Redemption: Part Five (The Vault Book 5) Read online

  We make our way to her desk, eyes from all around the office following us as she discreetly drops her headphones and phone into her purse before reaching for the only personal effect on her desk, a picture of her with her grandparents in Italy. She rises, her cheeks growing pink as the glares around us only deepen. She releases a low breath and squares her shoulders, holding her head high and making my chest warm with pride at the amount of grace she’s able to exude in such a terrible situation. The elevator doors slide open, Maya and Troy stepping in and waiting patiently as she gives me a small smile.

  “I’ll be home around seven, but if you need anything before then…”

  “Thank you,” she nods, her eyes moving to my mouth, craving my lips as much as I am hers before she returns her gaze to mine. “You know, I get that we’re in the wrong here, but it still doesn’t seem fair that despite our discretion, despite the fact that you’ve sent me away at the demand of Avery’s board, effectively taking me out of your employ, and I’m leaving quietly, we’re not even allowed the comfort of a proper goodbye.”

  I stare down at her, taking her words in and can’t help the way my eyebrows quirk together as I release a low and frustrated sigh.

  “You know something, princess? I think you’re exactly right.”

  Before she can reply with little more than a look of surprise, I reach for her, pressing my lips to hers and giving her a firm but gentle kiss. Her hands move to my arms, gripping them as I rest my hand low on her waist, pulling a low whimper from her chest that makes me needy. When I pull away a moment later, the feel of shocked gazes radiating throughout the main floor of the office has more than doubled, but the only one I’m worried about is blushing scarlet in my arms.

  “Text me once you’re home so I know you’ve made it safe,” I whisper, pulling a nod from her. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” she replies, stepping onto the elevator and holding my eyes as the doors slowly begin to slide shut.

  I’m stuck in place for a moment, the sound of my phone chiming in my pocket pulling me from her lingering spell. I glance down, anger swelling in my chest when I see the text from Simon.

  TGIF, cous! I hope your day has been as rewarding as mine.

  Newfound resentment surges in my veins as I storm toward my office. I’m nearly there when Byron, my COO, calls out to me.

  “Avery!” he hisses, pulling my eyes toward his and making it obvious he’d just seen the same thing everyone else had. “What the hell are you thinking? Melinda just told you the board…”

  “Fuck the board,” I cut him off. “I did everything Melinda asked of me and then some. The board can have their conditions, but don’t think for a second I don’t have mine,” I profess. “We’re done hiding.”

  ISABELLA

  “I’m not sure I’ll ever understand how they do that,” I admit as I slip from his bathroom, finding him pulling his watch off and setting it on his bedside table.

  Three days have passed since I took my infamous walk of shame that led me out of the doors of Avery Finance. While I can’t say I’m feeling much better about my career just yet, Adam has done all he can to reassure me that this disaster would pass, regardless of what we’re currently going through with the board.

  We’d shared another weekend much like the last, hidden away in the sanctuary of his penthouse. Today had been slightly different because Adam had to leave for a few hours, disappointing us both. However, the bulk of the weekend had belonged to us and us alone.

  “How who does what, kitten?” he asks, pulling me back to find his eyes raking over the silk robe I’m tucked inside before he gives the sash a gentle tug. “Take that off.”

  “Maya and Troy,” I reply, untying the silk and laying it over the arm of the nearby chair. “They were up my ass all day while you were out, but the second you walk through the door, it’s like they just dissipate into thin air.”

  “That’s their job, darling,” he smirks, reaching for me. “I literally pay them to stay up your ass and then scatter at a moments notice.”

  “I know, but it’s still weird,” I admit, taking his hand. “Where do they go?”

  “Wherever I tell them to,” he winks, pulling me closer to his side of the bed. “Come. I have a few things I need to show you.”

  He takes a seat on the edge of the bed, settling me onto his lap before reaching into the drawer of his table, pulling out a few items and returning his gaze to me.

  “What are these?” I ask, my eyes moving to his once I take in the set of keys and three cards he’s holding.

  “You’ll be on your own here more than usual. I want to make sure you have what you need,” he offers, holding my eyes. “Under no circumstances are you to step foot out of this penthouse without security unless I’m with you. Understood?”

  “Yes, Sir,” I promise.

  “Good girl,” he nods his approval before moving his attention back to his hands, lifting the first card. “This is to get into the building. This,” he lifts another. “Is to get into the penthouse should you forget your access code.”

  “Well, you made it my birthday, so I don’t think I will, but thank you.”

  “Very good,” he smiles small. “This is a credit card. It’s yours to use at your leisure.”

  “Adam, you don’t have to-”

  “Non-negotiable,” he cuts me off, waiting patiently for me to reply with a nod before he continues, reaching for a set of keys. “Finally, I don’t want you driving yours.”

  “Why can’t I drive my car anymore?” I ask, my eyebrows quirking together. “I thought we were done hiding.”

  “We are, darling, but the media knows too much about you, including what you drive, for me to feel comfortable with you using it right now. The second you leave this building in that car, they’ll be all over you,” he reasons, making my chest fall in annoyance. “I know you’ll have Maya and Troy with you, but there’s still no reason to cause unwanted attention.”

  “Okay,” I nod, biting my lip for a moment before I glance down at the keys and feel my lips spread wide with excitement. “Oh, my God! Are these the keys to the Trevita?”

  “Absolutely not,” he says immediately, laughing when I deflate. “These are the keys to the Lexus. If for some reason you need something bigger, you can use the Bentayga if you’re careful. The keys are in the safe and your fingerprint is already programmed in.”

  “And if for some reason I have a need to drive really fast and feel contentment unlike any I’ve ever known before, you’ll let me take the Trevita?” I bat my eyelashes. “Are the keys in the safe for that one, too?”

  “They are,” he admits with a wide grin. “But I said no.”

  “Aww, come on. Please?” I whine, making him laugh harder. “You’re not driving it.”

  “You’re absolutely right, darling. I’m not and neither are you,” he says with a blunt chuckle, kissing my hair when I rest my head on his chest.

  “But it’s so pretty,” I sigh, angling my eyes to his as I wrap my arms around his waist. “You know, this whole giving up everything to be your girlfriend is quite the adjustment,” I reason suggestively, trying the eyelash thing once more. “Being able to drive that car might make me feel better.”

  “It’s my job to make you feel better. We won’t be leaving that up to my irreplaceable, five-million-dollar car.”

  “Yeah, but-” I start, my voice coming to an abrupt stop when his words register, my gaping expression making his eyes move to mine. “That car cost you five-million-dollars?”

  “Yes, it did,” he nods. “And while it was worth every penny, I’m switching cars and I’m still not driving it.”

  “Well, which one are you driving?”

  “The Alfa, of course,” he winks, making me giggle.

  Dork.

  “Yo
u know, I’m not really sure you’re thinking this through.”

  My fingers slowly drift over his bare chest, tracing the deep cuts in his abs as they gently graze his skin, sending a shudder through us both.

  “You don’t, huh?”

  “No, Sir,” I shake my head, glancing up at him from beneath my lashes, his lips parting just slightly as his palm moves lower over my waist, teasing my skin.

  He leans forward just enough for his hot breath to wash over my lips, the low growl buried in his chest vibrating against my front, making me heady.

  “What am I missing, little one?”

  “Not much, but…” I trail off and he stares into me, dominance lacing his every movement as his lips brush over mine, stealing my senses.

  “Hmm?” he hums, his tongue darting out against my chin, pulling a low whimper from my chest as my eyes grow heavy. I think maybe he’s missed it until his full lips quirk up on either side, melting me further. “Use your words, kitten. Tell Papa.”

  “If you let me drive it, I’ll let you do whatever you want to me in there,” I bargain, gesturing toward the door to the toy room. “Anything, Daddy.”

  “Hmm… you’re going to do that anyway, kitten,” he husks, kissing the tip of my nose as he gives my bare ass a gentle smack and winks playfully. “However, your tenacity is quite admirable, sweetheart,” he continues, his low chuckle vibrating between us as my head falls defeated against his chest, his lips pressing sweetly to my temple. “It was a valiant effort on your part.”

  “Okay,” I sigh, glancing up at him from my place on his knee. “Will you at least take me for a ride soon?”

  “If you’ll stop trying to sweet talk me out of my car, I’ll take you for a ride right now,” he hums suggestively, running his lips down the side of my neck, making me beam. “Go on,” he gives my ass cheek another gentle smack. “Put your things up and come to bed.”

  “Yes, Sir,” I blush, moving toward my bag to put everything away while he rises, pulling the covers back and waiting for me to settle. “Thank you for looking after me,” I offer. “I know things at the office have been insane and I was teasing you before, but it matters to me that you care enough to be so thoughtful.”

  “Of course,” he says as I make my way to him, cradling my jaw with his palm before pressing his lips to mine. “I know this is a lot, but I promised to keep you safe and take care of you. Everything else might be chaotic right now, but nothing about that has changed, princess.”

  Chapter Three

  ADAM

  We climb into my bed and I savor in the feel of her soft skin against mine as I position her onto my lap to straddle my waist. Her hands rest gently on my shoulders as I dip my head low to taste her skin.

  I’ve spent every free moment I’ve had to spare since I came home on Friday doing whatever I can to reassure her. She hasn’t said as much, but it’s obvious her ego has taken one hell of a hit since I put her on that elevator three days ago.

  She knows my hands were tied, understands there’s nothing I could have done differently, or I never would have put her through any of it. However, my heart still aches thinking of how easily my strong and independent girl had fallen apart with the possibility of losing me, losing us.

  I don’t ever want her to feel that way again.

  Despite the late hour and another early day ahead of me, I take my time with her, eager to draw out the last of our unbroken time together. I’m desperate to make sure she knows going into the first of what could be many weeks of frustration knowing my love for her, my devotion to her, won’t falter.

  I still don’t know who Simon paid off to gain access to our secured entrance. I have no idea what will happen at the hearing or even when that will be. There are dozens of questions swarming inside both our minds, each one more complicated than the last. What I do know is that no matter what happens with any of those, my feelings for Isabella won’t change.

  I need to make sure she knows that just as completely as I do.

  My palms move from her waist to settle onto her chest, groping her breasts hard enough to pull a low whimper from her lips. Her eyes grow heavy as I trace her mouth with my tongue, slowly flicking the end of it against her lower lip before I pull it between my teeth.

  It makes her crazy.

  She begins to rock slowly over my lap, the feel of her wet cunt rubbing against my swollen shaft enough to have me growling into her mouth.

  Her eyes grow heavy with need.

  Her grip on my shoulders increases, the feel of her perfectly manicured fingernails biting into my skin making me pinch her nipple as my other hand moves to the back of her neck, holding her in place. I kiss her hard, swallowing her moans as I begin grinding my hips beneath her, just enough to increase the sensation without granting her relief.

  When I pull away, she gasps for air, the feel of her body visibly aching with need over mine making my cock pulse against her.

  I tighten my grip on her throat, the pad of my thumb moving gently against her skin as I lower my hand from her nipple to her waist. I hold her eyes, silently commanding her as I knead her skin before giving her a sharp smack on the ass.

  “Ah!” she cries out, a quiet whimper leaving her parted lips as they continue to hover against mine.

  “Bella,” I croon, soothing the sting left behind as I gently bite her chin. “Stay still, pumpkin.”

  She gives me a small nod, humming to herself when I give her chin a light peck and move my hand low, slowly tracing the edge of her pussy with my fingertips.

  She’s drenched for me.

  “Daddy,” she pants, her breathing hitched and heavy as she stares into me, her eyes begging. “Please don’t tease me.”

  “Shh,” I whisper against her mouth, pressing my lips to hers gently as I run my finger down her center, making her eyelashes flutter as her jaw goes slack. “Did you miss me, darling?”

  “Yes, Sir,” she purrs against my mouth. “I hate it when you have to go.”

  “I do, too, kitten,” I admit, her head dipping slowly as I continue to stroke her.

  My touch makes her desperately cling to me, her thighs slowly beginning to vibrate around me. I use my grip on her neck to pull her eyes back, giving her a gentle smack between the thighs that increases her arousal tenfold, her eyes going wild.

  “Tsk tsk,” I smirk against her jaw, still staring up at her as I flatten my tongue against her skin and slowly drag it upwards to the hollow of her ear. “Eyes on me. You know what happens to my princess when she doesn’t behave, don’t you?”

  “Yes,” she gasps, earning another smack that takes her breath.

  “Yes what?”

  “Yes, Sir,” she mewls, her breath growing heavy with ravenous need.

  “Is that what you want, kitten?” I ask, slipping my fingers inside her and smirking wickedly as her mouth falls open, a gasp leaving her lips. Her arousal covers my fingers and I pull away from her, tracing her mouth before she wraps her lips around them, sucking them clean with a moan. “Do you need Daddy to fuck you into submission? Remind you who your master is, Bella?”

  “Yes,” she pleads, my mouth shifting into a dark smirk as I pull my fingers from her mouth, licking her mouth clean and lapping the wetness from her lips. “Daddy yes.”

  “Hmm… as you wish, darling,” I hum, my hand wrapping around the hair at the nape of her neck commanding her obedience as I give it a sharp tug, staring into her. “What baby wants, baby gets.”

  ISABELLA

  Before I can process his words with much more than a soft mewl of pleasure, he releases his tight hold on me just enough to raise my grip to the top of the headboard, hovering over him. In the next movement, he’s holding me in place roughly once more, shoving into me and pulling a loud gasp of pleasure from my chest.

  “Quiet,” he command
s, spanking me hard enough to make the sting vibrate deliciously up my spine. I bite my lip, silencing the whimper that threatens as he watches intently, his lips moving into a dark grin. “Good girl,” he husks, grabbing the afflicted spot hard and using it as leverage to shove into me deeper before his palm comes down once more. My insides tremble, my breathing falters, but I hold the wail inside my chest despite my desperation. “There she is,” he croons, the softness of his voice a contradiction to the savage force in his thrusts. He grabs my feet, spreading me as wide as I can go and sinks a half inch into the mattress, commanding my gaze. “Don’t let go, baby.”

  “Yes, Sir,” I manage as I tighten my grip on the headboard above him and lower my eyes to his.

  I’m still straddling him, but my legs are spread so wide for him, the inside of my thighs are burning as he holds me in place. His hips rise hard, slamming into me and I take him deep enough to make my eyes tear, the gasp trapping itself in my throat. His eyes begin to dance in approval for a moment before he clamps down on his own lip, growling with need of his own.

  “You’re fucking perfect, princess,” he grounds out, reaching for my neck and forcing my lips down to his, yanking my hair roughly as he shoves his tongue into my mouth, stealing my breath.

  He runs his tongue over mine, my thoughts slowly dwindling until they’re reduced to only him. When he ends the kiss, he holds me close, my grip still locked on the headboard as he demanded. He traces my mouth with his, tasting me gently for a moment as his gaze shifts into something carnal, the dominance I crave from him washing everything else away. In the next movement, he releases me, reaching for my hands and flipping me onto my back roughly against the mattress. It pulls a low huff from me that’s cut off from one palm gripping my jaw and the other slamming my arms over my head.

  “What did I tell you?” he asks, his eyes twinkling when I silence my moans immediately. “Very good,” he mewls, using his knees to roughly push my legs apart and shove inside me once more. “You like it when Papa’s rough with you. Don’t you, princess?” he mewls against my lips, shoving deep and groaning when it pulls a whimper from my parted lips. “My sweet baby craves it, doesn’t she?”