Jude's Salvation: This Love Series

by Smith, Nicole

  “Here, eat Eden,” Mariana says as she drops a baguette sandwich on my lap and places a juice on the floor in front of me.

  “Thanks, any chance that’s spiked?” I ask, looking at the orange juice. She grins and pinches my arm.

  “Of course it is, I got you girl,” she giggles, wrapping me in a hug. I return her hug and fight back my tears.

  “Thanks,” I say as I down the juice all in one sip.

  “Thirsty much?” she asks.

  “I’m going to need about five more of those,” I tell her and take a bite of the baguette. I don’t want to eat though. The smell is actually making me sick. I place it in my bag and stand up. I need another drink. I need to sleep through this flight or I might go crazy, or crazier.

  “He’s going to see you again soon. I can’t see him waiting long to be back with you,” Angie tells me. It’s the first words she’s spoken to me since the burlesque show. I look over at her and she gives me her familiar smile, the one that always told me she had my back. I hope it’s true this time.

  “He said we’re not over. He said he will come to LA. I can only hope it’s true. I mean I don’t know what his life was like before he met me, he might have obligations he can’t just walk away from. I have school to finish and then I have to intern at a firm in the spring. I just don’t know how we will work this out,” I gasp, the air hurting my throat as I try and breath in. Not to mention the guy that killed my mother may now be after me but I keep that to myself. I feel as though I’m drowning when I think of a future with Jude that may never be.

  “Fuck,” I shout as I storm toward the closest bar. Angie follows me, Mariana and Sophie stay back. I’m sure I’ve freaked them out. I sit at the bar and order a double whiskey. Angie sits beside me and orders her new favorite beer.

  “Eden, I know you don’t trust me right now but I only have your best interests in mind, you are my best friend. The man at the burlesque show whispered to me that you were in danger and that Jude will protect you. He said he just had to tell you in private. I swear that is all I know. He gave me a threatening look, warning me to go back to my seat. I was about to call security when I spotted Jude in the club. He was watching you with that man so I let it go. I figured he could do more harm than a bouncer anyway. I thought you knew he was there too so I went back to our seats, wanting to make sure Sophie and Mariana were safe. I was nervous waiting for you and when you came back angry I was confused, I felt as though I should have done something but I didn’t know what. I’m so sorry Eden,” she explains and I think I believe her. I know now that Jude is always protecting me, following me. I should be freaked out by that but I’m not. I actually feel safer. He may even be here in this airport and that thought comforts me.

  I can’t let Angie think that I didn’t know he was in the club. She would certainly find that strange and I’m sure she would have a whole string of questions for me. I’m not ready to tell her that my past is unfolding before my eyes and it is full of pain and dangerous men. I don’t have all the answers about Jude Everett yet or his motives, aside from the fact that he confessed to loving me for six years. I am determined to remember everything and then I’ll decide what I wish to share and with who. I hope I can trust Angie because I feel as though I’m losing everyone, no one is the same anymore. I am surrounded by liars and fakes. I don’t know how I am going to confront Bethany. She knew all along that they were feeding me lies and she never once tried to tell me. She knew about the medications and my memory loss. They never tried to help me get that part of my life back. I glance at Angie and wonder if she knows more then she lets on. I smile and finish my drink, finally feeling the numbness I need to get through the flight.

  Once the plane is in the air I order one more beverage, a double shot of vodka. Mariana glances my way with a frown. I’m already feeling the effects from the previous three drinks in the airport bar.

  “What? I just want to sleep all the way home,” I tell her and she nods, patting my knee. I fix my pillow and wrap the warm fleece blanket over me. I lean my seat back as far as I can and feel the pull into darkness.

  I awake in a cold dark room. My body is shivering from laying on the hard cement. Voices are coming closer. I want to scream but I can’t seem to open my mouth. I wonder if I’ve been drugged, I feel so lethargic and weak. I recognize Lex’s deep commanding voice. I used to believe he loved my mother. I used to believe that he would protect us. I never thought he would hurt us like this. I scurry towards the far wall as four large men walk into the room, Lex following behind them. I scream as each of the four men grab a limb, my ankles and wrists held firmly in there strong grasp.

  “Eden, my darling,” Lex greets me the way he always has, as though it’s just another visit. I scowl but don’t say a word to him. He grins and walks closer to me. I don’t look at him but I can feel him crouch down beside me. I’ve seen him many times, dressed in his dark suits, expensive cologne surrounding him like a cloud. The lingering scent of cigars and brandy are always present when he kisses my cheek and this time is no different.

  “Eden, I know right now you are angry and hurt by this,” he says, looking around the cold, dark warehouse storage room as though he’s just noticed where I’ve been placed. I nod but stare back up at the ceiling.

  “Maybe in time you will forgive me for this. Maybe one day you will learn that I do not tolerate betrayal. I hope you will learn this by the time I need you. I will require you to be my submissive little angel when you return to me, just like your beautiful mother was. I love her, you know that but I can’t show weakness Eden. I can’t show favoritism or I will have unrest among my girls. They will all think they can get away with stealing from me,” he tells me as though I care about his problems. I only care about my mother. He doesn’t love her. I’ve seen him hit her, I’ve seen the bruises he leaves on her perfect skin.

  “You don’t love her,” I mumble in defiance, knowing if I speak I will only make things worse but I have always had trouble holding my tongue. He knows this about me. He grins again and nods.

  “I like your spirit Eden but when you work for me I will take that from you first. You will not be able to speak your mind to me or the men I bring to you. You will be paid to lie, to pretend you are enjoying every touch because the man that respects me and makes me wealthier deserves to think that you are a gift, that you worship him. You will learn to make him believe that his touch is the best you’ve ever had,” he continues on but I’m trying to close him out. I will never let him or any of his gross old business partners near me. I am not my mother and I never will be. There isn’t enough money in the world to keep me with him. I’ll run, I’ll hide, whatever it takes and Jude will help me.

  “Eden, listen to me,” he says, tapping my cheek with his palm. I look over at him, feeling the tension in him building.

  “Good girl, see it’s not so hard to obey. Eden, your father has been called, he will be taking you from here in a few days because right now you are too young for my needs. I’m not expecting you to be a virgin when I come for you again. I actually expect you will be somewhat experienced if you’re anything like your mother. There’s nothing she likes more than a good, hard fucking. I will have to teach you the art in pleasing a man when you return. With those luscious lips I’m sure you’ll be great at it,” he says, brushing his thumb across my bottom lip. I hear one of the men holding me down grunt in agreement and I shiver,

  I close my eyes as I feel Lex move closer to me. He slides my skirt up to my waist and I begin to squirm. He’s examining me and I’m terrified. I can feel bruises forming from my struggle to escape the hands of the men holding me down. I can see lust in there eyes as Lex strips me naked. He starts with my breasts then each rib. I’m crying hysterically but he ignores me. He stops to read the tattoo I got a few months ago, when I was feeling lonely at boarding school and missed my mother. He must have seen the pillow I made for her, he knew the words were for my mother and me. His lips formed a frown and his eyes close
d for a brief moment. He showed emotion for a quick second that hurting us really did affect him but as soon as I thought it his eyes turned cold again.

  “Please Lex, please don’t,” I whimper. He continues his exam, his hands gliding over my skin down to my ass and around to my private part. I cry louder when I feel a finger sliding inside me. He seems clinical, almost like a doctor as he separates my flesh and then slowly removes his finger. His hands rub down my thighs, all the way down to my toes. I had always been afraid of Lex but this is terrifying. He’s psychotic and I begin to scream again. The smack of his hand against my cheek knocks me senseless. I’m seeing flashes of white in the dark as my body goes limp, giving up the fight. More tears well in my eyes as I watch him complete his exploration of me.

  He grins as he pulls my hair out of the ponytail that Jude had put up for me earlier. I wonder if Lex knew, if he saw Jude in here with me. Will he be punished for being in here with me? I hoped he wouldn’t be, I want to see him again. Why am I worried about him, one of my captures, when I’m being interrogated like this. Thinking about Jude is an escape I realize. I picture his face, his hands and I know I’ll be okay. He promised me that he would come back in the morning and take this pain away.

  “Open your eyes,” Lex shouts at me, slapping my hip. My eyes flutter open but I don’t look at him. I stare at the ceiling. I know he’s watching me intensely, I can feel his stare. He turns on a flashlight and brings it closer to my face. He smiles, almost genuinely, like something has pleased him suddenly.

  “You have your mother’s unique eyes, what a blessing and her pouty soft lips. I’m impressed Eden and very grateful you look nothing like your father,” he growls then smiles again as looks up and down my naked body another time. I watch him, wondering what else he plans on doing to me tonight. He smiles at me, the one he’s given me in the past that used to reassure me that he was taking care of us. I used to believe him but not anymore. He pulls his eyes from mine and looks up at the guards with a very hateful glare.

  “If I catch any one of you with your cocks out near her I will have you shot on sight,” he states in a very serious, matter of fact tone. This order is not to be questioned. I see each of them nod as they release their hold on me. I rub my wrists as I attempt to sit up. Lex sits back down beside me on the floor. He places his cold hand on my shaking knee.

  “One day I will own you but right now you are too young to serve my purposes. I am not a monster but I can act like one when the need arises. When I call for you to return home to me I do not expect a fight. I am your master, remember that. I will kill anyone that gets in the way of you returning to me,” he tells me and I tremble. He reaches for my wrists and holds them tight, pulling me to him. His lips are so close his smoky breath is overwhelming me. I can almost taste the brandy he’s been drinking. My mother used to keep a carafe ready for him, for his visits. I know this man well, too well. I’ve seen him naked. I’ve seen him beaten. I’ve seen him angry. I know not to upset him. He kisses me, a deep kiss, his tongue sliding over mine. He has never kissed me before, only my mother. I don’t know how to respond. I’ve never been kissed before by anyone. I’m frightened of offending him so with wide eyes I mimic his movements, sliding my tongue back over his. Even though I’m disgusted he seems to appreciate this as I hear him moan and he releases my hands, holding my cheeks as he kisses me harder, my lips bruising.

  When he releases me he is smiling again, which I hope is a good thing, that I have made him happy. My mother has always told me never to upset Mr. Lewis. She even told me that he takes care of us, buys us food and gives us a place to live. He pays for my school and he pays for my clothes. I feel indebted to him even though he has us locked up. I wish I knew why he’s so angry but I’m afraid to speak, afraid to ask. I sit there awaiting his next move.

  “You are a very good girl Eden. Very nice indeed. I look forward to our future together my darling,” he tells me with a wink, his hand grazing my cheek before he hesitantly stands.

  "I don't have a father," I whisper. He pauses then ushers his men out of the room.

  "You do now my darling. I had his DNA match yours. He has no choice but to take care of you. I can be very persuasive. He has promised not to hurt you or deny you anything," he informs me. I watch him look me up and down then turn and slam the door shut. I listen to the door locking and I let out the breath I was holding.

  “Oh God, help me, please save me. Please bring me Jude,” I whisper as I struggle to put my sundress and underwear back on. My hip is red from his smack and I’m sure my cheek is to. The men had been holding my ankles so tight I can still see their fingerprints. My legs hurt from whipping them against the cement as I tried to escape them. Foolish, I can not escape Lex, ever. When he told me I was his I believed him.

  When Jude arrived the next morning I was so relieved. When I heard the door unlock I thought it may have been Lex again. I wondered how Jude had a key and if every guard had one. They were warned not to rape me, I hope they fear Lex as much as I do. I know Jude won’t hurt me, maybe that’s why he’s allowed in. I don’t ask though, I can’t speak I can only smile. My head hurts from laying on the concrete all night and my fear of Lex coming back kept me awake.

  Jude slides down the wall beside me and I can feel his warmth. He places his arm behind my shoulders and I sigh. I can’t help but rest my cheek against his chest. I listen to his heart beating. I wonder if he is nervous, being in here with me. Maybe he’ll get caught. Oh please, don’t let Lex kill him. I need him. I can’t keep my head up and Jude doesn’t object as I rest my head on his lap. I breathe him in, never wanting to forget him, his soft touch and soothing voice. If only he held me captive I wouldn’t complain. He’s warm and not exactly soft but certainly more comfortable than the floor. When I feel his fingers brush my hair back from my face and he combs it out, I close my eyes. I dream of his lips on mine, his tongue meeting mine and I know that is how I will survive Lex. I’ll just picture Jude in his place.

  I’m shaking back and forth, as though I’m about to be sick when I hear a girls panicked voice calling my name.

  “Wake up Eden, please, you're on a plane and you’re safe. Your friends are here. Oh God, please Eden wake up.” My eyes flutter open to my friends and a few strangers all looking down at me. I must have been dreaming aloud again. Shit, I hope they didn’t hear too much. I find Angie’s eyes and she nods, sensing my fears.

  “It’s ok, she’s fine. She just had a nightmare, thank you for your concern,” she ushers them all away form me. As soon as Angie sits down I turn to her, gripping her arm.

  “What did I say? What did you hear?” I ask, sounding panicked myself now.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Threats

  Jude

  "I thought you might show. Are you here to see her off? Checking that she’s leaving alone and without me possibly?" I ask as I step up behind Byron. I saw his driver when we drove past my private jet terminal. He can't take it, I've already had it prepared. Men that I trust are holding it for me.

  "Jude, I'm hurt you were home and never came over for dinner. Your aunt will be heartbroken," he says cheerily. He's such a bastard.

  "Well, tell her it was business and I'll make it up to her next time," I smile, playing his game. He grins, his perfectly straight white teeth look vulgar against his tanned skin.

  "I actually couldn’t tell if it was business or pleasure that brought you back home. Do you know what you are doing Jude? You're playing roulette with your life," he turns serious suddenly.

  "I know what I'm doing but I'm not so sure about you Byron. Why are you so interested in Eden, I thought your working relationship with Lex was over?" I ask, watching him for a reaction. Aside from his slight shift in weight from one foot to the other he seems perfectly controlled but I know him, he trained me to be just like him. He is hiding something, holding back information that I need.

  "You can not take what belongs to Mr. Lewis and you know that. He will kill you and I
can’t allow that to happen. I won't allow that to happen. Listen to me closely Jude, stay away from Eden Daniels. She is not yours to keep she belongs to Lex, she always has," he orders. I shake my head and look out at the tarmac as her plane is being loaded.

  "You know me Byron, I won't let her go again, not now not ever," I tell him and his shoulders sink. He knew this. He knew I would refuse to give her up. She has been my obsession for six years and she’s finally with me again. Did he really think I would hand her over to a monster without a fight.

  "Her father has already agreed to step down his security, he is willing to hand her over for the lives of his wife and oldest daughter. He has been threatened since the beginning, since Lex forced him to take her. Lex has always known where is she is, at all times. He just didn't want her back until now. He sent me a warning a few days ago to get you away from her or you will be executed. You're like a son to me Jude and I know you won't win this. His threats are not to be taken lightly."

  "I'll hide her away, I'll get her off that plane and we'll just vanish," I said, knowing that plan sounds way too easy. Anger is raging through my body.

  "He will kill her family, including her sister, father and stepmother but there is more. He has surveillance on your mother too," he almost whispers, as though it’s too painful for him to say aloud.

  "My father has a fortress and guards to match, he'll never get close to her,” I reply.

  "One of his assassins has already been inside, in her bedroom and killed her Yorkie as a warning to you. All the guards were interrogated but none of them saw anything and no reason for this killing was left except I received this yesterday." He shows me a picture of my mother's oldest dog Benny, she loves him more than me. He's dead, throat cut and bleeding out on her bed. Byron points beside the dog. There is a picture of Eden, smiling as she stands under the Eiffel tower. I had stepped back to take her picture, the assassin must have been almost right beside me to have taken a shot so similar to mine.