AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Robyn
A year ago, I find myself trapped in a whirlwind of emotions, my heart weighed down by a relentless mixture of sadness and anxiety. Seated in my office at Forrester Media, I can't escape the looming assignment that will soon whisk me away from the life I've known: my job, my family, and, most painfully, him. Rachael terms it a"work assignment,"cloaked in corporate jargon about establishing the London office, but deep down, I know the bitter truth—I am being exiled because of him, because of Knox.
My unwavering focus has always been on Anika's recovery and the well-being of my siblings. I toil diligently at Forrester Media under Reese's watchful eye, trying to maintain a safe distance from Knox, but with each passing day, that distance feels impossible to maintain. The magnetic pull between us remains, an irresistible force that refuses to let us go, despite my valiant efforts to resist.
Knox, unyielding in his pursuit, continues discreetly supporting Anika's fragile well-being. One night, a month or so ago, we find ourselves in a delicate situation. The passion and emotions I have suppressed for so long consume me, and I succumb to the desires that have smoldered within. I can still vividly recall the intensity of that night, a memory I will cling to forever, even though I know it can never be replicated.
Now, I await my punishment trip. Rachael has decreed it is in the best interest of the company—and maybe me too—to go for a while for business. I am all too aware of the actual reason—she has learned of our relationship, the love I can no longer conceal for her son. She wants me out of the picture to avoid becoming a distraction.
I can't bear to face Knox now; I dread the disappointment and agony that will fill his eyes when he discovers my impending departure. I couldn't even bear to look at him in the meeting earlier today. It would have been my undoing, and I refuse to give his mother that satisfaction.
As I hastily gather my belongings, I assume the office is deserted for the evening. The hour is far beyond the usual working time, and my plan is to slip in and out unnoticed. But, just as I become lost in my thoughts, a knock on my office door startles me. I glance up, only to find Reese standing there, his raised eyebrow laden with questions.
"So, you believe you could escape without uttering a word?"Reese's tone cuts through the air, probing and accusatory. I let out a nervous laugh.
"I didn't anticipate anyone being here this late,"I reply, hastily rising from my desk."My goal was to pack up and ship out before anyone realized I was gone."
"Anyone, or just my brother?"Reese presses further, hitting a raw nerve. I lower my head, unwilling to engage in this confrontation with Reese. He has spent years urging me to be open with Knox about how I truly feel, not fully aware of the depth of our relationship. Knox has kept his word and hasn't divulged all the intricate details of our situation to Reese. Reese only knows something has transpired. Even my younger siblings, especially Anika, have grown curious about why Knox is no longer part of our lives.
"Do you realize how formidable your mother can be!?"I inquire of Reese, my frustration is evident in my voice.
"I, ofallpeople, do, but we can't be her puppets. We all deserve happiness, and we'renotpuppets, Robyn!"he replies.
"Well, as long as I'm cashing those Forrester paychecks, I have to do as you all say,"I retort."I'm caught in a bind. Do you honestly believe defying your mother will endear me to her or make her view me as a suitable match for your brother? No, it would only give her more ammunition to say, 'I told you so' to Knox. Leaving is my sole option right now, Reese—unless I quit or you fire me."
"Hell no to either of those things, Robyn."Reese releases a weary sigh, fully comprehending the predicament in which we find ourselves. He recognizes I speak the truth, even though we both want to defy Rachael's puppet mastery. Yet, we are both acutely aware of the harsh reality—we can't. None of us know what it will take to soften that woman's heart, but I have already resolved not to remain and find out.
"Please, just let me leave and do what I need to do, Reese. Don't tell your brother,"I plead."Perhaps a clean break might be best for all of us?—"
"Is it, though?"I freeze as Knox's voice resonates through the room. He arrives, standing in the doorway. I shoot Reese a pointed look, knowing he has told on me, before turning my gaze to Knox, silently imploring him not to make this any more agonizing than it has to be.
Reese holds up his hands in defense."Hey, I had to call him. You can't vanish into the night without a word. It wouldn't be fair to Knox, and you recognize it wouldn't be fair to yourself either,"Reese explains before exiting the room, closing the door behind him.
Now, it is just Knox and me, enveloped by the weight of our unspoken emotions. Our eyes lock, the silence pressing upon us. Neither of us knows what to say, but the emotions lingering between us are palpable and unbearable.
"Robyn, you seriously were about to leave without a word after everything we've been through?"Knox's voice quivers with hurt, on the verge of tears, shattering my already aching heart.
The air in the room is thick with unresolved tension and palpable emotions. We both want to say so much, to express our feelings, but fear holds us back. As Knox closes the distance between us, I try to resist, to maintain my composure, but it is a futile battle. I don't want to fight him anymore; I want him, need him."I have no choice, Knox,"I say, my voice trembling as I look into his eyes."Your mother wants me gone. She wants me out of your life."
Knox's gaze is intense, filled with longing and frustration. He speaks with a raw urgency in his voice,"But I can't just let you go like this, Robyn. I can't lose you again."
As he pulls me closer to him, all resistance melts away. I don't want to resist anymore. I need him just as much as he needs me. Our lips meet in a passionate, desperate kiss, and the world around us seems to fade away. In that moment, it is just the two of us, giving in to the love that has always been there, hidden beneath the surface.
Our kiss is a storm of pent-up desire and unspoken words. The years of us growing apart but longing to be together and the pain of our secret love have taken their toll, and now, we unleash it all in this fierce embrace. Knox's arms hold me tight as if he never wants to let go.
I pull away for a moment, needing to catch my breath, my forehead resting against his."Knox,"I whisper, my voice heavy with emotion."I love you—more than I've ever loved anyone."
His eyes bore into mine, and he whispers back,"I love you too, Robyn, always have, always will."
With those words, all the uncertainty melts away. We kiss again, every touch and caress a promise of the future we are determined to build together, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
I can't help but wonder about the obstacles ahead. Rachael's disapproval, family expectations, and the corporate world's interference still loom. But in this stolen moment, none of it matters. We are finally together, and that's all that truly counts. His hands find my waist as he gently presses against me. It isn't the first time I've felt the hard length of this man against me, and I pray that the distance between us in the coming year won't make it our last.
Knox's lips blaze a trail down my neck, leaving a fiery path in their wake. His cologne mixes with the heady scent of desire that hangs in the air, making me shiver with anticipation. His hands explore my body, each touch sparking a fire deep within me.
Time seems to stand still in that office. The world outside fades away as our bodies intertwine, lost in the moment. Worries and challenges are momentarily forgotten, replaced by an insatiable hunger only each other can satisfy.
His kisses grow more urgent, hands gripping me tighter as if he can't bear to let go. Our love is an unbreakable force, a bond that has weathered storms and defied all odds. As he whispers words of love and adoration against my skin, I know we can conquer anything together.
