When we arrived in a seedy-looking area of the Bronx down by the docks, unease slithered down my spine. I didn’t like it here, but my dad wore an expression that said we’d just arrived at Coney Island for a day of fun.
“You ready?” he asked. I nodded, but I had no idea what to be ready for.
We got out of the car and walked toward what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse.
He pulled on a metal door, sliding it back. I hesitated, fighting the urge to run. I told myself this was what I had to do to be closer to my dad. I stepped inside, and the door closed behind me with a loud creak.
In the center of the room, a single light hung from the ceiling. My eyes adjusted to the darkness, but I couldn’t see the periphery of the building. I didn’t like it. It felt like there were people watching from the shadows. It’s not like that, I convinced myself. This was business. My father wouldn’t bring me into harm’s way.
A man stood under the light. He had on a suit that looked expensive, which he filled out with muscle. Despite his salt and pepper hair, and the wrinkles around his mouth and eyes, he was no old man. There was a presence about him. He demanded respect and instilled fear. I stayed rooted in the doorway, shivering when his gold tooth glinted in the light. I’d never met anyone like him, and I hoped never to again. My father shoved me forward. I shuffled my feet until we stood right in front of the man. He towered over me, and I wasn’t short. I tilted my head back, the hairs on my nape standing when our eyes met.
My father stepped back. I clenched my hands into fists at my sides to hide their trembling. The man didn’t speak, appeared to inspect me, though for what, I didn’t know. I swallowed hard, uncomfortable under his microscopic gaze. The man seemed content to keep me under it for as long as he pleased.
My instincts screamed for me to get away. My brain knew that it was too late.
“Do you know who I am?” he finally asked, and I shook my head, unable to speak. “I’m the man who owns you.”
I ROARED as I recalled the words spoken to me in this very spot. “No one owns me!” I shouted to the emptiness, the sound bouncing off the walls. Except her.
Vivian.
God, I needed her right now. She’d calm me. Settle the turbulence.
I needed to feel her around me.
You can’t have her.
I roared again in frustration. I’d had to give up my safe place in her. Deep down, I’d always known the life I’d lived would take her away from me, but I was having a harder time accepting it than I’d anticipated. I needed to see her, but I had to stay away. Be the man she needed me to be. One strong enough to let her go.
Chapter 26
VIVIAN
* * *
Present
* * *
AT SIX-THIRTY THE morning after our joyride, Stone met me in the lobby of the Four Seasons wearing a baseball cap, and we snuck out the back entrance to his waiting SUV. I hadn’t considered that he couldn’t go anywhere anonymously when I arranged a place to meet up, but he was a good sport about it. We made it out unnoticed.
“Where are we off to at this early hour?” he asked once we were settled in the back seat. I gave the driver the Warren Street address of Muriella’s apartment, but if Stone recognized it, he didn’t say anything.
“You’ll see,” I said. “Any bold ideas on how to fix my problem?” “That’s why I’m really here?” he said gravely, pretending to be wounded by putting a hand over his heart.
“In about twenty-five minutes you’ll find out why you’re here,” I corrected, and he grinned. Stone had a killer smile and was handsome as hell. He was built like a cowboy, and damn if he didn’t look good in a pair of jeans. The ones he had on that morning fit him like a glove. I was going to be mopping up Muriella’s drool.
Stone was a salt-of-the-earth kinda guy, didn’t disrespect women. “I got nothing, Vivian.” He sounded genuinely regretful. “If we could figure out what triggered this, then I think we’d have a better shot at getting you back where you belong.”
“That may be impossible,” I said, feeling defeated. “And just in case, you might want to watch your mouth. Cursing doesn’t bother me, but it’s rude to do in front of a lady,” I warned as we pulled up to the apartment building.
Light dawned in his eyes when the car came to a stop. “My mama raised a gentleman,” he informed me before climbing out and offering me a hand.
“Thank you, sir,” I said on the sidewalk beside him. If I couldn’t fix my own relationship, I hoped I could at least prod along one that needed a little shove. When I’d arranged this breakfast, I’d kept both of them in the dark. The element of surprise could be more fun, or it could royally suck.
Arms linked, we walked toward the building. Paul stepped in front of the door, shifting from one foot to the other nervously. “I’m sorry, Miss Vivian, but I’m not allowed to let you inside.”
“I’m here to see Muriella, not Mr. Elliott.”
He looked apologetic, like he hated having to do this. He should. The three of us had always treated him like a person, not a servant. “I have strict orders.”
“We both know he’s not here. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him, and you can’t keep me from Muriella,” I said firmly but not unkindly. Muriella had texted to tell me he was gone for real this time.
Paul looked uncertain, and I cursed Daniel for dragging yet another person into our drama. “I could be fired, Miss Vivian.”
“I won’t let that happen,” I promised.
He considered for a moment and then opened the door. “Go on in, but please keep it low-key.”
I patted his arm as we walked inside. “Thank you, Paul.”
“You know I’ve got a soft spot for you, Miss Vivian.”
I smiled at him, and Stone shook Paul’s hand before we made our way to the elevators. Every time I stepped into this building, it was odd being back in a place where I’d lived for so many years. In a way, I felt like a stranger, but mostly, it only intensified my longing for home.
“M,” I called as I opened the front door. “In the kitchen,” she yelled back.
Stone followed me from the foyer to the kitchen, which was the showpiece of this apartment.
I hugged her from behind. “Something smells good. I’m starving.” She grinned without taking her eyes off the bacon she was frying.
“That’s a big surprise.”
I swatted her playfully, and she laughed as I moved to the Sub- Zero refrigerator. “What would you like to drink, Stone?” The tongs Muriella held clattered on the counter before she whipped around in surprise.
“Hello, Muriella. I swear you get more beautiful every time I see you,” he greeted.
Her cheeks turned a deep pink. Stone never tried to hide his interest in her, but he kept it subtle for the most part.
She appeared frozen in place, and I stifled a smile. “Aren’t you going to say hello to your guest?” She shot me a dirty look as the fridge door shut behind me.
“This is a surprise.” Another look in my direction. “It’s been a long time, Stone.” She sounded miffed. “Seems like you’ve been busy.”
I wanted to shout with glee that she was finally showing some sort of emotion toward him.
“Wasn’t sure anybody cared if I came to the city or not. I ran into Vivian last night, and she reminded me someone does.” He elbowed me in the ribs.
“Did you forget how to pick up a phone?”
Whoa. Muriella’s claws were out. She wasn’t one to put up with any bullshit, but this was a rare side of her.
He looked pleased as punch by her obvious irritation that he was only here because I’d run into him. “I would have last night, actually, but Vivian kept me out late. You’re stuck with me for a while, though. I’m here for the next couple of months on a shoot.” She looked like she wanted to pass out, and Stone’s grin widened. “Well, damn. You don’t have to look so excited, Muriella.”
“I need to check on the omelet.” One of her commerci
al ovens became the most interesting thing she’d ever seen as she poked about inside of it for longer than necessary before taking out the skillet.
I gave him a crooked grin and held out my hand for a discreet low five. “Want some milk?” I asked, getting back to serving up beverages.
“Please.”
There were only two places set on the island, and once I poured everyone a generous glass, I got out another placemat. When Daniel, Muriella, and I ate here, which was most nights, we sat so we could all see each other. I set it up that way and quickly took the lone barstool so M would be forced to sit next to Stone. The glare I got for that was vicious.
She served us omelets and bacon, and Stone said grace before the meal. They were perfect for each other.
“The Heart Ball is Wednesday,” she said, lifting her gaze to mine. It was the event of the year. Always held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it was a fundraiser to help children with aortic complications. The ball pulled in tens of millions of dollars every year. Daniel was a big contributor because his mother had suffered from heart disease, though he did it anonymously. “I think the two of you should go together,” Muriella finished. “We need to make Daniel jealous. Give him a dose of his own medicine. Seeing you with another man…it would get to him.”
“Is there something you know that you’re not telling?” I asked accusingly.
“He’s not confiding in me, but I know him. There’s something not right about this whole situation. He loves you more than anything, and maybe if he thinks you’re moving on, he’ll come to his senses.” This was Daniel we were talking about. How many times had he reminded me he didn’t do jealous? “It upset you when he did it. I don’t think his reaction will be any different.”
“I’ll do it on one condition,” Stone said. Muriella and I looked at him quizzically. His hot gaze focused solely on M. “You go out on three dates with me.”
She sucked in a breath. “What? No. I-I can’t.” Her rejection was swift, but Stone recovered quickly.
“Sorry I can’t help you out this time, Vivian.”
Damn, he was good. Stone actually had me believing he meant that.
Muriella looked at him, at me, then back at him. “You really won’t go if I say no?”
“Afraid not, darlin’.”
She swallowed hard when he pulled out the big gun—that sexy Texas drawl. No woman was immune to that. “I’ll do it,” she said softly, cheeks flaming. I resisted the urge to pump my fist in the air. Clearly she was uncomfortable, but nonetheless willing to go to great lengths to make sure Daniel and I were happy. Okay, so there were worse things in life than going on three dates with Stone Jacobs, but the point was not lost on me.
Stone didn’t bother to hide his excitement, his smile brighter than the sun. “We’ll go on our first one tonight. We’ve already wasted enough time.” My heart jumped in hope for M at his words. She was affected, though she’d never admit it.
“No date until you go through with your end of the bargain,” she said firmly, spine straight. That’s my girl.
“Fair enough,” Stone said, some of the wind going out of his sails. “Thursday, then. I’ll pick you up for breakfast.”
“Fine,” she said, exasperated. She gave me a you-owe-me look, and I grinned.
“That’s a pretty damn smart idea you’ve concocted, Muriella,” Stone said, wiping his mouth with his napkin. “If I saw the woman I loved with another man, that would get my ass in gear. But neither of you can get mad at me when he throws a punch and I have to defend myself.”
“I’ll take a big purse so I can carry boxing gloves with me,” I snickered.
We all laughed. Secretly, I hoped Daniel would have some sort of visceral reaction to seeing me with Stone. But it wasn’t likely. Daniel didn’t do jealous.
“I can’t believe I’m letting you two get me involved in this, but it’s for his own good. Daniel can be the most obstinate son of a bitch.”
“Stone,” Muriella chided, and he looked at her, oblivious. “My apologies, Muriella.”
She nodded, placated. “I’m used to it with that one.” Her eyes cut over to me like a mother to an errant child, and I stuck my tongue out at her. “I’ve got the tickets to the ball in my office. I’ll confirm your names,” she said.
“You’re coming with us,” I insisted.
“No. It’s best if the two of you go without me. But you’re going to have to make it convincing if you want Daniel to believe you’re with each other.”
“Do you think it will work?” I asked, doubt suddenly filling me. If it doesn’t, will that mean it’s really over?
“We have to try,” she said. “Let’s get going so we’re not late to mass.”
The three of us stood, and Stone excused himself to the bathroom.
As soon as he was out of earshot, I said, “Are you okay with this?” She looked away. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Her response was defensive. Whether she admitted it or not, she had feelings for Stone I didn’t want to step on. The one thing I would not do was hurt Muriella to get Daniel back. “I’m not doing it. We’ll figure out another way—”
“Hush.” She put her index finger over my lips. “It’s not a real date. And it was my idea. I’d rather you be with him for the night than someone else.”
“M…” Sometimes I just didn’t think. “Stone doesn’t want anyone else but you.”
“Even if he did, I have no right to be upset.” But she would be. I could see it on that gorgeous face.
“What about the dates you agreed to?” She pursed her lips. “I said I’d go.” Stone reappeared. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” we answered simultaneously.
He arched a disbelieving brow but let it go as we left for church.
Chapter 27
VIVIAN
* * *
Eight Years Earlier
* * *
TALKING WAS SUPPOSED to eliminate the barriers between us, but instead it had erected a wall. Daniel had been silent through breakfast and didn’t speak on the short drive into Queenstown. Apparently sleeping on something to cool down wasn’t a trick in his arsenal. He was still pissed off. Underneath all that anger at his father was an overwhelming hurt I wanted to take away. I felt hurt by my parents too, but I knew that comparing our situations was like apples and oranges. His anger appeared to lead him to true hatred, whereas I wasn’t angry at all, just resigned to my parents’ indifference.
We strolled through town, his arm stiff where I clutched it, and he seemed anywhere else but here with me. I tried to lighten the mood with girl talk.
“Hey, Princess,” I said. I was window-shopping while he brooded. “We should get something to take back to Muriella.” He gave me a sidelong glance, but said nothing. “I’ll pay you back after I get my next paycheck.”
This seemed to incense him further, but I ignored it and dragged him to the next window. There was a bracelet made of hammered silver and pāua shell in the display that was perfect for Muriella. “What do you think?” I pointed and got a whatever shrug in return. I shook his shoulders. “You can snap out of it for ten minutes to find a gift for Muriella.” I’d had enough. Stewing all day didn’t seem to be an effective coping technique for him. If anything, his mood had dark‐ ened. It was time to take the kid gloves off.
“You know what? Forget about the bracelet. Muriella won’t mind if we come back without a gift for her. She’ll know we didn’t think of her at all.” I patted his cheek, giving him a condescending look.
Except he didn’t bite. So I grabbed his hand and dragged him toward Steamer Wharf. He followed along, which I took as progress. Didn’t even hesitate when I pulled open the door to Minus 5 Ice Bar.
He laid down his credit card, and in minutes, we were pulling on heavy blue coats with fur-lined hoods, Ugg boots, and winter gloves.
“Come on,” I said with a grin when it was time to go inside.
I was wowed on impact. The entire room was a pala
ce made of ice. There were sculptures of people and animals dotted throughout the space. A swordfish. A windmill. Matching lions. A goat. Even a bench and chairs made from giant blocks of ice, with complex patterns carved into them.
We only had fifteen minutes in the frigid bar, so I wandered around, keeping Daniel’s hand firmly in mine. He said nothing as I marveled at the intricate designs.
“Look at this detail.” I pointed toward a swan. There were eyes and feathers and a perfectly shaped beak.
Daniel stared at the smooth ice, but the silent treatment continued. Eventually, I wound over to the bar, accepting the Polar Blair cocktail the bartender passed.
“Look! It’s an ice glass.” I held it up to Daniel in awe. No reaction. “Oh come on. This is impressive.”
I nearly dropped my drink when he took a sip of the fruity red concoction. He wrinkled his nose and set the glass back down on the bar. More silence.
I tasted my own, shivering at the chilly glass against my lips. Pretty good, but I could see where a whiskey palate might not like it.
I meandered over to an unoccupied bench which was covered with an animal skin. As I sat, I held out the camera to Daniel. “Take my picture?”
He took a few shots while I posed before sinking down next me. Even obliged when I asked another couple to take a photo of us. I snuggled next to him, and slung his arm around my shoulders when he wouldn’t do it voluntarily.
I kissed his rigid cheek. “Thought you’d thaw out in this place since it’s warmer than you are.”
“You wanted me, Vivian. Well, here I am,” he sneered. “No. It’s part of you. It’s not you.”
“This is me. It’s time you saw that for yourself so you can get the hell out now.”
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