Chapter 34

Nyla

I'd fallen asleep and I awoke with the phone next to my pillow fully charged with notifications;

1: my battery was fully charged.

2: a message from Molly: Call me when you wake up, smiley face and hearts.

3: A voicemail from Sullivan.

I took in a deep breath before playing the message from Sullivan and still wished it was a voicemail from Heinrich.

"Nyla, I need to speak with you. About everything that has happened. I'm here at the Intercontinental, not too far from you. Please, just meet me for dinner whenever you're ready. I'm not leaving until we speak."

The last sentence played over and over in my head, "I'm not leaving until we speak." I was taken aback thoroughly from his relentlessness. I sighed in irritation with both of the men in my life.

On one hand I have Heinrich, the man I crave for in every way possible. The man who fulfills all of my carnal desires and who my heart is crying out for. Then I have Sullivan, the man who practically handed me over to Heinrich and whose cock couldn't stay in his pants. But for some reason he couldn't stay away. That was what made me do the unthinkable next.

As I typed a response to Sullivan, I could feel Heinrich and how upset he would be if he knew what I was doing. But then again, I didn't care and like a rebellious teenage girl, I continued.

"Sullivan, I'm not sure what else can be said about our situation. But if you are seeking closure, then it's the least I can do. We can meet Friday night at 7 pm and discuss whatever you feel is necessary."

Within seconds the dots were running as Sullivan prepared a response.

"Nyla, I'm happy you have agreed to see me. I understand that you are not very pleased with me, but know that I have missed you like something crazy. I made mistakes that you can be sure will never happen again, as I know you are the one for me."

I rolled my eyes at his message because I know Sullivan and I know he would say whatever he needed to to get me back in his grasp. Just like the gifts, the flowers and money. But part of me craved the feeling of being wanted. This is dangerous for anyone. Even though I knew it was playing with fire, I messaged him back anyway.

"Sullivan, I will text you the restaurant information tomorrow. Have a goodnight."

"Have a goodnight Ny, and see you soon."

It had been weeks since I had gotten any male attention, besides the ogling eyes but no one approached me. I wondered if it was because they could sense I was owned by him. The man had me so far down the rabbit hole that I used images of him to get me off. That last night and morning were my favorites to get me off.

I texted Sullivan the details for dinner and found myself nervous as I dressed for the night. I decided to showcase my body as the weather was starting to let up and the sun was lasting longer. Watching my silhouette in the floor length mirror in a black, knee length, fitted strapless dress, I looked over my shoulder as I eyed the sheer back.

I placed the choker Sullivan had gotten me for Christmas along with the canary yellow tennis bracelet, and I couldn't help but feel like I was betraying Heinrich. The anger he had the night of the Gala when I wore the choker, and here I go again feeling rebellious.

My hair was pulled up into a sleek bun, and my makeup was dark and sultry. With my deep wine stained lips and Christian Louboutin PVC metallic gold patent leather pumps. I grabbed my Michael Kors classic trench and purse, then headed out the door.

The elevator ride had my stomach in knots. I was nervous and I was starting to regret agreeing to have dinner with Sullivan.

Speaking of Sullivan, he was standing in the lobby. As he stood in his chocolate glory, in a beautiful casual suit. I had to give him that much, the man knew how to pair colors to his skin and the deep navy suit and Merlot tie was damn near an aphrodisiac.

"You look incredible."

As Sullivan spoke he placed a kiss to my cheek that caused me to blush slightly and I realized how long it had been since he'd done that.

"Thank you, you don't look half bad."

"Shall we?"

Sullivan held his hand out in the ladies first fashion and we made our way through the lobby and to the car. The fresh air did me some good because my skin was heating and my nerves were on edge. The car ride was uneventful. He told me about his flight and the hoe he fired, Becky or whatever her name was, but all I could do was compare him to Heinrich.

Sullivan and Heinrich were damn near polar opposites in looks, whereas Sullivan was a beautiful milk chocolate, Heinrich had beautiful creamy skin with platinum gray eyes that made me weak.

"Would you like to try our house wine? It goes perfectly with the filet mignon."

The waiter spoke in his thick French accent.

"Whatever the lady wants." Sullivan said waiting for me to respond.

"Sure, that would be lovely."

"Can I interest you two in the four course meal?"

"What would the meal include?"

"Oui. First course is our melon and prosciutto salad, followed by our house made porcini mushroom ravioli, with a main course of our braised short ribs, and topped off with our traditional fruit tart."

"Ny, what do you think?"

"I would love that."

The waiter scurried away and Sullivan's hand reached over the table and gently rubbed my hand, causing me to snap out of my haze.

"Are you here, Ny?"

"I am just nervous, I guess."

"That would be partly my fault, well all my fault. We had a good thing and I ruined it."

Sullivan stopped as the waiter began to pour our wine and he stared at me with such intent that I felt my heart skip a beat. But only before regaining my composure. My emotions were all over the place.

Throughout the night Sullivan was being attentive and actually listening to what I had to say. He asked me about my paintings and if I enjoyed working at the gallery. But when he began inquiring about the gallery, I couldn't help but feel he was trying to get somewhere with his questions.

"The man you were with at the Gala is he the owner?"

There it was, right on time. The question that I knew would be unavoidable Mr. Stark.

"No, he's the brother of the owner."

"So, nothing too serious between you two?"

"If you're asking if we fucked then the answer would be yes."

Sullivan looked around to make sure no one heard what I said, and it amused me how much he gave a fuck. Another trait that set them two apart.

"Nyla, seriously?" He raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"What does it matter, Sullivan? You had your dick down your secretary's throat every chance you got."

"You're right, I did. I'm here as a changed man, Ny I want you."

Those were the words I was praying he wouldn't say in my weakened state. Again, reaching out across the table, he took my hand in his and stared at me with tears in his eyes. I couldn't help how that made me react. I, in turn, shed a single tear.

Sullivan withdrew one of his hands and passed me his handkerchief, and I wiped it away. He continued to hold my hand and he placed a kiss to the back of it before coming around the table.

Never taking my eyes off of him he got down on one knee, as all eyes were all on us and I was in shock.

"Nyla, I know things between us have been rough and I take full credit for ruining us. I know that coming here was a long shot, but I also know that what we have can be saved. One chance. One shot is all I ask." He cleared his throat and took in a deep breath. "Nyla, will you marry me?"

I was speechless as he placed the ring onto my finger. I never spoke a word as he did and the people around the restaurant began clapping. The waiter came over to refill our champagne glasses and Sullivan placed a deep kiss into my mouth. I couldn't help but kiss him back, causing the applause to become louder.

Sullivan sat back into his seat as I stared down at the ring that was now on my finger and I had to admit the stone was beautiful.

"Check, please." Sullivan spoke to the waiter but all I could do was stare at him and then at the ring.

"Nyla, you don't know how happy you've just made me."

"Sullivan I-"


"We can talk about the details later."

Years ago, hell months ago this would have been all I wanted. But now, I'm not so sure. Well, not so sure is an understatement because I wasn't ready to commit to him in this way anymore. Definitely not with Heinrich in my heart.

"The car is here."

My body was on autopilot as it often did when I was around Sullivan and that scared me in more ways than one. It scared me how quickly I fell back into routine, being the quiet and meek girl he loves.

While in the car I stared at him and he gleamed with pride, which caused me to smile lazily at him. The drive was quick and before I knew it, the door was opening and a hand reached out to help me exit the car.

"Do you mind if I stay over or would you like to come back to my room?"

Sullivan spoke but I couldn't speak because he was there, Heinrich was standing only a few feet away from me.

"Nyla, did you hear me?"

"Goddess."

Heinrich's voice washed over me and caused me to snap out of the haze I was in. He stood on the left of me and Sullivan stood on the right, placing me in the middle of them both. It was too fitting because that's what this all came down to, me in between them.

"Sullivan Franklin. You're Heinrich Stark, correct?"

I was frozen in place staring at Heinrich as Sullivan spoke to him and proceeded to exchange pleasantries. Heinrich's eyes never left me as he shook his hand.

"Nyla was just telling me all about her job down at your brother's gallery."

Heinrich was becoming annoyed as Sullivan continued to make his presence known. And I was seconds from running away from this very uncomfortable scene. But I knew that only I would be able to get things under control.

"Sullivan, can you give us a minute please." I spoke sweetly, finally taking my eyes from Heinrich.

"Sure, I can head upstairs. Have a goodnight, Stark."

Before Sullivan headed into the building he took my face into his and placed a kiss to my lips to give Heinrich confirmation of what was going on between us. The kiss was uncomfortable and forced, nothing like when Heinrich took my mouth.

"Who the fuck is that?" Heinrich spoke through gritted teeth, sending a signal to my pussy who instantly became hungry for him.

"Sullivan, my ex."


Heinrich

Nyla stood trying not to make eye contact after that bastard fucking kissed her in the mouth that fucking belongs to me.

"The ex that feels comfortable to kiss you in my presence?" She swallowed before looking me in the eyes. "Does he know who I am to you?"

"Know what? That you fucking walked out of my house almost two months ago and haven't sent so much as a text message?"

Ouch, it sounds so much worse coming from her mouth, but it was the truth. I've been struggling with everything since I'd left her house that morning and I expected to show up and things could be fixed.

"Why are you here, Heinrich?"

"I'm here for you. I needed to see you."

"You picked the perfect night." She said as she rolled her eyes and folded her arms.

"What the fuck is that?"

Nyla quickly tried to put her hands to her side but my reflexes were quicker and I caught her hand. I stared at the ring and then at her with furry in my eyes, and I watched as tears welled in her eyes.

"You're engaged?" My hand tightened around her wrist and she winced at me.

"This isn't what it looks like."

"So, you're not standing here with another man’s ring and collar on?" My voice was grating and she let her tears drop as she tried to pull away, but I wasn't going to let her go because I couldn't. If only I could have said the words before she spoke hers.

"Basquiat."

Thank you for reading 💋 Book 2 is out now. It's titled Controlling Desire, it immediately follows this chapter.