“No, no, this is a lie. You’re making it up. I don’t believe you.”
She stared to head toward the door when he lashed out. He struck her across the cheekbone and she cried out.
He grabbed her by her arm and pressed her against the desk.
“You’re not going back to them. You’re going to stay here with me and be my wife, my lover, and we’re going to own this company together.”
“Let go of me,” she said, her voice shaking.
“You’re coming home with me tonight. You’re never going back there. It’s over and once I fuck you in every hole you’ll never think of those dicks again,” he said as he cupped her pussy.
Adel slapped him across the face so hard she left a hand mark. She was so shocked that her own reaction and the fact that she fought back, that she didn’t put her hands up to defend herself. Bentley swung hard, striking her. He punched her in the ribs, smacked her across the mouth, splitting her lips, and she screamed for him to stop. He slammed her back against the desk and she cried out, the pain so bad she could hardly breathe. He ripped her dress and grabbed at her thighs as he tried undoing his pants with his other hand. She swung at him and begged him to stop but he wouldn’t. She was so scared, she was shaking, and her back was in pain from him slamming her down on it. She reached around the desk as he scratched her thighs and ripped her panties. She was screaming and crying when she grabbed the marble pen holder, gripped it tight, and swung it at his face. He was stunned from the hit as she tried getting up to get away from him. He grabbed at her, ripping her top, scratching her breast, and she swung the marble holder again this time hitting him in the temple.
Bentley was stunned and she ran for the door, pulled it open, and ran down the hallway for help. Before she could reach the party her mother was standing there shocked as she covered her mouth and then told her to come with her.
She didn’t know if she should believe her or not but the pain in her back and the other injuries were kicking in. Her mom led her down the hall and to another room.
“Call the police. He tried to rape me,” Adel said as she cried.
“No police, Adel. No one can know about this.” She tried standing up but her mom held her hand.
“Adel, you have to trust me. No one will believe you. Bentley has connections. He’ll destroy your life, your reputation, and you’ll have nothing.”
She shook her head.
“You’re wrong. Maybe you’ve been too weak to fight but not me,” she said to her mother as her eyes swelled and her lip burned. She felt like she got hit by a truck and didn’t want to walk but knew she had to get out of there.
“Listen to me. I know you believe you can’t trust me because of how I got you here, but what I say is true. If you try to press charges they’ll backfire on you. He’ll use the fact that you’re intimate with three men. He’ll claim you’re a whore and that someone else beat you up and that you’re after his money. He owns lawyers and politicians, and he’ll destroy your life. Just run away and never come back here.”
Adel was crying. She felt so hollow inside and in this moment she realized how weak, how disappointing her own mother was. She didn’t fight for herself so why would she fight for Adel?
Adel tried to stand up, the pain in her back immense. She was a mess. Her mom helped her.
“I’ll get you out the side so he can’t find you.”
Her mom had to help her up. They headed down the side hallway and out the door. Adel couldn’t believe this was happening to her, but she couldn’t give up and she couldn’t let Bentley rape her and make her belong to him, too.
She got into her car and by the grace of God she drove all the way to her cottage. She cried until there were no more tears left and when she made it home she realized that she couldn’t get out of the car. The adrenaline rush was over, the pain even worse, and the swelling intense. She didn’t know who to call or if she should. She couldn’t let her men see her this way, and she couldn’t call Harold or he would tell his sons.
She grabbed her cell phone and called Mercedes.
“Adel, is everything okay? Where are you, it’s late.”
“I need help, Mercedes. Get to my cottage. Come alone. Please.”
* * * *
“Did you find out anything?” Hank asked Will as Will stood by his office window and looked out at the evening sky. Adel had left to visit family for a few days, and they weren’t happy about not seeing her. It was Monday morning and she should have been back last night. They hadn’t heard a word and Hank was concerned. Plus Hank was acting funny. Leo walked in next.
“I haven’t heard a word from Adel. What the hell is going on?” Leo asked.
Will turned toward them.
“I don’t know how to say this but I think we’ve been had,” Will said and Hank could see the anger in Will’s eyes and the disbelief. He instantly felt on edge. He loved his brothers and he would do anything for them.
“What do you mean?” Leo asked, walking toward his desk.
“Look at this,” Will said and turned the laptop toward them.
“I just got confirmation from Alex on everything there. She’s working against us,” Will told them.
Hank took a look and he read the name of the company and the owner and co-owners of Ross Mc K Construction.
“It’s her. She’s Rick McKinley’s daughter. Rick is part owner with Bentley Ross, hence Ross Mc K Construction. Alex pulled her phone records. Adel’s been getting numerous calls from this Ross guy’s personal cell phone. She probably headed that way this weekend to celebrate pulling one over on us and sealing the deal on the bid for the Morrison project.” Will raised his voice and slammed his fist down on the desk.
Hank felt sick. He didn’t want to believe this was true. There had to be an explanation.
“She never lied about her name being McKinley,” Leo said to them as he pulled out his cell phone.
“Who are you calling?”
“Adel,” Leo said.
“No, don’t call her and let on that we know she’s scamming us. She wants to play this game, fuck with our hearts and pretend that it’s only her taking a chance on this relationship, no,” Will said and Hank couldn’t even respond. He was so hurt. He just couldn’t believe that this was real.
“But she tried so hard to help us with the proposal. Her ideas were amazing and right on. Cadence even complimented her organization skills,” Leo added.
“Yeah, as she took pictures of our ideas and probably forwarded them to this Ross guy and her father. Why would she need a job when her dad owned this construction business? They’re not even hands-on, they’re like middle men that subcontract out. It’s screwed up, and we fell for her innocent story.”
“But, Will, Dad was the one that hired her. He said he knew her family?” Leo pointed out.
“Call him right now. Call Dad and demand an explanation. Something is definitely not adding up here,” Hank stated and Will pulled out his cell phone to call their dad, Harold.
* * * *
“You can’t hide out forever, Adel, besides, I think you need to see a doctor,” Mercedes told her as she got more ice for her lip and cheek.”
“I can’t go back to the construction company. Bentley will go after Will, Hank, and Leo, maybe even Harold. I can’t let him hurt them because of me.”
“Are you out of your mind? The man tried to rape you. My God, Adel, you’re still bleeding and bruised up. He could have kept you prisoner, hell, killed you. You need to go to the police.”
She shook her head and Mercedes slammed her hand down on the table.
“I’m calling Max. I know he’s the sheriff but he knows people. I’ve overheard some of the down-low situations he’s helped out in. You need to trust me on this.”
Adel closed her eyes. She was in so much pain she ached everywhere.
“Listen, I’ve already taken the pictures of your injuries. He won’t make you go to the hospital and have them do it. Let me call him.”
Adel felt the tears roll down her cheeks.
“I don’t want Leo, Will, and Hank to know. Please, Mercedes. No one can see me like this.”
Mercedes squeezed Adel’s hand then pulled out her cell phone.
* * * *
Max was trying to rein in his temper. Beautiful, sweet Adel was a mess, a victim of an attempted rape and assault and she fought her attacker then drove over an hour home with these injuries.
“I took pictures so there’s no need to do that, but Adel doesn’t want to press charges because of what she explained to you, Max,” Mercedes told him.
He was trying to process the entire situation and Adel explained her thoughts and what she wanted to do to ensure that Ferguson construction didn’t suffer and that they got the job with the Morrisons.
“Somehow, Adel, I don’t think Will, Hank, and Leo are going to give a shit about some fucking job. You’re their woman, their responsibility, and they’re going to need to see you and know where you are.”
“No, Max, I can’t let them see me like this. I can’t be with them anymore. He’ll go after them and destroy their business.”
“He made those threats and by telling me I can do what I can to assist you. I’ve dealt with men like this before, Adel. It’s not going to be done exactly by the law, but this son of a bitch isn’t playing by the rules.”
“I just don’t want the construction company to go under because of me.”
“What else can you tell me about this guy Bentley Ross?”
Adel explained everything she knew and why she left her family and moved out here to Chance. With each detail, Max could tell she was a fighter and that she really did lose her faith in people and in men. Will, Hank, and Leo would have to really work on gaining Adel’s trust and be gentle with her. Letting them know about what happened to her and then telling them she didn’t want to see them.
“I think we should call Dr. Anders and ask him to look you over, honey. Just as precaution,” Max said and Adel looked at Mercedes.
“It will be okay, honey. I’m worried and I’ll feel a lot better if I know that you don’t need to be in a hospital.”
Max was relieved as she nodded her head. He looked away. The fact that she was beaten and curled up on the couch looking so defeated pissed him off. He was going to help this young woman, and he was going to help his friends Will, Hank, and Leo.
* * * *
“Now calm the hell down. You’ve got it all wrong,” Harold told his sons as he, William, and Ethena met them at the office.
“She lied to us. She’s the daughter of one of the owners of Ross Mc K Construction,” Will stated.
“I know she is. I’m the one that hired her,” Harold told his son.
“You need to explain what’s going on. Something isn’t right. Adel didn’t come back from her trip to see her family,” Hank told his dad. Harold felt his chest tighten and he immediately looked at Will and Ethena.
“You need to tell them, Harold. They love her and have a right to know what that monster of a father did to her. Tell them everything. Adel will get over it,” Ethena said to Harold and he exhaled then began to explain about Adel’s life, how her father sold her out to Bentley Ross and she was engaged to get married.
“Engaged?” Hank asked, looking shocked and suddenly insulted.
“It wasn’t her decision. It was forced on her as part of a deal, but Bentley was abusive and he cheated on her. She took off to save herself when her parents wouldn’t help. The poor woman went through hell. In fact, she went to see them in hopes of settling things with her dad so she could have some closure and move on with her life with you guys.”
“You know this how?” Will asked him. Ethena hugged his arm.
“We talked weeks ago and she mentioned that her mom was hounding her about returning. I told her I didn’t think it was a good idea but I understood her reasoning. She’s got a big heart and she just wanted to give her dad and mom another chance to show her they really loved her. It was Bentley I was most worried about.”
“That guy would be there? He’s still involved with the family?” Leo asked.
“Son, they own the company together. He hasn’t stopped calling her wanting her back. I think since things took a different turn with the four of you she ignored his calls and didn’t respond to him.”
“Great, and she couldn’t share any of this with us?” Will said.
“Because she was afraid. That man abused her, cheated on her, and used her. Her own father did, too. How the heck can she trust a man, never mind three intense, demanding brothers like the three of you?” their mom asked, raising her voice.
They heard a knock at the door and William opened it.
“Max, what are you doing here?” William asked and Harold caught his eye. He said hello to everyone and gave Ethena a kiss on the cheek.
“I’m glad that you’re all here. I thought I was going to have to call for a meeting to speak privately with you.”
He looked at the door.
“William, can you close that please?” Max said.
“What’s going on?” Hank asked.
“I’ve got some information, but before you even ask any questions I need you all to hear me out, and respect Adel’s wishes for now.”
“Adel? What does this have to do with Adel?” Hank asked.
Max looked at Harold and then exhaled as he leaned one hand on his holster and one on his hip.
“Adel’s in a bit of trouble, but her main concern is all of you and this company. Seems you have a snitch working in here, and the man he’s working for is set out to take down Ferguson Construction.”
Chapter 7
Warner Dawn was asked to do a favor for Mercedes’s friend, Adel. Warner had known Will, Leo, and Hank for years and thought of them as good friends. Once he heard about what happened to Adel and the kind of trouble she was in, he arranged to meet with her and go over details of her plan and the sheriff’s. As a retired mercenary for the military, he and his brother, Kurt, who shared the same profession, had a lot of connections. Getting some heavy shit on this Bentley character was a piece of cake. Learning about how many women he assaulted over the years, and even about a certain young woman who disappeared after being seen entering a hotel with him, made Warner dig deeper. The right connections and a bit of money went a long way.
Warner sat in Bentley’s office waiting for the piece of shit to arrive. He thought about Adel’s bruises and battered body and how Bentley tried to rape her and all he kept thinking was that he could eliminate this guy and no one would ever find the body, but that was not what Max wanted done. Adel, despite the damage done emotionally and physically by Bentley and her own parents, had a bigger plan. One that kept her three men and their family safe, their business secure, and one that ensured that Bentley never came near her or her men again.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I wasn’t told that someone was waiting for me. Who are you?” Bentley asked Warner. Warner didn’t hide his smirk as he saw the black eye and the gash to Bentley’s temple that needed stitches and the swollen lip.
“Nice,” Warner said and Bentley squinted his eyes.
“Do I know you? Who let you in here?”
“That lovely secretary of yours. Sweet young thing, but not too bright. Left me in here with access to all your computers and files on your desk.”
Bentley looked at his desk and then at Warner.
“I think you should leave. I don’t even know who you are.”
“Well, you’re going to get to know me really well. You see, I’m a friend of Adel’s.”
Bentley lost that intimidated expression and it turned to a pompous one.
“A friend of hers huh? She’s nothing but a whore.”
Warner clenched his teeth. He so badly wanted to punch this guy’s face in. He was a loser, a creep, and a criminal.
“Actually, no, she isn’t, but you’re a lying piece of shit, and your life is about to change.”
“How so
?” he asked as he ignored Warner and glanced at the files on his desk, pretending that he didn’t care about what Warner wanted. Warner waited and then Bentley opened the file and scanned through the pictures, the documents, and the copies of evidence showing there were probable cause and enough evidence to charge him with assault and attempted rape.
He looked up at Warner with an expression of evilness Warner recognized all too well.
“She’s lying and no one will believe her. She’s fucking three men. I bet she’s fucking you, too.”
“Keep looking, asshole. That’s just the charges from Adel that she submitted to the police and to her attorney. There’s a list of other victims and their written statements accusing you of rape. Oh, and let’s not forget the green file. Check it out.”
Warner watched as the panicked expression covered Bentley’s face and he opened the green file. He lost all coloring and fell back into his chair.
“I hope you enjoyed the good life, the fancy cars, the expensive dinners, and showing off all that hard earned money. Because it will be nothing but a dream where you’re going, buddy. Prison is a very bland and humbling experience.”
Warner turned around to leave.
“What does she want? I’ll do whatever she asks. Just don’t hand these over to the police.”
“You’re nothing but scum. You don’t deserve any chances, not after what you did to Adel, what you tried to do to the Ferguson construction company, and what you did to those other women. It’s over, Bentley. Adel won and you lost.”
Warner headed out of the office, closing the door behind him. As he walked past the secretary he could hear Bentley screaming and raging in his office.
“I’d look for a new job, honey, your boss is taking a very long vacation.”
* * * *
Adel got the text message from Warner. He told her it was done. The situation was now over. Bentley was going to jail, she was pressing charges, and so were four other women that Max had gotten to come forward and no longer remain silent about their assaults by Bentley. Adel was relieved as she leaned back on the bed, closed her eyes, and tried to rest. The tears rolled down her cheeks and she let them fall.
Dare to Forgive [The Dare Series 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 12
