“Sir,’’ Jonatan’s voice brought me back to the present. I glanced at him and saw him with the phone in hand. “Your wife is on the line.’’
Lila.
My eyes landed on the phone on my desk. “Close the door, would you?’’ Without waiting for my assistant to answer I picked up the phone. “Lila, are you aware that I have a cell phone where you can reach me?’’
“When I call your office I’m sure I’ll get a hold of you,’’ she countered without missing a beat and while her voice sounded rather distant as if nothing had happened the night before, it’s the stress in her tone that made me think twice about toying with her.
“What’s wrong?’’
Silence stretched before she sighed down the phone. “How do you know there’s something wrong?’’
I glared at my computer screen without seeing it. My free hand clenched next to the keyboard. “I’m good at reading people. Remember?’’ I swiveled my desk chair and stared at the view from my office, hoping it’ll sooth me like it often did. “Tell me what’s wrong now before I lose the little patience I have in stock.’’
“Your father stopped by. He left an hour ago.’’
Instant anger filled me. I didn’t feel the telltale signs of what speaking with my wife did to me, starting with my hardening cock and a weird sensation in my chest. No, I only felt tension invading my shoulders, my neck and filling my cold heart with the need to lash out. “What did he want?’’
“You know, I’m getting to know you too. I can hear in your voice you’re getting ready to go on a rampage. Don’t.’’
“I’m not asking for your opinion, Lila. I want to know what my father wanted. Now, tell me,’’ I bit out harshly, using a voice I had never used before when addressing her. Regret showed its ugly head, another thing I wasn’t used to. “Lila…’’
“Save it.’’ Her humorless laugh grated my ears and made me grit my teeth. “I’m just the hired wife. Your father wanted me to talk you out of buying Moran’s company. I told him I wouldn’t do such a thing. End of the story. Now, you can do whatever you want with that.’’ Then, she hung up on me.
I didn’t remember the last time someone had hung up on me. In fact, I didn’t believe anyone ever had. I blinked, unsettled and lost between my anger for my father and my disbelief faced with my spitfire of a wife.
After another second or so without moving, I put the phone back in its cradle and faced my desk again. The first thing to pop in my head was to call Lila back and give her piece of my mind, but I knew it wouldn’t help anything. One, it wouldn’t solve the issue with my father and two, I better be careful of how I maneuvered with my wife considering I had to see her back home. I also really wanted to get laid again and with no other woman than her right now.
After getting a taste of her, I only wanted more. More of her arousal, more of her orgasms, more of her moans and also, more of that way she said my name in abandon.
I stood up and stalked to the closed door of my office. I opened it and let it crash against the wall, earning myself frightened stares from people nearby and a few curious stares too. I ignored them all and only focused on my assistant who immediately sat up as if waiting for my next command.
“I need you to send a formal email to my father’s office stating that we’re considering concurrents for the next quarter as their last shipment wasn’t up to par with our expectations. It must be ready in the next twenty minutes, Jonatan.’’
“Uh…’’ he hesitated and quickly nodded when he saw the storm brewing in my eyes. He had worked long enough for me to know when to do what I asked without asking questions. “Is it regarding GM Images and the TV, sir?’’
“Yes. Send me a copy of that email when it’s sent and forward me any response.’’
“On it, Mr. Grimes. Should I compile a list of other companies—‘’
“It won’t be necessary.’’ I drilled my fingers on top of my assistant’s desk and checked the time on my Rolex. “I call this a preemptive strike.’’ I turned around, ready to go back in my office when I remembered something else. “Also, contact Tober’s office to pick a date for a business lunch or dinner depending on his preference. Let his assistant know surreptitiously that my wife will be present.’’
“I’ll make that call as soon as I’m finished with the email for your father. I’ll add the date to your agenda.’’
“Good.’’ I glanced around and found a few heads turned our way. My frown deepened. “Get back to work!’’
On these words, I went back in my office and started reading some reports before my conference call with one of my companies based in Los Angeles. My nerves were shot, my concentration was nowhere in sight and my need to break something had my damn hands shaking.
After getting laid for the first time in months, I should have been relaxed today, but it appeared that I didn’t have that luxury.
When you had an empire to lead and grow, the world never stopped spinning and a pile of shit was always there to deal with.
I snatched my cell phone from my suit jacket and quickly typed a text to my mother. I didn’t want things to get to this, but if I didn’t want to do something drastic when it came to my father, enrolling my mother in that mess was the only solution I could come up with.
Dad went to see Lila. I swear the next time he disrespects her or comes close to her I’m going to forget he’s my father and things won’t be pretty. I’m sorry, Mom.
Not even two minutes later and I already received an answer.
I’ll take care of him. Don’t worry, mon garçon, and take care of your wife.
I snorted at her message. As if Lila would let me take care of her. Actually, as if I was the kind of man who took care of a woman. I put down my phone and went back to the reports I still needed to oversee.
LILA
“Thank you for meeting with me for lunch, ma belle,’’ Sylvie said and patted my hand on top of the white linen tablecloth.
After her call mid-morning inviting me for lunch, I didn’t think twice before I agreed. Sylvie Grimes was the only person in my life along with Megan who I considered highly. She was undeniably strong and yet had a warmth and sweetness to her that reminded me of what it was like to have a mother in your life. At times, it was difficult to remember she was Mathis’ mother considering how different to her he was when it came to his character.
“I should be thanking you.’’ I took a sip of my sparkling water. “I didn’t know what to do with myself today and I needed some fresh air and company.’’
Sylvie’s smile tensed as her soft green eyes turned hard for a second before she frowned at her sleeve and picked off an invisible piece of lint from her forest green blazer. “I’m sure acclimating to a new life isn’t easy.’’
I smiled and kept my answer to that. I didn’t really know what was easy in life anyway. I glanced around the restaurant, a restaurant I remembered passing by almost daily back when I was living on the streets four years ago and never thought I’d ever step foot inside, much less have lunch there. Everything was refined, from the tablecloths and napkins to the plates and cutlery gleaming under the soft decorative lights hanging from the ceiling in a canopy above everybody’s heads. The ballet of the wait staff flawlessly navigating between tables was almost hypnotizing and only accentuated the classy atmosphere of the restaurant serving mostly French meals on their menu.
“Lila,’’ Sylvie called my name gently to get my attention. The way she said my name with a French accent, making it sound like Leela, would have made me smile if I hadn’t caught onto the apology in her tone. “I didn’t know if I should tell you, but Mathis said that my husband went to see you this morning. I assume it wasn’t a pleasant visit. I’m s—‘’
“Don’t apologize,’’ I stopped her quickly in a smile I knew didn’t reach my eyes. It was something to keep as a front when you despised the person in front of you, but it was something very different to do so when you liked the other person. “At Carter Manor we’re warned
that there’s a good chance someone in the entourage of our husband is bound to be difficult regarding the marriage. I understand.’’
“You’re a lot more understanding than me then.’’ She took a sip of water and set down her glass right on time for our young waiter to serve us our salade César with a well-practiced move before he topped our glasses with more water and bid us a ‘bon appétit’. “I have no idea why Oscar is so against this marriage.’’
“I’m sure most people aren’t for business arrangements when it comes to marriages,’’ I said diplomatically, thinking of my own reaction to the whole ordeal when I willingly went to Carter Manor in the first place.
“It doesn’t mean he can’t act civilly and get to know you before passing judgment. He’s not twenty anymore when rash judgments and harsh behavior could be excused.’’ She played with her salad with her fork and knife, eyes lost in thought. “I don’t recognize my husband anymore,’’ she added quietly.
“I don’t know Mathis or Mr. Grimes enough, but it’s something between them, Sylvie. The problem is I don’t believe either of them will sit down to have a real talk. They’re too much on the attack and defensive.’’
“I hate seeing my son like this. I know he’s hurting from his father’s behavior even if he will not admit it.’’ She looked up. “Do you think he’d confide in you?’’
“I doubt it. We’re not… I mean,’’ I stuttered and took a bite of my salad to stall while I gathered my thoughts. “Mathis and I aren’t really close, which is normal. It’s only been days since we married.’’
“Of course. I’m sure you wouldn’t betray his trust anyway.’’ She dried her lips with her napkin and drank more of her water. “I only want to see my son smile again. I… I want him happy.’’
Her soft eyes welled up, but before a tear left her eyes she blinked them back and hid her pain behind a smile. I knew that tactic so well it somehow hurt to see it on the face of a woman like her.
“I’ve learned something over the years. We’re responsible for our own happiness. You give him your love and support, he has an incredible job so he must be the one to work for his happiness and grasp it with both hands.’’
“And if he doesn’t?’’ She was looking at me, pleading with her eyes as if I had the solution to her motherly fears, as if I was the key to Mathis’ happiness. “At the wedding I had thought that maybe… Oh, I’m delusional.’’ She shook her head and went back to eating her salad in silence, her eyes sad and glazed over from the tears held at bay.
“Mathis and I will never have anything more than an arrangement, Sylvie,’’ I said quietly, my throat closing slightly as the memory of the previous night came back to the forefront of my mind. And the phone call with my husband didn’t help me feel any better regarding my night with him. “I’m sorry, but you have to know this. I will not make your son happy. I’m a convenience, a tool he needs to better his business. Nothing more.’’ I leaned over the table to put a hand over hers. Her fingers were cold. “With some luck and work on both our parts we could become friendly after some time.’’
“Do you hate Mathis, Lila?’’ She closed her cold fingers around my warm ones. “You can be honest. I will not think any less of you. I’m aware that my son is difficult.’’
“I save my hate for people that truly deserves it. Mathis…’’ I trailed off, looking away and stopped to stare at a couple in their thirties smiling at each other and making eye contact in such an intimate way that it was obvious they shared a special bond. I envied them. I envied that. “Mathis is a difficult man with a complexity I will probably never fully grasp, but no, I don’t hate him.’’
“And you don’t see yourself falling in love with him?’’
I pulled back at the mention of love and the physical reaction it created in me. My heart sped up, not with anticipation, but sheer fear at such a prospect. My face tingled, not because I blushed but because blood left my cheeks at once. “I don’t know what love is anymore. I can’t fall for your son and it won’t happen.’’
“Love can’t be controlled, Lila. Carter Manor couldn’t have taught you how to avoid such a thing.’’
“Carter Manor has nothing or very little to do with it.’’ I put my cutlery on the half full plate in front of me and dried my mouth with my napkin before I put it back on my lap when what I really wanted to do was up and leave. Talking about feelings wasn’t in my comfort zone and talking about love and Mathis in the same sentence made me sweat under my blouse and cardigan. “I’m not the kind of woman who falls in love easily, Sylvie. Love will never be a part of what is going on between me and Mathis.’’
“I’m sorry for pressing you.’’ She sighed and shook her head. “You’re so much like the kind of woman I always pictured for Mathis and I see the way you two look at each other. I stupidly thought… Forget it.’’ She swept her words with a move of her hand in front of her face. “I think Megan has been a bad influence on me with all of her romance books she tells me to read.’’ Her thin laugh sounded forced, but it broke the tension that fell on our table.
“I’m sure all mothers want their children to find love.’’
“It’s more than that. Anyway, it’s my problem. Right now I need to make sure my husband stops harassing you and Mathis. I believe he will stay a while in one of our guest bedrooms,’’ she said, her chin up and proud as her eyes started to find their usual sparkle.
I chuckled. “He will hate me even more.’’
“Not if he knows what’s best for him.’’ She caught the eyes of our waiter to ask for the check before her attention went back to me. “He had already cost me my Sunday lunch with Mathis and you, and Megan said she probably won’t be there this weekend. I know she comes mostly to see Mathis. I will not let my family shatter more than it already has.’’
“Maybe you could come to the apartment for dinner sometimes. Megan would be welcome too. I’m sure Mathis would like that,’’ I offered with a smile, strangely feeling guilty over something I had no power over with and knowing full well that the issues between father and son had very little to do with me.
Sylvie’s eyes welled up again and she patted my hand before the waiter presented her with the check she quickly paid and left a fat tip. As we stood up, she came to me and linked her arm into mine as we walked through the restaurant back to the lobby where another member of the staff quickly went to snatch our coats.
“You’re a wonderful young woman, Lila. I hope my son sees it.’’
Oh, he had seen plenty of me the previous night and I was sure he was relieved to leave the apartment before I even woke up. That way he was able to avoid giving me the reminder speech stating that we were nothing more than a business arrangement, something I couldn’t forget even if I wanted to. The tightness in my chest didn’t change that.
I knew where my place was, and with Oscar Grimes’ visit it only seared my mind more.
I was a trophy wife, supposed to be a perfect little doll to complement my husband and provide with an easy access to his next orgasm.
I might be living in luxury and my ass could be covered with the finest lace panties and the best designer pants on the market, but my life was sterile.
***
MATHIS
I didn’t remember a time when I wanted to come home for another reason but to be relieved of the constant control I had to exert at work or outside as a whole. In fact, since I married Lila I had wanted to come back home and see her to better toy with her and watch her resist and yet folding a little more every day.
After the previous night and the goddamn awful day at work, I wanted to grab her as soon as I got home and fuck her against the closest surface. Even a window would do.
That was the plan, the reason why I kept readjusting myself in the town car driven by Lucas, why I threw my keys on the console without looking as soon as I was in the apartment and why I stalked inside, coat on my arm and briefcase in hand, ready to throw them as soon as I located my wife.
I craved her skin under my fingers. I wanted to see how long I could tease without giving her what she needed. I wanted to see her ride me. I wanted to watch her ass as I fucked her from behind. Plans were forming in my mind as I scanned around the living room until finally, through the haze of lust I smelled someone was cooking.
“Mathis?’’
My cock deflated immediately when a voice saying my name wasn’t the one I expected to hear. “Mom?’’ The disgust in my voice was slightly veiled, but if she had known my plans to be buried deep in my wife before dinner, she wouldn’t be giving me a wounded look from over the kitchen counter. “Where’s Lila? What are you doing here?’’ My voice evened out then and I put down my briefcase next to the armchair and my coat on the back of it.
“I’m right here,’’ my wife answered for my mother as she reappeared. Apparently she was kneeling next to her to find a bottle of red wine.
My eyes drank her in quickly. I couldn’t let myself stay fixed on her for long with my mother here, but it was enough to make my blood run faster through my veins again. Her hair was swept up in some messy knot on top of her head and a few tendrils brushed her high cheekbones. Her makeup was light and classy, like always, but it was her mouth that distracted me for a moment. Her plush lips glistened, as if she had licked them. In a moment of weakness I let myself remember what they looked like all swollen and wet from my kisses.
When my cock started to stir again in my slacks, I walked to the kitchen bar and sat on one of the high stools. My mother was back to the oven to check whatever was inside. While her back was to us, I sent a questioning glare to Lila.
Her answering frown and tension in her shoulders didn’t bode well. It appeared she was still angry after our brief phone call that morning.
“I invited your mother for dinner since Sunday lunch is canceled,’’ she finally elaborated as she got ready to uncork the wine.
“Give me that,’’ I said and stopped her with a hand on top of hers holding the bottle of Merlot 2003. She passed me the bottle and the corkscrew as my mother came back toward us with a weak smile. I hated it when I saw the sadness in her. I knew that sadness was her close friend since that morning at the beach all those years ago, but it made me ache when I was the one hurting her again and again.
Be A Doll: A Carter Manor Novel Page 20
