Chapter 3 The Silent Treatment
•Duke's POV•

I wake up the next morning relatively early considering how late Mel and I were up. For once I'm in a shockingly happy mood. Not just because today is the day my Sargent and friend is getting married. A day that until now I've been dreading because of all the unwanted attention it will force me to be in.

The main reason for this strange mood is Mel. After the night we shared I could really give zero fucks about any of that. If I could I would spend every second I have left here wrapped around that glorious creatures body. Listening to her screams of pleasure calling my name as she lets go.

Smiling at the memory of just how sweet a sound Mel makes I start smiling. Half asleep I roll to my side extending my arms across. Searching the other half of the cold mattress for her. Only to come up empty.

I'm fully awake then and sitting up in bed. Letting the sheet fall to my bare lap covering me. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes quickly. I blink them clear then scan the bed just to be sure. My brain finally registering that the sheet where she was are cold to the touch.

I check around my room using the morning light. Amazed the room is in a relatively clean state of the place after last night. After several scans of the room and even checking every possible surface I come up empty.

All the clothes scattered along the floor are mine. The white robe is no longer on the floor. Every trace of Mel is gone.

Where did you run off to Mel Blu?

My mind starts racing through all the possibilities. I grab my phone off the nightstand by the bed noticing it's only 6:30 in the morning. Hopefully that's still early for the wedding preparations to begin.

I toss my phone on the bed beside me and rush into the en-suite. Taking a fast five minute shower. Coming back out of the bathroom soon after drying myself as I make my way to my bag. Pulling a pair of old sweat pants and a ratty Marines t-shirt and throwing them on.

Moving around in such a blind hurry it didn't even notice occur to me I didn't put on any boxers. I was trying my best to keep my balance as I hoped around pulling on my clothes. Then looking for my shoes. Finding one on top of the wardrobe across the room, and the other under the middle of the bed.

I rushed out of my room seconds later. Jogging down the hall and the three flights of stairs. Slowing down once I reached the lobby, and coming to a stop in front of the receptions desk.

I give the middle aged woman behind the counter a flirty smile. Brushing off the long forgotten and unused skill. Turning up the charm all the way. Making my dimples show on my cheeks.

"Excuse me Ma'am I'm sorry to bother you so early this morning, but I'm in a bit of a pickle. You see, my flight was delayed yesterday meaning I didn't get here until midnight last night."

"Oh! You poor thing! Good heavens what are you doing up so early then? Shouldn't you still be asleep?" She interrupted me in fake outrage. Taking several chances to touch my arm in flirty sympathy.

I think to myself 'I've still got it!, and chuckle. "I wish I could, but you see. I'm the Best Man at the Greer/Black Wedding this afternoon. Because of my flight I wasn't here to get the schedule for today. You wouldn't be able to help me out could ya, Suga?" I ask her with a wink.

"Of course I can, Honey!" Whatever you need I'm your woman." She tells me licking her lips suggestively. Meaning something completely different than some simple guest records.

"Thank you so much. I just need to know which rooms Shawn Greer and Mel Blu are staying in please." I say still trying to be flirty, but feeling more awkward the longer I try.

"One moment, and I'll have you all fixed up!" The woman says typing away at her computer. Then writing down three sets of numbers down on a pink post-it note. Placing the paper down on the counter in front of me when she finished. Just out of my reach and giving me a beaming smile.

"Mr Greer and Ms Black are staying in the Honeymoon Suite on the fourth floor. You can't miss it when you step out onto the floor. The room is directly across in the middle of the hallway with a nameplate beside the door. Ms Blu is in room 308." She said pointing to each number on the paper as she spoke. Stopping at the last low of digits and tapping her fire engine red nails against the counter to draw my attention.

"This number here at the bottom is my personal phone number. Call me later, or anytime, if you're up for a little fun." She says seductive giving me a wink.

Her innocent actions only succeeding in making my skin crawl under my shirt. I grab the post-it from the counter. Sliding it into my pocket before beginning my retreat. I force another cheerful smile onto my lips.

"Thanks Suga." I say giving her one last wink then turn to leave.

I twist my feet around like I did in boot camp, and walk briskly back through the lobby. Racing back up the stairs to the third floor. Taking the paper from my pocket and tearing the woman's number off as I make my way up. Letting the pieces of paper scatter along the steps as I go.

Back in the hallway where I started I take a left out of the stairwell. Instead of going right and heading back to my room. Stopping outside of Mel's door almost at the end of the hallway. Her room placed exactly on the opposite end of the floor as mine.

I actually feel nervous standing outside of the door to room 308. My brain managing to function just enough to remind me of the other guest sleeping as I knock on the door. I give the door five semi loud rasp. Then step back waiting for Mel to answer.

I start to imagine how cute Mel will look opening the door disheveled and half asleep. Fresh from a deep sleep and her warm bed. I let my fantasy play out a few more minutes before knocking on her door again. Then again five minutes later for one final time. Finally accepting the fact she might not be in there.

But then where?

An imaginary cartoonish light went off above my head with the perfect idea. I ran back out of her door quickly, and back down the hallway. Swinging open the door to the stairs. Taking them two at a time as I go to the bottom. Coming out in the back hallway then walking out the same back doors as last night. Down the stone path and stopping at the beach. Scanning the empty area for any sight of Mel.

I start jogging down the waters edge for about two miles. Checking out the few early morning joggers and early beach goers along the way. Other than a polite wave in greeting no of them paid me any mind as I ran them turned around heading in the opposite direction. Going the same distance before turning back and heading to The Inn.

My search took about 20 minutes before heading straight back up to my room. I went inside and checked every inch of the suite on last time for any note from Mel I might have missed the first time. Coming up empty the euphoric mood I woke up in was completely gone.

I push all those negative feelings to the back of my mind. Locking them into a small box in the darkest part instead of letting them take me over. Focusing only on the matter at hand for the day. The wedding. I would just talk to Mel then.

I walk into the en-suite and take another quick shower. Leaving a trail of my clothes behind me. Washing the sand and sweat off my body from my impromptu early morning exercise. I got out a few minutes later and dried off. Wrapping the towel around my waist as I walked back into the bedroom.

I pull out a pair of black dress pants, metallic gray button up shirt, white under shirt, and black silk boxers from my suitcase. Putting everything on then rolling my shirt sleeves up to my elbows. I put on my black loafers before heading back into the bathroom to fix my hair. Adding some gel and brushing the front locks back. Resembling a biker from the 1950's.

Finally about twenty minutes later I call myself presentable. Leaving my room again this time I had up the stairs to the fourth floor. Headed to meet up with Shawn at the Honeymoon Suite. As soon as I step from the stairwell I come face to face with Drake. Leaning against the wall outside of the suite doors. Solely focused on his phone, and texting away.

"Hey Kid...I mean Boss. Long time no see." I call out to him jokingly, but getting his attention. I walk up to him and we exchange a bro hug. The type of hug that involves one arm and a slap on the back. We release each other just as quick. Both of us taking a step back smiling.

"Hey man! You finally made it. I was debating on sending out a S&R (search & Rescue) team out for you." Drake told me laughing having a little fun at my expense.

"I wouldn't miss this party. So, you gonna answer me? What's kept you so busy lately? Besides Abbie, of course." I say with a shit eating grin.

"Dude I wish it was only Abbie. It's Dean actually. The asshole finally agrees to move back to New York to help me out after I sent him away. Things have grown with the company a lot bigger in a short amount of time, and I'm spread thin. I've been helping him get things settled down in Florida, so he can get back to The City quicker." Drake ends with a tired sigh letting me know just how exhausted he really is.

"Where is everyone else?" I ask changing the subject. Trying to act as nonchalant as possible, and not let on how excited that news makes me right now.

"The ladies are already in The Honeymoon Suite getting ready. Apparently it's going to take them the entire six hours to get ready for the ceremony. Shawn's down at the bar where I am suppose to meet him after I finished my email. Hopefully Sarge won't mind me being late if I walk in with you in tow. Come on." He says waving me forward as he walks by me and boards the elevator.

Some of my doubts and sour feelings from earlier vanish as we make our way to the lobby. Hearing Mel just had to be up early to start getting ready helped greatly. I was so sure something was wrong with Mel making her leave this morning without a word. I should have guessed that.

That strange feeling of euphoria came back from the night before. Taking over my body. Add in the fact that Dean is moving back and a giddiness comes out. Like a toddler getting a new toy. I felt like I was floating on the moon.

Drake and I stepped out of the elevator into the lobby moments later. Going straight into the bar toward the lone middle aged gentleman at the bar. Taking an empty seat at his sides. Giving Sarge or Shawn Greer, the trainer and leader of our Special Forces team, a honorable welcome.

The three of us sit at the bar talking for the rest of the morning. Nursing the one and only cup of coffee since we sat down. Laughing and reminiscing about our times together. Not moving from our seat until well past noon. When the wedding planner found us and insisted it was past the time for us to start getting dressed.

We went back up to the fourth floor. This time going into Drake and Abbie's Suite. Where three different garment bags were hanging over the back of the couch. Each bag had our names on the front under the label. Inside each one was a traditional black Gucci tux and dress shirt. With a pair of black dress shoes shined to a mirror finish.

Drake and Shawn grabbed there bags going into separate rooms to get dressed. Shawn taking the en-suite while Drake chose the bedroom. I stay right where I was, and started undressing. Almost finishing before they closed their doors leaving me alone.

(Dean in his suit for the wedding.)

I finished getting dressed and was amazed at how well it fit. Surprising since I never showed up for either of my fittings. I tied the clack bow tie in place then sat down on the couch waiting. Thankfully both men didn't take long coming back about ten minutes later. Then we were off to the chapel.

While we were waiting outside of the closed chapel doors Shawn started bouncing around nervously. A tail Drake and I learned about the man years before. When Sarge starts bouncing that means he's going through his mental check list one final time. Ensuring nothing was forgotten and everything runs smoothly.

Sarge must have forgot something. He stopped mid-bounce turning around facing me. Giving me an unintentional Hail Mary without even knowing it.

"I forgot to ask you something Duke. Jenny and I were talking last night, and she really wants Mel to be in the wedding. Since she is like family now it wouldn't be right if she had to sit out. Would you mind walking with Mel down the isle instead? We thought it would be a little strange having you walk Abbie in. With the man that needs the practice here he can do it." Sarge laughed loudly at his joke slapping Drake on the shoulder.

"Just remember Sarge, when that day comes you will be my new father-in-law. How ya like that, Old Man?" Drake ask him then tries to run. Knowing how much Sarge hates to be called old. The not so old man didn't let him get far though.

Sarge places Drake in a head lock. Scrubbing his knuckles through Drakes hair messing up the perfectly styled locks. "Remind me to whoop your ass as soon as I get back from my honeymoon Masters." Sarge tells him between laughs letting him go.

The two men straighten to their fullest height. Calming down as they smooth the wrinkles from their suits, and fix their hair. Before anyone else could notice their childish behavior. Sarge turned his focus back to me sending me a questioning look waiting on my answer.

"Sure Sarge. This is y'all's day and will do whatever y'all want me to. I'm just happy to be here sharing this with y'all. Along with the rest of my small, but growing family." I tell him honestly trying not to get chocked up. These two men being a select few that know exactly how much that actually means to me.

"This family includes you too Duke. That's something you've seem to be forgetting the last few years." Sarge tells me before pulling me into another hug then letting go.

As Shawn and I step away from each other the wedding planner comes back over to us. Ushering Sarge Into the Chapel to take his place by the alter. Telling Drake and I the woman are on their way down, and giving us a final ten minute warning. Then disappearing through the chapel doors herself.

Moments later Drake and I hear heels clicking coming from the end of the hallway. We both turn at the same time toward the sound. Holding our breath as we wait for our first look at the girls. My eyes zeroing in on Mel as soon as she turned the corner. Holding the train of Jenny's dress in her arms as she walked. Knocking the breath from my lungs with that one look.

Mel's looked simply stunning. Her dress was a light gray/silver color that sparkles under the fluorescent lights as she walked underneath. The bodice was made up of an intricately designed lace material. That wrapped around her shoulders and ended above her waist. The skirt was short and stiff glaring out at the bottom. Coming to an end above the middle of her creamy thighs.

Her bare legs were toned and never ending. Her feet were balanced provocatively in a glittery white pair of wedges. She had her hair up in an elegant twist at her nape, and curls hanging lose around her face neck.

"Fuck!" The whispered plea slipped past my lips without me noticing.

"You can say that again!" Drake said turning to face me and giving me a cheesy grin. "Close your mouth dude before you catch a fly."

I close my mouth with a loud snap. Glaring at Drake as he just laughs. Before I can say anything else to him the ladies are in front of us. But Jenny didn't stop with Mel and Abbie. Instead she walked up to me and wrapped her arms around me. Pulling me tightly into a motherly hug.

"I'm so happy you're finally here Duke. Thank God you were able to make it!"

"I wouldn't miss this for anything in the world. You look absolutely beautiful Ms Black." I tell her as I let her go and take a step back.

Jenny slaps my forearm lightly in indignation. "Jenny! Just Jenny Duke. Did Shawn remember to ask you about switching partners?"

"Yes Ma'am. I'm yours to do with as you please. This is the brides day after all." I say giving her a wink.

"Ha! Watch yourself now! I might not be able to take you up on your offer, but I know the perfect person who can. Have you meet Mel Blu yet?" Jenny ask me taking my arm and moving us in front of Mel for introductions.

I take Mel's shaking hand she offered me into mine. Bringing her hand up to my lips. Looking deeply into her eyes as I place a kiss to her bent knuckles.

"You simply take my breath away Doll." I whisper so only Mel can hear. Watching as goosebumps break out along her skin, and shivers race up and down her spine from my actions. Making my smile turn wicked in approval.

"Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself." Mel said to me, but not looking at me as she spoke. Moving her gaze all around my face, but never stopping at my eyes.

I take a step closer into Mel's personal space. Totally dismissing Jenny almost rudely, but she didn't seem to mind. Leaving Mel and I and walking back to the end of the line behind Abbie. While my focus is glued to my fingers gliding across Mel's rosy soft cheeks.

"I missed you this morning Doll. I woke up craving your lips, but you weren't there. Will you let me have a small taste now?" I ask outlining her lips with my fingertips as I spoke.

I feel Mel gasp in a breath past my fingers. Her pupils turning into twin molting pools of emeralds. Instead of Mel giving me an answer, or what I want. She turns away from facing the closed chapel doors ignoring me.

I lean down a little further placing my nose and mouth against the outer shell of her ear. Whispering my next words low and seductively. Begging her if truth be told. "A quick peek just to get us through the ceremony? Please Doll!"

I feel her body shiver next to mine, but she still won't talk to me. Finally I give in and retreat with a chuckle. "Fine then. I'll let you have it your way Doll. Just know patience isn't my specialty. I can, and will, wait forever for you if I have to." I tell her standing back up straight. Wrapping her arm around mine as I turn to face the chapel doors. Waiting for the ceremony to start.

A few minutes later I hear the intro music start playing over the speakers. Mel and I are the first to walk through the chapel doors. Making our way past the guest to the end of the isle. Then helping Mel into her place at the end of the alter on the brides side. Before taking my place beside Shawn, and facing he door watching as the others enter.

The ceremony was relatively quick only lasting about twenty minutes start to finish. Then doing it all again as we followed the newlyweds back out of the chapel. Huddling together outside the doors waiting until the last guest exited the room. Next we were herded outside by the wedding planner for the wedding pictures.

The photo session took about an hour. The photographer kept everything simple and easy, so we all continued to have a good time. Well, everyone except me that is. The more time that passes the more frustrated I became.

Mel continued to not speak to me. Even going out of her way to avoid running into me at all cost. I even tried to innocently ask her about the weather. Desperate for her to say anything to me as we waited outside the tent to be introduced into the reception. But I only got silence.

Thankfully we didn't have to wait outside for long before the MC announced our entrance. The two of us walking stiffly through the tables to our seats at the main table. Helping Mel into hers at the end of the table before taking mine at Shawn's side.

Mel didn't make a sound the entire time we ate. She didn't bother to ask me for help with her chair either. Before standing up and walking across the dance floor to watch the happy couple cut the wedding cake.

I watched Mel's every move like a hawk from my position slightly behind her. Noticing quickly how she kept discreetly checking for me as well. Making sure I hadn't moved while she watched Jenny and Shawn share their first dance. Looking at the couple with a longing deep in her eyes.

After the third song finished it was finally my turn to dance with Mel. I walk up behind her and take her hand in mine. Then push her away from me. Spinning her out into the middle of the dance floor. Pulling her back and wrapping her body tightly into my embrace. Remembering quickly the steps for the Waltz Dean taught me on one of our leaves, with grace and ease.

Unlike earlier I don't say a word to Mel while we dance. I do bring my face down level with hers. Keeping us inches apart, and capturing her vibrant emerald gaze with my own as we move. Coming to a stop and reluctantly letting her go to Shawn's father as the song comes to an end.

A little while later the entire wedding party is sitting down back at the center table. Gathering together at the end closest to the dance floor. Taking a breather and laughing and joking with one another. When Joe Black walks up to the table drunk of his ass, and causes the biggest fucking mess.

Exaggerating and spinning a story about Drake and Abbie to Jenny. Making me see red by basically calling Mel a whore. Causing Drake to leave before the shit storm could get any worse.

I was fuming at Joe all throughout Jenny's come to Jesus talk with him. Patiently waiting my turn to lay into my second sort of boss. A man I thought of as a friend the past five years. Barely holding onto my control only thinking about Mel right then.

I was already on my feet. Having jumped up as soon as Joe was talking, so I moved coming to stand behind Mel. She had her head down facing the table. She didn't notice I moved and jumped slightly when I placed my hand on her shoulder in silent comfort. She left my hand there for awhile until Abbie left the table.

Mel moved then dropping my hand from her shoulder, and reaching down removing her shoes. Holding them in her hands as she ran after Abbie out of the tent. I turned to follow her, but Jenny grabbed my forearm stopping me.

"Let then go Duke. Not now, trust me. Can you get my idiotic brother some water instead? The asshat really needs to sober up before I reconsider whooping his ass." Jenny ask me pointing across the tent at a waiter as she scowls down at her brother.

I can only grunt at Jenny in answer. Turning around I stomp across the outdoor tent toward the waiter. Imagining with each step my shoes landing into Joes stomach instead of the plastic make-shift dance floor. My anger hadn't cooked a bit by the time I made it back to the table.

I place the full glass of water down in front of Joe on the table. Making the liquid splash over the edge from the force. Wetting joes short sleeve and the inside of his pants leg in the process. Standing behind his right shoulder beside Jenny. Caging this dipshit into the table.

After about ten minutes Abbie and Mel come rushing back into the tent. Mel's face is full of pain as she walks closer toward us. Her posture and body language saying she might make a run for it at any second.

Abbie came to a stop right across from Joe. She slapped her hands down on the table making him jump at the noise. Leaning down and giving her uncle a crazed look. She holds her palm out between them simply demanding his keys. Running back out of the tent seconds later with her prize in hand.

I hadn't been able to look away from Mel since she walked back into the reception. She looks so lost and rejected as she watched Abbie leave again. When she couldn't she her anymore Mel turned around facing us, but looking only at Jenny.

"I'm just going to go on to my room. I'm not feeling very well. I'm starting to get a headache. So, yeah." Mel tells us before turning around and leaving again. Not bother to tell anyone goodnight before walking away.

Before I can take a step to follow Mel Jenny stops me for the second time. "I'm sorry Duke. I know you want to run after her. It's written all over your lovesick face. But first will you help Shawn get Joe up to his room? I would but this dress is just as heavy as him." She ask me pointing to the past out man with his head laid on the table snoring.

I blow out a small breath of frustration. Clamping the bridge of my nose between my finger and squeezing. Trying to stop the pounding in my head. Then giving Jenny a shake of my head ok.

"Sure. Lead the way." I tell her. Moving to Joe and placing my shoulder under his arm. Picking him up while Shawn did the same on his other side.

We follow Jenny back to The Inn through the lobby, and up the elevators. The four of us taking the first available lift to the second floor. Getting off and going to the left. Stopping outside of a door halfway down the hallway for Jenny to open the door. Seconds later depositing the drunken fool non to gently on top of his bed.

I don't stick around another moment to help either of them. I rush back out of Joes room just as quickly as we entered. Running down the hallway to the stair, and taking them up to the third floor.

I stand outside of her door begging and pleading with her to let me in for thirty minutes to just let me in. Until I finally concede and let Mel have her way. Walking back down the hallway toward my own room. Only I'm way to amped up and pissed to either go back to the party, or try and sleep.

I guess I can just stare at the ceiling.

As soon as I wake up the next morning I rush to get ready for the day. Once I finish I walk straight out of my door and down the hall to Mel's. Knocking on her door and pleading with her to open the door again. Just like every other time before I've knocked on this door no one answers me again. So I give up and leave.

I finally get my first glance at Mel later on that afternoon at lunch. Just like that hotel room door Mel's body might physically be her, but upstairs inside her head no ones home. Making my anger toward Joe reach epic proportions.

After lunch Drake decided to take Joe outside for a friendly talk. I didn't hesitate inviting myself to join them. Hoping I could relieve some of my anger out on the source.

I won't get into what was said while we were out there. That's Joes story to tell. I will say we didn't keep him for very long without a scratch on him. Before leaving him on the stone path. As we made our way back inside to the bar where Abbie and Mel were waiting for us.

As soon as we step into the bar Drake and I search out Abbie, but for two very different reasons. Silently questioning her with my eyes if she was able to get through to Mel, and at least get her to speak. Abbie's small, sad smile was answer enough. Followed by Mel making a quiet excuse and fleeing back upstairs to her room.

Mel didn't answer her door, or come outside of her room for anyone after that. Telling Jenny she had another headache so she wouldn't have to come downstairs and tell them bye. Locking herself inside for the rest of our time in Virginia.

I was shocked and slightly hopeful when Mel chose to fly coach with me back to New York. Instead of riding back with Drake and Abbie. Praying she would finally talk to me, but she continued to give me the silent treatment. Sitting beside me looking broken and defeated the entire trip home.

I realized then on the flight back I was in over my head with this situation. I needed reinforcements, and we needed to come up with a plan of attack fast. I needed my shining Doll back like I needed oxygen to breath.

Mel was simply the rarest of unicorns. A one of a kind woman unlike all else I've came across in my time of searching. She brought me back to life with the simplest form touches after feeling dead for such a long time. I wasn't ready to let that feeling go just yet.

**********************************

Soo....what do we think about Duke now? Anyone else still feel like kicking Joes ass again?
The next chapter will be Mel's POV, and will pick up from the end of Book 2.
We are going back to Sinful Delight my lovelies!!! Is anyone else excited to see what's waiting for Mel there?!?
Vote, comment, and don't forget to share this story with your friends!
Stay awesome you lovely people!
Callie

PS...Book 1: Into The Rabbit Hole And All It's Sinful Delight still needs your help! Voting for The Hidden Gem Awards is still going on until June 2nd, so go on by and leave a vote. Remember all you have to do is leave an in-line comment beside the title with a +1. Each day until it ends. We are neck and neck for second place!!
Thanks everyone!!

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Text Copyright ©Callie Sumner ™ 2019