#LUCKY (The Empire Series Book 2)

by Nicole Hite

  Hanging up the phone, Sam couldn't hold back any longer. She crumpled into Declan's arms, finally letting out the build up defeat, and desolation within. Declan stroked her back as he allowed her to grieve her misfortunes.

  "I know what I want to do with some of the money," Declan offered.

  Pulling up to the curb of the sleazy hotel, Sam exited Declan's SUV hesitantly. Sitting on the curb was her little Mag-Pie. The tiny blonde had her legs tucked underneath her, but Sam could still tell she was looking frail.

  Contemplating her next move, Maggie looked up at her sister. All Sam could see were the ghostly remains of her once beautiful and lively sister. Her mascara was streaming down her hollowed cheeks, while her eyes seemed sunken from the lack of nutrition.

  It broke Sam's heart to see her sister this way. This wasn't the little girl she once knew. The little girl that followed her around the house like a shadow. The little girl who would sit at her make-up table, mimicking her, and her regimen. This wasn't her Mag-Pie, this was a stranger.

  Sam took a seat on the stoop with her sister, "Hey Mag-Pie."

  "Hey, Sam-Sam," she responded calmly. She was clearly going through alcohol withdraws the way she was shaking. Her teeth chattered as the goose bumps proved her theory of alcohol deprivation.

  "Here, have something to eat and drink," she stated pushing the goods at her. “You don't look like you’ve eaten in a while."

  "Two days. I've gone longer," she mumbled as she guzzled the drink and inhaled the sandwich.

  "You said you needed help," Sam looked her way sympathetically, as Declan exited the car. Standing next Sam, Declan didn't make a sound, but stood there for moral support.

  "I...I was hoping I could borrow, like, a grand until I get things figured out," she rubbed her hands together excessively after finishing her sandwich and drink.

  Even though it broke her heart, "That's not going to happen, Mags."

  "Why not? You said you'd help," Maggie reacted almost violently as she stood from the sidewalk.

  "Honey, I'm not going to give you money so you can go spend it on alcohol and drugs. I can't in good conscious do that. You have to understand that, don't you?"

  The sweet and innocent girl who cowered on the sidewalk was long gone and a volatile woman stood before her.

  "That's bullshit, Sam. Cory told me you made over a hundred fifty grand on poker. You can afford it."

  "First off, that's not MY money. That is Declan's money. And Cory is a piece of shit to allow you to leave last night with some stranger. Clearly you’re not okay, just look at yourself."

  "Well, let me tap into my trust then. Can't I at least do that?"

  "No, Mags. You can't touch that until you're twenty five."

  "So, what? I'm supposed to starve and fend for myself on the streets for two years? That's bullshit, Sami, and you know it!"

  "You won't have to fend for yourself, sweetie," Sam tried to pull Maggie closer toward her.

  "What the fuck are you talking about, Sam?" Maggie looked thoroughly confused.

  "We have a place for you," Sam stated, going in to hold her sister.

  "If you think you're going to make me stay with you and your boy toy, you are out of your Goddamn mind. I'd rather suffer on the streets."

  Circling Maggie, Sam knew her next words would most certainly set Maggie off. Declan had made his way to stand behind Maggie as she began to teeter back and forth.

  "Mag-Pie, we're taking you to rehab. They can take care of you and you can get clean. It's what's best, sweetie," Sam stated as she stroked her sisters weathering arms.

  "The fuck if I'm going to rehab," she started to blink heavily, while the staggering started to grow.

  "Bridge and I are your legal guardians, and we have everything all set up for you," Sam stated as she saw her sisters legs give out. Catching her, Declan picked her up and put her into the back of the car.

  "You drugged me, you bitch! I will never forgive you, or Bee for this, Sam."

  "It's for your own good, now go to sleep."

  Seeing her sister crash on the backseat only broke her heart even more than it already was. She hated to result to this, but she knew Mags would never go willingly. Sam just hoped she hadn't lost her sister forever, regardless of what she said in her drugged haze. Only time would tell.

  "I'm doing the right thing, right?" Sam asked Declan.

  "I know you and your sister are going through a tough time right now, but this is her best chance at a better life. You may think it's a horrible decision, but at least you can say you did all you could. It's up to her now to want to get better."

  "What if she never forgives me?" Sam silently asked.

  "That's not up to you, A stór. You can't blame yourself for her path of destruction. She chose to live this way, not you. There is nothing in the handbook that says you need to forgive her as well. The fact that you are forgiving her for every heinous thing she's done over the years, just goes to show the type of person you are. The person I fell in love with."

  "I love how you just slipped that right in there. I see you, Mr. Flannery."

  "I'm not good with expressing myself so, that's about as good as it gets, babe."

  "It's funny. As much as I hated what my sister did, she is also the reason we are together right now. I can't fault her for that. It was the best screw-up she ever made," the two chuckled as they pulled up to the institution.

  "I love you for doing this and for being here for me, it really means a lot to me."

  "Aye, I see what you did there too, Ms. Reddington."

  "Some of us aren't the only ones who have a hard time articulating our feelings," she sneered.

  Climbing out of the SUV, Sam was met with a distort Bridge, and her boyfriend Kevin.

  "I think we're going to need a wheelchair," Declan proclaimed.

  Opening the car door, Maggie was sprawled out on the back seat, sleeping like a baby.

  "Jesus, Sam, what the hell did you do to her? Did you drug her?" Bee asked annoyed, and stunned.

  "What did you want me to do, Bee? Thump her over the head with a club. If you saw the way she was acting, you would be glad we handled the situation the way we did," Sam stated defensively.

  "Ladies, can we discuss this later? We need to get her checked in before she wakes up, or all hell will break lose," Kevin spoke up.

  Watching Bridget check Maggie in was unbearable for Sam. How had they gotten to this place?

  "Checking in Margaret Aileen Reddington," Bee offered.

  "I don't think I can stand here anymore, Declan," Sam turned away from her sisters.

  "Let's get out of here," Declan placed his arm around her shoulder, as they walked through the first set of automated doors. Standing in the freeway, Sam took a minute to look back, watching Maggie slowly wake. Her awareness of where she was frightened her. She began to thrash and yell as attendee's tried to subdue her. Sam couldn't take it any longer, and walked through the second set of automated doors.

  Feeling the air hit her tear stained cheeks, she wasn't prepared for the emotions she had experienced over the last couple of hours, and weeks, for that matter. From Cory ditching her for Maggie, to falling for Declan and his gambling situation, not to mention rehab for her sister; it all finally caught up to her. Her head was a whirlwind of ups and downs and yet, she still had an article to write for Vivienne.

  "I'm not sure I can write this article, Declan. Maybe I should trust in Quinn to pull it off?"

  "I think this is the perfect time to write. You're full of emotions right now, maybe that will only heighten your writing skills?"

  "I'm glad you have faith in me. I needed that vote of confidence," she beamed for the first time all day.

  "You can write while I sketch, and once we've finished our homework like good little children, I'll show you what I do with my ruler," he leaned in to wrap his arms around her waist. Pulling her in, she gave in to his masculine charm, laying a sweet kiss on his lips.

  "Now, w
hich ruler are we talking about," she giggled.

  "I guess you'll just have to wait and find out, babe."

  10

  “The world is full of paper dolls.”

  "Vivienne, I can explain," Sam pleaded before she could allow she-bitch to pounce.

  "What's there to explain? This is fantastic! The best part, we have a head start on all the magazines, not to mention the gossip."

  "You are shamelessly supportive in the most bizarre way," Sam smiled.

  "You did get her to sign the waiver before the interview, right?" Vivienne looked wide-eyed at Sam.

  "Yep. The contract binds her to us publishing her story. Whether that story was the initial one to begin with, well, that's a whole other ballgame."

  "As soon as we obtained her contract, she can't sue," Vivienne cackled from her massive leather chair.

  "I want this on the front page of our website, as well as featured story in the magazine. I've got the top dogs breathing down my neck lately about moving forward with the new website, so we need juicy content."

  Sam was overjoyed at Vivienne's enthusiasm. She needed a pick-me-up after the hell she had been going through over the last month or so.

  "Get with the graphics department and coordinate the layout. I need eye catching. Jaw dropping."

  "I'm all over it, Viv."

  Sam left the office feeling almost woozy with Vivienne's response. There was a newfound pep in her step.

  "What's gotten in to you," Ariel and Quinn stopped her in her Jimmy's.

  "Vivienne is sticking me on the front page of this month's issue!"

  "Holy shit, babe! That's awesome," Ariel congratulated.

  "This doesn't have anything to do with our visit to Club Star, does it?" Quinn questioned speculatively.

  "Perhaps, but you're the one to talk. What's up with you and...oh, what did you call him? Onyx?"

  "Wouldn't you loooove to know," she joked.

  "Hey now, I need the scoop. Just because I have Owen, doesn't mean I get cut out of everything," Ariel begged.

  "Fill her in while I go to the graphics department to talk about this cover," Sam asked with raised eyebrows.

  Turning into the graphics department, Sam nearly ran over a striking gentleman in a crisp, black suit. He was handsome all the way down to his intense brown eyes. He didn't smile, but glared at Sam with a dismissive expression.

  "Who are you?" Sam asked out of shock.

  Most artists in the design room were free spirited and more laid back. This was the last person she thought she would see around the art department.

  "I happen to be, Luca Manning. And you are?"

  "I'm Sam, and I'm kinda in a hurry Luca."

  "I like to see my employees hustle," he smirked.

  "Does Vivienne Harper know you're here?" she questioned as her pulse began to throb in her veins. She had just written an amazing story, she didn't need to get fired already.

  "Not yet, but I'll tell her what an exceptional employee she has. Keep it up," he looked stern as he turned and headed out the door.

  Something as going down, but she didn’t have time to poke around.

  After hours of fighting with the creative department, Sam finally settled on the perfect cover. Now, all she needed to do was wait for it to hit the stands.

  "Sami, mails here!" Ariel hollered from the foyer.

  Lying on the counter was a crisp copy of Empire Magazine. Displayed on the cover was an homage to the classic paper doll cut outs from her childhood. The doll was Demi, while her paper clothes were samples from her own collection including a very special orange jumpsuit.

  "Listen to this," Ariel read out aloud to Owen, Sam, and Declan.

  * * *

  Try This One On For Size

  By: Samantha A. Reddington

  * * *

  Not long ago, my Editor and Chief approached me to cover a story regarding a rumor, which had been floating around the fashion world. My job – to find out the truth. Normally, I would report on the latest footwear trends, or even a new line from a well-known designer. What I didn't expect was the whirlwind that was Demi Pepper.

  * * *

  For those not in the know, Demi was one of the hottest up and comers in the fashion industry. I will say that her attention to detail and her scrupulous precision are not of this world. She is an idealist who saw herself soaring the likes of Versace and Stella McCarthy. Her innovative styles were unparalleled to others on the market.

  * * *

  Her downfall? Her need to succeed by any means necessary.

  * * *

  Demi Pepper grew up as an only child in a cozy farm town in Pepper, Kansas. Daughter to Elsa and George Dower, her need to escape her past was insatiable. Like most small town girls, when the opportunity to flee presented itself, she seized it. Changing her last name to Pepper, she was no longer Elsa and George's farm fed daughter, but an entirely different person all together.

  * * *

  Greed is a funny thing though, and some would go to drastic means in order to be on top. I was sent to report on the mastermind partnership between Demi and beloved designer, Isaac Mizrahi. However, that's not going to happen. The only designing Demi will be doing involves prison stripes, or a lovely shade of orange.

  * * *

  Why you ask? With the help of an anonymous tip, and San Francisco's finest, Demi's involvement with notorious gambling connoisseur, Ashley Levingstein, was exposed. After further investigating, and countless hours of interrogating, Demi admitted her association with the gambling giant. I guess we're not in Kansas anymore, are we?

  * * *

  According to public record, Demi used countless funds from her, and her girlfriend, Ashley's, underground gambling circuit to start her new line. Reporting it under the table, she used the school as a guise to protect her reputation and to deter authorities. It would have worked out, however she met a determined writer who was resolute to prove her otherwise.

  * * *

  For now, the only designing Demi Pepper will be doing is with her paper dolls behind bars. You never know, jail stripes could be the new in thing.

  * * *

  "I'm afraid to ask how you found all of this information," Ariel questioned with a concerned look on her face.

  "Let's just say that this is the one, and only time I will ever thank Cory for anything."

  "Speaking of which, how is your sister doing?" Dec asked carefully.

  "She’s refusing to see or talk to me," Sam frowned.

  "Be patient, love, it's only been two months. She had a lot of issues, not to mention, she's going through withdraws so she's going to be angry for a while. She sees this as a betrayal, the same way you felt when she slept with Cory. Just give it time," Declan curled up to Sam.

  "I hate when you're always right. It's rather infuriating," she smiled as she rested into his arms.

  "Aye, that's why you love me so much," he winked at her before kissing her nose.

  "Hey, Ariel, I ran into this guy at work last week...Manning, Luca Manning. Ever heard of him?"

  Literally spitting out her drink onto Owen, "Wait. He was at the office?"

  "Yeah, who the fuck is he? I think I was pretty rude to him," Sam stated marginally humiliated.

  "Oh, you know, only the owner of our parent company, and the one who signs your checks," she laughed as she wiped her chin from the liquid debris.

  "Huh?"

  "He's practically the sole owner of The Airlon Company. He owns five magazines. His umbrella is really impressive actually."

  "Shit on a stick," Sam gasped.

  "Pretty much."

  "I don't know what he wants, but I'm sure it can't be good."

  "I guess we should cheers to our jobs right now," Ariel joked.

  "I think you ladies worry too much," Owen laughed.

  "I tend to agree with the fella," Declan approved. "Let's just enjoy this moment, while we have it."

  "Yeah, like the fact that I just asked Ariel to move in w
ith me. We'll just be down the hall, but..." Owen started.

  "...but I won't be far! And, I'll still help with rent until, or if, you decide you want a roommate."

  "That's a lot to take in, but I'm really thrilled for you, Ari," Sami looked panicky at her impending future.

  "Okay, enough of the heavy shit, time to drink," Owen lifted his glass.

  "Here, here," Sam raised her glass. "Here's to good fortune, good friends, and extraordinary love."

  "Cheers!" The four said in unison.

  "Can I steal away this one for a little?" Declan clutched Sam's waist as they stood to leave the room.

  "Please, she's starting to get on my nerves," Ariel laughed.

  The two made there way toward her bedroom. Shutting the door behind them, Declan pushed Sam up against the door, kissing up her neck.

  "This seems familiar," she moaned into his embrace.

  "There's a reason for that," he ran his lips up her neck.

  "And why is that?" she asked as her head naturally leaned, exposing more of her collar.

  "This is how it all began, remember?"

  "How could I forget?" she snickered and squirmed in his arms.

  "Aye, I don't want you to forget. Ever," he stated as he stepped away for a moment. "Let's move in together."

  "Yes," she answered quickly.

  "That didn't take too much convincing," he laughed, squeezing her tight.

  "I need a roommate it seems, I love you, and I can get plenty of ass anytime I want. Seems pretty easy to me," she smiled as she pulled him close to her body.

  "Okay," was his only come-back.

  "Good. And, you can be my sugar daddy, just as long as you don't make me do an Irish Car Bomb again," they both laughed.

  "Aye, I can definitely handle that. I can't promise there won't be Irish Car Bombs though. Deal?"

  Pulling Declan into her arms, she whispered into his lips before kissing him senseless, “Deal. But, tell me one thing first."