by dlady
She backed up a step, but he followed her. “Gino, leave now.” She forced herself to be brave, to stand up to this man who once controlled her life to the point where she had to ask permission to use the bathroom.
“What would he say if he knew you stripped for men? What about those lap dances you did where you allowed men to touch you all over? He thinks you’re this sweet churchgoing girl, and you’re nothing but a whore.”
“I never did that. Never.”
“But you would’ve. You were going to. I had some special parties all lined up for you.”
“I left. I wouldn’t do that.”
“Do you think he’ll believe you when I show him the videos of what you did do?”
Her mouth fell open and her knees wobbled. The world spun before her eyes. She grabbed the trunk of a small tree to hold herself steady. Videos? He’d taken videos of her? Of course he had. He was that sick, that degenerate. He probably had them online somewhere, too.
“Ah, I see I’ve finally struck a nerve with you, honey. I want what’s mine, or someone is going to pay for my loss.”
“How much?” she croaked, sick with the images of Jared watching videos of her performing those demeaning acts with men and pretending to enjoy them when she hated every minute. Jared knew she had secrets, but not like this.
Jared would dump her. Her new life would collapse, and she’d have no one to blame but herself. She’d fallen for this jerk, and she’d made this bed with him. Now she either needed to lie in it or find a way to get out.
“How much do you have?” His eyes lit up with greed. One thing Gino loved above all else was money. He’d always believed himself entitled to money, large amounts of money, and the world owed it to him, as had Steph. She still owed him from his way of thinking.
“I have about two thousand saved up.” That was all she had, but she’d give it to him if he’d go away and leave her alone.
“I’ll take two now, but it’s not enough. I think you’re so fine, you’re worth a lot more to me than two thousand dollars.”
“I’m not yours.”
“You are mine, and you always will be.” His face hardened into an angry, devil-like mask. She knew that look and shuddered inside. That look was usually followed by a fist or a kick. It had never ended well for her. Only this time, he didn’t hit her. “Get the money in cash. Hundred-dollar bills. Put it in an envelope and leave it with Billy by tomorrow afternoon.”
She was buying his silence, but for how long? His extortion could go on forever. She had to be brave and show him she wasn’t the woman she’d been before.
“I changed my mind. I’m not giving you anything.”
He walked closer to her, standing inches away. She could smell the cloying cologne he practically bathed in. How she’d once found his scent alluring was beyond her.
Catching her off guard, he drew back his fist and punched her in the stomach. She doubled over, and he kicked her legs out from under her. Steph slammed to the ground, butt-first, which was good, since that was where she had the most padding. Having had experience with Gino’s brutality, she rolled to the side and curled into a ball to protect herself.
She heard his cruel laughter.
“Stupid bitch. You deserved that.”
Anger at him and herself for taking it rose inside her. She shot to her feet, shocking him to the point where he scrambled backward.
“Don’t you ever touch me again. Ever.”
He regained his composure quickly. “Or you’ll what? Have me arrested? Honey, let me remind you that putting me behind bars doesn’t ensure your safety. Remember my buddy who paid you a visit?”
She did, but she refused to let him see her fear. Instead she glared at him, challenging him to touch her again. She was pissed, and this time she’d fight back. She ignored her upset stomach and throbbing hip.
But meeting violence with violence wasn’t the answer. Not in a million years. She wouldn’t be like him. She was the better person.
“Leave now.”
He studied her for a long moment, sizing her up, and not liking what he was seeing. His lip curled. “I want the money. I want payment for what’s mine.”
“You aren’t getting a thing from me.”
“Fucking bitch.”
She shrugged, marveling at her own bravery and the fact he wasn’t attacking her again. Not that she was going to get off this easy. Headlights lit up the driveway. Someone was pulling in. He glanced behind him.
“I’m not done with you,” he warned her as he dove in the bushes.
As soon as he disappeared, Steph collapsed at the side of the driveway. She’d been as strong as she could manage, and she was proud of herself.
* * * *
Jared sat down next to Drew at the table. Several of his teammates were eating an after-game dinner. Realizing he was hungry, Jared ordered off the menu and poured a beer from one of the many pitchers gathered around the table. Smooth and Coop were debating the merits of a new type of hockey stick. Ice, being somewhat set in his ways, was calling bullshit on this stick, which supposedly improved accuracy and speed. Brick ignored them all and ate half his weight in food. The guy worked up a huge appetite after a game. Drew slumped over his beer and said nothing to anybody. The guys avoided him when he was surly like this. No one spoke to him, even though they side-eyed him with regularity.
Jared blew out a frustrated sigh. Matt pulled up a chair and forced Drew to move over to make room, ignoring the younger player’s grumbling.
“What’s up, Hot Rod?”
“I can’t reach Steph,” Jared said gloomily. His words brought about a new wave of panic punctuated by a sick feeling in his stomach. Déjà vu threatened to overpower him. Steph wasn’t like that. She wouldn’t screw around on him. She was a good girl, one of the trustworthy ones. She didn’t care if he had money or fame or any of that bullshit. She cared about him.
“I’m sure everything is fine.” Concern flashed in Matt’s eyes. “How long has it been?”
“I’ve been trying all afternoon and after the game. Could you text Vi and find out if she’s seen her?” Jared hated the needy desperation in his voice.
“Sure.” Matt texted Vi and waited for a response. “Nope, hasn’t heard from her since this morning. Do you want Vi to check on her?”
“If she wouldn’t mind.”
“I’m sure she wouldn’t. She’s worried now too.”
“Thanks.”
Matt smiled and gave Jared a playful punch in the shoulder. “She’s fine. Maybe busy party crashing or something.”
“Yeah. I’m sure that’s it.”
“You don’t think she’d cheat on you, do you?”
Jared considered Matt’s words and was surprised to find that despite his reaction to not being able to reach Steph, he really didn’t believe Steph would cheat on him. He was more worried about her abusive ex. “No, it’s the ex.”
“Ah, yeah, that guy. He’s not willing to leave her alone, is he?”
“What do you know about him?” Jared met Matt’s eyes.
“Enough to know the guy is an asshole. I’d gladly beat the crap out of him if you just say the word.”
From down the table, Jasper “Caveman” Flint glanced up from his second burger and wiped his mouth on his sleeve. “Did someone mention a fight? I’m in.” Cave loved to fight.
Coop glowered at Cave, not liking how quick the guy was to drop his gloves and draw a penalty. “No, you will not. No one is getting into a fight.”
“Ah, Coop, you’re about as much fun as my ninety-five-year-old great-grandma.” Cave grinned. A glob of sauce slid down his chin, and he ignored it. The man had the manners of a gorilla. No one liked to sit by him at meals because he was such a slob.
“Put away your club for another day.” Smooth smacked Cave on the back. “And wipe your fucking face. Food goes in the mouth, not on the rest of your body.”
“I beg to differ. Food on certain parts of female body is fucking good.�
� Cave winked at his teammates, drawing chuckles and agreement from around the table. For once Coop said nothing, but his face turned suspiciously red, leaving Jared to wonder what types of food Coop used on Izzy’s body. Then he decided the images were too much for him to bear and switched to imagining strawberries and hot fudge on certain parts of Steph’s body.
Yeah, next time he saw her, he was bringing strawberries and whipped cream, maybe some hot fudge sauce. God, he was getting hard thinking about it—and hungry. He signaled the waitress and ordered a chocolate cake with two scoops of ice cream. If he couldn’t have Steph tonight, he’d eat himself into oblivion.
His phone rang, and it was Steph. He grinned and tapped the answer button. “Hey, beautiful, where’ve been? I’ve been trying to reach you?”
He heard what sounded suspiciously like a stifled sob followed by hiccup. Alarmed, he rose quickly and moved to a more private table in the bar. “Steph, what’s wrong?”
He listened without comment as she told a rambling story punctuated by heart-wrenching sobs and sniffling. His fingers closed into fists as the story unfolded, and he began to make sense of her disjointed, highly emotional words.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
He pounded the table in frustration. He was stuck on this road trip and wouldn’t be home until Sunday night, which happened to be New Year’s Eve.
“Where are you now?”
“With the sisters, and Vi’s here. We called the police, but they won’t do anything. They never do.”
“I’ll do something if they won’t. I’ll hunt the bastard down and kill him,” he said through gritted teeth. Thank God the sisters had come along when they did. Who knew what that asshole might have done? The possibilities were endless and scared the ever-loving shit out of him. He couldn’t lose Steph. In such a short time, she’d become as much a part of him as hockey and his family. She mattered. Her well-being mattered. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and protect her forever. Only he couldn’t be there. Not for a few more days.
“Please don’t. I don’t want you to go to jail.”
He managed a tight chuckle. “I won’t go to jail for the likes of him. I’m smarter than that fucker.”
“Jared, I almost didn’t tell you because I was afraid of how you’d react.”
“I promise you I won’t do anything stupid.” Jared went into protector mode. If he couldn’t be there, he’d make sure someone kept Steph safe. “You can’t stay alone in that apartment.”
“I’m not. I’m going home with Vi after we stop off and get a few things.”
“Good.” Some of the tension drained from him. She wouldn’t be alone.
“We need to go now. Vi left the boys with a friend, and it’s not going well. You know how Matt’s boys are.”
“Yeah, I do. I’ll talk to you after morning skate.”
“Okay.” Her voice was small and soft. He could imagine her hugging herself and trying to disappear. The anger raged all over again, tempered only by his need to make her feel better.
“And Steph, don’t worry. I’ve got this. I’m going to take care of it. You won’t have to worry about him much longer.”
“Jared—”
“Don’t worry. I won’t do anything illegal.”
“Good.” He could hear the relief in her voice. “I need to go.”
“Okay, I care about you, sweetheart.”
“That makes me feel so much better.”
The call ended. Jared sat at the table for another fifteen minutes until he’d gotten his temper and pounding heart under control. He strode back to the team table and motioned for Drew to follow him. Coop met his gaze, concern in his eyes. Without asking for an invitation, he stood and followed Drew and Jared to the private table. Matt watched them walk by and joined them.
Jared glanced around the table at the three men. “This is a private conversation.”
“Does it involve Steph?” Coop asked.
“Yeah.”
“Then I need to know. I’ve come to think of her as a little sister, and she lives on my property. What concerns her concerns Izzy and I.” Coop crossed his arms and leaned back in this chair, making it obvious he wasn’t going anywhere.
With a sigh, Jared turned to Matt, already knowing he wasn’t going to win this one.
“Vi is her best friend,” Matt said. “I know what happened, and I’m interested to hear what you plan to do about it. If there’s any action, I want in on it.”
“Fine.” Jared rolled his eyes and focused his attention on Drew. “I need to hire your buddy.”
“For what?” Drew asked.
“I want him to find a guy for me.”
Coop’s brows shot up, but he didn’t say a word, while Matt nodded knowingly.
“A guy?” Drew said.
“Yeah. Let me explain, but I’d like to keep it between the four of us.” Jared relayed the story as he understood it. The more he told, the angrier his three teammates appeared. Like him, they had no regard for a man who knocked a woman around.
“Where is he now?” Coop asked, and Jared doubted his question was as casual as he tried to make it sound. Knowing Coop, if he could track the guy down, no one would find the body. Jared felt the same way, and judging by the determined looks on the others’ faces, they were in agreement.
“No one knows. She called the police, but they won’t do much or make an effort to find him. He’s not exactly a law-abiding citizen.”
As much as Jared would love to rough up the asshole, he knew they couldn’t without jeopardizing the team’s Stanley Cup chances. This had to be done legally somehow.
“You want Bronson to find him?” Drew asked.
“Yeah, that’s your friend’s name?”
Drew nodded. “He’s recently started a business called Gone Missing, where he finds missing people.”
“I want him to find Gino and dig up some dirt, so we can put him away for a long time.”
“I’ll put you in touch with him.”
“Good.” Jared managed a grim smile. He dearly wanted to punch the jerk’s lights out, but seeing him in handcuffs and an orange jumpsuit might be the best he could do.
Maybe, maybe not.
Chapter 16—Top-Shelf Goal
Steph hid out at Vi and Matt’s house all day Saturday, nursing her wounds and tolerating the parade of friends who came to check on her. Obviously, the word had spread. Izzy and Riley came first with breakfast for all of them, followed by Avery and Amelia. Last up was Bella, who was ready to do battle. Steph calmed Bella down and, in the process, calmed herself down.
As much as she wished they’d all leave her alone, her heart warmed at her new friends’ concern. Rather than being annoyed, Steph was touched. She’d never had this many people care for her so sincerely since she’d left the protection of her family home and stepped into a world she’d never imagined.
Jared called or texted every hour or two, asking how she was. He was worried, and Steph tried to lay his fears to rest. She was going to be okay. She was stronger than she’d ever imagined, and Jared’s concern bolstered her courage. She could do this. She could break free. She could have a new life.
The sisters invited her to tea on Sunday and wouldn’t take no for an answer. They sent Giles with the car, a classic Bentley limo, or so Giles told her. Steph didn’t know her cars. All she knew was the limo was beautiful and old. They didn’t make cars like that anymore.
The sisters were unusually chatty as they served tea in delicate cups. Giles hovered in the corner rather than leaving the room, as if needing to protect them. It was super sweet.
Popping one of the delicate cookies in her mouth, Steph savored the bite-sized morsel before swallowing and wiping her mouth carefully with a white linen napkin.
“Are you sure you’re okay with Jared and I being together?” She needed to clear the air with them.
“Oh, that?” Agnes waved her jewelry-clad hand in the air. “Silly, silly girl.”
Iona poured another cup of
tea, placed a cube of sugar in it, and sipped. “Agnes, would you like a refill?”
“I’d love one.” Agnes held out her cup, waiting patiently while Iona poured. Steph looked from one to the other, frustrated and confused. What was wrong with these two? Were they losing their minds or toying with her?
“Do you want me to give notice?” Steph asked.
The two sisters exchanged perplexed looks and then refocused their attention on Steph.
“Why ever for?” Iona asked.
“Because I’m dating Jared.” Steph fought to keep the exasperation from her voice and failed. She glanced at Giles, hoping for some assistance from him, but he was stone-faced except for a slight twitch at one corner of his mouth. He found this amusing, and she had no clue why.
“Stephanie, we don’t want you to go,” Iona said.
“I know you said you were okay with it, but I signed something.”
“You’re Jared’s match. We’ve known it all along,” Agnes said.
“You did? Why did you ask me to interview him? And why did you insist he interview me?”
“So you could get to know each other better.” Iona rolled her eyes, as if she found Steph to be daft.
Steph shook her head in disbelief. “The whole thing was an act orchestrated to bring Jared and I together.”
“Absolutely. You were doing a piss-poor job on your own, girl.” Agnes’s gaze slipped to Giles. She quickly looked away, but Steph caught the pink tinge to her paper-white cheeks.
“You are fond of him,” Iona said with absolute confidence.
“I’m very fond of him,” Steph said. “I’ve fallen for him.”
The two women nodded and fist-bumped. Steph had to laugh. Without their intervention, she and Jared might’ve never dated. She shot to her feet and hugged each of them, even Giles. The sudden outburst of affection flustered the ladies and embarrassed Giles, even though he seemed pleased.
“Thank you.”