End Game

by Willa Thorne

  “As part of the debt that is owed, Wei wants the animal shelter-” I couldn’t finish the sentence.

  “Excuse me, what?” She blinked.

  “He wants the shelter building.” I repeated while stroking her back.

  Jillian’s lip curled in frustration. Her face was still pale. “What the hell does he want with dogs and cats?”

  I corrected my sentence structure. “He doesn’t want the dogs and cats. He wants the location. That section of Brooklyn is getting cleaned up these last few years and he intends to turn it into a business.” A front for some criminal business…

  Jillian’s face contorted even more, but she was quiet about the subject. I am certain that if she didn’t have such a scare today, she would have been more vocal about this.

  “Don’t worry, my love. I will not let anything happen to those animals.” I watched the expression on her face as she pondered everything. She was silent for a long while.

  “Say something.” I prompted.

  “I don’t know what to say,” She looked at me with a creased brow, and chewed on her lower lip. “I’m scared for you. For us. I’m still in shock- my thoughts are all over the place. I’ll always love you, even if we have to move somewhere smaller, cheaper.”

  It warmed my heart to hear her say this, even though I already knew this about her. She was silent for a long time, and then she spoke again. “I’ve had a crush on you since I was fourteen, before I knew you had money, and that will never change.”

  Hearing her say these words sent a pin prick to my heart. She had never confessed this to me before, and hearing it squeezed my chest slightly. I do still have hidden guilt over how I treated her, and those plans I had for her when we first reconnected. There are times, like this, when I am still disgusted and I try to compensate for it with gifts…

  She gave me a stiff smile.

  “I didn’t know you had a crush on me for that long…”

  She tried to shrug it off, and I watched her cheeks turn into a light blush. “I tried to ignore it. I mean, you were Mason Woodward. I knew it could never happen. By the time I was eighteen, I couldn’t deny it anymore, but I never thought that I-”

  Her words were interrupted with a smoldering kiss. God, this woman… I pulled her down to the mattress and felt her body melt against mine as I rolled on top of her. I felt her hands on my back, raking up and down through my silk button-down. Her lips parted and sucked on my tongue; there was such fervent need in the way she took my tongue into her mouth. The movement sent a rush of blood to my cock and I ground my hips in between her spread legs. A low groan escaped her lips and her body writhed softly beneath mine.

  I held her wrists above her head with one grasp, and trailed kisses from her mouth, down to her neck and tugged her white t-shirt and bra down to one side. Her pink nipples were peaked and fit perfectly in my mouth. She moaned and pressed her head back against the pillow as I ravaged her breasts, each one in turn. She tried to move her arms, but my grasp kept them pinned in place above her head.

  “You’re so fucking beautiful,” I murmured as my mouth trailed hot kisses from each breast, down her stomach. I straightened myself to an upright position, and never broke my gaze upon her as I very slowly unbuttoned her jeans. She squirmed somewhat impatiently and bit down on that bottom lip. Slowly, with patience I didn’t really have, I pulled her pants and underwear down her legs. The garments were tossed to the side, and I lifted her to a sitting position while I gently pulled her bra and t-shirt over her head. Her hands reached for my pants, but I had no patience left at that point. I stepped aside and yanked everything down to my ankles, and then kicked them to the side.

  My fingers moved between her thighs and I felt how badly she needed my cock.

  “Look at me,” I told her with soft command. Two fingers rubbed her at a slow, delicious pace. I made sure to apply just the right pressure, knowing exactly what she needs, when she needs it.

  She turned to look up at me, but pressed her head against the softness of the pillow and gripped the sheets as I dipped two fingers into her wet heat.

  “Goddamn. So wet for me,” I whispered, feeling my hunger for her consume me. My fingers moved at a slow, deep pace in and out and she gasped softly. I watched her writhe and buck her hips as she tried to give herself more friction.

  “You want me to make you feel good, yes?” I asked in a soft tone.

  She breathed deeply and I enjoyed watching those gorgeous tits heave up and down as she continued gripping the bedsheets.

  Her cunt was so slick and as I withdrew my fingers, she let out a whimpered moan. I loomed over her, and worshipped every inch of her body with my lips and tongue. The sweet smell and warmth of her skin was heavenly. My cock was rock hard and ready to go, but I teased her opening just so I could hear those noises she makes.

  I continued massaging her clit with my cock, pleasuring her with this exquisite torment.

  “Look at me,” I prompted softly when I noticed her eyes were closed again. Her dark eyes fluttered open and locked with mine. I continued the caressing strokes my hard length made against her needy opening. She sucked on that lower lip and the curl of that pouty lip took me over the edge.

  Without a word, I rammed my cock deep inside. I felt her walls wrap around me tightly. She gasped and arched her back from the sudden impact. My strokes were strong, firm, yet slow. It felt so fucking good like this… and we were in no hurry.

  My mouth enveloped hers as I felt every inch of her wet heat. Those noises she makes… Bloody hell. My pace picked up, and my lips wrapped around those nipples again. This time, I felt her fingers grip my hair and tug as she moaned my name. I kept this pace, steady, firm, giving her every inch of my length. I was going to make her feel good, and I wasn’t about to stop any time soon.

  ****

  Mid-morning approached before I woke the next day. I can’t recall the last time I’d slept that well. I needed the rest, but my mind was a fog when I awoke the next morning. It felt like a bloody hangover. I turned to my other side and found Jillian still sleeping beside me. Her wild, dark auburn hair was strewn about the pillow and she appeared so peaceful. After the fright she had only the day before, I couldn’t wake her. She sighed softly in her sleep and shifted slightly as she moved her hand. I resisted the temptation to touch her, and kiss her soft, slightly parted mouth. Instead, I stared at the yellow diamond that rested on her finger. The white-gold bracelet containing our initials never left her wrist. I couldn’t contain the slight grin on my mouth as I watched her, but the vibrating mobile on the nightstand broke me from my reverie.

  For a fleeting second, I had nearly forgotten about Wei. Dread curled up within me as my mobile continued to vibrate. I already knew he would call today, especially after the events of yesterday. Ian eliminated one of Wei’s men yesterday. I was expecting repercussions and retaliation. The mere thought caused stress to coil up within me and spread to every nerve in my body. I admit I was surprised I hadn’t already heard from him yet. As I rounded the bed to retrieve the mobile, I spotted a clock on the wall. Eleven in the morning- yes, definitely late for Wei. Odd.

  I looked at the phone and piqued a brow when I saw the name displayed on the screen. Ian. Why the fuck is he calling me again?

  “Yes?” I answered, a bit apprehensive as to why the bloke was calling me.

  “Check the news,” came his simple response. He remained quiet as I left the bedroom and entered entertainment area of the suite. I picked up the clicker and turned on the flat screen.

  I didn’t know which channels held the news stations in this area of Ohio, so I flipped through a few channels until I found a breaking news strip at the bottom of a local news station.

  “You’re welcome,” Ian said into the phone, then the call ended.

  “Bloody hell,” I hissed as I read the red strip at the bottom of a channel. The entire display reminded me of the red strip that flashed from BBC World News, when my father was killed in that fire. I paid
Ian to make everything appear as an accident when my father was killed. I did what was fucking necessary to protect Jillian, but I promised myself that I would never resort to that sort of problem solving again.

  Ian worked more timely and efficiently than I had expected. Yet this display I saw on the screen before me, was anything but an accident. Ian didn’t even attempt to stage an accident with this one. Moreover, I did not pay the man to do this. Ian Brennan had a vendetta of his own accord, and he left a message- loud and clear.

  DRUG RING BUSTED: MEN FOUND DEAD IN WAREHOUSE

  I watched the news story unfold on the screen, still standing there, holding the clicker.

  “At approximately three-thirty this morning, New York time, police officials responded to a call from an abandoned warehouse on the corner of Grand and Union Avenue,” the female reporter spoke into the news camera. This was two blocks away from Jillian’s animal shelter.

  “... Officials reported that forty-five year old Jian Wei was found lifeless in an old warehouse just off Grand Avenue. At this time, details are deemed too graphic for public report, but the DEA has reported that three other bodies have been found with Mr. Wei’s within that same warehouse, along with ten thousand pounds of heroin and two firearms. Officials are still investigating possible suspects, as well as who made that phone call to police… we will have more details as the story unfolds. Back to you, Jan...”

  I stared at the screen. Jian Wei. This was the type of man my father did dirty business with, the type of man my father owed such great debt…

  I picked up my mobile to call Ian again, but the number did not go through.

  “I’m sorry. The number you are trying to reach... is no longer in service. Please check the number and dial again…” The automated message responded.

  I was trying to wrap my head around all this bloody mess when Jillian approached me from behind and wrapped her arms around my waist.

  “What’s wrong?” She asked softly. I glanced down at her, and silently noted how immensely grateful I was to Ian for going with his intuition, and being in the right place at precisely the right time. I’ll never forget what happened at Jackson’s party last spring, but I also can’t forget what occurred yesterday.

  “Karma is a bitch,” I responded after a few moments. The news story surrounding Wei’s death was on the flat screen again. It was the same story, no new developments. I watched Jill study the screen. She pursed her lips as she listened to the news report. Her brow furrowed and then she sucked on that bottom lip.

  “We should tell Ian,” she said quietly, but by the tone in her voice, I could tell she already knew.

  “He already knows.”

  She nodded silently. “What does this mean for you?”

  “Nothing. Nothing can be traced back to me, because I was here. I never even had a chance to wire the money to him.”

  I could see the wheels spinning in her head. “Do you think he has friends?”

  “Friends? No. Business associates? Most likely, but nothing we should concern ourselves with.”

  I pulled her into a tight embrace and held her like this.

  “I love you,” I whispered into her ear.

  “I love you too.”

  “Shower with me.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  17. Jillian

  April

  I was a jittery mess of nerves as I looked at myself in the full length mirror. Is this really happening? Am I really marrying Mason Woodward?

  My hair was actually tame and hung in soft glossy curls down my shoulders. I almost didn’t recognize the woman staring back at me in the mirror’s reflection. My makeup was soft and delicate and the gown was a timeless cap-sleeve with a white overlay.

  Zara approached my side, wearing a bridesmaid dress in light yellow. “You look beautiful,” she said this softly. She helped me fasten the pearls around my neck.

  “There. You are really quite lovely,” she smiled at our reflections in the mirror. “Oh, one more thing.” She reached into her silk clutch and pulled out a small navy box wrapped in shimmery white ribbon.

  I looked up at her with a quizzical smile as I took the box. “I helped Mason pick this out, but don’t tell him that part.” She gave a prim smile as I took the box from her hand.

  Carefully I unwrapped the ribbon and opened the box. I inhaled a sharp breath when I saw what was inside. “He said he already got you a bracelet, so that was out.” Her green eyes flashed with another smile. An exquisite diamond hair clip lay on a bed of soft navy velvet. It was shaped like a butterfly and it was so classic and beautiful.

  Zara took the clip from my hands and very carefully tucked it to one side of my curls. It rested perfectly in my hair.

  She handed me a small white envelope once the clip was tucked perfectly in my hair. I opened the envelope and read Mason’s eloquent script.

  My Jilly Bean,

  I wanted to give you one last gift before we are married. I will see you soon, ready and waiting. Here’s to forever.

  All my love,

  Mason

  My heart fluttered profoundly in my chest as I read this message. We were upstairs in the small dressing suite. I could hear the soft music, very faint, coming from the pipe organ. I felt my face flame, growing pink in color. Elyse appeared in the doorway with my mom at that moment, they were carrying the bouquets. My mom carefully set down the bouquets on the mahogany table and looked at me.

  “Oh, Jilly Bean. My sweet Jilly. My baby.” My mom was already teary-eyed.

  “Mom please. You’ll make me cry and ruin the makeup,” I smiled.

  “Oh, I know. I just- I just wish your father could be here,” my mom began reminiscing.

  “I’m sorry, sweetie. I don’t want to make you ruin your makeup. It’s just that it was only yesterday you were this big.” She held her hand three feet off the ground.

  I felt my eyes glass over and my mom noticed it immediately. “Oh I’m going to stop right now.” She kissed both my cheeks and I pulled her into a warm hug.

  “I love you, mom.” I whispered.

  That sentiment was enough to make my mom tearful. “I love you too, honey. Ok, I am leaving now. I need to make sure your brother remembers what he is supposed to do.”

  I blew my mom some kisses as she exited the upstairs room where I was preparing. Elyse smoothed the back of my gown and made sure the pearl necklace I wore was not crooked.

  “Your mum is so sweet,” Zara complimented and she smiled, although I noted there was a bit of sadness in her eyes. I knew what she was thinking; her mother never even responded to the wedding invitation. Her one and only son was getting married today and she didn’t have the decency to acknowledge the wedding invitation. I was glad that at least Mason’s sister was here to share the day with us.

  I watched Zara stare down at her cell phone just after it vibrated. She scoffed and texted something furiously on her phone.

  “Is everything okay?” I asked her.

  “Yes of course,” she answered stiffly, although her mouth was still curled into a frown. She sent the message and then tucked her phone into her cream colored clutch.

  “It’s show time,” Elyse prompted with a grin. She handed us our bouquets.

  “Are you ready?” She asked me as she handed me my bouquet of white lilies and peonies.

  “Yes,” I smiled, although I felt my face become hot with nerves.

  I took several deep breaths. I never cared to have attention all over me. I grew up being the invisible girl, and now, many eyes were going to be on me as I walked down the church aisle.

  My nerves grew as I made my way down to the main church hall. This is the same church my parents were married in so many years ago; it’s tiny, but that was perfect for our wedding. The music from the cathedral grew louder, and so did my nerves.

  “Are you ready?” My brother asked me as I met him at the bottom step. He held his arm out to me and I nodded as I took in another deep breath. I often wondered what
Travis thought about giving his younger sister away to his best friend. When I was sure nobody was looking, I lightly pinched my arm to make sure this was real and not just some fantasized dream I’d had for so many years.

  Nope. This is real, and my arm hurts.

  Travis guided me toward the entrance to the cathedral, and the music changed in notes and volume. I took another deep breath, feeling all the eyes on me, but then my eyes fell on him. He looked unbelievably hot in that black tuxedo, as though he’d just stepped off a photo shoot. And the way he’s looking at me… Suddenly my nerves left me as I focused on him, standing in the front with Jackson, and then I couldn’t help but smile.

  Travis took my arm and handed it over to Mason. Now it’s extremely real.

  18. Mason

  Good God. I watched her walk down the aisle, arm-in-arm with her brother, my good friend. I couldn’t take my eyes off Jillian. As she walked closer to me, our eyes met, and I smiled. My heart palpitated in my chest. She is the most exquisite woman I have ever laid eyes on, and she’s mine. If there was ever a moment of doubt, if there was ever a moment I wondered if I was making the right choice in committing my life to a woman- it was washed away. As I watched her approach the front of the church, memories danced across my mind.

  I recalled the time I first met her, when she was fourteen and dancing like a maniac in her small Brooklyn livingroom because she thought nobody was watching. I let out a small chuckle as I thought of that scenario, and the startled reaction she had on her face when she realized I’d been watching the entire time.

  I thought about the elated look on her face when I took her to buy new eyeglasses… and then I recalled the time I nearly committed murder when a college shithead tried to take advantage of her while she was in High School. My mind then drifted to the first time I reconnected with her after five years of absence. My motives were cruel and vindictive. I was a different man then-