The moment I am back in my suite, I head to the shower to relieve myself.
Fuck! When was the last time I needed to do this?
Closing my eyes, the hot water cascading down my body helps me clear my panicked thoughts about the stupid position that I got myself …and Isla into. My pulse starts to thump with rapid beats, scrutinizing how many photos a journalist or tourist could have taken while I was ravaging her unforgettable body.
Making her mine… Exclusively for me…
Grabbing a towel, I wrap it around my waist and frantically search for my phone. Pissed off at myself for putting her in this precarious position. My chest heaves suddenly, taking me back to Catherine. I promised myself back then I would never put myself or anyone else in the same position again. What the hell was I thinking?
I call my lawyer, Chad, and inform him of my ridiculous actions. I ask him to alert security, keeping a close watch on the internet for anything relating to me, so they can shut it down right away, notifying any agency there will be a hefty lawsuit pending if they think of reproducing any photos of myself or Isla.
Being a multimillionaire allows me certain privileges. One of them being when I talk, people do what I say, when I say.
My arrogant ways and my family associations have assisted me building my dream in Sydney, Los Angeles, and Dubai. The Raven Resort and Casino had been a small idea when I started out with the family business and my father’s art gallery. It had always intrigued me how people busily went about their daily lives, heading in and out of the harbor, working, meeting acquaintances, family, or lovers. The city area, with the hustle and bustle of so many people, had always called to me and I wanted to create a stunning place where people could join in celebrations, business dealings, family holidays, and any kind of occasions. Sharing the love of art as much as my father, my aim is to showcase art pieces of distinction, for all walks of life to enjoy and appreciate throughout my resorts.
My top priority, however, for the foreseeable future, is doing everything in my power to shield Isla from any public backlash that she is absolutely unaware of…
What a great way to start a relationship Alex…
Fuck!
Why do I care? Wait… Relationship?
Restless after speaking to my long-time lawyer and good friend, I decide going into work today will calm me. Walking into my large closet, I choose casual attire, black denim jeans and a black t-shirt, wearing my comfortable black Converse sneakers to complete the look. Trying to still comprehend the extent of my reckless antics this Sunday morning, knowing today is Thomas’ day off, I take the keys to my silver Aston Martin One 77 and go to the elevator.
Stepping into the small space with my head still swimming, the lift stops on the fourth floor. The only problem with living in the penthouse is that I have to endure the prying eyes and talkative people on the way down and up. I usually don’t entertain idle chit chat, but realizing it was old Mrs. Bennet, I cheerily ask, “How are you today, Mrs. Bennet? What a lovely crisp autumn day to go out, huh?”
Placing her hand on my bicep with as much care as a grandmother would, she states quite boldly, “I’m wonderful, dear. I’m taking my granddaughter today to the Opera House for a day out. You really should meet her. She is a beautiful girl and can cook, too.”
Smiling as a grandson would, knowing she tries to play that dating game every time I happen to cross paths with her, I give her my standard reply, “You are such a lovely woman. I bet she is as lovely as you are, but I just don’t have the time for any lady friends at the moment.”
The elevator coasts to the ground level. I hold the lift door for Mrs. Bennet as she shrugs her shoulders and whispers, “You need to make time, Alex. Don’t let your life pass before your eyes without finding that special someone.” She turns and shuffles out to the main street. Continuing down to the parking spaces, I let her words sink in.
No… I don’t have time to manage anything other than work… Is Isla work?
I find my prized possession waiting in my dedicated spot alongside three of my other car spaces. My passion for my job leaves me little time to engage in my favorite pastime: driving my cars. And noticing I have a few seconds for myself, I am ecstatic to be unlocking the door to my most expensive car. One of the luxuries I afford myself. But fuck, I love it. Starting the V12 motor, its unique sound already has my head calming down, the black leather interior encases and massages my body while I shift the manual transmission into gear. Pulling out into the traffic of mainly tourists who frequent this area, I place my sunglasses on, turning the volume up on the stereo so I can hear Nirvana clearly. I switch my phone off and try to find peace. Weaving through the buzzing city, I decide work can wait. Making my way out to the scenic road, winding with control around the impressive, vibrant foreshore areas, cruising at the expected speed limit until I embark on the freeway where I go faster than what is allowed… Catch me if you can?
Driving up the highway, I find myself lost in this tranquility for more than two hours, and stopping only to refuel. With my phone switched off, I am left to my own thoughts, directing the steering wheel where it needs to be, with no thought process needed. I am one with this superior car. Coming upon a crest, I pull into a deserted area and switch off the motor. I’m exasperated and annoyed. Other feelings wash over me, ones I’m not familiar with… And I find myself feeling nervous and anxious…
My body is exhibiting behavior that I am unsure of how to control. Placing my head on the leather sports steering wheel, I inhale and exhale. Shutting my eyes, I try to recall the other women I have been with over the years, what they look like, how they sound, how their lips mold to mine, how they smell…their names and I find myself coming up short. Not one of them has stuck in my memory bank. They were inconsequential. Arm candy some nights, a quick fuck others, but nothing memorable to me. Images float through my mind, full red lips, endless black hair, gentle kind eyes, water caressing her curvaceous breasts, pebbled tight nipples. My breathing starts to waiver. This woman is certainly someone… I need to consume her. I want to take the sadness away from her eyes. I need to know everything about her. But am I willing to find out? Can I risk her? As if I have a choice, I debate internally knowing that because I am actually on the side of the road thinking about a woman, my mind has made up its choice. I want her regardless of the danger to the family and to her.
She told me to stay away…
I open my eyes little by little. I’m calm and resolved. My body hasn’t reacted to anyone before as strongly as it has to Isla. Not even to my one true match five years ago. I am confounded as to why I can’t get her out of my head. If this was a business deal, I would be going after it in my normal arrogant way, getting what I want and not stopping until it was completed. I want her…and only her.
She’s something I must pursue so I can understand this constant craving inside me since Saturday night, no matter what was said at the beach. I need to talk to her…touch her…protect her by any means possible…
I’m treated to brilliant oranges, yellows, and dusky shades of red over the frothing, aquamarine wondrous ocean as I drive back to the city and my resort.
Pulling up in the valet, quite at ease, I hand my keys to the well-mannered young boy. “Good evening, Mr. Raven. Enjoy your night, Sir.”
Nodding while continuing to walk, I enter the lobby and continue to my office.
Turning on my phone, it starts beeping, alerting me to the many missed messages that are no doubt important. Scrolling through them, my mother and sister have left messages for me to call. Although, the texts from my lawyer are the ones that have me worried. With haste, I dial his number and place my phone next to my ear.
“Chad, any news?” Huffing aloud due to frustration I suspect, Chad gets straight into it.
“You’ve been extremely lucky my friend.” His loud voice penetrates my ears. “Social media sites or agencies are clear. I’ll be keeping an eye on it for the next few weeks and I asked Kolton to scan the internet looking for anything related to this encounter.” Relief washes over me. Could I be that lucky? Fuck, I hope so.
“Thanks, I appreciate it, man. If my head of IT needs any extra hands to ensure we scan the internet extensively, let me know and I’ll organize it.” Kolton is extremely skilled and organized; however, watching this specific scandal has to be his priority for a while. I will send more personnel there tomorrow, as a precaution.
Laughter hits my ears, “Hell, man, what were you thinking? They must have been a glorious set of tits for you to pull a stunt like that in public.”
Possessiveness and agitation coarse through my swelling veins. Don’t talk about Isla that way… Before hanging up on one of my closest friends, I say, “Keep me posted on any updates, I’ll have my phone on.”
Not wanting to take any possible chances with Isla, I phone Seth, my cousin, my closest friend, and the main guy who arranges security for our needs. After one ring, he answers “Alex, man, how the hell are you?” A questioning tone evident in his voice since I haven’t spoken to him a few weeks.
“You know how it is, all work and no play keeping me busy.” I joke around understanding only too well the demands that present themselves every day in our world.
“Seth, I need a protection detail put on a new subject. An invisible one. She’s not to know they’re there.”
“Sounds interesting, Bro… What’s her name?”
“Isla Winters.” Taking a breath, I add, “Seth. This is important to me. I need her covered twenty-four-seven until I let you know otherwise.”
“Yeah, no worries. Do I even want to know what this is about?” Hearing humor in his voice, my neck prickles with tension.
Gruffly I announce “Just know, she’s mine. She’s to be protected at all costs.” Fuck, I have lost my mind.
Sounding concerned, Seth interjects “Man, are you okay?”
“As long as she is safe I will be. Make no mistake, I can’t fail this time. Can I leave this with you?”
“Alex, you know you can. I will get the guys in place now. Hey, if you need to talk, call me any time. I’m always around.”
“Thanks, man. I’ll be in touch.” Disconnecting the call, I take the time to reassure myself, it will all be ok this time. I’m older, have more knowledge, and am a force to be reckoned with in my own right, not to mention our family name is known throughout the world now. We are not to be messed with unless you want serious problems dispersed your way. Isla is now under my protection where she belongs.
Deciding to get the necessary items out of the way, I call my mother, assuring her I’m not working too hard. Explaining that construction is going well on the new resort in Las Vegas and that I will see her on Wednesday night. I then repeat the same information to my sister.
My father and mother are pivotal to my stability and my older sister keeps me on track. There’s no possible way I will be allowed to become the egotistical bastard that is prevalent in this corporate world. If I need grounding, I take time out to call her, so I can be booted back into line. I love my family, but I have one person I want to talk to at the moment and they’re not here. Needing courage, I pour a Glenfiddich and drink it in one mouthful. I refill the scotch and walk around my office for what seems like hours. Five minutes pass. Having dealt with scum of the earth, men who have tried to take our family down, successfully negotiated multi-million deals is in stark contrast to my current sweaty palms and indecisive thoughts. I’m fucking nervous.
Pull yourself together and man up, I chastise myself. Call Isla…
Unsure of what to say, which is a first, I find her contact in my phone. With shaking hands, I hit the connect button. Fuck. What if she doesn’t want to talk to me? I’m so out of my league here. Questioning myself further about bringing her into my world, uncertainty running throughout my thoughts, having no idea what is happening is throwing my self-assuredness off balance. I can’t think of another time this has happened to me.
As the ringing comes to a halt, a pure, sweet voice answers the phone.
“Hello, this is J & I Events. How can I help you?”