by Karen Deen
As we arrived at the ground floor, I whispered, “Miss me.”
“Every second, kitten. Dream of me.”
“Always.” With that, the doors slid open to a confused-looking Grant and the security guard.
Luke
“Might want to get that looked at, Grant. Not sure what happened but we got a little stuck.” His scowl told me he wasn’t convinced. The security guard’s smirk gave it all away.
“I think I’ll take the stairs. Aren’t you meant to be on your way to the airport?”
“On my way, shortly. Plenty of time, stress head,” I called after him as he walked to the stairwell, as usual, like he had a stick stuck up his ass.
Turning to Zoe, she looked like she’d seen a ghost. “It’s okay, he has no idea. He is more worried about being bossy at me, to see anything else in front of him.”
Slowly, her stiff shoulders started to relax.
“Excuse me, Mr. Stevenson. Thought I’d mention that your brother was about to check the security vision to see if anyone was stuck in the lift. Just thought you might like to know. If you need it, the passcode is 379661 to view the tapes and fix anything in them that may not have recorded right. I think I’ll just take a bathroom break.” He quickly disappeared down the corridor towards the men’s room. That man deserved a pay rise.
Shit, the security cameras. I hadn’t thought of them. I just wanted Zoe one last time before I left. Thinking with the wrong head, again.
“Luke, please, you need to fix it. What if Grant sees us? Or anyone else? I don’t want anyone seeing me naked. Please, quickly fix it.”
I was already behind the front counter logging into the computer security system for the office. I cut the tape and deleted the vision ensuring it would never be seen by anyone other than me.
“All fixed, baby. No one will ever know.” I didn’t tell her I had sent it to my phone. That shit was hot as fuck, from what I saw. That would keep me happy while away and be fun to show her one night while in bed. Zoe would see just how hot she really was.
“I need to get back upstairs before Grant suspects anything. Call me when you land and hurry home. I will miss you.” I could see her wanting to fall into me for that last hug and kiss.
“Me too, now get moving before I do something I’ll regret.” I turned her around and smacked her ass, giving her a gentle push forward. Stay safe, my girl. I’ll be back real soon. Her sad eyes were the last thing I saw as the doors closed.
Now sitting on the plane on the tarmac, my heart felt sore. For the first time ever, I didn’t want to leave. Normally I was itching to get away for a time out from my family, but now leaving Zoe was just too fucking hard. No matter what, next time she was coming with me. Even if I had to make up some wild story. I wasn’t going to be without her again.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Zoe
Keeping myself busy at work had been the best thing to distract me from Luke being away. I was lonely without him, but not being able to share it with anyone was the hardest. It was my choice not to tell anyone but there were times I wanted to burst and let it out. In my mind, I had made the finish line for being able to tell everyone, when I had enough money saved and my house was purchased. Then, if it all went sour, I’d at least have my home and safe place. A little security that no one could take my life away from me, no matter what. I also believed my relationship with Luke would be solid enough that I wouldn’t be making an idiot of myself with the family. I was fooling myself with that. From the first moment Luke took me in his arms that night while in his bed, there was never any going back.
Tonight, was a girls’ night out. Luke would be back tomorrow so I was heading out with Lilly, Alesha and Emily to party. Much to Zach’s disgust. We promised to look after her but I wasn’t sure he was convinced. She was only allowed out for a short time, or so Zach thought. Emily told us not to worry, she would sort out her man. I was relying on her to keep me under control because I couldn’t trust Lilly.
The knock on my door still made me jump even when expecting someone. I would never get over that fear of who was on the other side. Too many years of different faces and terrible memories.
“Hi, Zoe, are you ready? The party bus awaits you downstairs.” The rolling of his eyes tells me Zach was not keen on letting us loose on our own. “Lilly’s already started without you, I’m sure. You will see that when you get down there.”
“Lighten up, Zach. We’ll bring her home safe and sound. Trust her. She won’t put herself or the baby at risk. You have to let her live.” I understood why he was so protective with Emily and the baby after his first baby died, but he couldn’t keep her prisoner until the baby arrived. “We’re just going out for dinner, a few drinks and some dancing.”
“Right, have you met my sister Lilly? What part of her is quiet? Alesha may be a little more sensible but when Lilly’s around, they’re bad news. I’m relying on you to look after Emily. Please, I’ll be going out of my mind tonight.”
“Zach. Stop it. Emily will be fine, I promise to look after her. Now let’s get this show on the road before your sister is up here ranting at both of us.” Giving him a hug, he mumbled thanks and followed me to the car. I couldn’t have picked anyone better to be my pretend brother.
The car ride to the restaurant was deafening with all four of us talking at once. Zach probably regretted being our driver. The kids were having a sleepover with Gruffy and Me-Me, so our chauffeur could pick us up at the end of the night and escort us all home. That was, of course, if he hadn’t bailed on us before then and taken Emily home for some quiet time with no kids. Luke called just before I left telling me all the rules of me going out without him. Laughing, I told him to bugger off. I’d survived a long time without him. His last words were ones that he thought were funny but stung a little on the inside.
‘No picking up any random men in sleazy bars.’
It took me back to a time, I liked to forget. He was joking and referring to himself but still….
We pushed Zach back into his car and told him we would ring when ready. Dragging Emily into a full-blown, passionate kiss, you would think they were never going to see each other again. Lilly wasn’t having any of it.
“Zach, stop manhandling your wife in public and rack off. It’s girls’ night and you don’t belong.” Sulking, he got in the car and drove off.
“I never thought he would leave,” Emily laughed to herself. “Let’s go party. I’m on a time limit remember, before my prison warden comes storming through the doors, throws me over his shoulder and carries me out. Plus, you need to feed this pregnant woman before she turns into a two-year-old throwing a tantrum because she’s hungry.” Everyone broke out into a fit of giggles, the night off to a great start.
Dinner was sedate and we caught up on the things we didn’t get time to talk about at work. For Emily, who didn’t get to see us as often, wanted to know it all. It didn’t take her long to fit into this family. She was just one of us girls and we loved her so much. She could be as silly as us when we were on our own. Then, the grown-up when she was in mom-mode. Pity Lilly hadn’t worked that one out yet. Alesha shook her head at her most of the time. I was still yet to really work Alesha out. I thought she was hiding her true self. She was overshadowed by her younger sister and three dominant, older brothers. I wondered if one day, she would shock them all and show them the real her. I kept those thoughts to myself, but time would tell.
“Lilly, you need a water before we head to the nightclub.” Alesha grabbed her sister before she nearly ran into the poor waiter who was trying to dodge her as we all rose from the table.
“I’m fine, big sister. Stop trying to be my boss. I’ve only had a couple of drinks. I’m a big girl.” Swaying slightly on her heels, we all giggled.
“Yeah, right. Whatever you say. Drink,” Alesha said shoving the bottle of water into her hands and started tipping it up towards her mouth. Lilly reluctantly took the drink and started to swallow. With Lilly pouting, we al
l waited for a cab to take us to the nightclub.
“I need my lipstick. I can’t go anywhere unless my red lipstick is perfect. I need to visit the ladies’.” Lilly tried to stagger off.
“Not a chance, sis, we’ll fix it in the cab. You and your damn lipstick. I know, don’t even start. Grandma always told us a lady never left home without her lipstick.” Alesha rolled her eyes at her sister while we laughed. We’d heard that story many times before. Lilly’s half-drunk giggle told us the rest of the night would be interesting.
Luke messaged a few times during the night. I ignored some. He was like Zach and needed to learn we were independent women who could look after ourselves. Just when I was being brave and trying to make a point, I gave in because I missed him. Even if it was just a message. Zach was just as bad as his brother calling at least six times. The last time, Lilly grabbed the cell and told him if he rang again, she was going to flush it down the toilet. As you could imagine, that went down real well with Zach. Emily laughed, grabbing the cell back and pacifying him. She promised just another hour and she would be ready to leave. Not exactly happy, he agreed.
“Look, there’s a free table at the back near the bar. Let’s grab it before someone else takes it.” I dragged Lilly across the dance floor which was the shortest route. Several guys tried to grab her, but I just keep pulling. Poor Emily took the long way around, not game to fight the crowds with her protruding belly, Alesha ensuring she made it to the seats we were saving, getting the prime seat to watch all the action. Being in a nightclub with Lilly, you were guaranteed action.
“My turn to order the drinks. Lilly, Alesha, what are you having and don’t say shots otherwise your brothers will kill me.” Standing, I saw a guy across the bar eyeing me up. I knew that look. For years, I would play to it. Feed off it. No more, those days were long gone for me. I ignored him, turning back to get the girls’ orders.
I talked to the bartender as she mixed the girls’ cocktails. I saw her eyes shift, caught by movement next to me.
“Here, let me pay for those and carry them to your table for you,” an unfamiliar voice said, standing too close. I refused to make eye contact.
“No, thanks. I’ve got these. Enjoy your night.” The bartender placed the first drink in front of me. I could see she was watching him in case he got out of hand.
“Come on, beautiful, can’t a man buy a bunch of pretty girls a drink these days?” His breath was hot on my neck.
“Not tonight, thanks. We aren’t interested. Girls’ night, no boys allowed.” I wasn’t game enough to take my eyes off the drinks. My senses were on alert. Years of picking up in bars made me good at sensing the dangerous ones. I flinched when his hand touched my arm. My reaction must have been enough for the bartender.
“Excuse me, sir, I believe the lady has made it clear she’s not interested. I suggest you move on or we’ll have security move you right out the door.”
“Whoa, no problem. All she had to do was say so.”
“Pretty sure she was fairly clear, sir. Time to move along.” I felt him leave my personal space and back up. Now that he was far enough away, I turned to get a good look at him. For some reason, he had a familiar look. He was no one I knew, but there was something about him.
“Thank you. I hate that as a female it’s hard to go out without being hassled. You’re a great bartender. Thanks again. Keep the change as your tip, you deserve it.” I kept thinking how life would be so different if I could have had Luke by my side. Then my days of being hit on by sleazy men would be well and truly over.
“Who was that guy at the bar?” Emily asked as I claimed my chair.
“Some dick who wouldn’t take no for an answer. It was only because the bartender told him to get lost, otherwise I would still be stuck there. I didn’t trust him near our drinks. He just felt shady.”
“Good for you for being careful and protecting your friends. Love your work, girlfriend.” Alesha raised her glass and we all toasted to friends. Lilly spilled her drink trying to co-ordinate tapping each glass.
“Let’s dance! This is my favourite song.” Lilly was jumping up and down. “Come on, Lesh, dance with me.” Dragging her sister to her feet, they both turned to me.
“No, I’ll keep Emily company. Zach will sack me if anything happens to her. You know your brothers are crazy men. You girls go. We will watch your stuff.”
“Party poopers,” Lilly declared as she stumbled down the stairs to the dance floor, catching the attention of half the men dancing. Long blonde hair, beautiful eyes and face, a body to die for, and legs that looked like they went on forever in that dress. No wonder she attracted attention. Alesha was completely different in looks but no less beautiful. She was a quieter, more refined beauty. She wasn’t one to ever find a lover in a club. It just wasn’t her style.
“Wow, Lilly is well on her way to a good hangover tomorrow. Glad I have paced myself.” I looked at Emily who was frowning at the girls. “What’s wrong?” I turned to see what was catching her eye.
Only seeing his back, there was a man wrapped around Lilly. Standing next to him was the sleaze from the bar. I was torn between not leaving Emily on her own and marching down to the dance floor to pull the girls away from the jerks. Instinct kicked in. Pushing the call button on my cell before Emily even registered what I was doing, I heard his voice. “I think we need you.” I paused, listening. “Yep, of course.”
Before Emily had a chance to ask who I called, Zach came bursting through the crowd.
“Oh, Lordy, now we’re in trouble. The party police are here.” Emily giggled but looked relieved as her husband approached. “Um, were you waiting outside, my prince?” Emily looked up with love in her eyes.
He didn’t even try to deny it. “Of course, I haven’t been more than one minute away all night.” I should have guessed he never left. Right now, however, I was happy he was here.
“Now to go and drag my drunk sisters to the car. Wish me luck.” His glance told me to stay with Emily while he played big brother. It must be hard work being a Stevenson man. Always the protector.
I waited for the commotion but grew confused when the guy shook Zach’s hand and they embraced. That’s when he turned, my mouth hitting the floor. It was him. No wonder my senses were on alert. It seemed his friend gave off the same bad vibe.
They all headed over to our table, my stomach churning. I didn’t want to be around him without Luke. Before they reached us, I told Emily I would take a cab home. Before she had time to reply, Zach started the introductions.
“Girls, meet Andrew and his brother Peter. Andrew was Luke’s college mate. We’ve met a few times over the years. He’s in town on business. So, it turns out these guys are not so bad after all.” Please let Andrew remember he wasn’t supposed to know me. I needed to get out of there. My heart and mind raced, and I knew where it was heading. Standing, I made my apologies and announced my departure. Zach immediately protested. I assured him I was fine and headed out the door. He trailed me, refusing to let me wait on my own. As soon as I was in the cab and it pulled away from the curb, he headed back inside to his wife. I tried counting in my head and imagining Luke’s voice talking to me, coaching my breathing. I wished he were here. I needed him. Tonight, I knew without a doubt I was madly in love with that man and it was time he found out, along with all my secrets. I had been holding on to them long enough.
I couldn’t do this alone anymore.
The only person I wanted to do life with, was Luke.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Luke
Zoe didn’t know I was there. It took some organizing, but I managed to change my flights to get home early to her. I didn’t want to ruin her girls’ night, gate-crashing it early. I just couldn’t be away another night. I let myself into her apartment and made myself at home. We’d given each other keys months earlier. It made it easy to sneak around. I pressed send on my message, telling her she had a surprise waiting. A text alert sounded outside the door. She w
as home earlier than expected. I waited for her to come through the door, so I could wrap her in my arms where she belonged. I was not expecting the shivering, out-of-breath woman, who stumbled through the front door. I rushed over, holding her tight.
“Slowly, sweetheart. Slow down the breaths. In, and out. Just relax, I’m here. I’ve got you. I’m never letting you go again.” I was ready to kill whoever had done this. Why was she panicking? I needed to settle her first before I could ask anything. Zoe was my priority.
“Luke,” she gasped, tears flowing while clutching at my shirt. Her hold was so tight, I couldn’t move an inch.
“Baby, it’s okay. You’re safe. Remember what we do. Count.”
“One.” Gasp. “Two, three, four.” Gasp.
“Slower for me. Follow my counting.” Placing my hand on her face, holding her concentration on me. “One… two… three… four…” Her voice was parroting mine in barely a whisper. “That’s it. Keep going nice and slow. Breathe in and out for me.” Her body softened, falling into me. I scooped Zoe into my arms and carried her to the room. Zoe felt safe when she was close to me. There was nothing closer than being wrapped in my arms in bed, naked skin to naked skin. Defences were down when we were one.
I couldn’t show her how confused I was at what made her upset.
After we’d snuggled for a short time, Zoe squirmed trying to free herself.
“Not happening, baby. Not until you tell me what the hell brought this on.”
“That’s what I’m trying to do. But you have me locked in the Luke safe.” The tiniest giggle escaped her mouth.
“That’s right, I am your safe. Strong as an ox and hard as steel, and that’s just my dick. The rest of me is pretty good, too.” There it was. I couldn’t help my humor in these situations. It helped my nervousness and always made Zoe laugh. Well, most of the time.