Resisting Her (Moving On Duology Book 2)

by Catherine Edward

  “I understand.” The hopeful look on her face fell. Hurt filled her gaze before she averted it quickly.

  Jeez. That wasn’t what I meant. “I won’t have sex with you to blow off my anger.” I traced her cheek with my thumb. “You’re someone I want to make love with. There is a difference, Arianna.”

  As I looked, her gaze lifted with hope filling them again. “Then make love to me.”

  “Arianna…” Damn. Desire shot to my groin. Those hazel eyes bore into my eyes, staring straight through my facade. Her resolve shook the very foundation of my determination to stay away from women, especially her.

  “I want you as much as you want me, Orlando. I know this is too early, but I’ve never been this sure before. I don’t expect anything from you. I’ll take what you offer.”

  “Ari—”

  “No, let me speak, Orlando. I’m tired of waiting on the sidelines for things to happen. I’m taking control of my life. I don’t want to lose you, Orlando. We understand each other and I sure know you won’t hurt me.”

  “But what happens if someday I can’t offer what you want?” If she didn’t want me around anymore. I didn’t voice that thought.

  “No expectations, remember? Can we not talk about this and just live one day at a time? Let’s just be Orlando and Arianna, who like each other’s company.”

  No. It’s impossible. I already wanted more. “It’s easier said than done.”

  Her hands cupped my cheek, drawing out a contented breath. “Let’s not make any rules. Forget we even had this conversation. Let’s just do things that make us happier.”

  “Okay.” That sounded better. Her face lit up with a smile that made my day

  Chapter – 11

  The hardest obstacle I have ever had to cross was to release her from my embrace. Every fiber of my body and mind urged to claim her as mine, but it was too soon. I wasn’t ready.

  With a deep breath that filled my lungs with her fragrance, I stepped back. “I have something to take care of.” It hasn’t been a second I release her and the longing to feel the warmth of her skin was nagging me. I gripped her hands, circling my thumb on her palm.

  “Okay.” She pushed the loose strands of her hair behind her ear.

  “I’m sorry about the way she spoke.”

  Her shoulders lifted in a shrug. The corners of her lips lifted. “I don’t care.” She moved to hug me and my hands encircled her. My chin rested on her head as she pressed her cheek against my heart.

  We stayed that way for a while before she pulled away. “You had something to do.”

  “Oh, yes.” I cleared my throat and smoothed my T-shirt. “I’ll… um…”

  “Don’t ruin the moment.” Arianna averted her gaze, but her smile remained.

  “Hmm… right.”

  Her smile widened, making my heart light. Isabela didn’t matter anymore. We needed her only till we sorted this issue. No longer stressed about the issue, I nodded once and sauntered down the stairs.

  My phone rang as if reading my thoughts. “Hello.”

  “Sir, we found the document in her safe,” Marcus’ impassive announced. Tension coiled around my body. “It’s legit.”

  “What?” My grip on the phone tightened. How the fuck was that possible? Papa never signed anything.

  “We have a guy who specializes in these things. We verified the signature in the document. It is your father’s signature,” Marcus confirmed again.

  Words got stuck in my throat as my mind went blank. That meant she had the rights to all of my father’s properties. “How? Papa signed nothing.”

  “The evidence is against our favor, sir.” His voice drawled thoughtfully. “Can you check with Mr. Cortez again? Probably she tricked him to sign the docs. Maybe he doesn’t remember.” My mind reeled, mulling over the possibilities. Marcus was right. “We rigged her apartments and the mansion with microphones and a few hidden cameras,” he informed.

  “I’m not sure how that’ll help.” I ran a hand through my hair. Heaviness once again settled in my chest.

  “It was our lawyer’s idea, sir. He’s positive that we will find something before the next hearing.”

  “Okay,” I said. A sigh drifted past my lips. The news frazzled me. I didn’t know what to think. “Remove her from my property, Marcus. If you don’t want me in jail for assault, you’ll do this immediately.”

  “Certainly, sir. The team is on it.”

  Just as I ended the call, I heard a soft footfall approaching me. “Master Orlando, Boxer has arrived,” my butler informed.

  “I’ll be right there.” Crap. I forgot he was arriving today.

  A smile breached my lips as I marched toward the deck. I wasn’t sure how he’d react to flying, so I brought him on a boat. A bark greeted me even before I saw him and a dog whine urged me to increase my pace.

  “Boxer!”

  Laughter bubbled out of my chest when the pit bull tackled me, licking my face.

  “I missed you.”

  He responded with more of his signature wet kisses. Once he calmed enough to notice his surroundings, he paused to take in the different scents. With his tail tucked between his legs and ears flattened to his head, he sniffed his surroundings.

  “Come on, go ahead,” I encouraged with a broad smile. His tail thumped twice before he sniffed again.

  Curiosity and playfulness were all bottled up inside him for years. He just didn’t know how to express them. His previous owner had terrorized him so much that he was too afraid to let his nature take control. Even now as he advanced with his nose pressed to the ground, I could sense his need to run and jump, but he held it all back.

  “Boxer, chase me.”

  Sometimes he needed a boost. His whine followed as my feet pounded on the pavement, taking off toward the mansion. When I first met him in the shelter, it took a while for me to gain his trust and then a few more weeks before he engaged in any games with me. Boxer loved to chase. We soon reached my room and I pulled his favorite toys from the box that arrived with him.

  We played for a while before my cell phone rang again. “Hey boy, stay here. I’ll be back in a bit, okay?” I said to Boxer and eased the phone out of my pocket before closing the door behind me. It was from a business associate.

  When I disconnected the call, I realized it was almost an hour. Cursing myself, I rushed to my room. Boxer often grew anxious if I left him alone for a long time. Like I suspected, the room was empty.

  I spent the next fifteen minutes searching the mansion. Then a sudden thought struck. What if he was back in the room? I checked the room again to see he wasn’t back. Worry nagged at my insides. He wouldn’t go too far. Perhaps, I should check the security feed in the hallways before organizing a search party. When I came out of the room, he was barreling toward me. Relief washed over me. Loud cries erupted from his chest as I knelt, hugging him.

  “It's okay. I'm here now.” Looking up, Arianna stood with a gentle smile on her face. He must have wandered off. “Thanks for bringing him. I was looking for him everywhere. He knows how to open the door. He must've gotten out in search of me.”

  “I found him at my door. He is such a sweetheart.” Her features softened as she gazed at him with a soft smile.

  “Boxer.” I cupped his face. “Meet Arianna. She is a friend.” Boxer barked and wagged his tail at her. “I’ve never left him for this long. When my stay got extended, I had him brought here on a yacht. He arrived an hour ago. He never met so many people before.”

  “Don't worry. Take it slow. When he sees we’re harmless, he'll relax.”

  Boxer licked my hand one last time before going to her. She jumped with a giggle when he licked her hand before circling her.

  “He likes you.” He oddly approached anyone new.

  “I like him too. Can I touch you, boy?” Boxer sat beside her and put his paw on her extended hand to shake. Arianna kissed his head and ruffled his short fur. “I’ll leave you both to settle down.” She smiled with
ease. “See you at dinner.”

  “Sure.”

  After seeing her with Boxer, I just knew one thing. This could be our life. If only I could let go of my fear.

  ***

  I stared at the stack of files accumulated on the table. Sheila threw me an apologetic glance as she handed me the sixth file that needed my signature. When she asked if I could stop by to sign a few documents that morning, I wasn't expecting this many files.

  With a grunt, I quickly read through the contents and signed it before pushing it to her. “Is that all?”

  “Yes, sir,” she replied, tucking the loose strands behind her ear. “Um... Mr. Waylon called. He wants an appointment immediately.”

  “What did you say?”

  “I told him you aren't available for another week.”

  I sent a nod in her direction as I concentrated on the files.

  “I'm not sure why he’s persistent, but... um, this morning when he called, he said will to come to the estate to meet you.”

  This had my attention. Waylon doesn't go after something like that. I mean, he could be persistent but he didn't indulge with companies himself.

  “Enrique's wedding means a lot to me, Sheila. Waylon will have to wait until next week, else he can take that offer and shove it right in his ass.”

  “I know, sir.” She tried to hide her laughter, but still, it slipped past her lips. Sheila masked it with a cough and averted her gaze to the floor.

  “If you want to laugh, then you should just laugh. There is no need to hold your emotions in.”

  Her jaw went slack and her eyes widened like saucers. Well, I can't blame her considering I used to be the grumpiest man alive a week ago. To the people who knew me, I didn't smile. For them, I was cold and arrogant. Then Arianna walked in, making the coldness thaw a little. She did little except for staying herself. A smile tugged at my lips as my thoughts drifted to Arianna. These random memories made me realize how much she had changed over the last six months.

  Sometimes, I could see her struggle. She'd hold back when talking about something and after some time she'd relax and become her old self. Though she talked and laughed, she had changed a lot.

  The old Arianna had a loud voice that Mike often tried to tone down. Seeing her struggle to whisper at my grand papa’s dinner was fun. This girl was only a shell of her old self, barely talked and when she did, her voice was very calm and composed.

  Arianna used to be wild in a good way. It would take a lot of espressos for a man like me to put up with her energy. I wanted to see that side of her again.

  It had been three days since our kiss on the roof. Warmth burst through my chest at the mere memory of that kiss. I wanted to kiss her again, but held back, wanting to give her space and I also needed this time to adjust. Life had taken unexpected turns and I never expected to allow another woman in my life.

  Sheila cleared her throat getting my attention. I had finished signing the files. “All right, the rest can wait until next week,” I murmured as I stood, adjusting my tailored suit. “I'll see you at the wedding.”

  “Sure, sir.”

  The door opened right before I pushed at it and Waylon’s smiling face greeted me. My jaw went slack and behind him stood Kenzie, dressed in short shorts that barely qualified as one. It felt like she wore a panty made of jeans material. Her white tank top exposed her midrib and flaunted her pierced belly button.

  “Oh, hi Mr. Waylon,” I said, forcing a tight smile and grabbed his extended hand half-heartedly and ignored Kenzie’s hand with a curt nod. “Come in.” With a frown, I went to sit on my chair.

  “It’s hard to get hold of you these days.” Desmond Waylon–the old bat–who lost my respect the moment I learned about his girlfriend, grinned. “We were passing by,” he waved his hand in the air, “and thought we’ll drop by,” he said as if talking to an old friend.

  This was not my home, nor was he my friend for him to drop by. “I was busy.”

  “I have lots of time on my hand since my son took over my businesses in the United States.” He laughed. But it didn’t reach his eyes. Kenzie giggled and he brought her knuckles to his lips, brushing his lips over them.

  According to my sources, his son wasn’t happy with his father’s association with her. Desmond gave in when Carson–his son, threatened to expose his secrets to the media. He handed over his businesses in the United States to his son and kept the European markets to himself.

  “What do you want?” I forced my shoulders to relax and reclined in my seat. “Tea or coffee?” I gritted out to mask my tongue-slip.

  “Coffee for me.” Desmond’s grin widened, anyone who saw can tell it was fake.

  “I’ll take some water,” Kenzie said, resting her elbows on the table and pushing her chest suggestively. Her breasts spilled out of the top causing me to frown.

  Desmond adjusted in his seat and unbuttoned his suit. An uncomfortable silence suddenly settled in the office. Sheila shuffled out of the room.

  “I’m sorry about the other day. I wasn’t aware you both had a history,” Desmond said in a nervous voice. “You left abruptly and I–”

  Kenzie shifted in her seat when my gaze flicked to her. She threw one of her seductive smiles at me.

  “Oh.” I crossed my leg. My gaze flicking back to Desmond. “There’s nothing to be sorry, Waylon. If you think that’s the reason I left, then you’re wrong. The truth is, I don’t keep track of my flings,” I said this while looking at her. The smirk on her face vanished and appeared on my face. “My brother’s wedding is next week and I’m busy with the arrangements.” I grabbed the paperweight from the table, rolling it.

  “Ah, Enrique. I never thought he’d settle down,” Waylon chuckled.

  You thought wrong. I gritted my teeth. “When someone finds the right person, it’s natural for them to settle down.”

  Sheila entered right then with their coffee and water.

  “And, I take it as you haven’t met the right one yet,” Kenzie said. I almost choked on my saliva and masked it with a laugh.

  “I don’t talk about my love life to the strangers.”

  Kenzie’s face lost all its color and I could literally see the smoke puffing out of her ears, they were beet red. Desmond looked awkward, not that I gave a fuck about what he thought. He shouldn’t have stopped by, especially with her.

  “Or she isn’t worthy of introduction,” Kenzie retorted, appearing like a wounded animal.

  Her bite didn’t sting, but it got on my nerves. My hand tightened around the paperweight and jaws clenched involuntarily. Kenzie smirked and reclined in her chair. “My girl’s worth is not for you to decide, Vivienne.”

  “That’s a keeper there,” Waylon commented, acting oblivious to the tension in the air. “It sounds like this particular girl has you wrapped around her little pinkie.”

  This brought the smile on my lips. Yes, she kind of did at the moment she snuggled to my chest with my name on her lips. My Arianna.

  “Look, Ken, that smile says it all.” Desmond laughed again. Only Kenzie wasn’t smiling anymore. Oh, how much I wanted to flaunt Arianna in front of her. Then, I didn’t want them to meet. I didn’t even want Kenzie’s eyes falling on her. My phone rang, giving me the out I needed now.

  “Excuse me, I need to pick this call.” I went to the other end of the room. It was from one caterer and nothing that required attention. “I’m sorry, Mr. Waylon. I have to be somewhere,” I said after returning to my seat.

  “Ah, that’s okay, Orlando. We’ll talk when you get free.”

  “Sure.” We shook hands again and I thrust my hand into my pocket. I didn’t waste a glance on her, instead, I turned and left with a need to see Arianna immediately.

  Chapter – 12

  The trip back to the island took about two hours. I canceled the rest of the engagements for the day. After meeting Waylon and Kenzie, all I wanted was to see Arianna. Something has changed. For the first time in years, this meeting did not affect me
, as it would have in the past.

  Philip, our retired butler, looked up from his newspaper and smiled when I rounded the corner. He chose to stay at the estate since he had no family. He sat in his usual spot that overlooked the beach where he liked to spend time with a cup of tea.

  “Hey Philip, how’s your day?”

  “It’s a great afternoon, Orlando. The weather is good for a walk.” A fond smile graced his lips. Philip was nearing eighty. He kept the Grandpapa Company.

  “Where is Boxer?”

  “Oh, he’s with Arianna.” His eyes crinkled with laughter and his features softened when he spoke her name. “They’re inseparable these days.”

  “I’ll find them.” With a nod, I marched off to her room.

  Music blared from inside her room. My curiosity peaked. What is she up to? The slightly ajar door gave me a view of her bouncing figure. Laughter bubbled in my chest when I noticed Boxer jumping along with her. I never knew he liked music. Well, first I had to play music to know if he liked it or not. Listening to music is one of the things I missed. When was the last time I took the time to relax? I didn’t remember.

  Arianna laughed as she said something incoherent to the Pitbull. Warmth rushed to my chest on seeing her laughter and sparkling eyes. Her petite form danced around the room. She wore no makeup. The shorts and tank top embraced her curves and fit like a glove.

  Boxer turned, spotting me and almost a happy yelp left his mouth when I silenced him from making any noise with a finger over my lips. A recent trick he learned from my housekeeper Mirium.

  “Come here,” I beckoned Boxer. The music drowned my whisper. “Good boy. Now, why don’t you go out and play for a while? Hmm…” I rubbed his back and brought him outside.

  I found Philip, who just finished his tea. It was time for his walk. Boxer waved his tail and rubbed his body against his legs. “Philip, do you mind taking him for a walk?”

  “Of course not. He’s such a lovely boy.”

  Boxer’s ears twitched and he rushed toward the direction of my room and returned with the leash in his mouth.

  “Be a good boy, okay? And, take care of Philip.”