Dear Glory

4. Morning Glory

Chapter 4

Morning Glory

GLORY

J esus!

I groan, grasping my head, feeling as if someone came up from behind and cold-cocked me upside the head with a brick.

My brain is throbbing, my body aches, and my throat feels raw.

“Ugh, what the hell did I do last night to be feeling like this?” I mutter, voice sounding jacked as I roll over in bed with my eyes still closed. However, I frown when something sweet perforates my nose along with the unmistakable scent of eggs and bacon.

Perplexed about where the smell could stem from, my eyes pop open and I come face to face with the most beautiful bouquet of roses I’ve ever seen along with piping hot steam still coming from a lidded assortment of goodies and juices.

“What the hell?” I blink, confounded as I sit up and look around to see the windows are drawn to let in just enough light so as not to disturb me while I was sleeping. I glance to the hanger on the wall to see my dress from last night is hanging in a dry-cleaning bag. What the fu ? —

My hands run over my body, and I quickly realize I’m not only wearing my favorite pajamas that I know for a fact I’d forgotten to bring when I was rushing to catch my flight, but I’m as clean as a whistle. What in the world is going on? Did I shower when I came back to my room?

I shake my head and slide from bed, walking over to the dress and unzipping the dry cleaning bag. Lo and damn behold, my dress from last night is in perfect condition instead of being riddled with the smell of smoke as one would expect when coming from a smoke-filled lounge.

“How?” I lean in, smelling the dress, noticing that it has the scent of my favorite detergent.

Shaken, I cock my head to the side, puzzled as I turn to the food and uncap the lid. Again, I am taken aback when I see that it’s all of my favorite foods.

“Did I ask for this service last night?” I question aloud, taking the silver wear and picking up one of the sausage patties. When I take a bite, I hum at the recognizable taste and immediately uncap the lid, eyes going wide when I see biscuits and jam, quickly scooping some up and dancing happily. Wait… are these Ms. Betsie’s biscuits, sausage, and homemade peach preserve?

Stunned at how they could get my favorite breakfast here in France, I dig in, also enjoying the authentic French croissants, butter and jam along with all the pastries my little heart can handle. It’s the best thing to wake up to, and the pitcher of water and fresh pressed juice left for me to wash it down with is just the cherry on top.

To say I’m thoroughly impressed with their hospitality would be a slight to the effort they put in. It was all so thoughtful and considerate to the point I’m still baffled. By the time I turn my attention to the bouquet of roses that have such a rich pungent aroma that makes my suite smell like a rose garden, I’m beaming from ear to ear. When I spot a card tucked away with a gorgeous gold seal on it, I giddily pluck it off and break the seal, smiling, but immediately, my smile fades.

Dear Glory,

I’m still savoring the memory of you. For giving me the honor of tasting such otherworldly temptation has left me high. You left me no choice but to express my appreciation by sending these flowers, though they pale in comparison to what my Dear Glory has given me. In addition, I’ve ordered your favorite breakfast. Enjoy it.

Yours,

Axil

I read the letter what feels like an exorbitant number of times, yet I still can’t wrap my mind around it. None of it makes sense. All of this is from Axil?

Suddenly, the events from last night flood into my brain like a forgotten piece of a very important puzzle, and all the food settles at the bottom of my stomach like a lead .

Oh my God! I squeak, heart racing feeling like I’ve committed some type of crime. I mean, if my dad were here, it would be a crime, right? General Cross is so damn strict with his daughter. But I was able to do all that nothing abnormal happened!

Nobody was strangled or had a gun put in their face. What’s even more, Axil seems to want to see me ag— Whoa whoa whoa… I need to slow down! I came out here to relax and find myself, not be ensnared in that man’s web. As excited as I am about yesterday, I need to consider it a once off thing or a casual encounter.

Still, I’m gobsmacked at Axil’s audacity. The things that man said to me! Has anyone spoken so candidly to me in the past? No… every man I have dated has always carried and held a sense of honor, with a few of them having some sexiness about them, but Axil… just his words had me about to cum… what did he say to me last night?

“Yer such a tease, Glorious, but I’ll be responsible this time. I’d rather yu be sober anyway, but next time… I’ll have me way wit yu an’ yu’ll like it.”

“Whew…!” I clap my hands to my hot cheeks and double over in bed, body growing hot. What a salacious manner of speaking! But I somehow I like it… a lot!

I want to see him again, if only to see if he’ll make good on his promise but… when my bedside rotary phone rings, I spring up and slide over to the other side of the king-sized bed to snatch up the receiver.

“H-Hello?” Oh God… is it Axil calling me this morning? I never gave him my number… but he did say he knows everything about me…

“Glorinda!” I deflate and plop back against the bed when I hear my dad’s voice.

“General Cross, good morning,” I mutter in a dry tone, calling him by his title in the military since I’m upset with him.

“Cut it out pumpkin. How’d you sleep last night?” he grunts.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Cut what out? General Cross?”

“I get it you’re upset at me for calling so much. Your mother relayed it to me already, can’t you just talk to me regularly?” he voices but I roll my eyes.

“Fine, hello, Dad. What can I help you with this morning?”

“Aww don’t be like that, pumpkin. You used to call me Daddy,” he groans sadly and I can just tell he’s pouting, but he’s not going to guilt me this time.

“Dad, if you have nothing to say, I’m going to ha?—!”

“How was your night, sweetheart? I was worried about you. I heard you went out,” he says innocently. My throat clamps up from anger but I hold it in.

“I…” I pause, squeezing the receiver to my ear. “Dad, are you really doing this right now?” I feel my temperature rise.

“Of course not, pumpkin, I just… well, your mother just worries about you!” he grumbles, and the blatant lie is so audacious I don’t dignify it with a response. To keep from lashing out at him, I pick up the remote, and flip through the channels to take my mind off his nonsense when I feel my heart stop at seeing Axil’s face. With utter stupefication, I turn the television up and my heart thumps wildly in my chest at the headline.

“Axil O’Hara and Idina O’Hara heading for divorce as the municipal courts have granted separation.” DIVORCE! OH MY GOD! HE… HE’S MARRIED?!...

I clutch my stomach, feeling a bit queasy, but I still try to listen in. The segment is so short that I don’t get much information aside from he’d not long ago gained citizenship and took over his wife’s father’s company... Guhhhh!

“Glorinda, did you hear me?”

“I-I’m sorry, Dad. What did you say?” I grumble, forgetting I’m even upset with my dad, more so preoccupied with what I just saw and unsure how I feel about it.

“I was asking what are your plans today?

“I’m unsure. I might go relax by the pool and go downstairs for dinner later,” I answer flippantly because I know he’s just asking so he can keep tabs on me. More than that… my dad… he knows everything. It’s one of the perks of being a high-ranking military officer. By chance would he...? “Daddy?” I say sweetly, buttering him up.

“Yes, Glorinda? Don’t tell me you’re bored and ready to come home already… but if you need I can sen?—”

“No, that’s not it. I w-was wondering… do you know a man by the name of Axil O’ Hara??” I finally let out.

There is a long pause on the phone, which has me looking at the receiver, but that blaring obnoxious noise hasn’t come through, so I know he hasn’t disconnected the call.

“Axil O’Hara? Glorinda, where did you hear that name?” he spits as if the name itself is disgusting.

“I saw him mentioned on the news…” I lie and can hear the cord on the other end shaking.

“Humph, just ignore it. That Irishman is bad news, and you don’t need to pay attention to anyone you’ll never meet,” he sounds off. Ugh! But I DID meet him and I AM paying attention… probably too much!

“O-oh? Is he that bad of a guy?”

“Yes, stay away from people like him while you’re out there, Glorinda, I’m not kidding about this… this goes beyond a few fucking parking tickets. Stay away from him,” grits out, full on military commander mode.

“Relax, Dad, it’s not like I’ll ever see him…” I chuckle awkwardly, “So that goes without question, but I’m also curious what makes him and his wife so worthy of being on the news even here in France?” I throw in, hoping he doesn’t inquire as to why I’m asking.

“They are going through a very public divorce, considering they are billionaires,” he answers.

“ BILLIONAIRES? ” I shout a little too loud… “As in Bill Gates billionaire?”

“Yup, not only that, but she’s the typical wealthy white woman in distress and he’s a foreigner who inherited his father-in-law’s company. Plus they have two kids. They are the perfect fodder to talk about.”

“He has two kids as well?!” I frown, curling my lip.

“Yes, I seen in the newspaper that he’s asking for sole custody, but his wife, Idina is fighting him on it.”

“Hmm, I understand now,” I curl my lip, running over the events from last night. Nothing about that man said he had a family at home… not the way he spoke so nastily to me or the weapon he was grinding against me.

“You understand what exactly?” he growls on the other end.

“Nothing, Dad. I was just curious.”

“Well don’t be curious about that bastard. He’s bad news. Anyway, when are you th?—”

“Ohhhh nooo,” I dramatically call out. “My phone has a static now,” I snatch up a piece of paper and crumble it up to feign static.

“GLORINDA! GLORINDA! I KNOW YOU HEAR M—” He tries to shout but I pretend I can’t hear him.

“I…. ha-have t… c-ll …u …me oth… time. Bye Dad.” I fall back after quickly placing the phone on the receiver.

“So he’s married, but getting a divorce?” I tap my finger to my chin wondering how I feel about this.

I kissed him and he clearly wanted things to go much further, but I do not see myself doing such things with a married man with children no less. Even if he is getting a divorce, it’s not like they can’t simply change their minds. It’s not only reckless for me to think about seeing him again, but it’s setting myself up for getting dragged into their already messy divorce, and I just don’t think it’s worth it for some dick… no matter how good the sex is promised to be.

Ugh…whatever. Last night was a clear waste of my time. I feel so disappointed, but I don’t want to think about this right now. I’m on holiday in France! There are things to see, food to eat, and pools to lounge by. I cannot and will not spend my time worried about a man due to a casual… but very intense encounter. I mean… I might not never see him ever again!

With that said, I get up and put on my swimsuit and robe, making my way to the rooftop pool where I lounge under the sun and drink cocktails without much care in the world. Or that’s what I should be doing. Axil and his licentious words still infiltrate my thoughts, leaving me to grab my things and unceremoniously stalk up to the counter, where I see the manager from last night at the front desk.

“Good evening, Mademoiselle Cross. How may I be of assistance to you this afternoon?”

“Yes, hello. I was wondering if you have any magazines or newspapers with American news?” I ask and he wrinkles his nose. I know it’s an odd request considering I’m in France, but I’m dying to know more about him now.

“I am sure that we can find some, Mademoiselle. We will have that delivered to your room when we’ve acquired them.”

“Thank you.” I wave, making my way back to my suite, thinking it’ll take them a long time to find. I’m stunned when about an hour later, after my wash off from my dip in the pool, I hear a knock at my door. When I get to the door and open it, there are stacks of New York Times newspapers and plenty of magazines, both French and American, sitting in the hall at the bell boys feet.

“Oh, merci!” I thank him, running over to the coffee table, pinching off a few bills and handing them to him as he carries them inside the living room. He leaves and I pour myself a glass of wine and begin my search for any article I can find on Axil and his wife, though I don’t have to look too far. They are everywhere .

BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS IDINA PREGNANT WITH HER IRISH HUSBAND’S FIRST CHILD… WILL IT HAVE RED HAIR OR BEAUTIFUL BLOND LOCS?

AXIL O’HARA TO TAKE OVER TECH CONGLOMERATE SINCE PASSING OF FATHER-IN-LAW

IDINA SHOWS OFF BABY BUMP OF SECOND CHILD WITH HUSBAND AXIL O’HARA WHILE WALKING WITH BABY LILIAN

AXIL O’HARA AND IDINA CAUGHT ARGUING IN VENICE BEACH… TROUBLE IN PARADISE?

AXIL O’HARA FILES FOR DIVORCE. IS GRANTED SEPARATION. IDINA SHOWN TO BE IRATE

IDINA’S NEW MAN… NO COMPARISON TO AXIL O’HARA

IDINA FOUND NAKED ON BOAT WITH NEW MAN… AXIL REFUSES TO COMMENT

AXIL SEEKING SOLE CUSTODY FOR DAUGHTER LILIAN AND SON ROBERT

I read any article I can get my hands on and they all lament Axil and his wife’s failing marriage and how it will affect their two children.

Setting the newspapers to the side having read enough, as I try to grasp how I feel about everything I’d just read.

So that’s how it is... It really is a messy divorce…

“I can at least conclude I shouldn’t feel too guilty about the kiss last night since both of them are clearly seeing other people,” I mumble, fiddling with the magazine that has a color picture of his handsome face with his two kids. But does that mean I want to see him again? I’m not entirely sure.

I did like what I got a taste of last night, but I’d be mortified if I wound up in the paper like his wife’s lover did, especially when my dad is already on my back. I’m sure if that were to happen, I’d never freaking hear the end of it, considering his thoughts on Axil.

In truth, General Cross would probably lock me away in a tower on some deserted island with not one man but Peter piper picked a pepper Linus, and I’d just die! I barely escaped with my mom’s help, yet he’s still keeping tabs on me. If he knew I was lying and saw Axil, that will be all she wrote for me, and I don’t know If I’m willing to take that risk.

Also, I cannot forget that he has two beautiful children to devote his time to… but that’s not a bad thing, considering I can’t have kids. If things were to go further… no no no no! What am I even thinking?!

I can admit that everything about him was tempting. Visually, he’s everything I’d desire in a man. His dangerous aura and big package that he’s sure to know how to use still has my mouth watering, and well, has something else wet. Not to mention the slight tease to something more depraved with his guards… it sounds deplorable, but I’m helplessly curious about what being with a man like that would be like... even if for one night.

Axil unlike most men I know, gives off a different frequency I’ve yet to see. He seems fun, thrilling, vivacious, and, dare I say, nasty, and if I’m honest, that’s what’s most appealing about him.

He looks like he’ll change my life and excuse my French but fuck my world up, and I’m not opposed to that at all!

Honestly, if I had to describe my life I’d be like Hilary Banks or Whitley from “A Different World,” though my complexion is much darker. My life is full of abundance and riches, and my dad is just as doting as Uncle Phil and outside of the God awful meddling in my life, he spoils me… maybe a bit too much.

But I’m sick and tired of that kind of life. I want more for myself… more like what last night hinted at.

Thinking about our encounter has me touching my lips… and quickly my body grows flustered. My stomach growls something fierce, reminding me I haven’t eaten since before I went to lounge by the pool.

“Food! Yes! I need to eat!” I spring up from the sofa, fanning my face and running over to my closet. I change into an all-black body suit, black tennis skirt, and black stockings and pair it with pure gold bangles and earrings along with a white cashmere cardigan and tasteful Jimmi Choo high heels. I swap my clutch, making sure to place my powder in the bag and glance over to the card lying in wait on my bed. I can’t help but snatch it up along with the article about him being a great father and fighting for custody of his children, which has a candid photo of him walking hand in hand with Lilian and shielding Robert in his arms as he crosses the street and place it in inside, wanting to keep it close to me for some odd reason.

As I make my way down to the lobby where I opt to have lunch, I’m ushered quickly to my seat, thankfully toward the back where I will be undisturbed.

After I order my steak salad, I’m ashamed to admit I find myself pulling out the clipped article and reading it over, brushing my thumb over his little girl’s cute, chubby face. He’s different from what I thought…

“Your entree, madame,” the waiter speaks as he places my dish in front of me. Just as he does, I look up to see Axil’s guard from the night prior eyeing me. For a moment, our eyes lock, but I immediately look away, hoping he moves along, though to my horror, he walks over.

“Ms. Cross how are you today?” he smiles, eyes gleaming and I nearly melt at his adorable accent that’s not as strong as Axil’s, but I can hear that both of them might be in the works of transitioning, prioritizing English as their first language. I heard Irishmen speak and their accents are nowhere near as prevalent as those who still use Gaelic religiously.

“I… I’m well, and you?”

“I am also well. Thank you for asking,” he answers as his eyes roam over my table before returning to me. “Did you enjoy the breakfast the boss sent this morning?”

“It was delicious. P-please relay my thanks,” I tell him as I grasp my napkin, feeling the need to busy my hands.

“I’m sure he will be pleased to hear that,” he chuckles. “Though I think he’ll find the article you’re reading more to his liking,” he teases and I glance down, horrified that I still have the article about Axil and his children out. Flustered, I fold it and place it in my bag, but of course there’s no use pretending since he clearly saw it.

“I… I was simply doing research,” I humph and haughtily hold up my nose.

“If you’re that curious about the boss, then why don’t you just come along with me and ask him yourself? That’ll be much more fun, aye?” he raises and brow and my stomach dips.

“N-no thanks… there is no need. I… I found everything I needed to know,” I swallow.

“Oh?” he cocks his head to the side, watching me.

“Yes… but…”

“But?”

“Uhm… y-your r-relationship… uhm… with Axil…?” I stammer, unable to let go of the nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that there’s something there.

“My relationship with the boss you say?” he questions and tilts his head the other way, pondering the answer while tapping his finger on the back of the chair he’s leaning on.

“Yes… what is it?” I look up at him, and he’s watching me with the same eyes as yesterday.

“Well… it’s whatever he wants it to be,” he smiles boyishly and a lump raises in my throat.

“I… see… a-and me? Wh-what does he w-want with me?” I choke out and his eyes darken as they roam over me and he licks his pink lips.

“Everything,” he answers without hesitation. The air is sucked from my lungs as we stare in each others’ eyes when a server comes over, breaking the connection.

“Mr. Walsh, here’s Mr. O’Hara’s lunch. We prepared it as quickly as possible,” the waiter says gleefully and hands him the tray.

“Thank you.” He takes the tray and I watch him walk away, only to spin back around. “Oi, Ms. Cross. The boss wanted to apologize for him having to undress and wipe you down without your permission… but he felt you’d get a better night of sleep if he cooled your skin and removed the wet spots from your…” he trails off, looking down at my privates, and I squeeze my legs closed as he winks and my pussy clenches as my mouth drops open. “Have a nice meal,” he nods, walking away, leaving me to clutch the table with labored breathing. Jesus Lord Almighty…