Love Divide (Battlefield of Love Book 2) Read online

  “A – you can’t just come in here all freaked out and caveman-like ordering me around, and B – I can pack myself; thank you very much.” I push past him and get my bags that I just unpacked last night.

  “Well, Miss Sanders, A – I can, and I will come in here ordering you around. That is what I pay you for. You, available, twenty-four seven. And B – you can pack yourself if you hurry up. Just grab the necessities. I’ll have your wardrobe shipped to L.A.,” he says as he takes a seat on my bed.

  Throwing my bag down next to him, I begin to open my drawers. “How many days will we be there, now?” I dig around in my lingerie drawer, looking for matching sets.

  “Until business is finished.”

  Grabbing a handful of thongs in one hand and a couple in the other, I turn toward him. “Does that translate into this?” I hold up the left hand with a few pairs. “Or that?” I raise the right hand with an overflowing amount.

  “This,” he says getting up and walking to the bedroom door. “But if we stay a little longer…going commando never hurt anyone.” He winks. “Do you have anything to drink?” he asks as he heads for the kitchen.

  “Just beer,” I call out.

  “That works. You want one?” he hollers back.

  “Nah, I’m good. What happened to being in a hurry?”

  “We are. Down to five minutes.” He’s back, leaning against my door frame. He twists the cap off and takes a swig, making a face. “Tastes like water.” He looks at the bottle.

  “It’s light beer.” I throw him a look while I toss a couple cute bikinis I bought, while in town yesterday, into my bag and zip it up. “All done. You ready?”

  Walking over, he grabs my bag. “As ready as I can be.”

  And just like that, we’re gone, and this time, I wonder if anyone will notice.

  Niki

  Today is my day off, and I can’t think of any better way to spend the day in L.A. than lounging by the pool, working on my tan. Which is what I’m about to do.

  Stopping by the coffee bar on the way out to the pool, I grab an iced coffee and a few gossip magazines. Handing the cashier a couple twenties, I head for some fun in the sun.

  Flipping through the magazines, I see Grady James, a frequent patron at Spotlight when he is in town, is in the tabloids again with his lady.

  Good for him!

  “Miss?” A voice follows me. “I’ve been informed that everything shall be charged to your room.” The cashier waves the twenties in her hand.

  “Oh! Well, just keep it then. Consider it a tip,” I smile, continuing to a spot I have zoned in on.

  “Miss that was taken care of as well. Please...” She hands it back to me, whispering, “I don’t want to get in trouble.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t even think of that.” I reach for the money, sticking it in my bag. I make a mental note to talk to Aiden about this later. He pays me to work for him. I can pay for all the extras while here.

  “Have a nice day, and enjoy your stay with us.” She walks off, seeming pleased with herself. Aiden must have tipped a pretty hefty amount.

  Taking a sip of my iced coffee, I lay out my towel and cop a squat, settling in for the day.

  “Excuse me?” A beautiful blonde in a red and cream polka dot pin-up style one-piece and floppy hat stands beside the chair next to me. “Is this seat taken?”

  “No, go right ahead.” I smile, trying to be friendly, but really, I just want to relax and tune out the world.

  I settle into a routine. Flip page, read, take a sip, read, flip page, read, take a sip…Our trip to L.A. is hard work.

  “That looks good. Is that an iced caramel?” the neighbor speaks up. I knew it was too good to be true.

  “Close.” I force a smile, debating over warning her about my coffee habit and how drinking a certain amount each day is necessary if people want to stay unharmed. “It’s an iced mocha macchiato with coconut milk and a triple shot of espresso, but with whip…always.”

  “Hmm. That sounds…interesting. I’m more of a double shot of espresso kind of girl.” She tilts up her hat, but her glasses hide most of her face.

  Deciding that she is in this for the long haul, I put down my magazine and turn my attention to her. “I love me some espresso, but honestly, I’ll drink anything that isn’t decaf.”

  “Same here.” She sits up, holding out her hand. “I’m Carmen.”

  Deciding to go all in, I accept her hand, “Nice to meet you, Carmen. I’m Niki.”

  “Hello. So, what brings you to L.A., Niki? Business or pleasure?”

  Having just met Carmen, I decide what the hell? I don’t know her from Adam, and I’ll probably never run into her again. “I’m not really sure…well, I’m here on business, but I’m hoping for there to be a little pleasure.”

  I smile.

  She smiles.

  Then we both laugh in unison.

  “I’ve been there a time or two in my life. What’s holding him up…if you don’t mind me asking?”

  “I’m not sure. We’ve had a couple close encounters, but he always pulls away, claiming he can’t give me what I deserve.” I look at her confused, hoping she can give me a little insight.

  “Hmm. Is he married? Seems to me that if you are the one pulling and he’s pushing, that maybe he has other commitments,” Carmen says, just staring at me.

  What do I even say to that? If Aiden was married, he would have told me.

  “He’s not married. I would have known about it if he was.” I become a little defensive.

  “O, sweetie, I didn’t mean to throw out accusations. I meant in a general sense…like his job, family, hobbies,” she replies.

  “His job is his life.”

  “Well, then, I would say that is it.” Carmen stands. “You know, I forgot my sunscreen upstairs. I think I’m going to go ahead and call it a day.” She picks up her things. “Maybe I’ll see you around.”

  “We fly out in a couple days. So, I’m sure we will eventually run into each other. If not, have a nice trip.” I wave at her.

  “You too.”

  That was interesting.

  Carmen mentioning the sunscreen makes me realize that I left my skin unprotected. Deciding to take a quick dip before I head upstairs for the evening, I stand, stretching my hands above my head.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” I hear Aiden call out.

  Looking around, I see him coming through the glass doors, grabbing a couple towels on his way outside. “Oh, hey. Just going for a swim.” I head toward the pool, getting ready to jump in.

  “The hell you are.” He’s beside me, covering me up with the towels. “What do you think you’re wearing, Niki?”

  “Aiden, if you know what’s good for you, you will remove your hands from me this very instant.” I jerk my elbow away, shocked that he even placed his hands on me.

  He holds up his hands. “Where are your things?”

  Pointing over to the chair, I head for the pool again.

  “Don’t you dare jump into that pool!”

  Confused, I watch him walk over to the chair, throw my cover-up over his shoulder and stuff everything into my bag. Stalking over to me, he growls, “Put this on now, and let’s go.” He throws the cover-up at me.

  “I’ll do no such thing.” Looking around, I whisper, “Aiden, everyone is watching.” Tears begin to pool in my eyes.

  Get a grip, Sanders!

  “I’m looking. They aren’t watching us.” He starts pointing. “This guy over here and that guy. Don’t forget the lifeguard…They are all looking at you, not us, and do you know why they are looking at you?”

  “Aiden, please don’t. This is embarrassing.”

  “They are looking at your perky tits barely covered by the black strings you call a top. They are picturing your ass, bent over one of those chairs, your pussy wet and waiting for them.”

  “Aiden! Get a fucking hold of yourself.” I’m pissed. I’m not about to let a man degrade me like that and espe
cially not in public.

  Slipping the cover-up on, I grab my bag from his hands and head for the hotel, Aiden hot on my trail.

  “Niki! Come back here right now.”

  Ignoring him, I stop at the coffee bar to get a tea to go. I’m feeling a little overheated at the moment.

  “Do you know why I did that? Do you?” Aiden’s behind me now, and all I can do is smile and wait for the barista to give me my tea.

  “Aiden, if you don’t want me to lose my shit right here, right now, I suggest you give me a minute to breathe,” I say through a clenched jaw.

  “Fine.” He turns and heads toward the elevators.

  “You okay, Mrs. Alexander?” A man walks up to me, startling me. “I’m sorry; I’m Chris, the guest relations manager. I saw you and Mr. Alexander arguing, and I wanted to make sure you were doing alright.”

  “Thank you, Chris, but Mr. Alexander and I aren’t married. So you may call me Niki. I work for him.”

  “Well, this is embarrassing. I thought they said Mr. and Mrs. Alexander had checked in. I must have misunderstood.” He hands me the tea from the barista. “Please, take the tea, on us. Is there anything else you need?”

  “Chris, its fine. It’s not the first time it has happened to us while traveling this summer.” I take the tea and head to the room to deal with Aiden.

  But it better be the last.

  “Aiden!” I yell as soon as I hit the suite. “Where are you?”

  “Where in the hell did you get all these?” he yells from my room.

  Dropping my bag, I run to where he is. Panties, swimsuits…all thrown around the room. “Niki? Where in the fuck did you get these? This…” He holds up the white thong bikini I bought in between meetings yesterday.

  “At a little shop yesterday.” My eyes narrow as he takes a pair of scissors and cuts them up.

  “I’ll be damned if I’m going to let another man see you in this. It’s fucking see-through!” he snarls, taking the scraps and throwing them at me.

  I bend down, pick them up, then snap, “You controlling asshole. I bought that for you. For! Your! Eyes! Only!” I throw them back at him. “I was hoping we could make use of that private pool on the roof, you fucker!” I start gathering my scattered things. “And don’t you ever talk to me like that again. If you do, just know fifty thousand or not, I will be gone. First flight out of here.”

  “Fuck!” he roars. “I thought—”

  “Maybe you should fucking talk to me instead of just running around like a brooding man-child. Use your fucking words Aiden. You’re fucking thirty-five years old; act like it.”

  “What are you doing to me?” He’s in front of me, turning me around to where I’m facing the mirror. “Look! Look at us. Do you see that?” His hands wrap around my top, palming my breasts. “These, they were made just for me. No one else. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Aiden. Just for you.” I’ve wanted this, just him. “Take me, Aiden. You don’t have to wait for what I deserve. Just let me give you what I know you need.”

  “You, now.”

  Aiden greedily palms each breast, alternating between twisting and pulling. When my swim top gets in his way, he grips the fabric, tearing it away from my body, the spandex rubbing my skin. The sensation is divided between pleasure and pain, and I can’t decide what I like more — which surprises me.

  Before I can think too much about it, he frees a hand and pushes my face down onto the dresser, the marble cold on my cheek. His hands travel down my body; he’s on edge, and I feel it in his touch.

  I feel my head being pulled back up, his grip on my hair while the other hand moves around the front of my neck, dragging teasingly across my collarbone.

  Leaning forward, he licks his way from my shoulder to neck, and moisture floods my center in anticipation of his mouth someplace else. His hot kisses turn rough, and teeth nip skin.

  “Do you like that?” His breath is hot on my neck. “My girl likes it rough…I knew you would. When I saw you dancing, I knew you would writhe like this for me.” His words burn into my brain.

  Knowing it’s me who causes him to lose control is exhilarating. He urges me forward again, reminding me who’s in charge. My chest is pressed against the dresser, and the contrast of hot and cold drives me nearly insane. I’m burning up from the inside out, and the marble is so cool it causes my nipples to stand at attention.

  His hands are everywhere, moving quickly. Kneading, caressing in a bruising tempo.

  “Let’s see how wet you are for me,” he groans, and my mouth opens, but only a sign falls from my lips.

  His hand pulls my swim bottoms to the side from behind and he drags his finger through my sex, testing back and forth. Back. And. Forth. Before finding my center and jamming one finger into me and adding another when I rock back into his hand.

  He releases my head and uses his other hand to withdraw himself. I try to turn in his arms, to see him, undress him, but he stops me. I feel his hard length pressed up against my bare back as he strokes himself while holding me down.

  I’m getting close just from the feel of him, his skin on me...turned on by being taken over. The sound of foil tearing is the only warning I have. Before I can come, he pulls his hand out and replaces his fingers with his hard cock in one swift motion.

  I grab for the dresser, my fingers knocking over anything in my way to find the edge, needing an anchor to hold onto while he sets a punishing pace as he grips my hips, pulling them higher and closer to him. The wind is knocked out of me by his weight pressing heavy on my back, and the edge of the dresser cuts into my ribs.

  Just when I think I can’t take anymore, his rushed thrusts become slower and deeper, and I’m so close. “Wait for me,” he orders, picking up his pace. I fight to hold my orgasm at bay. When I feel him start to shake, he commands, “Now.” And we come together, both of us crying out.

  My orgasm crashes though my body in waves. The only sounds are our mixed heavy breathing and slick skin slapping as we ride out our pleasure. Resting his head on my shoulder, he fights to catch his breath, fingers digging into my hips. He turns, biting down on my shoulder, and I throw my head back, crying out in the pleasure of the pain.

  “Aiden…” I plead, begging for this not to be it but knowing it’s all he can give.

  “Did I hurt you?” He rubs the mark, which is developing into a small bruise.

  “No.”

  “Good.” He pulls out and walks away.

  Leaving a mark on my heart that is bound to scar.

  Niki

  I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after what we just shared, I didn’t expect him to leave.

  He’s gone.

  Grabbing a tank top from the floor and the pair of panties that landed on the headboard, I head to the bathroom to clean myself up and gather my thoughts.

  Throwing the clothes on the counter, I bypass the mirror, refusing to see the woman I have let myself become. Sitting down on the side of the tub, I let the water run over my hand until it gets to the desired temperature — scalding hot.

  Sliding in, I let the burn sting, temporarily staining my skin a deep red. The pain is a feeling I’m used to.

  I know Aiden has his plate full with getting the FDA on board and approving their new miracle drug, but I thought if I compromised what I wanted for what he needed, we could somehow make this work. Two lost souls, trying to find their way, being broken together.

  I never asked for a promise of tomorrow. I knew he couldn’t do that, but today? He could do today, right?

  Hands slowly waving in the water, I let my thoughts consume me. Holding my breath, I allow myself to be taken under.

  No words.

  No sounds.

  No thinking.

  Just me, drowning my thoughts away.

  Rising back above the water, heart beating wildly, I gasp for air. Chest heaving, I try to catch my breath. In and out.

  Inhale.

  Breathe.

  Exhale.

/>   Breathe.

  Repeat.

  I hear light raps on the door before the knob turns, letting in the man who was a beast just minutes ago.

  “I’m sorry for leaving, but…” He comes over to the bath, kneeling beside the tub, eyes roaming my body.

  “But what?” I ask, needing the answer.

  “But you make me feel too much.” He grabs a wash cloth and the soap. “Lean up.”

  I should lean up. Let him wash the sins away…I just can’t. Not after today. I need to know why he keeps doing this.

  “I can wash myself, thank you.” I grab the soap-lathered cloth.

  “Come on, Niki,” he pleads.

  “Don’t do that. Aiden, I told you I could take what you give, but with that also comes respect. Down at the pool, leaving…that is anything but.”

  “There are things you don’t know, things I’ve done that I’m not proud of.”

  Now we are getting somewhere.

  “I don’t care about any of that.” I shake my head, fighting back the tears. “You had me in the palm of your hand. Don’t you understand? I made everything easy for you; the only thing I needed from you was for you to stay.” I stand. “Can you hand me a towel please?”

  Reaching under the sink, he grabs a couple, handing them to me. “For what it’s worth, I have never stayed. You are the only one I have ever come back to.”

  “I don’t know how to feel about that,” I confess. Wrapping the towel around myself, I grab my clothes, sliding on my panties then my tank. I feel a little less transparent in a physical sense.

  “Neither do I. These emotions…I’m not used to them.” He stands up, moving to sit on the counter.

  “I’m not going to keep this back and forth going. Maybe we just need to keep our distance until you can figure out how to give me a little more,” I suggest, not really meaning it. As women, we do the stupidest things. Say things we don’t need to say in order to get a reaction that will never come, setting ourselves up for failure.

  “I can’t do that. Not right now. But I promise you, I will make it happen.”

  “Aiden, until then, we need to keep this strictly business, and when I say that, I don’t mean the ignore me, give me the cold shoulder type of business relationship. I mean treat me like a fucking human being.”