Page 44 of Tamed By You

“Gabs, I’m sorry, I…” I mutter, trying to catch my breath.

“Al, it’s okay, you were shouting. I couldn't ignore it and leave you, here…” She leans over to my bedside table, passing me aglass of water that I’d put there before I went to sleep. I take it from her, my hands shaking. I sip the water, relaxing a little as the cold liquid washes away the copper taste in my mouth.

Shit, did I bite the insides of cheeks again?

“Are you okay? You haven't had one for a little while,” Gabby asks, crawling up the bed and getting under the covers next to me. Wrapping her arm around me, I lean against her shoulder.

I let out a long breath, trying to steady my uneven breathing. “I know. I’d hoped they’d stopped, but work has been kicking my ass recently and it’s coming up to the…” I stop, clamping my eyes shut, angry these nightmares still plague me.

“I know. Can I get you anything?” she asks stroking my back with the palm of her hand.

I shake my head. “No, just thank you for being here,” I whisper, inhaling her strawberry scent, my heart rate slowing coming back to a healthy beat.

When I was eighteen, I received an unexpected inheritance and brought my little apartment. It's nothing special, but it's mine and something no one can take from me. When Gabby was old enough to leave home, she moved in with me, desperate to get some breathing space from her parents while she attendedJulliard, and six years on she's still here. Aside from Ria, she is the closest thing to family I have. We’ve got each other through our darkest moments. They’ve become the sisters I never had, and I know, without a doubt, I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t have them.

“Do you want me to stay in here with you?” she asks sounding sleepy.

“Please,” I say, fighting back tears that suddenly threaten to fall. Sometimes the loneliness I feel at night is so loud it’s impossible to sleep. Unwanted memories run through my head and play like an old movie on an endless loop with no off button.The only thing that can quieten it are the few people I've allowed behind my protective walls.

Gabby settles in beside me, holding my hand and giving it a squeeze. As I feel myself drift off to sleep, a new image flickers through my mind, one that doesn't flood me with fear, but one that has me feeling secure, warm and safe, an image of him.

Harry.

My phone hasn't stopped ringing, our magazine’s big spring spread is hitting the website next month and it’s all hands-on deck. Violet magazine switched to online only, gaining a huge presence on social media. We are the go-to for the latest fashion inspo and have a reputation for predicting what the next season's trends will be and it’s all going down the shitter.

The fabric I ordered has a stocking issue, the model we wanted double booked and can't do it and now our photographer has been hit with some mystery flu and is in the ICU.

I mean, could it get any worse?

I haven't seen Harry for nearly a week. It's been a few weeks since we got back from Vegas and since the night I bumped into him at the club we have seen each other most days, quickies in his car, lunch breaks at a nearby hotel and one night in his apartment I swung by after babysitting for Jack and Ria.

But this week I haven't had a minute to eat, let alone think about a booty call. As badly as I need one, there's no time. It's ten days till the wedding and I need this all signed off before I can take a few days off.

“Alice.” I wince at the sound of my name coming from Diana's shrill voice. I push back from my desk, standing and smoothingmy hands down my skirt, before stretching my neck to work out the kinks from hunching over at my desk and making my way to her office next door.

“Yes, Diana,” I say as sweetly as I can. What I want to say is,‘What the fuck now you miserable old hag’but I value my job.

“The bag we need for the shoot, there's one waiting atNordstrom. They are expecting you ASAP. Go get it, get us lunch, and come back.”

Is she fucking joking?

“Sure, Diana, anything in particular you want for lunch?” I ask, my jaw clenching.

Bitch, get you own lunch.

She waves a dismissive hand as her phone rings. “Anything. Just be back by two.”

“Hello, Diana speaking,” she answers, and I turn on my heel, rolling my eyes. I storm into my office, grabbing my purse and phone. It’s 12.30 pm, so I’ve just enough time to do everything she's asked and be back by two. Maybe I’ll have time to just sit and breathe without someone demanding something from me.

I head for the elevator, quickly scrolling my social media apps when a text comes through.

Harry

Ali Cat, my office, 15 minutes. I need to be buried inside you. It’s been a hell of a week.

I tap my phone against my chin. I really need to get this bag, but I could call the store to let them know I’ll be a little late. I fire a text back.

Ali

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