Redemption: Part Five (The Vault Book 5)

by Kate Benson

  Our dinner is served faster than imaginable, and we take our seats around the table, my father leading the nightly prayer as he sits across from Adam at the opposite end of the table.

  We’ve never spoken much about our spirituality, but from what I’ve gathered since meeting him, Adam isn’t the most devout person on the planet. However, his respect of mine and my family’s beliefs is something I couldn’t appreciate more. I’d been raised Catholic by a woman who lives and breathes the religion. Although I’m not nearly as earnest as she’d like, I’d have to join a convent for my beliefs to properly appease her, it’s still an important part of my family and I’m happy to see he understands that.

  We make small talk over dinner, my parents speaking to Adam far more than anyone else as they try to determine what kind of man I’ve fallen in love with.

  When we first started dating, he admitted this wasn’t something he’d had much experience with. Although he’d dated quite a bit in his twenties, there was never anything serious enough to meet parents or do any of the ‘couple things’ he’s done with me. One look to my left as he easily answers their questions, his calm demeanor never once slipping, and it’s hard to believe this is a first for him.

  He’s a pro and with parents like mine, that’s no easy feat.

  “I think I’d like another glass of wine,” I admit, smiling toward my father graciously as I gesture toward the open bottle sitting at his left. “Daddy, would you please hand me the merlot?”

  “Of course, darling,” Adam replies, making my expression freeze in place as he rises from the table and lifts the bottle, refilling my glass before his eyes reach mine and he sees my wide-eyed expression. “Is something wrong?”

  “No,” I shake my head, my cheeks heating slightly as realization finds his eyes and he clears his throat quietly.

  “Hmm… I must be more tired than usual,” he recovers quickly as he takes his seat, his amused grin only making my cheeks heat further. “I could have sworn you were talking to me.”

  “That’s okay,” I manage, ignoring the eyes on us from around the table as I reach for his hand and run my fingers over the band on his fingers. “Thank you.”

  Jesus Christ… my face is absolutely on fire.

  Meanwhile, Adam simply flashes me a broad smile before shooting me a wink and returning his attention to his plate.

  “You’re quite welcome, my love.”

  ADAM

  We finish dinner and move inside, the six of us taking up the bulk of my spacious living room. I’m not sure I’ve ever had so many people in my personal space. While I’m relieved to see Bella finally relaxing, I’m even happier to know it’s nearing bedtime.

  Her parents drill her, particularly her mother, just as she’d promised she would. It’s obvious that she’s becoming overwhelmed at all the questions coming her way and although I can understand why, I can also see the love and concern in her parent’s eyes as they speak with her.

  “When will all of this be behind you, Bella?” her mother asks, the question we both knew had been lingering on her lips from the moment she stepped inside finally slipping out into the open. “How long until you know your path? And are you safe here until then?”

  “Si, mamma,” she promises, giving her a nod as she reaches to scratch Caesar’s head as he rests at attention by her feet. “I don’t know how long it will take for everything to calm down, but I do know I’ll be completely safe here until then.”

  “And once it’s all over, you’ll go back to your apartment?” her father asks, his eyes moving between us.

  “We haven’t really discussed that far into the future yet, Daddy,” she admits. “I’m sure other arrangements will be made when the time comes, but-”

  “Isabella’s apartment may never be safe for her again while she’s with me, even after all of this has run its course,” Adam offers, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “The fact of the matter is, the media is something I’ve been forced to deal with. Although Isabella didn’t ask for that level of exposure, it’s unfortunately a very real part of my everyday life.”

  “Is it always this intense?” Claire asks, pulling their eyes to hers before they wait for another answer from me. “When we pulled up, there were reporters everywhere downstairs.”

  “Yes, I know,” I admit. “And no. It isn’t always going to be this way. Right now, they’re looking for a story because of a supposed scandal, but once this is all set behind us, I can assure you it will settle down substantially.”

  “How can you be sure of that?” her brother asks.

  “Because it happens from time to time. Rarely at this level,” I admit. “But it does happen. When I took over the company, it was intense. Isabella can attest to that,” I offer, pulling a nod from her. “However, anything related to the company or my personal life moving into the spotlight always garners extra attention. It’s the main reason why we kept our relationship so hush hush in the beginning. I’ve been raised, groomed really, to be in the public eye whether I chose to be or not. I know it’s not something Bella has ever had to deal with and I tried to be very careful to not allow it to affect her as much as it obviously has,” I offer. “Once we’re done with the hearing and she’s back at work, I expect another influx of media attention, but after a few weeks, things should go back to normal.”

  “How much of an influx?” Bella asks, pulling my eyes to hers as I give her an apologetic smile.

  “Nothing you haven’t dealt with before, darling. It will be different next time, though, because we’ll prepared for it. Your private security won’t leave your side, nor will I. I can promise you won’t ever have to endure another day like that first one ever again. Not while you’re with me.”

  She gives me a small smile of appreciation herself, squeezing my arm affectionately before she rests her head on my shoulder, returning her attention to the dogs and petting Nero.

  “That’s all very charming, Mr. Avery,” her father says, pulling my attention from her cooing at the half-million-dollar security team she’s currently babying at her feet. “But you haven’t answered my question. Where will our daughter be once this has all cleared out? Particularly if her apartment is no longer safe?”

  “Wherever makes her happiest,” I offer easily. “I take full responsibility for the situation we’re in and if moving into another place on her own is what she chooses, I intend on taking responsibility for that, as well. Otherwise, she’s welcome to stay here with me.”

  “Are you intent on marrying her?” her mother asks bluntly, making Bella’s head quirk up immediately, her eyes wide in embarrassment.

  “Mother!” she groans. “No! We’re not getting married just because of a scandal and a few cameras.”

  “Well, then you shouldn’t be moving into his house, Isabella!” she exclaims.

  “Would you rather me stay at my crazy apartment right now?”

  “You know better, honey,” her father interjects. “There’s an exception to every rule and your safety is priority. You’re exactly where you should be right now, but once it’s all behind you…”

  “I have to get married?” she huffs, her eyebrows shooting up. “That’s insane,” she insists dramatically, facing her mother. “You’re pazzo, mamma. I’m not going to expect him to propose simply because people can’t mind their business and insist on staying up his culo, mamma.”

  “Language,” I whisper at the same time her father does, making her blush scarlet.

  “I’m sorry, it’s just ridiculous,” she shakes her head. “Are you going to do this the whole time you’re here?”

  “Worry about you?”

  “No,” she shakes her head, her eyes narrowing in annoyance making her siblings snicker. “Be all… whatever you’re being right now,” she says, her hands gesturing oddly in their direction. “And don’t say it’s for my sa
fety, because you do this every time I see you,” she insists, glancing at her mother. “Especially you.”

  “You’re mia figlia, Isabella,” her mother argues. “I’m supposed to worry about you. I’m supposed to ask these things.”

  “Yes, but you’re not supposed to steamroll my life every five seconds and demand people marry me over an apartment and complain about my hair.”

  “You’re full of merda, Bella,” her mother argues.

  “No, I’m not,” she shakes her head. “Every time I see you-”

  “I’ve said nothing about your hair!”

  “Oh, it’s coming!” she narrows her eyes, making her father stifle a smirk. “What are you laughing about? You know I’m right!”

  “Yes, honey, I do,” he nods, patting her mother’s hand. “Let your mother worry over her children.”

  “It is what she does best,” Claire adds, making Isabella shake her head.

  “Fine, but that’s enough for one night. You people are stressing me out. Capisci?”

  “Si, Bella. Fine!” her mother relents. “I’ll give you the night, mio caro.”

  “Grazie,” she smiles, unable to stifle her giggle at her mother’s dramatic expression.

  “Would anyone like dessert?” I offer, eager to change the subject.

  I’m met with nods around the room and return them with one of my own before I reach for Bella’s hand and pull her to her feet.

  “Vera’s left for the night, so we’re on our own,” I smirk. “Come. Help me.”

  “Do you need an extra hand?” Claire offers, moving to join us, but I still her with the shake of my head.

  “No, thank you. That won’t be necessary,” I smile. “However, if you’d like to get settled and put your things away, please feel free to make yourself at home.”

  “That would be great. Thank you.”

  “You’re very welcome,” I reply, brushing my lips against Isabella’s forehead. “Why don’t you show everyone where they’ll be staying and meet me in the kitchen, darling?”

  “Okay,” she smiles, giving my hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it and moving toward the east end of the penthouse.

  I watch her take her leave and release a long, deep sigh before I slowly move toward the bar, pouring myself another drink. I sip it slowly, my thoughts focused only on her as she returns to me a few moments later.

  “How are you?” I ask, pulling her close to my chest and savoring in the feel of her hands falling at my sides.

  “Fine, but good God, they’re exhausting,” she sighs, making me chuckle. “I’m sorry about my parents,” she offers, and I shake my head. “I don’t know what the hell they’re thinking sometimes when they say things like that.”

  “Just of you, your happiness,” I whisper, pressing my lips to her hair. “It’s more than okay, darling.”

  “Well, thank you, but please don’t read too much into it,” she asks, taking my hand and following me into the kitchen. “I don’t expect anything like that from you, Adam.”

  “I know,” I promise, smirking to myself when I glance over my shoulder and see her face shifting with nerves. “No more wine after this,” I whisper, pulling a nod from her. “You’ve already had more than enough for one night.”

  “Yes, Sir,” she replies, releasing the still full glass when I take it from her and set it on the island before caging her in. Her eyes move toward the tray of intricately plated macarons Vera left for us and she glances back at me.

  “I thought you needed help?”

  “As it turns out, I’m full of merda, too. I just wanted to be alone with you,” I admit with a shrug, making her giggle as I take a step closer, leaning down to taste her lips. They’re a mix of merlot and desire, the gentle hum leaving her chest doing little to ease the pulse of my cock as I take her in. Her lips slowly part as my fingertips trace the inside of her thigh, inhaling her sweet, floral scent as I run my nose against her jaw. “You have something I want, kitten.”

  Her eyes grow heavy, the low whimper slipping from her chest as I reach the edge of her panties pulling a low hum from my own.

  “Attenzione,” I order Caesar and Nero, both rising from their spots on the floor and moving toward the entrance to the kitchen at full attention. She swallows hard as my eyes move back to hers, my palm gently falling onto her stomach before it lowers to the hem of her dress. “Baby, you need to relax.”

  “I’m trying,” she whispers, her voice shaking with desire as I push the silk up, tapping her feet apart gently with my own and sliding my hand into the front of her panties. “It won’t be long until they’re back in the living room.”

  “Feels like I won’t need very long,” I promise, her breath hitching slightly as I run my lips down her neck, my fingers slipping inside her already drenched opening. “Hmm…” I hum, the feel of her arousal covering my fingers making me growl against her skin. “There’s my good girl.”

  She shudders, her eyes holding mine as I make my way back up to her lips, brushing my tongue across her chin before I give it a gentle bite. My fingers pump into her slowly, her breathing quickening in time with my thrusts. I glance down at her chest, savoring in the way she heaves almost silently as I push her toward her climax, her hot breath washing over my skin pleasing me.

  “Yes, pumpkin,” I croon, my lips close enough to brush against hers. “Tell Daddy how you want to be touched.”

  “Faster,” she rasps, her eyes desperately begging for release and softening in pleasure as I give her what she craves. “Harder, please.”

  “There she is,” I hum, holding her eyes and giving her a small smile of adoration as she tilts her head back, her walls slowly beginning to contract around my fingers. “That’s it, baby. Take what you need. Give me your pleasure, Bella.”

  “Oh, my God,” she mewls, her words so low, they leave her in a breath as she holds my eyes.

  “Shh… be quiet,” I whisper, giving her pussy a light smack that only further spurs her on before I slide back in, her nipples tight against the silk. “Just for me, darling.”

  “Yes, Sir,” she promises, her voice barely a whisper before her mouth falls open, her orgasm pouring over my hand as the tension slowly leaves her.

  I wait for her to settle, gently sliding my fingers inside her as I massage her pussy, watching her lip quiver slightly as she slowly comes down. She releases a long, low sigh of relief, the light sheen of sweat on her chest beckoning at me to taste it and so I do. I trace her collarbone with my tongue, my fingers spreading her release over her lips and thighs making her release a low whimper as I pull away and find her gaze.

  I glance quickly at the entrance, content with our privacy before I return my eyes to hers and lower at her feet, sliding her panties to the side and running my tongue up her center. I lap at her arousal greedily, the feel of it dripping over my chin making me growl into her cunt. The vibrations make her shudder against my mouth, a gentle twist of her hips making me grip her ass hard in my palms as I plunge my tongue deeper inside her. She comes for me again in almost no time, her clit still swollen as I suck it furiously. By the time I rise back to my feet, the soft sounds of voices in the next room pouring in, she’s panting uncontrollably, and I’m covered in her delicious scent.

  I bend to kiss her, humming quietly as she swipes her tongue over my chin and licks me clean.

  “You taste like me, Daddy,” she purrs, making my grip on her waist tighten just slightly as I stare into her hooded, blue eyes.

  “Hmm…” I hum against her lips, my tongue darting out to taste her. “And now, so do you.”

  The voices grow louder as I kiss her hard, Caesar and Nero each giving us a low signal to warn us of their arrival. I pull away gently to smooth out her hair, regretful as I fix her panties and cover her once more.

  “I need to clean up,” s
he whispers, moving until my hand reaches for hers, stopping her.

  “No. I want you just like this,” I reply with a wink before I reach for the first of two trays and hand it to her. “Follow me, little one.”

  Chapter Eleven

  ISABELLA

  “Goodnight,” I smile toward my parents before moving from the door to their guestroom and slowly making my way back toward the center of the penthouse. When I arrive in the living room and find it empty, I glance around to find no sign of Adam. I peek inside his bedroom before finding his office door cracked and slip inside, happy when I see him at his desk. “May I come in?”

  “Of course, darling,” he answers immediately, looking up from his computer with a warm smile as I close the door. “Are you alright?”

  “Yes, Sir,” I nod, pulling my shoes off before I close the distance between us and come to a stop at the end of his desk. “I just wanted to come in and see you.”

  Although dessert had gone well, my parents keeping their promises of toning down the Italian Inquisition for the rest of the night, it’s been all I can do to think of anything but being alone again with Adam. While our escape to the kitchen was much needed, I’ve found more often than not, any taste of him is quick to leave me hungry for more. After two more hours of small talk while trying desperately to ignore how drenched he’d left my panties, I’m more than slightly on edge.

  “You did, huh?” he asks, his eyes trailing over me, taking in my heavy breasts and the way I squeeze my thighs together under his gaze. When his eyes make their way back to mine, I see them dancing slightly in silent understanding as he reaches for my waist, pulling me closer as he turns his chair to face me. “Does my little girl need some attention?”

  “Yes, Sir,” I admit, my blazing cheeks making him flash me a wicked smirk as his palm lowers, pulling me toward his lap.

  “Well, we can’t have that,” he teases, pulling me to his lap to straddle him. “Come.”

  My eyes dart toward his screen, work dominating the screen despite the late hour.