“Kayne, you were the last one to see her. What was she like? Was she drunk? Upset? Why did she leave alone?”
As much as I wanted to avoid this conversation, it’s clear Mark needs answers. So I will give himsome.
“Trust me when I tell you, I tried everything in my power to get her to come home with me,” I divulge. Although in reality I didn’t have to try very hard. I think Ellie would have come home with me even before the alcohol freed her inhibitions. “But Ellie wasn’t having it. I think she was playing hard to get,” I insinuate.
“She didn’t drink that much and seemed fine to leave on her own. I never would have left her side if I thought something might happen to her.” It’s the exact same thing I told the police when they questioned me. I knew it was going to happen. Luckily for me, the commissioner of New York is a personal friend. You meet a lot of high profile people in my line of work, and sometimes those contacts come in handy. “I offered her a ride several times, but she declined. You know how Ellie is,” I lie through my teeth.
“Yes, I do.” Mark stares into the light brown liquid. “She’s a smart, young girl with a bright future ahead of her. It’s breaking my heart to think she’ll never have a chance to pursue it.”
I sigh. I would never take Ellie’s future away from her. If anything, I hope one day to make it brighter. If she’ll let me; if she ever speaks to me again after this is all over.
“She’s also strong, and I’m sure wherever she is, or whatever she’s going through, she’ll survive,” I try to reassure him.
“I’m trying not to imagine what’s she’s going through.” Mark’s eyes water. Damn. I pull out the white handkerchief from my left pocket and hand it to him uncomfortably.
“Thank you.” Mark takes it and wipes his eyes. Geez. I’m so bad at the emotions thing. I don’t even like my own.
“I wish I could tell you everything is going to be okay. But I’m a realist.” And I don’t want to look too incriminating. “I can tell you that I care about Ellie just as much as you do. Maybe more.” Mark pauses and looks at me for what seems like the first time today. Like he’s really seeing me.
“I understand. You two always did have explosive chemistry.”
“Explosive?” I widen my eyes. “Was it that obvious?”
“Boyfriend, please.” Mark makes adon’t bullshit meface.“Every time you two were in the same room, I had the bomb squad on speed dial.”
I smirk coyly. “Ellie is a bit ... incandescent.”
“She used to light up this whole office.” Mark smiles sadly.
She will again.
“Try not to be so hard on yourself,” I tell him.
“That is easier said than done.” He twists the handkerchief in his hands.
There’s nothing more I can say or do.
After our conversation, and a little bit of work, I bid Mark goodbye. I wish I could’ve given him more reassurance. Told him I knew Ellie was going to be okay. But my secrets have to stay hidden, because even I can’t guarantee the outcome. I can only proceed with what I’m doing, with hope that Ellie will come around and we’ll both come out of this alive.
Before I leave, I meander by Ellie’s desk. It’s filled with papers and sticky notes. Her keyboard has a thin layer of dust and the green plant she keeps on her filing cabinet is wilting. I spy the pictures on her pin board. She’s hugging a girl I don’t recognize. They look alike so I assume it’s her sister. There’s another of her with two older people. They must be her parents. She looks like her father. Their pointy noses are the same, and so is the color of their eyes. A deep mossy green. The one of her and Mark I find the most amusing. It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and they’re both wearingKiss me I’m Irisht-shirts, green sparkly top hats, and have a shot glass in each hand. Looks like whiskey. Ellie’s cheeks are a little flushed, and she’s smiling brightly. If I had to guess, she’s a little tipsy. I catch myself grinning as I stare at her. I wonder if I’ll ever have the chance to get to know the girl in that picture. I really want to, almost desperately.
Once back outside, I slip into the town car waiting for me on the street. I slide up the privacy screen and try to relax against the leather seat, loosening my tie and stretching my legs. Why didn’t I just rent a driver and take my limo? More room!
I shift around uncomfortably, anxious to get home and play with my kitten. I drop my head back, close my eyes, and dream up numerous ways I can make Ellie come. I get hard just thinking about how she tastes on my tongue. I can’t wait to see what she feels like on my cock. I wonder if tonight will be the night she finally gives in. I know she’s close, so damn close to being mine. The wait is nearly killing me.
I grab myself and stroke, trying to appease the arousal that is now a living, breathing beast ripping my insides apart.
“Driver!” I kick the back of his seat restlessly. “Hurry the fuck up!”
JETT DUBBED ME HIS BRUNETTEBarbie doll.
Once again he did my nails and straightened my hair.
He fed me ice cream for lunch and indulged me in mindless conversation. It was the least boring and least stressful day so far.
I watch the sun set through the large circular window diagonal from my bed. As soon as the first shred of night appears, I know he’ll be here.
I wait on my knees; impatiently, nervously.
