Divinely Living (Surviving Series)

by Courtney Cross

  A hand cradled my lower back, the heat of his palm searing against my skin. The black satin, long sleeved smock dress I wore was cool and practical, while the short hem that rode high on my thighs paired with the ridiculously high and over priced black Louboutin shoes I purchased reluctantly during a recent shopping trip, added sass to the outfit. Jonah’s lustful look when I left the bedroom and joined him in the hallway, told me my choice of clothing was a successful one. After hastily piling my mass of red locks high on my head and adding my customary light make up, I had to admit, a small part of me was actually looking forward to spending the night out now I was ready.

  Glancing upwards, Jonah’s face was full of apprehension. Stretching up, I planted a lush kiss on his cheek. “Thank you,” I whispered against his skin.

  “Good choice?” He asked.

  “A perfect choice,” I replied with a smile.

  The hand at my lower back snaked around to my hip and pulled me tighter against his side. “I thought a couple of hours on familiar territory would be a good distraction.”

  “You thought right, Mr Jacobson.” I looked through the restaurant window and the sight of Giovanni and my new found friend Scarlett flitting busily from table to table made me smile. “God, I miss this place.”

  Jonah nuzzled the back of my ear. “From what I remember of my visit here, you were, by far, the star attraction.”

  “You’re biased, so that opinion doesn’t count.” My breath caught in my throat as his tongue tasted my skin with a long lick across my throat.

  “My opinion is the only one that counts,” he pressed his nose to my neck and inhaled, “You smell so fucking good.”

  Aware of the fact that our presence was drawing attention from customers and staff inside the restaurant, I shifted in his Jonah’s vice like hold, to give myself an inch or two of needed space. My movement earned me a low growl and a sharp pain at my hip as his fingers dug further into my skin.

  “You’re here with me tonight, Ava; I want to show the world you belong to me. Don’t even think of moving from my side for one second.”

  “I wasn’t leaving your side,” I kept my voice low and smile bright for the benefit of our captive audience, namely Scar and Giovanni who were now waiting impatiently for us at the greeting desk just inside the entrance. “But we both know if you carry that on, food won’t be the only thing you end up eating before we leave here tonight.” I threw him a wink; “you know I have a fetish for you and public restrooms.”

  He chuckled loudly. “That has most definitely been noted.”

  I began to move towards the glass entrance door but his sharp tug backwards, halted me in my tracks. Leaning into me, he spoke quietly into my hair. “Feel free to indulge in that fetish at any point sweetheart, the taste of your wet pussy is my absolute favourite and makes one hell of a dessert.”

  I grimaced and nudged him with my elbow. “I’m not on the menu tonight. Fucking you in Giovanni’s is not going to happen.”

  “We’ll see,” he winked back as he guided me through the door, his hand still glued to my side and an annoyingly smug look stamped on his face.

  ***

  Scarlett’s squeal of delight and bone crushing bear hug made every single person in the restaurant aware of our presence. Only a matter of months ago, such a public and attention drawing show of affection would have been a definite no go for me, probably resulting in my turning on my heels and heading the fuck out of there. But there was something about the gorgeous, self assured, raven haired Scarlett that drew you in. After being mere work buddies through the entirety of my employment at Giovanni’s, a recent shopping trip to Knightsbridge had cemented a real friendship between us. Friends were few and far between for me, so the fact that I considered her as one, meant she was one to hold onto. Returning her hug, the gesture felt right, yet another indicator of the transformation I continued to go through.

  Pulling back, she held me at arms length; her shrewd blue eyes narrow as she took me in. “You look amazing, Ava,” she nodded in Jonah’s direction, “I heard you were back with the suit,” she threw him a scathing look, “decided to drop the fiancée did you, hot stuff?”

  Jonah visibly squirmed behind me as Scarlett’s words sank in. Grasping Scarlett’s elbow, I shot Jonah a reassuring smile and inched her out of hearing range. Fixing her with a glare, I kept my voice hushed while I spoke. “You’re my friend, Scar and I appreciate you looking out for me, but Jonah is here to stay. If you can’t give me your support then please at least remain civil while we’re here.”

  She nodded and flashed me a small smile. “It’s only because I care, missy. Anyone with half a brain can see how crazy that man is about you.”

  Glancing over my shoulder at an uneasy looking Jonah who was been subjected to a Giovanni interrogation, I sighed, before facing Scarlett again. “The craziness is mutual believe me.”

  “I’m happy for you, babe, really I am. I think his chasing you to France should act as proof he’s a keeper.”

  Curiosity pricked at my nape. No one but Charlotte, Cameron and Thomas knew I’d rekindled my relationship with Jonah after his surprise appearance in St. Tropez. Since returning, I hadn’t spoken to anyone other than those three; in fact apart from my meeting with Cameron and his father I’d barely set foot out of my front door. Arching a brow, I gave her a quizzing look. “How did you know about that?”

  She folded her arms, irritation gritting her perfect white teeth. “That rude as shit best friend of yours and her hot brother came in here two nights ago. She took great delight in giving me, and anyone else listening, the full details, about Jonah and the blonde bitch, how deluded she thinks you are and how she believes you’re nothing more than a meal ticket for handsome over there. I’m sorry Ava, I know she’s your best friend and all but that girl was a pain in the arse the entire time she was in here. If it hadn’t been for Cameron being a total sweetheart and constantly apologising for her, she would have been eating pavement as soon as she’d paid her bill.”

  I chuckled at Scarlett’s fiery temper but felt anger boil in my stomach for Charlotte. I missed her terribly, more now than ever before. She would know without being told how thoughts of tomorrow were affecting me, what facing up to all things ‘Alex’ was putting me through. Her voice of reason and up until now, unequivocal support, often saw me through the bad times, and believe me there had been many of those during our friendship. I understood her issues, understood her need to show solidarity to her brother. But a growing part of me was beginning to resent her hatred of the man I loved and it pissed me the hell off. My business was mine, personal and private. Indiscretion was not a trait I valued in anyone, least of all those I considered closest to me. To air my dirty linen in public was unforgivable. She was unwittingly forcing my hand at every turn whether she realised it or not. When it came to a choice between the two of them, there would only ever be one outcome. That choice seemed to be approaching with each second that ticked by.

  “Things are messy with me, Charlotte and Cameron right now,” I offered with shrug, “they despise Jonah and I love him. I chose him and they’re taking time accepting that.”

  Scarlett snorted, “I think there’s more to it than that. She was venomous when she mentioned either one of you by name. Poor Cameron looked as though he wanted the damn floor to swallow him up during their main.”

  A hand palmed the middle of my back. Turning my head, the ‘help me’ plea on Jonah’s face told me he was in need of saving from a relentless Gio who remained seated behind the greeting desk with his arms crossed and a clear scowl plastered across his chubby features. My ex boss cut a forbidding figure when he chose to, and boy was he choosing to. Needing to rescue Jonah from further discomfort, I strode across to Giovanni and rounded the antique wooden desk. His thick dark blows rose, but his eyes held a steely gaze.

  “Bella,” his prominent Italian accent was rich and deep.

  “Giovanni,” I replied quietly.

  He nodded in
Jonah’s direction. “Is that him Bella; is that the man who broke your heart?”

  I shook my head, “No Gio, he’s the man who fixed it.”

  Leaning forward he clutched both my small hands in one of his large ones. “You promised me and Maria you would be happy, Savannah. Is that so?”

  I smiled widely, my eyes lingering on Jonah’s suited frame. “He makes me happy, so very happy.”

  Squeezing my hands, the tension eased from his face and the legendary Giovanni smile replaced it. “That’s all I needed to know.” winking, he motioned to Scarlett with his free hand. “We reserved the best table in the house for you both. Tonight is my treat.”

  Jonah’s hand slid into mine as Scarlett gestured for us to follow her to the rear of the restaurant where Gio’s ‘exclusive’ diners were always seated. I pressed a kiss to the fleshy cheek of the man who had injected a fatherly influence in my life during my time working for him. Mouthing a ‘thank you’ to the blushing owner, we headed to our table and took our seats. Sunday nights at the restaurant in the height of the summer season were as busy as the other two weekend nights. Rosemary and garlic scented the air and enthusiastic diners packed out the large dining space, all desperate, for the traditional, mouth watering, Italian food that Gio’s wife Maria and some of the finest kitchen staff in the area produced. Seated in a secluded corner at the rear of the main dining area, our table was private enough to shield us from prying eyes but didn’t prevent us soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and authentic Italian ambience.

  Taking our drink order, Scarlett lit the candles on our table, offered us both a smile then left us to place our food order. The candlelight and warm main lighting, cast a honey glow across Jonah’s tanned face, giving him a godlike appearance. I admired the divine man before me unashamedly and openly. His sapphire eyes oozed warmth, his posture relaxed. His suit jacket was unbuttoned allowing the outline of his impressive body to become visible. Knowing how good that body felt pressed against mine, how the weight of him lying atop of me felt right, aroused me. Get a fucking grip Ava, I chastised myself. I was quickly becoming a woman obsessed with her man, the kind of woman I had always hated back when I was single, emotionally crippled and internally dormant. Catching my lustful gaze, a smirk upturned his delicious lips and his eyes sparkled with knowledge. “Something caught your eye sweetheart?”

  “Have I ever told you how hot you are?” I asked with a tilt of my head.

  “Frequently,” he replied, “usually when I’m about to make you come around my cock.”

  I shuddered, my sex awakening and moistening instantly. Grinning, Jonah noticed my involuntary reaction to the pleasurable visions of coming violently around his erect cock running through my mind. Sitting further back in his chair, he reached for a glass of water from the table and sipped it provocatively, barely wetting his lips, and then wiping away the droplets with his tongue. My thighs clenched, my breath caught and arousal slammed through my body.

  “Jesus, you’re such a tease,” I mumbled while grasping a glass of water for myself with a slightly shaky hand.

  “Then stop looking at me with that damn fuck me face,” he shifted himself in his trouser pants. “As much as I love the way you look at me, it makes my cock hard and my body aroused and if I remember correctly you said restroom visits are strictly off the menu tonight.”

  Biting my bottom lip in feigned innocence, I gave him my most innocent look. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Mr Jacobson.”

  Shaking his head, his smirk turned into a sly smile. “Oh baby, we both know you get off on making me hard as steel in public places. It seems my girl enjoys the thrill of being fucked when the possibility of being caught is ever present.”

  A flush of pink heated my cheeks, my words of reply almost a stammer. “You turn me on, so what? I’ve never heard you complaining.”

  Jonah’s eyes levelled above my head and hardened. His jaw tightened, his lips thinned and his body froze. His reply was halted by whatever caught his line of sight behind me. Turning to look over my shoulder, a tall, impeccably dressed older man in an expensively tailored suit stalked towards us. As he came into full view beside me, I recognised him immediately. The greying hair, shrewd and calculating eyes were unmistakable. His resemblance to Jonah was clearly visible, although I knew the similarities were only physical. A fake smile broke on his ageing face, his contempt for me undeniable as his eyes raked over me, their intensity profound as he brazenly found my appearance an agreeable one. Hatred rushed my veins, a red mist descending over me. I despised the man on an equal par with my dead stepfather, my reaction to his presence the same as I always felt in Alex’s company. Shakes of anger stepped up, my fists clenched in a defensive reaction. If the bastard said one wrong word, made one remark I disliked, I truthfully didn’t give a shit about the consequences I would undoubtedly unleash on him.

  His eyes left me and landed on his nephew. Straightening his shoulders, Jonah’s outside appearance was one of dead calm and control, the pulsating throb in his jaw and hard glint in his piercing eyes told that he was anything but.

  “What a surprise this is, Jonah,” The older man spoke first, his Irish accent lighter than Jonah’s but audible, none the less. His tone was flat as if it were taking great effort to merely acknowledge his last remaining family member. That fucked me off all the more and spiralled my anger into a suffocating knot of fury that stuck in my throat and lodged in my chest.

  Sensing my mood, Jonah shot me an ‘I’ll deal with this’ glance then turned his head and spoke in the same dead pan voice his Uncle used. “Benjamin.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your dinner companion, Jonah? I remember investing heavily in ensuring you were raised with the highest standards of politeness and courtesy.”

  “Cut the crap, Ben, you know full well who I am.” The words fell from my mouth, clipped, dripping in sarcasm and I couldn’t care less, as all rationale and ingrained manners flew straight out of the fucking window.

  Outrage flickered in his eyes and then dimmed, his posture remaining composed. “There’s no mistaking the daughter of Gina Matthews,” his lip curled in a sneer, “you’re the image of her.” His eyes ran the length of my body again in a leering gaze that made my skin crawl. “Yes, you’re definitely her offspring, in every way.”

  “What do you want, Benjamin?” Jonah’s answer was sharp, the annoyance in his voice audible. “Pleasantries were never your strong point. So, as Ava so eloquently put it, cut the crap and explain why the hell you felt the need to inject yourself into our company and what the hell you want from us?”

  The hateful look he pinned Jonah with, had my fists bunching in my lap. They wanted to connect with the smug bastard’s face as much as my mind, heart and soul wanted them to.

  “You have a short memory Jonah,” Benjamin snarled. “Since when did speaking to me in that way become acceptable?” He glared at me. “Seems outside influences are having a profound affect on your ability for respect. Bringing the worst out of the men they proclaim to love is a trait all Dawson women inherit.”

  “Fuck you,” I spat. He held out the bait and I took it. Defending my mother was not something I was used to doing, I was always the first to condemn and bring her down. But insinuating she had deserved Alex’s wrath because she brought it upon herself even if through no fault of her own, was an insult not even I could or was willing to take on the chin.

  “Oh Savannah,” he chuckled without humour, “you’re more like her than you want to admit. She was cursed with the same dirty mouth as you too. It was one of her most appealing traits.”

  “You never really knew my mother,” I said, my voice firm, “you didn’t earn enough to gain her interest or the use of her dirty mouth.”

  A nauseating mixture of alcohol, tobacco, and strongly scented cologne washed over me, as Benjamin leaned towards me. “Maybe not, but many did.”

  “Enough,” Jonah’s growl was menacing
, his tension palpable and his eyes fixed firmly on his Uncle. “Just say what you came over here to say then go, before I show you the door myself.”

  “How dare you?” Benjamin’s speech mildly slurred his composure slipping. The smell of strong liquor now emanated from him also, the stench overwhelming and nauseating. “Don’t forget who I am and what I’m capable of, regardless of our family connection.”

  “Sharing the same surname is our only family connection,” Jonah threw back. His shoulders were straight, his body wound tightly. Benjamin lacked his nephew’s physical size or presence and from the flexing of Jonah’s hands, it wouldn’t take much more for him to show his older, intoxicated Uncle how lacking he was. “Insult my fiancée again and you’ll witness who I really am and what I’m capable of. Ava doesn’t deserve to be insulted by an old drunk who’s pissed off that his payday didn’t materialise. ”

  Benjamin stood back a step, shock visibly stunning him when the word ‘fiancée’ left Jonah’s lips. A slow, wicked smile that didn’t reach my eyes spread across my face, my pleasure at his physical reaction to our engagement evident.

  “You can’t marry her.” Benjamin ran a hand through his overgrown grey hair. “Proposing to her was not what we agreed.”

  “I asked Jonah to marry me, you asshole.” The venom in my voice surprised even me. “After finding out that Darcy was a pathetic attempt at revenge on your part, there was no stopping me from proposing. In the not too near future, your nephew will own half of everything I own, including the business you were so eager to get your hands on.” His face turned thunderous, my enjoyment heightened. “Asking Jonah to seduce me was the best thing you could have done for the both of us. Only we win, Benjamin and you lose.” I sat back and took another sip of water, my eyes never losing contact with his. “Maybe I do share a lot of my mother’s traits. My ability to take wealth from evil, power crazed men like yourself and Alex being one of them.”