Salvage Her Heart

by Shelly Pratt

  He takes my bags, making no mention of the extra suitcase now in my possession. He loads them onto a porter trolley, ready to wheel down to the waiting limousine.

  ‘Will there be anything else, Mr Stratford? Perhaps a beverage before your flight?’

  ‘No, that’s all.’ I don’t reserve manners for the staff. In my opinion, that would be putting me on their level, which of course, I’m not about to do. I do, however, follow him out of the bedroom and down to the first floor where Stavros is waiting to bid me goodbye.

  I have to admit, after our first sexual encounter together, I get a hard-on every time I’m around the man. It’s not that I’m about to suddenly start batting for the other team, but his manliness and confidence are enough to remind me of the commanding way he took control of the situation. With the memory still fresh in my mind, it makes me want to revisit that kind of sexual gratification again, although I’m unsure how he would receive such an advance from me.

  ‘Alex,’ he booms.

  ‘Stavros, thank you for your… hospitality.’

  ‘It was a pleasure.’ The word rolls off his tongue like he just licked a pussy right in front of me. The imagery is enough to spring my dick to life, a little cum leaking out of the eye of my prick from the fucking it was doing not an hour before. I’m tempted to delay my flight to continue the endless days of debauchery, although I know the inevitable is waiting. It’s time to get home to Evie so I can hand her over to her new master.

  ‘I’ll be in touch.’

  ‘Oh I know you will be. I’ll have a girl on my private jet waiting for you when you’re ready to exchange Evie. Drug her before you bring her to the airport, won’t you, Alex? While I’ve got officials paid off, they’re a little less lenient if they’re kicking and screaming, you know what I mean?’

  ‘I do, and you’ve nothing to worry about.’

  ‘Good to hear, because I don’t like to be disappointed.’

  A chill runs down my spine, the look in his eyes diminishing the lust I was feeling earlier. I nod, letting him know I understand implicitly while veiling my disgust at being dominated by him.

  ‘Well, I’ll be off then.’

  ‘Have a good flight, Alex. I’m hungry and need satiating.’ He turns his back on me, heading back into the bowels of the mansion. I’m left wondering if he’s hungry for food or fucking. Either way, the man has his every desire at his fingertips. I know that, one day soon, I’m going to be just as powerful as he is.

  I shake my head, unable to believe the sudden turn my life has taken. Sometimes my reality seems so surreal, like it’s not really me living this life. Hard to believe that a man of my age can possess so much, and yet, yearn for so much more. I think if you set the bar too low, you end up peaking too early. Besides, why shouldn’t a man own the world?

  With a shit-eating grin, I head outside into the frigid air and hop into the waiting limousine. The driver nods into the rear-view mirror, acknowledging me. He doesn’t need directions, having already been informed of my destination by Winston. He makes no attempt at conversation, knowing it’s not his place to make idle chit-chat.

  By the time we arrive at the airport, I’m more than ready to board the plane that will take me home. I proceed through priority check-in and settle in the wide expanse of my first class seat. Since I’ve been up at the crack of dawn screwing my brains out, I’m happy to ignore the food and beverage service and sleep the night away.

  While my rest is fitful with the general hum of the airplane going on around me, I manage to grab a few blocks of deep sleep—enough to re-energize me by the time breakfast service comes around. A pretty blonde who instantly reminds me of Evie serves me eggs benedict with real silver and espresso coffee—not at all like the shit cattle class is consuming. The girl forces me to wonder what the real Evie is doing right at the moment. The image of her with another faceless man springs to mind and I’m angered enough to bend my fork in half. Oh, she’s going to pay alright; Stavros will certainly make sure of that.

  By the time it’s almost three in the afternoon local time, the wheels of the plane are touching down at Brisbane International Airport. There is no welcoming committee, no wife to wrap her arms around me. Just the throes of people meandering from one place to another occupy the airport, moving about like ants, their purpose otherwise hidden from the world.

  Having no one aware of my return means I’m car-less and hating the fact that I have to pull my own luggage to the taxi rank. This kind of shit does my head in. I’m mean, fuck, why do I have to stand with the plebs just to get a ride home? Yes, I could have got one of the drivers from my company pool to pick me up, but then the office would have known I was back in town. Which means that if Evie called, so would she, and she’s the last person I want to have a head’s up that I’m back in town and about to stalk her arse like a serial killer.

  Should she be worried? Damn straight. Right now, though, I’m aiming for shock value. I want her completely unaware of my intentions. The only way to achieve that is with a surprise return.

  I finally get a cab, although the ignorant prick seems to think that I’m going to load my own luggage into the boot. I wave a fifty around until he has the sense to peel his arse off the leather seat and come and do it for me. Suitcases stowed, he snatches the fifty out of my hand like a thief with pilfered merchandise, retreating back to the driver’s seat before I can change my mind. Prick. Be fucked if I know how the commoners came to think that they actually have any rights in my world.

  He drives slowly, racking more time and money on the meter. I swear, if I had a walking cane I’m sure I would use it to beat him over the head for his insolence. While that bloody image fills my head, I’m distracted enough not to notice my surroundings. It makes the drive go quicker.

  When he finally pulls into the entrance way of my apartment block, it takes another fifty to cover the trip fee and one more to convince him to get the suitcases back out of the boot. He’s reluctant, like this isn’t the easiest money he’s ever made. I make a mental note to pick an Asian driver next time. At least those rice munchers are thankful for any dollar you throw at them. White men in menial jobs just aren’t humble. They think the world owes them something and because of it they carry around the axiomatic concept that they’re god-damn deserving of better. Fuck that. The only people who deserve better are those who are willing to go above and beyond the calling of their job. Am I right? You bet your sweet arse I am. Remember, I didn’t get to where I am without putting everything I had on the line to be a success. I’m talking time, money and family members that I once cared about but eventually got thrown under the bus like the rest of things I put on the line.

  Speaking of time, it’s getting late. I whistle for the doorman and he comes running like the faithful puppy he is.

  ‘Edward, get these bags up to my apartment right away and telephone and have Miss Madeline meet me up at the apartment.’

  I’m still walking and talking when I realise that Edward has stopped in his tracks and is staring at me with uncertainty.

  ‘What is it man?’

  ‘I don’t really know how to tell you this, Mr Stratford, but Miss Madeline moved out of the apartment shortly after your departure.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘I mean to say, I assume she’s left… she returned the key to the front desk and all.’

  ‘And why wasn’t I called immediately?’

  ‘Well, Mr Stratford, she said you knew all about it and she asked me to give you an envelope on your return.’

  ‘She did, did she?’

  ‘Yes sir, she did.’

  ‘Bring it up to my apartment along with these bags. I’m most interested to see what she had to say.’

  I leave Edward lost for words, confused as to the mix-up over Madeline’s disappearance. By the time I reach my apartment door I can just about see steam coming from my ears as I pass the mirror on the landing.

  As to be expected, the apartment is lifeless, no sign
of Evie anywhere. The air is stale, a clear sign that nobody has occupied the space for some time. A knock on the door reminds me that Edward was following with my luggage. Oh yes, and the letter. Better not keep him waiting. It’s not Edward, though, it’s Harry. His expression gives nothing away, although I’m sure I look surprised.

  ‘How did you know I was back? I didn’t even ring you yet,’ I say sourly, leaving him to close the door behind him while I pour myself a stiff drink.

  ‘You employ me because I’m the best. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t know of your whereabouts now would I?’

  ‘So you’re an overachiever, tell me something I don’t know.’

  ‘Well, you know what they say; while the cat’s away the mice will play.’

  ‘That’s true,’ I say, downing the first of my drink, ‘so you understand then why I’m so keen to hear what you have to say. Why don’t you start with your little debrief rather than quoting me idioms I couldn’t give two shits about.’

  ‘Hey man, it’s your dollar. Which of the two ladies would you like to hear about first?’

  I stop and think for just the briefest of seconds. Madeline’s sudden departure certainly has my curiosity piqued but it’s my wife I’m burning to know about.

  ‘Evie. Let’s start with Evie, shall we?’

  Twenty-Four

  EVIE

  ‘Evie?’

  ‘Yes?’ I whisper in hushed tones, desperate not to wake Grayson in the process. Despite being half asleep, I know exactly who would be calling my cell phone. Alex. He’s only one of two people who have this number—the other is sleeping in the bed next to me.

  ‘I’m coming home. I’ll see you in twenty-four hours.’

  ‘Okay.’ He clicks off the call without another word. He doesn’t ask any questions nor offer any further information.

  There is nothing for me to do but pack my bags and go home. Fear suddenly stabs at my heart and flashes of his rage cross my mind. I think of my parents and know that despite the fantasies I’ve been harbouring of late, there is no way I can’t return to my owner—for my sake and for theirs. His call is one that cannot be denied.

  I know Grayson wants to protect me, I know he feels like he can keep me safe from Alex’s clutches, but that’s just a dream we both know will shatter to pieces once reality sets in. There is no escaping evil. It whispers like a vapour of destruction through my life until it takes every little thing I hold dear and destroys it. Not only do I need to protect myself and my family, but I also need to protect Grayson, too. The only way I can do that is if I leave and never look back.

  Despite my sensibilities, I know I still have a little time left—time enough to make the most of today, and time to cement memories of Grayson in my head that I’ll never forget. I may not get to keep him forever, but I can have today. That is something that no one can take away from me.

  It’s early—four am. I need Grayson to know just how much I appreciate him before I rip myself from his life. I need him to know that although we can’t see each other again, he has changed my life for the better. He loved me enough to fuel my heart to keep on beating for the rest of my life. He made me believe in true love, giving me enough will to live, despite my circumstances.

  I slip from his arms, sneaking to the bathroom to get washed and brush my teeth. As I brush, I can’t look at myself in the mirror because, if I do, I won’t be able to stand the sight of the coward looking back at me. I know I try to convince myself that I’m in control, that I’m doing what’s best for everyone, but the niggling little hell-raiser that lives somewhere within me taunts me. She tells me I’m a coward and that I’m taking the easy way out.

  I spit my frustration down the sink and ignore her. I dare not pack my bags now, it would be a sure sign to Grayson that something is up and I’m about to fly the coop. That will have to be done when he goes to sleep tonight. Instead I rummage quietly through the cupboards and find the makings of breakfast.

  Hidden amongst the staples in the pantry I find some tea lights. I place them around the room and light them. Padding gently back to the bed, I creep up as close as I can to Grayson. He’s snoring lightly and looks so damn peaceful I want to cry. I pinch my nose to stop the tears in their tracks. I will not cry. I will not be sad on the last day I get to spend with him.

  Once I get a hold of myself, I gently lean in and place my lips over his. His facial hair tickles me, but it’s soft and smells like his shampoo. He’s slow to respond, not yet ready to wake. I tease him more, prying his lips open a little with my tongue. His heart starts to beat a little faster under my palm on his chest. He’s waking, realising that I’m seducing him from whatever dreams fill his head. Instinctively his hands reach for me, grabbing my backside and pulling me on top of him.

  There’s no denying the chemistry between us. It’s electric, but by no means just physical. We connect on a much deeper level. It’s like our souls dance every time we touch. It’s like he’s my shadow, so close, but somehow just out of reach.

  My mouth finds his and he kisses me back.

  ‘Morning, beautiful.’ His voice is husky and warm, only vaguely smelling like the toothpaste he brushed his teeth with last night.

  ‘Good morning, Grayson.’

  ‘It’s a little early isn’t it? I thought I was the only idiot who got up at the crack of dawn.’

  ‘It is and you are,’ I smile, ‘but I wanted to make the most of today. It’s beautiful outside. The sun is already up and I thought we should be, too.’

  ‘Okay, what did you have in mind?’ he says, slowly opening his eyes.

  ‘How about breakfast first?’

  ‘You’re my kind of girl. What’s on the menu?’

  ‘Well there wasn’t much left in the cupboards, but there’s the staples. Can we make pancakes in the skillet over the fire outside and drizzle them with some of the honey Kirima gave us?’

  ‘Sounds great. Let me grab a quick wash and I’ll meet you outside, okay, gorgeous?’

  He kisses my forehead and takes off for the bathroom, not even realising that he affects me so. Every little thing he’s doing just makes my heart pang for his normalcy and honesty. I swallow hard, realising that leaving him is going to be harder than I expect.

  With Alex already setting in motion my return, I can’t help but hold on to every single second Grayson and I spend together. He, of course, is oblivious to it all. I’m doing a fine job of hiding my feelings because I don’t want him to remember the sad side of me. I need him to remember the way we are today and think fondly of me, without regret.

  Our time spent away in the woods has so far seemed to span a lifetime and yet, today, it’s going cruelly fast. The seconds, the minutes, the hours are slipping away and I’m powerless to stop it. They weren’t lying when they said that time waits for no man. Swimming and lazing together in the hammock soon give way to early evening and I feel like the grains of sand in my hourglass have just slipped through the middle for the last time.

  Although I know I will be slipping away in the dead of the night in a few short hours, I’m going to be selfish. I don’t just want these memories of Grayson—I want them all. I want to catalogue every single memory, feeling and emotion a man and woman can have together. I want him—all of him.

  While he barbeques our meat, I bring him beer from the cooler and toss a salad.

  ‘Are you trying to get me drunk, beautiful?’

  ‘Maybe,’ I say honestly, without looking at him. Instead, I focus on chopping cucumber.

  ‘You’re totally serious.’ The disbelief is evident in his voice.

  ‘Well, to be honest, I’m sick of your chivalry. You don’t need to protect my virtue, you know.’ I stare him down, the salad suddenly forgotten. He stares back, unable to shield me from the love and lust that rolls off him in waves. I’m startled when he moves suddenly, dropping his barbequing tongs right where he stands in the grass.

  In three long strides he’s at my side, pulling me to my feet.
I couldn’t object even if I tried. This is what I want. I need this.

  Twenty-Five

  EVIE

  He picks me up and swings me over his shoulder in a fireman’s hold. He’s gentle, as desperate as I am to be out of the open wilderness. He carries me as though I weigh nothing. I’m held securely over his shoulder with his strong hands as he makes his way up the dirt path to our cabin. It’s twilight, the sun only just gracing the tops of the trees that cocoon the lake. It’s a perfect time of day to make love, the lighting romantic without even intending to be so.

  Grayson kicks open the door, the first sign of roughness I’ve seen from him. With gentle hands he places me on the top of the covers, removing his shirt with one hand as he kicks his shoes off. I watch, completely overwhelmed by the sight of him without material on his ripped body. His skin is smooth, with just hints of hair down the middle of his chest and stomach. My eyes follow as his fingers go to work on the buttons of his shorts.

  He makes short work of removing them, before running nervous hands through his long hair. He stands in his boxers, waiting for me to give him permission to go all the way.

  ‘I don’t want anything more than I want you right now,’ I say softly. He nods, understanding completely. He hooks his fingers over the band of the material and eases them down his legs. Grayson is wildly masculine, completely at ease standing in all his naked glory while I take my time appreciating his body in its entirety.

  My eyes fall to his erection at last. Just the sight of him aroused makes me hot in all the right places. The spark he ignites blazes through my veins and travels all the way to my core. I’m on fire, so eager for him to be inside of me, but I know I can’t rush this. This will be the one and only time I can be with him.