by C. J. Thomas
She screamed my name and arched her back.
I caught her hair in my hand and wrapped it around my wrist. “You won’t ever leave me, will you, Alex?” My muscles flexed as I let her have a quick series of very powerful thrusts.
When I stopped, she shook her head.
I slapped her ass again, gripped her at the waist, and pounded into her until my cock swelled and she called out my name and we both exploded through our releases.
“I won’t ever leave you,” she cried.
76
Alex
MY FACE FELT PALE.
It wasn’t that I’d lied to Nash. It was just that I couldn’t tell him the complete truth. In my mind, I didn’t ever want to leave him. That was the truth. But so much of our future was out of my control, I didn’t know if I’d be able to keep my word even if I wanted to.
If I was really going to go through with Kendra’s plan, would he even want to stay with me? I couldn’t hide it from him even if I tried.
He’d figure it out soon enough.
All of it.
Down to the very last detail of whatever was to come.
I glanced up at Nash from beneath my brow. He was in the opposite corner getting dressed. My eyes roamed over his sculpted chest and every valley plane that was etched into the ripples of his abs. He was incredible, and despite how I felt about him, I wasn’t about to start talking about hypothetical situations and ways that I could lose him.
I clasped my bra shut, slid my blouse over my head, and buttoned my shorts.
Those answers would come, all in due time. There was no time to think about anything other than the phone call I was dreading to make. “I’ll be right back.” I grabbed my handbag off his desk and slung it over my shoulder.
He turned his head and flashed me a questioning look.
“I’ve got to make a call.”
His eyes darkened and hooked onto me just before he moved to his desk and pulled a deodorant stick from the top drawer.
Something was off between us. It wasn’t just the way he was looking at me that made my gut pinch. It was the questions and demands he insisted I say while he fucked me.
Those weren’t part of his silly games. They came from his heart. That was what had my muscles tense. I was afraid that he could feel what I was thinking and I didn’t want him to worry any more than I knew he already was.
I moved to the door and held my hand on the knob, pausing a moment to see if he’d say anything. When it was clear that he had nothing to say, I opened it and left.
It was like we’d taken two steps back for every one step forward. I didn’t like it. Especially not now, with the dark clouds of uncertainty swirling around my life. I needed him to be my anchor now, more than ever.
The door slammed shut behind me and I jumped.
I was wracked with guilt—paranoid that others knew about Nash and me and were passing judgement behind my back. Somehow he’d always found a way to get me alone, inside his office, and I knew what it looked like for an outsider looking in.
I picked up the pace, rounded a few corners, and scurried my way down the hall until I was finally outside. The wind tugged at my hair and smells from a nearby restaurant stirred my stomach awake.
“Alex Grace?” a woman’s voice called from down the pavement.
I turned and immediately recognized her face.
My brow wrinkled.
It was the same woman who’d confronted Nash and me the morning we stayed out all night at Mint. “Depends who’s asking.” I crossed my arms and gave her the once over.
She was cutely dressed in a denim pencil skirt and off-the-shoulder top.
“A friend.” She extended her hand out to me.
I stared at her long, perfectly manicured nail and held up my phone. “If you don’t mind, I’ve got to make a call.”
She reeled her hand back and folded her arms across her chest. “You know you’re not the one-in-a-dozen like Nash wants you believe.”
A snort of dismissive laughter escaped from my chest.
“He does that with all his women.” She raised her brows. “Trust me.”
“Excuse me?” My eyes squinted. “But I think you have me confused for someone else.”
She shook her head and chuckled. “If I were you,” she paused, “I’d get out while you still can.”
I closed the gap between us and got in her face. “Why are you doing this?”
“Because I can see a little bit of myself in you.”
My eyes danced across her face. She was beautiful. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t catch your name.”
“Trust me, honey. This advice is coming from a woman who’s been there before.”
My insides flipped upside down as I looked her over once again. “You?”
She nodded once. “Don’t look back on this day and wish that you’d listened. Because, trust me, there will come a day when you’ll regret ever getting involved with Nash.”
My phone rang and my nerves ratcheted up even higher. It was Kendra. “I’m sorry, I really have to take this.”
“Here’s my card.” She held out her card—Sylvia Neil. “Give me a call if you ever need someone to talk to.”
I took the card, nodded, and swiped my phone alive. “Hey.” I turned my back and answered with a soft voice.
“Did you give her a call yet?”
I looked over my shoulder to make sure Sylvia wasn’t eavesdropping. “I was just about to do it.” I watched Sylvia round the corner, and then she was gone.
“Don’t wait on this, Alex. The offer isn’t good forever, you know.”
“If you’re so concerned with me getting this done,” my brows knitted together, “why don’t you pimp yourself out?”
“I’m just saying.” She sighed.
“You’re the one that spent the money!” My head burst and I felt a pang of regret for taking my stress out on my best friend. I closed my eyes and took a deep, calming breath. “Look,” I said much calmer. “I’m going to call her.”
Silence hung on the line.
“Alex?”
“Yeah?” I sighed.
“Don’t forget: I’m on your side.” She hung up.
I followed the story-high concrete wall down the pavement until I found a planter box to sit on.
I was frustrated with the unfairness of it all. This wasn’t Kendra’s fault, or Nash’s problem, and I hated myself for pushing them away when I knew they were only trying to help.
The beep of a car door being locked echoed from somewhere across the lot.
It wasn’t like I was pushing them away on purpose. I was just under enormous pressure that no one seemed to fully understand but me. And I wasn’t handling any of this as well as I knew I should be.
I palmed my phone and stared at the screen.
Fuck it.
I slid Sylvia’s card inside my purse and pulled out the number Kendra gave me. I had nothing to lose. It was just a phone call. I didn’t have to commit myself to anything. I just needed to see what it was all about. That was it.
I could do this.
But with how hard my heart pounded inside my chest, it sure felt like I’d already agreed to pimp myself out. That was the worst feeling of all, because it was like I’d already given up on Nash and me.
I wiped my sweaty palms on my thighs and dialed the number.
77
Nash
“WES, ITS NASH.” I smoothed my hand over my face. “I need you to look into something for me.”
“What can I do for you?” His voice was smooth on the other end of the line.
“I need you to use your connections and check into Professor Ted Fields.”
“Anything in particular you want me to keep an eye out for?”
“I’m thinking he might have connections to Blake Stone.”
There was the slightest pause. “And what makes you think that?”
“Just a hunch.” My shoulders pushed back.
“I generally like
to work off more than just a hunch.”
“Trust me on this. I can’t explain it in detail right now, but I have a pretty good feeling about this.”
My theory might be farfetched, but why else was my old friend so persistent when it came to getting between Alex and me? Ted was a good man—I’d known him a long time—but I feared he might be sniffing around the wrong dog pound.
“I’ll holler if I find anything newsworthy.”
“Appreciate it. I owe you one.”
“Sure thing.” He paused. “You set things straight with Alex?”
“I did.” My eyes landed on the couch I’d just taken her on.
“Good. Keep it that way.” Wes hung up.
If Ted actually meant what he said, and didn’t truly want to stick his prick in Alex, then what else could be his motivation for whispering secrets in her ear?
I leaned back and clasped my hands behind my head.
Luckily I had Wes. He had more connections to top-tier A-list reporters than anybody else in town. With them unofficially on his payroll, I could only hope and pray that together we could uncover some truth about what everyone was actually up to.
Including Alex.
A knock on my door made me turn my head. “It’s open.”
The door creaked open and in walked the queen of drama.
“Sylvia Neil.” I dropped my hands to the desktop and weaved my fingers together. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t recall inviting you here.”
She waved a hand in dismissal. “That’s because you didn’t,” she sneered and turned to scan the wall hangings I’d collected over the years. She inched her way closer and started to sit down.
“Then don’t bother sitting.”
She stopped and hovered her ass above the chair long enough to roll her eyes. Then she sat.
“I’m busy and need you to leave.”
Her eyes moved across my desk from left to right as she crossed her legs.
The desktop was empty and I could only hope that all signs of Alex just being here were gone. The last thing I needed was someone as persistent as reporter Sylvia Neil to uncover something she could later use against me. Because that was exactly what she’d do. People like her were always snooping around, looking for the next big story to unleash on the world.
She turned a deaf ear to everything I said. I watched her swivel her head and study everything that was in view. This was a first for her to see my office and her presence left my skin feeling raw.
“I’m not leaving until I know that Alex will be safe.” She turned to look at me, deliberately raising her eyebrows.
My breath caught in my chest and I held it inside, waiting to hear what more she had to say—there was always more.
She dropped her gaze and fussed with her clothing. “The full story, Nash. That’s what I want.” She looked up at me from beneath her brow. “That’s what I’ve always wanted.”
Sylvia was one woman I regretted ever getting involved with. Ever since that first—and only—time together, she’d been finding ways to sneak back into my life. I’d never called her. And didn’t plan to. She was the true definition of a one-night stand, yet she didn’t catch the hint and insisted that there should be more.
“Alex isn’t in any danger.” I called her bluff.
She wasn’t referring to the missing money or the tight timeline Alex was on to give it back. No, there was something else to this, and I had a feeling that I was about to discover exactly what that might be.
“There are plenty of people who would disagree with you on that.” She twisted her hair that draped over her shoulder. “Including me.”
I should have never slept with her. Now it was clear that I’d have to put up with her jealousy-inspired harassment for God knows how long.
“Really, I need to get back to set.” I stood. “And you should be leaving now, too.” I pointed to the door.
She held my gaze and pulled an envelope from her bag.
“What’s this?” I watched her slide it across my desk.
“Go on.” She jutted her chin out. “Take a look for yourself.”
I held her gaze for a moment before I finally picked it up.
She tossed her hair back and stood. “I think you’ll find it very interesting.” She filled the room with arrogant laughter.
My nostrils flared as I pulled out the first photograph.
Sylvia moved to the door and turned to see the expression on my face.
I wondered where she got these, and how.
I pulled another photo from the envelope.
These photos should have been buried in the past.
I pinched the corner of one photo and brought it closer to my face.
The woman’s eyes stared back at me, smiling as if it was taken yesterday. A flood of memories came rushing back, and when I flipped to the next photo in line, I knew why Sylvia wanted me to see them.
My intern’s wrists were bruised, and marks from where my fingers dug into the soft flesh on her neck were as visible as a tattoo. “Where did you get these?”
Sylvia raised a brow and smirked. “You know what I’ve always wondered,” she tipped her head back and tapped her chin, “why you never did that to me.” She caught her bottom lip between her teeth. “It’s too bad, really. I would have liked it, I’m sure.” She cocked her head. “And I’m sure you would have, too. Anyways, so long.” Her eyes fell to my crotch as she giggled.
The bitch had me by the balls and was going to keep me guessing when she’d make her move and squeeze.
78
Alex
I TAPPED THE SEND BUTTON.
Kendra needed to hear this.
Not one second after ending my phone call with the woman who introduced herself as the Madam, I hit redial and called my friend back.
I held my breath and let the phone ring.
I was just calling Kendra to let her know that I’d made the call. I needed to hear her opinion on the matter. Just to make sure I wasn’t losing my mind, thinking that I might be better off than I originally thought.
“Hey, I’m kind of busy here,” she answered quietly.
“I’ll make it quick,” I promised.
The gurgling sound of water filling into an empty glass came through the phone.
“I made the call.” My lips curled into a genuine smile.
“What did she say? Are you in?”
“I set up a meeting. We’re on for tomorrow.”
“That’s great.”
“Well, not so fast.” I played with my necklace and looked to the side. “The meeting doesn’t guarantee me a place in her book.”
“Then what’s it for?”
“To convince her that I can be trusted.”
“Okay, that’s good. She’s doing her homework. You need any references?” From the playful banter in her voice, I knew she was joking.
Even so, I hadn’t thought about that.
“You’re very trustworthy. And I would vouch for you if you need me to.”
“She asked where I got her number.” My forehead wrinkled.
“What’d you tell her?”
I could imagine Kendra’s brows shooting up and her eyes bugging out. “A close friend.”
“I hope you were smart enough to keep my name out of it.” Her tone firmed up. “I can’t afford to lose this job.”
“Relax.” I stood. “I assured her that my friend preferred to keep her name anonymous.”
“And she was fine with that?” Skepticism laced her words.
“She laughed, saying that it wasn’t the first time a desperate woman came knocking on Madam’s door.” It was like Madam knew me already, or perhaps that only women in desperate situations found themselves escorting.
“So, what time tomorrow?”
“She’ll let me know.” I paused to let a car drive by. “After she looks into me.”
The sounds of paper ruffling filled the phone now. “I did some digging myself.”
“
What on the Madam?”
“You’re in good hands.” I could hear her smile through the phone. “If she accepts you into her harem—and she will—this could be lots of fun. I’m actually kind of jealous of you right now.”
“Don’t be.” I didn’t have time to ask what, exactly, she’d found, but I felt peace knowing Kendra took the time to make sure I wasn’t walking into a lion’s den. “And trust me when I say it, but I’d prefer to never have to do this in the first place.”
“Yeah, I know.” Her voice cracked with guilt. “Hey, I got to go. Busy board meeting with the partners.”
“Go get ‘em girl.”
She laughed. “Send me a text. Keep me up to snuff on things as they happen.”
“Love you, girl.”
“Ditto.” She hung up.
I took a deep breath before making my way back inside. There was something else I knew I needed to settle before leaving for the day. I diverted to the right and purposely avoided Nash’s office before bee-lining it straight to where I last saw the Assistant Production Coordinator.
I needed to apologize.
My gait was wide and my posture strong.
I’d had a bad morning. That was all. It was important he understood that it would never happen again. I was a responsible person and someone who could be counted on when dealing with big, important tasks. Today was just a fluke.
I rounded the corner and came to a screeching halt. He was still inside the conference room, busy in conversation. I held back and waited.
“It must suck to keep getting humiliated in front of everyone.”
Her words made my body go tense.
“I mean, this must be some kind of record, going from maid to getting kicked out of meetings.”
My eyes narrowed as I turned to find Val coming to stop, standing directly next to me. She kept her gaze on the conference room, knowing exactly why I was here.
“If you keep this up, you’ll surely make it as Assistant Director.” There was no hiding her sarcasm. “Missing the mark again, and just when I thought maybe Nash had given you a big break to prove yourself.” She cackled.
