by S. Moose
She’s it.
The one.
“I promise I’ll weigh all the options. I need to talk to Kaylee. It might happen.” She pauses, and I sit up immediately. “Galen’s roommate bailed on him, and our lease literally ends in a few weeks. Neither of us wants to live here anymore since we work in Chicago.”
“Don’t fuck with me, baby.” I hope she can hear the smile in my voice. “I’ll pay for everything. Move in with me.”
“Okay.” Her answer’s immediate, and it’s all I need to know. “Can I go back to sleep? Tomorrow’s my first day off in weeks.”
“Of course, baby. I’ll have Peter pick you up tomorrow at twelve for lunch.”
“Okay. Good night, Bryce.”
“Good night.”
The idea she’ll be living with me fills me with a drive for her never to find out the truth. I need her by my side. Her face needs to be the last thing I see at night and the first thing I see every morning, if that’s possible.
Last night, she left and headed back to her apartment. I fucking hate that she lives in Oak Park. I was tempted to beg her to stay, but I knew she’d say no. It was her night with Kaylee, her best friend.
Tonight’s the first night in over two weeks my nightmare has invaded my thoughts. In those weeks I was free, Madison was with me. She’s my cure. The one who’ll make me feel safe wherever I go. The clock on my nightstand reads 5:47 a.m. It’s a fucking Sunday, and I’m up when I should try to sleep.
Knowing I won’t fall back sleep, I get out of bed. After my feet hit the floor, I take a quick shower, then figure I can do a little bit of work.
After putting on jeans and a shirt, I head downstairs to the kitchen to find my housekeeper, Kelly, pouring me a cup of coffee.
It’s nice to have her back after her month-long vacation she took with her husband to visit their grandchildren and go on a cruise. Having temps come into my house didn’t sit well with me.
“Good morning,” I mutter and take a drink, savoring the caffeine and hoping it’ll fuel me fast.
“Good morning, sir. Is there anything special you’d like for breakfast?”
“Just coffee.” I smile before picking up the mug and settling at the dining room table. There are a few emails I need to address. This morning’s going to be long. Fuck. I rub my temple with my fingers and shut my eyes.
“Okay, you look distraught. What’s going on?”
Kelly’s right. Something’s on my mind, and I can’t shake it off. This feeling’s eating me from the inside out. If Madison finds out the truth, she’ll leave me. I fucking know it. There won’t be anything I can say to have her forgive me. She’ll feel betrayed. I don’t know what I’ll do if she finds out.
I catch Kelly still looking at me. She’s my housekeeper and therapist. The woman’s wise and gives good advice.
After moving my business to Chicago, I placed a call to an agency for their best housekeeper. It was my luck Kelly was hired and more than qualified. She met my expectations and has been with me for nine years.
“It’s hard to explain, but if a secret comes out, I’ll lose her.”
“Oh, her. Peter told me about Madison and how she’s the beautiful young woman responsible for putting a smile on your face.” I nod. “How bad is the secret? Bryce Archibald Hunter, if you are cheating on her …”
“I’m not,” I say defensively. “This secret will make her feel betrayed. I can assure you everything being done is for her and to ensure her future.”
“I see.”
“And I may have done a few extra things on the side to ensure certain things go in my favor.”
“And the truth comes out. Bryce, you can’t manipulate every situation you’re in. Madison’s not a deal you have to secure.”
This is one of the things I love about Kelly. She doesn’t have a filter and tells me like it is. If she sees a woman leaving my bed and has an opinion, she lets me know, and I take it in stride. In this life, you don’t meet many people who are genuine and honest, but once you find those kinds of people, you hold on tight. Kelly puts up with all my shit. Sure, I pay her extremely well with an end-of-the-year bonus that makes her do a little dance, but it’s all to show my appreciation for dealing with my ornery ass.
I sigh and take a drink of my coffee. “After this is complete, there’s nothing else I’ll hide from her.”
“I’m glad to hear it. So what else is going on?”
“My usual nightmare is back.”
Kelly moves from the kitchen and brings over a bowl of berries. “The one …?”
“Yes.”
“You were doing so well.”
I take a sip of my coffee. “When she was here, there were no nightmares. She left last night to spend time with her roommate. I get it, and I’m glad she doesn’t feel the need to be with me all the time. Even though I feel it. I asked her to move in, and she will be in a few weeks.”
“Oh, yes! From what Peter’s told me, I know I’m going to like her. She sounds like a gem, sir. Make sure you don’t screw this up.”
I finish my coffee and berries before heading back into my office. I power on my computer and sign on my email to go through the countless ones I need to review. This new purchase will make me millions, so the deal needs to close soon. I make a note to touch base with Kendrix to see what the holdup is.
I’m absorbed in my work when I feel her. She’s here. Quickly, I stop what I’m doing and meet her by the door.
“You’re here.”
She kisses the tip of my nose, and I notice a bag outside the door. “I’m going to stay with you while the cleaning crew straightens up the apartment, and then you’re paying for us to move. That’s per Kaylee’s request.”
“Anything.” I take her hand and pull her out the door. “We’re going shopping.”
“Bryce.” She laughs and catches up to me. It’s time to shower her with everything she wants and all I want to give her.
Chapter 29
Madison
I’m running late to my meeting with Nicholas. Carrying two bags along with my purse is proving to be challenging especially on the busy streets of Chicago. I make it to the restaurant where we’re meeting, and the hostess immediately takes me to the back where Nicholas is sitting.
“Madison. Lovely to see you.” He takes the bags from my arms and gestures with his arm for me to sit. “How are you?” he asks while sitting back down himself.
“I’m good, thank you for asking. And yourself?”
“Busy as usual.” He smiles, and before I can say something, my phone vibrates, and I excuse myself.
Bryce: Peter stopped by the store, and you aren’t there. If I remember correctly, you’re only to be working for me. Where are you?
I don’t answer. This is a work meeting, and I need to focus on Nicholas. “I apologize. So I have the casual outfits, and I added a new suit we just got in today that I think you’ll like. It’s a bit more fitted, but that’s the style.” Nicholas continues to listen, and I ignore each text message or call coming in. If it’s Bryce, I’m going to be super upset. He can’t interfere with my work.
“I’m sure anything you have for me will be good. Enough about clothes. Let’s order something to eat.”
Not wanting to be rude, I nod and pick up my menu. Discreetly, I look at my phone. There are six text messages and two missed calls. All from Bryce.
Bryce: Answer your phone, Madison.
Bryce: Your silence is fucking with my head. Are you okay?
Bryce: I had to call Glenn since you weren’t answering and now I’m aware you’re in a meeting with another client. Do I need to remind you are only to work for me?
Bryce. Madison. ANSWER YOUR DAMN PHONE.
Bryce: Nicholas Reimer. You’re with that asshole?! CALL ME BACK!
I cringe. This isn’t going to be good at all.
After our lunch, Nicholas walks me to my car and places his hand on my lower back. I freeze. There’s no reason for this contact.
> “Get your hands off her, Reimer.” I wince. He’s going to embarrass me, and this isn’t going to end well.
Nicholas keeps his hand on me and turns to look at Bryce. “Hunter. What in the ever-loving hell do you want?”
He glowers at Nicholas then at me. “Get in the car, Madison. Head straight to my office.” I’m about to protest. “Now!” he all but roars.
I look at the men and say goodbye to Nicholas before turning to Bryce. My eyes narrow on him, and I’m ready to give him hell.
“Do you mind telling me what the fuck that was all about?”
“Language, Madison.”
“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Now, are you going to explain?”
He reaches behind me to shut the door before pushing me against the driver’s side door. “I am your only client. You’re dropping Nicholas and the other two. Don’t test me, Madison.”
“Your threats aren’t going to work on me. I’m leaving.”
Getting into my car, I drive back to work and ignore my cell phone. If Bryce truly thinks he can run my life, he has another thing coming.
The club’s steadily busy with people all around and the drinks keep coming. I’m on my third dirty martini, and I have zero desire to get up and head home. Kaylee’s in the same boat. We’re staying at Galen’s tonight since he lives close by.
“He’s so demanding,” Galen says. “I mean, you don’t say that kind of shit to your woman. Who does he think he is?”
I finish my drink and order another one. “I’m supposed to be moving in soon. How’s that going to happen if he’s this overbearing?”
“Glenn said Bryce didn’t sound happy. He’s so confused on what to do since Bryce and Nicholas are the company’s top clients.”
I groan and play with the square napkin on the table. My head’s foggy. I’m not sure how to answer them. Instead, I excuse myself to use the restroom. Kaylee’s almost out of her seat to join me when I tell her I need a minute alone. She doesn’t look happy. I walk away and to the restroom. The counter cools my heated hands. Bryce’s text messages keep playing in my head. Over and over again.
“What am I doing?” I mutter and wash my hands, patting the cool water on my face.
Taking a towel, I use it to open the restroom door and toss it in the garbage before walking toward Kaylee and Galen. A hand grabs me and spins me to his chest. I don’t see his face, but his voice gets my attention.
“Please, Madison. Please. I’m leaving Julie. I’m leaving her for you. You need to see how badly I miss you. I love you so fucking much, Madison. Be with me again.”
I’m trying to pull away from him when I hear Bryce’s booming voice. “Get the hell away from my girlfriend.”
Kent doesn’t let me go. Instead, he holds me tighter, and I can feel Bryce near me. This isn’t going to end well.
Bryce snarls. “Now!”
“She’s not your girlfriend. She’s mine.”
Oh, fuck my life.
Bryce grabs my waist with both hands and yanks me away from Kent before his fist lands a punch on Kent’s nose.
“Bryce!” I shout and pull back his arm, or at least try to. “Stop this. Now.”
“Madison!” both Kaylee and Galen say, standing by my side and taking in the scene in front of them.
“Asshole, get the hell away. You’ve caused too much damage. I swear I’m two seconds away from punching your nuts!” Kaylee threatens Kent.
“Kent,” I beg him, “please go.”
“Fine,” he relents. “This isn’t over, Madison. I’m going to show you all the proof, and once I get it, you’ll see who you’re really dealing with. Once you do, I’ll be here for you, sweetheart. Always.”
Bryce is about to punch him again. I hurry to stand between them and keep my eyes on Bryce’s. I’m silently telling him to back off and that the situation is under control. It takes him a moment to realize what I’m saying.
This is fucking annoying. I grab Kaylee and Galen and head to the bar. I need another drink and a shot. There’s no way I’m going to let Bryce ruin tonight. He shouldn’t be here, and I don’t want to know how he or Kent knew I was here.
A hand touches my shoulder. It’s a new kind of touch. I turn and see a gorgeous man with gray eyes and a devilish smile before me. He sticks out his hand my way.
“I should introduce myself. I’m Henry Malcolm, Bryce’s best friend. I’m sorry we’re meeting like this. I have just arrived from London and haven’t had a chance to officially meet you.”
I look at Kaylee and see her eyes bulge out. I’m pretty sure I hear her panting, then I look at Galen, and he’s doing the same.
“It’s nice to meet you, Henry. As you know, I’m Madison Smith. These are my friends, Kaylee and Galen.”
He nods at Galen and smiles at Kaylee. “Nice to meet you both.” He turns back to me. “I’m going to warn you, he’s in a mood and won’t make tonight easy for you.”
“Great.”
Bryce stalks his way over and glowers at me. “Why didn’t you answer your phone? When I call you or text you, I expect a response. Do you have a clue how I worry about you when you don’t respond?”
“There was no reason to worry about me. You acted like an ass for no reason. If you’re here to be a controlling freak, I’m not dealing with it,” I austerely state, crossing my arms over my chest, and narrowing my eyes.
Bryce steps closer to me and I see the fury in his eyes. I know exactly how this is going to go.
I stand from the stool and turn to take my shot and take my drink. I’m not going to deal with this at the club. If he wants to talk like a mature man, then we can. For now, I’m going to walk away and enjoy tonight with my friends.
This is starting to feel like a business transaction or a dominant and submissive relationship, which is not happening. He can dominate me in the bedroom, but right here, right now, and anytime we’re in public, he needs to see me for who I am—his girlfriend.
At the table, I leisurely drink my martini. The bar’s getting packed, and people are getting lost in the crowd. Even though so many people are here, I can still feel him. Every hair on my arm is standing in alert. When I look up, he’s standing next to Galen with his friend, Henry. Both men are gorgeous. Honestly, how’s this fair for the women population?
The drinks are hitting me full force, and I’m pretty sure I’m drunk. The idea of possibly going back to Bryce’s penthouse is giving me anxiety. The problem is, when I’m drunk, I don’t have a filter. I tell it like it is and no fucks are given. So, if Bryce pushes me, then he’s getting it, and I won’t have any regrets. I’m sure he’s never had a woman put him in his place.
There’s always a first for everything.
I see Henry walking to the side where Kaylee’s sitting across from me and turns his attention to her. I bet she’s happy to have his attention. The man is hot as sin. My man’s hotter, though. Or they’re equally hot.
“Madison.” Bryce’s tone is clipped and slow. “We need to talk. Let’s go.”
I notice Henry’s wary expression and look at Kaylee for help. She’s sporting the same look as Henry, and I’m utterly annoyed. No one’s butting in to help. Does Bryce have such limitless power and control that no one will defy him except me?
“I’m not ready to leave.” I take my drink and shoot it back. “Another round on me, everyone.”
“Madison.”
“Bryce.” I narrow my eyes at him, keeping my cold stare, and decide to put my foot down. I’m calling the shots tonight.
His expression turns dark and deadly, but I don’t care. “Madison, I will not ask you again.”
“Then don’t. I’m not a piece of property you’ve acquired, Bryce. Treat me like your fucking girlfriend or get the hell out of my face and consider us done.”
I don’t miss the pained expression. He recovers swiftly and softly places his hand on mine. “Can we please go and talk?” His tone is calmer. “I’m sorry for being overbearing. I didn’t mean to treat you so bad
ly. You mean a great deal to me, Madison.”
Gentle.
Of course, I give in.
We excuse ourselves and wish everyone a good night. Kaylee gives me her call me tomorrow with details look. I notice Peter standing by the door and give him a small smile before climbing into the back seat of the SUV.
The door closes, but I’m too absorbed looking out my window to care about what Bryce wants to say. “Peter,” I start to say, “my car …”
“Henry’s taking it back to the apartment. Kaylee took your keys without you realizing and gave it to him.”
“Okay.”
The short drive is quiet, and when we’re inside his penthouse, I drop my clutch on the counter and walk to the window. Seeing the world from this height clears my head. I know what I want to say and gain the courage to say it. Plus, the alcohol in my system is giving me the push I need to give Bryce a piece of my mind.
“Bryce, you can’t do this. You can’t barge into my work and demand answers.” I turn around to face him, crossing my arms over my chest. “This is becoming unhealthy. Your need to control me isn’t going to work. Treat me like your girlfriend. Behind closed doors, you whisper the sweetest and dirtiest things to me, and then when you don’t get your way, you throw a tantrum like a child and try to control me with your demands. It’s disrespectful, and not something I’m looking to be in.”
He sighs and runs a hand through his unruly hair. “The idea of you with another man …”
“Is what? Do you think I’m cheating on you? I’m with you. No one else. Nicholas is a client. Whatever beef you have with him shouldn’t affect me.”
“Everything you do matters to me. When I don’t hear from you or know where you are, it drives me fucking crazy. I’ve never been in a relationship. I don’t always know how to act. You know about my past. There were women I slept with, and they listened to my every command. Then there’s you. Strong, fierce, and independent. It’s one of the infinite things about you I …” He what? “I adore.”