Keep My Heart (Top Shelf Romance Book 7)

by Lex Martin

  Viola: I’m free tonight.

  Jason: Let’s have dinner at Romero’s at 7. I’d love to catch up. I’ll pick you up.

  Guilt creeps up inside because I don’t want to lead him on, but I know it’s the only way I can move on from the mixed feelings I have for Travis.

  Viola: Perfect. I’m staying at Drew’s. I’ll see you then.

  Even though I have hours to get ready, the time passes so quickly. I take a shower and slip into a tight little dress that makes my ass look great. Although it’s fitted, it’s still classy. I add a pair of pearls and light makeup to complete the ensemble. I’m a total class act and happy because I still look like myself, unlike the way I looked the other night.

  I grab my phone and plop down on the couch to watch some TV as I wait for Jason to arrive. Travis enters and just stops. He has his keys in hand and wears a shocked expression. I know that look.

  “What the hell, Travis? Take a picture and quit staring.”

  “There’s the V I’ve been missing.” He smirks, rattling his keys in his hand. “I was worried that girl had vanished.”

  “You couldn’t be so lucky. And call me V all you want, I’m not fucking you to prove you wrong,” I say.

  A smirk crosses his face, but I’m not joking. I’m supposed to be putting on a façade, pretending as if everything is perfectly fine, but my heart races when I’m around him, and at this moment, I’m feeling as if I’m losing control. He sits, smiles, and leans forward, still staring across the room at me.

  “But you want to fuck me, don’t you?” His voice is deep and raspy, knowing it’ll drive me insane.

  “I wouldn’t fuck you with my worst enemy’s pussy.”

  “Shit, V. I love it when you talk like that.” His lips curl up, flashing his perfect pearly whites.

  I glare at him, and when the doorbell rings, I get up, leaving him before he can say anything back. I feel his eyes burning a hole into the back of my head as I walk across the room and open the door.

  A genuine smile crosses my face as Jason compliments the way I look. He wraps a hand around my waist, pulling me forward, and places a sweet kiss on my cheek. I wish I had eyes in the back of my head so I could watch Travis steam. I may have been drinking Friday night, but I remember the way Travis looked at Jason as we talked and danced. However, I bet it’s nothing compared to the expression on his face right now.

  “Do you want to come in?” I ask, gesturing him inside. “I just need to grab my clutch really quick.”

  “Sure.” He steps in, looking around.

  I turn and see Travis standing hard like a statue. His jaw is clenched tight, and agitation is written all over his face.

  Good.

  “Hey, Travis.” Jason nods at him and then looks back at me. Jason stiffens at Travis’s stance. I pinch my lips tight, hiding the delight I feel at Travis’s reaction.

  “We should get going,” Jason says. “Our reservation is at seven.” He checks his watch.

  “Oh, right. Sure, yeah. Let’s go,” I say, politely, but I’m obviously stalling. Jason isn’t stupid and takes the hint with a smile and a head nod before he walks out. “I’ll meet you in the car,” he says with a wink.

  When the car door closes, I shoot daggers at Travis.

  “What are you doing, Viola?” he growls. Travis stands his ground and shoves his hands in his pockets. His lips are drawn tight into a line, and his mood darkens, his cold eyes watching me as he waits for an answer. A million unspoken words are exchanged during our little standoff, but I’m not backing down. And I have a feeling he’s not going to either.

  “I said, what the fuck you are doing, Viola?” His volume goes higher, and the tone is even harsher.

  “I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” I say. I’m playing the game, but it isn’t an answer he’ll receive because I leave without another word and walk to the car.

  I can’t fully make out the emotions in his tone, but it almost sounds bitter and angry and possibly jealous?

  He’s not my brother.

  We’re not even friends.

  Travis said it was my move. Well, move made. I won’t be a pawn in this fucked-up game anymore.

  Chapter 11

  Travis

  The door snaps closed, and I’m so livid that she’s going out with Jason that I slam my fist into the wall. My knuckles crack as it breaks through the sheetrock. The deep indentation of a fist is undeniable. I shake out my hand and that’s when I notice my broken skin. What the fuck is wrong with me? I’ve never had a woman make me lose control like that, and to know Viola Fisher is the reason pisses me off beyond belief.

  The swelling and bruising start to set in, but I can barely feel the pain. I walk into the kitchen and take two shots, angry for allowing my emotions to get the best of me. After a few deep breaths, I take another one and wait as the tequila courses through my veins. I’m beginning to think more clearly, other than the building tension inside my body that feels like poison. I need to get rid of it pronto. I suck in a deep breath and pull my phone from my pocket. The first number I see is none other than the boss’s daughter, Alyssa. This is a dangerous game, and I almost think twice about sending her a text, but I do it anyway, thanks to the tequila.

  Travis: I’m ready to take you up on that offer, babe. Tell me when and where.

  She sends her address and the code to enter her building immediately. Viola only helped me see the light, and tonight, I’ll do what I’ve been meaning to do for the past few days: fuck away the very thought of her.

  I lock the house and walk to the car. The cool breeze brushes against my skin, and I wonder if Jason even gave Viola his jacket. I wonder where they are and what they are doing even though I shouldn’t give two shits about it. Before she left, Viola had looked at me like I was her worst enemy. Fuck this.

  Knowing I shouldn’t drive, but doing it anyway, I crank the car and listen to the deep rumble of the Challenger. My head is in a fog as I back out of the driveway and slam on the gas as I enter the highway leading to downtown. Alyssa lives in one of those elite buildings with codes and security guards and people who push the elevator floor buttons for you. I’ve never visited her before—this is the first time for that—but she’ll be the perfect distraction I need to pull me back to reality.

  I park in one of her reserved parking places and enter the code to the door. I give the older gentleman the floor number, and we zip to the top of the building. When the elevator door opens, I realize that Alyssa has the entire floor to herself.

  She’s everything you’d imagine a CEO’s daughter to be.

  She greets me wearing nothing but a black lacy bra and thong. Her tits spill out of the sheer lace, and she smiles at me as if I’m the most delicious piece of candy she’ll ever eat. No time passes before she removes her bra and drops it to the floor. Her dark nipples beg for me to suck them. I walk to her, place my arms around her waist, and dip down to take one in my mouth. She throws her head back and moans my name with pleasure.

  Alyssa slowly unbuttons my shirt, then drags her fingers down to my zipper and lowers it. Soon, I’m standing in her living room in only my boxer shorts. The city lights and cars on the highway are a perfect setting and allow the light to leak in around us.

  “I’ve been waiting so long for this,” she says, reaching for my cock and wrapping her delicate fingers around my length. Wasting no time, I rip the little lace panties from her body and throw them to the floor. Her lips touch mine, and as I kiss her, I’m furious to realize I don’t feel anything like I did with Viola. I hate that she’s consuming my thoughts and even more annoyed that as I’m kissing a hot blonde bombshell, Viola in her T-shirt and glasses is poisoning my thoughts. I grab Alyssa’s tight ass in my hand, and we walk backward until her ass touches the cool wood of the kitchen table. She sighs and moves my boxer shorts from my hips and begs me to fuck her. Before it goes too far, I bend down and pull the foil wrapper from my pants pocket. Alyssa smiles and takes the condom from my
hand. Her big blue eyes meet mine as she rips the package open with her teeth. Carefully, she guides the rubber over my length before lying back on the table.

  I flick her nipple with my tongue as I move deep inside her. She’s so wet, and when I fill her with my dick, she screams my name, not caring who hears. I pant against her neck as the clapping sound of ass against wood echoes through the room. She keeps trying to kiss me, but I don’t feel like I can, so I move her to the couch and bend her over the edge to fuck her from behind. I go fast and hard, and before long, she’s coming on my dick. I’m moaning and remembering Viola melting under my touch. It brings my pending orgasm to an intense level, and I know by just the thought of her I won’t be able to hold it back much longer. Alyssa arches her back and circles her hips as I pick up my pace. As I come, I close my eyes and topple over her.

  I pull out and look down at the condom, which is busted open, and I begin to panic. Her ass is still in the air as if she’s waiting for a second helping. My heartbeat pounds in my ears and I begin to have a mini freak-out. She turns around, glances down at the broken condom in my hand, and smiles.

  “I’m on the pill, Travis.” She smiles. “It happens.”

  I somewhat relax by the fact she’s double-protected, but all I can think about is how it doesn’t happen and hasn’t ever happened to me.

  She walks into the bathroom to clean herself up, but when she returns, her expression changes.

  “Whose Viola?” she asks after a minute, her lips press into a firm line.

  “What?” I ask, confused.

  “You whispered her name…”

  Alyssa’s arms are crossed, and the look on her face is almost frightening. I give her a smile and walk to her.

  “Who is she, Travis?” She’s pouting, making sure to add a little whine to her tone. I actually hate it when she does that.

  I slip on my boxer shorts. “It’s my roommate's little sister. She’s no one.” She doesn’t look like she believes me, so I sweeten my tone. “Trust me, baby.”

  Her shoulders relax, and she flashes a flirty grin. I place a palm against her cheek and guide her lips to mine, kissing her the way she wants to be kissed, passionately and needy. Although to me, it’s emotionless.

  Alyssa breaks the kiss and licks her lips. The corner of her mouth tilts up as if she’s just come up with a filthy idea. I don’t question it as she grabs my hand and leads me to her bedroom.

  “I want to make you feel good. I want you to forget about Viola. I want you to scream my name, Travis.” The sound of V’s name on her tongue makes me uneasy, but I push it away as she moves my boxer shorts from my hips and guides me to the bed. She licks up and down my stomach before fully taking me into her mouth. After a few minutes, I’m ready to go again, and I’m grateful she’s a sex kitten, but confused that I would whisper Viola’s name and not even notice. I close my eyes and try to focus on one of the best blow jobs she’s ever given me. Alyssa even makes sure to give my balls extra attention by licking and sucking them. She perks up when I say her name, taking me deeper in her mouth. The room fills with her moans of pleasure, and after she works for it, I give her what she wants.

  “Mmm. God, I love the way you taste,” she says, making sure to lick the tip dry. I open my arms and instead of her falling into them, she pulls a condom from her drawer, places it on my shaft, and then sits on me. Her tits bounce, and she moans my name as she rides me. I thumb her clit, wanting to please her a second time, and as she roughly tugs her nipples, she comes again, then falls against my chest. She’s so greedy, but it’s exactly what I need right now; a woman who isn’t afraid to take exactly what she wants. I wrap my arms around her, and we lie there, still connected. At least she’s satisfied.

  After we’re completely worn out, I decide it’s time to go. A few hours have passed and though I’ve gotten exactly what I wanted, I still feel incomplete. I dress and slip on my shoes.

  “Travis,” she says as I pull my keys out of my pocket.

  “Yeah, babe?” I ask, feeding her ego long enough to get out alive.

  “Since the first time I’ve met you, I’ve always fantasized about you and how amazing it’d be if you bent me over your desk and had your way with me,” she says, licking her bottom lip.

  “That’s a good fantasy,” I reply, shooting her a wink.

  “Perhaps one day it’ll be a reality,” she says slyly, sucking in her lower lip. I don’t respond as I dip my head and kiss her sweetly before leaving. She’s already getting way too far ahead of herself, which cannot be a good thing. As I ride the elevator to the bottom floor, I realize I’ve been playing with fire like a foolish fucker, and it’s only a matter of time before this blows up in my face.

  Though Jason isn’t as slimy as I thought he would be, he’s still qualifies as a sleazeball. He’s been staring at my tits for the past five minutes and has eye fucked me since we stepped out of the car. Right now, I want to scream “up here, buddy,” and it takes everything I have to keep my mouth shut.

  I know by the way he’s undressing me with each glance that if I suggested we go back to his place, he’d instantly be hard. The thought repulses me. I set my fork down on the side of my plate and take a large gulp of wine. I pull out my phone to see how much time has passed because it feels like I’m in limbo. I’ll be relieved when this is over, but that’s not something I would ever admit to anyone, especially not Travis. I smile and nod my head as he mumbles with his mouth full. I’m trying to be polite.

  As Jason continues to talk to my breasts about his job, all I can think about is Travis. Where was he going? What is he doing? Who is he with? I need to stop with the thoughts, but no matter how many times I remind myself, I can’t.

  “You seem a little out of it tonight,” Jason says, actually looking into my eyes.

  I give him a smile over my glass of merlot. “Sorry. I have a lot on my plate with graduation and all of that.” I make up an excuse, but it’s not school that I’m lost in right now. It’s the thought of a man who’s stolen my heart.

  He nods, but I don’t think he really believes me. I wouldn’t believe me either.

  “Drew is going to kick my ass, isn’t he?” Jason finally says as the waiter takes our plates.

  I burst out laughing, relieved this date is the beginning and end of us together. “Probably.”

  The mood lightens, and I don’t feel like my boobs are the center of attention.

  “I thought Travis was going to break my face tonight.” He confirmed exactly what I thought.

  “Sorry he feels like he has to be big brother while Drew’s away.” But I don’t mention the way he makes me feel or the dirty things he says to me when we’re alone.

  “Truthfully…” Jason lowers his voice. “I think he just wants you for himself.”

  Heat rises to my cheeks, and I hope he doesn’t notice. If he does, I’ll blame the wine, but honestly, I didn’t expect those words to come out of his mouth.

  “I sincerely doubt that,” I choke out. “Not happening.”

  He takes a drink and narrows his eyes. “Everyone knows you hate him, though. Why is that? He never tells anyone why.”

  I feel like I’m under Jason’s microscope, and he’s peeling away every layer I have when it comes to Travis, which is okay because at least he’s stopped mentally peeling off my clothes. I force out a smile and think about my answer. The truth would sound immature and stupid, so I give him a basic version. “Because he’s an asshole.” …who broke and continues to break my heart, but I don’t dare say that.

  Jason laughs. “True. But he’s a good guy too, and he means well.”

  “Good for him.” I finish off the glass of wine, and he orders me another one.

  We sit and chat a little longer before the waiter brings our check. Soon after we’ve finished our drinks, Jason drives me home. The car ride is full of conversations about graduation, professors, and my future. I actually enjoyed talking to him about school. When we pull up to the house, we sit in
the driveway like two teenagers. The awkward silence pushes on until the Challenger roars into the driveway, breaking the monotony. Travis gets out of the car looking like an unruly mess and just glares at us.

  “Ugh,” I say. The silent message is heard loud and clear.

  “Tonight was fun,” he says. He holds out his hand, and I shake it, grateful that he didn’t try to kiss me.

  “Good luck with that.” Jason laughs, referring to Travis.

  “Thanks for everything.” I give him a smile, then get out of the car. Jason waits for me to turn around and wave at him before he drives off.

  My heart is pounding in my chest, and for a second, I think about hopping in my car and driving around the block a few times, but it’s better to look the beast in the face without fear. I suck in a deep breath and walk inside. The living room is dark, and the only light that shines is from the kitchen. I take a few steps forward and see Travis drinking tequila from the bottle. His messy hair is falling in his eyes the way it used to when we were younger. He looks at me like he wants to say something, but I immediately start walking away. I can’t deal with him right now.

  “What are you doing home so early?” he asks, his tone harsh. “You didn’t go back to Jason’s house and fuck him?”

  Turning around, I see Travis standing in the doorway of the kitchen. The warm glow of the light surrounds his body as his shadow splashes across the floor. His mouth is drawn into a tight line, and he’s breathing hard.

  “Oh, wait. I forgot you don’t do that. You prefer to be a little cock tease while judging everyone else’s lifestyle instead.”

  I look him up and down and narrow my eyes at him. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you well,” I say, stating the obvious and choosing to ignore his last statement.

  I’ve struck a nerve because all he does is take another swig of the bottle he’s tightly grasping in his hand. He doesn’t deny it, and in a sick way, it makes me happy.