Avowed (The Manipulation Trilogy Book 3)

by Taylor, Alicia

  It is and what I see takes my breath away, and shocks me to no end. At first I’m embarrassed, and then anger simmers. The photo he’s using as his desktop background is a picture of me.

  Naked and asleep.

  It’s a black and white photograph of me sprawled across our bed at home. The sheets are twisted low on my hips, covering me. My cheeks appear to be flushed, my eyes shut in slumber, but I know it’s really the glow of orgasm. My bare breasts are on display, swollen and rounded, my nipples tightly peaked. My hand visible on the picture is grasping the sheets beneath me. It’s a beautiful photo and my bump is defined with the arch of my spine.

  It’s beautiful.

  It’s private.

  Anyone could see this photo. Anger mixed with confusion twists in my gut. Why would Damon have this photo on display for anyone to see? Okay, so it’s not completely on display as long as no one looks at his computer, but the possibility of that happening is very real.

  I move to look through the computer files for Damon’s other pictures and find picture upon picture of me. Nothing but me. My heart warms as I look through them all and find candid shots in all different settings. There are pictures of me sleeping, eating, laughing, pouting, concentrating, and quite a few of me with a post coital glow.

  As much as my heart warms at all the photos of me I’m also a little miffed that he would use such a private image of me as his desktop background. How many people have accidentally seen me in that picture? I need to do something to take my mind off my thoughts but there isn’t much here I can do. I would go and see Spencer, but I know that he is in the meeting with Damon. Standing up, I stretch and walk out the door. A girl around my age is sitting at the desk outside Damon’s office, Samantha is nowhere to be seen, and as soon as the girl sees me she jumps to her feet and rushes forward with a small smile.

  “Are you okay Mrs. Hunt? Can I get you anything?” she asks, flustered. I shake my head no, and return her smile.

  “I'm fine, thank you. Please call me Ella. I’m still not used to being Mrs. Hunt,” I say with an awkward laugh.

  “Okay Ella. I'm Phoebe, Mr. Hunt's personal assistant,” she says, grasping my hand. “It’s so nice to meet you!” she exclaims. She’s polite and it’s refreshing to see how enthusiastic she is to please. I instantly like her.

  “Thank you,” I reply feeling a little shy. The way she’s looking at me is as if I’m royalty.

  “If you need anything please let me know Ella.”

  “Thank you. Actually you can do something for me. Could you please show me where I can get something to drink?” I ask.

  “I can fetch you a drink if you’d like?” she asks.

  “I’d like to stretch my legs a little. I’m a tad stiff. You can give me directions if you can’t leave your desk,” I suggest.

  “No, it’s fine. I’ll take you. I’m ready for a drink myself,” she says with a wink.

  “Thank you.”

  Phoebe nods her head before moving to her desk. She logs off her computer and hits a button on her desk phone. Giving me a gentle smile, she walks over to me and motions towards the glass doors. I follow her out and we head down the corridor and towards the elevator.

  Conversations come to a halt as we pass by, and people sitting at their desks stop and stare. I’m sure seeing their boss’s new wife, who is obviously pregnant, but never having met her before is puzzling. It’s all happened quickly. I bet some of his employees think I’m a gold digger but that thought no longer bothers me.

  The people who matter know the truth. They know our love is real. It’s true.

  Knowing most of these women probably lust after my husband makes me smile. Damon is mine and he’s more than happy to let people know. I’m confident in his love for me.

  Phoebe makes small talk as we walk, asking me about the wedding and baby. My hand rests against my bump as I answer her questions politely.

  Reaching the lift, Phoebe presses the call button and the doors instantly glide open. Stepping in, we travel down to the first floor in silence, and once we come to a stop, we step out, and I follow Phoebe into a staff restaurant.

  The aroma of spiced foods float to me in the air to me and my mouth waters. It’s a cosy place, homey. Different stations offer a variety of foods, from curries, to salads, to roast dinners. There’s a selection of different seating areas to chose from, whether that be in a cosy booth, open tables, or longer social tables. The decor is grey and white with splashes of colour from flowers placed upon tabletops.

  This is amazing for a work canteen.

  I quickly grab myself a juice and fruit bowl before following Phoebe back towards the lift, and as we approach I see Samantha frantically speaking with a blonde woman whose back is to me. We reach them just as the elevator doors open, and follow the pair into the enclosed space. It isn’t until I step over the threshold that I realise the blonde woman is none other than Sandra Goodridge.

  My steps falter for a beat but I hastily recover and fully enter the lift.

  Sandra’s eyes widen in shock before her face screws up in a scowl. The atmosphere drops to chilling as I step into her space. I won’t back down from this woman, and for her to think she can walk into Damon’s work and cause him stress is laughable. I will tear her apart. She won’t be messing with my man.

  “What are you doing here Sandra?” I demand.

  Sandra looks through me and complete dismisses me, looking ahead, above my shoulder. Her ignorance spikes my temper and I want to slap her but refrain. Will the Goodridge women ever give me peace?

  “You need to leave,” I growl.

  Phoebe sucks in a quick gasp behind me while Samantha places herself between Sandra and me.

  “It’s okay Mrs. Hunt.” She places an encouraging hand on my arm and I look at her to see her giving me a supportive smile. I return her smile, but I know mine is anything but encouraging. I’m ready to battle. “Phoebe, can you fetch security please? Mrs. Goodridge, along with her daughter, have been put on security watch and are not permitted to enter Hunter Enterprises any longer.” Samantha’s voice is business-like and confident. Phoebe scuttles out of the elevator to reception as Samantha turns to address Sandra. “Mrs. Goodridge, if you could exit the lift, we can contact Mr. Hunt to see if he’s able to speak with you, but I can’t allow you to go any further.

  “Oh yes?” Sandra asks, amusement lacing her voice. She leans to the button panel and presses Damon’s floor before looking at Samantha. “And you’re going to stop me?” she says laughing. The metal doors slide shut and the lift begins its ascent to the twentieth floor.

  Sandra thinks she’s invincible.

  Untouchable.

  She’s not.

  I’m glad she’s trapped us in this confined space because it gives me the perfect opportunity to say what I want to. I have no doubt that Phoebe would have explained to security the situation happening in the lift, and I know they will have no choice but to interrupt Damon’s meeting. I expect Damon to be on his way to the elevator right now so I face Sandra straight on and step into her again. She takes a small step back and seems a little more apprehensive now.

  “You and your daughter need to stay away from my husband. You’re poison and I won’t allow your toxicity to infect him. I’ve told your daughter, and now I’m telling you. Stay. The. Fuck. Away. You were told at my wedding that you’re no longer welcome and that still stands. If you think I’m going to let you step into Damon’s office space you have another thing coming.”

  The lift begins to slow then stops, the doors gliding open to reveal Damon and Spencer. I lean closer, bringing my lips to her ear, “You say so much as “boo” to my husband, and I’m coming for you. I won’t stop until you lose it all. Crazy suits you and a restraining order will paint the perfect picture.” I know my words will hit their mark. Sandra is reputable and is all about her reputation, and telling her I’ll ruin her family name has gotten her attention. I step away and reach to press the lobby button, challenging
her.

  “Stay away Sandra,” I warn, and step out of the elevator and into Damon’s arms. Samantha steps out behind me and turns to watch Sandra for a reaction. Her jaw is clenched in anger but she does well to contain it. She remains in the lift and allows it to close and take her down without a fuss.

  “Are you okay beauty?” Damon asks. Samantha tries explaining but he growls at her to be silent. Spencer leads her away with a hand on her elbow. I nod my head at him and hold my head high. I won’t feel bad for what I said. Damon has her on security watch because he doesn’t want to deal with her. If he doesn’t want to speak with her I will stand in her way, protecting him like he would me.

  “I'm fine Damon. I’m just pissed off with those Goodridge women thinking they can do as they please. Urgh. When will they just back off? Irritating bitches,” I mutter.

  I expect Damon to ask more questions, but instead he surprises me by crashing his mouth down to mine, claiming me in a deep kiss. I press against him after a shocked second and that’s all the permission he needs to possess me. His tongue meets mine to battle, and his flavour floods my senses.

  He pulls away far too soon for my liking, leaving me breathless. Looking around I see different people in a state of shock at Damon's public display of affection. He notices it too and lets out a loud laugh, startling his employees.

  “I’m all finished here if you’re ready to head out?” he says against my lips when he leans in for a last kiss.

  “Yes,” I reply breathlessly.

  He chuckles, and leads the way to collect our things to go.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  October 31st 2014

  Damon

  It’s Halloween and Ella wanted to visit her dad’s grave before going to my parents. It’s the first time I’d accompanied her to his grave but not the first time I’d been. I’ve been visiting Pops ever since he passed away and I’m expecting Ella to realise that soon. I know she’s pre occupied with what happened with Sandra earlier, but I don’t want her over thinking things.

  After situating Ella in the car, I make my way around to the driver’s side and climb in. I’m expecting several questions from her as we head to my parents for a meal. Sandra turning up at the office, and Ella getting rid of her, turned me the fuck on.

  I’ve been adjusting myself every time I think about seeing my beauty go into battle. She’s so beautiful, but sexy at the same time.

  Starting the engine, I pull out and head towards my mums.

  “You’ve been going to Pops’ grave,” Ella states quietly. She doesn’t need to ask if I have, because she knows it was me. I buy the same flowers every time I go, and have done for years.

  “Yes,” I answer just as quietly. I’m not sure where her head is at and I don’t want to upset her any more than she has been today.

  “How long?” she questions.

  “Years.”

  “It was you who took care of his grave when I didn’t,” she says sadly.

  “There were times when I went to visit and I’d find a girl talking to Pops so I left, giving her space. I’d return later and the grave was clean and tidy, flowers and presents were left behind. That was you,” I state. I didn’t know at the time it was Ella. I never approached her but I know her now, and I know she’s the same girl from before. “After Lydia passed I never saw you there again. I began visiting more and more, cleaning his space, and making the area as pretty as you always made it. It didn’t help ease the guilt, but it made me feel like I was helping you whilst you were grieving. After a while it turned into a habit. If I wanted peace and quiet, somewhere to talk and think, I went to the grave. I turned to Pops to find comfort away from my self-hatred.”

  We come to a stop at the traffic lights and Ella remains silent. I fucking hate not knowing what she’s thinking. I clench my jaw and wait for her to speak again. It isn’t until we’re driving forward again that she finally speaks.

  “Thank you,” she whispers. I quickly glance at her to find her emerald eyes on me. I wish I wasn’t fucking driving. I’d pull my beauty into my arms and assure her no thanks are necessary. Instead all I can do is tell her.

  “Don’t ever thank me baby. You have absolutely nothing to thank me for. It’s me who is thankful,” I tell her.

  “I’m thankful to you for a lot Damon, and I will make sure you know that,” she says with a smile. “You might not believe yourself to be the man I know you are, but I want you to believe in me, and believing in me means believing in you. I love you Damon. You. Just you. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past, and it doesn’t matter if we make mistakes now. All that matters is that I love you because of who you are. Everything you are is perfect for me, and I know we can get through anything if we do it together,” she says seriously.

  My heart fucking drums in my chest, trying to break free. How this woman loves me and sees me as the man she does befuddles my brain.

  Ella stupefies me.

  She astounds me.

  I pull over, and unbuckle myself, not able to continue driving until I’m kissing the ever loving shit out of her. I need her taste, love, and passion on my tongue. I need to feel her words.

  Ella must feel the same because she’s unbuckled and climbing out her seat to me before I’ve completely brought the car to a halt. Taking her into my arms, I pull her into my lap as her lips attach to mine. I let her keep control of the kiss to begin with, but when she moans into my mouth I can’t refrain any longer. I take over.

  Possessing her.

  I take my fill, swirling my tongue into her mouth and plunging deep. I thread my fingers through her brown hair to lock her in place and devour her. Ella presses against me, as close as our daughter will allow, and my cock stiffens. She rubs against me, fucking turning me upside down, inside out, and backwards. I lose all brain function when I’m kissing my beauty. The only thing my mind can concentrate on is her moans and whimpers, her taste, and her body pressed against mine.

  She takes over my senses every time.

  Ella pulls away, panting, her breasts heaving with each inhale and exhale, and her eyes a darker green with arousal. I try to get myself under control but it’s futile. My whole body is thrumming, anxious for release, desperate to sink deep into her tight, warm, wet pussy.

  I can smell her arousal and it sends mine to rocketing highs. I groan, pressing my forehead against Ella’s as I adjust myself so my zipper isn’t cutting off the blood flow from my cock back to my body.

  “Wow,” Ella whispers. “Kisses with you never get old. It always feels like the first kiss again with you Damon. Every. Time.” Ella sounds as breathless as I fucking feel.

  Shit, my wife blows me away.

  “You’re delicious,” I tell her. “Your taste is addictive beauty, but what blows me away is your love for me. How did I get so fucking lucky?”

  Ella laughs at me, her eyes sparkling with happiness. My heart swells in my chest because I put that happiness in her forest eyes.

  “Let’s go have some food then I can get you home as soon as possible. I want to show you my love. I worship you baby, and I plan to worship you all night,” I say. I don’t want to fucking eat now, I just want to go home and sink deep into Ella but I know she needs to eat so my needs will wait.

  “Can’t we just skip?” Ella asks.

  Fuck.

  My woman tempts me beyond reason, but she’s got to be hungry and I know one thing will take her mind off what my mind is on.

  “You sure you can miss out on cherry pie?” I ask, waiting for my words to hit. Ella looks torn as she looks into my eyes then down to my hard cock. She chews her bottom lip in indecision, making me laugh. I detangle her arms from around me and help her back to her seat, taking the decision from her. She needs to eat. “Cherry pie it is,” I say, strapping her seatbelt around her, and stroking her bump. I place a quick kiss to her lips and secure my seatbelt too.

  Once settled, I start the car and finish the journey to my parent’s house, my cock cursing me
for not taking her up on skipping.

  ****

  When we arrived at my parents thirty minutes ago, Ella was promptly whisked away by my mum, and I joined my dad and Spencer in the lounge. Spencer went to find Ella fifteen minutes ago when she didn’t pop in to say hello and he hasn’t returned since.

  My dad keeps giving me a knowing smile. He knows I’m eager to go and find my beauty but his side glances are keeping me in place. For some reason I feel like he’s laughing at me, but also waiting for me to cave.

  I give him a suspicious glance and he laughs at me. What the fuck? I feel like he’s examining me, like I’m some sort of caged animal being studied. His scrutiny is driving me crazy.

  “What?” I ask. My dad just shakes his head, laughing. “Why are you looking at me like that?” I snap. My tone catches my dad off guard and his laugher instantly vanishes, and I immediately feel like a fucking prick. “Sorry dad,” I say, looking into his eyes, so similar to mine. “I feel like I’m being examined.”

  “It’s okay son. You were.” He says it nonchalantly, but with a smirk on his face and my eyes narrow. I was? Why?

  “And why are you examining me dad?” I ask.

  “Well Damon, when you arrived it was obvious you wanted to be anywhere but here, and by the looks of it, it was to do with wanting alone time with your wife,” he says, selecting his words carefully. “I’m guessing she has you all twisted up inside, like your mother still does to me, and your brother decided to toss out a wager. He thought you’d last five minutes before seeking out your wife. Your mum thought you would follow them immediately,” he says, full grin on his face.

  “And you said?” I growl.

  “I said...” he says, pausing for effect and pissing me off more. He stands, looking down at me. “You’d stay in here until I went into the kitchen to greet my daughter in law. I guess I’m right,” he says, laughing. My dad strides across the room, leaving me sitting here in shock.

  He fucking played me.