Tom had reached the point of no return gradually evolving from a loving, childhood sweetheart to a possessive, jealous man who shadowed her every move. She had never understood what had changed him. He was an only child and according to his parents had always been highly-strung. As Tom had grown into a young man and Jess and he had become girlfriend and boyfriend, she had caught the occasional glimpses of fear in his mother’s face when Tom had one of his temper tantrums.
She should have suspected then that Tom was unstable but she had been too young and naïve to understand. Tom’s father was a quiet, retiring man who would rather turn a blind eye to Tom’s ever increasing volatile behavior than tackling him about it. Jess had been just as bad by pampering to Tom’s moods and allowing him to monopolize and then control every aspect of her life.
When she had finally made the break and moved to Sydney, she thought she was free. She was wrong. Now, here he was. He had followed her and as she summons the courage to speak, the dreaded feeling that he would never let her go shook her to the core.
“Why Tom! Why are you here?” Her voice sounded hollow and strange.
“I’ve got a job here. One of Dad’s friends has given me a job running his store. Your Mum gave me your address and it’s not far from your flat. Isn’t that great!” His boyishly handsome face lit up and his hands came around her, holding her arms.
Jess hesitated. What should she say? How should she act? She managed to stop from pulling away afraid she would antagonize him. “Tom, I’m glad you have a job here but I didn’t realize you wanted to move to Sydney,” she said, glancing around, looking for help.
Tom shrugged and smiled and, for a moment, the old Tom was back, the one she used to care for. “Of course I do. Now I’m here and we can share your flat and enjoy the big city together.” His hand stroked her hair and Jess shuddered and tried to step back.
She drew a deep breath. “Tom, we have discussed this. I need to live my own life. It’s over between us.” Jess watched in alarm, as his eyes became wild and his grip on her arms tightened.
“No! I’m here to look after you, to make sure no one takes advantage of you. I love you, Jess.” His mouth hardened and he gave her a quick shake.
Jess looked around praying security may see them or someone would pass by. Tom tried to pull her into his arms and she pushed against him. “Please Tom, don’t. I’m so sorry but I have found someone else. Please, you must leave me alone.”
There was a look of utter disbelief on Tom’s face “You can’t have! Jess, you know that we were just having a break from each other until I could join you.” His face contorted with rage. “Who is he? You're lying,” he said, shaking her again.
“No, I’m not! I’m not,” Jess cried, panicking now. “It’s Sam...Sam Armstrong. He’s my lover,” she gasped.
CHAPTER FOUR
“I know you’re lying, Jess. You’ll always belong to me.” Tom savagely jerked her against him. “Here’s your fancy man now.” Tom looked triumphant but Jess felt a mixture of humiliation and fear as she turned to see Sam coming out of the main entrance, briefcase in one hand and fastening his jacket against the chill wind.
A button had been ripped from her suit in the brief struggle but survival came before pride as Jess used the distraction to pull herself away from Tom. She needed help and Sam, although he didn’t realize it, must provide it.
She ran to him. “Sam.... Sam, darling!” she cried throwing her arms around his neck. “Please, please Sam,” she whispered desperately in his ear. “Just pretend you’re my lover.”
She felt his body move back fractionally in surprise before his free hand came around her waist pulling her to him. She unconsciously grasped his jacket lapel to stop her body shaking. Sam glanced at Tom standing on the edge of the pavement with a bemused expression written across his features belying his ridged stance and clenched fists.
For Jess, the following moments played in slow motion with each movement imprinted with passionate fear.
Sam placed his briefcase on the pavement while still holding her firmly. Then he cupped her face gently in his hands to study her frightened eyes and trembling mouth. He could feel her body shaking against him.
“Is this guy harassing you?” he whispered.
“Yes, but I know him, he’s from my home town.”
“Is it a fatal attraction job?” he asked.
She nodded, unable to speak as her legs threatened to buckle under her. Her arms went around his waist and she pressed her face into his neck.
“Leave it to me,” he murmured and then more loudly so that Tom could hear “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, sweetheart. Is this a friend you want me to meet?”
He strolled towards Tom as he spoke, holding Jess to his side. Jess tried to pull herself together as they faced Tom. “Ah, Sam, this is Tom Hunter from Morrissey, an old friend of mine.” Jess knew her voice sounded strange and she flinched as Tom spoke, his voice casual.
“Oh, come on, Jess. More than an old friend.” He gave a faint leer.
“Sam Armstrong. I’m very pleased to meet you, Tom.” The two of them shook hands, Sam’s manner friendly and open as he sized Tom up. Just exactly what was going on here, he wondered? He could still feel Jess trembling against him. Something was seriously wrong.
Tom stuck his hands in his pockets. “In fact, I’ve just given Jess the good news that I’ve managed to get a job here, so I’ll be moving in with her. Just in case Jess hasn’t told you, we’re going to be married soon.”
Jess gasped and Sam’s arm tightened around her. She turned to him, her fingers pretending to adjust his tie. “Darling, I’ve explained to Tom that I’m with you now and my relationship with him is over. That I’ve actually moved in with you.”
Sam didn’t bat an eyelid as he looked into Jess' frightened face pleading with him to support her story.
He turned to Tom whose expression had become surly. “I’m sorry if there’s been any misunderstanding, Tom,” he said politely. “Jess and I are together now, as she said. It’s good to have met you but we must be on our way.”
“Wait!” Tom’s voice was suddenly filled with anguish and at the sound, Jess' eyes brimmed with tears.
“Jess, don’t go! You know we’ve planned our lives together. I’ve promised to take care of you. Don’t end things like this?”
Sam hesitated as Jess turned her back on Tom, still clinging to his arm. He didn't know what this was about but he didn't like the look or feel of it. Then as Sam watched a sly, almost evil look crossed Tom’s face as he moved closer to them.
“So, she’s sucked you in as well, has she, mate? That’ll be right. She’s good at that. Uses you for what she wants then leaves you. Bitch!” Tom shouted the last word and Sam stepped toward him.
“Listen, Tom. You heard what I said. Jess lives with me. She doesn’t want to see you again.”
Jess didn’t get the chance to see Tom’s reaction as Sam, grabbing his briefcase, caught her arm and hurried her into the company’s car park next to the office block. Opening the door of his car, he guided Jess into the passenger seat. Jess tried to stop her body from shaking as Sam spoke to the office security on his car phone. “Joe, there’s some character hanging around outside the studios. Keep an eye on him, will you?”
She leaned back in the soft seat as Sam drove rapidly away. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, putting a hand to her mouth. She could feel the tension coiled in him like a spring as he rounded the corner taking them on to the Harbor Bridge.
“I’ve got the heater on. Your shivering will stop soon.” His profile seemed carved from granite. They stopped at the traffic lights on the other side of the Bridge and Sam glanced at her. “I’m not quite sure what to do next,” he said, his voice grim.
Jess drew away from him as far as the confines of the car would let her. “Just drop me off, thank you. I live in the other direction. I’ll catch a cab to my flat,” she said, her manner stilted.
“I think it may be wi
ser if I take you to my place for now,” he replied.
Like hell it would, Jess thought but decided to remain quiet for the time being.
A few minutes later he swung the car into the secluded driveway of a town house in the exclusive suburb of Double Bay. Leading the way, he took Jess through a complex security system before letting her into a magnificent entrance hall.
“Just let your friend try and get in here,” he said as he led her through to a beautiful lounge area with panoramic views of the harbor.
“Sam, I...I...” Jess faltered, not sure what to say and still unnerved by the encounter with Tom.
“I’ll get us a drink.”
Jess sat down abruptly in the soft lounge next to an ornate electric heater which Sam had turned on. She watched as he threw his jacket across a chair in a frustrated gesture and loosened his tie. Pouring two drinks from the bar in the corner of the huge room, he placed one of the glasses into Jess' trembling hand and sat next to her.
“Now, you had better tell me what all that was about,” he said, studying her pale face.
Jess turned away, looking into the fire. “I didn’t mean to involve you. It just happened.”
“So I gather. Tell me about Tom Hunter,” Sam questioned, taking a swig of whisky.
Jess stared at the liquid in her glass. It’s quite golden, she thought, just like Sam’s skin. She stroked the side of the glass wishing she were touching his sensual lips. The lips she was sure could awaken an instant response in her and discover the feelings she knew were there but, somehow had become frozen in time, like the ice maiden, she thought. That’s what Sam called me... the ice maiden.
“Why is Tom Hunter harassing you?”
Jess looked up, the expression in her huge blue eyes startled as they met his disturbing gaze. She wondered how much she should tell Sam. She couldn’t believe Tom had moved to Sydney. God! What was she going to do?
Jess clutched her glass. She owed Sam an explanation but she would make it as simple as possible. “It’s as you said. Tom has become obsessed with me and didn’t want me to leave Morrissey. He thought we were going to get married.”
“Were you lovers?”
“I don’t see that’s anything to do with it,” Jess said, feeling the heat rising in her face.
“Yes, it is, Jessica. Is Tom stalking you? If so, that’s a criminal offence. Have you taken out a restraining order against him?”
Jess didn’t answer but stood up unconsciously twisting her hands in anguish.
“What really happened, Jess?” Sam continued his tone gentle. “Won’t you tell me?”
He stretched his legs and stood up, placing his glass on the mantelpiece behind her.
Jess pulled at her gaping jacket trying to hide her lacy underwear. “I can’t.” She hated the weak tremor in her voice as she looked up into his cool eyes.
“Is Tom responsible for creating the fear and sadness I see in your eyes? Did he do something to hurt you, Jess?”
He was standing very close to her but didn’t touch her. Jess watched his mouth in fascination and then her eyes locked into the brilliant green fire of his and she was breathless, hypnotized by the blatant sexuality flowing from him. It caressed her and she closed her eyes breathing in the subtle tang of his aftershave. Oh Sam! Her heart was pounding like a drum. She must end this assault on her senses.
She moved away, her hands fluttering to her mouth as if he had physically touched her -- so exquisitely. The sensual longing that she had glimpsed in Sam's face had now been replaced by a strange tenderness and … was it pity? Did he pity her? She didn't want that. She needed to feel his arms around her because he wanted her--desired her, not jusy to placate and comfort her.
Shame flooded her very being at the thought that Sam could see her raw need for him. This kid from the sticks who was proving to be a big nuisance to him. She had to get away and hide her shame.
Giving a small moan, she grabbed her bag and almost ran to the door. “I must go. Please let me out,” she said, turning back to him.
Sam walked towards her pulling the tie from around his neck. Jess' eyes gravitated to the exposed golden skin and for a distracting moment she longed to press her lips against the hollow at the base of his throat and taste the salt on his skin. Her eyes met his and she saw a strange answering flicker.
“Jess, come and sit down and let’s sort out some of these problems,” he said drawing her gently into the room. “The first thing we must do is to get you moved out of your flat. Where do you live?”
“In North Sydney, but I can’t move just like that. I don’t know anyone here.”
“You can move in with me for a few days and that will give us time to find a safe hotel where you can stay. But, there is plenty of room here and I promise I’ll give you no cause for any sexual harassment charges,” he smiled, his hands coming up in a mock defensive gesture.
“I can’t possibly stay here,” Jess gasped. “What would people say? What would your staff say?” she spluttered.
“I really don’t give a damn.” He gave an expressive shrug. “But, I won’t tell them, if you don’t. There’s no reason anyone from the office should know. Besides Jess, we are not living in sin--you’ll be is a guest in my house.”
Jess bit her lip. “I’m sure Tom won’t cause any more trouble,” she said with a slight shudder.
“I don’t think we should risk it. Your friend had a pretty wild look in his eyes. He's caused problems before." It was a statement more than a question, as if Sam knew.
Jess frowned, thinking of how violent he had been when she had left Morrissey. “Yes, when I left to come to Sydney,” she admitted. “He said if he couldn’t have me, no one else would.”
“And I gather I have you now,” Sam said with a cynical twist of his mouth. “That Tom believes we are lovers?”
Jess nodded, lowering her head to hide her embarrassment.
Sam continued. “Well, you heard me tell Tom you are living with me so I think that may be the safest thing to do for the next few days. We won’t inform the police but if he shows his face anywhere near you again I think you should report it.”
Jess listened as Sam talked on organizing her, taking over her life she thought, and yet it gave her a wonderful, protected feeling. He made her feel safe but she was confused by her physical feelings. She must pull herself together--he mustn’t suspect her feelings.
“Early tomorrow we’ll go over and get your things. Did you pay a bond? I assume you don’t have furniture.” The questions came fast and furious and Jess answered them in a quiet and subdued manner. She knew it wouldn’t take long to pack up her belongings. She didn’t own any furniture or a car, finding it simpler to use public transport in the city.
Sam glanced at his watch. “It’s seven thirty. I’m starving. Come on, there’s a restaurant next door. We’ll have dinner there.” He pulled a woman's jacket from the hall stand and placed it around Jess' shoulders. "Use this for now to keep you warm," he said.
Jess wisely made no comment but still felt awkward at this turn of events. She was sure staying with Sam even for a few days would alter the way they acted toward each other. Her vivid imagination ran riot thinking of the close proximity they would share, dining together--sleeping, with Sam in the next room. Her heart raced at the thought of such intimacy. She knew she meant nothing to him but to her...she felt hot as she recalled his hard body pressing against her breasts and thighs when she had run to him earlier.
She waited outside for Sam to switch on the alarm and close the door, when an unexpected wave of panic engulfed her. What if Tom knew where Sam lived and was watching them now? Jess turned and grabbed Sam for the second time that night, pulling him into the porch.
“What is it? What the hell’s the matter?” Sam’s voice picked up some of her alarm as his body automatically shielding her.
“Sam, I’m...I’m frightened.” Jess couldn’t stop her teeth from chattering. “What if Tom is waiting for us with a gun or a knife
? He may kill us. Please, let’s go back inside! Perhaps we should call the police after all,” she added, her voice trembling.
His voice was smoothing. “Shh, sweetheart, it’s all right. There is no way he could find out where I live.” Sam cradled her head into his shoulder as Jess clung to him. “Come on,” he gently teased. “Whatever happened to that brave person who told her boss she would take him to the cleaners?" he laughed, trying to ease the tension.
Placing a casual arm around her waist, he guided her along the driveway to the main road and then into the restaurant that was, as he had said, literally next door. Sam was obviously a very regular customer and they were ushered to a secluded table in a small alcove.
Jess excused herself to go to the ladies room. Staring into the mirror she was shocked at her pale, drawn face reflected there. The trauma of meeting Tom and the aggressive threats made towards her had taken their toll. How could she possibly explain to Sam what Tom was really like? How he had terrorized her until she had thought of nothing else. Now it was going to start all over again. She brushed some rouge on her cheeks giving a faint color and touched her lips with a tawny colored lipstick. With a quick flick of her brush through her dark hair, she returned to the table.
Sam stood and helped her into her seat. “Have a glass of wine. Calm those nerves,” he said. Jess drank deeply feeling her stomach curling as the dry, fruity liquid rushed down her throat.
The waiter hovered around their table and Sam ordered a meal for them both in fluent French. Jess' eyes widened at his pure accent and she smiled as Sam turned and winked at her. She could feel herself consciously relaxing as the wine took effect. She took another large gulp.
“I’m sorry to get you into this mess, Sam,” she said, her confidence gradually returning.
“It’s all part of the job, Jess. I think it is just as well I came out of the office when I did,” he replied, his eyes on the wine he was swirling gently around in his glass.
ALASKAN FIRE Page 4
