Relentless - Manhattan Knights Series Book Two

by Parks, Sienna

  After that night, Addi completely shut me out. She said she wanted space to focus on Lily and her recovery. I didn’t like it, but I knew she needed me to back off. I agreed to give her this time as a breather, but I told her in no uncertain terms that we would be in contact, and when Lily was feeling better we would be picking up where we left off.

  I hate to admit it, but our time apart has been good for us. The fact that we haven’t been in close proximity has meant that we’ve actually talked to each other, about real shit; on the phone, texting, even PM on Facebook. I’m like a fucking teenager checking my phone every two minutes! There is an honesty in our dialogue that cuts through the bullshit, letting us really get to know each other. It doesn’t hurt that she’s a goddamn comedian; that girl cracks me up. Everything about our relationship seems to work when you separate it out. The sex – fucking perfect; our emotional connection – so fucking deep I don’t even understand it; our personalities complement each other; our sense of humor - exactly the same. I’ve laughed more than I have in years with her. I even burst out laughing in a coffee shop sitting reading a text she sent me the other day. The people at the surrounding tables were looking at me like I was crazy, but I just didn’t give a shit.

  I have convinced her a grand total of twice in the past three weeks to meet up with me. The first time, I went to pick her up at her apartment and we only got as far as the elevator before I had her pinned to the wall with my hand up her dress, ripping her lace panties to get access to her wet, hot, sweet little pussy. I had to pull the emergency stop and fuck here right there and then. I came so fucking hard and fast; her pussy clenching around me as she bit my shoulder to stifle her own release. We never left her building that night. We went straight back up to her apartment and fucked until neither of us could stand.

  The following week was a similar story. We decided to meet at the restaurant this time so that we didn’t get… sidetracked. We managed through the appetizers before I was getting her off under the table, feeling her thighs tremble around my hand as I finger fucked her, flicking her clit with my thumb; her juices dripping down into my palm. The only thing hotter than watching her come in silence, in public, was watching her reaction as I sucked my fingers clean of her arousal, moaning my delight at the taste of her. I had a whole romantic evening planned for us, but it never happened. Addi grabbed me, pulled me into the restroom, dropping to her knees and giving me a fucking amazing blowjob. She swallowed every last drop and licked her lips before walking back out to the table. I’m beginning to realize that restaurants seem to be a major turn on for us! We can’t seem to get through a meal together without having sex in the bathroom.

  It’s an amazing problem to have – I find it hard to hold a conversation with the woman I’m seeing because we are so fucking attracted to each other that we can’t stay dressed or vertical for any length of time. I know I’m going to sound like a pussy for saying it, and I already hate myself for thinking it, but it can’t be just sex with Addi. I want more. I want all of her, but for now, I would settle for being able to control my sexual urges around her for an hour!

  Lily is out of the hospital now, living with Xander and recovering well, so there is nothing to keep us apart. Addi has no excuses, and she knows after weeks of phone conversations that I will fucking call her on her bullshit if she tries to pull away from me.

  It’s shit or bust time. If I can’t find some way to integrate the amazing connection we have when we talk on the phone, with our thermonuclear sexual chemistry, Addi will shut me out because it’s her defense mechanism. She won’t tell me what happened to her that made her so closed off. All I know is what little information Xander could give me, which was that she dated a complete prick who was a serial cheater back in her freshman year of college. What a dick! Why would you go elsewhere when you have a spitfire in your bed waiting for you? She must have loved him to be this fucked up over him years later. The thought that she has ever been in love with someone that isn’t me, makes me so fucking irrationally angry.

  I know now that I’m not just falling for Addi… I’m already completely in love with her. I am all fucking in… and it scares the ever living shit out of me.

  ADDI

  The way I feel for Carter de Rossi scares the shit out of me. We are back on track with our ‘relationship’ if that’s what you want to call it. Our three weeks apart only brought us closer together, and now I know so much more about the man beneath the beautiful. He is kind-hearted; he loves his sister something fierce; he loves martial arts, training with Xander a few times a week; he has the best laugh I have ever heard – smooth, throaty and sexy as hell; and the real kicker – he speaks Italian when he is aroused or angry, and he doesn’t even realize it.

  We have spent so many hours talking and getting to know each other lately. I feel like we’ve known each other for years. It’s a strange feeling for me to be so comfortable talking to him. Sometimes I even think I could tell him the real story of what happened with Gavin, and maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t judge or hate me. Of course, I haven’t told him. I’m not ready to run the risk of him being the one to walk away… because he will walk away if he finds out.

  Carter wants me to meet his younger sister Vittoria. She’s a ballerina and has been on tour for the past six months. She’s in town to do a show and then has a couple of weeks off before she heads back overseas. He says I’ll love her if I get to know her. Sister - I can just about handle… parents are a massive No No! She organized tickets for her performance tonight, so I’ll be watching my first ballet before going out for a late dinner with Carter and his sister. I’m surprised by how nervous I feel getting ready to leave my apartment; checking my make-up, hair, and outfit too many times to pass it off as anything other than desperately wanting to make a good impression on a member of Carter’s family. It’s going to be a long freaking night!

  As my cab pulls up outside Lincoln Center I can see Carter through the crowd, my senses awakened by his proximity. He’s pacing the sidewalk; an elegant, masculine, primal force to be reckoned with. He’s dressed to kill, in a charcoal pinstriped three-piece suit – tailored to perfection. He is quite simply the most beautiful man I have ever laid eyes on… and he wants me. As I step out of the cab, electricity starts coursing through me; a magnetic force pulling me toward him. I know he feels it too when his head snaps in my direction and our eyes lock before his gaze roams my entire body.

  I’m wearing a Marilyn Monroe style dress tonight; a red flowing multi-layered skirt, cinched in at the waist to accentuate my figure; low at the back, the layers of material in the front highlighting the swell of my breasts before tying in a sexy halter-neck. As Carter’s eyes settle once again on mine, everything and everyone around us disappears as we find our way into each other’s arms.

  “Tesoro. You look… breathtaking.” His hands make their way up and into the loose waves of my hair, his warm palms cupping my face. As his lips connect with mine my body comes to life in a way that only Carter can ignite. “Let’s get to our seats. I really don’t want to explain to my baby sister that I missed her performance because I couldn’t control the urge to fuck my girlfriend.” What did he just say? He’s never called me that before. He reads my mind. “Yes, I said girlfriend, Addison. Deal with it.”

  With a sly grin on his face, he holds out his hand to me. I place my hand in his and follow as he strides through the crowd, commanding respect from everyone around him, leading me to our seats; and I realize something as I drink in the sight of him… I would let this man lead me anywhere. It’s an unsettling but thrilling thought. As the house lights go down and the curtain goes up, I settle back and attempt to clear my mind of the riotous emotions vying for my attention.

  The show is amazing, and as soon as Carter points out Vittoria, I am mesmerized by her. She is beautiful, graceful, and elegant. The depth of emotion she conveys in every sweep of her arms, every move of her lithe body, has me on the verge of tears more than once. I am completely aw
ed by her talent and I can’t wait to meet her now. As the crowd applauds each and every dancer, I revel in the pride I see radiating from Carter; his love for his sister evident in the stunning smile on his face.

  We make our way out of the theater to wait for Vittoria when I spy a familiar face. “Isn’t that Logan over there?”

  “Yeah. What the hell is he doing here?” We quickly head in his direction, but he seems to be in a hurry to leave. “Logan!” Carter shouts after him, getting his attention, but the look on Logan’s face tells me that he’s not overjoyed to see us. His looks like he’s just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. As we reach him, his demeanor changes and the suave exterior is firmly back in place.

  “Hello, Addi, lovely to see you again.” He leans in to give me a kiss on the cheek and the look on Carter’s face is hysterical – he’s jealous of an innocent greeting. He cracks me up.

  “Lovely to see you, too. Is Alexis with you?"

  “Something came up at work. She had to leave at intermission.” He turns his attention to Carter.

  “Hey, man. Did you enjoy the show? I didn’t realize Vittoria was back in town.” There’s a question in there somewhere, but Carter is oblivious and he lights up at the mention of his sister.

  “She’s in town for a few weeks before she has to go back out on tour. We’re just about to take her to dinner. Why don’t you join us? I know she’d love to see you.” Logan’s happy with that last comment, and I realize what’s going on. He didn’t want Carter to see him here… because he was here to see Vittoria. Holy Shit. Dinner is going to be interesting!

  We wait around, chatting and joking for about twenty minutes before a sweet, sexy voice calls out to the man I’ve become so attached to.

  “Carter!” Before she can say anything else he sweeps her up into his arms, spinning her around like she weighs nothing.

  “You were phenomenal, Vittoria, just amazing. You get better every time I watch you.” As he sets her back on her feet he turns her to face me. My nerves are somewhat settled by Logan’s presence. I can sense that the spotlight will be firmly off me with him at the table.

  “Vittoria, I would like you to meet my girlfriend, Addi.” A tingle runs up my spine at his use of that word again. I hold out my hand.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Vittoria. You are an exquisite dancer. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.” Her blush at my words is so endearing – it reminds me of Lily. I know I’m going to love this girl.

  “Thank you so much. The pleasure is all mine. Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting to hear my big brother use the word ‘girlfriend’ in a sentence?” I laugh at her declaration.

  “From what he’s told me… I’m guessing a really long time.” She glances in his direction, a slight frown marring her flawless features. I watch as an unspoken conversation passes between them. Carter closes his eyes; a pained look on his face as he shakes his head ever so slightly, giving her the answer she needed. I’m desperate to ask what’s going on and why it’s linked to him calling me his girlfriend, but I can tell from the look on Carter’s face that this is not a subject he wants to discuss… with anyone. He seamlessly shifts the conversation to an equally tense topic.

  “Look who we bumped into.” As her gaze locks with Logan’s, the atmosphere becomes charged with the most intense sexual chemistry I have ever witnessed. I mean, I know Xander and Lily have crazy heat; and Carter and I… we are thermonuclear in the same room, but this… what I’m picking up on between Vittoria and Logan, is off the charts. He leans in to greet her, kissing her cheek, lingering for an extra beat when she returns the gesture, her lips leaving a mark. She gently wipes the lipstick from his face, caressing his stubble long after the lipstick is gone. If they keep this up, one of two things will happen – either Carter will kill Logan for looking at his baby sister like he wants to do very naughty things to her, or, I’m going to do very naughty things to Carter because I am so damn turned on watching these two.

  “It’s so nice to see you again, Logan. You look… well.” She devours him with her eyes as she speaks.

  “It’s… nice to see you, too, Vittoria. It was a genuine pleasure to watch you dance tonight. You were breathtaking.” I turn my gaze to Carter as this intimate exchange takes place. He looks like his head is about to explode.

  “Alright. Enough with the fucking long lost hellos. Are we going to get some dinner or not? I’m hungry.” I guess he picked up on their obvious connection too; he’d need to be blind not to have noticed. I take his hand in mine as I lean in to whisper in his ear.

  “I like it when you call me your girlfriend.” I dart my tongue out; catching his ear before pulling back to gauge his reaction. It’s had the desired effect. His playful, sexy, naughty streak is back, and his focus is firmly on me.

  “Just wait ‘till I get you home… girlfriend. I have plans for you tonight that you will definitely… like.” And there it is; the familiar buzz, coursing through my body, readying me for the promise of an earth-shattering night ahead.

  The restaurant is stunning, the food sublime, and the company is second to none. The four of us have a fantastic night and I get the feeling that Vittoria will fit in perfectly with Lily and me. She is funny, sassy and she doesn’t take any crap. I love her already! Logan isn’t the flirty guy I know and love tonight. Instead he’s more reserved, his answers are more measured and careful, but he’s still great company. I really like him, and he’s definitely not sore on the eyes! When Carter asks about Alexis the tension at the table is unbearable, Vittoria’s face looking pained; but we quickly move past it and onto lighter topics.

  The wine flows, the conversation has me doubled over laughing at points, and we find ourselves the only customers left in the restaurant come midnight. It’s the first time I’ve eaten out with Carter and managed to keep my hands to myself. Progress! Although, I am desperate to get him back to my apartment now. Watching him laughing and joking with his sister and Logan is a beautiful sight to behold. His carefree laugh is like music to my ears, and the smile that splits his face is just freaking gorgeous. I could watch him forever and never get bored.

  When it comes time to leave, Carter plans to drop Vittoria off at her apartment before taking me home, but Logan won’t hear of it. “Seriously, Carter, take Addi home. I can make sure Vittoria gets home safely. It’s the least I can do after you paid for dinner. I’m buying next time, okay?” I slide my hand up Carter’s back, hoping he’ll take the hint and get me alone, behind closed doors as quickly as possible.

  “Okay. Thanks, man. Take care of her or I’ll beat the shit out of you.” We all say our goodbyes and I exchange numbers with Vittoria, making plans to meet up with her while she’s in town, and as we part ways, I can’t help but wonder… what is the history, if any, between Logan and Vittoria? The warm arm that snakes around my waist steals my focus to the amazing man beside me. “Are you ready to go home, baby?”

  “I’m ready to be alone with you. There are far too many clothes between us right now.” The fire in his eyes ignites at my words.

  “Fucking right. Give me five minutes to get you back to your place and I will remedy that problem immediately, and have you screaming my name by the sixth.” He stays true to his word… Oh. My. God… does he stay true to his word.

  CARTER

  Three months later

  My life is unrecognizable from the way it was six months ago. Addi and I have been dating properly for months now and it’s fucking amazing. I never thought I could feel this way about a woman. I closed the door on that so many years ago, I didn’t think it would happen for me. I figured I would probably end up like Heffner, but my reality is so much better. After introducing Addi to Vittoria three months ago they have become really good friends. They’re always texting and chatting and fucking Facebook… Oh My God. Sometimes I think I share her with the damn thing, but watching her and Vittoria becoming friends has been amazing. They clicked as soon as they met, and the weeks followin
g our dinner, when she was still in town, were great. The three of us spent a lot of time together, and I could see in their eyes that they understand each other in a way that only they can. That brokenness that I see in each of their eyes… has drawn them to each other, but as far as I’m aware they haven’t discussed their pasts – I know Vittoria would never tell anyone; that’s the way she wants it, and I would never betray her trust.

  Addi and I spend the majority of our free time together, either at her place or mine. We rarely spend a night apart, but I know better than to ask her to move in with me. She would freak-the-fuck-out! I’ve learned to read the signs; I know when to back away from a touchy subject, and I know how far I can push her. She still hasn’t opened up about whatever it was that happened with Gavin, but I can be patient. She’ll tell me when she’s ready… I hope.

  I knew months ago how I felt about her, and I’m even more certain now that I am completely in love with her. I’ve bitten my tongue so many times when I’ve wanted to tell her, but she isn’t ready and I don’t want to ruin what we have. Everything about her has me hooked. She is funny, sweet, smart and sexy as hell. She’s trying to give our relationship a chance and I really admire her for it; I know how hard it must be for her – I struggled myself in the beginning, but the difference between us, is that I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I want her in every way possible. She still has reservations, but do I think she loves me? Yes… in her own way. Do I think she’s in love with me the same way that I’m head over heels with her? No, but I’m just fucking hoping that she will be one day.

  We’ve made plans to go to the Hamptons with Xander and Lily this weekend and I’ve decided it’s time to tell her. If I hold it in any longer I might just fucking burst. If I had my way she would have been living with me months ago and we would be planning a wedding in the next year. I know that won’t happen, so the most I can hope for is that I tell her I love her, and she accepts it, or best case scenario – says it back. I’ve told her she doesn’t get to just shut me out anymore, and she knows I fucking mean it. I hate to admit it, but I would be fucking lost without her in my life now. I’m so whipped it’s unbelievable, but Christ Almighty, I just fucking love the shit out of her.