I explained to Nadia how Monica and I had gotten back together, and I’d introduce them. She told me a few of her friends were thinking about getting an apartment closer to campus. She wanted to continue to work for me, but she would enjoy spending time with her friends.
Something was off in the way she spoke and suspicions filled me.
CHAPTER NINE
When the door flung open, her intoxicating scent reached my senses before the door even had time to close. My gorgeous princess had arrived.
“I missed you.” I took her in my arms, lifted her from the floor, and swung her around in circles while she squealed.
“Ditto,” she uttered through giggles.
“Can you get away for a few days?”
“Hmm, maybe. Why?”
“I want to show you something. Is your passport handy?”
“It’s in my briefcase. What do I need to pack for?”
“You’ll see. No packing needed. I’ve got a secret treat you’re gonna love.”
“You’re all the treat I need.” Her face lit up. She raised her brow in curiosity, but she smiled with excitement. She trusted me, and we needed the time away.
Without telling her where we were going, we boarded my plane. Part of the experience included the element of surprise.
“Will you tell me where we are going now?”
“Nope.” I loved teasing her. “But I do have a couple of items for work, which can’t wait. Then I’m all yours.”
She sat in my lap once we boarded the plane. She may have thought she could use a special way of getting things out of me, but I resisted her temptations successfully.
“Won’t work; you gotta get in your own seat for take-off.” My voice was teasing, but mentally, I wanted to take her up on the offer in the bedroom, while ripping her clothes off piece by piece. For that, I wanted all night.
“Okay, fine. I can play.” She cocked her eyes up at me and bit her bottom lip.
I suddenly found myself painfully aroused and desperately wanting to ravish her. Bad timing. I had to focus on the final draft of a contract that had to go out and was grateful when she picked up a couple of magazines and started to read. An hour later with my work completed, I turned toward her and found her curled in a ball in the seat, sleeping soundly. I took time to admire her. To watch her peacefully resting. To appreciate everything she meant to me.
My beautiful princess. It hurt me deep inside that I had caused her pain. I wanted to spend the rest of our lives making her happy.
I moved the wisps of hair covering her face and she didn’t move. The plane had a nice bedroom, and I placed her on the bed so she could rest.
While she napped, the visions of us exploring a beautiful city filtered through my mind. There were so many places I wanted her to experience, but three days would only give her a flirty little taste of the life I wanted us to have.
Freshly showered, I shouldn’t have disturbed her, but I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to hold her in my arms and never let go.
She stirred when I stroked the long dark hair covering her face. “Where are we?”
“Somewhere,” I teased and ran my thumb over her ruby red lips.
“Hmm, you smell wonderful,” she said, while she buried her face in my neck through her sleepiness. “Is there a bag for me?”
“Yes, in the closet.”
I’d booked a few adventures to pacify my time while she showered. Had there been room for two, I might’ve rocked the plane at 36,000 feet. She emerged looking gorgeous in the new red silk nightgown I’d picked out for her. I adored her in red.
“You went crazy. I love everything you picked for me, even the True Religion jeans. Do you think you went overboard?” She walked to me in a sexy sway.
“Not even close. I have a matching pair, thought you might like that.” I ran my finger down her nose as she climbed on top of me and straddled my lap.
“Matching red sweater too?” She threw her head back when she laughed.
“Nope, black. You’re exquisite, and you’re all mine. What should I do with you?”
I left tiny kisses on her neck and shoulder.
“You want some of this, huh?” she asked coyly.
“Every day for the rest of my life?”
“Ask and you shall receive.”
Being with her created an addiction. I didn’t know how much until she was gone from my grasp. Making love with her was unlike anything I’d known, and now that we were finally back together, I found the beautiful meaning of our relationship. Something in me had changed, and I never wanted to be any different from that moment on.
The responsiveness of her body to my touch left me crazy with desire. I wanted the night to last forever. Every nerve in my body cried out for her in thirst, a need only she could soothe. She moaned in ecstasy as we made love over and over.
Resting in my arms somewhere over the Atlantic, she propped up on my chest and watched me. Her eyes were like fireflies in the lamplight.
“Where are we running away to?” she asked, while raising an eyebrow at me.
“Paradise!”
Monica was not a pushover, and she wasn’t in love with my money. She wanted everlasting love, the kind of love she never got to experience with her parents. The kind of love that had a lock on it.
I’d hurt her beyond measure. I’d almost destroyed us. My actions had stripped both of us to our cores, but I refused to let it own me or define our future.
***
The pilot made the announcement for landing, awaking both of us.
“Where are we?”
“You’ll see soon enough. You have no patience, do you?”
“Keep teasing me, and I’ll find some pink nail polish.” She snickered.
“You wouldn’t dare.” I hovered over her, nuzzling her neck.
“Try me. Do you prefer pretty in pink or fantasy fuchsia?”
“The only fantasies I have or will ever have…involve you.”
Showered and dressed, we had enough time to get in our seats for landing. I held her hand, exploring her long dainty fingers. My thumb traced her natural nails, delicately shaped, no false nails for her. Monica didn’t spend time being high-maintenance.
She glanced toward the window and saw the Eiffel tower. Silky, dark brown hair flew in the air as she whirled back around to face with me with excitement. “Paris?”
“Um hum, do you like?”
“Love!” she squealed.
***
I had reserved a suite at Hôtel de Crillon, one of the oldest luxury hotels in Paris. So many things to do in the vicinity, I knew we would run out of time before we ran out of destinations.
One of the first things on our agenda happened to be French pastries and coffee down by the market. “To save time, I’ve reserved a bike.”
“You rented a bike?”
“You don’t like the idea?”
“Just clumsy and the idea of peddling in these boots doesn’t seem fitting.” She kicked out her knee boots for me to visualize her debate.
I laughed out loud. The surprise would be on her.
When the garage vendor brought out the Vintage Ducati motorcycle and two helmets, I handed her a bandana. “This will help keep the tangles out of your hair.”
“Since when do you ride a motorcycle?”
“For many years. I sold my Ducati when I moved to Dallas, but this Vintage one is a fine crafted piece of work.”
“Hmmm, bad boys and bikes. I think I like. It’s hot.” She snuggled into my neck and kissed me tenderly. “Got any tats I don’t know about?” She winked.
“You’ve seen every inch of my body. Have you seen any tats?”
“No. I suppose not, but it’s been a couple of hours. Maybe I should check again.” Her eyebrow lifted in suggestion.
“Let me find a dark alley, and I’m taking you up on your offer.”
***
We packed as much as we could into the day. Right before dinner, we took our last e
xcursion with a gondola ride down the Seine, enjoying the sites via water while sipping champagne. I had been to the city so many times, but this time I got to see it through Monica’s eyes in all its majesty.
We were carefree, enjoying the company of each other in a city known for love. My heart had been set free from the painful prison holding it hostage. Walking arm and arm to the suite, I never wanted to be away from her ever again.
Beautiful boxes were stacked on the dining table. Garment bags hung in the closet.
“What’s all this?” she asked, turning toward me.
“Treats for my treasure. Open them and piece the puzzle together.” I kissed her quickly before sitting on the sofa to admire her.
She found the shoes first. They fit her perfectly. The next box, much smaller, had to contain the La Perla lingerie.
Yep, great guess. Hmmm, red lace, my favorite color on her.
“Am I dessert?” She bit her finger in a delightful pose. I bit my tongue to fight the urge to devour her.
“Yes, baby, you are. But before I can enjoy tasting you, there’s a beautiful evening gown hanging in the closet to hide your gorgeous flesh from any other admirers.” I opened the bag containing the dress to her ooo’s and ahhh’s. I suppose her audible moans meant approval from my fashionista.
She started the shower, and I couldn’t help myself. “Is there room for two?”
“Only if you behave,” she said, pushing on my chest in a tease.
“Okay, fine, I’ll make you beg.”
“I can hold out.”
She didn’t last two minutes.
CHAPTER TEN
The next day I had something special planned for us, but I needed an answer to an all important question. Timing would be everything. I tucked the box tight in my leather jacket. When my baby stepped out of the bedroom dressed in jeans and a matching leather bomber jacket, I only wanted her naked beside me in bed again.
“Let’s stay in and play some more?” she pouted.
“Don’t tempt me. I’m already fighting the urge to make you mine again before we leave.”
“Then do.”
In three long strides, I had her scooped up in my arms, so I could carry her to the bed. I stood her in front of me and sat down on the edge. Slowly, I peeled away the layers of her clothing. The closer I got to her flesh, the quicker her breaths became. Her body so graciously responsive to my touch.
Our lovemaking had vaulted us to new heights. I explored every inch of her flesh. I loved the color of rose her breasts turned when fully aroused, the way the soft buds responded to my simple caress. She held nothing back, reacting to every sensation, every touch. She gave as much as she took.
I thumbed her moist pearl and found that special spot inside her tight channel. With her body arched to me for more, she moaned, enjoying the pleasure I gave her, over and over.
“More,” she begged.
“Are you going to be greedy today?”
“Maybe.” She moaned again. “I just want you to love me, forever.” Her eyes flew open, and the look she gave me stole the wind from my lungs.
I suddenly realized the reference of forever didn’t have anything to do with sex. This would only be about her heart…and she meant it for a lifetime.
“I do and I will, baby. Forever.”
As her orgasm thundered through her body, tears escaped her eyes. The last of her walls finally shattering apart. She let everything out through her utterance of passion.
I held her close in my arms and ran my finger slowly up and down her limp body. Somewhere in time, we drifted off to sleep.
***
“The bike again?”
“You protesting my driving?”
“No way, but it looks like rain.”
“Then we need to hurry.”
I parked the bike close to the entrance of the bridge. I took the box out of my pocket and saw the questioning look on her face.
“I love you, Monica. I now know my love for you is forever. I brought you to Paris to explore the city, but also to bring you here to this bridge. I want to show the world my love for you.” I removed a box from my pocket containing a padlock and two keys.
She grinned a beautiful smile. Her eyes danced in delight.
“This is Lover’s Lock Bridge. I’m putting this lock out for the world to see.”
“What does the lock say?” She looked at the front, which bore her engraved initials. She flipped the lock over and read it aloud. “Forever devoted, Harrison.”
“I love you,” she said through tears.
I took out the other box in my pocket and dropped to my knee with her still on the bike. “Marry me?”
“What? Are you sure?” Her hands covered her mouth in shock.
“I’ve never been more certain. I made my choice for a life partner and it’s you. Marry me?”
“Yes, yes, I’ll marry you.” She flung her arms around my neck and kissed me passionately.
Not the rain, nor the cheers around us could remove the smile from my face. We found our spot on the bridge, placed our lock and took a gazillion photos before the rain let loose.
A nearby cafe provided shelter and a nice view of the bridge.
“You really are a soft sap, aren’t you?” she said, her eyes devouring mine, our fingers entwined.
“All those months without you in my life showed me a time I never want to revisit. I realized what mattered in life. You can have everything tangible in the world that matters and still, nothing matters without someone to share life with. I’m so sorry for my angry words, the pain I caused you, and for taking you for granted.”
“I’m not completely innocent. I should’ve told you what Stuart had been up to and what we were doing. At the time, it didn’t seem right to involve you because I wanted to keep my old life separate. I wanted the door closed forever.”
The rain let up enough for us to visit a few more sights before calling it an early day. Both of us simply too happy to let anything dampen our spirits.
We enjoyed champagne and feeding each other from the gourmet selection in the comfort of our suite, practically naked. I noticed she kept looking at her ring.
I’d purchased the four-carat cushion cut diamond ring last fall, right before we went to Bora Bora for Grayson and Alexandra’s wedding, but at the last minute decided to wait until we were alone in Aspen to propose. Because of my ego and insecurities, we never got that far.
“Did I do okay with the ring?”
“It’s beautiful. I still can’t believe everything that’s happened over the last four days since coming to the bar to talk to you. And to think, I acted pissy about coming to ladies night.” She winked.
“Well, see what happens when you have attitude?”
“I found some pink nail polish. You better behave, or I’ll paint your nails while you sleep.”
We chased each other around the room until finally collapsing on the bed in laughter. She snuggled up to my chest, and we kicked around ideas of where and when we would like to get married.
Both of us liked the idea of Bora Bora because it held special memories for the whole family, but at the same time, we wanted our own special place. We knew we had each other and what mattered most.
***
Our morning flight back to the States came early. I think we both slept all the way home. Believe it or not, I couldn’t wait to see Max.
Luke had been sending me texts, keeping me informed about the bar, but I hadn’t heard much from Nadia, and he hadn’t seen her, but a couple of times.
Tate dropped us off at Logan’s, and immediately, I went to work, cutting fruit since Nadia hadn’t done it.
“Dude, I told you. I’ve barely seen her come and go. She’s studying for some big test, and she looks stressed out.” Luke sounded worried.
Distracted and not focused on cutting the fruit, I slipped with the knife and cut my thumb. Monica ran upstairs to get bandages. When she returned, she looked like she had seen a ghost.
“You okay?”
“Somebody’s pregnant and it’s not me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The Band-Aids. I found them in Nadia’s bathroom. A pregnancy test was lying by the sink, and there were several boxes in the trash. I didn’t touch it, but the positive sign couldn’t be missed.”
“That fucker raped her. I knew it.” I slammed my fist down on the counter so hard, the glasses stacked on the end of the counter tumbled, adding to the disturbance.
Max growled in annoyance.
***
The next few days cycled by like a whirlwind. Nadia came and went without much to say, and I didn’t want to bring the matter up. When she tried to carry a heavy box of liquor to the back storage room, I finally had to ask. “Nadia, should you be carrying those?”
“They’re not heavy, Mr. Harrison.”
“That’s not the point. Besides, I think you know what I’m talking about.” I took the boxes from her and placed them on the bar, then pulled out a bar stool, motioning for her to take a seat.
I watched her expression turn to dismay. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t want baby,” she said, her accent heavier than normal. She laid her head down over her arms on the counter.
“You could always do an adoption.”
She raised her head up and gave me a painful expression. “You help me, Mr. Harrison?”
“You know I will.” I hugged her. She needed reassurance that things were going to be okay.
Nadia cried for some time without speaking. After two glasses of lemonade and a full box of tissues, she began to open up about the beatings from Randolph Myers and how they started the second year of her sponsorship. She provided a full account of the rapes, which had occurred up until the day she came into the bar beaten.
I assured her Randolph would be put away for a long stay in prison, but it might mean telling her story in public.
I spoke to the District Attorney about the rape charges. Nadia would have to testify against him, and her medical records would be additional evidence. The emergency room had used a rape kit, so the evidence would be validated. It would come down to her pressing charges and testifying.
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