Forever

by Saffire , Blue

  I’ve been avoiding Jemma. She’s the only one who can cause me to change my mind. I was supposed to just have fun with two hot women who showed their gorgeous asses up at my club. If I knew then any of what I know now, I would have left them right on the main dance floor and never would have invited them to the VIP lounge.

  Leave it to me to fall in love with one part of a psycho duo and in lust with the other. Their crazy asses have spent the last three years talking me into all types of stupid shit and I have allowed my dick to tell me to say yes, every time.

  I need to get my ass out of here before King and Brick realize what’s been going on. Dead men don’t fuck, so staying to help isn’t going to do me any good. No matter how I feel about either of them, this is finished.

  What a fucking mess.

  Chapter 5

  Must Be a Dream

  Eve

  As I follow Brick back to the garage, his scent surrounds me and makes my mouth water. We step onto the elevator as Brick pulls out his phone and starts to type out a text with his long fingers.

  I bite my lip and squirm beside him. I know I should say something, but I’m afraid anything that comes out of my mouth will sound stupid.

  He looks up from his device and searches my face with those probing green eyes. As the elevator slowly lowers, he places his phone in his pocket and starts to crowd my space. My chest heaves in anticipation.

  “You keep looking at me like that and you’re not making it to change a damn thing,” he says.

  I lower my lashes and place my hands on his waist, reveling in the fact that I’m touching him so freely. When he wraps his arms around my back, I tremble and melt into him all at once.

  The elevator stops right as I think I’ve found something cool to say. However, I swallow the words as Brick lifts my head to peck my lips before he turns to get off the elevator with my hand wrapped in his.

  We make our way to the bike from last night and he retrieves my bag. I’m so lost in images of him pushing inside me, I don’t realize he’s handing me my purse. I furrow my brows at first. However, when he turns to head for the black pickup truck a few spots over, I understand.

  “I’ll help you up,” he says before opening the door and lifting me by my waist.

  Memories if how easily he carried me last night fill my head. His hands are always so warm. My nipples harden as I think of what their warmth felt like throughout the night.

  I get nervous as it hits me, he’s taking me to my place. Brick is coming to my apartment. You have no idea how many times I’ve daydreamed of this happening.

  “We’ll stop for something to eat after you change and we get your things,” he says with a smile as my stomach grumbles.

  My entire face flushes. How embarrassing. I want to fall into a hole in the floor of the truck. That is until he reaches over and places a hand on my thigh once we’re out of the garage and on our way.

  “We don’t have to stop. I’m sure I can find something in the apartment to grab,” I say, finally reconnecting with my body and brain.

  “We’ll see,” he replies.

  My belly has bigger problems than hunger as he circles his thumb against the skin on my thigh. Lord, help me. I might need two showers by the time we get to the apartment.

  Oh, shit, Misty.

  I have no idea what she will say about Brick showing up to the apartment with me. Maybe I should tell Brick we shouldn’t let on to anything when we arrive. If he’s half as attentive as he’s been this morning, she’ll have all kinds of questions.

  The firm squeeze he places on my leg tells me that’s not going to happen. Lost Souls are alpha males. Telling them not to do something is like challenging them to do it.

  My mind is consumed with what to say to Brick the whole ride to my place. When Brick parks the truck I turn to him and give a trembling smile. I feel so awkward.

  “Brick—”

  “Owen, darlin’,” he cuts me off giving me a sharp look.

  I smile like a goofball and nod. “Owen, I won’t take long. You can stay here or if you want to get that breakfast—”

  “I’m coming in with you,” he says, looking at his watch. “Let’s make it quick.”

  He steps from the truck without another word and rounds it to open my door. I take a deep breath before taking his hand as he helps me out. You can’t say Lost Souls don’t have manners.

  At least the ones raised directly by Cage do. Most of the time.

  We make our way up to the apartment in silence. Owen with a protective hand on my back. He has no idea how much it’s working to calm me.

  “You can have a seat in the living room if you like,” I offer as we step into my apartment.

  He grunts in response, taking in the living room. I look around the space and wonder what he sees when he looks at it. The apartment is really nice—nothing but the best for King’s girls—but nothing like Owen’s place.

  I tend to be the neat freak out of Misty and me. I’m somewhat relieved when I note the stillness of the place. Misty isn’t here. Some of my nervousness leaves. However, as King comes to mind, a chill runs through me. I’m going to have to deal with my actions soon enough.

  “Can I get you anything?” I ask as I turn and look up at Owen.

  He smiles down at me and reaches for my face. My toes curl in my shoes as he presses his lips to mine, then deepens the kiss. I twist my fingers into the lapels of his suit, grateful for the toothbrush he loaned me before we left his place.

  He breaks the kiss and places his forehead to mine. “The clock is ticking. Shower and get ready and then you can pack some things,” he replies.

  It takes me a second to collect my thoughts and comprehend what he just said. My mind races with a million thoughts. To think, one botched date and here I stand. Brick is in the middle of my apartment, kissing the sense out of me.

  Dream ends in five… four… three…

  “Come on, baby. Get moving,” Owen says with humor in his voice, snapping me from my musing.

  This is no dream. I nod and head for my room to strip and get my things to shower. I look around and once again note Misty’s absence. I send her a quick text.

  She could hardly leave the apartment as of yesterday. I start to become concerned. What if she had to go to urgent care or the hospital and I wasn’t here?

  My phone chimes with a text.

  Misty: Out for breakfast.

  Me: With who?

  Time ticks by as I wait for a reply. It dawns on me she’s not going to answer right away like she normally does. I twist my lips to the side and frown, but catching the time on my phone, I decide not to press. I need to shower and pack. I also need to get into the right state of mind for this interview.

  That thought alone sends my nerves through the roof. Today is a big day. It’s the first step into my future.

  A great internship will open so many doors. Although, I’m not even sure I want this one with this company. I plan to take it seriously because King set it up.

  “Shape up, Eva,” I mutter to myself as I walk from my bedroom to the bathroom.

  I peek down the hall to find Owen pacing the living room as he looks down at his phone. He looks up as if feeling my eyes on him and a smile spreads across his handsome face. My breath whooshes past my lips.

  Yup, I change my mind. I must be dreaming.

  Chapter 6

  A Clearer View

  Brick

  I pull up outside of the office building and place the truck in park. Eva has looked nervous the entire ride. I know this interview is a big step in her career. Eva has talent.

  King talks about it nonstop. I’ve seen some of her work and he’s right. Eva is more than talented. I’d love to see what she does with it when given a chance. Time will certainly tell.

  “You’ll do just fine,” I say to break the silence.

  Eva licks her lips and nods her head. She smooths down the front of the black pencil skirt she’s wearing with her hands. I involuntar
ily lick my lips. She’s wearing the fuck out of that skirt.

  I shift in my seat to get a little relief. I wish I would have called in for the day and had Eva reschedule her interview. At this point, I would have if I didn’t know for a fact King will be calling later to check on how things went for Eva—which is so unlike me.

  I can’t say that I’m not curious as fuck about why King really wants Eva to stay with me. However, I have no complaints. King gave us a forty-five-minute window to get Eva packed up and out of the apartment.

  During that time, I watched her pack her things and get ready for her interview. I have to say the thought of her spending time in my space had me giddy like a teenage boy. Only thing that annoyed the fuck out of me was, her seeming not to pack enough.

  Eva placed more books and electronics in her bag than anything else. I made a mental note, I would take her shopping this weekend for a few more things. I’ve never wanted to spoil a woman before Eva, but she has me wanting to do all types of things I’ve never wanted to do before.

  I scowl as she reaches for the door handle to get out of the car. Not about to have that, I place my hand on her thigh and squeeze it gently. She turns those big brown eyes on me, and a part of my soul tugs loose.

  I’m thrown by the feeling. I have never been in love and I’m not sure I’m ready to start claiming I am now. Believe me when I say I have no intention of letting Eva go. I’m just thrown by such heavy feelings so early on.

  Then she blinks those big eyes at me, and I can’t think of anything other than having her heart fully, which of course would mean me giving her mine. Her round orbs seem to suck me in. I’m so drawn to her, it irritates me.

  I never have rational thoughts when she’s around. I am already playing with my life as it is. I drop my eyes to her lips before returning to her eyes. Eva looks nervously at the clock on the dashboard.

  “You still have ten minutes. You weren’t going to just leave without giving your man a kiss goodbye, were you?” I ask and tilt my head.

  Eva’s eyes go wide in her pretty face, causing me to chuckle. I crook the finger on my free hand, beckoning her to me. She licks her lips and leans forward.

  I groan inwardly as her full breasts peek out of her silky red blouse. I know Eva doesn’t dress with the intent to be sexy. She just can’t help it.

  Impatience sets in and I cup the back of her neck and drag her to my lips. I trap her full plush mouth with mine and taste what belongs to me. Her lips taste sweet from the pastry I stopped to get for her on the way here.

  I deepen the kiss, wanting nothing more than to devour her. This is foolish on my part. I know she has her interview and I need to get into the office.

  If I wasn’t a greedy, selfish bastard, I would be satisfied with a peck on the lips and allow us both to move on with our day. I suck her bottom lip into my mouth before pulling away. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, I try to reel in my breath.

  “That’s much better,” I breathe.

  Eva pulls away with a smile on her lips as she reaches up to touch them. She looks at me with dreamy eyes, then reaches for my lips. When her soft fingers touch me, I want to suck them into my mouth, but I restrain myself.

  “Should I take a cab to your place after the interview?” she asks shyly as she wipes her red lipstick from my lips.

  I reach up to hold her fingers in place. “No, sugar, I’ll get you home. Focus on your interview, I’ll take care of the rest.” I release her hand as my attention is pulled away by my phone. “Good luck, baby,” I say with a wolfish smile.

  I glance down at my phone and scowl. It’s too early for this bullshit, but if I don’t answer, this whole day can turn to shit fast. I give Eva a chance to climb out of my truck before picking up the call as I watch my woman walk into the office building.

  I smile, Eva knows damn well the stilettos she has on are too high for her comfort, but she’s still working them. Her sexy hips sway as she teeters on her red stilts. I adjust in my seat once again.

  “Brick, I hear you breathing,” the whiny voice on the other end of the phone fills my truck. I almost forgot I answered the call in the first place.

  I sigh and shake my head to clear it as Eva disappears from my view. I shift the truck into drive and prepare for whatever this pain in the ass has for me today.

  “How can I help you, Jemma?” I gruff.

  “You can help me by not ignoring me. You said you’d help me. Why haven’t I seen you in weeks?” Jemma says.

  “First, Jemma, I said I would see what I could do. Whatever, this isn’t my damn problem, but I’ll see what I can do and when I can do it,” I growl.

  “It is your problem, Brick. If you would have paid more attention to your own shit, I wouldn’t have gotten fucked over. You could have made things work. You’re selfish and always have been. This would never have happened if you thought about someone other than yourself,” she shrieks.

  “Are you fucking kidding me right now?”.

  Not a damn thing she’s saying makes sense. I think she’s finally lost her entire damn mind. I look at the console and pull a face.

  “Are you forgetting who you’re talking to, Brick? You owe me,” she tosses back.

  “The hell I do,” I bellow. “Your ass ain’t gonna keep threatening me. You and that bitch are starting to get on my fucking nerves. How many times are we going to go through this? I’m not the selfish one here. Don’t you forget that. I let you into my life and tried to do right by you and you brought that shit storm in with you. Now you need to fucking deal. It’s over and she’s your problem.”

  “Fine, Brick. Have it your way. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” she huffs and hangs up.

  Of all the families I could have been born into, I get the one that’s batshit crazy. Jemma is my annoying ass cousin. I don’t know how I let her drag me into her shit every time, but I have done it one time too many.

  Doesn’t help that the one time I let my dick make a decision for me, it turned out to be a big fucking mistake. Jemma has used our shitty past against me repeatedly, but that shit stops now.

  I need Eva. I need her to calm my ass down. Things just changed.

  I pull up the number for Troy, the head of HR and finance, and give him his new instructions. I have already broken every rule I’ve set, what’s one more?

  Eva

  I can feel his eyes on me as I walk into the large office building. It’s doing nothing for my already fried nerves. Oh, my God, that kiss. As if I’m not already struggling to walk in these shoes. I swear, that kiss seared my equilibrium.

  I smooth a hand over my tight bun. Again, I question my choice of clothing. Misty picked this outfit out for me a week ago.

  Actually, her shirt choice was a bit tighter, but since she wasn’t in the apartment when I got ready for my interview this morning, I decided to switch the shirt out. The red satin wrap blouse is a bit more suitable for my large breasts.

  Toning these puppies down has always been an issue for me. However, after seeing the way Owen stared at me when I came out of the bathroom at my apartment, I feel kind of sexy and new. I know it sound silly, but the way Owen looks at me is different from the way other men look at me.

  It’s not the same predatory look I’m used to getting. When Owen looks at me, I feel wanted on a different level. I was stunned when he asked if I was going to just leave without giving my man a kiss goodbye.

  I’m still trying to process that I slept with Brick last night and well into the morning. I should be exhausted, but I feel energized and ready to take on the world. I think that’s what made me bold enough to wear the outfit… well, most of the outfit Misty laid out for me.

  Speaking of Misty. I pull out my phone and check to see if she’s replied to my last text. There’s a text, but it’s from my interview. They’ve changed the floor I need to report to.

  I frown, wondering what that’s about. Whatever, I shrug it off as I turn my thoughts to Misty and questions start to pop up. I wasn’t e
xpecting her to be gone so early in the morning. Misty likes to sleep in, especially lately.

  When I texted her the first time, she gave a quick response that she was out for breakfast. When I asked who with—wanting to know if it was the friend of that prick from last night—she never replied. I have to fill her in on her boyfriend’s best friend’s behavior. They say birds of a feather…

  I’ve never seen what Misty sees in Joe, Jordan, oh, whatever his name is. He doesn’t seem her type at all and I haven’t dismissed the eye rolls she gives when he’s around. Then again, Misty hasn’t been herself lately.

  I’ve just been so consumed with school and finals that I haven’t called her on it. I intend to now though. That date last night was totally her fault. I guess I can’t be too mad at her for it. It did lead to my night with Owen.

  Sigh. I love getting to call him by his real name. I stutter a step when I realize I didn’t get his number to text him when my interview is over.

  Oh, just great.

  I turn to look out of the glass front doors, craning my neck to see if I can spot him, but I no longer see his truck. I backtrack a few steps to make sure he’s gone and to my disappointment, he is. I look down at my phone and groan at the time.

  I’ll just have to figure this out after my interview. I don’t have time now. I turn back around and rush for the elevator. I have nervous butterflies in my belly as the car starts to move up to the thirty-fifth floor.

  When I step out of the elevator, I can feel the sweat dripping from my fingertips. I am so freaking nervous. I am grateful for the black fabric of my skirt as I rub my fingers against it.

  I step up to the receptionist’s desk and wait patiently for her to hang up the call she’s on. I try not to squirm when her blue eyes lock on me. Once again, I smooth a hand over my bun.

  Brushing my thick hair back seemed like the most reasonable and sensible thing to do. I went with red lipstick to match my shirt and shoes. Maybe that was a little too much.