False Illusions (False #1) (7 page)

I have tried reaching out to her throughout the week, but she wouldn’t respond. I even tried to get Dominic to help me out, but his hands were tied, his girl wasn’t having it. 

I wasn’t sure how much Madison knew, was she mad because I was a boxer and lied about it, or was she mad because I know Marcus and is wondering if I knew who she was the whole time?

All I need is for her to give me the time of day and waiting for that gave me time to come up with an excuse on why I didn’t tell her.

I hate to admit I actually miss her company, corny knock knock jokes and all. Rico told me to let her go, that I accomplished my mission. Then why do I feel like this?

You like her.

No, I was fucking her. That’s it.  That’s what I’ll tell myself anyway.

Sleep. Train. Eat. That is all I’ve been doing this week since she walked out on me.

“How long are you going to sit in that ice tub looking stupid?” Rico’s voice brings me to reality.

I jerk as if I’m just feeling the cold water. Fuck.

Jumping out I quickly grab a towel.

My uncle shakes his head. “Damn boy, you got it bad.”

I glare at him. “What are you talking about?”

His eyebrows shoot up. “Really, we’re playing that game?”

I continue to dry off, ignoring him. I knew what he was talking about, but I didn’t have it bad.

“Anyway, you want to share a cab back to the hotel?”

He just smirked and shook his head.

I shrug and quickly change into an extra pair of clothes I keep at the gym.

Checking my phone I see that Dominic texted, after reading it I smile. Perfect.

“Catch you later,” I call over my shoulder.

Thankfully Chris was outside just hanging up his phone.

“Want to get some dinner?”

He nods and makes his way to his car.

“Where to?” he asks after I click my seat belt in.

I check my phone. “Um, Sinatra. You heard of it?”

Chris lets out a low whistle. “One, I didn’t realize this was a date, and two I don’t think we’ll get in dressed like this. It’s a fancy place, El.”

Fuck. I look down at my jeans and t-shirt. She would be at some fancy ass place. Quickly I type out a text to Dominic.

“Make a stop by my room, guess we have to change.” I frown and shoot Chris a look. “Step on it, we’re already late.”

He shakes his head, but doesn’t say anything. Chris has been my closest friend since middle school; he flew out to help me train, mostly sparring with me in the ring.

“Is this about the broad you have been seeing in secret?” I knew he couldn’t refrain.

“Her name is Madison, not broad.”

His blonde eyebrows shoot up. “You must like her if you’re correcting me.”

“Just drive, and when we get there don’t embarrass me.” I narrow my eyes at him.

He laughs as he pulls into the MGM valet. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Dammit. This might be a bad idea.

Fire Meet Gasoline-Sia

I watch as the waiter pours my favorite white wine. When Chelsea mentioned going to Sinatra’s for dinner I jumped at the chance to tag along. Usually I hated to be the third wheel, but it beat staying home alone thinking of Yoel. I keep playing that night over and over again in my head. Chelsea says that I should hear him out, that there has to be a logical explanation on why he didn’t tell me. That could be true, but the fact that he could have known who I was the whole time stabs me in the heart.

I already have to deal with Marcus and his infidelity, the last thing I wanted is to be lied to by another male. Even if this was just sex, he lied. Of course part of me wants to see him and hear him out, but at the same time I’m scared to know the truth.

“I love your dress,” Chelsea’s voice breaks my thoughts.

I look down at my short hunter green shift dress that I bought during one of my ‘Forget the hot lying asshole’ shopping sprees.

“Thanks, it gave me a chance to wear these nude heels I still had in the box.” I sip my wine looking at the menu.

I love this place; I’m crazy about Italian food.

Dominic and Chelsea start talking about his upcoming club gig after we order our appetizers. For the most part I try to join the conversation, but then I stare off and think about the empty feeling that has been annoying my heart.

I don’t blink until the waiter sets my Caesar salad in front of me. I really need to stop spacing out like this, it’s not healthy.

Get your shit together, you only been sleeping with him for a few weeks
.

“Baby doll.” I know that voice. I refuse to look up when I feel the seat next to me shift.

What is he doing here? I look straight at Chelsea who is shooting daggers at Dominic. Why would he call him? He knew I didn’t want to see him.

“Don’t be rude,” Yoel whispers in my ear. “Look at me.”

I snap my attention to him, narrowing my eyes. “Why are you here, El?”

A smirk plays on his perfect lips. “Dinner, same reason you’re here.”

We don’t look away from each other for a moment. That’s when I notice another man sitting with us; he had short blonde hair and a boyish face.

“Hey, I’m Chris. El’s friend.” He gives me a small smile, he looks amused.

I smile back. “Hi, Chris, I’m Madison.”

Chris looks at Yoel, who is still looking at me. “He didn’t tell me how pretty you were.”

That has Yoel’s attention and his eyes roam my body before staring back into my eyes. “She’s beautiful.”

I quickly look away and gulp down the remainder of my wine. I will not fall for his charming ways.

I ignore him for the rest of dinner. I ignored his fingers running along my bare legs, leaving burning heat. I ignored the feel of his eyes burning into the side of my face and I ignored the wetness between my legs. My pussy was a traitor. She was no longer my heart and mind’s ally.

I excuse myself and quickly escape to the ladies room. I need to breathe away from him.

Standing in front of the mirror I play with my blonde curls, touch up my lipstick, anything to take up time.

I hear the door to the powder room open, then the lock click.

“You shouldn’t be in here, you know?”

I glance up to see him behind me, grinning. His large hand grips me by the waist, spinning me around to face him.

“Baby doll, you leave me no choice. You have been ignoring me.” His other hand cups my cheek. “You know I hate being ignored.”

I try to move, but he holds me in place. “You lied to me.”

“I lied for a reason.” His thumb grazes over my lips.  “Did you ever think that maybe I was relieved to know you didn’t know who I was? It’s refreshing.”

No, that reason has not passed my thoughts; I’m still not buying it.

I purse my lips. “So you had no idea that I was engaged to Marcus?”

His eyes widen in shock. “Marcus is your fiancé?”

I sigh. “Look me in my eyes, promise me you didn’t know that he was my fiancé and you didn’t know who I was when you met me,” I plead. “Please tell me you didn’t know.”

Yoel’s brown eyes meet mine. For a second I think he’s going to confirm my nightmares, but instead he shakes his head. “Madison, I promise I didn’t know.”

Relief fills me and I take a deep breath.

He lifts me on the sink counter. “I missed you,” he whispers. His hand sliding up my legs, under my dress. “So fucking much.”

I gasp when his fingers slide beneath my panties and between my folds. I moan.

“So wet for me already.” His fingers slide in and out, teasing me.

His mouth captures mine with soft bites. “As much as I want to fuck you right here and now, I’d rather have you back in my bed, where you belong.”

Where you belong
, plays over in my head. Technically I belonged at home; you know where my fiancé is currently missing.
Most of the time.

Yoel lifts me up and sets me down on my feet that are now wobbly in my six-inch heels.

He lifts my chin, his lips meet mine, soft and gentle. “Did you miss me?” he whispers against my lips.

I nod. I did as much as I hate to have these feelings toward him, I did miss him. A lot.

“Good. Now let’s go finish up dessert so I can get you home.”

Thankfully there wasn’t a line outside the ladies room, but we did receive some looks from the waiters and waitresses.

Chris, Chelsea and Dominic watch us take our seats, smiling like idiots. Damn it, I’m sure they knew something was up.

“Hey bro, you have a little lipstick, right here.” Chris motions to the corner his mouth.

I blush as Yoel cheerfully wipes his mouth and shrugs. Chelsea sends me a knowing look and I’m sure my whole face is red now.

“So,” Chelsea smiles. “Have you applied at anymore magazines?”

Bitch.

I narrow my eyes and shake my head. “No, They’re mostly in Los Angeles and New York.”

“Magazines?” Chris asks while Yoel studies me curiously.

Chelsea nods and takes a bit of her tiramisu. “Yeah, Madison has a degree in journalism,” she says after swallowing.

Taking gulp of wine, I avoid Yoel’s stare.

“Then why don’t you go for it?” he speaks up.

I finally look at him and cock an eyebrow. “Did you not just hear what I said?”

He rolls his eyes. “Yes, I heard you. They’re mostly in L.A. and New York, but what I’m failing to clearly understand is why aren’t you chasing your dreams.”

I stare at him. He has a good point, but then again he doesn’t understand my situation.

“It’s complicated.” I blink and turn away.

“Your dreams shouldn’t be complicated,” he says before jumping into another conversation with Chris and Dominic. I was thankful he didn’t press the issue.

Chelsea catches my attention and nods, giving me that
I told you so
look.

My phone vibrates in my clutch. When I pull it out I see it’s from Marcus.

I’ll be home late, don’t wait up.

I quickly type back, annoyed.

I never do.

Thank you, Marcus. For making all my questionable decisions out to be the best decisions.

“Are you okay?” Yoel asks as we lay naked under the covers. We couldn’t keep our hands off of each other as soon as the elevators doors closed. We definitely made up for the week we didn’t see each other. Well, more like he made up for lying, with his tongue.

“Yes, I’m okay.” I stare out the large bedroom window. The Las Vegas strip lights up the night.

He pulls me closer to him. “I’m sorry I lied, you know that right?”

I nod, he said sorry a million times since we made our way to his bed.

Turning to face him I smile. “Where are you from?”

We already crossed the ‘don’t get personal’ line.

“I’m from Atlanta,” he answers after a second. “Where are you from?”