Inked: A Driven World Novel (The Driven World)

by Tracy Lorraine

  I take his hand in mine once I’m close enough to climb back on top of his body.

  His eyes shutter closed when I take his solid length in my hand and prepare to sink down on him.

  “Are you sure this is safe?” he asks right at the last minute.

  “I’m sure, but I’ll book a doctor’s appointment later and get on some birth control.”

  “Good, I don’t want anything between us again.”

  His lids flicker up, and the look in his eyes makes my breathing falter. He’s serious. Deadly serious.

  I have to bite down on the inside of my lips to stop me asking what this is and where we go from here.

  It’s not important right now. Just enjoy the ride.

  I listen to that little voice in my head and allow myself to sink down on him until I’m fully seated.

  I stare into his emotion-filled dark eyes, and I know that the second I get to work this morning, I’m making that phone call. He deserves it.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Corey

  “Can I drive you to work?” I ask when Harlow emerges from my bathroom ready for a day at the office.

  I run my eyes over her body-hugging black dress, and it just tells me what I already know. I’m falling, and fast.

  The thought of ripping it from her body and dragging her back to bed is all-consuming, but I know I can’t. She has a job, and so do I. We’ve got other people who depend on us for shit.

  “I didn’t think you had a car,” she asks, slipping her feet into her shoes. They do incredible things for her calves, making me forget she just said anything. “Corey?”

  “Shit sorry. Just, you look… Fuck. You look really fucking hot. Are there many guys in your office?” I ask casually, running my fingers through my hair.

  Sadly, it’s not causally enough, because she sees right through it.

  “A few. Most are quite young, too. And they all wear these suits.” She bites down on her bottom lip, and I have to swallow down a bubble of jealousy that makes itself known.

  She leans over me, forcing me to rest back on my elbows.

  “But I’m pretty sure none of them could make me scream like you did last night.”

  “Damn fucking straight, Vixen.”

  “You’ve got nothing to worry about. They’re all either married or gay.”

  “Good to know. So, back to my original question.”

  “How are you going to drive me to work without a car?”

  “I’m going to drive you in yours,” I say with a shrug, like it’s obvious.

  Pushing from the bed, I tug on a pair of trousers followed by a clean t-shirt and I’m ready to go.

  “Is that it? Is that all you do in the mornings?”

  “What? I had a shower and brushed my teeth, too.”

  “It should be illegal to look that good with that little effort.”

  “What should be illegal is any other man getting to see just how hot your arse is in this dress.” I pull her to me and squeeze it hard.

  “Ow,” she complains.

  “Nice try. We both know you loved it. Now, come on. We can pick up breakfast on the way.”

  She smiles at me before I turn and leave her in the bedroom.

  If someone had told me that I’d wake up feeling this alive, this happy, after the heavy conversations that happened between us last night, then I’d have told them they were an idiot. But that’s exactly how this morning feels, and I know Harlow is thinking the same. It’s right there in her chestnut eyes.

  She feels lighter, having told me everything she went though. I can see it’s no longer resting heavy on her shoulders.

  I’m sure, like me, there’s more to her story. I doubt she was taken in by Bailey’s parents and suddenly had the perfect life.

  “Let’s go then,” I say when she joins me.

  “Shit, I didn’t tidy up,” she mutters, looking around the living area and kitchen at the mess we made last night.

  “There’s always time for that later. Come on, we don’t want you being late.”

  After texting Laura an order, we make a quick pit stop at her diner to collect it before heading further into town. Harlow directs me toward the Corporate Cares offices and points to her parking space once I’m there.

  “What are you doing?” she asks when I kill the engine and go to get out with her.

  “It’s your car. I’m leaving it with you.”

  “But you work on the other side of town.”

  “It’s fine. I’ll grab an Uber.”

  “Take it.”

  “But—”

  “No buts.” She rests her hand on my thigh, and the heat burns through the fabric of my trousers. “If you’re done in time, come and pick me up, or just message if you’re not and I’ll find another way home.”

  “No, I can’t—”

  “Corey,” she snaps, effectively cutting off my argument. “Just do it.”

  “Okay,” I mutter, knowing full well that I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure my afternoon client is done in plenty of time to collect her. I refuse to take her car and force her to find another way home. Plus, if I’m honest, I don’t want her going home. I want her with me.

  A trickle of concern runs down my spine that I’m about to turn up to find myself evicted any day now and that I won’t have a home to take her back to, but I push it away, just like I’ve done for the past few weeks.

  “You okay?” she asks, clearly noticing the change in me.

  “Yeah, just looking forward to picking you up later.”

  “Oh yeah? Got big plans, have you?”

  “I might have.” It’s a lie, I’ve planned nothing. But there’s plenty of time to do so.

  She smiles at me. It’s so innocent yet full of passion. It totally disarms me.

  Leaning over, I wrap my hand around the nape of her neck and pull her into me.

  “Thank you for trusting me last night.” My lips brush against hers as I say the words.

  “You too.” Her hand lands on my shoulder and she tugs to close the last bit of space between us. I know she wants to kiss me, but equally I know she wants to end the conversation.

  I heard the pain in every word she said last night. I know how hard it was for her to tell me.

  Do I feel guilty for not returning the favour and telling her the most painful part of my past? Hell yeah. But equally, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to say the words. I’ve never explained it to anyone. The only people who know about the tragedy are those who were around at the time. Even all these years on, the pain is just too much. Merely thinking about it shreds me.

  “I finish at five. But no pressure. If you can’t make it back, just give me the heads up, yeah?”

  “I’ll be here.”

  “Okay. See you then.”

  She hesitates to get out of the car. It’s not until I laugh at her for hovering that she finally pushes the door open and walks towards the building. I watch her every movement, my eyes locked on her arse as it sways.

  Before she disappears through the main doors, she turns and gives me a smile and wave. I return the gesture before reversing her car from the space.

  I shake my head. Colton might have had a point the other night. Fucking voodoo pussy messing with my head and making me picture things I’ve always told myself weren’t for me.

  Suddenly thoughts of tomorrow aren’t so scary.

  Making the most of having a vehicle, I run a few errands and do a little grocery shopping before making the trip I’m dreading… to my letting agent.

  I pull up out the front of their shop and kill the engine. I’ve been here countless times, trying to buy myself some more time. They were slightly lenient to start with, but I know this is it. That final eviction notice is more than enough evidence. It doesn’t stop me blowing out a large breath and pushing the car door open.

  Before, I might have been okay with living in my room at the studio. But it’s not just me now. I need to think of Harlow. My priorities ar
e a little different all of a sudden.

  I want to be the man she deserves if we’re going to be continuing with whatever this is that I refuse to label. I want to be someone she can be proud of. I want to have a place where she can stay the night and can enjoy spending time in.

  Shaking my head at myself and how things can change so fast, I walk into the shop.

  “Mr. Edwards, how lovely to see you,” Chris, the guy who’s been dealing with me announces as I walk towards his desk. “What can I help you with?”

  I take a seat when he gestures for me to do so.

  “I need to come up with a plan. I can’t lose the flat. Not now. I’ve got a little money from last month. It’s not the whole amount but—”

  “No need. Your account has already been settled,” Chris says, his brows drawing together in confusion as he looks at his computer.

  “I’m sorry, what?” My brows crease as I lean towards him, thinking I misheard.

  He clicks about on his computer for a few seconds before nodding.

  “Full payment plus six months of advanced rent was made this morning. Look.” He spins the computer screen to show me.

  I stare at the four little letters in red and confusion washes through me. Paid.

  “But how? I don’t have that kind of money. If I did, I’d have sorted this out weeks ago.”

  “I don’t know. There’s no name attached.”

  I sit back in the chair and let his words register in my brain.

  My account’s been paid.

  But no one knew about this.

  No one would…

  Unless they’d seen the letter.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Harlow

  The second I get in the building, I pull my cell out and find the number for the letting agent. I have no doubts this time as I connect the call and put my cell to my ear.

  It rings a couple of times before someone answers. My heart hammers in my chest, but I know I’m doing the right thing.

  “Hi, I’d like to make a payment on an account,” I say to the cheery woman on the other end.

  “Okay, great. Do you have any of the account details?”

  “Um, no. I have the address of the apartment in question, if that helps.”

  “Sure.”

  Between us we eventually figure it out, although she’s very professional and doesn’t divulge any of Corey’s information. By the time I hang up, all I know is how much in rent arrears he was. No longer. I’ve secured him a home and hopefully taken a weight off his mind for a while.

  Something inside me aches to do more, to turn that empty and cold apartment into a home, but I know I might have already overstepped the mark. He could either be really grateful for this, or furious. Only time will tell, but I fear doing any more will definitely push him into the latter category. I might not know him all that well yet, but I know he won’t take too kindly to charity, not that that’s what this is. I’m just helping a friend in need. He’s more than welcome to pay me back if he feels the need.

  Feeling better about myself and my good deed for the day, I walk through to my office with a smile playing on my lips. It doesn’t go unnoticed by my colleagues as I pass them.

  After dropping my purse at my desk, I head for a coffee.

  “Good morning,” Rylee sings from where she’s waiting for the machine.

  “Morning.”

  She narrows her eyes at me suspiciously. “There’s something different about you.”

  I’m not naive enough to think that Bailey hasn’t already filled her in with all my Corey gossip.

  “Oh yeah? How so?”

  “There’s a twinkle in your eye. He’s doing good things for you.”

  I bark a laugh. “It could certainly be described that way.”

  “From what I’ve heard, that would be putting it lightly.”

  “Fucking Bailey,” I mutter, much to her amusement. “Is there anything she’s not told you?”

  “Only the things you haven’t told her.” She winks at me as she takes her now full mug from the machine.

  “She’s in so much trouble when she finds a serious guy. I’m going to shout all the details from the rooftops.”

  “Aw, she’s just happy for you. And maybe just a tad jealous.”

  “Just a tad. She’d had Corey locked and loaded as far as she was concerned.”

  “It’s going to take someone very special to put up with her brand of crazy.”

  I snort. “You said it.”

  We switch places so I can make my morning coffee.

  “So, is it serious enough for him to attend your charity auction?”

  “I’ve no idea. I haven’t invited him yet, if that’s what you’re getting at.”

  “You should. Colton and Austin will be there, so he’ll have people to talk to.”

  “I’ll see. I’m not sure getting dressed up in a tux and making small talk is really his thing.”

  “You think it’s Colton’s?” I shrug, because I know from first-hand experience just how easy he makes all the schmoozing look.

  “He’s a natural.”

  “Years of practice. Invite him,” she says before moving toward the door when Teddy, our boss, pokes his head in.

  “You ready, Ry?”

  “On my way. Give us an hour and then come join us to go through the final details, yeah?”

  “Sure thing.”

  I make my coffee and head for my desk to get all of those details together.

  I’ve been working on this almost since my first day. It’s like my baby, and I’m terrified that I’ve missed something or that something is going to go horribly wrong at the last minute.

  I’ve got a couple of incredible celebrity guest speakers—Colton Donavan included. I’ve managed to sell tables to some insanely wealthy and influential people, all of whom I hope will be more than generous on the night as they bid on the vast range of donated items. They range from a case of champagne to a two-night stay in a private château in the Loire Valley in France.

  I shake my hands out as nerves hit me. I’ve never organized something so big before and although I’m confident that I’ve covered all angles and thought of all the potential downfalls, my fear is still there, niggling that it’s not going to be successful.

  By the time my hour comes to an end, I’ve got everything ready to go. I’m over-prepared, I know I am, but my need to prove myself and this event gets the better of me.

  With my clipboard with all my handouts under my arm, I make myself a fresh coffee and head for the conference room.

  I knock before Teddy calls for me to join them.

  Pushing the door open, I’m relieved to find it’s just him and Rylee waiting for me. It’s what I was expecting, but there was a part of me that was worried I’d have more eyes on me.

  “Come and grab a seat, Harlow,” Teddy says softly as Rylee smiles at me.

  This kind of thing used to fall on her shoulders. I’m certainly feeling the pressure of stepping into her shoes and raising the funds we need to help support our boys.

  “Right, hit us with the details.”

  I talk through my schedule for the night, how I’ve arranged the rooms we’ve hired, and the costs versus my projected profit based on the rough figures each auction lot should bring in.

  “Harlow, this is incredible,” Teddy says, pride oozing from his kind face.

  “T-Thank you.”

  “It looks like you’ve got it all covered. But if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call me,” Rylee says encouragingly.

  “I will, thank you so much. I think—” My words are cut off as the conference room door behind me flies open.

  The tension in the room changes instantly, and a shiver of fear runs down my spine, but I have no idea why.

  Rylee’s eyes widen in shock for a beat before her chin drops.

  Poor Teddy just looks confused.

  “I’m so sorry, he just stormed past me,” Sandy, our receptionist rushes
out as I shift in my chair.

  I have no idea who I’m expecting to find behind me, although that shiver of awareness should give me a clue.

  Spinning on my seat, I turn to look.

  My eyes lock on to a very familiar face, but I’ve never seen this expression before. The anger laced through every inch of him has dread sitting in the pit of my stomach. His brows are pulled tight, his lips are pressed into a thin line, and his shoulders are bunched with tension.

  “Corey, what’s—” I jump from my seat, desperate to know what’s going on.

  Rylee and Teddy are already both on their feet, waiting to discover what’s about to happen and if they need to get security up here, I’m sure.

  “Please,” his voice is hard and cold. “Please tell me you didn’t. Tell me it wasn’t you.”

  “What… I don’t know what you’re talking about.” My mind spins for what could have made him so angry.

  Then it hits me.

  His rent.

  He knows.

  I swallow nervously, and it’s enough for him to know that I’m guilty.

  “I’m not a fucking charity case, Harlow. You had no right to go behind my back like that. No fucking right, let alone snooping to find out in the first place.”

  “I wasn’t snooping, I—”

  “I don’t care, Harlow. It was out of order. You had no right,” he repeats again, his body almost vibrating with his anger. His hands lift to his hair as he tugs, trying to get himself together.

  “Sir, I think you need to leave,” Teddy says calmly as Rylee comes to stand at my side in support.

  “I’m going,” he spits before turning to the door.

  I race forward, afraid of what this might mean for us.

  “You can pay me back. I just needed to help. You’ve been through so—”

  “No,” he bellows, making me take a step back. “I’ll figure out a way to get it back to you. But we are done here.” He storms through the door and down the corridor. I’m powerless but to watch him leave.

  Inside I scream for him to come back, for him to hear me out, but none of the words pass my lips.