by Asha Daniels
“And you will feel guilty for killing her for the rest of yours. You, are solely responsible for her death.”
The wretched day lingered in my mind, the nightmares refusing to leave me alone. The guilt was another aspect entirely. Guilt riddled me to the point of exhaustion. I’d never intended on touching her or creating any form of relationship. She was my partner’s woman, a precious gift that he had never deemed more than a toy, a treat he would enjoy only when he deemed it so. He lorded his wealth and power over her, making certain she felt inferior.
And we’d never even been intimate.
“Cassandra.” Saying her name out loud was just as crushing as before.
I gripped the steering wheel, concentrating on driving. Marty had been right about so many aspects, but one in particular was vital. I had to see Megan one last time. I’d go through whatever bullshit the cops decided, she was that important to me. The rest would come as perhaps karma would allow, or as it should have happened two years before. I no longer cared what happened to me. What I did care about was making certain Gabriel Wallace didn’t ruin Megan’s life.
I pulled around back, hiding the truck near Marty’s cabin. I could see at least four local television station vans in the parking lot, two from national news and a scattering of others. My guess is that Marty was right about the press conference. The pompous asshole would make certain and crucify what was left of my reputation. Perfect. While I certainly didn’t want any advanced notice of my plans, avoiding the press altogether might prove to be difficult. What the hell. My world had gone to shit. What did I have to lose at this point?
As if I could set the record straight. I wondered whether Thorn had caught wind of the situation, even sending his own team to hunt me down. I wouldn’t put anything past him at this point. The very last time I’d seen the man, he’d threatened to hire men to torture and kill me. As if the minions the asshole hired had any real balls. I snickered at the thought.
Then why did you run?
Exhaling, I fought the nasty voice nagging me. My running had nothing to do with fear.
When I killed the engine, I was decidedly anxious, but determined to find her. I grabbed the baseball hat, positioning it just so. At least the staff wouldn’t recognize me. Shoving my hands into my pockets, I headed for the back door, avoiding any eye contact. Once inside, I studied the main room, searching for any sign of members of the press. I figured a press release of any kind would be held in one of the conference rooms.
I kept as low a profile as possible, moving through the crowd, searching for any of her friends or any sign of her father. When I’d walked the various halls and found nothing, I came back to the main room, scanning the area. Noticing a press team, I moved closer.
“We have to get up there now. The press conference is starting in five minutes.” The female reporter snapped, directing her team.
And so, I followed them, staying far enough behind. I hung back as they moved into the elevator, the reporter slapping her hand on the button with ferocity. When the floor was highlighted, I pressed the button again. They were going to the third floor. What I knew about the hotel was that two business size conference rooms were connected to suites. No doubt the elusive Gabriel Wallace would have the finest suite for the night.
I thought about the two hours I’d spent gathering as much information as I could regarding Gabriel, his company and what contacts I could find. Various accusations had been made against Gabriel, several victims of violence having direct ties with the man. But to date, he’d never been indicted for a single crime. However, the similarities in Cassandra’s death with others were uncanny. The victims had been killed in the same manner, their bodies dumped in a seedy section of the city, both cases investigated as homicide. The only difference? My supposed affair with Cassandra had been dragged out in the open for the entire world to see. Given the method of her murder, the time of death and the fact she and I had just had a very visible argument, the police had only centered in on my connection, ruling out any possibility that someone else was to blame.
Of course, there’d been no evidence, but the damage had already been done.
I clenched my fists, squelching the desire to rip the man to shreds. Patience I would learn as this was a battle I couldn’t win today, at least not on his terms. As I remembered the gory details of the horrific murder, I realized how well the man had railroaded me. Unfortunately, Gabriel’s goons hadn’t been able to plant any evidence, which he’d obviously done for the other selective murders. The man truly believed himself to be bigger than the law. He had no idea what would occur in the near future. He had zero understanding of what I was capable of and the lengths to which I’d go in order to stop his organization.
I thought of Thorn, wondering if he had any true understanding of what tyranny he’d chosen to work with. I should never have left but the knowing didn’t cease the realization that in order for me to make any strides back to reconnecting with my old life, I would have to exact my particular brand of revenge. The information I’d sent off via email would take time to sort through and time I didn’t have. I had one chance at righting any wrongs and while I hadn’t wanted to do this today, I realized that I could be forced.
So be it.
When the elevator came to a stop, I hesitated before inching out into the hallway. There were dozens of people milling about, all heading toward the end of the hallway. I tagged along, making certain to keep my head down and stood outside the room. I had to bite back a snarl from just seeing Gabriel’s face. He looked much the same as our last meeting, only graying at his temples. He wore the same conceited look, arrogant and full of what he believed to be the truth. I boiled inside, seething from the memories of our particular business dealings.
Shrinking back, I counted to five in order to calm my rage. I could do no good if I was lashing out. Today was meant for observation, along with even five minutes alone with Megan. This was going to be the pinnacle of the man’s career. He could blame me for Megan’s disappearance, thereby killing any chance that Reynolds’ Industries had of keeping certain accounts. The only thing that I could count on was that Gabriel would refute any wrong doings, all connections to organized crime. He wasn’t a stupid man.
He was a predator.
I heard several women talking, the sound of their voices coming from the other hallway, one leading to the various suites. I took a risk and headed in the direction. When I rounded a corner, I was floored at my mind’s reaction to seeing her. A rush of love was mixed with my need to protect her. Megan was standing in the middle of her friends, all of them talking at the same time. She seemed so frail, so out of place as if her entire world had been crushed. Wearing a conservative skirt, a buttoned up shirt, she appeared much younger. The outfit had obviously been her father’s choice. I studied her eyes. There was such extreme sadness and her expression was one of annoyance.
“Just leave me alone. Okay?” Megan cut the conversation off, waving her hand, her shaking hand.
“Your father is expecting you.” The girl closest to her tried to guide Megan down the hallway. Megan jerked out of her grasp, taking a huge step backwards.
“Give me a minute. My father can fucking wait.” Megan shifted then her face pinched, her eyes narrowing. Very slowly she lifted her head, looking in my direction.
I could see the recognition in her eyes, the trepidation as to what, if anything, to do. I took two long strides forward, still keeping my distance. If any one of the girls made a commotion, things would turn ugly very fast.
“Give me five minutes. Okay? I just want to have a little time to myself.” Megan’s words were insistent. She gave each one of the girls an authoritative look.
“Let’s give her some space,” another one of the girls said.
I turned around, heading back in the direction from where I’d come, standing a mere two feet behind several of the people in the hallway. When the three women had passed, I hesitated before turning to face her, the very woman
I couldn’t live without.
Megan took a tentative step closer, one hand fidgeting with her hair, the other clenched tightly. She took another long stride then stopped, leaning against the wall. “I knew you’d come.”
Closing the distance, I inhaled her perfume and was drawn back to our time spent together, the wondrous moments of raw passion. “I was worried.”
“You heard the news.”
“I did.” The lull in our conversation was more awkward than it had been in the beginning. “What you heard about me isn’t entirely the truth.”
She nodded several times before glancing over my shoulder. “We don’t have long to talk, but I’m glad you came. I just…”
I inched even closer, wanting nothing more than to hold her in my arms. “You don’t have to go back.”
“And where would I go?” Tears formed in her eyes. “I have nothing, Razer. My father is insistent that he is going to press charges. Nothing I’ve said matters. Nothing. I want you to know that I never insinuated that you abducted me. The police don’t believe my story and I have no idea how to make them believe me.”
“Do you love me?” I’m not entirely certain why I asked the question, but for so many reasons I wanted to hear the words.
“I love you very much. But you know we can’t be together. We just can’t. My father will stop at nothing to hurt you. You were right about him.” Megan shifted then reached out, allowing her index finger to slide down my arm in a zigzag pattern. “He’s evil and I can’t fight him. I have nothing left.”
I cupped her chin, rubbing my thumb across his cheek then her mouth. The same rush of energy, the overwhelming sensations of longing driving straight into my groin. I was angry, bitter and fascinated by my reaction to her and the combination was creating a thick fog in my brain. This wasn’t something I could deal with here. “If you trust me, then know that everything will work out. But what you’re going to hear about me is damning.”
“I already know. I remembered the stories I read in the paper, and I don’t believe you had anything to do with Cassandra’s death. I just need some time. I need to figure things out.”
“Do you trust me?”
Megan hesitated until a slight smile crossed her face. “I do, but I’m confused, and I need time to process. Please understand.”
At this point, I wasn’t certain what or if I had any concept of understanding left. I knew Gabriel would use every method to turn her against me. “I love you, Megan. I will fight to keep you safe and away from your father’s tactics.”
“Razer, I don’t think you-”
“Hey!” The deep voice boomed. “What are you doing?”
“Get out of here,” she said under her breath.
“Not without you.” I knew the words were useless.
“I said, get away from her. Miss. Are you all right?” The man was coming closer, no doubt security hired by Mr. Wallace.
“I’ll come and find you. I promise.” I only hoped I could honor the statement.
She squeezed my hand, bringing my fingers to her lips and kissing them. “Please. No matter how long it takes. Find me. I’ll be waiting.”
Nodding, I turned toward the beefy man, punching him hard then taking off. I heard the sound of the man’s cries along with the first questions being asked in the conference room. I sprinted toward the open door, pushing aside various people to get inside.
“Stop him!”
The call was clear, creating a frenzy in the conference room, but I’d already gained entrance, shifting my way through several people in an effort to get closer to Gabriel. I yanked off my hat then heard the various exclaims as I was recognized.
“That’s Razer Reynolds!”
“Oh my God. Get a picture of him.”
“Stop him!” The security guard lumbered in, igniting the fuel, the anger already burning in the room.
“He’s the kidnapper.”
“Arrest that man!”
Gabriel stood, his fists planted on the edge of the table. After squinting, he rose to his full height, a smile on his face, recognition clear. He held up his hands. “Let him through. I’m certain that Mr. Reynolds has a statement to make. By all means, we should allow that statement.”
Stopping in my tracks, I elbowed two other security officers before moving closer. I refused to be silenced any longer. “Mr. Gabriel Wallace.”
“At least we have the names correct. You kidnapped my daughter, holding her for ransom.” Gabriel’s voice was so practiced, so suave and everyone in the room was buying his level of bullshit. “You thought you could destroy me by harming my own beautiful daughter.”
“And you know I did no such thing.” I kept my voice as even and as full of confidence as possible. “You’re the monster, trying to destroy her life, as you have so many others. Criminal activities. Murder. Extortion. The list goes on and on. And you know damn good and well I can prove these accusations.”
The reporters were homing in, television cameras rolling, pictures being taken.
“And you, Mr. Reynolds are a liar.” Gabriel glanced at the various reporters. “I have proof.”
“So, do I, Mr. Wallace. But on many aspects of your career, including murder.” The words rung in the air.
Gabriel gave me an evil look before laughing off the concept. “I’m not on trial here.”
“And neither am I; however, I do have information that you are responsible for several deaths.” I walked even closer, trying my best not to glance at Megan’s pained expression.
Gabriel’s face held a look of feigned shock, as if he’d never considered doing anything wrong. “I beg your pardon? I believe you are the one accused of murdering a woman you stole from your partner.”
The clamor in the conference room was almost deafening.
I waited until the exclamations died down before taking a stand. “You underestimate me, Gabriel. You have no clue who I am or what I’m made of.”
Laughing, Gabriel seemed to brush off my comments, giving a nod to several security officers. “Have him arrested.”
I held up my hand. “I have evidence that you had Cassandra Duffries killed and why? Because of your greed and because my company refused to succumb to your required rules, those imposed because you wanted to take down my company.”
The murmur quieted, every reporter leaning forward.
This time, Gabriel merely sighed. “You have no proof of anything.”
I cocked my head, smiling as a group of officers pushed their way into the room. “That’s where you’re wrong. The proof has been sent to the corresponding police departments, including photographs and financials. These financials include your methods of extortion. Everything is black and white and trust me, you will go down.”
The whispers turned into a feeding frenzy, picture after picture being taken.
“You will not get away with this! You kidnapped my daughter!” Gabriel tried to shout above the roar.
I glanced at Megan, who was now expressionless, but I felt our connection growing stronger. Out of the corner of my eye, I was shocked seeing Thorn entering the room. He noticed me immediately and nodded. I could see how much the man, my former friend, had aged. The entire experience had taken a significant toll on both of us. Calling him had been difficult but necessary. At least he’d taken my call.
Now, he knew the truth.
I held up my hand, calming the crowd. “You are responsible for the death of Cassandra Duffries. You are responsible for the death of several others, men and women who worked their entire lives in order to make ends meet, but they refused to bow to your tyranny.”
Gabriel huffed, finally noticing Thorn. “I’ve done no such thing.”
I swallowed hard, knowing what I was about to say would damage the one woman I loved with all of my heart, but there was no holding back any longer.
“You are also responsible for the murder of your wife.”
As soon as I said the words, I shifted my gaze in Megan’s direction. As the
damning information settled in, she turned her vicious scrutiny toward me and I read her lips. I felt the utter hatred dripping from the three little words, ones that would alter the course of my life as well as hers.
I hate you…
Megan stood defiantly for another thirty seconds as the news shattered her resolve and the entire room went into slow motion.
Then she bolted.
And I knew the gut wrenching truth, she was gone from my life forever.
Chapter 12
Megan
Four years later
Complicated. My entire life was one huge complication and one I’d never bargained for.
“Ms. Wallace. I have those contracts for you to sign.” The girl rushed into my office, heading toward my desk, her face pinched as if any additional volume of work would destroy her usual routine.
“Come here, Megan.” Razer’s eyes were glistening in the fire. Everything about this man was authoritative, dominating to the point I could no longer breathe around him.
“Yes, sir.” I inched closer, my eyes never leaving his. When I was just inches away, he grabbed my chin, lowering his head until our lips were almost touching.
“You belong to me. Never forget that.” He dragged his thumb across my mouth, pushing hard, a slow growl erupting from his throat.
“I will never forget, sir.”
Crushing his mouth over mine, he thrust his tongue inside, exploring, tasting. He was taking all that he wanted. He slipped his arm around my waist, yanking me closer until I could feel his throbbing cock.
I undulated back and forth, wanting nothing more than to please him, but tonight was about my disobedience. The kiss continued, the passion careening to a savage level. When he broke the hold, he exhaled, allowing the hot breath to rush across my face and neck.
“You’ve been a very bad girl.”
“Yes, sir. I know.” I lowered my head, every inch of my body shaking.
“Ms. Wallace?” the voice was almost insistent.
Pinching my chin between his thumb and forefinger, he lifted my head before issuing a command. “You do know what happens when you disobey me, the rules. I’m going to whip you.”
