Ruined: Loving An Alpha Male: BWWM Romance

by Lessly, S. K.

  “I don’t know what they’re here for. We are having some disagreements though, and it’s possible they would use Max as leverage again.”

  “Do you know what they did to her the last time? Why did it take you ten days to get her?”

  He shook his head.

  “That wasn’t my doing, okay? When they said they had her, I did exactly what they wanted.”

  “Bullshit. I’ve seen the pictures. They beat the shit out of her, you son of a bitch. There’s no telling what else they did to her. I think you called their bluff, and they hurt her for it. And honestly, I really don’t know why I shouldn’t just kill you all now and be done with it.”

  Roland leaned over and whispered to me that it was time to go. So I looked at Shaw.

  “I’m being generous because of your daughter, but understand something, if that son of a bitch lying there is seen limping around, I’ll kill him. Then I will kill you and dump your body somewhere you’ll never be seen again. Trust me when I say I’ve done it for years, and I won’t get caught. Take care of your shit, Shaw, and stay away from Allura.”

  I walked out the restaurant and entered the van that was directly in front of the building. We drove away, dumped the van in a parking garage, and took other cars.

  “Sammy told me our little rouge was up with the FBI, and they were heading toward the restaurant.”

  I nodded but didn’t reply. I knew we needed to inform the Feds that Juan and his men were here on U.S. soil.

  So, I looked at Roland and said, “It’s time to call your Fed buddies and arrange a meeting.”

  Chapter 21

  Maxine

  I know Mason told me to act natural, but I was petrified out of my mind. I kept thinking that I was being followed. It seemed that every time I turned around I would think one of my father’s goons was following me. But after he told me not to worry that he wouldn’t let anything happen to me, I felt a little better.

  My first month living with Kat went by in a blur. We spent as much time together as we could, between her spending her nights with AB and work. Kat told me when we finally got home what happened on the day before her birthday. AB took her paddle boating, and they even went to see the dolphins again. He tried to show her a really good time, but they never talked about their relationship until that night. He was fuming when she sang Stranger in My House to him because of the implications.

  She told me how he couldn’t believe she felt the way she did, but she told me she finally let him have it. She told him how she wasn’t okay with all the extra women he saw—how one minute she was the center of his world and the next he treated her like she didn’t exist. She told him this was it—either he committed to her fully or they were through. And when they were through, she told him, they were through; no more calling her telling her how much he missed her, no sending flowers every day until she talked to him. She told him how she was falling in love with him, and if he didn’t feel the same way, he needed to step aside so she can find someone else to love and appreciate her.

  She then laughed and told me AB jumped on her instantly and told her that she belonged to him and no other. He told her that he was feeling the same way and that he was done playing games. He was extremely pissed she got a tattoo, but he wanted to be with her. So far since we’ve been home, he’s been true to his word. Even at work, he’s kissed her in front of everyone and even called her ‘baby’ a few times. The women and men here were in shock, but I just sat back and smiled. Kat finally got the man of her dreams.

  My day job has been awesome, and working for Dr. Lansing was just such a relaxed environment. He trained me the very day I got here, and I’ve been shadowing him for a week. He took notice that I knew a lot and was able to catch on quickly to how he ran his office and the different types of styles and techniques he uses to rehabilitate his patients.

  He has so much faith in me that he’s even allowed me to work on some of his clients when he wasn’t able to. I had to prove myself with some of the guys. But once I showed them I knew what I was doing, they were cool.

  My night job was pretty fantastic too. AB’s restaurant was nestled in Addison off of Beltline called AB’s Jazz restaurant. It was really nice inside. It felt more like a restaurant that surrounded a stage in an auditorium setting. There wasn’t a bad seat in the house. The first night I started, the place was packed.

  It was easy to work the bar because I had experience and everything. It was more so the location of the liquor and working the cash register that I had to learn, but I knew I would catch on. To be honest, I really didn’t need this job. But I wanted to be with Kat, and she worked here too. So it made the experience better.

  The house band asked me on my second night to help with their sound check. I took the mic and faced them while they set up. One of the bass players, Brian, told me to say something in the mic. So I said a few words, but he told me to say more. So instead of speaking, I started singing. The beats that they were playing with reminded me of Anita Baker’s Been So Long, so I started singing that song. I started off slowly and tried to stay with them. Brian looked at me shocked, and then broke out in a huge grin.

  I smiled back and kept singing, of course, putting my own twist to the song and making it up to date. When the chorus part of the song kicked in, the band sung with me. That made me smile even more. I looked over at the other guitar player and started singing the second verse. I really got into it. I found myself putting the mic back on the stand and singing to the crowd. Surprisingly I had the attention of the audience. Some were even bobbing their heads and tapping their toes. Humph, what do ya’ know?

  Far in the front by the door my best friend was beaming from ear to ear. She had her hands up, and she started swaying from side to side. When I finished, I heard warm applause from the audience. I smiled my thanks, handed the mic over to Brian and got the heck off the stage.

  The smile on AB’s face, once I got back behind the bar, told me he would find a way to get me back on that stage. As luck would have it, Kat and I sang at least twice a night—usually on Fridays and Sundays. We either sang together or she took her turn on the stage first and then later that night I would take the stage. She also got me to sing for her as a dedication to AB. So I found myself on stage, dressed in a gown that accentuated my curves and draped down to the floor. I had my hair up, and I sang one of her favorite songs, ‘Make You Feel My Love,’ which was remade by Adele.

  When I started singing the second verse, I saw a familiar face in the crowd. I tried not to make him my primary focus, but as much as my body craves him, I couldn’t resist. He was in another one of his suits, and he, unfortunately, wasn’t alone. Diane was right next to him, looking beautiful as ever. She wore a stunning silver dress that contoured her exquisitely. I forced myself to move my eyes onto others in the room. As I finished my song, I acknowledged the gracious applause from everyone and moved onto another song.

  As I caressed the ears of the patrons of the restaurant, I couldn’t help but think about the last night I spent at the beach. I wish I could tell you that I felt guilty about what happened. But sadly, I didn’t, and it was playing with me. I would be horribly distraught if the man that I loved, the one who was marrying me, cheated on me in the same hotel that we were staying in and with a person we were hanging out with for three days.

  But the moment he put his lips on mine, I became possessive. I felt like this man belonged to me. He’s told me as much, and he had proven it over and over again. God, his touch ignited something deep inside me that’s been asleep for so long. I missed his kiss and his touch, and all I wanted at that moment was him.

  But I remembered about how he touched Diane, and I felt like there was no way he wanted to be with me. No matter what he said or his actions, he couldn’t possibly feel the same way as I do. So I pulled from him and escaped to my room, only for him to follow me a few minutes later. When I opened my door and saw him standing there, I couldn’t contain myself any longer. I let him take me an
d, holy hell, it felt good. He felt just like he always did: fucking amazing. And now I’m paying for it.

  He’s told me that he would protect me. Hell, a week ago he confirmed that he had my back, and I wish he also had me on my back.

  I know you’re wondering about Cory. When he finally made it back to the room, after the party, I was sitting on the bed hugging myself. When he walked in he simply sat next to me.

  He said after a spell, “I really wished it was possible that one day you would look at me the way you were looking at him this whole trip. But the more that I think about it and just by looking at you right now, I can clearly see that it won’t happen.”

  I shook my head as the tears fell from my eyes.

  “I’m sorry.”

  He shook his head.

  “Don’t be. You tried to warn me. It’s not like you have been with me under false pretenses. I’m not going to lie to you, though. I was really hoping this could turn into something. But when I heard you singing to him and saw that tattoo, I knew—no matter how hard we try and make this work, it just won’t.”

  “Cory…” I started, but he cut me off.

  “No, Max. It’s fine, seriously. Like I said, I would be pissed if you never told me that this would be difficult. But you’ve been honest with me. Now, I need you to be honest with yourself. You’re still in love with him. I can see it in your eyes and the way you are when he’s in the room. Your heart wants what it wants, and there’s nothing you can do to prevent it. I should know…I felt the same way with Tiana.”

  I sighed.

  “I’m so sorry, Cory. I mean, I do love you. Do you know that?”

  He nodded.

  “Girl, of course, I do. And I love you too. I don’t think that’s going to ever change. I just think the love we have for each other isn’t going to ever be enough. No one’s love is going to be enough for you, except his. Look, I don’t know what he’s thinking, but I know he feels the same way for you as you do him. I can see it all over him.” He then started to chuckle. “As many times as he looked as if he wanted to rip me apart when I touched you is crazy.”

  My eyes got big. “Really?”

  He nodded. “Hell, yes. I mean, I was starting to fear for my life; like we were going to go golfing, and he would off me somewhere and come back saying he didn’t know where I went. That guy is dangerous if you cross him, and even more dangerous if someone crosses you.”

  I shivered at the memory of Trip. So that night I told Cory all about Mason and me, from beginning to end. By the end of my story, he shook his head.

  “Man, now I see why you didn’t tell him about the kidnapping.”

  “Yeah, he has the potential to be unpredictable.”

  I crawled in the bed and got underneath the covers.

  “I wouldn’t say that. I mean, I’m glad I told him about the kidnapping. You shouldn’t have to live the way you do; afraid that someone will snatch you to get to a father you don’t know and don’t even like. If Mason can protect you from that—and I believe he can—you’re safer already.”

  I smiled. “Yeah, I guess you can say that.”

  Now watching what I constantly dream about and can’t have is nerve racking. I had planned on singing the Adele song I sung to him once before, not with the intent of him hearing it. But once the music started, and I started singing, I saw him look over at me and sort of smile. I knew he remembered that day. It was the first time he told me he loved me. We made sweet love to each other, and it was the first time I completely let my guard down.

  I was thankful that his table was nestled right in front but a few levels up from the stage. That allowed me to stare at him without being completely noticeable. Was that want in his eyes? I moved my head to keep up the illusion I wasn’t singing to a man who belonged to someone else. I feel like such a home wrecker.

  After that night, Kat and I were home alone. She didn’t have any plans to be with AB tonight. He was attending some fundraiser with Mason and Marcus, and she didn’t want to go. Instead, we sat around the television and just hung out. We talked a little, but mostly we just watched movies together both in our own world.

  We did the same thing all day Sunday. We washed clothes. Then we washed each other’s hair and styled it. We cleaned the house together, and I watched Kat sleep the rest of the afternoon away while I prepared my paperwork for the clients I saw last week. Kat has been sleeping a lot lately. She’s always tired, and she hasn’t been eating very well.

  When we were making dinner later that night, or rather when I was making dinner, and she was watching, she asked, “Are you still in love with Mason?”

  I sighed as I sautéed peppers and onions for the steak and gravy I was making over rice.

  “Yes I am.” I turned and looked at her. “That sounds stupid, don’t it? Being in love with a man who you can’t have or, hell, probably doesn’t feel the same way.”

  Kat laughed. “Oh, please. From what you’ve told me about the hot sex you two had at the hotel and that kiss you told me curled your toes, I don’t think there is a shadow of a doubt he feels the same way.”

  “Okay, Kat. I know you haven’t known Mason very long. Well hell, you’ve probably known him longer than I have before I fell in love with him. But Mason isn’t the type to shy away from something he wants. He just goes and gets it. He stakes his claim, and that’s it. I think if he wanted me, he would have staked his claim on me by now. It’s been a month already.”

  “Yes, and you’ve also told me that he’s a man that doesn’t go half ass, right? I mean, when he broke your heart, he crushed you.”

  I snorted.

  “Yeah, thanks for the recap.”

  “Look, all I’m saying is maybe he is waiting around for the right moment.”

  “But how does he even know what that right moment is? I mean, for all he knows, I’m falling in love with Cory.”

  Kat bust out laughing and laid her head on the island she was sitting at.

  “Girl, pu-lease. You could clearly see you didn’t have the hots for my cousin as you do for Mason. I’m sure he isn’t worried about that. But maybe he’s worried about how you would take him. I mean, did you forgive him?”

  “Well, I sort of told him I did during that hot sex we had. So that has to count for something, right?”

  I turned the fire down on my gravy soaked steak slices and peppers and onions.

  “Um, maybe not, sweetie. Maybe he’s trying to figure out the best way to approach you. Maybe he wants to be sure he even has a shot with you. I mean, who knows what the hell he’s thinking? But I do have a feeling he is still in love with you.”

  I just nodded my head and let that marinate a little.

  I started boiling my water for the rice, when I asked her, “What’s been up with you lately? You’ve been sleeping a lot, you’re always tired, and you barely eat. You know, that’s not like you.”

  She was quiet, and that made me turn around and look at her. I saw tears in her eyes, and I came closer.

  “What’s up, Kat?”

  She shook her head and tried to gather herself. “I’m pregnant.”

  The shock I’m sure was all over me. “Oh. My. God. Does he know? Wait… Did he say something crazy like ‘he’s not ready for a baby’ or something stupid like that? Because if he did…”

  She shook her head. “No, he doesn’t know yet.”

  I watched the battle going on in her eyes, and I pulled up a chair next to her.

  I said softly, “Then what’s going on? Are you afraid he’s not going to want the baby?”

  She shrugged. “I’m afraid he might not want me.”

  She finally broke down and started to cry. I wrapped my arms around her.

  “I seriously doubt that, Kat. I see the way he looks at you even before he declared his undying love to you. That man is head over heels in love with you, and having a baby is not going to change that. I’m sure it will accelerate things slightly, but that’s all. Sweetheart, I wouldn’t worr
y about that. How far along are you?”

  She sniffed. “I think I’m four weeks.”

  “Okay, that’s early. But I do believe he would want to know. When is your doctor’s appointment, or did you have one already?”

  She shook her head, drying her tears with the palms of her hands.

  “The appointment is in two weeks.”

  “Okay, so you have time. Honestly, what better time than the present? He’s coming over here tonight, right?” She nodded. “Okay, well make sure you tell him then. I know for a fact he’s going to want to be at the doctor’s appointment with you. Just give him a chance, Kat. If he acts like an ass, then you and I will raise this baby on our own. Either way, you’ll be fine.”

  I hugged her tightly, and we stayed like that for a while until I heard my water boiling. I wiped my own eyes and smiled.

  “Let’s get that little baby fed.”

  I knew Kat would have nothing to worry about. I didn’t know AB that well, but I just had a feeling it would be okay. And I wasn’t surprised in the morning when she told me what happened.

  We were sitting on the couch at about 11 a.m. She told me how he came into the apartment ready to jump her bones, when she told him they needed to talk.

  “Okay, about what?” he asked her.

  He took off jacket, tie, and shirt and draped them over a chair in her room. She sighed and sat Indian style in the middle of her queen size bed. She looked down at her fingers very nervous, and he caught on to it. He sat down on the bed and took her hand in his.

  “Whatever it is, sweetheart, you can talk to me.”

  Finally, she sighed again and said, “I’m pregnant, four weeks to be exact. Look, I know we aren’t that close. I know this is way too soon. But I’m still having your baby. Before you say anything, it is yours. Since I’m about four weeks pregnant, that would mean we conceived this baby on my birthday weekend.”

  She paused and looked at him. He was quiet and just stared at her. She took her hand from his and started to move away from him, but he stopped her. His demeanor suddenly changed to anger. He frowned.