by S. Valentine
Swinging around in her chair, she took in the dull, grey sky, which reflected her dismal mood. She had dance class later. She wasn’t sure she had the energy. Her limbs were achy, and her eyelids heavy. She really didn’t want to miss it, though. She needed to keep her mind as busy as possible.
When her mobile began ringing, she grabbed her handbag, and rummaged through it until she located it. She couldn’t stop a huge grin from crossing her face at Mallory’s name. She was just the person she needed to talk to. If anyone was good at listening, dishing out advice, and knowing Darion, from what she’d revealed about him anyway, it was Mallory.
“Hi, Mal,” she sang cheerily. “How are you?”
“Hi, sweetie. I’m fantastic! How are you?”
“Hmm. Not too bad.”
“What’s up?”
“Can we talk about you first? How’s the holiday going? It’s so quiet without you here.” She groaned.
“I’m literally on the beach as we speak. Steve has just gone to get some drinks. It’s amazing here, Gab. The weather, the hotel…it’s just perfect.”
“I’m so glad to hear that.”
“And don’t worry, I’ve taken plenty of photos.”
“I can’t wait to see them. How’s Steve?”
“He loves it here. It was just the break we needed. But I miss you, and wanted to check in. How’s everything going?”
“Everything’s going wrong, Mal.”
“Aw, why, honey?”
“I didn’t tell you any of this because I was uncertain about what was going on,” she began, tapping her nails on the desk. “But to cut a long story short, I saw some text messages in Darion’s phone, and missed calls from a number not stored. He’d then deleted them and his call log. He’d obviously been meeting this person, so I followed him.” She sighed heavily. “I know it sounds crazy, but I needed peace of mind. I had to know who was contacting him.”
“It’s understandable. Lawrence cheated on you. You need to have your wits about you this time around.”
“Well, anyway, he was visiting the hospital. And then he was being shifty, not wanting to go to the opening party at The Black Door. I thought he was hiding something, avoiding someone.”
“Uh huh,” Mallory mumbled, urging her to continue.
“And it turns out he was meeting up with Gina.”
“Why would he hide that?” Mallory gasped. “Oh fuck. Don’t tell me him and Gina were hooking up.”
“No.” Gabi’s lower lip trembled as tears filled her eyes. “It’s worse than that.”
“How can it be worse than that?”
“He was obviously avoiding the club because he knew Gina would be there, and she’d tell me everything.” Taking a deep breath for courage, she continued, “As you know, Gina and Darion used to sleep together before I met him.”
“Yeah.”
“She um…got pregnant.”
“What?” Mallory yelled in surprise.
Gabi bit her lip to suppress her cries. Holding the mobile away from her ear for a moment, she sobbed silently. When she pulled herself together, she added, “She gave birth just over two months ago. He has a son with Gina, Mal.” Unable to hold it in again, tears trickled down her cheeks.
“Oh, Gab. I can’t believe it. Why didn’t Gina tell him sooner?” she spat. “Didn’t they use protection?”
“She didn’t know she was pregnant for a while. She put it down to normal weight gain, as she was so small. The baby had problems growing in the womb. They have to monitor his health.”
“Oh, shit.”
“And they did use protection. The condom split.”
Mallory was silent for a moment, obviously as shocked as Gabi was.
“It feels like my whole world has fallen apart. First there was me being concerned about his history with the dancers, then there was the return of Eva, and now Gina’s back in the picture, not only as his friend, but as the mother of his baby.”
“Do you trust him?”
“I think so,” she murmured. “But I’m not sure if I trust Gina.”
“Gabi, if you love Darion and you trust him, then you can get over anything. Yes, this will completely change your lives, and it will be testing at times, but surely he needs you now more than ever.”
“But what if he falls for Gina? The baby could bring them closer together. I’m always going to be afraid of that.”
“It’s a risk you’ll have to take.”
“It feels like I’m fighting a losing battle.”
“You don’t know that. How does Darion feel about it all?”
“He stepped up to his responsibilities. He said he wouldn’t turn his back on his child.”
“I respect him for that. It shows the type of man he is, someone you can always rely on.”
“I guess so.” Gabi took out her compact mirror and checked her reflection. She hated how exhausted she looked. “I haven’t spoken to him since I found out. I don’t know what to think, do, or say.”
“Do you want to be with him?”
“I can’t imagine not being with him.”
“Well, then you have to stand by him when times get tough. This is life. Sometimes things happen that are out of our control. It wasn’t Gina’s fault, and it wasn’t Darion’s fault. They weren’t careless, they used protection. You can’t punish him for it and give him the silent treatment.”
“I’m not…I just needed time to think.”
“You need to call him and talk about it, Gab.”
“You’re right.”
“Oh, hi, baby…it’s Gabi.” She paused. “Steve said hello.”
“Tell him hi,” she said before adding, “I’ll leave you to it, Mal, and we’ll talk as soon as you’re back.”
“Okay. And remember that saying, take risks. If you win, you will be happy. If you lose, you will be wise, and it’s true. What’s meant to be will be.”
“Hmmm,” she mumbled softly, but agreed it did make sense.
“If you need me, you know where I am. Call me.”
“Bye. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.”
“Bye, honey.”
Gabi placed the mobile on her desk, and slouched in her chair on a long, heartfelt sigh. She really did need to speak to Darion. Well, if he hadn’t already formed a relationship with Gina. She knew Gina could be tempting. She hoped Darion had the willpower to resist.
Tapping her computer keyboard, she was halfway through an email when her office phone rang. She snatched it up, balancing it in the crook of her neck whilst she typed.
“Gabriella Woods, Miller & Co. Can I help?”
“How are you, Gabi?”
“What do you want, Lawrence?” she asked drily.
“I take it Darion came clean.”
She froze. “Have you been following us again?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Well, it sure sounds like it,” she snapped. “Do I really have to call the police and file harassment charges?”
“That’s not necessary,” he replied with an incredulous laugh. “Have you thought anymore about us?”
“There is no ‘us,’ there will never be an ‘us,’ Lawrence. How many times?”
“You’re seriously going to stay with that man when he has a child with another woman?” He snorted. “You really are desperate, Gabi. It’s only a matter of time before they get back together, and you’re kicked to the gutter.”
“Even then I wouldn’t come back to you. Now leave me alone!”
She slammed the phone down and clamped her lips together, determined not to cry. Squeezing her lids shut, she then reopened them, and summoned a smile. Don’t let Lawrence get to you, she told herself. She needed to take everything one day at a time.
Chapter
Twenty-Six
Darion
“It’s rocking in here tonight.” Addilyn grinned. Leaning on the bar, her cleavage in his line of sight.
“It is.” He lifted his glass of lemonade to his lips. “How are
you and Raina getting on?”
“We love working here.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“So, um…” She toyed with her fringe. “I hear you used to own The Black Door.”
He nodded.
“I knew what that place was about.” She giggled. “Do you still participate in the playrooms?”
“No, I don’t.” Darion held her stare. Was she coming on to him? “Why do you ask?”
“I’m always up for a bit of fun.” She licked her lips enticingly.
Fuck, she really is as fiery as Gina, he thought. “I thought you were with Reece?”
“I am, but we have an open relationship.”
Darion finished the last of his drink and stood up, towering over Addilyn. “Well, then I suggest you participate in the playrooms,” he advised her. “I have a girlfriend, and a son with an…ex-girlfriend,” he added, not knowing how else to explain Gina.
“Damn.” She pouted. “A lot of women are gonna be disappointed to hear that.” She jerked her head toward the crowd.
Darion craned his neck to view the dance floor. A few women had their stares fixed on him. They were giggling, and appeared to be talking about him. He wasn’t particularly fazed. He’d gotten used to the attention he was lavished with at The Black Door. If he could resist nude, hot dancers, then resisting these women was easy.
“So, have I met your girlfriend?” she asked.
“No.” He wasn’t even sure if he was still in a relationship with Gabi. He was now at a point where he was desperate to call her. He didn’t want to pressure her though, and end up losing her, if he hadn’t already.
“She’s a lucky lady.”
“Addy, I’m the lucky man, believe me.” He turned to walk away, but added, “Reece can lock up. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Daz, are you going?” Raina rushed toward him.
“Yeah.”
“Okay.” She waved. “See you tomorrow.”
Shoving his hands in his pockets, he gave them a little wink. Raina’s cheeks went a deeper shade of pink. As he made his way toward the exit, he shook his head. What was wrong with these women? Couldn’t they see he had trouble written all over him? Not only was he complex in every way, he had an extremely colourful past, emotional issues due to his childhood, a kinky sexual appetite which some found hard to deal with, and now he had a baby with an ex-stripper-lover. The term ‘baggage’ was an understatement.
***
Darion had just parked his motorbike and removed his helmet when his mobile started vibrating in his pocket. He turned his attention to his apartment building. He could see from the balcony that the living room light was still on. He guessed Gina was still awake. As he rummaged for his mobile, he assumed it was Gina calling him to ask questions about the baby, of which he never knew the answer, or that she needed nappies, wipes, or milk powder or whatever.
Staring at the screen, he stilled. It was Gabi. He stared up at the heavens above, and silently prayed she wasn’t calling to break up with him. Strolling toward the building, he answered the call.
“Gabi,” he said, and then coughed to clear his throat. “Everything okay?”
“Not really,” she mumbled. He respected her for being honest. “I miss you so much.”
His lips tilted at the corners. “I miss you too.”
“We really need to talk.”
“I agree.”
“When do you want to meet?”
“Now.”
Her giggle was like music to his ears. He’d missed hearing her laugh and seeing her smile. Most of all he missed holding her against him, burying his head in her hair, and breathing in her sweet perfume. He missed her soft mouth, her smooth body…fuck! He groaned inwardly. He was so aroused, he thought he’d explode from the frustration alone.
“It’s late.”
“Why aren’t you asleep?” he asked her.
“I can’t sleep.”
“Me either.” He changed direction and headed to his Audi. Pressing the button on his keychain, the car bleeped, the doors automatically opening. “I’ll be there soon.”
***
Gabi
Gabi jumped out of bed and raced to the bathroom. Smoothing down her pink silk nightie, which just about skimmed her buttocks, and dipped low to reveal her cleavage, she decided to keep it on. She ruffled her blonde locks in the mirror, and grabbed her bronzer pallet. Stroking some gold colour into her cheeks, satisfied she looked reasonable, she re-entered the bedroom. She spritzed on some perfume, and dropped onto the bed. Her hands were shaking ever so slightly, her heart beating wildly. She scolded herself for being so nervous. How could she still feel coy around a man she had been with for a long while? She believed the giddy effect he had on her would never cease. Even now, when things weren’t exactly going smooth, she loved him all the same. She knew it would be hard given the circumstances. She couldn’t leave him, though. She missed him like crazy.
When she had left Lawrence, it had been difficult, and upsetting, but she had gotten over it quite quickly, except for feelings of guilt here and there. Lawrence had treated her badly, which is why it had probably been easier. She had learnt to focus on the bad things about him, the way he controlled, criticised, neglected, and cheated on her.
Darion hadn’t treated her badly. Not ever. Even when it came to the playrooms, and involving herself in the dark lifestyle he enjoyed, he had never once pressured her to take part. He always asked if she was comfortable, and assured her she didn’t have to do anything she didn’t want to do. He supported her in whatever she did, and would move mountains for her. He was attentive and protective. Would she ever find someone like that again? She wasn’t confident she would.
Forty minutes later when she had finished concentrating on the book before her to calm her nerves, the bell rang. Shit, shit, shit. She fiddled with her nails as she approached the front door. She was unsure of what to say to him.
Unlocking the door and gently pulling it open, nervousness crept in. His back was facing her. She could see his broad physique, his perfect ass her fingers ached to reach out and grab. When he turned around, desire assailed her. The ambient glow from the moon sparkled in his green eyes. His hair and stubble was a little longer than usual. He still managed to look smart, whilst rough and rugged at the same time. When he flashed his wicked, sexy grin, she melted on the spot.
“Hey, darlin’,” the sultry sound of his voice played havoc with her emotions.
She marvelled at his perfection, tongue-tied. She was so aroused her mind couldn’t focus enough to articulate a sentence. When his brow rose, she managed to mumble “Hello,” whilst trying to stabilise her breathing.
Stepping forward, he regarded her cautiously, and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. His gaze slowly swept over her body, making her cheeks warm. He seized her face in the palms of his hands, his lips hovering precariously close to hers. His expression reflected a deep hunger.
“I need to kiss you.” His tone was both a demand and a plea.
When Gabi didn’t reject him, he tightened his hold on her face, and kissed her powerfully. He knocked the air out of her lungs, and caused her body to tremble in delight. She gripped hold of his ass, pulling him into her. They kissed frantically, groaning and tasting one another’s tongues greedily. When he backed her into the hallway and kicked the door shut behind him, the pit of her stomach began to burn. She had never wanted him so much.
Pinning her to the wall, she could feel the hard ridge of his arousal. Grinding her hips into his, she continued to kiss him like she hadn’t seen him in years. It may as well have been, as the time without him had been torturous. By the way his hands fondled every part of her body, she knew it hadn’t been easy for him either.
“I want you now,” he growled in her ear, before pulling on it with his teeth.
She didn’t speak. She slowly unbuttoned his shirt like he was a delicious prize she was unwrapping. As his smooth chest came into view, she couldn’t help but k
neel slightly, and lick up from his navel to his chest. Then she kissed his neck continuously, threading her fingers through his hair. Darion’s head rolled back on a groan, and she heard the loosening of his zip. Lifting her into his arms, he carried her to the bedroom.
He dropped her onto the bed and kicked off his shoes. Ordering her to remove her clothing, he stripped off his shirt, followed by his jeans and boxers. Peeling her nightie down, she spread her legs invitingly as his glorious nakedness loomed over her. The sexual tension between them hung heavy in the air.
“How about a bit of music?” he suggested. He selected a playlist on his mobile. Setting it on the bedside table, the first song that played was “Lucky You” by Deftones.
Darion then crawled up the bed. His head dipped and he sealed his mouth over hers. Her lips moved desperately over his, her hands delving into his hair. When his smooth erection skimmed across her sex, the tingling in her stomach became a plaguing, needy ache. Darion began kissing and nipping at her neck, causing her to arch her back. Her nipples tightened under the pads of his circling thumbs. Whimpering lightly, she thrust her chest upwards. Her body screamed for more contact.
Darion blew on her nipple gently, the cold air making it tingle. She clenched her eyes shut as she waited for his next move. He lasciviously took the nipple between his teeth and tugged on it. She grimaced at the pleasure-pain sensation. Her eyes shot open when he stopped. He licked his lips, his eyes alight with lust. Her breasts were tender and swollen, and unable to take the teasing, she yanked his head down. With a low chuckle, she received a vicious flick of his tongue. Ah! She wriggled. His suction was now fast and greedy, and his hand was dipping between her legs. She spread them wider.
His fingers rubbed at her sex, and her core clenched in retaliation to the teasing.
“Mmm,” he murmured huskily. “You’re so turned on.”
His fingers slipped into her easily. Gabi gripped the sheets, and as he pummelled in and out of her, she became dizzy, feverish. His long, skilled fingers curled, massaging her inner walls. How she’d missed feeling him. Her chest expanded sharply. The slapping sounds of him hitting into her filled her ears. His mouth was back on her pink nipple, and he lapped at it with his tongue.