Trust Me (The Trust Me Series Book 1)

by K E Osborn

  “Jeni, please don’t cry.” He places his hand on the polycarbonate window.

  I raise mine to meet his. I can’t feel him, I can only feel the cold, hard plastic, and that breaks my heart even more.

  “I miss you,” I say quietly. “Our bed isn’t the same without you in it.”

  His face scrunches. “I didn’t think you’d come today.”

  I sigh and furrow my brows. He looks miserable. “I love you, Aiden. There was never any doubt I’d come.”

  “I love you, too. You know I didn’t do this, right? Please tell me you believe me?”

  “Of course,” I reply. “Who could be framing you?” I ask, looking right in his eyes.

  “It has to be Matthew.”

  Then it dawns on me like a light bulb going off—that conversation between Matthew and Rachelle was about Aiden.

  Holy shit! I’m a damn idiot for not thinking about this more.

  “Oh my God,” I mumble under my breath. “It is Matthew and Rachelle. They’re both in on it.”

  Aiden sits taller. “How do you know?”

  Excitement flows through me as I lick my bottom lip. “I heard a conversation between them the day you were arrested. Rachelle said, ‘Are you sure this will work?’ and Matthew replied, ‘It already has, baby.’ It has to be them, Aiden,” I chime, convinced.

  He looks at Jenson as the lawyer pulls his phone out of his jacket pocket.

  “Tanya. Yes. Can you get Simon to check the records on a Matthew Jones and Rachelle Sanderson? See if there are any abnormalities and get back to me immediately.” Jenson ends the call. “Tell Aiden, I’ll find something concrete on them,” Jenson tells me. “I’m sure they’re not smart enough to completely cover their tracks.”

  “I heard what he said. Tell him, thank you,” Aiden relays through the phone.

  “Aiden says thank you, Mr. Monroe.”

  Jenson does a two-fingered salute as my excitement settles, and I focus on the now. “Are they treating you okay in there?”

  “I’m in a cell of my own, so I don’t have to worry about anyone else. Plus, it’s minimum security, so there aren’t any issues so far,” he tries to comfort me. “How are you? Are you doing okay? You look pale.”

  I scoff. “I’m more worried about you than myself.”

  He frowns. “When was the last time you ate something?” he asks.

  I try to think when the last time was. Shit! “It doesn’t matter. I’m fine, I promise. I want you out of here and back in my arms.” Tears well in my eyes, but they don’t spill over onto my cheek this time.

  “Jeni, you have to eat. Please promise me you’ll eat? Hopefully, Jenson will be able to find something, and by this time tomorrow, I will be back in your arms.”

  “I don’t know what I’ll do if we can’t find anything on Matthew and Rachelle.”

  He shakes his head. “Don’t worry about that. Just look after yourself. You still haven’t promised me you’ll eat,” he challenges sternly.

  “I promise.” I exhale.

  “I love you, Jeni.”

  The security guard walks in, and I spin around. “Time’s up,” he grunts.

  “I love you so much, Aiden. So very much,” I blurt out in desperation, feeling like this will be the last time we will be together.

  “You’re my world, Jenifer Taylor.” He hangs up the phone.

  Our hands meet again on opposing sides of the glass partition. I can’t help it this time, I didn’t want to show him my weakness, but tears flow over my cheeks and drop, pooling on my chin.

  I feel lost.

  He’s so close—but I can’t touch him—I can’t smell him.

  This is fucking torture.

  The security guard places the handcuffs back on Aiden’s wrists, then leads him out of the room. My heart shatters as he turns back to look at me just before exiting.

  I swipe my eyes, angry at myself for allowing them to fall, then I turn to Jenson. “Do you think we’ll find something? Anything?”

  I’m hopeful as he looks at me. “I don’t know, but I’ll check into it thoroughly.”

  The security guard leads us to the front of the building where we hand in our visitors’ passes and head toward the parking lot. Mike’s waiting for me, and I fill him in on what happened as we drive back to the apartment.

  “So, the lawyer’s going to look into it?” Mikes asks.

  “As soon as he’s found something, he’ll call me, and I’ll call you.”

  He sighs with relief. “Let’s hope he figures something out and soon.”

  I drag out my phone, nervously dialing Sarah. “Jen, how are you? How did it go?”

  I can’t help but smile. “It went well. We think we know who framed him,” I chime.

  “Fuck me! Who?” she almost yells in excitement.

  I steady my shoulders feeling much more confident. “We think it’s his co-worker, Matthew, and his PA-girlfriend, Rachelle.”

  “That’s great news. So, what does that mean for Aiden’s trial?”

  I slump. “It’s still on, and at the moment, we have nothing to prove they did it. So, if the lawyer finds nothing, then I suppose they get away with it.”

  “Crap! I hope he finds something soon, then.”

  I pause. “Sarah?” I ask quietly.

  “Yeah?”

  “Can you come over and stay the night with me?”

  “Finally! I get to see your apartment.” She laughs in an attempt to lighten the mood. “Of course, I’ll come right over.”

  I gnaw on my bottom lip. “Chris won’t mind?”

  “He’s working till midnight, anyway, and I know he won’t care.”

  I sigh with relief. I don’t want to be here on my own, but I don’t want to leave our apartment either.

  “I’ll see you soon. Thanks, Sarah,” I say sincerely.

  Half an hour later, my phone rings. “Hey, it’s me. I’m in the parking garage. What floor are you on?”

  “I’ll come down and let you in. You need a card to gain access to our apartment. I’m getting in the elevator now. See you in a sec.” I end the call as the elevator makes its way to the parking garage. The doors open, and Sarah’s standing there with Mr. Snuggles, my trusty comfort teddy bear. I smile wide as she enters the elevator.

  “I thought you might like Mr. Snuggles seeing as you left him on your bed.”

  “Thanks, Sez.” We ride the elevator to the apartment, the doors open, and I look at her face purposefully to see her reaction. Her face fills with awe as we step out of the elevator.

  “Through here is the bedroom.” I lead her into the room and put Mr. Snuggles on the bed, then I show her the rest of the apartment and finish by sitting on the sofa.

  “This place is fricking incredible, Jeni.” She sits on the sofa with me.

  “I know.” I manage a small laugh. “You hungry?”

  “A little, yeah,” she replies, and with that, I pull out Mike’s card from my pocket and dial the number. Sarah looks at me with her brows furrowed.

  “Mike, it’s Jeni.”

  “Miss Taylor, is everything okay? Have you heard anything?”

  “Yes, everything’s fine and, no, I haven’t heard anything yet. My friend Sarah’s here. I was wondering if you’d mind getting us some takeout? The usual, please,” I ask him nicely.

  “Of course, Miss Taylor. I’ll go now.”

  “Thanks, Mike. I owe you one.”

  “No need, Miss Taylor. It’s my pleasure.” He ends the call, and for the first time in days, I feel relaxed and relieved not to be on my own.

  Sarah decides we should watch some funny movies, and I let her pick one from Netflix.

  I stand and walk to the ensuite and brush my teeth and hair. Sarah yawns as I step back into the living room. “Morning.” She stretches out her arms.

  “Hey, thanks for staying last night, and sorry for keeping you up.”

  “I wasn’t going to let you be on your own... what’s for breakfast?”

>   “Um… I don’t know what we have,” I say apologetically. “How about some toast?”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  “I’m glad to see you’re eating,” Sarah tells me.

  “Yeah, Aiden made me promise I would.”

  “What a good man he is,” she chimes, sitting at the table.

  That’s when I realize Jenson hasn’t called me. Does this mean he hasn’t found anything? No evidence that leads to Matthew and Rachelle? My heart skips a beat. I pull out my phone and call Mike as Sarah watches me concerned.

  “Miss Taylor…”

  “Mike, did you get a call from Aiden’s lawyer?”

  “No. Did you?”

  My whole body slumps. “No.” An overwhelming feeling of doom floods my body. Sarah notices my despair as she holds my hand. I exhale as my good mood shifts once again to hopelessness.

  “Don’t worry, Miss Taylor. I’m sure Mr. Monroe will call you as soon as he’s found something,” Mike tries to comfort me.

  “Thanks, Mike,” I murmur quietly and end the call.

  “Jeni, he’ll call when he finds the evidence. Do you want me to stay here with you until the trial? Or would you like to come back to my house?” Sarah asks as I take in a deep breath.

  “Actually, I think I’d like to be alone.”

  “Personally, I don’t think that’s such a great idea—”

  “Please, just go. I promise to call if I need you. Just because my life has ground to a halt, that doesn’t mean yours should,” I drone out bluntly, wanting her to leave, even though she looks at me and hesitates. Sarah stands and rubs my back as she walks past me to gather her things.

  “Just remember, if you need me—”

  “I’ll call. I promise.”

  Upon hearing the elevator chime, I sigh. Mike walks in and checks on me as he does every day. I’m sure Aiden’s told him to do so. “Miss Taylor, is there anything I can get you?” He walks over to the sofa where I’m currently sitting wrapped in a blanket, watching another episode of Stranger Things.

  “No, thanks, Mike.” I snuggle into the blanket further.

  I hear him exhale as he goes to leave. “Miss Taylor, I might be stepping over the boundaries here, but I know Aiden would love to see you. It’s been almost a week since you saw him last. I think it’ll do you good to get out of the apartment and into some fresh air,” he offers.

  I close my eyes tightly. I want to see Aiden more than anything. It’s so hard to be apart from him. I’ve been selfish, but seeing him in there, knowing I can’t touch him, I can’t be with him, or help him in any way—it nearly broke me last time.

  Mike exhales when I don’t respond, and he goes to leave. “Mike, wait!” I call out, and he turns around to see me facing him with a warm smile.

  “Should I get the car?” I nod. “Very good, Miss Taylor. Meet me when you’re ready.” He strolls off to the elevator.

  Slowly, I pull myself up from the sofa and move into the bedroom to get changed. I shuffle when I walk as I have hardly any energy nor strength—I guess that’s what I get for not eating, but I don’t care.

  I don’t care about anything.

  I haven’t since Aiden left, my life is in limbo.

  Pulling on his sweatpants and his running shirt, I’m sure I look terrible, but I don’t have the energy to give one single fuck. I make my way to the parking garage where Mike’s waiting for me. Feeling slightly dizzy, I stumble when I try to get in the car, but luckily, Mike catches me.

  “Thanks, Mike,” I whisper as he looks at me and frowns.

  “You’re welcome, Miss Taylor. Would you like me to stop for some food on the way to the prison?”

  The mere mention of food makes my stomach churn. I shake my head, and he sighs, closing the door of the car. My mind’s blank, and the trip seems to take forever. I feel numb, but I know I need to get my head in the right frame of mind to see Aiden. He needs me to be okay, for him to be okay, so I have to be as cool and strong as I can be. He can’t know I’m struggling. With a quick glance at me, Mike gets out to help me from the car. Taking my arm in his, and we walk to the prison gate where we are escorted to a large room with tables and chairs spaced sporadically, giving you a false sense of privacy.

  Other people are there, waiting to see their loved ones. Mike leads me to a table, and we sit to wait patiently for Aiden to arrive. Just like we have many times before.

  I was nervous the first time I came in here. Knowing I’m in the same room as criminals makes me a little uneasy. But, knowing that nothing happens in here other than people mingling and talking makes it a little easier to bear. A buzzer sounds, and the inmates walk in. I have my back to the door, so I don’t see Aiden as he enters the room.

  Mike stands suddenly, drawing my attention upward, and I see Mike shaking Aiden’s hand. My breath catches when I see him. Aiden looks down at me, and he cringes as he shakes his head with disbelief.

  “You’re meant to be taking care of her, Mike!” Aiden’s voice takes on a sternness I’ve never heard from him before as he checks over every inch of me.

  Shit! I don’t think I look that bad… do I?

  Mike sits with an exhale. Slowly, I stand as every emotion hits me. I’m nervous. I’m a little scared. I’m excited. But I’m so happy to be near Aiden as his eyes find mine. He looks just like I remember him—absolutely perfect. The only difference is his clothing, but his body, face, and demeanor are all the same. I mean, I have only been away from him for a week, but now that I’m here, it feels like a damn lifetime. What the hell was I thinking? I reach out for him. He takes me in his arms, even though he isn’t supposed to. Feeling that spark between us as he holds me, only makes this all the more painful.

  The feeling of his skin on mine brings me back to reality. I look up at him through wet lashes. “I miss you.”

  “Break it up you two!” a guard calls out, making my heart leap into my throat.

  The last thing I want is for Aiden to get into any kind of trouble because of me, so regretfully, I let him go. His eyes assess me as he looks toward the table and moves to sit. I nod, and we take a seat, hands on top of the cold metal table, the chill sending a shudder right through me as he reaches across and takes my hand in his.

  He really is pushing the rules today.

  I guess I did leave it too long, and now he’s willing to take any risk to be with me in any way he can.

  He tightens his grip on my hand, and I stare into his eyes lovingly.

  God, I’ve missed him.

  “I’ll give you a moment,” Mike offers, smiling, then he walks away.

  My tear-soaked eyes look into Aiden’s, and he shakes his head. “I miss you, too, so much. I’ve been worried about you when you didn’t visit me. But I’m even more concerned now that you have. You need to eat. You have to look after yourself. You’re losing weight, and you’re pale. I’ve never seen you like this,” he chides honestly.

  I bite my bottom lip. “I eat… I’m just worried. I want to help you, but I don’t know how,” I admit quietly.

  He frowns and sighs. “Jeni, you have to stop stressing. I know Jenson will find something on Matthew and Rachelle to help me, and soon. He’s a damn fine lawyer, and I completely trust his ability to clear my name. If I’m not worried, then you shouldn’t be either. Please stop! I’ll be home in no time. Your anxiousness is not helping either of us one bit.” He’s trying to convince me, or himself, or both of us, though, I’m not sure it’s working.

  “It’s just… he’s taking so long.”

  Aiden shakes his head. “Don’t give up. I haven’t. The only thing keeping me going is knowing you’re supporting me, and that Jenson will find something on them. He’s good, Jeni. If there’s something there, he’ll find it.” He tightens his grip on my hands. I shake my head in frustration at the situation. “Jeni, please don’t give up on me,” he begs.

  My eyes shoot open in shock. “I’ll never, ever, give up on you. I’ll wait for you. Always,” I admit hon
estly. “I’m sorry I haven’t been to see you. I know now that was selfish of me.”

  He winces again. “You have to promise me you’ll take better care of yourself.”

  “Aiden, I’m doing the best I can.” I don’t want to make a promise I know I can’t keep.

  “I’ll have Mike look after you if you won’t look after yourself,” he threatens.

  “No, I’m okay. I don’t want to burden Mike.”

  “What about Marissa, our maid? What if I ask her to look after you?” He’s grasping at straws. I shake my head. “You obviously can’t look after yourself, so you need someone to help you, to make sure you eat and take care of you while I’m… in here,” he states firmly.

  I huff in annoyance. “Fine! I’ll ask Sarah. Although, I think I’m doing fine on my own.”

  “Jeni, listen… you’ll always be beautiful to me, but at the moment, you look gaunt. I’m concerned about you. For your health and well-being. Please, look after yourself if not for you, then for me, so when I come home, you’ll be fit, strong, and healthy.”

  “I miss you so much.” I manage a half-smile.

  “I know, but I’ll be out soon. I promise.”

  Mike walks back in and sits next to me. “Mike, please call Sarah and ask her to keep an eye on Jeni. Also, please ensure she seeks medical assistance for Jeni’s depression.”

  I roll my eyes, I’m not depressed. I simply miss him.

  “Yes, sir,” Mike replies.

  An alarm sounds, and people start to say their goodbyes. Dammit! An overwhelming sense of panic floods my veins knowing Aiden’s about to be taken from me, again. Aiden moves around to me. I stand taking him in an embrace. I know it’s against the rules, but I lean up and kiss him. He kisses me back so strongly that I feel the electricity flowing between us as our tongues find each other. The world slips away, and I’m standing with my one true love, and nothing can tear us apart.

  I need this right now.

  I need him right now.

  A security guard comes rushing over. “Okay, I already warned you once, break it up you two.” He pulls Aiden away from me, crashing me back to reality. I stumble as my grip on Aiden is severed, and I have to hold on to the top of the chair for support.