Layers (16 page)

I run my fingers through his soft hair as he removes my pants and underwear at once. He takes his off, too. He runs his palm over my thighs and in between my legs. To my complete reluctance, he turns to the side and I hear a faint rip. He comes back between my parted legs and in no time, into me. I gasp at the feeling of him filling me; every part of me is enthralled by the sensation.

In slow, sliding movements he makes me burn inside and out. I grab his face with unadulterated desire and consume his mouth. As I do, he returns my gesture, thrusting slowly yet forcefully. I moan, my body heated with electrifying sensations. I wrap my legs tighter and in response his movements become more intense. As they do, I feel myself explode into thousands of pieces of ecstasy; shortly afterwards, I hear him pant loudly as he joins me.

Daniel lies on me, breathing heavily. I indulge in the feeling of being warped by his weight. Inhaling the scent of sex and Daniel, I want him to stay here, right where he is. He finds my mouth and kisses me with feather-like kisses, then slides his head down to nestle on my stomach.

“That was great,” I whisper.

“Indeed it was,” he says, running his fingers across my waist.

“It was the greatest thing since coffee came in lidded cups.”

He chuckles and raises his head to look at me, radiating amusement. “That good?” he says, feigning shock, then laughs.

I join him, giggling. As soon as he rests his head on my navel again, my empty stomach starts to rumble. He raises his messy head to face me with the widest grin and a raised eyebrow. “Now that’s charmingly sweet,” he chuckles, and kisses me at the source of the noise. “Hey, I said I was hungry,” I say in my own defense.

Inching up, he rubs his nose on mine. “Now that we’re done projecting each other’s brains off, shall we get some food in you?”

I nod and look for my clothes. As I follow him to the kitchen, I think to myself how our first time was just a pale prelude of now.

Daniel settles himself on the stool next to mine, shirtless and glorious with a just-got-laid aura that echoes my own look.

“More sake?”

“No, thanks. I need to drive home later.”

“You can sleep over.”

I smile.
You want me to sleep over?
“I can’t, I have nothing with me and I need to go to work tomorrow.”

“Too bad,” he says under his breath, looking utterly disappointed. “Here, try this one: my favorite. It’s a bit spicy.” He brings a roll tweezed between two chopsticks to my lips.

It itches my tongue, but in a good way. “It’s really good. Mmm, I like it.” My lips pull up.
I like you
. He’s staring at me intensely. I am so glad to be here, secluded with him, in his place. Which reminds me of the disturbing surveillance gadgets at the gate. “So what’s up with the security cameras?” I say, hoping he can’t read my thoughts about him.

“What do you mean?” he questions.

“Why do you need them?”

“Robbers. You know, they usually like this kind of house,” he says, his mouth twisted in humor.

“Come on, it can’t just be because of that.”

“No, it isn’t just that. Being in the public eye sometimes brings trouble.” He sighs and licks some wasabi from the side of his thumb. “What kind of trouble?” concern clearly heard in my voice.

“All sorts. Some people want to get near me. Some want to see me suffer.”

A painful flutter makes its way down my spine when I think that someone could hurt him.

“Did anybody threaten you or try to get in here?”

“I had some unwelcome incidents, but not lately, don’t worry about it.” He doesn’t elaborate much. He turns to look at me under his lashes, asking, “Are you worried about me?”

I wince and he kisses me.

“So, are you on the pill?”

Ah?

I almost choke on my next bite. “Talk about a change of subject.” I stare at him, somewhat surprised. “You sure do know how to carry on a proper dinner table conversation,” I chuckle nervously, fairly embarrassed.

“Well, are you?” he insists, solemn, disregarding my previous reply.

Will we be a party of three? Is Mr. Hyde joining us tonight?
“Yes, I’m on the pill. Why?”

“I detest condoms,” he says, deadpan.

Could you be more blunt? This conversation is getting better by the minute
. “I think we should get tested before getting rid of those.” I wrinkle my nose as I add my two cents.

“I couldn’t agree more. H, always the girl scout,” he chuckles, taking another mouthful of wasabi-dipped salmon sashimi. I shake my head, smiling.

“Can you do that tomorrow?” His voice couldn’t be firmer.

“I’m not sure I’ll have time, boss. You do know I started a new job today, right? And clinics, as far as I know, aren’t open in the evenings.”

“It’s important.” He frowns.

Okay, calm down. No need to go to the emergency room right now …
“I’ll do it once I get the chance, perhaps this weekend,” I respond affirmatively. Even if I tried hard, I wouldn’t be able to come up with a better topic to discuss over sushi, I think, amused.

“And what about you?” I ask.
Why should I be the only one urged to do the test?

“As soon as possible.” Not a shred of humor to his voice. And as though we didn’t discuss any uncomfortably serious STD-related topic just a minute ago, he asks, his eyes lighting up, “Do you want to continue watching that movie we left the other day?”

Here you are, Dr. Jekyll. I missed you
.

“What’s the time?” I’m feeling a tad tired, satiated in all possible ways, but tired.

He cocks his head to check the clock on the stove. “Half past midnight.”

“I think I should be heading home now.”

He takes my hand and kisses each of my knuckles.

“Are you sure about that sleep over?”

“Yes, D.” I lean to kiss him and he counters eagerly. “I should be going. I have the drive back,” I say, before this innocent kiss starts round two of projecting. Not that I would mind, but I’m tired and expected to perform tomorrow at work.

“What are you driving? That scooter of yours?” he questions rhetorically, with a touch of irritation.

“Yes, it’s my vehicle thus what I drive.”
What’s wrong with it?

“I don’t want you to drive it now, it’s cold and really late. I hate the thought of you driving it home,” he says, looking somewhat concerned. “Take one of my cars.”

One of?
“No, I couldn’t, Daniel. I’ve been driving this scooter forever, it’s very reliable,” I try, smiling.

“Listen, this matter is not up for discussion.” He almost flares.
Chill …

I send him a semi-annoyed glare. “I …” I don’t even manage to articulate a full word when he cuts me off, cupping my chin, tilting my face to absorb the full intent of his solemn look.

“I don’t want another visit to the hospital in the middle of the night.” His jaw tics. “God knows what could be the outcome next time. I. Want. You. Safe. So, yes, you can, and
you are
,” he says harshly.

Not waiting for my reply, he stands and strides toward the corridor leading to his bedroom and his study. “I’ll be right back,” he calls from the hallway.

“Here,” he says, waving a pair of keys as he returns.

“You don’t need it?”

“I have more than enough. Don’t worry, sweet Hayley, I’ll be able to get myself to work tomorrow.” He winks.

“I’m not sure this is a good idea.”

“Well, I’m sure for us both. It’s not an open discussion.” I roll my eyes.

“Okay then, I’ll get going now.” I’m too tired to be arguing this.

“I’ll walk you to the garage. Come on.” He embraces me.

There are five luxurious sports cars parked parallel to each other in the indoor garage, each more extravagant than the next.

“Here, take the Z4. My mom usually uses it when she’s around,” he says idly.
A Beemer Z4? What if I scratch it, or worse, wreck it?

Sensing my distress, he says flatly, “Don’t worry, it has insurance. Come here, you.” He pulls me into a bear hug, squeezing me tightly against him. “Too bad you aren’t staying.”

I nod, utterly in agreement, silently sighing into his chest as he kisses my head with airy kisses; I take the chance to inhale more of his drug-like scent. When I raise my head to kiss him, we end up indulging in a prolonged, deep kiss.

“Go home, I don’t want you to drive too tired,” he says with his forehead resting on mine. He opens the door for me, waiting till I get settled, then kisses me yet again as he gives me the keys.

“Good night, Daniel.”

“Good night, Hayley.”

~~~

This car reels so smoothly, some change from a scooter. The open roads and the night’s murky spectacle put me in such a serene state of mind. I wonder what kind of music Daniel has in here? And then I think to myself: I ‘m in Daniel’s car, after I had dinner with him and made the most intoxicating love to him. I have a strong urge to pull a u-turn and go back for some more. As soon as I start the car’s iPod, Bob Dylan’s rough voice sings about one more cup of coffee, adding the last needed piece to complete the euphoric drive.
D, even from afar you can please me
. I smile, content.

~~~

When I’m already in bed, my phone beeps once. I grab it, smiling, knowing exactly who the message will be from.

Daniel: tucked in bed safe and sound, sweet H?
I can’t help the smirk spreading on my face.

Am, D, would rather be tucked with you.

Daniel: same here H, G’night.
I snuggle deeper into my comforter and close my eyes
.

Chapter 15: Just Another Day at the Office

I’m a bit upset that I didn’t get to see Tasha before going to work. She left before I was even up. I text her.

hope you had a good evening, see you tonight—heart.

Tasha: hope YOU had a good night, Hales, gory details on my desk TONIGHT.

My phone beeps again,
another clever remark to add, Tasha
?

Daniel: Drop by my office at noon, D.

And good morning to you, too, domineering Mr. Hyde
. I decide to call him.

“Hayley.” He sounds slightly impatient and occupied.

“Hey, are you busy?”

“Yes, I’m in the middle of a meeting.”

“So why did you answer, then?”

“Because it was you.” His voice is flat.
Because it was you
 … I can’t help the wildly expending smile on my lips.

“Talk to me later, it’s not urgent,” I mutter casually.

“What is it, Hayley?” he says, in a low, firm, bossy voice.

“Just, about noon …”

“Just be here, okay? I need to go now.” And he’s gone.

Argh
.

I shake my head, irritated.
Luckily for you, D, your overall gorgeous self compensates for those psycho mannerisms of yours
 …

~~~

“Morning, Hayley.” Colgate Ken doll welcomes me with a smile.

“Good morning, Josh. What’s up?” I say, smiling back, thinking about Daniel’s remark from last night about him.

“I want you to join me in a meeting we’re having with the extended content team now.”

“Sure.” I grab my tablet and follow him.

The meeting lasts longer than expected and finally ends close to noon.

“Did you take notes?” Josh asks as we step out of the meeting room. I nod.

“Can you send me a summary?”

“Of course, as soon as I get to my seat.”

“Would you like to join me for lunch?” he asks.

“Oh, thanks, but not this time. I’m going out for lunch in twenty.”

He raises an eyebrow questioningly. “Somewhere interesting?” He observes me, waiting for my reply.

I tap my fingers on the tablet in my hand. “Just here in the bay area.”
I am not about to start briefing you about my personal life.

“Okay, enjoy.” He gives me a healthy grin.

I send Josh the required summary and take my borrowed Beemer to meet its owner.

~~~

Miss Bally, Daniel’s PA, jumps my way as I approach the entrance hall next to his office. “Hello, Miss Grace, nice to see you again.”

“Hello Miss Bally. It’s Hayley.” I smile at her, wondering if she could be any more tense than she already is.

“Miss Grace,” she continues, and I stop her.

“Hayley,” I repeat, still smiling.

“Hayley,” she replies, though awkwardly. It seems hard for her to call me by my first name.

“Your appointment is waiting for you in Mr. Stark’s office. Can I get you anything?”

Come again?
“You mean Daniel is waiting for me?” I ask, confused.

“Oh no, Mr. Stark is currently in another meeting. Shall I call him?”

I try to make sense of what she’s saying. “No, don’t bother him,” I raise my hand in dismissal and add, “Who did you say was waiting for me then?”

“Miss Grace …”

“Please, call me Hayley.” I try to not get annoyed, though my words come out with an irritated bite.

“Your appointment is with a Miss Gladys.”

Who?
I search my memory for whether Daniel mentioned meeting anyone but I’m quite positive he didn’t.

“So, would you like anything to drink?” she asks again.

“No thanks, I’m good,” I mutter, baffled. Next I knock on Daniel’s door and let myself in, only to find an older lady standing beside an empty chair by Daniel’s desk. A big black leather bag sits next to her.
What the hell
?

“Hello Miss Grace,” she greets me.

“Hi.” Suspicion saturates my answer.

“Would you like to start?” she asks next.

“Start what?” I can’t hide my dismay.

“The blood test,” comes her velvety response. I look at her, completely surprised. “Blood test?”

“The HIV blood test,” she says in an even softer voice, trying not to look directly at me as she does so.
Oh my god
,
he arranged for me to be tested at his office? Is he seriously insane?
I feel my face heating up as I stare at her, utterly embarrassed, hoping my thoughts aren’t too obvious.
Did you ever think to share this info with me, Mr. Stark? Give me a heads up; perhaps ask if I was okay with this? Demented nutcase …