Beautifully Twisted Page 5
Alexa and Scott enter the elevator and ride down to the basement. Scott guides her by the lower back to some flashy sports car he rented. They ride back to her place in silence. At her building, she starts to get out but he grabs her wrist. “I don’t understand why you’re upset, but you need to know, you made me a happy man tonight. I really did miss you.”
“I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Is it me? Am I on your mind?”
“Of course.”
“Can I see you again?”
“I’ll think about it.”
He grins, knowing she will see him. “Please kiss me, baby girl.”
She leans in, allowing his lips to meet hers once more.
“Good night, Alexa.”
“Good night, Scotty.”
“Poor Scotty, you just can’t stand that you don’t have as much power over me as you used to. It’s killing you, isn’t it?”
~ Alexa
The minute Alexa gets inside her apartment she falls back against her door and finally releases the tears. Why she’s crying she has no idea. Is it the sting of her ass from the spanking, or the sting of giving in once again to Scotty’s charms? All she knows, is it’s the first time in six months she’s felt anything. She was hoping for happiness but got this instead.
She showers and reflects on the night. It shouldn’t feel as bad as it does. The sex was incredible but it always was with him. No, the problem was her weakness in his presence. She let him dominate her and she loved it. Before Scott showed up again, she thought her urge to submit was long gone. Obviously not.
She climbs into bed and wraps the blanket up around her neck. At this point, she just wants to sleep and forget what she’s become. Her phone vibrates on her nightstand and she knows it’s him.
SP: You were perfect tonight. Give me another chance.
Alexa: Another chance for what? We live in two different countries. There’s no chance.
SP: We can make it happen, if we want to.
Alexa: I don’t want to be submissive anymore. I told you. You need it. I don’t.
SP: Maybe there is a compromise. We can try. I’ll lick your boot for you.
That comment brings a smile to her face. How can she argue with that?
Alexa: We can discuss.
SP: Cancel your date with Brett.
Alexa: It’s not a date.
Her phone rings. “What?”
“Is that any way to answer the phone, baby girl?”
“I’m exhausted, Scott.”
“You should be. Give me a chance, Lexi.”
“What do you want from me? Sex whenever you’re in London?”
He’s silent for a minute. “I want all of you. I don’t want you to be with any other men.”
“Your jealous streak doesn’t work across country borders. That’s not fair. Are you going to give up sleeping with other women?”
“Who says I sleep with other women?”
Alexa laughs. “You expect me to believe that Scott Patrick spends his nights alone?”
“Maybe.” He sounds serious.
“Scotty, just….let’s just see, okay. How long are you going to be here?”
“How long do you want me here?”
What kind of question is that? “Well, what was your plan?”
“I’ll stay as long as you want me too. I can work from here.”
“What is this all of a sudden? You never gave a damn about me. Is this some kind of midlife crisis? I don’t have time for your games, Scott.”
“It’s not a game, and how can you say I don’t give a damn about you? I just want you back. It’s that simple.”
“I need time to think about this.”
“Don’t date Brett, please.”
“Would you drop this Brett bullshit? I have no interest in dating him.”
“Maybe he has an interest in dating you.”
“I’ll deal with it. Good night, Scotty.”
“Good night, beautiful.”
Ugh, why won’t he just leave me alone? She pulls the pillow over her head and prays for sleep.
“So… how was your date with Mr. Super Sexy?” Martina asks the minute Alexa walks in the door.
“If you’re referring to Scott, it was a nice evening.”
Martina cocks her head and giggles. “Nice? He strikes me as someone who could do better than nice. Come on, Alexa… I’m dying to know. Please tell me. You can trust me.” She hands Alexa a hot cup of coffee.
“What do you want to know?”
“Everything?”
Hmm, let’s see. Your boss is a submissive and bowed down in front of him then begged him to let her come. Oh yes, that wouldn’t be shocking at all.
“I went to his hotel room and we ordered room service. We talked and hung out for a while.” She takes a sip of her coffee.
“Did you do it?”
“Martina, that is not an appropriate question.”
“Sorry, boss. I just want to know what he’s like. Besides, you’ve been really lonely and he seems to make you smile.”
“He can, sometimes. He’s not good for me though.”
“Did you do it?”
“Yes, Martina, we did it. Happy?” Alexa asks, rolling her eyes and resisting her urge to smile.
She squeals. “God, was it incredible? He seems like he would be awesome.”
“Yes, he’s awesome. Are we done now?”
“He called three times this morning.”
Alexa looks down at her watch. “It’s 8:40.”
“I told him I would have you call the moment you got in.”
“Thank you. I’ll call.”
Why did he call my office phone when he has my cell?
She dials his number. “Hey, baby girl. Did you sleep well?”
“I slept fine. Why are you stalking my office number?”
“Stalking? That’s a harsh term. You didn’t answer your cell.”
She looks down at it and notices the missed calls. “Oh. I must not have heard it.”
“Have lunch with me?”
“I can’t. I have a business lunch today.”
“With who?”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s a woman.”
“Can I see you after your date tonight?”
“It’s not a fucking date.”
“Brett thinks so. He’s very excited to see you. He told me.” His voice sounds cold and harsh.
“Does he know about us?”
“Of course not. He even told me he was surprised I hadn’t already conquered you.”
“And you didn’t tell him that you have?”
“Have I?”
“Short memory you have, sir.”
“Sir? I think I like it better when those luscious lips of yours call me Scotty.”
“Are you getting soft on me, Scott Patrick?”
“I’m never soft around you. Want me to prove it?”
“I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“You’ll call me tonight, when you get home from your business dinner.”
“Bossy.”
“Sometimes. When it comes to something I want.”
“I have to go.” Even though she doesn’t want to admit it, Scott’s renewed interest in her is exciting Alexa.
“Okay, baby girl.”
Alexa hangs up her phone and buzzes for Martina. “Can you come in here please?”
Martina appears in the doorway. “Hey, boss.”
“I need my calendar for today. What time is my lunch with Madeline?”
“One. You’re meeting her in the lobby and going to Raw for sushi. Brett Collins called while you were talking to Scotty the hotty. He asked you to return his call.”
Alexa raises her eyebrows. “Scotty the hotty?”
Martina blushes. “It just came out.”
“I see. I do believe you’re boy crazy, Martina. Do you have Brett’s number?”
“Here it is.” She hands her a piece of paper. “And I’m just living vicario
usly through you.”
“It’s not that fun to be me sometimes.”
“Maybe not. Or maybe you just forgot how to have fun.”
Alexa narrows her eyes, indicating Martina just went too far. Martina, taking the hint, hurries back to her desk. Alexa picks up the phone and dials Brett.
“Brett here,” he answers.
“Hello, Brett. It’s Alexa Drake. You called?”
“I did. Just confirming our date for tonight. Are we still on for seven?”
Oh shit. Did he just say date?
“Yes, dinner at seven.”
“Great, I’ll pick you up.”
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see. Wear something nice.”
“Okay. See you soon.”
“Yes.”
Maybe he meant date in the sense of appointment, she thought.
Yes, that must be it. It’s not romantic.
If worse came to worse, she would just have to tell him that she was in a relationship with someone, even though she wasn’t sure that was true.
“Alexa, I have the contracts prepared and copies made for Capital Associates. Do you want me to courier the package over to them?” Martina asks, as Alexa wraps up for the day.
“Yes, please. Thank you.”
“Do you think they liked the presentation?”
“They’re signing the contracts,” Alexa replies dryly. She’s beyond distracted thinking of her evening ahead.
“Of course. Sorry for the dumb question.”
Alexa looks up and sighs. “It wasn’t dumb. I just have a lot on my mind.”
“I hope you have fun tonight, boss.”
“I don’t. I just want to have a pleasant enough business dinner.” She smiles. “I’ll see you Monday.”
“Okay.”
Alexa wraps herself in her coat and heads to the lobby. When she gets there, she’s surprised to see Scott, leaning his sexy ass body against a column.
“What are you doing here, Scott?”
“Driving you home. I sent your driver away.”
“Why? You know I have plans tonight.”
“I do. I’m just making sure you remember what you already have.”
“This jealousy of yours is ridiculous, you know that? You’re being possessive over something that isn’t yours.”
“That’s not what you said last night.” He grins, but she can sense the underlying tension in his tone. “Let’s go.”
“Fine.”
They walk to the car, Alexa’s mind racing with thoughts. He’s never acted like this before. Possessive and jealous, absolutely. But going to so much trouble to be with her–never. Not once. If he had, maybe she’d still be in New York waking up in his bed every morning.
“Doesn’t it feel good to be together again, baby girl?”
“I’m not sure.”
“What’s holding you back?”
“I don’t know.”
“Yes, you do. You can be honest with me.”
“Can I?”
“Of course. Tell me how you feel.”
“Feel? Are you dying or something?”
“Dying? No! Why the hell would you ask me that?”
“You’re acting so strange. What about our no emotion rule? No public displays of affection? Now you want to know how I feel? Something’s up, Scotty. Knock off the bullshit and tell me what you’re up to.”
He grins and shifts gears, increasing his speed. “First, tell me that you missed me.”
“No.”
“You’re being defiant again. I guess you’re looking for another spanking.”
“No, Scotty, I’m not. I’m trying to have an adult conversation without the power trip.”
“You missed me?”
“Shut up.”
“You know I don’t like it when you talk to me that way.”
“I don’t give a damn. I’ve grown up, Scotty. I can fend for myself, in case you didn’t notice.”
“No, I didn’t notice. Seems to me you’re the same girl you always were. At least you were last night, bent over my knee.”
She folds her arms in silence. They’ve driven out of the way to her place, his attempt at keeping her longer. She knows exactly what she can do right now to regain control of this situation.
“Take me home. I have a date to prepare for.”
Scott turns his head to glare at her. He reaches over and digs his fingers into the flesh of her thigh. “You’ll be sorry if you fuck him.”
“Maybe I’ll be sorry if I don’t. He’s an attractive man. Maybe he has something I need.”
“Nobody has what you need but me.”
She laughs and pushes his hand off of her leg. “How will I know if I don’t try?”
“I’m serious, Lexi.”
“I don’t give a fuck.”
“Yes you do or you wouldn’t be here.”
“You sent my driver away.”
“Talk your game, baby girl. You and I both know we’re going to be together.”
“Is that so?”
“I don’t know why you’re trying to piss me off but I’ll make you pay for it.”
Alexa’s skin tingles at the mere suggestion of his revenge. She absolutely must fuck Brett if she really wants to get under his skin. Or at least, make Scott believe she did.
“Poor Scotty, you just can’t stand that you don’t have as much power over me as you used to. It’s killing you, isn’t it?”
“I have plenty of control. Do you want me to show you? You’ll never make it to your date tonight.”
Alexa says nothing and stares out the window. Finally, Scott pulls up in front of her building. That detour costs her precious time. There’s no time to shower, that’s for sure. She goes to open the door but he grabs her arm, pulling her close to him.
“Kiss me.”
“You’re fucked up, you know that, Scotty?”
“I am. Because of you. Kiss me and I’ll let you leave.”
“Fine,” she says, knowing she wants the kiss too.
She leans across the seat and presses her lips to his, slowly opening her mouth to allow him in. It’s a slow, yearning kiss–months, maybe years, of unspoken words between them. She would kiss him forever if she didn’t think it would kill her. Scott Patrick is bad for her, and he is sucking her back in.
She pulls away slightly. “I have to go, Scotty.”
“I know. Please call me later. Don’t make me show you what I’ll do if you don’t.” His words sound more like a plea than a threat.
“I’ll call.”
Scott smiles and releases his hold on Alexa’s arm. She lets herself out and walks briskly to her apartment, not turning to look back. Hearing his car speed off, she finally exhales.
Alexa rushes to her apartment to get ready. Once inside, she chooses a black, cocktail dress. It’s form fitting with leather details and she loves it. It makes her feel powerful. She selects some patent leather platform pumps and decides to put her hair up. She doesn’t want to look soft and feminine tonight. She wants to look like the hard ass business woman that she knows she is.
Her intercom buzzes and she looks at her watch. Seven on the dot. She presses the call button. “I’ll be right down, Brett.”
“Perfect,” he responds with his lovely Scottish accent.
Grabbing her coat and clutch, she heads down.
“You look lovely this evening, Miss Drake,” Brett greets her as she steps off the elevator.
“Thank you. Call me Alexa, please.”
“Certainly. Ready?” He puts his arm out for her to take.
They walk out front and James holds the door, winking at her. Alexa can only imagine what he’s thinking seeing her with two different men on back to back nights. She doesn’t go out for ages, and now all of a sudden she has a social life.
Brett opens the car door for her. “I hope you like French food, Alexa. I got us a table at Beau.”
Alexa nods her head. She hates French food but he i
s the boss. She’ll play along.
“I’m glad you could make it out with me tonight, Alexa. I’ve heard so many good things about you and the London office. It’s nice to meet the person responsible for it.”
“Thank you. I’m proud of the work we’ve done.”
“I also hear you’re tough as nails and your expectations are high.”
“I ask nothing of anyone that I’m not willing to do myself.”
“I like that. It takes guts to take on everything that you have. Scott was right to put his faith in you.”
“He trained me well.” In more ways than one.
“I can see that. It’s quite amazing we never met when you worked in New York,” he says.
Alexa thought the same thing and had a feeling Scott never wanted them to meet but decides to keep that to herself. “Just timing, I suppose,” she says.
“Do you like London so far?”
“I do, except for the weather. I’m craving some sunshine.”
“You should go to the South of France in the winter. Or Italy.”
“Who has the time?”
“You should make time to have fun, Alexa, always.”
She rolls her eyes slightly. “I’ve been told that before.”
They drive a short distance to Beau. Even though she doesn’t like this kind of food, she knows how exclusive this restaurant is and she’s impressed he scored a reservation.
“How did you get us in here, Brett? I heard the reservation list is months deep.”
“I have connections.” He smiles and winks.
Alexa suddenly realizes without the bright glare of Scott in the room, Brett is quite attractive. She’s normally not drawn to the fair haired type, what with his lightly freckled skin and pale ginger colored hair. But his eyes shine a bright green and his smile is dazzling white. She’s not sure, but he must be a little older than Scott, maybe late thirties. Not bad.
The valet attendant opens her door and she waits while Brett joins her. They walk in and are immediately seated at a table overlooking the Thames River. Even though it’s only November, the city is all lit up as everyone prepares for the upcoming Christmas season.
Brett orders wine while Alexa sits staring out the window. Her thoughts drift, wondering what’s in store for this evening.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
Alexa turns her head back to Brett and smiles. “Just noticing how pretty the city looks right now.”