I try not to laugh because her antics are insane. I feel bad for Boyd but worse for me because I’m stuck with her. “Ah, I see…and she came by earlier to set this up?”
“Yes.” His face is worried.
“Great. Do me a favor: call around and regift these pussies?”
“Will do, Ms. Matthews.” He only gives a hint of a smirk, but that’s a lot for Boyd.
I walk back into my office and work vigorously to finish my morning tasks so that I can meet Gretchen and have my lion’s share of mimosas. All on her. My phone dings, calling my attention to the screen.
Gretchen: You ready yet? Helllooo? Cat got your tongue?
I pocket a cat, walk out of my office, and give a nod to Boyd. “Hey, have fun tonight with your parents. Congrats to your father’s retirement. Order a bottle of champagne on me tonight.”
“Wow, thank you, Ms. Matthews.”
Smiling, I leave as he walks by me to rid my office of Gretchen’s joke.
Taking the elevators down, I have the cat in hand as I walk toward the town car Gretchen has waiting out front.
“Really? You are such a B!” Her laugh is maniacal as I toss the kitty at her.
“You love me.” Catching it, she blows kisses at me and sinks into the back of the town car.
“Message received and unappreciated by the way. I’m not going to become some crazy cat lady just because I’m passing on King,” I argue, following her into the car.
“Loosen up, cat lady. I’m not the one down on love.” She puts the cat back in my lap.
“I’m not down, just realistic. It’s been too long. I don’t know how…I just need to move on, G.” My fingers fumble with the little bobblehead to distract me from my regret.
“So, what you’re saying is that you will move on with some nice guy and have a nice life eventually and I should stop worrying.”
“Yes! That’s exactly what I’m saying. You finally get it.”
“Okay, but one question?” Looking at her expectantly, I nod my acceptance. “What guy will ever magically come along and not feel like a consolation prize?” Right. There it is.
“I need a drink.”
I’m met with her smile.
I’m so caught up in my conversation about my love life that I fail to watch our arrival to the restaurant until it’s too late. My car door is opened by valet, and I recognize the scenery immediately. My lungs stop working. I’m going to kill Gretchen. I’ve only told her about this restaurant one hundred times. This was a well-thought-out plan. I turn and watch her walk around the car to meet me cautiously.
“Drew, don’t be mad. I had to. You’re miserable and I am just being the very best friend I can be. This could be a great thing—we could see him and you could finally reconnect.” I’m having a stroke. All rational thought has left my body. I could just get in the car and speed away and leave her here.
“No, Gretchen, we won’t reconnect. He said he wouldn’t forgive me. What the fuck!” I start to chew my nails. “What if he doesn’t want to see me? The possibility of him is all I have, and I’m hoarding it.” Her face gives away her sympathy and makes me feel weak, so I decide to put on a brave face. “But he probably isn’t even here. He has so many properties, and his home base is New York.” I wave my hand to dismiss the nerves I feel. I walk past where Gretchen is standing and directly into the restaurant. I’ll fake it until I make it.
We are led to a table outside, and I can’t stop the memories that invade my mind, my shoulders tense from my anxiety. I steal a look around as we are seated and see faces of people just out for brunch, having a nice morning. He’s not here. I hoped that would relax me, but it seems to be having the opposite effect. Letting out a small breath, I try and focus on my menu and remind myself that he isn’t here even if he feels ever present.
“I’m so sorry, Drew. I didn’t think. Honestly, I thought you were being dramatic for the sake of storytelling when you talked about your connection. I didn’t mean for this to be awful for you. I didn’t realize how you guys ended.” Looking up from my menu, I return her smile. I know she loves me fiercely; her heart is always in the right place.
“Thank you, but I think we should stay. Yes I feel anxious, and yes I feel scared, but it’s better than feeling numb. I can’t explain the connection I have with him. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt. He’s my Renée Zellweger.”
Her smile grows at my reference.
“Aww, he completes you.” We both start to laugh as the waiter approaches.
“It’s weird because it was twenty-four hours, but I swear I fell and I keep falling, but I won’t know until I jump in, all in. It’s just fucking scary.”
“I get that. There’s a lot to lose, but willingly giving up a chance for love makes you ungrateful and dumb.”
I laugh and shake my head in agreement. “Truth. Plot tomorrow, drink today?” Blowing me a kiss, she calls the waiter.
After we order, I down my first mimosa, taking the edge off before my breakfast arrives. After three more, I forget to look for King. Instead, I’m having a great time with my friend and these bottomless mimosas. I’m just like all these other people, enjoying my morning and having great conversation and even better food.
“This is a perfect morning. Thank you, Gretchen.”
“Really? I know it started out crazy, but I’m glad we stayed too.”
“I really overreacted. I mean, what are the chances that I would run into him, and really, what’s the worst that could happen?” We cheers to facing our demons and getting our happily ever after while laughing over my crazy reaction when we arrived, but I should have known. I should have been more guarded. It’s always the moment when you stop expecting the result you dread that it happens.
I stretch out my arms, then run my hands through my hair to fluff it and let my eyes drift around the room.
King. Blinking a couple of times, I try and make out what I’m seeing.
My eyes are fixed at the scene happening in the restaurant, through the main room, all the way to the door. Gretchen follows my eyeline to see what I’m staring at.
“Aww, that’s sweet, but that could be you one day too. Having breakfast with your hot-as-sin honey, playing with your baby.” She looks back to her food and takes a bite, but when I don’t answer, she looks at me with curious eyes. “Drew, what’s up?”
“It’s King.”
“What?” Dropping her fork, she looks around. “Where?”
“With his family…oh my god, he has a family.” My voice is quiet, calm. I’m anything but.
“Wait, no, you said he had a niece. Maybe he’s just taking out his sister-in-law and the baby.” Twisting in her chair, she looks over her shoulder at King and his wife.
“Not unless he likes to stick his tongue down her throat.” My stomach turns as I watch her climb him like the pole she’s probably familiar with. I might be the “other” woman, but I can’t help the possessive need I have to claim what’s mine. Then again, he’s nothing to want anymore. Cheating prick. “Maybe he likes to share with his brother. I mean, they own a sex club—maybe they’re into some twisted shit. Fuck him.”
“Are you okay? Your calm is scaring me.”
“No. I’m not okay.”
“Jesus, Drew. Let’s get the check. You know what, just go. Go out the side, and don’t even look back.” Motioning to the waiter for the check, she starts mumbling about what a horrible idea all of this was, but I can’t focus on what she is saying. My sole focus is on King. King kissing his wife, King playing with his daughter. Ella is his daughter. They look happy, content. I’m so dumb—I fell for all of it.
“Gretchen, I have to go.” I feel sick.
“Go, babe, totally. Go out the side exit over there.” She points to a small exit off the terrace.
Tossing my napkin on the table, I push out my chair and grab my clutch. My mind and body feel disassociated. I’m on a lag; I can’t even process what I’m seeing. I reach the side exit and walk a
round the side of the building, my eyes filled with tears. I wipe them away, stopping in my tracks. No. I won’t cry. I don’t deserve tears; I deserve an apology. With every step, my anger builds.
How dare he.
He made me believe.
He made me hope.
I trusted myself only to be tricked into being the fool. Fuck that. I’m not cowering behind some shrub waiting for him to go live his perfect life. I come around the corner of the building and walk straight toward the front, all too prepared to have a confrontation with this massive dick. I see Gretchen standing at the entrance, swiveling her head back and forth to look for me.
“Drew.” Her voice is a loud whisper.
“Gretchen,” I answer back, walking past her, my voice confident but angry.
“Don’t do whatever you are thinking. I hate everything about the look on your face right now. It makes me think I’m going to have to hide a body,” she loud-whispers as she follows me.
“You may have to,” I say over my shoulder as I approach the hostess stand. “Hi, I noticed Mr. King being sat with his family. If you could let him know he has a call at the front. I would appreciate your help. It’s a delicate matter.” The hostess looks uncomfortably to Gretchen and then back to me.
“Um, okay.” She scurries off into the dining room and out toward the outdoor seating area. Holy hell. That asshole is sitting at our table. He’s sitting with his secret family, probably mentally reminiscing about our illicit affair.
“Do you want me to take a walk or stay, Drew?” I look to my friend, and her eyes speak volumes. They’re sad. They match my own.
“Stay. Don’t let me leave until I say all the things…I need to say all the things.”
“I promise.”
There is always a small fraction of time between bravery and regret, and I’ve found myself knee-deep in the latter. I was ready to hand him his ass, and then five minutes pass and now I’m questioning my sanity. Why even bother? There is nothing to gain from this other than to cause a scene and make fools of myself and Gretchen.
Gretchen reaches out to take my hand and squeeze. I sigh resigning my need to walk down this road. I need to walk out of here with my head held high. I turn from the hostess stand and head back out toward the valet when the poor girl I sent out returns.
“Excuse me, ma’am. Mr. King is…” My body freezes, and I turn slowly to see King standing four feet away, looking between Gretchen and me, confused.
“Yes, can I help you?” Is he for real? He’s going to treat me like he doesn’t even know me! My anger ramps back up, and I’m pretty sure the whole “high road” idea is torched.
“No, King, you can’t help me. Not anymore. How’s your family? Of all the bullshit things to do to someone. I can’t believe you had me believing that night—hook, line, and sinker. I’m so stupid. You warned me you were the devil, and I didn’t listen, but let me tell you something: I will hate you for the rest of my life, and if it wasn’t for the sweet baby at the table, I would march over and tell your wife that you are a cheating piece of shit. I hope you die alone and miserable.”
Gretchen puts her hand on my shoulder, and I realize my whole body is leaned forward, spitting my anger out at King.
I look over my shoulder at my friend, embarrassed at my outburst but sadder more than anything. “You said all the things…let’s go, Drew.”
I don’t bother another look at him because I did what I came to do and now I need to leave. I never want to see him again.
“Drew? Drew Matthews?” The way he says my name like it’s foreign in his mouth makes me lurch forward at him. I don’t even know what I’m going to do, but the need to smack him across his humored face is strong.
“Are you kidding? As if you are just remembering me…you really are a sick bastard.”
King closes in on me, and I feel Gretchen pull me back slightly. I won’t budge. I will stand my ground. Nobody ever gets the best of me again. Looking directly into his eyes, I find they’re warm; the intensity is missing, and the huge smile plastered on his face is so friendly. This guy is crazy. Jesus does he have split personalities because he looks like himself, but he doesn’t feel like himself. I feel like my mind is playing tricks on me.
King extends his hand and takes mine, beginning to shake it. My eyes shoot down to our hands, and my mind starts to put all the pieces together. He’s amused, he’s the same but different, something is off…
“It’s very nice to meet you, Drew. I’m Luca. Dom’s twin.”
“Oh snap. Twin?” Gretchen whispers as she lets out a small giggle. “This just got awkward. I’ll just get the car.” Backing away, she leaves us to speak alone. I want to grab her and pull her back, but I can’t move. I feel like I’m in shock, and the heat rising over my cheeks makes my embarrassment undeniable. I start to fidget with my clutch to manage my nerves. It all makes sense, so much so that I don’t have to question Luca’s honesty. He looks like my King, but that’s where it stops. Even his voice lacks the gravel tone King’s has. Death, take me now.
“For the love of God, I am so, so sorry. I’m horrified. I don’t even know what to say… I saw you and from far away…I mean, oh god. I just… Obviously, I didn’t realize you were twins. He said brother—in fact, he called you his little brother… I’m so embarrassed.”
“Little by minutes! He’s such a dick.” Grinning, he pats my shoulder. “Don’t be embarrassed. My brother took a lot of heat for me growing up. I made a few girls mad in my time.”
I try to laugh, but I just want to hide in the bushes.
“Plus he told me you are feisty. I think his exact words were ‘the kind of girl that could drop any man to his knees.’ I can see he wasn’t exaggerating.”
I grin, remembering when I took King to his knees. “He said that? That’s, um, sweet…” Looking down to my clutch, I fiddle with the lock. “How is he?” I can’t help myself; I need to ask.
“Stubborn.” Luca crosses his arms in a stance not unlike his brother’s.
I nod my head, understanding what he means. I won’t chase you. I won’t forgive you. His words echo in my mind.
Luca tilts his head to grab my full attention. “But he’s here, in Chicago. It’s like he’s waiting for some kind of sign. You wouldn’t know anything about that?”
“He’s still here?” My heart rate starts an acceleration to full stroke.
“Seems that the two of you may have some unresolved conversations to have. I’m no expert on love, but it’s clear to me that my brother can’t let you go, and judging by your outburst, you still have feelings for him too. You should call him—must’ve been a helluva night.” The grin runs in the family, except Luca is sweeter, less arrogant. I prefer arrogant.
“I’ll think about it. In the meantime, maybe this could be our little secret?”
“Sure.” His smile is all too sneaky, and I’m positive that today’s spectacle will make its way straight back to King. Straight back to his townhouse, in Chicago.
He’s still here. He’s waiting for me.
MY BROTHER’S PHONE CALL HAS my blood boiling. She was at my restaurant. I didn’t want her to know I was here, but Luca has done exactly what he hoped for. The little asshole has made it impossible for me to stay in the shadows, but I won’t chase her. I told her I wouldn’t. If she wants me, she’ll have to beg. The thought of her on her knees makes my dick jump and my head foggy. I want this girl more than I should. Every rational thought tells me to let her go, walk away, but I can’t. She made me feel as if the bastard I am was somehow capable of redemption.
I can’t concentrate, but I have to; I have a meeting in ten minutes with an employee I know has been skimming from the club. Sarah and I have set it up to question him and find out whether more are involved, but I feel volatile. My head’s not in the right place. I take a deep breath, trying to let out my dark thoughts as I push the door open to Church. I’m met with startled eyes. I realize I may have put more force than necessary into that op
ening. I stalk back to the back rooms where my office is located, barking orders along the way.
When I get to my office, I pull my phone out and hover over her name. I got her number days after she left me standing on that airstrip. I’ve wanted to call a thousand times, but each time I start to dial, I remember what she said. I won’t choose you over myself. I would have chosen her ten out of ten times. Anger rumbles deep inside me, and it’s comforting and familiar. I know how to do angry, so I’m planning to let it fester and work it through my system tonight. I’ll fuck as many women as possible. If I can’t reason her out of my mind, I’ll fuck her out of my body.
A half hour later, there’s a small knock at my door, drawing my attention from where I’m sitting. “Yes.”
“Hi, King, it’s time. Do you want him in here or the main room?” I can see in Sarah’s eyes that she is trying to assess my state of mind.
“Main room.” Nodding, she closes the door.
I take off my suit jacket, unbutton my shirtsleeves, and roll them up my forearms before I exit to join the interrogation. Entering the room, I see Sarah seated on a barstool and two of our “specialty” security holding our guy by each of his arms. This particular security team is open to thinking outside the box when necessary.
“We clear, Sarah?” I say, keeping my eyes on the asshole thief in front of me.
“Yeah, boss, everyone’s gone except us. Cameras are off.” He looks as if he may piss his pants. Then again, I don’t blame him.
Nodding my head to the door, Sarah hops off the stool and makes her way out. The fewer witnesses, the better. I look at the grown man standing in front of me and watch him trembling. His fear is palpable. I want to feel something human toward him, but I don’t. He stole from me, and I’m not the kind of man someone takes from. Loyalty is the bedrock of every relationship; once you betray me, retribution is the only measured response I know.
“Do you know why I had you brought here?” I lean against the bar, reaching over to grab a glass.
Truth: A Sinful Series, Book One Page 13
