Chasing Him: A Forbidden Second Chance Romance (Dark Love Series Book 4)

by Kat T. Masen

  He pulls himself off me, dragging the sheets to cover his body. “I don’t get you. What does it matter anymore? I thought we were past this.”

  “I don’t know. I just want to know why you think it’s different?”

  A sinister laugh follows. “You don’t trust me, that’s it?”

  “Of course, I trust you,” I holler in frustration. “I’m just all over the shop, Julian. I didn’t tell you what happened last night.”

  The room is silent as he waits for me to continue. “The psychic basically said this was real… we are real.”

  “Of course, it’s real. What did you think it was… a fling?” He appears to be offended.

  “I don’t know anything!” I yell at him. “I can’t stop thinking about you… all the time. I’m jealous when you go out without me. I hate that girls throw themselves at you. I hate that I don’t know what your life is like outside of our time together, and you never tell me where you’re going, and again that you’re with other women. I hate that everything in your life is temporary… house, car, and I don’t know if you’re sticking around.” I let out a breath, and just when he is opening his mouth, I continue. “I hate that I feel guilty because sex with you is the best I’ve ever had! That makes me a whore and dirty.”

  He is lying on his back, staring straight at the ceiling.

  “I hate that you hide this relationship and that you think when I’m with you, I’m doing it to be close to Charlie,” he admits, still keeping his distance. “The only reason I don’t tell you where I am is because I’m afraid of smothering you. Feeling independent and not tied down gives me a sense of control because honestly, Adriana, we, our future, rests in your hands.”

  I’m about to open my mouth when he cuts me off.

  “And most importantly…” He lets out a final breath, almost as if the weight of the world rests on his shoulders and he’s about to set it free. “I hate that you can’t see I’ve fallen for you.”

  My heart is beating at record speed.

  He has fallen for me?

  I climb on top him, forcing him to connect with me, baring my body and soul. His eyes meet mine, and I see sadness, guilt, and anger all rolled into one stare. Yet still, I’m unable to turn away, drawn in like a magnetic force, the power of love bringing hope and pain at the same time.

  “You scare me, Julian. I’m not supposed to find someone so soon. You don’t understand the things you do to me.”

  “I do understand. You do the same to me. I’m not supposed to find someone so soon, let alone it be you. Out of all people… you.”

  I angle my body forward, tracing my finger along his lips.

  I’ve fallen for him too. I can no longer deny it.

  “Do you know how fucked up this is?” he says in a decidedly odd tone.

  “Jerry Springer fucked-up.”

  “Not that fucked up.” He laughs.

  I lean in and rub my nose along his, moving my way toward his lips. Our tongues entwine, gentle and passionately, enough to show me how real this all is. His hands run down my back, combined with a gust of wind that sweeps through the room. I shiver uncontrollably, prompting him to wrap my body in his arms.

  With my head resting against his chest, I finally decide. “I’m telling them tomorrow. You’re right. It’s gone on long enough, and if we both want to make this work, we need to be honest with everyone.”

  Julian doesn’t say anything, continuing to play with my hair.

  I raise my head slightly. “Are you worried?”

  “That your brother will punch me in the face again?”

  “He did that?”

  Julian nods. “Look, Adriana, I can handle Lex.”

  “Lex is… well… Lex. He will stop at nothing to protect Charlie. I just want to warn you he may drag up the past.”

  I hate the fact that it will probably result in just that. Lex is ruthless, overprotective, and always gets his way.

  “We all make mistakes, he’s not exactly a saint either,” he answers bitterly.

  “What do you mean? What did he do?”

  “It’s all in the past, Adriana, where it should remain.”

  Frustrated, I blurt out the obvious. “He’s a selfish bastard for not realizing that without you, Charlie and Ava would be long gone.”

  “It’s a double-edged sword. It’s taken me a very long time to see the good in the situation. You saw me at my worst.”

  I have, and I’m so proud of him for coming this far. Just like me, he has endured so much, and overcoming the death of someone you loved is the biggest hurdle one can accomplish. Charlie has experienced that, and deep down inside, I know she will be okay with this.

  Looking toward the clock, I tell him I need to leave shortly.

  “That’s twenty minutes,” he states. “If you’re going to be around hot Hollywood actors tonight, I need you to be reminded that you belong to me.”

  “You don’t have a jealous streak in you.”

  His smile widens but disappears instantly.

  “Baby, I got a jealous streak, all right. You may not see it, but trust me, it’s there.” His hands trace my collarbone until they have found their way to the crook of my neck, and with a tight grip, he warns me. “I’m going to play dirty now. You will be sore, you’ll feel my touch all over you every time you move. Don’t ask questions, Adriana. I’m going to do what I please, right here, right now.”

  I don’t ask a single question, and for the next hour, he fucks me so hard my body writhes in pain, the agony and pleasure take me to imaginable places, submissive to his demands.

  I know I’m late to the party and covered in red marks, but I don’t care.

  He promised to make me sore.

  He promised to be all over me.

  I can’t move a single muscle.

  And I can’t be any more content.

  “I’m sorry I am late!” Bolting through the doorway and completely out of breath, I rest my hands on my knees on the verge of collapsing to the floor. Seriously, I need to hit the gym to keep up with Julian’s stamina.

  Charlie stands in front of the mirror, dressed in a black silk robe with her hair and makeup done. Thank God she isn’t dressed yet.

  “Adriana, since when are you ever late? I called you ten times.”

  What’s my excuse? I had the whole drive over here to think about something, but no, my head was daydreaming like a lovesick fool freshly fucked by my boyfriend. Oh, that sounded really nice in my head.

  “Just got caught up, okay?” I pull my dress out of the garment bag. It’s one of my newer creations, and one that I’ve worked on for months. The dress is tight-fitting and hugs my body sitting mid-thigh. My favorite part is the intricate lacing of the top layer covering from my collarbone down to my arms. The shade is electric crimson, much like my ass cheeks after a good slapping, and is sexy as hell.

  I love how confident the dress makes me feel, or maybe it isn’t the dress, rather the most drop-dead gorgeous man to walk this earth telling you that you complete him.

  “Love the dress. That shade is gorgeous.” Charlie runs her fingers along my arm, admiring the lace. “So, where were you?”

  “I need to shower,” I tell her.

  “No time for a shower.” She makes me sit down on the vanity stool and starts working on my hair.

  I squirm uncomfortably. My ass is sore as are my thighs, my arms, and every part of me.

  “You smell like sex,” Charlie says flatly.

  “What?” I yell out loud. “Well, so do you.”

  “Most likely. My husband gave me a good pounding, a much-needed one.”

  I cringe, screwing my face in discontent. “How many times do I have to tell you, I don’t need that kind of information?”

  “You said I smelled like sex. I’m just confirming your suspicions. Now back to you. C’mon, Adriana, why won’t you tell me who it is?”

  I remain silent as she styles my hair. Not giving her a response just yet, I wait until she is
done. Giving her the nod of approval, I inch closer to the vanity and start working on my makeup.

  “Are you being safe at least?” she questions me further.

  I feel stupid for forgetting to bring it up. It’s just, I get lost in the moment, and any rational decision flies so fast out the window with no hope of coming back.

  “I’ve got it under control,” I lie.

  “Adriana, do you know who he has been with? I mean, these days guys are sleeping with anyone they can get their hands on.”

  Well, he’s been with you, Charlie, I want to blurt out yet somehow my filter actually works and does not spit out the obvious.

  “Thanks for the reassurance.”

  “Why won’t you tell me?” She is standing there, hands on her hips.

  “I will, just not now. Give me time, okay?”

  “But you tell Eric?”

  “I didn’t tell Eric, he just happened to be there. Look, it’s a really a long story, and I’m just drained.”

  She doesn’t say a word, shaking her head in disapproval. Her long, black satin dress is hanging from the hook. Taking it off, she slips in on quickly, then proceeds to slip into her pumps. Walking over to the vanity, she searches for some jewelry, and when she finds what she wants, she puts it on. Without a word, she leaves the room.

  Lex yells out to me that the limo has arrived. I glance at myself in the mirror, not bad at all, and grab my cell to take a selfie, immediately hitting send.

  The limo ride is quiet. Lex is busily responding to emails while Charlie stares out the window. I don’t want to draw attention either, so I take my cell out of my purse and find a text sitting on the screen.

  Julian: You’re beautiful, Adriana. And mine.

  I smile at his words, responding quickly.

  Me: You’re all over me. I didn’t get a chance to take a shower and for the record, I can barely walk.

  The bubble is back. Lifting my head only slightly, I see Charlie watching me bewildered. I pretend I don’t notice, focusing my attention back onto Julian.

  Julian: I want you back here no later than 2am. That gives me plenty of time to make sure you can’t walk.

  I accidentally laugh out loud, covering my mouth the moment I realize I’ve done so. Since I’m speechless, I send him a smiley face.

  “Okay, I’ll bite. What’s with you two?” Lex asks, not even bothering to look our way as he continues to type. He’s sitting between us dressed in a black Armani suit and crisp white shirt. He isn’t wearing a tie, his shirt slightly unbuttoned. Women everywhere throw themselves at Lex. It’s been like that his entire life, blessed with good genes and, unfortunately, a stubborn attitude to accompany it.

  Neither one of us says a word, and thankfully, the limousine arrives at the event shortly after.

  We hop out to be met with cameras flashing like a light show. Every paparazzi and his camera are desperately snapping away, hoping to cash in, and with any luck, a possible wardrobe malfunction.

  Eric and Tristan are standing at the entrance, both looking smart and almost matching. I have to admit, Tristan is one good-looking guy. According to Eric, he needs a major wardrobe makeover and a few sessions at the gym. I only met him after Eric sunk his teeth into him, so I can’t comment. One thing that never struck me before is the similarities between him and Julian. Of course, I know they are related, but I swear with a nicely fitted suit, you can really tell they are family.

  We greet them hello, Tristan pulling me aside sensing the animosity between Charlie and me.

  “What’s going on with you and Charlie?”

  “She knows I’m seeing someone and is annoyed I won’t tell her who.”

  “Fair enough. You can’t hide it forever, Adriana, and I know Julian well… he won’t allow it for much longer.”

  “I know.”

  Inside the event, celebrities gather in groups as the DJ mixes fresh beats. The room is decorated in a modern theme of blacks and reds which gives it a sensual feel. The space is dimly lit, only the bar illuminates the room because that’s where all the important stuff is held, including some much-needed alcohol.

  Eric can’t keep still, dragging Tristan around to introduce himself to actors. A few people come up to chat with Tristan since he has done a few acting gigs, and word is getting around Hollywood.

  Lex and Charlie are busily chatting to some people I don’t recognize. I hate being the third wheel or fifth wheel, in this case, making my way to the bar to drown my sorrows. Three martinis later, the party has livened up. I make my way to the dance floor to dance with Tristan. It doesn’t last long, though, Eric claiming him and getting into a kissing frenzy in the middle of the dance floor. I turn around, and a familiar male is standing in front of me. I recognize him from one of those crime television shows on cable. He isn’t too much taller than me, dirty blond hair with deep green eyes. He asks me if I want to dance. Sure, why not?

  We have fun but maybe he’s a little too touchy-feely, and just when I probably should’ve told him to back off a little, my cell vibrates. I excuse myself, much to his annoyance, and open the text message.

  Right there on my screen is the picture Julian took of us lying in bed just before I left the hotel. I’m wrapped around his body with my face against his, both of us smiling into the camera. I knew at this moment, I don’t want to be here or anywhere for that matter, not without him.

  I make my way over to the table where Lex and Charlie stand. Both of them have shots in front of them, taking turns as they laugh. Lex drapes his arm around Charlie, pulling her in as they passionately kiss. He leans into her ear and whispers something to which she laughs. Watching them makes me realize who fucking cares if Julian is part of my life. They have each other, they are happy.

  Lex slides over a shot, and I don’t hesitate to drink it. He motions for a bartender to hit us up with another round. It’s very rare to see my brother let loose, and judging by the way he’s all over Charlie, he has had quite a bit to drink.

  This party has run its course, and even with the extra shots coming my way, I’m no longer entertained by the Hollywood crowd. I take out my cell to see the picture again, but Lex swipes my phone off me.

  “If you won’t tell me who the hell you’re seeing, I’m finding out for myself. ” He doesn’t have to search far, and like a slow-motion movie, I watch his face drop instantly, suddenly morphing into anger. His lips are pursed, the vein on his forehead practically jumping out to me and slapping me across the face. The look of pure rage meets me in the eye, and he growls, “Outside now!”

  I continue to stand, not giving in to his stupid request until he grabs my arm forcefully and drags me through the crowd. I beg him to stop, his tight grip much like a Chinese burn. He doesn’t even have the decency to ask people to move politely, rudely shoving me until we hit the exit sign. The second we’re outside the side entrance, he lets go, and I catch myself just before I stumble to the ground.

  “What the fuck is this?”

  I rub my arm noticing the red marks on my skin. “Well, now you know.”

  It’s a stare-down, and I refuse to back off. Charlie pummels through the doorway, barely able to walk after the copious amount of shots she’s had. “What the hell is going on?”

  Lex has not backed down, his glare is fierce, and his normally emerald green eyes are onyx black. The look of death. I cross my arms, refusing to allow him to think he can control my life.

  “Why the fuck didn’t you tell me?” he shouts at Charlie.

  She looks my way, shrugging her shoulders. “Tell you what?”

  “Like you don’t know.” He lets out a nasty laugh.

  “I have no idea what you are—” Lex shoves the cell into Charlie’s face, and it takes her a moment to register. With her eyes wide, she lifts them to meet mine. Does she understand now? Shocked and confused, she stutters trying to form a sentence.

  “Adriana,” she whispers.

  “Cut the I-had-no-idea bullshit, Charlie!”


  Oh crap, he only ever calls her Charlie when he sees red. How dare the dickhead take it out on her. I can’t believe we’re related, honestly.

  “Don’t you think if I knew it was Julian that I’d have said something to you?” she responds exasperated.

  “Why would you? You’re probably happy that he’s back in the picture. Always loved him, right?”

  Charlie is furious. “How fucking dare you say that about me.”

  I know Lex is drunk, which doesn’t help the situation.

  “So, let me guess, Adriana, he found you and swept you off your feet? Promised to respect Elijah, told you he was over Charlie.” The anger and hate consume him, turning him ugly. I don’t even dignify him with a response.

  I have to stand my ground now. “I’ll tell you what, Lex, you have no idea how hard it’s been for me, and frankly, I don’t give a goddamn shit what you think.”

  He follows with another hateful laugh. “So just fuck him and get it over with. I’ll be ready and waiting when he starts his move on Charlie, which I’m sure she will gladly welcome.”

  I hear the slap of a palm.

  Charlie has struck Lex on the face.

  Holy fucking hell!

  Lex grabs her forearm, his grip tight, but she doesn’t complain.

  “Let go of me.” Her bark warns him to back the hell off.

  He lets go, then follows by punching the brick wall, screaming in agony and frustration. Charlie walks over to me and hugs me tight.

  “Let’s go back to your place,” she tells me.

  Lex swiftly turns around, the blood pouring from his hand as his evil laugh echoes through the alleyway. “And so, it starts. You going to call Julian over so you can all hug it out?”

  Charlie releases me and walks toward him. She lifts his hand to examine it, just a few minor scrapes and nothing serious and drops it immediately.

  “I’m staying with Adriana tonight. Don’t follow me. Don’t call me,” she says in an eerily calm voice. “I don’t want to see or speak to you till you’ve calmed down, you imbecile.”

  “Charlotte, you can’t fucking stay there. You’re my fucking wife,” he almost spits.