“Did anyone ever use a pickup line on you that worked?” Ella asked, pouring some ketchup onto her plate.
“Now that you mention it, yeah, I can recall one. This beautiful blonde came rushing up to me on the sidewalk outside a bar in Manhattan and said, ‘There you are! I’ve been looking for you all night.’”
She smiled and took a bite of her burger. A dab of ketchup landed on the corner of her mouth. I leaned over the table, brushing my thumb over her skin and swiped the sauce away. Her tongue darted over her lips, licking the ketchup off my thumb.
I moved closer and pressed my lips to hers. Her tongue swiped the roof of my mouth and she bit down on my lower lip.
“If you’re lucky, you just might get to round all the bases tonight.”
I smirked. “No luck needed. I’m feeling confident that I’ll hit a homerun.”
“Oh, are we back to the topic of you hitting this with your big wooden bat,” she joked, giving her amazing ass a quick smack.
Wrapping my arms around her waist, I pulled her onto my lap and brushed my thumbs along her smooth skin. She wiggled her ass against my cock, purposely driving me crazy. For fuck’s sake, I was half-hard already.
I crushed my lips to Ella’s, her tongue gliding against mine. My hands wound under her long blonde hair as I deepened the kiss, needing to taste her, devour her completely. My hands fell to her perfect ass—kneading and gripping as I continued to tongue fuck her mouth. Lust filled the air as she ground her pelvis against me, silently begging me to take her. I considered bending Ella over the bar and fucking her until she was screaming my name, but as hot as that would be I needed to slow things down, there’d be plenty of time for that later.
Ella licked my mouth, her moans drowned out my own thoughts bringing me out of my fantasy.
“You’re giving me some wildly inappropriate thoughts right now,” I murmured against her throat, feeling her pulse beating against my lips.
“Me too,” she whispered.
AFTER THE GAME ENDED, Cole invited us up to the Owner’s VIP suite for drinks. As if I needed more booze and food in my system. I was going to have to work out extra hard tomorrow, probably run five miles instead of my usual three.
I had one glass of red wine, as to not be impolite, plus I knew I’d drink it slower than white wine. I listened as the two of them chatted like old school mates about the game and reminisced about their summers on the lake.
We were introduced to the owner and his wife along with a few other important people. Admittedly, I was a bit nervous that someone might recognize me as David Warner’s ex-girlfriend. Before being convicted, he was known as an international superstar, even having played on England’s Olympic football team. I didn’t know how much people in the sports industry gossiped. Although, after an hour of talking, I felt pretty confident that the prominent people among American baseball and English football did not travel in the same circles.
“Hey,” I said, when Cole stepped away to take a call. “I’m going to pop over to the shops and pick up some gifts for my nieces and nephews.”
Alex set his beer down on the tabletop. “Okay, I’ll come with you.”
“No, it’s fine. I have my phone. You stay here and enjoy the chat with Cole.”
His strong hands rubbed up and down my arms. I could see the worry written all over his face.
“Alex,” I whispered, curling my hand over his thick shoulder. “I’ll be fine, there are people everywhere. Just Alex and Ella, remember?”
“I like being just Alex and Ella.” His hands wrapped around my waist, pulling me into him. He brushed his lips against mine, sweeping his tongue into my mouth with languid strokes. After saying goodbye to Cole and a few others, Alex escorted me to the door.
“I’ll meet up with you in about twenty minutes,” he said, before kissing me again.
“See you soon.”
I made my way down to the shop and immediately spied a cute pink and white jersey that would look adorable on both Leah and Jade. I managed to only find Leah’s size in the stack.
“Excuse me,” I said, to the sales associate. “Do you happen to have this jersey in a girl’s size five?”
“I know we have more of these in the back. I’ll go check that for you.”
“Thank you. I’ll be over in the boy’s section,” I replied, pointing to the far corner of the store.
Pushing my way through the crowd of shoppers, I sorted through the logo t-shirts. My sister’s boys would all need different designs or at least different colors.
“Hello, Lovie.”
And before the last syllable left his mouth, my ears registered who the roguish voice belonged too. I felt my chest caving as he approached me, slowly rounding the display of t-shirts to stand next to me. My stomach lurched as the smell of beer and sweat curled around me. His hair was mussed and his pale skin was tinged rosy red.
“Charlie, I’m positive that you have somewhere else you need to be,” I asserted, eyeing the press pass hanging around his neck. “Run along and annoy someone else.”
“Come now, Ella, is that anyway to treat an old friend?”
My eyes narrowed. “We are not friends.”
The sales associate I’d been talking to before Charlie graced me with his presence showed up at just the right moment.
Handing me the jersey she asked, “Is there anything else I can get for you?”
I shook my head, before going back to the task of rummaging through the stacks of t-shirts. Charlie still lingered, eyeing me like I was a choice cut of beef.
“So, Lovie, what brings you out to the game today?”
“My boyfriend. I suggest you bugger off before he gets here. He knows all about what you and David did to me. I’m sure he’d love to beat the bloody hell out of you.” A white lie, but if it made Charlie leave I didn’t care.
“If your boyfriend would like to buy a few pictures, I’m sure I can scour up the zip file and send him some sensational portraits. Fuck, I’ll even have the photos framed at no extra charge. It would be my pleasure.”
My stomach roiled with wine and grilled chicken. The thought that Charlie still had naked photos of me made me sick with disgust. I had won the case and he had been ordered to turn over everything he had to the courts. Something in his menacing tone registered fear inside me. Instead of cowering, I held my ground and stood tall so that I was face to face with him.
“I don’t believe you. If you have any photos of me from that time, all I have to do is call my lawyer and you’ll be hauled off in handcuffs.”
“Oh handcuffs, kinky.” He smirked, and his fingers curled over my wrist. “Yeah, I still have the photos of you and I give my cock a good tug session just looking at your perky tits and round arse every night. I dream about how I’d love to sink balls deep in that tight cunt of yours. David told me you were the best shag he’d ever had. Why don’t you give me one night and then I’ll hand over the remaining files.”
“Fuck you,” I spat.
“Is that an offer?”
I jerked my hand from the grasp of his rough fingers. “It doesn’t matter even if you did have the pictures, like I said, one call to my attorney and I’m sure this time you’ll go to jail.”
He was lying. All of his equipment had been seized by the police and anything related to my case was wiped from his camera and scrubbed from his computers. If Charlie had anything, he’d be in serious violation of his agreement with the courts.
“As long as I don’t sell or upload the pictures . . .” He licked his lips, then placed his hand over his cock and began stroking himself in front of me. “I’m not doing anything wrong.”
Anger raged inside me. The last thing I needed was the thought of him wanking off to naked photos of me emblazed in my head. Taking a deep breath, my fingers gripped the bundle of clothing tighter.
“You disgust me. Why don’t you find someone else to fixate your dirty desires on? I’m old news, get a new headline.” I didn’t give Charlie a chance
to respond. I moved past him, dumping the pile of shirts onto the empty folding cart. Shopping online seemed like a better option at this point.
Charlie called out to me and several shoppers stared in my direction. Feeling the heat creeping across my cheeks, I skirted towards the front of the store, heading for the exit. My heart rate kicked up as I dodged through the crowded concourse. I turned a corner and ducked inside the women’s restroom. There were a few ladies mingling about, checking their hair and re-applying lipstick.
I looked around before striding into one of the vacant stalls, taking a seat on the toilet. All I needed was a few moments to calm my mind. Reminders of the past would always be there. It was an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Once the bathroom was quiet and I was sure all the people had left, I pulled open the door and walked to the sink to wash my hands. For the first time in a long while I felt helpless. After turning on the water, I dipped my hands under the running stream. My chin rested against my chest and I looked up again, only this time another face appeared in the mirror—Charlie.
My wet hands gripped the sides of the sink. I watched him as he strode towards me, his eyes falling dark as he came closer.
He stood behind me, his tall frame pinning me against the cool porcelain. “One day, sweet Ella,” he whispered, grasping my shoulders with his hands. “I will have you.” His thick fingers drifted over my shoulders and up my throat.
I counted to five. Seconds felt like minutes. I swallowed hard before stomping my foot on top of his and shoving my elbow into his stomach, forcing him back. Running for the door, I heard Charlie groan or maybe it was a laugh. I sprinted back the way I came. Not paying attention, I missed the wet floor sign. I stumbled at least a meter before strong hands caught me. Alex.
“Hey, are you okay?” Gripping me tightly, he pulled me into his chest.
Closing my eyes, I breathed in his familiar scent. “Yes, I . . . I’m fine.”
“Liar,” he said, with a wink. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing, I wasn’t paying attention that’s all.”
His hands smoothed up and down my back. I welcomed the feeling of safety that Alex was giving me. Suddenly hands stopped and all of his muscles went rigid. I pulled back and followed Alex’s gaze that was pinned right on Charlie as he approached the concession area.
“Ella,” he said tightly. “Tell me why I’m looking at Charlie McNeil right now and I’d think twice about brushing this off as random.”
What could I say? I’d already dismissed the subject of Charlie once. To do it again would be disrespectful, especially considering my feelings for Alex. It was time to disclose the truth.
“Charlie approached me in the gift shop and again the bathroom.”
He blew out a harsh breath and ran a hand through his dark hair. “Did he lay his hands on you? If he harmed you in any way, so help me.” His body vibrated with anger as he turned back to face the beer stand. Luckily Charlie was now gone.
It was time to stop being so blasé about the ordeal and realize that Charlie posed an actual threat. “He didn’t hurt me, but, if I’m being honest, this latest encounter does have me on edge.”
The words that I wanted to say, they were right there on the surface, but I knew this wasn’t the right place to tell him about my past. It pained me to see that keeping my connection to Charlie a secret was hurting Alex. I never wanted anyone to hurt him, ever.
“Jesus.” His voice raised an octave. “What is this fucking thing between the two of you?”
“Please, let’s not make a scene. I promise I’ll tell you the story, the whole sordid thing.” I cupped his face in my hands hoping to bring his focus back to us.
Just Alex and Ella.
He held my gaze and expelled a deep breath. “I’m sorry I snapped at you, Ella.” His hands encircled my wrists, as he leaned forward and kissed my forehead.
Relief washed through me as the expression on his face mollified. I meant what I’d said; I would tell Alex.
“You don’t need to apologize to me, and you’re right, there was something between Charlie and me, but I can guarantee it’s not what you’re thinking.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Listen, I don’t give a shit if he’s an ex-lover of yours . . .”
“Charlie and the word lover should never be in the same sentence. But this does involve an ex of mine. There are things that you should know. Hopefully, you won’t think less of me.”
He brushed his thumb across my bottom lip and then pressed his forehead to mine. “Nothing on Earth could ever make me think less of you.”
Given what I’d come to know about Alex, I am not surprised he doesn’t care about my past. Based on his inflamed reaction towards Charlie, I suspect his feelings for me have intensified the way mine have for him.
“I’d like to go to the hotel and pack my things,” I blurted.
His eyebrows scrunched to together. “Do you want to leave? Go home to London?”
“No, I’m not leaving. Remember when I said that if I didn’t feel totally safe I’d let you know?”
He nodded, and then pulled me closer hugging me tight. “What do you want to do?”
My mind was a mess. All the clarity I thought I had about what had happened vanished. “I don’t really have a plan.”
“I do. You’ll stay with me at my place. It’s private and Charlie won’t be able to come near you.”
“Okay,” I replied softly. Before, I’d opposed to this arrangement, but now it gave me peace of mind. There were few things in this world I was absolutely sure of, and having Alex Robertsen to keep me safe was one of them. Not that I was some damsel in distress, but I trusted him and I really liked having that feeling again.
Alex reached for his cellphone and instructed our driver to bring the car around. The hallways of the stadium were nearly desolate, only cleaning crews remained. As we stepped onto the pavement, the warm spring air swirled around us. The limo was idling at the VIP entrance and Alex ushered me inside. I slid across the backseat and Alex settled beside me. When he took my hand in his, I felt further reassurance of his commitment to keep me safe.
We didn’t speak for the duration of the ride from the stadium to the hotel. Alex just rubbed small circles on the back of my hand with his thumb. I tried to wrap my brain around how I’d begin to tell Alex about this part of my past life.
When we arrived at my suite, I went into the bedroom and began removing my clothes from the closet and the chest of drawers. All I really wanted to do was take a shower and rinse the day away. I’d overheard Alex on the phone talking to Dean. He asked if they could take a meeting tomorrow afternoon.
“Yes, she’s absolutely safe. At this point, it’s nothing to alarm Ronan about, but I’m taking extra precautions.” He paused for a beat. “My house, yes, it’s private and there’s a guesthouse where Ella is welcome to make herself at home.”
As I pulled my suitcase out from underneath the bed, I felt the weight of his concern for me. I loved the thoughtfulness in offering me a place of privacy to myself. Although, I suspected mention of the guesthouse was a cover story.
I walked into the bathroom and scooped up the rest of my things, there wasn’t much as most of my belongings were already at his home.
“The matter is settled,” Alex called from outside the bedroom. “You’ll be staying with me for the foreseeable future.”
He approached me from the doorway, and I stood in front of him drinking in his beautiful face, admiring every line and angle. Wrapping his arms around me, he pulled me close. I buried my face into his chest, breathing in the reassuring familiar scent of him, rich and warm like the last days of summer. It was uniquely Alex. His strong arms, they were also familiar, and day by day I felt assured that this was the place I belonged.
My fingers dug into the muscles in his back. “I don’t know what I would have done if you weren’t there today. I always try to be brave, but now that I’ve thought about it . . . I admit I was
scared.”
“Hey, you’ll always be safe with me,” he murmured into my hair. “Talk to me, Ella. Tell me what has you feeling this way.”
“You better sit down, this is a long story. Perhaps you’d like a drink as well.”
He grinned and we walked into the living room. Warmth slid through my veins as he grabbed the bottle of red wine from the bar and poured two glasses. He took a seat on the sofa. I joined him, curling up and tucking my legs under me. After taking a long sip, my hands gripped the glass tightly.
“Okay, here it goes.” I took a deep breath. “When I was younger, I was a party girl. If there was a hot club opening in London, I was there. Ella Connolly, tabloid darling, invited to all the posh events. There were times that I’d found myself in precarious situations with the gossip rags. Like the time I dated a rugby player and he was so smashed he fell and took my top with him on the way down.”
Alex’s eyes popped wide.
“Yes, there I was with my tits on display for all of Holland Park to see. Ronan Connolly’s little sister’s nip slip was the headline that time. ‘Wild Nights with Ella’ became a regular occurrence in the papers.”
“I can’t say I blame the paparazzi for wanting to continuously take your photo. But I’d rather have the topless ones for myself.”
I looked down at my glass. “I’d like to say that was my only mishap with the papers, but the story does go a bit deeper. Just when I thought the gossips were done with me, I met David Warner, a very popular English footballer . . . soccer player. One thing led to another and we began dating and that relationship reignited the media’s interest.”
“Ah, yes, dating a celebrity. I hear that’s a rough business.” He tucked my hair behind my ear and dropped his fingers to my cheek. My gaze caught his and he smiled.
“A few months into our relationship, David’s phone was one of many involved in the celebrity hacking scandal. What I learned later is that the Assistant Editor of La Interviu Magazine made a deal with David and the coach of his team. In exchange for not leaking what was on his phone and ruining his career, David agreed to provide the magazine with the kinds of photos that garner the most sales for their publication—you can guess where this is going.”
Bound to Me (The Harbour Series Book 1) Page 12
