by Marie Skye
My breath quickened. Dammit, body, no! I put my hand over his. "Grayson."
He ran his hand through his hair. "Fuck, Emmalin. What am I supposed to do? Go along with this?” He slammed his fist on the stone coffee table. A moment passed.
“I think it's time you told me how you hurt your hand.” Several minutes passed before he turned to me and spoke.
"You have to know that I will never hurt you. I may say and do some fucked-up shit and be an asshole, but I will never hurt you. I need you to understand that." I nodded. "I need the words, baby. Tell me that you trust me.” He cupped my face in his hands.
"I trust you, Grayson.”
He stared into my eyes. If he was looking for any trace of fear or reluctance, he would find none. He took a deep breath before speaking.
"I have what is called Impulsive Aggressive Behavior. I've had it since the age of nine. I was angry all the time over the littlest things. Then it got bigger where I would just lash out. My parents first thought I was bipolar with all the mood changes. After months of therapy, they finally diagnosed me with Impulsive Aggressive Behavior. I was started on medication to control it, but I hated the way they made me feel. I stopped taking them after four years. I started finding other ways to deal with it. I figured, if I couldn't beat the shit of people, then I might as well learn Krav Maga and take my anger out that way. I got good at it. I loved it. I started finding other ways to deal with it, too."
He stood and stalked to the bar for another drink before continuing, and downed it in one gulp.
"So, I turned to sex. Raw, animalistic sex. I was starting to make a name for myself in the business world, but I was leading a double life. Becoming this young entrepreneur by day and fucking by night. I enjoyed tying women up, using whips and floggers, and punishing them to my satisfaction. I was a sadist.” He sat back down on the couch. "Long story short, when I overheard you talking with your friend about how you weren't good enough for me, it got to me. I don't know why. It just did. Then it didn't help when your 'friend' announced your date. So, punching the brick wall helped.” He sighed. "I want to protect you, but at the same time, I know this whole thing screams abusive guy, and you should run away. But I want you to stay," he said softly.
We sat quietly. I stared straight ahead, trying to take it all in. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see him watching me. Wondering what I was thinking. Wondering if I was going to leave. Maybe I should leave. If ever I wanted an out, this was it, right? I was always running, always hiding, always pushing. I didn’t want to do that anymore. We all had our demons.
I finally turned to him. His face was a mixture of emotions. Dread was prominent, and maybe even love. I took his damaged hand in mine and looked into his eyes.
"Does it hurt?” He shook his head, but still held my gaze.
I nodded and finally took in my surroundings. “Are we staying here tonight?"
He seemed surprised by my question. "You're not leaving?"
I shook my head. "We all have a past.”
He looked at me as if he wanted me to tell him more, almost as if he was urging me. There was a reason I didn’t play the whole ‘you tell me, and I tell you’ game. I cleared my throat. “Thank you for being honest with me.” He smiled, and I saw a hint of uncertainty before he took me in his arms, holding me tight.
"God, I was prepared to have Alistair take you home and find you a new position at work.” He squeezed me tighter. "Thank you for staying. And trusting me."
I didn’t sleep much. Every time I tried, I kept waking up thinking she would be gone. She never left. I didn’t even want to go to work. I just wanted to be around her. She trusted me.
“I have to get up.”
I groaned and pulled her closer. “Five more minutes.”
She giggled. “You said that ten minutes ago.”
I groaned again. “Just stay.” I nuzzled her neck, nibbling that spot by her collarbone.
She moaned. “Grayson.”
“Hmm?” My hand traveled down my white, button-down shirt she wore to bed. I started unbuttoning it and immediately latched onto a nipple.
She groaned again. “I’m going to get fired.”
I sucked harder and made a popping noise as I released her nipple before moving to her other one. “Good. Then I’ll have you all to myself.”
Before she could protest, I claimed her mouth. Her hands fisted the back of my hair. It had been days since I truly had her. I wanted her so bad it almost hurt. I ripped the rest of the buttons on the shirt, needing her skin now. I slid my hand down her body and cupped her mound, making her breath hitch.
“Already wet, just how I like you.” I slipped in a finger, going in and out lazily.
She bucked her hips. “Grayson, please.” She was panting.
I smiled into her neck. “I’m just making sure you’re ready for me.” I withdrew and slipped in a second finger as my thumb rubbed her wetness on her clit.
She hissed. “I’m ready!”
I dragged her nipple into my mouth. “Are you sure?” I teased and applied more pressure to her clit. She gasped. I could feel her pussy beginning to tighten around my fingers. She was so fucking close. I eased off, decreasing the pressure on her swollen nub, and reached into the nightstand for a condom.
I looked at her. Fucking perfect. Lips swollen. Nipples hard. Legs spread and pussy dripping. Fucking perfect indeed. I rolled on the condom while continuing the slow torture on her clit.
“Something you need?”
She looked at me, panting. I knew she was on the edge of exploding.
Her eyes narrowed and she licked her lips. “You,” she breathed out.
I momentarily stilled. She could’ve said anything having to do with making her come. But all she said was ‘you.'
Keeping my thumb on her clit, I removed my fingers and thrust into her, all the way to the hilt. I hissed. “Fuuuuck.” Her pussy gripped my cock. I stilled and stared into her eyes. “Tell me.” She moaned, but didn’t answer. “Tell me who controls your pleasure.” Thrust.
Her eyes fluttered shut.
“Eyes!”
They flew open. Thrust.
“I said tell me.” Her body tensed, but I wasn’t going to let her reach that edge.
She started to whimper. “Grayson, please.”
I withdrew to just the tip. “Tell. Me,” I said through gritted teeth.
Her hooded eyes pierced me. “You do.” Words to make a man happy. Thrust. She gasped. Fuck, I love that sound she makes.
“Which means your pussy is mine.” Thrust.
“Yes!” Thrust.
“Your body is mine.” Thrust.
“God, yes!”
“And if I want to fuck you all fucking day that is my right!”
“Grayson!”
I thrust into her harder, and her body tensed. I bit down on her shoulder, and she broke, screaming my name.
I thrust five more times before I exploded. Hard.
We laid there panting, trying to catch our breaths. I sucked on the bite mark I left on her shoulder. Marking her. After all, she was mine.
“Hey!” She tried swatting me away. “That’s gonna leave a mark.”
I looked up, chuckling. “I know.”
She giggled. “What are you, some territorial caveman?”
“Just marking what’s mine. Besides, can’t have so-called friends thinking you’re out for the taking.” I raised my eyebrows, and she rolled her eyes. Grabbing her hand, I said, “Come on, shower with me.”
Thirty minutes later, we were both showered and dressed. He looked delectable in his suit. I was trying so hard not to stare at him and think about how good that suit would look on the floor. I had to get it together.
Sitting at the breakfast nook, he poured us coffee as I feasted on eggs and fruit. His chair was so close our thighs brushed against each other, and he placed his arm around me while checking his messages on his phone.
Placing a kiss on my temple, he asked, “
What’s your schedule today?”
I set my fork down. “Well, it was seven to one, but seeing how it’s almost seven thirty and I haven’t gone in yet, I’ll most likely end up staying late to make up.”
Several minutes passed before he spoke. “Luke will pick you up from work and bring you here.” He took another sip of his coffee.
“Since it won’t be dark, I’m fine with walking.”
“Luke will pick you up from work and bring you here,” he repeated with more authority.
“Could we not start with that this morning?”
“Start what?” He had the nerve to look offended.
I pointed between us. “This. This arguing over my well-being. I’m fine, Grayson.”
“I never said you weren’t fine. I just would rather know you’re safe, which you will be if you have your driver instead of walking the streets or taking the subway. You’re in Chicago, Emmalin, not a small city. Even public transit is questionable.”
“Fine, but I’m going to my place.”
He stiffened. “You don’t want to come here?”
Sighing, I pushed my plate away. “It’s not that I don’t want to come here, but I have my own place, Grayson. One I haven’t really gone to since you took me from it on Friday.” I stood up, taking my plate over to the sink. “I have to get going.”
He looked at his watch. “I suppose I couldn’t stall you any longer, could I?” Smiling, I shook my head. “Yeah, I didn’t think so. Come on. Luke is waiting outside.” We grabbed our coats and headed out.
“Lukas, this is Emmalin Ross. Emmalin, this is Lukas Summers.”
I extended my hand. “Nice to meet you, Lukas.”
He smiled. “Pleasure is all mine, Ms. Ross. Please, call me Luke.”
I nodded.
“Luke, as I mentioned before, you’ll be assigned to Emmalin,” Grayson said, and I rolled my eyes at how unnecessary this was. I wouldn’t be surprised if he assigned a security detail next. We began our drive into the city. “Will you be working with that boy tonight?”
I turned to Grayson and crinkled my eyebrows. It took me a second to realize who he was talking about. “His name is Caleb, and yes, he’ll be starting toward the end of my shift.”
“Good. So it’s my understanding that you’ll be canceling your so-called date?”
I sighed. “Grayson, I can’t cancel on him. He’s been planning this for weeks. I’ll explain to him that he and I should only be friends.”
“Should? You say that as if there’s another option,” Grayson growled.
“Okay, you know what? I’m not going to have this conversation with you if you’re going to continue to act this way.”
“Well, how the hell should I act when my girlfriend is going on a date with another guy?” He ran his hands through his hair.
Girlfriend? I smiled. So we’re labeled now.
“What are you smiling at? This isn’t funny.” We slowed down in front of Tea Lites. I cupped his face in my hands.
“I’ll take care of this, okay? But you can’t get all barbaric on me.” I kissed him gently on the mouth. Before I could pull away, he grabbed onto me and hauled me to him, kissing me hard, as if he was staking his claim.
“Take care of it. Or I will,” he whispered against my lips. I nodded.
The rest of the morning went by in a blur. It was so busy that before I knew it, the lunchtime crowd had finally settled down. I was beyond exhausted. I normally made it a point not to sleep much, but with this newly found sexual adventure, there wasn't much time to do anything else.
I was finally able to take a break when Gwen sat next to me. She was a new addition and had only been working a few weeks.
"Busy day, right?"
I nodded while taking a sip of my tea. "I'm glad it’s finally dying down. I can take a real break.” I began eating my Havarti and chicken Panini. Pure heaven.
"So, I was curious about something, Emmalin.”
I turned toward her, raising my eyebrows.
"Well, um, I was wondering about you and Caleb.” She paused. "Are you guys, you know, together?”
My sandwich decided that was the perfect opportunity to get stuck in my throat. After coughing up my lungs and her hitting my back, I took a sip of my water.
"Are you interested in Caleb?" I asked, still trying to get my voice going again.
She smiled. "Well, he's cute and sweet.” Then her eyes widened. "But if you two are together, I mean, I'm not that type of person." She became flustered.
I placed my hand over hers. "It's okay. Really. I'm actually…" I took a deep breath. "I'm actually seeing someone else."
"You're dating someone?” A deep voice spoke behind me, and I turned around. Caleb was standing there with a sandwich and a look of confusion on his face. Gwen had gotten up quietly and left. Awkward.
"Hey, you're here early." I forced a smile.
He took the chair next to me. "Yeah, I wanted to grab lunch before I started. So, you're seeing someone?"
I didn't want to hurt him. He was so kindhearted. "Yeah, kind of. It's new.” I looked down at my sandwich, no longer hungry but also knowing that if I didn't finish it, I would pay the consequences later.
"Is it that guy who’s always here?” I nodded. "I figured. I should’ve known.”
I instantly felt remorse. "Caleb, I'm so sorry. I wasn't trying to lead you on. You're a great guy, and with him, it just happened."
"I get it. I was too late. But I get it. It's not like you and I were dating.” He stared at his sandwich. I placed my hand on his arm. "You are one of my good friends, and I hope we continue that.”
He covered my hand with his. "I'd like that."
We continued to eat our sandwiches and a few minutes went by. “What do you think of Gwen?” I turned, facing him.
“She’s nice. I haven’t had a chance to really talk to her ‘cause of our shift differential, but she seems nice. Why?”
I shook my head. “I was just wondering. I like her. She’s sweet.”
He nodded, looking over at Gwen, who just happened to glance up and smile while blushing. He turned to me. “So I suppose two friends can’t go to the film festival?”
I took a moment. “We can go.”
An hour later, my shift was over. I couldn’t have been happier. I was exhausted, mentally and physically. I grabbed my coat, headed outside, and began my walk, but I was stopped abruptly.
“Ms. Ross?”
“Luke?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be taking you home.” He had the car door open.
I peeked ahead of me. “Um, you know, it’s okay. It’s not that far.”
“It’s no problem. Mr. Mandrake insists on it.”
Before I could respond, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen. Grayson.
“Hello.”
“Get in the car, Emmalin.”
I sighed. “How did you do that?”
“Don’t underestimate me. Now get in the car.”
I looked over at Luke, who was trying not to smile.
“He’s a persistent ass, isn’t he, Luke?”
“I can hear you,” Grayson said on the phone.
“Well, I said it out loud.” I hung up the phone and got in the car. Seconds later, I received a text.
Grayson: That was your 1 and only time to hang up on me.
Me: Maybe you deserved it.
Grayson: And maybe you deserve to be thoroughly fucked.
Me: That’s 1 hell of a punishment. Rain check?
Grayson: R U sure I can’t convince you to stay at my place? I’ll make it worth your while.
Me: I wouldn’t doubt that. See you tomorrow?
Grayson: If it has to be then, so be it. Enjoy the rest of your day off. Do something enjoyable, like think of me.
Me: I’m always thinking of u.
Grayson: That’s what I like to hear.
I put my phone away as we pulled up to my apartment, determined to take a nap. I strolled past the elevator, w
hich never worked, and up to my floor. There was a note attached to the door. I hurried inside, enjoying the fact that I now had heat. After setting my stuff down, I opened the envelope.
Condemned notice due to code violations as ordered by the state of Illinois and the Home Inspection Authority.
Shit.
I read the letter over and over again. My apartment was being condemned. It wasn’t a horrible apartment. Sure, there were areas that needed to be fixed, but to be condemned? Oh, who was I kidding? This place was a dump, but an affordable dump. This was not what I needed right now, and how fair of them to give me two fucking weeks to be out. I slumped on my bed, trying to mentally calculate my bank account balance and what I could afford at the last minute. I wanted to cry. My phone beeped with a text from Grayson.
Grayson: Dinner at 6?
Me: I can't.
My phone immediately rang. I hit ignore. I couldn't deal with him right now. I had my own problems I needed to fix. My phone beeped.
Grayson: Are you deliberately ignoring me?
Me: No, I just have a lot of stuff to do. Talk later?
My phone rang again, and I rolled my eyes.
"Hello, Grayson."
"Stuff like what?"
Stuff like finding an apartment.
"Just a few things I need to do. How's work going?” I tried steering the conversation another way.
"Never a dull moment, although I'm sure if you were here, it would make the day that much better."
"What a tough life you lead, being the CEO of your own company." I stared at the letter I held in my hands. Unbelievable.
He laughed. "How was work today?"
"It was really good, busy. We got some new teas in today.” I was rambling, and we both knew it. He was quiet for a moment.
"What's bothering you, Emmalin?"
I took a deep breath. “Nothing. Everything is good."
"Good? Everything is good?" He sighed. "Okay. I have a meeting, but if you go anywhere, call Luke, okay?” He hung up.
She was lying. I knew she was. I hated being lied to, and I hated it even more when someone I cared about was lying straight to me. I knew damn well she had a notice on her door. There was a knock on my door, and before I could say anything, Chace walked in.