“We weren’t even together.” My voice rose in pitch and I quieted, thinking how I sounded just like my mother. Wasn’t this the exact conversation I had had with her after Devlin’s secret came out? “Lorraine, listen. I know you’re looking out for me and I really appreciate it, but he’s changed. He loves me. Now, please do me a favor and let me be happy.”
The chair scraped across the floor at her pull and I followed suit, sitting down. “I wish I could. It’s just, Daniel and I were talking and—”
My hand shot up, stopping her. “Daniel?”
“He put out some very valid points and clued me in on how Devlin treats you. We both agree that if this is what you really want, you need to give it time. Let Devlin prove himself. Daniel says he’s very pushy and doesn’t let you think for yourself. If he loves you, he’ll leave your house and let you decide what you want on your own.”
I pressed my fingertips into the table, trying my best not to make a scene. “I appreciate both of your concerns, Lorraine. I do. But let me make something very clear, right here, right now. I love Devlin and he loves me. I make up my own mind on what I want and I choose him. We’re getting married in a week and I’m not going to change that. If you want to support me, great. If not, I’m sorry, but I can’t continue to take your negativity.”
Too many emotions took over as I stood, grabbed my water, and left the room. Lorraine had always been like a second mother to me. I loved her dearly, but I had a feeling her concerns were being fed and amped up by the one person who seemed to be pushing for Devlin and me not to be together. Daniel. He’d called three more times over the last two weeks and I’d missed each one. Not intentionally, by chance. With how busy I’d been with Devlin and the wedding plans, I hadn’t remembered to call him back. Did I really need to hear what he had to say? He was basically speaking through my friend. It was his words all over again and they were putting a pall over my wedding day.
I looked down at my watch. Fifteen more minutes and I’d be off. Thank God. I was exhausted and worn down from the stressful day. I couldn’t wait to lie back and relax. To rest in Devlin’s arms. To forget about the constant lack of support from my closest friend.
“I’ve always been there for you, Victoria. You know that.”
Lorraine was standing at the end of the desk. I took my seat, moving the mouse to take the screen out of sleep-mode. Anything to show her I was done having this conversation.
“I just want you to be happy. You’ve been through so much.”
“Yes, I have. So let me be happy,” I stressed. “Every time I talk to you it’s a lecture on what I should do. How about letting me make the decision and you being my friend while I see for myself. If I get hurt, then that’s on me. I know you’re protective, but please, I’m begging you…” I breathed out deeply, trying to calm the tears that were pooling. “I need you more than ever. I’m trying to make this work. Trying to push away my own insecurities while planning a wedding you’re not even supportive of. I love him.” My voice cracked and once the wetness slid down my cheek, I knew it was going to be impossible to stop. I furiously wiped it away, leaning back instead of running somewhere else. I knew Lorraine and she’d follow regardless.
“Oh, honey, come here.” Her hand reached out and I hesitantly took it, standing. As her arms came around me, I got angry at the sob that followed. Damn these hormones. I just couldn’t keep myself together once I started to get upset. And I was. I was angry and hurt. I felt betrayed.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been the friend you need. You’re right, I’ll just step back and see what happens. Maybe I’m wrong. I pray that I am. You deserve so much and I just want what’s best for you, that’s all.”
Speaking was impossible as I sniffled and tried to make myself calm. “Thank you, but I know this time will be different. Devlin loves me, Lorraine, and he’s not going to hurt me again. And I won’t hurt him either.”
She hugged me tighter before stepping back. Again, I wiped my eyes, embarrassed of my breakdown. I’d never cried so hard in front of her. Not even at the beginning. I just couldn’t take anymore negativity. I’d done so well with embracing my future and the biggest culprit was my own mind. I didn’t need anything else adding to it.
“If you’re that set on this then I’m here for you. I only wanted you to think about it. I’ve said my piece and that’s that. Let’s just forget it and focus on this wedding of yours. Sound like a plan?”
I nodded, still unsure of how I felt about the situation. She may have done a one-eighty for the moment, but I’d had to hear this now for months. I was finding it hard to try to dismiss the anger. Would she turn around and change her colors if Daniel got involved again? My stomach turned at the thought. Who was he to be so involved in my personal life? To come between me and my best friend, telling her who knew what? I didn’t like it. Not one bit. It was one thing to confront me on his concerns, but to go behind my back to gossip about Devlin and me to her?
Lorraine leaned against the desk and I stared down at my watch. The sound of the door opened and I knew it was the next shift coming in. Devlin was probably already outside, waiting to pick me up. The last thing I wanted him to notice was that I’d been crying.
“I’m just going to go to the restroom real quick. Thanks for understanding.”
“Call me tomorrow. Maybe there’s something I can help you with. I’ve already been fitted for the dress. The colors you’ve chosen are very pretty. I wish we could have gone together.”
My eyes went to my purse and all I wanted to do was leave. “I was going to go with you, Lorraine. You said you had other errands to run, remember?” My head shook as I tried to grasp what she was even talking about. What was happening with my best friend?
“I thought you’d bring Devlin. I’m sorry. I was too upset with him to deal with it at the time.”
Laughter sounded from the next room and I was momentarily at a loss of what to say. “You, my maid of honor, ditched me because you were afraid my future husband was going to be there?” The words sunk in as I let them repeat in my mind. “Lorraine…”
“It was wrong. I’ll admit it. It won’t happen again.”
“No, it won’t. I’m sorry, I don’t know what to do about this. I’ll call you tomorrow.” I slipped through the door and into the bathroom, locking it behind me before I broke down all over again. And that was the last thing I wanted to do when it concerned the other nurses who were showing up. Their constant attention toward Devlin was growing old. It was like Dom Fever was still in effect, but respectful enough not to hurt my feelings. Every sort of question imaginable was thrown at me—did he have a brother, cousin, relative, that was just as hot or rich…or as dominant as he was? How did we meet? Why hadn’t I said anything about him being Ava’s father? There was always something.
Black streams of mascara stained my face and I cursed, grabbing a paper towel. The red blotchiness that followed the removal only had me streaming out even more bad words. There was no way Devlin wasn’t going to know. My eyes were puffy. Even my face looked slightly swollen. Jesus. I really didn’t feel like going into explanations.
I opened the door, keeping my head down as I grabbed my purse and clocked out. The wave I threw everyone’s way would have to suffice for today. Anything to get me out of the hospital before anyone else could see the mess I was in.
The walk down the hall didn’t take long and I held my stomach while I hit the elevator button. Luckily, no one came out and I got to enter alone. Just like every time I left the hospital, Devlin was waiting right in the front. A smile surfaced, but didn’t last as I opened the door. My only comfort was in the kiss he greeted me with.
“You’ve been crying.”
I almost shook my head, but instead turned to face forward. “It’s been a long day. Can we go home? I really want to lie down.”
Silence.
I took a deep breath, looking over at the anger that had his eyes narrowed.
“Devlin, please.”
Still, he didn’t move. I knew he wanted me to tell him. He didn’t need words to get the message across.
“Lorraine and I got into a…heated discussion. Can we go now?”
“She upset you knowing that you’re pregnant?”
I cringed at his deepened tone. “I don’t think it was intentional. She’s just very passionate and I’m really emotional right now. It’s not a big deal. Can we please go home now?”
Devlin’s stare went to the entrance of the hospital only to come back to me. “I’m half-tempted to go up there and rip into her God damn ass. I know she’s your friend, but truthfully, I haven’t seen her do anything to be supportive of your wishes. If you ask me, it’s quite the opposite.” He threw the car in drive and I took in his tight jaw.
“She didn’t used to be like this. It’s almost like she’s changing. Or maybe I am,” I said under my breath.
My hand was picked up and Devlin kissed my palm, turning it over so that his fingers could interlace with mine. “You’re happier than ever. Surely she sees that.” He glanced over. “So, what exactly was this discussion about that upset you so much it caused you to cry?”
I turned to the back, knowing Ava wasn’t going to be there. Not when Devlin drove his car. That’s why he’d gotten the SUV. My mother was probably keeping her entertained. The sigh that fell from my lips only brought his eyes back to me. There was no point delaying what was inevitable. I’d have to tell him or else he’d wait all night for me to spill.
“Since Lorraine has found out about our engagement, she’s tried to convince me to wait until after the baby’s born before we get married. It’s every time I go into work. Today she mentioned speaking with Daniel and how he shares the same concerns. The way she put it, it made me believe he’s the one initiating the conversations.” I glanced over. “I can’t help but get the impression that he’s trying to somehow get her to convince me not to marry you. She stresses her concerns, but it’s more than that. The lectures are nonstop. They almost seem to play on my insecurities. They’re even manipulative sometimes. It has to be because of what he’s telling her.”
“Of course it is,” Devlin exploded. “The stupid son of a bitch believes that if he can break us apart, you’d give him a chance. He wants my money. That’s what it boils down to. If he can separate us, he sees one of two things happening. One, you go for child support. Payday as a lawyer, right there for him. Or two, he can get you to somehow give him a chance in a relationship and then he’d have full access to money that way through...guess?” he asked, looking over. “Child support. Think about it, Victoria. We’re talking millions upon millions of dollars coming in a steady stream for the next eighteen to nineteen years. Daniel’s not stupid. He wants the cash. If that means convincing Lorraine that things are worse than they are, or just by playing with her own fears over you, he’s going to do it.”
I shook my head, not able to grasp how someone could be that dead set or determined to use children to make themselves rich. Yeah, it could happen, but Daniel seemed like such a loving and caring father. And he made damn good money from the way Lorraine talked. Why would he use my kids to do something so low? Was getting rich that important to him?
“I suppose,” I breathed out, not only answering Devlin, but also myself.
“It’s the truth. I can see right through him. Deep within, he’s after one thing. Little does he know, I’m about to put a stop to it once and for all.”
“Devlin.” My head shook while I grabbed my purse. “No need. I’ll take care of this right now.” I pulled out my phone, hitting Daniel’s number. He answered on the second ring.
“I was just thinking about you. How’s the baby doing?”
My eyes flickered to Devlin while I processed his greeting. He seemed happy to hear from me, although it did appear a little fake. “We’re doing great. Listen, I just got done speaking with Lorraine. She mentioned the two of you discussed your concerns over my relationship with Devlin.”
A few seconds went by and he cleared his throat. “We talk. Nothing I haven’t said to you before. I worry about you, Victoria. You’re blinded by your feelings for him. You don’t see what we so clearly do. The man isn’t right for you.”
I was so angry, my hands were trembling. “Well, I think he is and that’s all that matters. We’re getting married and I’d like it if you didn’t call or speak about me anymore. Goodbye, Daniel.”
Before he could say anything, I hung up. “There. Done.”
Devlin’s jaw ticked and I could see the anger written all over his face. “I would have gladly taken care of that call.”
And he would have probably loved it. I shook my head, not even wanting to imagine how that would have played out. “He needed to hear it from me. Now, hopefully, he’ll keep his damn opinions to himself and leave my friend alone.”
“Speaking of which, did you and Lorraine settle this argument on good terms or do we need to head back to the hospital and get things sorted out? I don’t want you losing your friend over this. I know how much she means to you.” The road we were supposed to turn on went by and my head followed it as we passed.
“Yeah, we’re fine. Now that I know Daniel was probably influencing her, I can handle it. She really did seem sympathetic when I left. Maybe my words broke through.” I leaned over, kissing his cheek to reassure him. His face immediately softened from the hard look that he’d donned since he noticed I’d been crying.
“Devlin, where are we going?” At the way his mouth was pulled back on one side into a devilish smile, I felt my heart explode. I knew that look. Knew what it meant.
Slowly, I turned to peer into the back. An overnight bag rested on the seat behind mine and I snapped my eyes back to him.
“Your mom is keeping Ava for the night. We get married in a week. After tonight, we won’t see each other again until you walk down the aisle. I wanted to make it special.”
At his words, my head was already shaking. “A week? Says who? We never agreed to spend a day apart, more or less seven.”
“I said. We’re going to make our wedding day one we’ll never forget. I think spending time away from each other will do just that.”
Words wouldn’t even come. I wanted to argue. To put my foot down and tell him I didn’t want him to leave. Not even for a week. Instead, I pressed my lips together, gripping the seat so I didn’t start begging like a child. It was ridiculous that I’d want to. The thought he’d put into turning our big day into an even bigger one by causing us to long for each other was sweet. Bittersweet. It was going to kill me not having him hold me at night. I’d gotten so used to the comfort he provided.
“Just you, me, and my penthouse for the night. Baby, I’m going to fuck you so good, you’re going to be running down that aisle to get back to me.”
My eyebrow rose even as my body responded. “Are you going to tie me up like before? Spank me until I’m begging you over and over?”
Pressure from his hand gripped my ponytail, pulling my head back. I moaned, wanting nothing more than to move against the seat.
“Lift your arm and place it in front of me.”
The order had me obeying without thought. Teeth sunk into my skin, pulling and nibbling with gentle bites against the sensitive part of my wrist. At the suction, I couldn’t help but arch, wanting more.
“I’m going to do so much more than you think I am, kitten. I have a week’s worth of pleasure to give you and the pain may not be as intense, but it’ll be just as equal.”
He let go of my hair, staring straight ahead as he drove. Traffic was becoming thicker and I couldn’t help the impatience I felt. Tonight it’d be just me and Devlin.
No.
Tonight, it’d be just me and Sir.
Chapter 9
Devlin
The lights from the surrounding city illuminated behind Victoria’s silhouette, standing out brightly against the shadow of her pregnant frame. I was sure I’d never seen a more beautiful sight as she sto
od there, her hand perched on the glass, the other holding her stomach while she stared at the skyline.
To lose her, even for a week, left me feeling desperate to go back on my plans. My mind asked how I could have been so stupid to want to separate us when I’d spent my life yearning for what she gave me. The other part knew the reward the distance would provide. Although it was evident what I needed to do, the realization didn’t make it any easier. All I could do was soak in my time. Bask in what the night would hold. Come morning, she’d be gone and I’d go back to staying in the one place I hadn’t been for months.
The luxury that surrounded me didn’t hold the presence of home as it once did. Glass tables, sharp edges from the iron¸ expensive vases... priceless artifacts, it was an accident and disaster waiting to happen if Ava ever stayed here. The cost of her breaking something didn’t bother me, but the idea of her getting injured or hurt, did. As for the location, although I had breathtaking views, it was hard for me to imagine raising my daughter in the penthouse I’d committed all of my sins in. The place didn’t even feel fit for Victoria. My chest ached and I just wanted to go home. Back to the small, middle class subdivision, Victoria and I lived in.
“What about rehearsal or the dinner afterward?” Victoria turned, walking over to the sofa I was sitting on. Apparently, her thoughts were on the same track as mine. Just further along in the process.
“Branson can take my place. Jill will take yours.” I stood, grabbing her hand and leading her toward my bedroom. “No more worrying, kitten. I’ll take care of everything.” As I brought us into the restroom, my cock was already hardening. Slowly, I began to undress her, taking in every curve of her body as it was revealed.
This Dom Page 9
