. She was desperately trying to understand what was happening; hoping against hope that somehow, some way, this man she didn’t know from dirt was going to be able to help her. Serena kept the flicker of hope alive in the pit of her stomach by praying like she’d never prayed before. Please God, don’t let them take my baby. Please God hear my prayer. Please God, don’t let them take my baby. Please God, she needs me. “Follow me,” Sergeant Martin said to Jav, his long arms at his sides as he started down the same hallway the social worker had whisked Kayla away down earlier. “You too,” he said, motioning to Serena. “The rest of ya, get back to work. Crimes don’t solve themselves ya know.”

The officers scattered and a wide-eyed, terrified Serena followed the Sergeant and the handsome stranger, who had immediately been elevated to God-like status in her eyes.

Chapter 6

SERENA CLUTCHED HER daughter to her chest as she stared at her and Kayla’s savior, who the officers referred to as Mr. Montague. They stood outside in front of the precinct in the cool, early September morning air. The man with the slate-grey eyes that seemed to glow under the fluorescent lights of the building's front steps had swooped in like a hero and gotten her out of the biggest mess of her life. The rich – they had ways of doing things poor people would never understand. But why? Why had he helped her? He was a stranger; a very well-dressed, gorgeous stranger, but a stranger nevertheless. He looked older and more rugged in the crude lighting, the stubble lining his square jaw accentuating his handsomeness. After all she’d been through that night, Serena found herself iring the man beyond his obvious physical attributes. His gaze held hers. She hugged her daughter closer. “I can never repay you for what you just did in there mister. Thank you.” “You’re welcome,” Jav responded, the relief in her voice stirring something in him. “Can I offer you a ride home?” His smooth baritone was inexplicably comforting. Serena swallowed. “Uhm, no thanks.” The last thing she wanted was to impose further, especially as she had no place to call home. She had somehow managed to avoid having him find out that little embarrassing fact. The man shoved his hands into the pockets of his stylish, black slacks and leaned back on his heels. He glanced around. “I know you don’t have a car right now, and I don’t see any bus stops nearby. How will you get home?” Kayla, who had been silent throughout their exchange, lifted her head sleepily from her mother’s shoulder. Thumb in her mouth, she said, “We don’t have a home anymore, right mommy? They took mommy’s car, and they took Pillow Person too. Mommy, they took Pillow Person,” Kayla repeated, the realization that her favorite toy was gone taking hold. “Shhh, sweetie. Mommy will get you another one.” “But I don’t want another one. I want my Pillow Person. Mommy–” Serena wanted to put a hand over her daughter’s mouth, but it was too late. Now

the stranger knew her secret. The familiar heat of humiliation crept up her neck and flowered over her face for the second time that night. Jav gazed at Kayla for a few seconds, then back at Serena. “What does she mean?” he asked, interrupting the little girl’s pleas. To hell with it, Serena thought. He oozed control and obviously wasn’t going to let her go without getting answers that satisfied him. And she was too mentally and physically exhausted to even begin to try to lie her way out of it. What was one more humiliation in a life that had been filled with them lately. “It’s just as she said, sir. We’re homeless. We’ve been staying in my car. That’s where the officers found us.” The enormity of all that had transpired that evening hit Serena like ton of bricks now that she’d said it out loud in front of him. The only shelter she and her daughter had was gone. It was probably already at some impound lot with all of her and Kayla’s belongings. And to top it off, all she had was $8.71 to her name; she knew because she’d counted after doing their latest load of laundry last evening. If she’d known her belongings were going to be confiscated, she would have saved the $4.75 it had cost her to do the little bit of laundry they had. It was yet another cost of being poor – better known as good ole Murphy’s Law. That cruel fucker must hate poor people Serena raged internally, because as soon as something as simple as being able to have clean clothes went right, it seemed that three other catastrophes were just waiting to go wrong. She was somewhere beyond exhausted, and she knew Kayla was too. But they had nowhere to go and she had no idea what she was going to do. She mashed her forefinger and middle fingers to her right temple to massage the growing pain. She felt like she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. “We can get Pillow Person tomorrow mommy?” Kayla asked. The innocent question brought Serena back from the brink. She realized she didn’t have time to have a nervous breakdown. Kayla needed her. She almost laughed out loud, but stifled the impulse, lest she seem like a crazy person. “Yes sweetie, we’ll get it back tomorrow.” Serena decided on the spot to go to the impound lot later that day to see if they could at least get their things out of

the car. She’d beg them to just give her the toy out of the car if she had to. Keith had given it to Kayla when she was two years old. She’d slept with it every night since, and dragged it around with her most days by the one arm that was left on it. Yes, she would get Pillow Person back, she vowed, no matter what it took. That’s the least she could do for her baby. “Where will you go?” Jav asked. “What?” Serena asked, the million thoughts galloping through her head interfering with her understanding of his simple question. “I said, where will you go? What will you do?” “Thank you for your help, Mr. Montague,” Serena deflected, because she had no clue as to what she was going to do. “You’ve been very kind. I can take it from here.” “Thank you, Mr. Molagie,” Kayla repeated to the best of her ability. “You made them give me my mommy back.” She beamed at the man and the corners of his mouth ticked up. Despite all she’d been through, Kayla was a happy kid,. She had a way of making people smile, a quality Serena was afraid she’d lose if things kept going badly for them. And for her, that would be the biggest crime of all. How do you let your child’s natural joy be stolen? What kind of parent allows that to happen? “You’re welcome little lady. What’s your name?” “I’m Kayla,” she said, pointing to herself. “Nice to meet you, Kayla,” Jav replied, bending down to Kayla’s level and holding out his hand. Serena, watched, amused as Kayla’s tiny hand was engulfed in his much larger one. “And how old are you? Can you tell me?” “I’m four,” Kayla obliged, holding up four fingers. “A very smart four, I see,” Jav said, continuing to smile at the demonstrative

child. Kayla smiled back effusively. Serena wasn’t sure who was charming whom at that point. Jav returned to his full height. He looked at Serena expectantly. “And who is this pretty little lady’s mother?” “Serena. Serena Luckett,” Serena said, placing her hand in his. Almost immediately, she pulled it away and averted her gaze. The current zapping up her arm was magnetic. “Jav Montague,” he murmured. “I caught your last name in the precinct,” Serena answered. The name was familiar. Serena knew she’s heard it somewhere before, but for the life of her, she couldn’t where. “Look, I don’t like the idea of you two having no place to go,” Jav said. “I’ll figure out something,” Serena said again, racking her brain for the name of the street the shelter was on that she’d checked into the first couple of days she and Kayla had been homeless. Upon touring it, she’d decided to take her chances in the car. Now though, she was beyond desperate. Until she could figure something else out, it would have to do. She started her silent prayer vigil again. “What if I told you I have the perfect solution?” Jav said, staring at her. “You’ve done enough already,” Serena said. “I can’t impose any further.” “You’re not imposing. I’m volunteering – volunteering my home. I have plenty of space. Why don’t you and Kayla come home with me?” Serena’s brows kicked up and alarm bells rang in her head. No way was anyone that nice. She eyed Jav Montague more closely, wondering what his game was. Rescue a woman from getting locked up. Take in her and her four-year-old. Why would he do this and what did he want? Before she could open her mouth to refuse his offer of help yet again, a pale, tall, lanky young man stepped out of the police station. He approached them with a

wide grin. Serena tensed and held onto Kayla’s hand tightly; stepping further away from Jav and this stranger. “Hey,” the man said, slapping Jav on the shoulder. “Thanks for saving my ass again. I owe you big time.” From the facial features, some kind of familial relation was obvious. Her first assumption was that they were father and son. Both had the same aquiline nose and steel-grey eyes fanned with thick, dark lashes. Both were handsome; the major differences being that Jav was more muscular and carried himself with an unconscious air of sophistication. The younger man was barely out of his teens, Serena guessed. And even though she and the younger man were obviously closer in age than she and Jav, the life she’d led put her light-years away from being anywhere near young. Serena watched their interaction with interest. “Sage, you’ve got a lot of explaining to do,” Jav said through clenched teeth. He nodded to a sleek silver Jaguar a few feet away. “Get in the car,” he commanded. “No need bro. I got it from here. I already called a friend to pick me up.” “Sage, get your ass–” “Where are my manners?” Sage drawled, his eyes shifting to Serena and Kayla. “Ladies. How’s it going?” he said, saluting them. Serena brows furrowed. She noticed a frustrated scowl from Jav. The younger man Jav called Sage didn’t wait for an answer from Serena. He slapped Jav across the back of his shoulders again. “Catch ya later big brother.” At that moment, a sports car came careening around the corner, rap music blaring. Sage sauntered in the direction of it. The vehicle stopped mere inches away from his feet and he opened the door and lowered his lanky frame into the expensive vehicle. It disappeared in a screech of tires and ear-splitting, bodyrocking bass. The last thing Jav heard was laughter. I’ll skin his hide, he thought. His jaws clenched and unclenched several times. He closed his eyes briefly to get his temper under control.

Serena picked Kayla up and started to walk away. When Jav opened his eyes again, his expression, which had reverted to neutral, immediately changed again – to one of surprise. “Hey, where are you going?” he said, easily catching up to Serena. “I thought we had an understanding.” “No, we didn’t,” Serena threw over her shoulder as she continued to walk. “Just hear me out,” Jav said, walking ahead of Serena and standing in front of her. Serena stopped. “Look. Thanks, but no thanks,” she said sternly, setting Kayla on her feet. She reached for her hand. “Hold onto mommy sweetie.” “Aren’t we going with Mr. Moligy?” Kayla asked. Serena ignored her daughter, stifling a smile at how she kept mangling Jav’s name. “Wait,” Jav said, as Serena started to walk around him. “I get it. I’m a stranger. But, I told Sergeant Martin that I would be responsible for you and Kayla if he let you go. It was the main condition of your release,” Jav said. “If something happens to either of you while you’re trying to figure things out, not only is his career on the line, but I could be in all kinds of hot water too. So you see, I can’t in good conscience let you go unless and until I know you’re going someplace safe.” “That’s how you got him to let me go?” Serena asked. “Yes. I had to guarantee him that you would be safe; practically sign my name in blood to it. I didn’t know at the time, of course, that you had been living in your car. All the more reason to accept my solution – for now,” Jav finished. “Why would you put yourself on the line like that for a perfect stranger? It doesn’t make sense. And if it doesn’t make sense, then there’s usually something fishy going on. And I am in no mood to go fish. So thanks again, but no thanks,” Serena said, eyeing him defiantly. “To be perfectly honest, I did it for your daughter,” Jav explained, ignoring the rest of her outburst. “No child that young should be separated from a loving

parent,” he said, Kayla’s screams ringing in his ears once again. Serena clasped Kayla’s hand tighter, his frankness disarming her momentarily. “I happen to know something about that,” Jav continued, a flicker of sadness in his eyes. “And you have to it, it isn’t safe for the two of you to be walking the streets, especially at this hour.” “We’re not going to walk the streets. There are shelt... places we can go,” Serena countered. “Do you even know where a shelter is Serena? If they have room? It’s practically the middle of the night. I doubt if there are any with empty beds. It’s not like checking into a motel.” “I know that,” Serena snapped. “You don’t exactly look like the type of man who’s ever had to consider going to a shelter, so what would you know about what it’s like?” “Let’s just say I know a lot about a lot,” Jav said, refusing to take her angry bait. “I don’t doubt that, but I doubt you know anything about this,” Serena clarified. “I do possess a rudimentary understanding of how the shelter situation works, he said, “thanks to one of the charitable foundation boards I sit on,” he explained. “Oh,” Serena said. “Hearing about it from some corporate perch is a lot different than living it.” “I would never argue that, but what I do know is that you can’t just walk in at any hour of the day or night and get a clean, warm bed. The system doesn’t work like that. That much I do know.” And part of him wished he didn’t know. It had saddened him to learn that that there weren’t enough beds for the homeless. Seattle wasn’t exactly the tropics. It was cold and wet and rainy a good portion of the year. Where did those who were turned away from shelters go, he’d wondered upon learning that shelters often had to turned away many more than they were able to help. “And again, I gave my word that you’d be safe. For that reason alone, I can’t just

let you and Kayla disappear into the night.” Humiliation at her situation raged through Serena again. She was awash in it these days. Jav could read the anger and uncertainty all over her face. He could see that she felt trapped, like a deer in headlights. And he couldn’t blame her; he’d likely react the same way as a parent. She’d be less than a good mother if she just took off with a stranger with her young child in tow. He tried a different tact; one that would ease her fears. “Serena I assure you, I’m an upstanding citizen. A room full of cops saw me vouch for you. Obviously, I’m well known by the department, thanks to my brother,” Jav explained wryly. “That’s who that was?” Serena asked, referring to the young man Jav had confronted earlier. “I thought that was your son.” “No. He’s my half-brother, Sage, and he’s a handful,” Jav explained, running his hand through his head of thick, black hair – much like a tired parent. Serena recognized the frustration. A slight smile creased her features. “What an unusual name,” Serena observed. “His mother’s doing,” Jav said, frowning. Obviously, there was no love lost there, Serena noted. She found herself wondering what that story was. “He tries your patience, doesn’t he?” “He tries more than that,” Jav agreed. “Mommy I’m sleepy,” Kayla said, leaning her head against Serena’s legs. Serena wasn’t surprised as they’d been woken up in the middle of the night and had spent several hours in the police station. She was pretty tired herself, but the adrenaline of not knowing where they were going to lay their heads the rest of this night – and the coming nights – kept her wide awake. “I know sweetheart. Just hold on, ok?” Jav reached inside his jacket pocket and handed Serena a business card. Serena looked at it. Javelin Montague, CEO, Montague Technology Solutions. It had several phone numbers, his office address, email address and info for

various social media s. “So what do you say Ms. Luckett? Does this ease your mind a little?” Serena looked from him to the business card to the sleek Jaguar a few feet away. “Yes,” she said. She finally realized where she recognized his name from – the business pages of The Winston Lake Review, the local newspaper. He was a regular fixture in the paper, especially the last few years as the tech sector boomed. She’d never seen a photo of him though. She would never have guessed that he was so young and handsome. “So you’ll accept the invitation to stay at my place? By the way, you’ll hardly ever see me. I have an entire wing I don’t use. You and your daughter can have it all to yourselves.” Serena’s entire forehead raised up. His house had different wings? She gave him a once-over again, taking in the expensive attire, the understated Rolex on his left wrist and some expensive, black leather shoes. Well of course he lived in a house with wings, she almost laughed out loud. “Yes. I accept your invitation,” she said, her embarrassment almost ing for shyness. “Good. Now how about we get going before one of those officers happen to come outside and wonder why we’re still standing here? And before your little one falls asleep standing up,” he said, glancing down at a droopy-eyed Kayla. “Good idea,” Serena agreed, bending down to pick up her daughter. “Come on honey,” she said, hugging the littler girl tightly. “And Mr. Montague, thank you again. I’ll never forget this and someday, some way, I’ll find a way to pay you back.” Jav nodded, a sense of peace settling on his features. “Call me Jav, please. My brother already makes me feel old enough, so none of this mister stuff,” he grinned. Serena’s stomach fluttered as she followed him to his car.

Chapter 7

SERENA NEVER THOUGHT she’d find herself in a situation where she was desperate enough to agree to go home with a stranger. But here she was, seated in a stranger’s car, headed to goodness knows where with her innocent child in tow. She soothed herself with the thought that at least he was a well-known stranger; well-known to the police. They wouldn’t let him agree to be responsible for her if he was going to harm her, would they? Of course not, she answered her wayward thought. The line of reasoning made her feel better. She turned to peek at Kayla in the back, all seat-belted in. She was fast asleep, her mop of curls falling over her angelic face as she slumped in the corner of the luxury vehicle. Kayla had seemed ecstatic about this turn of events. It was like an adventure for her. Of course, as an innocent child, she had no idea of the risk her mother was taking, even though she had found some measure of peace knowing exactly who they were with. “You can relax, Serena,” Jav said, feeling the vestiges of tension emanating from her. “You and Kayla are perfectly safe. I’m not an ax murderer or pervert or anything like that,” he said with amusement. Serena cut her eyes at him, thinking it ironic that he knew exactly what she was thinking. That put her mind at ease even more because it meant he was decent enough to understand her dilemma. “Are you in the habit of rescuing damsels in distress?” Serena asked, only half-jokingly. Jav turned to look at her briefly as he steered the powerful vehicle through the night. A misty fog had settled in, making the environs of the car seem all the more cozy. “No. My kid brother keeps my rescue efforts to a body of one.” “Care to elaborate?” Serena asked, curious as to how someone like him found themselves a literal fixture in a police station. Surely he had people – lawyers – who could handle stuff like this. Contrary to his usual closed demeanor, Jav found himself responding to her questions freely. “When I heard you begging them not to take your daughter, I was moved. I never knew the love of a mother. Or, I don’t it.” “Why? What happened?” Serena asked, noticing his grip tighten on the steering wheel at her question.

“My mother died when I was a baby. I figured it must be nice to have a mother fight so hard for you. I didn’t want to see you and your kid separated. It’s unnatural. No child should suffer that needlessly.” “Thank you for that,” Serena said, a lump forming in her throat. She turned her head and stared out the window, watching the buildings and trees rush through the misty night. Her eyes filled with tears. She swallowed hard, sitting on her hands to keep from wiping at the few tears that escaped. She could feel him sensing her tears. She didn’t know how, but she knew that he did; knew it as surely as she knew her name. When she was able to speak, she turned to him. “I feel bad about imposing on you like this. Surely, your wife will have a problem with this arrangement.” “Don’t have one,” he stated. “I live alone. Apart from staff, that is.” Serena’s eyes immediately went to his left hand. There was no ring. She was inordinately pleased that he wasn’t married. But she cautioned herself, that didn’t necessarily mean he was single. In fact, the real surprise would be if there wasn’t a special someone in his life. Serena mentally berated herself for her train of thought. What she should be focused on was how she was going to get a stable roof over her and Kayla’s heads, not on the relationship status of the incredibly intriguing stranger beside her. A pang of guilt shot through her over her undeniable attraction to Jav. It hadn’t even been a year since Keith, her fiancé, had been killed. The memory of her big-hearted soldier, as she’d called him, hit her hard. He was one of the good ones; one of the best men – human beings – she’d ever known. After the likes of Kayla’s father, she’d doubted that men like Keith Ford existed. But he had been 6-feet even of pure loving and protecting man that shattered every doubt she had about the opposite sex. An Army Ranger, he’d been killed by sniper fire in a remote part of Africa while on patrol. When he died, things had gone downhill pretty fast. Serena had experienced living on the edge of poverty before she met Keith, but she had no idea how quickly things could plunge headlong into it when the financial rug is pulled out from under you. Keith had paid the rent on their apartment. She’d been responsible for the

utilities, as she earned less than him and was a single parent. He’d insisted on the arrangement, and it had worked well for almost three years. They weren’t well off by any means, but they were making it, easily able to pay their bills thanks to his military salary and the part-time job she had. They’d planned to marry after his last deployment, which had come out of the blue. “When I get back, I want to put a ring on it,” Keith said the night before he deployed. Serena looked at him, covered her mouth and laughed. “So what’s got you all of a sudden channeling Beyoncé?” she said, dismissing his words as idle, loving, chatter. Keith went down on one knee and pulled his right arm from behind his back, holding up a small, open leather box with burgundy velvet lining. A chip of a solitaire diamond ring glistened before her. “Will you marry me Serena? Kayla already thinks of me as her father, and I want to make it official. I want you to be my wife and I want to adopt Kayla as my daughter. This way, if anything ever happens to me, you all will be taken care of.” Serena gaped, his proposal a surprise. She’d hoped, but she would have never pushed because she knew she came as a package deal with Kayla. And for a man to take on that kind of responsibility, the decision had to be his and his alone. Besides, she loved Keith. He made her happy and he adored Kayla. She would have lived with him forever without benefit of marriage if that’s what he wanted, as long as he treated her the way he always had – with unconditional love – for her and her daughter. Things between them couldn’t be more perfect, she thought. Not even a ring could change that. “Will you say something woman?” Keith smiled up at her, the dimple in his left cheek melting her heart. “Are you sure Keith? You don’t have to. That piece of paper won’t change anything – at least not for me. I’m not going anywhere. Kayla and I will be right here when you get back. We always will.” “I know, and that’s exactly why – besides the fact that I’m crazy about both of you – I want to make things official. And that piece of paper, as you put it, will

change a lot of things baby. If anything should ever happen to me, I want life to be easy for you. As my wife, it will be.” “Oh Keith,” Serena said, dropping to her knees beside him. “Life without you could never be easy – no matter what my title is if ... if ... I can’t even say it, much less think about it. I can’t imagine going through this life without you. Please don’t say that.” “Alright, I won’t. Just tell me that you’ll marry me Serena – make me the happiest deployed soldier on earth?” “Of course I’ll marry you my big-hearted protector.” Serena took his face in her hands and looked directly into his eyes. “You come back to us, you hear me. Come back to us. That’s all I want. It’s all I ever want,” she declared fiercely. “I will. I promise,” he said, taking her in his arms. “And while I’m gone, how ‘bout planning us a wedding? I know every woman dreams of her wedding day, so we can go as big as you like. We’ll put some of that bonus deployment money to good use.” Serena knew he wanted her to focus on something happy while he was gone, not the impending danger he was going to be in. He never told her specifics of his missions – it was his third deployment in the almost three years they’d been together. But the dreams, the night sweats, the moodiness; sometimes for a few months after he returned – she knew he’d faced danger. “If that’s what you want,” she said, hugging him fiercely, biting her bottom lip to keep her tears from falling. “I love you so much Keith. Please be careful. Don’t take any unnecessary chances. Please. Kayla and I need you.” “Don’t you worry about me. I’m in the best platoon. We’re invincible, ?” Serena smiled, recalling the nickname their unit went by – The Invincibles. “You’d better stay that way, or I’ll kill you myself!” She laughed through tears she couldn’t keep from falling. “That’s my girl,” Keith said, squeezing her tighter. That squeeze was always with her. She could feel his controlled fear in that tight

embrace, knowing he’d die before he let her know just how deep it ran. “That’s my girl,” he whispered again, raining kisses on her hair, neck, forehead and finally her lips. They’d made love right there in the middle of the living room floor, lying in each other’s arms for hours in silence – each holding in their terror, while letting their love shine through as brightly as possible. The next morning before the sun came up, Keith had left – for what would be the last time. Not even six months later, her world fell apart. She hadn’t been able to keep up with the rent on the apartment they’d shared. She wasn’t his wife and Kayla wasn’t his child, so they weren’t entitled to any military benefits. She hadn’t even been notified about the details of the return of his body and his funeral. She’d had to find out the details from one of his enlisted friends. Keith had been right. That marriage license would have been more than a piece of paper. It would have been her and Kayla’s security, although it couldn’t have lessened the pain in her heart. She missed the sound of his voice; the feel of his arms around her at night; the quirky way he wore an apron when he was cooking. He’d been the perfect man for her; hard in all the right places, but soft when it counted – like with Kayla. People were always surprised to learn that he wasn’t her biological father. Keith’s death left a hole in her and Kayla’s world as wide and deep as the Grand Canyon. Theirs had been a classic friends-to-lovers story; one she hadn’t seen coming. In fact, before meeting him, Serena didn’t believe in that kind of love. She’d always been the kind to know immediately if she was attracted to a man romantically. Looking back, she realized that she had been too busy just trying to make it when she met him, that getting involved with anyone was the last thing on her mind – much like now, she thought, as she looked over at Jav. She glanced back out the window, reliving how she met the she should have been happily married to now. Serena and Keith had first met in high school. He was another student of color in the exclusive prep school she attended who was there on scholarship. He was a classic jock and never seemed to be without a girl on his arm. She hadn’t been one of his conquests though. They knew each other in ing, but didn’t exactly run in the same circles. When she’d bumped into him almost five years after

they graduated, he was in uniform. That had shocked her.

Chapter 8

THREE YEARS EARLIER “I thought you’d be playing baseball in some major or minor league somewhere. If I correctly from the talk around school, you were apparently that good.” Keith smiled, highlighting a deep dimple in his left cheek. Serena thought it was such a juxtaposition. This tall, athletic, virile man – with the cutest dimple, much like a five-year-old. “A torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder put an end to that dream,” he said. “Can’t cry over spilt milk. Going in the military solved a whole bunch of problems – housing, job, health insurance, college tuition, and the best part – it gave me purpose again.” “When you put it like that, I should sign up,” Serena said. “What’s stopping you?” Keith said, looking her over. “You’re young and fit. And you went to East Prep, so I know you’re smart. You’d make a fine soldier – and I mean that in more ways than one,” he grinned, that dimple slaying Serena. “I can put you in touch with my recruiter if you want to get the ball rolling.” “No can do,” Serena said. “I have a little one to take care of.” “That’s not a disqualifier,” Keith said. “Lots of parents enlist, especially young ones.” “My daughter has no one but me, so it’s not an option. But thanks for the encouragement just the same.” Keith noticed the bright light of worry in her translucent amber gaze. He’d know that look anywhere. It was always etched on his mother’s face when he was growing up. That had been the hardest part of having his budding professional baseball career come to such an abrupt end, and why he was determined to succeed at something else. The military offered him lots of options. Unfortunately, his mother had died from a diabetic stroke before he could give her the life of comfort he’d swore to himself he would.

“You’re welcome,” he said. “So tell me, what are you up to these days?” He asked, falling in step beside her as she walked to her car in the parking lot of the grocery store they’d just exited. “Not much. Just working; trying to keep my head above water.” “And I’m sure you’re doing a fine job of it,” he said. “Thanks for the vote of confidence. I never dreamed that being a single parent could be so hard, but I’m making it.” “Kayla; that’s your daughter?” Serena nodded. “Pretty name. If you don’t mind my asking, where’s her father?” “I’m mother and father,” Serena said succinctly, putting a halt to that line of questioning. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.” “I’m sorry to snap at you. It’s a natural question, I suppose. It’s just been the two of us since she was born.” “I understand,” Keith said. “Well this is me,” Serena said, a bit embarrassed as she fumbled for the keys to her car. The little red Ford Fusion had seen better days. There was a mismatched driver’s side door and a large swath of grey construction tape holding the driverside mirror in place. She’d been in an accident. Another driver ran a red light and tee-boned her. As it was the other driver’s fault and she’d escaped injury, she considered the accident a gift. She’d used the money from the insurance to pay some bills instead of fixing her car. She’d gone to a junk yard and found the door and paid a shadetree auto body guy fifty dollars to put it on for her. That the door’s color didn’t match the rest of her car had been the last thing on her mind. She still had wheels, and that’s all she cared about.

“It was really good running into you Serena. And hey, if there’s any way I can help, just let me know. My mom was a single parent. I know it’s not easy.” “That’s really sweet of you. I appreciate it.” “I meant it. Those aren’t just words,” he said. “And no strings attached,” he smiled, showcasing that endearing dimple again. Serena looked into his eyes. There was a deep sincerity there she had never seen on anyone else’s face, especially not a man. And most especially not a man of Keith’s age. He was so young to be so, seemingly, responsible. “I didn’t know they made men like you anymore Keith Ford,” Serena smiled. “I really appreciate that.” “Why don’t you take my number,” he said. She pulled out her phone and he fiddled with the tape on her mirror, pulling it tight and securing it as best as it could be. “There, that should do it,” he said. Serena not only took his number, but went a step further and gave him hers too. As she crank her car and got ready to pull off, she yelled out to him. “Actually Keith, there is something you can do for me.” “I’m listening,” he said. “If you know anybody looking for a roommate – a woman with a child would be ideal – I’d owe you a big one. I’m looking to move by the fifteenth.” “As a matter of fact, I do know someone. It’s not a woman with a child though. But he’s clean, responsible and wouldn’t mind a woman and child.” “He?” Serena asked. “I don’t know about that. I’m only looking for a roommate, nothing else,” Serena said, dismissing his idea. “You're in luck, cuz neither is he. He needs peace and quiet to study, which is exactly why he doesn’t want to room with any of his buddies. All they want to do is party. And that’s not his thing.” “Do you know him? Can you vouch for him?” Serena said, her interest piqued. The least she could do was meet him. The fifteenth was coming faster than she

cared to it. The sooner she found a place, the sooner she could move on to the next worry on her never-ending list. “I know him very well and would never have recommended him if I couldn’t vouch for him. I give you my word as a soldier in the United States Army. We are honor bound to protect America and all of her citizens til our dying breath,” he said, losing the battle with the laughter he was trying to hold in. “And would this soldier be standing right in front of me by any chance – risking getting run over if he’s toying with me?” Serena asked, that dimple giving away who he was talking about as surely as if he’d named himself. “He would ma’am, and would be more than relieved to have you and your daughter as roommates. No funny business wanted, needed, or allowed,” he said. “I give you my word,” he repeated. “Keith do you mean it? Are you sure?” “The way I see it, it’s pre-ordained. I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe the universe gives you exactly what you need when you need it. So whatd’ya say Serena?”

KEITH HAD BEEN RIGHT. Their roommate status must have been preordained. After a year of living together, their deepened friendship as roommates had morphed into a love she hadn’t known existed. She’d come to know him on so many levels; not only loving him, but respecting him as a man and as a human being. Serena knew she’d never find another like him, and her heart broke all over again every time Kayla asked when he was coming home. “Mommy is Daddy Keith gonna come down from the sky to visit us today?” “No honey. He can’t come down. But he’s watching over us all the time.” “But I want to talk to him. Why can’t he come down? He doesn’t wanna see us anymore?” “Oh Kayla honey, he would if he could. But he can’t. He lives with God now. That’s his home.” “Tell God to let him come play with me. He will. I know he will. God loves us. Keith can tell him that.” And on and on the conversation went. Heart-wrenching conversations Serena had no idea how to stop. The only consolation was that lately, Kayla had been asking less and less. This wrenched at Serena even more. The pressing needs of their day-to-day existence had infiltrated her daughter’s world to the point where she was less focused on the loss of the only father figure she’d ever known. Serena didn’t know whether to be more relieved, more sad or more angry. Jav looked over at Serena, who was deeply lost in another world. “Penny for your thoughts?” he said. “Good thing because that’s about all they’re worth,” Serena said drily. “Are you still worried?” Jav asked. When she looked askance at him, he added with a smile, “About me being an ax murderer or something?” Serena gave him a small smile. “Not exactly. Unless, of course, you really turn

out to be one.” His deep chuckle took her mind off of her sad thoughts for a moment. Somehow, she knew he didn’t smile much. It was evident in the way he kept his lips in a severe line and the way the serious gleam in his eyes seemed so fixed; a permanent part of his brooding handsomeness. “So you’re a big-shot businessman, but how did you get elevated to celebrity status around here?” she queried. “Everybody at the police station seemed to know you very well. I think I even saw a few of them take a bow.” Jav’s smile actually made it to his amazing eyes. “Are you a comedienne by profession Ms. Luckett?” “Why? Are you looking to hire one? Because I could be if that’s the case.” “I’ll think about it for my next charity event,” he responded. “Seriously, I’m not a celebrity, I’m just Jav Montague.” “What exactly does your company do?” “We manufacture computer parts. We also have a consulting arm of the business,” he explained nonchalantly. “My father founded the company and I took it over after he died. We employ a lot of people in and around Seattle and our headquarters are right here in Winston Lake. So, I guess you could say that s for my celebrity status – that and the fact that my little brother is a frequent visitor to the police station,” he grinned sardonically. “I see,” Serena mused. “Do you like what you do? Or do you do it out of obligation?” Jav turned his head to look at her. No one had ever asked him if he liked his work. Ever. They just assumed that anyone would want to take over a readily created empire. This young woman was very astute, and he was liking her more and more – and not just for her obvious physical traits. “I actually like what I do very much. I consider it an honor to expand upon what my father spent his life building.” Serena noticed that there wasn’t a trace of arrogance or entitlement in his words.

“Why do you ask?” “Let’s just say I’ve been up close and personal with people like you.” “What do you mean, ‘people like me?’” Jav asked. “Women, but mostly men, born to be captains of industry. Many of them step into their roles out of obligation. They’re usually not given a chance to spread their wings and find out what it is they want. In my opinion, it’s why they wind up miserable and make everyone around them miserable too. In fact, I’d be willing to bet that there’s more drug use and alcoholism among the rich than the poor,” Serena said, immediately regretting this last remark as she thought about his brother. “I didn’t mean ...” “Those are some pretty strong opinions,” Jav interrupted. “That most definitely is not the case with me though. I worked with my father the last three years of his life. It was always the plan that me and Sage would take over one day. I just hate it happened so much sooner than any of us could have expected. I looked forward to working with him for many more years.” “You ire your dad a lot,” Serena stated. “I do,” Jav confirmed. “So where’d you get this insight of yours about the rich?” “I went to a private school.” “I see,” Jav said. “So you have inside knowledge.” “Not like what you may be thinking. I didn’t come from money or anything. In fact, we were pretty dirt poor. But somehow, some way, my mother got me a scholarship to an elite, private school. You learn pretty quickly exactly why you’ll never fit in, even if you are wearing the same uniform,” she finished sarcastically. To this day, Serena had no idea how her mother had pulled off getting her a fullride scholarship to Eastside Preparatory Academy. The school’s motto was almost arrogant in its declaration: We Make Leaders. Affectionately referred to as Eastside Prep, it was the school of choice for the rich and super-rich in Winston Lake. The motto was true, but for Serena, not because the school ‘made leaders.’ She always thought a more appropriate motto would have been, Where

Nepotism Spawns Leaders. Most of her classmates were going to be future hedge fund managers, corporate tycoons and political office holders – because of the connections their families had, the millions they already made, or the businesses they already owned. It was most definitely not because of how well they did or didn’t do in school. At Eastside Prep, she had learned how the real world worked. There she saw first-hand the arrogance of the rich, especially the boys. They thought they were entitled to whatever and whomever they wanted. They grew up to be men who were used to using women and discarding them when they tired of them. And the sad part was, not only did they do it, it was expected that that’s just the way things were. They got away with almost everything, even before graduating high school. With such entitlement ingrained so early, was it any wonder they continued to feel entitled throughout their lives? Serena eyed Jav from her periphery. She wondered if that was part of his personality. So far, she hadn’t seen it. There was always an exception to the rule, she supposed. It remained to be seen if it was true of him. She hoped so, and despised herself immediately for caring at all.

Chapter 9

“WE’RE HERE,” JAV ANNOUNCED, shaking Serena free from her thoughts. Her eyes widened when he turned into a long driveway with a massive iron gate that opened automatically. The house that stood before her was no ordinary house. Serena wouldn’t even classify it as a residential dwelling. It was a more like a small government building. Acres of manicured lawns stretched as far as the eye could see from the long, curved driveway. A wide staircase with stone balustrades on each side, like ones you’d see at a national monument, beckoned you to enter. This was what you’d call an estate, she thought. “You have a very nice home,” she said, the understatement of the decade. “Thank you.” Serena turned to Kayla, who was still sleeping. What she’d been through that night tugged at her soul. Her baby was exhausted. “We’re here, honey,” Serena said, rubbing Kayla’s knee. “Come on sweetie, wake up.” The little girl yawned and slowly opened her eyes. Serena reached back and unbuckled her seat belt. Daylight was just announcing itself through the murky mist of fog bathing the cool morning. Kayla crawled from the backseat into her mother’s lap in the front. She spied the yard from the window of the car and smiled. “You have a big yard, Mr. Moligey. Can I play out there?” Jav chuckled. “Of course you can. Anytime you want.” Serena couldn’t help but smile at her daughter. Leave it to a kid to ignore a massive mansion and only be enthralled by an expanse of lawn that was a potential playground. Jav came around to open Serena’s door before she could exit. “Thank you,” she said shyly as he reached for Kayla, who went to him willingly, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck. Serena took the hand he offered and exited the car, feeling the heat radiating

from his touch. Her stomach clenched as she gave him a small smile. If there was one iota of doubt left about Jav being a potential ax murderer, the way Kayla trustingly rested her sleepy head on his massive left shoulder erased it. She’d taken to Jav like a duck to water; the same way she’d taken to Keith, Serena thought. It delighted and unsettled her at the same time. Serena firmly believed that children had an internal radar for danger – at least her kid did. And she obviously trusted Jav implicitly. “Kayla honey, come here.” Serena held her arms open. “Mr. Montague can’t carry you around.” “It’s fine,” Jav assured her and closed the car door. “She’s a big girl; she can walk,” Serena said, giving Kayla’s suddenly wide-open eyes a hard look, knowing she was smart enough to take the hint. “Kayla would you like to walk?” Jav asked. The little girl shook her head and grinned like a Cheshire cat. Serena glared at her. Kayla ducked her head, keeping her arms around Jav’s neck. She laid her head back down on his shoulder. “Alright, the princess has spoken,” Jav said. “Now, let’s get you two inside.” He started to mount the wide expanse of stairs. Serena followed, still miffed with from Kayla’s little stunt. They wouldn’t be here long and that was just as well because she couldn’t afford for her to make any attachments. She’d already been through enough and Serena didn’t think her daughter’s little heart could process another loss right now. They stepped into a dimly lit foyer that led into a larger room that boasted classic, antique furniture with some modern pieces thrown in. The floor was of gleaming, mahogany hardwood that Serena could see her reflection in. There was an extravagant staircase that widened and branched off into two exits upstairs. Serena deemed the décor elegant chic in her mind. No matter what you called it, it was super expensive. She could almost smell the wealth of the place.

“You live here by yourself?” Jav shook his head yes. “Crazy,” Serena whistled under her breath. The place was huge. Huge! “I don’t spend much time here. I have an apartment in the city. That’s where I am most of the time. It’s closer to the office. So I wasn’t kidding when I said you would barely see me.” Serena ignored the prick of disappointment that moved through her, falling silent as they made their way up the stairs. She found herself thinking she wouldn’t mind seeing more of him. They strolled down a carpeted hallway a series of doors. Jav stopped at one. He pushed open the door, which led into what looked more like a five-star hotel suite than a bedroom. He set Kayla on her feet. “Do you want Kayla with you, or would you like a separate room for her?” “One room will be fine, thank you,” Serena said, looking around. The bed in the center of the room looked big enough to hold an entire football team. The room held enough furniture to be classified as a small apartment. No, they most definitely did not need another room. “Everything you need should be in the bathroom,” Jav said, pointed to an ading door. “Of course, I don’t have any spare clothes, but there are robes.” His brows furrowed. “There aren’t any in Kayla’s size, but I can–” “Don’t worry about it,” Serena interrupted. “Our things are in our car, but we’ll make do. You’ve done more than enough,” she assured him. Jav’s gaze found hers. “Right. Your things. And your car, which is in impound,” he said, his mind automatically processing a solution. “I’ll arrange for you to be taken there to get it out.” “That won’t be necessary,” Serena said. “I’ll find my way.” Between towing fees, storage fees and getting a renewed registration, she knew there was no way she could afford to get the car out. And, she didn’t want anybody there to see her beg – if it came to that – to be allowed to get her and Kayla’s belongings out.

She’d take the bus. She had to get used to getting around on it anyway as she didn’t know when she’d be able to afford another car. “I don’t mind,” Jav insisted. Looking down at Kayla, who was studying her surroundings quietly, Serena said, “Thanks again Jav, but don’t worry about it. We’ll be out of your hair soon enough. I promise.” “Stay as long as you need to Serena. I’m sure the staff would love having someone to look after on a regular basis.” At that, Serena smiled. Most working people she knew were glad not to have more work, so she wasn’t so sure about that. “Like I said, we’ll be on our way sooner rather than later.” “I invited you to stay as long as you need to. And I’m responsible for you, ? So stay until you figure something out. In fact, I insist. If not for yourself, at least for her,” he said, indicating Kayla, who was now valiantly trying to hoist herself up onto the high bed. Jav went over and lifted Kayla up. She smiled at him as she stood in the center of the bed. “Sit down Kayla. You know standing in bed is a no-no,” Serena chastised. Kayla immediately dropped to her knees. “Sorry mommy. But it’s so big,” she said, looking around in awe. Jav chuckled and Serena rolled her eyes. “Just lay back until I can get you ready for bed,” Serena said. She sighed and turned her attention to Jav. “Thank you. It sounds so trite and I know I’ve said it a million times tonight, but it’s all I can offer right now.” “Lucky for you, Ms. Luckett, it’s all that’s needed. Now enough of that because it’s almost full daylight,” he said, checking his watch. “You must be tired. I know I am,” he smiled sleepily. He really did double his handsome quotient when he smiled, Serena thought.

“I am. Thanks again–“ “Tsk tsk,” Jav said, chastising her. It was Serena’s turn to smile. “After you all get some sleep, come down for breakfast. I’ll inform the staff that you’re here.” “Okay,” was all she could think to say. What else does one say to having a staff wait on you, especially since ‘thank you’ was no longer allowed? Jav backed out the door of their bedroom suite. “If you want anything, I’m on the other side of the hallway. Just knock and I’ll get someone to see to your needs.” Serena nodded. “We don’t need to get used to having a staff, so I think we’ll make out just fine.” “Very well,” Jav nodded. “Goodnight Serena.” He looked past her to say goodnight to Kayla. The little girl was fast asleep in the massive bed. “Goodnight Jav,” Serena said, and smiled at her daughter. She couldn’t wait to her in the massive bed. Her tiredness hit her like a ton of bricks.

SERENA STARED UP AT the high ceiling in the darkened bedroom. Blackout curtains really were a luxury. You’d never know that the day had dawned once they were closed. She was still in a mild state of shock. Just a few hours ago, she was huddled in a cold car with her daughter wondering if it was safe enough to grab an hour or two of sleep here and there. Now, they were safely ensconced in a stranger’s mansion with staff at their beck and call. Her daughter slept soundly beside her. She’d had a hot shower with her choice of expensive-smelling shampoos, lotions, potions and creams. Her last thought as she dozed off was that real life was indeed stranger than fiction. It wasn’t just an idiomatic expression. And it was about to get even stranger.

Chapter 10

“SAGE, WHERE THE HELL are you?!” Jav barked into his phone. “If you get arrested again, I’m leaving your ass to rot in jail. Do you hear me?” he huffed and ended the call. Of course, Sage didn’t hear him because he hadn’t answered his phone and Jav was barking out a voice message. Shaking his head, he threw his cell phone down on the bed he’d just vacated. His brother was going to give him an early head of gray hair. Sage had decided to move out months ago and Jav had gone along with it. It was turning out to be one of the biggest mistakes he’d made with his brother, because it left the party animal open to do whatever he liked, whenever he liked, with whomever he liked. And from the little Jav had seen, his ‘whomevers’ left a lot to be desired. At least under his roof, Jav had been better able to track Sage’s movements and monitor his friends. It was ridiculous having to stay on top of a grown man’s activities, he thought. But Sage didn’t act like a grown-up, and Jav was determined to save him from himself for their father’s sake. Their father would be so disappointed to see the path his youngest son was taking. Jav felt like he failed him growing up, which is why he kept trying to save him now. But his patience was wearing thin, and he was beginning to think he was doing his brother more harm than good by always bailing him out. Maybe if he’d been more present as Sage was growing up, he wouldn’t have turned out the way he did. But Jav had been busy trying to prove himself to everyone who said he wasn’t good enough, experienced enough or old enough to take over their father’s growing company. Jav had worked his ass off to prove them all wrong. And he had – to a degree no one but Jav himself knew was possible. But had he sacrificed Sage in the process, he wondered? Dear lord he hoped not. Jav had hoped that Sage would stop by after he’d bailed him out of jail. There was no way Sergeant Martin would have set him free if he hadn’t shown up in person. And, he fully expected his brother to at least show enough gratitude by coming by and thanking him in person. Jav had even decided to stay home for the day in hopes that he would. Granted, Sage wasn’t the only reason he’d

decided to take the day off, or spend a few days at the mansion. The other reason was the woman and child currently under his roof. He’d lain in bed for hours after leaving them, too worked up to sleep, even though he had been beyond exhausted. As it was past his normal time for getting up anyway, he’d given up on sleep, put in an overdue workout, and gotten some conference calls out of the way. By the time the sun had brightened the sky, he’d put in half a day’s work. Throughout the morning, he’d been unable to stop thinking about Serena and her adorable little girl. Had this what his father meant when he told him that one day he’d look forward to settling down? “I don’t think so father. Some men, like you, are made for marriage,” Jav said wryly. “Me, not so much. I hope that doesn’t disappoint you too much.” “It doesn’t. You’ll change your mind when the right woman comes along. This I know for sure. All your doubts will suddenly disappear.” “How do you know when a woman is the right one? Never mind, don’t answer that,” Jav laughed, “because I know without a doubt that marriage is not for me.” Jav was thinking about his father’s marriage to his stepmother. If that was what marriage was, he wanted no parts of it. Of course, he’d never say that to his father. “I felt that way too, until I met your mother. It never occurred to me not to marry her. She was a quality woman. I knew in my gut that I’d regret it the rest of my life if I didn’t spend it with her.” “You rarely talk about her,” Jav said. And do you feel that way about your current wife, he wanted to ask. “Until I fell in love with her, I was only half the man I was supposed to be. That I can tell you for a fact,” his father said, almost defiantly. Jav didn’t know what to say, especially as his father so rarely spoke of his first wife; his mother. His father continued, almost to himself, “Some things are so ... some things you just hold here,” he said, putting his fist to the part of his chest where his heart

was.

JUST FOUR AND A HALF months later, his father was gone. Jav treasured that conversation; knew he would it for as long as he lived, for it was his father’s way of telling him that his mother was the only woman he ever loved. He wished for the millionth time that his old man was still alive. He had never taken the time to develop close friendships because he worked so much. His father had been his best friend; the one person he could trust. At 39, he realized there was a whole other dimension to their relationship that he’d never have the opportunity to experience. Would his old man consider Serena a ‘quality woman,’ he found himself wondering. He’d smiled more times in her presence than he had in the last decade it seemed. And her little girl – she was a bubbly, curious, infectious child, filled with a joy for life that only the young and innocent possess. Jav couldn’t quell the instant attraction he felt for Serena, no matter how hard he tried. He told himself over and over that she would most likely not be interested in a man at this point in her life, especially one who couldn’t offer her the kind of relationship most women wanted. He wasn’t the long-term relationship type. He had his pick of women – single, beautiful, successful women without the responsibility of parenthood that Serena had. But, he’d never even been remotely tempted to settle down. And as soon as his latest conquest started to hint that that’s what she wanted, he cut ties and moved on. He’d never regretted it. As cold as it sounded, Jav knew it was more for their good than his. He simply wasn’t husband material. He’d long ago accepted that about himself. Just about every woman he encountered seemed as interested in his money as they were in him. He’d seen how that scenario played out first-hand with his father’s relationship with his stepmother, and he was nobody’s fool. One day, his looks would wane, but money was an evergreen attraction. He simply didn’t have the time – or the desire – to figure out who was with him for him, and who was with him for his money. So he put all women in one category: the one labeled ‘do not trust.’ And until today, he’d never entertained the fact that there might be other classifications. But Serena Luckett; there was something about her that made him realize he

wouldn’t going to be able to easily classify her. That is, even if she was interested in giving him a chance to get to know her better. She seemed to have a disdain for the wealthy. He wondered if she could put that aside? Lord knows, she had every reason to in her financial situation. Normally, this would be more than enough for him to keep his distance. Now he was thinking that it just might be the thing to get her to give him a chance. Jav shook his head to clear his thoughts. This woman had him twisting his own rules within 24 hours of meeting her. Tomorrow, he quickly decided, he was definitely headed back to his office and his apartment in the city. But today ... the least he could do since he’d already decided not to go in was make sure they were comfortable, and help her get her car out of impound. After that, he’d keep his distance. Only ... his body signaled that was a lie before he could even finish the thought.

Chapter 11

JAV’S HEART FLIPPED when he saw her. Serena held Kayla’s hand as they made their way across through the living room to the outside veranda right off the kitchen. She wore the same simple t-shirt and jeans she’d had on at the police station. But, she looked rested and radiant. Worried, but radiant. The uncertainty and slight fear in her eyes unnerved him. “Good morning,” he said, placing his newspaper on the table and coming towards her and Kayla. “Good morning,” Serena said in a husky, morning voice. “Jav!” Kayla squealed, pulling her hand from her mother’s and sprinting towards him. “Kayla! Get back here. No running.” Serena reprimanded, quickening her pace as she attempted to catch her child before she torpedoed her little body into Jav’s huge one. Jav brace himself for impact as the little girl collided with him and wrapped herself around one of his legs. He laughed at her antics, amazed at how friendly she was. She’d known him all of a few hours and he was already getting good morning hugs. His leg was anyway. He ruffled her hair. “Morning, princess. Did you sleep well?” Kayla nodded just as Serena reached them. “I’m so sorry,” she panted. “Kayla, what did I tell about bothering Jav? And about running?” Kayla pouted and held her eyes downcast. “Sorry, mommy. Sorry Jav.” “Kayla?” Serena warned. “Mr. Moligue,” Kayla quickly corrected as best as she could. Jav smile at the pronunciation of his name. She’d get it right sooner or later. He captured Serena’s worried gaze. “It’s okay. Really. I happen to like little humans

wrapping themselves around my leg.” Serena laughed. “She’s just so accustomed to doing to that. She did it with Kei... my fiancé all the time. She’d latch on and he’d drag her around on one leg. She loved it.” Jav froze. Her fiancé? The jealousy and confusion that swirled in his head robbed him of speech momentarily. One, he had no right to feel any amount of jealousy. Two. Her fiancé? If she had a man in her life, where was he and why was she living in her car their child? “You have a fiancé?” Serena’s sharp intake of breath was audible. “Not anymore.” “Things didn’t work out?” he asked, growing more perplexed by the second. “He died,” she said softly, eyeing Kayla. “It’s okay mommy,” Kayla said, looking up at her mother with eyes that shone with too much intelligence for her age. “Don’t be sad about Daddy Keith.” “You want some pancakes Kayla?” Jav asked. “Yes!” Kayla said emphatically. “Mommy likes pancakes too,” she said, looking up at her mother for confirmation. “Yes. Mommy likes pancakes too,” Serena said, confirming her daughter’s declaration with a smile. “Perfect. Why don’t you go tell the cook to make some pancakes for you and mommy. See her right there?” Jav said, pointing to a middle-aged, white-haired woman in the kitchen. “Here name is Ms. Mae.” “Ok,” Kayla said, turning to run into the kitchen. “No running Kayla,” Serena said sternly. She kept her eyes on her daughter until she reached the cook’s side. “She’s fine,” Jav said. “Why don’t we have some coffee.”

Serena nodded. Jav poured Serena a cup of coffee and pushed matching, silver creamer and sugar containers towards her. “What did Kayla mean when she said don’t be said about her father?” he said as she poured milk into her coffee. “He was in the military; an Army Ranger. He died in the line of duty. And he wasn’t Kayla’s biological father, but he was the only father she’s ever known.” “I’m sorry,” Jav murmured. “That must have been very hard for both of you.” “It was ... is,” Serena said. “How long ago did this happen?” “About nine months.” “I see,” Jav said, processing everything she told him. “Where’s Kayla’s biological father? Surely he wouldn’t want his daughter living in a car.” “Nobody wants their child living in a car, Mr. Montague,” Serena said tightly. “And I’m Kayla’s mother and father,” she said, her gaze saying that was the end of that conversation. “Very well,” Jav said. “And it’s Jav, ?” Serena averted her gaze and stared at the expanse of grass her daughter so fervently wanted to play on. The pain in her eyes was evident and he felt like a jerk for interrogating her when she obviously had so much on her plate already. “I should get to my car as soon as possible. Is there a bus stop nearby?” Serena inquired, her mind in overdrive. She was going to ask the impound people if they would at least let her get her and Kayla’s belongings out of the car. The first thing she had to do after that was swing by an ATM machine and take out some cash. Today was pay day from one of her part-time jobs, thank goodness, and her latest paycheck should have been deposited. It should be almost $200. If she couldn’t find a shelter, she’d at least have enough to spring for a cheap motel room for two, maybe three nights, if she was lucky. As they’d be on foot – to God knows where – she was glad she had a couple of suitcases with wheels. She’d pack as much of their belongings in them as she could. She also had a

backpack and Kayla had one – a Dora the Explorer one that she loved. It saddened Serena that it would be used to store everything but what a child’s backpack should include, like books and crayons. She pushed those thoughts aside. No time for self-pity. She was in survival mode. Between the two suitcases and their backpacks, she’d be able to at least take a few days’ worth of clothes, a few of Kayla’s favorite toys, some towels and washcloths, and their toiletries. A feasible plan firmly in mind, she exhaled, and got ready to implement. Jav could see her mind working a million miles a minute. She reminded him of his executive assistant – a million things to do, and little time to get them done. “Sorry, but there’s no public transportation in these parts,” Jav responded to her question. “Of course not,” Serena mumbled. “Why would you need a bus stop when you can afford a driver?” she smiled wryly. “Silly me.” “No need to worry, Serena. I’m at your disposal. Today, I’m going to be your personal driver, which means you have time for breakfast. Right Kayla?” he said, winking at the little girl who’d made her way back to their table. “Right,” she agreed, smiling up at him. “Great, now she has someone to gang up on me with,” Serena muttered. A ghost of a smile broke through and she threw her hands up in defeat. “Okay,” she agreed. She’d figure out how to ditch him at the impound lot. It shouldn’t be too hard. After all, who would want to spend hours at a place like that? Especially someone like Jav Montague, who apparently had an empire to run. All through breakfast, Kayla chatted happily about cartoons she liked to watch, her favorite books and Pillow Person, her favorite toy. Jav surreptitiously watched Serena. She hung on Kayla’s every word and laughed at every joke. She obviously doted on the little girl. He realized that she had to be one strong woman to have endured the loss of her fiancé, become homeless, yet still, somehow, keep her child happy. Kayla seemed like any regular, happy kid. It said a lot about the kind of person

her mother was. He intended to get the full story of her life, then figure out how best to help her without it seeming like charity. He knew it was the only way, especially if he didn’t want to scare her away.

Chapter 12

“THANK YOU SO MUCH JAV. You’re a regular knight in shining armor,” Serena said, gathering the bags she’d retrieved from her car, which was going to be delivered to her later today. All of it was thanks to Jav. Once they’d gotten to the impound lot, he’d nonchalantly escorted her up to the window with Kayla in his arms. With an air of authority the super-rich tended to possess, he’d paid all of her fines and arranged for the car to be delivered to his home. Obviously, he’d planned it all along and Serena had been so shocked, she hadn’t even had time to protest. “Let me get those for you,” Jav said, plucking the bags from her hand. Serena was learning not to argue with him, and to just accept his kindness. “Thank you,” she said, near tears at the deep ocean of gratitude she owed him. What would she have done these last 24 hours had Jav Montague not been in that police station when she and Kayla had been brought in? Her daughter would be goodness knows where; and so would she. She wouldn’t be able to survive if she lost Kayla. She just knew she wouldn’t. Kayla grabbed her backpack from the back seat of Jav’s car. “Mommy, when can I go to school?” Turning her head away from Jav, Serena bit her lip and let out a deep breath. Her daughter was supposed to have started kindergarten a week ago, but life was so out of sorts it hadn’t been possible. Suddenly, she felt like she was on the verge of a breakdown; a feeling that was all too common these days. “Mommy, I want to go to school,” Kayla insisted. Serena hadn’t realized that she’d stopped walking and was staring off into space. Kayla came up beside her and yanked on her hand. “Mommy?” “Kayla how about you go inside and ask Ms. Mae to make you a sandwich,” Jav suggested. “You which one of the ladies that is, don’t you?”

“Yes. The tall one with the gray hair.” Jav smiled “That’s right. Go on. Me and mommy will be in in a minute.” Kayla took off running. Serena couldn’t find her voice in time to tell her to not to. She hoped she didn’t fall or knock something over because lord knows she couldn’t afford to replace a damaged plastic spoon in Jav’s house. Jav turned to Serena. “Wanna tell me about it?” Serena paused, looking at him. The sympathy in his eyes pulled her out of her haze. She hated that look. “Are you okay?” he tried again. She swallowed. “I’m fine.” She brushed past him, marched inside and headed up to her and Kayla’s bedroom. Jav followed. Reaching the door, Serena held out her hands for her bags. “I can take them from here.” “Or I can bring them in for you,” Jav replied stubbornly. Reluctantly Serena opened the door. It was his house after all. Jav deposited the bags on the soft beige, tufted bench at the end of the bed and turned to her. “I can tell you’re not ok Serena. You almost lost it out there in front of Kayla.” “Look, just because you’re being nice to me doesn’t mean I welcome your sympathy. Let me worry about me and my daughter, ok?” “I know you’re not in a good place right now. When you’re ready to talk, I have a proposition for you,” he responded. He turned to leave the room. Serena felt like an ungrateful, spoiled child. Reaching out to grasp his arm, she apologized. “Jav, wait. I’m sorry. I had no right to snap at you like that. I just

feel so overwhelmed and so guilty,” she explained. “Kayla is supposed to be in school right now. She isn’t because I can’t her. I can’t her because we don’t have an address. We don’t have an address because we don’t have a home. I can’t risk anyone knowing that because I don’t want the authorities to take her away from me. And even if I could enroll her, I can’t buy her everything ... hell, I can’t buy her anything she needs to start school! I just feel like such a failure. She doesn’t deserve that and goodness knows I don’t deserve her,” she finished, tears she’d been holding back spilling freely. Serena was never one to show weakness but the pain she felt at failing her child was too much at the moment. In a split-second blur, she found herself wrapped in a warm embrace, pressed against a hard chest. “You’re not a terrible mother, you're just down on your luck. It happens. It’ll get better,” Jav soothed. Serena shook her head. “When? When will it get better Jav? I have no idea how to get out of this mess. And it seems like it gets deeper every day,” she sighed, sagging into him. A palm moved up and down her back soothingly until her tears stopped. “There’s this grocery store I used to go to before I got pregnant with Kayla. There was always this older woman out there begging for change. At least, she looked older. Now that I think about it, she probably wasn’t more than 40 or 45. I used to wonder what she did to find herself in that situation. Now I know it can happen to anybody. And once you’re there, it’s ten times as hard to dig yourself out. It feels like I’m walking in quicksand these days,” she finished, a fresh round of tears falling. “Let me help you Serena,” Jav said as he continued to stroke her back. Serena tensed in his embrace as humiliation washed over her. Palms flat against his chest, she pushed away. “I’m sorry. I didn’t say all that to get you to help me. I don’t know why I said it, to be honest. Anyway, you’ve already done way more than you should. For that, I’m grateful, but I’ll figure something out,” she said, turning away from him. He must be regretting ever laying eyes on her, she thought. She’d invaded his home, took up his time, and now she was slobbering all over him, spilling her

problems out like she was on some therapist’s couch. Surely he had better things to do than entertain a noisy, almost five-year-old and play therapist to a sobbing, grown woman. “Why won’t you let me help you Serena? There’s no shame in needing and accepting help from time to time.” He studied her as she wrestled with her tortured thoughts. “You obviously have your hands full with your brother. The last thing you need is another person’s problems on your plate – someone you don’t even know, no less. Wish you woulda bailed your brother out and kept going on your merry way, don’tcha?” Serena said, trying her best to make light of the situation. She nervously bit gripped her bottom lip between her teeth, wanting to bring this conversation to an end so she could pack up, and she and Kayla could be on their way. Jav’s gaze landed on her full lips as she bit them in angst. “I’m actually quite glad I didn’t go on my merry way,” he said, all traces of sympathy gone from his eyes. He closed the foot of distance between them. Serena could feel the warmth of his breath on her face as his clear grey pools glowed with a blatant longing. Jav did what he’d wanted to do since he first laid eyes on her. He lowered his head and brushed his tongue across the soft padding of her lips. He waited for some sign of resistance. None forthcoming, he brushed his lips across hers again, his tongue seeking and finding hers. Serena rose on the tips of her toes and returned the kiss, shocked by her boldness. What had come over her? With a gasp, she stepped back, eyes wide and cheeks tinged a deep rose. Jav studied her, his gaze smoldering. As she opened her mouth to say something, his arms tightened around her and he pulled her closer. He couldn’t risk rejection, needing her to want him as much as he wanted her. He claimed her mouth in a commanding kiss, swallowed her surprised gasp and molded her shuddering frame to his.

Serena melted into him as his lips teased hers open again. Eagerly, she parted them allowing entrance for his tongue to explore deeper, sweeter, more fully. A soft moan escaped her as her arms wound around his neck. Her breasts crushed to his hard chest and the rest of her aligned perfectly to him, Serena felt the smoldering flame flicker higher and higher, reaching her extremities until she felt like liquid lava. It felt so good to be in his arms, to feel his lips consume hers so fully, to feel desired, cared for, protected. Loved? Protected? That’s not what this was. Serena pulled away from him, sanity returning in patches that she held onto and wove together until she could get a complete picture. “What’s wrong?” he asked, holding onto her hands. “This ... everything; everything about this is wrong Jav.” She pressed her fingers to her kiss-swollen lips. Jav’s eyes were hooded silver pools. He struggled to steady his breathing, and other parts of his anatomy that wanted to with hers. “I came in here to make sure you were okay not to...not for this. But, I can’t say I’m sorry about it Serena.” Serena shook her head, temporarily incapable of words. Jav glanced at the open door and she followed his gaze. It hit her that they’d been kissing with the door wide open. What if a staff member had been ing? What if Kayla had walked in? “I should go, but ...” Jav reached the door and turned back. “I also came in here for one more thing. Serena took a step back. “No Jav. I told you—” “I want to offer you a job Serena,” he interrupted. “A job?” she repeated. “My assistant’s secretary is going on maternity leave next week. I believe she

was going to hire a temp, but I thought perhaps you’d be interested. It would be temporary; only twelve weeks, but the pay is good and it could help you get back on your feet.” “Your assistant has a secretary?” Serena asked. “Are you pulling my leg, or,” Serena asked suspiciously as another thought occurred to her, “are you creating a ‘position,’” she said, putting air quotes around the word, “for me out of sympathy?” “I don’t operate like that,” Jav said. “If the position wasn’t real, I’d find something else for you to do. And yes, my assistant has an assistant; a secretary, help – however you classify it. According to her, I’m more than one person can handle.” More than enough for one woman, that’s for sure, Serena thought. “I’m sorry. It’s just, I’ve never heard of such a thing. But then I don’t know a lot about the inner workings of being a business tycoon either,” she said nervously. Of course, she wanted the job; needed the job. But she hesitated. “I don’t know Jav. I have zero experience as an assistant ... to an assistant. I mean, what would I be doing? I’m sure you could easily find someone who’s much more qualified.” Even as she was questioning his offer, her mind was racing. The shifts she picked up as a cashier at Val-YOU-Mart sure weren’t going to help her get on her feet. And her other part-time job was as a waitress at a seasonal restaurant. And though she did pretty well in tips there, the shifts were irregular and the season was almost over. This job couldn’t come at a better time. “You’re right. I’m sure I could find someone more qualified, and quite easily. But I doubt if I could find anyone who’d appreciate the opportunity as much as you would. And I’m responsible for you and Kayla, ?” Serena pursed her lips, her mind, for once thank goodness, outworking her mouth. She continued to think. “Can you type?” Jav asked. “Of course. Can’t everybody these days?”

“How are your computer skills?” Jav continued his informal interview. “I know the basics; Word, a little bit of Excel. And I do mean little on that. I know how to b WordPress, update social media s, create simple graphics in Photoshop, and–” “Ok, that’s more than sufficient,” he said cutting her off. “Just two more questions. How are you at following instructions?” “I’ve always been considered a valuable employee, if that gives you some insight.” “It does,” he said. “Last question ... when would you like to start? I was thinking this coming Monday. That will give you time to get Kayla enrolled in kindergarten.” “You’re not serious?” Serena asked in amazement. “One thing you’ll learn about me Ms. Luckett is that I never joke about work. And my assistant, Louisa, she’s shall we say, driven. She has to be to keep up with the demands I make on her. But she’s fair and will never ask you to do something she hasn’t done or wouldn’t do herself.” “That fair,” Serena said. “One last thing .... Louisa despises tardiness for any reason. And so do I.” “I understand. It’s a top-down policy, huh?” excitement at the opportunity bubbling in her. “I guess you could say that,” Jav smiled. “So you think you’re up for it? Think you can handle it?” “I know I can,” Serena responded with way more confidence than she felt. “I won’t let you down Jav. I promise.” “I never doubted that. But it’s not me I want you to worry about letting down. Don’t let yourself down Serena. And , things do get better. I hope you see that.”

“I’m starting to,” Serena smiled, “thanks to guardian angels in expensive suits.” She reached up and gave him a peck on the cheek. There was nothing sexual about it. It was sheer gratitude. “Now I’ll be able to find an apartment and start paying you back for all those towing fees.” “You will do no such thing!” Jav objected. “But Jav!” Serena started to protest. “No buts Serena. Sometimes just let a helping hand be a helping hand. Nothing has given me such pleasure in a long time. Goodness knows I don’t get this kind of gratitude from my brother.” “I’m sorry he causes you such worry,” Serena said, the depth of his frown lines indicating how worried he was about his brother. “He has your blood. He’ll come around.” “It’s become the norm, so I’m doubting that more and more. Anyway, it’s nothing I won’t put a stop to soon,” he said. “What are you going to do?” Serena asked. She didn’t know him that well, but she could tell that he’d made up his mind about something. And a little voice told her that once Jav Montague made up his mind, whatever it was, was as good as done. “I’m not sure yet. But Sage takes up enough space in my head. Back to you young lady. You’d be doing me a huge favor by just accepting what I’m offering Serena,” he said seriously. Serena couldn’t help but wonder if he was talking about the job, or the promises of their kiss. She decided he could only mean the former. “Ok,” she said, “Thank you – again. And to show my gratitude, I will pay it forward somehow. There will be good deeds done, all in the name of one Jav Montague.” “Hmmm, payback,” Jav said, his eyes going from clear to smoky grey within seconds. He pulled her to him. “We will be good together Serena,” he almost whispered.

Jav immediately sensed her mood change. Serena couldn’t deny that what he said was true. If their kiss was anything to go by, he was just as attracted to her as she was to him. That could only lead to trouble, especially now that he was officially her boss. Also, he was way out of her league and she was not in the market for more heartbreak. There was nothing to be gained from giving into her attraction to Jav Montague – and a helluva lot to lose. Serena felt the need to clarify things so there would be no misunderstandings moving forward. “Jav, just to be clear. I’m only offering my professional services,” she said, her expression hidden by her slightly bowed head. He released his hold on her. Grey eyes recently heated with desire cooled. His jaw clenched. “Of course, Serena. What else could you have to offer me?” The comment cut – deeper than Serena wanted to it. But he was right. And for that, she was glad he’d been clear. Perhaps she’d misread his earlier attraction. Indeed, what would someone like her have to offer someone like him? She shook her head, and gave herself a mental lashing. She wouldn’t squander this job opportunity. It meant getting back on her feet and giving her daughter a stable roof over her head. Nothing was going to interfere with that. She put any budding feelings she had for Jav Montague squarely in a locked Pandora’s box and buried them. The only person she needed to be focused on nowadays was Kayla. She wouldn’t let herself that a second time.

JAV STOOD IN THE HALLWAY outside Serena and Kayla’s bedroom. How could he have been so cruel? He’d seen the hurt in her eyes as she raised a somewhat shocked gaze. He hadn’t meant what he said, not the way he said it. Hell, not at all! But he’d thought they were on the precipice of something special. How could she deny it so abruptly? Jav reached for the door handle, intending to apologize. But just then, another thought slammed into him. Maybe she’d gotten what she really wanted from him. A job. Security for her daughter. A way to get back on her feet. If that’s the way she wanted it, then that’s the way it would be. He marched across the hall to his suite of rooms, his vision a storm-cloud of grey that would take hours to dissipate.

Chapter 13

SERENA BALANCED A TRAY with one hand and knocked on Jav’s door with the other. Seconds later, the door flung open, revealing a shirtless Jav with a towel slung low around his hips. His hair and skin were damp. Her mouth fell slightly open as her eyes slid over him. He really was a beautifully sculpted man. “Jav. Umm I...I can come back.” He eyed the tray in her hands. “No, it’s okay. I’m sorry about my state of undress. I thought it was Raymond.” Raymond was the butler. Like Ms. Mae, he’d been a leftover from Jav’s father’s household staff. An older man with the kindest, blue eyes Serena had ever seen. Kayla had completely wrapped him around her little finger, like most of the staff. From what Serena had seen, he seemed to be Jav’s personal butler when he stayed at the mansion, and he also attended to Jav’s needs at his apartment in the city. “I volunteered to bring your supper up,” Serena explained. “Ms. Mae sent Raymond on an errand I think. I ... I was actually hoping to speak with you for a minute to see if we could call some kind of truce.” Jav’s brows furrowed. “I wasn’t aware we were at war.” “I didn’t mean to imply that we were,” Serena stammered, shifting the tray to her other hand. Noting the movement, Jav said, “Come in Serena.” He’d been so distracted – and pleased – at her showing up at his door that he’d forgotten his manners. Serena did as he instructed, swallowing the nervous tension in her throat. It was the first time she’d ever been in his bedroom. The feeling of intimacy that stepping into his private domain evoked was unsettling. The minimalist design of the room suited him. Like the room he’d placed her and Kayla in the first night they came, his room was more like luxury hotel suite than bedroom in a private home. There was a massive king-sized bed, of course; a dresser; two-night stands; an antique Shaker-style writing desk; and a leather sofa. The color palette was dominated

by a rich chocolate brown, mixed with muted golds and hints of bluish-greens in the soft décor items. Elegant, but masculine; just like its occupant. “Your room is very nice,” Serena noted with a smile. “Where should I put this?” she asked. “On the desk is fine.” “Are you sure you don’t want anything else?” she asked, noting the skimpy meal of a sandwich and a cup of black coffee. “I’d be happy to make you something more substantial. I think Ms. Mae has retired for the night,” Serena said, trying to avoid looking right at him. His state of undress unnerved her – in ways she wasn’t prepared to dissect. “No thank you. That’s exactly what I asked her for,” Jav replied. “Have a seat,” he said, indicating the sofa. “I’m just going to throw some clothes on.” Serena sighed in relief, mixed with disappointment. She mentally chastised herself. Get a grip girl! A couple of minutes later, Serena realized that even dressed in a pair of sweatpants and a white t-shirt, her attraction to him was as visceral as ever. She’d never seen him in casual attire straight from a bath before. She didn’t think he could get more handsome than in the expensive, European-tailored suits he usually wore. Wrong! How was it possible to be even more handsome with damp hair and a plain tee and jogging pants? She rubbed her moist palms together, avoiding his penetrating gaze. She quickly turned her attention to what she had been rehearsing in her head for the last two days. They weren’t at war, as she’d said to him earlier. But they weren’t exactly on friendly either. As a matter of fact, they’d barely interacted the last couple of months at all. Jav had been staying mostly at his apartment in the city, as he’d told her he usually did the first night he brought her and Kayla home with him. He’d also been out of the country on business three times, the longest stretch being the last week and a half. When she did happen to run into him at the office, it was more like seeing a blur of him. That’s how brief and rare their had become. During those times, he was cool, proficient and professional. On the days he was at the mansion, as Serena called his home, they slipped into a congenial conversation, almost like their interactions at the office didn’t

happen. Serena loved those times. But this is what made it so was confusing. The only thing she could think of was that he was still angry with her since she’d made that comment about only offering her professional services. Since that day, he’d mostly kept his distance, except for the times when they were in his home – and the staff was usually around. While she didn’t regret making her stance clear with him that day – and most he’d most definitely made his clear – she still sensed an underlying element of anger. That’s the part she wanted to get past. Swallowing hard, Serena began. “Jav I’m not sure how to say what I need to say, so I’m just gonna say it.” “I’ve found that being direct is usually the best route,” he said, his arms folded over his chest. Serena noted the bulge of muscle that were his forearms. She took a deep breath and forced herself to focus on his unwavering eyes. “If I offended you, I apologize.” “Offended me in what way?” “ when you first offered me the job and I made a comment about only offering my professional services? We talk some when you’re here, but you’re mostly just coolly polite and seem to go out of your way to avoid me altogether at the office.” “I see,” Jav said. He ran his fingers through his damp hair. “I thought that’s what you wanted.” “Why would you think I’d want that?” Serena said, confused. “I was giving you your space. That comment made me realize that you’re probably not looking to get involved with anyone right now and that I should probably back off. I’m attracted to you. You live under my roof. I decided that keeping my distance was the best solution – for both of us.” “Oh,” Serena said, a small smile creasing the corners of her beautifully shaped mouth, which was almost Jav’s undoing. He loved that smile, the glow in those amber eyes, the way she moved so gracefully. He openly stared at her as she sat on the couch. The things he wanted to do to her, with her, for her.

The last couple of months had been an interminable hell for Jav. He hadn’t needed to go on any of those business trips, but he’d reasoned that putting some distance between them would cool his ache for her. It had had the opposite effect. And each night that he opened the door to his luxury condo in the city, he wished that it was his suburban mansion that he was entering, her bedroom he went to, her body he curled into his every night. That’s why he’d spend more time at the mansion the last couple of months than he had in the last couple of years. When he stayed away too long, he missed the shy hellos from her as she peppered him with questions about his life. Only one woman had ever shown as much interest in him as a man as Serena had, and as beautiful and desirable as she was, she didn’t excite that part of him that was beyond the physical. He also missed an almost-five year old barreling towards him yelling “Jav! Jav!” to tell him about her school day. All of this had him rethinking how he’d been living, his attitude towards woman and what he really wanted out of life. Serena squirmed under the lightning-strike directness of his gaze and his comments. Her slight movement catapulted him out of his thoughts. “One more thing Serena, I want to apologize to you too.” “Now it’s my turn to be confused.” “I didn’t mean what I said when I responded to you. I hope you realize that I would never knowingly hurt you.” “Thank you. That means a lot.” Her pent-up breath released in a whoosh. He’d apologized to her, and maybe even cared for her a little. The feeling gave Serena a warm glow, even though she knew nothing could come of it. Kayla was her priority. She would do nothing to jeopardize her job and the security it was quickly giving them. She’d already started to look for apartments. She only needed two more paychecks to have more than enough for a security deposit and first and last month’s rent. “I’ve missed the ease between us,” Jav said, coming to sit on the couch beside her. “I find that I’m able to talk with you about things I’d never divulge to someone else.”

“Everybody needs someone to talk to, so I can understand that. I ... I’ve missed the easiness between us too; the deep conversations. You’ve had such an interesting life; seen and done things I could only dream about.” “Dreams can come true, Serena. Like this, for example,” he said, pulling her close as he held her gaze with his. Serena’s heartbeat elevated to a level she wasn’t sure was entirely healthy. “I’ve been trying to put aside my attraction for you, but it’s been damn difficult. Almost impossible actually,” he whispered, cupping her left cheek as he continued to stare at her intently. Sexual tension sizzled between them, thickening the atmosphere and making it difficult for Serena to breathe. His eyes turned that smoky shade of grey she loved as they traveled the length of her, leaving embers of desire flickering wherever they touched. Jav hooked his fingers into the waistband of her jeans and pulled her close. His mouth hovered over hers. “I have never wanted a woman the way I want you, Serena.” Serena swallowed, unable to speak even if she did know what to say. Reading her eyes, he continued his exploration of her body with his hands, moving from her hip to the bottom of her cropped, soft wool sweater. He rolled it up slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. Obviously an expert at undressing women, he unhooked her bra and freed her breasts before protest could even with her. He slipped the garments over her head, her swollen orbs bare for his appraisal. “Beautiful,” he hummed, cupping one soft, warm breast. Serena’s breathing released in short puffs as she shivered in anticipation, seeing the hunger that matched hers in his expressive orbs. Jav eased her back on the couch and dipped his head to take her beaded flesh into his mouth. He flicked his tongue over each nipple, sending sparks of

electricity to her core. “Jav,” his name emerged as a straining whisper from her parched lips. Jav growled and claimed the soft pillows that had invaded his dreams night after night. He worked his way down, feathering kisses over the column of her neck, her ears, her collarbone and back to the sweetness of her breasts. Serena’s back arched as she strained to get closer to him, his tongue flickering back and forth over her sensitive buds, whispering his name over and over again. “Oh Jav. Oh yes,” she crooned. Swirling in the eye of an orgasmic storm, Serena barely ed Jav removing her jeans and panties. She instinctively opened to him as he slid a finger into her dripping center, all the while continuing to make sweet love to her breast. Her hips bucked up in uncontrolled fury, her cries and whimpers of pleasure putting his nightly dreams to shame. She ran her hand roughly through his hair, moaning his name as he continued to slide his finger in and out of her. He brought her to the brink, then stopped. “What ... why ... why are you stopping?” she gurgled, her amber eyes a deep cooper of heated desire. “I’m not. I’m just getting started baby,” he said, easing her torso back down onto the couch. Jav put one hand on her knee and slid to the floor, his head disappearing between her legs. Serena’s breath caught in a fast, hard intake as he latched onto her throbbing bud. “Oh god,” she gurgled, leaning back and opening wider to him. “I knew you’d be delicious,” he said, parting her folds and latching onto her center again.

Serena’s hips circled in a tempo as old as time itself as he feasted on her. Tears escaped her as he continued making his dream of mating with her come true. Dear lord she was some kind of beautiful! Jav thought, inhaling the scent of her as he tasted her over and over again. “Jav I can’t take it anymore. I want to feel you inside of me. Now,” she commanded as she pulled him away from between her legs. “Please, oh please,” she begged, driven by naked need. Jav stood up. Serena’s eyes landed on his fully erect penis through the softness of the fabric of his jogging pants. She leaned up and pulled them down to mid-thigh. She looked up at him, before lowering her head and encasing the swollen member between her warm, soft lips. Jav released several stilted breaths. It took all of his mental faculties not to lose control then and there at the deliciously unexpected . Serena’s lips travelled the inches of his thick staff, loving the smoothness of it in her mouth and the clean, soapy scent of his masculinity. “Jav, are you in there?” A voice penetrated his heated thoughts. A knock sounded and a few seconds later, the door handle to his room turned. Serena jumped back from him, her eyes twin mirrors of fear and embarrassment. “Just a minute. I’ll be right there Raymond,” he said, pulling up his pants in one swift motion. Bending down, Jav kissed Serena hard on the lips. She could taste herself on him. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back,” he said. Serena couldn’t have moved even if she’d wanted to. She was mortified, motionless by what had just transpired between them. I have to get out of here, she panicked, then realized she couldn’t leave – not without being seen by

whomever was at the door. Serena dropped her head and prayed. It was the only thing she could think to do right then because it was going to take the helping hand of Jesus himself if she was going to keep her legs – and heart – closed to Jav Montague.

“GET DRESSED. I HAVE to go,” Jav said.

Chapter 14

“WHAT’S WRONG?” SERENA asked, noting that all traces of desire from their almost-union was gone. “Sage,” was his one-word reply. “I’m coming with you,” Serena declared instinctively, not knowing – or caring – where it was. Jav sent her a split-second glance as he headed to the closet of his bedroom. “I’ll be leaving in five minutes.” “I’ll be ready,” she said, gathering her clothes.

Chapter 15

JAV RUSHED INTO THE emergency room and was quickly whisked away. “I’ll be back,” he said to Serena, who shook her head and motioned for him to go with the frantic doctor by his side.

“WHAT HAPPENED?” SERENA asked, half-scared of his answer as Jav reached for the cup of coffee she handed him a half hour later. “Alcohol poisoning,” Jav said. “I knew he drank, but not to excess like that. I thought his problem was being a pothead.” “Is he going to be okay?” Serena asked. “Yes. Thankfully one of his friends was brave enough to call an ambulance. The doctor said he could have died if he hadn’t gotten help when he did.” “Thank you Jesus,” Serena said. Jav sat with his head bowed, holding the cup of steaming hot coffee in his hands as if he felt nothing. “He could have died and I wouldn’t have even known that he needed immediate help,” he said, his voice cracking. “You’ve always been there Jav. He knows that. He knows you love him.” “I haven’t always been there, and that’s why he’s ... why he–” “Don’t go there Jav. Trust me, you don’t want to go there,” Serena interrupted. “It’s not good for you, and it certainly won’t help you to help him. And he’s going to need you more than ever.”

“THANK YOU FOR BEING there tonight. I don’t know what I would have done without you.” “I’m glad I could be there,” Serena said, looking around Jav’s apartment. “I wouldn’t have wanted to be any place else,” she said honestly. Jav pulled her to him and held her tightly. Serena knew it his way of not losing control; holding onto something, someone helped you to keep it together. She knew that feeling well; he’d given it to her that night in the police station. “Your apartment is lovely,” she said when he pulled back from her, wanting to get his mind off his brother for a minute. Sage was going to be fine, and there was no need for Jav to continue to worry – at least not tonight. “Can I fix you something to eat?” “I’m not hungry,” Jav said. He looked at Serena. “You really were amazing.” “I’m glad I was there. I mean that, especially after everything you’ve done for me and Kayla. And, a wise man told me once that things always get better. Hold onto that Jav. Things will get better. Your brother is going to be fine,” she said, cupping the side of his face. “I want to believe that,” he said, his eyes damp. “I ... I should have put my foot down a long time ago with him. If I had, he wouldn’t be—” “As parents, we do the best we can Jav,” Serena interrupted. “You can’t beat yourself up,” she said, instinctively hugging him. Jav leaned into her again. They stood in silence for a long time. “Are you sure I can’t get you something to eat? It’ll make you feel better,” Serena said when he released her again. Jav looked down at Serena. The sheer terror for his brother in his eyes shook her to her core. He needed her and she needed him too. And for tonight, she wouldn’t fight that need.

Serena stood on tiptoe and molded her lips to his. He pulled back, uncertainty in his eyes. “I want you Jav. Please want me too,” she breathed. Jav rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. His skin was warm, almost like a fever. Serena's fingertips were soothingly cool as she urged his face to hers. She shivered in anticipation of his lips on hers again. Jav's hands made their way to the smooth curve of her flanks. He massaged her hips, deepening the kiss and grinding his pelvis into her using the marble of the kitchen island for leverage. Serena balanced herself on her tiptoes, clutching his shirt in her hands as she strained to burrow as deeply into him as it was humanly possible to do while standing. Jav picked her up, a mirage of expensive art and family photos blurring her vision as he made his way to the master bedroom.

"SWEET JESUS," HE DECLARED as he looked down at her nude body. Serena remained unabashedly still, her hooded gaze holding all the promises of an unearthed pot of gold. “Open your eyes Serena. Look at me,” Jav commanded. Her eyes fluttered fully open. Jav lowered himself beside her and pulled her into his arms, slowly stroking the smooth velvet skin of her arms and the side of one thigh. "So incredibly soft," he whispered in her ear. "So incredibly beautiful. So incredibly ... mine," he declared, his lips covering hers again. His fingers dug into the silky wave of her hair, their tongues a symphony of promises to come. The feel of her naked breasts reminded him of other regions he was anxious to explore on her body. He took one already swollen peak into his mouth, frantically elongating it as he strove to get as much of it into his mouth as he could. Strangled groans escaped Serena as she reveled in the pleasurable pain of his ministrations. He moved from one engorged peak to the other. Jav could feel his member expand as it rested against the wetness between her toned thighs. The tension built tighter and tighter inside him as he fought to control his need to thrust into her. "Now Jav," Serena pleaded. "Soon baby. Soon," he said, needing to finish his feast of her lushness. He ed the taste of her from their interrupted lovemaking hours ago. His mouth watered at the ed smell and feel of her. He blazed a heated trail down the center of her: her throbbing Adam's apple, the valley between her breasts, the pert indentation encasing her navel, and the final path to the glory of her womanhood. His strong hands cupped her lush bottom,

positioning her perfectly as his tongue pried open her most valued prize. Serena's hips bucked in anticipation. His slow, rhythmic, strokes sent her body into a symphonic dance; one only he could choreograph so perfectly. Her body floated into bliss; the sweet torture so incredible Serena let the river of emotions take over. Her keening purr was the final crescendo in his orchestrated symphony of desire. Her lips parted as the final notes of explosion tore through her. He made his way back up the sensitive trail of her body, his lips once again claiming hers. She tasted herself on him; the slippery saltiness a reminder of how expertly he'd mastered the most private part of her. Jav lifted himself over her, silently commanding that she look at him. Serena felt his rock-hard staff at her entrance, wordlessly piercing her slowly. She parted her thighs and closed her eyes. Jav pulled back. Serena's gaze flew open and up. "There is no going back Serena. You will be mine," he declared as he thrust into her. She felt her wetness expanding to envelop him, sucking him deeper and deeper into the valley of her most sacred place. Jav groaned, pulled out and plunged in again. Serena's hips lifted to meet him thrust for thrust. She clung to him as he rode her – hard, fast and rough – just the way she wanted it. Jav felt a blood rush building as she spun her hips, craving the peak that was just within reach. Her legs locked around him, holding him deep within her. The rocking started. She bit into his shoulder, muffling her cry of desire.

Jav squeezed her buttocks and drove into her, riding the wave that engulfed them both. They clung to each other in the shudders of aftershock, locked together until the storm of desire subsided. His fingers burrowed in the silkiness of her tangled hair as he looked at her wordlessly. "Don't," she said, as he started to speak. No words could possibly make what had just happened between them any better, and she wanted to treasure that perfection as long as possible. She brought his lips to hers again. Sliding between her legs, he positioned himself at her entrance once again, unable to resist the prize she was offering. He'd never get his fill of this woman. That he knew for sure as inch by inch, he filled her, possessed her until they were one. Her legs wrapped higher around his waist as he stretched her, taking him deeper as she dug her nails dug into his skin. Their satisfied sighs mixed and filled the room. The dim rays of daylight pierced the room as Serena drifted off to sleep in Jav's arms.

"I COULD GET ADDICTED to you," Jav declared as she opened her eyes. "You certainly knew how to put a smile on a girl's face in the morning," Serena said shyly. After the night they'd shared, Serena was flattered, but she didn't kid herself that it meant anything other than what it was. They were sexually compatible. That had been more than established throughout the night. And yes, she could – was – addicted to him too: body, mind and soul. The last time he entered her, she finally itted to herself what she'd been denying for the last three months. She loved Jav Montague. She knew it was the only way she could have given herself to him the way she had last night. Only one other man had had that honor – Keith. She didn't expect to fall in love again; not the kind of love she had for Keith. But like Keith, Jav Montague wasn't just any man. He'd captured her heart and for that alone, she would not regret last night, even if she knew that it could never happen again. "Penny for your thoughts?" Jav said, pulling her to him. Serena smiled, ing the last time he'd said that to her. "I'm afraid they're much costlier this time." "In case you haven't noticed, I'm a very rich man," he joked. "That you are, but some things aren't for sale," she said seriously. "I'm well aware of that," Jav returned coolly. His phone rang. He immediately answered. "Thank you doctor. I'll see you at 11." "Is everything ok?" Serena asked. "Sage's doctors want to meet. It's time to get him into treatment. He has some options for me to consider." "How do you feel about that?" Serena asked, genuinely concerned.

"Like it's long overdue," he responded. "Quite frankly, I'm relieved. But I don't want to talk about my brother. Why are you always insinuating that I'm trying to buy you Serena?" "I don't mean too. I just ... after last night, I just want to be sure we're on the same page." "And what page is that Serena?" "Last night was–" "Inevitable. Eventually, you were going to wind up in my bed Serena." "Really? I wish someone had told me," she said, hopping out of bed. "This has been brewing since we first me. Denying it is childish and pointless. And what's so wrong about it. Even you can't deny that what's between us is not ordinary." "We are sexually compatible. I don't deny that. What I do deny is that it was inevitable. Last night was ... happened ... I mean ... Dammit Jav, those were extraordinary circumstances! Otherwise, it never would have happened." "So are you saying I was a sympathy fuck," he said, the thin set of his lips betraying his nonchalant attitude. "Do you normally go around doling those out?" "Fuck you Jav Montague!" Serena threw over her shoulder as she ran around the room, picking up her discarded clothing. "You already did that, and magnificently I might add." "Well I'm glad you enjoyed it, because it will never – ever – happen again." Jav charged from the bed, his naked body causing Serena's breath to catch in her throat. "Would you like to put that little declaration to the test?" Jav said, advancing on her slowly.

Serena held her clothes to her naked body. "Don't you dare touch me," she whispered. "That's not what you said not two hours ago. You couldn't get enough. In fact, you begged me to go deeper, harder, longer." "You don't have to be so vulgar," she said, a mist of hot embarrassment spraying her entire body. "There's nothing vulgar about wanting to be with someone you desire and respect. That's called normality, not vulgarity. And make no mistake Serena, I’ve never wanted a woman the way I want you," he said, his grey eyes tormented. “I don’t know what to say to that Jav, but thank you,” Serena said, all fight gone. He said he respected her. She held onto that. If he couldn’t love her, that was the next best thing, she rationalized, even if her empty heart ached for more – so much more. “You could say you want me too,” he said, putting his arms around her, his thumb rubbing the ridges of her spine. “That’s not the point,” Serena said. “It’s just ... me and you, not a good idea.” “Why not?” Jav insisted. “For one, you’re my boss.” “I can separate my professional from my personal life. Somehow, I know you can too. In fact, we’ve already proven that. Next objection.” “I have a child Jav. Kayla is my priority,” Serena said. “I’m well aware of said child. The way she charges me every time she sees me, I think it’s safe to say she likes me. And in case you haven’t noticed, I’m quite fond of her too. What else do you have?” Serena couldn’t dare tell him that she didn’t measure up, that she could never fit into his world. And she’d cut out her tongue before telling him she loved him and could never be his casual lover. That she wanted a father for her daughter,

one who wanted to do homework and teach her to ride a bike and go on family vacations. That she wanted a husband, one who wanted to give her all the things Keith had promised: loyalty, commitment, protection and a lifetime of love. No, she most definitely couldn’t tell him any of that. “Jav it hasn’t even been a year since I lost Keith. I’m just not ready ...” “I can understand that, but don’t you see, that’s exactly why we’d be such a good fit.” “You lost me,” Serena said. “, I told you, I’m not exactly the relationship type. It doesn’t mean we can’t have something special.” “You can’t be serious?” Serena said incredulously. “On the contrary, I’m dead serious. Look, I want you in my bed Serena. And what I’m offering you is honesty about what I can provide, which is a helluva lot more than most men – especially in my position – would offer.” “So let me get this straight. You want me to sleep with you. But you’re not offering a commitment? Is that right?” “If by commitment you mean a relationship that will lead to marriage. No, I’m not offering that. But what I will offer you is an honest, open arrangement. I will not sleep with anyone else while we’re involved. And if I feel like I want to, I’ll let you know. And I’d expect the same from you.” “Well I guess that’s a really good offer for a woman like me coming from a man like you. Will you also play the rich boyfriend? Will you pay my bills, give me gifts, take me on holidays and give me cash whenever I want?” “That’s not playing a rich boyfriend; that’s taking care of someone you respect and are involved with.” “So you’ll give me anything I want, except a lasting commitment?” Serena said, dismissing the fact that she was standing naked in front of him, every ounce of her wanting nothing more than to jump back into his arms and accept whatever

he was offering. But she couldn’t. Something within her just couldn’t do it. “You know Jav, I have to it, it is a good offer. You’re right, most men in your position wouldn’t offer what you’ve put on the table, especially not the honesty part.” “So you accept?” “No,” Serena stated simply. “What do you want Serena? What can I say to get you to be with me?” “Nothing,” Serena said, because she knew the only thing he could offer that she wanted was not on the table: his heart. And anything less than that would never do. Not for her.

Chapter 16

“HELLO, HOW CAN I HELP you?” Serena said, addressing the jaw-dropping redhead. She had never seen hair quite that color, or eyes – a clear green with shades of grey. Her copper locks were styled in a loose chignon at her neck. The deep beige and silver buttons of her classic Chanel skirt suit highlighted her fair coloring and unusual hair to perfection. Serena thought of the fashion norm that stated the color beige was supposed to wash out fair skin, not make it glow. She’d soon learn that there had never been anything normal about Elsa van Horn, especially when it came to Jav Montague. “Yes. I’m here to see Jav Montague,” she declared in a husky, Marilyn Monroelike purr. Did she really talk like that? Did any woman really talk like that? “Do you have an appointment Miss–? Serena waited for the gorgeous creature to state her name. “Elsa. Elsa van Horn. And no, I don’t have an appointment. I’m sorry about that, but I’m sure Jav will see me,” she said politely. “We are old friends.” “Please have a seat Ms. Van Horn?” Serena instructed, noting that she called Jav by his first name. “Thank you. That is the best offer I’ve had all day. I am exhausted,” she said, smiling. It permeated her entire face, encoming anyone who was in her vicinity. Serena found herself liking this beautiful woman, but she couldn’t help but wonder, who she was to Jav?

A LITTLE OVER AN HOUR later, the door to Jav’s office opened, startling Serena, who hadn’t been able to keep her eyes off it the entire time he’d been in there with Ms. van Horne. Unless it was an official meeting – which usually consisted of a cauldron of ‘suits’ – Jav never took meetings for that long. Especially from someone who didn’t have an appointment. As Jav and Elsa exited his office arm and arm, Serena quickly bent her head and pretended to be typing. In her haste, an opened bottle of water spilled onto the keyboard of her laptop and rolled onto her lap. She jumped up, knocking over the typing stand holding the pad of corrections she had been struggling to accurately input into a document for the last hour or so. “Oh dear,” Elsa said, arriving at her desk. “Are you alright?” she said to Serena, moving the typing stand and partially wet document from Serena’s desk to a nearby chair. “Are you okay?” she asked a flustered Serena again. “I’m fine,” Serena said, dabbing at the front of her skirt with a hastily grabbed tissue from the top drawer of her desk. It was only making things worse. The thin tissue crumbled and peeled in blobs of white on her black, pencil skirt. “I do hate it when stuff like this happens,” Elsa said sympathetically. “Some days are just like that,” she said to Serena. “Is there anything I can do to help?” “No thank you,” Serena said, mortified. She doubted if ‘stuff’ like this ever happened to someone like her. Elsa van Horne wouldn’t be caught dead with wet tissue on her designer wear. As Serena dabbed futilely at the front of her skirt, Elsa said, “Why don’t I mop up here while you go to the restroom and rescue that gorgeous skirt. Take some scotch tape with you.” Serena gave her a confused look.

“Use it as a lint remover. While you’ll still be wet, no one will know once the tissue is off,” she explained. “Oh. Yeah. Right,” Serena said stiltedly. “Jav would you be a dear and grab me a paper towel?” Serena locked eyes with him, then quickly looked away. She hated herself for what she saw in them.

“THANK YOU MS. VAN HORNE,” Serena said some five minutes later as she arrived back at her desk. It had taken her four minutes and fifty-nine seconds to control her anger and jealousy. “It was nothing,” Elsa said. “And please call me Elsa. We girls must stick together. After all, who else would understand the need to rescue such a beautiful garment,” she smiled, indicating Serena’s skirt. “It’s stunning on you, by the way. I’ve always had a fondness for the pencil skirt. I have several that I’ve had for at least a decade or more. It’s a shame that many women eschew them these days, afraid that they can’t wear them because of their body type. The beautiful secret of them is that they actually accentuate you in all the right places. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to look like a pencil in a pencil skirt!” Elsa chuckled at her own joke. Serena couldn’t help but smile; Elsa’s sense of humor was infectious. The redhead stood back and studied Serena’s skirt with a hand to the center of her beautifully clefted chin. “If I’m not mistaken, that’s a Valentino, no?” “Yes,” Serena said. Not that she’d known it when she ran across it on the rack. All she saw was a nice garment in quality fabric that she had mentally paired with several blouses in her sparse, but growing, professional wardrobe. “I’m glad to see that Jav pays his employees well,” Elsa said, turning to smile at him. “But I’m not surprised. He’s always been extremely fair.” Serena didn’t dare say that she’d found the skirt at a Salvation Army. She could hardly believe the label when she saw the price. She had only paid $20 for the designer piece, which was a lot for one item at a thrift store in her opinion. But she’d loved the way it fit, and as she intended to become a paralegal, she was always on the lookout for staple pieces to add to her wardrobe. One thing she couldn’t argue with is that Jav paid his employees well. She’d been shocked when told what her salary was going to be. She hadn’t wanted to be treated as a charity case, and had told Jav as much, asking him to pay her the going rate for her position.

“You’ll be doing Louisa’s assistant’s job, so you should earn her salary,” Jav had explained. “You pay an assistant to an assistant that much?” Serena asked, her mouth gaping. “Yes. Smart business owners know that employees are an asset. And, you treat your assets like gold, so they’ll appreciate over time. At least, that was my father’s philosophy. It’s one I happen to agree with. And the proof is in the success of the company. I’m happy to say that sixty-four percent of our employees have been with us for five years or more, and in top management, it’s close to ninety percent. It’s a record I’m extremely proud of as CEO.” “He’s more than fair,” Serena agreed, noticing the way Elsa leaned into Jav and smiled at him. “Hang in there,” Elsa said to Serena. “When I have days like this, I say to myself, ‘Things can only get better.’ And they usually do,” she said, winking at Serena. Hmmm, Jav had said the same thing to her. Had Elsa adopted his philosophy, or had she adopted his? It didn’t matter. What was more than obvious is the she and Jav were very in sync. As much as Serena wanted to dislike the copper-haired beauty, she couldn’t. And she could see in Jav’s eyes that she was special to him too. Checking the thin, platinum-looking watch on her wrist, Elsa looked at Jav. “I have to get going; but I’ll see you at eight, right?” “Yes,” Jav agreed. “I’m looking forward to it Jav. After Canada, I thought it would be a couple of more weeks at least. Thankfully, the travel gods smiled on us,” she said, those clear, cat-green eyes drinking him in. Canada? Quebec was where Jav had gone on his last – and longest – trip abroad. Now Serena realized why. Elsa turned to Serena. “A woman with taste,” she said. “And considering how

gorgeous you look in it, maybe the pencil skirt will make a comeback,” she smiled. “I’m no fashionista so I wouldn’t count on that, although it’s very kind of you to say,” Serena said. “Beautiful women don’t have to be fashionistas to inspire trends,” Elsa said. She had to be speaking from experience, Serena thought. “Here I am chattering on. I don’t even know your name.” “It’s Serena.” “A beautiful name. It means peace and tranquility, doesn’t it?” “Yes,” Serena affirmed, although she was feeling the exact opposite at the moment, a storm of raging emotions roiling through her. “It’s nice to officially meet you Serena,” Elsa said, holding out her hand. “Now when I call for this one here,” she said, speaking to Serena but with eyes only for Jav, “I can put a face with the voice.” In that moment, Serena felt that she would have said much more had she not been present. Instead Elsa reached up and kissed him on the cheek. “Likewise,” Serena said, shaking the hand Elsa extended. It was very soft; almost like velvet. “Now let me get out of here, otherwise, I’ll be late for everything the rest of the day. And Jav, don’t forget to give my love to Sage when next you speak with him. If my schedule permits, I’d love to fly out to Denver with you to see him next time you go.” “I won’t forget,” Jav said, kissing her on both cheeks before she departed. The office smelled of the perfume of Elsa van Horne for the rest of the day, It was a constant reminder that there was a woman in Jav’s life, and yet another reason she was glad of the decision she made three weeks ago.

Chapter 17

IT WAS FRIDAY AND THE office had been busy all day. People were in and out of meetings with Jav, and Serena had answered so many calls her ears rang, including several from Elsa van Horne. Serena couldn’t help herself. Elsa van Horne, the only daughter of billionaire Cleve van Horne, a Dutch chemist; and Sylvia Louvre, a French ballet dancer. One autistic brother. Never married. Thirty-one years old. Followed in father’s footsteps. Studied Chemical Engineering Fortune manufacturing cell phones. Taiwanese plant. The more Serena scanned Elsa van Horne’s Wikipedia page, the more reality set in. As if she needed another reason to accept reality when it came to Jav. Why was she doing this to herself? It was akin to emotional mutilation. She’s perfect for Jav. Anyone with eyes could see that? And she definitely had eyes—and ears. He’d gone back into professional mode with her, and apparently into overdrive on personal mode with Elsa van Horne. She’d seen to the purchasing of theatre tickets herself. Then there was the holiday charity benefit for autistic children at the same hospital Jav’s brother had been treated at. Miss van Horne was a big contributor and she was receiving a special honor. Jav was her ‘plus one’ for the evening. And this, today, was the final tidbit: the sourcing of decorators.

“DID I HEAR YOU RIGHT?” Serena said to Louisa. “You want me to source high-end interior decorators?” The request was unusual because it had nothing to do with corporate business – at least not in Serena’s mind. “Yes,” Louisa said, smiling. “Miss van Horne bought a place – or should I say, a mini palace – in London Hills in Seattle. She needs a decorator and since she doesn’t know the area, Jav tasked me with giving her some options to choose from. Narrow it down to three or four. She wants to interview them herself.” “Oh, I see,” Serena said. “Of course. I’ll get right on it.” “Maybe now that she’s going to be close, she’ll stick,” Louisa said. “Huh?” Serena said. “Nothing. Just my nosy musings,” Louisa said. “I should probably just mind my own business, but this little assignment just made me realize that jobs like mine can be harder or easier when the boss gets married. My job will be a breeze if he finally settles down with Elsa.” “What do you mean?” Serena asked. “The wife of a CEO can make his executive assistant’s life hell or heaven. Some of them can treat you like their own personal assistant, which means you do two or three times the work, without benefit of additional pay. I mean, are you going to complain to your boss that his wife is a bitch? No. You keep your mouth shut and do what you’re told. I don’t see Jav being like that, but honey, when a man’s in love, he can do some crazy shit. So that’s why I’m all the way Team Elsa. Or someone like you. You’d be a great CEO wife.” “That will never happen, but what makes you think that?” Serena couldn’t stop herself from asking. Had Louisa figured out how she felt about Jav? She’d kept that secret wrapped so tightly that she could fool herself into forgetting it – for a millisecond or two. Had she slipped up somehow? “You come from what I call ‘the ranks of life,’ like me,” Louisa said.

“Which is a nice way of saying I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth,” Serena said, relieved. Her secret was safe. “Yes,” Louisa itted, grinning. “Women like us are much less likely to be demanding of their husband’s employees. Although, some can be bigger bitches than the privileged ones. My girlfriend’s boss’s ex-wife was like that.” “Girlfriend boss’s ex-wife,” Serena repeated, trying to get the relationship chronology right in her head. “Got it,” Serena laughed. “Has Jav known Miss van Horn long?” “For most of his life; their fathers were friends. I thought for sure they’d be married by now. They were hot and heavy for almost two years. Apparently, she broke his heart. Now she seems intent on winning him back.” “She broke his heart?” Serena asked. “Yes. Everybody was surprised, although you would never know it from the way Jav acted. And truly, you never know the real deal is with him. He plays his personal life pretty close to the vest. But apparently, he was ‘this close’ to proposing, when she broke things off and went back to Canada. It was all over the society pages. Google it. Then he bought her father’s company. He died a few months ago. Apparently, tragedies can heal old wounds, including broken hearts. They seem to be back on track.” Serena’s kept her shattered gaze hooded. “Are you okay? You don’t look so good,” Louisa said. “I’m fine. Just a little tired. Mommy duties.” It was one of the perks of being a single parent, Serena thought. You could hide a lot of life’s joys and pains under the ‘single parent’ umbrella. “I don’t know how you all do it. It’s why I’d hire a single parent any day. They can outwork anybody and are some of the most organized people I’ve ever met,” Louisa said. “Thanks. That’s nice to hear. I think I’ll put that on the next batch of resumes I send out.”

“No need, I’m sure,” Louisa said. “You’re a go-getter Serena. You’re going to be a star no matter where you go. I hate to lose you. If you change your mind about wanting to stay on, let me know. I’m serious. I will create a position for you.” “I have some irons in the fire already that seem close to panning out. But thank you Louisa. This opportunity was exactly what I needed. It gave me the confidence to swim in corporate waters and get out of low-paying, service industry jobs. I enrolled in an online paralegal course. I start at the beginning of February. I’m so excited.” “That’s wonderful,” Louisa said, hugging her. “With your attention to detail, you’re gonna be amazing at it.” “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” “You’re welcome. I meant every word,” Louisa said, looking at her watch. “Now let me get out of here so you can start putting together that list of decorators. End of day, long enough? “Consider it done,” Serena said, smiling. “I knew I could count on you,” Louisa said. Serena smiled, glad she had impressed the hard-working Louisa. Jav hadn’t been kidding when he said she was driven. But Serena had earned her respect, which was like earning Jav’s respect. She was proud to have excelled and not let him down – as she’d promised. Her life was coming together – in all ways except one. She could live with the hole in her heart. She’d done it once when she lost Keith. And between being a single parent, going to school and working full time, she was determined to do it again. She could do that. She’d have to do that. But those lonely hours during the night when he came to her in her dreams. How long could she fight those?

Chapter 18

SERENA GLANCED AT THE framed picture of her and Kayla on her desk. It had been taken on Kayla’s first morning going to kindergarten. There were several more taken that morning: Serena and Kayla; Kayla and Raymond and Mae; Kayla and Jav; and Kayla, Jav and Serena. But she wouldn’t – couldn’t – display those. Not only was it inappropriate, it wasn’t healthy to have a daily reminder of something that could never be. It’s a good thing her time at Montague Technology Solutions was coming to an end. Louisa’s assistant would be back exactly ten days from today. Next week would be her last full week. Serena was going to be heartbroken when she left. Of course, Jav still had no idea of her true feelings. That’s just as well she was thinking, when a blur of color flitting past her barreling towards Jav’s office jolted her back to reality Serena saw a blonde woman with legs for days in a red dress that was so short it could have ed for a long blouse catwalking down the hall. She jumped up and quickly caught up with the woman. “Ma’am, do you have an appointment?” The woman turned annoyed brown eyes on her. “Ma’am? You’ve got to be kidding.” She eyed Serena from head to toe. “Where’s the other girl? The chubby one?” Cocking a brow, Serena corrected, “You mean the pregnant one?” The woman waved a well-manicured hand. “Yeah, her,” she said dismissively. “She’s not here,” Serena said, intensely disliking this woman. In her most professional voice, she continued, “If you’ll give me your name, I’ll be happy to let Mr. Montague know you’re here.” An annoyed laugh filled the office. “I don’t need an appointment to see Jav sweetheart. Trust me, he’s always happy to see me.” While Serena felt like she’d been punched in the gut, she continued to be as professional as possible. “I’m sure that’s true,” she gritted out. “But I’m under strict orders to–”

Jav emerged from his office. A relieved Serena started to speak. “Jav. I mean Mr. Mon–” Before Serena could finish her sentence, the leggy blonde had made her way into Jav’s arms and locked lips with him. Serena stopped mid-sentence, too stunned to continue speaking. “Brandi what are you doing here?” “You left so abruptly last night. I didn’t give you a proper goodbye,” she said, gunning for his lips again. Jav held her at bay. “This is a place of business,” Jav said, looking down at her. “Oh, so it is,” she teased, her arms still around his neck. “Well as you’re the boss, I’m sure you’re the exception to the rule,” she said, her lips making with his again.” “In my office,” he demanded. “Gladly,” she giggled. Jav’s eyes met Serena’s. She turned away from him and headed down the hallway to the ladies room, sure she was going to vomit at any minute. How could he do this to her ... to Elsa, she corrected mentally. At least Elsa had class. So just who the hell was this tramp?!

Chapter 19

FIVE MINUTES LATER, a disheveled blur she recognized as Brandi stomped out of Jav’s office. She glared at Serena as she sailed wordlessly out the door. Serena barely had time to wonder what had happened before Jav appeared. “Serena, a moment,” he said, signaling her to come into his office. Serena got up, and took her customary notepad and pencil with her. “Lock the door,” he said when she entered. Serena looked at him, her brows furrowed. “I don’t want to be interrupted,” he offered by way of explanation. Reluctantly, she did as he asked and sat in the chair in front of his desk. Being in the same room with him after seeing him kiss another woman was the last place she wanted to be. He stared at her, his grey gaze steady. With an exaggerated sigh, he rose and moved around his massive oak desk, sitting on the edge of it, his long legs stretched out before him. Serena couldn’t help but notice the bulge at the center of him. Heat seeped up her neck, her center throbbing as memories of being in his arms rushed her. She’d never forget the way he touched her. He leaned forward, each hand locked on the armrests of the chair in which she was sitting, trapping her. “You know I can read you like an open book.” “What’s that got to do with anything?” she asked, leaning as far away from him as her trapped countenance would allow. “Clearly you’re upset, and I wanted to explain.” “You don’t owe me any explanations.” “I think I do, if only for what was almost between us sweet Serena. You know,

you invade my dreams every night. It’s almost like you put a spell on me, ruining me for any other woman.” “Except Brandi,” Serena said. Jav laughed. “Perhaps most especially for Brandi.” Serena’s eyes widened in confusion. “I didn’t sleep with Brandi last night. I thought about it, but every time I imagined sliding into someone, your face was the only one I could see.” Angry relief flooded Serena, which she tamped down with all her might. He couldn’t know what that meant to her, but why the hell should she care. It didn’t – couldn’t—mean anything, especially when there was Elsa. Brandi was obviously a fuck buddy. Elsa was wife material. And Jav had both of them on a string, obviously. She would not bob along as a third option. “What does who you sleep with have to do with me? Perhaps you should be telling this to Elsa.” “Right now, the only woman I want to tell anything is you Serena.” Serena swallowed as his face moved towards hers, his lips landing close to her ear. “Brandi took me by surprise with that kiss you saw,” he said softly. “I told you, there’s no need for you to explain your love life to me Jav,” she said shakily. “I think there is,” he continued softly, pulling her forward to stand between his thighs as he perched on his desk again. His hands slipped beneath her skirt to caress her stocking-clad thighs. “I was at her house last night.” “Jav. Really I don’t need to hear the details.” His palms moved higher until his fingers brushed her sexual center slowly. Her breathing sped up. She couldn’t resist his touch, no matter how upset she was. He expertly pulled her panties and panty hose down. Dammit, why wouldn’t her feet move? Why couldn’t she get out of this office?!

Skillful fingers found her sensitive bud and she gasped as his silky baritone continued an explanation she didn’t want. Didn’t need. ... Didn’t care about anymore. “I was feeling a little frustrated, wanting you, dreaming about you, but knowing I couldn’t have you. I thought Brandi could give me the release I needed.” Serena moaned, her head lolling forward on his shoulder. “But I soon found out that no one is a substitute for you my sweet Serena. And I knew that I had to fix that, that I had to have you again.” Two fingers slid between her folds. Serena gasped. “I know you want this too,” Jav said, any denial she might have put forth denied by her body’s response to him. “What have you done to me, Serena?” Eyes closed, she began to ride his fingers, seeking a release. “What are you doing to me Jav?” she moaned. “Nothing you don’t want, and everything you do,” he answered boldly, knowing the prize of her was within reach. Jav stared into Serena’s eyes and watched as pleasure flitted across her lovely face. He continued to stroke her tight channel, wishing it was his cock being gripped by her muscles. His hand stilled between her legs and she moaned in protest. “Why did you stop?” she protested. “Because I’m not ready for you to come yet baby. I want to you to come when I’m inside you baby.” Warm circles blossomed on her cheeks, making him chuckle. “I love how you blush when I talk dirty.” He rose from his seat on the desk pulled her in for a rough kiss. “Turn around.” His hard member pressed slid against her nether lips and she pushed her hips

back in a silent plea for him to take her. He eagerly found her entrance and rammed inside, exhaling the breath of desire he’d been holding since the last time he’d been inside her. He pushed her hair to one side and lined her neck with kisses, “Do you like when I take you from behind?” “Oh god yes,” she said, giving herself over to the spasms of pleasure careening throughout her body.” She pushed back to meet each driven thrust. The way her tightness gripped him sent him careening toward the edge. Serena wriggled her hips, and he grasped them tightly, increasing his pace. The sweet memory of bent over his desk, her perfect ass in the air while he ground into her would be ingrained in his memory forever.

“I TOLD YOU WE COULD be good together Serena.” “So you did,” Serena said, realizing she’d just made the biggest mistake of her life. “I’m going to be spending more time at the house.” Serena remained quiet. “I thought that would make you happy.” “This changes nothing Jav. Nothing at all,” she said sadly. “It changes everything,” Jav said. “How can you continue to deny what’s between us Serena?” “There’s nothing to deny, because there’s nothing between us Jav.” A knock sounded at the door. “Jav, did you forget about our two o’clock?” Louisa said. “No, he didn’t forget,” Serena said, opening the door. “I was just reminding him about his important obligations,” she continued somewhat honestly. Louisa didn’t have to know that his relationship with Elsa, and not their scheduled meeting, was the main obligation she was referring to. “Thank you. You are going to be missed around here in more ways than one,” Louisa said. “Right Jav? I tried to get her to stay; told her I’d create apposition just for her.” “I made the same offer,” Jav said, his eyes boring into her. “Perhaps she needs more time to think about it.” “Some things you know intuitively,” Serena said, returning his bold gaze. She closed his office door behind her. Serena knew she had to get away from Jav Montague for good – and soon.

Chapter 20

“JAV LOOK!” KAYLA SQUEALED happily as she rode down the long driveway on her new bicycle. It was a present from Jav for her fifth birthday. He hooted and hollered and cheered and whistled as she rode by. Kayla had long ago abandoned her efforts to pronounce his last name and just called him Jav. Serena had given up correcting her and accepted it. Jav did miss the ‘Mr. Moligue,’ though, which had never failed to make him smile. “Atta girl!” he said as she zoomed by again. Teaching Kayla to ride a bike had been the highlight of his week, besides the explosion of ion between him and Serena in his office four days ago. Serena clapped. ‘Go Kayla!” She took off after her daughter. “Honey, slow down. This isn’t a motocross racetrack,” she shouted. Jav grinned broadly, his eyes shifting from Kayla to her mother. “Relax, she’ll be fine.” “I hope so. She’s a little speed demon. Just look at her,” Serena gasped. She’d surprised Jav with her friendly demeanor because she’d frozen him out since their intimate encounter, until today. Serena had decided to put everything aside and just enjoy her daughter’s birthday. From now into the foreseeable future, it was most likely going to be just the two of them. So she wanted her child to have the happy experience of as many people who loved her around on her special day. Serena gave Jav a quick hug. “What was that for? Not that I didn’t like it,” he smiled. “For buying Kayla that bike and for taking the time to teach her to ride. I know you’re busy. You didn’t have to do any of this.” “It was my pleasure.”

Serena pulled her lower lip between her teeth and stared at the ground. “What’s bothering you?” Jav asked. Anguished eyes met his. “I was just thinking about Keith. Her birthdays were big deals for him, and it’s almost like Kayla has a f-” she stopped. “Never mind,” Serena said, dropping the subject. She returned her attention to her speeding daughter. Serena winced as her wheels wobbled on a turn. Kayla straightened and kept going. “I found an apartment. We’ll be moving out this weekend.” Jav’s heart lurched. He’d hoped against hope that she would stay, but if not, he certainly hadn’t expected them to be leaving so soon, especially with Serena starting her online paralegal course. “You know there’s no need for you and Kayla to go anywhere Serena. You’re going to have your hands full with school, and you have help with Kayla here.” “Kayla is my responsibility Jav. I appreciate all you’ve done. Thanks to you I’m back on my feet. I found a nice place for us to live that’s in a safe neighborhood with lots of kids. And, it’s close to Kayla’s school. I’ve already found a new position – thanks to throwing your name around. I don’t mean that literally of course,” she explained. “Having the position at your firm, even thought it was short, certainly helped. So thank you a million times – for everything.” She wasn’t even gone, but she was already slipping away from him. “That all sounds amazing, Serena. You weren’t kidding when you said you’d figure something out, were you?” he said, referring to the first night they met. “It took me a while, and I never could have done it without you. But yes, I’m glad I found a way to land on my feet. Serena’s eyes filled with unexpected tears. “You saved me and my little girl's life,” she said, glancing at a happy Kayla through a watery smile. Jav shoved his hands in his pockets. He wasn’t an emotional man but something had changed in him over the last three and a half months. “I was happy to help Serena.”

Kayla came speeding toward them and he chuckled. “You were right, she is a little speed demon.” “Jav, mommy, I’m ready to ride a big girl bike now.” Serena laughed. “That is a big girl bike, honey.” “No it’s not. I want the one with only two wheels. Jav can we take off the little wheels.” Serena looked horrified. “Not yet, Kayla. We don’t want to give mommy a heart attack.” “What’s a heart tack?” Kayla inquired, her nose crinkling. Jav chuckled at her pronunciation and plucked her off the bike. “I’m going to miss you, kid.” “How come? I’m right here,” she said, looking up at him. “Because we are going to have our own house, ?” “Oh yeah,” Kayla said sadly, latching onto Jav’s leg. Serena turned her head to hide the tears that started to spill. It was almost like burying Keith all over again. How many more heartbreaks could she – and Kayla – endure?

Chapter 21

SAGE REACHED FOR A bottle of water and Jav plucked it from his hand. “Please refrain from emptying the fridge in my private study, which you’re currently invading. Every time I want one, the fridge is mysteriously empty. Now I know why.” Sage scoffed. “Grouch.” “Justifiably so. You’re younger. Brave the stairs and get your own,” Jav scowled and went back to brooding over his financial file. Throwing his hands up, Sage plopped down on a sofa. “Typical, here I am trying to spend some time with you, and you have your head buried in work. And you wonder why I don’t bother to visit.” Jav froze and glanced up, guilt flooding him. He pushed the document he’d been perusing aside. He hadn’t been able to digest a damned thing in it anyway. He wiped a hand over his face. “Sage, I’m sorry. I didn't realize. You’re right, all I do is work. How are things going? You checking in with your sponsor and going to meetings like you’re supposed to?” “Yes, which I know you already know.” “It’s not that I don’t trust you,” Jav said. “Yes it is,” Sage corrected. “Already, I don’t. Not fully. Not yet. Trust is something that has to be earned.” “As much as I hate to it it, I get it,” Sage said. “You mean that?” “Yes. I know I haven’t always been easy Jav. I didn’t meant to be difficult; it’s just, some things .. some things you keep here,” he said, putting his hand over his heart, the exact same way their father had when he’d tried to explain why he rarely talked about Jav’s mother – his first wife.

In that moment, Sage looked so much like their father, Jav’s heart hurt – hurt for all the memories the three of them would never share. For the first time in his life, Jav Montague actually wished for a family of his own. For a short while, he’d had one, but he’d lost them in the blink of an eye. Serena and Kayla had changed him. They had highlighted what was really important in life; and he was missing out on it; almost all of it. His sole focus had been growing the budding empire his father had left behind. In truth, even Sage, his own flesh and blood he loved more than his own life, had taken a back seat. Looking at the young, responsible adult his brother was finally becoming, he knew that the only true important things in life were love and family. It wasn’t too late, he realized. He could still have that. “Mr. Montague, sorry to interrupt,” Raymond said. “But Miss van Horne is here to see you.” “Thank you Raymond,” Jav said. “Tell her I’ll be right there.” “That is one beautiful woman,” Sage remarked. “If I thought I had a prayer, I’d snatch her right out from under you big brother.” “Well you don’t have a prayer, so go find someone your own age, little brother,” Jav teased, his heart lighter at how well his brother was doing. He knew he wasn’t out of the woods yet and that sobriety would be a lifelong battle, but Sage seemed up for the fight, and he knew he’d be there for him every step of the way. “I’m proud of you Sage,” Jav said. “Father would be too. ... And your mother,” he added. Sage swallowed hard, his grey eyes, so much like his older brother’s shimmering. “Thanks,” Sage said, and instinctively hugged his brother. Jav clung to him, squeezing the young man for all that could never be, and all that would. Life was what you made it, and he had to set a better example for Sage about what happiness looked like. “Don’t wanna keep you from your hot chick,” Sage said, pulling away from Jav.

The genuine smile on his face was one Jav realized he hadn’t seen for a long time. Jav determined to do his part to make sure it was seen a lot more. And that started right now. “Lesson number one in snagging a quality woman – never make her wait.” “And just how do you know a quality woman? I’d settle for a pretty one.” You can have both, but the thing about a quality woman is, she’ll be the most beautiful woman in the world in your eyes – because she is quality. “But you still didn’t tell me how you know what a quality woman is?” Sage said as they walked down the stairs to the salon to a waiting Elsa. “Deep in your gut, you’ll know because you’ll get the feeling that you’ll regret it if you don’t do everything in your power to spend the rest of your life with her. In other words, as it was told to me by a wise man, it won’t occur to you not to marry her.” “I think I’m a bit too young to appreciate the advice, but I will file it away for future use.” “Sage this is a surprise; a wonderful surprise. How marvelous to see you,” Elsa said in her French-accented English as the brothers entered the salon. “You too,” Sage said. “I was just telling Jav how I was going to steal you away from him,” he said, kissing her on both cheeks. “To have such a choice in handsome men, what’s a girl to do?” Elsa played along. “Choose the one who captured your heart first,” Jav said, embracing her and kissing her on both cheeks. “Besides, this one is on his way out, aren’t you little brother?” “No one ever accused me of not being able to take a hint,” Sage said. “Thank you for the gift box Elsa. I appreciated it.” “You’re welcome,” Elsa said. “I’ll always be here for you Sage, especially now that I’m a Seattle resident.”

“I’M SO GLAD HE’S DOING well Jav. You must be very happy,” Elsa said when they were alone. “Yes. Extremely.” “Good. Hopefully the news I have will add to that,” she said, looking up at him. “It’s something I should have done a long time ago. I hope you’re ready for it.”

Chapter 22

STIRRING A POT OF TOMATO sauce, Serena stared out the window of her small, but tidy, kitchen. Kayla had worn herself out at the community playground and was out for the count, giving her time to make dinner. They’d been in their apartment for almost two months now, and had settled into a routine. Between school, being a single mother and working full-time, Serena’s days were busy. But the nights were a different monster altogether, even though she fell in bed exhausted. As she went about her everyday activities, Jav was a constant in her mind and heart. He literally haunted her. If she closed her eyes, she could smell him and feel his skin on hers. She missed him so much it hurt. Kayla missed him too, and said so practically every day. Even though it crossed her mind to make up some excuse to go see him, Serena knew she’d never do that. For all she knew, he was engaged to Elsa van Horn by now. In spite of herself, she checked the society pages of their local papers and the entertainment sections of national papers for the announcement. When it happened, she had no doubt that it would be publicized. Maybe while he waited to marry Elsa, he was bedding the likes of Brandi. Just the thought made her want to wretch. But hey, men had needs. Hell, women did too! If she was single, she probably would have found her a sexual playmate by now. But she had Kayla. There was no way she could set that kind of example for her daughter. She’d just have to make do with her dreams. Sighing heavily, Serena switched off the stove. Hitting the books was never a bad idea, even though she was finding her paralegal classes much easier than she thought. One of her online professors had observed that she had a remarkable knack for law, and maybe she should consider law school. Serena thought about it for a hot second. Being a paralegal allowed her a lot more flexibility that being a lawyer, and she could make really good money. Not lawyer money, but really good money. She was even thinking of setting up a side business – tutoring struggling paralegals. She never wanted to be anywhere near homelessness again, and was socking away every penny that she could, in addition to exploring online business opportunities. Being there for her kid as she grew up was of paramount importance, so flexibility and earning potential were key. Becoming a paralegal and starting a tutoring business fit the bill on

both counts. Life was definitely on the upswing. The only thing missing was a mate. But she was young, she told herself. There was plenty of time for that. She never thought she could love another the way she loved Keith, until Jav came along. But Keith had offered her something Jav never had, and she found herself missing him all over again. It was like regressing backwards in her stages of grief for him. “You’re a hot mess, which is exactly why you don’t need anybody right now,” she said, as she went to see who was knocking at her door. This is one of the things having a man around was good for. Unexpected knocks at certain hours were unnerving for a single woman. At least they were for her. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Making her way to the door, she peered through the peephole and gasped. “Oh my God!” she mouthed. It was Jav. Had her dreams actually conjured him up? And of course he’d come when she was looking all kinds of hot mess! Frantically wrapping her robe tighter around the sweatpants and t-shirt she had on, she smoothed at the frizzies that would have been smooth, wavy locks had her hair been styled. “I know you’re in there Serena. I saw you peeking through the peephole.” Serena groaned. It was hopeless. Pinning a smile on her face, she opened the door. “I wasn’t trying to hide. It’s just, this is such a surprise. What are–” She was thrown off guard by the crushing, bone-melting kiss he planted on her. Her body reacted almost immediately, her arms snaking around his neck in a death grip. When he broke the connection, they both gasped for air. “Can I come in?” Jav asked, somewhat ridiculously Serena thought. “Now you ask?” she joked.

Jav smiled tightly. “I’m sorry about that. I didn’t plan it. I swear. I just ... I needed–” “Why don’t you come all the way in,” Serena said. “I don’t want the neighbors to know all of my business, especially when I don’t know what that business is,” she said, sticking her head out the door to see if anyone was observing them. “Of course,” Jav said, her humor easing some of his tension. He realized he was lucky she hadn’t slapped him, or worse. “Can I get you something to drink?” she asked. “I have beer, wine and bourbon.” “I only came here for one thing,” Jav said seriously. “Ok,” she said. “Is everyone ok? Sage, Ms. Mae, Raymond?” “Everyone’s fine. Everyone except me,” Jav said. Serena looked him over. He looked the picture of health. But she knew things weren’t always as they seemed. He heart started hammering. “What’s wrong Jav?” she asked. “Serena, there’s something I should have told you months ago, but I was too much of a coward to do it. It took my Sage to make me realize it. I’ve been in denial ... denial about a disease I should have fessed up to long ago,” he started. Sage’s jaw nearly hit the floor. “Are you sick or something, man?” Rubbing a hand over his chin, Jav shook his head. “Why would you think that?” “Didn’t you just lecture me about honesty and confronting my fears.” Sage deepened his voice and puffed up his chest in an effort to imitate his brother, “And the need to work hard to achieve one’s dreams and to leave a positive, lasting impression on the world.” Jav blinked. “I don’t sound like that,” he dismissed his brother’s antics. Slapping his knee and howling, Sage said, “You really do. Man, that lady and the cute kid were good for you. You miraculously grew a heart. You’re no longer Ebenezer Scrooge.”

Jav gawked at his brother. “Is that how you really see me, Sage?” “Relax, I’m exaggerating ... a bit. You are kinda hard to reach Jav; hard to talk to. Nowadays though, I feel more comfortable coming to you with stuff. You’ve mellowed a bit. ... You were getting it on with that hot lady, weren’t you?” “Continued to talk about her like that and I'll cut your tongue out of your mouth," Jav said, his gaze leaving no doubt as to how serious he was. Sage snapped his mouth shut and held up both his palms. "Sorry. I didn't know she meant something to you. Where are they anyway? I haven’t seen them around.” "They moved.” “Why? It's not like there's not enough space here. The place was lively, especially with the little girl," Sage said. Even when his parents were alive, the mansion had never been as lively. With Serena and Kayla, the walls of the estate had become a home, instead of like a museum. “She wanted to leave," Jav clipped. "And you let her?" Sage asked. "It's not like I could stop her. She's a grown woman. And it's her kid." "Hmmm, never saw a grown woman, or anybody else for that matter, go against my brother’s wishes. Looks like you met your match." "Shut up Sage." Resting his chin on his clasped hands, Sage studied his brother. “So why did you let them leave when you obviously didn’t want them to?" Jav’s shoulders drooped and he sat back in his chair. “Their stay was meant to be temporary from the start. I was just giving her a hand up, is all.” “I see. So you and the hot lady-” “Serena," Jav supplied, his gaze a stern warning.

“Serena," Sage said respectfully, "Were you all a thing, or what?" “Or what. I couldn't give her what she wanted," Jav explained, exasperated. It was the first time he and Sage had ever conversed about a personal relationship with a woman that either of them had. In spite of his anger and turmoil, a part of him recognized the brotherly shift. Sage was a grown man. Still immature on some levels, but growing emotionally by leaps and bounds. His therapy was working. “And now you're ready to give her what she wants right, because it's what you want too?" Sage said. "I guess you could say that." "Have you told her?" “No," Jav said. Shaking his head, Sage sent his brother a pitiful glance. “And they say you’re the smart one. Unbelievable.” Jav stared at his desk for a long while, considering Sage’s words. Okay, so he should have swallowed his cowardice and told Serena how he felt before she left. “Maybe it isn’t too late,” he murmured. Sage’s shoulders lifted. “And maybe it isn’t.” Jav sprang up and moved around the desk. He clapped Sage on the shoulder. “You know, you’re smarter than I thought." "Apparently ballsier too. And hey, if it doesn’t work out, you know what they say, there's always more fish in the sea." "Not for this fisherman," Jav said. " what I told you a few weeks ago about a quality woman?" "Ahhh, and this one's quality?" "Of the highest kind Sage. The highest kind."

“Jav!” Serena said, shaking him. “What’s wrong? You’re gonna give me a heart attack!” “Turnabout would be fair play sweetheart. You gave me one the day you left.” “Jav you’re talking in circles. What exactly are you trying to say?” “That the disease of cowardice I’ve been hiding behind is gone. I’m not in denial about what I want any more Serena.” “You’re not.” “No. I’m not. Let me be crystal clear. I wanted more than a fling with you. I realized that the night you went to the hospital with me when Sage got sick. I wasn’t ready to it it though. I think it was because I didn’t recognize it. I wasn’t expecting to, but I fell in love with you and Kayla, and I’ve been miserable without you all.” Serena gawked at the too-handsome-for-his-own-good man standing inches from her. “Did you just say you love me?” “Yes. I love you Serena. You’re the one; the quality woman I’ve waited my whole life for.” “I love you too Jav. I’ve been in love with you for a while. I fought it too, mainly because I felt so guilty loving you while I was still grieving Keith.” He let out a laugh, relief evident on his face. “Besides,” Serena continued, “I thought you were going to marry Elsa. She’s a much better fit in your world, not to mention she’s rich in her own right, so you wouldn’t have to worry that she’s after your money.” “What in heaven’s name made you think I was going to marry Elsa?” Her moving to Seattle, a stone’s throw away from you for starters. And the fact that you were involved with her before. Once a man loves a woman, they say he’ll always love her.” “Then tell ‘they’ that it’s a good thing I never loved Elsa. We were close at one

time, but we both felt that it was more out of obligation than anything we were feeling.” “I don’t understand,” Serena said. “Elsa’s father was good friends with my father. They knew each other before either of us was born. They thought we made an ideal match and always teased growing up that we would one day marry and give them lots of grandbabies. I guess, on paper, we do make a good match. You know how I feel about my father.” “Yes, you idolize him,” Serena said. “Apparently for good reason.” “He was an honorable man. And Elsa felt the same way about her father. We both thought, why not give it a try for their sakes. We were attracted to each other, got on well together and at the time, weren’t seeing anybody else. My father had long ago ed, but her father was still alive. Elsa’s a beautiful woman. It’s not like it was difficult to date her. But something just wasn’t there. I wish it had been. It would have been an easy fit. But, it just wasn’t.” “But the way she looked at you. There’s no mistaking that look Jav.” “She did tell me that she wanted to give our relationship another go; that she realized she made a mistake all those years ago. But I told her I was in love with another. Before I could even finish, she told me it was you. She recognized how I looked at you apparently.” “Really?” Serena said, warmed by his confession. “You’re different from any woman I’ve ever known Serena. You kept joy in a little girl’s heart, when all she could have known was sadness. You refused to beg, even though no one would have blamed you for it given your circumstances. You took responsibility for your life, when the easiest thing in the world would have been to take all I offered, and more. I respect the hell out of you. I still can’t put into words what makes you so different, and I don’t care; I don’t want to. I’m just glad you’re you, and I just want to be with you.” “Oh Jav,” Serena said, launching herself into his arms. “I love you so.” “And I love you sweetheart, more than anything or anyone I’ve ever loved,” he

whispered fiercely, pulling away from her to look into her eyes. “Until you loved me Serena, I was only half a man. You’ve shown me what the other half of life is – the important half, the half I want to start living. Will you have me Serena? Will you be mine?” Serena bobbed her head, her tears flowing. He took her face between his palms and kissed her. Eyes of molten silver held her captive. “Here’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to date like normal people. I’m going to wine and dine you. You’re going to fall more in love with me, and think I’m the best thing since sliced bread. Then, I’m going to propose to you. Then you’re going to accept. Then, I’m going to ask Kayla if she would like for me to be her daddy forever. Then – within a very short period of time – we’re going to get married. You and me and Kayla and Sage and Ms. Mae and Raymond will be one big happy family..” Serena keeled over in giggles. “Did you just plan out the rest of our lives without asking for my input?” “That I did. I figured since you already love me, you’d just go along with it. ... And one more thing. We’re gonna get a dog. I’ve always wanted a dog,” Jav declared. His lips curled into a smile and her giggles filled the room. Happiness like she’d never felt before warmed her heart.

END NOTES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I'VE BEEN A READER of romance novels since I was a pre-teen. I've read hundreds of them.

"EVERYBODY WANTS TO be loved." This is the enduring theme of all romance novels. We all want to be loved and accepted for exactly who and what we are. And that's the beauty of love – it keeps the hope alive in each of us that there is someone out there, somewhere, who will love what is unique . This is what keeps me reading romance, after romance, after romance.

ABOUT ME I've been a freelance writer – for businesses – since 1993. More about my businesses can be found below.

A ROMANCE WRITER IS Born I wrote my first romance novel in 2013 (3 Weeks 'til Forever). I decided to give this type of writing a try because the title popped into my head one day and just wouldn't let go. After finishing up several more romances, I realize that I've finally found my calling. I love reading – and now writing and publishing – love stories. In October 2014, I formed Inkwell Editorial Publishing (InkwellEditorialPublishing.com) to bring as many stories to readers like you as possible. I hope you enjoy reading these novels as much as I enjoy bringing them to you – whether they’re written by me, or by one of our ghost writers.

MY BUSINESSES New Media Words (http://NewMediaWords.biz) is my SEO writing company. I also publish http://InkwellEditorial.com, the leading web portal for info on how to start a successful freelance writing career. I've self-published over 50 nonfiction ebooks, mostly on the business of freelance writing, self-publishing and internet marketing. My writing online writing courses can be found at http://InkwellEditorial.Teachable.com. My fiction titles (romance) can be found at http://InkwellEditorialPublishing.com.

Did you love Until You Loved Me? Then you should read An Accidental Island Wife by Yuwanda Black!

PREVIEW After a car accident that almost killed him, Jack McCabe has finally figured out what he wants in life. And as he's recuperating, he realizes that it's not his recently proposed-to fiancé; expanding his already successful car customization business; or hobnobbing with his rich and famous clients. His first love has always been writing, and he transforms his life so he can start to do just that. Only Lexa, his live-in girlfriend of almost seven years, isn't convinced. He had proposed to her the week before his accident and she can't accept that he no longer wants the life they planned. "Jack listen," Lexa persisted, determined to make him see what a mistake he was making. "Do you think you should be making major life decisions like this after what you've been through? I know you're going to regret this, which is why I'm holding on so hard. I love you and I know you love me too. I believe that with all my heart. If I didn't, I wouldn't have followed you here." In that moment, Jack realized that he had to resort to saying the one thing he really didn't want to say. "There's someone else." "You're just saying that," Lexa immediately dismissed. "I know you Jack McCabe. If there was someone else, you would have told me long ago." "I met her here on the island; she's …" "Some little island whore?" Lexa lashed out. "You've barely been here a month. You really expect me to believe you're gonna marry some woman you just met, when it took you almost seven years to propose to me?" Jack folded his arms across his chest and looked at Lexa with a 'that should tell you something' stare. *** Bella knew she was a pawn in Jack's game, which is why she—on some level— felt sorry for Lexa. To love—and lose – a man like Jack McCabe wouldn't be easy for any woman, never mind one who'd loved him for seven years.

But Bella needed Jack. And even though she'd be his little "accidental island wife" as Lexa put it, she'd take it. The serene life she'd built on the tiny Caribbean island of Arbolina was about to come crashing down now that her abusive ex had found her. Without Jack, she'd have to leave the home and business she'd built the last six years and go on the run, starting over someplace else. She knew she didn't have the finances to do it, but more importantly, she didn't know if she had the emotional fortitude to do it. She was so tired of feeling like she had to run ... and even more terrified of not doing it. So when Jack made her an irresistible deal, Bella felt she had no choice but to accept. Help him kill two, maybe three birds, with one stone he said. "I need to do something drastic to make Lexa get the message that it's over between us," Jack said. "And marrying me is the drastic action you want to take?" Bella replied. "Maybe Lexa's right; maybe you did get a bump on your head. It's a ridiculous idea Jack. Ridiculous," Bella repeated. "It's not ridiculous and I know you know how much sense it actually makes. ... Also, I'm almost 40. I'm ready to settle down, and I think we have the makings of something that could be very good. Then, there is the matter of your ex. Like I said, I can protect you." But could he protect her heart from him, Bella thought. Read more at Yuwanda Black’s site.