His Wounded Light (9 page)

This goes on and on. And the more I drink, the more disconcerted I become.

“Baby, you’ve gone to the bar six times. Your dad hasn’t even spoken yet.” She speaks rather softly so as not to call attention to the rest of the table.

“That’s because they’re taking so goddamn long. We’re leaving right after his speech.”

She nods her head agreeably. “Okay.”

I get up to go to the bar once more but this time she follows me.

She doesn’t reprimand me; her eyes are exceedingly kind and gentle as she says, “Baby, your dad will understand if we don’t stay. I know you’re so tired. Let’s just leave now.”

The drinks have gone to my head and I’ll admit I’m feeling a little bit swirly. “No, we haven’t even danced yet,” I say loud enough to distract the bartender as he takes another order.

“That’s okay, we can dance at home,” she responds calmly, a smile on her face.

I nod my head and she steps in to wrap her arm around my waist. All I can think about is my need to get her as far away from him as possible, and I’m entirely surprised at my reaction.

“I’ve texted Tony to let him know that we’re leaving.”

Great. Now my brother is going to be asking what happened to me.

Once we’re in the car, I sink into the seat and lean my head on her shoulder. She traces my face in the dark with her fingers. Her touch soothes me, but not enough for me to give it up.

“I’m pissed off that you got up to give him a hug. Why did you stand to greet him?”

“I don’t know,” she whispers.

“He was staring at you every chance he got. Do you still have feelings for him?” I ask without the slightest hint of accusation in my voice.

“No. I’m not his. I’m yours.” Her tone is lifeless and even, like she’s trying to show me how neutral she is about the entire situation. My wife has a high propensity for tolerating unreasonable crap like this until she’s pushed to the limit and then her heart shuts down.

I know I’m acting like a jerk, but I can’t help it. “Why do I feel like he still wants you?”

“He doesn’t, Alex. And if he still did, isn’t that his problem, not ours?” She doesn’t wait for the driver to open her door as we pull into the driveway. She steps out and waits for me to slide out of my seat.

She’s good. Her stoicism is really making me feel better. I lean into her as we walk into the house.

“Remind me, if we ever decide to build a new house, not to have so many steps,” I slur as she drags me across the hallway.

She leads me to the bed and props some pillows on the headboard before helping me to lie down. She loosens my bow tie, unbuttons my shirt, removes my shoes and socks, and then helps me unbuckle my pants. I pull her down on me swiftly, roughly. My hands are under her dress in a moment, pushing her panties to the side. Her eyes grow wide and she gasps as I stick my fingers inside her.

“Mine,” I grunt. “I want you,” I declare as I press my lips against hers.

“No, you don’t. That’s the alcohol talking. Go to sleep, A. Let’s talk tomorrow.” She pulls the blanket over me and casually struts away.

I’m sure I’m fast asleep by the time she gets into bed next to me.

I get up once in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. My head is pounding and I can’t see straight. When did I turn into a wuss and get blasted after seven drinks? I look over to Isabel, who is sleeping soundly next to me, curled up on her side and facing away. I’ve got a lot of explaining to do in the morning. I’d better sleep this off before I have to face her.

A few hours later, I open my eyes to the light filtering in through the shades. My headache is almost gone and I’m actually feeling rested. Isabel is slowly stirring so I scoot my body next to her and hold her in my arms. She opens her eyes lazily and blinks a few times.

“Hi,” she whispers.

“Good morning. I’m so sorry about last night.”

“What happened to you? What was that all about?” She wraps her body around me and lightly trails her fingers on my stomach. With her, it’s all about the touch.

“I was jealous.”

My admittance startles her. She cocks her head to the side and crosses her eyes.

“Of what? What have I done to make you feel that way?” The pitch of her voice is raised as she lifts her head off the pillow so her face is directly above mine.

“You’ve had no closure,” I justify.

“Yes, I have. I told you we talked the day of the signing.”

“Tell me again what you talked about.” Everything changed for the better that day she came home to me. It was as if she was determined to shower me with all her devotion after that meeting.

“How much I loved you. That you saved me. That I love only you.” She holds my face in her small hands, reassuring me.

I don’t know why, but it’s not working. I think it’s because his feelings for her are so deep that his transparency just unnerves me. “But he still loves you,” I protested. Drunk or sober, I witnessed it clearly last night.

“That’s bullshit. What does that have to do with me?” I can tell that she’s frustrated but trying her best to be patient. “You’re being a brat, Ailey.” She exhales loudly and lays her head back down on the pillow, giving me a fake scowl. “And look what you’ve done to me. Your dirty mouth has finally rubbed off on me after twelve years.”

I laugh loudly at her statement—that definitely lightened up my mood. “You know how I feel about your cussing, babe. It’s hot. And yes, you’re right. I just haven’t seen him in a while. I thought I was over it.”

“If I’m over it, you need to get over it. We can’t break down at public events like that.” Her voice is stern and authoritative.

I like it. I’m embarrassed that this happened, but then again, Cain is my kryptonite. Everybody has one.

“I know, and I’m sorry,” I say, truly meaning it.

She gives me a half smile and tries to change the subject. “Don’t you think his girlfriend is pretty?”

“Eh,” I reply noncommittally. “Not as pretty as you. I bury my face in her neck and take a huge whiff of her sexy, delicious smell.

“Well, the fact that he’s started stepping out with her, taking her to big events, means that he’s serious about her. You should take that as a good sign,” she says as she fondly runs her fingers through my hair.

“Only because he can’t have you. But I’ll stop now. You have a very pretty nose,” I tease as I outline the bridge of her nose with my finger.

“Are we good, Marty?” she asks as a grin spreads across her face.

I love it when she ribs me about my middle name. “Yes we are, Franny.”

“Then put it here, and here,” she instructs, pointing to her lips and to the place between her legs.

“Yes, ma’am,” I say as I cover her mouth with mine.

***

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste, to experience to the outmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

—Eleanor Roosevelt

It’s hardly Olympic-sized, but I’ll take the breathtaking views from the Four Seasons Hotel pool in Hong Kong anytime. Construction on our new project started two weeks ago and I have to be here in time for the first walk through of the property. I haven’t seen my family in ten days, but that all ends this afternoon. Isabel, Emmy and the kids are arriving in nine hours for our new adventure together. Kind of like Chicago, but with Maddy and Emmy as part of our growing family. I didn’t really have any arguments when Isabel told me that she decided to move everyone here. Not that it would have mattered anyway, because once she sets her mind to something, it happens. I really can’t say I don’t love that quality about her. As I climb out of the pool and walk to the deck chair to grab my towel, a woman in a black string bikini approaches me. Well-endowed, good body. I’m whipped and married, but I’m not blind.

“Alex Ailey?” she greets me.

“Hello. Do I know you?”

“No, but I know you. Who doesn’t? What are you doing here?” She takes a seat on one of the deck chairs while I remain standing.

“I’m here on business. And you?” I don’t ask her name. I really don’t care to know.

“Business. Seminar. I’ve noticed you for the last few days. Are you and your wife still together?” She looks like a fucking dog in heat as she stretches out in front of me, arms above her head, legs slightly spread out.

“I’m sorry?” I’m taken aback by her question. What the fuck is she trying to get at?

“Oh. I was wondering if you wanted to get together for a drink sometime. Maybe this evening? It gets pretty old just sitting by myself at the hotel bar.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t do drinks. I’m a happily married guy. Thanks for trying, though.” I turn around and walk away. For fuck’s sake, I stand corrected. I’m whipped and married
and
blind, apparently. I miss my wife.

By the time I make a few calls and work out of my room, it’s 1:00 pm. I check out of the hotel and head out to a meeting with my bags in the car. The concierge will have me dropped off at the office while the bags are delivered to our new apartment.

It didn’t take me long to find a suitable place for us. The problem was more the fact that Isa wasn’t willing to pay the exorbitant rental rates for only three rooms. I finally convinced her that we should take the plunge for two months, knowing that it would only be temporary. We finally settled on a three bedroom, fully-furnished and fully-serviced apartment in Harbor City. Its central location will make it fun for her and the children to see a lot of places during the day.

The drive to the office is takes longer than I anticipated. Traffic is backed up because of a minor accident, so I sit in what would normally be a ten minute ride for roughly thirty minutes. I had hoped to get there way before my afternoon meeting to prepare myself with the questions that I want answered today.

We’re renting a small office at the Bank of China Tower. It’s on prime space and one of the tallest in the mainland. I make my way to the 30th floor and through the hallway that will lead me to my door.

“Good afternoon, Penny.” I nod at my secretary.

She gives me a lopsided smile. “Good afternoon, sir.”

I swing open the door to my office, and there they are. There’s a brown-haired little girl holding a pink My Little Pony doll in her hand seated on the floor, a blond boy on the couch punching numbers on a smartphone, and a sexy brunette in a blue and white summer dress and sexy high heeled sandals looking out the window. The alluring woman in the dress turns around and gives me the most arresting smile I’ve ever seen.

“Surprise!” Isa and Eddie shout in unison.

I bend down and seize my girl into my arms. “Maddy, baby!” I kiss her cheeks over and over as she squeaks happily and shows me her new toy.

“Hi, Daddy!” Eddie rushes over to give me a hug. “Were you surprised? Penny didn’t squeal on us did she?”

I put my arm around him and kiss him on the head. “Penny keeps good secrets then. I had no idea! How was the flight here?”

“It was good. We got up really early, though.”

Isabel has her arms crossed watching us, waiting for her turn. I place Maddy back down on the floor and rush over to my Isa.