Tamed By You (Always & Forever #2)

17. Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

Ali

It feels impossible to breathe; like I’m wearing a vest made of lead. I try to move my arms, to free myself, to shift this heaviness from my chest but I can't. I can't move, can’t speak, all I can do is just close my eyes and let myself fall…

“Ali, you're okay, you're okay, wake up. Alice, wake up.”

My eyes spring open. I search the room for the familiar voice, my breath ragged, clutching my chest, my shirt damp and clinging to my trembling body.

I sit up, looking round the room, feeling a wave of ease come over me when I see Gabby.

“Gabs, I’m sorry, I…” I mutter, trying to catch my breath.

“Al, it’s okay, you were shouting. I couldn't ignore it and leave you, here…” She leans over to my bedside table, passing me a glass of water that I’d put there before I went to sleep. I take it from her, my hands shaking. I sip the water, relaxing a little as the cold liquid washes away the copper taste in my mouth.

Shit, did I bite the insides of cheeks again?

“Are you okay? You haven't had one for a little while,” Gabby asks, crawling up the bed and getting under the covers next to me. Wrapping her arm around me, I lean against her shoulder.

I let out a long breath, trying to steady my uneven breathing. “I know. I’d hoped they’d stopped, but work has been kicking my ass recently and it’s coming up to the…” I stop, clamping my eyes shut, angry these nightmares still plague me.

“I know. Can I get you anything?” she asks stroking my back with the palm of her hand.

I shake my head. “No, just thank you for being here,” I whisper, inhaling her strawberry scent, my heart rate slowing coming back to a healthy beat.

When I was eighteen, I received an unexpected inheritance and brought my little apartment. It's nothing special, but it's mine and something no one can take from me. When Gabby was old enough to leave home, she moved in with me, desperate to get some breathing space from her parents while she attended Julliard , and six years on she's still here. Aside from Ria, she is the closest thing to family I have. We’ve got each other through our darkest moments. They’ve become the sisters I never had, and I know, without a doubt, I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t have them.

“Do you want me to stay in here with you?” she asks sounding sleepy.

“Please,” I say, fighting back tears that suddenly threaten to fall. Sometimes the loneliness I feel at night is so loud it’s impossible to sleep. Unwanted memories run through my head and play like an old movie on an endless loop with no off button. The only thing that can quieten it are the few people I've allowed behind my protective walls.

Gabby settles in beside me, holding my hand and giving it a squeeze. As I feel myself drift off to sleep, a new image flickers through my mind, one that doesn't flood me with fear, but one that has me feeling secure, warm and safe, an image of him.

Harry.

My phone hasn't stopped ringing, our magazine’s big spring spread is hitting the website next month and it’s all hands-on deck. Violet magazine switched to online only, gaining a huge presence on social media. We are the go-to for the latest fashion inspo and have a reputation for predicting what the next season's trends will be and it’s all going down the shitter.

The fabric I ordered has a stocking issue, the model we wanted double booked and can't do it and now our photographer has been hit with some mystery flu and is in the ICU.

I mean, could it get any worse?

I haven't seen Harry for nearly a week. It's been a few weeks since we got back from Vegas and since the night I bumped into him at the club we have seen each other most days, quickies in his car, lunch breaks at a nearby hotel and one night in his apartment I swung by after babysitting for Jack and Ria.

But this week I haven't had a minute to eat, let alone think about a booty call. As badly as I need one, there's no time. It's ten days till the wedding and I need this all signed off before I can take a few days off.

“Alice.” I wince at the sound of my name coming from Diana's shrill voice. I push back from my desk, standing and smoothing my hands down my skirt, before stretching my neck to work out the kinks from hunching over at my desk and making my way to her office next door.

“Yes, Diana,” I say as sweetly as I can. What I want to say is, ‘What the fuck now you miserable old hag’ but I value my job.

“The bag we need for the shoot, there's one waiting at Nordstrom . They are expecting you ASAP. Go get it, get us lunch, and come back.”

Is she fucking joking?

“Sure, Diana, anything in particular you want for lunch?” I ask, my jaw clenching.

Bitch, get you own lunch.

She waves a dismissive hand as her phone rings. “Anything. Just be back by two.”

“Hello, Diana speaking,” she answers, and I turn on my heel, rolling my eyes. I storm into my office, grabbing my purse and phone. It’s 12.30 pm, so I’ve just enough time to do everything she's asked and be back by two. Maybe I’ll have time to just sit and breathe without someone demanding something from me.

I head for the elevator, quickly scrolling my social media apps when a text comes through.

Harry

Ali Cat, my office, 15 minutes. I need to be buried inside you. It’s been a hell of a week.

I tap my phone against my chin. I really need to get this bag, but I could call the store to let them know I’ll be a little late. I fire a text back.

Ali

On my way x

Harry gave me a keycard to the club so I could come and go through the staff entrance. We are keeping our hook ups on the down low, and I don't need anyone, least of all Jack catching me in Harry's office.

I reach his office, turn the handle, and get myself inside, locking the door before turning to see him.

Shit, he looks stressed. He’s hunched, head in his hands, white paper scattered all over his desk. He lifts his head, staring blankly until recognition hits him and a wide grin spreads across his face sending a flutter to my belly.

“Lunch delivery,” I sing song, my voice sounding lighter and happier than it has in days.

“You have no idea how badly I need you right now. Get your sexy ass over here,” he says rising to his feet, striding towards me. Excitement zaps through me and I drop my purse unceremoniously to the floor as he reaches for me, pulling me to him.

I fall into his chest, and he cups the back of my head, bringing his lips to mine, his tongue invading my mouth and I welcome it.

God, I needed this.

“I've got like twenty minutes. Diana has got me running her errands like her little bitch and I need to get to Nordstrom and be back by two,” I moan against his lips.

“I’ll have you screaming my name in ten,” he says leading me towards the couch and sitting down.

I stay standing, unzipping my skirt. I can't go back to work with a creased skirt. I stand before him, white blouse, black thong, black stockings with lace round the thigh and my black Christian Louboutin heels.

He swipes his tongue along his bottom lip, scanning my body from my heels up to my face. “Do you know how fucking sexy you look dressed like that, baby?”

His use of the word baby sends a rush of moisture in between my legs, whilst simultaneously making my heart skip a beat. Many men have admired my body, but none of them do it like Harry or evoke the same reaction.

Calm your tits, girl, we don’t do the feelings thing. It’s just sex, remember?

“Where do you want me” I say, acting coy.

He leans his head against the back cushions. “Sit, on my face and let my tongue make you forget all about your bad day.”

Yep, my heart is galloping in my chest. Harry and his dirty mouth has me in a chokehold.

I go to straddle his lap, but he sinks down lower so he’s now laying on his couch and I lean over the armrest.

He taps my ass. “Sit” he demands.

“You’re not going to be able to breathe,” I reply, my voice quivering in anticipation of his touch.

“Baby if that's how god intends for me to go, I’ll go a happy man.”

I let out a giggle, one I haven't made in what feels like forever as I lower myself down on his face. His hot tongue swipes through my folds and I let out a raspy moan. Covering my mouth with my hand, I’m conscious of someone hearing us.

His tongue finds my clit and he sucks, hard. There’s no easing into it, there’s no time today. He’s sucking and swirling his expert tongue on my pulsing clit and the deep moan that escapes his lips has me gripping the edge of the couch and my eyes rolling. Every lash of his tongue fans the flames that burn in my core, making my hips rotate against his expert mouth.

“Dear god…” I moan, riding his face. I feel my legs begin to shake. I’m so close, my moans becoming louder. I clamp my hand tighter over my mouth firmly, trying my best to suffocate my scream.

One final suck of my clit and I detonate, writhing above him. He grips my ass cheeks, rocking my hips back and forth as I ride out my orgasm on his tongue. I fall forward, my weight supported on my forearms on the arm of the couch, feeling utterly spent already. He slides out from beneath me. I close my eyes trying to catch my breath but hearing the familiar sound of his belt coming undone and a foil packet ripping has my heart rate picking up again.

His weight sinks into the couch behind me and my eyes fly open when I feel his hot mouth on my entrance. Thrusting his tongue inside me, in and out in a spine-tingling rhythm.

“You ready, Ali baby? This is going to be quick,” he mumbles, his hot mouth still pressed against my sex.

I nod, not able to speak. A shudder rolls through me as he rises and slams into me. I throw head back on a whimper, pleasure pulsing through as he gives me slow, deep punishing thrusts, over and over again, I feel the pressure building and press my forehead to the couch cushion, angling my hips as he buries himself inside me.

His calloused hand smooths up my back under my blouse sending tingles all over my body. He presses his chest to my back, changing the angle, his thrusts now deeper and relentless, the sounds of our bodies coming together filling the room. I say silent prayer that the music playing in his office right now is drowning out the noises for anyone who may be next door.

“Fuck, I’ve missed you.”

A whimper escapes me, the pressure, his words, his closeness becoming too much.

“H, please…” He knows, his pace picks up, and to my surprise, his hand finds mine and he interlocks our fingers as I grip the edge of the couch. It’s a small gesture but it makes the moment more intimate, although I don’t have time to think about how it makes me feel as my orgasm hits me like a freight train, and I have to bury my face into the cushion to muffle my moans as I clench around him triggering his release. His weight on my back grows heavier as he squeezes the hand he is holding, our fingers still interlocked.

We stay like that, and it hits me: I don't want him to move. I want to stay like this. His hand in mine, just us, but sadly reality awaits. Exhaling a resigned breath, I wiggle my hips beneath him. “I don’t want to be a bitch, but I need to go. Can you kindly slide your dick outta me?”

His body vibrates against me as a low chuckle erupts from him. “Sure thing, babe.” Pressing a kiss to the side of my head, he moves, and I instantly hate the emptiness at the loss of his touch, his warmth.

I quickly get dressed, as does he, then grab my purse and do a quick glance to make sure I haven't left anything.

“Thanks for lunch.” He grins, standing in and pressing his lips to mine. I can taste my arousal on his lips—it’s surprisingly sweet. “I’m sorry, I gotta go.” He nods. “I know.” He puts his hands in his pockets, worrying his bottom lip as if he’s toying with the idea of something.

“Maybe text me later, yeah, let me know how your work thing is,” he asks hesitantly.

“Yeah...Yeah, okay. I hope your day gets better too.” I say, surprised how happy the idea of speaking to him later to tell him about my day makes me feel because, I want to tell him, and I want to text him, because I care about his day too.

“It just did.” He grins in that devilish way that makes me want to sack off work and ride his face again.

“Laters, Ali Cat.”

“Bye, H.” Blowing him a kiss, I then open his office door, before sneaking out, feeling hundreds time lighter. That was exactly what I needed. I hurry down the corridor to the exit, my heels tapping on the wooden floor.

“Ali?”

I stop, I’d know that voice a mile away.

“Shit,” I mutter under my breath, I turn and smile.

“Brad, you okay?”

He’s dressed in his signature black suit, a coffee cup in one hand and papers in the other. “What are you doing here?” he asks eyeing me up and down suspiciously as he walks towards me.

“I, erm, left something here when I was in the club the other week. I just came to get it.”

“In Harry's office?”

“Yeah, he found it for me,” I reply, squirming under his gaze. God, I feel like a teen being caught sneaking out of their bedroom window to go meet a boy.

He nods, a small smirk forming across his rugged face. “What did you lose?” he says before blowing his steaming coffee.

What the fuck?

“Erm, my lipstick, yeah, my lipstick. It’s a Chanel one. Those things are pricey, so you know I wanted it back.” A bead of sweat runs down my spine. I need to get out of here.

“Right,” he nods, his expression never changing. He knows I’m full of shit. “I see you must have used it already because you missed a bit here.” He points to the side of my mouth, and I swipe a finger and yes, there’s red lipstick on my face.

For fuck’s sake.

I giggle innocently. “I just quickly ate my lunch. Silly me, making a mess.”

“Hmmm I bet you did,” he mutters under his breathe.

I feel myself sweating even more under his accusing gaze.

Get me outta here.

“Anyway, I need to get going, my boss needs me to pick up some stuff, I’ll see you at a rehearsal dinner next week, yeah?”

“Yep, see you then.”

I practically run towards the exit, letting the air woosh from my lungs as I push open the doors and the New York afternoon sun hits my face. I know in my gut we've been rumbled, but as I wave down a yellow cab, I pray Harry uses his words and charm, that got my panties down in the first place, to convince Brad nothing is going on between us. Because truthfully, I don't even understand what this is. Back there, felt less like fuck buddies and more like something I don’t want to unpack.