Sipping my wine, I shook my head. “Don’t encourage him, Louisa.”
Louisa chuckled and took a bite of her Bolognaise. Moaning, she closed her eyes. “Oh, wow,” she murmured. “This is the best Bolognaise I’ve ever tasted.”
“I told you,” Ian replied, sitting himself down opposite her. “I can’t believe I wasn’t here for the placing of the plate on the table ceremony.”
“Oh, there’s a ceremony?” Louisa asked.
Ian’s posture straightened. “I’ll have you know that I take my Spaghetti Bolognaise very seriously.”
“Hmm,” Louisa mused. “Indeed you do.” She winked at him, but he was too engrossed in the plate before him. He devoured it like it was his last meal. But, then again, he always did.
“So where are we going tonight?” I asked, changing the subject.
“I thought we’d go to that club on Baker Street. You know. Buddies.”
I shivered a little, remembering my last encounter at that club. The thought of going there again filled me with longing and apprehension. Will he follow me again tonight? Will he claim me like the last time? Without thinking logically, I suddenly felt myself looking forward to our night out.
Shit, I really did have it bad.
Chapter 32
Dean
Revenge is like biting a dog
Because the dog bit you.
Austin O’Malley
Despite my best efforts, I ended up at the mansion tonight. I still had a business to run and, most of the time, I ran it from there. My penthouse was my sanctuary. Somewhere to go and relax and not worry about the fucking shit I had to put up with during the day. It seemed the only time I felt relaxed lately was when I was with Tyler, and I didn’t like that feeling. I was becoming comfortable around her. I was getting used to her ways and her wants. I was getting used to being around her, then found I thought about her when I wasn’t with her. It was now starting to cloud my judgement. Could I possibly give all this up? Could I possibly leave the past behind and just let it go? A part of me recoiled from the idea, but another part of me rejoiced in it, too. I could finally reveal my face, hang up my hoodie, and be done with all of this. But what would happen with Tyler and me? Would she still want me if she knew who I was, or was part of her excitement the not knowing? She would probably get bored after a while and crave her stranger back, her Lotus.
I couldn’t possibly think like that anymore. I started this game, so I had to finish it. It was just Tyler’s magical voodoo powers dragging me under again. She always did have a way of casting me under her spell. And what a fucking spell it was.
In the last few weeks, Jimmy had been watching Tyler as she went about her day. He was watching her now because I couldn’t. I was stuck here, waiting for a phone call from one of my business associates in the U.S. I was merging and taking full advantage of the overseas economic downturn. Properties were being repossessed, and people were picking them up for next to nothing. Scott Cooper was someone I came into contact with a few months ago while on vacation in Miami. I must admit, it was more of a scouting operation than a holiday. He was someone with whom Humphrey had put me into contact. Scott was in real estate working for this well-known agency. He had saved a little and wanted to go alone, but he didn’t have enough. Humphrey told him I was looking to expand in the U.S. and, of course, Scott was very keen to meet up with me. I met him, he talked, I like his ideas, and gave him half the money. I think he knew he was signing with the devil, but never made any hints I was anything more than a businessman. The fact that I told him if he ever fucked this up, I would cut his balls off and ram them down his throat had nothing to do with it.
So, I sat and waited for Scott’s call, and my lawyer in Miami was probably waiting for his instructions, too. Signing over power of attorney made things a lot easier.
The only other thing that emerged in the last few weeks was what Tyler was doing at that hospital. I bought Jimmy a mask, telling him to suck it up and just get in there. Money was riding on it and he knew I would be all over his ass if he fucked up again. I found out Tyler had been visiting this kid named Jeremy. I looked into him and found out the poor kid, who had been in and out of hospitals and foster homes all his life, was a leukaemia patient there. It saddened me that he had been dealt a rough hand through his short life. But what I didn’t get was what this had to do with Tyler. Suffice it to say, I dug some more and came up with something rather interesting about how Tyler and Jeremy met. Something very interesting.
I was so carried away with my thoughts, I didn’t even notice that Humphrey was in the room. “Dean, umm… How should I say this? Mrs. Carmichael is at the door and she wants to speak with you.” Looking up from my desk, I saw Humphrey staring at me, a perplexed look on his face.
“Show her into the lounge, offer her a drink, and I will be there in a minute. Could you monitor my calls and let me know if Scott rings? I’ll speak with him after Mrs. Carmichael has left. I’m assuming this is just a passing visit?”
Humphrey shrugged, but nodded and left. I didn’t need this right now. I had too many other things with which to deal. I had to admit, I was intrigued to know what on earth she was visiting me for. I had only ever seen her with Aidan and their kids, so this was completely out of the ordinary. Closing my laptop, I rose from my seat and walked towards the lounge. As I opened the door, Mrs. Carmichael was sitting down on the sofa, the same one her husband fondled a prostitute on, nursing a glass of bourdon.
Looking up, she politely smiled and I took a seat opposite her. “Dean, thank you for seeing me.”
I nodded gracefully. “No problem at all, Mrs. Carmichael. What seems to be the problem? I’m guessing there must be a reason for this visit.”
Mrs. Carmichael timidly looked towards the ground and shifted in her seat a little. “To tell you the truth, I feel a little uncomfortable about coming to you with this.”
I shook my head. “There’s no need to be. I’m just as much as friend to you as I am to your husband.”
Cynthia smiled, showing me her perfect white teeth. She was in her forties and was quite attractive for someone married to a man like Aidan. After getting married, it would seem he became complacent and let himself go. Cynthia had always maintained her figure and always made sure she wore the finest clothes. Her blonde hair was always perfectly shaped, and her make-up never blemished. To top that all off, she loved her husband and doted on their children.
Aidan, you silly fucking twat!
“It’s silly, really, but I just needed to ask something. Aidan’s been a little more distant than usual and I keep trying to figure out why. I know it’s stupid of me to come here, but I’m just so lost. I thought, because you see each other on occasion, maybe you might know what’s wrong.”
Then it hit me. Aidan wasn’t the only one who was a stupid fucking twat. I was. For my own selfish reasons, I encouraged him to sleep with my two girls that night. It didn’t matter he didn’t need much encouragement. I still played a part in hurting this poor woman.
“I’m sure whatever it is, he will snap out of it soon. He’s probably got a lot going on at work or something. Maybe just give it a little time.” I felt like a shit talking to her as though she was a five-year-old. Cynthia obviously wasn’t born yesterday.
“I know. You’re right.” She smiled. “Maybe it’s just a phase and he’ll be over it soon. I don’t know.” She sighed a little and looked out the window for a moment. “Deep down, I know he has cheated on me.”
She looked away, giving me the impression she felt guilty for accusing him of this. Either that or she felt ashamed. He’s the one who should feel ashamed, the stupid prick. And I, for one, am going to tell him that shortly. I was getting fed up with his stupid bravado anyway. He needed to be taken down a peg or two.
“Listen, I’ll have a word with him, shall I? He knows he can speak with me about anything. I’m sure whatever it is, I can iron it out with him and he’ll feel much better for it. I’ll remind him of just how much he’s m
issing at home.” I gave her a cheeky smile and she blushed a little.
“You’re so kind, Dean. I knew I could come to you. You’ve always been there for every one of us. Even our girls. I see the way you look at them and I know that you’ll make a great father one day. They even call you Uncle Dean.”
I smiled at that. It was probably because I bought them expensive presents every birthday and Christmas, but they were always great to be around. They were a rich family, but the girls had never been snotty about it. They were always down-to-earth and ready for anything. They were smart and outwitted their father on a few occasions. I certainly had to give them their due on that score.
“You have two of the most amazing girls there, Cynthia. You should be proud of them.”
Getting out of her seat, she came and sat down next to me. She crossed her legs and fluttered her eyelashes at me. “Do you really think that way about me?” she whispered.
“What way?” I kind of knew where this was heading, but had to make sure.
“You know,” she said, diverting her eyes. “That comment about making him realise what he’s missing at home.”
“Of course,” I smiled. “You’re a very attractive lady, Mrs. Carmichael. Anyone would be lucky to have someone like you as a wife.”
Cynthia fluttered her eyelashes at me again. “Really? You think so?” She came in a little closer and the suffocation soon set in.
Oh shit. “Um, yes. Of course.”
“It’s been so long since someone has complimented me like that, so it’s nice to hear. It makes me feel like a woman again.”
I couldn’t believe that. It was hard to comprehend how blind her husband was. “Maybe Aidan just needs a little reminding,” I suggested.
Suddenly clasping my knee, she squeezed it suggestively. “Or, maybe, I could have someone else remind me.”
Shooting up out of my seat, I paced the floor. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Carmichael. I know you and your husband are having some issues, but I don’t want to be the cause of them.”
“Don’t you want me?” she asked with a pout.
Looking over at her, I knew that I would take her in any other circumstance, but she was a married woman. I just don’t touch married women.
Or, you just can’t deal with the fact she’s not Tyler.
“Of course I want you, Mrs. Carmichael. Who wouldn’t? I just can’t do that to both of you. You’re my friends and I’m there for you in any way I can be, but please. You can’t ask this of me. If it wasn’t for Aidan, I would happily oblige, but you have to understand that I can’t do that to you as a family.”
Seeing the tears in her eyes made me feel like an even bigger dick.
She covered her mouth and turned her head. “I’m sorry,” she sobbed. “I don’t know what came over me. I’ve never cheated on Aidan before. It’s pathetic, really. The minute you pay me a compliment, I’m all over you like a hussy.”
I had to chuckle a little at that, even though this situation was far from funny. “Cynthia,” I said, sitting back down next to her and grabbing her hand. “There is no way in hell’s chance that you should feel ashamed about what happened. It’s not your fault your husband has forgotten what a wonderful woman he has. Why don’t you surprise him one night? Suggest a night away and go buy some lingerie. I can guarantee that usually always works.” I gave her a suggestive wink and she smiled. “In the meantime, I will talk to Aidan. I’ll remind him of how much family should mean to him. Don’t worry. I won’t mention our conversation, but I certainly can’t leave this knowing how upset you are.”
The tears rolled down her face as she smiled tenderly towards me. Getting up, I grabbed a tissue for her and placed it in her hand.
“As you know, I have never been married myself, but I guess it’s hard work. Sometimes you go through the rough times in order to test out your relationship. You two have been married for so long, there’s bound to be ups and downs.”
Wiping her tears away, she sniffled and nodded. “Yes, you’re right, of course. Thank you.”
Patting her shoulder, I shook my head. “No problem at all. Now, do you want to stay for a bit, have another drink until you feel a little better? I don’t mind.”
Cynthia shook her head. “No, it’s okay. I’ve kept you long enough as it is. I feel a lot better now anyway.”
“Are you sure?” I know I’m a lot of things, but a heartless bastard isn’t one of them. Cynthia was one of those ladies my father used to always tell me about. She deserved my respect, and she deserved special care and attention from that stupid fuck of a husband of hers.
“I’m sure,” she said, getting up. “I need to go and meet the girls anyway. They’re at a birthday party and should be expecting me in a half-hour.”
Getting up, I placed my hand in the curve of her back and walked out of the door with her. “Thank you,” she said again, turning before she left.
“Anytime, Mrs. Carmichael, and say hello to the girls for me.” She smiled, got back in her car, and drove off.
As I watched her drive away, Humphrey suddenly appeared beside me. “Dean, Scott rang about ten minutes ago. He told me to tell you the papers were all ready to be signed and that they are with your lawyer.”
I nodded. “Thanks, Humphrey. I’ll go call them both now.”
I walked back into my office and shut the door. I made the phone calls to Scott and my lawyer, Louis, and everything seemed to be going as scheduled. I was pleased about that. I was pleased about a lot of things right now.
The next phone call I received, I answered with relish. I knew it was Jimmy and I knew it was about Tyler.
“Jimmy, what you got?” I asked eagerly. I heard him hesitate and I knew there was something wrong. “Don’t fucking tell me she’s gone somewhere else that freaks you out? What is it this time? The fucking puppet show?” I knew I was being sarcastic, but fuck that shit.
“Um, what exactly does this girl mean to you, Dean?”
My posture straightened, ready to fucking strike. “What the fuck does that mean, Jimmy? Spit it out.”
He sighed and I knew it wasn’t a good sigh. “I followed her, her hot mate from work, and that other guy she works with to Buddies. They’ve been dancing there for a couple of hours and getting more and more drunk.”
The more he talked, the more I could feel the anger rising. If some fucker had dared to lay a hand on her, I’d kill him with my bare hands and think nothing of it.
He sighed again and I knew this was where I would receive the killer punch, whatever it was. “Tyler was dancing with that guy from work…Ian, his name is.” I knew all too well what his fucking name was. “Well, he’s been feeling her up all night, but that isn’t it, Dean. He kissed her.”
Chapter 33
Tyler
Shit, I was fucking wasted. Fuck knows what the hell I was doing. I’d been at the club for about three hours, and all we’d done was drink and dance our asses off. Ian was doing his usual feeling me up thing he did on a regular basis. It bothered me, but it also bothered me that my stranger wasn’t here tonight. It was probably because he couldn’t hide himself so well here now, but it still pissed me off. Ian would only get suspicious if it didn’t let him do what he usually did. It was only when he rammed his tongue down my throat that I finally had the momentum to push him away with a playful swat. Ian just laughed, and I carried on dancing with Louisa. She was just as drunk as me and looking forward to going home to Peter tonight. Poor Peter!
Time flew by and it wasn’t long before I was on my way home, slurring the words of my address to the taxi driver. The driver looked a little apprehensive, but took me home anyway. His taxi was safe. It wasn’t until I got home and lay on my bed that the room suddenly started spinning.
That was enough to have me running. I was really going to regret this in the morning. I threw up all the contents from my stomach and then some. I couldn’t remember the last time I had gotten myself into this state.
Never again.
Pulling at the toilet paper, I suddenly realised that my stranger wasn’t around at all today. My toilet roll was in the same position I left it in. Strange how that really pissed me off. In my drunken haze, I felt a little uneasy about that prospect.
Where was he?
Chapter 34
Dean
A man who contemplates revenge keeps his wounds green.
Francis Brown
It was the following morning after hearing the news about Tyler and Ian. In a fit of rage, I had been up the whole night. I was starting to let her in, then she fucking did that to me. Again.
Not anymore. Operation Lotus was back on track. I wasn’t letting her get to me again, and I wasn’t going to take any prisoners. I knew the time was coming to a close soon, but I was too wrapped up in getting pussy-whipped by the one fucking person I set out to hurt in the first place.
No more.
Last night, I was so angry, I wasn’t thinking straight. When I found out she went home alone, I went in search of her. Lord knows what I would have said or done, but I was filled with so much anger that I didn’t care. It was only when I got to her apartment and saw her passed out on the bed that I started thinking more clearly. I never touched her. In fact, I pulled the cover over her so she didn’t get cold. How sick was that?
I couldn’t help it, though. Before I left, I just had to turn the toilet paper around the other way. Call it childish, call it having a temper tantrum. I don’t care. It was the one thing I could do to tell her I was still here, still watching her, and still very much in her life. There was no escaping my wrath now. I had become compliant towards Tyler. I had opened up a little and let her in. I had let her see a part of who I was now. She was never meant to see any of me. Not before it was too late. Not before she had fallen after I dragged her down with me. I warned her I was a demon. I warned her demons could never love. She, like every other woman, had tried to change me. Why does every woman want to change the way a man was? Why was it they found it so challenging to reel them in, only to rip their fucking hearts out?
Deviant Page 26