Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Henry walked in, careful not to make a sound. His friend was a grouch in the morning and he didn't want to deal with him especially after the long gruelling flight he'd just had. Aside from jet lag, he was a little bummed. The move from England to America hadn't been easy but thanks to Ray he'd gotten his American citizenship faster than most people. The perks of having well connected friends. Don't get it twisted, he wasn't the kind of man to abuse his friends. In fact, the only reason he accepted the help was because he needed to start a new chapter. Relocating was the first step to leaving his past behind.

Growing up in an orphanage, he had to fight for every scrap of meal if he didn't want to go to bed hungry. Unlike Raymond, he didn't grow up a privileged kid. For the most part of his life he'd detested rich kids because they had everything while children like him had nothing. But he'd overcome that hatred and learnt that if he wanted something then all he had to do was work hard for it. At age sixteen, he'd left the orphanage after getting a scholarship at Harvard which is where he'd met Raymond Lachlan. At first Henry had thought he was just like every rich kid out there. Spoiled and egotistical. But then a strange turn of events had led them to become friends. And Henry realized that they had more in common than he initially thought.

Ray had offered to let him stay at his apartment until he could arrange for his own place. This was New York so how hard could it be to find a place? Pulling his suitcase behind him, he opened the door to the spare bedroom and froze. Had he mistaken Ray's house to that of his neighbor? Impossible. Unless they shared the same key. But how did that explain the redhead sprawled out on his bed? Henry placed his bag beside the door and went to see if he was indeed in the right house. It was Ray's house alright. There were no signs of a party that could have explained a strange girl in his room. Shaking his head he went back.

Dazzled by how peaceful she looked asleep, he approached the bed his eyes fixed on the woman. He'd never seen anything like it. Her hair was such an odd shade of red and that was saying something since he was from England where ginger heads were in plenty. The one in front of him couldn't be described as ginger. It was also natural because her eyebrows seemed to be of the same color. Would the triangle patch at the junction of her legs be the same color? He wondered to himself then swivelled his eyes down her frame. The creamy piece of flesh peeking out from beneath the covers made him clench his hands to stop himself from pushing the sheets aside to uncover more skin. He returned his gaze to her face, the long lashes catching his attention. Bending down so he could see if they too were red, he brought his face closer to hers. Henry caught a whiff of her scent and forgot about everything else until a scream pierced the air.

He stumbled back in shock "What the hell"

"Who are you?" she asked panting and being the horny idiot he was he pictured her panting just like that after a few rounds of love making. Christ. He was losing it. "And before you try attacking me I'll let you know that I have a black belt so think carefully about your next move"

"I have a very hard time believing you can inflict harm on anyone" he said studying her. Now that she was awake, he really wanted to see her eyes and since her back was to the window, all he could see was her silhouette which wasn't that bad either.

"Try me mister. I'll kick you and your sexy accent all the way to prison. Because that's where criminals who break into people's houses go." she curled her fists ready to attack while all he cared about was not to jump her. She was so tiny yet so fierce.

"Do I look like a criminal?"

She blinked then ran her gaze over his body "Well in that suit you don't. But it doesn't mean you're not a thief. Who are you?"

Before he could answer Ray barged in. "I heard screa... Oh it's you Henry. Sorry man. I forgot you were coming today"

"Is that why you rented out my room?"

"This is Marjorie, Alexis' friend and they just crushed here for one night."

"Your room? Ray do you know who this man is?"

"Yes. Henry Hartford meet Marjorie Sullivan. Marj this is my friend Henry, be nice and stop screaming. Or if you really have to, keep it down. Alexis is still sleeping"

"Are you taking credit for keeping her up all night?" she asked smiling and Henry had to move his legs before he turned into a pile of jelly. How was Ray not fighting to keep her all to himself? Those dimples alone were threatening to be his undoing. Slowly, he moved to the door where he'd left his luggage while listening to their conversation.

"Did you forget she was drunk?"

"Oh pardon me. I forgot you were a gentleman"

Ray shook his head and turned to him. "Make yourself comfortable and ignore whatever she says. That's the only way you'll survive her man. Breakfast is in the kitchen if you fancy it"

"What about me?"

"Aren't you on some diet or something?" Ray asked leaving. She huffed, sat cross legged on the bed and crossed her arms. She was childish and so cute he wanted to bundle her up and never let go. But he'd given himself a pep talk on the flight over. Don't be distracted by American girls, especially the ones who made him want to forget about everything and get to know them.

Henry pretended to be busy unpacking but occasionally his eyes strayed to the bed. He couldn't help it. From the little he'd seen and heard, Marjorie was close to Ray meaning he would see her around. A lot. And while half of him wanted to keep seeing her, the other half warned him about getting distracted. He'd moved here to start afresh. It would take a lot of time and effort to accomplish his goals, to make a name for himself. Wanting to see more of Marjorie alone, was a problem. Already he knew that he'd give up a lot, to be with her for one day. She was stunning, the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen actually, and he was spellbound. He wanted to know her, make her smile or laugh so those dimples of hers could make an appearance. All this after just meeting her in less than an hour. What would he do after a day, week, month? If he didn't distance himself from her, she'd have him wrapped around her finger in no time. He couldn't allow a woman to get to him. Not now when he was so close to achieving his dreams.

"So Henry, tell me about yourself" she said moving to stand beside him by the closet. Since he was squatting down, arranging his shoes he had an eyeful of her legs and steeled his resolve. Don't think about those legs wrapped around your shoulders. Don't think about it.

"Marjorie is it?"

"Yes. But my friends call Marj"

"Okay Marjorie" he put emphasis on her full name hoping she would pick up what he hadn't said. He didn't want to be among her friends. "If you're done sleeping, please change the sheets. I abhor untidiness"

"Why? I only spent one night on that bed. Which wasn't a full night BTW because we got home really late so technically I only slept for a few hours and unless you're insinuating that I'm dirty, the only thing I'm going to do here is make the bed."

Henry uncurled his body slowly, standing up to his full height. He had to be a foot taller than her seeing as the top of her head only came up to his chin. He opened his mouth to tell her how annoying she was but at that exact moment, she looked up at him and for the second time that day, he forgot what he was going to say. Her eyes were Amber and under the sun, they appeared to be gold. He swallowed wondering how much more perfect she could be. Careful Henry. She's trouble all wrapped up in one incredibly, beautiful, curvy, salacious shiny paper. One slip up and you'll be falling. That thought sobered him up. Narrowing his eyes at her he snarled, "Change the sheets" then left before he did something stupid like grab her face and kiss her senseless. Because he knew that was all it would take. Just one kiss.

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Marjorie watched him from where she sat in the kitchen. He was new, hot, sexy, and he had an accent. She hadn't expected to like him but she did. Every time he looked at her, she felt her walls crumble. He was the guy kind of guy she'd tear them down for. Her bubbly persona was meant to charm the people around her and not the other way around. While she talked a lot, she also watched and listened. It was obvious Henry liked her even though he'd tried to push her away. She knew who she was. Thanks to Eleanor she'd learnt to be confident.

Being a redhead hadn't been easy. Growing up, kids had made fun of her hair color, shunning her because she wasn't a normal blonde or brunette. It took a lot of pep talks, tears and courage to finally accept that she was different. If it wasn't for her mother, then she would have dyed her hair black and forgotten about it. Even her biological mother had told her that she could let people get to her or she could get to them. She observed Henry realizing he wasn't going to be an easy target. He struck her as the kind of person who was too uptight. Too serious. The guy expected her to change the sheets after sleeping on them for a few hours. Who did that? She also didn't want to admit that she knew nothing about making a bed. Not that she cared about his opinion of her but there were times she wanted to be treated like a grown up. This was one of those times.

He looked up at her and just to gauge his reaction, she smiled flashing him her dimples. Mother Elle always told her those were going to be any man's undoing. He blinked, like he'd lost his train of thought then shook his head and went back to reading the newspaper. Marjorie smiled wider knowing that he might be a little difficult to get to but eventually she'd have him right where she wanted him. Under her or on top. It really didn't matter. A few minutes later Alexis walked out of Ray's bedroom dressed in last night's dress and she sighed. Why couldn't her friend see how much Ray loved her? If she forgot about that idiot Connor for one second she'd realize that her other half was standing right in front of her. Oh well, it was up to her to open Alexis' eyes. And if she had to pry them open with a crowbar then so be it. She wouldn't be deterred so easy which is why she was going to change tactics.

"Sorry. I promise not to interfere in your life ever again" Marjorie told her hoping to call for a truce.

"I don't believe you Marj but I hate fighting with you so I'll forgive you"

"Aww come on Alexis. I will seriously stay out of your life. Unless you need help, then I will be there. Cross my heart"

"Fine." she said then motioned to Henry. "Is that your hot guy?"

"Shh. Quiet or he'll hear you. And yes that's him. Dibs by the way"

Alexis rolled her eyes "He's okay and like I told you, he's all yours"

"Yes, all mine" Marjorie sighed longingly.

"BTW do you still have Jayden's bat? Marj!"

"What?"

"The bat. Do you still have it?"

Her eyes widened "Why do you want it?"

"Do you still have it Marj?"

"Oh yes. Please tell me we're finally going to break some bones"

"You just said you wouldn't butt in my life. That was literally two seconds ago"

"But....."

"Nothing. You'll hand it over then forget about it. Okay?"

"At least tell me what it's for. You know I'll die of curiosity. Come on Alexis Please"

"I'm not telling you anything unless I decide I want your help"

"Help with what?" Ray asked strolling in. They both looked at each other and sipped their coffee, quietly. If she wasn't getting anything, then there was no way Alexis would tell him either. Marjorie only hoped someone was going to be limping for at least two weeks. She also preferred that someone to be Connor the con the artist.

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