"How did you get her to be so pliant? It always made me wonder? I mean the Verginius I know is full of passion, love, and noise," Hunter enquires softly, quirking his eye at Dom in challenge.
"Are you really so stupid?" Dom asks slowly.
"Obviously," Hunter says back quickly.
"Same way that I shut your mother up. Or have you still not figured that out?" Dom smiles like the snake he is.
"Well, let's see, maybe you can fill in the blanks," Hunter goades him some more. "Somehow, you found my mother in your father's bed? And well that started a lifetime of torment and misadventures at my expense. But I am still lost about this submission thing you have with women in your life. Oh, and please explain to me just how you had me thrown out of St Joseph’s?" he snarls angrily. Quickly refocusing himself with a series of short breaths.
"Getting you removed from St. Joseph’s….. that was child’s play. Dad just made the Dean an offer he couldn’t refuse. After all, you never had the money to survive in our world. Especially after my father got over his bullshit guilt about your mother’s unfortunate and untimely death. One phone call and you went from popular and privileged to having fucking nothing,” he took a sip of the water from the centre of the table, quickly moving on to the more personal nature of their vendetta. “And with your mother, that was pathetically easy as well. I mean is it my fault if your mother was a whore? She was obviously a gold digger, spreading her scrawny legs wide for any prick, especially if said prick had money to burn. It wasn't that she fucked him so much, it was that he was threatening to leave my mother for her. It makes my skin crawl, even now thinking how close we came to being related. But the greatest thing ever was that your mother already had a bit of an addiction, didn't she? And after all, all is fair in love and war, and well my family's name was at stake, so you are damn fucking right, I know how to shut my women up. Your mother couldn't stop snorting her way through all of the west-side, even when she was swallowing script after script of valium. You know, she was one greedy bitch, you sure she was not a fucking vaccum? The amount of money I spent on blow suggests differently. It was such a tragedy when she accidentally snorted an impressively large bag of bad blow. Apparently the autopsy showed she almost dissolved her own brain, I’m not surprised with the sheer amount of shit I had to cut up for her. Me, myself, I don't touch the nasty stuff, but I got to say the photos of that night take pride and place in my heart. Wonder where I kept that photo?" Dom sneers suggestively, only stopping briefly in his tirade when the waitress delivered his fresh juice and muffin.
"What about my father?" Hunter growls through his teeth.
"Well Mr. Hollingsworth Senior was a much harder nut to crack, but praise the Lord, we all have our vices, it just took much longer for me to discover his. Of course, it is the success of his children, so cliché if you ask me. So naturally, the past few years have been entertaining to say the least. I mean your poor brother, being dishonourably discharged from the navy on all those bogus charges, the shame your father must have felt. And do you even speak with Liam, your middle brother?" Dom pulls a face of disgust, "that terrible bike accident. No wonder everyone blames you though, you insisted that your mechanic was reliable, all those checks you did together. I do need to congratulate him though, looks like he is not limping so much anymore," Dom laughs again.
"Stop! Jesus, you are deranged," Hunter says, once again floored by the detail that Dom is admitting to.
"No. I am determined. I will keep going unless you disappear again Hunter. The deal was you go and not come back. I already have a few games in play with everyone’s favourite twins. So yeah, Caleb, Drew, and Matthew are next. Anyone that gets close to my Ginny is fair game," he snarls. His eyes are glinting in their excitement.
"Dom, you know that your game is up though, don't you? You have lost. Stunningly. You lost the girl. You lost her years and years ago, you are just too stupid to see it. She doesn't want you, she loathes you. And, for the record, I really am back. I am not being chased off again. I am not responsible for what happened in my family, that is all on you. Do I feel guilt? For sure. Am I a criminal? Well, that is a gray zone that we are working through. But what is plain as day is that I will risk it all Dom, to see you brought to justice. You have ruined too many people and I will not allow you to hide behind your family or their money anymore," Hunter's voice changes in a few minutes. His anger is replaced by his confidence and it is a beautiful sight.
"That's the thing though isn't it Hunter. If I go down, you go down. Everything you have on me or my family has been obtained illegally or by questionable means. Surely you can admit you are one of our fine countries most renowned creative computer programmers, I believe the FBI would be most interested in your illustrious career,” Dom slaps the table in his rising ire, but then he just smiles again, sitting back sipping his juice again, his psycho shining bright now, “I am not scared by your idle threats Hunter, you wouldn't sacrifice yourself to do the right thing. You have only ever done the right thing once. The night of the dance. You probably remember it different to me, sweeping in to rescue her. I was surprised how quickly she responded to the GBH, but beggars can't be choosers. Lucky, you locked me out of her suite because it would have been a very different outcome, although we probably wouldn't be having this discussion now, would we? Actually, I would have insisted you be my best man at my wedding. So yes all of this is because of you Hunter, you fucked up. You should have just let her go. Now though, I am more determined than ever to destroy the both of you," Dom picks up a napkin and daintily dots his mouth after his speech and smiles at Hunter like they are great mates at a bar. Hunter goes to speak but is interrupted by Dom's verbal diarrhea, again.
"And then I am still not sure if it was genius or not yet, but having her grandfather as one of your secret saviors, your benefactor, it's just ironic. I have hours of tape of her speaking with him about trying to understand why you left and where you went, why you impacted on her life so much. It is fucking hilarious. I listen to it when I work-out, it gets my blood pumping. I wonder though if she knows yet? Imagine the sting, that both of you lied to her for years. That you were her family's side project since that night?"
"She knows. She actually knows absolutely everything, Dom. And you know what?" Hunter says so softly that Dom actually had to lean over the table to listen.
"Oh do tell Hunter, what?"
"She is going to wait," Hunter responds, sharing the most open, honest smile I have ever seen.
"What do you mean?" Dom asks slowly.
"She is going to wait for me. See the thing is Dom, Gigi is and always has been mine. I would never not tell her anything. I share with her absolutely everything. She knows every one of mine and my family's dirty little secrets. She knows all that shit at St. Joseph’s was you. Her grandfather and I even explained to her how the Bellafonte family became my sponsor. I have no shame, in fact, I am proud of the fact that the first person I called after being escorted from St. Joseph’s was Mansueto. And the Bellafonte family helped me to select which Universities scholarship I should accept. I had already had the GPA to continue my education, it was easy. That is the Bellafonte family though, they give without expectation to those in need. And I was in need. Must drive you crazy Dom, that Gigi and I were just written in the stars. She understands why things happened the way they have and she knows emphatically the depth of my love. Gigi and I made a promise to each other when we were kids and nothing will break that. Nothing nor no-one Dom, no-one."
"What do you mean?" Dom's anger starts rising again, you can see it in his eyes and his body, he leans down, his hand under the table before he rises up again. The glint of a knife clear in the video recording that is being shown in the packed courtroom.
"Your honour, we ask to omit the next few minutes from the public viewing. It is especially graphic and both sides have agreed it has little impact on the outcome of the case or the sentencing we are proposing. This is especially relevant that Mr. Watson is standing tri
al on a multitude of offenses and we refrain from any impartiality," Ian our solicitor stands to object.
"Objection granted," the judge comments.
"We would like to take the opportunity though Sir, to put on the record that both the Hollingsworth and the Bellafonte families are forever indebted for the bravery shown by the undercover detectives on that day. Perhaps if they were a few moments later, we would be discussing Mr. Hollingsworth estate and not his purported crimes,” Ian pauses for a few moments in acknowledgement, it really has been touch and go. “Mr. Hollingsworth has been in ongoing discussions with the FBI, which he initiated, for the past few months and we have been working with their legal team. We are willing to accept the proposed sentence they are seeking as well as the financial recompense. We plead guilty to all counts and ask that sentencing be handed down today also. Both sides provide their agreement. Mr. Hollingsworth is prepared to move immediately into incarceration. Thank you Your Honour," Ian bows slightly then sat down.
“Council, my chambers please," the judge stands and walks out. A hush falls over the courtroom at the unexpected stall in proceedings.
"This court is now in recess,” the bailiff hurries to ensure formality.
Hunter looks immediately over to me from the dock, offering me a small encouraging smile, I return it. How can I not? It must have only been ten minutes that we wait and Hunter and I keep our eyes locked on each other the whole time. Everything else fades to gray and I literally take my fill of the amazing man in front of me. I agree to everything he asks and despite having to face up to a year apart and the hideous injury over his beautiful chest and back now, I agree without hesitation. I twist the stunning solitaire diamond on my finger reminding me of our tomorrow.
I grab a hold of Grandpa's hand after the judge re-enters the courtroom.
"All rise," the bailiff sounds and the shuffling of feet follows. "Be seated," the bailiff continues after the judge sits and the counsel for both sides are poised at their desks again.
"Mr. Hollingsworth please stand," the judge requests. “You are very fortunate that you, without a lawyer, albeit unwise, first approached the FBI to talk about some of the more, should we say, creative work that you have previously been involved in. I also note that you have extensive knowledge on the law regarding your area of expertise and some of your offered precedents have enabled us all to garner an understanding of your character. I believe that you have already initiated a series of very clear directives within your business and those you are affiliated with, again a clear indication to this court of your remorse and your willingness to be held accountable. And finally, the extensive and very well documented evidence that you also have assisted compiling for the earlier case we discussed, against Mr. Dominic Watson, who has yet to face the charges of attempted murder for which you are the alledged vicitim along with being accused of the death of your mother. The State wishes to express their gratitude for your hard work. For those reasons, I hereby pass judgement that the proposed sentencing has been accepted by the Court. You are guilty of the crimes detailed. I trust you understand the gravity of my ruling and Mr. Hollingsworth I do not wish to see you in my courtroom again,” the judge finishes as he cracks the gavel down on the block.
Even the judge smiles at the jubilation and applause that rolls through his courtroom. I am on my feet along with my family, Caleb, and Matthew.
Without a doubt one of the hardest things I have ever faced is watching Hunter being handcuffed and led out of the dock. He turned just before they left the courtroom and winked at me, mouthing an ‘I love you,’ before he is bundled out.
“I can’t believe your mother took my picture, she really did hate me. It’s probably a bigger miracle that it was hidden in all the stuff that your dad let you collect after she died. So, the last mystery Hunter, what happened when we were kids? Where did you disappear to?” I sat opposite him, the table separating us, as well as the watchful eye of the guard at the door.
We are so close to his release day now and nothing will jeopardize that. Not even my desire to reach over and hold his hands.
Hunter though always struggles. He craves my touch. A quick glance over to the guard at the door and Hunter’s fingers stretch until our fingers are just touching. A shaky sigh falls from his lips.
“You doing okay?” I ask him softly, my pinky gently stroking his.
“I miss you, Gigi. The last few weeks have been the hardest. I am sure it’s because my time here is nearly done. It’s just a bad day that’s all,” he responds, his voice so dull, so defeated. He is losing himself as he watches our touch.
“You sure it’s not because Dom’s verdict still hasn’t been delivered?” I question.
“No,” he bites back before looking up at me, my eyes suggesting otherwise.
“Gigi, he is going to be wearing orange for a long time to come. Pretty sure we will be celebrating the birth of our great-grand children before his release day comes. So, no that is not what it is,” Hunter answers, his voice is low, so the other prisoners and their visitors can’t listen in.
“So what’s up?” I ask again.
“How are we going to do this?” he spits back quickly.
“Do what exactly?” I look at him, holding his gaze, speaking slowly.
“Us,” he answers before dropping his eyes to the table. The steel of his hand cuffs glinting under the harsh fluorescent light.
“Well as soon as you are released, we are going to drive non-stop until we get to our new apartment. I am locking the door, losing the key, disconnecting our phones, cancelling Netflix, lying to my family. Then Hunter,” I say, waiting for him to look at me, “then Hunter, I am going to probably start kissing you, really slowly, then maybe you can….”
“Gigi, you know that’s not what I mean,” Hunter looks at me then, shame burning in his eyes. “I’m a convicted felon Gigi. You deserve so much more than that,” his eyes drop to the table again. I kick his shin.
“All I need Hunter is you. You! Don’t do this. This is just a chapter in our lives. Besides, you want to explain to Grandma why she has to cancel her favourite caterer?”
“Gigi, I am serious,” Hunter says, his beautiful face still missing his smile.
“So am I Hunter. You are having a bad day, that is all. We haven’t bared our souls to each other for the past ten months, so you can get cold feet now. Hey, look at me, hand on heart babe, I am so proud of you. Of what you did. Am I worried you have a record? Not at all. Neither should you be. Nothing, Hunter, nothing will keep you from me. It has always been you Hunter, let me have my happy ever after with you,” His eyes are still full of questions.
I grab his hand, the guards be damned, my man needs me. I flip his hand over, holding it upside down. I wait until he looks at me, before I follow the path of the knife from so many years ago. We both watch my finger and when I reach the end, I stop and wait for him to raise his beautiful blue eyes to mine.
“One cut, two cut, my cut, your cut. Your blood, my blood, our blood is red, inside me now till we are dead. Inside me, inside you, our blood is our promise, it will be true. Hunter, you are my true. You always were, you always will be,” I say through a watery smile.
His mouth falls open in amazement, and deep inside those beautiful eyes of his I see the last piece of our puzzle fall into place for him, “You remember?”
“You promised me Hunter. And I promised you,” the words fall from my lips, my eyes full of hope and Hunter being Hunter surprises me. The clang of the chains alerts the guards, but nothing can keep him from me.
The worry reflected in eyes earlier is now replaced with his heartfelt acceptance of us and a smouldering desire that I doubt will ever disappear, blazes brightly.
His mouth descends on mine, “Fuck, yeah I did Gigi.”
The End
Acknowledgments
Katie, Rachel and Catherine thank you. Thank you for your time, your feedback and your suggestions. I appreciate you guys so much.
A shout out to the fabulous girls in our Merauthors chat who constantly have me spitting my tea in laughter, motivating me with inappropriate images and tic-toc videos and waving covers in my face, you guys are just awesome. Special thank you to Kara for being a super PA.
But the biggest thanks goes to everyone who has taken the time to read my book. It really does mean a lot.
Books by Lucy Scott Bryan
Door
Book 1
Book 2
The Family Business
A Mafia Anthology by Nighthawk Publishings
Bleeding Hearts
A Serial Killer Anthology by BBB Publishings
Coming September 2020
Extra Credit
A Student / Teacher Anthology by Nighthawk Publishings
Coming September 2020
I have always been a voracious reader, always. And I have been affected by many authors and books - how could you not be? Ask anyone and they will confirm my passion for vampires. And shifters. I adore vampire books - it's my thing.
I have a wonderful family with my hubs, who really is my BFF and together, we have two kids, two frenchies and two cats. Our family is loud, we argue, we laugh - it is the way it should be. Sunday is my favourite day of the week. I won’t ever say no to a G & T and diamonds really are a girl's best friend!
Stay in Touch
Stay in touch
Lucy Scott Bryan Author on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/LucyScottBryanReadersGroup
Lucy Scott Bryan Readers Group on Facebook
You Promised Me Page 21