Three Thousand Miles - Forever, (book #3 of Three Thousand Miles, Series)

by Deila Longford

  “Okay, but we have to take William with us. It’s not fair for us to leave him.” Adrian smiles at me and then I remember about the note – perhaps I should tell him about it. Ever since Adrian kept Edward a secret from me we have promised to always be truthful with one another and by not telling him about the message I am breaking my promise to him. I rest my head against his chest as I confess.

  “Adrian, they have sent me another warning.” Adrian pats my head at my confession and then he gently asks me to explain. “Tell me what they have said?” I grab onto Adrian’s hand and then I lead him out of the lounge and into the hallway. Adrian flicks the lights off as we leave lounge and then I tenderly hold his hand in mine as we glide up the stairs and into our bedroom. I walk over to my dressing table and I open one of its drawers. I rummage through the drawer until I feel the piece of paper. I grab it from the drawer and then I hand it to Adrian. He reads it and his face flashes white as takes in the words. I gently touch his arm as I try to comfort my husband. Adrian shakes his head and then he hands me the note.

  “Don’t worry I will do everything in my power to make you safe again.” I lunge into Adrian’s arms and he holds me firmly. He gently kisses the top of my head as he squeezes me harder. I rest my cheek against his chest as I inhale his strong cologne. I feel safe in his arms and I could stay in this moment –forever.

  Sixteen

  When I wake the next morning, I wake up alone. I scan the room as I focus my eyes, but Adrian is nowhere to be seen. I gently press my hand against my forehead as I adjust my blurry eyes. My eyes finally clear and then I lunge out of the bed and I make my way into the bathroom. As I switch on the light, I notice a pink post-it stuck onto the mirror. I smile as I grab the note to read.

  Baby, I have gone to collect William. Please don’t pack, I have already sorted everything. I won’t be long and I love you, Mrs Black!

  I smile again at Adrian’s message and then I run myself a shower. I march back into my bedroom with my bathrobe tightly tied around me. I begin to look through my closet as I choose an outfit. I decide to wear my white skinny jeans and a bright bink blouse. As Adrian has told me not to pack I resist the urge to fill my overnight bag with clothes. I switch the light off in my closet and then I head over to my dressing table where I begin to dry my curly hair. Once my hair is dry, I apply a little serum and then I apply a light dusting of make-up. James is right I do look pale so I apply an extra layer of blush as I don’t want Adrian to notice my light complexion. I smile at myself once I am satisfied with my look and then I slide up from chair as I begin to make my way down the stairs.

  I walk into the kitchen and to my surprise Sophie is already awake and she is preparing breakfast. I rush over to her as I offer her my help.

  “Sophie let me help you with that,” I say as I attempt to take the spatula from her hand. Sophie playfully bats me away as she informs me that she doesn’t want my help.

  “I’m not disabled and I can manage to make breakfast!” I am stunned by her tone and I make a darting look towards James who is sitting at the breakfast bar. He smiles at me as he informs me not to mess with a hormonal Sophie.

  “You don’t want to disagree with her, trust me.” Sophie narrows her eyes at him and then she continues to scramble the eggs. I shake my head at her and then I give up as I take a seat next to James. He smiles at me and then he begins to talk about our trip.

  “I just want to say thanks to you and Adrian for putting us up whilst we are here in London. And I want to thank you for the amazing trip that you guys are taking us on.” I nod at him and then I turn to Sophie.

  “Are you sure that you are up to taking a trip? You have already flown so far and I would hate for you to become exhausted.” Sophie smiles and then she has a sarcastic answer.

  “Are you kidding me? It’s St. Tropez I would happily take the exhaustion for a few days in the sun.” I laugh and then I burst her bubble.

  “The weather is cooler this time of year and it might not be that sunny.” Sophie rolls her eyes at me.

  “It has to be warmer than here.” I laugh again and then I simply nod as James is right, I really shouldn’t disagree with her. We have breakfast and then James steps outside as he has phone call to make. I clear up and then Sophie and I head into the lounge and we relax on the sofa. We begin to talk about New York and as Sophie fills me in on what’s been going on, I begin to remember how much I miss my family. I haven’t seen my parents and Penelope since the wedding and that just isn’t acceptable. I am missing so much of their lives and I am absent frommy little sisters life. I have missed so much stuff regarding Penelope. My mom called me the other day and she told me that Penelope has started to take ballet lessons and that is shocking to me as I had no idea that she liked to dance. When my mom tells me about all of the new things that she and my dad are thinking of doing, it makes me feel like an outsider, looking in on someone else’s life. My family and I used to be so close, but now that I live in London that thought seems like a distant memory.

  Adrian arrives home about a half-hour later and he is accompanied by William. William embraces me with an excited hug and then he takes my hand. I escort him into the lounge and I gently smile at him as weenter. Sophie’s eyes light up when she sees him and James is staring blankly at Adrian’s son. I walk him further into the room and then I introduce him.

  “William this is my friend Sophie and her boyfriend James,” William looks at up me and his are tense as they glow. I smile at him and then I feel a hand on my back. I turn around and Adrian is standing behind me. He looks down at William and he winks as he urges him to say ‘hello’.

  “Aren’t you going to say hi?” William smiles at his father and then he turns to look at Sophie and James.

  “Hello my name is William,” he says in a sweet voice. I gently pat his head as Sophie beams at him. “It’s lovely to meet you, aren’t you just the cutest.” I laugh at Sophie’s gush and then I escort William over to the sofa. I sit down and William positions himself onto my lap. I gently wrap my arms around his waist as I comfort him. He is a very smartly dressed kid; he is wearing light brown chinos, a blue shirt and a Ralph Lauren sweater. His light chocolate hair is messy – just like Adrian’s and his eyes are a sinful shade of green. He has the cutest little, plump face and he has dimples in his cheeks. William is a small child for five and I can’t help but wonder if he will grow up to be as tall as Adrian.

  William sits on my lap – until it’s time to leave for the airport. I clutch his hand as I lead him towards Adrian’s car. Adrian opens the back door of his Range Rover and he gently lifts William into his car seat. Adrian buckles him in and as I watch Adrian with his son, I can’t help but admire this little boy. For five years of his life, he believed that Chad was his father and I admire him because I can’t believe how easily he has accepted Adrian. William looks at Adrian with love pouring out of those green eyes. He has relished the fact that Adrian is his father and he has accepted me in his life. He never misbehaves or causes problems for us. William is the most wonderful child and he has so much of Adrian in him – that it actually scares me. I look at him and I see Adrian staring back at me. He is Adrian’s son, but the more time that I spend with him, the more he feels like my son as well.

  We arrive in St Tropez and as I expected the weather isn’t the best. The sky is blue, but a cool wind blows its twelve degree temperature through me. Adrian has arranged for us to stay at a hotel and I was a little a mad at his decision. Adrian owns a massive villa here in St Tropez so why he wants to stay in a busy hotel is beyond me. Adrian, William and I are traveling in the one car whilst Sophie and James follow behind us in another. We are driving along the coast of the French Rivera and I am lost for words as I take in its beauty. The skyline is gorgeous and the sea is glistening below us. The car begins to travel uphill as I constantly stare out of the window. I am mesmerised by the view as we drive further into the hills and I turn to look at Adrian.

  “This view is to die
for,” Adrian smirks at me and then he gently pats William on his head.

  “You are a little quiet are you okay?” Adrian smoothly says as he locks his eyes on Williams. “I’m hungry,” William confesses. I gently laugh and then I lift my bag from the floor. I rummage through the contents of my Louis Vuitton purse until I find a small packet of potato chips. I smile at William and then I give him his snack. Adrian pats him again on his head and then he winks at me. William tucks into his snack as he thanks me.

  “Thank you, Alanna.” I smile at the sound of his bright English accent and then I turn my attention to Adrian as I want to quiz him on why we are not staying at his villa.

  “Why do you want to stay at a hotel when you have a huge villa?” Adrian stares at me as he gently rolls his eyes at my question. I am sensing that he doesn’t want to be quizzed on his reasons why, butI hold my gaze as I patiently wait for him to reply.

  “The hotel is much nicer,” Adrian says coolly. I narrow my eyes at him as I alert him that I am not buying what he is saying.

  “You actually expect me to believe that?” Adrian’s nostrils flare as my words ring in the air. I roll my eyes at him as I make a darting look towards William. He is still eating his potato chips, but his eyes are fixed on Adrian. I hate to think of how scared William will be if he witnesses Adrian losing control of his temper; therefore I position my eyes firmly on Adrian’s.

  “Your right the hotel is much nicer.” The car pulls up at the entrance of the hotel and as soon as the car halts, there is a door attendant ushering me out of the car. Adrian and William get out of the car and William runs over to my side and he grips onto my hand. I smile at him and then I feel Adrian’s hand on my back. He escorts William and me into the hotel and he firmly tells us to wait over by the seats as he checks us into the hotel. I walk William over to the large chesterfield sofa which is positioned right next to a large glass window which looks out onto the sea. William sits next me as he maintains his grip on my hand. I watch Adrian as he talks fluently in French as he explains exactly what he wants. I roll my eyes at his firmness and then I scan the hallway of the hotel. The furniture is classic, white shabby chic and there are massive displays of white lilies filling the gold, carved tables. Most of the walls are mirrored, but the ones that aren’t are decorated with large paintings of flowers and children. The white marble flooring is gleaming and the entrance is scented with the smell of lavender. I slightly inhale the fresh scent and then I smile as I notice Sophie and James pushing their way in through the glass doors.

  James is carrying their bags as he follows behind Sophie. The couple march over to me and Sophie takes a seat onto the sofa asshe stares over at Adrian. James looks a little tense and I quickly ask him if everything is okay.

  “Is there something wrong, James?” He quickly shakes his head as he sets the bags down onto the marble floor. “I feel bad,” he admits. I scowl at him.

  “About what?” I urge him to answer me as I stare deep into his dark eyes. James looks over at Adrian who is still rambling on in French to the woman behind the desk. Then he looks back at me as he explains his feelings.

  “I feel bad that Adrian is paying for all this. It was generous of him to fly us over on his jet, but now that he is practically taking us on vacation, it’s just too… much.” I stare at him as I understand his frustration. Adrian and I have had many conversations about his over-generous sideand all of them have ended with Adrian manipulating me into believing that his actions are right. I feel guilty all the time that Adrian has the need to buy me over-expensive things and I hate it when he refuses to accept anything in return. I especially understand how degrading it can be and as I look at James I can see that he is a proud man, so for Adrian to be taking the control, it must be very frustrating indeed. I look into James’s eyes and then I try to reassure him not to feel bad.

  “James, don’t feel bad. Adrian won’t have it any other way, believe me there is no way that he is going to let you pay for anything. It’s best if you just accept it and move on.” James considers my words and then he talks again.

  “No, we can’t just mooch off you guys, it isn’t fair. I can pay for our room.” “Of course you can pay, but Adrian won’t let you. You can try but you won’t have any luck. Please just thank him and forget about it, okay?” Sophie looks up at James as she notices his anguish building.

  “Babe, please just let it go.” James exhales and then he lifts their bags from floor as Adrian marches over to us. “Okay we are all set follow me, come on William.” Adrian stretches out his hand for William to take it but he resists. “What’swrong, mate?” Adrian says as locks his eyes on Williams. I make my way over to his side as I stare down at William.

  “I’m tired,” he says in a sleepy voice. Adrian’s lips curve as he bends down and swoops William into his strong arms. Adrian reachesout and takes my hand in his as he leads us to our rooms.

  “Oh mate, leave the bags, the bell-man will carry them for you.” Adrian says firmly to James. I make a darting look towards Sophie as I urge her to comfort James. Sophie notices my silent plea as she links her arm into his. James smiles at his girlfriend and then he hands the bags to the small, dark haired bell-man.

  We glide up the stairs and along the wide hallway of the hotel until we reach a row of dark, oak doors. Adrian slides the key card into the slot and then he gently pushes open the door of Sophie and James’s room.

  “Here you go,” Adrian says firmly as he hands James the key card. Sophie smiles at Adrian and then she marches into the room, James shakes Adrian’s hand as he enters the room and then Adrian leads me to the next door.

  We enter our suite and Adrian instantly makes his way over to the four poster bed and gently sets William down. I move closer into the room as I watch Adrian with his son. Adrian has slid off William’s shoes and now he is gently stroking his forehead as he soothes him to go to sleep. William yawns and his large green eyes are heavy as he gently rests his head against the soft gold pillow. Adrian tries to move away, but William wraps his tiny arms around his neck – forcing him to stay. I laugh at William’s control as he reminds me of Adrian. I walk closer to them, but I maintain my distance as I don’t want to disturb them. William pulls Adrian’s head down towards him and he gently places a soft kiss onto Adrian’s jaw and then I hear him whisper.

  “I love you … daddy.” I have to hold back my tears as William’s words ring in my ears. Adrian sniffles and then he softly kisses William’s forehead as he returns his gesture.

  “I love … you.” William smiles at Adrian and then he loosens his hands from around his neck as his green eyes gently close. Adrian stays with him for a few moments and then he gently pats his head as he leaps off the bed. Adrian’s eyes are water filled and I lunge into his arms as I want to share this precious moment with him. Adrian grips onto me as he gently kisses my neck. I have never seen him so emotional and I am glad that he has shared this side of himself with me. I squeeze him tighter – until my hands feel numb and then I pull back from him as I look into his deep green eyes.

  “He called me daddy and he said that he loved me.” I smile at Adrian. “You are his daddy and of course he loves you. Just look into his eyes and you can see it.” Adrian bites his lower lip as he remembers his son’s words.

  “I don’t know what I have done to deserve a family like ours. I was blessed from moment that I laid eyes on you and now I have a child. I finally have a real family.”

  “Adrian you deserve our family because you are an amazing person. I love you and William loves you, trust me we are the lucky ones to have you.” Adrian shakes his head as he gently kisses my neck again. He gently sighs when his lips collide with my skin and then he pulls back from me. His eyes have deepened and his hands are gently shaking. Adrian stares atme and my heart races as I await his next words.

  “I will make you safe again, if it’s the last thing that I do.” We spend a few hours in our room and then William wakes up from his nap and he alerts Adrian a
nd me that he is hungry. I have quickly gotten changed into a lighter outfit consisting of a long maxi dress. Adrian has also changed out of his suit and now he is dressed in dark blue jeans and a crisp white shirt. Adrian was right to tell me not to pack because when we arrived in the room, the closets had already been filled with new clothes. Adrian had his French personal shopper, go out and buy new clothes for the three of us and as usual everything in the closet is stunning and fits like a glove.

  “Come on sweetie let’s get you dressed.” I say to William as I usher him out of the bathtub. When he woke up he was covered in sweat so I decided to let him cool off in the Jacuzzi. William was so cute as he splashed around in the bubbles and I couldn’t help but feel happy that he was having so much fun.

  I walk William into the bedroom and then I sit him down onto the bed as I begin to select him an outfit. I rummage through the drawers and I find a smart pair of jeans and a blue checked shirt. I hold themup to him as I ask his opinion on my choice of clothing.

  “What do you think?” William stares at the clothing and then he nods in agreement with my selection. I smile at him and then I rush back over to him as I begin to dress him.

  William suits the clothes perfectly, but as I stare at him I feel that something is missing. Therefore I head back over to the drawers and I quickly begin to pick through them – again. I find a blue, sleeveless sweater and I smile as I feel that it would look perfect on him and it would be a lot more practical in case he gets cold during dinner. I rush back over to him and I quickly place the sweater over his head. He straightens himself out as he looks at his reflection in the tall mirror. He smiles at the sight and then I pick him up into my arms as I head over the dressing table. I sit William down onto the stool and then I gently begin to towel dry his wet, chocolate hair. William sits perfectly still as I comb through his wavy locks and I am surprised that he has let me brush his hair as I remember how Penelope acts when I mom tries to brush her hair – she screams the place down. But the same can’t be said for William as he behaves exceptionally well. I finish drying his hair and then I spin him around towards me.