by Sienna Evans
“Why not be honest and ask what you want. I don’t have time for this.” I meant every single word. My tolerance level has always been low for anyone who thought they were smarter than me. “Don’t patronize me.”
She nodded before stating, “Our business partners need assistance.”
“Business partners, Naila?” I smirked. “The Russians?”
“You have a problem with that, Greyson?”
Truthfully, I did, but I couldn’t dwell on it now. Since getting released years ago, I’ve had to make choices: hard ones. I've had to do whatever was necessary to survive and, in this world, survival meant sacrificing my soul.
—
I pulled into the parking lot outside of the marina nearly an hour later. The sky had started growing darker along with my emotions. I needed to see Celeste. While I walked down the sidewalk on my way to the edge of the water, I tried to remember how it was to distance myself from everything and everyone.
“What’s on your mind?” an overly sexual female voice sang. Before I could react, a tiny set of fingers crawled along my side. I reached for the fingers and squeezed, eventually yanking her around.
Emma Bjork knew how to press my buttons. She wore a thick black ponytail and a deep berry gloss on her lips. I rarely paid attention to the clothes she’d put on, but those two things made me uncomfortable like hell. I think her eyes we dark, more than likely black to match an even darker heart.
“You’re always overstepping boundaries,” I said. I wanted to tell her how much I hated having to work with her for the better part of five years, but I had to restrain myself.
“Calm down. We have a part to play,” she replied in a strong voice that only got softer. By the end of her sentence, she’d pressed all the way into my chest. “If you don’t pull it together, people are going to suspect.”
“People? Who?” I clenched my fists. The full length of muscles racing up and down my arms pumped blood at rapid speeds. About once a week, I considered walking away from this life, but common sense always got the best of me. “I have to go somewhere.”
“To that girl? Every time you’re in New York―”
“You’re watching me now?” I wrapped my fingers around her bare arms and shifted her away from me.
“Surveillance Greyson...”
There’s that word, and I was at the center of this mess! My life came down to everything I despised. “Someday...”
“What, you’ll stop working with us?” She giggled like this was the most natural conversation we might’ve ever had. I knew what was coming when her fingers reached up for her earring and shut off the recorder. “Are you seriously thinking to stop working with the Feds and live a normal life with this girl who got caught up with Jacobs’s crew?”
“I can leave this role anytime I want...anytime!” I’d said it over and over again. After my time behind bars, I’d gotten pulled into a group of smugglers with one of the other ex-cons. But when he ended up dead after our first job, only to find out that the crooks behind the operation were the FBI, I weighed my options and made the best choice. They’d had nothing to convict me on. Besides, none of the others knew I existed, so why not. I got to travel the world and make deals for criminals. Moreover, it had taken me no amount of time to realize that they walked the thin line as well.
“Really Greyson? What would you do?”
“Get a real life!” I went in the opposite direction. Couples had started walking away. I was required to check in and make face to face contact. There would be no exchanging notes and all. This every third-day thing was worthless and could’ve potentially compromised everything. I decided to address that later with the director because you simple couldn’t reason with someone like this lady.
I obviously didn’t want to be out here with Emma, knowing that Celeste was waiting. And in another couple of minutes, I would be able to get my hands all over her.
Celeste
The opportunity at Rathburn’s office was rare. They’d cut me a break because Professor Bullock had major pull. My mentors believed in me and expected a successful completion of the New York State Bar. How could my life have taken such a horrible turn?
I stood outside of my apartment, with my back pressed to the wall. Key in hand, I stared up into the bright lights emulating along the heavy, cream-painted hallway. My breaths came quickly. Several neighbors streamed out of their doors. I sunk to the floor, feeling overwhelmed by everything.
“You okay, sweetheart?” a skinny guy with a deep voice barked. I’m not sure he really cared, not from the way his words rushed out. Maybe he asked out of some false sense of being obligated to do the right thing.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” I forced a quick reply. Right after, I stooped as low as I could while keeping in mind the tiny dress I was wearing.
I’d set out to expose and shake up the Russians’ organization because of Quinn. But I never bargained for this. What pissed me off more than anything...I accomplished nothing on behalf of my cousin, other than to get entangled with the savages who’d ended her life.
“CeCe?” I knew the voice...god; I needed it in my life.
Pressing the palms of my hands onto the ground, I started to push myself up. But Greyson wasn’t having it. He reached down to pick me up and cuddled me into his chest. I exhaled.
“The key,” he demanded.
The door slammed shut behind us. He set me down and stepped back. I dropped my purse to the ground and kicked off my sandals. We stood inches apart. My left hand reached out to rest against the thudding of his heart. The vibrations were soothing.
“What’s wrong?” Greyson asked, wrapping his fingers around mine. He moved my hand to his lips. My body followed along. He shifted our bodies around until my back touched the wall. “Talk to me, baby.”
What was I supposed to say? If I told him about Brendan, he’d leave me all alone to find his brother and pulverize him. If I told him about Mr. Jacobs, he’d sure as hell go looking for the man. It was a no-win situation, so all I could say was, “I missed you.”
“A few hours?” he teased.
I pumped my head up and down.
Greyson leaned forward. Air blew gently into my face from a raged breathing. “From the minute I stepped out of that door, all I could think about was kissing, holding and making love to you again.”
“Ummmm,” I moaned. My head slipped sideways against the wall and before I knew it, he palmed me between my legs. “Ahhh.”
His lips crushed into mine for a quick second, but then he drifted lower to my neck and eventually breasts. His fingers flickered in, around and outside of my moisture. He hadn’t yet removed my dress, though he nibbled through it.
Suddenly, his fingers slipped out of me and reached up to my collar. He yanked until the fabric split down the middle. With his teeth, he undid my bra. I paused to look into those clear pupils, to get a feel for how badly he needed this because, heaven knows, I did.
He sucked on my nipples, nibbled at my breasts and returned to claim his spot between my legs with his fingers. I rode them as much as I could. Yet, he was hell-bent on taking complete control of everything.
“Greyson...” I cried out, not expecting an answer. My head was spinning so much, I didn’t know if I was coming or going; only that he owned me in every sense of the word. I shook just before spraying his fingers with my juices.
His arms slipped around me right before picking me back up to carry me over to edge of the bed. In the process, he slipped the tattered dress off of my shoulders. Instead on laying me on my back, he turned me away from him and directed me up onto my knees. His lips found my neck on a journey down to my ass. As I shivered when his breath made a trail along my back, his hands tapped at my ass.
Before yesterday, I couldn’t have imagined this ecstasy. No matter how badly I’ve wanted to be placed in any type of compromising position with this man, I never imagined more than an undying affection...love for my longest desire.
“I love you,” flow
ed from my lips.
He paused for about five seconds. My nerves sparked. I held my breath as I awaited his judgement.
Nothing.
“Greyson, I love you.”
He let go of me to stand at the edge of the bed. Fear encompassed the entire room. Tears began melting away from my eyes. This time, I felt my own chest pounding. I reached out for him and stood tall. Removing his shirt, belt and pants, I determined to keep him with me to love into submission.
Greyson wasn’t just some hook up. He wasn’t ever going to be a passing fling. He was, is and would always be the only lover of my heart.
When I’d succeeded in undressing him fully, I shivered before him and glanced into his face. The room was dark. Only the outside streets lamps had filtered in along with a dim light from my alarm clock.
“Greyson, I can’t give you up now... not now.” My voice cracked.
“CeCe, if you don’t know by now...”
“Know what?” I swiped the back of my hands across both sides of my face.
He removed them by holding onto my wrists and slowly pulling them apart. “Baby, I didn’t just realize I loved you. I don’t think there was ever a time I didn’t.”
I drew into magnetic pull. He held and rocked me. Our bodies pressed closer, pulled tighter. We practically fell onto the bed, in each other’s arms. His confession filled me up with raw emotions. I swayed at his touch, while being stroked by his fingers. His lips wrapped around my nipples as his teeth gnawed mercilessly. I wiggled. Sharp teeth tore at my skin. I might’ve felt pain, if the pleasure wasn’t so raw. But he made it a commodity I’d never forgot. And when his tongue swiped at the pulsating pressure between my legs, I cuddled his ears while forcing his face deeper.
Through it all, Greyson loved me, filled me up and then loved me again...just like he’d promised.
Greyson
I shot up from the bed at midnight, on the dot, swinging punches into the air. It’s funny how brief periods of hell become ingrained in your mind and reveal themselves when you’re supposed to be at peace.
Celeste pressed into my side before reaching for me and purring slightly.
“Go back to sleep, baby,” I said groggily. She’d squirmed, just barely. I could tell she was defeated.
I kissed her lips and ran my fingers over her skin, and then drew the covers up to her shoulders. The place was mainly dark, with the exception of bright yellow curtains and the moon beating through them. I retrieved my cellphone from my pants pockets - seven missed calls and a slew of text messages. Before deciding on them, I glanced back at Celeste then stepped into my boxers.
Most of the messages were about business with tons of details too. Imagine that, in these days and times, criminals didn’t have enough common sense to not leave a trail. I’ve played the role of criminal for so long, yet I couldn’t believe how stupid the real ones could be. My connections spread from the U.S. through the Caribbean down into Latin and South America, which eventually led up into the U.K. and soon-to-be Russia, and these would only continue to grow as long as I kept working with criminals. I’ve worked with smugglers, political degenerates, killers and now sex traffickers. Through it all, I’d maintained a reputation as a man who’d get things done.
The organization I worked for was instrumental in extracting some of the worst criminals around the globe, often while working hand in hand with them. But my organization kept me protected from any backlash by “criminalizing” my role. Simply put, I was paid to be the bad guy.
One day, my career will be over, and with it my life. If we even slipped up, that time could come sooner rather than later. With Celeste now as an integral part of my life, there was no telling.
Seriously, how do you tell your woman you’re not just some fuck up? How do you tell the love of your life that you’re a legal career criminal, with no prospect of a normal life as long as you are alive?
Celeste
One week later
I attended the wake on the night before Quinn’s services by myself. Greyson had left town midweek. The DA’s office had given me time off. I’d still gone in. Knowing how slimy my life was gearing up to become, I refused to hide away.
My aunt and uncle’s house was a mini palace. They literally had thick, golden columns on the outside at every corner of the foundation. The furniture had been flown in from the Mediterranean. Our family was from Sicily but had ties everywhere. Though strict, they worshipped the exotic looking Quinn. She was their princess.
The entrance was a shrine of photographs from birth to her death. Paintings and poetry were displayed on large easels. I studied each display, and hoped I’d get lost in the crowds. All of this provided a reminder of how big of a loss Quinn’s death truly was.
What if I had answered the phone that day she’d disappeared?
There wasn’t a single message left from when I’d ignored the calls. Not even a text. I’d deleted them all, trying to hide what I had caused. I hadn’t planned on getting back in touch until Monday. But then, Uncle Enzo had called. I cried for hours straight, knowing I’d ignored her phone call. The next day, I caught the Path train down Newark, Jew Jersey and spent time with her parents and mine. I’m back here. Again. And I felt Quinn’s energy. It was begging me to make things right. I prayed to God that no one saw the guilt in my eyes. Anyone could’ve, really.
Not only had the Morgans gathered, but the Michaels had also come out in full force. Brendan was there, Greyson was not. For most of the time, I sat off to the side and kept my focus on Brendan. Everyone worshiped him. They were all so proud of his accomplishments. Little did they know he was trash.
Adam arrived after nine to cheers and hugs. He was an all-American, too good to be true type of guy.
“It’s good to see you, Commander!” Quinn’s father embraced him.
When they pulled apart, I tried to read Adam’s lips. He was truly a good guy and had to have been offering words of encouragement. Then Brendan walked over to him. Before I knew it, they were heading in my direction. I yanked on the edge of the slinky black dress my mom had insisted on me wearing. Somewhat impatient, I crossed one leg over the other. I undid the action and switched legs. The soles of my sandals clanked on the tiles.
Mom and dad caught them before they could get to me. Can’t say I wasn’t relieved. As much as I’d missed my brother, I could do without Brendan. Just as I turned to buy time, the asshole called out my name. I’m not sure if I was being paranoid, but it felt like everyone was looking my way.
“Adam!” I cried out and threw open my arms. He gave me a big hug.
“Little sis,” he stated. As tall as Brendan was, Adam had him by a good few inches. And not only did he tower over everyone, he had a fighter build. As if that didn’t solidify his top bachelor status, he had green irises that stood out with his low military cut.
“I missed you, Adam.”
“Missed everyone too.”
“It’s a shame it takes a tragedy to bring us all together again,” Brendan interjected. I cringed, and then shot him a look which said everything I wanted to but knew would be tasteless in the moment.
“I still can’t believe Quinn’s gone,” Adam stated solemnly. “Man, where’s Greyson?” He turned to Brendan.
Being an asshole, Brendan didn’t disappoint. He sidestepped my brother’s glare to look at me. “Where’s Greyson, Celeste? Isn’t he coming?”
Greyson
“You went after my sister?” Adam repeated the same question he’d left on my voicemail last night. As we prepared to leave the cemetery, he broke the silence. Not once had he acknowledged me at the church. Literally everyone pretended that I wasn’t there. Except for Celeste, of course. And she refused to ride with the family if I couldn’t, but Brendan was right there. I know brother was likely feeding their anger over my relationship with Celeste.
“Adam, not now.” I laid my hand on his shoulder.
Celeste flashed him off with, “We’ll talk later―”
“Now you want to talk, CeCe? You left when the subject came up, last night!” Adam held onto the top of the door.
“Today isn’t about you, me or your sister,” I pressed him. Tried to keep the conversation as low as possible, but I knew how much of a hothead Adam could be. So, none of this went unnoticed. Some people walked near enough to hear. While others, seemingly lost in misery, side-eyed us. My parents kept rigid expressions, as they put distance between us. Not once had they spoken to me, even though they’d offered words to everyone else...especially their favorite son.
Adam stepped back and spit out, “You’ve done some horrible things, Greyson. And what you did to Brendan...”
“Enough Adam,” Celeste pleaded softly. I wanted to wrap my arms around her and remind her of who I was in her life. Not now.
“Get in the car, baby,” I ran my thumb along her cheek, where the tears had drawn long lines.
“Son of a bitch...” Adam pushed me into the car.
“Think about what you’re doing, bro,” I stated slowly. From behind him, Brendan found satisfaction. He was only ever concerned with using others as pawns in this corrupt world of his. “Not now.”
“Get in the other car, Celeste.” Adam’s eyes dug into mine.
“You can get in the other car,” she threw at him, “I’m leaving with Greyson.”
I didn’t plan on fighting Adam. He was like a brother to me. We grew up together and had each other’s back for so long. I’ve never done him dirty except for now. He must’ve felt that he was defending her against the bad guy. Little did he know. Emotions were already wound up and the next step was written. Adam let go of me to charge at Celeste.
He snatched her by the arms and whipped her around. My Celeste! He thought he could abuse my Celeste!
His face became my target. All it took was one shot to his jaw. He fell back onto the dirt. All hell broke loose. Adam, a Commander in the Navy, and Brendan, a head detective with the New York Police Department, tried to attack me along with everyone else. The two led the pack.