A Monster's Obsession: (Arrangement Series Book 5)

by Kasey Martin

“Hmmm.” Sasha seemed to let the subject drop, and I was grateful.

  We settled into our drinks and soon the waiter returned with our meals. Everything was going just fine until I heard an annoying ass voice that I hadn’t heard in months.

  “Sawyer Nash. I thought you fell off the face of the Earth.” Lola was talking in that damn baby voice, and I didn’t have it in me to be nice.

  “Lola.” Her name was all I could manage to say without rolling my eyes. Sasha on the other hand didn’t have the same problem. Her eyes rolled so hard I thought she would pass out.

  “What are you doing here… with her?” Lola sneered. I shook my head. Lola Pratt was a sore loser. As soon as I knew about Sasha, I told Lola there would never be anything between us. She didn’t take it well, but I didn’t give a fuck. Her feelings were not my responsibility. We never even went on a date, I didn’t owe her shit.

  “Lola, I have already threatened to whoop your ass once, and I guess you haven’t learned. I’m not going to be the stereotypical angry black woman that you want me to be. Instead, I’m going to let my husband handle his business.” Sasha sat back in her chair and grabbed her glass of wine.

  “Listen,” I said slowly, “that’s the last time you will disrespect my wife. I’ve already told you that we could never be anything. You know what I’m capable of…” I shook my head in warning. Lola looked around and I could tell that she was thinking about making a scene.

  Lola was one of those women who loved attention; good or bad. But her father worked in the Ward, she knew what was up. She might play dumb but she knew exactly who I was.

  “You two are married?” Lola questioned finally. It took entirely too long for her to realize that Sasha had called me her husband.

  “Yes. And if you ever want to see your own wedding day, I suggest you stop antagonizing my wife. I’m really not a nice man when it comes to her.” I warned once more.

  Lola didn’t say anything else before she hung her head in what I hoped was defeat before disappearing back to her table. I knew that would be the last time we had a run-in with her because I would make sure of that. Dr. Pratt was a lot of things but he wasn’t stupid. He would get control of his daughter.

  “I’m glad you handled your little friend.” Sasha smirked, and I chuckled. I was going to spank her ass.

  ***

  The rest of the evening was uneventful, as well as the next several weeks. Sasha and I managed to fall into a comfortable agreement with one another. We slept in the same bed, and although I often woke up cuddling her, we hadn’t had sex since our wedding night. I lost complete control, and I promised myself that I wouldn’t do that to her again. So I haven’t.

  I’m well aware of the lascivious looks, and wanton desires that twinkle in those big brown eyes of hers, but she won’t tell me what she wants. So we both have to suffer. My dick is in a perpetual state of rock hard whenever I look in Sasha’s direction and don’t get me started on when her ass is pushed up against my cock in her sleep. I feel like a teenager again at the many times I’ve had to rub one out in the shower.

  “Would you like to have lunch with me today?” Sasha’s words cut into my musings. We’re eating breakfast before we both leave for our respective jobs. I’m actually shocked that she asked me.

  “Yeah. Of course.” I respond smiling entirely too hard, but I can’t help myself. I may be a hard ass mob boss, but I’m still a man who wants his woman to want him.

  “Great! I like how things have been going with us in the last few weeks, and I don’t want to make the same mistakes as before. I want to really get to know you this time.” I was floored that she was saying this.

  Just a few weeks ago, she wanted an annulment. Now she wants to get to know me better. I want to be suspicious of her motives because it’s my nature. However, Sasha is the least malicious person on the planet. It’s not in her to hurt anyone purposely. I know that much about her.

  “Where would you like me to take you?” I asked, feeling hopeful about our new arrangement.

  “I invited you, so I’ll take you.” I frowned. I don’t fucking think so!

  “Yeah, that’ll never happen, Céile. Is eleven okay? I have a meeting at one.” I stood up from the breakfast table and pulled on my suit jacket. Sasha just rolled her eyes at my declaration. We were getting somewhere because she knew not to argue.

  “Yeah, Monster. Eleven is fine,” she sighed in defeat. I didn’t want her to feel defeated, so I walked around the table and kissed her softly against her temple.

  “See ya at eleven, Céile.”

  When I got to my office, I made a few phone calls about some new properties that I was interested in purchasing. However, the information Oran gave me weeks ago is at the forefront of my mind. There was a company that wanted to purchase the building from Bruce Todd. The Wilcox Group was an entity that I’d never come across before, so I gave the task to Darby. Everyone may think that Darby and Flynn are just two more of my men, but they’re more than that. The twins were here to learn the ropes of the business side of our family. In Ireland, it wasn’t necessary for them to seem legal.

  However, their family wanted to expand to the states. Their technology company was worth millions of dollars, and the twins were the heads of the company. It was funny how everyone underestimates them because of what they are perceived to be. Goons.

  Darby is one of the most intelligent people I know besides Flynn. They are both certified geniuses, but Flynn’s IQ is higher. Go figure.

  It was amazing how easy it was to get into the swing of things here on the island. Our real estate business was going well, and our gun operation was booming. Having access to ports that weren’t regulated by the state’s laws and regulations made everything so much easier. It was a wonder why my father didn’t make this move to Founder’s earlier. I guess he had his reasons, but now after seeing how much of a benefit it is for us to operate on the island, it’s hard for me to decipher what those reasons could possibly be.

  Before I knew it, Brennan was knocking on my door, alerting me that it was time to go pick up Sasha. I could get used to seeing my wife in the middle of the day. Looking for all the dirt I can to get the Abbott’s ousted by the Council has been a full time job. They walk a thin line but haven’t crossed it yet. There is a saying, “there’s honor amongst thieves,” and the Council takes that shit seriously. But I know those bastards don’t have any honor, I just haven’t proven it yet. But I will.

  When I arrive to pick up Sasha, she’s talking to a hippy looking white guy with long dirty blond dreads. He’s gesturing wildly, and his mouth is moving a mile a minute. I’m too far away to hear what he’s saying, but I can tell he’s excited about something. The way Sasha is smiling up at him with adoration smeared across her gorgeous face gives me pause. I don’t know who this man is, and I know every man that comes into contact with my wife.

  I slow my walk to a stroll so that I won’t alert the two of my arrival. I want to know who this guy is and what he’s doing here. And more importantly, I want to know why my wife is looking at another man like he can hang the moon for her. The shit pisses me off.

  “I have so many ideas for this space, Flower. I can’t believe how awesome this place is!” The hippy exclaimed with joy dripping from his every word. Flower? Why is he giving my wife nicknames?

  “Oh, Yohan! I’m so glad you could finally see my gallery! It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen you.” Sasha’s voice was light and tinted with a happiness that I hadn’t heard from her since we’ve been back together.

  “I love it! I can’t believe I waited this long to take you up on your offer.” The hippy’s voice dropped a few octaves, and I knew he was going for seductive. If he wanted to live, he would raise that shit back up to the helium balloon sound that it was.

  “You’re a busy guy, I’m just glad you finally had the time to come by.” Either Sasha was simply dismissing his flirtations, or she was completely unaware. Knowing my Céile, it was the latter.<
br />
  “I’m not too busy for you, Flower.” There went that seductive shit again. Hell! No!

  “Céile? Are you ready for lunch?” My voice was a growl, but the shit couldn’t be helped. I was doing everything in my power not to choke the shit out of this fake ass Bob Marley.

  “Hey, Monster!” Sasha squeaked with big guilty round doe eyes. Just the squeak in her voice pissed me off that much more.

  “Monster? What kind of name is that?” The hippy smirked.

  Yeah, I’m going to choke the shit outta this dude.

  Chapter 13

  SASHA

  My voice was entirely too high, and I could hear the guilty tone coloring my words, and it made me cringe in regret. There was nothing that I needed to be guilty about. Yohan Hobbs was an old friend from New York and the client of my dreams. I’ve been trying to get him to show his photography at the gallery for the longest time. He was the hottest thing out there right now, and I would be privileged to have him. I was excited that he was finally on the island for a short visit and was able to drop by and see the space on a whim. It was pure luck and an opportunity that I would make count.

  I couldn’t help but admire Yohan’s talent, and he wasn’t hard on the eyes either. His cognac-colored eyes stood out from his tan skin, and although the locs he wore in his hair wasn’t my style, it fit his laid back personality.

  “Monster? What kind of name is that?”

  Ah shit! That was definitely the wrong thing to say about Sawyer’s crazy ass. I call him Monster for a reason. And although I try not to say it in front of people, his presence shocked the hell out of me, and it slipped out.

  “My name is, Sawyer.” My husband’s voice was deep and menacing, but as usual, his face held an almost serene expression. If you didn’t know him or weren’t paying attention, you would think he was being nice. He most definitely was not.

  “I’m Yohan. My little Flower was showing me this awesome space.”

  “Your Flower?”

  Fuck! This man cannot read a room to save his life!

  “That’s not what he meant, babe.” I tried to soothe the situation as best I could, but by the look on Sawyer’s face, I wasn’t doing too good of a job.

  “But that’s what he said, Céile.” Sawyer’s unwavering glare made me worry. My husband was unpredictable when he had a certain look in his eyes. And boy was the look there now!

  It has been real cozy between the two of us. After he put Lola in her place, we’ve been getting along like an old married couple. We fell into routines easily. The only thing that has been missing is the intimacy between us. I can admit that I’m afraid of the connection we have, and if we have sex like we did on our wedding night, I’ll never be able to let him go. But I would never cheat on Sawyer, and the way he’s looking at Yohan doesn’t seem like he believes that.

  “Céile? What’s that mean?” Yohan asked his head cocked to the side in question.

  “Wife,” I responded. The softness that replaced Sawyer’s glare was instant. I know he figured I didn’t know what the Gaelic word meant, but I have Google.

  “Wife?” Yohan responded, looking down at my ring finger. I wore a simple gold band on my ring finger. I hadn’t taken it off since we had our courthouse wedding. The ring was uncomplicated, unlike our relationship, but I loved it.

  Yohan seemed to deflate a little at the news, and that was definitely for the best. I thought his flirting was harmless, but Sawyer absolutely didn’t see it that way.

  “Yes, wife. Are you finished? Or do I need to wait in your office?” Sawyer smiled at me, and I automatically smiled back. Although his expression was no longer blank, his eyes didn’t reflect the monster, so I was at a loss as to what he was thinking.

  “Umm, yeah. You can wait in my office. I promise I won’t be long.” Sawyer strolled over to me slowly before kissing the top of my hair.

  “Take care of your business, but don’t make me fuck the hippy up.” Sawyer’s voice was low, so Yohan didn’t hear him. He shot one more glare at “the hippy” before turning and walking toward the stairs. I was glad he didn’t threaten my newest client directly, but I knew it wouldn’t take much for Sawyer to keep his promise. I rolled my eyes, but I still couldn’t resist taking a moment to admire the magnificence of my husband.

  Damn that man is fine as hell! My brain refused to get out of the gutter whenever he was around tempting me. Sawyer walked with the confidence that simply exuded “big dick energy.” His short curly hair was gelled out of his face today, and it drew attention to his striking green eyes. The tailored suit he had on was dark gray with a light blue dress shirt. The combination should’ve clashed, but he made it look stylish. I had to hold back a girlish sigh when he turned around and caught me staring. He threw me a wink and a sexy as sin smirk before disappearing out of sight.

  “So, I didn’t realize you were married.” Yohan frowned, and I put on my bright business smile before answering his question.

  “Yes, I’m married. We hadn’t done much catching up, and we’re not here to talk about relationships, we are here to discuss business.” I replied, getting back to the subject at hand. Yohan was ready to sign on the dotted line before Sawyer came in, but this was a smart business move for both of us. Hopefully, he could see that.

  “You’re right. This is about business. And I admire all of your business skills.” I’m not sure what Yohan meant by that, but I won’t give power to the statement by asking.

  “So, does this mean you’re ready to do a show here at Premier Illusions?” I was doing my best to hold back my excitement, but I could see it on his face that he was going to give in.

  “Yes! I would love to show my work here!” Yohan agreed with a wide smile that showed all of his pretty straight white teeth.

  “Great! I’ll get the contracts together, and I can have Bambi send them over to your agent before the end of business.” I smiled as I reached my hand out to shake his, but instead, he tugged me in for a hug.

  “You know I’ve always been a hugger,” Yohan, who clearly had a death wish, smiled mischievously. I shook my head. Yohan was obviously a thrill seeker.

  “Well, I suggest you tamp down on that urge in the future because I call my husband, Monster, for a reason.” I smiled at my old friend.

  ***

  After Yohan left, I decided to go speak to Bambi so she could prepare the contracts. She was sitting at her desk, sketching when I knocked on the door.

  “Hey, Bambi! We landed Yohan!” I exclaimed with a bright smile.

  “That’s awesome! He will pack this place without question.” Bambi returned my smile. She was one of the most genuine people that I knew, and I was so happy she was on board. She made it easy for me to run the gallery and continue with my art.

  “Hey, I meant to tell you. The other day Jack told me the alarm was tripped.” I furrowed my brows in confusion. Jack is our night guard. He only works until midnight, and then we let the high tech security system monitor the property. We only have round the clock guards if we have a show. Otherwise, the pieces are locked in a special vault that was built when the building used to be a bank.

  “Why didn’t he tell me? When did this happen?” I asked, growing worried. The last thing I needed was a break-in right before a famous artist signed with us.

  “It was a false alarm. A rat or something chewed through a wire in the basement. I called the exterminator, and they set some traps. We should be good.” Bambi responded, calming my nerves.

  “Okay, well as long as it’s been taken care of. Thanks for telling me, and keep me updated on the exterminator.” I smiled as she nodded her agreement.

  After we hashed out the information for the contracts, I headed to my office. I knew Sawyer was waiting, and after our heated exchange, I have no idea what to expect. However, I couldn’t help the shiver that ran down my spine at the thought of the last time I made my husband upset. He ended up fucking me on the dining room table.

  I know that a married coupl
e can’t solve all of their arguments with sex, but it sure was nice to try. We hadn’t had another conversation about Abbott, the money, or the gallery since that night. The deed to this building with my name on it, showed up on my desk the Monday after we were married. I was the outright owner of the gallery, free and clear. I thanked Sawyer profusely when I arrived home that night, but he acted as if it were no big deal.

  I used the money that I had saved to repay my parents, and now I am working on a business plan to be able to pay back Sawyer. Now that I’ve landed Yohan, it will happen much sooner than I was anticipating.

  Hopefully, I can get myself out of this mess by paying back all of the people I borrowed money from. I have definitely learned from my mistakes, and I won’t be so stubborn that I won’t ask for help from the right people next time.

  Once I arrived in my office, Sawyer was standing by the window with his back to me. His muscular body had me licking my lips. I often found myself ogling my husband, I should feel ashamed, but I didn’t. It’s my right as a wife, no matter how weird our marriage is.

  “Sorry, I kept you waiting.” For some reason, I could feel butterflies fluttering around my stomach. The realization that my husband still made me nervous after six weeks of marriage made me flush.

  “No, problem. I was a little early.” Sawyer said, turning in my direction. His handsome face was an emotional stone mask, and I knew some shit was about to go down.

  “Are you ready to go? I just need to grab my purse. I already let Bambi know that we were leaving.”

  “We’re not leaving yet. As a matter of fact, go ahead and shut the door.”

  I stood frozen. I have no idea what Sawyer has planned, but the deep tenor in his voice made goosebumps break out on my entire body. When he stood completely still waiting for me to move, I did what he asked. I shut my office door with a soft click. The sound was mocking my situation.

  “Strip.” Again I stood frozen.

  “What about lunch?” I asked as my pulse began to race, and my nipples hardened under my blouse.