Flawless - Manhattan Knights Series Book One

by Sienna Parks

  “Oh, baby. That’s not a threat. I’ll deal with you any time, any place.”

  “Right, let’s go and leave Addi to get ready for what I’m sure will be a lovely evening.” I hug her goodbye while Xander grabs my bag for London.

  “Call me as soon as you land so I don’t worry.”

  I give her an extra squeeze. “Of course I will. Love you, friend. See you next week.”

  “Look after her… or you’ll be sorry.” Xander smiles.

  “Of course. Precious cargo. I’m well aware. Have a good night, and be nice to my best friend. He’s a good guy.”

  We head down to his car and I’m surprised to find no sign of David today. Instead, his pride and joy is sitting on the curb – his Ferrari. He just manages to shoehorn my case inside before opening my door. The car roars to life as we set off to see his parents.

  I’m going to meet Xander’s parents.

  Shit.

  The drive to his parents doesn’t take long, especially the way he drives. I try to take my mind off how nervous I am by asking how he knows Carter. Turns out they’ve been friends their whole lives. Their dads own a very successful law firm together. Their families have always been close so they’re more like brothers than best friends.

  It’s nice to hear him talk about when they were growing up together and all the fun stuff they’ve done. They both went to Columbia, which led to an answer to my question ‘Why were you on campus the day we met?’

  “I was going to meet an old professor of mine. I try to meet up with him at least once every few months. That’s where I was going when you came crashing into my life.”

  I’m so glad I did. I can’t image my life without him. I ponder that as we make our way to Staten Island. Bruno Mars is playing on the radio and I don’t think he realizes that he’s singing along, so I keep quiet, listening to his voice. I’ve always thought it’s pretty sexy when Bruno sings Billionaire, but hearing Xander is infinitely sexier. He has a good voice, deep, breathy, and sinfully sexy. I think I just came a little. Oh. My. God. I have a stupidly goofy grin on my face when he sneaks a glance in my direction.

  “Are you laughing at me? Is my voice that bad?” He’s playing with me. He knows exactly how he affects me.

  “Definitely not. I’ve always thought that song was kinda hot, and you singing it has most definitely secured it as the sexiest song of all time.”

  I thought he was going to be the one laughing at me after that comment, but he doesn’t. He simply keeps singing. I watch and listen, captivated by his voice, the very last line dripping with sex. I feel like I’ve just been seduced.

  I need to get my mind off of Xander and the word ‘fucking’ before I meet his mother. I don’t want to meet her with this buzzing feeling between my legs.

  “Is that your theme tune? Seems fitting.” That gets a laugh.

  “Ha ha. Not quite.”

  “If you can’t joke about being a billionaire, what can you joke about.” I like teasing him.

  “Not what I meant and you know it, Miss Tate.” He squeezes my thigh, sending a jolt of electricity straight to my already throbbing sex. “I just mean - I never wanted for anything growing up. My dad is pretty successful and I’ve always had money available to me. I’m not a rags to riches story. I guess I’m just motivated. I didn’t want to live off my dad. I wanted to make my own mark on the world. I'm not being big headed when I say, I’m very good at what I do and I’ve put in a lot of hard work to get where I am now. I enjoy the game, the risk, the gamble. Plus, it’s nice to be able to share the wealth, you know? I’ve been able to set up charities and invest in projects that give less fortunate kids a chance to make something of themselves and get the support they need to achieve it.”

  Could he be any more perfect? It’s actually sickening. Every time I find out something new about him, he only intrigues me further.

  “It’s even more impressive that you didn’t need to be this driven. You could have lived off your dad’s money but you didn’t. It’s really amazing.”

  “Thanks. What about you? You live in a rather nice apartment on the Upper West Side. What’s your story?”

  “Well, I don’t come from mega-money if that’s what you’re asking. When my dad died, my mom sold our ranch. She kept the money and the insurance policy payout and put it into a trust for me and my sisters. My mom is a pretty successful book editor at one of Manhattan’s biggest publishing houses so she was able to raise us more than comfortably on her salary. I decided to use my inheritance to go to Columbia, and I get to stay in a nice apartment with Addi because her parents are very well off and they pay half the rent. I was reluctant to accept their offer, but they wanted to make sure that we lived in a good area, close to campus. We split the other half of the rent between us. It’s been amazing to focus on my studies without worrying about getting a job during term time. I still worked summers to top up my funds but I’m well aware that they won’t last forever so I won’t be living on the Upper East Side for too much longer. I want to be self-sufficient after I graduate – get a little place of my own that I can afford.”

  “Here’s a question for you. If your mom is so well connected in the industry you want to be a part of, couldn’t you give your manuscript to her to submit?” I give him a disapproving look.

  “You of all people should understand that I want to do it on my own merits. My job at T Magazine will allow me to make my own contacts and learn how the industry works. When I finish my manuscript it will go to someone that I choose, and if they like it, it will be because it’s good.” His grin is huge.

  “I know that. I’m really proud of you for wanting to make it on your own terms. I know you’ll write a New York Times best seller one day. You’re my girl, and you’re phenomenal.” I blush at his words.

  “Thanks. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I might need you to tell me a few times along the way about the whole New York Times thing!” With a chuckle he agrees. We pull up to a huge set of iron gates. They have an intricate design along the top and the view up to the house is stunning. House is playing it down, this place is a mansion, and it’s absolutely gorgeous.

  Xander drives carefully up the gravel driveway, winding its way toward the massive double door entrance, muttering under his breath about the gravel scratching the paintwork on his car. I feel a rush of nerves as he switches off the engine.

  “We’re here. You look like you’re about to vomit. Are you okay?” Silence. “Lily. Look at me.” I manage to pull my gaze from my hands wringing restlessly in my lap.

  “I’m just a bit nervous. What if they don’t like me? They’ll know I’m not good enough for you.” Xander grabs my face, his own radiating anger.

  “They will love you. Don’t ever say that you’re not good enough for me. I’m the one that’s thanking my lucky stars every day that you want to be with me. Please, don’t make this difficult on yourself. Just be… you… and everything will be great.” A sweet, tender kiss calms the raging storm inside me, giving me peace in the knowledge that Xander wants me, and if he says it will be fine, it will be.

  He takes my hand to help me out of the car and keeps a firm, reassuring grip as we make our way to the front door. Before we get the chance to ring the bell, the door flies open and a beautiful woman has her arms held out to welcome him.

  “Sweetheart. It’s so lovely to see you.” She envelops him in a hug that only a mother can give.

  “You look great, Mom. A lot better.” He holds her at arm’s length, really studying her. After a moment, he turns to me.

  “Mom, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend Lily Tate.” I hold out my hand to greet her, but she pulls me into a warm embrace. It’s a lovely feeling, if a bit disconcerting.

  “It’s so nice to meet you, Lily. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you.” He’s been talking to his mom about me?

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Rhodes.”

  “I’ll have none of that. Please, call me Lizzie.”
I already love this woman. She’s so warm and inviting, just like my mom used to be with me, before…

  “Let the poor girl go, Lizzie. She’s not even in the door yet and you’re smothering her.” A low, jovial voice that sounds very much like Xander, comments from inside the house. His dad comes into view. He is a distinguished looking gentleman, very handsome in his own right, but he doesn’t look like his son.

  Xander definitely takes after his mom. She has the same stunning eyes and hair. Her skin is not quite as tanned, but she really is a beautiful woman. Not what I expected, though. She has really short cropped hair, and I don’t know why, but I expected her to have a long braid down her back. She lets go of me to usher us into the house. Xander gives his dad a handshake and a pat on the back - a man hug.

  “Hey, Dad. I’d like you to meet Lily.”

  “Very nice to meet you, Lily.” His dad gives me a quick hug. “Come on in and we’ll get you a drink.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Rhodes. It’s lovely to meet you, too.”

  “Call me Jonathan.”

  Xander leads me into a spacious living room with stunningly high ceilings and large windows looking out over the yard, and by yard I mean acres upon acres of land. The flowerbeds are perfectly pruned and the trees are trimmed, the expansive lawn is immaculate and there are wonderful decking and patio areas with soft lighting and a gorgeous outdoor eating area.

  With his hand on the small of my back he moves me toward one of the sofas and we take a seat. He laces our fingers together and gives me a warm smile as I struggle to calm my nerves.

  “You have a beautiful home, Lizzie.”

  She thanks me as she moves over to a small bar area in the corner of the room. “Would you like a drink?”

  “White wine if you have it, please.”

  “I’ll have the same. I’m driving, so just a half glass for me.” It’s nice to see Xander in this setting. He’s so relaxed. Lizzie organizes drinks for everyone before sitting down across from us, next to Jonathan.

  “So, Xander tells us you’re off to London tomorrow.” I hope they don’t think I’m after his money.

  “Yes. He organized the trip as a graduation present. I told him it was far too much, but he wouldn’t hear of it. We went shopping yesterday to get everything we needed and I managed to trick him into letting me pay.” They both laugh at my statement. Xander chimes in to tell his side of the story.

  “She’s the only person I’d let dupe me and get away with it. She sent me on a wild-goose chase for sunglasses she didn’t want while she paid for everything else. I bought the damn things anyway - I knew it would drive her crazy. She even put up a fight about that.” His dad gives me a warm smile. He understands the point I was trying to make.

  “I think you’ve met your match in this one, son.” Xander nods, squeezing my hand.

  We sit like this for a while before dinner is served. There is a delicious looking roast in the center of the table surrounded by platters of vibrant colored vegetables and a yummy looking gravy. The roasted potatoes look positively mouth-watering, and as we take our seats, I compliment Lizzie on such a wonderful spread.

  “I’d love to take credit for it, dear, but I catered in today. I’m not quite up to full-strength at the moment and wanted to make sure we had a nice dinner. I hope you enjoy it.” I don’t want to pry.

  “Well, it certainly looks delicious.” Lizzie gives Xander an odd look which he reciprocates before eating his dinner. The conversation flows naturally and Jonathan tells me some great stories about Xander when he was young. I bet he was super cute. I also got some dirt on Carter to share with Addi.

  Xander tells them about our plans in London. When they ask about my family, his face contorts with worry. I know his parents notice but I decide to play dumb and give them the short version of my life. I just don’t mention my dad, and they’re gracious enough not to ask. Xander’s phone rings just as we finish our meal and when he looks at the caller display he’s not happy.

  “Sorry, guys, I have to take this. Work stuff. I’ll just be a minute.” He excuses himself and heads out into the garden. I track his movements as he gets further and further away from the house, pacing back and forth, looking more and more frustrated as the conversation goes on. Xander’s mom tries to distract me.

  “Why don’t I give you a tour of the house while he finishes up?” I readily accept because something in my gut tells me it’s more than a work problem.

  We wander from room to room, and I listen to Lizzie as she gushes with pride for her only son. It’s lovely to hear.

  “You probably noticed Xander was a bit awkward earlier when I mentioned I wasn’t feeling a hundred percent at the moment.”

  I nod, “I didn’t want to pry.”

  “I know, dear. He knows I don’t like people to feel sorry for me, which is obviously why he didn’t tell you. I’m recovering from surgery - breast cancer.” I’m shocked.

  “I’m so sorry, Lizzie. How are you?” I’m genuinely worried about this woman I’ve just met - the woman that brought Xander into the world.

  “I’m doing much better now, thank you. Unfortunately, this is the third time I’ve had to fight cancer. It’s tough for Xander and Jonathan watching me go through this over and over again, but they are both amazing men and they’ve supported me every step of the way.” I’m left speechless at what this family has had to deal with.

  “Feel free not to answer if it’s too personal, but when was the first time you found out?” Lizzie pats my shoulder, a small smile on her lips.

  “Of course - you can ask anything you want. I was first diagnosed when Xander was five. We had been thinking about having another baby for a while, but I had been putting it off, enjoying my time with Xander too much. I started to feel unwell, but I didn’t think anything of it until I found a lump on my left breast. I immediately made an appointment to see a consultant and by the end of that week I was having chemo and radiation. I managed to beat it, but the radiation left me unable to have more children, so I consider myself extremely blessed to have Xander. He was such a strong little boy, even at five, he helped me through a very difficult time and asked for nothing in return.”

  My heart breaks for a scared five-year-old Xander, terrified of losing his mommy, but being strong for her.

  “Then I found a lump in my right breast when he was sixteen. He should have been out with his friends having fun and being a normal sixteen-year-old boy, but not him - he came to every chemo session, rubbed my back when I was sick, and looked after me every day without complaint. They caught it early enough that time. I had the lump removed and the treatment got anything they might have missed. I really thought that was the end of it.”

  I haven’t noticed a single room on our tour of the house, but understand that Lizzie wants me to know what Xander has been through.

  “A year ago I found another lump, and I immediately had a double-mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. Now that I’ve come through that, I got reconstructive surgery two months ago. I’m healing well but I’m still a bit tired out. Xander worries too much, but I can’t really blame him. He’s been through a lot. It’s lovely to see how happy he is lately, and I’m certain that you’re the reason behind it.” I know I’m blushing uncontrollably.

  “Thank you, Lizzie. He’s made a huge difference in my life in the short time I’ve known him. He means the world to me.”

  “I know.” She gives me a gentle squeeze before we head back to the living room.

  Xander and his dad are deep in discussion when we walk in, but as soon as they see me the conversation stops dead. There is definitely something going on. After a second, Xander puts on his best panty-melting smile and stands up to greet me; wrapping his arms around me, he nuzzles into my neck.

  “Where have you been? I came in and you were gone. You been having fun with my mom?” I glance to Lizzie who smiles warmly back at me.

  “Yes, your mom and I had a really nice chat, and I got some dirt on you and C
arter into the bargain.”

  “Oh, really? I’ll torture it out of you later. Anyway, we better get going, we’ve got a big day tomorrow and I want you to get a good sleep so you can enjoy London when we get there.”

  His concern is sweet, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is off. It takes us thirty minutes to say our goodbyes; his mom and dad wishing us well for our trip, asking me to visit again soon. I really like them. On the drive home Xander is pretty quiet.

  “Are you okay?” He immediately snaps out of his funk.

  “Of course. My parents loved you and I get you to myself in London for the better part of a week. I’ve just got a work problem to sort out before we go. Nothing for you to worry about, sweets. I just want to make sure nothing interrupts our time away.” I can’t help but probe further.

  “Is that what you were talking to your dad about when I came in earlier? You stopped talking as soon as you saw me. I thought maybe I had done something wrong.”

  He looks pained as he answers. “You haven’t done anything wrong. I was talking to my dad about the problem and he was giving me advice, that’s all. Honestly, you have nothing to worry about. I promise I’ll be more fun when we get to London and work is a distant memory.” I take him at his word and leave it at that.

  He had a point about getting a good sleep. By the time we make it back to his apartment I’m exhausted. My night with Addi must be catching up with me. I quickly get ready for bed. Xander has to work for a while, but comes to lie next to me, telling me he’ll get it done in his office after I fall asleep.

  “You can go. I’ll be fine.” He kisses the top of my head as he curls me around his body.

  “I missed you last night. I want to stay with you until you fall asleep. No arguments.” I’m too tired to fight him, so I nestle against his chest and fall asleep in his warm embrace.

  ****

  I’m startled awake at 4 a.m. by the sound of the front door. I reach over to wake Xander, terrified that there’s an intruder in the apartment. He isn’t here; his side of the bed hasn’t been slept in. I’m cowering beneath the covers praying that I’m just having a bad dream, when the door creaks open. A strangled scream escapes my throat.