Chapter 24

Chapter Twenty-Four

Autumn

T he ride across the city is shorter than I anticipated. The door of the SUV swings open and we’re let out at a building that towers above us. The name on the front reads: THE TOWER.

“You live here?” I ask. I remember hearing about the construction of this place.

“Only when I’m in The City.” Zane places his hand on the small of my back, guiding me toward the tall glass doors.

It’s been over ten years since I’ve been here, and while I love Cozy Creek, nostalgia hits me. The sounds of distant honks, chatter of random passers-by surrounds me, and I realize I’ve missed New York. I breathe in the distinct smell, appreciating the cool breeze against my skin, then I turn my head, noticing Zane. The scene plays out like a black and white movie and it’s as if we’re moving in slow motion when his head turns to meet mine.

My Mr. Dreamy , I think to myself then smile. He returns the gesture like he knew what I was thinking.

Security stands outside, not allowing anyone to enter that they don’t recognize. Zane gives him a nod. Inside are shiny slick floors, tall ceilings, high chandeliers, and it drips with extravagance.

He guides me to the hallway of elevators and I take in the space as we wait.

The door slides open and as soon as the guy spots Zane, he breaks into a light hearted laughter. They’re friends. Close in age, too. He has dark hair, bright blue eyes, and is the same height. Definitely not an athlete, though. I have a knack for picking them.

“Damn. Weston, I didn’t expect to see you here,” Zane says, giving him a brotherly hug.

He meets my eyes and immediately introduces himself. “Weston Calloway. And you are?”

“Autumn Travis,” I say, holding out my hand, and he takes it, kissing my knuckles.

Zane’s jaw ticks. “Stop flirting with my future wife, Calloway.”

“If you decide you want someone better…” He laughs, knowing he’s getting under Zane’s skin.

“Someone better exists?” I ask, giving Weston a little attitude.

“Here I am. In the flesh.” He shoots me a wink, then glances at Zane. “I like her. She’s feisty .”

“You have no fucking idea,” Zane tells him and I playfully scoff.

“Very nice meeting you Autumn Travis.” Weston checks his watch and inhales. Zane and I step inside the elevator before it bolts upward without us. “You’re staying at The Tower now?”

“Yeah,” Weston explains. “I’m having a dinner party at my place tomorrow night. You both should come.”

“Maybe,” Zane tells him.

“You’re coming. I’ll text you the details,” Weston says as the doors slide closed.

“Would you like to go?” he asks, glancing at me. “You can say no.”

“I have nothing to wear,” I explain.

“If there were no barriers, what would your answer be?”

“I’ll go wherever you go,” I say. “If you don’t want to attend, you can say no too.”

“Okay.” Zane grins, grabbing my hand. “I’ll think about it.”

“Who is he?”

“He’s a close family friend, but has been going through a messy divorce. I thought I had it bad with Celine, but then I met Lena. Poor Weston actually married his demon. It’s been a long, drawn out, super long legal battle. I haven’t seen him at The Tower in years.”

I can tell he’s thinking about something.

“Did they sign a prenup?” I ask.

“Yeah. But he inherited a lot of money after they were married. His ex believes she deserves a portion of it. She’s refusing to move forward with the divorce unless she’s paid billions.”

My mouth falls open. “Shit.”

“I’d give her the cash to never have to speak to her again. Weston’s too stubborn. He said he’ll fight her in court for the rest of his life before he gives her a penny.”

The metal box grows quiet and I glance up at the mirrored ceiling, looking at Zane overhead. He looks up and meets my eyes.

“Would you make me sign one?”

He turns to me with his head tilted. “If you were mine, I’d do everything in my power to make you happy. And if I failed, you’d deserve to take half of it all. I wouldn’t care. I’d want the best for you with or without me.”

“You should do a better job of protecting your heart,” I state. “I could be a terrible person.”

He bursts into laughter. “You? Tell me the worst thing you ever did.”

I breathe in, trying to think of something terrible I’ve done. “I’ve said hateful things to people. And hurt them with my words,” I say.

“You're bad.” He deadpans. “It’s a human response.”

“I had sex in the back of my parents’ car,” I say. “I ate edibles before my college graduation.”

“Did you?” He snickers. “Well, I also happen to know that you get with your mom’s book club and sew blankets to be handed out to the homeless in New York every year. That once a month, on the first Saturday, you volunteer at the library and read to kids. And you created a Fuck Jar because Julie says it too much during your shifts and the pastor wasn’t happy about it. You run fifteen to twenty-five miles a week, a habit you only picked up because Sebastard broke up with you. And if you didn’t like to travel, you’d have five cats.”

I chuckle. “Have you been in my head again?”

“People in Cozy Creek love to share facts about you.”

My head falls back on my shoulders as I laugh, not even embarrassed. “I can’t imagine what else you know about me.”

“A lot,” he admits. “You’re a good person. An American sweetheart. Everyone truly loves you and how kind you are, even if you pretend like you’re a hard ass. You genuinely care about people and that means something. It can’t be replicated,” he tells me just as the elevator stops. “It’s what I appreciate most about you.”

“Thank you for saying that,” I say as I exit. He leads me down a wide private hallway toward the large oversize door. It reminds me of the one at Hollow Manor. Actually, the entire foyer does.

“This is familiar,” I say, placing my palm on the wood.

“It came from the same castle,” he says as he presses his thumb onto the pad. Seconds later, the doorknob clicks and he pushes it open, allowing me to enter.

“Okay, you never said castle! You mentioned it was French.”

“Must’ve forgotten.” He shrugs. “I’m not a bragger.”

“I’ve noticed.” As soon as I’m farther inside, I see the glass staircase and large window walls that surround the place. I move to the edge, amazed at the view that overlooks Central Park. Leaves on the trees have turned yellow and orange, the first indication that fall has arrived.

The door clicks closed and locks, then his footsteps stop behind me. I turn and glance at him over my shoulder as he rolls his shirt sleeves to his elbows.

“This is incredible,” I whisper.

“I have one of the best views in Manhattan,” he says, but he’s focused on me.

I want to kiss him again, especially when he looks at me like that, like he sees something I don’t. Maybe he does. Before I cross that line, I force my attention back to the park. Zane moves beside me, his fingers brushing against mine as the sun sets in the distance.

The surrounding buildings glow gold and I think I could stand here for hours, watching another day fade to night.

“I have something for you.” Zane pulls something from his pocket and hands it to me. It’s a black credit card with my name etched on the bottom.

I'm confused, and before I can ask questions, he speaks. “I had you added to my account.”

“I can't accept this.” I try to return it to him, but he shakes his head.

“If I recall correctly, this was part of our negotiations. I always keep my end of the deal.”

I make a face, unsure what he's referring to.

“You agreed to be mine through the holidays if you could have all of me.” He glances down at it. “Now you do, Pumpkin. You have me physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.”

“This is not what I meant.” I tap the metal card against my fingers, wishing he would take it back, but he’s stubborn.

“Time is one of your most valuable commodities. I don't want you to worry about anything while we're together. Focus on the good, and on the things that make you happy. Money won’t.”

I stare at it, feeling a cyclone of emotions, not knowing how to respond.

“You're fucking adorable.” He bursts into laughter.

“I’m in shock.”

He takes a step forward, reducing the space between us. He gently tilts my chin upward until I meet his eyes. “Buy whatever you want. You'll never be able to spend it all.”

“You say it like money is unlimited.”

“It is,” he says without skipping a beat, then he leans in and whispers in my ear. “Try me, Pumpkin.”

“What if I want a new car?”

He nibbles on my earlobe. “We’ll shop for one tomorrow.”

“A new wardrobe?” I whisper, wrapping my hand against the back of his neck.

“I’ll call my personal tailor.”

“A house?” I mutter.

“I know a few builders.” His hot breath is on my skin.

“And what if all I want is you?” I finally say

He pulls away, meeting my eyes. “You have me.”

I stand on my tiptoes to capture his lips, needing him like a fire needs air as an inferno swirls inside of me.

Our tongues twist together and he rests his hand on my waist, moving me backward until my back is pressed against the cool glass window. We're lost again, floating into the abyss. Material things don’t matter.

His fingers thread through my hair and warmth pools in the pit of my stomach. I tug on his bottom lip and he places his hands on either side of my head, blocking me in, surrounding me with him. It’s a brief moment of clarity, enough time for me to realize I lost control. He does that to me, though. I grab his shirt in my fists, pulling him back toward me, not wanting the space, as unspoken words float heavily in the air. We're breathless, with swollen lips.

Zane swims in my brown eyes. “I already want to give you the world.”

His voice is a deep husk as he leans in and kisses along my neck.

“I'm falling too fast,” I desperately whisper.

Zane grabs my wrists in his large hand and holds my arms above my head.

“Do you have regrets?” he asks, peppering soft kisses wherever he can.

“Zero,” I mutter, the truth setting me free. My breasts rise and fall with anticipation of having him again, knowing I’m risking my heart again.

He smiles against my skin, tightening his grip, and I squeeze my thighs together just like I did all those weeks ago when we were in the library. Dominance, I crave his. I look up into his eyes, giving him full control of me.

“I want to do very bad things to you right now,” he growls, and it’s music to my goddamn ears.

“Please,” I beg, fully submissive as he lets me go.

Zane loosens the tie around his neck. “Undress for me, Pumpkin.”

He pins me in place with his gaze as I peel off my shirt, dropping it to the floor. Then I kick off my flats and wiggle out of the dark-washed jeans. I don’t break the intense eye contact as I reach behind my back and unclip my bra. My breasts fall free and I watch a devious smirk slide across his perfect lips.

When he focuses on me like that, I nearly go weak in the knees.

I hook my fingers into my lacy pink panties and slip them off. His eyes trail down to my perky, pebbled nipples, down to my pussy, then back up again. I stand on display for him, confident, loving how he looks at me with want, need, and intense desire. His thick cock is straining against the material of his suit pants; proof that he wants me just as much as I want him.

“Damn,” he hisses, adoration in his gaze. “Come here.”

With my head high, I nearly float over to him. As soon as I’m close, our mouths gravitate together. “You’re fucking beautiful,” he whispers. “Do you know that?”

“Because I was made for you,” I say as his hand slides down my stomach. His fingers lightly brush against my clit and slide into my slick slit.

“Wet for me,” he mutters, dipping a finger inside my aching pussy. I grab on to his shoulder, a whispered sigh releasing from my throat.

“Always.” I’m breathless, even though he barely touches me and I swear he could make me come on command. “I’ve wanted you all day.”

“Mm, I love that for me.” He pinches the soft skin of my neck between his teeth as he returns his finger inside of me and curls it while his thumb circles my needy clit. I rock against him as he memorizes my body. Then he slowly drops down to his knees in front of me. I run my fingers through his hair as we hold a silent conversation.

“I have to taste you,” he says, lifting my leg over his shoulder. My back presses on the cool glass windows and I let out a moan. Zane dives face first into my pussy. His tongue and mouth focus on my clit as his finger slides deep inside my cunt.

My breathing grows ragged.

“Please fuck me,” I whisper. “I need to feel you again.”

There is zero hesitation as he grabs my hand, pulling me down to him. He unbuckles his belt and pants and allows his cock free. I push myself up on my elbows, watching him stroke himself a few times, admiring the thick veins in his cock. Zane guides me back, kissing me gently, before slamming into me. It’s like he knew what I needed as I scream out, feeling as if he’ll split me in half as he gives it to me hard.

“Zane,” I pant, the intense sensations putting me in a choke hold. I’m his. Every part of me, every inch. “I…”

A flood surges through me and I have an out of body experience like I’m desperately chasing my next fix. I’m addicted to him.

“I’m falling for you, Autie,” he whispers, his eyes closed, as he tenses. I’m teetering on the edge, knowing any minute the thread will snap.

“It’s mutual,” I breathe, and he slows as goose bumps trail over me. Zane holds himself up on his elbows, brushing loose strands of hair from my face. His cock fills me full as he soaks in me, our ends meeting.

“I can’t imagine a life without you.” The words fall from his lips like a prayer.

“Then don’t,” I tell him, my back arching when he picks up his pace, capturing one of my nipples in his mouth. Immediately, my orgasm rebuilds, and my body begs for release. But before I come, I somehow roll him onto his back. Then I slowly slide down on him, placing my palms on his chest, trying to steady myself as he watches me. Once I take him all in, my eyes move to the city lights surrounding us. It’s the only light in the room.

“You feel good,” Zane grunts as I rock up and down on him. His thumbs are dug into my hips and he thrusts upward, giving me more of him.

“Fuck,” I moan out, my muscles tensing.

And then it happens, my pussy clenches around him and I come hard. It’s one of the most intense orgasms I’ve experienced, almost too much when every muscle tightens. I’m on my back again and he fucks me into oblivion.

“You’re mine,” I say, meaning it, claiming him as I hold him, kissing him. “Mine.”

“Yes,” he says, pumping hard as he empties inside of me.

Eventually, with our eyes still closed, he slowly pulls away, as if he’s fighting against losing the connection. Once he’s pulled away completely, I open my eyes and sit up, spotting the puddle on the floor. Our eyes meet.

My mouth falls open. “I did that?”

“Have you ever…?”

“No,” I say, almost embarrassed.

He leans forward, pressing his lips to mine. “So fucking sexy.”

Zane stands and reaches out his hand to me. I take it and he leads me upstairs into a large bathroom, where he turns the faucet. “Will you join me?”

“Yes,” I say, wanting the warm water to soothe my sore muscles. My legs and thighs are like gelatin, especially after last night.

Zane lights a few candles and pours capfuls of something from a golden bottle inside. Bubbles immediately form. I dip my toe into the warmth before submerging myself in the depths. He positions himself behind me, moving my hair to the front. His hot breath is on my neck as I relax against him and his arms snake around my waist.

“Did you mean it when you said you couldn’t imagine a life without me?” I ask, leaning my head on his shoulder.

He presses his lips to my forehead and smiles. “Can you?”

I try to picture a world in which he doesn’t exist before focusing back on him. “No. You’d haunt me in my dreams for the rest of my life.”

He holds me tighter. “Guess I do have the upper hand.”

I laugh. “Asshole.”

He chuckles against my neck. “I’m not going anywhere, Pumpkin.”

“Is that a promise?” I ask, meeting his soft eyes.

“One I’ll keep for a lifetime,” he whispers.