“No.”
Shock warred with indignation on Parker’s face. He pursed his fat lips and his ugly face slowly turned a cherry red. “No?”
“No. I want you to sign this.” Lucinda thrust the paper she’d collected from the lawyer’s office that morning. “I had a lot of time to think on the flight and the day off I requested. You convinced me to take this story without really telling me why but I know all about who was really behind this. I ruined a man’s life for the sake of a story.”
“Ruined is a harsh word. I would say the man made his own bed. Anyway, what do you care? It’s not like he means anything to you.”
“Please sign the papers.” Lucinda kept her voice even. She refused to look Parker in the face again. A man like him didn’t deserve the respect of it.
Parker picked up the sheet of paper and glanced at it. “Indemnify you?” He spluttered.
“That’s right. I’m going to set the record straight. You will not pursue any legal action against me at this time or any time. If you choose not to sign the papers or to try and threaten or badger me I will tell the entire world who was really behind this. I’ll pull your favorite stunt and mix just a little bit of truth in with all the lies. I’ll let everyone know it was Collins and you behind this. It will make sense since Collins has wanted to take Mr. Ashford down for a very long time. No one will trust anything you print when they know that you took a massive payment from Collins to get this story.”
“How did you… how could you have known-” Parker spluttered. His face turned an even darker shade of crimson.
“I didn’t. Until right now. You’ll sign the form or I’ll leak the real story.”
“You… you’ll never work in this city again!” Parker threatened.
He stared menacingly at Lucinda, hoping to intimidate her but it wasn’t working. She marveled at the fact that she had ever feared this pathetic, mean man.
“Oh I don’t doubt I won’t work in this industry for a long time after I make things right. No one will trust me. It has nothing to do with you and everything to do with the truth. However, it’s not true that I’ll never work again. I’m smart, independent, educated and driven. I know that I’ll be able to get a job somewhere.”
Parker obviously could think of no further threats. He resorted to cursing under his breath. He finally picked up his pen and signed the document.
Lucinda stepped forward and snatched the paper up. She pulled a second, folded sheet out of her purse and handed it over.
Parker’s face purpled. His breathing actually turned to little snorts of outrage. “What is this?” He growled.
“My resignation. Thanks for all you’ve taught me.” Lucinda threw the folded sheet of paper on Parker’s desk and turned. She walked confidently out of her office, holding her head high.
She didn’t stop to speak with anyone or collect her things. She walked right out the front door and never looked back.
Chapter 15
Tristan couldn’t get out of bed. The sun was streaming through his windows. The light was cheerful and warm. He should get up but he just couldn’t. He had lost everything. He’d always known that money was the least important thing in life, at least to him and he’d been right. For Lucinda it had been all about cashing in. She’d done what no other woman could do. She destroyed his chance to have a family and she broke his heart.
His phone went off. The thing hadn’t stopped ringing over the past few days. Everyone jumped at a chance to get a piece of Tristan Ashford. There had been journalists crawling all over the ranch. He’d had to call the police the day before to eject a few.
What a mess. His life had been on the cusp of being complete and now it was as empty as it ever had been.
He didn’t want to but he glanced at the phone. It was Joe.
Moving so quickly he surprised even himself at the speed of his reflexes, Tristan grabbed the phone and answered.
“Turn on the TV,” Joe commanded.
“Come on man. I’ve had enough punishment to last a lifetime. I can’t deal with any more of this shit.”
“No! It’s not that! Turn it on! Channel eighteen.”
“Fine. Whatever.” Tristan actually dropped the call and threw the phone onto the bed. Joe would get it. He knew Tristan well enough not to be offended.
He grabbed for the remote and flicked on the flat screen perched in the corner of his room. His dad never let him have a TV in his room when he was a kid. He could now see the rationale behind it.
Tristan tuned into the correct channel and his mouth dropped open. What the fuck?
A red banner ran across the screen while a female news anchor read off the story.
TEXAS BILLIONAIRE TRISTAN ASHFORD FALSELY ACCUSED
Well hell. Didn’t that beat everything he’d seen? He turned up the volume so rapidly he nearly deafened himself. The female news anchor, composed in a black skirt and black jacket, blonde hair curled and arranged neatly around her shoulders, her lips far too pink and shiny, was reading the story.
“Texas Billionaire Tristan Ashford has been wrongly accused of hosting orgies on his property. The story unfolded a few days ago and now shockingly, Ashford’s accuser has stepped forward. Journalist Lucinda Riley went to a New York publication early this morning and confessed that she fabricated the story to launch her career. She posed as an undercover employee in Ashford’s household for almost two weeks. When she failed to find anything news worthy she stated that she fabricated a wild lie that could not be proven true or false because she understood the publicity such a story would give her. Lucinda Riley states that she is deeply sorry for the wrongdoing and hurt this has caused, especially to the accused. Our station tried to reach Miss Riley for comment but she declined at this time.”
The screen cut to another anchor who joined the first to input his two cents into the conversation. Tristan hit the mute button and stared at the TV blankly. The banner still flashed across the bottom but he didn’t want to hear another word.
Tristan’s gut clenched painfully. God, she hadn’t exactly been lying when she told whoever it was that he’d had sex with more than one person. He had assumed it was the magazine that she worked for who had come up with the whole orgy idea. It wasn’t any of the world’s damn business and certainly it wasn’t hers. He’d trusted her and she’d betrayed him for her career. That was what stung him. She hadn’t lied though.
Now she’d gone to another magazine and publically humiliated herself. She’d made sure that the entire world knew what scum she was. That they wouldn’t doubt that she’d been no better than a fortune hunting, gold digging skank. It was all the same to them. He was rich. People would forget all about Lucinda and Tristan would shine as the one who had been falsely accused.
Tristan lowered his head to his raised hands. He knew why she’d done it. He’d seen the look in her eyes when she stood in that kitchen, telling him she didn’t want to lose him. He just couldn’t believe that she was telling the truth after what she’d done. The look in her eyes had been unmistakable. He’d seen sorrow and misery there, regret and pain but also love.
She’d lied to the press and sacrificed herself and he knew why. It was so he had a chance at getting his children. She’s put herself on the chopping block so he could have the family he’d wanted for so long. Not only was she trying to restore his image, she was trying to make amends the only way she knew how.
Tossing back the sheets, Tristan jumped out of bed. He had to get to Austin and see if he still had a chance at adopting those kids. He would decide on his next course of action soon enough.
Chapter 16
It was a lucky thing that Lucinda had always loved people. She enjoyed working with just about anyone and had no problem doing customer service.
After moving back to Chicago, back to her parent’s basement, Lucinda had no trouble getting a job as a barista at the coffee shop a short bus ride away from her parent’s house.
H
er days were routine. She had always thought she would hate doing the same thing day in and day out but she found that the job brought her an unexpected solace and comfort.
“Here you go, decaf Americana,” Lucinda said, smiling at Connie, a middle aged woman who came in every single morning before work and got the same drink.
“Thanks. You’re a doll,” Connie smiled. She threw a dollar bill in the tip jar and walked quickly out.
Lucinda watched her as she passed by the large window. Her oversized tote bag was tucked up on one shoulder, her black rain jacket pulled tight against the cool, rainy day.
There were a couple other people in the shop but they had all been served so Lucinda busied herself in the back doing the morning dishes. She was just putting away the last of them when the chime at the front door announced a new customer.
Lucinda whipped her hands on her apron and walked back to the front. Her mouth fell open in shock when she realized who it was.
“Tristan,” she whispered.
It was obvious that he hadn’t heard or seen her. He stood at the front of the shop, glancing around as though he could conjure her out of thin air.
Lucinda almost darted into the back but she knew she couldn’t hide out there forever. It was best to get whatever he had to say done and over with. If she didn’t face it now she would only spend the rest of the day worrying. He was probably here to serve her or something.
She glanced at his hands but didn’t see any papers. She couldn’t keep her gaze from travelling upwards to his square jaw and handsome face. He was freshly shaved and his dark hair had grown out just a little. His brown eyes flashed as they continued to look around. His expression changed when he finally spotted her.
Lucinda stepped forward, away from the syrups and machines she had pretty much been hiding behind.
“Can I help you?” She asked, as though he was just another customer.
“Yes,” Tristan nodded. His face remained impassive but his eyes sparkled with emotion. He was more handsome in his plaid shirt and tight Wranglers than she had ever seen him.
Maybe she just thought so because she had missed him so much. Lucinda had spent pretty much every second of every day thinking about Tristan.
“What can I get you?” Lucinda’s hands were shaking and she tucked them into the folds of her apron so Tristan wouldn’t see. Tristan moved towards the counter. He looked as uncomfortable as she felt.
“I don’t know. I don’t know the first thing about these places. A black coffee will be fine.”
“Coming right up.” It only took a couple seconds to pour the cup of coffee and Lucinda slid it across the counter. Tristan reached for his wallet but she shook her head. “It’s on the house.”
Tristan sighed. He edged closer to the counter, leaning over. His face was so close to hers Lucinda could have closed the distance easily and kissed him. She stared at his lips but of course didn’t move. Her pulse leapt wildly and her heart hammered in her chest.
“Look, can we talk?” Tristan’s voice was low, so only Lucinda would hear it.
“I’m on break in twenty minutes. If you can wait until then.”
Tristan nodded. He turned and took a chair at one of the tables by the window. He sat staring, watching people pass by on the sidewalk.
Lucinda stalked quickly to the back. She leaned up against the wall, gasping for breath. Her head spun. Why the hell was Tristan here? She’d read his face for signs of anger and bitterness and found none. She told herself not to hope but her heart leapt wildly regardless.
By the time Joel came in for his shift and she could take her break, Lucinda was a mess. Her palms were sweating and she was literally shaking.
Joel took one look at her. “Are you alright?” He asked, kindly concerned. Joel was in his early thirties and definitely one of those hipster style guys that wanted to make being a barista their career. He had a full beard, busy black eyebrows and long dark hair pulled back in a ponytail. He wore a plaid shirt and tight skinny jeans under his black apron.
“Yes, I’m fine. Just a little hungry I guess. I’m going to make myself a coffee and get some fresh air. Is that alright? I promise I’ll be back in twenty.”
“Yah sure. Take your time.”
“Thanks.”
It took all of Lucinda’s concentration to make herself a marshmallow flavored steamer. Afterwards she walked right past Tristan and out the door. She was halfway down the sidewalk by the time he caught up.
“Sorry,” Lucinda whispered, turning to face him. “I just didn’t want to talk in there where everyone could hear.”
“I figured.” Tristan blinked. He looked down at his boots then back up at her. “It’s good to see you.”
“I doubt it.”
“You look well.” He continued on as if she hadn’t said anything.
Lucinda finally forced herself to speak past the lump in her throat. She took a sip of her steamer and burnt her tongue. “Thanks,” she finally responded, only because it was clear Tristan was waiting for her to say something. “How did you find my anyway?”
“I had a PI track you down. I was surprised that you weren’t in New York any longer.”
“Really? Were you? There wasn’t anything for me there. I went there to be a journalist, not anything else. When I couldn’t do that anymore I came back home. This is where I’m from.”
“Not Washington.”
“No. Not Washington.” Lucinda exhaled shakily. People passed by all around them on the sidewalk. She felt like a rock surrounded on all sides by fast moving current.
“You didn’t have to do what you did,” Tristan said gently. “You didn’t have to lie a second time to try and make the first time better.”
Lucinda stared at her hands. She knew she had to be fast. She only had twenty minutes and that was bound to tick by in a blink. “I should never have taken that job. It was wrong. I didn’t know the full reasons or who was behind it. I’ve always wanted to do investigative journalism and I jumped at a chance to get to write something that wasn’t about fashion or celebrities. I should have known better. I should have understood that my boss never would have wanted a political story. That’s now what the magazine was about. I was half pressured into accepting it because I needed the job but I wasn’t thinking. It was wrong. I never should have said anything at all. It kind of slipped out while my boss was badgering me and afterwards I wished that I could cut my own tongue out. I never meant to hurt you Tristan. Honestly I didn’t. Although I know you don’t believe that.”
“I might. Knowing what I know now.”
Lucinda’s head shot up. “Excuse me?”
“I mean how you went and set the record straight. You basically lied for me. You threw yourself to the wolves and let them tear you apart. You gave up your job and your career and you moved back home and you work in a completely unrelated field.”
“Yes. Obviously I’m doing something so much more important now.”
Tristan raised his hand and cupped Lucinda’s cheek. She was shocked and tried to pull away but then his other hand came to her shoulder. He stood there like that, staring down at her. His dark eyes flickered with emotion and she finally understood what it was.
“So you came here for what Tristan? Hoping that we could try again? Hoping that me as Lucinda is a better person than me as Tina?”
Tristan’s mouth flattened into a hard line. “I came because I miss your cooking.” He held his serious expression for a few minutes then burst out laughing. The deep, rich sound echoed through the busy street. Lucinda couldn’t help but join in.
She laughed until she had to wipe tears from the corners of her eyes. Once she realized they were there she couldn’t stem the flow of tears and they streamed down her cheeks.
Tristan said nothing, just reached up and gently brushed them away. He stared into Lucinda’s eyes and she lost herself in his.
“I got my kids Lucinda. After what you did, the adop
tion center apologized. They finalized the adoption a few weeks ago. The kids are at the ranch right now.”
“Oh Tristan! That’s amazing!” Lucinda really meant it. The worst part about what she had done was knowing how she’d shattered everything Tristan was.
“Yes. As to why I came here…” he took Lucinda’s hand in his and squeezed firmly. He stared into her eyes as though he was seeing through to her soul. “I want you to come back to the ranch. I hired another cook but the men still talk about your cooking. They don’t understand why you had to leave.”
“No. They wouldn’t. And as for the cooking, it wasn’t anything special. I learned everything off the internet.”
“It was special,” Tristan insisted. “You’re special. I want you back because I miss you Lucinda. That’s the hard truth. I can’t pretend any longer that I didn’t feel anything for you. I did then and I still do. I want you to come back and see if we can make us work. As Tristan and Lucinda. No more secrets and no more hiding. For either of us.”
“I thought you didn’t believe in marriage or trust women.”
“I don’t know that I do. I know that for the first time I want to though. I might not trust everyone but I want to trust you and I want to believe in a relationship together. That doesn’t have to mean marriage. I just want you to come back and fill the hole that you left. Please Lucinda.”
Lucinda was shaking again. She trembled on the sidewalk. Her heart leapt wildly, beating painfully. This was everything she had imagined and never thought she’d ever have the chance to have again. She still had so many doubts and regrets but she wanted, more than anything, to take the chance to move forward.
“Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, I want to come back with you. I’ll need to give my notice here though.”
“Of course. I’ll take care of everything else. You can help out in the kitchen and I’ll make sure you’re adequately compensated.” Tristan’s one brow lifted and Lucinda wasn’t sure if he was talking about money or something else.
Pathological Therapy Billionaire Bad Boy Box Set Page 26
