by Ward, Alice
“I’ll keep that in mind. I can’t believe I’m even thinking about this. I feel so conflicted. I wish I could take a page out of Asher’s book and disappear for a few days, just to think.”
“If that’s what you need, do it.”
“You really think I should?” I asked, my voice full of fake hesitation. I was both thrilled and guilt ridden that she’d fallen into my trap so easily.
“If that’s what you need,” she said with a nod. “You’re not supposed to leave California until the investigations are closed. But it’s a big state. We could take a rail trip through wine country, or I could rent us a cabin somewhere quiet.”
“I think I’ve had my fill of cabins for a while,” I replied with a sigh. “And as much as I appreciate that you want to go with me, I really think I need to be alone. I love you all and I appreciate you so much—”
“I understand. You’re thinking about ending your marriage. That’s a big decision. Of course you need some time alone to think. I’ll stop by my bank and draw out a couple thousand dollars for you to take with you. Jackson and I will cover the cost of the security team as well, at least until all of this is worked out.”
“Thank you so much.”
I hated deceiving her. Kennedy was my best friend. I’d always been able to count on her and I felt terrible for taking advantage of her loyalty. I told myself I’d make it up to her as soon as it was safe to tell her the truth.
“That’s what friends are for,” she replied with a smile. “I’ll keep an eye on Claire and your parents while you’re gone. Though I’m afraid you’re going to have an uphill battle convincing your Mom it’s a good idea for you to go off on your own.”
“That’s why I’m not going to tell her,” I said, dropping my voice. “I don’t want everyone to know that I’m thinking about leaving Asher. I’m just not ready to talk about it.”
“I really think you should say something,” Kennedy warned. “Their feelings will be hurt if you don’t.”
I’m about to destroy everyone’s feelings… everyone’s trust and faith. But I don’t have any other choice. I need to be with my husband.
I hugged my arms to my chest and let my eyes leak once more. “If I say the words out loud one more time, I’m going to have a breakdown.” I pressed the heels of my hands to my eyes.. “I just can’t do it, Kennedy. I’m not strong enough.”
“Shh, it’s okay,” she assured me. “It’s all going to be okay. You don’t have to tell them. And I’ll keep my mouth shut until after you’re gone.”
I breathed a deep sigh of relief and wrapped her up in a hug. “Thank you so much. I don’t know what I’d do without you. You know that you and Jackson are like family to me, right?”
“I know,” she cooed, rubbing my back. “And we’ll take care of everything. I’ll go to the bank now. Why don’t you do some research and decide where you’d like to go?”
I nodded and wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. “That’s a good idea. Thank you for talking this through with me.”
“You’re welcome, Lauren. Now dry your eyes. Claire and your parents will be back from your walk any second. This is your Dad’s first trip outside since the wreck and the doctor warned him not to do too much too fast.”
She stood, fetched her purse from the kitchen island, and headed for the front door. She turned before stepping outside and studied me for a long, silent moment. I watched the wheels turn in her head and knew there was something about my story that wasn’t quite adding up to her. I stared back, waiting for her to ask a question. Instead, she gave me a weak smile and waved goodbye.
The moment I was alone, I fetched my burner phone from between my mattresses and locked myself in the office. I dialed Asher’s number, but he didn’t answer and I hung up before the call went to his voicemail. I sat the phone on the desk and stared at it, willing it to ring. A few minutes later, it did.
“Asher?”
“Hi, sweetheart. I’m sorry I didn’t answer when you called. I had my hands full. God, it’s good to hear your voice.”
“I miss you so much.” I clutched the phone to my ear. “But that will be over soon. Everything’s in order. Two agents from the cyber unit just left. You’re still a suspect, but I think I convinced at least one of them that I have no idea what’s going on. And even Kennedy believes that I’m thinking about filing for an annulment.”
“I wouldn’t blame you if you did,” he said with a sigh.
“Don’t talk like that,” I insisted.
“I’m sorry. I just feel so damn guilty. Since the moment we met, all I’ve wanted to do is make you happy. Instead, I’ve turned your life upside down.”
“I don’t care if my life is right side up, upside down, or backwards. As long as I get to spend it with you.”
“Do you have any questions about the last set of instructions?”
“No, they were pretty clear. Kennedy thinks that I’m going away for a few days to consider my options. She’s going to help me slip out of the house Monday morning, and then explain where I went to everyone once I’m gone. That should buy us a day or two before anyone realizes I’m missing.”
“I’m so sorry, Lauren. I hate asking you to put everyone through this.”
“We’ll make it up to them some day.”
“Lauren?” I heard Mom’s voice in the living room.
“Baby, I have to go,” I whispered with a sigh.
“I understand. Try to enjoy the next two days with your parents. I’ll be counting the moments until you’re in my arms again. I love you, Lauren.”
“I love you too. And I’ll see you soon.”
CHAPTER 4
Fleeing the country turned out to be even more stressful and nerve-wracking than I’d expected. I almost immediately regretted lying to Kennedy. Thinking I needed time away to consider whether or not I wanted to end my marriage, she rented a small condo in Malibu and arranged for a security team to follow me down the coast. Her gestures both terrified me and filled me with guilt. I had no idea how I was supposed to shake the security team. I had even less of an idea how I was supposed to apologize once Kennedy learned what I was really up to. When I woke up Monday morning, I still had no answers.
I had no idea where I was going or how long it would take me to get there. I dressed in a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt and tied a fleece pullover around my waist. I packed a few last necessities in my duffle bag and crept out of the house. Kennedy was waiting for me in the driveway with a tall red-headed man I’d never met before.
“Are you all set?” she greeted me.
I nodded and tossed the duffle bag into the back of my white rental car. “I think so.”
“Did you get enough sleep? Are you sure you’re okay to drive?”
“I’ll be fine, Kennedy. I promise.”
“Okay. Text me when you get there and let me know you’re safe.”
The man cleared his throat and Kennedy suddenly remembered his presence. She turned to him to make introductions.
“John, this is Lauren Reynolds.”
John? That has to be a coincidence.
“Lauren, this is John Rogers. He’s the head of the team that’ll be taking care of you in Malibu.”
My heart raced, but I didn’t let on. I extended my hand and looked our guardian angel in the eyes. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You as well, ma’am. I’ll be following you from a safe distance. The rest of the team will meet us there.”
“Sounds good.” I wrapped Kennedy in a hug, thanked her one last time, and then climbed behind the wheel. I hadn’t reached the driveway when my phone rang. I answered, already knowing who was on the other end.
“Great job back there,” John told me. “We’re heading to Seattle. From there, you will take a series of planes to your final destination. You’re going to have a long trip. We’re sending you the wrong direction more than once to ensure no one follows you.”
“I understand,” I assured him.
; Long trip turned out to be the understatement of the century. I lost count of how many private jets I boarded and the number of time zones I crossed. I saw Ireland, Shanghai, the Netherlands, and Croatia. Each time my plane touched down, I prayed my journey was over. And each time, I was politely led off of one jet and onto another. Three days into the trip, I started to think I wasn’t actually going anywhere, but destined to spend the rest of my life being shuffled from one airport to another. But when the eighth jet of my journey touched down in a large green field, I was greeted with a sight that made my heart soar. Asher was waiting for me at the end of the runway.
I impatiently waited for the pilot to emerge from the cockpit and open the jet door. He seemed to sense my anxiety and quickly lowered the small staircase. I raced to the ground and into my husband’s arms. The moment we touched, we both started to cry.
“I’ve missed you so much,” he said, covering my face with kisses.
“I missed you too. I can’t believe I’m finally here.”
The pilot descended the stairs and passed my duffle bag to Asher. He slung the strap over his shoulder and put his other arm around me.
“Our bungalow is just a short walk from here,” he explained. He turned toward the beach I’d spotted from the air.
“Where exactly are we?” I asked.
“We’re on a small Polynesian called Tonga. It’s actually a series of about a hundred islands. This is one of the smaller ones.”
“I’ve never heard of it.”
“Most people haven’t. That’s one of the reasons we’re safe here.”
“And your dad is here as well?”
He nodded. “Yes, but we have our own bungalow. I know I’ve already said this, but I’m so glad you’re here. I know I have a lot of explaining to do.”
I sighed and wove my fingers through his. “You know, I spent most of the trip thinking about all of the things I was going to say to you once I got here. I had so many questions. But now that we’re together, I can’t remember a single one of them. I’m just so relieved to be together.”
“I don’t deserve you,” he observed with a sigh of his own.
“Yet, here I am,” I teased.
We stepped out of the tree line and the beach appeared in front of us. The sand was dotted with small, straw thatched bungalows and colorful umbrellas. There wasn’t another soul in sight.
“Do we have the entire beach to ourselves?”
Asher nodded. “We rented all of the bungalows on this side of the island.”
“Didn’t that set off some red flags?”
“People come here for privacy. The couple who owns the place didn’t bat an eye. This is definitely the type of place where he who has the cash makes the rules… this is the one I’ve been staying in.”
He turned toward the nearest bungalow and I followed him through the door.
“It’s nothing fancy,” he warned. “But we have everything we need.”
“It’s perfect,” I insisted. I scanned the room while he put my bag in the small closet.
Three bungalows would have fit on our terrace back home. But the room was cheerful and comfortable, with a queen size bed, a small television, and tropical island décor.
Asher opened the refrigerator and offered me a Red Stripe. I accepted and took a long, refreshing drink before taking a seat on the foot of the bed. Asher sat down beside me and put a hand on my thigh.
“Lauren, I am so sorry. I feel like every time I try to fix things, I just mess them up worse. Leaving the country without you, being away from you for so long… it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I can’t believe you’re actually here. And I’m ready to tell you everything.”
I turned to face him and threw my arms around his neck. I covered his lips with mine, finally taking the kiss I’d been craving for so long. Asher hesitated for a moment and then wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed me back with equal abandon. I crawled into his lap and tugged my t-shirt over my head.
Asher dove for my cleavage, nuzzling his face between my breasts. He rested his head against me and squeezed my hips in his hands. “Are you sure?” he whispered. “We can talk first, if you want.”
“I want to talk,” I told him, fighting with the buttons of his incredibly tacky floral button up.
To hell with the shirt. It was probably the only thing he could find. It’s certainly better than a prison jumpsuit, but it’s nothing I want to see again.
I grabbed both sides of his collar and tugged, tearing the shirt open. The cheap plastic buttons scattered to the floor and Asher’s breaths came in short gasps as his cock hardened beneath me.
“It doesn’t feel like you want to talk. Unless you’re getting me worked up as some form of torture. Which I admit, I deserve.”
I climbed out of his lap, stood in front of him, and stripped out of the rest of my clothes.
“I do want to talk,” I said again. “But not right now. And I have no intentions of torturing you. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t already forgiven you. We have plenty of time to talk. Right now, all I want to do is make love to my husband.”
I dropped to my knees and unbuttoned Asher’s shorts. He lifted his hips and I slipped my hands beneath his waistband, sliding the shorts and boxers to the floor. I took his smooth, hot cock in my hand and stroked it lightly.
Asher let out a deep breath and fell back against the bed. I pushed his legs open and let my loose hair fall across his thighs as I took him into my mouth.
“I don’t deserve this,” he confessed with a sigh.
“Stop talking,” I insisted. I rolled my tongue around the head of his cock and then down his shaft. I wanted to thrill and tease him, but I couldn’t delay my own satisfaction for another second. I climbed onto the bed and straddled him, impaling myself on his long, thick rod. I gushed wet the moment he entered me.
“Oh God, baby, I’ve missed you,” I moaned, rocking my hips from side to side.
“This is not the kind of reunion I was expecting,” he confessed with a dumb grin.
I planted my knees on the mattress and slowly rose off of his cock. I held myself there with just the tip inside me.
“Do you want me to stop?” I teased, still moving my hips.
“God, no,” he groaned.
I lowered myself slowly and then rose again fast, over and over again until my legs gave out beneath me. My head fell to Asher’s chest as the waves of my orgasm overtook me.
Asher stilled himself inside me and planted a passionate kiss on my lips. “Do you need a break?”
“Are you kidding me?” I laughed. “We were in the middle of our honeymoon when you left. The way I see it, we have some serious catching up to do.”
I climbed off of him and lay stomach down on the bed.
“I like the way you think, Mrs. Reynolds,” he replied with a smile.
Asher moved behind me and lifted me to my knees. He slid in slowly and then lowered me to the bed again, hovering just above me and holding his weight with his arms.
He brushed his lips across my neck and shoulders as he rocked in and out of me. I shifted my weight to one hip and lifted the other slightly off the mattress. Asher slipped his hand beneath me and found my magic button with his fingers. He nibbled at my earlobe as he moved inside me and against me, and I knew it was just a matter of moments before I came again.
I pushed my thighs together and tightened my pussy like a hot, wet vice.
“Oh… God,” Asher moaned, pushing into me harder. I bucked against him and he erupted inside me. He came in waves, thrusting wildly as he filled me. He gave me a quick, stinging slap on the ass, sending me over the edge. I came with a loud growl and collapsed onto the mattress.
Asher slipped out of me and crawled out of the bed. He fetched a towel and a bottle of water and then rejoined me, pulling me into his arms.
“I wasn’t sure that would ever happen again,” he confessed, struggling to regain his breath.
“There was never a doubt
in my mind,” I replied with a smile.
His face softened and he stared down at me with love in his eyes. “Do you really mean that?”
“There were times I wondered if I’d ever see you again,” I admitted. “But when the doubt crept in, I kept my promise. I looked at this ring and remembered the promises you made when you put it on my finger.”
“Do you have any idea how much I love you?”
“I have a pretty good idea,” I said with a yawn.
Asher ran a light hand up and down my back and kissed the top of my head. “Okay, start with the questions. I know they must be driving you crazy.”
I yawned again, fighting to keep my eyes open. “I want to know everything that’s happened since the day you were taken to Atwater. But first, I think I need to sleep.”
***
A few hours later, I woke to the sounds of Asher’s gentle snores. A soft breeze blew through the open windows of our bungalow and moonlight cast shadows across the room. I was still in Asher’s arms, our bare skin stuck together by the humid tropical air. I rolled over and he stirred beside me.
“Are you awake?” he whispered, reaching for the glass of water on the bedside table.
“I’m awake. I’m kind of hungry,” I confessed.
“Well then let me feed you,” he insisted.
Asher rolled out of bed and made his way to the small kitchenette that took up one wall of the single room bungalow. He opened the refrigerator and pulled out a platter of cold cuts and tropical fruit. He carried it to the bed and sat it in front of me, then went back to the fridge for white wine. He curled up beside me on the bed, pulled the cork, and took a drink straight from the bottle before offering it to me. I popped a slice of mango into my mouth and washed it down with a long sip.
“Ready to catch each other up on life?” I asked, eager to finally learn Asher’s latest secrets.
He nodded. “Would you mind going first? I’ve been desperate for news from home.”
I shifted nervously on the mattress. There was so much bad news to tell and I didn’t know where to start. I also had no idea how much he already knew.