Flawed (Imperfectly Perfect Book 1) Read online

  “They’re gone,” Dalia said, eyeing her computer screen. My steps slowed to a halt in front of the reception counter. “I told them you had an emergency in court and rescheduled for tomorrow.”

  Curving my lips upwards, I leaned on the counter. “Thank you very much.”

  She looked up from her glasses. “Don’t get used to it. I’m not your assistant and I certainly don’t get paid to clean up your mess.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll start a petition to get you a raise.” I winked at her.

  With a smile, Dalia shook her head. “Why are you constantly late these days? I know you don’t like it here, but at least you were punctual.”

  I held her tiny face in my hands and planted a kiss on her cheek. “I’m happy, Dalia. So happy.”

  I let her go and watched her turn rosy-pink. “I’ve noticed. Is it a girl?”

  “It’s not a girl, Dalia. It’s the girl.”

  Melissa was all I thought about, all I wanted. She had uncovered feelings in me—feelings I’d never thought possible. I’d heard of this type of fuss that made people do unreasonable things. Yet I never trusted that I could be stricken with such engulfing feelings, but I had and it overwhelmed me each day.

  Dalia and I fell into a staring deadlock for a moment. She was stunned with my blunt confession. I loved Melissa, and it felt good to admit it.

  Dalia placed her hand on top of mine. “Hold on to her, Andrew. Don’t let her slip away.”

  “I don’t intend on ever letting her go.”

  She patted my hands and rested back on her chair altering her stance. The smile on her lips was replaced by a pout and wrinkles formed between her brows. “She’s in your office,” Dalia said. She only used that tone when referring to my mother or Ashlyn.

  “Which one?”

  “Your mother.”

  I left Dalia to her duties and headed to my office. My mother was not the cheeriest of visitors, and if she was here, it was because she wanted something or only to patronize me. I didn’t even remember the last I’d spoken or seen my mother.

  I marched into the office, past my mother and opened the file cabinet. “Mother, whatever it is, make it fast, I’m leaving in the next minute to attend a mediation on a divorce case.” I took out the files needed and shut the cabinet.

  “The party’s tomorrow,” she said, “Ashlyn told me you have neither invited nor spoken to her since the day you supposedly broke up.”

  Jesus, Ashlyn, that was another one who faded from my life.

  “I have nothing to say to her and I’ve invited someone else.” Rounding my desk, I opened the first drawer and took out my notepad.

  “What?” My mother’s jaw dropped. “You always go with Ashlyn. Always.”

  “Not this year. I have a girlfriend.”

  My mother batted her eyelashes rapidly. Her face twisted as if she was about to have a stroke. It took her a moment to find her words. “Who is she? Andrew…” She paused and rubbed her forehead. “What about her family? I haven’t met her, Andrew! I don’t accept this.”

  Having everything I needed, I moved to my mother and kissed her temple. “Has anyone ever told you how pretty you are?”

  She snorted. “Your father did, years ago. Don’t try to flatter me though, answer my questions. Who is this girl?” I squeeze her shoulders and headed out the door. My mother rushed to her feet and followed me out. “Andrew!”

  “Yes,” I answered over my shoulder.

  “We need to talk about this girl. About Ashlyn.”

  I kept my strides even, and my mother tried to match my pace, her heels clicking on the wooden floor.

  “I’m busy.” I nodded at Dalia and continued to the door with my mother whining behind me.

  “Andrew, who is she? At least tell me her name.”

  I turned. “She’s gorgeous.” Smiling, I blew her a kiss.

  My mother reddened with anger, stomping her heels. “Andrew Ronald Malcolm, come back here!”

  ∞∞∞

  Melissa was leaving in a few days to Brazil. She finally decided that she would go and see her family. I didn’t want her to but I couldn’t stop her either. It would be good for her to see her family and possibly forget her past. Who was I kidding? She would never forget, but she needed to make peace with it.

  But that was an issue for another day. Today I was edgy about taking Melissa to this party. My family would be there, and Ashlyn. When I invited Melissa, I didn’t think of any of that.

  “You can park here,” I said to Mendez—my mother’s driver—and he brought the car to a stop. “I will be right back.”

  Melissa’s apartment was my second home, I was there regularly. The doorman let me in without questions or announcing me. I thanked him and called for the elevator. On her floor, I walked to her door, knocked and then turned the knob—it was open.

  Melissa was strolling around the apartment still in a robe—classic Melissa. She took forever to get dressed. I scowled, and she ran to her room like a scared mouse without saying a word. I closed the door and followed after her. Leaned on the doorway, I watched her running around the room uncoordinatedly, colliding with the furniture. Even in her clumsy state, she was mesmerizing.

  Her hair was joined up on one side while the rest of her curls fell unerring over her face. Her luscious lips were colored in a bright shade of red. I’d seen her in makeup before and there was nothing wrong with it. She was beautiful in every way, yet, I found her most attractive with her face natural.

  I folded my hands over my chest when she stripped off the robe. Melissa was not even trying; she was naturally sexy. I had to force my eyes away from her and stare at my shoes as my dick pulsed. It never listened to my brain when it concerned Melissa.

  “Two more minutes,” she uttered and continued sprinting around. I raised my eyes, and a shiver ran up my spine at the sight of Melissa in lingerie and black heels.

  “Don’t get any ideas.” She struck a pose and then disappeared into her closet.

  It was impossible not to get any ideas.

  Finally, she came out with a black dress. She turned her back to me, sucked in her stomach as I pulled up the zipper of the dress.

  “What do you think?” She did a little penguin turn.

  The black dress she had on was long, covered her shoes, and drew immaculately every curve she had. The sparkles around the waistlines she could do without. Melissa shone without any ornaments.

  “Beautiful as always.” I bent and kissed her forehead.

  “If you keep calling me beautiful, I might end up believing you.”

  “If you don’t believe it yet, then I haven’t said it enough.”

  She picked up a tiny sparkly bag from her bed and stuffed her phone and other cosmetics into it before closing it. She linked her arm to mine, and we headed downstairs.

  Mendez hopped out of the car and opened the door for us. I helped Melissa in and then I followed. Leaning back on the seat, I focused my gaze out the window with Melissa’s hand resting on my thigh, absently admiring the city. As we approached the firm, my heart throbbed dully.

  “Are you okay?” she whispered.

  I didn’t turn to her. I knew she would notice my worry. She always did. It was difficult hiding anything from her.

  “I’m all right.” I rested my hand on top of hers and held it during the remainder of the drive.

  Mendez drove through a set of gates with MB interwoven. I climbed out first, rounded the car to assist Melissa. The dull throb in my pulse abruptly increased. Sweat formed around my brows and hands. Subtly, I wiped my palm on my pants and positioned it on the small of her back, guiding Melissa through the hallway.

  Quiet music, chatters, and laughter became louder with each step we took towards the main hall. Spherical tables, decorated with white cloths and dark blue centerpieces, seating eight were wholly filled with suited men and well-dressed women. Most of the women seemed phony; exaggerated makeup and over the top jewelry glistering brighter than the cry
stal chandeliers.

  We were expecting over a hundred guests; this was the biggest gathering to date. Customarily, we kept it simple with staff, friends, and family but this year my mother and Mrs. Bale went all out.

  Dave, Erica, Christina, and Rob were already there. As we sauntered across the room, I spotted my mother from the corner of my eye. She was watching me. Watching us.

  We made ourselves comfortable in the company of our friends and a few others whom we shared the table with and my nerves eased a notch. Melissa was also nervous about being in the same room with my parents. Although I’d told her a lot about them and their controlling ways, I never mentioned how obnoxious my mother could be, but she was about to find out for herself.

  I was with my friends but maintained an eye on my mother. She was waiting for my father and when he appeared, she tugged on his arm whispering something in his ear and then they started off towards our table.

  “Andrew,” My mother crooned. I rose, and she hugged me. I didn’t know why since we were together before I went to pick up Melissa. She pulled back but kept both my hands in hers. “Where is she? I’ve been dying to meet her.” She’d seen Melissa and knew exactly who she was. The forced smile on her face told me that she didn’t approve.

  Well, tough luck.

  I jerked my hands free from hers and extended one to Melissa. She took it and politely stood. My father, ever the gentleman, offered his hand first. “Ronald Malcolm. Nice to meet you.”

  “Melissa,” she answered, shaking his hand.

  “Melissa …” my father prompted, waiting for her to complete her name.

  Melissa hesitated then spoke, “Alford.”

  My father frowned and maintained his hand linked with hers. “Alford … Alford.” He repeated the name at least two more times as if tasting it. “I’ve heard it before but can’t pinpoint where. Are you British?”

  “My Dad is.”

  “Hm.” He didn’t let go of Melissa and all of us were wondering what was going on. “What’s your father’s name?”

  Melissa paused and her gaze darted over my face. “Anthony Alford.” Her voice trembled slightly.

  Why did it make her uncomfortable to answer such a simple question?

  Melissa hardly mentioned her family. Come to think of it, all I knew was that her mother was Brazilian and her father was British. She had two older brothers—the twins. This was the first time I’d heard her mention her dad’s name.

  My father let go of her hand but maintained a questioning gaze on her. “Well, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. My son talks highly of you.”

  What? I never mentioned Melissa to him. I only told my mother yesterday I had a girlfriend.

  I forced a grin when my mother made no attempt to introduce herself, thus, I did it for her. “And this is my mother, Jennifer Malcolm.” My mother curved her lips to a half smile demonstrating her dissatisfaction and gave Melissa a once-over from head to toe.

  Melissa said nothing and blankly stared at her. She undoubtedly noticed the censure.

  “Well,” My father said, clasping his hands and breaking the tension. “You kids have fun. Melissa, please make yourself comfortable. Andrew and Dave, I’ll need to introduce you to a few people before the night ends.”

  Dave and I nodded and my parents disappeared.

  “Well that was intense,” Christina said.

  Melissa reached for the chair and slumped down. I did the same.

  “Don’t worry about her,” Dave said. “That was her nice version. It really doesn’t get any better.”

  Dave was warming up to Melissa, or trying to, but Melissa wasn’t as keen on meeting him halfway. She ignored his comment and stared at her hands.

  I brought my hand up to Melissa’s nape. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, Andrew. You can’t be liked by everyone.” Melissa smiled and brushed her lips over mine. Then wiped away with a napkin the red lipstick I figured was smeared on my lips. Thereafter, the mood lightened.

  Melissa laughed, thoroughly amused at something Rob said. She threw back her head, laughing and her eyes teared up. Whatever he said was indeed funny because she wasn’t laughing alone, the entire table was. I didn’t pay attention, all the same, I laughed, only because Melissa was laughing and it was contagious.

  The conversation went on and then she laughed again, resting her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her waist and held her in place when she tried to move. She narrowed her eyes but with a smile and made no further attempt to move.

  Melissa was not the only one I noticed.

  I observed as Dave whispered something to Erica. She was being coy. Her eyes constantly flickering around the table, wary and watchful. Dave brushed the side of her face delicately. It was a swift and rapid movement. Nervously, she swatted Dave’s hand and prompted to check for any attention pointed at them. Melissa, Christina, plus the other guests we shared the table with, were focused on Rob. I was sure no one noticed, but as Erica moved her eyes around the table our gazes locked. She flushed and tore her eyes from mine, pretending to be focused on whatever Rob was blabbering about.

  My eyes traveled to Dave. A silent communication passed between us. He shook his head denying my thoughts. I wasn’t stupid, he was fucking her. I didn’t understand why they were hiding it.

  And then there was Christina, I felt sorry for her. She was trying awfully hard to get Rob’s attention. I told Melissa not to encourage her, but I could tell she hadn’t discouraged her either. I understood they were friends and Melissa didn’t want to hurt her, but someone had to warn her. There was no way Rob had any romantic feelings towards Christina.

  “Do the Math Einstein. If Melissa’s going then Andrew’s going,” Rob said, attracting my full attention. “He’ll walk to Canada for her if she asks, remember?”

  I smiled. I would have walked to Canada if it made Melissa happy. “Where are we going?”

  “Dinner the day after tomorrow. At Falco’s.”

  I choked on air and coughed lightly. “No way.”

  Melissa gently patted my back. “Why not?”

  “I, um…”

  “He has issues with the place,” Rob sniggered. “Things get a bit watery there.”

  Dave chuckled too, and I shook my head telling them to stop. The girls were clueless and didn’t understand our private joke which I planned on maintaining private. Melissa didn’t need to know the gory details of my dysfunctional relationship with Ashlyn. And thank God, she never asked.

  “I’ll text you guys an address tomorrow,” Dave said, smiling. “Someplace that doesn’t rain.”

  Could they cut it out already?

  “Speaking of rain,” Rob said and stretched his hands. “It’s started pouring.”

  I sighed and clasped the back of my neck, aware of who was coming.

  Ashlyn and I hadn’t seen each other since she was in my apartment to collect her things, and honestly, I could have gone without seeing her for the rest of my life. Melissa made me realize that what Ashlyn and I had wasn’t just wrong, it was a colossal mistake.

  The light air was gone, and tension emerged as Ashlyn took a seat on an empty chair next to me. I focused on Dave who stared back at me with a rueful grin.

  “Andrew, how are you? It’s been such a long time.” Ashlyn said. “Actually, it seems like since we broke up, all of you have cut me out.”

  Rob stared down at his glass, twirling it around in his hand. Christina and Erica had a frightening expression aimed at Ashlyn. I was sure they had figured out by now who she was, and I couldn’t even turn to see Melissa’s face.

  “Fine,” I offered curtly.

  “That’s how you’ve always treated me. With such coldness,” Ashlyn began, “and probably will do the same to her.” I shut my eyes and counted to three. One, two, three. Fuck! I opened them and I was still in the same place. Sandwiched between Ashlyn and Melissa.

  “You know, Melissa, he’s wasting your time. When he’s done with you, he�
��ll be back to me like he always does. Andrew isn’t relationship material; he doesn’t deserve you. Walk away while you can because he will hurt you, I know this well. I’ve been there … many times.”

  No one said a word and I was growing restless, shifting in my seat. “You can le—”

  Melissa gripped my arm and cut me off. “Let her finish.”

  Swiftly, I shifted to face Melissa. She had a delightful smile on her lips and her eyes sparkled which caused my brows to knit, completely lost.

  Ashlyn leaned forward and her elbows met the table as she gazed past me to Melissa. “He’ll break your heart. And when he’s done with you, he’ll come back to me, except this time I won’t be waiting.” Ashlyn transferred her blue eyes to me. “You’ve hurt me, treated me like I was worthless, you don’t need to do the same with her. Spare the girl.”

  Melissa snorted, and I had no idea what to do or say. Everyone sitting at the table was quietly watching the exchange while a few pretended not to notice what was happening. Their eyes might not have been on us, but their ears unquestionably were.

  “Ashlyn, right?” Melissa asked, and Ashlyn nodded. “I’m really sorry you feel that way, but the Andrew you described I don’t know. The Andrew I know has never made me feel worthless or any of the things you said. The Andrew I know, and you’ll never meet, is considerate, kind, sweet, and loving. He tells me how much he loves me at every chance he can. That’s my Andrew.”

  Ashlyn was taken back but kept an even expression. I, on the other hand, was in awe of Melissa. She surprised me every time.

  “That’s because you think you know him,” Ashlyn said, raising her voice a tad. “If you knew what he did to me he—”

  “What he did was to you and not to me,” Melissa stated firmly, “I’m not you, and I won’t punish him for something he will supposedly do. And if he does hurt me, it’s my problem to deal with and not yours. Like what happened between the two of you is none of my business and Andrew will tell me when, and if, he feels like it. I thank you for your concern, but it’s unwelcome.”