by Colt, Shyla
It felt good to branch out and have something he could claim as his. He placed the painting titled Scream first and the next two, Her and His, leaving the last, Solitude for the finale.
“Wow, this is some beautiful work,” Colleen whispered. She glanced at him with the gleam of knowledge in her eyes. She could see her daughter in the picture. “Her is quite interesting.”
“Is it?” he asked, trying to play it cool.
“As much as Her sees him. I find it interesting he so obviously sees her right back. You’d think the next picture would show them together.”
“Life doesn’t always work out.”
“And yet, occasionally it does,” Colleen remarked.
“Yeah, for those who are lucky,” he said.
“Or maybe for those who get their head out of their arses and do what they should’ve a long time ago.” Her green eyes narrowed and her cheeks tinted pink.
“You think that would be best?” he asked. He never understood what Colleen saw in him. She’d looked past his reputation and attitude, and saw someone with talent.
“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, boy. Do you think a lady will wait forever?”
“No.”
“So, you don’t care?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Then what are you saying? I’m confused, and I’m not the only one. You can’t hold on to something like a selfish child who wants it for himself, but refuses to take care of it.”
His eyes grew wide. Is that what I do?
“Chew on what I just said, and come back tonight with a fresh perspective.” She patted him on his shoulder.
Enzo walked toward the door feeling bereft and transparent.
Aibhlinn
She stepped down from the SUV feeling like she might lose her lunch at any second. She’d come in not long after Enzo and set up her paintings across from his. Her mother had covered them with a dark cloth, refusing to let her see then before the show. She still wasn’t sure how she felt about that. It’s either a really good thing or a really bad thing. In the end, she had three medium-sized paintings. The first painting was her original with a woman holding an umbrella for a man who refused to step beneath the shelter.
The second featured a couple embracing beneath the red umbrella. It was the epitome of what she wanted. The best case scenario to this mess they’d made over the years. The last was a woman—alone—walking away in the rain, shadowed and surrounded by the grey darkness. She cut a lonely figure. There was no mistaking the message, and now she second guessed herself like crazy.
Was the ultimatum necessary? Was this fixation she had on him even his problem? Her feelings had grown and began to spill over, why should he suffer? Because he’s in just as deep as you. This situation was made possible by two people…not one. Her heels clicked on the concrete as she slipped inside the front and came face-to-face with the man she’d been avoiding. They hadn’t given each other the cold shoulder this way since their early twenties. Their gazes were locked.
I’m sorry, Enzo mouthed.
She fixed her face with a stern expression and gave a quick shake of her head. That wouldn’t work this time.
“Now that we’re all here, let’s unveil the paintings,” her mother said cheerily.
Aibhlinn knew the sparkle in her green eyes well. She had something up her sleeve.
She pulled back the black cloth, and Aibhlinn couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped her lips. Not only was it gorgeous, the style and story could have been added seamlessly to her own. She looked at him and saw her shock mirrored in his expression.
“You,” they said at the same time.
“How about you two step out back and discuss things before we get started. I’m sure people will want to know if you correlated your work on purpose. You’ll want to know what to say,” Colleen suggested with a knowing gleam in her eyes.
Aibhlinn nodded, and they walked outside to the back.
Enzo softly closed the door behind them.
She spun around, instantly on the attack. “That’s how you see us? That’s our end game? You walking away? I’m so easy to leave behind?”
“No.” He held out his hands, palms up. “That’s not what the painting says.”
“Then please explain.”
“It’s what has to happen to keep me from hurting you.”
“Am I not hurting now, Enzo?” she seethed.
“Not like you could be,” he whispered.
“You fucking coward,” she said, stalking forward to stand inches from his face. “If you don’t want me, can’t love me, tell me that.”
“It’s never been a question of love. God, Aibhlinn, you must know I’m in love with you.”
His words stole the breath from her lungs. She blinked and swayed.
“Whoa.” He wrapped his arms around her, and she leaned against his chest.
“What did you just say?” she croaked.
“I love you. I’m in love with you. I have been for years. I tried so hard to keep it to myself, so I didn’t ruin what we have.”
She couldn’t stop the tears that fell from her eyes. “Why didn’t you say something before now?”
“Because it doesn’t matter, Aibhlinn,” he whispered.
“What?” She pulled away. “It’s everything.”
“No.” He ran his fingers through her hair, bringing his fingers to her scalp where he began a massage.
She shivered.
“I wish it did. You’re beautiful. I always wanted to touch you like this.”
“Then touch me,” she whispered.
“Just this once, Ave,” he whispered, moving in to brush her lips with his.
Tendrils of pleasure burst through her body like fireworks. They both moaned as their mouths were fused. They’d given in to hunger long denied. Teeth knocked, tongues clashed. She savored every moment. He cupped her ass, and she moaned, pressing closer against him.
“So sweet,” he whispered.
She slow-blinked as the world changed its perspective. He lifted her up, and out of instinct, she wrapped her limbs around him. He pressed her against the wall, and they continued to eat at each other’s mouths. It was heaven; everything she’d dreamed of and more. The boy who’d kissed her had become a man and skilled with his tongue. He rolled his hips, and she whimpered. He’s good with other things, too. The friction of his jeans against her soaked underwear had her moving with him. Heat flooded her face and neck. Her head spun.
“That’s it. Let it go for me, baby,” he whispered. His words thrust her over the edge; she arched her back and cried out. He swallowed her noises, keeping the passionate exchange a secret between them.
Shaking, she clung to him as he eased her legs to the ground and buried his face into her neck. “Never doubt I love you, Aibhlinn. I just don’t know how to be in a relationship. They scare the hell out of me. What we have is the closest I’ve ever come to commitment. The thought of fucking up and breaking your heart has haunted me for years.” He placed a kiss to her temple.
“Then let me teach you. We’ve helped each other through everything. Why is this any different?”
“I’ve battled this demon for so long its hooks are embedded into my soul. Not even you can loosen those chains.”
“Don’t you see we’re doing everything but having sex and putting a title to us? I love you, Enzo. I’d do anything for you. Hell, I have been your ride or die so long… I’ve got a list of infractions to prove it. I want to help you. I know we could be good together. I want it so bad, I can fucking taste it. But I can’t continue with the dysfunction. If we can’t go all in…we need to place boundaries and keep to them, ’cause this thing between us is killing me, and making it damn hard to find anyone else.”
He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers.
Déjà vu struck. Her heart broke. It was so much worse knowing he felt the same why. “You son of a bitch. Why even tell me how you felt if you knew you were going to do this?”
/> “What do you want me to do, Ave?” he cried out brokenly.
“Stop fighting it,” she said through gritted teeth. Her hand reached down to cup the bulge in his pants. “Feel with me. Don’t manipulate my body, open up your soul and let me in. I’m already there, Enzo. I’m under your skin. I’m in your brain. I know you better than you know yourself.”
His muscles tensed, and his breathing increased. “I—”
“For once, trust in us.” She massaged him, and he rocked into her hands. “Let me take the wheel.” Leaning in she nipped at his neck, emboldened by the cover of darkness and privacy of the small parking lot. His body shook. She slipped her hand into his pants, and they both moaned. He was hot, thick, and long in her hands. She gripped him tightly and pumped.
“Aibhlinn.”
“You gave this to me, now I’m returning the favor. Tonight after the show let the cards lay where they may. But right now is our time.” She captured his lips, taking what she wanted for so long. He tasted crisp and clean like mint; his lips were soft and pliable. His moan vibrated through her body. He sucked her tongue, and she whimpered, picking up speed as she brought him over. She swallowed his cries as he spilled onto her hand. The hot liquid felt like a cleansing rain. She removed her hand and brought it to her lips, lapping off his salty flavor.
“Jesus, baby. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dreamed of you like this,” he panted.
She was afraid to hope for more, but for now, at least, she knew the taste and feel of him. The way his eyes turned into a stormy grey when he came. She leaned in, nipped his bottom lip hard, and dragged her tongue across it to soothe the abused area. “Hope you don’t mind going commando.”
“Worth it,” he croaked. His eyes grew serious. “Aibhlinn.”
“Not now, Enzo. Right now, you go to the bathroom to clean yourself up, and I’m going to charm the room and tell them we did collaborate these painting as a way to commemorate our friendship. Our theme was love and pain.”
“You’re brilliant, you know that?” he whispered.
“I try.”
For a moment, the air was cleared and her heart sang. They hadn’t crashed and burned. Yet.
They spent the rest of the evening glued at the hip as they answered questions. Thank God liar’s pants don’t really catch on fire or this building would be up in flames. Her face hurt from smiling. They’d sold their paintings as a set for a hefty five thousand they would split down the middle. Shaking the last hand, they shut the door to the gallery and she slumped against the door. “Finally, it’s over,” Aibhlinn said with a sigh.
“You two were a hit,” her mother crowed. “You should do this more often.”
“Thanks, Mum. I think we’re both ready to crash.” Her stomach began to flip as uncertainty set in.
“I’ll walk her to her car,” Enzo stated, gently taking her by the elbow.
“We’ll see you later, Mum,” she said, allowing Enzo to lead her outside.
“Your place or mine?” he asked.
She paused and shuddered thinking about the women he’d had in and out of his bed. “Mine.”
He nodded. “I’ll meet you there.” She hit the unlock button on her key fob and he opened the door, helping her inside. Closing the door, he tapped her hood and stepped away, watching as she pulled off.
Things had shifted between them. Burying their heads in the sand was no longer an option.
“A mhuirnín” (uh WUR-neen): “darling”
“A chroí” (uh KHREE): “heart”
Chapter Five
Enzo
s he made the drive to Aibhlinn’s apartment, one thought echoed in his skull. I have no idea what I’m doing. He gripped the steering wheel hard enough to crack it, and his knuckles ached in protest. He took a deep breath. I can’t screw this up. She looked at him with those damn blue-green eyes that reminded him of the ocean, and he’d caved. She never asked for much. His best friend put her heart on the chopping board and waited for him to respond. He had to step up and meet her halfway. Everything he wanted dangled in the balance. He tugged at his collar and squirmed in his seat, feeling uncomfortable in his own skin. He was breaking his rules. I set these guidelines up for a reason. Why the hell am I going against them? It’s been working just fine. Even as he thought it, he knew he was lying. He ignored the screaming voice in his head. She’d made it clear. They tried this, or she would back off. He wasn’t sure if he could handle that. His stomach bubbled like a pot of boiling water.
Aibhlinn was his sunshine. The goodness rewarded to balance out all the evil he’d seen and been a part of in life. Without her, he would be lost to the darkness completely. His heart pounded in his chest. He felt like a teenage boy on his first date. It’s just Ave. There’s no need to freak out. Logic failed him as he pulled into a parking space outside of her building. Cutting the engine, he took a deep breath. There was no backing out at this point. Sink or swim, things were changing between them. He glanced up at the star-studded sky and closed his eyes. God, if you’re out there, help me out. I don’t deserve any of your grace, but that woman up there waiting for me does. She loves you with all her heart, and she deserves more than my shriveled heart is capable of giving. He’d never been religious growing up. His mom had barely managed to get him to school every day, let alone instill religious beliefs. By the time he got to the Jordans’ home, his heart was hardened, and his trust was broken.
Then Aibhlinn had come and showed him by example what religion did for people. He saw how those who believed acted. She was kind, forgiving, and gracious. He thought at first, it was an act, but as time went by, he realized it was much more. She’d dragged him to mass on a few occasions. There truly wasn’t much he wouldn’t do to make her happy. Stepping from the car, he made his way inside her building. He had a set of keys, but it felt important to seek permission to enter right now. He tapped on the door, and it opened almost immediately.
“You came,” she said breathlessly.
“I’ll never leave you hanging, babe,” he whispered, smoothing down her hair and tucking a few strands behind her ear.
“Come in,” she said in a husky voice that made his dick twitch. She was perfection in the slinky black dress and heels she wore to the gallery. The scent of something light and floral teased his sense of smell. Her hair tumbled around her face in fat curls his fingers itched to touch. He stepped inside and the door shut, leaving their old relationship on the other side. This was uncharted territory. Unsure what to do, he shoved his hands into his pocket.
“Are you getting shy on me, a mhuirnín?” Aibhlinn asked.
He snickered. “Not sure how to proceed. This isn’t my area, darling. You’ll have to speak plainly about what you want.”
“You sure you’re ready for this? We can’t go back, you know?”
“Babe, we passed that road a long time ago. That line in the sand got obliterated when you came with my name on your lips and put your hand down my pants.”
A wicked smile spread over her face. “There’s plenty of things I want you to do. I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time.”
Her accent was thicker, and her eyes were darker. His cock strained against his jeans. He was mesmerized by the woman in front of him. For the first time, he didn’t feel guilty about seeing her as someone he desired. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Aibhlinn. I don’t even feel fit to touch you. You’re too pure. I’ve got so much dirt on my hands.”
Aibhlinn walked over and placed her hands on his chest. “You’re not a mobster, and we both know the things my family are still involved in. None of us is spotless. I don’t care about your past, Enzo. I’ve never seen that. I only see you and the way you make me feel.”
“How do I make you feel?” he whispered.
“When it’s just you and me, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world because you make me feel like I’m the only woman you see.”
“You are for me,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around her waist.
“I want you to show me, Enzo. No holds barred, no worries about tomorrow. I want you to make me feel how much I mean to you. I’ve spent so long thinking about this moment.” Her voice shook, and she took a shaky breath.
Seeing this effect on her, made him feel ten feet tall. Gripping her jaw with his hand, he held her in place as he thoroughly kissed her mouth, exploring every nook and cranny.
She was a fine whiskey full of hints of heat, spice, and notes of things he couldn’t put his finger on. Her tongue touched his, and his nerves caught fire. He moaned into her mouth, tilting his head as he devoured her. He could never get enough of this woman…once forbidden to him. His other hand came up and wound in her curls; the silken strands wrapped around his fingers. They surfaced for air.
“You’re so gorgeous, Ave,” he said, studying her flushed cheeks, kiss-swollen lips, and mussed hair. He wanted to see her wild, undone, and moving on his cock. The thought of her naked had his tip leaking pre-come. The episode outside the gallery was just an appetizer. He would need all night to be anywhere near satisfied when it came to her. “I want this to be slow, but I don’t think I can. Waited too long. Denied myself too much,” he whispered. His voice cracked, and heat rushed to his face. He’d been reduced to acting like a boy who just found out he could make himself come.
“I don’t want it slow,” she said.
His eyes went wide. He hadn’t expected this.
Rising up on her tiptoes, she brushed his ear with her lips.
He shuddered at the feel of her warm breath.
“I want it fast.” She flicked the shell of his ear with her tongue. “Hard,” she bit his earlobe, “and dirty. We can do slow later.”
He gripped her hips hard. “You sure that’s what you want, little girl? Because once I start, I’m not stopping.”
“I’d kill you if you did.”