SWNOVELS Distance: Chapter 19
Christmas is in full swing, New York is twinkling, and now apparently, so is my apartment. Maddie has been busy turning the place into a bloody grotto, complete with a bright red ‘Scrooge’ sign tacked to my door.
I can’t lie though. The waft of cinnamon drifting through the room from the bubbling saucepan of mulled wine is delicious. The one thing I will never moan about over Christmas is the copious amounts of amazing food and drink.
Maddie takes Christmas incredibly seriously. The first couple of Christmases we spent together she was mortified at how ‘grinchy’, as she calls it, I am. Whilst she is Buddy the elf in woman form, practically swinging from the tinsel hung on the ceiling. She’s a bundle of excitement throughout the whole month of December.
I’d never experienced a Christmas like it. Growing up, my mom and dad tried to make it special despite having no money. That was until my dad left. From then on, you wouldn’t have even known it was Christmas. All the other kids excitedly ran into school to show off their new toys, bellies full. I would sit and watch from the back of the class, tears stinging the backs of my eyes as I had nothing to show, nothing to be excited about.
Then Maddie happened. The woman is relentless in her pursuit of happiness. It’s infectious. Now I can confidently say, I don’t mind Christmas. I do, however, draw the line at that stupid racket Slade song on repeat.
This year Maddie has gone even further to spread the Christmas cheer. I think she’s worried I might ditch her for Keller over the holidays, and the thought of going back to her parents, still unmarried and without a boyfriend, makes her skin crawl.
“Maddie,” I shout as I walk through the hallway
“In here!” Her voice is just about inaudible over the excessively loud Christmas playlist she has going on.
As I reach her, she’s busy slamming a rolling pin on top of a round pile of dough, white flour smothered over each counter and smeared across her face. She gives me a wild grin. “I’m making Christmas cookies!’’
“I gathered,” I chuckle, tossing my handbag down and darting into the kitchen to help before the place looks like a drug gang lives here.
“Are you okay, Mads? The place looks amazing. But this is extreme, even for Mrs. Claus here.” I bounce my hip against hers, gently trying to press her for more.
Wiping the small beads of sweat from her forehead with the back of her arm, she lets out a deep sigh. “I just feel super lonely. I really thought I’d have someone to spend Christmas with this year.” She stares blankly at the beige ball of dough she’s excessively rolling, now near flat as a pancake. I wince at her words, feeling bad for not being around very much the last few weeks.
“Hey Mad’s, you know I’ll always spend Christmas with you. Hell, whenever you need me, I will always be there.”
I wrap her in a tight embrace. She always spends so much time making sure everyone around her is happy that she overlooks herself.
“I don’t mean you silly, I know you won’t go anywhere. You made a solid deal to have Christmas with me until we run out of Christmas. I mean, I just wish I’d find someone to love me. Like you’ve found with Keller.”
I wrap her tighter so she drops the death grip on the rolling pin. “I promise you, your time will come. The universe is just waiting to send you the perfect man at the perfect time so all your stars can align.”
Snapping her head up, she pushes from my embrace. “Ha! You just admitted you and Keller are in loooooooove,‘’ she teases, so I give her a dramatic eye roll.
“I did not say that. You’re putting words in my mouth.”
“Keller and Sienna sittin’ in a tree.”
“Stop it, Maddie,” I warn as I whack her arm, causing her to burst out into a fit of infectious laughter. So much so that I can’t help but join her.
Once all twelve oddly cut gingerbread men cookies are safely baking away in the oven, Maddie gives me clear instructions to remove them from their furnace in precisely 18 minutes. She’s gone off to get ready for Keller’s charity boxing match later this evening. “Oh Si, a package came for you earlier today,” she says, poking her head out of her room. “I stuck it on your bed. I checked the label and looks like it’s from a legit company. Looks fancy as fuck, actually. Rather than some more burned crap from Jamie.” Going back into her room, she calls over her shoulder. “Don’t forget the cookies.”
“I’ll try,” I shout back. She has absolutely no faith in my domestic skills.
I haven’t ordered anything, so I am more than intrigued by what’s been delivered to me. I quickly dart to my room to see.
A large rectangular shiny black box rests on my bed. It’s finished off with a silky gold ribbon, tied in a perfect bow on the top. My shaky hands gently pull the lengths of the bow, then I lift the lid off and toss it on the bed, revealing layers of thick, black tissue paper. A gold envelope nestled on top catches my eye.
Grabbing the note, I rip the top open and pull out the card.
“An outfit fit for a goddess. You are my Goddess, Sienna. Wear this tonight so I can tear it off you later. All my love, Your Champ x x x ”
Tears threaten to fall as I pull apart the tissue to reveal a stunning gold sequin material. Pulling the dress out of the box, I hold it up and admire its beauty. Thin gold chain straps connect to a plunge line dress which trails down longer on one side. It would just about brush past my knee. I hang it on the back of my door; the sequins reflecting the light and sparkling around the room. A long rectangular black velvet box rests in the packaging. Surely not. This dress is glitzy enough as it is. And I don’t imagine Keller is the kind of guy to go jewelry shopping in his spare time away from the gym.
Inside the box rests a thin gold chain necklace with a dazzling princess-cut diamond. The way the light reflects and the clarity of the stone, there is absolutely no way this is zirconia. This right here is the real deal. Simply stunning and elegant, a perfect pairing with the dress. This must have cost more than my month’s wages. Shit, probably even more than that, knowing Keller. That man doesn’t hold back when it comes to buying fancy things.
Snapping the jewelry box shut, I place it on my dresser and grab my phone. No new notifications, not that I expected anything. Keller was training all day with Grayson and then heading home to get ready for tonight. He and Grayson are heading down early to help Luke get ready for his fight. Apparently, if he can win this, there are some top promoters there who could launch his career. I’m sure with Keller on his side, he won’t have any problems with that, anyway.
So me and Maddie are being picked up at 7 pm by Keller’s driver. Which is fine. But I just miss him. It’s only been a few hours and I’m like a lovesick puppy. Quickly navigating to my texts, I pull up mine and Keller’s mostly dirty chat.
ME
I absolutely love the dress. Should I be worried about your taste in women’s clothes? Something you do often, Champ? xx
Ok, that wasn’t quite what I was trying to get across. Shit.
ME
That came out wrong, but thank you. P.S. I’m very much looking forward to seeing how it sparkles on your bedroom floor. P.P.S That necklace is FAR too much as a gift Keller. I don’t need extravagant gifts. Only you.
Right, that sounds better, less passive-aggressive. I blame my Scorpio tendencies. That jealous streak just doesn’t know how to chill, clearly.
As I’m drying my hair, my phone lights up in the corner of my view.
SEX GOD KELLER
If I don’t see that necklace wrapped around that pretty little neck of yours, there will be hell to pay. Your ass will be red raw.
A blush crosses my cheeks as I remember him doing exactly that a couple of nights ago. Boy, was it H.O.T. He knows my desires, inside and out. He knows how to push each and every one of my buttons to absolute perfection. Pair that with our intense connection, sparks literally fly every single time. He’s set a fire within me and I have no intentions of ever putting it out.
Another ping drags me from my thoughts.
SEX GOD KELLER
Not that a spanking is much of a punishment for my greedy Goddess. Maybe I’ll have to get more creative with you. You are going to be the most stunning woman in the room tonight. I’m not sure I am going to be able to keep my hands off you.
My pussy is throbbing as I read his words. My fingers start to move the towel away from my legs as another message pops up.
SEX GOD KELLER
And if you even THINK about putting those fingers anywhere near that perfect pussy right now, I suggest you stop. Be a good girl and remember who it belongs to.
How the hell did he know that’s what I was going to do?
SEX GOD KELLER
Put the damn necklace on. I promise it won’t be the only necklace you’ll be wearing tonight. See you soon Princess. xxx
Carefully undoing the clasp of the necklace, I wrap it around my neck. It delicately falls just between my collarbones and illuminates against my pale skin. Dropping the towel that was wrapped around me and covering my breasts with my forearm across my body, they are looking super perky the way I am pressing them against my body. I quickly snap a picture and send it to Keller.
ME
Got it Boss, the necklace is on… see?
A response immediately comes through.
SEX GOD KELLER
Fuck Princess, now I gotta go take a cold shower.
Chuckling to myself, I put the phone down and continue getting ready. Going for a look that will compliment that dress, I swipe a light gold shimmery eyeshadow on my lids and a quick flick of black liquid eyeliner. He wants a Goddess? Well, tonight he’s getting one.
After styling my hair to cascade down one shoulder with bouncing curls, I finish the look with a nude matte lipstick. The dress is a statement enough. I just need to provide a body whilst the material steals the show.
I rifle through my messy drawers in search of the sexiest lingerie I can find and settle for a crotchless lace red thong that looks perfect against the light tan on my skin. But I decide against a bra as the dress looks like it will hold me in all the right places without one. It fits like a glove, emphasizing my figure in all the right places. The plunging neckline does wonders for my boobs and the way it ruches up on one side gives me the perfect hourglass figure. I’m glad I managed to smear some instant fake tan on. I look like I’m glowing. Every ounce of the goddess I know Keller is going to devour, and I cannot wait.
7 pm rolls around a lot quicker than expected. Peering out of our living room window I see a blacked-out Mercedes pull up outside. I shout at Maddie to hurry up. She still hasn’t appeared out of her room yet. No doubt re-doing her hair for the hundredth time. Eventually, she strolls out, her eyes going wide and her mouth drops open when she sees me.
“Fuck me, Sienna! You look stunning. That dress, I take it that was the package from Keller. Boy, that man has style!” Excitement radiates off her as she speaks.
Maddie is wearing a simple tight black dress matched with killer silver stilettos and a leather jacket. Her bright blonde hair is in a simple yet elegant updo, framing her face with wavy curls. She could wear a sack and still look like a model.
“Awe thank you Mad’s. You’re looking hot tonight too. Trying to impress a certain trainer?” I say, wiggling my brows at her.
A blush creeps up her chest as she looks away. “No, he’s the last person I want to impress,” she snaps back too quickly.
“Okay, okay,” I say as I surrender my arms and back away, laughing as I do. Sometimes she is just too easy to wind up.
As soon as we show our tickets at the door, two massive bouncers escort us through the building down a side passage away from the crowds. They don’t say a word, and we just follow. Trying to keep up with their long strides in heels is a bit of a task.
Despite the corridor being nearly empty, the sound of the chattering of thousands of people behind the wall vibrates around me, sending waves of excitement through to my core.
I’ve never been to a boxing match before. I certainly didn’t expect a near full capacity turnout for a charity event. Although I should never underestimate Keller. I often forget he’s famous when it’s just me and him that doesn’t even come into the equation. To me, he’s my Keller with a filthy mouth and a devilish grin that worships the ground I walk on. To the rest of the world, he’s a famous heavy-weight boxer living a glamorous playboy lifestyle.
Little do they realize he spends his evenings curled up watching Netflix with little old me. Although the media around him is kept to a minimum, I assume that’s Keller’s doing, and I don’t think anyone would really fancy facing Keller’s wrath.
He made it clear in the club the other night that he doesn’t want to hide me from the world, which gave me warm fuzzy feelings inside. I don’t want to complicate anything for him. He has a massive fight coming up. He could become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. With the focus and dedication he’s been putting into training and from the snippets of information he’s shared with me, there is no doubt in my mind Keller will come out on top. I don’t see any opponent coming up to even match him.
The security guards usher us into the arena through big double doors. The music blares and the lights are dim but it’s still bright enough to see the thousands of people occupying the space, singing, and chanting.
We keep walking and walking; the ring getting closer and closer as we reach an empty front row only mere feet away from the ring. He gestures for us to take a seat as he nods and speaks into his earpiece, not so much as a “Have a nice evening ladies” as he storms back off.
A row of stern-looking judges, I assume, sit in the next front row to my right. As soon as my butt touches the seat, a young girl in black and white shorts and a crop top passes me and Maddie a glass of bubbles with a fake smile and flits off.
I glance to my left as Maddie quickly locks her phone and stuffs it straight in her bag, her eyes wide as she spies to see if I’m looking.
“Everything ok Mads?”
She shifts in her seat, avoiding me. What on earth has got her acting so strange?
“I-um was just replying to a text. Nothing really.”
“Well, it doesn’t look like nothing. You look like you’re about to pop a blood vessel”
The lights fade out to black as the music erupts through the arena, sending goosebumps along my body. Blue spotlights illuminate. The screen is filled with the image of Luke, his face covered by his blue robe, head down as he makes his entrance. Another fighting machine, he means business. I can’t take my eyes off the man walking right behind him. My Champ. His face unreadable, looking absolutely edible in a black tux, his dark eyes piercing through the screen. He follows Luke to the ring surrounded by a wave of black-suited security guards.
He strides down the walkway with power. He gives Luke a hard pat on the back and pulls his head into his shoulder as he leans down and whispers something. Luke nods and continues up into the ring with Grayson. After Luke’s opponent does his walk out, the lights brighten and the crowd goes quiet as they introduce the fighters. The atmosphere is electric. I’m on the edge of my seat anticipating the start of the fight.
By the 7th round, Luke has the upper hand. That much is clear even to me. His opponent looks sloppy. Keller and Grayson’s shouts bellow through the arena. His opponent is on wobbly legs, failing to land any of his weak punches. Seriously, I could give this guy a run for his money.
Now, I don’t have a clue about boxing, but I’ve seen Keller box so I know how it should look. His opponent backs against the ropes as he lands a weak body shot on Luke’s torso only opening him up to a right uppercut that sends him flying. It’s almost in slow motion as his face crumples and blood spurts out of his eyebrow as he thumps to the floor. The crowd erupts, and me and Maddie are out of our seats, excitedly squealing. The ref counts to eight, and he doesn’t get up. Luke thrusts his glove up in victory as Keller and Grayson jump the rope and run to hoist Luke up onto their shoulders. Their faces beaming with pride as if they’ve watched their kid go off on their first day of school.
Keller’s eyes snap to mine and don’t leave as his lip turns up to a smirk. He brings his free hand up to his lips and blows me a kiss with a wink which sends a shiver down my spine. I squeeze my legs together in an attempt to stop the ache.
It may not be Keller’s fight, but the entire room is in awe of him. He walks around the ring like he owns the place. His natural habitat. All eyes are on him. I don’t blame them; he is looking fine tonight.
He ducks under the red ropes and jumps off the ring, determination in his demeanor as he sets his sights on me. The cameras follow his every move as his hooded eyes fill the screens around the room. He’s stalking straight to me. The room is filled with chatter but at this moment all I can focus on is him reaching me. The anticipation has me almost salivating as he makes his way over.
“You look fucking amazing, Baby” he rasps as he crouches down to my level.
“You don’t scrub up too badly yourself, Champ,” I say as I chew my bottom lip.
Before I know it, his hands are gripping both of my cheeks as he crashes his mouth down to mine with pure hunger and desire. I close my eyes and sink into the kiss, forgetting where we are and the fact our not so PG make-out session is being blasted across the screens.
“God, I’ve been waiting what feels like fucking hours to do that,” he moans.
“Keller, what about the cameras? Everyone’s staring at us,” I say, shifting uncomfortably in my seat. This is his world, not mine.
Keller turns towards one of the cameras pointed at us on the side of the ring and winks before turning his attention back to me. Claiming my lips again, he sticks his middle finger up behind him towards the camera. I smile against his lips. I think he got the message across as when I glance back up to the big screen above the ring, it’s back to showing Luke and his celebrations.
“I want the world to know you’re mine, Baby. But as soon as they make you feel uncomfortable, just tell me and I’ll soon get them to back the fuck off, okay? This is one of the shittier aspects of my life. I try to keep those cocksucking vultures and their cameras out of my face as much as possible.” He says this with sincerity laced in his tone. I never doubt Keller’s threats. That’s probably why there’s so little about him online. They’re probably shit scared to get on his bad side. Hell, I wouldn’t envy the person on the other end of his wrath.
“Honestly, it’s fine Champ. I just don’t want to bring any more unwanted attention to you.”
I completely forget Maddie is sitting right next to me as Keller gives her a soft smile and nod. I watch as she gives him one of her signature fuck off tight lipped smiles and spin her attention back to the ring. What on earth has he done to piss her off?
Furrowing my eyebrows, I turn my attention back to Keller. “I have no idea,” I whisper, and he simply nods.
“I have to run back with Luke and Grayson quick. Don’t go anywhere, we’ll meet you back here and head back all together.”
“Sounds good to me, Champ,” I hum and plant a quick peck on his lips. He turns to walk away. “Don’t keep me waiting too long,” I shout loud enough to get his attention as I wiggle my eyebrows at him. Oh, he knows. Shaking his head with a chuckle, he jogs back to the ring.
“Maddie, want to explain what in the fuck that was about?” I ask sternly, starting to lose my patience with her now. She’s been acting strange since that message earlier.
She sighs and pulls her phone out of her silver clutch and pulls up an article, eyeing me cautiously.
“Si, I didn’t want to ruin your night. I thought maybe it was a misunderstanding or an old image. But he’s wearing the same tux, same day old stubble, and slick back hair. It was taken tonight. I’m so fucking sorry.” A sadness creeps into her voice as she death grips her phone, pulling it into her chest.
“What was taken tonight? You’re sorry about what? Jesus Maddie, speak in English. You’re near giving me a panic attack!”
I can feel my heart flutter in my chest, my palms sweating. For Maddie to be this wound up, there must be something seriously wrong. I can’t take it anymore. I reach over and pry the phone from her vice grip.
My eyes scan the screen, my mind trying to keep up with what I’m seeing. ‘Is this the mysterious woman keeping Keller Russo off the market?’ It’s splashed across the top of the page. I feel sick. With trembling hands, I keep scrolling down the article. The first picture sees a smiling Keller helping a stunning brunette out of the car. Her long manicured fingers are wrapped around his forearm as she looks up and smiles at him. Her long, toned legs are on full display.
Rage fills me. My ears are ringing as I look at the next photo, tears threatening to spill.
No, Sienna, a man will not make you cry, never again.
The next one sees them walking into the arena together, arm in arm, smiling as they walk stride for stride, looking every part the celebrity couple the world would expect from him.
“Can we go please?” I say with a shaky breath.
Maddie simply nods, her expression somber as she clasps my hand with hers and we join the swarm of people heading toward the exit. I don’t even give Keller a second look as I walk out.
Back at the apartment I tear the dress off, leaving it in a pile on the floor. My phone has been turned off and sits on my nightstand, and after pulling on the first set of pajamas I find, I head to Maddie’s room. I don’t want to be alone tonight, left with my thoughts. She gives me a warm smile and scoots over towards the wall, lifting the duvet for me to join. I let my head sink into her plush goose feather pillows.
“One day, I’ll stop making you comfort me when my heart is broken.” I try to make light of the situation, but she always sees right through me. She gently strokes my hair.
‘Don’t be silly. That’s what best friends are for. Get some sleep, you never know, maybe things will look different in the morning”
She is always the optimist. Rolling away from her, I sigh and turn out the lights. My sleep is anything but settled and I toss and turn, images of Keller and that woman haunting me.
I really thought he was different.