Midnight Butterflies

Chapter 9

NINE

Dove

“Will you stay?” I ask.

I know I shouldn’t be asking because I’ve pushed him too far already tonight. For some reason, Reid can’t make his presence fully known yet. Another red flag I’ll pretend I’m not aware of. This man has me throwing out all my self-preservation instincts.

He studies me for a moment.

The way he stares makes me feel as if he can see right into my soul, and it makes me feel uncomfortable. It’s an unnerving experience.

He slowly nods and crawls onto the other side of the bed. I bite my lower lip as I watch him adjust and lean against the headboard. He widens his arms and smirks.

“Come on, sweet girl.”

I beam from the nickname.

I’m not sure which of his terms of endearment I like better.

There’s no use pretending anymore. When I saw him getting ready to leave tonight, I knew I wanted to give in. I wasn’t aware just how much I would be, but I want everything he’s willing to give.

I move a few inches over and rest my head on his chest. Reid wraps his arm around my shoulder and uses the other to pull the blanket over me.

My eyelids get heavy, and I know I’m about to fall asleep. When I should feel concerned, instead, I feel a new kind of peace. As he starts to stroke the outside of my arm, I feel at ease in his hold.

“You’ll be gone in the morning.”

Reid stops his movements.

It’s not a question. I know it’s the truth; we both do. Reid can’t stay the night but is willing to stay a bit longer so that I can fall asleep in his arms.

“I didn’t take you as a cuddler,” I murmur.

Reid laughs lightly, and I snuggle into his warmth. This is everything I’ve wanted but have been too scared to admit because of the consequences.

“I’ll be anything for you,” he answers.

Reid begins to stroke my arms once more, and I fall into a peaceful sleep, knowing he’ll be gone soon.

The next morning, I wake to the sound of my cell phone vibrating repeatedly on my nightstand. Groggily, I stretch upward, and the memories of last night come roaring back. I look to my side and see an empty spot next to me. Reid disappeared like I knew he would.

Why am I so disappointed by that? I knew he was going to leave, yet I’m sad about it.

My cell phone vibrates on the nightstand again.

As I reach over to grab it, I notice Reid’s tradition continues. A lone photograph of me sleeping is there. Only this time, I catch a glimpse of the arm I’m hugging for dear life. The arm of the man who I’m desperate for and shouldn’t be.

Taking the photo in between my fingers, I realize this is the first one I have of us together. I set it on the outside of the frame that sits on my nightstand, currently holding one of my favorite photos. Hopefully, I’ll be able to replace it with a better one of Reid and me soon.

I go to pick up my phone when the vibrating stops. As I scroll through it to see who has been calling me, I notice I have five missed calls from Jill.

My heart sinks.

My mother.

I should feel guilty that Reid was just making me come hours ago in my bed, but I can’t. I don’t know what Reid is up to, but I know that what they have isn’t real.

Jill’s name flashes on the screen.

I let out a loud sigh and hit accept.

“Hi,” I answer.

I start to pace around my bedroom and fidget with the end of my shirt.

“There you are. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you all morning.”

“It’s only eleven in the morning. I had a late night.”

“Boozing with the locals?”

“What? No, taking photos.”

“Right. Just don’t get pregnant.”

“ What?”

“Never mind all that. I need you tonight at eight p.m.”

I head into my kitchen to start a pot of coffee. Jill’s demand at least has me intrigued to find out what she’s up to.

“Tonight? Why?”

“Susan Carter offered to throw Reid and me an engagement party.”

I pause as the coffee pot begins to brew.

“Who’s that?” I ask, pulling a mug from the cupboard.

“She’s a friend.”

“A friend?”

“A new friend. I was talking to her last night at the club, and she insisted on throwing a small soiree for us. Tonight was the only open slot in her calendar, so of course, I said it was fine.”

“Who can throw together a party in a day?”

“People with connections, like Susan.”

“And people can just drop everything to attend?” I ask skeptically.

“Yes. That’s what people do for people like Susan.”

Susan must be important in the circle that Jill is desperate to get into.

“Okay, let me see if I can move things around.”

She laughs wildly from the other end of the phone.

“Dove, this is important. You need to be there.”

I pour my coffee and put a splash of milk in it.

“I understand, but I have a life, too, you know. This is the most we’ve talked to each other in years. I can’t just drop everything every time you ask. It’s beginning to be too much.”

All of that is true. She is asking for too much these days. The truth is, I don’t think I could handle seeing Reid on her arm all night as a doting fiancé. It makes my stomach curl even thinking about the idea that they’ll be having an engagement party this evening.

“Just be there. Make an appearance so we can take a few photos for the local social magazines and such, and then you can scamper back to the mountain,” she says.

“Scamper back?”

“In all my years as your mother, I’ve left you alone so that you could make a life of your own.”

I scoff as I take a sip of my coffee.

“That’s what you’re going with?”

“I need this from you. Susan will be disappointed if my only daughter isn’t there.”

I take another sip of my coffee.

“Fine. I’ll be there.”

“Good. Dress appropriately.”

Jill just wants me there for a photo opportunity. That I can do so that I’ll be in and out of Susan’s home. I’m realizing that’s becoming a bit of a habit—showing up for as short of time as possible and fleeing.

My stomach twists at the notion I’m playing nice in this scenario. This is just one more reason why I need to tell Reid to leave me alone for good this time. I can’t give in to how I really feel, no matter the temptation.

“Text me the address.”

“Will do, and don’t forget to not look like a homeless person or a tramp.”

Jill hangs up before I can even answer.

Standing there stunned, I’m not sure what I even would have said.

An engagement party. Suddenly, a pit forms in my stomach. Reid’s engagement party to my mother. His hands were just all over me last night, and tonight, we’ll be strangers.

Taking a sip of my coffee, I start to pace around once more.

It’s fine.

I can stay away from Reid for the night. It’s not as if we’ve established what this actually is between us. All I know is I can’t be the other woman to my own mother, regardless of my feelings about our relationship.

I have to put my feelings aside and stop this for good. When I see Reid tonight, I’ll tell him that he can’t follow me or keep creeping into my bedroom until he’s done with Jill.

My body aches for his touch just as the reminder of last night creeps through my mind.

I’ll head out for a hike to help my resolve.

My front doorbell rings, making me jump in surprise. The coffee nearly flies out of my hands but thankfully doesn’t.

I hold a hand to my chest to try and catch my breath right as the doorbell rings through the house again.

This is odd. I don’t usually get unexpected visitors here.

Making my way to the front door, I look through the peephole first to discover a tall, slender man who looks like he’s wildly out of place in Lamb Creek and most definitely on this mountain.

He’s wearing a camel coat and fitted white oxford shirt with charcoal-gray dress slacks and dark-brown accessories, proving my point he’s overdressed for this town.

Cautiously, I open the door but keep the chain on it.

“Hi. Are you lost?” I ask.

The man chuckles, and a bright white smile stretches across his face.

“No, darling. I’m not lost.”

My eyebrows furrow together, and I chew on my bottom lip. He must be able to sense my apprehension because he clears his throat.

“I’m a friend of Reid’s.”

“Oh,” I chirp.

My head rears back, and I’m suddenly more confused than before.

“Care to let me in?”

“Not really,” I answer.

“I promise, I’m not here to bite.”

My shoulders relax, even though I know I shouldn’t be trusting this man either.

“One second,” I say.

I close the front door, remove the chained lock, and open it fully. If he knows I’m connected to Reid, then it must be because of him. I haven’t told anyone about any of our encounters.

“Jonas. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he says.

“Dove,” I reply as I shake his hand.

“I have something for you from Reid. For tonight.”

My face drops at the sudden reminder that Reid and Jill have an engagement party tonight.

“What is it?” I ask hesitantly.

“A gift. He’d like you to wear it tonight.”

Jonas bends down and picks up a large white box, waiting for me to take it.

“Do you really think he should be making demands?” I ask.

“Honestly? No. Reid is in way over his head.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah, you certainly aren’t part of the plan, darling.”

I take the white box and place it inside on a nearby table.

“Well, this plan seems like a tall tale. I have no idea what you’re even talking about. Tell your friend that he needs to stop stalking me, and I’m certainly not going to be doing whatever it is he wants, including wearing this dress.”

Jonas smiles widely.

“Will do, darling.”

“Sorry, your friend is something else.”

“He always has been.”

“It was nice to meet you. Will you be there tonight too?”

“I’ll be there. I doubt you’ll see me.”

“I don’t want to be there either.”

He obviously has to go.

I give him a small smile, and Jonas’s eyes gleam in delight as a smug expression takes over.

“I get it now.”

“What’s that?”

“The obsession.”

I scoff.

“Yeah, that has to end now too.”

“Whatever you say.” He beams.

Jonas gives me a curt nod and heads back down my driveway to a silver luxury car waiting.

After watching him leave, I head inside and lock the door. Most people would be curious about what’s inside the box, but I’m more frustrated than anything. The nerve he has for having his friend show up on my doorstep and demand I wear it tonight is unmatched.

I pick up the box and head into my bedroom. After tossing it onto the bed, I text Reid first before opening it.

Dove:

You’re sick.

Reid:

Maybe.

Do you like it?

I’m not opening the box. I’m certainly not wearing whatever is inside of it. This game we’re playing is done. Over. Go stalk Jill.

See you tonight, sweet girl.

I throw my phone on my bed, and it hits the box in question. I mean, of course, I am going to open it, but the gall he has for asking me to do this.

I sit down on my bed and pull the box closer.

Slowly, I start to unravel the bow and pop off the top. Sorting through the tissue paper, I pull out what has to be the most gorgeous dress I’ve ever laid eyes on. I get off the bed with the dress in hand and hold it out to examine it better.

It looks like the neckline dips lower than I normally would dare to wear, and it’s shorter too. The beading on it is so intricate, and I’m in awe at how nice it is. It’s a beautiful shade of deep blue that will complement my eyes well.

I sort through the box again and find a dainty set of sapphire earrings with small diamonds all around the center stone. Another beautiful gift.

It should be worrisome that Reid knows me this well after so little time.

I feel heat rising in my cheeks as I debate what to do. It’s too beautiful to go to waste. I want to try it on—it wouldn’t be right to let the dress go unworn. It’s not the dress’s fault that my stalker picked it out.

I don’t understand how he managed to do it all. I’m sure he just found out about the engagement party this morning.

My heart soars at the idea that Reid’s first thought was to buy me something to wear to it and not Jill.

I know I shouldn’t even be going, but I need to see Reid’s reaction when I wear this dress tonight. I crave the feeling of his eyes roaming my body and not being able to do anything about it.

One last night where I’m the object of Reid’s fantasies. I must be going to hell alongside him anyway.

Be confident, Dove.

There’s no way I can be unconfident with how I look in this getup. Since Reid clearly wanted me to shine tonight, I took it a step further. I went into town and got my hair professionally done at a salon, and then a dear friend came by to do my makeup.

I look good, but more importantly, I feel good too. The dress feels like another layer of my skin with the way it fits.

When Reid sees me, he’ll get a taste of his own medicine.

The doors to the party are open, and a server is waiting with a tray of champagne at the entrance to greet guests upon arrival.

Susan’s home is something out of a magazine. It’s a large white mansion with intricate details everywhere I look.

It makes perfect sense why Jill is interested in being her friend. Susan clearly fits into the Dossberry way of life if this is how she lives. What I don’t get is why Susan is being so generous to Jill; that’s a story I’ll have to find out about a different day.

“Would you like a glass, miss?” the server asks.

“Thank you,” I say, taking a glass of champagne.

Walking through the expansive doorway, I look around the room for any sign of someone I know. This is certainly not a small soiree as Jill described it would be.

I have two main goals for tonight. The first is to show Jill that I did show up, even though I’m beginning to question more and more why I did, and the other is to simply taunt Reid.

A man laughing boisterously nearby spots me as I stand in the foyer, looking around the room for any sign of Jill or Reid.

Realization dawns on the person that we grew up with one another.

Great, not someone I was hoping to ever see again.

Nick Livingston.

Last I heard, he was in jail, but apparently, he’s out and back home, most likely living with his parents. No doubt, if he’s out this soon, it’s because of his parents’ connections and money. One of the many perks of being a kid from Dossberry instead of Lamb Creek.

Our high schools were rivals, but he was one of the most attractive boys who went to Dossberry High School, so word about him traveled quickly to Lamb Creek High. All of the girls wanted him, but every time I would see him at a party or game, he came across as slimy.

For some reason, he’s always given me the ick, and I’ve learned to trust that instinct over the years.

“Dove? Dove Barlowe? Is that you?” Nick asks as he steps in front of me.

I put on a fake smile to get through this interaction. I’ve been having to do this a lot recently, thanks to Jill.

“Hi, Nick. How are you?”

He takes a sip of his champagne and puts a hand inside his suit pants pocket.

“Good. I’m back home for now until I figure out my next option.”

“How was Florida?”

Nick’s face turns into a grimace.

“Don’t believe everything you read,” he spits out.

“I don’t.”

I look around the room to see if there is anyone who can save me, but there isn’t. Facing Nick once more, I see he’s collecting himself as his demeanor changes back to the cocky one from high school.

“Want to get out of here?”

He flashes me a wide smile, and a piece of his hair falls forward.

My mouth tightens into a thin line.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” I reply.

Frustration takes over.

“Why is that?”

“Because her new daddy wouldn’t like her disappearing so soon after her arrival,” a gruff voice booms.

Nick’s eyes widen momentarily as he stares at the man I’ve been craving to see.

“Of course, sir,” Nick says, panicked.

Nick turns his attention back to me and gives me a curt nod and then disappears through the crowd.

I can feel Reid’s heat exuding from behind as we both stand still, watching Nick leave. Goosebumps prick along my skin, and there’s no doubt Reid notices the shiver that comes next. It happens almost every time I see him despite my best intentions.

Reid grunts.

“Hi,” I whisper.

“Hi, little bird,” he rasps.

I still can’t turn around.

“How’s the party?” I try to ask nonchalantly.

“Better now that you’re here.”

Reid steps closer, and I can feel the edge of his jacket on my back.

“Why is that?” I murmur.

“Don’t play games here, sweet girl.”

I inhale his woodsy, musky scent.

“It’s better because you are all I see. Without you in my sight, I’m lost in darkness.”

Finally having the courage, I turn around and peer up at the two brown eyes I can get lost in.

Reid’s stare penetrates my soul; I can’t look away even if I tried. There’s something about being under his gaze that’s addicting.

He finally breaks eye contact first, but it’s so he can roam my body up and down. Coming back to meet my gaze, he smirks.

“What happened to not opening the gift?”

“Anyone would be interested in knowing what was in that box. It was a pretty box.”

He raises an eyebrow slightly and keeps a smug smile in place.

“Is that so?”

My legs start to wobble as I fight the urge to fidget. He notices immediately, and a wide grin stretches across his face.

“Why did you wear it?”

Our connection is real, but it’s marred in hidden truths. We promised never to lie to one another, so I won’t do it now.

“For you.”

His eyes darken, and a more stoic expression takes over.

“Me.”

“I wanted you to undress me with your eyes.”

Reid’s jaw ticks as he flexes it.

I was bold to say that out loud at the engagement party.

His eyes scan the room, and I instantly track where they go. No one is paying us any attention. They never seem to do.

“Come with me,” he says as he puts a hand on my waist.

I nod frantically and follow him. Reid leads me away from the party and down a nearby hallway.

We pass door after door until he finally pauses in front of one. With a tug of my hand, he guides me through the doorway, and I realize we’re in Susan’s library.

It’s larger than I expected it would be, with hundreds of books lining the walls. The dark-brown leather chairs and emerald-green accents make the room look like a dream.

I let go of Reid’s hand and start to pace around the room, admiring everything. The door clicking shut breaks me out of my trance, and suddenly, Reid pushes me back against a stack of books. His hand goes to my throat, and my head naturally tilts upward. My legs spread as his knee demands entrance between my thighs.

With his eyes ablaze, I know mine show the same level of desire.

“I want to do more than undress you with my eyes.”

“Prove it,” I whimper.

Reid dips his head low, and he inhales against the length of my neck. He keeps his head there as one of his hands remains on my throat.

“I didn’t like that boy trying to claim you.”

“He wasn’t. He couldn’t. He’s someone I know from high school. Years ago.”

He nods his head slightly in approval but doesn’t move his position. I swallow thickly, eliciting a groan from him.

“Pretty little bird,” he rasps.

Reid’s hand tightens around my neck as he leans forward and inhales deeply in the same area one more time. It’s erotic and makes wetness begin to dampen my panties.

“Fuck me,” I moan as I start to grind against his upper thigh.

I’m meant to be in control here, not Reid. I struggle against his hold, and he looks down to meet my stare.

“Wait, stop,” I say.

Reid stills as he waits for me to continue.

“Shouldn’t you be with your future wife?”

Reid chuckles but doesn’t move away.

“Well?” I continue.

“I am.”

Before I have a chance to process what he means, Reid hoists me up in his hold. My legs wrap around his waist as I get slammed deeper against the books. The spines dig into my backside, but the slight sting makes me feel even needier.

“Then do something about it,” I taunt.

Reid pulls up my dress so it gathers around my waist. He finally releases my neck from his hold, and his hand travels down my breasts and stomach until he teases the edge of my panties.

“Pretty little strings,” he murmurs.

He pulls at the side and rips them off. The sting hurts, but I’ve come to love the pain being delivered when he does this. He pushes them into his pocket to hide the mess.

“I wanted our first time to be different,” he rasps.

“It’s just another time we shouldn’t be together. What does it matter?” I pant.

Reid looks me in the eyes, and I shift in his hold.

“It matters to me. You, Dove Barlowe, matter to me.”

The way his expression holds just the same amount of meaning as the words he just spoke makes me even needier.

“I prefer our midnights alone,” he continues.

“It’s late, it’s almost the same thing.”

I see the turmoil weighing on Reid.

I hang my head back, and it bumps into another row of books. Twisting it, I look back at him, annoyed. My sex is dripping in need. I don’t care how wrong it is; I need to feel his cock inside of me right away.

“If you don’t fuck me right now, I’ll go find someone who will,” I taunt.

Reid laughs darkly.

Still holding me up with one arm, he makes me feel like his own personal rag doll with the way he’s so easily able to toss me around.

He manages to undo his buckle and button, making his pants fall to the ground, followed by his boxers.

“You’re mine, little bird. All mine.”

“Prove it.”

“I won’t go easy.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to.”

My sex grinds into his groin area as best as I can.

“Nothing between us,” he says, then places a kiss on my lips that I deepen.

I should hate that he’s not asking, but like everything else with Reid, all it does is fuel my desire. He lines up his bare cock at my entrance and thrusts in hard.

The sting from the sudden intrusion burns as my hands roughly grip his shoulders. With another thrust, my whole body is slammed against the bookshelf, knocking the back of my head against them harder, and books begin to fall.

“Fuck,” I moan out.

“Quiet, sweet girl. You wouldn’t want mommy dearest to hear you moaning while you’re wrapped around my cock.”

“Oh god,” I yelp.

Reid picks up his pace as breathy moans continue to escape from my lips.

“I don’t want you,” I lie through heavy pants.

“Your pussy says otherwise.”

My nails dig into his dress shirt, and I feel moisture start to seep in.

“It hates you,” I whimper.

I’m drenched for this man and know I’m so close to coming. But I don’t want to tell him just yet.

“Your pussy is mine.” Thrust.

“Your heart is mine.” Thrust.

“You are mine, little bird. I promise you that.” Thrust.

I start to scream as my body flushes with the waves of my release. Every part of me feels more alive than ever before.

Reid instantly closes his mouth over mine to stifle my screaming as his cum pours into me.

Moments go by, and I finally am coming down from my high as sweat drips down my face. I can feel pieces of my hair sticking to my face and neck.

Reid leans forward, and I do the same, resting our sweating foreheads together. Our heavy breaths intertwine, and I have no idea if it’s him or me that sounds this needy all over again.

“This was risky,” I whisper.

His head nods slowly as my body starts to drop down from his hold. He doesn’t want to let go, and neither do I. Finally standing on the ground, my legs feel wobbly, and my arms won’t disconnect from his neck.

“I mean it, Dove.”

“What’s that?”

“You’re mine.”

I look up at his two determined eyes and know he means it. My heart and head are in two different places with this man.

“Reid…”

“Tell me,” he murmurs.

“I need to know what’s actually going on before I can do that. You really only watch me while I’m sleeping or from afar, we’ve spent so little time really together, and…”

I swallow thickly. And the main reason I’m even at this party.

“You’re marrying my mother. Please. I need answers. I need to know you . Can you give me that first?”

He places a gentle kiss to my cheek.

“I want you to be the one who knows me best.”

“Then let me in.”

“I can do that. For you.”

I know I’ll be leaving here much earlier than he will be able to. But I’ll leave knowing I have a night ahead with him when I can finally get to know the man in the shadows who has stolen my heart.