Craving Sugar

by Elena M. Reyes

  Taupe walls. Boldly tufted headboard and streamlined base in white with linens in the same color. A soft area rug lay just in front of the bed to create a bit of warmth against the starkness of the marble floors. Dressers, night tables, and one armoire finished the rest of this room’s furnishings and again, all in white.

  Hendrix was obsessed with the color.

  Another beautiful room that felt off.

  Sure, it was magazine worthy, but failed to make me feel welcomed. More than ever, I felt like an outsider.

  “Enough of this.” Pulling my phone from my back pocket, I sent a text to Zoe.

  Lunch? ~ Beau

  Not five seconds passed before I had a reply.

  Heading to get some sushi at the place two blocks from Bayside. You in? And I’m not alone. ~Zoe

  Shit. I really needed to talk to her about all this. The mess of a contract I was stuck in.

  Need to talk Sugar. Meet me later? ~Beau

  Get your butt down here. I’m with another sister from a paid daddy. Lol We’ll wait to order. ~Zoe

  At her reply, I burst out laughing. Something I hadn’t done much since meeting Mr. Parker. Being upset and moping around wasn’t me. All of this I was surrounded with wasn’t me.

  Give me twenty, dork. ~Beau

  Decision made, I left my bag on the bed and ran into the en suite bath. I’d been dressed to head out since early, just needed to touch up my lipstick. We were going to lunch and not doing anything fancy, so my jean cutoffs and off-the-shoulder love tee would be fine.

  I fluffed my hair a bit, leaving the natural waves to do their thing and applied a nude matte lipstick before rushing out.

  Took me longer to get downstairs and into my car then to the restaurant where Zoe and another woman waited for me just to the side of the entrance. They were laughing at something the pretty blonde said as I walked up.

  “Miss me?”

  “About time you showed your face,” Zoe squealed before pulling me in for a tight hug. Woman was strong, and after bruising a rib or two, she pulled back to get a good look at me and frowned. “What did he do?”

  “How the hell—”

  “Trust us...we know that look.” The blonde extended a hand out with a warm smile. “I’m Bethany and good friends with that one...” she tilted her head in Zoe’s direction “...plus, I taught her all she knows. I’m her sugar baby godmother.”

  I took her hand and gave it a shake. “That’s a real thing?”

  “Of course. You have so much to learn, young grasshopper.” While some might take her words as condescending, I got where she was coming from. In a way, this was her acceptance of me. “Let’s eat and chat.”

  “Yeah, let’s.” Zoe opened the door and waved at the cute guy at the hostess stand.

  “How many today, Miss Chapman?”

  “Three and please, a booth near the back.”

  “Right this way, please.” He grabbed our menus and walked off. We followed him across the small restaurant and toward a cozy nook on the other side of the place. No one was seated in that section, and I was thankful. “Your server will be right with you. Can I get your drink order in the meantime?”

  “Water with a lime.”

  “Coke.”

  “Iced tea,” we all spoke in unison while he laughed, pointed toward his head, and walked away.

  Once alone, two sets of eyes turned my way. Calculating. Stripping away the bit of confidence I had.

  “What?” I hissed low. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  “Tell us what happened, Beau.” Zoe, who was seated beside me, laid her head on my shoulder. Looked up at me with worried eyes. “Week and a half ago you were single, being chased by him, and now you’re taken and being held by a tight leash. One minute you were running away at the bar, then I blinked, and a contract was signed. What happened here?”

  “Hendrix Parker happened.” Our server came then and delivered our drinks. Without waiting for her to ask, we each rattled off our order. A few rolls, a soup, and salad. Just as quick as she came, she left.

  “Give us more than that, sweetie. Why do you look like someone kicked your puppy?” Bethany asked, the concern on both their faces causing me to choke up. “Shit. Don’t cry.”

  Zoe picked up a napkin and handed it to me. “We can’t help you if we don’t know what’s going on. Fill us in.”

  “I’m miserable, Zoe.” I took in a shuddering breath while wiping my eyes. “Sure, my schools paid off now and I can breathe, but he makes me feel at times as if I were bothering him. Like my presence upsets him and I don’t understand the why.” A few more tears rolled down my cheek. “One minute he’s sweet and can’t get enough of me, and the next, I am treated with indifference and mild disgust. It’s too much. All of this is too much.”

  Finally, I said it. I’d become overwhelmed by all this craziness.

  “If he made you feel this way, why did you sign a contract?” Our server came then just as Bethany finished her question. Plates were set and organized so we could share and be within reach. With a bow, our server walked away in silence. “How did you end up with him?”

  “I didn’t. Hendrix signed it himself.” They gasped, eyes wide, but before they could say a word I carried on. “I’m not going to sit here and deny how compatible we are in every way, but I hadn’t planned on seeing him again after that night at the bar. He took me back to his house and we had sex. I thought it was a one-night stand, but woke up to a newly signed contract and my school paid off. What choice did I have?”

  “Walk away and tell him to go jump off a bridge,” Bethany spoke matter-of-factly, while Zoe had a contemplative look on her face. “The man had no right to—”

  “And I agree, Bethany, but he had an ace up his sleeve.” Taking a sip from my iced tea, I mulled over how to best describe the scenario. With careful wording or Band-Aid effect? Fuck it. “If I walk away before the six months for any other reason that isn’t cheating, health, or death...I owe him ten grand.”

  “That conniving son of a biotch.” Was wondering when Zoe would say something.

  “Yup,” came from me.

  Bethany, who had picked up a piece from her spring roll, paused mid bite. “He has you in his grip for the next few months, girl. Ouch.”

  Grabbing a few pieces from the magic dragon and rainbow roll, I put them on a small plate with wasabi paste and pickled ginger. They did the same and the bigger dishes were set aside.

  My stomach rumbled, and I realized how nonexistent my appetite had been since he walked out. That night I didn’t eat, just put everything away and cleaned his kitchen to erase all traces of me being there.

  In the last three days, all I had eaten was cereal and a few Ramen packs I’d brought with me in the move.

  After swallowing my third bite of rainbow, I looked at them. Told them my truth. “This isn’t what I expected when I signed up.”

  “Neither did I.” Zoe bumped her shoulder with mine. “Should’ve told you to go out with that CEO from the tech company. He seemed nice enough.”

  “Now you say that. Now when...” I trailed off, realizing what I was about to say. No. That cannot be.

  “When what, sweets? Finish, please,” Bethany hedged, but I saw the glint in her eyes. She knew.

  “I care.” Why me? “And despite all that I just told you, I’m more hurt with him walking out on me three days ago than the manipulations.”

  “You can’t let him see that you do.” There was a hint of anger in her voice, and I met Bethany’s stare head-on. “Men like him, they smell fear and pounce. Destroy what’s in their path to reach the result they wanted to achieve. They don’t care, Beau. To them, we are no more than arm candy to show off. We look pretty, hold intelligent conversation, and help entertain other rich people within their social circles.”

  “She’s right, you know.” My response was a nod. They were both right, and I needed to hear this. Zoe took a bite from her own food while our other companion did the same
. Took her time in finding the right words, but when she did, the fierceness in her expression didn’t surprise me. She was a true friend. “From the little I’ve gathered about him, he’s a man that likes things done his way. So, play the game, babe. He wants detached, then by all means be that way. Be everything he wants on the outside, but protect what’s in here...” she brought her hand to my chest and placed it over my heart “...don’t let him hurt you. Keep reminding yourself that this is a business transaction and you need to be a professional. Laugh, joke, humor him, but always keep that part of you locked away and guarded. Don’t fall for a man that will never give you more than this.”

  They were both right. I was nothing more than a contract to him.

  Even if he forced my hand into this mess with him, Hendrix just wanted the thrill of the chase. Of winning the game he was playing all by himself.

  Six months. Just six months.

  I could do this.

  NINETEEN

  “Where have you been?” Hendrix asked from his seat in the living room. I was startled, having not expected him to be home. “I asked you a question and expect an answer.”

  Wasn’t ready to see or deal with him either or the pompous attitude he carried at that moment.

  His hand flexed, and a bright-colored pattern caught my eye. Butterflies in all colors decorated the small notebook he held tight in his grip.

  My notebook.

  Same one with all my emergency contact info.

  It had been Mom’s idea. She thought if something happened to me, it was just small enough to fit in any of my bags.

  “Where did you get that?” Rhetorical, and we both knew that. He’d gone through my overnight bag atop his bed.

  “I’m not going to dignify that with an answer.” Hendrix stood then, his gait purposeful. Almost angry at something I wasn’t privy to. His feet carried him, then paused two steps from my own while his pointer finger raised my chin. Hazel on green, overcome by a hate-filled passion that choked the room. “Where the fuck were you?”

  That tone grated me, and I bristled. “None of your business.”

  Rough hands cupped my jaw; my notebook fell to the floor. “The hell it isn’t, Beau. We had an agreement. You would stay here—”

  “And I did.” Had to stop him right there. He left me, not the other way around. “What exactly are you accusing me of?”

  “Your packed bag on my bed is enough of a tell, don’t you think? Don’t lie to me,” he hissed through clenched teeth, his hold on my chin tightening. “Breaking the rules won’t work in my home.”

  “Then maybe I should just leave like I wanted to and never did. Got better things to do than...” He silenced me with a quick and passionate kiss. This was angry with a hint of troubled emotions. As if one hand wanted to push me away while the other held on for dear life. A bite to my bottom lip signaled the end of his lips on mine; he breathed in deeply and let it out slow. “Did you or did you not leave my home for your apartment? Be honest with me.”

  “No, I didn’t,” I whispered, my fingers releasing the grip they had on his shirt. Had no idea when I even grabbed on. “Have been here for three days wondering where you were.”

  “Had something to take care of.” That’s it. That was his excuse. Unbelievable.

  I plastered a fake smile on my face and stepped out of his embrace. “Okay, well, I just came in to grab some things I need before heading out. I’ll be back late, so don’t wait up.”

  Was a lie, but he didn’t need to know that. I’d be heading back to my apartment to get my head on straight. Game plan—strategize a way to keep my heart from fluttering in his presence, because it did.

  Even as I stood there angry at him for accusing me of leaving—of playing the part of the wronged party—I wanted to drag him upstairs and submit to his every whim.

  Hated him.

  Wanted him.

  It was driving me insane, and while the girls were right, how did you resist an asshole that charming? So sure of himself. Of what he wanted.

  “Cancel whatever plans you have for tonight. Fuck, for the rest of the week. I need you here at all times.”

  “Why?” Hendrix reached for me, tried to pull me in, but I took one step back for each one he advanced.

  “The contract stated that you are to be present for any meeting, dinner, or formal gatherings I need. No arguments from you.”

  A snort escaped. “Contract you signed.”

  “Semantics, Beau.” Cat and mouse, he followed my every move as a predator would. Gave me just enough leeway to let me think that I’d get away when my back hit a wall. On my next breath, I found myself caught between a hard surface and his warm body. Caged me in with his hands on either side of my face. “We’ve been through this a time or two, Miss Carter. I paid for you to be here...took care of your financial troubles without batting an eye because I want you: here, there...every fucking where.” He skimmed his nose up the side of my neck and cheek, paused at my temple and laid a kiss there. “So behave, nymph. Play the game like a good little girl and go upstairs, change into something ravishing, and meet me down here at six sharp. We have an important dinner to get to.”

  My lips parted, the question of where are we going on my tongue, but Hendrix shook his head and moved back a step. Then another, all the while his heavy-lidded eyes watched the way my chest rose and fell with each breath I took in.

  For a few excruciating minutes, he just watched me struggle to regain control of my senses. Stood there until I made a move to follow him, then he walked off, leaving me standing in the middle of his living room horny as hell.

  At five fifty on the dot, I was downstairs and waiting.

  Hendrix was nowhere to be found, and for a minute I wondered if he’d left without me. Disappeared once more.

  Walking over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, I looked out toward the water. Since my lunch with Zoe and Bethany, I’d been thinking about their advice. How to handle him and protect myself, and so far, I had come up with nothing.

  Heaven help me.

  Lost in thought, I didn’t hear him come into the room. Wasn’t aware of his proximity until he snaked an arm around my waist. Caught me off guard, and I jumped. “Shit!” I yelped, losing my balance, and falling back against his chest.

  “Careful, nymph.” His hold tightened, nose tracing the shell of my ear. “Don’t want you to get hurt, although, I will tan that ass red if you continue to be a bad little girl.”

  “W-What?” At my stuttering, he nipped my neck and stepped back. Turned me around so he could appraise me from head to toe.

  I was wearing a beige strappy over-the-knee bandage dress with a pair of nude-colored pumps. My light brown hair was pin straight and my bangs swept to the side. Makeup was kept simple with a bit of contouring, winged liner, and red lips.

  “You look good enough to eat.” That rough timbre in his voice caused goose bumps to arise over my arms.

  Our eyes met, and I bit the corner of my lip. “You clean up well.”

  Good would be an understatement—he was delicious in a tailored pinstripe suit and white shirt unbuttoned at the collar. No tie. His hair was in its usual disarray and that damn five o’clock shadow he’d perfected made my thighs clench.

  “We should go.”

  “Yeah...”

  Hendrix offered me his arm, and I linked mine through his. Let him lead me down and into his car. Kept my hand on his lap throughout the silent ride.

  Every once in a while, I’d catch him looking at me from the corner of my eye, but I kept my own looking straight. Or as best I could with him near.

  Twenty minutes later we pulled into the valet parking of an Italian restaurant in Coral Gables. Again, he didn’t wait for the attendant to open my door; he came to my side and helped me out.

  Held onto me with an arm around my waist while he tossed the keys to his Bugatti at the attendant. Glared at him in warning, but I had no idea if it was because of the car or the way the kid looked at me with hun
gry eyes.

  “If that motherfucker doesn’t quit looking at my girl...” he muttered to himself, but I heard and was surprised he’d even give a crap. Was about to ask him what the hell he meant, when we were joined by another couple.

  “Nice to see you, Hendrix.”

  “Likewise, James.” They shook hands, albeit stiffly, and then with a hand on our backs they walked the other woman and me to a table reserved near a grand piano. No one mentioned how weird it was that we seated ourselves, most people inside the restaurant smiling our way.

  Once seated, I turned toward who I assumed was James’s wife and smiled. “Hi, I’m Beau, this one’s girlfriend, which he seemed to forget and introduce.”

  That caused her to throw her head back and laugh, before leaning my way as if to whisper a huge secret. “Mine forgets until we get home every time. Here just to look pretty…I’m Marsha, by the way. Nice to meet you.”

  James scoffed, but you could see he was not pissed by her jibe. “Don’t listen to her, Beau. That is a lie. My wife is just impatient.”

  “It’s a guy thing.”

  “Completely agree!” Our dates both grumbled, but the earlier tension was now broken, and I could breathe easier. Made the night less stressful for me.

  Suddenly, two waiters appeared with bottles of wine, bread, salad, and two appetizers that no one had ordered: a steaming shrimp dish and an antipasto of mix cured meats and cheeses.

  The confusion on my face made James laugh. “I took the liberty of ordering for everyone tonight. We are having the chef’s tour and are to be surprised by his choices.”

  “That sounds like fun actually,” Hendrix chimed in, which surprised the heck out of me. Since when was he a team player? He made the rules, not followed them.

  While everyone served themselves, the men talked shop. To be honest, I zoned out for most of it and I wasn’t alone. I caught Marsha shaking her head a time or two while eating.

  Words like zoning, permits, and commissioner meant nothing to me.

  Regulations followed, and I then learned that James held a seat at city council. Things began to fit like a puzzle piece and the light bulb flickered on; he was trying to get James on his side for whatever structure he was in the planning stages for.