Where the hell was Lacey?
Down in the church, everybody was settling into their separate sides of the aisle. Amanda had more people on her side than I did, but most of my friends knew this wasn’t important and had decided to skip.
No worries.
I didn’t mind.
So long as this farce ended sooner rather than later, things would be fine.
But then Amanda ran by again, prattling about another nonsensical shit.
"This is ridiculous!" she screamed to no one in particular. "Who went ahead and invited that bitch again anyway?" She viciously scratched through something written on a yellow notepad. "Tell her to fuck off and go someplace else. I told her she was uninvited weeks ago."
Her sister tried to calm her down.
"Amanda, she's your stockbroker, you can't un-invite her just because of that one investment. Everything else is doing well."
"No! Fuck her. She can't come in here and she better not try or I'll have the bouncers throw her out on her ass."
Bouncers? At our wedding?
Lacey would never act this way, wedding or no wedding. Shit, she'd never act this way at all. I shook my head again. In the church below, everyone was ready and waiting, looking on expectantly.
Except the woman I was supposed to be marrying was a raving lunatic. My fists tightened around the banister.
Where the fuck was Lacey? At least if I saw her today, it would help me calm down and face her bridezilla mother with a smile. Maybe I could even drag the teen into a back room and do something naughty. Yeah, can you believe it? At my own wedding, I wanted to stroke my stepdaughter’s anus and make her scream.
Fuck.
I was so fucked.
Maybe after all this wedding shit, Lacey and I could take a drive to the beach and enjoy ourselves as Amanda slept off her post-celebration stupor.
Yeah, right.
Because Lacey would never do any of that. Our illicit liaison had already made her so unhappy. And once the vows between me and Amanda were said, she’d be out. There would be no relationship once this was all said and done. Lacey would be gone, out of reach forever.
My heart dropped.
God, choices suck.
I looked down into the church at the guests again.
Lacey wasn't coming, and disappointment tightened my chest, sad reality hitting me in the head again.
Once this was done, she’d never let me touch her again. She was off-limits. I'd lose her. She'd probably avoid being in the same room with me again, much less naked and begging for cock. My heart pounded, feet dragging on the floor.
Did I mention that choices suck?
I’m not one for drama, but resigned, I burst into the bride’s room.
"Jake!" my fiancée giggled when she saw me. The blonde stood in front of a mirror, preening and admiring herself. It was a completely different scene from the woman running up and down the halls threatening people with bouncers, screaming “Fuck this” and “Fuck that.” The devil truly has two sides.
But Amanda had no idea that I’d seen.
"You’re not supposed to be here, silly. It's bad luck,” the woman cooed.
I took a deep breath. There was only one way to say what I came to say, and even for a viper like Amanda, it wasn’t gonna be easy.
"I can't marry you,” was my curt reply.
Amanda gaped.
"What the fuck do you mean you can't marry me?” she demanded, voice shrill. So much for nice.
Her sister, who had been adjusting the veil when I walked in, stared at us, then grabbed her purse. "I'll leave you two alone," came a low mutter before the door slammed shut.
Taking a deep breath, I turned back to my bride. Or ex-bride.
"Just what I said, Amanda. I can't go through with this wedding. It would be a lie, and I'm all kinds of asshole but I'm no liar."
Those green cat eyes narrowed at me.
"Jake, we agreed to go through with this,” she spat. “You told me that things were good."
My head shook slowly.
"I was lying,” came my brutal answer. “It was all lies.”
Hey, I never said I was a nice guy. The opposite, even during our supposed “magical day.”
And the woman looked like I'd punched her in the face. Shock. Anger. Embarrassment. All these emotions flashed across her face like someone changing the channels on a TV screen.
"Do you know what they'll say about me out there?" she hissed angrily. "Fuck you, Jake Mason. I'll be the goddamn laughingstock of New York." With a violent motion, she ripped the veil off her head and threw it on the floor.
But that was none of my concern.
“No worries, I’m sure you’ll live,” was my smooth rumble. “You’ve survived worse. Let’s just cut our losses and go our separate ways.”
But that only made her angrier.
"You obviously don't give a shit about me, otherwise you wouldn't be doing this. Not right now."
That was certainly true, but there was no sense in pouring salt in the wound. So my expression stayed neutral, words mild.
"I should have called this off a while ago, Amanda. Let’s just leave it at that."
And tears started to fall from her face, big, ugly ones dripping through her black mascara.
"Jake don't do this to me,” she pleaded. “You'll ruin my reputation in this town. They'll think I'm a bad bet."
Shit, was she thinking about business? At a time like this, too? But hell, that’s what made her a good business partner, if not exactly a good wife.
"Listen, this can’t just be about business,” I said impatiently. “I’ve changed my mind.”
And those green eyes narrowed behind her streaked mascara.
"Is there someone else?” she demanded. “Is that the reason you’ve been different? Is there someone else?”
The blonde put her hands on her hips and aggressively stepped into my space. Her smeared make-up made her look real scary, like a ghoul with black streaks on her face.
But I didn’t back away. Instead, I told the truth.
"Yes," the word dropped from my lips. “There’s someone else.”
And in that instant, the burden lifted. My shoulders lightened, my head immediately clear, like it was going to levitate. Because shit, there was absolutely someone else, and that special someone happened to be her daughter. All this misery? Not worth it. My business? Fuck, I’d find another way. I’ve been running this corporation for twenty years, I have enough connections on my own. That much was obvious, because nothing was worth this.
But Amanda flew into a fury then, beating at my chest, screaming like a dying hyena.
“Fuck you!” she screamed, pulling at my hair, trying to scratch and bite. “Fuck you, Jake Mason, fuck you to hell and back. I’m gonna squeeze your balls and hang ‘em out to dry! You’ll pay for this!”
Huh. The real Amanda was out now, the harpy with no filter. But she couldn’t intimidate me. Effortlessly, I pulled her hands behind her back and pushed her onto the couch.
“See ya,” was my bland reply. “I got better things to do.”
And it was the truth. Because my best girl was out there, and there were reparations to be made. I only hoped I wasn’t too late because what if there was no going back? What if Lacey wanted nothing to do with me now? What if she couldn’t forgive or forget? I’d be screwed then … and left with nothing but my sins.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Lacey
I was cold. Shivering.
The room they had me in felt like it was all glass, one wall completely mirrored. But I couldn't see anyone. Machines beeped next to a folded white towel with electrodes on it. I knew they were going to put them on me. They said the electricity would rip through my body, burning my brain, setting things on fire.
That sounded bad.
But it was supposed to make me feel better afterwards, to restore my judgment and clear things up. So I sat and waited for the doctor to return.
Shiver
ing, my teeth chattered.
Goosebumps rose on my arms and thighs.
Where was everyone? Was there radiation in here, so it wasn’t safe for others to come in?
Suddenly, there was a rattling noise and raised voices sounded through one of the glass walls.
"You can't go in there!" one of the male nurses shouted, burly and huge. I hated Lester. Sometimes he threw my food on the floor, just to see me pick it up before eating. Isn’t that cruel and unusual? Can guards do that?
But the ruckus kept going.
“Get the fuck away,” came a low rumble. “Get the fuck away.”
Who--?
I gasped in shock when Jake burst inside, the heavy metal door clanking.
He rushed up to my bedside, big body looming and dominant, reassuring as well. Was I dreaming? Ever since I got to Safe Haven, they’ve pumped me full of drugs and sometimes I don’t know if I’m awake or asleep.
"Lacey, baby,” he spoke again, voice urgent. “We're going to get you out of here."
“Jake?” came my incoherent mumble. My voice sounded a million miles away. “Jake, what are you doing?”
His expression was grim.
"Getting you gone," the big man rumbled.
And just like that, I was in his arms. The diodes were stripped off my limbs, the IV wrenched out of my arm.
“Jake,” came my feeble protest. “It’s supposed to be good for me.”
His face was a mask of rage.
“Like hell this is good for you,” came that murderous tone again. “Come on honey, we’re leaving.”
Despite his outward aggression, the alpha’s hands were gentle. Cradling me close to his chest, he burst outside to the shocked stare of the medical team.
“Get out of my way,” was his rabid grunt. “Do not fucking fuck with me if you want to live.”
And just like that, I was out of Safe Haven.
We walked for what felt like forever. My head was woozy from all the drugs, but as sunlight bathed my skin, sanity began to return. How long had it been since I saw daylight? They kept me indoors, in a cell, arguing that I needed to be “safe from myself.” Whatever that meant.
And soon we were in his car, the smell of rich leather filling my nostrils, head limp against the cushioned headrest.
But as the big man strapped the seatbelt around my form, I struggled to sit up straight.
"Where's your wedding ring?" came my voice in a gargle. Uck, my throat felt cottony and soft, filled with stuffing.
Jake ignored me, eyes laser focused.
But I wouldn’t let him get away with it this time. Taking a deep breath, I forced him to answer.
“Where’s. Your. Wedding. Band,” I managed slowly, enunciating each word carefully. “Why aren’t you wearing one?”
And the alpha swung to look at me, blue eyes brilliant. His gaze was filled with emotions, a swirl that I couldn’t read. But a large fist grabbed my chin, making sure I couldn’t look away then.
“I don’t have one,” came the words. “We never got married.”
I plunked back into the seat, stunned, blinking from the shock. They never got married? He and Amanda never tied the knot? Heart racing, I tried to breathe. This was beyond my wildest imagination because at no point, had Jake ever hinted that he’d leave my mom. There’d been the bachelor party, the engagement lunch, and the bridal shower. He could have cut it off at any time, but didn’t. So why now?
The thoughts were overwhelming, like a maelstrom, draining my limbs of all energy.
Because I should have been ecstatic, jumping for joy. But instead, I just felt worn-out.
If I could only rest my eyes for a minute ....
"Lacey. Lacey, honey. Wake up."
I opened my eyes to see Jake hovering over me. We weren't in the car anymore. Where? I looked around frantically. Was I back at the institution? Were they going to lock me up again? Immediately, my arms and legs flailed, intent on getting away.
But the billionaire was there in a moment, calming my movements.
"It's okay, princess,” came that deep voice. “You’re safe now. You’ll never need to worry again.”
His voice was like a balm to my soul, soothing and warm, reassuring like honey. The panic ebbed and I twisted my head to take in our surroundings. We were in a giant bedroom, an elegantly done suite with bold masculine furniture, a flat-screen TV bolted to the wall, and floor to ceiling windows overlooking Manhattan.
“Oh,” came my whisper. “I see.”
Because we had to be in his bedroom. No one else could afford such luxury, with views overlooking Central Park.
But Jake wasn’t done yet. He knelt by the bed, blue eyes intense.
"Princess,” the words were choked yet furious, like his chest hurt. "Who did this to you? Who put you there? Was it your mother?"
Amanda? Why would she do something like that? My mom didn't care two cents. I shook my head slowly, taking a deep breath.
"No, Jake. I did this. I checked myself in."
He glared at me, stunned.
“But why?” the words were an urgent growl. “Why would you? You’re not insane, honey. Yeah, we’re a little crazy together, but you’re not fucking insane. Why would you do that to yourself?”
And agony broke my heart then, the pain searing through my soul.
“Jake,” I looked down, unable to meet those piercing eyes. “Jake … I had to,” was all I could manage.
“But why?” he demanded again, grabbing my hand this time. “You’re not insane. Trust me, you’re not.”
I shook my head, miserable, looking off into the distance. Outside was so beautiful, the pure blue of the sky melding with the tops of green trees. I’d never take that for granted again, the sunshine and wind, the freedom to be who I wanted.
“I can’t explain,” came my low voice. “It’s too complicated.”
He leapt into movement then, that big body pacing back and forth, wearing a trail in the rug.
“You have to snap out of this,” came a desperate growl. “You can’t do this. You can’t do this to yourself, it’s destructive and harmful. Did you see those fuckers? Locking you up like an animal, pumping you full of drugs until you were confused as shit. I’m gonna bring that place down,” he raged, eyes furious and mouth pulled tight. “Those fuckers have seen their last days.”
My eyes dropped to my hands again, thin and pale, clasped on the coverlet.
“I know what they did was wrong,” were my soft words. “But you have to understand, when I got there, I was in a bad place.”
The big man was beside me in a second once more, staring into my eyes.
“But why?” that rough growl came once more, an edge of desperation in his voice. “Why would you do that? I know what happened between us was fucked up and all, but ….” His voice trailed off.
And I took a deep breath, looking out the window once more. How nice it must be to be a bird, flitting this way and that, the wind soaring beneath your wings. How nice it must be not to have a care in the world, instead of living a life filled with tangles and no good solutions.
And then I turned back to Jake, my big brown eyes holding no judgment, no anger.
“What happened between us was wrong,” I began slowly.
“And also right,” he cut in.
I paused, just absorbing the words.
“Yes, and also right,” came my acknowledgment. “But you have to understand. I’m not you,” came the words. “I’m eighteen and untouched. I’ve never had a boyfriend. To do what we did, it made me crazy.”
Jake grabbed my hands again, look urgent.
“You’re not crazy,” he insisted roughly. “You’re in love.”
Those words. Once upon a time, they would have made me so happy. But now I wasn’t sure what to feel. Because I’d dodged death by the slimmest of margins, almost losing my brain to a harsh zap of electricity.
But a brush with the grim reaper will make you see things with new eyes.
“Yes, I was in love,” were my soft words. “I am in love with you.”
And immediately, the billionaire was on me.
“I swear,” he breathed, brushing my hair aside, looking intently into my eyes. “I swear we’ll make it work honey. We’ll make this work, absolutely.”
But the thing is, I hadn’t heard the words from him in return. Despite giving my all, Jake was still too wrapped up in business deals, in trading connections for sex, in making sure things happened the way he wanted. He didn’t say I love you back.
And my heart broke then. Because the alpha’s a forty-five year old man who’s set in his ways. How could I change him? If my brush with death hadn’t done it, then what was going to make a difference? How could I make him see?
But Jake was still muttering a storm, swearing he was gonna fire everyone at Safe Haven, tear the place down brick by brick. From my perspective, Safe Haven was in the past. It would never be a part of my life again, and I didn’t care what happened to it.
Besides, there was the now. There was the incredible realization that although I loved Jake, he was too wrapped up in his alpha male ways to even appreciate it.
So I looked away once more, taking a deep breath. Sometimes life is bittersweet and you just have to roll with it. Because I adored this man with every ounce of my being, and in fact had even told him so. But he couldn’t process it, couldn’t sit back and think about what it meant, and be grateful for the gift he’d received.
So smiling once more, I turned towards the billionaire.
“Thank you,” were my quiet words.
The alpha was dumbfounded.
“For what?” he demanded. “Thank you for what?”
“Thank you for everything,” I said again, careful with the words. “For showing me everything. For taking me with you on this amazing adventure. It could have ended better, I agree, but I wouldn’t give it up for the world.”
And the dark man stared at me, completely mystified, jumping up and pacing around the bedroom again, long strides eating up the distance.
“I swear Lacey, those drugs have gotten to you,” he mumbled, more talking to himself than anything. “You’re not you yet. You’re not thinking straight. We’re gonna get this straightened out, we’re gonna be a real couple. I swear,” he turned, fixing me with those penetrating blue eyes. “When you’re healthy again, we’re gonna work this out.”
Claiming His Virgin In the Ring Page 36
