“No fucking way! There is no way I am going to let you go to that restaurant and have dinner with my brother! Do you understand me? I do not care if he has invited Jessie as well!”
I stared at him pacing. I expected this exact reaction. I couldn’t refuse the invite; I didn’t tell him I had already accepted. It was a brand new client, one of Jessie’s first as the Sales and Accounts Manager. It would not look good on the company, of course, Triston knew this. “Look Triston, I know you’re angry. I know that you don’t trust him, but you have to trust me? You do trust me, don’t you?” I pleaded with him to see sense.
He stopped. Looking at me intently, he looked at me with concern. I didn’t see anger in his eyes. I saw fear. He was scared that his brother would try and talk me into giving him a second chance and he wouldn’t be there to stop it. He needed to trust me. He couldn’t keep me away from every male client we have.
“Angel, I trust you, it’s my brother I don’t trust. I just—”
“So then, just relax. You can have some time on your own to relax, read a book…” I trailed off at his amused expression.
“Do you really think I am going to be relaxed? Knowing you’re sitting at a romantic restaurant with my brother?” He leaned down and kissed me.
I pulled away, “And Jessie!” He ignored my protest and kissed me again. I wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling his beautiful body against mine. It’s been a long day and being at home with Triston was perfect.
The doorbell interrupted the kiss, “Must be dinner, I’ll get it.” Triston walked to the front door. I decided to get the plates ready. Opening the bottle of Merlot, that was on the counter and pouring two glasses. He walked back in, by the look on Triston’s face it was definitely not the take-out we had ordered.
He put the box on the counter, “It’s got a card, for you.” He stood back waiting for my reaction. “If this is from my brother!” Frowning I slid off the bow and untied the card. I pulled out the small note from the envelope. My heart raced seeing the words scribed on the inside.
*You will regret running from me. I will make sure of it*
“It’s not Bash,” I looked at Triston, I didn’t know what to say. Grabbing the card, he read it. “What the fuck?!” He looked back at me, “This is the end, I am going to fucking kill him!!” He stalked to the living room and grabbed his phone from the sofa. I knew who he was calling.
“James, I need you at my apartment, now! It’s urgent.” I watched Triston as I pulled the lid from the box. I gasped, there were a dozen dead red roses tied with a black ribbon. The room spun around me and I felt faint. Triston hung up and rushed to me grabbing me around the waist. “Triston, this is…” I didn’t know what to say. It felt like I had been punched, winded, completely and utterly destroyed.
He held me in his strong arms. Kissing the top of my head he mumbled into my hair, “I will never let anything happen to you, do you understand me?” I tried to nod, to acknowledge him, but he was holding me too tight. I didn’t complain, I felt safe in his arms.
—∆—
I sat in on the briefing that Triston gave James. I listened as the two men spoke, but I didn’t give any input, everything seemed far away. James was going to trace the flowers back to the florist and find out where Blake was. He obviously had a plan in mind and I knew that he was resourceful. My mind was working overtime. I was right about my earlier assumption; James was ex-army. I lifted my feet onto the sofa and wrapped my arms around my legs.
When James left, Triston refilled our wine and opened the balcony doors. He set the glasses on the table, “Angel?” I looked out and got up from the sofa. Stepping onto the balcony, the fresh air enveloped me. The view was spectacular from the penthouse. He handed me a glass, “I wanted to tell you that you have nothing to worry about. We will find him and I will personally put a stop to him.” Triston’s eyes held the promise and I knew he would keep it. He looked out over the city and I could tell his mind was busy. He never stopped thinking. I wonder if he ever felt exhausted from constantly thinking.
“I know Triston, I know. I trust you.” I sipped my wine. “Do you ever just stop?” I asked giving him a small smile. “Look at me?” He turned at my request and those steel-blue eyes burned a hole inside me. Straight to my heart, reaching into my soul, making me whole again, that’s what he always did. “Remember what you said to me in your office earlier? What I do to you?” He nodded, a frown on his face. “Well, you do the same to me. Except, I keep waiting for you to disappear. I mean…” My words trailed off. I wasn’t sure how to say what I wanted to say without saying too much. My heart was racing. “I just, you know…”
He turned, his body flush with mine. “No, I don’t know. Why would you think I would disappear?”
I took a gulp of wine, hoping for some liquid courage. I felt his eyes on me and I knew I needed to say something. “Everything I have ever had in my life that’s made me happy. Everything I ever cared about has disappeared. So, naturally…”
“Emily, I am not leaving you!” He put his glass down and his hand lifting my chin. My eyes met his, “You need to understand that I haven’t felt like this about somebody in a very long time. When I care about someone, they are everything to me! Okay?” I nodded and suddenly his lips were on mine. I didn’t have time to reply. I felt the electric spark that was so evident between us. It shot through my body, making me moan into his mouth. I felt his lips curve into a smile, and I knew it was one of his sexy devilish smiles.
He pulled away. His eyes dark with desire, igniting the fire inside me. “Now, can I take you to bed and fuck you into next week?” I couldn’t find the words to answer him, all I could do was nod. He scooped me up and carried me into his exquisite bedroom.
—∆—
“Angel…?” I opened my eyes. Triston was standing next to the bed in his briefs with a mug of coffee. A girl can definitely get used to this view every morning. I smiled up at him. “Can I request this treatment every morning?”
“Of course you can, but I don’t come cheap you know!” He set my coffee down. Leaning over me his lips brushed mine. Teasing, leaving me wanting more as he did every time.
“I am sure I can afford it,” I winked. Taking a sip of coffee, his eyes on my mouth. Grabbing the waistband of his briefs,I pulled him towards me. “Does the coffee delivery come with breakfast, Mr Hart?” I asked, giving him my most innocent face. Placing the mug on the nightstand, I kneeled on the bed in front of him and his smile appeared.
“Miss Reid I can definitely give you breakfast.” I licked my lips as I slowly slid his tight briefs over the growing bulge. I leaned forward taking him in my mouth. I loved the taste of him. “Oh god Emily,” his head fell back and he moaned. He grabbed my hair holding me in place as I sucked him into my mouth. He hardened as I flicked my tongue over him. “Emily!” His body was rigid. I took him as deep as I could, feeling his length at the back of my throat.
“Fuck,” his voice was so deep and scratchy. I enjoyed the power I had over him. Moving my mouth up and down his hard length tasting every inch of him. His abs and hips flexed as I watched him tremble. My hands held onto his hips. The beautifully sculpted v line taut as he tensed. I ran my hands over the lines of his body. “Jesus Emily I am,” I sucked harder, taking him even deeper in my throat. I knew he was close. I felt the spasm of his release filling my mouth as his groan vibrated through his chest. “Shit!!”
His moan was husky as he filled my mouth. I moved off him slowly. Licking my way to the tip, flicking my tongue causing a shiver over his body. I sat back completely satisfied that I had just made him feel the way he normally does to me.
He opened his eyes, “Emily, I,” shaking his head he gave me a warm smile. “You are something else Miss Reid,” he grabbed my face in his hands kissing me. He stood up again pulling his briefs back up.
“I do enjoy breakfast at this establishment, very satisfying.” I said, giggling at his expression. I laid back and watched amusement dance across his face.
“Emily, I have never had a better breakfast in my life!” He said seriously.
—∆—
I slipped on my knee-length black dress. I was going to the dinner after work and I figured something more professional would be best. “You look too sexy; you can’t wear that to dinner.” Triston walked back into the bedroom. I turned and looked at him incredulously, “Seriously? I am dressed like a nun!” I turned around and looked at my reflection. Yes, I was dressed like a nun. “Help me with my zipper!” I asked, my back towards him.
“A sexy nun!” He said stood behind me. Pulling the zipper up my back. I started giggling at him, his face was that of a petulant little boy.
“Babe, you need to relax, you’re the only one who finds nuns sexy.” I looked at him, trying to stifle the laugh that was threatening to escape. “Miss Reid, must I remind you that I can bend you over right now and spank you for your rudeness?” Giving him a quick kiss, trying to hide the tremble thatshook my body at his threat. I grabbed my phone and bag. “Later sexy, let’s get to work. Just because you're the boss doesn’t mean you can be late.” I walked out of the bedroom before he could change his mind and we would end up spending the day in bed. As much I would enjoy that, there was a lot of work to get through.
The elevator descended to the garage and the doors slid open. Triston walked towards the black SUV and unlocked it. “I need to take the SUV today angel.” We had been driving the silver V8 Vantage for the past few days, one of my favorite cars. I slid into the passenger seat of the large black BMW. Triston closed the door and made his way to the driver side.
The engine purred to life and we headed into the rush hour traffic. “So why do you need the SUV today?” I asked as I turned the music on. Scrolling through the playlists, I found one I liked and settled back in the seat. I loved watching him drive. The way he commanded the steering wheel, the way his hand flexed on the gear stick.
“I am meeting James today and we need the space.”
“Do I want to ask why?” He shook his head and turned to me, winking.
“You don’t need to know anything about it.” I nodded. I didn’t want to know what they were up to.
—∆—
I spent the morning setting up meetings with various clients, venues, and suppliers. At midday my phone rang. I looked up, but Triston was busy on a call. I wondered who it could be.
“Good afternoon Je Te Veux Events. Emily Reid speaking, how may I help you?” I toyed with the pen in my mouth.
“Emily, hello. It’s Bash, I am so happy you’re coming this evening. I wanted to find out if you would like the car to pick you up from the office or your apartment?” I didn't want to mention that I was staying with his brother. He sounded different, I wasn't sure what it was. Maybe he was looking forward to the dinner.
“Sebastian, the office would be great thank you. My boyfriend is in meetings so he will have the car.” My use of the word boyfriend would show him that I was serious about my relationship with Triston. Or so I hoped.
“Perfect, I look forward to seeing you again.” He answered without hesitation. I suppose he was expecting it. I did tell him that Triston and I were together.
He hung up before I could reply. “Emily!” Triston called from his office.
I got up, grabbing a notepad and pen. Walking up to his office I stopped at the door. “Please close the door?” I stepped inside, turning I shut the door. “I do like the use of the word boyfriend,” he looked at me amused.
“You were listening?” I gasped at him, “You are seriously driving me insane! Do you have to spy on everything I do? And I can handle your brother.” He shook his head slowly.
“I wasn’t spying, I heard you from here. My office door was open Emily. I also hope that you will not be handling my brother in any way.” He gave me a serious look. “I need you to set up our flight schedule for next month. We have a couple of weeks, but I would like everything confirmed as soon as possible.”
I nodded, “Sure, we will be flying to Europe first. We will then come back for the last few events.” He nodded and made a few notes. I slid into my usual seat opposite his desk. “Bash wants me here for his first event.” I trailed off when Triston’s head shot up at the mention of his brother’s name. “Look I am running the event. I need to be there; I don’t have a choice Triston.”
He put the silver Parker pen down and stared at me. “Fine. Then I will be there too.” I knew that was not up for discussion. I could only imagine how this was going to go down. Triston and Bash in the same room for more than five minutes. We may need a referee because I was not going to be one.
“Okay, but you need to let me do my job when you’re there. No hovering!” I smiled, sitting back in the chair. He picked up his pen and made a few more notes. He got up and walked around his desk, handing the page to me. I saw he had written down the dates we were flying and the times he preferred. “Those I want to be booked this afternoon before you go off gallivanting with my brother.” He narrowed his eyes watching me and I smiled, “Yes Mr Hart, anything to please you.” I stood and he smirked, “Oh really? I want you to keep that in mind for when you get home after dinner I have a way you can please me.”
I stood and walked to the door. Opening it, I turned around and looked into those beautiful steel-blue eyes and smiled. “Mr Hart, you are such a tease, I was just thinking about this morning’s breakfast,” I licked my lips. “It was delectable.” I winked and walked out of his office, closing the door. I left him to simmer in the heat of our exchange.
—∆—
Amelia at reception called at 6 pm to tell me Bash’s driver was waiting. I packed up and grabbed my bag. I walked into Triston’s office, “Bye babe, I am off. I will be home at about nine.” He smiled and nodded, standing up to give me a kiss. “I am meeting James now. I will pick you up from the restaurant, do not leave without me.” His eyes filled with concern. I knew he was still worried about Blake trying to hurt me.
“I won’t, I promise.” He didn’t have to worry; I would be in a crowded place. At least I knew I would be safe with Bash.
I met the driver at reception, he walked me down to the car. It seemed both brothers had amazing taste in cars. The charcoal Mercedes SUV with blacked out windows was parked outside the offices. Traffic had died down slightly as we made our way to the restaurant. My phone beeped, it was a text from Triston.
*I do hope you enjoy dinner, missing you already. T xo*
I smiled and hit reply.
*Thank you handsome, I will see you soon. Miss you too xo*
The driver pulled up outside the restaurant, he got out and came around to open my door. “Thank you.” I smiled and he nodded. I walked into the restaurant, it was beautiful inside. An intimate low key venue with amazing art on the walls. “I am meeting Sebastian Hart,” I smiled at the young man who was welcoming guests, he smiled and nodded. “Follow me.”
The table was in a private area at the back of the restaurant. With soft lighting making everything feel almost ethereal. Bash was dressed in black slacks and a white shirt. His hair was spikey pointing in all directions, he had a just got out of bed look. It definitely suited him. “Emily!” He stood when he saw me. Leaning down he gave me a peck on the cheek. I felt the goosebumps rise on my skin. I didn’t like that he still had an effect on me.
“Sebastian, how are you?” I smiled, sitting opposite him at the booth in the plush chair. “It’s beautiful in here, I didn’t realize how big it is. Looks a lot smaller from outside.” I suddenly felt nervous. I wondered where Jessie was, maybe she was running late.
“I love it here, it’s my favorite restaurant. Would you like a glass of wine?” He smiled, holding up the bottle of white wine. I nodded, “Yes please, that would be lovely.”
Our waiter appeared, “Good evening folks, I will be your waiter this evening, my name is Duncan.” He smiled at Bash and me.
“Thanks, Duncan, we need a few more minutes. You can bring the starter I arranged in the meantime.” Duncan nodded and disappeared into the throng of people who were arriving. “I wonder where Jessie is?” I said softly, I felt those molten hazel eyes on me, “Oh you didn’t know? She couldn’t make it this evening. I thought she would have told you.” Bash smiled, filling my glass. My heart raced at the thought of being here alone with him all night. Triston was going to freak out, at least we were in a busy restaurant.
“No, she didn’t mention it. I haven’t actually seen her today, it’s been busy.” I said taking a sip of wine. His eyes never leaving me, I felt myself flush. I knew this was going to be a long dinner. Duncan returned with our starters. An amazing seafood platter, with various dips, olives, and French bread. “Wow Bash, this looks amazing!”
He smiled, “I had to thank you somehow for taking on my events. I did invite Jessie; she couldn’t make it. I hope you believe me?”
“Yes, of course, I believe you. Why wouldn’t I?” I stared at him, his face changed between anxiousness to happiness.
“I just figured you and Triston would think I was trying to come between you. My brother and I don't have the easiest relationship. I am not sure if he told you?” I nodded. “Well, since we’re here, alone. I would like to tell you my side of the story. Then you can decide for yourself.” He looked at me expectantly.
“Okay Bash, what’s your side of the story?” I sat back and picked up my wine. He looked determined, I knew he wasn’t here to make a play for me. He was here to try to win me back, no matter what. I took a large gulp of wine hoping to steady my nerves.
“When we were growing up my brother was always the outgoing one when he wanted something he would go for it. He ended up with the wrong crowd in university. He didn’t want to listen to our advice. I was dating a girl not long after Triston moved out. We were together for about 6 months when Triston came back, asking for a place to stay. He was in a bad way and I said okay.” He took a sip of his beer, fidgeting with the glass as he set it down again.
“I tried helping him until the day I came back from a job interview and found him fucking her, my girlfriend.” His eyes met mine and I could see the pain that was so evident. This sounded like what he did to Triston, so that was an act of revenge. “I loved her Emily, I was going to propose to her that night. Triston and I had a fight, an ugly one and I walked out.”
He took a deep breath and sat back. Why didn’t Triston tell me? Why did he hide this bit of the story? I always knew there was more, but this is a lot more. “I came back the next day to find Triston on the floor, he had overdosed and I tried saving him, I took him to the hospital. That didn’t go down very well…”
I nodded, “He told me this part about your dad.” Bash nodded, taking a gulp of beer. He called the waiter over, “Please bring me a Glenfiddich 12 yr. old, neat.” Duncan nodded and skittered off.
“I did get something from my father, my gambling problem. I did do things I am not proud of,” he trailed off, his voice barely audible. “I miss my brother, Emily,” when his eyes met mine I knew he was serious. “But he is determined not to have me in his life and that’s okay. I just want you to be happy.”
“What about Krista? What happened to her?” I saw the recognition on his face. “And why would you say that you got me first Bash? Do you remember the words you used that night we fucked?” I used the word crudely. I felt angry suddenly beneath the calm exterior and he could see it. “Did Triston walking in on you and Krista make you feel better? Was that the revenge you needed?” I finished the wine in my glass, hoping it would calm me down.
“Emily, I—” He shook his head.
“Don’t Bash, just leave it, let me call Triston and he can pick me up,” I pulled my phone out of my bag.
“No, wait! I will tell you about Krista. I will tell you anything you want to know, just don’t leave?”
I sat staring at Triston’s number for a while. I needed to hear this, whatever it was. Locking my phone, I looked at Bash. “Fine. Tell me, then I need to leave. I want all the sordid details about you and your revenge on Triston and I want it now.”
He nodded. “Okay,” he picked up the bread on the platter and broke a piece. Dipping it in one of the bowls, he held it up. “Try this first?” I looked at him skeptically. “Trust me, please?” I leaned forward and took a bite.
“What the fuck is this?” I choked on the bread in my mouth as I looked up into cold blue eyes. “Emily, we’re leaving! NOW!” Triston’s arctic gaze fell on his brother and I shivered.
I grabbed my phone and bag, looking over at Bash, “I have to go.” Triston grabbed my arm and half pulled me out of the restaurant.
“Triston, what the hell was that?” I slid into the backseat of the SUV, Triston was radiating anger. He closed his eyes as if concentrating on the words that were about to come out of his mouth. “Emily…”
I turned to him I needed to calm him down. “Babe, please it was just dinner, nothing happened. We didn’t even have dinner.” I reached out to him and I felt his hand shaking. “Triston, you need to calm down,” I spoke softly, hoping he would realize that I was okay and I was with him.
He turned to me suddenly, “I am not angry you were eating with him. I just found out why Blake is here!” He spat the name out like it left a sour taste in his mouth.
“Why? What happened?”
He pulled me closer, holding me in his arms, “Emily, my brother and Blake are partners in his company. Blake bought 45% shares in Tribal Fuel.”
I sat up, opening my mouth to say something and closing it again. I was speechless.
“He contacted Blake about 2 weeks ago, they met last week when we were in LA. Blake found out you were with me and flew out as well. James found an apartment where Blake has been staying. It’s not pretty.” He pulled me into him and held me for the rest of the way home.
Our driver pulled into the garage of Soho Grand. Charlie got out and came around to open my door. I stepped out and Triston held onto me like I was a piece of China. “I can stand Triston,” but as soon as he let me go I felt wobbly. My knees gave way and he scooped me up. “Charles, can you call James and finalize details for tomorrow?” I saw Charlie nod and Triston turned to make his way into the building.
When we got to the elevator Triston let me down. His arm wrapped around my waist, holding me against him. “He didn’t even say anything!” I finally found my voice, “I mean he must know who Blake is?” I turned to Triston, his face was hard with emotion.
“Emily, let’s just get into the apartment, please?” The doors opened, stepping out into the hallway. Triston unlocked the door and scooped me up, carrying me into the apartment. “I am putting you in bed.” He walked straight to the bedroom and sat me on the bed. “Did you want a glass of wine?” He looked at me, giving me a small smile. I nodded and laid back on the pillows.
I was so confused, why would Bash do this? It didn’t make sense, surely he knew that Blake was my ex? Unless Blake wasn’t being completely honest with him. I got up and grabbed my phone from my bag and unlocked the screen, I had a message from Bash.
*Not sure what happened, hope you’re okay. Please give me a chance to finish my story? B*
I hit reply.
*I am okay, I have questions for you and I want complete honesty! Talk tomorrow.*
Locking my phone,I set it next to me, I needed to see Bash and get the story from him. I hoped he would be honest with me. Triston walked back into the bedroom holding two wine glasses. “Angel, I don’t want you near my brother. I don’t know what he’s up to.”
“Look Triston, I want to talk to Bash. I need to hear it from him. I know you don’t approve, but this involves me.” I looked at him and I could tell he was not happy about it.
“No, Emily, let me and James sort this out. I don’t want you near him and that’s final!” Triston was angry again, but I needed to hear it for myself. I decided to talk to him about what Bash had said earlier, “Bash told me about the time you lived with him. He told me about his girlfriend that you slept with.” He nodded slowly, his eyes met mine.
“Emily I made mistakes, I told you this.” I nodded, I knew he did. I wasn’t judging him I just wanted to understand.
“He misses you Triston. He told me that himself, and I know he wasn’t lying.” I reached out and held onto his hand. Triston closed his eyes. I knew he was fighting with a lot of emotion right now and my heart ached to make it all okay.
“No, Emily, he is playing on your emotions for him and I can see he got to you. If he missed me so much then he would talk to me.” His voice was filled with emotion and I knew he missed his brother. Why were they both so stubborn? They both frustrated me so much.
“Why don’t you take the first step?” I asked softly.
“Did he put you up to this?” He stood up and walked over to the window. “Emily if you want him in your life, then you don’t get me. I am sorry, but I can’t do this again.” I stared at him in shock. He was giving me an ultimatum? He knew I would choose him any day. Why would he even say that? Unless he thinks I would cheat on him.
“Do what Triston? Do you think I am your ex? You think I am going to go and fuck your brother?!” My anger at boiling point, I stood up and stared at his back. He spun around his eyes were on fire, “I didn’t say that Emily!” His hands clenched with anger.
“Then what Triston? I can’t talk to other males because you said so? Get over yourself!” I made my way to the bedroom door when Triston grabbed my shoulders. Spinning me around to face him, “Let me go Triston!” I warned in a low voice.
“No! I don’t want you leaving it’s not safe! Stay here!”
I shrugged out of his grasp, “Just let me go! You clearly don’t trust me and I can’t be with someone who doesn’t trust me!” I took a step back. Staring at him, willing him to stop me. He dropped his hands at his sides. “I figured, I have to go!” I spun around and walked out of the bedroom. Grabbing my jacket, I shrugged it on.
“Emily,” Triston followed me to the living room. He looked so sad, but I couldn’t be with someone who couldn’t believe me or trust me. I turned and slipped on my ballet flats. “Emily, look at me for god’s sake!” I spun on my heel, I was so angry I felt tears spilling from my eyes.
“What Triston, you have made it very clear where we stand! I will go to my apartment; you can have your fucking space!” I walked towards him now, my anger giving me the confidence to be honest with him. “I never wanted anyone but you since that first day in my interview. Every fucking moment of being near you is like nothing I ever felt before!! You fix me, you make me feel whole. You make me feel loved! But that’s not what you do is it? NO! It’s not! Do you even know what that feels like!? To really fucking let someone in!?” I realized I was screaming at him. My face was wet and he looked blurry through the tears. He grabbed my shoulders and shook me as he screamed in response to me.
“YES, I FUCKING DO! BECAUSE I AM FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU!!” His voice boomed through the expanse of the open plan living room and kitchen, his whole body shaking. I stopped. My mouth agape. What? My heart thudded through my ribcage. He loved me?