Resisting Her (Moving On Duology Book 2)

by Catherine Edward

  When it was time for the party, I headed to fetch Arianna. My heart skipped a beat and insides grew warmer as I neared her room. When the door opened revealing her, my breath hitched.

  Arianna looked like a Goddess in her orange dress with golden thread embroidery. While it wasn’t my favorite color, I knew it’d be soon since it fit so perfectly on her. “You look gorgeous.”

  “Thank you.”

  Her smile was everything I could ask for. It lightened up my mood and promised a pleasant evening. “Thanks for joining me, Arianna. I'm not really looking forward to this, but being a host, I can't skip the event.”

  “No problem.” She responded with her signature smile.

  The guests surrounded us as soon as we entered. It was difficult to carry on with the conversations and hold on to her. Sometime around the evening, we got separated. Or should I say a group of shareholders whisked me away? Enrique kept frying me with his stares however, he deserved this for pulling my legs earlier. When I shrugged my shoulders pointing at our dad, he flipped a finger when no one noticed.

  When I finally got out for a breather, my gaze searched Arianna and found her at one corner with a brunette, Malika Weston.

  Oh, no…

  She often talked one's ears off for hours. Trust me, I mistakenly smiled at her once and she had stuck to my side entire night talking, it was worse than any nightmare.

  “If you don't mind Ms. Weston, I promised my girl a dance.” The relieved smile on her face told me I was on time. I hurried her away before Malika responded. “Sorry about that. I got caught in a conversation and couldn’t get away.” We ambled through the crowd to the dance floor.

  “This party is boring as fuck.”

  Encircling her small waist, I pulled her flush against me, savoring the way she felt in my hands. Her body fit perfectly against my frame. Our feet moved in a practiced rhythm. “Don't say that too loud. I'm their host, remember?”

  “Orlando...” Her palm flattened above my heart and it galloped.

  “Mhmm.”

  “Can we leave yet? I’d rather be in my room doing nothing.” Her voice was borderline seductive.

  “I think we can. Enrique and dad can manage.” I knew my smile was mischievous. Perfect punishment for my brother for flipping the bird.

  We slipped away quietly, leaving the crowd behind and snuck to our rooms. Enrique caught my gaze on my way out, giving me a stink eye. Then his gaze shifted to Arianna in my arms. We must have looked cozy because he smirked with a wink before turning toward Chiara.

  “Thanks for doing this.” Arianna removed her shoes on the way, sighing when her feet touched the cold floor.

  “It's nothing.” Shrugged off the coat, I loosened my tie.

  Disappointment flooded me when her room approached. Wanting to stay longer, my gaze was expectant. Would she ask me to stay? What would she say if I asked?

  Arianna hesitated at the door. “Um... do you want to hang out for a while? I'm gonna watch a movie or two.”

  A relieved breath whooshed out of my lungs and I felt my shoulders relax. “Sure.” I had to clamp my lips shut so they would stop smiling and give me away. “As long as you don’t force me to watch something sad, I’m in.”

  With a smile, she pushed the door open. “I need to change,” she called over her shoulder before disappearing into the closet.

  Her fragrance surrounded me as soon as I entered her room. Sitting on the bed, I waited on pins and needles while she changed. The excitement bubbled within. When she came back and settled on the bed, I pretended to sift through the different channels.

  She joined me in the bed without a word and I settled on a comedy, ready to change if she didn’t like it. The sound of her laughter was like musical notes and I relaxed further. A hard lump formed in my throat.

  “I hate that movie.”

  Despite my efforts to keep the past at the bay, Kenzie poked her head in. Movie nights with her were never pleasant. She didn’t like my choice and often forced me to watch something she picked.

  “Your choice sucks.”

  The insults flew—left, right and center. To this day I remembered them. Only them.

  “Can you tell me one thing you’re good at?” Her insults rang in my mind. The sound of her voice pierced through the layers of walls I had erected over the years.

  “It’s no wonder your mom dumped your dad. Who’d want to live with a man, who can’t satisfy his woman.” When she’d asked about my family, I’d been a fool to tell her my mom ran away. But then, initially, Kenzie was sweet and loving. Or, so I believed.

  Clenching my jaws and forcing the thoughts away, I focused on her laughter. Arianna clutched her stomach, brushing off her tears and I realized the movie credits were rolling on with funny behind the scene clips.

  “Mike told me about your parents. Were they always like this?” I asked after some time, more relaxed.

  Tension gripped her features. Her lips set on a thin line. “They weren’t affectionate. They expected us to follow their path and I, for one, was never good with their rules.”

  She paused for a moment and I lowered the TV volume, allowing her to speak. She sighed and her gaze lifted, staring at the screen with a distant look. “The day after my seventeenth birthday, I came home late after my party. They were waiting for me in the living room.”

  Her demeanor changed. I suppressed the sudden urge to embrace her. Gripping the remote control tight, I waited.

  “They said they were ashamed of me. Mom slapped me and called me a slut. ‘I can’t believe my daughter is a slut,’ were her exact words. Dad asked me to leave and never come back. Then Grandma stopped them, saying if the media got wind of this, it would ruin their reputation.”

  “What happened at the party?”

  “It was wild, like any other party. I got drunk. Mike locked me and Rosalinda in a room for the rest of the night. Dad showed me a newspaper that had printed photos of the party. I think that’s what set them off.”

  That was nonsense. Enrique was a party freak. He’d only brought problems at home and the majority involved the media. His face and name occupied every gossip column for years. But that didn’t stop us from supporting him. “So, they stopped talking?”

  “Yeah, and they froze my funds.”

  “What about your college?”

  “I got a scholarship and took part-time jobs to manage the expenses. I moved in with Rosalinda and Mike after a few months and they also helped.”

  I couldn’t hide my shock at her revelation. She never talked much about her family when she came with Mike. It surprised me that her family didn’t even give her a chance to explain.

  “How do you handle it? I mean, your ex and your sister, knowing they’re sleeping together. It hurts more than anyone can imagine, doesn’t it?”

  I knew. Because it was how I caught her and my best friend on our bed. Fucking like animals. It was a shit scene and I had walked in on the point when she orgasmed. Instead of shock, she’d smirked at me, taking her sweet time to dislodge his dick from her cunt. My then ex-friend had gathered his clothes and hurried out of the room without meeting my eyes.

  I realized what a fool I was to jump into a relationship with her and move into her one-bedroom apartment.

  “You weren’t supposed to be home tonight,” was all she said as she gathered her clothes and walked to the bathroom. There was no sign of shock or denial. Just a blatant admission of her betrayal. No apologies came from her mouth. No. Kenzie wasn’t sorry in the least. She’d carried on without a care in the world. All the while I stood dumbfounded.

  I stood rooted to the spot even when I heard the shower running. My head reeled as the betrayal sliced through my heart, shattering my dreams. When the bathroom door opened, I stared blankly at her towel-clad figure. I wanted to choke her. But then, I didn’t want to touch her either.

  Why? My word was a tight whisper. I couldn’t meet her gaze.

  “Why what?” Her venomous tongue spat with
no mercy.

  “It does,” Arianna admitted, jerking me out of my thoughts. “A lot, since she’s my twin and she knew we were together. Fortunately, I never slept with him. It made things easier, in a way.”

  Still reeling from the unexpected walk down the memory lane, I blinked. What—

  “What? You were dating for—”

  “Five months. I wanted to wait and Brian was always keen on keeping our relationship under wraps. It didn’t sit well with me. I wanted people to know that we were seeing each other.”

  That was a dick move. Why would he hide their relationship? Something was not right here. What was there to hide? If it was me, I would flaunt her to the entire world. I’ll shout from the top of hills she’s mine. Just as I surfaced from the shock of learning she didn’t sleep with him, a warm sensation snaked through my chest. Was it relief? I didn’t like the way her relationship ended, because it hurt her. But I was glad they were no longer together.

  “What an asshole.”

  “I know, right?” My body stiffened when she moved closer to me. “Do you mind?”

  Hell no.

  “No.” My eyes shifted to the television. I had to tone down my excitement.

  “Thanks. I need this now.” She looped her hand around my elbow. “Why don't you talk about it?”

  “About what?”

  Feeling like a bucket of ice water being poured on my head, I stiffened. It wasn’t something I expected from her then and it was definitely not something I wanted to talk about.

  “About your past.”

  Kenzie’s face flashed in my mind along with the things she said and did.

  “I don't have anything to tell.”

  “Okay, if you say so,” she whispered.

  There she went again, diffusing the tension in the atmosphere, snuggling further into me. A few deep breaths later, I relaxed. “I'm sorry. I don't like to talk about my past.” Talking about her made me furious. It ruined my mood and ripped open my old scars. Locking all the emotions away and never thinking about it helped.

  “It's okay. Tell me when you’re ready.”

  I’ll never be ready. “Okay.”

  The silence settled between us and I was glad she dropped the subject. My gaze fixated on the TV screen. Turmoil churned.

  Kenzie hadn’t known who I was. Had she known earlier, my life would’ve turned worse than that of my father’s. She was controlling, manipulative and cunning. And, I fell head over heels for her. Fortunately, I got out of the relationship before it was too late.

  Arianna fell asleep again in my arms and the slight smile on her lips chased away my haunting memories. Once again, Kenzie’s face vanished. Only Arianna remained. I bent, pressing my lips on her head. A soft moan escaped her as she snuggled further into my shoulder. Instead of leaving, I adjusted her, so she lay on my chest before settling beside her.

  Will I be enough? I was quick to shove aside the doubt nagged at my gut. The kiss I shared with her had given me hope and broke the barrier I had all these years. Everything about that moment felt right and I didn’t want to let go.

  “I’ll be a fool to let you slip through my fingers again, Arianna,” I whispered into her hair. “But it is the right thing to do,” that annoying voice at the back of my mind whispered. I will only hurt us both if I took this further.

  It was too soon for her, but the desperation was pushing me to the extreme. The sudden closeness had opened the gates for something new and I wanted to tie myself to her and never let her leave. I had been a fool all these years. Had I made a move earlier, that bastard wouldn’t be in a picture. It was my mistake that hurt her.

  The logical part of my brain told me to take it slow, but my hold on her tightened. Never. The concept of a relationship still scared me, but this time I was determined to try. If this didn’t work out, I’ll have to let her go. The thought itself was hurting. What do I do to keep her?

  Chapter – 7

  “So you and Arianna, huh?”

  Papa caught up with me during our usual morning run. Despite the pain he went through, he had been a good father to us. The best father in the world. He was always there when we needed him the most.

  “It’s too soon, papa.”

  “Liar, liar, pants on fire!” Enrique ran past us and my stare drilled holes in his back.

  Papa—a man of few words—shook his head with a chuckle. “She is good for you.” That was all I would get. But that was all I needed. “I know what runs in that mind of yours.” We continued the jog until he slowed and fixed his glance on me. I stopped, turning to face him. “Take a chance with that one, son. Women like Arianna are hard to find. Don’t make the same mistake as me.”

  “Thanks.” I masked my smile. “I’m going to bring Boxer to the estate. He’d never gone this far without seeing me.” Changing the topic, we started jogging again. My heart warmed thinking about the rescued Pitbull, who only knew pain until we met.

  Molly, one of our business associates, who often volunteered with local animal shelters, called me one day. She’d said they were overflowing and was seeking help with everyone she knew so she could help the dogs.

  I had no intention of taking home a dog when I parked the car in front of that shelter. I was planning to write a check and leave. That was what I had on my mind until I saw him. Our eyes locked for a moment and the pain I saw in them was so raw that it made my steps falter.

  “We rescued him and fifteen others from an illegal dogfighting ring. We think he broke more than one bone, but he’s not allowing any of us near.” I still remembered her desperate tone as they tried to help him. Boxer snarled at anyone who got close, wobbling on his feet due to his weak state. Fear and pain radiated off of him.

  They had to sedate him before they could run the tests to help him and then, after a few months of continuous treatment, I brought him home. Earning his trust was a slow process. He would only allow me and Molly close enough to touch him during his initial days in the shelter. Perhaps, he’d sensed the pain I carried.

  “Orlando.” Papa tapped my shoulder and I realized he had asked me something. “Did you speak with our lawyer?”

  “Ah, yes. They are looking into it. It’ll take some time.” Benjamin would look deeper and dig graves if needed. I’ll never let her close to our family again.

  “Okay. I’ll see you later.” He turned the other way while I continued to the beach.

  The day was good as new and my thoughts were filled with her. Soon it was time for breakfast. Enrique arranged it on the patio that overlooked the sea. One of the best views in the mansion.

  She was there, looking like a flower bathed in morning dew. Her cheeks heated upon meeting my gaze and once again, I hid my smile.

  “What are our plans for today?” Rosie asked, munching on the toast.

  “We’ll go swimming and camping. Arrangements are already made and four tents are being built as we speak.” Mike pushed his plate away and wiped his mouth with a paper towel.

  “What?” Arianna’s surprised voice washed over me. “I never knew you could go camping here.”

  “That’s because you were here only twice and the weather wasn’t favorable,” Mike snickered. “Pack a pair of swimsuit.” He rose to his feet, pushing his chair away as he urged Skylar on her feet.

  The contagious excitement on her face was catching up with me and I couldn’t wait. For the first time in years, camping sounded like fun. The trip to the campsite in our jeep was filled with laughter and fun. They jumped out of the jeep, admiring the surroundings as I parked the vehicle. Women carried the food and drinks while we busied ourselves with building the tents.

  I was securing the knot to the pole when Mike walked over to me. “You’re sharing a tent with Arianna.”

  “Huh!” Did he just–

  “What?” His brows rose.

  “Are you drunk?” Slanting an incredulous look at him, I continued to secure the knot. First, he wanted me away from her, now he wants us in the same tent. Is t
his a joke?

  “No. And, I’m not blind.”

  My shoulders lifted into a shrug. If he was trying to get me to confess, he won’t get it.

  “Hey, where do I sleep? You guys forgot my tent.” Her yelling in the background made me laugh. Oh, sweetheart, only if you know what this devil of your friend has planned.

  “Didn’t Rosie tell you? You’re sharing the tent with Orlando,” Mike yelled back. Then he turned to me and lowered his voice. “Listen, I still stand by what I said. You hurt her and I’ll break your bones. You treat her better, cousin.”

  Did he hit his head somewhere on the way? His sudden change didn’t make sense, but his words did. The corner of my lips lifted. “Wouldn’t dream of it, Mike.”

  “Good.”

  Arianna turned to the girls, whispering furiously and I returned my attention toward the task at hand. I gripped the ropes tighter, masking the slight tremble of excitement. One more night alone with her. Yes!

  This afternoon the weather was nice and warm. The chill water of the man-made pond was inviting. It has been a while since we camped here. Papa designed this area for us when we complained he never took us camping. After that, this became our secret haven whenever we visited the island.

  “Hey!”

  My head whipped around hearing Arianna’s surprised yell. Mike waved a phone in front of her. “I’ll throw this in the pond if you keep looking at that.”

  “I wasn’t looking.”

  What was she looking at? A frown tugged at my lips.

  “No. You were thinking, trying to find answers for questions that don’t matter anymore.”

  I tried not to eavesdrop, but they were loud and my curiosity got the best out of me. I wanted to learn everything about her.

  “I won’t sulk, promise.”

  He handed her the phone with a smirk. “Good. Put this to some good use like yesterday. I’ll pose for you if you want.”

  Arianna scowled at his teasing. If it wasn’t for him, she wouldn’t be here and I loved the way he cared for the girls. They were more like siblings, always together.

  “Drooling over you is her job now,” she pointed Skyler with a snort that was unladylike. That was one of the cutest things she did. Isn’t that why I fell for her. What?