Alex

 

As the mechanical drapes started to open, the brutal sun washed over me like a cold bucket of water.

“Do I have to drag your sorry ass out of bed?”

I squinted at the offensive human causing my head to pound. My dire thirst would have to come first, however, so I reached for the water on the side of the bed.

“Where are we?”

At my first question, I laughed to myself. Hey, I might have still been a little drunk!

“The Ritz,” Janelle whispered, drawing the word out long and slow.

The Ritz…The Ritch… Nope, nothing was coming to me.

“Why are you so spunky this early? It’s disgusting.”

I heard her laugh as the sound echoed in my brain.

“It’s about being seen, and impressing people—the right people.”

I let out a moan.

“Are you trying to kill me? I didn’t sign up for this.”

It was all a terrible sham, and this thing was trickier than I’d expected. Taking stock of the situation, I realized I had to continue this since I’d committed to helping her. I wouldn’t abandon her now, even if she was a lunatic.

“Hardly. Besides, I thought you were a party boy?”

I raised my head to look at her face.

“In college!” I yelled, cringing through the pain in my head.

Fuck, we needed to put some rules in place.

“So dramatic, Alex.”

“I’ve come to the conclusion that this plan was doomed from the start.”

“Admit it: you had fun.”

“Did I?”

“Get up. It’s Vegas next. I have the jet on standby. I’ve already dropped some feelers to the paparazzi, so you need to be camera ready again.”

“Okay, but seriously, we have to have some new guidelines if this is going to work.”

Turning off my inner moral compass might have been a bad call, after all. I decide right then and there that the drinking will stop—at least for me.

Later we boarded the exclusive private jet Life of the Rich and Famous. It was luxury on a whole different level. It definitely put our company plane to shame. I’d been chugging water all morning. I nodded to my partner in crime when I had to, but I mostly keep quiet the entire flight, dozing in and out my body as it reprimanded me for my deliberate abuse of it.

When we exited the plane, we literally went from the tarmac to the front entrance of the Bellagio. I rushed to the entrance, opening the door for Janelle as the camera flashes went wild. They were calling out both of our names now. Some of the idiots were even combining our names to Janelle-ex or Alex-elle.

Insanity.

Janelle leaned in close at one point and whispered triumphantly in my ear.

“It’s working!”

As we entered the hotel, we were greeted by the manager. He personally escorted us to our suite on the top floor. The bags soon followed. This was more than I had ever imagined. There was rich, and then there was Rolex rich.

But the luxurious treatment was going to get old real quick. I was already bored with the privileged lifestyle. I had proved that by giving up my firm and leaving for Africa.

And then there was Madison. I still had every intention of winning her over. She captivated my imagination, and wherever I went, she seemed to follow. I didn’t sleep at night, and I spent my days reliving our last kiss. To my surprise, there was no amount of alcohol that could make it all go away.

As Janelle and I headed for the tables, my arm hung casually draped over her shoulder. “We’re on.” I whispered in her ear, and she laughed, making it all seem very believable. Then she handed me a dozen or so five-hundred-dollar chips. I acted as if I did this often, but I knew my mask was slowly starting to slip. My eyebrows spoke volumes as they hit my hairline.

A few minutes later, Janelle placed her first bet and lost, and I promptly follow suit.

Then I was interrupted by a call from Theo.

This couldn’t be good.

“Hey, buddy,” I answered, excusing myself to head to a private part of the room.

“Where are you?”

His tone sounds all innocent.

“Vegas.”

I deliberately gave him a one-word answer, knowing it would get under his skin.

“And why are you plastered across the page of every tabloid with Janelle Rolex?”

He’s being judgmental. I can tell.

“I’m helping her.”

“How is that helping her, exactly?’

“It’s complicated.”

The dead silence on the other end causes me to think that’ he’s hung up.

“Are you still there?

“Yes. When will you be home? I need to talk to you.”

“I don’t know. A couple days?”

“Suit yourself.” He was definitely angry now. “Just call when you get back. The sooner the better.”

After he hung up, I thought he seriously needed to get a life and stay out of mine. Of course, the thought of his disappointment gnawed at me all the same.

I walked back to the table, and Janelle’s eyes were bright with excitement.

“I won!”

She was so filled with energy that I returned her smile. Regardless of what Theo may have wanted, I kept my promises. My legal and social commitment to Janelle still stood, but I knew Theo well enough to know he wouldn’t reach out to ask for my help if he didn’t truly need me.

I leaned seductively into Janelle, my arm resting across the back of her chair.

“We’re leaving tomorrow,” I whispered in her ear. “A new development needs my attention.”

She nodded and took advantage of our closeness, kissing me. I saw the flash of a camera and thought  that was enough to seal the deal for tonight.

 

***

 

The lush aircraft had all the perks as we made our way back to Reno. I broke the no-drinking rule as soon as I saw the black champagne bottle on the tray.

“To us,” Janelle toasted.

Our glasses clinked, and I took a sip.

“Hey, can I ask you something?”

Her subtle wink answered as a yes. As she twisted to meet my gaze, her head rested on the thick cushion of the captain’s recliner.

“Don’t you want to get out there and find someone, authentically? Something real, like love? Something that could last forever?”

As she mulled it over, the faraway look in her eyes was disturbing.

“I thought I had it.” She turned her body toward me, as if there was so much more to say. “I’m better off with casual encounters. What happened to me made me feel worthless, foolish—even gullible. I’m just not willing to gamble my heart away anymore.”

“I understand, but if you meet someone during our ‘epic plan,’ go for it.”

“Hey, just because I’m choosy doesn’t mean I’ve been looking for a one-nighter.”

“Are you trying to be difficult?” I asked, pushing the glass of champagne away.

“Yes. And I hear you. I’m not so damaged to give up on love entirely, but I’m giving my heart a time-out.”

For a brief moment, I fully understood what she was saying. Wasn’t that what I was doing, too? Tucking my heart into a safe place until I was ready to find happiness again?

“What about you, Mr. Storm? Who broke you?”

Her unsettling hazel eyes focused on me, as if she could see right to the very shattered part of me. The damage was still mending very slowly.

“Yes, I’m intimately familiar with what it feels like to have my heart broken.”

Madison choosing someone else as I waited in the wings for scraps was over. I had officially released her now. But telling my heart was an entirely different thing. And how do I exorcise her from my soul?

“Ah, two broken hearts, hiding in the darkness.”

I poured her a refill, and we’re quiet during our remaining time in the air.

 

***

 

As I drove to Theo and Eden’s house, I was filled with trepidation, knowing I was about to be grilled over the Janelle situation. It concerned me more than I cared to admit. Despite my best efforts, I still cared what Theo thought, and I knew that he wouldn’t understand or support what I was doing. I had to prepare myself for that.

The sense of comfort and safety I felt when I stepped over the threshold was just a front. I wasn’t prepared at all for what was about to happen.

“Sit, Alex.”

Theo led me toward the couch as both him and Eden curled up on the opposing sofa.

“So, Janelle? Care to explain?”

He was casually sipping his coffee, but the tense undercurrent was too strong to be denied.

“I would if I could, but attorney-client privilege dictates her privacy.”

A soft chuckle escaped Theo’s throat.

“Is that right?”

Our eyes met in a challenge of sorts. Disapproval hovered over him in a cloud of dark suspicion. He was right to question my actions, as well as my reluctance to elaborate with any details. I knew it only frustrated him more. I could see it as he cocked his head, attempting to read me, but I would put a stop to that.

“So, is this the reason you wanted to talk to me? Because we could have had this conversation on the phone, in Vegas, and I’d still be by the pool—tops optional, of course—enjoying a fruity cocktail.”

Theo managed a deadpan expression, unlike Eden, who totally wore her heart on her sleeve. When I finally stopped staring at them, I realized invisible red flags were flying high, and my heart started hammering in my chest. Concern for their welfare rushed through me at full speed.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“We’re family,” Theo said simply, and Eden nodded in agreement.

My suspicious glare bounced from one set of eyes to the other.

“And as family, we stick together.”

I found myself nodding, too.

“I’ve always considered you my brother, or as close as any brother can be.”

Theo was pulling out all the stops, and the tiny hairs on my arm rose, warning me of impending danger.

“We realize this may be an uncomfortable situation, but we need your support on our side,” Eden said quietly.

It didn’t compute, but I didn’t want to let my guard down. Not yet, at least.

“Level with me, guys. What’s going on? Do you need my sperm or something?”

Eden giggled at this, but Theo was completely irritated.

“It’s Madison,” Theo said instead, causing a physical ache in my chest.

I inhaled, slowly preparing for the worse.

“She really needs our support right now. She only has her parents—and us,” Eden said as she circled the three of us with her finger.

“Support for what? In English, please.”

“Her engagement party in New York on Friday.”

I exploded off the couch. I had known that something was off, but having it confirmed only made things worse. It appeared as if my torture still wasn’t over.

“Have you lost your minds?”

I paced back and forth, running my fingers through my hair. To witness them together would be like a kick in the gut, a fork in the eye. The words not good enough crawled like a news ticker at the bottom of a screen.

“You both know how I feel about her, about the fact she chose another man over me.” I couldn’t breathe. “She broke my heart, haunts my dreams, and curses my days. I’ve lost the ability to block out every single thing about her.”

At my confession, they were instantly on either side of me, watching my meltdown with concerned expressions. Eden’s head was on my chest, and Theo’s heavy arm was on my shoulder.

“We thought you had moved on, since you’re dating Janelle.”

I realized that I couldn’t exactly explain that away.

“She’s just a friend, and we’re drowning in our own broken hearts. Misery loves company. So, you can understand my reluctance here. Pouring gasoline on fire is not an option for me.”

I watched as Theo sat and rested his forearms on his knees. Then he leaned into me, as if knowing his next words would change things.

“What if there was a chance, Alex—small, I admit—but what if everything didn’t appear exactly as it looks?” He glances at Eden, then back at me. “What if it wasn’t too late?”

The magnetic pull of his words had an alluring quality to it. Stealing the bride would make me feel invincible. My heart soared at the thought, and a jolt of arousal went through me at the thought.

“Then I guess things are about to get very interesting.”

 

***

 

“Hey, slick,” Ben answered. “Globe-trotting like old times, I see?”

I could hear the smugness in his voice.

“And loving every minute of it.”

We both joked at my expense, but I laughed it off.

“Hey, I need a favor.”

“Shoot.”

I could hear him typing in the background, multitasking as we spoke.

“Can I borrow the company jet?”

He laughed even harder.

“Just for the weekend.”

“Okay, but don’t forget to fill up the tank.”

Both of us were recalling times when we were young reckless teenagers, asking Dad for the car keys. Leaving the car on empty was forbidden.

“I’ll make the call, no worries,” Ben said.

I purposely didn’t share where we were going, or why. And Ben didn’t pry, either.

I also contacted Janelle and gave her the watered-down version. She was kind enough to offer her own plane, but I declined and told her we’d resume our pretend affair when I returned.

 

***

 

As my eyes adjusted to the dim light inside the Falcon 2000S, I realized that I was the first to arrive. The captain immediately left the cockpit to greet me, and gave me much more information than I cared to know.

“We are waiting on two more passengers, but they should be here soon.”

He nodded with a tap to his hat and returned to his duties.

To kill time, I poured myself a drink and relaxed in one of the leather recliners.

Oh, the drinking was back on.

Then I heard my phone as a text came through.

“Five minutes out, sorry.”

It was from Eden.

The pit in my stomach tightened, knowing that with each passing moment, I was one step closer to Madison. I would be asking her to make some tough choices, but I knew the risk I was taking. My intensions were far from honorable.

Day by day, I had attempted to pinpoint what it was that had made her so special to me. Why her? Her beauty was certainly obvious, but as I racked my brain, the only conclusion I came up with was how she made me feel. She calmed the demons that whispered deep within my soul. I couldn’t begin to articulate these thoughts or feelings, but

“Must be nice,” Eden said as she stepped into the luxurious interior of the plane.

Her arrival pulled me from my deep thoughts.

“I can’t tell you the last time we were on this plane together,” Theo said as he ducked, avoiding the small initial head space. Then he stepped into the high-ceiling area, with all the luxury bells and whistles and state-of-the-art equipment.

“You should see Janelle’s. It puts this one to shame,” I answered as they put their luggage in the back compartment. “Get settled, and then I’ll tell the captain we’re ready.”

We were mostly quiet during the flight, but all but my internal dialog rambled away inside of me, focusing on my many insecurities. I pictured what would happen when I saw her again. Could my fragile heart, suddenly dark and heavy, survive another rejection? That, combined with the openly displayed PDA going on behind me, was causing my nerves to quiver.

“You do know I can hear you, right?”

“Could be worse, Alex. We knocked the mile-high club off our list a while back,” Theo answered.

Eden’s giggle pulled at my heartstrings.

“Thank God for small favors.”

I turned to look over my shoulder, my somber mood hovering around me.

“Does she know I’m coming?”

I searched both Eden and Theo’s eyes for the answer.

“Not exactly. I only answered the invitation as plus-two,” Theo explained. “I thought that approach would give you an advantage.”

“One can only hope.”

I tried to think about it rationally. Was I a fool to think she’d jump at the chance to be with me? She hadn’t before. Doubts slowly flooded my mind, but I tried to bury them and battle them, pushing the uncertainties away.

But they lingered.

So, against my better judgment, I was now chasing the woman I loved. I already knew what it felt like to live without her. If I was to stand a chance, I knew I would have to say the words, I love you Madison. Choose me.

It would go down in one of two ways. I just didn’t know if I could survive the red-hot poker through my heart again.

 

***

 

We arrive at The Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue.

“Swanky,” Eden said as we were ushered in.

I gazed at the prestigious, world-class hotel and it only solidified the fact that  Graham had more money than he knew what to do with. He obviously liked to flash it around to prove a point. I was not intimidated by it because I wasn’t one to wear my wealth on my sleeve.

“Looks like we’re in the Grand Ball Room.”

I glanced at the name cards. They had Theo’s name on them, plus two, and I saw Madison’s parents also shared the same table.

As I stood nestled in the recessed arched alcove, the floor-to-ceiling window stood behind me. I couldn’t help admiring the architecturally stunning room. The majestic space glowed with crystal chandeliers illuminating the candlelit tables. White flowers dripped off each pedestal, the ambiance causing a dreamlike experience. It was incredibly decadent, but even I had to admit that the effect was stunning.

I couldn’t seem to turn away from the entrance and the stream of people entering—the rich and famous, the many elite couples of New York.

Then the server with his tray of drink assortments walked by.

“Excuse me.”

He stopped and headed my way.

“What’s in the snifter?” I pointed to the amber liquid.

“Macallan Sherry Cask Highland, sir.”

I took the glass, held one finger up, asking him to wait, and knocked back the shot. Then I set the empty glass back on his tray.

I barely saw the people who surrounded me, and a sea of tuxes and gowns in every color passed by me without notice. They formed small cliques between themselves, and it suddenly occurred to me that my father would fit right in. The thought left a bad taste in my mouth.

Then instant hushes were heard around the room and in walked Graham and Madison. Her arm was resting in the nook of his elbow. It seemed very rehearsed. There wasn’t a sign of passion between them.

When it came to Madison, her beauty was obviously lit from within. Most people would notice her stunning looks, but I also saw the magic that lay beneath. In her heart, she was essentially a selfless, caring person who lived life knowing each moment was precious.

Just the sight of her took my breath away. I also noticed a worried expression that flashed momentarily in her eyes, then disappeared as if it had never happened. An overwhelming need to comfort her took me by surprise. I squashed it down immediately.

Her fashion sense was always flawless. Tonight she wore a strapless cream-colored dress. The tight bodice was decorated with beading and a puffy chiffon skirt. Pink and crystal high-in-the-sky heels adorned her feet, while her signature, long blonde hair made her look like a goddess.

I felt as if I’d been asleep my entire life, and now I had awakened.

They made their way table to table, making small talk. Thanking guests for coming, saying their hellos. I saw Theo and Eden make their way to our table, but I couldn’t seem to pull away from the voyeur advantage I had here, safely tucked out of view from everyone.

When Madison’s parents arrived and found their girl, they hugged and kissed. Then Madison pulled away from her father in the most obvious way, causing me to think something bad had happened. Secrets were floating around the room like the endless trays of champagne.

Finally it was time to take my seat, and once I reached the table, I shook Colonel Perry’s hand and was introduced to Mrs. Perry.

“Please call me Michelle.”

Her beauty mirrored Madison’s, despite the nonbiological links.

Eden reached over and kissed my cheek.

“You look very dapper, Alex.”

Theo’s caveman tendencies made him tug back the woman who captured his heart. He draped a possessive arm over Eden’s shoulder.

“Thank you, Eden.”

My one brow raised as I gazed at Theo, but he just shrugged.

“Alex, I don’t think I’ve asked you this before, but what you do?”

I turned toward the colonel, shoving aside the thoughts that Madison was growing closer and closer by the second.

“I’m a corporate lawyer, but recently I’ve been dabbling in philanthropy. I spent several months in Africa helping where I was needed, and of course, I partner with my brother at Storm Enterprises.”

The look of approval and respect was evident on both of Madison’s parents faces. It was a far cry from the usual reactions in my past, where I’d always had to justify my choices with my father, bumping heads with him at every turn.

“And here comes our girl now.”

Michelle beamed with pride as Madison arrived. The entire table stood to greet her, and hugs and kisses were exchanged all around. I felt her eyes on me. She had a beaming smile on her face as our eyes met, and once again I was immediately under her spell. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t. The light in her eyes was pulling me in even closer.

“Alex.”

She tucked a wisp of hair behind her ears, but the gesture was far from innocent.

I pulled her into my body, under the pretense of a hello, but we both knew it much more than that.

“Later,” I whispered, my breath warm against her ear. The scent of her perfume nearly killed me, and I reluctantly released her as a blush appeared on her face.

I tried to distract myself as the next several hours dragged by. There was dinner, toasts, speeches, and desert. There was also dancing, and many guests rose to enjoy the music. I watched Madison excuse herself at one point, and my opportunity presented itself. I got to my feet as all my thoughts zeroed in on her. I had no idea what would unfold. I only knew that this had to be the moment.

When she stepped out of the ladies’ room, I reached for her hand. There was a moment of apprehension on her face, a pause, and then a slight smile appeared and took hold.

“Come,” I said, as I pulled her into a room down the hall. The words Terrace Room were engraved on the door. Once inside, its dim lighting and empty surroundings were perfect. I found a small nook and immediately pressed her against the fabric-lined wall.

“I’ve missed you.”

I had one arm bracing myself on the wall, the other trailing one finger down her soft cheek.

“You’ve already moved on,” she replied softly.

I shook my head adamantly.

“No, it’s not what it looks like. It’s only an act.” My fingers ran through her long hair, and the texture was like spun gold. I could practically feel her internal battle. “Trust me, Madison. It’s only you, and it’s only ever been you.”

“Alex, if I was free to love who I wanted, who my heart wanted, I would.” Her gaze dipped down to her feet, her hand resting delicately on my chest. “But it’s complicated.”

“Do you dream of me, too?” I lifted her chin with my one finger. “There’s no point denying it any longer. I love you, Madison.” The tears forming in her eyes tore at my heart. “If I could’ve let you go, don’t you think I would have?” My heart swelled, an all-consuming kind of love bursting to get out. “It’s impossible.”

I pressed against her and cradled her face in my palms.

“Love me, Madison. Whatever the reason you’re tied to him, we’ll fight it together.”

“Alex…”

“Shhh,” I whispered against her lips. The salty taste from her recent tears devastated me. I crushed my lips on hers, fiercely marking what was mine.

“Trust me,” I begged.

Though her wary eyes said something different, she didn’t resist.

Progress.

She ignited my need in a way no other woman ever had. Again, our lips connected, her mouth opening, allowing my tongue to tangle with her own. I felt a shiver of pleasure shudder through her body. Our frantic heartbeats galloped as one. She arched toward me as my need to touch her grew. My hand reached behind her to unzip the top of her dress, and I slowly lowered it as her breasts. My mouth found her sweet peaks already hard and pebbled against my tongue. I uttered gravelly words against her flesh.

Then I reached under the layers upon layers of her dress to find her silk panties, wet and wanting. I pushed them aside to find the bundle of nerves at the peak of her sex swollen with need. I circled her clit and captured her moan in my mouth, kissing her, losing myself in her. Pent-up energy fueled my body as I inserted one finger into her slick heat. Then I started to move at a frenzied pace to fulfill her every desire. Heat radiated off of her in waves.

God, how I wished I could savor the taste between her legs, but there was no time. The next sound was the growl of my zipper as I finally freed my aching cock. I wrapped her leg around me and shoved into her roughly, filled with aggressive need. My arms felt as if they were made of steel and lifted her effortlessly.

“Wrap your legs around me, baby. I need to be deeper.”

Each long stroke of my cock filled her body with mine. I had never wanted anything more. I fucked her hard, taking what was mine. Her mind, body, and soul. I took it all.

“Please, Alex.”

My thumb found her clit throbbing as I purposely changed angles, wanting to hear the sensual way her body responded. As I absorbed the feel of her tightness surrounding me, it suddenly wasn’t enough. This was a primal need that defied all reason.

Her fingers dug into my skin.

“Come, Madison. Take all of me. I’m yours.”

“Yes,” she whispers as another shudder rippled through her. Our orgasms chased each other through a swirl of ecstasy.

I buried my face in her neck.

“I love you,” I whispered.

“I love you too, Alex.”

And in that moment, we both knew that we wouldn’t find this with anyone else. She had chosen me. Her heart and her body had chosen me.

“This isn’t over, it’s only the beginning,” I said as she slid down my body.

The I handed her my handkerchief and received a mischievous smile in return.

“We’ll talk, Alex. I’ll explain everything, trust me.”

I brushed my lips over hers and rested my hand at the curve of her back, leading her back toward the arms of another man.

Her hair was a sexy mess, so she slipped back into the ladies’ room as I made my way back to the table.