Chapter 15

15

JJ

The fuck? I apologized to her. I. Apologized. To her. I've never asked anything of anyone before. I've always preferred to carve my way forward on my own merit, without anyone else's help… and I had requested she stay and have a drink with me.

I see the surprise reflected in her eyes. She searches my features, hesitates. I'm sure she's going to refuse, when she finally says, "One. I'll stay for one drink."

My lips kick up. That's what you think.

"On one condition," she murmurs.

My smile fades. No one negotiates with me… Well, except for maybe Michael or Nikolai, the head of the Bratva. Add to that, Sinclair Sterling, the CEO of 7A Investments. He's going to be a tough partner, that one. But I'm sure I'm going to relish the challenge he poses. Other than that, no one has dared to lay down stipulations with me… until her.

When I don't reply, she chuckles. "Don't worry, it's nothing major. All I ask is that you call me by my name."

"If you stay for three drinks."

"Two."

"Done." On cue, Craig materializes at my elbow with a tray of drinks. I snatch up a glass of champagne and offer it to her, then one to Elsa. Seb takes a glass of whiskey, as do I.

"What are we drinking to?" Lena tips up her chin.

"To… new alliances," I say without taking my gaze off of her face.

"To my new job," she counters.

I laugh. "Stubborn, aren't you?"

"No more than you."

Seb clinks his glass with mine. "Thank you for hosting this gathering. We're going to finish this drink and leave."

Elsa takes a sip of her champagne. "I needed that."

"Mama." Her daughter reaches for the champagne, but Elsa holds it out of her reach.

"Uh-oh, that's not for you, Avery. Not yet, at least," she laughs.

"Mama." Avery pouts.

"Do you want something to drink?" Elsa asks.

When Avery nods, Seb ruffles her hair. "I'll get you some juice, but you're not having anything more after that or you won't be able to sleep." Seb turns to leave. Lena sinks down on the cushion next to Avery. She pets the cat, which arches into her touch.

"How long have the two of you been married?" Lena asks.

"Not long," Elsa laughs. "It was love at first sight between Seb and Avery, though."

"Eb." Avery nods enthusiastically. "Eb."

"Yes, baby, Seb's getting you your drink." Elsa pats the little girl's cheek.

Lena frowns. "Love at first sight? You mean?—"

"Yeah. He's not her blood father, but he's done more for her than her real father every did. He's her father in every way, really." She bends and kisses her daughter's cheek. "We were lost and then Seb came along. I wouldn't say he rescued us. That's doing Seb, and us, a disservice. It's more like" —she glances between me and Lena— "like all three of us got a new lease on life. We found each other, you know? We fit, and that was it. There was never any question that we fit together, though I admit I resisted it. All the way to the bitter end. But Seb was persistent. He saw our future so clearly. He was so confident we were a family, right from the beginning. I don't know why I fought it so much now." Her smile widens and she glances back at me. "Know what I mean?"

I frown, then turn my gaze to Lena, who's staring up at me. Her golden-brown eyes seem like they are on fire. The space between us seems full of unsaid things. Forbidden things. Things I dare not name. Things that will haunt me even though I will not acknowledge them. Lena's lips part. I squeeze my fingers around my glass.

Elsa clears her throat. "I think I'll go find out what's keeping Seb." She scoops up the girl and the cat and walks past us.

I stand there, not sure what to do. If I sit down next to her, I'll be too close to her. And for propriety's sake, that's not right.

Lena watches me from under hooded eyes. I try to leave, I do. I even turn my body away, but my feet are anchored to the ground. I blow out a breath, then lower myself to the sofa, but on the opposite side from her. I keep the length of the cushions between us. There, that's safe. I hope.

"JJ, I really am sorry for what I said earlier. I was out of line," she murmurs.

"And I'm sorry I was so unpleasant. It was a shock to open the door and find Isaac on my doorstep. I'd reconciled myself to never having him home again..."

"When was he last here?"

"He left for university, and that was it." I glance down into the depths of my glass. "It's my fault, of course. I should have been a better parent to him and my daughter. I failed."

"There's still time to make up for things."

"There's too much water under the bridge. Too many things said. And unsaid. It doesn't help that even while we were married, their mother didn't want anything to do with them. Isaac blames me for that. He thinks I treated her wrong because of which she ignored her own kids."

"Did you treat her wrong?"

I wince. "I wasn't a good husband. Oh, I provided everything she and my children materially needed. But I was never around. I married her simply because I knew I needed children to further my legacy."

She draws in a sharp breath. "That's?—"

"Cold-hearted? Bloody-minded?"

"I was going to say understandable."

I turn my head to glance at her. "What do you mean?"

"That many people marry because they want a family."

"Only, I was never there emotionally for them." I take a sip of my whiskey. The flavors of oak and vanilla swirl around my palate.

"Things happen, JJ. You built this home, made sure you put a roof over their heads. I bet you sent them to the best schools, ensured their education was top-notch. If they blame you for how they turned out, then that's their problem."

"That's your boyfriend you're talking about," I remind her.

She glances away. "Which is why I can see his faults all too clearly. Both of you are too stubborn to make the first move."

"Maybe he already has." I tap the side of my glass.

"Eh?" She squints at me. "You mean?—"

"He did agree to stay under my roof. There was no reason to do that."

"Oh, I insisted. Trust me, Isaac didn't want to. But I couldn't see any other way out of our financial difficulties."

I wince.

"I don't mean it that way. I mean, you were the last resort, but I figured it was the logical route to stay here until we're back on our feet. And it's only until we're back on our feet, you know. We won't mooch off you forever."

My stomach churns. Goddamn, am I getting an ulcer? Also, is she talking about moving out, because I'm not letting that happen. Not until I figure out what this thing between us is all about. I scowl at her. "It's not like I gave you a free ride. Remember I get something in return, too."

"To be fair, you are paying for me to be your executive assistant. And you are giving Isaac the opportunity to have his paintings exhibited in your offices, which is prime real estate. Just having them there will make them sought-after."

I raise a shoulder. "The least I could do."

"You're a good father, JJ."

I laugh. "You have no idea what you're saying."

"Oh, I do, and more than you realize. I see how you sometimes look at him with regret. It's written in your eyes how much you love him and want to put things right."

"You're imagining things."

She shoots me a glance. "You know I'm not, but I'll let you get away with it… This time."

"You're letting me get away with it? I'll have you know, if you saw any emotions on my face, it's because I wanted you to."

She tries to hide her smile and fails. "If you say so." She sips from her champagne and her gaze widens. "Oh my god, this is delicious. What is it?" She takes another sip, then moans. The sound travels straight to my cock, which instantly perks up. She takes another sip, rolls it around in her mouth, then swallows. "I think I just came," she groans.

The blood drains to my groin. Images of her panting, head flung back, tits thrust out, sweat trickling down her throat as she shatters around my cock, assail me. Jesus fucking Christ. Does she have any fucking idea what she's doing to me?

She glances up at me. "I… I didn't mean?—"

"I know exactly what you meant." I clear my throat, then toss the rest of my whiskey back. "I think you were right. You shouldn't stay any longer."

"Excuse me?"

I jerk my chin toward the doorway. "Time you left."

"B… but I thought you said you wanted me to stay a little longer." She blinks.

"I lied. Chop-chop. It's bed time for you, little girl."

Her face pales. Her chin trembles, then she firms her lips. "Asshole." She tosses the rest of her champagne at me.

"The fuck?" The liquid drips from my chin, splashes onto my jacket, and some of it stains my pants. "What was that for?"

"For being an obnoxious, offensive, objectionable jerk."

At least she knows me well.

She places her empty glass on the side table and jumps up to her feet. Silence falls across the room. I'm aware of my guests watching with interest as she strides away.

"Oh, and girl... Don't be late tomorrow."

Without turning, she raises the middle finger of her right hand above her shoulder.