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“I’m still pissed at you about the stripper,” I said as I walked ahead of him and out of the bathroom. “Someone needs to call 911 for that ass**le in there,” I said to the line of women that were waiting to get inside.
Chapter 23
Ian
“Rory, stop!” I commanded. But she didn’t listen. She kept walking ahead of me and acted like I didn’t exist.
“Ian, now’s not a good time to have an attitude with her. She’s been through a horrible ordeal tonight and, if anything, she just needs you to be calm and take care of her.”
“I do take care of her and I will continue to do so, Adalynn.”
We both said goodbye to Adalynn and Daniel and we walked to the car. I opened the door for her and she climbed in, grabbing the handle and slamming it shut. After I climbed in, I looked at her and she wouldn’t look at me. After I slammed my hands on the steering wheel, she turned her head and looked at me.
“You have no right to be angry with me,” she said. “I’m the one who has the right. I’ve been hurt and humiliated on all levels tonight and I just want to go home.”
The only thing I wanted to do was grab her and hold her tight. But I knew if I tried to touch her, she’d either slap me or she’d get out of the car.
“I’m sorry about the stripper. But that wasn’t my fault. I had no clue that Andrew had hired her. I know now the only reason he did it was to hurt you. Sweetheart, please talk to me. We are not leaving this parking spot until you talk to me.”
She turned her head and looked at me. Her eyes were full of sadness and hurt. I slowly reached for her hand and she let me hold it. “Andrew is out of our lives for good. In fact, tomorrow morning, I want you to press charges against him.”
“No, Ian. I think he learned his lesson. I just want to forget about tonight and go on with my life. He isn’t going to come anywhere near either of us anymore. Can you please drive us home now?”
“Can I have a kiss first?” I asked hesitantly.
She leaned closer and I gave her a warm, loving kiss. As I ran my hand down her cheek and stared into her eyes, I whispered, “I love you and only you.”
“I’m still mad about the stripper,” she said.
“Ugh, Rory. I’ll tell you what. I’m going to get you a male stripper, then we’ll be even, okay?”
She finally gave me her beautiful smile. “The only stripper I want is you.”
I let out a breath. Finally, she wasn’t so pissed off at me anymore. “You got it, sweetheart. I’ll strip for you every night.” I winked.
I started the car and, as I drove us home, I held her hand the whole way. I still couldn’t believe the events of tonight. I knew Andrew was a little emotionally f**ked up. But I had no idea he would do something like this. Every time I thought about it, I wanted to go and kill him.
When we arrived home, Rory went upstairs and started the bath. I walked over to the bar and poured some bourbon for me and a glass of wine for her. I took them upstairs and into the bathroom. I set the glass on the edge of the tub as Rory lay back and looked at me.
“Join me,” she said.
“You really want me to?” I asked in disbelief because I thought she wanted to be alone.
“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have asked.”
I gave her a smile and stripped out of my clothes. She scooted up so I could climb behind her. I wrapped my arms around her and she rested the back of her head on my chest. “We have so much to talk about, Ian. So much has happened in the past few days between my father, your father, douchebag Andrew.”
“I know, sweetheart,” I said as I kissed her head.
“I want to go back to Paris where it was peaceful and quiet and just the two of us.”
“We’ll go back there soon. I promise. Let’s deal with one issue at a time. We’ve already dealt with Drew, so we can cross him off our list.”
“I wish you’d talk to me about your dad,” she said.
“What’s there to talk about? I’m obviously upset and I’m pissed that he hasn’t told me. It’s hard to take it all in, you know?”
“I know it is, babe. I didn’t tell you earlier, but I love you too,” she said as she turned her head and kissed my lips.
Those words, at that moment, meant everything to me. I kissed her back passionately and we made love in the bathtub before heading to bed.
****
“I was so worried about you all night,” Adalynn said as she stormed into the dining room and hugged Rory.
“I’m okay, Adalynn. Thank you for your concern.” She smiled.
“And him? The two of you?” she said as she pointed to Ian and me.
“We’re fine, Adalynn, and good morning to you,” I said.
“Whew, thank God. I thought maybe Rory was going to kick you out on your ass or something because of that stripper whore.”
I looked at her and cocked my head. “That stripper was not my fault, and Rory and I already discussed it and we really don’t want to discuss it again.”
“Fine,” she said as she waved her hand at me. “Coffee, I need coffee.”
“You know where it is. Go get some,” I said.
Adalynn looked at me and rolled her eyes. “Can you believe I was married to this guy?” She winked at Rory.
“Why do you keep bringing that up?” I asked as I walked to the kitchen.
“Because I think it’s funny and I know it bothers you.” She laughed.
I poured her a cup of coffee and set it down in front of her. “Speaking of marriage, yours is coming quick and you’ll be going on your honeymoon, which means I’ll need to be at Prim to oversee things.” I smiled.
“The business end of things, Ian. Not the creative side of it,” Adalynn responded.
“Oh, but, darling, I’m very good at the creative side of things. Ask my beautiful girlfriend over there.”
“Ian, I’m warning you. Just the business side. I’ve got the creative end covered.”
“We’ll see.” I smiled as I finished my breakfast and got up from my chair.
“Damn you, Braxton. If I have to worry about my company on my honeymoon, I’m going to have your head.”
“Our company, Adalynn. Our company.” I smiled before I walked out of the room.
I knew it was mean to tease her like that, but it couldn’t be helped. The truth was that I could have cared less about the creative side of things over at Prim. As long as it was making me money, I didn’t care. I went upstairs, grabbed my briefcase, and kissed Rory before I left for the office.
