"That may be true, but-"
I purposely cut George off. "What about the upcoming resort on the northern coast of Morocco?"
"Yes, the Ritz-Carlton," says a lady two seats down from me.
"They say it's going to be extraordinary." My hope is that I averted the conversation that I could tell bothered Jax. I don't recall Jax having a brother. Maybe he was younger than Jax. If so, he would have been a baby when I was a kid. As I glance around the table, everyone's eyes are on me, including Jax's. Some faces look confused or surprised, I can't tell which. Yes, I do have a brain, people.
Looking back at Jax, I see an expression on his face I can't name.
"Thank you." Jax leans toward me. I stay frozen as his lips brush mine, and then he kisses the corner of my mouth.
***
The rest of the evening unfolds without any drama. Jax's success comes from his no-nonsense, self-driven attitude. I keep getting looks from women who secretly want to scratch my eyes out. Meow. Their eyes continuously drift to Jax. And his eyes are always on mine.
"Ivy, before we leave, you need to see something." He grabs my hand, and we walk down a dark path between the trees, away from the party. "You see out there?" He points toward the ocean, where I see an island with twinkling lights.
"Yes, Catalina Island." We stand hand in hand, saying nothing for a long while. Three words come to my mind: Peaceful. Happy. Safe. Three words that are strangers to me.
***
"I really had a good time," I say as I lean on the door of my condo.
Jax totally ignores my words. "I want to make it clear to you that I don't go around having sex with women and then act as if they don't exist." His eyes are searching mine. "What Miranda said to you is not at all how it was between us. We had sex on more than one occasion. But that woman—Miranda—knew upfront that it wouldn't lead to anything more."
The word "player" comes to mind.
I place my finger on his lips. "Shh. Listen, Jax, most of my life, I've seen how love can be a trap. I avoid heartbreak, and I hope to keep it that way. Don't waste time convincing me you are an honorable man."
"Ivy, listen to me-"
I rest my hand on his cheek, caressing it. "I'm incapable of having a relationship other than a friendship with any man." I desire more than friendship with you, Jax. "I'm your Companion right now. That's it."
"Sometimes I wonder if you are what I've been holding out for. We have a connection, Ivy." He stares down at me.
"Jax you're not listening to-" Unexpectedly, he presses his tall muscular body up against mine, and we crash into my closed door. His lips are on mine, and Jax begins to lick my lips, gifting me intermittently with little kisses on my face.
Tilting my head, he licks and bites up and down my neck. "So sweet, Ivy." Then he slides his tongue in my mouth.
My response is urgent and full of longing as I open for him without hesitation. Jax's tongue explores the insides of my cheeks; he slides it over my teeth and then very gently sucks on my tongue.
As I reach up with trembling hands and tug on his dark curls, a sigh escapes me. "Mmm, yes."
Jax shifts, so he is standing between my legs. "Hold on. Put your arms around my neck. Now wrap your legs around my waist," he says with a strained voice.
Then he begins to grind his thick erection against my wetness. Jax pulls the strap of my dress down and releases one of my heavy breasts. He consumes my nipple in his mouth, sucking hard, but slow, with a hungry rhythm.
I'm going to come. "Oh, please … Jax, please." The heat is rising in my core, waiting for something to kindle the flames. At this moment, all my restraint has diminished. Here we are, outside my door in my condo building. Anyone could see us, but I don't give a damn.
"You have my cock throbbing. Driving me mad. Your body is so soft and luscious." He kisses the valley of my breasts. "I want to devour these."
Ivy, you want this; you crave this. "I have to touch you now. I need to …" I reach down between our bodies and rub his long hardness from the head to the base, where I massage his balls. As I stroke him over and over, I feel a wetness at the top of his pants. I love that I can arouse him this way.
He moans loudly. "Ivy, I want to lick between the folds of your sweet passion. My fingers are aching to feel the wetness I know is between your legs." He slowly pulls away. "Can I come in and stay with you tonight? I need to be near you, touch you, breathe you …"
My heart is saying yes. I want to give myself to him completely. It seems so right with him. In the back of my mind, that part of me that always seems to creep its way to the surface makes the decision. Love makes you weak. Love hurts. Run away from it. I abruptly remove myself from his waist. Standing, I put my hands on his chest and push him away. "Jax, I'm sorry. I can't—I want to, but I'm screwed up. You know how dysfunctional my life used to be. I can't let it go."
He looks so hurt. "We don't have to do anything. This is all my fault. I moved too fast with you. I'm sorry."
Standing on my tiptoes, I press my lips to his cheek and keep them there for a moment. Unlocking my door, I walk in and shut the door with my heel without a backwards glance. And then the floods come pouring out of me. I wail like a child as I slide down the wall and go into a fetal position, wishing I could be loved and return affection like a normal human.
Chapter Three
I am a nervous wreck through the entire ride to LAX Airport. I feel as though I can't quite catch my breath. It was kind of Jax to send his driver to transport me to the airport. I don't think my legs can carry me to get on his private jet. I really was not expecting to hear from him after what happened a few nights ago. The evening was actually going great, and I enjoyed my time with him, even his flirting. Then something deep within me wanted to surface, and I was not familiar with that feeling. I handled it the only way I knew how. Shut down all emotions.
Now here we are, just the two of us on the plane.
"Ivy, I had the pantry filled with snacks and drinks I thought you would like. Have you ever been to New York?"
Jax is sitting across from me. He gives me his full attention. He looks so sexy in ripped blue jeans and a tight white T-shirt. "Yes, on many occasions. A lot of my past clients have business there," I say, avoiding eye contact with him.
I don't know why I agreed to come. We should have ended our work relationship after the cocktail party on Saturday. Jax decided to call Violet and ask for an extension-just one more social event. Of course, she agreed. Thanks a lot. Tough it out, Ivy. You can do this. It will be the last time. Then Jax and I can go live our lives as if we never had a reunion.
Rocking back and forth in his tan, oversized, leather chair, Jax brings his index finger to his mouth, rubbing it along his lips. I can't help but stare at his full lips. Those lips that were sucking and kissing me into pleasurable insanity a few days ago.
"We should go over the agenda for the next two days. First off, just to clear the air, we will be in separate rooms." He smiles, showing all those pearly whites.
"Thanks for putting that out there, Jax, but I had assumed that. Why would it be any other way?" I put on my best poker face.
"After Saturday night I just thought-"
I place my open hand towards him to prevent him saying anything further. "I feel so stupid the way we ended things. The evening was actually going great, and I enjoyed my time with you. Things just got out of hand. Let's just enjoy our last event together." Please let's move on from this.
He nods in agreement, but I can tell he is battling something. Jax wants to say something. I grab my iPad and begin writing down our plans in New York for the next two days.
I can't believe during our five-hour flight that Jax was a gentleman. Not once did he flirt with me. I actually was anticipating his flirting and secretive glances. How screwed up am I?
***
We arrive at the hotel and decide to settle in our lavish suites. The suite is large enough for ten other people to stay in here. My cell phone ri
ngs; Jax's name pops up on the screen. I think about not answering, but then change my mind. "Yep."
"Is this how you always answer your business phone," he asks with laughter in his voice.
"Yep, when I know who's calling." I laugh.
"So I was wondering if you would like to eat dinner with me at the restaurant in our hotel?" I say nothing, but he continues, "They have an American cuisine and seafood restaurant here."
I want to be around him, but I also know I need to keep this trip strictly business. After an uncomfortable silence, I decide to say something. "I'll order room service. It has been a long day with traveling. All I want to do is take a shower, eat, and sleep. Plus I made an appointment in the morning for services at the luxurious spa."
He makes a humming noise and exhales loudly enough for me to hear. "All right. Dinner will be lonely without you." He pauses. "I'm getting quite used to you being around."
What the hell should I say to that? That I feel the same way. In all honesty, I do. And that is why a separation is necessary tonight. "I'll see you tomorrow evening, Jax."
"What about breakfast?" he asks hastily.
"Um, sure. We can do that … I guess. My spa appointment is at nine a.m. Will eight o'clock work for you?"
"Thanks, Ivy. I'm looking forward to seeing you. Bye."
"Goodnight." I lie down with my arms sprawled out on the gold satin quilt of the king-size bed. As I'm staring at the ceiling, I can't help but think about giving Jax and me a chance at happiness.
***
Sitting at the vanity brushing my hair, a knock at the door makes me jump. When I open the door, the first thing I see is a bouquet of flowers. He must have the wrong hotel suite. "Hi. Who are these for?"
The delivery guy smiles. "The card reads Ivory."
"That's me." My stomach is doing flip-flops. "Thank you." I grasp the beautiful roses and shut my door. I pull the card from the flowers. As I read the card, my hands start shaking.
I do hope you like the flowers. I did not know which your favorite was until I remembered as a child you always liked to pick roses and orchids.
Roses with red edges remind me of sunsets. My mom planted them. She enjoyed gardening and took pride in her rosebushes. It was one of the few things that made her happy. And the orchids I loved picking were from Jax's childhood home. They were so pretty, covering the area in front of his porch.
As I lay my head on the pillow, getting ready for bed, I reminisce about all the good parts of my childhood. My mother's voice is the last thing I remember before I fall asleep.
Being deeply loved by someone makes you strong, and in turn, loving someone gives you courage.
***
We walk along the red carpet into the Grand Ballroom, which hosts the gala dinner. Jax keeps his open hand on the small of my back. I try to ignore the intimate touch, but my body shivers whenever he moves his fingers. I hope he doesn't notice.
"This event is buzzing with excitement," I say to Jax.
There are servers circling around in tuxedos, offering the typical high-class hors d'oeuvres. Women dressed in evening gowns and men in their designer suits and ties express there well wishes to one another. The usual greetings of men shaking hands and women giving one another air kisses is seen in every clique.
"Yes, it is. The only thing I'm excited about is attending this event with you." He takes his thumb and lightly rubs my cheek.
He is making it difficult for me to control myself.
Stuck in a momentary fog, I don't notice Jax has stopped walking. He looks at me, acting a bit uneasy. "Ivy, my brother is approaching us. If you feel uncomfortable about meeting my family, you may excuse yourself to the ladies' room." He doesn't make eye contact with me.
I follow his gaze and notice a handsome blond guy with the same physical attributes as Jax coming toward us with arms wide open and a goofy grin on his face. His presence has sparked my curiosity as to where he fits into the Sterling family. At the cocktail party when Jax's brother, Andrew, became the topic of conversation, I was surprised as I thought for sure he was an only child. I don't remember him when we were kids.
"No, I'm fine. Are you requesting that I leave?" Why would he think I would be bothered? Perhaps he doesn't want his family to know he hired a Companion. Great. Just peachy.
Andrew grabs a glass of wine off a waiter's tray. He gulps down every drop of it before talking to Jax.
"Well, well, if it isn't my big bro." He runs his hand through his dark brown hair. He looks a bit inebriated.
Jax glares angrily at his brother, no hint of a grin on his lips. "I see you are taking advantage of the free alcoholic beverages, Drew."
"As always. You know me so well, Jax." His chuckle turns into a cough. He looks around, searching like a predator. He catches his prey and yells at the waitress, "Here, please. Ah, thank you, miss." He faces me and slowly appraises my body from head to toe. "You are absolutely delicious. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?"
"Ivory."
"Ivory, what a fitting name for you. I'm Andrew. I have always had a thing for redheads. Is my brother treating you like royalty?"
He definitely has had too much to drink. "Your brother is always there when I need him." I tilt my head at Jax, staring into his eyes.
"You make me sound like a white knight in shining armor," he teases. "Andrew, please excuse us. We need to find our table and get ready for the awards presentation." He avoids looking at his brother as we move away.
Andrew calls out from behind us, "Nice meeting you, Ivory. And, brother, an early congratulation to you on all of the awards you will undoubtedly win."
I look over my shoulder and smile at him. Jax throws his hand up in a thank you motion while continuing to walk to our destination.
We reach our reserved table for eight. Jax pulls out the teardrop-designed chair for me. "Ms. Montgomery." He takes my hand as I sit down. Jax nods and mumbles hellos to a few other parties at our table. Sitting down, he lays his arm across the back of my seat and rhythmically rubs the back of my neck with his thumb. His touch makes me instantly wet.
"Ivy." Jax grabs my hands as he faces me. "I'm sorry for how my brother spoke to you. He-he is a good guy, but hasn't coped well after his mother died a few years ago."
"I was wondering how you two were brothers. Then I just figured that was your younger brother that I didn't get a chance to meet before my family moved."
"We share the same father. I was upset when my parents split up, and for a while, Andrew was closer to my dad than I was. Ivy, every family has its demons. You're not the only one." Jax softly kisses my forehead.
I think about that for a moment. He's right, but if you avoid heartache, it won't happen. Right?
Looking around our table, I realize that we are surrounded by very important people. Categorically not actors or rock stars, but CEOs and the filthy rich. I am feeling a bit intimidated. Since many of the conversations at our table are business related, in between taking sips—okay, maybe more like gulps—of wine from my Bordeaux glass, I smile and nod when it is fitting to do so. This is so not my thing.
Jax and I have not talked too much at dinner. And less when he is called to the front stage to accept his numerous awards. The best part of the evening for me is you. Jax keeps his hands on me throughout the night. First, it is my shoulder, next to my knee, and then my hand. When he keeps rubbing his thumb on the side of my neck, it feels so good to be touched that way. Jax sends shivers down my spine as his fingers lightly make circles on my upper thigh. The pressure building up in my belly makes me instinctively cross my legs and put pressure on my aching clit. I just hope that I can make it through the rest of the event before my heated sex explodes in front of a group of high-class strangers.
Chapter Four
"Congratulations on receiving all of those awards," I say as Jax hands us our celebratory shots.
"Thank you, Ivy." We tap our drinks together and swallow our After Five shots. He looks at me with misc
hievous eyes.
What are you thinking, Jax?
"You know what's better than winning those awards?"
"Um, what?" I tip my head to the side like a dog who's trying to figure out what its master wants.
Jax leans in close to me. "Being around you." His words come out in a lyrical tone.
"Oh." That is the only word I have enough air to say. This man is breaking my resolve. The urge to give him all of me is threatening to erupt at any moment. Our lips are a few inches apart. We say nothing as I look into those blue, tropical-ocean-colored eyes. The warmth of his body makes my body quiver. Jax notices because the corner of his lips slightly lifts to a half smile.
The plane begins to shudder, and our shot glasses jostle on our trays. At first, I don't understand what is going on.
Jax takes his finger and lifts my chin. "We must have entered some turbulence." We just stare at one another wordlessly, his manicured finger still positioned under my chin.
"Holy shit-" I grip the leather arms of the plush lounge chair as another more intense turbulence occurs. Before I can say another word, our bodies smash together, and Jax grabs me hard by the arms and brings me in a straddled position onto his lap.
"You are so beautiful. Every moment of the day I see your face. Your fiery red tresses and hazel eyes are the last thing I think about before I go to sleep at night."
I don't want to fight my attraction anymore. I want to give myself to Jax.
Ivy, baby, if you continue to search for what happiness consists of, you will never be happy.
"I want you, Jax."
He stares up into my eyes, searching for confirmation.
"Please," I whisper, assuring him.
He starts with slow light kisses on my collarbone, then begins trailing his fingertips along the sensitive skin right above my breasts. You wouldn't believe that such a mere touch could have you gasping for air. I'm on the edge of hyperventilating. My hips begin rocking back and forth, dry humping his thick erection.
At Your Mercy (VIP The Pink Collection, #1) Page 2
