The Cowboy's Prize

Chapter 11

Alastair Fairchild, whose name and face belied his true nature. He was my one biggest mistake and the person I'd been having flashbacks about when I was with Scott. Not because Scott was anything like Alastair in anything but height, but because he was my last serious relationship. At least until I'd managed to escape him.

Taking 'No' for an answer wasn't his strong suit.

Either was paying attention to a partner's needs before or even after his own were satisfied.

I'd been warned about him by a customer who'd sought me out online after seeing a photo of us together in the social pages. But by the time he'd found me it was too late. Alastair had decided my 'indoctrination' had progressed satisfactorily and had decided to make me his new toy with all that that entailed. But I wasn't a true submissive and I hadn't in control of anything.

He'd never given me a safe word, nor would he have paid any attention had I been able to utter it. Even had I been conscious enough to assert my own desire, or lack thereof.

I hadn't been smart, I hadn't been wary. I'd been naïve and unaware of his real intentions and it had happened faster than I'd thought possible, losing hope. He'd overwhelmed me, hurt me, used me and then discarded me. And he'd told me it was my fault.

I'd been too young and too inexperienced with the circles that actually made their rounds in the art scene. Too busy being flattered that such a sophisticated and wealthy man was actually interested in me. And it had finally resulted in an extended hospital stay, paid in full by Alastair's corporate lawyers along with payment for my silence.

I didn't know my expression had changed but Scott recognised that I was in trouble. He smoothly walked over to me with a fresh glass of champagne and inserted himself between me and the man I loathed.

"There you are Mitch, I can't believe how long it took me to get refills." Scott said tightly. "Is this another Artsy Know-It-All acquaintance or someone who actually knows good art?" He said with a large fake smile toward Alastair.

I opened my mouth to reply, but Alastair raised his 'speak when spoken to finger' and answered. "I know good art and I know expensive art." He said with a leer, letting Scott know exactly what he thought category I fell into. "And I know investments. Things that age well and things that lose their value."

Scott took in his tone and the way he was looking at me like I was a side of beef and decided he wasn't worth making conversation with.

"Right Mr Know-It-All, you'll excuse us, we're late for our table at Trois Mec."

I didn't know where or how Scott pulled that name out of his hat, but Alastair's face turned a shade of green and with a rather obvious nostril flare, he muttered "Those sold out in 5 minutes this morning."

To which Scott replied, "Yeah, but the cheese board is to die for and My Mitch is worth it." Then he wrapped one long arm around my waist and escorted me from Alastair's presence.

"What? How?" I spluttered as Scott took me away.

"Don't have a coronary Princess." He said with a smile as we walked out the door and into the cold night air. Scott wrapped me up in my coat and then shrugged into his own. He smiled a devilish smile at my expression of pleasure at even the thought of being able to try Chef Ludo's pop up restaurant, and told me he wasn't just making it up. "I know one of his suppliers. And he owed me a favour so..." He shrugged.

"You just made my decade!" I said with the biggest smile and I threw myself into his arms. I buried my face in the fuzzy collar of his jacket and thanked him for the rescue as well. "You're my knight in shining armour!" I assured him.

Scott looked down at me with a serious face and said, "You're going to have to have to tell me about him and why he made you look like you were about to keel over." Scott said before adding, "I hope I didn't cause you any more problems by telling him our relationship was more than dating."

"No Scott." I assured him. "You made it clear I was off the market and that's exactly what I needed him to hear. I never want to be alone with that man again." I told him and agreed to his demand for more information. "I'll tell you all about him, but after dinner." I said with a smile. "Nothing's going to spoil dessert!"

Scott smiled and kissed the end of my nose. God, could he get any cuter? Then he held me in the warmth of his side while we waited for our ride. Getting into the car we didn't notice the menacing figure standing with his personal security detail. But he saw us and the look he sent our way would have sent any reasonable person scurrying from his gaze. As far as he was concerned I was an expensive loss of control.

I just hoped that was the last time I ever saw him.

Cheese called and so did my man, I was spectacularly happy in that moment. Would it last?