The Missing One (Lost Series Book 2)

by Liz Lovelock

  “Be careful and call me if you need anything,” she whispered, so low only I could hear. A lump formed in my throat as tears threatened to fall. I quickly blinked them away so no one else, especially Jacob, could see.

  “Thank you,” was all I could say. We released each other from our tight grips and stood there, our eyes locked. My beautiful, strong sister. Everything about her amazed me, her strength, her happy take on life, her bubbly personality. She was my rock and she didn’t even know it.

  “Let’s go, sweetheart,” Jacob said as he wrapped his arm around me, pulling me out of Melodi’s tight grip. I really didn’t want to go. I knew that this was his way of making sure he actually saw me tonight. I had no way of getting out of this like Blake wanted me to. The thought of Blake tore me up inside. Why was it I felt like I was cheating on him more than my own boyfriend right now? Maybe because I didn’t feel a connection with Jacob like I once did.

  Walking outside, the fresh breeze danced around me flowing through my dress, making it drift with the wind. My mouth fell open in shock. Before me was a black stretch limo with the driver waiting by the back door.

  Wow…Jacob has really outdone himself this time.

  I began to think there could be something behind all of this. It rattled me some more. He’s never done anything like this before. What’s going through his twisted mind? I asked myself once again.

  “This is too much, Jacob.” I glanced up at him. He was looking at me, waiting for my reaction. His features appeared happy and dreamy, but as I was looking into those green glassy eyes, I saw the hardness in them. It spiked fear throughout my entire body, from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. A shiver raced down my spine and cold chills ran right through my veins.

  “Nothing is too much for you, my sweet.” He smiled his wicked devil grin at me that said ‘wait till we’re alone.’ A bright red sign started flashing before my eyes.

  This is bad, very bad.

  I swallowed the dread that was building within me and attempted to put on my big girl panties. Even though what I was currently wearing was practically nothing, thanks to the lingerie that Jacob had so kindly added to the surprise tonight. I was weak when it comes to him, but I really needed to start trying. From now on I would. My life couldn’t be dominated by the fear of this man before me. I was strong. I was my own person, and no one could tell me otherwise.

  After we were in the car driving away from the safety of my family, my body began to blaze with heat—fear. Big girl panties, big girl panties, big girl panties. I kept reminding myself. I sat a little taller, bracing myself for what was to come, and boy was I shocked.

  “So, we’re going out to one of my favourite restaurants, which is near my work tonight,” his tone seemed genuine enough, but his eyes read something else, so my guard stayed up. I nodded. He pulled me closer to him, and forcefully grabbed my chin, moving my face to where he wanted it and he held me there. I didn’t try and contest him since fighting him would only cause him to become brutal toward me. “Look at me, Abby.” My chest vibrated and not in a pleasant way. It was like he suffered from some kind of illness. One minute nice and the next aggressive. Perhaps split personality? I met his heartless eyes. If there could be black eyes for hateful people, his would be pitch black. He had no heart.

  “Thank you for doing this.” I tried to simmer the tension that seemed to be wrapped around us in the car.

  “I love you. You know that, and I only want the best for you.” He smiled at me, the smile even touched his eyes. He leant into me, claiming my lips. My heart didn’t ignite like it did when Blake’s lips connected with mine. There was no feeling in it, from me anyway. Jacob didn’t hold back, his tongue invaded my mouth and it tasted like bourbon of some sort. It was foul. I gave him the response he wanted, but I felt nothing for this man in front of me.

  Soon he released my face, and I felt the scorching burn of his touch on my skin but not in a good way. His hands begun to wander over my body, sliding along the material to my knee, and then slowly rising up my leg. No, I don’t want this, I’m screaming at myself. My inner battle was raging in a fight against itself.

  His wandering hand kept climbing and was on my inner thigh just as the car came to a halt outside a beautiful looking restaurant. Jacob released my leg and I released a small sigh of relief. He met my eyes.

  “Until after dinner my sweet,” he said as he placed a bee sting of a kiss on my cheek. His words held so much promise. My stomach dropped right to the centre of the earth, that was how much I was dreading putting myself in that position with him. The mere thought of being intimate with him made me feel sick. I was sure he took pleasure in seeing the fear in my eyes, which I know was there almost every time I was near him.

  He climbed out of the limo and took my hand, escorting me out. I quickly released it once I was out only to get the glare of death from him, so I pretended that I needed to straighten my dress. The restaurant had a large window front. It was a fancy place. The tables were set with beautiful flower centrepieces, large crystal glasses placed precisely on the cream tablecloths. Waiters were dressed in their black and white uniforms. It wasn’t a place I would normally go because it was too uppity for my liking. He really had gone all out.

  Taking my hand in his once again gripping it tightly, he led me through the doors and gave the hostess our booking information. He also gave her a bright smile and we followed the waitress through the restaurant to the far corner where there was a small, cosy booth set beautifully with candles and rose petals sprinkled over the table. None of the other tables were set like this. He’d obviously arranged this especially for us.

  “Wow, this is beautiful,” I breathed. He leant over and placed a small kiss on my cheek.

  “Anything for you,” he whispered into my ear, his breath tickling my neck. I broke out in goose bumps but not the tingly kind, no, the kind that remind you how totally creeped out you are.

  We took our seats. I looked into my bag and noticed I’d left my phone at home.

  Oh crap, Blake! He was bound to be going crazy and I couldn’t even let him know that I was okay. Panic rose within me. Unknown to Jacob, there was a battle going on inside me as he handed me a glass of pink wine. One drink wouldn’t be enough to calm my nerves. As I was about to take a sip, Jacob stopped me.

  “A toast,” he raised his glass, “to us.”

  “To us,” I forced a smile on my face as we clinked glasses. I took a sip and as I was looking into the glass, I saw something that made my blood run cold.

  A ring!

  Not just any ring, but a huge solitaire diamond ring with a gold band. I began coughing everywhere, unable to stop choking on my drink. I actually spat some of my drink over the table which caused Jacob to jump back. While I continued my coughing fit, Jacob grabbed my glass and tipped the wine into his, clutching the ring. He slid out of the booth and took my hand in his.

  NO, NO, NO!

  I kept screaming my answer in my head. I couldn’t do this. If I had the guts, I’d run, but with him blocking my way it was a little hard.

  “Abby White, will you do me the pleasure of becoming my wife?” he beamed at me anxiously awaiting my answer.

  I was speechless. My brain didn’t seem to want to form words. The rest of the restaurant was watching and waiting for my reply. I bet that was why he’d planned to do this in a public place so I couldn’t say no and risk embarrassing him. He knew I wouldn’t do that in front of everyone.

  Since my tongue seemed to weigh a ton right now, I forced myself to nod. Everyone around us applauded and Jacob slid the beauty of a diamond on my finger. This explained a lot about tonight, with the surprise and everything. He stood up placing a hard kiss on my lips.

  Right now, I wanted nothing more than to scream. I think I’d just dug my grave a little deeper. What’s the saying once you make your bed you sleep in it, or something like that, and I just made mine with the devil.

  What am I doing? Why did I just agree to ma
rry the devil in human form?

  “Good answer,” he chillingly whispered into my ear. I dreaded my future, especially with this man.

  I just hoped Blake could help me. Please.

  We sat back down and our meals were delivered to the table though I didn’t recall ordering anything.

  “These are complimentary meals from our chef as a congratulations,” smiled the hostess. “Congratulations on your engagement.”

  Engagement? What have I done?

  We ate our meals in a stale silence. Jacob was not one for conversation at the best of times, but these days, except when he was trying to get the upper hand on me, he stayed silent. Dinner tasted like rubber and it was even harder to swallow, feeling like it was stuck in my throat and wouldn’t go any further. Not even the wine made it easier to swallow.

  “Are you happy?” Jacob asked out of the blue. He had placed his fork down and was staring at me intently, his eyes hooded. Looking at him, at that moment, I noticed the changes in his appearance. Where his eyes were once a bright green like a dewy meadow, now they were stale green like dead seaweed scattered across a rocky beach. He was a very handsome man and I could see exactly what made me fall for him. He had the perfect muscular build. I loved his hugs when we first started dating. I lived and craved them, being near him and smelling his sweet scent.

  What happened to him? What happened to the man I first loved?

  I paused for a moment, making out that I was still trying to swallow my food. I gave him the answer he wanted to hear…again. “Yes, Jacob, very happy.” I was on autopilot and my body unwillingly agreed with him right away because I didn’t want to make a scene.

  “Good, I only want for you to be happy. I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated you lately.”

  Can someone slap me, please? He did not just say that.

  He continued to speak, “There have been lots of issues with work and then family problems. I am truly sorry.” If I’d been standing, I would’ve fallen over at the sincerity of his words. I won’t let him fool me again, though.

  Before I managed to stop myself, I found my voice. “Umm…why treat me badly because of work? This has been going on for months?”

  His eyes burnt into mine as if pondering his reply. “I’ve been scared you’re going to leave me,” he said as he glanced down at his plate putting on the ‘I’m sad so please feel sorry for me’ face. “I don’t handle stress well. As I said, work is going down the drain because some client hasn’t been happy with how we’ve handled their account. But mostly because I worry you’ll leave me, and I’ll be left alone. I love you so much, Abby. I can’t lose you, and that’s why I want to marry you. You’re my everything.”

  More like I’m your regular punching bag.

  There was no love in his words. He didn’t even reach out to touch me. It’s as though it had slipped his mind that he physically hurts me. What the hell?

  “Why hit me? If you want me to stay then why use me as your personal punching bag?” Yeah, it kind of just spewed out before I could stop it. I don’t know. It’s like I suddenly gained the courage and decided to ask why.

  In a flash, he was beside me, not allowing me a chance to get up or move. His hand latched onto mine, applying pressure, squeezing my knuckles together, and grinding them hard. He had flicked the switch. I yelped out in pain trying to pull my hand away, but his grip was like iron, strong and robust, unmovable once in place.

  “You dare ask a question like that in a public place where I can’t punish you?” he seethed, with so much hate in his words. He applied more pressure causing pain to shoot right up my arm, but it didn’t stop me if anything I felt more determined. Time for me to deal with it, get over it and get on with my life.

  “What just like you asking me here so I had to say ‘yes’,” I spat back at him. My face was so close to his. His posture stiffened and he became rigid. His free hand clenched into a fist causing his knuckles to go white. There was so much hate raging in those green eyes. That was my turning point and there was no going back now. “What the hell makes you think I would want to marry someone who hurts me like you do? Can’t you see the marks you leave on me, or do they become invisible to you after you’ve put them there? There is no love in this relationship.” My words kept coming and I knew I’d made him raging mad, but I couldn’t stop myself and it felt so damn good.

  “You do not speak to me like that, you bitch,” he hissed, shooting a little spittle at my face.

  “See, there you go,” I taunted right back at him. I had no idea what had come over me that night. “Always turning to violence.”

  The pressure on my hand was so hard I was sure he was going to shatter all the bones in my hand. I was trying really hard not let him see that the pain was seriously killing me. I really wanted to cry out, but kept my back tall and did not allow him to waiver me.

  “Because you deserve it. You never listen or do as you’re told.”

  “I’m not a child that needs disciplining. I’m your fiancée.”

  Not that I want to be!

  I kept my voice even and strong. I won’t let him see me break again.

  “You’re just someone for me to use when I need you there,” he seethed. His face reddened as the anger and annoyance at me grew stronger.

  Did he really just say that? The heat began to rise in my chest as though I might breathe fire and turn him to ashes. If only I could do that.

  “How dare you! In that case, I want nothing to do with you. This marriage will never happen because this, between us right now, is over.” With those words, I yanked my hand as hard as I could, which surprisingly worked as it was freed from his hateful hold. I reached down and grabbed my bag and speed walked out the door before he could come after me.

  Once outside I took my shoes off and hit the pavement running as fast as I could, not stopping for anyone or anything. I felt free for the first time in a long time, like a bird who found its wings and glides in flight.

  Chapter Eleven

  Abby

  Three Years Ago

  After getting as far away as I could from the restaurant, I slowed to a walk, my heart pounding with such force from the adrenaline. Luckily, I had money on me to catch a passing cab, but knowing he would most likely show up at my house, I didn’t really want to risk going there. Then again, he probably wouldn’t want to go into details with my parents about why I ran from our date. He would just wait until I was on my own somewhere and then show up.

  I began to take in my surroundings and noticed that I’d made my way over to my workplace. I headed into the park to sit on my all too familiar bench where I thought about my life that was spiralling out of control at a rapid pace. .

  As I approached the bench, I saw a familiar person who caused my heart to leap up into my throat. He was wearing a hole into the grass pacing.

  “Abby!” he called from the park. His voice was one that warmed me right to my core and set off a butterfly attack in my stomach.

  Blake.

  I turned toward him and before I could stop myself, the tears started to fall as I ran to him. He opened his arms for me as I got closer and I jumped right into them, wrapping my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. His arms of safety enveloped me, sending calmness over my aching body. I sobbed hard into his shoulder, the fear, hurt and pain of tonight taking its toll on my emotions.

  “Shh…it’s okay. I’m here,” he soothed me with his comforting words over and over until I stopped crying and relaxed into him. He didn’t put me down but held onto me for dear life. His scent wrapped around me tickling my senses. It was a mixture of shower wash and cologne. A perfect balance of both.

  “What happened?” he asked when I’d finally composed myself. But he never let me go and held me continually comforting me.

  “Can we go somewhere else?” I was worried he might come around looking for me. I slid out of Blake’s grip and glanced nervously around at the empty street expecting to see Jacob. My heart pounded in m
y chest with fear. A new kind of fear because I’d left him and ran, so I knew he was going to be majorly pissed.

  Blake took my hand that didn’t get crushed by Jacob and led me through to the opposite side of the park where there were massive apartment buildings. He walked up to one and reached for his keys.

  He lives this close to my work?

  We caught the elevator to the fifth floor. Stepping off, he guided me to his door.

  Opening it, he moved aside to allow me to enter first. “Welcome to my place,” he announced, waving his arm around the spacious area.

  It was a studio apartment, very open. There was a small hallway that must lead to the bathroom and bedroom. The walls were painted a nice cream with a bright red feature wall behind the television. There was also lovely black leather furniture and a dark wood dining table. The kitchen, living, and dining area were all open space living. On one side of the room, there was glass panelling that led out onto a balcony. It was a simple yet it was perfect for Blake. His carefree personality showed.

  “It’s very nice.” I walked over to the doorway leading out to the balcony, leaning against it, soaking in the coolness of the night air. It was so refreshing after the night I’d just been through. I wished only moments ago that tonight had never happened, but now standing in Blake’s apartment my night was turning around. I began aimlessly twisting the ring that I was still wearing on my finger. Looking down at my left hand, it suddenly felt as though the ring was burning through my skin. It was poison, like the person who’d given it to me. Poison in every way possible. I was so glad I did what I did. But now what? Where do I go from here? I knew he wouldn’t relent until he had me in his grasp again.

  I sensed Blake standing behind me, the tingly sensations spread through my chest once again and in the most magical way. I spun myself around and fell into his open arms. I’d already cried my tears tonight and I was now content and relieved being in the arms of this man before me. In such a short amount of time, he’d shown me what love really was, but I still have to see what the outcome of all this was going to be with Jacob.