by S. M. West
At the sound of my voice, Ash stalls and looks back in my direction, as does Tommie. I can’t look at her, make eye contact, or else I might lose it. I’ve got eyes for only Ash and the feeling is mutual.
His glare is priceless, and his calm confident presence slips for one split second. And then I see it.
The monster that he truly is makes an appearance.
Intense, fierce, and wholly evil.
Instead of shunning the danger, like many would, seeing him for what he is only serves to intensify my need to do something, to get to her. To make sure he pays for all his atrocities.
Tommie
The yellow traffic light blinks to red, and I slow my pace, stopping at the edge of the sidewalk. Guilt eats at me for successfully escaping my protection. Since being drugged, I haven’t been anywhere without a tail, and now I’m across the street from Max’s building, waiting for the light to turn green.
Meanwhile, Tango, my colleague and agreed-upon bodyguard, is sitting in his car about a block away from the gym in Brooklyn where he thinks I’m working out. He’ll be pissed and embarrassed, and Van will be furious, when they discover I left a clone of my phone at the gym. I’m using a cloaking device on my real phone so I could leave undetected.
It’s been two days since I last saw Max, and true to her word, Taya has ordered him to a few locations twice a day. He’s exhausted, and while we text daily, and have spoken once, it isn’t the same. And even more importantly, there’s still a lingering tension between us from the last time we saw each other.
That’s my fault.
I was harsh, needing him to realize the stakes are high. His mother may be dangerous, but next to Ash, she’s a puppy. And while he knows what Ash did to me and what we suspect he’s done to countless other people, knowing it and actually living it are two different things.
And finally, Max likely suspects why Ash came to New York and he’s most probably guessed that it’s my greatest fear. But until today, I haven’t dared say it out loud, not even to myself.
Today, everything changes.
I didn’t endure unspeakable torture at the hands of Ash, time in a psychiatric hospital, and a decade of intensive therapy, to silence my power and courage or, worse yet, hand over everything to Ash.
He came here for me. To lock me away, and this time, I may never see the light of day. I have to explain this to Max. I have to tell him for his sake and mine what I am most afraid of. That’s why I’d been harsh with him. When he pushed his mother, in turn, he was pushing Ash.
And on top of fearing my captivity or death, I have one fear that’s far greater. I fear Max’s death.
A shadow casts a dark looming figure over me, and it’s the only indication that something is about to snuff out the dim light of hope with a cruel gust of reality.
“Thomasina.” His thick, predatory tone is a hot iron to my senses.
A frisson of heat bubbles through me and I hiss at my arrogance. When will I learn?
I fucked up. Again.
No matter how vigilant I was to make sure I wasn’t being followed, he still managed to sneak up on me.
Tall and imposing, Ash grips my elbow, turning us away from the street.
Away from my destination.
Away from Max.
We push through the small crowds of people everywhere toward the park and I’m grateful we aren’t alone. At least, I have a chance of escaping, or at least causing a scene. Yet even knowing that, my insides twist and fear burns through me.
I could run or scream. But it may take someone too long to realize something is wrong. Ash is fast and has too many years of experience with capturing people in broad daylight.
And most importantly, these strangers likely won’t see danger when they look at us. We’re two people, some might even think a couple with his hand on me, strolling through the park. A confident, handsome man with a woman at his side. An expensive dress and high heels.
At first blush, some may even say we’re married or in love. The thought sickens me. He inches closer, fingers like a sphincter on my arm to assert his control.
Shoulders squared, I equal him with my boldness. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
Black pools for eyes widen and nostrils flare as a hand flies toward my face, fingers latching onto my jaw. My spine stiffens, preparing for his blow.
“You have a dirty mouth.” He digs further into my flesh. “Such a shame. This mouth used to be so sweet and innocent. So pure. I should wash the filth right out of you.”
“Fuck you.” My words bathe him in contempt.
“We can do this the hard way.” He leans into me, one hand now at my waist and the other still clamped around my now-aching jaw. “I’d prefer that, but I was trying a different approach. And so far, it’s done me no favors.”
“What do you want?”
“I enjoyed watching you set up your life. Your illusion of freedom. I found it quite amusing. Although not your dalliances.” His dark, menacing gaze feels like an invasion —his black soul infecting me.
“Many a time I was tempted to teach you a lesson. You so easily threw open your legs for men. Stupid, useless men. How you gave of yourself so easily. It disgusted me. Disappointed me.”
He pauses and I want to punch him in the face and run.
“Why? Because you weren’t getting your cut?” My chest heaves and his fingers sink further into my flesh as I release a long hiss of pain.
A strange, twisted satisfaction washes over me. I shouldn’t be surprised he knows about my reckless days. The random guys, the public sex. That would have driven him mad, just another reason why I did it.
His cutting voice slices through my thoughts as if reading my mind. “Promiscuity doesn’t become you.”
“Neither does slavery.” I practically spit the last word and his posture stiffens.
“Little One, don’t tempt me. Not now. Not here.” The knuckles of his free hand skate along my cheek and I bow my head, trembling.
Revulsion churns in my gut. I never wanted to hear those words again so long as I lived. His name for me, ‘Little One,’ demands my obedience, and once upon a time that’s what it would have granted him.
No longer.
Never again.
“Why are you in business with Taya?” At this point in time, it shouldn’t be important but I want to understand their relationship, see if there’s anything I can use.
His predatory gaze liquefies and a wicked grin springs to his mouth. “That’s business. And that’s all I’ll say.”
“Then I have nothing to say to you.” I attempt to pull from his grasp but it’s futile.
“We are not done, Little One.” He releases my jaw, but swiftly yanks me to his side, hooking the hand at my hip around my waist. “We’re going home.”
My insides lock and heart-stopping fear floods my veins. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
I fight his desire to move, stiffening my limbs and turning my body into deadweight. He bends, every muscle in his hard frame strung tight like a garrote.
“You’ve more than tested my patience. I didn’t care how or when I snatched you. If there were casualties, all the better, but Zero convinced me to keep it clean and simple. This was between you and me. Take only you. Harm no one.”
Hot breath, as if from the flames of hell, singes my ear, and the hand at my waist slithers, lightning fast, to my nape, where it grips me like a choker.
“But Little One, you are making this difficult. Every time you fight me, I’m tempted to change my mind. Kill Evan, his wife and their children…” Every word is measured, designed to mutilate.
Like a shard of glass, my jagged breath lances my throat and I tilt my head to look up at him, no longer caring if he sees my anguish. “Please, no.”
“Maybe even let you watch.” His laughter is low and brittle. “You see, I want nothing more than to kill him. And kill Max.” Laced with acid, everything from his mouth burns.
“Ash—”<
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“And every time you fight me, make this hard or messy, it only serves to remind me how you must be punished. And how men who take what’s mine must pay.” His fingers spear the skin along the column of my neck, such a tight grip that it feels as if he could snap my head right off if he wanted.
A child’s delightful squeal rings through the air as the toddler is spun around several times by a man, perhaps her father. They are only feet away and we’re still surrounded by many more people. I could make a scene, beg for help, yell fire.
As if reading my thoughts, he tightens his hold. “If you scream, Max’s death won’t be swift or merciless. I will make him suffer.”
His threat breaches my chest and grabs at my heart, squeezing painfully. So much pain that I expect my ribs to crack and the organ to explode.
“Fine. Let’s go,” I say through clenched teeth, knees weak as my body aches with fear.
He’s won. And once again, my stupidity handed him the opportunity to take me. I would have Tango at the ready or better yet, an entire HC squad, if only I’d listened to Van. How could I think I was smarter than Ash or Zero? They’ve always been one step, or more, ahead of me.
“Start walking.”
“Get your hands off her.” Max’s commanding voice comes from behind and a few heads turn in his direction.
Judging from the sound, he isn’t close but close enough that Ash stiffens beside me before catching himself. He loosens his limbs and casually peers over his shoulder, as do I.
Despite the aloof demeanor, his expression morphs into that of controlled rage as Max confidently eats the pavement toward us, the dog at his side.
I want to be happy to see him. Blond hair like a golden crown, piercing green eyes and a determined expression that bolsters my courage.
The possibility of escape is even greater now, but all I can think about is Ash’s threat.
He will kill Max.
I can’t let that happen.
Max won’t leave without me and who knows if Ash will walk away. The only thing possibly in our favor is that there are witnesses. Someone could film this. Someone could call the police.
Ash wouldn’t hesitate to hurt or kill anyone, but he doesn’t want to be captured. He wouldn’t want evidence that could be used against him at any time. His freedom is his most valued possession. Isn’t that ironic?
“Leave now.” I wrestle to break free of the hand still at the back of my neck. “People are watching. Someone could livestream this. Police could come.”
I plant the notion in his head, prying open the door to the possibility of him simply walking away. His fingers pulse at my nape but he doesn’t move.
Desperate to get him to leave, to save Max from any kind of physical altercation with him, I steel my spine, preparing to rip my heart out.
“I’ll cut ties with Max, Van, all of them at HC. I promise. Just leave them alone and go now.” My words are whispered and rushed, not wanting an approaching Max to overhear. “You and I both know we’ll see each other again.”
My heart breaks at the thought, but it isn’t a lie. This isn’t over. If he walks away, it only delays our inevitable showdown.
“Let her go, now. I’ve called the cops.” Max flashes his phone and Gunnar bares his teeth, emitting a low growl at Ash.
“This is between Thomasina and me. Walk away, Max.” His demand has no teeth and his hold on me is somewhat weaker. I sense he’s considering what I’ve said and maybe he’s trying to see if Max will back down.
“You’ve got it all wrong. You’re going to walk away right now.” Steadfast green eyes fix on me and I can’t deny I’m comforted to see him. “Tommie, come to me.”
I turn my head to Ash in an unspoken appeal for release. He loosens his hold and says menacingly, low enough so only I can hear, “Remember your promise. I will hold you to it.”
His hand drops from my neck and I bolt toward Max, sparing a glance behind me. Ash’s back is to us as he heads down the park path.
“Are you okay?” Max’s hand cradles my jaw and I nod, relief rolling over me in waves.
“Yes. Let’s get out of here.” Grabbing his arm, I hurriedly lead the way to the street. Forget the lights or crosswalk, neither cautious or caring about the moving vehicles or my killer heels that may send me careening to the ground.
“Hey, slow down.” His voice is soothing as he tightens his grip on me and we run to the other side of the street.
Once more, I glance back to where we were moments ago and Ash stands at the passenger door of a dark car, staring intently at us. He doesn’t need to be near me, or even use words; I don’t have a lot of time to follow through with my promise before he follows through on his threats.
Tommie
“Ms. Carrington, Mr. Conrad, good afternoon.” The doorman’s cheery greeting is a sharp contrast to the dark and troubling thoughts swirling around in my mind.
Max ushers me ahead of him into the building and I nod to Gerald, forcing a smile because I don’t trust my voice at the moment. I’m too focused on what I’m about to do. What I must do for Max’s safety. For the sake of all their lives.
I suppose I always knew it would come to this. Where Ash is concerned, I never really had any other choice. I’d only hoped we’d be able to find another way. But now it’s clear there is only one thing for me to do.
“Good afternoon, Gerald,” Max says, pulling myself and Gunnar with him into the elevator.
As happy as I am to see and feel him beside me, I can’t indulge in this. And it is an indulgence. If I go up to his apartment, I will never leave. His place is like a home to me, maybe even our home.
This man is my home and I can’t put him in any more jeopardy than he already is.
Wiping my tears, I steel my spine and press the red stop button on the elevator wall. The metal car comes to a grinding halt, an alarm sounds and Max grabs onto the brass hand railing. Gunnar springs to his feet, barking.
“What the—” Max reaches toward the rectangular panel by the door and then stops, snapping his head in my direction.
Confusion clouds his expression as his gaze falls upon me, where I’m crouched down to calm the dog.
“Tommie, what are you doing?”
I whisper soft soothing words into Gunnar’s neck and he finally settles, sitting at my side but still alert.
“This is building security, are you okay?” A male voice crackles through the speaker on the elevator panel.
“Yes, we’re fine.” Max’s aggravated tone is hard to miss. “Could you please get us out of here?”
“Yes, sir. Just give us a minute. We’ll get the elevator going.”
I stand and the sight of his prominent, handsome features, rigid jaw and gleaming eyes aimed at me pierce right through any of my real or metaphorical armor.
“Thank you for cutting in back there at the park.” My arms fold over my middle, needing to keep my hands to myself.
“You don’t need to thank me.” He steps closer, intent on building a bridge to me. “Tell me what’s going on.”
“You’re my best friend. One of the best people to ever come into my life, and I’m filled with gratitude to have had this time with you.”
“What? You’re not making any sense.” His hand lands on my hip, and I pull back out of self-preservation. I can't handle his touch right now.
He stills at what looks like rejection and his gaze sharpens on my face. And then choosing not to read my body language, or more likely, dispensing his own rejection—he isn’t going to let me shut him out—he pulls one arm from my body and takes my hands in his.
We’re now standing only a foot apart and my world shrinks to this little space; all that matters to me is Max and our dog. And I want to cry. Escaping Ash all those years ago wasn’t enough. It wasn’t the end. Will there ever be an end?
And at what cost? What more do I have to give up? To lose? What more do I have to do to be finally and forever rid of that monster?
“Why do
es this feel like goodbye?” His tone is solemn, as is his expression, and he takes my other hand in his.
I swallow back the mounting regret and force my voice to the forefront. I have no choice. Yes, I'm acting out of fear. I promised Ash and need to follow through. It is the smartest thing I can do.
“I can't be in your life anymore. I can't be your friend. I can't be your lover.”
“What are you talking about?” His fingers clamp around mine and my heart cracks. “Don't let him win. Don't do this.”
His imploring tone batters at my resolve but I know what is at stake. I would rather die than risk Max’s life.
“Don’t you get it? I’m not letting him win. I need to protect those I love. And Max, I love you.” I pull and he releases my hands.
I brush past him to stand by the still firmly closed door. “I would never forgive myself if you… if you suffered a similar fate to my parents.” My voice cracks and I press my lips together, pushing back the tears. “We need to be apart.”
Shaking his head violently, he gets into my space again, trying to take my hands, but I clasp them firmly behind my back.
He scowls, features taut and strained. “You can’t do this to us.”
“I'm doing this for us. For you. We need to get rid of Ash and right now... Right now, together we are a threat to Taya and Ash. They are concerned about us. Maybe even afraid.”
“Did he say that? Did he threaten you?” His eyes gain a clarity I’m used to seeing when he’s talking about his work, his patients. He’s putting it all together. “No, he threatened me.”
“Max, listen. Together we’re in more danger than apart. They most probably think we’ve teamed up. If we're going to take them down, we have to split up. Ash has to think that he's won. He has to think that I'm actually doing what I told him I would do.”
“What you told him you would do?” His brows knit and he cocks his head to one side, waiting expectantly.
“Yes. I told him I would end things with you. That I would walk away from you. From Van. All of you. I need to know that you are safe. You are my weakness and he knows that. I am leaving and you need to continue your work with Van and HC to bring them down.”
