It’s true, I guess. Michael did have other options for fixing this situation but that’s not good enough. Marrying him doesn’t feel…right.
“I’m not ready to marry him. It’s such a big step. I barely know him. Our relationship is merely about good sex, good food and hanging out,” I say in a small voice as I hold out my hand and stare down at my left ring finger. I didn’t choose a ring. After Michael, Campbell and Buzz Cut walked out of the conference room, I had entrusted the rings to Jessica, telling her to make sure that her asshole boss returned them all to the jeweler.
“Ruthie – I can say whatever I want, come up with any argument in favor of you marrying Michael, but at the end of the day, the decision is yours. Don’t let anyone or anything twist your arm and force you into a marriage you don’t want. All I ask is that you search your heart. Because something tells me that, despite your objections, marrying Michael is what you truly want deep down inside.”
Chapter 5
When Campbell contacted me to tell me that a night at the opera with Michael and his parents was on my agenda tonight, I tried to protest. I told her that I’m not some pawn in the Moretti’s ploy to launch Michael’s political career, that I’m not just a toy that they can use as part of their game. But she eventually wore me down with that strong-arming way of hers.
Now, I’m sitting here in this cold-ass theatre in the seat between Michael and his mother trying to look at ease while the female soprano on stage sings foreign-language words in a tone that is sure to make my eardrums explode by the end of the night.
On the way into the theatre, we ran into several acquaintances and business associates of the Moretti family and I had to play demeure as the men defiled me with their eyes in a way that let me know they had viewed the sex tape and their wives threw snares in my direction in a way that let me know that they had also viewed the sex tape.
Fuck!
Then, there’s the issue of Michael’s mother.
While Mr. Moretti has been cordial, friendly even, the tension between myself and Gabriella is palpable. She’s made snide remarks about my dress, my hair and even the way I held my wine glass over dinner. With every comment, Michael has been sure to put her back in her place. However, I’ve just excused myself to use the washroom and Gabriella has found it the perfect opportunity to accompany me to
‘powder her nose’.
I escape into a bathroom stall before she can utter a word to me. I sit on the seat and bury my face in my hands. I feel like my life has become a runaway buggy that I’ve lost all control of. I wish I could go back to when things were simple. Before I fell in love with a man that I don’t even deserve. A man who now expects me to make all these sacrifices to save his reputation after I unceremoniously desecrated it.
But now is not the time to cry. I’m at the opera for christ’s sake. I’ve got to put on my happy face as I rub shoulders with Michael’s family and acquaintances and associates.
Just as I swing the bathroom stall open, I hear a loud squeal. “Gabriella!”
My attention darts in the direction of the petite brunette barreling through the washroom.
“Liz!” Gabriella beams. “It’s so, so lovely to see you.”
You’ve got to be kidding me, right?
The two women embrace, giving each other air kisses.
“You look gorgeous as always,” Liz gushes, pandering to Gabriella’s ego.
“And you – you look radiant. You’re glowing!” Gabriella says, returning the flattery.
“Well, you know – being in love will do that to you.” Liz is all smiles.
“Oh, yes. It’s true. Your mother told me that you’re dating someone. Nicholas O’Connor. He snatched you up right from underneath my son’s nose, didn’t he?” Gabriella looks remorseful as she speaks.
Liz laughs a little. “Gabriella, we both know that’s not what happened.” Liz says with an equally rueful smile. “Your son is a philanderer and he always will be.” Liz tosses a glance in my direction and her eyes are full of spite.
I’ve had enough of this display.
Michael chose me over Liz and Gabriella is just going to have to accept that. Especially since her son seems to want me to marry him.
I might have to accept his ‘proposal’ just to spite her.
I try to sneak out of the washroom to get away from Gabriella and Liz. I don’t need to witness their love fest for a second longer.
“You are going to wash your hands, aren’t you, dear?” Gabriella calls after me as I head for the door. “Surely, you were taught about hygiene in your country,” she says with a smirk.
Stunned, I spin around and glare at her.
The group of young women congregated around the mirrors to reapply their makeup peep at me and giggle quietly. The older woman near the sink spraying on what seems like gallons of perfume pauses to frown at me with a lifted eyebrow.
I stomp over to the sink, pump soap into my palm and rub my hands together before running them under the water. Without a word, I grab a towel, dry my hands and stomp back to the show like a petulant child.
This bitch is supposed to be my future mother-in-law.
Christ, help me.
Chapter 6
“Time’s up!”
I swear under my breath as I hear those dreaded words.
“Pencils down and close your examination booklets.”
I was nowhere near done answering the questions on the exam. I’ve performed like shit in school this semester and I expect that my grades will reflect that. I’ve been so distracted. I let myself forget that school is my number one priority. Or at least it’s supposed to be if I want to keep my scholarship.
I sigh in frustration as my Property Law professor passes by and snatches my examination booklet out of my hands. He glares down at me and I offer him an unconvincing smile. He says nothing but the look on his face says it all. I used to be one of the brightest students in his class but now, I’ve fallen way behind the pack.
As I gather my belongings and shove them into my bag, I feel a strong headache coming on.
“Hey, Ruth, a couple of us are going out for drinks to celebrate the end of the semester. Wanna come?” I look up into the face of a classmate I’ve never spoken to before. Frankly, I didn’t even realize that she knew my name.
But then again, now everybody knows my name.
I’m the dumb Brazilian law student who made a sex tape in an elevator with one of the country’s top entertainment lawyers.
I give some excuse about already having plans for the night and I quickly escape into the hallway.
The fact of the matter is that I do have plans.
On the agenda tonight is dinner with Michael at a popular upscale restaurant followed by a planned run-in with the paparazzi.
All part of Campbell’s image rehabilitation strategy.
Chapter 7
“You’ve barely touched your food…”
I lift my eyes to meet Michael’s concerned blue-eyed gaze.
Fuck – he’s so gorgeous. Even though I’m pissed at the situation that I find myself in, I can’t help but be hopelessly attracted to him.
“I’m not really hungry,” I say as I glance nervously around the elegant restaurant. I know that the paparazzi are outside and that they’ll be there when we’re ready to leave.
To add to my anxiety, today I went with Michael to the office of the city clerk to apply for our marriage license.
We applied for a fucking marriage license!
In my heart, I know that we can’t go through with this.
I hear Michael pull a harsh breath as he drags his knife through the steak sitting on his plate.
We sit in silence as Michael downs his meal and I fiddle with the stem of my wine glass.
I’ve never felt this uneasy around him. Even when I was trying to push him away and fight against my attraction to him, I never felt this uncomfortable. The sexual tension pulsing between us was always enough to make me warm and tin
gly with desire anytime I was close to him. But now, even though I want him, even though looking at him makes me tingle between the thighs, I feel guarded and distant and I can’t trust his intentions.
He has yet to mention the fact that I didn’t choose one of his engagement rings but I know that it’s still weighing on his mind. I can hear it in the way he says my name. Things are different now.
Michael pushes his half-eaten meal aside and motions to the passing waiter for the bill. Once he’s paid, he helps me put on my coat and, in silence, I lead the way to the door.
Michael holds the door open for me and, the moment my foot hits the sidewalk, the bulbs begin to flash.
Always true to her word, Campbell called the paparazzi and alerted them to our whereabouts tonight. She says it’s part of controlling the narrative – she leaks stories to the media about Micheal and me being a happy couple instead of letting them go digging around and pulling up more ugly details that we’d rather keep hidden.
Michael drapes an arm around my shoulder and kisses me affectionately on the cheek. I plaster my brightest smile on my face and lean my head close to Michael’s chest as we make the short walk to the car. Michael holds the car door open for me and I slip inside, still wearing my plastic smile.
I watch as he speaks briefly with the valet before slipping behind the wheel of his sports car and kisses me again – this time on the forehead – before hitting the gas.
It’s all for show.
I love this man. For real. And he’s willing to pretend he feels the same. All for the sake of his political career.
The realization is like a hot dagger piercing through my heart.
Chapter 8
“Come to bed, Ruth.”
I look up from the windowsill where I’m sitting, watching snowflakes fall from the sky onto the sidewalks of Gramercy. Michael is standing in the doorway, shirtless. His black pajama pants hang low on his hips and the strong muscles of his torso are on full display.
Without a word, I set down my cup of warm milk and let him lead me to the room.
I let him slide the robe from around my shoulders and race his warm hands over my throbbing breasts. I let him kiss my lips before placing a trail of kisses down my neck. I let him take my nipple between his teeth and bite down lightly before laying my body down on the sheets. I let him spread my thighs and run his tongue back and forth across my aching core.
And I hiss and moan and whimper as he strokes me to a trembling orgasm. Then, he puts on a condom and slides his hard cock into my receptive body. My muscles clench around him, wanting to hold him in place forever. He thrusts into me in steady, rhythmic bursts. I hold onto his strong arms, squeezing my eyes shut as tears roll down my face. He wipes them away and kisses me softly, his tongue still flavored with my juices.
He lifts my ass off of the bed and his finger graze across the puckered rear entry as he continues to pump his cock into my pussy. I feel a gush of arousal pour out of me as he slowly slips a finger inside of that forbidden place. I gush again and again, surprised by how much I like him exploring me like this. He hisses, no doubt further turned on by my increasing arousal.
He buries his face into the crux of my neck and I feel him grow longer and harder inside of me.
“I’m about to come, Ruth…” he groans the words in a quiet voice.
His body tenses up as I slip my hand between his legs and grab a hold of his warm sack. I feel him explode inside of me. My pussy clamps down on him and I climax with a loud cry.
He collapses on the bed next to me and pulls my body close to his. I rest my head on his chest and hear his heart pounding erratically.
I’m crying again. My warm tears run down his chest. He holds me tight.
And I swear that I hear him sobbing too.
Chapter 9
I swirl the wooden stick around and around in my glass of warm milk as I wait for Madison to join me.
I’ve chosen a table near the window just like Campbell told us we should. She’s arranged for a few paparazzi to photograph our reconciliation. She told Madison and me that putting on a united front will be good for rebuilding Michael’s image. Madison is willing to do what it takes to help her brother and me, I’m in love with the guy and I just can’t help but want him to be happy even if it means compromising my integrity. Plus, I feel at least partially responsible for his tarnished reputation, so I’m going to play nice with Madison.
She approaches the table with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and a scone in hand. She offers me a small smile as she sinks into her seat. “Hi Ruth.”
“Hi.” I feel so awkward right now, I can barely bring my eyes to hers.
“I just want to say that I’m really embarrassed for the way I behaved at the gym the other day.” Madison looks at me with eyes full of remorse. She actually seems genuine.
Wow – this isn’t quite the reception I was expecting from Michael’s younger sister. Especially since things were so sour the last time we saw each other.
I shrug my shoulders. “I know you were only looking out for your brother.”
“That’s no excuse. Even though I was upset, I know the way he feels about you. It wasn’t my place to interfere. I should have left it up to the two of you to try and figure it out.”
“I really appreciate you saying that, Madison.”
“I mean it…I’m sorry.”
I smile at her. I feel compelled to go over to her and give her a hug. She squeezes back with enthusiasm.
“I can’t even imagine how difficult all this must be for you.” Tight lines form on her pretty face.
“Life goes on, I guess.” I shrug my shoulders as I take a small swallow of milk.
“Don’t try to downplay it. What happened was a total invasion of privacy.”
“Michael and I should have known better than to get intimate in a public elevator.”
She sighs as she runs a finger along the edge of her cup. “I’d really like to know who did this, though? Who the hell leaked that video?”
I’ve wondered about that, too. I need to find out who it is that tried to destroy me. Sergei has already gotten me to sign the documents taking ownership of the club so he has no valid reason to try and take me down. Liz was infatuated with Michael for years, but now she seems genuinely happy in her new relationship. Gabriella hates me, but she would never hurt her own son.
At this point, my gut says that Teresa had something to do with leaking my story to the press. After all, she’s the one who told Sergei where to find me.
Deep at my core, I believe that Teresa – the woman I considered a sister for longer than I care to remember – she tried to ruin my life.
Chapter 10
My skin is crawling as I sit in the shadows of the seedy strip club. I watch Teresa twirling and gyrating around the pole, legs wide open and leaving nothing at all to the imagination. Her limp, clammy hair whips back and forth with her movements. She wears a yellowing smile as a few excited patrons throw dollar bills her way.
Gosh – that could have been me.
If I hadn’t picked myself up and gotten the hell away from Club Evade when I did, I could have been just as pathetic as Teresa is, all at the tender age of 24.
I chose the road out of this life. I chose to go to law school and get on the path to becoming a lawyer. And now, Teresa has dragged me by the hair back to the underworld.
She’s not going to get away with this.
I watch as she exits the stage and weaves her way through the crowd. She grins at the few men who try to grope her as she heads to the bar. I wait until she’s placed her order before I grab her by the skinny, needle-punctured arm and drag her in the direction of the bathroom.
“Bitch – Ruthie – what the fuck are you doing?” she yells at me as I yank her by the arm. The group of girls gathered by the sink smoking on a glass pipe don’t even bat an eye at the sound of Teresa’s protests.
“You fucking snitched about my past, didn’t you?” I say accusingly
as I release her arm with a shove.
She laughs. “Damn straight, I did…And I got paid. Big time.”
Ruthie's Desire - The Esquire Girls Series - Ruthie's Story (Books 1, 2, 3 & 4) - Box Set Page 19