Unravel Me

by Lynn Montagano

  “I’m so sorry this happened to you.”

  “Don’t be. You’re worth it, Lia.”

  “He’s not,” I said bitterly. “I hate that you’re hurt because of him.”

  “Hush,” he whispered, stroking my hair. “I don’t want to talk about that right now. I want to feel you. Hold you. Alright?”

  I sighed. “Of course. I want that, too.”

  We entwined our arms and legs together, holding one another close. His rapid heartbeat slowed to a more normal pace the longer we stayed in this embrace. I couldn’t love him any more than I did at this moment.

  “Lia?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Will you fly home with me this weekend?”

  I kissed his chest. “I want to.”

  “Come with me. We’ll fly back here in a few weeks to take care of the flat and whatever else you have to do.”

  Shaking my head, I smiled. “So you want me to just quit my job and run away with you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, when you put it like that, how can I say no?”

  “I’m serious, Amelia,” he said, tilting my chin up. “I want you with me. The sooner, the better.”

  “I know, I know. I told you I’d come with you but I can’t just up and leave.”

  “Why not?”

  “I have responsibilities, Holden. I’d like to give my notice at work so I don’t burn any bridges.”

  He regarded me with interest. I could see the cogs turning in his head. “One week. How’s that? You’ll fly out in one week.”

  “Patience isn’t your strong point, is it?”

  “Not when I want something,” he smirked.

  “You know the saying ‘good things come to those who wait,’ right?”

  “Never was a big fan of it.”

  I laughed loudly, ruffling his hair. “You’ve waited this long for me. I don’t think another week will kill you.”

  “Fair enough. But I have one more request.”

  “Jesus,” I muttered. “What now?”

  “Marry me.”

  The echo of his words floated through my bedroom. My vision went fuzzy. I just stared at him, not believing what I’d heard. He watched me, his expression growing increasingly amused by the second.

  “I…are you…”

  He kissed me so lovingly and gently that I turned into a useless pile of almond scented goo.

  “Marry me, Lia.”

  I traced my thumb over his bruised eye and lip. “You know I can’t ever say ‘no’ to you, Holden.”

  His brilliant smile lit up the bedroom, erasing any and all traces of the night’s tension. “I know, Meyers, but that’s not exactly a ‘yes’.”

  Ruffling his hair again, I laughed. “Yes, I’ll marry you.” Dizzying joy filled every part of me. I’d never felt so happy or so hopeful.

  “My angel,” he whispered, wrapping himself around me like a vine. I nestled into the softness and warmth of his embrace and closed my eyes.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Staying home from work was one of the best decisions I’d made all week. Well, aside from saying yes to Alastair’s impromptu marriage proposal. He’d gone back to the hotel to gather some clothes and finish up a few things at work. His spirits were much higher than they’d been in awhile. I’d even heard him whistling in the shower.

  Since I was home, I decided to call my mother and lower the boom about moving to Scotland.

  “Amelia Grace, I thought you’d fallen off the planet,” she exclaimed in her chirpy voice.

  “Nope. Just been doing the usual. Did you and Dad enjoy the rest of your vacation?”

  She sighed. “I don’t know how you people can stand living in that constant heat. Miami was an oven. Your father loved it though. He’s looking into buying a small condo on the beach so we can spend the winters there. I’m assuming it’s not as hot in January.”

  “I thought you guys liked winter. You’re always sending me pictures of the snow in the backyard.”

  “We’re too old to shovel it anymore. At least that’s what your father says. I told him to hire someone but he doesn’t want to.”

  “Well, Miami is the place to be then.”

  “Yes, dear,” she laughed. “We’ll also be close enough to bother you on the weekends.”

  Here we go.

  “Uh, about that. I have to talk to you about something.”

  “Is everything okay?” Her tone sharpened.

  “Everything’s fine, stop panicking. Listen, Alastair and I have been talking—”

  “Your father can’t stop going on and on about him,” she interrupted. “He thinks he’s so intelligent and nice. I just wish he wasn’t so shy.”

  “Oh my God, Ma,” I said loudly. “He’s not shy. He’s just a little guarded, that’s all.”

  “You have a big personality, Lia. He needs to be able to keep up with you.”

  I grew more exasperated by the second. “What are you talking about? He keeps up with me just fine.”

  “It must be because he’s British. They’re so reserved, you know.”

  “Mom, I have no idea what you’re babbling about,” I laughed incredulously. “Andrew is English, too. Remember? He’s louder than all of us put together.”

  “I suppose. So what is it you wanted to tell me?”

  “He asked me to move in with him and I said yes.”

  Silence dominated for about a minute.

  “Is he buying a house in Orlando?”

  “Nope.”

  More silence. I’d be willing to bet she was twisting the phone cord around her fingers. “So both my daughters will be living in the United Kingdom,” she stated.

  “Looks like it.”

  I knew, without question, she was nodding her head slowly and having an internal dialogue with herself.

  “When are you leaving?”

  “I’m not sure yet. Probably in couple weeks.”

  “Tell him you both need to come up here first. Your father will want to see you and so will I.”

  “Okay,” I grinned.

  “I’m happy for you, Lia. I know this year has been rough since everything ended with Nathan. I’m glad you found someone special who adores you.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” I heard her sniffling a little. “Listen, I should get going. I’ll call you guys next week.”

  After we said our goodbyes I decided to go for a run. I sent Alastair a quick text letting him know I’d be at Cranes Roost Park for about an hour.

  9:22am Enjoy your run, love. Let me know when you’re back at the flat. x

  I flirted with the idea of asking him why he wasn’t sending Paxton to keep an eye on me as I drove to Altamonte Springs. I figured after what happened last night, he’d want to make sure Nathan didn’t try anything. Then again, I didn’t really know what happened. He hadn’t told me yet so I just had to assume they’d fought and Nathan was now simmering with anger somewhere.

  The park was empty except for a few women walking on the path, pushing their children in strollers. I turned up my music and ran along the edge of the lake. Running always managed to clear my head of everything and keep me more in tuned with myself.

  I’d just rounded the bend when Nathan stepped in front of me, blocking my path. I skidded to a halt, startled.

  “Your routines are too predictable, Lia.”

  His right eye was swollen and purple. I also noticed a yellowish bruise on his jaw. He crossed his arms and smirked.

  “Your boyfriend likes to throw punches when nobody’s looking.”

  “So do you,” I glowered.

  “I was defending myself. He came at me first.”

  Incensed, I ripped the earbuds out of my ears and glared at him. “What do you want? We’re in a public place. If you make one move, I’ll yell at the top of my lungs.”

  “That wouldn’t be very smart. I’m only here to talk.”

  “We’ve done enough talking. All you do is speak in circles and veiled threats. I’m si
ck of it. This has—”

  “Rachel Jameson is ready to go to print with nude photos of you. All I have to do is give her the green light.”

  The wind was knocked right out of me. “What are you talking about? I’ve never posed like that for anyone in my life.”

  “You like to keep your laptop in the bedroom, right?”

  “Yeah. So?”

  The oily smile that curved his lips sickened me. “It’s not smart to leave it open without password protection. Someone could hack into it and control that little webcam at will.”

  I shook so violently I dropped my iPod. “Nobody uses it but me. I…“

  “Tsk, tsk,” he shook his head. “You’re smarter than this, Lia. Think.”

  Thoughts raced through my shattered mind in a jumbled mess. I had no idea what he was talking about. I couldn’t…oh my God.

  “That’s what you were doing in my apartment?” I blurted in horror. “That’s why you snuck in.” I nearly hyperventilated. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” I shouted. “Relationships end, Nathan. People move on. They don’t terrorize their ex.”

  In a flash, he was closer, holding my arm. “You never gave me a chance to apologize. You shut me out and shacked up with the first guy who gave you a second look. You’re mine, Lia. I loved you. I wanted you. You chose to turn your back on me.”

  “You pinned me to a wall and punched a hole in it inches from my face,” I yelled. “There is not a strong enough apology in the world that I would accept for that. There is no future for me with a man capable of doing that. You did this to yourself by being a controlling, possessive asshole. You had me. I saw nothing but you. I did everything in my power to please you. And how did you treat me? You fucked anything in a skirt because you made it clear it was your right.”

  I took a breath. “You made me feel like an accessory who should be thankful that such a powerful, rich guy gave me the time of day. You didn’t love me. You treated me like shit. And what did I do? I ignored it and tried like hell to make you love me. It’s too late for that now, Nathan. I despise you. There is not one redeeming quality in you. You’re a spoiled brat who doesn’t know how to lose.”

  “I don’t lose,” he roared. “I never lose. Once these photos are released, I will be untouchable. Rachel doesn’t know I’m the one who sent them. There’s no evidence that any of it came from me.”

  “Alastair knows. You showed him last night.”

  “That prick doesn’t know anything. I gave him the ones from the folder. He thinks he has the only copies.” He tightened his hold on my arm. “This affects him too. You don’t think there aren’t any photos and video of the two of you having sex? He doesn’t know about those. Break up with him or I give Rachel the go-ahead.”

  “Let go of me,” I snapped, wrenching my arm away. “How dare you threaten him. I don’t care what you want to do to me, leave him out of it.”

  “It’s a package deal. All or nothing. Break up with him and the good people of Orlando, Glasgow, London and wherever the hell else won’t be treated to your X-rated nights together. Stay with him and you’ll both be humiliated.”

  I slapped him across the face. Hard. He looked stunned for a second, then recovered. “Never do that again.”

  “Fuck you.”

  “The power is in your hands, Lia. Your decision will affect more than one life. Think. Carefully. I’ll expect to hear from you by this evening.”

  As soon as he was far enough away, I went under a cluster of trees and threw up. I hated him so much. I always knew he was vindictive but I never dreamed he’d go this far. The fact that he put so much effort into fabricating this sickened me.

  I leaned heavily against the tree. A warm, sticky breeze coasted over my skin. For once I wished Paxton had been with me. That way I wouldn’t have to figure out what to do. He’d have chased Nathan off. Shaking my head, I sighed.

  Nathan was so determined to put a wedge in my relationship nothing would have delayed him. I’d be faced with this dilemma no matter what. Break up with Alastair? Never.

  On the flip side, I couldn’t put him through another potential scandal. He already had enough trouble with Olivia threatening him all those years ago and was always so adamant about keeping me safe. There had to be a way for me to return the favor without hurting him in the process. My heart ached. Either way, I was screwed. At least if I went along with what Nathan wanted I’d eliminate the threat to go public with the photos. Alastair would understand, once I explained it all to him.

  For now, breaking up with him was my only option and it killed me. I walked back to my car in a daze and drove home.

  * * *

  Sinking into the hot bath water relaxed me for a nanosecond. I wanted to be excited for dinner with Stephanie and Darren but couldn’t muster up enough fake enthusiasm. They’d all know something was wrong the minute they looked at me. For once in my life, I wanted to be unreadable.

  My cell phone rang, scaring the daylights out of me. I checked the caller ID before answering.

  “Hey, Syd. What’s up?”

  “Just checking in to see how you were feeling. I miss you!”

  “I miss you, too. Anything exciting happen there today?”

  “Not really. Rachel Jameson called looking for you a few times but that’s about it.”

  My stomach twisted in a knot. “Did she say what she wanted?”

  “Something about following up with you on something y’all talked about last week. At least that’s what she said. I told her you were out sick and would be back tomorrow.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  “No problem. I hope you’re feeling better. The newsroom is too boring without you.”

  Overwhelmed with emotion, I hung up and dropped the phone to the floor. Covering my face with my hands, I sank into the soapy water.

  * * *

  Trudging up the walkway to Stephanie’s condo was like walking down one of those optical illusion hallways where it kept growing longer and longer. I needed to calm my anxieties. Counting to ten and taking cleansing breaths didn’t help at all.

  “There she is,” Darren said cheerfully, escorting me inside. “You look gorgeous as usual.”

  An actual, genuine smile curved my mouth. Darren was such a sweetheart. I couldn’t help but feel better in his presence.

  “Thank you, handsome.”

  “Hey now,” he grinned, tucking me into his side. “Where’s your other half?”

  “Still working. He’ll meet us at the restaurant.”

  “That guy needs a vacation,” Stephanie said as she waltzed into the room. “Oooh, you look pretty. I love that dress. Royal blue looks amazing on you.”

  “Thanks,” I arched an eyebrow. “What’s with all the compliments?”

  “Just calling it like I see it. Ready to go?”

  We piled into a taxi and chatted on the short drive to the restaurant. I felt completely detached from reality. As soon as we arrived at the restaurant and were seated I ordered a glass of wine.

  “Oh, Lia, I sent in my first draft for the ultra lounge campaign. I forgot to show it you. Remind me later.”

  “Sure. How do you think it came out?”

  “It’s okay for a first draft. After I emailed it I found about twenty things I would change. I’ll have to wait and see what they say on Monday.” Her eyes lit up. “Monday! Can you believe it?”

  Seeing her so excited warmed my heart. “I can. This is going to be the start of so many great things for you.”

  “I know. I’m really happy. Plus, you’ll be there soon. I honestly don’t think life could be any better right now.” She reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “I think it’s all finally coming together, Lia. There’s so much opportunity and possibility. It all just feels right, you know?”

  I smiled and raised my glass. She was right in a way. Everything was finally coming together. I’d felt that exact way in New York. Sipping the wine, I resolved to put an end to Nathan’s reign of terror and
live the life I wanted with the man I loved.

  “You look so serious,” Darren mused, nudging my foot. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”

  “MacCourty, if you can figure that out I’ll give you a medal,” Alastair responded as he approached the table. I immediately relaxed when he sat next to me and placed his hand on my leg. “Hello, love.”

  “My kingdom for the keys to a woman’s mind,” Darren joked.

  “You don’t want to know what goes on up here,” Stephanie teased. “Ignorance is bliss.”

  “Is everyone ready to order?” A young man, no older than twenty, paused next to our table, pen and notepad ready. We told him what we wanted, deciding to split a few appetizers before our main courses arrived. Darren and Alastair chatted at length about their newly discovered mutual admiration for outdoor activities. I already knew Alastair played rugby occasionally on the weekends. What surprised me most was Darren’s affinity for camping.

  Stephanie paused mid-chew and stared at him. “Camping?"

  “Yes, camping.”

  “Outside? In a tent? Camping, camping?”

  “Is there another kind?” Darren laughed.

  “Yeah. The kind where I’m in a hotel with running water,” she countered.

  “Ah, you’ll change your tune. I already have something lined up for your birthday.”

  I thought Stephanie was going to pop a gasket. She looked panic stricken. I laughed uncontrollably.

  “Darren, if you manage to get her to sleep outside you have to promise me you’ll send pictures.”

  “You’re supposed to be on my side, Amelia Grace,” Stephanie grumbled.

  “Oh, I am,” I giggled. “I just think it would be hilarious to see you become one with nature.”

  “All the cool kids do it, Steph,” Darren teased. “Broaden your horizons.”

  She gave him a look, rolled her eyes at me and turned to Alastair. “You’ve been suspiciously quiet during all this. What’s your stance on camping?”

  A mischievous grin played on his lips. “I prefer county fairs and aquariums.”

  “That doesn’t help me,” she complained with a smile. “You’re as useless as those two.” She turned to Darren and started chatting with him.