Misguided Vows: Chapter 38

After lunch, I spent the afternoon with my mother, shopping and buying her a lot of unnecessary stuff. But I feel like that’s what I should do when I have all of this money. She’s supported me my entire life, and it honestly feels nice to be able to spoil her like this. But she’s still refusing most of the items I want to splurge on, so I realize we’ll have to build up to it. After all, the money is just sitting in my account; it’s not like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. Well, not until I decide on where I’ll be setting up an office. I don’t know if I should base it in London or here in America. Maybe both? Should I look at bringing on a team?

It all seems like a lot to think about now, and so I’ve decided to wait until after I finish with Dawson’s shop.

These are the thoughts I’m having as I sit beside the toilet bowl with a tight stomach.

“I told you not to eat the pulled pork taco from the truck,” my mother lectures as she hands me another bottle of water.

I groan. “But they’re usually the best ones. I think I’m done now.” I’d only vomited twice, and other than a tight stomach, I’m feeling a lot better now. If not, simply defeated.

The doorbell rings, and I realize with dread it’s most likely the food we ordered. Which I have no interest in eating right now.

“I’ve already paid for the food, so you should be okay to just grab it,” I call out after my mother as she walks down the stairs. I pull my sorry ass up and begin rinsing out my mouth. Much better now.

Note to self: Do not buying pulled pork from a truck for a while.

“Alina, can you come down here, please,” my mother shouts from the door.

“I’ve already paid for it,” I call back but still lazily make my way down the staircase anyway. When I reach the bottom of the stairs, she steps aside, and that’s when I see him. Will. He’s right in front of her, dressed in a tailored suit with a tie, and his hair done so nicely I wonder where he’s going. He’s wearing a shit-eating grin as I approach.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, rather clipped. I didn’t expect him to find me. Especially not within a day. How did he even get out of his restraints?

“Sorry, I’m late. I was tied up with something else, but I’m here now.”

“How did you even…” I don’t even know why I was about to ask that question, knowing he can track anyone. “And what are you late for exactly?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest. His crystal blue gaze moves to my mother.

“Oh, I’m Angela. It’s so nice to meet you.” My mother holds out her hand, and Will takes it and leans down to kiss her knuckles.

“Pleasure is all mine,” he says, his voice heavy with his English accent. My mother blushes as he drops her hand. He then looks back at me. “There’s an annual function on tonight. Actually, it’s a charity fundraiser. Care to accompany me?”

“She’s free,” Mom chirps, which forces me to give her a major side-eye. I don’t know how he got here so quickly or what he’s up to. But there’s only so much I can elaborate on without my mother realizing that I’d had him tied to the bed when I left at four in the morning.

“I didn’t know you were so local,” I say.

“We’re still learning things about one another, love. I’ve frequented this area quite a few times now.” He lifts his wrist, checks his watch, and smiles. “I don’t want to pressure you with time, but the event starts in one hour. And I believe we made a deal. If I win, I can have whatever I want. And I’d like you to join me for an outing.”

I try not to smile —this asshole.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t bring anything to wear,” I say, pretending to be sad over the fact.

“I figured as much, so I organized a local boutique to organize something.” He steps back, and a lady walks up, holding a garment bag. This fucker is ridiculously efficient. “Take the bag, Alina. Everything should fit; I gave her the measurements myself,” he adds with a charming grin. It goes without saying since his hands have been on every inch of my body, that he’d presume he knows my size. And he’s most likely not wrong.

“He bought you a dress?” my mother leans in and whispers because she can’t contain her excitement at what most likely appears to be a prince. I can hear the awe in her voice as she says it, and I don’t have the heart to tell her he’s nothing more than someone to pass the time with while I’m in New York.

She likes him.

Shit.

“I’ll wait in the car while you get ready.” He steps back outside, but my mother is quick to grab his wrist.

“No, come in. I’ll make us a cup of coffee while Alina gets ready.” He offers her one of his charming smiles, and she’s absolutely besotted. It irritates me. My mother is my home, my safe place, the person I love the most and would do anything for. I don’t like how easily he charms her.

“I had plans,” I deadpan.

“You did not. You don’t leave until tomorrow, and we’ve spent the whole day together. I’m tired anyway, so I can spare you for a night. Go and get ready.” She grabs the bag from the woman, puts it into my hand, and pushes me toward the staircase.

I want to wipe the smug expression off Will’s face but roll my eyes instead, giving in to the bet that I’d previously laid down. I don’t know what he’s doing in my hometown or how he knows about any particular event here, but I have no choice but to play into it. I really did this to myself.

When I’m in my room, I unzip the heavy garment bag and find a box at the bottom. In it is a pair of strappy black heels. How he knew my size, I have no idea. But I’m coming to discover that Will is a multi-layered man.

Pulling out the black dress, I see it’s a wrap dress that can basically cater to any size. But it also goes around my neck, giving it an elegant look. Sliding off my sweats, I put on the dress and tie it around my waist so the bow is to the side. When I look in the mirror, I realize my panty line is visible. Since I only had a shower an hour ago, I slide them down and kick them off.

I admire myself in the mirror. It is a beautiful dress. I’ve never had anyone buy me a dress before, but I kind of like it. This is a dress I would buy myself. It’s flattering but also unnerving to realize how much attention Will must pay to me to know my tastes, even down to the subtle jewelry.

When I walk to the bathroom, I can hear my mother laughing at something Will said, and I shake my head. He’s an asshole, no doubt. But he’s also charming and very clearly a man who is used to getting what he wants.

I didn’t bring much makeup, so I use what I have, applying foundation and curling my lashes before I add mascara. Luckily, I always carry lip liner in my purse and I swipe it on before I fix my hair. I put it up in a high bun and brush back the flyaways. Considering the short notice, I think I look put together enough, and it only took me twenty minutes.

I call that a win. Heading out of my room with my black purse, I walk down the stairs and find Will leaning over the kitchen counter, his ass to me, as my mother tells him a story about my father.

It’s strange to have a man fill the space in the kitchen again. Especially Will. And I don’t know how I feel about hearing my mother sigh over memories of my father. It’s a part of her heart that never entirely closed, and that terrifies me.

I clear my throat. “I’m ready.”

Will straightens up and turns to face me. “That was fast,” he says, his eyes roaming over me. I like how he’s looking at me right now. Considering he’s seen every nook and cranny of my body, he appreciates even the clothes I wear. And it’s nice.

“Oh, honey, you look beautiful,” my mother gushes. “Have the best night. And if you don’t come home tonight, I’ll see you in the morning.” She kisses my cheek.

“That’s a bit presumptuous. He doesn’t need encouragement,” I say to her.

“Well, at least he won’t be playing his games and playing with himself tonight, right?” she says, her dry humor making an appearance.

Will’s jaw unhinges, and it’s absolutely priceless. I laugh, and eventually so does Will.

“I don’t know if I should ask what you’ve told your mother about me,” he says, exasperated.

My mother turns to Will. “Only good things, of course. It was lovely to meet you, Will. Make sure you don’t become a stranger.” She presses a kiss to his cheek, and it shocks me at how welcoming my mother is. She has not one ounce of skepticism about him, yet for anyone I dated years ago, she was always cautious and worried. How do I tell her Will is the most dangerous of them all?

Will presses his hand to my lower back as we close the door behind us. My mother waving at me as if she’s just sent me off to prom or something.

“I wonder if we have time for me to taste you before we get there,” Will whispers in my ear. “After all, I had so many hours staring up at the ceiling imagining it.” I chuckle and turn to look at him as we walk to the car.

“We shall see. Depends on how well you behave,” I say, still shocked that he’s actually here.

“Oh, darling, I can be the best boy. Please tell me you’ll reward me if I’m a good boy.” He presses me against the car before opening the door for me, and I can hear the lethal edge in his tone. Punishment for the little prank I played on him earlier.

“You’ll be a good boy?” I ask, leaning in, and he nods, lowering his head to kiss the side of my neck.

“A very good boy,” he purrs. “But before that, I believe you have to be punished for a certain little situation you created for me.”

I chuckle as he presses kisses along my jaw.

“How did you get out of the restraints?”

“Let me have a taste first and then I’ll tell you,” he growls as he opens the door beside me.

I chuckle, now thoroughly entertained and curious. “Okay, I guess you can have a taste,” I whisper as I slide into the passenger seat. He smirks as he closes the door behind me. And I’m certain it won’t be long until his hands are on me.