Elise’s text came in an instant. Are you in trouble?
Don’t think so. I’m with Archer, the head of security at Phoenix. Here’s his id. I’ll call if I need you.
Yes, do!
Hazel’s message popped up. What? Holy shit? Rhys-fucking-harrington? What’s happening? OMG, i need to know everything!!
Zoey chuckled and tucked her phone away. Poor Hazel was going to be a mess until Zoey figured out what in the hell was going on. She glanced up at Archer and gave a soft smile. “We’re good.”
“Excellent. Hop on in.” He gestured her inside.
In minutes, they were on the road. The drive into Manhattan took longer than normal due to rush-hour traffic, but Archer’s small talk made her feel comfortable. Until they crossed from Brooklyn into Manhattan, when her stomach roiled and a hot flash rushed across her, leaving her back sweaty against the seat. She knew it was irrational. That Brooklyn wasn’t any safer than Manhattan. But Brooklyn felt safer; it was free of Scott and Jake.
“You’re safe, Zoey. Just breathe.”
She released the breath she was holding, not knowing she’d been holding it. She brushed it off with a laugh. “Sorry about that. I’m good.”
Archer watched her closely and then gave her a firm nod before focusing back on the road.
She hated what this city did to her. The fear it created. She settled back into her seat.
When he finally parked at the curb and led her through the front door, her curiosity grew tenfold. The cigar club was lavish. Rhys’ wealth showed here. Fabrics were luxurious, antique furniture even more so, no expense was spared with the design. And she was pretty sure the intricate gold fleurs on the bar were real. The place was busy, most tables full of customers drinking dark liquored alcohol, thick cigar smoke lingering in the air, an oddly pleasing aroma of cedar mixed with a pungent scent of tobacco. Amazing, considering the laws in the city banned smoking indoors. Which, of course, only told her that, when it came to Rhys Harrington, rules didn’t necessarily apply.
She kept silent and followed Archer down a long hallway and through another door. Then her steps faltered at the view unfolding before her. Behind a one-way mirror, in what appeared to be a private room with whiskey barrels lining the stone walls, Scott and Jake sat on brown leather couches beside each other. They sipped bourbon, smoked cigars, and chit-chatted with Rhys sitting across from them. She recognized him immediately and chided herself for not noticing it the night they were together. She’d seen pictures of him on the Internet when Elise had researched Phoenix. Even if he was the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen in her life, with a body of sculpted muscles, a chiseled jawline, and a mesmerizing presence that demanded she continue to stare at him, her stomach dropped. “What the hell is this?” she snapped, whirling on Archer.
“You’re safe,” Archer said, holding up his hands nonthreateningly. “You’ve got a choice here. I can take you home right now. Or you can watch Rhys deal with them. He thought you’d appreciate the latter.” Archer’s expression showed only kindness and strength as he added, “Let Rhys right this wrong in the way he can. These bastards deserve far worse.”
He’s going to right a wrong? Her head spun as she moved closer to the one-way mirror. She stared at the two men who’d ruined her life. Destroyed her in ways she never thought anyone could destroy her. Beside her, she saw Archer fire off a text, and she noticed Rhys glancing at his phone.
His gaze lifted to the one-way mirror, and she felt the power of that stare like a punch to her stomach, knocking the wind right out of her. She was sure he couldn’t see her, but it seemed like he was looking right at her, reminding her how last night had felt. To hold this man’s attention was something powerful. Something addictive. Something profound. Rhys gave a slight nod, approval shining in his eyes. Then his gaze hardened when he looked at Scott and Jake. “I have no doubt you’re wondering why I’ve asked you here,” he said, picking up a file. “Explain this to me.” He slid a photo across the coffee table between them.
One look at the paper, and Scott went ghostly white. Jake snorted and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. Zoey didn’t know what had truly happened that awful night, but their reactions now made her believe that Jake was the leader, and Scott had followed. She couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if Scott, obviously a guy with a smidgen of a conscience, hadn’t been there.
“Hot chick,” Jake said. “Should I know her?”
Something deadly flashed across Rhys’ expression. He arched a very slow and deliberate eyebrow. “Try again.”
Jake averted his gaze.
Scott bowed his head.
Rhys grabbed the photo and tossed it aside like he couldn’t stand to touch it before addressing them again. “Let me explain the situation to you. When we ran our background check on the woman in our show last night, this photograph came up.”
Jake shifted in his seat.
Scott had yet to look up.
Rhys continued, “Of course, we put this photograph through a ruthless investigation after we discovered the woman did not give her consent. I don’t think I need to tell you that, at the end of the investigation, your names were at the forefront. Do you care to explain that?”
Scott finally looked up. His skin ashen. “It’s not how it looks.”
“How it looks?” Rhys growled, his knuckles turning white around his bourbon glass. “It looks like you drugged a young woman, photographed her, then blasted lies on social media.”
“We didn’t rape her,” Jake said.
A vein protruded in the center of Rhys’ forehead as he said in a very controlled voice, “You destroyed her life. How can you possibly believe that is any less of a crime than if you had raped her?”
Something broke inside of Zoey, something raw and unexpected, flooding her with emotions she couldn’t control. Never had anyone spoken up for her like this. Even Ava and Julie had kept quiet, hiding behind her embarrassment and shame. Zoey had never let anyone in, never believed anyone would fight for her, and a bleeding spot in her heart needed this. She began shaking and couldn’t stop, wrapping her arms around herself tightly.
Archer was there, squatting next to her, but never reaching to touch her. “Tell me you want to leave, and we leave. It’s that simple, Zoey. What do you want to do?”
“No, I’m okay,” she said, wiping at the moisture on her face with shaky hands. “I want to stay.”
“Please look at me.”
She turned her head, meeting Archer’s concerned eyes. He gently said, “If that changes, tell me.”
“Okay, yes, thank you.” His kindness and trusting nature, Rhys’ strength and protection, she felt it all wrap around her like a warm blanket. She looked back at the men who’d altered her life is such a dramatic way. The men who were complete opposites of these two strangers. But she knew the control Scott and Jake had over her. She didn’t even know the woman she had been before that night anymore. The one who believed people were kind. The woman who trusted her own judgment. The one who thought bad things couldn’t happen to her.
Jake finally lifted his head and snorted. “Rhys, is this going somewhere?”
Rhys grinned as he gestured at the one-way mirror. There was nothing friendly about it. “I’ve brought Zoey here to watch this.”
Both men glanced at the window, shock on their faces. But Scott didn’t look away.
“And the point?” Jake asked, entitled arrogance dripping off his voice.
“Your time in Phoenix is done,” Rhys stated, matter of fact. “Your memberships revoked. I’ve recorded this conversation, and I’m giving the recording and the casefile to Zoey. The choice if she wants to have you prosecuted is her own.” He leaned in, and Zoey had never seen anyone look so scary and sexy all at once. “Let me be very clear: stay away from her. Not a phone call. Not a house visit. Do not push me where it comes to her.” Rhys lifted his glass to his mouth, and before taking a sip, he dismissed them. “Now get the fuck out.�
�
Both men rose. Jake was out the door in less time it took Zoey to draw in a shaky breath.
Scott took a step out but stopped before exiting. He glanced at the window, heavy regret on his features. “I’m sorry, Zoey. I know that will never make up for my part in what I did to you, but I am. I’m just so sorry.”
The emotion Zoey had been fighting burst wide open as Scott left. Like floodgates she couldn’t keep shut, she dropped her head into her hands and cried. Sobbed for everything that had happened. For all the lies spread. For her squashed dreams. For Scott and Jake finally being held accountable. Most of all, she cried because it had happened in the first place. But when a warm, woodsy musk infused the air, she realized someone else had entered the room. Firm hands gathered her, and she was hoisted into strong arms as Rhys sat down, pulling her to straddle his waist.
He held her.
Truly held her.
Like he had last night.
And she let him, emptying her pain into this man’s arms…a man who owed her nothing.
She had no idea how much time had passed before she lifted her head, not caring if her makeup was running down her face. She met Rhys’ smoky gray eyes, transfixed by the strength in them.
He held up a USB stick. “For you.”
“What’s this?” she asked, accepting it.
“That is your evidence if you choose to seek justice against them.”
She glanced at the USB stick. “But wouldn’t that expose the club?”
His soft voice drew her gaze back up to meet a face so gorgeous she didn’t think it could be real. “Sometimes, Zoey, telling the truth is worth the risk. This is one of those times. What was done to you was wrong. Scott and Jake should be brought to justice for that.” He closed her hand with his, keeping the USB stick tight in her grip. “Take it. You decide what to do with it.”
She held his gaze, and it felt oddly easy to do that. “For a year, I have believed the very worst in people. That no one can be trusted. That you can’t believe a word anyone says, because people do terrible things. But this…you and Archer…” Her voice hitched, but she forced the words out to prove to herself that she didn’t need to hide anymore. “I can’t help but think that maybe hope’s not all lost and that there really are good people out there.”
“None of this should have happened to you.” He wiped a fallen tear like it was his duty to do so. When he dropped his hand, holding her intimately against him, he asked, “Would it be all right if I drive you back home?”
She inhaled and exhaled deeply, pulling back emotions she had become an expert at hiding. “Thank you, but I’m okay. I’m actually meeting up with my roommates tonight.” To celebrate leaving her old life behind and stepping into this new one, where Manhattan didn’t terrify her. “I’ll make my way home with them after. Honestly, after all that, I could use the air. It’s not far from here. I’ll just walk.” Of course, she’d call a taxi, but he didn’t need to know that.
Not taking no for an answer, he rose with her in his arms and set her down on her feet. “Then, let me walk you.” At her silence, he offered his hand, arching an eyebrow, which softened his strong features. “Indulge me, Zoey. It’s a beautiful night.”
There were a thousand reasons to say no. But she realized she didn’t want to. She slid her hand into his. “You’re right, it is a beautiful night.”
Chapter 5
On any given day, Rhys could look a person in the eye and tell what their greatest desire was. He’d learned how to read people a long time ago. However, he realized on his walk through Central Park with Zoey that part of her allure was the mystery behind her. All the secrets Rhys had yet to discover, and how exactly she’d pulled off something he never thought possible. She was brave, but cautious. He noticed when they began walking that her gaze was darting, searching for any threats. Her posture was tense, ready. He liked how, fifteen minutes later, she smiled more, laughed a bit, and her shoulders lowered.
Along the path hugged by mature trees, Rhys gestured at an empty bench. “Come sit with me a moment.” At the curious tilt of her head, he smiled gently. “I’d like to talk a minute, if that’s all right with you.”
She took her phone from her purse, glancing at the screen. “Let me just text my roommates that I’ll be a few more minutes.”
He waited for her to fire off the message before gesturing at the bench again. After she sat, he joined her. Knowing he needed to take this slowly and gently, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, but turned his head toward her. “You owe me no explanation, but I’d like to hear your truth.”
“About what happened that night with Jake and Scott?” At Rhys’ nod, she asked, “Why are you so interested?”
Why, indeed? “Because your story is the only one that matters here,” he told her.
She breathed in and out slowly, turning away from him, staring out at nothing. But even from a side glance, the weight of her pain rested heavily on her face. “I wasn’t really a party girl in college, but two months before I graduated, my old college friends talked me into going to a frat party.” She met his gaze and her lips thinned. “The next morning, I woke up in a bed I didn’t know, half naked. I thought that was possibly the worst moment of my life, but as you now know, it wasn’t. Jake and Scott took that picture of me and shared it on the college discussion website with a message that read: A pretty piece from NYU. We destroyed her. Who wants her next?”
Rhys clenched his jaw, controlling the hot rage burning through him, and he watched every twitch of muscle on her face. She took another deep swallow, obviously shoving her sadness back to that place where she kept it to survive. “Can you tell me why you never reported them?” he asked gently.
She gave a small shrug, glancing down to her wringing hands. “Because I wasn’t technically raped, so I thought the punishment wouldn’t be severe. Ultimately, I just wanted to finish school, get the hell out of there, and move on.”
He suspected she hadn’t moved on at all, but it wasn’t his place to make a remark on that. “You obviously wanted your own type of justice, since you went to great lengths to show them you were still a virgin.”
Her response was immediate, her chin lifting in clear defiance. “I wanted to show them that they didn’t break me. That, yes, I was a virgin, and I was smart and strong enough to get close to them to show it. That, if I wanted, I could always get close to them. I wanted them to feel their control slip.”
Shy, but brave. Strong, but hurting. This woman utterly fascinated him. “That’s what this is about?”
She gave a firm nod. “This time, and every time from here on, I give my consent. My choice. My rules.”
A raw truth lived in her eyes. Power too. Such remarkable power he had a hard time looking away from her. “What did you get out of the experience, then?” Everyone had their own reasons for coming to Phoenix. To leave the person they used to be at the door and come out someone different.
She took a moment to consider his question then answered, “In a month, I’m moving back to my family in Sacramento. I need to leave New York, leave all of the reminders here. I’ve lived in this sort of hell for the last year. I feel stuck in this pain because this dark cloud is always there, hanging over me, suffocating me. I refuse to be the person I am right now when I move. Last night, I left all my shit at your club’s door. No more pain. No more thinking about those bastards. I’m officially moving on.”
It all sounded logical, but Rhys knew most women usually led with emotions. “I think that all makes a lot of sense, but the question begs to be asked: did you not want to give your virginity to someone you love?”
“I can’t love,” she said, holding his stare.
“Can’t or won’t?”
“Can’t,” she repeated with a slight shrug. “I’ve tried to date. I can’t get past the first date. And even on the first date, I have full-on panic attacks. I know it’s hard to understand, but my virginity didn’t mean what it used to mean to me.
It’s not special or sacred. It was a dark cloud over my life. And I’m glad it’s gone. That was my choice, my decision. And in the end, with the financial gift, I can move back home, buy a house, and have the life I should have had before two assholes decided to ruin everything.”
Rhys listened to the trees rustle in the breeze, unable to take his eyes off her. He had seen people hurting before, and he could split them into two types. One hiding from their pain. The other dealing with it. Zoey was the latter, and he found her awareness refreshing. He’d been there once too. Hell, he owned Phoenix because it was part of his recovery after Katherine passed away. Her death was not easy; she fought death right to the end, and with her last breath, she screamed at the injustice of it all. A sound that haunted him ever since.
He’d opened Phoenix out of frustration and anger that Katherine’s life was cut short, with so many hopes, dreams, and desires unfulfilled. Back then, he held back. After Katherine died, he stopped holding back from what he truly wanted. He’d stepped down as CEO of Harrington Finance, the company his family owned. He bought the cigar club as a playground to indulge his voyeuristic desires and to keep his emotions out of the game. Of course, with the frustration and anger over Katherine’s death fading, he enjoyed what the club brought to others. Freedom and happiness. He found fulfillment in seeing others living authentically.
“So,” Zoey said after a long, deep breath, drawing Rhys from his thoughts. “Are you upset with me for using your club for my own personal gains?”
He took a moment to examine her. She thought she was this hardened woman. That question proved her wrong. Pain hardened people. Rhys had seen that happen to Katherine, and she never recovered. Her cancer had created a hatred in Katherine that became all-consuming, and Rhys couldn’t pull her out of that darkness. But Zoey wasn’t hardened. She wouldn’t care if he was upset if she was. “Upset, no, but I’d like to know how you managed all this. How you not only found out about the club, but also managed to get on the inside.”
Watch Me (Phoenix Book 1) Page 4