by A H S Salt
“Cillian, there is clearly something bothering you?” He gave me an unreadable glance.
“I’m fine,” He said after a long pause.
I narrowed my eyes at him “You’re acting strange” I counted. He laughed it off. Thinking nothing of it I carried on walking to the main entrance.
“Shit” I cursed under my breath, remembering I didn’t grab my keys when we rushed out the night before. I pressed my index finger on my buzzer number to get Macey to allow me entry.
Cillian’s arms flexed around me as if he was shielding me from prying eyes. I frowned, wondering what on earth had him so on edge. He leaned down pressing his cheek against mine, both of us swayed, holding onto each other as we patiently waited to gain access.
“Who is it?” Macey greeted us with a dismissive tone.
“It’s Jessica!” I raised my voice back to her. I bit down on the insides of my cheek, keeping my mouth shut, knowing it would be pointless saying anything else. She was only looking for an excuse to argue.
Macey granted me entry.
With my hands firmly on the glass door, I pushed it open.
Joe was sat at the front desk, with his glasses perched on the edge of his nose as he looked closer to his morning paper. I was irritated with myself that I didn’t just wave till I grabbed his attention to allow us in. He glanced up, smiling. The paper rustled as he folded it placing it on his desk. He slipped his glasses off popping them in his top shirt pocket.
“Morning,” I gushed, flashing him my biggest smile, as we made our way through the lobby.
“Morning Jessica.” His voice was louder than expected. He always called me by my surname it was nice to hear him greet me so casually. Always so happy and upbeat, I couldn’t help but smile at him each and every time I passed the front desk. He looked to be a family orientated guy. Like he would hide all his worries just to see another person through their hardships.
He greeted Cillian, with a nod.
“Morning” Cillian offered in return, keeping it short and sweet. I could sense Joe was wanting to grab my attention, only having decided against it from seeing Cillian with me. He was more of a one on one type of guy, he would no doubt wait until I was alone before asking how I was.
I began having second thoughts, as we waited for the elevator to open. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea for Cillian to come up with me after all.
“You don’t have to come up.” I leaned forward pressing the button again, willing for it to hurry.
He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek.
“I’m not letting you go up alone, Jessica. Besides, I promised your brother I would get you home safely.”
I turned to face him “Is that what you two were talking about as he was leaving?” I asked curiously, slipping my hands into the back pockets of his jeans.
The line in the middle of his brows creased, he paused as if he was trying to choose his words wisely.
“Riley knows I’ll always look out for you and keep you safe.”
I smiled.
“Maybe, it’s you that needs saving from me,” I whispered, tilting my chin up.
He kissed me sweetly on the lips.
“This is dangerous Jess! You have no idea what you’re getting into!” He whispered.
“Why?” I questioned, “Because you’re my brothers’ best friend?” I pulled back to watch his face, needing answers. The elevator chimed. I moved to Cillian’s side, to allow space. I was prepared to drop the conversation for the time being.
The doors struggled to open yet again.
I could see there was someone waiting to exit.
The stranger and I locked eyes with one another. The guy Macey brought home for a fuck fest stood before me, giving me a wink, with a hint of amusement in his eye, knowing fine well he had gotten under my skin.
Cillian stepped in front, with his hand held out as if instructing me to stay back. Straightening his body not willing to stand for any of the strangers’ bullshit.
Cillians strapping six-foot build was enough to intimidate anyone, he let it be well known to the guy that he was with me. I rolled my eyes, annoyed that he thought I couldn’t handle him myself. The pretty boy quickly bowed his head, ignoring Cillian as he made his way shamefaced into the foyer.
I turned quickly, anger fuelling me at how cocky he looked. I marched towards him, my face flushed with anger. Only Cillian quickly grabbed me tightly around the waist, lifting me off the ground and back into the waiting elevator before I had a chance to confront the stranger. Before Joe could witness any animosity.
“Cillian! Let me go!” I tried to wrestle free but he wasn’t having any of it.
“Always so feisty!” Cillian acknowledged. He pressed the button for my level, still holding me.
I threw my arm out in frustration “Why did you do that?” That was my only chance of telling the guy what I thought of him and his friend.
“You’re not angry at him Jess. There’s no point in getting upset,” He replied, loosening his grip, releasing me.
I stepped back and leaned against the rear wall of the elevator “I can’t believe she had the nerve to let him stay.” I was confused as to why Macey didn’t get rid of him - after everything that happened.
Was sex more important than our friendship?
“Well, at least it was him and not the other guy,” Cillian interjected. He stepped in front of me and firmly planted a kiss against my temple, his lips against my skin was warm and it had me smiling, releasing the tension from coming face to face with Macey’s boy toy.
The doors opened on my level. I pulled from Cillian’s embrace. He took his position by my side, taking long confident strides alongside me. I reached for the chrome knob of my apartment door. I quickly swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat, feeling slightly nervous.
Stepping into the hall, Cillian closed the door behind me and stood only a few paces from me at all times. I peeked my head into my bedroom, there was no sign of Macey, only my bed sheets all over the place. I scrunched my face up in disgust.
My eyes were drawn to movement coming from my living room, only to see it was Macey marching towards us. Her long raven hair was tied up in a messy bun. Even wearing no makeup her skin was effortlessly flawless.
My hands became clammy at the thought of arguing with my best friend. Something we very rarely do.
“I’m not here to argue.” I held both hands up a little in front of me, to reassure her.
Macey stopped and crossed her arms defensively, she stood wearing nothing but one of my oversized Black t-shirts, thankfully that t-shirt covered a lot more of her than me. I swiped a quick glance to Cillian, curious to see if his eyes would wander over her killer curves and tanned legs like every other man before him.
Only they didn’t.
“Why the need for the bodyguard?” She snapped looking Cillian up and down and not in the way I find myself staring, admiring him. Macey’s was more of a death stare.
Cillian was quick to stand side by side with me.
I looked up at him, his cold gaze was fixed on Macey.
“I’m here to make sure no harm comes to Jessica.” He coldly replied.
My eyes darted to Macey, her face screwed up as if she had just tasted something bitter.
“Harm”? I would never harm Jessica! She’s my best friend!” She croaked out, trying to hold back tears.
Cillian took a step forward, confronting her.
“The guy from last night?” He growled, reminding her.
“What the fuck has it got to do with you?” She argued.
In a fit of rage, she shoved Cillian hard.
He barely budged from her push, which only seemed to rile her up more.
Cillian glared at my best friend, smoldering with anger. “Your reckless behavior put Jessica in danger!”
Standing a foot width apart squaring up to him “It’s none of your fucking business!” She hollered back.
“Macey, stop!” I cautioned. I held he
r wrist hoping she wouldn’t start throwing punches.
My best friend was not one to be intimidated. She stood with confidence as she challenged him, her amber eyes blazing with fury.
“Next time you want to entertain men. Do it elsewhere” He snarled.
“Screw you, Cillian!” Macey snapped.
Defusing the situation. I quickly stood in between them, like a referee at a boxing match. I placed my hand on Cillian’s chest and looked up at him.
“You should go-” I said quietly.
Macey rested her back against the wall, with her arms crossed not caring about invading our space with a smirk plastered over her face as if to say you heard her go!
He glanced at Macey then back to me.
“-Jessica,” He said tightly.
“It’s okay” I whispered.
He leaned down and kissed me gently on the cheek. I was sure he sensed his presence was just winding Macey up more.
“Make sure the door doesn’t hit you on the way out!” Macey’s tone was dripping with sarcasm.
Why does she always insist on getting the last word?
I sharply looked over my shoulder “Mace!” I snapped “You’re not helping! Go and put the kettle on.”
Satisfied with her remark she drew her eyes off Cillian before straightening up and walking away from us.
I drew my attention back to Cillian.
“I’m sorry” I mumbled, humiliated by Macey acting that way towards him.
Changing the subject “I didn’t give you my number.” I quickly added. I paused, patting down my pockets on my Mac, suddenly realizing I didn’t have my phone on me. Cillian reached into the front of his jeans and presented me with my smartphone.
“I turned it off last night so you could sleep,” He held the phone out “I also took the pleasure in adding my number to your phonebook” He added so casually.
I accepted the smartphone from his hands and raised my brows “Smart move!”
He smiled, pulling me closer to him with a firm hand on my ass. “It’s there, just in case you feel like kissing someone other than the guys at my club” He teased.
My brows shot up “Wow” I chuckled “You’re never going to let me live that down are you?” The thought of Cillian having watched me as I made out with a stranger was so embarrassing.
He shook his head “No!” he smiled.
He kissed me on the lips, ever so softly, it was a long lingering passionate kiss that had me weak at the knees. His fingers brushed through my hair, keeping me still so his mouth could delve deeper.
I pulled back after a few lingering seconds, filling my lungs with air.
“I like it when you kiss me” I murmured breathlessly. His kisses were meaningful. It brought a warm blazing heat between my thighs whenever he kissed me.
I stifled a warm, joyful giggle as Cillian gripped me around the waist, smothering me in his hold, guiding me to the front door.
“Good” He breathed into my hair “There’s plenty more where those came from” He stopped suddenly, at the sound of his smartphone pinging. He pulled it out from his pocket and frowned, tapping over his screen, reading over whatever it was that had just been sent.
I freed myself and turned to face him.
“Why do I get the feeling something is wrong?” I asked. His gaze was hard and focused on whatever it was.
An email maybe? A text? Maybe the same person from before.
Whatever it was he was far from impressed.
He rubbed at his neatly groomed beard, still gazing down at his smartphone screen “Just something I have to take care of,”
His smartphone started to ring. He took a breath in and smiled faintly “I really have to take this” He said, kissing me on the top of the head.
“Go” I urged, leaning over and opening the front door “I’ll see you tonight” Someone was clearly trying to get his attention.
“I’ll have more kisses waiting for you” He promised, winking at me while answering the call on his way out.
I chuckled quietly.
1
SCANDALOUS PAST
CHAPTER 7
I shut my front door and rested my back against it. I closed my eyes, as excitement shot through my body.
I stood, grinning just basking in happy silence.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee had my attention. I retreated to the living room. Macey walked out of the kitchen holding two mugs. She looked up and extended her arm offering me one.
“Peace offering,” She said with a petted lip. She knew fine well, she wasn’t out the bad books, but none of us had the energy for confronting one another about her shenanigans.
I accepted the mug from her.
“You’re such a slut” I snorted, unable to stay angry at her. I knew I’d have to talk to her about her behavior with the random men she had been picking up more often than usual. It was easy to push it aside until the appropriate time.
She stared at me with a look of regret in her eyes.
“It won’t happen again, trust me,” She sighed, looking serious. Both of us retreated to the corner couch.
I put my mug down on the coffee table and took my jacket off, tossing it aside.
“Mace, Cillian didn’t mean any harm,” I said softly as we both sat down. Macey cradled her mug, looking downcast “He’s right though. I was reckless” Her lower lip trembled.
“You’re grieving” Pointing out the obvious.
Her father passing away had caused her to build up so much emotional pain. A pain she had kept suppressed for so long.
My best friend shook her head.
“That’s no excuse”
“Your right, it isn’t” Telling her the truth “I also know your dad wouldn’t want to see you so lost and out of control. You need to deal with his death before it destroys you”
“It hurts” Macey crocked “I miss him so much, Jess. It feels like my heart is barely beating”
Tears cascaded down her cheeks.
I looked down, swallowing hard, trying to suppress my own tears from my best friends’ admission.
I couldn’t even begin to fathom what it felt like to lose a parent. I only knew my best friend needed me more than ever to deliver words of encouragement and wisdom.
I shuffled closer.
Macey wiped her tear-stained face trying to hold back from crying anymore.
I held her hand.
“It’s okay to cry, Mace” I soothed. Somehow Macey believed crying showed weakness.
“When you think of your dad. Think of the good times you both had together. Fun times. Those are the memories that will stay with you forever”
A smile almost escaped her “Your right” She whispered, swiping at her tears again.
Having her admit she was reckless was much more than I ever thought was possible. Macey was not the type of person to take responsibility for her wrongdoings, so to have her open up to me about her father too, all in the space of drinking a coffee was a breakthrough. But I also knew my best friend could push away at any given second. I couldn’t risk her feeling any more vulnerable than she already was.
I said nothing more on the subject. I reached for my mug and we both sat in comfortable silence, savoring our coffee. I noticed she had cleaned up. The vanilla candle burning, flickering light on the coffee table reminded me of Cillian. My mouth curved into a coy smile, he had just barely left and I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I edged back, allowing myself to curl up in the corner as I held my mug with both hands allowing myself to get lost in the rollercoaster of memories I had from the little time I had spent with Cillian.
Macey nuzzled closer, sipping her coffee.
I could feel the burn of her stare on me. I looked at her. “What?” I snorted.
“Don’t what me! I need a distraction. I want to know what happened with you and Cillian last night, Spill it!” She demanded. She shifted, tugging her feet under her bottom. I sat up and crossed my legs, making myself more comfortable, u
nable to hold back.
“Remember at the club, you said he looks like he would be a beast in the bedroom?”
She nodded with wide eyes “Yeah”
“Well…..” I took a sip of my coffee, known that the suspense was killing her “He’s a beast in the bedroom” My cheeks flushed from embarrassment. I shared a lot with Macey but never anything as personal as my sex life. It was something I kept to myself but I couldn’t help but share.
“Technically, we didn’t make it to the bedroom but what I had sampled…”
“Ew…too much information, Jess!” Macey said, making a disgusted face.
I chuckled at her discomfort “You wanted a distraction” I reminded her, ignoring her.
“It was good… like really good. But I feel guilty.”
Her brows creased “Why do you feel guilty?” She had always been able to read me better than anyone else I knew.
“Oh, Riley?” She whispered having put two and two together, her face softened to the mention of his name.
“I have no idea as to how he will react to me and Cillian” I sighed.
“He might even think you slept with Cillian to get back at him for the fact he slept with me” She noted.
I nodded in agreeance.
That’s exactly what I had said to Cillian.
“But there’s something about Cillian. It’s not just sex. I’ve always had a thing for him. You know that! With him being best friends with my brother, just complicates things”.
She brushed her fingers through a loose strand of hair that had escaped her high pony.
“You don’t need to tell anyone, Jess. Just have fun and enjoy it! Why does Riley need to know anyway? I mean c’mon you don’t even know what’s happening yet! Wait and see if it goes anywhere, and if it gets serious, worry about it then.” She shrugged.
