Twenty Four
"Seriously, are we done yet?" I whine, grinning when Farah gives me what can only be explained as the fuck-off look. From experience, I know that when she's on a mission, which she is now, there's no stopping her.
"No, we have two more stores to go. Come on honey."
I begrudgingly follow her inside Neiman Marcus, promising myself a pint of Ben & Jerry's Rocky Road ice cream after this.
After searching high and low, I hear Farah squeal in delight and hold up yet another sleeveless dress, this one with a black embroidered sash at the waist that ties in the back and I sigh in relief, knowing just how perfect it is. Kel will love it.
"That’s the one, Farah. I'd bet my life on it," I say, going around the sales rack to find my size. There it is, size five. Thank God.
"Kel is going to absolutely love these. Wait, you’re a five? Holy crap, Ari!"
I look up at her and shrug, not really seeing the big deal about being a five.
I set my stuff down in the over-sized dressing room and take the fabric off the hanger. I see Farah grin over at me like a fool. What is going on with her?
"What’s so funny? I have a small frame, isn't that a good thing?"
Farah shrugs, hoisting her sundress up and slipping it over her head. She's maybe three sizes bigger than me, slim but not skinny with a slightly wider frame than mine. But she's gorgeous and I've always been envious of her curves.
"Yeah, but I guess I didn't realize how small you were. No wonder Gavin was all smiles today, you’re gorgeous!" I know she’s joking, but I hear the insecurity in her amused voice. I undress and unzip the lavender dress before sliding it over my head and shoulders.
"Don't be like that, you’re beautiful Farah. You know I've always been jealous of those curves of yours. Jaden loves them, doesn't he?"
She nods, straightening out her own dress and turning towards the mirror as she tightens the sash behind her back. Her hips fill up the dress perfectly and her long as sin legs are a dead knock out in the heels we found this morning. They're thin, maybe three inches tall and expose her freshly pedicured toe nails.
"He does, but you know how I am. Maybe he's just saying that because our relationship is so new, does he really want a curvy girlfriend with a less than perfect body for the long hall? I don't know." She bites her thumb and looks away from me. I hate to think she doesn’t love herself like I always thought she did. The spunky attitude is part of her charm, her personality and emanates confidence while she looks so put together as she does. I don’t say anything as I go to her, standing beside her and see my reflection in the mirror next to hers. I don’t see much difference between us, physically at least.
"You’re gorgeous, honey. He'd be a fool to not see that, right?"
Farah runs her hand through her hair and nods, but I still feel her judging her body in the mirror.
I clasp my best friend’s shoulders and turn her to face me.
"There is nothing wrong with you, Fay. Jaden sees that. I see that. But if you don’t see that, there will always be those doubts in your head. You have to believe in yourself, first."
I pull her into a hug, probably wrinkling the designer wear we're sporting and not caring if we do.
She's my best friend and I'd hate to think she's insecure wearing these dresses on Saturday.
"Same here, sweetie. You look awesome, do you like the dress?"
She nods, stepping back and clapping her hands as I turn in my heels.
"You so should have been a model, Ari. You have the body for it!"
I scoff, remembering how mad my mother was when I decided not to follow in her footsteps. The thought makes me laugh out loud.
"What?" Farah asks as she undresses again and tosses me my sweater and white capris.
"You remember how mad my mom was when I went into dancing?"
My mom is a beautiful and talented model and when I was growing up, I always looked up to her.
But once I started dancing, I knew that was what I’m meant to do. When I’d told her, it was the day of my high school prom. She went ballistic, said I could never make a career out of professional dancing. Now all that’s in the past and I can’t help but laugh at it all. Farah laughs along with me, slipping her flats back on her feet as I sit to put on my thick heeled boots once more. I’m still laughing when we open the dressing room door and bring the dresses with us.
"See, now that was hilarious, she was crazy-mad!" Farah exclaims in her dramatic fashion.
"Where are you, baby? This bed is too cold without you," he whispers, his voice teasing. My heart leaps. Even though it’s only been a matter of hours, I miss him.
"We’re still in the plaza; I'll be home soon though. Just paying for these ridiculously expensive bridesmaids dresses. How was your morning?"
"Hectic, as always. You know you won't have to worry about checking prices anymore. I like spoiling you, Beautiful."
I get butterflies, biting down on my lip to hide my smile as Farah meets me by the Neiman Marcus entrance to Central Avenue.
"I know, but I'm not used to spending this kind of money, it's just different for me."
He's silent for a moment and I start to think I've lost him. Did I say something wrong?
"Does it bother you? My lifestyle? You can be honest."
Does it bother me? I mean, my mother always had money so it's not new to me but still, I like earning my way. I decide to go with my heart, knowing that Gavin likes to spoil me because he loves and cares for me, not for any other misguided reason.
"No, it's just different for me, Gavin. I'd tell you if it truly bothered me."
He exhales, obviously calmer now.
"That’s good to hear, baby. When will you be home?"
"Soon. Just have to drop these off at Kel's apartment and drive Farah back to North-end, then I'll be home."
"You have Aaron with you, right? He’s following you."
I look behind where my KIA is parked to see Aaron from his security team looking straight ahead.
I’m a little impressed by the Audi A3 he’s driving.
"Yes, he’s here. We’ll be safe."
"See you soon, Beautiful"
His voice is low and full of promise, making me want him again. How does he do that?
"Bye, babe."
***
Once Farah is in her place, waving happily over her shoulder, I pull out and head towards East End again. I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing my man after a long day of shopping, shopping and more shopping. The butterflies start again as I think about how amazing the last few weeks have been. Gavin has either taken me out to eat or made something for me every night since our wedding-planning session with Kel. He's been so good to me, it sometimes feels too good to be true.
When I'm stopped at a red light, I spot a gray Lincoln Aviator behind me. It’s directly behind me, as if it's tailing me. The windows are tinted and an unfamiliar sense of dread seeps through my veins as it follows me down I-22 all the way until the next light and I turn right, watching the rear view mirror as it goes out of my sight. I know Aaron is in the next lane and nothing will happen to me, but God, was I just being followed?
I keep a steady speed towards the penthouse, but by the time I arrive in the parking lot towards the back of the building, my hands are shaking.
I force myself out of the car, grab my bag, cell phone, and keys.
Maybe I'm just imagining it. Was the Lincoln really that close to me? I'm not sure.
I take a breath, holding it for a few seconds before slowly letting it out. I’m still trying to shake off the uneasiness seeping through my veins when I make my way into the apartment and see Gavin standing in front of the stove in the kitchen, a white button down shirt hugging his torso and upper arms, a pair of dark jeans hanging deliciously loose from his hips and he's barefoot. Oh, my.
I slip my jacket off my shoulders, putting it on one of the kitchen stools. It smells of garlic bread and lasagna, and my mouth waters.
"Smells good, baby."
Gavin turns and smiles wide, making my knees weaken as he pulls me into his arms and kisses my temple. I grasp his wrists, needing him close for a little longer. Oh, he feels so good.
"Thought we could have a dinner on the balcony tonight, what do you think?"
I press my face to his neck and graze my hands up his back, reveling in the feel of him. The feelings of dread I had only five minutes ago slowly evaporates, replaced with the butterflies I always get when I'm this close to him.
"I'd love to. How was your day?"
He stirs the linguine with the hand that isn't wrapped around me and his eyes flick down to mine, clear and so beautifully blue.
"Busy, I might have to take a trip to Los Angeles for a few meetings."
I lean back in surprise. Only now does it occur to me that he must travel with the work that he does. How would I feel about being away from him? I would hate it. I’d miss him like crazy.
"Hey, don’t worry. It’s not for a few weeks and if I can get out of it, I will," Gavin says as he takes the pot off the burner and lays the spoon beside the cooling plate. He turns into me, running a hand along my cheek and I feel the skin tingle underneath his touch.
"Is that lasagna I smell?"
That smile I love spreads across his face and he nods as he cups my cheeks and gazes down at me, such care in his blue-gray eyes.
"Yes, and garlic bread. I'll save dessert for later." His voice is full of unspoken promises, and I smile, loving the feel of his arms wrapped tight around me again.
I press my face to his neck and inhale.
"Smells good."
I hear Gavin’s chuckle before he takes my face in his hands and looks at me with a devilish grin.
"The food?"
I press a kiss to his jaw and shake my head.
"Oh, no. You."
His eyes heat and he cups my chin, lifting my mouth to his until his lips brush against mine ever so lightly.
"You are addicting, Beautiful."
I smile against his urgent mouth, wrapping my arms around his neck and sinking my fingers into his silky smooth hair. His hot breath surrounds my face and it's intoxicating.
"Am I?" I tease.
Gavin takes my mouth, parting my lips easily with his tongue and adores my mouth with suggestive licks, his breath mingling with mine, stealing the air from my lungs as he kisses me with such ardent passion.
In seconds, I'm breathless. When he takes my bottom lip into his mouth, sucking voraciously, I moan low in my throat in response.
"Hmm, do you want to take a shower?" he whispers, pulling back from my lips and tucking a stray strand of my curly hair behind my ear.
"If you insist," I whisper and then Gavin is scooping me into his arms and carrying me to the bathroom without another word.
***
Gavin slides his hands down my back in a massaging motion as I sit on his lap. We’re at Lucas’ apartment having dinner. Kel and I are enthralled in a game of cards while the boys talk about the football game they are watching. Gavin is pulling for the Colts while Lucas is an adamant Patriots fan.
"Aria. Earth to Aria Georgia…" Kel is snapping her fingers in a waving motion in front of me and I must have spaced out because she’s trying to get my attention.
"What?" I tilt my face up to see her grinning.
"You’re daydreaming again! It’s your turn." She gives me a wink and I feel Gavin stiffen behind me at the idea that I’m daydreaming. About his hands skating along my skin; my back, my thighs, my shoulders.
Oh, how I want them south. To where I’m aching for him so much.
" And who are you daydreaming about, baby?" I turn my face into the hollow just above Gavin’s ear.
"You. I want you, now." My voice sounds close to a growl of desire as I whisper in his ear.
Immediately he’s hard and I giggle in anticipation.
"I’m sorry, Luke, but I think I’ve been neglecting my sweet girl, here. We’ll see you at the church."
Gavin stands with me against his chest and nods toward Lucas and Kel who are both smiling. They know exactly why we’re leaving and with that realization, my cheeks heat.
"Have fun." My sister practically sings and I can’t help but laugh as she hugs me and whispers in my ear.
"It’s good to see you so happy, Ari. See you soon."
Gavin takes my hand and tugs me out into the cool Chicago night air and immediately pushes me against the hood of his car. He dips his head and begins to run kisses down my throat and neck.
"Oh, please take me home Gavin," I beg and pull his head back with my hands so I can see the depths of his brilliant blue gray eyes.
"Home," he drawls, skating fingers down my face to grasp my chin. Those eyes of his fill with tenderness and it melts me into a puddle before him. I nod and smile shyly.
"Take me home."
It feels like it takes hours to get back to the penthouse and then also for the short ride up the elevator. Gavin keeps his arm around my waist the entire way and as soon as I close the front door behind us I crash my body into his and kiss him. Deep. Hard. Hungry. I feel wetness flood my core and Gavin’s desire for me press against my lower stomach.
"Beautiful." He groans against my mouth, grasps the hem of my skirt and pushes the silky fabric off my hips and legs. The next to go is his t-shirt, the buckle of his loose fitting jeans and finally my blouse.
It takes a matter of seconds for my bra and pink laced panties to join our clothes on the hardwood floor.
When I’m standing naked before him, Gavin’s eyes take me in as if he’s never seen my body before.
He doesn’t move to touch me, he just looks at me with hungry eyes.
"You are so sweet, Aria. I love that you’re mine." Gavin pierces me with the intensity in his eyes and his words reverberate through my skin like sunlight.
I clutch onto his shoulders as he carries me into our bedroom and straight to the bed.
"Need you." I tangle my fingers through his hair and feel in my soul that Gavin is the only one I’ll ever need.
As if he knows the depth of my need for him, he brings his mouth down to mine and whispers against my lips.
"I’m yours, Aria. But we only have an hour." Despite his reminder, I push my body into his. I moan cathartic ally when I feel his hardness against the very core of me. I can’t think through the haze of pleasure that I find myself in. All I can do is lose myself in the sensation. I wrap my legs tightly around his hips and with one fluid thrust, Gavin buries himself within my aching center. He rubs my aching clit over and over and I feel my core flood in response.
"Oh God." I spasm around him and join him each time he thrusts inside me. Gavin dips his tongue to my breasts and begins to drive me crazy with that glorious mouth of his. He licks and nips one areola before bringing the nipple into his mouth. I’m climbing higher and higher and my body is on fire from his touch, his mouth, his body pressing onto mine. Gavin slides out and thrusts one more time so deep inside me that I’m sure I can’t hold the pleasure inside any more.
"Gavin… Oh, God -"I beg, clenching my muscles around him each time he joins me and I can feel the waves of pleasure hit a crescendo.
"I’m right here, baby. Let go for me."
He nips my collarbone, soothes the skin with his tongue and mouth and I cannot hold off any longer. I bite my lip and cry out his name as I shatter beneath him. Gavin whispers my name roughly and finds his own sweet, sweet release within my flooded center. I feel his weight press against every line of my body and he frames my face, peppering my cheeks and nose with light kisses and then rolls so that I’m on top of him.
"Amazing," he whispers.
Gavin
I lay there and watch my sweet girl sleep soundly for an endless amount of time. I slept so well beside her and I know the reason why I couldn’t sleep when we were apart. Having her in my arms as I fall asleep is one of the best things I’ve ever felt. Peace. I feel peace and contentment when I sleep next to Aria and there is never going to be a time that I won’t want her beside me. She is it for me. No one else, just her.
My girl. My present and my future. I’ll never let go. I know that in my heart.
I ever so carefully skim my fingers down her cheek and brush the pad of her bottom lip with my thumb. I whisper in her ear.
"I have to make some calls. Sleep, Aria baby."
She reaches out for me in her sleep and her hand lands on the center of my chest where my heart is pounding with love for her.
"Love you…" The words escape her mouth and the softness of them could bring me to my knees if I wasn’t sitting on the bed next to her. I am not sure if she is awake or if she is dreaming of me, but I still whisper the words I’d only said to one other woman before her.
"I love you, Beautiful." then I slip out of bed and pad my way to my office where I know a conference call is waiting for me. It has been about two weeks since I came home from that accident and I’ve spent every possible second with Aria. But Thomas Corporations is thriving and I take great pride in that – even if the business takes me away from her side.
"Mr. Thomas?" The line to my office phone lights up the moment I am sitting. I press the retrieve call button and the rough voice of an older man, a man I’ve done business with more than a few times comes over the line.
"Ah, Gavin Thomas, it’s good to get in touch with you. You were out of sync for a bit there.
Everything OK lately?"
I press the phone to my ear and boot up the computer while I speak with him.
"Good to hear from you, Keith. Yes, an emergency came up, but I am back now and looking to know exactly how the Hellman deal went. I’m surprised no one has filled me in on the status, but since you were with me from the beginning of this deal, you’d surely loop me in, right?"
Since coming into the business only six or so years ago, I’ve learned that people rarely keep their promises or word. But, write them into a contract and clients have no choice but to be upfront and straight with you. So, when I had an opportunity to purchase and turn over a small but thriving mobile technology company called My Touch, I jumped into it. The Hellman brothers were the main shareholders and since coming back to work, I had yet to hear one word from either them or their representative. I figured that was a bad thing. I hear Keith clear his throat and then the rustle of papers.
"I’m sorry, Gavin. I was sure that Daniel would have set you up with the full reports regarding that deal. We gained their shares and the contracts were annotated. All we need to do now is turn them over to legal to finalize everything."
Daniel Ray is my assistant and technical adviser. He went to ITT and has got to be the most tech-savvy person I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. But it isn’t truly his job to fill me in on this. Being that Keith was my partner in this deal, it’s his responsibility.
"Quite honestly, Mr. Clay, I’m appalled that neither of you thought to give me a report while I’ve been gone. I know my mother has stepped in during my absence, but you’ll do good to remember who guarantees your paychecks."
"Gavin-"
"It’s Mr. Thomas, now. I am still your boss." My voice has an edge to it now that I’ve learned how loyalties have fallen through in my brief absence.
"Mr. Thomas, I assure you that-" When the door to my office opens slightly and Aria stands, resting her back against the door frame, her body wrapped in satin sheets that match the true green of her eyes, I stop listening to Keith’s pathetic apologies. Her eyes take me in slowly, and she begins to bite her cheek.
She only does that when she is trying to stifle a moan from coming out of her mouth.
"Don’t let it happen again, Mr. Clay." With that last remark I hang up, spin my chair away from my desk and reach out my hand to Aria.
"Come here, Beautiful," I say and she walks towards me, that soft smile across her face. Warmth spreads through me at the sight of her.
"Hi." She crawls into my lap and face plants into my neck, her favorite place to rest her head whenever I’m holding her.
"Good morning." I lift her chin with a tug to the back of her ponytail and settle my mouth on hers.
I breathe in the lilac and vanilla smell she always has to her and the soft moan she gives me allows my tongue to push into her mouth. Pressing my palms against her cheeks, I lap into her, tasting her. Then I suck her bottom lip into my mouth and tug gently.
"Baby," she moans against my mouth and her fingers tangle into my hair.
"You have to work?" She asks, looking up at me with emerald green eyes filled with desire.
"I do. Why don’t you spend some time with Farah? I’ll clear my schedule for this afternoon."
She tips her head to the side, thinking.
"But don’t you have meetings? I don’t want you canceling them for me."
Christ, could she be any more perfect?
"I have two meetings. The last one ends at seven. I’ll come home as soon as I can, baby."
She smiles wide then, content with my answer. She puts her small hands on my face and her gentle touch makes my heart start pounding faster.
"Just us, tonight?"
I nod, kissing her thumb that is closest to my mouth. Her beautiful eyes heat in response.
"Just us, Aria"
***
By the middle of my work day, I’ve felt my phone go off at least a dozen times. I know it isn’t Aria because I always have her calls set to loud. I never want to miss her if she is trying to get in touch with me.
But I know it has to be important if someone is calling five, six times in a half an hour. I look over to Riley who is sitting across from me and point my head towards the door.
"Let’s take a break, boys. We’ll come back and revise the contract in fifteen."
The head of Alcatel Technologies, a few of my business partners in Thomas, and two of my assistants leave the room, leaving just two of us.
"I need to make a call, can you...?" Daniel is standing and pacing towards the door before I have to ask.
"Take your time, Gavin." He nods once before closing the wooden door behind him and without wasting any time, I pull out my cell phone and am surprised to find thirteen missed calls and four voice mail messages from Spencer Callaghan, my security head and trusted friend.
What the fuck? Why would he be chasing me down at this time of day? Unless…
A pit forms in the bottom of my stomach and I know this has to be about Williams. We haven’t caught sight of him since well before the accident. I am not stupid though. That man wants Aria, wants her back. There is no way I’ll let him near her ever again. Ever.
"Spencer. Tell me what’s happened." My tone is rough, but thankfully Spencer has known me long enough to know why.
"I’ve been trying to reach you all day, Mr. Thomas. Are you available to meet?"
Shit. This can’t be good.
"Absolutely. Let’s meet at Thomas in twenty."
"See you then." And he hangs up without another word.
Immediately, I pull my assistant into the room and tell him to cancel the rest of my meetings. Aria’s safety is my only priority and I have no intention of attending meetings and conference calls while Bryce Williams could be in the Chicago area. It will drive me crazy with worry to know that man is in the same vicinity as my girl.
"Are you sure. This deal with –"
I cut him off with a hand raised. It doesn’t matter how important this contract is. Aria will always be my priority.
"Cancel them. I have a personal matter I have to attend to. Give my apologies and see when they can possibly reschedule. Tell Clay to go ahead with the contract after I’m gone. I have no reservations on that."
He quickly nods and writes something into his tablet.
"All clear?"
"Yes, of course. I hope everything turns out OK for you, Gavin."
Inwardly I am hoping the same thing. I just have to keep Aria safe.
***
Spencer shakes my hand and sits across from my desk the moment he enters. The grim set of his mouth tells me this is just as bad as I initially thought.
"Mr. Williams was spotted just outside of the Garment district this morning. He was seen at a hardware store buying cable ties, duct tape, and rope. He was also seen in the lot of Ms. Morgan’s dance studio. I was tailing him for a good three hours before we lost the tail."
I force myself to take deep breaths and not panic. I start stating facts in my head: Aria is with Farah at her apartment today, she texted me earlier and said how bad Jaden’s cooking skills are. She’s spending time with her friends. Bryce didn’t get close to her.
But all I can imagine is her laying in a hospital bed, bloodied and broken only four months ago.
I’d seen the file Daniel was able to find for me. I’d seen the pictures. I can’t fathom seeing her like that ever again. I won’t allow it.
I rest my face in my hands and clench my eyes shut in an effort to keep calm.
"Where did you last see him, Spencer?"
He leans forward and looks me in the eye, obviously seeing my state of mind.
"Heading out of the city. He got no more than a mile away from where Ms. Morgan and Ms. James were this afternoon." He hands me a USB drive and I look down at it before giving him a glare. What the hell is this?
"We found where Mr. Williams has been staying. A hidden suite at the Drake. I thought my team went through each and every hotel or motel in search of him, but he booked under an alias. I found this in his computer. I thought you’d want to see it."
Fuck. Why would he have a hard drive on his computer? The only reason I can think of makes a knot form in my stomach and my mouth go dry to cold, dead fear.
"Show me."
I pull back from my desk so Spencer has room to pull a chair next to mine and place the drive on the side panel. My nerves are thrumming and my head is pounding as I wait. I’m almost sure what I’m going to see on that drive. Pictures, or possibly videos. And lots of them. One thing I’ve learned about Aria’s ex-fiance is that he’s determined and patient. His temper drives him and he doesn’t care who he hurts or who is in the path of his rage. And he wants Aria. I feel the fire of anger in my veins, boiling my blood at the image of my girl in the clutches of that man again.
"Here it is," Spencer says and what I see in front of me stops my heart altogether. Aria is sitting across our bed at the penthouse, writing in a journal. I know the video has to be live because I see the blinking light at the corner of the screen reading recording. She’s wearing a tank top and sleep shorts, the ones she was wearing that first night I spent with her months ago.
Rage, red hot rage boils inside me knowing that he has seen this. He’s probably watching it right now. That monster is watching Aria and probably Farah and Kel’s place, too. Every time I’ve made love to her in that bed, he’s been watching. He’s seen her. She’s mine-Finally mine and he’s seen her.
Before I know what I’m doing, I stand and fly into the opposing wall. My fist rams through it, my whole body blind with rage. I can’t see. I can’t think. All I feel is anger and sheer violence as every minute I’ve spent with Aria in that bedroom resurfaces. Us sitting across from each other, reaffirming our love.
Her standing beside my bed and trying to convince me that waiting two whole weeks to be together is the right thing. Aria’s black hair curled around the pillows this morning when I kissed her forehead and slipped out of bed. It’s all supposed to be for me only. My eyes only. Not his!
"Gavin. Shit, Gavin! Calm down." Spencer takes a hold of my wrists and stops me from lashing out at the hard concrete wall or anything else surrounding me, including him. I’ve never been an angry man, even after we lost my father. I hated it. I hated the emptiness of this world without him and the betrayal of finding Jasmine with that college student in her apartment. I hated all of it. But I never lost control. Like now. My entire body is shaking with the force of everything and the only thing I know is that I have to protect Aria.
"I’m fine. I’m good. Sorry, Spencer." Begrudgingly he lets go of me and I begin to pace with my hands still shaking. What does this mean? Has Bryce been in our home?
Shit.
"He must have had a key or broke the locks somehow to get into your penthouse. Though, he may have sent someone