Reclaiming Tomorrow: Kingsley Series Book 3

by Thorne, Haylee

“It’s complicated”

  “We are not talking about a relationship status. What did I do?”

  “Listen, it wasn’t entirely—.”

  “What. Did. I. Do?”

  “Damnit Mikaela, you need the whole story. I can’t just skip to the end.”

  “But I did do something to him then?”

  “Yes.”

  “You agreed to meet him because he promised to tell you where your mom was. You actually signed the paperwork, even against my advice. Only to find out that he lied. In the envelope, you opened after he left your office, was nothing. Just a blank note. The elevators were down, and being worked on, so you knew there was only one way out of the building. Knowing that he took the stairwell only moments ago, you chased him. The two of you struggled, he hit his head…”

  I listen to the words he’s saying, and I try with all my might to grab onto any memory of this. But I come up blank.

  “That’s when you called me. He was still unconscious when I got here. We were going to take him to a regular hospital, but then we realized that he would keep trying, and at some point, he would succeed. We would never be free of your dad, and after everything he’d already done, we knew that we needed to do something.”

  Eric rises to his feet and makes short work of the distance between us. He lowers himself on the sectional next to me and cradles my head in his hands.

  “We did what we needed to do to keep us all safe. We made sure he wouldn’t be able to hurt anyone.”

  “Well he showed up again, so clearly we didn’t kill him. So, what did we do Eric?”

  “We had a mutual friend that needed funding for a private hospital. We needed a patient that had to be kept on a strict diet of certain medications.”

  “We kept him drugged.”

  “Yes.”

  “At Hillcrest?”

  “Yes.”

  “Margaret Sims was involved?”

  He sighs. “Not in the beginning.”

  “So, he’s back now. And he knows. What can he do?”

  “Well, I made sure that there was no way of tracing his admission to Hillcrest to you in any way. The money to pay for his stay has gone through several channels. It cannot be traced back to you or me. At this point, all he can do is accuse you. I will have River go through everything to make sure that we have wiped our trail properly.”

  “Does Mika know?”

  “He does not.”

  “You have not told him?”

  “No?”

  I peer into his eyes, wanting to make sure that I can see his answer in his eyes.

  “Why not? You tell him everything.”

  “You asked me not to.”

  “That’s it?”

  “That’s it.”

  A chuckle escapes from him. But it doesn’t sound amused, it sounds tortured. Eric pulls me closer and holds me tightly against his hard chest.

  “How don’t you know that there is nothing that I won’t do for you, Lady Kingsley?”

  My heart feels like it is about to burst outside of my chest. Whenever he calls me by that name, that silly name I made him call me when we were kids, I light up inside. He’s the only one who calls me that, and the only one that makes me feel like I am whole. It is both the best feeling and the worst feeling in the world. It’s almost cruel that the only man that has ever made me feel like this is the only man that is unobtainable to me.

  “You’ve always been there to save me.” I tell him, my voice barely a whisper.

  “And I always will be.”

  I know that he’s not just saying that. He’s proven it time and again. And if I can‘t have him in my life as my lover, then I will take him as my friend. No matter how hard it is to be around him and not be able to be with him…the thought of him not being in my life at all seems unbearable. I’d rather suffer through the longing, than suffer through the loss of him. His arms are tightly wrapped around me and I don’t want him to let go. I force myself not to look up because I know that if I do, I won’t be able to resist to press my lips against his. I listen to his heart beating erratically inside his chest and I cannot help but notice the similarity.

  “So, what do we do now?” I ask.

  “We find a way to deal with him.”

  The words have barely left his mouth when his phone rings. He pulls away so he can reach for his phone. I miss the warmth of his chest immediately and annoyance at whoever is calling swells up inside of me. I force myself not to pout. He looks at the screen.

  “I have to take this.” He tells me as he swipes to answer.

  I know it is rude, but I listen to the conversation, even though I can only hear his side of it. I shoot him a questioning look when he cuts the call.

  “That was River. He wants us to meet him.”

  My interest is piqued. “Oh?”

  “You better get dressed. We have a meeting.”

  * * *

  After a quick shower, I throw on some clothes—okay I won’t lie, I put on and take off about fourteen different outfits before settling on a beige shirtdress. I pair it with some brown suede knee-high boots and a gorgeous scarf. I keep my make-up light and finish the look off with a beret. When I return to the living room, Eric is standing by my fireplace, holding a picture frame that contains a picture of him, Mika and myself. I myself have been looking at this picture a lot. I can’t remember the day we have taken the picture, but for some reason, I feel happy every time I look at it.

  “I’m ready,” I tell him as I step further into the room.

  He places the frame back in its place before turning to face me. A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth.

  “That was a great day.”

  “We look so happy. I wish I remembered it.”

  A sort of darkness clouds his handsome features as he processes my words.

  “I can’t imagine what it must be like.”

  I close the distance between us and reaching beside him I pick up the picture frame from atop the mantel. I stare at the picture for a moment and like the change of tide, sadness washes over me.

  “I feel like a stranger in my own life sometimes,” I admit.

  As the words roll out of my mouth I realize that I have not ever admitted this out loud before. But now that I’ve started, the words start to pour out of me.

  “Take this picture for instance. I’ve framed it and placed it in a prominent spot in my house. And I can clearly see that we were feeling good and were happy that day. But I don’t even know where we are, or what we were doing. I feel like I am an imposter that just stepped into someone else’s life. Or like I have just fast forwarded through my life and missed out on most of it.”

  Tears pool in the corners of my eyes and before I can blink I am pulled against his chest once more. And I can’t explain how much it feels like I am home.

  “I know it doesn’t make things better, but for what it’s worth, lady Kingsley. You are exactly who you have always been. The most beautiful, strong, smart, funny and feisty woman I have ever known. There isn’t anyone like you, and even without those memories, you are still all those things.”

  He gently strokes the back of my neck with his thumb and I can feel myself melting into his touch.

  “You lost your memories, Mik. But you didn’t lose you. Every single day you show me how incredible you are and frankly, I am in awe of you.”

  I step out of the embrace and stand on the tips of my toes. I gently press my lips against his cheek. “Thank you for that, Eric. That is sweet of you to say.” I croak.

  If I didn’t know better, I would swear that I saw him flush, but before I can confirm either way, he clears his throat and steps away from me.

  “We better go, River is waiting.”

  He’s made his way to the door before I can even wrap my mind around a response. I return the picture and turn around just in time to watch him walk out the door. My chest constricts, quite painfully so. And I don’t understand why. But as my front door closes, I am almost
crippled by the weight of the emptiness I feel.

  Present

  I walk out of the apartment before I ruin everything. All I want to do is throw her down and fuck her so thoroughly that she will forget any and all things that make her unhappy. River asks us to meet him at some random small café in Brooklyn. We grab a cab and are on route to said café. We’ve been in the cab for the last twelve minutes and neither of us has uttered a word. I glance over at Mikaela, who’s eyes firmly are cast on the scenery we pass by. I can tell that she is nervous because she’s tapping her foot rapidly on the floor. Before I can even think, my hand slides over to her side and grasps hers into mine. She doesn’t take her eyes from the window, she doesn’t respond with words. But the second my fingers curl around hers, the tapping stops. And for a moment I let myself believe that she needs me as much as I need her. Images of stolen moments between us flash around inside my head. We continue our ride in silence for most of the trip. It isn’t until we hit Atlantic Ave that Mikaela breaks the comfortable silence.

  “I wonder why River wanted us to meet him in Brooklyn?”

  When River called, he literally saved me from doing something stupid. Every fiber of my being wanted to kiss her pain away. I would have broken my promise to her and myself. So, when he told us to meet him, I didn’t ask questions. I just agreed.

  “He didn’t say. But he said it was important.”

  I squeeze the hand I am holding and she turns to face me.

  “It’s going to be okay, Lady Kingsley. I promise.” I tell her.

  She flashes me a smile and scoots closer. She lays her head on my shoulder and rests it there. I rest my chin on top of her head and inhale the scent of her. She smells like a field of tulips on a perfect spring morning. I could sit like this forever and not tire, and I am sure I am visibly disappointed when the cab pulls in at our destination. I pay the man and get out of the cab first, quickly rounding the vehicle so I can open the door for Mikaela. She accepts the hand I offer and I hold it a moment longer than I need to, needing the connection just a bit longer. When we step into the small café, the smell of food being cooked hits my nostrils and my stomach starts to grumble. I did miss breakfast this morning and we are nearing lunch. I am about to suggest we have a bite to eat here when I spot River sitting at a table in front of the large window overseeing the entire street. He has a huge plate of food in front of him and he seems to be enjoying it. Because the man is so engrossed in whatever is on his plate, he doesn’t even notice us come in. When I turn back to see if Mik is still behind me, I catch her looking at him with an adoring smile on her face and a burst of jealousy courses through my veins.

  “Let’s see what he’s got to tell us,” I grumble as I start to walk his way.

  As we get closer, I can see that he has changed clothes. He must have stopped at his place before heading here. He is wearing another typical River ensemble of jeans, T-shirt and a jacket. Which doesn’t sound like anything that isn’t typical. And at first glance, he’s dressed just casually. However, he’s wearing the loudest shirt known to men and I mean that in the most literal sense of the word. It looks like the rainbow has thrown up its insides and there are actual lights flickering. And that isn’t even the worst thing he’s wearing. The crocs he’s decided to wear with this, finish it off completely. We make our way to his table and join him.

  “The food here is amazing.” He says before shoveling another big bite.

  “Apparently so,” Mikaela says with a chuckle.

  I glance at River’s plate and scope what’s left of his meal. It looks pretty tasty and smells delicious.

  “There are plenty of places closer to home to eat. Why did you bring us here?”

  “Daddy Kingsley has been coming here a lot. I hacked into his phone and got the exact play by play of where he is, has been or where he is heading. He’s not very tech savvy or he would have turned off his location services. He doesn’t have any credit cards. So dead end there. He does have an email account, hacked into it and got some pretty juicy stuff. It was pretty easy. His password was actually the word password. I can’t believe people are actually still using that.”

  River is about to take another bite, but his fork hovers in the air, the bite of food threatening to drop from it. His eyes widen slightly and are fixed behind me. I turn to see what he is looking at, and notice the waitress heading our way. She’s attractive yes, with olive skin, long dark hair in a messy updo on top of her head, dark eyes. Even with minimal make up she is very beautiful. She smiles as she walks up and even I—who don’t have eyes for anyone except my Lady Kingsley—cannot deny that her smile is quite captivating. I look back at River who has yet to move a single muscle. It is actually quite comical, seeing the eating utensil still hovering midair.

  “Can I get you guys anything? Something to eat or something to drink?” she asks as she reaches the table.

  Mikaela is just as amused as I am judging from the enormous smirk on her face.

  “We will take what he’s having.” She replies as she nudges her head toward River.

  “He will have to tell me what that is since I took this table over from Elly, who had to leave.” She says sheepishly.

  River blinks and I can no longer hold my laughter. I think it is the first time I have ever seen him like this and I must say that I am more than slightly enjoying this.

  “Oh? And since we lost out on Elly, who do we have the pleasure of serving us today?” I say smoothly.

  “My name is Phoenix.”

  Mikaela raises a brow.

  “I. FLOVE. Your. Name.”

  “Thanks,” Phoenix replies with a bright smile. “I’m kinda attached to it.” She adds with a wink.

  Both Mikaela and I laugh at her joke, while River is still somewhere a million light years away.

  She glances his way and I swear for a second she frowns. “Wow, he’s talkative huh?”

  “Honestly, he usually says a bit more than he’s saying right now,” Mik tells her.

  “Well, I am not sure what he’s eating. But we have some pretty amazing club sandwiches. The pesto mayo is so delicious that I would drink it if I could. They come with homemade fries.”

  “That sounds perfect.” Mikaela and I respond in unison.

  “If you can bring us a couple of cokes as well, please Phoenix.”

  “Coming up!”

  She walks off and River audibly exhales.

  “You’re back with us here on planet earth then?” Mik teases.

  “Holy. Fuck.” River replies.

  I can’t help but laugh.

  “Get back on task, Ray. Fill us in now, flirting, or whatever the hell that was, with the waitress later.”

  He rolls his eyes but pulls his phone from his pocket. He punches in a couple of things before stowing it back.

  “I’ve just forwarded you both the most interesting emails. Including the one with the request for an invite to a specific art show later tonight.”

  “Art show? My father always said that art was a waste of time and money. I wonder why he wants to be invited to a show.”

  “I’m not sure but I’ll keep digging. Because for someone who doesn’t like art, he worked hard to get the invite. Not just to any show, but this one in particular. He was very specific. Apparently, this artist is the next big thing. Tickets are impossible to get. I was able to score a couple of tickets through a friend who owes me a favor.”

  “Okay perfect, you can take me then,” Mikaela says enthusiastically.

  “I guess I could. But—.”

  Mikaela scrolls through the email.

  “You can pick me up at eight.”

  River doesn’t sound sure and he tries to find the answer in my expression. Honestly, I am not happy that she didn’t even consider me going with her. But then again, River is the one who got the tickets. It just makes sense. I nod my head slightly and River returns the gesture.

  “Alright. Eight it is then.”

  Mikaela stows her phone i
n her purse.

  “Actually, make it seven.”

  “Um. Okay? How come?”

  “Because River Ray. If I am going to hang on your arm tonight, in public I might add. You will dress accordingly.”

  “What’s wrong with the way I dress?”

  “Nothing, if you’re blind.”

  That elicits a chuckle from me.

  “There is nothing wrong with the way I dress.”

  “Trust me River. Tonight, you want me to dress you.”

  “Yeah, I think I’ll pass.”

  “Ah you see, I think you might change your mind. In fact, before we leave here, you’ll beg me to help you.”

  River scoffs.

  “Is that a fact?”

  “It is.”

  “And since it now became more fun for me, I am raising the bar. If you don’t properly ask me to dress you. I won’t do it.”

  “Ha! Works for me.”

  Mikaela simply smiles.

  “Are you sure about that?”

  “Yup.” He tells her with a smirk.

  River pops a french fry into his mouth just as Phoenix returns to our table with our food and drinks.

  “Thank you,” Mikaela tells our waitress.

  “No problem.”

  She turns and starts to walk away but Mikaela stops her.

  “Hey, Phoenix?”

  “Yes?”

  “Would you by any chance be the same Phoenix that is being featured in an art show tonight?” she asks.

  River’s head snaps toward Mikaela’s and a smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. I can tell that she is enjoying messing with River. Phoenix flushes.

  “I am. Yes.”

  “That’s wonderful. We have heard great things about your work. I can’t wait to see some of your stuff tonight.”

  Phoenix beams at Mikaela’s words.

  “Great.” She says with a smile.

  “I guess we will see you tonight then.” River chimes in, his eyes glued to our waitress.

  She turns her attention to him.

  “Oh wow. He speaks.”

  River flashes her a smile.

  “Only if it’s important.”

  That earns him a smile. The two of them lock eyes and for a second it seems as if neither of them remembers that there are people on the planet besides them. Mikaela and I exchange an amused look, neither of us utters a word. I think we both don’t want to ruin this moment for them. She is the first one to snap out of it.