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Chapter One

I CANNOT HAVE THAT.

The rapid blinking lights of the vehicle in the oncoming lane served as a warning to check his speedometer. The Aston Martin had been speeding down the highway. Sure enough, he was going fifty kilometers over the speed limit. Enough to get his car impounded. Two exits from home.

I cannot have that.

The brakes immediately responded as the seat belt tightened against his chest, pinning him to the seat. By the time he spotted the police cruiser, he was going the speed limit.

The moment the exit for home was taken, he floored the accelerator, causing him to race toward the gated community he called home. The accelerator was given a brief reprieve as he came to a stop to enter the code. Once he was securely within Oakland Gates, he executed a series of rolling stops and flirted with keeping the speed limit. The homeowners’ association wouldn’t be happy with his conduct, but they wouldn’t dare lodge a complaint against him. He tried to be a decent neighbour.

It was a pleasant community with sprawling properties. As he drew closer to his, the sizes increased. Finally, he reached the largest property and pulled into his long horseshoe drive. The gear was barely in park before his seatbelt was released and he was stepping out of the car. Miller, the house manager appeared right away.

“I’ll ensure the car is parked, Sir.”

“Thank you, Miller, and where is the doctor?” he uttered over his shoulder as he ascended the stamped staircase.

“I believe she is in the suite.”

“Thanks,” he called as he raced towards the staircase heading for the left wing. Taking the stairs two at a time, he rushed towards the suite. Not even bothering to check if the elevator was available. His speed increased as he reached the landing and headed for the suite. As he opened the door, he pulled his polo shirt over his head and toed off his shoe. A quick look around found the bedroom empty. So, he headed to the bathroom and unbuckled his belt. By the time he stepped into the restroom, he had shed his pants and underwear.

The silhouette in the shower captured his attention, and he came to a complete stop for the first time since his plane landed. After all these years, the sight of Ivy Scott caused his pulse to race.

“Hello?” Her soft husky voice was uncertain. Of course, it would be she wouldn’t have expected anyone to enter their sanctuary.

“Hey, Doc.” His reply came hastily, as he desired to put her at ease.

“Manny!” Her excitement was palpable as she came flying out of the shower. She didn’t stop until she was in his arms. He hefted her up and Ivy wrapped her legs around his waist. His arms were steel bars anchoring her to him underneath her luscious ass. God, he appreciated her round, full globes. Her filling his arms was the ultimate homecoming.

“You’re home. I thought you?—”

Manny swallowed her words as he captured her mouth in a searing kiss.

God, I’ve missed her.Their tongues did a passionate dance of companionship. There was no duelling. He controlled the tempo, and she was happy to oblige. Ivy made a strangled sound as he suckled her tongue. His response was a desperate groan. Manny slid her to his feet.

No. No.Ivy had stopped kissing back. What was worse was she was putting space between them. The very thing he didn’t want. They had been apart for forty-eight hours. Far too long to be without her.

Manny exhaled a frustrated growl. “Come here, Baby.”

“I would, but you know I’m under a time crunch.” Ivy squeezed his hand before releasing it. She grabbed her robe hanging near the shower.

“I thought you couldn’t make it until later tonight. That you’d meet me at the Gala.”

“Did you really think I wouldn’t be there to walk you in on one of the most important nights of your life? Be there to hold your hands?”

Manny’s brilliant wife was being honoured for the advancements she had made in the genetics field. For the last twenty-plus years she had led innovations in genetics research. Every year, the Hope Gala honoured medical professionals for their contributions. Tonight, it was Ivy’s turn. Manny had been in Zurich securing an important deal for the family company. Scott was a household name. Generations of North Americans equated the blue and white label with ‘Yummy, yummy nutritious soup’. Now they were forging into the European market. With Manny at the helm as CEO.

However, he wouldn’t miss one moment of his woman getting her flowers.

Especially when tonight would be taxing for her. Ivy didn’t like the spotlight. She enjoyed toiling away in the lab, not socialising in enormous crowds. So, he might have offended his newest client when he rushed off as soon as the contract was signed. But hell, he knew how much she needed him tonight.

Manny tracked her movements at the sink as she removed her shower cap. Her springy curls fell free to her dark toasted almond-coloured shoulders. His steps were swift as he wrapped her in his embrace. The faint fragrance of Egyptian iris and magnolia tickled his nostrils. He nuzzled the sensitive spot on her neck. Her sigh of contentment shot through him. Turning him rock hard. He nipped the spot, then followed it up with a gentle swipe of his tongue.

“Uh uh, Lover.” She shook her head. Then turned in his embrace to face him. “I just wish you had arrived a little earlier. Everyone will arrive shortly to help me get ready.”

“Ah huh.” Did his lovely woman realise she was now trapped between him and the vanity? “It’s been two whole days, Doc. I don’t think I’ll be able to make it through tonight without having a taste of you.”

“Sorry.” Ivy shrugged, but he knew his woman. Tension and worry flashed in her russet-coloured eyes. The smile she gave him was meant to hide her worries. He saw it. Saw her. She was his to read.

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