“Hush, he’s up!” another one of them hisses as my sexy-as-hell husband strolls onto the stage.
“Five million dollars,” I call out before the bidding can even begin. I don’t need the auctioneer to list off all the wonderful things about Rory. I know he’s a good man that’s worth so much more than even that bid.
The crowd bursts into laughter. Craven Cove is used to our antics.
“It looks like my beautiful wife has won me again,” Rory says into the microphone before he jumps off the stage and heads straight for me.
“You’re in trouble,” I tell him when he gets to me.
Instead of answering, he grabs me and pulls me flush against him. His hand roams down my ass, and when he grabs me there, he pauses.
“No panties. I think you’re the one in trouble.” He had the no panties coming, and he knows it.
“Rory!” I yelp when he lifts me off my feet and throws me over his shoulder.
“Thank you all for coming, but it’s time I take my beautiful wife to bed,” he announces before he carries me into our very own happily ever after.
He offered me everything and told me to take it all.
I did, and I’m never letting any of it go.
* * *
THE END!
Shy Virgin
by Alexa Riley
Shy Wells was always an outsider, but now that the Crew family has taken him in, he's learning what it's like to have a family. One thing that he's seeing for the first time is that a happily ever after might be possible for him too. That's if he can convince his neighbor Carrie to give him a chance.
Carrie Smith lives down the hall from Shy, and her thoughts about him have become less than pure. When a stalker turns her apartment upside down, it just so happens Shy has a little extra room for her to squeeze in close.
Warning: Did we save the dirtiest story in the Craven Cove Series for last? Get to clicking and find out!
Chapter One
Carrie
Making my way across campus, I’m reminded of how much I love this time of year. The crunch of the leaves beneath my feet, and the cool fresh air that’s perfect for dresses and boots or sweaters and jeans. Summer is officially gone, and fall has settled into place.
My last year of college is finally here, and I’m ready for the next chapter of my life. I’d been so excited to be here my freshman year, and I remember having the same excitement when I started high school. Each time I think the next step will be different, but I always end up stuck in the same rut. My life is still the exact same; it’s just a change in scenery. I’m going to need something bigger, but I have no idea what. I’ve always heard people find themselves in college, but I’m still a bit lost.
My phone starts to vibrate in my back pocket, making my heart drop. Checking the screen, I see the number is unknown, and I ignore it. Since classes have started back, I’ve been getting these strange calls. At first it was a few times a week and I’d answer. No one would respond, but I could always hear heavy breathing on the other end.
The frequency started to increase, sometimes in the middle of the night. Still no one would ever respond, but I knew someone was there. I’ve stopped answering them altogether, and now the person is calling more and more every day. I usually power off my phone at night, which sucks, but what else can I do? Get a new number? I hate the idea, but the way it’s going I might not have a choice.
I’ve tried to block the calls, but it’s not so easy. Before I can put my phone back into my pocket, it starts to ring again. I want to throw the thing because it’s driving me insane. I don’t understand why someone is doing something so stupid, and it’s beginning to really freak me out. I’m starting to get paranoid.
It goes off again, but the vibration in my hand lets me know it’s a text. I assume it’s Celeste and don’t answer it right away. She’s invited me over for dinner so many times, but I’m not the best in the kitchen. We live in the same building and have had a few classes together in the past. We became fast friends our freshman year, and if not for her, all my meals would be takeout.
Her fiancé Apollo can get hung up with working late some nights, so we hang out. I hate going back to my empty condo because it gives me that same empty feeling I had when I was a kid at home alone. It’s why in my first year of college I tried a sorority. Even though I had the family name and the money you needed to be there, it wasn’t a good fit, and I left. After that I got my own place.
I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit to myself that I’m always saying yes to Celeste’s dinner invitations because I’m hoping to run into her fiancé’s half-brother. I’ve been crushing on Shy for far too long.
Celeste is always inviting him over too since Shy lives in the same building as us. I know Apollo’s dad owns the whole complex, but he’s not Shy’s father. He and Apollo are half-brothers on their mom’s side, but they all seem somewhat close to a degree. Apollo only learned Shy was his half-brother a few years ago.
When I finally look down at my phone, I smile when I see it’s Shy texting me. I open it just as I head inside our building.
Shy: I’m free now if you want me to check on your sink before dinner.
Me: That would be great.
I’m always finding reasons to try and get Shy’s attention. When I saw the tiny leak that might have only been condensation under my sink, I jumped on texting him about it. He probably thinks I’m a helpless rich girl that can’t do anything for myself. Sometimes I would agree with that assessment, because I can’t even figure out how to flirt with him. I’ve resorted to finding things wrong at my place to get him to come over.
He must handle most of the stuff when it comes to fixing things, because that pretty girl Jamie has the same idea as me. I always see Shy going into her place at the other end of the hallway on my floor. At least I’m hoping that’s what’s going on. They could be dating for all I know, and I don’t like to think about it.
My phone goes off again as I step onto the elevator. I hit the button to my floor over and over like that makes it go any faster. I don’t know how soon Shy will come over, and I’d like to freshen up or something. When the door finally closes, I check my phone again.
Unknown: I like you in pink.
I stare at the text for a long moment. “What the hell?” I whisper, looking down at my oversized pink hoodie.
Unknown: You’ll regret not answering my calls.
The elevator chimes, and the doors slide open, making me jump. My phone starts to ring again, but I hit the power button to make it stop. Tossing the phone into my bag, I hurry to find my keys as I rush off the elevator and head straight for my place.
It takes me a second to get my keys out, and when I do, I realize the door is unlocked and it pops open easily. I push the door slightly to peek inside with zero intention of actually going in.
When it swings open, my alarm isn’t going off as it normally does. When I look inside, I can see from where I’m standing that my place has not only been ransacked but destroyed.
“Holy fuck” sounds from behind me, making me scream. “It’s me,” Shy says quickly when I spin around and run right into his solid chest. He wraps his arms around me. pulling me close. “I’ve got you.” His words are gentle, but his whole body vibrates with rage.