by Ella Goode
“I do, man. Thanks a lot. I owe you one.”
“Sure. No problem.”
I hang up and nearly get a charley horse from swallowing the urge not to fling my phone against the wall. The wedding happens in a week. We planned it so that Adam would be inside, locked away. There are going to be strangers at the house. I know I can’t call off the wedding because Violet would be beside herself, but now that he’s out, it’s going to be a perfect opportunity for him to get to her. What a frigging nightmare.
Chapter Twelve
Violet
I run my fingers along the silky material, wondering what Sebastian would think of this on me. All of my panties and bras match, but they are simple and functional. I’ve never given much thought to wearing something so sexy before.
The truth is that I hadn’t ever thought of myself as being sexy before I saw the way he looked at me. That heat in his eyes always has me feeling as if I’m some sort of goddess. I have to say that it’s addictive.
I’ve always thought of myself as more of the sweet and cute type. I’m not saying that I think I’m unattractive. But that being with Sebastian this last week has brought out a different side of me. Making me realize that who you’re with can set the tone for how you feel. And make no mistake about it, when I’m with Sebastian I feel as though I’m the sexiest woman in the whole world.
“Are you going to get something?” Eden asks, pulling a teddy off one of the many racks filling the sitting room. I was so lost in my thoughts of Sebastian that I forgot what we were doing in the first place. Eden had arranged for a bunch of different designers to have racks of new items delivered here. She wanted to have a girls’ day where we’d try on things and have fun. She is loading up on lingerie for her honeymoon and a few things for the wedding as well.
I know they keep having these shows and pop-up stores in our home for me. No one ever mentions it. My family never makes me feel guilty for not leaving the house. Yet, it still doesn't stop me from feeling that way. It’s hard not to feel as if you are an inconvenience when everyone else has to change their lives to accommodate you.
“Maybe.” I shrug, trying to play it off, but I know Eden is staring at me as I keep going through the rack.
I have no clue if they’ve all figured out that things between Sebastian and me have changed. Whenever anyone else is around, Sebastian is all business and professional. I know it’s his job, but it makes me feel a bit self-conscious that he might not want anyone to know what’s going on between us.
It might be me. It’s been so long since I’ve been on a date or even around men that weren't related to me that I might be making things up in my own head. I always get in my own way.
“This.” Eden holds out a silky dark blue teddy. “That color on you is going to be hot.”
I take it from her and head into the bathroom across the hallway to see how it looks on me. Excitement bubbles up in my stomach at the thought of surprising Sebastian with this.
I pull my clothes off before slipping it on over my head. It falls perfectly over me. The feel of the silky material against my nipples has them hardening. My mind instantly goes to Sebastian taking them into his mouth.
I huff out a breath, not wanting to get turned on in the freaking bathroom. I blame Sebastian for this. When he got back here last night from his parents’, something was off. I get this strange vibe that his parents don’t much care for me. It would be horrible if my family didn’t like the person I was in love with… I pause mid-thought.
Yes, love. I not only love him, but I trust him too. How else would I let him come into my home and stay with me? Open my body up to him to have. We haven't gone all the way yet, but we’ve done almost everything else. I’m not sure why he is holding back. But I’m hoping this little getup will be the push he needs.
I read online that it’s around date three when people enter that phase. If you counted all the meals and him staying over, we are way past three dates. Once again, my shit got in the way of what Sebastian and I could have together. How much can he handle before enough is enough?
A few times last night I tried to lure him into us fooling around. I’m sure my subtle cues might be hard to read, but he hasn't had that problem before. I ended up passing out.
I grab my dress off the sink, searching in one of the pockets to find my phone. I pick it up, tap on the camera and take a few pictures in the mirror, hoping that he’ll finally get the hint that I want to take things further. Once I’m satisfied with the pics, I type in his name to send him a message. My finger hovers over the send button. Be bold and adventurous, I tell myself before I hit the button, texting him the pictures.
I put my phone down, getting my clothes back on before I head out of the bathroom. I wonder if there are a few more of these in different colors.
“So?”
“I’m getting it.”
“Yes.” She does a happy dance. “So this means you’re giving Sebastian a chance?”
“I suppose. I know I put up some walls, but I think I’m the one trying to prove myself, hoping that I can be normal and he could truly want to be with me.”
“Violet. You did not just say that.” She rolls her eyes. “That man would sit in an empty room with you for the rest of your days if you asked him to. He is over the moon for you.”
“You think?” I shift on my feet. I think he is, but it’s nice to have reassurance from another woman.
“I don’t think. I know.” Eden helps push some of my insecurities away. I spend too much time by myself analyzing everything.
My phone starts to go off. An excited nervousness fills me to see Sebastian's response. I slide my finger over that phone, and my whole world tilts on its axis.
Adam is out. My heart starts to pound in my chest. He’s been out since last night. Sebastian had to know. Why didn’t he tell me? He thought I was going to fall apart and not be able to handle it. Anger fills me. It’s my life. I should know these things.
“Violet. Are you okay? You’re shaking.” My phone slips from my hand, hitting the floor. The panic rises in my throat. I can’t get the shaking to stop. I blink. I can see Eden’s lips moving, but the only sound I can hear is the thundering of my heartbeat.
Maybe Sebastian is right. I can’t handle this. That’s my last thought before everything goes dark.
Chapter Thirteen
Sebastian
“Where the hell are you?” thunders Miles.
I pull my earpiece out and let him shout into the air so my eardrum doesn’t get blown out.
“We got an ID on him. He’s at the convenience store on 4th and Forest,” murmurs Walsh in the seat next to me.
I make a hard right and head west, in the direction of Adam.
“You listening to me?” demands Miles.
I stick my earpiece back in. “Yeah. I heard you. I’ll be over later tonight. Got some cleaning to do.” I hang up before he can ask more questions.
“That Violet’s brother?”
“Yup.”
“He sounds happy,” Walsh dryly observes.
“He’s thrilled about the news.” Sarcasm drips from my voice too. I guess I should’ve realized that Miles had someone on the inside feeding him news other than me. When it comes to his sister’s safety, he’s not putting all his trust into one person. Objectively, I know that’s smart, but facing the reality of it, that he doesn’t believe I can protect his sister, is a punch in the gut. I wonder if deep down Violet believes that, too, and that’s part of why she’s scared to allow me fully into her life. But what have I done to prove that I can keep her safe? I caught Adam and rescued her, but Adam’s out now.
The only way I can make this up to her is to ensure that she never has to hear this scumbag’s name again.
As expected, he’s gone when I pull up in front of the convenience store. Walsh pulls out the full color eight by ten mug shot, and we wave it in front of the clerk’s face.
“Ex con, huh? I didn’t get that vibe from him,�
� the young man says. He scratches a pimple at his chin. “Paid with a card and had a sweet piece on his arm. Big rack.” He taps his chest. “I guess it’s true that women like the ex-con thing.”
“Which direction did he go? Left or right?”
“Neither. He crossed the street.” The clerk points toward a five-story aged brick building about a hundred yards away. “Disappeared into that building.”
Walsh lays a hundred bucks on the counter, and we speed out.
“A woman?” Walsh questions as we hurry across the street.
“A prison guard, maybe?”
“Could be.” There are a lot of jailhouse hookups, sometimes between prisoners, but a lot of abuse between guards and inmates. Usually it’s the guards taking advantage of the imprisoned because of the power differential, but I wouldn’t put it past Adam to have seduced some woman into doing his bidding. From his history, he had an easy time with women, which is what likely led him to fixate on Violet’s disinterest. She was the only woman who turned him down, and he couldn’t stand that.
Near the front door of the entry to the apartment building, a metal plate is affixed to the brick. There are twenty-seven names written in pen on yellowed paper that is protected by plastic. Beside the names are small ivory buttons. In the third row, two down is “J. Adam.” The outer door is locked. Walsh produces a gadget and has the lock disengaged in ten seconds.
“Security’s shit here,” he says, tucking his equipment away. “Guess they can’t afford Turner Securities.”
“Sucks to be them.” The outer door didn’t tell us what apartment Adam was in, but the interior mailboxes indicate he’s in 3C. We take the stairs to the third floor and knock when we arrive at 3C. There’s no answer.
Walsh jiggles the door. “It might take a while.”
I knock again and listen. The door’s wood and so is the frame. “Move aside.”
Walsh steps behind me, and I jack the heel of my boot to the side of the doorknob. The wood gives way, and the door swings inside.
Violet’s stalker is on the couch, his legs up and his arm around a woman. She jumps to her feet and sweeps her hand to her side, but there’s no gun there. Her utility belt with her stun gun, stick, cuffs, and badge are lying on the coffee table an inch away from Adam’s feet.
“Turner,” drawls Adam. “I thought you’d never come.” He tips his bottle back and takes a nonchalant swig.
“You know him?” says the cop.
I don’t know if she’s talking to me or Adam.
“I told you, baby, I got fans.” Adam chortles. I can’t wait to mess up his smug mug again.
“What’s your full name?” the cop directs the next question to me. “I’ll need it for the breaking and entering charges.”
I ignore the cop and pin a hard stare on my target. “You tell your new woman why you were in prison?”
“You mean the false charges that Miles King, billionaire, had made up against me because his baby sister showed some unhealthy interest in me? Yeah, she knows all about it.” He smirks.
“What the hell are you talking about? You’ve been stalking that poor girl for months. You kidnapped her,” Walsh bursts out.
“See? I told you they had paid everyone off. The rich live in a different world than us, and they get to write all the rules,” Adam says. He shakes his head pitifully, and the sap of a cop stares at the top of the asshole’s head with fondness. The absurdity of this situation would be almost laughable if it wasn’t for the fact that Violet’s life was in danger.
“Here’s a new rule for you,” I say quietly. “You make one wrong move and you’re a dead man.”
“Did you just threaten to kill someone in the presence of a cop?” bursts out the outraged fool.
“It’s not a threat. It’s a promise.” I turn on my heel and walk out. Walsh follows, sputtering about the audacity of Adam.
Down in the car, Walsh asks, “What are you going to tell Violet?”
“The truth.” I start the car.
“What are you going to do about Adam?”
“Get rid of him.”
“How?”
I swing a cold stare to Walsh. “You don’t want to know.”
Chapter Fourteen
Violet
“Damn it, Vi, open your damn eyes!” My eyes open to see my brother looming over me. He closes his eyes for a long moment, relief showing on his face. Even though I’m focused on him, I can still hear whispers from someone behind him.
“Why are you yelling at me?” I start to sit up but like a tidal wave everything comes flooding back at once, threatening to take me back under. I grasp my fingers, gripping the side of the sofa.
“You’re safe, Vi. I promise you that.” He reaches for me but I flinch. I don’t miss the hurt he tries to mask. A hurt that I caused him. That’s what I always seem to do to everyone around me.
“I’m sorry.” I hate how weak my voice sounds. That my stalker has this control over me. That no matter how many times I tell myself I’m safe, I never truly feel that way. Especially knowing he’s free now.
“You have nothing to be sorry for.”
I nod. “Can I have some space?” I push back onto the sofa, my eyes flicking all around the sitting room. Eden stands a few feet back, her face red and blotchy with tears. Guilt starts to eat at me at the worry I’ve caused all of them.
“Eden.”
“Don’t you say it.” She points her finger, cutting me off. I give her the best smile I can muster. One of the many things I love about Eden is that she’s sweet as can be until something rattles the cage of the people she loves. Then the claws can come out. Her loyalty is unmatched.
“Did I fall?” I reach up, touching my head. I’m pretty sure that I fainted.
“I caught you.” Eden takes a few steps closer to me.
“Of course you did.” I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. I don’t want to be alone, but I also want space from everyone. Gah, my head is so messed up. “You didn't tell me,” I accuse them.
“I only found out myself recently.” Miles really has no reason to lie to me. He’s never given me a reason to not trust him. He is always looking out for me and going above and beyond to keep me protected. “He got out last night.”
“So I was told.” Eden tucks into Miles’ side. I don’t for one second think Sebastian only found out today. I’d bet my life on it that he knew. I’m not happy that he hid it from me. I have a right to know. Keeping that information from me only makes me feel more vulnerable. It reminds me of how delicate everyone thinks I am.
The room grows quiet again, no one saying anything. What is there to say really? They want to help me but they don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to do either.
Each second that ticks by I feel my anxiety start to pick up. I think about the meds in my bathroom that are supposed to help me calm down. That only makes my anxiety worse. Being groggy is the last thing I need. There is only one thing in this world that I know will calm me down. It doesn’t matter how mad at Sebastian or how hurt I am that he kept Adam’s release from me, I still want to be near him.
“Where is Sebastian?” Miles’ jaw flexes. I don’t know why he thinks he can hide his emotions from me. I mean we spent the beginning of our lives in the womb together. There is nothing that he can hide from me. I can read him like a book. “I’m mad at him too.”
“I’m sure he’ll be here soon, Vi. You know you’re safe here. This place is locked up tight.” I nod. Logically I know that, but logic and my brain aren't much on the same page lately. “Do you want me to get your medication?”
I go to answer, but the words freeze in my throat as once again panic tries to take me. Not the meds. Anything but that. Where are you? my mind screams. I need you. Then I hear him. As if he manifested from my thoughts.
“Vi!” Sebastian shouts my name. His heavy steps are loud as he runs down the hallway. He rounds the corner, his eyes coming straight to me.
“Don’t,” Miles grow
ls at Sebastian, holding his hand out to motion for him to not come any closer. “She’s pissed at you and doesn't want anyone near her. Come back later.”
“I’m not going fucking anywhere,” Sebastian barks at the same time I scream.
“No!” I jump to my feet without thinking. I don’t pause as I run over to him. He grabs me, pulling me into him as I wrap myself around him. I bury my face in his neck. His spicy smell with hints of wood and vanilla fills my lungs, making it easier to breathe.
“Vi.” His hand rubs up and down my back.
“I’m mad at you,” I say against his neck. It’s muffled so I’m not sure he even understands me. It doesn't matter. My heart is finally starting to calm. The tightness in my body releases. And I know it’s because he’s here.
He turns his head, and I feel him breathe me in too. “I’ve got you,” he vows.
“I know.” He’s had me since he pulled me from hell. “Please don’t make me take the pills.” His hold on me tightens, giving me his answer without words. I knew he would protect me.
“Vi.” Miles says my name gently. “I would never make you do anything.” Tears of guilt start to fall. Logically I know that. “And stop with the guilt. I’m not hurt. Your feelings are all that matter right now.” I lift my head finally, my eyes locking with my twin’s. In that moment I know he can feel me. I can feel him too.
“I love you, too,” I say. He gives me a half smile.
“If you need anything—” Eden says, resting her head on Miles’ shoulder.
“Thank you,” I tell her before giving all my attention to Sebastian. “Can we go home?” I touch the side of his face.
“We’ll go anywhere you want to go.”
“Okay.” I lay my head back on his shoulder as he starts to head toward the pool house. “Sebastian.”
“Yeah, sweetheart?”
