Chapter 32

“Didn’t you already go to the gym this week?” Gabriel’s eyes scanned over Mia’s body; scattily folding down his while shirt collar over his russet toned tie. She was wearing a sports bra and matching mauve and black leggings. Her feet clad with white sneakers as she circled around the living room picking up Amiyah’s toys. He was getting ready to leave home, being a Friday night and all he had plans with some of his business partners and after that, he’d decide which woman’s bed he wanted to occupy.

“Haven’t been sticking to my diet lately,” she kept her back towards him; her attention focused on Amiyah sitting in the middle of the floor, her fingers deep into a bowl of corn curls and her eyes glued to one of those mind numbing kid shows. Gabriel didn’t dare make a guess, it wasn’t worth the brain space to remember a kid’s show about British talking pigs.

“So I thought I’d do an extra day.” She replied dismissively. A half lie was better than a whole lie. Her diet was all but non-existent over the past three weeks as she was meeting Harvey for dinner or lunch at least two times for the week. By dinner and lunch she meant sex which was always followed by them scarfing down loads of sweets to replenish their energy. These meetings usually happened in the space her workouts occupied. This week, he requested her company on a Friday…tonight.
Lying to Gabriel had been getting easier with time, her sensitivity towards it diminishing with each fabrication, the result a heady thrill coursing through her veins. Not to be compared with the buzz she felt every time she knew she was meeting up with Harvey. In the hours before, her consciousness seemed to be forced out of her body and compelled to float above head, unable to cohabit with the rising tension, anxiety and eagerness that filled her body up to the brim.

“You look fine to me.” Gabriel responded, coming around the couch to place an unwanted hand on her butt and giving her a squeeze; she was bent over picking up Amiyah’s empty sippy cup. The cup fell from her hands and she straightened instantly, moving forward and spinning around. Her cheeks flushed, did she have time to take another shower?

“Do not touch me like that.” Her eyes were the only features that indicated her fury. She looked back at Amiyah, unsuspecting and laughing.

“You used to love it before, no reason why you can’t enjoy it now.” He shoved his hands into his trouser pockets and roamed from her ankles, to her legs and his eyes pausing at the curve between her legs.

“It’s been a while since I had a taste.” He blinked in slow motion, the corners of his lips rising like a predator. Mia swallowed the bile rising in her throat, wishing it was toxic acid she could spew all over that disgusting smile. What she would give to have him melted away like the scum he was.

“I hope you committed the last time you defiled me to memory because you will never have that opportunity again.” Half whisper, half growl. The anger swirling around in her head confined, she had to consider that Amiyah was right next to them.
His smile faltered, he bared his teeth in a savage frown. “Want to bet, you hateful bitch?” He reached out and grabbed her by the waist; Mia pulled forward, an involuntary action. Her body recognising the threat before she was capable of comprehending it but he was too fast and he had a weight advantage on her. He pulled her back against him, her legs kicking up in the air.

“Let. Go.” She struggled, his breath stinging the back of her neck. His erection pressing against the small of her back like a warning.

“You keep defying me, Mia.” He growled into her ear, the hot air from his mouth coming out like a tidal wave; scalding.

“Not wanting to have sex with you is defiance?” She groaned as he tightened his hold along her ribs, her breathing being restricted.

“Remember nothing is off limits for me, Mia.” The force of his breath caused her hair to sway forward and cover the side of her face. “Not even you.” He laughed, a sound so menacing that Mia’s heart wrenched in her chest, attempting to break free from her body and inhabit another host.

“Let. Go!” she screamed with the last bit of air in her chest, kicking about, tears soiling her eyes and dripping down her face as his tongue licked behind her ear. “Stop.” Sound barely left her lips, her heart thundering, her limbs no longer holding any energy in them to fight back. His touch searing her skin.
The faint sound of Amiyah calling out to them was the last thing she heard before Gabriel let her fall to the floor. The brunt of the fall was felt on her arms, knees and shin. Her vision began clearing up as oxygen flooded her lungs. She saw Amiyah kneeling at Gabriel’s foot, her ting hands grabbing fists full of the fabric of his pants legs. Amiyah stared up at him and down at Mia blankly.
He lowered himself to pick her up, Mia stumbled to her feet, ignoring the tenderness in her joints and the soreness in her ribs as she inhaled. She pulled her daughter into her arms.

“It’s time for me to leave.” She couldn’t so much as cast a glance in his direction. Amiyah’s toys, bowls and cups on the floor no longer a concern. Gabriel didn’t utter a word. “We’re staying the night at my sister’s.” before he could respond, Mia grabbed Amiyah’s bag and ran out the door.
She secured Amiyah in the car and slid into the driver’s seat, locking the car from the inside; adjusting her mirrors while her breathing returned to normal. She didn’t want to think about Gabriel’s intention earlier, perhaps he wanted to scare her into being obedient. Whatever it was, she was certain he only stopped because of Amiyah’s presence. A lingering shudder rode her spine for a few waves.
She desperately needed another shower.

****
The clock ticked away, each stroke of the second hand sending a deep shrill racketeering through Mia’s brain. She hadn’t catered for Amiyah’s burst of energy after seeing her uncle Nate for the first time in weeks. She refused to let any of the adults out of her sight as she ran around the living room with her uncle.
Fifteen minutes later Mia was able to slip away for a shower and now her sister was helping her pile her hair up in a messy bun, adding on little pearls in the crevices of her hair.

“I am doing all of this for you to come back home dishevelled.” Amber put in the last pearl, her eyes doing a once over of Mia’s hair. “Seems like a waste.” She met Mia’s eye roll in the mirror. Mia knew getting dressed up to see Harvey was a waste of time, he’d be removing her clothes within half hour of their meeting but having this…thing with him brought out another side in her.
She didn’t want to be Mia, the girl with the failed marriage and uptight personality. She wanted to be Mia, the fun, classy woman who knew exactly what she wanted and how to get it. Being with Harvey gave her the chance to be free.

“I see Nate is home tonight.” Mia switched the topic.

“He was ready to go out and when I told him that you were bringing Amiyah he stayed.” Amber switched her gaze between two shades of nude lipstick and Mia’s dress. Her body perfectly filled out an emerald number, with long puffy sleeves at the shoulders that hugged her wrists. The box neckline very flattering against Mia’s skin, the waist cinched, accentuating her full breasts and small waist. A wavy flare beginning from the waist down to her knee.
Amber handed her the darker nude lipstick and watched as her sister spread it on her full lips. “You can use tonight to have a proper conversation.” Mia spoke without moving too much of her lips.

“I’ll try.” Amber smiled at her sister’s reflection, she’d never seen her so eager to enjoy life before.
Her cell phone buzzed and Mia picked it up instantly. “I’m outside.” His rich soothing voice gave her butterflies. “I am coming.” She said and hung up the phone.
Amber checked the time. “Punctual.” She observed. Mia grabbed her purse and glanced around the room to ensure she wasn’t forgetting anything. She all but ran down the stairs, she’d been anxious to see him since he offered to meet up tonight.
She walked downstairs, placed a kiss on Amiyah’s cheeks and told her good bye. Amiyah was too busy staring at her uncle Nate in admiration to care. Mia reached the front door, Amber in toe ready to see her off and also wanting to sneak a peek at the mysterious Harvey Regal. Nate holding Amiyah in his arms, leaning against a beam and laughing at Amber’s curiosity. She followed Mia around like a minion.
Mia pulled the door open and her heart stilled. His powerful body stood blocking the frame of the door, an immediate smile spreading across his face as his eyes roamed her body hungrily. None of them expected him to exit the car, but here he was, waiting for her.

“Goodnight.” He said to Amber and Nate. Nate gave him a nod in response. Amber repeated his greeting.

“For letting me take your sister out.” He handed Amber a box of chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of wine. “For you and your partner to enjoy.” He winked at Mia, knowing fully well that they were also about to enjoy. He’d overlooked the fact that her sister and her boyfriend had a child.

“We like you already.” Nate sounded from his spot and Amber laughed nervously. Would Nate want to enjoy anything with her?

“We are leaving,” Mia pushed her way outside and yanked the door out of her sister’s grip, closing it behind her. “Have fun!” Amber yelled at them, grinning like an idiot.
Harvey opened the car door for Mia and she slipped in. He walked around and got in beside her. He’d been holding in the words from the moment he laid eyes on her tonight.

“You are so fucking sexy, it’s unreal.” Harvey leaned back against the seat of his car, his eyes twinkling with sexual desire and admiration. He was itching to touch every inch of her sinful body. Mia had never known what it felt like to be wanted. She leaned back and stared at him. My, was he gorgeous.