Consumed By You (The Consumed Series Book 1)

by Alicia Marino

  I style my long raven-colored hair in a bun with loose tendrils and decide on a daring smoky eye. By the time I apply my red lipstick, it’s time to go. Right on time.

  Grabbing my clutch, I open the door and head into the living room to search for my furtive boss. I stop in my tracks when I find him leaning against the counter on his phone. He’s in a custom-fitted black tuxedo, and his long hair is pulled back from his enchanting eyes. He looks so elegant and sophisticated…and heart-stoppingly beautiful.

  “I’ll be there in twenty.” He hangs up and stares at me so long I start to feel uncomfortable.

  “Is there something wrong? Is this one bad?” I ask, looking down, unable to decipher his poker face.

  “N-No. No, that one’s fine. Come.”

  Did he just stutter?

  ***

  “I know you’ve given me your resignation, but you aren’t to say that to anyone tonight, you understand?”

  “I won’t,” I vow, forcing myself to focus on the passing buildings outside the window.

  “Would you like some champagne?”

  “We’re allowed to drink on the job?”

  He chuckles. “You helped create this night. Now enjoy it.”

  “Sure, then. Thank you.” He pops open an expensive-looking bottle and proceeds to pour the contents into two thin flasks.

  He hands me mine and raises his. “To tonight.”

  I take a sip, hoping this will calm down my nerves for at least a little bit.

  “You look beautiful tonight, Darcy.”

  My chest flutters when I turn to look at him and he’s smiling warmly at me.

  “So do you.” I make myself look away, trying harder than I should to forget the occurrences of last night.

  It’s not long before we’re pulling up to what can only be described as the event of the century.

  Benjamin helps me from the car and we look around, realizing the party is already a smash hit. There are hundreds of celebrities and supermodels. I resist looking up to see if Benjamin is staring at them. Businessmen galore are piling into the banquet room. As we walk up the carpeted steps, photographers snap photos of everyone while reporters shout out mindless questions. I almost pass out on the spot when Benjamin grabs me by the waist and pulls me over to one of them. I can see they are from a news station.

  No. I can’t do this. My face can’t be on the news. “Benjamin, no.”

  It’s as if he doesn’t hear my plea. The poor girl is practically drooling, eyes locked on Benjamin.

  “Mr. Scott! What a lovely evening.”

  He grins, and flashes are going off nonstop in our direction. I keep my gaze downcast to try to avoid them, peering up only when I have to.

  She goes on and on about Scott Industries and the impact this fundraiser is going to have on agricultural life in the United States. He answers every question perfectly, never skipping a beat.

  “And who’s this?” a nosey reporter asks next to us, pointing at me.

  “This is my assistant, Darcy Fontaine. She organized this event.”

  Dammit.

  I give a small, uncomfortable smile to the reporter. “I had a lot of help.”

  “Have a nice night,” Benjamin says politely and pulls me through the huge glass double doors. Maybe they’ll only focus on Benjamin’s portion of the interview. We make our way into the main party, seeing all the hard work from this past week come to life. I need to take a picture of this and send it to Doris. She’ll be so thrilled.

  Mini white and crimson lanterns zigzag across the glass roof while every table showcases large bouquets of red roses on white tablecloths. It came together perfectly.

  The room is so packed we can barely get in. A talented man is playing piano and crooning Frank Sinatra, and I’m in heaven.

  “You look happy,” Benjamin says in my ear, and I’m unable to hide how true that statement is right now.

  “It looks nice, right?”

  “It looks fantastic, Darcy.”

  I’m pleased with his answer. Yes, it does look fantastic.

  “Do you want something to drink?” he asks conversationally, and I nod. As he walks to the bar, I can’t help but think he’s acting as if I were his date.

  “Darcy!”

  Alexander is striding up to me, looking particularly dashing. He surprises me when he walks right into me, pulling my body to his in a tight embrace. “You look fucking magnificent.”

  “Thank you! So do you.” I size him up, checking out his Armani suit.

  “Everything looks fantastic. Did you do it all by yourself?”

  “Doris settled the location.”

  “You did the rest?”

  I shrug awkwardly, suddenly nervous.

  “Damn, Ben is lucky he found you first.”

  “Yes, I am.”

  We both turn at that sultry, oh-so-familiar rasp that only one person can pull off, oozing authority. Benjamin is standing with two drinks and there’s a sour look on his face as he regards his adopted brother.

  “Ben, I was just telling Darcy you’re lucky you got her first. I bet I’d be a much nicer boss than this old man. Maybe you should just come work for me, huh?” He nudges my arm, grinning, and Benjamin shakes his head, handing me a martini. I keep my head down low, wishing I could bring up that I’m looking for employment.

  “That’s not happening, Alex, and if I recall correctly, I do believe you’re older than me by two years.”

  “She’s too nice to work for you, Ben.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Benjamin raises his scotch glass to his lips, offering a scorching glare in Alex’s direction. It even intimidates me, but I guess it’s different between brothers because Alexander doesn’t even bat an eyelash.

  “Darcy, would you like to dance?” he asks, offering his hand as a wonderful ’50s Sinatra song starts playing.

  Wanting to let Benjamin know that I’m a free woman with no strings to hold me down whatsoever, I grab Alex’s hand and beam up at Benjamin sweetly.

  “Could you hold my drink, Mr. Scott?”

  Although the glare he is giving me is lethal, surprisingly, he takes the glass from my hands. “Of course.”

  Alex whisks me onto the polished floor with a spin, and I can’t help but giggle as I try to keep up with him. He’s delightfully good at dancing, whereas I am not.

  He grins. “So it’s not just me that pisses him off.”

  “He’s bossy as hell.”

  “That he is. He’s used to getting his way.”

  “I guess that’s also why he’s so successful too.” I glance over to where we were standing before, but Benjamin is no longer there. He’s probably already found some perfect six-foot model to spend the night with.

  “You look really gorgeous tonight, Darcy. No man here can take their eyes off of you.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  “You don’t even realize it. Just another thing that makes you so appealing. Honestly, there’s nothing better than a woman who has no idea how beautiful she is.”

  I blink at him. “That’s really so nice of you to say, Alex.”

  His lips curve warmly. “Listen, I have tickets to the symphony for next week. Would you maybe—”

  “Alex.”

  I’m dumbstruck, knowing exactly who’s behind me.

  Alex frowns. “Benjamin, the song’s not even over. You can chill out.”

  “Then maybe you could stop feeling up my assistant and go entertain your date. She’s waiting over there for you.” He points to the lanky—not to mention, beautiful—woman glaring icily in our direction.

  Shit. He’s here with someone?

  “I’ll go once the song is finished.”

  I’m staring between them, stupefied. What is going on? Did Benjamin really go find his date so he could break up the dance?

  “No, you’ll go now.”

  “Excuse me?” Alex stops moving and I’m extremely uncomfortable in this bubble of male testosterone.

&nb
sp; “I need to use the restroom.” I step back and practically sprint toward the other side of the room, calling over my shoulder, “Thank you for the dance, Alex.”

  What the hell just happened?

  ***

  I step out onto the terrace, craving the fresh, crisp air. These past weeks have aged me considerably. There are groups of people everywhere, dressed in their best. Everyone is so glamorous, so at ease, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt so out of place as I do here.

  “Darcy.”

  I tense.

  “Benjamin,” I reply, not turning around. Wrapping my arms in front of my body to keep out the chill, I study the starry night, noting the distant constellations I can decipher from this height.

  He sidles up next to me, places his hands on the railing, and we stand like that for what seems like forever in silence.

  “Were you trying to upset me?”

  “Benjamin, I was dancing with someone.”

  “My brother. Someone I told you not to pursue.”

  “Oh, yes. We’re all just supposed to bow down to you, hang on every word you say? You don’t get to tell me who and who I cannot talk to.”

  “Darcy, I told you why you shouldn’t be with him.” He grips my arm to turn me to face him, but I yank it from his grasp.

  “You have no room to talk about this subject, Benjamin.”

  “Excuse me?”

  Ooh, he does not sound happy. When I turn around, his hands are in his pockets and his mouth has formed into a tight line. I realize now that he’s trying to keep a low profile.

  “Okay, let’s think about this. You told me you cared about me, fucked me, and then ended it. Yet you talk to me as if I were yours. You have no remorse because you’re used to doing this to women. It sounds to me you and your brother have a lot in common.”

  I leave him there and walk to a waiter standing in the corner, grabbing a chilled champagne from the silver tray.

  “No, we’re not finished with this conversation.” Benjamin’s arm comes around my waist, and not wanting to humiliate him in front of all his guests and a decent amount of paparazzi, I stay quiet as he leads me to the lawn.

  “Fucking is all I know, Darcy,” he snaps when we reach the empty garden. “I’ve never even gotten as close to someone as I have with you.” He runs his hand through his impeccably styled hair. “Fucking pathetic, right?”

  “No. It’s not pathetic. You’re just used to shutting people out.”

  “Yeah, but you’ve found a way in.” He sits down on the bench, his head hanging toward the ground. My heart starts thumping a little faster.

  “Did I?”

  He looks up, and I catch vulnerability laced in his perfect features. “Darcy, I felt like crap after what I did to you. After you showed me your scars. Everything just got more real. I got scared.”

  “Why would you be scared of that?” I wait for his answer but it doesn’t come. He’s staring at the ground again. “Please tell me.”

  “I never got to know any of the women I’ve slept with. They were just there for the moment. I had no interest in them except for one thing. You’re a real person.”

  “I’d like to think so.”

  He glares at me but there’s no venom behind it. “My point exactly. You’re witty, stubborn, irritatingly beautiful, smart. You’re the whole package, Darcy. That’s frankly terrifying. When you told me about your scars, I didn’t know what to do…run for the fucking door or kiss every last one of them.”

  I’m staring at him like an idiot as he unloads his deepest insecurities into the intimate setting of the garden. I have a sudden, desperate urge to touch him. I hesitantly reach up to his face. His eyes close as my hand presses to his warm cheek.

  “Don’t run, Benjamin.” I drop my hand, encircling my arms around his waist.

  “Darcy, I honestly don’t know if I can do this.” He pulls me back by my shoulders and I sense him closing down as he usually does. I look up into his eyes, finding them wary and distant.

  Oh no. Not that look.

  “Ben, please don’t push me away.”

  Yet he does exactly that, and suddenly, I’m totally alone in a garden.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  I’m sipping my fourth cocktail when a strong hand grips my waist. I turn, expecting a completely different person than the one in front of me. Alex’s crystal blue eyes are regarding me with amusement.

  “Damn, you’re having your own party over here.” He glances down at the collection of empty martini glasses next to me.

  “That I am. Trying to forget about the annoying people in my life!” I exclaim too loudly, causing the people in the next group to glance over at us. Normally, I’d die of embarrassment to be caught like this in public, especially considering this event is for work. But fuck it, I don’t even work for him anymore.

  “I hope I’m not one of those people.” He chuckles and I think he’s enjoying my level of intoxication at the moment.

  “No…no. It’s not you.” The room is spinning. It looks amazing. Everything feels pretty awesome at the moment except my emotions. Those are fucking terrible.

  “Well, who is it about?” he presses, crossing his arms. “Maybe I can help with the situation.”

  “I think—no, I can’t.”

  “Why not?” His eyebrows raise in suspicion.

  Control your mouth. Control your mouth, you stupid girl!

  “No, no. Nothing.”

  Did that even make sense? God, just shut your mouth.

  He laughs. “You’re a funny drunk. I like it.”

  “I’m glad I amuse you.” I move closer to him. “You smell great.”

  And suddenly, I’m hugging him.

  His arms go around me tightly.

  “I’m tired.” I yawn. Damn, the liquor is hitting me hard.

  “How many drinks did you have?”

  “Just a few…four.”

  “Well my date has run off with another man. How about we head out together? Go get some cheap greasy fast food?”

  “Yes! Let’s go!” I bounce up and down in excitement, struggling to walk in a straight line as we head for the exit.

  Damn you, Benjamin Scott and your bipolar mood swings.

  ***

  “You’re pretty fucking awesome,” Alex gushes. “A lot cooler than the other girls I date.”

  We’re outside of the hotel in his car and I’m practically passing out I’m so tired.

  “Except we weren’t on a date,” I reiterate pointedly.

  “We could be…if you accepted my invitation for next week.” I find the strength to raise my head off the seat.

  “Honestly, I don’t even think I’ll remember this conversation tomorrow. Ask me then.” I open the door.

  “I will.”

  I wink and shuffle my way back inside the best I can with these monster heels on.

  Did I just wink at him?

  ***

  “Where the fuck have you been?”

  Startled, I jump at the angry rasp coming from the darkened living room. I throw my room key on the table and pull off my shoes.

  “Out.”

  The bright light suddenly turning on makes me rush to cover my eyes with my hands. I need sleep.

  “Are you drunk?”

  I peek through my eyelids at the fuming, god-like specimen in front of me in a t-shirt and blue jeans.

  “No.” I miscalculate my steps unfortunately and stumble to the floor. A burst of laughter escapes me and won’t stop.

  “Fuck, be careful.” Benjamin lifts me up by my arms and walks me to the kitchen. “Have you drank any water tonight? Or eaten?”

  “No and yes.” I sit down on a bar stool. His expression is livid. I guess he doesn’t find this funny like Alex. God, he’s such a grump sometimes.

  “This isn’t funny, Darcy. I’ve been worried. Haven’t you gotten any of my calls? My messages?” He pulls a bottled water out of the fridge and breaks the cap, handing it to me.

  “No. I
haven’t checked my phone, sorry,” I mumble, sipping the water slowly. Why am I apologizing? I’m a free woman—free to do whatever I want. He’s doing it again…acting like he owns me.

  He braces himself on the counter. “Damn it, Darcy. I’ve been a mess. Where have you been?”

  Shit. Double shit.

  I’m scared to tell him and he senses it. His eyes narrow for a moment before he realizes.

  “You were with him?” he says accusingly.

  “We got fast food.”

  “Yeah, I believe that,” he scoffs arrogantly, and storms out, leaving me alone in the kitchen. His bedroom door slams.

  I find myself growing angrier and angrier thinking about the nerve this guy has before hopping up. I shouldn’t have gotten up that fast. Lightheaded, I pound on his door.

  “What?” he shouts, and I open the door. He’s on the edge of his bed, his fingers rubbing his temples furiously.

  Yeah, yeah. You give me a headache too, buddy.

  “You’re an asshole!” His head whips up and he looks at me in disbelief, his jaw hanging open. “You are! What, you don’t want me but no one else can have me either? Your brother has been nothing but kind to me, not to mention he actually makes it known he likes me! I can’t figure out which way is up for you! Alex and I were hanging out as friends. Nothing happened! But for you to yell at me all self-righteously to try and make me feel like I was the one who did something wrong is just bullshit, Benjamin. It really is.”

  His hands are clenched together in anger and it’s probably because he’s never been scolded his entire life. Thankfully, the alcohol is giving me courage, so I bravely meet his hostile scowl.

  “You know what? I can’t fucking do this.” He throws his hands up in surrender. “For a fleeting fucking moment, I thought maybe, but shit—you drive me insane! I need order in my life and you blow that right out the goddamn window!”

  My heart’s beating a million times a minute in my chest and I can swear my blood is boiling. I’m not even sad he just said that.