That’s what scares me the most—everything.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Aléssandro
I woke to the sun shining hot on my face. My neck was stiff and my shoulders sore. Opening my eyes, I’m startled when I realize I’m not in my own bed. A smile creeps on my face when I remember Joey falling asleep curled up into me with her head on my shoulder, hand resting on my chest. When I realized she was out cold, I repositioned us pulling her body down half on top of mine until we were lying down. She burrowed into me and sighed. Listening to her soft breathing, it stirred something inside of me. For one of the first times since Frank died, I felt content. Happy.
I slowly sit up, crack my neck from side to side, and look around. Her décor is basic. A few candles, basic lamps, and a green plant. My eyes darting around, I notice that there isn’t one picture in sight. Pushing off the couch, I’m assuming Joey moved to her bed in the middle of the night. I’m surprised I didn’t wake up when she moved off the couch.
Looking down the miniature hallway, I find a bedroom to my left, a door in front of me, and a bathroom to my right. Peeking in the bedroom, I notice Joey’s bed is empty, untouched. Hmm. Did she seriously ditch me a second time? I need to know more about her. What is she running from? What happened between her and Kellan? The thought of her messing around with him makes my blood boil. I need to figure out what she’s so afraid of, though. I got a little bit from her last night, but I could tell she was hesitant every time I would ask her something more personal than her favorite color. I need to figure her out. One piece at a time.
*****
Driving home, an impulsive thought hits me. I pull into a parking lot nearby and bring Kellan’s name up on my phone. I open a blank text and send a message asking where he is. Within a minute, he sends a response.
Kellan: Just leaving Trick. What’s up?
Me: Need to talk. Meet at Monsoon. 10 mins.
Kellan: See you there
I pull into the parking lot and see Kellan’s Escalade already parked. Walking inside through the employee entrance, I see Tracy in the manager’s office going over the books, so I peek my head inside.
“Oh, Mr. De Luca,” she looks at me startled. “What can I do for you?” she asks, swallowing loudly.
“Meeting Kellan. We’re going to be at the bar for a bit. Let us know if you need anything,” I tell her gruffly as I tap the door frame once with my palm before walking away.
I pull out a chair next to Kellan and take a seat. I reach for the whisky sitting in front of him and put three fingers into the empty highball glass.
“What’s up?” Kellan asks before taking a sip of the gold liquid.
“Tell me about Joey,” I order.
“Ah,” he nods his head, slamming the remainder of his glass before the clink of the glass hitting the bar top rings out. “That’s not my story to tell, Alé.” He sighs.
“Well, technically, from the scene that unfolded yesterday, I have to tell you the idea of you marrying my sister isn’t sitting well with me anymore,” I say with threatening undertones edging my words.
“Dammit,” he mutters dropping his chin to his chest. “Alé, I left my job, my career, to prove my loyalty to you and the family. I love Maria. I would do anything for her. What else do I have to do to prove that to you?” he snaps.
“Tell me about Jo,” I tell him simply. His head snaps to me, eyes narrowed, jaw clenched.
“So it’s, Jo, now, is it?” he bites. “Tell me something, Alé,” he growls. “Does she know?”
“No,” I say sharply. “And frankly, it’s none of your business,” I remind him.
“That’s where you’re wrong,” he says as he refills his glass. “It is my business.”
“I disagree. From what I heard yesterday, you walked away from her. You broke her,” I remind him.
He slams his glass on the bar top, his hands in fists, eyes glaring at me as he growls, “I didn’t break her. I just couldn’t be around her. I couldn’t make anything better. Did you stop to think, Alé, that I, too, was hurting?”
“From what?” I pry.
“Not my story to tell,” he says to me again before pouring the rest of the liquid in his glass down his throat.
“It hurt you, but you can’t tell me what it was?” I bite, standing up. “Bullshit.”
“Ask her about this place. About the contest. She was in at this place,” he nearly whispers.
“What?” I ask confused.
“Monsoon,” he nods. “Ask her about Monsoon.”
“What about her sister and brother?” I ask as I recall some of the conversation between them.
“Not my story,” he bites.
“You were in love with another woman. Did Maria know?” I throw this bitterly in his face.
“Eve,” he nods, pursing his lips. “Her name was Eve, and I never acted on it. She was too young at the time.
“How young? You were in love with a kid?” I ask appalled. He was in love with a kid? A child?
“She was a teenager,” he tells me emotionless. “Eve was Joey’s twin sister. Identical twin sister. I couldn’t look at Jo without breaking,” he says as he twirls his glass in his hands.
Joey had a twin? “What happened to her?” I ask confused. He just shakes his head, eyes closed. “I know, I know,” I say holding up a palm. “Not your story.” I slam the rest of my drink before turning toward the door.
“Alé,” Kellan calls out. I turn to him, eyebrow cocked. “Don’t hurt her, man. I love your sister. I do. But Jo,” he pauses shaking his head, “Jo’s family. I hurt her. That’s my bad. But that’s for me to fix. Regardless, she’s still family,” he says firmly, eyes hard.
I nod once and walk out. Noted.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Joey
Finally home. I sigh in relief at the mere thought of a cold shower. I’m hot and I’m tired. When I train, I train hard. But I’m also a firm believer in doing the workout with my clients because they always seem to get through them easier and in high spirits when they have someone right along with them. So basically, I worked out hard—six times today. I’m ready for bed.
I whip off my shoes and strip down on my way to the shower. Just before I turn the water on, I hear my phone start blaring Benny and the Jets. I let out a groan as I walk back to the kitchen to grab my phone off the counter. I see a text from Addison.
Addison: Drinks tonight. No excuses. Meet me at Noodles at 8.
Ugh! Really? I glance over to the clock on my microwave and see its only 3:36 PM. Not too bad. I shoot her a text back that I’ll meet her there and then jump in the shower. I run through my routine quickly. My bed is calling my name. Turning the water off, I hear someone banging on my door. Who the hell is that? I squeeze the water out of my hair before wrapping the soft, blue towel around my body and padding my way to the door. Peeking through the peephole, I see Mr. Sexy himself. Alé. Unlocking the door, I swing it open, revealing a very sexy man dressed in dark stonewash jeans and a tight white muscle tee with tattoos peeking out of the hem of his sleeves. The fabric stretched to the max, muscles taut, rippling underneath the soft fabric, my mouth waters at the site as my stomach clenches with want. My eyes run up and over his strong jaw with day old stubble poking through. His full lips tipping in again at the very corner. I run my tongue over my lips to moisten them. He’s propped against the doorframe, his strong, tanned forearm taking his weight.
“You ditched me again, kitten,” he accuses with a smirk. Um. What?
“I didn’t ditch you,” I tell him, my eyes locked on the way his tee hugs his arms. I shake my head, trying to get my libido under control. I turn, leaving the door open and start walking to my bedroom to get dressed.
“What?” His sexy voice consumes me and his hand grasps my arm stopping me in my tracks. I turn and see his foot kick out to shut the door. My eyes meet his and my sex clenches.
“Um,” I swallow. “Nothing,” I tell him. It’s not as if I’m just
going to come out and tell him that I want him to take me. That’s a whole conversation on why I won’t give into my desires that I just don’t feel like having right now. I turn to go change, but he doesn’t let go of my arm. He pulls me to him until my back is flush to his chest.
“Tell me,” his deep voice commands. His fingertips slowly running from my hands up my arms over my shoulders to my neck. A shiver runs through me as my head tilts to the side, my eyes closing as I sigh. He runs his tongue from the base of my neck, up behind my ear, and then proceeds to gently blow on the wet trail left behind. I’m struggling to hang on to reality as my need begins to trickle onto the inside of my thighs. His teeth clasps onto my earlobe gently giving a tug causing me to whimper as my body relaxes into him. “I want you,” he breathes into my ear. God, if you only knew.
I quickly step forward and turn to face him. I see his evident arousal tenting his jeans, and I have to bite my lip to prevent myself from groaning. My eyes flash to his, and I know that he knows how much I want him.
“I can’t,” I tell him softly, shaking my head as my eyes lock on the wall over his shoulder.
“Do you want me, Joey?” he asks as he takes a step closer causing me to take another step back.
“I… uh,” I bite my lip looking around at everything besides him. “What are you doing here?” I finally ask.
“I wanted to see you.” He smirks, eyes growing darker.
“Why?” I whisper as my heart pounds rapidly.
He takes several steps forward closing the distance between us before his hands clasp around my upper arms, turning us until my back is pressed up against the hallway wall, his body pressed tight to me. His mouth is a breath away from mine as he rests his forehead to mine.
“I can’t get you out of my head,” he whispers. He closes his eyes and confesses in a dark, cold voice, “I’m not a nice guy. I haven’t been for a long time. But when I’m around you, I want to become who I once was.”
“But you just met me,” I whisper breathlessly. My erratic breathing is causing my breasts to push into him with the rise and fall of my chest.
“And yet, you intrigue me. The sound of your voice, your laugh, the way you scream when you come.” He shakes his head, his hands framing my face, his thumb rubbing my lower lip, before he continues. “You unravel something inside of me that’s been dead for too long. I need to know you, Joey.” His eyes open, his insecurity screaming out.
Timidly, my hands move up to rest on his. “Alé,” I breath, “I’m not who you think I am.” My eyes close as I try to turn my face away from his.
“Let me decide that for myself,” he nearly growls.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper as I bite my lip. His eyes narrow before I see invisible steel surround him. Dropping his hands, he steps back until we’re no long touching. Biting the inside of my lip, I nod once before moving to my bedroom to get dressed. Suddenly, I stop and turn to him, his hands are fisted at his sides, and he’s glaring at the wall where I just stood. If I didn’t know what I do about him, he’d be the type of man I’d avoid eye contact with when walking down the street.
“If it’s any consolation,” I break his reverie as his head turns to the side until our eyes meet, “I didn’t ditch you this morning. I had an early client.” I force a sad smile before going to get dressed. I quickly throw on a grey ribbed tank top and a pair of black yoga shorts. Quickly running a brush through my hair, I go back out and see Alé staring off into space with his hands on his hips, his muscles involuntarily flexed.
He doesn’t turn toward me, but he must have heard me coming because he says, “You never answered my question.”
Huh? “What question?” I ask puzzled.
“Will you let me take you out? On a date?” he asks, finally turning until our eyes connect.
“Alé,” I breathe, running a hand over the back of my neck, my other hand on my hip as I bite my lower lip. “I-I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“You told me about your dad, but you’ve never mentioned your brother or sister. Even your mom for that matter,” he states questioningly.
At the mention of my mom, my head snaps up, my spine turning to steel. “What business is that of yours?” I ask defensively.
“It’s not. I just want to know you.” He holds his hands out to his sides. “God, Joey. What are you so afraid of?” he snarls.
“Nothing. I just can’t. And no offense, but my life is none of your business,” I snap.
“Maybe I want to make it my business,” he growls. “Why don’t you have any pictures? Not even of your dad,” he asks, his hands gesturing around the room.
“I don’t want any.” I deadpan. Why is this so important to him? Why is he so hell bent on knowing me?
“Just let me in, Joey,” he commands as he steps toward me, his hand on my hip, his other on my cheek. “You have to let me in,” he whispers.
“I can’t,” I close my eyes and shake my head. Why can’t he just let this go?
“Have dinner with me tonight,” he orders. “Just dinner, no pressure,” he promises.
“I can’t,” I tell him. “I have plans with Addison tonight.
“Tomorrow?” he asks, a grin teasing the edges of his mouth.
“Alé,” I sigh.
Next thing I know, his lips softly press against mine, his tongue seeking access. My heart speeds as I open my mouth granting it to him. Our tongues begin to dance as my hand closes over the back of his neck. Involuntarily, my body shivers and I moan. His body pulls back, his thumb swiping over my bottom lip.
“Just think about it.” He smiles before disappearing out the door, leaving me breathless and a mess in the middle of my living room.
*****
“Joey!” Addison yells and waves her hand wildly over her head from her seat in the booth she’s occupying. I can’t help but smile. A night with my best friend is just what the doctor ordered.
As I approach the booth, her smile turns shaky until the bench across from her comes into view. Cameryn sits across from her, his hands folded on top of the table, his eyes averted down. What the hell? My steps falter. Quickly recovering, I push my shoulders back, tip my chin up and narrow my eyes at the arrogant asshole as I walk to Addison and glare.
“What’s going on?” I ask, anger apparent in my words.
“Nothing,” she smiles as she scoots over making room for me to sit beside her. “Just waiting on you before we order.
“Hey, Joey,” Cam says quietly, a nervous smile creeping on his face.
“Hey,” I say coldly. “If I had known it wasn’t just going to be you and me, I would’ve invited Alé to join us, I turn to Addison, smiling, my eyes heated.
“Oh. Sorry, babe.” She smiles as she opens her menu.
“Really, Joey? Alé?” Cameryn asks viciously, his eyes narrowed at me.
“Yep.” I nod with a smile. “I like him.”
“Since when do you like anybody?” he asks bitterly.
“What do you mean?” I ask confused.
“You’re always nice to people. You’re friendly when we go out, you sleep around, but you don’t actually like anyone,” he accuses. “I’ve been trying since college, and you don’t give me the time of day,” he growls. His face red, eyes intense.
Wait, what? “Uh… Cameryn, I-uh… I never knew…” I trail off shaking my head. Really? Since college? How did I not know?
“Yeah, Joey. You’ve never paid enough attention to me to realize it. Good enough to be friends with, but not to be with!” he nearly shouts angrily, his fist slamming down on the table.
I quickly look around and see the people at nearby tables are openly staring at us.
“Cam, what is your problem?” I hiss.
“You!” his palm slaps the table. “You are my problem, Joey! Do you know how long I’ve loved you? Do you? No! Of course not,” he seethes. “And you’ll never give me a chance because you’re too busy spreading your damn legs for random men and falling for a thug,” h
e growls.
“Excuse me?” I yell. “How dare—”
“Forget it,” he shakes his head as he slides out of the booth and heads for the door.
I turn to look at Addison, her mouth wide open, eyes round. She turns to look at me, and I’m sure our expressions mirror each other’s.
“Screw this,” I say angrily as I hurry to catch up to Cameryn. Once I got outside, I search for him and see him almost to his truck.
“Cam!” I yell, stomping in a fury over to him. “How dare you,” I breathe into his face, nose to nose.
“How dare I?” He laughs wickedly. “How dare you!” He points a finger into the center of my chest hard. I wanted to take the heel of my palm and rub the spot, but I refrained. “I went into business with you, for Christ’s sake,” he sneers.
“And that’s my fault?” I shout. “You chose. It was your idea!” I screech. “Don’t you dare blame me!”
“I would’ve done anything,” he tells me shaking his head. “Instead, you finally want to be with someone, and it’s with a thug like Alé,” he says bitterly.
“What do you have against Alé?” I ask harshly. “You don’t even know him. His family and he are some of the nicest, caring people I’ve ever met,” I tell him defending Alé. He laughs crazily making my blood boil. “Are you mad that I like Alé or that it’s not you?” I ask harshly.
Before I know it, his fingers are digging into my arms, pushing me back hard until a side mirror bites into my back. I suppress a groan of pain and see his eyes flash with hate.
“I’m done waiting for you, Jo,” he sneers. He kisses me roughly, “I’m done,” he repeats before releasing me and walking away.
How dare he? Asshole. I trudge back to the entrance of Noodles just as Addison comes out.
“Oh, no. What happened?” she asks nervously.
“Did you invite him?” I ask angrily, my hands on my hips.
“Jo, I just,” she sighs, “I wanted you guys to make up. I thought that if I got you guys in the same place, you’d naturally work it out. I’m sorry,” she says quietly.
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