STAY
WITH ME
Kristel Ralston
©Kristel Ralston 2018.
Stay with me.
All rights reserved.
Guaranteed by Safe Creative, such as all the author’s pieces of work.
N. 1809268533720
Book’s cover design: Karolina García Rojo ©Shutterstock.
Translation: D. Singer.
Edition: Selch & Co.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a system or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the owner of the copyright.
This is a literary fiction work. Places, names, circumstances, and characters are product of the author’s imagination and their usage is fictitious; any resemblance to reality, any business (stores) or any situation or facts is purely coincidence.
Content
Content
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CAPITOLO 9
EPILOGUE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CHAPTER 1
Ashley pulled her hair up in a ponytail and saw her reflection on the mirror. With time, she had learnt to style her own hair. The need for independence usually pushes people to find the most cleaver way to endure life. But no one is ever prepared to resist love, at least she wasn’t. She adjusted her diamond earrings with excitement.
That night she was celebrating her second wedding anniversary with Caine. Together they had spent endless hours arguing, challenging, but above all, loving each other in a way she never thought was possible. Considering that her parent’s marriage had been a complete disgrace with infidelities and domestic violence at the drop of a hat, everything was so different with Caine that it seemed like a dream.
She had once asked her mother why she was still with her father, and she only responded, “For love.” It was then when Ashley decided she would never fall in love or compromise her heart. And she stood by that decision until she was twenty five years old and met the only man that was able to rock her world in a way no other man had.
At the end of her college years, she won an internship in the sales area of a real estate agency. The salary wasn’t bad, and the commissions helped her pay her personal expenses which weren’t too many, so she always had a little bit to save. One afternoon, her boss wasn’t able to go to an open house in a very exclusive area of Sydney, so the assignment was passed on to her.
She had only been an intern for four month, therefore she was a little nervous but she managed to organize everything and it was a success. There were many people interested and her folder was filled with information and names of potential buyers.
When she was ready to close the exhibition of the mansion in order to go back to the office, a magnificent Porsche parked in front of the property. She wasn’t prepared to see the stunning man wearing an elegant, tailor-made suit that was in front of her. Tall and with a certain air of self-confidence, the most handsome man she had seen in a very long time, gave her a look of determination.
“Good afternoon, can you tell me where Raymond is? I told him I’d be late because of my occupations.
After recovering from the impact, Ashley squeezed her folders against her chest as if they had suddenly become a salvation board to avoid losing her balance or, in any case, her judgment.
“My name is Ashley Sagget and I’m in charge of the exhibition, Mr…”
He looked at her with his almond colored eyes. A contrast to her feminine green eyes.
“Caine Valliard,” he replied with a smile. “Wow,” Ashley thought, “if that man was a realtor, his client portfolio would be full. He was quite tall; she could easily calculate his height was about six foot two. The suit clung to the masculine shapes of his body and his face was very appealing, but with the touch of a small imperfection: there was a scar across his face, from his right temple to just a few inches above the corner of his sensual lips. The mark was light and gave him a daring look. “I’m very interested in this property. I’d like to take a look at all the rooms and the garden.”
The sky was getting dark and the wind was blowing with force. That night, Ashley had her friend Samira’s bachelorette party so she needed to hurry up.
“Raymond is out of town, but I’ll show you the property. Follow me, please.” She didn’t know how she had found her voice in order to continue talking. She managed to calm her nerves and look uninterested despite the obvious attraction she felt for that stranger.
At the end of the tour, Caine decided to buy the house; the location was ideal. It had a fantastic view of the gorgeous backyard with a pool, a jacuzzi, a barbecue area and a special wing for massages and a gym.
Starting that night, Caine Valliard not only got a beautiful property at an exorbitant price, he also got Ashley’s phone number. They were going out for eight months when he took her on a trip to Venice. At nine in the evening, in the middle of the beautifully illuminated Saint Marcus Square, he asked her to marry him. Three months later they got married in an intimate ceremony at an exclusive resort of the Australian capital.
It had been two years since then. Ashley had changed his harsh past for a present full of hope. Even though Caine used to be pretty tight-lipped about his feelings, he had been opening up to her little by little. At least that’s how it had been until eight months ago, when they started arguing over a recurring topic: children.
Caine insisted on the fact that he wanted to be a father but she refused. The answer he got from Ashley was always a sharp no and Caine, despite of trying to be supportive, couldn’t hide his frustration or his longing for a child. Shielding herself behind the anger and accusing Caine of being inconsiderate and selfish, Ashley had only managed to reduce the translucent and calmed dynamic of their marriage.
The idea of being a mother terrified her.
Her parent’s example had left her deeply scarred. Her own mother had taken away her childhood by making her responsible of her two siblings: Camille and Tim. While Kendra Sagget eased the sorrows caused by her cheating husband spending the little money they had at some mall, Ashley became the nanny. Her father cared too little about what was going on at home, spending the nights partying and the days working as a mechanic (whenever the mistress he had at that moment didn’t need him).
Tragedy hit her life when she was just 10 years old. Tim had disappeared under her care. The experience was traumatizing and it hurt her to remember, especially because of her parent’s accusations. They destroyed her childhood and her adolescence; the feeling of impotence and desperation hadn’t stopped hunting her since the last time she saw her brother nineteen years ago.
Camille, who was only 4 years old then, was too little to understand. She just knew she would never play with her 2-year-old brother ever again. That added more pain that Ashley had to bear with.
How was she going to explain all that to Caine? How could she tell him that the mere idea of taking care of a child made her nervous? It was even worse to imagine that child would be hers! She didn’t even want to think how her husband would take the details behind that family episode…
Unfortunately, Caine had to close a very important deal with a Middle East king which was taking a lot of his time and he was traveling very often. Each and every argument only opened new cracks in their marriage.
It wasn’t just the issue about having kids; that was just the tip of the iceberg. There were multiple meetings they were forced to go, the little time they had to coordinate activities together because of their demanding jobs, plus A
shley’s unwillingness to use Caine’s money to buy things and Caine’s reluctance to accept that posture…
She sometimes thought maybe they had gotten married too quickly, but then she remembered all the wonderful things he made her feel. He was attentive, thoughtful and they could talk for hours and hours. The passion between them was intact… but that wasn’t enough, at least not for her. Maybe the male brain had a different perspective, but that wasn’t her case.
Everyone had the right to keep secrets but she felt hers was opening an unyielding abyss between them. Talking about Tim caused her an insurmountable pain because she had to relive the whole thing again.
That night was their anniversary. She’d try to have a good time; a little celebration in order to forget reality.
“You’re so beautiful today,” Caine said bringing her back to the present when he entered the room they shared at the house in Point Piper. The mansion was located on St. Marvyn’s avenue; the three floors were very illuminated and had large windows that made them look ample. “I know you’re not into social life,” he kissed her softly on her lips, “so accepting the party our friends put together will have its reward,” he offered in a sensual tone of voice.
Caine Valliard’s almond colored eyes expressed a very clear message at that moment: he wanted her. That aspect of their relationship was intact. He ran his eyes over his wife’s slim legs, continuing with her toned hips, her narrow waist, and her exquisite breasts up until that beautiful face that enthralled him. She looked gorgeous in that short, black dress. The elegant fabric clung to only one of her shoulders and the asymmetric frills subtly marked her feminine figure. She was a beauty.
“I can say the same thing about you, Mr. Valliard. You look very handsome today,” she replied, melting into his arms and getting surrounded in his manly scent. Ashley put her soft hands on his chest feeling the fabric of the tux. She loved to run her hands through his thick, golden locks and lose herself in his naughty gaze that told her exactly how much he wanted her. She wasn’t too short, however, her five foot five height only helped her reach Caine’s chin. “I’ll be waiting for that reward…”
With the back of his hand, he caressed her cheek and started to feel turn on.
“We can celebrate in private,” he whispered against Ashley’s lips. “I love pleasing you, especially when you let your fabulous red hair down.” He ran his fingers over the soft strands of hair that had come out of her bun. “Maybe I can give you a little teaser before we go. What do you think, honey?”
Ashley laughed and clasped her hands behind Caine’s neck.
“Mm…” she mumbled before molding her lips against her husband’s, losing herself on the feeling of that expert tongue that started tasting her, while his strong hands caressed her back.
The electricity that was forming between them was powerful. With only one glance, they knew exactly what to ask and what to give one another… there were no limits.
“If you start touching me that way…”
“How?” she asked with a smile, while rubbing her hand against Caine’s sex and in return he squeezed her ass with both hands pressing her whole body against his.
“I got married to a very enticing and gorgeous woman.” He took her face between her hands and the kiss stopped being sensual, it was voracious. They were absorbed into a delicious battle neither of them wanted to lose. Mutual desire was always each other’s satisfaction. Caine’s hands flew towards Ashley’s chest and his fingers pinched her nipples over the soft fabric of the dress. They instantly became hard with his touch. “I want you,” he said hoarsely while he started to unbutton her dress. “I hate having to work so much…”
“Me too…” she whispered, rubbing her hips against him and scraping her nails over his back which she found so alluring. Her husband exercised every day with a personal trainer. When she went down to exercise too, before going to the real estate agency where she was now the sales manager, they ended their training with a fascinating sex session in the shower. “Caine, we have to go,” she mumbled a little bit out of breath when she managed to step away, “or we’ll end up arriving late to dinner and I don’t think Joshua would feel very flattered by that.”
“I don’t care,” he chuckled when she spanked his ass in a playful manner. Then he sighed and stepped back reluctantly. “I know, I know we have to go, Ash,” he called her by her favorite pet name, “it’s just that I don’t want to share you.”
“We have all night to make up for these ten days we passed without seeing each other,” she said as she grabbed her clutch bag from the imported dresser made of teak.
He smiled.
“Happy anniversary, Ash.”
“Happy anniversary, my love.” Caine gave her a kiss full of sinful promises for that night. “Shall we go?” She asked with a trembling voice. That was the effect he caused on her body but at least she knew it was mutual.
Caine nodded as he took her by the waist and together they got out of the house.
The dinner was being celebrated at Joshua Terrence’s house, one of Caine’s best friends. There were around fifteen more couples invited.
Due to the nature of Caine’s job, they spent a lot of time on fashion runways, cocktail parties, dinners and the whole paraphernalia Ashley absolutely hated. She, however, tolerated all of it because she understood it was her husband’s work. She needed to support him and, therefore, her social life was usually relentless.
“Two years putting up with this fool!” Joshua said, showing a dazzling smile to Ashley and Caine.
She let out a laugh and held onto her husband’s arm lovingly as he looked at the host. Joshua was the owner of ArtDual, a company dedicated to selling equipment and supplies for the organization of massive events. The company was a corporative monster with branch offices all over Australia’s main cities. Joshua’s personality emanated an air of security and confidence in a way that only Caine could outdo; plus, he was funny and charming.
“Thank you for this lovely evening, where’s your famous girlfriend?” Ashley asked. Her husband’s friend was an incorrigible womanizer.
Caine cleared his throat in a playful manner.
“Honey, you’re going to have to wait until hell freezes for this crook to settle down.”
“I’m offended. If I recall correctly, you were Sydney’s biggest player,” Joshua replied taking a sip of his glass of Merlot. Caine smiled. His friend was saying nothing but the truth. During many years, the women he slept with were nothing more than notches on his belt. He didn’t take anyone seriously because all of them, after just one sex session, made him feel indifferent. But when he met Ashley, ever since that first instant when he laid his eyes on her, he knew she would make everything different. After their first kiss, he realized he couldn’t just let her get away. Ashley’s presence made him rethink his love life. He married her even though it took a lot of effort to win her trust. Due to his reputation as a player, Ashley wanted to be sure he only had eyes for her and he proved it by far. “How have things been going in Bhuran?”
“You know I can´t give you details, but I can tell you that we still have some meetings with the lawyers pending.”
Joshua wasn’t stupid. If the lawyers were there, it was because the deal was in full swing. He and Caine were friends since childhood. Their parents were friends so they grew up as a family. However, they respected the confidentiality of each other’s businesses. While they grew up, they were the biggest ladies men and even though Caine wasn’t Joshua’s wingman anymore, he was happy his friend had found Ashley; the girl really was unique.
“That’s wonderful, dear,” said Ashley.
Caine tightened his grip around her waist, caressing her with his finger over the soft fabric of the dress.
“I won’t spend so much time far from home now.” He brushed his lips against hers for a quick but firm kiss.
Joshua let out a laugh knowing Caine wasn’t very prone to demonstrate affection, let alone in public. It was more
than obvious that he was completely in love with his wife.
“It’s time to have some kids! Eh, you two?” Joshua added with a smile, oblivious of the tension that invaded Ashley. Caine, having her so close to his body, was well aware of this detail. “This guy has always wanted a big family, right?” He patted his friend’s shoulder.
“Of course,” Caine replied. “We’re on it so brace yourself; you’re going to be the godfather of our first child.”
“We’ll think about parenthood later,” Ashley added in a rush, looking at her husband while Joshua, oblivious to them, handed an empty glass to one of the waitresses. She directed her gaze towards the host and added, “I’m sure that when it happens, Joshua, you’ll surely be our first choice for a godfather.
“Wow, what an honor! Well then I hope to meet my godchild soon,” he chuckled. You’ll have to work hard on it,” he finished mischievously. Caine didn’t allow those kind of comments from anyone, but Joshua was almost a brother to him. Ashley rolled her eyes. “By the way, I hired Sydney’s best band. They don’t usually do private concerts but they’re my clients, so I promised a discount,” he smiled, “The Gangster Aussies are here!” he exclaimed before stepping back to join Esmee, his girlfriend at the time. As the music was playing, the other couples started making their way towards the backyard in order to get to the dance floor.
The rest of the evening, the Valliards danced, ate and told anecdotes that made their friends laugh. Some of the guests were partners at Valliard House, the fashion company owned by Caine; others were Ashley’s coworkers from Pastridge Agency, the real estate agency.
One of the guests was Mitch Williams, Caine’s partner, along with his wife Miranda. The only one who hadn’t gone to the party was Darlene Morrison and her husband Mark, who had excused themselves due to a previous engagement.
At almost one in the morning, Caine and Ashley said their goodbyes. Little by little, the rest of the guests also started to leave.
Stay with me Page 1