The Fixed Trilogy: Found in You(30)

He sat back, stroking my hair from my face. “Alayna.” I adored how he said my name, how it always felt like he was saying so much more with only those three syllables. Like a prayer, like a touchstone. It made me feel beautiful. Who was I kidding? It was what made me beautiful.

His gray eyes searched mine for long seconds. “How does it feel to belong to me?”

I didn’t know if he was still playing or not. For me, the game was over. It was with sincerity that I answered. “Perfect.”





Chapter Seven


Hudson was not willing to let me go unsatisfied. By the time we’d reached the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, I was spent and ready for a nap. Hudson, on the other hand, seemed revived, a smug grin on his face as he took my hand, escorting me out of the limo.

An attractive blonde with Eighties pink nail polish stood at the main entrance, checking invitations as guests made their way into the gardens. Hudson was allowed in without flashing any credentials.

“You seem awfully pleased with yourself,” I whispered as we entered the grounds.

He dismissed my comment. “Everyone knows who I am.”

“That’s not what you seem pleased about.”

He shot me a wicked grin. “I think I deserve to be pleased. A lot was accomplished within a relatively short amount of time.”

“If by a lot was accomplished you mean I can barely walk, then yes, you’re correct.” I’d never had sex in a moving vehicle before, and considering my rigid seatbelt safety policy, it hadn’t ever occurred to me that it would be something I’d want to do. Hudson, however, made everything seem like something I’d want to do, when it involved him anyway. And the man’s skills in the bedroom apparently carried to the backseats of cars as well, his expert techniques and positions making me come without ever having to unbuckle.

We walked along a pathway to the atrium where dinner was being served buffet-style. Around us, the pleasant smells and aromas of the fresh outdoors overcame me, putting me in a relaxed mood that was impossible to achieve in the hustle and bustle of the city. It was amazing that such a place existed so close to the chaos of NYC.

“What is this event for anyway?”

“It’s sponsored by CotF,” Hudson answered. “Children of the Future. They’re a foundation that provides resources for foster children. This event is a thank you for those who have donated.”

“And how much have you donated?” It truly interested me the causes Hudson contributed to.

“Not how much, what.”


I looked at him questioningly.

“I donated a school.”

Holy shit. A whole school. Of course he did.

“And several scholarships on top of that. I came tonight to meet the new principal. I want the foundation’s Board of Directors to realize that though I’m not hands-on with their program, I’m still around.”

I shivered at his hint at omnipotence. It was the same way he handled all his business, I was finding. He left things in capable hands, yet was never too far away for things to go unnoticed. Hopefully, he trusted me enough to not notice everything going on at The Sky Launch. Like, who I was making deals with for events.

God, I had to stop dwelling on that. Hudson wouldn’t find out. It would be fine.

I grabbed a glass of wine off a server’s tray as he passed and downed half of it, grateful for the instant buzz.

Hudson kept his arm around me as he greeted people at the buffet. He’d told me once that he never ate at these things and now I understood why. He was too popular to ever pick up any food. I decided to wait to eat with him later, nodding and smiling as he introduced me and made small talk. But, having never been to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, I was also eager to explore. So when a new associate came by to say hello, I excused myself politely.

“One moment.” Hudson put a finger up to pause the balding man he was speaking with. To me he said, “Alayna, you’re welcome to stay.”

My heart thumped loud enough I feared he’d hear it. It had been difficult for Hudson to let me in on his business dealings and inviting me to participate was a big step.

“Thank you, but I want to catch the sights before the sun sets.” I squeezed his hand. “Unless you need me—”

“No.” Though there was a trace of need in his tone. Need like I felt for him every minute of every day—the unquenchable desire to always be near him. “I simply want you to be comfortable. Let me introduce you before you leave. Alayna, this is Aaron Trent. Aaron, this is my girlfriend, Alayna Withers. Perhaps of more interest to you, she’s also my promotions manager at The Sky Launch.”

I stepped forward to take Aaron’s hand.

Aaron’s grip was strong, though nothing compared to Hudson’s. “Nice to meet you.” His greeting was dismissive and he quickly dropped my hand, turning his attention to Hudson. “The Sky Launch? I’d heard you were giving the place a makeover.”

“I’m not. Alayna is.”

“Great,” Aaron said, but his focus stayed on Hudson. “I’d love to chat sometime about what my team could do for you.”

Hudson gestured to me. “Alayna’s your woman. I’m sure she’d be happy to meet with you. Alayna, Aaron owns an advertising firm. His company is quite excellent. We’ve used his services many times.”