Spark: Book 1 (The Heat Series) Read online

  “Good afternoon, ladies. Today we are going to discuss negotiation. The best way to avoid this is by using the techniques we discussed previously. However, there might be a time where you have to use your mouth to save you or buy you some time until help arrives.” During the class, he went through several techniques. Ava hoped she never had to use any of them. At the end of class, she got ready to leave and checked her phone. Xander had texted her.

  Sweetheart, text or call me when you are leaving. I have a surprise for you.

  I told you I HATE SURPRISES!!! I’m leaving in a few minutes.

  Be safe. I love you.

  She didn’t text him back, but she knew what he meant by “be safe.” He wanted her to be aware of her surroundings. Liam might be stalking her at this very minute. The police were still reviewing the footage even though it had been a few days. She wanted him out of her life. She stopped to retrieve what she had dropped off before class and did a slow run home. She opened the door to her apartment and was hit with the scent of lemons. She almost slipped on the entry way floor.

  “Hey, be careful! I just washed that,” Xander said.

  Ava looked around the rooms of the apartment. The dust was gone, the floors freshly mopped. He had scrubbed the kitchen and both bathrooms, placed clean sheets on the bed, and the last load of laundry was in the dryer. The carpets had track marks from the vacuum.

  “You cleaned my apartment? Why would you do that?”

  Xander’s mouth dropped open, “Why?”

  “Yes, why would you clean for me?”

  “Because I love you, because you deserve it because you take care of me, because I want to take care of you. Should I go on?”

  “No, I get it. I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful because I appreciate this.”

  The phone rang. Xander answered it. “Yes, send him right up.”

  “Who are they sending up?” He opened the apartment door to wait.

  “Who’s coming up?” In a minute she had her answer as the box boy from Stan’s wheeled his cart to the door.

  “I can’t take it. You ordered groceries too!”

  The cart was unloaded, and Xander gave an extra generous tip.

  “You didn’t have to do this.” He held up his hand.

  “I spend a lot of time here, and I just thought it was my duty to provide you with the groceries that I eat.”

  “But you are my guest.” He put his hands around her waist and pulled her to his chest.

  “I am more than your guest, aren’t I?”

  “Yes, you are.”

  “Good. Now that we got that straight now help me unpack this stuff. I have several containers of Ben & Jerry’s that I don’t want melting into a soupy mess.”

  After they had put away the groceries, Ava went to take a shower. Xander scoured the bedroom looking for something. He was almost frantic by the time she came back into the bedroom.

  “Why are you looking under the bed?” He needed, to be honest with her.

  “I can’t find my ring anywhere. I thought maybe I vacuumed it up, but I checked the bin, and I didn’t find it.”

  Ava smiled widely. “I have my own surprise for you.” She dug through the pocket of the backpack and handed him a small box. He opened it up to find his ring.

  “Look at the inscription,” Ava said. He removed the ring and twisted it until he found the letters.

  My Love Endures Always - All My Love, Ava.

  “How did you do this?”

  “When I took your boxers from the lampshade, I swiped it. There is a jeweler near Sunset, and I dropped it off before my class. Do you like it?”

  Xander could not speak because he was so emotional. He nodded. He pulled her forehead to his.

  “This means the world to me.”

  “My love will endure, always,” she said.

  The work week passed by quickly. Ava was excited about going to the charity gala. She had made an appointment to get her nails, hair and makeup were done at Verona. It was a top salon and most of the time they were booked solid for months. Luckily Rachel pulled some strings. The owner, Isabella Verona, attended college with her cousin, and they remained close because of their ties to the fashion world. Isabella was fast becoming a great referral for Rachel’s new wedding dress design business.

  On Friday night, she rushed home ahead of Xander. Her appointment for her nails was at 6 PM sharp. Isabella closed the shop at 5:00 PM but was doing a favor for Rachel since she was designing her very own special wedding dress.

  Ava got to the salon at 5:45 and they catered to her as if she were royalty. She was offered small appetizers and champagne which she politely declined. They did a beautiful job on her nails. She thanked them and told Isabella she would see her at two the next day for her hair and make-up appointment. When she got home, Xander was asleep on the couch. He had been watching the Yankee game, and it was the second inning. She softly kissed his lips, and he awoke.

  “You’re home,” he said as he yawned. “I was so tired. Someone is not allowing me to sleep very much.”

  “Oh, you are just as much to blame for your lack of sleep. If I remember correctly, I wasn’t the one who woke me up at three this morning.”

  “I’m sorry, you are way too irresistible. So let me see the nails.” She held out her fingers to reveal a French manicure and noted she had the same done to her toes.

  “Very nice but all this primping is going to make you even more irresistible to me. I might have to take you to the coat room at the gala to have my way with you.”

  “Xander!! We are not having sex at the gala.”

  “Then how about I reserve a room and take you upstairs?”

  “No, would you control yourself! This is for charity. You are just going to have to keep it in your pants until we get home. Do you promise to behave?”

  He crossed his arms defiantly. “Yes, I promise to behave. I thought we could take the SUV since they have valet parking. It will be easier than getting a cab.”

  The next day, Isabella herself did Ava’s makeup, and she had her top stylist Antonio, take care of her hair. He created a fabulous updo of her thick auburn tresses. She was thrilled with the way she looked. She stepped out onto the street and immediately noticed that men were looking at her. It made her self-conscious, and she quickly hailed a cab to take her home. Xander was in the bedroom when she entered the apartment, and he stopped short when he saw her.

  “Be still my beating heart. You look gorgeous. But I see something I need to fix for you.”

  “Where? Did they miss a lock of hair, fix it for me.” He came over to her and started to kiss and suck on her exposed neck.

  She felt that familiar hot flush as he gently sucked on the spot between her shoulder and neck.

  “Are you sure you want to go tonight?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I want to make love to you right now. I’m not sure I can wait all night.”

  She wanted to say yes and spend the next few hours in bed with him, but she was excited to go to the gala.

  “You promised to behave.”

  “I am behaving, like a man in love with his girlfriend.”

  “It’s after five. We need to get dressed.” He pulled away and looked into her eyes.

  “Is that a no then?”

  “It’s a no for now.” She went to her jewelry box and put on a pair of tear drop diamond earrings while he was in the closet. He hung the tux on the back of the open door. He watched her from the corner of his eye as she removed her clothing she wore to the salon. He wanted her. She turned her back to him, and he pulled her naked body against him.

  “I can’t help myself, please forgive me. I want you like this only wearing those earrings.”

  She could feel his erection pressing against her back.

  “We don’t have time.”

  “We have plenty of time to dress and get there.” His tongue glided over her neck, and she heard the rustling of his boxers dropping to the floor. “Pl
ease, we can do this fast. I need you.”

  What had started as a tiny flicker was now a raging fire. She didn’t have the strength to say no because she wanted him as much as he wanted her. He reached under her from behind and found her opening slick.

  “You want me, Ava. Your body can’t lie.” She turned, and he kissed her hard. She reached between them stroking his cock. His fingers found her opening and he plunged them in her. He removed them and raised her above him, pushing her back against the closet door. She felt the soft cloth of his tux rubbing against her back as he lowered her onto him.

  “Xander, your tux…”

  “I don’t care.”

  He worked his arms lifting her off him until he had developed a rhythm. Her core was burning with desire as he worked her up and down until there was nothing but them as one. If he had asked her at that moment about going to the gala, she would have said no. She wanted this and what’s more she needed it, too. She felt him silently release into her. Her own climax came several seconds after he finished his. He put her down and they shuffled down the hall to the bathroom.

  “You came a lot. I think that I might have to wash off in the bathtub. She looked in the mirror. “Oh no, my hair is out of place.”

  When they were clean, and her hair was resecured, they began dressing for the event. The emerald colored dress she had chosen was strapless with built in cups. She chose a pair of black lace panties to wear underneath her gown. Xander was already dressed and waiting in the living room when she appeared.

  “I have to say that I am going to have to beat the guys off you tonight. You are beautiful.”

  “I doubt that.”

  But she knew he might be right based on the reactions after she left the salon. He slipped on his tux jacket, and she adjusted his tie. He was strikingly handsome, and together they stood out in a crowd. The parking garage was warm when he went alone to pick up the SUV. He checked it over to make sure that there was no damage. He removed his jacket and started the vehicle. He had told Ava to wait in her apartment lobby for him to pick her up. He didn’t want her walking into an ambush if Liam was waiting for them.

  The line was long waiting for valet service but sitting in the SUV was much better than a cab. Ava was nervous because this was the first gala she had ever attended. She was unsure of her dress and thought maybe she should have chosen something a little less revealing on top. She was happy that she had chosen to purchase a shawl along with her dress. She felt more comfortable with something to cover her.

  “Stop fidgeting,” Xander said, as she looked in the vanity mirror for the fourth time. “You look great.”

  He reached over to run his fingers over the skin of her neck. She shivered at his touch. The valet opened her door, and she stepped out at the entrance of The Pierre. Security was posted at the door, and they were directed to the grand ballroom for the event. Ava had never been to this hotel before, and she marveled at the décor.

  “Let’s find our seats.” Xander said.

  He held out his hand for her. She followed him into the ballroom which was beautifully decorated for the event. Three large monitors had been mounted on the front of the room with “Kids Afloat” logo on them. Ava couldn’t stop staring at the chandeliers above her and almost bumped into Xander.

  “Sweetheart, watch it. You can do that when we get to our table.” She felt her face grow hot at her embarrassment. She was acting like a curious child.

  “I’m sorry, it’s just so breathtaking in here.” The room was crowded as dinner time neared. They took their seats and to her astonishment and dismay, Mrs. Tremaine was sitting at their table.

  “Ava dear, I didn’t know you belong to this organization.” She said as Ava took the seat next to her.

  “I am here with my boyfriend, who is on the board. I have made a donation to the organization.”

  Mrs. Tremaine raised her eyebrow. “Dear, I’m sure that there are plenty who make donations, but every dollar counts no matter how small it is.” Before Ava could answer, the woman turned to talk to the couple on the other side of her. She was irked by being dismissed by Mrs. Tremaine. Xander sensed the change in her mood.

  “Ava, what’s the matter?”

  She whispered near his ear, “Mrs. Tremaine. I’ve known the woman for four years, and she has always looked down her nose at me. I mentioned that I made a donation, and she acted like it didn’t matter.”

  “What do you mean you gave a donation? When did you do this?”

  “Last week, when you told me about the organization.”

  “How much did you give?”

  “It’s not important. What is important is that I gave a donation to an organization that is helping improve children’s lives. I love kids. Did I ever tell you that?”

  “No, you never said anything.”

  “I want to have a whole carload of them, maybe five or six. Does that scare you?”

  “Not at all, I love children, too, and if we have one or one hundred and one, I will be happy because they are part of you.”

  She gripped his hand tight under the tablecloth. He could always say the right thing to make her smile. The evening went on without a hitch. They were served a several course mean and before dessert they had speakers come to the podium. The monitors flashed pictures of the work that Kids Afloat was doing. Many pictures showed the programs that were offered and a lot of the children attending those programs. They showed the new buildings at the camp upstate.

  The last screen that flashed was to honor special donors. Her name flashed up on the screen with fifty thousand dollars next to it along with two other high dollar private donors. Xander looked at her shocked. At the corner of her eye, Ava got her satisfaction because she saw Mrs. Tremaine’s jaw drop.

  After dessert, she followed Xander around the room as he said his goodbyes. He introduced her, and several people thanked her for her donation. As she and Xander waited for the valet to bring the SUV around, he asked her about her donation.

  “Where did you get the money for that donation? Did your father give it to you?”

  “No, that was my money.”

  “Was it your life savings?”

  “No silly, some of my inheritance. Remember I told you about it before?”

  The conversation ended because the SUV had arrived. They were quiet as they drove back through the city.

  It was close to 1:00 AM and the traffic was non-existent.

  “Do you want me to drop you off at your apartment?”

  “No, I don’t mind going to the parking garage with you.”

  “Are you sure? It's several blocks to walk back.”

  “But it’s such a warm night, and I don’t feel tired.”

  “Okay but I warned you. You will look funny if I have to give you a piggyback ride in a ball gown.”

  Xander pulled into the garage. The main office was closed, and no attendants were around. He slipped his key card in the slot, and the lift gate opened. His spot was moved after the vandalizing incident to right near the garage’s rental office, but when he got there it was occupied.

  “What the hell, this is for monthly rentals. That spot is supposed to be mine. I’m going to have to talk to them tomorrow about this.”

  He drove up to the second floor, then the third until he found an available spot in the weekly rental section. He parked, got out and rounded the SUV to open her door. Pain shot through the back of his head like an explosion, and he fell to his knees. Several hard kicks to the ribs and he was on the ground. A second blow, then another kick to the ribs and he couldn’t breathe. He started to black out.

  When he came to a several minutes later, Liam was standing in front of him with the hatch to the SUV open. Ava was in the back, her mouth and hands duct taped. A stream of blood had flooded onto the tape from her nose and had dripped on her chin and dress. Tears were streaming down her face. He had a gun pointed at Xander’s head.

  “Get up, you fucking asshole,” Liam hissed.

 
; “Please don’t hurt her,” Xander croaked. His ribs were burning, and he was having trouble breathing.

  “Shut the fuck up. Don’t tell me what to do with this whore. She was mine before you came along.” He absentmindedly picked at his teeth. “I’m having trouble deciding whether I should shoot you first and then fuck her or fuck her in front of you then kill you both. What do you think I should do, huh, dickhead?”

  Ava let out a strangled cry and began sobbing. Xander managed to get to his knees. When he didn’t answer Liam pistol whipped him. He felt the hot blood trickle down his cheek. His right eye started to swell immediately.

  “How do you like your face fucked up? I haven’t been able to breathe right since you sucker punched me.” Xander made a move to get to his feet.

  “Ah, ah, ah. Stay on your knees or I’ll blow her brains out.”

  “Liam, just pull the tape off her mouth. She can’t breathe. Look at her.” Ava was sobbing so hard she was panting.

  “Stop crying, bitch, or I’ll hit you again.” He reached over and pulled the tape off her mouth and for good measure backhanded her hard in the face. Then he shut the hatch to the SUV.

  “Get up asshole. On your feet.” Liam saw Xander looking at the ceiling of the garage.

  “No cameras, dickhead. I made sure to disable all of them. No one is going to save you…or her.”

  Xander struggled to his feet as Liam pointed the gun at his head. He walked him around to the front of the SUV and made him stand against the concrete wall. “Before I fuck you up for good, I’m going to make you suffer a bit just the way you have me. I lost my fucking job because of you two assholes. I hope that cunt was worth it.”

  He aimed the gun at Xander and pulled the trigger. Xander felt the bullet tear into his left arm with a searing heat. He screamed in pain and grabbed his arm. Blood was beginning to stain the arm of his tux jacket red. Liam laughed.

  “Feel good asshole? Don’t worry; there is more where that came from.” He squeezed another bullet off. Xander felt it whiz by his left ear before it hit the concrete and ricocheted. Shrapnel from the wall sprayed his cheek as the bullet hit.