Worth Forgiving

  A few minutes later, Reed returns an empty crystal flute in each hand. “You ready to go see it?”

  I watch as she takes a deep breath and nervously fidgets with her hair. But then something changes. A determination passes over her delicate features. If I wasn’t watching her so closely I probably wouldn’t have even seen it. But I catch it and it makes me smile. She’s tougher than she looks on the outside and it makes her even sexier to me, if that’s even possible.

  Together the three of us walk through the gallery, stopping to view each picture in silence. As we move onto each successive painting, I find my pulse beginning to quicken, wondering if the next painting will be the one.

  After a dozen paintings, I’m growing impatient. Anxious, although I have no idea why. I’ve seen plenty of naked women before, both in person and painted. Hell, I grew up around art, so why is each step making my heart thud louder in my chest with anticipation?

  Turning the corner, a crowd mills around a large piece, the murmur of quiet discussions louder than anywhere else. I know before we reach the viewing area, it’s going to be her. As we approach, two tall men step to the next painting, leaving a small clearing in the lingering crowd…perfect for my line of vision. Frozen in mid step, my breathing becomes more labored as my eyes take in the most beautiful sight they’ve ever seen.

  Sitting on a sparse bed with nothing but a white sheet that looks as if it was gently dropped from covering her radiant skin, her head slightly bowed, captivating blue eyes look up at the artist from underneath long thick eyelashes. She looks like an angel. I really can’t decide if the pose is innocent or alluring, but the sexual tension that radiates from the canvas is palpable. It’s the sexiest god damn thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Sweet, yet incredibly seductive. Sensual. Beautiful. Every curve of her body soft and inviting, yet hard and incredibly erotic at the same time. The pink swells of her perky nipples jut from her lush pale skin, one hand rests casually on her slightly parted thighs, giving the illusion of seeing what lies between her perfectly posed legs, although nothing really shows.

  My mouth unable to form words, I don’t answer as Lily looks up at me. Forcing my labored breath slower, I swallow hard, reaching for control of my thoughts. A nervous smile on her face, her voice so low I can barely hear it over the sound of my heart thumping against my chest wall, “What do you think?”

  Struggling to direct my gaze to the woman that speaks and not the painting I can’t seem to take my eyes off, I respond, “I’m thinking I’m going to stand in front of it to block it, facing it.”

  Lily smiles and elbows me in the ribs. “You’re impossible.”

  “What? I’m a fan of the arts. I need to study the lines. And the curves. Definitely the curves,” I respond.

  A man’s voice from behind me changes the tension I’m feeling from sexual to angry, taking me from the peaceful place the beautiful vision had brought me to fists balling up at my sides in just three words. I’d fuck her.

  Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who hears it. Lily looks horrified, and the two classless assholes are lucky I make the snap decision to move Lily away from their comment and not knock them both on their asses. As I usher Lily to the next painting, I catch Reed quietly grumbling something to the men through gritted teeth before they both scurry away swiftly with pale faces.

  At the next painting I excuse myself for a few minutes. I meet back up with Reed and Lily just as they complete their viewing of the exhibit.

  “I have to do the meet and greet thing. I know it will be torture, but would you mind hanging with Lily for a while?” Reed asks jokingly when I return. He turns. “And you…don’t let it go to your head, I made you that beautiful. You’re really an ugly wench.”

  Leaning down to kiss her gently on the forehead, he squeezes both shoulders. I hear him speak quietly to her, “Your painting is gorgeous, just like you. Relax and enjoy.”

  She rolls her eyes playfully.

  Extending his hand to me with a wink that Lily doesn’t catch, “Take good care of my girl.”

  I nod and smile. “Of course.”

  We wander around for another hour, talking nonstop. Eventually the gallery moves from the early phase of serious viewers to the beginnings of an after party, Lily looks around uncomfortably.

  “You want to get out of here?” I ask.

  “Would you mind? It sort of freaks me out to be in the same room with that painting.” She motions in the direction of the corner her portrait hangs in. It’s still the busiest area of the room.

  As we make our way to the door, I watch as the gallery owner places a cover over Lily’s painting, marking it as privately sold. Luckily, Lily doesn’t notice.

  Chapter 6

  Lily

  The streets of New York are oddly quiet for midnight on a Friday. Together, Jax and I walk unhurriedly with conversation flowing easily.

  “So why do you know so much about art? Who are you really Jackson Knight?” I tease, although I am really curious why every comment he made at the viewing tonight was so spot on. Relating parts of an artist’s work back to anyone but the well known masters such as Van Gogh, Chopin, Dali, Munich, usually takes a trained eye. But Jax was able to pull out understated qualities and relate them back to the lesser known artists.

  “No one important.” I expect Jax’s typical witty and cocky response, but instead he smiles halfheartedly and shrugs his shoulders. “My mother just thought I should be well cultured. Art history was my minor in college.”

  “Well cultured, huh? Are you a prep school brat?” Playfully, I bump my shoulder into his as we wait for the light to change.

  Jax volleys the focus back to me. “Tell me about you. Did you ever consider being an artist as a profession or has it always been your dream to own a chain of gyms filled with testosterone flaring men?”

  “Nope. When I was little I dreamed about being a ballerina,” I respond proudly.

  “A ballerina, huh?”

  “Yep.”

  “So what happened?”

  “You witnessed how graceful I am first hand the other day when I fell out of my chair. Need I explain more?”

  “That wasn’t just a one time thing, huh?” Jax chuckles as he speaks.

  “Unfortunately not.” I smile.

  “How old were you when you figured out it wasn’t going to happen for you as a ballerina?” Jax asks with a smirk.

  “Six.”

  “And how, exactly, did you figure out that you weren’t suited for the role of ballerina?”

  “I fell off the stage while trying to pirouette at my first ballet recital.”

  Jax stops in place, smiling, but looking at me with disbelief. “You fell off the stage?”

  “Yep.”

  “Then what happened?”

  “I cried. My father came to the front of the stage and got me. The next year when he went to sign me up, the instructor suggested I might be suited more for karate.” I pout my response.

  Unable to contain his amusement, Jax breaks into laughter, throwing his head back, enjoying a good laugh at my expense. I feign being annoyed, but he can tell I’m not.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to laugh. But that’s pretty funny.”

  “You owe me an embarrassing story now,” I declare.

  “Okay, but I may need some time to come up with one. I’m pretty damn near perfect you know.”

  “And pretty damn full of yourself too.”

  “That too.” He smiles. “So being a gym mogul was your second choice?”

  “Maybe third. I might have wanted to be a butterfly in between a ballerina and a mogul.” I admit. “What did you want to be when you were little?”

  “A professional boxer.”

  “Are you training for a fight now?”

  “Not really. It’s more of a hobby.”

  “So Knight Investments is your passion?”

  “Not really. Fighting was always my passion. But I’m good at what I do with Knight Investments.” br />
  “And that’s what? You help people sell businesses?”

  “Sometimes. I manage other people’s money.”

  “Like a stock broker?”

  “Sort of. I help them figure out what to invest in. Sometimes it can be a business, sometimes it can be a fund. Depends on what they’re looking for and how much risk they’re willing to take.”

  “Why would people want to take risks with their money?”

  “Because usually the more risk you take, the bigger the reward.”

  “Sounds sort of boring,” I tease.

  “It is,” Jax laughs.

  “So why do you do it?”

  Jax quiets for a minute as he considers his answer. “I don’t even know anymore.” There’s sadness in his face, although he tries to hide it with a forced smile.

  Too soon, we arrive at my building. “This is me.” I point to the ten story dated apartment building set between towering modern skyscrapers.

  Jax turns toward me, taking a step closer. Slowly, he reaches down and takes one of my hands into his. I don’t even notice I’m avoiding eye contact until he calls my name.

  “Lily.”

  My eyes jump to meet his. Being so close to this man makes me nervous for some reason. “I’d love to see you again.” He smiles. “And you don’t even have to show me yourself naked next time.” A dirty grin replaces the smile. “Unless you want to, of course.”

  I can’t help but smile back. Although the thought of having to decline an invitation for a real date with Jax, makes my smile wilt quickly. “I’m sorry. I’d love to, but I can’t.”

  His smile falters too. “You’d love to, but you can’t?” Questioning, Jax tries to make sense of my response.

  “Mixing business with my personal life hasn’t turned out so well for me. I went down that road with my ex boyfriend and I’m still struggling to extract the personal mess from the business.” I pause. “I like you, Jax, I really do. But I’m not sure it’s a good idea”

  “You’re not sure if it’s a good idea?” Jax asks.

  “Yes. That’s what I said.” Confused, I confirm my words.

  Jax smirks. “I can work with that.”

  “You can work with that?”

  “You said you’re not sure it’s a good idea. You don’t sound that committed to your new rule.” He shrugs and smiles.

  I laugh. “Good night, Jax.”

  Pulling the hand he’s been holding to bring me closer, Jax leans in for an unexpected hug. As he pulls away, his mouth close to my ear, he whispers in a deep voice that sends chills racing up my spine, “The painting was beautiful.”

  Pulling his head back, his mouth curves into a sinful smile, “Going to make for some sweet dreams tonight.” Leaving me speechless, he turns and walks away, smiling back at me as he glances over his shoulder while I’m still glued to the spot where he left me.

  Chapter 7

  Jax

  I wasn’t kidding when I told Lily last night I was going to have pleasant dreams after seeing her painting. Although half my dreams turned out to be daydreams, rather than sleep dreams, since I tossed and turned trying to fall asleep with visions of her sexy body in my head all night. A sleepless night because I can’t get Lily out of my mind is a hell of a lot better than a sleepless night because of the crap that’s kept me awake the last six months.

  Dragging my tired ass out of bed, my one track mind still stuck on the vision of Lily’s painting, I don’t even notice the two men with cameras outside of the gym until it’s too late.

  “Jackson, how do you feel about your father announcing his bid for re-election the same day your estranged brother announces he will be hosting the annual MMA Open in Vegas this year? Is it true, you’ve broken ties with your family? Are you training here to get in the cage with your brother, Vince Stone?” The two photographers snap pictures and yell questions at me as I push past and make my way into the gym. They attempt to follow me in, but are stopped at the door.

  “This is a private business. You’re not welcome in here.” Lily snaps and shuts the door in their face, pulling the blind down so no one can see in.

  “Thank you.” So much for anonymity.

  “You’re no one important, huh?” Lily throws my words from last night back at me, but she’s smiling when she says them. Teasing.

  “I’m really not. They’re interested in my family, not me.”

  Caden appears from the back of the gym. Does this guy ever go home? “What’s going on?” He directs his question at Lily in a tone that makes me tense just hearing it.

  “Nothing. You ready to spar?” I respond even though he wasn’t speaking to me.

  A twisted smile lights up Caden’s face, “You bet pretty boy. You can be my warm up.”

  “Tell Uncle Joe our flight was pushed back to two when he comes in.” Caden barks at Lily. Something in the way he speaks to her just pisses me off. And it’s more than just the tone, I can’t put my finger on it, but it feels like he’s bullying her, taking advantage somehow.

  “Okay,” she responds quietly.

  Caden turns and heads back to the gym. Lifting my gym bag strap back over my chest, I begin to follow and then stop, turning back.

  “Lily?”

  She looks up.

  “Is he what made you come up with your new rule?” I nod my head in the direction of Caden Ralley.

  She bites her lip, not responding right away. “It’s a long story.”

  I nod and head back to change, looking forward to taking out my frustration on my sparring partner more than I ever thought possible.

  ***

  Some people need alcohol or drugs to get high. Me, just give me a good day of fighting and everything seems easier. Sparring is supposed to be going through the motions of boxing, practicing your technique and tightening up your strikes, without actually landing any heavy blows. But you wouldn’t know that from my spar with Caden this morning. If it wasn’t for Joe Ralley breaking us apart a few times, Caden and I would’ve wound up in a full on brawl.

  I definitely surprised him. I usually do when it comes to gym rats that are stupid enough to judge a person’s ability to fight by what they look like. What moron decided only fully tatted up, shaved head, scarred face bullies with anger issues could have talent in the ring? A degree from an Ivy League school and they assume you’re soft. Days like today, the preconceived notion works for me. Caden wasn’t expecting Pretty Boy to knock him on his ass. More than once. He definitely didn’t see the bloody nose coming either. But this morning, I had a lot to take out in the ring, and Caden was just the right asshole for the job.

  The hour long spar and my morning workout still not enough to bring me down, adrenaline pumps wildly through my veins as I begin a ten mile run on the treadmill. It’s not unintentional that I pick the machine all the way at the end, the one that gives me a clear line of vision to the reception area. A clear line of vision to Lily. The first ten minutes, I watch as she’s engrossed in sketching something. She looks intent and focused, consumed by whatever her imagination sends flowing to the paper as her hand works furiously.

  Then Caden approaches, fresh from the shower, a large black duffle bag thrown over his back, he doesn’t even consider she’s working when he interrupts her. She smiles as he talks, but it’s weak and forced, a polite smile at best. A few minutes later, Joe Ralley walks to the front desk and the three of them talk for a while. Joe points to the door and says something and Lily responds, looking around the gym, finding me quickly and points in my direction. The two men look my way as she speaks. I guess the reporters haven’t left.

  Caden eventually walks around the reception desk, hooking a hand around Lily’s neck as she sits. He leans down and pulls her face toward him, venturing in for a kiss on the mouth, but at the last second she turns her head, leaving him with a cheek to kiss. Perfect. Absolutely, fucking perfect. I finish my run and take my time in the showers, hoping the reporters will have given up by the time I venture back outsi
de.

  Lily smiles at me, a hesitant smile on her face, as I approach the reception desk.

  “Everything okay?” Her face makes it clear that it’s not.

  “Ummm. The reporters are still out there.” Her voice is uncertain.

  Curiously, I walk to the door, peering out through the side of the drawn shade. The two reporters from this morning have multiplied. Ten fold. At least.

  “Shit.” Wrenching my fingers through my damp hair, the thought of being chased down the street by a bunch of reporters, yet again, brings back all the stress my spar seemed to work out earlier.

  “I know. I’m sorry. They’ve been doubling by the hour since the two saw you come in this morning.”

  “I’m going to have to change hotels again. It’s getting old. Anytime my family does anything, it starts all over again,” I grumble to myself.

  “Won’t they just follow you from where you’re staying to the new one?”

  Blowing out a deep breath, Lily’s words ring true, even though I wish they were anything but. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

  Together, we stand quietly for a few minutes, listening to the hoard of reporters making a commotion just a few feet away, on the other side of the door.

  Lily breaks our silence, “I have an idea. There’s an empty apartment upstairs. Joe’s son just moved out last month. He used to be a trainer here, but he decided he wanted to be an actor instead, so he moved to LA. We’re going to rent it out eventually, but maybe if you stayed a few days, the reporters might think you left and go away. There’s an inside entrance from the gym, through the back, at least you’d be able to come in and out to train and meet with Joe without being bothered.”

  “How would the Ralley men feel about that?” Not that I give a shit if Caden is unhappy, but I wouldn’t want to cause Lily trouble at work.

  “Joe’s excited you’re here. Remember at dinner the other night he told me to take good care of you?” She grins mischievously. “Plus, Joe and Caden just left together for five days, so they wouldn’t even know. Joe is looking at buying a small gym down south when he retires and Caden went with him to check it out. Then they’re heading to Vegas for some promo work for Caden’s next fight.”