Tamed By You (Always & Forever #2)

16. Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Harry

I watch from the doorway as she leaves my office, round ass swaying, leaving me with a raging hard on despite the release she just gave me. I was with Brad when she texted him asking to get on the guest list tonight and I have been watching her from behind the bar or on the CCTV since the moment she walked in in that little red dress.

I knew in Vegas I wasn't flying back to London, but I worried she wouldn't agree to our hook up deal if she did. I know she wants me, and god, do I want her. I’ve never fucked the same woman more than once come to think of it, and here we are, on round I don’t know what, and I still can’t get enough of her.

I put my jacket back on and head out to the main club. Brad is behind the bar over seeing what the staff are up to and checking in at our members lounge.

“Harry, can I speak to you please?” Kate asks, her tone hesitant.

“Yeah sure.” Kate has worked for us since we opened. I’ve got a lot of time for her. She’s working her way through nursing school and become part of our friendship circle. We walk to the back of the bar, and she leans in to talk to me.

“I’ve seen Ali’s in tonight. One of the girls she's with, I know her. I used to bartend with her back in college, she’s…”

“She’s what?” I ask, anxiety hitting me. If Ali’s hanging around with her, I want to know everything.

“She’s bad news. I’m talking, stealing and erm, drugs.”

“Drugs?” I hiss.

She nods. “I don't know if she still does it. It was years ago, but I just wanted to let you know so you can keep an eye out. I’m surprised Ali hangs out with her.”

That makes two of us.

“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll keep an eye out.” I give her arm a thankful squeeze and head over to Brad. I give him a nod to say we need to talk, and he come over to the side of the bar so we can chat privately.

“What’s up?” His voice is raspy and deep.

“The brunette with Ali. Watch her. She’s known to be in possession, if you get my drift and we can’t have that shit go through here.”

“Fuck, you serious?”

I nod, anger pulsing through me. Surely Ali doesn’t know this. Maybe she’s a new friend or she isn't aware. One thing I can't tolerate is substance abuse. I’ve seen what it does to people and it’s never the solution. Ali’s friend or not, I will toss that girl out on her ass if she’s using in my club.

The next few hours go by in a blur and it’s 3 am before the club starts quietening down. I radio through for the doorman to make sure Ali gets in a cab, not wanting her to know I’ve been watching her all night. I doubt she will text me, but I can’t be overbearing. We agreed to keep things casual, but that is becoming harder with every encounter with her.

How long I’ll be able to keep that agreement going, only time will tell. Vegas changed things, I saw another side to her, playing that silly question game with her showed me there is so much more to her and I've been itching to know what she's hiding behind those walls she's surrounded herself with. I know what it’s like to only show a side of yourself to the world and keep the dark parts hidden, and I sense that’s what she does. She might be callous and cold with me but the way she is with her friends, and Ria’s kids, Lexi and Elle, it’s proof that she has so much love to give.

I am locking up the safe when Brad comes into the office. “Kate wasn't wrong. That girl is Cassidy James. Got a bit of a name for herself. The doorman recognized her and said if she wasn’t with Ali they wouldn't have let her in.”

“What the fuck is Ali playing at?” I bite out, my tone angrier than I intended.

“I dunno, bro but maybe she doesn't know.” I nod in agreement, hoping we are right. “I’m going to head out. Make sure the girls get away safely and are you good with locking up?” he asks.

“Yeah, sure. See you tomorrow,” I reply, clapping him on the back.

I do my final checks, turning off the lights and lock up. I loved our bar in Miami, but The Boardroom holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons, I've loved getting the London club started but it’s not New York. New York has given me so much.

I head to my black Mercedes—the only car left in the parking lot—getting in and sinking into the plush leather seats, cracking my neck, releasing the tension. What a night.

I start the engine and pull out into the main road, driving the short distance to my apartment. I live in the same building as Jack, Ria and their girls. Pulling into the underground parking and making my way to the elevator my phone vibrates in my pocket. Pulling it out, a wide grin spreads across my face when I see her name flash across my screen.

Ali

Made it home safe. Question, why is your name saved as Ten-inch Ted in my phone with a racehorse emoji?

I reply instantly:

Harry

Proof of life photo.

Fully expecting her to either ignore me or tell me to fuck off I fire another text.

Harry

P.S. I can’t help that I’m hung like a horse, seemed like a good code name.

I changed my name in her phone when we were in Vegas, and she left it lying around on the table.

I exit the elevator and heading for my door, tapping my key card to unlock it before stepping inside. I hit the light panel, flooding the open plan living space with a low light.

I love this apartment, sleek and simple. Dark furniture and white walls, along with a view of New York city across the back wall. I grab a bottle of water from the refrigerator and shrug off my jacket. Heading to the couch, I kick off my shoes and take off my shirt as my phone vibrates again.

Ali

Proof enough for you? So, what am I saved as?

She’s sent a photo of her in a white t-shirt and black panties with her middle finger up to the camera while she’s laid on her bed.

Harry

There’s something missing in that photo.

Ali

What?

Harry

Me, between your legs.

Ali

*rolling eye emoji*

Harry

You are saved as *cat, fire and rocket emoji*

Ali

I approve. Are you still at the club?

She wants to chat.

Harry

No, I just got home.

Ali

Proof please.

I laugh as I take a photo of my abs and send it.

Ali

*eye roll emoji* Yes, we know you’re hot. You can put the abs away now, Hulk.

Harry

You called me HOT, Ali Cat. I think that’s the first time you've admitted that.

Ali

Yeah, well, don't get used to it. You get one compliment every 6 months. Consider this your first instalment for the year.

Harry

Good to know you see a future for us. I look forward to my next compliment in 6 months’ time.

Ali

Night H x

Harry

Night my little pocket rocket. Sleep well x

I close my eyes as images of Ali coming apart in my office earlier drift through my mind, and I start to question if this casual thing is going to work, because every touch, every taste of her has me falling a little more for her, which scares the hell out of me. But I have no intentions of staying away from her. I don't think I could even if I wanted too.