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

by Deila Longford

  “You look so handsome,” I gush as I gently squeeze his plump cheeks. William smiles at me and then he turns his attention to Adrian as he bursts into the bedroom.

  “Wow don’t you two look nice,” Adrian smoothly says as he glides over and gently kisses my cheek. I smile at him as he gently reaches his hand out for William. “Let’s go and eat!” Adrian says warmly to William.

  By the time we arrive at beach-side restaurant I am starving. Adrian has booked us a large table in one of the most sought after eateries in St Tropez and I am stunned by the waterfront view that our table has. We sit down at our table and the server quickly takes our drinks order and I am little annoyed when Adrian orders a scotch on the rocks with a twist. I gently roll my eyes at his choice of beverage and then I order myself a water as I don’t want to drink alcohol around William and I feel that it would much more respectful of Sophie as she can’t drink right now. James on the other hand follows Adrian as he orders himself a neat scotch. I’m not sure what William would like to drink so I let him make his own choice.

  “And what can I get for you,” the server says in a smooth French accent. William playfully grips his chin as he is in deep thought over his drink selection. He clicks his little fingers as he decides.

  “Cola please,” the server looks at me for my approval before he writes it down onto his notepad. I gently nod at the server and then I smile at William as I begin to scan through the large menu.

  The server returns to our table and he quickly ushers us with our drinks. Then he begins to take our food orders. “I will have the steak, medium rare.” Adrian says firmly to the server as he sips at his alcohol. I look down at the menu again as I try to decide what to have for dinner. There are so many choices and I just can’t decide if I want pasta or steak. I quickly urge Sophie to place her order as I am still deciding.

  “I will have the lobster ravioli,” Sophie says proudly to the waiter and then James makes his selection. “Steak, rare,” the server turns to me as he alerts me that it’s my turn. I scan the menu again and then I make my choice.

  “Penne carbonara,” the serve smiles at me and then he focuses on William. “What can I get for you, sir?” William looks at me and instead of telling the server what he would for dinner he tells me instead.

  “I want spaghetti,” I nod at him and then the server bursts into laughter as he gently pats William’s head. We talk in the candle light of the stunning restaurant as we wait for our food. Adrian and James are talking about business and Sophie and I are chatting about baby names. William is sitting quietly as he plays with his Nintendo DS.

  “So what do you think about the name Romeo?” Sophie asks as she sips her water. I look at her in surprise, first Brooklyn and now Romeo I am beginning to think that Sophie has a taken her baby name ideas from the Beckham’s. I gently laugh as I try not to show my horror at her suggestion. I clear my throat as I begin to give her my opinion.

  “Don’t you think that Romeo is a little… out there?” Sophie shakes her head at me.

  “No, it’s a wonderful name.” I feel a little stunned by her tone so I quickly try to redeem myself. “Are you forgetting how traditional your parents are?”

  “How could I forget and anyway it’s not their decision. James and I will choose our baby’s name and we can make it as out there as we want.” I nod in agreement and then I feel that I no longer want to continue this conversation with Sophie as I feel that she is getting a little flustered by my answers. Therefore I change the subject.

  “The view is stunning, right?” Sophie makes a darting look out of the window and when he she turns back to face me, she has a huge smile plastered on her face. I smile at Sophie whilst I keep one eye on Adrian. I watch him as he downs his second scotch and I cringe when he orders a third. I feel like shaking him and telling him to stop drinking, but I know that I can’t. Adrian is a grown man and despite my fears over his behaviour towards alcohol, I know that I can do nothing to stop it. I have to grin and bear it as I secretly pray that he gets over his new-found taste for Alcohol.

  The server brings us our food and as we start to eat, I hear my phone buzzing from inside my handbag. I quickly take out my phone as I check to see who is calling me. My heart races when I see that Michael is the one who is calling. I try to decide if I should answer him and then I give in as I excuse myself from the table. I make my over to the deck and I take a deep breath as I answer the phone.

  “Hello,” I say firmly.

  “Alanna I’m so glad that you have answered me.” Michael’s voice sounds desperate and I can’t help but wonder if everything is alright with him. “You sound tense, is everything okay?” “No, it’s not. I need you to come to me; I have had a … accident.” My heart is pounding from my chest as Michael’s words ring in my ears. Things between Michael and I haven’t been great recently and I felt physically sick when I Adrian told me about Becky, but I still care abouthim and I would hate for anything to happen to him. I will always owe Michael my life and now that he is the one in need of help, I can’t just turn him away.

  “What happened are you okay?”

  “I have been … shot and I need you, please come to me, Alanna.” Tears begin to pour from my eyes as I try to process Michael’s words. My head is spinning in a million directions and I can’t breathe. I want to go to him, but I am too far away and I am scared that I won’t make it in time to save him. I franticly begin to pace the deck as I consider my options.

  “Michael, talk to me, are you in the hospital?”

  “No, I’m in my flat please Alanna I need you.” I feel the blood rushing to my head as I march into the restaurant.

  “Is there any one with you? Are you badly hurt?” I rapidly fire my questions to him as I walk in the direction of our table.

  “I’m alone and I am bleeding, Alanna where are you?”

  “Michael, listen to me, Adrian and I are in St Tropez, and you have to call an ambulance – immediately.” “No, I want you.” My heart is breaking and I can’t focus as I reach our table. Tears are pouring from my eyes and Adrian quickly stands up and rushes over to my side. He firmly grips my arm as he asks me what’s wrong.

  “Baby, what is it? Why are you crying?” I close my eyes at his question and I don’t answer him, instead I try to convince Michael to get help.

  “Listen to me, call an ambulance and I will be there soon, okay?” “I knew that I could count on you, you are my angel.” Michael hangs up the phone and as I pull the phone away from ear, I am in a daze. My eyes are blurry and my throat is dry, I can’t breathe and my head is pounding. I close my eyes and I suddenly feel as if I am falling. I feel Adrian’s arms catch me before I hit the ground and I can hear his panicking voice.

  “Alanna, Alanna, baby wake up.” He urges as he gently slaps my face. I feel my heart rate increasing and I try my hardest to open my eyes, but they are sealed shut. I can hear Sophie’s voice as she urges James to help. I feel Adrian’s arms loosen around me and now I feel cold stone as he must have set me down onto the floor. I feel warm hands squeezing my face and then I feel a splash of cold water onto my forehead and neck. My eyes tremble from the iciness of the water and then James’s voice echoes in the air.

  “Hand me more water, I think that she is dehydrated. We need to get her to drink.” I feel his fingers trying to pull my eyelids open, but my body fights him as they remain tightly shut. Adrian is shouting at James – urging him to wake me. I feel terribly guilty as I can hear his pain but here I am not responding. Now, I can hear crying and I realise that it’s William when I hear Adrian trying to soothe him.

  “Stop crying,” Adrian says softly, but William continues to sob as he chokes out.

  “Is Alanna going to be okay?” “Of course, of course,” Adrian’s voice is shaky and I think that he is also crying but my eyes are still closed, I can’t see him therefore I am not sure if he is shedding tears over me.

  I feel a hand on the back of my neck and then my head tilts forward as smo
oth fingers push open my mouth. Cool water is pouring down my throat and I manage to swallow as I find the water … refreshing. James continues to pour water down my throat and when I feel that I have hand enough, I slowly try to open my eyes. I feel my eyes burn when I finally manage to open them. The soft lighting of the restaurant is blinding and I can’t keep my eyes open for very long. I feel a gentle slap again on my face and this time my eyes rapidly open at the touch. I see James’s face and then Adrian’s.

  “Alanna,” Adrian says as he kneels down to my level. William is by his side and I stare at him. His eyes are heavy and red and his cheeks are stained from his tears, I feel guilty that I have put him through this. I manage to sit up as James’s hovers over me. He is checking my pulse whilst he feels my forehead. I quickly forget everyone around me as an image of Michael face flashes in my head. I can’t think of him hurt and I need to get to him. I won’t stay in here another minute when my hero is in need of my help.

  “I have to go,” I say in a shaky voice as I try to sit up. Adrian gently lifts me up onto the chair and as I sit down, I can see him looking at me in confusion. His eyes are bolting and his hands are shaky as he kneels down to my level. “Baby you scared me, I can’t breathe. Feel my chest its pounding.” I gently smile at Adrian and then I am reminded of Michael. Adrian’s hands are now on grabbed onto mine, my skin feels as if it’s on fire and I can’t think about anything other than getting to Michael. I pull my hands from Adrian’s grips and then I try to stand up, but I fall back into the seat. Adrian looks furious with me and he soon lets me know how he feels.

  “What is wrong with you? You have just passed out in the middle of dinner and now you are trying to leave.”

  “I can’t stay here,” I confess as I try again to stand up. This time I manage but I don’t walk far because James is there to stop me. “Alanna, I told you the other day that I felt that it was necessary for you to make an appointment with your doctor and now that you have passed out, I feel that you need to go to the hospital.” I roll my eyes at James and then I try to budge past him. He blocks me and then I feel Adrian’s hand wrap around my arm as he spins me around.

  “Why didn’t you tell me that you were ill and why did you ignore James’s advice?” I try to pull my arm from Adrian, but his grip is too firm. I look down at William and I can see that he is still crying as Sophie holds onto him. My mind is flashing with a million thoughts of Michael, what if he seriously hurt and what if he is dying. I try to hold back my tears as that thought enters my mind. I need to get to him and if stand here any longer then I will be too late. I focus my eyes on Adrian’s as I inform him that I need to leave – right now. I know that I should tell him about Michael, but I can’t. Adrian would never let me go to him and I know that I wouldn’t be able to fight him on this. Adrian cares too much about my safety and he would never risk me getting hurt. I hate that I am holding this back from him as Michael is his brother, but I know that there is no other way.

  “I have to go back to London, this instant I can’tgo the hospital that will take too long and I have no time to wait. I must leave right now.” “Why?” Adrian shouts. I scowl at his temper and then I violently give him my answer.

  “Because Michael needs me,” I shout. Adrian’s hand loosens from my arm and he looks disappointed in me. I shake my head at him and then I try to catch his hand as reassure him that I am fine. “I am sorry that I didn’t listen to James, but I have been too busy to make an appointment. But I promise you that I will go get a check-up as soon as I get back to London.”

  “What’s wrong with Michael and don’t even think about lying to me.” My face flushes hot and I nervously look away from Adrian’s green eyes. He can always tell when I am lying so I don’t want to make eye contact with as I fear that he will see right through me. My heart is racing and I don’t want to tell Adrian the truth, but as he moves closer to me, I know that I can’t lie to him.

  “Michael is hurt, he bleeding and he is alone. He needs me and I have to get to him – before it’s too late.” Adrian’s eyes narrow at me and then he reaches out his hand for William. Adrian gently places his hand on my back as he turns to James and Sophie.

  “I am sorry but we have to go back to London. Please feel free to stay here and enjoy your trip. Everything is paid for and I will send the jet back for you in a couple of days. But as for now, Alanna and I need to leave.” James lunges forward and he shakes Adrian’s hand whilst Sophie hugs me. I smile at her and then Adrian leads William and me out of the restaurant and into the back of his town car. I nervously tap my foot against the floor as the car moves off, Adrian is glaring at me as he huddles a sleepy William into his chest. My eyes are blurry again, but I take a deep breath as I pray for it to pass. Adrian reaches over and he takes my hand into his. His eyes are deep and they look sad, I feel terrible that I have put him through so much. Our trip to St Tropez was supposed to be about relaxing and it was meant to clear our minds of all the drama of back home. Instead it was filled with anxiety, hurt and total sadness. I won’t be able to live with myself if anything happens to Michael, he saved me and now this is my chance to return his gesture.

  “I am sorry about tonight,” I confess as I lean into Adrian. He gently sighs as he wraps his arm around me. He runs his fingers smoothly along my bare arm as he kisses my neck. He sighs again as he pulls backfrom me.

  “I won’t have you making yourself unwell. You will go to the doctors when we get home, is that understood?”

  “But,” I try to protest, but Adrian flicks his long finger onto my lips so that I can’t speak. His eyes are intense as he stares at me.

  “Don’t speak, I am not going to quarrel with you over this, it’s just simply how things have to be.” I can feel my heart race and then I gently nod as I agree to his commands. I pull myself away from him as I search inside my bag for my phone. Adrian’s eyes are watching my every move and I begin to feel a little self-conscious by his actions. My cheeks blush, butI manage to compose myself as I run my finger through my contacts until I find Michael’s name. I look at Adrian and then I hit send. He stares at me as I hold the phone to my ear. My heart is pounding as I wait for Michael to answer. The phone rings out and then it goes to voicemail. I slide my BlackBerry closed as I my fears are haunting me. Why isn’t he answering me? Was I too late? I shake my head and those thoughts out of it as I try his number again. I glue the phone to my ear but Michael still isn’t picking up. I look at Adrian and he is still staring at me.

  “He isn’t answering my calls,” Adrian exhales and then he takes his phone out his jeans pocket. I watch him as he dials Michaels’ number and my anxiety is through the roof as I wait for him to answer. Adrian snaps his phone shut and then he turns to look at me.

  “What exactly is wrong with him?” I shift around nervously as I think of my answer. Adrian is staring right through me and I feel that he can see my soul, I don’t want to risk angering him by lying to him, but at the same time I don’t want him to know the truth as I know that he will try to keep me from Michael. My head is thumping and my heart is beating so fast, I need to come clean with Adrian as that is the only answer I have.

  “He has been … shot.” Adrian drops his phone onto the floor as he shakes his head at me.

  “You aren’t going to him. I won’t allow you to put yourself in danger.”

  “You can’t stop me, I am a grown up and it’s my choice.” Adrian snarls at me. “Yes I can, I will call Charles and he can go and deal with his son. You aren’t going near him, do you understand me?” I frown at him as I feel my anger building. My hands are shaking and my throat is dry, I feel as if I could burst into tears and I would love to slap Adrian right now. But, I try to restrain myself as I watch William sleep in Adrian’s arms.

  “Listen to yourself and you might realise how stupid you sound. Michael is your brother and I know that things have been strained recently and he has done some terrible things, but Adrian, you can’t keep me from him. What if he dies? Will
you be able to live with yourself knowing that you wouldn’t let me help him?”

  “We will be home in an hour and you are going to the doctors and then I might consider letting you go to Michael.” I bang my hand against the door frame and Adrian slightly jumps from my actions. He reaches out and grabs my hand, but I firmly pull my arm away. Adrian is now furious and he reaches over and garbs my cheeks firmly in his hands. His eyes are raging as he tightly squeezes my face. My jaw begins to throb and I as he breathes on me I can smell alcohol. Adrian has an outrageous temper, but this is the first time that he has ever gotten physical with me. His fingers are squeezing my cheeks inwards as his eyes stare deep into mine. My jaw is numb from the pain and as he maintains his grip, tears begin to flow from my eyes. Adrian’s hand is now covered with my tears and I watch as he snaps out of his anger. Adrian loosens his hand from my face and then he leans back into the seat. He looks devastated by his actions and I stare at him as he begins to cry. I cry harder as I watch him and then I can’t look at him any longer as I realise the extent of what he has done. Adrian has physically hurt me and that is shocking to me. My heart rate is increasing as I turn around and look at William. He is still sleeping – thank god. I can’t think of how distressing the sight of Adrian squeezing my face until it turned blue would be for him. I quickly turn away from Adrian as I can’t bear to look at him. I can hear him cry, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of my sympathy.

  I look out of the window and I see that we are now on the freeway – heading in the direction of the airport. Adrian is sitting quietly and I can’t believe that he hasn’t apologised for his actions. I try to putmy Adrian drama out of my head as I ring Michael’s phone – again. I hold the phone shakily at my ear as I listen to the dial tone. My heart nearly stops when I hear him answer.