A Past Life (Shades of Greene - Vol. 3): Shades of Greene, #3

Volume 3 of the Shades of Greene series!

After falling in love in London, Alexis and Richard, one of the world's richest men, have reached a new stage in their relationship and have moved to start a new life in New York. But some things, and some people, never seem to change...

As they discover little secrets about each other, both are led to question what the relationship means to them. Is this the dream that Alexis had hoped for, or something entirely different?

A strange twist of fate and a dangerous blast from the past leaves everything up in the air as Alexis must decide whether or not she trusts Richard enough to give him everything that he secretly desires...no matter how scary or sexy it seems!

Note: Parts of Shades of Greene were previously published as Greene’s Riches.

Also includes Sneak Peeks at some upcoming novels!

~ Volume Three ~

Past Interference

Alexis finally moved from her spot on the floor, where she had been crying for the past hour, up to the bed, where her tears continued to flow. It made no sense to her that she was as upset with how things had turned out as she truly was, deep down inside. Richard Greene hadn’t even technically been her boyfriend, a fact that saddened her more than she cared to admit, so why should any of it even matter? She fluffed her pillow and buried her head in it again. The sobs were loud and Alexis felt sick to her stomach.

Eventually, she got up from the bed, surveyed the room and realized that she needed to check out of the hotel and leave the palace that she had called home for the better part of the week. It was the first step. The problem, as it always was before her life with Richard, would be having enough money to make ends meet until her next paycheck came in from the magazine.

One of the earrings that Richard had bought her caught her eye. She picked it up and felt her heart melt all over again. She remembered the look on his face as he gave her the box, bright with anticipation. She smiled briefly, before snapping back to reality. She knew that the earrings would bring her a few thousand pounds if she were to pawn them, and that would be enough to get her through the hard times that were sure to lay ahead. But there was something inside of her, some tiny little memory, that was keeping her from doing it. She just couldn’t imagine actually selling something that once was so promising.

A knock on the door took her by surprise. The view from the peephole was skewed but she could see that it was Brandon waiting outside of her room. That was impossible though; Richard had sent him to the airport with his driver. There was no way that her ex-boyfriend was still in London. She opened the door, hoping to see anyone else.

Brandon, what are you doing here? Alexis asked, with a surprised sigh.

I heard that you and that rich guy broke up and figured that now you would finally want to get back together with me. You were afraid of him, right? That’s why you couldn’t let me know that he was just a fling, someone that you needed to get out of your system before resuming our life together. It’s OK, I totally get it. He had some kind of hold over you. But that’s in the past. He’s gone now and we can be together, the way that it was supposed to be.

Brandon, I don’t want to be with you. I made it very clear to you that we are over. Nothing has changed. I don’t know why you can’t get it through your head but there is no hope for reconciliation with us. I am not going to settle for a life with you, just because I am alone right now. With or without Richard, I know that you and I are not meant to be together.

You don’t want to die alone, Alexis. Even if I am not the man that you think you want to spend the rest of your life with, that doesn’t mean that I’m not. Think about it; we are good together! We like each other, we usually had a good time together, and the sex is amazing between us.

The sex was adequate at best. Brandon, I really don’t have the energy to keep fighting with you about this. Yes, Richard and I had an argument but that doesn’t mean that I am willing to give up on finding someone who understands me, someone who respects me and my career. You wanted me to stay at home and be pregnant every five minutes. That’s not the life that I want. Sure. I want kids, someday, but I also want to be fulfilled intellectually, sexually, and eventually, with a family.

Brandon stepped closer to her, bringing her into his arms and then letting his lips lightly brush against hers. Alexis submitted a little and found that it invited Brandon to kiss her harder; his tongue forced its way into her mouth. She pushed him away but stopped short of slapping him. Brandon grinned at her and flopped down on the bed. He patted the seat next to him, Come sit down with me. We can talk about everything after we can agree to be together again. You know it’s the right thing for both of us.

Brandon, please leave. We are not going to be together. Do you understand? I do not love you; I do not want to be with you. If anything, I want to be with Richard, but at this stage in our lives, I’m just not sure that it’s a possibility. As for you and I, well, let’s face it, we have always been on two different journeys that happened to sync up for a moment in time. There was nothing strong that could have held us together, just like I don’t think that there is anything that will bring Richard back to me. Alexis’s voice cracked on the last part, as the realization slowly started to sink in. She tried to take a deep breath but the tears began to flow again. I know, it’s silly for me to be so upset by the end of my relationship with him but, honestly, it tears me up inside. Richard was everything that you weren’t, Brandon. If I never find my way back to him, at least I found out what I really want and need from a relationship.

I don’t know why you’re so sad about the break up. It’s not like you slept with him or something, right? You made me wait three whole months before we did anything, He slung his arm around her and brought her closer to him. Alexis sucked in a deep breath, her lungs assaulted by his cheap cologne that he had always been so proud of. Speaking of which, you must be going crazy, Alexis. It’s been months since we broke up and I remember how you were once we started having sex – you couldn’t get enough! I could give you a little relief if you wanted.

"Brandon, no! I am not interested in having sex with you. I am not interested in getting back together with you. And for the record, not that it’s any of your business or anything, but Richard and I did have sex. And, as a matter of fact, it was wonderful. The truth is, God help me, I miss him. I want him back, but after how I behaved, there is definitely no way in the world that he will ever take me back."

Brandon looked at her in shock. You had sex with him? After less than a week? Slut! I can’t believe you!

Get over it. There is no need for name calling. Just because you are not getting what you want, doesn’t mean you have to take all your problems out on me! Alexis watched in horror as Brandon stood up and paced around the bed. His fists were balled up and his face was contorted into a mask of anger. Please, just leave. I have enough to deal with, without having to worry about you or your feelings. I think it’s best if we don’t see each other for a very long time.

No! NO! You don’t get to decide when I leave or when we see each other again! I love you, damnit! No, I’m not some billionaire who is going to give you every material thing that you want but I am a man who knows how to satisfy all of your important needs! You need a family, you need a man to provide for you and I can do that for you. You know I can. Everything else is nonsense.

Brandon, I don’t want any of those things right now, and certainly not from you. There are plenty of other girls who probably do, but I want adventure and I want to travel and I want to make a career for myself. Everything that Richard offered me, before I messed things up so terribly.

You’re really good at screwing up good things, aren’t you? I mean, I was all set to propose to you in front of everyone, the entire town. I had a ring, I told all of my buddies and then suddenly you didn’t want what I was offering you. I figured that you just needed some time away to prepare yourself for our engagement, but this is getting ridiculous.

Brandon, I didn’t love you! I was bored in our relationship; there was nothing stimulating about it. With Richard, everything was different. Sure, at times he was wrapped up in his business and sometimes I felt like he forgot that I had a life of my own, that I had work to do as well, but it was my fault too. Even on the worst days, it was so much better than my time with you. I should have told him no or worked harder when he wasn’t around. Now it’s too late. I threw him out and told him I never wanted to see him again. Alexis fought to hold back the tears that were forming in her eyes. She sucked in a deep breath, wishing that Brandon would finally take the hint and leave her in peace. I just wish that he knew that it wasn’t true. I was angry and he was the only one around for me to take it out on.

I did know that, Richard stood in the doorway, a smile plastered on his face. There were red roses in his arms. He walked into the room and surveyed the scene in front of him. Why is it that every time I leave you alone, somehow this schmuck ends up here?

Brandon’s face turned red and he shouted, You’re the stupid one who came back to her? She’s nothing but a whore! She will spread her legs for anyone now. It disgusts me that I have been chasing her around, thinking that she just needed time to find herself. I actually thought that she and I had a future together, but now I realize what a slut she is.

Richard moved closer to Brandon. You should watch your mouth; otherwise, I will be forced to punch you again. Alexis may be hot tempered and impulsive, but she is hardly a slut. Nothing could be further from the truth. Now, be a gentleman and walk away with your dignity intact. Or be a louse and walk away with a broken jaw; it’s your choice. Either way, you will show this lady the respect that she deserves.

Brandon looked between Richard and Alexis. He let out a loud sigh, resigned to his fate, and walked towards the door. His lips formed a single line and, before he exited, he turned to the pair and snarled, Hope you have a few good weeks together. Either she’ll get bored with you or you’ll be bored with her. All she ever wants to do is talk about work. Good luck with that.

I support Alexis in her quest to be a world renowned journalist, and if you were any kind of man, you would have as well, Richard pushed the door shut behind Brandon. He moved back to Alexis and brought her into his arms, embracing her tightly. She sobbed in his shoulder for a few moments before he continued. I understand why you were angry, darling. I should have taken into consideration the fact that you needed to work on your articles before rushing you off to the fancy dinners and fundraisers. I’m terribly sorry and I promise that nothing like that will ever happen again.

Alexis looked up at him, overcome with feelings of happiness. I love you, Richard. I know it’s fast, and I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, but I really do. I can’t explain it.

He smiled and kissed her forehead in response. Alexis fell against him, letting him hold her up.

*****

Six Months Later

Those go upstairs in the master bedroom, Alexis told a man carrying boxes of her clothes, stuffed so full that sleeves and socks could be found sticking out from the sides. She stood in the entryway of her new house, one that Richard had bought for the two of them to live together in New York City. Be careful with that mirror. That goes in the downstairs bathroom.

It looks as though you have everything under control, Richard said, walking in from outside, then kissing Alexis on the lips, lingering for a moment longer. He smiled at her as she pointed up the stairs again, and then turned her attention back to him.

Have you given any more thought to my request from the other night? Well, why am I asking you, of course you have. You have probably done nothing but obsess about it. Am I right? Richard asked expectantly.

As a matter of fact, I have given that matter some thought. But I haven’t decided on anything. I’m just not sure how comfortable I am with bringing another person into our bed. I mean, what is the point of being intimate with each other, if we can just grab some random stranger off the street and have fun with them?

Alexis turned away from him. She had been contemplating his request for a threesome all night long, but there was a block on her mind from it. Brandon had asked for threesomes as well, which resulted in the beginning of the end of their relationship. She knew that this, as everything else had been, would be completely different with Richard by her side. In fact, the idea turned her on, she had to admit, but she still wasn’t quite ready to fully embrace it.

I’m just not sure that it’s a good idea. I mean, if I’m not enough for you, then why did we buy a house together?

You, my darling Alexis, are more than enough for me. You know that. However, I would be lying if I said the thought of two women in my bed wasn’t tantalizing. You knew I had an adventurous spirit before you agreed to move in with me, right? Richard said with a wink.

Those boxes go in the kitchen. That’s why they are labeled kitchen, She said to one of the movers. She turned her attention back to Richard, a devious smile spread on her face. Well, if you want two women in bed, maybe I want two men in bed, too. I mean, some of these movers are very attractive; we could ask them to join us in bed. It would only be fair, after all.

What? Richard’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. He shoved his hands into his pockets and looked away, Certainly you are not serious. I mean, that would be preposterous. There is no way you want two men in bed at the same time. Women don’t like that sort of thing...do they?

Yes, honey, we do. Everything that men like, women like as well. I know that it comes as a shock to you, but for the most part, it’s true. There is something very provocative about having two men trying to satisfy me in bed and me being the center of attention.

But I can take care of you all by myself. Richard protested.

And I can same the same for you! Now, dear, as much as I would love to continue this conversation, I need to get ready to be interviewed by Johnny for his blog.

Her best friend, Johnny Penn, had left the London newspaper and started a very successful blog in New York recently. It was the first time they would see each other since they both moved to the Big Apple. Can you take care of these guys from here? I need to get ready.

Yes, darling. You have nothing to worry about. He grabbed her before she went up the stairs and planted a kiss on her lips. I love you.

Love you back.

The trek up the stairs was invigorating for Alexis. One of the first things that she had fallen in love with in the house was the old-fashioned, spiral staircase in the foyer. Richard had loved the architecture of the house but the staircase had swayed Alexis. As she ascended the stairs, she let her mind drift to what it would be like when she came down them in a ball gown. She thought of all of the times that she had wished for something so grand when she was young and now she had it all. She almost had to pinch herself to believe her luck.

Yet, in the back of her mind, she was worried. Everything had been going so well recently that she felt as if something bad was bound to happen – surely nothing this good could last forever. The fear had started to creep in when Richard had first asked about a threesome, some weeks ago, and it intensified with every passing day. If she said no, would he leave her for someone who would give him what he wanted? If she said yes, would the other girl be better in bed or better suited for him and she would get dumped? In every scenario she and Richard broke up, and that was not something that she wanted to think about. What made the situation even trickier was the idea that the thought of sharing Richard with another woman actually turned her on. She had tried to deny it to herself, at first, but the more she thought about it, the more excited she became.

Alexis pushed the thoughts out of her head and continued to get herself ready for the interview. The bathroom was done in white marble and was accented with black throw rugs, and a black toilet seat. She wasn’t a fan of such a conventional style but Richard had made a point that the public bathroom should have a classic design for when they had to host parties for his business associates. She relented, under protest, and it stayed.

Alexis turned the hot water on and watched as the steam rose from the shower. She stepped out of her clothes and into the shower. The water hit her skin and she felt herself relaxing for the first time since they had started their move. She had left the magazine job after the company had refused to run a story she had written because of her relationship with Richard. Something about biased reporting – she didn’t pay attention. Her editor had begged her to stay on but she felt like it was time to try something new. So she had sent her portfolio to a few national magazines and, out of the blue, one hired her, but it required her to move to New York City. As it happened, Richard had been in the midst of relocating his headquarters to the city, it being the financial capital of the world and all, and they decided that the time was perfect to buy a house together.

She turned in the shower and allowed the water to soothingly pelt her back. Leaning forward, she put her hands on the wall and allowed the water to relax her back. The stress was melting away, and her mind was focused on her interview with Johnny. He wanted to interview her because she was going to be sitting down and questioning the President of The United States in just a few weeks, something almost unheard of for a print journalist. She had lucked into the gig through an old university connection that now worked in Washington. She almost couldn’t believe it was actually going to happen, but if there was even the slightest chance, she was going to take it.

Is there room for one more? Richard asked, interrupting her thoughts as he opened the door of the shower. She started to playfully tell him no but noticed that his cock was springing out from between his legs, tempting her. Even 6 months into their relationship, she had trouble telling him no when it came to sex – it was just too good. That was another reason why the threesome thing had become such an issue for her; she had to admit, she was beginning to like the idea. Richard’s playful voice snapped her back to the present, I know that you want it, good girl.

I think that you want it more, Alexis teased as Richard stepped into the shower and closed the door. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his cock into her. His fingers were busy working on her nipples; her body went limp in his arms. Oh God, Richard!

He responded by thrusting himself all the way inside of her. All the while he continued to play with her boobs, fingering her nipples lightly until they were standing at full attention. With her moaning and bucking against him, he pushed her up against the glass door. The steam had warmed it enough so that she wasn’t cold, and she liked the powerful way he took control of her. Richard began pounding her so hard from behind, that they both lost their breath in a matter of minutes.

I’m going to cum! Richard whispered in her ear. It was the first time that he orgasmed before she did – ‘he must