Chapter 34
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
NOAH
One Week Later
Los Angeles has been good for us, we’ve been able to indulge in each other and do our thing without feeling constricted or claustrophobic. But certain things in my body are bubbling to the surface.
Up until now I've been content, happy to watch Chase work and thrive, but contentment isn't fulfillment. And I'm not fulfilled and need that outlet again to make it go away.
Marcus called me yesterday as if he sensed my need.
I answered the call. "Yes."
"Noah. It's been a while." His voice is rough, familiar. "How's Los Angeles treating you?"
"Fine."
"That's good. Listen, I'm calling because we have some major issues going on here, we think we have a plant. A cop or something in our group as we have started to be investigated. Officials hanging around us like a bad fucking smell."
"What does that have to do with me?"
"We need to filter out the weeds, do some digging with our fists, so to speak. I wanted you to know in case you were interested, it was part of the deal.”
Something tightens in my chest that I haven’t felt for a while, anticipation and desire.
"Tell me more."
"Not over the phone. But if you're interested, we could use you back in New York, again only if you are interested."
I'm quiet for a moment, my mind processing. New York. The Blackrose Saints. The Kozlovs. The criminal underworld I'd left behind for peace and harmony.
"I'll think about it.”
And that’s what I’ve been doing ever since. Thinking.
Chase is happy here, his career is thriving, but he can do that from anywhere. We knew this would happen at some point as that was the reason to have two different places. I need the activity that LA doesn’t provide. Then after, maybe we can come back.
The following morning Chase wakes to find me already dressed, sitting at the desk with my laptop open.
"You're up early," he observes, his voice rough with sleep. He crosses to me, wrapping his arms around me from behind. "What's wrong?"
"I'm restless."
"Restless how?"
“I want to go back to New York, it’s time.”
His expression shifts into understanding. "To be honest, I thought you would have wanted to go back sooner.
“Marcus called yesterday. There is a lot going on at the club that could bring it down, They think they have a plant."
"So, you want to go back."
"Yes."
"For how long?"
"I don't know, as long as it feels okay, then we come back here, it was always the intention."
"Okay. If you need to go back to New York, we'll go back to New York. Plus I’ll get to see Ty again.”
“And you will have some great stories for your book. It may get messy there.”
“An extra perk, huh?"
“The only perk you ever need is me, baby.”
"You are a huge perk. So, when do we leave?"
I spend the day making arrangements and I call Marcus back, tell him we're returning to New York. I can tell he is pleased, business is struggling to function smoothly with all the investigation that’s going on, which is also impacting the Kozlovs. They need more men.
I contact our property manager and tell him to prepare our home for arrival.
Also to make sure security is updated, systems are functional, and that the house is fully stocked.
I book a private jet for next week and make arrangements with a property manager here in LA to take care of this property while we are away.
Chase spends the day at his laptop, working on his manuscript. But I can see the shift in him, I can sense a little excitement. Not a lot has happened here in LA, and after being away from New York for so long you miss the buzz and danger, especially from the world we live in.
The following week, we're sitting on the balcony, watching the sun set over Los Angeles one last time until who knows when.
"I’m gonna miss this," Chase says quietly.
"Miss what?"
“The view and being near the coast."
“I'm ready to leave."
"Where you go, I go. I’m looking forward to being back with everyone amongst the drama again."
“Weirdo,” I mutter, and he giggles.
"I've changed so much, haven't I? Since we got married.”
"You have, but it’s the real you."
"Do you think I'm broken?"
"No. I think you're evolved, but I’m hardly the best person to ask." I pull him closer. "But I think it’s good, you've shed the pretense of normalcy and embraced the reality of the world. You’re awake, Chase."
“I guess that’s one way to look at it.”
Later that night I claim Chase with an intensity that borders on violence. We're in the bedroom, and all I can focus on is Chase. He's beneath me, his body surrendering completely. His eyes are bright with desire and trust and absolute submission.
"I own you, baby," I tell him, my voice rough. "Say it."
"I'm yours."
"Call me my name."
"My shadow."
"When we get back, I’m gonna make people bleed, baby, bleed for you."
"Yessss."
I fuck him as hard as I can, the rougher I am, the more he wants. "You're excited about watching me work again, writing about it?"
“I’m so close…” he moans.
“Maybe I should fuck you right there in front of everyone after I’ve killed, bathe you in their blood as I fuck you over their body.”
“I’m cumming,” he moans, tilting his head back as I latch onto his neck, sucking with all my strength. I cum with a cry, my body shaking with the intensity of it. Chase’s orgasm goes on for an eternity, his grip on me tightening as he comes to the end.
We lie there in the mess, understanding that this city has served its purpose, and now it’s onto the next.