by Opal Carew
And of course, deep inside, she’d known he wouldn’t.
Because he didn’t want her.
She pulled the suitcase from the bed to the floor, glancing around the room for anything she’d forgotten. She grabbed her brush from the dresser and shoved it in the outer pocket of her bag, then headed for the door.
Silently, she carried her bag downstairs through the dark apartment, then out the door. Moments later, she rolled her suitcase through the lobby to the entrance.
“Good evening, Ms. Mills.” The night doorman stood up from one of the armchairs, pushing the phone he’d been tapping on into his pocket. He walked with her toward the door to open it for her. “It’s very late. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, thank you,” she said, focused on getting out of the building and away from here.
“Would you like me to call you a cab?”
She hesitated as the lock on the door clicked open. It would be the smart thing to do. To sit here and wait for a cab rather than run off into the dark street.
She glanced over her shoulder. But she was afraid Kent might have heard her leave the apartment. That he might come down here to get her.
She couldn’t face him right now.
“No, thank you. I’ll be fine.”
He opened the door and she stepped into the night.
She walked along the sidewalk, not sure where she was going. The clack of her suitcase wheels on the pavement seemed to echo through the dark street.
She felt so alone.
She stopped and pulled out her cell phone, then tapped on it, looking for the closest hostel. A movement further down the street caught her eye and she saw two men walking her way. Her stomach clenched. She turned around and started back the way she’d come, walking toward First Avenue.
“Christina.”
Her heart thudded as she glanced toward the building she’d just left. But it wasn’t Kent who strode from the entrance toward her. It was Avi.
“Where are you going?” he asked, falling into step beside her.
“Kent doesn’t want me to stay with him anymore, so I left.”
“I’m sure he didn’t intend for you to leave at three in the morning.” He grasped the handle of her suitcase and drew her to a stop. “Why don’t you come back inside?”
“I’m not going back to Kent’s,” she said firmly.
“All right. Then come to my place. I have a comfortable guest room where you can sleep.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Christina, I can’t just let you wander off into the night alone.”
She bit her lip. She’d already been arrested by the police once. If a man tried to pick her up again, even if she resisted, she could wind up in jail all over again.
Then who would she go to for help?
At her hesitation, Avi took her arm and led her to the entrance.
“What if Kent sees us in the hall? I don’t want to talk to him.”
“I’m sure he’s sound asleep. Otherwise, he’d be down here instead of me.”
The doorman let them in, then Avi took her to the elevator.
The doors closed behind them and the elevator started upward. She realized he was just wearing a silk robe and slippers. He must have been in bed.
“How did you know I was leaving?” she asked.
“I was worried something like this might happen. I asked James, the night doorman, to keep an eye on you. When he saw you with your suitcase, he texted me.”
“Oh.”
She couldn’t believe Avi had been looking out for her. Her gaze fell to his strong fingers still gripping her suitcase handle, and glided up his robe to the muscular chest, revealed in the V opening, then to his broad shoulders.
The doors opened and he rested his hand on the small of her back and then guided her to his apartment. Once inside, he led her through the place, lit only by the soft glow of moonlight and city lights, and up the stairs.
He opened a door and turned on the lights. It was a large bedroom with a sitting area that faced a window overlooking the city below. He set her suitcase on a dresser near the bed, then turned to her.
“Before I go, do you want to talk?”
“It’s late. I’m sure you’d like to go back to sleep.”
“I’ll take that as a yes,” he said as he took her hand and led her to the couch.
He sat down beside her.
“There’s not much to tell,” she said, staring at her hands. “He doesn’t think we should be together and he said it’s too hard if I stay with him.”
“What triggered it?”
She lifted her gaze to his. His deep brown eyes were warm and filled with concern.
“We… listened to the audio you gave Kent. That led to us… being together.”
“That’s good. I’d hoped it would.”
Her eyebrows arched. “You planned it?”
“I wanted to help. I know how you feel about him. And I’m sure Kent feels the same way. He just needs time to come to terms with it. But how did that lead to you leaving?”
She twisted her fingers together. “Afterward, he avoided me. Working in his den all evening. So I decided to go up to his room. We… made love, and I told him…” She drew in a breath. “I told him I love him. That’s when he pulled away and told me I couldn’t stay anymore. Then he got up and walked away.”
To her horror, tears streamed from her eyes.
Avi pulled her into his arms, holding her against his broad chest.
“Kent told me you were abandoned by your father at a young age. It must have brought back painful memories.”
At his words, she choked up. She felt lightheaded as the second time tonight, that painful memory of her father leaving surged through her.
Avi stroked her hair as a sob escaped her throat.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
She shook her head. “No, you’re right. It did bring up painful memories.’
She sucked in a few breaths, calming herself.
“I know I’m seeing things through an emotional lens. That the feeling of…” Her throat tightened. “Worthlessness that I’m feeling… I know that Kent never intended to make me feel that way. But it’s too hard…”
He pulled her close again.
“I know. It’s okay. You don’t have to deal with it right now. You just need to sleep.” He tipped up her chin. “And to know that you are very special. Nothing anyone says or does can change that.”
As she gazed into his warm brown eyes, filled with sincerity, her heart ached. She wanted so much to be loved.
She slid her hand to his face and stroked it.
“Thank you.”
Then she tipped up her chin. His eyes darkened as she moved closer. Their lips met, lightly at first, then his arms slid around her and he deepened the kiss.
CHAPTER 11
All Christina could think of was his velvety voice on the audio, telling her to touch him. To climb onto his lap and slide down on his cock.
Her vagina clenched. She wanted to be possessed by him. She wanted him to fuck her so hard it would drive away the pain of Kent’s rejection.
She ran her hand over his shoulder and down the warm skin of his chest, dipping under the robe.
He flattened his hand on hers, stopping her, then drew back and gazed at her with those deep brown eyes.
“I would love nothing more than to take you into my bed and make love to you until dawn. But that’s not going to happen. You’re hurting and vulnerable. You don’t really know what you want right now.”
He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it.
“And this is not a rejection. I just don’t want to confuse things right now.” He smiled warmly. “Let’s see what the morning brings.”
Kent barely slept. He sat up in bed, blinking at the sun glittering in the window. He’d been stunned when Christina had told him she loved him.
He’d made it clear from the
beginning that they couldn’t be together. But he’d given her mixed signals when he couldn’t keep his damn hands off her.
Especially when she called him Daddy.
His body tightened at the thought of her calling him that.
He raked his hand through his hair. This whole thing was his fault. But it was Christina who suffered.
The memory of her expression at his sharp response tore through him. She’d looked so vulnerable and… hurt.
He pushed himself to his feet and walked to the shower.
When he’d left her in his bedroom last night, knowing he had to get far away from her, she’d murmured something. He wasn’t sure what. But his gut told him that he should have gone back and talked to her.
He let the warm water rush over him, then towel dried his hair, pulled on a pair of jeans and a shirt, and walked downstairs.
He’d talk to her this morning. Make sure she knew he wasn’t abandoning her.
Moving her out of here was protecting her. From him and his desire for her. From herself and her fear of moving on.
But maybe moving her out so quickly was a mistake. He should give her time to get used to the idea. Maybe a few days to let it sink in. He would use that time to ensure she knew he’d be there for her every step of the way.
Christina wasn’t on the main floor. She was probably still asleep.
He went into the kitchen and prepared a nice omelet and scones, which he knew she loved, then made up a tray. He’d take her breakfast in bed, then they would discuss what had happened last night. He’d give her every assurance that he cared about her and do whatever he could to help her. Assure her that she was not alone.
He walked upstairs with the tray and went to her room. He knocked and waited, but she didn’t answer. After several more knocks, she still didn’t respond. She could be in the shower, so he decided to go in and leave the tray on her bedside table.
He pushed open the door and stepped inside.
A chill raced down his spine. The room felt too empty.
She might still be sleeping in his room but… He glanced around. Her suitcase was gone.
His heart racing, he set down the tray on top of the dresser and pulled open the top drawer. It was empty. He tried the others. All empty.
Fuck. She was gone.
A knock sounded on Kent’s door.
He strode to the entrance, hoping to hell it was Christina back again. But he pulled it open to see Avi on the other side.
“Fuck, man, I’m not up to a squash game today. Christina’s missing.”
“I know,” Avi said, following Kent into the living room.
“Did Lenny tell you?” Kent sank onto the couch. “I called him this morning and he didn’t see her go out, so she must have left during the night. It’s killing me not knowing where she is. Or if she’s okay.”
“She is okay.” Avi sat across from him.
Kent’s gaze jerked to his friend’s face.
“How the hell do you know that? Did she call you?”
“No, she’s at my place now. James texted me when he saw her leave at three in the morning with her suitcase. I raced after her and talked her into coming back to my place.”
Relief surged through Kent.
“Thank God for that.” He drew in a deep breath.
“She’s very upset,” Avi said. “She feels deeply rejected.”
“I know. I handled the whole thing poorly. But, fuck, she said she loved me and I panicked. When I told her she had to go, I was just trying to protect her.”
“But all she heard was that you didn’t want her.”
Kent nodded. “I want her to come back. Even just for a few days, so I can talk to her and convince her I really do care about her.”
Avi shook his head. “That’s not going to happen. She doesn’t want to see you. Or talk to you. She only asked me to come over and let you know she’s all right so you don’t worry.”
Avi stood up. “It’ll be okay. She knows she can stay with me as long as she likes. And I’m arranging a job for her. So she’ll be all right.”
Kent’s heart thudded as he watched Avi walk to the door.
Avi was looking out for Christina. And clearly doing a way fucking better job of it than Kent had.
Over the next couple of days, Kent realized he’d lost Christina for good. His home felt empty without her.
And so did his heart.
As much as he tried to put her out of his mind, he just couldn’t.
Fuck, he never should have sent her away. He never should have resisted his feelings for her. He should have just loved her and let their relationship evolve.
The thought of her over there with Avi, probably sleeping in his bed… Avi taking control and commanding her…
Fuck, his chest clenched. It didn’t matter that he’d encouraged Christina to push past her fear and be with another man. Even suggesting Avi. The reality was a kick in the gut.
He couldn’t let this go on. And he didn’t have to. He knew where she was. He just had to go get her.
He stood up and strode out the door, then down the hall to Avi’s place. He pounded his fist on the door. After a few moments, Avi opened it.
“I want to see Christina,” Kent said insistently.
Without waiting for an answer, he strode inside. Christina was sitting on the couch in a bikini top and denim cutoffs.
She put down her book and gazed at him with her wide, green eyes.
“Hello, Kent.”
She looked so fucking sexy with her long legs bare and her breasts lifted and on display.
Avi would have to be made of stone to resist being with her.
“Are you having sex with Avi?” he demanded.
Her eyes widened, but then she frowned. “Does it matter?”
He strode closer. “It matters to me.”
Her delicate eyebrows arched upward. “Why?”
“Because I love you. That’s why.”
Fuck, he’d actually said it.
She looked as surprised as he felt. Her guarded expression dissolved and she bit her lip.
“But you said—”
“I said a lot of fucking things,” he said as he strode toward her.
Then he grasped her hands and pulled her to her feet and into his arms.
His mouth found hers and he devoured it. His tongue thrust between her lips and to his delight, she melted into his arms. Their tongues tangled together and she sighed.
When he released her lips, she gazed at him, her emerald eyes glittering.
Christina stared at Kent, her heart thudding in her chest. She couldn’t believe he loved her.
He stroked her cheek. “Baby, I’m so sorry I made you feel rejected. I never meant to—”
She nodded. “I know. I just… I didn’t know how to deal with my feelings. But I know that you were trying to do the best for me.”
“I want you to come back. To move in with me. I want us to be together.”
Her heart swelled, but caution held back her joy.
“I want to. But you said you’re too old for me.”
“I can live with the age difference.” He glided his fingers through her hair and his deep teal blue eyes gazed deeply into hers. “I just can’t live without you.”
He kissed her again, taking her breath away.
“You also said I needed to be with other men.”
His hands slid to her upper arms and gripped tightly as guilt surged through him.
“I know, baby. And I still believe that. It’s eating me up inside. But… I love you and I can’t stand the thought of another man touching you.”
“You want her to experience being with another man,” Avi said, “but you’re afraid you’ll lose her.” He shook his head. “That’s not going to happen. She loves you.”
Kent’s gaze jerked to Avi. “What are you suggesting?”
“I’m suggesting that she have sex with someone else. Someone you both trust.”
Kent’s eyes na
rrowed. “You want me to let you fuck my woman?”
“Why not? I would never think of coming between the two of you. You have exactly what I want. A loving relationship with a special woman. Both of you willing to commit to making it work. I’ll do anything I can to help you make it work.”
She glanced at Kent. His jaw was clenched tight.
“And I’m suggesting you be there the whole time. I think that will make it easier for Christina.” Avi smiled. “And wouldn’t you find it exciting to watch?”
The thought of Avi touching her while Kent watched sent a ripple of heat through her.
“In fact, maybe Christina would like it if you were in control and instructed her what to do.” He grinned. “As her daddy.”
She bit her lip as her gaze turned to Kent. Heat flared in his eyes as he met her gaze.
He stared at her for a long moment, considering.
Then he frowned and paced across the room toward the window. He stood staring out, his hands clasped behind him. When he turned around again, his expression was stern.
“Do you know how worried I was when you disappeared in the middle of the night? You put me through hell, young lady.”
CHAPTER 12
Christina’s heart clenched.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
But the sharp flick of his hand as he raised his palm to her, cut off her words.
“If Avi hadn’t run into the night to bring you back, anything could have happened to you. Including being arrested again. Or worse.”
He paced across the room again, his stony expression unreadable.
“There need to be consequences. For a start, thank Avi for what he did.”
She turned her gaze to Avi, who was perched casually against the side of the armchair.
“Thank you, Avi.”
“Call him sir.” Kent commanded.
“Thank you, sir.” Excitement rippled through her.
“Now. You need to be punished.” Kent stepped toward her. His expression was rigid, but his eyes glittered. “As your daddy, ordinarily I would do that, but since this is Avi’s house and your actions affected him, I think Avi should do it.”