The limo pulled up to my flat. I couldn’t bring myself to look at Maximo. He did this in defense of me, but it was cruel and uncalled for. He pulled my hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it. He then pulled my finger into his mouth, running his tongue over my finger. I looked over at him, shocked. He pulled a small box out of his pocket and slid a 17ct princess cut diamond ring with a white gold band. It was beautiful. He slid it on my left ring finger, “There, beautiful.” He said smiling. “Looks like we are engaged, mi amore.” And kissed my hand. I was speechless.
“Are you deciding for us?” I asked, admiring the ring, hiding my fear.
“Yes, I am. You are mine and I am yours. We will get married in a week.” He tightened his grip on my hand and pulled me out of the limo.
“A week?! How is that even possible? I have to plan, what about my parents?” I screamed, pulling my hand back.
“This is a business arrangement; it does not have to be perfect. Not to mention, we are people with means and whatever we want, we can buy, including a wedding. Your parents were aware of the deal when you were summoned to my father and me.” I snapped my head in his direction. He smirked.
“My parents knew?” I questioned. “Did James know?” His lips curled in disgust, and he glared at me.
“I don’t care what your lover knows, Fallon. You are not to be with him again. You are mine. If I ever find you two together, he will die.” He hissed. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. I looked away from him. For someone who claims this is a business arrangement he sure is possessive of me. I would hate to lie and say I am not afraid of him, but I am.
He walked onto the elevator and swiped the key card for the penthouse. I pushed myself as far back against the backwall of the elevator as I could. He stood towards the front of the elevator. He never turned around to look at me. The air was heavy, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. The doors finally opened, and he stepped out and walked out onto the patio. I walked back into the bedroom and put on my bathing suit. I was going to sit in the spa.
It was cool outside. Louisiana wasn’t usually cool this early in the fall. Maybe it was just me. I tore off my dress and pulled on my bathing suit. It wasn’t much, but I usually didn’t wear a bathing suit considering I was typically alone when I was here. I took the ring off Maximo had put on my finger and set it on my nightstand. I walked out of the bedroom and saw him standing by the kitchen island, he was staring at me with hungry eyes.
He leaned back against the island and watched me walk towards the patio. Before I could open the door, he grabbed my arm and pulled me around to face him. He dug his nose into my neck and laid a soft kiss on my soft skin. I got goosebumps from the tenderness. I took a deep breath in, closing my eyes. He always smelt so good. I pulled back and stated, “I’m getting in the hot tub, you are more than welcome to join me.” I gave him a soft smile and opened the door to the patio. I pulled the hot tub over off and got in. The water felt amazing on my skin. I looked up and saw Maximo standing against the railing. “Are you coming in?”
“Not tonight.” He did not turn around to look at me but walked inside closing the door and disappearing down the hallway. I guess we were not going to consummate our engagement tonight. I laid my head back and chose to relax and not think.
I wish I could have just relaxed, but everything was a disaster. I needed to show Ali the ropes at the club. The vendors and bartenders, customer base. There was so much to go over. I closed my eyes and my head throbbed. UGH! Why did Maximo have to come in and uproot every aspect of my life? I have never had anyone make me feel the way he makes me feel, and I think most of that is resent.
I turned on the jets letting the corner jet punch my back. Maybe it would loosen up my tight shoulders and ease my stress. I heard the patio door open and looked up. It was James. He looked haunted.
“Hey.” I stuttered.
“What the actual fuck happened back there, Fallon? He just murdered her for what? Trying to defend herself and her job?” He was upset. I have never seen him his unhinged over something before.
“I don’t know, James. I am so sorry. I know you and Nadia served together.” He was looking at me with tears in his eyes.
“We were family, Fallon, and he took her away from me!” He was at the edge of the hot tub now, taking off his suit. He stripped to his boxers and got in the tub. He came right for me pulling me into his chest. He kissed my neck, ravishing my bare skin with his hungry hands. I pushed him back, remembering what Maximo had said.
“James, please, Maximo.” I whispered. I pulled me back into his chest.
“I don’t give a fuck about Maximo; I need you right now.” And he kissed me hard. He needed me and I knew it, but Maximo would kill him and me. I kissed him back before pushing him back and walking towards the stairs. He pulled my hips into his groin. He ran his hands over my breasts and slid my swim bottoms down. He ran his finger over my clit, making me throw my head back.
“Please, don’t.” I begged but he did not stop. It made him rub me faster. He was kissing my neck and breathing into my ear.
“I missed you.” He said in an exhale. Then he turned me around to face him. I heard the patio door open and turned around quickly to see Maximo standing there with his pistol pointed at us.