Page 91 of Their Starlight
“I know, I know, It’s stupid…”
The tyres skid as I hurtle out of the car park and head towards Elle’s flat. “It’s not stupid, Elle. It’s fucking beautiful and it means a lot. But it’s unnecessary. We know this is it, all of us. We know it’s for real Elle.” She doesn’t say anything and I smile picturing her. “Are you nodding?”
She snorts out a laugh. “You think you know me so well, Lance Preston.”
“I do know you, sweetheart. I know you better than you know yourself.”
“I know, that’s why I called you. You always know what I need.” The tears seem to start up again and I put my foot down, dangerously overtaking the prick in the BMW in front of me.
“I’m nearly there, sweetheart. Keep talking to me. Where’s Gray tonight?”
“He’s with his not-boyfriend.”
“What’s a not-boyfriend when he’s at home?”
I get a small laugh for that. “Gray doesn’t do boyfriends but he’s spending a lot of time with Enzo.”
“And he didn’t think spending time with you was more important giving everything that’s been going on?” The bite to my voice was unintentional but obvious all the same.
“He offered but I told him not to bother, those two are seriously cute together. Gray deserves to enjoy a relationship for once.”
I screech to a halt outside Elle’s building and get out of the car. The main door to the building had a new high security lock and intercom system. We hadn’t done that. I can only assume that the Maxwell’s security guy, Peter, had instigated it. Brent, however, was the one who had arranged the change of locks on Elle’s flat and the additional deadbolts and locks on the windows. Elle gives me the code and I’m in. Neither of us say anything as I take the stairs two at a time and when I reach her door, it opens before I can knock.
Pulling Elle into my arms where she buries her face in my neck, I move us far enough into her flat so I can kick the door shut behind me; holding her without pesky neighbours seeing her tears. Her hair smells of honey and something distinctly floral, her warm breath against my neck is sending wake up signals to my cock. But this really isn’t the time. I gently stroke her back and press my lips to her temple. When she relaxes in my embrace, I lean back a smidge so I can look in her eyes. A strand of hair stays plastered to the wet trails down her cheeks and I gently wipe it away.
“I’m taking you home, sweetheart. I’m taking you home and I’m not letting you go. Grab as much of your stuff as you can, I’ll have someone pick up the rest tomorrow.”
Her eyebrows come together. “What?”
“You’re cominghome.” I give her a quick and hard kiss, turning her and sending her toward her room with a pat of her butt.
“Lance,” she sighs. “I can’t just move out. I’d need to talk to Gray…”
“Who isn’t here,” I snark, taking my phone from my pocket and bringing up the number I need.
“…and you might want to talk to the others before demanding I just move in with you.” She continues as though I haven’t spoken.
“Believe me, the others will be just as keen. You have two minutes Elle and then I’m taking you home. Chop, chop.”
She flips me the bird, presumably at my condescending tone, and I can’t help but chuckle as I bring the phone to my ear to call my favourite Chinese restaurant and order us dinner to be delivered to my building. I then call Albert to tell him it would be on its way.
Two minutes later—true to my word—I haul Elle out of her flat, wheeling the suitcase she’s packed behind us. The journey back to my apartment is a lot less fraught than the one to hers, letting her play music from her phone, singing sweetly to a love song I’ve never heard before. I listen and take her hand in mine, bringing her knuckles to my mouth to kiss.
Once parked, I stop the lift at the foyer to pick up the delicious smelling takeout that was delivered moments before our arrival. Albert tips his hat at Elle as we head back to the lift to take us up to our place. I grab plates, chopsticks and two beers from the fridge, passing them to Elle to carry.
“Where are we going?” She asks as we bypass the lounge.
I don’t answer, just take her to my bedroom. I put the takeout bags and plates on the dresser and open a drawer, pulling out a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. Turning back to Elle, I pull her roll neck jumper over her head, she raises her arms to help. It’s not about sex, it really isn’t, but that doesn’t mean I’m able to resist looking down at her gorgeous body. Her teal coloured satin bra pushes her breasts beautifully and her skinny jeans sit low on her hips, showing her toned and taught stomach. My fingers skim down her neck, tracing one soft breast, over her ribs, and circle her belly button before travelling to the button of her jeans, popping it open. I peel them down her legs, removing her heeled ankle boots and socks, and freeing her legs completely.
Coming back to a standing position, I kiss her gently. “You’re so beautiful, Elle.”
She throws her arms around my neck and pulls me into a deeper, more urgent kiss, swirling our tongues together and moaning into my mouth. I flick the clasp of her bra open and allow it to slide off before I give her another quick kiss and passed her the t-shirt and sweats I’m still holding.
“Put these on, sweetheart.”
I head to my bathroom and grab a pack that has been left on the side then change into my own pair of sweats and a comfy t-shirt. Returning to Elle, I take a wipe from the pack in my hand and start gently wiping the makeup from her face. She closes her eyes, tipping her face to me in offering.
“Why do you have makeup wipes in your bathroom?” She smiles.