Simon, undercover on New York’s streets to expose his corrupt uncle, is finally free to reclaim his fortune and old life. But just before returning, he lingers-drawn to Victoria, the kind waitress who treated him with humanity. When he’s about to reveal his true identity, one word shatters him: fiancé. What will Simon choose-duty, wealth, or a love already claimed?
“Elon, remember how that bitch embarrassed you back in high school? She ran away to New York to avoid you, and now she’s engaged to some beggar just to make you look bad.” At her shrill retelling of our past, I realize that Elon’s here because of her and Carl. While her caustic smile no…
Peering over the top of their heads, I lock eyes with the bouncer and nod. He nods in return, his deference clear. Which means Luis got the job done and the staff has already been informed about the change up. “Now, if you’ll excuse us,” I say, “we’ve got a reunion to attend.” Keeping my…
You only live once. Hooking a finger through the tops of the hangers, I grab the dresses and dart toward the bathroom. “On it!” Several hours later, I slip out of my sweater and my jeans, kicking them off when they pool and bind my feet. I’ve been counting down to this moment ever since…
Jade’s best friend growing up, who’s every bit as awful as her, wastes no time jumping in. “Yeah, that’s what I heard,” Cecilia says with a mean-spirited laugh. “She’s just setting herself up to be humiliated.” The people around her-her husband, John, Jade, and of course freaking Carl-snort in agreement. My stomach clenches, but I…
With a little Googling and the strength in his impressively ripped arms, he’s figured it out in no time. Another week or so here at the ranch, and he’d be a plumber/electrician/wood chopper in no time. I can tell which movements require more concentration, because that’s when the tip of his tongue sticks out. Floaty…
The line clicks. “Boss?” “Luis, it’s me,” I say in hushed tones, glancing toward the bathroom door to make sure Victoria’s still asleep. Not that I can see through the wood, so I guess it’s in vain. “I need you to buy a bar for me. Also, have a few custom-made dresses sent over.” When…
Patting my way up and onto the couch, I hear him shuffle toward the kitchen. A handful of seconds later, a soft, flickering glow cuts through the dark, casting dancing shadows along the walls as Simon approaches. He goes to set the candle on the coffee table, and I move to scoot it farther from…
Mom readjusts the dirt-coated gardening gloves on her hands. She’s overseeing Simon’s every move as he awkwardly swings the sharp edge of the ax down onto the log. He’d offered his help with whatever my mom might need. Since she was so quick to hand over the ax, I’d tagged along, declaring myself the supervisor…
Carl gives a strained laugh and waves. As if that’s enough for this interaction to go his way. “Hey! Long time no see!” There’s no way. He can’t possibly know that guy. At my back, I feel Simon shift. The man lifts his hand, and Carl sighs in relief. Great, now I’m confused all over…
“Ah, yes, that’s right.” He flashes a bright, easy-going smile I didn’t even know he was capable of till now. “Nice to meet you.” That reminds me, I should make introductions. Referring to Victoria as my fiancée causes a covert side-eye, but Luis doesn’t blow my cover. “Nice to meet you, Victoria. Mrs. Barron.” “Luis,…