by a dagmara
Shaking my head and pulling another long sip, “I was once foolish enough to allow myself the hope that you were someone different. I fell for you almost instantly. I thought of you as my knight in shining armor when I was just fifteen.” Laughing bitterly, “Then you pop up in my life again during prom, that fucking vending room.”
“Then that fucking weekend. I needed, hell wanted to hold onto those childish fantasies of you.” I closed my eyes trying to will the tears away. “For as smart as I am, I’m very stupid. The man that should have my heart. The man I should be in love with, just walked out of my house.” I looked up to him. “Yet the man I gave my heart to, the one I realize I’ve been in love with for almost all my life stands before me and doesn’t deserve it.” Go me, for the second time in my life, I chose to love a man that would never be what I wanted him to be. Lucian was a past that grew me into who I was, but Charlie, yeah Charlie was a damn fantasy I created.
I walked towards him stopping just mere inches in front.
“You love me?” he asked.
“Always have but that doesn’t mean shit does it? I can’t do this with you anymore Charlie. I deserve to have a life. I want someone whom will love me back. I want someone whom thinks I’m worth it. Someone, whom will fight for me, I deserve that Charlie.” Slighting my head, “I don’t want to be like you. Alone. It’s obvious to me that someone along the way stole your heart and you haven’t been able to shake it. That’s why you treat women the way you do. I don’t want to be like that.” The tears fell as I looked into his eyes. He said nothing. “Let this be done Charlie.”
I walked past him feeling my heartbreak all over. This time it hurt like hell.
“I need you leave Charlie. I can’t do this anymore.” I called out and paused as my tears fell.
“We’re far from done Lil.” He walked over and turned me around. His lips fell hard to mine igniting all the locked up tension and passion. I had no resolve when it came to him.
Before I knew it, he had me stripped down and in my bed. Fully undone, he pressed his full arousal deep in me. His lips a constant moving along my jaw and neck. His pace was tempered and timed working in a rhythm matching my own. My climax found me, as I was lost to every sensation he provided. I didn’t realize that my tears were ever constant. I hated myself, for I loved him.
We spent hours in bed without rest. The sky was darkening, as a storm seemed to be moving in. Finally satisfied, he looked over at the clock.
“Lillian, there’s something we need to do.” He lifted me from the bed and forced me to dress. Stepping to the family room, he walked to the door as if you was expecting someone.
Sure enough as he opened the door, he greets someone. When and how did he order someone to come here? Shocked and completely stunned, I had no clue what was going on.
“Do you have the license?” the gentlemen asked Charlie. License? What does he need a license for?
“I do, please do come in.” Charlie’s voice was urgent.
“Lillian this is Frank Forester and this is my attorney Taylor Bozel.”
I looked to him, not understanding what he was up to.
I pulled my hand out and greeted them both.
“What’s going on Charlie?” I looked to him confused. He paused and winked at me.
“I need you to have some trust and faith in me. This is for your own protection and needs to happen. If not you may end up losing everything Lillian. Sebastian is a dangerous character and I understand that you are very in the dark but trust me even though I can’t explain everything right now.”
“Why can’t you?” I looked to him then back to the two gentlemen. Dawning hit. I now knew what he was asking of me. He wanted to get married? But why? This had to be some kind of scheme. Taylor handed me a bunch of legal documents outlining both a trust and a prenup.
“We don’t have the time for you to process it all. Please, you said you loved me now find the strength to trust what you feel for me. I promise you after this I will let you go. But this we keep secret.” Let me go? I didn’t realize we were an item. The more he explained this was somehow to keep Sebastian from doing something against my company and me.
“Ok?”
“Let’s proceed. Sebastian will be suspicious if I’m not back in an hour Charlie” Taylor the attorney looked anxious.
It all happened so fast. Charlie was right it would take me time to process it all. Both Frank and Taylor left. Charlie looked to me and smiled.
“How does it feel to own part of Vaihn Enterprises?”
“I don’t know. Why Charlie?”
“Because I owe you Lilly, plus, you don’t deserve what Sebastian has planned.” He came over and kissed my fore head. “Remember this has a shelf life on it and this is our secret. It’s the least I could do for breaking your heart.”
Taking it all in, he didn’t marry me because he wanted me, no this was about business. I felt used.
“Wow, your just leaving me again aren’t you?” I stepped to him, arms crossed. He had once again fucked me in more ways than one. What the hell just happened? My head was spinning with the bullshit he just tossed at me.
“Yes, Lilly. Move on. Call Wesley as I’m sure he’s patiently waiting.” The arrogance that laced his voice had me screaming inside.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I yelled.
“Iit’s what you want and deserve remember? You asked me to leave; you told me you didn’t want to do this anymore.”
Standing in shock, I had no idea what had just happened.
“I can’t fucking believe this. What kind of mind fuck is this?” the front door opened and I turned noticing Sebastian walk in and cock his head.
“Still at it I see.” He laughed.
“We’re done Sebastian. She and I are done.” Charlie walked by me to Sebastian.
“You’re fucking unbelievable Charlie!”
“So I’ve been told. You’re not the first nor last woman to make that comment.”
“I fucking hate you!”
“Yeah, I’ve definitely heard those words before.”
Looking at them both, they seemed amused. Oh, my god I was just taken for a ride.
The anger boiled over as I watched their smug expressions.
“Both of you get the fuck out of my house.” I offered as tempered as I could, through a clenched jaw.
Sebastian raised a brow and grinned at Charlie. “I take it you fucked her, again.”
Charlie looked at me “Someone needs to if our dear friend Wesley isn’t.” He grinned adding, “He has no idea what he’s missing.”
“Get the fuck out of my house.”
Shaking, I walked to the door and locked it after they left.
What the fuck did I just do? It looked as if I was just taken and sucked back into this game.
Oh dear lord. I shook my head falling to the floor. The tears fell. He used the knowledge that I loved him and just played me. Feeling the bile rise my tears took me.
I played right into his hands.
Chapter 15
The Wedding
Sitting at the salon, soaking my feet in an overheated water tub, was actually soothing. I was still trapped in my own mind, and a bit hung over from the rehearsal dinner the night before. I had told everything to Brady. To my amazement, he found the brighter spots of my foolishness. He thought I was just handed one hell of an advantage. I suppose I just didn’t see it. I was reeling from one simple fact, I was back in this web of games.
“Lil, are you ok?” Sam’s voice was soft and caring.
Looking over to her, I smiled to be polite. “I’m fine Sam. Perhaps, a bit hung-over.” I laughed slightly.
She smiled and hand me a champagne flute. “Drink it, it will help.”
I loved mimosas and looking at the glass, I probably should have one to help me feel human again.
“Have you heard from Wesley?”
Shifting a bit, I looked down to the woman massaging my legs. “No, I don’t think he�
��ll be showing. I’m confident that what he witnessed on Thursday was enough to send him running.”
“Are you sure? Brady said that Wesley wasn’t the type to scare easily.
Raising my shoulders up and down, I really didn’t care one way or another.
“Honestly, does it really matter? I seem to have a beacon for the wrong type of men. I think I may be better off. Hell, Wesley was Charlie and Sebastian’s roommate for four years. I bet he’s just like them when it comes to women.”
“I don’t think so Lil, he’s pretty straight forward, and looks to be ready to settle down. He wants to have a real relationship. I think the bigger question here is are you?”
I laughed, “If you would have asked me this question a year ago, I would have said; hell no.” turning my head, I looked over to her. “But after the miscarriage, I don’t know. I never thought I would want a family and all that came with it, until I lost my child.” Silently my mind went to the past. The child I had, my son. Born in secret, I never spoke of him. Not even with Sam. He was one secret I would hold onto forever. My son Nicholas was in hiding because of who his father is, I had faked my son’s death and he has been living in secret with a friends family. I hadn’t seen my son in some time, afraid that his father was still having me followed.
“Lil, what you went through was more than difficult. Perhaps you’re still grieving. It hasn’t been that long ago.”
“I think I need to just get away and drop off the face of the planet for a while. Recharge and just prioritize.”
“I think you should Lil. There is nothing that Brady and I can’t handle while you’re away. Take off recoup, figure things out for yourself.”
Suddenly my mood shifted. Getting away was precisely what I needed. Looking to my phone my nana was calling.
“Nana, I was just about to call you.” Looking over to Sam, the smile I offered was genuine. “Can you do me a big favor; I need to go away and don’t have much time to prep. Is there any way you can meet me at my house in let’s say an hour and half?”
The conversation was easy, as Nana never asked questions of why, this wasn’t the first time in my life that I found the need to tell her I was running off to god know where. It was simple setting it all up. A few phone calls and I had the Jet scheduled for a 4am departure.
Hair and nails finished, I needed to stop off at home to pack and get dressed. Sam was in shock to how easily I took her advice, how quickly I arranged to go away. There was nothing like the present. I knew there was nothing on the horizon that would be pressing, and the next three months should be smooth sailing for the company. Brady, I trust completely, and Sam was more than capable.
Pulling up to the house, Nana was still here.
Running in and back to my bedroom, I found her in the closet.
“Hey Nana, thanks for your help.”
She walked over and kissed me. “I placed the suit cases on the bed, I wasn’t sure if you wanted them in here or not?”
“It’s fine Nana; I’m not sure what to take with me yet. I’m going for less is more.” I smiled. “Nana, do you have the combination to the safe?”
“Yes dear and I know to call Brady if I need to. I’m glad you’re taking some time for yourself Lilly. This is a good thing. I do admit I will miss you will your gone, however, take all the time you need. Don’t come back unless you are ready.”
“Thanks Nana.” Pausing, I knew she was right. I had no idea how long I would be going for. For once, I had no plan beyond the destination. She and I packed me up. I dressed quickly for the wedding knowing I would have to get myself out, and to Julie’s. Pulling the last bag thru the hall, I noticed that Nana had all the furniture covered, Blinds and Drapes pulled.
“I’ll be back to empty the fridge tomorrow.” Pausing she looked sad, “I’m going to miss you Lil, but know this; I love you and am very proud of you. This is the right decision for you at the moment. Find what it is inside you that you need to feel whole.”
Listening to her words, she was more than right. Something inside me was missing.
I heard Nana walk out the front door, as I looked one last time. It would be a while before I would be back.
I found myself having to reel in my emotions. Turning, I walked to the door and armed the security system. My bags all waiting outside, I moved them into the trunk of my car.
I need to leave and get to Julie. I backed out of the driveway pausing a moment, as I came out of the car and pulled the gates closed. Popping the trunk, I pulled out the chain and wrapped it around locking it. Why I don’t know. I didn’t need the chain, perhaps it was more for Sebastian’s benefit if he were to stop by and look for me. For some reason, I was actually amused with the thought.
“Elizabeth,” Looking over it was Tom. “I’m sorry about dinner the other night, the storm came out of now where, I tried to call.” He looked down to me as he was on a horse. “You look lovely. Wedding?” he slighted his head and smile.
“Yes my good friend is getting married today and I’m running behind.” I smiled “No worries about the other night Tom. I completely understand.”
“So would it be to forward to ask again?” He looked so hopeful.
“Tom, can I take a rain check? I’m going out of town for a while. Perhaps if your still interest we can do dinner when I return?” I smiled knowing that when I returned it was more than conceivable that he would no longer be interested.
“I can’t imagine that I wouldn’t be interested. Until then take care of yourself.” He tipped his hat and smiled.
“Do the same Tom.”
I watched as he rode the horse down the road and across to the open pastures. Jumping back into the car, I didn’t have a time to play around.
I drove thru town and found myself pulling up to oversize McMansion that was Chris’s parent’s home. Parking, I pulled a small bag and walked up to the front door. Patricia was opening it as I went to knock on the door.
“Oh, thank God you’re here. She’s a nervous wreck up stairs.”
“I’ll take care of her.” I smiled and walked in.
Running up the stairs and down the hall, I didn’t need directions as I could hear her arguing with someone. Sucking in a deep breath, I knocked and opened the door.
“May I come in?” I stepped into the room. Julie was seated in a chair, and looked like a small child having a temper tantrum.
“What’s wrong love?” I slighted my head trying to offer some support.
Between crying and laughing, “My shoe broke at the heel?” She raised her shoe and the heel was broken right at the top by the soul of the shoe.
“Julie this is a non-issue, I can fix your shoe.” I walked over and kneeled before her. She dropped into my arms as I hugged her.
“It will be ok Love; I have “gorilla glue” in my car. This is an easy fix.” I pulled and smiled at her.
It was astonishing to me how easily I recognized his cologne. Pulling myself up to my feet, I didn’t turn. I caught her eyes skirt from him to me, and smile.
“I’ll run down to my car.” I offered needing to get out of the room.
“So, I see your going with a very traditional wedding. The Maid of honor in white.” He commented. “I’m sure your father will be pleased.” He added.
I turned and almost laughed. There he stood with bags of newly purchased shoes.
“Ok, I have five pairs of shoes one of these better work.” He shook his head looking frustrated.
Turning back to her, “Do you still want me to repair it or will one of these work?”
“Um, these are five thousand dollar shoes, that took forever to get. Damn it, if they can be fixed than I’m wearing them.”
“So, I went and bought these for nothing?” Charlie dropped the bags to the floor. “Un fucking believable.”
Walking over, I stopped and laughed, patting his shoulder, “She’s the bride, and this is her wedding day. You made a valiant effort, too bad you didn’t have any industrial glue.” I
shook my head and walked from the room.
I could hear the two of them arguing.
After getting the bridal party ready, I was waiting in my car.
Sending a few texts messages, I needed Leny on board with my plans. I needed him to let Nicholas know where I would be.
Resting my forehead to the steering wheel, I found myself crying in grief. When was I going to learn?
Hearing the door open, Brady placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Lil, it will be ok. Now stop crying or you’re going to make me cry and I don’t like the idea.” He tried to laugh. “I know it’s going to be hard, Hell, I would be crying if I were leaving me. I mean really I’m awesome.”
Laughing thru my tears, I looked up at him shaking my head.
“Ok, get your head out of your ass. Let’s agree that you’re going to miss me just as much.” Pausing, I knew he was hiding his own dislike of me going away.
“We’ve never been apart for too long. And I have no idea how long I will be gone Brady?”
“We can always Skype, I packed you a little surprise on the plane. So, if I really need a Lillian fix or if you need me, I will fly to where ever you are. I promise.”
“Even if it’s your least favorite place in the world?” I slighted my head, as that was precisely where I would be. Flying to Peru and staying out in the jungle was not a place where Brady would want to venture. He and I once spent some time as a humanitarian effort, volunteering our time in the local clinic. He was in hell there. Between the heat and the lack of modern conveniences, he hated it.
“I had a feeling that’s where your first stop would be. Call me when you’re done there and heading somewhere comfortable.” He sat back and shook his head. “They have spiders the size of your fucking head Lil. Why in the world would you want to go there again?” He was laughing at me.
“And where exactly would that be?” Charlie’s voice rang from behind. I didn’t even realize he was in the car. Looking to the back seat both he and Sam were seated and had clearly watched my entire breakdown.
