“Tash—”
But she’d hung up.
He buried his face in his hands. What had made him think he could hide all this from her? Now he had no choice but to take the direction she’d pointed him towards.
He’d lost her again. And he feared there would be no turning back for Natasha this time.
*****
“Hey, is everything okay?”
“Sorry I’m here so early,” Gavin said as he walked into Carter and Cassie’s place. “I’m off to work and thought I’d pass by to say hello.”
“Say hello?” Carter said with an arched brow. “Obviously there’s something wrong. Want a coffee?”
“Yeah, thanks.”
“You look like crap, by the way,” Carter said as he started the coffee machine. “Did you and my sister have a fight?”
He took a deep breath. “We broke up.”
Carter glanced at him in surprise. “Why?”
“Amber’s back.”
“What?” The shock on Carter’s face so was priceless that if Gavin wasn’t bleeding inside, he’d laugh.
“She said she escaped when Biggs’ henchman tasked to guard her OD’d on meth. Then she decided to keep hiding because she was afraid that Biggs would find her again if she showed herself. She’s been living in Broome for almost five years.”
“Fuck,” Carter said in a daze, sitting on a stool next to him on the breakfast counter.
“I know.”
“So she’s okay?”
“Yes. And Peter’s happy she’s still alive. He has another main witness against Biggs.”
“Right. So what happened between you and Tash? Did she get jealous of Amber?”
“When Tash found out that Amber was staying at my place, she got mad. Unfortunately, I hadn’t gotten around telling her about Amber’s return because I was still coping with the shock of Amber still being alive.”
“Amber’s staying at your place? Did Peter ask you to look after her?”
“We think it’s the best option. She’s staying in one of the guest rooms.”
“But why does she have to stay with you? Didn’t the police offer her protection?”
“Yes, but like I said, Amber staying with me is the best option. I’m helping her sort out her life after five years of hiding. I owe her that.”
“Gavin...” Carter said, his eyes wide.
“Bro,” he said, looking at Carter straight in the eye. “Surely you’re not thinking I cheated on Tash. You know I’d never do something like that.”
Carter glared at him for a long moment and he held his gaze. “What help does Amber need from you?” Carter asked finally. “What can I do to help?”
“Sorry, I’m treating her as a client and she only wants to work with me, so it’s all confidential. But I do need you to tell Tash that it’s extremely important she doesn’t tell anybody else about Amber still being alive. We can’t run the risk of anyone associated with Biggs knowing that she’s back to be a witness against him. I’ll tell her myself, but I don’t think she’ll pick up my call at this time. She hung up on me last night.”
Carter nodded. “I’ll drill that into her. Do you also want me to tell her there’s nothing going on between you and Amber? Beg on your behalf?”
He shook his head, his mouth getting dry from the lie he was about to tell his best friend. “I actually agree that Tash and I should break up. It’s not fair to her when I’m confused about my feelings.”
Carter cocked his head. “What?”
“Maybe it’s guilt. Maybe I felt responsible for what Amber has been through, and seeing her again brought up emotions I didn’t know I was bottling inside. I don’t know. But I’m... I’m not sure what I feel for Tash anymore.”
“What?” Carter asked again with a scowl. “For years you knew you were in love with her. For years you didn’t get into any serious relationship with anyone else because of her. And now that you’re with her again, you’re not sure?”
“Things change,” he murmured.
Carter stared at him, clearly stunned.
“I’ll always love Tash, Carter,” he said, his voice breaking a tad. “Right now I’m just trying to figure out if the romantic aspect of that love is the kind that’s lasting—like yours and Cassie’s.”
“Do you really think that Tash will take you back if you decide later on that you want her again?” Carter asked with anger.
He couldn’t help the tears that rushed to his eyes. The answer to that question was too painful to contemplate.
“What’s really going on?” Carter asked, his voice softening.
He inhaled deeply, marshalling his self-control. Breaking down and telling Carter the truth was not an option.
“I hate hurting Tash, Carter. I hate it. It kills me that I’ve hurt her again. But I have no choice. If only things are different, but it’s the way it is. And I’m gutted that this has probably ruined my friendship with her too.”
“And it’s Amber making you feel like this?”
He pushed down the despair that threatened to spill out and nodded his head. What other choice did he have?
Carter exhaled raggedly. “Okay. I guess it’s better that you’re not stringing Tash along.”
He stared at his best friend, knowing how difficult this was for Carter too. “There’ll be times when you and Cassie will feel pulled in different directions by your loyalty to the both of us—like when Tash doesn’t want me around during important occasions. I just want you to know that I’ll understand if you guys always take her side.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Your friendship with Tash is strong. It’ll survive this too. You just have to give her time to heal, like before.”
“I hope so, bro,” he mumbled, deep sadness blanketing him. Not only was he forced to lose Natasha, but he also had to keep a secret from his best friend, who he’d normally ask for help in cases like this.
But he couldn’t let the circumstances drag him down. He needed to stay sharp to keep them safe.
*****
Gavin entered his apartment, glad the living room was quiet.
God, he was tired, but his mind was still too alert. He knew he’d just toss and turn in bed if he tried to sleep, so maybe a drink would help him wind down.
He went to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of beer.
“Hi, Gavin!”
“Hey, Amber. I thought you’d gone to sleep.”
“No, I was waiting for you. I didn’t get to see you yesterday or this morning.”
His lips curved on one side. “I’m keen to find out who’s still out there threatening you and the people I love.”
“I got your text where you said that you and Natasha had broken up,” Amber said quietly. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
His grip on the bottle tightened, and he had to smother the urge to throw it across the room. “I had to do it.”
“Is there something I can do for you tonight? Make you coffee or a midnight snack or something?”
“No, thank you. I’m going upstairs to my room. You should go to bed.”
“Thank you, Gavin. I know this isn’t easy for you, and it’s really unfair, so thank you.”
He smiled. “I know this is hard for you too, especially with everything you’ve been through. But we’ll get to the bottom of it soon,” he said with confidence he didn’t feel.
“Have you asked for Carter’s help?” Amber asked, her eyes troubled.
“No. The letter said not to. Until we know more, we just have to keep following it and wait for the next instructions to come.”
Amber nodded. “Well, goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” he said and headed for the stairs.
He was glad that Amber was starting to relax in his apartment. The last thing he wanted was for her to be scared for her safety and disappear. He couldn’t let that happen. She was one of the main witnesses for Biggs’ trial and it was up to him to keep her safe.
If only things were as simple as guarding A
mber. If he took a wrong turn, or made a wrong move, his parents’, Carter’s and Natasha’s life would also be in danger.
His life, once again, was on hold. And he was terrified that this new development was far worse that what he’d had to endure in the last five years.
His heart writhed like it was being wrung dry. If he could only find a way so he didn’t have to give up Natasha. Unfortunately, he couldn’t ask for anyone’s help. Because, this time around, he had no choice but to deal with the nightmare alone.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Natasha came out of the change room and struck a pose for Jade, Lexie, Cassie, Erin and Marilyn.
“Oh my God, that’s it, Tash. Get that one!” Jade cried, with the others adding their enthusiastic approval.
She stared at herself critically in the mirror. The figure-hugging black lace dress with three-quarter sleeves and hem that ended mid-thigh did fit her well. It would be perfect for Jade’s birthday party next week. But she just wasn’t sure of the plunging neckline.
“Don’t you think this is too low?” she asked, touching her cleavage.
“No. It’s super sexy,” Cassie said.
“Super seductive,” added Lexie.
“Super sensual,” Marilyn said theatrically.
“Super...” Erin said. “Ah, super duper.”
They all laughed.
Natasha faced Ari Mitchell-Summers, the designer of the dress and owner of the Arielle chain of boutique stores. “Well, then, Ari, looks like this is the one for me,” she said with a grin to the talented lady who’d also designed Jade’s and Lexie’s wedding dresses and bridesmaids’ outfits, and was now working on Cassie’s.
“Great!” Ari said. “You do look stunning in it.”
“Thank you. Now only Marilyn needs to choose her party frock,” she said as she went back to the change room.
“I still can’t decide among three choices,” she heard Marilyn say. “It’s your fault, Ari. Your clothes are so beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Ari said with a laugh.
“You can buy all three, Marilyn,” Natasha called out.
“Hey, great idea! Let me try them on again, make sure I have the right colours.”
She chuckled. Marilyn didn’t need much prodding when it came to clothes shopping.
She got out of the beautiful dress and smiled. Would Gavin notice her new outfit on Saturday night?
Ugh. Why even think about that? For all she knew he might take Amber as his date.
Her eyes watered. Surely, he wouldn’t do that to her?
She shook her head, putting on her shirt and jeans with vigour. She was with her friends, who’d been so supportive. The least she could do was be cheerful as they all chose their outfits for Jade’s party.
They were understanding of Gavin too, which she appreciated. Even though she was still angry and hurting like crazy at what had happened ten days ago, she’d always be Gavin’s friend and would want the best for him.
Carter explaining to her that Gavin hadn’t cheated on her had helped considerably. She trusted her brother and believed him when he’d said that Gavin had been truly devastated at hurting her. Apparently, Gavin had been so shocked with Amber suddenly turning up that he hadn’t known how to tell her she was back.
Yes, she could buy that story. She’d known Gavin for so long that she knew he wouldn’t have hurt her unless he didn’t have a choice.
And he hadn’t had a choice. Amber’s return had obviously made him question his feelings again, and he had to be honest with himself.
Wasn’t it funny that five years ago, it was Amber’s disappearance that had made him realise where his heart truly belonged? This time, it was Amber’s reappearance that had reinforced the truth. For Gavin, it had always been Amber. That fact had never been more clear to her.
She dabbed the corners of her eyes with the tips of fingers. She didn’t want to cry here. Not when she was having a great time with her friends.
With a deep breath, she came out of the change room and handed her dress to one of Ari’s staff to place on the counter.
“What are you wearing on Saturday, Ari?” she asked. “You and Dylan are coming, right?”
“We certainly are. I actually haven’t made up my mind yet. Knowing me, I’ll change my mind multiple times before I make a final decision.”
“See, even you are having a hard time choosing from your catalogue,” Marilyn said, holding up a black number. “Could I try this dress in red, please?”
“Of course,” Ari’s assistant said, heading for the racks.
Natasha settled herself on the seat next to Jade while they waited for Marilyn.
“Hey,” Jade said. “I almost forgot to tell you that Jarryd’s coming to my birthday.”
“Oh, is he? He’s a fun guy. And he’s selected us to be part of the Esda project.”
“Yes, I heard. Congrats, by the way.”
“Thanks.”
“And apparently you went to the Esda anniversary party with him?”
“Yes, to meet the owners. It was a great party, but I was in a terrible mood so I left early. Hope they didn’t mind. I told them I felt a migraine coming.”
“I’m sure they didn’t. Jarryd even thanked Lucas for referring you to him.”
“That’s good. Hey... Gavin’s coming, right?”
“Yes,” Jade said with a concerned frown. “Is that still okay?”
“Of course. I don’t have a problem with that. I’m just wondering if he’ll bring a date with him.”
“Oh, Tash, I’m sure he won’t.”
“Yeah,” she said with a smile.
She hadn’t been brave enough to ask Carter if he knew whether Amber was still staying at Gavin’s place. She wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case, although she’d really appreciate it if they’d keep that particular fact from her. There were certain things she wasn’t ready to know.
*****
“Happy birthday, Jade,” Natasha said, giving her friend a hug and a kiss.
“Thanks, Tash. And I really love that dress on you. Doesn’t Tash look great, honey?” Jade asked Lucas.
Lucas grinned as he greeted Natasha with a peck on the cheek. “Absolutely. The guys will be all over you tonight. But not me, of course, ’cause I only have eyes for my stunning wife,” he said, winking at Jade.
Jade beamed at her husband.
“Thanks, guys,” Natasha said with a laugh.
She left the couple to greet their other guests, envy for Jade and Lucas’ relationship slamming in her chest. How long had she been wishing for something similar—with Gavin?
Evidently, that was the problem. She’d been trying to force Gavin into the role of her happily-ever-after when he obviously wasn’t the one. How could he when he didn’t want to be? So, yes, she was finally accepting that it was time to let go.
Her heart compressed at her thoughts, disagreeing at her decision, but she shut it up. Moving on was a matter of will. If she was strong enough, she could do it in no time. Besides, Gavin’s actions had helped. Being dropped for the same woman twice brought closure like no other act could.
She held her chin up and looked around. Jade did say there were a few single men at the party tonight. Well, she was a single woman looking to put her painful past behind her.
Lucas and Jade’s huge living room was already filling up with well-dressed men and women, sipping on various drinks and munching on delicious-looking canapés offered by hired servers walking around with trays. She spotted Erin and Lexie chatting with a couple of people she didn’t know and walked towards them.
“Natasha!” someone called from behind her.
“Hey, Tristan,” she said, stopping to greet Marilyn’s cousin.
“You look great. How are you?”
“I’m good, thanks. You?”
“Fine, thanks. Where’s Gavin?”
Her heart skipped at the mention of her ex’s name. “I don’t know.”
“You didn’t arrive
together?”
“No. We’re no longer together.”
Tristan’s mouth slackened. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
She shrugged, giving him a small smile. “Has Marilyn arrived yet?”
“No. I was told she was called to an important business meeting at Port Douglas yesterday,” Tristan said, checking his watch. “But apparently, her flight’s due to land in about two hours, so she’ll be late coming to the party. She’ll make a grand entrance, I’m sure.”
“Oh, she sure will,” she said with a chuckle. “I happen to know that she’ll look absolutely stunning in the dress she’s chosen for tonight, so whether she likes it or not, she will make a grand entrance.”
“Yes, I did hear from Lucas that you girls had shopped together. Want a drink? I’m just about to get myself one.”
“Yes, please. White wine. And I’ll be over there with Lex and Erin.”
“Sure. Be back soon.”
She smiled her thanks and continued walking towards her friends, glancing around.
Had Gavin arrived yet? While she’d resigned herself to having to pretend that everything was okay, she’d rather they didn’t talk at all tonight. She still didn’t trust herself not to get emotional if Gavin started chatting with her like they were nothing more than good friends. Good thing the party was happening in multiple rooms of the big house. She could always move around and avoid him—
“Boo!”
She let out a loud gasp and turned around to see who’d scared her. “Carter!”
“Hey, sis— Whoa. You look...”
“Ugh. Don’t stare.”
“Ew. As if I would,” Carter said, making a face.
Cassie laughed out loud. “I didn’t get that reaction when you saw me in my dress,” she said to her fiancé.
“That’s because this was the reaction you got when I saw you.” Carter grabbed Cassie and kissed her passionately.
Natasha watched, amusement and sadness hitting her. Sure, she was thrilled to see happy couples showing their love and desire for each other. But did she have to witness them when she was so far from having the same thing?
Cassie pulled away, frowning. “Hey, behave.”
“I was just reminding you of my reaction earlier,” Carter said, eyes wide. “You seem to have forgotten.”
The Unforgettable Ex (Captured by Love Book 5) (Volume 5) Page 13
