A Step Two Close

by Jaimie Roberts

  “Okay, okay. I take it back!”

  The tickling immediately ceased, making me gulp a huge lungful of air. For some reason, I came here feeling like my world was coming to an end. Ten minutes with lover boy put a stop to that.

  “Thank you,” I blurted, without thinking.

  Hunter frowned. “For what?”

  I shrugged, looking away as I felt my cheeks redden. “I don’t know. For being here... with me... now.” God, now I was stuttering.

  I felt a hand tug at my chin. Slowly, but surely, Hunter pulled my gaze to his. “I’m here because I want to be.”

  My internal struggle resumed. One half of me wanted to give in to this man and let him abuse me with wild abandon. The other half wanted to fight him at every turn.

  He was looking at me now—staring into my eyes like I was the only woman in the world. Why was he doing this to me? Why was he making me feel?

  We both stared a moment longer than necessary. At some point, one of us was going to either make the first move or break away. So, I decided to laugh and pull away.

  “Anything’s better than the soiree up there.” I pointed.

  Yeah, call me a romantic.

  Hunter laughed, but I swore I saw a hint of disappointment in his eyes. “Speaking of which, maybe we should head on up there. They’ve probably sent a search party for us by now.”

  I sighed, knowing I had well and truly broken the spell. “You’re right. We don’t need them being anymore suspicious than they already could be. Especially your dad—after what happened today.”

  Hunter smiled as I stood up and he wrapped an arm around me. “Nah, he’s cool.” He winked at me, making me laugh, but then he turned serious as he gently pushed us up the path together. “What was the name of it?”

  I looked up at him and frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “The ice cream parlour.”

  I sucked in a breath. “Oh, where my dad used to take me?” He nodded. “It was called Johnny’s up in Aylesbury. I haven’t been there since he died. I guess it wouldn’t even be there anymore.”

  Hunter smiled and remained silent for a moment. Then he suddenly looked mad as he looked up to where the party was. “That guy you were speaking with earlier?”

  I frowned, but then my eyes went wide as I instantly remembered who he was referring to. I stiffened, and he felt it. “You mean my uncle, Pete.”

  Hunter furrowed his brow in concern. I was starting to panic that he would start asking too many questions. Again, he surprised me.

  “I don’t like him.”

  I let out a breath and offered him a half-smile. “I don’t either, to tell you the truth.”

  I looked away, thinking that this was the end. But instead, Hunter stopped me and grabbed my arms. He held my gaze like a prisoner. I was certainly in it for life as far as Hunter was concerned.

  “Promise me something?”

  His sudden question made me jump. I was too busy staring at his full, pouty lips, too busy staring at his luscious brown hair, too busy staring at his gorgeous green eyes, too busy... staring.

  “Sorry... what?”

  “I want you to promise me something, AJ.”

  I shrugged. “It depends on what it is.”

  He squeezed my shoulders a little. “I’m being serious.”

  I saw the sincerity in his eyes and nodded my head. Hunter exhaled and looked away like he was debating something. What it was, I had no idea.

  “Promise me that if you’re ever in trouble, or if you ever need to talk, you’ll come to me.”

  I smiled with a sigh and tried to move away. “Hunter, I—”

  Hunter gripped my shoulders, holding me in place, making me look at him. He was dead serious this time. “Promise me. Please.”

  I didn’t know why he cared so much all of a sudden when all I was to him was another notch he was determined to carve onto his bedpost. Maybe once he had had his fill, he wouldn’t care anymore about whether I was in trouble or not. But, that look in his eye... the one that filled me with hope, desire, and the promises of what was to come... told me otherwise. I was starting to believe he had magic in those sparkly green eyes of his.

  “Okay, I promise.”

  I sighed, knowing, yet again, I had given in to him. Hunter’s rigid stance instantly relaxed. “Thank you.”

  I smiled. “Don’t mention it.”

  Hunter gave me an unamused look. “I wasn’t joking.”

  I chuckled and nudged his arm. “I know, and I really appreciate you looking out for me. You didn’t have to put a spell on me with those magical eyes of yours, though.”

  Hunter stopped still with a big shit-eating grin on his face. “Magical eyes, ha? First I’m ‘Mr. Orgasmic,’ and now I’m ‘Magical Eyes.’”

  I sighed. “Okay! Okay! Don’t get too big-headed. Jeez, are you ever going to let that go?”

  His eyes widened. “Would you?”

  I laughed and shook my head. “No, I guess not.”

  We carried on walking, and Hunter helped me up to the top. Once there, we rounded the corner and I could immediately see my uncle talking to a leggy blonde I didn’t recognise.

  Hunter saw him and gritted his teeth. Turning to me, he looked determined. “Come to my room tonight.”

  I gasped. “But Hunter... our parents. Can’t this wait?”

  He shook his head. “I’m not after that. I just want to make sure you’re... Just say you’ll come?”

  Looking at him, I could tell there was no arguing. “Okay, but I’ll have to sneak out at the crack of dawn.”

  Hunter nodded. “So be it. I just want to spend more time with you. For a chick, you’re not half-bad company.”

  I laughed. “Well, I’m glad that, for a chick, I can keep you entertained. For a bloke, you’re not half-bad, either.”

  We smiled at each other and walked towards the pool, but our moment was instantly ruined by my mother’s screeching voice.

  “Ayden! Ayden! There you are. I have a surprise for you.”

  Looking over, I found my mother smiling from ear to ear. I had been smiling. I had been starting to enjoy myself until I saw who was beside her.

  Chapter Ten

  “Robert.” I gave him a half-smile, even though my smiling mood had suddenly waned.

  “Ayden, you look beautiful.” He peered over my body, and I immediately felt violated. I had never felt the need to cover up as much as I felt the need to do so at that moment. Did I seriously attract them or what?

  “What are you doing here?” Hunter seethed through gritted teeth.

  Robert just grinned even wider. “Ayden’s mum kindly invited me. I wouldn’t have missed this special occasion for the world.” He smiled brightly at my mother, and she cooed back in his direction. “Besides, it gives me and Ayden the chance to get to know each other a little more.”

  I groaned—not enough for Robert and my mother to hear—but certainly enough for Hunter to sense my distaste.

  “Kat, it wasn’t a good idea to invite him.”

  My mother looked taken aback. I nudged Hunter to tell him to shut up. Lord knows how much trouble Robert could stir if this got out of hand.

  “Why ever not, Hunter?”

  Hunter looked at me, and I glared at him to shut up. Hunter pursed his lips and looked back at my mother. “I just worry about his intentions, that’s all.”

  My mother gasped with a smile and placed her fake hand over her equally fake heart. “Oh, look at that. Your father and I aren’t even married yet, and you’re already feeling protective over your little sister.”

  I choked. Big time. So much so that Hunter had to pat me on the back a few times. “Are you okay?”

  I looked up at him with watery eyes, and I could see the concern in his. Was he really worried about me? Surely Hunter didn’t have a heart?

  “Why don’t you take Robert for a walk around the grounds? I’m sure he would love to see more of the house.” My mother’s eyebrow rose as if she was shar
ing some kind of inside joke. I didn’t have a clue what she was up to, but I didn’t like it. I didn’t like it one little bit.

  “I would love that. Shall we?” Robert offered his arm to me, but I just stared.

  “Maybe I should come.”

  Kat laughed at Hunter. “Seriously, Hunter. Ayden isn’t a little girl anymore. She doesn’t need chaperoning.”

  Robert glared at Hunter. “Yes, it could be misinterpreted.” He briefly looked at me, his eyebrow raised in challenge.

  Hunter stepped forward like he was about to charge. “What are you trying to imply?”

  Panicking, I stepped forward before it got out of control. I turned directly to Hunter and glared at him. “Hunter, it’s fine. I can show him around.” He went to argue, but I grabbed his arm. I squeezed tightly to get him to shut up. “It’s only a walk.” With a whisper, I added, “You’re making a really big deal out of this.”

  Frustrated didn’t even begin to describe how he looked. Eventually, he caved. “Fine,” he said through gritted teeth. He looked up to Robert, grunted, “I’ll be watching you,” and walked away.

  “Well, what a loving brother Hunter’s becoming. It’s so sweet.”

  I almost choked on the bile that rose in my throat. Robert just smiled knowingly in my direction. I knew that he knew what was happening—even though he had no proof of it. I seriously resolved to be more careful from then on.

  “Shall we?” Robert offered his arm, and I reluctantly moved toward him, but not before my mother caught my arm and leaned in to whisper, “Be fucking nice to this one. He’s about as good as you’re going to get.”

  I sighed, trying not to take to heart what she had just said, and moved forward to link my arm through Robert’s. My mother smiled at us both. “You look so cute together. Can you imagine what your babies would look like? Adorable.”

  My eyes widened, but Robert looked about ready to burst with energy. Normally, guys would run a mile from a comment like that, but not Robert. He looked about ready to get down and dirty and ride that family train.

  Fuck that shit!

  My mother eventually moved away, leaving us alone together... under the watchful eye of Hunter of course. I was grateful for that at least.

  “Your mother’s really nice.”

  I gritted my teeth, afraid I would say, “Yeah, for a psychotic witch.” Instead, I held my tongue and started walking around the grounds with Robert. He looked like he had just won the lottery or something. What was so bloody great about this?

  “I must admit, I was a little upset you never came to meet me that day. You don’t return my calls when I leave you a message either. I only want to be your friend, Ayden.”

  I sighed. “Robert, we went on a few dates, and I decided I didn’t want to pursue anything further.”

  Robert almost pouted. “Why not?”

  “Because there’s no chemistry between us.”

  “Oh, there’s chemistry. I can certainly feel it.”

  I almost rolled my eyes. “But not with me, Robert. I just don’t feel that way about you. I’m sorry if that’s not what you want to hear, but it’s the truth. Coming here to the party won’t solve anything.” I led him around to the front of the house. There was no way I was going to take him inside the house with me. There would no telling how fucked up in the head he was.

  Robert just smiled. “You will in time. I assure you that you would never go without anything you needed or wanted with me, Ayden. I will give you anything you want. I’ve got money, and I’m going places. Once I finish my degree in economics, we could get married and start a life together.”

  I stopped still and made Robert turn to me. “You’re not listening to me, are you? I don’t care for the money, Robert. I have some of my own. I don’t need to get married just to make sure I have financial security. All of that means nothing without love.”

  Robert grabbed my arms. “You could grow to love me. In time, you will see that I’m the best man for you. I can make you happy, Ayden. I mean, we haven’t even had sex. Why don’t we try that and see how we get on?”

  My eyes widened. “Robert, are you listening to yourself? This is crazy. I’m not going to have sex with you just to see if we’re compatible. Are you nuts?”

  Robert pursed his pouty lips. I remembered that when we first went out on a date, my initial thought was that he had great blowjob lips. If I had been a bloke, I would have definitely let him go down on me.

  Ugh, what was I thinking?!

  “You were attracted to me at the beginning, weren’t you? You wouldn’t have gone on a date with me otherwise.”

  I nodded my head. “Yes, I admit I found you attractive in the beginning, but that was just superficial.”

  Robert frowned. “Are you saying you find me ugly on the inside?”

  Yes.

  “No, Robert. You’re just a bit too... I don’t know... full on. We had only just had our second date, and you were already talking about marriage and kids. That’s a great big no-no when you’ve only just met someone. Can you understand how that could put someone off?”

  Robert shook his head. “Not really. I mean... for men, yes... but women love that stuff.”

  I inhaled a big, deep breath, afraid I would accidentally on purpose knee this arsehole in the nuts. “Women don’t love that stuff, Robert. They get just as freaked out by it as men do. We’re not all destined to wait for a man to marry so we can sit at home and bear lots of children. I’m certainly not that way. Never have been, never will be. I like my freedom, Robert. Something which you’re trying to strip away from me.”

  Robert squeezed my arms tighter. “I can give you freedom, Ayden. I’ll give you whatever you want. Just say you’ll give me another shot. Please.”

  I sighed again, but didn’t want to pause too long—just in case he might start to think that I would even consider it. Instead, I shook my head. “No, Robert.” I looked him straight in the eyes. He had brown, puppy dog eyes. In fact, he kind of reminded me of Hugh Grant in a way, especially when he pulled that face.

  “I’m just not into you in that way. I’m sure there is a girl out there who would be. You’re an attractive man, Robert. Someone is out there for you.”

  Robert nodded. “Yes, and she’s standing right in front of me. Just try, Ayden. Maybe we should kiss to see if that sparks something?”

  I went to shake my head, but before I could even start, Robert had his lips to mine, forcing my mouth apart so he could gain entry. I struggled—trying to get him off of me—but all he did was grip my arms tighter. Why on earth did I bring him round to the front of the house? No one was there; they were all celebrating round the back. In fact, the music was getting louder, which suggested to me that everyone was either drunk or well on their way to being drunk.

  Robert broke away just enough for me to shout, “Robert, please,” but he wasn’t listening. Instead, he pulled me to him, wrapping me up in a vice-like grip. I could feel how hard he was as he crushed me to him.

  “Ayden, I want you so badly.”

  I struggled again as he started kissing my neck. “Robert, get off me!”

  “You heard the lady.”

  Robert suddenly stopped and took a step back, giving me space to catch my breath and smooth down my dress. I had an inkling as to whose voice it was, but needed confirmation. When I turned, I saw Mason standing there throwing daggers with his eyes in Robert’s direction.

  When he saw how upset I must have looked, Mason came up to me and stroked my arm. “Are you okay?”

  Without meaning to, tears suddenly pricked my eyes. I wasn’t one to show weakness, but Mason’s kind eyes threw me off tilt a little. Without saying a word, I nodded, and once he knew I was as okay as I could be, he turned his attention to Robert.

  “You’re very lucky there’s a party going on here because if there wasn’t, you would be down on your arse right now. Do I make myself fucking clear?” Robert’s eyes widened at the threat, but he nodded. “I suggest you a
pologise to Ayden, and then I suggest you leave. I do not want to see your face around here again. You’re not welcome.”

  The sound of my mum’s heels could be heard as she marched outside the door. “What’s going on?”

  Mason turned to my mum. “I found this young man forcing himself upon Ayden when she obviously didn’t want it.”

  My mother gasped and placed a hand over her heart. “Oh my God! Ayden, are you okay?”

  I nodded, but I knew that behind her concern lay a snake waiting to strike.

  “I was just telling this boy to leave and never cross our paths again.”

  Robert put his hands up. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take it that far. I thought Ayden wanted it. Her body language told me as much.”

  Now it was my turn to gasp. “Robert, I was telling you I wasn’t interested in you, and you forced your tongue down my throat.”

  He looked at my mother for help. “It wasn’t like that. I swear.”

  Oh, my God. I couldn’t believe it. How much worse could this party get?

  “I’ve heard enough. Get out of our house. Now!” At first, Robert wouldn’t move. “Do I have to drag you out?” Mason looked spitting mad. So mad that even Robert recoiled at the sight of it.

  Eventually, Robert moved, but not before looking at me. “I’m sorry. I’ll call you once you’ve had a chance to calm down.”

  I shook my head. “Please don’t.”

  Robert ignored me and carried on walking towards the gate. Mason pressed the buzzer to let him out, and we all watched as he disappeared through it. As soon as he was out of sight, I let out a deep breath.

  “Are you sure you’re ok?”

  I nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you. I appreciate you doing that for me. Robert’s been a little too eager, despite me telling him no.”

  Mason frowned. “Well, if it becomes an issue, let me know. We’ll get an injunction out on him. Unless, of course, you want to go ahead with it now? Do you have other evidence? Diary entries... things like that?” I shook my head. “Start one. As I said, I can always do it now for you. I was witness to his assault.”