Lured In (Dark Paradise, #1)

by Avent, V. R.

  “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about you,” Zach told Gabi. “Breakfast will be ready shortly.”

  “It smells good. What did you cook, Mom?” Gabi asked, wrapping her arms around my waist, looking up at me.

  “Zach cooked waffles, bacon, eggs, and oatmeal.”

  She looked between me and Zach, and said, “Oh! OK.” She looked at Zach again and furrowed her eyebrows before looking at me. That she got from me.

  We all sat to eat breakfast, and I asked Gabi, “Do you like the way your food tastes?”

  “It’s very good. I like the oatmeal a lot,” she replied gleefully with wide eyes and a wider smile.

  “Is it better than mine?”

  “The oatmeal, yes—hands down, and I want seconds. Everything else is almost as good as yours, but not quite. Sorry, Mr. Zach…and thank you for the breakfast.”

  A voice from the dining room doorway interrupted our breakfast. “Gab, are you ready to go, sweetheart?”

  I got up, surprised to see him, and pushed him back into the foyer.

  “Ready for what? This is my weekend with her.”

  He ignored my question and looked Zach up and down. It was the same stare Gabi had given him earlier.

  He scowled at me and then Zach. He looked at Gabi and said, “Go up to your bedroom and get your clothes on, now.” She got up promptly and went up to her bedroom.

  “Why are you here to get Gabi on my weekend?”

  He ignored me still and walked closer to Zach, who was still sitting at the table, with an evil, watchful eye.

  “Who is this, Abigail?” Gabe asked me in Italian.

  I grabbed Gabe’s right arm and demanded, “Tell me, why are you here?”

  “Who the fuck is this man, Abi?” he asked, still speaking in Italian, ignoring my question.

  “Would you stop it with the Italian, already? And tell me why you’re here.”

  “It’s Erma’s birthday today. What, she’s not allowed to see her sister on her birthday?”

  “I would never keep Gabi away from her sister. But you knew you had plans for them today and didn’t bother to make arrangements to switch our weekends.”

  “I’m not discussing my children with you in front of any Tom, Dick, or Harry,” he said, walking over to the stairs to make sure Gabi wasn’t listening to us.

  “Excuse me? But you came into my house unannounced and most definitely uninvited.”

  Zach wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me back toward him, as I was getting dangerously close to Gabe. I was one hundred percent sure I would’ve slapped Gabe in his face otherwise. Gabe saw Zach’s arm around my waist and got more upset.

  “Abigail! I said not now. Not in front of strangers,” he yelled, looking furiously at Zach. “We’ll discuss Gab and the strangers you expose her to in my house later.” He switched back to Italian and continued, “And I know you do not want to get the courts involved.”

  “You son of—” I charged Gabe, and Zach pulled me into his lap and kissed me.

  Zach whispered, “Whatever he just said, let it go. Your daughter is still here, and she can probably hear you two.”

  I pushed away from Zach and yelled at Gabe, “Are you threatening to take my daughter away from me?”

  Zach pulled me away from Gabe and turned me to face him. “Abi, look at me, baby. Nobody is foolish enough to take Gabrielle away from you. I promise you it will never happen. I trust no one would ever, ever, be that stupid. Surely they wouldn’t want to upset you and piss me off in turn.”

  Zach was in the middle of staring Gabe down with fiery eyes when Gabi came down dressed and ready to go. I kissed and hugged her good-bye.

  “Have fun, baby,” I told her.

  She waved and said, “Bye, Mr. Zach. Thank you again for cooking us an amazing breakfast.” Gabe’s scowl grew tighter.

  “You are more than welcome,” he replied.

  Gabe looked at Zach and me and slammed the door shut.

  “Abi, why the hell does he have the keys to your house?” Zach asked angrily.

  “It’s technically his house. He paid for it and pays for all the monthly expenses. But to answer your question, I never asked for the keys back when we split.”

  “Why are you relying on him? You make enough fucking money to support you and your daughter.”

  “I don’t rely on him. He offered to cover everything, and I didn’t refuse. Besides, it allows me to continue to invest and grow the money I do have.”

  “Do you still love him?”

  “No!”

  “Don’t—” he yelled, his patience short. In a calmer tone, he continued, “Don’t lie to me, Abigail. Do you still love him? Are you still in love with your daughter’s father?”

  “No, Zach. I told you already.”

  “Change the goddamn locks and security codes. You understand me, Abigail?” he yelled and turned to leave. I ran out into the hall behind him.

  “Zach? Where are you going?”

  “Get back in the penthouse, Abi.”

  “Tell me where you’re going.”

  Zach called for the elevator and never looked back to acknowledge me.

  “Zach?” I called out again.

  He continued to ignore me and got on the elevator. All I saw was the back of his T-shirt as the elevator doors closed.

  I went back into my house, slammed the door, and cursed Gabe in two languages.

  I cleaned the kitchen, paid some bills, and shopped online. I did anything to distract myself from the drama that had taken over my life.

  Gabe called my phone around noon to tell me that Gabi was staying with him the entire weekend and he would take her to school on Monday morning. We argued about that, and of course, he asked, “Is he still there?”

  “That’s none of your business, Gabe.”

  “So where did you meet this loser? Are you fucking him, Abigail?”

  “That too is none of your fucking business, Gabriel.”

  “I don’t want Gab around him. Do you understand me, Abigail? If I find out that your little boyfriend was anywhere near my daughter, I’m going to file for sole custody.”

  “What’s this, Gabe? If you can’t have me, no one can?” I laughed in disbelief. “Whatever, Gabe. Your threats are mindless to me anyway. Aren’t you done already?”

  “How long have you known him, Abigail?”

  I ignored him.

  “Is he the reason you refused the movie date, and with your own daughter at that?”

  “I refused to watch a movie with you, not Gabi.”

  He sighed deeply and asked again, “Are you fucking him, Abi?” His voice was agitated. I ignored him, and he yelled, “Answer the fucking question, Abigail!”

  “Do I detect jealousy?”

  “I’m not jealous of that fucking loser. And I don’t give a damn who you fuck. Just keep them away from my daughter.”

  “Them? You say that like I’m going from pillow to pillow and post to post with different men. How dare you insult me like that?”

  “How long have you been fucking him?” he yelled again.

  “That’s none of your goddamn business, Gabriel. And why are you so concerned with who I am with all of a sudden? It’s been nearly four years since you and I were together, and not once did you show interest in me. Why now?”

  “Get rid of him. Now, Abi!” he yelled into the phone.

  I ended the call, and he called right back. I ignored it, and he called me back from Gabrielle’s phone. I answered, thinking it was Gabi.

  He gritted his teeth. “I’m not fucking around with you, Abi! Keep him away from my daughter! Get rid of him and whoever else you are fucking or dating. I don’t want him or anyone near anything that belongs to me. You—”

  Interrupting him, I countered, “I don’t belong to you. And you should consider yourself lucky that you even had me at all.”

  “And you should consider yourself warned. I will file for custody.” He
ended the call.

  I took a long, hot bath, and called Zach. He didn’t answer the phone, so I decided to go downstairs to P3 to fix the problem. I grabbed the shirt that I had seductively peeled off of him earlier, went down to his penthouse, and knocked on the door. I could hear him moving and figured he was looking through the peephole, but he didn’t answer the door.

  “I can hear you behind the door, you know. I would like it very much if you were man enough to tell me off to my face, but I’m obviously not dealing with a man. Am I? I’m dealing with a coward, yes? You know, this is the second time you left my house and decided to ignore me. I trust it’s safe to say this is our last good-bye.”

  I dialed his cell phone in one last effort and heard the phone ring behind the door, confirming what I already knew—he was standing there. He let the call go to voicemail, and I left a short and simple message: “Good-bye.” I hung his shirt on the doorknob and left.

  I cried myself to sleep, and when I woke up to use the bathroom, it was after ten. Walking past a mirror, I saw the evidence of my pain and broken heart written on my face. I went back to bed and woke up the next morning after nine. My mom had called me a few times and reminded me of Sunday dinner, but I just deleted those messages. My dad, stepdad, and stepsister, Lis, called to remind me of the same. Delete, delete, delete. No Zach, and I wasn’t surprised. I checked and deleted e-mails and texts from my dad and mom, respectively.

  Gabe sent a text—pictures of us together. One from when I was fourteen—I’d accompanied him to his senior prom. Another from when we had attended his grandparents’ fiftieth anniversary celebration as a family—him, Gabi, and myself. There was also one from when I was sixteen. I had just given birth to Gabrielle, and he was kissing me while holding Gabi. That really was a nice picture. I replied to his text:

  No need to stir up old memories or feelings. You were the one who ended us, and at the worst time possible, destroying our family in the process. FYI, you got your wish, as I am once again alone and unhappy. Thank you—I could always count on you for that.

  Gabe texted back:

  I admit that I fucked up big-time with you, and I want to come home to fix what I destroyed…our family—you, but I know you too well, and you would never allow me that. Am I wrong? No! You don’t even look at me the same way you use to. I don’t want you unhappy, and you won’t have to be alone if you could stop hating me enough to let me love you like you deserve.

  I deleted his message and went about my day.

  A week passed, and still there was no sign of Zach. I accepted the fact that whatever we had was over, and then, out of the blue, he texted me:

  Lunch?

  I hit Delete, confirmed Delete with disgust, and continued working. He sent another ten minutes later:

  Lunch???

  Zach A. McConnallay, HUNGRY CEO, ZAM and McConnallay Enterprises

  I deleted and confirmed the deletion of that message as well and turned my phone off. Some twenty minutes later, my direct line rang.

  “This is Abigail,” I answered.

  “Oh, there you are. And sounding very sexy. How are—”

  Click.

  I hung up the phone and told Timmie to hold all of my calls. Zach called right back, but this time Timmie took the call.

  “Abi, it’s Mr. McConnallay, and he said it’s urgent that he speaks with you.”

  “Tell Mr. McConnallay that I am really busy right now, and I will call him whenever I find time.”

  “But it’s Mr. McCon—”

  “Timmie, do you really think I care that it’s him? Tell him I will call him whenever I have time to fit him in. Maybe a week or two from now.”

  Fuck you! You ignored me, and now you call a week later and expect me to jump for you. Kiss my ass, Zach McConnallay.

  Timmie repeated what I’d told him, and Zach slammed the phone down in his ear.

  Anticipating Zach’s next move, I told Timmie I was taking the rest of the day off and that I’d be back the following week. I sent an internal e-mail to the staff informing them that I was taking a little more than a week off and could be reached via e-mail only. My dad got the memo and called me immediately. I let his call go to voicemail, and he left a message asking if I was fine. I left the building and went home.

  I needed time to think and reflect. I didn’t go anywhere but to and from my bed. I ignored every phone call, text message, and e-mail and rejected every bouquet of calla lilies Zach sent me. I was through with him and refused to let him hurt me further. I used the time off to analyze my situation and decided that it was time to wave the red flag and resign from First Choice Health and Wellness, Inc. So on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, I drafted a letter to Zach that read:

  Dear Mr. McConnallay,

  After careful consideration and with great regret, I am informing you of my decision to resign as president of First Choice Health and Wellness, Inc. My last day of employment will be Wednesday, October 17, 2012.

  I am extremely grateful for the opportunity you have given me to serve as president of your company. I am very proud of what I accomplished at First Choice Health and Wellness, Inc. and trust that you are equally satisfied with the work I’ve completed.

  I am willing to help as much as possible during the next two weeks to complete all necessary tasks to ensure a smooth and complete transition.

  While the decision to resign saddens me greatly, I feel it is time for me to explore new and more exciting challenges.

  I wish you continued success, and I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your team.

  Warmest Regards,

  Abigail M. Winterfield

  I attached a note to the letter that said it was to be discussed at the next general office meeting on Wednesday, October 3, 2012.

  I place the letter and the note card in an envelope, licked it closed, sealed it with a kiss, and left it with the concierge to deliver. I even enclosed a miniature red flag, knowing he would get the clear message.

  The next morning I entered the elevator from G1 at 7:45 a.m. and pressed for the twelfth floor. The elevator stopped at the lobby, and to my surprise, Zach got on with three other men. I could tell from the good-looking genes and close resemblance that they were all related to Zach. I didn’t acknowledge Zach, but I could feel his heat radiating from the other side of the elevator. One of the men nodded his head in greeting, and somewhere between the eighth and ninth floor, he said, “I wish I could ride up to the twelfth floor with gorgeous women like you all the time.”

  “Watch it, Xander!” Zach retorted. Everyone looked up, surprised at his tone. He glared at me with a murderous look.

  “I’m sure you’re used to riding elevators with gorgeous women,” I replied uneasily.

  “Not as stunning as you are, Ms… .” He looked down at my left hand to see if I wore any signs of attachment. The elevator doors opened before I could give him my name. Zach got off on the twelfth floor and told the three gentlemen that he would meet them on the fifteenth floor in fifteen minutes.

  I got off the elevator, looked back, and said, “Pleasure riding up with you.”

  He replied, “The pleasure is definitely all mine.”

  Zach eyes widened and were glued to me, filled with fire and ice. I pranced into my office, and Zach was quick behind me before I could sit down at my desk.

  “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing, Abigail?”

  “Oh. Good morning, Mr. McConnallay. How do you do?”

  “Stop the bullshit, Abigail. What the hell was that on the elevator? And this fucking letter?” He held up the resignation letter, tore it in half, and threw it on the desk. Interrupted by a knock at the door, he yelled, “What is it?”

  “Um…um…It’s T—T—Timothy,” Timmie stuttered.

  “What is it, Goldstein?” Zach yelled.

  I opened the door, but Timmie had already run back to his desk. Walking over to him, I asked, “Are you OK?”

  “I’m fine. He’s just so damn mean
and uptight.” He handed me a large cup of hot chocolate and warm croissant with cream cheese. “Here. Hurry up and go back to your office with Mr. Mean-Ass McConnallay before he gets more upset.”

  I looked at Timmie and smirked.

  I walked back into my office, and Zach closed the door and continued. “Where the hell have you been, Abigail?”

  I looked pointedly at my watch and said, “Meeting is about to start. Don’t want to be late.”

  “To hell with that fucking meeting. You didn’t return any of my calls, texts, or e-mails. And you turned down my flowers. Why?”

  “Now you know how I felt. So just go back to whomever you’ve been fucking for the past week and a half. This isn’t the place to discuss our personal problems. OK?”

  “Fine. Then let’s talk about you taking leave without prior notice or approval.”

  “OK. That’s fair…and I do apologize about that. I had some personal things going on in my life and I needed immediate time away from the office to sort those things out. It was very unprofessional of me to leave on such short notice, but unfortunately it happened. Sorry.”

  “Where were you, Abi?”

  “That’s a personal question, but if you must know, I’ve been busy.”

  “Doing what, Abigail?”

  “That’s sounds a bit personal too, and we agreed on professional,” I reminded him.

  “I didn’t agree. You simply suggested,” he said. He came closer to caress my neck, pulling our foreheads together. “Where, Abigail? Please tell me.” He tried to kiss me, but I slapped his face and pushed him away. That slap was from my heart—for ignoring and hurting the hell out of me.

  Looking him firmly in his eyes, I said, “That will never happen again. Do you understand me, Zach? Whatever we had. The pretending you care, the fling, sex, fucking, whatever you want to call it. It’s all over. Wasn’t the red flag I enclosed validating enough? If not, I hope I’m making myself clear. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a meeting to attend in five minutes. Do tape my resignation letter back together. I stand firm on that as well.”

  Zach stood there stupefied as I casually walked out of the office to attend the meeting.