Infidelity: Devoted (Kindle Worlds Novella)

by A. D. Ellis

  “Seriously, the least we can do is buy your coffee since you were willing to come help us,” Kyle said as he paid for the whole order.

  Pat and Cy accepted the coffees graciously. As I watched them walk to a corner table, I was struck with the feeling that the two men didn’t have any issues with money and a couple coffees would have been mere pocket change. Pat and Cy, even dressed casually, were sporting pieces I knew were top of the line. Having a husband who worked in men’s fashion had taught me a lot about the trends and designs. Pat and Cy definitely had money.

  That fact meant nothing to me; I only wanted a way to fix the remaining days of our honeymoon.

  Chapter 8

  Kyle

  I felt warm and protected nestled in the corner of the booth between the window and Adam. The chances of me breaking down into more tears or falling sound asleep at the table were high. I held my piping hot coffee in one hand, and let Adam take my other hand in his. Forcing the sleepiness from my mind, I pulled myself into the conversation.

  “The most obvious solution to your problem would be us offering to let you stay at our place,” Pat began.

  He was an attractive man. Around 5’10”, not super broad, probably about one hundred eighty pounds of fit muscle. His light brown hair and light brown eyes suited him well.

  “You are definitely more than welcome to stay with us,” Cy offered. Taller and older than Pat, Cy was a distinguished-looking man with gray peppered throughout his dark hair. “But, I’d venture to guess neither of you gentlemen would be very keen on spending your honeymoon in our guest room.”

  “Your offer is unbelievably generous, and we won’t turn it down if we’re unable to find a hotel room.” Adam’s appreciation was genuine.

  “Well, we have a possible place for you to stay while you’re here.” Pat glanced at Cy in silent communication. Cy nodded briefly as if to confirm the unasked question that passed between them.

  “I knew you’d probably have connections at a hotel somewhere in this city.” Adam smiled wearily.

  Pat chuckled, his confidence evident. "While some of my designs are in the nicer hotels, not even those connections could land you a room in the city on New Year’s Eve weekend."

  Adam’s face fell, and I resigned myself to sleeping in Pat and Cy’s guest room. It wouldn’t be ideal, but at least we’d have a place to stay.

  “We have a friend with an apartment on the Upper West Side. It’s sitting empty right now. You guys can stay with us tonight. We’ll call and see if the couple would be agreeable to letting you stay there for the duration of your trip.” Pat pulled his out phone and scrolled through to call his friend.

  “Please tell them we’d be willing to pay for the stay,” I offered.

  “I’m sure that won’t be necessary.” Pat smiled wryly as he waited on the call to connect. “Hey there. Sorry to call so late. Long story short, I need your apartment for two friends celebrating their honeymoon in the city this weekend. Their hotel reservation got deleted, and there’s obviously no rooms available.” Pat smiled as whoever was on the other line spoke. “Yeah, put him on. Okay, thanks. Love you, too.”

  Adam and I sipped our coffee, and tried not to eavesdrop on the conversation, but ignoring Pat’s side of the conversation was hard. Cy took pity on us, “I’m sure it’s just a formality. Pat clearly trusts you, and his approval carries a lot of weight with…most people.” Cy’s hesitation was brief, but I caught it all the same.

  Most people? What if Pat’s approval didn’t mean anything to the person on the other end of the phone?

  “Could my friends crash at her apartment?” Pat was speaking again, answering whatever question had been asked on the other end. “Adam Jeffries. Kyle Matthews.”

  My gaze shifted nervously to Adam. The owner of the apartment needed our full names to decide if we could stay there?

  “That won’t be a problem. I’ll get the information to you in a moment.” Pat cast a look our way, nodding his head in agreement with whatever was being said in his ear. “Yes, that sounds good. We’ll meet you outside the apartment tomorrow morning at nine, unless I hear differently from you.”

  The call was ended and Pat smiled at Adam and me. “Good news. The apartment is available, and you can have it as early as tomorrow morning.”

  Adam quirked an eyebrow. “And the bad news?”

  Pat glanced quickly at Cy, both of them smiling as if they knew a secret. “Well, my cousin no longer lives in the apartment, but it’s being maintained and monitored. The person in charge of that wants to run some quick background checks, but it’s just a formality. He’s very protective.”

  Adam and I exchanged identically shocked and confused looks.

  Before we could speak, Pat frowned. “That’s not a problem is it? I mean, he’s not going to find anything, right?”

  “Um, by ‘find anything,’ what exactly do you mean?” I was already searching my brain for things that would show up on a background check.

  “Have either of you ever been arrested?” Cy’s brows furrowed as he spoke.

  “No, no, nothing like that.” Adam’s voice sounded panicked as he rushed to answer.

  “I don’t know how deep he’ll dig, but the fact you’ve not been arrested is a good start.” Pat spoke before draining the rest of his coffee. “Now, how about we get you back to our place so you can get some sleep?”

  “I really hate to impose on you, but unless there’s another hotel option we don’t know about, I suppose we have no choice.” Adam spoke to Pat and Cy as we all stood from the booth.

  “As late as it is, you’ll barely be there. We can’t offer you honeymoon-worthy privacy, but we can provide hot showers, a comfy bed, and some breakfast before we head to the apartment tomorrow.” Cy took Pat’s hand as he spoke.

  After picking up our bags at the hotel, we headed toward the subway.

  “You guys take the subway often?” I asked as we neared the subway entrance. Preconceived notions about the city’s subway system ran through my head. I wondered briefly how my expectations would compare to reality.

  “It depends. Sometimes we call for a car, sometimes a cab, sometimes the subway. We decided to give you guys the city treatment by introducing you to the subway tonight.” Pat smiled as we headed down the stairs.

  As we entered the underground station, I immediately realized my reality was smack in the middle of my expectations. I imagined the subway to be littered, dirty, smelly, and packed with people both somewhat upper class and vagrant. Reality was dingy, but not terribly filthy. Smelly, but not super bad. Although, I would venture to guess the odor was worse in the summer months. There seemed to be a lot of people out and about for a weeknight, but it was close to a holiday, so maybe that was expected. And, there was definitely a wide variety of people to watch.

  Looking at the signs and labels and arrows, I was sure I would never get the hang of public transportation even if I lived in the city for five years. Having a vehicle in a city like Indianapolis had spoiled me; I was impressed by people who learned to successfully navigate public transportation.

  “When you ride the subway, always keep a watchful eye. Not because something bad is going to happen, but the people who get in trouble are the ones who aren’t paying close attention.” Cy offered his advice as we neared the spot where Pat assured us our train would arrive soon.

  “Holy shit, that’s the biggest rat I’ve ever seen!” Adam’s exclamation drew our attention to a huge rat slinking along the wall behind us.

  “Rats and mice are common sights down here. Along with homeless, especially in the wintertime. It’s warmer down here than up on the streets.” Pat checked his watch as the air filled with a rumbling I could feel throughout my body. “This should be ours.”

  A police officer and his canine partner patrolled through our area as the roar of the approaching subway train grew louder. As the bullet rushed past us, I feared for a moment that it was not going to stop. But, within seconds of the train e
ntering the station, a high-pitched squealing of brakes brought it to a stop in front of us. The doors opened and we waited for several people to exit before we stepped aboard.

  “Sit or stand, but hold onto something if you stand. Definitely don’t want to be on this floor when we depart or arrive.” Cy warned as the four of us took a standing position and held on to available poles.

  Just as I felt like I was starting to get the hang of balancing my stance so I didn’t almost fall with each stop and start, Pat indicated the next stop would be ours.

  Exiting the car and making our way to the stairs, I laughed as Adam gave me bug eyes about our first subway ride.

  “What did you guys think?” Pat asked with a smirk.

  “It was interesting. I’m glad we did it, but I’m not sure I’d want to venture onto the subway by myself anytime soon.” Adam adjusted the bag on his shoulder as we hit street-level.

  “You guys will be able to do almost anything you have planned by walking, getting a cab, or ordering an Uber.” Cy gestured up the block, “Just one more block. We’re right up there.”

  Trying not to gawk at the glass building Cy and Pat led us to on Fifth Avenue, Adam and I gave each other quick side glances as we approached. Finally, it seemed we came to an unspoken mutual agreement not to worry about looking awestruck, and we gaped at the ultramodern large open lobby. Filing into the elevator, we had a moment to school our features as we traveled up to the forty-sixth floor.

  The three-bedroom apartment was amazing, and the view from the windows in the living room was breathtaking. We didn’t look out at the trees in Central Park, we looked over the trees. The view went on and on, and I thought momentarily that I would never find myself tired of the beautiful city outside the window.

  Pat led us to a guestroom. “Everything you’ll need for showers is either in the bathroom or the linen closet. Let us know if there’s something you can’t find.”

  Adam and I dropped our bags on the floor, turning towards Cy and Pat.

  “Thank you so much for your hospitality.” I reached to shake hands with both men.

  “Not a problem at all. I’m glad we could help.” Pat returned the handshake, before turning to shake Adam’s hand as well. “We’ll need to be ready to leave around eight.”

  When we’d said goodnight, Adam turned to me. “What now?”

  “Hot shower. Bed. Must sleep.” My list of needs was short, but so very much required. “If I don’t lay down soon, I’m going to disintegrate into a puddle of weary goo.”

  “You’d be no good to me in that condition, so let’s get you in the shower.” Adam pulled me close, hugging me tightly to his chest. “I’m sorry this day didn’t go as planned, but I’m glad I got to spend it with you.” Adam’s lips and tongue devoured my mouth before he spoke again. “I love you.”

  Moaning against his neck, I muttered, “Mmm, love you, too.”

  Soon, we were slipping into an amazingly lush bed, still damp and sated from the hot shower we shared. Slightly rejuvenated from the water, we rolled to face each other.

  “Do you think the guy will let us stay at the apartment? I mean, he seems pretty strict and overprotective if he’s running background checks.” Adam’s musings mirrored my own.

  “I don’t know. I mean, I don’t think he’ll find any damning evidence, but who knows what a person with the right tools can dig up.” I shrugged, letting Adam pull my body closer to his.

  “What’s the worst you think he’ll find?” Adam ran his hand up my side.

  “I lost a library book once. It was like three years later when I found it. But, it was a school library book, so I don’t think that would even show up.” I recalled being relieved when I uncovered that lost book in an old book bag in the back of my closet. “What about you?”

  “I was thirty some days late returning a DVD one time. But, I paid the fee.” Adam’s hand traveled up to my neck, pulling me closer so his lips could tease mine.

  “Oh! I went streaking once.” I gasped as I recalled a drunken night in college with a small group of friends.

  Adam popped up on his elbow, smirking down at me. “Do tell, I’ve not heard this tale of debauchery.”

  Chuckling, I recounted the experience. “We were drunk. Thought it would be cool to run naked through the fountain. But, it ended up being cold and uncomfortable. I learned that night that I’m not really one for public intoxication or indecency.”

  “Did you get caught?”

  “No, luckily. But, one of the guys decided to lay down while the rest of us hightailed it home. They found him the next morning. The campus police didn’t arrest him, but he had to attend nine weeks of mandatory alcohol and drug courses on Saturdays.” I should have felt bad, but I’d never really liked that guy, so knowing nine weeks of Saturdays were ruined for him still brought a small smile to my face.

  Adam rearranged the blankets and our bodies. Tucking myself into his heat, I felt the day melt away as sleep overtook me. “I don’t think we’ll have any problem passing the guy’s scrutiny. Sleep tight. Tomorrow, we take on New York.” The kiss he pressed against my cheek was warm and promising as I drifted into a dreamless sleep.

  Chapter 9

  Adam

  “Lennox is sending a car for us,” Pat announced as he read the recent text buzzing on his phone.

  “Nice. That will save time, and make things easier overall.” Cy nodded his approval.

  “Is Lennox the apartment’s owner?” I asked as the four of us sat down to a quick breakfast of muffins, fruit, coffee, and juice.

  “Something like that,” Pat smirked. “He must not have found anything incriminating in your background checks if he’s still willing to let you use the apartment. But, still, I’m sure he’ll send someone to do a final once-over before he agrees to hand over the keys.”

  “He won’t come himself?” Kyle asked as he peeled an orange.

  “He might, but Lennox is busy. I wouldn’t be surprised if he sends one of his security team members. But, you never know with him.” Pat shrugged.

  We gathered up our bags and personal items before heading to the elevator. The sleek, all-black SUV parked outside the building looked as if it belonged in a movie scene. A distinguished-looking driver opened the door and ushered us into the vehicle while Kyle and I exchanged questioning glances.

  “Good morning, gentlemen. I’m Clayton. Traffic is a bit heavy this morning due to the holiday and all, but we should have no issues getting to the destination.” Clayton spoke to us before pulling into traffic.

  Less than thirty minutes later, we pulled up in front of a building and I immediately recognized the area from the television series, Seinfeld.

  “The apartment we’re staying in is next to Tom’s Restaurant?” Kyle voiced the same happily stunned question that was running around in my own head.

  “Yes,” Pat chuckled. “My cousin is the only person I know who could have sublet an apartment online, sight-unseen, and end up with it being in such a famous location.”

  As we climbed from the vehicle, Pat checked his phone. “Lennox is already in the apartment. He says we should come on up.”

  Upon entering the apartment, we were greeted by the back of a man dressed in a top-of-the-line suit. When he turned, I felt the breath catch in my chest. The man was stunningly gorgeous and had an air about him that demanded attention and respect.

  “Pat, Cy, good to see you both.” He nodded at them while approaching us.

  I felt a tingle shoot down my spine as the man assessed us with smart, intimidating eyes.

  “Nice to see you as well, Lennox.” Cy and Pat both stepped forward to shake the proffered hand.

  “Adam Jeffries? Kyle Matthews?” He asked from his position directly in front of us.

  “Nice to meet you.” I stuck out my hand, and Kyle followed suit.

  “You both have seemingly boring pasts with not so much as a bounced check. Nothing showed up on the limited background check, nor on the very thoroug
h check my security personnel ran.” Lennox tipped his chin as if the gesture was his personal nod of approval. “Although, I’m sure one of you would like to keep that one college incident on the down low.” Lennox smirked, letting us know he had seen all through the background checks.

  “We really appreciate you allowing us to stay here, Mr. Lennox.” I didn’t like my shaky voice, but the man was incredibly intimidating.

  “You two picked the wrong weekend to be stranded in New York without a place to stay. I’m happy we could help out.” Lennox checked his watch. “I’m going to head out. Everything is in working order. Linens and toiletries have been stocked along with drinks and snacks in the kitchen. Feel free to use the place as if you live here.”

  Lennox handed me a key, but paused on his way to the door. “The apartment building is monitored twenty-four hours a day, but you can be assured of your complete and total privacy during your stay. Enjoy your honeymoon, gentlemen.”

  And with that, Lennox bid farewell to Pat and Cy, and breezed out the door.

  “So, that was Lennox…,” I stated the obvious as the door shut with finality.

  “That was Lennox,” Pat agreed, and Cy chuckled.

  “He has quite the presence,” Kyle added.

  “That he does,” Cy quipped.

  “We’ll get out of your hair, let you settle in.” Pat shook both our hands before he and Cy moved toward the door. “Let us know if you need anything. This weekend should be an absolute blast. Congratulations.”

  When the door closed again, Kyle and I stood in a moment of stunned silence before turning to gape at each other.

  “I have a feeling we just entered a level entitled ‘completely out of our league.’” I dropped the key on the coffee table and wandered toward the couch.

  “Agreed.” Kyle nodded. “Otherwise known as ‘in way over our heads.’”

  We laughed and flopped down on the couch.

  “Lennox is pretty much the epitome of dark and mysterious, huh?” I mused.