“I want you to f**k me, Ian.”
He took in a sharp breath and closed his eyes while he held the back of my head. “Not tonight. I need to make sure you’re strong and fully healed. I can’t risk hurting you, because when I f**k you, sweetheart, I’m going to take you on a ride you’ll never forget and do things to you that you’ve never experienced before.”
Did I just hear him correctly? Did he just say “not tonight”? I didn’t have the strength to argue. He was playing me and I wasn’t going to stand for it. Ian Braxton had taken me to another world, even if just for a few moments. He made me get lost in him, in his scent, and his charm. I was tired of being the weak person, succumbing to what people wanted and what they needed. I was no longer going to be a victim of my life.
I pushed him away while I stared into his eyes. “You’re right, Ian. Not tonight.”
Chapter 7
I set my alarm for five thirty a.m. Today was the day I was starting my daily run. I went into the bathroom and splashed some cold water on my face as I examined my swollen eyes from last night. I changed into some yoga pants, threw on a t-shirt, and went downstairs. Charles was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. It smelled like blueberry muffins again.
“Good morning, Charles.” I smiled as I opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water.
“Good morning, Rory. Blueberry muffins will be coming out of the oven soon. Would you like one?”
“No, thank you. I’m heading out for a run. Have you by any chance seen Ian yet this morning?”
“He’s out for a run himself.” Charles smiled.
Damn it. I thought I could be up and out before he was. “Thanks, Charles. By the way, please don’t mention that you saw me this morning.”
“I won’t, Miss Rory. Have a nice run.”
“Oh, and one more question. Which way does he usually go when he runs?”
“If you’re trying to avoid him, I’d go left.” He winked.
A smile fell across my face as I opened the door and turned left. I took it easy at first. Since it was my first time attempting any sort of exercise after the incident, I didn’t want to push myself, so I started to jog slowly. The sun was just starting to rise as I jogged along the shoreline. I took in deep breaths of fresh ocean air as a slight wind swept across my face. This was perfect. I was relaxed and, for the first time in so long, I felt peace. I picked up the pace, just a little, as I was doing okay. Today was the day; my day of renewed strength and a new life. The first thing I needed to do was move out of Ian’s house. As much as I had wanted him last night, I knew that it would’ve been a mistake. A man like Ian Braxton and a woman like me would never work. We were on opposite sides of the spectrum. We were from different worlds and nothing would ever change that. I needed to get back to the motel that Stephen and I had stayed at. I had left something behind and I had a feeling it would still be there. I ran about three miles before the cramping in my side started. I stopped and faced the ocean as I grabbed my side and bent over, trying to ease the pain.
“You overdid it,” Ian’s voice said.
I stood up straight and put my hands on my hips. “Nah, I’m good. Three miles isn’t bad for a stab victim.”
“Three miles is too much for the first time. I would’ve gone with you had I known what time you were going.”
I stood still, staring out into the depths of the ocean. I didn’t want to turn around because I couldn’t face him after last night. I could still feel his moist lips on mine, and I wanted more. Before I knew it, I felt his hands clasp my shoulders from behind.
“Are you ready to head back?” he spoke softly.
The flip in my belly, causing the familiar ache down below, was back. His simple touch was enough to excite me. I needed to stay strong. Today was the day; my day to never let anyone control me again.
“I’m ready,” I said as I walked away without even so much as a glance at him.
“Are you mad at me or something?” he asked as he caught up with me.
“No. Why would you ask that?”
“I’m not stupid, Rory. I can tell something is wrong with you. You won’t even look at me.”
I stopped dead in my tracks and turned to him. “There, I’m looking at you. See? Nothing’s wrong.”
“Don’t be bitchy. I don’t like bitchy women.”
“Really? I’ll have to remember to be extra bitchy then.”
“What the hell is the matter with you?” Ian said as he grabbed my arm and pulled me back. “Why the attitude? Is it because I wouldn’t f**k you last night? Is that what this whole bitchy attitude is about? I told you that I won’t risk hurting you and I thought you would appreciate that.”
Strong. Stay strong. “I do appreciate it, Ian. I’m sorry.” I smiled softly.
He tilted his head as he brought his hand up to my face. He took his finger and softly traced the outline of my lips. “I don’t regret kissing you last night and I won’t regret kissing you now,” he said as he brushed his lips on mine. His kiss was soft and light. He looked at me and smiled. “I think Charles made some blueberry muffins. Let’s go have one.”
As soon as we got back to the house and walked through the patio doors, Ian stopped, looking at a man sitting down at the table.
“Dad, I didn’t know you were back from your trip.”
“Hello, son,” he said as he glared at me.
“Rory, this is my father, Richard. Dad, this is Rory Sinclair.”
“Nice to meet you.” I smiled as I held out my hand.
Richard just looked at me with cold hard eyes as he dismissed the fact that I had my hand out to greet him.
“Okay then,” I said as I put my hand down and walked over to pour a cup of coffee.
“Tomorrow night is the annual company gala. Have you decided who you’re bringing as your date?”
My stomach instantly felt sick when I heard Richard ask that. “No, Dad. I haven’t decided yet.”
“I think you need to bring that hot blonde. You know; the one with the huge tits? She’s good arm candy for you, son, and there’s going to be a lot of press there, so if you haven’t already, give her a call and ask her.”
Ian looked away from his father and over at me. I wanted to run out of there so badly, but I didn’t want to make it obvious that this conversation was hurting me.
“So, Rory. What kind of name is that?” Richard asked.