“Are you okay?” Carolena asked.
“Yes, of course. Just feeling a little strange.” Then he faced her again, “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I trust you,” Carolena said, giving him a genuine smile.
“Very well, then. Let’s do it,” he said, taking her hand and leading her back into the office.
“I don’t care if it’s not common practice. Carolena and I have been abroad — we’ve not had time to change her name legally to mine. Therefore, we will be signing as follows… Ms. Carolena Ashlar and Mr. Enthrall Larocque. See to it immediately,” Enthrall demanded.
Mr. Thorpe regarded them for a moment longer, then seemed to have clarity strike him in the head as he hurriedly agreed and rushed away smiling to have his assistant, an attorney in her own right, change the papers she was working on.
Some time later, all of which was spent with Enthrall absentmindedly rubbing his chest from time-to-time, the door opened on the adjoining office, and Mr. Thorpe’s assistant walked in, a folder full of papers in her hands. A gasp left Enthrall and he stood immediately. The woman looked up at Enthrall and lost all train of thought. She stood where she was, her hands outstretched to hand the papers to Mr. Thorpe, but maintaining her grip on them.
Enthrall was lost as well — he was lost in her gaze. This female, she had an immediate effect on him. In one split second time stopped, and he took in everything about her, her thick, straight, silky blonde hair pulled severely back in a knot at the nape of her neck. Her height, she had to be at least 5’9” or 5’10”. Her striking blue eyes, not unlike his. Her long feminine arms and legs, her scent, the soft pink of her lips, the way her lady’s suit nipped in at her slender waist, her elegant, graceful fingers as they grasped the folders. Everything.
“Enthrall?” Carolena called, pulling at his sleeve.
He didn’t answer, lost as he was in the female who was equally lost in him.
“Enthrall?” she called even louder.
Enthrall shook himself out of his reverie, “What?” he said, not looking away from the woman standing before him.
“Are you ready to sign?” Carolena asked.
At the same time Mr. Thorpe was snatching the folder from his assistant, “Ms. Goins! Please!”
The woman shook herself back to reality and handed the folder over, “My apologies, Mr. Thorpe. All is as you requested.”
At the sound of her voice, Enthrall let out a soft moan.
“Thank you. That will be all,” Mr. Thorpe said, dismissing her.
Ms. Goins left the room reluctantly, bouncing off the door jamb as she tried to maintain eye contact with Enthrall as she walked through the door.
Carolena reached up and pinched Enthrall’s hand.
His head whipped around to her and she made a face at him and cut her eyes to Mr. Thorpe who was busy going over the paperwork now in hand.
“What is the problem?” she hissed at Enthrall on a whisper.
He looked at her, rubbed the now steadily aching spot just over his heart, and as his eyes filled with unshed tears, whispered, “Mine.”
Carolena’s eyes got huge, she reached out, putting her hands on his biceps to hold him steady, looking him in the eye, her mouth curved up into a smile, ready to jump and shout and celebrate with him, when she heard a voice behind her, “Mrs. Larocque, if you will just have a seat and sign these documents, we’ll be all set.”
Carolena’s mouth dropped. They thought that she and Enthrall were married. Enthrall’s woman thought that they were married. There was no way Enthrall could pursue her, much less claim her, while everyone was under the impression that she and Enthrall were married.
She looked up at Enthrall, who watched her sadly. He said, “It is all right. Let us sign the papers, love.”
Now her eyes filled with tears,; she wouldn’t cost Enthrall his happily ever after. “No, it’s okay,” she started.
The look she was used to seeing on his face when he had to be the leader of Whispers crossed his face. He was determined to do this for her, and nothing, not even her, would stop him. He interrupted her, “Sweet, you must follow through. This is what you wanted. Let us not waiver from our path. I will stand beside you always, without question, regardless of anything else. We are friends first — it is what makes us strongest. All else can be addressed as it comes.”
It was his way of telling her that he’d figure it all out, just keep to the plan.
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Without a doubt,” he answered firmly.
“Let me read them through, my love. Perhaps you and Rowan could take a stroll in the hallway, stretch your legs a bit. I shan’t be long, but I would be remiss if I didn’t read every single word before I allowed you to sign.”
“Thank you,” Carolena said. She went up on tiptoe to kiss Enthrall’s chin, then, as he took his seat at the desk across from Mr. Thorpe and began perusing the papers there, Carolena and Rowan stepped out into the hallway. They found the ladies room, and just a few moments later were joined by Ms. Goins.
“Mrs. Larocque, pardon me, but if I may intrude for a moment…” Ms. Goins said.
Carolena smiled warmly at her, “Of course, Ms. Goins, right?”
The beautiful woman nodded, “I’m not quite sure how to say this, so I’m just going to say it,” she said, looking at Carolena for encouragement to go on.
Carolena nodded and waited.
“Do not change your name to your husband’s.”
That was not what Carolena expected to hear, “Excuse me?”
“The moment you change your name to your husband’s, Mr. Thorpe will file paperwork claiming that you did not, under your legal name, claim your father’s holdings within the thirty day time limit, and he will move to claim it for this law firm.”
Carolena’s eyes rounded, and her mouth dropped open — she did not know what to say.
“In fact,” Ms. Goins continued, “he had me send the telegraph to Carolina Ashlar, spelled wrong, hoping that it would not make it to you in time.”
“But when I got it, my name was spelled properly,” Carolena said, thinking.
Ms. Goins nodded, “Yes, it was. I did not follow instructions. You have a right to claim everything that is yours.”
“Why would you do that? You could lose your job,” Carolena asked. “And you don’t even know me.”
“Right is right. And you should not stand to lose what is rightly yours simply because you are a woman,” Ms. Goins said. She thought for a moment before saying, “I’m an attorney myself. Fully trained and better educated than any man in this firm, but because I’m a woman, I’m treated as a glorified secretary.” Then she shrugged and smiled, “I make a difference where I can.” She turned to leave the bathroom, and Carolena took a step toward her, “Thank you, Ms. Goins.”
The woman turned back to her, she smiled warmly, “Felicity. Felicity Goins.”
“Thank you, Felicity,” Carolena said, then hurriedly, “Felicity?”
Felicity turned, “Yes?”
“Things are not always as they seem,” Carolena said cryptically.
Felicity looked at her, puzzled. “Such as?”
“Just,” Carolena hesitated, “Just try to remember that. Please.”
Felicity nodded, “I will.” Then she was gone.
Thirty minutes later Carolena and Enthrall signed all documents, Enthrall having read them all thoroughly. They were both now equal owners and controlling partners in every business, every piece of property, every bank account, everything, that was formerly Abraham Ashlar’s. As they were leaving the offices, Carolena told him about the conversation that took place in the bathroom. When they exited the building they saw Felicity leaving for the day as well. She was standing in front of the office building trying to pull her coat on, but having trouble getting the other sleeve because her hands were full of her pocketbook, her gloves and some files she was obviously taking home to work on. Enthrall looked at Carolena, who said, “
Go help her.”
Enthrall hurried to her and took hold of her coat, he held it for her and said, “Here, I’ve got it, slide your arm in.”
She did, then turned to see who had helped her. At seeing Mr. Larocque standing there, she immediately took a step back. It didn’t matter that she was pulled to him, he was another woman’s husband, and never under any circumstances would she ever cross that line. “Thank you, Mr. Larocque,” she said in an official tone.
“You’re welcome. But my name is Enthrall,” he offered a small smile.
“I am aware. I typed the papers for you and your wife, remember?” she said, putting emphasis on the word wife.
Enthrall nodded, “Yes. Right.” He looked up and down the street, seeing only the carriage waiting on them, and dozens of other people moving back and forth on foot. “May we drop you somewhere?” he offered.
“No, thank you. I walk to and from work, but I appreciate the offer,” she said. She needed to go, wanted to go, her heart hurt being this close to this man and knowing that he belonged to another. She’d never, ever felt this way toward another human being. She’d dreamed of it, but never thought it real. Then she’d walked into her boss’s office and found the emotion real, yet the man who caused it was married to another. She smiled at Carolena and the woman who was with her over Enthrall’s shoulder, “Good evening. It was a pleasure meeting you.” Then to Enthrall, “Thank you for helping with my coat. Good evening.”
Felicity turned to walk away, and Carolena called out, “Don’t forget what I told you!”
Felicity paused and looked back, “I won’t.”
“Right now. Remember right now what I told you!” Carolena persisted.
Felicity was confused. She had the distinct feeling that the woman was trying to make her understand something, but didn’t have a clue what it was. Felicity nodded and smiled, then walked away wondering what the hell it was she was missing. She didn’t look back, but she felt Mr. Larocque’s eyes, Enthrall’s eyes, peering into her back until she finally heard the sound of the carriage taking them away.
The sense of loss that overtook her was immense. She held in a sob, lifted her head high and made her way home. It wasn’t as easy as it used to be to walk home. She tired so much more quickly, and it seemed no matter what she did, what she ate or how much rest she got, she was always tired, dragging. She took a deep breath and started coughing. Great, more coughing. She shook her head as she trudged along, ignoring the eyes of many a man she passed along the way. She was so tired, of everything, and now on top of everything, this damn persistent coughing had started manifesting itself in the last week. Wheezing, she finally made it to her door. She unlocked the door to the single staircase that led to her tiny one-bedroom, walk-up apartment over the bakery, eight blocks from where she worked. She turned on the light as she entered her home and went straight to the radiator heater against the far wall. She turned it on and listened to it rattle and bang until finally, gratefully, warmth seeped out of it. She kicked her shoes off and slid down the wall to sit on the floor beside the heater, closed her eyes and allowed herself to dream of a man with striking blue eyes, that she could never call her own.
Chapter 24
Enthrall sat back against the cushions of the carriage they rode in. His mind reliving every moment of time he’d spent near Felicity. His mate.
“I’m so sorry, Enthrall,” Carolena said.
“For what?” he asked, genuinely not knowing what she was sorry for.
“Felicity. She thinks we are married. How can you possibly claim her, pursue her, if she works for the law firm that handled my father’s will? It’s all my fault,” Carolena lamented.
“If I remember correctly, it was my idea to play married couple so that they couldn’t pressure you into anything, and I’d have access to all your legal issues. My idea, Carolena. Not yours. Besides,” he smiled, looking much like a little boy, “she exists! Now I know she does exist. The hard part is over, I’ve found her. Now I just have to figure out the details.” He grinned at Carolena and then at Rowan, hugging them both to him. “I have a mate!” he shouted to the roof of the carriage.
Carolena laughed with him, smiling and hugging him back.
Rowan smiled, though demurely. She was wondering if this was what Destroy had felt when he’d found her. If his joy was as soul-felt and heartfelt as Enthrall’s. Or if perhaps it wasn’t because he was drawn to her under false pretenses. She selfishly hoped that his was as heartfelt. But if it had been, that would mean he’d be heartbroken now, with her having left him. Otherwise he would have followed her here. Then she remembered that she’d told him of her past, and even if his attraction to her had been real, there was no way he’d still want her. She crossed her arms around herself, scooting back into the corner of the carriage and watched the city go by through the window as she isolated herself, wrapped the purple ribbon in her pocket around her fingers and tried not to notice Carolena and Enthrall celebrating his mate.
They arrived home to a meal waiting for them. Carolena and Rowan sat to eat; Enthrall, unable to settle, told them he was going to ghost back to the alley beside the office building they’d been in earlier today and see if he could trace his female to ensure she got home safely. “Promise me you will not leave this house!” he demanded of them both. He was torn, he should not leave either of them alone, yet he had to know that Felicity was safe. “I won’t be but a moment. I just need to make sure she’s secure.”
“Enthrall, we are fine. Go!” Carolena said.
“Yes! Please go. We will be right here, still taking our dinner when you return. Do not worry about us — go,” Rowan added.
“Yes! Oh! And if you speak with her, perhaps she’d be interested in the little matter we discussed earlier. The thing we need the other legal firm for,” Carolena said, nudging her head toward Rowan.
“Wonderful idea!” Enthrall said just before he ghosted away.
Not ten minutes later as the women sat having their dinner, there was a knock at the door. Moments later the butler stood in the doorway of the living room, “Excuse me, miss. Ms. Rowan has visitors,” he announced.
“Me?” Rowan asked, her face turning ashen, with the thought that Alexandru and his brother had found her.
Carolena stood, “Who is it?”
Her butler answered, “I’m not sure, Miss. It’s an older couple and another elderly lady. They claim to be her parents.”
Rowan’s breath caught, “Mama? Really?” and she ran from the dining room to the front foyer of the house, Carolena close on her heels.
“Wait, Rowan, go slowly in case it’s not really them!” she called after her, but it was no use, she was already in the foyer.
Carolena hurried to the foyer and found Rowan crying happy tears, wrapped in what appeared to be her mother’s arms while her mother cried uncontrollably. There was another older woman that Carolena guessed was her grandmother hugging them both. And her father standing back, wiping at his own eyes. When Rowan turned to him and held her arm out for him to join in their hug, he finally gave up keeping his own tears at bay and joined them happily.
Carolena stood and watched quietly, missing her own family. Wondering what Carnage and Lily were doing.
Finally, after much hugging and tears and hurried words in a language she didn’t understand, Rowan turned to her, “This is my mother, Oksana Enescu. My grandmother Mamaie and my father, Gheorghe Enescu. They thought I was dead. After Mr. Ashlar was killed, and I was nowhere to be found, they thought that perhaps Alexandru had found me and killed me, Mr. Ashlar having walked in on it and been killed, too.”
Carolena stepped forward, welcoming them into her home, then she said, “I will never allow anyone to hurt Rowan.”
They nodded and smiled their thanks; then, Carolena surprised them, “Mr. Gheorghe, sir, your debt is absolved. You no longer owe anything to my father or any of his holdings. They are all my holdings now, and you are debt free.”
Gheorghe’s ey
es got big, and he approached her slowly, “Can this be true?” he asked, taking her hand in his. “You are an angel,” he said, his eyes wide with wonder.
Carolena chuckled, “No sir, I assure you I am no angel. But you are indeed debt free. In fact, Rowan, if you don’t mind, I’d like to have your family join us for dinner. I’ve been speaking to Enthrall about an idea that I have, and I’d like your opinion on it — theirs, too.”
“Oh, no, we couldn’t impose. We just wanted to see our daughter,” Oksana began.
“Come!” Rowan’s Mamaie said, “we eat!” she proclaimed in her rich Romanian accent. She was a wonderful old lady, long, thick white hair braided about her head and pinned neatly under a bright orange scarf. Her dress was that of the old country, brightly colored peasant blouse and a skirt that was embroidered with vibrant colored threads and beads.
Carolena smiled, “Yes, we eat. And you have seen your daughter. She is well, so let us share dinner and talk of my plans,” Carolena said, clasping Gheorghe’s hand and leading them into the dining room.
“Please bring three more place settings,” she asked the butler.
“At once, miss,” he bowed and hurried to do her bidding.
Moments later they all sat down to a wonderful meal, relaxing and enjoying one another’s company.
Carolena waited until they’d finished their meals and dessert was served to reveal her plan. As they cut into the chocolate cake topped with cherries, she said nonchalantly. “I’ve decided to give this home and all the grounds it’s on to Rowan.”
Rowan choked on her cake, slamming her hands down on the table beside her plate as she coughed out her cake onto her plate. “You what?!” she wheezed, still coughing.
“It’s yours. This entire place, the entire estate is yours, all its grounds, the house. All of it. Or it will be, as soon as I find a law firm, or a lawyer that I trust to handle all my finances. Then I’m signing it over to you.” Carolena finished, smiling, and taking a bite of her cake. Running her finger through the cherries on top of her piece, “I so love cherries, don’t you?” she asked, smiling, feeling confident about her decision.
Destroy, Book 2, Whispers From the Bayou Page 19