Persistent Ex-husband: Stay With Me

Linsey Wheeler felt her body burning. Everything everywhere felt so hot.

Linsey stumbled forward as she pushed herself to run. She had come here to discuss business with a client, but things took on a different and horrible turn. As luck would have it, the client had other intentions in mind and spiked her drink when she wasn't looking.

Fortunately, Linsey managed to flee from the chamber, but by that point, the drug was already taking effect on her. The heat coursing through her body was so intense that her very blood was boiling in her veins.

She was on the verge of panic and despair when she turned the corner and rammed into a broad, hard chest.

She took hold of the man's arm and clung to him as if her life depended on it. And it might very well did. "Please! Please help me!"

Linsey could smell a faint trace of alcohol from the man's body, mixed in with the crisp scent of cedar. It left a cool impression that somehow calmed her raging emotions.

But it wasn't enough. She needed more.

Through the haze of the drug's influence, she thought she heard the man gnash his teeth together before saying, "You brought this upon yourself."

The next thing she knew, her feet were off the floor, and then she was being pinned down against a soft mattress.

Before she could even fully comprehend what was happening, the man took Linsey's mouth in a kiss so fierce and passionate that she could hardly keep herself from responding.

This was only the beginning, though, and the rest that followed was just as fiery and intense as that initial kiss.

The air in the room grew hot and heavy in the minutes that passed, and the only sounds that were heard were soft moans and gasps, coupled with the distinct sound of two bodies pounding and grinding against each other.

The dim light of the moon filtered through the windows to illuminate their naked limbs entwined with each other.

After what felt like forever, the stormy fire finally abated.

When Linsey opened her eyes again, it was already bright outside. She tried to stretch, only to realize that she was sore all over, particularly in her inner thighs. It was all the proof she needed to know that the previous night wasn't a dream at all.

Just then, a chilly voice sounded from the other side of the bed. "How much do you want?"

She rolled over and froze.

The man was sitting on a chair, looking cold and dashing in his business suit. It was none other than her husband of three years, Bryson Higgins.

What was he doing here? Did that mean that the man from the previous night was him?

Bryson's brows furrowed when Linsey said nothing and just kept staring at him. With a small sigh, he took out a check and tossed it in her direction. "Take the money and leave. Forget about last night. Don't even think about going after something that doesn't belong to you."

Bryson had just attended a social gathering last night and was about to retire to his hotel room when a girl suddenly accosted him in the hallway.

Bryson wasn't normally one to indulge in such sordid activities, but he had found himself unable to resist this strange woman. It was a first for him.

Perhaps that was why he was so disgusted by her. Now, anyway.

Linsey frowned. Something wasn't right with this situation, apart from the obvious. "Don't you recognize me?"

"Should I recognize a party animal who drunkenly throws herself at the first stranger she meets?" Bryson mocked.

"It's not what you think. I..." Linsey rushed to explain.

"Don't bother explaining. Just take the check and go." Bryson waved a hand impatiently. "And make sure to never show up in front of me again."

Despite his words, he was the one who stood up and left the room.

Linsey stared at the check in her hands, not knowing what to make of this ridiculous development. How ironic, to have spent the night with her own husband after three years, yet he didn't even know who she was.

Their marriage had been arranged by Bryson's grandmother.

Displeased with this arrangement, Bryson had left the country on the very day of their wedding and stayed abroad ever since. Needless to say, it turned Linsey into the laughingstock in Ekarora.

Who could have imagined that she would finally meet her absentee husband under such crude circumstances?

Linsey looked down at herself and noticed the hickeys adorning her chest and arms. Linsey sighed to herself. Ignoring the pain in her muscles, she gingerly got out of bed and took a shower.

Her phone was ringing when she emerged from the bathroom.

She glanced at the caller ID. It was Asher Harper, a high-profile client she had previously worked with.

Asher's cheerful voice instantly came through the line the second she swiped to answer. "Linsey! How have you been doing these days?"

They exchanged a few pleasantries. Then, Asher finally explained the purpose of his call.

Linsey had recently helped Asher win a lawsuit and maximize the benefits he gained from the case.

As a show of gratitude and good faith, Asher was now trying to introduce Linsey to a major client.

Linsey swallowed her roiling emotions about Bryson and went into work mode. "What is this about? Tell me everything about the case."

"Yes, well, a good friend of mine has just secured a large project overseas," Asher began. "The problem is that the shipment has been embargoed by customs. Since you're a top-notch lawyer in this particular field, I thought it would be best to bring this case to you. I was hoping you could help."

Linsey always welcomed new business, and bagging a huge client never hurt. She smiled and said, "Whatever it is that you and your friend need, I am absolutely at your service."

Considering Asher's social status, she did not doubt that this client was a prominent figure.

Just like that, her spirits were lifted. "Thank you for this, Mr. Harper."

"No problem. My friend is willing to meet up with you today to discuss this matter in person. I'll text you an address."

As exhausted as she as, Linsey didn't want to waste a single minute and delay this lucrative opportunity. She agreed, said goodbye and checked the address Asher had sent her. Then, she quickly dressed and made her way to the Twilight Bar.

As soon as she entered the designated chamber, however, she was shocked to find the very same man who had cruelly dismissed her just over an hour ago, the same man who had made passionate love to her last night - her husband.

What a preposterous twist of fate. Bryson again!

Scenes from their intimacy last night and his indifference earlier this morning flashed in Linsey's mind.

Linsey's first instinct was to turn around and hightail it out of there. She was in the process of turning away when she paused and reconsidered.

While she had no interest in getting involved with her so-called husband in any capacity, it would be a pity to let this lucrative opportunity go. Securing a connection with the Higgins Group would certainly help advance her career.

Besides, it was quite clear that Bryson had no idea about her being his legal wife. It posed no problems for them working together.

With renewed resolve, Linsey took a deep breath and strode over to Bryson's table. She slid into the seat across him and said, "Mr. Higgins. It's nice to see you again."

Bryson scowled when he laid eyes on Linsey. Hadn't he compensated her enough for the previous night? Why had this woman followed him all the way here? She was really starting to get on his nerves.

Bryson's eyes flashed with disdain as he smirked at her. "Do you want more money? Is that why you're here?"

Linsey sat up straight. "I'm afraid you've misunderstood. I'm here to meet a prospective client."

Bryson felt even more repulsed when he heard that. He got the wrong idea that she was some prostitute. It hadn't even been a day since they had shared a bed, and she was already seeking out a new client?

His gaze traveled down Linsey's slender figure. Could she really handle such strenuous activities?

"Aren't you pushing yourself too hard?" he asked. "Won't you even rest before offering your services to another client?"

Linsey blinked, baffled by his words. "Why rest when there is money to be made?"

Bryson's view of her was getting worse and worse by the second. This woman was something else! How could she be so proud of her depravity? How utterly shameless!

Linsey, on the other hand, thought that Bryson was simply underestimating her skills as a lawyer. She tried to reassure him, "Don't worry, I've dealt with similar matters countless times before. I'm quite proficient at my job if I say so myself."

Bryson narrowed his eyes at her. For a moment, he said nothing and just scrutinized Linsey. Proficient, she said? But she seemed inexperienced last night during their intimate moments. Was it all pretense on her part?

Linsey met his skeptical eyes and went on, "I'm more than willing to fulfill the client's specific needs. My goal is to ensure customer satisfaction. If you have any requirements, all you need to do is let me know, and I'll see to it that they are met."

The Higgins Group was a major conglomerate, a top player in various business enterprises. Even the mere possibility of working with them was not something to be taken lightly, and Linsey was determined to seize this chance for herself.

Bryson raised an eyebrow. "So, your industry provides such well-rounded service now?"

Loathe as he was to admit it, he was rather impressed by her zeal. With the way she was selling herself, he almost believed that she truly was the best in her line of work. This annoyed him, for some reason, even more so than he had been a while ago. Bryson turned away with a sharp intake of breath. "I do not need your services. You may go."

Linsey bristled. How could he reject her outright?

Asher had been direct about the tricky points of the case, which was mainly why he had turned to her for help.

For Bryson to dismiss her without even giving her a chance to prove herself was indicative of his lack of trust in her.

"I have handled my fair share of economic disputes and international trade cases for various companies. I assure you that my portfolio is extensive, and my experience will surely serve you well. I reviewed the previous lawsuits faced by the Higgins Group on my way here, and I am confident that I can win this one for you."

Bryson's eyes widened in astonishment. "You were talking about the case?" he blurted out, his voice rising slightly.

It was Linsey's turn to narrow her eyes, this time with confusion. "What else could it have been?"

What the hell did he think she was talking about?

As an afterthought, Linsey added, "Mr. Harper introduced you to me. Asher Harper, that is."

Bryson almost clicked his tongue. A female lawyer who built her career by seducing clients and sleeping with them... It looked like Asher was becoming increasingly unreliable these days. How could that punk introduce him to an opportunistic wench when he needed a true professional!

Bryson stewed and said nothing, making Linsey think that he was still doubting her abilities. "Mr. Higgins, I am aware that a batch of goods from your company has been impounded by Behland Customs. As I said, I have experience in these matters. In fact, I've handled a similar case before. I hope you will give me a chance. Even a single day wasted without settling this issue could mean heavy losses for the Higgins Group."

Bryson sneered, "You're quite dedicated, aren't you? You've been thorough with your research. I'll give you that."

"Of course," Linsey responded without batting an eye. "In our line of work, the client's interests and well-being are always the priority."

Bryson's expression darkened once more. Why did she keep blabbering on and on about pleasing her damn clients?

"Even the top legal team hired by the Higgins Group couldn't solve this," he said in a snarky tone. "Do you honestly believe you can take care of it?"

Linsey couldn't help but feel irritated by his tone, especially since he was basically questioning her professional skills. It didn't take a genius to know that Bryson underestimated her.

"The reason for the embargo is not because of the goods. Your lawyers were looking into the wrong angle and dragged themselves to a dead end. You need a fresh perspective, a thorough one." At this point, Linsey completely dropped her courteous demeanor.

She was no longer an amicable woman marketing herself for a profitable business venture, but a cutthroat lawyer who was dealing with a cumbersome client. The change was so abrupt and so stark that it left Bryson momentarily stunned.

Unfortunately, this wasn't enough to convince Bryson. Bryson chuckled and cast Linsey a condescending look. "You're quite confident in yourself, but words are merely words. What I need is a person of action, someone who is truly capable of solving this problem without a hitch. Do you really think that person is you?"

Bryson didn't even wait for Linsey to reply before dismissing her yet again. "You should leave, Miss... Well, you should go."

Linsey took a deep breath. She could tell from his attitude that she couldn't make any progress today. She took out a business card from her purse and offered it to him. "Mr. Higgins, if you ever change your mind, do feel free to give me a call."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure I won't be needing that," Bryson said, glancing at the card without making a move to take it.

Linsey gritted her teeth at his arrogance. As much as she wanted this project, her tolerance for his disrespect was limited. Unable to hold back any longer, she spoke sharply at him. "Article 328, Clause 14 of the Customs Administrative Penalty Implementation Regulations. Take a look at it if you can spare some time. I'd like to see if you can still be this pompous once the Higgins Group's overseas operation collapses!"

With that, Linsey grabbed her coat and strode away without a single glance.

If Bryson's legion of lawyers were half as good as he claimed them to be, then this matter should have been settled in less than a week. He wouldn't have to enlist Asher's help in seeking her out in the first place!

Linsey was so irritated that she failed to pay attention to the person approaching her from the opposite direction.

It wasn't until Linsey felt her arm getting grabbed that she finally snapped back to reality. Linsey glared up at the man in front of her, but her annoyance quickly turned into panic.

It was Devin Sullivan, the owner of a real estate business and the client she had met with last night, the very man who had drugged her.

Devin was already in his forties, a state that was more or less evidenced by his thinning hair and pot belly. Linsey had noticed early on during their business meeting that he was looking at her strangely, but she had never expected him to do anything about it. She had certainly never imagined that he would spike her drink! Now, seeing him face to face gave her an urgent need to flee.

Devin leered at her, his grip tightening around her arm. "Hello, Miss Wheeler. You may have managed to escape last night, but I'm not letting you go this time!"

Linsey swallowed the lump in her throat and told herself to calm down. "Don't you dare do anything to me, or I will sue you!"

Her threat was met with a bark of laughter. "Go ahead, be my guest! With my connections, I'll make it look like you're the one who seduced me. Let's see who will believe you then!"

Linsey grew frantic. She struggled against him, desperate to break free. "Let go of me! Help! Someone, please help me!" she cried out.

"Keep screaming for all I care! This bar is part of my turf. Even if you scream your lungs out, no one is coming to save you!" Devin smirked at Linsey, his lecherous gaze wandering up and down her body. "If you know what's best for you, you'll stop resisting and do as I say. Serve me well, and you will be rewarded."

Devin leaned closer, trying to land a big, wet kiss on Linsey's lips. Devin had been eyeing her for as long as he could remember, and he finally got the chance to get her alone last night. Needless to say, after his initial plans had been foiled, there was no way he was letting her slip through his fingers again.

Linsey tried to fight him off with all the strength she could muster. In her struggle, the top two buttons of her blouse came undone, exposing her neck and upper chest.

When Devin saw the fresh hickeys on her skin, he exploded in possessive anger. "You bitch! Who the hell did you fuck last night? You should be honored that I even gave you the time of the day, yet you went away and tumbled around with another man!"

Frightened now, Linsey took a step back and pulled as far away as she could. "What's wrong with sleeping with my husband?" she blurted out without thinking. "I'll have you know that I am married to Bryson Higgins! Touch me, and he won't spare you!"

"Bryson Higgins? Stop lying, you wench, and take a good look at yourself before you make such ridiculous statements. Someone of his caliber wouldn't even spare a glance at someone like you." Devin sneered and tightened his grip further, so much so that Linsey was sure his hand would leave a mark on her skin. "Did you think I would fall for your stupid lies? I'll show you just how wise and capable I am!"

His other hand began to reach for Linsey's chest. Linsey screamed and turned away, her eyes shut tight in terror of what was to come.

But Devin's hand never touched her.

Linsey risked a peek and looked up. "Bryson!"

"Mr. Higgins!" Devin knew who Bryson was, of course. To say that he was shocked to see Bryson there and then would be a gross understatement.

Devin's mind raced. Had Linsey told the truth? Was she really Bryson's wife?