Heir of Deception | (for mature audience)

Chapter 14: Christian

Christian

—

Alexandria has been in Los Angeles for the past three days, shooting a campaign with Aliyah, while I’ve been back in New York, feeling more alone with each passing hour. The penthouse feels emptier without her presence. Honestly, I miss everything about her—the sound of her laughter, the way her eyes light up when she talks about her passions, the comforting warmth of her embrace. Since she moved in, she has become an integral part of my life, and I didn’t realize how much I would come to depend on her companionship and energy.

I haven’t taken any vacation days since I caught the flu a few months back, and now I find myself thinking about surprising her in LA. The idea struck me out of nowhere, and honestly, I was surprised at my own impulsiveness. Here I am now, sitting in a rental car, suitcase in tow, heading to her hotel.

Nerves are creeping in, and it's unusual for me. As I knock on her hotel room door, I feel a wave of anxiety wash over me. My heart is racing, and my stomach is in knots. When the door finally opens, I’m met with the sight of her in a white robe, her hair damp and cascading down her face, no makeup to hide her natural beauty.

“Hey,” she beams, her smile lighting up the room.

“I think I missed you,” I say, a grin breaking across my face.

“Come on in,” she replies, stepping back to let me enter.

“Aliyah mentioned that the shoot wrapped up. How was it?” I ask as I settle onto the bed.

“Yeah, it went really well,” she says, standing in front of me, her excitement palpable.

“I have another surprise for you,” I say, a playful smirk on my face. “You mentioned you like Rihanna, right?”

“Yeah?” she replies, a hint of confusion crossing her features.

“I planned a two-week trip for us to go to Barbados,” I reveal, watching her reaction closely.

“Are you fucking joking?” she exclaims, her smile widening uncontrollably.

“No, I’m serious,” I assure her.

In an instant, she leaps into my lap, wrapping her arms around me, and as she does, her robe flutters open, revealing her naked body adorned only with a delicate black lace bra and matching panties.

Damn!

“I’m slowly starting to like you,” she teases, creating a little space between us.

“Yeah, you’re not so bad yourself,” I reply, trying to keep the mood light.

“Oh, so what I’m hearing is that I’m growing on you?” she raises her eyebrows, a playful grin on her face.

“Like fungus on a tree,” I chuckle, enjoying the banter.

She remains perched on my lap, the cotton robe barely concealing her curves. My mind races, and my body responds to her nearness in ways I can hardly control.

“You’re bloody insufferable,” she laughs, tugging a strand of my hair playfully.

“Ow,” I respond with a mock groan.

“Why are you moaning?” she teases.

“Because you just hurt me, princess.”

“Stop being a baby,” she says, tugging on my hair again.

“You enjoy this, don’t you?” I ask, pulling her closer, immediately regretting it as desire surges within me.

“Just as much as you do, Mr. Calloway,” she counters, her gaze locking onto mine. Time seems to suspend as we stare at each other, a magnetic force pulling us closer. My breath catches, and I can feel my heart racing. Though I long to kiss her, I hesitate, not wanting to risk upsetting the delicate balance between us.

“You should get ready; we need to leave,” I say, breaking the moment as reality rushes back in.

“Yeah,” she coughs, getting off my lap. My body remains painfully aware of her absence.

“I need to use the bathroom before we head out,” I say, walking into the restroom to adjust my undeniable excitement.

---

We head out to Rodeo Drive to pick up a few essentials for her trip. She hadn’t packed for Barbados, only for her time in LA. Afterward, we board the private jet, and soon we’re soaring towards the sun-kissed beaches of Barbados. I’ve rented a stunning villa for the two of us to enjoy for the next two weeks, a place where we can unwind and explore together.

Upon checking in, we wander through the villa, marveling at its beauty. It boasts panoramic views of the ocean and an array of luxurious amenities, including a private wellness center, a fully equipped gym, a sauna, and a hot tub.

“This is amazing!” she exclaims, her eyes wide as she takes in the stunning scenery.

“You know what we have to do now, right?” I ask, stepping closer to her.

“What?” she inquires, her curiosity piqued.

“Dive,” I say, kicking off my shoes. “Give me your hand, princess.”

It may be cheesy, but isn’t that what couples do while on vacation?

As I push off the edge and plunge into the water, I resurface just in time to see her following suit. She brushes her hair back, and I can’t help but admire how beautiful she looks, even with her eye makeup smudged as if she’s just shed tears of joy. It takes a certain kind of beauty to pull off that look, and she does it effortlessly.

“You are crazy!” she laughs, pushing a few wet strands of hair back from my forehead.

“Vacations bring out the crazy in people,” I reply with a grin.

“Yeah,” she smiles. “What if I drowned?”

“Then I would have to give you mouth-to-mouth,” I tease.

“So, what I’m hearing is that the only time you would kiss me is if I almost died?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.

“I would kiss you whenever or wherever you wanted me to, princess,” I assure her.

She swims closer, wrapping her arms around my neck, and instinctively, my arms encircle her waist.

“What if I said I want you to kiss me here?” She points at her lips. “And now?”

“I’ll be a good subject and listen to my princess,” I respond.

She presses her lips gently against mine, a soft peck that leaves me yearning for more. I didn’t come all this way for a simple kiss; I crave something deeper. I grab the back of her head, pulling her closer as our lips collide with a fervor that ignites the passion simmering between us.

We find our way to the steps of the pool, and as she straddles me, the way she moves her hips sends a wave of desire coursing through me. My lips trail from hers down her jawline and to her neck, where I suck gently on her smooth skin. One hand grips her hair while the other holds her against me, anchoring her close. If she keeps this up, I’m going to lose my mind—she may very well leave me breathless.

“Christian,” she moans softly, and that sound sends shivers down my spine.

“God, I love the way you say my name, princess,” I reply, sucking harder.

Our lips meet again, and she tastes even sweeter than before.

“Are we intruding?” a voice cuts through the haze of our moment.

Thank God for the interruption.

She pulls away, turning her head toward the voice, and I realize I had invited her friends as a surprise. I wanted her to enjoy the company she suggested, but now I’m torn—this could either be a blessing or a curse.

“What are you guys doing here?” Alexandria asks, her tone almost disappointed.

“He invited us,” Clinton points at me with a playful grin.

“Oh,” she replies, rolling her eyes at me before stepping away.

As I watch her walk away, her sundress clinging to her perfect figure, I can’t help but feel frustrated at their timing. Why did they have to show up just as things were heating up?