In The End (Butterfly #1)

by Isabella Redwood

  What the hell I was going to do when I found them I do not know, but her scared almost whispered voice was ringing in my ears, she sounded terrified and I knew exactly how that felt. I located the voices without effort as the illuminating light from the office was flooding into the sea of blackness, like a river venturing forth to meet the ocean. With all the strength I had, I threw the door open and shouted at the top of my voice, hoping to wake Nicholi in the process.

  ‘What the hell is going on?’ Four men and one woman bolted around to face their unexpected visitor. I glared at them, clutching the umbrella in a defensive position. I heard a door fly open overhead and Nicholi bounded down the stairs, jumped over the banister and arrived by my side. I felt him pull my arm backwards and was repositioned behind him.

  ‘I see you hired the hot nanny,’ Cross scoffed, turning to look around Nicholi, and winked at me. He was not at all how I remembered him and I could smell the alcohol that was oozing out of his pores from the doorway. Nicholi turned to face me, his cheeks a little flush, no doubt from the athletics of jumping over the banister. Had it not been for the situation we were in, I would have congratulated him for making such an impressive entrance.

  ‘Sophia.’ Nicholi looked me straight in the eyes and I saw genuine concern and anger boiling inside them. ‘What happened? Did they…?’ I understood where his train of thought was going and I quickly interjected.

  ‘I heard voices.’ A stifled laugh came from the audience. ‘It woke me up, and I heard her scream,’ I announced, pointing to the dark-haired, scantily clad woman who was perched on the glass desk, in what looked like a very compromising position. Hearing herself being mentioned, she rose to her feet.

  ‘Cross, a word,’ Nicholi gestured, and turned to face me.

  ‘Can you go back upstairs please; I will be up shortly, okay?’ Nicholi spoke so low, I do not think our early morning visitors would have heard. I nodded and still clutching the umbrella, I climbed the stairs to return to my bedroom. One of the men from the group whistled at me as I passed his viewpoint and I heard a door slam before I was out of view and back onto the hallway leading to my bedroom. I noticed something then, the door to the guest room was open and from the hallway, I could see that the bed looked like it had been slept in. Was that Nicholi’s room? I pondered to myself, it had looked so plain and without any character or personal effects, I had assumed it was the guest room.

  I turned back around and closing my door behind me, went to sit on the bed. I was still clutching the umbrella when the door opened.

  ‘I’m so sorry about that, Sophia,’ Nicholi spoke so sincerely. ‘It will never happen again, believe me, I do not condone violence towards women in any shape or form and trust me, it’s being dealt with.’ He walked forwards towards the bed. ‘Are you okay? Are you feeling threatened?’ He looked at the umbrella I was holding curiously. ‘Or are you planning on an early morning stroll in the rain?’ He was smiling now and I could not help but smile in return.

  ‘I, yes, morning walks are always pleasant don’t you think?’ I climbed off the bed and returned my weapon to the closet, pausing for a moment to collect my thoughts and turned around to face Nicholi.

  ‘Do you know those people?’ I questioned, hoping he would say no.

  ‘Sadly I do,’ he began. ‘The man on the left is my cousin Angelo, the other guy works for my father, but trust me, he will no longer and the man that was standing next to the woman was Cross’s friend Alexis. Stay away from him, Sophia; he is not a person you would want to associate with,’ Nicholi proclaimed.

  ‘Who isn’t?’ I clarified, not expecting the response I was about to receive.

  ‘None of them, Sophia, I say that earnestly and will tell you more one day, but for now please, no more escapades into the unknown with umbrellas, okay? I don’t think my back can take it.’ He rubbed his lower back mockingly.

  ‘Sure, but the girl, is she all right?’ I asked, feeling the early morning events start to flow over me and the sudden urge to vomit.

  ‘She is on her way home as we speak,’ he confirmed. ‘I’m off back to bed; it’s too early for me.’ He stifled a laugh and proceeded out the door.

  ‘Nicholi, where is your room?’ I questioned curiously.

  ‘Just down the hall, next to the boys,’ he smiled. ‘Goodnight, Sophia.’ He yawned and walked back to his room.

  ‘Night,’ I replied, closing my door behind him and headed to the bathroom. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror; my blonde hair hung loose flowing down my back, my face pale in the dawn light that was starting to force its way in through the window. I pondered for a moment looking at my attire, deciding I needed to purchase some new nightwear if this was to be a regular occurrence, and laughed at my umbrella-wielding tactics before climbing back into bed, willing sleep to take me.

  I tossed and turned for a while when the cell phone went off and I reached for it, surprised by the name that was displayed. Sorry about that, no harm was meant, just alcohol-infused nonsense, the message had read from Cross. I returned the phone to the nightstand and cocooning myself into the covers finally fell back asleep.

  I was awoken by the sound of thunder, the room illuminated with a flash of lightening as the rain lashed against the windowpane. I looked at my watch, it was six-thirty, and I was now completely awake. Despite the early hour’s event interrupting my sleep, I felt more rested and refreshed than I had for years. I climbed out of bed and made my way to the bathroom, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I looked like a new person, revitalised, invigorated, deciding I was starting to sound like a shampoo commercial I splashed water on my face and brushed my teeth. Picking out some black cargo pants, a plain red scoop-neck top and flats, my outfit of the day was complete. Leaving my hair loose and brushing it back from my face with a red hair-band, I was ready for the day.

  My ever-faithful stomach groaned, not appreciating the delay in receiving its breakfast, and with that in mind I applied a splash of lip gloss before closing the door behind me, and made my way downstairs. I noticed the curtains were open in the hallway, a fresh vase of flowers wafted its sweet smelling perfume up the stairs and my stomach, after smelling the delicious breakfast odours penetrating my nostrils, groaned once again, this time in approval.

  I could hear voices coming from the kitchen and opened the door, surveying the three-seated men and Earl stood at the back of the room. Nicholi turned to greet me.

  ‘Good morning, Sophia, I trust you slept well?’ Nicholi questioned, smiling, his eyes brightening by the second. Was he pleased to see me? With that thought in mind, I blushed a little.

  ‘Yes thanks, very well,’ I confirmed, smiling back in response.

  ‘Come,’ Nicholi began. ‘We have all the usual breakfast dishes, if you would like anything else, Earl will be happy to oblige,’ he advised. Observing the vast array of food in front of me, I was certain I would be very satisfied. Earl had set the food out in a buffet style. There was fresh fruit, both tropical and traditional, blueberry pancakes, three types of eggs, bacon, sausages, waffles and a plethora of cereals.

  ‘Wow, this all looks amazing,’ I proclaimed, seeking Earl out at the back and acknowledging his efforts.

  I helped myself to some pancakes with a side of bacon and some strawberries. My favourite breakfast was strawberry pancakes, so mashing them slightly; I added them to my pancakes and poured on maple syrup. Cross, seated opposite, was eyeing me with curiosity.

  ‘You like strawberry pancakes? Our kids love them too,’ he announced and smiled. After last night’s events, I was very unsure and sceptical about Cross; not wanting to seem impolite, I nodded and took my seat at the island where I had consumed mac and cheese the night before. A long moan erupted from the man sitting next to me when the house telephone had started ringing.

  ‘Too loud,’ he vocalised, clearly in some discomfort, no doubt due to last night’s consumption of alcohol.

  ‘Are we audibly challenged this morning, Angelo?’ Ni
choli addressed the man seated to my left. A further groan ensued, and I looked around, catching Nicholi’s eyes on me, I smiled and resumed eating. Pouring myself a cup of coffee, I turned to Nicholi, wanting to know the plans for today concerning the children.

  ‘Here are their old and proposed new schedules.’ Nicholi handed me two pieces of paper, I marvelled once again at his elegant penmanship and began to read. The old schedule was jam packed with school clubs, evening activities and groups.

  ‘Did the children not have a nanny before?’ I asked, noting how many hours they were away from home.

  ‘No, you’re the first,’ Cross interjected, grinning at me.

  ‘Does the new schedule work for you?’ Nicholi looked at Cross scornfully. ‘I am happy to amend anything you do not feel is appropriate or add something?’ he informed.

  ‘It looks good,’ I replied, nodding. The children would be with me every day before and after school with two activities per week each. Jacob was to attend swimming and gymnastics. Max a music and art class. ‘I do have a couple of ideas for activities with Jacob, but we can go through that another time,’ I confirmed, sensing this was not the right time, even more so when a further guest entered the room.

  ‘Morning, hot nanny, Cross, Ang, Nic,’ the voice boomed, considerably louder than necessary and clearly aggravating my seated neighbour who once again groaned with displeasure.

  ‘Alexis,’ Nicholi began. ‘Do you not have a home to go to?’ he questioned, looking visibly displeased with the new arrival.

  ‘Cross said mi casa es su casa,’ he replied, winking at Cross. ‘Isn’t that right, bro?’ He waited for Cross to respond and Nicholi interjected.

  ‘Well this is my casa and I am afraid you have overstayed your welcome; Earl would you kindly escort Alexis out?’ Nicholi gestured for Earl who appeared quite menacing now, glowering at Alexis and virtually shooing him out of the kitchen. I expected Cross to complain or at least say something about his friend’s eviction, but instead he opened up the newspaper and began reading.

  ‘Okay, now that’s taken care of, Sophia, do you need a ride anywhere? I am heading to the office shortly, we will collect the kids from school this afternoon together and Cross will come too, right?’ He looked at Cross, who was surveying the newspaper with displeasure.

  ‘Sure, whatever,’ he replied nonchalantly.

  ‘That would be great, thanks,’ trying to calm my pulse that had started racing at the thought of being alone with Nicholi.

  ‘You ready to leave now?’ Nicholi asked, standing up and replacing his chair under the island.

  ‘Sure, I will just go grab my bag, meet you at the car,’ I confirmed, standing and replacing my chair.

  ‘Look at you two, like an old married couple already,’ Cross scoffed.

  ‘Grow up please, would you, for the love of god,’ Nicholi exclaimed, clearly irritated.

  ‘Thanks for the breakfast, Earl, it was delicious.’ Ignoring Cross and to my surprise, Earl smiled a little in response.

  ‘You are welcome, madam,’ he replied, leaving, no doubt to fetch the car for Nicholi.

  I ran upstairs, picked up my bag from its resting position on the chair and refreshed my lip gloss. I raised my eyes at myself for the excitement that was now bubbling over in me due to the upcoming car journey I would be spending with Nicholi. He was waiting at the front door for me and opened it as I drew closer.

  It was a beautiful autumn morning, the thunderstorm clearing the air, leaving it cleansed and purified. The sun was gracing us, bouncing its rays off the autumn leaves, absorbing its goodness ready for next spring.

  Nicholi opened the car door for me and I climbed in, buckling my seat belt with ease.

  ‘Where to?’ he mocked, mimicking a taxi driver and tipping his invisible hat.

  I giggled. ‘St Bart’s hospital, please,’ I requested, noting Nicholi’s expression change from happiness to concern.

  ‘Is everything alright?’ he asked, his eyes growing darker and brow furrowing.

  ‘Yes, I’m fine it’s just a wound check, nothing to worry about,’ I implored, wanting desperately to see him happy again.

  ‘Great, St Bart’s it is then, ma’am.’ I giggled, and we drove off down the pathway that would lead us onto the road to Connecticut.

  ‘Anything else planned for today?’ Nicholi asked politely. I watched the gates open, glinting in the sun, the Gothic dragon casting a shadow onto the road ahead.

  ‘I need to run a few errands, nothing exciting, and then I will be ready to pick the kids up. I’m hoping I will get the all clear to drive today so I won’t need a chauffeur anymore.’ I felt heavy all of a sudden with that revelation.

  ‘I really don’t mind, I enjoy your company,’ Nicholi advised, turning on the radio and furnishing himself with a pair of designer sunglasses. He looked extremely sexy and with that thought I blushed crimson and complaining it was hot in the car, opened the window to help cool my shame. We arrived at St Bart’s hospital and Nicholi pulled into the multi-storey car park underneath.

  ‘Are you coming too?’ I questioned, noting Nicholi had removed his seatbelt and was gathering his jacket that had been lying on the backseat.

  ‘Yes, I want to make sure you’re alright,’ he confirmed and climbed out of the car, heading to my side to open the door.

  ‘Is that okay with you?’ he implored, looking me straight in the eyes and reached for my hand to help me out of the car.

  ‘Eh sure,’ was all I could muster, my body reacting with pleasure to his skin against mine as our fingers entwined. His fingers appeared to leave mine as reluctantly as mine did his as we walked side by side to the elevator. I pushed the button and noted we had company; a heavily pregnant woman moaning and leaning on her partner for support had joined us in the wait for the elevator. The doors opened and allowing them both to enter first, Nicholi and I smiled at each other, pressing the elevator to close.

  The atmosphere was electric; I could feel the tension radiating out from my body, mixed with the highly charged emotions of the expectant couple, a potent cocktail. The doors opened on the delivery floor and the couple waddled out together, clutching each other for support.

  ‘Good luck,’ I shouted, turning to gush to Nicholi. ‘It’s so exciting, a new life will be born today, completely free from tarnish and expectation.’ Before I could finish my thought Nicholi pulled me into his arms and lowering down, our lips met for the first time. Passion and desire flowing freely, we moved in unison. I reached up and laced my fingers within his thick brown hair; he traced the outline of my back and then pulled away.

  ‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that,’ he recoiled, turning to face the elevators side.

  ‘I’m not.’ With that thought pulsing through my veins, I pulled his arm back and standing on my toes reached up to kiss him, gently at first until I heard him groan with pleasure and pull me against him, the curves of our bodies melding together perfectly.

  The peal of the elevator announced we were approaching our destination, and I reluctantly pulled away, my heart acknowledging its satisfaction throughout my whole body. What had we done? What were we doing? Does this mean anything? The thoughts were now rushing through my head in a nauseating fashion, like an endlessly turning merry-go-round. As though acknowledging my confused state, Nicholi reached for my hand, our fingers locked and entwined before he bent down to kiss my nose.

  ‘That was the best elevator ride I have ever had,’ he whispered, grinning from ear to ear and pulled me forward to the waiting room. I checked in and sat down next to Nicholi who was flicking through a magazine casually.

  ‘What are you doing at work today?’ I asked, almost whispering. Trying to keep my head clear and my thoughts cool; I locked my hands together on my lap.

  ‘I have to present the project I have been working on to the senior partners and think about when I will see you again.’ His voice dropped with the latter and he leaned across to unlock my hand from its prison, taking i
t into his own.

  ‘What are your plans?’ he questioned, stroking his finger against my hand as though he was tracing every last line, making me lose any ability to communicate.

  ‘I, er,’ taking a deep breath I continued. ‘Have to do some errands, bank and post office.’ I dwindled away, looking up to meet his gaze, his eyes penetrating my soul, and I knew exactly where this was going and what I was doing. ‘Thinking about you,’ I added, the sound of my name being called out brought me back to reality and I leaned in to kiss him on the nose. ‘See you soon,’ I whispered, heading to where the voice had come from, taking one last look at Nicholi, who had never looked happier since I had met him.

  ‘Miss Thomas,’ the voice announced, turning around to face me. A woman in her early forties approached me, her glasses perched on the end of her nose, pinching her nostrils slightly, creating a nasally tone.

  ‘It’s Nichols,’ I corrected, eyeing the woman suspiciously.

  ‘Of course, the doctor will be with you shortly,’ she confirmed, sauntering off through the door.

  ‘Miss Nichols.’ A male doctor appeared. A face I remembered from that night. ‘How are we doing?’ he asked, sitting and applying a pair of gloves, the elastic vocalising its displeasure.

  ‘Good thanks, I think I am healing well,’ I explained as he reached down to examine the wound.

  ‘Yes, you are, the stitches have dissolved nicely, no need to keep dressing it, just during bathing for the first two days then you can leave it off altogether.’ He wrote studiously away on his tablet. ‘Do you have any questions for me?’ he asked, placing the tablet back in its dock and looking up.