Chapter 9
CHAPTER NINE
MAYA
We wake up early and head to the salon, where we spend the day being beautified.
My hair is piled up on my head with loose curls falling around my face and neck.
They did my makeup darker than I usually wear it.
Ana is a vision, her blond hair is pulled into a tight chignon at the back of her neck and her makeup is subtle, yet also harsher than what she usually wears.
I help her dress in a very-unlike-her wedding dress.
The ball gown style with lots of beading, appliqués, and lace sleeves is nothing like the dress she would talk about when we were younger.
I want to ask if he picked it out too, but I won't upset her today.
James steps into the room and practically starts crying.
"My girls, you both look so beautiful. If your mums could see you now. Anabel, your mum would be so proud of the woman you have become. Maya, darling, you look so much like your mother. In fact, I remember she had a dress just like that, same color and everything, for her sorority formal in college. It’s funny that Ana would pick an almost replica of that dress. "
Jonathon picked my dress, not Ana. Before I can process his words further, the wedding planner steps in.
"Showtime, ladies and gentleman."
We step into the hall and await our cue.
At the start of the song, I walk through the doors and down the aisle, keeping my focus on the minister at the front of the hall.
My attention slips to the garden behind him, the doors and windows open.
I will never think of that garden the same way.
I will never think of Hyde Park the same way either.
Part of me wants to look for Duncan, but I know that would be bad, he isn't for me and I don't want to hurt what little family I have left. I join Jonathon and his best man waiting at the altar. For the life of me, I can’t remember the guy’s name.
He leers at me and I want to vomit in my mouth.
I turn to watch Ana and James make their way down the aisle.
She looks pretty, but she isn't smiling like I would expect her to. She has a smile on her face but it doesn’t reach her eyes.
She is looking at Jonathon but it isn't the look of a woman completely in love with the man she is marrying. It's a look of resignation.
As they reach us, James waits for his line, and with a loud voice says, "Her family and I give her away." Tears spring to my eyes as he looks at me when he says family.
The rest of the ceremony is a blur, and when we walk back down the aisle, following Jonathon and Ana, the best man squeezes my hand, making me feel like I need to bathe in a peroxide bath to get the germs off me.
We make our way to the ballroom and watch as Ana and Jonathon start the receiving line.
People are walking up, hugging and congratulating them.
I see Duncan walk into the ballroom and about swallow my tongue.
He looks so good in his traditional tuxedo.
I can see his arm muscles flex under the jacket, his legs strain the pant legs, the understated pin striping of the dark charcoal suit adds to the depth of the color.
He and James are in matching tuxes with silver vests and ascots.
My mind flashes to what Duncan looks like out of it, but he looks so yummy in it too.
He catches me looking at him and stalks toward me.
I see the intent in his eyes and know I don't want to have this conversation in front of everyone.
Needing a quick escape, I head for the wedding coordinator and check on the arrangements for the dances and coordination of speeches.
I need to avoid him or I'll be finding the nearest closet to fuck him in.
I've managed to evade Duncan most of the night. It was easier during dinner, as I had to sit at the head table with Ana and Jonathon. Throughout the night, I’ve felt his eyes on me, like now.
When I look in his direction, he seems upset.
The best man is spinning me on the dance floor; he’s been trying to get me alone, attempting to pull me toward the balcony and garden several times.
I'm about to break his wandering fingers when Duncan’s deep voice rumbles behind me.
"May I cut in?"
"Of course, don't keep her too long though, she has maid of honor duties."
Really, this guy is a jerk.
Duncan chuckles and I bristle. He pulls me into his arms and the feelings of want and security wash over me. Why him?
"Finally... Are you avoiding me? Or do I need to kick that fucktard’s arse to prove he is not for you?"
The growl in his voice immediately makes me wet for him.
"Duncan...please—"
"Now we’re talking, meet me upstairs," he interrupts me.
Ah, did I miss something? Where the hell did he get the impression I wanted to go upstairs?
"What?" I ask as he leans down to whisper in my ear.
"Baby, when I hear you say, 'Duncan, please,' I want to bury my cock so deep inside you."
I pull back, putting distance between us. Holy hell, now I'm really turned on.
"No. Stop. What happened between us can't happen again. I'm leaving tomorrow, and for that matter, this was only an itch that needed scratching. Plus, I don't do relationships. I don't need or want them."
"Really, Maya, I'm not asking for forever, just tonight. This time you won't escape me. Where did you stay after you left me? I went to your room and knocked. And by the way, I threw away the best man's rose to you."
"I stayed with Ana. Wait...what rose?" I'm not about to explain my sleeping problems to him.
"The red rose that was on the floor by your door. Right now, you are mine, I don't share, so I threw it away."
My sense of flight is starting to fire as I realize what this means.
My stalker isn't just sending me flowers, he is here.
Someone followed me. I've put my family in danger again. The best man would have bragged if he left me a rose. Then I remember the single red rose from the bar last night. I step out of Duncan’s arms as the song comes to an end, and I fight the urge to step back into them.
"Please, Maya, I don't beg. I need you now, and watching that arse rub all over you has me short circuiting and wanting to kill him."
I'm about to answer when a commotion at the door draws my attention. Ana has a look of panic in her eyes. What the hell? Jonathon is standing with his arm around her, talking to her.
"Duncan, something is up with Ana, I gotta go." I turn to walk away.
"What?" He swings to the door and sees Ana too. Jonathon now has a smug look on his face and Ana is crying.
"What up, girl?"
"Jonathon says we are leaving now for the honeymoon, not tomorrow like what was planned.
" Her smile drops and the tears continue to fall.
I know why she is upset, we were going to have breakfast in the morning before I left.
Jonathon's eyes fasten on me, then lower to my wrist with the bruises from where he grabbed me.
I feel Duncan move behind me. He puts his hand on my lower back.
Jonathon's eyes flair wide and his mouth drops open.
I can see the wheels turning but can't figure out what he is thinking.
He looks at Duncan, then over my shoulder.
I turn to see what or who he is looking at.
Stephan is standing there, glaring at Duncan. What the hell is going on?
"Mia, I'm trying to surprise my bride with an early honeymoon getaway, but, of course, all she is worried about is you," he sneers.
"Okay, this is the last time wanker, her name is Maya. Does she need to wear a bloody name tag for you?" Duncan growls.
Ana is trying not to smile. I'm just trying not to yell at him for being so obvious.
"Thank you, Duncan, but I can handle this.
" I step to Jonathon's other side and whisper so only he can hear.
"I can find my way around London, so don't worry.
Like Duncan so eloquently said, my name is Maya.
You might want to get used to it, because I will be keeping an eye on you. " I step back and look at them both.
"Jonathon, I understand what you're trying to do.
It's okay. Ana, we can get together for Christmas like you want.
I'll come back. When I get home, I'll put in for leave.
I'm flying out tomorrow, and I know how to get to the airport myself.
I'll also make sure the wedding coordinator gets all your gifts delivered to your place. "
I smile at her so she will calm down.
"Maya, this is the first time we've been in the same city in years. I was hoping to spend time with you tomorrow."
"You go. I promise I will be back. Let me go find your father while you say goodbye to Duncan." I watch Duncan take his sister into his arms as I walk away.
"James, Ana and Jonathon are ready to leave."
"Maya, darling, oh yes, let's go say our goodbyes. When do you fly home?" he asks.
"Tomorrow evening." I smile at him. I wish I could stay longer but feel the need to get my life in control and protect those I'm close to.
"I'll be in DC next week, we must have dinner. How about Georgia Brown's. I know how much you love that restaurant."
"I'm off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And I think it's you that loves that restaurant. But yes, we could do that." We stop our conversation as we come up to the group.
"Ana, I am so proud of you. I know your mum is too. She's here, darling, looking down on all of us."
"Aw, Daddy, thank you."
"Of course. Give me a hug and we'll see you in two weeks."
"Daddy, can you and Duncan take care of Maya?
You should have Maya tell you about her job.
" She smiles slyly at me. She reminded me when we were getting our hair done that I still hadn't told James about my new position.
I know he will worry more than before. I planned on telling him via text or right before I boarded the plane tomorrow.
"Of course, darling, I'll make sure she gets to the airport. Duncan, would you like to join us for a drink?" Ana and I both look at James and Duncan.
"Yes, sir, I'd like to join you." Duncan looks a little shocked.
"Okay, off with you two lovebirds. Take care of my girl, Jonathon." James pats Jonathon on the shoulder.
"Yes, sir." He smiles. His smile gives me chills.
"Love you, Maya. I'll call when we get home, text me when you land." Ana hugs us each.
"Yes, Ana, I'll text when I land. We'll discuss Christmas when you get home. Love you!" I don't want to let her go. I feel like something isn't right and I want to just hold on to her. We smile at each other and she turns with Jonathon to leave.