9781631054631ChoiceAffairsSalisbury Page 18

  * * * *

  Apolo

  I stood there dumbfounded, watching as Caitlyn smacked Delpheine across the face in a justified rage. Rarely does my redheaded goddess get angry, and there is no greater wrath known to man. Anyone in her path had better step aside. She had warned Delpheine on more than one occasion. Now she had acted and acted well.

  Not sure what Caitlyn thought she was walking in on, I felt the urge to go after her. Delpheine, thinking she’d won some sort of victory, latched onto my arm. Out of instinct, I forcefully removed her hand.

  Renee pulled me back. Voting was to begin on the chamber floor in fifteen minutes. I still had time. I shook my head and stormed out of the office in search of my wife. I caught up with her just as she entered the descending car. Sticking my hands between the two doors, they parted, and I entered. She was over to one side, looking straight ahead and not at me.

  Catching me looking at her, she turned her head. She was angry and had every right to be.

  The elevator soon arrived on the lobby floor. I stepped out and waited for her. She did her best to avoid me, walking away.

  “Caitlyn,” I called after her. It didn’t take but a couple of my steps to meet her. “Caiti, don’t leave angry. You know there was nothing to her being there, other than her self-absorbed pity party.”

  She slowed down, turned, and stopped. Now that she was facing me, I could tell it was taking every bit of strength she had in her to keep from losing her composure. “Apolo, all I want to do is go home. I would have never come here if I’d known what you were up to. I merely wanted to talk with Renee about the foundation idea. Instead, I find you in the arms of another woman.”

  “Caitlyn—”

  “Please, it’s been nothing but a crappy day so far. Keeps getting better by the minute.” She was ranting, but I let her go on. “Oh, and did I tell you that I’m being shunned? I tried calling those women I’d met with when we first got here? They’re not interested in working with us. Rather, they’ve decided it would be best if they distanced themselves from us, you, until this matter is sorted out.”

  “You knew this might happen. We discussed it.” I stood there, unable to do a thing for her at that very moment. “Why don’t I have Jacob take you home? I’ll be there as soon as we finish this afternoon’s votes. Okay?”

  “Whatever.”

  “Caitlyn, if I could blow it off, or even abstain, I would. But there are some important issues being decided today. I have to be there. I have to cast my vote.”

  “I know.” She glared at me with those haunting green eyes. If I wasn’t mistaken, I could almost swear I saw daggers. “I’ll go home, have some lunch, do whatever.”

  I saw Jacob pulling the Bentley up to the curb and began to walk her that way. “I love you, always and forever,” I whispered into her hair. “Don’t ever doubt that.”

  She stopped and looked up at me. “I never doubt your love, Apolo. I love you.” She leaned against me as we continued on.

  As we reached the Bentley, I leaned over and kissed her. “I’ll be home as soon as I can. In the meantime, go online and look up this person.” I handed her a card. “Tina is my cousin. She lives in L.A. and works as an event planner.”

  “Why haven’t you mentioned her before?”

  “I probably have, in passing. Anyway, she texted me a few days ago. She heard that you were wanting to set up a foundation. Wanted to know if we needed any help.”

  “Hmmm, invisible cousin who keeps up with you. I like her already.”

  “Yes, well, she’s made a good life for herself. Never married, except to her career. I suppose that’s why we get along so well. Look her up, and we’ll talk. I know she’s set up a couple of foundations for some A-list celebrities. She may be who we need.”

  “You may be right, Apolo. She’s totally unassociated with the Washington scene.” She kissed me on the mouth. If we hadn’t been in public, where there were probably a couple of paparazzi staked out, I might have taken it a little deeper.

  Glancing up, I noticed Delpheine getting into a cab. Take your pathetic ass back to whatever rock you crawled out from under. Thinking you have even the slightest chance in hell of getting back in my good graces by rushing into my office with your phony sob story is a riot. Delpheine swore she’d made a huge mistake with the senator, but I know that all she wanted to do was cause trouble. To quote the song, Delpheine, “I’m looking through you.” Yes, you’re that transparent. Good riddance.

  Washing my hands of her, I turned my attention back to my wife and our current discussion. “Yes, that’s what I thought. I’ve got to run, angel. I’ll text you as soon as we’re finishing up.”

  “Okay, and Apolo?”

  “Hmmm?”

  “I love you. Thank you for being you.”

  “My pleasure, Mrs. Choice. And I apologize for what you walked in on. I should have never allowed it—”

  “Water under the bridge.” She patted my cheek, smiling, though I could still see the hurt in her eyes. She slid in the backseat of the Bentley.

  I got in beside Caitlyn and shut the door. Leaning forward, I opened the smoked glass partition between Jacob and us. “Drop me off then take Mrs. Choice home. I’ll text Renee, tell her where I am. I’ll have her ready an intern with my coat and briefcase. They’ll be waiting for you at the curb.”

  “Do I wait on them and bring them back, or do you want them to find their own way?”

  “If they’re resourceful, they’ll figure it out. You have more important things to attend to.”

  Jacob grinned. He loved things like this. There was an underground tunnel between the two buildings, and if this person was as good as they claimed when Renee hired them, they’d be able to find their own way back.

  I closed the partition and leaned over to devour my wife’s lavish lips as I silently cursed the inability to just blow off the afternoon’s business.

  Chapter Fourteen

  As soon as I entered the penthouse, I realized I was starving. I tossed my purse and coat over a chair and headed to the kitchen. Good thing Jacob had dropped Apolo off first. If he hadn’t, it may have turned into something. What I needed now was a sandwich. Then, off to work.

  I was excited at this latest turn of events. Possibly this cousin of Apolo’s, Tina, was the ticket we needed to help us start the foundation. A complete outsider, with no ties to Washington or the other set of politics that was being played.

  Taking my roast beef and Swiss cheese, along with a bottle of water, into my office, I turned my computer back on. Hopefully, the second half of the day would be better than the first. A cold chill shot through me as I recalled what had transpired earlier in Apolo’s office.

  As I waited for the laptop to do its thing, I scrolled through my phone for messages. Mother. She just wasn’t going to take the hint. Her last text was spiteful. She mentioned Delpheine being at Apolo’s office and that a mother is never wrong.

  “Well, yeah, you are, Mother. You don’t know what you’re talking about, and I sure don’t know what that bitch has been feeding you.” I deleted all her messages without reading them. She certainly wasn’t going to ruin the rest of my day.

  I keyed in Apolo’s cousin’s name and was pleasantly surprised at what I found. Tina had a web site. She was quite an attractive woman, a couple of years older than Apolo.

  I read through her bio then her past accomplishments. She had indeed helped two major stars start their foundations. It gave me hope. Reading farther, I noted she was also a screenplay writer, though she’d never had anything made into a major production. Special event planning seemed to be her thing. Made me wonder why Apolo had never mentioned her or invited her to our wedding. Perhaps he hadn’t wanted to include her in his family drama.

  Spending the afternoon engrossed in catching up on correspondence and emails, I looked at the clock on the computer and noted it was after four. I’d also ignored my phone, so I picked that up and scrolled through. I knew there’d be nothing
from Apolo. I had set a special ringtone, so I’d know when it was from him.

  There was a voicemail and text from Renee. I decided to ignore them. I didn’t want to relive what had transpired at Apolo’s office. Not with her or anyone else.

  Realizing I hadn’t taken a break in hours, I pushed myself away from the desk. I headed into the kitchen where I deposited my plate and cup from earlier into the dishwasher. Spying a half-full bottle of red wine on the counter, I grabbed a glass and poured the remains into it. I took a long swallow, sighed, and went in search of a comfortable place to sit.

  I sat down on one of the overstuffed leather sofas and finished my glass of wine. The next thing I remembered was the sound of Apolo’s ringtone.

  Sitting up, I grabbed my phone. “Sorry. I fell asleep.”

  “Good for you. I’m leaving now.”

  “Okay. See you in a few.”

  “Oh, and Caitlyn?”

  “Yes?”

  He hesitated for a moment. “Nothing. See you in a few.”

  “Apolo?”

  “Nothing, angel. I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” I replied, but he had already hung up. He sounded strung tight. Probably the stress of the day.

  I walked into the darkened, cool room where Apolo kept a small wine collection. It was nothing in comparison to what he had in Atlanta, but he’d shipped up a good variety to help get us started. I looked through the shelves until I came to a nice Cabernet we both enjoyed. Pulling two bottles out, I walked to the kitchen and uncorked one. I let it stand there while I looked for fresh glasses.

  Hearing the sound of Apolo’s voice, I left everything and headed into the living room to greet him. “That was quick. I just opened a bottle of Cabernet. Like a glass?” I asked, as I snaked my arms around his waist.

  He reciprocated, drawing me tight against him for a couple of seconds. He kissed the top of my head. “Actually, I think I’d like something stronger.”

  I pulled back, grinning at him. “Rough day?”

  “Let’s just say this has been a strange one and leave it at that.”

  We walked farther into the living room, his arm around my shoulder.

  “Go pour yourself what you want. I’m going to get a glass of wine. Then, we can sit, and hopefully, you can unwind.”

  “Yes,” he replied, his voice changing. “I actually have a few ideas to accomplish that a little later.”

  I disappeared back into the kitchen, the hairs on my arms standing on end. The lilt in his voice just now. I knew exactly what he had in store for us. I poured one glass of wine and drank it down before pouring another. He was right about one thing—this had been a strange day. But I had the feeling it was going to get a little kinky later on.

  He was standing at the bank of windows looking out over the Washington skyline, drink in one hand, the other thrust down in a pocket. I could see his reflection. He looked tired and lost in thought.

  “What’s on your mind, babe? You look a million miles away.”

  He turned to face me just as I came up next to his muscular body. I caught a whiff of his cologne. Perfect for him.

  “Just playing over the events of today, that’s all.”

  “Well, put your brain in neutral and come sit with me.” I took his hand, which had now come out of his trouser pocket, and led him toward one of the sofas.

  Sitting down on the overstuffed leather couch, he took a long drink and placed the glass on a table next to him. “Quite a day, huh?”

  “I hadn’t noticed,” I teased. “I did come home and look up your cousin, Tina, on line. Very impressive woman.”

  “Yes, she is. I sent her a text in response to hers. Told her we were interested in talking with her and to give me a call at her convenience. I figure it’s the weekend, so she may be busy.”

  “Good thinking. You’re right. She’s just what we need to get this off the ground. So, what would you like to do this evening?”

  “I thought I’d finish my drink. Take a shower.”

  “Dinner?”

  “Perhaps after a while. I need to unwind a bit, first.”

  * * * *

  I watched him intently as he polished off his second glass of whiskey. We’d been sitting, chatting, anything to clear his mind and mine of the days’ events.

  Setting his empty crystal glass on the table, he unfolded his tall, muscular frame. He extended a hand. “Come, my pet.” He led me to the luxurious bathroom just off our bedroom. I caught my breath in anticipation of what might lie ahead.

  Apolo cracked the shower faucet full blast. Six sinful showerheads waited in the oversize stall. The natural stones blended well with the glass accents. All in earthy, natural-colored tiles.

  The tone of his voice changed again. A muscle ticked in his jaw. “Strip. Now,” he growled.

  I swallowed hard, pushing the T-shirt over my head and my pants to the floor. I gazed at him, his eyes fierce, predatory, his face growing hard and intense.

  Back-walking me over to a wall, he shoved my thong down my legs with a growl. He covered my body with his. Then, he stripped his own clothes off before leading me to the shower and closing the glass doors behind us.

  He dragged me against his body as hot water pelted over us. Reaching for the soap, he rubbed it between his large palms. “What is it you want?” He wasn’t speaking to me as a husband now, but as a Master. It made me melt. He cupped my breasts and rolled the nipples until they were hard.

  Every brush of his skin sent me gasping and clinging to him, but I didn’t speak. “Good. Not another word unless I tell you otherwise.” He spun me until I was directly under the warm water. The soap ran down my body. He bent, sucking and nipping at my aching nipples. He never said a word.

  Nudging my legs apart, he covered my mound possessively with his palm, fingers sliding inside me. “Do you know what it does to me when you get so wet?”

  I was trying to catch my breath when he lifted me against him, forcing my legs around his waist. He flattened me against the wall. I threw my arms around his neck as his cock bobbed between us. He positioned himself and impaled me in one hard thrust.

  “Take me, all of me,” he panted against my ear before he covered my mouth with his.

  He gripped my hips and pushed me down on his cock as he arched. I gasped against his lips, and he used the opportunity to thrust his tongue possessively into my mouth.

  He overtook my every sense, wrapping himself all around me with his strength, his seduction. He thrust so deeply into me, I screamed. “That’s it, my pet. Take every inch of me,” he rasped into my ear as he stroked into me again.

  “Apolo.” I frantically grabbed his hair. “Harder.”

  He nipped at the lobe of my ear. “You’re so beautiful when you flush.”

  He forged deeper into my slick, swelling pussy, scraping against the sensitized flesh. “That’s it, baby.” He slowed his strokes, lingering over the one spot he knew drove me wild.

  “Please, Apolo!” He grabbed tighter, ground into me against that spot that ached. Overwhelmed by the sensation overtaking my body and Apolo’s voice urging me on, I reveled when he followed me into the abyss, coming inside me in a hot liquid release.

  He set me on my feet then braced one hand on the wall above my shoulders for support. He nuzzled my neck as I panted. “I can’t stop fucking you. You’re making me hard again.”

  “Then, fuck me again.”

  That’s all the encouragement he needed as he began pumping and thrusting wildly in me. Finally in the throw of his release again, he kissed me on the tip of the nose. Then, he stepped out onto the cool tile and handed me a towel, reaching back to cut off the shower.

  I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed that he didn’t take things further. He was spent, which was brought on by his newly chosen career. I’d come to crave that side of our relationship. The one in which I completely and totally allowed him all control. The one where I submitted to him unconditionally.

 
“Hungry?” I asked as I reached for a bra and thong from the built-in drawer in the closet.

  He eyed me intently. “Yes, and no clothes, my pet. I want you completely naked the rest of the night. I want to be able to reach out and touch your soft skin whenever I please. Or watch you touch yourself when I command.”

  Shaking my head, I turned and proceeded toward the kitchen area. Not that I minded, but cooking and naked were not two words I would put together. “You’re a strange man sometimes, Apolo Choice, but it’s one of the reasons I love you.”

  I walked over to the Sub-Zero and eyeballed its contents. I had hoped for pizza, but could tell by his mood that was out of the question. Turning around, I saw him standing in the doorway. “Enjoying the view?” I teased.

  “Very much.”

  “Please, tell me what you’re hungry for. All I see is a refrigerator full of food.”

  “Whatever you want to fix will be fine by me.”

  “You’re no help, Choice. Breakfast suit you?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, that sounds wonderful.”

  “Okay, let me get things started. Word of warning—I’m going to at least put on a T-shirt. Hot grease and bare skin don’t go together.”

  He began to chuckle. If nothing else, I got him to lighten up and laugh a little. He was wound up tighter than a clock and needed to relax.

  A short time later, we were sitting at the dining room table feasting on biscuits, sausage, and cheese scrambled eggs Apolo had insisted on cooking himself. The man had even picked out a white wine to go with our out-of-the-norm breakfast-dinner. Only Apolo would think to do that.

  Our conversation centered around his cousin Tina and how she’d had to move out of the south to accomplish what she had set out to do. Apolo mentioned her parents were quite old fashioned and had expected her to settle down, marry, and have kids after college. If she wanted to work, she could volunteer for the Junior League or something. In other words, they had expected her to follow in her mother’s footsteps and be a gentile, southern lady.