Love Divide (Battlefield of Love Book 2) Read online

  “Kid, you okay? You sound off.” He sounds concerned. I’ve never been able to hide much from him.

  “Yeah, just a little tired. Had one too many last night.” I try to play it off. “Scotch.”

  “Ahhh! Playing with the big dogs, I see. Remember, it’s about the hydration.”

  “I’m pretty sure I’m the one who taught you that. Remember when…” I begin to laugh, tears rolling down my face.

  “Don’t remind me.”

  “Oh…come on, say it!” I beg, trying to calm down.

  “One damn time. I was drunk in downtown Chicago after a Bears game. One damn time! I mention how much I loved a hot dog.”

  Sitting up in bed, I can’t help but give him a hard time. “I believe what you said was ‘I LOVE WEINERS!’ at the top of your lungs as you pulled the hot dog from the bun, licked off the condiments then waved it in the air…dude, that was hilarious! Everyone, and I mean everyone, was looking.” I try to catch my breath. “Just say it. Please say it.”

  “I wasn’t eating carbs,” he defends himself.

  “Say it! Please…together. 1-2-3…GO!”

  “I LOVE WEINERS!” we both shout at the same time.

  I fall back on the bed, rolling around.

  “Well, I’m afraid we don’t have wieners for breakfast, but if you want to come down, I ordered breakfast and coffee,” Aiden interrupts.

  We were laughing so hard, I didn’t even hear him come in.

  “I thought you were in your room?” Gavin’s voice is more concerned than pissed.

  “Gav, let me text you later. Coffee is ready.”

  “Make sure you do. Talk to you later, kid.” He hangs up.

  Aiden is still standing there, examining me, making me feel insecure. “What? My hair crazy? Do I have pillow marks?” I pat my hair down.

  Looking from my eyes to my chest, he turns to leave. “You look beautiful, but make sure you put on a bra before you come down.”

  Sitting up on my knees, I look at myself in the mirror across from the bed. “Oh Lord!” I forgot I yanked my bra off in the middle of the night, and this T-shirt is so soft; it’s practically see-through. Lovely.

  Jumping up, I grab my bra and some cotton shorts and head to the bathroom to quickly brush my teeth and pull up my hair. Giving myself the once over, I run down the stairs and head toward the sitting area where Aiden had the staff lay out a spread of pastries, fresh fruit and a couple carafes of coffee. Alright.

  Wanting to take one of everything, I settle for a croissant and coffee.

  “The one on the right is yours. Italian Roast, extra hot.” Aiden walks into the room, freshly showered and dressed for the day.

  “Extra hot?”

  “That’s how you like it, right?” He seems confused.

  “Yes, it’s just…”

  “Niki, I pay attention. I didn’t get to where I am today by not paying attention. Details are everything in this business.” He sits down, pulling out a newspaper and opening it up.

  “Interesting.” I pull out the chair beside him, sitting crisscross applesauce, just looking at the man that is Aiden Alexander.

  Looking out of the corner of his eye, he asks “What is?”

  “I just didn’t peg you for a newspaper guy. That’s all.” I tear off a piece of croissant and pop it into my mouth.

  Ignoring my comment, he goes back to reading, and I send a few texts to my sister, checking in.

  No reply.

  Standing, I lean over the table to grab a few chunks of pineapple then refill my coffee almost to overflowing, taking a quick sip before it runs over.

  Crossing his legs, he folds the paper, setting it in his lap. “Did you notice I didn’t try to kill you today?”

  Spitting coffee everywhere, I sputter, “Well, if you’re not happy with my services, I would prefer to be let go, but sparing my life is cool too.” I reach for the linens, wiping up the mess.

  “You know what I meant.” He smirks.

  “Thanks. You wouldn’t believe how many times those pesky little berries ruin a breakfast.” I sit back down, leaning back.

  “I can see where that would be an issue.” He nods a few times before he continues, “I think we should talk about last night.”

  Whoa, where did that come from?

  “You surprise me, Aiden Alexander.”

  “Why’s that?” He sits up, giving me his full attention, apparently curious.

  “One minute we are joking, and the next you want to address my drunken state of mind last night.” I mimic his pose, trying to lighten the situation.

  “I stepped over the line…I have a strict policy to never—”

  “Mix business with pleasure,” I interrupt, finishing the comment he has made before, the promise he said he would never break. “I get it Aiden, but last night was you helping me out. If anyone is at fault for crossing that line, it was me.” I close my eyes for a brief moment, remembering. “I asked you to stay.”

  “My behavior was out of control. I knew what I was doing, and I took full advantage of your situation.”

  “Aiden, seriously it’s not that big of a deal.”

  Says no one ever? I was one second away from framing his face with my thighs.

  Standing up he whispers, “I can’t control myself with you.” He turns, grabbing his cell phone off the table and is to the elevator before I can even process what just happened.

  I wonder what suitcase Gavin packed my little friends in…

  Niki

  He hired me for nothing. Everything I can do, the hotel does. Dry cleaning, coffee, food, copies, car service…you name it; they do it. I’m just an overpriced traveling companion. Nothing more.

  A week and half has passed, and besides a few social events and meetings, I’ve been holed up in this hotel. Nothing to do but binge watch Netflix and order room service. That perk is kinda sweet, literally.

  I thought about doing the normal touristy-type stuff, but what fun is that when you are broke and alone? I could use some of the money Aiden is paying me, but I have a feeling I’m going to be needing most of that for my sister. Something is going on there, and I can’t quit pin-point what it is. Our conversations are short and vague. Anytime I ask about her foot or school, she puts it back on me, asking about my travel adventures, and there’s nothing to tell.

  I can’t do this. I’m bored and at my wit’s end.

  Me: I’m bored. My brain needs to be used before it shrivels up and dies. I can’t believe I’m saying this *gulp* I’m tired… of NETFLIX.

  Sitting here, I watch my phone, waiting for the little dots that let me know Aiden is going to solve the world’s problems, or at least mine. There. They. Are.

  AA: What’s Netflix?

  Is he serious right now? He runs a billion-dollar empire and he doesn’t know what Netflix is? Hell, he probably owns stock in it and doesn’t even realize it, because people like Aiden Alexander have people who have people who handle things like that.

  Me: Seriously? What planet are you from?

  AA: Is this a test? Women are from Venus, and men, Mars. Before you get any crazy ideas, I’m not reading the book.

  Me: Funny, Alexander.

  I glance at the time. Hmm.

  Me: Are you between meetings?

  AA: Yes, is there something you need?

  Me: I’m bored. I need work.

  AA: I’m good for now.

  Me: Aiden!

  AA: Why don’t you call the spa?

  Me: There is no way I can afford the spa here.

  AA: Are you serious right now?

  Did he really just say that? I’m not about to charge it to the room. I’m overpaid as it is.

  Me: I’m not charging it to the room, Aiden. You already take care of too much.

  AA: LOL

  Really? He just LOL’d me!

  Me: Not cool. Don’t laugh.

  AA: It’s free. Except for the tip, but I make sure they are well taken care of.

  Why in
the hell is he just now telling me this?

  Me: Are you kidding me?

  AA: Nope.

  Me: Gotta go. Something’s come up.

  AA: LOL.

  I can’t believe I’ve been here for eleven days and haven’t been to the spa once. I can’t wait to tell Aubrey all about this.

  Picking up the phone, I call the spa’s direct line. “Hello. Miss Sanders. Thank you for calling the Four Seasons New York, L. Raphael Beauty Spa. My name is Sabrina. How can we be of service to you today?”

  When did he do this? When we got here? Just now? How would he have had time?

  “Thank you, Sabrina. I’m not really sure what I want. Is there something you suggest?” I ask since I don’t know what all they have to offer. The closest thing I have ever had to a spa day was getting a mani-pedi at the local mall. It’s just not a luxury I can afford, single, on a teacher’s salary.

  “Mr. Alexander thought you would like A Holistic Approach. Maybe a facial, massage and body treatment. He said you have been a little stressed lately.”

  “Oh, he did, did he?”

  “Oh, no…he didn’t mean it like that. He wanted something that would clear your mind. The holistic approach is uniquely developed to reinvigorate your senses, restore peace of mind.”

  “That sounds wonderful, Sabrina. I’m looking at your menu online. Do you have time in your schedule to get the works in that department?”

  “Err-um, let me check.” She puts me on hold. “Yes, Miss Sanders; looks like we have a team ready and waiting for you.”

  That seems weird. “A team?”

  “Yes, we have a team to give you the full Four Seasons experience.”

  “Wonderful, let me just take a quick shower, and I’ll be down in an hour.”

  “We are a full service establishment. Come now; we have a private shower stocked and ready.”

  Wow!

  “You guys really think of everything.”

  “Yes, Miss Sanders. The only thing you need to worry about is polish color...” I hear someone talking in the background. “Oh, and how do you feel about wax?”

  “Well, define wax? Eyebrows, legs, lip…” I lean into the mirror touching my lips to see if there is any peach fuzz I may not have noticed.

  “Brazilian, Miss Sanders.”

  “Oh! I-I I’m not sure.” Just talking about it, my hand travels south, cupping my lady goods.

  “How about we make that decision when the time comes.” Sabrina lets out a soft chuckle.

  “See you soon, Miss Sanders.” The line goes dead.

  “Okay, girl, you got this. It’s just a little wax.” I give my lady goods a little reassuring pat. Chanting to myself.

  Carpet is bare; enjoy the air.

  Carpet is bare; enjoy the air.

  Carpet is bare; enjoy the air.

  I grab my bag and head toward the elevator, typing out a quick text to Aiden.

  Me: Day just got better. Thanks.

  AA: Good deal. I think I have come up with a solution. Talk tonight.

  Me: TTYL

  AA: ?

  Me: Talk to you later.

  AA: *thumbs up*

  Me: You use emojis but not a commonly used acronym?

  AA: *winky face*

  Me: *peace fingers*

  Today isn’t so bad. I can’t wait to call Aubrey and tell her everything.

  After six hours at the spa, I head up to the suite to give Aubrey a call. Talking to her on and off during the day, we debated if I should get the wax. Her vote was yes, and I thought I should just keep shaving.

  “Aubrey, it’s so smooth, and let me tell you. After she was done and the air hit, I was like…I can’t even explain it.”

  “Take a pic.”

  I’m kind of shocked by her request. “Seriously? You want a pic of my lady goods?”

  “Come on, Niki. I’ve seen you naked millions of times. I’m not asking you to hop on a table and spread your legs. Just a quick pic.”

  “Fine.” I pull my pants down with one hand, phone in the other and do as she requested. “Text it to you?”

  “Yes, I promise I’ll delete it right after and then delete from the deleted folder.”

  Putting the phone on speaker, I hit the up arrow to text it, typing out “A” and hit send. “Oh, no. No-no-no-no-no-no-no…” I start to panic. “Aubrey, please tell me you got that picture?”

  “Nothing so far.”

  “Aubrey.” I take a deep breath, count to ten, then exhale. “I sent the picture to Aiden.”

  “Recall it!” she screams.

  “It’s not an email!” I scream back. “It’s a fucking text. I just SEXTED my boss.” Panic takes over.

  Is he going to fire me or fuck me?

  Seriously, I need to get a grip. My priorities are fire or fucking?

  “Well, did he respond?”

  “Let’s look.” I double tap the screen, taking me to the texts. “Nope. No response.”

  “Dots?”

  “Aubrey? What am I going to do?” I plead for her to make this go away. “You know, if you wouldn’t have made me take a picture, this wouldn’t have happened.”

  “Now, Niki, sometimes we do things we don’t like. Remember the slutty dress?” She brings up a few weeks ago when I made her go outside her comfort zone.

  “Well, it worked, right?”

  “Yeah…I guess you can say that…WAIT!” she exclaims. “Check to see if the line is still at the top, like it’s sending. Maybe it hasn’t gone through since we are on the phone.”

  “Maybe…Let me check.” I double tap the screen again. “It went through. No line.” My skin begins to burn everywhere. “I’m so hot right now.”

  “Niki, don’t be mad,” she pleads.

  “I’m not mad, Aubrey. I’m burning hot…like, everywhere.” I pull my pants down to examine my goods. “Oh! My! God! Aubrey, I’m so red.” I throw my bag on the table and head to the couch to lie down, throwing one leg over the back to give my bits a rest.

  “Well, you did just get waxed.” She laughs.

  “It’s not funny. I was pretty bare to begin with. It shouldn’t have hurt so badly.”

  “I’m sure it’s from the heat and all the baby hairs you can’t see.”

  The redness turns to a little burning sensation. “Aubrey, should it burn?”

  “Um, I’m not sure. I’ve never had one. Let me Google it.”

  The burn has turned to itching, “Aubrey, I’m now itching. My lady goods are on fire, and I can’t stop itching.” Sliding my hand down my pants, I can’t help but scratch, fighting the temptation to use nails.

  Aubrey’s laugh turns hysterical. “I’m so sorry, Niki, but it sounds like you have an STD.”

  “Mommy? What’s an STD?” I can hear Reece ask in the background.

  “I thought you were in your room?”

  “I wanted some ice cream. What is it?” Reece doesn’t let up.

  “It’s a type of car, sweetie. Now why don’t you go find Putter and make sure he’s not making a mess.” She puts her hand over the phone so their voices are muffled. “No, it’s not a Lincoln. Yes, I’m sure it’s a car.” Uncovering the phone, she whispers, “That one was a hard one to get out.”

  “The burning and itching…I can’t take it. Aubrey, I’m pretty sure if I had a dick, it would have fallen off by now.” I’m on the verge of tears.

  “I’m looking, scrolling and Google says it may be poison ivy. Oh shit! What if they had poison ivy and now you have it on your hooty hoo?”

  “Impossible, they wore gl—”

  Shit! Shit! Shit!

  “Aubrey, they wore gloves.” The tears begin to fall. “They wore fucking latex gloves!”

  I’m crying, running around rubbing myself through my pants trying to fight the urge to scratch myself raw.

  “Nik, calm down; just breathe.” Her voice breaks me out of my hysterics. “First things first, go take a shower. Wash off anything that may be irritating it. Maybe a cool on
e will help soothe the skin.”

  Running upstairs, undressing as I go, I hop in the shower, letting the cool water rush over me, and instead of worrying about if my non-existent dick falls off, all I can think about is the accidental photo I sent Aiden and the response that never came.

  Niki

  Curling up on the couch with a blanket and coffee is all I feel like doing. The cool shower helped, but I’m still swollen and red.

  A ding alerts me when the elevator arrives, and I hear Aiden before I can see him. “Niki!” His footsteps get closer.

  Setting the coffee down, I bring the blanket up over my head, shielding myself from his reaction.

  “A couple of my meetings got canceled, so I cleared my schedule for the next couple days.” The couch dips. “Niki?”

  Leaving the cover over my head, I say, “Yes?”

  “Why are you hiding from me?”

  “Because.”

  I showed you my twat, so now I feel like a twat.

  “Because why?” I can hear the smirk that is probably plastered across his face.

  I throw the covers back. “You know damn well why I’m hiding.”

  “No, I don’t.”

  “Come on, now. Are you going to make me say it?” I throw my hands up.

  He nods.

  “Stop being an ass. I sent you a picture that wasn’t meant for you.”

  “Who was it for then?” His demeanor instantly changes from warm to cold.

  “Aubrey. She wanted to see what a Brazilian looks like.” Swinging my legs off the couch to stand, I wince from the sudden movement.

  “Deep tissue?”

  “No, latex gloves.” I walk past him to the fridge, grab a carton of yogurt, and head to the bathroom. Aubrey said it had a natural soothing ingredient in it.

  “Since when do we eat yogurt in the bathroom?”

  “Since the moment my nice, pretty vajinator turned into a fat, ugly, red beast.”

  “What are you talking about?” He follows me into the bathroom.

  “Can you give me a minute?”

  “No, I can’t. We are both adults here, so act like it. Tell me what is going on.” He leans against the counter, testing me.

  “I guess when they gave me my wax, they used latex gloves. An hour later, it started to burn, then itch. My crotch is on fire, Aiden.”