Conned by You

by Marilyn Williams

  “I grew dependent on him. I didn’t go anywhere without him. He dictated who came to the house. His friends became my friends until we only socialized with Tess and Scott. He used my stalking case as a justification to keep me close to him.”

  Evelyn pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “You didn’t see it as him controlling you, because he disguised it as concern.”

  “Right.” She fell back onto her pillow and closed her eyes. The little energy she had drained from her body like a faucet’s slow drip.

  “Tired?”

  “A little.”

  “Nap. I’ll busy myself with a movie on TV. You don’t mind if I cut it on?”

  “Go ahead. I’m sure Justin is paying an insane amount of money for this luxury suite, so use any amenity you can.” Ava closed her eyes and before long she was in dreamland.

  ∞∞∞

  Ava fluttered her eyes opened. Her gaze darted left and right. The television played an action movie about a monster earthquake. Her mother’s eyes were glued to the screen as she sat reclined in an overstuffed burgundy leather chair. She wore the ultra-plush white robe that hung in the bathroom. Besides, the guard who stood at the door like a statue, they were alone.

  “Mom.” Her voice croaked, dry from a lack of moisture.

  Evelyn sat up and moved to Ava’s side.

  “Where’s Justin?”

  “He received a phone call from Blake. He’ll be right back.”

  “Can I have a drink of water?”

  “There’s some bottles in the mini-fridge or do you prefer room temperature.”

  “Cold, please.”

  Evelyn retrieved the cold water bottle, twisted the cap, and handed it to Ava.

  She took several gulps, allowing the icy water to coat her dry throat. Ava placed the bottle on the bedside table. “I see you made yourself comfortable?” She stroked the arm of the cotton robe.

  “It helped keep me warm. It feels like an igloo in here.” Evelyn stroked the top of Ava’s head, combing strands of hair with her fingers. Her eyes were soft and filled with what appeared to be a sense of relief. “I knew you would be okay. I prayed day and night you would return unharmed.”

  Ava grabbed her mother’s hand. “When it seemed hopeless, I never gave up. When I found Brandon’s phone and called Justin, I knew then it would all be okay.”

  The door to the room opened, and Justin breezed through with a seriousness in his face. He rushed towards Ava and Evelyn.

  “We need to talk,” he said, dragging a chair near the bed.

  Ava eyed him as he raked his hand through his hair. “Did you get news on Brandon?”

  “Not yet.”

  Evelyn braced herself at the foot of the bed. “Do you need privacy?”

  Justin shook his head. “No. Part of what I have to say concerns you.” He turned his attention back to Ava. “I need to bring you up to speed on all we uncovered about Brandon and how he found you.”

  Ava sat up at full attention. “Was it Scott? He’s the one friend he has left.”

  “No.” Justin stroked the hairs on his chin. “Lindsey.”

  “Lindsey?!” Ava glanced at her mother who didn’t seem surprised. Justin explained how Lindsey bailed Brandon out and gave him a place to stay. By the time Justin told her all he knew, the anger inside of her had grown. Her pulse ticked upward, her teeth gritted against one another, and her head shook in disbelief. “She said we would all pay. I knew she was up to something.”

  “There’s more.” Justin’s eyes darted towards the floor. “She tampered with dad’s medication, and we believe that’s the reason for his internal bleeding.”

  Ava’s mouth fell open as she tried to digest what she’d just heard. “Seriously?”

  Justin nodded his head. “I heard from the detective they were able to trace the pills to the doctor who provided them to her. It was the same doctor who helped her and my dad lie about her pregnancy. Evidently, Dr. Calhoun will do anything for a price.”

  “Unbelievable!” said Evelyn.

  Ava still sat in disbelief. She didn’t know what question to ask first. “Have you told Corrine?”

  “Yes.”

  “Where is Lindsey and Dr. Calhoun now? Have they been arrested?”

  “Dr. Calhoun, yes. Lindsey is conveniently out of the country with her mother.”

  Ava fell back onto her pillow. Her mind didn’t know which piece of information to mull over first.

  “It pointless to reflect on how we should’ve handled Lindsey,” said Justin. “We have another problem.”

  “Brandon,” added Evelyn.

  Justin nodded in agreement. “Yes. He’s still out there, and we all know he isn’t done. That’s the reason I need you both to stay at the family home until he’s caught and extradited to Georgia.”

  “Are the doctors releasing me today?”

  “Not until tomorrow.” Justin faced Evelyn. “Once you’re finished with your visit, a guard will accompany you to the beach house while you pack. He will then drive you to the family home. My mother has already spoken with James and he’ll have the guest house ready for your arrival.”

  Ava glanced at the clock. “Mom, it’s already eight. I think you should go before it gets too late.”

  “I’d hoped to stay the night.”

  She grinned at the thought. “You go. I’m in good hands.”

  Chapter Thirty-six

  After a morning visit with Meghan and Chase and a mid-afternoon call with Tess, Ava’s doctors released her from the hospital that evening. Her energy level was back to normal, and she had no lasting effects from her ordeal.

  She and Justin sat in the backseat of a blacked-out SUV while a driver drove them to the Harrington’s estate. A team of four security members trailed behind in another SUV. Justin had thought of every possible detail to make sure she felt safe.

  Ava glanced over at Justin, who appeared stoic as he sat beside her. He hadn’t said a word since they’ve left the hospital. She moved her hand to grasp his. He squeezed in response and looked over at her with a deep-seated sadness in his eyes. He didn’t need to say a word because she knew what troubled his mind. Blame. He blamed himself for all that has happened. It doesn’t matter how many times she has reassured him she doesn’t hold him responsible; it seemed to fall on deaf ears.

  When they arrived at the Harrington home, she waited for security to exit their vehicle first and do whatever they needed to deem it safe for her and Justin to exit. One burly guard with muscles bulging from his neck opened her door. He reached for her hand and helped her out of the SUV. “Thanks,” she smiled, as he closed the door behind her. Justin then came around from the opposite side and placed her hand in his. He led her to the front entrance where Corrine waited with the door opened.

  “I didn’t expect you to be here,” said Justin. His voice was faint and full of exhaustion.

  “I wanted to be here for you kids, in case you needed anything.” She hugged and kissed Justin on the cheek. She then wrapped her arms around Ava. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”

  “So am I.”

  Justin tapped Ava’s shoulder. “Hey, I’m going up to the room.” He walked off before she could respond. She watched as he trotted down the hall towards the staircase.

  Corrine sighed and looked at Ava. “He’s still struggling.”

  “I’ve told him over and over that none of this is his fault.”

  “Give him time. My son internalizes what bothers him. You either have to pull it out or wait until it builds, and he’s ready to talk.”

  “I’ll give him space.” Ava was about to walk off but turned around. “How is Chris doing? Any change?”

  She frowned. “None.”

  “Once I’m out of lockdown, do you think he’ll mind if I stopped by for a visit?”

  Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. “He would appreciate that very much.”

  Ava proceeded upstairs towards the upper east wing of the house but turned around and st
rolled across the courtyard, instead. Her mother had already raved about her private quarters overlooking the pool. She knocked on the door and moments later her mother answered with green clay smeared over her face. “Ava, come in.” Her mouth barely moved as she spoke. Perhaps to avoid cracking her mask.

  Ava stepped inside the multi-level guest home the size of an average townhouse. “This is my first time being in here. It’s beautiful.”

  “Corrine is an excellent hostess. She had fresh flowers in the living room and bedroom. She also had a welcome basket with bubble bath, lotion, soap, facial products, and a handwritten note welcoming me to her home.”

  “What a sweet gesture. That sounds like something she would do.”

  “Can you wait for a second while I wash my mask off?”

  “Go right ahead.”

  Evelyn sped upstairs, and Ava ventured into the kitchen for a glass of water. Before she could finish her drink, her mother had returned with a radiant glow on her face.

  “That was fast.” She placed the glass on the counter.

  “My skin is the softest it’s been in years.” She stroked her cheek. “It was in my welcome basket. I never heard of the brand, so I looked it up online. Ava, the mask cost three-hundred-dollars!”

  It gave her a warm feeling inside to see her mother so giddy over facial products. “It’s unknown how long you’ll be here. Are you okay with that?”

  Evelyn patted the side of Ava’s face. “As long as you’re here with me safe and sound, I’m perfectly fine with it.”

  “Justin has guards everywhere, so we’re safe.”

  “They’ll catch Brandon and drag him back to Georgia. Then you and Justin will never have to worry about him again.”

  “I know.” Ava released a heavy sigh. “Now that I see you’ve settled in okay, I should get back to Justin. He isn’t in the best place right now.”

  Evelyn stroked Ava’s arm. “Surround him with love, and he’ll be just fine.”

  Ava nodded and hugged her mother goodbye. When Ava reached her room, Justin sat at a desk in the corner with his eyes focused on his laptop. “Do you feel like talking?” she asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.

  He closed his laptop and moved his gaze towards her. “I’m rather tired. Once I make sure you’re comfortable and have everything you need, I’ll turn in for the evening.”

  “Justin, you barely said two words. I won’t be comfortable until you talk to me.”

  “I have a lot on my mind. I’m worried about you… my parents… work. I have tons of contracts that require my signature, meetings that need rescheduling, and a whole magnitude of other shit that must be done.”

  Ava jumped to her feet and move to his side. “I’m here. I’m safe. We’re together. Work can wait.”

  “You don’t get it.” He gave a dismissive wave of his hand.

  She knelt beside his chair to meet his eyes. “Tell me what I don’t get.”

  “I allowed Lindsey to hurt the people who I love most in the world. I didn’t listen to you, and we paid the price.”

  “You’re being much too hard on yourself. Brandon was already here before Lindsey conned her way back into our world. He would’ve gotten to me with or without her help.”

  Justin looked at her like what she’d said had sunk in. “If anything would have happened to you…”

  “But, it didn’t.” She stood and extended her hand towards him. “Come.”

  He grabbed her hand and rose to his feet. “Where?”

  “You need a long hot shower to wash away your worries.”

  Justin grinned and shook his head. “You were the one missing and held by a crazy man, and you want to take care of me. That doesn’t sound fair.”

  “I see it as we’re taking care of each other.” Ava led Justin into the bathroom and turned on the shower. He leaned against the vanity with his arms crossed. She moved towards him, and without uttering a word, she grabbed the hem of his shirt and lifted it above his head. The heat of his breath lingered on her neck as she unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants. “I’ll let you take it from here.” She turned to leave, and he enclosed her wrist with his hand.

  “Join me.” His eyes begged for her to say yes.

  Ava undressed and entered the steaming shower behind Justin. He grabbed her by the waist and smashed his lips onto hers. Their hungry mouths devoured each other as their tongues intertwined. She broke off their kiss and moved behind him. She grabbed the bath sponge and drenched it with liquid soap. In a circular motion, Ava stroked Justin’s back, running the sponge across his broad, muscular shoulders. As the water rinsed away the suds, Ava placed sweet, quick kisses along his spine. Her arms enclosed his waist as he turned to face her. With a mischievous grin, he poured the soap onto his hands. He quickly rubbed them together before gliding them across her stomach. Ava backed into the slick tiled wall as his hands traveled up her stomach and palmed each of her breasts. Their eyes met, and a soft moan escaped her lips as he stroked and played with her nipples. Ava pulled him into another kiss as the water fell on them like a rainstorm. Justin lifted her into his arms, cupping her ass in his hands. He opened the shower door and carried her wet body into the bedroom. Her heart raced, and her body ached as he towered over her. Justin spread her legs and entered her slowly. He thrust back and forth inside her. Their hands interlocked above her head as they engaged in a rhythmic motion. She closed her eyes to revel in the pleasure she felt. After three forceful thrusts, Justin slowed his pace. The breeze of his breath fanned her face. Ava opened her eyes to Justin staring down at her. “Love you,” he whispered and kissed the tip of her nose.

  “Love you more.”

  Justin rolled over, taking heavy breaths. He then disappeared into the bathroom and returned with a plush body towel. He rubbed the towel against Ava’s skin, removing any lingering wetness from the shower. Justin then ruffled the towel against her hair and dried himself off before falling back onto the bed.

  “Now our sheets are wet.” He laughed.

  “Only on one side.” She moved to the dry side of the bed and pulled the covers back. Justin laid on his back while Ava rested across his chest. She remained silent as the sound of his heartbeat filled her ear. An overwhelming sense of love invaded her heart, causing a tear to fall from her eye. She sat up and looked at Justin. He returned her gaze with a quizzical expression. “What’s wrong?” He moved a fallen lock of her hair behind her hair.

  “Remember when you said solitude forced you to put certain things in your life into perspective?”

  “Yeah, something like that. Why?”

  “You were right. It does forces you to think about what’s important. You wanted to get married right away, but I preferred to wait, so I could have a big, fairytale wedding.”

  “Have you changed your mind?”

  “I spent many hours in my mind, wishing I could see your face. I then realized we shouldn’t waste any more time.” Her eyes filled with tears, causing them to cascade down her cheeks. “I’ve waited my entire adult life for a man who can love me unconditionally, someone who I can trust, and depend on. That man is you, and I don’t want to wait another day to become your wife.”

  Justin shot up in the bed. “What exactly are you saying?” His eyes were full of excitement.

  “As soon as the police find Brandon, I would like us to marry right away. I’m ready to become your wife and make a family with you.”

  “Seriously?”

  She nodded and grinned. “Yes.”

  He cupped her face and kissed her. “You have just given me the best gift I could’ve asked for.”

  The couple kissed, which led to another round of lovemaking. Soon after, they fell asleep wrapped in each other arms.

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  The next morning Justin woke before Ava. He ventured downstairs where the chef prepared a feast for breakfast. He’d set the food buffet-style across the kitchen island. Justin reached for the platter of avocado toast and placed the qu
arter-sized piece into his mouth.

  “I caught you red-handed!” yelled Corrine, causing Justin to jump. He turned with a grin as he chewed the toast.

  “Someone appears to be in a better mood.” Corrine cupped his face with her palms.

  “It’s amazing what a goodnight sleep can do.” He washed the toast down with a glass of water. “Are we having a breakfast party or something? What’s with all the food?”

  Corrine adjusted her navy knit cardigan and rubbed her shoulders like she had a chill. “It’s not often we have overnight guests.”

  “So, you had the chef prepare a spread fit for a hundred people?”

  She gave him a curious look. “You’ve done a complete one-eighty. Yesterday you moped around full of doom and gloom. Today, you’re over the moon. What gives?”

  An enormous smile filled Justin’s face. “Ava wants to marry right away.”

  Corrine placed her hand over her opened mouth. “Justin, I’m thrilled for you both!” She extended her arms out and wrapped them around her son. “I know you had hoped she would change her mind about waiting.”

  He backed out of her embrace. “She said she no longer wanted to wait. As soon as Brandon is back behind bars, she wants to start planning.”

  “I know the perfect place where we can have it.”

  “We?” he asked, brows lifted. “Mother, allow Ava to take charge of the planning, please.”

  “I’ll place a bug in her ear, nothing more. Where is she? Is she coming down?”

  “Later, after we have our morning coffee.”

  “After breakfast, I’m off to the hospital.”

  “We’ll see you before then.”

  Justin returned to the bedroom with two mugs of coffee. Ava was still asleep. He placed the hot mugs on the bedside table and slid underneath the covers. He watched as she slept. She laid on her stomach with her hair splayed across the pillow. He brushed rogue strands from her face and retrieved his phone. He snapped two pictures before planting a kiss on her cheek. She didn’t stir. He kissed her cheek again before moving his mouth to her ear. He nibbled on her earlobe, and that did the trick. “Morning, sleepyhead.”