by Long, A. L.
Rade hadn’t said two words to her, but he was kind enough to help her with the bags of trash as she carried them out of her apartment. Dylan was feeling bad about Rade sitting outside her door.
“Rade, are you going to sit there all night?” Rade could be as stubborn as Dylan, if not more.
“I’m staying here as long as it takes for you to finish. You’re not staying here alone.”
Dylan looked at Rade with irritation. “Suit yourself, but I’m going to get something to eat.”
Rising to his feet, Rade grabbed the bags she was holding. “Hold on, I’m going with you.”
Even though Dylan knew that it was a mistake, she didn’t argue with him. She really didn’t want to go by herself. Rade walked over to the trash chute located at the end of the hallway and dropped the bags inside. Once they were safely dropped, Rade turned to Dylan. “Let’s go.”
Rade pulled up to The Cove restaurant. It was another establishment that he owned. The food was pretty good and the service wasn’t bad either. Rade took it as a good opportunity to check in. He owned several clubs and restaurants, and he always made it a point to visit them at least once a month. He thought it was good for morale to show his support and to thank the employees for all their hard work.
The hostess came up to Rade and said, “Mr. Matheson, how nice to see you. Do you want your usual table?”
Rade smiled at the hostess while guiding Dylan in front of him. “That will be fine, Holly. Thank you.”
Not saying another word, the hostess led them to a table near the back of the restaurant. With an occasional look back from the hostess, Dylan was starting to think the hostess may have been attracted to Rade. She was very pretty, with blond hair, blue eyes, and a petite frame. Her features reminded Dylan of a young Grace Kelly.
Dylan and Rade had barely sat down and ordered when another attractive woman came to the table.
“Rade, sweetheart, where have you been hiding yourself?” She said as she approached the table.
Rade slowly stood up, pulling the woman in for a brief hug while kissing her cheek. Dylan could see the woman was a little older than her and that Rade had some sort of relationship with her.
“Dylan, I’d like you to meet Chloe Dupree, a good friend of mine,” he said as he introduced Chloe to her.
As the woman held out her hand, Dylan was hesitant to take it. “It’s so nice to meet you, Dylan.”
The woman was not giving Dylan a warm fuzzy feeling, especially the way her beady eyes were scanning her from top to bottom.
“So, Rade, is this your new project?” Chloe asked, looking straight at Dylan, making it clear who she was referring to.
“Chloe, play nice,” Rade said, not wanting Dylan to know about any of his so-called projects.
Even though he liked dominating his women, he didn’t intend to share that lifestyle with Dylan. He knew their relationship would never get to that point.
Dylan could see from Rade’s body language he was becoming more uncomfortable in this woman’s presence. Feeling the awkwardness, the woman pulled Rade in for another hug, making sure Dylan heard her parting words. “Well, it was nice seeing you. Maybe we can get together again real soon and play.” Turning on her heels, she headed to the front entrance and left.
Dylan was fuming. “Who the hell was that?”
Rade could see the anger building in her. He didn’t quite know how to explain Chloe or the relationship they shared. Chloe was a submissive who became too possessive. Rade didn’t want the kind of relationship she expected. He broke it off when he realized she was getting too attached and wanted more from him.
“Chloe is just an old friend. I haven’t seen her for some time,” Rade said as he chose his words wisely.
Dylan had a hard time believing that woman was just an old friend. It seemed pretty clear there was more between them than just friendship. Dylan wasn’t sure why she should even care. She made up her mind this thing between them would end. Taking it back a notch, Dylan looked at Rade, trying to hide her anger. “You know what they say about friends and benefits.”
Rade wasn’t sure what she meant, but Dylan was obviously irritated by Chloe’s visit. Not wanting to discuss Chloe any further, Rade ignored her comment. “Let’s forget about her and enjoy our meal.” Dylan couldn’t agree more.
Nothing more was said about the surprise visit as they finished their meal. Rade noticed that Dylan was uncharacteristically quiet.
Rade finished his last bite when he saw that Dylan barely touched her food. “Dylan, I thought you were hungry?”
“I guess I wasn’t as hungry as I thought,” she said as her stomach began churning.
Dylan lost her appetite the moment Rade pulled Chloe in for a hug. It shouldn’t have mattered to her, but it did. She was trying to figure out what Chloe meant by her being his “new project” and what game she was playing. Had this woman been one of Rade’s projects? She was incredibly attractive, which made it clear to Dylan that Chloe was more his type than she was.
“I’ll have the waiter box it up for you. Maybe you’ll be hungry later.” Rade’s words snapped her out of her current thoughts.
“Can we go?” She wanted to forget about this whole evening.
Before Rade and Dylan left the table, he was going to insist that she not go back to her apartment. He didn’t care how much she was going to argue with him, he wasn’t about to let her stay in an apartment that wasn’t safe, but before he could speak, she surprised him.
“Rade, I shouldn’t have left the way I did. I just needed some air. I couldn’t breathe.” Dylan was twisting her napkin as she continued. “Since I clearly can’t stay at my apartment and I can’t stay at Lilly’s… if it’s all right with you, I’d like to stay at your place, only until I can make arrangements for another place.”
Rade held back his jubilation. “Dylan, you’re welcome to stay at my place as long as you need to. All I want is for you to be safe.”
Driving back to his penthouse, Rade was deep in thought, trying to figure out what do to with Dylan. It seemed he’d been thinking about that a lot lately. He didn’t want to make another mistake with her, especially since he found out about her virginity. Knowing his relationship with her would eventually end, he wanted her now more than ever. It was useless, no matter how he tried to deny his feelings for her, he couldn’t resist the need to own her.
Pulling into to his parking space and throwing the car into park, Rade looked over at Dylan, still processing the information she shared with him just hours ago. How could this be possible? She was smart, beyond beautiful, with a body that would bring any man to his knees.
Taking a chance, he grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips. “Dylan, I know you probably don’t want to talk about this, but I need to know why. I mean, you’re a beautiful woman. You were going to be married, for God’s sake,” he chuckled as he continued. “I realize some girls are old fashioned and want to save themselves until they get married, but that just doesn’t happen anymore. Tell me if I’m wrong?”
Dylan looked at Rade, unsure how to respond. She felt like she was being judged for something she cherished. Instead of responding, she pulled her hand from his, unbuckling her seatbelt and opening her door. “Dylan, please wait. I didn’t mean to get you mad. I just want to understand.” Dylan knew she was acting childish, but she wasn’t ready to share her sex life, or lack thereof, with him. So she did what she knew best and walked away.
As she approached the elevator, she could feel Rade’s hand grab her arm. She stopped and took a deep breath. She knew she wouldn’t be able to escape him. Turning to face him, she asked him with insolence. “Why is it so hard to believe Rade? So I haven’t experienced what other women my age have. I didn’t ask you to enter my pathetic life.”
Rade saw tears forming in her eyes. He hated it when she cried. If it were any other woman, he wouldn’t have cared, but with her it was different. He wanted to comfort her. Somehow, he felt responsible for her
sadness. Unable to let her go, he pulled her close to him. He loved the way she smelled. The way she molded to his body when he held her in his arms. How she felt beneath him. Her soft moans as he gave her pleasure. Could he be the one to take her, knowing it would end? The thought of it being any other man made his heart ache.
Holding her slightly away from him, he lifted her chin so he could capture her beautiful green eyes. He slowly lowered his lips to hers. Feeling her hesitation, but not giving up, his lips met hers. It was sweet surrender. Softly he kissed her as she parted her lips, allowing him access to her warmth. He would never get enough of her soft lips. They were so addictive, like a drug he had to have. How would he ever be able to let her go?
There was a ping from the elevator door, warning them of its arrival on the floor of the parking garage. Rade didn’t want this moment to end, but seeing the older couple exiting the elevator, he moved his lips to Dylan’s ear and whispered, “We have company.” As the couple moved past them, Dylan opened her eyes to see them holding each other’s hand. The man pulled the woman closer to him and gave her a tender kiss on her temple. Dylan smiled as she thought about how much the man loved the woman and how much she missed having that feeling herself.
It seemed like a lifetime before the elevator finally opened to Rade’s penthouse. Rade gently put his hand on Dylan’s lower back, guiding her out. Dylan loved Rade’s penthouse. Not only was the view spectacular, but she felt warmth whenever she entered.
Unsure of what to say or do, Dylan looked over her shoulder. “I’m going to take a bath.”
As she was leaving, she heard him say, “We still need to talk.”
Stopping in her tracks, she hesitantly agreed. “Okay.”
*****
Dylan didn’t know what she was going to say to Rade, or even what she wanted to share with him. As she was soaking in the tub and taking in the scent of the lavender bubble bath, her eyes felt heavy as she slowly drifted off. She thought back to when she was with Michael. She was remembering what they had together and how happy she was. They were in the park having a picnic by a small lake. It was like living in a fairy tale as different colors reflected off the water. As she was looking out over the water, she felt Michael’s warm hands touch her shoulders from behind. It was gentle. She turned to kiss him, only it wasn’t Michael she saw. It was Rade. His eyes were filled with sorrow and pain. She was sad for him. He slowly pulled her towards him and kissed her so tenderly on the lips. She didn’t know why, but she felt an undeniable love for this man. She felt warm and safe in his arms. When their kiss finally broke and she opened her eyes, she saw the face of the man who broke into her apartment. Horrified, she started hitting him, struggling desperately to get away. His hold was too strong. He clamped his hands tightly around her neck. She couldn’t breathe. She heard her name being called in the distance as she began to slowly lose consciousness. “Dylan, it’s me. Dylan, stop baby.” She was fighting for her life, trying to get away from this man. Yelling for help with no sound coming from her mouth. Thinking she was going to die, she felt herself being lifted off the ground. Her strength to fight was gone. It was only when she felt a soft touch to her cheek that she began to ease. She must have died and gone to heaven. There was that voice again. “Dylan, open your eyes. Please baby.” Finally able to open her eyes, she saw it was Rade holding her. Her protector.
Rade effortlessly carried Dylan from the bathroom to her bed. Even in her most vulnerable state, he could see how beautiful she was. Now more than ever, he wanted her next to him.
“Don’t move, baby, I’m going to grab you a towel.” He left her side and scrambled towards the bathroom.
Dylan was trying to understand what happened. Was she dreaming? Looking down at her shaking hands, she realized she was completely naked. “Oh my God, shit, shit, shit.”
Looking for something to cover herself, she saw a blanket draped at the foot of her bed. Grabbing it, she quickly wrapped it around herself. When Rade returned with the towel, she took it from him and walked shamefully back to the bathroom.
When Dylan returned to her bedroom, Rade was sitting on her bed. She was embarrassed that he rescued her from her stupidity, seeing her in her naked glory. She should never have fallen asleep in the tub. She was lucky she didn’t drown.
“Dylan, are you okay?” He said with concern.
“I’m fine. I must have dozed off. How did you get in the bathroom anyway? The door was locked.” Dylan was making him feel guilty for his actions.
“I had a key. When you didn’t answer me, I got worried. When I saw you and your head was slipping under the water, I freaked. I just had to get you out.”
Dylan pulled the towel tighter around her body. It wasn’t like Rade hadn’t seen her naked, it was just that she felt vulnerable in her current state. She was upset he rescued her yet again. It was one more reason for him to keep her near. She didn’t want him to see her defenseless. “I’m tired, Rade, can we just forget about this?”
Standing from her bed, Rade knew this was far from over. He needed to get some answers, but instead of pushing the issue, he did as she requested and left. Before exiting her room, he looked over his shoulder reminding her, “We’re going to talk in the morning, Dylan.”
CHAPTER NINE
Rade was emotionally drained. After what just happened, he needed to re-focus on what his objective was where Dylan was concerned. Her flashback was evidence of that. The more he thought about it, the more he was becoming agitated that there were no leads on her attacker. It was taking a toll on her. It seemed when he felt her getting closer to him, something pulled her further away. He was going to have that talk with her in the morning. He didn’t know yet how he was going to get her to open up to him, but he knew whatever he did, he needed to treat her delicately.
Pouring three fingers of scotch into a tumbler, he sucked it back, feeling the burn in his throat. His stress was beginning to ease, letting him think more clearly about what needed to be done. While he was contemplating his next move, his cell phone rang.
Pulling it from his pocket, he saw it was Richard. “Richard, tell me you have something.”
Richard had good news. “We found the guy that attacked Ms. Adams. He lives in a rundown apartment building on the lower east side. I have Peter watching the building as we speak. As soon as he’s spotted, Peter has instructions to persuade him to get into his car. Once we have him, I’ll let you know.”
“Good work, Richard. You know where to take him once you have him?”
“Yes, sir.”
Richard knew of the place to take this loser. It was an old warehouse building Rade had acquired several months ago. Rade was going to have the building torn down, but decided to wait. He was thankful he held off.
Even though Rade wasn’t feeling better about the situation, he was hopeful he could finally get some answers he needed. Maybe once and for all, he would find out the truth about Michael Stewart.
It was late when Rade decided he was long overdue for some much-needed sleep. Heading to his room, he stopped at Dylan’s door. Something told him to make sure she was okay. Quietly, he turned the knob and opened the door. She was peacefully sleeping on her bed. Her bedside lamp was still on. Trying hard not to make a sound, he lightly walked over to the side of her bed. He couldn’t help but look at her. She looked so amazing laying there. It was like looking at a perfect piece of art. He took a few moments absorbing the beauty of this woman. So fragile, yet so strong. Careful not to wake her, he reached over, turned the lamp off, and softly stepped out of her room.
Once Rade was in bed, his thoughts hit rewind. Over and over it was Dylan consuming his mind. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get her out of his head. Adjusting his position, he rolled over on his side, giving his pillow a hard punch as he tried to get it the way he needed it. He settled his head on his battered pillow. It was no use. Even with his eyes closed, he only saw Dylan. “Fuck.” Frustrated, he cursed himself out of bed to take a shower.
It was four o’clock in the morning when Rade finally fell asleep. With only three hours of sleep, he woke up grumpy and exhausted. Rolling over as if a train hit him; he stumbled out of bed to the kitchen. He was about to say “good morning” when he saw Dylan, but remained speechless. She was wearing a t-shirt which barely covered her bottom, and a pair of very sexy black lacy panties. Just the sight of her caused his semi-erect cock to come to life. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to bend her over the counter and take her.
Shaking his head, he quietly traipsed over to her. “Good morning, did you sleep well?”
Rade’s quiet entrance frightened her. She ended up dropping her cup of coffee onto the floor. “Oh my God, you scared me.” Reaching for some paper towels, Dylan bent down to clean up her mess.
Trying to keep a straight face, Rade bent down in front of her helping her pick up the broken pieces of her coffee mug. “I’m so sorry; I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”
“You should be. Maybe you need to wear a bell or something,” she said exasperated.
Rade smiled, amused by her comment. “I’ll consider your request.”
Grabbing the same piece of the broken ceramic, Dylan felt the electric pulse of his touch running through her body. Only he could cause this feeling. Feeling awkward, she broke their contact. “I’ll buy you a new one. Where did you get it?”
“That’s not necessary, Dylan. Besides, you’d have to fly to Paris to pick up its replacement.” Dylan was not amused by Rade’s smart-ass comment
Rising to her feet, she opened a lower cabinet to the right of the sink and discarded her soaked paper towels in the trash bin. “I need to shower.” Barely making it past Rade, Dylan stopped and turned toward him, remembering she needed to ask him a favor. “Would you be able to take me back to my apartment? I need to get my cell phone and my car.”
