Double Standards (Part 1)

Second Beginnings

Laney

I woke early in anticipation for my day with London. Tip toeing around to get ready, as to not wake Dillon. The last thing I wanted was another awkward conversation about this fake meeting of mine.

Sliding on a pair of distressed skinny jeans, cropped t-shirt, and topping  it off with a shruken black leather jacket, I grabbed my bag of extra clothes and slid into my black heeled ankle boots.
Silently, I slid out the door and found myself at London's door right on time.

Soon as I buzzed he opened the door and damn! He was shirtless and barefooted. A pair of holey jeans hung just right onto his hips. I'd never seen him in jeans, usually he was all Mr. GQ, in his perfectly tailored suits. "You going to stand there gawking are you coming in?" He asked. I laughed as I walked in. I slowly walked circles around him checking him out "what" London questioned. I laughed. "I've never seen you in jeans. It's different, but I like it". "Just come on Laney" he grinned. I followed him on into the apartment and was amazed. Shiny, black marble floors adorned with white leather furniture, silver lamps and light fixtures. It was bleak, but astonishing....very London, and I liked that. Turning to take the entire room in, I gasped. The entire outer wall was nothing but glass, showing off the NY skyline. I walked over there hurriedly to take the view in. London stayed back watching me for a few seconds, then joined me. As he pointed out several major buildings and area's I was busy breathing in his soapy, musky, male scent.

"It's beautiful" I said admiring the view. Looking directly at me London said "yes, it is". Shooting him a smile I said "Looks like you got the perfect bachelor pad here."
"Actually Laney, your the only female other than family that's been here" No fucking way I thought. Don't I feel special now. Arching my brow in question I said "I don't believe that".
"It's true. I like privacy in my home, of course other than family".
"Then why am I here" Looking into my eye's he said "Because your different". Yes, that just pulled my heart strings, but I laughed believing it was all a ploy to swoon me. "Mr. Harper we aren't having sex today"
"Good Laney, I'm glad you agree. I thought for sure you was going to ravish me when I opened the door". I busted out in laughter. "Ohhhh....your so full of shit London".

Taking my hand, he lead me to the kitchen. Something yummy was wafting in the air. Pulling out a chair, he tucked me in. "I hope you like egg and spinach omelets? I also made scones and fresh squeezed juice"
"Wow, I'm impressed. A man that cooks. I'm also touched as well. Thanks" The meal was amazing and had me feeling like a pig for going back for seconds but there was no judgment in his eyes, he actually encouraged me to eat more.

As London dressed for our day, I cleaned the kitchen. Once complete, I took a stroll around his place. One door opened to a small home gym along with punching bags. As I moved along, I came across another door but it was locked. London came up behind me startling me. "That's just my home office. It stays locked unless in use". Nodding,  I strolled on with him beside me. The next room was his bedroom. Walking in I saw his large black platform bed, complete with a sin worthy black bedding. Very male and dominate. London walked in as we both glanced at the bed. Moving toward each other like stalkers, we grasped in a kiss. Things were really getting heated when we heard a gentleman's voice call London's name. Jerking free from me, a worried look crossed his face. "Stay put Laney" he said sternly. I strained to hear the voices. "Hello son". "Hi Pop's". His father. I felt it was rude for me to stay hidden, so I ran a hand down my clothes and finger raked my hair then made my appearance. London saw me first and stopped mid sentence  with a mad glare my way. His father turned and stared at me. I strode over, extending my hand. "Hi, I'm Laney Valor. London's friend" His dad looked at him then smiled brightly at me. "Yes, I know exactly who you are".He said kissing my hand gently. "Is that so"? I asked looking at London. "Yes, it seems you left a big impression on my son on his business trip down south". London's tounge was pushing the inside of his jaw. He seemed irritated for some reason. Laughing, I said. "Oh I wouldn't believe I had a big impression on London". Clearly London caught on to my jab at him for leaving me like he did and sent a scowl my way. "Well you did Miss Valor".
"Call me Laney please".
"He trumped around here moping for weeks". I laughed hard. "Quit your joking now. By the way London I see where you get your looks. You should thank your father". His dad, who's name is Gino, busted out laughing and taking my arm escorted me to the mini bar in London's entertainment room.

London

What the fuck. My Pop's, the meanest SOB I know was clearly smitten with Laney. I watched as they carried on. I told her to stay put. Also I was in awe, I figured my Pop's would be angry seeing how he always told me a woman makes you weak, but he seemed overjoyed. Finally my Pop's took his leave, but not before he got Laney to commit to a family dinner before she left NY. I couldn't even be mad at her after how I saw them hitting it off. In a way I'm greatful he came by because I was getting ready to make a mistake. I made a vow to myself not to have sex with Laney today and before he showed, we was headed that way. I wanted to show her a good time and stop making her think I just wanted to fuck her, which I did, but with her it was much more than a simple fuck. I wanted to tell her my secrets, hold her while we sleep, make her happy. She scared the hell out of me. Imagine that, me the mafia king, being scared of a woman. I was scared because of my feelings for her. I was scared because if I choose to show her who I am, she might not look at me the same and run away. I was afraid of harm coming to her simply because she's mine. I was also afraid that if she tryed to leave I wouldn't let her go. Holding her captive, making her stay by my side against her will. My plan was to hide my lifestyle from her as long as possible and if she did find out, I hope her love for the real me far outweighed the hate she would have for my monster.

Laney looked at London while he was in his deep thoughts. "You okay?" Snapping back to reality I nodded yes then said"Let's go".

Laney

Giving London a smartass grin I cooed "So, you was trumping around moping when you came home?" London rolled his eye's, took my hand in his and left the apartment to start our day.

Once in the parking garage, he held the door open to his black Porsche helping me in. He continued to hold my hand as he drove, sporadically placing kisses atop it.

London drug me all over the city, checking out all the sights, unique shop's, and foods. Laughing, I told him that I'd always wanted to try a hotdog from one of those little carts. Even though he grimaced, he pulled over next to one for me. If he caught me purchasing something, he'd quickly pull his card out paying before I had a chance. I wanted for nothing this day. We even shared a ice cream cone at Coney Island. I know too cliche.

While we sat on the bench enjoying our triple decker, rocky road cone, I asked. "What exactly do you do? I know the land part, but you own restaurant's, and spas. London seemed to tense up but answered. "I'm just a investor. I buy up business. I own clubs as well." Nodding my head in understanding, I asked. "So what's the deal with the land I want? The one with the warehouse?" Before he could answer the remainder of our cone toppled over  hitting the ground.  We both laughed and moved on as the conversation was forgotten.

London

Okay, I'll admit I intentionally dropped the cone as to distract Laney from this rather touchy conversation. The day was going so great, I didn't want to muddle it with business talk. Also, little did she know, I had Marcus and Conner following us at a distance. I gave them strict instructions to protect Laney at all costs. Don't even worry about me if something pop's off, just protect babydoll. Of course, I was strapped as well.

We ended the evening back at my place eating take out. I didn't want it to end. "Laney stay" Pulling out of my embrace she shook her head. "You know I can't. Dillon is waiting for me" Letting out a growl I gritted out "please don't talk about you with another man". Laney leaned back into me trailing kisses along my jaw then whispered "I'm sending him away tonight". Handing her my phone I said "Just call him and do it, or better yet I can"
"No London. I owe him enough to be honest and do this face to face".
"Babydoll I don't like that"
"Dillon is harmless, he'll be okay and so will I. I got this". Against my better judgement I agreed. When it was time for her to go, I walked her out and had Silas drive her away. Going back inside, I went into my office to pace. I had a inkling that shit was about to go down.