Reclaiming Tomorrow
Kingsley Series Book 3
Haylee Thorne
Contents
Part I
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Part II
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Other Books by Haylee Thorne
And Now…
Copyright © 2019 Haylee Thorne
All rights reserved worldwide.
No part of this book may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any medium, whether electronic, internet or otherwise, without the expressed permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, locations, and names occurring in this book are the product of the author’s imagination, or are the property of their respective owners and are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual events, locations, or persons (living or dead), is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author. All trademarks and names are used in a fictitious manner and are in no way endorsed by or an endorsement of their respective owners. Contains sexual situations, violence, sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language and/or mature topics.
Recommended for age 18 years and up.
* * *
* * *
18 years ago…
Growing up, I didn’t think there was a little girl in the history of the world who loved her daddy as much as I did. To me, Mason Kingsley was larger than life. I didn’t realize yet that the perfect picture I painted inside my head was colored with lies and deceit. It was on the eve of our tenth birthday that he broke my heart for the first time, the first of many times, before he finally crushed it. I remember how excited I was. Mika and I were having a typical Kingsley style over-the-top but fabulous birthday party. It was August, and we were at our grandparent’s estate in the Hamptons. We loved spending our summers there. There was a large pool that we loved to frolic in all day with our friends. But that wasn’t even the best part. My very favorite part was the enormous maze on the east side of the house. In the center of it was a small guest house that was often used more for storage than anything else. But I loved to go there and play. I’d force Mika and our friend Eric to play house with me, or, my other favorite game of pretending that small little cottage was my castle. Back then, I always thought of it as our secret place, the place nobody knew about. Thinking back though, there were always fresh juice and snacks for us in the small kitchen. (I suspect that our mom knew we came there to play but didn’t want to ruin the illusion of secrecy.)
“Happy birthday, little one.”
That’s what the card attached to the gift box on my bed says. I just got out of the shower, and daddy must have snuck in and left this for me. I eagerly pick it up and open it. It is a small jewelry box. I lift the lid, and a beautiful melody starts to play. I smile when I recognize the song, it’s from my favorite Christmas musical; the Nutcracker. I reach for another little note inside.
“A little treasure box for my little treasure.”
I hurry and get dressed, making sure to put on my bathing suit under my summer dress. I am about to head downstairs when there is a knock on the door. I smile brightly when I open the door and see who is standing there.
“I have a present for you,” Eric tells me as a greeting.
I look at his empty hands in confusion which makes him smile as he rolls his eyes. “Not here, you’ll have to find it.”
I frown. “Where is it?”
He smirks. “I guess you will have to figure it out.”
I pout. “Tell me!”
“The party is waiting for you, as will be your present, Lady Kingsley.”
He holds out his hand and leads me towards the pool party that I have been looking forward to all day. I take it, no hesitation and follow him. There are a bunch of kids, some of them our friends, some of them are children of people our father does business with. I always get shy around people I don’t know, but Eric just squeezes my hand and smiles at me reassuringly. There are as many adults here as there are kids, and I only recognize a few of them. I look up and see my parents greeting some more guests. My mother looks beautiful, flawless, as she always does. Her long blonde hair hangs around her shoulders and frames her angelic face. I have her eyes, people say that our eyes are gold. I love it when she smiles, her whole entire face smiles with her. Daddy is standing next to her, his hand resting on the small of her back. A warmth radiates through me as I watch my parents. He must feel me looking at them because he turns his head slightly and meets my gaze. He winks and smiles at me.
“There you guys are!” Mika yells out as he comes running up to us.
Eric immediately drops my hand. “You’re the one who sent me to find her.”
I feel a little twinge of disappointment, though I am not sure why.
Mika frowns. “I didn’t know it was going to take that long.”
“Girls take forever,” Eric replies with a shrug.
“Last one in the pool is a rotten egg!” Mika yells as he turns around and jumps into the blue water.
The two of us follow suit, and jump in after him, officially kicking off our party. We don’t get out of the water until late afternoon when we are told to come out, so we can eat and have cake.
“Look at all those presents!” Mika says excitedly as he points to the two large tables that are set up on the patio. He has barely finished that sentence before running off towards the gifts.
I nod my head. “There are so many,” I say in awe.
I look over at Eric. “Is that where my present is?”
Eric beams. “Nope.”
I pout and he grins. “Wanna go find it?”
I nod my head excitedly.
“I left it in your palace, Lady Kingsley.” He tells me.
Patience has never been my strong suit, and now that I know where it is, I want it. I look over my shoulder, and I see that Mika is busy, excitedly inspecting some of the presents on his table. I smile and dash to the labyrinth, closely followed by Eric. He’s been through it almost as many times as I have and also knows the way to the center like the back of his hand. Over the years, we have found that there are three ways to get there; two round-about ways, and one direct one. Clearly, this occasion calls for the shortest route. I take big strides as I single-mindedly head towards my goal. When I get to my little palace, I notice that the door is ajar. I am about to ask Eric if he forgot to close it when I hear voices coming from inside. Who would be in my secret place? I am about to demand to know who’s here when I recognize one of the voices as daddy’s. I wonder who he’s talking to. I step inside and follow the sound of his voice. He’s in the living room, his back facing me. There is a woman that I recognize, she’s Steward’s mom.
“I could of course be persuaded to keep my mouth shut.” My dad tells her in an icy tone that I don’t recognize.
I freeze. I hold my breath as the room falls silent for a moment, the only sound is the ice clinking in my daddy’s glass as he swirls the cubes around.
“I can’t do that, Mason. Be reasonable, I’m married.”
Daddy slowly takes a sip from his drink, as if he’s savoring the taste.
“Nobody is forcing you to do anything, sweetheart.�
�� He sneers. “You just need to decide how badly you want me to keep your secret.”
“Screw you.” She bites out.
“Well, I would have settled for my cock in your mouth, but that sounds a lot more pleasant. My price just went up.”
He steps forward and closes the distance between them, sliding his arm around her waist and yanks her towards him. His hand is on her backside, and he smacks it, hard. “I’ve always wanted to fuck that fine ass.” He tells her.
A striking cold sensation shoots down my spine. I start to walk backwards and I can feel my own tears burning at my eyelids as I watch tears pouring down her face. I retreat another step and my back hits something, I am about to scream when a hand covers my mouth. My entire body stiffens and tenses up. I am gently turned around by my shoulder with one hand and relax instantly when I lock eyes with Eric. He brings a finger to his lips and I nod. He removes the hand from my mouth and offers it to me. I silently accept it and he leads me out of what, up until this moment, has been my favorite place in the world.
12 years ago…
It’s time for basketball practice and my friend Emily and I sit on the bleachers watching my brother Mika and our friend Eric play. We’re supposed to be painting posters for the upcoming winter formal, but not making much progress. The sound of squeaking sneakers and the coach yelling at the boys, echoes throughout the gymnasium as the players run across the shiny wood floors. I’m trying to focus on our project, but all of my attention these days seems to revolve around the one person it shouldn’t. I’ve always adored Eric Hardwick, but I am not really sure when it changed from innocent feelings of friendship into epic feelings of desire. But it has, and I can’t get him out of my head. Unfortunately, I don’t think he even knows I’m a girl. He’s Mika’s best friend, and really, he’s mine too. I would never want to ruin our friendship, or his and my brother’s by confessing my puppy love crush to him. So, I hide it, the best I can. But when I watch him run across the court, his tall muscular body so elegant and graceful, or watch him wipe the sweat of his handsome face, I cannot help the reaction my body has to that sight.
“A little birdy told me that Paul asked you to be his date for the winter wonderland dance.”
I nod. “He did.”
“I can’t believe you are going to the dance with Paul!” Emily squeals.
“I only said he asked me, I didn’t tell him I’d go,” I say with a shrug.
My eyes are fixed on the school’s mascot that is painted on the floor in the center of the court.
“He’s the only one that any girl would say yes to. He is Paul frickin’ Davis! You’re so lucky!”
It’s true that most girls would give gladly give up a few limbs to be walking into the winter formal with Paul on their arm. And I can’t deny that he’s handsome. But he isn’t the one who I dream about every night. Who’s name I scribble over and over in my diary…
“I guess,” I mutter.
“Well, let’s be honest here. You were born lucky. You’re a Kingsley. Rich, gorgeous, incredible eyes, long legs. If I didn’t love you so much, I would hate you.”
I roll my eyes. Most people have no idea what it is like growing up a Kingsley. They see the money, the nice clothes, the extravagant trips. But they don’t see the lies, the manipulations or the tragedy that comes with being a Kingsley. “If you say so.”
My attention is pulled to the game. Eric is just behind the 3-point line and shoots at the basket. My eyes are glued to the ball as it successfully hits its target. Loud cheering erupts and when some people chant; “Let’s go, Hardwick. Let’s go!” Both Emily and I join in.
The game continues and we return our focus to our posters.
“I don’t have a date yet. But I know who I wish would ask me though.” She sighs dreamily.
I follow her gaze and find her staring broodingly at Mika. I shake my head and wrinkle my nose. I know a lot of girls think my brother is cute, but I just don’t see it.
“Listen Em, you’re my friend and I adore you. So, I feel inclined to tell you. I love my brother, but he isn’t exactly…um boyfriend material.”
“Whooohoooo!” she yells out.
“Are you even listening?”
“Um, What?”
“Are you listening to the words that are coming out of my mouth?” I say, admittedly a little annoyed.
“Uh sorry, no. Did you not see that block? Mika is amazing.” She swoons.
I shake my head disapprovingly, but can’t help but smile as I look over at my brother who is doing his ridiculous victory dance.
Emily and I finish the posters just as the coach yells that practice is over and tells the team to go hit the showers.
“Let’s go say hi!” Emily gushes excitedly.
Before I can answer, she grabs me by the arm and pulls, leading me down the bleachers. The boys have noticed us heading down and they meet us before we reach the bottom. My eyes meet Eric’s and my entire being responds. My heart rate accelerates, my throat dries up, and it feels like there are thousands of little butterflies fluttering inside my belly.
“Hey there, Lady Kingsley.”
I don’t want him to know how he affects me, it’s way too embarrassing. I shouldn’t feel this away about him and he would die if he knew. “Hey.” I say awkwardly. “Nice job out there today guys.”
“Of course, I played. I don’t deliver anything less than a stellar performance. Ever.” Mika says with a wink as he makes eye contact with Emily.
I look at Eric and open my mouth to make a barfing gesture with my finger. He chuckles.
“What are you ladies up to?”
“We were getting the last few posters ready for the dance.”
“Yes,” I chime in. “We can’t wait for you guys to see what we have in store for decorations.”
“I don’t know why you are so excited about this dance, Mik. It’s not like you have a date or anything.”
I raise my brow. “I’ll have you know that I, in fact, do have a date. Thank you very much.”
“Who?” Mika and Eric say in unison.
“Paul Davis.”
“There is no way in hell you’re going with him,” Mika grumbles.
“Watch me.”
I turn on my heel and storm off. Jerks. I pull my cell phone out of my pocket and call the last number that called me.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Paul?”
“Yeah?”
“This is Mikaela. Um, Mikaela Kingsley?”
“Oh, hi.”
“Um, well I just wanted to let you know that if you were still interested in being my date for the winter formal, I’d love to accept your invitation.”
“Hell yes.”
“Okay, great. Pick me up at six?”
* * *
It is finally time for the winter formal. I have been preparing for this evening for weeks and after putting the finishing touches on my hair and make-up, I step into my dress and admire the gorgeous frock in my full-length mirror. I’ve chosen an icy blue mermaid gown. The satin-finish sequins glisten over every curve and I feel like a princess wearing it.
“You look stunning, Lady Kingsley.”
My breath catches in my throat.
“You’ll be the most beautiful girl at the dance. Davis is a lucky guy.”
My heart starts to beat out of control.
“Thank you.” I breathe.
I clear my throat and turn to face him. Big mistake. He’s wearing a tux, and boy does he wear it well. Eric looks good in casual clothes, he makes me weak in the knees when I see him in his shorts sans shirt. But Eric Hardwick in a tux? He slays me. He takes a few steps towards me and I gasp as he approaches. It feels like there is pure desire flowing through my veins. I am about to open my big, dumb mouth and tell him how incredible he looks and how I wish I was going to the winter formal with him. But I get interrupted.
“Look at my sister, all cleaned up,” Mika says as he strides into my dressing room.
Eric stops in his tracks and turns around at the sound of his voice.
“You ready Hardwick? Our dates are waiting.”
Mika’s words sober me up. “Yes, Eric.” I say icily. “You guys don’t want to keep your dates waiting.”
“Well, yours is waiting in the living room,” Mika says.
I pick up my purse from the dresser and start my stride towards the living room. But to my big surprise, Eric grabs my arm.
“Wait.”
Eric turns to Mika. “Why don’t we all ride together. Our limo is big enough for all of us.”
The last thing I want to do is sit in a vehicle up close and personal, watching some skank all over Eric and some floozy all over my brother.
“Um no. Paul is driving us. We do not need to ride with you. Besides, I will see you both at the dance.”
Mika, who is usually overprotective as hell, is agreeable, while Eric doesn’t seem convinced.
“I’ll see you guys there. Go pick up your dates.” I say, a little saltier than intended.
I push past the guys and head into the living room where Paul is standing by the fireplace looking at the family pictures. I clear my throat to make him aware of my presence. He turns and smiles.
“Wow, Mikaela. You look beautiful.”
Paul steps forward as I approach him and takes a wrist corsage from its box. I hold out my hand and he slips it on my wrist. I thank him and walk to the dresser by the entrance where I collect his boutonniere and pin it on him. “Are you ready to go?”
“Oh, believe me, I have been ready for this for a while.” He tells me.
Reclaiming Tomorrow: Kingsley Series Book 3 Page 1
