TWISTED FATES BOOK 1: THE FIRST TWIST by Jacklyn Rogers (read after TXT) 📕

Wow, I mean ... WOW!

Jareth gazed lovingly at me with his arms spread wide. "Happy Birthday Samantha. You approve, love?"

It was a gesture that made my heart melt into a puddle of melted Ben & Jerry's. Without a word, I leaped into Jareth's solid muscular arms and compensated his pensiveness with a steamy, toe-curling kiss.

If that kiss weren’t a clear indication of how incredible his gesture was, I'd have to make sure and elaborate later tonight - Wink-wink.

"What do you think?" I teased him.  With my arms still draped around his neck, I lightly ran my French-tipped fingernails along the back of his closely trimmed hair and bit my lip seductively. Jareth's lips curled with a mischievous smirk as he effortlessly hoisted me up, wrapping my legs around his firm torso, continuing our make-out session in the entryway of my Condo. His hand began slowly making its way up my thigh until he felt the garter of my stocking. He paused for a brief moment before a devilish grin formed on his lips. Underneath the sheer slip of lacy material covering my nether regions, I could feel that Jareth had become extremely aroused. That was at least until he suddenly comprehended that we were partaking in a definite PG-13, on the verge of an R rating, display of PDA in the open hallway of my building. Jareth blushed as he carefully set me back on my feet to let me catch my breath. He ran his long delicate fingers through his hair and breathed a sigh; something I noticed he did a lot whenever he appeared to be frustrated. I internally laughed, knowing that I wasn't the only one left hanging at the moment.

Surveying the multitude of floral arrangements surrounding my entryway, Jareth groaned.  I could tell that it finally dawned on him that they still needed to be transported inside. Even the greatest of gestures have a downside. In this case, it's carrying all of them inside and figuring out where the hell I was supposed to put them.

As Jareth went to start gathering up the bouquets, I purposefully made sure to run my hand across his manhood slowly.  Feeling the little twitch of his organ against my fingertips made me giggle. Yep, not so little Jareth was trying to say hello.

"Samantha, if you keep distracting me, love, we may never leave." Jareth devilishly continued his teasing. "Despite wanting to do nothing but ravish you, I have a full special day planned for us. But-" he paused as his index finger gently traced along my collar bone, "I promise you that tonight, I plan on making every inch of this stunning body mine. I do hope you had a pleasant night's slumber, love because sleep will not be a prospect once I have your beautiful presence in my bed."

I jutted my lower lip out and pretended to pout at the thought of waiting to be ravished. Childish, I know, but God, I wanted this man. I giggled at my silliness because I knew that Jareth was a total romantic who probably worked very hard to ensure that today's outing was picture-perfect.  I lasted this long, so I should be able to handle waiting a few more hours to have my way with him finally.  Besides, I'm pretty sure that whatever he had arranged for us from beginning to end, this day was going to be beyond compare.

Unfortunately, unbeknownst to us, things were not going to go as he'd meticulously planned.

**********************************************************

The entire day with Jareth was indeed marvelous! He had acquired a stretch limo, which would be our primary mode of transportation for the whole day. We visited the Museum of Modern Art for our first stop, which he rented out solely for the benefit of us two. Arm in arm, we spent several hours admiring all the exquisite works of art. I even coaxed him into taking a selfie with me in front of the museum's trademark Spoon with a Cherry, located outside the building. Once we left the museum, we went and had lunch on a private yacht, where we cruised along Lake Minnetonka and admired the picturesque sunset in each other's arms.

Could this day get any better?!

For dinner, Jareth opted to take me to a very posh French bistro located in Uptown. As soon as we had arrived, the stocky animated host warmly greeted Jareth and swiftly guided us through the restaurant without skipping a beat. We quickly made our way through the bustling restaurant, passing several onlookers until we reached a small, elegantly decorated table that had been sectioned off for only us two. Resting conspicuously at the center of the white linen-covered table was a long-stemmed rose sitting on top of a slender oblong navy-blue velvet box. After Jareth personally pulled my chair out to be seated, he stood before me, cradling the velvet box in his hands.

"Samantha," he began, "I know that we have only been enjoying each other's company for a short time. But, to someone who has lived as long as I have, it is truly a wonder for me when such a magnificent creature is awarded. So, I say to you, Samantha Hunter, that I have fallen madly in love with you and hope you find it in your heart to accept this small token of my devotion to you on your most special day."

Did he just say that he ... me ... Love? What?! 

**Ladies and Gentlemen. This is your Captain speaking. It seems that we are heading into unchartered territory. If you look to your left, you may catch a brief glimpse of the island formerly known as Casual Boyfriend. As we make our descent heart first into Lover's Peak, please be sure to brace yourself for impact. ***

As I observed through glistening lashes, I was awestruck how Jareth precariously opened the velvet box in his hand and revealed its contents. Nestled, in its silk confines, was a stunning emerald and diamond pendant, in which every single one of the sparkling emerald gems