Saving Reli

by Brooke Summers

  “That’s not what I’m fucking doing,” he roars, his face getting redder the longer we argue.

  “Really?” I ask him and I’m proud that I’ve managed to keep my cool. “So what do you call this? Hmm? I have to live my life, John, and I want to live it. Don’t you think I’ve been locked up long enough, doing the bidding of others?”

  He sighs, his anger sucked out of him like a deflating balloon. “I know, baby girl.”

  I swallow past the lump in my throat. “When do I get to start living my life? The way I want it?”

  He closes the distance between us, his arms going tight around me. “When you leave this house, you’ll have a man on you at all times.”

  I immediately nod; I’m not stupid. Even though Talia has been arrested, I know there’s more to this than John is letting on. So to give him peace of mind, I’ll agree to having a man with me at all times. “Okay, just not you all the time. You have to get back to your life and I have to start mine.”

  He tenses at my words.

  “I love you, John, and that’s never going to change,” I reassure him.

  “I’ll call Lance; he’ll be your driver as well as your guard.” He lifts his hand and cups my cheek. “I’m always going to worry about you, baby girl; that’s just who I am. I protect those that I love.”

  I rise up onto my tiptoes and kiss his lips gently. “I know, and I adore that I’m one of those that you love. I’m going to be okay; Lance is going to be with me. Then tonight, we’re going to come home, unwind, and talk about our day.”

  He smiles and I know that it’s going to be okay. “Deal.” He captures my lips and the world melts away, it’s just me in his arms.

  I pull back from the memory as I walk into the lobby and smile at Jasmine. She’s the secretary; she basically bosses all the team around to make sure that they’re doing their job. “Hey Jas. Is Zeke free?”

  Her eyes widen before she quickly recovers. “Um, yes, he is,” she replies stunned. “He’s in the last door on your left.”

  “Thank you,” I say with a bright smile. I’ve been working towards this for the past two weeks, I wanted to work everything out before I told John what I had planned. I obviously had to involve Lance and Zeke, as I needed help.

  “Um, Yoreli? Shall I tell Mr Princeton that you’re here?”

  I hide my smile. “No, thank you.” I don’t tell her that he already knows I’m here and that I have a meeting with Zeke as I need his help.

  I walk towards Zeke’s office and find out that he’s waiting for me. “About time you got here.”

  I glare at him as I walk into his office and take a seat. “I’m early.”

  He shrugs as he closes the door behind me. “You do realize that since you called me, I’ve been working nonstop on this.”

  I grin, I had thought he might. “So, what did you find out?”

  He sinks into his chair and begins typing away on the computer in front of him. “The house on the left is for sale and I believe that you could get the planning permission needed.”

  “Lance said as much. He believes they’ll sell for below the market value as they’re in need of cash,” I murmur.

  “Yeah, I think going in about fifty grand below should do it,” he tells me with a grin. “Now, that other thing you wanted me to look into, it’s quite simple to set up. You’d need to have an advisory board. Everything else, I’m able to help you get set up. You’re going to need an attorney.”

  I nod. “I can do that. I’ll do research, look into people who’d be a good fit and whose ideas would not only be welcome, but they’d benefit what we’re hoping to achieve.”

  He smiles brightly at me. “Honestly Reli, having the Maine Foundation is an amazing idea. Anything I can do to help, you’ve just got to ask.”

  “I know and thank you.”

  “My mom was a victim of domestic violence. What you’re doing, what you’re hoping to achieve, it’s going to help a lot of victims.”

  “I just don’t want anyone to feel as I did. Like I was trapped and there was no way out. I want there to be a safe place, somewhere you could call or go to, where you’re not judged, but listened to and helped. That’s all anyone wants, is to be helped.”

  “You're an amazing woman, Reli. John’s a lucky son of a bitch. If only I were a few years older…” He chuckles at his own joke.

  The age difference between John and I is a running joke. I hear it most from Cage and Zeke; I think it’s because they’re closest in age to me they find it funnier. I however don’t see anything wrong with it. John’s the man I love and his age has no factor in that.

  “I still wouldn’t go there,” I quip with a smile. “So, you think I have enough to tell him?”

  He grins. “You either tell him now or you tell him when you have everything set up. It’s entirely up to you. Lance and I won’t say a word.”

  I sigh; while I’d love to have it all set up and show him how capable I am, I know that he’d be pissed that I didn’t confide my dreams with him. If it were the other way around, I’d be hurt. “Guess I’m telling him.”

  Zeke stands when I do. “Relax, Reli. You’re going to do this. You know what you want and you’re going to change a lot of lives. Trust me, John is going to be proud.” He grins and I know that he’s going to say something stupid. “Just like any proud dad would be.”

  I shake my head in disgust as I open his office door. “Too far, Zeke.”

  He looks sheepish as he runs his hand through his hair. “Yeah, I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” I know that I should really get used to it, but I find it disrespectful.

  He doesn’t say anything else and I can tell that he’s kicking himself for being stupid. I step away from his office and walk towards John’s. My stomach flipping as the nerves hit me. I’m scared at what his reaction is going to be but this step I’m taking, this dream I’m building. It’s what I want, it’s what I need.

  Nineteen

  John

  “How much?” I demand. My temper fraying as I try not to reach over my desk and pummel my brother’s face in. All of them are sitting in my office as we try and figure out what the hell is going on. We’re missing so fucking much and it’s pissing me off.

  “At the moment, we’ve uncovered she’s embezzled at least six point three million dollars. That includes selling the beach house that Paul owned in Santa Barbara.” Matt’s face is stoney as he recounts everything that fucking bitch stole. “She’s also sold most of his vintage car collection.”

  “You’re telling me that she managed to sell off Reli’s inheritance? Anything she could, she got rid of?” I say through clenched teeth. “How the fuck did we miss this?” Where is all the money she’s got?

  “The bitch has to have someone working for her. There’s no way that she’d be able to pull this off if she hadn’t,” Cage inputs and Cohen nods in agreement.

  “Find out who. There has to be a trail; follow the fucking money.”

  There’s a knock at the door. “What?” I yell.

  The door pushes open and Reli stands in the doorway with a raised brow. “Bad day?” She crosses her arms over her chest and stares at me.

  Fuck. I scrub my hands across my face. “Sorry, baby girl.”

  “What’s going on?” she asks, not moving from her place in the doorway.

  My brothers get to their feet and walk toward Reli, all of them giving her a kiss on her cheek before they leave the office.

  “Give him hell,” Cage comments with a smile and she pushes his arm as she smiles.

  Once they’ve left the room, Reli closes the door behind her and comes to stand beside me, her ass against the desk. “What’s going on, John?”

  I sigh. I didn’t really want to tell her about this shit. She’s been through enough and she’s finally starting to live her life. The last thing I want is for her to spiral backwards.

  “Don’t even think about lying to me, John.” There’s steel to her tone. I’m so
fucking proud of her; she’s really blossomed since she’s been away from that bitch Talia.

  “Baby girl…”

  She shakes her head. “I’m not a child,” she begins, the hurt flashing through her eyes. “I’m not breakable, I'm a hell of a lot tougher than that. We’re in a relationship John, that means communication and if you’re keeping things from me, it means I can’t trust you.”

  I raise an eyebrow. “Like you have told me everything?” I can’t help the snarl, I hate that she thinks she can’t trust me. I’m doing this for her benefit, not my own. She doesn’t say anything, just waits. “I didn’t want to upset you.”

  Her eyes soften. “It won’t upset me, no matter what it is. The only thing that hurts is knowing that you’re keeping something from me and John, it’s different from what I’m doing. You’re not telling me things that have to do with me.”

  “The day that Talia was arrested, she let slip who she had planned to sell you too. His name is James Haversham. He’s a big player in the city; he’s into everything illegal and he wants you,” I tell her honestly and her face pales but she nods. “We’re trying to make sure that you’re safe and he can’t get to you.”

  She nods. “Okay, so I’ll be extra vigilant and make sure that I’m never alone.”

  I close my eyes and send a silent prayer that I fell in love with a strong woman. Fuck. She’s amazing. “Thank you.” My voice is hoarse and full of emotion.

  “What else?”

  “Talia stole more than six point three million dollars from you,” I tell her and watch her closely for a reaction.

  “I don’t care. She’s out of my life, and as long as it stays that way, I’m good. She could have stolen all the money and left me poor but John, I wouldn’t have cared. All I ever wanted was to be free of her and I am.”

  I nod, proud of her and her mindset. “I tell you what she sold and if you want them back, we’ll get them for you. She sold the beach house in Santa Barbara. Along with selling most of your dad’s vintage car collection.”

  “I’m not into cars, so I don’t mind about those. I just hope that they’ve gone to good homes,” she says quietly.

  “What about the beach house?” I ask and that’s when I see the tear slowly fall down her face, it’s followed by another and then another. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

  She angrily swipes the tears away. “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry over her again. The beach house was my dad’s wedding present to my mom. Dad told me that Mom loved the beach. Santa Barbara is one of my favorite places in the world.”

  I’ll have Zeke look into purchasing it.

  “I’m sorry, baby girl.” I pull her into my arms and sit her on my lap. “That’s everything,” I tell her and hope that she’ll tell me what has gotten her preoccupied lately.

  It takes her a while, but she finally starts talking. “You asked me what I wanted to do with the house that Talia lived in. I can’t live there again. It holds too many memories, too many nightmares.”

  I kiss the top of her head offering her comfort. “Oh baby.”

  She shrugs, “It’s okay, I’m happy where I am. Living with you. But I have decided what I want to do with the house.”

  Now I’m surprised. “You have?”

  “Mmhmm. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what I want to do with my life. What I’m going to do with all the money Dad left me and even though Talia took a lot, it’s not even a fraction of what dad left me, not to mention all the interest it’s been collecting since he died.” She sounds determined and I’m intrigued.

  “What have you got planned, baby girl?”

  She lifts her head so that I can see her and the smile that she has is blinding; she’s fucking happier than I’ve ever seen her. “I’ve had Lance and Zeke help me. I wanted to make sure that it was feasible before I said anything and both of them were dying to help me.”

  Her happiness is infectious and the bad mood I had when she walked into my office is long gone. “Tell me.”

  “I’m setting up a foundation. Zeke is helping me. Maine Foundation is going to help victims of abuse. Of any type of abuse. I want them to have a safe space to come to when they need it, but I also want to educate people in how to help those who have been abused or who they may think are being abused. Not everyone is as lucky as I was. I want people to be able to have someone to talk to, to understand what they are going through. But most of all, I want them to have a safe space.” The tears in her eyes as she tells me her vision makes this even so much more worthwhile.

  “That’s amazing, baby.” I’m in awe of her and her strength. Every day she surprises me.

  “Lance is helping me purchase the house next door to my house and we’re going to make a shelter for the abused. A place they can come too when they need it. Even if it’s for an hour or a year. This is my dream now, John, and I’m going to do everything in my power to make it happen.”

  “What can I do to help?” There’s no way that I wouldn’t be on board with this. I think this is an amazing dream to have and she’s so selfless and caring. Of course she’d want to help everyone she can.

  She reaches out and caresses my cheek. “All I need from you, is your support. I need to do this myself. I don’t say that to hurt you. I just want to achieve something. I don’t want to have to rely on you for everything.”

  I nod, I understand that and I see her reasoning. I’m not upset; hell, I’m fucking proud of her. “You want your independence and doing this is that. I get it. You have my support no matter what you do, Reli, and if you need my help, I’ll be right here, all you have to do is ask. Until then, I’ll be cheering you on.”

  Twenty

  Reli

  “Thank you so much for coming with me,” I say to Sharon as Lance pulls up outside the mall.

  Sharon smiles at me before climbing out of the car. “Like I’d ever say no to a shopping trip.”

  I glance around; ever since John told me about the man that wants me, I’ve been extra careful. I always keep an eye on my surroundings. “I shouldn’t be too long,” I tell Lance.

  Sharon laughs. “Oh, Reli, that’s not true. Lance, we’ll call you when we’re ready,” she tells him and I give him a sympathetic look.

  “Let me just park and I’ll come with you,” he says and I’m actually grateful. I know that John would lose his mind if he thought I was alone in the mall with just his mom.

  Sharon nods. “Okay, but meet us in the mall. Reli wants to get a new outfit for next week when she has a meeting with potential board members.” She links her arm through mine and pulls me toward the entrance to the mall. I glance back at Lance, who looks furious. I mouth the words ‘I’m sorry’ before Sharon pulls me out of view.

  Everything is coming into place. Zeke and Lance are working hard to get everything I need in order, the reason I’m having a meeting with potential board members. I want to talk to them, get a feel for them. Ultimately, I want those on the board to have the same vision for the foundation that I have.

  My attorney will be with me and she has been great. John had a hand in that. I asked him if he knew any good attorneys and he researched it for me and handed me a dossier with the top six he thought would be best for me to achieve my dream. She’s working tirelessly with me, Zeke, and Lance to ensure that all the paperwork is done and everything is legitimate. She’s very optimistic about having the planning permission granted to knock both houses and make a huge shelter. I’m not sure what inside information she and Lance have, but I’m not getting my hopes up. If I don’t get the planning permission, I’ll have both houses become a shelter and hopefully I can add a few more buildings in between the two of them.

  “Let’s go in here. They have some great dresses and suits,” Sharon murmurs as she practically drags me into the store.

  She’s right, they have amazing clothes and I’ve bought enough clothes to fill an entire wardrobe. When we leave the store, I glance around and see that Lance isn’t waiting for us. This is
unusual, as he’s usually by my side and if he’s not then he’s outside the store waiting for me.

  He’s not outside the next couple of stores and I’m starting to get worried. “Sharon, I’m just going to check on Lance.”

  Her eyes widen when she realizes that he’s not here. He told us he was parking the car and coming in with us. Even if he’s on his cell, he’s always around, staying close to me. My feet take me toward the exit as I fight back the fear. Something’s wrong. I can feel it in my gut. “Call John,” I tell Sharon as I pick up my pace.

  The car isn’t parked out front. I scan the parking lot and I don’t see it. God, where is he? I hear Sharon on the phone as I continue to scan the parking lot. How hard can it be to find a black Lincoln town car?

  There… Finally, I spot it. My breathing is hard as I move toward the car, I’m panting by the time I reach it. I’m so scared. What if something’s happened to him?

  My blood runs cold when I notice the drivers side door is open and he’s not here. Where the hell is he? Glancing up I look and see that Sharon is still on the phone, she’s walking toward me, her eyes wide as she stares at me.

  “Reli!” she yells and I frown. What’s wrong; did she find him?

  Heat hits my back as the smell of musty tobacco fills my nostrils. Before I can react, a hand wraps around my face and covers my mouth and nose, another hand clamps around my stomach and lifts me off of my feet.

  Sharon’s still screaming my name, tears are falling down her face as the person who has me starts to drag me backward. She’s trying to reach us but the person who has me is too fast; he’s pulling me away from her.

  My fight instincts kick in and I rake my nails down his arms, hoping and praying that I can do anything to get him to loosen his hold on me. I wiggle trying to dislodge him but his grip just tightens on me, and I know deep down in my heart that there’s no way out of this. He’s going to take me wherever the hell he wants to.