One Urge, One Plea, Keep Me Trilogy Page 11

  “I’ll let you rest, and we can talk tomorrow.” His lips press against my forehead.

  “Goodnight, Damon.”

  I’m still pissed at him. He trampled and claimed me. It’s over. You win. I won’t have the willpower to stay away.

  Chapter Five

  Alayna

  “Shut-up already,” I say aloud with a whine. I reach over to the nightstand and feel around until I find my phone. I roll to my back and hold it in front of my face.

  After 0pening and closing my eyes a few times, I try to focus. The vibrating of my phone has been driving me crazy for a good half hour now. I look and see that I have a long string of missed calls and text messages from Felicia. Ah shit. Last night really did happen.

  Felicia: I gave you all night, but I want answers, young lady!

  Felicia: I’m so humiliated. Thankfully, Harry is, too, so I doubt he’ll speak of it at the office. Call me.

  Felicia: Get your ass up and call me back!

  Felicia: Get up, take a shower, and tell the barbaric gladiator that I’m coming to get you at eleven. Period. You were supposed to be spending the weekend with me.

  Felicia: Oh, and tell the asshole he’s lucky I’m not charging him with burglary.

  Good god. It’s going to be a long couple of days.

  Me: I’m up! Get your panties out of a wad. You’re taking your anger out on the wrong person. I’ll be in the lobby at eleven, so call when you’re pulling up.

  I drop my arms back onto the bed. Why do I have a strong suspicion this outing is not going to go over well with Damon? Oh, yes, because he’s a wealthy, powerful, demanding, controlling and possessive man. And let’s not forget domineering, good-looking, seductive, and a rock-hard hunk of masculinity.

  I need a long, cold shower, but my body is telling me it needs a hot one. You’d think my workouts would’ve helped ease the aches and pains, but I don’t think it helped with last night’s sex.

  Looking into the vanity mirror, I gasp. Oh, shit. I turn my head to the side and lean in, so I can get a better view of my neck, but I really don’t need to. It’s screaming at me. Why do I have to be so damn pasty?

  This fair skin and red hair is going to get me into a heap of trouble with this man. Actually, it’s going to get me into a world of trouble with the other people in my life. They’ll demand to know what the hell happened to me.

  My neck is covered in bruises that are a mixture of blue and red. The skin is broken in a few places with flakes of white skin sticking up. For once, I’m thankful for my unruly hair. I feel the pull deep in my belly as I stare into the mirror. I’m getting excited. What the hell?

  It’s almost ten, so I need to get moving. I turn the water on, and like the last time I was here, I sniff my hair and arms, smelling Damon’s addictive scent before I climb into the shower. I don’t want to wash it off. Recalling every second of our hot sex, my fingers begin to roam while I suds my body, but there isn’t time.

  After getting out, I’m drying off when I catch a glimpse of my backside. I turn my back to the mirror and look over my shoulder. My ass cheeks are covered in bruises, too, from where his fingers dug into them. The ache returns between my legs, and I can’t help but slide two fingers south.

  They slip right in, but I immediately pull them out. You don’t have time. Not to mention, I probably won’t need to do the labor if I wait long enough. Damon will be persistent to mark his territory again.

  I at least packed an extra couple of outfits this trip, but I really have nothing to cover my neck. After pulling on my favorite pair of jeans, I add a small brown belt to the waist of my cream sweater that hits mid-ass. I then slip on my tall, brown boots and jewelry.

  Wow. I’m staring at myself in the mirror and see the transformation. My ass is a little firmer, legs a little leaner and waist a touch smaller. I need to get a workout in this weekend.

  Taking the deep breath I always need to inhale when I might see Damon, I open the bedroom door and head toward the kitchen. I come to a standstill when I see a woman at the sink. She has short, grey hair and is dressed in jeans.

  “Excuse me, hi,” I say.

  The woman spins around, sloshing water in the floor. She grabs a hand towel and smiles at me warmly.

  “Good morning, Ms. Wynn. I’m Margaret, Mr. Lear’s housekeeper.”

  I approach her and reach my hand out. She shakes it.

  “Please call me Alayna.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Alayna. Now, what can I fix you for breakfast?”

  “Oh, I’ll fix my own meals.”

  “I had strict instructions from Mr. Lear, so what can I make you?”

  I glance around. “Can I ask where he is this morning?”

  “He’s working out in his gym.”

  My eyebrows raise, and I point downward.

  “Here? He has one in the penthouse?”

  “Yes. It’s not huge, but he said it gets the job done.”

  I wonder what that job is, and one of these days, I’m going to find out.

  “So, what would you like to have?”

  “Um, some fruit and toast would be lovely. I’ve been watching my calories.”

  “Well, you need some protein, too, so how about I boil you an egg to go with it?” She goes to the fridge and pulls out the carton.

  She’s sweet and reminds me of my mom.

  “That’d be wonderful.”

  “I’ll boil several, so you’ll have them the next couple of days.”

  “Oh, I’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

  “Mr. Lear gave me the impression you’d be staying longer,” she says. Her back is to me as she gathers fruit from a bowl.

  “Why does that not surprise me?” I ask.

  Twisting to see me, she gives a knowing smile. I want to befriend Ms. Margaret. Something tells me she’s familiar with Damon’s personality. We make small talk until she has my breakfast ready. I feel uncomfortable as I sit and watch her prepare it.

  I find out she’s married to Albert, the main doorman, and they live in one of the apartments nearby that Damon provides. She seems overly fond of him, speaking as if he’s a relative.

  I don’t know the whole apartment arrangement, but I’m getting the vibe that Damon is generous to his employees. Margaret is social, and I’m surprised that Damon would be comfortable around her.

  She sips coffee as I eat. “Thank you for breakfast. I hate to run, but I have a friend picking me up shortly. Please tell Damon I’ll call him later.”

  She looks nervous that I’m leaving her with this task.

  “OK, dear. I’ll give him the message.”

  I rinse my plate against her wishes and hurry to my room to grab my purse. I slip out quietly and make my way to the lobby. Felicia phones before pulling up on the street, and I know it’s only a matter of time before I hear from someone else.

  I’m beginning to feel a little guilty, leaving Margaret to deal with Damon. Maybe I should message him, so she’s not on the receiving end of his outburst.

  “Hi, chick.”

  “Hi,” I say as I fish my phone back out of my bag. Felicia glances over.

  “You don’t need that. I can bitch at you in person now.”

  “Sorry, but I have to send a message real quick.”

  “To who?”

  I sigh loudly. “I need to text Damon.”

  “Didn’t you just leave his pompous ass?”

  “Not exactly. I sort of snuck out.”

  “Do you hear yourself? I’m truly concerned.”

  We’re soon sitting in traffic.

  “Just let me send this, and we can talk.”

  “Uh ha. I bet it’ll be that simple.”

  Me: I’m spending some time with Felicia. I’ll call you in a few hours.

  I throw my phone back into my purse.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Let’s get lunch,” Felicia replies.

  “I just had breakfast.”

  “Then let’s have coffe
e and do the next best thing ... shop.”

  Chapter Six

  Damon

  I run the towel down my face and neck after I step off the treadmill. I don’t usually work out this long, but I don’t normally have a hot redhead sleeping in my home. The sexual frustration is driving me crazy.

  Because of the lifestyle I’ve chosen, I’m used to going several days at a time without sex, but I wanted to fuck Alayna the second I walked out of her room last night. The urge never goes away with that woman.

  I walk out of my gym, and her scent punches me in the nose. I can hardly wait to see her, so I stroll into the kitchen and find Margaret.

  “Hi, has Alayna been out to meet you yet?” I ask.

  “Um, yes. I fixed her breakfast, but she stepped out for a while.”

  I’m wiping the sweat from my neck and freeze when I hear Margaret’s words. “What do you mean? She left the penthouse?” Panic seizes me. My heart is pounding, and I instantly feel nauseated.

  “Yes. She said a friend was picking her up and to tell you she’d call later.”

  I dart from the kitchen. Reaching her room, a relieving breath escapes me when I see her belongings are still here. I go to my bedroom and find my phone. There’s one message from Alayna stating she’s out with Felicia. What if she talks her into going back to her place?

  Me: Are you going to keep leaving without a goodbye?

  Alayna: I left a message with Margaret and sent a text. You weren’t available.

  Me: When are you returning home?

  Alayna: I just left. Am I going to get a punishment if I don’t check in enough?

  Me: Do not say shit like that when you’re not here for me to touch! You didn’t answer my question. When are you returning home?

  Alayna: I’ll return to YOUR home in a few hours, but I’m thinking of staying at Felicia’s tonight.

  Me: Then I’ll have to throw you over my shoulder again. You’re maddening!

  She doesn’t reply. I don’t understand why she’s always uncooperative.

  Alayna

  “Since when do you go light on your coffee?”

  “I’m watching my calories.”

  She raises a brow as we find a seat at Starbucks.

  “Hmm ... spill it.”

  “What?”

  “Seriously? You’re not going back to his place until you give me something.”

  “Fine. He doesn’t do relationships ... his words, but he claims he can’t stay away from me.”

  “So, is he reconsidering?”

  “I don’t know. We didn’t get a chance to talk.” I look away, knowing I’m so busted.

  “Ah ha. I’m guessing you were too busy getting busy.”

  I look back at her bright, green eyes and sigh.

  “We can’t seem to keep our hands off each other.”

  “Alayna, I don’t know what to think. On one hand, mostly due to the humiliation I suffered in front of a coworker, I’m furious with the man, but on the other, what he did was so–incredibly–hot.”

  I prop my elbow on the table and rest my chin in my palm. “I know, and it was sweet, too, in a caveman sort of way.”

  “All he needed was his club and less clothing. That’s a sight I can’t say I’d mind seeing.”

  “He probably owns a club,” I say.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing.” I look away again. Why can’t I keep my damn mouth shut?

  “Spill it.”

  “You’re as exhausting as he is. All I can say is he’s adventurous in the bedroom ... and elsewhere.”

  “Oh lord. Does he practice what he writes?”

  “Sort of.”

  Felicia sets her coffee down and reaches across the table to take my hand. “I’m worried about you. I think he could do damage to not only your heart but your psyche.”

  “I admit this might be unhealthy, but until I figure out where it’s headed, I’m going to enjoy the best sex of my life. Truly, I don’t believe there’s another man on this planet who could make me feel better.”

  “That good, huh?”

  I nod slowly as I stare off, fantasizing about sex in the hallway. The butterflies return, along with the ache between my thighs.

  “Alayna. Oh my word. You’re getting excited right here in the coffee shop.”

  My head snaps her way, and I blink several times.

  “Huh?” She’s staring at me as I cross my legs. “I need to buy some lingerie.”

  A sly grin spreads across her pretty face.

  “Sure. I’ll let this go for now, but don’t allow him to string you along like Michael did all those years. And you should probably keep that brother of yours away from him. As protective as Curtis is, I can’t imagine he’ll go for Damon’s barbaric behavior.”

  “I seriously do not see us meeting each other’s families.”

  Felicia and I do some shopping on Madison Ave. I can’t afford most of what I like, so we go to Saks Fifth Avenue, and I settle on two sexy bra and panty sets. One is navy blue lace with a touch of matching sequins woven through it.

  The other set is a silky cream color. They are definitely sensual, and I must say the bras make my boobs look great. I exit a dressing room and lift my hair to remove some of it that’s stuck in the back of my sweater I’ve just pulled over my head.

  “What in the hell happened to your neck?” Felicia asks snippily.

  Oh, no. I pull my long curls around my face.

  “It’s nothing.”

  Felicia grabs a hunk of my hair and moves it to where my neck is visible again. I jerk it away from her quickly, but she drags me by the bicep to a less populated area of Saks.

  “Did he do that to your neck?”

  “Yes, but it’s fine. I let him.”

  “Holy shit, Alayna, please don’t see him. You’re not experienced enough for someone like Damon. I’m afraid he’s going to crush you in every way.”

  “You’re being melodramatic. I’m a grown woman and capable of saying no.” Liar, liar, pants on fire. Actually, I don’t know if I could ever tell that man no, and I’m not sure I would ever want to.

  “Let me pay, and we can get out of here,” I say.

  Felicia eyes me suspiciously.

  “I knew that man had secrets. I guarantee Seth knows about this, and it’s why he’s always vague with me. I’m getting the dirt on Damon.”

  “Let this go, Felicia. I mean it.”

  I’m conflicted on learning about his past. Part of me longs to know everything, but another part worries it could send me running.

  Damon

  I’ve eaten, showered and worked some, aiming to stay distracted. It’s late afternoon, and I’m still waiting on Alayna. My phone finally buzzes.

  Alayna: I forgot I can’t get up to your floor. I’m in the lobby.

  Me: I’ll come down.

  My building is set up similar to a hotel with doormen and a large oval reception desk that Doris manages during the day. She’s an older lady, and there are other employees behind the counter in the evening hours. I tell Alayna to wait a minute while I approach Doris.

  “If that woman there ...” I gesture toward Alayna, “Ms. Wynn, ever needs up to my floor, please swipe the card for her in the elevator. You don’t need to call me first.”

  “Yes, Mr. Lear. Absolutely.” She smiles at Alayna who’s staring at us. I imagine Doris is in shock since besides my mother, sister and Margaret, Jacqueline is the only other woman who has ever been up to my place.

  After taking the shopping bags from Alayna’s hands, I press the elevator button.

  “Did you have a nice visit with Felicia?”

  “Yes.” Alayna doesn’t look me in the eyes and seems stressed as she bites on her fingernail. I guess she’s eager for a punishment. My eyes scan her body as she stands across from me in the elevator.

  Something is different. I thought it was the dress she wore last night, but I was mistaken. We step inside the penthouse, and she sw
ipes the bags from my hand.

  “Would you like some wine?” I ask.

  “I don’t think so.”

  “How about coffee then?”

  “I already had a coffee.”

  I take hold of her arm as she goes to walk away.

  “Talk to me. You seem upset.”

  She exhales loudly. “I’ll take another cup of coffee. Let me put my things away.”

  I find Alayna sitting at one end of the sofa after I put the coffee on. Taking the other end, I sit so I can face her.

  “Margaret is kind and bubbly. Is she still here?” she asks. Her eyes are finally gazing into mine, but she’s still upset or irritated.

  “She went home.”

  “I didn’t expect you to have a woman around who talks that much. It surprised me.”

  I chuckle. “She reminds me of my mother, who is a kind woman, as well. I guess that’s why I don’t mind her.”

  She smiles at me, and I’m instantly calmer.

  “Let me get the coffee, and we can talk.”

  Chapter Seven

  Alayna

  Felicia put me in a bad mood. It’s only because I don’t want her prediction to be true. Will Damon crush me in every way? After a few minutes, he returns to the living room with our coffee. He hands me the cup and sits farther down the sofa.

  “Did Felicia upset you?”

  I take a sip from the hot mug. “Naturally, she’s angry about last night and concerned for me. She can get a little pushy at times, and it tends to rub me wrong.”

  “Will she forgive me if I convince you to move here?”

  “I’m not moving here, but she’ll forgive you regardless.”

  Damon purses his lips before taking a sip from his mug.

  “I have an arrangement in mind.”

  I can’t help but let out a clipped laugh.

  “Why is that funny, Alayna?” He’s giving me that look and tone that says, “I don’t like when you question or challenge me.”

  “I should’ve known. Control could be your middle name.”

  “I sense some changes already. I knew after staying with me, you would become this sensual being. I can see the increased confidence, and the way you’re dressing says so much.”