Raina holds me tighter sobbing with me. Lucian and Jake circle us like a protective shield. Jake stands behind Raina and Lucian behind me.
“Where are Conrad and Wyatt?” I ask, releasing Raina.
“Wyatt went for coffee and Conrad is sitting with Evelyn,” Jake answers.
“They said her vitals are improving, but she still hasn’t opened her eyes.” Raina voice is choked with fear.
“She’s strong, Rain. She just needs time to heal.” I hear myself repeating the same words the doctors told me about Lucian less than three weeks ago.
I offer a silent prayer for Evelyn; after all, my prayers were answered when Lucian made a full recovery. And now that Franklin is on the mend I try to stay optimistic. Yet the uncertainty has me terrified and questioning who is next.
“Let’s take a seat while we wait,” Lucian urges.
Raina sits first, with Jake and I on each side of her. Just as Lucian takes the seat next to me, Wyatt enters the waiting room. His gaze moves from me to Lucian and then back to me.
“I didn’t think you were coming,” he says, passing coffee to Raina then Jake.
“I couldn’t stay away. I had to be here for her.”
“I’m glad you’re here.” I’ve known Wyatt long enough to know that right now he’s trying hard to be strong for his family. “It has hazelnut cream,” he says offering me his coffee.
Lucian tenses beside me when I stand. Accepting the coffee, I give Wyatt a sisterly hug.
Wyatt clears his throat, and he tries to speak but the words do not come out. “We’re family. Nothing would have kept me away.”
Something in my peripheral draws my attention and everyone around me seems to gravitate toward it.
“Daddy.” Raina’s voice is childlike as she embraces her father.
Releasing Wyatt, I make my way to Conrad. He extends his hand to me and I take it. His face is pale, but he looks happy to see us. We all stand silently waiting for Conrad to speak.
“There’s no change,” he finally says. “She’s still drifting in and out of consciousness. The doctor is hopeful that she’ll regain full consciousness soon.”
“Can I see her?”
“I’ll take you,” Wyatt volunteers, taking my hand.
“I’ll be right back,” I say to Lucian
“I’m not going anywhere,” he replies before Wyatt leads me away.
We make our way to the ICU to Evelyn’s room.
“Only one at a time,” the nurse on duty says.
“You need to prepare yourself, Avery,” Wyatt warns.
I nod, and he continues.
“She’s in pretty bad shape. But I believe she can hear us, so talk to her. Tell her that we’re all here waiting for her.”
I hug Wyatt again because I need it as much as he does. “I will,” I whisper.
“I’ll wait for you here.”
“Okay.”
The room is nothing more than a glass enclosed cubical with a sliding door. It is dimly lit despite the light from the equipment used to monitor Evelyn. My stomach twists in knots at seeing her frail body lying helpless on the small bed. But nothing could have prepared me for the sight of Evelyn’s battered face. Her beautiful blue eyes are swollen shut. Blood stains her swollen lips and her nose appears to be broken.
Taking the remaining steps forward to reach her bedside, I take her right hand in mine and caress it gently. Her hand shows signs of defensive wounds.
I cover my mouth with my hand to stop myself from crying.
“Hello, Evelyn,” I say, hoping I sound calmer than I feel. I didn’t want her to hear the anguish in my voice. “I’m here and I’m so sorry this happened to you. I... I want you to know that I love you and I need you to come back to us.”
Her hand squeezes mine and I’m sure she hears me, so I keep talking. I tell her the truth about why I left New York and Lucian, and how guilty I feel for hurting him. I tell her how afraid I am to lose the people I love. I tell her how much I appreciate her being a surrogate mother to me when I needed it most. Finally, I tell her I have a plan to make things better. I don’t tell her the details, partly because I haven’t worked it all out yet.
I’m aware that Evelyn’s family wants to visit with her again and didn’t want to monopolize her time. But it comforted me to confide in her and to see for myself that she was going to be okay. I press my lips to the back of Evelyn’s hand, kissing it before leaving her alone. Wiping my teary eyes, I go in search of Lucian.
Outside the ICU, Lucian, Conrad and Wyatt are waiting for me. I walk straight into Lucian’s arms.
“Conrad has convinced Raina to go home to get some sleep. I think we should do the same,” Lucian whispers.
“But... Who...”
“I’ve arranged around the clock protection for the Prestons,” Lucian cuts me off, answering my question before it is formulated. “I’ll keep them safe.”
We say goodnight to Conrad first. And watch him return to the ICU to stay with Evelyn.
“I’m not leaving,” Wyatt says. “I’ll crash in the waiting room.”
I understand his need to stay near his mother. I would have done anything to have been allowed to stay with Mom when she was hospitalized.
“Can I get you anything before we leave?”
“No, I’m good. Just remind Rain to bring me a change of clothes.”
“I will,” I yawn.
Giving me a quick hug., Wyatt says, “Go get some sleep.” Then he turns and walk away.
A SHORT TIME LATER, after showering I’m resting comfortably in the bed Lucian and I shared until a week ago. He excused himself the moment we step foot in the penthouse, disappearing to his home office for more than an hour. I want nothing more than to go to him. To lose myself in the heat of his embrace. My body shudders remembering our encounter at the hotel. He fucked me like the devil, possessing me solely. And I surrendered to him, willing.
Climbing out of bed, I go searching for Lucian. I go before I have time to talk myself out of it. The ache between my thighs demands the satisfaction only he can provide.
When I find Lucian’s office dark and empty, disappointment douses the flames heating my core. I look for him in the kitchen with no luck. I’m on my way back to the master suite when I hear him call out my name. I follow the sound down the hall to the guest bedroom. That’s where I found him tossing and turning alone in bed.
It takes me a few seconds to come to terms with my new reality. He doesn’t want me. He prefers to sleep alone. My heart breaks with the pain I have caused us both. I turn to leave, but Lucian’s angry words stop me.
“Sullivan. You sonofabitch. I’m going to fucking kill you for laying your goddamn hands on her.”
How is it that his nightmare has mirrored mine?
“Avery.” My name is a gentle caress from his lips. And I go to him.
Lucian is fast asleep when I snuggle next to him in bed. I welcome the warmth of his body, chasing away the chill that has settled in my blood. His arm wraps around me when I lay my head on his chest. I take comfort in his peace offering, and sleep finds me for the first time in weeks.
Awaking alone in bed, I selfishly worry that Lucian’s decision to sleep in separate beds is a sign that he is letting me go. I’m aware that the distance growing between us is entirely my fault. I left him, and I pushed him away when he came after me. Realizing that it’s up to me to find a way to bridge the gap that divides us, before the bond we share is gone forever, I climb out of bed, determined to reconnect with Lucian.
The rich aroma of coffee caffeinates the air, stimulating my senses. I walk down the hall to the kitchen quickly and with purpose. A freshly brewed pot of coffee greets me, but no Lucian. My iPhone and a note on the breakfast bar grabs my attention. Taking a seat on one of the six barstools, I read the note from Lucian.
I have a few things to take care of at Thorne Tower. I will meet you at the hospital for lunch. Call Mathers when you’re ready to leave. Keep your phone with you
.
The note is direct and to the point, just like Lucian. However, it is also cold and impersonal, so unlike Lucian. An examination of the cellphone tells me that it’s a new iPhone, upgraded from my previous version. And I wonder why. I also wonder what else has changed. Choosing not to dwell on it, I call the hospital for an update on Evelyn.
The ICU nurse’s station phone rings three times before someone answers.
“ICU, how can I help you?”
“Good morning, this is Avery West. I’m calling about Evelyn Preston. How is she doing?”
“Hold please.” The line is silent for a few seconds before it starts to ring again.
“Hello.” It’s Conrad voice this time.
“Conrad. It’s Avery, is Evelyn okay? I was on the line with ICU. What’s happening?” In my panicked state I fire question after question.
“Avery, sweetheart, calm down. Evelyn is fine. She’s doing better than fine. After you left the hospital she woke up. After a few tests she was moved to a private room.”
“Thank god,” I praise. “Does Raina know?”
“Yes. I just spoke to her. Evelyn insisted that I let you girls rest a little before calling you with the news. Wyatt just left, but he’ll be back later.”
"Can I speak to her?” The need to hear Evelyn’s voice overwhelms me.
“I’m sorry sweetheart, she’s resting, but I know she wants to see you. So, come as soon as you can.” Conrad’s words are soothing and exactly what I need.
“I’ll be there by lunchtime.”
We end the call with a promise to see each other again soon.
I send a quick text to Lucian, informing him of Evelyn’s status. I don’t expect him to respond but I’m happily surprised when he does.
That’s great! I’m so happy for you and the Prestons.
My stomach rumbles and I decide it’s time for breakfast. Armed with a piping hot cup of coffee, a fresh baked buttery croissant, and a mix bowl of seasonal fruit, I dig in. Although breakfast without Lucian is bland and lonely, it was filling. I feel more energized than I have in days.
After breakfast I take a quick shower and get dressed before returning to the living area. Staring out the window I get lost in the peace and tranquility of the Manhattan Skyline. I have always loved this view. For me the view of Hollywood Hills and downtown Los Angeles doesn’t compare. This is home. This is where I belong. With Lucian.
The familiar Marimba ringtone of my iPhone startles me, causing me to jump. I make my way to the breakfast bar where I left it. The caller ID reads, Raina. The ringing stops, then starts again.
“Raina,” I answer immediately, afraid that Evelyn’s condition may have changed.
“Hello, baby girl. I hear you’re looking for me.” The voice is unmistakable. I hear it in my nightmares.
The blood in my veins ceases flowing and life begins to drain from my body as the darkness tries to overtake me, attempting to shatter my world.
“Well, here’s a clue, I’m not in the grave. But I bet you can guess who is.”
My voice is trapped somewhere between fear and rage. Fear that he may have hurt Raina. And rage for the fifteen-year-old girl he did hurt. Adrenaline floods my system, preparing me for battle.
“What have you done to Raina?” I whisper, trying to hold back the fear and anger growing inside me.
“She’s fine for now. I simply borrowed her phone. And if you want her to stay that way you’ll do exactly as I tell you. You’ve already seen what I can do to people who get in my way. Do we have an understanding, baby girl?”
The name grates on my nerves and I want to rip it from his jugular with my bare hands.
“What do you want?”
“I want what I’ve always wanted. I want what is rightfully mine. If Phil hadn’t been such a sonofabitch, it’d still be mine. So, I intend to take back what I paid for. And I’m taking it back today.”
“Believe me when I tell you that this isn’t what you want.”
He snorts and for a moment I imagine he’s a dragon. A dragon that Lucian promised to slay.
“You have one hour to meet me where it all started. Come alone. Tell no one. If I so much as suspect that you’re being followed I will kill every fucking person you care about. Starting with that pussy whipped fucker who’s chasing after you. Do I make myself clear?”
I nod my response, forgetting he can’t see me.
“Do you understand!” he shouts
“Yes,” I choke out.
“Leave your phone, I know Thorne can track it. Be here in an hour and come alone or they all die. I’ll see you soon, baby girl.”
The line goes dead. And my knees go weak, dropping me to the floor. I pray, begging for divine intervention. I pray that hell will swallow this demon whole. I pray for the safety of my loved ones, and I pray for the strength to do what must be done. With a clear idea of what I have to do, I head to the master suite to dress for a showdown.
There is only one person from Thorne Security on duty. The new guy, Declan Pierce. It should be easy enough to get by him. He hasn’t had time to learn my routine. I step into the foyer and he stand to greet me.
“Good morning, Miss West. Is there something I can do for you?”
“Good morning, Declan. I have a guest waiting in the lobby, but I forgot to put her on the list of approved visitors. And with all the extra precautions Lucian has in place, I need to identify her in person before she can come up to the penthouse.”
Declan eyes me questionably, and with good reason. My story is pure bullshit. If a visual ID was required, the front desk would simply make a video call to the security system. But I’m hoping Declan doesn’t know that.
“I’ll escort you down,” he insists.
“No need. My sister is also on her way up.” When will the lies end.
“Alright,” Declan agrees reluctantly.
“I’ll be right back,” I say, stepping onto the elevator.
Reaching the lobby, I race pass the front desk and out the door. I’m fully aware that Declan won’t be fooled for long. When I haven’t returned in a timely manner he will come after me. He will call Lucian before I have time to handle this myself. I can’t take that chance. Running at top speed, I stop after a few blocks to hop in a cab. I continue to look back, confirming I have not been followed. Lucian will find my unsent text when he returns to the penthouse. I pray he can forgive me.
The cab comes to a stop outside the building I have avoided for ten years. I check my watch, because I can’t be late for my appointment with the devil. His words haunt me. They rattle around in my head, pushing me toward hell.
I will kill every fucking person you care about.
Chapter 16
Lucian
My decision to go into the office today is how I plan to keep my sanity. I nearly lost my mind, waking with Avery’s body wrapped around mine. It was torturous pleasure. I have missed her so fucking much it’s unbearable. But having her in my arms again was worth any amount of pain I had to endure. I can’t say I was surprised to find her in bed with me, yet I couldn’t bring myself to stay until she awakened.
It may be selfish, but I want her to choose me always. I need her to choose me instead of her fears. She needs to believe that we are stronger together. So, instead of staying and facing her, I’m here at Thorne Tower.
Work keeps me preoccupied. I have a full schedule with back to back meetings taking up most of my morning and that suits me just fine. My meeting with Carter is first on the agenda. And it is very productive, providing new details on Sullivan’s whereabouts. The information was buried under a shit ton of paperwork, but nothing stays hidden from Carter for long. The man has a genius level IQ and I won’t even mention how many times he’s hacked the Pentagon before putting those skills to use for our government. It wasn’t hard for Carter to find out that Hugh Sullivan, older brother to Tate Sullivan and the head of a crime family that deals in everything from drugs, prostitution and weapons, has been cleani
ng up after his psychotic brother for years. Whether it’s guilt over the retaliation from a rival organization that caused the death of his brother Liam or family loyalty to his remaining brother. Hugh Sullivan is as responsible for what happened to Avery ten years ago as his brother and my biological father.
“I played a hunch this morning and did some digging around the dark web.” Carter’s announcement catches me off guard. “And it paid off.”
Although he no longer hacks the FBI or Homeland Security for information, the use of the dark web is another story. Like I said, nothing stays hidden from Carter if he wants to find it.
“What did you find?”
“Hugh Sullivan has a network of shell companies, but the one that’s of particular interest is Williams Holdings LLC.”
He pauses as if something has occurred to him, prompting me to ask impatiently.
“Why?”
“It appears that this company was setup for his brother Liam seventeen years ago. The bank account in the Caymans has been inactive until three days ago, when funds were withdrawn to buy an apartment here in New York.”
Death grips my heart at the thought of that demented motherfucker taking up permanent residence in the city I desperately want Avery to call home again. For ten years she had a false sense of peace believing he was dead. I want to give her true peace of mind, free from fear and nightmares. And I will.
“Do you have an address?”
Carter shakes his head. “Not yet. These motherfuckers are good at covering their tracks. But I’m better at uncovering them.”
Carter doesn’t need to boast; his track record speaks for itself. If he says he can find it, he will.
“Give me a couple of hours.”
I manage to nod, as my mind spins with possibility, hopeful that this will all be over soon. Carter takes his leave and I imagine a life with Avery. A life filled with love, happiness, and the laughter of our children. After losing two children, the thought of Avery pregnant with my child both terrifies and fills me with unimaginable joy. I close my eyes and I can see her clearly. The sight of her belly and breasts swollen hardens my cock. The urge to relieve the ache tempts me.
Inseparable Bond Page 11
