Filed To Story: Filthy Beautiful Lies Book PDF Free by Kendall Ryan
“Since what?” I ask.
She shrugs. “Since Stella is the one who decorated it and I didn’t think the purple and gold décor went with Colton’s taste, I figured it was time for a makeover.”
Colton slides his warm palm against my limp one, a gesture meant to calm and reassure me. I have no idea why I’m acting so territorial over a man I’m not even sure is mine, but seeing Marta here this morning has all my senses on high alert. If I am going to have an actual relationship with Colton, I need the women of his past to stop showing up here unannounced. I make a mental note to ask Colton for details about his relationship with Marta.
I stand near the front door in my pajamas and watch as Colton and Marta climb into her little red sports car. They pull out of the gated driveway and onto the road and the sound of blaring music lingers until they disappear from sight.
I sigh and shut the door. My new life is going to take some getting used to.
Chapter Seven
Colton
As a successful entrepreneur who runs two companies, who regularly deals with top executives and negotiates with fierce competitors, I find it almost laughable how worked-up one small girl, dressed only in my t-shirt can get me. As Marta drives my thoughts drift to Sophie, as they often do.
I type out a text message to her.
I miss you already.
Her reply is almost instant.
Miss you more.
I smile and type out my reply.
We’ll have fun tonight.
You promise?
Her response makes me chuckle.
All you can handle, sweetness.
“So, Sophie’s back?” Marta asks, adjusting the volume of the radio down and pulling my attention away from my phone.
I’m detecting a hint of jealously stewing between them – something I need to put a stop to right the fuck now.
“Yes, she’s moved back in – for good, I hope.”
Marta lowers her sunglasses and looks over at me. “Wow. That’s a big step.”
“Indeed,” I confirm. “I’m crazy about her, Marta, and I need to know that you understand that. You and I have a complicated past, but that’s where it needs to stay – in the past.”
“I see.” I detect a hint of disappointment in her voice.
I can’t say I’m surprised by her reaction, I’ve long suspected she’s wanted more with me.
“I value you as a friend, and an employee, but Sophie’s a game changer for me. In fact, I’m finally dealing with Stella.”
“I get it, Colt.” Her voice takes on a slightly exasperated tone. “Things were over between us long before Sophie came into the picture. And I’m a big girl. I can deal.”
“I know you can. Thank you for that.” I’m glad that she seems to understand. The last thing I’d want is for things to get weird between her and Sophie. Or between her and I for that matter.
“Besides, it was only a few times,” she remarks.
We both gaze out at the road and I sense that she’s recalling the few times we were intimate with vivid detail.
“It’s in the past,” I confirm.
I just hope it stays there. Marta doesn’t respond. “It’s all but forgotten, right?”
She lets out a short chuckle. “I wouldn’t go that far, Colton. I don’t think I’ll forget anytime soon that you’re the biggest man I’ve ever been with or how harsh and commanding you can be when you’re aroused.”
Our encounters aren’t as memorable in my recollections. I only recall that in the months after Stella left, I was depressed and lonely. Marta was there and willing and I allowed her to take the edge off a few times, but we never had sex. “I’m serious about this, Marta. If you make things difficult for Sophie, or if you dredge up things from the past…”
She turns to me sharply. “Relax, boss. Leave me with my fond memories and I promise not to say anything.”
We share a tense ride to work and I make a mental note to tell Sophie everything tonight when I return home. Now that she’s back and trusting in me to do the right thing, I won’t have something so inconsequential ruining our progress.
***
The day drags by at a snail’s pace as I anticipate my evening with Sophie. My brothers break up the afternoon by surprising me with lunch. Things at work have been so busy that I’ve been pushing off our weekly lunch date. Today they take no chances, bursting into my office with my assistant trailing behind them apologetically.
“They just barged in, sir,” he says, looking troubled.
“It’s okay, David.”
My assistant, David, is a bit of a nerdy and frail type, and I got the sense he’s overwhelmed in the presence of my brothers. But he’s the best assistant I’ve ever had so I won’t admonish him for the interruption.