All Good Things (24 page)

Without thinking, I reached for the largest knife in the holder and faced the entrance. I listened as each step came closer and closer. My heart was pounding so hard, I could hear its beating in my ears. Relentless.

A figure dressed in black turned the corner and my heart leapt into my throat as blue eyes locked on mine. His eyes widened and he stiffened mid-step.

"What the fuck, Olivia?" Jace growled. His eyes were locked on the knife.

Slowly, I lowered the knife to the counter. My fingers were too shaky to release their hold on the handle as I brought a calming breath into my throat. "I'm sorry."

Jace set the Starbucks tray he had in his hand on the counter before shrugging a laptop case from his shoulder, setting it on the island stool. His eyes were wary as he approached me slowly. "Let go of the knife, Olivia."

Jace did not wait for me to comply. He reached for my hand and plucked one finger after the other from the knife handle. When he was positive I was not going to grab for it again, he set it on the counter behind him and pulled me into his chest.

"I didn't know it was you." I whispered against his chest.

"Who else would it be, Olivia?" he growled. "Aside from Trisha. I don't think she would appreciate that kind of welcoming."

I laughed. "She wouldn't."

Jace pulled me away from him. His eyes swept over my face and he sighed. "Why were you crying?"

"I wasn't." I shook my head and looked away from him. What was he doing here?

"Do not lie to me." He growled. He slipped a finger under my chin, forcing me to look up into his face. "What made you cry and why did you greet me with a knife?"

I drew in a shaky breath. "Why are you here, Jace."

He flinched as though I had slapped him. "What do you mean, why am I here?"

"Why are you here?" I asked again. "I thought last night-," I broke off, as my voice cracked. "I thought last night was goodbye."

"Why would you think that?" He barked. Offense ignited in the depths of his ice blue eyes and he dragged a hand through his hair. "Fuck, Olivia...why would you think that?"

I shrugged. "I don't know, Jace."

"Don't fucking lie to me, Olivia." He warned. "My patience is tested and-,"

I cut him off. "You made love to me last night, Jace."

"And you interpreted that as goodbye?" He frowned as I nodded.

"You never promised to stay." I fought my tears. "You said you would never make love to me, Jace."

"I made love to you because I had to. I needed you last night and I want to need you again." He groaned as he rubbed his forehead. I stood frozen as his words washed over me, seeping through my defenses and attacking my heart. "I wanted to wake up to see you smile at me."

I couldn't fight my tears any longer. The sadness turned to debilitating happiness and they spilled over my lashes. Jace looked horrified as he watched my eyes fill with tears that ran down my face. I didn't think, I just bolted into his arms. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my body into his. This man evoked feelings within me no other held the power to inflict. How I thought for even a moment I could just move on without him in my life?

I pulled away from him as he set me on the counter. I wrapped my legs around his waist and stared into his brilliant blue eyes. "Why did you leave?"

"I don't sleep for long, Olivia." He shrugged off my concern. "I took a taxi home to retrieve my laptop and I stopped at a Starbucks on the way back to get you a hot chocolate. I figured it wouldn't be long until you woke, but I honestly thought I would be here before you did."

"You took a taxi?" I gasped.

"Yes." He frowned. "Gabe brought me here and I was not about to call him in the wee hours of the morning to get him to drive me around the city."

"Did you drive back here?" I winced at the thought of him leaving his car on the street.

"No," he smiled as though he could read my thoughts. "I took a taxi."

"Good." I breathed.

He cocked a brow, leaning over the island to drag the tray of morning fuel over the counter. He handed me the hot chocolate and I took a long sip, reveling in the sweet taste. "I don't know how you drink that."

I frowned. "Have you ever had it?"

He looked horrified at the thought I might make him try it. I watched as he debated on lying to me, saying he had, so I wouldn't make him try it. Lucky for him, he decided on the truth. "I do not enjoy sweet drinks, Olivia."

Very well. I wouldn't make him try it. It would be too sweet for him. "Well, I like it."

He looked relieved as he watched me take another sip. His jaw was tense and I knew something was on his mind. I didn't have to wait long. "Why were you so afraid, that you would take a knife into your hand?"

I felt my face pale. "I was just worried, Jace."

"Why?" He persisted. I hoped my lying had gotten considerably better.

"Well, I didn't grow up here and I never know what will happen. I knew it was not Trisha and I thought you were gone, so I didn't know who it was. I thought it was better I had a means to protect myself."

Jace's jaw ticked. "You do realize to use a knife, someone has to get very close to you."

I nodded. "It was better than nothing."

He shook his head in exasperation. "And, you're still opposed to having a bodyguard?"

I nodded. "I am."

He growled low under his breath. "You will be the death of me, Olivia."

"Happy to be of service." I winked at his open mouthed gape.

"You are incredulous."

"I learned from the best."

"I'm sure you did."

I cocked my head to the stool. "What's the laptop for?"

The glitter in his eyes dimmed. "I have to work. I wanted to spend the morning with you and since you flat out refused to spend it at my place, I am forced to do my work here."

My heart fluttered. "How sweet of you."

His brow raised and he shook his head as he leaned in to kiss me. "Your smart ass mouth is going to get you into trouble one of these days."

I pressed my lips against his. "Oh, please Lord, let today be that day."

Jace pulled away from me with fire in his eyes. "You should sleep a little longer. It's not even five a.m. and you will be exhausted by the end of the day."

"I don't think I can sleep." I pouted as I watched him move around the island to the stool. He pulled his laptop from the bag and set it on the counter.

"I'm leaving for Paris on Monday and I would like you to join me." Jace stated factually.

I couldn't help but marvel in his ability to switch from easy-going to absolute control freak. It was slightly disconcerting and a whole lot of mind-blowing. "Um, this Monday?" I lifted my leg onto the counter so I could face him. I knew it was unorthodox to be sitting on the counter, but I didn't really care. It was my counter.

"Yes. This Monday."

"Jace," My voice was tense. "That is in two days."

He nodded tightly as he glanced up at me from the screen of his laptop. "I'm fully aware of that."

"How long?"

"I will be there for four days."

I sucked in a deep breath for courage. "I can't come with you."

He frowned and surprise lit his features. "Why not?"

"I can't just leave the store." I said slowly. Firmly. "I have to be here to oversee my project."

Jace shifted in the seat. "Have you ever been to Paris, Olivia?"

The way he asked the question made me think he already knew the answer. It unnerved me. "No, I haven't."

He nodded as though this was no revelation to him. "And, you are going to pass up the chance to see one of the most romantic cities in the world to remain here to oversee your project."

"I have never desired to see Paris, Jace." I stated matter of fact. I didn't like how he just assumed he could demand I go with him to Paris and just drop the rest of my life as though it were insignificant.

He frowned. "That is ridiculous. Every woman wants to see Paris."

I shrugged. "Maybe every other woman you know...but, not me."

"Humor me, Olivia." His fingers were tense as they traced his top lip in thought. "What part of the world is irresistible to you?"

"Italy." I said immediately and then I blushed.

He nodded. "Italy, huh."

"Yup." I nodded. "Not Paris."

His eyes twinkled. "The fact that you want to be here to oversee your project is the only reason you will not accompany me to Paris, yes?"

"Basically."

"Either it is or it isn't." His blue eyes were an inferno as he watched me lift my other leg onto the counter. I wrapped my arms around my knees and shrugged.

"It is."

His fingers began typing madly over the keys of his laptop. My curiosity doubled with each second that passed us by. I had no idea what he was doing, but I had a sickening feeling it was not something I would later be pleased about.

"The dilemma is solved." Jace said. He lifted his eyes to my face and I took it for what it was. A challenge.

"I didn't know there was a dilemma that needed solving." I snapped.

"Oh, there most definitely was." His lip twitched and I knew he was fighting a smile.

"Enlighten me."

"You needed someone to oversee the project. You have that someone. I hired the best and you will be meeting with her today. She will ensure that nothing goes amiss while you are gone and she may even find some things you overlooked. She has worked for me on countless occasions. She is willing to clear her schedule for the week. You are lucky to have her working for you." Jace spoke as though I had asked for this. I wanted to crawl across the counter and wring his neck.

"I did not ask for this, Jace. You can contact her again and let her know I'm not interested in her services." I snapped.

Jace laughed. He actually laughed! I was moments away from shifting to my knees and diving at him when he spoke. "I'm going to Paris because I'm opening another hotel there. You will accompany me, Olivia, because you signed my contract. If you need to be refreshed on the terms I can pull it up for you in a moment. I have a copy on my laptop."

I felt the blood drain from my face as I stared at him. I clenched my teeth, fighting the urge to scream bloody murder at him. How infuriating! "Your arrogance is astounding." I managed through clenched teeth. "And you are paying that woman for every dime of her time."

"I never once considered anything else." Jace replied calmly.

I hated the fact that I was so worked up and he was calm as ever. It only made me want to strangle him more. Or kick him in the shins and watch him fall to his knees. Oh, yes. How I would love to see him on his knees. He wouldn't be so smug then.

"When are we leaving?" I pushed myself off the counter. The temptation of throwing myself at him was too much.

"Very early Monday morning. You will be spending the night at my place for an easier transition."

"Whatever." I snapped. "I'm going to take a shower."

I turned and walked from the room. I was furious with him and the thought of spending even another moment with him was too much to handle.

Chapter 17

I stripped as quick as I possibly could before I stepped into the hot water. The pounding pebbles of water felt delicious against my tight muscles. I sighed and leaned my head back, closing my eyes. I lit two delicious vanilla and brown sugar scented candles before stepping into the shower. The lighting was dim. Finding the much-needed relaxation I was seeking should be relatively easy.

The door to the bathroom opened and Jace stood beneath the threshold. His eyes were dark and his jaw was set. His arms were folded over his chest and he leaned against the door-jam. He looked dangerous. My heart stuttered.

Scratch the thought of relaxation. With Jace standing there like that the possibility of relaxation, was simply impossible.

"What are you doing in here?" My words came out a mumbled mess that made the tips of my ears burn red.

Jace didn't say anything as he stepped into the bathroom. He closed the door behind him before turning to walk slowly across the floor. My heart rate soared and my skin tingled.

"What are you doing in here?" I repeated, forcing my tone to sound steely.

Jace's eyes flickered to mine. Through the glass of the shower and the dim lighting, I could see his eyes glitter. "You wanted me to come with you, Olivia."

"Oh, no, I didn't." I argued, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Don't be coy." My mouth dropped and he continued. "If you did not want me in here, you would have locked the door."

"I never lock the door." I defended myself.

Jace's hands moved to the buttons on his shirt. "I dislike it when you argue with me, Olivia."

"Get used to it." I snapped.

His eyes flared. "I will not get used to it." He shrugged from his shirt. "You will have to get used to submitting to me. That is what I need from my woman, Olivia."

"I will not submit to you for everything, Jace." I growled. "You had no right to-,"

He cut me off. His voice was loud and commanding. "You are mine, Olivia. You are mine to satisfy, mine to protect, mine to love, and by God, you are mine to punish."

My stomach clenched at his words. My core heated and my anger dissolved into lust. I hated myself for my weakness and I clawed at my anger, trying to hold it intact. "You need to leave, Jace."

"You don't want me to leave, Olivia. I can see the lust in your eyes. I can smell it surrounding you like a thick haze of fog." He stepped out of his pants and boxers. "And, I promise to take care of you, but first, I will dish out the punishment you deserve."

My knees weakened. Holy shit!

"What are you going to do?" All confidence was gone from my tone, leaving me sounding meek. I hated myself for it.

"I am going to fuck you, Olivia."

Where was the man who made love to me last night? Did he disappear so quickly to be replaced by this...sex God? And, did I have a complaint?

That was just it. The thought of being punished by Jace was anything but frightening. It was enticing. I wanted it. I wanted him to...in his words, fuck me hard. I couldn't deny it. He had changed me, for the better or worse, I would never know. I was his. He was right. To satisfy, to protect, to love and to punish, I was his.