Exposure_A Stone Billionaire Series Novel Read online

  Somewhere in those groans I am saying her name.

  We cling to each other desperately for a few seconds.

  “I love you, I mean it, I do,” I whisper in a shaky breath.

  “I love you too,” Ava's soft voice returns the sentiment, with a sincere touch.

  She laughs slightly, her body shaking. “I mean that you know, don't break me please.”

  “I promise I won’t,” I whisper back.

  I move my thumb across her lower lip before kissing her again, we hold onto to our insanity, and then I move against her again.

  Chapter 16: Ava

  May 12, 2017

  It's written all over my body, every bruise, and scratch, and bite mark. Corban is just as scratched up like we've been through a war together.

  Maybe realizing that we love each other has been a war, perhaps that's all it takes to understand that you love someone: a near-death experience, that you have such a short time together.

  We can do this; I know we can do this.

  Oh, and there's the small matter of my mother.

  Everything can be solved, I tell myself as Corban soaps my back, kissing my shoulder.

  We apparently have no real plan, going into this.

  But nothing in life is guaranteed, except this. This I know is certain.

  There's no pretending for us anymore.

  Corban ripped up the non-disclosure.

  He knows who I am. I know who I am. He knows my past. He doesn't care.

  We have no secrets anymore.

  This is real for both of us.

  That's why it's so easy to fall into a routine together, showering together after having the most fantastic afternoon, then an excellent dinner where the conversation flows smoothly.

  We do not need to call anyone to fill the silence or fill our days with activities because we are in love, we can comfortably sit down and gaze into each other's eyes, and that's enough for both of us.

  Maybe this is the honeymoon, but technically this our honeymoon anyway.

  I don't care.

  We've faced more than most couples do in the first six months, I don't want to worry about my mother or anything tonight, tonight we are going to go dancing, we are going to live it up, and party, and just enjoy each other.

  A Latin band is playing live music, and while the in-house Latin ballroom dancers are amazing, Corban wants to dance with me as they encourage guests to join in.

  I am bolder than most, and I allow the male dancer to show me a few steps, my knee-length dress rising higher and higher as he twirls me around the dance floor, until I spin right into my husband's arms, laughing.

  “Think I can live up to your expectations, Ms.?” He grins.

  “Mrs. Winthrop,” I correct him, playing into his sexy stranger game. “I'm married, so you better play nice, should my husband decide to come find me, if he leaves his drink long enough.”

  “Sounds like a wreck,” Corban shakes his head.

  The stubble on his chin is sexy as all hell, and I run the back of my hand along it, running my tongue along my upper lip, making Corban growl as the music changes to a faster pace and our bodies brush together.

  More guests join in the dancing, but our bodies are moving along, seamlessly to the beat.

  We do not go unnoticed.

  Dancing until we are hot and sweaty, drinks in our hands, laughing and kissing, I can't believe I ever didn't know this man.

  Until Rowan shows up, we are the center of attention.

  I almost wish I hadn't one-upped her, on her live feed.

  Almost.

  The much more significant part of me is a smug bitch.

  And I'm thankful.

  Thankful I spent all those years as Bexley Fabbraro because I know how to act around these kinds of model types.

  If you don't notice them, they get heated and bothered, and they become the problem.

  “Want to go back to the room?” Corban's sexy voice is tempting, but the five drinks later Ava wants to ask for trouble.

  “Get me another sex on the beach… then maybe actual sex on the beach,” I wink.

  “Sand in places?” He makes a face.

  “Shut up and do it,” I smirk, winking at him as I lean against the bar, fanning myself with a coaster and Corban calls the bartender over, handing him yet more money before he produces more drinks for us.

  I can't help but think that the staff is gracious and overly kind because of Corban tips so well.

  Or maybe they're aware that he's big money.

  Maybe not.

  I lean against the bar, so Corban can have a nice look at just how low my dress is, and I notice several other men looking away from their female companions.

  Yes, I was the woman who was bold enough to dance first, in a backless dress no less.

  And yes, you probably almost saw my ass.

  “They're probably all wondering if you're attached to me,” Corban whispers.

  “I'm very attached to my husband,” I reply to Corban. “Who are you again?”

  “Oh, we're playing that game still?” He grabs my hip, pulling me forward, sucking on my lower lip, making me whine a little. “You taste like tequila, which I thought you were never drinking again,” His voice is hoarse, and it just reminds me of what I do to him.

  “I wasn't. Then I did. Oops. Tequila makes me do naughty things you know,” I tease.

  Two can play this game.

  “I wonder what my husband would say?” I ask Corban innocently.

  “Let's go; I want you,” He whispers.

  “You had me,” I persist. “Twice, besides, I want to play.”

  “Play?” He raises an eyebrow. “You want to fuck around with Rowan again?”

  “Maybe she'll be nice?” I raise an eyebrow back at him, I look around, and Rowan is heading in our direction, in a little black dress that I recall wearing at some point, only on her it shows far too much. It looks like it may or may not fall off if one were to pull the wrong string.

  Giving me an idea.

  “Ava… whatever you're thinking… don’t,” Corban warns me.

  “Come on,” I pout.

  “If she's nice, be nice, promise me,” Corban is serious now.

  “I promise. But if she's mean, I'm taking her clothes off,” I wink at him.

  “Hello, Winthrop’s,” Rowan's voice is a pitch too high, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes.

  “Rowan,” I smile seductively. “Where's your posse?”

  “Somewhere,” She shrugs. “I go out alone you know.”

  “Alone? Alone?” I ask. “No flavor of the month today?”

  “Nope. I like to be unencumbered,” She smiles. “Listen, I wanted to apologize for my behavior, sometimes, they just… they egg me on. I don't know what got into me; I just got so jealous.”

  I watch Corban's reaction, which ultimately seems suspicious as I do, but, an eye for an eye, right?

  Or wait, that's the wrong one.

  Maybe I’m drunker than I thought.

  “Whatever. It is what it is. Let's just agree, not to do anything like that to each other again. Drink?” I ask her, looking at Corban.

  “Oh, oh yeah, what are you drinking?” he fumbles slightly.

  “Cosmo please,” She ignores him as he gets her a drink, her back to him as he averts his eyes from her ass.

  Corban whispers crack to me, and I stifle my laughter.

  “So, we're having a party, in a few days on this yacht,” She pulls a few tickets out of her purse. “If you guys wanted to come, with a couple of friends, I'm sure you have those Corban?” she turns to my husband who looks at her dubiously. “Very prestigious, invite only.”

  “Are you asking us to one of those Hollywood parties?” Corban moans.

  “I'm sure Noah and Tinsley would love to come,” I cut him off, taking the tickets from her.

  “Great,” She smiles, taking a sip of her drink. “I'll see you all there then?”

  “Perfect,” Co
rban doesn't smile. “We'll see you on a boat. Where we'll all be on a boat. Together.”

  “Yes,” Rowan looks a little put off by his curtness.

  I try to smile graciously, and Rowan smiles back. “Well then… goodnight Winthrop’s.”

  “Ava,” I tell her. “My name is Ava.'

  “Right, Ava and Corban,” It sounds as though we leave a bad taste in her mouth.

  And then she's gone, and I'm left holding four tickets, wondering what I just got the two of us into.

  “We can't go to that,” Corban tells me immediately over the loud music, and we walk down to the beach, following the row of little houses towards ours, at the very end. “Like, I don't trust her for anything, and that's us, on a boat.”

  “You keep saying on a boat like it's a bad thing. What could she possibly do with all those people around?” I insist.

  “Anything,” Corban offers.

  “She has nothing on us,” I remind him carefully.

  “I realize that, but she's devious. You don't know her as I do,” He argues further.

  “She just admitted to going into a jealous rage,” I remind him. “People who want to get back at you, or me, generally do not do that.”

  “Or they do to get them where you want them,” Corban offers.

  “Your point is valid, but I kind of still want to go, if this will put the Rowan issue to rest.” I try to explain.

  But Corban isn’t having it.

  “Who cares!” Corban shouts over the roar of the ocean waves, coming in.

  Pausing to take off my shoes, I shake my head at him.

  “You've had too much to drink, and I do, want to go that is. I want to make sure we start off on the right foot, first, and second, what's wrong with wanting to be friendly with an ex?” I ask.

  “You're friends with all your ex-boyfriends?” he looks dubious.

  “Well… I don't have ex-boyfriends that I like,” I admit. “Or you know, that live in the country. The only ex-boyfriend I have moved to Canada and got married.”

  “You've had one previous relationship?” He attempts to change the subject.

  “No dice,” I shake my head, jumping as a wave washes over my bare feet. “I want to go.”

  “And I don’t,” he stands firm.

  “Then I'll just go with Noah and Tinsley. Or just Tinsley. I'm sure she'll want to go with me,” I shrug at Corban.

  I don’t need to go everywhere with my husband.

  “Why?” Corban persists.

  I get it.

  I understand his concern.

  But I don't want our marriage to have an ax (proverbial of course) like Rowan's anger hanging over it. As though she's going to try to get back at us somehow at any moment. I want the peace of mind knowing that she doesn't care that we are some boring married couple. I want to see that she has moved on.

  “Are you threatened by her?” He persists.

  “God no. Have you seen her?” I shake my head at him, narrowing my eyes.

  A couple too many drinks usually means my jealous tendencies start sprouting up.

  “You're attracted to her, aren't you?” I narrow my eyes.

  I know it sounds crazy, but the words came out anyway!

  “Ava,” Corban groans.

  “Just a guess,” I shrug innocently, now convinced that's the type of woman he wants. “If you want me to get ass implants, and fake breasts, I'm telling you now, it won't happen.”

  “That's not what I said,” His voice sounds exasperated.

  “I know. I'm just warning you,” My voice is cold to him.

  “Ava, she is dangerous, I know her better than you,” He tries again.

  “This argument is over, Corban, it's over,” I shrug my shoulders. Then head inside as I wonder why he's so against this.

  “The best part is, this whole thing started because you wanted things to blow over with Rowan, and now that she's playing nice, you're the one acting like an asshole,” I comment.

  “Ava,” I hear Corban calling my name.

  I ignore him because right now, my night is ruined.

  “Where are you going?” He calls.

  “To call Tinsley and invite her to a party I'm not going to with you,” I spout back.

  “Hey,” He grabs me to turn me around. “Don't be like that, I don't want to fight with you,” He starts backing me up against the bed, kissing my shoulder.”

  “Corban sex isn't going to solve this,” I tell him, pushing him away.

  “I’m,” he groans. “I just don't think it's a good idea. I can express an opinion, can't I?”

  “Okay. You expressed it. I'm free to do as I please,” I wave my hand at him.

  “Jesus Christ you're the most headstrong woman I've ever met in my life,” Corban shakes his head at me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “Can I at least think about?”

  “Fine… but I'm still inviting Tinsley,” I smirk at him, kissing him on the nose before I pick up the phone, dialing the number I've now memorized.

  “Just wait-” he protests.

  “Shhh,” I smirk. “I'm on the phone.”

  Corban grins at me devilishly, approaching with a relaxed and calm demeanor I'm not used to as Tinsley picks up her phone.

  Only as I go to speak, I feel his hand snake up my dress and into my panties.

  I can't help it; my legs automatically spread for him as I lean against the desk.

  “Hi,” I try to move his hand away, but instead one of his fingers pushes against my clit.

  “What's up?” Tinsley asks, sounding tired.

  “Oh, there's this um…” I try not to gasp as Corban's finger moves against my clit slowly, torturing me as I try to hold a conversation.

  “Party on the 14th. You want to go?” I finally get more words out.

  “Sure? Are you okay?” Tinsley asks confused.

  Corban is determined for me to end the conversation, and I bite my lip as he moves two fingers inside me.

  “God you're wet, and are you sure you can hold that conversation?” he whispers in my ear.

  “I'm fine,” I glare at him. “I've got to go. I'll talk to you later about this.” I hang up the phone, only to moan as Corban curls his fingers inside me, his thumb pressing against the button of my clit as I lean against the desk.

  “Holy shit!” I moan.

  “That conversation ended quite quickly…” he comments, his lips moving against my collarbone, down my shoulder as he pulls at the ties holding my dress up.

  “I'm still mad at you,” I try to tell him, but more moans escape my lips, then another whine as he moves his hands away, letting the dress fall away from my body.

  “This doesn't change anything,” I explain, unconvincingly at that.

  “That's fine,” He finds my lips, and my hands are on his belt.

  “Because,” he tells me explicitly between kisses. “I'm about to bend you over this desk, and make you feel things, that only I can make you feel, and then you might not be so angry anymore.”

  He bites my lower lip a little harder before turning me around, his hands massaging my backside before he spreads my legs, his finger running along the sensitive fold of my clit one last time before he moves my thong aside.

  Then the full length of his shaft slides inside me suddenly, and I grip the desk hard, crying out with pleasure.

  He's almost too big from this angle.

  Almost, but I want so much more of him.

  “How's that, baby?” He asks.

  “More,” I beg him.

  I need more of him.

  Corban teases me with his length, as I resist the urge to give him what he wants to hear, knowing he will only give me half of what I want as my legs shake.

  He thrusts half of his cock inside me, stopping and making me whine, just to pull out again, making me feel every inch of him, teasing me like this until finally.

  “Corban please, I want all of it!” I cry as I bite my lip.

  “I love that name on my lips,�
� He growls.

  He thrusts himself all the way in, and my legs are genuinely going to buckle, as he moves his hips, hitting all sorts of places inside me that make me feel things I didn't even know were possible.

  Dripping wet I just keep begging him for more as he gives it to me, groaning, my tight lips suctioned around his thick shaft with every rough thrust, building up until my entire body clenches up, and I feel the explosive orgasm run through from my core, all way down to my toes.

  Corban grips my hips with an animalistic groan, and I feel him shuddering, breathing heavily as his hot cum shoots inside me.

  We are both spent as he bends over me, kissing my neck, my back, all the skin he can find until he finally whispers.

  “You're beautiful like this, every time I watch you, you're more and more beautiful.” He whispers.

  Then when I can finally stand, he leads me to the bed, and I admit that I'm not as mad as I was.

  Chapter 17: Noah

  May 13, 2017

  “She's as irritating as you are,” My voice sounds as dark as ever as I sip my whiskey.

  I look out over my island, from the sparse office that usually brings my comfort.

  Now I can see nothing but the darkness that's come with having Elizabeth back in my life.

  Ava called Tinsley.

  Tinsley is as excited as anything to go to a Hollywood party.

  Therefore, they are going together, and Corban and I both know there is nothing either of us can do to stop the two of them.

  “I'm aware,” Corban is short with me.

  “So, you think Rowan is part of Elizabeth's game?” I ask him, as though I didn't know this, as though I don't know everything.

  “I know she is. She came to me,” his voice is full of regret. “She knows everything I did. Everything about Clint Hale, about the business, how Isa, I mean Elizabeth, backed me into a corner, just like you probably know already.”

  “I saw her,” My admission comes with nothing else.

  I look down at the brown liquid in my glass, swallowing the rest.

  “I was in this to protect you Ava, I was going to give her, whatever she wanted, but it was never about the money,” I say.

  As though I didn’t see that coming.

  When I look up at Corban, he's as serious as ever.