The ride to dinner is like something out of a movie. A flashy car, accelerated precise driving, eyes piercing through our glass trying to figure out who may be behind the tinted shield. Ed Sheeran playing through the speakers and a hunk of a man behind the steering wheel. The only thing missing is the tall and skinny bronzed model next to him.
I am treated to a lavish dinner at a small, quaint restaurant in The Rocks area, where we reveal more trivial details about ourselves. I am excited to receive any knowledge I can about the man my heart is succumbing to. Taking a mouthful of his beer as he finishes his last mouthful, he blindsides me with “When I spoke with Jules earlier, she mentioned your mother.” Alex watches my face and body for any reaction.
“Oh… Really?” I try to act calm, placing my fork down on the table.
“Is your mother all right? I got the impression you have to visit her to help her with some things regularly?” His eyes strip me bare. I can’t lie to him but I can’t tell him the whole truth either.
Placing my hands under the table on my lap, my fingers dig into my thighs.
“That’s a hard question, Alex, for me to answer.” My fingers clench tighter into my skin. “Yes, she is all right but she has good and bad days. A few years back, about a year after my father had passed away she was taken by some men. They hurt her badly. Her body was battered and bruised, her head had been knocked around causing some concussion and amnesia. She was in hospital for more than a week.” My voice quiets as they hurt me badly as well, but this isn’t something I can reveal. I was never taken to hospital but patched up by the monsters themselves. “She has recovered but she still hasn’t been herself since that day. Her mind tries to shut that day off. Her depression sees her taking pills and the alcohol she takes as well sends her spiraling out of control sometimes. That’s when I’m needed to help her. And I check on her regularly. Benjamin’s too busy with his life at the moment, so it falls to me.”
“Fuck.” His voice shows his anger. My body jumps slightly at his harsh tone.
Noticing, he reaches across the table with his huge hand, palm side up so I rest my unclenched hand in his. He smooths his thumb over mine, relaxing me. “Did they catch the bastards who took her?” His voice still angry but quieter.
“Umm… No. Because she couldn’t remember anything, there were no leads. She was taken to the hospital and left there by herself with her handbag. The police who spoke to us explained the men who brought her in knew where the cameras were and they couldn’t make out who they were. The leads were non-existent because mum still can’t remember that night.” My hand is being squashed by Alex’s. I know he wants to fix everything but this one he can’t. I’m the only one who knows the story. Keeping it to myself keeps my family safe.
Alex blinks and his face is grim. I try to pull my hand from his before it is crushed.
“Oh, shit… Sweetness, I’m so sorry.” He rubs my hand to get the blood back into it. “I can’t believe there are no leads. Why would they single out your mother?”
He needs to let this go, now… Nothing good will come from it.
“Alex, I don’t want to talk about it anymore. It makes me sad thinking about it.” Knowing there’s so much more to the story that I am unable to tell him.
“Of course, Sweetness. It’s time we go anyway.” He pushes his chair out smoothly, coming around to mine helping me with my chair. I’m treated to a gentle and meaningful kiss.
We leave the restaurant hand in hand and I’m relieved to find no one taking a second look at us. Strolling up the pathway to the valet, my eyes glance in the direction of a black SUV parked across from the designated parking area. This is the third time this week. Is it a coincidence? Surely there are many black SUV’s in this city. My feet break rhythm making me stumble slightly.
“Are you okay, Sweetness?” Alex places his arms around me before I can right myself.
“Sorry, I’m fine. I just was looking at that car over there instead of watching where I was going.” His car pulls up, thank god, at that moment, eliminating the break to elaborate on my silly concerns.
“Let’s go and enjoy our night,” I say a little too spritely as he opens the door for me to get into the car. I see the concern and thought in his eyes as he watches me lowering my body into the molded leather seats. He closes the door behind me but looks over to the black SUV again before walking around to his side and typing a quick text to someone on his phone.
“Do you mind if we take a detour, Isla? I wanted to surprise you with something first.”
“Surprise away.” Surely this surprise will be exciting instead of the normal ugly ones I am used to.
All considerations of the car gone as I find us turning into another valet area: The Ravens. Before I can say a word, my door is opening and I am ushered out by the young, friendly man, immediately joined by Alex. No cameras in sight.
“Good evening, Madam and Sir. Enjoy your night.” Smiling brightly at both of us, Alex guides us through his majestic empire to the elevators where we descend to ‘The Basement’. Of course, the line for entry is a mile long again, but with Alex by my side, we are greeted with smiles, nods of heads, and his security opens the velvet rope.
Alex acknowledges his employees before drawing me to his side, kissing my temple. The loud pumping music and the pulsating light show triggers my body to come alive.
We keep walking, entering another roped off area with circular, black leather clad plush seats, offering a view to the main dance floor. I spot Jules and Kameron and some strikingly huge, muscular men with them. Rushing over to my best friends, I open my arms, flinging them around the girls in a ridiculous maneuver, considering I’m wearing high heels and they are still a good five feet away. Large hands grab my waist before I face plant the floor.
Alex’s jaw dropping smile hits me. “Slow down, Sweetness. They’re not going anywhere. We are all here for a night filled with friends and no pressure or stress. It’s time you relaxed.”
I beam my mega-watt smile at him and plant a kiss on his chiseled cheek before turning back to my best buddies who are now watching Alex and my show.
The girls start firing words in my direction. Catching a few, Alex, rang, nightclub, drinks, glorious beasts of men, I can’t help but hug them before scanning my eyes over the male specimens they are talking about. Alex gives them a slap on the back before casually talking to them. His smile looks carefree and he actually looks relaxed. He must know them well.
Trying hard to take my eyes off these men who are shrinking our private space and dwarfing me and my girls, I take a few full breaths and move each of their bodies over to the seat where I can compose myself.
“How are you guys? Look at this space.” Bursting with enthusiasm I can’t contain the loudness of my voice. “We can see everything from our idyllic VIP section.” My eyes cast to theirs, searching for answers before my eyes roam around to find Alex’s, who is laughing with the other men but watching every move I make.
Jules explains Alex rang her and asked her to arrange for Kameron and herself to come to The Basement with our overnight bag so we could spend a night out altogether with his friends as well, getting in the spirit of an early break. Excitement evident as there is a suite waiting for them to stay the whole weekend in. Kameron’s composure is holding together by a thread. I can see her bouncing on the seat, scanning the room for available men who fit her type, including straining her neck taking another look at the men who are currently talking to Alex.
“How the hell are we in the private section, Isla?” Kameron yells, not so subtly. “And how do we have access to a beautiful, luxurious suite for an entire weekend, paid for already in full? Would you like to enlighten us?”
“It’s a long story, Kam, but the short of it is, Alex owns this place, so I guess that’s how,” I state matter-of-factly before bursting out with laughter. This is so ridiculous and out of my world. It’s so cliche but I really do believe I am Alice slipping through the rabbit hole to a new wonderful part of my life. Although, I am quite aware just like the white rabbit with his pocket watch, my time in this world may not last for as long as I would like.
I know how to stop a party apparently as Jules and Kameron look at me in total bewilderment. Kameron stops bouncing on her seat.
“Are you fucking kidding us, Isla?” is all I hear before my hand is taken in a firm hold and I am whisked to my feet, being lead to the dance floor by Alex. I yell over my shoulder with the biggest grin ever, “No,” and keep walking hand in hand with the one person I want to be with more than ever. If they weren’t sitting, I’m sure as hell they both would collapse on the floor in genuine astonishment.
Alex is still in his suit from the day, but with his jacket and tie gone, I’m not sure when that happened, white shirt sleeves rolled up to below his elbows, he looks as sexy as hell. His ass fits his charcoal pants—so snug it takes all my willpower to keep my arms from pulling him to the ladies’ room where we can tick off more of my sexual fantasies. The music is belting out Justin Timberlake’s song, ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling,’ as Alex spins me around to the floor, moving with the beat of the rhythm. I can dance, but my moves don’t flow easily. More drinks are needed. I think I move a whole lot better after a few alcoholic beverages, as we all do, but I can’t escape, nor do I want to. Alex’s arms are wrapped around me making me follow his lead, swaying my hips in time with his, grinding my ass into his cock.
Dancing with confidence and style, Alex leaves me breathless just from looking at his moves and the intensity with which he pins me. No one can doubt I belong to him. Ladies, though, still grind closer to us, hoping they will catch his attention…hell, even the men try and circulate around him. Every now and then, his lips nip at my neck, sending shooting tingles throughout my entire body. My fingers twine through his mussed up blonde hair, yanking him to me every so often so I can taste his moisture, ensuring everyone around he is now a taken man.
Breathlessly, I ask if we can get a drink. As I turn and head up to our private section, five occupants of our area are staring straightforwardly at us, all with large smirks across their faces. My feet fall in behind Alex’s so I can try and hide my embarrassment but Alex stops dead in his tracks, turns to me and lunges at my mouth, passionately kissing me, releasing every ounce of emotion upon me. My body responds in the same way, hands cupping his face, while his hands grab my ass jerking me on to him, making for a delightful show —I’m sure, but I couldn’t care less as I have never felt this safe before in my life. There is nothing Alex and I can’t conquer when we are together.
Tonight is about having fun, being who we are and not hiding ourselves from anyone.
So rarely do I hang out with my best mates, let alone the girl I would do anything for, my plans to bring us together seemed to be working famously.
Holding onto my girl tightly, my three guys are standing opposite us, smiling smugly, obviously amused at our little show.
“Jared, Liam, and Seth. This is Isla.” Isla starts to leave my side, reaching out her hand to shake their hands.
“Nice to meet you Jar…”
“No way in hell is that hand shake ever going to be enough.” Isla’s body is lifted by Jared in one smooth movement, she didn’t even see it coming until her legs were off the floor and she was being twirled around by a man I trust with my life. Isla squeals in amazement before Jared places a kiss on her cheek and sets her down again on the ground.
“That’s how the woman of my main man is welcomed. Nice to meet you, Isla.” Sincerity in his tone is evident. Laughing at the stunned look on Isla’s face and those of her friends, I can’t help but laugh at his playful behavior. Times like these are so rare for us.
“Well…wow… It’s so nice to meet you too.” Her pale cheeks flush red looking over to me, her hands fidgeting together. Liam wraps his arm around her shoulders before she has the chance to retreat any further.
“Lovely to meet you, Isla. You’ve got your hands full with this one. But if you can put up with him he’s worth every bit of it.” A hint of sadness clouds his eyes briefly. If you didn’t know Liam, you would have missed it, but seeing Isla must have bought up some painful memories about the loss of his woman. Still trying to beat these demons after two years, he has conquered most but not all.
Seth approaches her more cautiously as Liam steps back, giving her a peck on both cheeks.
“A pleasure to meet the lady behind Alex’s newfound smile. Fuck, I don’t know what’s been going on between you two, but I haven’t seen this big guy here smile as much as he has the past few days.” Grabbing Isla’s delicate hand, he pleads “Please, stay around for our sakes, honey. We like him a lot more now you’re on the scene.” Laughing hysterically, finding himself very amusing, Isla starts to laugh as well. The only one not laughing is myself. Seth and his humor. Fuck, he’s an ass. Lucky for him, we are one hundred and ten percent on the same page.
“Oh…” Her eyes don’t leave mine. “I plan to stay around as long as he will have me.”
Like a jaguar watching his prey, I move rapidly to her side before announcing to her but loud enough for the group to hear, “There’s no way in hell you’re getting rid of me, so prepare yourself for the long-haul, Sweetness. You and me.” Taking her lips, dominating her senses with my tongue, she follows my lead. Explosive cheers and bellows from our friends erupt around us.
“Now let’s really get this night started. Drinks anyone?” I motion to the private waiter to take our order while we uncork the bottle of champagne resting in the bottle in the middle of the table for the girls. Jules makes a toast before we all resume talking over each other. Embarrassing stories about my boyhood, of course, are resurrected and Isla’s girlfriends enjoy the company and time spent with Isla and us men.
After a few rounds of ‘Panty Dropper’ shots, which the girls readily asked for, the ladies dare us men to go out on the dance floor to show them our best moves. Unbeknown to the girls was on nights like these, my guys and I exhibit our maneuvers to willing participants. Although, out here now, my eyes stay on her the entire time. The Chainsmokers blast through the speakers, enticing us all to move. Ladies intermingle between us, but my hands stay away from all other bodies. I can’t say for the others but all I care about is having my woman watching my erotic display only for her. We obviously won that challenge.
More drinks, laughing, and dancing take place over the next few hours. Isla lets her hair down and relaxes while she dances with Jules and Kameron. I will never tire of seeing that beautiful smile on her face. I want to be able to help her keep it. Unsure of how to help her, her sense of hopelessness and dire words used to express her life eludes me to conclude something is strangling the life from my woman. The panic attacks scare the hell out of me. The choking and gasping for life highlighting how fragile her body is. I have to find out why she believes she has to fight to be with me, that our existence together will be detrimental. With my contacts and name, I won’t be in the dark for much longer. If she can’t tell me, I damn well will find out what is holding her back from being completely with me.
The seven of us now dance on the floor under the strobe lighting. Isla’s hands roam freely over my body and I am taking everything I can from her in that moment. The alcohol helps her loosen her inhibitions enough to grind up and down my body, which allows me the opportunity to explore her curves more and more. Kameron and Seth are hitting it off, very, very well. The two move in unison, creating an aura around them no one can disturb, while Jules has her hands full with Liam and Jared.
My phone buzzes in my pocket as Isla and I join Jules and the guys in their dance space. Indicating to Isla I will be out for a second, I move to the side of the floor, looking at my cell.
Got information you asked for.
Emailed to you.
You may want to read this soon.
Kolton
Hell. That doesn’t sound good.
Looking at this material sooner rather than later is imperative. Eyeing my brothers, I let Isla know I need to tend to some business for a few minutes. Gifting me a gentle peck on the cheek, she tells me to hurry back.
Walking with a steady pace to my private office, thoughts run through my head. We’ve been extremely lucky so far. Security detail for Isla, security at her apartment and work now that I have openly exposed her in public as being mine. But it must be invisible. The SUV we noticed tonight wasn’t my team. Kolton had better find out fast who the fuck it was watching us. I pour a drink as I wait for the computer to come alive. Drinking my scotch and absorbing every tiny particle of information about Isla, confirms in my mind she is the one for me. Her medical history is next on the list. Blood type, where she was born, hospital admissions.
Fuck! My glass shatters into shards on my desk but I can’t take my eyes from the computer screen.
Hospital Admissions 2007—2010: broken arm, bruises at many stages of healing, dislocated shoulder, numerous fractures, suspected internal injuries.
My chest is finding it difficult to expand. My skin breaks into a sweat as I read over and over again what Kolton uncovered. It’s not until I register blood dripping on my keyboard that my brain kicks back into gear so I can retrieve a towel to wrap around my left hand to ease the flow.
What has my Sweetness had to endure during her short lifetime?
Continuing to read, I look at her medical files and discover her mother signed for her on all occasions. The last report suggests her father should be questioned as her mother continues to maintain her injuries were due to accidents and her clumsiness. This document was dated 2010, Isla being seventeen years old.
Running my undamaged hand through my hair, I try to steady myself, rein in my breathing and the hostile ideas chaotically swirling through my head. Walking to the one-way glass, I find her immediately. It could be black as the ace of spades and I would still find her. She’s my beacon. Her carefree smile, her soft hands touching her friends lovingly while something inside of her eats her alive. My hand thumps the glass before I turn around.
“Fucking motherfucker! Who hurt Isla? …Fuck!” My fists connect with some shelves, knocking books and crap everywhere. “Fuck.”
Fuck, I want to kill any motherfucker who has ever laid a hand on Isla. How do I pretend I’m oblivious to these savage actions? I need more information. I want to run down to the dance floor and demand answers but I won’t. Holy hell, she had better explain some of this to me soon or I won’t be responsible for my actions. No one gets away with hurting what’s mine, in the past or in the future. And if I find out her fucking mother was an accessory to her father’s obvious abuse, I won’t hesitate in taking her down. I guess for now I will see how good of an actor I can be.
Cleaning my hand hurts like hell, but I’m so furious I pay minimal attention to the pain. As I’m removing the last of the glass slithers from my desk, a new email pings.
The number plate belongs to Dimitri Sokolov’s fleet of cars.
What the fuck! The Russian Mafia?
What the hell is my Sweetness involved in?