Flawed (Imperfectly Perfect Book 1)

by Lym Cruz

“I’m not upset Melissa,” Ezra said all of the sudden. “I want us to be friends. I’m happy for you no matter who you’re with.”

  My heart ached a little for him. “Thank you and I’d like us to continue being friends, too.”

  “Of course.”

  At least I hadn’t lost a friend. We moved to the rhythm with ease as we always did with Andrew’s eyes were still on us. On me.

  I saw a couple approach Andrew and they started a conversation. He responded but his eyes never left me. When the song was near to the end, Andrew summoned with his head. A light rapid beckon. When the last string of the song played, I thanked Ezra for the dance and took off.

  The woman Andrew was talking to was a spitting image of Ashlyn. Everything from height, body, hair, to the blue shade of their eyes. No introductions were needed.

  “She is hurting you should reconsider. She…,” the woman said and then fell silent noticing my arrival.

  Andrew offered me his hand and pulled me to his side. “Melissa these are the Oxleys—Ashlyn’s parents.”

  As I thought. I nodded.

  “I’m sorry, Stella, but there is nothing to reconsider. Excuse us,” Andrew said curtly.

  I grinned on the inside so hard, I thought somehow the light of my grin would shine through me. It was clear what they wanted, Andrew to reconsider, fortunately for me, it wasn’t going to happen.

  The band stopped playing and a tap on the mic forced us all to whip our heads in the direction of the stage. David’s mother greeted everyone and asked us to take our places because we would have a special moment.

  All the guests hurried to their tables and the lights went dim. It was almost dark and then a big white, projector screen awakened. Pictures of David as a young boy popped up first. The entire room awed aloud, me included. He was a cute kid. Then pictures of Erica at about the same age showed up. I chuckled. Her eyes were even bigger back then. A female voice then began narrating as the slides changed.

  Andrew shifted his chair closer to mine, brought his lips close to my ear and whispered, “You’ll have to be quiet, okay?” His tongue traced the shell of my ear. It felt like every cell and hair on my body stood awake, straining towards him.

  “What for?”

  “Stay still.”

  His hand slid up under my dress. I squeezed my thighs not letting him go higher, surprised by his audacity. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  “Let go, Mel,” he bit my earlobe.

  I glanced to my right and then left. Everyone was focused on the presentation. The logical part of me told me not to do it, but my libido was saying go for it. Resisting Andrew took an impossible amount of energy and I wasn’t willing to put up a fight.

  Andrew waited until I loosened my muscles, then his hand slithered higher until he reached the hem of my panties. My belly trembled and I felt myself growing wet. He pulled my underwear to the side and gently brushed the apex of my thighs. I bit my lips clenching my eyes at the sensation of the first contact of his skin with my sensitive area.

  Andrew’s fingers ran lower, gathered some of my hot fluids and brought it up, concentrating his attention in small circles that left me gasping and clutching his leg. I parted my legs wider because I wanted more. Andrew delivered faster and more intense strokes, stimulating even further. Pushing me to an overwhelming arousal.

  Vaguely, I heard laughter around us. I was aware that we were in public, but I didn’t want him to stop—not now anyway. Andrew leaned down to kiss the curve of my shoulder, drawing his lips up the side of my neck.

  “I wish you were alone and you were completely naked, spread wide open for me. I’d watch you squirm until you’d come apart with my touch.”

  His words forced a weak moan out of me. My heart was drumming hard in my chest; I could feel it in my throat. I fought to contain my breathing by taking in deep breaths but it wasn’t helping. I couldn’t hold on any longer. I wanted to scream but I couldn’t. I dug my fingers into Andrew’s skin, raveling on the delicious awareness. My legs shook as the overpowering pressure built through my hip. My thighs. My stomach. My entire body.

  “Andrew,” I repeated his name over and over as low as possible. I tensed and bent forward allowing the ripple effect of the orgasm to settle. There was laughter again, everyone seemed oblivious to what was going on beneath the table.

  “I’m right here. Always will be.”

  I relaxed and leaned back on the chair until my ragged breathing evened.

  He slowly removed his hand from between my legs and placed his fingers on my lips. “Suck,” he commanded with a rough voice.

  I opened my mouth and licked his fingers, tasting the saltiness of my arousal. Then Andrew replaced his fingers with his mouth. The kiss was quick. I tried to hold on but he pulled back.

  “To be continued,” he murmured against my lips, placing his arm around me. I leaned on his shoulder and rested there completely sated, watching the rest of the slideshow.

  “Mel,” I heard Andrew’s voice as he shook my shoulder. “Wake up.”

  I sat up straight and all I could hear was noise, lots of it. I blinked a few times realizing that we were still at the party.

  I fell asleep. No way!

  “Don’t worry,” Andrew said, “You’ve only slept for about two minutes.”

  Yeah right. I gave him a look and he chuckled. “You let everyone watch me sleep.”

  “You’re beautiful even when you sleep.” He flashed a fully teethed smile and handed me a glass of orange juice. “I’ll be right back and then we’ll leave.”

  I nodded, sipping from the glass and noticed that I was sitting alone. Erica was running around from side to side. I almost felt bad for her, she must have been exhausted, and Christina was nowhere to be seen.

  I took out my cellphone, going through it not looking for anything in specific, hoping time would zoom by. Then I decided to open a social media account on Andrew’s app. I was never into the whole ‘live your life online’ thing. I enjoyed my privacy but it wouldn’t hurt to see what the fuss was all about.

  When I heard someone clear their throat, I peered up and saw Mrs. Oxley.

  “May I have a word?” she asked politely.

  Letting go of an audible and annoyed breath, I put my phone away.

  “Do I have a choice?” I answered

  She took a seat next to me. “Look, I know you and Andrew are together for now, but you must see that he belongs with Ashlyn.” I rolled my eyes. This is really getting old. “They’ve been together for a long time and relationships have troubles. They’re going through a difficult phase and I think you should give them space to sort it out.”

  “It’s funny how all of you want what’s best for Andrew, but no one respects his wishes. He’s over your daughter. Move on. There are plenty of single and wealthy men around here. Pick another for Ashlyn, Andrew’s unavailable.”

  “She doesn’t want anyone else. She wants Andrew. They fight and break up, but always end up together. It’s best for you to back out before you get hurt. I’m just trying to help you.”

  I stood, pushing my chair back. “Thank you, but I don’t need your help.” Then I walked away.

  I was in such a good mood only to have this woman bring it back down.

  Did they believe their words would intimidate me? Did they really believe I would let go of Andrew because they asked? I was done for the night.

  Andrew was outside talking to Rob and Dave. I rushed over to them.

  “I want to leave, Andrew. Now,” I said harsher than I should have.

  Andrew scowled. “What’s wrong?”

  “Besides your racist mother? Your crazy bitchy ex? And her equally crazy, bitchy mother trying to intimidate me? Nothing. It’s all perfect.”

  “Melissa, what did my mother say to you?”

  “I’m sorry.” I shook my head. “I shouldn’t have said anything now. Can we just leave?”

  “What did she say to you?” Andrew’s lips set to a thin line. />
  “We’ll talk about it at home. This is Erica’s party, not the place for this.”

  Andrew retrieved his car keys from his pocket, placed them on my palm, and spoke in a tight tone. “Go to the car and I’ll be right there.”

  I watched the three of them storm off.

  Chapter 23

  Andrew

  She’d gone too far this time.

  It was one thing attacking me, but to go to Melissa who’d never done anything to her was unacceptable. I’d spoken and argued with my mother about this, and yet she felt she still had a voice in my life. I could take her malicious venom, I was used to it, but I wasn’t about to let her hurt Melissa. Rage and anger coursed through me as I marched back into the hall to find my mother with Dave and Rob at my side.

  The entire clan sat together. My mother and Mrs. Oxley were in deep conversation. My father was with them but absent-minded as to what was being said around the table, and then there was Ashlyn.

  Mrs. Oxley was the first to notice us. She tapped my mother’s shoulder and pointed in our direction. Her happy mien wilted.

  “Andrew,” my mother purred. “How nice of you to finally join your family.”

  “Leave, Melissa, the fuck alone,” I hissed, striving to maintain my voice low. “She and I are none of your damn business. Don’t go near her again. Don’t say another word to her ever again. I want you far away from us.”

  “Andrew, watch your tone,” she said. “I am still your mother.”

  “How dare you insult Melissa?!”

  “Is that what she told you? That I insulted her? It was the other way around she found me in the—”

  The woman was unbelievable. I felt my chest heave heavily with my rough breathing that was aggravating by the second.

  “Oh, spare me! I know Melissa and I know you.”

  “Andrew, she’s trying to drive us apart can’t you see that?”

  “No, I can’t,” I said, involuntarily raising my voice. “The only one who is drifting us apart is you. Can’t you see it? Why on earth do you think Chloe left? It was to get away from you. You’re self-centered, bitter and selfish. You don’t care whether or not I’m happy, all you want is to feed some sick fantasy you’ve created in your mind. The same way you pushed Chloe away, you’re pushing me. This is my life, and just so we’re crystal clear, I’d pick Melissa over you anytime. If you can’t accept Melissa then I can’t accept you either.”

  I stared straight into my mother’s eyes and I could see that I’d struck a chord. Tears were forming, but I was not sorry. In fact, I was relieved. It was never my intention to hurt my mother. I’d attempted to reason with her but it was pointless.

  “Andrew that’s enough,” my father said.

  “I’ve said what I had to anyway.” I shifted and fixed my gaze at Ashlyn and her mother. Both were sitting motionless, curled into each other with their eyes wide open. “That goes for you too.”

  “I’m really disappointed in you Mrs. Malcolm,” Dave said, “I know you don’t like Melissa, but to attack her because of her race, that’s low. Even for you.”

  Looking at the people around the table, I realized two things: First, I could live without all of them as long as I had Melissa. She was all I wanted. All I needed. I’d spent my life around these people and yet none of them had the effect Melissa had on me. Between them and Melissa, there wasn’t even a competition. Melissa was already at the finish line.

  Second, I finally understood my sister. Chloe ran away to be with the man she loved, and she let nothing and no one stand in her way. She did what she had to do in order to be happy and I was doing the same.

  I walked away.

  “I’m proud of you Andy,” Rob laughed, placing his hand on my shoulder and pulled me into a half hug. “I seriously thought you were going to jump on your mother, I swear. It’s like since you met Melissa you’ve turned into some kind of ninja.”

  I pushed his hand off my shoulder with a faint smile on my lips. “Screw you.”

  “You really love this girl,” Dave said. I wasn’t sure if he was asking or affirming.

  “I thought we’d established that by now,” I answered him. David nodded and said nothing more as we made our way to the parking lot.

  Melissa was outside the car, pacing back and forth with her head bowed. She lifted her eyes and our gaze met. She halted and I could tell she was holding her breath. The closer we got the wider her eyes grew. I held her jaw in my hand and said, “Breathe, Mel. Breathe.”

  She expelled the air in her lungs but was restless. I smiled to reassure her that everything was all right.

  “Thank you,” she mouthed, mimicking the smile on my face.

  “No, thank you for existing.” I pulled her into an embrace, wrapping my hands around the back of her head. She relaxed even further and nestled deeper into my arms burying her face against my shoulder.

  The inside of my suit jacket vibrated against my chest, startling Melissa and she pulled back. I took out my phone to read the email I’d received.

  ___________________________________________

  Dear Mr. Andrew Malcolm

  Avlone Tech. has crossed paths with the HoneyApp, your software has drawn our attention and we have a proposition for you. One of our representatives will be in San Diego on the 27th of the current month and we would like to meet and discuss a proposal. Time and location will be discussed upon your confirmation.

  We eagerly wait for your response.

  Thomas Cook

  Head IT Department – Avlone Tech.

  __________________________________________

  “Guys thanks for having my back in there,” I spoke but my eyes were fixed on the phone. “I have to go. Mel needs to rest.”

  “Sure thing,” Rob said, “Take care of our nephew.”

  “Or niece,” I contradicted gazing at the phone.

  “Whatever, man,” David said. I heard their footsteps as they wandered away.

  I forwarded the email to Ricky and got an instant reply from him.

  “What’s so interesting that’s gotten all of your attention.”

  “Do you know why I called our app, HoneyApp?” I stuffed the phone back in my pocket, watching her shuffle through her brain trying to make the connection. Deciding on giving her a few more minutes to think it through, I opened the passenger door of the car and helped her in. I rounded the car and settled into my seat. Gave life to the engine and reversed out of the parking lot.

  “Oh, I get now.” She grinned broadly, light radiating out of her. “Mel means honey.”

  “Took you long enough.”

  “Thank you, that was very sweet of you.”

  “Everything good that has happened in my life has been because of you.”

  “I know, right? You should really thank my parents for my existence.”

  “I’ll remember to do so.”

  All my tension was gone halfway through the drive to her apartment. I filled her in on what was going on with our company. Quite a lot had happened. For starters, we’d found an office space where we were currently working from. It was small, situated downtown, but we didn’t need much space for now. We had a staff of three, five including Ricky and I. Two technicians and our receptionist—Sabrina.

  Our plan was to sell the app and use the money to invest in Malcolm Technology. Someone else might own the app but in the end, what mattered was that our name would forever be linked to it, which was splendid for publicity and exposure.

  “So, um, Andrew, can I still work for you?” Melissa asked, looking down at her hands.

  “Of course, you can. You own twenty percent, remember?”

  Melissa rolled her eyes. “It’s obvious you didn’t use my money. You sold your apartment.”

  “You’re my partner for life, Mel, that isn’t much of an issue.”

  She smiled shyly. “What about Ricky?”

  “I brought in the startup capital and the idea for the app was also mine but he’s the one who’s he
lped develop it. Besides his programming expertise, he’s basically done everything else from finding an office space, hiring, and bringing in clients. It’s only fair that he be partner as well.”

  “Do I get an office?”

  I furrowed my brows, shocked by her boldness. “No! You get a desk.” I knew she wasn’t serious but I had to add, “If you’re lucky.”

  Chapter 24

  Melissa

  I stepped into Malcolm Technology for the first time and was horrified by what welcomed me. Andrew was right, the place was small and plain, boring, white but the chaos was dispensable. By the front door was a reception desk with no receptionist and the phone rang none stop. Piles of papers were dispersed at the desk. They were a technology company why did they have so much paper?

  A short guy in blue jeans, white polo shirt, and black sneakers rushed past me with cables dangling off his shoulders. He didn’t bother to stop and ask who I was or what I was doing there. So, I took it upon myself to continue my tour. I followed him through a short hallway to an open space. If I thought the reception was a mess, their workstation looked like it had been hit by a technological tornado, scattering bits and pieces of computer parts all over.

  “May I help you?” The short guy said, finally acknowledging my presence.

  “Yes, I’m looking for Andrew.”

  “His office is the other way.” He pointed in the direction of the hallway and returned to what he was doing.

  I spun on my heels and strolled in the opposite direction. There were four doors. One was identified as the bathroom and the other three were closed. I knocked on the first but there was no answer. Moving further, I knocked on the next one.

  “Yes,” said a male voice who I was sure belonged to Ricky. “Come in.”

  I pushed the door open and poked in my head. “Hey,” I said.

  To my pleasure, Ricky’s office was neater than the entrance. But then his office was about empty, lacking furniture, embellishments and everything else required to create a mess.

  “My… my.” He smiled. “Look who finally decided to make an appearance.” He pushed his glasses that hung on the bridge of his nose closer to his eyes.