Deadbeat Mother

Always In Control

~Steven~

This day just keeps getting worse. It’s bad enough I have to be here, in San Francisco. This is such a disgusting place that isn’t really worth my time. There is nothing about this city that is appealing. The only bright spot there was I took her with me and have successfully stayed away since.

Now that I’m back in this city, I have to meet with this weak b***h. I swear I thought I was done with her. We had an agreement, and I kept my end of it. Now I have to console her because she isn’t smart enough to take advantage of her good fortune. I removed her from the entire state, and she still couldn’t secure the love of one pathetic man.

I bring the glass to my lips, taking another sip of my whiskey. The view from this patio is crappy. The only thing I can see are rows of buildings, all at different heights. People honestly sit here and marvel at the view? I shake my head and take another sip.

The seat before me is quickly occupied, and I place my glass down. I sit back in the chair and put my ankle on my knee. My phone vibrates on the table, but I ignore it. “Well?” I continue to look in front of me, not responding. I don’t need this meeting, so I don’t feel the need to get the ball rolling. “Are you going to say anything?” I close my eyes and clench my jaw a few times.

“What would you have me say?” I look at the woman in front of me and have to admit she’s pretty good-looking. I mean, I did sleep with her years ago, though beauty isn’t necessarily my standard when it comes to who I will sleep with. In her case, she had the information I wanted, so I took the most direct approach. Natalia has big hazel eyes with long lashes. She now wears her hair past her shoulders, framing her face. When I first met her, she wore black-rimmed glasses. They are missing now, so I assume she wears contacts. Her lips aren’t as full as my wife’s, but they aren’t bad, and she knows how to use her mouth.

“What is she doing here? You said that you would take her away and she’s never come back.” I shrug my shoulders.

“S**t happens sometimes. I’m all about business first and business has brought her here. You should know that, working on Nokio’s event like you are. Did you honestly not think he would seek out the hottest model there is at the moment? Did you expect me to take a loss of millions just to make you happy?” Natalia sighs.

“It’s just that……I mean…..what if he sees her? What do I do if they run into each other?” I pick my glass up and take a long drink before swirling the glass in my hand.

“Do you honestly think I’d be careless enough to allow them to run into each other? Please give me more credit than that.” I place the glass to my lips and take another long drink. “She’s been gone for years, and you still haven’t secured him? You begged me to take her away. You told me how much you loved him and how much better you would be for him. You swore that her disappearing would leave his side available for you. You said it wouldn’t take long to win his heart, and you could use the kid to do so.” I place my glass down and look at her. “What happened? Why are you sitting here, begging me to fix your world for you?”

“He still loves her!” She runs a hand through her hand. “What was I supposed to do? He’s still hung up on her no matter how angry he is at her leaving. He hasn’t forgotten her; he has’t stopped thinking about her. How was I supposed to get him to love me when he’s still hung up on her?” I lean forward on the table, not breaking my gaze.

“That sounds like your problem, not mine. I did what I said I would do. I took her away from here. I married her. You had nothing but time and opportunity to make things happen. If you haven’t succeeded yet, that isn’t my problem.” I pull my wallet out and place some money on the table for my drink. “Neela will be here working for Nokio. She will do her job and she will leave so just deal with it.” I stand up and take a step away. I stop and turn back, leaning against the table. “I suggest you keep your interaction with her as limited as possible. If they do run into each other, I’m going to blame you.”

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The car pulls up to a tall hotel-looking building. It looks like some old ass building, and I roll my eyes as I get out. This is not the hotel I had booked for us. I was irritated to learn about the change of location, but there’s no way I’m going to let Neela stay here without me.

I walk inside, and I have to admit that it’s much more elegant than the outside. One of the annoying things about this city; some of these buildings do not look how they seem from the outside. I walk to the elevator and step inside the open doors. I use my card to activate the elevator and access the penthouse floors.

I’m greeted at the door, where I nod and head inside. I have no interest in making small talk with these people or meeting anyone. I head up to the floor that I know Neela’s on. My luggage is already sitting in the living area of the floor. I go to the last bedroom, assuming it’s the room she’s in. Neela is still on the bed, scrolling through her phone.

I walk to the bed and sit on the edge, touching her thigh. “Good evening wife.” I grab her hand and lift it to my mouth. Neela leans forward and kisses my cheek. I push my shoes off and start to loosen up my tie.

“How was your flight?” I stand and start to take off my cufflinks and watch. I place them on the top of the dresser. I turn to Neela while unbuttoning my dress shirt.

“It was fine, uneventful.”

“I….can…..” I swear, when it rains, it pours.

“Spit it out, Neela.” I look at her while peeling the shirt off my body.

“Why do I have extra security? You don’t think it’s unsafe for me here, do you?” I can feel my jaw tick, but I have to think things through. We aren’t at home, and I have to keep that in mind.

I make my way over to the bed and sit on the edge close to Neela. I turn to her and lean forward. I place a hand on her knee and my fingers on each side. As I lean closer to her, I tighten my grip on her knee. I see her grimace and feel a smirk form on my face. “Are you questioning me, my love?” Neela has a sharp intake of breath.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t questioning you, I swear.” I search her face for signs of disobedience, but fear is the only thing there.

“My job is to keep you safe and I will decide how best to do that.” I kiss her forehead and let her knee go. I hear the breath she lets out. “I’m going to get in the shower and when I get out, you will give yourself to me. We have an early morning with the media so I’ll shower quick.” I give her another peck and make my way to the bathroom.