“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Vanderville,” Selena cried, tears rolling down her cheeks.
“Get the fuck out,” Regina snarled, pushing the girl.
Selena stumbled backwards and fell onto the rug, but she quickly regained her balance and grabbed the sheet off the bed to cover her nakedness so she could leave the room.
By now Ben had gotten up and dragged on his boxers. He started to say something but Regina didn’t allow him to finish. She landed her fist in his face, sending him reeling back into the wall.
“Fucking bastard. This is your fault! You!” She couldn’t control herself. In her mind she just kept seeing images of Taylor’s car being rammed by that yellow car and making its descent into the gorge. She saw Taylor’s motionless body attached to machines. She saw every bad thing Ben had ever done to her and she felt like killing him.
She managed to punch him again in his chest, but then he grabbed her arms and held her still.
“Stop it, you crazy bitch.”
“Don’t touch me. Don’t ever touch me.” She wrenched herself free of his grasp and stepped away from him. “That psycho is why Taylor’s in the hospital. They ran her car into the gorge.” She was trying so hard to hold back the tears, but she couldn’t.
She never liked letting him see her cry. Hated it, hated to show her weakness or emotions.
At least he looked panic stricken to hear the news.
“How do you know?”
“The police called me. I just went to the station and they have footage.”
“I’m sorry.” He could barely speak. “Taylor… Oh God no.” He brought his hand up to his face and shook his head.
“Yes. You did this. Just like everything else. You destroy everything.”
“How can you say that to me? Do you think I planned for this to happen?” His nostrils flared and his eyes blazed.
“What did you do this time, Ben? Who did you hurt? Who did you step on to get what you wanted?”
He didn’t like that. “I didn’t plan this.”
“Maybe, but it is still your fault. But it stops here. I know everything. Know all your damn plans to be governor, so no I don’t accept your contract to co-own Runway. And I want a divorce.” It felt so liberating to say that to him. It might not have fit her schedule of waiting till Fashion Week finished, but screw it, she needed this now. Runway had the contract for Fashion Week and that was secured.
This was her life she was playing with. Hers and her children. She needed to disconnect herself from Ben.
To her surprise, he started to laugh. “Regina, you are one hell of a woman. You really think you can come in here and make all those demands to me?”
The way he looked at her with those cold gray eyes sent a chill down her spine.
He continued to laugh. “I give you credit for your research, although I guess that’s what you pay Gilly for. However, you will sign that contract and there will be no divorce.”
Her mouth dropped and she sucked in a breath. “Yes there will.”
“No, no.” He stepped closer to her and straightened up. “Pursue this and I will destroy you. Mark my word, I will destroy you, and that low life Brian. I’ll make him disappear.”
She began to shake. She began to crumble inside and the icy tendrils of cold fear ran through each nerve in her body.
He was serious. He would do it. She knew he would.
When she thought of Brian her heart ached.
“You really are despicable, Ben.”
“Despicable? You haven’t seen anything yet.”
She stepped away from him to stop herself from striking him again. If she did, she knew she would be the one who would get hurt.
His eyes never left hers as she backed out of the room. He continued to give her that dark look that showed her how serious he was.
She didn’t doubt him one bit, but like everything to do with her life she had to put it to the back of her mind. Taylor needed her now and the only way to help her was to cooperate with the police.
Once the door was closed she diverted to his office to get the envelope with the notes.
Chapter 6
Wade
The waitress started clearing away their empty plates and the handful of nachos that remained from their supersized nacho mountain.
The chili cheese fries Chloe ordered was virtually all gone too. She’d tried to convince him that she and Taylor could get through a meal like this on their own, but all Wade had witnessed was her taking bird-sized bites here and there while he ate the majority of the food.
They thought they’d grab a quick lunch before heading to the hospital, however there hadn’t been anything quick about this. They’d been here for nearly two hours. Visiting hours had already begun.
“There’s no way you and Taylor could finish a meal like that.” He looked at her petite frame and couldn’t imagine it.
She giggled and speared the last fry with her fork. “Wade, there’s no way that I’m going to eat like a little pig in front of you.”
“That’s bull, Chloe, you just couldn’t finish it in the first place.”
In the time they’d been together he’d seen her eat salad, and once she had half a slice of pizza. That’s it, nothing too fattening, nothing remotely dessert-like or over the top.
He’d put her down as being one of those health freaks.
“I can, and I’d probably have some triple chocolate ice cream to complement the meal.”
“You know what chocolate is?” He laughed, because he doubted she’d know it if it hit her in her face. Let alone anything chocolatey of the triple variety.
“I love chocolate, Wade. Should we get some ice cream and I’ll prove it? I’ll even get them to double it up.”
“Sure, so I can eat it and get fat, while you remain perfect.”
That made her laugh.
He liked this. This was them.
Today had been great so far.
He felt selfish for it, he felt like he was doing something he shouldn’t, but he needed to be like this with her. To act like everything was normal and they were just a couple spending time together.
And they were. He was excited that she’d agreed to move in with him, and the more he looked at her, the more he imagined them living together and making each other happy.
She made him happy. She was enough for him and he’d quite happily just exist like this forever with her by his side. Wade couldn’t believe he could feel like this about anyone. As if his world centered around her.
“You’re the one who’s perfect. You couldn’t get fat if you tried.”
“Oh, you think I’m perfect.” He nodded with approval.
“You don’t need me to tell you you’re perfect. That’ll just make you more vain.” She laughed.
He took a sip of his juice and smiled at her. He wasn’t going to act coy about his looks. He took care of himself and always took pride in how he looked. It did go straight to his head, though, that his girlfriend thought he looked perfect.
“This man can’t help how he looks, baby. Part of the package.”
His eyes roamed over her, taking her in with appreciation in that tight top that showed off her breasts. It was a deep cut V-neck that displayed a good amount of cleavage, and its olive-green color was a perfect contrast against her bronze skin.
He’d enjoyed watching her smooth skin glistening in the sun earlier as they walked on the beach, over from Adrenaline. He thought he’d take her there to introduce her to Jared and Zeek who were there doing the final set up. He also wanted to show her his accomplishment in setting up an actual business. Something he could put his name to, and in a field that interested him. It just seemed fitting to run an adventure experience company if that was his thing.
When Adrenaline opened in two weeks things would take off from there. It was exciting but Wade wondered if things would continue down this spiral curve to disaster. That’s all he’d seen since being back.
Except for him being with
Chloe, everything else was a mess.
He continued to look at her to distract himself. They would leave in a few minutes and this little bubble of normal would disappear. He wanted to speak to his mother to see if they found anything else last night.
“Wade stop it.” Her cheeks colored fiercely and her beautiful eyes widened. He wasn’t sure, though, what he was supposed to stop.
“What baby?”
“You’re staring at my breasts,” she hissed under her breath.
Yeah, he supposed he was. He was so used to it now that he just did it automatically. Most times she didn’t see him. He couldn’t help that he loved her body.
“Baby, you know all I can do is try, my eyes do whatever they want.”
She pressed her lips together. “Well try not to look at me like that.”
He leaned forward onto the table. “Does it make you hot and turn you on?” This was him being himself. He hadn’t felt like that guy since last week and it felt like years had passed in the week that had just gone by.
Her whole face turned a rose color. “Are you trying to turn me on?”
“I don’t have to try.” He looked at her and saw that she already was.
He could always tell. The lighter parts of her eyes would always darken, just like they did now, and fill with desire. She’d touch her neck and her cheeks would go red, and best of all her nipples would go hard. She ran her fingers along the edge of her necklace as he returned his gaze to her breasts, he could see the two distinct points hardening and just about poking through the soft fabric of her top.
“You’re terrible, Wade.” Now she looked embarrassed.
“Come and sit in my lap.”
“No.” She swatted his hands away and giggled when he reached for her.
It was his fault they’d had so many delays this morning, and sitting in his lap may mean another.
They’d gotten ready at least twice this morning so they’d have enough time to walk around, go to Adrenaline, and have lunch. But twice they’d ended up back in bed. Well, that last time officially started in the garage, and suddenly the image of Chloe on all fours popped into his mind and he wanted her again.
“Come here.” They had to get back to reality but he could allow himself to hold her for a few minutes and pretend that everything was okay.
She smiled as he took her hand and tugged it so she would stand. Chloe did and made her way to him to lower into his lap.
He placed soft kisses on the sharp outline of her neck.
“When should we get the rest of your things?” He was eager to have her moved in but respected that she may want some time.
He just hoped she wouldn’t take too long. Living with her would be amazing, but being able to protect her would be the added bonus.
“Tonight. Is that too quick?”
“No.” He shook his head. Tonight was perfect. “Will Kelly be okay with that?”
“I messaged her earlier and it was actually her idea. I think she wants the place to herself so her guy can come over.”
“That works for me, baby.” He’d order the removal truck and some guys to pack. There was a lot to do today and every little bit of help was needed.
“I have a lot of stuff, Wade.”
“And I have a lot of room.” There was more than enough room for what she had.
“I’m really excited about this.” She smiled down at him.
He positioned his arms around her waist so that he could hold her closer. “Me too, baby.”
They moved at the same time to kiss. He welcomed the soft, full skin of her lips and the silky feel of her skin as he touched her.
That naked image of her popped into his head again and that desire he’d staved off pushed through the walls of control. He wanted her again.
“There’s an alleyway near here where no one ever goes. We could park there for awhile.” Maybe they could spare another half an hour. The first slot of visiting hours wasn’t for another two hours. They’d get there on time.
“I like that idea,” she whispered into his ear.
“Let’s go.”
“I’ll just run to the girls’ room first. Got to make sure I powder my nose.” She smiled, sliding off his lap.
The minute she did Wade turned and a chill ran through him as he found himself looking directly at Merissa.
She was sitting outside the restaurant on one of the wooden benches watching him. She looked like she’d been there for awhile.
Chloe glided away. When she was at a safe distance, Wade walked outside to confront Merissa. He wanted to try to be polite and civil with her, but he felt annoyed by her presence and that she was watching them.
She stood up when he approached and gave him a crude smile. The wind picked her hair up about her shoulders, lifting the edges of the dark red top she wore.
“It’s a little odd to watch people like that, don’t you think?” he began. He didn’t know what she was up to and was getting irked by the anxiety that filled him about her. He had enough to deal with without her adding to it.
“You look happy,” she observed, giving him a sarcastic smile. “New girlfriend?”
“What’s it to you?”
She shrugged. “Just a question.”
“Yes that is my girlfriend.”
Something dark flickered in her eyes. “Oh.” A menacing smile returned to her face. He didn’t think it was any of her business to explain how he knew Chloe so he didn’t bother.
Merissa was definitely up to something and he was going to find out what it was.
“What do you want, Merissa?”
“Does she know the real Wade Vanderville?” she asked, ignoring his questions.
“She knows me.” He didn’t want to drag Chloe into this mess. She was already in enough of a mess as it was with this crazy psycho. And that was down to being with him.
“Really, did she know you’re a baby killer too?” She inclined her head and pouted.
Wade stared back, not sure what to say. His hesitation made her smile.
“I didn’t kill our baby.”
“She doesn’t know, does she?” Her smile widened. “I wonder why you didn’t tell your new girlfriend something so significant.”
Merissa had certainly changed. He didn’t remember her being this way. Cold hearted and downright mean.
“I’ll tell her when I’m ready.” He would. He needed to and he knew he needed to soon.
“Gosh, I wonder what she’ll think when you do.” Her smile widened and she made a show of placing her hand at her heart. “I should tell her. She seems like a nice person. Someone who shouldn’t be with the kind of man who would drive his pregnant girlfriend in a car while he was completely stoned.”
“That’s not fair,” he protested and shook his head. “You know what happened. You knew I was trying to stop, and I had every intention of doing everything I could to change.”
“Don’t tell me what’s fair and what isn’t,” she snarled. “I remember everything as clear as if it happened just yesterday. It doesn’t matter that you were trying to change. You put me in that car knowing you were stoned and that is all that there is. I trusted you.”
Wade held her gaze as he listened. Everything she said had already crossed his mind. He’d felt guilty for it and grieved for his actions, but hearing her actually say it did something else to him. It took him back to that place of darkness and guilt and now…he really couldn’t see Chloe understanding what had happened when she finds out the truth. Merissa was completely right.
Wade knew that he was affected when he inhaled the dust George blew in his face. He shouldn’t have put Merissa in the car with him, let alone drive it.
It did go back to that.
“I have to live with that for the rest of my life,” he stated.
“Don’t. Don’t make it sound like you’re the victim.”
“I am a victim. It destroyed me.”
“And yet, you looked so happy with the new girlfriend. I know
what your weakness is now, Wade.”
“Leave her out of this.” His heart thudded wildly in his chest. He could see it now: Merissa would tell Chloe what had happened and the way that she would deliver the story would paint him in every bad color there was.
“Enjoy your happiness while it lasts, Wade. I can definitely guarantee your girl won’t take the truth well when she finds out.” She gave him a bitter look and then sauntered away.
Her words weakened him, again making him feel threatened, with the added element of fear.
Whether he told Chloe what happened or she found out from Merissa, he felt that she would leave him.
She would leave him for the actions he took that day, and his lack of responsibility. Chloe would think it was completely selfish of him and her sweet nature wouldn’t allow her to move past that and see how he felt.
The accident was his fault and, just like Merissa, she would think of Wade as despicable.
He could see that now.
Regina
Regina didn’t think she’d ever seen Brian look so furious. He looked worse than days ago when they had that run in with Ben. After she left Ben she went straight back to the police station and gave detective Fray everything. She also called Gilly to make him aware of what was going on.
She’d then went back to the hotel so she could catch Brian before he left for the hospital.
Regina wanted to talk to him in private. The hospital wasn’t the place to discuss all the craziness that was going on, and it wasn’t the place to tell him that someone had tried to kill his daughter.
They sat out on the balcony opposite each other in the wicker chairs. When she finished telling him, a look of fury crossed his face and he just stared off into space. He’d sat like that for a good few minutes and she watched, waiting for him to respond.
“Brian,” she whispered his name.
He turned his attention to her and stared at her with those piercing eyes of his. It was the first time that she’d ever been unable to see that flicker of love that usually sparked within them.
“Please say something,” she begged.
“I don’t know where to begin, Regina.” He shrugged. “What should I comment on first?” He’d reached his breaking point. She could see it.
Secrets and Lies Page 8
