Unbound: The Pentagon Group, Book 2 (33 page)

“I’m sorry to bother you, Faith. I know its super late, but I needed a friend.” Faith led me to the couch and sat, extending her hand for me to sit.

“Okay. What’s wrong?” She asked with interest.

“My stupid ex. You were speaking to him earlier.” Faith nodded and listened intently.

“I promised my friends I would be more open about my problems and feelings, but I need an objective viewpoint. I made a mistake by breaking up with him. I should’ve been honest with him about why I broke it off. I resigned myself to letting him go. Now, I don’t know how to move on when he’s always around. My working for his company is making it difficult to move forward. He just showed up tonight and I didn’t invite him. I have no clue how he even got into the building. I’m required to meet with him once a week. There’s no way I can move on knowing I’m keeping a secret from him, one that could change everything for us . . . mostly for him. I’m sorry, I’m being vague, but I have to be; for everyone’s protection.” I shook my head, curbing the tears. Faith looked like an emotionally strong and distant woman which was perfect for a corporate attorney.

“Do you think it’s too late to be honest with him now?” She asked. I thought about it.

“Yes. I don’t think he’ll believe me or want to work things out. He seemed so angry tonight.”

“He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

I shook my head. “Not physically. I just couldn’t get over his emotional mistreatment. I can’t explain it. I just know we’re done.” I sighed, pulling my knees under me. I felt comfortable on her couch, wearing my yoga pants and long t-shirt, my soft leather ballet slip-ons stuck out under me.

“Why don’t you try? Call him.” I shook my head. “You can call him and ask him for a meeting, something casual, maybe a dinner at a restaurant. He’ll probably be well behaved because you’re in public. And let it all out. Tell him everything.” She looked around for words. “You should just get everything off your chest and let him decide if he wants to make it work.

“It’s too late to call, besides I left my phone upstairs.”

“Remember, I told you to keep your phone with you. As a young woman, you need to be safe.” I nodded, finding it peculiar she admonished me and gave me another speech about safety. I briefly wondered if she was attacked and had residual fears which carried over.

“I won’t forget, but we’re in a safe building.” I reminded. She pursed her lips.

“Speaking from experience, even crimes can be committed in secured buildings.” She shocked me with that statement, affirming my belief she may have been attacked in the past causing her to warn other women.

“I should go. I took too much of your time, and it’s late. I hope I didn’t bother you.”

“You didn’t. I appreciate the visit. I work so much, it’s hard to make friends in the city.” She admitted. I smiled.

“Thanks, Faith. I’ll let you know if I decide to talk to him.” I got up to go to the door.

“Wait. I’ll walk you to your door.”

“Faith, don’t be silly. I’m okay. You get rest.”

“I can walk you to your door with my cell phone and mace in hand, and get back to my place. Okay?” She seemed concerned, and I didn’t want her to worry about me, especially if safety was an issue for her. I nodded. Faith grabbed her phone and keys. We exited her apartment, Faith locked two locks on her door, and we walked to the elevator.

We chatted about work as we traveled to my floor. It was nice to have a friend to talk to who wasn’t from my regular social group. We made it safely to my door. I bid her ‘good night’, and secured the locks on my door. It had been a crazy day and an even crazier night. I was exhausted and went to bed.

*****

The buzzer rang early Saturday morning. I dragged myself out of bed. I’d told Gill he needn’t come by in the morning to help with the cleanup. The caterers weren’t due to come by until after eleven in the morning. After a call from the guards, I would’ve had to give them permission to come up. I looked through the peephole, heeding Faith’s words to be safe at all times. I was stunned to see Matt at the other side. I wiped at my eyes and chin. He knew I liked to sleep in on Saturdays, so I believed he showed up to catch me off guard. My heart beat fast as I unlocked the door. I left a small opening to determine what he wanted.

“Matt? What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Can I come in?” I hesitated. After last night, I wasn’t sure we could be trusted to be together in a private setting. Faith had a great idea to meet out in the open in a restaurant. I nodded, stepping aside to let him in. I locked the door after he entered. I noticed he had a brown paper bag in his hand, which he set down on the counter.

“I just woke up, so if you’d give me some time to freshen up?”

“Yes, of course. I know it’s early.” He said evenly.

“Have a seat. I’ll be right back.” I rushed to my master bath to brush my teeth, wash my face, and fix my hair in a low, tousled French twist with a clip. I drank some water to moistened my dry mouth and calm the quivering insides. Barefoot, I walked back quietly to the living room. I found Matt standing by the picture window. It was very bright and sunny outside. My canopied bed had blocked the light, which made it harder for my eyes to adjust when I heard the initial buzzing of my door.

“I’m back.” I said. Matt turned to look at me. He gave me a hopeful smile. He held a shy pose, hands tucked in the pockets of his jeans.

“I think it’s time for us to have a heart to heart.” When he mentioned ‘heart’, my heart skipped a few beats. It was as if he had extrasensory perception that we needed to talk. I lowered my head and I sat down on the couch.

“Okay.” I said, folding my arms around myself.

He came over and sat down on the couch, opposite me, allowing space between us. With a low voice, he said, “I’m sorry for last night . . . I didn’t do right by you. I fucked up. You didn’t deserve to be treated like that.” I was shocked by his apology and admission. “I have no excuse. I just hope you’ll forgive me. I know we’re no longer together. I don’t expect us to get back together, but I’d like to at least be civil. We still have to have a professional relationship with each other for the sake of Pentagon. I know we both have the company’s best interest at heart. Maybe, one day, we can be friends.” I pondered his offer. I knew I couldn’t just be friends.

“I don’t want to be friends, Matt.” I confessed. He looked forlorn. “I want more, but if civility and friendship is all your looking for, then I think it’s best to not see each other again.” He looked confused.

“Wait. You want to be with me?” I nodded in response.

“And you won’t take anything less?” I nodded once more. In an instant, Matt pounced on me, grabbing me with his muscular arms. He held me tight to his body. Kissing my neck, he left a trail of kisses until he met my lips. I yelped in surprise. His large hands held my head in place for a deep, lingering kiss.

I pushed him back, pulling my head away because we needed to talk first. “We need to talk, Matt.” I declared.

“No. I need you now. I need to fix how I left you last night.” He begged, pulling me onto him. It was hard to argue with an incredibly handsome, sexy, and strong man. Matt massaged my flesh, alternating spots and squeezing me closer to him. It was as if he couldn’t believe we were going to be together.

“Wait. We need to clarify what we’re doing here . . . what is happening here.” I said.

“I want you in my life because I’m in love with you. You want to be with me because you are absolutely head over heels in love with me. I want to make love to you and make you come like I should have last night.” The clarification met my expectations. I smiled and kissed him. “Let’s go to your room.” I nodded, and stood up, off his lap. When he stood up, I reached out for his hand and swiftly led him to my room. The soft light of the overcast morning streamed in from the sheer curtains. Matt saw the draping of the canopy bed and touched the velvety panel.

“This is so sexy.” He said, transfixed on the bed.

“Let’s see if it is.” I challenged, pulling my t-shirt over my head. My breasts were revealed to him for the first time in countless weeks. His sights set straight onto my nipples, a flick of his tongue indicated his wish to sample me.

“Turn around.” He growled. The same voice which made its appearance last night returned. I shivered as I turned around. His fingers hooked into my tight yoga pants, pulling down past my ass and thighs. I slowly pedaled my legs to assist gravity’s pull while Matt touched my back.

“I missed you so much, babe.” He hissed. I moaned and pressed myself into his touch. “Lean on the bed.” He asked sweetly, but with a hint of the commanding Matt I met last night. He rubbed my ass and growled. With hands on my hips, he pulled me into his jean covered, hardened cock. I felt it on my folds, wanting him inside of me. His hands slid up my belly to pull me up from my chest, cupping my breasts. His large hands barely covered me as he clutched and squeezed them, pinching my nipples with his index and middle fingers. My back was on his clad chest. I wanted to feel his skin on my skin. He deprived me of skin-to-skin contact when he kept my dress on.

“Take off your shirt, please.” I begged breathily. He released my heaving breasts. I felt the fabric of his t-shirt rise up and ripple up my back, and his skin touched mine, rise by rise of the soft cloth. The warmth of his skin made mine hotter. My entire body tingled as our exposed skin touched and fused to each other. There was no space in between our torsos. We breathed raggedly as we remained holding our connection, savoring our union, and feeling the beat of each other’s heart.

Matt snaked his hand to my mound. His finger pressing deeper into my flesh as it trailed down into the opening of my cleft. I moaned as he dipped his finger inside, pressing on my clit. He rubbed softly in tiny circles. I could come at that moment. My legs parted as I rose onto my toes and widened into a plié. Matt cupped my breasts softly while tweaking my nipples, pulling my torso against his chest. He sucked and kissed on my neck and earlobes. I could tell he wouldn’t change his attention. He would make me come as I stood before him. I writhed into his hands, moaning as I felt his cock on my ass. The multiple sensations on all of the different areas of my body created a perfect chain reaction for climax. As I wriggled on him, Matt rubbed me faster and pulled me closer to his cock. My pussy tingled, swollen with arousal and manipulation. I cried out, as I felt myself come.

Matt continued to rub, seeing me over the precipice of climax. He held me tight as I came down from an intense orgasm. I was ready to fall. I needed a few breathes, but knowing Matt, he would get his release. “Lie down, baby.” I heard quietly in my ear. Chills went from my ear down my spine.

Our lovemaking was slow and prolonged. Matt took me in all the ways he loved: tasting, feeling, and entering me. He was relaxed and attentive to my needs. I made sure to be vocal and give him what his mind and body demanded. I came for the second time as our bodies were pressed close, grinding and thrusting into each other within the cocoon of the dark canopy. Our bodies were slick with the effort of our union. Making love within the canopy was a surreal experience. It was dark and cozy. I felt safe and uninhibited as Matt flipped me on top to ride him until I came apart over his body, laying on him as he thrust upwards until we both came.

*****

The need to get the truth off my chest prevented me from enjoying the after-glow of our lovemaking. I lightly traced my finger on Matt’s chest as he held me. His breathing was back to normal. “We need to talk.” I finally said.

“Hmmm?” Matt responded.

“We need to talk about why I turned down your proposal and took the shares.”

“We can talk about it later. I don’t want to think about it.” He said gruffly. His fingers sought my chin and pulled me up for a deep, lingering kiss.

I pulled away, and sat up from our restful position. “This can no longer wait. We can’t move forward if I keep the truth from you.” I got off of him and sat on the bed, covering myself with the bed sheet. I turned on the light inside the canopy, and dimmed the light.

“I should’ve told you sooner. I didn’t know how to protect you and myself from what I’m about to say.”

“Okay? What is it?” He said as he sat up. I ignored his beautiful, naked physique before me.

“The day before we were to sign the prenup, I got a visit from Brady at Duration. He essentially ordered me not to marry you and to keep the shares. He said some pretty ugly things about me. He wanted to buy the twenty percent for himself. It wasn’t even to give it back to you. He passed me an envelope containing an offer of twenty five million dollars to purchase the shares.” I watched as Matt’s face changed emotions from concern to surprise to anger.

“If I refused, he would release the video of us having sex at Carve to the public, and would claim I was a gold digger and you a fool for giving me your fortune.” I swallowed. “Instead, I took the copy of the video he gave me as proof of his blackmail and I had Eric Pierce edit to protect your identity, so I could turn the tables on Brady, which is why I texted everyone the video. I never meant to degrade myself or embarrass you. I just needed Brady, and the rest of Pentagon, to understand I was in control over the situation.” I continued as Matt inhaled deeply, and his jaw was clenched.