“I can’t ask her to suck me off in a sex club.”
“Why not?”
“Seriously?”
“I’m your doctor, so I would hope you’d know I was serious when I talk to you about getting better.”
“I’m afraid she’ll say no, and then what do I do?”
“You won’t know until you ask her.”
“We’re going to a gala thrown by her parents this weekend,” I tell her, diverting from the topic I don’t want to talk about any longer.
“Together?”
“Of course.”
“That’s going to be interesting. Is her ex-husband going to be there?”
“Yep. My parents too. Dear old dad paid me a visit before I came up here.”
“How did that go?”
I shrug. “For him, it went pretty badly. For me, it was more fun than I’ve had without Viv in a long time.”
“Don’t think I missed you adding Viv’s name in there.”
“It’s the truth. I have so much fun with her.”
“Are you ready for the fallout you’re going to receive?”
“Yes. I can take whatever they want to say.”
“And she’s okay with it as well?”
“Definitely. She’s wearing a black dress, which she’s never done before, and I gave her the shoes I bought for her.”
“I’m pleased to see you getting back to yourself, or rather, figuring out who you want to be now. We’re not going to stop meeting, but we can cut down our sessions if you’d like.”
“No,” I tell her honestly. “I don’t think I’m ready for that yet.”
We spend the rest of the session talking more about Viv, and when we walk out, I’m surprised to find her waiting for me. She stands and hugs Maura, before taking my hand.
“Rhieve said your dad dropped by, and I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“I am, but I like that you wanted to check on me. Do you want to grab lunch?”
“Sure. Did you want to join us Maura?”
“No thank you, but I appreciate the offer.”
She disappears back into her office, and I lead Viv to the elevator bank. “That was nice of you to ask her.”
“She’s the third most important person in your life right now, and I want her to know I appreciate her.”
“Third?” I ask, secretly glad Viv knows she’s first.
“Me, Rhieve, and then her. Unless there’s a different order, or someone I need to add?”
“You rightfully put yourself first, and yes, Rhieve is second. Nate’s definitely top five, but no other woman’s on that list.”
“You’re first for me too,” she says, quietly. “In case you didn’t know.”
I do know it, but I’ll never tire of hearing her say it. “It’s where I’ve always wanted to be, and I’ll fight anyone who tries to take my place.”
“No chance of that.”
Good, because while I can fight now, I’m still happier to be her lover than I ever would be as a fighter. If someone comes for her on Saturday, I’ll take them down without a thought, but I’d rather leave that to Reina.
CHAPTER 21
VIV
M y dress for tonight has sheer tulle draping across my shoulders from just below my collarbone, and fanning out in two layers over my upper arms. The rest of it is a tight spandex hugging my body from the sweetheart neckline to just past my knees. Alone, it would give my mother palpitations, but paired with the shoes Rhys gave me, it’s going to send her over the edge. Oh, and let’s not forget the hickeys I left uncovered on the back of my neck. My hair covers them—mostly—but I’m secretly hoping she sees them.
“Fuck, Viv, how am I supposed to control myself when you’re looking like that?” Rhys asks, when I open the door to him.
“You’re one to talk,” I reply, taking in his dark grey suit, crisp white shirt, and deep blue tie. His hair’s pushed up into submission, and I’m ready to submit too. And mess up his perfect hair later, of course.
“They’re not going to know what hit them when we walk in the room. This is going to be so much fun.”
“And hopefully bring some bad people to their knees. Don’t forget that part.”
“Like I said, fun.”
“You’re so adorable sometimes.”
“Sometimes? And wait, I want to be manly and sexy, not adorable.”
“You’re all of the above, but mostly the sexy part.”
“Okay, I can work with that.” He holds out his arm for me, as I grab my clutch. “Your chariot awaits.
No fancy limo for us, because we’re doing things our way now. When he opens the door to his car, I find a Tiffany box on the seat. Turning, I see a sheepish smile on his face, and quirk my own eyebrow at him.
“I know you like being all in black, but you’re so colorful, Viv. Everything about this new you, which reminds me of the girl I fell in love with, is so colorful. I wanted you to have something colorful to wear tonight.”
I pick up the box, and open it, finding a stunning starfish cuff made of diamonds. There’s a white one, a pink one, and an orange one. It’s gorgeous, and perfect. I don’t know what to say, so I just take his face in my hands, and kiss him for all I’m worth.
“It’s stunning, and I love it. Thank you,” I finally manage to get out.
“You’re welcome. I’ve always wanted to spoil you with more than flowers.”
“I always loved your flowers, and I don’t need anything but you.”
“I know, but you’re going to have to humor me sometimes, okay?”
“I think that can be arranged,” I agree, as he slides the cuff onto my wrist.
One more lingering kiss, and then he’s settling me into my seat, before jogging around the car to get into his. The drive isn’t long, but I’m actually glad for that tonight. I’ve waited far too long to walk into a party of Rhys’ arm.
He valets the car, and takes my hand. “You ready?”
“Yes.”
When we get close to the ballroom doors, I slide one hand under his bicep, and place the other over it. It’s a little hard with my clutch in my hand, but I make it work. He smirks—per usual—before placing his hand over mine. The doors open for us, and it’s showtime.
The noisy room goes quiet, except for a few gasps, as we step inside. I cuddle a little more into him as I take in the shocked faces before us. Not because I need comfort, but because I’m loving this.
“Vivienne, what is going on?” my mother asks, moving to my side, and hissing in my ear.
“I’m walking into this party of yours with my boyfriend. Is that a problem?”
“You know it is. Step away from him now, and we can just say he was helping you inside. There’s nothing to do about your dress, hair, and those hideous shoes, but we can at least salvage your reputation.”
“I like my reputation just fine,” I tell her.
To prove my point, I turn toward Rhys, and pull his mouth down to mine. The kiss is hungry, and scandalous, and as he pulls me against him, he moves my messy chignon aside, exposing my neck. My mother’s horrified screech can probably be heard on the other side of town, causing me to laugh against his lips.
“You’re so bad,” I whisper.
“You know you wanted me to do that.”
“I so did.”
RHYS
Viv’s father pulls her mother away as she cries fake tears over her daughter being “corrupted” by me. We’re in our own world right now, so I barely notice anything or anyone else. I know what’s coming, though, so I take her hand and walk her down the steps toward the tables our Society friends are occupying. Rhieve and Calum aren’t here yet, but I’m guessing that’s because they were letting us be the stars of tonight’s show. Or they’re off in a corner making out. Either one is possible.
“I always knew you were trash,” Christon says, stepping into our path.
“I seriously hope, for your sake, that you were referring to me.”
; “I was talking about the sloppy seconds you have on your arm.”
I don’t even hesitate, taking him down with one punch, just how Nate taught me to do. He’s out cold, and I lift Viv into my arms as I step over him. Laughter breaks the silence, and I know it’s coming from where we headed.
“That was hot. Like, I need to find a supply closet and beg you to fuck me against the shelves, hot.”
“I got us a room upstairs, but you’ll have to wait at least fifteen minutes before we sneak out, or all of these people will speculate on where we’re going.”
“Do I look like I care?” she asks, before kissing me again.
Damn, I love this woman. “No, but we have more work to do here tonight.”
“Fine, but I hope that bed is sturdy, because I want it rough tonight.”
She walks away from me, to hug Reina, but I have to stand there for a minute like an idiot, as I get myself under control.
“Good hit, young grasshopper,” Nate tells me.
“I learned from the best.”
“Damn right.”
Things are quiet for about a minute, before it’s my parents who descend on us next. I’m ready for them, but I was secretly hoping they’d behave like decent humans for once.
“You broke Christon’s nose!” my father growls at me as he stands over my chair.
“He’s lucky that’s all I did.”
“Your behavior is unacceptable.”
“He insulted Viv, and no one’s going to do that without having some consequences. I’m not going to apologize if that’s what you’re waiting for.”
“Do you not understand how powerful that man is? He could destroy you!” my mother whispers, because you know, she can’t cause a scene.
“I would love to see him try,” X says. “Please ask him to try.”
“Me too. I haven’t had a good battle in months,” Matt adds. “We could totally crush his ass.”
“These are the people you’re choosing to associate with?”
“Yes, Mother, because they are simply the best people I’ve ever known.”
“Aww, dude, you’re going to make me tear up a little,” Nate says, laughing so hard I think he might pass out.
“You’re dead to us,” my father tells me.
“Can I get it on that, too?” Rhieve asks, coming up to the table with Calum at her side. “I’ll even write my Society page eulogy. It can go something like this: ‘because Rhieve fell in love with Calum, who owns numerous sex clubs she likes to visit with him, she was happily removed from the Madison family. In addition to her love and sex crimes, she also works in a job her family disapproves of, and dresses the way she wants’.”
“You are both a blight on this family!” my Father yells, no longer caring about decorum.
“Right back atcha,” my sister says, as our parents storm away from the table.
“Damn, you’re good Rhieve,” Viv tells her.
“From what I saw from the bar, you’re right up there with me, my friend.”
“Ah, the bar. I was wondering where you were, Sis.”
“We were enjoying the various acts in your show,” Calum tells me, tipping his glass of Scotch my way. “Nicely done, both of you.”
“It was fun,” I admit.
“Just like you wanted it to be,” Viv says, biting my ear as she whispers into it.
Yes, that was fun, but the fun’s not over yet. There’s one more person we have to make crazy enough to act, and then we can go upstairs. Up there, the fun’s going to go on all night once again, just like it does every other night. At this rate, if she doesn’t get pregnant soon, there’s something wrong. With me, and not her since she’s perfect, but we’ll deal with that if it happens. And keep having fun.
CHAPTER 22
RHYS
N ow that we’ve dealt with the parents, and the asshole, I’m actually enjoying this party. I’ve danced with Viv, toasted to everyone at the tables we’ve taken over, and even made out a little in a corner. Yes, I do take some lessons from my older sister.
We’re leaving soon, so I decided to relieve myself, and not have to waste any time once we’re in our room. As I’m coming out of the Men’s Room, the man we’ve all been waiting for steps into my path. He has the same goons with him as he did five years ago, and they look happy to see me.
I pull at my cufflinks, activating the cameras and microphones, while bracing myself for impact. I need to get this guy to confess, so I have to goad him, and most likely take a few hits in the process.
“If you’d only done what you were told, we wouldn’t have to be meeting like this again.”
“Yeah, well, I have a problem with being told what to do. It’s been like that since I was in diapers, I’m told.”
“We’re going to walk outside, and into the car that’s waiting.”
“Nope. We’re not. You can tell me here what you need to tell me,” I say, motioning to a small alcove, away from the foot traffic of the hallway. He follows me over, and I hope my high school acting skills are on point for this performance.
“You know what I have to say.”
“I seem to have forgotten.”
“I told you to stay away from Vivienne Sloan if you wanted her to keep breathing.”
“Hmm, no. I don’t think so. I don’t even believe this threat you’re referring to is real.”
He leans closer to me, but I stand my ground. “Christon, your parents, Vivienne’s parents, and myself have a lot invested in his company. His image is being tarnished by the divorce, and you’ve just made him a laughingstock. We are all invested in making sure his marriage is restored.”
“Never gonna happen.”
“If you do not go in there, and break-up with her in the most embarrassing way, a sniper in the building across the way is going to take her out when she walks into the room you’ve booked for the night.”
“That’s not going to happen,” I tell him again, knowing it’s the truth.
“I think he needs some additional encouragement, gentlemen,” he tells his friends, stepping back.
They come for me at once, but my friends are faster. Nate, Matt, and X are all there in an instant, pummeling the other guys, while I step in front of the guy who started this all.
“You’re not going anywhere.”
“Well, he’s going to jail, but I know what you meant,” Reina says, coming to stand next to me. Rhieve, Faith, and Jade are surrounding him on all sides, giving him nowhere to go.
“This doesn’t concern you, Reina.”
“Oh yes, it most certainly does. Vivienne works for me, and Rhys works for my husband’s company. We protect our own.”
“You’ll never prove anything.”
“We have audio, and video, but it’s nice of you to worry about it being hard for us.”
As we walk back to the ballroom, I see FBI agents rounding up my parents as well as Vivienne’s. Reina tells me Christon is being arrested at the hospital right now. Viv runs up to me when she sees us, looking me over for injuries.
“I’m fine, Vivs. My friends took care of me.”
I’m not ashamed of it, either. I was once told we all needed help, and I know it’s true. Asking for help is brave. I’m brave, and I’m also on my way to being okay.
“Is it over?”
“This part is, but there’s something I need to ask you to do for me. If you can’t, I understand, but I need to ask.”
“Anything. I’ll do anything you need me to.
VIV
When I told Rhys I’d do anything, I didn’t expect him to invite me to a sex club, especially not one where his nightmare began. He explained to me what he needed, and I understood why he needed this from me. Which is why I’m getting off a train in Norwich, England, and wearing a sexy dress under my coat.
“You’re sure?” he asks.
“Yes,” I assure him.
“We can leave right after.”
“Or we can stay. Let’s just see how we’re both
doing, okay?”
“Okay.”
The cab ride to the nondescript estate is short, and so is our entrance into the main foyer of the club. Calum’s best friend, Guil, who runs the clubs for him, meets us and gives us an explanation of what to expect. I guess the explanation’s really for me since Rhys has been here before, but he listens intently to everything Guil tells us.
We both choose red anklets, letting everyone else know we’re not looking for outside action. After, I check my coat, and then we’re inside the large double doors.
It’s what I expected, but I’m not as prepared for it as I thought I’d be. Seeing people having sex right out in the open is not something I’m used to. I stumble a little, causing Rhys to catch me.
“Are you okay? We can go if you’re not.”
“No. I mean, yes I’m okay. I’m just a little shocked, but it’s fine.”
“I want this to be better than fine for you,” he says, running his hands over my bare arms.
The dress I chose for tonight dips low in front, and has a long skirt made of strips of fabric. I have on full panties beneath, because I’m not comfortable having my ass out, but it’s still sexier than anything I’ve worn in public before.
“Guil said they have private rooms here, right? So, after, we can go into one of them if you want.”
“Is that what you want?”
Do I tell him the truth, or say what I think he wants to hear? I opt for the truth. “No. I truly want to do what you need me to do, but I’d prefer if we left after that.”
“Honestly, I’d rather do that too.”
“You don’t have to say that for my benefit.”
“I’m not. Walking in here made me realize how much I don’t want this; I just want to be alone with you.”
“Take me where we need to go, and then take me to our own private bed.”
“Thank you,” he says, touching his forehead to mine. “For this, and just for everything.”
“Thank you back.”
We kiss for a moment, and then he takes my hand, and walks me into a room where even more people are having sex. We walk to a tufted velvet chaise, and Rhys drops down onto it, unbuttoning his jeans.
Defiant Company (Company Men Book 5) Page 13
