by J. M. Walker
“No.”
“Good.” I blew out a breath of relief. “I’m glad.”
“Oh, wait. There is one more thing.” Britney paused.
“What’s that?”
“Uh…there’s a man who’s been by a few times.”
My heart jumped. “What does he want?”
“He never says. Just asks where you are. We tell him that you’re away due to a family emergency and then he leaves. But it’s weird though. He stops by. Has a slice of apple pie, a cup of coffee, asks where you are, we give him an answer, and he leaves. It’s been going on for a few days.”
Georgio. But he knew where I was, why would he be stopping by the deli? “Okay. Let me see if I can find out what’s going on. If he stops by again and asks where I am, just give him the same answer you’ve been giving him already.”
“Okay,” Britney said. “Will do.”
“Thank you. I’ll be in touch.”
We said our goodbyes and I placed my phone back on the nightstand. Blowing out a slow breath, I scrubbed a hand down my face. So many questions were still unanswered. I needed to speak to Georgio. I needed to find out what the hell was going on. And I also needed to know if Luther still kept in touch with that woman. I waited for the jealousy to hit but it never did. Knowing he asked me to help him proved that he wasn’t using her for his sessions. But it didn’t mean he still didn’t see her.
Quickly getting dressed, I left the room and went in search of Luther. It was the middle of the week, so the house was busier than what I was used to. Staff milled about. Construction crew walked around with their tools, muttering to each other about whatever it was they had to fix up. I couldn’t imagine what that would be. The place was perfect if you asked me.
“Lexi.”
I jumped, spinning around and finding Luther leaning against the wall. His dark eyes peered into my soul. He was dressed in light beige khakis with a white dress shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. The tattoos on his forearms flexed with each movement. His hair was unkempt but God, he was beautiful.
“How did you sleep?” he asked, pushing away from the wall and closing the distance between us.
“Fine. I spoke to Britney just now. She’s who I left in charge at the deli.”
“Everything okay?”
I nodded. “I need to get back there. Make an appearance at least. And I’m not sure what to do about my apartment.”
“Rent it out. Move all of your stuff here and put Charlie’s things into storage.”
I gaped at Luther. “You want me to move in with you?”
He tilted his head. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“I…” I looked around us. It wasn’t like there wasn’t the room but was I ready to move in with him?
“Lexi.” Luther pinched my chin, forcing me to look up at him. “I love you, pet. I need you by my side. You can take one of my cars, so you have a way back and forth to the deli, but I don’t want you in that apartment alone.”
I didn’t want to stay there anyway after finding my brother dead. It held too many bad memories, but I was still shocked that Luther would want me moving in with him and so soon.
“Please, pet.”
“You really want me to move in with you?” I asked, brushing my hands down his broad chest.
“I do.” He kissed my cheek, running his lips down the length of my jaw. “We fit well together. I think you would look good ruling my home.”
“You want me to be your Queen?” I whispered.
Luther lifted his head, a small smirk spreading on his face. Without answering, he placed a soft peck on my forehead. “I have work to do. Make yourself at home, pet. We’ll stop by the deli later and then I have to make an appearance at ToKnight.” He kissed me one last time before releasing me and heading back down the hall he had come from.
I looked at the room before me. The sound of a door closing a moment later jarred through every inch of me. Something was off. And I had a feeling I was going to find out very soon just how off it actually was.
***
(Luther)
My cell rang and rang. The house phone rang. My email popped up, indicating a new email. Even Facebook notified me that I had a new message.
But I only sat back in the chair, tenting my fingers under my chin and ignoring it. All of it. It was Georgio trying to get a hold me. But I didn’t want to hear him out. He had betrayed me and brought my girl into this shit. Under normal circumstances, I would have killed him already. Before I met Lexi, he would be dead at my feet, but I found that she brought out the best in me. So I wouldn’t make him suffer. Not yet at least. Not until I had all the answers I was looking for. But I hated waiting.
A soft knock sounded on the door to my office. A tremor of anger rushed through me at being interrupted but I pushed it back. “Come in.”
The door opened, revealing my sister.
“Vanessa.” I stood. “Did you see Lexi?”
She shook her head. Her once bright eyes, now dark and vacant.
“What’s going on?” I rushed to her side, pulling her into a quick hug before guiding her to the couch.
“Georgio’s been trying to get in contact with me.” She searched my face. “He killed Charlie. Didn’t he?”
My chest tightened. “How could you know that?”
She shrugged. “Just a guess. I know this has nothing to do with me—”
“When it comes to Georgio, it always has something to do with you.” I shook my head. “Listen.” I grabbed her hands. “Charlie wasn’t a good guy. I’m sorry you got caught up in this shit.”
“How’s Lexi doing?” she asked, ignoring me.
“As good as can be expected.” I stood from the couch and went to the door. “I’m sure she’d like to see you.”
Vanessa laughed. “Is that your subtle way of kicking me out?”
“I have work to do.” I needed to figure out how deep I was in this shit since Charlie died. He owed people money. A lot of money. And I had to make sure they wouldn’t come after Lexi because of his mistakes.
“Fine. I’ll go find your girlfriend. Maybe she can entertain me.” Vanessa rose from the couch, smoothing down her sweater and fixing her ponytail.
“Touch her and Charlie’s death won’t be the only thing you’ll have to cry over,” I growled.
“Yeah, yeah.” Vanessa patted my chest. “Trust me, big brother. She doesn’t want me. She only has eyes for you. I don’t get it.” She shook her head. “Have you introduced her to your sessions yet?”
“Goodbye, Vanessa.” I pushed her out of my office and slammed the door shut before leaning against it. Blowing out a slow breath, my skin crawled at what I would eventually have to do. I just prayed Lexi was strong enough for it.
Lexi
“HELLO, PET.”
My eyes popped up, landing on Vanessa. I gasped, shoved to my feet, and rushed to her before pulling her into a tight hug.
She let out a hard sigh, squeezing me back.
“How are you doing?” I asked, the scent of her rose shampoo tickling my nose. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry for everything.”
She leaned back, frowning. “Why are you sorry?” She cupped my cheek. “Did you kill Charlie?”
“Well…no. But—”
“Then don’t worry about it.” She released me and walked to the large patio window. “You know, I used to hate this place.”
“Really?” I moved to her side, staring out into the backyard. “Why?”
“It felt like hell.” She reached her hand out.
I slipped my fingers in hers, waiting for her to continue.
“I’m not sure what all Luther has told you about our father but he was a controlling bastard. And because I had a different mother than Luther, it only made things worse.”
“I’m sorry.” I paused. “I didn’t know my father and our mother died a while ago. It’s been my brother and I ever since and now…” My chest tightened.
“You’re not as torn
up about Charlie as I thought you’d be.” Vanessa’s gaze burned into the side of my head. “Why is that, Lexi?”
“Because he was just like our father. Money hungry and desperate for more. He sold me to your brother, Vanessa. I’m sorry if I don’t feel more guilt over his death.” I turned to walk away when her hand tightened around mine.
“That’s not…” Her lips pressed into a firm line. “I didn’t know him that well but I fell for him fast. He had been the only man who could ever do that to me. He showed up at The Club one night and I felt sorry for him. I didn’t know he was your brother. I swear I didn’t know.”
“I know. I believe you.” And I did but I still needed to know… “Have you…have you talked to Georgio?”
She laughed, rubbing the back of her neck. “No, but he’s tried contacting me. Why he thinks that I want anything to do with him after what he did to Charlie, is beyond me.”
“You know about that?”
“I’m not stupid.” She sighed. “Georgio and I have a history. He and Luther have been friends for as long as I can remember. Although, that friendship has always been rocky.”
“What do you mean?”
Vanessa opened the patio door. “Let’s go outside.”
I followed beside her, letting her lead the way.
When we stepped out onto the back deck, she looked up at the evening sky. “Georgio always wanted more. Just like your brother. But it’s how he and Luther were raised. Our father never expected me to take on that roll, so he focused all his time and energy on Luther. Maybe I was jealous. Maybe I still am. I don’t know.” She looked down at our joined hands.
My cheeks heated, forgetting that my hand was still in hers.
“I don’t blame Luther. For anything. Not for being our father’s favorite. Not for taking you from me. And not for falling in love with you.”
“What?” I gasped, my eyes widening.
She gave me a small smile. “I never had a chance with you. I knew that then and I know that now. Between you and your brother, I don’t know who’s worse.” She laughed lightly. “There’s something about you both that can make the strongest Dom fall to their knees.”
“Oh.” My cheeks heated even more.
“God, what I wouldn’t give to keep that blush on your skin.” Vanessa shook her head, releasing my hand. “I’m sorry. You don’t belong to me. But I’m glad we’re friends.”
“Of course we are,” I told her. We had bonded rather quickly during the weeks she trained me.
“Good but if my brother does something stupid to make you leave him for good, I’m always here.” She waggled her eyebrows.
I laughed, hooking an arm around her shoulders. “Thank you.”
“For what?” She cupped my arm, leaning her head against mine.
“For making me laugh and for being my friend.” I didn’t grow up having girlfriends but was thankful for Vanessa. Even if she crossed the line a bit.
“Let’s sit.” She pulled away from me and sat at the nearest patio bench. “Tell me about everything. Whatever you know.”
I sat beside her and let the words spill from my lips.
***
(Luther)
The video chat on my computer popped up, indicating an incoming call. As much as I didn’t want to answer it, I did anyway.
“What do you want, Georgio?” I asked, sitting back in my chair and tenting my fingers under my chin.
“I need to explain.”
“Explain what exactly?” I sat forward. “How you used my girlfriend to bring down her brother? How you betrayed me? Or how about the fact that you’re still alive?”
“Listen to me, Luther. Lexi didn’t have to agree.”
I barked a laugh. “Right and you would have let her go freely? Come on, Georgio. I’m not fucking stupid. I know how you work. Just because you’re a man of the law, doesn’t mean you don’t do shady shit as well.”
“How the hell could you know that?”
I chuckled. “Because I would do the same thing. Now if you’re not going to explain what the hell is going on, I’m done.”
“Have you talked to your sister?”
“What the hell does she have to do with this?” She was innocent in this whole fucked up situation.
Georgio rubbed his jaw. “You should ask her that question,” he said and disconnected the call.
I shot up from my chair and stormed out of the office. “Lexi,” I called out. “Did my sister—” My steps slowed to a stop when I found Vanessa and Lexi standing by the patio door.
Lexi caught my gaze. “Hey, it started raining so we came back inside.” She gave me a soft smile.
My heart stuttered. God, she was beautiful.
Her cheeks reddened.
“Vanessa,” I said, my voice coming out rougher than I had intended.
My sister turned toward me, crossing her arms under chest. “What?”
“I talked to Georgio.”
She frowned. “Yeah? And?”
“He asked me if I talked to you.” I scratched my jaw. “I feel like he was implying that you’re hiding something. Are you hiding something, Vanessa?”
Her lips pressed into a firm line, her back stiffening. “I should go. I’ll see you later, Lexi,” she said, her gaze not moving from mine.
“Oh. Okay,” Lexi said softly.
Vanessa quickly left, and I let her. I would get out of her what was going on but until then, I would let her wonder what all I knew. And then when she finally caved, I would get the information I was looking for. No matter the cost.
Lexi
I HAD NO IDEA what was going on with Vanessa and Luther. She left, he went into his office, and I remained in the living room. She was hiding something.
I had every intention of leaving Luther alone when a thought came to me. Heading to Luther’s office, I knocked lightly on the door. “Luther?” I peaked inside. “You have a moment?”
“What’s wrong?” he asked, peering up from behind the computer on his desk.
“Nothing.” I stepped farther into his office. “I need to go to my apartment.”
“No,” he said, his voice firm and final.
“Luther, we could get some answers as to what your sister is hiding. I have a feeling her and my brother were more than just Domme and sub.” I approached him tentatively.
He sighed, sitting back in the chair and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t want you going there by yourself.”
“Then come with me,” I said, kneeling at his feet. “Please. I need answers just like you do, and I also need to get the apartment ready to rent out anyway.”
“You’re so beautiful,” he said, cupping my cheek.
“Please.” I leaned into his palm.
“Fine.” He sat back and patted his lap. “Let me get some work done here first and then we’ll go to your apartment.”
I rose to my feet and sat on his lap. “Shouldn’t I leave then so you can work?”
“No.” He inched a hand beneath the hem of my shirt, his fingers brushing beneath my breasts.
I shivered at the soft touch. “Luther.” I squirmed on his lap.
“Stop moving, pet,” he bit out, that delicious part of him growing beneath me.
“Hmm…” I hooked an arm around his shoulders, placing a soft peck on his cheek. “You like that, Sir?”
He chuckled. “Careful, Lexi. I don’t like being teased.”
“Aww.” I pushed my ass harder against his lap. “But I like teasing you.”
In a quick move, Luther bent me over his desk. “Is that so?”
“Yes,” I breathed, my heart racing.
“Interesting.” Luther ran a hand up the back of my leg before landing a hard swat on the seat of my ass. “Tell me more. What else do you like to do?”
“I like seeing if you’ll snap. I like when you lose control and take what you want from me.” I pushed back into him, my rear rubbing over his crotch.
Luther sat back in the chair
and lowered my pants to just below my ass. “Well I like when you submit to me and when your body does exactly what I want it to.”
“Yeah? That’s all you like?” I asked, looking at him behind me.
He smirked, running his hands over my ass. “I love you, Lexi.”
My heart warmed. “I love you too, Luther.”
His eyes darkened even more, his jaw clenching.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” His hands continued to roam over my ass, but something told me that he wasn’t actually in the moment with me.
I lifted off of the desk and turned toward him. Slipping out of my clothes, I straddled his lap. “Talk to me,” I whispered, running my fingers over the scruff on his strong jaw.
“There’s nothing to talk about,” he bit out, pushing me off of him. “I have work to do.” He turned around toward his computer.
“Oh. Okay.” I picked up my clothes and got dressed. I wanted to press and demand for him to tell me what was going on but that tick in his jaw made me decide against it.
“Lexi.”
I ignored him and headed to the door.
“Lexi,” he repeated, coming up behind me and cupping my shoulder.
“What do you want, Luther?” I covered his hand with mine.
“You. That’s it.”
I turned around, placing my hands on his chest. “Really? Are you sure? Because right now I feel like you’re pushing me away.”
“I’m trying…” He took a breath and then another. “I’m trying to figure out what’s going on with my sister.”
“Then let me help you. I had started looking through Charlie’s room before…”
Luther pulled away and began pacing. “Before Georgio and I interrupted you.”
“Hey.” I closed the distance between us and grabbed onto his dress shirt. “Why don’t you take a break and we can go to my apartment. I need answers just as much as you do and I’m sure we can find something there.”
