Redemption: Part Five (The Vault Book 5) Page 6

  “I would love to go somewhere,” she admits, making me give her an apologetic smile. “But I only asked because this seems a little dressier than what you normally choose for me at home,” she muses. “I just thought maybe there was a reason for it.”

  “Do I need one?” I tease as she leans against the counter in front of me with a smirk.

  “Of course not,” she smiles at my playful tone, putting her hands up in mock surrender. “I just thought I’d ask.”

  “No, darling. Not tonight,” I admit with a sigh, pressing my lips to her hair. “But I promise I’ll take you somewhere soon. I’m sure you’ve been climbing the walls this week.”

  Her eyes give me all the confirmation I need, and I let my mind begin to roam as I move toward my side of the closet.

  I change quickly and reach for her journal, opening it to the last page she’d written.

  I read through her entry carefully, asking her questions about her words while she begins getting ready for dinner. We talk at length, her expressing her sadness at having to spend so much time apart and the isolation she’s been feeling making guilt well up inside my chest, though I’m grateful for her honesty. I take my time to reassure her of the temporariness of the situation, relieved when I see her features begin to soften in calm.

  “Maybe this weekend we can get away, take a little trip somewhere just me and you.”

  “Really?” she asks, her eyes already lighting up with excitement making me beam.

  “Yes. We could both use a break. Particularly you,” I sigh, giving her a quick kiss before releasing her. “Think about where you’d like to go, pumpkin. We can go wherever you’d like so long as it’s secluded and we’re back home by Sunday evening. Or if you’d rather, I can surprise you.”

  “Ooh! I want the surprise,” she beams.

  “As you wish,” I wink, pulling a squeal from her lips as she presses her lips to my jaw and skips back toward the other side of my closet to get dressed.

  I make my way over to the small table in the corner, pouring myself a glass of scotch before clearing the distance between us and lowering myself to the leather settee behind her. I lean against the cushion, sipping my drink while I watch her dress unabashedly. Her cheeks heat slightly as she feels my eyes on her, the subtle turn of her head toward mine pulling my gaze away from her ass.

  Her shy smile makes my lips quirk up, something about the way I still manage to make her blush after months making my chest flurry right along with hers. Before her training, I’d worried her submission would slowly melt away pieces of her naturally shy personality. I’m more than pleased that it hasn’t.

  Although I crave her submission and can’t deny the jolt that runs through me each time I dominate her, the fact that this part of her remains untainted by her training is something I couldn’t love more.

  The storm approaching us, threatening to rip us apart at the seams will be a true testament to both of us. I’d be lying if I said I’m not worried about that, too. However, I have faith in her training, in her heart, in her devotion to me, to us. If she loves me half as much as I’ve fallen in love with her, if she can keep her trust in me the same way I’ve done for her, I know there’s nothing we can’t endure.

  This will be messy, but it will only make us that much stronger.

  “What are you thinking about?” she asks, her voice pulling me out of my trance.

  “Hmm?” I glance up at her.

  “You left me for a moment,” she explains quietly as she makes her way toward me, the blue silk dress in her hand a secondary thought as she comes to a stop between my legs. Her hand moves gently across my jawline, her fingertips grazing my lips and her eyes dancing happily when I press them to her skin. “Where were you?”

  “I’d never, darling,” I promise, resting my hand on her waist and pulling her forward just enough. “I’m right here.”

  She studies my eyes for a moment, holding my gaze before her lips slowly begin to quirk up on either side, the feel of my fingertips gently brushing against her skin helping her recover her calm. Her hand rests against my shoulder, the soft feel of her absentmindedly playing with the hair on the nape of my neck calming me as well.

  “Okay,” she whispers.

  “Are you nearly ready?”

  “Yes, Sir,” she nods, her eyes leaving mine to gesture toward the dress she’s still holding in her free hand. “I just can’t reach the zipper on this. Will you please help me?”

  “Yes, kitten,” I nod, giving her ass a gentle pat. “Turn around for me.” She does, and I run my hand over her thigh, my thumb grazing her cheek pulling a shudder from her that makes me smile. “You’d better be a good girl, Bella,” I husk. “You’re painfully close to making us late for dinner.”

  She glances over her shoulder with a smile of her own, holding my gaze.

  “Dinner can be overrated,” she smirks, making me chuckle. “Sir.”

  “I couldn’t agree with you more, darling, but tonight, we can’t be late,” I admit, pressing my lips to the arch of her back before I lean back once more, sipping my scotch.

  “May I ask why?” she asks, leaning forward as she steps into the silk and slowly pulls it up the length of her body, a gentle hum leaving us both as I watch.

  “No, darling,” I confess, my blunt words softened by my tone as I set my glass to the side and rise behind her.

  I find her eyes in the reflection of the mirror in front of us. As I brush my front against her ass, her mouth falls open just slightly before she tucks her lower lip between her teeth. I’d love nothing more than to take her again, to ease the ache between her delicious thighs as I bend her over the counter behind us. However, I wasn’t lying when I said we couldn’t be late. Not tonight, anyway.

  I slowly ease the zipper up her back, smoothing the soft fabric out over her ass once it’s secured and reviling in the sight of her in the fitted silk.

  “Do you like it?” I ask, adjusting the thin straps over her shoulders, making it drape over her skin just right.

  “Yes, Sir,” she smiles, her glance moving from the mirror to her front, taking it in completely. “It feels kind of like a nightgown.”

  “Well, I think it’s safe to say I won’t be buying you any of those,” I smirk, kissing the back of her head and savoring in her gentle giggle. “But I’m very happy you like this dress. It looks quite beautiful on you.”

  “Thank you,” she replies, using my shoulder as leverage to slip on her stilettos. “I’m all set.”

  “With time to spare. Good girl,” I release a sigh of appreciation, tilting her lips to mine and tasting them gently. “Are you getting hungry?”

  “No,” she shakes her head, glancing up at me from beneath her thick lashes as her lips curve into a mischievous smile. “I’m getting pretty thirsty though.”

  “Don’t worry, darling,” I chuckle darkly, taking her hand and leading her out. “I’ll make sure you’re taken care of soon enough.”

  Chapter Nine

  ISABELLA

  I follow him toward the kitchen, returning Vera’s friendly smile as she greets us.

  “You two are looking quite dapper this evening,” she winks, making me giggle. “How has your day been?”

  “Wonderful now that I’m home with my two favorite girls,” Adam replies sweetly, making Vera wave him off like a schoolgirl. The interaction makes me smile wider and as he glances down to throw me a wink, I’m near puddle status. “I thought we’d have dinner out on the veranda this evening, Vera. Would that be too much trouble?”

  “No, sir. No trouble at all,” she promises. “And we’re right on schedule, so the two of you go relax.”

  I glance toward the kitchen counter, surprised at the amount of food she’s pulling from the oven as Adam ushers me out.

  “Is someone else coming ov-�
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  “Have some wine, angel,” he cuts me off, unlatching the tall, glass door and pushing it open before pulling me through in front of him.

  I turn to face him, my eyes narrowing slightly as he faces me.

  “Adam?”

  “Yes, baby?” he replies, his hand resting low on my waist as he directs me toward the seating area.

  “What’s going on?” I ask, holding his gaze.

  “Sit with me,” he replies, his hazel eyes dancing slightly in amusement at my suspicious expression. “Drink your wine.”

  I reluctantly take a seat, nuzzling up next to him and savoring in the feel of his arm resting over my shoulders, pulling me close.

  “Why is Vera making so much food?”

  “Maybe she thought we were more hungry than usual,” he shrugs, making me stifle an eyeroll as the gentle night breeze washes over our skin, making me relax into the seat beside him. “Isn’t this nice?”

  “Yes,” I admit, savoring in the way he leans over, inhaling my scent. “Daddy?”

  “Yes, baby?”

  “I don’t believe you,” I confess, sipping my wine and smirking at his chuckle.

  “I know, princess,” he admits, pressing his lips to my temple. “That’s okay with me.”

  “You’re not going to tell me?” I ask, the feel of his chest vibrating behind me making me smile wider.

  He shakes his head, about to verbally refuse me once more before the loud chime of his doorbell sounds out across the penthouse, surprising me.

  “Well, darling, now I don’t have to,” he offers, raising from the seat and reaching for my hand. He takes my glass from me and sets it to the side with his own before pulling me to my feet. “Go on,” he gestures toward the door. “See for yourself.”

  “You’re letting me answer the door?” I ask, surprise staining my voice.

  “Well, you don’t have to, but someone should,” he remarks as the chime reaches us once more.

  I shake my head clear and release his hand, the sound of his footsteps coming behind me quietly giving me a little more comfort as I nervously reach for the handle.

  When I pull the door open, surprised isn’t an adequate word to describe the feelings swarming in my chest.

  “Dio mio,” I whisper, surely the last quiet words that will be in this house for the rest of the evening.

  “Surprise!” they shout, breaking me from my shock and engulfing me, passing me quickly from one embrace to the next, gushing over me before swarming passed me into Adam’s living room.

  I’m standing still, staring out into the now empty foyer for a long moment before the room falls quiet and I feel his hand reach for me, pushing the door shut and turning me to face them.

  “Aren’t you going to introduce me, darling?”

  “Uh… yes, S-” I catch myself, swallowing hard and trying my best to right my expression as his eyes begin to sparkle in amusement. “Everyone, this is Adam Avery,” I gesture toward him before facing them once more. “Adam, this is my family.”

  ADAM

  The first half hour after their arrival, I’m surprised to see how reserved Isabella becomes. She’d always told me how tightknit she was with her family and the way they interact makes that obvious. However, her nerves around them can’t be denied, either.

  Once they’re all settled outside on the veranda, I pull her to the side, eager to speak with her more privately.

  “Are you alright?”

  “Yes, Sir,” she nods immediately, her eyes moving back and forth between mine and the small group containing her parents, brother and sister.

  “I have to be honest, darling. I thought you’d be happier to see them. Should I not have done this?”

  “No, no,” she shakes her head, reaching for my hand and giving it a gentle, affectionate squeeze. “No, baby. It was so sweet of you and incredibly thoughtful. I’m very happy to see them. I’m just also very surprised. If you hadn’t noticed, they can be a lot to take in. That’s all,” she promises, reaching up to kiss my jaw. “Thank you for arranging for them to come for dinner. It’s very sweet of you.”

  “You’re welcome,” I smile small, brushing her hair away from her face and tucking it gently behind her ear before I rest my palm on her waist. “I’ve got another busy week ahead of me at the office and I know you’re getting cabin fever being here on your own so much. They wanted to see you and I thought you could use some company for a few of days. I thought this week would be the perfect opportunity for both,” I reason. “Besides, my meeting your family is long overdue, kitten.”

  “Yes, I think you’re right,” she agrees, giving me a subtle nod before her movement stills, her eyes going slightly wide as they hold mine. “Wait a minute… did you say days?”

  “Yes,” I nod, watching her eyes widen even more. “Is that a bad idea?”

  “Oh, my God,” she sighs, rubbing her palms over her face, sending a small wave of worry through my chest. “Adam…”

  “What?”

  “My mother is so Catholic,” she insists, her voice trailing into a low groan meant only for my ears. “She’s not going to allow me to sl-”

  “What are you two lovebirds over here talking about?”

  Bella’s sister, Claire, cuts her words short, making her spin around quickly to face her with a plastered-on smile.

  “Nothing,” she lies, reaching for her, squeezing her close.

  While I’d been quickly introduced to everyone upon their arrival, this is the first time I’ve seen her up close and I’m surprised at the differences in both their appearances as well as their demeanors. While Bella’s hair is long and dark, her sister wears a short, more conservative, blonde pixie cut that makes her green eyes seem much larger than they likely are. She’s fair skinned and instantly I can tell she takes after their father, whereas Bella is almost a spitting image of their mother. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear she and her sister weren’t related at all.

  “I was just telling Adam how happy I am to see you.”

  “Uh… thanks?” Claire chuckles, as Bella releases her, clearing her throat. “I’m happy to see you to, Sis. It’s been too long.”

  “Yeah,” Isabella allows, her face scrunching up slightly. “Well, I mean, it hasn’t been that long. We aren’t talking years or anything,” she argues gently, her words still coming out in a nervous giggle. “How long is too long, y’know?”

  “Oh, no,” Claire begins, her lips turning up into an amused smirk as she takes in her nervous behavior. “Are you freaking out a little bit?”

  “What? No,” she lies again, waving her off. “No, I’m so excited to see you. I’m just… I can’t believe you’re all going to be here for days thanks to this guy,” she laughs nervously once more as she gestures toward me. “God, how lucky am I?”

  “Hmm…” I smile, pressing my lips to her hair. “Would you like another glass of wine, bab-?”

  “Yes,” she cuts me off, making me swallow the laugh in my chest as she thrusts her empty glass forward. “Yes, please. That would be wonderful.”

  “Anything for you,” I smile, taking it and moving toward the bar.

  I leave her with her sister, taking in the small gathering of people outside on my veranda. Her parents are busy taking in their surroundings, whispering quietly to one another and no doubt sizing me up. I’m standing behind the bar when her brother, Luca, makes his way over, giving me a quick onceover before he comes to a stop beside me.

  “Hey,” he greets me, his voice low, yet reluctantly friendly.

  “Would you like a drink?” I offer, pulling a nod from him. “What’s your poison?”

  “Maybe,” he shrugs. “Do you have any whiskey?”

  “I do,” I nod, reaching for the Jameson’s in the corner and pulling a smile of approval
to his lips. “Help yourself.”

  “Thanks, man,” he replies, reaching for a glass and pouring himself a healthy portion before setting it to the side. “So, how long have you known my sister?”

  “A few months,” I admit, admiring his straightforward question as I sip from my scotch. “We started dating in February.”

  “And you met her at work?” he asks, pulling a nod from me. “Does she live here with you?”

  “Not officially, but she will be staying here with me at least until things settle down for her at her apartment,” I explain. “Things are a little unstable for her right now anywhere else and I’d prefer to know she’s safe and taken care of.”

  “That’s good of you,” he says with an approving nod, taking his own sip before he glances around the veranda, his eyes moving toward the inside of the house before they finally come back to mine. “How old are you?”

  “I’m thirty-two.”

  “And you own all this?” he asks, gesturing toward the penthouse, making me swallow a smirk as I give him a subtle nod. “Jesus Christ.”

  “They’re just things,” I argue, smiling as Bella makes her way toward us, eager for her wine as she settles beneath my arm. “They aren’t what wakes me up in the morning.”

  I don’t miss the way his gaze lingers on us for a moment before he gives me a quick nod and gives my arm a brotherly pat.

  “She needs someone to look out for her, to keep her out of trouble,” he insists before glancing toward Bella. “You’re a smart girl, but you’re a little reckless,” he teases her. “Someone needs to crack that whip and keep your crazy ass in line.”

  “Hmm…” I swallow my chuckle, his words making her choke on her wine. “Well, I’m certainly trying my best.”

  Chapter Ten

  ISABELLA

  A few minutes pass, my nerves calmed substantially after falling under the gentle spell of wine and Adam’s touch. Vera emerges from the house, her hands full as she makes her way toward the outside dining area.