Page 21 of Twisted Bonds
I gasp, then chuckle, "Behave, Bain!"
To the audience, we are just bantering as family members do. Oh, what would they think if they knew the filthy things we banter about? We wait for the room to fall silent, and Bain begins talking again.
"When my event planner contacted me about this annual event, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to raise funds for this foundation. Knowing all of you as I do, I know you are like me regarding choices and freedom, so I knew you would all help out in any way you could."
Bain looks down at the paper in his hands before turning to me. "You've outdone yourself, Ryan, and I know that both Lacey and your father are looking down on you with pride in their eyes. You've been on a journey, Ryan. One of pain and healing, love and heartache, a prisoner of such depravity, but you never gave up. You still fought for not only your freedom but for the freedom of others, and even after all that, you have remained true to yourself. You, Ryan Hendricks, have a heart of gold, so I would first like to present you with an award."
Bain pulls out a golden award with a golden heart sitting at the top. When he hands it to me, it's a hefty, little number, and I realize it's made with real gold. My eyes bulge at him, and he smirks at my lack of strength.
"Now, the second part of this award includes a generous check to put towards the Lacey Hendricks Foundation. I believe that this may be the biggest check I have handed over from a fundraiser. These lovely guests pulled out their bank cards and checkbooks, and all gave a generous amount to your foundation, Ryan. I am proud to be able to present to you a check for just over $1.5 Million!"
Everyone begins to clap as I stand here with nothing but a look of shock. One point five million dollars can do so much for the victims that I work with. I'm not sure if I know how I'm going to thank everyone.
After everything Bain has done with this event, there is still one more surprise. The people actually presenting the check are the most shocking of all. Not only is it Laney, Heather, and Becca, but Liv and even young Mia are here with a few others we rescued.
A tear slips out, and I can't stop myself as I turn and throw my arms around Bains's neck and bury my face into his chest. "Thank you, Bain."
"Anything for you, pretty girl." I feel his lips press briefly against my head in a chaste kiss, and then I pull back to turn and face my friends.
"Thank you for everything you have done for us, Ryan. Who knows where we would be without you," Becca states as she hugs me.
"How's your boy?" I ask.
"Growing like a weed," she laughs.
Smaller arms circle my waist, and I see it's Mia. "Thank you for coming back for me, Ryan."
"Awe, there’s no need to thank me." I hug her back and then thank the guests for all their generosity.
The empty table that was beside ours was for the victims who flew all the way to Italy just to hand me a check. Actually, I correct myself… they're not victims; they're my friends. Seeing that Liv is here and not back in the States also puts me at ease, and we girls spend the rest of the evening chatting while Bain talks business with his investors.
I'm dead on my feet as we get back into the limo for the ride to the villa. Bain lifts one foot at a time and pulls a heel off, massaging the soreness rightout of it. Little moaning noises slip from my lips, which make him chuckle, but he never stops.
"Thank you again for bringing them here. I still can't believe you all lied and kept it a secret. How will I ever believe another word any of you say?" I tease.
Bain throws his head back in laughter. "We never lied to you; we just omitted the truth. I had instructed them that if you were to directly ask them if they were coming here, they would tell you the truth."
"Oh, you sneaky little dog!"
"Fine, next time, there will be no surprises," Bain jokes and then places my foot back on the limo floor.
"Now you're putting words in my mouth!" I grin.
Shrugging, Bain nonchalantly leans back into the seat, opening his tuxedo jacket for more comfort as he responds, "You're the one complaining about being lied to, so…"
I bite my lip as I notice the bulge in his pants. My eyes go to his face and find his eyes closed, so I allow myself the pleasure of the view. Devouring his form in the dim lighting allotted to me, there is just enough light in the limo that I can make out the masculine features of his face, the broad expanse of his chest, and how it tapers down to his waist. I've seen the hard V he has when he's only wearing his unbuttoned jeans in the playroom and the trimmed trail of hair that leads down to a package that most women would swoon over. In my opinion, Bain Huntley would be considered an epitome of the male species.
"Keep looking at me like I'm your next meal, and I'll stuff you full of all the trimmings, pretty girl," Bain says as his eyes remain closed.
Grinning, I'm not scared of his threat. "What makes you think I'm even staring at you?"
"I can always feel your eyes when they’re on me. They burn me with their heat," he says amusingly.
"Oh, you're saying I'm always lusting after you? What makes you think you fill my thoughts that way, Mr. Huntley?"
His lips curve into a smile that makes my center throb. "Because I made it so I'm the only one to fill those thoughts. By edging you the way I did, I bet that pretty little cunt is throbbing for release. You haven't come in days, Ryan. Your needy little cunt knows that I'm the only one who can give her exactly what she needs."
I scoff, "You're not the only male in Italy, Mr. Huntley. This country is filled with gorgeous men that would be willing to give myneedy little cuntexactly what she needs."
