The Stranger, page 23
“I don’t feel like I have a choice. Having you with me tonight will help.”
“You always have a choice, Delilah.”
When I glance over my shoulder at her sitting on the edge of the bed with her head bowed, I turn and close the distance between us. Squatting down in front of her, I cup her face in my hands.
I don’t like seeing her like this.
It reminds me of the broken woman I first met, that one who was constantly let down and overlooked by her family.
Delilah is not like that when she’s with me, and I hate that the thought of being around those people again has her reverting to the person she once was.
“Sweetheart,” I say, tilting her chin with my finger. “If you don’t want to go, just say the word and we won’t.”
“I have to go. She is my sister.”
“The same sister who’s getting engaged to your ex-fiancé.”
She screws up her cute little nose. “Don’t remind me.”
“You owe these people nothing.” When she tries to look away, I bring her face back to me. “Does that still upset you?” I ask as I brace myself for her answer.
Things have been great between us … so good I have these brief moments where I’m paralysed with fear.
What if things between us don’t last?
She’s young, she still has her whole life ahead of her. I know with all certainty that she’s that once-in-a-lifetime love people talk about, the one you can’t live without or ever get over.
If she turns around now and says it upsets her … that she still has feelings for that fuckface, it will crush me. I thought she’d moved past this … she told me once that she felt more for me than she ever did for him. Was that a lie?
“Seeing the two of them together?”
“Yes.”
“God, no. That part doesn’t bother me in the slightest.”
“Then what is upsetting you?”
“It will be weird seeing all our old friends and his family again after everything that happened. Will I look pathetic being there? Like the bitter ex that can’t let go? Because despite what others may think, I’ve moved on.”
“No. Not at all,” I say as my smile grows. “You will look like the strong kick-arse woman you are. Besides, you’ll have me by your side, and I plan on sticking to you like glue.”
Some of the sparkle returns to her eyes. “Promise.”
“Cross my heart.”
I stand to full height, reaching for her hand. Once she’s on her feet, she steps into my open arms and hugs my waist. “Thank you,” she whispers into my chest. “I’m so lucky to have you.”
Leaning down, I place my lips on the top of her head. “Ditto, Delilah. Ditto.”
Chapter 32
Delilah
“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” Spencer asks, reaching across the centre console for one of my hands that are fidgeting in my lap.
“Twice,” I reply, glancing over at him with a smile.
“When you stepped off the elevator, and I first saw what you were wearing, I almost swallowed my damn tongue. You looked like a Victoria’s Secret model the way you strutted across the foyer.” He shakes his head like he’s imagining it in real time. “So fucking sexy. I’ve had a semi ever since.”
I believe what he’s saying because I saw the look of pure lust in his eyes as I approached him. His expression made me feel like a goddess.
When Eloise found out about tonight, she said she wanted to make sure I was dressed to kill. I know her motives behind today were aimed at my sister and Kayne, but all that matters to me is what her son thinks. Those other two are not worth my time.
Tonight, I’m wearing a designer aqua blue, strapless, bustier gown, compliments of my Fairy Godmother—namely Spencer’s mother—and holy moly, she didn’t disappoint.
The bodice is tightfitting and flares out at the waist into a flirty miniskirt in front, with a longer, feathery layered back. My legs are bare and my heels match the colour of my dress perfectly.
Although I’m short in stature, the amount of leg on display, and the style of the dress, make them appear so much longer than they are.
I spent the afternoon at Eloise’s place, accompanied by her stylist, hairdresser, and makeup artist. They transformed my long blonde hair into loose flowing waves that cascade down my back, almost reaching my waist. My eye makeup is more dramatic than my usual style, with a dark smoky shadow that beautifully complements the blue dress I’m wearing, but also makes the colour of my eyes more vivid.
By the time they were done working their magic, I barely recognised myself. It was a Pretty Woman moment, and I’d never felt more beautiful in my life. The dress I’m wearing is sexier than anything I’ve ever worn before, but it’s still tastefully classy.
“You don’t look too bad yourself,” I tell him as I move our conjoined hands to rub over his semihard dick.
It’s my first time seeing him in a tuxedo, and hot damn. I’m torn about which form of him I like best. Three-piece suit Spencer, casually dressed Spencer, naked Spencer, or this version.
“I’d pull over to the side of the road and fuck you right now if I could, but you’re too pretty to mess up. Rest assured, the gloves are coming off as soon as we get home, though. I’m looking forward to unwrapping you.”
“Something to look forward to,” I say.
He doesn’t let go of my hand, which I’m grateful for. He feels like my lifeline, and the closer we get to the venue, the more anxious I become.
“I can feel your hand shaking in mine. It’s not too late to turn around.”
“No, I need to do this. Rip the Band-Aid off, so to speak. I’ve been avoiding these people since the breakup … it’s time. In saying that, though, I don’t think I’d be able to go through with tonight if I didn’t have you.”
“Don’t underestimate your own strength, Delilah. I’ve seen firsthand how incredibly resilient you are.”
He lifts my hand to his mouth and places a soft kiss on my knuckles. “I love you, Spencer Prescott,” I say.
Despite both of us acknowledging that we were falling for each other a few months ago, it wasn’t until the other night that Spencer looked deep into my eyes and uttered the actual words. We were in his giant bathtub, and he was buried deep inside my body as I straddled his lap. I don’t know why I didn’t reciprocate them at the time because I already knew I felt the same way, but in this moment, I feel like it’s something I need him to know.
“Sweetheart,” he breathes, taking his eyes off the road to briefly meet mine. “I love you too. So fucking much. I swear, if anyone upsets you tonight, I’m not sure how I’m going to react.”
“You will act like the perfect gentleman I know you to be.”
He chuckles under his breath. “I believe you were present when I clocked my father on the jaw.”
“Yikes. I forgot about that one. Please don’t clock anyone tonight. The last thing I want to do is start trouble … it’s only going to give them something else to hate me for.”
“For you, I’ll be on my best behaviour.”
“Thank you. Although, if my sister or any of her equally skanky friends set their sights on you, there may be a catfight in my foreseeable future.”
He tosses back his head and laughs. “Now that I would like to see.”
The first thing I notice when we reach the room where the party is being held is the large piece of glass propped on a wooden easel. There is a halo of fresh white roses and greenery surrounding it. “We are engaged. Let’s celebrate Kayne and Abigail” is painted onto the surface.
As we enter the function room, Spencer’s hand tightens in mine as he leans in and whispers, “Breathe, sweetheart. Don’t let these people make you feel any less than the queen you are.”
Seriously, this man. How did I get so lucky?
The lavish decorations inside don’t surprise me. It’s always been the best for Abigail. It’s a stark contrast to the backyard barbeque Kayne and I had when we got engaged.
In front of us is a large archway of gold and white balloons, with warm fairy lights threaded throughout. The gold sequined backdrop sparkles under the lights, and the neon sign that sits in the centre reads “Engaged”.
The table settings are equally beautiful, with more fresh roses and extravagant candelabras sitting in the centre. The chairs are covered in white silk, with thick gold bows tied around each one. It seems more fitting for a wedding reception.
My immediate thought is, I wonder who’s footing the bill. My parents, Kayne’s, or Abigail’s Only Fans clients? Either way, it would’ve cost a pretty penny.
We move further into the room, and I don’t know where to go or who to see. I’m probably the only person here tonight who isn’t truly welcome. That sentiment only amplifies when I hear a few whispers from the guests as we pass.
“Is that Delilah? Holy shit!”
“Wow, she’s the last person I expected to see tonight.”
“Who’s that guy with her?”
“It’s kind of tacky that she’s here with a date.”
Personally, I find it tackier that my sister is now engaged to my ex-fiancé.
Spencer lets go of my hand and drapes his arm over my shoulder, pulling me protectively into his side. “Ignore them,” he growls.
My eyes move around the room and I spot my parents, so I manoeuvre us in their direction. They’re my safest bet.
“Oh my God,” I hear one of Abigail’s equally bitchy friends squeal as we pass. “Who is that hottie with Delilah?”
“It’s her fake boyfriend.”
“Good to know, because I’ve just decided I’m going home with him tonight.”
“Not if I get in first.”
They sound like dogs on heat, and the only person going home with this man tonight is me.
“Ignore them too,” I grumble.
“They don’t stand a chance when I have the prettiest woman in the room on my arm.”
“Aww,” I coo.
“It’s the truth, Delilah,” he replies as he leans down to place a chaste kiss on the side of my head. “You run rings around them all.”
I place my hand on my mother’s arm when we reach my parents. “Mum.”
She turns around and looks visibly shocked once she realises it’s me. Her hands move to grasp my upper arms as she leans back and eyes me up and down. “Lilah … you look stunning,” she says before giving me a brief hug. “I’m so glad you could make it. We’ve missed you.” I’d like to think that’s true, and tonight I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt. “It’s nice to see you again, Spencer,” she adds.
While Spencer greets my mother, I turn my attention to my father.“Hi, Dad.”
His eyes scan the length of my body and when he frowns, I know he’s not going to compliment me like my mother did. “That dress is far too short, Delilah,” he scolds.
His abrupt words sting. This is the first time I’ve seen him since I moved out—which was months ago—so a hello shouldn’t be too much to ask.
My sister wears skimpier dresses daily.
Spencer growls beside me, which gains my father’s attention. “Prescott,” he grumbles.
“St. James,” Spencer retorts.
Yikes.
We’ve been here less than five minutes and things are already going downhill.
Abigail is next to join the family reunion, followed closely by her scumbag fiancé.
“Delilah,” she mumbles, eyeing me from head to toe. “Nice dress.” There’s venom laced in her words, which, in a way, pleases me. Her bitchy tone and attitude scream one thing: jealousy.
Mission accomplished, Eloise.
“Wow,” Kayne whistles from beside my sister. “Look at you. I hardly recognise you, Li. You look—”
“Taken,” Spencer barks, pulling me back into his side. “So, I suggest you put those leery eyes of yours back in your head where they belong.”
That earns Kayne a punch in the shoulder from my sister. “Seriously, Kayne,” she snaps before turning and storming away.
After our disastrous arrival, I decided it was wise to keep to ourselves. We retreated to our table and have remained there since … it was for the best.
Eyes have been on us all night. I noticed Kayne staring at me countless times, which I ignored. I don’t know what his problem is.
On two occasions, I caught his mother sending me what could best be described as death stares across the room. I’m not sure what I did to deserve those, but it may have something to do with the cease-and-desist letter Spencer’s lawyer sent to the dental clinic.
Either way, no love was lost there.
It was the shameless women fawning all over my date that got under my skin the most. Spencer seemed oblivious to the attention he was gaining from every female in the vicinity. He was too preoccupied with me.
His subtle caresses, or the way he kept constantly leaning in to place soft kisses on my bare shoulder, or when he buried his face in the crook of my neck. It had my blood running hot. I was desperate for the night to be over. I know we could leave, but the stubborn part of me didn’t want to give them the satisfaction.
Once the dinner service is over, the DJ starts playing music. My sister and all her love-me-do friends are strutting their stuff on the dance floor.
“Do you want to dance?” I ask Spencer.
“To this? Not in your life. Ask me again when a slow song comes on.”
“Right … I forgot.”
“Forgot what?”
“About those old hips of yours.”
When I laugh, he leans in and whispers, “I’m going to spank your sweet arse when we get home for that.”
“I look forward to it, Mr Prescott.”
“Fuck, Delilah,” he groans, tipping his head back and sliding his hand under the table to adjust himself. “You are not helping with my little … problem.”
“Little?”
“You know what I mean.”
I lean forward and place my lips on his. “There’s nothing little about the monstrosity in your pants.”
One of his eyebrows springs up. “Monstrosity?”
“Yes, but don’t worry, I happen to be very fond of that appendage.”
“Is that so?” he asks, grinning.
“Yes.”
He leans in and burrows his face in the crook of my neck again. “I need to be inside you badly right now,” he growls, and his warm breath skating over my skin makes it pebble with goose bumps.
“I have a plan that might rectify that,” I say.
He draws back and eyes me sceptically. “What type of plan? It doesn’t involve going out there, does it?” he asks, jutting his chin towards the dance floor.
I push back my chair and stand before leaning down and whispering in his ear, “I noticed a door on the way in … it had janitor written on it. Fingers crossed it’s unlocked.” When I pull back slightly and waggle my eyebrows, his face lights up.
He leaps to his feet and reaches for my hand. “Lead the way.”
“This evening has turned out to be a major bore. It’s time we made our own fun.”
“I like the way you think, sweetheart.”
When we enter the hallway, I scan our surroundings to make sure nobody is nearby before I reach for the doorknob and turn it. “It’s unlocked,” I squeak.
I immediately open it and drag him inside. Spencer wastes no time closing it behind him. What we are doing feels naughty and wrong, but oh so thrilling. I’ve never done anything this daring before.
We are now shrouded in darkness, but I hear a distinct click of the lock over the rapid beating of my heart. I blindly reach out and when I feel what I think is his elbow, I wrap my fingers around it.
“It’s so dark,” I whisper. “I can’t see a thing.”
“Hold on. I’m feeling around for the light switch now. There,” he says a few seconds later and the small space is suddenly flooded with light.
When his beautiful face comes into view, I smile up at him. “Hi.”
He reaches for me, tugging me closer. “Did you bring your lipstick with you?”
“Yes, why?” I ask, confused as I hold up my clutch.
“Good,” he replies. “Because I’ve been dying to do this since the second you stepped off the elevator this afternoon.”
He leans down and crashes his lips into mine. The kiss he delivers is savage and unrelenting as he devours me like I’m the air that he breathes and without this, he’ll perish.
I’m here for the ride.
I push onto my toes as my hands reach up to gasp at the short hairs on the back of his head. “Spencer,” I moan into his mouth.
“Delilah,” he groans in reply as he backs me into the closest wall. His hands move from my waist, down and over my hips, before sliding underneath my dress. He cups my lace-covered butt cheeks with his large hands and lifts me off my feet. “Wrap your legs around me, sweetheart.”
I swoon a little on the inside every time he calls me sweetheart.
Following his request, I dig the heels of my shoes in to anchor myself in place. His fingers slide underneath the lace, moving between my legs to where I’m now throbbing. “Fuck, you’re soaked.”
“Because I need you, Spencer. It’s all I’ve been able to think about.”
“I wanted to wait until we were home so I could take my time with you, but I don’t think I can.”
“I don’t want you to take your time … later, yes. Right now, I just need it hard and fast. Do you think you could do that?”
“I … fuck, I didn’t bring a condom. I purposely left them at home so I wouldn’t be tempted to dirty you up.”
I clutch either side of his face. “I want to be dirtied up, Spencer. My clutch … I dropped it on the floor. There’s one in there.”
“You brought a condom with you? Why?”
“Hello. I saw the way your eyes gobbled me up back at the apartment. Excuse me for having the foresight to think ahead.”
“The way I gobbled you up with my eyes,” he says, chuckling. “You are too adorable for your own good.”
