“Oh, I think you do, Wesley.”
I stood from the couch, sighing, placing my hands on my hips and looking at the floor.
“In the beginning, I didn’t see her as a threat. I knew her presence was dangerous, but that didn’t require immediate action. Like you said, she was idle in her life with Alek.” I ran my hand through my hair. “The only thing I had to go by was her identity, and I didn’t think it should decide her fate. I waited. I watched. I kept coming back to the same conclusions. She either didn’t know or had no intention to use it against us. I saw no reason to move forward.”
He shook his head in disappointment. “You didn’t think her father sending a message was enough to proceed? You didn’t think him disrupting our business was enough to let me in on your secret? Of the valuable asset you had at your fingertips?”
“You never told me her worth to you. You never expressed your motive behind all of this. If you had, maybe I would have understood. Things could’ve played out differently, Stinson. Lives could’ve been spared.”
He laughed, walking over to the bar, pouring another drink. “I highly doubt that, son. The casualties were inevitable the moment I gave the command to kill Fredrick’s wife. The moment I put the burden on everyone else. I should’ve been the one to do it.”
He downed his drink. The alcohol failed to throw him off balance, even though the bottle was nearly empty.
“Now, since her vagina was too tempting to turn down, causing you to lose focus, we should prepare for what’s to come. I’ve warned Calvin.”
“What are we preparing for?” I questioned.
“Your brother was released, which he arranged by leaking a few of our secrets. What do you think will happen when he leaks more, Wesley? What do you think will happen when his biological father shows him the approval he never received from me?”
I stilled. I wasn’t worried about the business. I was concerned because one, I knew my brother, and two, I knew of Fredrick’s reputation. Mia’s chances of survival might have been better with me.
Chapter Nineteen
Mia
I SLIPPED INTO THE fitted dress, smoothing down the fabric. The burgundy paired well with my tanned skin, and the neckline revealed just enough to be sexy, yet still elegant, sheer fabric at the top and around the breast area. I stepped into the nude pumps and looked at myself in the mirror. Elegant. Classy. The wife of a powerful judge. The daughter of a seasoned criminal. The victim of destruction. The loss of identity. The loss of a mother…
I thought of all these as I stepped into the familiar role I had learned to play so well. Until a certain someone stepped into my life, turning it upside down and making me second-guess my decisions. I wondered where he was. Was he thinking of me? Wesley had become an addiction I couldn’t seem to get my fill of. First, I needed to play my part like I always knew I’d have to. Then I could deal with the questionable holes in his story and the lies we had both told each other.
***
Logan waited beside the car. My father had already left due to a previous engagement, which meant Logan had to drive me to the bank. Even though I wasn’t doing anything illegal, per se, I still felt nervous. I was about to cripple a man who ruined my life. A man who stole years of happiness from me even before I agreed to become his wife. Yet something felt off.
“You clean up nice,” Logan commented, opening the car door for me. “But I must admit, you were just as stunning in your casual clothes.”
I peered at him from beneath my large sunglasses as I settled in the back seat. “I’m flattered,” I forced out.
He shut my door and took his place in the driver’s seat. I took a deep breath as I felt the engine rumble to life. The fancy clothes, shades, and practiced smile I wore could conceal everything on the outside, but it couldn’t change the way I felt inside. Nervous. Scared. Apprehensive. I pushed those thoughts away because, regardless of my hesitation, revenge was what I had always secretly wanted.
***
I looked out the window. It had been over forty minutes and we were still driving. Nothing but empty pastures surrounded us. No buildings. No traffic. No proof of life at all.
“Where are we?” I asked, my anxiety taking over. The longer I sat, the more time I had to think about what I was doing.
“Far enough to get rid of any possible threats thrown our way without attracting attention,” Logan responded sharply.
I crossed my arms, leaning back in my seat. My shades fell to my nose and my gaze found his in the rearview mirror. It was a situation we had been in before.
I frowned. “I probably shouldn’t have expected you to be more specific. Again, you’re just my protection, but that’s where the line is drawn, right? Someone else’s possession. When you think about it, we’re quite similar. We just have completely different roles in all of this.”
The SUV picked up speed. His eyes shifted from the road to me again. I thought the remainder of the drive would be filled with silence, but after another twenty minutes and he pulled onto the highway, he cleared his throat.
“I’m not anyone’s possession, Alyssa. I’m paid to do a job and fulfill the tasks that it requires.”
He drove a few more minutes before he exited the highway, slowing the car as we got closer to our destination.
“I’m sorry you feel that way concerning your position. I know that isn’t what your father would want,” Logan added softly.
He stopped the car in front of the bank, turning to me. “Regardless of my orders, I’m here to protect you. I just want you to know that.”
I let out a breath, nodding, my gaze softening. “I know.”
Once he made it around the vehicle to open my door, I had composed myself. I slipped on the practiced smile and allowed him to help me out.
He leaned down and whispered, “I’ll be close. If you’re not out in twenty minutes, I’m coming in to get you.”
I gave him a slight nod and walked to the door, opening it. When I looked back at the curb, the car was gone.
***
I didn’t visit the bank often. Alek normally took care of those tasks. He made the money, he deposited the income, and I was given an allowance. Regardless, though, it was still a joint account. It amazed me how a powerful man would place the keys to his kingdom in the wrong hands, but then again, Alek didn’t really know me. He only knew what I told him, what I allowed him to see.
I walked up to one of the tellers and smiled. “I would like to make a wire transfer, please.”
The woman looked up and grinned, gasping when she recognized me. “Mrs. Johnson! Oh my… I’m so glad they found you. I thought you were—”
“I’m fine. Can I make a wire transfer, please?” I pressed.
I didn’t have time to beat around the bush. I knew it was only a matter of time before someone alerted my husband. Especially when I told her the dollar amount.
She nodded nervously. “Yes, of course. How much would you like to transfer?” She typed on her keyboard.
I calculated the math in my head, unsure of the dollar amount, but my father had been specific with his suggestion.
“Seventy-three million,” I whispered.
Her eyes widened. “The dollar amount you requested is over my limit, Mrs. Johnson. Please, have a seat in the lobby. A manager will be with you shortly.”
My hands threatened to shake, but I took a deep breath, calming myself down. “Please let the manager know I’m in a bit of a rush.”
***
It took five minutes for the manager to walk over, his handshake firm. He was short and plump, but everything else about him screamed I’m in charge. The moment we walked into his office and he shut the door, taking his seat behind the desk, his expression became serious.
“Have we done something wrong, Mrs. Johnson?” If so, I can fix this—”
I cleared my throat, adjusting the hem of my dress. “Everything is fine. I just need to move some money around. My husband and I have been planning on doin
g some investing.”
“This is an investment account, Mrs. Johnson. I can see what I can do about the rate, but Alek never mentioned it being an issue.”
I stiffened. The words pouring out of his mouth were proof of what I had succumbed to. An object. A helpless wife. A woman who had no control over her life. I played the role so well, even I was shocked by the outcome.
My gaze hardened. “Well, a husband doesn’t always know what’s best, does he? Sometimes the wife has to take control and help him see clearly.”
I could tell he wanted to argue, but my expression made him reconsider. He knew I would stand firm with my decision.
“Do you have the wiring instructions?” he asked, logging on to his computer and clicking a few buttons. “I just want to clarify the amount. The teller informed me it was seventy-three million. Is that correct?”
I handed him the sheet of paper my father had provided. “Actually, I would like to make it eighty. Judging by how inconvenient this request has been, I can see we will be moving the rest soon.”
He paused, his shoulders slumping. “I apologize, Mrs. Johnson. Whenever a member requests this type of transaction, we strive to make you feel more comfortable here. I didn’t mean to step out of line.”
I focused my attention out the large window behind him. “I would like a receipt, please.”
He picked up his phone as he typed. After ten minutes, the phone my father had provided me vibrated.
It’s complete. Get out of there.
The man stood from behind his desk, grabbed a paper from the printer, and handed it to me. “Here is your receipt, Mrs. Johnson. Again, I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”
I stood, accepting the document. When he opened the office door to let me out, I almost ran into Alek’s large frame standing there.
***
I looked back toward the manager, knowing he had called Alek, all his procrastinating giving him time to get there.
“Tom, please. Give my wife and I a moment,” Alek said calmly.
I backed farther into the office, the backs of my legs colliding with one of the chairs. Alek shut the door, slowly locking it. His gaze met mine.
“You don’t look so happy to see me, Mia. After being kidnapped, I assumed you would run to me.” He walked over to the desk and leaned back against it, his gaze never wavering. “Then again, there are always two sides to every story, and I’m curious to hear yours. I’m dying to know why the color drained out of your face when you saw me, instead of lighting up with relief.”
I was speechless. I hadn’t prepared to see him. I had wanted to confront him, but when the opportunity presented itself, no words came out. I knew he knew. I could tell by the way he looked at me, his gaze refusing to leave mine. He was really seeing me. He didn’t have to pretend.
I took a seat. The transfer was complete, and there were too many witnesses for him to attempt to kill me. The moment I found my voice, the words came out sharp and accusing.
“You paid to have my mother killed. You’re even worse than I gave you credit for.”
His arms flexed as his fingers tightened around the edge of the desk. “Is that what you think of me? Those thoughts in the back of that beautiful head of yours label me a killer?”
My eyes became glassy. I wanted to challenge him, but the tears won. The pain buried deep inside poured out, my head falling into my hands.
“You ruined my life. You took away my family,” I sobbed.
Alek knelt in front of me, his arms encircling my waist. “I know,” he whispered regretfully. “Giving those orders haunts me every single day. Requesting something so immoral and punishing you in the process.” He moved one of his hands and gripped my chin, making me look at him. “I didn’t know you then, Mia. I didn’t know I would fall in love with you. I never imagined you would make me wish I could take everything back. When you were taken from me, I felt empty, lost.” He leaned his forehead against mine. “I will do whatever it takes for you to come back to me, Mia.” His lips brushed mine. “I want to make this right.”
I pulled away, angrily swiping at my tears. “You can’t,” I replied harshly. “There’s no way for you to make this right.”
“Okay,” he whispered. He started to rise, then leaned toward my ear. “I guess fucking Wesley Black has affected your feelings for me. You may be a victim here, but a whore nonetheless. You can’t justify that, Alyssa.”
My given name coming out of his mouth felt wrong. It seemed forced, like an accusation. He thought me cheating compared to what he had done.
“That isn’t fair,” I argued. “I slept with one man. You cheated on me with dozens of women over the years, Alek. I allowed it. I accepted it. But the final blow was finding out you paid to have my mother murdered. I hope you don’t think my cheating compares.”
“I didn’t say that. I’m just calling it like I see it.” He towered over me. “Your reason for not wanting to make this work isn’t because I was involved in your mother’s death. It’s because you’ve fallen for someone else. You’re walking away from me because you think you can run to him when this is over.” He forced out a laugh, shaking his head. “But know this. If you do, you will be running into the arms of someone just like me. Yes, I ordered the hit on your father, which unfortunately took your mother away from you, but I hired Wesley Black’s family to do it. Even back then, he was being groomed to take his father’s place.”
I pushed the chair back, clutched my purse, and rushed out of the office. My world sank as I took in his words. The puzzle pieces shifted closer together. Parts of that night suddenly played in front of me. The man who gestured for me to get into the closet. The sound of his voice when he had spoken to the other men.
When I finally made it to the bathroom and reached the toilet, I wretched, nothing coming out. I silently screamed as everything started to become more clear.
***
Logan stood by the bathroom door when I emerged. His gaze swiftly moved to mine, then focused on Alek standing a few feet away. Alek kept his distance, turning back to the bank manager.
“Are you okay? What happened in there?” Logan whispered.
I shook my head, starting for the door. He quickly followed. “I was sidetracked,” I admitted. “But the transfer has been completed, so we can leave.”
When we made it out the glass double doors, he rushed to open the door of the waiting vehicle, then took his place in the driver’s seat. Before we pulled away, he looked in the rearview mirror, his eyes showing concern.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.
I leaned back in my seat, closing my eyes. “No, I don’t.”
I knew he could see the tears sliding down my face as my heart shattered.
Chapter Twenty
Wesley
CALVIN AND I ANXIOUSLY stood in my father’s office. Stinson sat in the large chair behind his desk, leaning forward. He angrily gripped the phone in his hand.
“I see,” he said calmly. “I plan to keep an eye on things from here on out, and a refund will be issued to you immediately, Mr. Johnson.”
When he slammed down the phone, his gaze traveled to me. His gray eyes were piercing, accusing.
“She took him for eighty million.” He shook his head in disbelief. “Apparently, she walked into the bank and requested a wire transfer. Does she still seem innocent to you, Wesley? He hasn’t checked his offshore accounts, but I can only imagine what he will find when he does, considering her father is likely involved.”
“What do you think her reasoning is?” Calvin asked, taking a seat. “What does she plan to do with the money?”
I walked over to the liquor cabinet, pouring myself a drink. I didn’t offer anyone else one as I considered the question. The damage had been done. I had no reason to hide anything now.
“The money isn’t for her. She will probably get some of it, but most of it will be used to end us. Fredrick is using her, just like he’s secretly been doing all these years.”
I placed my glass down on his desk, taking my seat. “This scheme isn’t her. It has her father’s name all over it.”
“Even after she’s made you out to be a fool, you’re still protecting her. This needs to be dealt with,” Stinson commanded. “I’m sick of this threat lurking. I’m sick of my business suffering, my clients being targeted in the process. Fredrick Hall needs to be a distant memory when this is over, Wesley, and I need it done soon.”
“I don’t know where he is,” I admitted. “He’s been off the radar for years. How am I supposed to find him now?”
Stinson leaned closer, his eyes challenging. “If you need motivation, keep in mind his precious daughter isn’t far away from him. She might even be under the same roof. If you find where he’s hiding, you can fuck her one last time to get her out of your system.” He paused a moment. “Consider it my reward to you, Wesley, because she has to go down with him. It’s the only way for this story to end.”
I reached for my drink, taking a sip to help ease the impact of the words I needed to say.
“You know I had her taken from the coffee shop and brought somewhere I thought she would be safe.” I took another sip. “You were right, Stinson. I went against your rules, but she didn’t run. She was taken from me.” I finished the contents in the glass, placing it back onto the desk. “I’m telling you this because my conversation with Fredrick was eye-opening. He has an army. He has a plan. It was proven to me the night he took her.”
The room was silent. Calvin stared straight ahead, refusing to look at me. Our father stood and forcefully pushed his chair in, causing it to collide with his desk. He stood in front of the large window behind it, looking out.
“Why wouldn’t you tell me this, Wesley?” He turned to face me. “Better yet, why have you decided to tell me now?”
I looked up at him. “Because they’re both well protected. My team and I would never come out on top. We need to be smarter. We need to figure out his plans. Most of all, we need to see if we can locate Justin.”
The Illicit Revealed (The Illicit Series Book 2) Page 16