Beware 2: The Comeback (11 page)

Skin - Rihanna

Greg is working all night which leaves me ample time to overanalyze everything. I can’t stand it. I’m worrying Aden. He watches me more than I know.

“Mommy? Are you okay?” he asks. He steps into the kitchen in his favorite racecar pajamas, his eyes tired.

I stop my pacing in front of the kitchen sink, dropping to my knees to reach eyelevel with him. “I’m okay. Just thinking, honey.” I gather him in my arms as he rubs his eyes. “Come on. You’re sleepy. Want me to read you a bedtime story?”

“I want The Gwinch!”

I laugh, taking the stairs. “The Grinch it is.”

After tucking Aden in and reading him his favorite story, I place a kiss on his forehead and turn his nightlight on. “I’ll be downstairs if you need me, okay?” He nods, but I know once I’m gone, he’ll be fast asleep. He’s had a long day with the beach, daycare, and his play date with the kids down the street. He’s got to be exhausted.

I sigh as I walk back down the stairs, rounding the corner and entering the living room. I turn the lamps off, grab the TV remote, and surf through the channels, hoping it’ll clear my mind. My lust… or should I call it
love
?

I do still love him. I still care about him. But he fucked up. It’s not my fault he’s all wishy-washy with his decisions. He let me go.
But he’s trying to win you back again, London!

To my dismay, a movie pops up. An erotic scene flashes, and I stop surfing, my eyes stretching. My breathing becomes shallow as the scene unfolds before me. His hands running down her waist, circling her hips, and trailing towards her sacred valley.

The urge consumes me—the urge to be pleased. Satisfied. I lean back, taking a quick look around. Greg won’t be home before midnight. I have way too much time on my hands.

I remember Ace’s words this morning, the way he held me.

Stared at me.

Wanted
me.

My eyes dart to the jar of honey sitting on the countertop in the kitchen. I huff a laugh, but it doesn’t prevent my hand from running across my bare thigh. I sink back against the sofa cushion, bringing my hands up, my fingers nearing damp heat. Teeth sink into my plump bottom lip, and I shut my eyes, reminding myself of that moment on the counter less than forty-eight hours ago. His thick, delicious cock slipping inside me. The cock I missed so fucking much.

An unexpected moan fills the spacious room, but I don’t stop. The pad of my finger finds the delicate nub between my folds and presses down lightly. I gasp, the thrill of it setting me on edge. I haven’t touched myself like this in over a year. Before I met Greg, all I thought about was Ace and how he pleased me, rocked my body, and took care of me. Then, Greg came into the picture and became a temporary distraction—a cock I could take advantage of. Make my own.

My finger presses harder on my clit, the others collecting moisture. Curly dark hair between my legs is what I imagine. Thick arms wrapped around my thighs and large hands clutching my hips. Warm, tan skin on mine, his deep, guttural groans.
Crow…

My breathing is no longer shallow. It’s thick. I hear the woman moan on the TV and the man’s groan drowns beneath it, bringing me to a full-blown ecstasy. It’s hard not to cry out, so I make do. A muffled moan escapes parted lips, and my body slowly dies down, my back no longer arched, and my toes gradually uncurling.

Hold on. What the fuck just happened?
My eyes pop open, and I take a look around, disheveled. I pull my shit together, sitting up and tucking my legs beneath me. I rest my head on the armrest, releasing calm breaths as I change the channel. A small smile graces my lips, and before I know it, I fall asleep.

With the thought of Ace Crow on my mind.

Wild, erotic dreams of us.

Touching some more. Teasing.

Wait...
us?

Shit.

***

“I don’t want eggs,” Aden complains, pushing his plate away. I sit beside him at the kitchen table.

“Okay… no eggs. I’ll just eat them.” I smile, picking up a fork and digging it in his eggs. He picks up a slice of bacon, smiling behind it. The stairs creak, and Greg rounds the corner moments later, yawning. I straighten my back, dropping my fork and standing from the table.

“Hungry?” I ask, avoiding his eyes. I glance back as he scratches the top of his head. He smiles at Aden, ruffling his hair as he passes by and comes towards me. A large arm wraps around my middle and pulls me back. He places his chin on my shoulder. My breathing stifles, but not with pleasure. I’m not sure what it is I’m feeling, but it’s not good.

“I was thinking we could drop Aden off at daycare and catch some breakfast,” he murmurs in my ear.

I don’t blink as I shovel the eggs with the spatula in hand. “You’re off today?” I ask.

I feel him nod, and my stomach churns. I was going to use my afternoon to stop by the tempting Valentina Hotel. Swallowing thickly, I turn in his arms, placing my hands on his chest. “I want to,” I whine, “…but I actually have to get to yoga class in an hour.”

He blinks, meeting my eyes. “Yoga class? When’d you join?”

“Yesterday. I told the instructor I’d be there today to see how it goes. She’s giving me a free trial. She’s one hundred percent sure I’ll love it.” I grin.

He releases me, scratching the top of his head again. I press my lips, expecting him to get upset, but instead, he says, “That’s great! We can try another morning. How about some bacon?” He plants a warm kiss on my cheek. “Glad you’re finally deciding to get out, babe. I won’t stop you. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll go to the station for a few hours and see if I can play catch up.”

“Great.” I force a smile, but deep inside, I’m beaming. I’m glad he’s going to the station because I know a few hours will turn into a full day, maybe even a night. My plans won’t go down the drain. I will be stopping by Valentina Hotel. But will I go in? Will I dare myself to see Ace? After last night, I know I need another taste of him, but how can I do this to Greg, someone who has put all his trust into me? Someone who has poured his heart out to me? Given me a helping hand with a child that isn’t even his?

Guilt eats me away as I place bacon and eggs on an empty plate. I set the plate in front of a smiling Greg, and he digs into the warm meal.

I care. Of course I care, but I know, no matter how much I want the feelings to fade, exactly where my heart resides. I have to go see him. I
need
to. I need to know what made him change his mind about going to New York, and I need to know what happened to him three years back. Why was he taken? Where did he go and why? Did he plan his disappearance and somehow it went awry? So many unanswered questions and not enough answers.

After getting dressed and packing lunches for Aden and Greg, I’m out the door in minutes. Greg offers to drop Aden off, and I thank him, truly grateful. The sooner I’m there, the less time I will have to reconsider.

I clutch my keys, waving goodbye as Greg’s
Titan
pulls out of the driveway. When they disappear, I slip into my car and start it immediately. I start to put the car in reverse, but the pearl necklace on the dashboard catches my complete attention. I pause, eyes wide as I slowly reach for it.

I blink, lips parted, rolling the glossy pearls between my fingers. I know Greg isn’t a believer in giving jewelry as a gift, let alone a single necklace. Not like this. Greg is the kind of guy that likes to see my reaction. If he were to buy jewelry, it’d be a whole set, and that only happens on special occasions. There is no occasion here, and he would most likely buy diamonds, not pearls. That only leaves one person responsible for this gesture.

His signature bonding item.

I sniff it, the manly scent of him there for sure.

My eyes shut briefly, a smile caressing my lips.

I quickly put the car in reverse and pull away from the driveway, way too eager to reach Valentina. I know exactly where it is. Right off the coast. Only fifteen minutes away.

I pull up in ten minutes. Yes, I’m that eager.

I clutch the wheel after parking the car, staring ahead at the grand hotel. Stacked room on top of room, the tinted windows reflect onto me, the white paint, orange stucco roof, and the building’s entire ensemble reminding me of an expensive Spanish home.

My pulse sounds in my ears. “What the hell are you doing?” I scold myself in a hiss. “Why are you here? Why’d you give in?”

I look towards the entrance as guests enter and depart, knowing Ace is just a few floors up. I sit back against the seat, my head resting on the leather. My eyelids seal, hoping I’ll come to my senses.

I don’t. I’m here for a reason. I had it planned ever since last night when I fingered and toyed with myself until I shattered into pieces.

I want to cum like that again, but this time,
around
him.

I glance down at my black yoga pants and plum workout tank. This won’t do. That’s what I get for lying. I start the car and pull out of my parking space. There’s a place just around the corner, a small but pretty expensive boutique. It’s a favorite hidden gem of mine, the place I go when I want something nice. Special. I want to surprise him, so I pick out a trench coat from the rack along with some lacey panties.

I finger the glossy pearls that were on the dashboard before placing them in my purse and putting my items on the checkout counter, remembering just how much he loves them. I recall the time he bound them around my wrists, locking me up and owning me. Taking me in a way I’d never been taken before. From behind, a sacred place only he’s invaded.

I swipe my card, and after being handed my bag, I dash out the glass door, my cheeks flushed from vivid memories. Odd, considering it’s one of those thick and humid days in Creole.

I drive back to Valentina, grab my shopping bag and purse, the strappy pair of spare heels from my junky trunk, and my keys before entering the hotel. Before I go up to room 214, I head for the bathroom, stripping out of my clothes before I even enter a stall.

I slam the stall door shut behind me, kicking off my tennis shoes and yanking my spandex pants down. I pull out the black trench coat, and after taking off my sports bra, I slide into it. Next are the panties and high heels. Done.

I pack my workout clothes in the shopping bag and then exit the stall, taking a peek in the mirror.

I check my mascara.

Good.

My lips are still glossed.

My hair…
I snatch out the band holding the ponytail, fluffing my chestnut curls. I pull out the final touch from my purse. The pearls. I hook them around my neck and smile at my reflection, pleased.

Not too much. Not too little. Perfect for what’s about to go down. Just what he wants.

I exit the bathroom with my purse and shopping bag in hand, proceeding to room 214, thrilled, anxious, and terrified all in one.

I’m on my way to ultimate pleasure.

***

The elevator dings. My heart thumps like never before.

When the doors slide open, I step out cautiously, palms sweaty, head spinning. I look down the extended hallway. I can’t believe I’m going through with this. The guilt thickens deep within my core, but I overlook it. Starting down the hall, the clicking of my heels and the beating bass drum of my heart are the only sounds I can make out.