Suits & Aces (#3)

20 // Welcome Home

Javier Mendoza had overstayed his visit in Ireland, besides the fact that he stayed at his own hotel made his stay even more enjoyable. He liked it better there than he did in London, he was even considering moving that side.

He remembered how just the other day, he was looking forward to returning to London just to spite his sister. He had anticipated to see the look on her face when he showed up at her house for dinner.

However, while his heart was filled with anger and thirst for revenge before, he only wanted to see her and make sure she was okay.

The drive from the airport was the longest due to traffic, he arrived in London at exactly 6a.m. when traffic was at its peak. He was exhausted and was in need of a good rest.

He attempted calling his wife a few times since last night, but she was not answering his calls.

From time to time, he found his mind drifting to a special somebody, and he wondered what it would take to win her over because right now, he was losing himself.

The car finally pulled up outside his apartment building, and he felt relieved that he would not have to spend another second on the road.

"Fabio, go home and get some rest. I'll call you when I need you," he said to his driver.

He stepped out of the car and took his luggage, and dragged himself to the entrance of the building as Fabio drove away.

Javier did not have the energy to exchange greetings with the doorman or receptionist, or even the residents that were up and about. This was one of the reasons he hated sharing, having to deal with people. He could have easily avoided that by getting himself a house like Daniella had suggested, she had wanted a huge mansion in the outskirts, but he would not have that.

Sometimes in his business, it was a high risk he was not willing to take as it made it easier for his enemies to attack, he knew that very well from his family’s murder years ago.

He took the elevator to his floor, and a little smile played on his lips when he remembered how he had to limp up the stairs a while ago. It was nothing new, he had been in that situation more than he could remember, but it seemed to get better every time, it was like watching a movie remake of his own life.

He got off his floor and walked towards his apartment while fishing for his keys in his pocket. He took them out and was about to put the key in when the door creaked open. A feeling of Deja Vu hit his chest as he realised what was happening.

His wife was not picking up his calls, as much as she was mad at him, she would never ignore his calls, she would rather answer and be petty about everything than miss his calls.

Was MJ back? Or even worse, had the people who attacked him sent someone to finish him off? What if they hurt Danielle?

It was no use letting his mind run wild while he stood rooted on the same spot. His hand instinctively reached for his pistol and he barged through the door with his gun in the air.

He ignored the mess in the sitting room and carefully strode towards the kitchen, ready to shoot, only to find it empty. He went to the bathroom, then to his office, until he reached his bedroom and his heart filled with anger.

He placed the pistol under his nose as he watched his wife’s drunk figure spiralled on the bed. He placed the gun back in his jean and walked out of the room.

His eyes landed on the empty beer bottles and dirty glasses and takeaway boxes, and he shook his head. He walked to the entrance where he had dropped his suitcase, and he picked it up and closed the door.

He stood in the middle of the room, taking in the mess before he stormed to the bedroom, nearly gagging at the stench that hit his nostrils upon entrance, he wondered how he'd missed that the first time. He pulled the curtains and opened the windows, and then proceeded to snatch the bed covers off Danielle's body, allowing the gust of cold wind to hit her bare body through the sheer nightdress she was wearing.

"Danielle," he growled, shaking her to life, and she responded with a grumble. "Danielle, don't test me, get up!" He pulled her into a sitting position and then dragged her towards the bathroom while she complained away, she was barely awake.

A loud gasp escaped her lips as the cold water from the shower head poured over her body. She gaped at Javier, her mouth hanging ajar as if afraid she would break if she dared to move a muscle.

Javier stared at her blankly and turned around, leaving her in the bathroom.

After what felt like a peaceful eternity, her voice finally tore throughout the apartment. "JAVIER!"

He walked back into the bedroom and pulled down all the bedsheets and covers, and took them to the laundry room. A part of him wanted to leave everything as it was, cleaning up was probably what Danielle needed to sober up. However, he had been a bachelor long enough to hate a messy place, thanks to his ex wife.

He cleaned up the sitting room and threw away the trash, and then he brewed fresh coffee for his wife, drunkard or not, he was stuck with her. He had a good mind to go and shower and then sleep in the guestroom, but he needed to speak to her first, so he waited in the kitchen until she finished showering.

She walked into the room wearing a black gown, her wet, silky pitch black hair wrapped hanging over her shoulder. She did not meet his eyes as she walked towards the coffee machine and poured herself a cup of black coffee.

Javier could not stop staring at her, but this time he had a softer glint in his eyes. He could not deny that Danielle was a beautiful woman, she was sexy and gorgeous, and yet so charming and outspoken. It was impossible not to be attracted to her, she was irresistible.

"Enjoyed your shower?" He pried as she came to stand next to him.

She ignored his question and took a sip of her coffee. "I'm sorry about the mess," she said softly, biting on her lower lip.

"Danielle, part of our agreement when we got married was that you would quit drinking."

"I know, I know!" She quickly placed her mug down and turned her body towards him, playing with his shirt buttons. "I'm so sorry. I made a mistake, and I deserve whatever punishment you decide to give me.”

Against his own will, he smiled, and before he knew it, that smile had turned to a powerless chuckle. “The same old trick every damn time.” He shook his head in amusement.

She smirked proudly, continuing on her quest to unbutton his shirt. “And it works - every time.” She finished with the last button, trailing her soft hands over his bare chest. “About that shower,” she murmured, trailing kisses along his jawline. “I think I missed a spot, want to clean it up for me?”

She did not wait for his response, she untied her gown and let it fall to the floor.

Javier lost all his senses as he stared shamelessly at her naked body in lust.

She stood on her toes and pulled him down in a steamy kiss, not giving him a second to respond before she turned around and swung her hips as she walked away.

Javier stood up for the bar stool and was about to follow her when his phone blared up. He growled in disapproval as he snatched it off the island, taking a good minute staring at the caller ID.

It was Brianna calling.

“O que você quer (What do you want)?” He answered.

She faked a gasp. “Javier, é uma maneira de falar com sua única irmaà (Javier, is that a way to speak to your sister)?” She mocked.

“Brianna, I won’t ask you again.”

“I heard you were back in town, so I thought I should give you a call and invite you to dinner tonight.”

He felt a truckload of bricks settle in his stomach. This could not be good.

“I am not interested, I just got home and I am exhausted.”

“Ah, Javier! I’m sure a massage from your wife here and there can fix you up. Would you rather I asked her instead?”

Javier gritted his teeth. “Brianna…”

“What? I thought this was what you wanted, maybe I got it wrong. Let me call Danielle and ask-”

“Fine!” He grounded. “We will join you for dinner tonight. But trust me, Brianna, if you dare to double cross me, you will pay dearly.”

She snorted. “Save all that energy for tonight, dear brother, won’t you?” She hung up.

Javier shut his eyes as the phone beeped to silence.

“Baby, are you coming?” Danielle yelled from the bedroom.

“In a minute!” He said, suddenly feeling the urge to rid the tension coursing through his entire body.

And all he could think when he pulled off his shirt was - what the hell is Brianna up to?