“With what? A fancy restaurant and a display of your wealth?” I took a breath, the need to blurt out my pain overwhelming. “I saw you, Oliver. I saw you with Sara on Wednesday morning. I came by to talk to you, to see if we could work things out, and instead, you hurt me all over again.”
His jaw flexed, a nerve beating in his cheek. “What do you think you saw, Harlow?”
“You, putting your arm around her. Smiling at her like she was the best thing you’d ever seen. You told me you weren’t in love with her.”
“I’m not.”
“That’s not what it looked like.”
He took my hand. “Would you give me ten minutes? That’s all I ask for. I have a lot to explain. A lot has happened, and I need you to hear me out.”
Desperate to cling to a thread of hope, I reluctantly allowed him to lead me to a table. He pulled out a chair, and I sat. He took the one opposite.
“I found out why Sara came back,” he said.
“That’s not news,” I said. “She told you why. She told me why. She made a mistake and wanted you back.”
“I found out the real reason why. Or I should say Garen discovered her true intentions. When she showed up out of the blue, I asked him to dig around to see what he could unearth. It took him a while, but eventually, he uncovered the truth.”
Intrigued, I leaned forward. “Which was?”
I sat, enthralled, as Oliver set his cell phone on the table between us and played a recording. When Sara admitted she didn’t want Annie, then threatened to obtain custody through the courts, my blood filled with pure rage. I’d been right to call her an evil witch, because that’s exactly what she was.
“Do you think she’ll go ahead with her threat, despite you having that recording?” I asked after I’d listened to the rest of it in silence.
“Who knows,” Oliver said. “But if she does decide to risk it, I’ll make sure every judge right up to the supreme court gets a copy of this recording. We’re fortunate that ROGUES hands over huge sums in taxes to this city and, as such, we wield a great deal of influence that I’m not afraid to use if it means securing the safety and happiness of my daughter.”
I stared out the window, absorbing the enormity of what I’d heard. What kind of a woman would be so vicious, and all for the sake of money and a stupid title from a foreign country thousands of miles away? Annie was so lucky to have Oliver for a father. Nurture won out over nature in this case.
“I still don’t understand why you looked so happy to see her. How you could stand to put your arm around her as if you were a couple when you knew the truth.”
“I texted her the night before asking her to come over to talk about us. She thought she’d won. I didn’t want her to get suspicious. I had to play the part until we got to my penthouse, and I could present her with the irrefutable evidence of her plan.
“I’m so sorry I hurt you, that despite my repeated denials I felt anything for Sara, I couldn’t reassure you enough to trust me. That’s on me. But it’s you I love. You I want to spend my life with.” He reached across the table and captured my hand, bringing my knuckles to his lips. “If you’ll still have me.”
A lump formed in my throat, and tears pricked the backs of my eyes. I answered instinctively. “Yes, I’ll still have you.”
Oliver got to his feet and helped me to mine. His hands curved around the back of my neck, and his thumbs brushed my jawline. “We’re a team. You, me, and Annie. No one will ever come between us again.”
“A team.” I nodded, holding my breath as he bent his head and kissed me, the twinkling lights of New York providing the perfect backdrop to a dazzling future.
Epilogue
Harlow
“Annie, stop fidgeting.” Oliver took Annie’s hand and tugged her to his side. “She’ll be here soon.”
“I can’t wait,” Annie said, ignoring Oliver’s instruction and bouncing on the balls of her feet. “Has she landed yet?”
Oliver caught my eye and raised his to the ceiling.
I chuckled, then ruffled Annie’s hair. “Yes, sweet pea. She’s landed. I bet she’s waiting for her luggage right this second.”
My comment caused further jumping up and down. “Yessss.”
Throngs of people appeared, filling up the arrivals hall. Squeals and shouts were followed by hugs as family and friends greeted their loved ones, glad to have them home once more. I kept my eyes peeled for Liv, nerves biting at my stomach. Oliver had told me she was happy about us, but I needed to see it for myself, to look in her eyes and read the truth there.
“There she is,” Oliver said. He pointed and waved to catch his mother’s attention.
Annie craned her neck. “I can’t see her,” she wailed.
I bent my knees and picked Annie up, hoisting her onto my hip. “Can you see her now? She’s right behind that gentleman in the big hat.”
“Nanan!” Annie yelled, her excited scream confirmation that she could now see her grandmother. She wriggled to be put down.
I obliged, but I wasn’t quick enough to grab her. She ducked underneath the barrier and took off, pigtails flying, arms outstretched, and flung herself right into Liv’s waiting arms.
“Ready to feel surplus to requirements?” Oliver murmured, slinging an arm around my shoulder. “We’re way down the popularity list now Mom’s home.”
I laughed and leaned into him. “I’ll live with it. You must be glad she’s home.”
He didn’t have time to respond before Liv made her way over to us, Annie clinging to her side, a beaming smile almost splitting her face in two.
“Darling.” Liv hugged Oliver tightly. “Oh, it’s good to be home.” She released him, then turned to me. Her arms came out, and I found myself enveloped in chiffon and Chanel No. 5. “Welcome to the family, darling Harlow.”
My nerves floated away on a sea of relief as Liv craned a look over her shoulder and beckoned to the man hovering off to the side while the family reunion took place. He had a receding hairline and a goatee, and a pair of the kindest eyes I’d ever seen. Chocolate brown, crinkles around the edges, a twinkle that alluded to a sense of mischief despite his advancing years.
“Scott, come meet Harlow.”
Oliver held out his hand and shook Scott’s, then I did the same. “It’s very nice to meet you,” he said.
“Hope my mother hasn’t been too much trouble, Scott,” Oliver said with a wink. He earned a sharp dig and a glare from his mother in response.
Scott laughed. “We’ve had an amazing time, haven’t we, love?”
“Wonderful.” She got a wistful look in her eyes, then blinked two or three times and crouched to hug Annie again. “But I’ve missed my family, especially this little imp.”
“The car is parked in the lot across the street.” Oliver grabbed his mother’s suitcases. “Scott, can we drop you?”
He shook his head. “I have a car picking me up.” He pecked Liv on the cheek. “I’ll leave you all to catch up. Call me?”
She nodded, a coy dip to her chin that Oliver caught. He shot me a look, and I grinned.
She’s in love.
Liv watched Scott stride across the arrivals hall until he was swallowed up by the crowds. “Right,” she said, rubbing her hands together. “Let’s go home. I’m sure Annie is dying to open all the presents I’ve brought her.”
Annie’s face lit up. “Oh, Nanan. I can’t wait.”
Annie and Liv chattered the entire journey home, and Liv shared lots of photos of her trip. Once we arrived at Oliver’s penthouse, Liv insisted on bathing and reading to Annie, then putting her to bed.
Oliver took her bags up to her room while I pottered about the kitchen, rustling up a light dinner. My eyes locked on Oliver as he came downstairs a short while later and walked over to join me. The last week since we’d reunited had been one of the happiest of my life. I wish I’d trusted him more and avoided breaking up in the first place, but the past had shaped the woman I was, and I’d allowed
my demons to take over, believing that Oliver had chosen Sara over me.
He slipped his arms around my waist. “Penny for the thoughts in your head right now,” he murmured, nuzzling my neck.
“I was thinking how happy I am,” I said.
He turned me and lowered his head to capture my mouth. I melted against him as his lips roved over mine, tasting, exploring, revering.
He withdrew, his eyes traveling over my face. “Mom’s moving in with Scott. She just told me.”
I nodded and rubbed my lips together. “I’m not surprised. The way she looked at him… How do you feel about that?”
“I feel good about it. More than good. Mom has given up so much of her life for me and for Annie. It’s long overdue that she had a life of her own. And Scott’s a good man. I couldn’t have wished for better.”
His gaze moved south, settling on my chest. “She’s already insisted that Annie spends a few nights a month with her which means…” He licked his lips. “Sex on the balcony.”
I threw back my head and laughed. “You have a one-track mind.”
“I don’t hear you complaining.” He bent his knees and circled his hips, rubbing his erection against me. “I expect Mom will want an early night. How about we follow suit?”
I gasped as he squeezed my nipple through my sweater. “Sold.”
I woke alone with Oliver’s side of the bed cold. He must have been up for a while. I slipped on my robe and used the bathroom, then headed downstairs. Voices floated up toward me. Oliver and his mom. Oliver’s tones were quiet, Liv’s angry, then incensed. Unwilling to intrude on their private conversation, I paused on the stairs, in two minds as to whether to go back up or carry on down.
And then I heard Sara’s name.
Oh heck. Oliver must be telling his mother about her. We’d spoken a lot about this the past week and made the decision that he’d tell his mother alone once she returned from her vacation. No point spoiling the last few days of her vacation. He must have decided to get it out of the way early. Probably for the best. No doubt Annie would mention her mother at some point. She’d taken Sara’s leaving remarkably well, although Oliver kept a hawkish eye on her for signs of distress or abandonment. I didn’t blame him. Poor little mite had gone through a lot of change in a short space of time. Kids were resilient, but that didn’t mean that they weren’t suffering long-term damage.
My mind turned to Patsy, my favorite little girl at the children’s home Oliver funded. She still hadn’t uttered a single word, but the other day I got a smile out of her. One day I’d break through. I knew it deep in my heart. I’d never give up on that child. She had a lot of love to give. All I had to do was find the key.
I waited until their voices went silent and then I crept the rest of the way downstairs. Oliver’s gaze cut to me as I came into view. I mouthed, “Are you okay?” and he nodded. His reaction to me brought Liv’s head around. She gave me a wide smile and rose to her feet.
“Morning, darling. Shall I make a start on breakfast?”
“Actually, Mom, we thought we might take Annie to Bubby’s this morning.”
“Oh, perfect.” She came across to me, kissed my cheek, and murmured, “Thank you for slapping that bitch when I couldn’t,” then swept up the stairs.
I suppressed a chuckle. Oliver must have told her everything.
“What did she say?” he asked, an eyebrow arched in suspicion.
I tapped my nose. “Girl’s talk.”
He groaned. “Outnumbered again. When we have kids, we’re having a boy. I need more testosterone in this house.”
My breath hitched. We hadn’t discussed having kids, but the fact Oliver wanted them with me sent my heart soaring. I’d always dreamed of having a big family and doing a better goddamn job than my own parents. I’d celebrate my kids for the things they were good at, not the things they weren’t. I’d love them unconditionally whether they discovered a new vaccine or emptied the trash. All that mattered to me was that they were good people.
“Well, the sex of any baby is up to you, so we’ll know who to blame if I end up having four girls in a row.”
His eyes widened. “Four?”
I nodded, stood on my tiptoes, and kissed him. “At least.”
An hour later, bundled up in coats, hats, and scarves, we made our way to Bubby’s. Liv tucked her hand through my arm and pulled me to her for a squeeze. I beamed so wide, I thought that my face might split. At last, I’d found a place I belonged with people who didn’t judge me by my SAT score, but for the goodness in my heart.
After we ordered our food, Annie insisted Oliver walk her to the bathroom and wait outside. He obliged with a smile and a ruffle of her hair, which earned him a glower. As soon as they were out of earshot, Liv turned to me.
“How is Annie handling it? Give it to me straight.”
“Sara appearing then disappearing, you mean?” When she nodded, I continued. “Surprisingly well. More to the point, how are you handling it?”
Liv’s lips flattened, and a nerve beat in her jaw. “I promised Oliver I would leave well enough alone, especially as she hasn’t shown her treacherous face around here since he and Garen sent her packing, but I won’t lie. It’s difficult. It’s the lioness in me. I want to protect my cubs, to hunt down that bitch and warn her that if she ever comes near my family again, I’ll put a bullet in her brain.”
I chuckled. “You’re fearsome.”
The teasing note to my tone brought a smile to her face. She reached for my hand. “I’m so glad Oliver found you. You’re the mother Annie deserves and the woman my son does, too. I want you to promise me that if Sara ever comes near my family again, you will tell me. Oliver, like most men, is a stubborn ass, and he won’t want to worry me, but I have to know.”
“I promise.”
Oliver slid into the booth beside me while Annie snuggled up next to her grandmother, putting an end to our conversation. He glided an arm around my shoulder and kissed my temple.
“Daddy loves Harlow,” Annie singsonged.
“He does,” Oliver said, a promise in his eyes that sent tingles shooting up my spine. “And he always will.”
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed meeting Oliver and Harlow. Were you right there with me, willing them to their HEA?
Are you ready to see more of Garen Gauthier? Entrapped is up for preorder right now and releases on August 27th. You really don’t want to miss this enemies to lovers that sizzles with so much heat, I recommend keeping a fan close by.
Preorder ENTRAPPED today. You don’t want to miss it
If you haven’t read Entranced yet, don’t forget to pick up the first in series and meet all of the ROGUES.
Click here to read ENTRANCED right now - Free in Kindle Unlimited
If Billionaire Romance is your thing, why not try the Irresistibly Mine duet starting with Tempting Christa.
Download TEMPTING CHRISTA today. Also free in Kindle Unlimited
Entrapped - ROGUES Book 3
If I wrote an autobiography about my life right now, I’d call it “Blackmailed by the Billionaire”.
Ruthless, callous, and self-serving are the nicest words to describe the powerful CEO who wants what’s mine.
He’ll use any method at his disposal to emerge victorious—including coercion.
Okay, fine, I’ll concede defeat, but as his interest pivots I spot the opportunity for payback.
And hell, I’m gonna take it.
If you like your romances to sizzle with heat, angst, and fast-serve banter, then you’ll love Entrapped, the third book in a brand-new six part billionaire romance series, ROGUES
One-click this enemies to lovers romance today.
FROM ME TO YOU
Thank you so much for reading Enraptured. I fell in love with Oliver while telling his story. I do adore my alpha-holes, but I also really enjoy it when a guy pops up who’s good from the inside out. That was Oliver, and I’m thrilled he got his well-deserved HEA.
&nbs
p; And as for Harlow - wasn’t she just the perfect woman for him?
If you started the ROGUES series with Enraptured, then don’t forget to go back and read Entranced, the book where it all began. Trust me, you do not want to miss Ryker and Athena’s story. Forbidden love, best friend’s little sister. Tension, heartache, suspense, Entranced has it all.
ROGUES continues with Entrapped. Garen and Catriona’s route to their HEA sizzles with heat, hate, and more sexual chemistry than you can shake a stick at. I guarantee it will have you flicking the pages all night. Preorder your copy of Entrapped today.
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Books by Tracie Delaney
The Winning Ace Series
Ace - A Winning Ace Novella
Winning Ace
Losing Game
Grand Slam
Winning Ace Boxset
Mismatch
Break Point - A Winning Ace Novella
Stand-alone
My Gift To You
Draven
The Brook Brothers Series
The Blame Game
Against All Odds
Enraptured: A Billionaire Romance (The ROGUES Series Book 2) Page 21
