by KJ Bell
I don’t want to make the same mistakes as my parents.
I change in Davey’s office into a sundress and sandals. I never wear dresses, but Tug is picking me up this evening for a surprise. I want to make more of an effort than my typical blue jeans and tank tops for the occasion. He has something romantic planned, and I can’t wait to find out what it is. Javier is staying the night with Drew.
Over the last month, I’ve fallen in love with a guy I thought was like all the others, but he’s not. He’s funny and sweet. He’s a good role model for Javier. He’s a gentlemen in every sense of the word. Tonight, I’m going to tell him how I feel, and share the secrets of my past with him. I don’t want anything between us that might jeopardize our future.
After making a few changes to next week’s schedule, I head to the bar to see if Davey needs anything else before I clock out. Crazy Red stands in front of me, blocking my path. I’m way too tired for a confrontation, but, judging by the sour look on her face, that is exactly why she’s here.
“May I help you?” I ask.
“I know who you are,” she says. Her bright red lips purse tightly, and she sticks her hip out to the side.
“So?” I reply, unaffected by her blatant attempt to bully me.
She points her finger and nearly pounds it into my chest. If she touches me, things are going to get ugly.
“So dump Aidan, or I go to the press.”
My instinct to show this girl how we do things where I’m from kick in. I take in a long breath, releasing it slowly.
“That will go a long way in getting him back.”
“If you care about him, you’ll leave him. The press will have a field day with him dating a hooker. His career will suffer.”
I lean in close to her, invading her personal space. “Who’s the hooker? I know about your little arrangement. You’re pathetic.”
She takes a step back. Fear radiates from her eyes. She’s not as tough as she would like me to think she is. Her type is all talk. “No, I’m ambitious.”
I glance around to see if anyone is watching us. The patrons are busy socializing, and the staff is hard at work accommodating the happy hour rush. I don’t want problems in the restaurant, but it’s time to shut this prissy bitch down.
“Actually, you’re stupid. Do you really think you can intimidate me? Do you think I’m afraid of you? I’m not some weak little thing with no life experience who’s going to run from a man who loves me because his jealous ex threatens me. If you try anything, I assure you, you won’t enjoy what I put you through. Now, put up or shut up, bitch because I’m tired of listening to you talk!”
Her hand flies to her cheek, and her mouth opens. It’s quite the dramatic show. “How dare you speak to me that way? I’m a respectable businesswoman.”
A little piece of my old life surfaces, and I roll my neck, my hands on my hips. “And I’m a ghetto-ass bitch who will go all gangster on your ass if you hurt Tug.”
Her face squishes up. “Oh, my God. What does that even mean?”
“You’re a smart girl. It means hurt him, and I’ll hurt you.”
“You wouldn’t touch me.”
I’m done playing games with her. “I would, and with a great deal of pleasure. Now get out of here before I throw you out on your liposuctioned derriere.”
Her mouth opens, but before she can speak, Tug yanks on her arm. “What the fuck are you doing here, Larissa?”
She pulls her arm free. “God, Aidan. We were just talking.”
“More like you were stirring up shit. Go home, and stay away from Maria.”
I smile, and use the sweetest voice I can muster to say, “It’s fine. She was apologizing for how she treated me, and she was just leaving. Right, Larissa?”
The look on her face is priceless. She’s shaking mad, but manages a smile for Tug. “Yes, see, you didn’t need to manhandle me. I’m going.”
She spins on her heel and storms off. Her shoes slides on the tile and she slips, catching herself on the back of a barstool before she hits the ground. I cover my laugh with my hand and watch her carefully walk out.
Tug grins. “You want to tell me what actually happened?”
“Do you really want to know?” He nods. “She threatened me, and I told her I was going to kick her ass.”
He leans in close and nips at my earlobe. “That’s hot.”
I shake my head. “Where are you taking me?”
“It’s a surprise.”
We leave the restaurant, drop my car at Tug’s place, and drive north on I-5. Tug pulls off the highway in Del Mar. I relax in my seat and close my eyes, enjoying the warmth on my skin from the sun filtering in through the window. My eyes felt like they were only closed for a second, but they open when the car stops. I glance around through the window and see a hot-air balloon.
Tug gets out of the car. A second later he opens my door and reaches for my hand. I step out, and he places a sweater over my shoulders. I smile and slip my arms in the holes.
“Are you okay? You’re not afraid of heights, are you?”
“You might have wanted to ask before we drove out here, but no, I’m not afraid of heights.”
“Good, because Del Mar from the air at sunset is gorgeous.”
I have mixed emotions as we approach the balloon, which is already inflated. I’m not afraid of heights, although I wouldn’t say I was thrilled by them, either. It’s the lack of control that concerns me about floating through the air in a balloon.
An older gentlemen in khakis and a polo shirt engraved with a rainbow balloon on the left pec approaches Tug with his hand out.
“Mr. Hunter, I’m Greg, and I’ll be piloting your balloon for you this evening.” His balloon? I look up and notice the bold lettering on the side of the balloon, spelling out Gibson Capital. “She’s all ready to go.”
“Thank you, Greg. This is my girlfriend, Maria Santiago.”
I shake Greg’s hand firmly. Maybe a little too firmly, because he puts his other hand over the outside of mine and says, “It’s going to be fine, Miss Santiago. I have thousands of flights under my belt.” He smiles and releases my hand.
I relax a little when Tug takes my hand and walks me to the balloon. His strong arms slip around my waist and he hoists me into the rickety basket. A rush of warm air sweeps over my face, blowing my hair back. Tug climbs over the side and stands next to me. Greg follows Tug and effortlessly leaps over the side of the balloon.
Greg moves to the back of the balloon to prepare for the flight. I stand in the front middle of the basket, and Tug moves in behind me, bracing his hands on either side of me. “Breathe. You’re going to love this.”
My heart rate kicks up in anticipation. The excitement coursing through my veins makes me smile. Several people begin unsecuring the ropes that anchor the balloon to the ground. Once the final rope is free, the balloon rises slowly into the air. I hear Greg mumbling and turn to see him talking into a headset.
As the balloon continues to rise, I feel weightless, as though we’re drifting in the breeze. The breathtaking view stretches for miles out over the Pacific Ocean. Pink and orange streaks paint the sky, and the sun appears over the horizon in a brilliant glowing ball.
“This is beautiful.”
Tug rests his chin on my shoulder from behind. His hand skims my thigh, moving under my sundress. “And so are you. I like this dress,” he whispers, his fingers inching higher.
“What are you doing?’ I ask, peeking at Greg over my shoulder. He’s oblivious to our presence.
“Watching the sunset,” Tug replies. The smug tone of his voice makes me giggle. “Relax.”
I sigh and lean my head back against his chest. My breath hitches when his fingers slide under my panties. I open my mouth to protest, but hear Tug whisper in my ear.
“Shhh … breathe … just watch the sunset.”
The view, the warm air, the adrenaline pumping through my heart toy with my desire. Clearly I have a lack of modesty or I
’m some kind of exhibitionist, because I move my feet slightly farther apart. Tug smiles against my cheek.
His fingers slide through my sex. “You’re so wet.”
I bite my lip to keep from moaning. He slips two fingers inside me, the stretching divine, and though I know Greg could be watching, my body can’t deny his touch.
“You letting me do this makes me so hard. I’m going to fuck you the moment this balloon lands.”
His promise causes a quiet moan to escape my throat, and I cover my mouth with my hand. My eyebrows crease in agony. His fingers are still buried inside me, and I move my hips, trying to alleviate the ache.
“You want me to make you come?”
“Please.”
“Please what?” he asks, his voice full of cocky confidence.
“Please make me come,” I say loudly, eagerly, not concerned whether Greg can hear me. My only concern is Tug bringing me relief.
“Enjoy the sunset, and don’t close your eyes,” he commands softly in my ear, twisting his fingers inside me before slowly removing them. They slide over my sensitive flesh. I fight to keep my eyes open, as my only focus is on the sensual feeling of his fingers working over my sex. With each stroke, the pressure mounts in my core, and the sun dips lower into the ocean.
His fingers push back inside me and work at a torturous rhythm. I taste blood from the grip my teeth have on my lip, but I don’t want to make a sound. I feel the exhalations of Tug’s hot breath increasing the closer I get to exploding. His teeth graze along my neck just as his thumb presses firmly into my clit. I can’t contain the small whimper.
Suddenly he removes his fingers and works them over my clit fast and aggressively. Spasms jolt through my sex, and I throw my head back against his chest, lifting one leg and bracing my foot on the weave of the basket, writhing against his hand.
“Let go, baby,” he exhales into my ear, his voice deep and sinful.
With one last stroke of Tug’s fingers, the orgasm ripples through my body in a wave so strong I nearly collapse. Through my blurry vision, I see a burst of green as the sun disappears behind the black sea. Tug removes his hand from my panties and spins me around. I glance quickly at Greg, who is talking into the ear piece but doesn’t seem to notice me. My cheeks burn with fervor as I peer up at Tug.
He caresses my cheek. “I love your cheeks this shade of red, but don’t be embarrassed. He heard nothing.” Tug leans over. “I’ve fantasized about that happening since I booked the flight, and you making it come true delights me.”
“I’m delightful?”
He smirks. “Very, and sexy as hell.”
The balloon landing is not nearly as graceful as takeoff. It’s actually quite a bumpy affair, and I’m grateful Tug is pressed up against me for it. Several people grab onto the basket it, steadying it as we come to a stop. Once a few ropes are secured, Tug hops out and then helps me climb over the side. His hand grips mine firmly, and he starts walking. I nearly trip, keeping up with him.
“Where are we going?”
He stops and spins to face me. “To the office.” My gaze darts over his shoulder to a small tan building. There’s no sign on the front and no one appears to be inside.
“What is it?”
“It’s a small office for entertaining clients when we bring them out for balloon rides.”
I feel nervous about meeting anyone, especially after what we just did in the balloon. I’m sure my skin is a nice shade of flush-fucked-red. “If you need to speak with a client, I can wait in the car.”
“We aren’t meeting anyone. The building is empty.” He grips my wrist and brings my hand to his erection. “We’re going inside so you can deal with this.” His words come out in a painful growl.
After taking care of Tug at the office, we end up at his loft and engage in a marathon of sex. His stamina is astounding. I’m starting to wonder if he’s human, or derived from some divine force in the universe. Only a man touched by the gods can both look and perform as he does.
I’m suddenly too tired to tell him everything I wanted to about my past. I decide it’s better to wait until the morning when I’m coherent. As I lie next to him, I’m so conflicted. I think about Queen Crazy threatening to go to the press. They would print my name, which would not only destroy Tug’s career, but insure that Eduardo was able to find me. Javier’s father is a dangerous man. I would never be able to live with myself if something happened to Tug because of me. I know the press will photograph us eventually.
We don’t spend a lot of time in San Diego outside of Tug’s loft. I’ve been careful and have tried to hide my face the couple of times a photographer approached us. Tug usually ignores their pleas for my name.
My only hope is dealing with my problems before Eduardo finds me. I should pick up more shifts at work. Even then, it will take years to raise the money I need. I’m walking a very dangerous tightrope, and sooner or later, I’m going to fall. Maybe I can convince Tug to move to Mexico with us. Still unsure of what to do, I finally drift asleep.
The following morning, Tug’s in the kitchen drinking coffee. His suit is always intimidating, especially this morning. He throws me an adorable smile, and my will to be truthful with him disappears. I have to find a way to free myself from Eduardo first. I can’t risk anything happening to Tug.
“Good morning, sweet girl. Did you sleep well?”
I say, “Yes.” But honestly, I hardly slept at all.
“I love waking up next to you.”
“You do?”
His smile reaches his eyes. Happiness shines from the amber rings around his pupils. “I want to wake up to you every morning.”
My mouth opens, and I stare at him for several seconds in stunned silence.
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“I got a bit distracted last night, and we didn’t get a chance to talk, but I’ve wanted to say something for a while now.”
I shake my head furiously, uncertainty snaking its way into my thoughts. “Tug … my papa, Javier … it’s a lot.”
He grabs my arms. “I want all of it. Do you know why?”
I stare at him blankly.
“Because I love you, Maria. I want you to move in with me. You, Franco, and Javier. I want us to be a family.”
I shake my head again, trying to clear the fog. I must still be asleep. I have to be dreaming. He just said he loved me. He loves me. I love him, too, and I want to tell him, but the worries in my mind outweigh my love.
“Here?” I ask, glancing around his loft. There’s plenty of room, but it’s in the States.
“Here, or we can buy a house in the suburbs.” His smile is so hopeful I want to cry. “Whatever you want.”
Suddenly everything between us feels like it’s happening too fast. “I don’t know. I have to think about it. Moving in together is a big commitment.”
And living in the States is out of the question until I deal with my past.
“I’m ready for this, but take as long as you need. My love is endless.”
We exit Tug’s building; my heart is still racing. Moving in with Tug feels like a risk worth taking, and I’m just about to turn around and tell him I’m ready to take the jump when clicking invades my ears. Voices shout at Tug, asking him who I am and if we’re serious. To my horror, Tug tells them my name and professes his love for me. I panic and pull him back into the building. He follows me to the elevator and back to his loft. I’m freaking out, pacing the floor frantically, my hands flying through the air as I mumble to myself.
Tug rests against the back of the couch, watching me for several minutes before he asks, “What’s wrong?”
“Those pictures are going to hit the Internet any second. You told them my name. They know who I am.”
He stands tall and smiles. I know he thinks the photos and revealing who I am aren’t a big deal. But it’s life-altering.
“So what? I told them your name because I don’t care if they know who you are.”
“Right? You’re okay with your clients, the people you work with, knowing the girl you’re in love with used to be a prostitute?”
He grabs my arms to stop me from pacing. “Yes. I don’t give a shit. My publicists will smooth it over in a day.”
My mind drifts to my responsibilities. “Oh, my God. Javier and Papa. I have to go to them. I need to get back to Mexico, now.”
I text Davey that I won’t be in today and toss my phone in my purse.
“What is going on?” Tug asks, trying to pull me against his chest. I resist and take a step back. “You’re scaring me.”
Calmly, I say, “You should be scared.”
“It’s Javier’s father, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Is he looking for you?”
“Yes.”
“He wants Javier? Why are you keeping him from him?”
“He doesn’t want Javier. I need to go to Mexico, please.”
“No. You aren’t leaving. Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on!”
His arms get around me, and I thrash against him.
“This will never work. I can’t be with you. I’m going to Mexico to get Javier and my papa, and then we’re moving far away. I’m sorry.”
“Fuck that! You aren’t leaving me. I can help. Tell me.”
I push against his chest and he lets me go, his expression hurt, and it’s all my fault.
“There’s nothing you can do. Let me go. You can’t spend your life trying to build me up. My life is always going to fall apart. People like me don’t get ahead. And people like you are supposed to be fine with it. This was never going to work and we never should have forced a relationship. I made a mistake.”
“We are not a mistake and I refuse to let you fall apart.”
“You don’t understand. Eduardo will kill you, me, Javier, and anyone else who gets in his way. He’s ruthless, and I don’t have what he wants to stop him, so it’s time for us to split town.”
“What does he want? I’ll give it to him.”
Although I know it wasn’t intentional, Tug offering to settle my debt makes me feel like a hooker all over again.