Relentless Pursuit

by Lulu Pratt

“You’re welcome,” I whisper back, and she smiles so innocently, squirming beneath the covers before the muscles in her face relax as she drifts off.

  On my way back to my room, I stop to have a drink at the bar, needing to kick the edge off in one way or another.

  I’ve never felt so giddy in my life. What I thought would be a sightseeing tour was an actual date, and now that it’s over it makes me question if I’ve ever been on one before.

  That was a night nothing like anything I’ve ever experienced. It was fun, seductive, adventurous and intimate. More intimate than sex, actually.

  I can’t believe how satisfied I am without ending the night how every other one of my dates has concluded. Although I want her so bad it hurts, I know I made the right decision. The last thing I want is for Ava to regret giving herself to me, so I chug my drink with pride before leaving the hotel room.

  After three knocks, Rodrick answers.

  “Hey, boss. Did you need something?”

  “Yeah, show me the pictures from earlier,” I instruct, and he leads me back to the dining room, which is still set up exactly how it was earlier.

  His team has worked to identify every person at the party who wasn’t on the guest list, and created a list of more people than they anticipated. My events are always exclusive, but of course we allow for plus ones and late additions who don’t make the security list.

  Since that strategy produced too many results, he decided to pick some of the most suspicious individuals, particularly those with criminal records. Rodrick used to be a Navy SEAL, and his second-in-command was a police officer with the NYPD for twenty years, so together they have access to a lot of information people think is private.

  “So, all these people were in the east wing of the house?” I ask, looking over the pictures.

  “Yes, sir. And from our research, it seems to be an inside job, a revenge theft or both. So, we were hoping you would recognize one of these guys,” he explains, pointing to the array of men scattered on the table.

  “Maybe an ex-employee, or even a rival,” he adds when I study the photos in silence.

  “No, they don’t look familiar.”

  “Well, we’re moving to the women now. There are a lot more than the men, so we thought we’d run through these in case we could crack the case early,” he shrugs, gathering the photos into a pile.

  “Scorned women? That will be a long list,” I sigh, knowing my track record is anything but favorable.

  That was a fear of mine when Ava first began rejecting me. I assumed she must have heard of my checkered past and decided I wasn’t worth the trouble. I wouldn’t be able to blame her, and to be honest, when I first met her, I had no plan on treating her any different.

  Her playing hard to get has changed everything, and now I’m sure there is no way we can be a quick fling like my previous rendezvouses. I want Ava, and I want all of her, to myself.

  “Anything else?” Rodrick asks, disrupting my thoughts.

  “Uh, yeah,” I run my fingers through my hair, struggling to form my thoughts into words.

  “What is it, sir?”

  “Ava. I want to take her out tomorrow. I need it to be perfect, and I know you can handle that.” Rodrick has a reputation for being the romantic of his squad. He’s been married for over a decade, and it seems he and his wife are the happiest couple I’ve ever met.

  “Don’t worry, boss. I’ve got it covered.”

  Chapter 13

  Ava

  Sunlight from the large window teases my eyes until I finally awake, glancing around in confusion as I struggle to remember where I am.

  Sitting up in bed, I take a deep breath, looking out the window at the exceptional view of the city, remembering my love affair with Istanbul until my stomach drops.

  The memories of the previous night begin to rush back and I cover my face in horror, trying to convince myself it must have been a dream. There’s no way I could have come so close to sleeping with Logan, but my mind keeps replaying our night, and I’m certain it all must have happened.

  With my face buried in my hands, I brainstorm possible ways that Logan would forget all that happened, but eventually decide I’ll have to face the music.

  Tiptoeing into the dining room, I find Logan sitting at the head of the table, reading the New York Times, with a spread of food filling the table like a Thanksgiving feast.

  “Good morning,” I whisper.

  “Good morning, sunshine,” Logan says after peeking over his newspaper to see me.

  He’s wearing casual clothes, unlike most mornings when he’s already dressed in suits for his business meetings.

  “I didn’t know what you like, so I ordered pancakes and waffles, and there’s eggs, bacon, oatmeal, fruit, pastries and yogurt,” he announces pointing to all the covered white dishes.

  “Wow,” I remark, looking over all the options while my stomach churns and my head begins to throb.

  “And there’s tea and coffee, but first you should drink this,” he suggests, standing as he holds a large glass filled with what looks to be a thick, green liquid.

  “That looks gross.”

  “It’s not half bad,” he says, leaning down to kiss my forehead before returning to his seat.

  Butterflies flutter in my stomach from his affectionate gesture, but I know I should tell him how we can’t do what we did last night ever again. My mind is scowling at my emotions, trying to instill some discipline, but my mouth remains mum, not saying a word.

  Maybe it’s because I enjoyed his kiss, or maybe it’s because he is the one who stopped us from going all the way last night, when I all but begged him. Maybe I’m the one who needs to be talked to about ethics, as opposed to Logan.

  Pinching my nose, I drink the green concoction in six gulps. A lime aftertaste prompts me to pour a large glass of orange juice to wash away the flavor.

  “You’ll be better in no time,” Logan smiles without glancing up from his paper.

  “Did I dream that we were going to Greece?” I ask, settling into a seat as I place one waffle and one pancake on my plate.

  “Going for both?” Logan raises one eyebrow, impressed, and I smile while taking a bite of bacon.

  “Yes, we are going to Greece, but I had to delay it one day so that I could have my own day in Istanbul,” he says cryptically.

  “You like to explore on your own?” I wonder aloud.

  “No, not exactly,” he grins, folding the newspaper before setting it on the table in front of him. “Last night you got to show me Istanbul through your eyes. Today, we’re traveling my way, and you must do everything I want to.”

  “I didn’t bring a gown,” I tease, knowing of his luxury living.

  “Don’t worry. I brought my wallet.”

  After breakfast, I shower and dress for the day, excited to see what Logan has in store. Deciding on a royal blue strapless pants romper, I curl my hair in big beach waves, that fall to my barely noticeable cleavage.

  Adding a little mascara to my long lashes, and bronzer to my cheeks, I step back to take in my full package and nod my approval before slipping on my gold sandals and grabbing my matching clutch purse.

  Logan is speaking to Rodrick when I enter the living room, but the words die on his lips once he lays eyes on me. I feel like the most beautiful woman in the world under his gaze, and can feel my face redden as Rodrick looks over before complimenting me.

  “You look very nice, Ms. Batcher,” he greets me before whispering to Logan and excusing himself from the room.

  “Hi,” I say to Logan after closing the distance between us.

  “You look amazing,” he takes a step back to look at me once more.

  “Thank you. I knew I had to step it up for a day with you,” I joke, looking over his black chino pants and white polo shirt.

  “I feel underdressed now,” he bites his bottom lip, and I look away to control my pelvic muscles from tensing too much.

  “Ready to get started?” He pulls
me to him with a hand on my hip, and my heart rate increases from the feel of his touch.

  “Yes,” I breathe the word, my hormones raging in complete hysteria.

  The day begins with a long car ride, as Logan snuggles me into his side, pointing out landmarks as the city passes us by. His knowledge of Istanbul is remarkable, he knows so much, explaining how there is an old city and a new city.

  Our hotel is in the new city, but today we’re traveling to the old city, where most of the ancient landmarks and historic sites are located.

  “So, Logan, you learned all of this from your visits here?”

  “Well, that part I learned this morning on Wikipedia, but everything from last night, yes, from my visits,” he bashfully admits. I laugh so loud the driver is startled, but I can’t help myself. Logan’s ability to make fun of himself is hilarious and attractive all at once.

  “So, you studied for your travel day?”

  “I’ve been up since five this morning researching things to show you,” he chuckles, but it makes my stomach drop like I’ve leaped from an airplane.

  The idea that he would spend so much time preparing for me is so sweet, and nothing like the man I worried he would become with time.

  In fact, Logan is nothing like the person Petra so vehemently described when I first told her about our meeting. I’ll have to ask where she heard such awful things about him, because the more I get to know him, the more I’m sure that whoever said it must not know him well.

  Within a few minutes, we arrive at what looks to be an ancient building, with Rodrick and one other man leading to the top before leaving us to enjoy the most incredible view I’ve ever seen.

  The entire city is beneath us, filled with bright colors, and Logan stands behind me, smiling at my awe of a reaction. It’s so beautiful, I can barely contain myself.

  “Okay, see that building right there?” He points to a huge structure, consisting of several dome ceilings, painted in a soft peach color.

  “That’s beautiful! What is it?”

  “That’s Hagia Sophia. That’s where we’re going after lunch. It was the Roman Empire’s first Catholic cathedral, then it was a mosque and now it’s a museum,” he explains confidently.

  “We can go inside?”

  “Of course, babe,” he chuckles, and I feel myself melt.

  There’s something about his terms of endearment that just turn me to complete mush.

  “Are you ready for your lunch?” A man arrives, smiling as he greets us.

  “Yes,” Logan answers for the both of us, prying me away from the view as we sit at the only table on the balcony, leading me to believe he’s set up this private lunch for us to enjoy the view alone.

  “We have specially prepared a spread of traditional Turkish dishes for you to try, and we do hope that you enjoy,” the man says before disappearing.

  For the rest of our lunch, we are only interrupted when two women bring dish after dish of delicious food, giving a quick explanation before scurrying off into the restaurant.

  It’s the most private and intimate lunch, with just the two of us, as I pray I’m not looking as googly eyed as I feel. With every glance, I feel myself losing control, no longer wanting to fight him or the way I feel.

  “Did you get enough?” Logan asks after the women take away the last of our plates.

  “I’m stuffed.” I answer, accepting his hand as he helps me to my feet.

  “Okay, we’ll walk it off,” he leans down gently kissing my forehead before helping me down the steps.

  “Ready, sir?” Rodrick asks when we reach the bottom of the steps.

  “Yes, we’ll head to Hagia Sophia from here,” he informs him and with a head nod, Rodrick whispers into his wrist before nodding to Logan, who in turn interlocks our fingers before walking down the sidewalk.

  “Wait. We’re literally walking?” I ask, surprised.

  “I thought you would want to. Do you want to drive?” He looks back to Rodrick.

  “No! Of course, I want to walk, I just didn’t think you would want to,” I explain quickly.

  The look of relief on his face is endearing. To know that he was stressed about pleasing me makes me both happy and flattered. This is shaping up to be a great day.

  “Ava, you only have to tell or show me that you like something once. Then, I’ll never stop trying to give it to you over and over.”

  “Is that chivalry or gluttony?” I tease.

  “I guess a bit of both. I’m definitely a glutton for that smile,” he says, squeezing my hand as we walk through the old city with one security guard a few paces in front of us, and Rodrick just behind.

  Hagia Sophia is the most incredible architectural feat I’ve ever seen. The ceiling is so remarkable that I fear getting a crick in my neck from staring so long. The people are nice and welcoming, and of course Logan hired a private guide to give us a tour throughout the museum, and then onto the old city of Istanbul, which is so rich in history.

  After three hours of walking and learning, I’m exhausted when we finally say goodbye to our tour guide, thanking him for his kindness and generosity.

  “The car’s here, sir,” Rodrick announces and I can feel my feet’s gratitude.

  “You’re an angel,” I look up to Logan and he smiles in response.

  “I figured you’d had enough walking,” he says while helping me into the backseat.

  With his arm draped over my side, Logan pulls me flush against him as we take off into the city, heading back to the more modern Istanbul that I first fell in love with.

  My eyelids grow heavy and my head begins to nod, the buildings growing fuzzy as my head rests against Logan’s hard chest. The last thing I remember is his hand resting on my head, preventing me from rocking forward in the stop and go of traffic.

  “Ava… Ava, baby, we’re here.”

  Slowly, my eyes begin to focus and I see Logan’s handsome face looking down at me.

  “Should I carry you inside?” He asks with a frown.

  “No, no, don’t be silly. I can walk. That was the fastest ride of my life,” I yawn, stretching my arms as embarrassment washes over me for falling asleep on his chest. Looking over at my seat, I grab my purse before following him into the hotel.

  Chapter 14

  Logan

  Ava’s hands are on me in some way or another the entire elevator ride, and my heart rate is through the roof trying to keep my cool. All day I’ve wanted her while she was right next to me. I’m insatiable for her, with no shame at all.

  With her hand in mine, I take us to our hotel suite, ready to show her all I’ve planned for our evening.

  “We’re going to have dinner here tonight. Is that okay?” I ask.

  “I was just going to ask if there was another meal planned. I don’t know how I’m hungry again.”

  “Of course there’s dinner. I’m going to hop in the shower and then it should be ready.”

  “Perfect. After all that walking I’m sticky.”

  Ava is so honest and open, it’s exhilarating. No other woman I’ve ever dated would admit to feeling sweaty, choosing instead to present themselves as prim and proper. She’s nothing like the people in my circle, and I’m enjoying the breath of fresh air more and more.

  The second the door to her bedroom closes, I rush to the front door, opening as quietly as possible.

  “I’ll handle this, Mr. Draper. You can prepare yourself,” Rodrick nods to the crew behind him.

  I’ve arranged for a small staff to wait on us, so they’ve just arrived to set up a table on the balcony, complete with all the trappings of a high-end restaurant.

  “Sounds great,” I nod, jetting off to my room.

  The excitement I feel surprising Ava is a bit amusing, because pleasing this woman has quickly become my favorite pastime. She enjoys and appreciates everything so much more than most people I know, so I want to spoil her. Just thinking of her, and our day together, the smiles on her face and the awe in her eyes as we w
alked through the city, my manhood stands at attention.

  I’ve never craved a woman like this, and my body is eager to please her in every way. My hand wraps tightly around my length, while my thumb presses against the head.

  After a silent debate, I decide not to bring myself to release, wanting to save all my pleasure for Ava, whenever that will be. Turning down the temperature of the water, I let the cool water rinse over my tense shoulders until my cock relaxes, and then I hop out to get dressed.

  Not wanting to be too fancy, I decide on a pair of slacks and a polo shirt. After quickly brushing my hair, and adding a spray of cologne, I make my way to the living room.

  Ava has yet to re-emerge, but Rodrick has worked with the restaurant staff to set up the balcony perfectly. They’ve covered the table with a thick white tablecloth, setting an ice bucket next to the table with a bottle of white wine.

  Traditional colorful Turkish plates and bowls make up the setting, with candles burning as the centerpiece, as well as all around the balcony, creating ambience, as the city bustles on beneath us from the incredible view.

  My heart races waiting for Ava to see what I’ve prepared, but something is taking her longer than I expected. Just when I think she may have fallen asleep, her door opens slowly.

  Wearing a thin white dress, she looks like an angel, with her hair flowing over her shoulders, and her skin glowing without any make-up.

  “I’m sorry, I had to blow dry my – Oh God, Logan!” She exclaims, covering her mouth as the balcony comes into view.

  “You like it?” I ask, failing to contain my pride from her reaction as a grin the size of Montana covers my face.

  “I love it. It’s beautiful.” She wraps her arms around my waist, and I lean down to kiss her forehead, a new act of intimacy I had no idea I enjoyed so much.

  “Let’s eat,” I run my fingers through her soft hair before leading her out to the balcony, where unfortunately she releases me to admire the view.

  “Would you like a glass of wine, madam?” The waiter asks.

  “Yes, please,” she answers, turning around to shake his hand and thank him. I can tell he’s caught off guard by her kindness, and probably her beauty as well. If he’s done this all day, I would bet she’s the first to pay him any attention.