by Leaona Luxx
I hear him loud and clear.
The buzzing from the office shredder resounds in my ears. Standing here, all I can think is what the fuck did I just do? I’m an attorney. Sworn to uphold the truth. There’s laws against what I just did. What the fuck? All over a woman.
Checking the door, the offices are still dark, so I grab the bag of trash, making a mad dash to my office. Shoving the trash into my gym bag, I pick up my briefcase and get the hell out of there. What am I thinking? Reaching my car, I throw my bag in the back. Sliding into the seat, I draw a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.
Once I’m calm enough to drive, I open the console and pull out the black box waiting inside. The ring: a four carat French-Set Halo Diamond, has been sitting there for two weeks.
Making the final turn before her house, my mind races. What if she says no? I know she still loves him. I just need enough time to show her, I can love her better. Hardy has nothing to offer her. He’s always been a prick. Nothing but trouble.
I’m a good man. My actions a few minutes ago were for her protection. That’s what you do when you love someone, you protect them. He’s no good for her, she’ll see. With time, she’ll understand true love and know she was always in better hands with me.
Parking my car, I can see her waiting at the door. Still, I glance around looking for him. He’s here. I have proof. I have lots of information I shouldn’t have. Grabbing the box, I open my door with more determination than ever before. Hardy will never have her again.
Running to her as she waits by the front door for me, I get right to it. Asking her to marry me took her by surprise, I know. But the man standing in the dark was even more surprised. That makes me smile as she says yes and kisses me, accepting my ring and proposal.
The next day, we decide not to wait. Well, with a little prodding from my mother and me, Thayer finally agrees. We’ll be getting married on Thanksgiving, just two weeks from now. We both know we don’t need a big wedding, but I’m making it one for everyone to see. Especially, Hardy.
He needs to understand there’s nothing left here for him. It’s time to move along. Thayer’s mine, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her. Even lie. Long after he’s gone, I’ll explain to her. She’ll be so in love with me it won’t even matter. There’ll be no need for forgiveness, it’ll be forgotten. In the past. She’s the best at forgiving someone’s past mistakes.
The weeks’ progress rapidly, as the wedding draws closer. We visit the church Thayer’s family attends. I grew up in the next town over, Shallotte. We have a church there, but I wanted Thayer to be happy with the choice. We meet with the florists and the minister. There’s no time to order tuxes, so we opt for suits.
Thayer asks her sister-in-law, Lea, to be her matron of honor. I’m shocked when she agrees, I thought One wouldn’t want her to. She also asks her friend, Christy, to be her bridesmaid. We plan to honor my late sister’s memory during the ceremony. I miss Sallie every day, I wish she could be here.
Sallie was four years older than me, we were inseparable when were young. When she got accepted into the University of North Carolina, we were all so proud. Her future was so bright, as she aspired to be an attorney. She’s the reason I decided to become one.
She’s also the reason we left Chapel Hill. After her death, my parents’ just couldn’t stay there. Everything reminded them of her. Her death was devastating to them. I would never pretend to understand their grief. It’s a personal journey for everyone. Nevertheless, moving to a new town as a teenager isn’t what we all dream of.
It was hard for me and my little brother. We grieved for Sallie, but we also wanted our old friends and school. Sallie’s death devastated my family in so many ways. I sympathize with families whom have lost someone; I know how hard it is when a loved one is murdered. I do everything I can for domestic violence victims, it’s what Sallie would’ve wanted.
I’m sure it’s what drove my desire to protect Thayer from a less than savory life with someone like Hardy Turner. His past drug addiction would be enough for me to protect her. but given the information of his deceased wife, I know I need to do it. For her own good.
Running into her at the grocery store that day was fate. We were meant to be together. I remember seeing Thayer cheer at a high school football game under those Friday night lights, she was every guy’s wet dream.
I never had the nerve to ask her out then, even though I was one of the best players at my high school. We were worlds apart in so many ways. She’s even more beautiful today. I’m a lucky man. No way would I have ever jeopardized our relationship if it wasn’t imperative. I pray she sees it that way when the day comes to tell her.
We’ve decided to move into my home, well, I didn’t want her at her old one. Too many old ghosts hanging around. I’m hoping she’ll start working for me also. I’ll find somewhere for her to fit in. Thayer loves her company, but I’m sure once she gets a taste of the life I’m prepared to give her, she’ll change her mind.
I wanted to ask her to just run off with me to get married, but being the only daughter, I’m sure Elise, her mother, would’ve been upset. But the sooner I can get her tied to me the better off we both will be. I can’t stand waiting. And of course, there’s the sex.
I just can’t take much more of the looking over our shoulder. I hate knowing Hardy watches her every move. He hides out in the thickets, stalking her like prey. Why not man up, do your thing? Then again, I’m glad he hasn’t. Bullshit having to show my hand before the game’s over. Maybe I should just take it to the grave and forget the rest.
No one needs to know what I know. No one ever will unless I decide to tell it. The day Chet called, I never expected what he was about to tell me. Playing it cool was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and I’m a very successful trial lawyer.
Nevertheless, I have all I need to keep this under wraps for a long time. If Hardy ever thinks about coming back, I’ll tell him I have concrete proof of who he is and the things he’s done. I’ll protect Thayer at all cost.
Little did I know, by the end of the conversation, I’d be protecting myself also. Talk about being blindsided, I had never seen this coming. Seems as though Hardy has more on his plate than I ever imagined.
Three weeks ago, I was in the office preparing for a trial for the next day. It’s not unusual in my line of business to have contacts from all walks of life, even the occasional criminal. But today, it was one of those guys you’re not quite sure about; my friend Chet from college. He is now a private investigator in Charleston, South Carolina.
His call was out of the blue, the information he was looking for gob smacked me. Stunned into silence as he explained his reason for calling, I rallied to gain the vantage point early, guaranteeing me the win.
“Walker Pennington,” I answered my cell phone.
“Walker. Chet Norwood.” A gruff voice comes across the line.
“Chet, it’s been ages. How are you?” He chuckles but answers like only he can.
“Good. Still getting pussy.” We laugh at his old joke, still new to him.
“Great. How can I help you?” I have no time to reminisce.
“Ellis Kipton from Atlanta called me in on a case he’s working.” Now he has my attention. A private investigator from Atlanta working all the way up the coast had to be big. Someone has deep pockets.
“Of course, anything for you,” I say with baited breath.
“Hardison ‘Hardy’ Casey Turner. He’s been in your area for several years.” Chet waits, but I want more.
“I want it all before I say a word.” Trying to keep my voice calm, I feel like I’m about to jump out of my skin.
“Vested interest?” Chet was always cooler. That’s why I’m the shark and he’s the snake.
“We’ll see,” I reply before holding my breath, however baited it may be.
“Thayer Hamilton.” Mother fuck. I knew it.
“Go on.” He can tell I have more than just an interest.
<
br /> “She and her sister in law, Hadlea Woods, hired Ellis Kipton to find him. They also need information on his life here in Charleston. I’ve found some intriguing details about his early years. My investigation turned up a gentleman happy to pay me to keep these details to myself. Eric Murphy then gave me a few details about Turner, some of which included Hamilton. Ten thousand dollars isn’t a lot of money, but if it’s worth that to him, I couldn’t help but wonder what the next bidder would offer. Apparently, Mrs. Woods is worth quite a bit of money. Maybe a bidding war would be appropriate,” he says with a chuckle. Maybe so.
“What’s the intel? Furthermore, what’s your price?” I actually thought Chet was making it good down there, but then again, it could just be greed.
“Intel will rock the foundation of all involved, tipping the scale in the favor of the one in possession of the papers I hold. Price, $100,000.” His words are cold and calculating. This is explosive.
“I want the details in my hand in ten. If it’s worth it, I’ll transfer $150,000 by two this afternoon. This goes no further.” I learned cold and calculating from the best, mother fucker.
“Just as I thought. Do you remember her?” Chet’s fishing.
“Who?” I pander.
“Oh, come on now Walker. Do you take me for a fool?” Hedging his bets on my response, I give nothing away.
“Meaning?”
“Erica, Walker. The game versus Clemson, we went bar hopping and slumming.” Chet’s words grow cold as he lowers his voice.
“I remember being so drunk that I don’t remember much.”
“But you remember Erica, she had the good shit. And was absolutely fuck worthy,” Chet grinds out, making my fucking jaw tick.
“Yeah, well that’s why they’re called one-night stands.” Goddamn it.
“But you saw her later.” Chet knows I’m fucked.
“Send the fax,” I demand with no hope of cooperation.
“I just pressed send. Happy reading, thank you for your business.” Chet ends the call.
Moments later, my fax machine begins spitting out paper after paper. All information pertaining to Hardy’s life in Charleston. All of it earth-shattering. I gather the papers and begin reading. By the time I get to the last page, I know what I need to do.
Hurrying to the copy room, I place article after article in the shredder. Destroying every word that stands to obliterate everything I’ve been working for. I’ll not lose Thayer this way. He can’t have her. I’ll do everything in my power to stop him.
As I work the shredder to eradicate myself of this information, I check an incoming text, Chet. He’s just informed me there’s only one other copy of this and no one will ever find it. I text a friend of mine who works in the field of hired protection. I want Thayer watched twenty-four seven until I can get her to marry me or get him away from her.
Hardy’s been spotted stalking Thayer. I’m not so much concerned for her safety as I am her heart. If he’s here, it’s because he stills wants her. He can’t have her; I won’t allow it. He’s no good for her. Besides, I love her. I’ve been here for her. She’s mine now.
“Hey, where are you?” Lea stands in front of me waving her hands like a lunatic.
“Oh. Thinking. What is it?” Looking at her and then over at Christy, their faces reflect exactly what I’m feeling. Sheer panic as we look as bridesmaid dresses. “I’m fine. Stop. I know what I’m doing. I love Walker, and in time, any love I have for him will dissipate.”
“Is that so? Do you love him enough to say you have more for Walker than you do Hardy?” Christy asks.
“How many people have lost someone and still find a second chance? Walker’s my second chance,” I say flatly.
“Or do you think he’s your quickest route?” Lea peers at me with her eyebrow cocked.
“Quickest route to what? More heartache? If I didn’t love him, I wouldn’t do this. I will not hurt him the way I’ve been hurt.” I glare at the both of them, praying it’ll make them stop. It doesn’t. Damn it.
“I’m not saying you’d hurt him intentionally, Thayer. I’m only asking if your love can sustain you or is it a band-aid?” Lea knows me too well.
“Love triangles happen all the time. Mine is a little different. There is no other man vying for my hand in marriage. Fucking asshole ran off.” I begin swinging my leg as I sit, trying to dissipate some of my nervous energy.
“True. But if they both stood before you today, who would you pick?” I may kill Christy before this day is over.
“You and I both know that’ll never happen. So be gone with your conjecture for today,” I say, flipping my hand to shoo her away.
“It’s a valid question, Thayer. What if Hardy comes back?” Lea’s face is full of sorrow as her eyes well with tears.
“I’ll be honest; today, I’d leave with him. Tomorrow, maybe not. Girls, I’m just not sure, but I do know I love Walker.” My voice breaks on the last few words.
“Do you love Hardy more?” Lea is tough as nails. She knows me better than I thought.
“I’m in love with two different men. Do I love one more than the other? Yes. But he’s not here, is he? He couldn’t stand by me when I needed him most. Walker’s a good man, he deserves to be happy. Listen, I know it isn’t the best situation, but Walker knew what he was getting into inside and out. He knows I love someone else, but is willing to take me and what I have to offer. If he accepts it, that’s all that matters. Now, I’m over speculating about Hardy.” Standing, I turn to walk away. Lea has other plans; her words bring me up short.
“He’s here.” Two words. World domination.
“What? Who?” Christy looks around as the color drains from my face. I search Lea’s eyes for any trace that she’s bluffing. No. fucking. Way.
“One talked to him.” I crumple on the floor, my pulse racing as I struggle to catch my breath.
“Thayer!” Christy screams as the lights go out.
I watch as Hardy walks through the door from the other side of the room. He shakes hands as he smiles and exchanges pleasantries with the receiving line. People lined up to deliver well wishes to me and my new husband are now going to Hardy. He just walks in after seven long months and steals the show.
The closer he gets to me, people gawk openly. They’re not the only ones. I stand here, mouth agape, as he walks straight to me. Damn, he looks fine as hell. I’ve never seen him this way before. He’s dressed in a fitted, black, three-piece Armani. His pale gray dress shirt sets his eyes off. He’s totally fuckable. I realize my new husband stands beside me. I’m too ashamed to even look at him after my thoughts about Hardy, whom I’ve lost again in the crowd. Suddenly, I’m grabbed from behind as the wedding guests begin to tap their champagne glasses spurring my husband to kiss me.
Closing my eyes as I’m tilted backward, I feel his soft lips take mine. Working my mouth until it gives way to his enticing work of my lips. His tongue wars with mine in a dance of sensual deliciousness, making me instantly wet. I squeeze my thighs together to help restrain my moan from the mouth-fucking my husband is giving me.
Finally, we come up for air. He begins to pull away, and I feel the cool air across my wet lips. Immediately, I miss his heat. I’ve never wanted anything more than to have him press his lips against me again. I’ve missed this so much. Opening my eyes, I see Hardy looking back at me.
Startled, I begin to blink rapidly, slowly coming to. Lea and Christy are over top of me, hovering. Christy runs a cool cloth over my forehead again. Lea looks so worried. Damn her, she should be. Scaring a girl like that is bullshit.
“You okay?” She watches me closely. I nod, but my first words are about him.
“Where is he?” Rising to sit, I lower my head between my knees. I’m nauseous.
“I’m not sure, One didn’t say, baby. What are you thinking?” Everything is what my answer should be, but I go for the simple.
“Who the fuck knows?” Tears begin to fall, gathering on the floor between m
y feet.
“Are we still having a wedding?” Christy asks innocently. I sit there thinking. I answer as honestly as possible.
“Yes, if he were here for me, to make it right, he would have already been fighting for me,” I mumble the last few words.
“I think he’s still working up the courage.” Lea licks her lips nervously. Lifting my head, I wipe my nose then gather my thoughts and stand.
“If he wanted me, he would be here. I know more now than ever; I can’t put my faith into a man who can’t believe in me. Walker understands my hesitation about us, but he doesn’t doubt my commitment. Hardy will never comprehend why I would stand beside him through any storm because he doesn’t believe in us. I need my husband to believe in our love. Knowing if he can’t stand on his own, I will stand with him, beside him. Just like he would stand with me.” Shifting my eyes between both women, they smile and nod.
Lea stays close by as we sort our things and get ready to leave the dress shop. We purchase dresses for the wedding, what else should we do? I think they’re waiting for the calm before the storm. But it never comes.
We drop Christy off at her home and drive to Lea’s. One is there when we arrive, he’s had the twins while we’ve been out. Walking through the front door, his eyes latch onto Lea’s. Many unspoken words are shared, as only they can do. My brother’s eyes snap to mine.
“Tell me. Better yet, why the fuck haven’t you told me?” Glaring at him, I try to keep my voice level; the twins are sleeping.
“Let’s step out to the sunroom, okay?” His voice cracks with nervousness.
“Tell me,” I say again, spinning on him as soon as the door closes behind us. He sets the baby monitor down before shoving his hands in his pockets. He does that when he feels out of control. He’s mad as hell.
“Lea and I discussed last night that she would gauge you today to decide if we were going to say anything. She texted me to warn me she was about to tell you, I’m sorry. I’ve wanted to tell you.” I pace between the two of them, seething.