“Brady, I’m just who I am. You’re making me . . .”
“Brady,” A woman’s voice called out. “Brady Clay, how are you?” I turned to look at the voice which held so much enthusiasm.
My heart froze when I saw the beautiful blonde woman walking our way: impeccable makeup; her long hair looked glossy and perfectly straightened in place; the brightest white smile plastered on her face; and tall and lean in a silver, lace gown. Sonia Carrion-Keene was the last person I wanted to see.
“Sonia, how have you been?” He asked as he double kissed the air around both her cheeks. “Sonia, this is . . .”
“Perla Mercurio. The woman who has you and Matt fighting for her affection,” she said with a haughty laugh.
“I’m actually Dr. Keene’s wife. Brady is a family friend. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you. You are?” I extended my hand.
“I’m Matt’s first wife, Sonia,” she introduced. “I thought you hadn’t filed the marriage license, which still gives you a chance,” she said to Brady, placing her hand just so on his chest.
I was quite surprised by the ease with which she flirted with him, and he seemed at ease with her touch. I found it odd Brady would be so comfortable with his friend’s ex-wife. Sonia’s eyes ate him up. As an observer of human behavior, I could see the magnetism between them, and I hated the thoughts swimming in my cynical mind. By all appearances, Sonia is Brady’s type. Brady molded Aida to resemble the same image: blonde, thin, and vapid. Brigit was the epitome of the type. And I could see the appeal of Sonia: the beauty and social queen.
“It takes more than a piece of paper to be a doting wife,” I returned.
Sonia pursed her lips and scanned me from bottom to top, and narrowed her eyes. However, she left a sly smile at the corners. She perfected the social-bitch-face, emitting it on any given occasion.
A call from across the room distracted Brady, “You two play nice,” he said, giving me and Sonia an awkward private meeting.
“I hope you can make him happy,” she said with a tinge of derision.
“I have to thank you, Sonia,” I started. She looked intrigued.
“Why?” she inquired.
“Not every couple is meant to be. I appreciate you releasing Matt back into the dating world for me to find. It was perfect timing. I was ready for a really handsome, intelligent, and hardworking man to whisk me off my feet. Matt is definitely the man for me. If it weren’t for the end of your marriage, I wouldn’t have him,” I started to walk away.
“Until he gets bored with you. When the sex is no longer enough. When you’re fully clothed, sitting in a room with him, and you realize all you had was really, really good sex. There will always be an end for Matt. Don’t be surprised when he amps the sex to a level you can’t tolerate, and then leaves you longing for attention,” Sonia rattled off.
“Which is why he’s perfect for me. It’s never enough. It’s never rough enough or painful enough. Having so much more cushion allows me to take everything he has to give. But most of all, it’s never lacking in love or attention. Have a great night,” I gave her a huge smile, and walked off. I felt the blood rush to my head while I sought a familiar face to calm my anger. I saw Maggie, and I exhaled as I made my way to her.
Maggie stretched out her arms to receive me. “You were absolutely beautiful and flawless,” she complimented.
“I felt old and stiff,” I said.
“Honey, if you’re old and stiff, I’m practically mummified. Now where is that boyfriend of yours?” She asked.
“Actually, Maggie. I don’t know how much Brady has explained, but Matt’s technically my husband,” She looked shocked. I gave her a redacted explanation.
“Perla, whatever you do, don’t do anything to lead Shay on. I know my son can look strong, but his heart is more delicate than he lets on,” she offered.
“I don’t want to break Shay’s heart, but I have to follow my own. Anything I do to Brady is to protect him and Pentagon.” I said.
Maggie looked at me puzzled. Before I could add anything else, Brady approached us.
“Look who I found?” He said.
“Perlita,” my father’s gravelly voice sung in the air.
“Papi,” I cried like a school girl. “I didn’t think you could make it.”
“I changed my mind. Gill got me a car and I’m staying at the hotel across the street. He got me someone to help me around too.”
“Sit,” I ordered gently. He and Maggie hugged before we took a seat at Brady’s table. We spoke for a long while until Gill let me know I needed to change. I left my father with Maggie, and went backstage. On my way, I searched for Matt. The large room, filled with many people milling about in idle chatter and dancing to the light jazz music, provided too many distractions.
Gill brought my new orange gown and gold, strappy heels, including everything I needed for a good shower and refreshing my makeup. When I finished with my makeup, I heard a knock on the door.
“Come in,” I called out.
I saw Matt’s salt and pepper hair enter first. “We need to talk,” he said.
The dreaded words no human being wants to hear from a lover. “Okay,” I answered, turning around and sitting on the counter to listen.
He took a long pause, formulating his thoughts. “I’ve noticed some changes in you . . .” He started. I looked at him puzzled, crossing my arms to listen intently. “I have to ask you something, and I hope you tell me the absolute truth,” I remained silent, waiting for him to get to the point. “Do you know you’re pregnant?” He asked. My heart beat wildly.
“How did you find out?” I asked, fearing my privacy was somehow invaded.
“So it’s true,” he concluded.
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“I had your saliva tested. It’s not an accurate method, but enough to indicate pregnancy. Enough to approach you and ask for the truth. How far along are you?”
“About eight weeks.”
“Were you ever going to tell me?”
“Of course,” I walked up to him, and he backed away.”
“When were you planning to tell me?”
I didn’t answer.
“What exactly are we doing here?” He asked composed. I chalked it up to his concern for my health and safety for our baby.
“I found out this week. I confirmed it with an OB/GYN my sister works for. I planned on telling you, but I needed time to process everything.”
“Are you taking care of yourself?”
“Yes,”
“Really?” He asked incredulously. “Are you eating right? Are you taking vitamins? Are you getting enough sleep? Do you even care that you’re carrying my baby? Is it even my baby?” He asked in rapid fire succession.
“Yes, of course—to everything,” I answered, feeling dizzy with the brunt of his anger. I turned to sit, and he grabbed my arm to face him again.
“I asked you what we’re doing here. What game are you playing? I thought I’d give you some time to sort out your feelings. I didn’t want you to feel pressure, seeing as you were held captive by two obsessed people. But now you’ve been trying to keep my baby from me.”
“No. It was never the plan.”
“Then what is the plan? Are you trying to break me down, thinking I’d give in about Brady? Do you think you’re really capable of mind fucking me into submission? Perla, I love you, but I’m not that pussy whipped. This is my company. You are my wife. You’re carrying my baby,” he pointed to my stomach. “I want the license filed. If I don’t get the license, I am walking away from you. I will see to it the company is broken up. You’ll be out of a job. I will fight you tooth and nail for custody of my baby,” he said.
I could only stand and listen to his rants.
There was no way I could deviate from the plan with Zipper and the other men. I took a deep breath, stood up, and said, “I told you before, do your worst.”
I stared him down. I could see the fire in
his eyes and his breathing was erratic. I saw the sexual charge lighting him up. He pounced on me, pulling me against his body. His mouth devoured mine. Matt’s breath was as strong as a raging bull’s.
“You’re breaking my heart,” he said when he pulled away. He wiped his mouth with his handkerchief. He opened the door and walked out. I fell back into the chair. A fog overtook my mind. I needed to fix this faster than Zipper could do for me.
A knock on the door stopped my scheme to slip out and go home. “Gill?” I asked when he walked in.
“Are you okay?” He asked. I nodded, grabbing a few tissues and my lipstick to reapply.
“I need you to book me and Josh a first class flight for tomorrow morning to Northern California. Let Josh know. Reserve everything necessary. Schedule a meeting with the architects for early in the morning Monday. I want to return soon after, okay?”
“But first, are you okay?”
“I will be when you do this for me,” I answered. “But Gill, this impromptu trip is between us.”
“Perla. I know you think I’ve been feeding information to Matt. I will admit that I’ve been his PA for as long as I’ve been at Pentagon, but I made it clear to him I will not betray your trust and privacy. So anything he’s learned and used to his advantage doesn’t come from me,” he stated adamantly.
My suspicions were confirmed. Gill had a longstanding relationship with Matt, but hearing the truth was still a blow to my trust.
“Thank you for your honesty. I’m just trying to figure out who to trust. But helping me with this will be the best way to prove you’re on my side,” I said with a curt smile.
Gill nodded, picking up his cellphone and made a call.
*****
When I composed myself, I fixed my makeup and returned to the gala. I scanned the room for Matt, hoping we could be civil in front of all the patrons and our families. I knew everyone would be attend to support the program and expected us to be on good terms. I watched as he talked to Sonia, and my heart felt broken in two. Their cold, serious faces, barren of affection for each other, indicated it wasn’t a pleasant encounter. Her attempts at flirtation were ignored, allowing me to breathe once more.
Chelsea called my name. Dougie stood beside her. Both of them looked incredible in their finest wear. Our ships were sailing since I started working at Pentagon, and it was so heartwarming to see her. The hug I gave her spoke volumes, even if she didn’t know what I was conveying. I needed to get her perspective, but I was stopped by my need to keep the plan private.
“I’m so happy you’re safe,” she said. “You were beautiful out there. I can’t believe you still have it after all these years. I mean the fan dance was ‘everything’,” she said with a tear collecting at the corner of her eyes.
“Thank you, sweetie.”
“So many things have been going on with you in the tabloids, and we heard about Ben’s attempts to get you back,” she grimaced. “I feel responsible for everything.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked. We gathered closer.
“Well. Dougie and I introduced you to Ben, and look how that turned out. Then I’m the one who pushed you on Matt, sending you right into the snake pit,” she said. I shook my head, slightly miffed she would equate my husband with being a snake. I let it go, understanding her concern for me.
“I’m a grown woman. I made my choice.”
“So who are you choosing?” She asked. I looked for Matt, but couldn’t capture his vision. He was definitely my choice.
Brady swooped in beside me, “Hello,” He introduced himself.
“Chelsea, I hear you’re one of Perla’s best friends,” he stated.
I’d never spoken of her to him before; not even in captivity. I remembered we were all in the same club the first night we set eyes on each other.
“I hear you’re one of Perla’s kidnappers,” she retorted with a devilish smile. I knew Chelsea would leave her filter at home. I couldn’t help but note how he quickly blanched, then recovered.
“Ah, Perla. Are you sure you need your bodyguard? Chelsea seems appropriate for the job,” he smiled with a laugh.
Chelsea introduced Dougie while I scanned the room to find Matt.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to take my gal for a dance,” Brady said, leading me to the dance floor.
“Brady, what are you doing?” I asked.
“Matt’s having fun with his date. Why can’t we?” I looked at him confused.
When we approached the floor, I saw Matt dancing with a beautiful, curvaceous woman. She wore a strapless red gown. Her long wavy, brown hair moved seductively around her shoulders as he led her around the dance floor. I felt gutted. While Brady led me in a dance, I watched them. She and I made eye contact. Her stunning green eyes locked with mine, and she gave me a knowing smile. I looked away. My heart felt pierced by the knowledge he was here with someone else.
“Who is she?”
“Diana Maxwell. She’s one of our architects at Gram Designs. She designed Carve. Diana is not only beautiful, but talented,” he informed.
He seemed delighted to deliver the bad news while my stomach fluttered and my heart ached.
“You look beautiful in orange,” he said.
“May I cut in?” I heard from beside us. Carson tapped on Brady’s shoulder. Brady didn’t look too pleased.
After introductions, Brady gave us leave to dance. “What’s going on, sweetie? You look like someone died,” He pulled me close. I rested my head on his chest.
“He knows . . . about the baby. He’s angry. I didn’t know he brought a date tonight. He’s fucking with my mind. And I have to fuck with his mind to stop him from ruining the corporation. I don’t know how much more of this I can take,” I revealed.
I saw Carson make a head motion to someone behind me. Within seconds, Turner sidled up beside us, taking over for Carson. My two angels were in tune with me once again.
“What’s going on?”
“I’m pregnant. Matt just found, using one of his tricks. I need some safeguards put into place immediately. My brain is too rattled to think. Zipper has his team doing overtime to do their part to stop the possibility of dissolution. Matt’s patience has run dry. I may need you to help me with custody issues,” I rambled.
“Perla, it’s all going to be just fine,” repeating ‘just fine’ in a whisper as he pulled me close and rocked me to the beat of the slow music.
After my breathing regulated, I sank further into his hold. I looked up and saw Matt watching us. He looked so forlorn. When we locked eyes, the fury returned.
*****
After making the rounds of meeting and greeting with donors, I spent some time with my father, Maggie, and Chelsea. I didn’t want to seek out Matt, but each time I unconsciously scanned to find him dancing with various women. It was touching to see him dance with his sister and mother. I had said my ‘hellos’ to Stella, Craig, Leona, and Matthew, but I didn’t remain to talk much more than pleasantries.
Matt ignored me throughout the night. His punishments were getting worse. His snub hurt so much more than anything he subjected my body. Sonia was right. Matt’s indifference broke me. However, I wouldn’t seek out other men to hurt him. I turned down many dance invitations, which could have brought more checks to the program had I accepted. I kept my distance from Brady, who didn’t seem to mind when he had a selection of beauties to occupy him.
I decided to call it a night. I motioned for Josh, who stood in the corner. Arm in arm with Josh, I made my rounds, saying ‘good night’ to all who mattered. Once I retrieved my things, we took off to my apartment. I texted Irena, asking her to put surveillance on Mr. Merrick Piers Darden, wanting to pay him a visit at some point on Sunday. I wanted to catch him off guard and unable to escape my inquiries.
*****
Josh and I made our way to California by way of Pentagon’s private executive plane. There were a fleet of three planes. Thankfully, Gill was able to schedule one for a qu
ick turnaround. Matt didn’t come over to my apartment. He didn’t make any contact. His punishment was in full swing, and I was even more determined to conclude this whole ordeal, so I could either enjoy my relationship or move on with my life and attempt to co-parent our child.
After checking into our luxurious accommodations, I called Irena to ascertain where I could find the man I knew as Eric Pierce. Irena told me he’d just arrived to have brunch with a couple of friends at Bright Spot Café in the middle of the city. After the hostess declined taking a reservation, I offered her a substantial check-in fee for the last minute reservation, which she didn’t decline.
Upon arrival, we bypassed the line and went straight to Cindy, the hostess, to get seated. I placed a plain notecard sized envelope on her seating chart. Cindy opened it to confirm the denomination. Cindy’s eyes bulged and led us toward a table. I spotted Eric immediately. He hadn’t even changed his appearance. He was having an animated discussion with his group of friends. Josh and I sat, pretending to read our menus.
We watched as the server returned to Eric with the check folio. Because they were about to leave, I stood up and walked over to Eric and his party.
“Merrick Piers Darden, you darling man, you. How have you been?” I asked. He looked over at me and his face appeared ashen with guilt.
“Perla. How are you?” He asked tentatively. His friends beamed at me. I smiled at one of the men who made eye contact with my breasts. The other man looked at Eric.”
“Rick, who is this?” He asked amused, and I noted yet another name.
“Oh, Rick and I go way back. I’m in town from Boston, and I’m so delighted I saw a friendly face. I’d like to buy you a coffee, if you have time. Catch up?”
Mr. Breast Man said, “Oh, we’re done with him now that he’s paid. He’s all yours.” Both men stood up, shook hands with Eric, and smiled at me as they retreated and left.
“Eric. Merrick. Rick. What should I call you?” I asked, sitting in front of him.
Bound: The Pentagon Group, Book 3 Page 29
