Abby's Plight (Southern Love #5) Read online

  Toby moved his hips forward then inserted the tip. The first few inches made her moan. It stretched her harshly, feeling painfully good. He widened her entrance as he moved inside slowly. His eyes were locked to hers, watching her reaction.

  Her head rolled back on the pillow as she felt him move inside her. Toby pushed until he was completely sheathed. His entire shaft made her moan loudly. She had no idea how her body could take so much of him, but it managed. Her body still stretched, accommodating to his large size.

  Toby didn’t move. He leaned over her, her legs still pinned back. “Am I hurting you?”

  “Does it look like you are?”

  He smirked then kissed her. His lips slowed down. Instead of embracing her like he did before, his lips felt hers, combining in a fiery dance. His hand moved into her hair then rested on her neck. He moved inside her slowly, kissing her the entire time.

  Abby gripped his back tightly. She moved her hands to his ass then pulled him further inside her. She kept her legs spread as far as possible while he impaled her repeatedly. The burn between her legs ignited.

  “Toby…”

  He sealed his mouth over hers, silencing her moans.

  “Oh…”

  He rocked into her harder, his mouth still kissing her deeply. When she felt the explosion inside her, he pulled away and pressed his face to hers. “Wait.”

  She groaned. “I can’t…fuck I can’t.”

  He pumped into her harder. “Okay. I’m there.” He looked into her eyes as they both ignited in a blaze at the same time. He kissed her one last time as he pushed as far as he could.

  She gripped his neck and rocked from below. “Oh yeah.”

  Toby moaned loudly, enjoying the euphoria he was experiencing down below. His thrusts became irregular as he finished. The sweat dripped down his chest and landed onto her stomach. Her moment ended before him, and she watched his face as it contorted in a look of pleasure.

  “Yeah…that felt good.” He stayed suspended above her as he caught his breath. The sweat still fell from his body. Looking at the droplets made her long for him again. She sat up and licked the sweat from his chest, tasting the salt.

  “Want more?” he asked.

  “A lot more.”

  “I told you.” He pulled out, making her wince as he left her. He disposed the used condom then lay beside her in bed. His arm immediately wrapped around her waist, pulling her to his side of the bed. When his fingers moved through her hair, she sighed deeply.

  Toby stared at her face, admiring every curve and every feature. “Beautiful,” he whispered.

  She opened her eyes. “As are you.”

  “You know what?”

  “Hmm?” she asked.

  “I never thought I’d land you. When you walked into my firm, I didn’t think I’d ever want to.”

  She smiled. “It’s funny how life works out.”

  “It is,” he said simply.

  She rubbed his arm, feeling the prominent bicep underneath.

  “How was that for you?”

  “I thought it was pretty clear,” she said with a smile.

  “I told you I’d rock your world.”

  “And you rocked it pretty fucking hard.”

  He rubbed his nose against hers. “I have a request to make. And you can’t deny it.”

  “That’s demanding…”

  “Sleep with me tonight.”

  “My plane leaves in the morning.”

  “You’re still going?” he asked in surprise.

  “Why wouldn’t I?”

  He swallowed the lump in throat while he met her gaze. “Please sleep with me. If you’d do it for Paul, you better do it for me.”

  “I have to leave early…”

  “That’s fine. I’ll take you to the airport.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” she whispered.

  “I want to.” His fingers moved through the strands of silk. His large hands were gentle, not rough like they usually were. Toby fell silent, just watching her lay beside him. She met his look with the same wonderment.

  He rubbed his nose against hers then pressed his lips to her forehead. “You’re the first sleepover I’ve had.”

  “Really?”

  He nodded. “I like to hit it and quit it.”

  “And why am I any different?”

  He stared at her long and hard. “You know why.”

  Chapter Four

  Toby escorted her to the airport. She was supposed to meet Fernan at the check-in counter, so they walked inside and put her bags down.

  He kept his arm hooked around her waist. “Are you sure you want to go?” he asked. Hope was strong in his voice.

  “Of course I do. It’s London.”

  “I can take you,” he said immediately. “You can show me all that art crap you love so much.”

  “Crap?” She crossed her arms over her chest.

  “I meant artwork,” he corrected.

  “Maybe another time…”

  Toby sighed and pressed his forehead to hers. “I had a great time last night.”

  “I did too.”

  “Did you really?”

  “What does that mean?” she asked.

  His eyes narrowed while he looked into her face. “How can you have an incredible night with me then run off with someone else?”

  She sighed. “Toby, I made it clear what I wanted from this relationship. If you can’t accept that, we shouldn’t be here anymore.”

  He looked away then ran his fingers through his hair. “Forget I said anything.”

  “Okay…”

  “When will you be back?”

  “In a few days,” she answered.

  “Is he a good guy?” he asked.

  “Yes, definitely.”

  “So, you trust him?”

  “Fernan would never hurt me, if that’s what you’re asking.”

  “Okay,” he said. “That gives me peace of mind, partially…”

  Fernan walked inside and spotted them. He nodded to Abby then kept walking. He put his bags down on the other side of the room then sat down. He took out his phone and looked at the screen.

  “I should go,” she said.

  Toby glanced at Fernan. “Who’s better in bed?” he blurted.

  “What?” she asked.

  “Who’s better?” he repeated.

  “I—I don’t know.”

  “Who do you like being with more?”

  “This isn’t a competition,” she snapped.

  “Why don’t you just pick one and stick with your decision?” he hissed. His eyes were wide with anger.

  “I shouldn’t have to pick. I made it clear that I didn’t want anything serious.” She wanted to push him but she held it back. “Why can you sleep around with whomever you want but not have to pick a single person? Just because I’m a girl the rules are different?”

  “No,” he said quickly. “But if you just want to get laid, why split that between two guys? Pick the one that satisfies you and be done with it.”

  “Fernan doesn’t pressure me to choose. He accepts me exactly as I am.”

  “Which is why he’s no good for you,” he snapped. “A guy who lets you accept your fate isn’t a good guy. He should push you to be stronger, not weaker. I’m not trying to change who you are. I’m trying to do what’s best for you.”

  She stepped back. “Toby, I can’t do this anymore. You either accept this arrangement or you don’t.”

  “Well, I guess I don’t.”

  She held his gaze, not backing down. “Fine.”

  “Fine.” He stepped back. “Enjoy your trip forgetting about reality, running from your problems, and acting like nothing is wrong with a guy that let’s you get away with anything and everything.”

  “Fuck you.”

  “Fuck you, Abby.” He turned around and stormed off.

  When he turned away, she felt the tears under her eyes. She took a deep breath and controlled her emotions. She hated cryi
ng and refused to do it. After being forbidden from shedding her tears, her natural reaction was to repress them. She closed her eyes then opened them again.

  Toby stopped when he reached the door. He stared out the window for a moment before he turned around and marched back to her. When he was a foot away from her, he didn’t slow down. He grabbed her face and kissed her hard on the mouth. When he broke apart, he had a crazed look in his eyes. “I hate you, Abby. I fucking hate you.”

  Her lips were on fire.

  “Call me when you land.”

  She was confused. “What?”

  “Just do it,” he snapped. “And be safe. If you need anything, call me. I’ll be there in a heartbeat.” He kissed her again before he walked away. Abby watched him until he left the airport, making sure he wouldn’t turn around with another major mood swing.

  After she took a deep breath, she carried her luggage to where Fernan was sitting. “I’m sorry about that…”

  He put his phone away. “No need for apology.” He stood up then looked at her bags. “We should get going.”

  “Yeah.”

  He looked across the room then beckoned to someone. Charles came with the luggage carrier than piled her belongings on it. Abby watched him, still upset from her conversation with Toby.

  “Shall we?” Fernan asked.

  “Yeah…”

  He put his hand on her lower back then guided her to the desk. After they checked in, they boarded the plane. When they moved to the front, Abby wasn’t sure where they were going. When she realized they were headed to first class, she turned to Fernan.

  “First class?” she asked.

  “It’s the only way to fly.”

  “I’ll say.”

  He smiled then escorted her to their seats. “Take the seat by the window.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’ve had that seat many times. Now it’s your turn.”

  She sat down then looked at the area in front of her. She had plenty of leg room, and an area to lean her chair back. Books and magazines were in the slot in front of her, and she had her own ipad to use, already loaded with Netflix and kindle books. “Wow…”

  He smiled. “Like I said, it’s the only way to fly.” He moved his hand to her thigh.

  The touch immediately made her uncomfortable. After the heated goodbye with Toby, she felt guilty for letting Fernan touch her. She crossed her legs the other way, forcing Fernan to pull his hand away. He glanced at her but didn’t question it.

  When the plane took off, she thought about the night she shared with Toby. It was more than just sex to her. At least it was when she thought about it in retrospect. The way he touched her made her feel things she never felt before. Perhaps Toby was right. Maybe she should just sleep with one person. After a while, her emotions would blind her and confus her. She kept thinking about Toby, unable to get him out of her mind.

  “Is everything alright, darling?”

  His question broke her concentration. “Yeah…”

  He stared at her until she broke the connection. Then he grabbed a novel and opened it. His eyes were downcast, reading through the lines.

  She sighed and leaned back in her chair. The more she thought about it, the more she realized she needed to pick someone. Despite her honestly and integrity, this arrangement wasn’t working. Fernan seemed to tolerate and not care, but Toby absolutely hated it.

  When their plane landed, the limo picked them up and delivered them to their hotel. Abby was amazed by the sight of the elegant and ridiculously expensive hotel. It was near Abbey road, which was what she was most excited about.

  The doorman carried their luggage to the suite on the top floor. When Abby walked inside, she stared at the fine furniture and the view through the window.

  “Lovely, isn’t it?” Fernan asked.

  “It is.” She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at the city lights. They lit the streets, highlighting the people walking. The time difference caught her off guard. She had just moved fifteen hours into the past.

  Fernan came behind her and placed his hands on her hips. “I’m glad you’re here with me.”

  She stared straight ahead, saying nothing.

  When she remained silent, he turned her toward him. “Talk to me.”

  “I—it’s nothing.”

  He cupped her face and kissed her. The frozen touch her lips told him everything he needed to know. “No, it’s not,” he said. “I’m here whenever you want to talk.” He stepped back then grabbed the wine list.

  “I’m just confused,” she said with a sigh.

  “Confused about what?” His voice was professional, like it always was. She couldn’t read his expression or his tone.

  “You and…Toby.”

  “What is there to be confused about?”

  “Toby says I should I just pick one man.”

  ‘Well, that was stupid of him,” he said with a laugh.

  “It is?”

  “You clearly would pick me.”

  “I would?”

  He nodded.

  Abby was surprised by his confidence. “Why do you say that?”

  He sat at the edge of the bed and looked at her. “I complete you. We’re the same person, just in different bodies. You feel safe with me, protected. I don’t just get you. I actually know you. We have so much in common. Toby seems like a wild fire. You never know where he’s going to go. Me, on the hand, will fall where the wind takes me. The course changes from time to time, but the path is still predictable. Plus, I make you happy.”

  She fidgeted with her hands.

  “And you want to know another reason why I’m the clear choice?”

  She nodded.

  “I’ve never pressured you to choose. When you’re ready, you’re ready. There are no lines to cross because I haven’t drawn them.” He patted the seat next to her.

  She moved to him slowly then took her seat. “Then why do I feel so bad?”

  “Have you ever slept with two guys at once before?”

  “No…”

  “Maybe you feel guilty for that.”

  She sighed. “I’m such a slut.”

  He chuckled. “I’ve slept with at least sixty women—and I’m pretty young. If you’re a slut, I’m a prostitute.”

  She smiled. “Well, that makes me feel a little better.”

  “And it’s a path I had to take to find what I really wanted.”

  “And what do you want, Fernan?” She stared at her hands.

  “That’s my secret to keep.”

  She leaned her head on his shoulder. “You’re okay with this?”

  “Abby, what you do when I’m not around isn’t my business. That’s what you want.”

  Abby grabbed his hand. “You do understand me.”

  “Better than he ever will.” He caressed her fingers with his thumb. “Let’s get some dinner. This city it too beautiful to be seen from a window.”

  “Okay.” She stood up and straightened her dress. When she picked up her purse, she heard her phone ring. She answered it.

  “Hello?”

  “Are you on the ground?” Toby’s voice blared through the phone.

  “My plane just landed.”

  “Good,” he said. “I’m glad you’re safe.”

  “You don’t need to check on me,” she said gently.

  “I wish that were true.” He hung up.

  Chapter Five

  The first two days, Abby and Fernan did a lot of sightseeing. Fernan held her hand and kissed her gently every chance he had. At first, it was hard for her to acclimate to their relationship after leaving Toby on such bad terms, but she came around.

  When they made love on their first night, Abby thought about Toby. But after her first orgasm, he was out of her mind. Fernan made her clench the sheets and scream his name. The next morning, they received a complaint from the front desk. Apparently, the neighbors couldn’t get much sleep.

  Toby didn’t call her on their trip,
which she was thankful for. It seemed like all they ever did was fight—nonstop.

  When they were having dinner in a café, Fernan sipped his wine and returned it to the table. “How are you enjoying your vacation?”

  “It’s amazing,” she said as she stared at the menu. “I’m glad your art show was a success.”

  “More fans is never a bad thing,” he said simply. “Thank you for organizing everything. Without you, I’d be a complete mess.”

  “I don’t know about that…”

  He grabbed her hand and kissed it. “I do.”

  Her cheeks blushed and she pulled her hand away. “Don’t you have family in Europe?”

  “My parents live in Tuscany.”

  “Are you going to visit them?” she asked.

  “No. There just isn’t time.”

  She realized she didn’t know much about his past. “How did you come to the US?”

  He shrugged. “It’s a long story. My grandfather started an Italian bank a long time ago. When he passed away, my father inherited it. It was extremely lucrative. It still is today. But my dad expected me to take it over.” He drank from his wine then returned it to the table. “Most people would jump at the opportunity to join a prosperous business, but bookkeeping, accounting, and numbers have never excited me.”

  “When did you know you wanted to be an artist?”

  “When I was two.”

  “Wow,” she said. “That’s a young age.”

  He shrugged. “When you know you want something, you know.”

  “Then what happened?” she asked.

  “I applied to art school behind my parents’ back. And they were livid when they found out. I got my first job in New York, and after I moved to the city, I never wanted to go back.”

  She nodded. “So you never repaired the relationship with your parents?”

  “My mom and I are close. My dad…we never worked through our issues.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He ran his fingers across his knuckles. “My father cares more about his retirement plans than my dream. And to me, that’s unacceptable.” He stared across the restaurant and avoided her gaze.

  “I’m sorry it wasn’t different.”