“Gareth,” Bryce warned.
“Hang on and hear me out. I want to apologise to Alexis, explain a few things. We seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot, and I want to make things right, especially now that she and her children are living here.”
I thought I noticed the faintest evidence of fallacy, but I couldn’t be quite sure. Then again, maybe this was Gareth and he was being genuine. No, regardless of that, I wanted him as far away from Nate and Charli as possible. He was unstable, and I did not trust him, not for a minute.
I looked at my kids who were still sitting on the sofa now looking nervous. “Nate and Charlotte, please go to your rooms for a minute. I will be up soon.”
Nate sensed my unease and took hold of his sister’s hand, both of them making their way upstairs very quickly. When they were out of sight and the door to the bedroom had shut behind them, I addressed Gareth.
“Okay, so apologise.” I put down the items I still had in my arms and walked over to the sofa my kids had been sitting on. Bryce did the same.
“Look, I know Bryce has explained my situation, and I’m glad he has. Hopefully that will help you understand and be, um...forgiving of my flaws, so to speak.” He seemed very calm and informative, but I couldn’t help pick up on a tinge of arrogance in his expression. The whole apology seemed forged. Then again, I had no experience whatsoever with someone who had Dissociative Identity Disorder, so I couldn’t say for sure that this wasn’t Gareth trying to make amends. Regardless, I went along with his attempt.
“The day I attacked you...well I didn’t attack you, Scott did...” He seemed angry, angry with Scott, who was also Gareth, but he wasn’t angry with himself. Oh my God, this is so surreal. “The day Scott attacked you I had lost all control of myself. I had no idea I had even seen you, let alone touched you. That was until Bryce told me what I had done. I’m so sorry, Alexis, please believe me,” he pleaded.
I wanted to believe him, but deep down I just couldn’t.
“I have been taking all my medication and seeing my doctor three times a week. I have been fine. I feel fine. I really want to get to know you if you’ll let me. If Bryce loves you as much as he appears to, then I know I will love you too.” He smiled at me.
That smile, mixed with those last words had me invisibly dry-heaving. I couldn’t help it; it was all just a bit too much. My head was in no state to be deciphering anything, let alone whether a DID alter was currently putting on an Academy Award-worthy performance.
“Gareth, I appreciate what you are trying to do, and I appreciate you wanting to apologise for Scott’s behaviour and actions, but I’ve had a horrible day and this is all just a bit too much for me to dissect right now. Look, maybe if we spend a little more time in each other’s company we might just be able to be friends. But for now, I really need to go lie down, I have a horrible headache,” I stood up quickly, feeling a little bit dizzy. Bryce noticed my slight imbalance and shot up to my side.
“Are you all right?” He searched my eyes for any signs of distress.
“I’m fine. I just need to lie down and sleep off this headache. You stay here and catch up with Gareth. I’m going to go upstairs.” I leaned up and kissed his cheek while watching Gareth for any indication that it was, in fact, Scott in his place. Gareth looked away momentarily, making me think that it was Scott all along. But then he offered me some get well wishes as I left the room. I slowly climbed the stairs, watching the two cousins sit and talk. It was clear Bryce somewhat held back in his interaction, but at the same time, it was also clear that deep down he cared and respected Gareth. It was terribly sad.
CHAPTER FIVE
After checking to see if the kids were okay and interrogating them as to what Gareth had said, I decided a long talk needed to be revisited—a talk to remind them both never to let complete strangers anywhere near them. Charlotte had cried knowing she had done the wrong thing by opening the door, and Nate, too, had sulked, knowing that he should have called my phone the second Gareth had entered the apartment. I felt terrible not having been there to stop the whole scenario, but instilling a little fear into them about it had to be a good form of deterrence in repeating the same mistake, right? Oh I hope so. I hate deliberately scaring my kids. But this is for their own good; they need to be on high alert where Gareth is concerned.
I planned to speak to Bryce about the security of the apartment, especially now that my children lived here for a better part of the week. I didn’t like the fact that his family or company employees could have such easy access to his office.
“Is he a bad guy, Mum?” Nate asked as I was leaving his room. “You seemed really scared of him. I know I should have called your mobile when I saw that Charli had opened the door, but I thought he was okay because he’s Bryce’s cousin and cousins are family, and isn’t Bryce going to be in our family soon?”
“Oh, Sweetheart, just because someone is family doesn’t mean you should automatically trust them. Trust has to be earned. I know it’s hard to understand but you don’t know Gareth, therefore you can’t really trust him yet, right?” I searched Nate’s confused face. “Look, Gareth is not very well in here.” I pointed to my head. “He gets confused a lot, and when that happens he can be dangerous. That’s why I looked scared, because I don’t know when he is going to get confused, and it’s also because I don’t trust him. Listen, I want you to stay away from him, okay? Never be alone with him, and never let him inside this apartment, ever! I don’t want to scare you, it’s just better to be safe than sorry, that’s all.”
I blew him a kiss and left the room, heading directly for bed. My head now hurt with conviction and I needed to rescue my mind from its state of unrest and whisk it away to a place where it could relax and be subconsciously entertained—my pillow helping that necessity.
***
The next morning saw me recovered from the horrid feeling of a miniature person having somehow climbed inside my head, unleashing hell and pounding frantically against the inner confines desperate to get back out. I think the terrible headache I had experienced was a result of shock from Gareth’s appearance and apology, together with the stress of having to divide Rick’s and my assets. Just lightly touching on those two issues in my thoughts was spurring another head pounding session. That, and the fact Charlotte was overexcited that she had her first swimming lesson, and more so that Bryce and I were going along to watch. Her motor-mouth was in overdrive as she was explained her take on how humans float. I pinched the bridge of my nose but couldn’t help finding her demonstrations amusing.
***
As all four of us drove toward the school in the Lexus, I found myself unenthusiastically anticipating a rather excited—and let’s just say floored—reaction to the sight of Bryce by the other mothers at school. I was resigned to the fact that their goggling was inevitable, but would I ever get used to it? I guess I was going to have to.
The bell rang just as we got to the school. Both the kids happily said goodbye and ran off to class. “See you in a minute, Bryce,” Charli called out as she ran off. Oh, yeah, don’t worry about me. Apparently being your mother and allowing my stomach to be sliced open in order for you to be born into this world means nothing anymore. I’ll just hug and kiss myself, will I? I shook my head and smiled.
“What are you smiling at?” Bryce asked, after waving to Charli and looking back to me.
“Nothing really, it’s just...you seem to be a massive magnet to all things.”
He smirked. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“It can be,” I smiled truthfully.
Just as he was about to add to our conversation, I heard my name being shouted from a distance. “Alexis.” I turned to where Tash stood, beckoning me. She quickened her pace and closed the distance. “Hey, how’s things?” She gave me a hug. “Helloooo Bryce,” she sang adoringly as she smiled at him. I raised my eyebrows and shook my head again. I was saying?
My group of friends were aware of the fact I was comp
letely separated from Rick and now living with Bryce. I had met up with them for a coffee date and filled them in on the whole-truth-and-nothing-but-the-truth scenario regarding Rick, Claire and RJ. With exception to adding that I was pregnant, of course. That was just going to have to wait.
“I’m great, Tashy, how about you?”
“Yeah good, Hun, it’s always good on my day off work.”
“You don’t like your job?” Bryce asked, with a trace of concern in his voice.
“Who does?”
“I do,” both Bryce and I answered simultaneously.
Tash scoffed. “Yeah, I can see why.”
“Do you want a job at one of my hotels?” he offered, without so much as a second thought.
Tash smiled sheepishly. “You’re kidding, right?”
“No. If you want one, give me a call and I’ll see what we can arrange.”
“Really? Oh...um...that would be good.” She looked at me warily.
I just shrugged.
“Tash worked in security for years, Bryce. She is a part-time events supervisor now.” I explained.
Bryce looked amused. “Security? Really?”
“Yes, really. So if you do anything to hurt Alexis, I’ll kick your arse.”
I choked. “Tash.”
Bryce laughed. “Good, I’ll remember that. Maybe I could hire you as Alexis’ bodyguard.”
“Like fuck you will,” I admonished in a hushed voice, glaring at him.
Tash tutted. “I pretty much already do that for free,” she rolled her eyes playfully.
The second school bell sounded behind us.
“So, what are you both doing here?” she asked.
“Charlotte has swimming lessons this morning. We thought we’d come and watch her.”
She draped her arm around my shoulder. “Great! Thomas has his lesson this morning, too. We can be spectator buddies.”
We all walked past the gymnasium to the swimming centre. There were numerous parents poolside, waiting to watch their children. A small group of known bitch-faced mums were chatting quietly and quite obviously stopped their—one could accurately assume—verbal diarrhoea, when we walked in. As we passed them to take our seats, Bryce gently placed his hand on the small of my back and acknowledged the women with his sometimes annoyingly aggravating charm. “Good morning, ladies.”
They were all wide-eyed, and only two of them managed a ‘mornin’.
“You’re having fun, aren’t you?” I asked him under my breath as we sat down.
“Yes, I always have fun when I’m with you.”
“That’s not what I mean and you know it,” I squinted my eyes at him.
“No, I don’t know it. Now shhh, Charlotte just walked in.” He raised his eyebrows at me and gave Charli a little wave. Tash spotted Thomas, so we all gave him the thumbs up, too.
We watched Charlotte’s entire lesson and how she over enthusiastically volunteered for every demonstration. At one point when she performed a torpedo stroke, she deliberately—I think—kept her head down underwater for what seemed like close to a minute or more, completely freaking me out.
When the lesson finished I blew her a kiss before she skipped off to the change rooms.
“She’s pretty good,” Bryce said impressed.
“Yep, Charli is definitely a doer, that’s for sure.”
“I’m seeing that. She obviously takes after her mum.”
I laughed. “You are soon going to find out that is not necessarily a good thing.”
Tash leaned in. “She’s a mini Lexi, Bryce. So you’re pretty much fucked.”
I playfully shoved Tash out of my personal space while muttering, “Bitch”.
We stood up and walked back past the staring women, and just when they thought we were out of earshot, one of them spoke. “What is so good about her? I’ve heard she’s a bitch.”
I tilted my head to the side and closed my eyes. I’m a bitch alright. I’ve had my bowl of bitch-flakes and glass of don’t-mess-with-me-juice this morning. And if I weren’t at my children’s school right now, I would be ever so gracious as to show you just how fucking bitched-up I can be.
I was just about to politely tell them to mind their own business when Bryce gently removed his hand from my back and turned to the trolls—still sweet, calm and as charming as always. “The word ‘good’ does not even come close when describing this woman. So, to answer your question, ladies, she is beyond ‘good’. She is exquisite, sensational, and her very presence forms the air that I breathe. Is that ‘good’ enough?”
One of them nodded, and the others sat there stunned. He gave them a false and obviously forced smile then replaced his hand at the small of my back, directing us out of the building.
I was astonished at not only what he had just done but also at the beautiful words that came out of his mouth.
He ignored my gobsmacked state and turned to Tash. “Okay, you are hired as Alexis’ bodyguard. She obviously needs one.”
“Shut up,” I said and playfully punched his arm before linking mine around it, squeezing it tight and never wanting to let it go.
“I need to warn you though, Bryce. I don’t use a subtle approach when it comes to protection.” Tash continued, answering Bryce’s stupid joking statement and ignoring me.
“That’s fine. I’m more than happy for a more physical remedy when protecting her,” he replied.
“Seriously you two, shut up! I’m more than capable of looking after myself and if you both don’t stop joking around, you’ll be the ones needing bodyguards...not me!”
***
After a quick goodbye and a promise to invite Tash over for dinner, we headed back to the office. The Australian leg of the Formula One Grand Prix was to be held in Melbourne the weekend after Easter, and as City Towers Precinct was one of the event sponsors and the main accommodation venue, the work that awaited our arrival was enormous.
There was to be a charity breakfast held in the Queen Victoria Ballroom on the first day of the weekend event. I had been communicating with Joyce: the Head Media Liaison, and Allison: the Events Co-ordinator, to finalise the list of auction items for Ozkids Melbourne Charity. Bryce had to sign off on the items list which I would normally email him, but he had been in his office all day and I had hardly seen him, so I thought I would take this opportunity to deliver it to him personally, together with the chargrilled king salmon and herb salad I had ordered for lunch.
I picked up the list as soon as Sebastian pushed the food and beverage trolley through the elevator doors. “Good afternoon, Sebastian.”
“Good afternoon, Ms. Summers.”
“Just leave that here. I will take it into him.”
As always, the shy Food and Beverage Attendant hated when I broke protocol by relieving him of his duty to take the trolley all the way in to his employer. “I promise it’s fine, Sebastian,” I said reassuringly while winking at him.
He reluctantly smiled and went on his way. I gently knocked on Bryce’s office door, and when he called out for me to enter, I opened it and pushed the trolley through.
He looked up from his computer, smiled for a split second then frowned only slightly. “You really should let Sebastian bring in the trolley, Alexis. It is his job after all.”
“Oh shush. What’s the point when I’m coming in here anyway?” I stopped the cart right next to the conference table. “Unless you don’t want me to come in,” I said with a slight pouty voice as I turned my back to him and placed the cloches on the table, deliberately hoping he’d fall for my obvious ploy.
As expected, he was behind me instantly, pressing his body against my back. His hands had a tight grip on my hips and his lips were already kissing my neck. “I’ve missed you, my love,” he murmured, as he trailed his mouth down to my shoulder. I felt his fingers take hold of the zip at the top of my dress then the unmistakable sound of him slowly undoing it filled me with eager longing for his hard and delectable cock.
I sucked in a bre
ath as he dragged his hands back up my bare back, pushing the dress off my shoulders so that it fell to the floor, leaving me in nothing but my black lace bra, G-string and garter. He walked around to my front and eyed me from top to toe. “You’ve got new underwear.”
“Yes, Clarissa helped me find some maternity lingerie that was not hideously ugly.”
“Hmmm.” He stepped forward and unclipped the front of my bra at the strap, so that it fell forward exposing my breast.
His face lit up, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I like maternity bras—easy access.” He bent down and tongued my nipple. Holy fuck! I like them too. Reaching up, he unclipped the other side then gently squeezed and rolled my nipple between his fingers, compelling me to moan for him, which intensified his actions. I gripped his head and flexed my fingers through his sexy hair. He growled then let me go and walked straight to his office door. What? Where the fuck are you going? Get back here now, God damn it!
I was just about to hurl abuse at him and jump on his back to prevent him from leaving the room, when he locked the office door and turned around slowly. Then, prowling toward me with a sexy-as-hell stride, he loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt. He is just so fucking hot, I can barely breathe.
He laid his shirt and tie over the back of the sofa in the middle of his office then continued on to where I was standing. Reaching for my face, he cupped my cheeks in his hands and he slammed his mouth to mine. I grabbed his arse, pulling him into my pelvis and lifting my leg to wrap around his waist. He reached down and secured it by placing his hand behind my knee, and gently laying me down on top of the table.
“Are you comfortable?” he asked.
“Sure.” Sexy and sweet, I’m luckier than a leprechaun.
I propped myself up on my elbows and watched him disappear down my body until he had his fingers hooked into my underwear, pulling them down. He scrunched them up, and I watched him place them in his pocket. Oh, I’ll be getting those back Mr. G-String Thief, so don’t even think about it.
Fulfillment (Book 3 in The Temptation Series) Page 5