The Irresistible Bundle (90 page)

Chapter Forty-Seven

"You're looking much better today" Diego greeted his sister. It was the first time in weeks that he could look at her and his chest didn't hurt. Carina's bruises were virtually nonexistent and she was walking around without assistance.

"I feel much better" She agreed. It was gloriously wonderful to be able to take in a deep breath and walk around the suite without assistance. "We have less than three weeks left of classes before winter break so I'm really glad to get back to school."

"Are you ready though" Diego pressed. Carina might be physically ready but was she mentally ready? She hadn't stepped onto campus since the assault. There was no telling what her physiological reaction would be. The attack site was so close to her place of residence... Would she no longer feel safe? Would she not leave the premises after dark? There were so many unknowns for the moment.

"Stop it" Carina scolded her brother. The stress lines and dark circles under his eyes revealed his distress over the entire situation over the last few weeks. She hated that Diego felt the brunt of the burden to be on his shoulders. "You're over-thinking things."

"I can't help it" Diego sighed in defeat. He didn't know how their parents would've reacted if they'd known the truth. He'd managed to skirt around the true reason why they couldn't go home for Thanksgiving week because they'd known Carina would be better for the trip back home for Christmas.

"Pete's no longer an issue" Carina reminded them both. She didn't know if she could return to campus knowing he was still there too. "I've got Jaxon and the girls... I can guarantee you I won't even be able to take a piss without somebody shadowing me."

"Damn right" Diego growled. He didn't care if Carina felt smothered. If she was leaving the private wing of this estate it would be with an entourage watching her back at all times.

"I'm staying through the weekend" She reminded him. "I want to give myself enough time Sunday before getting back into the swing of things."

"I'll be at your apartment Monday afternoon" He informed her.

She immediately began shaking her head. "No you won't" her sharp tone had Diego raising his brows in challenge. "I mean it Diego! You need to stay at your place and catch up on everything. I know you've fallen behind!" Carina lifted her hand shushing her brother. "And if you're caught up I want you to get some rest. Quite frankly I'm surprised no one's told you the truth. You're looking like shit these days. I can guarantee you that I'll be going to classes and recovering from an exhausting day. I'm still not 100%. I can't do a whole lot without passing out shortly afterwards. I just want to get through classes each day and have enough energy to complete any assignments or studying before I'm too exhausted to do anything else."

Diego stared at his sister for several minutes. From what Nicholas said he knew Carina was telling the truth about her energy levels. She still slept for parts of the day if she overdid herself. "I get to check in with you every single day. Several times a day to appease your neurotic brother" He amended. If he couldn't see her, he needed to be able to speak with her.

"And what if I'm asleep" She countered. "You can't go storming onto campus."

"Make sure the girls know to answer your phone if you're asleep and it's me calling." It was the only way he'd concede. Otherwise he and Carina both knew he'd be tearing through the campus looking for her.

"Duly noted" She softly stated. She walked up to her brother and wrapped her arms around him. It was the first time she'd been able to hug him since the attack. "If I haven't told you enough... I love you more than this world itself. Thank you for saving me that night." She wanted to say more but her voice quivered making Diego hold her tighter.

"I didn't protect my muñeca when she needed me most" He sobbed into her neck. How could Carina be okay with that? Why wasn't she angry with him for not getting there sooner?

"It could've been so much worse" Carina hoarsely admitted. Diego didn't know she was having nightmares from that horrific night. She still wasn't sure if Pete's intentions had been only to hurt and humiliate her or if he'd intended to rape her that night too. All she could do was thank God every night for Diego's timing and Pete's long-winded self. "Stop blaming yourself for something that animal did. You
saved me
Diego. Otherwise who knows what he would've done" She whispered.

"I'm still so angry" Diego admitted. "Why aren't you?" He couldn't understand why Carina didn't hate everyone and everything. That asshole had taken a piece of her that night, even if Carina wouldn't admit it. She'd lost weeks of her life because of the injuries she sustained.

"I've had countless hours in that bed to go through my breakdown. I replayed the scenario in my head hundreds of times, constantly changing the outcome. I can't tell you how many times I beat the shit out of Pete and became my own hero... But the reality is he blindsided me and I was never able to regain my bearings. I was trapped in my body for almost two weeks completely helpless and stewing in my rage and hatred. It took me a while to realize all that negative energy just wore me down. It made me bitter but it didn't make me better. Once I let go of that anger I was able to heal - physically and emotionally. It's not perfect and some days are better than others, but I'm trying."

"And I'm so proud of you" Diego kissed her forehead. "If you're not up for everyone hanging out here tonight I'll gladly throw them out."

Carina smiled at her crazy brother. "How about you cuddle with me and we take a nap?" It had been years since they'd done something simple like that but both she and Diego needed the rest.

"Deal" He agreed.

~

"How long have they been sleeping?" Valentino asked Nicholas. He wanted to ask his friend how long he'd been standing in the doorway watching them too but he figured that wasn't as appropriate. Carina wasn't in any condition to get physical yet and Nicholas would never dare approach her without his consent.

"They've been asleep for the last hour. The siblings had a good heart-to-heart. I'm glad they got to talk before everyone else got here." Nicholas replied. He knew he shouldn't have eavesdropped on their conversation but it was nice knowing firsthand about their discussion.

"Everything alright" Valentino inquired. He knew Diego still felt guilty about not getting there on time. Jaxon was still dealing with his guilt as was Marco. Everyone felt responsible for the attack in some way when ultimately it was Pete's fucking fault.

"Yeah" Nicholas sighed. "It is..."

"Everyone's on their way" Valentino added. "Should we cancel?"

"No" Nicholas adamantly stated. "We all need this. Carina leaves the estate Sunday so this is a great way for her to return to campus."

Valentino tucked his hands in his pockets. He didn't want Carina to return to campus. Maybe she could handle being yards away from the attack site but Valentino wasn't sure if he was. All he wanted to do was take her back to the condo and keep her there forever. Valentino was sure Marco would agree with it. Carina didn't need to finish school. He knew they could take care of her. Couldn't she even finish her degree online?

"Why is he scowling?" Jaxon asked Nicholas. Valentino appeared to be deep in thought. Valentino turned his head at the sound of Jaxon's voice. He took a cleansing breath before walking into the room.

"What's the game plan for tonight?" Valentino changed the subject.

"No more truth or dare" Jaxon scoffed. The adult version wasn't quite as fun as the adolescent one. He'd revealed enough to this group to last him a lifetime.

Nicholas and Valentino laughed waking Carina and Diego. Jaxon clucked his tongue at the men while the siblings stretched and crept out of bed.

"Hey baby" Carina's husky voice caressed the men's skin. Although not meant to be sexual her messy hair, glazed eyes, and bedroom voice had Valentino, Nicholas, and Jaxon at attention.

"Muñeca rein it in" Diego chided. It still never ceased to amaze him to see how the male species reacted to his sister. Although biased, Diego knew Carina was beautiful and amazing, but guys acted like she was a siren luring sailors out to sea.

Carina winked at her brother before kissing each of the men. She pecked Nicholas and Jaxon on the cheek but spent a good minute tongue fucking Valentino. Jaxon playfully groaned at the sight but in reality was thrilled to see a glimpse of the old Carina coming out. If after what Pete did to her, if Carina didn't hate Jaxon, then all was well in their world.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Jaxon strolled into the girls' apartment without knocking. He loved being able to come and go without any formalities. The girls trusted him enough to have an open-door policy with him. He'd never had that kind of relationship. Even with his old entourage, Jaxon had followers but didn't have true friends. There was something to having female friends that weren't fuck buddies. Who knew they could still be fun?

"Well fuck me standing" Andrea waggled her brows at Jaxon. She openly admired his snug jeans, boots, and blue sweater that hinted at his lean physique. With his ash blonde hair and matching blue eyes Jaxon looked like a model.

"Hey Drea" Jaxon smirked. He loved this new Andrea. She openly flirted but never tried to pursue anything more than that. "Are you ladies going to take much longer?" Last year they'd been the last ones to get to the annual staff party but at least they'd made a grand entrance.

"We're on time" Andrea huffed. She walked into Desirae's room checking to see how much longer they needed. Andrea preferred Desirae and Carina's low-maintenance routine as compared to some of the other girls.

Jaxon followed Andrea but entered the door across the way. He watched as Carina put the finishing touches on her makeup. She didn't wear it often but he loved how Carina made her eyes look sultry and smoldering with a few strokes of her eye shadow.

"All set" Jaxon softly asked. His chest warmed at the sight of her brilliant smile. He still couldn't get over their new relationship. He was one lucky SOB. How many people could say they had a best friend that was the opposite sex, gorgeous, and have a better relationship after the sex than before? Only him - that's how many!

Carina turned completely around and admired his outfit. She felt slightly overdressed as compared to her roommates and Jaxon but Valentino had requested for her to wear this dress so she was. "I am."

Jaxon extended his hand and waited as Carina entwined her fingers with his. "You look beautiful in that dress." He appreciatively eyed her black dress. Unlike the girls, Carina was wearing a designer dress that covered most of her body. Jaxon wasn't sure if there were any bruises left on her torso and if that was the reason behind her choice.

"Thanks" Carina blushed. "Valentino loves to shop for me."

"And apparently he loves seeing you specifically in Donna Karan" Desirae teased.

Carina smoothed down the dress. It looked like it was straight off the runway. She couldn't complain though; Valentino had amazing taste. At first she thought Yvette had picked it out but Marco confessed that Valentino hand-picked most of the gifts they'd gotten her. The black, jersey draped dress featured sheer long sleeves and had an open slit at her knees but the dress went to mid-calf. Carina paired it with a set of black, floral lace platform pumps.

Desirae wanted to run over and hug her but she held back. It was the first time in over a month that Carina was heading out somewhere that wasn't school or food related. It was so good to see her dressed and eager to go. Desirae looked down at her outfit pleased with her choice. She fit between Jaxon's casual look and Carina's classy attire. Her tight satin pants screamed for people to caress her while her silver strapless top and red leather jacket warned them to fuck off. She wore badass black and red booties that made people notice her from head to toe.

"Let's get this show on the road!" Andrea clapped her hands loudly. At this point everyone was stalling trying to ensure that Carina wasn't backing out. Andrea pulled down the hem of her extremely short dress. She was the complete opposite of Carina and Desirae tonight and it felt great.

"You look good enough to eat" Carina waggled her brows at her friend. Andrea wore a white mini dress with gold sequins that made an "x" in the front and exposed her back. The white material glowed against her mocha colored skin. Carina nodded in appreciation as Andrea strutted in the hallway showing off her outfit with matching gold heels.

"Sati, are you ready?" Jaxon called out. These four were unlike most females he knew. They were mostly low maintenance and got ready in record time. He couldn't help but openly appreciate their natural beauty. The girls were four different kinds of beauties that made everyone stop and notice them.

"I'm here" Sati huffed. She looked everyone over before grabbing her small clutch. "At least we all look festive" she giggled. Sati looked at Desirae trying not to laugh. While Desirae wore red and black, Sati had chosen a strapless green formfitting dress that ended mid-thigh with a sheer black overlay and a small bow at the waist.

"I hope y'all are wearing jackets. It's cold outside" Jaxon looked at each of the girls. They were all grabbing their phones and purses but no one had a coat... Well, except maybe Desirae...

"We're not morons" Andrea rolled her eyes. "We put them on downstairs before we head out."

Carina looked at her phone. "Our ride's here. Where's Ariel and Beatriz?"

Pounding at the door answered her question. "You're late!" Andrea barked as she opened the door. Beatriz and Ariel stumbled into the apartment.

"Sorry" they muttered. Andrea didn't wait for their excuses, she ushered everyone out of the apartment. "Let's go party!" She announced as she led the way. The girls cheered while Jaxon quietly followed. He kept his eyes on Carina wanting to see her reaction as they headed out for the night.

Carina felt Jaxon's gaze on her. She knew he was concerned and she loved him for that. He was finally getting over the guilt of Pete's attack, but that only transformed him into a mother hen. He constantly fussed over her. "I'm alright Jax" Carina assured him. She walked beside him out of the building and led him away from the others. She angled her body so that she could look between Jaxon and the spot less than a few yards away where Pete had attacked her. She grabbed both of his hands and looked into his clouded blue eyes.

Desirae stopped walking the moment she felt Carina and Jaxon change directions. She looked back wanting to see if everything truly was okay. Desirae held her breath as Carina faced Jaxon and held his hands. She knew her best friend loved Valentino and Marco but it was still somewhat disconcerting to see Jaxon and Carina in such intimate embraces. Desirae held her breath listening to Carina's words. She hated eavesdropping but she needed to know what was going through her best friend's mind and heart.

"I'll be the first to admit that if Diego hadn't come when he had things might've ended up even uglier than they already were. I'm eternally grateful to my big brother for that. But what I'm just as thankful for is the love and support all of you have shown me during these last few weeks. I won't lie... I don't know how I would've gotten through it if you guys hadn't been right there holding my hand the entire way. Physically, I'm 97% healed. My ribs and collarbone are sometimes still a pain in the ass but I'll live. Mentally and emotionally..." Carina shrugged her shoulders and took in a shaky breath. "I still have nightmares sometimes."

"They'll go away" Jaxon whispered. He hated that she still dreamt of that night and that fucking prick.

"I know" Carina agreed. "That spot over there" She motioned to the place of her attack. They noticed the installation of new lighting to help prevent something like that from happening again. "Is my bitter reminder but it's also my humble acceptance. We can't do anything about what's already happened. Pete's been caught. He's being charged for my assault and the online stuff. Nicholas says they located his accomplice and the guy within
Hedonism
that gave him access to our pictures. Pete's getting his payback tenfold. If I remain bitter and angry; if I become a shell of my former self and hide from the world... Then Pete's succeeded in sabotaging everything; especially between you and me. But I won't do that. He won't win."

Carina paused before continuing. She needed Jaxon to completely let go of all the negative feelings occupying space in his heart. He had so much love to give. These last few months proved to her and the world that Jaxon truly was an amazing person. He just had to get rid of his parasitic entourage and do some soul searching but ultimately the man standing before her was exactly the person she suspected had always been.

"Some days are easier than others." Carina quietly admitted. She knew the girls had stopped and were listening to her monologue but she was okay with that. "Knowing Pete can't reach me and that I always have you guys by my side helps me get through each day. Your love and acceptance of our newfound relationship heals something in me that I hadn't realized was torn. For the first time in a long time I don't need sex to solidify a relationship. These moments we share are more precious to me..."

"I know what you mean" Jaxon whispered squeezing her hand. Carina was right. He felt more at peace now than he ever had before. He wasn't going to lie to himself. He loved having sex with Carina but it wasn't going to make or break them now. He didn't want to do anything to fuck "this" up; whatever "this" meant. Leticia was his girl now and he looked forward to getting to know her. But Jaxon knew that no matter what happened in his love life, he would always have Carina as one of his closest friends.

"I'm glad you don't need to have sex with me to stay best friends" Desirae called out. She knew she was slaughtering the moment but Carina and Jaxon could have their heart-to-heart later, without an audience.

Everyone laughed at the ballsy brunette. Jaxon threw his arm over Carina's shoulder and followed the others into the waiting SUV. This year things were going to be different at the staff party. Carina and Jaxon were going together, but not as a couple. The
Irresistible 8
had dropped a few members. And the night's performances were planned and not dedicated to bickering exes.

~

"They're late" Marco muttered as he looked at his watch for the umpteenth time.

"They're fine" Valentino nudged his shoulder. He knew what Marco was really concerned about. No one knew for sure if Carina was up for a night of partying. She'd finally been cleared by the doctor to resume all normal activities.

"They just arrived, sir" a voice announced into Valentino's earpiece.

"Let's go get the ladies" Valentino stated. He and Marco strode toward the door just as the group strutted in. Whistles and cheers erupted throughout the club. Desirae blew kisses while the others waved. Griffin, Diego, Andrea, Ariel, Beatriz, Jaxon, Sati, and Carina followed. Valentino and Marco personally greeted the group and directed them to their designated booth.

"Do they always have to be so cozy" Leticia muttered as she watched Jaxon and Carina walk into Club 69 together.

Marco chuckled at his cousin. "That's actually very civil and platonic for them. About this time last year the amount of hostility and sexual tension between them started small fires throughout the club." He joked.

"They're still attracted to each other" Leticia shook her head. She was beyond frustrated with herself and the situation.

Marco looked at his cousin. Her scowl let him know she wasn't as comfortable with Carina and Jaxon's relationship as he was. He tucked her into his side. He leaned in and spoke softly so no one else could hear. "Leti, you don't have to tolerate this. If you're unhappy with the situation you need to make some decisions."

"Like what" Leticia wryly replied. She knew what Marco was going to say but let him voice it anyways. It wasn't anything she hadn't told herself during these last few weeks. Leticia believed Jaxon when he said he wanted a relationship with her but then it was hard to believe it when she watched him bathing his ex-girlfriend. How desperate was she to continue allowing it to happen?

"You need to decide what you want in this relationship and tell him. If Jaxon being friends with Carina makes you unhappy, let him know."

"I can't give him an ultimatum to stop being friends with her" Leticia replied with disgust. That was about as immature and insecure of an option as she could get.

"Listen carefully baby girl" Marco squeezed her tightly before continuing. "Carina and Jaxon have a history together and there's nothing you or I can do about that. I'm man enough to admit that it bothers me sometimes to see them together being so cozy. I've seen firsthand what it's like between them during sex. A part of me thinks it's fucking hot but the other part wants to knock the ever-loving shit out of him so I never have to wonder if Carina misses it and has easy access to his dick. V and I have had to lean on each other at times as we've watched Carina and Jaxon's relationship transform into what it is today. It wasn't always an easy process and we talked about giving Carina an ultimatum on more than one occasion."

"Then why didn't you" Leticia demanded. If they'd done it and Carina cut all ties from Jaxon, then they wouldn't even be having this conversation right now.

"Because they're each other's kryptonite" Marco quietly replied. "What I've realized this past year during our open relationship was that as much as I trusted Carina... As open as our relationship was; I couldn't risk Jaxon having sex with her because I was afraid we'd lose her. As much as Valentino and I fought to keep Jaxon away it just didn't happen. But the thing we least expected to happen is precisely how things ended up."

"So you never dreamed that Jaxon and Carina could end up being
only friends
." Leticia tried to refrain from being sarcastic but it wasn't easy.

Marco shrugged. "I figured we'd have to let him into our circle and let them fuck each other's brains out on occasion to get it out of their systems."