by S. Valentine
“Behave,” she warned.
“Never.”
“Oh, Darion?” She stilled, suddenly remembering the Toyota and needing peace of mind. “What car does Eva drive?”
“A mini convertible. Why?”
“No reason.”
She scolded herself again. Why would Eva be following her, anyway? It made no sense. As if anyone would be following her. Her life wasn’t that interesting. Her emotions were getting the better of her again.
Dismissing it, she fled to her bedroom. She heard the sound of the front door opening. Mallory was a little early. She flung open her wardrobe, scanning over the rails of clothes, unsure of what to wear. Glancing out the window, she guessed the air would probably be bitter. English weather was deceptive, as even the times when it appeared bright, you never knew what you were getting.
After a quick body wash in the shower, she pulled on a black trouser playsuit, and teamed it with white Manolo Blahniks to match her handbag. Gabi liked wearing heels. It made her feel glamorous, lady-like. She was so used to wearing them that she must have desensitised herself from the pain they often brought.
Rushing into the living room, she found Mallory sat on the sofa, Darion making an attempt at small talk. She could tell Mallory was quite taken with Darion. His gaze met Gabi’s, holding the secret of what they had just done. Gabi felt her cheeks flame. She smoothed her hair down, hoping Mallory didn’t suspect anything.
“Are you ready?”
“Sure am.” Mallory stood up. “I’ll see you soon, Darion.”
He nodded. “Yeah. You more than likely will.” He grinned slowly. “Drop by the club some time. We’ll make a night of it.”
“I’ll hold you to that offer.”
They exited the apartment together, making their way to the cars. Gabi gave Darion a quick peck.
“Call me later.”
“I will, Gabriella Woods,” he teased her. “Don’t you worry about that.”
Chapter Nineteen
The shopping trip with Mallory was successful. Gabi purchased several new dresses, sexy lingerie, and a pair of heels. She also bought a new sim-card and placed it into her mobile, not wanting Lawrence to be able to contact her, should he ever feel the need to. He was single again and she knew what he could be like—forceful, and maybe he’d even try to persuade her into trying again. She quickly sent a text message notifying everyone she knew of the new number.
The rest of the evening had been pleasant. She and Mallory had been gossiping and laughing whilst browsing almost every store in the town centre. They’d then hit the nail shop and had a French manicure, plus pedicure.
Gabi even decided to get a piercing in the top of her ear—a silver stud which glittered in the light. She was pleased. She’d always admired piercings, but Lawrence had put her off each time, as he didn’t like them, the same went for tattoos. He believed women should remain au natural, untouched.
Once she’d packed away her new purchases, she made herself a salad sandwich. She remained in the kitchen whilst she wolfed it down hungrily. As she brushed the bread crumbs from her fingers, she realised she fancied a chilled glass of wine. Removing a bottle of white from the fridge, she filled a glass to the rim. She took it into the living room and made herself comfortable on the sofa.
As she sat there, her mind drifted to Lawrence. She wondered whether Darion loved her as much as Lawrence claimed he did. At the start of their relationship, Lawrence had always been declaring his love, whether it was by words, or actions. He never ever let her down at the start. He surprised her with romantic trips, dinners, and presents. And then he’d proposed in the most romantic way possible—in Paris in front of the Eiffel tower.
Gabi would be lying if she said she didn’t miss romance. But she couldn’t expect romance from Darion. Not yet anyway. He found it difficult to show that side of him. She knew he was afraid of getting hurt. He feared that if he got too close, gave it his all, then it would hurt him more if the relationship didn’t last. She needed to get him to take a risk, to jump into what they had headfirst, and properly enjoy it.
Her mobile ringing dragged her back to reality. She answered without even looking at the caller ID.
“Hello…”
“Gabi. What are you doing tonight?” his laid-back drawl came through the line.
“Not much.”
“You fancy coming to the club?”
“Maybe. What’s going on?”
“There’s a live band on tonight. You know how we have people in sometimes.”
“Oh. That sounds good.”
“Do you want me to pick you up?”
“I can drive.”
“On the bike?” he cut her off.
She bit down a smile. Hell yeah! “Um…sure,” she responded coolly. A shiver of excitement ran up her spine. She’d wanted to get on that bike since she’d first seen it. It was a beast. And even better, Darion looked hot on it.
“I’ll see you in about an hour.”
“Okay.”
She entered her bedroom and pulled out her new black body-con dress. It was all cotton except for the waist area, which was leather. She dressed and applied make-up: black smoky eye shadow, with lashings of mascara, and pink glossy lips. Ruffling her blonde waves, she added hair grips to one side, to reveal her pierced ear. She checked her reflection for the final time and slipped into flat, pointy shoes.
Back in the living room, she cradled her glass of wine, waiting eagerly for him to show up. She focused on the television in a bid to calm the butterflies in her stomach. Why the hell did Darion still make her nervous after all this time? She put it down to the attraction she felt for him, and his seductive, dangerous aura.
It wasn’t long until she heard the roar of a powerful engine. Climbing to her feet, she switched the television off. She stilled for a moment, wondering what she needed to take with her—coat and mobile. She sauntered into the hallway and unhooked her long coat from the wall. Slinging it on, she then placed her mobile in the pocket. She glanced down at her appearance, and feeling satisfied she looked okay, she headed outside.
Darion had a black Yamaha R1 between his legs, and his hands were firmly gripping the handlebars. He was wearing black jeans, matching top, and jacket. His helmet was nestled in his lap. Her pulse began to race, and she felt a heated blush spread through her chest. How she wished she could fan herself without it being obvious. She pulled at the collar on her coat. He looked sensational.
As she neared him, he looked up. His gaze swept over her slowly, making her feel exposed in the intensity of his stare. A ghost of a smile played on his lips. She inhaled a deep breath, willing her heart to slow its frenetic racing.
“Hey,” his voice was low and silky.
“Hi.” She smiled, twiddling with her nails. Get a grip, Gabi.
He leant back to evaluate her. “You look amazin’.”
“Thanks.” She laughed softly. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”
“I aim to please,” he said, the humour apparent in his tone.
“Um…” She stepped forward. “Do you have an extra helmet?”
He pulled a large black rucksack off his back and tossed it to her. “This is the surprise I told you about. It almost slipped my mind.” He slapped a palm on the shiny black body of the bike. “I knew you’d like a ride on the bike.”
“How did you know that?”
“All women do.”
Gabi shook her head in amusement. She unzipped the bag. So the surprise didn’t include some sexual fantasy, or visiting the swinging rooms of The Black Door like she’d suspected. She took out a helmet. It was black with a pink swirl on the side. Turning it over in her hands, she noticed that her name was engraved inside.
“My own helmet?” She beamed. She never thought she’d see the day when she, almost permanently heel-clad and girly, would own a helmet, let alone ride on the back of a motorbike. Before Darion, she had never even met anyone who owned one. “Thank you. I love it.”
>
She placed it on her head and fastened the straps. She was touched by Darion’s gift. She could definitely get used to his sweet side. She zipped the rucksack up and slung it over her shoulder. Climbing onto the bike, she hooked her arms around his waist tightly. Anticipation ran thick and heavy through her veins.
“Hold on tight.”
“Go slow…I’m a little scared,” she confessed.
He shot her a look over his shoulder. “You’re in safe hands.”
The engine screamed to life as the bike took off. Gabi gripped onto him tighter. Her face was pressed against his back, the smell of his musky aftershave filling her nostrils. She took in the row of houses on the streets, as they went by. Then Darion was speeding, until the scenery became a blur. Gabi bit her lip, her nails digging into his waist.
It was only when they were amongst nothing but grassy fields that she started to feel herself relax. The gentle breeze cooled her face. She sucked in the fresh air. As the engine got louder, and the bike moved faster, Gabi grinned. Her heart slammed against her chest. The adrenaline rush from the speed warmed her from the inside out. She was unable to stop giggling. She closed her eyes and allowed the open road to take her. At that moment, nothing and no one mattered. She felt as free as a bird.
Chapter Twenty
The excited emotions Gabi had felt from the journey on the motorbike diminished rapidly as she neared The Black Door. She dug her nails into her palms as she allowed Darion to lead the way. She wasn’t overjoyed about seeing the girls, knowing that Darion had slept with most of them. Lexi, however, was someone she classed as a friend, having met her on the first visit to the club.
Once inside, she and Darion settled on stools at the bar. The atmosphere was lively, and the room held quite a busy crowd. Gabi took in the band on the stage. There was a drummer, guitarist, and a lead singer. She sat up in interest, smiling. She liked the music. Stealing a glance at the stage, she noticed Wendy was occupying one of the poles.
“What can I get ya?” Marnie asked.
“A white wine, please,” she responded.
“How are you, Gabi?” She poured the most expensive bottle of wine she had into a glass, and handed it to her.
“Great, thanks. You?”
She shrugged one shoulder. “I’m all right.”
Gabi noticed Darion was talking to Lennie. “How are things here without Gina?” She resumed her attention to Marnie.
“Quieter.” She grabbed a cloth and began wiping the surface of the bar. “I’m counting down the days until she comes back. It’s not the same without her.” She straightened her posture. “Plus, she was the only one really who had the balls to put Eva in her place.”
As Gabi downed a quarter of her wine, she realised she’d forgotten all about Eva. She instantly felt her spine stiffen. She surveyed the club, feeling anxious. The last thing she wanted was a run in with her. She contemplated asking Darion of her whereabouts, and then decided against it, not wanting to ruin the night. Maybe Eva would obey Darion for once, and stay where she was meant to—upstairs.
“You okay?” Darion asked her once Lennie had gone, running his fingertips slowly up her leg, causing her stomach to tighten hard with desire.
She nodded.
His gaze, full of salacious longing, lingered on her lips for a second, and then his hands reached into her hair, pulling her head forward. As his engorged lips sealed over hers, his tongue parting her mouth, she closed her eyes, savoring the sensation. She gave in to his deep devouring kisses, feeling her pulse quicken and her body heat with pleasure.
“Gabi,” his voice was hoarse and needy. “You wanna take these drinks to the office?” His pupils were dilated, almost glowing.
“Later,” she told him, wanting to enjoy the show.
Reluctantly, he tore away. “You got a piercing?”
She touched her earring. “Yes. Do you like it?”
“I do.” He squeezed her thigh.
“Darion?” Lexi appeared from the door behind the bar. “Call for you.”
“Who is it?”
“A potential client, I think. Carl Johnson, or something.”
Darion rose to his feet. “Gabi, he’s a friend of mine. I gotta take this.”
“Okay.”
He leant over her, brushing his lips against her temple. Both girls then watched him vanish to the corridor which led to his office.
“How’s it going, Gab?” Lexi asked, finally dragging her hard stare from Darion.
“As good as can be. What about you?”
“I’ve been better,” she said.
“Can I help with anything?” Gabi asked, throwing Lexi a sympathetic look. Lexi was usually upbeat and always smiling. It was odd seeing her somewhat wound up.
“No.” She smiled tightly. “For what is my problem is your problem.”
With that she stalked off in the same direction Darion had taken. Gabi chewed her lip, feeling confused, not knowing what Lexi had meant. She was obviously referring to a problem linked with Darion, for they didn’t share anything else in common. What other problem came with Darion that irked Lexi? Gabi held her glass to her lips and took a small sip. Ah, that was it. Eva. She realised then that Eva’s return must have bothered Lexi as much as it did her.
Placing her glass down, she turned her attention to the dancers, and tried her hardest to concentrate. She absorbed how their flawless bodies writhed to the music, how their fingers teased their hair, and their eyes seduced their observers. As many times as she’d seen them dance, Gabi was in awe every time she saw the girls put on a show. Gabi had danced privately for Darion in the past, after a few too many drinks. It made her feel daring, alive, and confident.
Ten minutes later, she managed to tear her focus away from the stage and made her way to the bathroom. She touched up her make-up and tidied her hair. As she did so, she couldn’t help but hear a commotion coming from Darion’s office. In the corridor, Gabi paused near his door, contemplating knocking. When she heard him shouting, she decided against it, however she hovered for a moment, wondering what to do. Should she go in and help?
“She needs to stop interfering,” Darion’s stern tone filled the air. “And you need to ignore her. How many times do I have to tell you, Lex?”
“Just sort it out, Darion,” Lexi’s voice was impatient, demanding. “She obviously hasn’t listened to a word you said.”
Gabi heard a loud bang, like the sound of a fist hitting the table. “I can’t handle this.”
“It’s your job to handle it, Daz.”
Gabi felt her skin go eerily cold, and goosebumps prickled her arms when she felt someone’s presence. She slowly lifted her head, her breath catching in her throat. The familiar green eyes bored into hers, the same knowing smirk plastered on her face. Gabi clamped her now damp palms together, taking a couple of tentative steps backwards to put space between her and the woman before her. She hadn’t even heard her approaching.
“You must be Darion’s girlfriend,” Eva purred, a perfectly arched brow rising. Unlike Gabi, she didn’t appear in the least bit uncomfortable.
“You must be the ex-wife,” Gabi tried to keep her voice steady.
Gabi examined Eva intently. She was even more beautiful up close. Her pupils held a mischievous twinkle. If they weren’t slightly slanted and cat-like, it’d be like looking into the eyes of Darion, for they were a light green, the same colour. Her glossy black waves framed a face which consisted of perfectly defined cheekbones and full, upturning lips. Gabi swallowed as she took in her body. Her silicone implants appeared huge compared to her tiny frame. She managed to make out a few of the tattoos that adorned her arms.
“You’re different.” Eva cocked her head to the side. “Darion doesn’t usually do prissy.”
“No.” Gabi smiled. “He did tacky. Luckily, he went up in the world.” Gabi was surprised at the words that tumbled from her mouth before she had time to think first. She really did have an inner-bitch. Wow. She really was protecti
ve over Darion. She was almost certain she saw a hint of a smile on Eva’s face, as if she was impressed with her little comeback.
Disturbed by another of Darion’s outbursts, they both glanced back toward the door.
“Someone’s moody,” Eva confirmed. She stepped toward Gabi and brushed a strand of hair out of her face. Gabi could feel the warmth radiating from her. “If you don’t keep your man happy, sweetheart,” she whispered close to her ear, “someone else will.” Her tone was threatening. Her eyes glittered dangerously, like she knew the secret to Darion’s happiness and Gabi didn’t.
Gabi was about to respond when Eva darted into the bathroom. Shit! She sighed heavily. What did Eva mean by that? Was she implying that she’d take Darion from Gabi? Or that another woman, more adventurous and fun would? Storming back into the bar, Gabi necked back the remainder of her wine. Eva must have meant keeping Darion happy in a sexual way.
Jealousy crawled over her. Images of Darion and Eva tortured her mind—their perfect bodies writhing together, their gazes locked, their dangerous smiles and dirty sounding laughs combined. She knew she’d probably never compare to Eva. She feared she’d lose Darion. Could she give him what he wanted?
One thing was for certain, she was sure going to try.
Chapter
Twenty-One
“You wanna head off?” Darion asked Gabi once he’d returned.
She nodded, peering over his shoulder, wondering if Eva would make another appearance.
“Are you okay?” He regarded her cautiously.
“I’m fine.” She grinned, feigning happiness. “What about you?”
“Yeah,” he replied, rubbing his jaw, averting his gaze, an indicator that he too was lying. He slung his jacket over his shoulder. “Let’s go.”
Once outside, Darion led her to his Audi. She was relieved they weren’t riding the motorbike back, for she was exhausted. She needed the comfort of a car seat. Darion veered around the car to hold her door open for her. Gabi thanked him. She admired Darion’s impeccable manners. He may have had ‘bad-boy’ written all over him, but he could be quite the gentleman at times.
