By Nightmares is the sequel to my debut novella Daydreams. Following the story of Emily Gamble, this erotic romance story has grown into a 3-part series. If you haven’t read the first book, enjoy a free snippet here.
The worst nightmares are the ones you can’t wake from. That’s exactly the predicament Emily Gamble finds herself in, after discovering her life isn’t the fairy tale she’d imagined. Her husband Daniel, who she thought to be a knight in shining armor, is forced to reveal difficult truths that threaten to break their union.
In the sequel to Daydreams, the Gamble family finds themselves at an unexpected crossroad, facing challenges from every direction. Follow their complicated love story through a new adventure that will leave you guessing at every turn. Is their love strong enough to overcome the unthinkable?
Catch up with the Gambles in this sneak peak of Nightmares.
Prologue
Groggy and dehydrated, I rolled over, reaching for Emily. After a night of drinking, I was craving her more than ever. She was gone, most likely downstairs cooking breakfast with her sisters. The aromas were already creeping up the stairs, but Iwasn’t quite ready for the family affair.
Looking to the nightstand, I began searching the bed for my phone. The night was a blur. Staggering into the bathroom, I had to admit how subtly quality liquor crept up on you. I caught my reflection in the mirror, shaking my head as I noticed I’d fallenasleep fully dressed.
My phone vibrated, drawing my attention to the vanity as I struggled to remember leaving it there. My assistant was alerting me of a new request in the contract negotiations for a deal in Tokyo. With the potential to break into the Asian market, it would take Tower Enterprise Group to the next level. But respecting Japanese business etiquette was proving to be a timely concession.
I’d been working around the clock for weeks, and Tracy knew time was of the essence.Typically, my time away from work was off limits for business, but for this deal I was willing to make an exception.
Quickly, I responded to her message, instructing her to contact the legal team with my approval to make the adjustments. Before the email had sent, I was texting Emily.
Come back to bed. –
Anticipating Emily’s arrival, I hopped in the shower, stalling with the hopes she wouldsoon join me. The urge to relieve myself was strong, but as always, I wanted to reserve everything for her.
After lathering my body with every soap and bath oil lining the built-in shelves, I finally accepted my wife wasn’t going to join me, stepping out the shower smelling likea bouquet of roses. There was still no sign of her in the bedroom, but the voices from downstairs were growing louder. It was only a matter of time before she would come upstairs, upset by my delay.
Emily lived for these moments, but I quickly learned she wasn’t satisfied with private quality time with her family. She needed us both there, a public display of how happy and successful she was. Coming from a broken family, it wasn’t something I was used to.
No one in my family cared about my happiness, or how well Emily and I got along. Ilived in a mansion and drove a Ferrari, there wasn’t much left to prove to them.
Like many things, I adjusted this part of my life to accommodate the woman I loved. In the grand scheme, it was miniscule. A few hours mingling with the Delley family wasfar from a chore. It was the first time in months I’d spent time with my in-laws, reuniting in their family home was a breath of fresh air. Although, I was certainEmily’s parents’ relationship was not one I aspired to model my marriage after.
Descending the long stairwell, I paused, surveying the room before making my entrance. Mr. Delley was an early riser. From the folding glass doors that led to the massive backyard, I could see he was already on a call. Pacing the same patch of cement, he was speaking in what looked to be an aggressive tone.
I had some business to discuss with him, but it looked best to save that for later. By the time I made it to the living room, my stomach was speaking in complete sentences, the liquor from last night demanding food.
“Good morning!” Tiffany greeted me first as I sat in a loveseat at the edge of the room.
“Good morning,” I smiled, nodding to both her and Elliot. He sat beside her, his arm wrapped tightly around her shoulder as if she might run away any second.
“It’ll be a good morning once they finish that food!” Elliot yelled towards the kitchen.“Tell your little girlfriend to come help and we might finish sooner!”
I didn’t need to look up to know that was Denise. She was always looking for an argument. To my knowledge, Tiffany was the first woman Elliot had ever introduced to his little sisters. Denise had been bullying her since she arrived.
“Hey, Daniel. You want some coffee?” Olivia asked. Emily’s oldest sister was the most nurturing of them, constantly concerned with everyone’s well-being.
“Good morning,” I called out before adding, “No, I’m fine. Thank you.”
The Delley women were in the kitchen, and I knew well enough to stay as far away as possible. Besides, I liked to have my morning coffee with Emily.
Reaching for my phone, I checked to see if she’d responded to my message, but there was only a new email from Tracy. For the first time, I didn’t want updates about thedeal. With my hormones still raging, I was yearning to touch my wife.
“Where’s Em?” I asked Elliot after scanning the room.
“She’s in there,” he nodded towards the kitchen without turning away from thetelevision.
“Ya’ll wanna watch something else?” Denise’s new boyfriend asked from the opposite end of the sofa, slouched like a teenager. I’d barely had a conversation with him duringthe party, at least not one I could remember.
“Nah, you good, bro,” Elliot answered. We continued to watch Sportscenter in silence,a mindless activity I gave up in college.
Just then, Victoria walked into the living room carrying a tray of mimosas. “I’ve been assigned waitress for the morning.”
I chuckled, but to my surprise she never looked in my direction. As Emily’s best friend,Victoria had always been my favorite of her sisters, and I liked to think we had the closest bond. I could tell she was in a foul mood, probably over a quarrel with hersisters. I knew I’d hear all the details from Emily on the ride home.
“Daniel! Can I talk to you?” Mr. Delley barked from the backyard.
“Of course,” I jumped up, quickly making my way across the room. The look on his facesaid whatever he needed was urgent, and I had a feeling I knew exactly what it was.
“I need to contract you for a new deal,” he wasted no time cutting to the chase.
“I actually wanted to discuss some business with you,” I massaged my hands together,certain this would be a difficult conversation.
“I need this to stay between us,” he began before Olivia poked her head out the glass doors. “What is it, honey?” Mr. Delley asked, shifting to a kinder tone.
“Sorry, daddy. Daniel, is Emily too drunk to come to breakfast? I knew she was drinking too much last night. I should have stopped her,” she winced regretfully.
“What do you mean? I thought Em was cooking with ya’ll,” I questioned, walkingtowards the back door.
Upon re-entering the house, something felt off. Everyone turned to me, it felt each of them were aware of something I wasn’t privileged to.
“Victoria,” I called across the island when I entered to the kitchen. If anyone knew what was going on with my wife, it was her. “Where’s Emily?”
She finally looked to me, hurt swirling through her almond shaped eyes. Gone was thelittle sister I’d regularly send clients, hoping to keep her flailing interior designbusiness afloat. She was harboring something, but I couldn’t be sure what it was.
“She’s sleep,” she frowned, answering me with an attitude for the first time since we’dmet. While she was clearly upset, I didn’t think she was lying.
“Sleep where? Daniel, she’s not upstairs?” Mrs. Delley began to panic.
My stomach sank when the four women started moving in circles, concern transforming their faces. Glancing toward the living room, the rest of the party was moving in, crowding around the kitchen island as the news made its way throughout the house.
“Emily’s gone?” Mr. Delley asked, the frustration clear on his face before he was distracted by another phone call.
“Oh God!” Mrs. Delley yelped as though Emily was a six-year-old child.
The women began running up the stairs, searching through every room as they called her name. Elliot and his girlfriend stood to the side speaking in whispers, no doubt trying to explain the impulsiveness of his youngest sister.
“Shawty left last night, dog,” Denise’s boyfriend said. I hadn’t even noticed himstanding beside me. Glaring at him from the corner of my eye, I tried to bite back myannoyance. I couldn’t take anyone dating Denise too seriously. “She dipped out in the ‘Rari at like three this morning.”
“She what?” I barked, certain he was wasting my time.
“Look, this ain’t my business. But I saw her leave. If you need it, I got ways of finding anybody. Just say the word.”
Chapter 1
“Miss. Delley?”
My head snapped up, recognizing my name after a long delay. The young blond mancurled his lips, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. I could sense his concern, and knew Ideserved it.
“Yes, is everything okay?” I forced a fake smile of my own, eager to be alone with my thoughts.
“I’ll just need the American Express you used online,” he explained the obvious.
I was a mess, still flustered from the nightmare that had officially carried over to the morning. After a quick scramble at the house, stuffing a bag with unnecessary odds and ins, here I was. A fashionable vagabond.
“Oh, yes… Of course,” I nodded, lifting my leather denim Neverfull bag onto the marblecounter. As I dug for the matching wallet, a pair of pink lace panties fell from the bag. The embarrassment seeped through my pores as I stuffed the underwear in my pocket.
“Sorry, I’m just,” I struggled to explain, grateful for my last second decision to wear the oversized shades I’d found in Daniel’s car. The thought of my husband turned my stomach, causing my teeth to clench as I envisioned his face.
“Don’t worry about it, ma’am. We can handle it after your appointment. You will still bepartaking in the spa day, right?” The blond guy asked while typing on his keyboard.
Too tired to insist he not call me ma’am, I simply nodded before accepting the thin white envelope he handed me. Peeking inside, I noticed one room key, along with my valet ticket.
“Will you be needing a second key?” He asked, misreading the disappointment on my face.
My stomach fluttered at his question. Of course, he had no idea I’d just left my husband, making this the first time one key was sufficient.
“It’s fine. Where is it?” I asked, a soft grunt escaping me as I lifted the Louis Vuitton bagfrom the counter.
“The elevator is just up the hall, ma’am. You’re on the top floor, as requested.”
“My name is Emily… Matthew,” I squinted to read his name tag, again thinking of Daniel. He made a point to address everyone by name, treating janitors and board members alike.
“Of course, ma’am… I’m sorry. Of course, Miss. Emily,” He stumbled through thecorrection, unable to drop all formalities.
After refusing the bell hop’s assistance, I walked to the elevator alone. The last thing I wanted was forced small talk in a long elevator ride. Dropping my bag, my shouldersslumped with the weight I’d been carrying, both literally and figuratively. Leaning my head against the mirrored wall as the elevator car ascended floors, the heaviness of my decisions began to sink in.
It was all surreal. Operating on autopilot, my body was working solely on adrenaline after a sleepless night. From the time I learned the truth about Daniel, and what he had been up to during our rocky time, my feet had been moving almost as quickly as my mind.
The drive back to the city from my parents’ estate in the valley was quicker than normal, as my mind raced through ways to disguise the unavoidable truth. Over and over, I triedto recount the words of the emails, hoping to be wrong, but I knew I wasn’t.
Standing in our bedroom, the one Daniel and I had only recently begun sharing again, I admitted I could no longer recount even a word from the series of emails. All that was left was the emptiness in my gut, the shame in my chest, and the tension in my shoulders. I may have forgotten the words, but the way they made me feel was burned into my soul.
The soft bell of the elevator brought me back to reality, as I reached for my overflowingbag before making my way to the room. It had been a long time since I’d stayed in ahotel not owned by my family. But if I knew Daniel, he was already searching for me, and a Delley Retreat would never conceal a drop of information from my father.
The Standard Hotel was in Downtown LA, the last place my family would expect me to hideout. Glancing around the room, I couldn’t stop pointing out missteps made in the design. The King-sized bed was far too large for the room, leaving only a tiny space for sitting beside the bed. But the designer was either greedy or forced, squeezing a plush lounge chair and ottoman underneath the only window, which overlooked the city.
Tossing my bag onto the lounge chair, I plopped down on the ottoman, taking in the details of my new home. The bright red theme dated the room, which I imagined was trendy a few years back. A geometric design on the bedspread was duplicated on an accent wall opposite the window. Tacky.
Instantly, I began to ponder other options. The room was too cluttered to stay for long. As I walked into the bathroom, I noticed where all the square footage had gone. Although it was only half the size of our master bath, it didn’t pair well with such a tinyhotel room. With both a standalone soaker tub, and large glassed-in shower, the bathroom felt more spacious than the living area. To make matters worse, fire engine red tiles lined the bathroom floor and wall. The space was as relaxing as a disco.
A soft knock at the door sent me into a panic. Was it possible Daniel could find me so quickly? I’d been extra careful, booking with my corporate credit card, using my maidenname. He had no idea I kept a credit line completely detached from him, a lesson and wedding gift from my mother.
Tip toeing across the thin carpet, I peered through the peephole to see a small Asian woman dressed in a light pink uniform that reminded me of scrubs.
“Hi, I’m Megan. Are you ready for your spa day, Miss. Delley?” Her voice was calmingeven through the door.
“Hi, Megan. I thought I was supposed to come downstairs?” I asked while opening theheavy door.
“Oh no. You ordered the VIP package, we come to you,” she smiled before reaching for a cart I hadn’t noticed through the peep hole.
Moving to the side, I made room for her as she navigated the tight space like a pro. As much as I was looking forward to a bit of pampering, the idea of unwinding felt impossible.
“Let’s start with a bath,” she smiled, making her way to the bathroom before running the water. It was the first time I’d fully entered the bathroom, after being disturbed by herarrival. I’d completely missed the vanity at the far end of the large room.
I plopped down, feeling the fatigue settle in as I watched her add one oil after another into the white ceramic tub. Megan quietly prepped her tools and clean towels like a doctor preparing for surgery. I only hoped she could revive me from the hell I was in.
“Ready?” She turned to me when the water had reached a level that met her satisfaction.
Without a word, I stepped out the maxi dress I’d been wearing for nearly 24-hours. I could still smell Daniel on it, the memories of our passionate erotic episode a few hours earlier catching my breath.
“Should I have this laundered?” Megan asked.
“Burn it.” I ordered as I sunk into the steaming water.
Chapter 2
Megan had done just what I needed, nursing me back to health with a spa day that was worth every penny. I tipped her a crisp one-hundred-dollar bill, one of many I’d takenfrom the safe before leaving our family home.
“Thank you,” she gratefully nodded as she gathered her things.
Not only had she bathed me, but Megan washed and conditioned my hair, tying it up in a silk scarf before adding a large white towel for what I thought was more aesthetic than anything. Afterward, she’d given me a massage for what felt like hours, allowing me tosleep as she magically managed to paint my fingernails.
“Do you really want me to burn this?” She asked, lifting my maxi dress from the floor. “It’s a very expensive dress,” she added, a look of shock on her face.
“You keep it,” I smirked, noticing she was about my size. Her eyes lit up, and I felt even better.
“Thank you, Miss. Delley,” she smiled as she backed her cart of goodies out the room.“Reception will come up to verify your card. I was told they thought you would becoming down,” she added.
“Oh, right. No problem,” I assured her, forgetting all about my mishap at check-in.
Although it had only been a few hours, I felt like a new person. Far less frantic than the woman who had checked in with lace panties falling from her purse.
When the door closed behind Megan, it seemed to take the oxygen with it. Suddenly, I felt forced to deal with the mess I knew was happening whether I acknowledged it or not. Digging through my purse, I decided it was finally time to face the music. For the first time since I left my parents, I looked at my phone.
Eighteen missed calls and seventy-three text messages, mixed between all my family members. The last call from Daniel was only a few minutes prior. Fuck.
I threw the phone on the bed. Maybe I wasn’t as ready as I thought. A little time coulddo my body well, or at least that’s the excuse I gave myself. Before lying down, I shoved my phone under a pillow and reached for the remote to the television.
An episode of Girlfriends was playing, and I took it as a sign the Universe wanted me to relax for a day. It had always been my favorite television show, but I hadn’t watched asingle episode since the season finale.
I’d just settled into the bed, feeling even more relaxed, when a soft knock at the doorstartled me. Remembering Megan’s reminder, I disregarded the panic and quickly searched through my wallet. Pausing at the mirror, I wondered if it were inappropriate to answer the door wearing only a towel wrapped around my body to match the one on my head.
Another soft knock. I decided they’d seen plenty women in less than towels working in hospitality, and made my way to the door.
“Here you go,” I extended my hand holding the credit card before glancing up to the tired eyes staring back at me.
We stood in silence. Shock halting my words, while another emotion appeared to havecaptured Daniel’s. Instinctually, I took a step backwards, unsure of my next move.
Gripping at the towel, I felt naked, but it had nothing to do with my clothing, or lack thereof. He was staring through me in a way that made me question everything I’d feltsince discovering his truth.
I felt… guilty. A strong need to cower and explain myself took over me. I was no longer the fierce woman who had brazenly taken his car in the middle of the night. Now, I was only the kept wife, staring at the man who had directly affected every major decision of my adult life.
Daniel’s jaw tensed as his eyes moved past me, taking in the room.
“You’re having a fucking spa day?” He finally asked, catching me off guard.
How was he the one angry? The memories flooded back to me, and my own anger re- emerged. There was no reason for me to cower. I was right. He was wrong. I repeated those two short sentences until I found my voice.
“I saw the emails.”
I had a much better response, one I’d practiced the 45-minute ride from my parents’house, but now the four words rolled off my tongue as all the accusation I needed.
“What emails?” Daniel’s handsome face contorted, half frown half disgust.“The emails from Lana Boyden.”
His eyes widened imperceptibly. It was only a split second of recognition, but I caught it. The realization pushed my shoulders back as I stood taller, even more confident in my reaction.
I might have forgotten every word in those emails, but that woman’s name wasengrained in my memory, probably forever. I watched as Daniel swallowed slowly, inhaling through his nose, his lips pressed tightly together.
“Hi, uh, Miss. Delley?” The blonde guy from the front desk appeared out of nowhere. Next to Daniel he seemed even more frail. Daniel looked from Matthew to me, back to Matthew, and I knew exactly what had caught his attention.
“Here you go,” I handed him the card, and he awkwardly reached past Daniel to inspectthe
credit card before nervously returning it.
“Perfect. Sorry, it’s just protocol,” he explained to Daniel, which annoyed me.
“Oh, I’m not staying with Miss. Delley,” he looked at me when he spoke my maiden name, confirming my assumption.
“Thank you, ma’am,” Matthew returned his attention to me, his cheeks the color of beetsas he realized his misstep. “Oh, I’m sorry. Uh, thank you… Miss. Emily,” he added beforescurrying off.
We were back where we’d left off, but Daniel appeared more the offended than theoffender, shaking his head slowly as he glared at me.
I clenched my lips, trapping the words I’d been practicing as they searched for gapsbetween my teeth, eager to cry foul. I didn’t need to explain anything, and I refused to give Daniel a way out.
“Enjoy your spa day,” he finally said, releasing his grip on the door as he turned to leave.
“What?” I stepped forward, just as he turned back to me. There was a look on his face, one I couldn’t read, but the gust of air between us smelled of a distant life, one that now only brought me pain.
“Give me my keys.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. He was putting me out? Asking for the keys to a house we’dbuilt together? My mother’s insistent advice to have my name added to the deed rang loudly in my head as I turned away, feeling the tears burn at the corners of my eyes.
Don’t you fucking cry.
The keys were still on the side of my bag, easy to find. I forced my head up as I glidedback to the doorway, handing Daniel the keys he’d so arrogantly requested.
To my surprise, he removed the key to his Ferrari before handing me the keychain, ourhouse key still attached. “I’ll have someone drop off your car.”
He turned to leave again.
“Are you serious?” I asked in disbelief, but I didn’t chase after him this time, certain he would turn back around. He did.
“I woke up and you were gone, Emily. I was worried about you. Now, I see you’re fine.”He spoke the words like each one hurt, over pronouncing every syllable as he fought for restraint.
“And what about Lana Boyden?” I spat, hating the taste of her name in my mouth.
“Emily, if you left in the middle of the night without an explanation, I’d hope you have all the answers you need. I don’t have any for you.” He turned to leave, and I felt frozenby his coldness. “And call your family. They’re worried sick, but I’m done explaining your bullshit.”
He didn’t even turn around, the door slammed closed, punctuating his declaration. Myhands went to my chest as my legs gave out. My bravado could only last so long, and I fell to the floor realizing my biggest fears were true.
He didn’t even care to explain himself, discarding me like an old thought he couldn’tremember believing in.
Even in my state of shock, I fought for dignity, covering my mouth to mask the cries I refused to let Daniel hear. He was gone to who knows where. My imagination ran wild with the possibilities of him returning to Lana Boyden.
I hope you enjoyed the teaser. To continue reading, please download Nightmares, the sequel to my debut novella Daydreams.
