by Diana Nixon
“What’s this?” I asked, curious.
“Open it.” He smiled with the saddest smile I ever saw on his face.
Inside the box was the very bracelet from the auction’s picture.
“Wow, this is so beautiful,” I said, amazed.
“I know you don’t like wearing jewels while working, but I couldn’t pass this little thing up.”
“I will wear it, I promise,” I said, kissing Adrian on the cheek.
“Good, I’m glad you like it.”
We had a word, and Adrian left, saying he had an important meeting.
Did I see him after that day? I didn’t remember… All I remembered was the sad look that he gave me before he left.
***
That night I couldn’t fall asleep. I had been tossing and turning until I realized that it was time to have my morning cup of coffee. I went to the bathroom, washed my face and brushed my teeth, trying really hard not to think about the events of last night. Not that I succeeded of course.
When it was about ten o’clock, I called Daniel, hoping he would finish his work earlier. I couldn’t wait to go to Adrian’s.
“Kassie? Is everything all right?” he asked worriedly.
“Yeah, I only wanted to know about the time you were going to pick me up.”
Somehow, even without seeing him, I could still feel my heart beating fast.
“I don’t know Kas, I have so much work to do, and the idiots I’m working with seem to be unable to do a thing without me today.”
“I see. Well, maybe I should call Emily then.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Adrian’s house is the last place in the world Emily would like to be now. How about I call you in a couple of hours? I promise I will find time to take you to Adrian’s today.”
“Okay.”
“Talk to you later, then.” Daniel hung up the phone, and I sighed; waiting had never been on the list of my favorite things to do.
Meanwhile, I decided to call Mr. Gale.
“Ms. Benson, I’m so glad to hear from you. I hope you are feeling better.”
“Yes, thank you. Can you tell me more about the auction please?”
“Two months ago, you asked Mrs. Stafford to prepare a gift agreement in Mr. Daniel Farrell’s name. You wanted to gift him a part of the property that belonged to your brother, Adrian. The auction planned for next Sunday was organized by you and Mr. Farrell, to help one of New York’s orphanages.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that. I mean, I don’t remember that.”
“It’s okay. I understand. But, you don’t have to worry about the auction. Mr. Farrell called me a few days ago and confirmed that it will take place next weekend.”
“Okay, thank you. There was something else you wanted to discuss with me, right?”
“Yes, I had a question about one of the pictures. It wasn’t signed and I wanted to know the name of the painter.”
“What picture are you talking about?”
“A small one, with a bouquet of white roses.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t remember it. Maybe I will once I see it.”
“No worries. We can add the artist name later. Thank you for calling me back, Ms. Benson. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any more questions.”
“Thanks.”
So Daniel and I were going to run the auction together. Why didn’t he mention it? I thought about the moments he and I were talking about Adrian, and he always looked a little worried, as if there was something about my brother’s life that he didn’t want me to remember. Or maybe I was simply imagining things? God, I so needed my memories back!
I went to the window opening to the breathtaking view of the city, and remembered my friend, who must still be waiting for my call.
Unfortunately, Emily’s phone was off, so the rest of the morning I spent torturing myself with the endless questions that I couldn’t answer.
Daniel didn’t call, and every time I tried to call him, I had to listen to his voice mail. I remembered Emily mentioning the name of his workshop. I googled it and found the address. Maybe he didn’t want me to come to his work, but I couldn’t wait any longer. I got dressed, took the keys to Adrian’s house and went to Daniel’s.
To my surprise, the workshop was closed. The only person I saw there was a young girl, shouting at someone through the phone.
“I always knew you were a douche! I only hoped I was wrong! I don’t give a fuck about what you think! Fine! Screw you, asshole!” She hung up the phone and swore out loud.
“Excuse me,” I said, coming closer.
“What?” she snapped angrily.
“I was hoping to catch the owner of this workshop, Daniel Farrell. Do you know him?”
The girl looked at me with a sardonic lift of the eyebrows.
“Don’t tell me you’re his new doll.” She laughed at her own words. “Fucking bastard, can’t miss a single skirt.” Her laughter died in the sound of her bike’s engine running. “Did he hump you or something?” she asked, sitting on her hog.
My blood boiled slowly. “Do I look like a piece of meat, or what?”
She smirked. “You can barely walk and your arm is broken, so yes.”
“Did you hear about the explosion that happened a few weeks ago?”
“Oh, shit. Sorry, Sis. Sucks to be you, now.”
“It doesn’t matter. So, do you know where I can find Daniel or not?”
“Try The Underground,” she replied, hitting the gas pedal.
“What’s that?” I shouted after her.
“A boxing club! Two blocks down the road!”
“Thanks,” I muttered, watching her speeding away.
So, Daniel was a boxer? How much more did I have to remember about him?
I went back to the taxi and asked the driver to take me to The Underground.
“It’s not safe to go there alone, Miss,” he said, stopping at what looked like an old barn.
“Trust me, I’m so pissed that no one will dare touch me,” I said, giving him the money.
“Do you want me to wait for you?”
“No thanks, I’m meeting a friend here,” I said, as I spied Daniel’s car near the entrance. I got out of the taxi and headed for the steps.
A huge guy about my age stood in my way. “Are you a member of the club?” he asked gruffly.
“No, but I know one of the members.”
“Who?”
“Daniel Farrell,” I said, hoping my voice sounded firm. I didn’t want him to think that I was an easy target.
“He’s fighting now. You sure you want to see it?”
“He’s what?” I didn’t expect such an answer.
“It’s a boxing club, you know? People come here to fight.”
I swallowed hard. “Yes, I need to see him.”
He opened the doors for me, and nodded to the stairs, leading to the ground floor.
“Be careful with the crowd. People get really crazy when Dan’s fighting.”
I nodded silently, feeling my palms sweating. What the hell am I doing here?
I only took a few steps down the stairs, when someone caught me by the hand.
“Don’t go there, Sweetheart. They will eat you alive.”
I looked up at the guy, and my knees trembled even worse. He was head and shoulders above me, and the dragon tattoo on his upper arm only made my fear grow. I will kill Daniel for making me drag my ass here, I thought irritably to myself, trying to break free of the guy’s death grip. It wasn’t hard. He let me go, and pulled a lighter from his pocket. I stood still, not knowing what to do next. He smirked, with his bright-blue eyes watching me intently. There wasn’t anything seductive about his gaze. He probably thought I was the stupidest creature ever, since I willingly crossed the threshold of The Underground alone. He lit a cigarette and blew out a thick cloud of smoke right into my face. I grimaced.
“I remember you,” he said, leaning against the opposite wall. “Last time you were here, you w
ere really pissed.”
“This time isn’t much different. Wait, I’ve been here before?”
“Yeah, about two years ago.”
“What was I doing here?”
“Looking for Daniel, I guess.”
“Do you know him?”
“Of course. I know all of my fighters.”
The realization hit me. “You must be the owner of this place.”
“Want to watch the fight?”
“Not really. But I need to talk to Daniel.”
“Come with me,” he said, turning around and heading up the stairs. I hesitated. “Come on, I’m not gonna hurt you. I care about my life, you know?”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, following him. Apparently, my courage was back.
“Dan will make me eat my balls if I touch you.”
Huh, that surely makes me feel better, I thought to myself.
“I heard about the explosion. And about your brother.”
“You knew him?”
“I saw him a few times. He came to watch Dan’s fights. Sorry about your loss. I’m Kane, by the way. And you are-”
“Kassie.”
“Right.”
“Here we go, my little kingdom,” Kane said, opening the door to what I supposed was his office. “You are safe here. Want a drink?” he asked, nodding to a small bar in the corner.
“Do you have water?”
“Will soda do?”
“Yeah, thanks.”
I walked to a huge window opening to the round arena with a few dozens of people standing around it. They were shouting and applauding, watching the fight. Even from the distance, I could recognize Daniel as one of the fighters.
“He will be all yours in less than 10 seconds,” Kane said, giving me a glass of soda. “It’s the longest time he spends on one opponent.”
I looked at Daniel again and gasped quietly, when his fist connected with the other guy’s jaw. What surprised me most was Daniel’s expression. It was severe and focused, making shivers run up and down my spine.
Kane opened the window and my hands shot to my ears at the loud cheering and shouting coming from downstairs. When Daniel attacked again, the other guy’s defense shattered. He fell to his knees. His nose met Daniel’s fist again. I grimaced as more blood spilled to the floor.
“Not a comfortable sight, is it?” Kane said, smirking.
“That is not the word,” I said quietly, still watching the poor guy’s motionless body lying in the center of the circle.
“That’s it, the moment of victory,” Kane added, applauding Daniel.
I didn’t share his enthusiasm, and I truly hoped I wouldn’t vomit right in the middle of his ‘kingdom.’ I felt terribly sick.
Before leaving the circle, Daniel applauded himself, helped his opponent to his feet (which was kind of unexpected) and looked around, smiling briefly at the admiring praises coming for the sideliners. And then, he looked up and right at the window where Kane and I were standing. Our gazes locked, and it was the very moment that I regretted coming to the club. Daniel’s expression became murderous.
Chapter 8
A few moments after the fight was over, about a dozen excited guys burst through the door of Kane’s office.
“Did you see it?” one of them asked. “Wow! It was one of Dan’s best shows! What speed!”
“Slow down, okay?” Kane said, shielding me from the crowd.
“And who’s that?” the other guy asked, pointing to me. “Sorry, man, we didn’t know you had a bird here.”
“Everyone out!” Daniel growled, standing at the threshold.
“The boss is busy, Dan. Leave him alone.”
“I said OUT!” He pointed to the door.
Kane stepped aside and motioned for everyone to follow him into the hall.
“Who’s that?” one of the guys asked in a whisper, giving me a side glance.
“None of your fucking business, Drake,” Kane snapped, closing the door behind him.
For a second I thought Daniel would kill me with his bare hands. He didn’t move. He was still standing near the door, breathing heavily, with his fists on his sides, watching me intently.
I swallowed hard and crossed my arms, hoping he wouldn’t see my fear. “What was that?” I nodded to the window behind me. “Your personal heaven? A place where you are God and King?”
He crossed the distance between us in the blink of an eye, and hissed through his clenched teeth, “This — is my personal hell.”
I flinched at the coldness of his words. “You looked like you were really enjoying your bloody mastery,” I said, meeting his furious stare.
“How did you find me? Did you remember this place?”
“No. A friend of yours told me you might be here.”
“What friend?”
The next second my eyes slipped to his lips and then lower, to his bare chest covered with the drops of sweat that only made him look even more irresistible. The very silver chain that I noticed the day I saw him in the hospital was hanging on his neck. Only now, I could see that it also had a pendant: a medallion with words that I couldn’t read.
“Answer the question, damn it!” Daniel shook me slightly by the shoulders, but my reaction was still too slow to see him pushing me to the window behind me. “Are you out of your mind?” he said, inches from my face. This time his voice sounded calmer. “Do you even realize what those people from behind the door could do to you if I were not here?”
“Why do you fight?” I asked, ignoring his question. “Is it some sick kind of relaxation?”
He flinched, nodding. “You are absolutely right, Kas. I come here to relax, to feel alive again, and to forget about you and everything that turns my nights into one sleepless hell. I come here to be myself.”
I shook my head, taking a step closer. “You are so much better than this.”
“How the hell do you know that? You don’t remember a damn thing about me!”
It was like a splash of cold water bringing me back to reality. “Exactly,” I snapped, leaning dangerously close to his lips. “I don’t remember anything about you. But, you seem to be really glad to know that, and I can’t stop wondering why? It’s like a game made for two, but in our case you prefer playing it alone. You are always there to help me, such a nice, good friend.” I smirked, turning away from him. “Then, you suddenly turn into one walking provocation, offering your help with the shower and the rest. Why are you doing this? Are you testing me or something? What kind of a game you are playing, Daniel?” I stopping pacing the room, and stared at him, waiting for his reply.
But, none followed. He took the keys from his pocket and gave them to me. “Take my car and get the hell out of here,” he said, walking to the door.
“I can’t drive, remember?” I shouted after him. I was so angry, I could barely control myself. “But don’t worry, I will find a way to get back home without your help,” I said, dropping the keys to the floor and running out of the room.
A few pairs of curious eyes followed me down the hall, but I didn’t give a damn about anything but getting back home, as soon as possible. I was sick and tired of the place, and I couldn’t wait to get out into the street and breathe some fresh air.
But, luck apparently wasn’t on my side today. The moment I took my phone to call the taxi, someone caught me by the hand. “Get in the car, Kassie,” Daniel said. “Now!” he added angrily, before I would say anything else. “Don’t make me drag you there. Trust me, I can do that.”
“No doubt,” I spat the words as if they were poison. Then, I got into the back seat of the car, and slammed the door shut, hoping it was enough to show him how pissed I was. Daniel cursed, started the engine and sped away from the damned club.
We didn’t talk. I counted the seconds for the moment I would leave his car, and I was sure I would never talk to him again. Why the hell did he think he had the right to treat me like that? My cell phone rang, and I almost jumped at the sou
nd of it.
“Hello?”
“Kas, where are you?” Emily said. “I’ve been calling you for hours! Is everything all right?”
“Kind of.”
“What do you mean? Is it about Daniel? Did you two quarrel again?”
“You were right, Ems. Your brother can be a first-class jerk,” I said, noticing Daniel’s grip on the wheel tighten.
“What did he do?”
“I don’t want to talk about it now. I’ll call you back later, okay?”
“Are you with him now?”
“Yes, he’s taking me home.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to you later. Take care, Sunshine, and don’t let him get to you!”
“Don’t worry, I won’t.” I hung up the phone and stared out of the window.
It was my fault. I shouldn’t have come to the club. Obviously, it was something that Daniel would never tell me about voluntarily. But still, I couldn’t understand why he was fighting.
“Your place,” Daniel said after a while.
He didn’t shut down the engine, and I was glad to know that. I didn’t have the slightest desire to talk to him now. I opened the door and got out of the car, shrinking at the force of the wind, chilling me to the bone. I never liked December.
By the time I got to my apartment, my anger had disappeared, leaving nothing but an endless depression behind.
I took off my shoes and jacket and sat on the couch. The day couldn’t have been worse. I didn’t even get a chance to ask Daniel about missing our meeting. Looks like I had to find a new companion to go with me to Adrian’s. Once again, my eyes stopped on a brochure of the auction. I sighed, realizing that my silent war with Daniel wouldn’t last forever. The only question was, who will call first?
The next morning started with a phone call from Dr. Robinson. He said he needed to examine me, but wouldn’t be able to come himself, and would send his nephew instead, who was a surgeon too.
After the conversation was over, I looked through the list of missed calls and messages, and to my disappointment realized that none of them was from Daniel. Then, I made a cup of coffee and called Emily.
