by T. L Smith
“Hey.” I’m not sure what else to say. I didn’t expect to see him today.
“I heard you two went on a date?” I turn my head to Ryan who’s smiling as he looks between us.
“Ummm...”
“No, I told you. Not a date,” Buck interjects.
“Ohh...” May smiles at me and I turn back to grab my purse.
“I should get going. I have so many emails I need to get to.” May nods, knowing I’m just trying to escape. As I pass Buck he speaks, “Let me walk you out.”
“You don’t have to.”
“It’s no issue.” He walks me out to my car and stops when we reach it. “Are you okay?” he asks.
I’m not okay, but he doesn’t need to know that.
“Yep, just tired.”
“I’ll be seeing you tomorrow, right?”
“Lunch. Yep. Haven’t forgotten.” I turn, opening my car door, and his hand touches my arm. I turn to face him.
“I don’t know you very well, but I can tell something’s off. We can cancel if you need the time.” There he goes again, being all sweet and shit.
“Thanks, but I think you may be a welcome distraction.” I offer him the best smile I can muster right now as I slide in my car.
He doesn’t stop me, simply stands and waits until I drive away.
13
Everly
I cancel. I don’t want to, but I do. I can’t go forward with lunch. Gunner’s constantly on my mind. Even when I think I can move on, now it’s almost impossible. He plays with my mind and for some stupid reason I let him.
When I finally go back to work on Monday, the first thing I see standing at the door, waiting for me to open, is a man. He’s dressed in a red shirt and he holds a large vase of flowers. He sees me and smiles as I approach him.
“Mrs. Reid.”
I haven’t been called that for quite some time.
“Yes.”
“A delivery for you.” He passes me the flowers and walks off. Taking them inside with me, I put them on my desk in my office and stare at them. They have to be from him. Only he calls me that. Who else would? And why? Is this all a big game to him?
Reaching for the card, I take a nervous seat, my foot bouncing as I sit. The card sits in my hand and I wonder if I should open it or just leave it be. I mean, the flowers could be from Buck. He’s sweet after all. Yep. They’re more than likely from him.
Sighing, I stop my leg from bouncing and open it. When I read the first line, my heart beats hard, so damn hard it drums in my ears and that’s all I can hear.
* * *
Everly,
I’m eagerly waiting for those papers. This is our last goodbye.
Please send them to my office without you accompanying them.
I do not wish to see you again.
Goodbye, Everly.
* * *
What the fuck!
What the ever-loving fuck?
How can he say that?
My legs are shaky and I can’t stand. This is it. I mean it was over before, but now it’s definitely over. No takebacks. I’m not sure what to do or even say. My eyes move to my cell and I contemplate calling him, telling him what he’s doing is a mistake. That he should give me time, all I need is time, but that’s wrong as well.
I don’t know if he’s right for me.
I love him.
There’s no doubt in my head about that.
I love Gunner Reid.
He is my husband.
Soon to be ex-husband.
But I still love him.
These are the only facts I know.
Even with everything that’s happened, and how he treated me, kept me as a prisoner, I somehow still love him. I knew loving Gunner Reid would have its own set of issues, but what I didn’t expect was what came with him. And how it complicated everything so much more.
Flicking my eyes to the papers that I brought in yesterday, I pull them back and sign them hastily where they need to be signed, then push them away.
This is what I wanted—to be free of Gunner Reid.
And the minute I look back at those papers and know that now it’s for certain, tears start to leave my eyes, and I have to contain the sob that wants to rip from my throat and claw its way out for the world to hear.
Loving Gunner Reid was never easy.
It was hard. So fucking hard. But I was willing to do it anyway.
Until he showed me who he was. Until he showed me that part of him, the part I don’t think I could ever handle.
And that’s plain reality.
When I arrive back to my apartment, I see another bouquet of flowers sitting at my door. Reaching for the card, I leave them where they are as I read it.
* * *
Everly,
I have a courier coming to you in the morning.
He will be collecting the papers.
Gunner Reid.
* * *
He signed it as if I’m a business transaction. I scrunch the card up in my hand as I walk into my apartment, leaving the flowers where they sit out front. When I walk inside, I see another note that has obviously been slid under my door. Tearing it open, I see his handwriting again.
* * *
You’re angry. Don’t think harshly. Simply hand the forms over.
Remember, you wanted this, Everly.
I am simply giving you what you want.
Now give me what I want.
My name removed from you, forever.
* * *
Salt water hits the paper and smudges his writing. I wipe at my face, not even realizing I’m crying. How is that even possible? A knock comes at the door, startling me, and I wipe at my face hoping it’s him. But when I pull the door open, it’s my mother. She’s the last person I expected it to be. The minute I see it’s her, I start sobbing again, and she steps forward and wraps her arms around me, rubbing my back to soothe me as I cry in her arms.
“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” I push off of her and close the door behind her. “You don’t want to bring in those beautiful flowers out front?” she asks, and all I can do is shake my head as I step away from my now-closed door. “Okay. So, I guess this has something to do with Gunner. I wish you would tell me why you two broke up. You’re so vague about the details.”
I look at her, really look at her. How can I tell my mother that my husband tied me up and tortured my body, in the most sexual of ways ever? And the worst part, even when I hated it, even when I wanted to kill him, I still wanted him. His fingers sliding in and out of me were divine, even when I told myself no.
“Okay, I get it. But if you must know, I think you’re making a mistake. That man clearly loves you.”
I shake my head and walk to my kitchen. She follows behind, I hear the click of her heels. “The way he looks at you… it took your father a good year to look at me like that.” She sighs heavily. “I won’t push you. Your father’s done enough of that in your life. Just know, I believe he does love you, and I can clearly see you love him, too.”
“I do love him, Mother, that was never the question. It’s what his love entails that‘s the issue.” She goes to speak and I throw up my hand. “No, don’t. I don’t want to hear it, and I won’t tell you. This is very personal, and not something you share with your mother.” She eyes me and sees that I’m being one hundred percent serious.
“That’s fine. I did come for a reason, though.” She steps in and looks around, having not been back here since I retook possession. I usually go and visit them every week, not the other way around. Her hand drags along the kitchen counter before she turns back to me. “Your father is hosting his annual gala. I know these things don’t interest you, but he asked that you come… for us.” I’ve missed two in my whole life. And believe me, he has them every year. Even as a child I was dragged to them. Now, I try my very best to get out of them.
Raising my eyebrows, I give her a pointed look, because the last place I want to be is surrounded by people I don’t ev
en like. And trust me, most of my father’s acquaintances I do not like. At all.
“He likes having us both there. You know he does.” She pushes harder. “Please, I’ll send for Jeanette to do your hair and makeup, and your dress is already picked.”
“This Friday?” I ask.
She nods with a smile. “He’ll be so happy.”
I didn’t even agree, but somehow, I have because she’s answering for me. I don’t care to argue. Seems she has it all figured out anyway.
She stays longer than I expected, and when she goes to leave, she reads the note that I left on the bench.
“It’s really come to this then?” she asks looking up from the note.
“Yep,” is all I can manage to squeak out.
She sucks in a deep breath at my words.
She starts pacing back and forth while biting her lip. She looks up at me and goes to speak then drops her head again, closing her mouth because she’s unsure of what to say. I wait for her freak out to be over, and when it is, she straightens her back and smiles. “Don’t break the news to your father yet. He was hoping for a different outcome.”
“Agreed,” I reply. Not diving into her words.
“I just…” Words fail her, so she turns to walk to the door. “Thorne women do not get divorced. You’ll be tarnishing our name, our reputation.”
“Lucky for you I’m a Reid then.”
She sucks in a breath at my words, and offers me a smile, but it’s more like a grimace, before she leaves.
This is going to be an issue, especially if Gunner wants to rid me of his name.
Fuck.
14
Everly
Friday comes fast. I kept myself busy all week, and in doing so I missed Gunner’s courier to get the papers. He hasn’t contacted me since. Jeanette did my hair and makeup for my father’s gala. My dress is blood-red, tight-fitting, and has a slit up the side. It fits me perfectly, like a glove. My mother has taste, and I’m never disappointed. A good dress always helps you think you can conquer the world. Well, tonight, I just need to get through. And this dress will help with that, hopefully.
Pulling up out front, a man opens my door and one of my father’s bodyguards is standing there, waiting. When he sees me, he nods and directs me in, bypassing all the registering and heading straight to where my parents are located across the other side of the room.
The room is silver with black splashes, the tablecloths in a mint green. It’s quite beautiful. Every single one of these events that they host is.
I pass a few familiar faces, offering them a small smile as I make my way to my parents. I see my mother first, her hair the same as mine, tied up in a large bun. Her arm is linked to my father’s elbow as she leans into him. He pays her little attention as he speaks to the man in front of him.
Stepping up to them, my father sees me first and a large smile graces his face. He looks me over with approval and nods his head, pulling me to his free side. My mother smiles at my dress and turns her attention back to the man speaking.
“Oh, Jasper, this is my daughter, Everly. Everly, this is Jasper.” I turn to face a man who, for the want of a better word, is scary. But also, very good-looking. His hair is tousled back, and he has a scar on his lip. He smirks and nods.
I know him.
My body tenses when I see him.
He was the man that came to Alec’s room when he had me.
“Where is your husband tonight, Mrs. Reid?”
I stiffen at his words and he takes notice then raises an eyebrow.
“Oh… he couldn’t make it.”
My father interjects, at which Jasper snaps his head back up to him and nods. He isn’t dressed like everyone one else here. Granted, he’s in a classic pair of pants, but he’s sans tie and his white shirt is not buttoned all the way to the top like everyone else’s.
My father excuses himself as someone calls his name, and I’m left standing in front of Jasper. Who eyes me cautiously.
“It’s a pity he can’t be here. I’m sure you must be disappointed.” He looks me over and when he does, I don’t feel as if he’s doing it to disapprove of me, it’s more of an appraisal.
“No, I’m not.” My honesty shocks him. He smirks and his scar lifts on his lips.
“Do I dare say… you’ve met the man he is, perhaps?” He leans in close. “Maybe his kinks?”
I straighten at his words as he pulls back and look him dead in the eye.
He nods his head in understanding. “It’s not for all. I bet he didn’t even divulge all that to begin with, just sprung it on you.” He speaks as if he knows more than he should. I have never heard of him prior to this. Who exactly is Jasper?
“Is it any of your concern?” I ask while dropping my head to the side.
“I can see why he likes you.” He turns as a woman walks up to him.
She smiles at me and links her arm in his. “Hello.” Her voice is sultry as she holds on to him. His hand wraps around her waist. “I’m Isadora, and you are?”
“Everly.”
“This is Gunner Reid’s wife,” Jasper says, looking to Isadora then back to me. “Isn’t that right, Mrs. Reid?”
Isadora smiles at me. “Seems we attract the same type of man.” She giggles. She’s beautiful, tall, with long, wavy hair. Her smile is contagious, making you want to smile back at her.
“I don’t think so.” I say it in a manner which makes her smile drop from her face. I look around and, as I do, I spot him. What the fuck! He shouldn’t be here. Why is he here? My breathing quickens and my hands clutch the purse I’m holding tighter. Just as I’m about to remove my eyes from him, he turns and sees me. Gunner’s eyes rake me over before they lift to the couple behind me, and when they do, he starts walking fast in my direction.
“Seems we’ve upset your husband. He may not want you being around us.” Jasper chuckles as Gunner finally steps up.
“Jasper… Isadora,” Gunner greets them.
Jasper tries to keep his chuckle low and Isadora smiles.
Gunner turns and looks at me, and I have to remember not to touch him, to feel him, to do anything with him. I miss the way he feels, the way he smells.
Hard eyes hit me and I look away.
I turn to a smiling Jasper.
“It’s great to see you again. Sorry I missed the wedding,” Jasper says, his eyes flicking to Gunner.
“You weren’t invited.”
“Oh, that’s right, seems my invite got lost in the mail.”
Gunner just stares at Jasper and Isadora smiles at me.
“Would you care to get a drink?”
I’m about to decline and walk away. Away from this odd little group and from this party, but Gunner interjects.
“She’s busy.”
“Oh, come on now, Gunner.” Jasper tisks at him. “Isadora’s a new woman now, aren’t you, sweets?” He kisses her cheek and she blushes.
“I would love to,” I reply to her, which makes her smile wider. She offers me her hand and I place mine in it.
But before I can take a step toward her, Gunner’s hand grabs hold of my wrist, holding me back. His fingers set fire to my bare skin, and it takes everything in me to not lean into him. “I would highly advise against it.”
Turning my head, I look up at him. “Papers are signed. That’s all you came for, right?”
He doesn’t answer, just locks his hard eyes on me. I look down to his hand on my wrist, which is still singeing me, and he removes it, placing it back to his side. Looking back to Isadora, who still has a hold of my hand, we start walking and I don’t look back, even though I know his eyes are burning into me. I won’t look back.
“He’s still watching,” she says.
Our hands drop as we reach the bar, which is all paid for by my father. I order water, not wanting to stay any longer than I have to.
“Oh, come on, water? Really? You look like you need something way stronger than water.” She chuckles as she orders two shots of
tequila. My eyes go wide and she chuckles.
“I’ve met him before… your husband. Quite the looker, isn’t he?” She checks over her shoulder to where we just left, and I fight the urge to do the same. “He’s still watching you.”
“He is,” I agree. There’s no denying it, Gunner’s easily the best-looking man I’ve ever seen.
“So, tell me… there’s so much friction. What’s going on?”
I look at her, really look. Her lips lift in a cupid’s bow and I like her. I don’t know her, but I feel like I already have a good friend in her.
“We’re getting divorced.” I tell her the truth. Fuck it! Who cares now, anyway?
“Jasper has told me about him. He’s a tycoon from what I have heard. And he always gets what he wants.”
“Who is Jasper?” I ask. “And how do you all know Gunner?”
She places a shot in front of me and holds one for herself, then downs it fast. I do the same, almost choking on it as it goes down, and reach for my water, washing it down.
“Jasper is….” She looks over her shoulder then back to me, leans in close until she’s near my ear. “Mafia.”
I suck in a breath at her words. He looks dangerous, but holy shit. Then I remember that day with Alec a bit more clearly.
“I don’t know their story, just that they’ve done several deals together on real estate and Jasper likes him. Well, as much as Jasper can like anyone.” She chuckles. “I met Gunner a few times when I was pursuing Jasper.”
“Pursuing?”
“Revenge. I wanted him dead. Your man knew and never told on me.” My eyes go wide at her words. “I know. Change of events and here I am, sleeping with the enemy and all that.” She rolls her eyes. “He isn’t really my enemy, anymore.” She chuckles as she turns to look at me after spilling all that, and I don’t know what to say. “Sorry, was that too much?” She bites her lip. “We don’t really talk to others much. With his line of work, and the fact that most people know who Jasper is, they tend to stay away from me.”