by E. L. Todd
She stilled then looked at me over her shoulder. Fear was heavy in her eyes, like I might hurt her in some way. Then she hightailed it out of the shop.
I was sick of this. Without thinking, I went after her. I followed her up the sidewalk then maneuvered in front of her without touching her. She flinched and stepped back slightly, clearly not expecting me to chase her. “Who are you?”
Her lips were pressed tightly together. Lines marked the area around her lips, and her eyes had crow’s feet. She looked older than she really was, like she hadn’t aged gracefully.
“Why do you keep coming into my shop?” I knew I was coming off hostile but I wanted answers. Why was she stalking me? It was clear she came to see me and nobody else. Her eyes never left mine. I was the only person she was interested in.
“I’m sorry…I have to go.” She moved around me and clutched her purse as she ran.
This time I didn’t chase after her. I just watched her go, more confused than I was before.
Chapter Seventeen
Lexie
I was at the bar with my friend and coworker, Stella, when Conrad texted me.
Where’s my lady?
Out with a friend. I set the phone down and drank my Cosmo. Stella continued with her story.
Conrad texted me again. A friend, huh? A lady friend, I hope.
Maybe. Maybe not.
I knew he was curious. What are the two of you doing?
Drinking.
Do you need someone to pay for those drinks?
Nope. I knew he was getting irritated even if he wouldn’t show it.
Stella caught my interaction. “Conrad?”
“What gave me away?” The enormous grin on my face?
“Everything.”
“When I’m too busy to hang out with him he gets a little offended.”
“Do you not see him very often?”
“That’s the thing,” I said. “I see him all the time.” I finished my Cosmo and left the glass on the counter.
“Sounds whipped.”
“He is. But I’m whipped too.”
“Invite him. I haven’t met him.” She finished her drink then flipped her hair over one shoulder.
“He’s purty.” I gave her a mischievous smile.
“And tell him to bring a friend.”
“He does have a single friend, and he’s pretty cute too.”
“Ooh…” She slammed her hand on the counter. “Tell him to bring him along.”
“I can ask.” I typed a message to him. My friend says you can come along…if you bring Theo.
Conrad didn’t respond for a few minutes. I’m not sure if he’s ready for that.
It’s just a friendly drink. He needs to get out of that trashed apartment.
True. I’ll be there soon. I know a bunch of guys have been buying you drinks, but save some room for me.
I smiled and set the phone on the counter. “Our men is on the way.”
***
I knew Conrad was there when the crowd parted. Lots of girls were looking in his direction, and he sent a ripple of electricity and power through the air. He could make mountains move with a single snap of his fingers.
He emerged with Theo beside him, wearing a suit that cost more than my monthly mortgage. He fit into it so well, and his broad shoulders looked defined and strong. His torso led to narrow hips, and he carried himself like he owned the room and everyone in it.
Stella whistled. “Damn, he’s hot.”
“I know.” I didn’t bother being humble about it. Conrad was the finest looking piece of man I’d ever seen.
“No…his friend. But Conrad is hot too.”
“Oh…I forgot about Theo.”
When Conrad spotted me, his eyes narrowed on my face. He looked at me like I was his property and if anyone even glanced my way he would start a pissing contest. With one hand in his pocket, he approached me. I felt like the only woman in the room when he looked at me like that. Other girls were staring at him with longing, but the only person he seemed to care about was me.
He reached me and stopped directly in front of me. His thighs rested against my knees and he leaned over me like a shadow. “Hey, sexy lady.”
I grabbed his tie and fingered it. “Hey, stud.”
He gave me dark, smoldering look. “I like this dress on you. It makes your tits look great.”
“Thank you for noticing.”
“I always notice.” He kissed the corner of my mouth, implying all the sexual things he wanted to do with me. “So, can I buy you a drink?”
“As long as you don’t expect anything in return.”
“I never expect anything.” He lowered his voice while he watched me. “I take it.” He turned to the bartender and ordered me another drink. Like a shark that scared away all the other fish, everyone else moved away. The guys who had their eye on me officially threw in the towel.
“How was the gym?”
“Same as always.” He got his beer and took a drink. “And how was your day?”
“Good. Nothing eventful happened.” I turned to Stella to introduce her to Conrad. “Stella, this is my boyfriend, Conrad.”
She shook his hand. “Pleasure to meet you. I already know everything about you. You’re all Lexie talks about.”
I shot her a glare.
“What?” she asked. “It’s true.”
Conrad smiled in a cocky way. “I give her a lot to think about.”
I rolled my eyes.
Conrad caught the look. He grabbed my chin and forced my gaze on him. Then he gave me a hard kiss on the mouth.
I forgot about his cockiness after that.
Stella and Theo started talking, and he bought her a few drinks. He seemed cool and calm, not on the verge of having a break down. It was a complete one-eighty.
“It seems like he feels better.”
“Yeah,” Conrad noted. “He mentioned something about talking to his dad but he didn’t give me any specifics.”
“Well, I’m glad he’s better. And I hoped he cleaned his apartment.”
Conrad chuckled. “That makes two of us.” He put down his beer. “So, I asked about your day and you asked about mine. Can we make out now?”
I tried not to smile. “PDA is a little gross.”
“Like all the guys here aren’t going to beat off to it later.”
“Do you want them to beat off to your girlfriend?” I countered.
“And the chicks are going to finger themselves because of me.”
I smacked him in the arm. “You’re so full of yourself.”
“I know,” he said without shame. “But you’re the only woman I want to be full of me.”
If he weren’t so devoted to me and committed, I’d be a little worried over his ego. But it was clear he would always be faithful to me. There was love in his eyes every time he looked at me. Sometimes there was lust and other things…but affection was the most prevalent emotion. “How’s Sean?”
His playful attitude disappeared. “Better.”
“Has he returned to work?”
“No…I think it’ll be awhile before that happens.”
“Is there anything I can do?” I asked.
“Keep putting up with my shit and love me more every day.”
I smiled. “I can do that.”
“I’m a lucky son-of-a-bitch.” He put his arm around my shoulder then rubbed his nose against mine.
I melted every time. I’d fallen so helplessly in love with this man that I couldn’t feel anything else but my aching heart.
Once Theo excused himself to use the restroom, Stella turned to us. “What’s his story?”
“He didn’t tell you…?” It seemed like something Theo would bring up.
“He mentioned something about a recent break-up but that’s it,” Stella said.
“Honestly, I don’t think he’s emotionally available,” Conrad said as he held his beer. “He’s been doing better lately but he’s no Prince Charming.”<
br />
“That’s fine with me,” Stella said. “Can I score with this guy or is he too fucked up in the head?”
I was surprised with her forwardness. “I’m not sure. But if you can, I doubt it’ll turn into something more.”
“He’ll never call you,” Conrad said as he took a drink.
She clapped her hands. “Fine by me. He has a nice ass.”
Conrad shrugged. “Sounds like a perfect match.” He turned to me and lowered his voice. “Can we get out of here then? I want you to be as full of me as possible.”
***
When we entered his apartment, we headed straight for bed. Conrad stripped his clothes away as he walked, pulling off his tie and tossing his jacket on the back of a chair. Once his shirt was unbuttoned, his perfectly chiseled torso was revealed. He stared at me with heat in his eyes, silently commanding me to get my clothes off.
I purposely took my time, teasing him in a mean way. I slowly removed my dress and took my time with the bra.
Conrad stood in front of me naked, clearly irritated by my slowness. Eventually, he grew tired of waiting and scooped me up then threw me on the bed. My heels were still on, but I knew Conrad liked that.
Once he was on top of me, he took complete control. He pinned me underneath him then separated my legs. Like he owned me, he took me. His hand gripped the back of my neck as he thrust inside me. His thick and long cock always felt so good. “I love you, Lexie.” His actions were so aggressive but his words were so sweet.
“I love you, Con.” I breathed hard as he rocked me.
He kissed me gently and sucked my bottom lip. “All mine.”
Even though I’d already done it a hundred times, I fell deeper into him—more in love than ever before.
***
After we cuddled together and caught our breath, Conrad kissed my forehead. “I got you something.”
“You got me something?” I asked. “Like you don’t buy me enough things.”
“It’s my job to buy you shit you don’t need.” He opened his nightstand then grabbed a thin jewelry box. It was long, indicating a necklace was inside. “For my lady.”
I took it with shaky hands. “Con, you really don’t need to buy me anything.”
“Yes, I do. I’m your man and I buy you pretty things. I want every man to take one look at you and know you’re off the market.”
I eyed the box before I opened it. Inside was a white gold necklace with a circular diamond as the pendant. Just looking at the shining rainbows and clarity of the diamond told me it cost a fortune. “Conrad, this is—”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you like it.” He gave me a grin as he took it out of the box and clasped it around my neck.
The heavy diamond lay against my chest, and I could feel how dense it was.
“It looks beautiful on you.” Then he eyed the earrings I never removed. “Now they match.”
My fingers automatically touched the necklace. “It was very sweet of you but you don’t need to spend money on me…”
“Then what else would I do with it?” He kissed my neck. “I never want you to leave me, Lexie. I’ll do anything and everything to make sure you stay.”
“I’ll stay whether you buy me things or not.”
“But you’re more likely to stay when I show you how much I love you.”
“A simple kiss can do that…”
“No.” He kissed my temple. “I want to make every girl you know jealous of how well I treat you. I want every girl to wish they were you—and not so they can have me. Just so they know what it’s like to be loved so damn much.”
The gesture was sweet and made me teary-eyed. My relationship with Conrad was so much better than what I had with Jared. Most of time was spent getting Jared to take our marriage seriously. With Conrad, I didn’t have to do anything or ask him for anything. He loved me, respected me, and cherished me all on his own. “I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”
“And I’m the luckiest man.”
Chapter Eighteen
Sean
“Sean, sit down.” Scarlet gripped my shoulders and forced me back onto the couch.
“Let me help you with the dishes.”
“I got it.” She continued to apply pressure so I wouldn’t move. “Just relax.”
“You’re always doing everything around here. Let me help.”
“Sean, I know it’s difficult for you to sit still for so long but you need to chill out.” She finally removed her hands then did the dishes in the kitchen.
I remained in my seat and felt helpless. Scarlet had been taking care of me for weeks. She made my meals, rubbed my shoulders, helped me bathe, and read to me so I could fall asleep. She waited on me hand-and-foot. It was nice in the beginning but now I just felt like a dick. She’d been through a lot and she deserved to relax too.
When she finished, she hung up her apron then joined me on the couch.
At this time of night, I usually had a brandy or a scotch. But my medication wouldn’t allow me to have any alcohol. I was forced to drink only water and iced tea.
Scarlet turned on the game then sat beside me. She linked her arm through mine then rested her small hand on my wrist.
I turned my head toward her and kissed her temple. “Thanks for taking care of me. I know it’s been hard for you.”
“You’re very welcome, sweetheart. But it hasn’t been any trouble at all.” She turned to me with those big blue eyes I adored. “You’ve been taking care of me for twenty years. It’s my turn to take care of you.”
I leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. “I have the most amazing wife.”
“No. I just love you very much.”
A grin upturned the corner of my mouth. “You’re right. How else would you put up with me?”
***
I left the bed while Scarlet slept then crept down the hall and to the staircase. I couldn’t walk as fast as I used to. My injury had healed a lot but I was still weak. The wound in my back was several inches deep. The healing process would take a long time. Prominent muscles had been torn apart and I didn’t feel as strong as I used to. Exercise and physical therapy were necessary if I wanted to get back to what I used to be. I was just grateful the knife didn’t go near my spine. If it injured the vulnerable nerves surrounding it, I would have been paralyzed for the rest of my life.
I didn’t have nightmares over what happened. I wasn’t scared of what happened that night. The only thing that frightened me was the possibility of losing my son. Fortunately, he came out of the fray with just some bruises and broken ribs. If I weren’t there, I wasn’t sure what would have happened. And if I died, I would have been okay with that as long as he got to live.
I made it to the bottom stair then looked through the peephole. Mike was standing on the other side, wearing jeans and a light jacket. I disabled the alarm and allowed him inside.
“What’s up?” Mike asked. “How are you feeling?”
“Better.” I shut the door and locked it. “I have a lot of healing to do but I am better.”
“Good.” He clapped my shoulder in an affectionate way. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“Scarlet treats me like I’m a cripple.”
“She just wants to make sure you get better. That’s what wives are for.” He sat on the couch and crossed his leg at the knee.
I sat next to him. “I know. I don’t know what I would do without her.”
“I would take care of you.” He had a grin on his face like he knew how absurd that would be.
I chuckled. “I can’t picture you cooking me dinner and giving me sponge baths.”
He cringed. “I’d have to do that last one blindfolded.”
I leaned back in the chair gently, not putting too much pressure on my back.
“So…why are we meeting in secret in the middle of the night?”
“Does Cassandra know you’re here?”
“No.” He rested one hand on his knee.
“
Scarlet is always around during the day. I can’t say a word without her hearing it.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “When did you start keeping secrets from your wife?”
“I haven’t. But there are some things I’d rather her not hear.”
“Like what?” he asked.
“Well…the doctor said everything should be fine. There hasn’t been an infection or a blood clot.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“Something could still happen…and I want to be prepared for the worse.” The idea of leaving my wife behind made me depressed. I was pretty sure that wouldn’t happen because the universe kept me alive just to be with her. But I’d rather be prepared.
“Sean, you’re going to be fine,” My brother said with a firm look.
“And I probably will. But I want to talk about this anyway.”
He sighed in irritation. “You already made a will”
“I’ve had one for a long time. Everything goes to Scarlet, and of course a lot goes to my kids and their futures. Scarlet gets my share of the company and all its assets.”
“Then what is there to discuss?”
Something that I’d been avoiding for a long time. “I never said this to her…because it’s just too painful to say.”
Mike stared at me with serious eyes.
“I want to say it to you. You can tell her if I ever pass away unexpectedly.”
“What is it?”
I rubbed my palms together and felt sharp pain radiate through my body just thinking about it. “In the event I pass away…I want her to remarry and move on.” I shook my head and looked away. “I can’t say that to her directly. I know how she’ll take it. She’ll vow to never be with anyone else for as long as she lives. And while a part of me wants that…I want her to have someone to take care of her. If there ever comes a time when she falls in love again, I don’t want her to feel guilty. She’ll always be mine no matter what, even if she spends the remainder of her life with someone else. We’ll still be buried together, and we’ll still be together forever.” I didn’t look at my brother as I said all of this. It was something too painful for me to talk about with my wife. It made me sick just thinking about it.
“I think it’s pointless to say that,” he said. “You know Scarlet better than I do. She’ll never remarry.”
