by Bianca Vix
“I want you both to know something. I’m not trying make excuses, or get out of what I did. But the truth is, it wasn’t a lie to me.”
“A lie’s a lie, Ryan. It’s not something that can change just because you don’t want it to be true.” Josh folds his arms over his chest. “It’s not open for debate.”
“I changed my name the moment I turned eighteen. It was the birthday present that I looked forward to the most. Because you have no idea what it’s like to be William Worthinton’s son.”
My lips curl up in disgust at having to say that name out loud. I can’t stand it. My mother started calling him old Billy after we found out what he was doing, and that’s what stuck in my mind.
Maiya’s expression softens. “I can imagine. Being associated with him wouldn’t have been easy.”
“That was bad, but it wasn’t just that. I was a child when he committed his crimes, and defrauded all those people. But I can’t even tell you how many people blamed me too. For his own behavior, that had nothing to do with me. I got my first death threat when I was ten years old.”
“That’s terrible. But surely it was only a few nutters that would do something like that?”
“You’d think, but no. Even after he went to prison, my mother and I were targeted. We had to move, and she changed our last name. I chose a college even further away and I changed my name again when I moved. It was my way of putting that man’s criminal past behind me for good.”
I venture a look at Josh. I have no idea what he’s thinking.
“I never looked back. That was the point. I’ve never told anyone about who I really am since I changed everything. Even after a lot time passed, it still wasn’t safe. I would’ve become a target all over again. People don’t easily forget the name of the man that ruined their lives.”
Maiya winds a strand of hair around her finger. “Even in college, where you didn’t know anyone?”
“I had to study my own father in business school. What he did was so huge and so wrong, it’s in textbooks as an example of criminal behavior that no ethical person should ever try and pull off. There was still a lot of hate even just in the discussions we had in those classes. What he did was wrong, no question. But dragging anyone else into it was wrong too. I became just as guilty by association, and if I didn’t change my identity, my life would’ve been completely ruined too.”
“That sounds awful. I can understand why you changed your identity.” Maiya shakes her head.
Josh finally meets my gaze. “Yeah, it does. I get why you’d do that, anyone would. But what I don’t understand is why you never told me about it. Any of it.”
“I meant what I said before. I went to a lot of effort to put the whole thing behind me. Including not thinking about it ever again. It’s really impossible to let something go if you have to keep telling people about it.”
My reasoning’s always made sense to me. Now that I’m saying it out loud to Maiya and Josh, I can see why they don’t get it.
“But yeah. It wasn’t just that. I didn’t want to tell you, because I didn’t want to risk that you’d think the same way as so many other people did. That what my father did reflects on me. That I’m like him in any way. Because I’m not, even though everyone assumes I am. I wanted you both to take me as I am. Not as he is.”
“I get that too. But it doesn’t change the fact that you lied.”
“Does knowing who I’m related to change how you see me? Who you think I am?”
Josh is silent for so long, I’m certain he’s about to get up and walk out. It’s Maiya who speaks first.
“I can see your side, Ryan. But trust is important, and what you kept from us is a big deal. Where a person comes from is a part of who they are. Nothing can change where you came from.”
“I did. At least, I changed everything about how people judged me from the moment I changed my name.”
“You managed to change how we see you too, now that we know.”
Ouch. She’s right. I can’t say anything, because Maiya’s right.
“But I can forgive you for not telling us who your father is.”
I whip my head around to face her. “You can?”
“Yes. It’s not like you concealed the truth about anything else, did you?”
“Never.”
She gazes searchingly into my eyes. “I believe you.”
A huge wave of relief washes over me. But Josh’s jaw is still set in a firm, unyielding line.
I have to know what he’s thinking. “What about you? I know what I did was wrong. I should’ve told you both. And I’m sorry.”
“Like I said, I can see why you keep it all hidden.” He exhales. “There’s something you need to know. My parents were caught up in by Worthinton’s fraud too. He cost them a lot of money. That was the reason I struggled through college. Why I had to juggle a few jobs, and try for every scholarship I could get. And that was why I didn’t do as well as I could. I wasn’t eligible for loans, either. So that man had a terrible affect on my life too.”
My heart twists. “I didn’t know that. I’m sorry, Josh. I had no idea.”
“It’s not your fault.” His voice is flat. “I know that. It’s not like I ever told you that. Of course, I never would’ve dreamed you had any connection at all to a man like that. Let alone that he was your father.” He shakes his head. “Unbelievable.”
“No-one knew, I made sure of that.”
“Then how did Sherwood find out?”
I snort. Fuck that guy. “Right from the beginning, I wondered why he took an interest in investing into my FV expansion. You know, he approached me. Unheard of, right? He told me he heard about what I was doing from a colleague of his, and that’s why he wanted to get on board.”
Crossing my legs, I smooth out my pants. “I had no reason to doubt him. I had no idea. He only let it slip recently that he knows my father. And that it was old Billy who steered him in my direction.”
“But William Worthinton’s still in prison. He didn’t make parole. How could he do that?”
“Apparently he’s been keeping tabs on me. Sherwood’s been a friend of his for a very long time. I’m pretty sure Sherwood was involved in old Billy’s business dealings at the time too, and just didn’t get caught. So old Billy has that on him too. He got Sherwood to try to control me by using his money.”
My teeth clench just from thinking about it. “I had no idea. None. It explains why Sherwood cared so much about me breaking up with you both.”
“What?” Maiya’s eyes widen. “He’s the reason you ended our relationship?”
I nod miserably. “Once he found out about us, he told me he knew who I am, and that he’d pull all his investment money out if I didn’t end us. And out me as being a Worthinton. I never understood why he really cared about our relationship. Not until I found out he knows old Billy.”
Josh’s brow creases. “Why the hell would he care? You’re not in his life anymore.”
“He’s a sick freak. He’d pull something like that just for his own amusement. I haven’t had any contact with him from the moment he got arrested. But that’s his thing too. He’s a very controlling asshole. Always was, my whole life. I’m sure it’s killing him not to be able to keep doing that, even now. That’s what drove him into making Sherwood set up someone to spy on me. That’s how he found out about us. It was the perfect leverage. He can’t scam anyone else anymore, so he’s turned his attention back to me.”
Maiya and Josh are looking shell-shocked. I attempt a laugh. “Yeah. That’s how low he is. And Sherwood’s no different from him. I guess I should’ve told you that our breakup with his idea too. But I figured it’d be over anyway, once you found out who I am.”
“He was spying on you?”
“He was the reason you broke up with us?”
Maiya and Josh are both talking at once. I squeeze my eyes closed for a few seconds. “Yes. And yes. I never wanted to end things. I was an idiot for going through with it.”
Josh shakes his head. “So why did he tell me who your father is? Now he doesn’t have that to use against you.”
“Because I basically told him to fuck off. That I want nothing to do with him or his money. Sherwood already cost me too much. Expanding my business wasn’t worth losing you. I only wish I’d figured that out sooner. I met someone recently who told me something that made me see it. What she said couldn’t have been more right on.”
“What’s that?”
I clear my throat. “That sometimes, you have to make a sacrifice for the people you love.”
“You met someone?” Maiya sounds unhappy. “Another woman?”
“Not like that. She’s married. We were just talking about stuff. I’m not seeing anyone else, if that’s what you’re wondering.”
“Given that you’re saying you didn’t really want to end things with us, then yes. I do care if you’re seeing someone else. I wouldn’t want you to be.” Maiya’s face lights up. “Because now we can get back together.”
A spike of hope rises up in me. “You’d want to get back with me? After everything?”
“Yes.” Maiya’s eyes are clear. “I would. There’s nothing I want more, Ryan.”
My heart’s pounding. Of course I was hoping to get back with them, but I never thought for a moment it could actually happen. But then again, Josh’s silence isn’t lost on me or Maiya.
“What do you say, Josh?” Maiya asks.
He shifts around in his seat. I realize I’m holding my breath. “We’ve never been able to make it work before, Ryan. And it’s not like we haven’t tried.”
My heart sinks. “Fair enough.” I can’t hide my disappointment.
Josh’s voice drops. “However. Now that Sherwood’s out of the picture, I imagine things might be better.”
“Really? Why?”
“You really changed once he came into your life, Ryan. We never had any trouble until then. The way he was manipulating you wasn’t just messing with you. I believe it was messing with us. Even back when it was just the two of us.”
“You think?” I try to remember back to when I first met Sherwood. I don’t know. But Josh was right there with me. And he’s a pretty perceptive guy.
“No doubt. The way he was always monopolizing your time? The constant phone calls, the excessive meetings. It was all way too much. Even I know that’s not how a normal business person would behave. He’s not going to be working with you any more? Not in any way?”
“Absolutely not. He’s gone. It wouldn’t matter if he was going to try and offer me billions in financing, free and clear. No chance.”
“Then I guess I’d be willing to give us another shot. On one condition.”
I try hard to ignore the optimism growing inside me. Never assume anything until a deal is actually done. “What’s that?”
“That you don’t let work overtake your life for any other reason.”
“I can do that.”
Josh’s not relenting. “You’ve said that before. It’s a deal breaker, Ryan.”
“I know. Not that I have any reason to, now that my financing’s gone. But whether there’s another way to move FV forward or not, I’ll never let work get in the way of us again. It’s not worth it. Not when the cost would be both of you.”
“That’s good.” He leans forward, and for the first time in a very long time, I see a hint of his sexy smile. “Because I miss you.”
“Me too.” Maiya gets up and comes over to me, bending down to plant a kiss on my cheek. “We’re not the same without you.”
“She’s right.” Josh comes over to join Maiya. I stand up and right away we’re all embracing.
“Without you both, nothing mattered anymore. I’m going to make up for lost time every chance I get.” I’m speaking into Maiya’s shoulder, so my words are muffled. But they both hear me. We keep hugging and I hold on tight.
I don’t ever want to let them go.
Chapter 21
Ryan
Someone’s kissing me. Maiya. She’s straddling me, rubbing her wet lips back and forth over my rock-hard cock. Josh’s kneeling beside her, bending to suck one of her nipples into his mouth when she straightens up.
“Good morning.” Her smile’s as beautiful as her naked body.
It certainly is. There’s no better way to wake up than to the sight of Maiya and Josh, naked and in bed with me. I’ve missed this so much.
Josh moves up the bed, his throbbing erection coming closer to my head. I part my lips and he slides right into my willing mouth.
Maiya climbs off me and I groan in protest. She gives me a quick kiss on my chest to make up for her body no longer being on top of mine, and squeezes my cock.
I don’t want her to stop doing that, but she’s turning her attention to Josh. Maiya grips his cock by the base, guiding him in and out of my mouth as she uses her free hand to rub his tightening balls. In response he starts thrusting faster.
My own fingers find their way between Maiya’s legs. She gasps as I reach her clit. “Ryan.”
I love the way she calls out my name. So fucking sexy.
I move my finger in slow circles. Her hips start gyrating but I don’t stop. She’s getting close. Josh pulls out of my mouth and now I can give my full attention to Maiya. I slip two fingers deep inside of her as Josh starts to kiss her, both of his hands going to her breasts.
She’s writhing between us, the sound of her moans going straight to my cock. I can’t wait to trade out my hands for my cock, but I want to see her come first.
Josh breaks their kiss. “Come for us, baby.” His voice is low and rough. Just the way it gets when he’s close to coming too. No wonder he’s got hold of Maiya’s hands, so she can’t touch his cock anymore.
“Oh, yes.” It’s the last thing Maiya says before she’s coming, her hot juices flooding over my fingers. Josh’s holding her steady and I don’t stop working her until she’s about ready to collapse.
“Wow.” She pushes her hair from her face as she lies down beside me, her body still shaking a little from her strong orgasm. “Damn. That was incredible. And now I want one of you inside me.”
Grinning, Josh grabs a bunch of condoms from the night stand. We both suit up and unexpectedly, Josh comes in for a kiss. “What do you want, Ryan?”
“Everything. I want everything.”
He knows what I mean, no further explanation needed. He goes for the bottle of lube I always keep on hand. While he’s getting ready, I climb on top of Maiya. She wraps her arms around my back.
“Are you ready?” Sometimes she needs me to be gentle after she’s just come.
There’s her sweet smile again. “More than ready.”
That’s all I need to hear. I pump into her, easily penetrating her depths.
I’m lost in Maiya when the cool gel meets my ass. I stop thrusting, holding still while Josh positions himself behind me. His cock head probes against my entrance as he slowly slides his big cock forward.
I can’t wait. “Harder,” I urge. I don’t need to convince him. In no time, he’s buried deep inside me. I start moving again, thrusting into Maiya and the three of us get the perfect rhythm going.
It’s overwhelming. I have to stop moving and Josh takes over, pushing me forward.
“I can feel you both.” Maiya’s eyes are glittering. I can’t speak, or I’d be agreeing with her. There’s nothing in the world like being connected to her and Josh this way. Like nothing can ever break us apart.
Maiya’s on the verge of losing control. Once her muscles start contracting around my swollen cock, there’s no way I can distract myself any longer. My orgasm hits so hard, I can’t breathe.
“Fuck!” I can barely gasp the word out. Josh’s slamming into me now, his grip tightening on my body. He’s going to bruise me up. I couldn’t care less. It’s all I can do to take the force of the way he’s fucking me now.
“Ryan.” His breathing’s ragged. “Maiya.” He slaps at my ass and he’s exploding too.
>
Once Josh’s spent, I let myself collapse onto Maiya. “Let me know if I’m crushing you.”
She brushes her lips against mine. “Not at all. I like the way your weight feels.”
Josh eases out, leaving me empty. In a moment I do the same and I’m already missing being deep inside Maiya. But we collapse together, making sure we’re touching as much as we possibly can and it’s almost as good.
I’m drifting off into a half-sleep when Maiya starts to get up.
“Hey.” I pull her back down. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“I’m so hungry I can’t stand it. Aren’t you guys?”
I am, but going back to sleep’s better than getting up. I turn my head over to face Josh. Yeah. He’s thinking the same thing.
“I guess we should get some breakfast. I can make something for us. Come on, Ryan.”
I squeeze my eyes closed. “No. It’s better here.”
“Come on. If nothing else, don’t you have to check your phone?”
For a moment I think he’s teasing me, but my phone is actually vibrating madly over on the dresser where I left it last night.
“No.” I make a move to grab at Josh’s arm to keep him here, but he dodges me easily.
“You can stay here. We’ll call you when breakfast is ready.” Maiya climbs out of bed along with him.
“Okay. I give up. I’ll be there in a minute.”
There’s no reason to stay in bed without them here too. They go off and I pull on some clothes. I glance at my phone, planning to ignore it until the phone number of the last call registers with me.
Immediately I check the message. Then I listen to it again.
Unbelievable.
I hit the screen to call back as fast as I can.
A few minutes later, I join Maiya and Josh in the kitchen. I can’t hold back from grinning like a lunatic.
Josh sees me first. “What’s up with you?”
“I just got a callback about something I’ve been waiting to hear about. I didn’t mention it before, because I didn’t know how it would turn out. But it’s all good. The expansion of FV’s back on.”
“Seriously? That’s so great, Ryan.” Maiya hands me a full mug of coffee. “How did that happen?”