Her Confession

by S. Valentine

  Darion’s laugh came out louder than expected. “Not that crazy. But yeah.”

  Marnie and Wendy excitedly agreed to it.

  “Suppose it’s about time we had some fun around here.” Lexi twisted a red strand of hair around her finger. “I’m in.”

  Marnie lined shots on the bar when Wendy tended to customers. “Absinthe!”

  Darion shook his head, amused. “You trying to get me drunk, Marn?”

  “Maybe.” She giggled, filling the glasses.

  Darion took the glass between his fingers and downed it quickly. The liquid burned through his throat and chest, making him cough.

  “Eva should be upstairs now,” Lexi reminded him, nodding toward the wall clock. “Go and see her. No excuses, Daz.” With that she swiveled on her heel, her ponytail almost hitting him in the face.

  He chewed his bottom lip. “Pour me another shot, Marn. I’m gonna need it.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Darion had been sitting on the sofa upstairs of the club for fifteen minutes when he felt someone’s presence—hers. He hadn’t been able to find her despite checking the bathrooms, playrooms, and booths. He watched her surreptitiously out of the corner of his eye. He felt a stabbing pain pierce his heart. He obviously wasn’t as strong as he thought he was. Shit. He’d avoided a confrontation with her purely because he wasn’t ready to deal with her yet. If only she remained upstairs, and kept her nose out of the girls’ business, then speaking with her wouldn’t have been necessary.

  He inhaled and exhaled deeply, flexing his fingers until his knuckles cracked. His throat tightened. Memories of the past came flooding back—the bad and the good. He squeezed his eyelids shut for a moment in an attempt to regain his cool.

  Opening them, he saw her run a hand through her sleek, black hair, and her red, full lips curl into a smile. Her green eyes locked with his, and as she neared him, it was like she was moving in slow motion. The red glow of the spotlights cast over her, making her look like a dream and a nightmare rolled into one.

  He had a sudden desire to move closer to touch her. He didn’t know whether it was the alcohol playing with his feelings, or whether he was still in love. With trembling fingers, he removed the cigar from his mouth, the smoke escaping, creating a swirl around him, obscuring his view for a second.

  When she was before him, Darion was overwhelmed with emotions, too choked to speak. She slid on the sofa next to him, and he saw sadness flash in her eyes, which must have mirrored his own. His muscles ached with tension, and he felt bile rise in his throat. Get it together, he thought, the shame creeping up his neck. She betrayed you whilst swinging, fucked someone else in a locked room, and made you turn to drink and meaningless sex, a path of self destruction.

  “I heard you were looking for me. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?” she asked in a nonchalant tone, like all was well between them.

  Was there no remorse on her part? Did she not have an ounce of guilt in her for all of the hurt she had caused? He felt his body temperature rising. His feelings for her crystallised into hate.

  He cleared his throat after mentally reminding himself that he was there to talk business, nothing else. “I gave you one simple instruction, Eva. Leave the gentlemen’s club to me. Leave the girls to me.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I was only trying to help. Whenever I go downstairs, they’re standing around gossiping and drinking. They’re losing you a lot of money, Darion. They’re losing us a lot of money.”

  “They make me a lot of money. Back off, Eva.” He shot her a warning look.

  Her focus lingered on his mouth, and a small smile surfaced on her face. Darion shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He remembered that look of hers. She liked seeing him angry. In the past she’d purposely rile him up, start some stupid argument just so they could have explosive make-up sex afterwards. They fought as much as they fucked, the intensity equal for both. When she brought a hand up to stroke his cheek, Darion jolted backwards, as if she’d burnt him.

  “What are you doing?”

  Her features softened. “I miss you, so much.”

  He shook his head. “Don’t do this.” He hated the way his tone sounded like a weak plea.

  “I can’t help it, Daz.”

  “Goodbye, Eva.”

  He took a final puff on his cigar before dropping it in the ashtray and climbed to his feet. He shoved a hand through his hair and made his way to the exit. As he descended the stairs, he heard the clacking sound of Eva’s heels behind him.

  “Can we talk about us, please?” she pleaded, her voice shaky with emotion.

  “I’ve got nothing to say.”

  “But I have.”

  “I don’t wanna hear your bullshit,” he said through clenched teeth.

  “I made a mistake. I’m sorry. I love you, Darion!” she roared.

  Oh, so there was the guilt, complete with apology. Years later! Rage swept over him. He turned on his heel, and before he could think straight, he slammed her against the wall.

  “The only person you ever loved was yourself!” he screamed, feeling his blood reach boiling point. “And if you say those words one more time,” he brought his face closer to hers, “you will never set foot in this club again.”

  “It scares you to know it’s the truth,” Eva fired back, freeing her arms. “I love you, Darion,” she repeated, clasping his face tightly in her hands. “I made a mistake. I fucked up.” Her expression was of pure desperation. “Whether you love me, or hate me, I want you to know how I feel…how I’ll always feel.”

  Silence hung heavy in the air. It was as if he was momentarily paralysed for he was unable to move her hands from his face. When her fingers brushed tenderly against his cheek, he swallowed, as it ignited all of his senses. It took all of his willpower to stop his eyes from closing, and further inviting her touch. Fuck. He’d missed it. The lust he felt outweighed his sense of reason. His body was flushed with immense heat as her body was pressed against his.

  He focused on Eva, hypnotised by the mischievous grin that presented itself on her face. Her mouth was so close that her breath tickled his skin. The smell of Apple Sourz invaded his nostrils. Studying him intently, she slowly leant closer. Her tongue darted out like a poisonous snake, and she flicked it across his lips. She laughed a low, naughty sounding laugh.

  “Does she excite you the way I did?” she challenged him in a low, sultry voice.

  Darion wanted to defend Gabi, however exciting memories he had with Eva invaded his mind, like an erotic movie. Eva’s lips parted, and her eyes closed. He hated himself for still finding her so beautiful. His trembling hands wanted nothing more than to grab hold of her, and greedily claim every bit of her body.

  Remember what she did.

  He shook his head and blinked rapidly, as if coming to his senses. Taking a step back in a huff, he mentally scolded himself for being so stupid, for almost losing control and falling for her devious ways.

  “You’re here for one reason, and one reason only.” He turned his back on her. “To help make this club the best it can be.”

  “Whatever.”

  He glanced over his shoulder when he heard movement. As Eva slowly made her way up the stairs, he was transfixed on her ass as it swayed in tight leather trousers. Her hair flew out behind her.

  “Darion.” She paused at the door. “You can lie to yourself all you want,” she began. “But I know you still love me.”

  Before he could retaliate, she vanished. Darion cursed under his breath. He needed fresh air, desperately. He made his way down the stairs and out of the club. Glad to be alone, he leant against the wall. He brought up both of his palms to rub his temples. He felt the throbbing of a migraine. He was more confused than he’d ever been in his life. What was happening to him?

  Chapter Fifteen

  Gabi

  Gabi picked up her mobile again, and touched the screen, causing it to light up. Darion hadn’t responded to her text message. She leant back i
n her chair with a soft sigh, wondering what he was doing. She was unable to stop paranoid thoughts from invading her mind. Was he losing interest? Had Eva got her dirty paws onto him yet? She tapped her nails on the desk anxiously, willing herself to stop making a mountain out of a molehill. Perhaps he was occupied with work, or still sleeping. If the latter was the case, it being 3 p.m., then he must have had a late one at the club. Jealousy surged through every cell in her body. In her mind she prayed he hadn’t been beyond the black door without her.

  She silently scolded herself. She was driving herself crazy. Darion was driving her crazy. She was never usually this jealous. She couldn’t bear the thought of Darion seeing Eva every day.

  She picked up a folder and took out a manuscript. She willed her brain to focus on work. She needed to edit one hundred pages by the end of the day. Slipping into her heels that she’d kicked under her desk, she stood up. First, she needed a big cup of coffee.

  “Hey, Gab,” Mallory greeted her warmly in the kitchen. “How’s your day going, sweetie?”

  “Slow.” She added a coffee capsule to the machine, and switched it on. “What about you?”

  “Not bad.” Mallory leant against the counter. “Nice shoes.”

  Gabi glanced down at the cream Jimmy Choo stilettos she was wearing. “Thanks, Mal. I’ve had these a while. Speaking of which, I could do with a new pair.”

  “Well, let me know when you go shopping. I’ll join you.”

  “I will.” When her cup was full, she switched the machine off and took a long desperate swig, wincing when it burnt her tongue. “How’s Steve?”

  “He’s great. He’s just got a promotion at work.”

  “Brilliant.” Gabi smiled. “Send him my love.”

  “How’s Darion?”

  “He’s okay as far as I know.”

  “Good.” Mallory beamed, rinsing her cup under the tap.

  Gabi was pleased Mallory didn’t pry further. The last thing she wanted was to bombard her friend with her problems all the time.

  “I’m so excited for Suzie and Marcus. I cannot wait for the new arrival.”

  “And the christening.”

  “So, will we have the pleasure of Darion’s company?”

  Who knows? I can never get a straight answer out of him. “I expect so,” Gabi said instead.

  “Oh good.” A cheeky grin surfaced on Mallory’s face.

  “What?”

  “I bet Darion looks hot in a suit.”

  Gabi threw her head back with a laugh. “You know, I’ve never actually seen him in a full suit.” She gulped some of her drink back. Her mind wandered into pleasant thoughts of Darion Milano in a black suit and crisp white shirt, his hair gelled back. She presumed he would look sexy, powerful. Yummy.

  “Gabi.”

  She blinked out of her daze. Judging by Mallory’s amused expression; she knew she must have had a dreamy look on her face.

  “You’ve got it hard for Darion.”

  “I have not,” she denied, although she knew her feelings could be detected a mile off.

  Mallory opened a cupboard and reached for the biscuit jar. Twisting the lid, she took out a digestive. “So, apart from Darion’s impeccably good looks and being skilled in the bedroom, what else do you like about him?” Mallory cocked her head to the side. “I’m intrigued. Me and Steve have been together for so long that I’ve forgotten about the freshness and excitement of a newish relationship.”

  Gabi pursed her lips whilst in thought. She hadn’t had many serious boyfriends in her life. Lawrence had mistreated her, and at first, when it came to Darion, she thought she’d grabbed desperately onto the first person that had lavished her with affection, listened to what she had to say, and made her feel special. Darion was an extremely persuasive man, and she knew that if he wanted something, he probably got it. She wished she could have said it had been just him doing the pursuing, but it hadn’t. She had been attracted to him on first sight. The more she had gotten to know him, the more she knew he was a good man. Deep down he had a kind heart.

  “He’s a good man, Mal. He’d do anything for me and the girls at the club. I know he would.”

  Mallory continued to chew on the biscuit.

  “I like that he’s real. He’s himself regardless of what people may think of him. He doesn’t pretend to be anything he’s not. I like that sort of honesty.”

  “I like Darion.” Mallory brushed the crumbs from her hands and put the jar back in the cupboard.

  Gabi drained the last of her drink. Darion was one of two things: extremely good for her, or devastatingly bad. Gabi wished she had some sort of crystal ball to predict the future. If only she knew the road she was heading for—happiness, or disaster.

  Chapter Sixteen

  After Gabi finished her dance lesson, she still hadn’t heard from Darion. She flung her bag over her shoulder, and made her way out of the building. It was unlike him not to call or text her throughout the day. It was even more unusual for him to completely ignore her text messages and phone calls. She hoped nothing bad had happened to him.

  Out in the street, she peered up toward the dull, grey sky. A cold shiver swept up her spine as she began to feel cold specks of rain on her skin. She groaned inwardly, having forgotten her umbrella. As she proceeded in the direction of the car park, the rain got heavier, until it was lashing down, drenching her clothes. She held her handbag over her hair to prevent it from further getting wet.

  As she rounded the corner, she slammed into a body with force. Muttering her apologies, she lifted her head, to take in a smart black Armani suit. She then caught a whiff of the familiar smell—the Calvin Klein aftershave that she’d been so used to smelling each day.

  She drew in a shaky breath. “Lawrence…”

  “Gabi.” He appeared as stunned as she was, although bumping into one another eventually was inevitable. They both worked in the same town centre, and used the same salon. Although Gabi had been relieved, she was a little surprised they hadn’t run into one another until now.

  “How are you?” she asked, half from politeness and half with interest.

  Although Lawrence had slacked big time on the fiancé front toward the end of their relationship, she knew he had loved her, and would never have left her. He’d wanted marriage and children, although he had neglected his duties caring for her. Gabi hadn’t wanted to risk the struggle of perhaps bringing up children alone whilst Lawrence was working away, or out drinking. Growing tired of the arguments, and suspecting him of cheating, she’d then met Darion.

  “You fancy getting out of the rain, going for a quick coffee?” Lawrence asked, wiping the rain from his face, and looking up at the sky, whereby lightning bolts were flitting through the grey clouds. “It’s been a while, Gabi.”

  Gabi bit her lip, contemplating it. She knew deep down it probably wasn’t a good idea, but she found herself agreeing. She was slightly curious to see how life was working out for him.

  “There’s a coffee shop at the next corner.”

  “I know.” Gabi half smiled. “I’ve worked in this town for years,” she playfully reminded him. She paced with him toward the end of the road, desperate for shelter. “It’s unlike you not to have an umbrella.” Lawrence was usually super organised in every aspect of his life.

  “I’ve had a lot on my plate lately.”

  Inside the warmth of the shop, the sweet aroma of coffee instantly filled Gabi’s nostrils. She peeled off her coat when they found an empty table. It didn’t take long for a waitress to take their orders. Wiping her wet hair from her forehead, Gabi pulled it into a ponytail.

  She took a sip of her hot drink when it arrived, gasping in delight as it went down—just what she needed.

  “It’s nice to see you, Gabi.” Lawrence regarded her intently. “Even though things didn’t exactly go smoothly with the break up,” he added.

  Gabi felt her heart thudding against her chest. Guilt flooded her. “Look, Lawrence.” She rested her elbows o
n the table. “I’m sorry for the way I left you. I didn’t plan any of it. It just wasn’t working out for either of us.”

  He shrugged, prior to gulping back some of his drink. “It was mostly my fault. I put work first, was away a lot. I guess I did neglect you, Gabi. I can see that now, and I’m sorry.”

  Gabi was silent.

  “How are things with him?”

  She prevented the sigh of exhaustion from escaping her lips. She wasn’t about to confess her worries to Lawrence, firstly because it wasn’t his business, and secondly because she didn’t want to give him satisfaction that karma could catch up with her. When they had split up, Lawrence had said, ‘I just hope he doesn’t do to you what you did to me.’ Cheat. The very thing Gabi feared.

  “Things are fine,” she lied with a tight smile. “How are things with you?” She wanted the subject changed before Lawrence sensed her agitation. “I bet Lorna is busy planning the wedding.”

  “I take it Mallory told you we got engaged? Well, me and Lorna split.”

  Gabi was surprised to hear his future appeared to be as uncertain as her own. She’d believed he’d had it all mapped out. She’d expected him to be married, with a house full of kids within five years.

  “I’m really sorry to hear that, Lawrence,” she said, and meant it.

  “We both agreed to call it a day. Lorna was offered a career opportunity in Hong Kong. I didn’t want her to lose out on something that fortunate, and neither of us wanted the strain of a long distance relationship.”

  “It makes sense.” Gabi ran her finger along the rim of her cup, anything but meet Lawrence’s stare.

  “Are you happy, Gabi?”

  She met his intrusive stare. The question caught her off guard. Of course she was happy. Sure, she had obstacles to overcome in respect to Darion’s life and past, but she was sure they could get through it. “I’m fine, Lawrence.” She arranged her expression into one of happiness. “Are you?”