Chapter 42: Don't Throw It Away

Adani's POV

I couldn't stand being in such an atmosphere anymore and jetted for the entrance which was the worst decision I could have made.

The flash of cameras blinded my vision and the paparazzi swarmed me like a bee attack. I somehow managed to maneuver and pushed my way through until someone got extremely close to me and prevented me from taking another step.

"Richie Colt. Los Angeles Angles Magazine. Is it true you're the maid having an affair with Ricardo Parriston that led to the breakup between him and Penelope Vant?" he questioned.

"No comment," I answered and tried to move to the left but he only stepped to the left as well, still blocking me.

"Have you and Penelope had any heated exchange since the breakup?" he questioned.

I remained quiet and turned on my heel to try another direction to escape but all around me were mics, cameras and eager people bombarding me with questions. I was boxed in.

Suddenly, a path cleared and Ricardo's bodyguard, the one I've nickname 'Smoke', appeared by my side. He shielded me and escorted me to the awaiting limousine.

Once inside, I breathe a sigh of relief and settled into a seat. Ricardo entered shortly after.

"Are you okay?" he asked me.

I nodded, yes.

"Adani, we need to talk about this. I'm not going to leave the issue unsettled," he spoke.

I remained silent.

"At least talk to me, Adani. Yell at me if you have to but please let's fix this."

"What is 'this'?" I asked him with some sass, "There's nothing going on between you and I therefore there's nothing to fix."

My words must have been penetrating because his eyes welled up with tears. His cleared his throat and looked at his rolex before he spoke again, "Are you sure on that?"

I remained silent.

"Okay then. Have a goodnight. I'll have the driver take you home," he said and exited the limousine.

"Shit!" I cussed myself as the driver pulled into the street and drove onwards.

~
"I reacted like a damn child. I ran out on him," I spoke to Adonna on the phone call. I explained what happened at the Gala.

"Perhaps that setting was too much too quickly," she said back.

"But I'm an adult. I should have reacted more maturely. He came into the limousine to ensure I was alright and I brushed him off and said some rash things."

"Adani, are you ready to date?"

"I.. I don't even know, to be honest. And I don't know if I can handle dating someone as popular as Ricardo Parriston. He's out of my league. People are already looking at me like if I'm just a leech, wondering what he was seeing in me. The media and magazines are blaming me and trying to pin his breakup with Penelope Vant on me."

"Adani, listen, in order to be happy, you can't give a shit what the outside world thinks. If you try to please people who doesn't even care if you are up or down, you'll never be happy. There're going to be gossips, backlash, rumors, the list goes on. It happens to the average couple so just imagine someone as popular as Ricardo Parriston. You have to block out everything and everyone else."

"You know what's funny, he didn't even ask me to be his girlfriend but here we are talking like if I am."

"He obviously likes you. He just hasn't ask you yet because there are huddles to get over. Don't throw it all away, Adani. Talk to the man. If you need time to process everything, tell him that so he would know to give you your space and the time you need. I'm rooting for you."

"Thanks. It's just that what Penelope said, it struck a nerve."

"To hell with what that bitch said. She'll bring up anything at this point. A list at college during freshman year shouldn't be held against him now that he's mature and he told you that he didn't even follow through with it."

"You have a point. I became emotional and he mentioned similar words to that of Wayan's when he first asked me to be his. I was traumatize all over again. I don't know what's wrong with me."

"Nothing is wrong with you. You need to stop dodging your therapist and start opening up about it to her. It just might help and you wouldn't have to flinch everytime you hear the scumbag's name."

"The sessions are almost over. Springing the real issue on her might seem like an ambush. What if she asks for a continuance and wants to charge a fee?"

"Your boo, Mr. Parriston, would handle it."

"Oh come on."

"Girl, if you don't let that handsome man sweep your off your feet.."

We laughed and talked for a few more minutes before we ended the call. I struggled to fight a yawn and looked at the time.

He wasn't home as yet.

I freshened up and changed into a shorts and crop top sleeping two piece. I claimed into bed and got underneath the covers.

"Maybe it's best to speak with him in the morning," I said to myself, "Or perhaps I should wait up and speak to him as he walks through the door."

I sat up, contemplating on what to do. I got out of bed and headed to the main doorway sitting area. I sat down on one of the couches and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

~
I awoke the next morning in my bed.

"How, when did I.." I was startled. I couldn't remember walking back to my bedroom and getting into bed.

"Did I sleep-walk?" I asked myself. I got out of bed, spoke to myself in the mirror, brushed my teeth and took a morning shower.

Then came a knock as I put an underwear on. I quickly reached for a robe, concealed myself and went to the door.

"Good morning."

"Good morning."

"Last night, I found you on the couch and carried you to your bed. Are you okay?"

"Yeah."

"Why were you sleeping on the couch?"

"Actually, I was trying to wait up for you. Wanted to talk to you as you step through the door."

"I see. Care to talk to me now that you're awake?"

"Come in."

"Okay."

He stepped into my bedroom and sat at the edge of the bed. "What's up?" he asked.

"I'm sorry for reacting the way I did," I started.

"Uh-huh."

"You don't believe me?"

"What if I tell you that's what she says whenever she overreacts and wants to mend things, then I walk out your door. How would you feel?"

"Okay. That's fair. I see your point."

"Adani, you gave me a lot to think about last night especially what you said to me when we were in the limousine. I don't know if I should ask you to be mine or if I should leave you alone. Things are already hot and cold between us."

"I understand. I allowed Penelope to get the better of me and I didn't listen to you nor give you a chance to explain. But last night, after riding home by myself, I did some thinking too. I like you, Ricardo. I really do."

"But?"

"I'm scared."

"Come here."

I stepped towards him. He reached for my hand gently, with the utmost care, and put me seated in his lap. He turned my head towards his face.

"You're not going to be a rebound. You're not a wishlist chick. I really like you too and I want you to be mine."

The butterflies erupted and our lips met. The kiss deepened as I straddle him. His hands went to my thighs and roamed higher until he reached me. Slowly, he inserted his middle finger and used the other hand to remove my robe.

He took in my body. His eyes lit with admiration and hunger and latched onto my right breast before going to the left. I moaned softly as he worked his finger in me and his tongue flicked at my nipple.

"Ricardo," I moaned his name as a heat shot through my entire body and felt myself on the brink of releasing.

"Cum for me, baby," he whispered in my ear. And right on cue, I did. He picked me up and placed me on my back to the mattress. He ran kisses down my chest, stomach and his tongue went to work as he reached lower.

My back arched to the devine sensation and satisfaction happening between my legs. I gripped the bedsheet to steady my tossing as I had another climax.

"I want you," I panted.

"I know you do," he responded but stopped his actions and stood up for his kneeling position.

"What's wrong?" I asked as questions flooded my mind. 'Was I not tasty enough?'

"Nothing is wrong but I want us to be safe when we're doing this. I don't have a condom with me."

"Oh."

I sat up and he handed me back my robe. He planted a kiss on my lips then he left the bedroom.