but I’ve yet to resolve what the purpose of all this is. And until I find that reason, it’s impossible for me to rationalize this to make sense out of it all. I’m trapped in my self-created labyrinth of lies and betrayals.
When the plane touches down a short hour later, Brooke has yet to talk to me. She’s pissed, and rightfully so. We extended the stay of this New York trip because she’s now almost four months pregnant and she wanted to have a girls’ getaway before she has the baby. I keep telling myself it’ll be okay and that I can figure out a way to make this up to her. I know the right thing to do here, but I can’t do it. I can’t walk away from my drug of choice when he’s down in baggage claim waiting to take me on the bender of a lifetime. My skin is already tingling in anticipation.
As soon as we deplane and head through the airport to the luggage carousel, my heart begins to skip beats. Brooke remains silent with me. She just needs time to cool down, but I fuel her fire when she sees me smiling the moment I catch sight of Alec waiting for me.
I want to run to him, jump in his arms, and kiss him, but I don’t.
It’s an awkward situation with Brooke here. She wants nothing to do with Alec—her loyalty is with Landon. She’s known him since the first day I met him, and the two of them have always had a special friendship because of their shared love for me.
Brooke takes notice of Alec and veers away from us to wait on the luggage when he approaches me. He moves with caution, and out of respect for my friend, refrains from touching me.
Alec senses the tension. “Are you okay?”
“She’s hurt.”
His eyes boast concern for me and my feelings rather than hers.
After he helps me with my bags, he excuses himself to go outside and get us a cab, leaving me alone with Brooke.
“So, you’re just gonna go with him?”
“I’m sorry.”
“You’re fucking unbelievable,” she fumes as she storms off.
“Brooke.” I call out for her, but she refuses to acknowledge me, walking out to catch the hotel shuttle bus.
With Alec waiting on me, I let Brooke go and make my way to the taxis. He’s already loading the luggage when I spot him. I approach, and he opens the door for me, and once we get in and the cabbie starts to drive, Alec takes my face in his hands and kisses me. Despite the brick of disloyalty in my stomach, I open up to him—a kiss so deep, our souls fuck. He’s my heart’s emollient, taking away my stress in a split second. With my marriage in shambles, Alec has become the place where my soul can cocoon itself to find comfort and solace. He keeps me whole—free from falling apart.
Sliding my tongue along his, I taste the freedom we’ve been deprived of, but now it’s ours to do with as we wish.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” I gleam.
When we arrive at the W in midtown, we don’t have to waste time checking in since Alec arrived earlier this morning. We make a beeline through the impressive lounge and head straight up to the room. Clothes are coming off before the door shuts behind us. We’re fervid, clawing at one another as we fumble in our steps, but he doesn’t lead me to the bed.
The moment both of us are stripped bare, he turns me around in his arms, facing me toward the full-length window.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m going to fuck you up against this window.”
I look at the mass of people below. It’s the middle of the day and the street is filled with hundreds of pedestrians.
“Alec.” I resist wearily.
He moves me in slow steps closer to the panoramic window, and I tell myself that I can do this. That this is why I chose to be with him—to explore this unfound part of me.
I gasp when he pushes my body against the cold window, my tits press firmly against the glass. My breath catches with unease, and I’m terrified to look down, fearful that people can see me.
Alec brings his head over my shoulder and rests it against my cheek, releasing a heady breath. With my forehead leaning against the window, he whispers seductively in my ear, “Open your eyes and look.”
I take a deep breath, hoping to swallow a little