by Lynn, Sandi
“What about your father?” I asked as I picked up my drink.
“I never knew my father. He took off when I was a year old. My mom came home from work one night and found all his things gone with a note on the bed saying that he couldn’t do this anymore and he needed to start a new life somewhere else.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I wouldn’t have wanted a spineless coward of a man like that in my life anyway.”
“Your mother never married, I assume?”
“No. After he left, she couldn’t find it in herself to trust another man again. She dated on and off over the years, but the relationships never lasted very long. She always found a way to sabotage them out of fear. I always knew I wanted more out of life and was determined to get it. I was a straight A student, graduated as Valedictorian of my graduating class and received a fully paid scholarship to any college of my choice. But then, as you know, my mom got sick and I needed to give it all up.”
I stared into her eyes as she told me her story. She was strong and brave, something I truly admired about her.
“Now that I’ve shared my story with you. It’s only fair that you tell me yours.”
“There really isn’t much to tell. I grew up with a silver spoon in my mouth. I attended the most prestigious private schools and graduated from Columbia. My childhood was a good one. I have no complaints.”
“Why did your mother teach you and your brother to play the piano?”
“She told us that nothing soothes the soul more than making beautiful music. I hated it at first. She’d make me sit for hours and practice. While all my friends were out playing ball and having fun, I was sitting behind a piano. But, truth be told, as the years passed by, I was grateful for everything she taught me. Playing relaxes me. In honor of her at her funeral, my brother and I played a song that was her favorite.”
She reached over and placed her hand on top of mine while a beautiful smile crossed her lips.
“Okay. Enough talk about our pasts. Let’s enjoy this delicious food sitting in front of us,” I spoke.
The night was dark, and the rain fell in such masses that the wipers could barely keep the windshield clear. My voice grew louder, as did hers, trying to outdo the hammering sound that hit the windows. I was angry, so angry for what she’d done that I lost all control. The sound of the wheels screeching on the slick pavement hurt my ears, as did the screams that came from her. My eyes flew open and my heart pounded out of my chest when I heard Brielle calling my name while shaking me.
“Caden, wake up. You’re having a bad dream. Caden.”
I looked at her as the light of the moon sifted through the slit in the curtains and she stared at me. My body was encased with sweat and my breathing was constricted. I quickly sat up and turned on the lamp that sat on the nightstand.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“I’m fine. It was just a dream. I’m sorry if I woke you. Go back to sleep.”
“No. It wasn’t just a dream. It was a full-blown nightmare. You were yelling.”
I ran my hand over my face before climbing out of bed and going into the kitchen area for a bottle of water. I paced back and forth around the living room while I brought the bottle up to my lips. Fuck.
“Do you want to talk about it?” she asked as she stood in the doorway of the bedroom.
“What do you think?” I snapped. “It was just a nightmare. Go back to bed.”
“Caden.”
“I said go back to bed!” I shouted at her in a commanding tone.
Before I knew it, she was no longer standing in the doorway. I took a few moments to calm down and drank a half bottle of water. Walking into the bedroom, I sighed as I saw her lying there, turned the other way, as far away from me as she could possibly be. I climbed into bed and pulled the covers over me. She didn’t move. I couldn’t deal with her right now, for the nightmare I had wasn’t a nightmare. I was re-living the events of that night. Something that I thought I’d buried years ago.
21
Brielle
I waited until he fell asleep and then I made my way into the other bedroom of the suite and slept there for the rest of the night. All I wanted to do was comfort him, but he made it very clear with his loud and commanding voice that he didn’t want that. I got up at the crack of dawn, and when I tiptoed into the bedroom to grab some clothes to change into, I heard his voice.
“Where the hell were you?”
“I slept in the other room,” I spoke as I rummaged through my suitcase.
“I pay you to sleep with me. Not in the other fucking room.”
“Go back to sleep, Caden. Obviously, you need it.” I stormed into the bathroom, shut and locked the door.
Once I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and changed into my clothes, I walked out of the bathroom and saw him sitting on the edge of the bed. I grabbed my shoes and walked into the living area.
“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” he asked in an angered tone as he followed me.
“I’m going for coffee.”
“I’ll call room service and have them bring some up.”
“No. I need some fresh air.”
“Then go. I don’t have time to deal with you anyway. I have a meeting I need to get ready for.”
I grabbed my purse and shook my head at him before walking out the door. After I exited the lobby doors, I walked down the street and entered a Starbucks. Thankfully, there was only one person in line.
“Welcome to Starbucks. What can I make for you?” A bright and too cheery for this time of the morning barista grinned.
“I’ll have a Grande americano with an extra shot of espresso.”
“Name for the order?”
“Brielle.”
“Is it okay if I just put ‘Bri’?” she asked with an annoying grin.
“Sure. Bri is fine.”
I stepped to the side and waited for my coffee. Once the barista yelled my name, I grabbed my cup from the counter and took a seat at a small table by the window. Whatever nightmare Caden had last night rattled him to his core and he was still feeling the effects of it this morning. But it didn’t give him the right to speak to me the way he did. Caden Chamberlain had anger issues, and the more time I spent with him, the more evident it was.
I held the warm cup between my hands as I stared out the window and thought about my situation. I could break our contract and walk away. I was tempted. But then I thought about Stella and the money. Caden was right—he did pay me for sex—so what I needed to do was just give him that and stay out of his personal life. I could do that for the next five months, right? I needed to turn off my emotions and the feelings that resided inside me for him. He was nothing more than a job, and I was nothing more to him than the woman he paid to have sex with.
As I was finishing up my coffee, a text message from him came through on my phone. Sighing, I opened it.
“I’ll be gone for a few hours, so I’ve gone ahead and booked you a massage, body treatment, and a facial. Your appointment is at eight thirty. I’ll see you when I return.”
Was that an apology? I didn’t think so, but at that moment, I didn’t care. A massage, body treatment, and facial were exactly what I needed right now. I checked the time and it was eight o’clock, so I headed back to the hotel.
I didn’t think I’d ever been so relaxed my entire life. After my spa appointment, I headed back up to the suite. I wondered if Caden was back from his meeting yet with the hopes that he wasn’t. I wanted to enjoy a few more minutes of pure bliss before the storm blew in. Opening the door, I looked around the suite and he wasn’t there.
“Thank you,” I whispered as I placed my praying hands together and looked up at the ceiling.
I went into the bathroom, put on some makeup, and fixed my hair. I had just changed into one of my maxi dresses when I heard the door open.
“How was your spa day?” he asked in a delightful tone.
“It was good. Very
relaxing. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He walked over to where I stood and kissed my lips. “I’m going to go get changed. I would like to go to Navy Pier. I booked us a dinner cruise for later.”
“Okay,” I spoke as I looked at him in confusion.
I poured myself a glass of wine, took the cheese and fruit tray that was in the refrigerator, and took it out to the terrace. When I heard the shower turn on, I picked up my phone and called my mom.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Mom.”
“How’s Chicago?” she asked.
“Eventful. Can I talk to Stella?”
“Of course. She’s right here.”
“Mommy!” Stella excitedly spoke.
“Hey, sunshine. How’s it going with Grandma?”
“It’s going good. I met her friend Steven last night. We all went out to dinner at Steak and Shake and then we went to Central Park. He’s really funny.”
“Wow. That’s great. I can’t wait to meet him.” I sighed.
“When are you coming home? I miss you.”
“I know, baby girl. I miss you too, and I’ll be home sometime tomorrow.”
I heard the shower turn off.
“I have to go, Stella. My clients are waiting for me. I love you.”
“I love you too, Mommy.”
I ended the call and took a sip of my wine. I wasn’t sure how I felt about my mother bringing Steven around Stella so soon.
“Aren’t you going to ask me how my meeting went?” Caden asked as he grabbed a piece of cheese from the tray.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Why would I? It’s none of my business.”
He sat down in the seat next to me, reached over, took the glass from my hand, and brought it up to his lips.
“Well, I’m going to tell you anyway. Chamberlain Essence came up with a new flavoring and I just sold it to the largest sparkling water manufacturer in the world. A multi-million-dollar deal.” He smiled.
“Congratulations. Does that mean I’m getting a raise?”
“You’re cute.” He tapped my nose. “If you’re ready, I’d like to head to Navy Pier now.”
“Of course.” I got up from my seat.
I swear this man was bi-polar. One minute he was yelling at me and the next he was as sweet as pie. I was going to take the sweet-as-pie version of him for as long as I could. As long as I kept my mouth shut, things would be fine.
22
Caden
We left the hotel and headed to Navy Pier. She was being unusually quiet, and I suspected it had to do with last night and this morning. I’d have to fix that. We walked past the carousel and I saw her staring at it.
“Do you want to go on it?” I asked.
“Why? Do you?” She smiled.
“I’ll go if you go.”
“Seriously? You, Caden Chamberlain, will go on a carousel?”
“Sure. Why not?”
I grabbed hold of her hand, purchased the tickets, and then we stood in line. When it was our turn, I asked her which horse she wanted to ride on.
“I like the pink one.” She smiled.
She climbed on and I got on the brown one next to her. Once everyone was on, the ride started. I hadn’t been on a carousel since I was a kid. I looked over at her, and when she looked at me, a bright smile crossed her face. As soon as the ride came to an end, I helped her off her horse, took her hand, and we explored Navy Pier before it was time for our dinner cruise.
“Did I mention that holding my hand costs extra?” She smirked.
“Is that so?” I arched my brow.
“Yep.”
“Then tonight I shall pay you, not in cash, but in extra orgasms.” I winked.
“Deal.” She grinned.
After our dinner cruise, we headed back to the hotel and barely made it into the suite before I had her naked and pinned up against the wall, holding her arms above her head and taking her from behind. Beads of sweat formed on my head as I struggled to hold back. I pulled out, turned her around, and lifted her up as her legs securely wrapped around my waist. I thrust in and out while devouring her neck. An orgasm ripped through her, causing my cock to spasm and explode inside her. I carried her to the bedroom, still buried deep inside, and gently laid her on the bed.
The next morning, I opened my eyes and stared at her while she peacefully slept. Feelings deep inside me were rising to the surface, and as much as I hated to admit it, I was falling for this woman, but the demons inside me kept reminding me of my past. I was in my own personal hell and they wouldn’t let me out. I didn’t deserve to be let out.
“Good morning.” She smiled as her eyes opened and she caught me staring at her. “Were you watching me sleep?”
“I was. You looked so peaceful. Did you sleep well?”
“I did. How about you?”
“Yes. It was a good night. We need to get ready, have breakfast, and get to the airport. My plane will be here in a couple of hours.”
She reached up and kissed my lips before climbing out of bed. But before her feet hit the floor, I grabbed hold of her wrist. She turned and our eyes met. I didn’t know why I did that. It was just a reaction.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
“I—I was just wondering if you wanted room service or if you wanted to go down to the restaurant.”
“I don’t care. You pick.” She grinned as she climbed out of bed.
I watched her as she walked her naked body to the bathroom. I craved her in every way possible and my cock was rising to the occasion. As soon as she started the shower, I climbed out of bed and joined her.
“I do believe I owe you another orgasm for you letting me hold your hand yesterday,” I spoke as my hands ran down the front of her body.
After I made good on my word and pleasured her in the shower, I stepped out, wrapped the towel around my waist, and began shaving. As soon as she was finished, she slipped into her robe and stood at the sink next to me while she put on her makeup.
“Damn it,” I said as I set down my shaver.
“You cut yourself,” she spoke as she grabbed a tissue. “Here, let me.” A smile crossed her lips. “You need to be more careful, Mr. Chamberlain. You don’t want to scar up that sexy face of yours.”
I placed my hand over hers, which was holding the tissue on my cut.
“I usually am very careful, but someone was distracting me.”
“Then keep your eyes to yourself.”
She removed the tissue and threw it in the wastebasket.
“Kind of hard to do when a sinfully sexy woman is standing right next to me.” I smiled.
She returned my smile and brought her lips up to where I cut myself.
“All better.”
After enjoying a delicious breakfast down at the hotel restaurant, we headed to the front desk to check out.
“Good morning, Mr. Chamberlain.” Peyton flashed a wide smile.
“Good morning, Peyton. I’ll be checking out.”
“Did everything meet your needs?” she asked.
I glanced over at Brielle. “Yes, my needs were fully met.”
She looked at me and swallowed hard.
“I hope you’ll be visiting us again soon.”
“Thank you, Peyton, and don’t worry, WE will be back.” Brielle smiled as she hooked her arm in mine.
As soon as we walked away, I glanced over at her.
“You’re a very bad girl.”
“I aim to please.” She winked.
23
Caden
“I can drive you home,” I spoke as we sat on the plane.
“No. It’s fine. Ben is picking me up.”
“But why? I said I can drive you home. I’d like to see where you live.”
“Thank you, Caden, but Ben will already be there.”
“We don’t land for another hour. Call him and tell him that I’m taking you home.”
“Next time.” She smiled
.
“I get the feeling you don’t want me to know where you live.”
“That’s not true at all.”
“Then call him right now and tell him that I’m taking you home. It’s actually an order, Brielle. We’re in this for the next five months and you’ve been to my place plenty of times. I want to see where you live.”
I could see the hesitation all over her face and I didn’t understand it. It wasn’t like I was a stranger to her.
“Okay. I’ll call him and let him know.”
As soon as the plane landed, we climbed into the car and she gave my driver her address. As soon as he pulled up to the curb of the building, I climbed out first and helped her out.
“Impressive,” I spoke as I looked up at the building.
“Thank you for a wonderful trip.” She kissed my lips.
“I would like to come up and see your place.”
“No, Caden.” She sighed. “Listen, my place is a disaster right now and I’m going to spend the rest of the day cleaning it. I would be totally embarrassed if you saw it in the state it’s in. Next time.”
I narrowed my eye at her for a moment and, all of a sudden, a child ran into me.
“Sorry, mister,” he said as he ran by.
“Damn kids. Where the hell are the parents? Nothing annoys me more than a parent that can’t keep an eye on their monsters.”
“I know, right?” she spoke.
“Go clean up your place. I need to get going.” I leaned in and kissed her. “I’ll be in touch.”
Something wasn’t sitting right with me. Her refusal to let me up to her apartment raised a lot of suspicion. Instead of going home, I went to Kyle’s restaurant to talk to him.
“How was Chicago, bro?” He smiled as I walked into the kitchen.
“It was good. I closed the deal.” I grinned.
“Awesome. More millions for you.” He smirked. “Since you’re here, make yourself useful. Chop up this garlic for me.” He handed me a knife. “So how’s Brielle doing?”
