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I just hoped Sutton saw sense soon, because I was a jealous fucker and apparently, I needed a new apartment.
Chapter13
Sutton
Iwas so angry. I couldn’t believe Tate had overstepped the mark and answered my phone. I mean, talk about insecurities. I thought I was bad, but to put someone in their place because they called. Would he do it with a client? A friend? Asher even? I knew I was overreacting, but then Grey caused that.
It was simple with Grey at first. Our lives just flowed seamlessly, and we were happy until I decided I wanted to pursue my career more.
I wanted to leave, take up a business deal in San Francisco and grow my understanding of my family’s business. I wanted to be my own woman while having a man by my side that understood that. But Grey believed a woman’s place was in the kitchen. Not being the provider, or even a contributor. He couldn’t comprehend why I would want to give it all up and leave London, when he could support me here. I never said anything though about giving it all up to him. It was an assumption and that’s when I understood Grey’s intentions.
He thought that I’d crumble under the constant demands he set. That every requirement he set, and I did for him, was one step closer to my breaking point. A step closer to him finally getting what he wanted, my complete submission. I wasn’t that woman and one day I did snap. I fought back, only for Grey to unleash a temper I never knew even existed. I knew I couldn’t stay, that what I felt was an infatuation he’d created. He’d never be the man who’d allow me to step out as an equal by his side; with him I’d always be in the shadows.
So, I took the job and pretended everything was fine, until one day I never came back to him. I cut all ties to London and him.
Asher came across after Tate left and tried to comfort me. I knew what he was doing but I was mentally drained, and, against my better judgement, I told him to leave me alone. I couldn’t cope with any more honesty and delving into my heart. I knew for once I had to do it alone as I got into bed and closed my eyes.
It was time for me to take a risk, open up my heart and bury my demons I thought, as I set my alarm clock for six am.
* * *
Ichecked my dress and my hair, for the third time, in the mirror. The navy blue fitted dress skimmed my hips perfectly as I pinned my hair up and away from my face into a bun. I applied a minimal amount of makeup and grabbed my white suit jacket with navy pinstripe and my bag, then slipped my heels on. I checked my watch one last time and headed down to the front door, after I double checked mine was locked and saw the taxi waiting.
I reeled off the apartment block address that was seared in my memory, checked my texts from Asher again to confirm the number of Tate’s apartment and access code before I tried to settle my shaking hands. I was really about to face all my fears head on.
I blew out a breath as the taxi pulled to a stop. I gazed up at the block and noticed the movement of a lower set of blinds. Did he know I was here? I opened the door of the taxi and covered the fare with a tip and thanks. As I took those steps forward and entered the lobby, I gave myself a much-needed pep talk.
“Sutton,” I heard the shocked tone as I gazed up at the disheveled mess of Grey, standing in front of me as he held his newspaper. “Wh-what are you doing here? More time with that loser guy of yours?”
“Grey,” I mumbled. “My life is mine. It’s nothing to do with you.”
“Tate didn’t seem so happy last night.” I heard the growl and felt him before I even saw him. I knew this was my chance. Take a risk or lose him. “Tate was looking out for me, Grey. He’s mine and he has more respect in his little finger than you have in your entire body.” I trailed my eyes across his torso with disgust before I reached behind me and felt Tate’s chest sidled up behind me.
“Sutton,” he began.
“No Grey,” I interrupted as I pulled my shoulders back. “It’s time you understood your place. Tate is my home. You never were. You wanted to belittle me. Make me a lesser woman. Fuck that, you wanted me to be on my hands and knees and at your command,” I snapped as I felt Tate’s grip around my waist and his fingers massage my sides. “You wanted a woman who’d be the perfect hostess and that was it. I hope that you’re happy with Hallie, and she’s changed your perception of women. Otherwise, I’ll happily help her escape from you.”
“Sutton, I never meant to make you feel like that,” Grey announced, startled by my words as his foot took a step backwards and his weight hit the wall.
“You know what, Grey? That’s why you’re the best lawyer around. You know how to try to make anyone believe you.” I turned on my heel and straight into Tate’s chest. He pulled my chin up so my eyes met his darkened pupils.
“Miss Wilkinson, I think we’ve got some business to discuss.” He reached for my hand and started to lead me up the staircase toward his apartment. As I looked at his grey sweatpants and T-shirt combination, I realised I’d never seen him so laid back and undone before. I couldn’t help the intense rush of desire that spread through my body. “You came to the apartment. You came to me?” He gulped hard as he reached for the door handle. “You decided to face your demons?” he questioned, and I nodded as I pushed open the door.
“How long have you known about Grey being here?”
“I just learned about it last night,” he admitted as I shut the door and gazed around the apartment. The apartment had the same Art Deco style as The Muse Room and I giggled. I squared my shoulders, took a deep breath, and turned my attention back to him. “I came here for you.”
“Me? You came for me.” He seemed uncertain; his normal cockiness gone. Now I could see his every fear and insecurity looking back at me. I knew how he was feeling because I’d just tamed down the same feelings myself. He was scared and nervous. He was uncertain whether I was here to just toy with his emotions, or if I dared to give him my heart. I dropped my bag and my suit jacket on the floor and pulled my bottom lip in between my teeth before I uttered, “Kiss me, Tate.”
“Sutton? Are you sure?” he questioned.
“Tate Hillside.” I ran my hand around the waistband of his sweatpants and tucked my thumbs in. “I want you, not just for now, but forever. I want that jealous man and I want him to be mine. Can I still take that risk with you?”
“I thought you’d never catch on, Sutton,” he admitted as he dipped his head down and whispered, his hot breath against my ear. “I’m going to make sure you never regret what you just did.”
He took my lobe between his teeth and gently bit down, and it sent a rush of desire straight to my core. His hands circled around to my back as they drifted down towards my ass and lifted me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist and rocked against his erection. My hands circled his neck and pulled him in close.
“Mmm, Mr. Hillside.” He started to walk backwards without his gaze leaving mine. He ran his hand up to the zipper at the top of my dress. “Where are you taking me?”
