by Colet Abedi
“But can I really expect that in this day and age?”
“Are you crazy? Wait. I know the answer already, and it’s a resounding yes. Like a thousand times, yes.”
“Normal is boring.”
“Right. If that’s what you need to tell yourself to feel better at night.” Tony sounds sarcastic. “Listen to me. If you ice this guy, he’ll go crazy when you don’t respond. Trust me. I would.”
“But you’re you,” I say.
Tony looks offended. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Calm down. It just means…what if you’re wrong about him?” I hate that I sound so freaking insecure, but Trouble’s done this to me. I should be pissed. I’ve never been ignored by a man before. Or played. I’m always the one doing that shit.
Instead, I’m a mess.
“Kerri, you’re a fucking hot catch,” Tony says, shocking me. “He should be so lucky.”
I think Tony is just as surprised as I am by the compliment he gave me. But guess what? I’ll take it because it’s everything I need right now. I’ve never had a confidence issue until Trouble. Who knew I’d be taking a trip down to Insecure City?
“Promise not to repeat to Wyld what I’m about to say to you?” I ask.
“Promise.”
“On what?” I question with narrowed eyes.
“On my dad,” Tony responds.
My heart floods with sympathy and love. That’s a big promise for him. Tony lost his dad when he was fifteen. His dad had a massive heart attack and died at work. The two were very close, and Tony was in a bad place for a while, so I know what this promise really means.
“I love you. Like brother love. You’re a good man. And I’m sorry I give you so much shit about Patricia, but I think you deserve better than her, and I tease you so much about it because I’m afraid either she or her husband will hurt you. Like he’ll either kill you or, worse, blackball you, and she might just…really break your heart. But it’s your choice. But you should know that you’re the best.”
Tony looks touched by my words, and it takes a moment for him to speak. “Thank you. That means a lot to me…and I love you too.”
We grew up together and have been through a lot, so the moment is poignant. Thankfully, he ruins it a minute later by throwing an insult my way, so we’re right back to where we started. Later, we end up falling asleep on opposite ends of the couch, watching the horror movie.
When I’m able to finally make my way back to my room, with my belly filled with red velvet cake, I pick up my phone and stare at Trouble’s text again. For a hot second, I think about writing back but stop myself. Tony’s right. I’m putting the man on ice.
I turn off my phone and try my best to go to sleep.
But all things considered, I still dream of Trouble.
****
I hate Thanksgiving.
Every part of it.
I especially hate the moment before I set eyes on the man who assaulted me. So many things happen to my mind and body. I always have an immediate, visceral reaction.
First, my heart stops. And not in a good way. In an oh-my-God-I-think-I-want-to-die way.
Second, I’m consumed by overwhelming nausea. Especially when he smiles in my direction with that creepy look on his face. I feel sick. The first year after the assault, I actually threw up.
Third, an uncontrollable anger grips me and I tremble over the injustice of having to stand in a circle of my father’s colleagues and share a drink with a monster. And pretend as if it’s all okay.
I have to pretend.
This year, at least I’m not alone. Wylder’s come to stay with me at my parents’ home for the holiday because her own family kind of sucks and because her lover boy director went out of town. I’m beyond grateful to have her as a distraction.
And of course, Colt is home. I always love seeing and spending time with him.
But even with everything going on, I still can’t help but obsess about Trouble.
I’ve lasted what I think is a long-ass time not calling him. It’s been six days and he hasn’t texted again. I took Tony’s advice to heart, and I’ve stayed strong for longer than I normally would have.
But Tony was wrong about one thing.
Trouble hasn’t called. And he hasn’t texted.
So I’m doing the only thing I can. I try my best not to think about him. It’s almost impossible, but I give it a go.
Turkey Day turns into a blur of alcohol, horrifying and embarrassing social media posts, and way too much food. When I finally walk into my room in the guesthouse after the gluttonous day, I strip off my clothes and fall into a blissful alcohol-and-food-induced slumber.
When my private line rings at four in the morning, I’m surprised. No one has this number except for my parents and security. I hope nothing is wrong.
“Hello?” I grumble into the phone, wincing when I see the time.
“I’m at your gate,” Trouble’s sexy voice growls back at me.
My heart leaps, and I think my jaw might hit the floor. “Trouble.” I can barely manage to speak. In less than a second, I’m wide awake and alert. “What are you doing here?”
“I need to see you.” There’s definitely an edge to his voice. “I’ll drive up to your gate. Tell your security to let me through.”
I’m about to do exactly as he says but stop myself.
No. He doesn’t get to be rewarded after the way he treated me. Not after the intimate night we shared.
“I’ll come to you,” I tell him before hanging up the phone. I don’t let him argue with me.
I jump out of bed, naked, and grab the first thing I can—a blue cotton robe that falls to mid-knee. I quickly brush my teeth, give my hair a brush, and leave the house as quietly as I can, heading to my golf cart. I roll through the property, avoiding the main gate and Steven, our head of security. Once I’m at the ivy-covered door built into the stone wall that completely surrounds the estate, I get out of my cart and open it.
I walk along the side of the property until I come upon a black Aston Martin.
Hot. As. Fuck.
I know it’s Trouble.
He must spot me in the rearview mirror because a second later, he hops out of the car and takes long strides toward me. My mouth waters, and I’m overwhelmed with giddiness. I’m so happy to see him, it’s almost pathetic.
Calm down, Kerri.
He’s wearing blue jeans, a white T-shirt, and a zip-up hoodie, with the hoodie up over his head. His stubble looks thicker than usual, making him look ruggedly handsome, and his eyes are everything. In the dark of the night, they radiate like jewels out of his striking face.
He’s too beautiful.
We’re standing a foot apart in a second. He takes in what I’m wearing, and his eyes smolder with desire. More than that, he looks at me as if he wants to consume every part of me, as though he thinks I’m some delicious piece of candy. And he owns me.
Goddamn. I wouldn’t mind if he did.
“I texted you.” The words sound as if they’re ripped out of him.
I hold my ground even though I’m trembling like a leaf inside. “And?”
“I told you I wanted to see you,” he states, his eyes flickering possessively over my face.
“And?”
His gaze moves to my cleavage, and I feel my nipples harden. God. My body has no control over itself, and Trouble takes note. He seems pleased by my reaction.
My breath hitches as I wait for him to respond.
He turns his head as if he’s thinking about what he’s going to say, then he closes the small distance between us and pulls me into his arms, his mouth crushing mine. My fingers dig into his shoulders as our tongues duel. His arms wrap like vines around my waist, and one of his hands cups my ass and pulls me against the length of his body. The other kneads my breast and plucks at my nipple until it’s hard between his fingers and I’m dying with need.
I wrap my legs around his waist and he holds me against hi
s body, strong as hell, and rocks my world.
He quickly realizes I’m naked except for the thin robe. “Fuck,” his voice rasps against my lips. “You have nothing on under this.”
“I always sleep naked,” I tell him intentionally. From this night on, I want him to picture me naked in bed. It’s a visual I want to burn into his mind.
I want him as crazy as I feel.
His mouth finds mine again, and holding me tight, he walks back to his car. He places me on the hood, his body following, and spreads my legs so he can move right up in between and press all of his deliciousness onto me.
We’re in the middle of the street.
Anyone can see us.
Drive by.
Steve, our security guy…hell, maybe even my parents.
I couldn’t care less. I just want him. I run my hands under his shirt so I can feel his bare skin. He feels like silk, his skin warm against my touch as I revel in the muscled perfection I’ve got my hands on.
“Come home with me,” he says as he seduces my mind, body, and soul.
For one minute, I think about jumping in the car and driving to his place. But Wylder is staying with me. Colt, my brother, is even sleeping in the guesthouse tonight, and even though every part of my body wants him, I need to say no.
I guess I can really cry myself a river about it tomorrow.
“I can’t,” I tell him, then throw his own words back. “Not tonight.”
His body stiffens in my arms, his muscles suddenly tense—and I know why. This is a man who’s used to always getting what he wants, always getting his own way. I know he’s not happy with my response.
He pulls away from me just enough so he can cup my cheeks and lift my face to his. His broad shoulders shield me from seeing anything past him.
“Are you playing games with me?”
“No.” I shake my head. “I’m not.”
“Then come home with me,” he commands.
“I have people at my place. My best friend—”
“I think you’ll find she’s not alone tonight.”
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“Nothing.” His voice is brisk. “It means you can come home with me.”
“Not now, I can’t.” I shake my head. “I’m sorry.”
He shifts his body back and leans into me, his face buried in my neck as he breathes me in. He kisses me softly, and goose bumps prickle across my body. My heart goes into overdrive when I hear what he says next.
“You make me weak.”
Chapter Ten
Kerri
You make me weak.
His words are all I can think about.
Trouble left me last night, promising he would call in the morning so we could make plans. Unsurprisingly, I didn’t sleep a wink and ended up in my kitchen, prepping food for breakfast. Of course, all I did was think about him.
He was right about one thing—Wylder’s boyfriend, Jamie, flew back to LA last night to see her. So as Trouble said, she wasn’t alone. He must have seen Jamie enter through the gate. Security recognized Jamie and happened to be big fans, so they let him right in. From the way the two lovebirds looked this morning, I’m guessing they had a pretty epic reunion.
Lucky bitch.
I have to say, seeing a shirtless Jamie Donovan walk into the kitchen this morning wasn’t such a bad thing. He’s not hard on the eyes. But the nicest part about him is the way he looks at my friend as though she’s the best thing that ever happened to him. She is, by the way, but I’m glad he knows it too.
Because we ate and consumed so much alcohol on good old Turkey Day, we all pretty much wanted to veg out on the couch. Trouble texted midmorning to let me know he was tied up with an important business deal but would reach out to me in the evening to make plans.
I’m not going to lie—I can’t wait for him to call. I want to see him again. I want to look like Wyld does and have that glow from so much sex it just sort of twinkles off your body. For so long, I never thought that would even be possible for me. But now…I know it is possible. Times a million.
I want to look freshly fucked, satiated, and happy.
I’m cleaning in the kitchen after dinner when Wylder finally wakes up from the four-hour nap she took on the couch, lying all over Jamie. When she sees me putting food away, she gets up to help.
I cock a brow, taking in her groggy appearance.
“Sleep much?”
“I can’t help it.” She sounds apologetic. “Jamie kept me up all night.”
“At least you have the decency to blush,” I retort, annoyed that she had so much fun even though I could have had the same amount of fun. I just chose not to. God, I’m such a lady.
But I don’t want to be! Not with Trouble.
“I’m not blushing,” she says with a mischievous grin. “This is just my body heating up in anticipation of what’s coming tonight.”
“I officially hate you,” I tell her, deadpan.
Wyld bursts out laughing. “Oh, come on. What about Trouble?”
I use that moment to turn around and search for the Tupperware. I told Wyld about Trouble after my second encounter with him, and ever since then, she’s been super curious.
“What about him?” I ask, trying to sound as cool as I can.
“Have you guys hooked up yet?”
I shrug, moving back to the counter. She takes a couple bowls from me and packs away the meal.
“Does that mean you haven’t?” she asks with wide, disbelieving eyes.
“Maybe.”
“I can’t believe it!” She squeals in shock.
I shush her, afraid the guys will listen in.
She continues in a low whisper. “You’re so always all about sex that I for sure thought you guys had already hooked up.”
“Well, we haven’t.”
“Maybe this is a good thing for you? Doing something different this time?”
If you only knew the truth, my friend.
“There’s nothing good about it. And I might have gained a few pounds from my binge-eating because of all the sexual frustration,” I snap.
Wyld bursts out laughing. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.”
“Enjoy the view. It won’t last.”
“I’m totally enjoying.” Wyld beams at me, and I want to throw a piece of chocolate cake at her.
Instead, I eat it. I might as well continue overindulging. Wyld grabs a fork and digs in with me.
“I think Jamie and I are going to head out super early in the morning,” she tells me as though she thinks I’m going to be mad.
I take a minute before I say anything, wanting her to sweat it out for a second—because I’m jealous of all the sex she’s having. Yes, I can totally be a bitch sometimes.
“If that’s okay?” Her voice is hesitant.
“Of course it’s okay,” I say finally. Wyld is always so afraid she’s going to hurt someone’s feelings. “Lover boy flying home from back east to be in your arms is the sappiest shit ever.”
We share a smile.
“Lucky bitch,” I say, and we both laugh.
“You’re the best friend a girl could ask for. I’m serious.” Wyld walks toward me, and I know what she’s about. “Don’t you dare run from my affection. I need to give you a hug.”
“You’re not so bad yourself,” I mutter with a smile as we hug each other.
“You’re making me jealous,” Jamie barks at us.
That only makes me hold her tighter.
“I don’t think he’s kidding.” Wylder laughs.
After another second, we let each other go. I look at Jamie. His eyes are glued to Wyld, and the look he gives her kind of melts my heart because it’s…everything.
It’s wonder and lust.
Tenderness and affection. And love.
So much love. I wonder if he’s told her yet. She must know. How could she not?
“Are those tears in your eyes?” Wyld sounds shocked as she studies my fa
ce.
Oh my God, they are! What is happening to me? Goddamn Trouble! He’s turning me into an emotional basket case.
“It’s allergies,” I say nonchalantly, blinking them away. “I’ve been struggling all day. It’s kind of crazy.”
“Should we Postmates you some medication?” she asks in concern.
“No,” I say in a rush. “Totally good. I’m actually just going to head to bed. I think I’ll sleep it off.”
“Good idea.”
“Night,” I whisper to her.
The guys are watching an old episode of Game of Thrones and are totally into it, so I don’t bother them with goodbyes.
I walk in my room and close the door, grateful for the privacy. I quickly strip off my clothes and get in bed. I flip on the television and try my best to distract my thoughts. Almost fifteen minutes later, Trouble calls.
“Kerri.” His voice sounds as good as I know he feels.
“Hi, Trouble.” I don’t know why I feel so shy, but I do. Our encounter in the early hours of the morning seems to have shifted everything between us. I feel as though we’re starting all over again.
Except now we’re on a fast track toward an unknown future.
Well, there’s only one thing between us that I know is inevitable…
“What are you doing?”
“I’m in bed.”
Naked. See how this works? I don’t even have to say a word because the man knows it to be the truth.
There’s a long moment of silence, and I know—I just know—he’s picturing all sorts of dirty things. I want every part of them.
“Trouble?”
There’s a shuffling sound, and I wonder if he’s dropped the phone.
“Fuck,” he hisses.
I have to smile. Checkmate. It’s nice to have the upper hand, even if it’s just for one moment.
“What is it?” I play innocent.
“My sweet little princess.” He chuckles dangerously. “You know exactly what you’re doing.”
I let out a slight gasp and hope to hell he didn’t hear. “What’s that?”
“Making me hard.”
