Relentless

By Janelle Riley

This sexy drama follows the lives of several families in Nevada as they face life’s most enduring moments. They stumble over what seem to be impossible obstacles along their journey from difficult childbearing, coming out to family, infidelity, greed, and revenge. But an all-around menace has the families on edge with constant harassment that may lead to death.
Valerie and her husband Steve have tried to expand their family for two years and every attempt has been unsuccessful. Desperate and running out of options, they resort to extreme measures to have that family.
Tiffani Sparrows, a chef with the idea of one day owning a bistro, lives with her ideal man, Alonzo “Laz” Ramos. But lately, she has a sinking feeling that the man of her dreams is keeping a secret from her. She fears that Laz has had an affair and it’s hard to give her heart to him.

Eliza Patel has had enough of her husband Bob, who she caught in a compromising situation months ago. She’ll spare no expense to make herself desirable, to land that one man who’s nothing like her soon-to-be ex.

Tragedy struck the Lopez sisters when a drunk driver took the lives of their beloved parents. The sisters cope in their own different way: Katrina harbors a secret she can’t reveal for fear of her sisters rejecting her. Luisa longs to move far away from what was once a joyful home after their younger sisters' promiscuous and reckless lifestyle has become unbearable to live with. Nina the youngest, suffered a nightmarish incident that left her scarred and destructive. Now she seeks the one who’s responsible for putting her in that dark place.

Nancy Landers, the newest and much younger wife of attorney Geoffrey Landers, will stop at nothing to get a hold of his wealth, even if it means killing him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Janelle Riley
• Release date: Feb 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005234997

Janelle Riley

Janelle lives in Louisiana with her husband, their three children, and Hamilton their half lab half rottweiler canine. Along with writing, she’s a professional photographer and enjoys being outdoors photographing people and nature. Her writing passion came from when she wrote her first sci-fi short story in the seventh grade; from there she’s been writing solely a way to pass the time when she wasn’t taking care of the kids or photographing—that is until now. Reading books from other authors and knowing their journeys, inspired Janelle to write her own collection of work for a broad audience. “Writing has been something I’ve always wanted to do, but life and all the circumstances that came with it made it hard for me to pursue my first true love.” Some of her writing is based on life experiences from her own and those with whom she is acquainted.When not writing or photographing, she enjoys traveling with her family, playing video games with her kids, drawing, listening to music, and cooking; the latter being her all-time favorite. “To me, cooking is a form of art; you’re able to create something tasty for yourself and the whole family.” When it comes to movies, she prefers to watch action/adventure, horror, sci-fi, animated, comedy, and maybe when the mood is right a good old fashion love story.

Book preview

CHAPTER 2

STEVE

I patted my huge gut and sucked in my belly as much as I could. How did I allow myself to become this damn big? I let out a long exhale and coughed. A trip to the gym will bring that sucker back down. I happened to be in tip-top shape while enlisted with the Navy. It was necessary to be within a certain weight or else they would send your ass home. After my dad had died, and there was no one left, with me being the only child, I came back to Willow’s End to take over the family business. I’d work from morning to sundown for six straight days. By the time it came for me to hit the gym, I was too damn tired to do much of anything.

I seized the T-shirt Valerie placed on top of the hamper and gave it a good sniff for any foul odors. Yup, it’s still good. My stomach growled as I thought about the sandwich she mentioned. The sole thing I had eaten all day was a large bag of chips before heading out to the site to tide me over until lunch.

I exited from the hallway bathroom. The fight from earlier came into my head. My blood was brewing, the image of what that son of a bitch Kyle had done came into my head. The sight of his fists coming down onto Jake’s face while the poor guy lay helpless on the ground, caused me to grow even angrier. Didn’t help to see those idiots standing around while Jake was getting the shit smacked out of him. Thank God Laz was there to help break it up and to sustain me from getting sued. I was about ready to jump in and strangle the shit out of Kyle.

I stopped to glance at a photograph on the wall of Valerie, my shoulders relaxed as I stood staring at the image—admiring how pretty she looked. The bobbed haircut which framed her beautiful round face—the same hairstyle she’d worn when I first set eyes on her, back when we were seniors in high school. And those gorgeous green eyes sparkled whenever she would smile—I fell hard for this woman. I was one lucky guy to have her in my life. The fight, Kyle, and the horrible day had passed from my mind.

I continued toward the kitchen to where Valerie was. My shoulder brushed against the lemon-colored wall as I turned the corner. Standing in the mouth of the kitchen, I gazed upon the woman who could still take my breath away. She sat at our large table, with her hands folded under her chin. Damn. She was so cute.

I stepped further into the kitchen and cleared my throat. It looks delicious.

Valerie turned her head in my direction and smiled.

I stepped in closer to gaze into her beautiful brown eyes. They were glowing with enjoyment. I hope you used the cranberry mayo I like.

Her smile widened into a grin. I did, silly. She plucked up a jar from behind the glass pitcher of lemonade. You know I don’t make your sandwiches without it.

I took a seat next to her when the image of the fight and how badly Jake appeared earlier came back in my mind. I shook my head quickly to remove the image out. It was time to talk about the weather or the latest gossip I received this afternoon.

You won’t believe what Laz laid on me today. He is looking to settle down, with Tiffani Sparrows.

Valerie’s eyes widened. "No way. Oh, my goodness. This is big news. She took a bite out of a celery stick. He’s making the right choice with her. Since his relationship with Nina destroyed him a long time ago, I didn’t think he would find love again."

No kidding. Nina did a number on his heart. But I tell you, when Tiffani walked in the room two years ago, I do believe that day Laz forgot all about Nina.

"Oh wow, this is exciting to hear." Valerie clapped her hands and took a hop in her seat as if she were a hyper preschooler.

I became annoyed when I saw the look I recognized that spelled trouble.

I pointed my sandwich in her direction. Now look here woman, he hasn’t told Tiffani yet. I leaned in closer and stared. Don’t go doing something crazy.

She giggled a little. Oh Bear, I won’t. Valerie held her smile. I had a feeling Laz would propose.

I swallowed the food in my mouth while giving her an intense glare. I knew I should’ve kept my mouth shut on this one.

She glanced over and took note of the glare I was giving her. But you’re right, it must come from Laz. She turned her head away with a cunning smile.

Wiping my mouth with a napkin, I stared at Valerie once more. I was dead serious about this. I mean it, stay out of it.

I glanced from my plate to hers—it didn’t seem right. I had a large sub sandwich cut in half on my plate, while hers had nothing but a load of carrot and celery sticks.

Val, what in the world is going on in your plate? I asked.

She had a half-hearted smile plastered on her face. I’m cutting back on my food intake, it’s time for me to go on a diet.

Giving her ample hips a pat, she continued, I’ve put on quite a bit of weight over the years.

I reached over and held her hand in mine. Baby, it doesn’t mean you should starve yourself while doing it. We should do this together. I was thinking earlier of hitting the gym myself. I gave her hand a light squeeze. How about we start a routine together? Let’s hit the gym and do a much healthier diet.

I absolutely love that idea.

I took one of the sandwiches off my plate and placed it on hers. Now eat up. No wife of mine is going to go hungry.

What was going on in Valerie’s head? I would guess being at home all day, going through those fashion magazines, with all the skinny women would have riled her up. She needed to stop reading those things. I preferred a woman with meat on her bones, better cushion for the pushing was what my old man had said. This woman had lost her mind.

CHAPTER 3

ELIZA

My fucking head was hurting from the constant banging against the mahogany wood headboard in our bed. I winced at the excruciating pain from my head that shot throughout my lower torso. Bob had been pounding away on me for the past thirty minutes on what he thought was lovemaking.

He paused, his hot breath was along my face. Hold on…give me a sec. I have to get my dick back up again.

A few beads of sweat fell from his face and into my mouth.

Ugh, that was fucking gross.

I needed this to be over. It was obvious he was having a challenging time with his dick going soft, and I was nowhere close to having an orgasm. The background music was also aggravating the shit out of me. Why were we fucking to Led Zeppelin’s Cashmere?

I turned my head to glance at the clock located on the nightstand. It was near noon and I needed to prepare for work.

It’s time for you to finish, Bob!

The warmth of his breath was all over my face. I shut my eyes tight to keep from seeing how ridiculous he looked.

I wanted to scream, Hurry the fuck up, Bob!

His breath quickened as he pumped inside me faster. Oh fuck…I’m close.

His big sweaty belly rubbed against mine as he moved faster, smearing the puddle of sweat onto my stomach.

Oh my god, I’m going to be sick.

I drew my lower lip between my teeth and counted from ten.

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six…

Bob cried, Oh shit!

Oh my, there is a God!

His full weight fell on top of me. I have a headache, a sore pussy, and couldn’t fucking breathe with this asshole smothering me. I bucked my hips to move him off of my body.

He rolled over to his side and propped his head on his hand. Did you come, Liz?

I took in a deep breath and forged a grin. I sure did.

I turned over to my side so he didn’t see me roll my eyes.

Are you sure? Because it didn’t seem like you were enjoying it.

Then why are you fucking asking?

He was right, I wasn’t enjoying what went on here. It had been a long while since we had sex the way we used to. Before we were husband and wife, I can recall countless times where we’d made love for hours, tried out all positions, and redid the ones we liked the most. If the sex was outstanding, we would fall asleep in the other’s arms and remained in bed, as the day would pass by and we didn’t have a care in the world.

Bob wasn’t doing it for me any longer. His appearance had turned me off. I wasn’t happy with the way his once luxurious black hair had receded and showed signs of gray strands in the temple. The once slender torso and smooth stomach I fell in love with, was now surrounded by fat and flabby love handles around his hips—made me sick eyeing his naked body whenever he removed his clothes.

I went to retrieve my glasses when a hard tug on my arm startled me. He came in close, his hot breath in my ear as if he was an old fucking pervert.

His breath was fast. How about I make us a couple of paninis?

I moved my face as he came in for a kiss. Yeah…sure…why not.

I rolled out of bed and stumbled over a bundle of Bob’s dirty laundry on my way to the bathroom. Dammit! I kicked the clothes to the side and turned on the shower. I snatched the glasses off my face, removed the nightshirt with Bob’s nasty sweat on it, and stood to examine myself in the bathroom mirror.

Frowned, as I took notice of how dull and lifeless my mousy short brown hair had become. It never looked this horrible before. The homely and ordinary face I was born with—nothing exciting or sexy about it. My eyes weren’t exotic like my friends; Tiffani with her big brown eyes that would bat whenever she wanted something from the opposite sex. Or Luisa’s almond-shaped green eyes, which had men melting right where they stood in her presence. It was no wonder Bob was giving me unexceptional sex. Fuck, who was I kidding? It wasn’t the reason at all. This marriage had been doomed for a while and it was all his fucking fault. If he had merely kept his dick in his pants.

It happened about six months ago… I came home from the restaurant where I worked. One of the new wait staff spilled spaghetti sauce on my uniform, I needed to go home to put on a clean shirt. As I came upon our house, I saw Bob was home in the middle of the day. I thought how fun it would be to have a quickie and knew he wouldn’t object to it. I tiptoed to the top of the stairs to hear, Wicked Games, by The Weeknd blaring from our bedroom. It was strange, I thought since Bob never listened to anything but classic rock. I touched the doorknob and paused. Even over the loud music, I could make out heavy panting and moans coming from the room. I opened the door to a crack and peered inside.

There they were. Nina Lopez was on top of Bob, riding him hard and squealing as if she was a fucking porn star. His head lay back in the chair with a silly fucking grin on his face, groaning while she bounced in his lap.

I backed away from the door hitting the wall on my way downstairs. I tripped over the runner at the bottom and crawled the remaining way outside. I couldn’t leave out of there fast enough. The image had never left my head. I’m forever reminded of what Bob had done with that bitch, Nina.

Hot tears burned under my eyelids. I sighed and threw off those disgusting thoughts from my head. Not today, Liz.

A steamy fog formed in the bathroom. I climbed into the shower and drew the curtain closed. An electrical zing shot through my body as the pressure of the water pulsated onto my nipples. It was as if a million fingers were tweaking them. I leaned my body against the cool wall as a strange erotic sensation came over me.

I moved from side to side, allowing the water to thump around both breasts. Biting my lower lip, I shut my eyes as the heat of the water massaged my nipples. The intensity of the water caused the apex between my thighs to twitch and my head to spin. I let out a soft moan as I savored the moment.

Suddenly, a brisk air knocked me off balance and out of my haze when the shower curtain flung open. My hand flared up knocking the handheld showerhead off the holder. I held my right hand to shield the water from my face, while I tried desperately to gain control of the water head with my left. Bob was standing at the base of the shower, where he was giving me a dirty glare.

I spewed out a mouthful of water and spoke, What the fuck?

A muscle in Bob’s jaw twitched. What the fuck is going on Liz? He crossed his arms over his chest tightly. You’ve been treating me like shit lately.

Oh fuck, I don’t have time for this.

Through clenched teeth, I replied, Can I please have some time to myself?

I snatched the curtain from him, shielding my chest with a washcloth.

No, I can’t, he said, his voice was coolly disapproving. You’re never around long enough for me to talk to you. You’ve been spending more time with others than with me.

Give me a fucking minute! Please! I shouted, slamming the shower curtain shut. Intense heat from my chest rose to my face.

A loud boom from our bedroom door slammed shut; the walls vibrated from brute force.

Whatever. He had no right to be angry at me. He was the one who had kept me from sustaining an orgasm.

Fucking…Bob.

CHAPTER 4

BOB

I had no idea of what was going on with Liz. I thought our lovemaking would at least place her in a better mood than what she had been in lately. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out these strange mood swings of hers. I’d been afraid to greet her in the mornings without her barking at me over some stupid crap.

My stomach rumbled as the seasoned beef coming from the machine filled my nostrils. I grasped the dishcloth from off my shoulder to open the lid to the machine. The sound of my phone startled me, my hand hit the machine causing a burn on my thumb.

Fuck, that hurts! I rushed over to the sink and placed my hand under the cool running water to stop the searing pain.

The phone continued to ring. I wrapped my hand with the dish towel and retrieved it, smiled when I recognize the name.

Clearing my throat, I answered, Hi, Nina.

Hi, Bob. The sound of her voice made my dick dance in my pants. What are you doing right now?

I am making a panini. I slapped the side of my head as I heard the words come out. Wha…what are you doing?

She moaned. I’m laying here in my bed, with nothing on. I want you to come over here and fuck me hard.

Oh god. My dick became rock hard inside my boxers. I could imagine her naked, her large tits heaving with every breath she took—those babies were amazing.

I want you to come over and slip your hard dick inside me, she said, in a silky voice.

I scanned the room, making sure Liz was nowhere in view. I…I can’t right now. I was rubbing my rock-hard member through my pants.

Come on baby, she whined. I’m hot and wet for you. I don’t want to do it alone. That’s what I need you for.

I couldn’t take it anymore. Placing my hand down my pants I stroked my hard shaft. I would love more than anything to go and smash her fucking pussy, but my hand would have to do. My breath quickened as I kept my eye on the doorway.

Do you remember when I came to your office in my short skirt? I wasn’t wearing any panties. I sat on your lap.

I closed my eyes. It was as if she was here in the room. Stroking faster, I thought back to the day as if it was yesterday. Fuck, I wish I was there with her.

She continued, The juices from my wet pussy dripped out. I unbuckled your pants, took out your dick, and slid you inside me.

Oh, shit…I want to fuck you right now.

Mmm, I want to fuck you, too. Like I did that day. My tight pussy swallowed your fat dick… She had no idea how sensuous her voice sounded.

Oh shit! Don’t stop, please, keep going.

I yanked on my hard dick, stroking it fast.

I rode you and took out my large tits. You sucked on them while my pussy devoured your cock. I liked it so much I came hard and long. I couldn’t stop coming until you came.

Oh, goddamn it!

I came harder on the phone with her than I ever did with Liz. The hot juices erupted all over my hand. I continued stroking my dick until it finished. Wiping my hand along the inside of my pants and out of breath, I wobbled over to a chair.

A door from upstairs slammed shut.

Shit! I quickly terminated the call with Nina and tossed my phone across the table.

Liz appeared in the kitchen glaring. I hadn’t seen the smoke coming from the panini maker or the scent of burnt bread filling the kitchen.

What the hell, Bob? She ran to the maker and unplugged it. What are you trying to do, burn the fucking house down?

Avoiding eye contact, I shook my head. My foot jiggled under the table—I’d hoped Eliza didn’t discover the stain on my pants. My gaze was fixated on the phone, all I needed was for Nina to call back or send a text, then it would be all over for me.

Eliza jumped in my face, snapping her fingers. Earth to fucking Bob!

I blinked to see an individual I didn’t recognize—her eyes were stony with anger—sending a sharp chill up and down my spine. This wasn’t the same woman I married five years ago. I did all I could to force my lips to move.

She stormed away from me, grabbing her Michael Kors bag and keys on her way out.

I stood to my feet and hurried after her. Don’t you want your sandwich?

Eliza turned to confront me. You fucking eat it!

Her eyes landed on where the spot was.

I shielded the area with my hand and let out a harsh breath. Rubbing the back of my neck, I searched my mind for a good lie.

Water splashed on me after I went to nurse my burnt thumb. I held my hand to show the injured digit.

Her eyes narrowed. How fucking stupid do you think I am?

My jaw dropped and my cheeks warmed. I stood frozen as I watched Eliza storm out of the house, slamming the door shut on her way out. The mirror on the wall crashed to the hardwood floor, it shattered into a mixture of large and little pieces.

I was hot under the collar and didn’t know where to lay my anger, my body slammed against the door.

I shouted, Fuck my life! Why did I even answer the fucking phone?

CHAPTER 5

VALERIE

I adored desert living. The mild cool air in the evening during the summer months was such a respite. I looked forward to the change after the scorcher of a day we had. The beautiful etched mountains cascaded beyond the distance, gave a picturesque feeling as if one was gazing upon a fabulous painting. And let’s not forget the deep purple and blue skies in the background with sheer golden rays from the setting sun—the scene was even more prominent. No other place in the world could come close to what I had in my backyard. It was pure and simple bliss.

I passed by the Justice’s place, their golden retriever Butterscotch was in the yard watching me pass by. Her large fluffy tail wagged as I said hello. Bella Thornton waved from her porch, her raven hair and paled skin made the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention. I didn’t know too much about Bella, other than her and her family stayed in a large eerie house with overgrown weeds and trash on the front lawn. I smiled and waved back, then turned my head as I sped past. Other residents waved and spoke a cheerful hello, playful children laughed and smiled as they passed me on their scooters and bicycles. The individuals here at Willow’s End as I saw it, were my family.

A tiny beep from a vehicle, caused me to trip over a crack in the sidewalk. I turned to see Luisa Lopez pull beside me. She brought her vehicle to a stop and rolled her window down.

I hopped over and leaned on the passenger side of her vehicle. Hey, sweetie. How are you?

I’m doing good, Luisa said, brushing a stray blond hair behind her ear. Where are you off to? Can I give you a ride? She moved her red Coach bag to the floor of the vehicle.

No, honey, I’m headed to this house. I pointed to Myrtle’s old place. We have new neighbors.

You don’t say. She diverted her eyes to the house, then back to me, and grinned. Can’t wait to meet them.

Luisa was such a lovely young woman, she and her two sisters Katrina and Nina were warm and beautiful individuals. It broke mine and Steve’s heart when news of their parent’s tragic accident occurred two and a half years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Lopez were good, decent people who possessed nothing but love for their three daughters and others.

Luisa put her vehicle in gear. Well, I better go. I have to see what craziness I’m going to encounter at the house. She beamed. Have a good evening.

Okay, dear, you have a good evening, too. I stepped back on the sidewalk and watched her drive off.

Her hand extended out the window, giving me a wave.

I turned around and tripped over stacks of moving boxes by the curb. God, I’m so clumsy.

Broken branches from trees and shrubs littered the walkway. The garden bed, I had help in planting, with its once array of gorgeous Asiatic lilies, had become a mangled heap of a mess.

My fingers shook as I pressed the doorbell. Meeting new neighbors didn’t come easy for me. I never knew who was going to be behind the door. I held a gift bag close to my bosom, a welcoming gift for the new family. It contained artisan soaps, softly scented lotions, and gourmet chocolates.

The door swung open; a scent of lavender smacked me in my face. I stood in front of a young woman with a warm smile and a dark long braid laid drooping over her shoulder. The canary porch light illuminated her lovely caramel complexion; I would guess she was in her early or mid-thirties.

Good evening. I held my hand out. My name is Valerie Vogel. I’m your neighbor from down the street. I’ve come to welcome you to our neighborhood. I smiled, handing over the gift bag.

As she returned a smile, her brown almond-shaped eyes twinkled. Thank you. She accepted the bag from me. Dawn Parker. Her smile was giving me warmth.

She stepped aside and said, Would you like to come in?

I’m taken aback when I see how amazing the inside of the house looked. I’ve been here once before when Steve and I came here with the cat adoption crew. I watched how those poor little creatures were placed in crates and hauled away. The home also had a horrible feces and urine scent I was unable to stomach. It took Steve and his crew months to detect and eliminate the odor, which they came to find was in a vacant room upstairs.

Wow! My eyes were fixated on several large floral paintings she had hanging on the wall. I love what you’ve done here.

Thanks. Dawn motioned for me to sit next to her on the large brown sectional sofa in front of the fireplace. Can I offer you something to drink?

Oh no, I’m fine. It smells heavenly in here.

It’s an oil diffuser. I have a couple more upstairs in the bathrooms.

I relaxed my shoulders and let out a sigh. So, how do you like our quaint little town?

I like it a lot, Dawn said, with a glint in her eye. It’s different from the city.

You’re from the city?

Las Vegas, better known as Sin City.

I gave her a grin. How exciting. My husband Steve and I go when he has time off. We haven’t been lately with the bulk of work from his job.

Dawn’s fingers clasped in her lap. What does he do?

He works construction. It seems new homes and office suites are in demand.

A look of recognition formed on her face. Wait a moment. I know where I’ve seen your name. Vogel Construction, the name is everywhere.

I couldn’t help but grin. Steve is the owner, it’s a family business.

He’s done these homes around town? she asked, her voice was filled with excitement.

The much older ones and businesses were by his late grandfather and father.

That’s impressive, she said.

Steve’s at home watching boxing, otherwise, he would’ve joined me to meet you and your family.

I skimmed the room of any signs of a husband or playful children.

She gave me a smile. It’s just me coming out of an eight-year marriage.

Oh, wow… I’m sorry. I wish there was a way to press rewind. I didn’t mean to…

It’s fine. I love being single again.

I crossed my ankles in front of me and leaned back on the sofa. I’m sorry if I’m being intrusive.

"It’s quite all right. This is the