He would’ve been perfect…if none of it had occurred. If my mother were still alive and Wesley and I just happened to cross paths, but that wasn’t the case. My reality was I was married and my father was close enough for me to sense the destruction he brought with him. It was only a matter of time before he found me. When he did, I was unsure what he would do. I knew my father and his way of fixing things. Justifying a wrong carried an ingredient that would take down a wave of people in an instant. Especially if he had been planning. Since I knew he was alive, reaching out to me in various ways, I knew his plan would soon take effect, if it hadn’t already, and all I could do was wait, knowing my scheme was minuscule compared to what he had in store.
I focused back on Wesley, the longing in his eyes bringing me back to us, knowing we were running out of time. I’d come to realize there was no way for me to escape, but if I miraculously did, there were too many possibilities lurking in the shadows, waiting for a chance to strike. Every threat from my past waited, watched.
I touched his face, caressing the stubble. I kept a soft grip, making sure he stayed focused on me.
“How do you know, Stinson?” I whispered.
I noticed a slight change in his mood. He swallowed gently, removing my hand from his face and entwining it with his own.
“I’ve done business with him in the past, but I’ve been keeping my distance lately.”
I cried out when he softly yanked my body against his, burying his face into my neck before looking at me again.
“You don’t want to get mixed up with him, Mia. I know you asked for my help, but…” He paused for a minute, his eyes hardening. “He’s dangerous and someone you’re better off not knowing. I wouldn’t feel right if I led you to him.”
His answer gave me an opportunity to show anger, frustration. It had been simmering inside me for years, but this time, I didn’t push it back. I couldn’t. Not after realizing how close I was to collecting information that could help me heal a wound that refused to close unless I got the truth. My stubborn gaze held his.
I was in the presence of someone who could lead me to a person who held the answers I needed. I didn’t want to meet him. I just needed more information. If I found out who he was and the role he played, I could determine how to rip it away from him like he’d done my father, resulting in tremendous pain for me.
I moved his hands to my waist, then wrapped my arms around his neck and looked up at him. I knew Wesley was a man with secrets, which made me comfortable with granting him a small look at mine.
“He took something from me. Something valuable.” I swallowed, choosing my words carefully to avoid telling him too much. “Do you know what it feels like to have something ripped away from you, knowing there’s nothing you can do but accept…” I paused, trying to control my emotions. “All I need is a full name, Wesley, and where I can find him. I’m smart enough to know he’s dangerous. I just need to know who I’m dealing with.”
I was so caught up in my words, I failed to notice the change in his demeanor. His hands slipped from around my waist, and his face hardened in concentration. I stepped away, leaning against the doorjamb. The distance was short enough where he could reach out and touch me if he desired, but he suddenly couldn’t look at me. His fists balled at his sides in frustration.
After several minutes, he finally glanced up, pain on his face. “If I grant you your wish and you end up getting hurt, or worse, I won’t be able to live with myself, Mia. I already carry so much on my shoulders, I couldn’t imagine carrying that debt.”
He moved toward me, his large frame towering over mine, and picked me up by the back of my thighs, forcing me to wrap my legs around his waist. He held me like I weighed nothing.
“Wesley, I really need to—”
He silenced me by hoisting me higher. I held on as he walked us down the hallway and into what I assumed was the master suite. He softly placed me on the bed. I leaned up on my elbows and looked at him, knowing it was no use. I’d never be able to resist him. The sexy ruggedness he portrayed, combined with his slightly frightening demeanor, made it difficult. It didn’t matter if he wore tailored suits or jeans and a t-shirt, I was in lust with this man…if not more. It was pointless of me to fight it, knowing I would never win.
He stood on the side of the bed, his gaze boring into mine as he stripped. First his shirt, which revealed his impressive chest and abs covered in tattoos, then he kicked off his shoes right before removing his jeans, leaving him standing there in nothing but his briefs. I sucked in a breath, noticing how hard he was. He was ready for me, but he paused before moving toward the bed.
“Let’s talk about your request in the morning, Mia. I have some needs of my own right now.” He climbed onto the bed and pulled me closer to him, gripping the back of my knees. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy what I have in mind.”
I remained still as he focused on unbuttoning my jeans. His hands worked quickly, and before I knew it, they and my panties flew across the room. His large fingers grazed my sides before pulling my shirt over my head. The bra soon followed. My chest rose and fell as my hunger for him grew.
He quickly removed his briefs, then his knee gently parted my legs as he moved closer. He lowered himself, teasing me by running his large length against my entrance, not budging as I tried to guide him in. His eyes darkened as he gently pushed me onto my back.
“Do you know what turns me on more than anything else, Mia?
I shook my head, gritting my teeth. He was so close, yet so far.
“It’s how you try to resist me, knowing you’ll give in anyway. Just like I know I’ll always give in to you.”
I didn’t have time to respond as he guided himself into me. I moaned when he began to move…slowly, then quickly…driving in so deeply, I couldn’t do anything but take what he was giving me. My hands gripped the sheets and my legs opened wider as he continued to torture me. I gave in to the sensations as an orgasm flooded through me without mercy.
“That’s it, shy girl,” he whispered, moaning as he found his own release, jerking inside of me.
Staying braced on his elbows, he kissed my forehead, both of us trying to catch our breath.
I looked at him, my eyes still hazy. His face was beautiful, and his gray eyes appeared honest. All the words he spoke before had a special place in my heart, even if our situation couldn’t be considered love. What mattered was he understood me on a level I didn’t even understand myself. He didn’t judge or question me. Still, I knew he held secrets I would never know. Those glimpses of him switching to someone else, someone most would steer clear of, proved he had demons in his life. Even though my body craved him, I wondered who Wesley Black really was and if he was good for me.
***
We lay in bed, my back to his front, Wesley’s arm tightly wrapped around my mid-section. The cabin was peaceful, and I wondered what it would be like to have this life. To be with someone who appreciated me as more than just a trophy to carry around and show off. That was how I felt in my marriage, even though I knew what I was getting into early on. It turned into more of an arrangement when I figured out Alek was nothing like he portrayed in the beginning.
However, the arrangement benefited both Alek and I in different ways. He was granted a woman who didn’t question his actions or decisions, including the late nights and numerous times he didn’t return home, and I was permitted entry into his lavish lifestyle, possibly having an opportunity to mingle with somebody who could have had a hidden motive to destroy my family. It seemed like a good trade, and throughout the years, I learned to accept the downfalls of my decision. No love. No trust. No happiness. Even though my husband was attractive, it didn’t mean my vows were easy. It still ripped away a piece of me every time I was told how lucky I was to be with him. I knew the truth. It was all just a fabrication, but nobody looked past the forced smiles the public saw. Behind closed doors, there was a feeling of being owned, being stripped of making my own decisions.
/> I tried to enjoy the fact my husband was strong and powerful, adoring me to a certain extent, even though his love came with rules and obscene demands, but I couldn’t. That knowledge ate at me constantly, showing me my shot at happiness mostly likely would never come.
Now I was being teased with a glimpse of what true happiness could feel like, or at least something close, and I wanted to reach for it. Even though I knew Wesley wasn’t honest with me about everything, I still had a desire to grab it, run with it, knowing if I shared my thoughts, he could make things happen. Especially if it included us having anything close to a happy ending.
The word “divorce” was on the tip of my tongue, along with forgiveness and acceptance, but when I shifted in bed to turn toward him and share my thoughts, the sound of glass shattering made me freeze.
Wesley stiffened and jumped up, his protection slipping away. I looked at him, eyes wide, panicked expression on my face, but he brought a finger to his lips to silence me while quietly removing the gun from the nightstand. Swallowing, I followed his movements, watching as he quickly put on his pants and shirt, throwing mine over to me. I dressed, then crawled across the bed to him. The moment I was close, more glass shattered. I wanted to speak, but knowing that wouldn’t be smart, I gripped his arm instead.
He motioned to the closet. I felt dread as I moved toward it and stepped inside, remembering the last time I was forced to do the same. The chaos I heard as I was inside, the aftermath I witnessed after I slowly walked out. I cringed when he closed the door and plunged me into darkness, trying to calmly breathe through my nose while struggling not to make a sound.
Tears stared to leak from the corners of my eyes as more glass shattered and loud footsteps echoed. I jumped and squeezed my eyes shut when the first gunshot went off, feeling myself being transported back to when I was a fifteen-year-old girl, scared and helpless, hiding inside a closet, while I knew my mother’s life was ending.
They said therapy could heal you and help you get over traumatic experiences, but I learned nothing would take away the pain or the images that followed. It could only distract you until the next time it surfaced. Still, I never felt their impact as strong as when I stepped inside that closet.
The memories circled around me as I listened to the gunshots and loud footsteps. I heard muffled voices, but they were too far away for me to make out the words. I thought of Wesley as the footsteps grew closer, praying he would come back to me, knowing those chances were slim. Judging from the sounds, he was only one man against many.
I sat and pulled my knees to my chest, clamping my eyes shut, trying to drown out the sounds. The curses. The gunshots. The shattering of glass. The sound of furniture being tossed.
When it all stopped, I slowly opened them, letting out a small screech when the closet door was yanked open. My eyes widened and I could hardly breathe when I saw my father standing there.
Chapter Fourteen
Wesley
I PUSHED MYSELF OFF the floor with a groan, ignoring the pounding inside my head. The unexpected turn of events played in my mind. The guilt of forcing Mia inside the closet, then coming face-to-face with Fredrick Hall.
Observing the broken windows and tossed furniture, I didn’t see him until he rounded the corner. The shock left me unprepared for the handful of men that instantly came out of the shadows. I tensed. A wise man knew when he’d lost, and I knew there was no way for me to take them all out. I held up my hands in surrender, slowly placing my gun onto the floor.
“I didn’t expect you to give up this easily, Mr. Black.” Fredrick had cautiously moved in front of me, kicking my gun across the floor. One of the other men picked it up, placing it into the waistband of his pants. “I figured Stinson’s eldest son would be a replica of him, but considering the situation, I can’t say I blame you. You’re smart. You can see how this will play out. There’s no need to waste time fighting when the outcome is apparent.”
I swallowed, trying to reel in my anger of being ambushed in my own home, but it proved difficult because the only thing I saw in my head were the faces of the possible traitors responsible for leading them to us. He circled around me, and my eyes followed every step he took, secretly plotting a way out.
“Now, son…” He paused, cocking his head. “Is it okay if I call you that? I don’t want to offend you.”
I didn’t answer, continuing to focus on keeping calm. It wasn’t only me at risk. It was also Mia. I had made a promise to protect her.
He waved a hand through the air in dismissal. “Well, regardless, you and I have some very important matters to discuss.” I eyed him suspiciously as his gaze surveyed the room.
“You see, I don’t necessarily fault you for what you’ve done. Deep down in that twisted mind of yours, I know you thought you were doing the right thing.”
He stopped, motioning for a few of his men to move toward the hallway. I felt my heart drop, knowing they were getting closer to what they came for.
“Still, my praise is irrelevant in this situation because, just like you, I don’t appreciate when something is taken from me.”
He adjusted his tailored suit. His determined green eyes paired with his short, silver hair presented a man who demanded respect. He reminded me of my father…or, if I were being truthful, he was the spitting image of the competition my father feared. When my father tried to bury him, he failed to do it deeply enough. He was back, and from the hatred I saw in his eyes, I could tell he was back with a vengeance. I had no doubt in my mind he had been planning this for years.
“The thing is, Wesley, you have something that belongs to me.” He stopped, watching his men make their way down the hallway. He looked back at me. “I can see your infatuation with her, but in this life, you and I both know there are rules we abide by. The moment you took her from Alek, you broke one of the most important ones.”
I couldn’t hold back anymore. “And which one is that?” I seethed, clenching my fists to prevent myself from charging at him. He was talking to me like I was beneath him, and I had almost reached the limit of how much of his condescending demeanor I could take. I understood why people had it out for him. We had only been talking for a matter of minutes and I wanted to strangle him.
“Well, Wesley, you touched a claimed woman. I don’t normally care about rules being broken with all the shit I’ve done, but your disobedience came at the wrong time. It’s affecting a lot of things I’ve got going on right now. You see, I was the one who put her in Alek’s path to begin with.”
I couldn’t prevent the disbelief radiating throughout my body. It proved one of two things. Either Mia was part of whatever he had planned or she was being used without knowing it. I prayed for the latter. I couldn’t bear the thought of the first.
He caught me eyeing the gun in his waistband, placing his hand on it. He stepped back, the sadness in his eyes barely noticeable if you weren’t looking for it.
“I see where this can be confusing for you. Observing the relationship you and my daughter have developed has brought a few things to my attention. That makes how this will eventually play out very difficult for me.”
I unclenched my fists, folding my hands together in front of me. “How could you do that to her?” I questioned. “She’s your daughter. I’m sure she thinks very highly of you, considering she’s been spared your—”
He moved closer. “Do what to her, Wesley? Introduce her to a man who’s grown to love her? Care for her? Give her access to a life that she no longer had because—”
I moved closer, no longer concerned about his weapon. “Your plan failed, Fredrick.” I shook my head in frustration. “Alek already knew who she was. He was no longer concerned about protecting her. He was more concerned with what she knew.”
I swallowed when his eyes crinkled in the corners and a wicked grin appeared on his face.
“You see, Wesley, when you plant a seed and it grows and spreads, wrapping itself around people, emotions begin to develop.” He tilted hi
s head to the side. “Alek would have never hurt my daughter. He loves her. I’ve kept a close eye on their relationship for years.” He crossed his arms over his chest, taking a deep breath. “Everything was on course…until you became involved. Now I have to clean up a mess that should have never happened.”
I stepped back, my jaw clenching. “So you’re telling me you didn’t plant her in my club with the intention of ruining me?”
“No. That little endeavor happened all by itself, Wesley. Everyone is human. It appears my daughter made a mistake.” His eyes softened. “And I’m here to help her get out of it.”
His reference to our relationship unnerved me. “What we have is not—”
He laughed. “Is not what? Did you think you could have some type of happily ever after and ride off into the sunset?” He shook his head in disbelief. “You’re delusional if you even thought that for a second.”
I tensed, taking in the truth of his words. I had stepped out of line, but regardless of how many times I faulted myself and experienced regret, I couldn’t call what we shared a mistake.
He shrugged, smirking. “I always get a kick out of speaking the truth and witnessing it sink in. But we all have to eventually face reality, even if we don’t want to. Now, tell me where she is and I’ll be on my way. Our little chat has left me short on time—”
I laughed, the shock in my body turning into an anger I couldn’t describe or contain. “You think I will just hand Mia over to you, Fredrick? I’ve only just met you, yet I’ve come to the conclusion she would be better off with her ruthless husband.” I narrowed my eyes. “I would choose him before you any day of the week.”
His gaze hardened. “I think you’ve forgotten your place. I have the gun. You have nothing.”
The Illicit Revealed (The Illicit Series Book 2) Page 11