“I’m still here. Anything you need. I still want to know about you, Tiger Lily,” Jonas said his voice graveled.
I gulped. My heart shattering inside me. “I. I….” I sucked in air. “I. I just can’t right now,” I whispered and hung up.
I threw my phone, at the moment, I didn’t care if it ever worked again.
I didn’t hear it shatter and the thought arose, he could call again. But that wasn’t going to happen. There wasn’t a reprieve to hide away from the sorrow now gripping me. So I crawled under the covers, I curled myself in a ball, and cried. I cried for the photos and video of my parents I’d never get to see. I cried for the physical and mental attack by Declan.
I cried for Gregor’s friendship. For not being able to afford to pay for the Salome Love Legacy, and even the possible loss of my promotion. Most of all, I cried for not being enough for the man I’d fallen for, Jonas Crane. Overwhelmed, I climbed off my bed and started running in place. Then I went down to the floor and did crunches. Sweat poured off my body as I ran and squatted on the floor, doing every exercise I could dream of. Pushing my body to the limit.
I’ll make myself over. Like I did when Declan broke up with me. Somehow. My mouth was dry and my vision blurred until every piece of my body cried out in agony. But my thoughts racing through my head stopped. Crawling under the covers on my bed, I fell asleep.
Crushing pain. Physical and mental agony gripped me when my eyes opened. Or tried to as my eyelids were practically glued shut. Morbidly, I didn’t want to wake-up, but it was too late.
The room was clothed in darkness, but I wasn’t interested in time. I had plenty of time for reflection ahead of me. With no one in my life. Like it was two weeks ago. Two weeks? Impossible, but true. Jonas Crane filled every little piece of that time. Being in his presence, he seemed immense. Spending time with him seemed infinite. Nothing with him was inconsequential. I had fallen for him. His brand of attention, protection, and care.
Being his companion was by far the happiest time I had since my parents’ death. I ended it because I became too attached, too soon. More of his company, and I’d never want to leave it. I wasn’t good enough anyway. He pushed for me to expose my shame, my beaten face.
So I refused him. I covered my mouth as the realization hit me, just as severe as the blows I had sustained only the day before. I chose Declan. Again.
Perhaps Declan was right. We deserved each other. His hold was powerful, and I’d proven powerless. Forcing myself to my feet, I collected painkillers and headed to the kitchen to take them. The fragrance of the Tiger Lilies clogged my nostrils. Choking me on their sweet scent. I was a vagabond. A liar. A weak, fat princess.
The doorbell sounded.
“Lily, open up!” Natasha called out.
“Where is your key?” I called back. I frowned and stomped my bare feet over to the door, only to find it unlocked. “It’s unlocked!” I jerked the door open wide.
Natasha strolled by me with shopping bags in her hands. “My hands were full.” She strolled inside. “You shouldn’t sleep all day.”
I rolled my eyes and turned back to close the door.
“Lily,” a voice called out. I turned and froze in place. I inadvertently raised my hands, as if attempting to deflect an attack.
It was Dani Crane, Jonas’s ex-wife, standing a few feet from me.
Dani’s brows went north and her lips parted. “Lily….”
I burst into tears and fled from the door, reaching my bedroom door and moving to close it. I couldn’t believe she was here, or my reaction. I could hear her behind me and didn’t attempt to close my bedroom door. I was completely exposed. Not only as a liar, but also as someone who had allowed another person to hurt her. My throat ached, as if something was clawing it from the inside. Lying down on my bed, I curled on my side and closed my eyes. Weak and stupid.
I felt the bed dip next to me. A hand on my back. “No. Lily. You’re not weak and stupid,” Dani said, shaking her head. I didn’t realize I must have muttered the words aloud. “You were hurt by someone. I want to know who and everything that happened. I’m calling Jonas—”
“Does he know you came here?” I asked.
“Yes. We were both concerned when you said you fell. And you told him you didn’t want to see him anymore. Which, for the record, I don’t agree with. But let’s focus on what’s at hand right now.” The sound of a phone ringing alerted me to action. I didn’t want Jonas to know about what had happened to me.
I held up my hands, gesturing wildly for her to stop. “Please. Don’t tell Jonas,” I pleaded.
She frowned, but pressed end call. “Why not?”
I looked away. “It’s not his concern. You know we’re not…companions anymore.”
“That wouldn’t stop Jonas if you’re hurt. He’d want to help,” Dani said with conviction. But seeing the panic in my eyes, she paused. “Tell me everything that happened and let me help you. That’s the only way I’ll agree. But, Lily, I won’t lie. I’ll just ask Jonas to give you some time. You understand?”
She won’t lie, like me. I nodded, swallowing hard as self-loathing settled in once again. “I don’t want Jonas involved. It was a….” The word accident caught in my throat. I couldn’t say it. Why? Looking into her soft brown eyes, I couldn’t say the lie anymore. I looked down at my hands. They were trembling. “I want to put what happened behind me.”
“I need to know more than that,” Dani said as she reached out and stroked my hair.
“What are you even doing here? How did you get here…?” I said.
“I went with my instincts and called David to take me here after your text message,” Dani said, rubbing my back.
“Why?” I asked. “You barely know me. Why do you want to help me?”
She smiled. “Because, what I know I like very much. You’re sweet, smart, and kind. We Crane’s don’t walk away. You’re stuck with us.” She winked. “And I once volunteered at the Women’s Shelter.”
My bottom lip quivered as I said, “Thank you, Dani, but I’m not going to a shelter. I don’t need help. I just want to put this behind me.”
“No decisions at this moment. I’ll get you some water, and we’ll talk about it,” Dani said, walking out of the room. I sat up in shock at her ease and marveled at her command. She and Jonas were so alike.
She returned with a glass of water and handed it to me. I drained it dutifully. She removed her Burberry jacket, came and sat down and rubbed my arm, waiting patiently for me to tell her what happened. “Lies only lead to more lies. Before you know it, you’ve lost yourself in lies.” My father’s words echoed through my mind and this time I didn’t try to cover the truth and recalled how he used to finish that speech by saying, “You’re better than that, Lily. You’re a Salomé.”
No more lying. I stared off and gave voice to as much that happened over lunch as much of it as I could find the words for. My need to have my actions understood littered my retelling. I did it for the photos and videos. It was sudden. Yes. I stayed through lunch because I wasn’t ready to give up hope for them or Declan. When I was done, I felt empty.
“I take it this isn’t the first time he did this to you?” Dani asked quietly.
I paused as I thought about her question. There had been a few other times, but they were so far in between that I didn’t think of them as significant. I wasn’t ever hurt severely. Did they count when it wasn’t as severe? A shake, a shove? Do they count too? Was I making excuses? I didn’t know. “A few in the past.” I looked up at her, sure to find admonishment. She only gave back more empathy, her rubs on my arm comforting.
“He won’t come around again. So it’s over.” I let the tears fall from my chin. “Declan assured me he was going to rehab,” I continued, “So he’s trying to get help.”
“That’s enough for now. But I will have more questions,” Dani said. “I’ll also need you to get some help.”
My heart started to race. “I don’t wan
t to press charges. A man’s life shouldn’t be ruined for a moment’s mistake.”
She stared at me blankly, then exhaled long. “One thing at a time. I was thinking some more talking. But nothing at this minute. I want you to rest.”
“You’re leaving now,” I said, my voice small. I sucked in air.
“Nope,” Dani said. “I’m going to get you something to put on your sore face and some herbs to help you rest.” She stood and made her way towards the door.
“Dani?” I called.
She turned back. “Yes, Lily?”
I dropped my head. “Thank you for listening and helping.”
“I think you need a little more than the herbs,” Dani said. She opened her arms and slowly closed them around me in a hug. I took it, wanting nothing more than to be held and comforted. I wanted my mom and dad, but they were gone. I wanted Jonas, but I pushed him away and may have very well lost him completely. I was alone, and I didn’t want to be. Thankfully, Dani didn’t question. Just held on to me.
End of Part One.
Tiger Lily Part Two coming soon.
Notes from Author
Domestic abuse and violence occurs within all ages, genders, ethnicities, backgrounds, and economic levels. It can be verbal, emotional, as well as physical. For information and support, please contact your local community services department or visit http://www.thehotline.org/
Thank you!
Tiger Lily Part 2 will be out soon. For the new cover release as well as updates, please visit my website: www.ameliesduncan.com
If you would like to chat with me personally, you can reach me through my Facebook or contact me through my website. I’d love to hear from you.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Alan, my husband, best friend and partner. Thank you for keeping me motivated. Thank you for understanding. I love you.
Thank you to Leah Campbell for her development editing.
Thank you to Silvia Curry of Silvia’s Reading Corner for line editing.
Thank you to Cassia Brightmore of Deliciously Wicked Editing Services for final proofreading.
Thank you to Donna Rich for her editing services.
Thank you to Deanna, Cassia, Silvia, and Hermione for beta reading. Special Thanks to Rod, Gretchen, Robert for reading earlier drafts. I greatly appreciate all the feedback.
Thank you to Cate for her assistance with the blurb.
Thank you to Sarah Hansen of Okay Creations for designing the beautiful cover.
Thank you to Guido Henkel for his superb e-format design.
Thank you to all the bloggers and reviewers. I can’t express enough how thankful I feel for your support for my work.
Thank you to the readers for reading my story. I most sincerely hope you enjoyed it.
Subscribe to Amélie S. Duncan’s Mailing List
To receive exclusive updates and to be the first to receive Tiger Lily Part Two, please sign up to be on her personal mailing list.
You’ll get instant access to cover releases, chapter previews, and win prizes.
Click here to subscribe now
About the Author
Amélie S. Duncan writes contemporary, erotic romances with a dark edge. Her inspiration comes from many sources including her life experiences and travels. She lives on the West Coast of the United States with her husband.
Author Website
Twitter
Facebook
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Notes from Author
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Tiger Lily: Part One Page 20
