by L Chapman
“Here we are. Get in,” Mark demands.
“This isn’t yours,” I state since I know all his cars.
“I know. It’s yours. I bought it for you.” He throws the keys at me while securing Lucy in the backseat in her car seat.
“I can’t take this.”
“Just get in.”
Oh, he is mad. I do as he asks, taking a seat in the driver’s side of the car. I watch him get everything in the back. I have a quick look around. This is one hell of a posh car. It’s not any car. It’s a four-by-four, and they cost a fortune. There is plenty of room for Lucy as she grows up, and it appears to have all the modern conveniences in it.
Mark climbs into the car. “Do you like?”
“I do, but…”
“No buts, Megan. It’s yours.”
I can’t help but smile. Mark turns on a screen and punches in a postcode. “Follow where it tells you.”
I nod, starting the engine and then following my directions.
Chapter Forty-One
I have no clue where I am. I look around this large office with lots of white sofas and big glass windows. Mark went off as soon as he came inside, leaving me with a redheaded lady to keep an eye on me. He doesn’t trust me not to run. The lady continues offering me drinks and following me to the bathroom. She’s not been a step away from me since we arrived here.
“Hi, I’m Peter,” a tall, skinny man with grey hair says.
“Hi.”
“Mark has come to talk to me about your ex.”
I nod. “Okay, but why?”
“I’m a lawyer. I want to explain your choices and what you can do. Mark says it’s a big deal.”
“Thank you. You do know you don’t need to.”
“I know, Megan, but I want to. You mean a lot to Mark. We have known each other for years, and I have never known him to be as persistent as he is right now,” he says, letting out a little smile.
“Let’s get this over with then,” I add, looking into his mocha-coloured eyes. I don’t know why, but they don’t seem to suit his grey hair.
“Let’s head down to my office. Mark will keep an eye on Lucy,” Peter says.
“Can’t Lucy come with me?” I ask. “I don’t want to leave her after everything that has happened.”
“I understand. Of course, she can.”
I take hold of Lucy, cradling her in my arms. I don’t need the pram, so I leave it with Mark. I follow behind Peter down a hallway, which continues the same theme of white walls and big windows. He opens a spacious glass door, holding it open for us. I take a deep breath as I walk into the room. A massive white desk is seated in front of me with some black chairs. I seriously think they need some colour since everything is so plain and sterile. Even a picture on the wall would make a big difference. It’s making me feel like I’m in a mental hospital with all the glass around me.
“Please, take a seat,” Peter says, pointing at the chairs opposite from the window. I walk over, sitting down as Pete walks around his desk and sits down at the other side. His eyes focus directly on me as he speaks, “Mark informed me what your ex did. John, is that his name?”
“Yes, John.”
“We can get a restraining order against him, and I’m willing to make sure he won’t touch Lucy.”
“How though?” I question.
“I’m a very good lawyer. Trust me.”
“I can’t afford to pay you,” I add. It’s true. I have never been lucky in life; I have had to work my arse off to have anything. I was lucky to have saved up a fair bit growing up to be able to afford my house, but I need to get back to work because I’m going to be paying for all this stuff for the rest of my life.
“Don’t worry. Mark is paying my fees. You know he will do anything for you. Just relax and fill out these forms. Miss Madden, I’m here to help you. I will make sure John can’t touch you or Lucy.”
I take a deep breath before agreeing to everything. I spend the next hour filling out the forms. Peter has his head straight. He seems to know what he needs to do and understands the law. I like him. I need to see Mark and thank him for everything. I just hope he is still waiting for me.
Chapter Forty-Two
The drive back to Mark’s is almost silent; he doesn’t say much at all. I have hurt the man I love. I need to keep my head straight. I just need to drop off Mark at home and then go back to Luke’s, pack, and leave. I’ll have Luke to return the car to Mark.
I don’t get it. He wants me to marry him one minute and the next he doesn’t want to talk to me. I feel so confused. Why is he being like this? Yes, I know I said no, but I need to protect my daughter. I slowly pull up outside his house and leave the engine running since there is no point in stopping it. I turn my head to face him.
“I’m sorry,” I say with a strained voice.
“I love you, Megan.”
“I love you, too.”
“Why did you say no to my marriage proposal?” he asks.
“John,” I say, sniffling back tears.
“We can sort that out,” he replies, taking my hand.
“Don’t do this.” Tears run from my eyes. “I thought we could sort things in time.”
“We can, Megan. I can’t live without you.” He unclips my seat belt and rubs my face, trying to wipe away the tears. “Don’t cry.”
“I can’t help it.”
“Come in. We can talk. I promise I will not ask you to marry me again. Well, I won’t ask again today at least.”
I nod, turning the engine off on the car. Talking is okay. Maybe we can get somewhere and move on. John will be out of my life by the end of the week. Peter is going to work his bum off to make sure of it. I just hope Mark does ask me to marry him again. I want to; I really do. I want to be with him for the rest of my life, and I want Lucy to be his daughter. I just hope we can fix everything.
I follow Mark into the house. Nothing has changed at all. It has been weeks since I have been in here. I take a seat on the sofa beside him, placing Lucy onto the floor with a couple of her toys. It’s so nice to see my daughter happy and relaxed. None of this has damaged her. She is safe now.
“So…” Mark says.
“Can I just say I do love you, Mark, but we need to work this out. John can’t know I’m with you until everything is sorted. That’s the problem. Peter said it could stop things if John finds out we’re together.”
“Okay, I understand that,” he says, taking my hand and holding it tight.
“What do we do?” I ask.
“We’re going to be together, but we’re just not going to tell anyone, including Jenny,” he says.
“Jenny will know. She can read me like a book,” I kindly point out.
“Good point.”
“Can you forgive me for shooting you?” I ask.
“Well, I already have. I told you. You’re a bad shot, baby.” He giggles.
“Thanks.” I glance over to check on Lucy.
“She is fine, Megan. She always will be. Nothing will ever happen to her.” He places his hand on the side of my face, turning me back around to face him. “Can I kiss you?”
“Don’t ask. Do it.”
Within a second, his lips cover mine, gentle as always. As his tongue slides into my mouth, I realise how much I have missed this. He knows how to rock my world.
Chapter Forty-Three
The last few weeks have been busy. I'm back home with Lucy. Luke stayed at mine for a few days to make sure I was all right. I liked having him around; it helped me stop worrying so much since the court stuff took a few weeks to sort.
Karen is spending her time in a mental hospital. She was determined too unstable to stand trial. John has been placed in jail for only six months for kidnapping. They didn't charge him with anything else, so he could be released early. I then have to fight for custody of Lucy. Peter says there won't be a fight since it came out in court that John just wanted money. His wife had left him, causing him to try to extort money to make
ends meet.
Right now, I’m trying to look forward to my future. Mark has been nothing but supportive. He has been there for me all the time. He keeps his distance, not forcing himself on me. It’s almost like we are newly daters. I even had to make the first move to get some adult time. He will not tell me he loves me anymore. I know I’ve hurt him.
"Hey, sexy." I turn around to see Mark standing there in his black suit.
"Hi, you’re early."
"Traffic was better than I thought. Sorry I just let myself in. I knew it was Lucy's bedtime. "
"It's okay."
I had just come down from putting Lucy to bed. He knows how much I like keeping her in a routine. I was expecting him in a couple of hours. He planned to spend the weekend up here with us. I haven't been back to his house yet.
Jenny is watching Lucy tomorrow so I can have some time alone with Mark. Everyone knows we are together now, even John. I could not have him rule my life, and he was fine with it. I feel I deserve to be happy. Karen is the one who doesn't deserve happiness.
"I came straight from physical therapy, so I’m feeling all stiff now."
"I bet you are. I'm sorry."
I feel bad about everything. It's my fault his shoulder is messed up. Seeing him in pain hurts me.
"Stop it. Seriously, it is okay."
I watch as he takes a seat on the sofa beside me. He’s sitting so close I can smell his aftershave, and it comforts me.
"For you," he says, pulling out a small bag from his pocket.
I take hold of the black bag, inhaling a deep breath. What could it be? I have started dreading gifts from him. I reach inside, pulling out a chicken teddy.
"What?"
"My baby loves to eat chicken. I thought it would keep you company when I am away."
I can't help but smile. "Thank you."
Chapter Forty-Four
“Well baby, you said you had never seen me in heels before.” I lean my back against the door frame, wearing a black baby doll with a lace section over it and matching French knickers. Just what my Mark likes.
“Wow,” Mark says, looking me up and down.
“What do you think of the heels?” I question, walking towards him seductively.
“They are sexy, baby. Just like you,” Mark says, moving slightly further back in his lounge chair.
I instantly think of taking him in that chair. It’s larger than a normal chair and has no arms. Perfect. I love having it here. It was a good investment. I stand at the end of the chair, looking at Mark and waiting.
“Oh, baby. Come here,” he says, grabbing my wrists and pulling me onto the chair.
“Yes, Mr. Reed,” I say, kneeling with my legs apart over his.
“Oh, you’re such a tease. That tattoo is a massive turn on, too.” He pulls my wrists closer to his lips and kissing each of them tenderly.
I do love the tattoo. It has been the best thing I have done for myself in a long time, and I owe it all to Luke.
“You’re mine,” Mark whispers.
“Oh, am I?” I question.
“What is the answer to my question then?” Mark pushes.
“Which question?”
“Will you marry me?” he asks, placing his arms around my back and pulling me close to him as he lands his lips on my chest.
“I told you the answer,” I reply.
“Yes or no?”
“Yes.”
“I love you, Mrs. Reed.”
“I love you too, Mr. Reed.”
Acknowledgements
Mum - Thank you for everything. You mean the world to me and have always been there for me, no matter what. I hope I make you proud. Love you!
Paige – No words can describe how lucky I am to have found you. You’re an amazing editor and friend. I would be totally lost without you. I can’t wait to work on more books with you. Love you!
Sarah- Thank you so much for doing my book cover; it is gorgeous. Thank you.
Nicki - Thank you for being an amazing proofreader. You rock.
Angel – Thank you for formatting for me. You have done a wonderful job, and it looks so pretty.
Jen - Thank you for supporting me and finding the picture that became the cover for Redeemed.
Anna-Marie, Gemma, Tina, Katie - Thank you all for being my beta reading angels. You ladies have always been there for me, and I don’t know what I would do without you.
Jennifer and Chelle – Thank you for all your support. As a team, we can do anything together.
Claire – Thank you for your little secret. I hope I did you some justice.
Julie and Sandra – Thank you for your support and for keeping me laughing and busy when I have those quiet five minutes.
My awesome street team - Thank you for all your never ending support. You keep me on my toes and pick up opportunities for me. You are all so talented, and you rock.
To all the bloggers that have pimped me out - I can’t thank you enough. I don’t know what I would do without you all. I would try to name you, but I would forget one, for sure. And lastly, I can’t forget all my amazing fans. Thank you for your continued support. I heart my cheerleaders.
About the author
L. Chapman was born in and continues to live in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. She has spent most of her life helping others at one time, a DJ for a special needs club. Blending her love of helping others and her love of children, L dreams to one day own and operate a childcare nursery that will help mainstream special needs children with others.
In the rare times that L. is not working to help others or maniacally writing, she enjoys making a mess of things while creating beautifully detailed greeting cards. She spends time relaxing with family, friends, and good books. L. loves to travel and has been to many places in the United Kingdom; her favorite places all involve the ocean. She hopes to one day share a kiss with her happily-ever-after in the romantic shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Should she ever get over her fear of flying, those kisses may be shared in the shadows of the Egyptian Pyramids.
Ever the fussy eater, L. has never once tasted peanut butter, and she despises coffee. If you should feel the need to bribe her, it is suggested that you bring chocolate, as that is one of her known weaknesses.
Work by L Chapman
Trust #1 Believe series
Veiled #2 Believe Series
Redeemed #3 Believe Series
Do you believe #3.5 Believe Series
More from L Chapman Coming soon
Amazon fan picked debut romance author 2013