The Fidelity World: Retribution

by Andrea Bills

  Annie had wandered through the house, but if a door was shut, she hadn’t gone inside. Trey had beat her mercilessly for going through his place. In the week that she had known Cole, he hadn’t shown any signs of being like Trey, but being cautious had fast become part of her nature.

  “Down the hall and to the right. I should have had it ready for you, but I’ve been too busy.”

  His last comment was meant to get a rise out of her, but she didn’t say a word. Annie was still hung up on the fact that he expected her to shop all the time. Whenever she told him she was bored, he suggested that his driver take her shopping. She couldn’t imagine picking out a dress for a single event would take her much longer than an hour; let alone an entire day. Annie had no desire to wander through a mall. She needed something to do that had substance.

  “Well, I hope you have a great day at work then,” she said.

  “My driver will be here within the hour. Enjoy your day, Annie.” Annie loved and hated the way he said her name.

  With that, he was gone. Annie continued to stare at the closed door, reliving the way her named sounded rolling off his lips. Growing up, everyone had that Appalachian twang, so her name had always sounded rather boring. Cole managed to make her name sound different. His sensually deep voice, paired with his arrogance, made her name sound more refined somehow, like she was more than a country girl from poor roots.

  Annie snapped herself out of her daze and hurried to get ready before his driver arrived. She didn’t have a cell phone, so she wasn’t sure how the guy would let her know when he arrived. Annie made a note to get a cell phone while she was out for the day. The thought of going to Barney’s had her nervous because that was Trey’s territory. His mother practically lived there; if she spotted Annie, she would immediately alert Trey. Annie felt the panic rise in her throat, and she had to sit down and take deep breaths to keep herself focused.

  She ran down her plan again in her mind to help get her bearings. If she pleased Cole, then she could make enough money to take on Trey. Pleasing Cole meant she needed to go shopping for a stupid dress at Barney’s. In order to make herself feel safer, she would stop and get a cell phone first. With her plan firm in her mind, she finished getting ready.

  A knock sounded on the door, just as she shut off the blow dryer. A quick glance in the mirror told her that her hair was actually going to behave. With that small win under her belt, Annie grabbed her purse and headed for the door. She checked the peephole before opening the door, and saw a man clad in a suit.

  “Ms. Longston, I’m Mr. Bennett’s driver. I’m here to take you shopping,” the man said.

  Even though Annie didn’t detect an ounce of disdain in the man’s voice; she couldn’t help but feel icky hearing that she had a driver at the ready to take her shopping.

  Chapter Nine

  Annie

  “Where to, ma’am?”

  “I need to get a cell phone first.” Annie said.

  Since she wasn’t familiar with the area, she had no idea where the closest cell phone provider would be. The driver nodded and steered the big car out onto the street. Annie felt like she should strike up a conversation with the man driving her around. There wasn’t much she could say, so she kept quiet and watched as the buildings go by.

  A few minutes later, he pulled the car into a parking lot. That was the beauty of the city: anything and everything was usually just a quick car ride away. Annie got out of the car before the driver could open her door, which seemed to upset him.

  “Sorry. Where I’m from we are quite capable of opening our own doors,” she said, hoping she didn’t sound rude.

  “I’m just doing my job, ma’am,” he said, with a smile.

  Annie returned his smile and then headed into the store. An hour later, and an ungodly amount of money spent, she had a cell phone.

  “Now where are we off to?”

  “I understand I’m supposed to go to Barney’s.” She muttered.

  “To Barney’s it is, ma’am.”

  Annie looked the phone over for several minutes before finally deciding to call her parents. She dialed it and waited. Her parents were inside, so she wasn’t shocked when it went to their answering machine. Instead of leaving a message, she hung up and decided she’d call back later. The driver pulled up to the front of the store and parked the car in front of two tall glass doors. The giant doors were lined with glass windows filled with beautiful clothes. This time when he parked, he was quick to jump out and get the door for Annie. As she stood out on the street she looked up at the tall building, wondering if the store actually occupied the entire building. Back in West Virginia, the fanciest stores they had were all attached to shopping malls, and at the most only two stories high. Barneys seemed to go on forever.

  “Should I come back in a few hours, ma’am?”

  “Oh bless no. I’ll be done in a few minutes. You’re welcome to come along if you want; I may need a man’s opinion.”

  “I’m afraid that would be a bit outside of my pay grade,” he said looking slightly uncomfortable.

  “I see. Okay, well how about you give me your cell phone number, so I can call you when I’m done.”

  “Certainly.” He took her phone and quickly typed his number in.

  “See ya soon.” She quipped before heading into the Barney’s.

  Annie walked in and wandered through the gigantic store for a while before someone finally approached her.

  “May I help you find something?”

  “Yes, umm, I’m supposed to find a formal gown for a charity event this weekend.”

  “Certainly, may I ask whom you are shopping under?”

  “I’m sorry?”

  “Who sent you?”

  “Oh, Cole Bennett sent me.”

  “That’s perfect. We are just finishing up Cole’s mother’s shopping experience now for the exact same event. Come with me.”

  Cole hadn’t said much about his parents, but the little bit he had said had told Annie that the relationship wasn’t a good one. Annie didn’t want to get caught in the middle—especially since she and Cole hadn’t come up with their back story yet.

  “Do you have a restroom I could use first, please?” She blurted out, hoping to buy herself time.

  “Sure, right this way.”

  Annie followed the woman to the bathroom. Once she was safely tucked away in a stall, she dialed the driver’s phone number.

  “You’re done so soon, Ms. Longston?”

  “Not quite. Could you by chance give me Cole’s number?”

  “Is something the matter?”

  “It turns out Cole’s mom is here too, and the Barney’s woman thinks I should shop with her. I have no idea what I’m about to walk into.”

  “I’ll alert Mr. Bennett of the situation.”

  “No, I can…” Annie didn’t get a chance to finish her sentence before the phone call had been disconnected.

  “Men,” she growled, glaring at her phone.

  Her time in the bathroom was running out, so she quickly finished her business and stepped back out where the attendant was still waiting for her. After a quick smile she turned and continued to lead Annie to what she could only assume would be a disaster. They weaved in and out of a constant throng of beautiful floor length gowns. Annie felt in awe of them all. She had never seen so many beautiful gowns, let alone owned one. For her senior prom, her parents had scraped together enough money to buy her what she had thought was the most beautiful pink princess dress ever from their local goodwill store. Annie shook her head, her prom dress may not have come from the racks of Barney’s, but it had been paid for by more than just dollars; it had been paid for with love and determination by her parents.

  “Miss?” The woman called, pulling Annie from her thoughts.

  “Sorry, yes?”

  “I was just introducing you to Mr. Bennett’s mother.”

  “How do you know my son?” The woman asked, looking down her nose at Annie.
/>   Annie straightened her shoulders a bit under the woman’s scrutiny.

  “I’m Cole’s girlfriend.”

  “Girlfriend?” The woman laughed.

  “Yes, his girlfriend. We’ve been meaning to invite you over for dinner actually.”

  “You’re living with him?” She scoffed, her face echoing the shock in her voice.

  “Of course. We’re in love; I’m hoping Cole will be making a big purchase in the near future, if you know what I mean.” Annie teased, loving the vein that was quickly protruding from the woman’s forehead.

  “I’m sorry. My name is Annie Longston.” Annie said, when the woman didn’t respond.

  “Longston? I don’t believe I recognize that name?”

  “Oh, well unless you spent any time on a pig farm in West Virginia you probably wouldn’t have.” Annie said proudly.

  “A pig farm?” His mother stuttered.

  “Just wait until you meet my parents. I mean Daddy will have to find someone to muck the stalls and hose the shit off the pigs while him and Mamma are up here visiting me, but they’ll do it. Dave—he’s the local town drunk—he’s always willin’ to lend a hand around the farm if it means he can buy more booze. He’s always drunk.” Annie continued, thoroughly enjoying herself.

  “Oh my.” His mother whispered, her face paling.

  “Mother.” Cole’s voice said from behind Annie.

  His presence washed over her. Annie didn’t turn around, afraid he would see the blush that had taken over her face. She wasn’t embarrassed by her family, but she was embarrassed at being caught torturing his mother. Annie just prayed she had been right in assuming Cole didn’t get along with his family and wouldn’t take it as more ammo to want her gone.

  “Cole. I’ve been calling you.” His mother said, turning her disdain away from Annie.

  “I’ve been ignoring you. Now if you’ll excuse me, Annie and I have some shopping to do.”

  “Yes, I was just getting introduced to your Annie. She claims that you all have been wanting to get together for dinner.”

  “She lied.” Cole said, his voice monotone and void.

  Annie trembled. Whatever was between Cole and his mother it was much more than just a normal family squabble. After another awkward moment between the two of them his mother finally turned and walked off. Annie let out the breath she had been holding.

  “Hello my Annie.” He said, mocking his mother’s choice of words.

  Annie turned and was shocked to see that he was smiling.

  “I suppose that makes you my Cole, then.”

  “I suppose.”

  They stared at each other for another moment, things softening between them. Annie felt like she had just passed some sort of test, and she was now that much closer to gaining Cole’s friendship, possibly even his trust. She desperately wanted both so the next year was pleasant for the two of them. Annie couldn’t stand any more disappointment and heartache.

  “So, Dave will hose down the pigs for your dad, huh?” Cole said, breaking out into a full-on smile.

  The sight sent Annie’s heart into overdrive. The man could stop traffic with his smile. Annie couldn’t even remember what he had just said to her. She loved seeing Cole so light. He was usually so tense and domineering. His smile softened him and made him seem more touchable; more like her.

  “Annie?”

  “What?”

  “Nothing. You handled my mother well.”

  “I have no idea what her name is.” Annie blurted out, suddenly realizing that they hadn’t actually finished the introduction part of the conversation.

  “It doesn’t matter. You can call her Satan if you like, she responds to most anything.”

  “Well, there’s that, but um, maybe something a little less fire and brimstone would work.” Annie joked.

  “Her name is Diane.”

  “Noted. I’m sorry that your driver called you. I didn’t mean to interrupt your work day with something so trivial. It just caught me off guard.”

  “It’s not the first time.” Cole muttered.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Nothing; have you picked out a dress yet?”

  “No, I had just got here when your mother blindsided me.”

  “Then I suggest we shop.”

  “We?”

  “Yes, it appears you need me to help you do something as simple as pick out a dress.”

  “Bullshit.” She uttered before she could stop herself.

  Cole seemed to have that effect on her, constantly. She was usually much more refrained. Her mother would like the fact that Cole hated her poor language. Her mother had always lectured her that she was too pretty a young lady to speak in such a way. Annie had always rolled her eyes and told her mom she’d try harder.

  “My Annie, such a potty mouth.”

  “It’s all the pig shit.” She smirked.

  “I bet it is. Now, I prefer blue.” He said turning to address the saleswoman who was somehow still standing idly by waiting to be useful.

  The woman nodded, but Annie held her hand up to stop her.

  “I prefer red.”

  Cole stepped forward, closing in what little distance there was between him and Annie. Annie sucked in a breath, hoping he wouldn’t notice the way he made her tremble.

  “You will wear blue.” He said, his voice low so that only she could hear him.

  “I. Like. Red.” She said making sure to match his determination.

  Cole leaned in the rest of the way, his mouth brushing against the hair around her ear. Annie hated her body for shivering at his closeness.

  “I see a fire in you, Annie. I plan on setting it free one day very soon.”

  Chapter Ten

  Cole

  Hearing Annie go toe to toe with his mother and win, gave him both pride and hope. He had been right about the fire in her. As long as she had a safe place to unleash it, she had all the backbone needed to help him fight his family. Even now he could feel her glaring at his back as he spoke to the saleswoman.

  Cole didn’t really give a damn what color or type of dress Annie wore, he just loved watching her get worked up over it. Once he was finished with the saleswoman, she hurried off to find dresses meeting his parameters. When he turned around, Annie was fuming, but she was working hard to keep her temper in check. Cole walked over to the dressing room and made himself comfy on the oversized chair just outside of the door. He pulled out his cell phone to call his assistant. He had planned on handling his mother and then going right back to work, but now he couldn’t help himself. Annie was proving to be quite the addiction, especially when he was getting a rouse out of her. After he cancelled the rest of his appointments for the day, he settled in and stared at Annie. She was torn between glaring at him and trying to hide her shock.

  The saleswoman came back with a rack lined with blue gowns in all shades and lengths. Cole covered his mouth with his hand, so Annie wouldn’t be able to see the small smile on his face. She scowled at him and then snatched several of the dresses off the rack and stormed into the changing room.

  “Do you need some help zipping them up?” The saleswoman asked.

  “No.” Annie snapped.

  “I’ll just be right over here if you need anything else, Mr. Bennett.”

  He nodded and gave her a wave of dismissal. After a few minutes of fabric rustling, Annie finally emerged. Cole’s smile vanished at the site in front of him. The dress dipped low on her chest, giving him a mouthwatering view of her cleavage. Her long shapely leg teased him as it peaked out of the slit that ran up the side. To top it all off the color was stunning against her ivory skin and her blonde hair.

  “I hate it.” He spat.

  “Really? I think it’s great.” She said, looking down at herself.

  “Move on,” he said, sternly.

  She flipped him the bird and then disappeared back into the dressing room. Cole was up and yanking the door open within seconds. It slammed behind him. He quickly lock
ed it, leaned back against it, and took in her stunned expression. She had managed to get the dress halfway off in the mere seconds it had taken him to join her. His eyes locked onto her arms wrapped around her chest, in a vain attempt to cover her breasts from him.

  “Cole, I’m changing.” She stammered.

  “I know. You flipped me off.”

  “Sorry?” She said, as more of a question than a statement.

  “Sorry? I hope you haven’t already forgotten our little deal; the one about your vulgar mouth.”

  “I didn’t say anything, though.”

  “It was implied.”

  “Our deal wasn’t based on implications. You said if I said the word again.”

  Cole hated that she was right. He also hated that he was so disappointed about her being right. The only thing he wanted to do was tear her arms away from her breasts, freeing them so he could then cover them with his own hands. Her soft skin beaconed to him.

  “Your mouth may be filthy, but your skin looks so pure. I can’t help wondering how it tastes.”

  Then he nuzzled his nose against her neck, flicking his tongue across her sensitive skin. He hummed with pleasure.

  “Delicious.”

  “Cole.” She breathed.

  The sound was pure sex, and it spoke to the most primal part of him, urging him to continue his seduction. She was his for the taking, but he didn’t want her in a dressing room, he wanted her at home in his bed. There he could take his time and devour her inch by inch. He would have all the time in the world to discover more about his Annie Longston. He groaned as he started to pull away from her.

  “Fu…” Annie started to say it, but then stopped herself.

  Her eyes were wide with anticipation.

  “Say it, my Annie.” He cooed.

  Pressing her back against the wall, he settled himself in the curve of her hips, letting her feel his desire. She dropped her head back against the wall, displaying her beautiful, long neck. Just as Cole was about to give into temptation, a knock sounded on the frail door separating him and Annie from the overcrowded store.

  “Ms. Longston, are you doing alright?” The saleswoman chirped.