The Risk: Scott's Story (Runaway Love Series Book 2) Read online

  “You don't understand, Maxine. Every time you are under me, all I see is Grace. All I want is Grace.” I stand up and go to the bathroom to wash Maxine off my body. I feel a little sick with myself. I feel like I just cheated on Grace.

  Over the running water, I hear, “You’re an asshole, Scott, but I still love you.” Why must she say the fucking L word? She knows it gets under my skin.

  When I get out of the shower, I’m hoping Maxine is gone. No such luck.

  I look at Maxine lying on the bed with her eyes closed. Ugh, I hate when she sticks around like a nagging sister. Mr. Rivers probably sent her to keep an eye on me. As if she can read what’s on my mind, Maxine opens her eyes to give me a dirty look.

  “Oh please, Scott, don't get your knickers in a twist. Don't forget you’re taking me shopping. We have to keep up your public image. I don't know who leaked you’re here, but it's out already. I’ll be back in a little while to go, so make sure you’re ready.” I ignore her as she dresses and leaves and drink some whiskey out of the bottle.

  Coming back here, to this town, is hard for me in more ways than one. I came for Grace, but today is actually my mother’s birthday. I don’t want to acknowledge it, but today is her day. I know my mother loved me as much as she allowed herself to love me; I was her only child, after all. I think the pain of losing my father, the man she loved with all her heart, was just too much to handle. My mom couldn’t live with the loss, so she turned to drugs to help manage the pain. When she was high, she would sometimes tell me about my dad, and I enjoyed these conversations. I learned about how they made music together, and she would sometimes sing to me. When she was sober, though, she wouldn’t hesitate to remind me that my dad left us for his real family.

  I tried so hard to be enough for her. I saw other kids hug their moms, so I’d hug my mom as often as I could. I saw other kids hold their moms’ hands, so I tried to hold her hand. Other kids would pick flowers for their moms, so I’d gather the most flowers I could pick. Nothing I ever did helped my mom to smile; it was like she was dead inside until the drugs kicked in. Eventually, my mom was angry and withdrawn all the time. She cared about her next hit more than anything, even more than me.

  I grab the whiskey bottle and walk into the bathroom to pour the rest down the drain. I look into the mirror and look into the same eyes I share with my mother. Happy Birthday, Mom. I hope you’re proud.

  I’m about to get dressed to take Maxine to the mall when my phone rings.

  “Hello, Mr. Rivers,” I say politely as I sit on my bed.

  “Well, Scott, I hear you’re on some adventure there. When do you plan on giving up the chase and coming back?” Seriously? Maxine must’ve called her dad the moment she walked out of my room.

  I sigh before responding, “I’m not on an adventure, sir. I’m here on vacation, and I will come back when I’m ready… If I even want to come back.”

  “Oh no, Scott. Don’t try and be a man now. You’ll come back and finish this contract out before you make a decision to quit.”

  I laugh into the phone. I hate being told what I can and I can’t do. “I’m not eighteen anymore. I’m not that little boy who you tricked and stole from.”

  I shouldn’t have brought that up, but I’ve always hated him for the underhanded requirements that were in my contract. When I was twenty-one, I realized I should’ve been getting more money than I was. I took my contract to a lawyer to figure out what was going on. I was told I had naively signed a ten year contract allowing Mr. Rivers to pretty much own me and collect half the money I make from anything relating to soccer. With the help of a financial advisor, I began investing my money that very day so I’ll have a nice nest egg for the day I tell Mr. Rivers where to stick my contract. That day is fast approaching, and thankfully I invested very wisely.

  “Are you listening to me, Scott?” Mr. Rivers’ demanding voice brings me back to the present. “Leave Grace there with her family and come back home.”

  I feel a chill run through my body the moment he mentions Grace’s name. “Listen, don’t ever mention Grace’s name again! I’ll come back when I decide to come back.” I disconnect the call and send a text to Maxine:

  Don’t ever fucking cross me again!

  Instead of getting ready for the mall, I head to the gym to fuck some shit up. I take all my frustration out on a punching bag. A trainer comes over to tell me to relax a little, but I give him the death stare and he backs off quickly. I know Maxine tells her father everything, but enough is enough. I need to be able to trust her as a confidante, but her loyalties will always lie with her dad. Why do I even keep her in my life?

  When I return to my room, Maxine’s sitting on my freshly made bed dressed in her designer clothes. She looks so prim and proper, but I know what really lies beneath her overly Botoxed surface.

  “Yes, what can I do for you?” Maxine blanches at the coldness in my voice, but quickly recovers to look at me with her sad-puppy blue eyes.

  “I’m sorry, but Daddy wanted to know the real reason you were here. I had to tell him; I can’t lie to my dad. Anyway, I’m ready for you to take me shopping.” I give her another cold look and get in the shower without saying anything to her. Sometimes it just isn’t worth it. She’s probably as evil as her father.

  Why didn’t I just ignore Mr. Rivers when he approached me all those years ago to talk about soccer? I could’ve just kept my last name and gone through with all the plans Grace and I had made. Would Grace and I have actually worked out for each other? We’re both fucked up, but once again it all comes back on me. I shouldn’t be so hard on myself - Grace was fucked up the day I met her. I can’t imagine how difficult it was for her to not have any family. I’ll never tell Grace this, but after I left Ms. Allen’s, I did some research on Grace’s family and learned that her mother committed suicide after Grace was born. Wait – all of a sudden it dawns on me- Grace must have suffered the same thing after she gave birth to Scottie.

  FUCK!

  I turn the shower off, wrap a towel around my waist, and walk into the room so I can get dressed. Maxine is watching TV, pretending that everything’s all right between us.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Never been better. Let’s go shopping.”

  I put on jeans and a T-shirt. I know the cameras will be waiting for me, but I don’t care. I grab the keys off the table and start walking to the Range Rover with Maxine following behind. We don’t speak much on the ride there. She knows I’m mad because she shouldn’t have said anything.

  We pull up to the mall, and I can see a lot of people waiting at the main entrance. I park and look at Maxine as she smiles and shrugs her shoulders. Yep, she told them I would be there. I guess I’ll play it up for them. We get out of the car and walk to the entrance holding hands. Once the paparazzi notice who I am, they start snapping pictures and calling my name. I smile and keep walking inside.

  Maxine and I go to every overly priced store she wants to go to. I try to act like I care as I watch her try on outfit after outfit. I want to punch myself for agreeing to do this. My mind starts to drift back to Grace. I tell Maxine that I’ll be right back, and I walk over to a jewelry store to look at a few necklaces that remind me of Grace’s classic beauty. My eyes land on a gold necklace of a key with a diamond in the middle. I know immediately this is the one. I tell the gentleman behind the counter to ring me up, not caring about the price. For Grace it doesn’t matter. I start to walk out the door when I notice Maxine looking at me and shaking her head.

  “I don’t want to hear anything, Max.” She doesn’t say anything, but shrugs and grabs my hand.

  “Let’s go, Scott. I’m done shopping.”

  As we’re walking out the door, I can’t believe who I see - Grace. I’m captivated by her sexy, beautiful, red hair flowing past her shoulders. I even notice her freckles, but when I look up into her eyes I see nothing but anger. Then I look at a man who must be Tony pulling Grace along. I t
urn my head quickly, but I can feel the ache in my heart. Maxine waits until we’re in the car to ask me if that was Grace. I tell her it was Grace, and I beat my fist on the steering wheel. Why are you mad she’s with someone, Scott? You can’t be like your mother and try to ruin someone’s marriage. I shake my head and start the car.

  I’m nothing like my mother, I whisper to myself.

  Maxine wisely ignores my mood and suggests we finish out the day by going to a restaurant. Once again, reporters are there.

  “Thanks, Maxine,” I say dryly.

  “Oh, you’re welcome.” She flips her hair and looks out the window. I can imagine the things that are going in her head, but right now I’m not curious to know.

  I park in the front for the valet and get out to walk around to open the door for Maxine.

  “Smile some, Scott. Don’t be a downer.” I grab her hand and turn my game face on. I whisper in Maxine’s ear, and she starts to laugh and so do I. Playing it up in front of the cameras comes quite naturally to me. As soon as we are inside, I order a double whiskey. I can’t get that look Grace gave me out my head. Then I think of Tony; I know he could feel the energy between us.

  “So are you just going to drink?” I look up at the sound of Maxine’s cool voice.

  “Yeah, I am. Are you just going to eat salad?” I know I sound like child, but I don’t give a fuck at this moment.

  She laughs before she advises, “You need to get over her, Scott. You’ve been drinking more than usual.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m not going to get drunk here. I’ll drink some more in my room.”

  “I wish you could see how much I do care for you.” I look at her as she sips her dry martini. I sigh and order some shrimp. Is this really my life?

  As soon as I am back in my room at the bed and breakfast, I start drinking again. Maxine comes in with me and lies across my bad as I flip through the TV channels. Ugh, figures American television sucks as much as English television. I’m feeling sorry for myself when my phone chimes with a text.

  Grace: What hotel are you at?

  Me: At Marlene’s Bed and Breakfast

  Within about twenty minutes, there is a knock on the door. Maxine looks at me and I just shrug my shoulders as she walks to open the door. I jump quickly to my feet when I hear Maxine speaking.

  “Oh, hello. You must be the cute red head who has Scott ruining his career.” I wince at the condescending tone of Maxine’s voice. She has no right to talk to Grace like that.

  Maxine looks over at me and winks before saying, “I’ll be back later, hon.”

  Before I can breathe, Grace walks into my room, slamming the door behind her.

  “What the fuck is her problem, Scott?” I can only look at Grace sadly and shrug my shoulders. My mind is spinning and I don’t know what to do or what to make of Grace being in my room.

  “What can I do for you, Grace?” I take a big gulp of my whiskey before pouring some more. I suddenly feel so tired. I don’t know if I have the strength to continue fighting my feelings for Grace. Does she have any idea how difficult it is to stop myself from taking her into my arms and kissing her senseless?

  “I’m here because I need to know what you want from me,” Grace informs me.

  “What do I want from you? What do you want from me?”

  The tension between us is unbelievable. We have to settle this once and for all. Now is the time to be brutally honest with each other and accept the consequences.

  “You left me. You changed your last name so I couldn’t find you. I hated myself for so long because I thought you didn’t want me. You know what you did to me?” The pain in Grace’s voice rips my heart open. I can’t take it anymore. I go to her and place my hands on her beautiful face, making sure she can’t look away from me. She has to listen to me.

  “Grace, I cried so much when I couldn’t see you. I was in England being a complete asshole. I desperately wanted to come back for you, but my contract was so fucked up at the time that I had to follow what they told me to do. I had to choose between you and my career. I obviously chose my damn career over the love of my life, and I’ve regretted that decision every day of my life. Look…” I release my hold on her to lift up my shirt. Grace gasps as her eyes settle on the left side of my chest so she can see the tattoo of the drawing she did of her name with a heart dreamcatcher. Grace reaches her hand out to trace the tattoo like she’s in a trance. The wonderment in her eyes makes my soul feel hope for the first time in a long time.

  I lean down to kiss her lips. My tongue enters her mouth, demanding she allow me to taste all of her. I hear her moan as she kisses me back. Like she touched a hot iron, Grace pulls away from me so suddenly that I almost lose my balance.

  “We don’t have to do this, Grace. I understand that you’re married.”

  I lock eyes with Grace, hoping that she’ll choose me – at least in this moment. I just want her. Every cell of my body yearns for her. I don’t just want her, I need her. I need to fill her, to feel our bodies connected. I need to know if we were truly made for each other. I’m begging her with my eyes; I can’t bring myself to say the words.

  Grace sits on my bed with a slight nod of her head. I kneel in front her and slowly unbutton her pants as she lies on the bed. I slide off her shoes and pants and hungrily, but gently, begin kissing the inside of her thighs. Grace looks up at me as if startled.

  “If you want me to stop, Grace, just say the word and I’ll stop.”

  I don’t wait for her reply. I continue kissing up her thigh until I realize she isn’t wearing panties. I hear a low growl come from somewhere deep inside of me. I begin licking her sweet, wet pussy. Yes, she wants me, too. Grace moans in pleasure as I begin sucking on her clit. She is perfect. I grab her hips to bring her closer to me. I can’t get enough of her sweetness. I pull away to look at her.

  “Don’t stop… please…” Grace moans out.

  “I’ve always wanted to know how you taste, and you taste so sweet. My God, you’re so fucking sweet and wet, I could be down there all day. But, I also want to explore the rest of you, baby.”

  I stand up to take off my pants while Grace takes off her shirt and bra. I lick my lips as I take in her perfectly rounded tits. I know those were made for me. I climb on top of her and my hands immediately cup her breasts. She sighs as I flick my finger across her nipple. I kiss her neck and make my way to her tits. I take her perfect nipple in my mouth and suck. She arches her back and moans in pleasure. My cock doesn’t want to wait anymore. I position myself at her entrance and gently place her leg on my shoulder. Grace begins to pull away, but I pull her back to me.

  “Don’t run, Grace. I’ve wanted to feel you over my cock for so long.”

  I wait until she catches her breath before I enter her. I go slowly, enjoying the extreme pleasure her tight pussy brings to me. I was meant to be in her; we were made for each other – there’s no doubt in my mind. I begin fucking her with long, deep strokes. She calls out my name several times, and I’m lost in the pure ecstasy of being in her. I take her like it’s the last time we’ll ever be together. I want to feel and experience all of her – I want her feel all of me also. My body tightens as I reach my climax. The only thought that’s running through my head as I spill my seed in Grace is that she’s mine, completely and utterly mine.

  I slide out and pull Grace onto my chest as she cries. Grace trusted me with her body, and I have fallen even harder for her. Hearing Grace scream my name over and over felt so good. My body wanted nothing more than to mark her and make her mine forever. I was so wrapped up in us that I came inside Grace without even checking if she’s on birth control or anything. Hell, I don’t really care because I love Grace, and I know Grace loves me. I’m about to ask Grace what’s wrong when she suddenly jumps out of my arms and quickly puts on her clothes before she runs out the door. I run to the door naked, not giving a fuck who sees me.

  “Grace! Grace, come back!”
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  I go back into my room to put my clothes on and get in my car and drive down each street looking for Grace. She couldn’t have gotten away that fast. I drive around half the night and call her phone repeatedly. I don’t even care that Tony might answer the phone. I give up hope and drive to her house to see if her car is there. I drive by slowly and when I see her car, I sigh in relief, but I have to stop myself from knocking on the door and going in like a caveman to claim what’s mine.

  I go back to my room and take a shower. I feel sick inside. I think I might need to go back to England and just give up this quest of getting Grace back. Maybe I’ll end up just like my mother unhappy and pining for the person I can’t be with. I won’t turn to drugs, but whiskey is my poison. I pour myself glass after glass until the bottle is empty, and I end up passing out across the bed naked.

  I wake up feeling like a groggy piece of shit. Why am I naked? I look around, making sure Maxine isn’t in my room because she’s done some crazy shit to me when I’ve been drunk. I grab my phone and text Grace.

  There is a knock on the door and I jump up and answer it immediately thinking it’s Grace. I don’t even bother to try to hide my disappointment when I see it’s Maxine. She looks me over one good time and smiles. I grab a robe and put it on before I sit back on the bed.

  “Well, Scott, it looks like you’re happy to see me.”

  “You would like to think that, Maxine, but I fell asleep like this. Why are you over here so early?”

  “It’s afternoon, and I wanted you to see what the big news story is on TV.” She turns the television on to the Exclusive channel. I’m not the least bit surprised that Maxine and I are the top story as I watch a clip of us laughing as we went into the restaurant.

  “Nice job, Maxine. This was your plan all along, wasn’t it?”

  “Of course, baby! I just wanted you to see how good we look together.” She comes closer to me and kisses my shoulder, but I pull away.

  “What does she have that I don’t, Scott? Hell, I’m single, and I keep pushing other men away so that I can be available for you when you finally realize you and Grace won’t be together. I don’t understand why you don’t allow yourself to want me the way you want her.”