Sin De Rella — Chapter 40

The Father Instinct

Skip

“CLYVE, listen to me, brother. I told you to take a break for a month or so. This is a tricky job that you need to focus on. Anyway, whether you’ll work or not, no one can kick you out of the board,” I groaned in irritation.

Clyve had been training himself by day and studying online by night. His determination to learn about business made me a proud brother, but I wanted him to enjoy his life as well.

I knew it was hard for him especially without Dad to guide like I was. He could’ve just taken business major if he ever planned to be on board, but I knew he loved different things. Running a business was like stepping into another world for him.

“You’re a broken record. You know that, right? I told you I don’t want a bloody break,” he groaned from the other line.

“Just don’t be too hard on yourself because everything is under control. Don’t rush, ‘kay? Why don’t you just come over and buy an art gallery or teach.”

“Brill! Now you say something good. Look, I know you don’t trust me that I can handle business—”

“Why’d you say that? I trust you, Clyve. And you just handled things on your own. I want you to take things easy because the last time I heard, you didn’t even take a shower before going to the office.”

“Of course, that bloody caretaker! Don’t worry about me, I’m doing fine. Once I’m done with this six-month training, I could use a vacay.”

“Good. Take care, okay?”

“Oh, come on. I’m not a bloody eight years old for God’s sake.”

I burst into laughter. “I wasn’t thinking like that. I just want to tell you to take care. That’s it.”

“Fine, arsehole! You are living a perfect life with a perfect job, and a beautiful woman at your disposal.” His voice lowered.

My heart ached. This wasn’t what I wanted him to feel—to feel pity for himself.

“You do have a great life, a hefty of money, and a position on the board, but how would have a beautiful woman if you haven’t been taking a shower or shave? And let my app to good use, you arse.”

“I want a relationship, and not a fuck buddy or a one-night stand, mate. I’m not that kind of bloke.”

“Well, you can start by looking for a date, brother.”

“Just shut up, and stop mocking me.”

“I’m not mocking you.” I burst into laughter again that my eyes started to water. I knew he was annoyed, but I missed this.

“Whatever! Anyway, say hi to Are for me, yeah?”

“Sure thing. And as if you two are not chatting every day.”

“I know, and she sent me a new picture of Ry-Ry.”

My brow arched. “What picture? When?”

“Before you call me. Why?”

Clyve knew everything about Rynna. Since we came back from Seattle, I told Mum and him about everything. There was no way I would keep my child away from my family. I was glad he and Mum were eager to hear more about Rynna. Clyve even said she had the combination of me and Are.

“Seriously? Ry-Ry did not send it to me, and sent to Arella alone?”

“So? What’s wrong?”

“I sent her a selfie in my office earlier, and you know I’m not good at that thing. And she replied with a voice message thank you, Skip. That’s it.”

Clyve laughed. “Wow! You’re such a baby when you get jealous.”

“I am not.”

“Yes, you are, brother.”

“Go ahead and laugh at me. Talk to you later. And mate, please get a life. Bye!”

I quickly dialed Arella.

“Hey, hottie.” She sounded smiling or maybe flirty.

“Hey, love. I heard from Clyve that Ry has sent you her picture.”

“Yeah, and?”

“And she didn’t send me one, why?”

“Because you will tell her no, Ry,” she was even mimicking my voice.

“What exactly she’s doing?”

“Okay, don’t freak out.” Her warning alarmed me completely.

“What was exactly she was doing on that picture, Reigh?”

“Her Aunt Alys bought her a skateboard, and they were in the park when she took a selfie.”

“Love, did she wear protective gear?”

“Um...”

“Arella, answer me or I will call Alys right now.” My heart pounded.

I stood up from my chair, loosening my tie. I knew I didn’t have the right as her Dad, but I was still her father. No matter how great they did in taking care of Rynna, I could still fight to have full custody of my daughter, but I would not do such cruelty and broke a family who did all their best for her. And the fact that Ferry called me to look after her family when he went to the Middle East for a job put me at rest that he trusted me, and I would never going to break that.

“You need to calm down, Skip. She only got a little cut on her knee.”

“A bloody cut? So I was right, after all, that Alys did not let her wear a gear.”

“Jeez, Skip! She’s fine, and enjoyed her practice.”

“Yeah, Reigh. And she got hurt as well.”

“Skipper, Alys is already cleaning her scrape. She chose not to send you a selfie because you will tell her not to. See? Now you’re freaking out.”

“I’ll talk to Alys about this later.”

“Skip...”

“Fine. Why a skateboard though? She could choose a bike with training wheels.” I just loved Rynna, and no parent would ever want to see a child got hurt under her or his watch.

I got back to my seat, rubbing my temple. I know I was overreacting. I just wanted to be a father to her, and to teach her how to skateboard, ride a bike, and send her to school. And I also wanted her to call me Dad, but, it was near impossible because she got her own. I was still grateful that I got a chance to get to know her more.

“Well, apparently she’s just like me and Alys. I used to skate when I was a kid.”

I calmed down a bit. My brow arched. “Really? Why haven’t you told me about that?”

“Well, we didn’t have much time to talk about me on a skateboard. We kind of busy with something else,” she was whispering. “But we have a lot of time to talk about it, right, hottie?”

I blinked, trying not to picture out naked Arella in our bed with her hair askew. “So, how’s your new lab?” My dad closed the deal before he died, so the head chemist and the staff transferred from France to the new lab here in New York.

“Oh, dear. It’s great. It’s modern though, and the people here seem to be friendly. I just wish Maj is with me, you know.”

She may have a new job, but it felt different to work with someone you already knew. I’d been in her position.

“You can do a little convincing, Reigh. She could meet new French people there. Anyway, have you thought about the name?”

“I did and already submitted this morning.”

“Really? Without telling me.”

“You’ll know it, boss of the boss.”

“Stop calling me that, love. I will spank you tonight.” My brain instantly flooded with a lot of naughty thoughts. I just couldn’t get enough of Arella and never a night we didn’t make love and fuck before we went to sleep. And I just loved to see a smile on her face before she fell to slumber.

“I’ll see you later, Skip. Got to go back to work. I love you!”

My phone dinged. 1 Image received.

* * *

JUST AS I placed the two wine glasses on the table, I heard the door unlocked open and clicked close. I ran my fingers through my hair and made my way to the living room.

“Skip? What’s that amazing smell?” Arella shouted from the door, kicking off her heels.

“You’re the smell expert. Guess what is it?” I wrapped my hands around her waist and kissed her lips. I missed her already, and all I wanted was to make love with her, fall asleep, and forget about the dinner I prepared, but I knew she was starving. One thing I learned about her that she was lazy to cook, so I had to teach myself so that we were not going to die with high cholesterol from the takeout food.

“I get it you missed me. And I missed you too, hotsome.”

I smiled and gave her another kiss. “You wouldn’t drop it, would you?”

“It grew on me. So why would I?”

“Fine, Sinderella. Care to tell me the story behind that username?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Maybe because I felt I have a lot of secrets. Can we talk about it later?”

“Sure, love. I know you’re starving.”

“Anyway, it smells like butter, garlic, pepper, and thyme?” Then she moved to sniff me. “And you, my love, smells delicious, but I know you’ll be my dessert later.” She caught her lip between her teeth.

Good lord! Something strained down there.

“Good plan. Let’s go and feed you well because we have a long night, and I need your strength for something else.” I threw her bag to the couch and led her to the kitchen.

She was grinning when she saw the table with our dinner. A lit candle and flowers I picked up from the flower shop before I headed home.

“Since when did you become romantic, Skipper Linton?”

“Since I met you, love.”

Epilogue

Where It All Started

Skip

THE RED and golden motif of the venue made the silver nude and fully embellished evening dress I chose looked spectacular on Arella’s curves. The low V-back added to my dark fantasy after this evening affair. Then the floor-length skirt with side high slit showed her ever toned legs.

Jesus!

After grabbing a champagne flute, I had to look away. I couldn’t have a constant hard-on while entertaining the guests. Clyve was in a conversation with French perfume critiques. Some American, French actresses and former perfume endorsers were also here tonight.

The highly awaited fragrance, Scent ‘d Arella showcased at the center. The spoke person was an Academy Award-winning actress chosen by the perfumer herself. The high-end scent made the night bloom with flowery, sweet, and spicy, yet seductive effect.

I couldn’t help but think her smell that made me crazy, and now we were launching it. I wanted it to share with all the fragrance enthusiasts all over the globe. I was so proud of Arella at the same time for concocting such great creation. She didn’t just do a great job, but she made her dream come true.

The launching held earlier, then followed by the music played by the guest musician who also sang the ad for the perfume. What I liked about this campaign was the emphasis of love, passion, and dreams of women—it exactly reminded me of Arella.

Most of the critiques had positive reviews and that was a plus. The advertising department did an impressive job with campaign videos and was now playing on the 3D walls.

“This is great,” Brett complimented.

“Yep. My girl who made this possible,” I replied proudly.

“I wasn’t impressed when she chose to be a chemist, but I was glad she stood for what she loved.”

“Glad you didn’t stop her. I believed what she was capable of, Rogue. That was why I never gave up on pushing her beyond her limit.”

“I was worried after her divorce, but when she got her life back, I knew she would soar high. And I’m glad you came back, asshole.”

I side-glanced him. “What did I say about respect, Rogue?”

A laugh erupted from him. “Couldn’t help it. You being with my little sister. You who I’d avoided mentioning to her, yet, she ended up with you? It’s ridiculous!” Brett stared right into my eyes. He was amused and happy. He then shook his head. “The fact that you have a daughter with her. Jesus! I’m still processing it until now. I love Ry-Ry though.”

Shoving my hands into my pockets, I sighed in relief. I remained silent for a few moments, and thanked God! Just a few weeks ago, my life had turned upside down, yet I felt the contentment inside my chest right now.

I had a beautiful woman who loved me dearly. I had a profitable business. I met my child who I thought she never existed. My brother was doing great and seemed happy. I had a supportive best friend and a family who accepted me as their own. What else would I want in this world? Everything was perfect and more than what I ever dreamed of.

What else? A family?

“I love your sister, Rogue. So much. That’s to sum it up.”

He snorted, “That’s not so obvious.” He then patted my back. “I’m happy for you, mate.”

“You should be. And you should definitely pursue Alys.” I smiled wickedly. Never had I ever thought he had a serious thing towards Arella’s best friend, but if us was possible, nothing was impossible for them as well.

“Nah. She’s like my baby sister.”

I laughed, and Arella might hear it because she was now looking at me with a query. I just winked at her—her cheeks blossomed red.

She’s adorably sexy!

“Like a sister? Are you sure about that?” I looked at him. To my surprise, Brett was blushing. He rubbed his face, and it turned redder.

“You’re blushing.”

“I don’t blush, Linton.”

“You don’t lie right into my face. Not now. Not ever. You like her, and I could tell by your reaction right now that you’d been in lust with her. What’s stopping you? Because of your sister? Nothing’s gonna stop a Rogue’s persuasiveness, right, mate?”

Brett remained silent as if thinking twice about what I said.

“Arella once mentioned to me that if you like her best friend, she would be happy to see you two together. And I think she mentioned that Alys always asked about you,” I added.

His eyes slightly widened. “Really? I mean did she ask about me?”

My smile widened. “Huh! Gotcha.”

“Fuck you!”

“So, admit it already that you like Alys. What’s wrong with that? Look at me, Rogue. Been there, done that. Did it work out? It definitely did. Am I happy? To the moon. Unless you only want to screw her. Then that’s a different story.”

Then his mouth hung open. That was when I found the person we were just talking about. She was wearing an off-shoulder white dress. The very own, Alys.

“Might wanna close your damn mouth, Rogue.”

He looked smitten. Christ!

“Now move.” I patted his back and walked towards my woman who was with Alys.

“Hey. What was that all about?” Arella asked. She was glowing. Her eyes sparkled, and I couldn’t be much prouder of myself that it was definitely because of me.

“We’re talking about her.” I pointed to Alys. And her face instantly burned. With brow arched, she asked, “Me?”

“Positive. Now go and talk to Brett because I need to be out of here with Reigh. We have a long-hour ride.”

I joined Reigh’s video chat with Byrne, and that was my only chance to talk to my girl, Rynna. I loved her so much. No doubt it was our blood connection that was stronger than any other bond. She kept on asking when will be the Harry Styles Concert. Unfortunately, Anna’s doctor advised her not to travel for a while, so we had to wait.

“Where are we going?” Arella asked as I dragged her away from Alys.

“Tell you later.” I snaked my arm around her possessively and ignored Alys calling Arella’s name from our back.

“Skipper, we can’t just ditch the party,” she warned.

“We’re done here, love.”

“Skip.”

“Fine. If you’re so persistent. To correct my mistake.”

“To church?” Her answer made me chuckle.

“What made you think of that?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. People go to church to confess and ask for forgiveness.”

We reached the parking lot, and she didn’t talk anymore. I looked at her after taking the car key from the valet. “All right, love?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. You look gorgeous by the way.” I strolled my eyes down to her body one more time that I couldn’t get enough off.

We made love and fuck every night, but after the end of my busy work, I still craved her. And the best part was we had the same anticipation of synergy.

“Try saying you’re damn sexy, Arella.” She rolled her eyes, getting inside the car with a wicked smile on her face.

“You are beyond sexy, love.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Shoot.” I revved out of the parking lot to the road.

“Remember when we met at the supermarket?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Did you follow me there?”

I laughed softly. Guilty. ”What made you ask that, love?”

She’d been asking many things lately. She asked me once if I went to a sex club. She didn’t pry when I asked her if it showed on my skills. She just blushed like a tomato.

“Skip?” Arella slapped my thigh. “Answer me.”

“Love, I’m driving.”

“Is that a yes?”

“No?”

“No? Or just no.”

“What will get from this, Reigh?”

“Fine. Don’t answer.”

I sighed. “Fine. I’ll answer.”

She shifted in her seat.

“Yes, I followed you. I stalked your social media accounts that had not been updated, so it wasn’t that helpful. I couldn’t just ask your brother about you, could I? I don’t know your husband, and I didn’t even open your wedding invitation.”

“Why did you do that?”

“You know the answer.”

“I want more than that.”

“Why?”

“I just wanna know.”

“Love, I know you, and I know you have something on your sleeves. Now tell me, and I will tell you honestly.”

“I just like our love story, Skip.” She giggled, but I wasn’t entirely convinced.

“Ah. There’s something more than that.”

“Ugh. You told me you love me for seven years. Don’t you think I should know how did you love me from thousands of miles away?”

I glanced at her, then focused back on the road. “Arella, love doesn’t measure distance, it just grows. It gives us a reason to love harder. So, if I stay in London, and you stay here, you won’t love me anymore?”

“When two person meant for each other, no distance is too far, no time too long, and no other love can break them apart.”

“Exactly. When your brother sent me an invitation to your marriage, I thought I’d died. Then the day of your wedding, I called your brother that I’m heartbroken. I actually just broke up with my ex a week earlier, but my heart was broken because of you.”

Arella sniffed, making my head snapped to her side.

“You asked me, I answered, and now you cry?” I held her hand, squeezing it.

“It’s just, thank you for loving me.” She pressed my hand into her lips.

“I’d loved you more no matter what.”

* * *

ARELLA must be damn tired during the launching party. I understood, all eyes focused on the new perfumer. She was the center of attention tonight, but she did a great job answering the questions from the media and entertained the guests.

She slept throughout the ride. I played her playlist on our way that put her on slumber.

I parked the car in front of our destination. Nothing changed to this place even after seven years.

Chapter Epilogue

Fixed

Arella

I GROANED upon stretching my limbs. The first thing that came to my senses was the smell—it wasn’t the smell of Skip’s car. It smelled fresh laundry. And I was lying flat and able to stretch my limbs. The soft humming came next—it was the air conditioning. I spread my arms, the softness of the sheet under my palm confirmed something. I was in bed—it was a queen size to be precise, and I was sleeping comfortably.

My eyes flew open wide. I met the teardrop small chandelier hanging at the cream-colored ceiling. A tendril of fear crawled down my spine when it hit me—this was not our bedroom.

I checked myself—I was still wearing the same dress. My shoes were taken off of my feet.

I wasn’t feeling dizzy though. Then the event of the party sprang into my mind, and I was talking with Skip in his car.

Where’s Skip?

Oh, my God! No no no! My blood froze in my veins.

“Skip!” Panic quaked on my senses. My heartbeat thrashed against my ears as I crawled out of bed.

Oh, my God!

I found my purse on the nightstand. The nightstand.

Still shocked, I stared down at the red dark wood for a good minute.

“Oh, my God!” Tears burned my eyes. My hands flew to my gaping mouth.

“Figured something already?” A squeal slipped my lips to the voice at my back.

I spun around quickly, only to see a stunning man in front of me. His lips curved up a smile.

My brows furrowed to see the T-shirt he was wearing—The Fifth Death.

“Why are we here?”

“I want to fix my mistake for leaving you that morning, Reigh.”

My shoulders sagged in dismay. “Skip, I don’t want to change a thing in our lives. I have you back. That’s all that matters.”

Skip stepped closer, holding my arms. “I know. And we couldn’t change a thing from our past even we wanted, could we? But your words at the lab shook my heart, and it hurt like hell when you said that to me.”

“So, you want to start over?”

“Not exactly. I brought you to the place where we first met because this is where we started. I couldn’t bring you to the stadium because it’s under renovation. I just want you to know how much this place means to me.”

God, Skip! The man that I love will do everything for me.

“You didn’t buy this hotel, did you?”

Skip beamed, shaking his head. “No. Do you want me?”

“No.”

He held my hand. “Come here. We didn’t get a chance to explore this place as we were busy exploring something else that night.”

Skip pulled the curtain open. Wow!

“We’re back to Ravenhill. And this is where I grew up, yet I’d never been to this room that showcases the perfect view of this place.”

“See? There’s much more you missed to see in your town.”

“You’re right.” The hotel was the tallest amongst the hotels in town. The lights outside the glass window were like fireflies in the majestic tree—it was stunning and captivating.

“This is beautiful, Skip.”

He held me to face him. “You’re beautiful than what’s outside this window, love. I brought you here to celebrate. No matter how long I was gone, I still came back to you. And if there was one thing I could ask is I hope I didn’t leave you that night, but it happened for a reason.”

I lifted my hand to touch his face, gliding to his hair. I pulled the band that tied it. I lifted a thick strand to my face, smelling it. “If there was one thing I would ever do, I wished I had patience in me. I could still wait for you, Skip. If I only knew we ended up together in the same place right now.”

“I love you, Reigh.” Skip cupped my face. He never failed to show me how much he loved me. He completely accepted me with all his heart—my mistakes and my flawed life.

I may fall, lose hope, but here I was, stronger than ever, facing the life in my present and hopefully a greater life ahead of us. I was grateful that I took a leap that I feared.

***

SKIP sank his fingers into my hair and looked deeply into my eyes before slamming his lips into mine. He kissed me as if I haunted him and burned him with desires. Tightening my fists on his hair, I kissed him back.

He let out a groan as he delved his tongue, taking his command. I always loved about him, taking control as if he possessed me yet, he’d been always generous, kind, and loving.

My heartbeat filled my ears as he pressed his hard erection against my lower abdomen. A thud against the glass window didn’t bother us to break apart. It was utterly overwhelming with the pleasure we both caused at each other.

We barely broke apart to shrug off our clothes separating our skin. Despite having those, I could still feel my skin melting with him. Skip’s hands cupped my breasts, thumbs squeezing my hardening nipples. I dragged a stuttering breath, bucking my head against the glass window.

“Skip!”

His mouth captured my tout peak. A jolt of sensation shot right between my legs.

“Skip, please?”

I felt the coldness seeped through my skin when his mouth suddenly gone.

“Love, do you really need to do that?” His voice became husky and deep.

Looking amused, he lifted me effortlessly in his arms and carried me to bed. He placed me down gently as if I was fragile, then loomed above me. He kissed me again—this time, it was slow with pure passion.

Our mouth moved in sync. His lips were gentler as we explore each other. I always melted to his kiss, to his musky and minty smell. We kissed leisurely and slowly as if we had the time in the world. I shuddered at the pleasurable sensation.

I realized what he was doing. Everything had happened that night at this very room brought back to me like it was just yesterday.

Skip was going to make love with me.

His mouth and tongue wondered on my flesh with such worship. I couldn’t stay still—it felt incredibly good. Tears just ran down at the corner of my eyes.

“Skip?”

He froze to my voice, then met my gaze.

Smiling with all my love, I cupped his face and kissed his lips. “If my memory serves right, I think you should be inside me now.”

He wiped my tears then grinned. “You’re right. I might lose track a little bit.”

He glided his length way down on my wet sex.

I closed my eyes as he started to thrust his crown inside me. God! A surge of heat ran through my body.

“Feel this moment, love. Not seven years ago. I know this is real. You and me. This is all real.” He slowly sank all in inside of me, making me writhe for more. Blood rushed all through my body with more love and desire.

Skip felt it too as he sank his face on my neck.

I could smell him—his spiciness. The very same smell years ago. He began moving, thrusting slowly with so much passion, yet full of intensity. I could feel his hardness dragging in and out of my inner walls.

The sensation gathered, converged, and made me feel euphoric. My fingers dug against his fresh, trying to hold the unpredictable.

Skip rugged breathing tingles my every living cells, and it craved me more. I gripped his waist with my legs, meeting his thrust.

The pleasure became stronger. My entire body tightens as I climbed higher and higher. The liquid of ecstasy surged in my veins as my inner muscles started pulsing.

“Oh, Skipper!”

Perspiration dampened our skin. Only our breathing created a sound in the room.

“Reigh,” Skip dragged out. “Let go, my love.” It was a beg. Skip couldn’t hold it anymore—I felt him pulsing inside me.

He raised his head, bracing himself as he looked at me with a smile on his face, yet he was struggling. The vein on his forehead was bulging.

“I love you—” Languid euphoria rolled over my senses as my orgasm exploded, and Skip followed.

“I love you, Arella.”

***

The End