Chapter 28
CODY’S POV
I could feel her hold on me tighten as we turned away from Imani.
“So that’s her, hm?” Audrey mused, her eyes remained in front of her.
I could already tell where this was going.
“Drey-“ Before I could finish my statement, I was interrupted.
“Cody!!” Her father, Edward Hamilton called out in a warm, almost theatrical tone.
“There’s the young man of the hour! Come here, son.” He smiled widely, signaling us over.
I wore a practiced smile, as we approached them. “Mr. Hamilton, It’s been a while.”
He held me by the shoulder and drew me closer to him, separating me from Audrey’s grip.“How many times do I need to tell you to call me Edward?”
Her mother giggled from behind him, “Cody has always been a respectful boy, I doubt he’d ever listen.”
She stepped forward, brushing my arm affectionately, “You’ve grown even more handsome. Audrey’s been telling us how hard you’ve been working.”
Of course, she had.
I gave a smile, “Well, the company can’t possibly run itself. And you look absolutely stunning Mrs Hamilton.”
She blushed, “Still as charming as ever too, no wonder my Audrey is so in love with you.”
“Mum…” Audrey blushed.
“Why are you acting all shy?” Her mum asked.
“They haven’t seen each other in years, Maria, so it’s understandable.” My father said, chipping into the conversation.
“That's why I traveled all this way to surprise you, Cody,” Audrey said to me, her tone soft. “You didn’t think I’d miss this, did you?”
My expression didn’t falter, my mask of a smile still plastered on my face. “Of course not.”
She stepped closer, sliding her arm through mine like it belonged there.
Edward chuckled, clapping me on the shoulder. “You two make an excellent pair, when are we finally going to hear wedding bells?”
My throat went dry, but I didn’t let it show. “We’re not in a rush,” I said lightly. “These things take time.”
Edward laughed again, waving a hand. Son, when you find the right woman, there’s no need for delay. You should pop the question soon.”
I could feel Audrey’s eyes on me, the way she tilted her head, smiling softly as if she were hearing it all for the first time.
Before I could form a reply, my father’s voice cut in. “He’s planning something special,” he said, stepping beside me. “A breathtaking proposal, the kind that will have every publication in New York talking..”
“Dad—”
But he continued, his tone dripping with confidence. “It will be a spectacular occasion, The Simmons-Hamilton merger deserves nothing less.”
Edward grinned. “That’s the spirit, old friend. We’re all looking forward to it.”
Maria clasped her hands together. “Oh, it would be such a joy to see you two married! It’s long overdue, and I’m in desperate need of grandchildren.”
They all laughed in unison, but I just couldn’t bring myself to fake it this time.
Audrey smiled up at me, her hand tightening around my arm. “Hear that? They already have our whole future mapped out.”
“Seems that way,” I said, my tone even.
Edward gestured toward the terrace. “Go get some air, both of you. You’ve had enough business talk for one night. Catch up, enjoy yourselves.”
Audrey nodded graciously. “Of course, Daddy.”
“Don’t forget to smile for the press, they’d love a picture of the perfect couple.” My mother added.
I nodded faintly in response.
And just like that, we were dismissed.
We walked through the hall together, every step measured, every movement watched. Whispers filled the lips of people as we passed, cameras taking their fill of the perfect couple.
Perfect, huh?
The night air hit as we stepped outside, cool against my skin. The driver opened the door, and Audrey slipped inside the limo with a soft smile. I followed, closing the door behind me.
The second it clicked shut, I exhaled, the mask slipping from my face.
“What the fuck, Drey?” I said quietly, the edge in my voice barely contained. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
She turned toward me, a faint smirk on her lips. “You’re not happy to see me?”
“That’s not the point,” I muttered, loosening my tie.
“You just took me by surprise, and you know how I hate being unprepared for anything.” I said.
She glanced toward the driver, whose eyes flicked away quickly from the rear view mirror.
She pressed the button on the panel and the tinted divider rose, sealing us off from the front.
Then she turned to face me, “Why does it always have to be like this?” she asked softly. “Why do we always end up fighting?”
“It’s not a fight,” I said. “It’s you showing up unannounced.”
“Your parents knew about it, though.”
“But I fucking didn’t.” I said, my tone laced with anger.
Her gaze darkened. “You make it sound like I’m the enemy.”
I sighed “Not this shit again, Drey.”
Then there was a silence. One that stretched on far too long, and then, quietly, she spoke. “Is there someone else?”
I turned back to her, narrowing my eyes. “What kind of question is that?”
“Answer me,” she pressed, her voice sharp now. “Is there someone else, Cody?”
“This is exactly the problem,” I said, my patience thinning. “You don’t trust me. Why does it have to resort to doubting me every fucking time? It’s exhausting.”
She let out a low, humorless laugh. “So quick to shift the blame. Some habits never die.”
“Drey.” I leaned back, staring at the ceiling of the car. “Not tonight.”
Her shoulders dropped slightly, her expression softening. “I just don’t understand you sometimes.”
“That makes two of us,” I muttered.
She looked down at her hands, then back up at me. “I believe you,” she said quietly. “I always have.”
Before I could respond, she moved closer, her fingers tracing the fabric of my trousers. The air thickened with tension.
She moved her hands slowly up my thighs, “You know I love you,” she whispered, her voice brushing against my ear. “You know I’d do anything for you.”
Her hands wandered to my crotch, rubbing it softly. “I’d sacrifice anything for you.” She whispered, and she rubbed even harder.
A low groan escaped my lips as my bulge grew against my trousers, begging to be freed.
She unbuckled my belt slowly, her lips still on my ear, “Have you forgotten just how much I love you?”
I gripped the seat as she wrapped her hand around my member, hard and erect, her finger lightly brushing the tip.
“Tell me you love me too,” she murmured. Her hand stroked me slowly, her lips grazing my neck, “Say it.”
“Stop, Audrey.” I groaned, brewing with desire.
“Say it,” she repeated, her voice laced with quiet threat.
I exhaled sharply, my restraint thinning. “I love you,” I muttered.
Her lips curved into a slow smile, “Good.” And then she dove in, taking my member in her mouth.
I threw my head back, groaning louder, as the wetness from her tongue coated my member, sucking me dry.
“Fuck…” I grabbed her head as I filled her mouth with my seed, my chest heaving.
She rose after a moment, swallowing my cum and wiping her lips with a handkerchief.
Then, almost tenderly, she added, “You know what happens if you lie to me, Cody.”
It was a threat. One she used quite often. And I’d be fucking stupid if I didn’t take it seriously.
She leaned against my shoulder, content with the silence, her hand resting lightly on my thigh as if nothing had happened.
All I could think about was how easily everyone played their part.
And how much longer could I pretend to play mine?