by Lilly Wilde
I followed him to the kitchen. He stepped into the pantry and came back with a loaf of bread.
“I made dinner,” I said.
“I’ll just have a sandwich,” he said and went to the fridge.
“Are you upset with me?” I asked.
“No. I told you, just a fucked-up day.”
“You’ve never really shown any signs of a day getting the better of you. I didn’t even know that was possible. So, what’s going on? And I’m warning you…don’t say nothing.”
He dropped the cold cuts and lettuce on the counter. “Oh, so you’re warning me?” he asked, a hint of smile at the corner of his mouth.
“I’m serious. I’m not dropping this, and if you don’t want an even worse night than you say your day was, I suggest you tell me.”
He placed his palms flat on the counter and looked me dead in the eyes. “I was at the psychiatric treatment center.”
“Why would you be—”
“With Nadia.”
Sirens went off in my head as I stood there gaping at him. I nearly dropped to the floor. I stepped to the counter, grabbing the edge to balance myself. The last I’d heard, Nadia had been sentenced to a mental health correctional center in Pennsylvania. “What did you just say?”
Aiden grabbed a plate and started assembling his sandwich. “Her parents were convinced she wasn’t receiving the best treatment, so they brought in a highly regarded psychiatrist for an extensive evaluation. After his assessment, they petitioned the court for a different type of treatment, and Nadia was subsequently moved to the center here. When she resumed treatment with the new therapist, my name came up, and Nadia started to show signs of improvement. On the suggestion of her doctor, her parents reached out to me. They explained the situation and asked me to come see her.”
“When was this?”
He looked up from the plate and said, “A few days ago.”
I stared at him, baffled by his betrayal. “How could you?”
“I wasn’t planning to, but when the Lanes called a second time saying that Nadia had become unresponsive, I changed my mind. They later noticed Nadia only responded to me, so her psychiatrist asked if I’d be willing to participate in her private sessions.”
“So, let me get this straight. Nadia is here. In Boston. And you didn’t see any reason to let me know? And you’ve been seeing her behind my back?”
“I’ve not been seeing her, Aria. It’s not like that, and you damn well know it.”
“Then maybe you should tell me how it is. This is the same person who took our son!”
“Don’t you think I know that, Aria?”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I’d been living in blissful ignorance with Nadia only miles away. How could Aiden help the person who’d taken our baby?
“It’s best if I know what we’re dealing with, and the only way to obtain that knowledge in a way that will satisfy me, is to witness her for myself.”
At least that part made sense—I’d want to be aware of her mental state also. “I should have been told I need to start looking over my shoulder. Don’t you think?”
“She’s in a correctional institution. It’s not like she can check in and out. I will not let anything happen to you or my son. If there was a reason for you to be concerned, I would have told you.”
“You said she only responds to you. That in itself is cause for concern.”
“She’s sick, and I should have recognized that sooner,” he said.
“You? Why do you think she’s your responsibility? She’s not! Lyric and I should be the only thing on your radar right now!”
“And you are!”
He was already angry, and it was about to get worse, because I wouldn’t be naïve enough to underestimate Nadia’s insanity again.
“That’s why I’m doing this—for you and Lyric. But of course, you’ll never see it that way.”
“Would you?” I asked.
“I knew this would upset you, and the more we talk about it, it will only make matters worse. The only thing you need to know is I’m taking care of it,” he said.
“You’re taking care of it? So you plan to continue seeing her when you know I don’t want that? It will only encourage her,” I said. “I’m asking you to stop.”
“I can’t do that.”
“You can’t or you won’t?”
“Actually it’s both,” he said.
“Why? Why would you involve yourself with this?”
“Because I did this to her, dammit! Don’t you realize that?” In an angry rush, he raked his hand over the counter, sweeping the plate to the floor.
I gasped, and then we both fell quiet—waiting to see what was next. He looked at the pieces of glass and cursed. He lifted his gaze to mine and that’s when I saw it—the guilt. It was back, and the look in his eyes revealed a shame that was deeper than it had been in the past. This frightened me. And it worried me more than I already was.
“Aiden, maybe we need to talk to someone. You can’t let this dictate your decisions, especially regarding our safety.”
“You don’t need to worry about that.”
“Why would I not? Of course I’m worried about it.”
“I’ve bought the facility,” he tossed out, as if it were an everyday occurrence.
“What?”
“To make sure you were safe.”
“I thought you said I didn’t have anything to worry about.”
“You don’t now.”
“What does that mean?”
“I’d hired someone a while back to keep tabs on Nadia’s treatment when she was in Pennsylvania. But once she moved here, I lost that contact. This center has just as many safeguards as the other, but I didn’t have anyone on the inside. I knew I wouldn’t be able to obtain information in a way I’d find acceptable—I needed daily briefs— so I did what I had to do.”
“And these people who report back to you, they’re willing to risk their careers and provide you with confidential information.”
“I pay very well, Aria. And I’ve hired one of the best psychiatrists in the country to treat her.”
“Oh my God. You must have done this weeks ago, all of this without mentioning one thing to me. How could you do that?”
“I did what needed to be done.” The resolute tone in his voice heightened my anxiety.
This must have been the acquisition Connor had mentioned to Aiden when he forced him to go to Mumbai. “What’s the name of the center?” I asked.
“Does that matter?”
“Tell me, Aiden. I have a right to know how close she is.”
“The Lundy-Wasik Recovery Institute.”
I was both angry and worried he was letting guilt cloud his judgment. I tried to collect my thoughts, unsure what to address first.
Before I could say anything, he said, “I knew she’d lost it when she took Lyric. The way she was talking…and when I’d grabbed her, I saw that crazed look on her face. I could see her slipping further from reality with each second that I stared into her eyes.”
“And you didn’t tell me this because…”
“Because you were wrecked after Nadia had taken Lyric, and I knew you couldn’t handle much more.”
“So you removed my choice and made a decision for me? How many times must I tell you that I don’t need you keeping things from me?”
“I wanted you to have peace of mind. I wanted you to enjoy our time as a family. Something we’d been deprived of.”
“Because of me? Because I’d kept my pregnancy a secret?” I knew he’d never get over that, no matter the number of times he said otherwise.
“Don’t put words in my mouth. I didn’t say that.”
“You didn’t have to.”
I sat at the counter. I could feel the stability I thought I had crumbling around me. This would never end. We’d never have any peace. We just moved here, just started our life, and her
e was yet another dark and dangerous cloud.
I didn’t notice until I felt Aiden’s hands on my shoulders, but I was trembling—the fear from that dreadful night had crowded every part of my brain. That’s what we had coming. More fear. I sat there, wordless—I couldn’t even cry.
“Aria, babe. This is what I was hoping to avoid. I didn’t want this to touch us.”
I was quiet for several moments, absorbing what I’d just forced out of the man who was perfectly fine leaving me in the dark. People escaped or connived their way out of correctional facilities all the time. And someone with money had even more wiggle room. What if her parents wanted her treated privately at their home? Could that happen? And if so, how long before she convinced them she was fine and came looking for us? What could I do? Take Lyric and run? I’d said I was in one-hundred percent…that I would never leave, but that promise meant nothing if Lyric’s safety was at risk.
So now what? Do I stay here and wait it out? Trust that Aiden has this under control? But how could anyone control a fucking lunatic?
“Aria. Say something.”
I shrugged his hands from my shoulders and rushed upstairs to my son. Aiden wasn’t far behind. He was on my heels, demanding I talk to him, but I said nothing. I only wanted to see Lyric. His sweet gurgles greeted me in the hallway. He was sitting in his crib, playing with his toys. In one hand was his blue bunny—he was waving it back and forth—and in his mouth was his new teething ring. He was gnawing away at it like it was the most divine tasting thing he’d ever had. My hand rested over my heart as I smiled through the tears that suddenly trailed down my cheeks. He was my precious baby boy, happy and untouched by the threat that still followed us.
My mind was in limbo—bouncing between rage, distrust and dread as I stepped into the nursery and lifted my chubby little guy from his crib. As if he could be taken from me at any moment, I clutched him tighter. I kissed his plump cheeks over and over as I sat in the chair nearest the window.
Lyric grunted and squirmed, breaking free of my hold, and returned his attention to the toy in his mouth. I wiped a hand across my face and leaned down to kiss his forehead.
“Aria, he’s okay. We’re okay. Trust me,” Aiden said.
This was not a discussion I would have in front of the baby. Once Lyric was back in his crib, I went downstairs, Aiden still following me. After we returned to the living room, I faced him head on. “Why don’t you get it? We’re a team. You can’t just do things like this and not involve me. I’ve had to deal with a lot on my own. I don’t need you to protect me like this.”
“I know you’ve had to fend for yourself, and quite well I may add, but you have me now,” he said. “Princess, it’s my job to protect you, and whether you like it or not, that’s what I’ll continue to do.”
“How? By lying and keeping secrets. That’s not going to work. And I know you realize that. I won’t stand for it.”
“You don’t have a choice!” he said, his voice raised. “And if you think I’m going to go back and forth with you on this, you’re wrong.” He grabbed his jacket and headed toward the door.
I followed him to the foyer. “Where are you going?” I shouted after him.
“I need some air. I’ll be back later.” He slammed the door behind him.
I stood in his wake, staring at the door. There was more to this. And If I had to find out myself, that’s exactly what I’d do. He may have made up his mind, but I had made up mine, too. I was going to see Nadia.
Chapter Seven
Who knew what time Aiden came home from getting the air he needed. I’d slept in one of the guest rooms…behind a locked door. It was a miserable night. I tossed and turned for most of it, wondering how I could fix our rift, but when I finally awoke, I was possessed with the same determination I had when I finally drifted off last night…to pay a visit to Nadia Lane.
I’d been awake since the crack of dawn, spending time with Lyric. Once Dianna arrived, I discreetly headed out when I heard Aiden stirring. The treatment center was approximately forty-five minutes from my office, and I wanted to beat the morning traffic.
I arrived at the Lundy-Wasik Recovery Institute shortly after eight o’clock. I was relieved to see it was secured with a perimeter fence and even more relieved when I drove toward the entrance in the direction of a staffed security gate. The layered security did release some of the air in my chest. I came to a stop behind the vehicle in front of me, and a uniformed officer approached my car. He requested identification and the name of the patient I was to visit. After logging my information, he provided directions to the wing in which I’d find Nadia and then buzzed me through the gate.
Once inside the building, my attention was immediately drawn to luxurious sitting areas with large arm chairs and plush leather couches. It was all extremely zen-like with dim lights, calming music, fluffy pile carpets, and muted colors. Beautiful paintings and huge mirrors were featured along the back walls—I guessed those were two-way mirrors for the staff to monitor the patients. Several patients were lounging in the rooms—some sat staring blankly, while others engaged in activities such as knitting or painting. I’d never been in a place like this, but it wasn’t at all what I expected. It more closely resembled a resort than what I’d envisioned as a mental health treatment center.
After checking in at the nurse’s station, I headed toward Nadia’s room. I knocked at the door, but there wasn’t an answer. After the second unanswered knock, I turned the handle and stepped inside. Nadia was coming from the bathroom when she looked up and saw me. We both froze.
Aiden said she only responded to him, so I was curious as to how she would react to me. I was face-to-face with the woman who’d been the source of nothing but discord and hurt since the very first time I’d heard her name. I instinctively wanted to rush over and wrap my hands around her throat.
Nadia was a horrid person, and regardless of the perfect and proper image she wanted to convey, the stench of evil bitterness always surfaced. But to look at her now, I wouldn’t have thought that to be the case—she looked extremely frail. She was without any makeup and the vibrant, flowing red hair that once framed her oval face was now dull and lifeless.
“Did you bring the baby?” she whispered.
My stomach fluttered. “What did you say?”
“My baby. Where is he?”
What the hell?
She came closer and extended a hand to me. I stepped further into the room, but I didn’t close the door. I had no idea what I was walking into, but I figured since she wasn’t in a locked cell, it was okay to observe her from a safe distance.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she said. Her sad eyes lit up with a smile. “That means I’m better and I can go home soon.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“The baby and I. We can go home now.”
I gave her another once-over. Was this for real? “Nadia, you don’t have a baby.”
“Yes, I do.” She went to the dresser and picked up a piece of paper and passed it to me. “See.”
Once I realized what she’d shown me, my breath caught and a chill rushed through me as my blood ran cold. I studied her drawing—it wasn’t the work of someone with an artistic flair, but it wasn’t difficult to recognize what it represented. It was a baby, and below the image on the paper was the name Lyric.
I looked back at her, already startled and confounded by this brief encounter. Nadia was twisting her hair as she peered at the drawing. She looked up from the paper and met my eyes, a meek smile on her pale face. The evil glint I’d always seen was missing, and she looked lost, but the Nadia I knew had to be in there somewhere. “Why did you take my son?” I asked.
Her head flipped up and her eyes flashed as though someone had yelled action. The bright irises that stared back at me were those I’d once come very close to scratching out. “What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I’m…not…sure,” I replied. I was
at a loss at to what was going on here. “Do you know who I am?”
“Of course I know who you are. How could I not?”
“Do you know why you’re here?” I asked.
“Yes, I did something foolish—something I’ll always regret,” she said, and walked over to the bed, and took a seat. She crossed her legs and continued. “I know you don’t like me, and I’ll never like you, so there’s that, but I was wrong for what I did. I don’t know what happened.”
“So you remember what you did?” I asked.
“Yes, but I don’t know how I could have done something so dreadful. When I held Aiden’s baby, all I could see was the child I’d lost. My mind was racing a mile a minute. Part of me just wanted to imagine—just for a little while, he was mine. I just…I just…wanted to hold the child I never had a chance to.”
She was staring straight ahead, as if in a trance or talking to herself, saying things she’d rehearsed a million times.
“I saw how desperately Aiden wanted him, and I remembered how he persuaded me to get rid of our baby—he didn’t want our baby. I knew I had to protect this one, so I wanted to take him someplace safe. Before I knew it, I was walking out the door with Aiden’s son.”
I didn’t know what the hell was happening here, but the words she spoke only made me want to rip her head off.
She snapped out of her daze and glanced at the picture in my hand. “What are you doing with that?” She jumped from the bed and snatched it from my hand. “You’re not going to take my baby!” She yelled and clutched the picture to her chest. “Do you hear me? You’re not going to take him! He’s mine!”
She shouted over and over again, and all I could do was stand there and watch as she unraveled right before my eyes. Suddenly two orderlies rushed in and tried to calm her. I stepped back and watched as they attempted to talk her down, but it was as if we were all there to attack her. “No! No! Don’t come near me. Where’s my baby? Where is he? Lyric! Lyric!”
They seized her and placed her on the bed. She yelped and kicked like a trapped animal trying to break loose, still screaming that no one would take her baby.
The orderly pulled out a syringe and gave her an injection. Both of the men then held her in place until she was less agitated. They raised the bed rails, and then secured her wrists and ankles. The picture she’d been holding fluttered to the floor.