by Marie Skye
"Well, well, well. Look who’s back.”
He flopped down in the chair in front of me. "I know. I don't know why getting everything in place in Florida is taking forever. So what's going on here? And I don't mean work."
"Not a whole lot, just the usual. You missed our little snow storm. I'm sure you were pissed while you lay out on the beach."
"I swear, if I didn't love this damn city so much, I would move. So, I'm thinking a celebration of my homecoming is in order.” Chace rubbed his hands together.
"You were gone a week, not a year, Chace."
“Doesn't matter. I deserve a fucking party. I've already reserved myself a night at Tesh, so it's pretty much a done deal. You in?”
Tesh was an exclusive BDSM club that was an invite-only membership. It had a bi-annual membership fee of fifty thousand dollars. It only had top-shelf alcohol and five-star dining, as well as participation in sex, sex, and more sex. You could even get fucked up over the smoothest cocaine there ever was. Confidentiality agreements were signed by all parties. It was a bachelor's dream, assuming their dreams were made up of drugs and wet pussy. Mine were. The wet pussy at least. My thoughts turned to Emmalin.
"As tempting as that sounds, I can't."
He paused. “Excuse me? You’ve never said no to that before.”
I ran my hand through my hair. “I didn’t say no. I just said… I can’t.”
He stood up and looked me over. “What the fuck happened in the one week I was gone?” He grabbed my left hand. “I don’t see a ring, because we both know that would never happen, so what exactly is going on?”
I took a deep breath. “You remember Emmalin?”
He looked up in thought. “The girl we had dinner with after the musical?”
“What? No, the girl I hired as part of the financial team.”
“Oh, right. The one that flinched, and you tried ripping my head off.”
“Right, well, I like her. A lot. And during the storm, I made her stay with me.”
“You ‘made’ her stay with you. As in what? You dragged her there?”
“Something like that.” I got up and moved over to the window. He leaned against my desk, crossing his arms and ankles. I took a moment to look out at the city. It was breathtaking. I turned back to Chace, and found him staring at me. “What?” He shook his head. “If you have something to say, then say it to me.”
“You have a history. I don’t know how much you’ve told her, or if you’ve told her anything at all, but…” He took a deep breath. “Just be careful. She’s not like the others.”
I took a deep breath. "I know, which means I don't know how big of a problem this will be."
He nodded. “That’s what worries me.”
“You’re one to talk. How are you going to come in here and lecture me when you refuse to fix your own shit? I’m not going to keep telling you, Chace. Sober the fuck up. Stop being an ass and fucking do it!” His face hardened as we eyed each other.
“Thanks for the welcome back, man. Appreciate the love and the warm welcome.” With that, he turned and left.
"It's nice to see you again, Grayson.” I nodded. "It's been what? A year since you were last here?"
"Eleven months. Eleven months is not a year."
He smiled. “Still blunt as usual, glad some things haven't changed.”
I stared straight ahead and had to remind myself I was here for a purpose.
"So what brings you here today, Grayson?"
I looked at Dr. Klein, a psychologist I had been seeing as long as I could remember. My parents first brought me to him at the age of twelve for weekly appointments. Weekly turned monthly, and then once I turned eighteen, I made the decision to see him whenever I damn well pleased.
"I've had a few episodes.” He nodded, waiting for me to go on. "They haven't been anything to be worried too much about, but…" I faded off. I didn’t understand. I had no problems telling people to go fuck themselves, yet talking to a psychiatrist clammed me up.
"Well, the fact that you're here means you were concerned enough. What were your triggers?"
"I met someone. I've somehow conjured up feelings I didn't even know I had, but, being around her dug deep.” He continued listening. "I practically forced her to stay with me during the snow storm, and then asked her to move in with me.” I gazed around the room. "I know. Crazy, right?” I sighed. "I don't know. I feel something for her, and I shouldn't, right? Of course I shouldn't. She's different, though. That's what I like about her. She's different, but that's what makes her so perfect.” I paused. "I don't like this."
"You don't like what, Grayson?"
I waved my hand around the room, putting my stoic ‘go fuck yourself’ mask back on. "This. Feeling this way. I don't do feelings anymore. I left that person behind a long time ago." I stood up, about to leave.
"Grayson, before you go, may I say something?” I stopped and turned around. "Regardless of how you think or feel, you deserve to be loved, the way any other person should be loved. Don't throw that away over fear. Not everyone deserves to hurt just because you were."
I walked out the door.
An hour later, I was in the en suite of my office having a bourbon. 'Not everyone deserves to hurt just because you were.’ I kept thinking that over. I'm prone to fucking shit up, might as well continue to do so. What can I say? I'm an asshole. I looked at my phone at the last text message Emmalin sent a few hours ago.
The heat works great. Thank you, Grayson :)
I hadn’t even responded. As much as I realized I needed to stay away from her, I couldn't. Even if that meant she wouldn't be safe. I sent a text to Luke.
Me: Any updates?
Luke: She's run quite a few errands, either by foot or subway. I've been tracking her whereabouts at a distance. I can intervene.
Me: I'll handle it.
I spent the entire day trying to figure shit out, and it was starting to get dark. I went to a couple of apartment locators, who either had nothing in the budget or, distance wise, was just too far. I was exhausted, sweaty, and hungry. Not how I planned my day.
I reached my apartment knowing it wouldn't be home for long. Stepping inside the lobby, I looked around at the broken elevator, the questionable stairs, and the stains on the floor. Who was I kidding? Grayson was right. I just didn't want to admit that.
I got to my apartment and took a good gander around. I didn't have much, but it was mine. I was just about to head to see what I had for dinner when there was a knock on my door. I reached for my bat, just in case, and peered out the door. There stood Grayson. I opened the door wider.
"Grayson, what are you doing here?” He smiled, and instantly my stomach had butterflies.
"I was in the area.”
I raised an eyebrow as I stepped back to let him in. "I somehow doubt that.” Before I could shut the door completely, he had me against it. His mouth crashed against mine, hard, heated, and demanding. His teeth gently nipped my lips as I melted into him.
"If you're in the area, then so am I," he whispered against my lips. I nodded, already breathless.
Taking my hand, he guided me to the futon before removing his coat. I took that moment to admire him in his suit, which didn't do him justice. It was all black with a black silk vest that made his ridiculously blue eyes stand out even more. His hair was mussed and spiky like he ran his hands through it a few times.
I looked down at my worn jeans and oversized sweater, which had a small hole that I managed to make bigger each time I wore it. My hair was in a messy bun. We sat there, fingers linked. I finally broke the silence.
"So, how was your day?"
"Good,” he answered with a slight grin.
I nodded. "Lots of meetings?"
He slightly tensed. "I'm not here to talk about myself, Emmalin. How about you tell me how your day was?"
I played with the hole in my sweater. "It was good, uneventful. Just ran some errands and checked some things out.” I shifted and pu
t a pillow in front of me, all of a sudden thinking I needed a barrier between us. He studied my movements and kept quiet for a long time before speaking again.
"You don't have to do that."
I looked up, confused. "Do what?"
"That." He waved his hand toward me. "You don't have to cover yourself up, or block yourself from me, or put up this wall you're so used to doing. You can tell me anything. I want you to.” I looked in his eyes, recognizing the sincerity they held. “Talk to me,” he whispered.
I took a deep breath. “Okay, but you can’t get all Grayson-like on me.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Grayson-like? What does that mean?”
I playfully punched him on the shoulder. “You know what I mean. Grayson-like. You get all domineering. If you haven’t noticed, you’re very demanding.”
He smiled. “I’m a very demanding person. I make no promises. Now, stop stalling.”
I narrowed my eyes at him and took a deep breath. “My apartment building has been condemned, and I have to be out within two weeks until they’re finished doing whatever they have to do, so I’ve spent the day looking for another place.” I looked down at the hole in my sweater. “It’s just stressful, that’s all.”
He began to speak, but I cut him off. “But it’ll be fine. I have a few leads, so it’ll all work itself out.” I tried to stand, but he held me still.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’ll stay with me.”
I shook my head. “Grayson, I couldn’t ask.”
“Are you kidding? You don’t have to ask. I would love for you to stay with me. Besides, I recall a bet we had not too long ago. Think of it as you redeeming that bet.”
I groaned. “I thought you would’ve forgotten about that.”
He feigned shock. “Me, miss asking a beautiful girl that I adore to stay with me? No, I don’t think that’s something I can easily forget.” He pulled me tighter.
I leaned my forehead against his. “Thank you. And I promise I’ll pay rent.”
He crushed his mouth to mine, kissing me like his life depended on it. “Having you there and waking up with you is all I want.” He caressed my hand. “Are you hungry? You declined dinner, but I decided you were going to change your mind.”
I tried suppressing a laugh. “You decided I was going to change my mind, did you?”
He jumped up, reaching for my hand. “Yes, come on. Let’s go.”
I sized up my outfit. “I’m not dressed for dinner.”
He turned toward me. “You’re beautiful.”
Five minutes later, we were standing outside in front of a limo. “A limo, Grayson? Really?” He shrugged as Alistair opened the door.
“Good evening, Alistair.”
He nodded. “Good evening, Ms. Ross. Good to see you again.” I climbed into the backseat and slid to the other side. Grayson got in and sat directly next to me. I touched his suit jacket.
“I like you in these suits.”
He began unzipping my coat. “Well, I like you naked.” I groaned as he slid his hands underneath my sweater and began teasing my nipples. “How about we make a deal? I’ll keep wearing these suits, and you stay naked. Of course, I’m willing to accept skirts since they have easy access.” He unbuttoned my jeans and slid his hand down. I felt him smile against my neck.
“Always ready.”
I arched my back and fumbled to undo his pants. All of a sudden, he sat up and pressed a button hidden on the side.
“Keep driving until I say otherwise.” He pressed another button, and music came on the surround sound. Ball and Biscuit.
He slid my jeans all the way off. “I love this song,” I breathed out heavily.
“Me too.” He started kissing up my thighs.
“I’ve been craving you all fucking day.” I gasped as my panties were ripped off. “You won’t be needing these.” He shoved them into his pocket. “All day, I wanted to feel you. Your skin, your touch, and the way your cunt clenches around me when you come.”
He bit down on my inner thigh hard. I yelped, surprised by the pain, but it was short-lived as his lips touched my clit and I instantly starting coming. I came so hard my vision started to blur. I couldn’t take it anymore. I was too sensitive and started to pull back when he held my hips down firmly and sucked harder.
“Grayson! I can’t. It’s too much.” The music had gotten louder, and I vaguely noticed a new song had begun playing. He bit down on the flesh near my mound, and I felt my body convulse. He placed an open-mouthed kiss on my entrance, tonguing me deep while he teased my hardened nub with his thumb.
I covered my face with my hands in a lame-ass attempt to muffle my screams as I exploded. I kept saying his name as he brought me down. My body was lax as I attempted to control my breathing.
He planted kisses as he crawled up my body, positioned himself between my legs, and surged forward. “God, this is all I could think of all day. My cock deep inside you. Your pussy swelling around me.” His words alone were enough to get me there.
“Grayson.” My vision clouded. He pulled out, and before I had time to protest, he flipped me over until my front was up against the seat and I was up on my knees. Crawling up behind me, he placed my hands on the back of the seat. One arm went across my chest, gripping my breasts, and the other he used to shift my hips back slightly to sit over his cock.
This position made him sink deep. I rolled my head back, relishing in the pleasure. His hand that was teasing my nipple began to travel higher, and his other hand moved down to circle my clit. His thrusting became faster, and he turned my head, so his mouth could claim mine. Right when I was about to explode, his other hand reached my throat and squeezed. I froze as panic spread through me, all thoughts of an orgasm immediately ceased. Grayson thrust three more times before finding his release. I did what any other woman would do. I faked it.
We laid there listening to the low hum of the car. The music took on a much softer tone.
“We should probably head to the restaurant soon.” He got up and started getting dressed. He reached over to the side console. “Ten minutes, Alistair.”
I put my jeans on, and Grayson helped me straighten my sweater and started smoothing my hair to make it look more presentable. Just like that, his entire demeanor changed. We spent the next few minutes riding in complete silence.
We pulled up outside the restaurant, and I made sure Emmalin was bundled up before taking her hand and guiding her out of the limo. Benny, my head of security was already at the entrance, ready to escort us in.
"Mr. Mandrake, could we get a picture?” Emmalin stopped wide-eyed. I pulled her to my side, and she turned toward me, face down avoiding the camera. I kissed the top of her head.
"Are you okay?" I whispered.
She looked up at me and nodded. "They just took me by surprise."
I smiled. "It's just the press. Part of the job."
"Mr. Mandrake, can we get a statement regarding the recent proposal expansion?”
I stiffened. "A press conference will be held in a few days. Until then, no comment.” Benny, my head security, flanked Emmalin, and we made our way into the restaurant and were greeted by the manager. I extended my hand.
"Mr. Mandrake, so honored to have you here tonight. Please allow us to take your coats.” I shrugged off mine as Emmalin unzipped hers. I rested my hand on the small of her back as we were led to our table. Before we reached it, we were stopped.
"Grayson, I thought I would see you here."
I tensed. "Of course, best food in the city. And I'm not just saying that because it's mine of course." I turned to Emmalin. "Emmalin, this is Arthur Falley. Arthur, this is Emmalin Ross.” He kissed her hand.
"My friends call me Art, which Grayson here doesn't consider me. Lovely to meet you, Ms. Ross."
"Nice to meet you as well,” Emmalin said. I noticed he still hadn't let go of her hand.
“You’re very lovely. Ross. Any relationship to Geoffrey Ross over at Ross and Sterling Associates?"
Emmalin shook her head. "No, just another name, it seems.” She was trying to be polite. Not only did he not release her hand, but he placed his other on top of hers and proceeded to look her up and down like she was on the fucking menu.
"Do you have a problem keeping your hands to yourself, Arthur? Or perhaps maybe you just aren't aware of the proper protocol for hand shaking. Which is it?”
He smiled at me before nodding at Emmalin and releasing her hand. I placed her hand into mine.
"If you have business to discuss, arrange a meeting. Enjoy the rest of your meal,” I dismissed him. We made it the rest of the way to our table with no more interruptions. My preferred bottle of wine was already on the table.
"Sorry about that."
"I take it you don't fancy Arthur?"
"Not particularly, no. He's always gotten underneath my skin. But we're not here to talk about him.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She took a sip of her water.
“You should only ever apologize if you mean it, Emmalin. Only do things that you mean.” Her eyes shot up to mine. Before she could say anything, the waiter appeared at our table.
“Good evening, Mr. Mandrake. The usual tonight?”
“Yes, that’ll be fine. Two please, and I’ll take a bourbon.”
“Very good, sir.” He took both our menus and walked away. I stared at my wine.
“What’s your usual?”
“What?”
“Your usual. What’s your usual?”
The waiter appeared with my bourbon and immediately left.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t even think to ask. It’s just steak. I can have them bring you something else.”
She shook her head. “It’s fine.”
I nodded, swirling my drink before taking a sip.
“Are you okay? You seem different since…” Her voice faded. “I mean, did I do something wrong?”
I peered at her over my glass. The waiter came then, setting down two plates in front of us. I immediately picked up my knife and fork, so that I wouldn’t have to talk, and started eating. In my peripheral vision, I could see Emmalin staring at her plate.