Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

E vangeline

“You got in late last night,” Ashley said when I finally sat down on a lounge next to her. The girls were already drinking cocktails and it wasn’t yet eleven-thirty in the morning.

“Ooh-la-la. Hot date?” Rachel teased and all four girls laughed. They appeared the epitome of sunshine and happiness with their tiny vivid bikinis, Audrey Hepburn-style sunglasses, and floppy hats. And I couldn’t help but notice the bartender was catering to them like he was their own personal pool boy.

Meanwhile, I was trying to hide behind my sunglasses, my animal print bathing suit the only one that would cover my… spanking. No, I wasn’t hungover on alcohol.

I was hungover on great sex.

But I ached all over, my pussy still throbbing, my bottom aching. At least my skin was no longer on fire. I’d been worried it would be. For a long time.

I remember falling asleep in his arms only to thankfully wake myself somewhere around two. Before I could slip out of bed to head back to my room, the handsome man pulled me back down for another round. I’d been shocked when he’d quickly fallen into a deep sleep afterward, but that had allowed me to slip out.

“Just some thinking time. That’s it.” The lie didn’t even sound plausible to me.

Heidi sat up, lifting her shades and staring at me. The fact she wasn’t green around the gills with red bug eyes was shocking to me. Christ. All five of us were close to the same age and their recovery was insane.

“Pull off your sunglasses,” she demanded.

“Why?”

“Because if you don’t, I’m going to reach across and rip them off for you.”

Sighing, I did as she commanded, giving her a sour look with my tongue stuck out in the process.

“Oh. My. God!” Heidi exclaimed. “Do you girls see it?”

The others sat up, sipping on their straws at the same time as they all stared at me like I was some main attraction at a freak show. “What are you doing?” Now I was demanding, although I already felt a nice, warm, humiliating flush creeping up on my jaw and cheeks.

“She has a glow,” Kristen hissed. “You were two timing us.”

“What? You can’t two-time a friend. At least not really,” I muttered. I knew looking away would be a bad thing. They’d hound me forever.

“Yes, you can. You were with a man. You’re glowing.” Now Ashley was pointing at me in an accusatory fashion.

“I was not!” My vehemence only got me four ‘uh-huh’s at the same time. “What?” I tried to sit back and Heidi huffed.

“Yes, you were. Spill it. Who was he? A sexy bartender? A gloriously buff waiter? Oh, I know. One of the strippers.” Heidi shook her head. “As long as it’s not going to turn serious, good for you.”

Her comment caught me off guard. What if I wanted to marry a bartender? I was legally divorced. I shuddered from the way she was looking at me, taking it all in as if reporting my actions to someone. Oh, come on. I had to stop acting like a ninny. They were my friends.

“It’s always the quiet ones,” Kristen said between clenched teeth. At least she was being playful.

“Always the ones you’d never suspect,” Rachel added.

“Stop it. For God’s sake. We’re all grown women here and unmarried. Except for you, missy. You shouldn’t dare look at a man and I’m not stupid. You’ve been flirting with the golden hunk of a bartender over there.”

“Hey. I’m not married yet. And I will always be able to look, just not touch. Damn it. But nothing is off limits at this point. At least I didn’t fuck a stripper.” Heidi’s voice had risen by several decibels. Every other woman sitting around the pool snapped their heads in our direction. Oh, no. They weren’t horrified or incensed. They were horny.

I cringed inside, trying to figure out how the hell I was going to avoid answering tough questions.

“Come on. We’re your besties and have been for ages,” Kristen teased.

“We’re not that old,” I told her. “Nothing to tell.”

“Then why are you blushing?” Ashley pointed again.

I threw my head back against the chair, kicking both feet. “You ladies are freaking relentless. You’re not going to allow me to live this down. Are you?”

“Hey, sexy man.” Heidi waved toward the bartender. “We need drinks for the hussies.”

The girl was in rare form. Granted, she’d always been the party girl, but she was letting it all hang out. That I couldn’t do. Not with the tough situation I was in. They knew that. Yes, they’d wanted me to let go a little since I’d been so tense and angry, but geez.

“If you say that any louder, you’re going to wake up every single person in the hotel.” I wagged my finger.

“Tough,” Kristen mused. “Who was he?”

“Or just admit you were with someone,” Rachel added.

“Fine,” I snarled as I leaned forward. The last thing I wanted to do was to let everyone around the pool in on our conversation. Plus, I doubted Gage wanted it known he’d been with a guest. I could tell it was like some unwritten rule by the slightly strained looks on his face in the early stages. Early stages of what, for God’s sake? We’d had a fling. So what? It wasn’t going to occur again because I couldn’t let it.

“Name. Address as in what state does he live in. Occupation. Financial status. And most important,” Ashley purred. “How handsome is he?”

“Let’s see. No names, period. I don’t know his state. He owns a company. I think he’s rich and handsome? He blows any Bachelor boy on television out of the water by ten-fold. There. You happy?”

The girls were fanning their faces, whistling under their breath.

Heidi was still leaning forward. “How did you do it?”

Kristen nodded. “Where did you meet him?”

“Ladies,” Rachel piped in. “The most important question is if she’s destined to see him again, including after we leave.”

“Stop it!” I kicked my feet up and down as the bartender sauntered over. I could tell by the look on his face that he was more than enthused about entertaining five wild women. Sighing, I leaned back again.

“We’ll have a bottle of your finest champagne for all five of us. On me,” Heidi cooed.

“Champagne? At eleven in the morning?” I wanted to be incensed but in truth, I needed a hint of courage. Plus, how could I lie to myself? I wanted a tiny, very personal celebration. I was sore, satisfied, hot, wet, and still wishing I could see him again.

“Why not? We’re on vacation.” Heidi was flirting even harder, licking her lips as he continued fawning over us.

“Anything else, ladies? How about some succulent fruit?”

Oh, boy, the dude was egging it on. Did they train the employees to do that? Why, yes. Yes, they likely did.

“Oh, yes. Perfection,” Ashley told him and she wasn’t talking about the fruit.

I rolled my eyes, returning my glasses. The day was bright and beautiful, the light breeze an added benefit. While I settled in, all I could think about was Gage. The intimate moments had been so unexpected, which had made them seem forbidden and that much more delicious.

When the bartender had left, Heidi was still leaning in my direction. “Tell us everything about him. If you won’t divulge his name, you must tell us what happened.”

“I’m not the kind of girl to kiss and tell.”

All four of them exhaled. “How about a hint of how hot he was?”

I glanced at Rachel. Her luck with men over the past few years had been as shitty as mine, although her ex hadn’t been abusive, just a man with no sense of fidelity. However, I’d seen her parents in action, the young man being groomed to take over another company. It was just a matter of time before another bachelorette party was here, this time in her honor.

Now I leaned toward them, doing my best to keep my voice down. “I will tell you this. He is the hottest man I’ve ever laid eyes on, so tall with the broadest shoulders and my God, the man’s muscular legs are utter perfection. I could easily spend hours running my fingers through his thick hair and down his sinewy body. He is an incredible kisser, the kind who makes you forget everything else around you exists. And he makes a woman feel as if she’s the most special creature in the world.”

They all sighed, fanning their faces again. Only Ashley had to keep pushing. “What about the good stuff, his cock?”

I knew I wasn’t getting away from this without confessing. “Long, thick, hard, and delicious.”

They were basically screaming by now, nearly knocking the drinks from their hands. When Heidi suddenly lifted her head, looking behind me, lifting her sunglasses as her eyes opened wide, my entire body nearly exploded from electricity.

And embarrassment.

As I slowly turned my head, catching the sight of Gage standing in light linen trousers and an emerald green polo, I was forced to swallow. Hard.

“Oh, God,” Kristen breathed.

He crouched down next to my chair, doing his best not to concentrate on me alone. Fortunately, he was also wearing dark shades. “Good morning, ladies. I assume everything went well with the festivities last night?” While he glanced at each one, he still concentrated on me. Shit.

“Fabulous,” Heidi cooed, flirting again. “I hope we didn’t cause too much trouble.”

He laughed that deep, throaty, way too husky sounding laugh, and the girls were about ready to have orgasms. “Not at all. I do appreciate you attempting to help keep the noise down. How is your stay?”

“Fantastic. We love it here.” Rachel was gleeful, her voice unrecognizable.

“Thank you for allowing us to crash your private island.” Heidi was trying to be a little more formal.

“No problem. Let me know if you need anything else to make your stay more comfortable.” He finally gave me another look and I shivered to my core, doing everything I could to keep my cool.

Ashley sighed. “We will. Trust me. We will.”

He nodded and stood, taking another few seconds before walking away. When he did, I was certain the girls would start drooling or worse, chase after him. Dear God, the man was hotter than I even remembered. Or maybe the sunlight was providing the best highlight of his incredible physique.

“That man is so damn hot.”

“Not bad,” I told Kristen.

“You obviously need glasses. Plus, I think he likes you.” Heidi was fishing. I knew her style.

“Of course he wasn’t. He’s the owner. Remember?” I did risk lifting my sunglasses as he walked toward the bar to talk with the bartender. When my phone rang, the heat scorching my body quickly turned into frigid ice. I grabbed it from my little bag, unsure if I wanted to bother but I knew my ex too well. If I didn’t talk to him, he’d keep hounding me. “I better take this.”

There was no sense in waiting for anyone to acknowledge me. I headed away from the girls, trying to find a good spot so if an argument ensued, I wouldn’t bother any of the guests. “What do you want, Joseph?”

“You bitch. Do you really think a restraining order is going to keep me from my son?”

“Not only did you threaten me with another lengthy court battle, but you insinuated bodily harm, including on my mother. What kind of horrible freak does that?”

“What kind of mother leaves her own son alone while being a slut in the tropics?”

“He’s with his grandparents. That’s hardly alone.” It was getting tough not to lose my cool but I had to remember this was just another one of his tactics. He loved making threats he never followed through with.

“I’m going to drag you through the court system and I assure you, I will win full custody of my son. You aren’t fit to be his mother.”

He ended the call and I wanted to cry. Why did I always let him do this to me? Why? I closed my eyes, trying to calm down.

“Is everything okay?”

Hearing Gage’s voice made me jump this time. I found it so difficult to turn around. I always wore my emotions all over me when it came to Joseph and if there was one thing I knew about Gage, he was very observant. But I had to face him. I certainly couldn’t ignore the man. I tried to act as if I was fine when I finally did turn around. But seeing him, the concern in his eyes, the caring brought tears to my eyes. “Just fine.”

“Why don’t I believe you?”

I tried to laugh but it sounded fake. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. You’re shaking and crying.” He rubbed my arm. “What is happening? Is someone threatening you?”

He’d obviously overheard part of my conversation. “Look, it’s nothing for you to worry about.”

“Don’t do that, Evangeline. Don’t. I might not be the best guy in the world, but I would never try and hurt you. I already told you that. Trust me just enough. Maybe I can help.”

“No one can help me, Gage. My ex-husband is a horrible man. Trust me when I say I didn’t know that when I got involved with him. He won’t let me go, continues threatening me. I just… I don’t have the strength any longer to push him away. Even a restraining order isn’t going to do any good.”

“Why?”

I could tell he was furious already. “Because of his family. They are… very important and have more money than God. Even changing my phone number twice didn’t work. He knows everyone in Connecticut.”

“He’s threatening you?” His chest was puffed up.

I did nothing more than nod.

“Tell me who he is, his last name and I will do something about this.”

It was my turn to touch his arm and the electric current passing through us was even stronger than before. “I very much appreciate you wanting to do something, but even you can’t do anything and I don’t want you fighting my battles. Just because we… anyway, that doesn’t mean I’m going to attach myself at the hip. Okay?”

“I do not accept any man being abusive to a woman. Ever. I don’t like this. You’re terrified.”

“I just need to get a stronger backbone. Now, I have a couple more days in paradise and I plan on enjoying them before I need to return to reality. He can’t hurt me here.”

He lifted his head toward the sky, grumbling under his breath. “I don’t like it.”

“That is so sweet. Don’t worry. I will be fine.”

I also knew enough about the man to know he was blowing a gasket but trying his best to honor my request. “Last night. You left.”

“I honestly didn’t think it would be the best thing to come back to the hotel room in my evening clothes. You know?”

He laughed. “I guess you’re right.”

“As it is, they’ve already grilled me since they know I never stay out late. Like never.”

“Well, you are on vacation. Different rules apply.” At least he was smiling but it was easy to tell he was seething underneath. “I have an offer to make. You are under no obligation to say yes.”

“Okay. Color me intrigued.”

His grin widened. “Why don’t I show you around the BDSM world? If you’d like to try something or attend a class, which we do have, that’s entirely up to you. You might enjoy seeing how different the lifestyle is to what you heard about on the internet.”

Trying to remain nonchalant around the man was one of the toughest things I’d ever done. I was giddy inside at the thought of spending more time with him, sexual or otherwise. I liked the guy. “Well,” I said as I brushed one hand through my hair. Meanwhile, my stomach was doing flipflops from the number of butterflies swarming inside. “I could do that.”

“Now, of course, zero pictures. No stories on your social media sites and no names mentioned if you recognize any of the members. I will be a powerful master. Do we agree?”

When he used the word master, I thought for certain I might fall into his arms. “I think I can handle that. I’m more… into the rules.”

He laughed. “I’ll swing by your room at eight. We can have a drink first?”

“Why don’t I meet you at your suite? You don’t know those women. I adore all of them, grew up with them, but they will try and be cute, hiding in the shadows attempting to follow us. Everywhere.” Goddamn, they were already watching us intently with bated breath like vultures ready to swoop in.

He laughed again. “You all look out for each other. That’s rare these days. That’s perfectly fine. I think you know your way.”

“How do I get up the elevator?”

He rubbed his chiseled and two-day-stubbled jaw and I had to suck in my breath. “I’ll have a key made for you and leave it at the front desk. That way you can pick it up at your convenience.”

“Aren’t you terrified I’ll move in?”

“You want to know a secret?”

I found myself blushing. The effect he had on me was insane. “Okay.”

“I’m not sure I’d mind. Until tonight. Be careful and don’t get too much sun. That won’t be good for you if you decide on trying anything.”

I shuddered at the thought of attempting to endure any acts of BDSM. He was right in that what I knew about the lifestyle was crap. “Yes, sir. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Good girl. I should get to work.”

When he used that term, my stomach fluttered all over again. Plus, his voice kept me tingling all over. “I’ll see you later.”

“Oh, yes, you will.” Even his grin was different today, more intimate.

Knowing.

I shivered again. At least he was able to make me forget about the asshole. If only for a little while. I waited a few seconds before returning to the chair.

“What was that all about? It seemed as if you were getting cozy,” Heidi teased.

“He was seeing if I was okay. He overheard part of my horrible conversation with Joseph.”

“Shit. You need to hire a much better attorney.”

I knew Kristen meant well, but her parents had money and would never allow some dude to interfere with their daughter’s life. I didn’t have that luxury. “I wish I could.”

“What is he threatening you with?” Rachel asked, no teasing in her voice.

“He wants Damien.” The information hit them hard.

“No fucking way. After what he did to you?” I was certain Ashley was about to fly out of her chair.

“He and his family have power and influence. It’s possible but I will take Damien to another country if I need to. That man will not get his hands on my son. My son.”

Joseph had never given me a dime. He’d never sent his own son any birthday or Christmas presents.

I wanted to tear up all over again, but I refused to allow the bastard to take another moment of my life.

Fuck him.

There was so much more to live for.

And I planned on doing it. I had Gage to thank for reminding me there really were things like rainbows and butterflies.

And unicorns.