12. Chapter 12 - Madison
I stir awake to Diego’s erection saying ‘Good Morning’ to my ass cheeks. He’s still asleep, so I take a moment to stretch, still achy from last night’s adventures. His arm falls off my body as I twist and turn. Instantly, I feel cooler. He’s like a fucking sauna at night. And I thought I slept hot.
Sheesh .
I reach across to the nightstand in search of my clutch. There, next to my plugged-in phone, is a glass of water. I take a few sips, smiling over the rim at the thought of him taking care of me last night. After the incredible orgasm he gave me, I was spent. It didn’t take much to fall into a peaceful slumber.
Squinting my eyes, I tilt the phone to read the time. It’s hard to tell with these blackout curtains.
8:33 AM.
Grrr . Guess I should get showered and ready. I need to visit Dad before the visiting hours end at 11:30 AM.
“Can we stay like this a little longer?” Ocean Eyes mumbles against my shoulder. He wraps his arm around me again, tightening his hold. The cold metal of his wedding band presses into my stomach, right over the scar I have from the car accident .
“Honestly, I wish,” I sigh, clasping his hand and removing it from around me.
“Can I ask you something before this moment disappears and Liam tries to swoon you?”
Laughter threatens to escape but I bite it back because his voice is adorable in the morning. Definitely not Bone Breaker intimidating. More like the sexy lead singer of a band who just spent the night serenading his fans.
Or worshiping my pussy.
Regardless…
“Go on, Ocean Eyes . What’s up?”
“Did you sleep with anyone while you were in Arizona? I won’t be upset. I’m just curious if another man pleased you,” he rasps, pulling me back down so that I lie on my back.
He’s leaning his head on the hand he has bent against the pillow. Looking all God-like, staring down at me with those sparkling blue-topaz eyes and messy untamed hair. They are so stunning I almost forget what he asked me.
“Um…no…no. I didn’t. I spent my days working at the local coffee shop or going to the gym. Occasionally, I’d meet someone out at the bar. My favorite couple, Simon and John would always try to encourage me to go home with one of the guys who tried to grab my attention, but I never did. It just didn’t feel right. Did you?”
He smiles like the Cheshire Cat at my admission and shakes his head back and forth, a loose curl falling over his forehead.
“As if my performance last night wasn’t proof enough… No, I haven’t slept with anyone. A few of my past flings heard through the grapevine that El Rompe Huesos was still alive and tried to reconnect, but I wasn’t having it. There was only one woman I craved—and she was two thousand miles away. Wanting nothing to do with me.”
His hand finds my face as he lowers his lips to mine. “Does she want me now?” The vulnerability in his voice has my heart rate spiking.
“I’m not sure what I want. I need time, Diego. Can you give me that? Time to figure this out? Time to decide what I want…or…possibly who I want?”
My heart slams against my ribcage when he remains silent.
“I won’t keep you from being with Liam if that’s who your heart longs for. If dating us both is what you need to figure it out, then fine. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Thank you for understanding. I actually have an important question. Are we still legally married?”
“Fuck yes, we are. So I suppose we are agreeing to an open marriage for now?” He chuckles, rubbing his left hand up his sternum. His ring catches my eye. I wonder where mine are now? I left them with Lexi the day that I left. She gave them back to him.
“Right. Guess so.”
I sit up and slide off the bed, not even bothering to hide my nakedness from him. He’s seen it. The man pulled a damn tampon out of my vagina and had his fingers up my ass a few hours ago… Pretty sure any ounce of anxiety or embarrassment I had over my body has gone out the window.
Entering the en suite, I turn the shower on to almost scalding and then step in. The hot water soothes away any of the achiness I obtained from the plane ride, dancing, and early morning extracurricular activities.
The glass door slides open and Diego enters, taking up all of my space. “I have request.”
“Request?” I ask incredulously. This is going to be rich coming from him.
“Okay. A demand . You know me too well,” he laughs as he slathers shampoo into his hair.
“What’s that?” I ask, washing my body with his coconut body wash instead of my own. He notices and smirks before shifting behind me to rinse his hair of the suds.
Cobalt eyes swirl with the intensity of a Category 5 hurricane. He hooks a muscular arm around me and tugs me forward. Our bodies slap together on contact as his hand trails down my tailbone and over the swell of my ass. The palm of his hand comes down hard, the sting of the hot water adding to the potency of it.
“This is mine and mine only ,” he growls.
He stalks towards me until my shoulders hit the tiles and his right hand lands flat against the space next to my head. Getting nose to nose with me before kissing me senseless, he releases an exasperated sigh.
“I want to fuck you into oblivion right now,” he groans. The promise lacing his voice has me clenching my thighs together to ease the ache of desire.
“I think I want you to fuck me into oblivion right now,” I laugh, staring at his frustratingly handsome face.
“You think ? Gee, Mariposita . That wasn’t what it seemed like last night when you were swallowing my cock or when you arched your back so far off the bed you nearly snapped your spine.” Diego slides his hand off the wall and wraps it around my neck. He lowers his lips to my ear. “Do you need a reminder of how much you wanted me last night?”
Holy. Shit. My core throbs at the words coming out of his dirty mouth. His vulgarity has me turning into a puddle of need at his feet and circling the drain. This man will be the death of me.
Yes! I need a fucking reminder.
I aIso need to get to the hospital, to the toy store, and then back here for Kian’s first birthday. All while trying to keep my wits about me. That is, if I am going to get through the rest of the day with both Liam and Diego. Oh, and let’s not forget the talk I need to have with him about potentially moving in with Liam.
Today is going to be fun. So much fun.
I need espresso. Stat . And maybe another orgasm…
“Maybe later,” I shrug, acting uninterested as he releases me to finish up his shower.
“ Definitely later,” he sneers, placing a chaste kiss to my lips.
He steps out, leaving me alone with my thoughts. And in a whirlwind of emotions.
I let out a shaky breath .
Get it together, Madison.
Turns out, Dad won’t be allowed to have any visitors. The hospital has a bad virus going around and is just now limiting the visitors to one person—typically, the spouse. You will be required to gown up before entering the room each time. Luckily, they anticipate him to be heading home in the next two days. I can visit then.
On a brighter note, I was able to talk to him for a while. He sounds like shit, but I guess that is to be expected when they break open your ribs and bypass three of your major arteries.
He’s one of the strongest men I know, my father. I can guarantee you in a few days he’ll be asking to go back to the gym—even though we all know he can’t. Try telling him that. This is the same man that pulled his breathing tube out when he woke up.
Before anyone in the house could see me, I snuck out, grabbing an Uber to my favorite coffee shop a few blocks over from here. They have the best pastries and their espresso is smooth and rich, barely acidic. Still not Diego’s espresso… but a top five.
The barista recognizes me. She hands me my coffee, and her and I get to chatting a bit. Apparently, the owner is selling the place.
“A month ago he sold it to a ‘mystery buyer’,” she air quotes. “Some billionaire from Florida.”
“Are you able to stay on?” I ask, knowing how much this job means to her. She’s been working here full time, trying to pay her medical bills that racked up from a bad car accident she had a few years ago.
“I’m not sure. I hope so. I love it here.”
We exchange numbers and I wish her well before taking off down the block. I am on a mission to find the cutest boutique or toy store for my nephew. I want something unique.
I walk a few more blocks, admiring the holiday decorations. New York City is always magical this time of year. My phone starts to vibrate in my pocket. I toss my empty cup into the trash can next to me and retrieve my phone.
“Hey, Lex.” I press a finger to my exposed ear.
“Where are you, girlfriend? Liam is losing his shit over the fact that one of the guys didn’t drive you to the hospital.”
“I never went. Hospital is on a visitor restriction due to a virus running rampant.”
“Oh, damn. Are you okay? How was the rest of your night?
I bundle my scarf tighter around my neck as a bitter breeze blows down the avenue.
“It was interesting . We can talk more about it over dinner. Are you still planning to talk about your wedding tonight?”
“Yes. That’s also why I am calling. Conor and I aren’t able to attend Kian’s birthday. We are on our way to Connecticut. Con needs to take care of some shit at The Triskelion . Are you willing to come out with Liam tonight and have a few drinks with us at the club? Liam agreed to it. He said he’ll drive you guys there.”
“Umm… yeah, I don’t see why not.”
“Awesome. Thanks, girl. I gotta run. I love ya! See you tonight. I want every detail! ”
A laugh carries along the wind before I hang up. She really means it— every detail. Heat spreads to my cheeks at the memories of what we did last night.
Suddenly feeling like I’m being watched, I turn around, but find no one behind me. Weird . I look left and right before entering the cute baby boutique. Already, I spot the cutest gift. A wooden coffee machine with numbers and fun shaped gadgets. There is even a set of colorful coffee mugs that comes with hand carved and painted donuts and pastries. Yes. Hell, yes . It’s the perfect sensory and educational gift. Beyond all that, it's straight up adorable.
Of course, his auntie would get him his first coffee machine.
Maybe it’ll even make his Uncle Diego crack a smile.
The house is buzzing with some of the syndicate members and their families. Sel was careful who to invite from her play groups, wanting to keep it more of an inner circle party. The party planner did another incredible job. It went from a Vegas themed party last night to a fully functioning zoo.
I kid you not.
There are animal tanks and exhibits lined up. A petting zoo is out on the patio in the heated tent they left up. Face painting and a craft station is over in the dining room. Cotton candy, popcorn, gummy candies, and ice cream stations are spread out throughout the main floor. There is a man outside with a headset microphone, dressed like Steve Irwin, directing an animal show-and-tell. From what I can hear, they are exhibiting a baby kangaroo.
Oh my God. I need to be out there! I want all the baby animal snuggles.
I crane my neck, trying to get a peek of the cute little joey when a familiar hand lands on my lower back. Liam chuckles next to me.
“Ya want me to ask how much they cost?”
Playfully, I slap his hand away. “No. They shouldn’t be someone’s pet…but I wouldn’t mind heading out there to take a look.”
“Come on, princess. I’ll come with you.”
As we walk towards the patio, I spot Lainey in the kitchen prepping kid-friendly finger foods. My stomach growls just looking at the mini cheeseburger sliders, Dino nuggets, mac and cheese cups, and the cute little grilled cheese dunkers with a side of tomato soup. They even have pizza in the shape of crocodiles.
My kinda food.
Liam must have heard my stomach growl.
“Hungry?” he asks amused.
“Yes. I can just grab something later.” I’m not trying to bring attention to myself. Lainey is working, she doesn’t need my hunger, along with Liam trying to feed it, ruining her concentration.
Or breaking her heart.
“I’ll be two seconds. What do you want? Lainey won’t mind. She feeds me before everyone else all the time.”
He goes to leave and I grab him by the forearm, lightly digging my nails in. “ Don’t . Lainey may have given you the space you need for all of us to figure things out, but that doesn’t mean she’s okay with it. She’s probably hurting, Liam. I would be. I’ll wait until the waiters come around with the food.”
His demeanor changes as he takes in what I just said. “You’re right. I wasn’t trying to hurt her. I just wanted to feed you.” Shame replaces his cheerful features.
My thumb rubs away the crescent marks I unintentionally left on his arm.
“I know. Sorry for hurting you. I didn’t mean to dig my nails in like that.” Now I’m the one feeling shame .
We continue to walk out through the glass sliding doors. “Oh, sweetheart. You can dig those nails into me anytime you want.” He wiggles his eyebrows forcing a laugh out of me.
Idiot . I just told him not to flaunt us in front of Lainey and here he is making innuendos.
“Please never stop calling me out for being an arse. Where everyone just accepts it from me, you call me out on it. Not only that, but you correct me in a way that’s not condescending. So, thank you.”
“No problem. Oh maa God, he’s sooooo freakin’ cute!” I squeal my excitement, skipping over towards the stage. A few children and their parents are surrounding the adorable baby kangaroo.
Liam follows me, leaning against the bar where they have chocolate milk, lemonade, and soda fountains. He grabs himself a lemonade, sticking his cup up in silent question. I decline, shaking my head, far too preoccupied with the baby animals to worry about a drink.
The director comes up to me and offers me the joey. My eyes actually fill with tears of joy at the fact that I am currently holding a baby kangaroo. The soft fur of his coat tickles my fingertips as I run them over his ears and down his back. Liam comes up and snaps a picture of me.
His fingers click away on his phone. “I’m sending this to you. You may want to make it ya dating profile pic. It screams animal lover.” He rolls his eyes for good measure.
I adore this side of Liam. The playful, sarcastic man I fell for.
“You’re an asshole,” I laugh before checking myself. I’m surrounded by kids. They don’t need me cursing.
“Alright, everyone. Our next special guest has two claws and a stinger. They are part of the arachnid family. Can anyone guess what it is? The kids are seemingly stumped. I raise my hand shakily.
“A scorpion?” I practically squeak .
“That’s right.” The animal caretaker removes the blackish-blue scorpion from the tank. “This is an Emperor Scorpion. Right from the rainforests of West Africa, they are one of the largest scorpions in the world. These arachnids are usually docile and not very aggressive. The males tend to be even less aggressive than the females. I have a special pair of gloves for one lucky parent. Would anyone like to hold him?”
“She would.” Diego strides down the stairs leading to the tent, pointing right at me.
“No,” I whisper, horrified. I grind my teeth and glare at him. What is he thinking?!
He takes a step between Liam and I. I shoot Liam a desperate look, silently begging him to back me—but he doesn’t.
“It might be a good thing, love. To get over your fear,” he concedes, rubbing his fingers over his chin.
“Oh, go to He—Heck.” I recover myself before the little kiddos can hear my potty mouth.
The assistant hands me the thick gloves as Diego sits behind me on the floor, bending his legs at the knee and pressing his front against my back. I sit cross-legged on the ground, my hands shaking violently.
Strong, confident, bare hands cup around mine.
Steadying them.
Lending me some of his confidence.
“Let’s get our girl back,” he whispers over my shoulder. He lowers his chin to lean on it. “I overheard Liam talking to Conor about your fear of these little guys.”
Anger simmers under my skin knowing Liam was talking about me to Con. What I confessed last night wasn’t really a secret, but my words meant more than just fear over a scorpion. I’m sure it wasn’t malicious in intent. Still hurts all the same.
“Okay, try to stay still. He shouldn’t sting. I’ll be right here in case he tries to make a run for it. I just ask that you remain calm,” the Steve look-alike requests .
“You are trained to take down a full-grown man. This scorpion isn’t a threat unless you threaten it. It can sense your movements. Deep breaths, Mariposita ,” he encourages. “Most times, fear becomes irrational when we let our minds create unlikely scenarios.”
The man in the tan khakis places the scorpion into my gloved palms. It twitches and crawls a bit, getting acclimated. Thankfully, it doesn’t make a move to scurry away.
Diego tightens his hands around mine, “Even if it does sting you, it feels like a bee sting and its venom won’t kill you. You’ve endured plenty worse than that.”
He’s right. I have. I study the creature in my hand, feeling slightly sympathetic for trying to kill its friend. At the thought of its kin, the scorpion reacts, bobbing its tail and opening and closing its pinschers.
Fuck. It’s like it knows what I was thinking.
Diego inches his body closer to mine, pressing his solid chest against my rigid back and pulling his arms in so they press firmly against mine.
“Don’t let your fear control you. You control it. Remove the spiraling thoughts and you can wrangle it in. Then you conquer it.”
With caution, he removes his hands from around mine after they cease their shaking. The scorpion doesn’t move. It stays completely still, as am I. All the tension I was holding starts to dissipate. This isn’t as bad as I had imagined.
After a few moments, the caretaker collects the scorpion and places it back in its enclosure. “How about a round of applause for this brave young lady.”
The tiny claps of the kids and the loud whistles Liam is giving off have me feeling proud of myself.
I did it .
Thanks to Diego .
And I guess Liam, too—for not babying me and letting me chicken out.
“Alright, everyone. We are going to take a fifteen-minute break and then we will be back with more animals for you to hold.”
Diego extends a hand and helps me up. He tugs me forward, slamming me into him and pressing a kiss to my temple. “I’m proud of you, Mariposita .”
The sweetest of smiles graces his face to reveal a dimple on his cheek. Which is something I only now noticed. He releases me from his embrace but his hand drops down to claim mine. Liam joins us as we head inside for some food.
“Did you know that scorpions spiritually represent embracing your fears in order to overcome them?” Diego starts. “It aids in your personal growth and serves as a reminder of how resilient you are. Your year in Arizona wasn’t a waste, Madison. It was your scorpion . You may have felt bored or lonely, but it was all part of your journey. Part of rediscovering yourself. Coming home and embracing what you were running from—that shows how strong you are. Try to remove all the bullshit that’s enhancing your fears and focus on conquering it. When you do that, you’ll have the answer you’re looking for.” He shoots me a devastating smile, followed by a knowing wink.
I can’t help but stare at him in awe.
Hot and philosophical?
Swoon.
When we enter the kitchen, he kisses the top of my hand and releases it. “After the party, I have to fly to Miami. I have some business to take care of,” he says vaguely.
“Will you be back tomorrow?” I ask, but it comes out whinier than what I was going for.
The Bone Breaker chuckles. “So eager for me to return?”
“Just curious,” I retort, a smile creeping onto my face and calling me out on my bullshit .
Heat spreads to my cheeks and my pulse spikes knowing he’s right. I will miss him.
He shoots me an amused look before mouthing, “Liar.”
“If all goes according to plan, I should be back by tomorrow night. Will you be here?”
Liam answers for me. “We are heading to Connecticut tonight. Conor and Lexi are meeting us at The Triskelion to discuss our wedding duties over drinks.”
“Ahh. I take it you’ll be sleeping at Liam’s?”
I turn towards Liam, unsure.
“I have a guest room. She is welcome to stay there while she sorts out moving back home.”
Goddammit, Liam.
“You’re moving home?” Diego asks astoundedly.
“I want to be closer to my family.”
“So, Miami is out of the question? But staying at Liam’s is okay? Right . Got it.” The bitterness in his tone has me wincing.
“Diego…” I touch his arm. “I haven’t decided on anything yet. Tonight we may stay there… but that doesn’t mean I’ll be moving there.”
“I need to kiss my nephew goodbye. It’s fine. I’m not mad you’ll be spending the night with him. I’m disappointed you didn’t tell me you were considering moving there. Anyways…” He places a fleeting kiss on my pouting lips. “Be safe tonight. My phone will be on if you need me… or if this asshole bores you to death,” he laughs, playfully slapping Liam’s back and retreating towards the dining room where Kil and Sel are with Kian.
Feeling a bit let down, I go off in search of some food before joining my sweet little nephew.