 
# Brash Company

### #4 of Company Men

## Crystal Perkins

### Contents

Brash Company

About Brash Company

Books by Crystal Perkins

Society Girls series

Company Men series

Praise for Books by Crystal Perkins

Things to Know

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Epilogue

Coming Soon

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Copyright © 2017 by Crystal Perkins

Cover Design by Helen Williams

www.allbookedout.com

All trademarks are owned by their respective companies and are denoted by the use of proper capitalization of the company and/or brand. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. This contemporary erotic romance is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. This ebook is licensed for your personal use only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with, especially if you enjoy sexy, emotional, romance novels with alpha males. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

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# About Brash Company

**W ealth. Privilege. Faith. Fear.**

* * *

Sully Ayoub came to America with everything Matt Corrigan could possibly give him. Money and power shielded him from hate, and violence, but it also made him think he could behave badly with no consequences. When he's confronted by a woman he had fired, Matt is no longer willing to turn a blind eye, and puts him to work.

* * *

**P overty. Work. Love. Hate.**

* * *

Beckham Williams doesn't want anything to do with Sully after he had her fired, but working with him makes her see him differently. She sees a man of strong faith, who's hidden himself from the world. A man who might be everything she'd ever dreamed of, until her family and friends send him running from her.

* * *

**F riends. Enemies. Family. Lies.**

* * *

Sully immerses himself in his religion, taking on a new set of friends. Friends who don't all accept Beckham. She holds on to Sully as long as she can, but she can't live like this forever, no matter how much she loves him.

* * *

**W hen one of you is fighting for love, and the other is fighting for faith, can you both come together for life?**

# Books by Crystal Perkins

**The Griffin Brothers series**

Gaming For Love (The Griffin Brothers #1)

Building Our Love (The Griffin Brothers #2)

Creating A Love (The Griffin Brothers #3)

Learning To Love (The Griffin Brothers #4)

Designing The Love (The Griffin Brothers #5)

Working On Love (The Griffin Brothers #6)

Keeping Their Love (The Griffin Brothers #7)

* * *

**Corrigan & Co. series**

Fielding Her SECRET (Corrigan & Co,. #1)

Devouring the SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #2)

Rocking a SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #3)

Lessons in SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #4)

Uncovering His SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #5)

Training the SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #6)

Inheriting a SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #7)

Tending Their SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #8)

Playing in SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #9)

Loving My SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #10)

Society Weddings (a Corrigan & Co. novella)
**Society Girls series**

Society Girls: Sierra (Society Girls, #1)

Society Girls: Neveah (Society Girls, #2)

Society Girls: Matisse (Society Girls, #3)

Society Girls: Waverly (Society Girls, #4)

Society Girls: Rhieve (Society Girls, #5)

Society Girls: Jenysis (Society Girls, #6)

Society Girls: Harlow (Society Girls, #7)

Society Girls: Camari (Society Girls, #8)

Society Girls: Kalila (Society Girls, #9)

Society Girls: Rose (Society Girls, #10)

* * *

**Company Men Series**

Royal Company (Company Men, #1)

Unexpected Company (Company Men, #2)

Savage Company (Company Men, #3)
**Other books**

* * *

A Kiss is Just a Kiss (Romantic Comedy Stand-Alone)

* * *

Activate (YA Sci-Fi)

* * *

Romantic Times Anthology, Vol. 3

(Gary and Maggie Griffin short story)

* * *

Never Fear-Phobias Anthology

Never Fear-Christmas Terrors Anthology

Never Fear-The Tarot Anthology

Never Fear-The Apocalypse Anthology

# Praise for Books by Crystal Perkins

"People should be free to love whoever their heart leads them, too. And this author did a great job of presenting a passionate love between 2 people who are seen as different from each other as dictated by society, but this difference wasn't a part of the love they share. Ms. Perkins did an admirable job of dealing with the issue (and other issues) as a non issue, if that makes sense." -DianeM, Amazon Reviewer, _Creating A Love_

* * *

"I love this series!!!!!! Crystal has the amazing ability to bring her characters to life. I laugh with them, I hurt with them, I smile with them, and I cry with them." -Jessica, Amazon reviewer, _The Griffin Brothers series_

* * *

"I love how Crystal makes the characters feel like real people." -Tami, Amazon Reviewer, _Learning To Love_

* * *

"This is a lovely romance story that has a sexy sizzle to it but it's funny as well as it is somewhat edgy. I like that the hero has money but it's not the focal point in this story. I love that the heroine has problems but they are not so insurmountable that they take over the story. This is good old-fashioned romance done with a modern day twist. Well Done." -Kindle Customer, Amazon Reviewer, _Gaming For Love_

* * *

"I found this book on Amazon yesterday and loved the cover. I read the synopsis and knew I had to get it. So I purchased it and started to read it right away. Oh my, I could not put the book down. I got so wrapped up in the story I was afraid to put my Kindle down or I would miss a part." -Amazon Customer, _Gaming For Love_

* * *

"I thought this was a fantastic start to a series, and kind of first book of a series that makes you want to rush out and buy each additional book in the series. The premise of a strong group of women working together to help other women in need was pretty awesome. I loved how C0rrigan & Co was a secret covert company along the same lines as the underground railroad but it saved women from sticky situations or abusive relationships." -Aubrey, Romancing the Book blog, _Fielding Her SECRET_

* * *

"I had so many different emotions while reading. I was rooting people, wanting kick people, wanting to rip some peoples clothes off, laughing while reading, gasping out loud. Seriously, I read this like a crazy person. So much happened that I was not mentally prepared for. There were so many shockers while reading this I could not even think about putting the book down." -Sabrina, Amazon Reviewer, _Devouring the SECRET_

* * *

"Love this book the suspense and sex is EPIC." -Teresa Jensen, Amazon Reviewer, _Rocking a SECRET_

* * *

_"_ Perkins breathes life into their characters and has the reader feeling their agony, pain, and even their love for one-another. I enjoy reading her books and learning more and more about each of the people that make up this secretive group." -Dayreader Reviews, _Corrigan & Co. series_

* * *

"In the end I am somehow proud of you Crystal Perkins. How you portrayed Ellie and her and Aiden love. I know I have no right to be, and it's really not my place to say but I am proud I read it and I recommend it to all women so they can see how strong We can be." -Marta Bukowska, Goodreads Reviewer, _Tending Their SECRET_

* * *

"The story flowed well and kept my attention throughout. There was one part I was totally not expecting to happen. I love when that happens." -Lisa Dess, Girls With Books blog, _Training Her SECRET_

* * *

"Wow this story! There are some stories and characters that leave you speechless, breathless and at times slightly broken, and Loving my SECRET Matt & Reina's story is definitely one of them!" -Vicki Plant, Goodreads Reviewer, _Loving My SECRET_

"I laughed I cried and there many times that I wanted to throw my device." -Mallory, Goodreads Reviewer, _Loving My SECRET_

"Perkins gives the reader a quick peak into the Weddings of the amazing ladies in the society. What a fun roller coaster ride it was." -Taz Lozada, Goodreads Reviewer, _Society Weddings_

"Totally loved this book as I did with all of crystals book previous to this with their well written gripping story lines brilliant characters a must read really can't wait for the next in series." – Sassylady33, Amazon Reviewer, _Society Girls: Sierra_

"It is banter central, lol and completely full with characters who you actually get to know and enjoy spending time with." – All Booked Out, _A Kiss is Just a Kiss_

"Good book and a really powerful message." Petrina, Goodreads Reviewer, _Society Girls: Jenysis_

"If you're looking for a great book, this is the one." Renee, Goodreads Reviewer, _Society Girls: Kalila_

"I love these books!!!! I seem to read them in one sitting I just can't put them down!!!" Rita, Amazon Reviewer

"This is the new series by a brilliant author and still incorporates the characters from her previous series. This book was brilliant, the author always writes about strong characters with a vulnerable side and she delivered once again. This book was one of her more lighthearted ones, but still had the angst I have come to associate with Crystal Perkins." Natasha, Amazon Reviewer, _Royal Company_

# Things to Know

If you haven't read any of the Corrigan & Co. books, you can still read this book. I'm listing some info below that will be helpful to you!

The Society: A secret group of female spies, operating out of the Corrigan & Co. Foundation. It was created by Jane Corrigan, Maggie Griffin, Helen Wilson, Mallory Daniels, and Cyndi Evans. They still make their presence known from time to time, but the Society is now run by Reina Corrigan. She is the wife of Jane's grandson, Matt Corrigan, and someone not to be trifled with. Their story, _Loving My SECRET_ , is the only book I don't recommend reading without having read the others.

The male characters in Company Men are all brothers, or friends, of the spies. Most of the women in the books will not know of their existence, since those who work for Corrigan & Co. have no idea what the beautiful women of the Foundation really do. Some are in awe of them, and some resent how they seem to come and go, and do whatever they want.

Corrigan & Co.: Matthew Corrigan runs this public side of the company. One of the most powerful men in the world, he's ruthless in business, and would do anything to protect his wife, and their friends. His brother, Miles, works alongside him, running the Acquisitions department, and doing what he can to help the Society women. His wife, Alex, runs the front desk at the Foundation. Their love story was in the book, _Working on Love_ , which is always free in ebook format, on all platforms, as it connects my first two series, and also gives more insight into Matt and Reina's story.

The Studkateers are what the men connected to the Society (including the Griffin brothers) call themselves. They have a strong friendship with each other, they're hot, and I love The Three Musketeers, so why not?

Sully is the brother of Neveah, from _Society Girls: Neveah._ Pretty much all of their backstory is revealed in this book, so it will spoil _Loving My SECRET_ and Nev's book for you if you haven't read them yet!

Confused? You can always message or email me if you need clarification on something!
**_For Aqeelah Ayoub, Natasha Eddie, and everyone else who is fighting to be seen as the person they are, and not by their faith alone._**

* * *

_"We have appointed a law and a practice for every one of you. Had God willed, He would have made you a single community, but He wanted to test you regarding what has come to you. So compete with each other in doing good. Every one of you will return to God and He will inform you regarding the things about which you differed."_ \--The Quran. Surat al-Ma'ida, 48

# Prologue

Sully

I'm King of the World. Okay, Matt is the King, but I'm the Prince. Except I'm surrounded by real princes and princesses. So yeah, I'm just me, even though I pretend to be more.

I play my part well, flying the globe in private jets, living in the best houses, and throwing the best parties. Everyone expects it from me, because it's all I've ever given them. At least since my family moved to the U.S. I was just a kid then, but I learned quickly that the more I had to give everyone around me, the more willing they were to accept the Muslim kid.

Thanks to Matt Corrigan, and the guilt he felt over something he thought he did, I've always had plenty to give. I've been giving, and giving for years now. Parties, meals, trips, holiday gifts...anything my so-called friends could think of, I've given them. It's kept me safe for the most part, and I'm thankful to be breathing, but I'm tired. Tired of buying friendships, tired of keeping up the act of being a pompous ass, just _tired_.

But, if I'm not this guy I've been for so many years, who am I? I just graduated from college, which is why we're here, celebrating in a private room in one of my favorite Vegas restaurants. We could've celebrated at the Corrigan apartments where Matt and most of his friends live, but I didn't want my "friends" there. I know most of the people in this room are here because of the Corrigan name, even after years of going college with me. They're here to see what Matt's going to give them for graduating—or what they _think_ he's going to give them. A rude awakening is all that's coming their way.

Because, I'm done. Done with the fake bullshit, the fake friends, and especially the fake women. All of it is only because of who I'm only one degree of separation from. Matt Corrigan, and yeah, Dylan Gallagher. The basketball star who's crazy in love with my sister, Nev, and can get me tickets whenever I want is just as big a draw as the billionaire who thinks of me as family. Just another person for me to exploit, even if I hate everything I've done.

My life is such a mess, but it's going to get better. Matt and I talked last night, and I told him what I want to do now. What I _have_ to do in order to regain some of my self-respect. It's going to surprise a lot of people, including my sister, but I know it's the right thing to do. I can't go on living the way I have been. I _won't._

Beckham

My parents can't afford dinner at this restaurant. It's all I can think about as they smile at me, pride in their eyes. Pride that shouldn't be there, but I can't bear to break their hearts. Yes, I graduated today, but I lost my job last month. The job I need to eat, and have a bed to sleep in. The job I was damn good at, but lost anyway, because I had to say "no" to someone.

A rich asshole called, and asked for me to arrange something I couldn't, because it's illegal. I told him we couldn't accommodate him, explaining the law, but he called back and complained. He said I was condescending, and rude, so I was fired. Never mind that there was a recording of the call, showing I was actually polite. He's connected to the richest of the rich, so I was gone, just like that.

I've got two days to come up with rent money, or I'm out on the street. My roommate says she hates to do it, but she's never really liked me, so it's just an excuse. Her boyfriend keeps saying he'll pay if I join them in bed, and that only made things worse. She thinks I might actually take him up on it, but I'd never do that—even if he wasn't dating her.

I get that she's pissed, and I've been looking for another job in between finals, but everyone's looking for a job right now, and I'm nothing special. My former job saying they wouldn't re-hire me when other places call them doesn't help, either. So yeah, I'm smiling, but I know we need to be at McDonald's and not here.

As I'm contemplating all of this, I hear a voice I recognize. Turning, I see the doors to a private room closing. They don't close fast enough, because I see him. Sully Ayoub. Big Ass on Campus. King of the Assholes. The fucktard who cost me my job.

I don't even realize I'm across the restaurant until I'm slamming the door open. I hear someone tell me I can't go in, but I ignore them. I ignore all the eyes that turn my way as I stalk over to Mister Privilege himself.

"You didn't have to crash my party, Beautiful. I would've invited you."

"I. Hate. You," I spit out as I pick up the drink in front of him, and douse him with it.

"What the fuck?" he yells, standing up, and glaring at me.

"Some of us need our jobs. Some of us don't have rich friends who will make sure we have food, and a place to sleep."

"You think I don't know that? I'm not stupid."

"No, you're just the entitled asshole who got me fired last month because I wouldn't kiss your ass."

I see the realization dawn on his face, and something that looks like regret shines is his amber eyes. "Shit."

"You lost your job?" my mother asks from behind me, and I hang my head. "Why didn't you tell us?"

I turn, and take in my parents, who are in their best clothes. Clothes that cost less than the meal we're eating. I feel no shame in growing up poor, or in the couple standing before me, but I want to sink into the floor, nonetheless.

"There is nothing you can do."

They know it. I know it. Everyone in this room knows it too. Life is almost never fair. I've accepted it, but as I look at my parents, and see their faces fall, I want rail at God, and ask him how he could do this. How he could let these good people, who live a good life, struggle.

"Bitch, you need to leave."

I don't know which of Sully's friends says it, but it doesn't matter. None of the people in this room matter. I walk out with my head held high. Taking my parents' hands, I walk out, knowing what I just said in there meant nothing to the people sitting at that table.

Until Neveah Ayoub walks up to our table a few minutes later. "May I join you?"

"Yes."

She's even more beautiful in person than she is when she's on TV with her boyfriend, the basketball star. She looks down at her hands, before bringing her gaze up to mine.

"My brother's behavior towards you is inexcusable. I am truly sorry for what he's done."

"You're not responsible for him. He's an adult."

"You are correct. It is not my fault, but I would like to fix it. Matt and I would, I mean."

As she finishes her sentence, I hear a commotion, and look up to see all of Sully's friends being led from the restaurant by Matt Corrigan and his friends. No one looks happy, especially the one with the bloody nose. I don't know if he's the one who called me a bitch, but I'm guessing he might be.

"I appreciate that, but unless you have a job I'm qualified for, I don't know what you can do."

I won't accept a handout from her, or Matt. God knows, they can afford to give me one, but I'm not the kind of person who could take it; I work for what I get.

"As a matter of fact, we do have a job for you. It comes with an apartment as well. Come see Matt on Monday, and he'll go over everything."

"Oh wow. Okay. Thank you. I'm a hard worker."

"I know, Beckham. There wouldn't be an offer if you weren't. And please, order whatever you'd like. Dinner is on me. Consider it a graduation present."

It's not until she's walked away that I realize she called me by my name. I never said my name, but she knew. Corrigan & Co., and its Foundation are a mystery to most of the population, with many of them speculating about what they do. Once, I wanted to figure them all out, but now I'm just thankful to be working with them. Because, I'm definitely in. No matter what the job is, I'm taking it.

# Chapter 1

Sully

Tough love is supposed to suck, but I welcomed it. I loved having Matt telling me he was going to cut me off if I didn't lose my asshole friends. I loved my sister telling me I needed to straighten up, and I loved my mother telling me she was disappointed in me. It's everything I already knew, and wanted to change, but I didn't know how to get out of the life I was living.

How do you just tell the hangers-on who pretended to be your friends that they can go on their way? Or tell the women who've been sucking your dick that you're tired of having random mouths servicing you? If that angry blonde hadn't crashed my dinner, I'd still be getting sucked, and metaphorically, fucked. I should thank her, but I don't know when I'll be seeing her again. If ever.

I take my prayer rug out, and give thanks to Allah as the sun begins to climb over the horizon. I'm alone on the grass lawn behind the C&C apartments I live in, but even if I wasn't, I would be in my own world. I don't live a strict Muslim life, but I pray five times a day, honor our holidays, and avoid pork. Not the best I could do, but it's been a long time since I tried to do my best at anything.

After my prayer, I shower, change into slacks and a button-down shirt, and drive to C&C. Today is my first day as a paid intern. After Matt kicked everyone but our friends and family out of my graduation dinner, he told me I was going to be interning at his company, starting today. There was no option of saying no. He told me to get rid of my friends, and said he'd tell me anything else I needed to know when I met him this morning.

My usual security badge is waiting for me when I arrive, and an elevator opens for me as I approach. I step inside, and try to calm my thoughts. I owe Matt so much, and it's been a long time since I thanked him for everything. When I stopped taking everything for granted, I still pretended it was owed to me, and that's something I have to live with. Yes, I'm ashamed, as I should be.

"You can go right in," Matt's First Assistant, Beverly, says to me when I step off the elevator.

"Thanks."

"Have a seat," Matt says, when I walk in. He waits until I'm in a chair across from his desk before speaking again. "I've done you a disservice, Sully. I had so much damn guilt, and the only way I knew how to handle it was to take care of your family."

"You can't blame yourself for the man I became. Nev didn't turn out like me, and my mother has never taken one thing you've done for us for granted. I'm ashamed of my behavior. I am truly sorry for what I've put everyone through."

"I _can_ blame myself, because I turned a blind eye to your behavior. I gave you the use of a jet whenever you wanted one, paid your credit card bills without question, deposited more money monthly into your bank account than most people earn in a year. I did all of that, and more."

"You didn't force me to take advantage of all of it—or you."

"No, but I enabled the behavior, and it has to stop. When that young woman said you got her fired, I was horrified. That's not who I am, and by God, that's not who I want you to be. Just because we have more money than most of the world, it doesn't make us better than them. Above everything else, you not knowing that cuts me to the quick."

"I _do_ know it." I do. I pretended I didn't, but I know it.

"I want to believe you, but your behavior suggests otherwise. I know the boy, who was so generous and loving when I met him, is still in there, but I need to see it."

"I'll do whatever it takes to prove to you I'm the good person you once believed me to be."

He nods. "You're going to intern here, and you're going to live off the salary you earn. I'm going to let you keep your car, and apartment, but you'll be paying for everything else. Groceries, gas, your utilities, and your phone. Since I cover most of that for everyone living at our apartments, Bev will be figuring out your individual costs, and having them taken out of your paycheck. Your credit cards have been paid off, and any new charges are your responsibility."

A moment of panic grips me, but then something akin to relief settles in. I want this. No, I _need_ this.

"Thank you."

He looks taken aback, and a little overcome by that. "I love you, Sully. You're my family, and family helps each other. We've all lost our way at one time or another, and I have faith in you and your ability to come back, stronger than ever. I'm not going to lie—this job is going to be grunt work. Coffee runs, copying stuff, pretty much anything my assistants can think of."

"I can handle it."

"Even if the lovely Beckham Williams is one of those assistants?"

I shrug. "Am I supposed to know who that is?"

"She's the woman you got fired. The one with the balls to break into our private party, and call you out."

Damn. "You hired her?"

"Not yet. I'm offering her a job today, and I'm hoping she'll accept it."

"You think she's going to fuck with me if she works here?"

"I'm counting on it."

His smile is wide, but I can't blame him for it. I'm fighting a smile myself. She's going to bring it, and I'm going to take every last punishment she doles out. In the office—and maybe one day, in the bedroom. Because yeah, what she did was hot, and I'm pretty sure getting burned by that heat would be worth it.

Beckham

I'm wearing my best outfit today. My previous job allowed me to wear leggings, and jeans, but I needed business clothes for some of my classes, so I had a few things to choose from. Not a lot, but I got good things on clearance, so I feel comfortable walking into the Corrigan building.

The woman at the security desk is nice, and though it startles me a little when there aren't buttons in the elevator, I try and take it all in stride. An older woman is waiting for me when I get off the elevator, and I return the smile she gives me.

"Hello, Beckham. I'm Beverly, Matt's First Assistant."

"There's more than one?"

"Oh, yes. Come on back, and Matt will explain it all."

"Okay."

I follow her past the reception desk, where a frazzled looking guy is trying to take down some info while other lines are ringing. I see several desks on the other side of the glass in both directions, but inside this area, there are only three desks. Only one is occupied, and the woman sitting at it looks as frazzled as the guy up front. I'm starting to get a little worried.

"Hi Beckham," Matt says when I follow Beverly into his office. "Thanks for coming in today."

"You're welcome. Thanks for inviting me."

"Would you like water, coffee, or something else to drink?" Beverly asks, but I shake my head.

"No, thank you."

She walks out, and I'm left here, standing awkwardly with one of the richest, and let's be honest, hottest, men in the world. He's too old for me, and so happily married, but I can appreciate the hotness.

"You look like you can't decide if you want to run out of the room, or try and kiss me. I'd prefer if you did neither, so can you please sit down?"

I burst out laughing, as I sit, because I was not expecting that. "I can't believe you just said that to me!"

"I'm unapologetically blunt. You'll have to get used to it when working with me."

"With you? I thought I'd be cleaning or something."

He gives me a look, raising his eyebrows. "You graduated near the top of you class with a business degree, and you've worked in customer service for years. While there's nothing wrong with cleaning, or any other job in this building, why would you expect to be doing that?"

"This is a pity job, Matt."

"No, this is a replacement job, due to someone I'm responsible for causing you to lose your old one."

"He's responsible for himself." I don't add that if everyone keeps trying to take the blame for his actions, he'll never learn to be an adult.

"You're right, he is. But, I'm afraid _my_ choices have enabled _his_ choices. For that, I am truly sorry."

"I don't know what I can absolve you of, but thanks for saying that."

He smiles at me, and I mentally fan myself. "I like you, Beckham."

"Okay." I mean, what the hell am I supposed to say to that?

"Let me explain what I'm looking to have you do," he tells me, with a shake of his head and another smile. "A couple of months ago, I hired a new Fourth Assistant. She didn't work out, so that position is yours if you'd like it."

Four? He has _four_ assistants? I mean, I guess when you're a billionaire, that's a thing.

"What does a Fourth Assistant do exactly?"

"If I hadn't had to hire a new one then and now, I honestly wouldn't know. Beverly keeps things moving for me, and most of the time I'm oblivious as to how it happens."

"Sounds like she holds the power."

I get another full smile. "My wife holds the power, but Bev's a close second. Anyway, Fourth mans the front desk and phones, filters through emails coming in through my direct contact box, takes direct deliveries that need to get to me ASAP, and assists the other three when necessary."

"The guy out front right now looked scared."

"Yes, well, he's Third, and usually just takes overflow lines, but Bev and Two are busy right now as well, so he's a little overwhelmed."

"You call them Two, and Three." I need a job, but I don't like this.

"Hannah and Mark are their names. Did you think I didn't know them?"

"Yes," I tell him honestly.

"Beckham, my name may be on this building, but I am keenly aware of the job everyone inside of it does. I can honestly say I know the names of at least 80% of my employees. And, if I don't, I apologize and ask them to tell me again. No one here is more or less important than anyone else."

"I'm sorry if I offended you."

"You didn't. I appreciate you calling me out. I won't say that during crazy business deals, I don't yell out numbers instead of names, but it's nothing personal."

"I believe you."

"Does that mean you're accepting the job?"

"You mentioned an apartment?"

"Yes. You can have one of the empty ones at the C&C apartment building. When would you like to move in."

"Is today too soon?" I ask.

My stuff is in my car, since my roommate didn't believe I was really coming to work here. I left behind my bed, and desk, but they were nothing special.

"Sure. There are a few to choose from, so I'll have someone in Security there show them to you, and help you move your things in. Bev will give you the address, since it's not public knowledge."

"Everyone knows," I tell him.

"Yeah, but I like to pretend they don't. No one could get in if they're tried, so I guess it doesn't matter, but I like to think at least a little of my life is my own."

"Your life looks so glamorous, but I guess part of it sucks."

"Just a small part, thankfully. Anyway, do you need a moving truck?"

"No. I just have a few boxes right now. I'll have to buy a bed later."

"The apartments are fully furnished. Chloe Griffin designed them all."

"Oh. Okay."

I manage to say that calmly, even though inside, I'm totally freaking out. Chloe Griffin is a genius of style, and I may die of happiness before I make it to my first day here.

"We also have grocery delivery a few times a week, or you can order in from pretty much anywhere you want."

My money is all going to have to go for gas until I get paid, but I can't tell him that. "I don't need anything, but thanks."

"Maybe I didn't make myself clear, but I pay for the groceries, and the take-out at the apartments, and the cafeteria here has food 24/7. I know you haven't worked for over a month, and I want to assure you you're not going to be going hungry when you're working with me, and living in my building. Your apartment should have everything you need, but if there's anything else, you just request it through the app you'll be shown today."

I'm humbled by his words. I won't feel shame, because I've done my best on my own, but he humbles me. "Thank you."

"You're more than welcome. Bev will get you down to HR to get your paperwork done, and then she'll go over other stuff with you."

"I thought she was super busy."

"She's always super busy, and you'll be too. It's why I'm going to be paying you so much," he tells me with an indulgent smile.

This job is going to be challenging, and hard, but I know I can do it. I can't wait to start, and also, to pick my own apartment. I feel like I'm in a dream, but if it is one, I don't ever want to wake up.

# Chapter 2

Sully

After talking to Matt, and getting all of my HR paperwork done, I do the walk of shame up to the main C&C Foundation floor. My sister's office is here, because she works with the actual Foundation, helping refugees, and not just the Society, where she's a spy. Yep, my sister is a badass spy, although I'm pretty sure it's my ass she's going to kick today.

We haven't talked since the dinner on Saturday, and I know this isn't going to be pretty. Nothing in our lives has been particularly great, but it was always us dealing with the hand we'd been dealt, and not causing the problems ourselves. I definitely caused this problem, and while I faced Matt head on, facing Nev is going to be much harder.

"Hi Sully. I hear you're going to be working here," Alex Corrigan says to me. Her husband, Miles, is Matt's brother, although I've never been as close to them as I am to Matt.

"Yeah. How's the baby?" I ask, trying to stall, but also really wondering. She had a baby a couple months ago, but she was with her grandparents on Saturday, so I didn't see her.

"She's adorable as ever."

"Why did you come back? You could be at staying home."

"I love my job, and they need me here. Only a descendent of one of the founding five women can run this front desk."

"Wow. That's a lot of pressure."

"Not if you love the job, and I really do. Besides, I can see little Maggie whenever I want downstairs, and even keep her up here with me when I want."

I feel like an ass, because I'm grilling her on being a working mother, and it's really not my place—or my business. "Cool. Um, I didn't mean to offend you."

"You didn't. I understand we grew up different ways. Your culture is largely different than mine when it comes to the roles of women."

"Yeah, it is. I should understand better though, since I've lived here more than half my life."

"You realized your mistake, and corrected it. That's a good start."

"I _am_ trying," I assure her. "Which is why I'm here to see my sister if she's available."

"Am I going to like what you have to say?" Nev asks, appearing from the hallway.

I rub the back of my neck. "Maybe?"

"Come on back," she says, rolling her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Nev," I tell her once I'm seated in her office.

"For?"

"All of it. My behavior over the last several years, my attitude, how I've treated you. Everything."

"I've missed you," she admits, looking away from me. "We used to be so close, but then you decided money, and a bunch of assholes, were more important."

"Never more important."

She turns to look at me, and I see the unshed tears in her eyes. "You missed my birthday, because you said you needed to study, but asked for tickets to Dylan's game the next night."

Fuck. "Yeah. Okay. I don't know why I did it."

"Yes, you do. You were mad at me for not inviting my sperm donor."

"Our father, Nev. He's our father."

"He pretended he was dead, while hatching some insane plan to kidnap me, all while thinking I'd go along with it. He's still as dead to me as when I thought he really was dead."

"You forgave Dylan for his part in that."

"He was being blackmailed, and manipulated."

"He still did it. He lied to you, and if he hadn't fallen for you, he would've given you to our father."

"But, he did fall for me, and that's the difference. He put love first. He put _me_ first."

"Father was traumatized, and troubled."

"And Matt wasn't? He gave up Reina because of something he thought he'd done! How can you look at them together, and not hate the man who biologically created us, simply for keeping them apart?"

"They're good now. It's all good."

"Matt doesn't speak to him, and neither do I. I believe in honor, and loyalty. That man believes in himself. I will always choose Matt, and Dylan, over him."

"And I will always choose blood over everything."

"I am blood, Sully, and I have never once been chosen by you."

Her words cut me deeper than any knife could. She's right. I have never chosen her. I chose my father—and myself—but I have never chosen her.

"Nev."

"I'm not asking you to choose me over him, but I am asking you to choose me equally. I deserve that, at least."

"You do. You deserve so much, and I am so sorry."

I get up, and move to her side of the desk, pulling her into my arms. I knew I'd fucked up these last few years, but this right here shows me it's even worse than I thought. When my father came back, all I could think about was having him back, no matter what. I treated my sister badly, when I should've understood how hurt, scared, and angry she was by what he tried to do to her. Now that my head's out of my ass, I'm going to be a better brother to her, because she's been through a lot, and I love her too much to add to that any longer.

"We need to go pray," she reminds me, after a few minutes.

"I'm never missing another one of your birthdays. I promise, khwāhar."

"Ana bahebak, Sully."

"Ana bahebak, Neveah."

I _do_ love her. So much. I'm going to prove it to her, and to myself as well.

Beckham

Beverly insisted on us getting lunch after I finished with HR. I didn't complain, because I'm hungry, and as I stand inside the C&C cafeteria, I feel like I've died and gone to Heaven. I already felt like that after seeing my pay, but this place is beyond anything I could ever dream of.

"How do you even decide every day?"

"Would you believe me if I told you it gets boring after a few months, never mind several years?"

"Not one bit."

"Good, because it would be a lie. I don't think I'll ever get used to this place, but that might be because I don't get up here often. When I do, I choose something different."

"Sounds like a plan. The nachos are calling my name today."

"It's a nice day outside if you want to meet out there."

"Sure."

I grab my food, along with an orange cream shake, before making my way outside. I spot Bev on the large, enclosed patio, but it's the group of people to the left who command my attention. At least fifty men and women, including Sully and Neveah, are praying. They are all on rugs, reciting the same words, in what I'm guessing is Arabic. It's beautiful, and I just can't take my eyes off of them.

I don't know how long I stand there, but I watch until they're done, before rushing to my table. All I need is for Sully to think I was specifically watching him. His ego's too big as it is.

"It's pretty special, isn't it?" Bev asks, when I sit down.

"Yes. It's every day?"

"A few times a day, yes, depending on when people are working."

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that, either."

"You can join them. They are always welcoming to those who want to join, helping them with their prayers."

"I'd feel like I was intruding."

"I've always felt the same way," she admits.

"Hey, Bev, I got all of my paperwork done," Sully says, coming to stand next to my chair.

He hasn't noticed me yet, giving me a chance to drink him in. He's tall—definitely over six feet—with a body made of lean muscle, even his clothes can't disguise. His jaw has a touch of stubble, his nose is perfectly proportionate, his amber eyes are still as sexy as ever, and his hair is a little long on top, practically begging for me to run my hands through it.

I have no idea what they're saying to each other, because I'm too busy pretending I'm not practically panting in lust next to Sully. Why do assholes sometimes look so damn good? His attitude should make him less attractive, but as I inhale his musky cologne, mixed with a little bit of sweat, I'm feeling hot. Really hot, and wet.

"Beckham? That's your name, right?" he asks, snapping me out of my fog.

"Huh? Oh yes. That's me."

"I didn't know you'd be here," he says, then shakes his head. "I mean, I was hoping to see you again, because I owe you an apology. I owe you more than that, but it's a start, right?"

I do not find him attractive. He's an ass. That lopsided smile is not sexy. It's not. Oh, but it so is. Damn me. I am so damned.

He's still waiting for an answer, so I give it to him. "I work here now."

"That's good. Real good. Matt said he was going to offer you a job." He looks relieved, and I think maybe he _is_ sorry about getting me fired.

"Yeah, it is. Matt hired me to be his Fourth Assistant. I'm told it's going to be crazy, but at least I'll have an intern to help me out."

His looks sheepish, and I'm not sure why, until Bev winks at me. "Sully's one of your interns, Becks."

Wait, what? If he's my intern, then I'm kind of his boss. Not _exactly_ his boss, but kind of.

"You going to be nice to me, Becks?"

And, there it is. The cocky smile, promising sex and debauchery. Sorry, but I want this job too much for any of that. Even if it has been so long that my vibrator batteries have to be replaced. Again. For the fifth time in six months.

No. No. No. Job before sex with hot man. Brain to body: he got us fired. Body to brain: so, let's fuck with him, while we fuck him. Nope. I'll give a "yes" to the first part, but a "no" to the second. Job before cock riding, every time.

"It's Beckham to you, because we're not friends. And no, I'm not going to be nice to you, Sully. Why would I?"

The smile taking over his face should scare me, but it doesn't. My blood is pumping hard through my veins right now, and it has nothing at all to do with fear. Unless you count the fear of not being able to resist the man before me. Yeah, I'm completely terrified of that.

"Game on, Beautiful. Game fucking on."

# Chapter 3

Sully

I'm going to see Beckham every day. That's what I focus on, and not the fact she's kind of going to be my boss. I honestly could care less about that, because I'm getting what I deserve. Matt hired her because I screwed her over by having her fired, and I deserve whatever she throws my way.

These are my thoughts, as I spend my last evening of freedom relaxing by the main pool back at the apartments. Sure, I'll have days off, so it's not my last time out here, but it won't be the same. Today is literally the last carefree day I'll have for a long time, and I'm kind of loving the idea of it. I may not be putting my business degree to use in the way I'd hoped, but this is better. I'm going to prove myself, and work my way up to where I want to be at C&C.

"And this is the main pool area," I hear from behind me. Turning, I see Beckham with one of the Security guys.

"Hey."

"Oh, hi," she says, tucking some of her flowing blonde hair behind her ear.

"You two know each other? That's perfect since you're going to be living next door to each other."

"We are?" she asks, her blue eyes going wide.

"Yes. The apartment you chose is next to Sully's."

"Good choice," I tell her with a wink.

"I have some work to do, so do you think you could show her everything else, Sully?" he asks.

"I'm happy to show her anything she'd like to see."

"It's no problem," she tells him, but I can see her smile is forced. "I don't want to keep you from your work. Thank you for your help."

He walks away, and she stands in front of me, looking so beautiful it almost hurts. Her blonde hair is in curls, cascading almost to her elbows. Her mouth is the stuff of legends, and her lean body is encased in the same work clothes she had on earlier, but here, they turn me on even more. I can imagine unbuttoning that shirt to find her small, pert, breasts begging for my mouth. And while her skirt goes to her calves, I imagine her legs wrapping around me, too. Then there's her simple black heels. Who knew simple could be so sexy?

"Damn."

I don't realize I've said it out loud, until she hits me with her purse. "My eyes are up here, you pig!"

"Ow. Sorry. I'm human, and you're looking good enough to eat several times before I'd be sated."

She clenches her thighs together. It's just a little, and if I wasn't watching every bit of her body, I wouldn't have noticed it. Oh yeah, she's pretending she doesn't want what I'm offering, but she does.

"I'm not one of your groupies."

"I'm well aware of that."

"Then stop looking at me like you hope I'll drop to my knees for a quick suck!"

"Oh, Beckham, when you drop to your knees for me, I'm afraid it _will_ be quick, because you're so fucking hot, I'll blow once that sexy mouth of yours touches my cock."

"When? There is no 'when'."

She says the words, but I see her blue eyes turn to sapphire, her soft cheeks going pink, and her throat working hard as she swallows. Not to mention, she unconsciously licks her lips. I know she didn't mean to do it, because she automatically covers her mouth, but I saw it. Oh yeah, she wants her mouth on me, but I want mine on her too.

"Don't worry, I'll be feasting first, just like I mentioned before. I can't wait to taste that pussy."

"Forget the tour! I'm just going to go back to my apartment, and um, get unpacked."

"Make sure to unpack your vibe, Beautiful, and think of me when you're pumping it in, and out."

She practically runs from me, blushing even more, and once she's gone, the smile slips from my face. I riled her up, but she did the same to me without even having to talk about it. My dick is so hard, it's going to break off if I don't give it some relief. Thankfully, there's an enclosed shower nearby.

I lock myself in, close the roof, and start stroking myself. All it takes is the memory of Beckham licking her lips to have my dick leaking, and hurting even more. Fuck, how can it hurt even more? Oh yeah, because I haven't been fucking lately, and I only know of one woman I _want_ to fuck right now. The one who might be using the vibrator I now know for sure she has.

Okay, and now I'm coming, pumping my hips hard as I spurt all over the tile. Coming and coming until I think there can't be anything left inside of me. Once I recover, I think about what just happened. How hard I came. I can't remember coming even that hard inside a pussy before, which scares me a little, while also thrilling me.

Beckham Williams just gave me the best little death of my life, but if I don't tread carefully with her, I'm afraid she may just kill me outright. I'll probably deserve it once all is said and done, but first, I need to convince her to give me—and my body—a chance. I have a feeling it's going to take the head in my skull, and not the one between my legs, to make that happen, but I'm up for the challenge. Win her over without a touch, and then fuck her with my cock until there's no way for either of us to ever get enough. Sounds like a plan.

Beckham

Damn Sully, and his too sexy voice, body, and smell. "Oh God, _Sully._ Yes! God, yes!" I yell the words as I come around my battery-operated friend.

Uh-huh, I just used the vibrator he somehow knew I had, and thoughts of him, to get myself off. And it was a good one. Fuck, it was a good one.

I lie panting on my bed, trying to think of a reason I shouldn't go ravage the man himself, when my phone beeps on the nightstand. Picking it up, I see an email from Beverly, and now I remember why I can't go next door, and ask for an all-night mouth fuck.

I am maybe his boss. I don't know for sure, and that's why I can't lust after him. I could ask if I'm his boss, but then what? Matt says no, and I start being his fuck buddy? Could I even be someone's fuck buddy? No. Maybe. I just don't know.

They say you don't know about things, until you try them. My body's telling me to try him, but I can't. Not yet, at least. I don't know how long is appropriate to wait before asking if I'm his boss, but I'm thinking the first day isn't the right time. I'll know the right time when it comes, right?

Plus, he cost me my job, almost making me homeless. Sure, I'm about to start a job that pays more, with more benefits, but does that mean I can just fall onto his cock like nothing happened? Maybe, if that's all it is. But, again, I'm not that girl. This is all too damn confusing.

To keep my mind off the sexy Middle Eastern man of my fantasies, I walk around my apartment again. The nice Security guy showed me five different apartments, all decorated in different styles, but I fell in love with this one immediately.

It's girly, but modern too. It's mostly grey, black, and white in the living spaces, but there is a dark teal wall in the dining room, and for the kitchen backsplash. My bedroom is a deep plum, with silver accents, and the bathroom is grey and cobalt blue. The floors are a grey wood, with plush rugs scattered everywhere, and I have a huge closet. As soon as I walked in the door, I knew I had to have it.

I was so excited, I didn't even look at the appliances closely. If I'm ordering groceries, I need to know how much space I have. My closet has plenty of space, and I've already seen the extra towels and linens in the hall closet, but the fridge—and the cabinets—are calling to me right now.

I stagger back when I open the fridge, because it's fully stocked with anything I could want. There are sliced meats, condiments, eggs, milk, various drinks, and more. The freezer holds meats, veggies, and even a couple of pizzas. I'm almost giddy when I open the cupboards, and find them stocked too. I'm definitely not waking up if this is all a dream.

I have food, a safe and beautiful place to stay, and a great job. There's nothing more I need right now, and I feel like I can finally breathe again. The knock at my door startles me, but I recover, and open it, promptly feeling like I'm in a dream again.

Kace Reynolds is outside my door. _The_ Kace Reynolds, of Storyside, my favorite boy band. He's holding some bags like it's no big deal, and I'm trying not to hyperventilate.

"Can we come in Beckham?"

I whip my head to the left, and see his wife, Stella. She works at the C&C Foundation, and her arms are loaded with clothes. Did I mention that she's also a world-renowned stylist?

"Oh, yes. I'm sorry."

"No worries. My husband tends to have that effect on women of a certain age."

"All ages. I affect women of all ages," he protests.

"Sure, you do."

I just look back and forth between them, once again feeling like I have to be in a dream. There is no way this couple is in my apartment. No way at all.

"You okay?" Kace asks, reaching for me like I might faint. I almost do when his hands grip my biceps, and he looks into my eyes.

"Uh-huh."

"I think we're going to need you to go, K. Do you want a selfie before he leaves, Beckham?"

Leaves? "I am so sorry. He can stay, if he wants. I won't behave like a moron any longer."

"Honey, you can act like that any time. My ego can use the boost."

Stella rolls her eyes at him. "You are so fucking ridiculous."

"It's one of the things you like best about me, Love. Admit it."

"I'll admit you've learned how to use your cock piercing to my advantage, but that's about it."

My eyes go wide, and my mouth drops open. Kace just smiles at me. "You're freaking the poor girl out."

"Sorry. I have absolutely no filter, and no shame about our games. Or body parts."

I shake my head. "You shouldn't be ashamed. I just wasn't expecting you to say that."

"On that note, I really do think I should go. Selfie? You can post it anywhere as long as you don't check in near here."

I nod, as he takes my phone from my hands, where I didn't realize I was still clutching it. We smile for one, and he kisses my cheek for the next one, resulting in a shocked face as he taps the screen.

"Wow," I say when he swaggers out the door.

"Yes, he is. Don't tell him I admitted it, or I'll never live it down, but my husband is definitely 'wow'. Anyway, I'm here to bring you some work clothes."

Because she saw what I was wearing earlier, and now she's seeing me in an oversized tee and leggings. Real fashionable. "Oh, um, thanks, but I can't afford this."

"You're not paying for it."

I sigh. "Matt or Nev?"

"Reina."

"Oh, God. She's so glamorous, and she was embarrassed for me, wasn't she?"

"Yes, and no. I love her closet almost more than I love mine, but again, that stays between us. She wasn't embarrassed for you, but she knows how the women and men who work for Matt are. He has strict anti-bullying policies, but you just got a job everyone wanted, and there will be some claws out. They'll keep it within bounds, but they're going to come for you."

"I can take care of myself."

"I have no doubt, but being the best-dressed on that side of the building won't hurt."

I want the clothes I see, and probably whatever's in the bags too, but it doesn't feel right. "I've been raised not to take handouts I don't need."

"If you don't accept her gifts, Reina's not going to be happy. Keeping your boss' wife happy should be a top priority, don't you think?"

"So, you're saying I need these clothes."

She shrugs. "It's one way to look at things."

"Okay, let's see what you brought me, and if it fits."

"It'll fit. My job is to make sure it fits."

She's right. Two hours later, I've tried on everything she brought me, and every piece fits like it was made for me. I balked at trying on the bras and panties, but I have no doubt they're my size as well. Stella's amazing at her job, and by the time we're done, I know she's helping me with mine too. It's funny how you don't even know what you need until it appears on your door step, and is carried inside by a pop star.

# Chapter 4

Sully

I report to Bev's desk for my first day of work, getting there a few minutes early. I've known her for years, but I know none of that will matter today. She has me go sit with the others in one of the conference rooms.

There are four interns, one for each assistant. Unfortunately, I know one of them, because she sucked my dick at a party last year, and no matter what a guy says, you don't forget women who do that. You might forget their names, but you don't forget the faces, even if you want to. Right now, I really want to.

"I knew I'd see you here, Sully."

"I'm here," I agree.

"I can't believe you're an intern like us."

"I'm an intern."

"Should I know who you are?" the other woman in here with us asks. She has thick glasses on, and cardigan over a plain dress, but none of that hides how beautiful she is.

"No."

"He's like family to Matt Corrigan," the blonde, whose name is I know is Val, because we're all wearing badges, tells Alma, before turning back to me. "I wanted to be on one of your private jet trips so bad, but you never invited me."

"Only so much room on a jet."

"Shit. I didn't work my ass off in business classes to be paired with someone who's going to push their work off on me," the other guy says to me.

"Don't worry, _Brad_ , I'll be pulling my own weight."

"Yes, he will," Matt agrees, walking into the room. Bev, Hannah, Mark, and Beckham follow him into the room.

Hannah is a beautiful woman, but she's got nothing on the woman I want. Beckham's in white, wide legged pants, with a black pinstripe, and a deep blue top with ties on the short sleeves. She's covered from neck to toes, and she's still as sexy as fuck. I want to unwind her hair from the bun it's in, and do bad, bad things to her. Double bad.

Brad lets out a whistle, and I fist my hands, fighting the urge to throat punch him. "Do we get to pick who we work with?"

"No, and you were told to read your handbook. Whistle again at any woman in this building, and you'll be gone." Matt looks scary right now—even to me.

"Sorry," the asshole next to me mutters.

"The four of you are going to be working hard over the next six months. If you live past that time, and have done a good enough job, I may find a spot for you somewhere in this building. Fuck up, and you're gone. Understood?"

We all verbally agree.

"Good. As for assignments, while you'll be assigned to a specific assistant, if someone else needs help, and you're available, you'll help them as well. You each have your own cubicle, which can be decorated with personal belongings, as long as they aren't offensive."

Again, we agree.

"Val, you're with Bev. Sully, you're with Hannah. Brad, you're with Mark, and Alma, you're with Beckham."

I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding. I didn't want to be with Beckham, because I know she'd have never let me touch her if I reported to her directly, but I didn't want Brad-hole working with her, either. An added bonus is how pissed he seems about being assigned to Mark, who looked at him like he had the plague when he tried to fist bump him. You're not in Matt's inner circle without sharing his views about women—and people, in general.

Hannah smiles at me as we walk to her desk. "Are you ready for me, Sully?"

"Sure," I say, feeling nervous, because there was flirting in her words.

"Whatever do I need you to do for me first?"

"Get you coffee?" I offer, mentally pulling on my tie, because I can't pull on the real thing without letting her know she's getting to me.

She's flirting with me, and that's not okay. It's not against the rules, unless I feel uncomfortable, which I do. I'm not going to go to Matt or HR about it, because I can handle it. I have to handle it, because there's no way I'm fucking up this job, when everything's on the line for me. Matt's counting on me to prove myself, and I'm counting on winning Beckham over.

If it means dealing with some flirting, then I'll deal with it. A little harmless flirting never hurt anyone, right?

Beckham

I want to pull Hannah's straight, black hair out by the roots a strand at a time. Or maybe in chunks. Yeah, I want to wrap my hands around her hair, and tug it out of her fucking skull the next time she flips it over her shoulder while trying to flirt with Sully. The only thing stopping me is the fact that Sully isn't flirting back. In fact, he looks miserable, which makes me want to punch her now.

"We could ask for lunch at the same time," Brad says in my ear, making me jump.

I was focused on Sully and Hannah, which made me forget my own problem. Since I'm being trained today too, Mark has us all at the Reception desk, learning how to do everything up here, before he takes Brad back to his own desk.

"Not interested."

I move to stand next to Alma, which doesn't go unnoticed by Mark. "Matt wasn't kidding, Brad."

"All I did was ask her to lunch."

"When you're supposed to be paying attention to me."

"I was paying attention. I can multitask," he shoots back, with a smirk.

"Perfect. Show me how to transfer calls, and conference someone else in."

"Oh. Well, okay. I wasn't completely paying attention."

"Pay attention, or leave."

I make it through the morning, taking over my desk, along with Alma, once Mark realizes we can handle it. We both have more to learn, but the phones are the most crucial thing for us right now, and Mark has his own crises to deal with.

I send Alma to lunch first, and sigh in relief when Brad, Val, and Hannah follow her out. I don't want to be anywhere near Brad in the cafeteria, and I've seen Val giving Sully lusty looks. I don't know if he's oblivious, or just ignoring her, but I like it just the same.

"Hey," Sully says, coming up to the desk with his prayer rug over his shoulder. There are a few minutes left before the others get back, but I think he needs to be outside with everyone at a specific time. "Can I sit with you after my prayer?"

"Yes."

His smile lights up his whole face. "Thank you."

I'm still smiling back when the elevator doors close. The other elevator doors open, and I force myself to look indifferent as everyone comes back. After making sure Alma's all set, I ride down in the elevator with Mark.

"Bev's not joining us?"

"No, she has food delivered to her most days. Matt tells her to go down, and relax, but she only does if he's out of the office. Otherwise, she's right there, waiting in case he needs her."

"Oh."

"Don't worry, no one expects you, or even Hannah, to stay up there with her."

"If you say so."

"Do you need me to sit with you?" he asks.

"No, I'm good."

"Cool. I like to sit with some friends from International."

"I'm going to be sitting with a friend as well, so don't worry about me."

"Perfect. See you in an hour."

I'm thankful he didn't want to sit with me, because I'd have no basis for denying him. He's been nothing but professional with me, so other than telling him I wanted to be alone with Sully, I couldn't really say no. He saved me from an awkward situation without even knowing it.

I grab chicken fingers, loaded fries, and a slice of pie to go with my Fanta Grape, before finding us a table. I never take free food for granted—free lunch kid right here—and I'm not embarrassed to eat in front of anyone.

"Thank you for saving me a seat," Sully tells me, sitting across from me. He's got no food, and more importantly, no dessert.

"You're welcome, although showing up without a dessert to let me take a bite out of could be considered a deal-breaker."

"You have pie."

"And your point is?"

His smile is full, as he looks at me with amusement in his eyes. "Shall I go fetch you another dessert?"

"No, because I can't eat two full desserts. You're supposed to help me eat them both."

"Sadly, my abs would suffer if I had dessert every day."

I cock an eyebrow at him, and pout. "I'm not worth a few extra sit-ups?"

"You so are," he says, biting his lip. "Actually, I can't eat when the sun is up."

"Huh?"

"It's Ramadan, my holy month. Muslims fast during the daylight hours."

"Oh. Should I stop eating?"

"No. It doesn't bother me, although I normally avoid hanging out in places where food is being served."

"You can go!"

"I want to spend as much time as possible with you, Beckham. Eat your lunch. I'll keep deleting all the assholes from my phone."

I still eat as fast as possible, shoving food into my mouth like it's my last meal. I feel bad, but I'm also hungry. Once I eat enough to feel satisfied, I wipe my mouth, and speak again.

"I asked Matt not to assign you to me."

His head whips up, and his eyes go dark. "You did?"

"Yeah. If you were directly working for me, I couldn't go on a date with you, even if the handbook said I could. I just wouldn't feel right about it."

"I get a date?"

I sigh dramatically. "Yes. I decided it wouldn't be a _horrible_ idea. I'm still not over you getting me fired, but I'm willing to let you try to make it up to me."

"I like you, Beckham Williams," he says, tossing his napkin at me.

"I like you too, but I have a question."

"Yes, it is as big as you imagine it to be."

Now, I'm the one tossing my napkin across the table, before asking him what I need to know. "Do you know Val?"

The smile drops from his face, and he runs his hand through his hair, before meeting my eyes. "Know her? No. But, she did give me a blowjob against a wall at a party last year."

"Oh." I hold his eyes, because I need to see if there's more. I had no claim on him last year, and truthfully, I have no claim on him now. However, as conflicted as I am about him, I know I won't share, and he needs to know it as well. "Monogamy is a requirement for me."

"I don't want anyone else."

"You have to be sure."

"I am. I haven't been with anyone in a few months, because I'd grown tired of the life I was living."

I believe him, so I take a leap of faith. "Saturday? For our date?"

"You're going to make me wait that long, Beautiful?"

"Yes, because if today is any indication, I am going to be exhausted after work every day. On Saturday, I can sleep in, and mentally prepare for you."

"Oh, Beckham, I don't think you'll ever be ready for me, but I'll try to behave."

"Don't," I tell him, and mean it. He told me it was game on, and now he needs to bring it.

# Chapter 5

Sully

It's only Thursday, but I feel like I've been run over by a truck. College was tough, but C&C is so far beyond that, I can't even think of a name for it. With Hannah being Second Assistant, I'm running all day. Honestly, all of us are crazy busy, but she's angling to be First, even though Bev's not going anywhere, and Matt would never fire her. Still, she's trying to make it look like I'm running more than the other interns.

To and from the mailroom, for contracts and inter-office mail she needs right away. To the coffee room to make her lattes no less than four times a day. To the copy room, because the five copiers and printers surrounding her desk aren't right, and it goes on and on. Never mind, all the running I do to get away from her, because yeah, she's not leaving me alone.

Add to that, my inability to match my lunch to Beckham's today, and I'm one unhappy intern. Brad got my lunch spot, and the throat punch desire was back full force as he tried to put his hand on her back when they walked to the elevators. She pushed him off, but I'm still not pleased with the office dynamics.

I need to blow off some steam, but I already worked out when I got home, said my prayers, and broke my fast. I need something I don't have to think too hard about, so I decide on the game room. Shooting some aliens, or playing some Pinball, should calm me down.

An hour later, I've killed all the invaders, and I'm feeling a little better. As I move to the pinball machine, someone opens the door. Because the games are lit up, I didn't turn the overhead lights on when I came in, so I don't know who it is, until they creep closer.

I inhale Beckham's unique scent of oranges and vanilla mixed with cucumber, fighting back a laugh as she crouches like a cat burglar. She lives here, and her handprint got her into this room, yet she's acting like she doesn't belong.

"Couldn't wait until Saturday, huh?" I ask.

She screams, jumping into the air. I catch her on the way down, and spin to place her on top of the Pinball machine I was about to play. She hits me, and I finally let my laughter free.

"You scared me!"

"You're the one lurking in here, like a thief in the night."

"Since you never gave me the tour, I wasn't sure what was in here. I was restless, and wanted to explore a little."

"Welcome to the game room. And, I'd like to remind you how you ran away before I could give you a tour."

"I had things to do," she says, and I can see her blush, even in the dark.

"I went into the outdoor shower, and fucked my hand after you fled."

"I-I used my vibrator," she admits. Yes!

"We should've been together. I would've loved to watch you."

"Sully."

"Beckham."

"Will you kiss me now?"

"I'll always kiss you."

We both lean in, and when our lips touch, I close my eyes. I've never closed my eyes when kissing a girl before, but I can't keep them open with this woman. Her lips feel as soft as I imagined they would, and as we explore each other with just mouths, and no tongue yet, my cock gets heavy between my legs.

I won't take it further, or risk losing this feeling of pecks, and presses, even though I want to. She sets the pace. Always.

"Is this okay?" she asks, pulling back to search my face in the shadows.

"It's perfect."

I kiss her again, to prove it to her. When she opens her mouth for me, and darts her tongue out to touch mine, I nearly lose my mind. I couldn't tell you how long we spend in that room, just kissing. There's no touching other than faces, and hair, and my mouth never ventures past her mouth, but it _is_ perfect.

She pulls away, and I try to follow her, and take her mouth back, but she places her fingers on my lips. "I just kissed you _before_ our first date. I don't do that."

"I'll never tell," I say, feeling special.

Not used, like I have with other girls who kissed me and got nothing but bragging rights. Special, because she just gave me something of herself. She trusts me, and I won't break that trust.

"You're making me think about doing lots of things I don't do."

"I'm not having sex with you tonight, if that's what you mean."

"Not tonight."

"Glad we're in agreement," I tell her, kissing her lips again.

"Would you really have said no to me, if that's what I wanted?"

I hear a trace of hurt in her voice, and realize she thinks I don't want her. I want _more_ with her, but she knows my reputation, and she knows about me letting Val suck me off at a party. So, I doubt she was expecting me to say what I did.

I take her hand, placing it over my erection, which is straining against my zipper. My dick's definitely not on board with waiting, but he doesn't get a vote tonight. She jerks back, like she's been burned, her eyes wide.

"Don't ever think I don't want you. I _always_ want you. Always."

"I'm not a virgin."

"Good, because I'm not going to be gentle every time."

"You say those things, knowing I'm going to have to use a poor substitute for what I just felt once I get back upstairs."

"No, I say them because they're true. It's killing me to know you're using that substitute, but I want you to know you matter to me for more than a fuck. I'm new to this, and maybe I'm not doing it right, but that's what I want."

"You're doing it right, Sully. Perfectly right."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

And then, her mouth's on mine again. We kiss long enough for our lips to become swollen and tender. My tongue knows every inch of her mouth, and hers knows mine. Making out has never been so fun, even if it left me without the relaxation I went into that room looking for. My hand's getting more of a workout than it has in years, but there's no way I'm complaining about how this night went. I know what she tastes like now, and I'm addicted.

Beckham

Sully disappeared for a few hours yesterday, but Hannah didn't seem bothered by it, so I guess it was something he planned in advance. I missed sitting with him at lunch, and yeah, I was hoping we'd steal some kisses somewhere, but he doesn't owe me any explanation. If he wants to tell me where he was, he will.

Tonight's our date, and we decided on the theater here after all, because we're exhausted, and there's no reason to go somewhere else. I told him he could pick the movie, and he told me to pick the take-out restaurant.

"Damn, you're always so sexy," he says when I open the door.

Since it's a casual night, I opted for a red, oversized, sweatshirt dress with a hood. Paired with matching knee-high boots Stella gave me, it's dressy enough for a date, while still being comfortable.

"I'm in a shapeless, giant sweatshirt."

"That's loose enough for me to put my hands up. And let's not talk about those boots."

"You look pretty good yourself," I say, wanting to run my hands over his tight t-shirt, and jeans that aren't loose enough to hide his perfect ass.

"Shall we head downstairs?"

"Yes."

Once we're inside the theater, he looks nervous, before turning toward me. "I, um, well, I made a change to your dinner order. I don't know if that's okay."

"What did you change?"

"I took the pork out of your combo fried rice, and asked for beef instead."

"Okay."

"I don't eat pork, and if you ate it, I couldn't kiss you unless you brushed your teeth, and washed out your mouth. I know I should've talked to you about this before now."

I silence him with a kiss, because even though his rambling is cute, I hate having him think he did something wrong. "It's totally okay, Sully. I should've thought of it myself, so I'm sorry too. I like beef in my rice, anyway."

"You don't have to apologize for not understanding my culture. I don't know yours."

"German, a little Irish, and a touch of French thrown in for fun. Nothing I can't eat."

"Only pork. That's it for me."

I take his face in my hands. "I won't lie, and say I don't love ham, or pulled pork, but I'll just carry a toothbrush with me."

"You shouldn't have to adjust your life for mine."

"Why not? Would you not do it for me?"

"I would."

"You are already. Monogamy is a pretty big adjustment, even if you've been on self-imposed dry spell."

"I'm doing it for me too," he says, softly.

"I know, but it's also what I want, so I'm counting it."

"I got you fired, Beckham. You told me I couldn't have my way, because what I asked of you on that phone call wasn't possible. I called back, and got you fired for denying me the impossible."

"I'm well aware of what happened." How could I forget? I can't, but I _can_ forgive.

"Yet, you're here with me. Letting me kiss you, feed you, just be here with you."

"You say it like my company is a gift."

"It is."

Swoon. The floor is tilting a little as I swoon. "You're a surprise, Sully Ayoub. A really good, beautiful, surprise."

He smiles again, and I love putting those smiles on his face. Taking my hand, he leads me to my reclining seat, and my food. I'm not surprised to see Star Wars on the screen, as he's got Yoda on his t-shirt, but we're not going see much of the movie, so I'm glad it's not something new.

After finishing our food, he lifts the top on a covered dish, revealing two different desserts. Black Forest cake, and Lemon Meringue pie. Two of the favorites I mentioned when he asked on Wednesday during lunch.

He's getting lucky tonight. Probably right here in this theater. I might just suck him off while he watches his movie, or I might ride him like the stallion I know he is. No matter how it goes down, he's coming tonight.

"Your eyes got dark," he says, feeding me a bite of the cake. "Desserts really do turn you on."

"It's not the dessert," I tell him as I climb from my recliner to his, straddling him. "It's all you."

He drops the fork, using both hands to push my dress up. I arch into him as he runs his fingers lightly over my soaked panties, before bringing them to his lips.

"You're going to let me have the dessert I want, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"You need to fuck my mouth. I don't want you to just lie there, and enjoy it. You need to participate, because I don't consider oral sex a spectator sport."

"I want your cock in my mouth, so yeah, I'm participating."

He flips me in seconds, lowering his chair to a full recline. As he pushes my thong aside, I free what I want from his pants. It's long, and thick, nestled in a bed of black curls, standing proudly erect, as it waits for my mouth.

We both take our first licks at the same time, snapping my control. I suck him deep as he parts my labia, and latches onto my clit. This isn't foreplay, not how we're taking each other. There are no words, no promises, just the best damn oral sex I've ever experienced in my life.

He hits the back of my throat, so I relax it, taking a couple of inches inside. I use my hands to cover the rest of him, because there's more I can't take. He's moving slowly, making love to my mouth as his own mouth makes love to my vagina. In and out, driving me crazier with every thrust of his hips, and lap of his tongue. Until, we both can't take any more of the slow, and we become a little crazed.

His fingers are inside of me, thrusting in and out as I ride his mouth and he fucks my throat, and hands. There's nothing but right now, and _us_. Nothing but hands, mouths, tongues, and fingers working together for a final goal. He comes first when I stroke his taint, but I come right after him, bucking against his tongue, as he continues to lick my clit.

It's wild, it's sexy, and it's only the beginning. He hasn't even been inside of me yet, and I know I'm ruined for all other men. Hands down, this was one of the best sexual experiences I've ever had, and I want more. A lot more.

"I'm throwing out my vibrator," I tell him when I can finally speak again.

"Don't you dare! I have plans for it, so many plans."

He spins me back around, and kisses me hard. I taste myself, and I know he's tasting himself too. And, I want another orgasm. Right now, I want more. I _need_ more.

"Yes. To whatever you want to do to me, yes. Now."

"Not to you, Beckham. _With_ you."

# Chapter 6

Sully

I have the presence of mind to put our leftovers in the refrigerator by the door, but just barely. That orgasm made me even crazier for her than I already was, and I need more. She asked for more, and I want her to know she's going to get whatever she asks for.

I suit up with the condom I have in my wallet, while letting Beckham know what I need her to do. "Take your panties off for me."

She looks confused for a moment, because I'm across the room, pulling my jeans a little closed, but she'll understand everything in less than a minute. I walk over, and cup her face with my hands, before kissing her. I feel her hands moving, doing what I asked. I step away, and hold out my hand, waiting to move again until she gives me the scrap of black lace.

Once it's securely in my pocket, I lift her up, hands under her ass, and slide my way home. She moans as I enter her tight little pussy, wrapping her legs around my waist. After adjusting her giant sweatshirt, I whisper in her ear.

"Grab your desserts, Beautiful."

"What?" she asks, her eyes glazed. I'm not unaffected myself, but I know what I want, and it's not a quick fuck in a theater room.

I nuzzle her neck, sucking lightly. "We're going to a bed, but I know you don't want to give up your desserts."

"Oh, but we're having sex right now."

"I'm inside you now, and it's fucking amazing, but you deserve a bed. I couldn't wait to feel you around my cock, so yeah, we're technically already having sex, but I won't come until we're in my bed."

"We have to walk past the guards."

"We're covered, so all they'll know is that I'm carrying you upstairs."

"You're sure?"

"No, but I imagine they've seen much more scandalous things, and I'll have my hands under your ass, making sure your dress is covering you. I promise you, no one is seeing anything they shouldn't."

She nods, and reaches for her plate. Once her arms are securely around my neck, I walk us out. She shudders against me as I walk, almost bringing me to my knees. My cock is moving in and out as I walk, driving us both crazy. It's just a couple of inches of movement, but with how tight she is, it feels like more. She's biting my shoulder to contain her moans, and I'm dizzy with lust by the time we make it to the elevators.

"This is unexpected."

I turn to see Matt and Reina walking up to us. Beckham stiffens, and buries her head in my neck. Fuck.

"Hey, how was the latest gala?" I ask, because Reina's in a gown, and Matt's in a tux.

"Boring as fuck."

"Life of the 1%," I respond with a smirk.

I'm honestly afraid my dick is going to soften, and slide out, but it's not happening. He's happy to be encased inside Beckham's warm pussy, and he's holding strong. So strong, I need to thrust. Not an option at the moment, but I still need it.

"Hello, Beckham."

"Hi, Reina" she mumbles into my neck.

"Just keep it professional at work," Matt says, shaking his head at me.

"We will," she tells him, still not raising her head.

They take pity on her, and wait for another elevator as we board ours. When the doors close, she sighs. I can't interpret the meaning, but I know she's embarrassed.

"It's okay."

"It's _not_ okay! The damn button from your jeans keeps rubbing over my clit, and I almost came in front of my boss!"

Oh. Well, then. "Like this?" I ask, rolling my hips, so the button moves against her again.

"Yes," she moans. "Stop."

"Stop?"

"If you make me drop these desserts, I am not going to be happy."

I laugh, because this woman. She's seriously thinking of her dessert plate while I'm bringing her close to orgasm. I do as she asks, and stay still until I have to walk out of the elevator.

Once we're inside my place, I bend so she can put the plate down. She kisses me hard as I walk to my bed, but I pull away to pull her dress off. She's left only in a small black, lace bra.

"They're small," she says, moving to cover her breasts.

"I love them," I reply batting her hands away as I lean down to suck on one through the lace.

"Sully. I'm so close."

"I know."

I crawl up the bed with her in my arms, before setting her down, and giving her the fuck we both need. Her feet are still in the sexy boots, digging into the mattress as I pull her hips up and thrust hard. I hold her hips as she runs her hands up under my shirt, scratching my abs with her short nails.

"It's so good."

"Yeah, it is. Clamp that pussy on my cock. Just like that."

My thumbs find her clit, and both work it over as I fuck into her. She starts to scream, clamping down so tight on me, I have no choice but to come with her as she flies. I'm rough, and out of control, unable to stop myself, because it feels better than anything I've ever felt.

"You're going to have bruises on your hips. I'm sorry," I tell her as I collapse onto my forearms over her.

"I'm not. That was worth it. God, it was worth it. How long until we can do it again?"

I chuckle, but know it's going to be a little while, and not because I can't get it back up. My dick's already starting to come back to life, but it will have to wait. I pull out, and stand up.

"I have to shower, and go out for a little bit, but I'll be back."

"What?"

"I'll be back. I promise. Please wait for me."

"I could help you shower."

"No."

I know I sound harsh, but she can't take a shower with me before prayer. I need to clean her off me, before I can give my last thanks of the day. I should explain it to her before I go, but I want to get back to her, and wrap her in my arms before I sleep, so I leave her there on my bed.

Beckham

I don't know what just happened. I never expected Sully to get up, and leave, after what we just did. He just left me here. Yeah, he asked to me to wait for him, but if he can't at least explain to me why he's leaving, why would I stay?

I wait for the shower to turn off, but he doesn't appear again. His apartment has a similar design to mine, so I know there's an office or library on the other side of the bathroom. After a few minutes, I hear the front door open and close, letting me know he exited from the other room. He didn't even want to see me before he left for parts unknown, just expecting me to wait for him in his bed.

No. I am not that girl. I will not be left waiting in a man's bed, while he goes off somewhere. Nope, not happening.

He still has my panties, but I throw my dress on over my bra, and walk next door. Once inside, I change into a t-shirt and boxers, wash off the little makeup I have on, and get ready for bed. I'm turning off the lights in my living room, when there's a knock at the door. I know who it is, and I don't feel like fighting right now, but I open it anyway.

"I asked you to wait."

"I'm not a dog, who takes orders on command," I reply, crossing my arms over my chest. "You don't get to leave me in your bed, like some random chick, and walk out the door to God knows where. Did you really expect me to wait for you?"

"I had to pray."

Oh. I uncross my arms, but I'm still angry. "Why didn't you just tell me that?"

"I thought, after what we shared, you'd wait. I was going to explain when I got back," he says as I step back to let him into the apartment. I grab the plate of desserts from his hand, and move to my kitchen island.

"You made me feel like what we shared was nothing. All you had to say was that you were praying. Do you think I wouldn't understand? I don't know much, but I know prayer is important to Muslims."

"It is most important," he agrees, joining me as I take a seat at the island.

"I love watching all of you at work pray together. It's beautiful."

"It is."

"Will you tell me about it?"

He nods, taking my hand. "We pray five times a day, always facing toward Mecca, which is why I had to go to the roof right now. I love this apartment, but the balcony doesn't face in that direction. I could pray inside, but I prefer to be outside.

"Salaat is the name for our prayers, or Salaah, but I call them Salaat. Fajr is a remembrance of Allah, taking place before the sun rises. Dhuhr is the prayer at work. It is always around noon. We remember, and also seek guidance. 'Asr is just a few minutes in the late afternoon. We think about the greater meaning our lives, along with our remembrance. Maghrib is the evening remembrance after the sun goes down. Finally, before bed, is 'Isha. It is when we thank Allah for all he has done for us, and for forgiving us any wrongdoings we've committed."

"You have to shower before each?" There are showers at C&C, so I know he can.

"No, not always a shower. Ablution is making ourselves clean of mind in preparation of Salaat. We also perform Wudoo, and Wudhu. Those are the names for the action of cleansing, and the water itself. I wash my hands, arms, mouth, nose, face, ears, and feet. Matt has an area outside for us with purified water, so we can cleanse ourselves at work. Because I orgasmed with you tonight, I had to perform Ghusul, and cleanse my entire body with a shower."

"I wish you'd told me that was why I couldn't shower with you."

"I should have. I just learned not to talk about it when we moved to the U.S. People see me, and they are afraid, so I've done what I could to blend in, and not tell anyone about my faith."

It hurts me to know this. I knew it went on, but it was never this close to me. "I can't pretend to know what you've been through, but I know what it is to hide. I've hidden my whole life, pretending not to want friends, because I wouldn't be able to buy them a present if they invited me to a party. My parents are the best, and they did what they could for me, but I grew up with next to nothing. This apartment is like a palace to me."

"You take nothing for granted, while I coped by taking everything for granted. I used Matt's money and power to fit in."

"Your sister needed that money and power. I remember how horrible everyone was to her when her relationship with Dylan Gallagher became public knowledge."

He shakes his head. "My sister didn't need it. She has never tried to hide behind it. It meant a lot to her for Dylan to speak out, and stand by her side, but she would never pretend to be anything else than who she is."

"I want to know about your culture, about your customs. I want to know everything about you, Sully."

"I will tell you anything you want to know."

"I'm going to take you up on that, but right now, I'm pretty dead, so I think we should sleep. Can I ask more tomorrow?"

"You can ask whenever you want."

There's one last thing I want to tell him. Or ask. It's more tell than ask, but here goes. "I'd like to observe the rest of Ramadan with you. Can I? Is it okay to start late?"

"Yes. I mean, I don't know for sure, but for me, I say yes. It would mean a lot to me. Thank you."

I kiss him lightly in reply, because I want to do this for him—and for me. I'm not going to convert, because I was raised Christian, and I believe in Jesus, but I want to know Sully, and his religion is a big part of who he is, even if he's hidden it. You don't commit to praying five times a day, and fasting for a month, if it isn't important to you. I need to know it all, so I can understand how to support him. Tonight wasn't a one-time thing, and when I need to stand up for him, I want to get it right.

# Chapter 7

Sully

We don't get time to talk about my culture on Sunday, because after we eat in the dark, and I pray before sunrise, Nev calls to invite us to her house for a pool party. Every member of the Society, as well as their families, honor Ramadan with us. We honor Dylan, his sister Ellie, and Reina, by abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent as well. At C&C, all employees are encouraged to share in each other's customs and fasts. It's not required, but it's appreciated.

It was a fun day of swimming, dancing in the grass, and just having fun. We all had a snack of dates and water when the sun went down, Nev and I prayed together, and then everyone ate a larger meal. Oh, and I kissed Beckham every chance I got, which was a lot.

This morning, I can't keep my mind—or eyes—off her as we all meet in Matt's office to go over plans for the week. It doesn't help that I'm sitting next to Brad, who thinks if he whispers his vile thoughts so it's only me hearing them, it's okay. It's not, but I'm trying to remain calm.

"Man, that shirt dress thing on Beckham is so fucking hot. I mean, damn. I want to just pull it down her arms, and see what's underneath. And is it just me, or are her lips swollen today?"

What's under her off-the-shoulder white button-down dress with black pinstripes, is a cream colored strapless bra, and matching spandex shorts. I was there when she got dressed, so I know. As for her lips, they're swollen because I kissed her until we were both panting before work this morning. Not the best idea when we can't drink water until sundown, but neither of us was complaining.

"Shut up."

"Is there a problem over there?" Matt asks.

"No, no problem. I just appreciate things more than Sully does."

My hands are clenched into fists, and I'm so close to punching this asshole, but Beckham speaks up. "We all appreciate different things, and bring different things to the table."

Matt gets the meeting back on track, but asks me to stay behind while everyone else gets to work. "Everything okay?"

I shrug. "He wants Beckham."

"Is he still saying things to her?"

"No, just about her. Somehow, he's decided I'm safe to say his disgusting things to."

"If he goes too far, come to me, and I'll deal with him."

"I will." Only because if I'm in jail, I can't be with Beckham.

"You're doing a great job. I knew you would, and I'm sorry if I was harsh."

"You did what I needed you to do."

"Your name is still on the jets, so if you feel the need to whisk a certain woman away for a weekend, feel free."

"I'm not sure she's ready for that yet, but thanks."

"She's a keeper, Sully. She fit right in yesterday, and she's observing your fast with you. Make sure you're not taking any of that for granted."

"I'm not."

When I leave his office, I seek out Beckham, watching the UPS guy flirt with her. She laughs with him, but I don't feel any jealousy. She's mine, and I know it.

"Private time with Matt, huh? When do I get my private time with you?" Hannah asks, grabbing my ass.

I jerk away from her. "I'm seeing someone."

"From what I've heard, you don't date, just fuck. All I want is a place in the line-up."

"I'm not like that anymore."

"Sure, you aren't. Leopards don't change their spots."

"This leopard did."

"When you realize I'm right, you know where to find me. In the meantime, please grab my latte."

I happily walk away, taking a little extra time to make her drink, because I'm thinking about what she said. I only want Beckham; she's all I think about. But, what if that changes? What if I'm attracted enough to another woman to cheat? I've never cheated, because I've never had a girlfriend, but now that I do, what's to say I won't mess up?

Me. I'm the one to say it. Beckham is too special, and I want to keep her. I won't cheat, or give her a reason to leave me. I just won't.

Beckham

The morning flies by, and Sully's heading out to lunch with Hannah, Mark, and Val before I know it. I hate that we're missing each other again, but we'll be together later, so it's not as bad as it could be. Still sucks, though.

I make my way up to the Foundation, because I was invited to hang out with them during my lunch time. The invite came during the pool party yesterday, which was my first day of fasting. I knew I could fast, because there were days in my childhood when I only ate one meal a day, but it was hard not having water. Reina said they keep each other busy, so it's harder to notice that we're thirsty.

Alex is at her desk, and gives me the option to hang with Stella or Sierra. I choose Sierra, surprised to find another woman already in her office with her. I recognize her from being at Sully's dinner, and I know she's his mother, although she wasn't at the party yesterday. This isn't awkward at all.

"Am I interrupting?"

"Not at all," Sierra assures me. "Have you met Aqeelah, Nev and Sully's mom?"

"No," I say, striding forward, with my hand held out. "Nice to meet you."

"You as well."

"Aqeelah's helping me with my Arabic, and keeping me on my toes with my Portuguese."

"You speak Portuguese?"

"Yes. I was born, and raised in Guyana, which is next to Brazil."

"Oh. You spoke Spanish then, or Portuguese?"

"I speak them both, but the native language of my country is English."

"Maybe I should just stop speaking now."

She laughs, and squeezes my hand. "Not many Americans know where my country is, much less what we speak. Please sit down, and join us."

"Thank you."

"Perhaps we should get rid of the elephant in the room."

Oh God. Here we go. "Okay."

"My son got you fired, and Matt has hired you to work in the same office as Sully."

"Yes."

"Has he behaved? Sully, I mean?"

Behaved? Is this a trick question? "He's a very hard worker."

Sierra nearly falls out of her chair, because she's laughing so hard. "I'm sorry, but I can't I just can't. Behaving, working hard, oh God."

"Am I missing something?" Aqeelah asks me.

"Sully and I are kind of dating."

"Oh. He didn't tell me."

"It's new."

I'm saved from the awkwardness by my own mother calling me. I excuse myself to take the call in the hallway.

"Hi, Mom."

"I'm sorry to bother you when you're at work."

"It's lunch time. What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong. I just wanted to invite you to a neighborhood party on Saturday."

Most neighbors don't know each other anymore, but when you're poor you sometimes lean on each other for support. Not always, but in the case of their neighborhood, that's how it is. They have get-togethers at the park next to the apartment building at least once a month over the summer. Everyone gets their taxes back, and they feel flush for a few months. They block parties are fun times with hot dogs, beer, popsicles, and splash pools.

"Can I bring a friend?"

"A boyfriend?"

Is he my boyfriend? I think he is. "Yes."

"Of course, you can bring him. I can't wait to see you!"

"You too."

She hangs up, and I plan how I'm going to leave half my paycheck somewhere in their apartment. My parents won't want to take it, but they will anyway, because they need it. I have free food, and rent, plus a new wardrobe, so I can afford it.

"Sorry about that. It was my mom," I say, when I walk back into Sierra's office.

"Never apologize for taking the time to speak to your mother," Aqeelah tells me, but her smile is sad. I don't think it's my place to ask, but I want to know why she's sad.

I spend the rest of my hour with them, intrigued as I listen to them converse in two different languages. Languages that sound so complicated, I'm not sure if my brain could understand them. French, I know, and some Spanish, but while Portuguese is somewhat similar, Arabic is like Greek to me. Another language I don't think I could learn.

My defeat must show on my face when I get back to my desk, because Alma looks concerned. "Are you okay?"

"How many languages can you speak fluently?"

"Four, if you include code."

"Let's include it. Are any of the others hard?"

"Latin?"

"Oh God, I am so dumb. Why am I dumb?"

"Weren't you the one saying how we're all different during the meeting this morning? You are so much better at dealing with people, and multi-tasking. We all have our strengths, and weaknesses."

"I couldn't code to save my life."

"And I couldn't walk into a private dinner, and pour a drink on Sully."

I drop my head into my hands. "Everyone knows about that?"

"Oh yeah, but most of us think it's badass. Except Val, because, you know, she's always fawning all over him."

Oh, I know. I have a front row seat to it sometimes, but I'm not worried. Maybe I should be, but I'm not. I trust Sully. He won't cheat on me, or hurt me intentionally. Getting to know the "real" Sully has shown me that. So, Val and every other woman in the world can try to make a move on him, but in the end, I know he's all mine.

# Chapter 8

Beckham

It's been another busy week at C&C during the day, and in Sully's bed every night. He hasn't slept over with me again, because his place just seems more convenient. He has food he can eat, his prayer rug, and while I guess we could bring it all next door, it just seems easier to stay there.

Today, we're heading to the party, and he seems nervous. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I've just never met anyone's parents before."

"They're going to love you."

"How do you know?"

"Because they love me, and you make me happy."

"You make me happy too."

"Does your mom love me?" I ask, because he didn't seem too excited about me meeting her.

"She hasn't said anything about it, so I don't know."

"Oh."

"Our relationship is complicated right now. I'll explain it to you another day, okay."

I'm not going to push him when he's already nervous, so I let it go. "Okay."

We arrive at the park, and I tell him where he should leave the truck. It's Dylan's truck, because he decided a truck was better to bring here than his Porsche. I didn't disagree with him.

I kiss his cheek when he helps me out, and take his free hand when he offers it. His other hand is holding the cupcakes we picked up. If this party goes until dark, I'll get to try one here. If not, I'll just take it home with us.

"What's going on?" one of the guys I grew up with asks.

"Nothing much," I reply, walking past him.

"Aren't you going to introduce me to your _friend_?"

"No."

"Bitch."

Sully starts to turn, but I stop him. "He's not worth it."

"Maybe we shouldn't have come."

"They aren't all like him. He's just mad, because he couldn't get in my pants back in high school."

"I can sympathize with him, because your pants are a very nice place to be inside of."

"Aww, you say the sweetest things."

"Beckham!" my father yells, practically running over to hug me. I let go of Sully to hug him back, before hugging my mom, too.

"I'm a little confused here," she says, glaring at Sully. "I'm pretty sure he's the guy who got you fired."

I take his hand again. "He's redeemed himself. Mom and Dad, this is Sully."

"It's wonderful to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Williams. I'm sorry our first encounter was so unpleasant."

He holds out his hand, and they both shake it, even though my mom gives me a look, telling she's going to want more of an explanation later. I'll withstand all the grilling she wants to throw my way, because I know he's who I want to be with.

"Why don't you take the cupcakes over to the dessert table, and grab yourselves some food? We saved you seats," my dad tells us.

"We can't eat," I say.

My mom looks at me like I'm insane. "What?"

"It's Ramadan, Sully's holy month. We don't eat or drink during the daylight hours."

"His religion isn't yours!"

I see Sully flinch, making me harden my voice. "No, but that doesn't mean I can't support him."

Before this escalates, I grab Sully's hand, and lead him to the dessert table. He helps me make room, as I try to think of something to say. My parents aren't racists, but while there are people of many colors here, none that I know of are Muslim. They just don't understand, but I hope they'll try.

"Don't touch our food."

My head whips around to see the guy from earlier, along with a few of his friends. They've always been mean, but I didn't expect this.

"He can touch whatever he wants."

"Beckham, leave it," Sully says.

"She's not one of yours to order around," a woman says, joining them.

"Shut up," I growl at her.

"What? Are you going to start covering yourself up, and praying to some Al-ah."

"It is _Allah_ , and our God is the same one," Sully says quietly.

"My God doesn't believe in killing innocent people," one of the men tells him.

"Nor does mine."

They won't stop. "Lies. He probably poisoned our food. Does he have a gun?"

Sully lifts his hands, so his t-shirt lifts past his abs. He has on a pair of basketball shorts with Dylan's name on them, and there's no place he could easily hide a weapon. I pull at his arm, because he doesn't need to do this.

"Leave. Him. Alone."

"I cannot believe you would bring one of them here! We have children! What were you thinking, Beckham?"

This came from the sweet old woman who used to babysit me. "He is a good man, and I wanted my parents and the people I thought I respected to meet him. I didn't expect this level of hate and bigotry from all of you."

"It's not worth it, Beckham."

I look up at Sully, and see the indifference on his face. It's not real, though. He feels this hate, as I do. I know he does.

" _You_ are worth it."

I need him to believe that. There is a bigger crowd around us now, and they just won't leave him alone.

"What have you done to her? Have you brainwashed her somehow?"

"Where is your turban?"

"Do you have friends coming to shoot us?"

"How dare you wear Gallagher's name, terrorist!"

"Someone take the children inside!"

"Shut up!" I roar. "All of you, just shut up!"

"We're going to go inside," my father says, leading us away.

The crowd continues taunting Sully, and at one point I turn, ready to fight them all. He stops me once again. "It's not worth it."

It's all he keeps saying, and I want to throw up. When he escapes to the bathroom, I turn on my parents.

"You said nothing! I know you don't believe what they were saying, but you didn't speak up!"

"We have to live here with them, work with them. How would it look if we said something?" my mother asks.

"It would look like you think what they were doing was wrong! You _know_ that was wrong."

"Yes," my dad says.

"You raised me to be open-minded, and accept everyone!"

"People are scared, Beckham. If we told them they were wrong, they would treat us as they treated Sully. He can drive away, but we can't."

"What if you could? I can get you an apartment somewhere else!"

"This is our home. Good, or bad, this is it."

My mom won't look at me. "You need to leave. For our sakes, and for Sully's."

"She is right. We should leave," Sully says, coming out of the bathroom. "We never should've come."

Sully

When I walked out of the bathroom, and heard Beckham's mother say we needed to leave, I knew she was right. We shouldn't have ever been there. _I_ shouldn't have been there.

Beckham was naïve to think her people would accept me. No, not hers, but those she grew up with. I cannot connect those people to her, or group her with them, because she is not one of them. She stood up for me.

But, at what cost? She is now associated with a Muslim, a terrorist in their eyes. When the man commented about me wearing Dylan's name, I could've mentioned my connection, but I didn't. While she was naïve about how they'd react, so was I. For so many years, money sheltered me from that, so much so that I forgot what it was like to be so hated.

I forgot, and it's now hurt more than me. There is no way to take back what was said in front of Beckham. No way to make her forget those words.

"I am so angry. I cannot believe they had the nerve to say those things! You should've let me punch them, at least the women! Why didn't you let me punch them?"

"Violence would only leave to more violence, and as I kept telling you, it's just not worth it."

"And, as I told you, _you_ are worth it."

No, I'm not, and it's best that she learns it now, while things are new, and not after we've declared our love for each other. I have no doubt what I feel for her is love, but I can never tell her that.

"I need to be alone," I say, when we arrive back at the apartments.

"Don't shut me out, Sully. I know today was bad, but we can get through this together."

"I have to take the truck back."

"No, you told Dylan you'd bring it back tomorrow."

"I'd rather just do it now."

"Please, Sully. Don't do this."

"I can walk you inside, if you'd like."

She shakes her head. "What I'd like is for you to talk to me instead of running away."

I don't respond, so she opens her door, and jumps down. I wait until she's in the elevator, and then I drive to my sister. She's the only one who will understand, and I need her now.

I don't remember the drive, but I make it there somehow. When she opens the door, I collapse into her arms, sobbing.

"Sully, what happened?"

"They said things, things like what the bullies said when we were younger," I tell her as she leads me to the couch. "I forgot how ugly people can be, how much they hate us."

"You've been insulated from it for a long time."

"People look at me when I shop, or go out to eat, but the money kept me safe. It bought me friends, and safety."

"Did they threaten you?"

"Not with what they said, but I felt it. I felt the hate. It was so strong, I thought it would choke me. It was like when we were little, and first moved here."

"Oh God, I'm so sorry."

I lie down, and place my head on her lap, because the tears keep coming. "I felt like a little boy again, wanting to be liked, but being mocked instead. I wanted to be part of Beckham's life, but I can't. Those are the people she grew up with, and they hate me."

"What did she do?"

"She told them to shut up, and I had to stop her from punching some of them."

"Good for her!"

"No, it's not good. They will never accept her again if she's attached to me."

"You think she wants to be accepted by those people?"

"Her parents are worried about their friends no longer accepting them. How can I be with her if I can't see her parents?"

"What did she say about that?"

"She was angry, but they wouldn't listen to her. She's so naïve. So privileged."

"Privileged? She grew up very poor, Sully."

"You know what I mean. She is white."

"Yes, and you also know we may have tan skin, but we have lived a very privileged life. We've been largely protected from the racism, and bigotry so many of our people face. This one experience is just that, an experience. Ugly as it is, it's our life."

"I don't want it to be my life. I don't want to feel like that scared, little boy again. I don't want to feel dirty like I did when they were saying the things they said. I can't do it, I simply can't."

"You don't have a choice."

"Yeah, I do. I can live my life the way I used to, instead of this new way. I can go back to the way things were."

"No, you can't. You have a job, and a wonderful girlfriend. You can't give that up for fake friends, and excess."

"I have to, Nev. I can't ask Beckham to give up her family, but I can never go back to that place again."

There's no choice. I have to do this, and I know exactly where to start.

# Chapter 9

Beckham

I haven't seen Sully since he dropped me off in the garage yesterday. He hasn't answered my calls or texts, and he hasn't been home. I know, because I've been sitting on the floor outside his apartment waiting for him. I slept here last night, and other than going into my place to use the bathroom, I haven't left. I didn't eat last night, or this morning, but I don't feel hungry. I feel hurt, angry, and scared, and I just need to see him.

When the elevator dings, I jump up, because we're the only two on this floor right now. As Nev walks into the hall, my shoulder sag in defeat.

"Where is he?"

"Nowhere he should be."

"Is he coming back?"

Here? To me? I don't ask those questions, because she knows what I mean.

"I don't know."

"I tried to fight them."

"I know."

"What can I do? What should I have done? I should've never taken him there."

She grips my shoulders, and looks me in the eye. "You can't beat yourself up, Beckham. It happened, and you did exactly what you needed to. You stood up for my brother, and no matter what happens, that is important."

"He doesn't think so."

"Yes, he does. He won't admit it, because he's hurting right now, but when he comes to his senses, he will."

"Is that a guess, or do you really believe it?"

"Both."

"I'm not going to stop observing Ramadan," I blurt out.

"Good."

"What are you taking?"

She doesn't want to answer. I can tell she wants to get away with not answering, but in the end, she does.

"Just the food. He's already left the country."

I stagger back, as if she's physically punched me instead of just landing a mental blow. "I-I'll leave you alone."

"He will not cheat on you. No matter what pictures you see of him, or what you hear, know that."

"You can't know that."

"You can. You know."

I leave her still standing in the hall as I escape into my apartment. I don't make it far, sliding down the door as I let the despair take over. She's right—I know that whatever's going on with Sully, he wouldn't cheat on me. Which presents me with a new problem.

Will he call me to break up with me, or just text me. Do I block him, so he can't do it that way? Or do I accept what I know is coming? _Can_ I accept it, knowing he'll be with other women once he delivers the final blow?

My finger hovers over the command to block him, but I don't tap it. My heart is telling me he might need me. If he needs me, I want him to be able to reach me. I have to let myself be available to him. I love him, and I won't abandon him, even after he left me.

I lift myself up from the floor, and stand on my balcony, watching the sun set. When it's disappeared from the sky, I make myself an omelet, realizing I won't be good for anyone if I pass out from starvation. After, I finally shower, and sleep.

When the alarm goes off in the morning, I eat again, get dressed, and head into work. It's really early, but I don't want to be here, alone in my apartment, dwelling on everything.

I'm not surprised to see Bev and Matt already in the office, but they're surprised to see me. "Beckham, why are you here so early?" she asks.

"I have some stuff going on personally, and I didn't want to be alone. Work will keep my mind off it all."

"Come on in, and talk to me," Matt says, instructing Bev to hold his calls.

"Do you want me to leave, and come back?"

"No. I'm going to go out on a limb, and guess that Sully is why you're here."

"He's gone."

"I know."

Of course, he does. How could he not know? "Yeah."

"Nev explained what happened, and I want you to know Reina has some friends of hers keeping an eye on your parents. No one will harm them for being associated with you and Sully."

"Thanks. I don't think anyone would do something to them; everyone is pretty much more bark than bite, but I appreciate it."

"There is a lot of fear, and hate, in this country right now, and we didn't want to take a chance."

"I'm so angry at them for worrying more about what people will think than about what's right."

"It's hard to choose a side, but it's also important. I don't know your parents, so I can't speak for them, but I want you to know I'm proud of you. For choosing a side, and standing up for him."

"Where else would I stand?"

"Don't give up on him. Please."

The great Matt Corrigan is begging me for something. Women all over the world would die to be in my place, but I'd rather be with Sully.

"Nev said the same thing."

"There is so much you need to know about their family, but I can't be the one to tell you. Just try to wait for him. He's going to do some stupid things, but he knows how amazing you are, and how lucky he is to have you."

"He's not doing a good job of showing it. He didn't even say goodbye." And, I still haven't decided whether to block him, or not.

"I know."

"Thanks for talking to me, and I'll think about everything you've said. I just can't make any promises until I know what I'm dealing with. If he texts me to break up, it'll be over, because I know that means he's going to fuck around."

"Jesus."

"You know it's true."

He nods. "I don't believe he's stupid enough to do that."

"Time will tell."

"I'm holding his internship, so I'll have to move things around a little."

"We'll manage."

"I know you will. And Beckham, I want to make sure you know I'm always available to you if you need me. Reina, too. Sully is family, and so are you."

"Thanks."

I walk back out to my desk, and start going through the phone messages. By the time the other assistants and interns make it in, I'm halfway through my emails as well. Coming in early might be my best work idea yet. I know it's not a permanent solution, because I can't escape Sully here, but it's kept me busy for a morning. I have a feeling that's the way to go with all of this.

One morning. One afternoon. One evening. One day at a time. One week at a time, if it comes to that. Maybe one month, but I hope to God he's either back by then, or he's cut me loose. I know which option I'm hoping for, but I'm going to start preparing myself for either outcome. I need to survive this, no matter what happens.

Sully

I once again leave the text as a draft. The one telling Beckham I don't want to be with her anymore. I need to send it, and take advantage of the women here who want a piece of me, but I can't. That piece of me— _every_ piece of me—belongs to her, and only her. I can fly across the world, and pretend it doesn't, but I know it does.

"Sully, man, let's party!"

I nod to my British friend, although I won't drink tonight. I'm not a strict Muslim, and I drink, but never during Ramadan. He wouldn't understand it, because none of the people I hang with are Muslim, but it doesn't matter. They all indulge me, because I'm footing the bill. I don't know how I'm going to foot this bill when the credit card statement comes, but I'll worry about it next month. Right now, I just need to play this game.

The one where I stay in all day, pretending to sleep, and party all night. I'm getting almost no sleep, but the ruse is working. I know I've been photographed, and I'm waiting for Beckham to send her own break-up text, but it hasn't happened. Only my sister texts, asking if I'm coming home to celebrate Eid with everyone. I don't answer her, because I can't go back, and face her. Face everyone I let down.

As we ride in the private car to the club, I recall all the things those people at the party said to me, just like I do every night. It's the only way I can block Beckham from my head, and allow me to let other women sit on my lap, and kiss my cheek. That's all I let them do, but it's enough. If I really thought about it, it would be too much, but I don't let myself think about anything other than the hate.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and a part of me hopes it's her, finally setting me free, but it's my sister again. "Call me, Sully. Please."

I ignore her again, but when my phone rings, and it's Dylan's name on the screen, I know I have to answer. I love my future brother-in-law, and not just for the perks. He's a good guy, and he sometimes gets me in ways my sister can't. I wave my friend inside, and answer.

"Hey, Dylan."

"I get it, Sully. Honestly, I do, but you're killing your sister."

"I'm fine. She should be seeing the photos."

"The ones where your eyes are dead as random chicks put their lips on you? Those photos?"

"Must be the club lighting, because I'm having a great time."

The words sound hollow even to me, and he doesn't let me bullshit him. "Stop lying. To me, and to yourself. You know I understand about being bullied."

"Yeah."

He was an overweight kid, picked on, and nearly beaten to death, by the local bullies when his brothers and sister weren't around. It's how he met my father, and got pulled into his crazy plan to kidnap my sister. He thought he owed him his life, and he probably does, but he fell for Nev, and refused to hurt her. He put his life on the line for my sister, and she destroyed those who would have killed him. True love at its purest level.

"It sucks to be called names, and have shit said about you, but it's how you react to it that defines your character. Running away from the woman who stood up for you, isn't the way. You know that; I know you do."

"I don't want her to pity me," I tell him, admitting the truth I haven't said out loud until now.

"Pity? Come on, man. Do you think I defend Nev out of pity?"

"No. Any fool could see you love her."

"Exactly."

"It's different with me, and Beckham. It's not love."

"Isn't it? You don't love her?"

"I-I have to go."

"Come home, Sully. For everyone's sake, come home."

"Bye."

I hang up, and lean against the brick wall of the club for a few minutes. I have to compose myself, and put on my public face. I can't listen to Dylan, because my heart's telling me he's right. I need to keep my head in control, though, because if he's wrong, things would be even worse.

Pushing off the wall, I walk back inside, and choose the two lucky ladies who get to reside in my lap for the evening. One brunette, and one redhead—never a blonde. As they gush over me, and try to hold my attention, I force my mind to clear, because I can't feel while I'm here. I need to fend off any straying hands or lips, and I can't do that if I'm thinking about all I've lost.

# Chapter 10

Beckham

I don't want to be back here, at the scene of the crime, but my mother begged me to come. After a week of not hearing from Sully, my nerves are shot, and I'm so damn tired, I can barely stand up. Fighting with some assholes seems like as good a way to spend a few hours as any.

"Good to see you alone this time, Beckham," Asshole Number One says.

"Go fuck yourself."

"Come try my potato salad."

"Look at this cake, it's your favorite."

"How about a hot dog?"

On, and fucking on it goes, as I make my way to where my parents are sitting. I see remorse in some of their eyes, making me feel a little better about them, and what went down last weekend. I still won't forgive them for what they did, but I'm glad to see some humanity surfacing.

My mother speaks first. "You look tired."

"It's what happens when you don't sleep."

"Things are rough with Sully?"

"I'd have to be in contact with him to know that."

"You aren't speaking to him?" my father asks.

"He hasn't spoken to me since last Saturday, and he left the country, so no."

"I'm sorry."

"Are you?"

"Yes. He seems like a nice young man, and you were happy with him."

I close my eyes, trying not to cry. "He is, and I was."

"Beckham, I brought you a plate of food."

I look up to see the one of guys who went after Sully standing in front of me, holding out a plate, like it's a peace offering. I'm not at peace right now, and it's because of him and his friends. Friends who are standing with him, looking smug.

"I don't eat during the daylight hours. I told you that last week." I close my eyes again, because I don't want to even look at any of them.

"He's not here, so we thought you'd come to your senses."

"What kind of American would choose to eat like a Muslim?" one of his friends asks.

"This one."

My eyes pop open when I hear Dylan's voice. The crowd parts as he walks forward with Nev. I jump up, hoping they're here with news.

"Whoa, you're Dylan Gallagher."

"Can I have an autograph?"

"I need a selfie."

Dylan ignores them all, coming to stand in front of me. I hug Nev, and smile at him. "Mom, Dad, you might remember Sully's sister, Neveah, from the restaurant. This is her boyfriend, Dylan."

My parents stand, and shake their hands. Everyone else just stands there in shock, looking at Nev like she's a foreign creature. She pretends not to notice, but I see the anger in her eyes. She wants to lash out at all of them, just like I do.

"You can stop staring, because I'm not going to turn into a blonde, with blue eyes," she tells them. "No offense, Becks."

"None taken, Nev."

"We wanted to invite you to celebrate Eid with us at our place next weekend," Dylan tells me.

"What's Eid?" one of the kids ask.

"It's a celebration of the end of Ramadan. For three days, we feast, give gifts, do charitable work, and celebrate together."

"Ramadan is that thing where you don't eat."

"We fast during the day, in honor of Mohammed, and God giving him the revelations which would become the Quran."

"What is that?" another kid asks.

"In simple terms, it is the Muslim Bible."

"Have you read it?"

"Yes, and Nev has read my Bible. One day, we'll be married, and our children will know both."

"So, you read about suicide bombings, and blowing people up?" the guy who called me a bitch last week asks him with a sneer.

"No. I read about many of the same things taught in the Christian Bible. Love, forgiveness, and acceptance. Islam is not about what evil men have tried to make it."

"Whatever. I'm never wearing anything with your name on it again."

"Please don't," he tells him, glaring back.

"Can I speak to you alone, Becks?" Nev asks me.

"You can use our apartment," my mom says.

"I'll just sign some autographs for the kids," Dylan tells us.

"What about the adults?" one of them asks.

"Anyone who didn't insult Sully last week is welcome to an autograph."

I shake my head as we walk away. "He's amazing."

"He is," Nev agrees.

"I'd love to celebrate with you. Thanks for inviting me."

"You're welcome. You're always welcome at our home."

"Without Sully?"

"Yes, but I must tell you, those people out there made me uncomfortable, and I'm used to being called all sorts of things online. They weren't even saying the stuff they said to Sully, and I felt smaller around them."

"I only came here for my parents."

"I understand, but I just wanted you to know, I'm getting why my brother freaked out. We dealt with this when we moved to the U.S., and it was bad. So bad, sometimes I'm not sure how we survived it. I don't like that he ran, but I understand it."

"Where is he?"

"London, but he's leaving for Paris in a couple of hours."

"What? After they had attacks? He's not safe!"

"He's safe," she assures me. "He has entourages in both places who love his unlimited funds."

"I thought Matt cut him off."

"He let him keep his credit cards, and lines of credit, but told him he'd have to pay the bills. He won't hold him to it for this, although if he'd just been partying here, he would've made him pay."

"I've been waiting for him to text me it's over, so he can be with other women."

"My brother is hurt, and angry, but he's not stupid."

"Only time will tell."

She looks away, and then back at me. "I want you to bring him home."

"What? How?"

"Matt has a jet waiting for you, money for you, and an apartment in Paris. Anything you want or need is at your disposal," she tells me as she hands me the passport I applied for when I started at C&C, along with a credit card with my name on it. It's black, and I know there's no limit.

"What if he won't come back with me?"

"He will."

Can I do this? Can I go to Paris, and see him draped in other women? Can I convince him to come back to me—to all of us? Do I even want to?

"Yes. I'll go."

Sully

Another city, another club, same old games. The raven-haired twins on my lap seem to think I'm funny, even when I'm not talking. They laugh every few seconds, making me want to cover my ears. I just might do it if I wasn't busy keeping their hands off my junk.

"Sensationnel," one of the Frenchmen with me says, and I look to see what his "wow" is for.

No. It can't be. But, it is. Beckham is here, in that damn sweatshirt dress and thigh-high boots. She's here, and she's walking this way.

"Sully."

"What are you doing here?"

"I'd like to say I'm in Paris for the first time to see the Eiffel Tower, but instead I'm here, in this club, seeing you with these women."

"I will take you to see whatever you want," the man who noticed her walk in says, placing his hand on her bare thigh.

I jump to my feet, pulling his hand away. "Touch her again, and I'll kill you."

The women call my name as I take Beckham's hand, but I ignore them. I have to get her out of here, away from them and the ugliness of who I am now. I've no doubt she remembers this "me", but I want so badly for her to forget it.

"Where are we going?" she asks, as I pull her out a side door.

"You are going back to Las Vegas."

"I don't take orders from you."

"Who do you take them from? Who sent you here? My sister? Matt? You couldn't afford this on your own, so who's paying you to be here?"

"I came because I wanted to. Matt gave me a jet, but I'm going to insist on paying for the credit card I'm using when the bill comes."

"That's what we all say in the beginning."

"You were going to pay for your own things from the internship," she reminds me, but I don't want to be reminded. "I know the people at the party hurt you, but they are just a few people. Those of us who love you, know you're not who they said you are. Come home, Sully."

"You don't know! You know nothing! Go home. You shouldn't be here. Go home! What do you want from me?"

"I only want you, and maybe a kiss under that sparkling Eiffel Tower when you're not covered in the lipstick, and perfume, of other women."

"You don't want me."

"I do, and I thought I'd done enough to show you that."

She has. She's done so much for me, and I know she cares. I know it, but I can't accept it.

"Go home. Please, just go home, Beckham. Don't come back here, and don't try to save me, because it's too late for that." I hold up my phone, with the text I haven't sent her. "I couldn't send this, but you have to leave."

She reaches over, and sends the message, before I can stop her. I hear the answering beep of her phone, and stare at her in horror. She glares back at me. "If you wrote it, you meant to send it. Go back inside, and fuck those women, like you want to. You're completely free now."

I let her walk away, but I don't go back inside. I can't, because it's not the twins I want to fuck. Seeing her here, coming for me, cracked the wall I've put up again to protect myself. When she sent that text to herself, it crumbled even more. I just let the woman who loves me for me walk away, and I don't know how to get her back.

# Chapter 11

Beckham

I tried. I walked into that club, saw the women on his lap, and I still tried. Now, I just want to go back to Matt and Reina's apartment, and collapse into bed. Maybe I'll wake up tomorrow, back in Las Vegas, and this will all be a dream. Or more accurately, a nightmare.

The driver Matt hired for me isn't here, because I told him I'd be at least an hour. I thought I would be, because I was stupid enough to think I meant something to Sully. Who knew I'd be out the door in less than five minutes? Probably everyone in that club, except for me, but I don't regret it. I needed that closure, even if my heart is now in pieces.

My app says there's an Uber around the corner, so I order it, and wait. The guy who drives up in the Mercedes is handsome, and flirty, but I just give him a polite smile as I climb in back, and call Matt.

"Are you at the club?"

"I just left. It's over. He wants this life, without me in it."

"Shit. Have the driver take you back to the apartment to get some rest."

"He's having dinner, so I grabbed an Uber to take me back."

"Please tell me you're joking."

"No. Why?"

"Most Ubers are safe, but some aren't, especially in Europe. Human Traffickers use them. You are a beautiful woman, Beckham, just the type they look for."

"Oh, I'm sure it's fine."

"It may be, but I still would like you to get out of that car. Can you do that for me?"

"Okay," I say meeting the driver's eyes in the rearview mirror, and returning his smile, which now looks a little off. I could be imagining it, because Matt has me freaked out, but maybe I'm not.

"Tell the driver you want to get off at the next street, and pretend to hang up."

"I will. Bye."

I hit a random button on the phone, and smile again. "A friend is actually going to meet me up at the next street, so you can just drop me here."

"No."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm going to take you to a party."

"Drop me off here."

He just laughs, and I see him move his hand towards the automatic locks. I do what I have to do, opening my door before he can lock it. He's yelling at me as I unbuckle my seatbelt, and tumble out onto the street. My head hits the ground, and everything goes black.

Sully

My phone starts going off, but when I see it's Matt, I ignore it. Until he calls back every few seconds, and I finally answer, just to get him to leave me alone.

"What do you want from me?"

"A lot, but that can wait. Beckham's hurt."

"No!" God no. Please no. I sent her away, and something happened to her.

I hear the anger in his voice when he responds. "You think I'd lie about something like this?"

"How?" I ask, pushing the women off me again, and signaling the waitress for my check.

"She got in a bad Uber, and had to jump out. Bystanders called her an ambulance when she hit her head on the curb, and was knocked unconscious. They're with her now, but you're going to go to her, and make sure she's safe. Her driver is on the way, but I swear to God, if you are not there as fast as humanly possible, I am going to be done with you for good."

"Of course, I'll be there," I agree, signing the check and bolting out to my bike. I switch the Bluetooth in my helmet on, and take off. "Where is she?"

He gives me the coordinates, and asks me to call him when I've got Beckham back to the apartment. He sounds unsure, and I hate that. I hate it more than almost anything, because he should never doubt I'd take care of her. No one should ever doubt that, but I've made it happen. Never again.

Beckham is sitting in the back of an ambulance when I arrive. There's a bandage on her temple, but she looks okay. If she wasn't, I don't know what I'd do. I push past the people all around her.

"Beckham!"

She looks up at me in surprise. "I can't believe Matt called you."

"Of course, he called me."

"We broke up, Sully."

"You sent yourself that text."

"You wouldn't have written it if you didn't mean it. Just because I got a little hurt, it doesn't change anything."

"No, I still love you." I admit it to her, because I know it's true.

"Don't say that. You're freaked out about me, but you don't mean it."

"I do mean it."

"I'm sorry, but I don't believe you."

I deserve that. It doesn't mean her words aren't ripping me open right now, but I put that doubt in her mind. It's on me to prove her wrong, and I will.

Beckham

My driver is here now, but Sully won't leave. When the paramedic says I have a mild concussion, and have to be woken up every two hours, he says he'll stay with me. I don't want him to stay with me, but at the same time I do. He said he loves me, and I think he believes he does right now, but what happens when I'm better? When his guilt is gone, and he goes back to the clubs—and the other women. No, I can't allow myself to believe he loves me.

"The driver is going to wait with you at the apartment until I'm back. I'll pick up your prescription, but is there anything else you need?"

Yes, but I don't want to tell him. I know I have to, but I don't want to after her sent me away. "Food. I couldn't eat on the plane this morning, because the sun was up already."

His eyes go wide. "You're still observing?"

"Yes."

"What do you want? Whatever it is, I'll find it."

"Anything but snails, fish eggs, or frog legs. You know what I like."

"I do. I'll see you soon."

He kisses me on the top of the head, and I shamelessly lean into him a little. He smells so good, and I'm so tired. I just want to eat and sleep. Maybe sleep first, but either is fine right now.

Back at the apartment, there are guards who weren't here earlier. The Uber guy had my address, and came by already, trying to get in. Matt told me he's 'been dealt with', but he isn't taking any chances. I'm not complaining, because I don't want to ever see that guy—or anyone associated with him—again. If I hadn't called Matt, I could be in a sex dungeon somewhere right now. Or worse. I don't know what's worse, but I'm sure there's something.

That thought alone has me stripping out of my clothes, and taking a hot shower. The water is almost scalding, but I feel like I escaped something most people can't even fathom. I was stupid, because I was hurt. I've got to start letting my head be in charge, and ignore my heart. That damn muscle only hurts me.

When I come out, wrapped in a fluffy robe, Sully has a mini-feast laid out on the coffee table. Pizza, pasta, garlic bread, and two kinds of cheesecake are waiting for me.

"Do you need your medicine? The pharmacist said you should eat with it. Is the food okay? Should I get you something else? How was your shower? Do you want to lie down? I can bring the food to you."

I place my hand over his mouth. "The food is perfect, I'll be fine sitting on the couch, the shower was okay, and I'll take the medicine in a few minutes."

He nods, and steps away from me. "Will you be okay if I go shower? I'll only be a few minutes."

"Yes, I'll be fine."

I make myself a plate with a little of everything, and settle in to eat. Sully is back before I've gotten to the cheesecake, and he looks at the food like it's a snake that's going to bite him.

"Eat," I tell him.

"I'll eat later. I stay up all night, anyway."

"I'm going to sightsee tomorrow, since Matt wants me to wait a day to fly, so I won't be here to bother you when you sleep."

"Would you like some company?"

Yes. No. "Maybe."

"I need to call Matt, and take care of a few things. Just leave the food, and I'll put it away."

"Thank you for taking care of me."

"Always."

I finish my food, then slide into the bed in the master bedroom. The pillows smell like Sully, and I'm not ashamed to say, I hold one close to me, as I close my eyes.

Sully wakes me up every couple of hours, and when it's close to sunrise, he has a tray with him. "Are those fresh croissants?"

"Yes."

"How did you find them so early?"

"There are bakeries serving the Muslim community during the holy month. I know you want to experience Paris, and part of that is croissants, and pan au chocolat."

"You didn't have to go out and get them for me."

"Everything I do for you, I do because I want to."

Damn him, and his sweet, hidden heart. "Thank you."

There are also eggs, and potatoes for me. I scarf down what I can, as Sully eats from a plate by the window. He's not pushing me, and not forcing himself on me, and my heart is starting to fight my brain for dominance.

I fall asleep after I eat, and the sun is out when I wake up again. Sully is standing at one of the windows, looking like he's trying to figure out what to do, and I want to go to him. His white shirt is unbuttoned, giving a glimpse of the light smattering of hair over his pecs. Stubble is scattered over his jaw, and his hair is beautifully mussed.

"Have you slept at all?"

"No," he tells me, still looking outside.

"Oh, I was hoping you'd join me today, but you need your rest."

"I need to be with you more than I will ever need sleep."

"Come nap at least."

"With you?"

"Just for a couple of hours, yes."

He pulls his shirt off, drops his pants, and sets his watch on the nightstand, before climbing into the bed. I take his hand in mine, and close my eyes. I'm not ready to give my body to him completely, but he has my heart. It's his, whether I want it to be, or not.

# Chapter 12

Sully

I haven't done the tourist thing in years, but I'll do anything for Beckham, including angling for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa. The Louvre is nice, but after, I insist on taking her to the Orsay, the Orangerie, and finally, the Rodin.

"These doors are magnificent," she says, looking at Heaven and Hell as interpreted by the master sculptor.

"They are," I agree.

"Thank you for bringing me here."

"You're welcome. I had ulterior motives, though."

"Such as?"

"I was hoping you'd recreate 'The Kiss' sculpture with me."

I'm half-joking, but she grabs my hand, and leads me back inside. There are a few people photographing the famous piece, and she asks one to take our picture. She places her arm around me, and I lean over her as I touch my mouth to hers for the photo.

Yep, that's the only reason I'm kissing her. For a picture, and nothing else. Liar of the Year, right here.

"Merci," she says, standing up again, and taking her phone back from the other tourist.

"Thank you for that," I tell her.

"Kissing you isn't a hardship, Sully."

"Good to know."

I spend way too much on a small replica statue in the gift shop, but having a memento of the first time she let me kiss her again is priceless. We walk the streets after leaving, ending up near a Lauduree outlet. The joy on her face as I tell her to choose whatever she'd like, is mesmerizing. After biting her lip in thought, we leave with their largest box of macarons, all ready for us to try after the sun goes down.

We walk the Seine until dark, grabbing a snack and drink from a creperie cart about to close. I have been saying my prayers at the designated times, with Beckham standing by me like a bodyguard. I've wanted to kiss her so many times, but I know I can't. The museum kiss was a gift, and I'll wait for her to give me another one.

I realize we are near a mosque, and ask her if she minds me going in for evening prayer. "Of course not. I would go with you, if I knew what to do."

"I will teach you, and take you when we're back home. If you'd like."

"I'd like." She leans up to kiss my jaw, then sends me on my way.

When I come out later, I find her staring at the Tower. "Do you want to walk over after we get dinner somewhere?"

"If you don't mind."

"I don't. Thank you for waiting for me."

"You're welcome."

We grab some seafood at a small café, then walk hand in hand to the most famous monument in Paris. It's sparkling, and even as jaded as I normally am, I can admit it looks magical. Maybe it's the woman I'm with, but everything about this city seems magical, and I don't want our time here to end yet.

"How would you feel about spending a couple more days here?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"You haven't seen Notre Dame, the Arc, or the Catacombs. The Jardins du Luxembourg shouldn't be missed, nor the little shops all over the city. I want to plan a surprise for the next day too, if you're game for staying."

"I'm game. It all sounds perfect. Especially if I'm with you."

"I meant it when I told you I love you, Beckham. Not because you were hurt, or even because you came here to remind me of the life I want to live. I love you because you're you. The woman who puts me in my place, kisses me like I'm the answer to her prayers, and fights for me, because she thinks I'm worth it."

"Kiss me, Sully. Please."

I don't hesitate to pull her into my arms, and take her mouth as mine. It's a sweet kiss, because this moment demands care, and not lust. She hasn't specifically said she loves me back yet, she said it in general terms last night, I feel it in her embrace, and I let it envelope us both in the moment.

"We can come back here tomorrow night, and I'll kiss you again. Down here, or up there."

"The line is so long to go up."

"I know people."

"Okay. I'd like to be kissed again up there. By you."

"Only here?"

"No, but only kissing."

"I can live with that." I can live with anything she's willing to give me, because I'm damn lucky to have anything from her right now.

Beckham

Sully was right, and I'm so glad I didn't leave after one day, and miss all of this. We did everything he suggested, and more. The kiss at the highest point we could go to on the Eiffel Tower was spectacular, but just holding his hand as we walked the streets, and climbed all the steps was even better. Even being underground in the Catacombs with him was romantic. It was like nothing ever happened, although a nagging part of my brain keeps reminding me it did. It's why I can't do more than kiss him.

Right now, we're on an early morning train out of the city. He won't tell me where we're going, and even blindfolded me before we boarded. It's romantic, and sweet, but I want to know.

"We're here," he says, just as the overhead announcement mentions Disneyland.

"No way!"

I told him once that I'd never been to any Disney park, because we couldn't afford it when I was growing up. He said he'd take me to Disneyland sometime, but I didn't expect it to be this one.

"Surprise."

"This—thank you!"

I practically pull him outside, as he laughs. We have to take shuttles, and when he has us get off in front of the Disneyland Hotel, I'm practically jumping out of my skin with excitement. We check-in, leave our bags, and walk over to the main park.

We spend all day riding rides, and promising each other we'll come back for various snacks when the sun goes down. Before that happens, we return to the hotel, dropping off our packages, and changing into fresh clothes. Sully says his prayers, and we head out again.

He surprises me with dinner at the Ratatouille-themed restaurant, which is really good. Despite—or maybe, because of—the giant plates, utensils, and champagne corks, it's romantic, as well as fun. Who am I kidding? Any place with Sully is romantic.

After filling ourselves up, we go back and find the snacks we couldn't eat during the day, because it's still a little early, and we can share them all night.

"This is the best date I've ever had," I admit, when he surprises me with Minnie ears that light up, and a stuffed Remy to remember our dinner by.

"Me too. We have one more surprise for tonight."

"I don't know if I can handle more."

"You can."

He leads me back to the Village area of the resort, and over to the lake. I throw my arms around him when I realize we're going up in the hot air balloon ride over the lake. He hugs me back, and tells me he's going to kiss me to the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower again.

The ride is short, but it's spectacular, especially when we see the Tower, and Sully gives me my promised kiss. Fireworks go off as I snuggle into him, and when it's over, I lead him back to our room. Tonight, we'll talk and cuddle, but tomorrow, I'm going to give him more. I believe almost everything he's told me, and I can't wait to be with him again in every way. I can't trust that he loves me, but I know he cares, and that's enough.

Sully

We're going home today, and I'm afraid the progress I've made in proving my love to Beckham is going to disappear. I've done all I could do over the last few days, but I hurt her, and you don't just recover from that so soon. All I can hope for is that she'll let me keep showing her how much she means to me.

I've made some decisions about myself, too. No longer will I hide who I am. Yes, I pray at work and I've never denied my faith, but I've kept quiet sometimes. At work I'm protected, and everywhere else, I just threw around money to distract people from my praying. It's time for me to embrace my past, and live in the present. I'm going to surround myself with others who will support me, and not merely tolerate me because I buy their beer.

"You look like you're trying to figure something out over there."

I look across the table to Beckham, who's curled up in her seat on the plane. "I have a bunch of things to figure out."

"Your job's waiting for you, if you're wondering about that."

"Matt told me. I know he's pissed, but he said I still have a job."

"So, what's got you worried?"

"You."

"Me?"

"We haven't talked about what's going to happen with us."

"Well, if we get any sundown on this plane, I was hoping to join the Mile-High Club."

She says it so matter-of-factly, like it's not the big fucking deal it really is. "You want to be with me again—like that?"

I watch her as she gets up, helping her swivel my chair around when she pushes on it. She climbs onto my lap, and kisses me like she's missed me. "Yes."

"It'll be dark in a few hours."

"Think we can figure out a way to keep busy until then?"

"Yeah. I'm going to go nap in one bedroom, while you nap in the other."

She pulls back, and her mouth drops open. "Are you kidding?"

"No. You know I can't orgasm during the daylight hours, Beautiful. If we make out, I'm going to come in my jeans. I'm close right now, in fact. Very close."

"Oh," she says climbing off me. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry, just take a nap, so when the sun goes down outside, you can set me on fire again."

"See you soon," she says, walking into the larger room.

I think about every gross thing I can to make my dick deflate. I can't take care of myself, and I can't sleep like this. It takes ten minutes, but he finally gets the hint, and I make my way to the other bedroom. Forcing myself to forget what's going to happen in a few hours isn't easy, but I do it, because I need some rest before the sun sets.

# Chapter 13

Beckham

I've never thought of myself as a femme fatale, or even as particularly sexy, but I know I turn Sully on. We were insatiable when we were together before, and there's no reason we won't be again. Sex was never a problem with us.

Until now. The sun went down outside my bedroom window almost thirty minutes ago, and he hasn't come for me yet. I could go to him, but I'm naked. Naked, and waiting.

I wait, and I wait, knowing the sun will be coming up again as we switch time zones. Now, it's my pride stopping me from searching him out, and not my nakedness. But, fuck my pride; I need to know what's going on.

I throw some panties and my t-shirt on, knowing the flight attendants won't be hanging around unless we need them. When I get to the other bedroom, I don't bother knocking.

Sully is praying, as he kneels on the floor, facing the window. I want to watch, but I don't want to be disrespectful, so I leave. He must've overslept, and now I feel as though we need to be doing something else. Not what I planned, but something to transition into it.

Eating. Yes, we need to eat. I put the rest of my clothes on, and call over to ask for our dinner. I'm getting everything set up when he comes out to join me.

"You didn't need to leave my room."

"I felt like I was intruding."

"Never," he says, putting his arms around me from behind. "I'm not ashamed of my prayers, especially with you."

"You shouldn't be ashamed with anyone, because faith is a beautiful thing."

"It is."

"Are you ready to eat?"

"Yes, because it's been far too long."

"It's been less time than usual."

"For my fast, yes, but that is ruled by where I am, and not actual time. It is you I have waited so long for, my love."

There he goes again, saying he's in love with me. I feel guilty for not saying it back, but I can't. He traveled across an ocean to get away from me, and I can't just forget about that. My body—and my heart—want me to, but my mind is still in charge at the moment.

"We have a couple hours of darkness left."

"Plenty of time for dinner, and more dinner."

"I'm not sure I like you referring to me as 'dinner'."

"It's a compliment, I assure you."

"I guess you'll just have to show me."

"I guess so."

We eat our dinner at a pace that isn't quite frenzied, but it's faster than normal for us. We're hungrier for each other than we are for the meal, but we know we need it. No words are spoken, even after we finish; we simply walk into the bedroom I used for my nap.

"If I had woken up earlier, what would I have found in the room?" he asks, pulling my top off.

"Me, naked, and waiting."

"Show me."

"Why?"

"I need a reminder of why I should always set an alarm."

"Finish taking my clothes off, and I'll give you that reminder."

He kisses me hard, as his hands slide into my panties, and push them down. "So sexy."

I blush at his compliment, and back up, until my knees hit the bed. His eyes are dark now, looking like twin flames as he drinks me in, and making me burn even hotter for him. I lounge on the pillows like I did earlier, spreading my legs wide open. Sully licks his lips, as he pulls off his shirt in that sexy way guys do, and slides his lounge pants down his legs.

"If I can see you like this every day of my life, I will die happy."

"Maybe every other day, but only if you stop looking and get your sexy ass over here."

"You think my ass is sexy, Beckham?" he asks, putting some extra swagger into his steps as he walks over to me. His cock is proudly saluting me, and I need it now.

"I think _you're_ an ass."

He laughs, before dipping his head, and showing me how nice he actually can be. So very nice. Our lovemaking—sex—is nothing crazy, or out of the ordinary. I ride him slowly, until we can't take it any longer. When he takes over, thrusting into me erratically, we both come hard. It's normal, and wonderful, and makes me believe that maybe, just maybe, this really is love.

Sully

I'm not looking forward to facing Matt. I know I've got my job, but he sent Beckham to me for a reason. It's his respect I'm afraid I've lost. Again.

"Hey," I say when he opens his door to me.

"Come on in."

I look around, but I don't see Reina or the baby. That doesn't really mean anything since this place is so huge. I don't mind if Reina sees me groveling, but I'd rather it just be the two of us.

"Are we alone?"

"Why? Are you scared I might shoot you?"

"I wasn't until you mentioned it."

He laughs. "We're alone."

"I'm sorry, Matt. I shouldn't have left."

"No, I don't believe you should've, but everyone has to find their way somehow."

"You sent Beckham to me."

"Nev sent her."

"With your help."

He sits down on the couch, and gestures for me to do the same. "You were falling into habits that were harmful for you in the past, and were threatening your future."

"I know you couldn't hold me C&C job forever."

"The hell I couldn't! I'm not talking about work. Beckham is what you need, and she needs you too. The more pictures you took with women on your lap, the more you hurt her. If you can honestly tell me you'd rather lose her than face who you truly are, then I'll send you back. Pay your bills, and turn a blind eye again. I want you to be happy."

"She makes me happy, and I don't want to leave. I'm ready to truly embrace my faith—and who I am."

"Who you are isn't defined by your faith."

"I think it might be."

"Tread carefully, Sully. I have nothing against religion or faith, but when one loses themselves in theirs, it becomes hard for those around them."

"My casual faith hasn't helped me."

"Your faith has never been casual. You may not adhere to the no drinking aspect, but you are at a mosque every Friday, you pray every day, and you observe your holidays. Those things aren't casual."

"I appreciate your concern, but I have to do this my way."

He doesn't understand. He understands more than most, but he's not me. He's not _us._

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes," I tell him, getting up. I turn back to him when I reach the door. "I hope you know how much I appreciate all you've done for me. I know things are rough with my father right now, and I never want you to think I'm taking his side, because I'm talking to him."

"I know you're not, and I know you appreciate everything. I've always known that, even when you were acting like an entitled brat."

"I will not be acting that way again."

He nods, because he believes in me. Not because he understands the change I am going to enact in myself. I am going to embrace my entire faith, but especial Zakat. I will aid those in need, and give all I can to charity. It is the very least I can do.

I have more than I will ever need, and it's time to give back. I know of an organization in Las Vegas that strives to bring people together, while helping those in the most need. I will reach out to them tomorrow, and see what I can do. Nev probably knows of them already, but this is something I must do on my own. The research, and the work itself, will be all me.

Knowing I will no longer be hiding my faith, or trying to buy my way out of the stigma of it is a glorious feeling. A weight has been lifted off me, and I never want it back again. I am finally on the right path.

# Chapter 14

Beckham

I could say things are back to "normal", but it's not true. Sure, we've gone back to our regular roles, but nothing is the same. Sully doesn't glare when Val preens for him, or stop Hannah from touching him like he did before. It's not that he's necessarily welcoming it, or encouraging it, but he's letting it happen. It's only been a day, but it's one day too long for my liking.

"Ready for lunch?" Brad asks, stopping by my desk.

I want to tell him to go away, but there's no reason we can't ride in the elevator together. Sully is already downstairs, praying, but he said he'll meet me in the hall, so we can hang out.

"Yes."

Val joins us, which gives me a chance to zone out while they chat. I've never been one for small talk, and now is no different. Well, it's a little different. My patience is wearing thinner by the minute.

"You coming?" Brad asks, when I don't follow them into the cafeteria.

"No."

I turn, and walk to the door leading from the patio to the hall. Matt had it put in so no one praying during Ramadan would have to go in or out of the cafeteria. I wait for Sully, and then I wait some more, smiling at people passing me with curious looks.

When I've passed the half-hour mark, I open the door. I don't want to interrupt prayers, but they've never gone on this long. Peeking out, I see an empty patio. Where is everyone?

"They left about 40 minutes ago."

I turn to Theo, the head of security, whose wife, Kali, is part of the Society. "Oh."

"Sully didn't tell you?"

"No."

"I don't think I should apologize, because I didn't do anything wrong, but I feel like I should," he says, rubbing his hand across his beard.

"You shouldn't. I'll just go back to work."

"Yeah. Okay. Me too."

I don't want to go back upstairs yet, but I said I would, and I'm pretty sure Theo's going to be watching because he's worried. I call the elevator, but when it opens, my heart lurches. A large part of the prayer group is inside, and most of the women are around Sully. It's almost full, but there's space for me.

"Maybe you should just wait for the next one," one of the men says, placing his hand across the entrance.

I look to Sully, but he's smiling at one the women. I merely nod, and step back. I don't call for another one, though, because I'm trying hard not to cry. I knew he didn't love me, but I can't be sorry for bringing him back. He belongs here, but maybe I don't.

I take the stairs, completely out of breath after climbing fifteen floors, but no longer crying. My tears stopped a few floors ago.

"I'm back, Alma," I tell her, with the brightest smile I can muster.

She looks at me like I'm nuts. I probably am, but I just smile brighter, embracing it.

"I can see that. See you later."

She scurries away, like I might do something to her. I'll try to mend things with her later, but that's not my biggest issue. Oh no, he's back there somewhere, politely answering Hannah's questions. Later, he's going to have to answer mine.

I'm too busy over the next two hours to dwell on what happened, but when Matt returns to the office from his meetings, he stops at my desk. "Please call Alma to the front, so I can speak to you."

I do as he asks, before walking with him to his office. Eyes are on us, some jealous and some smug. Sully simply looks surprised to see me, like he didn't know I was alive. I know I'm not in trouble, so I ignore them all.

"I know what happened today, Beckham, and I am sorry for it."

Of course, Theo told him. "Just as it's not Theo's fault, it isn't yours, either."

"Theo didn't help send you to bring Sully back here," he reminds me, running his hands through his hair. "I cannot believe the way he treated you. You know those women in the elevator mean nothing to him, right?"

"No, I don't. If they looked like me, or were eating in the cafeteria, I wouldn't have anything to worry about." It's something I haven't admitted to myself until now, but I know it's the truth. _My_ truth.

"He's immersing himself fully in his culture for the first time."

I shake my head. "His culture is what he's grown up with, and how he's lived. He's embracing what he feels he lost out on by living the way he has, and I'm not sure where that leaves me. I want to support him, but I'm scared, Matt. Scared he's going to leave me behind again."

He looks away, because he can't guarantee that won't happen. I don't expect him to, but I've come to understand Matt in a way the public doesn't. His need to protect those he's allowed into his circle isn't simply a responsibility for him; it's his most important mission in life.

"I can't promise that."

"And it kills you. I know. If I could just have your assurance of a good reference letter when the time comes, I'd appreciate it."

"What? Your job here has nothing to do with Sully!"

"It has everything to do with Sully," I remind him. "I know you won't fire me, or kick me out of my apartment, but I couldn't be this close to him if he chooses to set me aside again."

"If it comes to that, I will find you another place in this company. We have offices all over the world, and you can have your choice."

"Thank you."

He hugs me before I go, and reminds me to call him if I need anything, even just to talk. I walk out with a smile on my face, freaking everyone out a little more. It's time for a break, so I walk across the floor to the enclosed patio, and sit down, looking over the city.

"Is everything okay?" Sully asks, taking the chair next to me.

"No."

"Matt didn't complain about you, did he?"

"He offered me a job anywhere in the world I want to go."

"Go? You're leaving?"

Sully

Beckham can't leave. She flew around the world to bring me back, so why would she be talking about leaving. This can't be right.

"I hope not."

"What does that even mean?"

"How was your lunch hour?"

Oh. I sit back, and blow out a long breath. "I totally got caught up. I'm so sorry. If I'd seen you, I'd have invited you along."

"You were too busy seeing the women around you in the elevator."

"What?"

"One of your friends told me I couldn't join your group in the elevator."

My eyes go wide, because I remember Ahmet telling someone that, but I didn't know it was her. Muska was telling me about her family's journey here, and I was giving her my full attention. That is all. She is vapid, and condescending, nothing like the woman I love, but I want to know about everyone, and I ignored what was happening in front of me.

"I will make sure that never happens again."

She shrugs, and it hurts me, knowing I hurt her. "It's not a big deal."

"It was big enough for Matt to call you into his office."

"Theo told him."

She's letting me know she wasn't tattling about me, but she doesn't need to. "I wasn't accusing you of anything."

"Okay. I need to get back to work."

"I'll see you at home."

"Yeah, see you later."

This is all harder than I thought it would be. I expected to have Beckham at my side as I explored the part of me I've kept hidden. I expected it, but I'm not living it. I'm going to have to do better.

As I walk back inside, I receive a text, inviting me to join a group for dinner. I RSVP for two, letting everyone know I have a girlfriend. The guys respond with jokes about stealing her from me, while the women ask what mosque she attends. I ignore them all, feeling a little unsettled. Maybe this isn't such a good idea, but I'm going to make it work.

I keep thinking it as we enter Baladie Café after sundown. It's "halal", meaning all meat is prepared according to Muslim law. This is something I've never worried about, or sought out in restaurants, but I appreciate it now.

Beckham walks comfortably next to me, with her hand in mine. I know she's not ashamed to be with me, but it still makes me happy to have her embracing what I've chosen to do.

"I'd like the Chicken Kabob, and the Get-Away Smoothie," she tells the man at the counter. I order the Lamb and Beef Gyros, Hummus with pita, and The Tropic Like It's Hot drink, then lead us to our table.

All conversation stops when I hold out Beckham's chair, and place a kiss on her temple as I take my own seat. "Everyone, this is my girlfriend, Beckham."

"I wasn't aware," Ahmet says, looking her in the eye.

"It shouldn't have mattered," she tells him, holding the eye contact.

I won't interfere, because she's right, and she can hold her own. Ahmet nods. "You're right."

"We're all a little hungry after not eating for most of the day, so excuse us if we inhale our food when it's ready," Omar tells her.

"As long as you don't hold it against me, either."

"You are fasting?" Muska asks, looking her over like she's beneath her. I _will_ intervene if this goes much farther.

"Yes."

"Do you also pretend to pray with him?"

"I would not pretend if I was praying with Sully. Or, anyone else."

"Perhaps we should take our food to go," I say, wanting to remove Beckham from this situation I've placed her in.

"No," Jana tells me. "Please stay."

I look to Beckham, and she nods. My woman isn't one to back down from a challenge, or give up. I know she's here for me, and it's everything.

For the rest of the dinner, everyone is friendly to Beckham, making sure she feels accepted. Well, almost everyone. Muska still asks her questions about having a boy's name, why she's really with me, and other inane things. Jana scolds her, but she's not deterred. Beckham's smile gets tighter, but she doesn't lash out, because she's better than that.

"That was fun," she tells me as I open the car door for her.

"No, it was unacceptable. You didn't deserve that, and I am so sorry."

"You did nothing wrong tonight. Let's just go home, and cuddle."

"Only cuddle?"

"Tonight, yeah."

I lean down to kiss her, because I need to. I wanted more than cuddling tonight, but I always want more. And I will always accept less. Today was pretty bad, and I'm lucky to be in her bed at all.

# Chapter 15

Beckham

Today, the Eid celebrations began. Sully went to his Mosque this morning to break the fast, and we followed that with breakfast burritos from Roberto's before work. The cafeteria was decorated festively, and the food stations were heavily Middle Eastern, although there were still some burger and sandwich stations for those who didn't want to participate.

We sat at large tables in the middle of the room, with Nev, Matt, Reina, the entire Society, and Aqeelah. Sully's friends were nearby, although some didn't look happy when he passed by their table. Halfway through the meal, Dylan and Ellie's parents arrived. They flew in to celebrate with Nev. I wish my parents were here with Sully, but when I called them, they thought it best to stay home.

Tonight, we are going to a big celebration at Nev and Dylan's house. Stella found me a Middle Eastern inspired gown, because I didn't want to offend anyone by wearing something traditional. If it was just Nev and Sully's family, we'd be in the sarees or the beautiful shirt dresses over pants normally worn, but Sully invited his friends and their families. They barely tolerated me over the last two days, so I didn't want to push my luck by wearing something offensive.

My gown has lace straps, and a lace overlay over a satin top, leaving only lace from ribs to hips. The skirt is full, with sheer ice blue fabric, draping asymmetrically over lace, over satin. It's beautiful, and as I leave my hair in big curls, I feel beautiful as well.

"Anti jamila," Sully says when he sees me. "You are beautiful."

"Shukraan."

His eyes widen, and his smile is big. "Someone has been studying."

"I just asked Nev how to say a few words."

"You humble me. Every day, I am humbled by you."

"It's not intentional," I tell him.

"Which is why it happens. Thank you." He kisses me, then pulls back to look me over again. "We must go to the party, but I'd prefer to just celebrate at home."

I reach for a gift bag, and hand it to him. "You can have your gifts now."

"As can you," he says, picking up a bag from the hallway.

"You first."

He looks like a little kid at Christmas—and I guess this is the same for him—as he throws the tissue from the bag, and takes out the velvet jewelry box. Opening it, he smiles as he sees the traditional silver, linked bracelet inside. Nev told me about them, and I found one I thought he'd like.

"I love it."

"There's more."

He pulls out the special edition of the Quran I found online, and the rookie cards Dylan and Sierra's boyfriend, baseball player Joel Cruz, gave me. "I don't even know what to say."

"Thank you will do."

"Thank you. Open yours now."

I do, pulling out the biggest jewelry box first. Opening it, I find a gorgeous statement necklace. It's an elaborate choker, made up of silver and diamonds. Lots of silver and diamonds. I wish I could wear it right now, but it wouldn't look okay with my dress.

"I'm going to buy something to wear this with. It's beautiful."

"I don't care what you pair it with, but I'm planning on taking you out with that on."

"I can't wait."

Next, I pull out some beautiful, dangling silver earrings, which I can definitely wear with this dress. I swap out the simple ones I have in, and earn a lingering kiss for it. Finally, I pull out a first edition of my favorite book.

"Thank you for everything. I love it all."

"I'm glad," he says, pulling me back into his arms.

"We have to go."

"Later."

"Yes, later."

The party is in full swing when we arrive, and I love seeing everyone dressed up. Sully and I pass out the small gifts we brought for everyone we don't know well. They are bracelets with the word "Allah" on them in Arabic. Most of his friends have brought me little gifts as well. Earrings, bracelets, and from Jana, an English version of the Quran.

"Thank you so much."

"Will you read it?" Ahmet asks, seeming to challenge me.

"Yes, of course."

"Beckham bought me a beautiful special edition as one of my gifts," Sully tells them, pulling me in for a kiss.

"Sully, stop monopolizing Beckham!" Nev yells, making me laugh.

I look over to where she's sitting with their mother, Ellie, Reina, and Dylan and Ellie's mother. "I think I'm being summoned."

"It appears so. I'll come get you soon."

"Okay."

He kisses me again, wrapping his arms completely around me this time. It doesn't last long, because we're not interested in being called out again. Or, at least, I'm not.

"Eid Mubarak," I say, greeting the women as I join them. They greet me back, and I take the open seat they've saved for me.

"You look beautiful," Aqeelah tells me.

"Thank you. I love your saree. And you look gorgeous, Nev." Her shirt dress is a pale orange with gold embroidery. Gold bottoms complete her look, along with gold flats.

"I need to wear these more often," she says. "I always feel like I should be in a gown."

"I would totally wear something like that if I had to dress up."

"Why did you not?" Aqeelah asks me.

I can tell she really wants to know, so I tell her the truth. "I was afraid of insulting Sully's friends. Sometimes I think I offend them merely by breathing."

"Then, they are not truly his friends."

"He doesn't see it that way," I tell her, looking over to where he's laughing and joking with them.

"Stay strong, my dear. He's blinded by this quest of his, but he will see the truth."

I hope so. I am genuinely happy as I open my gift from Nev, a silver necklace with my name in Arabic. I put it on right away. Aqeelah's gift to me is a beautiful saree, made of shimmering dark blue fabric, with silver accents. It's beautiful, and modern, and I wish I could change right now.

"It's so gorgeous. I don't even know what to say."

"It's enough that you like it."

"I love it, and I can't wait to wear it. Thank you."

My other gifts that night pale in comparison, because I know it's more than just a physical gift; Aqeelah is accepting me as Sully's girlfriend. I want to know her, and I want to know why her husband isn't here, but I'll have to wait for my questions and answers. Tonight is about celebrating.

I soon find myself alone, when everyone else moves off to get food, or find their husbands and boyfriends. Looking around for Sully, I find him already eating with his friends. There is no seat for me at his table, and I realize his mother's approval is only important if we're together. That seems to shift hour by hour, and day by day. I don't know how to change that, or deal with it, but unless I walk away from him, I'll have to accept this as my life. Right now, that means grabbing some food, and finding a place away from everyone to eat it.

Sully

I'm hallway through my first plate of food when I look over to see the group of women is gone. Looking around, I see everyone except Beckham. It takes me another minute to realize there's no room for her at this table, and that we could've taken over a table with more room.

I stand up, because I need to make sure she's still here. "Where are you going?" Muska asks, placing her hand on my arm.

"I need to find Beckham."

"Why must you run after her? She could join you here."

"Where? Where is there a seat for her?"

Omar is the one to answer. "We should've made a spot for her. I am sorry, Sully."

"As am I."

Making my way through the large backyard, I see her nowhere. I poke my head into the pool house, despite the bad memories it contains, but she isn't there either. When I finally find her sitting on the basketball court downstairs, I sigh in relief. Until I look at her before me.

Beckham looks defeated, the plate next to her still full of meat, rice, and pita bread. She doesn't even react when I sit next to her, picking up her food. I'm allowed to feed her, and I watch her chew and swallow like my life depends on it.

"Talk to me, Beautiful."

"I didn't belong in your old life, and there's no place for me in the new one, either."

"Wherever I am, there is a place for you." It's the truth. One I haven't been good at showing her, but the truth nonetheless.

"I know you want to believe that, but it's not working out that way."

"I get caught up in talking to them, in being around people I don't have to hide from."

"I know, and it's why I'm trying so hard to support you. I'm trying not to feel slighted, or hurt, but I can't always be strong."

"You need to tell me when I'm wronging you. I will not see it as clingy, or interfering, I promise you that. I have been selfish for a very long time, and as hard as I try, I can't just change overnight. I become engrossed in a conversation, or a meal, and block out the world around me."

"If I have to tell you all the time, it'll mean nothing."

I'm not explaining this very well. "You won't have to tell me all the time, because I learn from my mistakes." She looks away, so I press her. "What?"

"It feels like you've replaced one group for another. Yes, this one is religious where the old one is debauched, but your behavior with them is similar."

"I have done that, because I need my faith. I go all in on everything I do. I won't apologize for that."

"I didn't ask you to."

Okay, I'm digging myself deeper. I take her face in my hands, and look her in the eyes. "Just give me a little time. I'll settle in to what I'm doing, and stop trying to impress everyone."

"You don't need to impress anyone, but yes, I'll give you time. I didn't fly to Paris, just to give you up so easily."

I pick up her plate, and standing, holding my hand out to her. "Let's celebrate. I want to show you off to everyone out there, because I am so damn lucky I have you."

"I'm lucky too. I know that, even if I seem ungrateful."

"I don't think you could ever be ungrateful, Beckham. You're human, and you deserve to be treated properly."

I make it my mission to do that for the rest of the day. I know I'm going to mess up, but I'm also going to be more mindful of how I treat this woman who has gone above and beyond for me. I dance with her, kiss her, and when she wants dessert, I take her over to that table with one seat, and pull her onto my lap as I feed her baklava, and cake.

I'm sure we're getting some looks, but as I told her, I tend to focus on only one person, or thing at a time, and right now, it's her. Beckham Williams has my heart, and I'll be damned if she doesn't know it.

# Chapter 16

Beckham

Things aren't better. It's been two weeks since the party at Nev's house, and everything's gotten worse. So much worse.

Tonight is the sixth time Sully has forgotten we had a date. That's on top of ignoring me every day at lunch. As asked, I told him the first time he stood me up, and as I expected, he apologized, and told me it wouldn't happen again. That's why I haven't said anything since, simply letting him into my bed when he comes home, but I can't do that tonight. Not after I saw on Facebook that he went to the movie we were supposed to see last week—with his friends, and not me.

I leave some of the food I made in his fridge, and lock my door. I crave the feel of him wrapped around me, the feel of him inside of me, and the love he shows me in his kisses, but I don't deserve this.

I'm not asleep when my doorbell rings, followed by my phone, but I don't answer either. I delete the voicemails, and stare at the front door from my place on the couch. I have to be strong this time.

When I see Nev's name lighting up my phone, I take her call. "Hey, Nev."

"My brother asked me to make sure you're okay."

"I'll live."

"What did he do now?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"I love him, but you know I'm aware of his faults. I'm also here anytime you need to talk."

"Thanks."

I can't sit still, knowing he's next door. Since it's not a work day tomorrow, I can take a long walk, and sleep in late. Sliding on my shoes, I creep like a burglar out of my apartment, and into the elevator. Sully opens his door, but he's too late, because the doors are already closing, and they don't stop as he runs toward me, calling my name.

I pick a direction when I'm downstairs, not caring where I go, as long as I'm not found yet. I stay in the shadows until I reach Downtown Summerlin, where I blend in to the crowd, and decide to see that movie on my own.

After getting nachos, a hot dog, and popcorn, I find my reserved seat. The Middle Eastern man next to me looks familiar, but it's probably just me projecting. Once I'm settled, he speaks to me, and I know it's not a coincidence.

"You are too different."

"Excuse me."

"My son needs someone who understands him. Someone like these women."

He's Sully's father? Shit. I should get up, and walk away, but when he pulls out his phone, I look at it, like the masochist I am.

The pictures are of Sully with Muska, and sometimes Lian, one of the other women from work. He's laughing with them while eating, sharing popcorn with them at the movies, and hugging them outside his Mosque. All would be harmless, if we were in a good place right now. As we're not, they make me jealous and petty.

"He comes home to me every night."

"To sleep with you. My son only wants sex from you, Miss Williams. I do not blame him for that."

I visibly recoil, because ew. I am not into older men, especially the father of someone I'm sleeping with. "Why are you here?"

"To tell you what I said already; you are too different."

I suddenly don't want to see this movie, or be in this place. I need to go home, and do what needs to be done. What I should've done before. I can't go on like this any longer.

After catching an Uber home, I find Sully sitting on the floor outside my door. He jumps to his feet, and comes towards me, reaching for me.

"No. Don't touch me."

"I know I forgot our date tonight, and I'm sorry. I got caught up."

"Six."

"Six what?"

"You've stood me up six times in the past two weeks."

He shakes his head. "No."

"Yes, and to top it all off, according to Facebook, you went to our movie date with other women tonight."

"I was with a group."

"And that makes it better?"

"No. Not at all. You were supposed to tell me when I fucked up."

I punch him hard, shocking the hell out of both of us. "I told you the first time, and you promised me it wouldn't happen again. I've let you stand me up, and then come home to fuck me! If you can't remember we were going to see a specific movie, what am I supposed to do?"

"Beckham, I'm sorry," he says, wiping blood from his lip.

I know how to hit, because growing up, I had to. I don't feel any remorse for splitting his lip, because he deserves that, and so much more.

"Do you know what emotional cheating is?"

"I have not cheated on you."

"The pictures I saw didn't look that way."

"Pictures? Who is showing you pictures of me?"

"It doesn't matter."

"The fuck it doesn't!"

"We're just too different, Sully. I've given you the time you asked for, and you've used me as your personal sex toy."

"That's not true."

I start to count on my fingers. "You don't eat with me at lunch, or even acknowledge me unless you need something work-related. You stand me up to see other people, and then come home to fuck me. You're still denying you did anything wrong."

"No, I know I'm wrong here, but you're the one who's giving up."

"How much am I supposed to take?"

"As much as it takes for us to get past this."

"Like you did, when you left me and ran to Paris?"

"That's not fair."

"No, it isn't. Goodbye, Sully."

I push past him, and he lets me. He doesn't turn to me when I open my door, and leave him in the hallway, and he doesn't try to call me back to him. He knows the truth as well as I do—he never loved me. I was right to trust my head instead of my heart, and now we both know it.

Sully

This time, I don't call my sister, and ask her to help me escape. No, this time, I gather my pain, and hold it close to me. I did this, and I have to fix it on my own.

When I came home to Beckham's door locked, I went a little crazy, thinking she was out with someone else, and knowing if she was, I'd driven her there. I knew I shouldn't have gone to that movie, because I remembered standing her up as I bought my ticket. I still forgot the other times, because I was purposely blocking them out. If it was just a couple of times, I could justify my behavior.

Opening my refrigerator, and seeing the plate of food she left with the note on it reminding me I'd forgotten her again—I can't even explain how I felt. How much I hated myself for what I've done. I asked her to give me yet another chance, and she did. She gave me a fucking chance, and I screwed it up. I took from her, and gave her nothing. Nothing but orgasms, which while amazing, don't make up for everything else.

I have to put a plan in motion, one that shows her how much she means to me. It's not going to be easy, but I'm not going to lose her for good. I _can't_. Nev combines her faith, the Society, and Dylan, without sacrificing any of them, giving me hope I can do better.

Monday morning seems to take forever to arrive, but when it does, I'm ready. I could start my wooing at home, but it wouldn't be what Beckham needs. She needs me to claim her, and value her, in public. I've claimed her in front of our friends—and my friends—but I've also disrespected her in front of them as well.

I get to work early, and leave the certificate I printed, along with the paperweight I picked up yesterday, on her desk. The note merely says "Ya Amar. You are my moon, but I named a star after you."

I wait down the hall, away from my desk, so I can watch her when she sees it. Even if she tells me later that she hates it, I'll know the truth, because I'm seeing her now. She picks up the note, the crystal star, and the certificate. Her smile is bright, and I give myself a mental fist pump. I don't hide when she looks my way, even when she shakes her head at me. We both know I saw that smile.

At lunch, I pray, then grab my food, and take it to her table. "May I sit with you?"

"This isn't going to change anything."

"I'd still like to sit with you."

"Suit yourself."

Omar comes over, as I'm taking my first bite. "We have two open seats at our table. You're welcome to join us."

"Not today, but thank you, my friend."

"Okay. It's nice to see you, Beckham."

"You too, Omar."

She smiles at him, and I hate him for a moment. Only a moment, because I know he's not interested in her, and I know she's not over me, no matter what she says. You can't just get over someone overnight—or over two weeks.

"I already told you this wasn't going to change anything, so you should go sit with your friends."

I shake my head. "I would like to sit with you on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Please. I will not pressure you, and you don't even need to talk to me if you don't want to, but I want to be here with you."

"Why?"

"I said many words to you, Beckham. Words I meant, despite my actions leading you to believe otherwise. It's time I let my actions speak for me."

She looks down at her food. "I can't believe you bought me a star."

"'Ala Rasi." _Anything for you._

"What does that mean? Never mind, I'll look it up."

I hide my smile behind my hand, but she still throws a fry at me. It's a definite start, I tell myself as I eat the fry, and steal another off her plate. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

I'm still smiling when we walk out of the cafeteria, but my smile drops when I see Ahmet, and another friend, Yasin, waiting for me. They have been the most vocal about me not continuing my relationship with Beckham, and I've told them it's none of their business more than once. Apparently, they still haven't gotten the message.

"I'll see you upstairs," she says to me.

"I'm coming with you."

"We need to talk," Ahmet tells me.

"We can talk later. Right now, I'm going back to work with Beckham."

He wants to challenge me, but the elevator arrives, and I board it with Beckham, blowing out a long breath.

"You could've stayed with them."

"Mondays are all yours, Beautiful."

"I can't see you outside of work. I just can't."

Not yet, but she will. I'm not giving up until she does. "Regardless, they're yours. Along with Wednesdays, Thursdays, most of Saturdays, and Sundays."

"Just most Saturdays?" she asks, as we step out.

"No. Most _of_ Saturdays. I'm going to put volunteer hours in on Saturday afternoons."

"Oh, your Zakat. That's great."

"Someone's been studying."

"I've had a lot of time to read the Quran Jana gave me over the past two weeks."

The phones are going crazy, so I can't say more to her, but I already told her this is going to be about more doing, and less telling. And, I know what I'm going to do. I've had many Christian friends over the years, but I never wanted to know what they believed, because I wasn't fully embracing my own faith. Now, I need to read the Bible, as she has read the Quran.

# Chapter 17

Beckham

He's trying so hard to wear me down, but I'm not budging. Some days, I feel bad about it, but I need to worry more about protecting myself than possibly hurting his feelings. Or should I? Do two weeks of romance, and respect, make up for two weeks of ignorance? How about the things he did before that were already forgiven? Do they even count, or is it time to let that all go, and try again?

All I know is that I'm not ready to give in so easily. I did it once already, and ended up in an even worse place. If it happens again, I don't know that I'd survive it.

Tonight, I agreed to meet Aqeelah and Nev for dinner. I'm expecting them to plead Sully's case, but I like them, and I didn't want to say no. As I'm not sure how formal to be, I keep on my work dress. It's grey, with a small collar at the neck, short sleeves, rucching from waist to hip, and a hemline that's not too far from my knees. I pull my hair back, and spray on some perfume, before heading downstairs to drive over to Nev's house.

"Hey," Dylan says, opening the door in a t-shirt and basketball shorts. It should be a sin to have a body like his, but I force myself to meet his eyes, and not his sculpted chest.

"Hi."

"They're in the kitchen. I'm going to make myself scarce, but make sure you say goodbye."

"I will."

I head towards the massive kitchen, my mouth watering as I get closer. Nev sees me first, and comes over to give me a hug, before Aqeelah does the same.

"Thank you for coming," she tells me, looking at me like my mother might, as she searches my face for something she won't find.

"I want to be friends with both of you, even though Sully and I are no longer together."

"You know we're going to talk about this, right?" Nev asks, cocking a hip against the island.

"I came for the food."

"We'll feed you, Becks, but we're also going to talk."

"I know."

We sit down for the meal, and I pile my plate with vermicelli, thinly sliced lamb, and pita bread. God, I love this food so much. They let me have a few bites before they start talking.

"I'm sorry we couldn't go to my house, but there are some complications with my husband."

He's creepy, and if I never have to see him again, I'll be happy. I don't tell her that, of course, but I'm totally thinking it.

"Complications? Really, Mama? The man blackmailed Dylan into trying to kidnap me, and you call that a complication?"

"What?"

"Sully has told you nothing?" Aqeelah asks me.

"No. I've asked, but not pushed, when he said he didn't want to talk about it."

"Why are men so stupid?" Nev asks, before looking at me. "I'm going to give you the Cliff Notes version, okay?"

"Sure."

"Matt thought he killed my father when he walked into the middle of a battle. As a result, he broke up with Reina, and moved my family to the U.S. He gave us everything we could want, and more. Despite our wealth, we were treated badly because of our religion, until those around us realized we could do things for them. My mother and I chose to keep to ourselves, but Sully was always an outgoing kid, and he started buying everything he could think of for everyone."

"Matt really gave him no limit?"

"No. He had so much guilt. Unfortunately, that guilt was misplaced. My father was never shot. He had been informing for the U.S., and was about to be exposed. He was brought to the U.S., and ended up living down the street from Dylan's family. He saved him from bullies one day, and Dylan promised to do anything for him. That 'anything' turned out to be me. My father decided I would be a perfect companion for him, because he missed his family, and wanted at least one of us by his side. It backfired brilliantly, and now only my mother and Sully speak to him."

Whoa. Just whoa. "But you and Dylan are together."

"It was Dylan's love for me that made him refuse to follow through."

"Your father is sorry," Aqeelah tells her.

"Is he? I think he'd do it all again if he could."

I agree with Nev. "He almost ruined so many lives. I'm not happy with my parents right now, but they'd never go that far with anything."

"You came here so we could talk about Sully," Aqeelah says, letting me know she wants to stop talking about her husband.

"There's nothing for me to talk about. We're just too different. Our cultures are too different."

"You fasted with him, you're here eating with us. You fit right in with all of us," Nev says.

"He has something to prove to himself, and everyone else, and that made him push me aside. Missed dinners, and other dates, ignoring me like I was some groupie he'd used up, and more."

"I've seen him with you at lunch most days."

"Yes, he's trying to win me back, and show me he can include us all in his life, but it's too late. I've been pushed aside twice by him, and I can't do it a third time."

"It's not a problem with culture. Different cultures can be combined. Sadiq and I did it. You know I'm from Guyana. My native language is English, although I also learned Urdu, because our country was very heavily Hindu. I loved learning languages, but I did not yet know Arabic when we met. I fell in love with him, married him, and moved to the Middle East, not knowing the language. I was embarrassed, and sometimes shunned. Sadiq refused to let me fail, because he loved me."

" _Loved_. Past tense."

"Enough, Mama," Aqeelah tells her, and my mouth drops open.

Nev waves her hand at me. "It's an Arab thing. I'm not her mother, although sometimes I feel like I am."

"Your father loves me in his own way."

"You were better off without him, and you'll never convince me differently. Matt, either. You and Sully can embrace him all you want, but he needs to stay away from the rest of us."

I feel like I need to tell them about Sadiq approaching me, but I don't want to watch them fight any longer. "This has all been enlightening, but it changes nothing. I can't trust Sully. I want to—you don't know how much I want to—but I can't."

"You can honestly say you'll be happy without my brother in your life?"

No, I can't. These past two weeks have been everything I'd wanted from him before. Well, not everything, because we're not having sex, or going on dates, but they've been great. Not having anything with him would be devastating. Maybe it's time to give him another chance, even if I'm afraid.

"I'll give him a chance."

Sully

Tonight's dinner at Matt and Reina's is for my family. Only my mother and I knew she was bringing my father, and it hasn't gone over well. We knew it wouldn't, but it has to be done. Yes, he fucked up big time, with Matt and Nev especially, but he can't change that. He's apologized, and practically begged for their forgiveness, and it's time for them to give it to him.

"We can't change what happened, but we can live together now."

"It's not so easy to forgive someone trying to kidnap you," Nev tells me.

"Or letting you take the blame for his death," Matt adds.

Dylan speaks up next. "Being blackmailed isn't exactly fun, either."

"I did many things wrong, but I don't regret them. I'm sorry I hurt all of you, but we are all alive, and that is what is most important," my father tells them.

"Is it? Is being alive enough? I was alive for ten years, but I wasn't living."

"You got what you always wanted, Matt. In the end, you are here with Reina."

"Only because I wouldn't follow your plans, Sadiq," Dylan tells him. "If I hadn't fallen in love with Nev, and put her before you, no one is this room would be okay."

"They would be fine," he says, and my blood begins to boil.

He thinks I'd be fine without my sister? "Fine? Without someone I love?"

"You are fine without that ridiculous girl you were infatuated with."

"Do not speak of Beckham like that. In fact, don't speak of her at all."

He is showing me the man Nev and Matt tried to tell me he is. He's showing me the ugliness I've refused to see before now. Even my mother looks horrified.

"She is too different from you."

No. He didn't. "What did you do?"

"Do?"

"You just used the same words she said to me. I'm going to ask you again—what did you do?"

He sighs, regarding me as if I'm a boy, and not a man. "I merely showed her some pictures she needed to see. She was already doubting you, and I merely helped her on her path of knowledge."

"Sadiq, no!" my mother says, and I hear the anguish in her voice.

"What pictures? Show me the pictures."

"I will not be spoken to like this."

"I will kill you, right here and now, if you don't show me those pictures. Is that how you wish to be spoken to?"

"You don't have it in you, Baba."

"For Beckham? Fuck yeah, I do." I pick up the steak knife next to my plate as I stand.

"Neveah, Matthew—do something," my mother wails, but they don't move from their seats.

The man who gave his seed so I could be born takes out his phone, finds what I want, and holds it out to me. My stomach turns as I flip through them, knowing how Beckham felt after seeing these pictures. I treated her like shit, and now some pictures taken at just the right angles made it seem as though I had interest in other women. I fall back into my seat, and throw the phone back at him.

"How could you? How could you show her those pictures, knowing what they looked like?"

"Those women in the pictures are better suited to you."

"Because they're Muslim? I should just marry any random woman I meet, and forget the Christian woman I love. Is that what you're telling me?"

"Yes."

"You are dead to me. Dead."

"Stop being so dramatic. She's just a fuck to you."

I leap across the table, only stopped by Matt and Dylan's hands on my arms. "He isn't worth it," Matt tells me.

"You need to leave, Sadiq. I do not care where you go, but you need to leave us, and never come back."

We all turn to look at my mother. Her eyes are like ice, and she is shaking with rage. None of us have ever seen her like this, and it takes the bastard before me a moment to speak.

"You don't mean that."

"I do. I took you back, because I believed you when you said you wanted to change, but what you have done to our son, and Beckham, shows me you haven't."

"I will have a team meet him at your house, Aqeelah, so that he takes nothing of yours," Reina tells her.

"Thank you."

"I can ruin you! I can tell the world the truth about what you do!"

Reina looks to my mother, who nods. "Do what you must, Reina."

"What? No! Aqeelah, no."

Security comes through the door, and I move to my mother's side. Nev does the same, all of us holding hands as he's led out. He was dead in our minds for many years, and now he will possibly be dead again. Either that, or his mind will be wiped of all knowledge of us. It is probably better that we don't know.

My mother reaches up to cup my cheek in her palm. "Go to her, Sully. You now know what was stopping her from giving you the chance you want so badly."

"What if she doesn't believe me, or thinks I'm like him."

"You are nothing like him, my son. Nothing. She knows this."

I hope so. Only one way to find out. I practically run to the elevators, because it's time to lay it all on the line, and hope she believes me this time.

# Chapter 18

Beckham

The frantic knocking on my door comes just as I'm settling in with a book and some pasta. I get up, and open it to find Sully on the other side, looking a little crazed.

"Those pictures were manipulated. We were with the group, and I never had any interest in Muska or Lian. I only want you. I swear it. Please, you have to believe me. Please!"

"Take some breaths, Sully, and come sit down."

"My father—he's a horrible man," he tells me as he sits at my kitchen island. I get him a glass of water, and wait while he drinks some of it.

"I found him to be creepy, yes."

"Where? He didn't tell me where he got to you."

"At the movie theater. I went to see the movie you went to without me, and he was waiting for me in the seat next to mine."

"Motherfucking asshole."

"He didn't say anything to me I hadn't already been thinking, but yes, those pictures were what sent me over the edge, so to speak."

"I need you to believe nothing happened with them. Nothing will ever happen with them, even if you don't let me back into your life."

"I believe you. I've already let you back into my life."

"Not fully," he says, looking toward my bedroom.

"No."

"Is that one of the things he said? It is, isn't it? I was going to kill him when he made a comment about me just fucking you. Matt and Dylan had to hold me back."

"Yes," I say, looking down at the counter.

"It was never about just sex with you, I swear it."

"Even when it was _only_ sex? When I let you have me, even though you were ignoring me and standing me up?"

This is my issue and not his, but I'm still blaming him. I should've stopped him, and sent him away, but I never did. I was so weak with him, and I'm ashamed of myself. So ashamed by it, that I'm now forcing myself to be too strong. I know it, but I can't stop it. I can't stop myself from refusing him everything, even if it costs me my happiness, too.

"Don't cry," he says, pulling me into his arms. I didn't even realize I was crying until he said it. "To answer your question, yes. Even then, it was never just sex. I love you, Beckham. I think I've loved you since you threw my water on me. I'm well aware you don't believe me, but I'll keep doing everything you need, in order to convince you."

"These past two weeks have been nearly perfect."

"They have."

It's time. I know it's time. He's here, he's saying he loves me again, and I believe him. I know he never cheated, emotionally _or_ physically. And I know he's found the balance he needs between his friends and me. Now, I need to take the leap, and expect him to catch me.

"Ana Bahebak."

"You do? You love me?" he asks. He looks so hopeful, and my heart hurts, knowing I kept this from him for so long.

"Yes. Bousni, Sully."

He doesn't hesitate to grant my request, kissing me softly. When I bite his lip, he growls, and takes my mouth like I need him to. Like I've missed for the last two weeks.

"What else, Beautiful. What else kept things from being perfect."

I know what he wants me to say. I feel his erection pressing against me, and I know he's expecting me to say I want it, but there's more I need.

"Dates."

"I have some in my apartment," he says with a smirk.

"Ass."

"You love my ass."

"I do."

"I'm going to take you on dates five nights a week. Some mornings and afternoons too. All over this city, and other places too. Matt once offered his jets to me so I could whisk you away, and I'm going to take you on weekends to new places."

"You have volunteering on Saturdays."

"I can take one Saturday off per month. It's still more than I've done in the past."

"Only if you're sure. I won't take you from your Pillars."

"I know. Now, is there anything else you were missing out on?"

"Hmm...I'm not sure. Maybe you can help me remember."

"Oh, I'm going to help you remember," he says, lifting me up.

I wrap my legs around his waist, and suck on his neck. "Do you need directions to my bed?"

"I could find it in complete darkness. From downstairs. After climbing the stairs."

He punctuates each answer with a bite on my neck. He is marking me as his, and I love it. I want everyone to know. Sure, we've had lunch together, but since I've held him at bay, it looked to all like co-workers sharing a meal. The gifts he left me could be seen on my desk, but only I knew they were from him.

I held him back, but no more. I'm finally giving all of myself to him, and it changes everything. It all feels better, because it is. Love is better than lust, even as they go hand in hand.

Sully

I speak to her in a mix of Arabic and English as I remove her clothes. She loves me, and she wants to be with me. Just those two things are making my brain jumbled, but the sight of her in a simple bra of lace triangles, and a matching lace thong, fries what's left of my brain cells, and I say random things to her, as I remove my clothes, and pull her to face me on the bed. I place kisses all over her neck, and shoulders, whispering my love to her.

Habib albi. _Love of my heart._

Ya Helo. _My Beautiful._

_You are my soul._ Ya rouhi.

_My life._ Ya hayati.

'ant laa. _You are mine._

"Later, you're going to tell me everything you said to me."

"Not now, Habibi?"

"No, not now."

"What shall I do now, Helo?"

"Make love to me, Sully."

How can I refuse her? I can't, especially when it's something I also crave. Lying her back on the bed, I suck her perfect nipples through the lace, biting down a little. Back and forth, as her back arches, and her moans fill the room. Sliding the lace over her head, I feast on her bare breasts until she comes, screaming out my name.

"So perfect, so responsive," I praise her, as I move lower down her body.

My cock is so hard, it's painful, but she needs to know I cherish her, even if she's not telling me she does. I never consciously used her, but I took her body without honoring her heart, and I will spend the rest of my life making that up to her.

My tongue grazes over her clit as I move slightly lower, and lap at her opening. She's wet and ready for me, but I need another orgasm from her before I let my cock out to play. I know her body, so I know what I need to get her there fast.

Sliding two fingers into her, I move my mouth back to her lips. I suck and lick as I pump my fingers into her. As her clit swells, I know she's getting closer. I'd know it from her cries, but it's her body I'm listening to right now. It's telling me what she needs, and I'm giving it to her.

She bucks against my mouth, and fingers, taking control. "Sully, like that. Suck harder. Please. _Sully!"_

That final scream is when she comes, coating my fingers even more. I look up at her as she loses control, and start to come myself. I can't help it. Who could help it if they saw her like this, wild and beautiful?

I'm not done yet, licking her down from her orgasm, as she continues to ride my hand. I pump my fingers softly as I feather my tongue over her. She's not done, and neither am I. That orgasm took the edge off, but it's not what my cock needs to be satisfied. I'll never be truly satisfied, until the day I die, knowing I made love to Beckham as much as I could over my life.

When neither of us can take much more, I flip us over, so she's on top of me. Sliding up the bed, I place her body over my cock. "Ride me, Beckham. Ride my cock like it's yours, because it is."

She sinks down without a word, taking me all the way inside her. It feels so good, being skin to skin with her, which is when I realize I don't have a condom on. I start to speak, but she places her hand over my mouth.

"I'm on birth control, and clean. Are you?" I nod. "Hold on, Sully, because this is going to be a hard ride."

Fuck. Me. She proceeds to do just that, grabbing onto her headboard for leverage.

It's fast, hard, and glorious, as she moves me body up, and down, over mine. I'm momentarily mesmerized by her tits moving above me, but I recover, and start sucking on them again. I know it's going to make Beckham even crazier, and that's what I want. I want her as crazed with lust as I am.

She doesn't disappoint, grinding down on me every few seconds, taking the friction she needs. I glance down once, and nearly lose my mind. Her creamy white pussy taking my dark cock into it is the sexiest thing I've ever seen in my life. She's waxed clean, making the differences in our skin even more prominent. We look perfect together.

So perfect, I can't stop myself from gripping her hips, and thrusting up into her. She's still getting her ride, but it's even harder now, as we work together. I'm so far inside of her, I don't know if I'll ever be able to leave.

"Sully!"

"Come for me. Milk my cock dry. We both need it."

She screams again, but not my name this time. She just screams in pleasure, and I roar in response as I come inside of her. She falls onto me, and I automatically wrap my arms around her, pulling her close. Neither one of us speaks at first, because we can't.

"We're not done, are we?" she asks.

"Not even close."

She slides down my body, making me groan. "I need to help the cause."

She's licking my softened cock, tasting herself on me, and it brings him back to life much quicker than I would've thought possible. As he hardens, she begins to suck, taking as much of him into her mouth as possible.

"How do you taste on me, Beckham? Do you like to taste yourself on my cock?"

She moans in response, and moves to straddle my leg. I grab her first, flipping her over me. She's still dripping from our lovemaking, and I lap all the wetness up, tasting us both. Oh yeah, I know how turned on she is, because I'm right there with her. Coming with her after less than a minute, because it's so good.

As she drifts off to sleep, all I can think about is how lucky I am to have her back. Tonight is only the start, and I'm going to prove it to her. This time, she's going to know she's first in my life, no matter what it takes.

"Enta Habibi," I whisper, as her breathing starts to even out. _You are my love_.

I leave her sleeping as I shower and pray, then return to hold her close for the rest of the night.

# Chapter 19

Beckham

After last night, I know Sully and I will be moving forward with nothing between us any longer. Well, almost nothing. We love each other, and we're going to be together, but my parents are still one of the problems between us. No, not a problem, but if I they won't stand up for Sully, I can't be around them. I love them, but I love him too, and if I have to choose, I'll choose my future with him. Always.

"What's wrong, Habibi?" he asks, kneeling before me, where I sit at my vanity.

I smile at him, because he told me all the things he's said to me, and this one means "My love". "I need to go, and see my parents."

"Have them come here for dinner."

"You know that won't solve the problem."

"We don't need to go back there again. I know they don't care about my religion, and I understand why they're having trouble standing up to their friends. They are afraid, just as I was."

"It shouldn't have to be this way."

"No, it shouldn't. But, it is."

"I used to love those block parties, and I want you to be there with me. No one has the right to make you feel uncomfortable."

"No one else can make me feel something. That is all up to me, and I am strong enough now to take whatever insults they throw at me. I will come by after volunteering."

"I won't let them say those things to you again."

"Yes, you will. You must, Beckham, unless you aren't planning to be with me forever."

"You know I want forever."

"I've talked to my imam about this in-depth, and I'm trying to do as he's taught me. We must learn to ignore what others say, because your old friends will not be the only ones who have a problem with me. With _us_."

"I'll never be okay with it."

"Nor will I, but we will walk away with our heads held high."

"You'll probably have to be the one to teach our children that, as I'll want to punch anyone who says something to them."

"Our children, huh? How many beautiful babies are you going to give me, Helo?"

"We'll negotiate that in a few years," I tell him, rolling my eyes.

"Fair enough. I have to go now, but we'll practice the baby-making later," he promises me with a wink.

"Where are you volunteering today?" I ask, following him out, since I need to get moving myself.

"They haven't told me. I only know we are re-doing a playground."

"I know it's your thing, but would it be okay if I came with you sometime? You can totally say no, and I'll understand."

"Why would I say no? I would love for you to come sometime. Anytime. We can always use more volunteers."

"I just didn't want to take more of your time."

He puts down his keys, and turns to me. "You think you only have your allotted time, and nothing more?"

"You need to go. We can talk about this later."

"I can be a few minutes late. Talk to me, Beckham."

"It's just, we have our assigned days, and yeah, I feel like I can't interact with you on the days that aren't mine. I love that you have a balance, but what if I want to kiss you on a Tuesday, or if something falls on a Friday?"

"You can kiss me whenever you want. And, as long as it's not during my prayers on Friday, I'm there with you."

"I'm not trying to take you from your friends."

"I know that."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, and now, I'm expecting a kiss at lunch on Tuesday."

I swat him on the arm. "You're ridiculous."

"Completely, but you love me anyway."

"I do. Now, go do your Zakat, and I'll see you later."

"Yes, you will."

I'm still smiling when I arrive at my parents' place. The party is just getting started, and I carry the kabobs, rice, and pita bread I picked up over to one of the tables. I know people are looking at me, because I haven't been here since Nev and Dylan showed up to fly me to Paris. They're probably wondering who might show up for me this time, but I'm afraid they'll be disappointed.

"Those look good," one of the kids says to me, looking at the kabobs.

"They're super good."

"Can I have one?"

"Sure. There's lamb, beef, or chicken."

He takes a chicken one, along with rice and pita, before joining his parents where they're sitting. It's only then that I notice the playground. The swings are broken, and so is the slide.

"Some assholes did that the other night," my mom says, coming to join me. "We're trying to get together some money to fix all of it."

"I'll donate."

"Thank you. It's good to see you."

"A lot of things have been going on."

"Sully?"

"I love him, Mom. I know it makes things hard for you, but I won't apologize for how I feel."

"You should never apologize for being in love."

"I want you to accept him."

"This has never been about accepting him. I saw how much he cared for you when he was here."

It's time for some hard truths. "You worry too much about everyone else. He used to do it, too, and that's why he ran to Paris after he was here. He left, because what everyone said to him hurt him. He's changing, and learning to ignore what others say about him, because he can't control that. Can you do the same?"

"I don't know," she says, quietly.

"These people have known you for a very long time, and if they think my boyfriend being Muslim makes you a bad person, then maybe you need new friends."

"This is all we know. It's our home."

"It doesn't have to be. I could move you into an apartment somewhere else, maybe even get you jobs at C&C. But, there will always be people somewhere who will have a problem with Sully. It's not fair—or right—but it's what his life is like. I need to know you support us. If you can't, I'll still love you, but I don't know if I can respect you."

"I don't know if I'll be able to respect myself, either. Your father and I have talked about this, and he's right there with you. I'm trying to be, but it's hard."

"It is," I agree.

"I'm going to try."

"Thank you."

"If it safe to come over now?" my dad asks, coming over and hugging me.

"Yes."

"Good, because that food you brought smells amazing. I think I need one of each."

"Go for it," I tell him with a laugh.

I feel so much better now, knowing my parents are on the same page as me. Or, at least getting there. Sully will be here later, and we'll see how it plays out. Mostly, we'll see if I can ignore the assholes, like he asked me to. That's probably going to be the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but I'm going to try.

Sully

I had no idea the playground we're fixing was part of the park in Beckham's old neighborhood, until we pull up to it. Everyone just followed each other over, and now, here we are. I see her laughing with her parents as I pull up, which means she worked things out with them. I'm glad, because I know how much they mean to her.

As I help unload the trucks, I catch her eye, and she stands. I need to get this work done, but all I want to do is run to meet her as she walks over. Instead, I watch as she joins us in unloading the playground equipment. We work in silence, sharing secret smiles as we work. Others have come over to help too, and I see my imam greeting them.

"Hello," he tells Beckham, when he reaches us.

"Asalaamu alaikum," she says back.

"Ah, you know some Arabic."

"Just a little. I'm trying to learn more."

I step in, because I should've introduced them myself. "Ya Sheikh, this is Beckham. Beckham, this is my imam."

" _The_ Beckham? I have heard much about you from Sully. It is an honor to meet you. You must call me Youssef."

"He's told you about me?" she asks, and the surprise in her voice slays me.

How could she not know I talk to everyone I know about her, all the time? I've failed her in so many ways, and she's still here, standing with me—loving me. I told her once that she humbles me, and it's the truth.

"He has. I must thank you for bringing him home, and supporting him."

"I wasn't so supportive lately, but I'm trying."

"You don't give yourself enough credit. Sully and I have had many talks about his life, and you are mentioned often."

"I knew he was talking with you, but I had no clue you were discussing me," she says looking at the ground.

He shares a look with me, and I back up with a nod. "Will you walk with me, Beckham?"

"Of course."

I watch them go, knowing whatever is said between them will be about me, but not worrying. My nod let him know he could tell her anything he needs to in order to make her understand how important she's been in my journey. Her anger, and refusal to give me an inch, is nothing she should feel bad about. She was unyielding, but I deserved it.

"Who is that?" one of the teen boys, Abdul, asks me, nodding toward Beckham.

"My girlfriend."

"Whoa! She's gorgeous, but not Muslim."

"Yes, she is, and no, she's not."

"Isn't that hard?"

"Nope."

"Excuse me." I turn to find Beckham's parents behind us.

"Hello," I say, with a guarded smile. "Beckham should be back here soon."

"I'll catch you later, Sully," Abdul says, practically running away.

"We wanted to talk to you. My wife and I need to apologize for the last time you were here," Mr. Williams tells me.

"There's no need for that."

"Yes, there is. We didn't stand up for you, and it was wrong."

"Trust me, I understand why you did what you did."

"You may understand it, but that doesn't make it right," Mrs. Williams says.

"I accept your apology."

"We want you to know you're always welcome in our home, and that we fully support you and Beckham. We won't allow anyone to talk badly about you."

"Thank you."

They can't possibly know how much this means to me, but as they both hug me, I get that last bit of peace I was looking for. I needed for Beckham's family to not only accept me, but to embrace what we've found in each other, and they have.

I introduce them to the others when they insist on helping. Before Imam and Beckham return, several of her neighbors have approached me, offering help and apologies. I don't know if it's because of her parents, or because we're here helping them, but I don't care either way. It will be safe for me to visit this place with Beckham now, and that's what's important.

When Imam and Beckham come back, they jump right in, helping us repair and replace the broken playground. The work takes hours, and we're all hungry and tired when we're done. The families insist we eat with them, but I'm not sure we can.

"I kept the big pans of food you brought covered, and warming on this grill," one of the elderly women tells Beckham.

"Oh, thank you," she tells her, before turning to everyone else. "It's kabobs, and rice. There is some pita bread here, too. It's halal."

"Of course, it is," Imam tells her with a smile.

"You're amazing," I whisper against her mouth, right before I kiss her.

Everyone eats, and I promise to meet Beckham back home after making sure everyone gets to their homes okay. I also want to speak to Imam about his conversation with her, but he tells me I need to talk to her.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing is 'wrong' Sully, but there are things she worries about, and I agree with her."

"She's always safe with me."

"She's not worried about her safety. All I will tell you is that she's worried about what her life with you will look like."

"No one's pressuring her to convert. I don't expect her to change for me."

"It is not that either. Talk to her, Sully."

"I will."

When I get home, I'm going to talk to her, because this sounds serious. I'm not afraid of things being hard with her, but I am afraid of them being too hard _for_ her.

# Chapter 20

Beckham

As I wait for Sully to get home, I reflect on the conversation I had with Youssef. I didn't expect the imam to pull me aside, but I'm glad he did. I was honest with him, and it felt good to tell someone what I was feeling, especially because I no longer feel petty about my concerns.

_"What do you see as the biggest obstacle to your happiness with Sully?_

_"Before today, I would've said there were two. My parents just apologized for not standing up for him, so that's off the table now."_

_"I'm happy to hear that, but what is left on that metaphorical table?"_

_"His complete separation of me and his faith. I'm not going to convert, but putting us on separate days, in separate mental boxes, isn't going to work. I know he does it in part to protect me, as some of the men and women have been openly hostile to me, but we can't last this way. The religious services yes, but lunches at work, and dinners out, shouldn't always be separate."_

_"I agree. I cautioned him against this plan when he talked to me about it, but he thought it was the only way."_

_"I was a horrible bi—person to him, while he was trying to prove his love."_

_"You were not kind, but he was also not kind to you. It's time to move past that."_

_"I'm trying."_

_"As for the people he is surrounding himself with, I'm not comfortable with how radical a few of the men are. The women, well they see Sully as a 'good catch' as you say. They are jealous of you, but do not let them run you off."_

_"Oh, I won't. I love him too much for that."_

_"Good. Now, you must talk to him. Sooner, rather than later."_

_"I'm scared. I know he loves me, but I don't know how he'll react."_

_"I don't, either, but it must be done."_

The door opening brings me back to the here and now, and I take a deep breath, knowing I need to talk to Sully. He looks troubled as he walks in, and drops onto the couch next to me. We reach for each other at the same time, holding hands.

"What is wrong, Beckham? Imam wouldn't tell me what you spoke about."

"We can't keep living like this."

"Like what? What have I done?"

"There is no reason for us to have lunch together on only certain days. Friday, yes, because you go to mosque, but not every other day."

"You want to have lunch every day? I can do that. I'll tell my friends I can only eat with them on Friday."

He looks resigned, and a little sad, and that's definitely not what I want. "No. I want us all to eat together."

"That is not a good idea."

"I can handle a few of them being rude, if that's what you're worried about. But, I can't handle you putting me in a separate mental box from the rest of your life."

"You wish to keep me all to yourself."

"No, that's not it. I want to be _included_ in all of your life. That doesn't mean you can't go out with your friends on your own sometimes, or even have a guys night every week."

"Imam told me what I was planning wouldn't work, but I chose not to believe him. Matt also cautioned me to not let my faith define who I am, but I have. I thought I was doing the right thing. Making everyone happy."

"You can't make _everyone_ happy. Or anyone. You yourself told me happiness is up to the person, and not anyone else."

He moves his hand to my cheek, and I lean into it. "You are the only one who's happiness determines how I live and breathe. If this is what you want, it is what we will do."

"It can't be just because I want it," I say pulling away, and walking over to the kitchen in frustration. "I'm not going to force you into something you don't want, and have you resent me for it. You can't keep living for everyone else, because you're losing yourself. You did it with your old friends, and now you're doing it with your new friends as well. And me. You said you'd do this for me, but it needs to be for you too."

He comes to me, and pulls me into his arms, lifting my chin so I'm looking him in the eye. "You are not forcing me, because I know you're right. About all you're telling me. It _is_ for me as well. We must be immersed in each other's lives if we are going to be together forever."

"I love that you did this to show me how much you care about me. I do. I was being unreasonable, and you did the only thing you could think of. I know that."

"But, it is time to take things to the next level."

"Yes."

"I don't want to have a specific guys night, because I may want to take you to an event, or concert, or something. I shouldn't have completely stopped going out to eat with them, but I was so worried about fucking up dates with you again."

I roll my eyes. "I doubt you could fuck up as badly as you did for those two weeks. If you forget me once a month, I'll be okay with it."

"I won't."

"Then use the damn calendar app on your phone," I tell him with a laugh.

"I hate the app," he says, wrinkling his nose. "But, I hate disappointing you more."

"We've disappointed and hurt each other. We'll probably do it again sometimes, but we'll own it, and apologize when it happens."

"I want to add in some sexual favors, but that didn't work out so well for me."

"Because, you weren't owning it—or apologizing; you were just fucking me."

"Just so I'm clear on this. If I own up to my mistakes, and apologize, I can then offer orgasms?"

"Exactly."

"I fucked up, Beckham, and I am sorry."

I smile at him. "Apology accepted."

"Good. Now, I'd like to offer my services in the shower. Washing, licking, sucking, and maybe some biting."

"How can I possibly refuse all of that?"

"I'm hoping you can't."

I laugh as he swoops me up in his arms, and takes me to the shower. He walks us right in, and turns the water on. Before he even starts kissing me, and peeling off my wet clothes, I already know this is going to be the best shower I've ever had.

Sully

Beckham and I are going fully public today. She's right about us eating together every day, with my friends, or without. Sitting with her three days a week makes it look like we're just co-workers, hanging out. Especially because we haven't held hands—or kissed—in front of everyone.

We hold hands as we walk inside the building, and up to our floor. Everyone's already in Matt's office for the weekly meeting, and you can hear a pin drop when we step inside. Brad is the first to recover.

"This is new."

"No, it's not," Matt says, with a smile.

I smile back, placing my arm around Beckham's back, and kissing her temple, as we settle next to each other on one of the couches. "It's just time for us to let everyone know."

The meeting is a weird combination of tension, and ridiculousness. Val glares at Beckham, Bev smiles at us, Hannah looks like she wants to commit murder, Alma looks unaffected, and Brad tries to crack jokes. I'm happy we told everyone we're together, but even happier when it's all over, and head out to work.

Hannah sends me on six latte runs, four wild goose chases to the mail room, and three trips to the cafeteria for snacks. The cafeteria delivers lunch, but they don't bring snacks every hour, and I never have before either. I'm obviously being punished, but I don't care. I'll run around all day and night if it means I can tell the world I belong to Beckham.

Lunch isn't much better. I texted Omar about the new plan, and he saved two seats for us. Ahmet and Yasin don't speak to either of us, but that's their problem, and not mine. Muska and Lian look at us with disgust, and again, I don't care. We're going to be together, no matter who chooses not to accept us.

Halfway through the meal, Hannah summons me, saying it's an emergency. I'm not supposed to be bothered on lunch, but she promises to let me take the rest of my time later today, if I help her now.

"I'll see you upstairs," I tell Beckham, kissing her before I go.

When I arrive on our floor, Hannah is waiting for me. "Let's go into the small conference room."

"Okay." She looks frazzled, so I follow her, even as Bev raises an eyebrow when we walk past her. I just shrug, and mouth "no clue" at her.

Once inside the room, Hannah locks the door, and turns to me, pushing herself into my personal space. "My breasts are bigger than hers."

Not going there. I try to move away, but she places her hands on my chest, and pushes her pelvis into mine. I hold my hands up, because there's no way I'm touching her, even to push her away. I know something she doesn't.

"I need to you to step away from me, Hannah. You know I have a girlfriend, and I'm not interested in you like this."

She reaches down to stroke me through my pants, and I wince. "I want this. In my mouth, inside of me. Anywhere you want to put it. You let me have it, and I'll make sure Matt finds you a job here when your internship is over."

"No."

"Yes."

"He said no," Matt says, entering the room. Thank Allah. For a moment there, I thought I was wrong about this space being monitored.

She steps away, but she's still delusional. "Matt, I'm afraid you've found us out. Beckham is just his pretend girlfriend."

"Hannah, you've worked here long enough to realize I have all public spaces in this building monitored. I saw, and heard, everything."

"You must have misunderstood."

"I did not. Security is on the way up to walk you down once you've cleared out your desk."

"I'll sue you."

"Go ahead, and try."

She storms out, and Matt turns to me, as I sigh in relief. "That was intense. I knew you or someone else would come, but I didn't know how long it was going to take."

"Were you ever going to come to me? You had to have known Ainsley's team saw, and heard it all. The touches, the brushing against you, the innuendo."

"I've been trying to prove myself. I thought I could handle it."

"Sexual harassment is not something you—or any of my employees—ever need to 'handle'. I'd think you'd know that about me."

"I do. I was just embarrassed," I admit. "She's a hot woman, so why did I feel uncomfortable with her attention?"

"Because you're in love with someone else. Just because someone's hot, or a woman, doesn't mean what they're doing is right. It's nothing to be embarrassed about."

"Logically, I know that."

"But, it's been ingrained in our male psyche that women aren't harassers. I get it, and I guess it's time for some new training tactics, because I want it to be clear."

"Thanks for saving me."

"Always."

We hug it out, and walk out of the conference room. I'm not sure I ever want to go in there again. His phone rings, and he picks it up as we head down the hall.

"Fuck! We'll be right there. Hold them in one of the Security rooms, because I need some time with them."

"What's up?"

"That was Reina. Your 'friends' went after Beckham."

What the hell? "Is she okay?"

"She's shaken up, but physically okay. Nev and Darcy got there before they could do anything more than try to intimidate her."

"I need a few minutes alone with them."

"I know. I'm not sure it's the right thing to do, but I'm going to turn off the cameras, and join you." He speaks into the phone again. "We're on our way down."

Beckham

When Muska and Lian asked if they could talk to me alone, I texted Alma and told her I'd be a few minutes late. I know they don't like me, but for Sully, I can get along with them, and hear them out. Only, it's not just them in the office they bring me to.

Ahmet and Yasin are in the room too. I turn back to the door, but the women are standing in front of it. I'm scrappy, so I could probably take them, or at least get myself out, but I can't take on two men as well.

"What's going on?"

"You're going to break up with Sully again," Ahmet tells me.

"No, I'm not."

"You know nothing of our culture, our beliefs. You want an Arab dick, and I can supply you with several men who will be happy to service you."

"I know your religion is about kindness, service, and acceptance. None of which I am seeing from you right now. You insult the man you call your friend by saying he is just a dick for me to use."

"He is just infatuated with you. Your blonde hair, and blue eyes. Your open legs," Muska tells me.

"No. He loves me, and I love him."

"You will convert," Yasin states.

"No. I will be myself, and believe what I believe. Just as he will."

"You selfish whore," Lian says, advancing on me.

I hold my ground, because I am not going to show these four any fear. Hell yes, I'm afraid, but that's only for me and God to know. I don't know how I'm going to get out of this room, but then the door is bursting open, knocking Muska over.

"Oops, did I hurt you?" Darcy asks with a smile. Muska is her husband, Brayden's, assistant and there's no love lost between the two of them.

"You have no right to come into my office like this!" Ahmet yells.

Nev looks happy, as she addresses him. "Oh, but we do, Ahmet. You are a disgrace to both my brother and our faith. And, as of right now, none of you are employed by C&C. You'll be escorted downstairs."

"Downstairs? Not out of the building?" I see fear on Yasin's face.

"Not yet. I believe Sully and Matt will want to speak to you and Ahmet privately. Darcy and I will be doing the same with Muska and Lian."

Theo, Nate, Aiden, and Jake all arrive, with each pair flanking one of the men as we head downstairs. Nev and Darcy have a hand on the women, who are crying. I'm shaking a little, because I don't know what would've happened if they hadn't come for me.

Jyn, who is the second in command of Security, tells me to have a seat, once we get to her area. I catch a glimpse of Sully as the door opens to let the men in, but I don't dwell on it. He's going to do what he thinks is right, and then he's going to go to Youssef.

Five minutes later, the door opens, and Sully and Matt walk out. Matt has a bruise forming on his chin, while Sully has a bloody nose, and a black eye. Their dress shirts are covered in blood, most of which is not their own, and their knuckles are split open.

"Sully!" I run to him, and hover my hands over his wounds, not wanting to hurt him.

He takes my hands in his, and kisses them. "It had to be done, Helo. No one who calls themselves my friend, tries to hurt you."

"I know, but now you'll go to Imam, and pray with him."

"I should be with you."

"I'm fine. Go, Habibi, and do what you must."

"I love you so much."

"And I love you."

# Epilogue

### One Month Later

Sully

Tonight, we celebrate Eid ul-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice. For this celebration, my family has traditionally given to those less fortunate, and this year is no different. Except that Beckham joined us, and the Society, today.

After I went to morning prayers, we spent the day driving around the city, treating the homeless to meals, and giving them clothes and gift cards. We also randomly surprised shoppers at Walmart by paying for their groceries, and spread out to various soup kitchens to serve meals.

Right now, I'm waiting for Beckham in her living room, because she wants me to be surprised when I see her all dressed up. Surprised is not the word that comes to mind when she appears.

"Wow."

She's in the blue saree my mother gave her, and I've never seen her look more gorgeous. The deep blue blouse with silver beading, the long blue skirt with an elaborate design at the bottom, and the Pallu which is draped over her left arm with silver threaded through it, are simply stunning on her. I can't see her stomach right now, but I know it's exposed. I also know I can't wait to unwrap her later.

"You look pretty dashing yourself", she says, motioning to my traditional Kurta top, and Pajama bottoms.

I wanted to honor my mother's upbringing tonight, with what I'm wearing. My clothes are a darker blue than Beckham's, with subtle gold embroidery. It's been years since I dressed like this, and seeing the appreciation in her eyes makes me want to go shopping for more of the same.

We're drawn to each other like magnets, as we always are, our lips meeting while our hands explore. "We should go, or we never will."

"Yes. I don't want Youssef to scold me."

"It's I who would be scolded, since he likes you more."

It's true. Beckham and my imam have formed a strong bond of friendship over the past month. I see him on my own every week, but we're all together on Saturdays, when we volunteer with other friends, and we've shared some group meals too.

Work is a thousand times better as well. I've taken over as Brayden's assistant, and I'm loving being a part of the International Division. Mark took Hannah's place as Second Assistant, Beckham moved to Third, and Alma is Fourth. Val and Brad are now in love, and hoping for jobs when their internships are up, which might or might not happen. All is pretty much right in our world, and I couldn't be happier.

We take the elevator down to the party that's started without us. Beckham pulls me back as I walk forward, kissing me again. She's smiling when she releases me, and as usual, I smile right back.

"Thanks for getting me fired, Sully."

"Anytime, Helo."

# Coming Soon

**Look for Rhys' book, _Defiant Company_,**

**coming in October!**

# Acknowledgments

**My daughters as always, I thank you for loving your mom(ther), even when I make you crazy!**

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**Helen Williams, my covers just keep getting better and better, and that's all YOU!**

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**Aqeelah Ayoub, your help with this book was so appreciated! You answered my questions, and read this book early, letting me know I got things right.**

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**Natasha Eddie, you made me cry at work when you thanked me for this book, and I need to thank you for reading it early for me.**

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**To all my readers, all over the world, I want you to know it's important for me to represent all of you in some way. I try my best to honor everyone's cultures in a thoughtful, respectful, and sensitive way. I often hear that authors should stay in their own lane, and only write their experiences, but I refuse to have a lane. You'll never find a series from me that only has white women and men, who are Christian and straight. That's not my friends and family, and it's not all of you. I'll take all the criticism if it means I can represent the world I live in. If you ever feel I've gotten something wrong, please don't hesitate to reach out! Thanks, as always, for reading my books!**

# About the Author

Crystal Perkins has always been a big reader, but she never thought she would write her own book, until she sat down and did it one day. She lives in Las Vegas, where you can find her running author events, when she isn't reading, buying too many Sherlock t-shirts and LulaRoe leggings, or finding a place to put all of her Pop! figurines. In 2016, she won the Creative Initiatives Award from Romantic Times for encouraging literacy, and also the Community Advocate Award from the Clark County School Librarians Association. A mac and cheese connoisseur, she travels the country looking for the perfect version, while attending book conventions and signings as a cover for her research. The Griffin Brothers, Corrigan & Co., and the Society Girls series are all international best sellers, and she's thankful to the readers who made that happen.

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Find her here:

www.crystalperkinsauthor.com

facebook.com/crystalperkinsauthor

@wondermomlv
