by Cheri Marie
Copyright © 2016 by Cheri Marie
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, distributed, stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form of by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, without express permission of the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes, if done so constitutes a copyright violation.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used.
Edited by: Jillian Crouson-Toth
Formatted by: Brenda Wright with Formatting Done Wright.
Book Cover Designed by: Kari Ayasha, Cover to Cover Design
This book is dedicated to all those that believed in me.
To the ones that didn’t bat an eye when I sat down in front of my laptop and said “I think I’ll write a book,” I want to say thank you.
Table of Contents
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
My alarm goes off, it’s six in the morning. Another beautiful North Carolina sunrise is beginning to peek through the gold, ceiling to floor curtains that hang in front of my bedroom windows. My Egyptian cotton sheets are like butter on my skin and I don’t want to get out of bed. I look over at Liam who is still fast asleep. The light coming through the window cascades over his face, illuminating all his beautiful features. His messy black hair, his squared jaw, and his nice lips all being kissed by the early morning sun; it makes me wonder how such a beautiful man can be so cruel sometimes. I slowly climb out of bed, careful not to wake him. I pull on my pink silk robe that matches the pink jammies I’m wearing. Tip toeing my way across the hardwood floors to the bedroom door, I slip out and quietly close the door behind me. I make my way down the marble staircase and head to the kitchen. Putting on a pot of coffee, I sit down at the breakfast bar to wait for it to finish.
I still remember the first time I saw this house when I started looking to buy. It was a newly built Spanish style house. The floors inside are dark cherry wood. Immediately I fell in love with the kitchen. The cabinets are cherry wood like the floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. My favorite part about the kitchen is the wine chiller that’s built into the counter top. I make sure to keep it fully stocked with Moscato. My favorite room in the house though, is the library. It’s my little piece of heaven, my escape from reality. Out on the lanai, a beautiful waterfall flows down into the pool. For entertaining there’s also an outdoor kitchen. It’s kind of a large space for me alone but I immediately fell in love with this house and I just had to have it.
Liam comes into the kitchen, making me jump bringing me back from my reverie.
“Good morning," I greet him.
“Good morning," he says back.
I watch him move about the kitchen while he makes himself a cup of coffee, trying to gauge his mood. Last night he accused me of cheating with Christopher, who is a major benefactor to Angels for Heroes and it turned into a huge argument. I get up to fix myself a cup. He looks at me but doesn’t say anything. After I fix my coffee I decide to head back upstairs to get ready for work.
Sitting my coffee on the nightstand, I head into the closet. Quickly I decide on my pinstripe dress pants, my favorite white frilly blouse, and the blazer that matches my pants. Picking out my favorite white kitten heels to complete my look, I head back out into the bedroom to get dressed. Liam’s still in the kitchen when I head out to work. Heading out the door I don’t bother to say bye. He doesn’t seem to be in the best of moods, so I don’t stick around long to get the brunt end of his aggravation.
I pull into the office and Tristan, my secretary has already opened up. She greets me as I walk into the office. Her straight black hair is pulled back into a ponytail, she’s wearing an adorable floral sundress with a light pink cardigan that matches the color of the flowers. Her brown eyes light up when she sees me. I smile at her, at least someone is happy to see me.
“Good morning Tristan.”
“Good morning Arianna," she says.
Tristan has been my secretary since I started Angels for Heroes two years ago. Angels for Heroes, I created, to assist retired and active military men and women who are struggling financially. My father was a soldier and I have the utmost respect for those who serve our country. With budget cuts, our soldiers are losing benefits that they deserve, my organization helps to relieve some of that burden. Eighty five percent of all donations go to helping with food, monthly bills, medical bills, and one day I hope to be able to build some of these amazing families a place they can permanently call home. The other fifteen percent pays mine and Tristan’s salary, pays the rent on the office, and other necessities to keep the organization moving forward.
My office is small and intimate. There isn’t a need for much office space since most of the business is done outside of the office. Just inside the door is Tristan’s desk, then a few feet past her desk there are double doors that open into my office. My office is pretty simple, a desk and a few filing cabinets that hold important documents. The best part is the bay window that offers a beautiful panoramic view of the lake behind my building. Walking over to my desk, I take a seat and get to work.
The day goes by quickly. I spent all my time since lunch working on last minute touches for the fundraiser luncheon that I am holding on Saturday. If everything goes as planned I think it will be a success. The venue is beautiful and a hundred guests have RSVP’d. I’m super excited for this event, excited for all the people it is going to help too. I clean up my desk and check with Tristan to see if I have any appointments tomorrow.
“Tristan, do you have my calendar?”
“Yes ma’am, I just pulled it up.”
“What appointments do I have for tomorrow?”
“Nothing, tomorrow is a free day for you.”
“Okay, great. Everything is in order for the venue for the fundraiser on Saturday. Tomorrow I’m going to check on the caterer, make sure the auctioneer is all set and then I’m going to work the rest of the day from home. If you need me for anything just call my cell.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Have a good evening Tristan.”
“You as well,” she says with a smile.
I arrive home from work and Liam’s already there. When I walk in the door there’s glass scattered, pieces of flowers and water are all over the foyer. Stooping down I pick up the card and read it.
Arianna - Congratulations on all your success with your organization. Good luck with your fundraiser, I’m sure it’ll be great! - Christopher
Fuck. I sigh, and head up to the bedroom to change into something more comfortable. Liam’s staring at the floor pacing the room… When I walk in his head shoots up, eyes burning, he’s pissed. I think it’s safe to assume he’s the one that busted the vase of flowers. Everything started out so good. Liam was amazing,
sweet and sensitive; fun to be around. Now, I stand here looking at him, his black messy hair needs cut, his beautiful blue eyes enraged, the anger shows in his stance, radiating off his chiseled body. He’s mean and bitter and all we do is argue. Lately our arguments stem from his delusions that I’m cheating on him, just like this one. As soon as I walk in the room he starts yet another argument.
“I know you’re fucking him, you might as well just admit it.”
“Liam I am not fucking Christopher, he’s a contributor to Angels for Heroes, that is it!”
“Don’t fucking lie to me," he grabs me by my arms, “just fucking admit it Arianna. Why the fuck else would he send you flowers?”
“Let go of me!” I yank my arms away from him. “You are seriously fucking delusional, he just wanted to congratulate me on all my success!”
“You’re a lying, useless fat bitch!” Liam yells in my face.
“Fuck you,” I shout back. “If I’m such a liar and a useless fat bitch you can leave! I was just fine before you and I’ll be fine after you.”
“Yeah right,” he snarls.
I fight back the tears; I won’t give him the satisfaction of letting him see me cry. I don’t know how I let it get this far. I don’t know why I let him treat me the way I do. My best friend Ashlan says I’ve changed so much since I’ve started dating Liam, and she’s right. I walk out of the room and close the door. I can’t stand there and look at him or listen to him talk to me like that anymore. I need to think; to just get away from him, far, far away.
I grab my keys and head for the door when I hear his voice at the top of the stairs.
“Where the fuck are you going?”
“That’s none of your fucking business.”
“The hell it isn’t,” he growls as he starts down the stairs after me. Running out the door I slam it behind me and rush to my car. Hopping in the car I lock the doors. Liam grabs the handle of the door, nearly ripping it off.
“Get out of the car Arianna.”
“No.”
“Get the fuck out of the car!” Ignoring him, I watch as he pops the trunk on his car and grabs a crow bar.
Quickly I throw the car in reverse and hit the gas, peeling out of the driveway I take off. I keep checking the rearview mirror to see if he’s following me, he isn’t. I relax, sinking into my seat, the soft leather seats are comforting. Taking a deep breath I let the tears flow freely. What the fuck has my life come to? Am I really that desperate for love that I stay and put up with his abuse? This isn’t love, not in the slightest. Trying to calm myself, I take a deep breath and wipe the tears away. My new Lexus GS takes curves like a dream. I turn the radio up and get lost in the music. I suddenly feel my phone vibrate, I check the caller ID and it’s him. Hitting the ignore button, I continue on my drive. I don’t want to deal with him right now. At this point I don’t think I want to deal with him ever again.
After driving for what seems like forever, I find myself at Ashlan’s. It’s been months since I’ve seen her, since I’ve seen any of my family or friends really. Liam has alienated me from everyone, even my parents, especially since they’ve moved to Florida. Parking in the driveway, I make my way to her door. I’ve always loved her house. It’s a quaint little country style house. Ashlan answers the door, her blonde hair is pulled back in a messy bun and she’s wearing gray sweat pants and a black tank top. This girl could look beautiful in a paper sack.
“Hey stranger! Long time no see,” her blue eyes light up when she notices it’s me at her door. Her smile turns to a frown when she sees I’ve been crying again.
“Hey, I know, it’s been a while," I say back.
“You guys have been arguing again, haven’t you?” She says without missing a beat. “What did that bastard do now?” Ashlan snaps.
“He called me a liar and a useless fat bitch because he thinks I’m sleeping with Christopher."
“Please don’t cry over that bastard, he is not worth it! You are so much better than he is. You need to leave him! All he has done is tear you down since you two got together. You were so confident! Arianna you are beautiful, smart and successful. You are the CEO of your own organization. You don’t need him, not even a little bit,” she says, and it’s a matter of fact. I can’t bring myself to argue with her because I know she is right.
“I know,” I sigh, “I just don’t know that I have the strength to tell him to go."
“Don’t worry, I do,” she pipes up as she heads for the door.
“No,” I shout as I jump between her and the door. “I know he needs to go, and I will do it. I promise.”
“Listen Arianna, there’s something you should know.” She has a look in her eye that worries me.
“What?”
“Well, today I was in my office reviewing security cameras, I saw someone that looked familiar so I zoomed in…”
“Who was it?”
“Uhm… It was Liam.”
“At your resort? Why would he be there?”
“I’m not sure…” she trails off. She looks down and then back up to my face, “he wasn’t alone Arianna. He was with another woman.”
I stare at her, it feels like someone stabbed me in the gut.
“Are… Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. I’m so sorry honey.”
“What did she look like?”
“Arianna…”
“What did she look like Ashlan?”
“She was slim… dark hair, blue eyes, maybe five foot four?”
“Son of a bitch, I should have known.”
“What?”
“His fucking secretary… How cliché!” I growl.
“I’m so, so sorry Arianna.”
“It’s fine Ash, I’m glad you told me. Knowing just made my decision to leave him so much easier.”
“Would you like a glass of wine?” she asks.
“Sure, I’d love some.”
We sit at her breakfast bar, her kitchen is huge; stainless steel appliances with beautiful oak cabinets and marble countertops.
“You okay?” she asks, concerned.
“Yea, I’m fine.”
“So what are you going to do?”
“I’m going to tell him it’s over.”
“Good,” she says, “I’m sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news honey.”
“It’s okay Ash, really it is. You probably just saved my life telling me.”
I take a sip of my wine, the Bollinger is delicious. After a while I decide it’s time to go home and face reality.
“Drive safe, I love you, please don’t be a stranger,” she says as she hugs me goodbye.
“I will, I love you too, I’ll call you tomorrow.” I hug her back tight and then I’m on my way.
When I pull in my drive way, Liam’s white Mercedes is parked outside. Great I think to myself, I was secretly hoping he would have gone out. My mind wanders back to the news I’ve just learned of and my blood starts to boil; the bastard. I’m going to confront him. I take a deep breath and walk in the door, standing in the foyer I can see him standing by the counter. “Liam we need to talk...” Just as the words leave my mouth, he lunges at me punching me in my face, closed fist. Everything is blurry, I grab my face and try to regain my equilibrium. A million different emotions are running through me; sadness, shock, anger, then rage. I look up and he’s coming at me again. I try to get out of the way but I’m still off balance and his fist connects with my ribs. I gasp for air and fall to my knees.
“How fucking dare you just take off and then ignore my calls? Where did you go, to see Christopher?”
“No,” it’s a breathless whisper.
He slaps me across my face so hard my head smacks into the wall and I hit the floor with a thud. I lay there motionless until I hear his footsteps head for the kitchen, quickly I flip open a secret compartment that’s hidden on the bottom side of the table in the foyer. Grabbing the gun hidden there, I shut the compartment. When I moved into this big house alone, my mot
her felt like I needed something to protect myself in case of intruders; so she insisted I buy a gun. I lean back against the wall, hiding my hand with the gun behind my back. Hearing his footsteps coming back into the foyer makes my heart race. Looking up, I take in the sight of him. The man that I once loved has turned into a monster, someone I don’t know. He’s smirking at me as a tear runs down my cheek. Suddenly he takes a step towards me. Quickly I pull the gun out from behind my back, pointing it at him.
“Don’t even fucking think about it!”
His jaw drops but he quickly recovers. I wait as he stands there staring at me, he’s contemplating how to respond.
“Are you going to shoot me Arianna?” he laughs.
“If I have to, I will.”
“You’re seriously out of your fucking mind!”
“No, actually I’ve found it. I know you’re fucking your secretary, which is why you’ve been accusing me of fucking Christopher. Guilty conscious will get you every fucking time. So I want you to get the fuck out of my house!” Pulling myself up to stand, my eyes never leave him.
“I’m not fucking going anywhere!”
“The fuck you aren’t. You are going to get out of my house one of two ways. Willingly walking out or in a body bag. Your choice.”
Liam stands there glaring at me, he takes a step toward me and I cock the gun. He takes a step back with his hands up.
“Leave. Now!” I say.
He steps back, grabs his wallet and his keys, heading for the door he stops. Turning, he looks back at me, “are you sure this is what you want? Because once I’m gone, that’s it. You will lose the best thing that has ever happened to you,” he says. I stand there for a minute, completely dumbfounded. Is he seriously trying to flip this on me? Arrogance is radiating off of him and for the first time I see him for the complete, egotistical asshole that he has always been but I was too blind to see.
To the surprise of both of us I start laughing; hysterically. “You seriously are one sad, self-centered son of a bitch. I can’t believe I wasted this much time on you already. Leave! Now! I will have your things sent to you and I never want to see your face again you pathetic asshole!” I shout at him. He turns on his heel and leaves, slamming the door behind him.
