Ruined: Loving An Alpha Male: BWWM Romance (31 page)

“So, you took it upon yourself to determine what I was capable of handling? You knew how I would react to you without asking me? You didn’t even give me the chance to say I couldn’t handle it. You broke my heart, Mason.”

She leaned back against the car, and I moved closer. I touched her arm, knowing that I would no doubt want to touch more.

I said softly, “I’m sorry, Allura. All I wanted to do was keep you safe from me the only way I knew how. And now I’m going to keep you safe from your father and anyone else the only way I know how.”

She shook her head.

“Mason, I can’t let you do that.”

I backed away.

“You really don’t have a choice, now do you?”

She grabbed my arm.

“Please, Mason. I can’t let anything happen to Tiffany or Cory. Please, I have to protect them.”

“What? You want to protect them, even if they don’t agree on how you’re going about it?”

She looked at me for a second and then realized what I was getting at. I’ve done the same thing, and she wasn’t in agreement on how I went about it.

How quickly the tables have turned.

She sighed deeply.

“I don’t want anyone to get hurt, Mason.”

“They won’t. You’ll just have to trust me, Allura. I will not let anything happen to you or anyone else, for that matter.”

I reached down, grabbed her bags, and headed back to the hotel. I didn’t wait for her to follow me. I just kept walking. I got to the lobby and was greeted by a crowd that apparently got an eye full. Diane looked at me skeptically, but I didn’t care to entertain whatever thoughts were going on in her head.

I put her bags in front of Cory and pulled the keys from my pocket. I put them in his hands and walked away. Tiffany stood in front of me, and she mouthed, “Thank you.” I leaned into her and kissed her on her cheek.

I whispered so only she could hear, “You know, I would do anything for her to keep her safe.”

I left them all standing there. I knew the anger I was feeling was about to consume me, and I needed space. I heard footsteps behind me, but I didn’t turn to see who it was. I knew who it was, and I was thankful that he was here. He was the only one who knows what type of hell I was in. He was the only one who can talk me off this ledge I’m on.

Everyone went on the fishing trip, except me and Diane. She didn’t want to go in the first place. So, since I didn’t go, I didn’t want to subject them to her winning personality. What I did instead was call Roland. I gave him Max’s cell number, not really telling him who the number belonged to, and asked him to trace where the last call came from. It should get him to the man we were looking for.

After that, I got Sammy Morales to look into the kidnapping case covertly. Sammy is a computer whiz who works for Roland. But I get him to do special jobs for me from time to time, when I’m investigating a business I want to take over.

I wanted him to tell me if the cops found any connection from the kidnapping to Max’s father. If so, what information did they obtain? Was the case still open? Where were they on the whole thing? I was sure it was a cold case because of the time that had elapsed, but I was hoping to get some leads. If the people that are responsible haven’t been found, I need to know who they were. That would require me to talk to Max. That wouldn’t be a pleasant conversation, so I’m hoping to get the info that I need without her.

“I’m going to lie out by the pool. Do you want to join me?” I heard Diane say.

I shook my head, not really paying her any attention.

I did say, out of habit, “I’m working right now, so I’ll have to meet up with you later.”

Sammy got me information rather quickly, but there was not that much for me to go on. The cops did identify a Latin mob gang that is running in South Dallas with ties to Ray Jr. and a cartel out of South America. I sent the name of the cartel to Roland. I think I remembered them from the list of America’s most wanted. If they were one and the same, I will definitely be making a trip across the border soon.

When it was dinner time, I did join everyone. We went to the restaurant in the hotel and found a nice spot on the deck outside. I watched Max eat more than just a salad, which put a smile on my face. I kept up my end of the bargain, and I just had a beer—nothing heavy. I didn’t drink the next morning either. I simply had coffee in the morning before we left to play a round of golf.

We drove in silence, each of us immersed in our own thoughts. I’ve been talking with Roland off and on since last night. He was able to find Max’s father, and he gave me the rundown on his operation. Apparently, he really is a big deal. In fact, Roland said that the FBI and ATF are looking at him. He has known ties to the South American gun and drug trade. It was no wonder I found that connection to Max’s kidnapping. I’m also wondering if whoever touched Max was dealt with.

“Bro.”

I turned to my brother in the driver seat.

“What?”

“You didn’t hear what we said?” I shook my head. “We’ve been debating if AB should get Tiffany a birthday present.” I looked at him confused, and he explained, “The schmuck thinks that this trip is enough of a birthday gift for her. Cory and I disagree. What do you think?”

I turned slightly to AB, who is sitting behind Marc, and shook my head.

“Haven’t I taught you anything? You should be doing something special just for her, you heartless SOB.”

“Why should I? I mean, this trip should be enough.”

“Yeah, and what exactly have you contributed to this trip? Did you set up some quiet time, not just to fuck, but just some alone time?”

“Yeah, right. Trying to get her alone and away from ‘Monkey’ is a difficult task.”

I blanched at the nickname, but I looked over at Cory.

“I’m sure Cory can occupy Maxine for a few hours, so that you can wine and dine your woman as best as you can, considering where we are. That’s the least you can do.”

Did I just say that? AB looked at Cory, and he nodded.

“Of course I can do that. You want to do it tonight?”

AB and Cory started talking on another topic, and I looked back out the window at the scenery going by.

“You alright?” My brother asked me.

I nodded. “Yeah, I’m cool. I hope playing golf will give me the anger release that I need.”

He chuckled. “Well, I have something in my trunk that I think will work. When we get back, I’ll show you.”

We didn’t stay out too long. I wasn’t feeling the course today, and everyone else seemed otherwise occupied and not really paying attention to the game we were playing. When we got back to the hotel, my brother told me to change into some workout gear and meet him in the lobby.

When I made my way back into the lobby, my brother was there already in shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt that was similar to what I was wearing. He threw a pair of boxing gloves at me, and I swear that the biggest smile grew on my face.

“You think your slow ass is up for it?” He asked me.

“Do you think you can handle me?” I responded, grinning with anticipation.

“Well, there’s one way to find out.”

He grinned too, and I followed him outside and toward the beach.

When I tell you that every muscle in my body is screaming at me, believe me, they are. Even though I’m still somewhat in shape, I feel like I haven’t worked out in years. I have to stop drinking as much. My brother and I were exhausted, but we tried not to show the fatigue our bodies felt. We made our way back to the hotel and stopped when we saw Diane and Marie laying out poolside.

I quickly pulled off my shirt and tore off my shoes and socks and dove into the pool. Damn this water feels amazing. I did a few laps before I pulled myself out of the pool and headed over to Diane. She threw me a towel, and I put it over my head.

I sat down and leaned back, reminding myself to give Roland a call. He was looking into verifying that the South American cartel responsible for Max’s kidnapping was on the government watch list.

When I removed the towel, Maxine was standing right in front of me. I think we both surprised each other, but I was more blown away by the sight of her body. My eyes traveled the length of her and stopped at her side.

Holy shit
. My eyes were big, I knew. That’s because I was shocked as hell. Maxine had a tattoo on her beautiful skin, and it was sexy as shit. It started on her side but traveled a little down toward her stomach. She tried to move away so I wouldn’t see it, but I reached for her hips without hesitation and pulled her closer to me. I gasped. One look at her tattoo made me feel like someone kicked me in my chest with a steel-toed boot.

“When did you get this?” I asked her softly, while rubbing her skin with my fingers.

I heard her say, “Three weeks after you left.”

She had the anchor to represent the Navy, which mirrored the tattoo I had on my chest over my heart. She made hers unique, though. That’s what impressed me and also produced the proverbial lump in my throat. Where ours were different is that she had dog tags circling the anchor where I had rope. Of course, I had the Navy SEAL symbol on mine carrying the anchor. But hers had the anchor going through a heart. She then had two dog tags hanging from the anchors. I touched the dog tag with Alex’s name on it and the initials NFNF. I had the initials spelled out on my forearms “Never Forget,
Never Forgive,” and I hadn’t had it when we were together.

I then looked at the second dog tag. The chain wrapped around the heart, and it seemed to be squeezing it a little. The tag said “the reaper” in all caps. I looked up in her eyes and saw all the hurt and pain I caused. Before I’d seen the pain in her eyes, and now I saw it expressed on her side for all to see.

“Nice tattoo,” I managed to force out.

Then I stood and removed myself from her presence. I knew I had hurt her. But to see it displayed in front of me, to see how she expressed her pain, has me fucked up.

See? Fate fucking hates me.

My skin was on fire where he touched me. I couldn’t breathe as he caressed my skin. I felt his breath on me, and I fought the urge to run my hands through his hair. When he looked in my eyes, I saw sadness, pain and remorse. I wasn’t sure if what I was seeing in his eyes was true, but I wanted to believe it was. But when he walked away, those hopes were shattered.

“Hey, I didn’t even know you had a tattoo,” I heard Cory exclaim.

Tiffany met my eyes, and she smiled.

I didn’t expect to see Mason by the pool. They were supposed to be playing golf, and the last time they were gone for hours. Tiffany and I decided to do some shopping for dinner tonight. She told me she wanted lobster tail and salmon, salad, my grandmother’s famous Lou and cheese, rice, steamed broccoli, and a birthday cake. So we had to drive inland a little to go shopping. We got everything we needed and found out there was a Zumba class starting. So we put everything in my suite, grabbed Diane and Marie, and made it back in time for the class, which was held outside.

Man, I haven’t had so much fun in a long time. Kat and I haven’t danced like this in years. We definitely knew how to move, which is why we found ourselves in the front of the class being dance instructor assistants. I mentioned before she and I took dance lessons for a long time and loved to dance, so this felt like second nature.

Diane and Marie said they would meet us poolside as we talked to the instructor about teaching a class back in Dallas. When we finally made it to the pool, I didn’t see Mason until it was too late. I don’t know why I wasn’t paying attention. I mean, my body did the same as it always does when I’m in his presence, but I wasn’t expecting him to be this close to me. I’m sort of used to feeling that he consumes my body, even without touching me. So I paid no attention to how I was feeling. Then when he removed his towel from his head and saw my tattoo, I almost pissed my pants.

When he pulled me to him the same way he used to claim me before we made love, I began to quiver with want. And, damn, to feel his hands on me again…I wanted him. Throbbing ensued between my legs, and I knew I was wet and wanting.

This man is still pure sex. Even though he hasn’t touched me in years, even though he’s hurt me, my body wants nothing but him. No one has ever made me feel this way. As many times as Cory has touched me, I haven’t responded to him the way I’ve responded to Mason.

Cory came up to me and touched my tattoo…Yup,
nothing
.

“Who are Alex and the Reaper?” Cory asked.

I heard someone choke, and I turned to see Marc coughing. I narrowed my eyes on him, and he gave me a silent apology. ‘He is such an asshole, just like his brother.’

“They were two people I knew and loved once. They were in the Navy.”

“Humph,” was all he said.

Kat cleared her throat. “Hey, why don’t we get started with dinner?”

‘Thank you, Kat.’

“Well, actually, I’ll go get started with dinner. This is your birthday celebration. You will not lift a finger.”

“Aw, come on. I love to watch you cook. Besides, you may need some help.”

“I can help her,” Marie smiled.

“Me too,” Cory replied.

Then I saw him look at AB. ‘What was that about?’

“Are you sure?” she said.

“Yes, girl. I’m sure. Go relax or something. Marie, meet me in my room in an hour.”

“Huh? Make that two,” Marc announced, and then he reached for his wife.

I laughed.

“Alright I’ll see you in a little bit.”

I headed to my room, and Cory silently followed. When we got to the room, Cory helped me get everything prepared. I had to boil the lobster tails first and start making the salad. Cory started chopping the salad. We talked about how fun it used to be to prepare Sunday dinner with Ms. Claire, Tiffany’s mom.

In exactly two hours, Marie came over with a bottle of wine with Marc in tow. We popped it open, and while Cory and Marc sat in front of the television, Marie and I started preparing dinner.

I really had a good time talking to Marie. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She told me she was Dominican, moved from Florida to go to school here in Texas, and never left.

“How long have you and Marc been together?” I asked her.

“Close to fourteen years. We met on our first day of college.”

“Oh yeah? Where did you guys go to school?”

“We went to Baylor.”

She told me Marcus saw her in the ‘SUB’, their student union building. He talked to her the whole time, and then walked her to her dorm.

“I tell you, I was so happy to see my dorm it was unreal.”

“Oh, whatever. You fell in love with my charm and winning personality that night, admit it woman,” Marc yelled to us from the living room.

Marie and I laughed.

“That’s right baby, I did.”

“Let me ask you a question, when you first met Mason and saw them two next to each other, could you tell them apart?”

Marie nodded.

“Yes, I could. But they don’t believe me.”

“Have they ever tested that theory with you?”

“No, I think Marc is afraid.” Marie leaned into me. “I didn’t think I could at first, until I actually met Mason. It’s something about the way I feel when Marc is next to me. I don’t feel that with Mason, you know. I can just look in his eyes, and I know which one is my husband.”

I nodded my agreement. I knew exactly what she meant. I was about to tell her I felt the same, but Marc came up next to her.

“Baby, I know for a fact you would not be able to tell us apart,” Marc told her, grinning from ear to ear.

“Oh yeah? I bet you I can.”

“How much do you want to wager?”

She thought about what she wanted and then smiled.

“If I win, you have to escort me to every chick flick that I want to see for a year.”

“What? One year?”

Cory came up next to him.

“Wow, a whole year? She sounds very confident, Marc. I wouldn’t accept that bet.”

“Nah, I think she’s bluffing. Okay, let’s minimize that to three chick flicks of your choice. And if I win, you have to do three things that I love to do.”

“Which is?”

Marc smiled that devilish smile I would see Mason do when he was being sexual with me.

I shook my head.

“Uh, Marie. From that look, which by the way I’ve seen before, you could probably use your imagination and figure out the three things he likes to do.”

I laughed, as Marc raised and lowered his eyebrows conspiratorially.

“So what do you say? We have a deal?”

Marie smiled and took her husband’s hand.

“Deal.”

He stood and tapped Cory.

“Cory and I are going to round up my brother and play some pool or go watch naked women run around on the beach. We’ll see you lovely ladies later.”

We got AB to bring in another table from his and Kat’s room, and Marie and Diane set the table. I placed the food nicely on the table, as well as two bottles of wine. We had two dozen flowers that Mason bought sitting on the tables to make the tables beautiful. I had changed into a form fitted black dress with red four and a half inch stilettos. My dress was strapless, so I wore my hair up to accentuate my neck. It was that moment I heard Marie gasp.

“You got another tattoo?” she asked.

I smiled.

“Yeah, Kat and I got one earlier today.”

Both of our tattoos were on the back of our necks. Mine was a silhouette of a cat, with the name KAT underneath. Kat has the name “Monk,” with a monkey hanging from the cursive part of the M.

I heard Diane scoff.

“I think inking your skin as a woman is a mistake. I mean, in the world, you’re looked at very differently.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I don’t care what anyone thinks of me, number one. Number two, the only way you knew it was there was when I wanted you to. I’m not saying I’m going to go overboard, but I’m not in the habit of worrying about how others perceive me.”

“Well, then in the world I live in, that’s something that a woman doesn’t do,” she replied.

I didn’t take to heart what she said. I just shrugged and kept getting everything ready for tonight. Marie, I thought, was stunning as was Diane. Marie wore a white dress with white strappy high heel sandals, and Diane wore a green dress with silver high heel sandals. They both wore their hair down, and their dresses contoured their figures.

When the door opened and Kat walked in, I started singing “happy birthday.” Even though her official day was tomorrow, we were celebrating tonight. She looked spectacular with her strapless form fitting red dress with four inch stilettos. Her hair was up too, which showed her fresh tattoo.

I gave her a huge hug.

“Happy birthday, sis.”

“Thank you. Oh my goodness, it is beautiful in here.”

She hugged everyone, and Marie asked to see the tattoo.

“Did it hurt?” she asked

“Yeah, it hurt like crap, but I was able to get through it. I feel sexy knowing I have a secret that, if I want to keep to myself, you will never see it.”

“Has AB seen it?” Diane asked.

She shook her head.

“Nope. We had sex and everything, and he didn’t notice. It’s because I didn’t want him to.”

“Where are the guys at, anyway?” I asked.

“They should be on their way.”

“Good, let’s have a few shots before they get here for your birthday.”

I grabbed some cups and poured everyone a drink.

“Here’s to one of the best people I know. Kat, you have the biggest heart, and you would do anything for anyone. I love that about you. And I hope when I grow up, I can be just like you. To Kat…”

Everyone raised their glasses, and we took the shot of vodka like women. We made faces and vowed to not take another. But when the guys came in fifteen minutes later, we had taken two more shots.

From the content faces of everyone around the table, everyone enjoyed dinner. I got lots of compliments and even some requests for caterings. AB was trying to get me to cook at his restaurant instead of bartending. I was flattered by the things they said, but I was just glad everything turned out to taste good.

The conversation around the table was great. We laughed at stories AB, Mason, and Marcus told us about growing up. Marc told the table about the bet he and his wife had, and Mason smirked and looked at me for the first time today. I’ve been trying to keep my focus away from my temptation that is Mason James West. When he walked into my room, I thought I was going to faint he looked so good. He wore black skinny type pants and a jacket with a white short-sleeve shirt that hugged the ripples of his muscles. His hair was wild in that way I used to make it when we’ve fucked for hours.

I don’t know if it’s the shots that are starting to get to me, or if it’s just pure desire, but I wanted Mason more than I wanted anything else in my life. What I should feel guilty about is Cory being right next to me while I craved another.

The rest of the guys looked great too. Marcus wore the same and pretty much looked the same, but he had on a different color shirt and jacket. AB wore dark black pants and a jacket similar to Mason, but with a red shirt to match Kat’s dress.

Cory looked pretty good himself. He wore black pants and a short sleeve black shirt. He smelled nice and looked delectable. I should be ashamed, but I’m not.

Cory helped me bring out the cake because I almost tripped and fell. All four of us started laughing, which made the guys look at us strangely.

“I see that someone has been dipping in the sauce while we were away,” Marcus announced.

“What was your first clue, Sherlock?” I stated and then was rewarded by laughter coming from my partners in crime, even Diane.

We gave each other high fives as I attempted to light the candles on the cake.

“Hey, why don’t you let me handle that?” AB stood.

I made a face and sat down, while AB lit the candles. We sang “Happy Birthday” and watched as my girl attempted to blow out the candles.

We had hung out more in the room and ate a little cake. What I was ready for was to party. AB rented a room for us, and Cory brought his equipment so he could DJ the party. So we finally made our way to the rented area. The guys tried to restrict the amount of drinks we consumed, but it didn’t work, I had a flask of some vodka, and I passed it around to Marie and Kat. Diane seemed to be hanging on for dear life, so she shook her head. Ever the lady, I thought to myself. But I heard laughter from Marie and Kat, and a frown was on the face of Diane, so maybe I didn’t just say that in my mind.

For some reason, we ran out of alcohol. So we talked the guys into going for a beer and liquor run. So while Cory set up his DJ equipment, I found a deck of cards.

“I got them!” I said to Kat, and she groaned.

“No, we aren’t playing that game,” she exclaimed, but I shook my head.