by CORY CYR
“So I guess this means we’re dining in the penthouse. Just us?” Tegan questioned.
I rebalanced on my knees and removed my sunglasses. “We can’t hide forever. I say we tackle this head on. I already spoke to Nadia, and she’s meeting all of us,” I announced as I looked at Ronnie. “Let’s just get it over with. We’ll have a nice dinner outdoors, publicly, and pretend it’s no big deal. If someone’s going to be an asshat and say shit, I want to be there.”
“Kai, you can’t beat up a client,” Tegan whispered with worry.
I exhaled loudly. “Oh, baby, it’s not the clients that worry me. It’s the employees. These are problems of my own making. Ronnie was right about those rumors. It was all mutual, but that doesn’t negate what you’ve heard.”
She placed her hand in my grasp, and I pulled her up. Tegan’s lips brushed against mine. “You and I are the perfect pair. Past porn star and reformed manwhore… You are reformed, right?” she uttered in a whisper.
I brushed the sand off my pants, sliding my sunglasses back on. “I won’t lie. I have screwed a lot of women. But once I had you, I knew you would be my last.”
Ronnie made a puking sound. “Fuck me, get a room.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Tegan
Ronnie and I crept back to our room, doing our best to avoid people on our way. Once inside, we retreated to our bathrooms to shower and get ready for dinner. I was less than thrilled about having dinner publicly. But there would be four of us, which made me feel more confident.
After getting out of the shower, I stood naked in front of the mirror. I had a waistline. I smiled as I scrutinized my body, something I had avoided for years.
Maybe it was the tan lines that made my weight loss pronounced. My thighs appeared slimmer, as well as my boobs, though I wasn’t overly excited with that shrinkage. Frowning slightly, I cocooned my body with a towel, then proceeded to start my makeup. Finishing up with pink lip-gloss, I padded into the bedroom.
Ronnie had laid out a beautiful strapless white dress with large purple flowers. I examined the outfit closely. Another one of my personal assistant’s purchases from the boutique downstairs. I loved the garment, but it was slim, and I was used to wearing a fuller fit. I peeked at the label. It read size ten. Ronnie was kidding. I would look like a sausage roll after I squeezed into it.
Nearby, there was a pair of white lace and satin boy shorts with a matching half bra and purple high heels.
I sat on the edge of the bed, holding the underwear. I only wore boy shorts during periods, which I hadn’t had in years, and even though the spotting from the miscarriage was light, they were my best option. Pretty and functional. My PA knew what I liked. Everything she’d chosen was gorgeous and sexy, but maybe my body wasn’t ready.
I heard a quiet knock on my door.
“Quit overthinking. Just put them on.”
Ronnie knew me too well.
I slipped on the undergarments. They felt decadent as I dusted my stomach with perfumed powder. The dress was daring me to try it on. But I would be disappointed if I was still too big. And if it fit tightly, I’d have to suck in my gut while everyone judged me. I put my hands on my hips as I stared the dress down. I slowly unzipped the back and stepped into it, using both hands to shimmy it up.
It slid up my body as if it were made for me.
I opened my door and called to Ronnie.
“I need you to zip me,” I said as I turned.
She slowly pulled up the zipper, stopping to hook it at the top. “I knew it would fit. When I saw it, I knew it was you. You should be proud. You worked hard and earned this,” she commented as I spun around and faced her. “You look fabulous. Kai is going to lose his mind.”
The dress felt comfortable. I hadn’t worn a size ten in a long time. I stepped into the shoes and dumped my jewelry bag on the bed, trying to find earrings to match. I brought primarily gold or platinum hoops, and I did own several diamond studs.
“Looking for something like this?” Ronnie asked, dangling a pair of dark-purple earrings. “They are African amethyst. I thought they were a good match for the dress. I used your credit card. You know how I love to spend your money.” She snickered. “You have richer tastes than me.”
“They’re perfect. Everything is. With all that has happened, I’m a little anxious. I’m glad you and Nadia will be with us. There’s power in numbers.” I chuckled nervously.
“Just think of me as your gatekeeper tonight. No one gets past me unless you say so. I’m going to go get Nadia, then come back for you.”
I nodded as I headed back to my bathroom to touch up my mascara and dab on perfume. I found a white clutch in my luggage and tossed my lip-gloss, tissues, and the key card in it. I redid my hair using a pearl-adorned claw clip. It was difficult to get all of it into a bun, so I allowed strands to fall freely down my back.
About ten minutes later, the three of us went to the dinner area to meet Kai. He had changed into dark linen pants and a white cotton shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He was talking to Reese, and his eyes lit up as I approached.
“Wow, you look incredible,” he whispered before he kissed me on the cheek. He took my hand and tucked it into his arm as he led me to a table. Nadia and Ronnie followed.
“You do look lovely,” Reese commented as he held out my chair. “I think it’s a three-way tie. All you ladies look beautiful.”
“Good-bye, Reese,” Kai said, interrupting.
“You all have a wonderful evening,” he replied, retreating.
“Well, what should we have for dinner?” Kai asked as he perused the menu choices.
I could feel the stares on the back of my neck as my skin prickled. “Kai, people are looking over here.”
“Calm down, baby. Let them stare. They’re probably amazed by how stunning you look and how lucky I am.”
I heard Ronnie snort. “Yeah, that’s probably it,” she spit out sarcastically.
“Stop, Ronnie, it’s not his fault. It took two, so quit blaming Kai,” I retorted.
“I’m going to go get our food,” Kai stated as he slid his chair out from the table. “You can go with me, Nadia, if you want to get Ronnie’s meal.”
I watched as Nadia went with him to the buffet. “It hurts me deeply that you have so much contempt for him,” I said, staring at Ronnie.
“I can’t help it. He left you, and you suffered a major loss. I just don’t see this relationship ending well. I’m afraid for you.”
I scooted my chair close to hers and took Ronnie’s hand. “How can you blame him? I didn’t even know I was pregnant. If anyone’s responsible for my miscarriage, it’s me. I did boot camp, and my body rebelled. Kai and I are going to go through hell. I don’t need you to add to the flames. Besides, he’s Nadia’s boss. You’re putting her in the middle. If you love her—hell, if you love me—just stop. I’m begging you. Kai feels bad enough, and nothing you could say would be worse than how he’s punishing himself emotionally.”
A plate piled with a bean and vegetable salad was set in front of me, along with something I couldn’t identify. Nadia placed two plates down for her and Ronnie, and then Kai sat.
“Just try it. I’m betting you like it,” he said as he forked a piece in his mouth.
“What is it? It smells cheesy.”
He took my fork and sliced a piece of the flaky entree and placed it in my mouth. It had an odd texture, but the taste was appetizing.
“What is it? It’s not bad.”
“It’s baked tofu. I thought you might enjoy it. I love meat, but the way the chefs sauté and bake it, I like it. It’s good for a change.”
I nodded and continued to eat. There was little small talk tonight, which seemed unusual considering our table had always been busy, but this was the first time Kai had sat with us. “God, I’m not used to such silence. Doesn’t anyone have anything to say?” I questioned.
“To be honest, I’m too busy eavesdropping, hoping to hear what the other
tables are saying. We seem to be tonight’s hot topic,” Ronnie replied.
“Well, fuck this. I need a drink,” Kai announced, starting to stand.
I put my hand on his. “Please don’t,” I pleaded.
“Tegan, I’m just getting a glass of wine,” he stated.
“You can’t bury our situation in booze, because it will still be here when you sober up.”
He sat down, appearing frustrated. “I’m not an alcoholic,” he whispered.
I snuggled close to him, rubbing my cheek against his. “I know that, but you have the potential. I won’t be responsible for your demise. And don’t allow these people to put you in that position. It’s not worth it. My opinion is the only one that matters, and I love you, Kai Addison. Don’t ever forget that.”
He stood, taking me with him, and placed a kiss on my neck as he dipped me. “I love you more,” he announced loudly. “If there are any other questions, start a list,” he stated as he turned his head to our audience who was shocked into silence. I felt light-headed as he sat me back in the chair. “Now they don’t have to wonder, and we gave them plenty to gossip about.”
“Do you… need anything… um… Mr. Addison?” someone asked. I looked up to see one of the waitstaff. She seemed flustered as she stammered the question.
“Sure. Bring us a pitcher of our island fruit tea and four iced glasses,” he requested. “Don’t worry. It’s non-alcoholic and quite thirst-quenching.” He assured me.
We stayed another two hours, eating and drinking the tea. The four of us even began an ordinary dialogue. We talked about the fitness club, my diet, and tons of other miscellaneous chatter.
“I’m tired. Can we go home?” I asked Kai as he finished the last of his drink.
“You know, I kind of like it when you say home.” He nuzzled the crook of my neck, and we excused ourselves.
“Ronnie, I’ll see you tomorrow. The doctor said I could start my exercise regimen again if I do light activity.”
“Well, don’t overdo,” she replied as she pinned her words on Kai.
“I’ll make sure she’s taken care of. Maybe the treadmill and light band exercises. I promise no boot camp.”
I laughed heartily. “Trust me. Once was enough. I’m not sure I could do it again. I was motivated by hostility.”
“Baby, us… we are a hostility-free environment.” Kai promised.
“Good. Because I know where you live,” Ronnie pointed out.
* * *
The minute we got to his penthouse, I kicked off my shoes. I wiggled my toes in the plush carpet as Kai placed a kiss on my hand. He had taken off his shirt, and I could smell his cologne as he began to unzip my dress.
“I almost hate removing this dress because you look so beautiful wearing it. But I’m hard as a rock and dying to see what’s under it.”
With my dress undone, it slipped from my breasts to the floor, leaving me only in the balconette bra and boy shorts.
“Christ, are you trying to kill me, Tegan? I know we can’t have sex, but I’m going to have to do something about this,” he declared as he carefully pulled his slacks down.
I licked my lips as his erection came into view. Warmth settled in my belly, and suddenly, I felt beautiful and sexual. I wanted this man. My sex pulsed with impatience. I licked his chest as I let my fingers toy with his waistband.
“I need to come, even if I have to take care of myself,” he declared as he placed his brief-covered cock in my hand. The material was soaked with pre-cum, and my chest heaved.
I followed him as though I were drugged. His body made me high, and his words made me compliant. I was so in love with him, for a moment, I forgot about the risks I was taking. Kai could break me at any time. After all, VIP Fitness had been his baby from the beginning. He never saw me coming, yet he had made room for me. I was part of his life now.
Until I wasn’t.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Kai
Tegan had snuck out without waking me. As I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, I yawned, then stood, stretching my legs and arms. I found my briefs, then headed to the kitchen to blend a protein shake, adding two raw eggs. Once I downed the concoction, I went to shower. I felt better than I had in days, my body and mind strengthened.
I towel-dried my hair and retrieved a pair of pants and a pinstriped shirt out of the closet. Normally, I would be more casual, but today, professional attire was necessary. But I would dress it down by wearing flip-flops. After all the years of wearing boots in Alaska, I vowed once I returned to the Virgin Islands, it would be a life sans shoes. Sure, I had to wear them occasionally for business meetings, but I loved going barefoot as often as possible.
I sat on the bed as I combed my hair, inhaling deeply. Tegan’s scent was everywhere in the room. Her pillow was still indented from where she lay, and I pressed my hand into it. I had a woman I loved, one who believed in me even when I gave her a million reasons not to.
There was a video call between me and the silent partner. She called every few months, even though she received faxed weekly reports. I had told Tegan the only exercises the doctor signed off on were the bike, treadmill, and light resistance bands. I should be finished at my office in a few hours. Then she would meet me back here to spend a couple hours walking on the beach. I might have to get Kim to take over for me for the few remaining weeks, or she might not reach her goal. I was too blinded by both my love for her and being unable to touch her the way I wanted.
* * *
I got to the office at ten, and I had messages from both Jasper and Reese, stating they would be by after my conference call. Harriet Wellington was on time, as usual. The Skype call only allowed me to see her from the shoulders up. She was strictly professional, and her face reflected that. Her hair was coiffed in a tight bun, and she wore just enough cosmetics to make her appear harsh. To be fair, no one ever looked attractive on those video chats. There was minor talk between us before she brought up whether or not Jasper had procured a new CPA. I was told our numbers looked very good and our clientele ratio was increasing. She seemed satisfied with the business she had invested in three years ago.
“And, Kai, please get your personal business in order. Just because I live in Japan doesn’t mean I’m not kept abreast of what’s going on. Currently, my concern is minimal, but should that change, best you remember shit rolls downhill. Don’t allow a fleeting moment of passion to undo everything you’ve accomplished.”
What the hell? Was everyone with a British accent a cunt? She sounded more tightly wound than Jasper. I’d say they needed to get laid, but Jasper fucked regularly and still acted like a prick.
I never said much on these video sessions, mainly because she did all the talking, so my replies were constant nods. This call only lasted an hour, but it exhausted me. I tried to figure out who was feeding her information. Was it Jasper? I mean, they were both born and bred in England.
I settled into my chair and stared out the window. Personal business. Fuck off. Tegan wasn’t business. She owned my heart.
“So what did her highness say?” Reese asked as he strolled in, Jasper pacing behind him with files in hand.
“What the hell is with you and not knocking?” I demanded, eyeing them both. I’m getting a deadbolt and locking those fuckers out.
“I listened at the door. Harriet scares the hell out of me, so I wanted to make sure your Skype chat had ended. We told you we wanted to hear what she said. So…?” Reese inquired.
“The usual,” I replied, tossing bottled water to both Reese and Jasper. “She’s wondering when and if you’re ever going to hire a CPA. You can’t keep doing our books yourself. Quit dragging your feet,” I stated as I pierced Jasper with a glare. “I guess I’m also curious how she found out about my relationship with Tegan. She didn’t outright call her by name, but she clearly was informed.” I shook my head as I perched on the edge of the desk. “You two are like my brothers. We’re business partners, and even though we’r
e not blood, I trust you guys. Even when we argue or disagree on certain things—and by that, I mean Tegan—it’s hard for me to consider that one of you exposed me to Harriet.”
Jasper set his water on the table in front of the sofa. “And what, you think it was me because I’m British and gave you her name as a possible investor? I hardly know her. And from what I’ve been told, she’s a royal bitch. Excellent in business ventures, but her personal life is a mass of emotionally castrated men. To answer your accusation… No, it wasn’t me, and I know for a fact it wasn’t Reese. The man is already planning your wedding.”
I glanced at Reese and smiled weakly. “Well, then we have a mole.”
“You knew this would happen, Kai. You’ve left a trail of pussy. Actually, disgruntled pussy.” Jasper spoke nonchalantly.
“You’re one to talk. You’ve made it a mission to fuck anything you can,” I retorted angrily.
“Yeah, but I’m not in… love,” Jasper announced haughtily.
“You’re not capable of that emotion. To be honest, Jasper, you’re immune to feeling anything.”
“True, but my lack of empathy has made me stronger and kept me exempt from the pitfalls of being an emotional prisoner.”
I waved my hands. “Both of you leave. You’re being a pain in my ass. I have to think,” I declared as I pointed to the door.
After they exited, I sat back in the chair. I needed to find the informer. I couldn’t have someone on my staff sign an NDA and not abide by it. Slipping off my flip-flops, I propped my bare feet on my desktop.
A light knock sounded at my door. Now what?
“Go away. Nobody’s home,” I yelled.