by Ally Vance
“Hello, kitten.”
“Ahhh!” I slap a hand to my chest. “Victor, what the fuck?” I shout. “You nearly scared me half to death.”
“That wasn’t my intention.”
“What the hell are you doing here?”
He leans a shoulder against the wall. “What’s wrong?”
My lip curls. It’s a long shot, but I ask, “How well do you know Cannon Davis?” It’s dark out, but I don’t miss the flinch. I tilt my head. “So you do know him?”
“Makayla?” I look over to see Jesse jogging toward the gate.
“Hey, Jesse.”
He opens the gate and steps out onto the sidewalk. His gaze bounces between Victor and me. “You okay?” he asks, but his gaze is narrowed on Victor.
I nod. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“All right. I’ll leave this open.” He jerks his chin at Victor before heading back to his apartment.
Turning my attention back to Victor, I cross my arms over my chest. My phone vibrates inside my clutch, but I ignore it.
“How are you connected to all this?”
Victor shrugs, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Cannon and I are old frenemies. I owed him a favor.”
“I don’t understand.”
“He traded you,” Cannon says from behind me, and I whirl around to face him.
“What?”
“He saw you at the graduation,” Victor interjects. “He wanted you, and I wanted someone else.”
I turn so I can see them both and focus on Victor. “So, you used me. Then you left me,” I yell. “Sitting in that fucking hotel. By myself. On one of the most monumental days of my life. Because… because—”
“Because he’s in love with Desiree,” Cannon answers, and I feel like I’ve just been kicked in the stomach.
My chest tightens as I gasp for breath.
“I didn’t leave you completely alone that night,” he admits. “I followed you to that martini bar.”
I blink at him. “You sent those drinks and paid our bill?”
“He’s stalking you,” Cannon adds.
I swivel my head toward Cannon. “Seriously?”
“Heather told me about the roses and that you saw someone outside. I checked the camera recordings. He’s been here a few times.”
“What about the gifts and the flower delivery?”
Victor nods once. “I sent the flowers.”
“You signed them, X.”
Victor’s eyes flick to Cannon, then to me, but he remains silent.
My gaze bounces between them. “I want you both to leave.” I point to Victor. “Go back to Desiree and leave me alone or I’ll file a restraining order against you.” Then I point to Cannon. “I have nothing to say to you.”
With that, I turn on my heels and march inside.
I’m not sure what stirs me awake, but when I open my eyes, I’m acutely aware of two things: the woodsy scent lingering in the air and the man sitting in the corner.
I suck in a sharp breath but don’t scream. “What are you doing, Cannon?”
“Thinking.”
“And you couldn’t do that in your own bedroom?”
“I couldn’t leave you.” He sighs. “I went to Heather’s place. She’s devastated, and angry with me for dragging her into this.”
“She’s not the only one who’s angry with you.”
“I know.”
“Did you force her to be friends with me?”
“No.” He sighs. “I only asked Heather to get your number. In fact, she told me to ask you out like a normal person.” He chuckles softly.
“Why didn’t you?” I ask.
“I was working on it.” Standing from the chair, he moves to my side of the bed, turning on the lamp before sitting on the edge of the mattress. “When I saw you at graduation, my first thought was to throw you over my shoulder and run.”
I laugh. “How very caveman of you.”
“I hadn’t felt so drawn to a person in my entire life. I told Heather to congratulate you and get your number. I needed a way to connect with you, to find out more about you. I wasn’t going to get that from Victor. In exchange for Desiree, he was supposed to wait a day and get you a nice apartment, make it an easier transition for you. Then I was going to offer you a job and gradually get to know you. But then the asshole dumped you at the hotel, and you called Heather upset. She asked me what she should do, and I told her to be whatever you needed. Heather cares about you, so naturally she did what friends do. She invited you to Veil knowing there was no way I’d let anyone else touch you.”
“So, you do own Veil?”
“Yes. But Heather is not nor was she ever a member. Honestly, I wasn’t mad about it, and I think it worked out for both of us. You needed a place to live and conveniently, I’d just given her this apartment building. The job was my idea from day one, but Heather was on board with it. You should know, you got the job on your own. I monitored the entire interview process, and if necessary, I would’ve forced their hands, but I didn’t have to.”
“Why did you let it go on for so long?”
“Because we were enjoying ourselves, and the anonymity took the pressure off both of us.” He pauses. “How did you figure it out?”
“There were certain things that didn’t make sense. Like how did my fantasy guide have my home address? But mostly, my body told me. Your voice. Your smell. My body knew yours.” A sudden bark of laughter slips past my lips.
“What’s so funny?” he asks, though there’s a slight grin on his face.
“I can’t believe I said all that stuff. Then fucked you while I was pretending to fantasize about you.”
He chuckles. “I’m glad it was me and not Spencer from the eighth floor.”
My mouth falls open in shock and amusement. “How did you—” I roll my eyes. “Heather. That little spy.”
“It wasn’t Heather. I saw you talking to him that morning at the coffee bar, and I almost lost my fuckin’ mind. Then I almost lost my hand trying to stop the elevator.”
I shake my head. “So what happens now?”
He leans over, planting his hands on either side of my hips and lowering his face to mine. “The fantasy is over, Makayla.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Makayla
Since the night Cannon snuck into my apartment a week ago, we’ve been inseparable. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sleepovers. Heather and I are good. She came over the next morning to apologize, but after my talk with Cannon, there wasn’t anything to be mad at her for.
Tonight is our first official date. Cannon picks me up in his sporty black BMW. The interior is black-and-white, and it instantly reminds me of Veil.
The function is downtown at the old hotel near the college. Cannon hooks an arm around my waist and leads me over to a man who literally takes my breath away.
“Don’t worry,” Cannon whispers close to my ear. “He gets that reaction a lot.”
“He’s just…. I have no words.” I turn to look at him. “I mean, he’s attractive, but you’re the one I want.”
“Thanks for the reassurance,” he says with a chuckle.
“Who’s the pretty blonde? Wife or girlfriend?”
“Daughter.”
“Seriously?”
“Ryan—Lexi,” Cannon greets as we approach. “This is Makayla. Makayla, this is my cousin, Ryan, and his daughter, Lexi.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Makayla.”
“Uh… you, too,” I squeak.
“I love your dress,” Lexi says.
“Thank you.” I smile, smoothing a hand over the emerald-green gown Cannon bought for me.
“Where’s Heather?” Lexi asks. “I haven’t seen her in forever.”
“She’ll be here,” Cannon tells her before turning his attention to Ryan. “Where’s your date?”
Ryan curls an around Lexi’s shoulders. “Right here.”
“Where are the restrooms?” I ask.
“I’ll show you
,” Lexi offers.
“Thanks.” I turn to Cannon. “I’ll be right back.”
As Lexi and I make our way to the bathroom, she asks, “How long have you been dating Cannon?”
I decide it’s best to keep our tryst at Veil under wraps, so I reply with “It’s still pretty new.”
“I haven’t seen Cannon with a girlfriend in years. I think the last woman he dated was Desiree.”
What the fuck? It’s like a sucker punch to the gut, but I keep the smile pasted on my face. “I’ve never met her,” I lie.
On the way back, I’m looking at Lexi as she tells me all about her boyfriend and wind up slamming into a hard body. “Oh. I’m so sorry.”
A pair of hands grips my upper arms to steady me. “You should watch where you’re going, kitten.”
I jerk my gaze up and lock eyes with Victor. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here for the same reason you are. Charity.” His eyes rake over me, and he grins. “You look beautiful, Makayla.”
“Thank you.”
His gaze flicks briefly to Lexi, then back to me. “You’re here with Cannon.”
It’s not a question, but I answer anyway. “Yes. And you’re here with….” I don’t say Desiree since I just told Lexi I’d never met her.
He smirks and lowers his head. “I’m here alone.”
“Ah.” I nod, pressing my lips together. “Well, I should get back to Cannon. Take care, Victor.” I step around him and hurry back to the ballroom where Cannon is waiting.
“You okay?” Cannon asks as he parks at the curb and shuts off the car.
“Yep,” I clip out, shoving the passenger door open and slamming it shut.
“Makayla,” he calls out, but I ignore him as I hurry to unlock the gate, then practically sprint to the door.
Cannon’s dress shoes slap against the pavement as he chases after me. I don’t bother waiting for the elevator, instead making a sharp left and taking the stairs two at a time in four-inch heels. Go me.
“Makayla, stop running.”
Just as I slide the key into the lock, I feel Cannon at my back. “What the fuck?”
I throw my elbow back, jabbing him in the stomach. “You didn’t tell me Desiree is your ex,” I grit through clenched teeth, shoving open the front door, stepping inside, and tossing my clutch on the table.
“That was a long fucking time ago,” he barks as he follows me inside, kicking the door shut with his foot.
He reaches out and spins me around before pressing me up against the door. My heart is pounding as he kisses my cheeks, my jaw, and my neck. My hands go to work on his belt, then undo his pants. He shoves my dress to my waist, then slides one hand around me, bringing my leg to curl around his waist. As if he can’t wait another second, he shoves my panties to the side and thrusts inside me.
His mouth covers mine, swallowing my screams as he fucks me without apology. Claiming what belongs to him.
“Cannon,” I pant. “I need more.”
He carries me down the hall to my bedroom, laying me down on the bed before pulling me so my ass is hanging off the edge, then slams into me hard as I claw at him angrily, tearing at his clothes. My throat is hoarse from crying out with every thrust. He pounds into me over and over, hitting me in that spot that shoots fire through my limbs. A blaze rips right through me, and I swear I black out for a second.
Cannon’s grip on my hips tightens, and he groans, “Fuck, Makayla,” before coming deep inside me.
He rolls to his back, both of us panting as we struggle to catch our breath. “Desiree is not a threat to you. You’re the only woman I want.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Makayla
I mindlessly pick at my Caesar salad. I’m eating at my desk because ever since word got out that I’m dating the boss, no one else wants to hang out with me. Cannon had a meeting off-site this afternoon, and Heather is having lunch with her boyfriend, so I’m stuck on my own.
“Makayla.” I lift my head to see Jane walking into my office, holding a familiar shiny black box wrapped with a red satin bow. “This just came for you.” She sets it on my desk.
I frown, confused. “Do you know where it came from?”
She shakes her head. “Some delivery guy dropped it off.”
“Thanks.”
She nods once with a tight smile and leaves my office, closing the door behind her.
Pushing my salad to the side, I stand and slide the box toward me. I remove the bow and lift the lid. Inside is a red silk scarf, matching red silk panties, and a note.
Meet me at Veil. I have a surprise for you. ~ X
Chapter Twenty-Four
Cannon
My meeting ran way later than expected. I’d wanted to take Makayla to dinner, but it’s already close to eight. I try calling her but keep getting her voice mail, so I call my sister.
“Hey,” she answers on the second ring.
“Where’s Makayla?”
“Well, hello to you, too.”
“Hello, little sister. Do you know where Makayla is?”
“You told her to meet you at Veil,” she replies in a tone that implies I’m asking a stupid question.
A sense of unease rolls down my spine. “I haven’t spoken to Makayla all day.”
“Then who sent her the gift and the note?”
“What note?”
“Someone sent her a scarf and panties with a note to wear them tonight. She thinks it’s from you.”
Fuck! “I’ll call you back.”
Ending the call, I turn around and head to Veil.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Makayla
I’m lying in the middle of the bed, arms down at my sides, wearing the red satin panties Cannon sent me this afternoon with the red silk scarf secured tightly around my eyes.
There’s a shift in the air the moment he enters the room, but the energy I normally feel from him is missing. Maybe he had a bad day. The tapping of his dress shoes against the wood floor gets closer until it stops and I can feel him standing close by. Goose bumps prick my skin, but not in anticipation. Something entirely different this time.
Awareness.
The bed dips under his weight as he covers my body with his. The buttons of his dress shirt press against my skin. Grabbing my hands, he pins them above my head, and panic settles in my chest.
“Cannon?”
Suddenly his lips are on mine, and instead of mint, I taste alcohol.
“You look beautiful, kitten.”
The sound of Victor’s voice sends a chill up my spine. My eyes pop open behind the scarf, and I draw in a sharp breath through my nose.
“Victor.” I struggle against his hold, but he’s too strong for me. Taking a deep breath, I force myself to relax. “What are you doing?” I ask in a steady voice.
“You always did look good in red,” he says smoothly, trailing his lips over my jaw.
I force myself to stay calm and keep him talking. “You sent me these?”
“I did.” He pulls my earlobe between his teeth before pressing his lips to my neck. “He dresses you in black, but you belong in red.”
I gasp. “How do you know?”
“Because I watch you.” He pauses. “With him.”
My body stiffens. “Why are you doing this?”
“You were mine first,” he growls, grinding his erection against my center.
“Victor, don’t do this. Please let me go.”
Suddenly, my body is jerked violently and I’m sliding across the bed. There’s a growl, a grunt and the distinct sound of flesh meeting flesh.
“Cannon, stop,” a female voice screams. Desiree.
It takes a moment to register what is happening as I reach for the blindfold and shove it away from my eyes.
Desiree is standing between Cannon and Victor. Her back is to Victor, arms extended, palms flat on Cannon’s chest.
“Get him out of here before I call the cops,” Cannon yells.
; Victor’s cheek is red and swollen, and there’s blood at the corner of his mouth. His angry stare flicks between Cannon and me and I hold my breath anticipating his next move.
A humorless chuckle pushes past his lips as he shakes his head in disbelief. Then he turns and storms from the room with Desiree chasing after him.
Cannon turns to look at me, and when his gaze drops to the red satin panties, then moves to my chest, I realize I’m practically naked.
“He’s been watching us,” I say with a shaky breath. “How?”
Cannon gestures to the floor-length mirror. “It’s a two-way mirror. There’s a small room on the other side.” My brows dip in confusion. “It’s for those who liked to be watched,” he explains.
“How did Victor get in there?”
“He probably stole the key from Desiree.” Cannon walks over to the bed and pulls me into his arms. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” I nod against his chest. “I thought it was over after the other night. I never thought he’d pull something like this.”
“Victor has always been a spoiled asshole.” He kisses my lips. “Come on. I’m taking you home.”
Epilogue
Two years later…
Makayla
I lie in the middle of our bed, arms at my sides. A silk sleep mask covers my eyes, but I don’t need to see to know he’s close. My heart pounds in my chest as I work to keep my breaths steady. Goose bumps prick my skin in anticipation of his deep, velvety greeting before he grabs my chin and presses lips to mine. I part my lips, and he slips his tongue into my mouth. He tastes like mint.
He pulls away from my mouth to pepper kisses over my jaw and down to that sensitive spot just below my ear.
He pushes the mask away from my face. “Were you a good girl today?” He smirks.