AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m not sure if we’re ready for that yet.” However, he thought of it often.
“What are you waiting for?”
If he were to bring her to the club, she would have to commit to being his submissive. Drake imagined what it would be like to play in the club together. He was very selective regarding playmates, but Alessandra wouldn’t just be for fun and games. He wanted her forever.
“It’s all right to let your guard down, Drake. Sometimes people may surprise you.”
“Like you?”
“I remember clearly when a rich college kid with a chip on his shoulder was lost and desperate. He needed someone to guide him and help him understand the urges he could no longer keep in check. He was angry at the world and worried about hurting someone. What he needed was someone to understand what he’d been through.”
“You taught me there was nothing wrong with me.”
“That’s right.” Jerry sipped his drink. “There’s still nothing wrong with you. But you still make mistakes. That’s the beauty of being human. What are you so afraid of?”
Drake looked intently into his glass, stewing over Jerry’s words.
“How do you think she’ll react when she learns the truth, Drago?”
“Don’t call me that!” Drake growled.
“Let me impart a little wisdom to you. If you can’t reconcile yourself, you won’t ever find love. You’re married now. She deserves more than being held prisoner by secrets and lies.”
Drake felt hot under the collar and glared at his friend. The man’s hands immediately shot up in surrender.
“I planned on asking Alessandra to meet my parents. I’d like her to meet my family.”
“That’s a huge step, Drake. I’m happy for you. You two should also have dinner with Noah and me. He had a lot to say about her after the gala.”
“No,” Drake said firmly.
“You get to decide, Drake. She’s your wife. But I won’t stand in the way of them becoming friends, and you shouldn’t either. Getting her out of the life is going to be hard. The first step is showing her what normal life and friendship are.”
“I won’t allow her to be hurt again,” Drake promised.
“I know, Drake. Sometimes life happens.”
Drake told Jerry about Alessandra's abuse and how much she still held back.
“From the time she was five years old until the day we wed was too damn long. You should see the scars on her wrists and back. Alessandra told me some of the shit they did to her. I’ll kill the motherfuckers who hurt her and put a bullet between every one of their eyes.”
“You’re an agent of the law, not an executioner. Ellis won’t like hearing you talk like that.”
Drake seethed. “Fuck Ellis.”
“Don’t blame Grant. And don’t blame yourself for shit that’s not your fault. You are not guilty by association. And you can’t take it out on that poor girl anymore.”
They sat in silence, ruminating on the heavy words hanging between them. Drake gulped the remaining drink in his glass and refilled it.
“And what about Jenny Nguyen? Her wedding will cause trouble for us.”
“Let me worry about her.”
Drake shook his head. “I can’t imagine how hard you’ve worked all these years to get to where you are now. I admire that.”
“Remember, you’re not that angry young man I met anymore, Drake. We grow and evolve as a part of life. I’m happy in my marriage because my husband and I have no secrets. Of course, there are things I can’t share with him. But he knows the important things, the hard things to admit in the light of day, and accepts me. Just don’t wait too long.”
They finished their drink together in peaceful silence.
