by Hole, Carrie
Chapter 6
Reina came downstairs to find James shirtless at the stove. Every time she smelled coffee and bacon she loved him a little more. Usually coffee came before all else, but the sight of his muscled back was too hard to resist. She rubbed her hands across his shoulders then leaned her body in and inhaled, silently purring like a contented cat. She let her hand trail his skin as she walked toward the coffee pot. His hand circled her wrist and snatched her back at the last minute, so she caressed his neck and chest. Haven’t had coffee yet and I’m still ready to wrap my body around him, she thought.
“What would you like to do today,” he asked.
“Have coffee?”
He laughed and let her go.
Grabbing a cup she continued, “She doesn’t know it yet, but I’m spending the day with Amy.”
“Coffee and trouble abound, I’m sure.”
“Coffee and shopping actually.”
“You’re going shopping by choice,” he raised his eyebrows at her.
“I know, shocking right?”
“Mischievous is more like it,” he replied.
She shrugged her shoulders at him. They were attending a cast and crew party in a couple of weeks, so she’d decided to buy a dress. She generally didn’t shop or wear dresses, but the idea of teasing James all night was extremely appealing. She nibbled a piece of bacon, sipped her coffee, and texted Amy.
Reina: Hey lady! Go shopping with me today?
Amy: Shopping? Are you sick?
Reina: Ha ha! More like...plotting.
Amy: Oh I’m in!
Reina: Meet at The Coffee Spot? Maybe an hour?
Amy: Done.
Reina topped off her coffee, kissed James, and popped more bacon in her mouth on the way out. He tried to pull her back in, but she ducked away laughing. He stepped into the foyer doorway to watch her walk up the stairs, lured by the idea of temporarily delaying her.
Reina arrived at The Coffee Spot feeling a surge of happiness; her comforts, new and old, were merging together beautifully. She had what she’d always loved along with a new awareness she’d never dreamed of.
“Do they have good coffee here,” a man behind her asked.
She turned around startled, hand to her heart.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said good naturedly.
“No. It’s Ok,” she replied, laughing at herself.
“The coffee...is it good?”
“Oh. Yeah, best there is,” she smiled.
“I’ll have to give it a try,” he replied.
“Definitely.”
“That’s a beautiful necklace.”
Her hand automatically touched the lock, “Thank you.”
Not only had his demeanor changed slightly, but something about him seemed vaguely familiar. Before she could think too hard about it Amy showed up, obviously cheerful that Reina had volunteered to go shopping.
“Who was that guy,” Amy asked.
Reina hadn’t realized that the guy was already walking away.
“No idea.”
“Now you’re talking to strangers and going shopping? What’s gotten into you?”
Reina laughed, “Maybe after all this time you’re finally rubbing off on me.”
Amy rolled her eyes, “Yeah right.”
They grabbed coffee and headed out.
“So...what exactly are we shopping for today,” Amy inquired.
“I need a dress, and don’t you dare laugh.”
“A dress huh? Did James drug you or something?”
“Very funny. It’s not like I’ve never worn a dress.”
“For a funeral maybe,” Amy joked.
“You’re being a pain in the ass,” Reina replied sarcastically. “Are you going to help or not?”
“Of course! I’d almost pay to drag you around dress shopping, and you’re offering it for free. Plus shoes, you have to get shoes to go with.”
Reina stuck out her tongue, “And you plan to torment me as long as possible of course.”
“Oh yeah, you’re mine,” Amy laughed.
“Don’t mention it to James, it’s a secret.”
“So...the plot thickens…”
Reina just smiled with a devilish glint in her eyes.
Three shops and more than a dozen try-ons later, she found the perfect dress, a deep v-neck maxi chiffon dress in a rich wine color. It was sleeveless with an empire cut in the front that tapered downward on the backside, leaving her back bare to the waist. The bottom was multi-layered, showing off various views of her legs through the see-through material as she moved. Oh yes. This is the perfect dress to secretly tease James in public all night, she thought. The rebellious part of her sparked with devilish glee.
Amy helped pick out strappy black heels and nail polish to match her dress. Reina also found a distressed charcoal t-shirt that was even more perfect, with the saying, “Coffee + Bacon = Love”. Any day that ended with a new coffee tee was complete. Amy had plans, but she took the dress and shoes with her and promised to help Reina get ready on party night. Reina stopped in The Coffee Spot for one more cup to go and headed home.
James was in the sitting room, the gorgeous mountain view behind him, looking over some paperwork.
He looked up when came in, “Get anything good?”
She pulled out the coffee t-shirt, showing if off with a smile. He smiled back at her; sexy dimples making her heart flutter. She licked and bit her lips, watching his eyes flare with interest.
“Do you want me,” she asked seductively.
“Come here Reina,” he replied, voice husky.
She slowly walked over and straddled into his lap, crumpled paperwork forgotten.
Chapter 7
Reina was working on designs for the impending movie, listening to music, drinking coffee, and thinking about the upcoming party. One more week and they’d be flying to Nashville for champagne and fun. Socializing was usually the last thing that Reina got excited about, but this was more of an introduction into James’ world, which she now had a place. Not only would she be there with him, but would also be recognized in her own right. Thankfully he’d gone out on a few errands, so she could actually concentrate. He technically never stopped her from getting work done, it wasn’t really his fault he was so distracting, but work wasn’t what she tended to concentrate on when he was around.
Since she was home alone, she was having a completely girly moment doing a little dance in her seat quietly singing along to “Into You” by Ariana Grande. She was so absorbed that when the doorbell rang she almost jumped out of her skin. Not only was having a doorbell unusual for her, but she was most definitely not expecting company. Feeling happy she was still humming along, a little dance to her step, until she opened the door. Standing there was the man that had spoken to her at The Coffee Spot; her heart stopped.
“Oh it’s you,” he said, seeming surprised.
For some reason Reina wasn’t convinced. She replied before she’d really had a chance to recover.
“What do you want?”
“I’m sorry. I’m actually here to see James.” He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“You know James?”
He snickered, “You could say that.”
He made her uneasy. “He’ll be home shortly, you could leave a number.”
“No. That’s Ok. Just let him know that Eric stopped by. Oh, and you are?”
Reina wasn’t feeling that friendly, “I’ll let him know you came by.”
He tried to hide it, but Reina could tell he did not like that answer.
“Thank you. Perhaps I’ll see you soon.”
I hope not, Reina thought. To him she replied, “Perhaps,” then shut the door.
Feeling a bit shaken she grabbed more coffee, sat at the breakfast bar, and waited. James came home approximately thirty minutes later. Smiling, he sat down a couple of bags in the kitchen.
“How’s your day been,” he asked.
“Eric was he
re today.”
His body became very still. When he turned to look at her his eyes seemed a bit cold.
“What did you say?”
His response made her unease grow.
“Someone named Eric stopped by today.”
He took a step towards her, “Did he come inside?”
“No,” she replied.
Within the minute he was on the phone talking to someone about an alarm system. She watched him pace around, almost angrily. Whoever he was speaking to obviously wasn’t giving him the answer he wanted, because his tone became demanding as he told them exactly what they were going to do. She continued watching him, trying to figure out a logical explanation for the strange turn of events. When he got off the phone she knew she needed to tell him about seeing him before, but she was apprehensive. He pulled out a rocks glass, a bottle of bourbon, and poured a generous amount.
“I’ve seen him before,” she said quietly.
Her heart skipped a beat as his eyes became almost menacing.
“What do you mean you’ve seen him?”
“I don’t know, a week or so ago he spoke to me at The Coffee Spot.”
“He spoke to you?”
“Yes,” she hesitated, “He asked about the coffee, and commented on my necklace.”
She watched him clench his jaw, and take a few deep breaths.
“James, what is going on? Who is Eric?”
“He’s my half-brother,” he said, and took a drink.
“Your half-brother?” That was certainly not what she was expecting.
He looked at her long enough that she started to wonder if he was going to answer. He took another drink and started talking.
“My father...my father is an attorney with a long family history of money and connections. My mother was his mistress. He paid for our housing, he chose my schooling, and he paid to keep it all quiet.”
He took another drink, and she waited quietly, shocked. She’d seen a lot of articles in gossip magazines, yet this wasn’t something she would have imagined.
“Do you get along with your father?”
“My father is a ruthless, egotistical prick.”
Not good.
“And Eric,” she asked.
He sighed deeply, clenching his jaw again.
“When I was ten my father insisted that I stay with him during the summer, and I immediately became Eric’s new favorite person to fuck with. Even when he was younger, Eric always liked to...hurt things, not only physically; he likes to fuck with people psychologically.”
Reina looked down fiddling with her hands, trying to process.
James took a drink and continued, “During college I briefly dated a girl during break. After I left, she started dating Eric…”
She looked up at him when he’d paused for a few minutes.
“About a month after she started dating him, she killed herself.”
His eyes were guarded, with a hint of guilt, and she wasn’t sure what to say. What could she say?
“I’m sorry. You must know it wasn’t your fault,” she tried to soothe him.
He gave a small nod of his head and looked down.
“Eric likes to break people, it’s like some big game to him; he’s also calculating and patient. Nothing good can come of him being here.”
Reina shifted her eyes away still trying to process; it was a lot of information to process, and nothing she could have expected. Her world had just tilted again. She didn’t know how long she sat that way, but eventually she did realize that James was silent and looking at her. When she looked up, his gaze was almost expectant.
“What,” she asked quietly.
“I’m waiting for you to give me the look.”
“What look?”
“The look that means you’re about to run away.”
The admission sent small waves of pain through her heart. It was a lot of information she hadn’t anticipated; it was a lot to think about, but nothing he’d said changed her feelings for him.
“James...I’m not going to run.”
He walked around the corner, caressed her face, and looked at her as if searching for something.
Finally, seeming to have come to a decision, he said, “Tomorrow I’m hiring a security team.”
“No,” she blurted out without thinking.
“Reina…”
“You know how I feel about people; the last thing I want is a bunch of random guys around our house crowding my space. I don’t want people watching all the time.”
“Reina, it’s probably not safe.”
“James, please don’t. We’re almost always together anyway. When we’re not, I’ll call Amy for backup or something.” He sighed, but didn’t reply.
As the evening wore on Reina curled up on the couch. She watched him prowl around while he talked on the phone, looked out over the mountains then at her before he started pacing again. Occasionally he took a sip of bourbon. She overheard that someone would be installing a security system on the house the next morning.
At some point she fell asleep, because she woke to James smoothing her curls and whispering to her. He led her upstairs, settled her in the bed, curled in behind her, and held her tighter than he ever had before.
Chapter 8
For the next couple of days Reina sat on the couch, book and coffee in hand, mostly watching James stalk around like an angry bear woken from hibernation. People came in and out working on installing the security system, various infrared cameras in key locations outside, sensors on every door and window, motion detectors, and whatever else James had planned. He was continuously making sure every base was covered, but if someone was working near Reina he hovered, looking ready to drop someone if needed. For the most part no one approached unless absolutely necessary. Reina would have found it slightly comical, if James weren’t so serious about it. He was the same thoughtful person as always with her, but she almost felt bad for everyone else.
Reina hadn’t really talked to Amy since the night of revelations, but by the third day she asked her to come over. The work was mostly just finishing touches and checking everything, but if she didn’t get reinforcements she was going to go crazy. She wasn’t certain exactly what or how much she would tell Amy, it wasn’t really her story to tell, but Amy would hang out with her anyway. Thank God.
When Amy walked in she gave Reina the, “what’s all this,” gesture.
“You should probably get some coffee,” Reina told her.
Amy nodded her head, made a cup, and sat next to Reina on the couch, both with their feet tucked up.
“So...what the hell is going on?”
How much to say? “The Cliffs notes version? James has a dangerous, slightly crazy half-brother that just happened to stop by the other day.”
“Oh, well, if that’s all…” Amy paused, “Half-brother?”
Reina shook her head, “Not today.”
“It’s a little like a circus where the lion is running the show…”
They both giggled until James walked in. They hid their smiles behind their coffee cups, while Reina gave him her best innocent look. He looked back and forth at them for a moment then continued on his way.
“Hey Amy,” he said over his shoulder.
“Good to see you,” Amy replied in a sassy tone.
“Amy,” Reina warned.
“He really is in rare form isn’t he,” Amy asked.
“You have no idea.”
“Is everything still on for the party?”
“We're going to that party even if I have to leave a note and make him come get me.”
“In his current mood that might not be the best idea,” Amy said jokingly.
“We’re going,” Reina smiled.
The girls hung out, drank coffee, snacked, gossiped, painted their toenails, and watched the action going on around the house. They laughed and made jokes, trying to lighten the damper that had settled in around them. When the last couple of workers headed out, Amy decid
ed that was her cue.
“The lion needs something new to focus on, I’m out.”
“Amy, you’re so bad,” Reina laughed.
As James came in Amy headed out, with a general, “see ya,” on her way.
James pensively leaned against the window frame looking out over the mountains. Deciding she had to pull him out of it, Reina walked over to him. He looked at her, but his eyes were distant. She put her hand on the side of his neck.
“Hey. Where are you?”
He put a hand lightly on her hip. “I’m here,” he replied quietly.
She gave a small shake of her head, leaned her body into his and rubbed her lips across his neck.
“I’m lonely,” she whispered in his ear.
As his arms started to come around her, she backed up. His eyes looked slightly more focused.
“Come here Reina.”
She shook her head and smiled, then pulled her shirt over her head. He made a move forward so she took another step back grazing her hands over her breasts as she took off her bra.
“Reina,” he said huskily.
She bit her lip, “Yes?”
She pulled her shorts off her hips, let them slide down her legs, and stepped out of them as she took another step back. She kept backing up as he advanced in earnest until her back was against the shelving near the fireplace. He put his hands to either side of her and leaned in as if to kiss, but she teased him with brushes of her lips and flicks of her tongue instead. His hand came to the back of her neck and into her hair, the fire building in his eyes. She unbuttoned his pants and stroked him.
“There you are,” she teased.
James’ eyes blazed. His lips crushed to hers in a punishing kiss, hot tongue slipping into her mouth and taking what he wanted. She moaned into his mouth demanding more carnal pleasure as she pushed down his pants as far as she could reach. Reina ran her hands across every inch of his exposed skin. When he pulled back she sucked his bottom lip, breathing heavily, her body wet and ready. She pulled against his hold on her trying to pull his shirt up; he released her and took it off. The pants came off next as he urged her to the floor; she willingly lay down in open invitation.
As his body came over hers he sucked her breasts into his mouth one at a time, teasing her nipples with his teeth, and causing her body to arch toward him as mewling moans escaped her. His mouth trailed up to her neck, stubble rubbing against her sensitive skin. He bit his way up her neck, sending sparks of heat rushing through her bloodstream.
