Although I’m still working on a few things to remaster I think I have most of it up. My old blogs remain up but I have lost the ability to link in bio so posting there is kind of pointless. Its a long convoluted story about why this is case I really blame tumblrsupport. But just as a PSA to my writer friends please save your hyperlinks and use google docs and one drive for your stories. I could have lost a lot of work had I not done that. While remastering is a huge task it took a little stroll down memory lane and that was priceless.
Hi, it's me J! Just wanted to let you know I am transitioning to a new tumblr name. I have one foot in the other tumblr*verse and one here. If i'm on your tag list continue to keep me tagged maybe add this one so I don't lose your stories. Since moving a massive master list keeps me on a PC, oftentimes I dont get notifications on my phone or PC.
Spread the word I haven't been able to tag a few people not sure why thanks!
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*I'm not going to be on this page very soon as I will be deactivating*
Rating: NSFW M (Mature content and implied sexual activities)
Pairing: Liam & Jessica (MC)
Agent Phoenix series premise: This is a canon divergent series set after TRR 3 Tariq is never found. Liam’s duty to his country forces him into marriage. Jessica and Liam enter into a Cordonian arrangement. Both of them wanted to have a life together. However, various obstacles prevent him from a divorce and having the life they both want together. With dreams of a future crushed, Jessica decides to hit the reset button on her life and move back to New York. Both of them heartbroken and unable to move on, Jessica’s career path takes an expected turn and now her duty to her country pushes her to Cordonia.
Detailed disclaimer
Triggers: Death, parental loss and miscarriage, and angst. 🍋
This apart of Agent Phoenix stories in between series a collection of stories that occur within the Agent Phoenix Canon divergent A/U.
Stories in between series premise: This four part miniseries discusses a loss Liam and Jessica face together and apart. It happens at separate times in their lives, it happens simultaneously in their lives apart and ultimately it brings to their present with a glimpse into their future. It is apart of their story in Agent Phoenix and one that I have debated in trying to tell. I hope that those that have inspired me to tell it feel I captured something worth reading.
A/N: This story in between comes full circle and Jessica’s secret changes everything
Word Count: 4,500 (according to google) Please excuse any typos or grammatical errors.
Song inspiration song: Sea of lovers - Christina Perri
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Thank you to those that have helped me along the way @emceesynonymroll, @bbrandy2002, @burnsoslow, @hopefulmoonobject @loveellamae-blog
As always. I hope that you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing.
A/N: This is the answer to my very FIRST ASK!!!
Also, this is the long awaited 2nd chapter to my new TRR series “Being” it will follow Liam and Karis on their adventures as monarchs and new parents. I think it should be sweet. Thank you to @secretaryunpaid for pre-reading part of this chapter and being a HUGE inspiration.
Disclaimers: Most characters are property of Pixelberry
Warnings: If you are under 18 please, just don’t. Language, adult content and some NSFW.
Word Count: 4100 ish
Catch up: Chapter 1
Pairings: Liam x MC (Queen Karis Rose Vasquez-Rhys)
Song inspiration: Back at One- Brian McKnight
Be Kind: Hit the heart button, leave a comment or reblog. It makes a writer so so happy.
Summary: This is an in-between moment from chapter 19 of book 1, between the garden scene with Drake and Liam's announcement. I've never written any canon moments with Drake and Alaina, but this song made me instantly think of this scene.
Song Inspiration: Over You by Ingrid Michaelson & Great Big World
Word Count: 498
Warnings: None really, maybe one or two swears
A/N: I’m participating in @wackydrabbles challenge #100 (!!!). The prompt is This is huge - we need to celebrate! It will appear in bold.
A/N #2: This piece was inspired by the Royal Roulette challenge, which is the brainchild of the incredible @txemrn. To play, you shuffle your music selections and write based on the first song that appears. This has had minimal editing, so please forgive any spelling/grammatical errors.
Alaina re-entered the ballroom from the gardens, trying to steady her shaking nerves. This was what she had been waiting for, what she’d been dreaming of since she boarded the jet to Cordonia without a second thought.
So why was she suddenly filled with dread?
She closed her eyes, trying to push the thought of Drake from her mind, trying to forget the way his lips felt pressed against hers, the way she felt incredibly safe in his arms.
The way she lit up every time he was next to her.
She glanced up towards the front, Liam shooting her a sly wink through the crowd. He was a kind man, as close to perfect as possible. Everything she should want.
But as the doors open, revealing the same dark brown eyes that haunted her every thought, she knew that her heart was no longer hers to give.
It had already been claimed.
………………………………………………….
Drake sucked in a sharp breath, pulling on the handles of the ballroom doors. He told himself it was a mistake, that he should head back to the quiet solace of the outside. But his body involuntarily forced him in, the buzz of anticipation surrounding him.
How the fuck did this happen?
How the hell had he managed to fall for the one girl he wasn’t supposed to?
He couldn’t even pin it on an exact moment. Alaina surprised him constantly, but he was never expecting this. How quickly she went from driving him batshit crazy, to becoming the one that kept him up all hours of the night.
But all thoughts were silenced as his gaze met hers, the brilliant blue hue of her eyes commanding all of his attention.
………………………………………………….
Drake took a sip of his drink before he felt someone grab his arm, pulling him to the front of the room. He settled next to Alaina, clearing his throat as her gaze met his, a sudden blush filling her cheeks.
“We made it!” Maxwell danced excitedly in between the two. “This is huge - we need to celebrate! We’re finally going to learn Liam’s choice.”
But Alaina and Drake said nothing, a silent conversation passing between them. As Constantine started his announcement, Drake offered her an unconvincing smile, trying to remove any doubts.
Alaina inhaled sharply, forcing her gaze back towards Liam. But her heart hammered in her chest. Her eyes flicked back toward Drake, who was still watching her intently, attempting to convince herself that he was not the one she wanted.
As Liam began to announce his choice, the room started to spin around her, Alaina reaching out to hold Max’s arm. She closed her eyes, trying to keep her breathing steady. Images of her time with Drake flooded her mind, screaming out that she was making a mistake.
She couldn’t do this.
She started to pull Max to the side, but before she could, a wave of alerts rang out from everyone’s phones.
Happy 100 weeks of fluffy, angsty and smutty prompts,@wackydrabbles! Thank you so much for all you do to create such a fun environment here on tumblr! I am participating this week with prompt #100: "This is huge--we need to celebrate!" (The prompt will be in bold)
Book: The Nanny Affair
Warning: language; brief allusions of promiscuity and sensuality
Word count: 1267 (+/-)
A/N: What happens when you message your amazingly talented TNA sister and friend in the wee hours of the morning about Sam and Robin being in an emo band? I think it's obvious...@sfb123 I. Can. Not. The pic is absolutely AMAZING! Thank you so much for donating your time and creativity to make me laugh! You NEVER cease to amaze me. Love you, dearly! Big thanks to @chemist-ana and @shannonwrote for pre-reading! These characters belong to Pixelberry.
Title of the Fic/Lyrics in Fic: "Cute Without the 'E' (Cut from the Team)" by Taking Back Sunday (undeniably the BEST emo band to have ever existed)
***
“Okay, I’ll be right there.”
Ending his phone call with a hushed tone, Sam quietly pulls the door shut to his bedroom. He tiptoes carefully across the hardwood floors, carrying a large duffle bag. He turns the corner to the foyer; now, all he has to do is make it down the elevator, and his secret rendezvous remains just that: a secret.
“Sam?” He freezes mid-stride. “Where are you going?”
“Brynn!” Sam startles, turning on his heel. “Hi, baby!” His voice cracks in the midst of his unnatural peppy tone. He casually drops his bag behind his back before reaching out to hug his girlfriend. “Is, uh--” he kisses her as she raises an eyebrow, “--is the conference call with Tokyo over?”
“Dr. Matsuo is having technical difficulties,” Brynn’s eyes dart to the large duffle bag on the floor before glaring at Sam. “--so we’re taking a break for him to grab another computer”
“Oh, well, in that case--” Sam bounds to the kitchen, “--let’s grab you some coffee. You want some dessert?” He turns around, discovering that Brynn didn’t follow him. “Brynn?” He panics, jogging out of the room. “Brynn?”
“Whoa!” They collide in the hallway, but Sam tries to play it off by tangling his hands in her hair, forcing her into more sweet kisses. She puts her hands up in surrender, pushing his body off of hers. “You’re acting weird.”
“I’m not acting weird.” His words are quick, almost mumbled as he shoves his hands into his pockets.
“See?” She scoffs into a snicker. “That was weird.”
“N--No it wasn’t.”
Brynn’s eyelids lower, glaring at her boyfriend. Her eyes quickly shift to the duffle bag, then back to Sam. “What are you hiding?” She subtly turns towards the foyer.
“Hiding--?”
“What’s in the duffle bag?” Brynn and Sam slowly look at the duffle bag before glaring back at each other. An eerie silence hangs in the air as if a challenge has been issued. In an instant, they both sprint to the bag. They crash painfully into each other before falling to the floor. “C’mon--Sam--” she grunts as she pulls on the handles. “Let! Go!”
“There’s--nothing--to--OW!” He suddenly screeches, letting go of the bag. “Fucking Succubus! What are those? Talons?” Sam massages his hand as a satisfied Brynn sits cross-legged in victory, locking eyes with him. She puts her fingers on the zipper, taunting him. She slides her hand inside a front pocket.
She gasps. "What is this--?"
“Okay, wait--" he warns.
Brynn pulls out an ornate invitation with silver filigree that says, 'Class of 2002'.
"I can--I can explain."
She continues to read until she abruptly smiles at Sam. "Sam! It's an invite to your twenty-year high school reunion!"
"Yeah, well--" Sam rubs the back of his neck timidly.
"We're going, right? I mean, this is huge--we need to celebrate!"
"Yeah, I mean, of course. I mean--" his face drops as he sighs. "I kinda, sorta have to."
"Why? Is everyone just dying to see what became of the homecoming king?" She jests, booping him on the nose.
"Nominated. I was nominated for homecoming king.”
“Of course, you were,” she rolls her eyes before giggling. She turns her attention back to the bag when Sam interrupts her again.
“Okay, Brynn, look--" he searches for the right words. "--there's a lot about my past--about me in high school you don't know about yet--"
"Sam," she chuckles with a knowing smile. "I already know about the girls from the cheerleading squad--"
He sighs with irritation. "Fucking Robin--!"
"-- and the girls from the JV squad and the captain and co-captain of the pep squad--"
"Fuckin' A--!"
"--at the same time!" Brynn bites her bottom lip to stifle a laughter. "And then he mentioned some girl named Delaney--?"
"-- Jesus Christ! Robin went on one date with her! One--!" He drags his fingers down his face in frustration.
Brynn grabs his hands in amusement. "My point, Mr. Dalton, is I know full-well that you were a bit wild in your youth. You even told me that. Let's see," she starts to count on her fingers, "you vandalized the opposing school's basketball gym; you totaled your dad's Bentley--"
"Okay, you can stop now--"
"--and then you let Robin take the blame!"
Sam snickers under his breath. "Dad was so pissed, had Robin packing his things to kick him out--"
"Sam!" Brynn playfully pushes his shoulder. "You’re such an asshole!"
Sam playfully grabs Brynn’s arm. Pulling her into his lap, he gives her bottom a swift spank, making her yelp with glee. "Am I still an asshole?" He presses his lips into her supple pout.
"Mmmm,” Brynn licks her lips, lowering her voice. “One that needs to be punished--"
"Ooooo--" Sam crashes his lips into her mouth again, nibbling on her lips. "--Daddy likes."
As their kissing becomes deeper, enthralled with passion, Brynn finally pulls away from his tongue. "But wait a minute," she grabs the duffle bag, "what's with you being so shady? What's even in this bag?"
“Um,” he swallows thickly, “well--”
“And why do you ‘kinda, sorta have to go’?” she air-quotes, mimicking his deep voice.
“Okay, fine.” Sam sighs, rubbing the stubble of his chin. “You really want to know?”
“What gave you that impression, Sam?” Brynn sasses, pinching Sam’s arms.
“Okay, smartass,” Sam chuckles before becoming serious. “In high school, I was in a band.”
“That’s it?” She punches out a cheeky laugh. “Sam, I’ve know that since, gosh--” she puts her hand on her forehead,”--shoot, I know it was before your engagement party.”
“Really?”
“Yes, because when we were dancing, I was shocked you had such terrible rhythm--” She widens her eyes, watching for his reaction.
“Hey! I’ve got rhythm,” he says defensively.
“Uh-huh. Sure, you do,” Brynn nods sardonically. Sam begins to tickle Brynn, causing her to jump, straddling his lap.
“Want me to prove it to you?,” he bucks his hips into Brynn, bearing an impish grin. Brynn lets out a hearty laugh, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Okay, now that?” she seals his lips with hers as she rocks her hips into his. “You do have impeccable rhythm.” She combs her fingers through his hair as he grips tightly to her ass. She teases him, licking his top lip. “So, the band is why you have to go?” Her eyes widen with joy. “Oh my God, are you playing at your reunion?”
Sam leans back on his hands, chuckling. “You guessed it, and I have practice tonight.”
“Sam! That’s incredible!” she endearingly strokes his cheek. “So, tell me: what kind of music did you play?”
Suddenly the elevator dings of someone’s arrival to the penthouse, forcing Brynn to dismount from Sam. As the doors shuffle open to reveal it’s passenger, Sam and Brynn are greeted with the gravelly growl of a singing baritone.
“... and will you tell all your friends
You've got your gun to my head
This all was only wishful thinking…”
Brynn stands up in disbelief. Wearing an old black Ramones t-shirt is Robin, complete with skinny jeans, a studded belt, and a pair of Chuck Taylors. His long, chestnut locks are spiked out. “Robin?” Brynn curiously approaches the sight. “Are you wearing guy-liner?”
Abruptly, it hit Brynn like a lightening bolt as she zips open Sam’s duffle bag. “No. Fucking. Way.” She dumps out the contents of the bag: a black shirt with a skull on it, black skinny jeans, a black pair of Vans, and Brynn’s favorite Urban Decay eyeliner.
“Oh my God, Sam!” She stares at him in shock, trying to hide her smile. “Were you in an emo band?”
***
TNA tags (please let me know if you would like to be added or removed): @ao719 @charlotteg234 @chemist-ana @choiceskatie @forallthatitsworth @jessiembruno @kat-tia801 @khoicesbyk @lovelyladyk88 @lucy-268 @neotericthemis @nestledonthaveone @sfb123 @shannonwrote @shewillreadyou @somersetmummy @thefrenchiemama
Temptation (Part 12)- I always dirty myself up, after a vow to be clean
Book: The Royal Romance A/U
Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC
The TRR gang belongs to Pixelberry, I’m just completely uprooting their lives.
Series Summary: Andi Connors is perfectly content with her life. Sure, her job is soul-sucking and her boss is literally Satan, but what can you expect when you work in reality television? After years of working as a producer on one of the top-rated dating shows, she has grown cynical towards love and romance. Enter a handsome stranger she thinks she will only know for one night, making her throw caution to the wind. But when he appears at her job, will she be able to resist his charms? Could finding love be worth the risk?
Catch-up here: Temptation Masterlist
Chapter Summary: Andi finds herself torn between two paths when secrets are revealed during Hana's hometown date.
Rating/Warnings: M- Language, blackmail threats, shady and manipulative behavior.
Word Count: ~5700 (I'm so sorry 🙈)
Song Inspiration: Living by Verite
A/N: A huge thank you to @burnsoslow for pre-reading and making this chapter a million times better with your suggestions!
Tags are in the notes! Please let me know if you would like to be added/removed. A huge thank you to anyone who has liked, commented on, or reblogged this story ❤️
Everything is fine.
Nothing has changed.
I sigh, running my hands along my face as I lean back in my seat on the plane. You are not in love with Liam Rys. You are just a drunken idiot who got caught up in a stupid, fucking moment.
That’s all.
But it’s been days since my drunken admission, and the thought is just as prevalent as before. No matter how many times I try to block it out, it keeps coming back like a mosquito buzzing in my ear that I would love to squash.
I try to focus on work, training my gaze to stay on my tablet propped up on my lap tray. I adjust my earbuds, turning the volume up to block out the sounds of the plane around me, especially Maxwell trying to chat up the very friendly flight attendant. But then Olivia’s luncheon with her aunt and Liam starts to unfold in front of me. I can’t help the stupid, dopey grin that breaks across my face while I watch him. He nods along with the conversation, trying to bite his tongue as her aunt needlessly hurls insults and barbs in his direction.
Not that I’m surprised. Two days with that woman and I was ready to drop a mid-sized ranch on her, in complete disbelief that witches like her truly exist outside of Oz. I have a newfound respect for Olivia, considering how I’ve seen more nurturing behavior from snakes, she turned out a lot better than I would have expected.
I let out an internal cheer when Liam’s mannerisms switch, cutting off Lucretia in support of Olivia before she has a chance to reply. I smile to myself, it's even more satisfying to watch than it was in person. Exactly what I wanted to happen, giving Olivia a little more humanity with the viewers at home. Give the villain a tragic backstory with a compelling redemption arc, and the masses will fall for it almost every time.
Maxwell sighs, resting his chin on my shoulder. “How’s it looking?”
“Like you might as well pay me now,” I quip back. “She might win the whole damn thing.”
“As much as I’m loving this whole confident vibe you’ve got going on, Blossom. You sure that’s really what you want? I really think you should talk--”
“Finish that sentence and I will tell the stewardess about your happy little hippo,” I warn.
He leans back in mock horror, “You would use my deepest, darkest secret against me?”
“Aww, Max,” I say sardonically, patting his cheek. “It’s like you don’t know me at all.”
“I’d like to think after six years together, I know you pretty damn well.” He inhales slowly, “Which is why I’m going to say the thing you don’t want me to say, consequences be damned. You need to talk to Liam and figure out what is happening with you two.”
I turn back to the window, shaking my head as I stare out towards the dark clouds. “What’s the point?” I finally mutter. “Everything about this is temporary. In a couple of weeks, he’ll be home with a picture-perfect fiancee on his arm. I’ll still be me, the cold-heart bitch who spent this morning trying to find a shirt without a coffee stain on it.”
Maxwell’s lips form a tight line at my words. “Don’t you dare,” he snaps, forcing my head to whip back towards him. “Andrea Connors you are a fucking force to be reckoned with, and if you ever say anything like that again, well….I don’t know what I will do exactly. But trust me, it will involve glitter, sunshine, full-body hugs, and everything else you hate.” He places his hand on my arm. “It’s okay to be scared of what you’re feeling, Blossom. But don’t let that fear stop you from fighting for what you want.”
“I tried, Max,” I quietly admit.
“No, you didn’t,” he answers firmly. “You told him a list of reasons why you guys wouldn’t work.”
“I told him the truth.”
“A version of it, sure.” Maxwell shrugs, “But you’ve convinced yourself that this won’t work without even considering what could happen if it does. What it could be like if you let Liam in.”
I let out a dry laugh, “I thought you were decidedly against this?”
“I was against it when I thought you were only looking for a fling. But seeing you two together….” He smiles to himself. “Just think about it, okay?”
I inhale slowly, turning back to the paused screen of my tablet. Liam’s sly smirk is frozen, staring off in the background. I nod, “Fine, I’ll think about it.”
……………………………………………………..
A couple of hours later, we’re dropped off in front of a high-rise building, stopping to take in the views of Miami Beach surrounding it. I stare up at the imposing structure, the glass panes and ocean reflection colder than I would have imagined for where Hana grew up. But then again, I never pegged her as the daughter of one of Forbes’ richest men in the world, so what do I know?
We’re quickly ushered in by a doorman, taken to a private elevator at the back of the lobby. Both Max and I turn as it starts to climb, the blue-green waters of the ocean on display as we head up towards the top floor of the building. But any tranquility that we’re feeling from the sight is quickly erased as the door opens, revealing Hana locked in a heated argument with an unfamiliar woman. I arch my brow at Maxwell as we approach, trying to pick up on what they are fighting about. Hana tries to reach out to her, but the woman swats her hand away, storming towards us. She stops in her tracks as she finally notices her audience, turning back to Hana with a scowl. “We’ll continue this later.” She pushes between Maxwell and me, saving one last glare for our contestant before the terrace doors slam closed behind.
“Well, certainly not the greeting I was expecting,” Maxwell remarks under his breath.
I shoot him an annoyed look before turning back towards Hana, “Everything alright?”
She plasters on the same strained smile I have seen from her a million times, “Fine. Great. That was just my father’s business associate, Amalas. She doesn’t think the show is good for his business image.” She exhales slowly, erasing any signs of the previous conversation from her face. “But I’m glad you are both here now. What time is Liam coming?”
“He’ll be here in a little bit,” I answer, still trying to process what we just witnessed. “We’re going to do some scouting first, set up the plan for the day, and then he’ll join us.”
“Perfect, sounds great,” Hana answers a bit too hastily. “Whenever you’re ready, I can show you around.”
I smile, trying not to show the wheels turning in my mind. I wait until Hana’s out of earshot, before turning towards Maxwell. “Can you give us a few minutes? I want to run something by Hana before we get started.”
He purses his lips, “Technically speaking, I’m her producer, so if you need to talk--”
“Max, please,” I add, speaking through gritted teeth so he knows I’m serious. “Just a couple of minutes. I’ll fill you in as soon as we’re done.”
He groans, slowly walking back towards the elevator. “Fine, I guess I’ll….go call Bertrand or something. But this better be good.”
I wait until he’s back in the elevator before approaching Hana, watching as she stares out onto the terrace, her gaze fixated on Amalas. I exhale slowly, “So...is she the person you were telling me about back on Catalina?”
She snaps to attention, “What? No, of course not. That was nothing, just a stupid crush in my past. I’m focused on being the perfect partner for Liam, on what our relationship could be.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” I ask quietly. “Last time we talked--.”
“Andi,” Hana responds firmly. “Please, just drop it. Everything is fine. Liam will be here soon and my parents are looking forward to meeting him. That is the only thing that concerns me right now.”
“If you’re sure...,” I respond. “So how did your parents take the news about you being on the show? Are they good with it?”
“Not at first,” she sighs. “But then I told them that Liam Rys is the suitor. They quickly changed their tunes. My father and Constantine Rys run in the same circles, so that made him more open to the idea, especially when he thought about the long-term prospects.” She let out a short laugh, “Only my father could take something that was supposed to be strictly for me and somehow make it about his company.” She looks up at me in horror, “Oh, I just mean that he always thinks of situations in terms of how they will affect his company, and this is no different. I didn’t mean to speak poorly about him.”
“Please,” I reply, adding extra sass to each of my words. “That’s nothing. I say more fucked things to Maxwell all the time. You’re allowed to vent, it's what makes us human. Besides, it sounds like with your parents' expectations, you need to let it all out every once in a while. ”
“You have no idea,” Hana mumbles, staring back towards Amalas. The same nagging thought echoes in my mind, now completely certain that she is hiding something from me. “Can I just have a few minutes alone? I want to freshen up before we start filming.”
“Sure, I’ll go check in with Maxwell. Let us know when you’re ready.”
Hana nods, fidgeting with her hands, “And you can do me a favor? Can this conversation stay between us? I would hate for anyone to get the wrong idea about my family.”
“Yeah, of course,” I answer.
She gives me a grateful half-smile as she goes further into the apartment, soundly shutting a door behind her. I run my hands over my face as I press the down button for the elevator, my producer mind and human heart instantly going to war with each other. There’s something here I know it. But what exactly, I can’t quite figure out. I start to tap my fingers along my leg, a surefire sign that I am onto something potentially huge. But as I catch of glimpse of my excited smirk in the metal panel, I can’t help think of Hana’s face as she stared out onto the terrace.
I shake my head, no way am I pushing this. If there is something going on between her and Amalas, it’s not any of my business. Hana needs to figure out what she wants, decide for herself how she’s going to proceed. Within our small circle of producers, we always talk about having to find our line in the sand when it comes to releasing contestants’ secrets, the topics that are strictly off-limits to ask about in front of the cameras. Remembering Hana’s defeated expression as she stared at Amalas, I think I found one of the first for me.
As the doors open to the opulent lobby, I quickly find Maxwell pacing around the seating area, muttering into his phone. He turns towards me, arching his brow, “All good up there?”
I shake my head, “Not quite, she needs some time before we can start filming.”
“What’s going on?” Bertrand asks, his voice bellowing out from the phone speaker. “Why can’t she film?”
“It’s nothing,” I add quickly, almost too quickly. Bertrand is like a shark in the water, one drop of drama and he can sense it from a mile away. It’s one of his only skills as a producer, often forgotten as he hides away in his office. “She just dealing with some personal stuff.”
“Something we can use?” he asks. “Because as I was just telling Maxwell, so far, this episode is completely lacking any intrigue.”
“What about Liam and Lucretia?” Maxwell adds, trying to offer some assistance to me, probably noticing the panic that’s crossing my face. “He did a pretty good job putting her in her place.”
“A two-minute conversation,” Bertrand snaps. “Not nearly enough to fill the entire time slot. Please tell me you have something, Andi.”
I exhale slowly, “I promised Hana we wouldn’t bring it into the show.”
“A promise you had no right to make,” he snaps. “Unless you forgot, my family owns every piece of this show, and I will decide what we air and what we don’t. Now, get me something I can use.”
“I’ll figure something else out,” I try to recover. “We’ll be in New York in a couple of days and I’m sure I can get a great segment from Kiara--”
“Maxwell, take me off speaker,” Bertrand says coldly. Max hands me the phone with an apologetic look in his eyes. “Andrea, you promised me when you came back this year that you were invested in the success of this show.”
“Of cours--”
“I’m not done,” he snaps. “I fought for you, said you were an asset to this production. If you fail this and prove me wrong, there will be major repercussions.”
It feels like a ticking timebomb is about to go off in my mind, “Don’t threaten me, Bertrand. If you want to fire me, go ahead. I’ll have another job in an hour.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Andrea. You seem to forget how much pull my family has. Television and film are small little bubbles, insulated worlds where your prospects hinge on your reputation. Cross a major player, and none of the others will work with you either. Think long and hard about what you want your future to look like and if someone you’ll never see again is worth throwing everything away.” He pauses for a moment, “Do you understand?”
I grit my teeth together, tempted to throw the phone across the lobby in a fit of fury, “Yup, got it.” I hit the power button, tossing the phone back to Maxwell.
He rubs the back of his head with his hand. “So what are you going to do?” he quietly asks.
I run my hands along my face, “I have no fucking clue.”
…………………………………………………….
After a tour and an awkward introduction to Hana’s parents, we’ve managed to secure some alone time for the not-so-happy couple. They lay on a daybed on the rooftop terrace, staring out as the sun sets over the ocean views. Hana and Liam are both trying to break the awkwardness between them, but it only seems to be making things worse. After a few minutes of forced conversation, they seem to have given up, trading sheepish smiles at each other. Maxwell groans next to me, “What the hell is going on? I’ve seen more sexual tension in infomercials.”
I sigh heavily, running my hands over my eyes. Before he can say anything else, I scoot forward, finding my place in front of the cameraman. I wave my hands, pulling Hana’s attention to me. I mouth the words, “Talk to him.”
Hana gives Liam a timid smile, her gaze instantly falling back to her hands, “I’m sorry about my father. He tends to be single-minded when it comes to his business.”
Liam chuckles, the sound instantly putting Hana more at ease, “Trust me, I completely understand. My father is very similar in that way.” He looks down at me, a strange expression crossing his face. “What do you think about all of this?”
She tilts her head, “About the show? Oh….” She purses her lips together. “I’m not sure. I’m enjoying getting to know you.” She bites her lip, slowly moving forward. “I would like to get to know you more, I think...” My eyes widen as she presses her lips to his, only Liam’s shocked expression rivaling my own. My skin starts to crawl, unable to control the screaming fit of jealousy going on in my mind. I sit quickly on my hands, anything to stop the green-eyed monster from attacking Hana like I want to.
She pulls back, searching his gaze for something, letting out a sort of defeated sigh. Liam places his hand on her shoulder, leaning away from her as he glances at me with an apologetic look. I don’t respond, ignoring him as I try to calm my rage. Liam clears his throat. “That was...nice.”
Hana scrunches her face, “Right..that was nice. Very nice.” She looks up behind me, all of the color draining from her face. She quickly stands, muttering to me as she walks past the cameras back into the apartment. “Andi, can I have a minute?”
“Umm, sure?” I call out to her retreating form, already almost gone before I can even answer the question.
Maxwell leans over, “What the hell was all that about?”
I shake my head, “No fucking clue, but I’m going to go find out. This running away shit’s getting old, fast.” I start to head inside as well, motioning for Maxwell and one of the cameras to follow me. As I get further in, I start to hear raised voices, piquing all of my curiosity. I turn my head around the corner, taking a step back when I spot Amalas and Hana arguing again.
“You said you nothing was going to happen,” Amalas whispers harshly at Hana, her hands clenched in front of her.
“Nothing did happen!” Hana exclaims. “It was just a kiss, something to keep him interested. I’m going to have to show him some affection if I want him to pick me.”
Amalas scoffs, “How does this not make you sick? You’re playing on the man’s feelings, for what? So your father can make some new business deals. He’s basically treating you as his own personal courtesan.”
“You know it’s not like that,” Hana sighs. “He just needs an in with Liam's father. If I can get him the introduction, then it’ll all be over.” She steps closer to Amalas, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, “Then we’ll be free to live our lives as we please. Just you and I together, I promise.”
Amalas relaxes into her touch. “I still don’t like it.”
Maxwell stares back at me, his confused expression matching my own. But as I turn to say something, I bump into the edge of the doorframe with my elbow, letting out a sharp hiss of pain. Hana and Amalas both stop, moving to find me slightly hidden behind the entryway.
“Andi…” Hana calls out, her voice raising an octave as panic seems to start to set in, “How much did you hear?”
I roll my eyes, “That’s seriously what you’re going with? Maybe next time you’re trying to be stealthy, take your conversation behind closed doors.” I shake my head, “You know, I was actually falling for your little miss innocent act. They say you never really know someone…”
Hana’s gaze drops, “It wasn’t exactly an act. I didn’t know Liam was the suitor when I went on the show. I wanted to have feelings for him, but they never came.” She turns back to Amalas, “I was in love with someone already.” She smiles softly at me, “When I came home, we were finally able to admit our feelings for each other. We even told my parents, who were much more supportive than I thought they would be. But my father had one stipulation. He wanted me to use my relationship with Liam to secure a meeting with his father. Once that was done, we would have his blessing for our relationship.”
“And so what? You think that justifies fucking with Liam’s head? To make him think you were falling for him, just to completely screw him over as soon as you get what you want?”
Hana lets out a short laugh, “C’mon, Andi. You were the one who said I needed to play the game better. This is me, trying to make the best of a difficult situation. My father will make his connections, Liam will have someone at the end of the show to appease his father, and I will get to live my life with Amalas without my parents trying to exert control over my every choice. Everyone wins.”
I sigh heavily, wishing that I had something, anything to argue against her logic. But truth be told, she’s right. Even if Liam does develop feelings for her, it wouldn’t be the first time that someone made it to the end with the wrong intentions or ulterior motives. I run my hands along my face, “Fine. If that’s how you want to play it, you’re going to have to follow my rules. I call the shots from now on.” I cross my arms around my chest. “And if you piss me off, step out of line for any reason, or fuck with Liam’s head or feelings, it’s all over.”
Hana gives me an uneasy look, “What do you mean?” I tilt my head towards the camera, Hana’s eyes widening when she notices the steady red light. “You’ve been filming this?” She exclaims. “What the hell, Andi? I thought we were friends.”
I let out a short laugh, “Rookie mistake, sweetheart. We were never friends. The only thing I care about is making a good show, and you just handed me ratings gold. The perfect, innocent wifey strategizing with her father to manipulate the suitor into choosing her? You have no idea what I could do with that.” I ignore the voice in my head, screaming that the show is only a small piece of why I’m pissed. But I push it down deep inside, determined to only listen to my professional motives at the moment. “Do what I ask and this footage never sees the light of day. Piss me off, both you and your father will be fodder for Clickit for years.”
Hana purses her lips, staring at Amalas, who gives her a short nod. She exhales slowly, “Fine. What do you need me to do?”
I tick my fingers, “One- you need to get your shit together. Liam’s going to cut you if you can’t stay in a room with him for more than two minutes. Two- do something on camera that I can use. Call someone out, start a fight. I don’t fucking care. Just do something.” I step forward, lowering my voice, “Three- you make damn sure you’re not the one Liam proposes to at the end.”
She scrunches her face, “But I thought…”
“I want a fucking killer show until that final moment, don’t get me wrong. But lord help you if that man thinks you have fallen in love with him. I will destroy you if you hurt him, and I don’t just mean with the footage. Do I make myself clear?” Hana nods, inhaling slowly. I gave her my fakest smile, “Good. Now get yourself cleaned up, get back at there, and give me something I can use.”
As Hana and Amalas dart off into another room, I turn, giving Maxwell and the camera a satisfied smirk. He slowly claps his hands, “Have to hand it to you, Blossom. I didn’t think you had it in you anymore.”
I take an exaggerated bow before joining him, linking our arms together as we walk back towards the terrace. “And the best part, now I can use your girl like my own personal little spy. Game, set, match, Beaumont.” I wiggle my brows playfully at him, “Man, I haven’t gotten to play the blackmail card in a long time. I forgot how much fun that can be.”
“What did you just say?” A voice calls out from a few feet in front of us. My entire body tenses I tense when I turn, spotting Liam’s blue eyes set upon me. “What’s going on, Andi?”
Maxwell pats my hand, slowly extricating himself from my iron grip. “I believe that’s my cue….” He gives me a nervous smile as he backs away, quickly leaving us alone. I try to look up at Liam, but the tension between us won’t let me, a furious flush of heat coloring my cheeks under his disapproving gaze.
“Nothing. Just...just leave it alone, Liam,” I reply, attempting to brush past him.
But he blocks my path, “Are you blackmailing Hana? For what, to make her stay on the show?”
“I can see why you might think that, but’s there a lot more going on than you realize.”
“Then, please, enlighten me as to what could justify doing that to someone,” he snaps, his anger causing all of my defenses to flare.
I stare back at him, my hands turning into tight fists at my side. I’m tempted to tell him that I’m doing it for him, that I’m trying to help him save a little face before Hana embarrasses him in front of millions of people. That I’m trying to spare him from getting his heart invested in someone who will never look at him as more than a friend. To prevent him from falling in love with the wrong person at the completely wrong time.
However, I stop myself from saying anything, all too aware that the majority of my reasons are anything but pure. I’m selfishly trying to save my own ass as well, Bertrand’s threats still prevalent in my mind. With Hana in my pocket, I can make things even more compelling, basically handing myself the win and the cash at the end of the season. Things that would usually make the bullshit of this soul-sucking career worth it.
But right now, looking at the disappointment written on Liam’s face, I feel anything but victorious. I sigh, realizing that this is it, this is the moment where everything could change. That he’s never going to look at me the same way again, not now that he knows how dark and twisty I can be. Good, a small thought calls out in the back of my mind. A little pain now to save yourself from even more later. I fix my stoic mask, putting the producer veneer securely back in place before I look up at him. “I’m not doing anything that hasn’t been done a million times before. Hana fucked up, and it got caught on camera. Nothing I can do about it now.”
Liam’s brow furrows, “You’d humiliate her in front of all of America, for what? For some stupid television show?”
“I don’t know what you expect me to say, Liam,” I shrug, casting my gaze at anything but him. “She signed a contract, whatever’s caught on film is fair play. No one forced her to come on the show.”
He shakes his head, “That’s bullshit, and you know it, Andi.”
I laugh despite myself, “Of course you would think that. But have you forgotten that this is literally my job? All of the scheming, all of the lies, that’s my daily life.” I shake my head. “I told you the night we met that this job is hell. That we ruin lives for entertainment. Did you think I was exaggerating?” I lower my gaze, biting the inside of my lip to keep the act up. I can feel myself starting to slip, the guilt crashing over me as Liam stares at me in disbelief. I walk past him, making my way towards the elevators. I slam my thumb into the button repeatedly, praying that it comes before I fully crack. The room feels like it’s spinning, and one more minute with Liam and all of my walls are going to come crashing down around me. I turn towards him, “I tried to warn you, it’s not my fault if you didn’t believe me.”
But as the door mercifully start to close, his hand suddenly juts out, causing them to stop their motion. He leans inside, studying my face with an intense gaze. “Justify it however you would like, but we both know this isn’t you. You’re a better person than this, Andi. I know you are.” He sighs, taking a step away from me. “I just wish you would realize it too.”
……………………………………………………..
I wait in the lobby while the rest of the crew finishes and packs up, making every effort to avoid Liam and his judgmental gaze. I don’t have the mental energy to keep up the ruse, to make him continue to think that I don’t give a fuck about him or anyone else. As he walks towards the other van, he gives me a look, his eyes softening as he meets mine. I inhale sharply, almost positive he can see through me. Mentally, I call out to him, of course, I don’t want to do this. Buried under years of snark, there is still a somewhat beating heart that knows right from wrong.
But I also know that Bertrand means every word of his threat, the meeting I was called in at the end of last season flashing in my mind. I inhale slowly, pushing those thoughts away. I’ve got enough self-loathing brewing to last me the night, no use bringing back painful memories as well.
A few minutes later, Maxwell joins me, throwing his arm around my shoulder as he guides me to the production van. “Well...that was quite a shitshow, wasn’t it?”
But I don’t answer, too wrapped up in my head to even respond.
The entire car ride back is silent, Maxwell not even up for talking. He invites me back to his room for a drink to close the day, refusing to take no for an answer despite my many excuses. As the door swings open, he plops down on the bed, shooting me a sly smirk, “I have a present for you...”
"If this is another ridiculous outfit you think I need, I promise you, I'm in no mood," I sigh, opening the mini-bar and pouring a few bottles into a styrofoam cup on the counter.
But as I look over the bed, he's dangling a small memory card in the air. "I think you'll like this, Blossom."
I lean against the wall across from him, a sudden relief flooding over me, “Is that the footage from today?”
He wiggles his eyebrows, “Maaaaaybe.”
I widen my eyes, staring back at him, “How the hell did you get it?”
He smirks, “Swiped it from Dave’s camera when he wasn’t paying attention. Put a blank in its place before he had a chance to back up the footage and send it to Bertrand.” He taps it against the palm of his hand, “But I think the better question is, how do you want to handle this?”
I arch my brow, “What do you mean?”
He sighs, sitting up on the bed, “Look, you and I both know what we should do, what Bertrand would want us to do. This could be our ticket to renewal, or even something more. But based on the look on your face, you’ve got the same deep gut feeling I do. That maybe lying and scheming isn’t the way we should play this for once.” He hands me the memory card, “But Bertrand also can’t fire me. So I’m letting you choose what to do with it. I’ve got you back either way.”
I stare at the disk. The producer in me knows that having Hana in my back pocket could be my ticket back in Bertrand’s good graces, that it could even lead me up a few steps on the corporate ladder. But for once, my human side wins out, Liam’s words playing back in my mind. I take a step towards the desk, placing the card on the sturdy surface while I grab the marble lamp from beside it. With a thump, I bring it down, destroying all of the evidence and possibly my career.
I turn back towards Maxwell, shrugging my shoulder, “Whoops.”
……………………………………………………..
The next morning, we arrive early at Hana’s apartment. When she spots me, she immediately turns around, her eyes brimmed red from a restless night. I quickly approach, placing my hand on her arm. “Hey, we need to talk.”
She lets out a sharp scoff, pulling her arm away from me. “We have nothing to discuss, you said everything you needed to last night.” She steps away from me, “Where’s Liam? Let’s get this over with.”
“Wait…” I lower my voice. “About yesterday, that footage is gone. You have nothing to worry about.”
Her eyes narrow, “Why should I believe you?”
I hand her a plastic bag, filled with the fragments of the memory card, “You shouldn’t.” I turn slightly, watching as Liam enters the room, his blue eyes locking onto mine. “I’m starting to think that I might want to be better than all of this.” I smile softly towards Hana, “You can too, you know. You don’t have to do something just because your father says so.” I glance back at Liam, locked in a conversation with Maxwell. I scrunch my face, wondering what they could be talking about. I shake my head, bringing my focus back to Hana, “I’ve seen a lot of suitors come through this show, and I wouldn’t have cared one bit about deceiving them. But Liam...he’s a really good guy. He deserves someone who wants him to be happy, who will really love him. Please don’t jeopardize that for him.”
Hana nods, “Amalas said the same thing. I’m sorry for not being upfront about what was going on. After being so afraid of my parents finding out the truth about me, it was such a relief to have their support. And when they asked me for help, it felt like it was the least I could do after thinking the worst of them. I never considered that other people could get hurt.” She looks at the smashed memory card in her hand, “But maybe it’s not too late to fix things.”
Hana smiles at me before she walks up to Liam, whispering something I can’t quite make out. She pulls him onto the balcony, the cameras follow closely behind. Maxwell comes up to my side, gesturing with his chin towards the pair, “What’s that all about?”
“I think….I think she might be leaving the show,” I answer slowly, watching as Hana pulls Liam into a tight hug, his hand softly rubbing her back.
“Huh...would you look at that?” Maxwell says, a large grin breaking out on his face.
I turn towards him, my brows knitting together in confusion, “You’re not even a little pissed? Your last girl is gone.” I hold out my hand, curling my fingers, “Pay up, Beaumont.”
“You should know better than to count me out, Blossom,” Maxwell winks at me. “I may just have a few more tricks up my sleeve.”
I scrunch my face, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Oh, don’t you worry your pretty little head about it. Besides, we have bigger fish to fry.” He bumps my hip with his. “You ready for New York?”
Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Alyssa Devereaux Walker), King Liam x OC (Riley Brooks)
A/N: I thought I’d end my “every week” streak at 100 straight Wacky Drabbles, but I wrote this at the same time I wrote Part 32, and it’s the last official part of ORDIV! Thanks for 2 years of love (this month!) for this silly series. There will be an epilogue to close out this story arc (not started yet), and this crew will live on in Team Walker Ever After, the spinoff series that will follow.
I am participating in @wackydrabbles prompts. Prompt #101 is “Were you ever going to tell me?” and will appear in bold.
If you want to catch up on Parts 1-32 …
One Rainy Day in Valtoria Masterlist
You will receive your tag for this fic in 4-6 weeks since tumblr hates ORDIV. Please use the masterlist link above to access chapters in the meantime.
This has become an AU of The Royal Heir, Book 2. After Auvernal backed Drake into a corner, Alyssa and Drake are abdicated Valtoria. Audrey will not be the princess. Isabella and Bradshaw are gone with the wind.
Liam stans … today is for you. xoxo
A/N #2: Thank you to @mskaneko for the stunning!!!! edit of Lyssa and Drake in the moodboard and the moodboard that closes this fic! Love you so much.
Thank you to @bbrandy2002 for the preread and to my snippet readers.
Some dialogue and all characters belong to Pixelberry except my best girl Alyssa Devereaux Walker. @bbrandy2002‘s Riley Brooks is used with loving permission.
Warnings: language, lots of boob talk, Leo being pervy
The end of an era burns and this was a perfect prompt and way to end it!
“And leave us with only four capable adults plus Maxwell and Leo? The horror,” Olivia mocks.
I have been absolutely in love with this ship and story for 2 years and I am excited that you took part canon and turned it upside down to make this series grow and keep out hearts invested in it I'm looking forward to the little happy family spin-off
A/N: This is my shameless attempt to score a golden ticket from @wackydrabbles . Ya girl do be wordy. Prompt #100 is "This is huge -- we need to celebrate!" will be bolded.
I'm writing this straight in my drafts. No one will preread it.
All characters belong to Pixelberry.
"Boss, boss, I got the drop!" Toby practically dances around the garage.
Colt barely looks up from his phone. "That's good. You counted twice?"
"While they watched. All two hundred glorious K!"
"Okay." He texted Ellie five hours ago, and nothing. Now, like a fucking simp, he's rereading the last two days of their text chain, trying to figure out where he might have pissed her off, why she's ignoring him --
"So do you wanna take it over?"
Shit. Embarrassed to be caught daydreaming again, Colt nods and says, "Toss me my wallet. It's on the seat."
Toby grabs it, and it falls open. "You didn't smile for your driver's license picture, boss." He peers more closely. "Holy crap. Today is your birthday! This is huge -- we need to celebrate! You're 21 today!"
"Give me that," Colt huffs, lurching from his chair to grab it. "I'll buy a beer later. We got work to do. I'll be back."
There's nothing to celebrate without Ellie.
------------
The garage is quiet when Colt returns, and he swears that if Toby told the rest of the crew it was his birthday and they all jump out or some shit --
"Kind of lame of you to walk in without at least a handle of vodka or something cool," the teasing female voice greets him.
No fucking way. Colt looks around for the source of the voice ... and sees her. "El?" he gulps. "You had a chem test this week --"
Ellie beams and rises from Colt's desk chair. "My grandma is having surgery."
He cocks a brow at her. "Both of your grandmothers are dead."
She smirks, clearly pleased with herself. "And both of them were deep romantics who believed in taking advantage of opportunity." As Colt takes her in his arms, she murmurs, "Happy birthday" against his lips.
Okay, 21 is a good year and the sweet kiss at the end. I can't believe you counted by hand! Damn I hate working through drafts I missed this one. Drowning in tags but don't kick me off! Tag the other name too if you don't mind I'm logged in everywhere and in nit getting anything.
I didn't see a July challenge yet, and although I'm busy, I could use the distraction.
host: @lovealexhunt / @choicesmonthlychallenge
🍉 Rules
Every form of work can be submitted: fanfiction, drabbles, moodboards, edits, drawings, poems, songs, sketches, and more—all are welcomed.
Every book and story from the Choices (and Pixelberry) universe are welcome (new and old alike)!
You do not need to participate daily or even weekly.
List what prompt/day you’re submitting.
If your work is NS*W please label it as such and use appropriate warnings. I would also appreciate it if the adult content was hidden under the page break.
You can get creative with the prompts. It can be a variation of the word and/or concept. It doesn’t have to be exact or literal. If the word inspires a train of thought that led you to something different, put that in the notes and send it in! Have fun with it! Make them work for you! The ultimate goal is just to find joy in creating!
If you want to participate in a day that has already past, that is fine, just note that in your post and I will still reblog it and then edit the masterlist for that day to include our post.
Please tag @choicesmonthlychallenge and if you’d like to add me you can do so as well~ @lovealexhunt (feel free to DM me your work too since Tumblr tags are fickle)
Since these things are burning a hole in my pocket, I decided to cash in the second of my three golden tickets for this story line.
I am participating in @wackydrabbles prompt # 101 “Were you ever going to tell me?” which will appear in bold.
This is Part 2 of The Days The Earth Stood Still. To catch on this story line please click: The Days The Earth Stood Still.
Summary: William is born, and Riley has a very tough conversation with Nico about their future.
The Book: TRH
Pairing: Riley x Nico (TRR MC x M!OC) / with past history of pairing Liam x Riley
Warnings: Profanity, Mention of character death, sadness.
Rating: PG-13 for warnings above.
Word Count: 2996
Nico, William, and Mentions of Jaiden are my own characters, all others belong to Pixelberry.
A/N: This came out a little angsty. You know how I do. And also you will see the abbreviation CCH in this (Cordonia Costal Highway). Thank you readers of snippets and who wanted me to go angst with this story line.
Song Inspiration for this chapter: Liam’s Lullaby - courtesy of PB
Wtf fuck nico I just want to know what he is doing right now with his life you make me sad mad DW... We had some fluff and this chick comes back and cranks up the angst why do you need candy
Well gosh thanks for the tags @sporticus1234 and @kat-tia801 let’s see if I can drum up a couple juicy tidbits from my google docs.
TNA Robin’s Story- Random Chapter because apparently I’m writing this story out of order.
“Yes, tonight.” He strides over until he is standing right in front of me, I look up into his honey brown eyes and I swallow hard. Goddamn it why does he have to be so fucking handsome, I want to slap him and kiss him at the same time. “I have it on good authority that you aren’t working tonight.”
I narrow my eyes at him, “And if I had other plans?”
He gives me that crooked smile again as he leans down until our faces are only inches apart.
“I know you want to go out with me, your body is giving me all the signs. Stop fighting it.”
TNA Fractured- Chapter 4
Gosh I just realized I have only the really good parts written and I don’t want to give them away just yet soooo that’s all I got.
Besides the Wacky Drabble I posted today right here
What do you have cooking @txemrn (I’m sure you’ve been tagged like a bajillion times already) @starryeyedrookie @headoverheelsforramsey @jessiembruno (or did I already see one for you) I have no idea.
Hi, it's me J! Just wanted to let you know I am transitioning to a new tumblr name. I have one foot in the other tumblr*verse and one here. If im on your tag list continue to keep me tagged maybe add this one so I dont lose your stories. Since moving a massive master list keeps me on a PC often times I dont get notifications on my phone or PC.
Spread the word I haven't been able to tag a few people not sure why thanks! (so this is a cut and paste not sure if it works)
Hey, y’all know my bestie. And if you don’t, it’s about time you did. She’s moving over to a new account so shoot her a follow. She’s doing amazing things, and you’re not going to want to miss it!
The Phoenix is a mythological bird. Every 500 years the phoenix gathers materials to build its own funeral pyre: wood, spices, and incense. Once finished, the bird waits for the setting of the sun to self immolate. The next day covered in its ashes is an egg once it hatches a different manifestation of that phoenix has been born.
Agent Phoenix's first chapter was on 6/30/19 (two years ago today!!! #writerversary) and its last released chapter was on 2/9/20. So today is the day I thought it was fitting that everything moving forward is done with a stronger and clearer presented story one that does not deviate very from its plot but enriches it. (I left the story incomplete and a lot can happen in two years right?) There will be newly created and never released content, revised chapters, and some one-shots will be combined into chapter reading. This will allow me the opportunity to move forward with a newer version of my story one in which I feel more confident in.
In my writing journey, I have learned new things and got excellent mentorship so what was written two years ago is not reflective of how I write now. I strive to dig beneath the surface of canon and my own work so that I can write more meaningful and symbolic. I will be transitioning to a new URL in the upcoming weeks and all the stories here will transition there. I am taking the end of this blog handle as my version of the phoenix ritual to remind myself of the chance for renewal and rebirth in my stories. As each of us encounters situations in life that may leave us changed, we, too, can rise from the ashes.
I will be refollowing all followers and I want to stay on your Perma list and find more work to enjoy. I hope you continue to join me on my journey and that I remain a part of yours. You cant find me at me HERE I will post this story there with my Perma tags. If you are not on my tag list and happen to see this and are interested please let me know. Until I transition I will keep my list the same and hope you would like to restart my journey with me. If you have never read AP or read published chapters from the beginning maybe you will join me for the retelling of my story from its origins to its end or if you stopped reading maybe you will rejoin me. So for this post, I haven't tagged anyone in this main story. In the future, I would like to as new content becomes part of Liam's and Jessica's main AP storyline. Thank you to my friends that beta read, encouraged me, and offered me advice your friendship far exceeds this virtual platform I love you and I am thankful for you. So with that being said...
This is the Director's cut of how it all began.
Books: The Royal Romance 1-3 to Royal Heir and cross-over characters from other choices universes.
Rating: M (18+) Sexual situation and adult themes.
Trigger Warnings in this chapter: Miscarriage and infertility.
Pairing: Liam x MC
Series premise: This is a canon divergent series set after TRR 3 Tariq is never found. Liam’s duty to his country forces him into marriage. Jessica and Liam enter into a Cordonian arrangement. Both of them wanted to have a life together. However, various obstacles prevent him from a divorce and having the life they both want together. With dreams of a future crushed, Jessica leaves Cordonia. Despite a five-year absence, they are still heartbroken and unable to forget each other and the life they once shared. When Jessica’s career path takes an expected turn, her duty to her country pushes her to Cordonia, back into the society that burned her, and back into Liam’s sights. Will she rise from the ashes or once again go down in flames?
Disclaimer
Chapter Summary: Jessica's fears and Liam's duties to the crown seals their fate in their Cordonian Arrangement.
Word count: 2,213 *please excuse typos and grammatical errors*
Song inspiration: House on fire - Sia
She sat at the edge of the tub. She only had to wait five minutes, but it felt like an eternity. Three years passed since she decided to follow her heart, leaving it all behind for a chance to be with him. They found out about their pregnancy after the wedding. It all happened so fast. The timing wasn’t right, but they wanted it so badly, despite what it meant for their relationship. Despite what it would mean for a child born out of wedlock to a couple in a Cordonian arrangement. Not just a member of a noble house but to the man that governs them all as the King of Cordonia. The plan would be the same as it was three years ago. She would move to Greece, and they would raise the child together hidden from the court until she and their child could be given their proper place as members of the royal family. She as his wife and Queen and their child as the heir of their kingdom.
Life changed for them in an instant on a sunny June morning, and the pain of losing a child they lovingly called Koi shattered them both; Never hearing a heartbeat or seeing a small image on a sonogram. They were never cautious, even after that. Hoping it would happen again somehow one day. They would face the consequences again together, just as it was intended the first time.
After weeks away, he returned to their home. The one he slept in every night whenever he was in Cordonia; their home. The palace was no longer his home; it was where he worked. Where they lived, that was his true home was. She hoped that when he came home to her in the evening after work, she would be able to tell him the big news. Their wait was over, and she could give him something that they have wanted to have together since the moment they knew they were each other forever.
Jessica flipped her wrist and looked at her father’s watch; she hardly took it off along with the earrings her mother gave her before she died. Five minutes passed, and she walked over to the sink with a smile on her face, wanting her dream to be a reality: a baby with the man she loved more than life itself. She did what she usually did when she would test. Take it whenever he was at work and not when he was away. So she wouldn’t be choked up with the emotion of not having him near and knowing in the back of her mind that her body had failed again. What he didn’t know couldn’t hurt him. She turned the test upside down so she wouldn’t be able to see it from where she waited, opting to try to make her best attempt at the belief she could once again carry life inside her, this time to term. She picked it up and took a deep breath as she turned it over and read the results.
Two hours later…
She was reminded of the nickname given to her by her adoptive brother, Bertrand. ‘Tungsten.’ Bertrand adopted her so she could stay in Cordonia. It was the only pathway for citizenship as an unmarried woman sponsored for the social season to stay without a betrothal agreement. When she appeared in court, she still made him proud. Standing taller than any other woman in the room, even his own wife. Once he told her, she stood taller than she actually was because her spine was composed of one of the most resilient materials known to man; Tungsten. It was ten times harder than 18 karat gold and four times harder than titanium. This earned his respect. ‘Tungsten’ was what he called her when he needed to remind her who she was to her house and herself whenever she felt defeated or heard people snicker about her as she moved across the room in social events and court. she whispered, “Tungsten you are Tungsten." It was all she needed to hear to swallow her tears.
She picked herself up from the bathroom floor. Instead of two beautiful lines, she saw one.
There was no happy news to tell him, but at least he wouldn’t be hurt. She carried enough hurt over her infertility for both of them. All while he carried the pressure from the Royal Council to produce an heir with the woman he hated the most in the world; his wife and the Queen. His marriage to Madeleine was always a farce, and since his coerced marriage, he told her Madeleine may have his name and have a title but she will never own his heart or body. Even three years later he still refused to consummate the marriage. He promised that to her; his actual love time and time again. She had her doubts at times, but he promised there would never be a child in that marriage; he was devoted only to her. Both of them desperately waiting for him to obtain his freedom. To start their real life together.
She decided she would sit in the living room finishing ‘Milk and Honey’ by Rupi Kapur. Last night, she wrote out a quote in ‘The loving’ chapter, feeling that it struck a chord with her. She put it in the book as a placeholder and would save it tomorrow where she would get up and make him lunch and slip him a love note in his bag. She was unsure where she left the book after a brief search and thought she would sit down in the living room alone with her thoughts. She saw her phone flash a red light; it was a custom notification for the tabloids. Constantly pursued by the press for what they thought happened years ago when she was a suitor.
She walked to the phone and clicked on the push notification the ‘Trend’ had an exclusive. “King Liam makes a statement about an heir to the throne.”
Jessica pressed play on the hyperlink. Liam was getting off the Royal Jet, and Ana De Luca asked, “So, when can we expect news of an heir?”
Liam paused and a soft smile formed as he responded, “Her Majesty and I are excited about the possibility of children as a happily wedded couple, and we know that the people of Cordonia are really excited to see their future leader grow up right before their very eyes. But as much as we all want a Crown Prince or Princess, there are things that even a King can’t control.”
Madeleine came into the frame of the camera and said, “I can assure you that we are certainly enjoying our alone time EVERY second we can. I look forward to joining my husband in Paris, the city of love, in the upcoming weeks.” Madeleine then gave Liam a lingering kiss. Published along with the story were several pictures of Madeleine and Liam during the trip. They were photographed holding hands and kissing in public, all the things she and Liam couldn’t do in Cordonia in public.
Sometimes Jessica and Liam would travel together. Jessica was always under the alias ‘Riley Brooks’ to avoid suspicions by the press or Madeleine. They sought romantic sanctuaries outside their friends’ homes, such as Signore Francisco’s Villa in Italy, Valtoria, and private crown properties across Europe. Jessica suggested coming with him on that very trip, but Liam informed her that there would be no free time and that he didn’t want her to be trapped in a hotel waiting for him. They often spoke when he was away, and he withheld this information from her. If he did this now, it would only get worse with a statement made. Pretty soon reporters would follow her all over asking about the statement as they did with every single thing that happened in the Royal Family. It almost felt that they were always on the verge of uncovering who she was to Liam; it would only serve to further damage her reputation. In Cordonian society, men are forgiven for their indiscretions but their lovers are not.
Jessica felt the tears in her eyes and the sinking pit in her stomach seeing the news. Seeing what she wished they could have. Sharing news that should have been theirs to share.
After a few seconds of hurt, she went to the part of her that kept her by his side despite their difficulties her love for him. Jessica decided that she needed to leave, not because perhaps he wasn’t unfaithful to her and because he managed to break her trust again after promising not to, but because if Liam was trapped in a loveless marriage, he could find comfort and happiness in his children...Children he would need to have with her. She couldn’t rob him of fatherhood; he would look at children with a twinkle in his eye and have sweet daydreams about them. He would share his hopes with her when they thought of a life free of their arrangement.
The statement he made sealed their fate as she got up and started packing. All the while trying to keep her tungsten spine intact.
3 hours later…
Drake and Jessica stood at the Cordonia international airport, and she held her one-way ticket back to New York in hand along with her passport, waiting to board her flight. This time, she was going back home. It wasn’t some idle threat, a part of an ultimatum she wouldn’t follow through with. She wouldn’t tell Liam her intentions this time so he could convince her to stay.
Drake looked at her with a sad expression, “Jessica, you don’t have to do this. You don’t have to leave. Why don’t you just talk to him?”
Jessica’s voice wavered as she spoke, “Drake, I just can’t do it anymore. It seems we take one step forward and then take two steps back. The council has been very clear that Liam will not be granted a divorce. I’ve been through a lot here. I need to leave this life behind. I sat through the engagement tour, the scandal, the search for Tariq. And if that wasn’t enough, I stood there and watched the love of my life marry someone else. I don’t see a future here. It’s been three years, and I can’t keep being his dirty little secret. Holding on to dreams, being lied to, facing disappointments and suffering losses.”
Drake’s chocolate eyes glistened with tears as he said in a whisper, “But this is your home, Garcia. Shit... You’re like family to us. You weren’t born here like me, but you made it your home...Think about it, talk to him, maybe build your life somewhere, and in time maybe you’ll give a guy like Rashad or someone else a chance.”
Jessica turned to him with tears in her eyes and said, “It’s just going to be too painful to watch him next to her. She won’t divorce him. He is sparing us with the details. He married her for the crown and country. Why wouldn’t he give the people what they want …An heir? It’s all they want.”
“Garcia, you can’t be serious. You know that he doesn’t love her, and he is still working on ways to be with you. Talk to him!”
Jessica replied, “I have. I did it countless times, and this story doesn’t have a happy ending. The possibility of it was stolen from us.”
“I just can’t believe you won’t at least call him from here and say goodbye.”
Jessica shook her head before answering, “If I do, I will go running back to him and this mess. I love him, but I can’t be with him. This was a temporary arrangement; the end result was us being together. Now, it seems I’m just hanging in the background, waiting while he gets Madeleine pregnant. Once that happens, we will be totally done.”
Drake said, “There are two things in this world the man loves. Yes, it’s Cordonia, but it’s also you!”
“Drake, we spend all the time we can together, but it always leaves me wanting more. Our relationship isn’t enough anymore. Please give him this letter.”
Drake’s voice cracked. “Jessica, don’t do this; you’re asking me to give my best friend a Dear John Letter.”
Jessica touched his cheek and wiped his tears. “I’m asking you to help me let him go. I will never love anyone the way that I love him, and if I stay here, I will be missing out on the normal things in life that anyone would want for themselves.”
“I need you to be happy. I can’t be afraid like I was the day he got married… Or the day Madeleine tried to arrest you to hurt him.”
Drake and Jessica held each other in a long embrace, both crying. They formed an extremely tight-knit bond, just like a brother and sister or even best friends. Jessica got through Drake’s tough exterior while he supported her when the other nobles snubbed their noses at her. They both understood each other. Sharing smores over campfires, talking to each other late at night over whiskey, playing pool, or going to dive bars even during the social season.
As they heard her flight being called, he kissed her forehead. “Once you get settled in, check with us. We want to know how you’re doing.” Drake stood looking out the window watching Jessica’s flight takeoff. He cursed under his breath as tears fell from his eyes in his car. It felt like losing his sister Savannah all over again. Only this time, he had to break his best friend’s heart as well. He could take it and accept her decision in time, but Liam would be devastated beyond repair.
He took a deep breath and drove to Beaumont’s, dreading having to break the news to his best friend.
The Phoenix is a mythological bird. Every 500 years the phoenix gathers materials to build its own funeral pyre: wood, spices, and incense. Once finished, the bird waits for the setting of the sun to self immolate. The next day covered in its ashes is an egg once it hatches a different manifestation of that phoenix has been born.
Agent Phoenix's first chapter was on 6/30/19 (two years ago today!!! #writerversary) and its last released chapter was on 2/9/20. So today is the day I thought it was fitting that everything moving forward is done with a stronger and clearer presented story one that does not deviate very from its plot but enriches it. (I left the story incomplete and a lot can happen in two years right?) There will be newly created and never released content, revised chapters, and some one-shots will be combined into chapter reading. This will allow me the opportunity to move forward with a newer version of my story one in which I feel more confident in.
In my writing journey, I have learned new things and got excellent mentorship so what was written two years ago is not reflective of how I write now. I strive to dig beneath the surface of canon and my own work so that I can write more meaningful and symbolic. I will be transitioning to a new URL in the upcoming weeks and all the stories here will transition there. I am taking the end of this blog handle as my version of the phoenix ritual to remind myself of the chance for renewal and rebirth in my stories. As each of us encounters situations in life that may leave us changed, we, too, can rise from the ashes.
I will be refollowing all followers and I want to stay on your Perma list and find more work to enjoy. I hope you continue to join me on my journey and that I remain a part of yours. You cant find me at me HERE I will post this story there with my Perma tags. If you are not on my tag list and happen to see this and are interested please let me know. Until I transition I will keep my list the same and hope you would like to restart my journey with me. If you have never read AP or read published chapters from the beginning maybe you will join me for the retelling of my story from its origins to its end or if you stopped reading maybe you will rejoin me. So for this post, I haven't tagged anyone in this main story. In the future, I would like to as new content becomes part of Liam's and Jessica's main AP storyline. Thank you to my friends that beta read, encouraged me, and offered me advice your friendship far exceeds this virtual platform I love you and I am thankful for you. So with that being said...
This is the Director's cut of how it all began.
Books: The Royal Romance 1-3 to Royal Heir and cross-over characters from other choices universes.
Rating: M (18+) Sexual situation and adult themes.
Trigger Warnings in this chapter: Miscarriage and infertility.
Pairing: Liam x MC
Series premise: This is a canon divergent series set after TRR 3 Tariq is never found. Liam’s duty to his country forces him into marriage. Jessica and Liam enter into a Cordonian arrangement. Both of them wanted to have a life together. However, various obstacles prevent him from a divorce and having the life they both want together. With dreams of a future crushed, Jessica leaves Cordonia. Despite a five-year absence, they are still heartbroken and unable to forget each other and the life they once shared. When Jessica’s career path takes an expected turn, her duty to her country pushes her to Cordonia, back into the society that burned her, and back into Liam’s sights. Will she rise from the ashes or once again go down in flames?
Disclaimer
Chapter Summary: Jessica's fears and Liam's duties to the crown seals their fate in their Cordonian Arrangement.
Word count: 2,213 *please excuse typos and grammatical errors*
Song inspiration: House on fire - Sia
She sat at the edge of the tub. She only had to wait five minutes, but it felt like an eternity. Three years passed since she decided to follow her heart, leaving it all behind for a chance to be with him. They found out about their pregnancy after the wedding. It all happened so fast. The timing wasn’t right, but they wanted it so badly, despite what it meant for their relationship. Despite what it would mean for a child born out of wedlock to a couple in a Cordonian arrangement. Not just a member of a noble house but to the man that governs them all as the King of Cordonia. The plan would be the same as it was three years ago. She would move to Greece, and they would raise the child together hidden from the court until she and their child could be given their proper place as members of the royal family. She as his wife and Queen and their child as the heir of their kingdom.
Life changed for them in an instant on a sunny June morning, and the pain of losing a child they lovingly called Koi shattered them both; Never hearing a heartbeat or seeing a small image on a sonogram. They were never cautious, even after that. Hoping it would happen again somehow one day. They would face the consequences again together, just as it was intended the first time.
After weeks away, he returned to their home. The one he slept in every night whenever he was in Cordonia; their home. The palace was no longer his home; it was where he worked. Where they lived, that was his true home was. She hoped that when he came home to her in the evening after work, she would be able to tell him the big news. Their wait was over, and she could give him something that they have wanted to have together since the moment they knew they were each other forever.
Jessica flipped her wrist and looked at her father’s watch; she hardly took it off along with the earrings her mother gave her before she died. Five minutes passed, and she walked over to the sink with a smile on her face, wanting her dream to be a reality: a baby with the man she loved more than life itself. She did what she usually did when she would test. Take it whenever he was at work and not when he was away. So she wouldn’t be choked up with the emotion of not having him near and knowing in the back of her mind that her body had failed again. What he didn’t know couldn’t hurt him. She turned the test upside down so she wouldn’t be able to see it from where she waited, opting to try to make her best attempt at the belief she could once again carry life inside her, this time to term. She picked it up and took a deep breath as she turned it over and read the results.
Two hours later…
She was reminded of the nickname given to her by her adoptive brother, Bertrand. ‘Tungsten.’ Bertrand adopted her so she could stay in Cordonia. It was the only pathway for citizenship as an unmarried woman sponsored for the social season to stay without a betrothal agreement. When she appeared in court, she still made him proud. Standing taller than any other woman in the room, even his own wife. Once he told her, she stood taller than she actually was because her spine was composed of one of the most resilient materials known to man; Tungsten. It was ten times harder than 18 karat gold and four times harder than titanium. This earned his respect. ‘Tungsten’ was what he called her when he needed to remind her who she was to her house and herself whenever she felt defeated or heard people snicker about her as she moved across the room in social events and court. she whispered, “Tungsten you are Tungsten." It was all she needed to hear to swallow her tears.
She picked herself up from the bathroom floor. Instead of two beautiful lines, she saw one.
There was no happy news to tell him, but at least he wouldn’t be hurt. She carried enough hurt over her infertility for both of them. All while he carried the pressure from the Royal Council to produce an heir with the woman he hated the most in the world; his wife and the Queen. His marriage to Madeleine was always a farce, and since his coerced marriage, he told her Madeleine may have his name and have a title but she will never own his heart or body. Even three years later he still refused to consummate the marriage. He promised that to her; his actual love time and time again. She had her doubts at times, but he promised there would never be a child in that marriage; he was devoted only to her. Both of them desperately waiting for him to obtain his freedom. To start their real life together.
She decided she would sit in the living room finishing ‘Milk and Honey’ by Rupi Kapur. Last night, she wrote out a quote in ‘The loving’ chapter, feeling that it struck a chord with her. She put it in the book as a placeholder and would save it tomorrow where she would get up and make him lunch and slip him a love note in his bag. She was unsure where she left the book after a brief search and thought she would sit down in the living room alone with her thoughts. She saw her phone flash a red light; it was a custom notification for the tabloids. Constantly pursued by the press for what they thought happened years ago when she was a suitor.
She walked to the phone and clicked on the push notification the ‘Trend’ had an exclusive. “King Liam makes a statement about an heir to the throne.”
Jessica pressed play on the hyperlink. Liam was getting off the Royal Jet, and Ana De Luca asked, “So, when can we expect news of an heir?”
Liam paused and a soft smile formed as he responded, “Her Majesty and I are excited about the possibility of children as a happily wedded couple, and we know that the people of Cordonia are really excited to see their future leader grow up right before their very eyes. But as much as we all want a Crown Prince or Princess, there are things that even a King can’t control.”
Madeleine came into the frame of the camera and said, “I can assure you that we are certainly enjoying our alone time EVERY second we can. I look forward to joining my husband in Paris, the city of love, in the upcoming weeks.” Madeleine then gave Liam a lingering kiss. Published along with the story were several pictures of Madeleine and Liam during the trip. They were photographed holding hands and kissing in public, all the things she and Liam couldn’t do in Cordonia in public.
Sometimes Jessica and Liam would travel together. Jessica was always under the alias ‘Riley Brooks’ to avoid suspicions by the press or Madeleine. They sought romantic sanctuaries outside their friends’ homes, such as Signore Francisco’s Villa in Italy, Valtoria, and private crown properties across Europe. Jessica suggested coming with him on that very trip, but Liam informed her that there would be no free time and that he didn’t want her to be trapped in a hotel waiting for him. They often spoke when he was away, and he withheld this information from her. If he did this now, it would only get worse with a statement made. Pretty soon reporters would follow her all over asking about the statement as they did with every single thing that happened in the Royal Family. It almost felt that they were always on the verge of uncovering who she was to Liam; it would only serve to further damage her reputation. In Cordonian society, men are forgiven for their indiscretions but their lovers are not.
Jessica felt the tears in her eyes and the sinking pit in her stomach seeing the news. Seeing what she wished they could have. Sharing news that should have been theirs to share.
After a few seconds of hurt, she went to the part of her that kept her by his side despite their difficulties her love for him. Jessica decided that she needed to leave, not because perhaps he wasn’t unfaithful to her and because he managed to break her trust again after promising not to, but because if Liam was trapped in a loveless marriage, he could find comfort and happiness in his children...Children he would need to have with her. She couldn’t rob him of fatherhood; he would look at children with a twinkle in his eye and have sweet daydreams about them. He would share his hopes with her when they thought of a life free of their arrangement.
The statement he made sealed their fate as she got up and started packing. All the while trying to keep her tungsten spine intact.
3 hours later…
Drake and Jessica stood at the Cordonia international airport, and she held her one-way ticket back to New York in hand along with her passport, waiting to board her flight. This time, she was going back home. It wasn’t some idle threat, a part of an ultimatum she wouldn’t follow through with. She wouldn’t tell Liam her intentions this time so he could convince her to stay.
Drake looked at her with a sad expression, “Jessica, you don’t have to do this. You don’t have to leave. Why don’t you just talk to him?”
Jessica’s voice wavered as she spoke, “Drake, I just can’t do it anymore. It seems we take one step forward and then take two steps back. The council has been very clear that Liam will not be granted a divorce. I’ve been through a lot here. I need to leave this life behind. I sat through the engagement tour, the scandal, the search for Tariq. And if that wasn’t enough, I stood there and watched the love of my life marry someone else. I don’t see a future here. It’s been three years, and I can’t keep being his dirty little secret. Holding on to dreams, being lied to, facing disappointments and suffering losses.”
Drake’s chocolate eyes glistened with tears as he said in a whisper, “But this is your home, Garcia. Shit... You’re like family to us. You weren’t born here like me, but you made it your home...Think about it, talk to him, maybe build your life somewhere, and in time maybe you’ll give a guy like Rashad or someone else a chance.”
Jessica turned to him with tears in her eyes and said, “It’s just going to be too painful to watch him next to her. She won’t divorce him. He is sparing us with the details. He married her for the crown and country. Why wouldn’t he give the people what they want …An heir? It’s all they want.”
“Garcia, you can’t be serious. You know that he doesn’t love her, and he is still working on ways to be with you. Talk to him!”
Jessica replied, “I have. I did it countless times, and this story doesn’t have a happy ending. The possibility of it was stolen from us.”
“I just can’t believe you won’t at least call him from here and say goodbye.”
Jessica shook her head before answering, “If I do, I will go running back to him and this mess. I love him, but I can’t be with him. This was a temporary arrangement; the end result was us being together. Now, it seems I’m just hanging in the background, waiting while he gets Madeleine pregnant. Once that happens, we will be totally done.”
Drake said, “There are two things in this world the man loves. Yes, it’s Cordonia, but it’s also you!”
“Drake, we spend all the time we can together, but it always leaves me wanting more. Our relationship isn’t enough anymore. Please give him this letter.”
Drake’s voice cracked. “Jessica, don’t do this; you’re asking me to give my best friend a Dear John Letter.”
Jessica touched his cheek and wiped his tears. “I’m asking you to help me let him go. I will never love anyone the way that I love him, and if I stay here, I will be missing out on the normal things in life that anyone would want for themselves.”
“I need you to be happy. I can’t be afraid like I was the day he got married… Or the day Madeleine tried to arrest you to hurt him.”
Drake and Jessica held each other in a long embrace, both crying. They formed an extremely tight-knit bond, just like a brother and sister or even best friends. Jessica got through Drake’s tough exterior while he supported her when the other nobles snubbed their noses at her. They both understood each other. Sharing smores over campfires, talking to each other late at night over whiskey, playing pool, or going to dive bars even during the social season.
As they heard her flight being called, he kissed her forehead. “Once you get settled in, check with us. We want to know how you’re doing.” Drake stood looking out the window watching Jessica’s flight takeoff. He cursed under his breath as tears fell from his eyes in his car. It felt like losing his sister Savannah all over again. Only this time, he had to break his best friend’s heart as well. He could take it and accept her decision in time, but Liam would be devastated beyond repair.
He took a deep breath and drove to Beaumont’s, dreading having to break the news to his best friend.
