I’d had enough days sitting in this beautiful house feeling isolated. A deep loneliness had me suddenly doubting our future. I even questioned if I am might end up alone.
I patiently waited in the kitchen, drinking a glass of wine by the island. When I heard his steps, I knew there were two Gucci shoes approaching, and not a boot in sight. I watched as he searched the room for me. I took a second to appreciate the view, which was all male. His build had certainly not been affected by the accident.
I reveled in the moment where he finally saw me. The gleam in his eyes sparkled as his smile widened. His gaze pierced through me, reminding me of the way he used to touch me. He tracked my body slowly, from my favorite crystal heels to my half-exposed breast, and finally resting on my mouth. I ran my tongue over my top lip just enough to stir a memory of his, the one of me on my knees.
He looked smug, as if he already knew how good he looked. He also knew the effect he had on me. I only hoped he would eventually find what was under my dress waiting for him: nothing but skin.
As he approached me, his scent took me by surprise. I hadn’t been privy to it since Tahoe. It catapulted me back to sexy days and passion-filled nights. The ache between my legs reminded me of how long it had been.
I saw the passion reach his eyes at the same time as mine, and I recognized his all-knowing look. Tonight I wanted one thing and one thing only: for him to want me.
“Let’s go,” I said, not wanting to waste any time.
***
We ended up arriving a few minutes late. Alex drove his new R8 for the first time, and I could feel the adrenaline pumping through him on the way over. He opened my door as I tucked my arm into his, carrying a dozen white roses for Eden.
The venue was stunning, all done is glass, blacks, and grays—no jarring color. It all accentuated her palette of work. I looked around at all the other people here. They were from all walks of life—art connoisseurs and her friends, all there to support her. There was also a columnist who had been invited to review the show for the Nevada Times paper. I wondered how nerve-racking this whole night would be for Eden.
We had been offered champagne upon our arrival, and we mingled. We approach Eden’s first collection, which was named ‘Unforgiven.’ It was oil on canvas in stark blacks, grays, and white. It was stunning darkness among the light, and I was seriously impressed.
In another alcove, we found watercolors and abstracts. Seeing a new level of sophistication in her work, it was as if the paint had seeped down the canvas, mimicking tears. With every turn I took, her creativeness flowed, capturing her life. I felt compelled to touch it, but resisted.
“I’m captivated by Eden’s exuberance in her art. Yet, there’s also intense heartbreak that rests among the brushstrokes.”
Alex said it casually, as we moved from painting to painting. It surprised me, because he just got art, in a similar way that I did.
Taking sideway glances of the man who had me on his arm was intoxicating me. No matter how hard I tried to control the melting sensation that soared through my body, it was still there, begging for attention.
Two hours went by, and we toured more of Eden’s compelling work. We drank wine, ate appetizers, and lingered as the show began winding down. I noticed everyone was leaving except for a small group. Alex held me close, and I saw Gage and his guy friend. Ben was also here with Jordon.
Then Theo approached the podium in the center of the grand entrance and lit several white candles. He called out to Eden.
“Come, angel.”
He reached out for her as she approached him.
“Congratulations on a magnificent exhibit, darling. Your talent and craft have shone so bright today for everyone to see, and I couldn’t be prouder of you.”
Then he gently removed the glass of champagne from her hand and placed it on the podium. He held her hands in his and kissed the top of each.
I noticed that her beauty was extra-emphasized when she was in close proximity to the man she loved. The yellow dress I had designed hugged her body gracefully. Her long, dark waves were flowing down her back as she looked up to meet his gaze.
“When I met you, I met my destiny. I fought a battle with my heart, but it already knew you were my one true love. Everything I am, everything I do, everything I have is all because of you.”
“Theo…”
She drew his name out as her first tear fell.
“With you, I found laughter, passion, joy, and love. With every heartbeat, you are the air that I breathe.”
Then he got down on one knee, and there were gasps from the small crowd.
Eden rushed to cover her mouth, both of her hands trembling. Tears were flowing freely now. The room was sparking as electrical energy bounced off every wall. Each of us felt it, witnessed it, and envied it.
“Our future rests on this single moment.” Theo was holding a blue box, which he then opened and presented to her. “Will you marry me, Eden Barnett?”
Finally, the magic words were spoken.
“Yes,” she whispered. “With all my heart, yes.”
Theo put the ring on her finger, kissing her passionately.
The remaining crowd rushed them all at once. There were hugs, tears of joy, congratulations, and admiration of the beautiful, princess-cut diamond ring.
It was utterly unforgettable, and I had a feeling that every woman in there wanted to say yes to Theo.
Alex stood beside me, pulling me into him.
“Did you know?” I asked.
“Yes. I’m assuming I’m the best man.”
Then his phone vibrated. I could feel it in his pocket. He looked apologetically to me, and took the call, which lasted only five seconds.
“I have to go. I’m sorry, but it’s urgent—life-or-death urgent.”
Then he gave me the keys to his new car, and I was left trying to make sense of it all.
Chapter Fourteen
Alex
I went directly to the SUV where one of Steel’s men was waiting. Then I opened the back door and got in. The driver only nodded once, I did the same. Then we took off. Destiny awaited us.
Leaving Madison had twisted my heart inside out, but I had to go. I had to take care of this and finish this once and for all. I could sort things out with Madison after it was done. I rubbed my face, holding in my rage. Why I had let him hold such power over me could only be explained by the hell I had gone through.
My right leg, now absent of the boot-support, cramped intensely, stiff and burning as I reached down to soothe the pain. I tried to stretched it out before we arrived. I would not show any sign of weakness once I got there.
We arrived twenty minutes later. The only light on was the door on the back side. Smart. I stayed close behind him as I followed the man, collecting every ounce of courage to calm the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I would show no fear.
I entered the cold, gray room. The concrete floor was damp. There was scarce light coming from the existing construction equipment used to surround the man tied to a brown metal chair. A ski cap was over his face. Darkness was growing in my gut.
Steel and his team were donned in head-to-toe camo, including the mask they each wore to conceal their identity. Their stance was intimidating as his men circled Graham fucking Carrington. All twelve stood with arms folded, fully armed, and completely silent.
As I approached, Steel pierced me with a look. Then he nodded, and with sudden clarity I knew he would not speak, nor his men. I was center stage, about to come face-to-face with my enemy. My stomach rolled, my palms were damp, but once I had my pound of flesh—my revenge—I would find peace again.
“Well. Well. What a surprise,” I started, and he stilled at the sound of my voice. He was squirming like an animal caught in a cage, but the ropes held tight. He was bound in many creative places. Steel was indeed an artist.
“Wh-what do you want?”
His suffering quite appealed to me. Seeing him in this vulnerable position,
I was quite certain that Graham had many enemies. His mind was probably racing, trying to figure out which one had finally caught up to him. Every fiber in his being was suddenly aware of every sound or movement.
I slowly paced back and forth, my hands behind my back, knowing that he couldn’t see me. But his senses were on high alert once his sight was taken by the black cap covering his entire head. I knew he was aware of me, fearing what would come next.
I walked behind him, placing my hands on his shoulders, then I moved slowly up to his neck, gently applying pressure. I leaned over, close to his covered ear, and whispered, “There’s no escape.”
“Who are you? Why am I here?”
The panic was steadily rising in his voice. That’s what I had been waiting for.
“He doesn’t play nice with others, gentlemen,” I said, slowly sliding the knit cap off his head and throwing it on the floor.
His eyes darted around the room, disoriented. The brightness of the lights was blinding as I purposely walked in front of one. It left only a silhouette for Graham to see, but soon his eyes adjusted.
“I see the men were kind to you.”
Slowly he turned to look at me.
“Storm,” he acknowledged.
“You play a cruel game, Graham. Despicable, actually.”
I acted purely on instinct. The man I despised was here at my mercy. There was poetry in that knowledge.
“What do you want?” he asked again.
I ignored his question, making my way to the video recorder sitting on a tripod facing him.
“I hope you don’t mind,” I sarcastically asked, just as the red light started to flash. “Are you seeking absolution?”
Steel’s men had disappeared out of sight, but not before Graham had seen the intimidating team I had constructed to capture him. I was confident their presence was close by, however.
“For what?”
“See, there you go again, playing games.”
My voice was even, but the threat in it felt sharper than ever.
“There’s nothing to tie me to your accident,” Graham spit out, his rattled voice giving away his fear.
“Ah, but you’re wrong—again. My men found the driver of the black SUV, and he gave a full confession. We have him on tape, as well. We’re just trying to decide how it will serve our best interest.”
“You’re fucking with the wrong person, Storm.”
I watched him struggle helplessly against the ties that bound him.
“Am I?” I walked several steps closer to him. “So, I was just collateral damage, standing in the way of your true love with Madison?”
I laughed at this, but in reality, the mere thought almost brought me to my knees.
“You mean the whore who cheated on me? Her?”
His voice had taken on a new edge.
“Careful now, for your sake.” A growl escaped my chest, and suddenly we were nose to nose. “You wouldn’t want to provoke me by having to defend her honor, now would you?”
“Enjoy Tahoe?” Graham’s smirk was lethal. “Ah, young love.”
My patience was starting to slip.
I walked away from him with purpose and pressed the off button on the camera. Then I headed straight back to him. A tidal wave of emotions stormed through me as I took my fist and rammed it into his gut, causing him to grunt out a hardened gasp. Then I grabbed his hair and yanked it back hard. I was hovering over him in a full-blown rage.
“You think I won’t kill you?”
The spit from my words landed on his face, but his cold eyes were dead inside. I wanted blood—his blood.
Someone cleared their throat, Steel. So, I let go of him, reluctantly. I could see him letting his head drop in pain, in fear. I breathed deeply, controlling the beast within, and once again pressed the record button.
“Graham, there’s blood on your hands.” I didn’t have any problem using whatever means necessary. I wanted to crucify him, and I wouldn’t leave here today without his confession. “Admit it, Graham. We already have one witness, and let’s not forget the phone call to Madison.”
His eyes flew up to meet mine, and the coldness in his gaze chilled me.
“You remember, you told her I was missing before anyone else knew.” I felt his panic and waited for his wheels to spin. “We have it recorded, as well.”
“Interesting theory.”
Graham was stalling, and we both knew it. The sweat on his upper lip told me I was close.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Are you sure you want to stick with this lie?” I shook my head as I continued to pace. “Is the master manipulator suddenly at a loss for words?”
I circled his chair, slowly causing a slight panic in him when I stood directly behind him. His own imagination was doing the work for me.
“It wasn’t what I ordered!” he yelled.
Now he was hanging on by a thread.
“I swear, they were only supposed to scare you!”
His breathing was becoming erratic as he fought against the ropes, gaining nothing.
“Did you have us followed to Lake Tahoe, too?”
The bitter taste of betrayal in my mouth could only be satisfied but the admission of his guilt.
“Just followed.” He let out an awkward laugh. “Nothing illegal about that.”
His world was ending, and the life he had come so accustomed to would soon come to an end as well. He was a criminal, and I was repulsed by this weak man. The catalyst who had planned my destruction. Fortunately, I had been strong enough to survive, endure, and conquer.
“This is what’s going to happen.” I stood behind, him leaning over, letting my words have full effect. “You’re going to stay the fuck away from me, from Madison, and our entire family, or I will take this video and all the additional evidence we have to every media outlet, as well as the prosecutor and district attorney, and destroy you.”
His stillness confirmed that he knew that this was real.
“And as an added bonus, I will be sending a special gift-wrapped copy to your father. I think he’d appreciate that, don’t you, Graham?”
I needed to see this whole thing through. My sanity depended on it. My quest for revenge had to be satisfied, even if it was wrong on so many levels. This was a man who was a threat and a danger to society as a whole.
My fury eased as I stood there. I felt heard now, and justified, like a man. Maybe now my nightmares would finally cease.
It surprised me that I had been able to keep it together. Yes, the rage had taken me over, but considering my anger, he had got very lucky.
Steel suddenly stepped out of the darkness, awaiting further instructions.
“Drop him off at his father’s. And make sure you send him a copy.”
“Yes, sir.”
***
Freedom—I think that’s what I felt. Power once lost had been found again. The weight I had carried and even fought against, as if it owned me, that was gone now. The whole experience had made me stronger. I knew I had to face him and what he’d done. I had been living in so many dark corners, the light just out of reach. I felt as though I had finally stepped into the light.
I walked away from that room a changed man.
The same man drove me home as I sat in the back seat and contemplated the version of truth I would share with Madison. I wouldn’t hide what I’d done. The question was, how much was enough?
I accepted the fact that I was now a man filled with vengeance—justly so. One way or another, I’d had to release it. And I had taken a calculated risk that had paid off. I had refused to let the poisonous taste of revenge consume me.
The bitter taste of betrayal was nothing compared to the sweet taste of revenge.
As we pulled into my drive, I sat a moment too long. The man driving turned, studying me, and I took the hint and climbed out, ready to face Madison.
I stepped into the room, only to find her sitting in the dark, in the same outfit I had left her in. Her shoes were off, and sh
e was sipping an amber liquid. Scotch? She was clearly upset.
I slowly approached her and joined her, leaving enough room for her to breathe.
Her familiar scent engulfed me as the thick silence hung in the air. I watched as she drained her glass and set it down with the utmost grace. Then she turned, watching me, her face intent.
I struggled to find my opening line.
“You left me. Why?”
She was trying to conceal her emotions, but I had no doubt that anger was at the top of her list.
“Yes, I’m sorry. I’ll explain everything.” Or almost. “I had to face the man who had taken something from me. This man who was the one responsible for stealing my peace of mind and my safety, because on some level, he owned me.”
She edged closer to me, but didn’t reach out.
“I felt powerless, until today—this very moment, actually.”
Remembering the intensity of the confrontation, I felt no guilt, and no shame. He’d had to pay for the price of his actions.
He’d got off easy, in my eyes.
“Graham?”
I hated to hear his name on her lips.
“You confronted him?”
“Yes, I was taking back my power, as a victim, as a survivor, and as a man.”
I heard the edge in my voice. Would she understand?
“You’re no longer in his shadow?” she asked, her eyes softening, finding the compassion that was missing only moments ago.
“I wanted to lose myself. I was so scared, and unhinged. The wild mood swings, the nightmares that plagued me. I believed that by facing him and hearing his confession, it would release me from my chains. I believed that this was the path to finding myself again.”
“I know. I lived through it with you, remember?”
Her words cut me, even ifshe had no intension of inflicting pain.
“But it’s your story, too. He hurt you, too.”
Surviving the Storm (Surviving Series Book 2) Page 14