For some reason, it makes me chuckle. Maybe it’s because I do things with her that I’ve never done before, like engaging in sex on a staircase.
“I know that wasn’t easy. Thank you for sharing.” Alayna turns on her side and curls up against me, her head resting on my chest. As fast as she throws my heart into overdrive, she gives me a sense of peace and wholeness I’ve never felt before.
***
Alayna and I have been working a couple of hours when she marches into my study and sticks out her hand.
“Damon, I want my phone. I can’t stop obsessing over how worried my family has to be. I need to let them know I’m OK.”
In frustration, I run my hands down my face before reaching in the drawer next to me. I pick it up and hand it to her across the desk. After turning it on, she appears to be counting as she scrolls the screen. I watch her go from unsettled to panicked.
“Dammit, Damon. I have thirteen missed calls and eighteen text messages. My parents and brother are going to kill me. Oh, and let’s not forget Felicia.”
Alayna bites on her nail as she studies the phone. She better cut it out. I’m already thinking of bending her over this desk for making demands.
“Oh, shit.” Looking astonished, she covers her chest with her hand.
“What is it?”
“My ex, Michael, texted me. He claims he might come to New York. He said he’s worried about me.” She finally glances up. “Am I already on the news?”
“Yes. George told me only a few minutes ago. Your ex might as well keep his ass in St. Louis. He’s not getting near you.”
She walks out of my study without a word, and I hear her run up the stairs. I’m sure she’s going to call someone, and it better not be him. Our peace and quiet is over.
Alayna
Who do I want to be bitched out by first? I guess I should call my parents. Maybe they can tell Curtis, and I’ll avoid his wrath. “Mom, hi.”
“Where the hell are you, Alayna, and what’s going on?”
“Calm down, Mom. I’m still with Damon at his place in the Hamptons. I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner.”
“We’ve been worried sick. Everyone we know is phoning wanting information, and then some of the news stations have even called looking for you.”
“We’re hiding out. Damon told me everything after we got here the other night.”
“We like him, Alayna, but you do not need this kind of publicity. None of us do.”
“I know, Mom. I’m sorry, but I can’t help it. I love him. We’ll have to ride it out.”
“Michael even called here looking for you.”
I hear a noise and see Damon standing in my doorway.
“Mom, I need to go. I’ll call you later, and don’t talk to the media.”
“OK, Alayna, but I don’t need to tell you what Curtis thinks of all this.”
“Tell him I’m fine. I love you.” I toss the phone on the desk. How much did he hear? “That was my mom.”
“Are you going to speak to your ex?”
“I feel like he deserves a reply.”
“Why, Alayna? You haven’t spoken to him in over two years. If you weren’t in the news, you probably wouldn’t have ever spoken to him again.”
“OK, fine. I won’t answer him.” Damon’s possessiveness makes me feel wanted, but it can also be exasperating.
“George said you’re not being portrayed negatively. It’s only about how we’re dating. I guess the media likes the story since we’re both writers. My dad is taking the hardest hit.”
Getting up from the chair, I go to him and wrap my arms around his neck. “The situation with Tiffany is why you’re not close to your father.”
He stares down at me, the sadness resurfacing. I shouldn’t have brought it up.
“We were extremely close before that happened. It’s never been the same. He could be investigated for paying off police and attorneys. I don’t know the extent of what he did, but I mean, I changed my damn name. People are going to be searching to figure out why. He has to be worried.”
“What happens now?”
“We have to decide when we want to face this and return to the city. We can stay here a few more days, but I have meetings next week as we close in on finalizing the Vasser deal.”
“Then let’s stay and shut out the rest of the world a little longer.” He needs this, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make this situation easier for him. His eyes brighten as he smiles at me.
“Really?”
“Yes, really, and I’ll keep the phone off. I don’t have near the research completed for another book, anyway.”
Damon gives me a passionate kiss, pulling me snug against him. “My sensual being is becoming bolder every day. I like it, except for when you’re trying to run out the door.”
I glide my fingers into the back of his hair.
“There will be no more running.”
Chapter Ten
Damon
It’s Monday morning, and Roger is driving me to work. Marshall is also with us. You’d think I’m the fucking president from the way the media is behaving.
They’re swarming the penthouse, and I expect the same at Golding. We escaped the crowd since we left out of the parking garage. Alayna and I should’ve stayed in the Hamptons.
“Good morning, Helen,” I say as I pass her.
“I’m so glad you’re back, Mr. Lear. You have a stack of messages on your desk.”
“I figured. Thank you.”
As soon as I sit, George is in my doorway.
“How bad was it?” he asks.
“It’s terrible at my place and here.”
“I have good news. The FBI is investigating Vasser. Do you remember how I was trying to trace a financial trail back to the hacker? Well, my person on the inside at Vasser found a lead, so I turned the information in to the Feds.”
“That’s terrific. Maybe that news will take the heat off my father.”
“Unfortunately, I think they might be investigating Richard, too.”
“He and my family will be back from vacation tomorrow. My father probably won’t be able to leave his house.”
“This isn’t your fault, Damon. He was responsible for his own decisions in how to handle this situation years ago.”
“I know that now.”
“So, how are things with Alayna?”
“Other than having to deal with this bullshit it’s great between us.”
“Good. Hang on to her.”
“She knows everything and still wants to be with me, so I’m not worried about anything getting in our way.”
***
It’s four in the afternoon when Helen calls me on the intercom. “Mr. Lear, there is a gentleman named Curtis Wynn here to see you. He swears he’s not with the media. Do you want to speak with him?”
“Helen, could you please give me a few minutes and then walk him back?”
“Certainly, sir.”
I need to be sure nothing is wrong with Alayna. I pick up my cell and call her. “Hi. Are you OK?” I ask.
“Yes. I’ve been working all day. I wish you were here. I was spoiled having that much time alone with you.”
“I’d rather be.”
“What time do you think you’ll be home?”
“I’m hoping by six. I’ll call on my way.”
We say our goodbyes and hang up. Interesting. I have a feeling her brother isn’t here for a friendly introduction. Helen shows him in.
“Thank you, Helen.” She nods and shuts my door behind her. “Hello, I’m Damon.” I stick out my hand and he shakes it firmly.
“I’m Curtis Wynn, Alayna’s brother.”
“Please, have a seat,” I say, pointing to a chair in front of my desk. I sit in mine behind it. His expression is serious as he stares at me. He’s in a suit, so I’m assuming he left work to come here.
“I expected I would meet you with Alayna. What brings you here today?”
“I’m sure
you can understand that her family would be concerned for her at a time like this. She’s been thrust into the limelight, and the news surrounding you is quite negative. I needed to meet you and learn of your intentions with my sister.”
“Alayna and I are dating. She’s perfectly safe at my penthouse, and there will be security with her whenever she goes out.”
“She told me yesterday that she’s only staying with you temporarily. What about her safety when she moves out?”
“As long as security is needed, she’ll have it. I wouldn’t put her in a dangerous situation.”
Curtis straightens in the chair and pushes his shoulders back. “If that’s the case, then you’ll stop seeing her.” His eyes are green like Alayna’s. They’re trying to intimidate me, but it isn’t working.
“I’m not going to stop seeing Alayna. I care for her. I’m apologetic that she and your family have been brought into this situation, but she wants to be with me. You should want her to be happy.”
“Alayna is wholesome, and I’ve read about your sordid past. Do you even love her?”
“I’m committed to Alayna. You should know that she has more fire in her than you think. She’s strong and deserves to stand on her own.”
“She deserves someone who doesn’t have skeletons in their closet that are going to wreck her career.”
My blood is beginning to boil. It’s no wonder that Alayna has a history of running. I have my share of control issues, but I’d never stop her from being who she wants to be. This asshole has been holding her back. I strum my fingers on my desk and stare him down.
“She’s almost twenty-eight. She doesn’t need an older brother dictating her life. Also, if her happiness is important to you, then you will be civil with me. I plan to be amicable with you since Alayna will want us to get along.” I sit up in my chair. “I don’t see where there is anything left for us to discuss.”
“I’ll convince her that you’re no good for her,” he says as he stands and adjusts his tie.
“You’re wasting your breath, and you’ll only push her further away from your family.”
Curtis huffs and storms out of my office. He knows I’m right about her pushing him away. She lived out of state for years. He should be thanking me. I’m his only shot at keeping her in New York.
Alayna
It’s Tuesday at noon, and the last week has had many ups and downs. The days alone with Damon at his other place were thrilling, but the tabloids, television stations and papers have invaded and initiated war on our personal lives.
Some shots were taken of us as we left the Hamptons, so we’ve now been shown as a couple on TV. Then, to top it off, Michael has been texting me since yesterday morning. He flew all the way here from St. Louis.
The guilt has gotten the best of me, so I’ve agreed to meet with him. Felicia is coming to get me now on her lunch break and is almost here. Michael rented a car, and we’re going to meet at Starbucks.
I wish I could take the emergency exit right inside Damon’s foyer to possibly avoid the security he has hired, but I’m not going down fifty flights of stairs. Getting off the elevator, I don’t see anyone I recognize, so I start toward the door. Albert holds it open for me.
“Um, Ms. Wynn, Mr. Lear told me you wouldn’t be leaving today. There are still a couple of reporters with cameras hanging around out there.”
“You didn’t see me, Albert,” I say as I scurry out the door. Of course, Damon would have people keeping tabs on me. Albert will probably call him.
As Felicia pulls up, I see the cameramen studying me before they recognize who I am. Oh, no. Here they come.
“Ms. Wynn! Ms. Wynn, is it true that you’re living with Damon Lear?” one of them asks from about ten feet away. They’ve reached the car as I open the door.
“Ms. Wynn, did you know of his previous identity, and is it true that Mr. Lear frequents sex clubs? Were you aware of this before the—”
I slam the door shut as the second cameraman asks ridiculous questions. “Hurry and get us out of here. Like I’m going to answer them,” I say, fuming.
“Alayna, maybe it isn’t smart to be in public without security. Damon is going to flip.”
“I know Marshall is at the office with Damon, but I bet he had someone else waiting at the penthouse in case I left, and they’ll probably follow us.”
“I can’t believe you’re meeting Michael.”
“Felicia, he flew here. I need to see what’s up. What if he’s sick or something?”
“Yeah, right. I’d bet a thousand bucks he wants you back.”
“He hasn’t tried once to contact me since he broke things off, so I seriously doubt it.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Felicia pulls up at the Starbucks and turns on her flashers. I take a calming breath and rub my sweaty palms down my jeans.
I’m wearing a silky, pink camisole with an open front, grey sweater and nude heels. My unruly hair is as tame as I can get it and down since Damon marked my neck repeatedly over the last week. I peer in the side mirror.
“Were we followed?”
“It doesn’t look like it.”
“Ugh, I feel guilty for doing this without telling Damon first,” I say, frowning at her. “I’m texting him.”
“Geez, lady. How much stress are you trying to cause yourself?”
“I have to. We agreed to be honest with each other from here on out, so I can’t be the one to break that.”
Damon
I’ve been in meetings all morning, and since the media will not leave me alone, Helen has lunch delivered. I’m eating a sandwich and reading a ludicrous article about myself in the New York Times when my cell rings.
“Hello, this is Damon.”
“Damon, this is Albert. I hate getting into the middle of this, but I promised to call you if Ms. Wynn left the building, and she did not too long ago.”
“Alright, thanks for calling, Albert.”
My sensual being is getting too venturesome for her own good. As soon as I hang up with Albert, I get a text from her.
Alayna: We agreed on honesty so here goes. I’m meeting Michael for coffee. He flew a long way, so I didn’t see the harm in a thirty minute chat over coffee.
“Alayna!” I shout.
Me: That is NOT acceptable. Where in the hell are you?
I’m waiting for her response when my phone rings.
“This is Damon,” I say rudely.
“Mr. Lear, this is Marshall. I needed to inform you that Ms. Wynn left the penthouse, but one of my men was able to follow her.”
“Where is she?”
“Starbucks, sir, at 78th and Lexington.”
“Thank you, Marshall. I’ll be coming down shortly to go find Ms. Wynn,” I say through grated teeth. I look up, and George is staring at me.
“What are you shouting about?”
“Alayna. She’s out with her ex for coffee, and I’m about to end their meeting.”
“Damon, don’t draw more attention to yourself. You don’t need any more bad press, and we have an important meeting this afternoon.”
“Go, George.”
“Fine. It’s not like you listen to a damn thing I say, anyway.”
My phone buzzes again.
Alayna: I sense it would not be wise to tell you my whereabouts. I’ll be back at the penthouse in an hour. Roger can even pick me up.
He’ll be picking her up alright, and I’ll be with him when he does. I’ve never felt this jealous in all my life.
Chapter Eleven
Alayna
He spots me as soon as I walk in. I try to smile as I approach him, but all I want to do is run back out the door. My stomach begins churning, and my hands are still sweaty. It feels completely wrong to be here with him, and it hits me like a ton of bricks.
Damon was right. Michael is not a part of my life, and if this whole nightmare with his past wasn’t happening, I’d never see Michael again.
“Hi, A
layna. I got your favorite,” he says, pointing to a coffee on the table as he stands. He doesn’t look that different. His light brown hair is a little shorter than I remember him wearing it, and his brown eyes that match are nervously scanning me.
“Hi, Michael.” He hugs me hard, and I can barely will my arms to circle him. After an uncomfortably long time, he lets me go, and we take our seats not far from the entrance. My back is to the door, and this only makes me feel more confined.
“Alayna, you look sensational. I mean, you’ve always been beautiful but wow.”
My face warms, and I think I’m cutting off the blood flow to my fingers from how tightly their woven together, so I release them and grab my coffee.
“Thank you. I’ve been taking better care of myself.”
Michael makes small talk for what feels like forever. He seems rather nervous as he rambles on about work and where he’s living in St. Louis. The longer I stay and listen, the guiltier I feel.
“Um, Michael, I can’t stay long. Why would you spend the money and time to fly here to see me?”
“Uh ...” he swallows and blinks rapidly several times, “OK, I’ll just say it. I haven’t seen anyone in six months. No one has measured up to you.”
“Oh, god, Michael—”
“Alayna, let me get this out. After our break-up, I didn’t feel like I deserved to reach out to you, but after seeing you on the news with someone else, I had to try.
“I know I can’t offer you anywhere near what he can financially, but we have a history, and I want a future with you. A real future.”
Michael’s speaking rapidly. His words are making my head spin and my breathing erratic. I believe I even missed some of what he was saying from shock, and he won’t shut up.
“I know I always kept one foot out the door, but I see now what I gave up, and I’m ready to marry—”
“Dear god don’t finish that sentence,” I say as I throw my hand out in front of me. “Take a breath, Michael, and listen. You left me for another woman. You insulted me regularly and said the most hurtful things when you walked out on our seven year relationship. It’s long over between us. I love Damon.”
One Urge, One Plea, Keep Me Trilogy Page 26
