by Kayla Grey
“I don’t want to think about that. I just want us to focus on finding her.” My chest aches at the thought. What would have happened if I didn’t make it to the ambulance that night? “Is this a ransom?”
Wolf hesitates, then intakes a heavy breath. “Honestly, I don’t think so. If it was they should have contacted you by now.”
“What about the note?”
“Wasn’t a ransom note. If it was they would have asked for money. It was just drilling home what you already know deep down.”
“You’re not giving up are you?” I ask despite the hole I feel in my gut.
“Of course not.” He breathes out.
Even though he can’t see me, I nod as relief floods through me. I fear that Mark and Wolf will be the only ones supporting me for however long this takes. “Is there anything I can do to help you?”
“Actually, yes. Since I need to figure out if this is a personal attack to you, or both of you, I need you to research her family.”
“Like what? And what does that have to do with anything?”
“Was she poor or rich?”
“Wealthy. But her father was an entrepreneur. So what?”
“Because if this is an attack against her I need to know everything to figure out why. What schools she went to. Is she from old or new money? Old boyfriends or crushes we need to know about. I know all about you. I need to know about her. Find out what you can and send it over.”
“Well, I know most of that already.”
“But you don’t know it all. So, please get me everything. Anything that could be used as leverage. I have Mark already working on past people for you.”
A knock at the door followed by Vee peering around the door halts my conversation. “I’m sorry, sir, but your nine has just arrived.”
“Thank you, Vee. Give me a minute then send them in.”
She gives me a soft smile the dips back out closing the door behind her. “Anything else I can do Wolf?”
“No, that’s it for now. I’ll let you know if something changes. And, watch your back, Kage.” His voice heavy with unspoken words of she might no be coming home.
I hang up just as Jason walks in, a bright smile that doesn’t reach his eyes plastered on his face. My gut twists knowing that the pity glowing there is about what the media has twisted around about the event. I can only hope they kept her name out of it. Damn vultures. We shake hands and Jason takes a seat in front of my desk, immediately launching into the problems he’s been having. Unfocused my mind continues to stray as he drones on.
CHAPTER NINE
“NATHAN! JANET!” I run into the burning house screaming.
“Were back here!” Their scream come in unison.
Over my shoulder, I see Autumn still on the grass. Pulling my gaze from her to the kitchen, my eyes land on Nathan, Janet, Lena, and Jonah. They are standing among the burning wood before me. My insides twist as I watch their bodies melt. The teddy bear I gave Lena two years prior catches fire.
“Why didn’t you save us?” Jonah asks.
“It’s all your fault son.” Nathan adds.
I want to run to them. To scream for them to follow me. But the words don’t form and I can’t open my mouth. I try to lift my feet, but they are melted to the floor. All I can do is stand, feeling like my gut is being ripped out, and watch their melting bodies eventually turn to ash.
The house explodes throwing me unharmed out onto the grass. I cough and heave up dark bile. I roll on to my stomach. Red and blue lights clash against the orange and yellow tinged grass. Glancing up I catch a man pulling something from Autumn’s arm then lifting her into the back.
“Wait!” I cry out, coughing out heavy amounts of ash. I stumble a couple steps as I try to get my feet underneath my uncooperative body. “Wait!”
A man with dirty blond hair and light brown eyes glares at me, then begins to laugh. “No way dude, you didn’t save her.”
I grab the back handle as he starts to shut the door.
The other man grabs the man before me’s shoulder. “Luke it’s fine. Let him see.”
Luke groans and rolls his eyes, but steps aside and allows me in. I immediately take the seat next to Autumn, taking her hand in mine. But her hand is cold, and she doesn’t move. My gaze slides up to her ashen face and dead eyes. I feel my heart stop and my breath cease as the realization I didn’t save her dawns.
“You promised to protect me. You failed. It’s your fault I’m missing. You. Left. Me.” “This is all. Your. Fault.” Her voice echoes. The hatred in her voice palpable. I feel the air rush out of my lungs. Out of the truck. I can’t breathe.
Everything suddenly fades away leaving me floating alone in darkness. “You failed me.” Her voice repeats. “You will never find me. You. Left. Me.”
I snap awake. My back instantly straightens up on my gray suede sofa. I’m home. How did I get here? Swinging my legs to the floor, I lean over dropping my head in my hands. My head throbs as I try to put together the afternoon.
“Good, you’re awake.” Mark says coming into the room, a glass of what looks like orange juice in his hand. He hands it to me then takes a seat.
“What happened? I don’t remember how I got home.”
“I’m not surprised.” My brow knits together, and I set the glass on a marble coaster. “You passed out while on damage control.”
I force myself to think about the afternoon, but there is just a blank space. “I don’t remember leaving my office Mark.” His forehead wrinkles in confusion, his head shaking shortly. “The last thing I remember is my meeting with Jason.”
“What meeting?”
“Mark, my nine a.m. with Jason.”
“Sir, there was no meeting scheduled for this morning. Only the one with Marcus you had Vee cancel.”
“Ask Vee then. I didn’t imagine him coming in.”
“Oh I have no doubt, sir.” He stands retrieving his phone from his pants pocket.
“Vee, it’s Mark. Please get me the security footage for today. Was there a meeting scheduled for nine this morning?” He stay’s silent a moment, the lines of his face turning down as he listens to Vee. “I don’t know how he got on the books, but we aren’t dealing with anyone by that name right now.” I barely hear her shriek and apologize repeatedly. “It’s fine. You didn’t know. Just get me the footage as soon as possible.”
Mark sets his phone on the coffee table then squares himself off facing me. “Did you offer Jason a drink this morning?”
“Of course. I always do.”
“Did you pour it yourself? Or turn your gaze away at any point?”
“Mark what are you getting at?” My pulse races, my heart pumping erratically. Is he seriously telling my that someone drugged me this morning?
“Have you ever seen Jason before? You were fairly close with our contractors, especially ones that are on staff for other countries.”
Jason’s long ashen face and bright smile flashes in my mind. “No, if anything he looked, well like an addict. He seemed to know what he was talking about though.”
“To get that close to you, I’m sure he studied.” Mark hands me the glass he was carrying in earlier. “You need to drink this.” Taking the glass, I gulp down the orange beverage. Mark stands taking the glass and disappears behind me. A moment later, I hear thick liquid hit the glass as it sloshes around. He returns and hands the glass back to me.
“You were poisoned. The doctors said probably sometime this morning.” He stops, his brow furrowing as if trying to remember what someone told him. “Of some sort. You didn’t make it thirty minutes into the meeting with the media before your speech slurred, then hit the ground. It was so fast. I raced you to the hospital where they did some sort of flush on your system, and pumped your stomach. Something like that.”
My head feels foggy. “How am I home? The hospital would never—”
“Your living-will, sir.” Mark interrupts.
“You called Wolf, didn’t you?”
“Yes. He confirms that this seems to be a personal attack. However, he is still investigating her involvement.”
The familiar surge of anger flows through my veins. “He isn’t considering her an accomplice, is he?”
“Absolutely not. I meant why they took her. Was it purely to get to you, or were they attacking her as well? But he still needs the information on her family, friends, and so forth.”
My head hurts. This is too much to process. It’s been one hit after another. What for? “Could they be hitting me like this to discourage me from looking for her?”
Mark’s body goes rigid. His eyes filling with sudden clarity. “That’s a good question. It makes sense. I’ll bring it up to Wolf when he calls later. In the mean time, you should start gathering information on her family. Every little detail helps.”
With a reluctant nod I stand, down the rest of the juice, and head to my room. My eyes linger on the bed, I haven’t brought myself to sleep in yet. Will I be able to sleep in it again before I find her? The thought alone makes my stomach turn. Draping my jacket on the back the chair near the restroom I kick off my shoes and walk into the closet.
What could I have done to someone to have these attacks brought on? I have always tried to be fair in every business deal. I can only think of a few people I had issues with. An old college mate, an ex-girlfriend and her brother, and business deal gone awry.
I shake my head free of the poisonous people and try to think of her. Even though it makes my heart ache, it’s still better than pretending not to. Deciding I need a clear head, I strip down and take a hot shower, desperately wanting to wash off the days events.
CHAPTER TEN
I STEP OUT of the office. The cold breeze holds the promise of snow on its wings. It’s one of her favorite times of year, and if it snows tonight… I smile at the thought. Mark ushers me quickly to the car so we can make our reservation tonight.
As we head home Mark hands me a small velvet box. The moment my fingers grasp the smooth fabric, my heart skips. I have been looking forward to this for over a year. I stare out the window at the passing cars, hiding my elated smile behind my hand.
When we pull into the garage twenty minutes later, I nearly run for the elevator. I can hear Mark stifling a chuckle behind me as he races to the elevator.
A quick ride up to the apartment and I’m walking into the foyer. Her heavenly scent of vanilla and caramel, mixed with the strong sense of coffee, invades my nose. I take a long deep breath, letting every second fuel my excitement.
Stepping further into the apartment, I can faintly hear her angelic voice singing loud and proud to one of her favorite songs. It takes me a moment to place ‘Astronomical’ by Svrcina. Kicking off my shoes, I follow the voices of Svrcina and Autumn. It’s like a siren’s song luring my soul to hers, as Krigare begins singing something about destiny.
I find her standing in front of the vanity, curling her long dark locks into loose curls that cascade down her back. Her foot taps as she’s looking down at the counter counting the seconds before dropping the lock and picking up another one. Since she hasn’t noticed me, I take the chance to sneak up on her. But when I get close her back straightens and she lets the lock fall early. As my arms wrap around her waist pulling her against my chest, a soft moan escapes her lips, just as she puts the iron down.
I love the way her satin teddy hugs her curves and accentuates her breasts. The rose infinity set’s perfectly in the dip between her collar bones. My lips caress the skin along her neck, holding her tight as her body sags against mine. I whisper, “We have to leave soon,” against her ear. She groans and reluctantly stands and finishes her hair.
We arrive at The River Cafe, fifteen minutes before our reserved time. The Maitre D’ greets us with a wide smile and takes us to our table on the water. Just before leaving his hand rests on my shoulder. He leans down and tell’s me everything is ready.
We have a quiet evening, enjoying each others company. Although I am listening, I can’t help that my mind drifts to more, indecent thoughts. How plush her lips are. The plunging sweet heart neckline shows off the simple dangling diamond necklace I gave her for Christmas last year. The infinite hangs where it always does. I never thought this black lace dress would look so incredible and alluring on her petite frame.
Unable to wait any longer, I take her hand in mine and take a moment to get lost in her forest green eyes. They always look as if they are reading my soul. I’m open. Bare. Vulnerable. And with her, I’m okay with that.
I drop to one knee, vaguely aware that everyone around is watching, and pull out the little black box tucked by my breast. Her eyes light up, then dance behind a small wall of mist.
“I promise to protect you. To take care of you. To spend my life giving you the world, and support your dreams. That day in the market, you changed my world. You managed to take an otherwise bleak life I was living and turn it upside down, twisting it around. You made the color return. I knew that day I could never live without you. And I don’t want to spend a day in my life without you being my wife.”
Tears cascade down her beautiful face. I love that it’s not heavily painted with make up. It allows me to always appreciate her true natural beauty.
“Will you marry me? And spend the rest of your days making my world the brightest and most vivid it’s ever been?”
Her hand flies up, her elegant fingers covering her lips as she chokes back a sob, and nods slowly.
“Yes,” she says. “Yes, I thought you would never ask!”
We stand, her hands cupping my face as she gives me a tear filled kiss. Wrapping my arms around her waist I hold her close and vow never to let her go. The way her body feels against mine, makes my blood sing. The smell of her hair tingles my senses. Her sweet voice, in all manners, drives me wild. She is mine. I am hers. And in this moment I believe that I was always her. The moment I was born my soul waited, then latched on to her.
We pull up to the apartment just as large sparkling white flakes begin to fall. And as if this night couldn’t make her any happier, she bounces next to me. Mark stops in front, allowing us to get out. We wait as he parks the car. Autumn stares up at the sky, holding her palm up to catch snowflakes. Her cheeks and nose are rosie from the cold, but her eyes are bright and warm. She’s adorable in her knee length pea coat and charcoal gray scarf. Snowflakes lace her hair as if they were meant for decoration.
When Mark finally joins us, she grabs my hand and pulls me down the sidewalk until I’m laughing and holding her close again. The city looks miraculous with the snow falling, quickly layering it with a sparkling blanket of white powder. When she starts shivering, and her words are made up of little more than her teeth chattering, I persuade her to go home.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
SUBTLE NOTES OF her vanilla caramel coffee scent stir me awake. A small hope blooming in my chest that when I open my eyes, she will be there lying next to me. But when I open them her side of the bed is cold. With a reluctant sigh, I force myself to get up. I should try to eat at least something small this morning.
It’s been six months. We aren’t any closer to finding her. Even though Mark hasn’t said anything, he is starting to lose hope. I can see it in his eyes. He holds fast to his word and works tirelessly anyway.
I catch a glimpse of the city below layered in a fresh blanket of snow. A warm memory of the first time Autumn was here for the snow, tugs at the corners of my mind.
She had never looked more adorable as she bounced on her toes and begged me to go outside with her. Chuckling, I kissed her softly and obliged. As we walked out, the cold wind whipped through her hair. Her sparkling eyes and rosie cheeks fill my heart with joy. I love seeing her happy. She hooked her arm with mine as we walked through New York’s own winter wonderland, Central Park. I remember being on a business call for too long before she tirelessly attempted to get my attention. When I ignored everything, she hurled a giant snowball, smashing it right at the back of my head. Cu
tting my call off, I shot her a glare then pounced, landing us in a mound of snow banks. I can still remember her laughing and begging for me to stop tickling her. My heart tightens at the memory.
Shaking my mind free of the memory, I leave the guest room. I haven’t been able to sleep in our room. If it weren’t for Martha, the housekeeper, it would be collecting dust. I’ve been debating whether or not to move my things into the guest room. That way I can ignore the constant pain in my chest.
“Good morning, sir.” Mark says a little too brightly as I emerge an hour later, freshly showered and dressed. “I had Martha make you something to eat this morning.”
I resist rolling my eyes. I hate when he does that. “I hope it’s nothing big.”
“No, sir. Just some croissants, and eggs if you would like. You need to eat.”
Since when are my eating habits any of his concern? If he’s going to be this controlling, I’d better keep the midnight running to myself. It’s the only way to clear my head of the nightmares that plague me and I won’t have him interfering.
Not in the mood to argue, I feign a smile and say, “Thank you.”
Martha sets a small plate down on the counter containing a steaming croissant and a small pile of eggs. My stomach churns at the rich smell invading my nostrils. Ignoring the eggs, I grab the pastry and a napkin, turning to Mark.
“I’m not going into the office today.” I’m met with Mark’s infamous scowl and dark eyes. “There is something I have been meaning to do, and I think today is the perfect day to do it.” I need to get out of this blasted penthouse, away from the office, and out into the cold air. Perhaps walking around will stir up more memories. Help me feel closer to her.
