by C R Riley
I fall back and lie on the ground, staring up at the ceiling. It’s probably a really good thing she dismanned me, otherwise I might have done something really, really stupid.
Chapter 23
Larkin
How had I forgotten that I stripped out of my clothing after I walked in earlier? For the record I don’t typical run around the house in my underwear. Today was the exception and I have a really good reason for it.
Construction work can be rather filthy. I don’t always get the opportunity to get my hands dirty. Most of the time I am only present for a portion of the work. This job however is different for many different reasons, some that I don’t always like thinking about, even though in the back of my mind they are all floating around. So that means I am getting a firsthand experience of what a job is like from start to finish.
Today I got the privilege of crawling around the walls—secret passages are often built in these old structures—making sure they were all stable. I even found a few passages not mapped out in the original plans. Some of them were extremely tight spaces that the rather large man accompanying me couldn’t possible fit into. I barely fit, almost got stuck a few times and had to use my climbing skills to get out.
While I found it fun and exciting, there was no way I could leave those space untouched. A child could get hurt playing around inside those areas, so they would have to be widened, reinforced or demolished completely. I hated the thought of demolishing them, but there is no way I can leave them if they aren’t safe. Not only because I didn’t want Isabel finding them and then getting seriously hurt. I didn’t want any child that might one day live in this home with Antonio finding them and getting hurt. (And that is all I am going to say about that, so stop trying to goad me into saying more.)
Meaning I had to go back to the drawing board and study the original blueprints. Map them all out again to make certain they accurately reflect the structure so I can decide what the best way was to tackle them.
When the day was over my jeans and long sleeve t-shirt were coated in grime. Mud, dirt, and cobwebs that had to be decades old, if not older, completely covered me. So instead of tracking all that through the cottage, I stripped them off in the backroom.
I knew the guys, Isaac and Gino, were out doing a security check around the grounds and that they wouldn’t be back for a while. I tossed them in the laundry basket I had brought down earlier without ever once thinking that anyone would see me. Headed to the kitchen and washed my face and hands off so I could get the meat out of the freezer.
I had decided to make lasagna after talking to Antonio’s men. It was something that would keep even if they decided not to join me for dinner. I could freeze it for later in the week when I was too beat to cook.
I had also turned on the stereo right after my hands were washed, needing some up beat tunes. The house was too quiet and I was starting to get lonely. So, I chose an artist that would bring my spirits up, turned it up loud because I could. Then I began pulling out everything I needed just to make sure I didn’t have to make a run into town.
Once I was done, I headed for the stairs so I could wash all this grime off me before cooking. Imagine my surprise when I ran into a brick wall. Without taking the time to let my mind recognize who it was, I just reacted. Did what I was instinctively trained to do and brought my knee up hard, making a very solid connection with someone’s groin.
It wasn’t until I watched the man crumble to the ground, saw those brown gorgeous eyes staring up at me, that my brain registered it was Antonio. The grimace on his face did not match the sparkle in his eyes. The way his body was protecting those royal jewels I just crushed, did not at all seem to make that heat inside of them fade.
His words, “Leave us,” came out sounding choked and forced.
I felt so bad. Knew I had caused some damage and really prayed it wasn’t serious. Hoped I didn’t break him down there, although at the time that had been my intention.
I had completely forgotten I was standing there in a pair of black boy cut panties. They were the seamless kind that absorbed sweat and set low on my hips, ending straight across the tops of my thighs. At least I had a sports bra on instead of a regular one. Both were my standard undergarments when I was working on site. I dressed for comfort all the way around when I knew there was a chance, I might need to do some climbing, crawling and lots of bending.
Therefore, when he told me he was fine and that I should probably grab some clothes, I thought I was going to die.
“Snap. Crackle. Pop.” I uttered embarrassed as I darted for the stairs, taking them two at a time.
Now I was about to head back down to face the man that I not only gave a good kneeing to, but also a PG style peep show. I’m not sure a man has ever seen me in my underwear before. I mean because there are plenty of perverts out there, who I can only imagine, have used their skills to peep at me through a window a time or two during my days in Chicago. I’m pretty sure the guy across the way had his telescope aimed at my bedroom window. But I have never intentionally showed a man mine before. Antonio has now seen them twice, both times were unplanned and equally embarrassing.
Dressed in a pair of loose gray cotton shorts and a pink t-shirt, I make my way back down. I left my hair loose, still wet. I didn’t want to waste more time than necessary for two reasons. The first being I wanted to check on him and make sure he didn’t need me to do something, not sure what exactly. And the other being that it has been way too long since I’ve seen his face, kissed his lips, wrapped my arms around him and took a really good whiff.
I find him seated in the living room area with a bag of ice pressed to his groin area. He has his legs spread wide, and by the grimace still pasted on his lips, I know it really hurts.
“Hi.” I bite my lip as I step into the room.
Gino steps out from the kitchen carrying a glass of water and a couple of pills. “Remind me never to sneak up on you Miss. I’m rather fond of my manhood.”
“Well at least we know that is one less thing we are going to need to teach her. She will unman a potential threat before he even sees it coming.” Isaac is leaning up against the doorframe leading back towards the security office. “Well done Miss. Worst pair of blue balls I’ve seen in a while.”
“I didn’t … I mean how was I to know … were they really blue?” I take the water and pills from Gino.
Gino is chuckling. “We don’t know for certain. Not like we actually took a peek. I’m sure when he takes a piss there will be a little blood. Blue balls, is more a reference to the condition we found him in after you left. Nice set of knickers by the way.”
“Gino.” Antonio growls his name.
“I do believe you were in agreement Sir. Thus, the reason for those blue balls.” Again, he chuckles and I begin to understand the meaning of his words.
“Stop saying blue balls.” Antonio grunts out slowly. “And you will forget ever seeing Larkin like that. You are dismissed gentlemen.”
Isaac nods and leaves, but Gino turns towards me wearing a smile. “I meant no disrespect Miss. Honestly I was a little surprised to see such a work of art. How long have you had it?”
I instinctively reach around and touch the place on my side where the work of art he is talking about rest.
“Gino. Do you want me to jab your eyes out before I fire you?” Antonio shifts. “Please refrain from discussing it again.”
“You didn’t like it?” He sounds shocked. “Or is it that you’re afraid I’ll tell someone about it. Not my place Sir. I believe Miss Cross put it where she did so she could appreciate it, while keeping it well hidden when needed. I’m sorry if I said something I shouldn’t have, although in my opinion there is no reason to keep it secret. Something like that Miss should be proudly displayed.”
“Thank you, Gino. I got it right before I left Mexico City. It was done on a whim. I saw it in the window when I was passing by and just had to have it. An inspiration I guess you could say. It was sort of freei
ng to me.” I hand Antonio the glass of water and pills. “Plus, the colors kind of spoke to me.”
“What is he talking about? What colors? I only remember black.” He growls again as he swallows the pills.
Gino gestures with his head as if saying he believes I should share. My guess is that Antonio’s mind was focused on two things earlier. His very sore man parts and the fact I had very little clothing on. The fact that it is also on the side that was facing away from him, so when I turned and ran up the stairs, I was probably too fast for him to notice.
I make a quick discussion and lift my shirt on the left side as I spin around. Gino has seen it after all, so it only seems fitting to let Antonio as well. “This.”
It’s not really all that large, probably the size of my hand. Like I told Gino, I got it on a whim. It was the design, along with the beautiful colors, that had drawn me into the tattoo parlor in the first place. Then it was the artist, a woman named Raven, who finally talked me into getting it. She took one look at me and claimed my body as the perfect canvas for that particular piece. When she was finished, I had to agree, I loved it.
Antonio shifts again and groans for I suspect other reasons. His large finger traces the center spine of the colorful feather. The contrast of color against my pale skin makes it look painted on almost and I can sense him studying it closely.
My legs buckle when I feel his lips brush against my exposed skin. And I yelp when my body is being yanked off its feet and dropped into his lap. With one hand firmly on my tattoo still, the other wraps around my neck and draws me to his lips. The kiss we share makes up for all those nights we have spent apart, and has me wondering how I have survived this long without them.
“Hello mi lunaita.” He whispers against my lips. “I’ve missed you.”
“Hi.” I kiss him again softly. “I’ve missed you as well. What a lovely surprise.”
My stomach growls, and he laughs, “Hungry? Perhaps we should put this on hold for the time being and feed you.”
I pull back so I can look at his face. “Do you like lasagna?”
He nods as his hand continues caressing my side. “I also like this. It makes me hungry for other things Larkin.”
His hand on my skin makes me hungry for other things as well, but I know that can’t happen. Therefore, I stand and start walking towards the kitchen, pulling my shirt back over my side. Out of sight, out of mind right.
“Are you going to be okay?” I ask over my shoulder.
A loud grunt comes from behind me as he stands. “Yes. So, what do you need me to do?”
I laugh as I grab a pan and hand it to him. “Put water in this. Fill it three-fourths of the way and then put it on the stove. Turn the burner on high.”
Antonio takes it and walks over to the sink. He does exactly as I instructed him and then turns around to face me. “Done. Now what?”
I add a little water to a skillet so I can brown the hamburger and then place it on the stove. “Do you know how to brown hamburger Your Majesty?”
Large hands encircle my waist as he yanks me back towards him. Dropping his lips to my ear he mumbles, “Antonio. I am always only Antonio to you”, then he nips it slightly. “Yes, I believe I can do that.”
I bump him back and hear him grunt in pain. “Sorry. Are you sure you shouldn’t take a look at it?”
“I did. It’s fine. Everything trust me is working just fine.” He reaches down and shifts things around. “You have quick reflexes.”
I get everything else ready while he browns the meat. Cook the noodles. Make the sauce and pour it over the meat when it is done. Have him grab me a casserole dish and then spray it. Then I assemble the lasagna while he watches me closely. I lick my fingers a few times, not thinking much about it. I typically only cook for myself, so I guess it’s become a very bad habit of mine.
As I am adding the finishing touches and start to do it again, he reaches over and captures my hand. I am about to apologize, until he brings my messy finger to his mouth and sucks off the content instead. “Hum. Good.”
I shiver and he grins like he always does when I do that.
Yanking my hand back I walk over to the sink and rinse them off before shoving the pan in the oven. Setting the timer, I start to gather up all the dirty pans as I fill up the sink. I’m a clean as I go kind of cook.
Antonio grabs a dishtowel and starts drying the items I have washed. “That was fun.”
I grab stuff out of the fridge needed for the salad. “More fun when you have someone to cook for. Will the guys be joining us?”
His answer is quick. “No.”
“Oh.” I pause and look up at him. “Why? There will be more than enough.”
“Because Larkin, I didn’t come up here to eat dinner with them. I came so I could have dinner with you.” He puts the last of the pans away. “They can eat later after we are done if they want.”
“Okay.” I take the salad bowls over to the table and set them down. “So, this is like a date then.”
I feel him behind me before I hear him there. The heat of his body so close to mine that he has mine warming up. “Yes. We are going to do this a lot, these next eight weeks.”
I swirl around. “Eight weeks?”
“Isabel is on summer holiday. You are stuck with me for eight weeks.” He leans down and kisses my forehead. “Can you handle that?”
“You are staying here? In this house? With me?” I know I sound skeptical about that.
“Yes.” He says it so nonchalantly. “The girls will be here Monday, Helena, Beatriz and Isabel. Meaning, we won’t be completely alone, but we will do our best to try and find ways to spend time alone. The private sitting room next to the office may work best.”
I take a step back. “I have to work Antonio.”
He smiles at me. “Yes. I know. You are working on our home and I thought …”
“Your home.” I correct him. “I am working on your home Antonio.”
Sometimes it’s better not to say anything at all, in case you were wondering. This seems to have been one of those times. Correcting him seems to have put him in a state that is reflected not only in his posture but also his voice.
He crosses his arms and slowly breathes in through his nose and out through is mouth. When he finally looks at me again, I realize I am about to get an earful. Fortunately, the timer goes off, giving me the perfect reason to escape.
I pull out two extra plates, placing larger portions on them then I do my own. Adding a little salad to the side and then setting them on a tray so I can carry them to the office area.
I excuse myself as I carry them down the hall to the open office door. “Knock, knock.”
Both men look up from the television they were watching and quickly stand.
“Dinner.” I walk inside and don’t miss the shocked expressions on their faces. “What?”
“You shouldn’t have served us Miss.” Isaac takes the tray from me. “We could have come and gotten it ourselves after you both had eaten.”
I wave my hand at him dismissing his suggestion. “Whatever.”
“He’s right.” Gino takes one of the plates and sits back down. “You are not supposed to wait on us. We are here to serve you Miss.”
I cross my arms letting them know I don’t agree. “Why? Because I am dating your King?”
They both nod their heads several times as they take a bite and make very satisfied faces.
Isaac swallows and mumbles. “This is delicious.”
“Thank you.” I stare at them for a moment. “I’m no one special guys. I’m just a woman like most others out there in this big world. I work for a living, thus the reason I am here right now. You’ve both seen me in my underwear for Pete’s sake.”
They both blush and Gino smiles as he speaks. “Yes, but we’ve seen lots of women in their knickers Miss.”
My face must reveal my thoughts about that statement.
“That came out wrong. I mean over the years.” He grun
ts. “I don’t mean any of King Antonio’s women, there haven’t been any besides you Miss, not since I’ve worked for him. I meant in general terms. Isaac I’m sure was privileged to …”
“Shut it Gino.” Isaac cuts him off. “Antonio doesn’t make it a habit of getting his women in their knickers. His father however I believe was going for a record of some sort. I had to interrupt him a time or two.
“Now this business about you not being special, not true. I’ve been around a while Miss. Seen my share of things over the years. What you have with the King, it’s a rare thing indeed. Not very many people find what you have, less so in this tight community. While I understand this is all new to you, you also need to start understanding the role you will one day take part in. I do believe that you Miss will make a very fine one and I will gladly serve you when the time comes.”
“Please don’t.” I close my eyes and rub my forehead. “One day at a time. That’s how I make it through all this without getting sent off to the nuthouse. One day at a time.”
They both respond in unison, I know they weren’t being ostentatious to make a point, but their words hit me hard no matter. “As you wish.”
The same stupid response they give Antonio. I spin angrily and stomp down the hall back to the kitchen. When I get there, I find him in the same stance he was when I left and right now, I am in no mood to deal. I ignore him as I grab our plates and then carry them over to the table and place them firmly down.
As I am taking my own seat, I give a few orders of my own. “Sit down and shut up.”
Antonio’s expression fades slightly as he takes his seat. “Grace?” He cautiously asks me.
I take his hand and bow my head while he gives thanks, but as soon as he is finished, I tug my hand free and start eating.
It is quiet. The only noise is the clinging of our forks as they bang against our plates.
