“Fuck!” He roars around my thighs before he clamps his mouth over my clit and sucks hard. The orgasm rips through me as I’m graced with hot spurts of cum firing down my throat. I suck and swallow it down while shooting to the heavens on my own pleasure cloud.
Moments or an hour later, I couldn’t be certain, we lie in a tangled heap, me on top of him, his cock half erect against my cheek. His breath comes out in heavy bursts along the moist flesh between my legs. Slowly, I adjust myself and turn around. He pulls me against his chest. I flip my hair back and out of my face, trying to catch my breath and come back to planet Earth.
Chase lifts my head and kisses me slow, sweet, and with purpose. “I fucking love you.”
My heart soars into orbit at his words. I smile and kiss him back, tasting myself on his sweet lips. “I fucking love you more.”
His all white smile is the snapshot I’ll take of this moment in my mind. He turns my cheek inspecting the skin and wipes something away with the pad of his thumb.
“You have my cum on your face,” he laughs, holding his thumb up to show me.
I swoop in, quick like a ninja, and lick the salty substance off his thumb, until it’s clean.
He looks at me baffled and full of lust, his eyes turning that dangerous shade of dark blue. “That was ridiculously hot,” he pulls me on top of his chest and kisses me, long, hard, and deep. Round two just started.
Gillian
Hours later, Chase and I are en route to brunch with his mother. I’m still reeling from the sex marathon we had this morning while enjoying how the scenery changes from concrete, brick, and glass, to lush trees and mansions as we leave the confines of the city. The street that leads to his Uncle Charles’ mansion is lined with ornate black iron light posts and perfectly manicured lawns and houses surrounded by bush after bush of roses. I hate roses. Nothing that beautiful should be so painful. Now that my stalker has chosen them as his calling card, they are the last thing I want to see, although it fits the mood of having to go see his mother.
The gates to the Davis mansion are located at the end of the street. The house sits atop a long hill like a castle, watching over the land. Pretentious. Chase’s Uncle Charles is a good man. Taking him in when his mother was in the hospital all those years ago, and his Dad in prison for her attempted murder, truly shows the depth of love he has for his nephew. Having been the primary male figure in Chase’s early life puts him high on my “people to cherish” pedestal.
Jack opens the car door and we exit. Chase clasps my hand and leads me up the stairs to the entrance. A small grin slants across his face. I love seeing him happy, a bit carefree even. I playfully nudge my shoulder against his, earning me a full, take-my-breath-away, smile. God, he’s beautiful. Instead of knocking, Chase enters as if he owns the place. I guess since he grew up here it’s like coming home.
As we walk through the parlor, I’m once again reminded of the vast Davis wealth. There is a double winding staircase at the entrance with huge, oil canvases, crawling up the walls. Probably all original pieces. Priceless antique furniture, paired with contemporary pieces, fills the large rooms. I try to imagine four young boys and a little girl running through these rooms and halls. It seems far too regal to allow for children.
“Did the house look like this when you were growing up?” I ask Chase as he leads me towards the back of the house, a section I hadn’t been to previously.
“No. Once we were grown, my mother redecorated. My aunt had made the mansion very livable for her four children prior to her death. The moment we were teens and Mother had recovered completely, she made it her pet project. By then, my aunt had already passed away.”
Made a lot of sense as to why everything seemed so stuffy. It fit the woman who designed it. I couldn’t imagine growing up in a house where you were afraid to sit on the furniture. Mom was always a fan of creature comforts and fuzzy fabrics. That thought reminded me that I needed to put a little of me into the penthouse and unload some of my boxes from the move.
“When can I decorate the penthouse?”
Chase stops, spins around on one foot and kisses me. His hand tunnels into my hair as he deepens the kiss. Once we’re both breathless, he pulls back leaning his forehead against mine.
“What was that for?” Not that I mind, but it was odd timing.
“Baby, I love hearing you speak about things that ensure you’re a permanent part of my life. You can do whatever you want to the penthouse, but don’t get too wild.”
He tugs my hand, and I follow down a long hallway. I feel like a rat in a maze, or as if I’m playing a game of follow the leader.
“I would never spend too much money.” The thought he’d worry makes me frown. “Besides, I have my own money. I do work.”
“God, you are too cute.” He laughs, and this time I stop and yank him to a halt.
My eyebrows knit together, and I sling a hand to my hip. “What does that mean?”
Chase takes a deep breath and smiles. “Baby, once we’re married we’re going to be house shopping or building a home. A place that’s you and me. Yesterday when you mentioned having my children”—he clasps my hand—“all I’ve been able to think about is seeing your gorgeous body swollen with my child. My baby growing inside of you.” He shakes his head and his gaze searches mine. “God, you’d be sexy.”
That was not at all what I was expecting. Now he wants a home and babies? “Who are you and what did you do with my fiancé? The workaholic, master of his empire, sex God, that guy. Where’d he go?”
Lightning fast, Chase pulls me to him, hands clasped above my bum. “I’m all those things, but I also want a home. A place where we can always come back to after our travels, after a long work day. We’ll raise our children there, once we choose to have them.” His jaw tightens, and when he continues his voice is uncertain. “Is that not what you want?”
I’m quick to respond. “That’s everything I ever wanted, Chase. And to have it with you…” my voice clogs with emotion.
“I know, baby. I know.” And he does. He’s right there with me, learning this new thing. Finding out that it’s okay to want the American dream. The house, the 2.5 kids and a picket fence. Even masters of their universe want a home and a family.
“Come on, Mother will be waiting and she detests when people are tardy.”
Reminds me of someone else I know. Trying not to roll my eyes I follow his stride, holding his hand tightly. Chase and I are moving towards our future. Nothing is going to ruin this moment.
Chapter 6
Gillian
Boy was I wrong. The second we enter the “Sun Room” we’re greeted by a sour-faced Colleen Davis.
“Mother!” Chase says jovially, making his way to his mom. She’s sitting in a high back armchair. It’s a pristine white, with shimmery golden lines running vertically, mimicking a circus tent print. I’d be afraid to sit in it, let alone enjoy a cup of coffee, for fear I’d stain it.
“My darling.” She smiles and pats Chase’s cheek as he kisses her on the forehead.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Davis,” I say awkwardly, still in the same spot at the entrance of the room where Chase left me to greet his mother.
Her gaze catches mine and her lips pinch tight. She brings her attention back to Chase. “So, you’re still seeing her?”
Chase smiles wide, walks over to me, and holds out his hand. “Oh yes. I’ll be seeing a lot more of her, too. Pretty much every day for the rest of my life,” he says proudly, putting an arm around my shoulder, bringing me tight against his side the way he prefers. His lips graze my hairline briefly. His mother’s face pulls so tight into a grimace, I worry it will stick. “We’re getting married,” Chase says happily. Probably the most emotion I’ve seen him share in front of others, ever. Normally he keeps his feelings and emotions pretty close to the chest.
“You’re kidding?” his mother says clearly taken aback.
“I’m not. Mother, Gillian has agreed to marry me.” The confi
dence with which he delivers his words melts my heart and I can’t help but swoon. He holds me tight and leads me to the couch across from where his mother is seated. I take a moment and scan the room. The entire right wall and a quarter of the ceiling is encased in thick glass allowing a perfect view of the land beyond. The Davis property is vast. A lot larger than I remembered from the night of his Uncle’s birthday party where we had it out about Megan “The Bitch.”
“When?” she asks tightly, bringing my attention from the lush landscape to her unhappy face. It’s obvious this news does not come with congratulations. If we weren’t here, she’d likely throw her teacup across the room. Briefly, I wonder what it would be like to see her lose control.
I move to answer, but Chase is faster. “Soon.” He grips my arm keeping me close. The smile on his face is huge. In the light of the early afternoon, he looks effervescent and completely at peace. It lifts me up, knowing I’m the one who’s put that smile on his face.
Colleen twists her mouth, trying but failing to hide a scowl. “But you’ve hardly dated. Don’t you think it’s a bit soon, to consider marriage,” she adds “my darling,” to soften the blow.
Chase finally keys into the fact that his mother is not altogether pleased with this news. “Mother, Gillian and I are in love. There’s no reason to wait.”
“And I’ll just bet she wants to turn around a wedding pretty quickly, don’t you my dear?” Her tone is scathing and meant to pierce.
“No, that’s not at all true!” I answer desperately wanting to clarify that the six-week timeframe was his decision, not mine.
“Mother, stop. Gillian actually wants to wait a year. I want to get married immediately. We’ve set the date for six weeks from now.”
Ms. Davis gasps, bringing a hand to her mouth. “You can’t be serious, Chase. You barely know her.”
“I know what I want. Gillian and I are getting married and I’d prefer you didn’t share any more of your opinions…” his voice lowers in pitch “unless it’s to congratulate your son and welcome his fiancée into our family.” His words are delivered with a side order of “fuck you” without even trying. I couldn’t be more proud of Chase for sticking up for me, especially in front of his mother. It’s still a mystery to me why she doesn’t like me. I’ve barely shared a few sentences with the woman since meeting her all those months ago at the charity event.
Just like a chameleon changes color, her entire being softens. “I apologize, my darling. My only concern is for you and your happiness. It always has been.” Her voice falters and cracks as she holds out a hand. He moves to her then kneels at her feet. I hate how much control she holds over his emotions. Holding back a retort, I watch as she clasps his cheek. “My darling boy, if she is what you want, she is what you must have.”
His smile brightens the room once more. His mother’s lips tip up sweetly then her gaze turns to me. “Welcome to the Davis family, dear. Looks like we have a wedding to plan.”
Chase stands and clasps his hands together. “Yes, absolutely! Mother is an amazing event planner. The two of you working together will be the perfect way to become friends.” I’m certain my eyes are about to pop out of their sockets. That is quite possibly the last thing I want in the universe. Instead of bursting Chase’s bubble, I smile and nod, not capable of anything else.
The door behind me opens and Chase’s Uncle Charles bustles into the room. “Did I miss tea service? I had business that ran late.”
Chase holds out a hand and greets his Uncle. “I was just sharing the news with mother that I have asked Gillian to be my wife and she has agreed.”
“Well done my boy!” He clasps him on the back and pulls him into a man hug. “Forget the tea, what this news needs is champagne!”
His uncle’s joy is contagious, and I finally release a bit of the pent up tension I’ve been holding since the moment I entered. “I couldn’t agree more,” I say as his Uncle pulls me up and off the couch into a full body hug.
“You’ll be a stunning bride, and a most welcome addition to the Davis family my dear.” He grins and kisses both of my cheeks. Charles Davis is nothing but glorious. His salt and pepper hair is slicked back into the quintessential businessman’s style giving him that dapper appeal. The dark grey suit on his wiry frame probably cost more than my car, and he wears it well. Even though he looks pretentious and unapproachable, his welcoming eyes and easy smile dispel the aura.
“Thank you,” I reach for Chase, and he pulls me against his side. Breathing in his woodsy citrus scent calms my nerves. Besides the moment I agreed to marry him, this is the happiest I’ve ever seen him, and I don’t want to ruin this moment with how uncomfortable his mother makes me.
“Charles, Chase, why don’t you go get some champagne and a couple cigars for yourselves, and let me chat with my future daughter-in-law, woman to woman.” Her lips twist into a forced smile that is anything but pleasant.
“Good idea, Mother.” Chase kisses me too briefly and starts to pull away. Before he can, I cup his neck and deepen the kiss. He pulls away and cocks his neck to the side to assess me.
“I’ll be back soon, baby,” he whispers and pecks me quickly.
“Hurry back,” I say hoping I put enough fear into my tone, without letting on I don’t really want to be alone with his mother.
“Enough. Chase darling, the champagne?” Her request is laced with irritation.
The two men saunter off. I watch Chase until I can no longer see him.
“So, you work fast,” she says with a snarl.
I’m not standing for this any longer. “What is your problem with me?”
She huffs and then puts a red tipped nail to her lip. “I’m just trying to figure out your angle. I’ve looked into you.”
“And what did you find that would make you dislike me, without even getting to know me?”
“It doesn’t take a background check to see you’re broken.”
I cringe. Heat swirls in my chest making my skin feel tight and clammy. Chase has promised me he wouldn’t say anything to anyone about my past. Thinking she could be playing into my insecurities, I take a deep breath. “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”
“I know you have a jaded past. The restraining order you have on file against a man a few years ago says enough to tell me you’ve been hurt by a man.” I clench my jaw as she grins. “You’re poor, but educated. And you likely do your best work on your back, seeing as you work at my son’s foundation.”
“All true,” she smiles wide for the first time at my admission. “Aside from sleeping my way to the top. I don’t want Chase’s money. Never have. I’ll happily sign a prenup if he asks.”
“I’ll make sure he does,” her lips twist into a snarl again. “You are not getting a red cent if you hurt my son, Missy.” Hurt her son. Is that what she thinks I’m going to do? Is this her sick, jacked up idea of a maternal warning?
“Good luck with that. Chase has already decided no prenup, but again, if you can convince him otherwise I’ll sign it. And I have no desire to hurt Chase. I love him Ms. Davis. Very much.”
“Yeah, the last pretty little red-head who said that was unfaithful to him. He was crushed for years. Only recently have I seen my boy’s light again.” She attempts to continue, but I cut her off.
“Who do you think put that light there?” Her eyes are cold and assessing as she holds my gaze. “Me.” I point to my chest. “Our love. It’s been a hard road the last few months, but we’ve found something in one another that can’t be denied.” Tears pool in my eyes, and one slips down my cheek. “It’s real, and I promise you on my mother’s grave that I will do anything I can to make him happy.” I swipe at the tears and try to calm down.
“We’ll see. Just be warned missy, I’ll be watching you very closely. There’s no woman on this earth that’s good enough for my son,” she looks me up and down then scowls. “Especially not a broken little thing, from the wrong side of the tracks.” Her tone is contemptuous and cuts
deep. I realize I’m never going to win her over.
“It’s a good thing I’m not marrying you then. This conversation is over. I’ll see myself out, seeing as you’re unable to.” My eyes settle on the wheelchair next to her. Her gaze sharpens, assessing me once more. “It’s too bad Chase’s father damaged you. Maybe you wouldn’t be such a horrible, miserable woman. At least I survived my beatings. You, on the other hand, came out alive but more twisted and broken than I’ll ever be, because Chase is healing my hurts. Who’s taking that knife out of your back and healing your wounds? Oh that’s right, no one.”
Her eyes are as round as serving platters and just as cold. “He told you…” she chokes unable to finish what she plans to say.
I nod and move to the door. “You know, we’re more alike than you think. I spent years letting a man beat me into submission and almost take my life, before I got out.” Her mouth opens in shock, losing every bit of her coiffed socialite good manners. “I’m still healing, but with Chase, each day is easier than the next. What’s your excuse? You have everything life could ever offer. Money, the undying love of your son, a beautiful family…” I shake my head completely exasperated with this vile woman. “You know what? Never mind. I don’t care.”
Opening the door, I leave her there alone, with her miserable thoughts to keep her company. There’s nothing I can do or say that is going to make her like me. And Chase is bat-shit crazy if he thinks I’ll be planning the most important day of my life with that old crone.
Once I get outside, I see Austin standing with Jack next to the limo. Jack pulls his phone out and immediately starts speaking. “She’s outside with us.” I scowl and open the limo door with barely contained rage.
“You okay, ma’am?” Austin’s southern drawl reaches me and tears pour down my face. His hand is warm against my shoulder, and right now, I need a friend, someone to care about me. I shake my head and he pulls me into a hug. He is so large, his arms seem to wrap around me twice.
Mind (Trinity Trilogy Book 2) Page 8