The Dark Side of Kingsley: A Billionaire Romance

by Skylar West

  With his other hand, he opened his phone, which had just pinged that he had a text. When he opened the attached video, I saw Kingsley at his meeting. He was with Devon, Ethan, and Ethan's father, what? Wait, why was Ethan's father with Kingsley?

  In the video, you could see three gunmen spread out and aiming their guns at the glass restaurant window. They could take them all out. Shit, what do I do? Would Pam text Ethan when I didn't show? If she did, they would come looking for me? They were all in danger because of me.

  "What do you want, Sean? You know my expense account is limited as I don't pay my own bills." He grinned and pushed me down onto the couch, shutting off the video on his phone.

  "Oh, I know it, princess. You're going to call your father and have him sign over your trust fund to me. When he has done that and the documents are safely stored in an undisclosed location of my choice, then he will provide me with ten million dollars in cash to get the damn mafia off my back. When I have received that, then you will be free to go, and not until then. Now, phone Daddy, princess, and get me my money."

  My hands shook as I punched in my dad's personal cell number.

  "Kate, what can I do for you?"

  "Um, uh, Dad, I, uh."

  "Give me that," Sean said, wrestling the phone out of my hands.

  "Mr. Wallington, I wish I could say it's good to hear your voice, but it really isn't. Now listen up, you chump. You will liquidate princess Kate's trust fund and hand it over to me and provide me with ten million in cash or Kate's going swimming, and not in the hotel pool. Is that clear? When all is in order, I will release her and not until. And don't think about stalling; you have twenty-four hours to complete this task. Every hour you're late, you'll receive a video of the beating your daughter is receiving at your negligence. You will receive information on where to send the money from a burner phone shortly. Don't think about involving the police or Mr. Deveraux; it won't go well for your daughter."

  Sean hung up. His eyes glinted in victory as he sized me up. "Time to get you out of here, princess." He tugged me to my feet, and we walked out the door. As much as I wanted Kingsley to sweep in and save the day, I prayed he would stay out of this and stay safe.

  I noticed unconscious bodyguards down the hall and by the elevator. We went down the service elevator and into the underground parking. A car waited for us, and when Sean opened the door, I saw Shamus in the driver's seat and another guy I didn't recognize in the passenger seat.

  Sean blindfolded me and secured me in my seat before Shamus drove out of the underground. I offered no resistance because I needed time to think of a plan. Shamus was greedy; maybe I could use that to my advantage. I knew there was no way in hell that my father would give Sean two billion dollars. If he'd only asked for the ten million, he may have gotten away with it. But a two-billion-dollar trust fund? No way.

  I felt tears leak under my blindfold and down my cheeks. I was going to die most unpleasantly. I wouldn't get to say goodbye to King. I felt my heart breaking in my chest. This was it, the end of Katarina Wallington. I may as well face it, even if I wanted to be rescued, how would they find me?

  Chapter 18

  Kingsley

  Meeting with Ethan and his father had turned out to provide me with more than I'd bargained for. We were moving from the topic of Keith Wallington's fortunes to happier tales, when Ethan received a text from Pam.

  Ethan gave Devon a perplexed glance. "Kate didn't meet Pam. She did say eleven, didn't she?"

  "She did," Devon answered, whipping out his phone and calling his team.

  I texted Kate; no answer. "Damn it, where can she be?" Just as I was about to leave and head back to the hotel, my phone alerted me to an unlisted number.

  "Deveraux," I answered.

  "Mr. Deveraux, this is Keith Wallington. I have news."

  I listened as Katarina's father told me of the phone call he received, the demand, and the consequences if he didn't pay.

  "What are you going to do, Mr. Wallington?" I don't know what I expected, but what he said sent me reeling.

  "Nothing."

  "Excuse me, what do you mean by nothing?"

  "Simply that, Mr. Deveraux, this is not the first time someone has tried to take my fortune, and it won't be the last. When he realizes that I won't give him a red cent, he'll give this up." I stared at the other three men at the table in shock. He was going to let Sean Flannigan kill his only child.

  "Mr. Wallington, I'm afraid you're wrong on this. Sean Flannigan is in debt to the Russian mob for ten million dollars. He is broke, out for revenge, and he won't let this go, sir. Don't let him kill your daughter, I beg of you." Silence on the other end.

  "I will keep you abreast of any communication regarding this situation, Mr. Deveraux, but I will not change my mind. I'm sorry."

  "No, sir, I'm sorry, because I will find Katarina and rescue her, and you will never see her again."

  I hung up the phone and brought the table members up to speed.

  "What do we do?" Ethan asked. "Tell me you're going to rescue her."

  I looked at Devon. "We need to fly to London now." He nodded his head. To Ethan, I said, "I have to go and get two billion dollars. Don't worry, Ethan. Kate will be okay, I promise."

  Devon weaved in and out of traffic, while I called ahead to make sure the jet was ready.

  "Look, cousin, I need to access my estate. I've never touched it, and last I checked, the family was worth ten billion dollars. They may need to sign for me to take two billion, but I plan on putting it back. I need you as back up; you know what my parents are like."

  He nodded. "It's the timing I'm worried about, King. By the time we land and get to your parents, seven hours are eaten up. Maybe you should call ahead and talk to them, or call your sister and get her to warm them up. You won't have time to dicker around with them."

  "Okay," I sighed, "you're right. I'll call Sarah when we board and get her to set everything up. She could loan me two billion, herself, if my parents decide that human life isn't worth their time or money."

  The rest of the drive to John Kennedy was spent in silence, both of us lost in our own thoughts. Mine were only for Kate. I couldn't see a video of her being beaten; I would lose my mind. I wondered how she was handling her fear and how they were treating her. Surely, they would be respectful until the time grew closer, at least I hoped. I wondered if Kate was praying for rescue, or if she had already given up hope, knowing what kind of douchebag her father was.

  We arrived at the hangar and boarded the jet. Once we were airborne, I made good on my promise to Devon and phoned my sister.

  "King, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

  "Sarah, I wish I had more time to explain, but I'm in trouble, and I need help." There were two words I hadn't uttered since I was eighteen years old—trouble and help.

  "What can I do?"

  "Do you know how much of the family trust I can access? I'm on my way to London, and I need two billion dollars."

  "Bloody hell, King, that's a lot of money. I hope she's worth it."

  "What? How did you—"

  She chuckled. "Please, you would never take it for yourself; you'd rather starve on the streets. Only love will make a man do things he normally wouldn't do."

  I would have chuckled if the circumstances hadn't been so dire.

  "She is, Sarah, worth every cent and then some. Can you help me?"

  "Of course, and happy to. I will talk to the folks and meet you at Barclays. I have a favor to ask in return."

  "Name it."

  "When all this nonsense you're dealing with is done, I want a proper visit with my brother and his woman, fair?"

  "If this plays out as I'm hoping it will, then you can host us for an entire week if you want."

  "Goody, "she said with warmth in her voice. "What's your ETA?"

  "I'll text when we land; let's say meet you there at five. Call ahead, Sarah, and make sure they know what we're doing and that they have the paperwork ready. I
want to be back on the jet by seven." She agreed and hung up.

  "That sounds like it went rather well," Devon commented.

  "It did, and I will have the money. So, let's make a plan."

  Devon and I arrived at Barclay's PLC headquarters in London with ten minutes to spare. My sister, the family lawyer, and our parents were present, along with the bank manager. Being true to their British nature, my parents did not speak but nodded in my direction as we got underway.

  As soon as the paperwork was done, I called Keith Wallington and told him to plan our meeting with Sean Flannigan for us to make the trade. I took the paperwork along that would allow Flannigan access to the international document that allowed for the immediate transfer of funds upon the day of Katarina's birthday.

  Devon and I decided that it was best to carry out the demands accurately as Sean had relayed to Kate's father. I also carried a suitcase filled with ten million dollars in traceable currency. The moment they tried to use it, they would be arrested.

  Unless, of course, it was all going to the mob, then I may never see it, but that was okay. I would work hard to rebuild what I had lost.

  Wallington called us back and had the arrangement for midnight at the New York Container Terminal on Staten Island, about a half an hour's drive from the airport. We'd have to hustle to get there on time. But because of my sister's intercession, things were done in record time.

  I said goodbye to my family, kissed my sister on the cheek, and headed out the door. Devon drove like a madman, and we boarded and flew out of Heathrow into the night sky.

  Chapter 19

  Kate

  When the blindfold was removed, I found myself in a giant metal box. I was sure it was a shipping container. Shamus was gone; I was alone with Sean. He stood gazing at me for so long, I was beginning to feel nervous.

  "Relax, princess, once Daddy Dearest gets me my money, you're free to go. Unless, of course, he doesn't. As much as I need the spoiled, rich girl's money, I would really like an excuse to smack her around a little and take what I want. You really fucked things up for me, Kate, and now you're going to pay."

  I was terrified, the sweat trickling down my spine. I needed to stay aloof; it was my only weapon. "Whatever, Sean, as I recall, you lost control and fucked yourself over."

  His eyes glinted dangerously, his hand moving so fast I didn't see it, but I certainly felt it. He grinned down at me as I wiped the blood off my mouth and nose.

  "Perhaps, you should shut your trap, Kate. You have no leverage here, and I no longer have to pretend I like you just to get your money."

  I staggered to my feet and moved closer to him.

  "You may not like me, Sean, but you want to fuck me."

  I reached out and placed my hand on his crotch and, with the other, reached for his neck, pulling him down. It required all of my willpower to use my feminine wiles on the dirtbag without throwing up. I was right, though, he was rock hard and didn't hold back from sticking his tongue down my throat.

  He reached out his hand and slid it up my skirt, feeling no panties. He grinned and then grabbed hold of my lip with his teeth. His eyes gleamed as he gazed into mine. I winced and tried not to pull away.

  I felt more blood spill into my mouth, the metallic taste causing me to feel nauseated. When Sean finally let go of my lip, I kneed him in the balls as hard as I could. He keeled over, and I kicked him in the face. I smirked at the blood on his lips, then I made my move. I flew to the door of the container and pushed it open. Thank goodness, it hadn't been locked from the other side. He had been overconfident that I would be easy to handle, as he didn't even have a guard posted on the other side of the door.

  I closed the container door and put the bar across, then, flipping off my heels, I ran for my life. I was nearing the edge of the property when I heard someone yelling. I ran faster; up ahead was Forest Avenue and the entrance to the harbor. I beelined for the trees and got lost in the greenbelt that ran diagonally with the Narrows. It would eventually take me out to Hylan Boulevard, and I knew there was an NYPD station there.

  Far behind me, I heard a tree branch crack. Sean or Shamus was following me on foot. No doubt, the other one would be driving ahead to try to cut off my escape before reaching the police.

  I made my way up toward the 278 Freeway, praying I wouldn't run into one of his men. Just as I crested the road, I heard Sean behind me, yelling for me to come out. No damn way was I going to let him touch me again. I raced alongside the freeway, waving as I ran. A rig stopped, and I raced to the door.

  "Can you help me? I just escaped kidnappers, and they're chasing me!"

  "Hop in, lady; I'm heading into Jersey."

  I jumped into the rig and didn't look into the rear-view until we were rumbling along the road. Sean had been closer to catching me than I had realized. He was glaring after the truck and yelling into his phone.

  I sighed in relief, leaning back in my seat. "Could you drop me at the closest police station, please, and is it possible to use your phone?"

  The man who had identified himself as Peter nodded and handed me his phone. I punched in Kingsley's number and prayed he would answer.

  "Deveraux speaking."

  "Kingsley, oh thank God."

  "Kate, what happened? Where are you?"

  "I escaped, King, but he's following me. I'm getting a ride with a man named Peter; he's driving his rig to New Jersey."

  "Put me on speaker, Katarina."

  "Peter, this is Kingsley Deveraux. You have precious cargo with you, sir. I will have security meet you in New Jersey. Please, don't leave her until she is safely in the hands of my personal security."

  "Will do, Mr. Deveraux."

  I took the phone off the speaker.

  "Katarina, I'm just approaching JFK. Devon and I are on our way. Do you remember Ben and Josh? They are close as well. We will meet you; stay safe."

  "I will." I hung up the phone and gave it back to Peter.

  "Thank you for stopping, and for the use of your phone."

  I sat back and closed my eyes. I must have fallen asleep because when I opened them, we were parked and Peter wasn't in his rig. I looked around and saw him standing by a vehicle talking to the occupant.

  It was Shamus. I snuck out the passenger door, taking Peter's phone with me, and ran for the hedge at the side of the road. I dialed Kingsley.

  "Katarina, we're here, where are you?"

  "I don't know, King, but Peter is talking to Shamus, Sean's right-hand man, so I jumped out of the rig, and I'm hiding in some bushes at the side of the road. Can Devon trace the call?"

  "He's already on it."

  "Shit, she's gone," I heard Peter exclaim.

  "They know I'm gone; hurry, King," I said as I ran deeper into the wooded area at the side of the road.

  "We got you, Kate. You're only ten minutes away. Hang on, and run east if you have to run."

  I hung up and ran east like a scared rabbit. I heard the men enter the woods behind me. They weren't quiet, and it sounded like there were a few of them. I prayed as I ran, please God, please help me. I veered slightly north into a denser copse of trees and then continued east, using Peter's phone's navigation. I came to the end of the tree coverage. Now, what? All that was there was an open field. The tree-line must have met up with a farmer's property. I decided to stay east as instructed, and I climbed over the fence, continuing in the same direction. Up ahead, I saw a vehicle come flying off the dirt road and onto the field. Let it be King, I prayed.

  Behind me, three men broke through the tree coverage, giving chase across the field. In another hundred yards, the car and I crested; it was King. The door flew open, and he grabbed me, falling back into the car as it sped away.

  He held me tightly, while, in the front, Devon was driving as fast as he could off the dirt field and onto the road, but he spared me a smile of assurance in the rear-view mirror. I leaned back into King, catching my breath.

  My feet were throbbing; I was afraid to lo
ok at the damage. Because I had run all that way in bare feet, I was sure they were cut and bleeding in a dozen places. King was squeezing me too tightly, and I couldn't get enough air into my lungs.

  "Kingsley, please, I can't breathe."

  He immediately let go and slid me down into the seat beside him. "Thank God, you're safe."

  I leaned back into the car seat, closing my eyes and finally catching my breath. "King, I haven't run that hard in a long time." I chuckled, trying to make light of what had happened.

  He leaned forward, examining my face. His eyes went black when he saw the damage.

  "Bastard, what did he do?"

  I sighed in exhaustion. "Exercised his dominance over me."

  I felt him pick up one foot and then the other.

  "Is it as bad as it feels?"

  "Do you want the bad news or the good news first?"

  "Good news."

  "I don't think you will need stitches anywhere."

  "And the bad?"

  He chuckled. "I guess I don't have to worry about you running off anywhere. Seriously, Katarina, how did you get free? I should be standing in front of Sean Flannigan right now, handing him a document worth two billion dollars."

  I sighed again, finding it hard to keep from falling asleep. I was exhausted.

  "I pretended I wanted him, and then I kneed him in the balls as hard as I could. I flew out of that container and raced for the wooded area that runs parallel with the highway."

  He pulled me close and tucked me into his side. I succumbed to sleep and woke sometime later to the sound of voices talking and a dark sky overhead.

  "King? Where are we?"

  "Boston. I didn't want to take you back to the hotel. Obviously, I can't control your safety there. One of Devon's connections is putting us up in a safe house for tonight, then the jet will pick us up tomorrow and fly us home to Los Angeles."

  I snuggled into his side, and he wrapped his arms around me. The past fifteen hours had been a nightmare, and as the images of that nightmare flashed before my eyes, I finally let myself go and cried.