I watched the video again, knowing he now wanted an answer to the question. Did I see marrying him as me repaying my debts of killing? Did I really see this marriage as my punishment?
I tried my best to think of an answer and when I had finally come to one, I opened up a message and sent him the answer he wanted to know. I assumed he was avoiding me till I made up my mind.
Locking the phone, I walked into the bathroom and ran the water into the bathtub. My muscles were aching and the head ache I was getting from the stress of watching a roofied me ask a madman questions really did bring on the brain ache.
Slipping out of my clothes, I lowered myself into the tub. The hot water washed up my body as I sank into it. God, it feels amazing. I close my eyes, enjoying it, relaxing, putting everything that had stressed me out aside for a few minutes. Just enough of the running water on my thigh and bathing in the calmness of my decision.
* * *
Wrapping a towel around me, I walked back into Lucian’s bedroom to find him sitting on the edge of the bed. His eyes stayed focused on the carpet.
“Everything okay?” I asked before moving towards him.
“No and yes,” he replied. I made the connection of him saying that after I gave him the same answer at the black wedding.
He placed an arm around me, his hand gripping the towel and pulling me towards him.
“You said no.” He looked up at me. His eyes echoed the honest relief he felt when he read that message.
“It was the truth.”
“Then it makes this bit a bit easier.” He ran his spare hand through his hair. “But you may be changing your mind when I tell you where we are going.”
I frowned. “Didn’t you say the bay?”
“Yeah I did, which we are but . . .” he paused, “I’m taking you to see my parents. My family is having a gathering together, and I have to make an appearance, however, and I can’t leave you here unprotected.”
My stomach dropped. “You can’t be serious. I’m your property!” The words came out in a rush. He was taking this commitment to me too seriously! Was he mad? Of course, he was! Why the hell was I even asking myself that question when I already knew the answer!
“You’re my wife,” he gritted out and stood. “And I take that serious.” He ripped the towel from me, leaving me naked.
“Just leave me here. I’m not a good people person.” I nervously took a step back. There was a reason I was good at sex because it was nothing but connecting physically with people. But relationships . . .? When was he going to see I wasn’t capable of that! I was as much of a monster as he was.
He eyes darkened, and I wondered if I had crossed a line and if so, how far had I crossed it.
“Don’t make me pull rank.”
I swallowed sharply. I supposed he wasn’t going to ever realise that I wasn’t good with people.
“You’re making a mistake taking me.” I wanted to change his mind. “Take Angeline,” I added, “I don’t mind.”
“I do! The bitch is trying to get my custody pulled!” He stood to his full height, reminding me of the beast that laid inside him.
“Okay, I’ll come,” I said quickly before he ordered me. I knew he couldn’t cope with ordering me. “I’ll come, I’ll do as I’m told.” But if he thought I was making small talk about the weather, he had another thing coming.
26
Chapter 26
Haylee
I assumed we would take the bike to see Lucian’s family. I couldn’t picture Lucian riding anything else, let alone him owning a car, but boy, how wrong I was.
I glanced around the plush four-wheel drive. “So, how long have you owned this?” I tried to make small talk as we hit the highway at a speed you would expect Lucian to be doing. Looks like he didn’t just limit his speeding to bikes.
He didn’t answer. It seemed like he still was upset with me, which was beyond a joke. I had agreed to come, even though I knew it would result in him losing his temper with me because I always managed to say the wrong thing around people. As my mother used to say, I was born without a zip on my mouth. I spoke as I felt. Normally if someone didn’t like it, I wouldn’t care because I could always back up my words with a closed fist.
However, this time I literally couldn’t get into a fight after I word vomit.
No, I was going to be on my best behaviour.
“Lucian?” I stared at my hands.
“What, Haylee?”
Finally, he speaks! After being in the car for over an hour.
I was beginning to wonder what I had done to upset him. I snuck a glance at him—he was clenching the stirring wheel, looking furious.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, really concerned about his blood pressure if he didn’t calm down.
“Angeline is taking me to court. Couldn’t bring Massie because of the custody investigation.” He finally coughed up the reason he was in such a furious mood.
So, my husband was stressed because of his ex-wife. A lot of women, or at least from how I understood women worked, would be angry or even furious that he was thinking of his ex-wife while being in the car with me.
However, that wasn’t the case. Harley always said that I thought like a guy and now was a perfect example.
“So, Massie won’t be for there for your family gathering?”
He scoffed, “She’ll be there with Angeline.”
My eyes narrowed into a glare and my expression tightened. “Angeline is coming . . .. Why the hell did I have to come?” The words came out and I quickly shut my mouth and shook my head. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to cross the line.” I looked at my lap. “Do you want me to handle Angeline?”
One moment I was staring at my hands, nervous about his reply. Then his hand covered mine.
“Don’t expect that of you.” He then squeezed my hand and that was the end of the conversation. But it wouldn’t stop me from acting. Angeline needed to be put back in her place. And it was time that I, as Lucian’s wife, fought this battle for him because unlike him, I could punch her and threaten her.
I knew Lucian wouldn’t approve, so I’d have to do it on the sly.
27
Chapter 27
Haylee
We arrived at a hotel penthouse suite before midday, and it was as far as I knew just a hotel room. However as the day went on I connected the dots, it must be owned by Lucian or his family.
Lucian had chosen a dress for me and jewellery, leaving it on the bed. As soon as I put it on, I wondered if he had had a mix-up with bags because the dress I was wearing was elegant, tight, long, and very not Lucian’s style.
I had put the bracelet on when there was a knock on the bathroom door.
Okay. Keep my shit together. I opened the door, and I had to admit it took me awhile to get used to what I was seeing in the mirror. I wasn’t surprised that he was taken aback. Lucian’s eyes ran over me as if he was drinking me in, which caused a small smile on my face. My long, deep red hair was twisted and pinned up with small pieces of hair that had fallen out already.
“Gonna have my work cut out for me tonight,” he muttered, and shook his head as if he was throwing away all the doubts he was having about taking me. “Ready to go, Mrs. Hunt?”
My eyes widened. I never knew what his last name was. Now it occurred to me that for the first time in my life, I actually had a last night. When I took off with Harley, I dropped the last name and just went by Haylee. But now I was Haylee Hunt, and my husband was currently waiting for me to take his hand.
* * *
When he said a family gathering, I was expecting biker party, not a formal gathering. Wine was being served and everyone was very lovely. And I hated every second of it—I hated fake people. At least Lucian didn’t hide who he was, he was still rather unpleasant to everyone and kept me glued to his side. In fact, I think he enjoyed throwing me to the guests as bait. As soon as they went to talk to him, he would say, ‘Have you met my wife, Haylee?’ And bang, the attention would go on me—and I loa
thed him for it.
Just as I swore I was going to strangle this man for asking me question after question about my wedding, a giggle followed by the rush of feet headed my way. I grinned when I saw Massie and excused myself from the dry conversation.
I quickly slipped off my wedding ring. “Massie!” I hugged her.
“Haylee, you will not believe what happened!” she gushed and I was more interested in the cast she was wearing.
“That you broke your arm?” I frowned “What happened?”
“Oh nothing, Imogen let me climb a tree and I fell. Harley told me off for it, but that’s nothing. Guess what—”
“Whose Imogen?” I questioned her.
“My aunt. Now please, listen!”
The call from Harley the other day . . .. The connection between the woman my brother was seeing before I went missing, and now, as I looked at Massie, I realised she was the last puzzle piece.
“Excuse me, Massie, I just need to speak with your dad.” I rushed past her and scanned the crowd looking for Lucian. Then I saw him speaking with the bank man and the guy that owned a car chain.
“Does he know?” I glared at Lucian. “Does Harley know I’m with you?” I demanded. I wanted fucking answers. Now. How could he be friends with my brother and have me as a wife?
I scoffed when he didn’t answer and walked off. I heard him excuse himself from the conversation and wasn’t surprised when he gripped my hand, slowing me down as I reached the patio.
“You’re friends with my brother!” I hissed at him. “He looks after your child, so don’t lie to me and say you don’t trust him because you would never let anyone near Massie who you didn’t trust.”
“I had no fucking idea he knew Massie till the hospital call. And I have you know, I don’t trust him,” he scoffed. “Look at how he cared for you. You are basically a fucking barely functioning train wreck and into every criminal activity you can get your hands in!”
It was no compliment. Tears spread in my eyes, and I took a step away from him. “Well, I’m glad I know what you think of me.” I didn’t know what else to say. Earlier tonight, he was looking at me like I was princess but now, as he spoke, I heard the disgust and annoyance in his voice that he was stuck with me.
“Haylee—”
“Oh, look, the love birds are having a fight.”
I gritted my teeth. The bitch chose the wrong moment to show her face.
28
Chapter 28
Haylee
I knew how to wound men. I knew how to hurt them. But in this case, I didn’t want to hurt Lucian. No, I wanted him to suffer by his remark, and I would make sure he did, after I dealt with his ex-wife.
Just as I turned to face her and give her a piece of my mind, a direct look from Lucian made me pause. I wasn’t allowed to do anything. Was he fucking kidding me? He was telling me with his eyes that I was to keep my mouth shut.
He may be married to me, but part of his heart was still hers. I watched the smug expression spread across her face.
I didn’t say a word. I just walked from the patio and headed back inside. I needed a drink, something fucking strong.
I thought of all the ways I could get him back. Embarrassment would do the trick. But then again, I didn’t want to be punished. Instead, I decided the best course of action was to do nothing and let my nonreaction speak for itself.
I weaved to the bar and placed my order.
LUCIAN
“What do you want, Angeline?” I snapped at her. Haylee and I needed to talk, and I didn’t have time for the bitch known as my ex-wife. “Ya here at my family gathering.”
“I see you brought your bitch of a woman.” She smugly crossed her arms. “You are starting to lead me on to believe you care about her.”
She had no idea how much I cared about Haylee, which was why I wanted to punch myself right now for being a dick. Putting up my hand, and I watched her smug expression drop. “Yeah, I do care for her. I married her and unlike you, she respected the traditions.”
“She did the black wedding?” she said slowly. “With you?”
“Yes, she did.” I couldn’t be prouder of Haylee for coming through, but the look on Angeline’s face told me she couldn’t believe I had found a woman crazy enough to do the black wedding with me.
No one really knew the full tradition behind it, but just the roofie was enough to scare most brides away—after all, it scared Angeline away. We had a traditional white wedding, which meant nothing. I told her that I wouldn’t consider her my real bride unless we did a black wedding.
In the end, she got the white wedding and she also got divorce papers. Haylee would never get divorce papers.
“Excuse me, I need to find my wife.” And with those words, I left her tearing up in the patio.
Scanning the crowd, I looked for Haylee. I spotted her speaking to my cousin and his best friend. Fucking toss pots if you ask me. But I was going to play nice, till I saw . . ..
“Is that your hand on my wife?” I gritted out, seeing his hand below the small of her back. He looked at me but didn’t say a word. “Asshole, ya gunna get hurt.”
He took his hand off my Haylee like she had burnt him.
“Excuse us, Haylee, it was lovely to meet you,” he muttered and took off as soon as he realised she was with me. He knew she was forbidden and out of his league.
“Alright, get it over with,” I muttered, ready for my slaughter of an argument with her. “Threaten me, curse . . . you know.” I looked at her to say something, but she remained still, her eyes on her glass. “Haylee?” She wouldn’t seriously ignore me, would she?
She looked up from the glass and for the first time ever, in the whole time of knowing her, I saw sadness in her eyes. What hurt more was knowing that I put that sadness there.
She wasn’t yelling at me like Angeline would have. She wasn’t picking a fight with me. I knew we had mutual respect for each other and I respected her criminal upbringing; however, I had disrespected her a moment ago. I expected her to slay words at me, even give me one of those dirty looks I knew she could do.
Instead, I got nothing . . .. Was I not even worth getting upset over?
Did my opinion mean nothing to her?
“Lucian, if you don’t mind, I’m going to head back to the hotel room. I’m not feeling well.” She placed her glass down on the serving tray near us, leaving me completely speechless. Nodding my head, she excused herself to the hosts and left.
I couldn’t help but think I had done too much damage to come back from. Had I fucked up that badly? How was I going to get her to come around?
I needed to do something to prove to her that I trusted her, but what? I had fucked up and knowing that caused me to swipe the drink off the nearest waiter. I had fucked up badly. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she wasn’t at the hotel room when I got there.
I had crossed a line that was written between us. And if there was one thing I respected, it was rules. Yet, I fucking walked over her one rule.
I threw back the drink and went in search for another.
* * *
I was trying to swipe the room key but every time I did, it failed. I was standing—well, barely standing—trying to get into the room.
A few people had passed me in the hall, and I knew Haylee wasn’t in there. I was starting to think I might just pass out in the foyer when the door burst open and there stood my wife.
Most people wouldn’t have a smile on their face coming face-to-face with a glock, but I had a huge grin on my face seeing my wife ready to protect herself.
“Wifey.” I smiled, and her expression tightened.
“You’re drunk.”
I put my fingers together just a little bit, but she gripped me by the shoulder and pulled me in.
I took Haylee fully in. God, she was breathtaking. Her deep red hair up n a bun, and her makeup from earlier was gone. I was seeing the real Haylee.
“Stop staring at me,” she said from the bed
with her legs crossed. “It’s weird.”
I smirked and leant against the doorway because I needed the support.
“How mad are you with me?” I got out before my stomach twisted.
“The bathroom is in there.” She pointed to the door to my left and I basically collapsed through it, heading for the toilet bowl.
I knew my chances with her wasn’t all up when she came in a little while later and helped me to bed.
29
Chapter 29
Lucian
When Haylee and I returned home, her cold exterior didn’t drop that she had after we travelled to the bay for the dinner. Even the next morning in the hotel room, she was cold and distance.
A visiting charter was in town, and Haylee was still giving me the cold shoulder. She hadn’t come near me all night, or really since the accident at my family’s gathering. We hadn’t had sex. I was basically suffering from blue balls, and I couldn’t bring myself to touch her yet. But I was getting desperate and desperate times call for desperate measures. I couldn’t bring myself to rape her. Though she would have sex with me willingly, I knew she wouldn’t enjoy it.
So, I held back.
The boys and I were playing cards, and you would think I’d be winning considering my usual ability to read poker, but I wasn’t. My eyes and attention were on Haylee, who was talking to the club bitches.
I was suffering so badly. Not just by the blue balls, but by watching man after man from the visiting charter hit on Haylee. The last two night had been the craziest—every asshole from the visiting charter had tried coming on to her. With every drink they gave her, I knew they were hoping to get inside her. But she was good with her liquor and held it well.
Property of Lucian Page 7
