Next to Never: Shattered Innocence Trilogy

by A. L Long

  *****

  “Hi, Daddy,” Dylan said softly. “Sorry I haven’t called for a while. I need to tell you something, but I don’t want you to get upset or worry. Somebody broke into my apartment.”

  All Dylan could hear was a sigh of panic from her dad. “Oh my God, Dylan, are you okay?”

  Dylan didn’t want to let her dad know what happened and have him worry more.

  “I’m fine. I’m going to be staying with a friend for a little while.” Trying not to cry, Dylan continued. “I got a new job. I start on Monday. It’s with a large financial company.”

  “That’s wonderful, pumpkin. I am so proud of you.”

  “Love you, Daddy. I’ll talk to you soon.” Dylan ended the call with her dad.

  She could tell Rade wasn’t happy with her keeping the fact that she got hurt from her dad. She couldn’t let her dad worry about her. Even though they were very close, her dad could be a little overprotective, and one overprotective man was all she could handle at the moment.

  Dylan’s next call was to Lilly. When she explained what happened, Lilly was frantic. “Dylan, you can’t go back there. How about you stay here with me? I don’t have much room, but you could sleep on the pull-out couch in the study. I’m going to see my mom and dad this weekend, but you can still stay here.”

  “Thanks, Lilly, but I’m not sure that’s such a good idea. I don’t remember a whole lot about what happened, but the man who broke in hasn’t been caught yet. Rade has offered to let me stay with him. He feels he would be able to protect me better.”

  “Dylan, why would you need protection? What is going on? What aren't you telling me?” Lilly spat frantically.

  Dylan didn’t know where to begin. Lilly was her best friend and the only person she told everything to.

  “Don’t get mad at me, Lilly, but a few days ago, before the break-in, there was a guy watching me outside my apartment. I don’t know what to think of this and the break-in, but Rade wants me to be safe until everything gets figured out.” Dylan knew Lilly didn’t want her staying with a man she hardly knew. She finally convinced Lilly it was her best option.

  “You should have told me, Dylan. I’m not mad at you. If you need anything, call me. No matter what.”

  “I will, Lilly… and please don’t worry.”

  Pressing the end button, she was beginning to have second thoughts about her decision to stay with Rade. She had to make sure it would only be for a short while. First thing Monday, she needed to find out what her salary would be. When she interviewed with Veronica, she was so excited about getting the job, she neglected to ask. She only hoped it would be enough to afford her the dream apartment she needed now more than ever.

  Dylan handed the phone back to Rade. She could feel him looking at her during her conversation with Lilly. When she met his gaze, she let him know this living arrangement wasn’t going to be permanent.

  “Rade, I really appreciate you taking me in, but I have made other living arrangements. I found a suitable apartment, which I have put a deposit on. If everything works out, I should be out of your hair in a couple of weeks.” Dylan didn’t catch his words, “not-going-to-happen,” as he turned to look out the window.

  Richard slowly pulled into the parking spot next to Rade’s Aston Martin. He opened the passenger door as Rade assisted Dylan out of the SUV. Rade effortlessly lifted her into his arms and carried her to the elevator. Dylan was ready to protest when Rade said, “Don’t.” He knew exactly what she was thinking and didn’t want to waste his time arguing with her. Carrying her would allow him to feel her body and he wasn’t willing to let her object.

  Richard was close behind as they entered the elevator. The elevator reached the penthouse with Rade holding Dylan. Opening the door, he carried her to the living room where he carefully lowered her, with little effort, onto the couch. He grabbed the blanket draped across the back of the couch and covered her with it.

  “I need to make a few calls, but I want you to rest. I’ll have something delivered for dinner. Is there anything particular that you want to eat?”

  Dylan turned her head until she was looking up at him. “It doesn’t matter, I like anything.”

  Rade smiled at her as he finished tucking her in. “Italian it is then.”

  Rade left Dylan on the couch to rest while he called his favorite Italian restaurant. After placing his order, he contacted Veronica to instruct her to include a furnished apartment with Dylan’s job offer. He also advised her to make sure Dylan’s salary was sizable so she would be well taken care of.

  Since Dylan made it clear she didn’t wish to spend more time than needed at Rade’s penthouse, this was the perfect solution. He could insure she was still being protected and could keep an eye on her at the same time. Rade owned several luxury apartment buildings in the area, which he had equipped with the best security systems available. If Dylan was unwilling to stay with him, he was at least going to make sure she was safe. The problem with this was he wouldn’t have her near him in order to get her to fall for him.

  While Dylan was asleep on the couch, Rade worked in his study. He instructed Richard to pick up some personal items and clothing for her. He wanted to make sure she had everything she needed so she wouldn’t need a reason to leave his penthouse. Whatever she didn’t have, Rade would make damn sure he got for her.

  *****

  It was seven o’clock in the evening when Dylan finally woke. She didn’t realize how tired she really was. Rade was still in his study, but she could smell something wonderful coming from the kitchen. She made her way up the stairs to Rade’s office. The door was slightly open, but she went ahead and knocked lightly. When she heard no response, she opened the door a little more and poked her head in. Rade was on the phone, but saw her standing at the doorway. He waved her in, willing her to take a seat as he continued his conversation on the phone. Dylan approached him, stopping in front of his desk.

  “Please keep me posted. I won’t offer much more than three million for the building. If they resist… let them know the takeover proceeding will continue and they will end up with nothing.” Rade finished his call and walked toward Dylan. “I hope you rested comfortably. I have dinner warming in the oven. I hope you’re hungry?”

  Dylan looked at Rade. “I’m a little hungry. I didn’t realize how tired I was.”

  “You’ve been through a lot, Dylan. Come on, let’s get you something to eat.” Rade took Dylan by the hand and led her out of his study down to the kitchen.

  Dylan took a seat on one of the barstools while Rade pulled out a couple of place mats, two plates, and two crystal glasses from the cupboard. As she watched him move around the kitchen, her body was doing something entirely different. He was truly beautiful. Every nerve inside her was tingling.

  When everything was laid out, Rade opened the fridge and took out a bottle of white wine and a bottle of sparkling grape juice.

  “I wasn’t sure what you wanted to drink for dinner since wine is out of the question. I hope this will do.” Rade held up the bottle of sparkling juice, hoping Dylan would like it.

  “That will be fine. Thank you for thinking about me.” Dylan thought it was a nice gesture on his part.

  “I’m always thinking about you, Sweetness.” The truth of the matter was, she was all he thought about. More than he should be.

  Dinner was becoming awkward with the silence between them. Dylan wasn’t sure if it was because they were too busy eating or there wasn’t anything to say. This was a good time as any to let him know what was on her mind. “Why do you insist that I do everything you say?”

  Rade looked up at Dylan, wondering where that came from. “Dylan, I only have your best interest at heart. It would sadden me if anything happened to you. I’ve always taken control of the situation. Nothing will ever change that. It’s part of who I am. I didn’t get where I am today by waiting for things to happen.”

  “I never asked you for anything, Rade. If you would just let me be,
you wouldn’t have to, as you say, control the situation.” Dylan was flustered by his need to control everything. Didn’t he get that she didn’t want a relationship with him, or anyone for that matter? Frustrated, Dylan took her plate to the sink. She wanted to focus her energy on something else. She knew talking to him was useless.

  Trying to avoid confrontation, she began washing off her plate. Rade came up behind her, grabbing the plate she was washing and placing it in the sink. With one easy move, he turned her to face him. Bringing his hand to her cheek, he tenderly cupped her face and lowered his lips to hers. Dylan wanted to resist him, but she couldn’t. His touch was so powerful, she lost all her control to him. When Rade broke their embrace, her eyes were glazed over with desire. He knew the moment he looked into her eyes, she was his. Not wasting the moment, he moved in again, but this time she turned her head and stepped away.

  Turning her body, she softly asked. “Where is my room? I’d like to go to bed.”

  Even though Dylan was far from tired, she had to get away from him. The feelings she was beginning to have for this man couldn’t go on. Being near him only clouded her judgment more.

  “Follow me.” Rade made his way down the hallway, showing Dylan his room first. He wanted to make sure she knew where it was, hoping she would make her way there during the night.

  Dylan couldn’t believe how enormous his room was. Inside was the largest bed she’d ever seen. It was covered with a dark gray comforter and black satin pillows that were neatly placed at the head of the bed. There were four in all. The bed was centered on the wall opposite from the floor to ceiling windows, which would add brightness to the room. Among the wall of windows was a set of doors which opened to a large patio. Dylan could see the Manhattan skyline for miles as she looked through them. The view was spectacular. There were two other doors Dylan assumed went to the bathroom and a closet. The room spoke masculinity with its different shades of black and gray and matching artwork hanging above the bed.

  “Oh my God. Is that a Kandinsky above your bed? It must have cost millions,” Dylan said in amazement.

  Looking at the abstract painting with a smile, “Yes and yes,” crossed Rade’s lips as he guided Dylan out of the room.

  With his hand on her lower back, he led her to another door across from his room. Ushering her in, she took in her surroundings. “This will be your room. I hope it will be adequate for you.”

  She was speechless. The room was beautiful, with a queen-sized bed covered in a white duvet with a light green coverlet spread across the foot. The windows weren’t floor-to-ceiling like in Rade’s room, but the view was just as spectacular. There was also a set of doors that led out to a small patio. The walls were painted in soft pastel colors of blue, green, and beige. It had an en suite bathroom, which was located to the right of the bed. Awestruck, Dylan slowly walked over to the slightly opened bathroom door and gave it a light push. The bathroom was huge and gorgeous, just like she expected. A glass enclosed shower took up one corner, while a monster jetted tub took up the other. The flooring was white marble, which stretched to the countertop. On the counter was a crystal vase of purple and pink lilies placed between two sinks. Behind the tub, the same arrangement of flowers was displayed on opposite corners. As she stood amazed, Rade gently grabbed Dylan’s hand and led her out of the bathroom. Leading her to the closet, he slowly opened the door. She’d never seen anything like it. In the middle of the room was an island with drawers running down two sides. Dylan opened the drawers, one at a time, looking at the contents. There were belts, scarves, and handbags. Some of the drawers contained beautifully matched bras and panties of various colors and styles. Designer clothing hung on silk-covered hangers. There were dresses, pant suits, skirts, and even evening gowns that Dylan only dreamt about. Below the hanging items sat a collection of designer shoes, sandals, and boots. As she walked up to the clothing and scanned the price tags, she also noticed they were all in her size.

  “Rade, whose room is this and who do these things belong to?” Dylan asked as concern took over.

  “Yours, Dylan. Richard picked up a few items for you. You should have everything you need. If there’s anything else you need, just let him know.”

  Dylan didn’t know what to think. “Rade, I can’t accept any of this. It’s too much.”

  Rade stepped in front of her and put his arms around her waist. “Dylan, you need to have clothing. You can’t walk around the house in the same clothes every day. If you don’t like them, Richard can take you shopping tomorrow.”

  Dylan looked around the room. He watched her as she touched her new clothing. He could tell she was overwhelmed. He might have gone a little overboard for her, but he really didn’t care. He just wanted her to need him. This was only the beginning. “You’ve had a long day, Sweetness. Let me draw you a bath before you go to bed.”

  Dylan couldn’t believe this was happening. It was too much for her to digest. She decided to take Rade’s suggestion. A nice hot bath would feel good. Maybe it would clear her head. She needed to figure out what to do.

  As the tub filled with water, Rade slowly poured scented bath oil in. The room filled with the scent of lavender and vanilla. Once the tub was full enough, he turned off the water. Getting ready to let her know that her bath was ready, he saw her standing in the doorway. She looked like she was ready to come apart at the seams. Feeling her discomfort, he walked toward her and put his hands on her shoulders.

  Tenderly, he kissed her forehead. “Your bath is ready.”

  Dylan looked up at him with embarrassment. “Can you help me with my shirt?” Dylan was a little sore from the assault. She had a hard time lifting her arms without causing pain to her bruised ribs.

  “It would be my pleasure,” he said as he approached her.

  Rade gently took the bottom of her t-shirt and slowly began pulling it upward. With his left hand, he carefully placed it on her right elbow as he lifted it above her head. He carefully freed the sleeve from her arm. He gently did the same with her other arm, until the shirt was completely off. When he looked down at Dylan’s form, he couldn’t help but notice the ample breasts presented before him. Her taut nipples were barely covered by the lace of her bra. It took everything he had to hold back the desire to remove her bra and take each of her nipples in his mouth.

  Looking down at her gorgeous body, he couldn’t help but ask. “Do you need me to help you with the rest of your clothing?”

  Dylan was surprised by his offer. “No, I can manage the rest.”

  Rade nodded and walked to the door, trying to hide the hardness of his cock tenting his jeans. He was losing his focus. She was getting to him. He wasn’t going to let that happen. He required a distraction. Work was the only solution. Just as he booted up his computer, his phone rang. It was Richard.

  “Richard, I hope you have information for me,” he said, focusing on the call.

  “Not much, sir. It looks like the guy who attacked Ms. Adams is nowhere to be found. We tried pulling the security footage of her apartment building, but it appears the cameras weren’t working. The owner of the building said he installed them as a decoy. He never had them hooked up. The expense was too high to justify having someone monitor them. I’m checking around to see if anyone noticed the intruder outside. Without having a description, it might be difficult. Does Ms. Adams remember anything yet?” Richard explained.

  Rade couldn’t believe the irresponsibility of the apartment owner. Fucking great, no footage, no description. He needed some answers. His patience was wearing thin. “I haven’t pushed Dylan about it. She’s been through a lot. I will quiz her tomorrow. Hopefully she’ll remember something with a good night’s rest. Let me know if you come up with anything more.” Rade disconnected and began reading his emails.

  He just finished responding back to his emails when on his way down, he heard Dylan calling for him. When he got to the bathroom door, he softly knocked, waiting for her reply. “Come in.” He heard Dylan’s soft vo
ice, letting him know he could enter. He turned the knob and opened the door. He looked over at the tub and saw Dylan was still sitting in the water. The bath bubbles were mostly dissolved, leaving a trace of Dylan’s body exposed.

  “I forgot to ask for a towel. Can you please hand me one?” Dylan could tell Rade was amused by her dilemma. He turned to the cupboard by the door and grabbed a plush towel. As he was walking toward Dylan, he could hear her whimper.

  “Dylan, are you okay?”

  “I’m just a little sore yet. It was a lot easier getting in the tub than trying to get out. Can you please help me?”

  Rade had a sparkle in his eye. This was his lucky day. He had to hold back his desire for her. Looking down at her, he wasn’t sure if he could help her without wanting to take her in his arms and kiss every inch of her soft body. Ready and willing to assist, Rade walked over to the side of the tub.

  “You need to close your eyes,” Dylan said softly.

  “Dylan, if I close my eyes, I won’t be able to see you in order to help you out of the tub.”

  Before Dylan could say anything, Rade had his arms around her lifting her out of the tub. He gently placed her down on the mat in front of the tub and wrapped the large bath towel around her wet body. Dylan grabbed the towel tightly with her hands, trying to cover her exposed body. Dylan glared at Rade, shocked by what he just did.

  Rade couldn’t help himself. He took Dylan by the waist and lowered his lips to hers. When their lips met, Dylan submitted to the power of his touch. After what he did, how could she want him so badly? Knowing she would be exposing her naked body if she tried to push him away, Dylan pulled away and walked from the bathroom to her closet. Turning on the light and slamming the door, she pressed her back to the cold door, angry with herself. Why did she allow that to happen? She knew what his touch did to her. The only way she could control her feelings was to stay away from him. She walked over to the island and pulled a pair of panties from the drawer. As she slipped them on, she heard a soft knock at the door. “Go away,” she said, fuming, mostly because he took control of the situation once again without regard to her feelings. If she wanted him to see her in her nakedness, she would have let him undress her completely.