by R. F. Allie
It was no coincidence that my second name was Iris; I was named after the flower, my grandmother and that jewel.
It was Nana's most precious possession, the most beautiful piece of jewelry. It was a diamond bracelet, holding a heart in which there was a floating iris, a real one preserved inside it.
She never wore it.
She never told us the story behind it, and we never pushed it too far. I used to admire it in her jewelry box, savoring its uniqueness.
Nana left me a little note inside the box in which she wished happy birthday and asked me to call her. It was too early in France, so I decided to do it first thing in the morning.
My mom helped me put it and I decided I would never take it off.
Everyone around me admired it and kissed me.
"I wasn't aware we had to give you your gift right now."
Landon murmured.
"Oh, don't worry about it; it's my mother's thing."
I explained.
"I used to be so impatient about opening gifts that she made a tradition of giving me hers first and I'd wait for the next day to receive the others."
"Duly noted, from now on, Italian dessert and gifts by midnight."
He promised.
I couldn't believe what he’d said, he wanted to celebrate other birthdays with me, make a tradition of it.
I was completely astonished, and happy, and irrevocably in love with him.
"Since you opened Nana's gift tonight, I suggest you wait for mine tomorrow."
My mom proposed and I conceded.
"I agree."
“Yeah; try and trump that.”
Jenna snorted.
"Okay Boo, tomorrow, noon."
Ryan said, referring to our plans.
"What's tomorrow noon?"
Landon turned to me with a questioning look.
"Pampering for our princess."
Jude said all too cheerily. I hadn’t had the chance to enjoy the spa in Chicago; even though I wouldn’t have changed that weekend for all the pennies in the world. But I really needed it.
"I like the sound of that, what do you have in mind?"
Landon asked.
"Spa day, what else?"
"Have you arranged it?"
My curious man insisted, and I knew where he was heading.
"Drop it Davis!"
I warned.
He looked down at me.
"Can I at least come and pick you up?"
"Out of the question!"
Jenna admonished.
"We can learn to share her, it has been challenging enough between the three of us. From now on; just wait for your turn."
She crossed her arms and grinned widely.
"Which would be tomorrow night.”
She announced teasingly.
I just doubled over in laughter at the situation, as did my mother.
"This isn't funny baby."
Landon sounded serious, but his laughing eye roll betrayed him.
"Point taken Miss Seiter."
He turned to me with a sinful wink and I knew he was up to no good.
What was even funnier is the way Jenna had defied him.
If it were me, I'd probably be getting punished.
Once Landon and the boys had left, Jenna and I cleared everything in the kitchen, and my mom went to bed. I was settled in my bed, alone for the first time in a week. Jenna wanted to work so she won't worry about any deadlines during the weekend and decided on the couch.
I sat on my bed replaying the week and everything that had happened since I’d met Landon.
I'd never been that happy, constantly grinning. He made me feel alive.
I was so in love with him, and being in my bed, alone, I felt empty.
I decided to call him and check if he’d gotten home. It went to voicemail. I didn't leave one, and opened my music playlist.
It was late; he was probably tired and fell asleep as soon as he got to the apartment. He was facing legal charges; I didn't realize it was eating at me until I thought about it again.
I pulled my iPad and decided to check whether there was something about it on the Internet. I couldn't remember her full surname, so I typed his and hers and it was a full explosion of pictures.
Nothing about a sexual harassment suit, just a bunch of photos of what the press called the golden couple.
She was one of the beautiful redheads I’d seen on the internet; with bright green eyes. One of the photos was on a beach; they were all over each other while having lunch. There was also another couple, I recognized Evelyn in a very red and transparent swimsuit.
The article was on a tabloid website, it talked about how Evelyn was a strong woman facing her ex-boyfriend and current business partner in the arms of the gorgeous Amelia Gold.
The other man was Alec Avery.
He was just as handsome as his friend, but in a totally different style.
I didn't think I would ever be able to get used to the fact that my boyfriend had a database his own.
I spent what seemed like hours looking at pictures, with women, men at galas, in public places. There were videos of him talking to the press and portraits.
I couldn't believe I didn't know who he was.
Weirdly, none of the photos affected me. I listened to another song ‘Coeur de Pirate’ ‘Comme des enfants’ and felt as much in love as the singer was.
Just when I was about to get to sleep, my phone buzzed.
It was Landon.
"Hi Baby."
I said sheepishly.
"Oh, how I love it when you call me baby."
"I thought you went to sleep."
"No, I was in the shower. I miss you."
"I miss you too, I hate my empty bed."
I pouted, because, really, I hated it.
"I could come spend the night, or pick you up. Just say the word."
He was only too eager. It was a shame that he’d came for me and ended up sleeping alone.
"Don't tempt me Davis, my mother is in the next room. She doesn't need another shocking revelation tonight."
"I'm sorry? Is this high school?"
He could hear the laughter.
"No, but it's complicated. Let's wait for tomorrow."
"But I want wake-up sex; I could leave before she wakes up."
He’d suggested jokingly, but I could tell he would do it.
"Stop it; it's hard enough as it is."
"Okay, but just so you know. I can't wait for tomorrow."
"Oh yeah, why is that Mr. Davis?"
I teased him, but it was me who was all kind of teased by his voice.
"So I can see how many times I can make you come."
His voice was defying, hot and challenging.
My insides melted and unfurled and I fell silent.
"Sleep tight Baby."
I could hear the chuckle behind every word.
"Ahuh. “Was all I could manage to respond before he hang up.
It made me mad, it seemed like, every time he managed to provoke me and get the upper hand on me. Not this time, I thought. I had to get back at him. It might've been almost two in the morning, but it didn't stop me.
I purposefully strode to my closet and took out one of the new lingerie that Jenna had gotten me. I chose the one I intended to wear the next day, took off my pajama and put the lacy pieces on. I snapped three pictures, teasing him, showing just enough for him to go crazy, in one of the three.
I placed my thumb on the hem of my panties with naked breasts while lain on the bed.
I texted him with a note:
“We’ll always have wake-up sex…
Xoxo”
I hit send.
There, that will give him something to think about.
Chapter XIX
The next morning, lights filled the room coaxing me into life. I loved autumn sunlight. I stretched in my bed; I had a dream about Landon. I grinned.
I really was in love.
The smell of
fresh crepes was a calling for my senses. I haven't had crepes in a long time; it was my most favorite breakfast.
I pushed to my feet and walked to the bathroom, there were giggles coming from the kitchen. I took a quick shower and prepared a bag for later.
I put on my “I love London” sweat with yoga pants and sneakers. I knew Jenna’s crepes would call for a run and I was prepared.
I walked to the kitchen, and found yet another surprise.
Uncle Keith was standing in my kitchen, kissing my very beautiful mother.
I needed to get used to it.
Once I was in their eye sight, they froze. I thought it was funny, but I hated that I could make them uncomfortable.
"Please, don't stop on my behalf. It's refreshing."
I grinned at them and they instantly relaxed.
I walked to Keith and took him in hug.
"Hi Uncle Keith, I'm glad you're here."
"Happy birthday bunny."
He said tightening his embrace.
"Missing last year was enough."
"When did you land?"
I asked.
"Around six."
"You should've told me, I would've sent a car or something."
"Nonsense. I might not be a fellow New Yorker, but I know my way around the city."
"Well, it's great to see you."
"Ditto, kid."
"Bonjour maman.”
I turned to her with a grin and a knowing wink.
"Happy birthday Baby, crepes?"
"Yes, please."
It smelled heavenly.
I walked to the counter and poured myself a coffee. Jenna joined us after her morning run and we dug into mouthwatering treats.
We talked about Keith's restaurant; he was doing well; which wasn't surprising. He was gifted around a kitchen. We also talked about their wedding plans, they decided on a Christmas wedding in San Diego, a small ceremony with family and close friends. I was very happy for my mother, also a little sad, because she had doubts about me not approving of her happiness, and it made me hate myself.
Brandon apparently had known for a long time.
I got back from my run just in time; the boys were waiting for me in the apartment. Uncle Keith had somewhere to be, so mom joined us for the afternoon.
Outside my building, I found Maria walking her dog and taking a smoke. She had been in Florida visiting her mother. I forgot to pick up a package that I got when I was in Chicago and she said she'll bring it up later.
Jude was talking on the phone, when Jude came to me.
"Where's your phone, Boo."
He asked.
"Upstairs, why?"
"Landon has been calling you."
"Crap."
"He couldn't reach you so he called Jude. He says Calvin is on his way to drive us to the spa and you need to call him from the car."
"Okay."
"He's pissed."
Jude announced.
"Urgh... That man needs a chill-pill."
Jenna joked.
"Dancing to Private eyes in the morning wasn't chill enough for you?"
I asked referring to that god awful morning.
"Yeah, I forgot about that."
Five minutes later, Calvin was getting out of the limousine and walking to me extending his phone.
"Good morning Miss Clea, Mr. Davis for you."
"Thank you Calvin."
I beamed at him and rolled my eyes at my stubborn man manners.
"Hello."
"Happy Birthday kiddo."
"Oh, hi Uncle Robert. Thank you."
"I've been calling you on your phone, but it went to voicemail."
He explained.
"Yeah, I forgot my phone in the midst of so many surprises."
"Good for you Kiddo, I just landed in New York, so I'll see you tonight."
"Good, Mom is here, she can't wait to see you. Also, there's another surprise for you, you'll like it."
"I'm very much looking forward to it, and to see Helen of course. Enjoy your day Clea."
"Thank you Uncle Robert. See you later."
The drive to the spa facility was fun; we had some champagne and strawberries, courtesy of my very generous and handsome lover. We chatted a lot about wedding plans, dresses, and shoes. Jenna was excited about her job;
She'd been working on another article about immigration rights and new legislations.
Jude was flying for the first time next Thursday and was excited about it.
Jenna and I decided on a Turkish bath first, we left my mom get to her full body massage with the boys.
I loved Turkish baths, it was relaxing.
While we need to afford it in the city, in other countries, close to the Middle East, it was very cheap. I used to get one every week, it was refreshing and relaxing.
I loved the process, but mostly the way my skin felt after, all smooth, healthy and flushed.
We hung out a little longer in the sauna; Jenna told me all about her latest adventures with some guy she liked.
I didn't get my hopes up, she'd forget about him in a day or two, but she invited him to the party.
A party I had no clue about, they all had been very secretive about it.
I hadn't celebrated my birthday with Jenna in a while, but for the past five years, we either went to a club or had a small gathering at the apartment.
But, it always included karaoke, it was the only chance I had to sing a little since I stopped music lessons and got sucked into college life and everything that came after it.
I missed singing, Jude and I used to sing a lot, at some point, he had a singer phase. So he dragged me along for lessons.
I chose guitar, but the things my boy does with a violin and a harmonica, it was mind blowing.
An hour later we all gathered in a common room for seaweed facials, we weren't allowed to talk so I ceased the opportunity to indulge in some music. I plugged in my earplugs and relaxed with some ‘Lana Del Rey’ soothing my senses.
I loved her melodies, and her voice, but mostly her music. She seemed to always fall in love hard, and always with complicated guys.
Fancy for me, I fell in love with the most complicated man, richer than Bill Gates, as famous as a rock star and built like a god.
And like Lana was singing, He was no good for me, but I wanted him.
As soon as they removed the mask, I was called for my massage. I chose a short one, but full body, and I didn't want to miss on group mani-pedis with the others.
A Russian male masseur was waiting for me inside the room. He was big, really big. I could've sworn he could break me by caressing me, let alone hot oil, slippery massage.
I felt a little self-conscious about getting naked in front of him, he gave me some privacy to get out of my robe and get under the sheet.
I lay on my stomach a plugged my iPod back and plunged my head in the cradle. Five minutes later, I was more relaxed, still with Del Rey's voice.
The therapist walked in, I could see his bare feet through the cradle and I tensed apprehending his touch.
I was surprised by smaller hands then I expected, they looked gigantic, but felt soft and celestial.
Just like Landon’s.
He poured hot oil on my back, it smelled like amber and musk; I loved oriental massages and smells. Ironic, it was given by a Russian man.
I tensed to the feel of his hands, in addition to the warm massage table and flannel sheets.
I regretted the short sessions and thought about extending it once he finished.
I was transported in another dimension. I didn't believe in the music and ambience much, my music was relaxing enough for me, and sexy.
For several minutes, I was lathered in oil, the therapist was about to get the biggest tip of his life.
He moved down from my back and I instinctively brought my hand behind to keep the sheet on my behind.
He grabbed both my hands and stilled them back. I freaked out; really went out of my head.<
br />
I had no idea what to do, I couldn't even scream.
He took off one of the earplugs.
"I'm glad I came in time, you were about to let another man put his hands all over your body."
I relaxed as quickly as I’d tensed again.
I was relieved to hear his voice, for a second there, my mind went all over the place, but the anger in his voice was noticeable.
"A body that is mine, Clea, mine."
I shifted under his hold, until he freed my hands and I sat up. I was flagger basted and a little self-conscious. Not that I agreed with the fact that my body was his; that was nonsense.
Yet, letting another man massage me in the way I was about to let the therapist do it was probably disrespectful to Landon.
"I'm sorry, you're right. I should've asked for a female."
I confessed.
"Why didn't you?"
He insisted.
"It crossed my mind, but I didn't want to be impolite."
"So you'd rather be polite than respect our first and most important rule?"
"I guess, yes."
"This is bullshit, Clea. The man was about to touch every inch, discover every crook in your body. It could've aroused you. It's unacceptable."
He was frustrating me.
"I said I'm sorry Landon, what else can I say?"
Once he sensed I was getting angry he took a moment to relax, and I was thankful he had enough sense left in him to do it.
Truth be told, I would've probably reacted the same way if the situation was reversed, I would slap any bitch that would touch him.
He was mine.
"Just never do it again, promise me.”
I could hear his distress; he really didn't like the idea of what might've happened.
"I'll never let any man touch me, ever again."
I stated serious.
"Any man?"
Landon prompted creasing his brows.
"Any man."
I affirmed.
He brought his soft, oily palms behind my back and stroked me gently.
"I don't know Miss Dane.”
He slid his palm to my waist.
“Correct me if I’m wrong; but I believe I’m a man, yet I'm touching you.”
He cocked his head and smirked.
“Do you always have issues with keeping your promises?"
"I said, any man. Key word 'Any'. But you're My man."
I said, shamelessly pulling him between my thighs.