In The Public Eye - Samara King

Sam ara King Bo oks Chicago, IL. Samara King Copyright © 2017 by Samara King. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below. Author/Publishing Company Name Street Address City, State/Province Postal-Code www.website-url.com Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

“Love is like money … hard to find easy to lose.” — Ally Mbululo

Prologue “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Garrison Fox turned toward his younger brother, Darius, shot him a dark look as if daring him to question his actions, and threw the last of his clothes in the small suitcase. “You know me better than that. I don’t make half-cracked moves.” “True,” Darius said. “However, everyone was surprised when you came back home with a wife, including me.” Garrison thought of Ria. The media had taken their private life and run with it in every local rag. The pressure had been high for both of them. He just hadn’t thought she’d leave him. “People change. I was bound to meet someone eventually.” He turned away, his mind bombarded by the possibilities of what might happen once Ria saw him. “Yes, that’s true. Look, for what it’s worth, I’m sorry Ria felt she had to leave. I happen to like her.”

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Garrison swiveled around. For the first time in weeks, a smile played across his lips. “Is that so?” “Yeah, any woman who can keep up with the likes of you and give as good as she gets is worth keeping!” Ria had given him plenty of hell the night before she’d walked out of their home and bed. He sighed, feeling the muscles in his back tense. Her disappearance had only fueled the media’s frenzy and Garrison’s anger. He wondered for a moment, did she really think he wouldn’t come after her? Did she think he would just go for some quickie divorce? No matter the circumstances surrounding their whirlwind marriage, he had taken his vows seriously as he’d pledged his love, devotion and his heart to Ria. Only his injured pride had kept him from going after her immediately after the private investigator had reported her whereabouts. Garrison stiffened his spine. His decision came swiftly after another night of not having her by his side. He was done sleeping alone.

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The papers had hinted at “problems” and financial issues possibly underlying Ria’s hasty departure to New York, but Garrison knew better. The strain of the media and his mother’s disregard lay behind her need to leave. He’d heard the rumors, whispers, and had read the garbage in the tabloids. Everyone wanted to know what had made one of Chicago’s wealthiest bachelors settle down and use a game show as a vehicle to do it. His answer came as no surprise. It was none of their damn business. Deep inside, he knew no one had been more surprised than he was after encountering Ria Phillips. The woman had captivated him from “Go,” and his interest had only increased during their brief time together. Even now, the potent note of desire surged through him. If he closed his eyes, he could smell the scent of her hair, clean with a hint of roses; the allure of her soft chocolate skin infused his longing. Garrison was tired of memories, and even more so of an empty bed. It was time his

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wife came back to where she belonged. Beside him. Garrison zipped up his carry-on bag and faced the questions looming in his brother’s eyes. “Nothing matters now but finding Ria and bringing her back.” Marcus nodded. “And if she chooses not to? You can’t drag her back to Chicago kicking and screaming.” He smiled, patting his brother’s shoulder as he brushed past him, carrying his suitcase and the travel bag out of the bedroom. “Watch me.” Coming back without his wife wasn’t an option, Garrison thought, a frown marring his brow as he shut the trunk to his Mercedes-Benz Coupe. He had no doubt that convincing Ria to come back to him, to his bed, would be a feat. But he had a few tricks up his sleeves, and he wasn’t afraid to use them.

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Chapter One All was fair in love and war. The old adage would serve Garrison well on his latest conquest. He considered his course of action as he stared out the floor-toceiling window on the fifth floor of the Gordian Building, which housed Core magazine—another publication acquisition to accompany the four others he’d bought in the last three years. The busy scene of downtown Manhattan traffic and movement of pedestrians along the streets below didn’t relieve the tension coursing through his body. Never in his life had a woman left him. The reality of the last several months was unsettling. He was a Fox, after all, and if there was one thing his father had taught him, it was that nothing in this world came easy, but you could bend the outcome to your will.

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That maxim would be tested with Ria. His wife. The thought made sadness swell within his chest. A pair of sensual brown eyes flashed before him, accompanied by full, chocolate-coated lips and skin as soft as the Egyptian cotton sheets Ria favored. He remembered the last time their naked bodies had been twisted beneath them, coated with the scent of their lovemaking. He closed his eyes, anticipation of a longawaited moment overtaking his senses. The familiar ache of unsated desire flickered through him. He was a sucker for her feisty spirit, her natural sensuality, and he couldn’t stop wanting her. Garrison hadn’t hazarded to tell any family members other than Darius his intention of bringing her back home. No, there were just some things a man had to take care of himself, especially matters of the heart. He didn’t need anyone to tell him that he should just walk away, that he and the present Mrs. Garrison Fox couldn’t be more different than cats and dogs. He was a man who knew what he wanted, knew what he desired. He was determined to make Ria see

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it too. The attraction between them was real and immediate from the first time he’d laid eyes on her. He’d wanted Ria then, and he wouldn’t stop his pursuit of her now. Garrison unbuttoned his suit jacket, angling his six-foot-four-inch frame into the conference chair. He only had a moment to gather his wits before his willing accomplice entered the room. “Right on time, I see,” Wilhelmina Townsend proclaimed, placing a hand on her ample hips. “Are you sure you want to go through with this? Your mother would probably stop speaking to me if she knew what we were doing. Not that she was pleased when you did the game show either.” Willie’s secretive smile drew Garrison out of his private musings. Despite her sixtyplus years, she didn’t look a day over fifty. Her salt-and-pepper Afro, copper complexion and jovial figure made him think of all the corresponding attributes of Willie’s character. Her tough but gentle demeanor and all-seeing eyes had often caught a

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younger, more mischievous Garrison in many tirades. “Morning, Willie. There is no pleasing my mother.” Garrison’s lips twisted into a cynical smile as he winked at his family’s old friend. “My mother would understand that her best friend is just looking out for her son’s best interests.” “Or something like that.” Willie laughed. “I must say, there are not many men like you.” “Some would consider that a blessing.” Garrison turned his attention from the older woman’s intent gaze, drawing a pen out of his suit jacket pocket as she handed him a thick bundle of legal documents. He looked down at the papers that would take him one step closer, a breath nearer to the woman who had left him cold and hungry for her touch and love. He signed his normal scrawl on all the spots that required his John Hancock and then returned the papers to Willie. Her loyalty to their family and her business acumen assured Garrison’s trust, besides the

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fact that Willie had changed one or two of his diapers. Garrison looked up to find her curious gaze upon him. “What are you thinking?” “I’m thinking there are many women who would be willing to put up with your stubbornness and iron-clad tenacity.” “I’m sure the price tags attached to my name wouldn’t hurt in attracting those women.” Garrison smiled. “I’m only concerned with one.” Willie smiled back at him. “Yes, I know. You must really love her to be doing things this way.” She sat pensively beside him. “Have you talked to Ria about this?” ”No.” “You’re willing to take that big of a risk?” “She’s worth it.” Garrison was more than willing to take on the challenge of pursuing his wife. He thrived off of risks. This time, though, it was more than money or some piece of prime real estate on the line. He conceded that Ria had stolen a piece of his heart and run away with it, despite their whirlwind courtship on Soul Mates, an ultimate bachelor show sponsored

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by Core magazine. Garrison had only done the show as a favor to Willie. He hadn’t expected to fall in love with or marry one of the contestants. Forgiveness had never come easy for Garrison. He could count on one hand how many people he had given a second chance. But things between him and Ria were different. His usual opponent was a business adversary. He’d never thought he’d do battle with the woman he loved. Right now, the scale was tilting heavily on her side. But he was determined to change that. Even now, a smile graced his lips as he thought of days when life had seemed less complicated. Before he had met the very woman who’d turned him inside out. Now he was consumed by the blatant need to love her in every way possible. He dared any man to entrench on his territory or Ria to forget whom she belonged to. “The papers are claiming Ria left because she and her mother couldn’t get any money out of you,” Willie replied, handing him a copy of the papers that contained her

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signature. She looked into his eyes, searching. “I know that’s a lie.” Garrison didn’t have to think about the answer; the hypocrisy of it strummed through his body like an electric current. The constant erection he’d had to contend with nightly was sign enough he missed his woman. “As do I. I know who my wife is and who she isn’t.” “The show was only meant to be a marketing ploy.” Willie shook her head. “I never wanted either of you hurt.” “The ploy worked. Core is one of the leading women’s publications in the market, and you gained readers.” “Garrison, not everything is about crunching numbers or market shares. This is about Ria Phillips—” Garrison leaned back in his chair, his eyebrows burrowing down on his forehead. “Ria Phillips Fox.” “You’ll never lose that Fox spirit.” Wilhemina grinned. “However, you’ve only known your wife for a short time. This is about matters of the heart.” “She belongs by my side and I love her, time notwithstanding.”

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“I know.” Willie sighed, crossing her arms. “I think Ria is wonderful, hardworking, and spunky. She won’t give in easily. You’ll be lucky to get her back.” Garrison chuckled at her chagrin. “Thanks!” “I think she’s just the kind of woman to keep you on your toes—that is, if you can catch her.” “There’s only one way to catch a Fox, Willie.” “Oh?” “You have to be fast enough.” Garrison thought of the last night he’d seen her. Ria had been crying. Pain had sliced through him, undeniably strong. He was going to do his best to rectify the wrongs between them. “I think in this case, you’ll have to be fast enough to catch her.” Garrison sighed. “That’s not a problem.” Willie laughed. “Oh sweetheart, have you got a lot to learn about your wife.” Garrison had never been a man of patience, but he figured now was as good a

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time as any to start giving in to the worrisome virtue. Willie was quiet then and looked into his eyes. “How do you think she’ll react to this?” Garrison smiled. “How would any woman deal with opposition?” “Most of those women are not your wife.” “And that’s a fact.” “I think you’ll have quite the battle on your hands, Fox.” “Don’t worry, Willie. I promise to take it easy on her.” “You call buying her place of employment easy? Where she works every day and hasn’t the slightest clue she’ll be seeing your face every morning—that’s taking it easy?” Garrison stood, brought his lips to her hand and grinned. “Well, maybe not that easy.” ***** Ria Phillips Fox wasn’t the type of woman who waited to learn what surprises

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lurked around the corner. She’d arrived early and had tried to find out what was going on from several co-workers of the magazine as the conference room began to fill. She loved being back in New York. Working at Core had been her dream job back when she’d worked for a smaller publication and signed on for Core’s Soul Mates. She’d never expected to fall in love with Garrison. The thought of her husband made her heart ache. She’d left him in Chicago, hoping that she could start fresh in New York and away from the daily drama of the Fox family. She’d been naïve when marrying Garrison, having no idea what being a wife of such a man would be like. Ria turned her attention back to the people around her. There was no use contemplating him. They were better off without one another. Anticipation for the arrival of owner and editor in chief of the magazine, Wilhelmina Townsend, clicked through Ria’s veins. She had only been employed at the magazine for five months and finally felt like

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she’d found her place in the world, working as a fashion editor. Gone were the camera flashes that caught her during her morning run, or the captions that exposed scandal like it was second nature. She didn’t have to worry about who had said what to whom, or that her fashion sense didn’t match what all the celebrities were wearing this season. She’d always had her own style, and she refused to change it for people who entered her life only for a nanosecond. Most of all, Ria no longer had to feel the judgmental glares she’d received when people learned she was from the wrong side of the tracks in Harlem. She didn’t come from old-blood money or places full of mansions and fast cars, places where faster lifestyles played out with reckless abandon. Ria cleared her throat. Emotions she’d tapped down inside rose to the surface as memories of a life she’d determined she wouldn’t return to clutched at her heart. She wouldn’t be swayed by the numerous phone calls or the media hype that had ensued after her departure from her husband, Garrison Fox. Chicago’s richest bachelor.

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She’d met all kinds of people in her life, and none had been as memorable, alluring, and outright sexy as Garrison. People still couldn’t believe she’d resorted to going on a television show to find “Mr. Right.” She hadn’t thought she would be called back for the show, and no one had been more surprised than she when the producer had announced that she would be pursuing the Garrison Fox. Chicago’s own multi-media magnate. Ria sat down slowly in the conference chair, pretending to be busy with the small notepad in her hand. She held the pen loosely between her fingers and tried to quiet the raging lust that flowed through her veins whenever she thought of her husband. The man knew how to touch her with one look of those intense dark eyes. His touch always resulted in wet panties within seconds. He knew when she wanted to be made love to, and he recognized those moments when she just wanted to be fucked. She didn’t have to ask. Their bodies read each other’s without reservation.

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Ria crossed her legs, hoping the protruding tips of her nipples through her blouse and her fidgety movements wouldn’t draw attention from others in the room. From the moment she’d met Garrison, she’d been captivated by his quiet strength. He was the type of man who walked into a room and held everyone’s attention. She swept a long strand of straight ebony hair behind her ear, hoping the color of her cheeks didn’t display what she could scarcely contain: she missed being with him. Ria cleared her throat, knowing that if she ever wanted to be free from the lifestyle Garrison led and the world he lived in, she would have to stop thinking of him making love to her as if he was trying to memorize her body from A to Z. “Good morning, team! Today, I have an announcement to make.” Ria’s head darted upward, and she smiled at Wilhelmina as the older woman walked into the room. “Morning,” Ria said, settling back into her chair. Her mouth dropped open when she watched Willie hold the door open for Garrison.

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It couldn’t be! What in the hell was he doing here? Ria’s gaze was riveted to his handsome profile; her heart clutched as Garrison returned her questioning gaze with a slight smile. Her body tensed and her pussy tightened, reminding of her of what she’d been missing. And what she’d walked away from. “Good morning, ladies”—Garrison’s disquieting gaze found hers and then glanced away—“and gentlemen.” She watched helplessly as he sat down, and she swore her heart almost leaped out of her chest. She hadn’t seen him in six months Slowly she’d come to terms with the fact that she’d turned her back on him and their marriage. It had been the hardest thing she’d ever had to do. Ria saw the pain in his eyes. The recognition burned through the long glazes he sent in her direction from across the conference table. The temperature rose several degrees. What was he doing here? Ria tried to keep her mind on what mattered and not the

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handsome angles of his chiseled face, or those delectable lips. His coloring reminded her of the café au lait she favored. Yet despite her efforts to concentrate elsewhere, her gaze wandered over her husband. His short hair was tapered to his head and trimmed against an unlined forehead, while thick black eyebrows crested over the most intense eyes Ria had ever seen. His navy blue suit only enhanced the raw power that shadowed his every move. She turned away as he caught her gaze, and heat flooded her body. She shouldn’t be thinking of Garrison like this. It was over. She’d been the one to walk away from their life together, and for good reason: she could never live up to the standards his world enforced, and she didn’t want to. Maybe in time, Garrison would understand her course of action. However, the flash of heat in his eyes relayed to her that that kind of acceptance was light years away. “Let’s get this meeting underway, shall we?” Wilhelmina was saying, a quiet smile on her face. “I am retiring as editor in chief of Core.” She paused at the mixed reaction of her team. “Don’t worry; you

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haven’t gotten rid of me yet. This change will be effective two months from today.” Everyone laughed. Ria’s lips curved into a half smile. She didn’t like where this conversation was going. She’d been at the magazine for a short time and had come to love the people she worked with. She would hate to leave if her growing unease were correct. She couldn’t imagine Wilhelmina not being around. The woman was a dynamo. Her stomach clenched against the need to bolt from the conference room. “Please let me introduce Mr. Garrison Fox.” Willie turned to him, smiling. “As many of you know, Garrison comes from a background of publishing and media entertainment. He has graciously agreed to step into my shoes as editor in chief and is now the proud owner of Core as well.” Ria’s eyes met Garrison’s in that instant. Her mouth hung wide open, while her counterparts offered congratulations to their new boss. Her boss! Surprise, shock and anger splintered through her body at once.

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“I’m looking forward to working with all of you and continuing the journey that has secured Core its place amongst the leading women’s publications in the industry,” Garrison stated smoothly. It wasn’t until most of the room had stopped and congratulated Garrison and left the conference room that Ria managed to walk over to Wilhelmina. “I’m sorry to see you go.” Yes, and how could you do this to me? Selling out to a Fox. She’d known that her husband’s money and business ties ran deep, but this took the cake. “Thank you, Ria. However, I’m sure you’re used to working with Garrison.” Wilhelmina’s eyes sparkled. “I’ll leave you two alone.” The older woman trotted out of the room, exiting with what seemed like the speed of light. Ria felt her throat constrict as the man in question shook the last of the employees’ hands and turned that unwavering, controlled gaze her way. A nerve in his jaw twitched. She was certain his anger could not match her own, even now; he would not respect her wishes.

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“You look—” His gaze swept over her and then focused back on her face. “— beautiful.” “Thank you.” Ria shook her head. “But what I’m trying to figure out is why you’re here in New York?” Garrison stepped closer. His body heat swirled around her like a cocoon. “I think that’s obvious.” “Is it?” “I’ve come to take back what’s mine.” His eyes burned into hers. “I’m not your property, Garrison. You can’t just buy me like some piece of real estate.” His gaze roamed over her slowly, a sensual smile on his handsome face. “Baby, there’s no comparison there.” Ria gritted her teeth. They’d had never had a problem between the sheets; it was what happened afterwards that left her feeling displaced. He had no clue how it felt to be tossed into a world that left little room for individuality. She wasn’t used to having to keep up with the Joneses. And even the

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Joneses would have trouble keeping pace with one member of the Fox family. Would he ever understand? One look from him caused heat to rise within Ria. She’d never physically reacted to a man as much as she did with Garrison. His voice was methodical and in rhythm with the pounding of her heart. She stared at him incredulously, and her lips trembled. “What do you want from me, Garrison? We both know this will never work. We’re…too different.” “Tell me something I haven’t heard before.” “Your family hates me.” “They do not.” She rolled her eyes skyward. “I suppose that’s why your mother introduced me as your reality-star wife.” Garrison met the hard look on her face. “You know I don’t excuse my mother for what she does.” “But I should be willing to, right?” She shrugged. “After all, we’re talking about the great Fox family.” “Stop it.”

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“Why should I? It’s the truth—you know it, and so do I. It’s time for you to stop denying it.” She stepped back from him, finding his nearness dizzying. Her body responded swiftly, ready and willing to spread her legs and give him what his eyes demanded. “It’s time to face reality. You and I could never make this marriage work.” She caught the flash of anger in those mysterious eyes of his and knew she was crossing a line few ever managed with Garrison. He stepped closer, erasing the miniscule space between them. “I don’t believe you.” “You should.” Garrison leaned downward, never taking his eyes off of hers. The warmth of his breath sent spirals of longing through Ria’s body. This man was her undoing, and she wasn’t sure when she would be able to escape from under his spell. “Prove it. Prove that you don’t care anything about me. About our marriage.” She tilted her chin. “Case in point. Everything is a game to you, Garrison.” She

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pointed her finger at him. “Listen up: I have nothing to prove to you or your family, you got that? The sooner you accept that, the better we’ll both be.” If Ria ever stood a chance, he would have to know that she wasn’t affected by him. That their marriage was as big a farce as how it’d started. Why that knowledge wedged a knife in heart, Ria wasn’t sure. She was old enough to know that fairy tales didn’t exist. But on a deeper level, there was a piece of her that wanted to believe, wanted to belong to Garrison. “Then kiss me.” Ria jolted upward. “What?” “If you feel nothing, what’s the harm in a little kiss?” “Game over, Fox.” “But I’m willing to play any way I can. You should know that about me by now. What do you have to lose?” Everything. “A kiss won’t sway my decision, Garrison.” “Of course,” he said, then grinned and leaned into her.

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She shuddered but kept her hands at her sides, though they ached to pull him into her arms. “This is manipulation.” “At its finest,” he countered, wrapping both his arms around her. His eyes seared into hers.

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Chapter Two Ria sighed as his lips covered hers in a bone-melting kiss. He didn’t give her a second to recover from the flood of emotion. His tongue swept into her mouth, melded against hers and caused a surge of heat to invade places she’d promised never to give over to a man again. His hands fondled her hips, molding her soft flesh against his hard muscles. Since when do you give in this easy? She broke away from him, placing a hand over her mouth. “Garrison, I won’t do this.” “You can’t deny what you feel. What we both feel.” He sighed. “It was one kiss, Ria. You are my wife.” “Look, I didn’t want to do this here. Now, but –” “Do what?” “I think it’s best we dissolve our marriage as soon as possible.” The words didn’t bring the relief she’d thought they

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would. The weight on her shoulders felt like she’d been slam-dunked to the ground. “You think that’s the best solution? Do you want me to pretend that we didn’t mean anything to each other? To walk away like I’ve never known you or tasted those sweet lips or felt you come?” Ria forced herself to look him in the eye. She couldn’t back down. She knew a train wreck when she saw one. “Yes,” she said quietly. Tears welled up in her eyes as she pushed his arms away, distancing herself. “Let’s just try to stay out of each other’s way. I don’t want to make things any more difficult than they already are between us.” She walked out of the room before he could see the tears spill down her cheeks. It hadn’t been about the show, or seeking a job at Core that had led her to doing Soul Mates. Something within her was amiss, and it had to do with the devil of a man she’d left standing in the conference room. She’d been attracted to Garrison Fox since the moment she saw his photo. “Well, it’s about time,” her assistant Carlyn Garrett announced, placing her hands

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on her shapely hips. “I’ve been waiting for what surely feels like a century.” She grinned, her Southern accent accentuating every word with charm. Ria walked into her office, wiping moisture from her eyes. She grimaced. “Not now, Car.” Of course, to Carlyn that meant now was the perfect time. She sat down in a chair facing Ria’s small, cluttered desk. “Trying to skimp on the details. Hmm?” She tapped her manicured fingers on her chin. Her gray eyes gleamed with mischief. “Don’t you know the whole office is buzzing about your hubby taking over the magazine?” Ria sighed. “I’m sure they are. You be sure to tell them no one is more surprised than I am.” Carlyn leaned in, concern on her pretty face. “Oh sweetie! Are you okay?” Ria flopped down in her chair, staring up at the ceiling. “Not if you count feeling like I’ve been struck by a Mack truck, no.” “That bad, huh?” She looked into her friend’s eyes. “That’s not even the half of it.”

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***** Ria pulled her tired eyes from the computer screen and slid off her reading glasses. She hadn’t been able to think straight since talking to Garrison. Her pulse accelerated at just the mention of his name, and now she’d have to work with him every day for the next week? How in the hell is that supposed to work? She stood up from her paper-strewn desk, stretching her aching back muscles, and moaned when she felt the tightness in her shoulders. Her body always took the brunt of her stress, and right now, she could really go for a massage. Or Garrison’s hands. Lips. Lord, that mouth could do some of the most decadent things. Ria shook her head, forbidding her mind to stroll down memory lane. She didn’t need the grief that thinking of “what could have been” would surely bring. She wanted to get on with her life without the spotlight she’d endured after their courtship on Soul Mates. Ria stretched her arms over her head, not caring that her chemise dress rose,

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displaying lots of leg. She stared out at the busy nightlife of Mahattan, wondering how her life had become so complicated. The knock brought her out of her musings, and she turned around to face the door, causing her dress to inch farther up her thighs. “A penny for your thoughts.” Garrison smiled, flashing those dimples she loved. His eyes were eating her alive as if he were stalking his prey. “Or a hundred bucks for the way you do justice to that dress.” Ria shook her head at the sexy rumble of his voice and the effect he caused within her. She refused to acknowledge that she was blushing. Blushing? This was Garrison—her husband, and in spite of herself, he held that magic card that made her body come alive with just one heated look. “I doubt what’s on my mind would interest you.” “Try me.” Heaven help her. She wanted to try every inch of his brown skin, feel his dick embedded deeply within her body as they made love. Her gaze traveled over the sensual picture Garrison made as he leaned against

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the desk. Why does everything he says sound wickedly sexual? “You wouldn’t say that if you knew what was on my mind.” Ria went to her desk and sat down in her chair. She was thankful for the barrier between them. “Why are you here so late?” Garrison looked away from her and glanced around her office. “Why are you?” His gait was easy as he stuffed his hands in his pockets and closed the distance between them. “This is a normal routine for me.” Ria swore to herself as every step that brought him closer chipped away at her resolve. “I had some work that required my attention. What’s your reason?” His gaze bored into hers as he stopped at her desk. “I think you know.” “Again with the games?” She sighed. “I really don’t think I want to hear this.” He grinned, and a sexy dimple appeared on his left cheek. “Oh, but I think you do. I think you’d like for me to whisper in your ear the naughty things I’m going to do to you.”

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Ria cleared her throat. “Don’t be too sure of yourself, Garrison.” He leaned a hip against her desk. “I like your office. I plan to fuck you in every inch of it.” She tried to look unfazed. “Didn’t you just hear what I said?” “Yes, but I don’t think you understand what’s at risk here.” Ria rolled her eyes. “The only thing that’s at stake is your massive ego.” “You say the sweetest things, wife.” He sighed. “I’m willing to give it up.” “Give what up?” She swiveled her fingers at him. “And that’s soon to be exwife.” Garrison shook his hand as if shaking off her words. “So you keep telling me. I’m giving up the money, the spotlight— everything.” Ria’s thin eyebrows rose. “Everything? What are you suggesting, Garrison?” “I’m out to win your heart without the attachment of my money. I’ll be the average Joe for the next seven days.” *****

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Garrison gritted his teeth. He’d considered many possibilities when he’d walked into his wife’s office moments ago. Nothing could stop the hot image of spreading her limbs over her desk and making her remember just whom the hell she belonged to. That was his prime choice, as the erection pressing against the fly of his suit pants reminded him; however, his wife’s belly laugh erupting through the air wasn’t on his list. He wasn’t a man who was laughed at. Nor did many dare to take his words less than seriously. Yet here Ria Phillips was, holding her stomach over his statement. Though he loved her smile, everything within him yearned to punish her with a hot kiss and wipe every trace of that laughter away until she moaned his name. “What’s so funny?’ Ria chuckled, trying to straighten her face, and on the third try she actually succeeded. “You cannot be serious. I mean, whatever would you do without the chauffeur, the credit cards, the mindless

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zombies hanging off of your every word?” She rolled her eyes. “Especially Cynthia.” Garrison sighed at the mention of his overzealous assistant. Luckily, she’d taken a week off, and he wouldn’t have to deal with her need to please him. “Cynthia is on vacation. This has nothing to do with her.” He stalked to a neighboring chair, facing Ria. “This has to do with you being afraid.” “Afraid of what?” “Afraid that you may give in.” Ria tisked and looked away. “There goes that ego again.” “You protest too much, especially when we both know that you’ve never been able to resist me.” Garrison was a master of keeping his emotions in check; however, Ria was equally skilled at testing him. He laced his fingers together and stared at her openly until her laughter died down. “Things have changed, Garrison. I’m not the same woman I was when I first met you, and you need to accept that.” “I’ll accept it the moment you can tell me to my face that you don’t love me.” Ria opened her mouth and jerked around. “I don’t have time for games.”

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“Good. I have no intention of playing them.” The intensity between them edged with sexual awareness. He watched her for a few moments, letting his eyes do the talking as his gaze roamed over her pretty face. Her skin made him think of melted chocolate; she had full lips made to be sucked on and inquisitive round eyes. He wanted her like no other woman, and he wouldn’t stop until he had her. “Have you ever known me not to go after what I want?” Ria was still and finally shook her head. “Why would you do something like this?” “Because you’re mine.” Garrison tilted his head, and his gaze fused with hers. “You just need to be reminded of that fact.” Ria frowned. “And what if what you want defies all that is Garrison Fox?” He grinned. “Then it’s time to build a new Garrison Fox.” She pursed her lips. He could tell she was intrigued by his proposal. What woman wouldn’t want to have the man she loved—

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even if Ria was having trouble seeing that at the moment—pursue her to the hilt? “Don’t you have other things to worry about besides proving something to me?” He chuckled. “I can’t win with you.” “What?” “Well, first of all, you adamantly explained to me that you would not be proving a damn thing to me or my family— which I agree with one hundred percent. But then when I tell you I’ll be doing the proving, you toss my words back in my face.” “Don’t try to turn this back on me. I didn’t ask for you to come here, nor did I ask you to prove a damn thing to me.” Garrison stood, straightened his tie and then tossed her a weary look. “It’s not about what you asked for.” He started to walk out of the room, throwing his parting words over his shoulder. “It’s about what you’re going to get.” ***** Ria woke up with a start. Sweat dotted her brown skin as her gaze combed the darkness of her bedroom. The same dream

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had plagued her several other nights, whenever she thought about returning to Garrison: being hunted down by bright flashing cameras, reporters and women who scrutinized her within an inch of her chemically relaxed hair’s roots. Ria glanced at the alarm clock on her bureau. It was one a.m. She groaned, knowing she’d pay for this little interruption at some point during the workday. She wiped the moisture from her forehead, noting her bed sheets were scattered along the floor. She took several deep breaths before deciding to get up for water. Her foot struck the sharp edge of her high heels, which she’d kicked off earlier. “Shit!” She grabbed her foot and hobbled down the hallway to her kitchen. She’d just flicked off the light, ready to head back to bed, when a knock came at her front door. Ria cursed. “Who in the hell is knocking on my door at this time of the morning?” Her list of friends was small, and she preferred it that way; she’d rebuilt some

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semblance of a normal life after leaving Garrison. Until now. Just the thought of him made her blood boil. Ria stomped to the door. “Who the hell is it?” She arched upward to look through the peephole. Her mouth dropped. She unlocked the deadbolt and chain lock and threw open the door. “It’s one o’clock in the damn morning. What in the hell are you doing here?” “You should have known I’d come for what’s mine.” Garrison stood, hands thrusted in the front pockets of black jeans below a matching v-neck knit shirt, a plaid fedora on his head. He took two steps, hauled her into his arms and scooped his lips downward in a full assault. Ria pushed at his broad chest; the note of surprise on her lips died into a groan. Her lips opened, allowing his tongue to flirt with hers, drinking deeply of her taste and making her head spin. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. The coolness of his shirt from the fall air against the warmth of her skin made her shiver. Her nipples

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tightened and grew to rigid points as her sensitized flesh brushed against his chest. She didn’t give a damn that they stood in an open hallway, where anyone could open their apartment door and see them. See her body writhing against his, see Garrison’s wandering hands. Her body had always had a mind of his own when it came to her husband, from the very first time they’d met. She’d been transfixed with him and vice versa. It was as if something chemical had meshed between them, fused without further explanation, while their bodies, hands and tongues took care of the rest. Garrison dropped his palms to her bare ass. He groaned his approval, squeezed her round flesh and brought his hands higher, pulling her oversized T-shirt upward, exposing her naked brown skin inch by inch. Her pussy clenched. She wanted his hands there. Teasing her. Molding her slick folds and inner muscles to fit his large dick. She wanted to taste him. The thought made a jolt of anticipation shoot down to her toes.

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Ria was still in shock when she felt him break his lips from hers. Immediately she felt cold. Her eyes found his. He leaned his head against her forehead, his breathing ragged. It turned Ria on to know that she’d affected him as much as he’d affected her. Time could not change that, and she doubted it ever would. “I didn’t come here for…this.” His voice was hoarse and sexy. He cradled Ria in his arms like she was the most precious thing in the world. The fluttering in her chest threw her off balance. “Then what did you come for?” Garrison leaned back, looking at her. “Can I answer that a little later?” “Later?” Garrison brushed his lips against hers. His tongue darted out to trace the full line of her lips. “Yes. Most definitely later. Right now, I have to do something.”

Chapter Three

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“Oh?” That was the last word Ria said before his mouth consumed hers again. Garrison picked her up, straddling her legs around his waist, and kicked her door shut behind them. He didn’t ask her where the bedroom was because he didn’t need a bed for what he was about to do. He gently laid Ria down on the couch, took in what surroundings he could see from the light in the kitchen, and looked down at her. Those beautiful eyes of hers would be his undoing until his dying day, and those plump lips. Her dark hair framed her face like a halo as she lay partly raised on her elbow, watching him, wondering what he was going to do to her. Manly instinct told him to possess her, to take her back and remind her of what was his and his alone. Despite the sassiness of her mouth, Garrison didn’t believe for one minute that either Ria or her body had forgotten his touch. He’d be more than happy to show her, starting tonight, what she would not deny either of them again.

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Tonight was about her. He wanted her to see how much he’d missed her. How he’d agonized over her, wondering if she hungered for him as much as he craved her. “Garrison?” “Sssh…no words.” He bent down on both knees in front of her, and his hands found their way from her calves to her thighs. He watched her head drop back as he kneaded her skin with his fingers. She lifted her head again, her eyes catching his as he pulled her legs apart, wide enough that his torso fit between them. Ria gasped when he forcefully pulled the apex of her sex closer to him. With her hips raised off the couch, her legs intertwined behind his back. Garrison leaned downward, inhaling her scent. He pressed a finger lightly between the slit of her inner lips, smiling in the darkness as her juices coated his fingertip. He held the digit to his mouth and let his tongue wrap around it, tasting her sweetness for the first time in what seemed like forever. Garrison felt his dick swell. He knew within a matter of seconds, he could be so deeply inside of her pussy that neither one of

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them would be able to speak, but he wanted her to experience this. “Garrison, I…” Before Ria could get out another word, Garrison dipped his three fingers inside of her slick walls, loving the way they sucked at him. He retracted and then entered faster. “Oh!” Something purely male smiled in delight. She was tight. So very tight and wet. Just the right condition to be fucked, but tonight his fingers would prepare her for what was to come. “Yes. Oh God yes!” “You like that?” She shook her head languidly. He continued to toy with her, enjoying the sounds coming from her mouth, the rise and fall of her hips as she pumped them against his ministrations. His finger circled her clit; the tight bud ached for his kiss. So he leaned down and circled with his tongue, pulled gently and then laved with the flat tip of his tongue. “Mmmmm! Garrison, don’t stop!”

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He pulled the nub faster, nipping with his teeth. Ria’s hips shot up. Her hands massaged his head. “I-can’t-take-it baby! Please! Oh, please!” Garrison took careful strides with his sensual assault, his tongue lapping her clit while his fingers flirted with her G-spot. Ria’s body bucked, the words she screamed unintelligible and mixed with swearing. It turned him on even more to watch her come undone. He moved his fingers, replacing them with his mouth. His tongue lapped over and over her pussy, milking her for everything she had before he felt every muscle in Ria’s body go still. He slowly flicked his tongue back and forth over her clit and down her slit in a rhythmic pattern. His anticipation heightened; what he’d waited for was just within reach. “Garrison!” she screamed, her thighs pressed tighter against his waist as she rode the wave of completion. Her climax was practically his undoing. He continued to lick and feast, tasting every last drop of her sweet juice before Ria went limp on the couch.

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He’d never heard his name called so ardently, but he vowed it wouldn’t be the last time. Not by a long shot. ***** Ria walked swiftly through the doors of Core, wearing oversized shades. She refused to acknowledge the blush that crept through her body as she thought of last night. Not to mention the two times Garrison had made her climax before denying her request that they complete the deal. He’d denied her dick! The words didn’t sink in. It had never happened before. She had been turned down—for sex? Ria grumbled a “morning” in passing to some co-workers and marched toward her office. She gripped her caramel latte closer, using the coffee to gain the strength not to go off on her husband when she spotted him from across the room. His eyes burned after her as she walked into her office and slammed the door behind her.

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“Well, look who crawled in as prickly as a cactus this morning.” Cat sat regally in the chair, with her BlackBerry and notebook ready. Her designer skirt and crisscross ruffled blouse was a high contrast to Ria’s tight black denim, knee-high boots and tuxedo jacket. Ria grunted at Car, slung the black derby hat off her head, and ran a hand through her short-cropped hair. Peeking from the mini blinds of her office window, Car looked over her shoulder. “Can you believe this?” Her gaze skimmed over Garrison’s slacks and white shirt. She decided she liked the more casual side of her husband. It suited him and her. Looking at him now, she could almost forget the money and fame attached to the man. For a moment, she saw him solely for himself as he talked amongst a group of staff writers. His head tilted back as he laughed. Her throat constricted. She loved the way he laughed. It was rich and wholehearted. His entire face lit up, and those dimples… Damn, the dimples! Ria thought.

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If there was one thing she could say about her husband, he and his brother were the only two of that entire soap-opera worthy family who appeared genuine. From the looks on her co-workers’ faces, they thought so too. There was something about his face that called out to her like honey to a bee. Her body instantly reacted to everything about him, just as it had the moment she’d first laid eyes on Garrison. It was as if a switch suddenly flicked on whenever he was within her space. And you need to learn how to turn it off. “Believe what, darlin’?” Car replied, trying to keep a straight face. “That devil of a man waltzes back in my life, gives me the best orgasm—or two— I’ve had in months, and then refuses to close the deal!” Car grinned, covering the smile on her lips. “Are you telling me that you two—” Ria sighed and turned to her friend. “Yes, a lack in judgment on my part.” She instantly wished she hadn’t let her emotions get the best of her and spoken so rashly.

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“Honey, I can think of many women who’d like to give up a bit of common sense for a piece of your husband.” She stepped away from the blinds, tugged the black scarf off her neck, and flung it on her desk. “That’s just it. I never wanted a sex symbol as a husband.” “Sweetie, no offense, but didn’t you think about that before you went on the show or jumped the broom with him?” Of course she had. However, the idea of her actually being picked out of ten other women had been more of a daydream. Ria had fallen for Garrison hook, line and sinker. And when he’d asked for her hand in marriage, she’d finally felt like she’d met the man she was meant to be with. “Not as much as I wish I had.” Ria felt her lips tilt upward as she thought about the first time she’d been introduced to him. Unlike the other contestants’ dates with Garrison, their time together had been a comedic string of errors, right from the moment she’d dumped ice cream in his lap and then slipped and fallen directly on top of him.

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“That’s the way love goes, I suppose,” Car said, with a quiet smile on her face. “I get all the reasons you went along with it. I mean, it’s Garrison Fox, but do you really regret marrying him?” Ria smiled wider, thinking how easy dumping ice cream on him had been compared to the dissention between them now. Marrying Garrison Fox had been one of the biggest events in her otherwise uneventful life. He’d changed her world in ways she couldn’t imagine. Although her mother, Janelle, had been all over the news, instructing Ria what to do with all those dollar signs. She frowned. In fact, her life was just what money-hungry Janelle had sought for herself since her daughter was knee high and her father had run out on them. There’d been the endless stream of men termed “Uncle this or that” and the cosmetic surgeries and three marriages later, Janelle Phillips was no better off then she’d been when Ria was eight years old. “It’s complicated,” she answered.

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“Yes, I can see that, but humans have a way of making things overly complicated.” Car smiled. “I think when two people are meant to be together, they’ll find a way to defy the odds.” Did she regret Garrison? No, but as for the money he came attached with, yes. She was anything but her mother, and every day she fought like hell to make sure she never crossed that line. Garrison’s mother, Elaine, had already hinted at the mini investigation she’d concluded in her son’s honor. Though Ria had nothing to hide from the matriarch, she hadn’t wanted to hear anything new, especially about her mother’s tirades. Leaving had seemed like the right thing to do at the time. “I don’t know if loving Garrison can defy the odds of the world he comes from.” Carlyn put her arm around her. “Well, call me a sweeter-than-Tinker-Bell’s tinkle, but I believe things will work out between you two.” “You’re such a hopeless romantic, girl.” She smiled sadly, despite the hope that shot through her chest. Her friend was

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indeed a romantic; stories like Ria’s weren’t usually attached to happy endings. She’d learned that lesson young. Ria’s eyebrow arched. “Since when does Tinker Bell have a tinkle?” The two women laughed. “C’mon, let’s get to work. Augustine’s new winter collection fashion show is approaching, and I want to do a marvelous spread. Ready?” Car took a seat, pen and pad ready. “Let’s go!” ***** By lunchtime Garrison had learned all the names of his staff writers, each of their fields and had even gone out during rush hour and picked up lunch. He’d read the skeptical looks on his employees’ faces but had eventually won them over. He’d even sat through two rounds of grandchildren photos. He had never encountered a livelier bunch of people. He hadn’t walked into the office thinking that a simple change of his attire would make him the average, everyday

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man, but he wanted the people who worked for him to feel like he was listening, like he cared. This was what his life would be like without all the hypocrisy, media and dramatics of his family members. For a moment, his thoughts embraced this world. He knew it was temporary, but there was something peaceful about it; it was humbling compared to the neck-breaking, vicious existence he’d endured for the last thirty-six years. Garrison chuckled at a joke from Phil, a writer for the Game Time section of the magazine. He took a deep breath, settled into his seat. He wasn’t naïve enough to think that a world where the spotlight didn’t constantly shine was without its own challenges, but his mind sure could use the break. He chewed on his sandwich, his gaze locking on Ria’s office door. He had never wanted any woman more than his wife. His wife? How many times had he said in the past that being tied down was the last thing on earth he’d wanted to do? His brother Darius had teased him mercilessly once the news broke about his nuptials. Willie had

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wanted someone fresh for the Soul Mates bachelor, and Garrison’s name had come up. After many conversations, meetings and several drinks, Garrison had given in. He stirred in his seat at the lunchroom table, making it a point to nod at all the appropriate times. His mind, however, recalled the sway of Ria’s soft hips. His fingers clutched his Styrofoam cup while his mouth watered as the sweetness of her pussy awakened his senses. He recalled the taste of her on his tongue, the feel of her ass in his palms. The need to delve between her silky thighs had been overwhelming last night. It’d taken every ounce of strength he possessed to just walk away. The spray of the cold shower back in his hotel room had done little to douse the hunger slicing through him. Garrison would not take her on some half whim for the sake of the physical. No, he wanted all of her. To consume and to be consumed by her. He wouldn’t accept any less than that. When they came together again, it would be because she wanted him— all of him.

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His proposal to Ria was only for one week, yet he wondered if he could do this every day and simply walk away from the limelight, the tabloids, the drama that came with being a Fox. He couldn’t lie and say that it wasn’t tempting. Garrison’s thoughts wavered as Ria stood at the entrance of the cafeteria, quietly watching him. Their eyes met. The heat pulled them closer, though her body language spoke of defiance and outright anger. He continued to watch hungrily as she promptly rolled her eyes at him, sashayed her sexy behind to the vending machine and punched the buttons for her Diet Coke. Garrison would have gotten up and hauled her into his arms, only he was sure she’d punch his lights out before he had a chance. She hadn’t been thrilled with his idea of holding out the goods last night, and she’d grown even more irate when he’d left her house in the wee hours of the morning—or rather, when she’d thrown him out. He smiled, stood and excused himself from the table and walked over to her. “Good afternoon, Ria.”

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She kicked the vending machine, frowning at the Snickers bar frozen in a lopsided position, and turned to him. “Who knew you’d enjoy slumming this much.” The words were harsh but not as nearly as frosty as the coldness reflected in her eyes. “I don’t consider this slumming.” “Well, it’s sure as hell not keeping up with the Gateses or Trumps, now is it?” She turned her attention back to the machine, shaking it. “Damn thing! Give me my chocolate!” Garrison squinted his eyes. “Why don’t you say what you’re really upset about?” She angled her head at him. “Upset? Is that what you think I am?” “Yes.” “Upset doesn’t even cover it, Garrison. I mean, you storm back into my life—that is, after buying your way into it by acquiring Core. You then bully me by insisting on this farce of being”—her gaze skidded over him as she gestured with her hands—“an average, everyday man.” She paused long enough to kick the machine and swirled back at him.

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“But to top it off, you come to my apartment and refuse to fuck me!” Garrison crossed his arms, his voice low. “I think everyone has heard enough.” She looked around him and saw several people snickering and others with downcast faces. “Fine!” Garrison let her get to the entrance before he said, “We’ll continue this at home.” “Excuse me?” Ria turned around. “We don’t have a home.” Garrison stepped closer. “We do now. At least for the next week.” “Now, look—” “No, you look. My bags have been packed and are now sitting in your apartment, thanks to your landlord, Mr. Silverman, and seeing as I’m low on funds and have no access to credit cards, where else did you expect me to go?” “I hear the mission is available.” “The only place I’m going to be is 637 Juniper Lane, Apt. 11B.” He stomped out, sidestepping her. “See you tonight, honey.”

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Chapter Four How Ria managed to walk out of the cafeteria with her head up was beyond her. The whole staff had heard the martial squabble between her and Garrison. Some had looked at her like she was crazy. One had even pulled her aside to ask what she was thinking; after all, this was Garrison Fox. Damn dreamy minded females! Ria tore open the Snickers bar that she’d finally managed to wrestle the machine for. She was going to need a lot more chocolate to deal with the events unfolding before her very eyes. She didn’t know whether to be more surprised at the fact that Garrison had turned in his credit cards and cash or the fact she was going to have to spend the next several days with him. Her home. Her domain. She planned on having a serious talk with her landlord. Traitor! “How long are you going to sit there and avoid going home?”

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She looked up into Car’s knowing eyes and groaned. “This is so surreal. Just like everything having to do with Garrison. I mean, why can’t he see just how overbearing, dominating and chaotic this is?” “You have to give the man credit. He’s managed to keep the press and his family off his trail, and he’s disconnected himself from all the nuances of his daily world for you. Some women would love that.” “I’m not some women.” Car giggled. “The way you’re attacking that candy bar, I would tend to agree with you right now. But here’s something to consider: how would you feel if things were reversed?” “What do you mean?” “What would you do if Garrison was the one talking of divorce and wanting to be rid of you?” The panic that dipped in her stomach slapped her face with cold reality. Ria looked down at her fingers, licking the chocolate off of them. “I don’t know how I’d feel.” “Oh, I think you do. I just think since that’s not the case, it makes it easier to avoid facing other possibilities.”

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Ria shook her head. “God, I hate when you turn into Doctor Phil.” “You know I’m right.” “I think I hate that more.” “Well, just how long are you going to avoid the real issue, girlfriend? I mean, this is your man and he’s come for you, spitting fire and brimstone until he gets you. I’d say it’s high time you either let go, and put an end to magical moments like this afternoon in the cafeteria—” Carlyn chuckled, then straightened her face at Ria’s scowl. “Sorry.” Ria stood. “You’re right. It’s time Garrison and I had a talk. A serious talk about things. I’m going home.” ***** “Are you telling me that Garrison has fled his responsibilities to go after that—that commoner?” Darius Fox rolled his eyes before turning to face his mother. Dressed to the nines in her Donna Karan suit, pearls and perfectly coiffed hair, Marlene Fox was a force to be reckoned with in her early sixties.

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“Do not get involved, Mother. Garrison knows what he’s doing, and he will not tolerate interference from you.” “Interference? Mercy, this would be more like an intervention. I mean, before he threw caution to the wind, he should have had that woman investigated.” Darius swallowed his coffee, then said, “You mean, like you did?” Marcia tilted her head upward. “I will not feel badly for protecting my son’s interests. Hell, all of our interests. Am I the only one who sees the potential for disaster? This woman comes from nothing.” “As did this family before good fortune came our way. You seem to forget that, Mother.” “Don’t talk to me about our family history as if I’m not knowledgeable, Darius. My father was a hardworking man and because of his labor, we all benefit today. This Ria Phillips is not one of us.” Darius shook his head. “The fact that she married Garrison says she is.” “Technicality that can be remedied with a quick divorce.”

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“Mother, has it ever dawned on you that Garrison is in love with Ria? I mean, if you ever gave her half a chance, you would see that his face lights up whenever he’s close to his wife. And like it or not, the moment my brother married her, it was a done deal.” Darius finished his coffee and rounded the table. He shot his mother a warning glance. “Do not in any way interfere with Garrison’s marriage, or you’ll regret it.” He bent down to kiss her cheek. “I’ll see you later.” Marlene smiled. “Have a good day, darling.” She watched her youngest son leave, and her mind whirled. She would derail this train before it took her son and their name through the gutter. But how? Her face lit up. She pulled her cell phone out her Louis Vuitton purse, dialed, and waited. “Hello?” “Janice Phillips?” “Who wants to know?” the other woman asked. Marlene grinned into the receiver. “Let’s just say someone who can make it worth your while.”

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***** The smell of spicy shrimp stir-fry and fragrant rice wafted through the air as Ria opened the door to her apartment. Her mouth watered and as if to nod in agreement, her stomach growled. “Hello?” She placed her purse and laptop bag down on the couch. Something lurched in her heart when she saw him appear. Though the sight of him in her kitchen was so unfamiliar, it struck a chord deep within her. This is what it should be like. Garrison peeked his head out of the kitchen with her “Kiss the Cook” apron on. He offered a small smile. “In here.” Ria followed the scent, fully expecting a mess, but what she saw made more than her stomach hungry. Garrison was in full control of the kitchen: several pots and pans were filled with sautéed vegetables, steamed rice, savory sauces and jumbo shrimp. The food looked good, but the low-rise blue jeans and the way the denim hung on his hips

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made her want to reach out and touch him, as did the white T-shirt molded to his chest. She watched him move expertly behind the stove. “What’s all this?” “Some call it dinner.” Garrison chuckled. “Would you like some wine?” Ria couldn’t help but smile, her defenses melting quickly at the handsome man in front of her. She’d been so ready for a fight; she hadn’t expected to encounter an upgraded Chef Boyardee who would look good naked. They’d rarely had a night like this before she’d left due to his hectic schedule. The change was nice, though she knew it was temporary. “Yeah, that sounds good.” Anything to keep her hands busy. She poured the wine slowly, noting that her hands shook. This is ridiculous. It’s just Garrison. Ria turned back to face him, finding strong shoulders tapering into a lean muscled back, hard-as-rock abs and an ass she’d had her share of time grabbing as he drove into her during lovemaking. She found herself edging closer to the stove; she angled her hip against the counter

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and faced the man who made her kitchen seem smaller than it was. “You didn’t have to do this.” He lifted a forkful of shrimp to her lips. “Taste this. You’ll be glad I did.” Ria smiled, liking the idea of him feeding her. She stepped closer, her gaze pinned to his, and opened her mouth. She closed her eyes, instinctually, expecting to taste the spicy shrimp. But instead she felt the hot tip of his tongue trace its way around her lips slowly and then dip between them before she could protest. She moaned. Screw the shrimp! She’d take the taste of Garrison any day, any time. Right now, she couldn’t get enough. One arm snaked around his neck, pulling him closer. His arm wrapped her waist in a tight embrace. He pulled away long enough to discard the fork and say, “I’m sorry I couldn’t resist.” “I’m glad you didn’t.” Garrison continued to kiss her. “We really should eat.” Ria licked her lips, watching him. “We do need to talk.”

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He pulled her against him. “There’re so many ways to communicate.” She nodded, and their lips fused together again. She didn’t care about the food or the argument from earlier. The only thing that would feed her now was his body. Garrison picked her up, backing them up against the table. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he bent slightly, his hand swiping everything off the table. The sound of glass crashing against the floor didn’t slow him as he laid her down until she was flat on her back. The look in his eyes spoke of possession. Pure and unadulterated. His hands found the buttons to her jacket, tugged it open and quickly reached to cup her breasts through her bra. Ria arched her back; her palms ran up the flat plane of his stomach and ribcage. She couldn’t help but watch him in amazement as his muscles flexed when he removed his shirt. Her jacket and bra quickly followed. His lips found the pointy tips of her nipples, teased them with his tongue and

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then sucked harder. Her pussy throbbed as she locked her legs against him. “Yes.” His hands pressed against every curve until his fingers inched her panties away and molded against her soft curls. “I’ve missed this.” Ria met his heated gaze. “Me too.” “You want to see how much?” She nodded. He stepped back and unzipped his jeans, letting them drop to the floor. The sight of his naked body wasn’t anything new, but Ria swore each time she saw him fully nude, it was like the first time. Breathtakingly male and virile. His dick stood fully erect and wonderfully thick. Her heart clenched. He was hers. Hadn’t he always been? She swallowed back the tears and reached out to feel his dick in her hands. The pulse she felt matched the steady strumming between her legs. Garrison licked his lips. “What do you want?” Ria looked deep into his eyes. “Fuck me. Make me forget everything but you and right now.”

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He gripped her legs, pulling her to the edge of the table, wrapping them around his waist. He didn’t wait; he placed his hands under her hips and plunged deep within her pussy. “Ooh!” she shouted. Her tight muscles fisted against his dick with every thrust. She felt like the air had just been knocked out of her lungs. The pain was sweet and intense as Garrison pounded into her. She arched her hips, her fingers grazing his back as she whimpered against his lips. “That’s right, my pussy,” he whispered into her ear. He ground his hips against her, retreating and entering her with a fierce pace that made her scream twice. “Yes. Oh God! Yes.” Ria shuddered, feeling the hard edge of her climax tumbling closer and closer. She closed her eyes, wanting to remember this moment long past this day. Her heart melded with his. Her body clenched against his, taking everything he had to give and more. “Ahhh, yes! That’s it, baby.” Garrison angled her hips so that they were off the table. He stood straight; his hands pinned her

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hips into position as he fucked her long and hard. The thrust stole her breath away. There was nothing forgiving about them fucking this way. This was about taking what belonged to the other. And with all Ria had, she gave all she had to him, holding nothing back. He had her heart; he always had. “Garrison!” she called out, and the sound of his name vibrated around the apartment. Her climax pushed her over the edge of sanity. She whimpered as Garrison continued to pump inside of her; his thrusts became more languid and teasing as he watched her. “You are my heart, Ria.” He ground into her and then thrust once more before his seed spilled deep into her walls, joining them together again. ***** The next morning, Ria found herself smiling as she entered the shower. Two seconds later, she felt Garrison slide in behind her. His arms pressed against her stomach, bringing her against his erection.

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“We’re going to be late for work if we keep this up.” He nibbled on her ear. “But I think I’ll be able to manipulate the boss into giving us a pass.” Ria’s eyes fluttered closed as she rested her head against his shoulder. His hands lathered soap over her breasts and nipples in slow circles. “You can?” “Yes.” “Well then, in that case…” She turned to face him, taking two seconds to look into his eyes before brushing her lips against his. She forced him against the tile, smiling at the surprise in his voice as his body made contact with the cool surface. Ria took her time, letting her lips taste the salty essence of his brown skin on the side of his neck, collarbone, pecs. She bent down, the spray of water cascading over her, around her. She felt like she was underneath a waterfall. Garrison gazed down at her. “What are you doing?” She smiled wickedly. “Pleasing you.” She opened her mouth; her tongue molded to

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the tip of his dick and gently, slowly pulled on the sensitized head, methodically reeling him in. Garrison shuddered. “Mmm, you keep this up and we may not ever leave this shower.” “Not a bad idea.” She brought her hands to his hips, pulling him closer, taking him fully into her mouth. She suckled, teased and squeezed his balls. Faster. He writhed, his hands fused into her hair. “Ahh, baby, I don’t know how long I can last.” Inwardly she smiled, loving the control she had over him. The taste of his dick. Her dick. Her man. She twirled her tongue and felt his resolve slip. His cock swelled, and she knew he was close to coming. “Mmm, yes.” Garrison thrusted his hips slowly against her lips and pulled back only to have her push him closer. The move made him lose the battle, and he came. Ria drank him in, taking all of his essence until he was spent. He helped her up, wrapping her in his arms.

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“I love you so much, baby.” Garrison looked down into her eyes and kissed her soundly. His words made her heart surge with hope. Maybe they could work out their differences. Maybe they could beat his world and the odds and do this thing the right way. Together. She wanted to try again, and when the time was right, she’d tell him exactly that. “I love you too,” Ria answered.

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Chapter Five Garrison tried to pay attention at the meeting, but his gaze kept finding Ria. They smiled at each other every time their eyes met. It was as if he couldn’t get enough of her. He was already on day three and knew he didn’t need the next four to tell him what his heart had known all along: Ria Phillips was his for keeps. They still had not gotten a chance to talk over their next course of action, but he knew he wouldn’t be without her again. No matter what came at them. The flash of the camera caught Garrison by surprise as a crowd of reporters flooded the room; half of them hammered questions at him and the others at Ria. “Is it true, Garrison, that you bought Core to win back your wife?” “Is a divorce still pending?” “Recent reports have brought up questions about your wife’s mother’s

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questionable past—do you think she’s after your money?” “Is it true that your mother paid your wife’s mother to expose your whereabouts?” Garrison rushed to his feet, anger shining in his eyes at the reporter who’d asked the last question. Starr Jennings. A personal nemesis of his mother’s and a usually reliable source of information. If her statement was true, his mother was going to have hell to pay for. “No comment!” He pushed and shoved the reporters out of his way until he could stand next to Ria. “Where in the hell did all these people come from? How did they find you?” “I don’t know, but let’s go!” He grabbed her and rushed out the conference room, with the crowd following close behind. They reached Ria’s office and slammed the door behind them. “That was insane!” she said, sitting down in a daze at her desk. Garrison closed the blinds. “I’m going to call Willie and see if she can get the police here.” He turned to face her. “What is it?”

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Ria shook her head. “Just when I thought things were going to be okay. Normal.” “Look, you know that things like this happen.” “I specifically heard one reporter say that our mothers have something to do with this mess! Do not sit here and pretend with me.” “What do you want me to say, Ria? I’m sorry, my mother can do underhanded things.” “And that’s supposed to make everything okay? This is not normal. This is not the sort of thing I wanted for my life, and it’s the very reason I left to begin with.” Garrison frowned. “So when things get complicated, you’ll just run, like you did before?” “That’s not what I said.” “Oh really? Because that’s what the hell it sounds like to me.” Garrison paced and then stopped. “We’re married, Ria. It doesn’t matter how it happened. It happened. It’s a damn fact. And I’m damn sick and tired of you deciding what will and what won’t be acceptable and then running away from me!”

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Ria stood, pointing her finger at him. “You’re tired? I’m tired of wondering just what way your mother will screw us next time! I mean, at least I could get a running start next time before she stabs me in the back.” Garrison shook his head. “This isn’t about my mother or yours. It’s not about the reporters outside that door. This has to do with you.” “Me?” “Yes—you’re afraid to love me. Admit it—you have this fear of not feeling like you’re enough.” “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ria looked away; the lump in her throat constricted her, kept her from speaking. The truth had just been slapped across her face. Garrison stepped closer. “You can’t lie to me.” He cupped her face in his hands, forcing her to look in his eyes. “You’re my wife. That’s all that matters to me. I don’t care who believes in us as long as you do, baby.”

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Tears shone in her eyes. “I do believe in us. You coming here and being with me showed me what our love really is.” “Then stand here with me. Stand here with me as I announce to the world that I’m going to be relocating and taking over Core on a daily basis when Willie retires. As I tell them that my life is here with you.” Ria let the tears fall. “B-But what about the other companies, your family in Chicago? You’d walk away from all of it?” “Yes. My family can take care of themselves; Darius can take care of the other investments. I’m here to take care of mine. You. What do you say?” Ria wrapped her arms around him. “Yes!” She leaned back to kiss him. Garrison whirled her around and then strutted to the door and opened it. Billie Adkins was there for The Insider. Cartwright Jones from Focal Point and Jules Montgomery from All the Rage. He’d had run-ins with every one of them. “Garrison, is it true that you’ve come to get your wife back?” Billie asked, pushing a microphone into his face.

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“Garrison, do you believe the allegations that your wife and her mother were in cahoots to extort money from the Fox family?” He grabbed the mic from Billie, smiling at her surprise. “Get this and tell the world Garrison Fox has left Chicago for good. I will be here”—he turned and felt Ria’s hands slip into his as she stood by his side—“with my wife, running Core magazine. We would like the public and the press to respect our privacy, but if you can’t—” Garrison shoved the mic back at the reporter, stepped back and slammed the door in their faces. Ria laughed loudly. “You are so damn crazy!” She knew the press wouldn’t be that put off by her husband’s display, but this time, she wasn’t about to let them or any of the Foxes run her off. It didn’t matter how they’d begun. The only thing that mattered was that they were both going to stand strong this time. She didn’t want to be anywhere else but with him.

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“Only about you, baby. Only you.” He pulled her back into his arms. “Say, didn’t you tell me something about getting busy in my office once?” She smiled up at him. He picked her up. “I’ll have to reward you for the reminder.” “I’m all over that!” Ria grinned.

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ABOUT SAMARA KING

Samara King is the author of over twenty published novels, novellas, short stories and as well as poetry. Since her days of sneaking romance novels to the back of the library in grade school; romance fiction has been a consistent staple in Samara's world; soon after, the desire to write her own tales unfolded.

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Currently, she is hard at work on her next project. Readers may visit : http://www.samaraking.com