He grabbed hold of the calves of her legs and pushed them up so now her legs were propped up on his shoulders. The angle meant for deeper penetration and she certainly felt it as he pounded into her. She groaned as the thrusts went deeper and deeper and he fastened his pace. They were both now reaching their peak and she could see his neck was strained with the effort of controlling himself. The orgasm ripped through her core as she screamed out and dug her nails into his back. Red released at the same time. Her legs trembled from the moment and they both had to wait a minute to regain their sense and their breath. Eventually he pulled out, still half-hard, and rolled onto his back. Satisfied and still drunk, she curled up onto his shoulder and they both fell into a tired slumber.
Chapter 7
RED
Light pierced his eyes through the open curtains when he woke up. His head was throbbing from drinking last night as he tried to gain understanding of his surroundings It was then he noticed a pressure on his outstretched arm so he looked to the side to see a mass of red hair snaking around it.
Rachel!
The memories from last night flooded back to him and he groaned. He hoped that she had been telling the truth when she said she wanted to have sex, because some nights ago things were quite different. He knew he had wanted her from the moment he had laid eyes on her, but he also didn’t want to be the cause of any pain. Looking over at her, he shifted her hair to the side, so he could catch sight of her face. Her makeup was smeared from the night before and he smiled at her lipstick smudged on the edge of the mouth. Even in this state she was still the most beautiful woman he had laid eyes upon. And he had laid eyes upon a lot.
Carefully, he extracted his arm from under her head, trying not to disturb her as he rolled out of bed. His head was dizzy from the hangover when he wandered out the bedroom in search of her bathroom. She had two bedrooms in her apartment, one currently being used as a storage unit from the look of it. Red found the bathroom and instantly splashed cold water on his face. Trying to wake himself up. He was still completely naked so used the toilet before heading back into the bedroom to dress himself. When he walked in, Rachel was awake and sitting up on her bed in bewilderment. After catching sight of him she groaned and placed her head in her hands.
“Not exactly the morning greeting I expected. Good morning to you too,” Red smiled before realizing his nudity and bending down to scoop up his discarded boxers.
Quickly he put them on while extracting his clothes from hers and dressing himself. He left the buttons on his shirt undone and he took a seat next to her on the bed. She too seemed to realize her nakedness and swiftly wrapped the dirtied sheets around her. There were stains on it from last night’s escapades. It made Red smile to know he had left his mark in her apartment.
“Please tell me last night was a dream and you’re just a hallucination,” she mumbled.
“I’m afraid not. You were practically begging for it last night and I was more than happy to supply,” he laughed.
“Fuck.”
“Yes we did, but you don’t seem too happy about it.”
“I’m not, I mean I am but I shouldn’t have…. This can’t happen again. You can’t tell anyone. This was just a mistake. I’m sorry,” the words came tumbling out her mouth.
Last night was a mistake? I’m just a mistake she wants to erase and never think about again. Did I pressure her into it?
“I did ask your permission last night before we…”
“Oh god, no, that’s not what I’m saying, Red. I knew what I wanted last night and it was fantastic, don’t get me wrong. The problem is it shouldn’t have happened in the first place and I should never have succumbed to my desires. You’re my client, Red. I shouldn’t be sleeping with my clients no matter how good-looking they are,” she looked up at him.
“I don’t know whether to thank you or leave. Do you maybe want to discuss this over coffee? I’ll go make us some and you might want to put some clothes on. Not that I’m complaining, but I think our discussion might require them. See you in a second.”
Before she could say anything else, he had stood up and walked out the room. He walked into the kitchen and searched through the cupboards to retrieve some cups before making them coffee. He didn’t know whether she had it with cream and sugar, so he just guessed and put both in. Taking them over to the table, he swapped out the half-drunk rum glasses and emptied them out in the kitchen sink. He sank into the couch as he sat down and listened to her movements around the apartment.
Well, I certainly fucked things up here. I finally start to like a woman and she rejects me head on. I don’t think I’ve done anything to deserve this treatment, but it’s probably for the best. I only seem to hurt the women I get into relationships with.
Red’s self-torture was disrupted by Rachel’s appearance. She had wiped the makeup from her face and was wearing a t-shirt and jeans when she sat down on the couch next to him. Red took note that she had maintained a sensible distance.
Whatever comes out her mouth next is clearly not going to be in my favor.
She picked up the coffee and took a sip before speaking, “I shouldn’t have brought you back here. I know it was my own decisions that led us to where we are now, but it can’t continue. I’m sorry. It was foolish sleeping with a client. I promised my uncle and Pearl that I wouldn’t have any intimate relations with you.”
“Why did you have to promise them anything? Why did they think this was going to happen in the first place?” confusion strained Red’s voice, “Has this got anything to do with my brother?”
“Your brother? No. It was something to do with your reputation. The fact that Pearl thinks you’ve slept with every woman in a ten-mile radius. Judging by the way you spoke to Ciara at the bar, I wouldn’t doubt that claim either. And I guess they were right after all, I did fall for your charm.”
“Rachel, I didn’t try to charm you like I do with other women. You’re different to the rest.”
“You probably say that to every woman you meet, Red. I’ve known you for a couple of days and we’ve already slept together. I don’t know if that says more about me or you. I have worked my entire life to get where I am today and I can’t just throw that away over a man. Even if it is someone as special as you are. I’m sorry, Red, but this is the last time we can ever do something like this.”
“I have never said that to another woman. I may sleep around, but I don’t toy with their emotions. I hate that you think of me like that. I’ll get my things and I’ll be out of your way. I’m not apologetic for last night, not one bit, but I am fucking sorry you don’t feel the same way I do. Goodbye Rachel.”
With that, he forced himself to his feet and quickly gathered his stuff. He buttoned up his shirt and made himself look presentable, before giving one last longing look at the woman he had shared the night with. She wouldn’t even make eye contact as he turned on his heel and strode furiously from the apartment, slamming the door behind him. The loud bang made his head ache from the hangover, but he didn’t care.
He took the stairs two at a time and hailed a cab from outside. He was inside within a split second, eager to get away from the apartment and the situation that had caused him so much internal turmoil.
I may have only known Rachel for a couple of days, but I have a gut feeling about her. She is different from the rest, but she just sees me how others have portrayed me. It took a lot to change her mind about the guys at the party and it will take even more for her to change her mind about me. But if she’s so set in her ways, then do I really want to force her emotions out of her? I have meaningless fucks to stop me from feeling alone, but I know what I want deep down. Is she the key to it though?
The cab pulled up outside the house and Red paid the driver before jumping out.
There’s only one person who can help me find the answer.
Red called his younger brother.
***
“Thanks for having me over after such short notice. You’re
looking radiant as always, Jennifer,” he beamed at his sister-in-law.
“And you’re as flirtatious as ever. Can I get you guys some cold beers before I head out? David is still trying to get me signed up for some movie deals after the baby is born, but I don’t think I’ll be able to leave the house straight afterwards. I’ll iron out the details with them and see if they can film the scenes which don’t have me in, until I’m ready again in a couple of months.”
“Don’t worry about it, my little tigress. I’ll get the beers and you’d better head out now or you’re going to be late. Look after yourself,” Ace called over his shoulder.
Jennifer padded over and kissed her husband on the cheek before giving a friendly wave to Red and heading out the door. They waited to hear the door shut behind her before Ace went to get the beers.
“Let’s have them out by the pool. Its nice weather today and I could do with a bit of a breeze. It seems like you might need to cool down too after the way you sounded on the phone. Everything okay, big brother?”
Ace pulled two beers from the fridge, popped the caps off and they both headed towards the garden. They paced over to the deckchairs and leaned back, sipping at their beers. Red held the glass aloft, watching the condensation run down the chilly glass in the sunlight, before replying to his brother.
“I’ve met a woman.”
“You’re always meeting women, but something tells me this one is a bit different. Care to elaborate?” Ace egged his brother on.
“She is different, but I’m not sure why. She’s the most beautiful woman I have ever met, no offense to Jen. And she’s funny and sweet and pure,” Red began.
“So what’s the problem? Can’t get it up?” Ace laughed.
“No, the problem is that she’s my attorney.”
“Fuck. Does Pearl know you’re sleeping with the staff?”
“Do you think I’d be alive if she did? You know you’ve still got a black mark against your name from what happened with Jennifer. She’d eliminate the entire Bailey clan, if she thinks we are going to sleep around on every job we get.”
Ace’s brow furrowed, “Red, I didn’t fucking sleep around. You know I was never like you with the women. Jennifer was different. She wasn’t just someone to have sex with, I loved her and still do. That’s why we got married so soon afterwards. I knew she was the one. Unless you’re certain your attorney is the one, then is it really worth risking it? I was willing to give up everything for Jennifer, can you say the same about her?”
Red thought for a minute before taking a sip of his beer and replying, “I don’t know. I’ve only known her a couple of days, but there is something that draws me to her. It’s like there’s this magnetic pull and I can’t stay away. Although she’s made it very clear that I should stay away from now on.”
“Did something happen?”
“We may have tested the waters to see if we are physically compatible.”
“Is that your way of telling me that you slept with her? I can’t believe you, Red! How could you sleep with your lawyer? You’d better pray for your life that the twins don’t find out. It took me enough time to get back into their good graces. With you, I’m not sure how they would handle it. You’re going to have to give me more details about her though. I can’t really judge considering I married my job.”
“Well, I met her at the station and she was the one who busted me out. She’s got the cutest smile and the most amazing hair I have ever seen. I’ve never seen someone with such red hair and mesmerizing eyes. We had dinner at the bar but when things started to get intimate, she pushed me away. Then Pearl invited everyone to the party and I wasn’t planning to go until I saw her name on the list. Jose and Roberto hooked me up with a suit and the next thing I know, I’m dancing with her.”
“Hold up. Damn, you danced? You never dance!” his brother was bent over with laughter.
“Shut up. I can dance. I just don’t. It’s not good for my image, you know? Anyway, we had had quite a bit to drink and then I asked, if she wanted to go somewhere quiet. She invited me back to hers and we ended up having sex. I asked her permission before we did anything and she definitely said yes. And by the way, the sex was absolutely amazing so the physical compatibility is on point. But then this morning she told me everything was a mistake and that it can never happen again. It turns out Pearl and her uncle have been telling her all about my reputation and made her promise not to be with me. Where can I go from here?”
Ace took in the information and then replied, “So it appears that Pearl is worried of a repeat of my incident. And I’m sorry but you’ve got no one but yourself to blame for your own reputation. I’ve been telling you for ages that sleeping around has as many negatives as it does positive. I’m just surprised you haven’t caught anything infectious or knocked anyone up yet.”
Red winced and felt his stomach churned. He took a deep gulp of his beer and steadied his emotions before tuning back into the conversation.
“She didn’t believe me when I said she was different from the rest. She said I probably told all the girls I slept with the same thing.”
“Do you?”
“No!” Red yelled, slamming his beer down, “I can understand that coming out of someone’s mouth that doesn’t know me, but not from you. Ace, I need you on my side right now. I need your help. Please tell me how you and Jennifer ended up together. I want to know what a serious relationship feels like.”
“Sorry,” Ace raised his hands, “And anyway, you know how Jen and I wound up together. Through the job I was assigned.”
“Yes, obviously I know that part. But I want to know the emotional part. What made you realize that she was worth it? That you loved her?”
“The moment I set eyes on her, I knew, I was attracted to her and then we just couldn’t keep our hands off one another. We tried to keep it professional, but it failed miserably. It didn’t help that she was constantly in danger from that crazy stalker or that we had been forced to live together. Then when we had to use the cabin as a safe house, it was just me and her out in the wilderness with nothing to distract us. I felt comfortable talking to her about everything and at that point I knew she felt the same way. It wasn’t until she was kidnapped, and her life threatened, that I knew what she really meant to me. You know I’m far from romantic, but she looked past that and saw the real me. She brought out the best in me and makes me smile every day. I knew that she was worth it then and she’s still worth it now, if not even more so. I love her and I can’t wait for us to start a family together. Does that answer your question because I’ve had enough of being soppy, it doesn’t suit me?”
“It suits you just fine when you’re talking about Jennifer. Although it’s still weird to me how someone as closed as you could end up in such a happy relationship. You two are perfect together. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel the same way you do. I’m used to living life by myself. It would be weird to try and share it with someone else. I don’t know if I’d be happy.”
“Of course you would if you find the right person.”
Red looked over at his younger brother and could see the passion in his eyes. Ace truly believed in everything he was saying. Red felt a glimpse of hope for himself, before remembering what Rachel had said and came smashing back to reality.
Maybe it’s just not meant to be. Do I really need a relationship in my life? I can have a different woman every night, what difference does it make?
He leaned back in his seat and drained the remainder of the beer from the bottle. The sun heated his face as he closed his eyes and let his thoughts take over. His brother must have realized he needed a moment because when Red reopened his eyes, Ace was gone.
The pool shimmered in the summer sun and ripples echoed across the top. Red placed the empty bottle down and leaned over the edge. Suddenly Ace came leaping from the water and grabbed Red’s arms, flipping him over into the water. Red shouted out as he went tumbling in, the cold water filling his nostrils and he sunk
to the bottom. He kicked off the tiles and went shooting to the top, taking in a mouthful of air after breaking the surface. He wiped the excess water from his face before opening his eyes and turning to Ace.
“What the fuck was that?” he yelled.
“I need you to snap out of whatever is running through your head right now. You look like such a miserable fucker and that’s not the Red I know. If the woman is worth it then she’ll come back to you. Stop dwindling on it and get on with life. Are you looking for a serious relationship right now?”
“I…don’t know.”
“Well until you do then leave her alone. When and if she comes back to you, then you should know the answer to that. If you still don’t know or the answer is no then just walk away. We don’t need you to break any hearts that could come back and bite you in the ass. Remember, Pearl will eventually find out if you’re sneaking around behind her back and she won’t be happy.”
“You’re right. I still don’t understand why you had to drag me into the pool to have this conversation but thanks. Now, can I borrow some dry clothes please? Some dickhead has made mine all wet.”
Ace laughed as his brother swum over to the side and pulled himself from the pool. Water streamed from his clothes and pooled around him on the tiled floor. By the time Ace returned, the sun had started to heat his soaking skin and Red was glad to get out of the wet clothes. He padded into the house and got changed, wringing out his clothes so they wouldn’t soak his bike on the return journey.
“Just know whatever decision you decide to make, I’m here to support you,” Ace clapped a hand around his shoulder, “Although Van might not feel the same way. Have you talked to him about your attorney issues?”
The Bailey Brothers Box Set- the Complete Trilogy Page 26