Redemption Part Three

by Kate Benson

  “You’re welcome,” he replies, a gentle hum leaving his chest before he silently orders me back to my stool. “So, did you have fun last night?”

  “Yes, Sir,” I admit, sipping from my coffee and resting my chin on my palm, watching him greedily.

  “What was your favorite part?”

  “When you finally fucked me,” I blurt, pulling a loud laugh from his chest. “Sir,” I add on with a wink, loving his wide grin. “What about you?”

  “Aside from finally fucking you?” he asks with a low chuckle, making me nod. “Watching your training implemented, seeing how well-behaved you’ve become,” he admits, pulling a bowl of fresh fruit from the fridge and gesturing for me to eat. “You still have some things to work on but considering you’re fresh out of basic instruction and only a month in, I was very impressed.”

  “Well, thank you,” I return his smile, popping a strawberry into my mouth. “I have a very good teacher.”

  He finishes the waffles and joins me at the small island, his hand moving over my thigh as we continue talking over breakfast and make plans for the rest of the weekend. Once we’re finished, he leads me to my bathroom, running us a bubble bath in the deep tub. He pulls me close to his chest, his wide arms wrapped around me tightly as he gently washes my skin, dulling the soreness between my legs as he massages me with a loofah, lapping at my neck and stroking my skin until I’m drunk on him and the water begins to grow cold.

  He pats my skin dry carefully, applying more coconut oil and giving me Tylenol before leading me into my bedroom. I lie back against the pillows upon his silent instruction and watch him move into my closet. He pulls a pair of soft yoga pants from my dresser before reaching for a fluffy hoodie that’s slightly too big, returning to sit beside me on the edge of my mattress.

  “Your nipples are a little bruised, too,” he says, brushing his fingers over one of them before resting his hand on my bare waist. “It’s too cold out for you to comfortably wear a dress. This should be suitable, but don’t dress until right before we leave and even then, skip the bra and panties,” he orders gently as he traces the pink mark on my neck. “I’ll try to be a little easier with you next time.”

  “If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather you weren’t,” I shake my head, sweeping his damp hair away from his brow. “I know you held back last night for my benefit. I admittedly needed that from you, but I typically prefer knowing you’re not denying yourself whatever you need. It’s how I know I’ve pleased you.”

  “Hmm… you always please me, kitten,” he hums, bending to kiss me, his fingers trailing over my body for a moment longer before he pulls away. “Try and rest up while I finish some work in my office. If you fall asleep, I’ll come and wake you when it’s time to go, okay?”

  I give him a nod, the thought of him leaving even to go a few rooms away making my heart fall. He moves to rise from the bed, but I keep his hand in mine as I sit up, willing him to stay.

  “Daddy?” I start, pulling his eyes back to mine.

  “Hmm?”

  “I just…” I try, my words stopping short for a moment. “I want to tell you something…”

  Nerves swarm in my chest, something that’s become quite uncommon around him. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I was this nervous about anything with Adam. He senses it and rests his hand on my calf, slowly moving the pad of his thumb over my skin to calm me.

  “What is it, darling?” he asks, his voice low as he takes in my nervous expression. “Don’t be shy with me, baby. You can tell me anything.”

  I give him a nod, sitting up and holding his hand in both of mine. I gently stroke the band adorning his right ring finger as I stave off my unreasonable nervousness.

  Why is this so hard for me to say?

  Everything else with him has been so easy, so natural. Why is this any different?

  It’s only difficult because you’re making it that way, Isabella.

  I stifle the eye roll that comes with my own internal thought, knowing it’s right on point.

  I’ve been foolishly waiting for the right time, completely missing what’s been right in front of me the whole time. That every second I’ve spent with him has been shouting at me to show him everything inside my soul.

  My eyes move back to his and I stifle my own foolishness at having been scared at all, that I’d ever even considered waiting a second to share my truth with him.

  “I…” I start, my voice breaking slightly, making me clear my throat awkwardly before I try again. “I just wanted to tell you I love you,” I whisper, the words that I’d been looking for the perfect time to say finally spilling out. “I’m crazy in love with you, Adam. I don’t know why I waited so long to tell you. I’ve felt this way for weeks… maybe longer,” I bite my lip. “I’m telling you now. You don’t have to say anything back, but I want you to know how I feel about you.”

  He stares back at me for what’s likely no more than a split second but feels like a lifetime at the hands of his silence. Finally, he settles back down beside me, the corners of his lips quirking up at my rambling. He leans in closer, his palms cradling my face as he pulls my lips to his, kissing me deeply. When we separate a minute later, our breathing is ragged, my heart clenching in my chest as he holds my eyes.

  “My sweet Bella,” he whispers, pressing his lips to my forehead and lingering there for a moment before releasing a low sigh, his hazel eyes soft as they return to mine. “I love you, too, princess. More than you can even imagine.”

  Chapter Five

  Adam

  Once I’ve forced myself from her bedroom, I finish up the work waiting for me in my office and a couple of hours later, make my way back across the penthouse. I watch her sleeping for a moment, my heart clenching in my chest as I think back to our conversation this morning.

  I never thought I could feel for anyone what I feel for her.

  She’s become everything.

  “Bella,” I whisper, gently pulling the covers from her and stroking her skin until her eyes begin to flutter open. “Wake up, darling. It’s time for us to leave.”

  She releases a yawn, covering her mouth before lowering her hand to mine.

  “Ciao, papa,” she murmurs sleepily, making me smile.

  “Hi, pumpkin,” I reply, standing and reaching for her. “How are you feeling? Did you enjoy your nap?”

  “Better and yes, very much,” she admits, wrapping her arms around my neck when I settle my palm on her waist, giving me a kiss. “Did you get all your work done?”

  “I did,” I nod, kissing her nose. “Now I’m very ready for some lazy.”

  “Yes,” she hisses, making me chuckle. “I knew I’d convert you.”

  She dresses quickly in the soft clothing I’d laid out on the bed for her this morning, emerging from the bathroom a few minutes later, brushing her hair out.

  “You don’t mind if I put my hair up, do you?” she asks, my eyes locked on my phone as I lean against her bedpost.

  “I’d rather you didn’t,” I admit, scrolling through the text and scratching my jaw. “Did you mention having plans with Christie tomorrow?”

  “No, Sir. She invited me to have brunch with her next Sunday. She’s out of town this weekend. I’m not going anywhere tomorrow. I just have to call my parents and check in,” she shakes her head. “May I at least braid it? It’s being a real pain in my ass today.”

  “I’m gonna show you a real pain in your ass if you don’t start watching that mouth of yours, Isabella,” I insist, choosing to ignore the smirk she’s hiding as she kisses my jaw.

  “I’m sorry. I hope you’ll forgive me.”

  “Lucky for you, I’m in quite the forgiving mood today,” I tease quietly. “Yes, you may braid your hair.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, baby
,” I reply, typing a quick reply and sliding my phone back into my pocket. “We have to leave your apartment early tomorrow. My uncle is having a party and wants me to attend. I’d like you to come with me.”

  “A party?” she asks, biting her lip in thought. “Aren’t you worried someone might see us together?”

  “No,” I shake my head. “It’s being held at his house. He wouldn’t have invited me if he anticipated the press would be there. I’ve not spoken to him about us, but he knows how I feel about things like that.”

  “Oh, okay,” she shrugs, reaching for her purse. “Well, in that case, I think that sounds lovely and I would love to come with you. I’ve missed seeing him at the office.”

  “Yeah?” I tease, pulling her close. “Well, maybe I’ll offer him his old job back and you can spend all your time with him.”

  “Oh, calm down,” she waves me off dramatically, making me chuckle as I press my lips to hers. “I obviously like you more.”

  Isabella

  While the rest of our day is amazing by all standards, I can’t deny the nerves in my chest the closer we get to morning. Although I meant what I said about Adam’s uncle, he’s truly one of the most kindhearted men I’ve ever met, it’s the first time he’s ever invited me anywhere outside of a few very private dinners and the club since we’ve become a couple. I know everything will be fine, Adam will make sure of it, but I still can’t help the anxiety swimming in my chest.

  “What was your favorite color when you were a child?” he asks, his words making me shake the nervous thoughts and replace them with a smile.

  On our first date, he noticed I was fidgeting nervously and began asking questions while we waited for our dinner. I’d playfully teased him about his rapid-fire approach, convinced he’d picked it up over the course of his career and it somehow bled into his personal life.

  “Only with you, darling,” he admitted, making me blush through my disbelief. “Before you and your coffee came crashing into my life, I’m not sure I ever cared to know very much about anyone else.”

  His words had caught me so off guard, I wasn’t sure how to respond. Instead, I simply answered his questions, my hesitation fading instantly. Ever since that night, it was his go-to anytime he saw doubt or concern slipping into my features.

  The questions are always personal, completely random and the answers he gives in return have a way of showing me another side to him I know no one else has ever seen.

  I couldn’t love it more.

  “Purple,” I smirk. “How about you?”

  “Same,” he winks, making me laugh. “Who taught you how to drive?”

  “My dad,” I answer. “He had this old station wagon that had been my zia’s and it was dreadful.”

  “What was so dreadful about it?”

  “Well, I drove it to school with him in the morning, so I’d have to pull up at the main entrance,” I explain, shaking my head when he begins laughing. “The thing had duct tape on one of the mirrors and I swear, the only time I was noticed in high school was when I pulled up in that beast of a car. It was mortifying,” I admit, laughing with him. “Who taught you?”

  “My mom. No crappy old station wagon, but I did get caught trying to tell a girl it was my car once at the gas station and my mother sold me out.” His admission pulls a loud laugh from my belly, the wide grin on his lips revealing his lickable dimple as he chuckles low at my reaction. “It was one of the only times I’ve ever truly been embarrassed.”

  “I bet,” I snicker, returning my attention to our dinner as he leans against the counter beside me once more. “That must’ve been awkward.”

  “Meh,” he shrugs. “I still got her number.”

  “Shocking,” I reply sarcastically, making him quirk his eyebrows in question. “Liar or not, I have a hard time imagining you having trouble getting a date. You’re quite the smooth talker, Mr. Avery.”

  “Well, I had to be to get the girl I really wanted,” he winks, making me blush once more. “If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?”

  “Italy,” I say immediately, this time surprising him.

  “Really? You’ve already been there a dozen times. Wouldn’t you like to go somewhere new?”

  “Not if I only get one choice,” I smile. “I’d go where I know I’d experience perfection.”

  “Hmm… well, when you put it like that,” he shrugs.

  “Why? Where would you go?”

  “Back to Japan,” he says easily. “I went once for a business trip and very much enjoyed myself, but my time there was too short. I’ve always wanted a do-over.”

  “You should go back then,” I encourage him.

  “Maybe we will,” he says quietly, his lips quirking up when I smile at his words. “Lace or satin?”

  “Lace.”

  “Seger or Dylan?”

  “Marley,” I counter, pulling a nod of approval from him.

  “Fair enough,” he allows playfully. “Beach or mountains?”

  “Beach.”

  “Dogs or cats?”

  “Dogs.”

  “Missionary or doggy style?”

  “In general? Doggy style. Since I met you?” I consider, pulling a low chuckle from his broad chest. “I’ll say both.”

  “You’re on quite the streak, Miss Baxter,” he winks, the brush of his fingers on my waist as he steps behind me pulling my attention from the stove. “What were you thinking about when I walked in here?”

  “Tomorrow,” I finally confess, knowing better than to lie or try and keep my feelings from him. “I’m a little nervous.”

  “What has you feeling nervous?” he asks, leaning back against the counter beside me, his fingertips brushing the stray strands of hair away from my face.

  “It’s just the first time you’ll be taking me anywhere like that,” I start, stirring my sauce and reaching for the pasta and dropping it into the water. “I know it’ll be fine. I’m just psyching myself out,” I admit, biting my lip. “But it’s your family, ya know?”

  “Yes, I do, but if it’s any help, I don’t like any of them,” he admits, making me snort. “The only person we’ll be talking to is my uncle. The rest of them don’t care much for me and I can say without hesitation that the feeling is very mutual,” he sighs. “I wouldn’t even be going if Richard hadn’t messaged me himself.”

  “You must be related to a bunch of crazy people,” I muse, drying my hands and glancing up at him, kissing his jaw. “That’s the only reasonable explanation for people to not like you.”

  “Your assumptions might be much more accurate than you realize,” he chuckles, kissing my hair, his eyes softening at my sympathetic expression. “Stop feeling bad for me. My grandmother was remarkable, and my uncle is one of the best people I know. I got the best out of that family with them,” he promises, sipping his beer. “Besides, I’m insanely rich and fucking you every night,” he winks, yanking my braid gently and pulling my head back to press his lips to mine. “I’m all cried out, baby.”

  The next morning, Adam wakes me early and we head back home to dress more appropriately for his uncle’s party. Although our talk the night before had helped more than anything else could have, I’m still a little antsy when we pull up to Richard’s villa, the attendant greeting us as we come to a stop.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Avery,” he says, his smile of welcome wide and inviting.

  “Good afternoon, Gregory,” Adam greets him while rounding the front of the car and taking my hand in his as he helps me out. “How have you been?”

  “Very well, thank you, sir,” he nods, taking his keys. “I hope you can say the same.”

  “Without question,” Adam admits, offering me his elbow. “Enjoy your day.”

  When we approach the wide entrance, the door is pro
pped open, more than thirty people already moving around inside.

  I release a deep and cleansing breath as he leads me over the threshold, his hand sweeping down my forearm before his fingers slip easily between mine.

  “Relax, princess,” he whispers.

  “I’m trying.”

  “We’re just drinking overpriced champagne with a few old people and talking politics and baseball for a few hours. The only thing you need to worry about is whether or not you can stay awake while Richard recaps nine innings worth of commentary,” he promises, making me smirk. “Just stay with me and you’ll be fine.”

  I nod, savoring in the feel of him squeezing my hand in his before we slip into the small crowd. To say I’m surprised by his reception would be an understatement.

  For the first time, he isn’t the center of anyone’s attention but mine. What’s more, the few people who do notice him refuse him a second glance, much less a warm greeting. It’s not until we make our way to the wide porch overlooking the secluded beach that anyone outside of Richard’s staff acknowledges either of us at all.

  When we step outside, his foot has barely touched the deck before Richard’s loud, Southern voice calls out to him, making us both smile.

  “There’s my boy!” he exclaims as we move closer, Adam releasing my hand to bend and give him an earnest hug, sweetly kissing his bald spot and making him laugh as he swats him away. “How’s my favorite nephew?”

  “I’m well, thank you,” Adam beams, patting his shoulder. “How ‘bout my favorite uncle?”

  “Old and tired, but praise God, I’m rich as hell and I’ve still got my looks,” he winks as he strokes his thick chin before letting out a deep chuckle. “Pull up a chair and grab a drink, son.”

  “Yes, sir,” he nods, standing upright and moving to the side, beckoning for me to join him. “Richard, you remember Isa-”

  “Isabella,” he cuts him off, his eyes growing soft as he clenches his chest dramatically, reaching for my hand and pulling me in for a warm hug. “Ciao, mia dolce ragazza. How have you been, my dear?”