One to Chase (One to Hold #7)

by Tia Louise

Evan tries to lead me to the side exit. “We’ll do damage control tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow I’m reporting his ass to the state bar,” I growl, grabbing my associate’s shoulder and moving him aside. “Right now I’m finding Amy.”

  She came here with me, and I won’t leave her alone with these snakes. I’m nearly to the back of the restaurant when I see her guarded by C.J. and a very young looking male dressed as colorfully as her friend.

  “Amy.” I go straight to her and catch her arm. All the happiness from earlier has vanished, and her eyes are worried. “Come on, beautiful. Let’s go.”

  Taking her hand, I lead her to the back exit and push through it, ignoring the alarm. We’re on the wrong side of the block from the valet service. I scan up the street and see the lights of EMS heading our direction.

  “We’re not too far from Sylvia’s condo,” I say. “Are you okay to walk?”

  She nods. “What happened?”

  Her hair is up in that silly bun with the chopsticks, and in that white dress with the blue design, eyes round, she looks like a little girl. I take a moment to pull her to my chest and hold her. She hesitates a moment before sliding her hands to my waist.

  “I’m sorry.” My lips are right at her ear, and I kiss it.

  She pulls back and finds my eyes. “Why are you saying that?”

  “Roland is a fucking dick, and I couldn’t let him get away with what he did to you.”

  Her eyes widen even more, and she steps back as if I struck her. “What are you talking about?”

  I step to her, not wanting distance between us. Cupping her face in both my hands, I slide my thumbs over her the tops of her cheeks.

  “I don’t know what happened in the past, and I don’t care,” I say, looking deep into her beautiful eyes. “But Roland Dickerson essentially just confessed he rufied you, and I intend to make him pay for it.”

  Her face flushes, and she grabs my wrists. “No!” She pulls my hands off her face. “Do not... Oh my god! Please, Marcus. Do not drag all that up again.”

  Turning, she walks quickly in the direction of Sylvia’s place. I’m right behind her.

  “Amy, wait!” She’s moving fast, and I have to jog to catch up. “I understand how you feel.”

  “No. You don’t.” She won’t look at me. “You have no idea what went on back then.”

  A sick feeling twists my gut. “Stop!” I catch her arm and make her face me. “Did he rape you or not?”

  For a moment, she only looks at me, a mixture of worry and something I don’t recognize on her face. “I don’t even remember that night.” Shaking her head fast, she starts walking again, and I know what I didn’t recognize in her expression. Shame.

  She blames herself.

  “But you know the night.” Hustling to catch up with her, I don’t try to stop her. I walk beside her, needing her to trust me. “I’ve worked with rape victims before. It was not your fault.”

  She pulls up short, catching me off guard. “You didn’t know me back then, Marcus. I was out of control. I have no doubt I put myself in the position to let it happen.”

  My jaw grinds. “You don’t fuck someone who’s unconscious.”

  Her eyes slide closed, and her arms cross over her small frame. I want to hold her, but I don’t want her to feel trapped or forced.

  “That’s rape, Amy.” My voice is soft.

  Her chin drops, and it’s almost more than I can take. She speaks slowly, putting it all on the line. “I was so angry...” she hesitates. “I went out all the time. I had a fake ID. I stayed drunk.” Lowering her arms, she studies her hands. “My father had to pull strings so I wasn’t kicked out of school. I moved to Ithaca to get back on track.” The slightest tremble enters her voice. “For Sylvia... He said I was breaking her heart. Me.”

  My arms are around her shoulders before I can overthink it, my lips at her temple. “Nothing in your past will change how I feel about you.” Holding a kiss to her brow. “I can’t let him get away with hurting you.” Her body tenses, and I add. “But I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do.”

  She relaxes, and her hands go around my waist, this time returning my hug. “It was a long time ago,” she says, her voice muffled against my body. “What happened is best left in the past.”

  I’m not sure I can agree with her. I also can’t ignore the burning throb in my knuckles. “That might be hard after tonight.”

  She steps back and lifts my swollen fist. “Let me see.” A hiss escapes her lips. “Shit, Marcus. It might be broken.”

  I watch as she gently straightens my fingers. “Ow!” I wince, and she jumps.

  “I’m sorry!” Green-hazel eyes flicker to mine, and I smile, leaning down to kiss her.

  “It’s okay. I’ll get it looked at tomorrow. Let me take you home now.”

  Busted fist aside, I’m ready to remove those chopsticks and explore what’s under that silky white dress.

  * * *

  Amy

  His hand was possibly broken, but I couldn’t know for sure. The moment we were through the condo door, he pulled my back against his chest and gripped the front of both my thighs in his large hands. Sliding them up the insides, under my short skirt, he traced the legs of my panties.

  I tried to lean my head back against him, but those damn chopsticks were in the way. “They seemed like a good idea at the time,” I laughed, jerking them out and loosening my hair.

  It cascaded around us as his fingers found their way inside my already-soaked thong. A low moan scraped from my throat as he teased the wetness in me.

  “God, you’re so beautiful.” His mouth moved up my neck behind my ear, and chills skated across my skin. “I plan on making love to you all night.”

  Equally fast, he caught the hem of my dress. I had only just unfastened the pearl button at the back of my neck before it was over my head and off. Spinning to face him, I opened the buttons on his shirt quickly to reveal his lovely, lined torso.

  Leaning down to lick his nipple, my hands moved to the waist of his pants, but he was ahead of me.

  “Mmm...” A low groan vibrated his midsection as my fingers traced the line of ink on his hipbone, following the sexy muscle that wrapped his pelvis. Oblique.

  Slacks down, I wasted no time dropping to my knees and lifting his straining, mushroom tip to my lips. I gave it a slow sweep with my tongue, and he fell back against the door with a groan, “Oh, fuck.”

  Flickering my tongue under and down his shaft, I gripped it, pumping as I rose up to give his ink a kiss and a lick. Strong hands under my arms, he swept me off my feet before I could think.

  “I wasn’t finished,” I complained, my legs going around his waist as he carried me to my bedroom.

  “Don’t worry, we’ve got all night,” he said before claiming my mouth...

  Today sitting in the Pink Pig, waiting for him to meet me for lunch, the events of last night filter through my mind like a slideshow. We arrived at China Girl, and when Roland and Karen appeared, C.J. whisked me away with him and Taylor, the... attractive young man my bestie has a crush on.

  As much as I hate it, I can’t help a little smile at what happened next. I don’t want my past dragged back into the limelight, but seeing Marcus beat the shit out of Roland Dickerson might’ve been the highlight of my life.

  Roland was truly a bastard in school. Still, rape had never entered my mind as a legitimate accusation. Not after the three years I’d spent acting out my anger against my father.

  I’d drowned his ongoing lies with alcohol and meaningless sex, and waking up alone in Roland’s hotel room, my panties gone and the sticky evidence on my thighs that he’d fucked me... Oh, god. My throat closes at the memory.

  I was actually thankful I couldn’t remember sleeping with him or his slimy hands touching my body. I didn’t even remember leaving the bar with him. It was my personal rock bottom. The siren scream that I had to get my shit together.

  Sylvia had begged me to talk to someon
e or go to counseling for my behavior. She had no idea what our father was doing behind her back, the secret eating away at my heart.

  Every time he touched her, and she’d smile warmly, eyes full of trust and devotion, my insides burned blacker. Every time she sacrificed something she loved or some cherished ambition in service of his needs or his career, I wanted to throw things. I wanted to scream in his face, scream until my lungs hurt. He was the lying cheater.

  Of course, when Karen found out I’d slept with her boyfriend, she made me Public Enemy Number One. It didn’t take much for people to believe her after the way I’d spiraled out of control.

  She’s held that night over my head ever since, painting me as the slut who tried to steal her man. As if Roland Dickerson were something worth stealing.

  A waiter appears to take my drink order. I ask for a Sicilian Blood Orange tea and an appetizer of marinated olives and the chef’s selected cheeses. He nods and disappears, and my phone vibrates. Pulling it out, I glance down to see a text from Marcus.

  Almost there. Can’t wait to see you again.

  A little smile. My hero. My defender. My fantastic lover who is everything I’ve ever wanted. A shimmer of happiness warms my stomach.

  Shall I order you a drink? I’m about to hit Send, when I realize someone’s standing at my table.

  Karen.

  “Roland is having his jaw wired shut.” Her cold voice drips with evil intent, but hello, I’m not afraid anymore.

  I pick up a pork-fried almond from the small cup on the table. “Maybe he’ll lose weight.”

  For the first time in years, I feel exonerated. C.J. always insisted something bad must’ve happened for me to sleep with Roland, but I never believed him. Now I know he was right.

  Karen leans closer, her dark hair sliding over one shoulder. It’s interesting how she might be pretty if she weren’t such a bitch.

  “Marcus Merritt is going to pay for what he did. Taking up with you just makes it that much easier.”

  With those words, she neuters my newfound confidence. The suggestion that I could be a liability to Marcus increases my shame. She sees it on my face, and I hate the gleam of power reflected in her dark eyes.

  “You should have never come back,” she hisses. “You should have kept running.”

  “Why, Karen!” A bright voice from behind causes her to slowly straighten and turn.

  I glance up to see Paige Goldfarb striding toward us. Her hair’s pulled back in a messy-chic French twist, and she’s wearing a slim-cut violet suit. Her eyes shine as if she’s having the time of her life, and I can’t help being curious.

  “You’re not going to believe what I saw last night at China Girl. I’ve been dying to tell you about it!” Her voice is too loud for the small restaurant.

  Karen’s brow clutches, and her dark eyes flit around the diners, who are turning in our direction. “Roland was attacked by your ex-boyfriend, if that’s what you mean.”

  “Oh, what I saw happened before all that.” Paige is still speaking in a loud, clear voice, and she puts a hand on her hip. Confidence emanates from her. “Armand and I decided to walk up from the Drake, and what do you think we passed in the alley?”

  She hits the word so hard, I’m on the edge of my seat wanting to know. I don’t miss my opponent’s change in demeanor. Her eyes blink too quickly, and her hands slide down the rope-design on the front of her burgundy dress.

  “I have no idea. It was a busy night.”

  “Let me refresh your memory.” The beautiful blonde has everyone’s attention now. “You were up against that dirty, filthy brick wall with what looked like Troy Cox between your legs just-a pumping away!”

  Page laughs, but rage flashes in Karen’s eyes. Her hand shoots out to grip Paige’s forearm. “Lower your voice!” she hisses.

  “Am I talking loud?” Mock surprise is on Paige’s face as she looks around the restaurant, and I might have fallen in love with her in that moment.

  Karen’s voice rises to match hers. “That’s just like the kind of filthy lie an ex-stripper would make up. Just because you have money now doesn’t make you one of us.”

  “I have no interest in being one of you.” Paige is all force as she leans into Karen’s face. “Everyone thought Roland’s long-overdue ass-kicking was the biggest story of the night. Good thing I had my camera ready.”

  She holds up the device, and Karen slaps it out of Paige’s hand. “You won’t show that to anyone!”

  A sharp stomp, and it crunches beneath Karen’s chunky square heel. I can’t help a gasp. The maître d’ makes his way quickly in our direction, I’m sure hoping to head off a potential catfight.

  Paige’s eyes light. “Thanks for confirming my story. It’s backed up to the cloud, dumbass.” Then her voice goes low, menacing. “As much as I’m sure Marcus Merritt would welcome a face-off against you, you’d better listen up.” A well-manicured fingernail pokes Pill-butt right in the chest. “The second you try to hurt him, I’ll forward all six shots to every gossip site in town. And I got some great angles.”

  My eyes catch sight of the sexy lawyer I’m waiting for just as Karen’s sputtering begins. “If you dare slander me in any way, you’ll wish you never moved out of the trailer park!” She’s acting tough, but fear is in her voice. I love it.

  “I’ll send you the bill for my phone.” Paige turns her back just as Marcus reaches our table.

  “Paige?” He glances from her to Karen, who’s hastily retreating, then to me. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing for you to worry about.” Paige pats his chest and gives his cheek a quick peck before starting to go. His confused eyes meet my gleeful ones, but she stops and comes back. “And Amy?”

  “Yes?” I’m slightly nervous at what she might say to me.

  She doesn’t seem to notice. “I’m so glad to meet you.” My brow lines as I take her extended hand. Maybe this has something to do with Armand? I have to confess, she suits him better than I ever did.

  “It’s nice to meet you, too.” I mean those words, and I notice Marcus’s arms cross. I can’t wait to fill him in.

  “Be sure he tells you why we were together,” she says. “He’s a good guy, and I’m sorry if I interfered with your relationship.”

  Now I’m completely confused. What she’s saying is the exact opposite of what happened. It was actually me that interfered with their relationship.

  She’s gone, and all I can do is wait for an explanation. I barely notice a busboy sweeping the scraps of Paige’s phone into a dustpan.

  Chapter 21: Flying

  Marcus

  Amy’s back arches, and I slide my palms up the smooth skin of her torso to the tight buds of her nipples. Last night we made slow, sweet love, but this afternoon, I’m feeling more adventurous. It’s been a crazy twenty-four hours.

  As such, her hands are tied together with my tie and secured to the headboard. I’ve got both her knees over my shoulders, and I use my tongue to circle her rigid clit as she moans as she twists in my bed.

  “Marcus...” she hisses, and I lean forward to cover her bare pussy with my mouth. A firm suck right where I know she wants it is rewarded with a loud cry. “Oh, fuck!”

  Her voice trembles as her thighs begin to quiver. My tongue moves faster, massaging the tight little bud as her entire lower half shudders and bucks. Her arms pull against the restraints, and her head drops back. A pretty pink flush spreads across her breasts, and I can sense she’s coming hard.

  She doesn’t make a sound for several seconds as her body goes rigid and jerks, arching up again and again before she exhales a loud sigh, collapsing against the mattress with a smile.

  I can’t help a grin before I kiss her lower stomach, spending a few moments sucking and pulling, leaving my mark. Her muscles tense, and she pulls against the tie. I ignore her attempts to get free, making my way to her cute little navel. I give it a quick lick, and she’s panting, eyes still closed.

  “Oh, god,” she
whispers. “I think you killed me.”

  We both start to laugh, and her head lifts, eyes bleary. Covering her mouth with mine, I sink deep into her hot, wet sex. Her mouth breaks away, and she moans, “Ahh,” still clenching as my dick plunders her fading orgasm.

  “Shit, Amy,” I groan, rising onto my knees. “You feel like heaven.”

  I lift her thigh straight up, kissing her foot as I continue to thrust deeper into her. She moans, and I’m not far behind her. Nothing gets me off more than watching her come for me.

  “I want to touch you,” she whispers, but I shake my head. My eyes are closed, and I’m feeling the most intense pleasure of all time. Her leg is against my chest, and I hold her thigh. Every time our hips meet, I’m deeper inside the woman I love.

  Her inner muscles pull me, and I lean forward, bracing myself on the headboard. A bead of sweat tickles at my hairline, and my orgasm rises, tightening my ass, driving my hips faster and faster until I feel myself splitting in two, cock jerking as I fill her.

  “Amy...” My voice is ragged. I can’t open my eyes as I fumble for the tie. One quick pull, and her hands are released from the headboard. I hold on as I gradually come back together. God, this woman.

  Soft hands are on my waist, traveling higher to my chest. Her leg lowers to the side. I’m still inside her as I move my hands to the bed by her face. She cups my cheeks, and when my eyes blink open, she’s smiling. I can’t help kissing her again, parting her lips and curling my tongue with hers.

  She lifts up slightly, returning my kiss with equal force. We break apart panting, and I don’t hesitate. I fucking say it. After everything that’s happened, I don’t give a shit what comes next. It’s time.

  “I love you.” My arms are around her body, and I feel her grow very still. Lowering my mouth to the top of her shoulder, I give her another kiss and repeat it so I’m sure she heard me. “I love you, Amy Knight. So damn much.”

  Her arms are around my waist, and her face turns to the side. I’m still deep in her, waiting. When she doesn’t pull away, I relax my hold and lean back, searching for her eyes.

  They’re blinking fast, and her brow crinkles. Her bottom lip catches in her teeth, and I lean down to kiss it lightly.