by Chloe Lang
* * * *
Sylas sat across from Patrick and Sam O’Leary in Blue’s Diner. Desirae had just left after bringing them coffee and taking their orders.
“So, Sylas, how did the date go last night?” Patrick asked.
“It appeared to go extremely well. We were all laughing, enjoying the food. The conversation was great. And to all appearances, Nic seemed to be enjoying himself. But I know him too well. It was all a façade.”
Sam sat down his cup. “Are you sure?”
“Oh yes, I’m sure. When we got back to the hotel, we walked in together. Not a word was spoken. Not even a good night. Complete, total change. I don’t believe Ashley knew Nic was putting on a front.”
“Why do you suppose he was acting like that?” Sam said.
“You remember me telling you about how he grew up in foster care?”
“Yes.”
“It goes deeper than that, I’m afraid. Nic’s parents were no good. His dad was sent to the pen for life when Nic was only five years old. Homicide.”
“Damn,” Patrick said. “That poor guy.”
“Nic’s mother was a drug addict and didn’t give a damn about him. Child Protective Services took him away from her and placed him in foster care, which ended up not being much better. His first foster parents were alcoholics and abused him.”
Sam and Patrick didn’t say a word but he could see on their faces the rage at the idea of anyone harming an innocent child. The O’Leary brothers were good men.
“Nic’s second home was filled with warmth and love. Unfortunately, that couple died in a car crash on the way to pick him up from school. Nic still carries a picture of them in his wallet. After he lost them, Nic shut everyone out.”
“How old was he when that accident happened?” Patrick asked.
“He just turned nine. The only thing he found solace in after they died was his studies, which he excelled at. Nic didn’t act out, but no one could reach him. Because of that he was moved from foster home to foster home, in the hopes that one might be able to connect with him.” Sylas took a sip of coffee as his mind traveled back to when he first met Nic. “He enrolled in my high school the middle of our sophomore year. Nic kept to himself and had no friends. We bumped into each other at the public library in the section where the law books were shelved. We struck up a conversation and found we both had the same dream of becoming a lawyer. His foster dad who had died in the car crash had been a lawyer, and my mom worked as a court reporter, which had got me interested in the law. We became very close. And the rest is history.”
“I can understand where your friend, your brother, is coming from now,” Sam said.
As if on cue, Nic walked into the diner.
“He’s here,” Sylas told them, “and heading this way.”
“Hi, Sylas.” Nic was visibly upset, though he was holding it in fairly well.
“Nic, this is Patrick and Sam O’Leary.”
They shook hands.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Nic said.
“No problem,” Patrick said. “Looks like you two have something important to discuss.”
Sam stood. “Patrick and I need to warm up our coffee anyway. So we’ll give you some privacy.”
He and Patrick excused themselves, taking their coffee cups and moving to the diner’s long counter.
“Sit down, Nic. What’s up?”
Nic took the seat across from him. “I came to congratulate you.”
“For what?”
“For winning.” Nic’s face darkened.
Sylas saw sadness in his eyes. Nic looked like he’d lost twelve rounds in the boxing ring. “What the hell are you talking about, Nic?”
“I’m talking about Ashley, Sylas. What else? It’s over. You win, Sylas. She’s all yours.”
“All mine? You still don’t get it, do you? She made it clear back in Chicago what she wanted, and I believe what she still wants and needs.” Sylas could see that he was about to lose his friend again, but this time it would be forever if he didn’t do, say something that would turn Nic around. He leaned forward. “That’s both of us, Nic. Can’t you see that?”
“You sound just like her.”
“Nic, what do you mean by that?”
“I went to her apartment last night, after our date.”
“You what?”
“You heard me. I knocked on her door offering to help her with her studies for the bar exam. But I had other things in mind that I wanted to happen. I thought if we made love again that I could once and for all get you out of her mind. But it didn’t work.”
Anger welled up inside him. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Everything, apparently.”
Hearing the anguish in Nic’s voice crushed him. “Listen, buddy. I want you to talk with Patrick and Sam. They’re helping me to get a better grasp on how the Destiny way of life can work. They’re brothers and they’ve been married to the same wonderful woman for over fifty years. If you love her, Nic, you need to be willing to learn about this life at the very least.”
“I do love her, but I can’t do this, Sylas.”
With a heavy heart, he watched Nic walk out of the diner.
Patrick and Sam came back and sat down.
“Didn’t look like it went well,” Sam said.
“It didn’t.” He told them what Nic had said. “I thought if he could just talk to you two he would come around. But I’m afraid he’s going to turn down the job here and go back to Chicago.”
“It’s time for an intervention.” Sam turned to his brother. “What do you think, Patrick?”
“I couldn’t agree more. That young man needs to hear what you and I have to say.”
“But not just us,” Sam said. “I’ve got some other men in town in mind that can help Nic see what kind of future he and Sylas can have with Ashley. Matt and Sean aren’t biological brothers and look how happy they are with Jena.”
“Are you going to ambush him?” Sylas asked, wondering exactly what Sam and Patrick were planning.
“Not in so many words, but yes,” Sam said. “It’ll be good. I promise.”
Desirae brought their meal. “More coffee, fellas?”
“Please, and the check,” Patrick said. “We’re in a bit of a hurry.”
“Coming right up.” She left their table.
They wolfed down the delicious breakfast and then headed to Phase Four.
Zac Gold met them at the door. “Welcome, Sylas.”
They shook hands. “Mr. Gold, nice to meet you.”
“Please. Just call me Zac. I understand that you want to take a look at our club. I’m happy to give you a tour. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.” Zac led them into the building. “This is the reception area. Members must sign in before entering the play areas of the club.”
Play areas? “I’m sure we have some clubs like this in Chicago, but I’ve never been to one before. I don’t know that much about it.”
“Then you need to come to our next munch.”
“What’s a munch?”
“That’s where members meet up at a local restaurant with people like yourself who are interested in learning more about the life.”
“I have a lot to learn,” he confessed. But if Ashley was into this kind of kink, then he was more than willing to try to get a grasp on it.
“So did I and every other Dom at one time,” Zac said. “We were all newbies. Let me show you the main room.”
The tour impressed Sylas. Phase Four wasn’t seedy at all, which was what he’d been expecting. The main room had stages. He wondered what it would be like to have Ashley on display for all eyes to see.
Zac showed him a selection of sex toys—paddles, floggers, dildos, and violet wands, the latter of which was used to deliver electric shocks to submissives.
“Women actually like being shocked?”
“Some do and some don’t, Sylas,” Zac told him. “You have to get to know your sub and her desires. Our club
is all about pleasing the submissive.”
“I’ve learned a lot today, but I’m at the very beginning.”
“Yes, you are,” Sam said. “Zac, like I said on the phone earlier, Sylas needs a crash course.”
“I have the training room all set up.” Zac looked at him. “Sylas, if you have the time, we can begin today. After today, you can make the decision if you want to become a Dom or not.”
“I’m here to learn, so yes.” For Ashley, he would do anything. “Lead the way, Zac.”
Chapter Ten
Ashley wore her sunglasses into her workplace. Her eyes were bloodshot from crying all night.
Phoebe came out of her office. “I thought I told you to stay home and study today, Ash. What are you doing here?”
“I need to talk to you,” she said, and the tears started falling.
“Oh my God, Ash. What’s wrong?”
“Nic,” was all she was able to get out.
Phoebe rushed to her side and put her arm around her. “Let’s go into the break room. I want to get you a cup of coffee, and we can talk this out.”
She sat at the table and Phoebe poured them each a cup. The coffee did help to calm her nerves and help her gain her composure a little. She told Phoebe everything that had happened with Nic and Sylas and how Nic had showed up after the date.
“He left, Phoebe. It’s over. It’s completely over.”
“This is all my fault, Ash.” Phoebe’s tone was filled with guilt and regret. “I was sure that if Nic and Sylas saw you again and got a taste of Destiny, they would come around. I’m so sorry, but I can tell how in love they both are with you. Why do men have to be so stubborn?” Phoebe’s cell rang. “It’s Jason. Give me a sec.”
“Sure.” She wiped her eyes.
“Hi, honey, this isn’t a good time. Ash and I are having a heart to heart about her guys. Oh really? Tonight?” Phoebe smiled and winked at her.
Jason must have said something that made Phoebe happy. Who wouldn’t be happy in her situation? Phoebe was expecting twins and had three men who adored her. It hadn’t always been that way for her friend. It had taken years for the Wolfe brothers to come around. But they had come around.
In her heart, Ashley had held onto the hope that Nic and Sylas would do the same with her. But now she knew that was never going to happen. It was next to impossible. Nic had made it clear that he would never be willing to share her.
“That’s a great idea,” Phoebe told Jason. “I’ll keep Ash company while you guys are at the intervention. I love you, too. Bye.”
“Phoebe, you don’t have to stay with me today. I’ll be okay.”
“Yes, you will. Better than you can imagine.”
She was puzzled. “What do you mean by that? What did Jason say to you?”
Phoebe told her about the intervention that Sam had set up for Nic. It was scheduled tonight at his hotel room. Nic had no idea that it was going to happen.
She wasn’t surprised about Sam arranging the meeting. People from Destiny always had each other’s best interest at heart. They were doing this for her. They wanted her to be happy. That was the same reason that Phoebe had lured Nic and Sylas to town in the first place. “What about Sylas?”
“He’ll be there, too. Sylas is on board, Ash. Totally. Your man is at Phase Four right now getting his first Dom lesson. Can you believe it?”
“That really surprises me. I’m so happy he’s willing to give us a chance. I think Sylas does understand, but I just am not sure Nic ever will.”
“Honey, you can’t know that. This is all new for him and Sylas. It’s a lot to deal with at one time. Trust me, I know my guys need to mull over anything they aren’t quite familiar with. For instance, when I told them I was pregnant with twins, they were very excited but they were also very apprehensive. Just like any man. I’m sure Nic and Sylas are no different. Once they get the full picture of what it’s actually like living our lifestyle, I have no doubt they will be completely on board and enthusiastic. This intervention will work to show them what kind of future they can have with you. They will make the right decision. You’ll see.”
She wished it were true, but she’d been down this road before. Back in Chicago. “Nic said that he can’t share me no matter what. He’s done mulling it over. He’s made up his mind to end it with me. I’m not sure that anything or anyone will turn him around. I told you about his childhood, didn’t I?”
“You did. He had such a hard life.”
“Maybe I’m asking too much from him.”
Phoebe shook her head. “He told you he loves you. That’s what you said. Do you believe him?”
“Yes. I know he does, and I love him. Like all the songs say. You have to be willing to let your true love go.”
“That’s bullshit. Those songs should be banned. I almost lost my three wonderful men because I bought into that belief. Let me tell you something, Ash, and listen good—if you love him, you hold on with both hands as tight as you can. You do whatever it takes to help him see what kind of future that he, Sylas, and you can have.” The passion in Phoebe’s voice couldn’t be missed. “You know better than anyone that Nic needs a family, Ash.”
“Yes, I do. I wish Sylas and I could be his family.”
They heard the bell that alerted someone had walked into the reception area.
“That’s got to be Jena,” Phoebe said.
“Another secret meeting that I didn’t schedule?”
“Not a secret. I just set it up this morning, Ash.”
Wondering what the appointment with Jena was about, she stood. “I’ll go get her and take her to the conference room.”
“You most certainly won’t.” Phoebe left her seat. “You’re off the clock today. Remember?”
She followed her into the reception area. “What clock? There’s never been a clock here. Hi, Jena.”
Jena was always prepared, and as usual, she had her computer bag with her. “How are you?”
“She needs to be studying,” Phoebe said, “but I’m actually glad she’s here. I want her in on this meeting.”
This wasn’t the first time that Phoebe had sought out Jena for her incredible skills. Jena was one of the top cyber intelligence experts in the country and was unsurpassed in her ability to uncover hidden information. What case did Phoebe want to engage her for?
Once in the conference room and seated, Jena asked, “How can I help you, Phoebe?”
“Ashley and I are working on a case for Jennifer Steele. And at present our position is very weak. There’s a good possibility we might lose.” Phoebe explained to Jena about the alleged claim on Jennifer’s ranch. “Ashley has had doubts that the man is actually Bill’s brother. The more I thought about it the more I began to believe she might be right. That’s why we need your help, Jena.”
“I’d be happy to help.” Jena pulled out her laptop and placed it on the table. “Anything for Jennifer. She’s a wonderful woman and a friend. Jennifer and my mom have become very close. And Kimmie just adores her. I can start right now.”
“That’s fantastic,” Ashley said, standing. “I’ll get you copies of everything we have on the man claiming to be Walter Steele.” She left the conference room and went to her desk. It was good to be working because it kept her mind off of Nic and Sylas. But she knew she would have to face them head on.
She turned on her computer. As it booted up, she wondered what Sylas thought about Phase Four. Was he still there? And what about Nic? What was he doing right now? What would he think about the intervention the men of Destiny had planned for him?
So much for keeping my mind off of them.
She signed into her computer and brought up the files on Walter Steele. She’d made hard copies for her and Phoebe already. Besides Jena needing copies, with Nic and Sylas coming on board, they would need them, too. She hit the print button.
Her mind wouldn’t let go of her troubles, despite all her efforts. How the hell was she going to pass the bar next week?
One foot in front of the other, Ashley. That’s the only way.
As she was placing the pages into folders for Jena, Nic, and Sylas, something caught her attention on the property tax record. It looked different.
Last week, she’d printed out the information from the Florida county appraisal district the man lived in. Normally, Phoebe had her go over all the records for their cases, but with her bar exam coming up, Phoebe had decided to do the reviews herself. That had created a backlog.
Ashley pulled out the original file she’d printed on this case. She placed the property tax record next to the same record she’d printed today.
There was a significant difference.
Today’s copy had Walter Steele’s middle initial on his property tax records for 2013 as an L. That matched the Swanson County birth certificate of Bill’s brother. Walter Leon Steele. But the page she’d printed last week had a D. She read the timestamps on both pages. Identical. Not possible. The records were different.
She clicked on the intercom to the conference room. “Phoebe, can you and Jena come out here? There’s something I need to show you that I believe Jena can help with.”
When they were at her desk, she showed them what she’d found. “It doesn’t make any sense. I’m the one who saved the file. They should be identical. How is this possible?”
“Someone with incredible technical savvy can forge all kinds of records and timestamps.” Jena motioned to the keyboard. “Do you mind if I give it a try on your computer?”
She stood. “Please. You’re the expert.”
Jena sat and started typing feverishly. Things started popping up on the screen that looked strange and unfamiliar. It was clear that Jena was reaching deep into the core code of the machine.
“No one else has access to your computer but you and Phoebe?” Jena asked, never slowing down her fingers.
“That’s right,” Ashley said, but then she recalled what had happened yesterday with Anna. “I don’t know if this means anything, but an urgent call came in from Walter Steele’s attorney yesterday. I had to leave my desk because Phoebe was on another call. When I came back, Anna was sitting in my chair in front of my computer.”
