Creed 2: Black Widow

by Phoenix Daniels

  “So, that’s the man that you’ve been running from?” Dean whispered in her ear. “Seems to me you should be running toward him.”

  “Mind your business, Dean,” Bella warned.

  “You are my business, Belladonna. Now, that man is beyond good-looking, he’s well off, and he is really into you. I’ve been watching him. His eyes have followed you around this room all night.”

  “Leave it alone, Dean,” Bella gritted.

  Dean blew out a harsh breath. His frustration was evident. But Bella didn’t insert herself into his romantic life, and she wasn’t going to allow him to dictate hers.

  “He’s not me, Bella. That man is as straight as an arrow. Trust me. I know these things.”

  “Gaydar,” Bella scoffed.

  “Hell, yeah. Trust and believe. If I thought that man had an ounce of sugar in his tank, I would be all over that.”

  Bella frowned at the thought. “Dean, please, shut up.”

  Dean chuckled and draped his arm over Bella’s shoulder. He pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “I love you, girl. I just want you to be happy. You know that, right?”

  Bella relaxed against him. “I know.” She breathed. “And I love you too.”

  LUCAS

  He had introduced himself as a friend of the family, but he was all over Bella. Everything in Lucas was telling him to go and yank Bella out of her seat. But, then, everyone would think that he was insane. It was becoming clear that this Dean guy was more than just a friend. Lucas could see the guy’s love for Bella in his body language. He pulled his cell phone out of his Jacket pocket and text Taylor.

  Who is this guy?

  Lucas looked down the table. Taylor was grinning at her phone. Seconds later, Lucas’ phone buzzed.

  What guy? Taylor text back.

  Lucas looked over at Taylor with narrowed eyes. She raised her hands, feigning ignorance as if she didn’t know who in the hell Lucas was talking about.

  Don’t play with me, Taylor!

  Okay, okay! That’s Bella’s ex-husband.

  Ex?

  Yeah.

  Then, why is he here?

  They’re still friends.

  Friends? They look more than friendly.

  Trust me, Lucas. They’re just friends.

  Lucas stuffed his phone back inside his pocket and looked over at Bella. She was leaning on her so-called ex as he kissed her forehead. No longer wanting to watch the show, he stood suddenly.

  Lincoln looked up at him with a puzzled expression.

  “What’s up, bro?”

  “I’m going to the bar,” Lucas grunted.

  “Oh, good. Bring me back a vodka and tonic.”

  “I looked like a fucking waiter?” Lucas snapped as he walked away.

  He knew that he was taking his foul mood out on his brother, but shit, that’s what brothers were for. He made his way to the bar and ordered himself a shot of Don Julio. He knocked it back and gestured for the bartender to give him another one.

  Lucas wanted Bella, and he could tell that she wanted him to some degree. But, if she was in love with another man, Lucas had no intention of throwing his hat in the ring. He took the second shot and looked around the restaurant. There were plenty of fish in the sea. Maybe he could get drunk, find a hot woman, and fuck Bella out of his brain.

  “I’ll have one of those,” a male behind Lucas said.

  When he turned around, he was face to face with Bella’s ex-husband.

  “Give him another,” Dean told the bartender.

  Lucas stood to his full height and looked the man in his eye. He was smiling, so he didn’t expect trouble. But, if there was to be trouble, Lucas was more than ready.

  Getting right to the point, Dean asked, “So, you got a thing for Bella?”

  “Is that a problem?”

  Dean chuckled softly. “Not with me. I can see you two together.”

  Lucas’ brows furrowed. He didn’t quite understand what was happening. “Do you still love her?” he asked, pointedly.

  “I do,” he admitted, but he dropped his head as if he was sad.

  Lucas really wanted to know the dynamic of their relationship. And, just as he was getting ready to ask, the bartender sat two shots in front of them. Dean picked up the shots and handed one to Lucas.

  “Down the hatch,” he toasted before taking his shot.

  Lucas took his shot and slammed the glass on the bar. “So, if you still love her, how can you see us together?”

  “I’m gay, Lucas. I love Bella with all my heart, but I can’t deny who I am.”

  Lucas was stunned. He would have never guessed that Dean was gay. To be honest, he didn’t fit Lucas’ stereotypical idea of a gay man. He looked more like an NFL player.

  “When Bella and I got married, I was totally in love with her. I dreamed of having a normal life, including a family. The only problem was there was nothing normal about me. I strived to be a good husband. I fought to be straight. But, in the end, I am who I am. And, after coming to that realization, I hurt Bella more than she’d ever been hurt before.”

  “Awe, shit, man.” Lucas breathed.

  The thought of the pain that Bella must’ve felt was distressing. It was no wonder why she was constantly running from him. She had to have major trust issues with men and relationships in general.

  “Is she still in love with you?” Lucas had to ask.

  “Naw. She doesn’t love me in that way. But she is the only family that I have left. So, you should know that if you do get involved, I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Fair enough. But, if we do get together, you’ll have to keep your mouth off of her.”

  Dean’s eyes lit up with amusement. “I’ll do my best.” He chuckled.

  “Naw, fuck your best. Keep your lips to yourself.”

  Dean laughed and patted Lucas on the shoulder. “Don’t get ahead of yourself,” he uttered. He tossed a fifty on the bar and walked away.

  Lucas went back into the dining room and searched for Bella. He found her chatting it up with Taylor. Taylor was laughing, and Lucas would bet that she was ratting him out about his text messages.

  He maneuvered around the tables and made his way over to the ladies. Bella smiled, and Lucas was astounded by her beauty. Bella didn’t smile much. Well, not around Lucas anyway. But, when she did, she was blindingly beautiful. Her natively, reddish complexion was glowing. She had her long, black hair pulled into a high pony that hung down her back. And so tempting was her lean but femininely curvy body was in the black, strapless dress. The more he looked at her, the more he had to have her. And, before the night was over, he would.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  TAYLOR

  “I still can’t believe that you brought Dean to block for you,” Taylor said through laughter.

  “It didn’t work,” Bella scoffed. “That traitor introduced himself as a friend of the family.”

  “Girl, you need to stop fighting it. You have been watching that man all night.”

  “What? Girl, please,” Bella protested. “No, I wasn’t.”

  “Lies! And what was that shit you were pulling with Jack?”

  Bella laughed. “I was just fucking with your friend.”

  “Shi-id. You might have turned her on.” Taylor giggled.

  “Girl, bye.” Bella sneered with a roll of her eyes.

  Taylor stopped laughing as if something behind Bella had captured her attention. ”Heyyy, Lucas,” Taylor practically sang.

  Bella reluctantly turned around. For most of the night, she’d been able to avoid his seductive glare.

  “Bella, have I mentioned how beautiful you look tonight?”

  “No, but thank you,” Bella replied coolly.

  Taylor could sense Bella’s relief when Lucas turned his attention to her.

  “Are you enjoying your birthday?”

  “I am,” Taylor beamed.

  And she really was. Taylor loved celebrating with her friends and family. Their presence
provided the greatest of distractions. She hadn’t thought about Rosemary’s return in hours. And, admittedly, watching Bella squirm around Lucas was strangely entertaining.

  “Bella, can I have a word?” Lucas requested.

  Bella nodded and smiled. But, behind her smile, Taylor saw anxiety. And she understood why. Taylor could only imagine, not only the pain of learning that her husband was gay, but it also had to be a major blow to her ego. However, she did want Bella to be happy again. She wanted Bella to face her fear and allow someone in. If not Lucas, then some other deserving man.

  Lucas possessively placed his hand in the small of Bella’s back. He was prepared to lead her away. But, before he could, Dean walked up and handed Bella a glass of white wine. Taylor could see Lucas’ disappointment and Bella’s relief.

  “I’m so sorry, Bella. Something has come up, and I have to go.” Dean turned to Lucas, smiling conspiratorially. “Lucas, do you think you can drive Bella home for me?”

  Bella’s mouth flew open, but she said nothing. Taylor pressed her lips together and struggled not to laugh at her friend.

  “Go, and take care of your business. It would be my pleasure to see Bella home.” He turned to Bella with a smirk. “My pleasure,” he mouthed.

  Bella’s lips quivered as if she was attempting to speak, but Dean leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’ll catch up with you later,” he said before walking away, leaving Bella with her mouth open.

  “Well, since we’re gonna be alone in the car, I guess our talk can wait until later.”

  Bella’s mouth was still open when Lucas strolled away. Once the coast was clear, Taylor burst into laughter.

  BELLA

  Bella thanked the manager for the disc and crept toward the door. Her plan was to sneak out of the restaurant and walk around the corner to request an Uber. When she stepped outside, the cool night air kissed her face. Bella took a deep breath. But, before she could exhale, she heard…

  “Going somewhere?”

  She turned to her right to find Lucas leaning against the brick wall. “I don’t wanna be a bother. I can hop in an Uber.”

  “It’s no bother at all, Bella. I’d be happy to take you home,” Lucas assured with a sexy smirk. “As a matter of fact, here we are now.”

  Just as Bella looked up, a valet pulled a black Land Rover to the curb.

  “Shall we?” Lucas offered.

  With his hand pressed to her back, he ushered her to the SUV. A surge of heat traveled throughout her entire body. Bella wouldn’t dare try to deny her attraction to Lucas. In fact, she was more than attracted to him. She would even venture to say that she was captivated.

  Bella allowed him to help her inside the vehicle. She watched as he walked around the front of the SUV. Lucas walked with a self-assuredness that most didn’t possess. He had more of a strut than a walk. He was extremely handsome. And, judging by the confident way he carried himself, he knew it.

  Lucas climbed into the vehicle and looked over at Bella. “Seatbelt,” he ordered with a smile. “It’s the law.”

  “I know the law,” Bella muttered as she fastened her seatbelt.

  When Lucas turned the ignition, Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” blared from the speakers. He quickly turned down the volume and apologized. Bella nodded, but she didn’t mind. The song happened to be one of her favorites.

  Lucas pulled away from the curb. The traffic was light, so getting home shouldn’t take long.

  “Bella, there is something I need to know before I take you home.”

  Bella looked out of the window and prepared herself for an inquisition. Surely, there was going to be more questions about why she didn’t want to get involved with him. Shit, at that point, Bella didn’t even know. Could she simply admit that she was afraid?

  “What is that you want to know?”

  He graced her with a sexy, lopsided grin and responded with, “Your address.”

  Bella laughed out loud and rattled off her address. Thankfully, on the way to her house, they enjoyed a light-hearted conversation, which did not include a proposition. Maybe he’d gotten tired of chasing her. Maybe he’d given up. For some reason, Bella was not celebrating the possibility.

  After an awkward moment of silence, Lucas pulled over. His eyes were filled with sympathy when he turned to face her.

  “What are you doing?” Bella asked him. “What’s wrong?”

  “I had a talk with Dean,” Lucas admitted.

  “And?”

  “And he told me that he was gay.” His tone was low, and his voice was filled with compassion.

  Bella couldn’t believe Dean’s nerve. He’d had no right whatsoever to tell Lucas her business. Bella was sick of him and everyone else telling her what they thought she needed.

  Bella threw her head back on the headrest and grunted. The last thing that she needed was pity from Lucas. “Drive the car.” Bella’s voice had come out hoarser than she’d expected.

  “Bella, listen. I—”

  “Lucas, drive the car,” Bella gritted.

  Bella knew exactly why Dean was constantly interfering in her life. He needed to quell his guilt for leaving her to be with men. He wanted desperately for Bella to find a man…any damn man.

  Thankfully, Lucas shifted into drive and pulled off. The drive to Bella’s house was painfully silent. When Lucas turned on down her block, she was instantly relieved. She didn’t want to have a conversation. She didn’t feel the need to explain herself.

  Lucas parked in the driveway. The burning sensation on the side of her face was an indication that he was looking at her. But Bella ignored his gaze and pretended that undoing her seatbelt was a consuming task.

  “Thanks for the ride,” Bella muttered.

  Bella grabbed her purse from her lap and climbed out of the Land Rover. Without looking back, she hurried up the driveway. She was pulling her keys out of her purse when she heard his car door open and close.

  Bella rushed up the steps to her porch. As she fumbled to get the key in the lock, her skin began to tingle, which was always a sign that Lucas was close. Bella unlocked the door, took a deep breath, and turned to face Lucas. She came face to face with his solid chest. He was even closer than she’d thought.

  Bella raised her chin to look him in the eye. “Lucas, I don’t need you to see me in.”

  “Do you love him,” Lucas asked.

  Bella’s eyes widened. She definitely wasn’t expecting the query. “What?” Bella gasped.

  “Are you still in love with Dean?”

  Bella tried to step back, but her getaway was obstructed by the door. “Lucas, not that it’s any of your business, but no. I’ve been over Dean for a long time.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Of course, I’m sure.” Bella sneered.

  Lucas’ eyes narrowed as his gaze roamed Bella’s face. He smiled seductively and leaned closer. Bella fought for the strength to resist and turned her head.

  “Why do you fight, Bella? I know you want me,” Lucas whispered against her neck.

  His breath was warm and sweet. It was undeniable, Bella wanted his mouth on her; on all of her. But she didn’t trust him. She didn’t trust any man. In Bella’s experience, they didn’t even trust themselves to know who they were or what they wanted. Bella didn’t believe that all men questioned their sexuality, but unless they confessed, there would be no way for her to know their truth.

  “Bella, I can imagine how—”

  “You can’t imagine shit!” Bella snapped. “Lucas, you don’t even know me. But you think you know how I feel? So, you know how it feels to have your husband come home and tell you that he would rather be with a man than you? Do you know what that does to a woman?”

  The tears that burned in Bella’s eyes made her furious at herself for breaking down in front of Lucas. She swiped at the one that had escaped. “I have made it very clear that I wasn’t interested. So, why don’t you just leave me alone? Okay, Lucas? Leave me the fuck alone!”


  Although her tears had blurred her vision, Bella looked him square in the eye. She was sure that she had finally gotten her point. Lucas narrowed his eyes and grabbed her by the chin. His eyes burned with what looked like rage, and his expression was almost menacing. She’d finally pissed him off?

  With his fingers pressing into her skin, he pulled her face closer to his. “You talk too fucking much,” he seethed.

  Before Bella knew it or could do anything about it, Lucas slammed his lips against hers. Bella’s back hit the door. But she didn’t feel pain. She felt overwhelmed. His lips, the way he tasted, his sweet, masculine scent, the way it engulfed her, had rendered Bella immobile.

  She gasped. And when her lips parted, Lucas took advantage. He licked the seam of her lips and eased his tongue inside. He teased her tongue with his, and Bella allowed her tongue to reciprocate. She couldn’t help the moan that escaped as fire ignited her core.

  Lucas released her face and placed his hand behind her head. He was making love to her mouth; making her forget all of her fears. Tearing through her force field was what his passionate kiss was doing to her. Bella snaked her arms around his neck and slid her fingers through his silky hair. The sound of her own moans resonated in her in her head. Bella pushed her throbbing nipples against his hard body, but she simply couldn’t get close enough. Lucas palmed her ass and pushed his rock-hard manhood against her softness.

  Lucas, lacking any mercy whatsoever, tore his lips from Bella’s. “Open the door,” he growled.

  Bella reached behind her body and fumbled around until she found the doorknob. When she turned it, the weight of her body caused the door to fling open. She stumbled, but Lucas caught her and lifted her off of her feet. The hem of Bella’s dress rose above her thighs when she secured her legs around his waist. Lucas carried her inside and kicked the door closed with his foot. Without the aid of light, he carried her to the middle of the living room floor. He dropped to his knees and gently laid her down on the carpet. The small amount of light coming in through the windows allowed Bella a glimpse into Lucas hungry, emerald eyes. She saw desire. If nothing else, she could tell that it was her Lucas desired.