I release his reddened neck and he drops to the ground with a crash. “I’ll kill you if any harm comes to her.” Before I leave, I pick up his gun. “I don’t think you should be trusted with a weapon; I am, technically, still your boss.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Nora
“Ms. Skye, Luke Saunders is here to see you,” Tucker says through my childhood bedroom door.
Tucker’s words elicit no reaction from me. I’m at the point where I only want to see my parents and Jenny. I hate to leave the room, except for the physical therapy the ninja makes me go to, or once in a while, to eat. I’m so empty and lost that I don’t have the willpower to fight off Luke.
I’m not sure where I belong, what I’m supposed to be doing, or who I am. It’s so cliché, but it’s the truth. My life has been turned upside down since the minute Luke forced me to leave Miami.
I thought I found the answer to calming the chaos in Jase, but it turns out I only found more unrest.
Luke has been a constant visitor since the day Jase left and got his wish. I didn’t want him here at all. I fought it for days, but he was so persuasive I didn’t have the energy to fight him anymore. Weirdly, it turns out he has been wonderful.
He reminds me of the old Luke, the one before Miami, before he turned into a liar. Luke is being sweet, funny, and attentive. For some odd reason, he has become a welcome distraction. It is so easy with him. I know who he is and how he feels about me. No guessing where we stand. At the same time, though, I know for a fact he is not who I want to be with.
My parents have also welcomed him. It’s strange, but I think they’re trying not to cause me any stress. Dad doesn’t say much to him and Mom is polite, but doesn’t treat him like she did when we were together.
The weirdest part of it all is that Jase wanted Luke nowhere near me, yet Tucker has no reservations about letting him into my parents’ house. He has since been very polite to Luke and has even left me alone with him.
I’m tired of being heartbroken over Jase. He obviously doesn’t give two shits about me. He hasn’t bothered to pick up the phone to see how I am. No, “are you okay,” “do you need anything,” or “gee, hope no one tries to kill you again.” Nothing.
Tucker and Lizzy never bring him up. Max and Jenny are back from their honeymoon, but haven’t said two words about him. It’s like everyone forgot he exists except me. He’s forever engrained in my memory.
Tired of feeling like a lovesick puppy, I open the door to see buzz-haired Tucker staring casually at me. Thankfully, he has quit wearing his suits. I think the fact that he is staying in a beach house has finally sunk in. I’m not saying his taste in clothes is good, but at least he doesn’t look so serious. Today, he is wearing bright red board shorts with crazy yellow flowers and a yellow polo shirt. Well, at least he matches, I think, as I snicker to myself.
“I’m headed downstairs now, Tuck.” He gives his usual nod and moves aside to let me through. I know he doesn’t like me calling him Tuck, but a girl’s got to have some fun when someone is at her side twenty-four seven and barely talks.
I leisurely trot down the stairs into my parents’ kitchen. They have been so wonderful and supportive. They’ve given up their lives to make sure I’m alright by welcoming all these strangers into their home. Letting them change locks, phone numbers, and even adding cameras to mostly every room.
I have been having nightmares every night. It’s usually the same nightmare about a man clapping as I try and run from him. I wake up the moment his hand grabs my arm. The first few nights of being here, I slept in between my parents like a scared little girl. I guess that is my new reality; I’m scared.
Even though the house is secure and I have people watching me, I don’t feel safe. The only time I ever felt truly safe was when Jase was at my side.
I make it to the kitchen table. My mother is at the other end of the kitchen, standing by the stove. This kitchen has always been my favorite room. It holds some wonderful memories of family dinners and it’s also where most of our meaningful conversations take place.
The kitchen is small, but still offers a lot of counter space. The walls are pale yellow; they match my Mom’s happy personality. Light brown cabinets, white countertops, and various appliances adorn the kitchen.
“Nora, honey, would you like some pancakes?” Mom asks, while giving me her loving smile.
I smile back. She is always looking on the bright side and giving me so much strength. I love her and I’m thankful for her.
“No, Mom, I’m good.”
“Okay, well then, I sent Luke to the little store around the block to pick up more milk. Why don’t you head up and take a shower? I’m sure he’ll be back any second.” Mom rolls her eyes.
“I thought everyone was now a fan of Luke.”
She cocks her head with a little attitude, “No, I tolerate him for you.”
“Oh.”
“When you moved to Miami, you became miserable. I’m your mother and I could hear it in your voice every time I talked with you. I know he’s been sweet and your father hasn’t protested his visits, but I still don’t trust him.” She moves to sit down beside me.
“I don’t either, but I don’t know who to trust,” I say.
“Well, with Luke there are too many unanswered questions regarding his profession and the way he just kicked you out of your home…” She sighs with a disgusted look on her face. “That’s just unforgivable.”
“He wants me to go back to Miami with him.” My mom’s mouth gapes open as a response.
“I…I hope you aren’t going,” she stutters.
“No, but it would be easier for everyone if I did. This lunatic wouldn’t be after me in Miami; your life could go back to normal, and everything would be as it was.”
She lays her hand over mine. “You listen to me. This is not a burden. You are our daughter, and we will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. If you want to move somewhere else, we will follow you, but do not go back there with him.”
“Okay, then. It’s settled. I’m not going anywhere.” I smile to reassure her. It looks like it does the trick. Honestly, the best solution for everyone is for me to leave. I could probably stomach Luke for a few months until everything settles. I could also go somewhere by myself. Sneak out of town.
I think it would be a relief for Jase. He’s already forgotten me, and I could do the same.
Mom stares and her forehead crinkles like she knows I’m up to no good.
“I think Jase would be worried if you went anywhere with Luke.”
“What?” I am taken aback by her statement. We haven’t even mentioned his name for weeks. Everyone pretends like he doesn’t exist, myself included.
“Oh, honey, I know you’ve been upset about him. He went out of his way setting up all this security, and at the hospital he took charge, but I’m concerned. I don’t want to see you hurt again. I don’t know what to think of him. We couldn’t get him to leave your side, and now…” Her eyes roam around the room, “Where is he?”
I drop my head into the palms of my hands. “Oh, Mom, I don’t know. I’ve never been so upset over someone. Even when everything happened with Luke, I was pissed, but not this…heartbroken.”
Mom’s deep dark brown eyes pop as a response. Before she can say anything else, Luke makes his grand entrance. He takes a few steps from the door and kisses my cheek. He is put together nicely, wearing a white linen dress shirt and dark dress pants. Luke is very handsome, but I notice now that it’s more in a boyish way. His blond hair is styled to perfection and his green eyes brighten when I smile back at him.
“Good morning, my lovely ladies.” He stops when I lay my head back down on the table. “Are you feeling alright?” Luke asks with alarm.
I quickly pick my head up and answer, “Just a little tired.”
My mom vacates her chair while Luke sits beside me. She busies herself with more pancake making and cleaning.
“Do you think you wo
uld be up for going out today?” His emerald eyes are hopeful.
“Sure, I’m done with physical therapy. Lizzy can finally have a day off. I’m almost back to normal. No headaches, just a little sore, but I could use a day out.”
I don’t have any more headaches because of the attack, but I have a headache from wondering why Jase left me heartbroken.
Luke takes my hand, brings it up to his lips, and kisses it softly. “I was hoping you’d say that. I want to take you shopping.”
Ugh…for so many reasons. “Luke, please no kissing, and I don’t need anything.”
I love to shop, but it’s such a big deal to be out in public with all this security, and Luke has done nothing but try to get back together with me. I don’t need to give him the wrong idea. I was just hoping he’d say for a walk or something. Not all day together.
“You do need something. My Uncle is having a party to announce his run for another term in a few days, and I’d like you to accompany me.”
Shit. I suck in a breath through my teeth and tug my hand free. “No. I’m not up for that, all those people. I’m just getting back to normal.” Touching my face, I continue, “I still have all these bruises on my face. It’s not a good idea.”
He shakes his head. “You look beautiful, and we can hide the bruises with makeup. Babe, I think it will be good for you to get back in the swing of things. You’ll feel better once you get a new dress.”
I roll my eyes, “Luke, I can’t.”
“Nora, come on. It’s an important event to my family; they will be expecting you. You know how much they love you.” He stands up, then tugs me close to his body. “Please?”
I push against him. “Luke, no touching!”
He backs away and nods, “Okay, okay…I know your rules. I’ll wait forever for you, Nora.”
Ugh, he just doesn’t get it. We have had several talks about this. We are friends—just friends. I have to admit, I like him being around to distract me from unwanted thoughts, but not anything more.
Just as I’m getting ready to give him the friend, hands-off lecture again, Jenny enters the kitchen.
Her bubbly voice reverberates through the small room. “I’m here! Ready to shop till you drop?”
Jenny, of course, is always up for shopping. She looks the part today too, wearing a cute yellow summer dress with strappy white sandals and her hair is swept in a side braid.
“No, I’m not going, Jenny.” I exaggerate my voice. I sound like a toddler, but I don’t care.
She fires back, “Oh, yes, you are. You have been cooped up in this house for far too long. You need to go to a party. Have some fun, and stop hiding from this fucker who attacked you.”
She’s right. I’m afraid that the bastard is still after me, but I’m mostly licking my wounds.
“Jenny, no.”
“Yes. You have nothing to worry about. Jase knows all about the party and has approved for you to go. Tucker will be by your side the whole night, plus I’m going too.”
My heart halts. Did she just say Jase knows and approves? Before I can process this startling information, Luke speaks up.
“What do you mean Jase knows about the party? How? He hasn’t been around for weeks. Is he going?”
Jenny looks unfazed by his comment. “Yeah, well Max told him what was going on after you called to invite us to the shindig. I’m not sure if he’ll be there, but he definitely knows about it.” She shrugs and grabs an apple off the table.
I want to bombard her with questions, but with Luke’s hostile eyes on me, it’s probably not a good idea. Staying quiet right now is the best thing for all of us. My eyes roam over to Luke’s face, which is redder than usual, his eyes glaring down at his phone.
“Come on, kids, let’s go. We have dresses to buy,” Jenny says, while opening the door.
“Don’t we have to wait for Tucker?” I ask, because he goes everywhere with me.
Luke runs his hands down his face in frustration, and his expression grows cold. “No, Nora. I don’t have to ask permission from Madsyn’s goon. I can take my girlfriend to buy a dress without security detail.”
“Oh, for God’s sake, Luke. This isn’t a pissing contest between you and Jase. It’s nothing new; he’s been looking after her for weeks now. Just because she was your girlfriend doesn’t make you in charge of Nora.” She looks my direction and rolls her eyes.
“Okay, okay…enough. I’ll change, then we can go. Forget I said anything.”
When I return from my sanctuary, I’m wearing a bright pink sundress to match Jenny’s mood, not mine. Maybe it will rub off on me. I’m also wearing heeled sandals, which is something I haven’t done since the night of the wedding.
I stop my mind from heading back to that horrific night and try to focus on finding a dress to wear to this awful party. I’ve gone to dozens of events like this with Luke, and hated every one of them. Luke would always venture off to kiss someone’s ass, while I usually sat alone. He wouldn’t come back until it was over.
This event should be better, since Jenny and Max will be there. Of course, the thought of Jase being there has butterflies taking up battle in my stomach.
Shopping drags on all day and we don’t return until four hours later, four! I can’t believe it took so long. Even though I am dead tired, I did find a great dress. A silky silver beaded dress. It is long with spaghetti straps and perfectly matches the great pair of platinum strappy heels I found on sale.
Jenny decided on something more revealing. Honestly, I thought she’d be more reserved now that she’s married, but not a chance. Her cleavage in that dress will be discussed by many guests.
Of course, Tucker came with us too. The moment we opened the door to leave the house, he was by my side. Luke wasn’t too happy that he came with us, but he was doing his job. I noticed that Luke tried to lose him at one point, but Tucker was never far behind.
Luke follows me up to my room, holding onto my dress, while I carry the bag with the new shoes and jewelry. As we enter the room, I hear the door slam behind me.
“You know, I can’t take this anymore! After tonight, I’m taking you back to Miami,” he says, fiercely determined.
I let out a frustrated sigh. Not this again. “Luke, I’m not going back to Miami with you. We’ve already talked about this a million times; I’m not going to Miami, and I’m not getting back with you.”
“Nora, you will be safer there than here. And you won’t have to live like a prisoner in your own home.” He paces the tiny room and massages his temples. “You can’t even go shopping without a security detail.”
“I actually like having him around. It’s fine, Luke. I don’t know what this person is after. What if they try to hurt my family and I’m not here?”
He retorts, “What would you do if you were here? Are you going to save them? Your father is a police officer, for Christ’s sake. Don’t you think he’s offended that you feel he can’t protect you?”
I’m shocked at his response. I never thought that my father would feel insulted by Jase taking care of me. Having extra security to protect my family is all I care about. My father can be upset, but I don’t want anything to happen to him because of me.
I sit down and pat the bed, suggesting that Luke should follow. He lets out a breath, but listens.
I take his hand and turn to face him. His face softens at my touch. He is a very handsome man, but the butterflies aren’t there, my heart doesn’t quicken, and my feelings aren’t the same anymore. Even if I never see Jase again, I still felt more passion and love in those few weeks than I ever felt with Luke.
Rubbing his hand softly, I start what I hope will be the ending of this Miami crap. “Luke. I do not want to go to Miami with you. Our relationship was and is not healthy. You lied, hid things from me, and cheated on me. I can’t go back to that life again.”
He tightens his grip on me, his green eyes on fire. “This is because of fucking Madsyn! He’s told you lies about me, just because he’s
my boss…”
What? Now I’m confused. “I don’t understand…your boss? You don’t have a boss. Your family owns the real estate company, right?” I rip my hand from his. “This is what I’m talking about, lies all lies.”
“No, babe, I’m not lying. I’m obligated to my family; there are things that I can’t tell you. In a fucked up way, Jase is my boss. He has the final say in certain…” His eyes search around the room, looking for the right word. Finally he says, “Situations.”
Huh, well that explains nothing. They both are liars and they both kicked me out of their homes. Assholes. I’ve had enough. I start to leave the room, but he grabs me by the arm.
“Nora, stop. Please.” He begs and puts both hands on my head and leans down to look directly into my eyes. I fight against his hold, but he won’t let me go, so I close my eyes so I don’t have to look at him.
“Nora, if you don’t want to look at me, just listen. Babe, I know I’m not entirely honest with you about what my family does, but I would never put you in danger. I’m upset that you think the worst of me, like I’m some sort of monster. Jase is the monster, not me!”
I hear every stupid word spewing from his lips. Who am I supposed to believe? They both speak negatively about each other, yet neither of them seem to be telling me the truth. I’ve had a question to ask him. It’s been nagging at me, but I keep pushing it away in the dark depths of my mind. I think this is the right time to bring it to the surface.
I open my eyes and Luke lets go. Stepping away, I walk towards the window, just to clear my head for a moment. I turn back around and face him.
“Did you have anything to do with the attack? You have all these secrets, and the things that were in that office, in that drawer—I mean, it’s just not normal. Nobody I know has reason to attack me, but you…”
He looks absolutely traumatized, even to the point that he steps back and his emerald eyes are wide in horror.
Safer With You Page 16