Rush (Trojan Book 4)

by S. M. West

  “You do? Where?” I can’t believe I don’t know this.

  We’ve had sex several times now, but this is the first time that we’ve laid in bed like this with the lights on. He shows me his back, pulling the sheets below his waist.

  “Is that a tramp stamp?” Unable to keep my hands to myself, my fingers trace the colorful tattoo.

  It’s no bigger than two inches on his back, and it isn’t at the base of his spine. He’s inked at the crest of his left butt cheek.

  “Not even close.” His expression is serious save for the spirited flash in his eye.

  “Why that and when did you get it? There’s got to be a story.” It’s the only place the man is inked, and I’m surprised he even has one.

  “It was a long time ago. Gray, my best friend…” He pauses, likely recalling I know who he means even if I’ve never met the man.

  “The drummer.” I tuck my hair behind my ear.

  “Yeah. He has tattoos all over his torso and arms.” His hands move over the areas of my body as if to illustrate the point.

  I nod, remembering the beautiful, vibrant sleeves and tats Gray has on his body. At the few Trojan concerts I attended, the stage lights beamed down on him as he sat shirtless beating on the drums. It was a sight to see.

  “We were in Vegas years ago, before Crystal.” He flops back onto the mattress, head hitting the pillow as he stares up at the ceiling as if taken back to that night in question. “We were wasted, and to this day, neither of us can remember why or what the bet was about, but I lost.”

  “Do you remember the terms of the bet? Obviously if you lost, you had to get a tattoo. But what about if Gray lost? And who chose the hummingbird?”

  “If I won, he’d have to get a tattoo of my choosing. And I think he was supposed to choose for me, but I chose the hummingbird.” He bends his elbow again and rests his face into the palm of his hand, smiling at me.

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know for sure. I’ve always thought they’re cool birds. They are the smallest there is but so fast, always moving. Did you know the bird’s wings move in the pattern of a figure eight.” His pointer finger makes the motion in the air. “The infinity symbol.”

  “Yes. I know.” I brush the dark strands of hair shadowing his eyes. “And the hummingbird also represents love, joy, and good luck.”

  “Really? And you know this how?”

  “When I was younger, we lived in Hong Kong for a bit and our housekeeper, Bo, was from Thailand. She was always telling me fascinating things, and when she saw my birthmark, she told me about hummingbirds. While they aren’t native to Asia, she said there’s a Thai belief that hummingbirds mean you’ve had a past life.”

  He raises a brow, and one side of his mouth curls up as his finger goes back to trailing over the spot of my birthmark. “Interesting.”

  “Yes. What’s even more interesting is that we both have one. I know yours is a tattoo, but do you think it means we met in a past life?”

  The question is silly and more for fun, but Eli stops tracing a figure eight on my leg and stares at me. Eyes sparkling, his easy grin slides into place—the one that makes my heart gallop.

  “No doubt. I’d even go so far as to say we’re destined to meet and be together in every one of our lives.”

  22

  Pru

  Swoops in like a hawk

  I wake just before six in the morning and slide out of bed, careful not to wake Eli. After scribbling a note goodbye, I leave his apartment, holding my breath all the way to the door.

  Janet lives there, and while she went to bed early, passing on watching the movie the night before, I fear she’s an early riser. I don’t want a witness to my walk of shame.

  Fortunately, I make it back to the penthouse without incident and get into bed for a couple more hours of sleep. I will need the extra rest since I have a big day ahead of me.

  Foolishly, I volunteered to spend a few hours with Crystal. Alone. This will be a first. Eli has a conference call with the producer of the film he wants to direct, and Janet already had the day off to visit her grandson.

  As planned, after breakfast, Crystal and I go to the park, Macy’s, and then lunch before returning home. I send Eli a text when we’re on our way, and he asks for another half hour.

  We go to my place, and I stop in my tracks at the same time the little girl asks, “Who is that woman?”

  She points to my mother, pacing on the terrace in her bespoke skirt suit, on the phone. Shit. Why is she here?

  “That’s my mom. You wait here one sec, okay?” I edge toward the door.

  “Okay. She’s pretty but doesn’t look like you.”

  And that is true. Where I am fair with blonde hair and blue eyes, my mother has almost black hair and brown eyes. She resembles my grandmother with her warm, Mediterranean looks, whereas I have the complexion of my grandfather and uncle, and maybe even my father, but I wouldn’t know.

  I’m not fast enough, and Priscilla spots me coming toward her. She ends her call and walks back inside, sharp gaze scanning me from head to toe, then Crystal before coming back to me.

  “Prudence. I was wondering where you were. I was just about to call you.” She’s annoyed, and that’s about as much of a greeting as I’m going to get.

  It’s been well over a year since we’ve last seen each other. We were supposed to vacation together in Bali at the Four Seasons last Christmas, but she stood me up. Like always. I spent the holidays alone, and while in a fabulous location and stellar resort, it had sucked.

  If I’d known I was to be alone, I would have stayed in Manhattan with Harley and Nash. Of course, when I argued with my mother, she spat at me, “It’s the Four Seasons, Prudence. Why must you be so difficult?”

  “I didn’t know you were coming.” My lips stretch tightly into a forced smile. “What are you doing here?”

  “This is my apartment.” Indignation pours from every word, and I want to point out that’s not what I asked, but it’s useless.

  Priscilla Edwards isn’t to be questioned or challenged. She takes anything I say as an affront to her.

  “And who is this?” She fires a withering glare at the young girl at my side.

  “This is Crystal. A friend.”

  “Hello, Crystal.” My mother speaks as if addressing an underling.

  “Hi.”

  Before Mom can give the girl the third degree, I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. “I thought you were in Switzerland.”

  “Yes, that’s where I live.” Now she slows her words as if I’m half-witted and furrows her dark brows. “I had business in Manhattan. I didn’t plan on stopping here, but something online caught my attention. We need to talk.”

  Every word is a well-placed fist to my stomach. She was in New York and had no intention of calling me, let alone seeing me. This isn’t the first time, but the truth of it doesn’t hurt any less.

  This is typical Priscilla.

  My mother flies in and out of whatever city I may be residing in without any inclination to call or reach out. How many times did she do that over the years? I’d be at boarding school and learn of her visit months later.

  But she’s here today because she wants to talk to me. I have no clue about what, but she’s deemed it important enough. This I’m not looking forward to.

  “Prudence, I asked you a question.” Her tone is terse, and she wrinkles her nose as if there’s a bad odor in the air. “What are you wearing?”

  Her scathing gaze sweeps over me once more. My outfit is casual, but not sloppy. The shorts are linen with a wide black belt that gives it a more sophisticated look, and they are paired with a green silk blouse and kitten heels.

  I don’t get a chance to say anything, despite having no response. “Don’t tell me you went out like that.”

  Mother doesn’t do casual. Her fashion philosophy is to always be the best dressed person in the room.

  “You really are a disappointment. What on eart
h must the residents think.” She tsks and I inwardly cringe at her berating.

  Something inside me pangs when Crystal wraps her pinky around mine and leans into me. I squeeze my eyes shut, and my heart shreds into a million pieces.

  It isn’t because of my mother’s words; I couldn’t care less. No, it’s because of the sweet girl beside me. It’s a simple, innocent move and needs no words.

  Her one small gesture is filled with more love, protection, and security than I’ve ever had. And never from my mother.

  Yet, here’s this young girl who doesn’t even have a mother of her own, and she’s giving me everything. Everything I’ve never had.

  I’m already in a tug-of-war with her father over my heart, desperately trying to keep hold of it, despite my insistence on casual. And now she swoops in like a hawk, sinking her talons into my chest, readying to rip out my beating heart.

  All I want to do is weep. But I can’t. My mother glowers, not pleased with me wasting her time like this. I grab Crystal’s hand.

  “Let me take Crystal home. She lives in the building and then we can talk.”

  “Prudence, I have to leave in twenty minutes. I haven’t all day.”

  Without another word, we leave. In the elevator, I wrap my arms around Crystal, holding back any tears. I hope my hug conveys my thanks. It’s unfortunate Crystal had to witness that, but I’m also thankful for her support.

  “I’m so sorry about that. My mom can be cranky.”

  “Do you have to go back?” Her big brown eyes, so like her father’s, plead with me out of concern.

  “It’ll be okay.”

  We walk into her home, and Eli looks up from the chair, phone at his ear. “One second, Paul.” He cups his hand over the phone. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” My voice is low and the words come out fast. “My mother’s here so I brought Crystal back early. Sorry. I’ll see you later. Bye.” I give them both a wave and make a quick exit.

  When I return, Mom is in the foyer, waiting. She thrusts her phone at me, and I stare down at the screen. There online, Page Six, are pictures of Eli and me. They were taken yesterday in and around the bodega a few blocks over when Eli came down to persuade me to come for breakfast before we ran into Ross in the lobby. We’re holding hands and laughing in one. In another photo, he’s kissing me, and my knees weaken as my insides twist.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you were seeing Eli Lansing?”

  My head snaps up at the mention of his name. My mother knows who he is? Of course she does. She’s read the article, no doubt. But there’s a strong possibility that she already knew who he was.

  She may not live in the El Dorado right now, but she makes it her business to know who the residents are, especially the celebrities.

  “We’re not dating.” I bristle at my stupidity.

  “That’s not what this looks like. What is it then? Are you sleeping with him?” She crosses her arms.

  “Yes, mother, that’s exactly what it is.” I do the same, folding my arms over my chest. “I’m just fucking him, if you must know.”

  Whack. Her hand slaps me across the face, and my cheek is on fire. I wish this wasn’t her place because I’d tell her to get out. Instead, I bite my tongue and scowl at her.

  “That’s enough. Don’t you dare use that foul language with me.” She snatches the phone from my hand.

  “I’m almost twenty-six. How I live my life or the way I speak is my business.”

  She completely ignores me with a sniff. “I’d like to meet him. Or is this like what you were doing with Ross?”

  My mouth gapes open. Their lies have reached all the way to my mother, and why am I surprised.

  “Those are lies told by a man cheating on his wife who thought it easier to throw his friend under the bus than tell the truth.” I cross my arms and glare at her, daring her to call me a liar.

  “Good. I never did like him.” She sniffs, jerking her chin higher. “And Eli? When can I meet him?”

  “We’re not in a serious relationship, so that isn’t possible.”

  Does she think I’m going to traipse over to Eli’s right now and introduce them? No way in hell.

  “Goodbye, Mother.” I swing open the door, and copying one of her moves, lift my chin in defiance.

  She stares at me, long and hard, and eventually leaves. My phone buzzes with a text from Eli. Crystal explained the situation and he’s worried, wanting to come to my place. I send a quick text to let him know I’m fine and will see him later.

  I don’t want him to come looking for me. We’re having dinner together later. There’s also a text from Ross with one of the Page Six images.

  Ross: How long have you two been an item?

  As if it’s any of his business. What doesn’t he understand? He’s asking like we’re still friends. Obviously he has no intention of losing my number.

  I need some space, and the penthouse, despite its size, feels oppressive. My mother is everywhere, and it’s the last place I want to be.

  Slipping on running gear, I trek down to the Park and start to stretch, warming up for a jog. But at some point, I change my mind and call Harley.

  She flew in late last night, and we haven’t had a chance to talk yet. “Hey. How are you? I was going to call you later,” she says when she answers my call.

  Her voice is groggy, and I feel like a horrible friend. She must have been taking a nap. “I’m sorry if I woke you. Priscilla dropped in unannounced. It wasn’t pretty.”

  “What? She’s in the city?”

  “Yeah, on business but she wasn’t planning on seeing me until she saw pictures of Eli and me on Page Six.”

  “Really? Let me look.”

  “Harley, focus.” I’m teasing, knowing full well she’ll go online. Who wouldn’t?

  “Let me guess, she’s thrilled you were dating Eli.”

  “It isn’t serious,” I remind both of us. “And that’s what she doesn’t like. She’d rather I be engaged to the man or moving in with him.”

  “Damn, girl, the way he looks at you. And you look so happy. Pru,” she croons my name and I wince, shutting my eyes as if I can block the images of us.

  She’s right. We fucking look great together. And I do look happy. Blissed out and head over heels. Eli’s going to wreck me.

  “Harley, not helping here.”

  “Sorry. I can come to you, but it’s going to take a while. I look like a whore after a gang bang.”

  I snicker at the image she’s painted. “Lovely. I wish I could see you now.”

  She snorts. “Really, it’s a sight. Or you could come here and then you can bask in my beauty?”

  “As much as I want to see you, and I really do, no matter your current state, I’m going to Eli’s soon.”

  “Ooh, yes, go see your man.”

  It’s on the tip of my tongue to correct her, remind both of us that he isn’t my anything, but I resist the urge.

  “We need to see each other soon. It’s been too long.” I change the subject. “And I haven’t had a chance to tell you, Ross came by yesterday.”

  “What?”

  I proceed to fill her in on the frustrating and painful conversation with Ross, as well as his text earlier today. “I don’t think I ever knew him.”

  “Oh my God, I can’t believe he’s cheating and let Whitney think it was with you. Do you know who he’s sleeping with?”

  “No clue and seriously, I don’t care. I haven’t given it any thought. I just want Whitney to stop and both of them to get out of my life.”

  “I agree. I haven’t spoken to him since you left CE, and I’m done with him. And on that note, what about your father? Any news on that front?”

  “I almost told Priscilla about them just to get back at her.”

  “Oh no. Pru, I’m sorry she does this. I just don’t get her, but she loves you.”

  Harley’s met my mother a few times, and while I’d like to believe her, I’m not so sure Priscilla is capab
le of love. I then switch gears and talk about the three in-depth reports from Black Fox on the men and how I have a conference call planned for later this week.

  “Eli asked me to go to Grayson Bennett’s wedding with him in LA. I was thinking I might go. This way I could check out these men in person.”

  “He did? Oh my God, Pru, this is huge.”

  “No, it isn’t. He needs a date, that’s it.” I brush off the invitation, ignoring the voice in my head that is echoing Harley’s sentiments.

  “Do you think seeing these men will help?”

  I sit with her question for several beats. “I’m not going to confront them, but I don’t know…it sounds stupid, but I need to see them in person, even from afar.” The words won’t come, stuck in my throat, and I push them out on a burst of air. “I might feel something or just know if I get the chance to be close to them.”

  “Aww, Pru, I get it. Go to LA. I wish I could come.”

  “For the wedding or to see those men?” I’m snarky in a teasing way, and she laughs.

  “Both.”

  “Me too. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Okay. I’m going to shower and maybe sleep some more. Love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  After I hang up, I decide to go for a short run, then shower and get ready for dinner. By the time I’m knocking on Eli’s apartment door, Priscilla is a bad memory.

  “Hey.” Eli pulls me into his arms, and I hold onto him, taking all he has to give. “You all right?”

  “I am now.” The familiar thrum of desire courses through my veins.

  “Is your mom still here?”

  “No. Thank goodness. She has a flight back to her hovel.”

  Eli grimaces and shakes his head. “That bad, huh?”

  “It’s a good thing we live in different countries. And here’s one for you that sums things up and is a great cover—‘It’s My Life’ by No Doubt.”

  “Oh, yes.” He grabs my hand and leads me to the kitchen.

  While he dishes out dinner, I ponder how best to bring up the pictures of us online. He’s a celebrity and while he might be used to it, he doesn’t need this when we work together.