Page 9 of Ravaged By Lust

Impossible.

Still shaking my head, I start up my car, and then my phone rings again. This is a number I do recognize.

Axel Stoll.

My brother.

“Guess what?” I ask him as I pick up. “You wouldn’t believe what’s happened today…”

But he interrupts me.

“Chloe, Maddie is pregnant.”

His words cut straight through mine.

And now we come to the second crazy part of today.

“Maddie? Your new girlfriend I haven’t met yet?”

“You’ve had chances to meet her, Chloe.”

“Sorry, but work has been insane. I’ve followed your whirlwind romance on the news, though. You’re saying she’s pregnant? Like, for real?”

“Yes, for real. For real. You’re going to be an auntie, Chloe.”

“Holy shit, Axel. Congratulations.”

“And we’ll love for you to come and see us in LA. It will be nice for you to come out here, even though I know you don’t like the place.”

Ha.

What a fucking coincidence.

L-freaking-A. City of Angels.

Meet Mickey Miller and meet my nephew-niece.

“Yes. I’m coming, Axel,” I reply. “Try and stop me.”

2

CHLOE

“You must be Chloe, I’m Maddie. It’s lovely to meet you finally.”

The short girl with light brown hair and soft blue eyes who greets me at the front door of Axel’s place is the very epitome of warmth. Her smile lights me up on the spot and makes me instantly forget the long-ass day of traveling on a crowded flight across the country I’ve just endured.

“I’m Chloe,” I reply, offering out my hand.

Maddie looks down at my hand with a dismissive smirk. “Let’s not do formality, Chloe. Come on in for a hug, we’re practically sisters now.”

I laugh and we embrace affectionately.

“It’s so good to finally meet you,” I say. “I mean, God, a woman that Axel’s actually falling in love with? Seemingly impossible. I’ve got to pick your brains and find out who the hell you are and how on earth you transformed my stupid brother.”

Maddie blushes. “Sure…”

“Sorry,” I say, sensing her bashfulness. “I can be quite… loud.”