I soak in the atmosphere. It seems very formal, uptight even. I recognize some of Luke’s family members. I’ve never been very close to anyone in his family. I would see his cousin Zack often because of the business, but he rarely spoke to me, and when he did, we only exchanged pleasantries.
Watching Luke talk and kiss ass has always been somewhat entertaining, but now I find it downright pathetic. The way you have to schmooze people in order to get money is making my stomach quake.
Senator Malone’s wife, Mildred, walks in our direction. She’s decked out in a boring black gown with puffy sleeves and a large purple-stoned necklace. Her hair is as boring as her outfit…short, straight grey hair with bangs.
Next to the senator, she looks homely. I’ve never seen the woman smile, and as she talks to Luke, this remains true.
Senator Malone is an extremely handsome man. He is always wearing a suit and has salt and pepper wavy hair, a matching beard, and light eyes. Luke has said in the past that his uncle has had many women over the years, and since he’s been married for thirty-five years, I assume that means he’s cheated on his wife.
Luke is babbling about the weather as Senator Malone approaches. I’ve met him a few times, but I’ve never really spoken with him. For some reason, he makes me feel uneasy. Like Luke’s cousin, Zack. There’s something off.
To my surprise, when I put my hand out to shake Senator Malone’s, he kisses it instead of shaking. He seems to leer at me as he speaks. “Nora, I’m so glad you are here.”
I immediately yank my hand from his and place it behind my back, so he has no chance of touching it again. He honestly gives me the creeps. I don’t know if it’s the cheating thing, his sometimes ugly reputation or what, but I’m over this conversation.
As I look up to the entrance to distract myself, my body chills, like ice has just replaced my blood.
“Are you alright?” Luke leans his head and asks quietly.
I divert my eyes quickly and try to swallow. “Yes, I’m fine.”
Luke’s eyes dart over to where mine have been. Jase is standing at the entrance with a beautiful blonde bombshell, wearing a sexy ruby red dress revealing a ton of cleavage, along with a slit with a leg that goes on forever. The woman is grinning like a Cheshire kitten, looking up at Jase.
He is smiling as though he is equally enthralled with her…portraying his charismatic Madsyn persona.
I’m either going to faint or be sick. I never imagined he would bring a date with him—especially not one who’s so gorgeous and complements his perfection.
Luke whispers in my ear. “Looks like they’re back together. Have you met Samantha? You’re going to love her.” A smug smile extends across his face.
“We’ve already met.” My eyes glare in her direction.
Why on earth is she his date? Even if he has to do this for his job, he should have at least prepared me.
My nerves are coming undone. Jase hasn’t acknowledged me yet. He’s looked in my direction, but not once has he acknowledged I’m here.
Luke must be reading my mind because he takes that moment to wave at Jase. But Jase doesn’t return the gesture.
That’s it; I’m done. I try and come up with an escape plan, but as I’m trying to concentrate, Jase stares my way as if he doesn’t even see me. Now, he moves to a group of people and starts holding a conversation without even a slight nod in my direction.
Luke’s hands are still gripping mine, holding me down like a vise. I need to get away. Now. I start panicking; I can’t stand his touch any longer. I yank my hand as hard as I can from his grasp, spilling his drink in his other hand. I’m still attached, even after a second effort.
“What?” he asks, annoyed.
“I need to use the ladies room.” He pauses and I plead, “Please, it’s an emergency.”
“I’ll escort you.”
Fine. What is everyone’s problem tonight? Unfortunately, Jase is standing near the restrooms with his new found fans. I walk quickly past him and make no effort to acknowledge him. “Stupid naive Nora,” I whisper.
Apparently, he did have another reason not to come with me tonight. Samantha.
My legs feel like they’re going to break and crumble underneath me. My hands are trembling. A few more seconds, just a few more steps.
Finally, I reach the narrow hallway. Luke still has a tight grasp on me. It’s probably the only thing keeping me afloat right now.
As I open the door, he informs me, “I’ll be right out here.”
Luckily, Jenny is standing in front of the doorway ready to exit, but stops when she sees it’s me.
“Luke, let the woman pee in peace. You act like such a caveman sometimes,” Jenny says with a smart ass sweet smile.
Jenny yanks my hand and whisks me through the door. “What the hell is going on? Are you alright?”
I nod, but find myself hunched over grabbing my stomach. Taking deep breaths is the only thing keeping me from hitting the ground. Jenny drags me over to a bench against the far wall of the sitting room off the bathroom.
“Jase…his date…is Samantha.” My breathing is sporadic, and I can barely get the words out.
Jenny’s face contorts with shock.
“What? That must be a mistake. He’s supposed to be with you.”
I sigh loudly; my voice seems to be returning.
“I know, but he’s here with her and she’s all over him and he hasn’t looked at me once.”
“There has to be an explanation. I know for a fact he has no feelings for her. Something is off tonight.”
My curiosity is peaked. She must notice it too.
“Any idea why?” I ask.
“No. But Max has been weird all night. Quiet, with this look on his face I’ve not seen before. Reminds me of Jase, though.”
My head rests against my hands. Only shaky elbows support me. “Jenny, just give me a few minutes. It’s too much. Jase with her, and Luke literally not letting go of me. It’s all too much.”
She concedes. “Okay, fine, but I’m waiting outside in the hallway for you.”
“Jenny, I’m okay. Really. Just overreacting. I’m being a stupid girl. There has to be a reasonable explanation.”
Jenny moves her hair to cover her shoulder and waves the white flag in defeat. “I’ll find Max, but we won’t be far.”
I calm down more as I concentrate on the quiet melody of a flute that’s floating through the room. Just as I’m getting the nerve to go back out there, the door flies open dramatically and the blonde bombshell waltzes in.
“Oh, dear, you look pale. Are you alright?” Samantha says so sweetly, I can almost taste it.
I count to three and stand up, resisting the urge to choke her. I straighten the flowing satin as I stand.
I look the nasty bitch in the face. “Did you hear the good news? I’m engaged. I’m going to be Mrs. Jase Madsyn very soon.” She holds out her hand for me to shake, but I’d rather break it.
I don’t acknowledge her gesture. Two can play this game.
“I’m sorry, I’ve spent some time with Jase recently, and I only recall him saying he was relieved that the engagement was over.”
The cocky smile on her face vanishes. “Well, we did take a break, but recently reconciled.”
“How recently?”
“This afternoon. Look at this gorgeous diamond he put back on my finger.” Her smug smile returns, while she shoves a huge rock under my nose.
There has to be an explanation. Would he really take her back after everything he’s told me? Of course he would, because I’m Nora the Doormat. Bastard didn’t even have the common decency to acknowledge me tonight. The more I look at Samantha’s beautifully ugly face, the more I want to run.
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to return to my date.” I turn quickly and head out the door to the hallway, leaving a chuckling Samantha behind.
I am so furious, I could just kill him. I’m not watching where I’m going and as I slam into a hard wall of
muscle, a familiar scent washes over me.
“Nora! Are you okay?” Jase tears us apart and asks cautiously.
This is it. The fire inside me is ready to explode and Jase is my target.
“Oh, you’re suddenly concerned about me?” I shout at him.
“Keep your voice down; Luke will hear,” he whispers loudly.
“So? …he is my date tonight. Just like I told you he would be. Just like we agreed upon. I just had the privilege to meet your date, though. Your fiancée. Samantha.” Her name comes out of my mouth like a swear word.
He grabs me by the elbow and yanks me closer to him. “Quiet,” he commands.
Before I have a chance to say anything or fight back, he whisks me out of the hallway into a dark room, slamming and locking the door behind us.
I’m still trying to catch my bearings when he lifts me on top of something. A table? Before I can comprehend anything else, his lips crash onto mine. His strong hands are still holding me while I thrash around trying to break loose.
For the first time, I don’t want him touching me. I’m not interested in his excuses, either.
He rips his lips from mine, “Stop fighting me!”
“No!” I bite back.
“Nora, please just listen to me. It’s a business deal. Like I told you.” His voice pleads.
I stop struggling, only to give him a chance to come up with another ridiculous story.
“It doesn’t look like a business deal, and Samantha showed me her engagement ring. You were all smiles and sunshine and…and didn’t even say hello to me.” My breathing is erratic.
He grabs my face between his hands and holds my head still. Jase hunches down to look into my eyes. There is a small nightlight coming from somewhere, so I can see the concern and fear in his eyes.
“I don’t want her; I want you. Why can’t you see that? This is my job; this is my life. I’m trying to keep you safe! You’re going to have to trust me,” he practically yells.
I narrow my eyes at him. I’m still boiling mad, but how does him being with Samantha make me safe?
“I don’t understand your lifestyle, Jase. You don’t say anything to me all night, then you practically break into the bathroom and haul me off into…into, where the hell are we?”
He chuckles in relief and the tension floats away. “Storage room, I think?”
I put my head in my hands and my hair flows around my face. I feel like hiding, and this is the best way.
He brushes the hair away, crumbling my camouflage. With my hair in his hands, he wraps it around his wrist and yanks me close. I can almost taste his lips on mine.
“Nora, I love you. Can’t you see? Don’t you know?”
“I’m not sure,” I whisper, and try to pull away from him.
He tugs at my hair again and settles his body in-between my legs. His other hand comes down around my ass and pulls me against his hard length.
Oh, dear God.
I try and fight, but I know he’s winning.
“Nora, stop this,” he quietly pleads. He tugs my hair again, cementing us closer.
I listen and let him try to explain.
“I have to pretend to be her fiance for tonight. So many lives are depending on this. I can’t tell you yet, but I promise when I can tell you…I will. You have to trust me. Do you trust me?”
I swallow. Of course I trust him. That’s the problem. I trust everyone, and they lie to me.
“I trust you, Jase, I do, and that scares the hell out of me. Everything I feel for you scares me. Why didn’t you tell me you were bringing her? A little warning would have been helpful.”
He exhales in relief. His breath is close to my neck, “It’s scary for me, too. The way I feel for you is…I can’t even describe it to you right. There are no words. I only know that I can’t stand to be away from you. I wonder what you are doing every second I’m not with you. I want to protect you, hold you, kiss you, and feel you against me. He moves his lips close to my neck, and whispers, “I need to make love to you.”
He pulls back and his eyes glow with lust. “I hate that you are with that prick tonight. It’s killing me. I hate that he’s the one protecting you, holding you, walking around showing you off, and touching your soft skin.”
Our lips move closer and he speaks against my mouth. “I can love you better. Please, give me the chance. I promise no one will love you like I will. You are my everything, you are all I want, you are my eternity.”
I can’t hold back. The passion coming from his words seeps into me. He lets me go as I pull away, leaning back against the table. He’s waiting for me to respond. His eyes are dark, hooded, and narrowed in on me. His lips are full and slightly tight. He looks like a predator and I’m ready to be his prey.
I’ve never taken charge before, but there is a heat between my thighs that only he can extinguish. I reach for the straps of my dress and slowly pull them down to show him the dainty black bra that’s covering what he wants.
He sucks in a deep breath and lets it go in appreciation. I wrap his tie around my wrist and pull his mouth over mine. He takes my kiss, my caressing tongue, every movement I make against his body. I can’t control myself. I want to taste him, every inch of him. I need him inside me.
“You deserve to be worshiped. I will worship every inch of your body,” he says, as his tongue licks below my ear and my neck arches back. The further I lean back, the closer he works towards my breasts. His hand yanks my bra, and it falls away from me.
The heat from his mouth circles my breast, and with a tug, my nipple is between his teeth. I moan in pleasure. My body tingles as he takes his time with each breast, tugging, licking, and sucking.
His hands slide up my dress and the hiss he makes assures me he’s happy with what he finds.
“Fuck. Thigh highs—you are fucking killing me.”
I lick my bottom lip and gesture with my pointer finger for him to come closer.
Rough and eager, he returns to my lips. The kissing turns feverish and intense. In the midst of passion, I untie his bow tie and help him remove his jacket as our lips never leave each other. I yank at his belt buckle, but he pushes my hands away and gets on his knees. He is perfectly mouth level between my thighs.
His lips move horizontally back and forth over my thighs and he works towards where I ache. I can feel his hot, wet mouth on me as he licks, sucks, and tastes me.
I moan loudly, knowing full well we are in a public place and I should stop. People might hear. But I can’t. He said he was going to worship me, and him worshiping me is the only thing that I feel right now.
“You’re so wet, so soft. Sweet,” he whispers, as he kisses his way back up to my lips. I can taste myself on his tongue. I sit and push him back, trying to get at his belt again. He brushes my hand away again, but this time he unbuckles it and I attack the button.
Ripping down his pants, I feel his hard length. I make a move off the table to repay the gift of worship, but he says, “No, baby, all you. I’m worshiping you, remember? All I want is to come inside you.”
I lie back, my body humming. I spread my legs wider and he pushes inside, while he lifts my ass off the table. His strong arms hold me up and he fills me. His movements are fast and hard as an ocean wave, but the rhythm takes over and we are in sync.
Moving with each other like we have done before, I can’t hold back; I feel it build until I come gloriously around him, saying his name.
Within seconds, he growls with each movement, and while holding onto his arms, I can feel his muscles tense, and soon I feel him release in me.
When I return, we are both breathing heavily, but a smile spreads across his face. But then, his lips form a straight line and his eyes narrow. He lays me back on the table and his chest hovers over me.
“I have never felt anything like that. I don’t even know what to say. Last night was beautiful but this…this was amazing.”
I echo his words.
“Do you feel it? Feel how
much I love you?”
“I do, Jase.”
“I love you with everything I am. I’m so sorry I left you that night. I didn’t protect you. I left you to defend yourself against that monster. I will regret that decision for the rest of my life. He will never touch you again.”
I cup his beautiful face with my hands, “You didn’t know. I’m okay; I’m here with you. I made it, and you did save me.”
He backs away from me, running his hands through his hair. All of a sudden, I feel cold, like something is about to destroy my whole world.
Jase finishes buckling up his pants, while I situate my dress.
He stares at me and then lets out a deep breath. “Nora, you are still in so much danger. I know who did this to you. The people you think you can trust…you shouldn’t. Luke, the senator, Isaac…and me.”
“What?” is all I can manage.
“You can’t go back out there with Luke.”
“Jase, I’ll make him understand. I love you. He’ll be fine. He won’t hurt me.”
I try to shrug off his worry, but his expression is laced with fear.
“I didn’t want to tell you this tonight. I don’t want you to be scared, or hate me and leave, but you need to know. Isaac Campone is the one who attacked you. He isn’t finished with you yet.”
He’s talking so fast that I’m having a hard time comprehending what he is saying. He keeps going. “Luke knows. He’s lying to you about who he is. Luke’s real name is Michael Malone, and he works for his uncle, and so does Isaac. Isaac doesn’t like what you know about Luke, about his family.”
I can’t catch my breath. Isaac? Who is Isaac? It hits me like a ton of bricks. Zack, Luke’s cousin? Why? Then I realize it has to do with what I saw in Luke’s office. Luke? Luke is Michael? He knows all about my attack.
Rage seeps through me. “Why did you let me near him? Why did you make me come with him tonight?”
“I had to, Nora. He has orders to take you away from here if I don’t comply and act like Samantha and I are back together. I have enough security so that we can put an end to this tonight.”
Safer With You Page 21