Chapter 135: SIENNA’S POV

You’re leaving? You’re not staying longer?” I asked Blake, my voice slightly pleading.

I just saw you—you can’t surely leave?! I yelled in my head.

“I have to go to Rome for a few hours. I’ve been summoned by my uncle. I’ll be back when I can.” That sounds very important. I remembered him speaking affectionately about his uncle but his name escapes me.

“Oh, right. Um, have a safe flight then—wait do you want to go get some coffee before you leave? I haven’t had one yet—”

I was going to just say goodbye—but my heart won out. I wanted to catch up and see how he’s been. He looked so gorgeous. He still is the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on, though there’s a hint of darkness shrouding him now that wasn’t present before. He seems hardened cold and severely detached from me. Gone was the man who gave me those knee-buckling, god-like smiles and earth-shattering kisses.

“No. I’m busy. I have to go.” His rejection was the nail in the coffin. I should’ve expected this. In the back recesses of my mind, I did—but when it finally happens in my reality, a fresh set of pain racks through my body. I mentally prepared myself for this—but this ache—this rotten, putrid feeling that’s gripping me—is crushing and unbearable.

I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand when tears threatened to fall.

I can’t break down and think of myself. Chad needs me. It’s Chad that I should focus my energy on, not my irrevocably broken relationship with Blake.

I made sure my thoughts of Blake were shoved in the back of my mind and my tear ducts were dry before entering Chad’s room and bravely facing Luce and Toby.

“Hello! How’s Chad doing today?” I greeted the pretty couple.

Luce jumped out of her chair and hugged me tightly. “Blake was just here. Did you manage to see him on the way out?”

“Yeah—it was awkward, to say the least.” I gave Luce and Toby a sad smile.

“Don’t worry—you two will come around. You guys were close friends before. It’s just, you know—things are still new and still need getting used to,” she said, smiling encouragingly at me.

I gave her a peck on the cheek and murmured “thank you” before sitting next to Chad’s bed. He still looked a little lifeless, but his lips were gaining a little color. That’s a good sign, right? He’ll bounce back into full health. I just know it.

The three of us chatted around Chad’s bed. Luce and I took both sides next to Chad while Toby sat on the foot of the bed. He told me he’s giving up his flat because the job in Marbella might take up to a year to finish, and there’s no need to keep a place here when he doesn’t obviously need it. Some of his things will be moved to Lucy’s room, and other furniture brought to our apartment. I didn’t mind it—whatever is easier for him. We certainly have the room for it. So, I guess Blake and Toby are going to be housemates then. That certainly sucks… for me.

“How is Blake? I mean—I saw him earlier—he seemed angry still. Is he doing okay?” Heck, I was fishing for information, I knew that, but I somehow wanted to know if he’s okay after the break-up. I knew it’s been two months since it happened, but I was curious.

“Blake has a very demanding and punishing schedule. I don’t know how he does it—but he does, and he does it superbly. But at night—he’s been quiet. I don’t know how to put it. I mean—he’s been quiet—maybe overtly busy.” I tried to open my mouth to respond, but I couldn’t form the words. Overtly busy?

Lucy snorted. “Overtly busy, really, my love? That’s the understatement of the year. Try man whore.” Toby glared at her.

She held up her hand. “I know you’re besties with him—I love him too. We all know Blake used to go through women quite thoroughly, but at least then he tried to get to know them. This time, he doesn’t even nit-pick—he just shags them. As long as the woman is hot and good-looking, that is.” She shrugged as I stared wide-eyed at them.

Hello??? How come none of them informed me?

The thought of Blake with different women on a daily basis made me run to the bathroom and puke. Fuck, that was a lot of information to take in. What was I really expecting—him pining away for me? Maybe. I just didn’t expect him to move on like we—us—didn’t matter much. Why would he, Sienna? You never once told him that you loved him, and you turned down his proposal of marriage. The man has the right to move on and forget you.

I heard a soft knock on the door. “Sienna, can I help you at all?” Toby’s soft, sophisticated voice asked through the door.

“No, I just need a minute. I’ll be out soon,” I called back.

I washed my face and rinsed my mouth with water. I straightened up my loosened bun before coming out of the bathroom. They both looked sorry. Sigh, it’s not their fault I’m a mess. “Sorry, I was shocked, that’s all. I needed a moment.”

Toby gathered me in his arms and hugged me tight. “You broke the man’s heart, love. This is the only way he knows how to cure himself. You shouldn’t take it personally. But he did love you—I just wish he’d taken care of the Clayworths before taking things further with you. He was shattered too, babe.”

“I know,” I murmured sadly before returning to my chair next to Chad. “He hates me, doesn’t he?”

“He’ll come around. I know he will. I just don’t know how long that’ll take him.” I nodded at Toby, not wanting to talk about it anymore.

We changed the subject and spoke about Chad. Lucy animatedly rehashed stories about him that were funny and so very Chad. When Toby’s phone rang, he went to the far side corner of the room and spoke in a hushed tone. I laughed sadly with Lucy’s story, and we both started to tear up again when we looked at Chad’s face. I miss you, my dear beautiful friend, I whispered in his ear.

Toby was busy with his laptop all afternoon and taking calls every half hour or so. At five, they decided to leave and asked me if I wanted to join them for dinner with Blake. I graciously declined and used work as an excuse. After seeing him today and learning of his sexcapades, I honestly could only take him in small doses.

I waited for Kyle to pick me up so we could head out to work together. I love working with him. I love how diverse and exhilarating the music business is. Tonight, I had no clue where we’re heading. I haven’t paid much attention since Chad got admitted to the hospital. I had to go back to my flat and change before heading out to wherever we were working tonight.

When Kyle walked in thirty minutes after Toby and Lucy left, I asked if we could stop by my flat. On our way to my apartment in Covent Garden, my thoughts dwelled on Blake, tuning Kyle out.

Once in the apartment, I headed straight to the shower, leaving Kyle in my room. I showered and thoroughly scrubbed my body, shaved my legs, and put on a five-minute sugar face mask. Scrubbed clean and primed, I applied rose-scented cream all over my body and came out of the bathroom with my pale green silk robe on.

“Where are we going tonight? How much time do I have to get ready?” I shot questions at him while I rummaged through my closet. He was on my bed staring at the ceiling. He was wearing all black and looked quite rugged. That haircut really does suit him.

“We’re actually going to see TCC. They’re playing at the Electric Ballroom tonight… just thought we should support them, you know.” He was now on his side, propped up with his elbow, watching me go through my closet.

“Wear a skirt—but not too short. You never fail to look delicious with a skirt on.” I glared at him. “Oh, shut up. Keep your fantasies at bay, you horndog!” He laughed.

“Gotcha!” I exclaimed as I took the clothes with me to the bathroom. “Is that leather pants I see? Baby, that’s hella hot. I can’t wait!” he called out to me. I shut the door laughing. He’s hopeless!

I slid on my itsy-bitsy red lace thong followed by fitted black leather pants. I tried to put on the red corset covered with black lace, but failed miserably. Holding the corset tightly on my chest, I barged out the door seeking Kyle’s assistance.

“Hey, could you help me out here really quick!” His hazel eyes bulged out of their sockets.

Great, here we go again. I started to tap my foot patiently, waiting for him to get over it.

“Baby, do you know if you hold that thing closer, it would make your boobs pop out, right?” I rolled my eyes. He got up from the bed, and I turned my back so he could start working on the hook and eye. He did it slowly—quite deliberately.

“Kyle—when did you decide to start moving like a snail?” I impatiently asked him.

“Since your back is exposed to me. You’re killing me here, baby. You know how much I love your back. Fuck! This shit blows.”

I smiled, knowing how distracted he’d be. “Maybe you should get laid, you know… Have you been with anyone after Brooke?”

“Yes… you. That night in Santa Monica was the last time I got laid,” Kyle whispered. No freaking way.That can’t be. I mean, Kyle is pretty hot. The bad boy with the buzz-cut hair, now with tattoos and those beautiful hazel eyes which I’m sure melt women—it used to turn me into a puddle of goo—why choose to be celibate?

Duh, you know why.

“You’re joking, right? That’s crazy long ago. Having sexual problems, young man?” I tried to make light of the situation because I was totally freaked out—for a man to do something like that is very serious. Guys just don’t give up sex for no reason.

“Figured that I did so much damage with you and I don’t want to ruin any chances anymore. I want you back. I don’t care much about sex with other women. I just want you, and I want the next time to be with you.” Finishing the last hook and eye, he softly caressed my shoulder with the back of his finger.

“That’s pretty loaded, Kyle…”

“Don’t worry… no need to rush. I just love being with you,” he whispered softly in my ear.

“I saw him today, you know, and he hates me.” Himas in Blake Knightly.

“He doesn’t hate you—the man is just hurt because you rejected him. I don’t think that sits well with a man like Blake. I don’t think he knows what rejection feels like, and you dished it out to him. He’ll get over it.”

Why does everyone tell me that Blake will eventually “get over it”? Have they seen how much the man has changed? How much he loathes me? His eyes practically sliced me into two. And he totally looked hot… I’m such a charity case.

“Who knows if he’s been rejected? Not many can resist him, you know. Apart from his vast wealth, the man is walking sex on a stick.” My heart palpitated with thoughts of Blake with women again. Crap, this has got to stop.

“Exactly, you don’t want that, do you? You should think about the future and what you want. I know you’re still recovering and you’re doing a great job. But you have to let it go, Sienna. It’s not healthy.” I turned around and faced Kyle.

“You mean it’s time for me to move on and consider you and me again?” I looked him straight in the eye.

“Yes… that too. I love you, and I’ve been in love with you since I was ten, I think. I told my mom that very same day that I was going to marry you someday. I want to marry you today, tomorrow… it doesn’t matter. I’m nuts about you. We have history—just think about it? Promise me that, will you?”

“Marry you today or tomorrow?” I joked and tapped the tip of his nose.

“Sure. I’d love to. I can’t stop loving you… or wanting you, baby. I’ve tried, and it was pointless. I know you’re not ready to get married yet—so all I’m asking you is to start really thinking about us. How about a trial period? Two weeks or a month? See if you can be with me, that’s all I ask. Promise me you will consider it?”

I smiled at his pleading face. “Okay, okay. If you’re that desperate to be with me, then I promise to think about it.”

He laughed, making his eyes twinkle. “God, you’re awesome!” He bent over to kiss me on the lips. “Now, get your fine, sexy self ready, or else we’ll be crazy late to the gig.”

“Fine, then go wait for me outside so I can finish up faster.” I shooed him out of the room.

I gathered up and slipped on my lace-up knee-high black boots and started with my heavy-lined makeup. Leaving my dark wavy hair down, a few pumps of my Coco Mademoiselle perfume, and I gathered my clutch purse.

“I’m ready,” I called out to Kyle. Maybe I can be ready to be with Kyle again. We’ll see how things unfold.

First, I need my beloved Chad to emerge from his coma.