We exchange a deep, passionate kiss, and I enjoy how her sweet teasing tongue stops my troubled brain from overthinking.Every time we kiss, it's like the normally unavailable pause button in my brain is pressed, which creates a vacuum wherein there is no worry but only an overload of pleasurable feelings.She tugs on my bottom lip, and my pants get painfully tight.
With one hand I clutch a chunk of her golden hair, and when I yank it back with a bit of force, she lets out a longing moan and shivers as I whisper in her ear, "When the opportunity arises, I will fuck you on every surface of my penthouse."After planting a rough, quick kiss on her soft lips, I step away and leave.
* * *
The city spreadsout before me through Nick's floor-to-ceiling windows, but I can't focus on the view.My phone sits on his desk, screen dark, mocking my need to check it every few minutes.What's happening at home?Is Samantha still in her room?Is Alisha okay?
"Go home," Nick says, watching me check my phone again."If fifteen-year-old Charlotte was seeing a twenty-year-old, I'd lose it too."
"Good to know I'm not alone in this."
"Trust me," he mutters, "when Charlotte's that age, she'll have a tracker and bodyguard.No boy's getting near my girl."
I grin despite myself."Exactly.And I plan on having a chat with this Leo."
Three and a half hours have passed.Too long."Give Emma and Charlotte a hug for me."
"Keep me updated," Nick calls as I leave.
* * *
Steppingout and locking my car, I notice Alisha's parking spot is empty.Weird.My phone beeps with a message that makes the hair on my neck rise.
Stay away.She's mine.
Unknown number.Fuck.How did he get my number?
I sprint to the elevator, my heart pounding.The penthouse is silent when I burst in.
"Alisha!"Nothing."Samantha?"
Both their phones go straight to voicemail.I tear through the rooms, finding Samantha's bedroom empty.They could be on a walk,I tell myself.Or...My mind fills with darker possibilities.
My phone rings.Alisha.
"Where are you?Are you okay?"
"Cole!"Her voice trembles slightly."I'm with Samantha, but I need you to come."
My hand clenches around the phone as millions of thoughts run through my brain."Okay, where are you?"
She gives me an address, which's about ten minutes from here.I want to bombard her with tons of questions, but I don't.The only thing I ask is: "Are you two okay?"
When she confirms they are, I exhale and start walking."Okay, be there soon."And as I hang up, I exit the apartment.
* * *
My breath getsirregular when I enter the shop that's on the address Alisha gave me.I ball my hands into fists when the muscles in my fingers twitch at the sound of classical piano music coming through the speakers.I collect myself as I make my way over the hardwood floor towards the girls who are sitting on a white velvet couch, talking to an older man.
Not able to contain myself, I bark questions as I make my way over."What the hell is going on here?What are you two doing in a piano shop?"
Samantha almost falls off the couch hearing my rumbling voice while the older man simply turns and walks away.Alisha lifts her head.The razor-sharp intensity in her eyes tells me whatever is going on is serious.
"Is anyone going to answer?"I ask.
"Cole, please, sit down."I raise a brow but take a seat next to Samantha, who fumbles with the end of her ponytail.
"I'm sitting...Talk."
