by Pamela Ann
After dinner, Luke decided to stay over. I’m sure it was rather odd to be sleeping in the house of the man you work for—but Blake made him at ease. Good to know he’s all accommodating and nice to everyone. It was only me who was excluded in this cozy realm.
Blake stuck to his usual night time routine. He went out like a light the second his head hit the pillow and as far away from me as possible.
Must be nice to be him, I thought acidly.
These past few nights, I’ve been sleeping rather late than usual. Apart from dark circles, the only good thing I gained from my standing nightly vigil was that my nightmares were not hounding me.
26
Sienna
When Friday rolled around, I still haven’t mentioned anything to Blake about my friends from LA who are all staying over at Kyle’s house. It’s not that I’m scared to mention it, but it was more like being weary about the simple truth that things aren’t hearts and roses between Blake and me.
Earlier, when I spoke to my classmate, Aloy, she mentioned great internship programs with PR companies and other opportunities for us to help out during London Fashion Week (which I totally missed two months ago). I marked my iPad calendar with the registration date for the 2013 week. The LFW would be a great reference for me if I want to compete in the volatile world of Fashion. The PR internship would be a great way to see another side of brand marketing and I want to take advantage of these great opportunities that my school offered.
I flipped both of the grilled cheese sandwiches and waited for them to be golden and crispy. I’m making Chad and I grilled cheese sandwiches and fresh tomato soup. The weather outside was freezing and a good tomato soup was in order. I loved grilled cheese with my tomato soup. My papa always made it for me and it was one of those things that reminded me of my good childhood with my dad.
Even though the temperature in Blake’s apartment was about seventy degrees, Chad was in his sweats. Once the sandwiches were done, I placed them on separate plates and took out two deep bowls for the soup. “Chaaaaaad! Food’s ready!”
I went over to the coffee maker and started a pot while I hummed along as I moved about. “Oh, you made lunch?” I stiffened upon hearing his voice. Wasn’t he supposed to be at work or something?
“You never mentioned you were coming over and besides, I made grilled cheese—I’m not too sure if you like them.”
“Where did you get that notion? Do you not remember the time when you came over with grilled cheese and tomato soup when I was rottenly sick? I’d never had grilled cheese before that—but I loved that you took care of me then.”
How could I forget? I stayed over like a good doting friend would for two days to make sure he was breathing and not about to die. He got really ill after that safari trip in Africa.
“Oh, um, do you want to eat with us? I can make another one.” Why are we talking again? What the heck happened to ice man? I wanted to ask him but bit my tongue.
“If it’s not too much of an inconvenience—then that would be quite lovely.”
“You never said you were joining us for lunch mighty Knightly.” Chad strode in the kitchen along with his laptop in his right hand.
“Mighty Knightly?” Blake looked amused. “That’s comical.”
Chad took the food and placed it on the breakfast table. “It’s fitting….that’s all.” Chad chuckled and started to boot his laptop. “I’ve been working on ideas, Blake. But I will let you know once I’m done. I want to present them to you with mockups and such.”
While I started to make another sandwich, Blake was right behind me. I tensed at his close proximity and was extremely baffled by his change of attitude. Wait—could it be—possibly because he finally got over what I did? Could it? God, I hope so. I really want to move forward and just be us again.
“That’s an excellent idea. I meant to tell you that the design team wants to get in touch and talk to you. I could give you their emails and you can CC them with your ideas or you can meet up with them in Marbella and speak to them directly. Which is best for you? The team has a month and half to decide before deadline.
Chad nodded and frowned at his screen. It’s great to see him in his element again. I can’t be any more proud of him. What a brave, strong man.
“I take both of you want coffee? I’ll make it,” Blake offered.
“Yes, please,” Chad and I echoed together.
Blake moved about and prepared three cups of coffee and placed them on the table. Once everything was set, all three of us sat on the table. Blake placed a glass of orange juice next to my coffee. I frowned, “Uh….I didn’t ask for juice?”
He shrugged, “you need vitamin C, Sienna. All I see you drink is coffee as of late.” HUH.
“Okaaaay.” Odd—and super weird.
Chad giggled and started singing LOVE by Nat King Cole.
L is for the way you look at me
O is for the only one I see
V is very, very extraordinary
E is even more than anyone that you adore can
Love is all that I can give to you
Love is more than just a game for two
Two in love can make
Take my heart and please don’t break it
Love was made for me and you
He kept eyeing both Blake and I as he sang. Chad even wiggled his brows when he sang ‘Love was made for me and you’ part. It was really ridiculous and very cute but I couldn’t take any more of the beautiful song. “Chad— you have a beautiful voice but this isn’t the X Factor!” I chided him knowing quite well the song was meant for us and not him. But it was a touchy subject.
Much to my dismay, Blake just laughed. “Bravo, Chad! You should list singing in your bright resume.” Why was he amused anyway? Grrrr.
I dipped my grilled cheese in my tomato soup and took a large bite. I choked on what came on Blake’s mouth next. “You should sing at my wedding. I love that song.” Uh, WHAT THE FUCK?! Wedding? To whom? Camilla?
I coughed and Blake patted my back. My entire body tingled from his touch. I wanted to die right then and there. He hasn’t really touched me in four days. FOUR long agonizing days of him ignoring my existence.
“I’m fine,” I murmured, hoping he’d take his hand off my back which he did—after a long minute.
Both men engaged into discussion about themes, designs and whatever else I didn’t want to pay attention to. I just wanted to finish my lunch and dash out of the kitchen. The shrill sound of my phone came just in time and I got up and grabbed it off the kitchen counter.
Kyle. Shall I or shall I not? I contemplated in haste. Curiosity won out.
“Hello?”
“Doll!!!! Where the hell are you? I’m really pissed that you weren’t at Heathrow when we arrived earlier!” Jen a little miffed but excited at the same time. Heck, Kyle never mentioned Jen was coming too. Or did he? No, definitely not. That’s something I wouldn’t have forgotten. Not Jen.
“BABE! I wasn’t told you were coming. I thought it was Mick and the boys. So, so sorry! You know I wouldn’t miss you for the world!” I really wouldn’t. Now, I’m going to light Kyle’s ass on fire for not mentioning this to me.
I went out of the kitchen because I noticed both guys were eavesdropping. I needed to get dressed and go see Jen ASAP. With my phone tucked tightly between my ear and shoulder, I quickly took my clothes off. Down to my electric blue lace thong, I paced back and forth in the vast closet as I listened to her and figured out what I wanted to wear.
“….so I declined Caleb’s proposal you know… I mean, I have yet to finish school. Why do I need to rush to be a housewife? Come on, seriously. He totally ruined our relationship. It was doing so well until that hella big explosion.”
I stopped pacing when she mentioned “proposed.” What’s with men rushing to get married these days and women backtracking?
“Hold it—proposed? And you declined? That couldn’t have gone down well. He’s such a great guy Jen!” I met Cal
eb once when Kyle dragged me to see Jen.
“I know….doll. But come on! Anyhow, get your cute bum here before I decide to come and get you and end up getting lost around here. Gawd, you never said London had some totally cute men! Okay—the guys are hollering me to finish. Kyle’s taking us out—see you soon doll and be quick!” Jen immediately ended the call before I had the chance to say a word.
I grunted in frustration. I’m a little pissed at Kyle for not mentioning Jen and now I’m antsy about telling Blake that I’m about to head out and meet my friends, Kyle included.
“Sienna?” Blake strode in but instantly stopped when he saw me in my almost naked state. He swallowed, his eyes darkened and roved boldly over my body.
Yeah, buster! You’ve missed out on this for awhile, haven’t you? I thought provokingly. I didn’t even bother putting on a robe. What’s the point?
Since I felt a little naughty and his reaction gave me enough boost to confidently taunt him. HA! “Did you want something, Blake?” my voice, throaty and seductive. Inviting.
His eyes lingered at my breasts a tad longer before his eyes landed on mine. My, my, he’s certainly having a hard time concentrating. His arousal was obvious against his black Armani slacks. “I, uh—came to tell you that,” he cleared his throat, “I’m going away for three weeks to America, New York and Texas specifically then Brazil. I’ll join everyone in France before Christmas.”
Three weeks? That long…without him? Shit.
He cleared his throat again. Was he nervous or something? “That is if you’re joining us in France. Are you going to?”
Toby did text me this morning but I haven’t decided yet. I know Chad and Luke are going with them. Luce? I had no clue yet—most probably not, given the obvious situation.
Three weeks. HUH. “I haven’t thought about it. Toby sent me an invite but I haven’t responded.” I bit my lip, my brows furrowed.
This is so weird. Is it going to be like this between Blake and me from now on? Just plain….weird?
“I see. Right.”
“When are you leaving?” my voice squeaked.
“In a few hours, I actually came back to pack.”
I simply nodded. “I’m just going to change and I’ll be out. I know your closet is on the other side—but you know—in case you need space or something.” Blake placed his hands inside his pockets and leaned on the mirrored wall.
“Off to somewhere? Mind if I ask your destination?”
Ick. I turned around and pretended to go through my clothes. “I’m off to see my friends from back home who are visiting. They’re all staying at Kyle’s. So…..yup.”
‘So…..yup?’ Seriously, Sienna? Fudge.
Blake was behind me in an instant. His heat radiated off me. He was so close but yet so far. I closed my eyes and tried to calm my jumbled thoughts. Things are harder when it’s the guy who decided to stop touching you. When it’s the other way around, men can easily seduce the woman into submission. I mean, I could try seducing him—but I’m nearly naked now and still he doesn’t touch me. My confidence just took a nosedive along with my ego.
“Are you going to be staying there, with him?” His tone was very low, but the underlying threat and anger was evident.
“No. I’ll be back to sleep here, if that makes you….comfortable?” I was going to say happy, but I’m not too sure anymore. Nothing with Blake made sense any more.
“Make sure that you do. There will be a car and a driver waiting for you downstairs once you’re done. Use that while I’m not here. I don’t want to hear any more incidents, Sienna. Do I make myself clear?”
Crystal. Incidents meaning Kyle Matthews. Why doesn’t he take my word for it? He and I weren’t even together! Yet he acts like we were together, married or something when I did it. I know it’s not an excuse….but what was I supposed to do? FML!
“Whatever, Blake, Are you about done? I need to hurry up and get dressed. I don’t want to keep Kyle waiting!” I snapped back at him and tried to move away but he caged me before I got away.
He growled like an animal next to my ear. His hot body pressed against mine, hard. His arousal pressured against the back of my hips. My body primitively melted at the feel of his burning hot groin. “Don’t play games with me. I’m not to be trifled with, Sienna!”
I swallowed, a bit unsettled. “I was merely joking, Blake,” I whispered.
“Well, I bloody wasn’t joking. Choose wisely, if you must! Pay heed my beautiful one because there will be no next time.” I did choose him. I did, didn’t I? Then why was he acting like a brute?
I turned around and faced Blake. “Why are you being so difficult?” If looks could kill, I would’ve been six feet into the ground in a second.
“Because I do not fucking TRUST you!” he thundered, eyes almost dark as the night.
“I know. Don’t you think I don’t know that? These last few days proved that. If you don’t want to be with me—then say so! Don’t keep me hanging like this. I agreed to be with you because I didn’t think it’d be like this. I don’t want to be with you if you’re going to treat me like dirt!!!
“I love you, but….I can’t degrade myself anymore than I have already. I’m worth more than that. I am more than that! So, let me go. Let’s just walk away before we ruin ourselves more.” My eyes stared at his dress shirt button. I couldn’t look at him or I might just fall apart and be back in his blinding spell.
My throat constricted. “Let me go, Blake,” I whispered.
This has to end. This madness has to stop. We’re hurting each other more as time goes on.
“I….can’t. No. I cannot let you go.” His voice shook against my forehead. “My actions for the last few days have been loathsome to say the least—but you must understand the strain and the type of wretchedness I’m under. Every night, I come to bed angry and frustrated as hell. I want you—I yearn to touch you but it’s hard for me to do so.”
“Then touch me—I need to feel you, just something….to be close to you.”
“I can’t,” he said, hollowed and pained.
I guess there’s nothing more to say is there? I thought as I nodded and fled the closet. I locked myself in the darkened bathroom and cried silently. This is the worst kind of rejection to endure. Why the hell was I holding on to something that’s not there anymore? Scolding and berating myself at the same time. My desperation and my addiction to be with him won against common sense. Am I that pathetic? If he didn’t want me, then why the heck does he want me around? He probably wants a lap dog or an adoring fan that thought the world of him. I fitted and checked on all counts moronic.
The door handle wiggled. “Sienna, open up.”
I sniffed and wiped my tears with my hands. “I need a moment, Blake.”
“Let me in. Please.” Damn it, I’m such a pitiful woman, I thought as I budged and opened the blasted door slightly.
“Listen, I apologize. That was rather crass and cruel of me.” He was only speaking the truth, that I simply disgusted him.
Hurtful, yes. But truth hurts, right?
“It’s fine. You were speaking about the truth and how you felt—that you found me repulsive. But that’s okay—I’ll move out tomorrow.”
“You’re not leaving, yet again. You are not!”
I sighed. “This is stupid, do you know that? I’m tired. This is not working out. It was good while it lasted.” I brushed past him but he caught my wrist. He swiftly tugged me and lifted me on the bathroom counter.
His hand held my cheek as his lips hovered around my ear. “I don’t find you repulsive. You’re the most beautiful woman my eyes ever beheld. You light me up like no other woman can. It only takes one look and you have me praising at your feet. It has been difficult—to feel this hateful mistrust and yet love you at the same time. I cannot lose you. Please, don’t leave me. I promise I’ll do better.”
This is aggravating and I groaned, upset with this whole thing with Blake. I stared back at the man who own
ed my heart. I’m sorry, my eyes pleaded.
I captured his lips and waited for him to yank away from me, but he didn’t. In fact, he deepened the kiss. My legs parted as he positioned himself in between them. We both groaned in unison when my sex felt his hardness.
“Sienna……” he moaned as he kissed my chest and bit my nipple. I threw my head back from the aching sensation. Dear God, has it been only four days? Why does it feel like it’s been forever since he’s touched me?
“Blake, please—take me. Take me any way you want.” A guttural sound came from him as he ripped off my thong in one quick tug.
FUCK. YES!!!!!!
Blake crushed his lips against mine. Strong arms lifted me off the counter and I hooked my legs around his hips as we kissed, starved and insatiable.
He carried me towards the bedroom and flung me roughly on the middle of the massive bed. I stared wide-eyed at Blake, whose eyes blatantly ravaged my naked body. He tugged his tie free and slowly undid his buttons, one at a time. God, he looks so hot and beautiful!
He’s stripping and I’m so turned on. My eyes burned gold as I looked at him through my lashes. He peeled off his dress shirt, simply unhurried. I started to touch my breasts as I watched him shed off his clothing. His magnificent physique never failed to astound me. He tugged his belt free as my left hand trailed south and found my mound. With my legs parted, I slowly touched myself and greedily watched him. My middle finger rubbed my clitoris as his slacks fell on the floor. I bit my bottom lip at the sight of his arousal.
Perfection, I thought greedily. His thumbs pushed the bands of his black boxer briefs down and he stepped out of them. His colossal erection was a welcome sight. Blake watched me as he roughly stroked his cock—up and down—making the tips of his shaft quite engorged, thick veins etched his cock. Oh, yeah. He’s definitely turned on!
“Come and get me.” My voice hoarse and breathy.
“Don’t think I won’t, my sweet. Because I am ravenous—and this perfect delectable body of yours is enough to satisfy my greedy appetite.” His eyes zeroed in on my pussy. Yes, please!
