Breathless Promises (Alluring Promises Series Book 3) (8 page)

Her smile dropped and she shifted uncomfortably in the booth.
Bingo.
I got her back. Aub glanced at Vanessa and then cast her eyes down to the table. “I…my manager said it might have looked a bit too conservative.” Her big brown eyes stared into mine, pleading me not to say anything. I can take a hint. But I’d also be sure to use that to my advantage later. If she doesn’t want her best friend to know something, maybe I can get some action out of it too. I nodded, trying to let her know I could keep a secret.
For now.

“So, Matt, are we gonna play some b-ball on Saturday?” I glanced at Vanessa. Her eyes were narrowed still wondering about the whole clothes thing with Aub. “Vanessa, you girls are going to the spa still, right?” I brought her attention back to me, hoping to divert the conversation from Aub.

“Yeah. I think Mel made the arrangements. I’ll double check with her.” Vanessa pulled out her phone from her purse and I could tell she wanted to question Aub about my little back and forth with her. I went ahead and started listing out who we could get together for Saturday’s game while Aub started a discussion about everyone going shopping after their spa time.

After dinner ended, we headed over to Allure for some drinks. On the walk over, I slowed my pace and Aub seemed to understand that I wanted to chat with her before we got there. I looked ahead at Vanessa clutching Matt’s arm, hugging him tight as if he were the last man on earth. Now that she’s pregnant, he probably is for her. I snickered at my own joke in my head.

“Thanks for not saying anything about my visit to Atlanta at the table back there,” Aub said, almost in a whisper. Yep, I definitely had something on her. Now that I knew this for sure, I’ll definitely use it to my advantage. I stopped walking and turned to her. I tried to hide my smirk, but I’m pretty sure she could see it crystal clear.

I took a step closer to her as she backed up, finally hitting the wall of a building. My hand touched the brick of the building right above her head as I leaned in close. Her seductive perfume filled my senses and caused my heart to speed up even more. God, she always smells so fucking good. I glanced down at her lips again, remembering how perfect they felt wrapped around my cock. My eyes met her beautiful chocolate ones and I could tell she was trying to gather her strength. My smile broadened. “So, you wanna keep a secret from Vanessa? I get it. But don’t think I won’t let you slide without needing to pay me for it.”

My dick hardened as I watched her fantastic tongue run along those seductive, full lips of hers. “Payment, huh? I’m sure I know what you have in mind. But it does go against my personal rule of not being with a guy twice.”

I leaned in and ran my mouth along her neck as I whispered, “You had me more than twice that night.”

Her breath hitched. “Mmm,” she purred. “We really did have a good time. But I have to stick to my rule.” Aub leaned closer to me, brushing her chest against mine. “Maybe we can work something else out,” she whispered in my ear. Her lips grazed against my neck making my pulse race. My dick was so hard just from our small banter not to mention the memories of our night together.

“I’m open to suggestions. With you, I’ll accept all forms of payment from your sweet body.” I pressed my lips against her neck and murmured, “Especially those lips of yours.”

“How about my knees. Do you like those?” Her husky voice was thick through the night air. People walked down the sidewalk around us, but all I could really pay attention to was the huskiness in Aub’s voice and those lips.
What did she say?
Knees? Like on her knees? That had to be what she was asking; the vision of her mouth on my cock flashed through my mind.

“Especially from your knees. When you’re down on those, it’s like heaven.” I smiled as I kissed her neck and felt her breathing pick up.

“Mmm. Good. Because I’ll tell you right now. I don’t deal well with blackmail. Even though I’d prefer Vanessa doesn’t know who I’m visiting, I’m going to have to tell her soon anyway.”

“Ungh!” A rush of blinding pain shot up through me as I doubled over grabbing my nuts. I felt sick to my stomach, like my balls were getting sucked up in me.
The bitch kneed me in my fucking nuts!
Hunched over with pain searing my gut, I screamed, “Fuck, Aub!”

“Don’t screw with me again, Clark.” I glanced up in time to see her heels walk away from me, swinging her ass as if she didn’t just turn me into a eunuch. Damn bitch.

Sexy as fucking hell though.

Aubrey

“Ah,” I cried out as I was woken from my sleep. Only my scream couldn’t be heard through the hand that covered my mouth. Fear gripped me, seizing my body and caused my heart to beat at record speed.

That smell. What was that smell? Cigarettes, but it was something more than that. No. Cigars? I was terrified yet that smell was familiar and comfortable; the combination was frustrating and the mix of emotions was overwhelming.

“Oh God, Aubrey. Baby, you’re turning into such a woman.” The voice breathed heavily against my neck. “Fuck,” said the husky voice as it slurred out the words. The pain seized my body as his hand squeezed my breast hard. I tried to scream out again, but his hand squeezed harder over my mouth. “Aubrey, baby. You can’t walk around here with this body of yours. All tan...” A breath. “Tight. I bet you’re so fucking tight.” What the hell was he talking about?

I swallowed and tried to gain my bearings. My eyes flicked to the wall. The moonlight through the side of my blinds cast a light on one side. I was able to make out the rainbow painted on my wall scattered with boy band posters. This is my room.

A muffled moan and more heavy breathing shot panic through my body. I tried to wrestle myself from his grip as he squeezed harder on my breast. I continued to flail and fight to get him off me while his hand moved lower down my body.

“Don’t scream, baby. I’m going to teach you how to treat a man really good.” Hot breath against my neck churned my stomach as the man chuckled. “You’re gonna love it. You know why?” He didn’t bother waiting for my response. “Because that’s all men want from a woman. Any woman is just sex. And I’m gonna teach you how to be the best.” I shook my head as I stared at the top of his head and felt his hand reach between my legs and his fingers…

I gasped for air and sat up quick gripping my covers to me. Relief settled through me as I searched my body and feeling the material of my camisole still on my body and in its place. Tears streamed down my face and my whole body was covered in sweat as I tried to catch my breath.

Dammit.
The nightmares were back. I inhaled deep trying to slow my breathing while my heart continued to pound out of my chest. The feelings swirled within me of pure fear and despair.

Alone
.

I turned on my bedside light and blinked my eyes, hoping he wasn’t in here. One day he might be there, like he had been so many times before. I calmed a little as I tried to regain some sort of normal breathing.

Wiping my tears, I stood up and opened my curtains. Glancing at the lights of the city helped me gain some sort of balance to my mind—some sense of normalcy. I took a deep breath and pressed my forehead against the cold glass. Peering to the street below, visions of free falling to the pavement were so vivid. Would that end it all for me and stop these fucking nightmares?

The nightmares had subsided when I began the relationship with Gregory. I really thought he was the answer, but apparently with their recurrence the past couple of nights, he isn’t. Now they’re back again.
Dammit
.

I rested my forehead against the cool glass and realized how thick it must be. My lids fluttered closed while I envisioned a hammer in my hand. The thick weight of it would allow me to swing harder. Would it break the glass? I pictured tiny shards of glass falling fast to the concrete. Not long after my body would follow.

Would hitting the pavement be hard enough to kill me? Or would I be paralyzed the rest of my life? If I didn’t die, would my mom really believe me then? Would she finally believe what her half-brother did to me?

I pushed myself away from the window and began to pace. Nervous energy attacked me like it always does after my nightmares. It’s the same routine as always. I can’t go back to sleep. He’d wake me again. If I closed my eyes, I’d feel his hand over my mouth again as he instructed me how to please a man. The nausea rolled through my stomach as bile rose up my throat just thinking about it all over again.

I needed a distraction.

I pulled open my dresser drawer and took out my favorite workout bra and shorts. A rush of anxiety hit me again as I thought about my nightmare. It spurred me to throw my clothes and sneakers on quicker than I’ve ever done before. Gingerly, I grabbed my keys from the bowl by the door and walked out, making sure to close the heavy door quietly behind me so as not to wake Clark.

The sound of the door closing echoed behind me as I entered the stairwell. Next was the pounding of my sneakers on each step as I ran faster and faster down to the first level. Six floors and I still had more nervous energy to expend.

I hit the last floor and pushed the door to the hallway open. No one was here either. Not that I expected anyone at three in the morning, but you never know. I swiped my key card for the gym and swung another door open. The lights were off, so I was quick to turn them on as I walked in. The panel on the treadmill lit up as I started my fast pace. I didn’t need to count calories. I didn’t need to know how far I was running. I just needed to run.
Fast.
Away from my nightmares. Away from him.

An hour later, I felt back to normal; well, as “normal” as I’d expect to feel. I doubted I’d ever be able to completely recover from my uncle raping me.
Repeatedly.

Sweaty and mostly out of breath, I switched off the light and started for the stairs.

As I ran up the stairs, I went over the situation with Gregory in my mind. Clark was right. At some point, my world with Gregory might come crashing down because he doesn’t know the real me. Gregory knows to an extent from my sexual innuendos, but not about the way I used to go through men. Many men. What if Gregory never finds out and I can enjoy just a little bit of normalcy? Just that slice that most people get to feel.

I shoved aside my fears and decided to go for this relationship. I have longed so much to have a relationship despite constantly being told that love would be elusive for me.

I took a deep breath as I returned to our apartment and a certain calmness swept over me. After downing a bottle of water from the kitchen, I took a long hot shower. Staring at the water as it swirled around the drain, I imagined it was rinsing away all my bad thoughts. I could only hope it would clear away all of my doubts.

Gregory was going to fall in love with me. I had no doubt about that. I’d have to make sure he never found out how I’ve lived my life up until we reconnected. The last drops of water trickled down and I pretended they were my secrets flowing away never to be found out.

After drying off and changing, I walked into the living room. Eying the remote, I debated turning the TV on. Clark always has the volume turned up so high and I didn’t want to wake him. I bet he’s sleeping peaceful, like he usually does. Even after his break ups with Tina, if that’s what you’d call them, he still manages to sleep soundly.

The apartment was eerily quiet and as I placed the remote back on the wooden coffee table, I glanced at Clark’s bedroom door. Visions of Clark sleeping made me smile and before I realized it I was standing right in front of his door. My hand gravitated to the smooth white wood and the debate to go in ensued in my mind. Usually, if his door is open, I stand in the doorway to watch him sleep. But with the door closed, I wondered if I should try to watch him again.

I doubt it would ever be like it was with Vanessa. She understood my issues without asking why I observed her sleeping. I missed being her roommate and I hated that I lied to her about Gregory. She’s my best friend and she’s always there for me without having to know what exactly is wrong with me. She’s never questioned my odd behavior…like watching someone sleep.

Of course, now I have a new roommate and should get over my odd addiction. I was pretty sure Clark wouldn’t like someone observing him sleep, but nonetheless, I couldn’t resist. Watching someone in their most relaxed state helps give me a sense of serenity.

I turned the knob slow and deliberate, making sure not even the lock would click. It’s tricky. You have to make sure to pull the door to you as you turn the knob. The pressure doesn’t let the tumblers of the lock click. Not a sound was made as I opened the door and peeked into his room.

I inhaled his deep, spicy, woodsy scent and felt instant tranquility. Almost chuckling out loud, I admired the sight of him sprawled out on his bed. The position of his body told the world that the bed is his and only his. His hands were locked behind his head and a small smirk graced his beautiful lips. Large, muscular legs were wide apart taking over the entire bed with his white sheet tangled around his lower half. I knew he slept naked because the last time I was in here I caught a glimpse of his incredible maleness. I smiled as I thought back to that night. It took everything I had not to climb onto the bed with him and use him for my own pleasure. Needless to say that night, I was able to occupy my night in other ways by myself.

Again, I inhaled deeply stealing more of his calm. He’s such a beautiful specimen of a man and I realized that I prefer watching Clark sleep instead of my best friend. Observing Clark also filled me with lustful thoughts along with that much-needed serenity. I leaned against the doorframe and crossed my arms. I sighed as the vision of Clark sleeping so peacefully swirled together with other lascivious feelings. It was an added bonus to my weird addiction.

I let my mind play out the same fantasy as last time. It was what I wished would have happened if I stayed with him that morning after our fabulous tryst together. One of me placing my knee on the bed, making it dip just slightly. Leaning over his sleeping body and placing my lips on his taut stomach. Moving my way along his body, I would feel his muscles tighten underneath my touch. Imagining his breath hitch followed by a slow sexy groan caused by my fingers gliding down his sexy V. Waking him slowly with sinful kisses along his neck as I reach my hand down to rub my palm along his smooth shaft. Hearing his moan as he woke would add to the thrill as I would feel his cock harden beneath my touch.

Sexual arousal stirred within me as the fantasy continued in my head as if it were real. My nipples grew taut under my thin camisole top and I brushed my hand over it feeling how hard my tight bud was. I swallowed as I realized how worked up I was from thinking about Clark like this. Knowing how he had felt inside of me made me press my thighs together attempting to relieve some of the desires building inside of me.

I pressed my lips together as I debated carrying out my fantasy in real life. It could happen. He would enjoy it and I was positive I would as well.

For now, I’d just have to enjoy him in my own way. Turning quickly, I slipped back out of his room quietly and crept back to my room. With my own door closed, I continued the fantasy of having Clark all to myself again and again.

******

“Ohh, you know what would be good?” Izzy’s blue eyes brightened even more as she leaned forward, her long blonde hair dangled against her thigh.

We were at the beauty spa getting manicures and pedicures. We tried to do this at least once a month to make sure we all had girl time together since most of our gatherings were with the guys.

Sitting next to her was her absolute best friend in the world, Mel, so I leaned forward and placed my elbow on Vanessa’s armrest just as she turned her head toward Izzy to listen.

“What?” I couldn’t help but smile considering Izzy’s face was lit up. Her excitement about anything is always infectious.

“You should totally get extensions! That would really rock his world. He’d never know what hit him!” Mel eyes flicked to me after Izzy’s declaration and nodded her head with the same enthusiasm.

Vanessa’s head snapped to mine. Her eyes narrowed in confusion, which made my heart race knowing she wondered who “he” is. This is it. I’m going to have to tell her about Gregory.

He was her crush in college, but he was also mine. This shouldn’t be a problem since she’s in love with Matt now, but I couldn’t help but feel like I betrayed her somehow. Since I didn’t tell her when I first ran into Gregory or about us getting married, I definitely deceived her. My stomach churned and my mouth went dry as I decided to tell her the truth.

“What guy?” Vanessa asked me. My eyes flicked over to watch Izzy’s blue eyes grow wide. Shifting my gaze back to Vanessa, I took a deep breath, ready to unload my secret.

“I, umm. Well, there…” I stopped short as I stared into Vanessa’s dove grey eyes. Eyes that expected me to tell the truth when I should have told her months ago. I felt my hands start to shake but tried to steady myself.
What’s the big deal?
I can do this. She would understand the reason I kept a secret from her for so long. She inched her head toward me as her brows shot up.

“There…” She egged me on as she stared into my eyes as if that was going pull it out of me.

I couldn’t go through with it! I couldn’t tell her it was Gregory that I’ve been seeing for months now and that I’m going to marry him just to help him out. I swallowed as I lied to my best friend yet again.  “A guy I like. Down in Atlanta. That’s all. He works the hotel and…”

Vanessa’s eyes brightened with excitement. She flung her arms around me, hugging me so tight it knocked the wind out of me. “I knew you’d find someone!” Her enthusiasm made me feel absolutely horrible for lying to her. “What’s he look like? What does he do? How old is he? Have you had sex with him yet?” She bombarded me with questions while I faked a laugh, still uneasy that I hadn’t told her the truth.