We walked along the beach, Triston’s hand in mine. “You surprise me every day Miss Reid.” Under the light of the full moon, his face looked angelic.
“I do? Why is that?” He stopped, turned and faced me. Pulling me against his taut body, he wrapped his arms around me. “Because you’re not afraid of me. You’re always open to trying new things and because I love you.” He kissed me softly, teasing my lips apart with his tongue. I dropped my shoes, wrapped my arms around his neck and tangled my fingers in his long hair. His scent was intoxicating, sweet and spicy all rolled into one. His fingers ran up and down my spine, he had a way of touching me so lightly that my whole body shook in anticipation.
Triston pulled away. We were both breathless. “I love you too Triston.”
“Come on, I want to show you something,” Triston picked up my shoes and we walked down the beach. It was a busy evening along the promenade. There were bars and restaurants teeming with people. “Where are we going?”
“To the park over there,” he pointed next to the hotel. We walked in comfortable silence as I watched people passing by. Couples walking hand in hand, just like us. It was a strange feeling to be with someone after such a long time, to feel something this intense. We got to the park in between our hotel and another larger one. “Swing?” I asked Triston,pointing to the bench swing in the park. He smiled. “Sure,” it looked over the ocean and the lights from the hotels sparkled on the water.
“It’s so beautiful out here. I wouldn’t mind waking up to this view every day.” I turned to Triston, my legs resting on his lap. His warm soft hands felt so good on my skin.
“It is, that’s why I wanted to bring you out here. I wanted to talk to you about something.” His face took on a serious expression. When his eyes met mine they looked so solemn, my heart raced. Why did he always look like he was about to break up with me? My mind started working overtime and in those few minutes before he spoke I held my breath. “Having you in my apartment this past week has been, incredible. I was thinking about you going back to your apartment,” he stopped and looked at me. “I don’t want you to.” His lips curved into a smile. “Will you move in with me Emily?”
My whole body relaxed, I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding. “Jesus, don’t ever do that to me again!” I slapped his arm. “Why did you look like you were about to say something bad?” I glared at him in frustration.
“I was testing you, needed to see if you really wanted me!” An amused expression crossed his face and I knew he was trying to frustrate me.
“Ugh, you are so frustrating! I am going to the hotel,” I got up and walked barefoot down to the sand. I heard Triston run up behind me, grabbing me around the waist he lifted me and spun me around. “Put me down!” I giggled. He slowly let me down and turned me around to face him. Grabbing my face in his hands he lightly brushed his lips on mine.
“Let’s go back to the room, we can sit on the balcony and have some wine.” I nodded, I had a few other ideas of what we could do on the balcony.
—∆—
Back in the room I noticed the room service had turned down the bed and left mints on the pillows. I decided to change into my boy shorts and tank top. When I came out of the bathroom Triston was watching something on the television. He turned to me, “Did you want some wine now angel?” I nodded and opened the small bar fridge and found a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. “Will this do Mr Hart?”
I squinted at the label as I held it up. Giggling at him trying to decipher the name on the label. “Yes, I think you have good taste, Miss Reid,” he winked and got up heading to the bathroom. Leaving me to pour the wine. I picked up both glasses and opened the balcony doors. I stepped outside and the warm breeze enveloped me. I put the glasses on the table and looked at the full moon shining down onto the dark water. The color of the ocean reminded me of Triston’s eyes when he let his darker side take over. My mind replayed the scene in the restaurant and I shivered. “Is it cold?” His arms were around me and I noticed he wasn’t wearing a top, his hot smooth skin on my back.
“No, I was just thinking,” I turned to face him. I knew I didn’t answer him earlier. I looked into those startling blue eyes, “I was thinking about what you asked me down there.” I motioned to the beach. “About moving in together,” I kept my face as serious as I could.
A frown creased his brow. I could tell he was tense, waiting for my answer. “Yes, I remember. And what was the answer?”
“Well, I think it’s…” His hands held my face and his eyes locked on mine. “I think it’s a brilliant idea!” I giggled as I saw the relief wash over him.
He picked me up and spun me around. “I knew you couldn’t resist me any longer!” I giggled as he held me against his bare chest. I was fully aware of his toned body and the heat radiating from him.
“Like I resisted you in the restaurant earlier?” I winked.
“One of the top 10 experiences of my life,” he let me down slowly and picked up his wine. “To moving in together! This actually calls for champagne, but I guess the wine will have to do.” We clinked glasses and I took a sip, it cooled me down somewhat from the heat of the day. As well as Triston’s distracting heat.
I turned to look at the ocean, “It reminds me of your eyes.”
“What?” He questioned.
“The ocean, when you’re… Uhm… you know?” I blushed, suddenly feeling shy in front of him. I wasn’t sure why. After everything we’ve done together.
“When I am what?” He pulled me against him. My ass against his groin, feeling him grow hard against me.
“Come on Triston, you know what I mean?” I giggled. He leaned down and kissed my neck, his lips felt warm and wet. He left a trail of soft feather light kisses up my neck. His teeth grazing my earlobe, biting gently, sending sparks through me. “Triston,” I moaned loudly.
“You’re the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“And you to me Triston, you should know that by now,” I whispered, taking another sip of wine. My mind calming down from the stress of the past few days.
“I want to take you inside, I want to make love to you,” he grabbed my hand and led me into the room. Triston hooked his fingers at the bottom of my tank and pulled it up over my head. He pulled down my shorts. I stood in front of him completely naked. His gaze traveled from my head, over my chest down between my legs and to my feet. “I want you so much Emily, you have no idea what you do to me, every fucking day!” His voice was low, but I could hear the lust dripping from it. There was something different about him tonight and I was unsure what it was. “I want to try something, but I want you to just tell me if you want me to stop.” I nodded. I trusted him with my life and I knew he wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. “Close your eyes,” I did as he said and I heard him move around the room. I felt the soft material cover my eyes. I felt him tie a knot at the back of my head. He leaned in close and gave me a few soft kisses on my shoulder. I felt him move down and I smiled in my darkness.
I felt his lips on my legs, soft, light and warm. He kissed his way up my legs and I felt his teeth graze the sensitive skin on my hips. I trembled at the attention his lips were giving me. His mouth traveled slowly up my body. Over my hardening nipples and to my neck. I felt his hot breath on my neck. “I love you…” he whispered softly and goosebumps rose on the back of my neck. I would never tire of hearing those words from him.
He took both my hands and led me to the bed. I laid back on the pillows and he continued his slow torture of my skin. He moved between my legs and his fingers stroked my entrance. My hips rising up to his palm. His middle finger slid into me, he hooked it and I shivered. He continued sliding his fingers into me making me wetter than I ever have been.
The heat was building inside me and I was aching for him. He was taking his time, slower and softer than he usually was. The fact that I couldn’t see what he was planning made me anxious. My other senses heightened to a point of ecstasy, I moaned his name.
He reached up and undid the blindfold. “I want you to see,” his comment confused me, but not for long. He got off the bed and unbuttoned his jeans. I watched as they fell down his hips, he was rock hard. “This is what you do to me every moment of every day,” he crawled back up over me, supporting his weight on his elbows. I felt him tease my entrance with his hardness and my hips lifted to meet his. His smile was beautiful. “I want you too…” his words trailed off as he slid into me. It was slow exquisite torture, inch by rock hard inch. He didn’t enter me fully, sliding back out leaving me panting and writhing beneath him. His hand gripped his erection and continued his teasing. Rubbing up and down my slick entrance. He was merciless. “Do you want me, Emily?” He whispered in my ear. His voice soft and calm.
I nodded. “Please Triston, please?” I begged shamelessly.
He pushed into me again, kissing my neck. I wrapped my legs around his waist wanting to pull him closer when he stopped. “Be patient, angel.” I let my legs back down as he slid into me, filling me completely now. His hips thrust back and forth gently, it was an exquisite torture. He leaned back up, “I told you, I want to make love to you.”
My body was on fire at his words and all I could do to keep from pulling him in was concentrating on his body. Watching his veins and muscles pulse as he continued his slow assault. He sat up, lifting my knees against his hips. My view improved as I watched his sculpted body move as he pushed inside me. Every movement caused his abs to tense. I could have come undone just watching that. He started moving faster and I lifted my hips to match his movements, our eyes locked. His face was one of pure ecstasy. “You feel so fucking amazing around me. I love being inside you angel.” Our movements hastened as I felt my climax build. I watched Triston’s body tense and I knew he was close. He lowered himself over me again and we moved together. I wrapped my legs around his waist pulling him in, deeper. Our lips were on fire as his tongue invaded my mouth. “Come for me Emily, I need you to submit to me,” at his order my body exploded. He thrust into me again and I felt his own release fill me.
—∆—
It was Thursday afternoon and we were on the plane heading back home when I pulled out my laptop and powered it up. I had 3 emails which needed replying to, one was from Bash.
From: Sebastian Hart
To: Emily Reid
Date: July 24, 2014 - 16:00
Subject: Invitation - Sponsors Dinner
Emily,
I need your help, because of everything that happened with Blake I needed to source a new sponsor. They want me at their event tomorrow night, July 25 and, of course, I want you to be there. I am not good with business and marketing and that’s what they want to talk about.
I will have the car pick you up or I can, I don’t mind. Please?
Bash xo
Sebastian Hart
CEO - Tribal Fuel
I looked up at Triston who was busy with his own emails, what was I meant to tell him? I took a deep breath. “Triston, I need to go to an event tomorrow night, with a client,” I added that last part so he didn’t freak out too much. He looked up and nodded, “Sure, which client?”
“Well that’s the thing, it’s um…” I mumbled and he looked up.
“Emily, spit it out.” His voice a direct order.
“It’s Tribal Fuel.” I stared at him, his face expression didn’t falter. His eyes were like glass as he looked at me. He gave a small nod.
“Right, well you best to please the client then.” He looked back down and carried on typing. I wasn’t sure what to do, I was expecting him to freak out, but this silence was definitely disconcerting. What did he even mean? He sounded indifferent, which was so unlike him.
“Really?” My voice came out higher than expected and I squeaked.
He sighed, “Emily if he wants you to go to an event I can’t stop it. I am not happy about it, but it’s work.”
Okay. I hit reply and told Bash I would love to go. I would prefer if he picked me up. I asked him what I should wear and hit send. I didn’t have to wait long for a reply.
From: Sebastian Hart
To: Emily Reid
Date: July 24, 2014 - 16:15
Subject: Invitation - Dress
I will get you something to wear, to be delivered to Triston’s apartment I presume?
Sebastian Hart
CEO - Tribal Fuel
I replied yes and closed my laptop. Sitting back, I thought about going to the event with Bash. I remembered the kiss from that horrible night and I felt nervous.
—∆—
It was a long first day back at work and Triston didn’t mention tonight’s event and neither did I. He had a meeting with James after lunch. After that, for the rest of the day it seemed like his mind was elsewhere. Charlie drove Triston and me home. I needed to get ready for this evening. Bash said he will be picking me up at 6 pm. I checked my phone, I had an hour to get ready. As we made our way to the elevators I noticed a new car in the parking lot. “I wonder if they’re our new neighbors?”
Triston grasped my hand. “I don’t want you alone tonight, at all! Okay?”
I frowned. Why was he being so overprotective? Blake was in custody until the trial. “Yea sure, I will be fine. Blake is behind bars,” I reminded him and he gave me a small nod.
“Emily can you just obey me for once!” His voice was harsh as he unlocked the door. His eyes blazed with anger. I wasn’t sure what was going on with him and I wasn’t in the mood for a fight. I really didn't like the way he was talking to me right now. I thought he might be tired, but it seemed there was something more, something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
“Look if you don’t want me to go tonight then tell me! Do not talk to me like a child!” I stormed into the bedroom and saw that Mrs Morrison —Triston’s housekeeper— put the dress bag on the bed. I unzipped it and pulled out the soft material. It was a beautiful black strapless satin dress; it would be too long for me I would need to wear heels. I checked the time, I was running late.
Triston came up behind me. “I just want you safe.” His voice softened.
“I am not a child, do not ever talk to me like one.” I faced him and I could see the hard line of his jaw, he was biting back something which infuriated me more. “What?” He shook his head and left the room. I didn’t have time for this, I went into the bathroom to get ready.
I walked into the living room thirty minutes later and heard the buzzer. Triston got up to open the door for Bash. He looked at meand smiled. “You look beautiful, angel.” I nodded, I was still fuming. Triston turned to open the door, Bash walked in and my breath caught. I had never seen him in a suit. He was dressed in an immaculate black suit with a crisp white dress shirt. A shimmering silver-blue tie finished off his look. His hair was messy, spikey and standing in every direction.
“Triston,” they shook hands and I could feel the tension between the brothers.
“Bash, hey, is this okay?” I stepped forward and gestured to the dress. His eyes met mine and I saw a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“Wow, yea Emily. My assistant knows how to pick a dress!” He smiled. “We better get going, traffic might be a nightmare.” He stepped onto the landing, “See ya Tris.”
Triston turned to me as I walked toward the door. He leaned down and gave me a chaste kiss on the lips. I felt him radiating tension, “Be careful, please?” His voice low and I wasn’t sure if he meant being with Bash or something else. I nodded.
“Okay, see you later.” I turned and felt the tension following me as I stepped out of the apartment. Bash and I entered the elevator and I pressed the ground floor button. “Is something wrong?” He asked as soon as the doors closed.
“No, we just, see things differently,” I gave him a small smile.
“You do look amazing by the way. I mean I didn’t want to say anything in front of Tris, but man he is lucky,” his eyes roamed over me and I shivered. The doors opened and I saw a red convertible BMW parked in the visitors’ bay of Triston’s apartment.
“Well, you’re the one who chose the dress. Well, your assistant, it’s beautiful you know that. Thank you, Bash, you really didn’t have to—”
“I did, it’s my way of apologizing for taking advantage the other night. I didn’t mean to,” he unlocked the car and opened my door. I slid into the sleek black leather seat. The car smelled of Bash’s spicy cologne and leather, a heady mix and I felt calmer. My nerves had been on end after my argument with Triston.
Bash slid into the driver seat. “Look, Bash, it’s okay, don’t apologize. I kissed you back, but we cannot tell Triston, please?” He nodded as he started the engine and pulled out of the parking spot. “Noted, my brother won’t find out.”
Bash sped out of the garage and into the quiet street behind the apartment block. “So what is this event we’re attending? I didn’t think you did fancy,” I turned to see him smile. Making his way to downtown Manhattan, I noticed there wasn’t any traffic. We were headed towards the Upper Eastside and I figured it was going to be one of those posh places.
“It’s an investor interested in helping me out. I need the backing right now as we’re taking off and he is really into marketing and events, hence why you’re here. I mean why else would I ask you?” His eyes flickered to me and I saw a naughty look on his face. His smirk was as devilish as his brother’s and I knew I needed to keep my head screwed on straight tonight.
“So, this is purely professional, right?” I stared at him.
“Of course darling, why? Did you think I was trying to steal you from Tris?” His voice was soft and deep, almost a whisper. I shrugged. “Well, I wouldn’t. I will not kiss you or touch you unless you ask me to and when you do I will make you forget everything. Even if just for a moment.” His words sent an involuntary shiver down my body.
“Bash—”
“Okay, okay! I shouldn’t have said it quite like that, but I am not going to apologize. Emily, I think about that night we spent together every single day.” Bash slowed down, pulling into the underground garage of a fancy looking apartment building.
“If you keep on about that I am going to get a cab and leave,” I looked at his rugged features. He was so different to his brother, but they had the same devilish appeal. He parked and turned off the engine. “I apologize, darling, no more sexy talk, okay?” I giggled at his facial expression and nodded. He got out and came around to open my door, slipping my hand into his waiting one we made our way to the entrance.
—∆—
“Mr Hart, welcome.” It was strange hearing someone say that and not refer to Triston. The usher escorted us to a large table when a tall friendly man walked over to Bash.
“Hart! Welcome, I guess this is the lovely Miss Reid?” He held out a hand to me. I smiled and shook his hand, “I am Mr Richards, we are going to have a lot to talk about!” He laughed. “I am going to welcome the other guests, get yourselves something to drink.” He left us and wandered over to more guests entering the venue.
“Come on darling. Wine?” I nodded, Bash called the waiter over and ordered a glass of wine for me and a beer for himself. He turned to me. “Thank you for being here, it means a lot to me.” His voice was serious and sincere.
“It’s a pleasure, it is a work function after all.” His smile disappeared and he nodded, pulling my chair out. I sat down and he took his place next to me. Most of the evening was spent talking about work, marketing plans, and event schedules. Then our host got up and made a speech, announcing his investment into Tribal Fuel. He mentioned working alongside Je Te Veux Events for marketing and eventing purposes. When he left the stage the music was turned up and it seemed like the party was starting. There were only about 50 guests, but everyone was immaculately dressed and elegant.
“Do you want to dance?” Bash looked at me expectantly. I nodded and he grabbed my hand, leading me onto the dance floor. The song changed and I recognized the beginning piano of the Ellie Goulding song I Know You Care.
I know you care
I know it is always been there
But there's trouble ahead, I can feel it
You are just saving yourself when you hide it
Yeah, I know you care
I see it in the way you stare
As if there was trouble ahead and you knew it
I'll be saving myself from the ruin
And I know you care
The lyrics tugged at my heart and I knew my feelings for Bash were still very much alive. My arms instinctively laced around his neck. I felt his left-hand slide down the side of my body lightly resting on my hip. “Just let me know when you’re ready to go. I don’t want to keep you out too late. In case you get into trouble with Tris.” We swayed to the song.
“Why would I get into trouble? He isn’t my father and I don’t have a curfew.” My voice came out harsher than I intended and Bash gave me a strange look. I looked up into those warm hazel eyes and a smirk crossed his lips.
“Trouble in paradise?” He enquired softly as he led me across the dance floor, his grip tightened on my hip and I felt my body respond.
“No, it’s just… It’s nothing, can we not talk about it?” As the song ended I dropped my hands from Bash’s neck and stepped back, turning and walking back to our table. I felt his presence behind me, his fingers guiding me from the base of my spine. I took a deep breath trying to calm my nerves. Why was he having such an effect on me? I sat down and took a gulp of wine and felt the liquid calming me.
“I am sorry I didn’t mean to upset you.” His voice trailed off and I realized he must think I am angry at him for asking about Triston and me.
“You didn’t, I just don’t want to discuss your brother with you. This is an event for you, so let’s have fun?” He smiled and his face lit up, those molten hazel eyes melted into me and I turned away quickly. My phone rang in my bag. I pulled it out and answered the call, “Triston?”
“Are you okay? I haven’t heard from you?” His voice was low and I could hear the anger radiating from it. “You should let me know when you’re getting home.” I felt my blood boil at him. We were at odds tonight and I didn’t know why.
“Later, the dinner has just finished. I can’t very well get up and walk out. I told you I might be late; I wish you would stop worrying!”
“Miss Reid, do not dare take that tone with me! Do you hear me? I will put you across my knee and spank your ass into submission!” His voice dripping with anger and lust. I squirmed in my chair hearing his threat. I felt eyes on me and I knew Bash was watching my reaction. I needed to end this call before I lost it.
“Triston, I will see you later, okay?” I pushed the red button hanging up on him before he had a chance to say anything more. I knew I was in for a long night, shouting at him was my first mistake. Hanging up on him was my second, but I couldn’t have him embarrassing me in front of his brother.
“Everything ok? I can take you back if you need to go?” I shook my head. Picked up my glass of wine and gulped it down. This time, I was the one radiating anger.
“Can we go somewhere? Just like get out of here?” My eyes met Bash’s and he nodded, getting up and grabbing my hand.
“Sure, we can go to my place? Unless you wanted to go clubbing or something?”
I shook my head, “No clubbing, your place sounds good.”
We walked down to the car a few minutes later and Bash opened the door for me. I slid into the car and pulled my phone out of my bag. No messages or calls from Triston. He was probably seething with anger and frankly, I didn’t care. He was infuriating and I wanted to let him simmer. I would go home later. I didn’t feel like walking into the apartment. Feeling like a teenager getting ready to be grounded for going out.
“You sure about this?” Bash asked and I knew it was completely opposite to what I should be doing. I smiled and nodded. Against my better judgment.