Chapter 19
I’m nervous as hell. Oliver’s friends are meeting us at a steakhouse in midtown. I’ve never met them before, and I wondered what they’ll think of me. I worry they’ll question our age difference or think I’m a gold digger trying to get my hands on Oliver’s millions.
I glanced at myself in the mirror, smoothing down the fabric of my royal blue dress with the modest scoop neck. I had opted for a somewhat conservative look compared to my usual style. As I applied mascara, Oliver emerged from the closet, impeccably dressed in a navy-blue suit, complemented by a blue shirt and a light yellow tie. He looked stunning, as always.
”You”re beautiful,” Oliver said, his gaze lingering on me in the mirror.
”I hope your friends will like me,” I confessed, feeling a flutter of nerves.
“What”s not to like? They”ll love you. If they don”t, I”m kicking them out of the wedding party,” Oliver reassured me with a grin.
”You”re asking them to be in the wedding party?” I asked, surprised.
”Of course. They”re my closest friends,” Oliver explained. ”You never told me who your bridesmaids would be.”
”Sadie will be my maid of honor. Most of my friends are scattered around the country, but I have some from Westchester that you haven”t met,” I replied, recalling the limited number of close friends I had.
”I”d like to meet them. You never talk about them,” Oliver noted, genuine curiosity in his voice.
”We grew apart during college. Isn”t that what always happens? I think people felt sorry for me because of my father. I didn”t have a lot of friends in middle school because I was the weird quiet kid,” I admitted, reflecting on my past.
”If they could see you now,” Oliver murmured, standing behind me and straightening his tie in the mirror.
Before I knew it, his hands were sliding up to cup my breasts, and I gently pushed him away.
”Not now,” I protested with a laugh.
”Party pooper,” Oliver teased, pouting playfully.
”We have to leave in fifteen minutes. If you get me started, you know we”ll be late—very late,” I warned, trying to maintain a sense of urgency.
Oliver was making up for lost time since we returned from our trip. Despite having some work to catch up on, he devoted plenty of time to me, and I was grateful for his attention considering how busy he was.
”I should have started earlier,” Oliver complained.
”You were working in your office until an hour ago. What”s got you so busy? I thought you caught up on everything this week,” I asked, glancing at him in the mirror as I fluffed my hair and applied lip gloss.
”The house we”re building. All the electrical, plumbing, and other utilities need to be figured out before we can build anything. It takes time and planning,” Oliver said.
”You never said where your island is in the Caribbean,” I remarked, curious about the location of our future home.
”The US Virgin Islands. It”s beautiful with almost seven hundred acres of land,” Oliver replied, a hint of excitement in his voice.
”Does it have any waterfalls?” I inquired, picturing idyllic scenes in my mind.
”A few. You”ll love it,” Oliver assured me with a smile.
As Oliver”s phone vibrated in his pocket, he excused himself to take the call. I overheard snippets of his conversation about security, and I couldn”t help but feel a twinge of unease. Despite trying to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible, having four security agents around still felt unnerving.
”Ready to go?” Oliver called from the doorway.
”One minute,” I replied, adding the final touches to my makeup.
”Stop fussing. You”re gorgeous, and they will be jealous when they see you,” Oliver reassured me, his voice filled with admiration.
”Oh, so that”s all I am to you? A pretty face?” I teased, pretending to be offended.
”Not at all. You”re my love, my partner, and my future wife,” Oliver replied earnestly, his eyes softening with affection.
With a smile, I finished touching up my lip gloss and followed Oliver to the foyer, where he helped me into my long black coat. The evening air had turned unseasonably cool for the end of September, prompting me to button up the front before grabbing my black clutch.
Vlad was waiting for us downstairs with the black sedan, and as we drove to the restaurant, Oliver nuzzled my neck, inhaling my perfume. I couldn”t help but blush, knowing that he was already priming me for the evening ahead.
”Stop it,” I laughed, swatting his arm playfully.
I put the finishing touches with some lip gloss and followed Oliver out to the foyer where he helped me put on my long black coat. The evenings had grown unseasonably cool for the end of September. I buttoned up the front, grabbed my black clutch and we walked out the door.
Vlad was waiting for us downstairs with the black sedan. Oliver nuzzled my neck, inhaling my perfume as we drove to the restaurant. He was getting me primed for later this evening.
“Stop it,” I demanded.
“What?” he asked.
I snorted. “You know what. Why do you do this when we have no opportunity?”
“I’m showing my love. I can’t help it if it gets you hot,” he replied huskily.
“I bet you don’t.”
“Brat.”
“Keep your hands and lips to yourself until we’re on our way home.”
“Hmm, maybe I should’ve asked Vlad to bring the limo,” he whispered.
I felt my face grow hot from embarrassment. We did some very naughty things in the limo over the past few weeks.
“You’re killing me here.”
Oliver gave me one last kiss on the cheek before he fired up his phone to check some work emails. I looked out the window as we passed through the city streets. We arrived at Kimo Steakhouse in midtown just before six. My stomach started to churn with anticipation.
“Don’t be nervous.”
“I’m fine.”
Vlad pulled up in front of the restaurant and stepped out to open the door for us. Oliver exchanged a few words with him before assisting me out of the car. As we entered the restaurant, a raven-haired waitress in five-inch heels and a form-fitting black dress greeted us and led us to a table at the back. Three men were already seated there, and they stood up as we approached.
”Gentlemen, may I present my fiancée, Ryleigh Stewart,” Oliver introduced me with pride.
The first to offer his hand was Ivan Persky, his slight Russian accent adding intrigue to his rugged appearance. He had a scar under his left dark brown eye and short-cropped black hair, neatly styled. I noticed his slightly crooked front teeth and was surprised that a hockey player like him had any teeth left.
Next was Dax Adderly, a tall, almost lanky man with a charming smile and twinkling blue eyes. Instead of shaking my hand, he pulled me into a tight hug, earning a disapproving look from Oliver which made him quickly release me.
Finally, there was Wilmer Hermann, broad-shouldered and bald as a cue ball, with piercing ice-blue eyes. He shook my hand firmly, placing his other hand over mine in a friendly gesture. I instantly warmed to all three men, who were dressed more casually than Oliver in sport jackets, jeans, and dress shirts.
”Wow, you really scored with this one,” Dax commented, causing my cheeks to flush with embarrassment.
”Seriously, Dax? Don”t be a jerk,” Ivan chided him.
”What? She”s beautiful,” Dax defended himself.
I felt Oliver”s reassuring squeeze as he pulled out a chair for me to sit down. Once I was seated, all four men took their places as the waitress arrived to take our drink orders.
”I”ll have a glass of red wine, please,” I requested.
”Which one?” the waitress inquired.
Feeling a bit unsure, I looked to Oliver for guidance.
”Please bring a bottle of Merlot for the table,” Oliver instructed, indicating his choice.
”Thank you,” I said gratefully as the waitress left. Oliver”s hand found mine under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze, and I smiled appreciatively at him.
“Thank you,” I said after the waitress left. Oliver reached under the table to squeeze my knee.
Dinner was pleasant and my stomach loosened as I was engaged in conversation by all four men. After a meal of filet mignon, sautéed asparagus and fingerling potatoes, a delicious chocolate soufflé was served for dessert. I was full as I sipped my third glass of wine.
We said our goodbyes at the curb, and I felt like I had gained three new friends in Dax, Wilmer and Ivan. On the way home, Oliver turned to me.
“You were a hit,” Oliver said.
I nodded. “They seemed to like me.”
He smiled. “They loved you. Wilmer said you’re perfect for me.”
“Am I?” I asked.
“I think so. No, I know so. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
I grasped his hand. “I wanted to make a good impression.”
“You did. They all said you were intelligent and classy.”
I furrowed my eyebrows. “When? I didn’t hear them say that.”
“They weren’t going to embarrass you by saying it in your presence. They told me when you went to the restroom. Now stop doubting yourself.”
He kissed me hard on the lips, sliding his hand up my leg and under the hem of my dress. He pressed his fingers against the panel of my black lace panties, stroking my clit.
“Vlad,” I mumbled.
“Then be quiet,” he whispered.
I shook my head, trying to pull his hand away but he already had me heated with just a few pets.
“Shh.”
I clung to his forearm with both hands, afraid that he would pull away at the pivotal moment when my orgasm was balancing on the edge, he didn’t. I softly moaned then cleared my throat to hide my impending orgasm. When it hit, sending waves of delicious pleasure coursing through my body, I bit my lip to keep quiet.
Oliver pulled his hand away and I could see him smiling as we passed by streetlights that illuminated his face. I leaned back against the seat to catch my breath a few minutes before we pulled up to his building.
“Can you walk,” he said with a smirk.
“Yes, I can walk.”
“Well usually….”
“Shut up,” I growled.
Upstairs, I quickly changed into my pajamas, washed my face, brushed my teeth, and then snuggled under the covers, eagerly awaiting Oliver”s arrival. He slipped into bed beside me a few minutes later, and I immediately buried my face against his smooth, bare chest.
”That wasn”t very nice what you did in the car,” I chided.
”But you liked it, didn”t you?” he teased in response.
”I made noise. What would Vlad think?” I retorted, half-serious.
”He wouldn”t think anything. It”s not his job to question what I do with my fiancée,” Oliver reassured me.
”Well, in the future, if you want to seduce me in the car, please take the limo so we can have privacy,” I said.
”I”ll keep that in mind,” Oliver replied, his tone suggestive.
Feeling mischievous, I gently bit into his nipple, swirling my tongue around the peaked flesh. His response was immediate.
”Are you interested in some extracurricular activities tonight?” he asked, his voice thick with desire.
”You know I am,” I replied eagerly.
”Good, because that dessert wasn”t as sweet as you,” he whispered huskily.
I groaned in anticipation, knowing full well that Oliver planned to pleasure me with his tongue. He seemed to enjoy it even more than intercourse itself. As he slipped under the covers, I prepared myself for the intense sensations to come.
The rain continued its steady rhythm outside as I awoke to the dim light filtering through the window. Oliver was nowhere to be seen beside me, likely already immersed in his morning routine of work or exercise. I slipped into the blue dress shirt he had worn the night before and set out to find him.
Down the hall, I discovered Oliver engrossed in a phone call, his voice filled with intensity as he discussed security matters. I hesitated in the doorway, eavesdropping on his conversation. He mentioned my name several times, sparking a gnawing worry within me. As he finished the call and emerged from his office, I quickly retreated, hoping he hadn”t noticed my presence.
”You”re up?” Oliver greeted me as I stepped back into the hallway.
”I just woke up,” I replied, trying to appear nonchalant.
”Nice outfit. I like when you wear my clothes,” he remarked, his tone warm.
”This shirt smells good,” I commented, attempting to divert his attention.
”Does it?” he chuckled softly. ”I like anything that smells like you.”
”And I love anything that smells like you,” I returned, seeking solace in his embrace.
As Oliver enveloped me in his arms, showering me with affectionate kisses, I felt a surge of determination to address the lingering unease.
”My friends from home are coming to the city next weekend. I want to go out with them,” I broached the topic tentatively.
”Why don”t you invite them here?” Oliver suggested, ever the pragmatic one.
”They don”t come to the city often. I want to do a pub crawl or maybe hit a dance club,” I explained.
”Why don”t I go with you?” he proposed, his protective instincts kicking in.
”I can”t go by myself?” I countered, a flicker of independence surfacing.
”Sure you can, but you take security,” he insisted, his tone firm.
”Vlad?” I inquired, already anticipating his answer.
”And Brenda. Maybe Trevor too,” Oliver confirmed, leaving no room for negotiation.
”Why so much security? Do you know something?” I probed, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach.
Oliver drew in a deep breath, his expression grave. ”Yes. There”s been a threat.”
My heart skipped a beat. ”To me?” I squeaked, barely able to comprehend the gravity of his words.
”Yes. We”re trying to figure out if it”s credible,” he admitted, his voice tinged with concern.
I stared at him in shock, the implications sinking in. ”What kind of threat?” I whispered, my voice trembling with apprehension.
”Bodily harm. And I won”t take the chance of losing you by letting you gallivant around without security,” he declared resolutely, his unwavering commitment to my safety evident in his words.
Oliver held me close as tears streamed down my cheeks, his comforting embrace offering solace in the midst of my fear.
”Don”t cry. You”re safe with me,” he reassured me, his voice a soothing balm to my troubled mind.
”I don”t feel safe. Am I going to be trapped in here or at work because I might be injured?” I choked out between sobs, the weight of uncertainty bearing down on me.
”Look, threats like this happen all the time to people in the public eye. You think I worry every time my security team finds something? I can”t afford to waste time. I pay them to handle it and they do. I don”t want you to stifle your activities because of an unsubstantiated threat,” Oliver said, his tone firm yet understanding.
”We”re going to California next week. Will we be safe?” I pressed, seeking reassurance amid the tumult of emotions.
”Very. The entire team will be with us, and we”re flying on the Fox jet,” he assured me, his words instilling a glimmer of hope.
”I don”t like this,” I admitted, my voice trembling with vulnerability.
”I”ll be with you the entire trip,” Oliver promised, his unwavering commitment to my well-being shining through.
With a tender kiss to the top of my head, he guided me into the bathroom, where we shared a shower, the warm water washing away both our fears and uncertainties, if only for a fleeting moment.
”Are you comfortable?” Oliver asked as we settled into our seats aboard the luxurious Fox Asset Corporation jet.
”Yes, this plane is beautiful,” I replied, taking in the opulent surroundings.
We were strapped into wide tan leather seats, the larger of the two jets owned by Fox Asset Corporation, awaiting takeoff. It was just before 8 am, and our flight to Los Angeles was expected to arrive by 11 am. However, I had spent most of the night tossing and turning from anxiety.
My conversation with Oliver had left me feeling uneasy, and I couldn”t shake the nervous energy that had consumed me. I had barely slept, and the thought of facing a day full of meetings and responsibilities made my stomach churn.
Henri startled me when he knocked on my office door to inform me that Oliver had requested my presence on a conference call. The apprehension only intensified as the day progressed, leaving me restless and unable to focus on anything but my mounting worries.
”It”s only two years old. I had it built to my specifications. Once we get off the ground, you can go to sleep in the bedroom,” he said, attempting to ease my discomfort.
”Why would I want to go to sleep? I just woke up a few hours ago,” I protested, though the fatigue was beginning to weigh heavily on me.
”Come on, Ryleigh. I know you didn”t sleep the past two nights,” Oliver insisted, his concern evident in his voice.
”One was your fault,” I retorted, unable to hide the frustration that simmered beneath the surface.
”And the other was because you”re worried. Don”t be,” Oliver reassured me, his words offering a small measure of comfort.
”You were awake?” I asked, surprised by his admission.
”A few times. You settled down, so I went back to sleep. If you keep this up, you”re going to have a nightmare. You know how you get when you”re stressed,” his tone gentle yet firm.
I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for burdening him with my anxieties. As the plane began to taxi down the runway, Oliver rose from his seat and held out his hand.
”Come, let”s get you settled in bed,” his concern evident in his eyes.
”I”m fine,” I insisted stubbornly, though the fatigue threatened to overwhelm me.
”You”re not fine. Let”s go,” Oliver persisted, his hand outstretched.
Reluctantly, I placed my hand in his, allowing him to lead me to the back of the plane where a small bedroom awaited. Our security detail nodded in acknowledgment as we passed, their presence offering a sense of reassurance in the midst of my unease.
Once inside the bedroom, Oliver gently guided me onto the king-sized bed, his touch comforting as exhaustion washed over me. Despite my protests, I found myself succumbing to sleep, the soft mattress cradling me as Oliver lay beside me, his presence a source of comfort in the darkness.
Hours later, I awoke to the sensation of soft kisses against my neck and face, Oliver”s warm embrace chasing away the remnants of my troubled dreams.
“Are you comfortable?”
“What time is it?” I asked, glancing around the cabin.
“New York or Los Angeles time?” Oliver responded with a raised eyebrow.
“Where are we closer?” I inquired, still a bit disoriented.
“Los Angeles. We should be landing in twenty minutes. Would you like to freshen up before you buckle yourself into your seat?” he suggested kindly.
“Yes. Thank you,” I replied, feeling grateful.
“For what?” Oliver asked.
“Making me take a nap,” I said with a smile.
Oliver chuckled. “You took an almost six-hour nap. You were tired.”
“I have to admit, I was,” I conceded.
“How do you feel now?” he asked, his concern evident.
“Good, I slept well. Did you stay with me the whole time?” I questioned, feeling a surge of affection.
He nodded. “Yes. After you fell asleep, I did some work on my laptop,” he said.
“So you didn’t sleep at all?” I asked, feeling a bit guilty.
“I didn’t need to. Now freshen up and I’ll meet you up front,” Oliver replied with a reassuring smile.
He kissed my forehead before giving me a gentle push toward the bathroom.
“It’s very nice out here. Maybe we can go swimming at the pool?” I asked, looking out from our suite’s private terrace.
We had just arrived at Hotel SW Los Angeles. Oliver had booked a large suite with a full bedroom and a private terrace. Below, I could see the large swimming pool, which looked incredibly inviting.
“We’re not here to vacation; we’re here to work,” Oliver reminded me, his tone firm but not unkind.
“We won’t have any leisure time?” I asked, feeling a bit disappointed.
“We might have a little, but I have several meetings scheduled,” he explained.
“Okay. Any chance to learn,” I said, trying to stay positive.
“You’ll learn plenty. I have meetings with a few real estate developers. We might be partnering with them for some projects,” he informed me.
“What kind of projects?” I asked, genuinely curious.
“Upscale residences paired with office buildings. They’ll have plenty of amenities and a large park in the middle,” he said.
“Sounds nice,” I remarked, imagining the plans.
“We’re at the planning stages. On Thursday, I have a meeting in Big Bear about the possible purchase of a ski resort,” Oliver added.
I raised an eyebrow. “Skiing?”
“Have you ever been?” he asked.
I shook my head. “Not my thing. I tried and I sucked,” I admitted.
“I can teach you,” he offered with a smile.
“You never told me you could ski,” I said, surprised.
“I can also snowboard and ice skate,” Oliver revealed casually.
“What else can you do? Do you surf or climb mountains?” I teased.
“I’ve never tried either. I do hike and canoe,” he replied.
“A real outdoorsman,” I remarked, impressed.
“I enjoy outdoor activities,” he said with a shrug.
“Camping?” I asked.
“When I was young. I used to hang out with Wilmer and Dax during vacations. We would hike and camp for several days,” he reminisced.
“Before you owned your empire?” I asked, imagining him in a different life.
“I was building my empire at the time. It was nice to get away for a break,” he said.
“I’m not much for camping. The last time I went, I burned my mouth on a s”more and fell into a pricker bush,” I confessed, laughing at the memory.
“How did you manage that?” Oliver asked, laughing with me.
“Peeing in the dark.”
Oliver raised his eyebrows. “Are you saying a certain part of you got prickers in it?”
I chuckled. “No. I stumbled after I pulled my pants up. My tender parts were protected by my jeans.”
“I can get you in shape for the wilderness?” he asked.
I grinned. “My hero. What are we doing for the afternoon?”
“I’d like to go over the proposals I prepared for the development meeting. I want you to be familiarized with the project.”
“Fine. Can I change first?” I asked.
“Be my guest.”
I unzipped the suitcase the bellhop had stacked on the bench at the end of the bed, pulling out my favorite pair of frayed jean shorts and a light blue tank top. Oliver watched me from the corner of his eye as I removed my dress. He stopped reading over his report when I was down to my lavender bra and panties.
He sighed loudly. “I love that color on you.”
I quirked an eyebrow. “Don’t you have work to do?”
“I can take a break.”
“Aren’t you getting changed?”
Oliver wore a full suit, dress shirt and tie on the plane but had only removed his jacket.
He leaned back in his chair. “In a minute. I rather like the view.”
I laughed. “You’re hopeless.”
“Hopelessly in love,” he murmured.
I dressed and when I was finished, Oliver changed. Just for good measure, I gazed at him as he stripped down to his boxers. The muscles in his back and arms rippled as he dug through his suitcase to select a pair of shorts and a polo shirt. A few minutes later, he was back at the dining table, and I was beside him.