7 Degrees of Alpha (a collection of seven new BWWM, Alpha Male Romances) (44 page)

“Where are you going?”

              “To follow Ashley,” I say, closing the back door behind me.

-Ashley-

What the hell was I thinking?
My heart is still trying to catch up to my steady breathing. Even though we’re a couple of miles away from the Right Ranch, I still feel the tether that yanks at my heart.

Each time I close my eyes
,
all I can see is his piercing blue rays boring into mine. Still, his eyes carry a darkness that couldn’t be missed. As much as I wanted to look away, I couldn’t. It’s like I’m spellbound. After all this time, he still manages to keep me drawn to him.

Taking in the rest of him, my eyes remember his body with much appreciation. Jaxon had always been fit, a man who knew how to keep his six-pack looking tight and right. But, after being nine months apart, I can’t help but take notice that he’d become a lot more muscle-bound as his brawny shoulders made his 6’5” stance look like a giant.

As much as I try to concentrate on my present situation, my body just won’t let me. His eyes were always the first to catch me, followed by his ample rose petal lips. Today, though, he looks more rugged and less like the conservative image he had to maintain while as a police officer. He’s grown out his hair into dark locks that brush his shoulder blades. His five o’clock shadow adds to his cave-man-like appearance, giving it a sexy ruggedness.

              At least now I know he was thinking about me just as much as I was thinking about him during our time apart.

“I thought you were staying,” the cab driver comments, pulling my thoughts away from Jaxon.

“Yeah, well, I just needed to pick something up from my friend,” I lie.

He nods his head. “Where to now?”

“Can you please take me to a hotel in town?” I ask.

“Sure thing. There’s Willie Mae’s Hotel. It is one of the oldest hotels in the whole state of Georgia. Plus, it is within walking distance in the town.”

“Thank you.” I rest my head against the headrest and think about my next move. I still have the job application to Macy’s Bed and Breakfast, and I could always look around for a room or apartment that’s listed for rent.

But there’s still one little problem; I have to share this town with Jaxon Right, the man who still manages to control my heartbeats with just one glance. As much as I’ll dread running into him, deep down inside, I know that staying here in this small town is the exact place where I need to be. 

*~*~*

-Jaxon-

              I bring my car to a complete stop when Ashley hops out of the cab and limps into Willie Mae’s Hotel. There was something about her limp that was offsetting.

And what’s up with the bruise on her cheek?

The first thing that comes to mind is her dancing. Maybe she fell and sustained those injuries then. But why didn’t she just say that? Instead, she seemed more frightened that I noticed the bruise on her face. How could I not?

              After all, I knew her body inside and out. There were many weekends when I oiled her down, becoming more attuned to every point of her body that made a seductive purr.

I park across the street and wait a half hour before hopping out. As I enter the hotel, I come across Joanna, who stood behind the receptionist desk.

              “Oh, hey, Jaxon! How can I help you?”

              “Hi, Joanna. I’m looking for Ashley Francis. She just checked into a room.”

              “Is she expecting you?” Joanna asks.

              “Yeah, she’s expecting me,” I lie. “I’ve been trying to get in contact with her to let her know that I’m running a little bit behind time, but my calls are going straight to voicemail.”

              “Would you like me to try calling her room? Maybe her service is not good around here.”

              “That’ll be great.”

              Joanna presses a few buttons before bringing the phone to her ear. She looks up and flashes a perky smile at me.             

              “Good Afternoon Ms. Francis. This is Joanna from the front desk. I have a gentleman here by the name of Jaxon Right, who is here to see you.”

              There is a brief pause that feels a lot longer than necessary. Occasionally, Joanna would flash her cheery hazel eyes up at me, giving me reassurance.

              “Very well. I’ll send him up right now,” Joanna says before ending the call.

              “Ms. Francis is in suite twenty-nine.”

              “Thanks a lot, Joanna,” I say as I make my way to the elevator.

              Shortly after stepping off of the elevator, I scan each room on the third floor until I stop at hers. I knock three times and wait for her to answer.

              “Who is it?”

              “Jax.”

              She swings the door open immediately, and she greets me with an unpleasant stare. “What are you doing here?”

              “We need to talk.”

              Ashley continues to remain in place, her crossed arms securely tucked under her chest. “We have nothing to talk about.

“I believe we do. Can I come in?”

She steps to the side as I brush past her.  As I stand in the center of the bedroom and look squarely at her, my eyes drop down to the robe that is wrapped around her.

“Did I catching you at a bad time?”

“No, I just got out of the shower.”

Staring deeply into her eyes, I try like hell to fight the urge, but I can’t. I take a step to her, expecting her to run, but she remains in place. Leaning in, I capture her lips and do what I’ve been craving for the past few years…I taste her. Even if for a brief moment, I take hold of her tongue and make love to her mouth as I get my fill of her.

Breaking the seal off of our kiss, I look down at her again. I inhale deeply, taking in the vanilla scent that basked against her skin. Her soft body melts into me as I feel the outline of her sexy frame, enticing me.

Before I could even get my words out, she cradles my face in between the palms of her hands and pulls me into a kiss. The moment our lips connect, my hands forget about the promise I made to her before leaving.
Fuck that!
It had been nine months since I last saw her and my cock made sure to remind me.

Like a man untamed, I lift her off of her feet and wrap her legs around my waste.   

“Jax…Mmm” Her fingers run through my long hair, tugging slightly.

I take a step back, needing to admire her body as she lies across the bed. As my eyes feast on her body, my mouth begins to water. I have to taste her.  I need her sweet dewy essence to coat my tongue as I lick her walls. “I’m so fucking addicted to you. Can’t you see that?”  

She rises, balancing on her forearms. I scan her eyes, needing to know if she is ready for me.

She is.

Her glossy eyes mirror everything that I feel in this moment; it has been way too long, and I refuse to deny our bodies any further.  

“Let me remind you why this pussy will always be mine.”  

I drop to my knees in front of her parted legs. Bringing her legs over my shoulder, I lift her body up as my mouth greets her pussy.

“No panties,” I state, completely enamored by her glistening nether lips.

My tongue outlines her slithering slit. Warm essence pools out, giving me what I’ve been craving. I venture further into her hot folds, lifting her body completely off of the bed. As she balances upright on my shoulders, I bury my face into her dripping center.

“Oh, Jax. Fuck!” She tugs at my hair, making me go wild with desire. As she squirms and quivers against my lips, I continue to hold my grip, making sure her pussy goes nowhere until I have my fill.

“Fuck! Fuck! I’m about to…I’m about to…Ahhh!”

Ashley’s voice becomes harsh, completely ragged from screaming. I allow the last bit of shivers to escape her before bringing her body down. As I drop her on the mattress, I quickly snatch off her robe like a beast in the wild. Her plump breasts sprang out, giving the kind of jiggle that always turned me on about her; completely natural with flaws that I saw as perfection.

I lift my t-shirt over my head and toss it over to the side of the bed. As I discard the rest of my clothes, I reach for her legs and slide her to the edge of the bed, throwing her leg over my shoulder while guiding my shaft to her entrance.

“I’m ready for you,” she growls seductively at me.    

“Show me how ready you are for me,” I command as I press her legs back far enough to graze the mattress.

I groan with pleasure the moment I thrust into her. As her slippery walls pulsate against me, I kick my head back and release a gut-wrenching guttural moan  “Unhh! Fuck! You’re so fucking tight!”

Her wet pussy showers my cock with her juices as I thrust deeply into her. “Yes, Jax! Give me my dick! Make me remember!”

I slam my cock harder into her, burying myself as far as I could go, as her body sunk into the mattress.

“My pussy,” I moan out as I feel my climax hit near.

“Oh shit! Jax!” she screams as she digs her nails into my shoulder blade.

I give one final thrust before my cock releases what it's been holding back since the last time I was inside of her. It feels so good as I empty my seed into her.

As I collapse on top of her, I feel her heartbeat racing while her fingers stroke my hair
.
I kiss her softly on her chest and bring the kisses to her stomach. But I stop. I lift my head, trying to get a clearer picture of her body.

“Ashley, what are all these bruises on your stomach?”

She shifts uncomfortably from under me and grabs the sheet to cover her body. “It's nothing.”

“Just like your limp is nothing or that your swollen cheek is nothing?” I ask sarcastically.

She looks away from my questioning eyes as she hugs the sheet close to her chest.

Although it was a quick glance, I could tell that the bruises were fresh. “Did someone do this to you?”

“Jaxon, please. I don’t want to talk about it,” she says as she climbs out of the bed with the sheet draped over her body.

“Ashley let me take you to the hospital.”

“No!” she shakes her head. “I’m fine, really.” 

“You should, at least, get it checked out. Let me take you.”             

              “I think that it’ll be for the best if you leave now. ”

              “No. Not until you talk to me. Where did these bruises come from?” I ask, refusing to give up.

              “I had an accident before I came here, that’s all.”

              “You know,” I begin as I climb out of the bed and walk over to her. “You never were a good liar.”

              “Jax…” she whispers as she takes a step back.

              “Talk to me Ashley.”

              “Just leave!”

              I dress in silence, occasionally looking up to see her face. But, her back is facing me now.

              “When you’re ready to talk to me, I’ll be here,” I say as I reach for the door handle.

              I turn back to her, “Just answer me this one question. Are you going to stay here and be with me or should I prepare to run after you this time?”

              She glances over her shoulder and says, “I’m staying for now. I’m going to look for an apartment in town and apply for a waitressing or hostess position at Macy’s Bed and Breakfast.”

              I start to breathe a little easier, even though I’m mad that she’s going to be searching for an apartment as oppose to living with me. But, I decide not to press any further. No matter what, this conversation will come up again. And I can guarantee, Ashley will learn that her place is with me.

-Ashley-

Three days later

              “Fuck my life.” My eyes flash over to my alarm clock at my bedside table. Great! It is four in the morning. This dream had been much more intense. Jaxon and I had snuck upstairs to one of the bedrooms at Macy’s Bed and Breakfast. He sexed my body up all over room, making sure that I had my fix. But just as I’m about to release, my dream ends abruptly, and I’m forced to wake up early, completely drenching wet for him.

Today’s the third day since I last saw Jaxon—more like, since the last time that I made myself available to see him, ever since burning the bed with our hot grinding. My body had been in positions that made me forget that I had gotten my ass kicked days before.

But that came to an end shortly after experiencing an earth-shattering orgasm.

The questions about my bruises were going to lead to questions about what happened in Brooklyn. It’s a conversation that I’m not ready to have with Jaxon. Deep down inside, I know that once the truth is out, there will be one hell of a storm that follows after, which is why I made Jaxon leave.

When I made the decision to come to Madison, I was not aiming to rile up Jaxon by letting him know that another man put his hands on me. It’s my problem, and it ended with me leaving. Besides, Jaxon appears to have adjusted well to his new life. Why should I fuck it up with my problems? If keeping my distance from Jaxon means that he’ll never get to the truth, and then I’m prepared to do just that…no matter how much I love him.

But it’s easier said than done. Trying to avoid Jaxon proves to be much more of a struggle than I anticipated it to be. And the dreams do not make it any easier. The explicit dreams have been taking over my sleep since that evening we fucked. I thought that once I left the hotel room, my sleep would improve. But I was sadly mistaken.

Last night had been the first night that I spent in my apartment. It is a small cozy one-bedroom apartment that in time, with the right furniture in place, it will feel like a home. My bedroom was the first to be furnished; however, with just the bare minimum. Even though I have over twenty-nine thousand dollars left, I refuse to spend it all, especially when there is a chance that I may have to run again.

But for now, I’m going to build my life here in Madison.  

I blink a few times, taking in the sight of the bedroom. Judging by the darkness filling up the room, the sun was not quite ready to show its face. As I adjust myself to sit upright, I reach for the night lamp and flip the switch. The dim light illuminated the bedroom with a yellow tint. I reach for my journal and log in another entry.

*~*~*

-Jaxon-

6:00 A.M.

“10,9,8,7,6,5…” I was counting backward from one hundred as I did my sit-ups.

Like every night since fucking Ashley, I couldn’t get any sleep. And it didn’t help that driving myself into working out or working on the ranch had no longer been an option like before.

I jump up and head into the shower. The hot water relaxes my tense muscles but does nothing to ease my growing frustration and diminishing patience.

After stepping out of the shower, I rub the fog off of the mirror. I pass some shaving cream over my stubble beard before running the razor down the sides of my cheeks. I rinse off the residue moments later. Once everything was on, I stare back at myself in the mirror and run my fingers through my hair. Over the past few months, I had let it grow out, breaking away from the mold of what a police officer typically looked like.

My thoughts drift over to Ashley; the sole reason why I’m in a fucked up mood. She’s been steadily trying to avoid me. For the past couple of days, I would go into the restaurant, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, but I never did. I went to her hotel last night but was told that she had checked out earlier that morning.

For a long moment, I tried to think about the places Ashley would’ve gone, but I drew a blank. It wasn’t until I saw one of the busboys from Macy’s Bed and Breakfast at the bar did I learn where my mysterious woman had gone. Apparently, Ashley works as a housekeeper in the motel section. After slipping him a few dollars, I ask for Ashley’s schedule. Soon after, I booked a room. This time, Ashley will have no other choice but to face me.

              These past couple of days, I did everything to find out more information about what’s been going on with her. A buddy of mine, a former officer turned P.I., was able to gather information about her, but it all led to a dead end. The only news that stuck out was that she was no longer enrolled at Julliard Dance School. Apparently, she lost her scholarship a few months back, but it is still unclear as to why.

              None of the information that he gathered could explain why she was here, but I intend to find out today. Better yet, I really want to know why she came here limping and covered in bruises. Nothing seems to add up.

              After getting dressed, I grab my brush and rake the bristles through my hair before securing a rubber band around my low ponytail. A quick glance at the time reveals that it is now 8:00AM. Ashley is set to start her shift in the next half-hour. That means I have a little less than twenty minutes to check in and wait for her in room 303.

*~*~*

-Ashley-

Later that morning…

As much as I’m trying to piece back my life, I still cannot ignore the feeling that something terrible is going to happen. Maybe it is paranoia that’s finally settling in. But, whatever it is, I wish that it would pass already. 

However, ever since I had my ankle checked out yesterday, I’ve been feeling much better. Dr. Melvin, the orthopedic doctor at the county hospital, believes that with the ace bandage, my ankle will eventually heal properly.

              As I lock my door, I look around to see if there are any suspicious eyes on me. Most of my neighbors seem to be quiet and caught up in their own worlds, but I still couldn’t bring myself to completely let my guard down around them.

              “Good morning,” Mr. Peter, an older tenant who lives next door, greets me with a pleasant smile that I immediately return back to him. According to Susan, the building owner, Mr. Peter has been living in this building for over forty years.

              “Have a good day.” I wave to him before taking the stairs.

As I exit the building, I wave to Susan through the outside window of her hair salon. Last night we spoke about doing something different with my hair. Susan, a single mother of two, has lived in this town her whole life. The thirty-five-year-old woman offered me a home with reduced rent until I got back on my feet. We clicked. A survivor of domestic violence herself, Susan immediately recognized all of the signs of a fellow victim. As much as I tried to deny or change the subject, Susan refused for me to walk around acting like nothing had happened. 

              I walk the short distance to Macy’s Bed and Breakfast. After greeting everyone, I check my logbook to see which rooms I’ll be covering.

              Macy enters the back room wearing a pleasant smile. “We just have one guest today. Room 303.”

              “Okay, thanks, Macy.”

              I put my uniform on and head over to the elevator.