Happily Ever After: A Contemporary Romance Boxed Set

by Piper Rayne

  I patted his hand. “You’ll see.”

  12

  Lily

  The next day, at Slade PR’s conference room, the room was filled with journalists from every magazine, news stations, newspaper, and blogs.

  * * *

  Pat stood in front of the board and welcomed the press to the conference. Then she introduced me, as the new Jr. Publicist.

  * * *

  The room full of journalists gave a collective gasp in recognition of me as the ‘prostitute’ in all the headlines. Only I was cleaned up, dressed in a black pantsuit, a white blouse with a black ribbon tie, and looking very much like a professional Publicist.

  * * *

  “Thank you for showing up today,” I started. “The reason why we called for this Press Conference is because we need to clear up a misunderstanding and misinformation that had been spreading all over the internet.”

  I turned to the screen that had lowered fully in front of the board and told Trish in the back to hit the lights. Then I played the film from my laptop.

  * * *

  A documentary-type film began playing. Interviews with streetwalkers up and down the streets of Los Angeles played. Footage of johns driving by, checking out the girls who looked underage, doped out, and even scared.

  Mimi’s voice narrated the film from the perspective of the plight of young women and women who had fallen down on their luck and had found themselves so desperate to make enough money to eat, they turned to prostitution. Footage of me with Mrs. Repp played, with a caption showing it was a re-enactment with actors. The film showed how dangerous it was for the girls on the streets, and that society had been ignoring them. It ended with a pledge from Slade PR to help build a woman’s shelter in Los Angeles for runaway girls and women who were battered to go to for help. My name along with Mrs. Repp’s name were in the credits as actors. By the time the film was done, the room was completely silent except for the sound of some sniffling.

  * * *

  The lights went back up.

  Hands shot up in the air. I pointed at one journalist.

  “So the footage appeared with you in it, along with Mrs. Repp were all part of this documentary?”

  * * *

  “Yes,” I said. I pointed at another journalist.

  * * *

  “How did those scenes between you and Mrs. Repp, get admitted as evidence in the divorce proceedings between Ronny Repp and his wife?”

  * * *

  I looked embarrassed and said, “Being a junior publicist, well actually, just an intern at the time, I accidentally sent the files over to the wrong person, and it got uploaded onto some video sharing site, and it became viral. It was supposed to be a reenactment for this film.”

  * * *

  “Why did it look so real?” the same journalist asked.

  “Because we were told to make it look real. I guessed we acted well enough to be believable.”

  * * *

  A man stood up and said, “I don’t buy it.”

  * * *

  I smiled. “Do I look like a working prostitute to you?” I asked. “Why would I deliberately want the world to think I’m a real prostitute? Check my credentials – NYU Summa Cum Laude, top graduate in journalism. Does it make sense for me to be working as a prostitute when I am working for the most prestigious PR agency in the nation? My personnel files from Slade PR is right here.” I held up my personnel files.

  * * *

  The crowd nodded in agreement.

  “What about the divorce proceedings between the Repps?”

  “Since those scenes are now inadmissible, it can’t be used against Mrs. Repp,” I said. “However, I don’t think it’s necessary.”

  * * *

  The door to the conference room opened, and Ronny Repp walked in arm-in-arm with Mrs. Repp. “We dropped our divorce proceedings,” Ronny said. “Turned out the Mrs. and I had a misunderstanding. We’re working it out now, but in private. Thank you.”

  A journalist asked. “Where’s Mr. Slade? What does he have to say about this?”

  * * *

  As if on clue, Skar walked in, dressed in an Armani navy blue suit and green tie that brought out the beautiful light green of his eyes. He looked much better after finally eating the chicken noodle soup I fed him spoon by spoon in the hospital yesterday.

  * * *

  His eyes met mine as he walked over to my side and addressed the crowd. “Thank you, friends for coming. For years you have relied on me and my team to provide you with news, tips, and information about some of the world’s most interesting people. Slade PR wants to continue providing you those scoops and access to the most guarded people. So, it is with sincere apology that an intern/s mistake would end up going viral, but with the wrong information. The real story is, as provided to you from our Jr. Publicist, is that those scenes were part of this documentary from award-winning filmmaker Mimi DeLane on the exploitation of the poor unfortunate women on the streets. Thanks to you, their plight will get more awareness. Thanks to you all, we can clear the air about the misunderstanding and hopefully close the files on the Repps.”

  * * *

  The room agreed in unison as the conference ended. As everyone left, I finally let out a deep breath. Skar finally sat down. I looked out the window. It was late, and time for everyone in the office to go home.

  * * *

  Skar closed the conference door and let down the blinds in the room before he smiled at me, never taking his eyes from mine. “You’re amazing, Lily Talbot,” he said, almost in awe. “I tried to break you, thinking that’s what you needed to become the best, but instead, you broke me. You beat me.”

  * * *

  I walked over to him, never taking my eyes from his. “I did,” I said, crossing my arms.

  * * *

  “You’re more than a Junior Publicist,” he said. “You’re a star. You’ve outsmarted, outwitted me, Hollywood’s Hotshot publicist. I supposed you’re the hotshot now,” his lips curved into a smile as he stood up to face me.

  “I did.” I said. “I guess I am.”

  * * *

  “You win. Everything,” he said, inches from me, his eyes looking hungrily at my lips. “What do you want?”

  * * *

  “To hear the words,” I said.

  * * *

  Skar placed his thumbs on my lower lips, massaging them to the point I wanted him to devour me. “I’m sorry, Lily,” he said. “And I would spend the rest of my life making it up to you…if you would have me. If I could be so lucky.” His thumbs plunged into my mouth, and I couldn’t help sucking on them, my eyes looking up into his.

  He groaned, closing his eyes as he pressed his hardness against my hips. “I want you so badly,” he said.

  * * *

  I pulled him in closer to me, his hardness leveled at my core. “How badly?”

  * * *

  He opened his eyes and kissed my cheeks, then my lips. “I want to make you mine forever. Be mine forever, Lily.”

  “How?” I asked, barely able to breathe.

  His forehead touched mine as he looked deeply into my eyes. “I love you, Lily. Please marry me.”

  * * *

  I couldn’t believe my ears. Did Mr. Slade just proposed to me?

  * * *

  I thought of everything that happened between us. Everything that helped us grow…the good and the bad. “It has been a crazy couple of weeks,” I said. “So much has happened.”

  * * *

  Skar looked worried. “What are you saying, Lily? Am I moving too fast for you?”

  * * *

  “A little,” I said. “But also not fast enough. You know what I want.”

  * * *

  He moved in closer until we were hip to hip. Then he unzipped his pants while moving his other hand to unbutton my pants, pulling it down along with my black lace panties. He plunged his rock hard dick into me pushing me back against the table. “God, Lily,” he groaned inching himself deeper.
“You are so tight.” He rocked in and out of me thrusting fast and then pulling out slowly until I was crawling back onto the table and asking him for more. “You are so worth the wait.”

  * * *

  He turned me around and plunged deep into me from behind, moving slowly and thrusting quickly until I came. He groaned and cried out my name, before spilling into me at the same time. Afterwards, he held me in his arms, asking if I was alright.

  * * *

  “Lily,” he said. “My Lily. Tell me I didn’t hurt you.”

  “If you did, you’d know it,” I said, grabbing his balls and kneading them. “I think you know by now that I’m tougher than I seem.”

  * * *

  He smiled. “I know, you tough girl.” He kissed me long and slow, his tongue touching mine.

  I closed my eyes, kissing him back, relishing being back in his arms. “I could do this all day,” I said.

  * * *

  “How about it, Lily? You could be doing this with me everyday for the rest of our lives…”

  * * *

  “Skar, I…”

  * * *

  “Lily, please…” he looked so vulnerable then. Like a little boy who was lost. “It’s that lawyer guy, Antonio, isn’t it? You two have something going on between you?”

  * * *

  “No, it isn’t him.”

  * * *

  “Then what is it, baby,” he asked, his eyes pleading.

  * * *

  I smiled and reached out to touch his nose. “I just like watching you squirm.” I laughed, but leaned in to kiss him. “I love you, Skar Slade. And the answer is ‘yes’, I will marry you.”

  * * *

  His eyes widened in disbelief as he said, “I can’t believe this is real. That I’m holding you in my arms again, and that you will become my wife.” He almost had tears in his eyes as he cleared his throat. “I promise to treat you like the goddess that you are, that I won’t ever hurt you again, and that I will always always choose you over any choice for the rest of my life, Lily. I love you so much!”

  * * *

  We kissed and kissed until the sun went down and a new day began. I had tamed the big boss bully into a softie. I didn’t think I would, but he did turned out to be the bully who loved me.

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  About the Author

  D.R. Love's romances are the perfect prescription for any readers of romance who needs a pick-me-up, escape, or just plain vacation from everyday life.

  * * *

  She writes fun, over-the-top, quick and steamy romantic comedies like Eating Velvet, Junk, Afternoon Delight, Tongue Tied, and more, as well as YA, Reverse Harems, paranormal and urban romances and Bully Romances such as The Bully Who Loves Me Series.

  * * *

  D.R.Love is Dana Ree, international bestselling author of Romance in all sub-genres. With a doctorate in Philosophy, Masters in Religion and Science, she was a Director and Instructor of Education at a private elite boarding school for girls 12 and up. She has always enjoyed reading and became a full-time author when her job was eliminated, and is happy coming up with comedic, exciting, and sometimes exhilarating plots for her cast of characters.

  Don't Worry, I Still Hate You

  By Marie Skye

  Marie Skye

  I needed a roommate, and I needed one fast. The requirements were simple:

  Must be clean, nonsmoker, and no touching my shit.

  I underestimated my own ad and got the one person I happen to have a one night stand in Vegas for 'old time sake'. Because what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas right? Bull shit. Did I mention we kinda sorta dated in University? Oh, there's also that small tidbit he left out that he may or may not have been married. He was. As it turns out I may need his help after all. But don't worry, I still hate him.

  Copyright © 2020 by Marie Skye

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Editing: Maggie Kerns Ms. K Edits

  To my sister. Because I’m the Mary and you’re the Rhoda.

  1

  Perrie

  “I did it.”

  “Did what?” It basically didn’t matter what her response was, I had already tuned her out as I focused on the ad I was making on my phone. I had written and rewritten it a hundred times, but wanted to make sure it was perfect before publishing it.

  “Remember what we were talking about a few days ago?” I rolled my eyes because... sure. “It’s called Sextee, and everyone does it.”

  “Everyone does it, huh? Great, good for them.” I tried ignoring Claire as I smiled at the ticket agent and handed over my ID before going through security. I busied myself putting my carryon on the conveyor belt and removing my shoes.

  “Seriously, everyone does it,” Claire tried again. Deciding to play her game, I finally acknowledged her.

  “Okay, I’ll humor you. What are you talking about and what do you mean everyone does it?”

  She laughed. “Well, no one actually talks about it, but come on, Perrie, it’s been what? Four years?”

  I quickly looked around to see if anyone heard her. “Three,” I mumbled.

  She sighed. “Same thing. Three years since sex. Clear the damn cobwebs already.” I shushed her again as I looked around. An elderly lady sat a row in front of us. With the way she was glaring at us, it was obvious she could hear Claire talking, which means if she could, then the entire airport most likely did. Claire has never in her life, truly figured out how to whisper. “I’ve taken the liberty of making you a profile.”

  I shook my head. “Wait, what?”

  “Oh, girl, you’re welcome,” she said, clearly ignoring my voice growing five octaves, getting ready to jet into freak-out mode, “It basically pinpoints where the other person is. Think of it as an Uber but for sex.” She leaned closer to me.

  What? Who the hell thinks of shit like this?

  “In fact, the guy over in the corner is ready; his flight doesn’t leave for another hour.” I looked up in almost complete horror at the guy she was pointing at.

  “Claire,” I tried saying as gently as possible since the only other option was to lose my shit. “I don’t need any type of a hookup app. Besides, there might be someone,” I said matter-of-factly, even though I knew damn well, I was better off getting a new toy. You know you’re single as fuck when you drop over a hundred dollars on a toy and don’t even bat an eye.

  She stared at me unblinking before realization sunk in. “Oh. My. God. It’s Felix, isn’t it? I’ve seen the way he looks at you like you’re a vegan turkey!”

  “Trying vegan again this week, Claire?”

  She nodded in disgust before focusing her attention back on me. “Don’t change the subject. If you say Felix, I will make you eat your own liver!”

  “Claire!” I pretended to feign shock. “He is some poor unfortunate soul’s roommate, show some respect!” She didn’t find that nearly as funny as I did. “He’s not so bad, besides he’s... someone for now, I guess.”

  “He’s an asshole. He feels the need to mansplain everything. You know he wasn’t kidding when he said women had the ability to turn their periods off, right?”

  I sighed; she was right. Felix was a complete asshole, but I made it clear it would never, ever, ever go further than just sex, as I recalled the awkward conversation we had…

  “Hey, Felix.”

  He looked up at me, completely exasperated. “My fantasy football team is losing.”

  I stared at him for a moment before realizing I should at least act concerned. “Oh no,” I said as my voice trailed off. He threw his phone down. I cleared my throat. “Are you seeing anyone?”

  He frowned, “No. Why?”
/>
  I briefly ran through my mind trying to decide if I was truly crazy for even asking this. “Would you be interested in… hanging out?”

  He scowled before slowly smiling. “I knew you wanted me.”

  I rolled my eyes. I forgot how dense he was, yet I’m the one willingly walking into this mistake. “Just sex. That’s it. Just sex.”

  “Sure,” he said with a shrug as he leaned back in his chair.

  “Seriously, just sex.”

  “Whatever you say, doll.”

  At that moment, Barb, the bride-to-be, finally decided to grace us with her presence. For some odd reason, I will never understand why Barb felt the need to dress as if she was auditioning as a backup dancer for Britney Spears circa 1999. If the glitter lip gloss, midriff, and flared bottom jeans didn’t convince you, then the choker and the ‘Karen’ style haircut she was sporting sure as hell did. Barb single-handedly invented the ‘Karen’ cut before Karen’s could even Karen.