“Um…”murmuring as I clasp my fingers and look down, blush sprinting across my cheeks.
“I’m sorry, miss, let me explain. There is no surveillance in the bedrooms, bathrooms, or closet; only the main rooms have the cameras, but I can hear you if something happens.”
“Oh, ok. Thanks for clearing that up,” I say through a chuckle.
“I will head back down to my place, but please call Mr. Stone once you get settled.”
“Thank you, Gregory.”
“It is my pleasure, Ms. Winston. I’m here to look after you.”
Hoping that Alex isn’t asleep, I quickly dial his number and he picks up after the first ring.
“Mallory? Oh, sweetheart. I am so sorry I cannot be there. Are you ok?”
“I’m fine, Alex. No need to worry.”
“I am always worried where you are concerned.”
“Maybe so, but it is unnecessary. Anyways, I’m here at your place lonely and wishing you hadn’t left. I’m sorry at how stubborn I was this morning.”
“I know, darling. I’m sorry this has cut into our time together. I do find it a bit interesting that this has occurred while I am gone, considering the letters you have received.”
Breaching a darker level of the crime I ask Alex, “Do you think someone is after me to get to you?”
“I hope not, but I can’t rule it out. I’m not sure how anyone would find out about you, though. I keep my personal life extremely private. No one at home even knew about Vanessa when we dated and that lasted off and on for four years.”
Ignoring the comment about Vanessa I say, “I haven’t a clue why anyone would want to target me. But I am safe now and hopefully the culprit has been spooked with the police’s involvement.”
“One can only hope, love.”
Safely changing topics I ask, “How was your flight? Were you able to get things situated with your brother and formula one team?”
“My flight was most unpleasant. I plan on bringing my private jet back so I don’t have to sit next to some snot nosed, little, bugger again. Furthermore, my brother has no clue what he is doing. He should really hire a political advisor. I won’t meet with my driving teams for two more days, so I can fill you in then.”
“What does your brother do?”
Seeming to catch his mistake, Alex quickly covers up by saying, “Oh, he, uh, is campaigning to take the parliament seat from my father. Since my father hasn’t passed yet, but wants to retire, my brother feels he should create a campaign for entry into the parliament.”
“Alex, I have no clue what you’re talking about. No need to fret.”
“I forget, darling, that you American’s have your own twisted sense of politics.” I giggle over the phone line and he declares, “Lord, how I miss that sound. I pray that I get everything tied up quickly so that I may return to you.”
“That’s sweet, Alex, but I’ll be here when you return.” Regretfully I cry, "I'm sorry again that I didn’t say goodbye to you this morning. I know you didn’t mean what you said last night.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. It has been torturing me all day.”
There are a few seconds of awkward silence between the two of us, both comprehending the situation we are currently in.
“Alex?” I ask timidly.
“Yes, love?”
“Are you going to see anyone else while you are home?”
Taken aback Alex responds immediately, “No, Mallory. I have no intentions of sharing you, so don’t plan on sharing me. Do you trust me so little?”
I can hear the anger in his voice at his question.
Speaking up quickly, I try to explain to him why I asked. “Alex, of course I trust you; more than anyone, if I am being honest. I’m sorry to anger you. I only wanted clarification. I most definitely do not want to share you either.”
Contemplating my anxiety Alex chimes in, “I understand your concern, Mallory, and I am sorry I jumped to conclusions. I’m sure it is because I am tired and need you.”
“Well I am tired too so I will probably head to bed soon. Maybe we can indulge in some phone indiscretions later.”
“Are you asking me to have phone sex with you, Ms. Winston?”
My cheeks redden from his question and I replay bashfully, “Only if you want to, sir.”
“We will have to see. It may only make matters worse since I won’t have you in front of me to touch, to smell, to taste. But it may hold me over until my return.” At his words, I can already feel myself beginning to soak through my panties. He continues, “Ms. Winston, I have one last request before I leave you tonight.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Do not touch yourself while I am gone.”
What? Can I do that considering my clit is already throbbing from this conversation.
“Do you understand, Mallory?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good, I hope to see you sooner, rather than later.”
“Me too.”
“Sleep well, beautiful girl.”
“You too, Alex.”
Ending the call, I walk to the bedroom and strip off my clothes. On Alex’s side of the bed, I tuck myself into the luxurious sheets. I can smell his clean scent on the pillow and I am lost for the night; dreaming of dark hair, tanned skin, and sultry golden eyes.
CHAPTER 14
I wake late in the morning to pounding and yelling on the apartment door.
The voice shrills, “Dammit, Mallory. If I have to knock one more time I am going to call Gregory and he will not be happy about that!”
Rushing out of bed, I throw on my bathrobe and run over to the foyer door, tripping over myself a few times. I throw open the door with a whoosh and grab Abi in a fierce hug.
“Oh my gosh. I am so glad you’re here,” I roar elatedly.
Continuing to hold me in a forceful hug, Abi says, “Goodness, after Alex told me what had happened I jumped on the first flight back here. I wasn’t about to let you stay here alone.”
“Gosh, look at me. Please come in. Why didn’t you use your key?”
She pouts and replies, “Alex took it from me. He said he didn’t want any more unexpected visits.” She huffs and looks me over as she asks, “Oh, bugger, were you still sleeping?”
“I was. I had a long day yesterday.”
“Well hey, that works for me. That flight wore me out. Why don’t we both go back to bed for a bit?”
“You won’t hear any arguing from me. That sounds fantastic.”
As I turn to close the front door, I spy another purple rose lying on the vestibule table. I wait for Abi to make her way back to her bedroom before I pick it up and take it to the bedroom with me. Placing it in the vase on the coffee table with the white peonies, I untie the note from the stem and open the tiny envelope.
Things I know: Your eyes shine like the emerald. Never have I ever seen eyes as beautiful as yours. Emeralds hold several meanings, but many believe it is a gift from Venus, to preserve love and symbolize hope. Emeralds are also used as a healing stone to help heal the heart. You, Mallory Winston, are a healer and my symbol of hope.
His words are beautiful and even as a tear streams down my cheek, I can’t help but giggle at his use of never have I ever, our popular drinking game. I place the note in my nightstand drawer and lie back in bed, falling asleep quickly so that I may dream of golden eyes.
Abi and I both wake around noon, feeling more revived than we expected.
“Mal, what do you want to do today?”Abi asks.
“Well, I was told it is in my best interest to stay inside today and tomorrow.”
“Oh, I know what we can do. This building has a spa. We can go get some massages. That is just what you need.”
“That sounds fantastic. Let me message your brother and Gregory to tell them where we are headed.”
“Okay, I’ll make the reservations.”
The boys are glad to see us not cause a fuss about staying inside and Alex even phoned in his credit car
d information to the spa so that we could have the full works.
Abi and I leave the spa four hours later after being buffed, polished, and rubbed in every nook and cranny.
“Wow, Abi,” I say.“I will have to have this done again when your brother returns. I have never felt so relaxed in my life.”
“Same here, I love getting a good massage. What would you like to do tonight?”
“How about I order us some dinner and we can drink out on the balcony?”
“That sounds perfect.” Gazing in my direction Abi studies me then says, “You seem pretty calm after everything that has happened.”
“I know. I’m trying not to let it get to me. Your brother and Gregory will keep me safe until they catch this person.”
As we enter the apartment, I shoot Alex a text thanking him for the treatment. I notice I don’t have any messages from Madison or Mika. “Aren’t they worried about what happened?” I muse. Dialing Madison’s number, I wait for her to pick up.
“What do you want?” are the words spoken by the voice on the end.
Looking down at my screen, I verify that I dialed the correct number.
“Um, Madison?”
“Yea?”
Stuttering I say, “I, uh, I was just checking on you. After, you know, yesterday and all.”
“Well, obviously I’m fine. I figured you were too after the cops said you gave a statement.”
“Oh, okay, well I am staying at Alex’s for a while so if you need me you can reach me here.”
“Look, don’t play all innocent Mal; I’m furious right now. I know what you did with David.”
“Madison, I have no idea what you’re talking about. Care to fill me in?” I ask confused.
“Don’t lie, Mallory. Karma is a bitch you know.” Then she promptly hangs up.
I stare at the phone screen for an unknown amount of time trying to determine what happened to my best friend.
Abi comes around and sits at a bar stool asking, “Who was that bitch on the phone?”
“That was my best friend Madison; we grew up together.”
“Well, what did you do?”
“Nothing. The only time I ever saw her ex David was when she was around. I haven’t the slightest clue what she is talking about.”
“Does she think you’re the reason they broke up?”
“I guess. I don’t know how though, unless he lied to her.”
“Well, I’m glad I’m here, Mal. It seems to me like you need some new friends.”
“Agreed. Hey, do you want to go out this weekend? I have two new clients that are pretty outrageous and they want me to meet up with them.”
“Sounds great. I’m here for as long as you need me.”
“Thanks, Abi. Grilled chicken salad sound good for dinner?”
“Yep. I’ll get the wine while you order.”
Lounging on the balcony, Abi and I face the harbor watching the setting sun. We have already finished off one bottle of wine and start on a second.
“Hey, do you think my brother would let us go shopping tomorrow?”Abi queries with a large smile on her face.
“I doubt it, Abi. The police specified that I needed to stay indoors until at least Thursday.”
“I don’t know. I think it would be ok if Gregory went with us.”
Rolling my eyes, I state through a chuckle, “I could never do that to Gregory. He would be bored out of his mind. We can do some online shopping though. I have a new paycheck to spend.”
“I can one better you. I bet my brother would pay. He has internet TV and that screen is so big, it will be like shopping in the store.”
“I need to call him real quick before we start playing a game.”
“A game?”
“Yep, you just sit tight,” I say winking in her direction.
Wandering inside, I start to dial Alex’s number and begin searching through his cabinets for two shot glasses and some liquor. Only finding the glasses, it looks like we will be taking shots of wine, but that doesn’t hasten my excitement.
“Stone,” a cold voice says over the receiver.
“Alex?”
Instantly changing his tone to one of delight, my mercurial man decrees, “Mallory! I’m sorry. I didn’t see the screen before I picked up. How are you, darling?”
“I’m great. Thank you for the spa treatment earlier. It was exactly what I needed. You and I will have to go together when you get back.”
“That sounds wonderful, love. How is my sister?”
“She is fantastic. Thank you for sending her; I enjoy her company, though I still wish you were here.”
“As do I. I’m sorry, Mallory, but I must go. I have a sponsor on the other line that I need to finish up with.”
“It’s not a problem, Alex. I am about to play a drinking game with Abi.”
“Do be careful.”
“I always am. Miss you, Alex.”
“I miss you too, Mallory. Sleep well.”
Alex hangs up and I head back out to the balcony.
“Did he agree to use his credit card?”Abi inquires.
“I’m sorry, I forgot to ask.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll text him in the morning. So what game are we playing?”
“This game is called, never have I ever. My friends and I always played it before we went out for the night.”
“How do you play?”
“Well, I will say something like, ‘Never have I ever met a celebrity.’ If you have, then you take your shot. I’m not sure there is ever truly a winner because either you’re embarrassed you’ve done everything or your stone cold sober.”
“Oh, this sounds like fun. Can I start?”
“Sure. Let me pour out the shots. By the way, I couldn’t find any liquor, so wine will have to do.”
Beginning the game Abi shouts, “Never have I ever swum naked.”
After tossing back my shot, I take my turn stating, “Never have I ever kissed in the rain.”
Abi drinks her shot. Jealous, I immediately add that to my bucket list.
“Never have I ever had sex in a car,” Abi shouts through a giggle then takes another shot. Apparently, she hasn’t realized that she isn’t supposed to do the things she says.
“Never have I ever…,” I begin and then pause to contemplate, “...dated a celebrity.”
I hear Abi sigh, “Shit” before taking her shot then she smirks at my still filled shot glass and me. “Really, Mal?” she asks with a crooked brow.
“Am I sure about dating a celebrity?” I question in my mind. Envisioning Alex, I don’t think having money constitutes someone as a celebrity. With my resolve I answer, “Yep, I’m sure. I don’t keep up with entertainment gossip, so I wouldn’t know one if they slapped me on the ass.” As Abi falls into a burst of laughter I exclaim, “You’re turn, Abi.”
“Ok, Ok. Hm… you need a shot. Never have I ever fallen in love.”
“Damn,” I say to myself as I toss back my glass.
She knows I’m in love with her brother and I see that she still holds her glass.
“Really, Abi?” I ask.
“Really,” she replies in a depressed sounding voice.
Trying to liven up her mood, I jokingly say, “Ok. Never have I ever been to a wedding.”
“What? That is rubbish. Do I have to take a shot for every wedding I’ve been to? We’ll be here all night.”
Cracking up at her slurred words I respond, “No, just one shot. Final round?”
“Yes, please. Ok my turn. Never have I ever had sex on an airplane.”
We both keep our shots.
“Last question and with this one we will just split the rest of the wine into our glasses. You ready?”
“Yep.”
“Never have I ever done something I regret.” We both stare at the glasses for a moment then glance at each other. A fit of giggles explodes from each of us and we each drink our glass of wine.
Abi yells, “That was fun, Mallory.
We will have to play this with your friends over the weekend.”
“Maybe.”
Abi and I sit in silence while we both watch the night sky over the ocean.
“Abi, is everything ok? I know we don’t know each other well, but it seems strange that you would have a great career opportunity with your brother, yet you choose to come to the states to visit friends for the next few weeks,” I inquire.
“You’re very perceptive, Mal. And you’re right; it is bizarre that I’m here in the states right now. Maybe when I sort out things in my head we can talk about it.”
“Fair deal.”
Listening to the boats pulling into the harbor, Abi and I sit in companionable silence before she decides to inquire about my romance with her brother.
“Do you want this relationship with my brother to last longer than the next month?”
“More than anything,” I whisper.
“That’s what I thought. He’ll come around, Mal.”
“I don’t think so, Abi, but that’s ok. I know what I signed up for.”
She takes a sip of her wine and huffs, “He’s a hard headed bastard most of the time, but he does have good heart. I promise you that.”
“I know he does. He shows me every day without even realizing it.”
“I’m heading to bed,” Abi states, “but I want you to know that I don’t think this will be the end for the two of you. I just a have a good feeling and my instincts are always right. Plus, I actually like you. With his other girls, I wasn’t nearly so fond of them. Not even Vanessa. It took her getting married and knocked up before I would come around.”
“What makes me different?”
“Well, one, you’re not a gold digging whore and two, you have a good heart.”
“Thanks Abi. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Abi and I wake to some French toast that Gregory had sent up for us. During breakfast, Abi sends a text to Alex asking to use his card for some purchases, to which he replies that we don’t need to ask. After finishing our breakfast, we stand in front of the television holding the remote.
“How do you turn this bugger on?”Abi ponders out loud.
“No clue. I don’t even see a red power button.”
Stone Shattered (The Stone Book 1) Page 14