Chapter 11
As we sat in The Tea Garden, waiting for Oliver, I couldn”t shake the feeling that something was wrong. The atmosphere was elegant, the chatter of other diners intermingling with the soft clinking of cutlery against plates. But Oliver”s absence weighed heavily on me, exacerbated by his tardiness.
”Where is he?” Matthew asked, voicing my own concern.
”He’ll be here. He had a bunch of conference calls today,” I reassured, though my own worry betrayed my words.
”On a Saturday?”
I shot my brother a pointed look. ”Are you kidding? You work Saturdays.”
”Not all the time. I’ve been taking it easy this summer.”
I scanned the room, sipping my coffee nervously, and breathed a sigh of relief when Oliver finally entered. But any sense of relief evaporated when I noticed the slight disarray of his hair and the smear of blood on his cheek. Concern tightened my chest.
”There he is,” I announced, trying to mask my apprehension.
I introduced Oliver to Matthew, who greeted him with a handshake before taking his leave to head to the buffet tables. As Oliver started to rise, I caught his arm, determined to address the unsettling sight.
“Not now, Ryleigh,” he hissed, his discomfort palpable.
Ignoring his protest, I reached for my cloth napkin and dipped it into my water glass, dabbing at the blood on his cheek. The attention drew stares from nearby diners, but I paid them no mind. Oliver brushed my hand away and excused himself from the table, leaving me with a knot of worry in my stomach.
Throughout brunch, Oliver”s demeanor remained strained, his appetite all but nonexistent. Despite his efforts to engage Matthew in conversation, I could sense the underlying tension. I knew the importance of making a good impression on my brother, especially considering he would likely be the one to relay details of Oliver to our family.
Despite the lavish spread before us, I found it difficult to eat, my own anxiety mirroring Oliver”s. His repeated orders for scotch only added to my unease, his usual restraint abandoned in favor of seeking solace in alcohol.
Once brunch was over, Oliver settled the bill and bid farewell to Matthew, offering to give him a ride, which Matthew declined. Alone in the car with Vlad at the wheel, I turned to Oliver, my concern mounting.
“What happened?” I asked.
“Nothing you should worry about,” he growled, his tone clipped.
“Vlad, please drop me off at my apartment,” I interjected, my patience wearing thin.
“You’re going home?” Oliver questioned.
“You don’t want to talk, so why should I go to your place?” I retorted, my frustration mounting.
“It doesn’t concern you,” Oliver insisted, his jaw clenched.
“It happened to you, so of course it does. Now are you going to tell me or should I spend the evening with Sadie?” I asked, unwilling to back down.
Oliver sighed heavily, his reluctance evident. “When we get home.”
He leaned in, his breath laced with the scent of scotch, and pressed a kiss to my lips, lingering for a moment before pulling away. As he looked into my eyes, I saw the worry etched in his gaze, sending a wave of apprehension through me. What had transpired before he arrived at the restaurant? The unanswered question lingered heavily between us.
Once we were inside Oliver’s penthouse, I pressed him for details about the morning”s events.
“Get changed, and I’ll tell you,” he responded, his voice tight with tension.
“What could be so bad?” I asked, my concern growing.
“Jonah,” he replied simply.
“Your brother?” I clarified, feeling a knot of worry form in my stomach.
Oliver walked to the bedroom, shedding his clothes as he went. I noticed blood on his shirt, concealed by his jacket.
“Oh my God. Where did the blood come from?” I gasped, my eyes widening in alarm.
“I had a physical altercation with Jonah. He wanted money, and I refused. I won’t support his bad choices anymore,” Oliver explained, his tone firm.
“So he hit you?” I inquired, my heart sinking.
“He sucker-punched me. We were talking, and the next thing I knew, my nose was bleeding,” he recounted, his jaw clenched.
“What did you do?” I pressed, my worry escalating.
“I hit him hard in the chest. He couldn’t breathe, and I called security to escort him out. Fortunately, they got there before he recovered,” Oliver explained, his gaze steely.
I approached him, intending to help him undress, but he stopped me, taking my hands in his and pressing a kiss to my palms.
“I love you and I want to protect you,” he confessed softly.
“Why would you have to protect me?” I questioned, furrowing my brow in confusion.
“Because your profile goes up now that you’re with me,” he explained, his expression grave.
“Should I be concerned?” I asked, feeling a twinge of apprehension.
“I don’t think so. Would you like to take a bath?” he offered, changing the subject.
“Yes, a bath sounds nice,” I agreed.
We finished getting undressed, and Oliver ran a bath, adding my favorite lime and basil bath beads. As we lounged in the tub, we discussed plans for my upcoming birthday.
“I’d like to plan the whole day,” Oliver suggested.
“I have to work. My birthday is next Friday,” I reminded him.
“I meant Saturday, but we can still celebrate on Friday evening,” he proposed.
“My parents asked me to dinner at home,” I informed him.
“I could go with you. You said you wanted them to meet me. Vlad could drive us,” Oliver suggested, his tone hopeful.
“Sadie would be coming,” I mentioned, considering the logistics.
“She can come with us,” Oliver suggested easily.
“You would be okay with that?” I asked, a bit surprised.
He wrapped his arms around me, locking his hands underneath my breasts. I snuggled against him, planting a kiss on the underside of his chin. I liked this very much.
“Of course, I would. She’s your friend,” he reassured me.
“You usually don’t want to share me,” I pointed out.
“I won’t keep you from friends and family. I’ll have to get used to sharing you,” he admitted.
“I share you,” I countered.
“With who?” he challenged.
“Your business. In case you haven’t noticed, you work a lot,” I teased.
“Do you want me to slow down?” he offered sincerely.
I did want him to slow down. I worried he was burning the candle at both ends. There were nights we stayed up half the night and I spent my day yawning from exhaustion. Oliver was almost always up before me and would work late or in his office at the penthouse after dinner.
“Just like you, I have to get used to sharing you. I know how important work is to you,” I replied honestly.
“Not as important as you. In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve built quite an empire,” he said, a hint of pride in his voice.
“Arrogant ass,” I muttered playfully as I rubbed my back against his chest.
“Excuse me? Did you just call me arrogant?” He feigned offense.
I giggled. “If the shoe fits.”
“I would end it all if that’s what makes you happy,” he declared dramatically.
“And do what? Move to an island, surf and sun all day and live in a hut?” I teased.
“You forgot make love all night. I could do it. Just say the word,” he suggested with a smirk.
“Nope. You love working,” I teased back.
He cupped one of my breasts, thumbing the nipple. “I do but I love you more,” he countered sweetly.
“Knowing you love me makes me happy. It’s enough,” I admitted.
“You have my love. Now, about your birthday gift,” he changed the subject.
“Nothing extravagant,” I insisted.
I looked up at him and he was frowning. He spoiled me far too much and I didn’t want him to think I was taking advantage.
“Why?” he questioned.
“I’m not with you for what you can buy me,” I asserted.
“You forget that I pursued you,” he reminded me.
I nudged his ribs. “I know that, but now that I have you wrapped around my little finger, I can get whatever I want,” I teased.
Oliver took my hand and put my pinkie in his mouth, sucking on it teasingly.
“This finger?” he asked with a mischievous grin after I pulled it away.
“Yes,” I confirmed with a playful smile.
knew it was true. All I needed to do was mention that I wanted something and Oliver would have it, but that’s not how I wanted my relationship to go. I didn’t care about what he could buy me. I had money to buy whatever I wanted.
“So I can ask for a house in the country and you would do it?” I teased.
“Just point it out and it’s yours,” he replied confidently.
“Suppose someone lives there?” I challenged.
“Anything can be bought for a price,” he stated matter-of-factly.
“You think you can just walk up to someone’s house, knock on the door and make them say yes?” I pressed.
“I’ve done it before,” he admitted casually.
I turned to look at him, intrigued. “With what?”
“The house in Southampton. I was looking for a home and I saw what I wanted from my boat. I made them an offer that very afternoon and it was accepted,” Oliver revealed.
“It must have been some offer because that house is beautiful,” I remarked, impressed.
He grinned at the compliment. “It was, quite a bit over the value. The owners were easy to convince, and I found out why later,” he explained.
Nothing surprised me with Oliver. He was a monster when it came to negotiations.
“Why?” I inquired.
“They were planning to put the house up for sale at the end of the summer,” he disclosed.
“So you paid over asking when you could have gotten it cheaper,” I noted.
“Yes, but with the way the market was, it was worth it. My agent told me they probably would have received multiple bids on the property, and it would have been over what I offered. I won,” he explained confidently.
“It’s too large for one person,” I observed.
“That’s why I need a wife to fill it up with children,” he said with a hint of longing.
“How many?” I asked curiously.
“Several, four if possible. I miss having a family. Jonah breezes in and out of my life, and when he does, it’s usually because he’s in trouble,” Oliver said.
Curiosity got the best of me and though I didn’t want to stir up trouble or force him to tell me more than he was willing to reveal, I asked.
“What did he need the money for?”
“He didn’t say, but he’s been involved in shady deals before. I’m not financing his illegal activities,” Oliver stated firmly.
“I’m sorry. I would be upset if I had a bad relationship with my brothers,” I sympathized.
“Matthew seems very protective of you,” he observed.
“He is, as is Finley. I was always the baby,” I reminisced.
“They don’t have to worry about you now; you’re my baby,” he declared with affection.
I moved my head to the side and kissed his chin. “The water is cooling, want to get out?”
“I think so. What do you want to do after this?” he asked.
“I’d like to sit on the patio. We don’t do that often enough.”
“It’s very hot out today,” he pointed out.
“Why don’t you have a pool?” I inquired.
“Would you like me to put one in? The roof can support the weight,” he offered.
“I’ve seen them enclosed by glass so you can swim all year around,” I mused.
“Ryleigh, just say the word, and I can have a team up here to start construction by next week,” he assured me.
“You would do that for me if I asked?” I confirmed.
“I told you… anything,” he reaffirmed with sincerity.
I cried out as Oliver pounded me to another mind-numbing orgasm. We never made it out to the patio. The minute I removed my towel to dress, Oliver scooped me up and carried me to the bed. We’d been making love all afternoon and I was spent. He pulled out of me and moved to my side, cradling me against his body.
“I love you,” he whispered into my ear.
“Thank you.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “Thank you?”
“For loving me. I’ve never had anything like this.”
“I’ve never found anyone to love like I do you.”
“I’m hungry.”
“You didn’t eat much at brunch.”
“Neither did you. I was worried.”
Oliver sat up as if to assure me he was fine. “Don’t worry about me. Jonah will get over his tantrum.”
“Will you talk to him again?”
I couldn’t imagine being at such odds with my brothers. We always got along and though they were protective, I knew it was out of love.
He sighed. “As long as he behaves. He is highly volatile and always has been, even when my parents were alive. I could barely keep him in control when I became his guardian. I finally gave up when he turned eighteen.”
”Do you miss having a close relationship with him?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Oliver”s eyes darkened, a flicker of regret passing through them. ”I wish it could be different, but he”ll never change,” he said, his tone heavy with resignation.
”Is that why you have security?” I pressed, not letting the topic drop.
”No,” Oliver replied firmly, shaking his head. ”I don’t worry about Jonah.”
”But he attacked you,” I insisted, my concern palpable.
A bitter smile tugged at the corner of Oliver”s mouth. ”I”m used to it. You think this was the first time?” He looked away, as if the memories were too painful to confront.
”He sounds dangerous,” I murmured, feeling a shiver run down my spine.
”He isn’t,” Oliver said, his voice softening. ”I can handle him. Now stop worrying your pretty little head about my brother. What would you like to eat?”
I hesitated, then decided to shift the conversation. ”Do you have any crab salad?”
He raised an eyebrow, a playful glint returning to his eyes. ”What do you think?”
”I’d say yes,” I guessed, smiling despite myself.
Oliver”s grip on me loosened, and I sat up in bed, reaching for his t-shirt draped over the chair. I slipped it on, the fabric soft against my skin. Oliver watched me, his gaze intense.
A smirk played on his lips. ”No panties?”
”Your shirt is long enough to cover my ass,” I retorted, feeling a blush creep up my neck.
”But I know you have none on,” he teased, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
I chuckled. I knew what I was doing. Maybe I would tease him, accidentally on purpose dropping something on the floor I would need to bend over to pick up.
I met his gaze, a challenge in my eyes. ”What are you going to do about it?”
Oliver”s smirk widened into a grin. ”You”ll see.”
”Would telling you I”m sore be a deterrent?” Oliver”s voice, husky and laced with desire, filled the room.
”Maybe for a little while,” I replied, a smirk playing on my lips.
”Get up so we can eat,” I urged, glancing over at him.
”Go ahead. I”ll be there in a minute. I just remembered I need to make a call,” Oliver said, his eyes flicking to his phone.
”For business?” I raised an eyebrow.
”Yes,” he confirmed with a nod, already dialing.
”It”s 4:30 on a Saturday. Are all your associates as bad as you?” I teased, folding my arms.
”No, I”m the baddest,” he shot back with a grin, his confidence palpable.
”Get over yourself,” I retorted, shaking my head with a chuckle as I headed towards the door.
As I made my way to the kitchen, the faint sound of Oliver”s voice on the phone followed me down the hall. I made myself at home, grabbing a fork from the drawer and opening the container of crab salad.
A few minutes later, Oliver emerged, dressed only in a pair of form-fitting gray boxers. The way they hugged his thighs and accentuated his ass sent a shiver down my spine, reminding me of what drew me to him in the first place.
My eyes traveled his body, fixing on his legs. “Those look good on you. You look good.”
His eye lit up with mischief. “Good enough to eat?”
I jutted my chin out. “If you want me to, I will.”
“Tempting but let’s eat first.”
I didn’t get to pleasure Oliver as much as I wanted to. He was all about my satisfaction, but sometimes I needed to return the favor.
”I’ll put it on hold for now,” I said, a hint of reluctance in my voice.
He kissed me, his tongue teasing my bottom lip before he pulled away. ”You taste yummy.”
”My lips or something else?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
”Everything,” he replied, his eyes dark with desire.
I giggled, a blush spreading across my cheeks. ”Sounds about right.”
”Now who’s the one acting arrogant?” he teased, a playful smirk on his lips.
”Maybe just a little,” I admitted, my smile widening.
We spent the rest of the day relaxing on the patio, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow over us. I sunned myself while Oliver read beside me, occasionally reaching over to trace patterns on my skin. As the sun began to set, we watched the sky transform into a tapestry of oranges before heading inside for dinner.
That night, I slept in Oliver’s arms, feeling safe and content. In the early hours of the morning, he gently woke me, his touch igniting a familiar desire. We made love, our movements slow and tender, savoring every moment until the first light of dawn began to creep through the curtains.
As my birthday drew near, I couldn”t contain my excitement. Oliver had been acting mysteriously all week, and by Friday, I was practically buzzing with anticipation. Our plan was to drive up to Hudson Brook after work, but Oliver surprised me by swapping our usual sedan for a sleek black limo. I welcomed the change, relishing the added privacy it afforded us.
During lunch, Candice and a few coworkers treated me to a birthday celebration. Beatrice, always aloof, managed a polite birthday wish, though her detachment only added to my growing disillusionment with my job. While I was slowly learning the ins and outs of the PR business, too much of my time was still spent on mundane errands.
Outside the office building, Oliver and Sadie awaited me, with Vlad standing by the limousine. Vlad, ever stoic, greeted me with a nod and a subtle smile. Once inside, Oliver pulled me close, his arm secure around my waist. Had Sadie not been seated opposite us, I was certain I”d be in Oliver”s embrace the moment the privacy glass rose. A bouquet of mixed roses adorned the seat beside Sadie, a thoughtful gesture from Oliver.
”Did you have a nice day?” Oliver asked, his voice warm against my ear.
”Yes, my coworkers took me to lunch at Filipos,” I replied.
”That Mexican place? I”ve heard they make great tacos,” he remarked.
”They do. You should try it sometime.”
While Sadie fiddled with the radio, seemingly oblivious to our conversation, Oliver whispered in my ear, his lips teasing and igniting a familiar fire within me. ”I can”t wait to get you home,” he murmured, eliciting a smile from me, though I willed myself not to dwell on our intimate moments.
”What”s your mom serving?” Sadie interrupted.
”Take a guess,” I replied with a grin.
She knew me too well and it wouldn’t be hard for her to figure out what was on the menu.
”Chicken Cordon Bleu?” Sadie asked.
I pointed at her. ”Bingo. It”s my favorite,” I confirmed.
”Are Matthew and Finley coming?” She inquired.
”Yes, Matthew left work early, and Finley should be arriving by 6:30. He”s taking the train,” I explained.
”He could”ve come with us,” Oliver interjected.
”Finley had some work to finish. He”s worse than you,” I teased, rolling my eyes.
”He knows the importance of running a business,” Oliver defended, punctuating his point with a firm kiss that left me breathless.
I rolled my eyes and Sadie looked away as Oliver pressed a hard kiss to my mouth. Traffic was a bit heavy and we rolled into Hudson Brook just before 6 p.m. I couldn’t wait to see my parents since I hadn’t since my graduation two and half months before.
My mother was waiting at the door. She looked great with her wavy auburn hair curled around her face. Some said we looked like twins except her eyes were blue, not hazel. She stepped out as we approached, offering her hand to Oliver before I even introduced them.
“I’m Livia.”
“Oliver Fox. Thank you for inviting me.”
Oliver handed the bouquet of flowers to my mother, who accepted them with a radiant smile. I could tell she was charmed by his gesture. At the door, my stepfather awaited us, and I introduced Oliver to him. Watching them interact, I couldn”t help but notice the uncanny similarity in their ages despite Anders being only twelve years older than Oliver.
Anders, with his dark brown hair sprinkled with little gray and his handsome face almost devoid of wrinkles, greeted us warmly. Hugs were exchanged all around before we were ushered out to the screened-in patio off the kitchen, where Matthew was already seated.
Mylar ”Happy Birthday” balloons danced in the breeze from the overhead fan, adding to the festive atmosphere. My mother had laid out a spread of appetizers, including mini quiches, another favorite of mine. As we settled in, the inquisition commenced, with my parents bombarding Oliver with question after question, to which he graciously responded.
Finley arrived just before seven, his gaze assessing Oliver with suspicion. I hoped he wouldn”t be hostile, but within minutes, they were engrossed in conversation, bonding over discussions about software. Oliver”s expertise in the field, stemming from his ownership of a small company specializing in educational software, seemed to impress Finley.
Meanwhile, Sadie hung on Finley”s every word, though she likely had little understanding of the technical jargon. As they conversed, their interaction took on an intimate tone, sparking a curiosity within me. Was there something more between them? I pondered the question silently, resisting the urge to voice my thoughts.
Dinner was served by my parents, featuring chicken cordon bleu accompanied by sautéed green beans and lemon pasta. Despite the heaviness of the meal for such a hot night, I savored every bite. Leaning back in my chair, a sense of contentment washed over me as I basked in the warmth of family and love on my special day.
”I”m stuffed,” I declared, leaning back in my chair.
”No room for dessert?” Oliver teased.
”There”s always room for dessert,” I replied with a grin.
”Good. I”m glad to hear,” he said cryptically, leaving me curious about his sudden interest in sweets. My suspicions were soon answered when my favorite seven-layer chocolate cake, adorned with twenty-three candles, was brought to the table, one extra candle for good luck. I blew out the candles, silently grateful for Oliver”s thoughtfulness.
As my mother and Anders presented an array of pastries from white bakery boxes, I couldn”t help but feel overwhelmed.
”Wow, I feel special,” I remarked.
”Oliver had them sent up,” my mother revealed.
You sent these up when?” I asked in surprise.
”This morning. I ordered them from a place on Mulberry Street,” Oliver explained.
”I can see I”ll have to starve myself this week after all these calories,” I joked, though secretly touched by his gesture.
”You look beautiful,” Oliver whispered, kissing me softly on the cheek.
After indulging in dessert, fatigue washed over me, and I longed for sleep. My thoughts about Finley and Sadie were confirmed when I stumbled upon them kissing in the hallway. Retreating upstairs to the familiar comfort of my old bedroom, I couldn”t help but feel a mix of emotions. While I was happy for them, I couldn”t shake the uncertainty surrounding the origin of their relationship.
Returning downstairs, I found Finley and Sadie seated at the table, their smiles betraying their secret rendezvous. Resolving to address the matter later, I accepted the thoughtful gifts from my family and friends. Sadie”s baby blue v-neck sweater, a symbol of her affection despite her tight budget, warmed my heart.
We left my parent’s home shortly before 10 p.m. We were exhausted since we worked all day. Everyone hitched a ride in Oliver’s limo since we were all heading back to Manhattan. I insisted on feeding Vlad during my party. He quietly ate his meal even though I offered for him to join us on the patio.
Matthew fell asleep on the ride while Finley and Sadie spoke in hushed tones on the bench seat to our left. Oliver whispered to me about them.
“When did that happen?”
“I have no idea. I think it’s cute. They make a nice couple.”
“Are you sure it doesn’t have anything to do with your brother’s money?”
“I hope not. Finley might seem hard on the outside but he’s a mush inside. I know he would be hurt if Sadie used him. I’ll get to the bottom of their relationship next time I’m home.”
“And when will that be,” Oliver said with a smirk.
“I need a night to myself. We discussed this.”
He nuzzled my ear. “Ryleigh, I’m kidding. I’m well aware of your need for space. I don’t like it but I’m giving it to you.”
I laced my fingers with his. “That doesn’t mean I don’t miss you.”
“I know. I don’t sleep well without you next to me. In fact, I hate it,” he grumbled.
“What do you have planned tomorrow?” I asked.
He smiled widely. “I can’t tell you. You’ll just have to be patient.”
“My mother loved the roses. She said you’re very polite.”
“What else did she say?” He asked with curiosity.
“She’s worried about our age difference.”
“I won’t hurt you. It would hurt me more.”
“I know. I told her that, but she can still worry. I’m her baby.”
“You’re my baby too.”
I reached up to run my finger through his lush hair. He smiled and planted a soft kiss on my mouth. Fatigue finally took me. I leaned against him and he cuddled me against his body, fading off to sleep. The next thing I knew, I was being carried into his bedroom.
“What happened?” I mumbled.
“You fell asleep and wouldn’t wake up. In fact, you growled at me to leave you alone.”
I chuckled. “I did?”
“You did. No playtime tonight. You need to sleep. Tomorrow is a big day.”
“I want to play tonight. I want to ride you.”
Oliver shook his head. “As much as I would love that, it’s not gonna happen. You’re tired.”
I protested as he helped me undress. He placed me in bed in just my panties. I curled up on my side with my back toward him as he undressed, not feeling him slip in next to me.