Chapter 34
Chapter 34
Placing the last dish in the cupboard I draped the slightly damp tea towel on the oven handle, finally done drying the dishes from dinner. Dinner went pretty smoothly if you don't count Marbella grilling me from across the table and Wes's constant absence from the table every ten minutes or so, I asked where he went but was brushed off each time. Other than those minor glitches tonight went better than I expected and to thank the Wes's family for their hospitality I afforded to assist Anna in the kitchen since she made the meal the least I could have done was help clean up. At first she refused straight away but I wasn't taking no as an answer.
"Thanks again, although you're the guest you shouldn't have been cleaning up." she said me
"I wanted to help." I reminded her and watched her set a small scoop of espresso ice cream beside the generously portioned size of chocolate cake
Each miniature plate looked like something out of a gourmet restaurant, the way Anna placed the cake in a slight thirty-five degree angle so the softened ice cream would melt around the cake resembling a molt rather than drip onto the cake cause it to become soggy. The details and thought put behind Anna's dishes tonight were very impressive and had me wondering why she wasn't off on her own restaurant putting her talents to use and getting recognized.
"You're staring." she smiled with her head set downwards
Rather than dwell on how she knew I was staring I asked the question buzzing around in my head like a pesky fly "Why aren't you working in a higher classed restaurant? I don't mean to pry but you have talent that deserves to be seen."
Setting the scooper down she straightened her posture so we were eye to eye "I've always had a passion for food just like my dad, he taught me everything I know after realizing my love for culinary. As I grew so did my skills especially after my parents bought our restaurant, I learned further from the other cooks that worked there and I was ready to start my dream."
"So what happened?"
Weaving her fingers in front of her she lowered her gaze, a sad smile occupying her lips "I took a summer trip to Italy courtesy of my mom who thought slaving in a crowded, busy kitchen would be a waste of my life. She thought I could use a little freedom before applying for any jobs. It was that summer that I met my brother's childhood friend and our old neighbor."
"Dominic."
Her full lips stretched "I didn't plan on any relationship let alone one with a man I thought I hated or to willingly leave behind everything I thought I wanted for him." she added with a shrug "My short vacation turned into a year and a wedding in the old village I grew up in."
"That's so romantic." I gushed wondering how wonderful it would be if I were swept off my feet by an Italian hunk in Italy
She picked up the scooper and scoffed at my hopeful sigh "Trust me the was the furthest thing from romantic. Dominic's knew what he wanted while I was confused and torn between what I wanted and what I needed. Our first month together was a roll coaster ride of me crying at night, screaming I hate him and falling into a fit of rage where I almost lost the one thing I hold so precious."
"Really?" I asked in shock
She nodded and finished the last of the plates "Nothing about the beginning of our relationship was easy and that was my fault, I was too scared to let go of what I knew and take a chance on something my very soul craved."
"How did you decide?" I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me
"It's not as hard as I first thought." she spoke as she placed each plate on a large serving tray "All I had to was-"
The kitchen door swung open interrupting Anna's reply that I was eager to hear. Carrie's navy blue eyes widened as they settled on me "The first family dinner I'm late to and you decide to come." she whined half-heartily
Family dinner? They do this often? Before I had the chance to ask Carrie's slender arms were around me squeezing the breath out of my lungs, to my relief the hug was brief.
"It's about time my dim-witted brother invited you to one of these things."
The genuine warmth shining in her young, vibrant face warmed my heart which made my response that much difficult to speak "He has been trying for a while it's just I didn't feel I should interfere in his family life so soon."
"Oh honey, my brother doesn't bring any girls around unless it's someone we matched him with and still he avoids the poor girl all night." Anna chuckled
Carrie nodded in agreement, stripping off the denim jacket off her shoulders she pulled the pink tee down over her flat torso. She lifted a small tray meant for the children who were playing out in the front yard while the men chatted in living room with a pouting Marbella who refused to step in the kitchen with me after I offered to help clean up.
"Now that I think about it we've paired him up with a few women while you two were seeing each other."
Carrie's brows pulled together "We did. Why didn't Wes mention he was seeing you?" she thought out loud
Both sisters turned to me expecting an explanation, their puzzled expressions enough to send my heart pounding in my ears. Panic settled in my chest as I desperately racked my brain for an explanation as to why my 'boyfriend' would agree to date other women while with me. Rubbing my sweaty palms at the side of my sundress I waved Carrie's questioning stare as if it didn't freak me out. "Wes told me all about that." I laughed hoping it didn't sound fake
Sharing a confused look Anna was the first to return her gaze to me, one thin brow arched in silent questioning.
"You I didn't want our relationship out in the open since my life is open to the media and Wes and I were still in the early stages of our relationship. I asked him to keep us a secret for a while, I realize that I was being selfish but you have to understand why I wouldn't want it out so soon." I lied feeling my throat burn with every word that passed my lips
It was necessary to cover the tracks of our 'relationship' and I knew I would have to lie some time tonight I just didn't expect it to be so difficult. To lie to my family who have no problem lying to my face or gossiping behind my back was a no brained and frankly I don't feel the least bit of regret but Wes's family was a different story. Here were people who have been kind and understanding, -other than Marbella- they've treated me as one of their own without even knowing who I am. The kind nature made deceiving them more difficult and my guilt grow with every smile that was flashed in my direction.
"Makes sense." Carrie nodded
Anna agreed and lifted the larger tray "Let's get in there ladies before they come in here."
Eagerly I grabbed the tray of small cups and the thermos of expresso and releasing a relieved breath. Entering the room I felt Marbella's stare burning into my skull without turning in her direction, setting the tray down I placed a cup in front of each person as Anna handed each one a plate before taking a seat by her husband who pulled her to his side. I smiled at the sweet sight when an arm slipped around my waist dragging me down onto the love seat beside a beaming Wes. Sending him a disapproving look I reached for my own plate more than excited to taste the desert.
Scooping a piece of the chilly ice cream into my mouth, loving the creamy caffeine flavor that coated my tongue.
"So, what are your plans with my brother?"
"Marbella." Anna scolded her sister who wasted no time, now that the kids weren't around she was free to ask what she pleased
I shook my head "It's okay." I quickly spoke up when Wes turned to his sister with a death glare
Clearing my throat I met Marbella's hard stare, my nerves returning in full blast as I tried searching for the right words. "I don't know." I admitted with a shrug "I guess we'll just take this one day at a time." I said opting for the truth
"You mean no plans at all?" Anna questioned
Turning to face Wes I shook my head "I'm happy to just be with him." I answered truthfully
"Now that's a keeper." Joey laughed "No long list of promises, your a lucky-"
Marbella nudged her husband, silencing the rest of his comment although his opinion of us is clear. He isn't grilling me like his wife which was a relief but I think he wants to stay out of this war his wife seems to be fighting, on her own. Readjusting her arms over her chest she narrowed her eyes at me as if I insulted her by standing in the same room as her.
Before she could ask another question Carrie stepped into the room, squeezing beside Marbella she flashed me an excited grin that I couldn't help but return.
"I'm guessing you two have met before." Marbella said catching the exchange between Carrie and I
"Yes." I answered simply, there was no need to bring up Carrie's contract
"Of course they met before, how else could Carrie sign a deal with Khloe's company." Dominic pointed out with a vague smirk
Both Anna and Marbella's heads snapped towards their younger sister, asking without words if it were true. The timid nod Carrie gave had my stomach knotting, I didn't realize she didn't tell anyone about the contract. Great that makes two deals I've made with a member of this family that the others are in the dark about.
"How did you know?" Carrie asked her brother-in-law
Dominic waved his hand in the air dismissively "You've been strangely excited, and jumpy so I put two and two together, and her office called the house the other day."
Carrie groaned mumbling to herself about moving out when Marbella turned towards me with an icy glare. I flinched at the wrath simmering beneath the frozen pair of eyes, now confirming her hatred for me.
"Why would you sign her?" she hissed
"Her talent was something I just couldn't pass up, your sister is an exceptional writer who I believe can grow to get better with time and experience." I answered watching the grateful smile spread on Carrie's face
"I don't care if she's Shakespeare's portage, you shouldn't have signed her up."
My brows pulled together in both confusion and anger "Carrie is a grown adult who made a decision for herself and her future."
"Of course you'd say that you're getting money out of it, after all you are a Spark." she spat venomously with her hands crossed across her chest
"That's uncalled for." Anna pointed out her eyes darting to me
Wes shifted beside me, his hand flexing over his thigh as if he were restraining himself "I don't understand what I did to make you hate me." I spoke out loud
She rolled her eyes as if the answer was as simple as reciting the alphabet "I don't like people like you getting involved with my younger brother."
"People like me?" I asked finding my patience running low as she continued to bash me openly, for no reasonable reason either
"I think you should check on the kids." Dominic said speaking to Marbella but nudging Joey who's eyes were wide as he ate his desert, ignoring the conversation
Sitting forward Marbella nodded her dark head, her eyes burning with loathing that burned holes through me yet I straightened my posture, refusing to show any emotion.
"Yes, people like you. Rich snobs who think they can mess with the lower class as if they are there for your entertainment. Well I got news for you Khloe." she spat my name in disgust as if it were poison in her mouth "This middle class man is my brother. Which means I'll be damned if you so much as drag him through your shit like you have the others."
Others? My plan to remain emotionless slipped from my mind as the word settled in my head. Others. She knows about me, or what the press has printed. Swallowing nervously I felt my fingers trembling as the reality of who I am returned to me like a slap in the face. Looking around the room I felt my heart sink as every eye lowered, avoiding contact with me. They all knew! Wes placed a hand on my shoulder, meant to comfort me but I couldn't stand him touching me at the moment. Shrugging his hand off I placed the plate on the coffee table, no longer hungry.
"I warned you." Wes growled, his body tensing when I slid away from his searching hand again
Scoffing at his angry tone Marbella mumbled something in Italian that earned a dangerous bark from Wes in the foreign language. The tension in the room was thick enough you could slice through it with a knife.
"That's enough." Anna spoke when Wes turned to face his older sister a comeback bubbling on his tongue
Twisting to glare at her sister in disbelief Marbella continued "You've read about her too Anna so don't act as if you're okay with her dating Wes. Especially since her relationships end with a four page spread in a magazine and details about her lack of sex skills."
At the moment I wished for the ground to split open and swallow me whole, anything to get me out of this moment. Gritting my teeth I forced my eyes up at the others immediately regretting it when I locked gazes with Carrie. Her navy blue eyes widened in shock and were quickly averted to her feet as if it were the most interesting sight she's seen. Allowing my eyes to roam around the room I felt my face flood with heat when each person did the same, all but Marbella who pointed her chin up at me. Pleased with the reaction she caused with her comment.
A wave of embarrassment washed over me as I realized just how foolish I am to think they didn't know, I've been splattered everywhere with humiliating headlines beside my name. Exclusive interviews with two different men I've dated who spoke the same harsh words about me, trashing my name and image with no concern on how I'd feel. No regard in what damage they would cause with their betrayal, no empathy towards me when they numerously repeated the cruel accusations that haunt me still.
Jumping to my feet I dashed to the hallway intending to make a quick exit before I should suffer any further humiliation. Snatching my jacket off the rack I heard a pair of heavy footsteps following close behind me, fully aware who that person was I swung the door open and ran down the short steps. Pushing my arms through the jacket sleeves I shivered as a late evening breeze blew my hair across my face, making it difficult to see anything past the blur of gold.
"Wait!"
Ignoring his plea I picked up my pace, strolling past two young boys with vanilla ice cream smeared across their faces who watched as the strange woman they just met practically run across the front yard. Again Wes's voice sounded behind me, asking me to stop.
Shaking my head I spoke "I knew it was stupid of me to come."
His long fingers clasped around my upper arm preventing me from taking another step, struggling against his grip I felt tears stinging my eyes. How could he think after what was spoken in there that I would want to face him let alone have a conversation? Balling my hands in to a tight fist I struck his chest twice, my anger oozing through the tighter his fingers curled after every blow. His resistance did nothing but further piss me off, continuing my assault I could barely see at this point. The tears brimming my lashes were seconds away from falling. I've fallen far enough tonight crying would be the cherry on this shitty night, especially with Wes here to witness my moment of weakness.
"Khloe, please stop."
My fist froze mid-strike as his words broke through the shell of anger surrounding me. My arms fell limply to my sides, the fight within me dissolving into nothing but small droplets. The scene inside moments ago was forgotten as was our young audience as I shook my head wondering if I heard right. Tilting my chin upwards I felt a fat tear slip down my cheek, escaping my welled eyes and I couldn't will myself to wipe it away. It was as if my body shut down, refusing to function until I determined if he said what I heard or was it all in my head.
Meeting his warm, concerned gaze I couldn't bring myself to care about the worry swimming in his stormy orbs. Darting my tongue out to moisten my parched lips I felt my hands tremble as rested them on his forearms, lowering his arms from me.
"You said my name." I croaked
His dark brows pulled together "I did." he confirmed, puzzled by my wide eyed expression
Swallowing harshly I searched his features realizing he didn't understand what I meant "You've never said my name, ever." I clarified
It took a few seconds before the confused wrinkles on his forehead smoothed out only now understanding. "I guess I haven't."
"Never." I repeated with my bottom lip slightly gaped
Staring openly at the man standing awkwardly in front of me I couldn't help but feel pathetic at the realization that he's never said my name. The one word bombard me at first, taking me completely by surprise but now as the shock wore off. I felt like a nerdy girl who the popular guy in school spoke her name, acknowledging that he knew she existed. It is official, I'm a loser.
Lowering my hands to my sides I took a step back "I should go."
His hand reached out for me, wrapping around my wrist, keeping me from leaving like I desperately wanted. Frustrated with the situation I couldn't contain the hot tears falling along my face. With his hand firmly on my wrist Wes circled around me so we were face to face. Twisting my head to the side I refused to meet his gaze.
"I'm sorry for my sister, she believes that crap she reads. She had no right speaking the way she did and I can tell you right now that she's getting a whip lashing from Anna and Carrie."
"It's true." I admitted, turning my head in his direction "Most of that stuff is true."
"No it's not."
"Yes it is!" I shouted in frustration "I've never been able to please men and they wanted the whole world to know what a failure I am in the bedroom."
Snatching my hand back I swiped the back of my hand across my cheeks, wiping away the fresh tears staining my face. What was it with this man that makes me breakdown every time I turn around? I transform into this crying, babbling girl who can't get a grip on her emotions.
"Khloe."
I shivered as his smooth, velvety voice washed over me sending my stomach to knot nervously. Pushing the spine tingling sensation aside I inhaled a deep breath hoping to calm myself down so I don't look like a complete fool. I sucked in a sharp breath when I felt his fingers brush my jaw before cupping one side of my face. His other hand curled under my chin forcing me to stare straight into his intense gaze.
"We've slept together twice and I can say that there is nothing wrong with your skills in the bedroom." he said with honesty that I couldn't help but believe in
"You don't think I'm frigid?" I asked timidly
The hand beneath my chin dropped to rest on my hip, I gasped when he dragged me against him in one swift movement. His arm tightened around me causing our chests to mash together, my nìpples perked at the feel of his hard body pressing against my sensitive nìpples. I sunk my teeth into my bottom lip as a warm liquid spread in my lower abdominal.
"You react to my every touch kitty." he said in a husky voice that revealed just how aroused he actually was
My lower stomach tightened as I felt his manhood press against the inside of my thigh, the heat of his erection causing moisture to form between my legs and my knees to knock together. A moan bubbled on my lips as his member rose, pressing close to my weeping entry.
"I can tell you with no doubt in my mind that you are the furthest thing from frigid kitty kat. In fact..."
He grinned wickedly as the hand that cupped my jaw lowered to clutch my breast. Moaning in abandoned pleasure I couldn't stop myself from melting against his body, secretly begging for more without saying a word. My arms came around his shoulders, holding on to his broad back for support since my legs seemed to have transformed into strings of cheese.
He nipped the side of my jaw playfully "You melt in my arms." he finished with an open mouthed kiss to the side of my neck
A shiver of excitement traveled to my heated core, adding moisture to the already slick region. My fingers dug into his flesh as his searching fingers tweaked my pebbled nub.
He groaned -a deep, throaty moan- as I buried my face in his neck, brushing my lips across the rapid beat of his heart "Tell me sweet cheeks, is this the reaction of a frigid woman." he asked mockingly
Before I could reply he pressed open mouthed kisses down my neck, his skilled tongue licking across my collar bone and successfully distracting me from replying and I couldn't care less. A guttural moan passed my lips as I tossed my head back allowing him better access. He nibbled, licked and sucked down my neck until he reached the slight dip of my dress where my breasts were safely hidden from his hungry gaze but not for long. A soft whimper passed my lips as his moist lips made contact with the top of one of my breasts, his teeth grazed the heavy mound extracting a surprised yelp from me.
"Mommy! Mommy! Uncle Wes is biting his lady friend!" a small boy exclaimed
Startled by the tiny child tugging on my sundress I craned my neck away from Wes who continued to nip at my neck unconcerned by his nephew asking if I was okay.
"Wes." I moaned as the boy pulled harder
"Go away Noah." he mumbled against my throat
"Daddy!!" the boy screamed
Pressing my hands against his chest I gave a hard push managing to create a small gap between us "Control yourself." I scolded as I twisted my neck away from his seeking mouth
"I agree."
My eyes widened as I glanced over my shoulder and groaned as I met Dominic's mirthful gaze. The young boy ran across the short space and tugged on his pants, his pale blue eyes wide with fear "Daddy, uncle Wes was biting his lady friend." the boy tattled
Dominic chuckled, his deep laugh a throaty sound that added to my embarrassment. He patted the small boy's head "He wasn't biting her."
"He was daddy, I saw him!" the boy pushed on, his dark head bobbing up and down
Wes's arms tightened around my waist when I tried pulling away, huffing out in frustration I twisted in his death grip so I was facing the frightened boy. His innocent features were strained with concern for a stranger he barely knew. My heart warmed the longer I stared into his pale eyes that resembled Wes's, they even had the same jet black hair. If he grows up to be anything like his uncle I pity the girls who meet him.
"Your uncle was just playing, I'm fine." I assured him by pushing my messy hair to the side exposing my neck
The boy's eyes boggled "See daddy I told you! Uncle Wes bit her, he has to go to time out like I did." the boy continued shouting as he tugged on his father's hand fervently
Dominic threw his head back and howled with laughter that earned him a puzzled look from his son while I frantically placed my hair back in place, in attempt to cover any marks Wes left in our brief brush of passion. The culprit chuckled, not bothered that his young nephew caught us groping at each other like a couple of horny teenagers who just discovered what sex was. Rearing my elbow back I jabbed him in the ribs extracting a satisfying oomph.
"He's not going to time out." Dominic finally spoke
Noah's face fell "Why not?" he pouted
"Because my lady friend wanted me to bite her." Wes answered earning a jab to the gut
The young boy blinked confusingly up at his uncle as if he had just told him the sky was actually green. Dominic scooped the tiny boy up in his arms almost making the small child smaller than his actual size as he cradled him to his chest.
"It's a grown up thing." Dominic explained to his still puzzled son
"So if I ask Tanner if I can bite him first I won't get in trouble like uncle Wes?" the boy asked as his father carried him back to the house
Dominic's distance laughter floated behind him as he explained to his son what exactly his uncle was doing. When they were a safe distance away I slapped his forearms, I can't believe he would say that to a child! The boy has to be almost five and he goes and tells him something his young mind shouldn't have seen until he is at least eleven.
"Cheer up babe." he chuckled as I squirmed in his hold
Turning from my waist I sent him a deadpanned look "What exactly am I suppose to be cheered up about? Getting caught fondling by your nephew or having his father explain that you were acting like an animal in heat?"
The corners of his mouth stretched further "He's about to see a whole lot more if you keep wiggling your ass like that."
My audible gasp sounded in the quiet night air as my mind conjured dirty thoughts of Wes tearing my dress off before laying me down on the short trimmed grass. Exposing my bare skin to the chilly night air as he lowers his own body over mine, connecting us in the most intimate way a man and woman can connect. I shivered at the filthy slideshow flashing in my mind secretly wishing for the real thing. How erotic would that be to have sex in public, with the children safely inside from the crazy couple getting it on like wild rabbits? Not knowing if we'd get caught like at the park.
"You're wet." he grinned as his hand pressed against the front of my dress
"Stop it." I said in a weak voice that held no resistance what so ever
"Yes, please stop."
Whipping around I found myself staring at a blonde teenage girl with her arms crossed over her chest, her features schooled as if she couldn't give a crap what we did right now. If I remember correctly she is Marbella's oldest daughter, her lack of enthusiasm was something I picked up on upon meeting the teenager. As far as I've seen she hasn't cracked a smile or spoken more than necessary, it was as if she was unable to. Swallowing I slapped Wes's hand away when I noticed it rested on top of my throbbing sex. The girl turned her gaze to her uncle still looking as bored as ever.
"Mom said to knock it off or she's turning on the sprinklers." she said in a dry tone
"Tell your lovely mother to kindly butt out of my business, she's the reason why I had to chase my girlfriend in the first place." he said, his voice laced with the same tense anger from earlier
My heart skipped a beat at the mention of the word, it was like a label that told the world 'I'm not going to be a lonely spinster!'
The young girl spared a quick glance at me as the corners of her lips twitched in a some what smile "You seriously want me to tell her that, for real?" she asked with excitement in her voice
"Yup." he nodded "Don't forget to tell her that we're coming in too, both of us."
With a half a smile the young girl was off to give her mother the message and seeming overly excited about it too.
"I don't want to create problems between you guys." I spoke out loud as Marbella's daughter entered the house
"It's not you creating the problems kitty, besides this will make Ellie's day to tell her mom off."
One of his arms dropped from my hip as he took my hand in his, the warmth seeping from his palm traveled through my body like my own personal heater. I hesitated when he led me towards the lit house, worried about the stares I'd receive from his family especially after the Noah incident and how Marbella will react to her daughter telling her off. Worry nipped at me, steering me away from the family home when I felt a gentle squeeze. Peering up at a smiling Wes I felt my heart pitter patter and it had nothing to do with facing his sister again.
"I don't care what my sisters say or those stupid articles, I know you and that's all that matters." he assured me
"You really didn't read any of them?" I asked as we started across the front lawn
"Nope. I did however see a few interesting photos of you and a very handsome man touching your ass a few weeks ago, he's very good looking." he teased
Unable to contain my laughter I smacked his arm playfully as I giggled behind my hand "Your modesty is admirable." I said sarcastically
"I'm sure you can agree that I have other much more admirable qualities about me."
"Oh my God." I snorted at his comment finding the teasing refreshing and a small glimpse at the old Wes I use to loathe with a passion
Its ironic how a man I despised and couldn't stand to even be around is also the same man I'm willing to suffer through an evening with reminders of my past just to please him. The sane past I've gone to great lengths to avoid at any cost. Life is funny in that way.
"I've been called many things but never God." he grinned as he started up the mini staircase
"You are so full of yourself." I said with a shake of my head in mock shame
He halted at the last step, the somber expression etched on his face when he turned in my direction startled me and quickly wiped away any signs of laughter. He leaned in close like a child would when telling a secret, his nose nearly touched mine when he finally spoke.
"You would rather be full of me." he said with a devilish grin that had me squeezing my thighs together in hopes lessening the ache between them
"You're disgusting." I giggled despite my attempt to be serious
Raising our entwined hands to his mouth he brushed his lips across my knuckles "And you love that about me." he winked just as a low ticking sounded
Streams of water sprayed around the front yard, splashing stray droplets at us. Wes pushed the door open allowing us an escape from the sprinklers, slamming the door shut I shook my hair relieved to see it was still dry.
"She wasn't kidding was she." I muttered under my breath
"I never kid around." came Marbella's reply from the other room
*************
Thank you all for the good wishes for my brother, it means a great deal to me since this is a very difficult time for my family.....nothing has changed yet but I'm hopeful and praying for the best....
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