Seduced 2 (8 page)

Chapter 9

Tristan

“When did you started shopping for groceries? Last time I checked, your refrigerator was deserted.” Nikki giggled.

“I don’t want to be fat like you,” I taunted back. I was shopping at a grocery store nearby.. After Nikki had left abruptly last night, I’d decided to focus back on the training. She was strange and I hated to admit that I wasn’t sure where it was all going.

“Jerk. Where the hell is the fat on my body?” she shouted.

“I didn’t mean that fat, I meant the fat around your ass. I like it so much, you know.”In my mind, I could feel her firm, round ass under the assault of my hands.

A moment of silence came on the phone, followed by a deep sigh from other side. “You know what? You are such a moron. You squeezed it like a soft ball. I’m going to show you how I felt yesterday.”

“That means we are trying it again today,” I chuckled, “And you liked it very much.”

“I didn’t like it,” she giggled.

“That’s good, then. I have a better reason to do that again.”

Again a moment of silence. “Listen, I’m coming there to meet you.”

“Okay, I’m here for about one more hour. Call me when you get here. I’ll finish my shopping by then,” I said and texted her the address. Now I had to finish the shopping as soon as possible; she was coming.

“What a pleasant surprise.” Trisha popped in front of me out of nowhere.

“Hey, Trisha. What are you doing here?” She was wearing a very short blouse and a short skirt.
What had happened to this sweet girl? As far as I knew, she was very shy and never had worn such clothes.

“I should ask you that. This is my regular grocery store.”

“Thirty minutes away from your home?”

“I took a bus, and it’s cheap and affordable.” She looked down. I think she was hiding something from me.“What are you shopping for? Do you mind me helping you?”

“No problem. If you can help me choose good veggies, then by all means,” I said. Finding good veggies had been a nightmare for me.

***

“Thanks for helping me. I would have dropped you off, but I have someone coming to meet me here,” I said as we walked out of the store. Thanks to Trisha, I was able to finish my shopping in less than half an hour.

“No problem, anytime.” She gave me a sweet smile and went back inside. Her shopping was still waiting.

I looked at the road and, surprisingly, Nikki was crossing the road.

I waved hello; she smiled back at me, but then something happened. She saw something behind me and turned around.

What the fuck? Why are you going back now?

I looked behind me. Trisha was standing there looking at Nikki.

“Hell, not again.” Nikki must have seen Trisha and turned around.

I started running on the road without looking around. I was running on the street with cars coming and with shopping bags in both my hands. Horns and swearing occupied the surroundings as many cars had to stop because of me.

“Nikki...” She was walking fast. I increased my speed and caught her shoulder.“Miss Jordan. What happened? Why are you walking away?”

She turned around; her blue eyes were filled with utter disappointment. She shrugged her shoulder to get out of my grasp, but I didn’t let her go. “Talk to me, Nikki. What just happened?”

She stared in my eyes. “You should ask this of yourself, Mr. Scott. I was here to apologize for my behavior last night and here you are with the same bitch.”

“Okay,” I said with a poker face. I should have been feeling bad about the situation, but it was bringing a smile to my face. “Listen, she is like my sister. And she was just helping me with the shopping and I swear I didn’t call her.”

“I don’t believe you...” She looked around, and she realized that she was acting crazy in front of lots of people. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Let’s have a cup of coffee. Starbucks is nearby,” I said.

“Okay.”

I tossed my bags inside my car and we walked to Starbucks. I wanted to ask her about her behavior.
Or should I just wait and watch how she behaves? Better let her spit it out.
Day after day, night after night, it was getting difficult for me to understand what she thought about me and I needed to understand what I wanted from her. It was in pursuit of my own feelings.

“Cappuccino for me.” She hopped on a chair.

“Yes, ma’am. Any extra cream?” I bent down and asked her like a waiter.

“One spoon of sugar, please.” She giggled and kissed me on the cheek.“Your tip.”

“I would serve you daily, and for free, too, if I was getting such a luscious tip.” I winked.

“Wait till I wrap it around...”

“Let’s get inside the storeroom, then,” I chuckled, "Why wait for a precious tip?”

“I’m still angry at you. Now, go and get coffee for me.” She frowned at me, but with a smile on her face.

“Here is your cappuccino, ma'am.” I hopped in front of her with two coffees in my hand.

For the first time, I could look at her carefully. She was wearing a nice, satin red top and a bright, white skirt below that. She looked fabulous in that outfit. As long as I’d known her, I’d seen her she look fantastic in every outfit she wore. My favorite was the skin tight sportswear, of course. I took a note of getting her some sportswear.

“So where were we?”

“I have something to tell you, Tristan. Something that could change the things between us,” she said, looking in my eyes.

I reached for her hands. I saw a shade of sadness in those blue eyes; that sadness filled her mind.

“Tell me. I’m all ears.”

“I’ve been...”

“Wait a second.” I cut her off..

Emma was walking inside the coffee shop. I couldn’t believe Emma was there, with the same figure, same dark eyes and same smile. She had recognized me she raised her hand to say hi; she was walking toward me. I panted hard; seeing her after so many months intimidated me.

Do I still love her? I
couldn’t understand what was happening to me, but one thing I knew; I couldn’t just let her meet me in front of Nikki. Nikki would just know everything.

“Hey, let’s go. I remembered something urgent.” I grabbed Nikki’s hand and dragged her to the other door.

“Tristan.” Emma must have called me, but I ignored her and pushed Nikki out of the other door and then to the direction where our cars were parked.

“Tristan, what was it? I was about to tell you something very important and you just dragged me out of there.” Nikki’s voice raised.

“I’m sorry, Nikki, but we have to leave.” I panted again.
What the hell happening to me? Why am I so restless after seeing Emma after so many months, almost two years.

“Who was that girl, Tristan? She was calling you. Why did we launch ourselves out from there.”

“Nikki, please. I can’t answer your questions right now. I’m not in the mood. Can we please meet tomorrow?” My heart was burning with emotions. The feelings I thought I’d left behind when I left L.A. The emotions I disbanded when I lost my career to the injury.

Oh, God, why is it coming back to me. When I thought I was about to know a girl which I could like, why did Emma have into come in my life again? Why is this happening to me?

Nikki rapidly walked away from me and drove away in her car without saying another word to me.

“I’m sorry, Nikki, I didn’t want to piss you off,” I muttered while looking in the direction she went.

But I had to know why Emma was here. I dragged my cell out and searched for her number from my phone list. I dialed her with all my courage—if I wanted to move forward with Nikki, I needed to clear things up with Emma first. I just couldn’t keep one foot in the past and one in present. Balance was required and Emma was there, in New York. What could be a more perfect time than this?

“Where are you, Tristan? I just saw you in Starbucks and then you were gone.” Emma’s melodious voice came out of the speaker.

I closed my eyes, only to see her standing in front of me, holding my hand when we were in college. Damn, that just felt like it was yesterday.

“I want to meet you, Emma.”

“That’s why I was coming to tell you hi. Where are you, Tristan? Come back to Starbucks.”

“Where is Gavin?”

“He is away for some work and I’m alone.”

“Give me a minute, I’ll be right there.” I walked back to Starbucks. It was like a test of me; the food in my stomach was on the roll, and I was feeling like I would just puke.

Emma was sitting at a lone corner table. I walked to her and looked at her. Her skin was the same as before, translucent and silky, but she was glowing with some energy.

“You look the same, fabulous.” I smiled at her.

She looked in my eyes; her eyes were filled with some sadness and some happiness. Like something was bothering her and still she was happy for something else. What could it be?

“How are you, dear?” She held my hand. Her touch was warm and it ignited many memories in me. The memories we shared back in our childhood, the love, care, flirting—everything.

“I’m fine. What’s different? You look the same, but something is different in you. I just can’t understand it.”

“I knew you would be the first one to notice it.” She smiled like an angel,” I’m carrying Gavin’s baby.” She smiled like a baby now.

“Oh, my God.” I held my breath for a second and everything became clear to me. I had liked her in the past; I was devastated after losing her, but now the feeling had changed into something else, something divine. I was no longer locked up in her feelings; I was a free man. I was free from all the burden and I could enjoy her happiness with her. “That’s just awesome. Where is Gavin? I want to party with him.”

Her face turned dark.”I haven’t told him yet. I’m not sure if he is ready to hear this news now.” Her voice lowered.

“Why, what happened?” I held her hand tightly.

“It’s just some business crisis. He is very busy right now and we are on a business trip. only found out about this last week, and I’m not sure if he is ready to hear it.”

I knew why she was sad and happy at the same time.

“Anything I can help with?”

“No, Tristan, but thanks for offering.” She said. “I should be clearing this with him. But he is just too busy right now.” She looked at me with a faint smile, “Anyways, how are you and who was that pretty girl with you.”

The world became clearer to me again. Nikki was the sole reason I was afraid to face Emma. I liked Nikki so much that I feared that I would lose her. But hell, the fear wasn’t there anymore and I was ready for any commitment.

“Isn’t she pretty?” I smiled at her.

“Are you dating her?” she asked in surprise.

“Not yet, but it’s kind of like dating.” I chuckled. I was happy that she recognized the situation between us. She was my best friend in the world and from now onwards I could share anything with her. “Thanks, Emma, thanks for meeting me. It’s been a long time since we’ve talked.”

“It was you, Tristan, who vanished after my wedding. I thought I would never see you again, but here we are enjoying a good chat with each other.”

“How many days are you here?” I asked.

“Two more days.”

“Why don’t you come to my house with Gavin? I can see if I can invite that pretty girl as well.”

“That would be great. I’ll check with Gavin and let you know.” She looked at her watch. “Sorry, but I’ve got to go now. I just saw you and came here.”

“Let’s meet again while you are in New York. Don’t forget about the dinner invitation.”

She stood up. I walked with her to her car.

“I missed you, Tristan.” She hugged me before entering her car.

“I missed you, too, Emma. And I’m so happy for you. I hope it’s a girl. A pretty girl like you.” I pulled her cheeks like I used to do when we were kids.

She slapped me on my shoulder.” Keep in touch or else I’ll kill you this time.” She smiled.

A few moments later, I was staring at the road she just drove away. She was a keeper, but that was the past and I didn’t regret it now. I was actually happy for her and her baby.
God, just keep her away from any tension and dangers.

Chapter 10

Nikki

I pushed the brakes hard. “No, I can’t go like this, not without telling him the truth.” I stopped the car.
But why had he acted like that? Who was the girl?

Getting the keys of Tristan’s home was a step forward from his side, and I wanted to do the same. I wanted to tell him the truth and for that reason, I had gone to meet him in the grocery store. But seeing Trisha there was like ordering a headshot kill for yourself. I was so pissed off that I walked away. But then Tristan came running behind me and I calmed down to hear his explanation. But then a girl came in and he suddenly ditched me--just like that.

I couldn’t understand Tristan’s behavior. I was all ready to tell him about my feelings for him and tell him the truth about Stephen. But he had acted so weird after seeing a woman that I didn’t know if he was the same guy I had been hanging out with.

At the next light,, I turned my car around. I checked the parking lot—Tristan’s car was still there.
So he is still here, maybe with that girl
.
What’s with her? who is she? And why had Tristan panicked after seeing her?

I walked past the parking lot and then I stopped in front of Starbucks. I could see Tristan and that girl holding hands and smiling at each other. My stomach twisted in pain.

I felt like puking..My fear had come true. That girl surely had something to do with his past or maybe even his present.
What the hell? I thought I’d found a nice guy, but...
I felt like running back home and pouring my sorrow down in my pillow. But then who was I to blame him for anything? We weren’t in any relationship or anything, and I wasn’t an innocent girl falling for him and then found out he was cheating. My motive was as evil as it could be, but I’d really started caring for him.
And that, too, for nothing...

My heart was crushed between my own manipulation and the reality of the situation. I was trying to guard it from everything and make it of steel, but instead, I’d made it bleed for a man I didn’t like at first.
What have I done with my own life?
A sudden surge of disappointment occupied every inch of my body. My knees grew weaker, I walked back to my car somehow and pressed on the gas.

***

When I entered my room, Carrie was already there watching a movie and drinking wine. She had keys of my apartment and she was a friend who could enter my house anytime and without any permission.

“Hi,” she said, noticing me, but without taking her eyes off the television screen.

“Hello,” I said.

She must have heard my sad sound.“What happened?” She got up and came close to me. "Why are you so sad? I thought you got out of the Chase issue by telling your dad about his threatening you.”

I’d told her about my meeting with Dad the other night over the phone. “It’s not about that. It’s about Tristan. I don’t know where I’m going with him.”

“But I thought your mind was clear...”

I cut her off. “No, it isn’t anymore. I think I like him.” Admitting that to Carrie was the biggest leap of faith I’d taken that day. I didn’t know how she would take it, and I wanted her to react well because her opinion mattered a lot to me.

“Then, what’s the issue? I’m happy for you. After almost a year-and-a-half you have finally liked a man and that’s good.”

“I don’t know if he likes me or not. And I’m not sure if I can trust him.” I couldn’t tell her about the girl I saw.

“Hmm, trust issues? Any girl?” She touched my shoulder.“I can understand you, Nikki. It’s the long time and your past creeping you out. But you must understand that finding a nice person is lot more difficult than finding a jerky one. It’s like an opportunity, and you must grab it as soon as possible. If you really think that he is the person you can care about, then go ahead, trust him and tell him the truth about Stephen. Maybe he will back off maybe he will accuse you, but that also would open up a door for him to forgive you and trust you back. Trust is the key here, Nikki.”

I sat there thinking about her advice and it felt right. Yes, she was right, I just saw him with an unknown woman holding hands; she could be his sister or friend from the past. I’d just known him for last few days and I didn’t know much about him. That thought cheered me up. I looked forward to meeting him in the evening and training with him again. And maybe telling him about Stephen. “Yes. If I have to move forward, he needs to know the truth.”

“That’s my girl.” Carrie hugged me tightly.

***

I looked at the key in my hand.
I may not have this soon.
My heart was speeding like a train. I rang the doorbell finally.

“Hi, sweetheart.” Tristan kissed me on my cheek as soon as he opened the door. He looked very happy.“Did you already lose the key?” He chuckled.

“Nope, but it’s better to give you some warning before I come in. you might be busy with your girlfriend or someone else.” I couldn’t control my sarcasm.

His face turned dark. "Nothing like that...” He looked worried. My heartbeat skipped.

“
I need to tell you something before we start training today.”

My heart sunk.
What is he going to tell me? Does he have a girlfriend already? A break up and then make up today?

“What do you want to tell me, Tristan?” I asked, curiously. My heart was beating so fast that I feared it would break down.

“It’s about a girl I loved.”

“What?” My fear was true. He had a girlfriend and now she was back. He just wanted to inform me that he wouldn’t be able to train with me and wouldn’t sleep with me.
Why is it ending so soon, I was just getting to know you and now you are telling me this?
“It’s okay, Tristan. I can understand. She is pretty and perfect for you.” I wanted to sob, burst open in emotions, hug him and beg him not to go with her, but my brain was covering my heart well, with pain.

“What?” He looked confused.

“She is back in your life, right?”

“What are you saying?”

“It’s the same girl who came in Starbucks today right?”

“Yes.”

“She is beautiful and I’m glad that she is back in your life.” I tried to smile, but couldn’t.

He hold my shoulder tightly, “Nikki, bite me, please.” He chuckled.

“Hmmm.” He was confirming that I was right; he looked so happy when he smiled, “I’m sorry, Tristan. I may have come in between you two.”

“Nikki, shut up and listen.” He held my cheeks in his palms, “I liked her since college and even loved her—no, I was very much infatuated with her. But she is married now, and carrying the baby of the man she loves. I just wanted to tell you the truth and nothing else.”

“What the fuck?.” I shouted.“You don’t have any more feelings for her?”

“No, she was my best friend before anything and she was in love with a man named Gavin before I could ask her for a date.”

I took a deep breath. The pain vanished from my heart. “Then why did you ditch me when you saw her?”

“I wasn’t sure, at first, but then I met her yesterday evening. She told me how happy her life was and then I realized that I didn’t love her like a girlfriend or anything. She was and she is my best friend. I was just infatuated with her.”

I sighed in relief. He’d almost stopped my heart with all the tension.
You must be punished for this, Mr. Scott.
“And you are telling me this for…”

“Um...” His voice choked and his eyes went soft. “I thought...”

“I think we were clear that there is nothing between us and this is just the training thing, right?” I asked in a serious tone. I was going to punish him with his own game.

“I don’t know.” He turned around and grabbed a ball to rotate in his hand. “But I thought...”

“What did you think?”

“You were going to...”

“What was I going to do, Tristan?”

“Come on, Nikki.”

“What?” I threw my hands in the air.

“I thought...”

“For God’s sake, what did you think?”

He turned back to me and held my shoulders. His deep, black eyes met mine. His alluring gaze was touching my soul already. “I can’t take it anymore. And I think there is something between us that’s bugging me.”

“Why is it bugging you?” I asked hypnotically.

“I think I want something more than this. I don’t want just the meaningless sex. I want you with your emotions attached. I want you to take me on a date.”

That was it; I couldn’t lie to him anymore. I had to tell him the truth or else I would drown in my own guilt.

I hugged him tightly. “Thanks a lot, Tristan, for bringing this up,” I lifted my chin to look in his endless eyes. “But there is something I need to tell you first. No, I need to show you first.”

“I think you were going to tell me these things just this afternoon, right?”

“Yes, I was. But I need some time and your help.” I couldn’t just tell him that I had a son and I needed his help. Showing him the truth was the only way I could think of. I needed my son, and he was the only person I could trust and who could help me get Stephen back.

“What kind of help? Tell me—I can do anything for you,” he said with determination in his eyes.

“I need you to help me grab something for me from my dad’s house.”

“What, Nikki?” He pushed me back, holding me at arm’s length, “What is it? Can you at least tell me?”

“Do you trust me?” I asked him, looking deep in his eyes, searching for his soul.

“I do,” he said innocently, and without any confusion in his eyes.

“Then please help me get that thing back.”

“Okay. Tell me about what it is first.”

“It’s a very small thing, and it’s very precious to me.” It wasn’t going well; I couldn’t just tell him to do things without actually telling him the truth.

“And why can’t you get it yourself.”

“I would have, if I could.” A sadness seeped into my voice. “I’ve been longing for this for the last six months. That thing is dearer to me than anything else in this world. But I don’t have the power to get it from there.”

“And why do you think I can get it for you? If it’s with your dad, that means people with guns would be around. Why do you think I can defeat the gun-carrying people,” he asked.

“I don’t know, Tristan.” I punched on his chest. “But if you want our relationship to go further, I need to show you that thing. This is the only truth I can tell you right now.”

“Okay, calm down.” He pulled me in. “But if you don’t tell me about this thing, I won’t be able to prepare for it.”

“I can’t, I just can’t.”

“You can’t put our lives in danger. I need to know what this thing is.”

He was right, I was asking him to put his life in danger. But I had no choice. I just couldn’t sit around after getting this close to my goal.

“Then there would be no us,” I said and walked away.

“Nikki.” He came running behind me.

“I’m sorry, Tristan. Maybe I’m asking too much, but this is the only option. I can’t think about us until I show you something and that means we need to break into my dad’s house.”

***

I walked out of my elevator. My heart was filled with lots of confusing emotions. I couldn’t be sure that I was doing the right thing. What if someone attacks Tristan and kills him.
Is this the price I’m willing to pay for my son? The chance to blow up everything?

“Hey, baby, where are you going without talking to me?” Chase’s creepy sound came out of nowhere.

I dropped my keys.
“
What the hell are you doing here? I thought Dad was clear about this,” I said, while turning to face him.

“Don’t worry. I’m not here to threaten you. I have an offer for you,” He grinned, showing his half-black teeth, “I know you want to meet Stephen, and I can make that happen.”

“How?” My intrigue increased tenfold. At just the sound of Stephen’s name, I was all in for anything.

“Day after tomorrow, come to the second house alone. I’ll let you meet Stephen and then I’ll have what I want.” His finger traced down my neck to the edge of my top.

“But why? Dad will kill you if he finds out about this.” I couldn’t believe this jerk. He must be bluffing, trying to get me trapped. “And I’m not walking in your trap.”

“Your dad is going out of town for three days, starting tomorrow. And I can disconnect the security for three hours. Only me and you.” He gave me his wicked smile again.“And, of course, your sweet son.”

A chill ran through my spine, but if he was telling the truth, then it would be a golden opportunity for me. I had to get my son out of there, even if I had to sleep with that bastard.

“Take your time and don’t even think about bringing your boyfriend. I would shoot him on sight.” He patted me on my head.“Message me.” He walked away.