After hours, p.1
After Hours, page 1
After Hours
THE TIMELESS LOVE SERIES
BOOK ONE
JADA WEST
Contents
Content Notes
Playlist
1. Azzaria
2. Azzaria
3. Dillon
4. Dillon
5. Azzaria
6. Azzaria
7. Azzaria
8. Azzaria
9. Azzaria
10. Dillon
11. Azzaria
12. Dillon
13. Dillon
14. Azzaria
15. Dillon
16. Azzaria
17. Dillon
18. Dillon
19. Azzaria
20. Azzaria
21. Azzaria
22. Azzaria
23. Dillon
24. Dillon
25. Azzaria
26. Azzaria
27. Dillon
28. Azzaria
29. Dillon
30. Azzaria
31. Azzaria
32. Dillon
33. Azzaria
34. Dillon
35. Dillon
36. Azzaria
37. Azzaria
38. Azzaria
39. Azzaria
40. Azzaria
41. Dillon
42. Azzaria
43. Azzaria
44. Azzaria
45. Azzaria
46. Azzaria
Epilogue
Thank you
Acknowledgment
About the author
Coming soon
After Hours
Copyright © 2023 by Jada West
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
Jada West asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
First edition
Paperback ISBN: 9789766551131
Cover and interior formatting by Magherita Scialla
Created with Vellum
For those who find love in the most unexpected places and let it disrupt their lives in the most beautiful way. Here’s to the mysteries of the heart and the secrets of the soul and to the love that transcends boundaries.
“In the chaos of disrupted structures and the ruins of our hearts, we of- ten find the most intoxicating love. It’s a collision of two worlds, a dance of addiction and temptation. Some- times, the forbidden fruit is the sweet- est. This is the tale of Dillon & Azzaria, where time halts and the heart beats after hours.”
Content Notes
Drug Use
Mentions of assault
Sexual scenes
Mature language
Violence
Domestic abuse
Grief
Blood
Death of a parent
Cancer
Playlist
“I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” - Elvis Presley
“Cruel Summer” - Taylor Swift
“Love Me Like You Do” - Ellie Goulding
“Unsteady” - X Ambassadors
“Torn” - Natalie Imbruglia
“Bleeding Love” - Leona Lewis
“Uh Oh” - Tate McRae
“The Scientist” - Coldplay
“Chaotic” - Tate Mcrae
“Movies” - Conan Gray
“Someone Like You” - Adele
“Afterglow”- Taylor Swift
“Shape of You” - Ed Sheeran
“Addicted” - Saving Abel
“Breathless” - The Corrs
“Sexual Healing” - Marvin Gaye
“Dancing On My Own” - Robyn
“Crazy in Love” - Beyoncé
“Take My Breath” - The Weeknd
“Sweet but Psycho” - Ava Max
“All of Me” - John Legend
“Rolling in the Deep” - Adele
“Earned It” - The Weeknd
“Delicate” - Taylor Swift
“Don’t Blame Me” - Taylor Swift
“Dancing With Our Hands Tied”- Taylor Swift
“After Hours” - The Weeknd
Copyright Notice: Their respective artists and record labels reserve all rights to these songs. This playlist is for personal enjoyment and does not grant any rights for reproduction or distribution. Please support the artists by purchasing their music through official channels.
CHAPTER 1
Azzaria
“Ugh,” I grumbled as I rolled out of bed. My phone’s notifications chimed relentlessly at 5:45 PM, and I couldn’t help but wonder who the fuck it was.
Grabbing the phone to check, it was an e-mail.
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE FOR INTERNSHIP
Acceptance for the internship meant I was one step closer to graduation. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only undergrad student who found this whole internship requirement a bit absurd, but that was beside the point. I got the internship, and I just needed to get in and get out as fast as possible—piece of cake.
The body of the email simply instructed me to attend an interview tomorrow and bring along a copy of my documents and banking information.
Xander Communications Limited wasn’t my initial choice, but after glancing at the other options on the list, they seemed even more mundane. Sure, it might not align with my dream career, but the prestige of this company was undeniable, and a well-paying “job” was an alluring prospect—two things I desperately needed.
The graduation checklist had been sent out two weeks ago, and the only outstanding items on my list were the final fee payment and the mandatory internship. Both would get sorted out in due time, I hoped so at least.
“Mom, do you have a pencil skirt I could borrow?” I asked.
She furrowed her brows in response. “What on earth do you need a pencil skirt for?”
“I’ve got an internship interview tomorrow, so I need something business-appropriate.”
Her eyes left her favorite TV series and focused on me, pride shining through them. “Go check my drawers for something,” she said with a warm smile. “Congratulations on the internship! I’m incredibly proud of you!” She exclaimed, rising from her seat to give me a comforting and rewarding hug.
A soft smile passed between us, and I made my way to her room.
My mother was my anchor, the one person who had been unwaveringly by my side throughout the years. Her love for me knew no bounds, and I couldn’t help but remind myself that I was pursuing all of this for her. The weight of knowing that my mother had sacrificed everything for my well-being, even if it meant missing out on life herself, was a heavy burden. One day, I was determined to repay her.
“I found this,” I said as I returned to the living room.
She nodded in approval. “Yes, and wear a cardigan over the white shirt. Offices can be chilly.”
She was absolutely right. “What would I do without you, Mom?”
Blowing a kiss my way, she replied, “I love you too, dear.”
I had initially planned to spend the rest of the day with Halley, but she canceled because her boyfriend, Bryce, needed her. So, I stayed in with my mom, had dinner, and turned in early.
The day ahead, would definitely be better than last and that single thought was the only thing keeping me sane.
Dillon
The most pivotal and best decision of my life was the choice to divorce Annalise, a woman standing on the precipice of severe mental instability. It became abundantly clear when I had to make the agonizing decision to admit her to a mental hospital after the tragic loss of our twin daughters, her suspicion of infidelity leading to a devastating outcome. It was an utterly harrowing ordeal, a turning point that profoundly shaped my future.
“You’re to blame for all of this,” Annalise’s anguished accusations pierced the air.
“My fault? I was away on a work trip, trying to provide for us, especially considering you don’t work,” I retorted, my anger palpable.
“You were with her, weren’t you?” Her voice quivered with suspicion.
“No, Annalise, I’m not like you. I don’t cheat on the people I love.”
She was left speechless, unable to acknowledge her own faults. I knew of her unfaithfulness, but after investing in marriage counseling and with her pregnancy, I chose to stay. Tragically, she overdosed, ending the lives of our unborn children, all due to her tormenting thoughts.
“Dill—”
“No, listen to me. I’ve been miserable for the past five years, and you’ve been the source of that misery. I’ll never forgive you for what you did to our unborn children and the torment you’ve caused me. I want you out of my house, or I’ll have you removed,” I declared, tears streaming down my face as I walked away.
The memory of that traumatic time remains etched in my mind, a painful reminder of the unimaginable tragedy that unfolded. I’m slowly coming to terms with the belief that those babies are better off in heaven as Annalise would never have been a suitable mother. She continually attempted to reenter my life, but I was prepared to spend any amount of money to ensure she stayed far from me.
“Yes, let’s go. I need to feed Pebbles.”
“Your mother stopped by and took care of her,” Mikkel informed me. My mother has an inexplicable attachment to Pebbles, but she’s not taking her. She tends to want everything that I have.
I left my office and headed home. Glancing around, the once love-filled space now felt painfully empty, and I anxiously anticipated the moment I could move into my penthouse. Despite the grandeur of the house, I questioned the purpose of having such a large space when there were no meaningful memories to cherish. The house carried the weight of betrayal, tarnishing the gift from my grandparents who would be disappointed to see it like this.
Upon entering the kitchen, Pebbles greeted me with enthusiasm, and I couldn’t help but smile at her exuberance.
“Hello, Pebbles,” I stooped down to pet her.
She barked in response and then returned to her doghouse.As I was about to prepare dinner, I noticed a box of food with a note on top of it.
Here’s some dinner because you’re probably working late. I love you, son.
Regards: Amy (Mom)
The note had a hint of irony, and I couldn’t decipher whether my mother was being genuine or not.
Surprisingly, I wasn’t planning to work late tonight. I was exhausted, and the thought of waking up at 6 a.m. for another repetitive day at the office was unappealing.
I needed some excitement in my life. I should have chosen a different city as my business base, as familiarity can breed boredom. And trust me, no one is as familiar with this city as I am. I basically own all of it.
Pebbles jumped into my arms, placing her head on my bicep. That’s her comfort spot, I’m not sure if it’s because of the tattoo I have there but she just loves that spot—and I’m sure its uncomfortable.
Tattoos weren’t my thing, but the one I have, is the most meaningful one. “Pridie melius quam ultimo,” which translates to “the day ahead will always be better than the last.” It’s a saying my grandmother, of Latin descent, used to tell me, and I found it a fitting tribute to her after she passed away.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and things can change in the blink of an eye, but I’m still waiting for my moment. I may be flawed, but the right person will see past that. I won’t rush it; patience is a virtue. Whatever comes my way will be dangerously beautiful, and I can’t help but be intoxicated by the possibilities.
CHAPTER 2
Azzaria
Today isn’t my fucking day. I missed my alarm, and all the calls from my mom. The only thing going for me is that I’m pretty, and I’m sure that won’t put me in my boss’ good graces, so that brings me back to my initial fucked-up state.
I arrived at this massive building ten minutes late and stood in the lobby, feeling like a fish out of water.The building had about sixteen floors, and each floor was enormous. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a building this huge. Ever.
“Azzy?” I heard a very distinct and familiar voice call out. I was hoping he wouldn’t recognize me, but of course, he had to.
“Nicholas,” I said, fake smiling. “Hey.”
“What are you doing here?” he asked, looking confused.
“Why else are people in the building, Nicholas? I’m here for the internship interview, but I don’t know where to go.”
“Oh, that was today.”
“Mhm.”
“Well, babe,” he said, putting his arm around my shoulder, “you walk to the front desk and tell them why you’re here.”
Who was he calling “babe”? Just because we hooked up once or twice doesn’t mean we’re dating. He and I both knew there’s nothing romantic or loving here, and if he wanted that, he came to the wrong person.
“Nicholas,” I said, taking a deep breath, “I know that you’re easily confused and probably think that because we slept together a few times, this is a relationship, but it’s not. There are no feelings here, so never call me ‘babe’ again, ever,” I said aggressively and walked off.
It’s bad enough that I slept with him, and he wants to make it even worse by thinking we’re in a relationship. Hell no. Over. My. Dead. Body.
Approaching the front desk, I encountered a stunning, curvaceous woman about 5’2” with long, silky brown hair and fair skin.
“Um, good morning,” I said, gulping. This was a lot more nerve-wracking than I thought it would be. Was it too late to turn around and leave?
“Good morning, dear,” she said, turning around and smiling at me.
“My name is Azzaria Willis, and I’m—”
“Oh, Ms. Willis,” she said, glancing at me up and down. “You’re here for the internship interview?”
“Yes, yes, I am.”
“Great, go straight down, then turn right. Knock, and then enter that room,” she said to me sweetly. I hope she’ll be here every day; I like her.
“Thank you, and congratulations on your pregnancy. You look great,” I said, leaving a compliment.
She smiled warmly at me and said, “Thank you so much, and hey, my brother may be an ass, so don’t take it personally.” She chuckled and winked at me.
The idea of being interviewed by someone with a lousy personality this early in the morning made me internally groan but, I went on until I saw a rather big black door.
Knocking on the door, I waited for about two minutes before I was acknowledged.
“Come in,” I heard. The person who answered me had a very familiar strong and rough voice.
I turned the doorknob and entered the room. My eyes immediately glued to the man in the chair. He was very good-looking. Who am I kidding? He is so hot.
Then my brain froze and my thoughts stopped…
He’s Dillon.
Dillon Xander.
Holy Fuck.
He’s going to be my boss.
“Good morning, sir,” I said and took a seat.
The room carried a strong and tense atmosphere, leaving me unsure of what to do or think.
“Who told you to sit?” He said unpleasantly. There’s no reason for this man to be so moody at this time of the day.
Who pissed in his coffee?
“I saw a chair, so I decided to sit.”
“Mhm,” he said and paced around me. “Tell me about yourself. I don’t want to hear about any of that boring stuff either,” he spoke confidently. What did he want to hear?
I inaudibly sighed. “My nam—”
“I read your application, so I know your name. Tell me about yourself,” he spoke.
“There’s not much to know, sir. How about you tell me about you since we’re doing introductions? I’m pretty sure you know everything you need to know about me.”
With all this irrelevant chatter taking place, I’m sure he either has zero plans of hiring me or he just really loves to antagonize the people he interviews.
He released a loud chuckle and walked over to his seat, crossing his legs.
“You remind me of someone I know,” he chuckled. “But I’m sure you know everything about me. Looking past that, why should I let you be an intern here?”
“Why would I know everything about you?”
The answer to this question was simple: he’s an attractive billionaire who’s the centre of every news article ever published, and I have no idea how I didn’t recognize this earlier; I just thought he’d have other people in his office regularly and not him.
He chuckled. “Why should I let you be an intern here?” He asked, ignoring my question.
“Why would I know everything about you?”
“This isn’t a game of twenty questions, Ms. Willis, why should I take you up?”
