Authors: Melissa Phillips
Tags: #Literature & Fiction, #Contemporary, #Romance, #Contemporary Fiction
“Yes, of course I want to be with you. But yes, I do worry about our relationship. But who doesn't at some time or another.” Okay, here it comes, the obvious answer, but it was always wonderful to hear it from Davien's lips. I could never get tired of hearing him. “Do you love me?” We had told each other repeatedly that we loved each other, and I meant it. And off course he loved me, we had been together for a short time, but our time had been strong. Even after a day of questioning betrayal between us.... we were still very much in love. Every time we had a falling, it seemed to grow our relationship even stronger.
“Do you want the truth?” His face was serious and waiting for my response as I nodded my head. A smile was forming across my lips. “No Avery, I don't love you, I don't......”.
I cut him off. Making out the shadows of his face, I looked at his blank stare. My heart stopped beating for what seemed like eternity. What a fool I was to ask that question, what a fool I was for ever truly believing him when he told me a different answer. “Never mind, Davien. I'm done. I'm done with this stupid ass game, I'm done with..” His face was blank and my heart broke instantly. I was in shock and had to repeat the words to myself to make sure I heard his correctly. I thought he was still angry from this afternoon. Maybe he was hurt from the incident with Anthony. That maybe he didn't truly love me. Maybe he never actually did. I never doubted that he didn't like me, but why did he not love me when he treated me like a queen. I couldn't speak. I didn't want anymore questions and I didn't want any more answers. He had always answered my questions with complete honesty and I finally saw that he was willing to be truthful whether or not it hurt my feelings. He knew he hurt me but he didn't seem to care. I shook my head in disgust. I pulled the cover free from my legs and pulled my feet to the side. “I'm done with everything, Davien!”
“I'm sorry, Avery. Where are you going?”
“I just need a breather, Davien.” Standing to my side of the bed, I grabbed my robe and looked back at the bed where he laid silent with no emotions to his face. He didn't seem to care though. Wrapping my robe around my lightly covered body, I pushed my feet to my slippers. I squint my eyes as I tried to make out his face, but all he showed was a simple look. Not a single expression to his eyes or mouth. Not a fake grin or tears falling from breaking my heart. If he didn't love me, I was done playing the fake game. “Bye, Davien” I walked from the bedroom, slamming the door shut. With a loud thud, I even surprised myself.
I looked around the basement as I thought of his betrayal. We both asked for the truth, but I guess sometimes the truth isn't what we really want to hear. Turning the stairway light on, I crept up the lonely steps. With a long sigh, I opened the stairway door that entered to the kitchen. Scott was sitting at the kitchen table. The only light in the room was over the kitchen sink. “Hey, Avery, you okay?” He was dipping a cookie in a small glass of milk as he looked over a newspaper.. I nodded my head. A small tear dropped to my cheek. “No you're not. What's up, Avery?”
I lowered myself the the chair across him. My elbows fell to the table as I ran my fingers through my damp hair. My body was limp. “I really don't wanna talk about it Scott.”
“Is it Anthony? I just got off the phone with Natalia and she told me everything.” I shook my head to his question. “Did Davien do something wrong?”
I sat in silence as he studied my face. His looks were tense as he waited for my answer. “It's nothing, Scott, really. I guess I'm just over reacting.” Maybe I really was just over reacting.
“Tell me. I know it's Davien. What the fuck did he do to you?” He dropped his cookie as his fist pounded at the table. With vibrations from his fist, the whole table shook, causing me to jump from my elbows. I stood from my seat and crossed my arms over my chest.
Stepping backwards, I walked to the darkened living room and plopped to the couch. I pulled the blanket from the back of the couch and threw it over my body. I was shaking from a mixture of the nightly low temperature and my emotions. Why would I let myself fall for a rock star? Not just any rock star, but Davien Dodge. The man that everyone knew was never willing to have a monogamous relationship. He just wasn't that type. He was amazing in most ways. He was a charmer, he was godly sexy, he was beyond friendly... almost too friendly with certain people. And I had always thought he was caring, until now. If he truly cared about me, wanted to help me from my previous relationship, then why lead me on to a false one.
I knew that it was normal for a couple to skip the 'L-word' in the beginning, but he had told me over and over. Either he had lied to me the entire time or he changed his mind today. I was sure he still liked me as a friend, but I wanted more. I needed more. Maybe every time he said it, he was only trying to comfort me. I tried to think of the many times he threw the 'L-word' out there and thought about the actual timing. Was it only a time he was trying to comfort me, or was it during sex. It made me sick to my stomach
I lay on the couch with tears falling from my face when I felt Davien's thumb brush against my cheek .“What's wrong, Avery?”
“What's wrong? Are you fucking serious, Davien?” I huffed at his obvious question. “It's okay.You either love me or not. You pulled me into this relationship, you promised not to break my heart. Obviously our feelings aren't the same.”
“You're exactly right.” Watching over my shoulder I saw that his face was serious and I could have punched him. “I'm an honest man, Avery. I have nothing to hide. You can call me every name in the book and if I agree with your assumptions, I'll let you know, but don't always assume everything.”
“I should have expected this from a man like you.” I huffed
“A man man like me?” He pointed at his chest at my insult towards him. “You wanted an honest answer, right? That's what you got.”
“Whatever, Davien.” I flipped to my side and faced towards the back of the couch. “I'm not gonna play your mind games though. It made me even sicker that he was willing to tell me the truth now, after a day like today. I was done with this fucking game. I was done with my mixed emotions.
I didn't know who looked like more of an ass. Me or Davien? Why did I ever open up to this man “You know I loved you, I was very honest with you. You made a fool of me. You told me that you loved me. Was it all a joke or did it stop today? Answer me, Davien Dodge... honestly.”
He left a large sigh before speaking. One of his hands dropped to the couch as his other reached over my waist. Pulling me around to face him as he squat next to me. “Avery, we really aren't on the same level.” My eyes squint in as I held my tears from flowing. “I don't just love you... I'm in love with you.” His lips dropped to mine as he pulled my face against his.
“Why did you tell me downstairs that you didn't love me?”
“You cut me off. I was trying to tell you that I don't just love you, I'm in love with you. Don't you understand?” I nodded with embarrassment. He helped me to my feet and folded the blanket for me and throwing it over the back of the couch. “C'mon, the bed is waiting for us.”
We walked past Scott who still sat at the table. “Don't fuck with her head, Bro!” Scott warned again.
“She's fucking with mine, Scott.” He dropped his hand to Scott's shoulder. “I never understood our conversations when you told me how much you loved Natalia. Now I get it man. I understand everything.” Scott nodded his head with agreement as we continued to the stairway.
Chapter 12
The smell trailed downstairs from the kitchen. Remembering that he was staying home with me today, I pulled my robe around my gown as I stretched my arms. Last night was amazing when we returned to the bedroom. Last night's song was “I Choose U” by Timeflies. It went perfect to our evening. We didn't just love each other anymore. We were in love!
“Good morning, beautiful.” I stepped in the kitchen and he winked with his greeting.
“Good morning.” I reached my arms around his waist from behind. He was flipping bacon over a skillet. He smelled amazing with his hair still slightly damp after a morning shower. “Whatcha cooking?”
“Bacon and I have a egg dish in the oven, that okay?” I smiled and nodded to the obvious answer. I wondered when the man ever slept. He was always up, showered and dressed before I ever stepped from the bed.
“Sounds awesome and smells amazing! Can I do anything to help?”
“No, I think I've got it.” He continued flipping the bacon, then moving to a cupboard and pulling 2 plates out for us. “What do you wanna do today?”
He kind of caught me off guard since I hadn't even thought about it. “Do you have plans?”
“No not really. You remember what tonight is, right?” His brow arched with his question as he looked back at me.
“The night that we make some money.” I laughed remembering that Justin's fight was tonight and as much as I was nervous, I was also excited. I had never experienced a fight like this.
“
You better keep your eyes on Justin cause I'm not into washing clothes!” We both laughed as I remembered the bet. “It's gonna be fun though.”
“Nothing like having a ton of pressure on the innocent girl.” The knot grew in my stomach as I thought of this being 'my game' as Justin had titled. “I think Justin's done enough for me lately.”
“Nah, he likes that shit. He gets a rush from it. Why do you think he treats you that way?” Davien turned the fire from the stove and grabbed a hot pad before pulling a glass dish from the oven. “Never seen him dedicate a fight to someone before. I think he's taking this one pretty serious.”
Davien filled our plates with the egg dish and bacon. When he placed my food before me, I looked at the casserole. It was filled with eggs and hand cut sausage, diced peppers and onions and cheese melted on top. Where in the heck did this man come from? “Looks amazing, Davien.”
He pulled a chair out and sat across me. Brushing his messy hair from his face, he took his first bite of the food. “Thanks. I wish I was home every morning to cook for you.” He smiled as I tested his professional cooking. “You never said what you wanted to do today.”
“I was thinking about having wild kinky sex all day.”
“Sounds good to me, but you gotta call Martin and let him know that.”
“Stop it... I'm just playing.” I kicked him under the table. “I don't know. You wanna take a ride on the bike.”
“Your arms wrapped around me?” I nodded. “Sounds damn good to me. When are we going?” We both chuckled.
After taking a shower and dressing in the casual clothes that Davien picked for me, we walked hand and hand to his bike. He sat on the bike and I placed my hands on his shoulders to balance myself. Pulling my foot to his side, he grabbed my thighs and pulled me tight against him. The rumble from his bike made my heart beat faster each time. Davien reached for my hands and laced my fingers together in front on him.
He turned over his shoulder and kissed my lips. “Ready?” I nodded. We drove for hours after hours, through busy cities and rural country roads. We went for lunch at a small diner and even stopped to look through some shops.
“Can I go in here by myself?” I pointed at a nearby store. Davien shrugged his shoulders and sat at a close bench. With money still in my purse, I decided to stop at the store and find something special for Davien. Not only had he helped me, but had loved me more than anyone ever had and I wanted to show my appreciation. I searched the store to find exactly what I wanted. A young man that worked there agreed with my taste. I finally found the perfect present. A silver chain necklace and a silver pendant with a chrome and black motorcycle, just like his. It was manly enough for him to wear and I was very specific to what kind of jewelry I pictured him wearing. He never wore anything. Everything he wore was amazing but he was simple, plain and I was only wanting him to have something special to wear under his clothes.
After paying for the jewelry, I walked out of the store, carrying my small bag. “Get what you want?” I smiled and nodded my head “Ready?”
“Yep.” We walked back to the bike and I reached my arms around his waist. Holding on tight as I held my treasured bag in front of him.
“Did you have fun?” He asked over the noise from the bike.
“Yeah, it was really nice to have you home today. I can't believe you managed to take the day off.”
“Did I forget to mention the shop was down for the day?” He chuckled as I felt the vibrations through his chest.
“Brat. Here I've been worried that you were gonna get yourself in trouble by lollygagging with me all day.”
☼
It was nearly 5:30 when Scott made it home from work. Davien was on the phone ordering a list of everyone's favorite Chinese dish. Scott dropped to the couch cushion next to me and pulled his arm over my shoulder until my head rest on his chest. Davien shot him a nasty, but playful look as he continued with the phone call. “Have a good time with Davien today?”
Still holding me against his chest, I responded. “Yeah, we had a great time. Drove around for a long time and did a little shopping downtown in one of the suburbs.”
“Buy anything?” He asked.
I pulled from his arms and crooked my finger and nodded for him to follow me to the basement. Davien watched our every move with widened eyes as we walked past him and made our way to the basement. We both smiled at him as he couldn't respond over his ordering. He just held his hand in the air and mouthed 'what the f...'. We closed the door behind us and playfully raced down the steps.
When we reached the basement living room area, I pulled the jewelry bag from behind the couch. “What's this?” I held it to Scott to open.
“I bought it for Davien.” He opened the bag and carefully pulled the jewelry box out. He opened the box and his eyes widened with amazement. “Do you like it?”
“Man he's gonna love this.” He replied with confidence. “Does he know?”
I shook my head. “I just got it while we were shopping.”
We heard the stair door open and we pulled apart, pushing the bag behind the couch again. “Ass wipe, get up here. Leave my girl alone.”
Scott ran up the stairs, skipping every other step. “Man. I was just about to...um..” And Davien slapped the back of his head.
I stood smiling as Davien pulled my waist closer to his side. The doorbell rang and Scott hurried to answer it. Davien and I both laughed at the energy Scott showed at Natalia's entrance. He loved her so much and I was happy that Davien finally understood that same feeling.
The energetic and wild Natalia jumped to Scott's arms and kissed him instantly. Then she flew to me and her arms wrapped around my back. “Are you ready for the fight?” She exclaimed with excitement. She was wearing a tight fitted leopard print shirt that dropped just above her knees. With black leggings matching, she was over-dressed for this fight. She was 'always over-dressed', causing much attention to her curvy, perfect body.
“Heck yeah! My fight!” I shout.
“Your fight?” She questioned, pulling herself back to scrunch her brows to my facial expressions.
“Justin dedicated the fight to me. Nothing like having a lot on my hands tonight. My job is to watch him and make sure he doesn't lose. He loses, I have to do his clothes for a month... he wins, he has to give me half of his earnings.”
“Sounds like he's getting screwed either way.” I laughed at the exact same response I has told Justin.
“That's exactly what I told Justin... He told me 'he likes to get screwed'.” Natalia laughed so hard. Without out shock to Justin response, she just shook her head and rolled her eyes.
I peaked over her shoulder as the guys were chatting with Khloe. She was beautiful. She had long brown hair and hazel eyes. She was a tad bigger than Natalia and me, but she carried her self well. She was dressed casually just like me as we knew we might be heading to a dirty area. I was wearing jeans and navy blue fitted t-shirt.
I made my way to Khloe. “Hey Khloe” I reintroduced myself. “It's awesome you were able to make it. We're gonna have a blast.”
“Thanks for inviting me.” Scott drug Natalia to sit in the living room and looking at me amused, Khloe followed them. I pulled Davien to the kitchen.
“What's up, Avery?” He questioned with a single brow arched.
I pointed to the stairs. “Come downstairs with me.” He jiggled his eyebrows at me “Stop it. Just come down with me silly.”
He rushed after me and I ran the steps quickly. Jumping to my knees, I reached over the back of the couch in the basement and pulled the bag back to my hands. I stood and held it in front of Davien. “What's this?”
“I bought it for you. If you don't like it, we can bring it back.”
He opened the bag, then slowly opened the jewelry box also. He examined the motorcycle charm and carefully pulled it to his hand. “You bought this today, didn't you?” I nodded my head. Reaching over his head he wrapped the silver chain around this neck and clasped it in place. “I love it, Avery.”
With it firmly in face, he ran his finger over the charm as he looked into my eyes. I reached for the charm and pushed it under his shirt. “I know it's not a real manly thing to where necklaces, but I wanted you to have something special from me after everything you've done for me.” He pulled the charm back out and laid it over his chest.
“Why would I hide it, Avery?” He questioned me. “I love it.” His fingers continued tracing the edging of the bike. He pulled me close until our chests met and he lowered his lips to press against the top of my hair. “Thank You... it really means a lot to me.”
When we returned to the living room, everyone was laughing about the event we were heading out to in a short time. Scott noticed the necklace immediately and smiled at the two of us. Scott and Natalia were sitting on the long couch as Khloe sat on the loveseat. Davien, being Davien sat next to Khloe to start small talk. She was quiet and innocent and I was pleased to see that Davien was only trying to loosen her up... and not with alcohol. I smiled at my boyfriend innocently flirting with Khloe. He had that charm that was natural to him. He knew how to work any girl. They fell to his feet and adored everything that came from his mouth. Something they adored him a little too much. I sure did. With Khloe not watching as she looked in her lap, Davien spot me over her shoulder and wink in my direction. I smiled back to my coquettish boyfriend.
The Chinese smorgasbord arrived shortly after and we all indulged in the feast before heading out to the fight. Tying my hair securely in a ponytail, I exited from the bathroom. Davien surprised me as he was standing right at the door. “Oh my God you scared the shit out of me!” I laughed as I held my stomach.
Jokingly, Davien said as he walked in the bathroom. “I'll be out in a minute... gotta check my make-up.” Davien laughed as he closed the bathroom door. Natalia and Khloe had already joined Scott in his Jeep.
Walking through the kitchen I grabbed all of the half empty food containers and placed them in the fridge. Davien returned to the kitchen just as I finished wiping down the counter. His face was strong and eager. He looked delicious that night, as always. He wore a maroon tightly fit shirt and deeply dyed black jeans. His feet were covered with black boots. His bad boy image was strong that night and ready to explode. But over his tight shirt, sat the necklace I had purchased.