Without realizing what I was doing, I pulled Rebecca into a hug. Her arms wrapped around me.
“I had a good night,” she said softly.
“Thank you … for everything.” It felt nice to know there was no pressure. I pulled away from our hug and gave her a smile. “I’ll text you, or call, or something … sometime.”
She shrugged. “It was just one date; don’t worry, I’m not going to put too much pressure on you.” She gave me a soft grin. I unbuckled and stepped out of the car, turning just as I reached my house and waving, watching her drive off. Unlocking the door, I headed inside. The first thing I did was pull the envelope out of my purse and rip it open. My heart raced as I unfolded the paper.
Ally,
I just wanted to let you know I am sorry for the way I acted yesterday and today. I … I care about you, and it was hard for me to hear that you were already going on a date. I hope you have a wonderful night, and I hope she treats you right.
You deserve it, and I wish I could give it to you—I wish I could give you everything you deserve. I wish I could be the one to take care of you, but right now … I’m a danger to you and I can’t stand the idea of putting you in danger. I can’t stand the idea of losing you.
I care about you too much. I want you to be happy.
Garth.
He wanted me to be happy? But did it matter what made me happy? What if being with him made me happy?
I blew out a deep breath. Why did he have to be like this?
“Arrg.” I let out something that sounded like a growl as I stared down at the letter, reading it a couple more times.
I frowned. Who the hell was he to tell me he cared about me?
I blew out a deep breath, grabbed my purse again and stuffed the letter into it as I headed outside and to my purple car. I stared at it. The car Garth had given me.
“Fuck you,” I muttered to the purple Jaguar, feeling bad the second I said it. “I’m sorry … it’s not your fault. I’m just mad at him.” I reached out and ran my fingers over the paint. Okay, so maybe people thought it was strange I talked to my car. I didn’t care. They could think whatever the hell they wanted about me and my cars.
I slid into the driver's seat and gunned the engine after tossing my purse onto the passenger's seat.
It didn’t take long for me to get to Garth’s condo. I stormed through the door to the elevator and pressed the button to his floor.
I took a deep breath. I had to wait, and that gave me time to think about what I was about to do. I swallowed dryly, closing my eyes. This is stupid. If I did that … who knows what could happen. I would probably just end up getting hurt more, but was it worth it?
The elevator door opened on the floor, and I stared out into the hallway. Alright. I took a deep breath but couldn’t bring myself to step forward. I tried, I really did. I tried to step forward but nothing happened.
The elevator doors closed, and I stared blankly at them. Damnit.Why hadn’t I gotten out? I was supposed to. I was supposed to go over there and tell him what an asshole he was for telling me he cared about me after breaking up with me. The elevator reached the ground level and came to a stop.
Again, I froze.
I stared into those grey-green eyes in front of me and couldn't bring myself to move. I couldn’t even think straight.
“Ally,” he said softly. He looked just as shocked as I felt.
He stepped into the elevator, and we made our way up to his floor—neither of us saying a word.
“Were you just leaving?” he finally asked as the elevator door opened on his floor again. This time, I managed to make my feet work as we stepped out.
“You weren’t home,” I said quickly. Not that I had actually tested that to see if it was true, but I wasn’t going to admit I hadn’t been able to get out of the elevator.
“I was still out with Brent. Shouldn't you be on a date?”
“It ended.”
We didn’t dare look at each other. Instead, we stared straight ahead as we made our way to his apartment and he unlocked the door.
I forced myself to step into the apartment with him.
“So, you stopped by for a reason.”
“Yes.” I couldn't bring myself to say anything. I wanted to yell at him; I wanted to give him shit for not telling me how he felt sooner and wanted to tell him he was too late—but I didn’t. I didn’t say any of it because I couldn't bring myself to. “I got your letter.”
“Ah ...” his cheeks flushed. “I hope I didn’t overstep any bounds … I didn’t mean to. I”m sorry … for causing all of this.”
“You said you care about me.”
“I do.”
“Then why give up on me?”
My heart sank when I said it. That’s what was happening, right? He was giving up on us being together because he didn’t want to deal with it. On the outside, I could see why he was feeling the way he was, but that didn’t stop the way I felt about it.
“I … I’m not giving up on you,” he whispered, stepping towards me. I backed up, not letting him reach out and touch me.
“If you weren’t giving up on me, we’d still be together. I wouldn’t have gone out with Rebecca tonight.”
“You’re safe with Rebecca, don’t you get that?”
“Don’t you get that I don’t fucking care?” I let out a huff of frustration. “You don’t. You don’t fucking get it.” I ran my fingers through my hair.
“You can’t say that. You don’t get it. If something was to happen to you and it was my fault … I couldn't stand it. I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to deal with it. I would hate myself for putting you in danger like that. I would hate myself for even letting you put yourself in danger like that.”
“And what makes you think you can let me put myself in danger as is?” I stared at him, waiting for the answer. Did he actually think he could let me? Did he think he could stop me from doing whatever the fuck it was I wanted to do?
Garth stared at me. “If we get back together, you could end up dead. Is that what you want?”
I stared at him. “I want you.”
It came out before I realized what I said. I took a deep breath closing my eyes, wishing I could take it back. Of course, I wanted him, that’s why I was here, but I didn’t want to tell him. I didn’t want him to know how much he meant to me. I didn’t want him to think I was in love with him or something.
“And I want you, but …”
“No.” I shook my head and felt a tear touch the corner of my eye. I closed the distance between us. “You said you cared about me, right?” I didn’t wait for him to answer. My lips crashed against his, and my fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer to me. He let out a soft breath, pulling me closer to him, his arms wrapping around my hips.
He pulled away just a tiny bit. “You’re not being rational,” he muttered.
“Believing in fate isn’t rational,” I retorted.
His teeth grazed against my lower lip, our kiss growing more passionate. I took a deep breath. Arousal pooled in the pit of my stomach.
There was nothing like fighting to make you want to bash someone's brains out—right?
Garth pulled away from me, his breathing heavy as he stared at me. “So … the fact that someone is sending me dead body parts doesn’t bother you?”
“Oh, God no. It bothers the hell out of me.” It scared the hell out of me. “But you’re worth it.” I think. I hope. I really fucking hoped.
Garth stared at me, an eyebrow raised.
“Look, I’m not going to let someone else control my life, even if they are a psycho that is going around killing people.”
I said it before really thinking. I mean, I’m pretty sure it was true. I think. I hope. I was willing to risk my life for this man, right? Because getting back together with him was what I would be doing. I took a deep breath.
I want him. I care about him.
But was it worth it? Was it worth the risk I’d be taking. He
was right; I could become a target.
Garth reached out and touched my cheek softly. My heart skipped a beat. Yes, I thought before even realizing it. I thought it was worth it. It was just that simple.
My arms wrapped around Garth, pulling him into a hug.
“I’m here for you. We’re in this together,” I whispered.
He didn’t say anything. He just held me tighter.
Chapter Thirteen
I can’t put into words how much it meant to me that she was in this with me. I can’t put into words how much it meant to me that she was willing to take this risk, but I wasn’t sure I could let her. I don’t think I’m going to be able to let her do anything. I hugged her tightly, unwilling to admit how much it meant to me that she was willing to take this risk for me.
My head nuzzled into the spot between her shoulder and her neck. I knew I shouldn’t do it. I should tell Ally I hated her and wanted nothing to do with her, but I couldn’t bring myself to. I cared about her too much—and was too selfish.
“Does this mean you’re going to spend the night?”
She pulled away from me, mulling it over.
“I don’t know …”
“I still have some of the clothes you left here the other night.”
A smile touched her lips. I knew I was making it hard for her to say no but didn’t mean to be a pain in the ass. I just wanted her to know how badly I actually wanted her.
I couldn't say no as bad as I wanted to. I didn’t want to—not at all.
“I guess, when you put it that way.” I pulled away from him and padded over to the bedroom where I knew my bag would be. Bending down, I sifted through it carefully, pulling out a silk corset I knew I’d packed, and then stood up. I held it out to Garth. “What do you think?”
His eyes widened, and he swallowed dryly. “ I really like it. You should put it on.”
I smirked, stripping quickly, and stood there, naked in front of Garth. He didn’t seem to mind at all.
He closed the distance between us, reaching out. His fingers traced over the curves of my body. A soft moan passed through my lips just at the heat of his hand against my skin.
“All I have to do to turn you on is touch you?” He raised an eyebrow as he pulled me closer to him.
I pulled away. “Hang on,” I scolded, slipping the corset over my body, quickly trying to fasten the garment up.
Garth grabbed me the second he could, pulling me into his arms and guiding me to the bed.
His lips traced over my neck, ever so gently. I moaned, my eyes rolling back as his fingers tangled in my hair, pulling it out of my face ever so gently.
He pulled away just enough to lock eyes with mine.
"I'm so glad you came over," he whispered. "I thought I'd lost you."
"You did break up with me," I reminded him. "In case you forgot."
"I thought it was the right thing to do, you have to understand ..."
"And I do," I cut him off. I understood, but I didn't agree with it one bit. If he wanted to be with me, he should just be with me dammit.
My lips crashed against his before he could say another word. I didn't want to talk about it. I wanted to move on from it—and the best way to move on after a fight was post-fight sex. As if reading my mind, Garth grinned, pulling me closer to him. His hands traced the curves of my body and stopped at my butt, his fingers digging into my panties gently. Without warning, he had them on the floor.
My heart skipped a beat. I reached out, unbuttoning his crisp white shirt. It looked like he hadn't changed since coming back from the office.
My lips touched his neck as I pushed the shirt off him, my fingers tracing over every inch of muscle he had. My teeth grazed his skin every so softly.
Garth moaned, his fingers digging into me as I guided him back towards the bed. He fell back against it as I stood above him, and I looked around my brow furrowing.
"Dresser?" I pointed towards it as if he needed me to show him what I was talking about.
"Top." He nodded.
I crossed over to it as fast as I could without running. Because God forbid, you look desperate. I couldn't help the grin that spread over my face.
I pulled a condom out from the dresser and headed back to the bed. I wasn't done teasing but didn't want either of us to have to get up again.
I crawled onto the bed, straddling his hips.
I stopped, placing the condom above our heads and reaching for the belt of his black slacks. I had it undone in record time, along with his pants. He pushed them down to his knees quickly, his boxers with them. His cock sprang forward, and I licked my lips, lowering myself towards his cock.
He gasped as I took his head in my mouth. Just his head at first. Slowly teasing, my tongue circled every inch of him that it could reach.
Slowly, my mouth took more, his cock sliding deeper and deeper into my mouth.
I pulled away, my head bobbing back and forth. His cock sliding in and out of my mouth effortlessly.
Garth's fingers tangled in the bedding as his hips arched towards me, and I grinned.
I mouthed his cock, taking him in deeper and deeper.
Garth's eyes rolled back, a deep breath passing through his lips. His eyes snapped open as I pulled away, and he opened his mouth to protest, but I reached for the condom before he could say a word. The grin on his face widened as he reached out and took it, tearing into it.
I watched every single move as he slid the condom over his full length.
Without a word, I positioned myself over his erect cock. His hips lifted, his cock pressing against my folds.
I gasped as I lowered myself down onto him without a word. My nails dug into his muscular chest as he let out a deep breath.
My hips circled Garth’s cock, and he inhaled sharply. I opened my eyes to see him staring at me, his grin still plastered on his face.
His fingers dug into my hips as he thrust into me.
Stroke. Stroke. Stroke. Fast and hard.
I moaned, my eyes rolling back as I reached between my legs.
My fingers massaged my clit softly. Keeping time with Garth.
Stroke. Stroke. Stroke.
Fast and hard. He paused just long enough to roll me onto my back, positioning himself above me as he reached out and took my hand.
Stroke. Stroke. Stroke.
I grazed his lower lip ever so gently, and he returned it, nipping at my lower lip.
I moaned, my fingers circling my clit faster and faster.
He thrust into me again and again, his eyes locked on mine. My heart skipped a beat as I stared into those grey-green eyes. I squeezed his hand gently, my free hand moving from my body to his. My fingers traced every curve of his muscular arms, to his shoulders and down his back, my nails trailing ever so gently.
Stroke. Stroke. Stroke.
Faster and faster.
I gasped as he slammed into me. My eyes rolled back, and my nails dug into Garth’s lower back. He gasped, thrusting into me faster and faster. I moaned.
He squeezed my hand gently. Thrusting faster and faster.
Stroke. Stroke. Stroke.
I reached for my clit again, massaging faster and faster. I bit my lip.
Stroke. Stroke. stroke.
Faster and harder.
Stroke. Stroke. Stroke.
My eyes still fixed on those gorgeous grey-green ones above me, I pulled him down into a kiss, trying to pour every ounce of feeling I had for him into that kiss. As if realizing what I was trying to do, his kiss deepened. He pulled away, his lips trailing along my jawline and down to my neck.
I moaned louder.
His teeth grazed the skin on my neck gently.
Stroke. Stroke. Stroke.
Faster and faster. Harder and harder.
My eyes rolled back, and everything went a hazy white. Garth’s lips touched my neck ever so tenderly before he pulled away. As if he could sense how close I was, his lips moved to my ear, his hot breath sending a shiver of plea
sure down my spine.
“Cum for me,” he whispered.
His words were enough to send me over the edge. His lips touched my neck ever so gently.
Stroke. Stroke. Stroke.
I gasped, letting out a moan that sounded closer to a scream, and my toes curled as my hips arched. Pleasure crashed through my body, sending waves of ripples from my toes to the tip of my head. I squeezed Garth’s hand, wave after wave of pleasure ripping through my body.
My hips bucked against his.
Garth gasped, slamming into me. I moaned, another wave of pleasure surging through my body as he thrust into me harder, another gasp passing through his lips.
Stroke. Stroke. Stroke. Harder and harder, he slammed into me.
Another wave of pleasure, and another. Another, and another—this time softer. The next time softer still.
Garth’s lips lowered to mine.
My eyes opened; I blinked twice to readjust to the lighting and gave him a smile. His eyes sparkled as he stared down at me.
He pulled out and slipped off the bed, making his way over to the trashcan.
I sat up, slipping out of my corset and tossing it down onto the ground beside the bed.
Garth came back, his arms wrapped around me, and I closed my eyes. His warmth beside me, the feeling of knowing it was him of all people. I turned to look at him. His eyes were closed. I thought about the letter he’d dropped off at my place. He cared about me. My fingers brushed a strand of hair out of his face.
He opened his eyes and stared at me.
I smiled. “Hey,” I whispered, and my lips touched his for a fraction of a second. “Just for the record, I care about you too. A lot.”
Maybe it wasn’t love, but it was more than just lust—I knew that much. If I was willing to be with him, even with everything going on I knew that was more than just lust—it was more than just a good fuck, more than him being my boss.
A smile touched his lips as he pulled me into a kiss, the kiss growing more and more passionate but still never edging sexual. It was pure affection. His fingers tangled in my hair as he pulled away and lay down beside me.
“Then we’re in this together, whatever is to come of it,” he whispered.
The Billionaire's Fake Marriage: A Single Dad Next Door Romance Page 58
