Chapter Twenty-Six
Emerson
“N oodles!” Clover burst. “No, wait, Hong Kong chicken. Wait, no, the crispy beef—”
“You’re not narrowing this down like you think you are,” I cut her off. She’d been deciding what to eat for the last ten minutes, and the rest of us were patiently waiting to order.
“But I can’t decide.” Clover cast her eyes over the takeout menu again. “Everything looks too good.”
Orion groaned, his fingers digging into his temples. “For God’s Sake, Atlas, just order everything. I’m too hungry for this shit.”
I bit back a laugh; Orion wasn’t patient at the best of times. When he was hungry? He was a ticking time bomb. I put my hand on the back of his head and massaged my fingers into his hair. He visibly relaxed, his shoulders loosening.
As Atlas silently wandered off to place the order, I noticed Avery’s eyes following him out of the room. Jonah couldn’t come tonight, something about needing to hold a last-minute meeting with his investors, so I invited Clover over to make the evening less like a double date. Though I was secretly hoping Avery and Atlas would get a chance to talk.
“You’re by far the most easily aggravated man I’ve ever known.” Clover flashed Orion a teasing grin, no fear of provoking the beast.
Avery laughed, nodding her head in agreement. “That’s just my brother.” Then she eyed me cautiously. “Unless he’s around Emmy.”
Orion clicked his jaw shut, choosing to ignore his sister and my best friend before pulling me closer to him. We were spread out across the sofa, and Orion had been stiff since he first sat down.
It could be because his muscled, six-foot-six frame looked like he was sitting on a piece of doll furniture. But I’d argue it was obvious to anyone with eyes that he wasn’t a fan of social interactions, seemingly growing irritated by the flock of people in his home. It was only now I realized that this must be why there were hardly any interviews with Orion online. Fortune 500 was the only one I’d been able to find.
Clover shuffled, getting comfortable. “So, how did Atlas take it?”
Avery also turned her attention to us.
“Exactly like I expected.” Not that I could blame him. Atlas had every reason to be wary of who I dated. He was the one who had to deal with the heartbreak and devastation. I could only imagine how scary it must have been for him to find me in the hospital, especially after losing our parents only a few years before. “But, after the initial shock, he accepted it pretty quickly. ”
Avery smiled. “I think sometimes he forgets you’re his sister, not his daughter. But you’ve both been through so much together, it’s understandable why he can be standoffish.”
“And he has every right to be,” I admitted. “Atlas got me through the two darkest times of my life. But as grateful as I am for him, it’s time for him to stop focusing on my happiness, and to start focusing on his own.”
I glanced at Avery, and her cheeks tinted pink, not missing the insinuation. She may be married to Jonah, but I could see her heart wasn’t with him. It was with my brother.
Clover clicked her tongue. “You two really just did the whole sister swap thing, huh?” she asked Orion, and if I had some water in my mouth, I would have spat it back out.
“Clover!” I squeaked. But that was my best friend. She had no filter whatsoever.
“Jesus Christ,” Orion grimaced. His body turned even more rigid. “I’d rather you didn’t put it like that.”
Avery cleared her throat, shifting in her seat. “Atlas and I were a long time ago, we’ve both moved on.”
Lies.
Right on cue, Atlas rejoined us in the living room with Aero hot on his tail. “What are we talking about?”
“Shopping,” I answered quickly, noticing the mischievous glint in my best friend’s eyes. “Avery, you should come with us. I need to get a dress for this fundraiser White her blue eyes brimmed with elation. Like Sasha, she had golden hair and olive skin, with pouty lips. I was starting to think the partners had a type for the support staff we hired.
“De Luca,” Kate said, and I frowned. Orion didn’t mention he was coming in today. “My God is that man gorgeous. Barlow definitely isn’t in the lead anymore.”
“Really?” Sasha drawled, like it was the most controversial thing she’d heard all year.
“The rest of the interns are waiting in the kitchen so they can sneak a peek. Honestly, girls, I would climb that man like my own personal jungle gym.”
Now, I didn’t usually consider myself a jealous person, but something about several women hanging around so they could ogle my boyfriend wasn’t settling right with me.
Orion was mine to appreciate, and the idea of other women eye-fucking him pissed me off. The idea of them wanting to climb him like a jungle gym made my blood boil.
Guess I was a jealous person. When it came to him, anyway.
Sasha and Kate continued talking about Orion for a few minutes, and I contemplated whether keeping my relationship with him private was for the best.
It was, of course. At least until I’d properly settled into the firm. I didn’t want my colleagues to assume I only got the job because of my boyfriend, even though Orion did have a hand to play in my offer. But that was before we were together, and I’d like to think I also had a little something to do with it.
Obviously, dating a client wasn’t the best look either. But I was hoping by the time mine and Orion’s relationship became public knowledge, people would know me well enough to know I deserved to be here.
A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, as well as Sasha and Kate’s conversation. I glanced up to see Mr. Rivers standing beside Kate whose face had now turned a deep shade of purple.
“Miss Fields,” Mr. Rivers greeted. “Mr. De Luca wanted to check on how you were settling in.” He smiled, moving aside slightly so my dreamy boyfriend could enter.
Orion’s hazel-gray eyes clashed with mine, and those familiar butterflies I got whenever he was around tickled the lining of my stomach. The corners of his lips tugged upright, and I wet my lips.
His Cuban chain was poking through the top button of his black Prada shirt, and the memory of him fucking me in the shower this morning while I wore it had a blush creeping up my cheeks. As if reading my mind, he raised his brow and smirked .
“Mr. De Luca.”
“Miss Fields.”
“I’ll leave you both to catch up,” Mr. Rivers announced. “Orion, until next time.”
Mr. Rivers left, with Sasha and Kate following closely behind him. Just as she was about to leave, Sasha turned back to me and mouthed, “Oh my God.”
I turned back to Orion when the door shut behind her. “Hi,” I smiled softly, getting out of my seat and walking over to him.
“Hi.” He wrapped his arms around my waist as mine wrapped around his neck and he pressed his lips to mine. I melted into him, a satiated sigh leaving me.
“You didn’t tell me you were coming in today?”
“It was last minute.” He gripped my chin and kissed me again. “There’s a new property I’m interested in, and I wanted Rivers to check it out.”
Changing the subject, I said, “Did you know the support staff have a poll running for the most attractive client?”
Orion barked out a laugh, not the least bit surprised. “Clearly you aren’t keeping them busy enough.”
Probably not. “Guess who just got listed as number one?” My voice came out a little sharper than I meant it.
His brow raised, sensing the underlying irritation in my tone. “Are you jealous, Tesoro? ”
“No.” I pinched my brows. “I just don’t like women admiring what’s mine.”
Orion smirked, biting down on his lip and tightening his hold on me. “Jealousy suits you.”
“I’m not jealous!” I was, but that wasn’t the point. I playfully shoved his chest, only humoring him further. “I’m glad you find amusement in other women obsessing over you.” When I turned to head back to my desk, he grabbed my wrist and spun me, so I was pressed against my office wall with his body crowding mine.
Thank God the walls aren’t glass.
“Baby, I don’t give a fuck what any other woman thinks, I’m all yours,” he drawled. “I’m so incredibly fucking obsessed with you in every sense of the word, it’s completely maddening and wildly unhealthy. All I’m able to think about from the minute I wake up until the second I close my eyes is you. So, I can assure you, the notion of any other woman was shattered the moment I saw you again in Atlas’ apartment. I’m not the least bit ashamed to admit I’m so devastatingly addicted to you it physically hurts when I’m not with you because I don’t need air to breathe, I need you.”
I sucked in a sharp breath, the sincerity of his words knocking the air out of my lungs and setting my skin on fire like I was exposed to the scorching sun.
I’m all yours.
I’m so devastatingly addicted to you, it hurts.
He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “You’re the greatest risk I’ve ever taken, Emmy.” He pressed his lips gently to mine. “And the greatest reward.”
I’d spent my whole life thinking there were only two types of love. The kind you’d kill for and the kind you’d die for. But now I know there’s a third kind. The kind of love you wanted to live for. Orion was the love that came without warning. The kind that had my heart before I could say no.
“Orion, I—”
“Shh,” he cut me off. “Not here, Tesoro .”
I glanced over my reflection in the mirror one final time, admiring my bespoke dress. It had been custom-made by Ari when we visited her store, and as always, she’d completely blown me away with her talent.
The smooth, satin fabric glided effortlessly over my skin, hugging my curves in all the right places. The A-line silhouette cinched in my waist while flaring out gently and cascading around me.
The off-the-shoulder neckline exposed just enough skin to add a layer of sexiness to the gown while remaining somewhat conservative. A daring slit down my left thigh revealed just a hint of leg with every step I took, exposing my ivory Jimmy Choo Saeda 100s.
Orion had let me loose with his black Amex, and I took full advantage.
My hair was styled in bouncy, Hollywood waves, and while I’d kept my make-up light, I still applied my signature red lip.
While doing my final once-over, Orion appeared behind me, his reflection greeted me in the mirror, looking every bit the devastatingly handsome businessman, he was.
His tailored, black Brioni jacket fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and trim waist. His crisp white dress shirt peeked from beneath the jacket, and the black silk tie added a touch of rare elegance to his appearance.
“You look incredible.” His eyes flared with hunger as they devoured me through the reflection. “Absolutely stunning.”
I smiled when he placed a soft kiss on the back of my shoulder. “You clean up nice yourself.”
“Thanks, baby.” He let out a guttural laugh. “I have something for you.”
“You do?”
His hands reached out in front of me, and I looked down to see he was holding the familiar robin’s-egg blue jewelry box that made almost every woman’s heart leap out of their chest.
Tiffany’s .
“Orion,” I blubbered, my heart still in my chest. “What did you do?” I stared at the large box wide-eyed, not quite believing what I was seeing.
He rested his chin on the top of my head and slowly opened the box. “Oh my God,” I whispered, my voice sounding more assured than I actually was .
In the delicate turquoise trinket box was a beautiful, platinum, cluster diamond pendant. It was by far the most exquisite necklace I had ever seen, so exquisite I had a hard time believing it was really in front of me. The pendant was a mixture of marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, embedded together to make the shape of a star.
It was breathtaking.
“Orion,” I uttered faintly. “I don’t know what to say.” My eyes were glued to the delicate item in front of me, scared to blink in case it suddenly disappeared. “It’s absolutely stunning.”
“It reminded me of you as soon as I saw it,” he told me, lifting the necklace from its packaging and setting the box aside.
“It did?”
He smiled, a sight that had the ability to wipe out the entirety of womankind, and our eyes connected in the reflection as he hovered the necklace over my skin. “You’re my north star that shines so incredibly bright, even in the depths of my darkness, there’s no stopping my heart from being led to you.”
My chest ached . A tightness squeezed around my heart, almost knocking the weight from under me and leaving me breathless. Here was this man whom so many feared, who’d built a reputation from being a cold, heartless monster. But that wasn’t the man who was staring back at me through the reflection. This man was my sanctuary, my calm in the blazing storms. He was selfless and playful, caring and protective, thoughtful and sensitive. He wasn’t the anchor weighing me underwater, forcing me to drown. He was the life jacket keeping me above the surface, reminding me of how beautiful my life could be when embraced by him.
I turned to face Orion after he connected the clasps. An insatiable urge rushed through me, pushing the words off my tongue before I could even remotely try to stop myself. “I love you, Orion.”
His wary eyes searched mine for a moment, caution lining his brow as he studied me. He was searching for any doubt as if he didn’t quite believe it. As if loving him wasn’t possible. As if he wasn’t worthy. “Say it again.”
“I love you,” I repeated, reaffirming the certainty of my words and hoping to obliterate any doubt that had seeded itself in his mind.
He crashed his lips to mine in a hard, passionate kiss that had me forgetting all sense of time and space, forcing me to succumb to the touch of the man who owns every inch of my heart. He held me firmly against him, his fingers digging into my hips so forcefully I knew I’d have little red indentation marks from where his touch had been.
“I love you, Emerson.”
My heart stopped. Those four words shifted my entire universe on its axis. His forehead was pressed to mine, our breathless pants mingling in the small distance between us.
Orion loves me.
Somewhere, angels are singing, and God is weeping.
Because Orion De Luca loves me.
He brushed his lips over mine again. “It’s going to kill me staying away from you tonight, knowing that every bastard there is going to be appreciating what’s mine.”
I tangled my fingers into the back of his hair, keeping him close. “My eyes will be on you the whole time.”
“Good, because it would be terrible for business if I had to kill someone tonight.” He paused, arching his brow in seriousness. “But that doesn’t mean I won’t.”
“At least you’ll be in a room filled with attorneys,” I teased.
He nipped my lip. “I mean it, Emmy. I don’t want another Barlow incident . ”
My client, Joshua Barlow, had become a bit of a sensitive topic this last week, especially after he’d asked me to join him for a drink one evening after our meeting. It’d taken me an hour to convince Orion to stop trying to hunt the poor guy down. Joshua was in enough trouble with the SEC without adding Orion into the mix.
“I’m yours.”
He pecked my lips again and then pulled something out of his pocket. I looked down to see a pink silicone egg. It extended and curved over into a smaller, flatter egg, and anticipation bubbled in my stomach. “In case you need any reminders throughout the night.”
Oh God.
He held the Lovense Lush between his fingers and smirked as I bit down on my lip, nerves fluttering in my chest. “Bend over, Tesoro.” This was a terrible idea. We were going to a work function, after all. My work function. For charity .
All the ways this could become a situation filled with horror, embarrassment, and humiliation rushed through my mind, yet in no way did it stop me from leaning over and gripping the foot of Orion’s bed.
His fingers slid up my thigh through the slit in my dress, gently caressing my skin and leaving goosebumps in their wake.
My heart thumped in my chest, the sound rattled in my ears as his finger hooked the material of my thong and pushed it to the side.
I heard the sound of a pop , and I assumed it was Orion wetting the vibrator in readiness. A second later, I felt something soft, yet firm and unfamiliar push into me. I gasped, adjusting to the foreign object.
He adjusted the egg inside me and ensured the flatter side was pressing on my clit before covering the toy with my thong. He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on my hip, and then covered me back up with my dress. Pulling me to my feet and wearing a wicked smirk, he said, “Now we can go.”