by Monica James
I’m trying to lighten the mood, because what just happened between us was beautiful.
“So what now?” she asks nervously, turning on her side and leaning into her palm.
“I see there being only one answer.”
“And what’s that?” she quickly counters, her chest beginning to rise rapidly.
“You let me do that, every day from here on forward,” I reply, not seeing any point in being indirect.
Madison smirks. “I think I can handle that.”
“Yeah?” I ask, brushing a lock of hair off her brow.
“Yeah,” she affirms. “Oh, I know this is probably not the best time, but I broke up with David.” She shyly bites her lip.
I clench my jaw, his name like a kick to my balls. However, the context in which she’s used it has me smiling happily. “Good, because if you hadn’t broken up with him, I would be forced to do it for you. And I would be doing a lot more than just breaking up with him. I would be breaking his nose as well,” I add, while Madison playfully rolls her eyes.
“So it’s official? We’re actually doing this?”
I nod.
She looks to be pondering on her next sentence. “Can we take it slow? I mean, tonight was the first time I opened up emotionally, and physically,” she adds with a blush.
“We’ll take it as slow as you want to go. I’m here with you, every step of the way. I promise.”
“I’m messed up, Dixon.”
“So am I,” I confess. I can’t erase my past, but I sure as shit can try and make amends. I can try and make amends for my man-whoring ways, and also, for being an awful son.
“I can’t promise I won’t push you away when things get heated, or too intense. But I’ll try my best. I really want this to work.”
“So do I,” I reply, never wanting anything more.
“In that case, I give you permission to knock some sense into me if I start acting like a basketcase.”
“Thank you, but that’s not necessary. I have complete faith in you. In us,” I affirm with a nod.
“Us,” she repeats with a smile. “I like the sound of that.”
“Me too,” I reply, my persistent erection throbbing when Madison mysteriously blushes.
She reveals the reason behind her blush when she huskily asks, “So, now what?”
Rolling on top of her, I smirk when a small intake of breath gets trapped in her throat. My erection, no doubt, is the cause of her breathlessness.
“Now,” I state. “I’m going to kiss you.” She gasps as I tongue the shell of her ear. “I’m just not going to tell you where,” I add, before taking her mouth and holding it prisoner, with no intent of ever letting go.
Act IV
One month later…
33
Welcome to the Family
DIXON
“And how does that make you feel?” I ask Ms. Stark, subtly glancing at the clock and internally celebrating that her time is almost up.
“I feel…” She pauses, licking her red lips. “I feel in control.”
“Why?” I ask, writing a note in her file, her hazel eyes watching my every move.
“Because, Dr. Mathews, when you have a megalomaniac for a husband, being in control is something you don’t experience often. I take what I can get, and at the moment, Pedro the pool boy is more than happy to give,” she replies, her eyes dipping to my lap.
I straighten my back and nod. “Have you spoken to your husband about his controlling… tendencies?” I say, not liking the predatory look she’s giving me.
“What would be the point? After twelve years of marriage, he hasn’t changed. I’ve just come to accept the fact my husband is a control freak, and no amount of talking to him will change anything,” she confesses, uncrossing her legs and leaning forward. “What about you, Dr. Mathews? Do you have someone special in your life?”
Clearing my throat, I lean back into my chair and smile. “Ms. Stark, we’re here to talk about you, not me.”
“I would much rather talk about you,” she replies. “I’ve been seeing you for a couple of months, and I know nothing about you.”
“I’m your therapist, and that’s all you need to know,” I bluntly reply.
“But—” she counters, but I cut her off.
“Your time is up for today. If you’d like to make another appointment, please see Ms. Vale on your way out.”
My response is lacking tact, but quite frankly, I couldn’t give a damn. She’s the third woman this week to hit on me, and yes, I would once have encouraged this behavior, but now, it just makes me sick. Thankfully, she gets the message loud and clear and leaves without a single word.
“Hello, Dr. Mathews,” Madison says as she ducks her head around my door.
The moment I see her, my shitty morning seems like a distant nightmare. I jump up from my leather chair and eagerly greet her with my lips as I shut the door behind her. Pressing her up against the wood, I devour her mouth, and my body hums in pleasure as she returns my affection just as passionately.
Madison and I have been taking things slow, but I’m grateful they’re moving at all. After Boston, we have been seeing one another exclusively, which suits me just fine, as there is no one I want other than her.
After much persuasion, I convinced Madison to see a psychologist, and although it’s early days, I can see a vast improvement in her behavior. I meant what I said, I have complete faith in her, and in us, and no matter what obstacles are thrown our way, I’m ready to fight them.
Madison breathlessly pulls away while I groan low in my throat. I want this woman with every inch of my body, but I won’t push. Yes, Madison has made substantial progress, but physically, she’s still stuck in the past—a past which involves her asshole brother defiling her in unspeakable ways. I clench my jaw, thinking about what he did to her, but I rein in my temper because that’s what supportive boyfriends do.
“So, I just came by to say hi,” she says, her beautiful smile lighting up the room.
“Well, hello,” I reply, nuzzling her neck, her smell driving me wild.
She giggles, turning into my embrace. “What time is your next appointment?”
“Appointment? I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I playfully reply, drawing on her neck in a long, wet pull.
She gasps under my lips. “Dixon.”
I sigh, pulling away with a pout. “Fine, you win. For now,” I add with a wink.
She laughs once again, and I smile, loving how carefree she’s become. “We still on for tonight?” she nervously asks, and once again, I restrain my seething temper.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Tonight is the engagement party of her stepsister and brother. It is also the night I meet her mother, Rachel, and her stepfather, Sebastian. Like I mentioned, we’ve been taking things slow, but this is a big step for Madison, and I’m going to try my hardest to not make a scene when I meet her brother. Visions of me beating him to death with his own limbs have been playing on a loop in my head since she invited me, but I will do everything in my power to remain calm, because I can only imagine how Madison feels.
She hasn’t said much about her stepsister, but from what she has shared, it’s safe to assume there would be no tears shed if she contracted an incurable disease and dropped dead tomorrow.
I need to be strong for Madison because I don’t know how she’ll react to seeing Dylan. She mentioned she hasn’t seen her brother in over a year, so tonight will test her mental and physical strength. It sure as shit is going to test mine.
I know she’s made progress, but dealing with what that bastard did to her is going to be an ongoing battle for her. All I can do is provide her the unconditional love and support she deserves, and show her that nothing will ever change my feelings toward her.
“Thank you,” she says, nervously tugging on her lip. “I don’t think I could do this without you.”
“Yes, you could,” I affirm, brushing her cheek wi
th my thumb. “You’re capable of anything you set your mind to.”
“Anything?”
I nod. “Anything. I mean, you entrapped me, didn’t you?” I say with a laugh when she playfully slaps my shoulder.
“I think the feeling was mutual,” she replies with a dimpled smile.
“It was more than mutual,” I say, my voice lowering when I remember the first time we kissed.
“Dixon,” she says, her cheeks flushing.
“Madison,” I playfully counter, wrapping my arms around her waist and drawing her close. “I’ll pick you up at seven?”
“Sounds like a plan,” she replies, her breath hitching when I lean forward and kiss her cheek.
“Okay, well, I’ll see you then.” I unhappily pull away, not wanting to ever let her go.
“Can’t wait,” she whispers. “I’ll see you tonight.”
She gives me a quick peck on the lips, and leaves me staring at her perfect ass as she exits my office, wondering how a son of a bitch like me ended up with someone as incredible as her.
* * *
“Are you sure we can’t skip this gathering and have our own gathering at my place?” I ask, nuzzling into Madison’s exposed neck as we ride the elevator to the twenty-second floor.
“I…wish,” she gasps as I nip her collarbone. “But I’ve told my mother we’re coming and she really—” she giggles as I tongue her ear “—wants to meet you.” I sigh against her neck. “We’ll stay for an hour, tops.”
“If we must,” I reply, pulling away, my eyes dropping to her amazing breasts, which are pushed up to the high heavens in the gorgeous red strapless dress she’s wearing.
“We must, although if you keep looking at me like that, I don’t know if we’ll make it out of this elevator anytime soon,” she says, her smoky eyes doing an appraisal of my sharp Armani suit.
Just as I’m about to pounce on her offer, the elevator dings, indicating we have reached our floor. I feel Madison tense up, and my heart breaks at what she’s currently going through. My brave girl is taking her first step toward freedom, and I’m with her every step of the way.
“Ready?” I ask, reaching for her hand and interlacing her fingers through mine.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” she replies, squeezing my fingers and giving me a nervous smile.
“I promise I won’t leave your side,” I say, meaning every word.
“Thank you,” she replies, and we take our first step toward the unknown.
The foyer of the ballroom where this engagement party is being held is quite stunning. This would have cost Sebastian a small fortune, no doubt, but from what Madison has shared with me about his daughter, Beth doesn’t settle for anything but the best. Quite frankly, she sounds like a spoiled little bitch, but I’ve got bigger fish to fry—like Madison’s lowlife, son-of-a-bitch brother.
“Everything okay?” Madison whispers as we make our way toward the entrance.
“Never better,” I lie, my jaw clenching.
“Well, do you think I could have my hand back?”
Looking down, I see her fingers are squished under my firm grip, and I instantly loosen my hold. “I’m sorry, angelo,” I say, lifting her fingers and kissing them gently. “I’m taking my promise of never leaving your side a little too literally,” I add, while she bursts out laughing.
“Madison?”
Both Madison and I spin around to see a stunning woman in a navy gown approaching us quickly. Her green eyes, heart-shaped face and gentle smile gives her away. This lady is no doubt Madison’s mother.
“Hi, Mom,” Madison says, letting go of my hand and rushing over to her.
They tenderly embrace, and I watch, happy that Madison’s excitement to see her mom is reciprocated.
“Sweetheart, you look beautiful,” her mother says, pulling out of their embrace and holding her at arm’s length. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“Mom, it’s only been a month,” Madison replies, embarrassed.
“A month too long,” she counters, affectionately rubbing her arm. “So where is this doctor friend of yours?” she asks, wiggling her eyebrows up and down. “I must meet the man who—”
But Madison cuts her off, her cheeks flushing a bright red. “Dixon,” she says, looking over her mom’s shoulder.
Her mother turns around, and the moment her eyes fall on me, I see approval.
“Mom, this is Dixon. Dixon, this is my mom, Rachel,” Madison says as I step forward.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Rachel,” I say, advancing and kissing both her cheeks.
“Likewise,” she replies, her hand fluttering over her heart. “My, my, you failed to mention what a hunk he is,” she adds, turning to look at Madison.
“Mom!” Madison says, her cheeks flushing further while I chuckle.
“What?” she innocently counters.
“Let’s just go inside before you mortify me any further,” Madison replies, tongue in cheek.
“That’s my job,” she replies, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Madison playfully rolls her eyes, while her mother gives me a small smile. “You kids be good. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Okay, let’s leave before my mother says something embarrassing. Oh, wait a second, too late,” Madison teasingly says, latching onto my arm and leading me into the ballroom, while Rachel stays to talk to guests.
Laughing, I turn to give Rachel a goodbye wave, which she lightheartedly returns.
Once inside, Madison drags me over to the bar. “Please order anything you like. Alcohol will burn away the memory of meeting my mom.”
“Oh, c’mon, she’s not that bad,” I reply with a grin.
When Madison cocks her brow, I laugh again. I order a scotch for myself, and a water for Madison, and then it’s time to mingle with the hundred plus guests. Madison introduces me to family members, friends of the family, distant relatives, neighbors, and her childhood doctor, but the guests of honor are nowhere to be seen. I’m not sure if she’s evading them on purpose, but as I look around this lavish affair, I see that most people are mingling among themselves, looking to be awaiting their arrival also.
“There she is,” gushes a male voice, and I turn to see an older, distinguished gentleman approach us.
“Sebastian,” Madison says, her smile lighting up the room.
Madison has told me all about Sebastian, and how he was more of a father to her than her own biological father. I instantly like him, as I see nothing but love radiating from his gray eyes as he sees Madison.
“Hello, Button,” he cheerfully says, and she gives him a big hug.
I stand back, allowing her to reconnect with her stepfather, as the reunion looks to be a happy one.
“We’ve missed you,” Sebastian says, rubbing her back.
“Sorry I haven’t been around, I’ve just been busy,” she replies into his shoulder, and I hate that I know the reason why she hasn’t visited them for so long.
“Never mind, you’re here now. You look lovely,” he says, and pulls away, his eyes landing on me.
“Ah, is this the doctor your mother has been raving about?” he asks, while Madison nods.
“Yes,” she replies with a nervous grin. “Sebastian, this is Dixon Mathews.”
Sebastian smiles and extends his hand, which I happily accept.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Sebastian. I have heard so much about you,” I say, impressed by his strong handshake.
“The pleasure is all mine, Dr. Mathews.”
“Please,” I say, waving him off. “Call me Dixon.”
“Well, Dixon, we hope to see you around our place for dinner very soon. Anyone who can make my little Button smile this way is always welcome in our home.”
“Thank you very much. I would be honored,” I reply, while Madison loops her arm through mine.
“Excellent. Maddy, you nut out the details with your mom, and I’ll let everybody know,” Sebastian says, while Madison freezes
up near me. “If you’ll excuse me,” he says, waving to somebody. “Save a dance for your old man,” he adds, and walks away to shake hands with Madison’s neighbor.
The moment he’s gone, Madison sags into me and I wrap my arms around her. “Are you okay?” I ask, kissing the top of her head.
“No,” she replies against my chest. “I was silly to think I could be normal for one night.”
“Shh,” I reply, pulling her out of my embrace. “You’re perfect, and don’t you forget it.”
She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes, which worries me, as I’m unsure how she’ll respond when she actually sees the cause of her self-doubt.
“Did you want to leave?” I ask, but Madison shakes her head.
“We can’t. I don’t want to upset my mom or Sebastian. I’ll be okay.”
“Just say the word and we’ll split,” I reply, running my knuckle down her cheek.
“Thanks for being here,” she says, leaning into my embrace.
“There’s no place I would rather be.”
“Well, well, Mad Maddy has a boyfriend,” says a singsong voice to my left.
I turn quickly, instantly disliking this person, as her voice is dripping with sarcasm. I see a petite brunette in a black dress two sizes too small, but she doesn’t seem to care that she’s showing the entire room her pink bits.
“Hi, Mona,” Madison says, her voice wavering, while I glare at the trashy bimbo in front of me.
“Who are you?” Mona says, making it more than obvious she’s checking me out.
“I’m Madison’s boyfriend,” I counter sharply. “And who might you be?”
“I’m Juliet’s best friend,” she replies, pursing her painted lips.
“Who the hell is Juliet?” I bark, as that name resurfaces frightful memories, ones I wish to never revisit.
Mona laughs, covering her mouth in horror. “Your story of being her ‘boyfriend’ would be a lot more convincing if you actually knew the name of the bride-to-be. How much do you charge?” Mona says, still laughing at her inappropriate joke.
