The Only Choice (The Choices Trilogy #3)

by Palmer, Dee

  “You shouldn’t be here Bethany, you know that right?” His tone is clipped and agitated.

  I exhale loudly. “Yes I’m getting that impression.” I rub my forehead and pinch the bridge of my nose. The tension is fast becoming a killer headache. “If it helps at all I’m here for business reasons.” I hold his gaze as he looks surprised.

  “Really?” He tilts his head.

  “Oh don’t get me wrong I would love to know why Mr. Arsewipe can’t be an adult and take my calls but I’m guessing you can’t answer that?” I raise an inquisitive brow and when he chuckles and shakes his head, I continue. “No well, thought as much. So I just want to know why Stone R & D stole my design and passed it off as one of their own?” I leave that hanging in the air, pleased at the utter shock on Jason’s face as I step off the elevator. Jason follows quickly just as the doors begin to close and takes my elbow leading me along the corridor to an office at the end, his office.

  “That’s a very serious allegation Bethany.” His voice is gruff, his grip is tight and I am thankful for my flat pumps or I’d be flat on my arse by now.

  “Well I’m not here for the warm welcome, that’s for sure.” I snap.

  He stands to the side and watches me enter his office before closing the door and leaning against it. He takes a moment and pushes off casually all the time he keeps his eyes fixed on me. Reading my every movement for some sort of tell that maybe I’m might be trying to trick him. He walks to his desk and slowly sits motioning me to do the same.

  “So do you want to tell me what makes you think we’ve stolen from you exactly?” His voice is calm if a little condescending but I choose not to bite.

  “I don’t think. I know, and . . .” I rummage through my bag and pull the crumpled application that Chris gave me earlier. I don’t have my copy but it’s enough for him to get started. “This is your application and I can email my copy over later but there’s little point they are identical.” I lean over and he takes the forms. Smoothing them on his desk and slowly reading the documents.

  “I think there must be a misunderstanding, maybe you do need to speak with Daniel?” He muses quietly more to himself as he shakes his head at that thought. “No, look, I’ll look into it, give me your details and I will contact you as soon as I have some more information.” He sits back and narrows his eyes, he is still so suspicious and yet it’s not me that has stolen anything.

  “Can’t you get my details from Daniel?” I challenge and he smirks.

  “No I don’t think that would be wise, beside he’s made it perfectly clear he— “ He censures himself but I already feel the crushing rejection in the unsaid words. Daniel’s made it perfectly clear he wants nothing to do with me and no one is to mention my name. I no longer exist.

  “So he’s at lunch and I’m really not allowed to see him?” I fight the rising tears, pinch my nails into my palms and focus on the growing anger once more.

  “He has some business associates he is entertaining in the private dining room and no darling you are not allowed to see him.” He rolls his eyes like I just say the silliest things.

  “But I am allowed to see you?” His eyes widen and I catch a flash of heat as I emphasise the last words and what they might mean. I don’t know what they mean but I am not above exploring any angle to get an audience with Mr Arsehole.

  “Bethany.” He shakes his head lightly, “you could well make me break my rule, ‘shitting where I eat’ in fact once I’m sure he’s serious I am definitely breaking that rule but for now let’s just keep this business.” He fights the grin that threatens his implacable face.

  I relax a little but strangely feel empowered to push this. I go to stand and make my way the door turning slowly and just before I leave say. “In that case maybe I’ll see you at the club.” With that and as Jason’s jaw drops I walk out leaving the door to swing shut with a loud click. I barely make it to the elevator when Jason has my elbow gripped tight and is walking me to an empty room. Once the door closes he turns to face me.

  “You can’t go there Bethany its members only!” He voice is harsh and panicked.

  “Really?” I mock. “Because I’m pretty sure I got in last time when I wasn’t a member?” I pull my elbow from his hold and try for the door but he blocks me with his arm.

  He growls. “You can’t go there on your own, they’ll eat you alive.”

  “I kind of thought that was the point!” I snap back. “Look,” I point my finger hard into his chest and scowl because he has no right to tell me what I can or can’t do, even if I don’t really want to do what I’m threatening to do. “Mr arsehole up there opened that door for me and just because he’s kicked me to the curb doesn’t mean he or you can dictate whether I choose to walk through that door again. He stole my future; he broke my fucking heart but this body, this is mine and I will do whatever I please with it.” My words soften toward the end as I lose my fire. I realise that the best threat I can come up with is to fuck a bunch of Dominant strangers, wow this day just keeps getting better. “Look, forget I said that, in fact just forget everything.” I let out a sad breath that fails to hold back a few tears. “I’ll go now Jason, and don’t worry about looking into my project, it was silly to think I could take him on.” He steps aside and walks me in silence to the elevator. Before the door closes he hands me his card.

  “Just in case. Don’t go alone.” His light brown eyes darken, he removes his arm as the door slides shut. I slip the card in the tiny back pocket of my skirt as the lift rapidly drops to the floor along with my hopes and dreams.

  I CAN’T BELIEVE I said that, what was I thinking? I know I have no intention of going back to the club. I didn’t even get a fluttering in my stomach at the thought and I know it’s because I wasn’t lying when I said Daniel had opened that door. But what I didn’t say was that he is the only one I want to walk through it with. Would I risk going? Hoping that Jason would let Daniel know, hoping he would come for me as he had before. I snort as the lift door opens at the ridiculous fairy-tale line of thinking. My wayward mind is racing, he won’t even take my call, he won’t see me and it’s laughable to think any different. Daniel Stone will definitely not rescue me. I don’t think I have ever felt so low, felt so worthless. I have nothing left, I’m a shell. I don’t think I can make it to the main door without breaking down and drawing mortifying attention my way. CCTV is everywhere so I duck my head down and rush toward the ladies. Slumped in a cubicle, my bottom instantly numb on the hard seat cover I drop my head in my hands and quietly cry, muffling my sobs with my sleeve. God I’m pathetic. Pathetic, nothing and alone; I just need them to start pumping Heart Will Go On through the speakers and I think I will top myself.

  My phone starts to vibrate in my bag. I wipe my face dry and let out a ‘pulling myself together’ breath. “Hey sister.” I swallow a rising lump because the breath didn’t quite work.

  “What’s up Bets you sound strange?” Sofia has been consumed with all things wedding recently and understandably, so I am a little surprised she picked up on my shaky tone so quickly. I give her a brief outline of my stellar morning, neglecting to mention I am currently hiding in the ladies.

  “Where are you now?” Her tone hasn’t softened despite my tale of woe.

  “Ladies, I kind of lost it in the lift and ran to the toilets before . . .” I falter and wipe the rivers rolling down my cheeks.

  “Where’s your fucking dignity Bethany Edith Thorne?” She snaps.

  I wince at her harsh words. She’s bringing out the big guns with my middle name and I know she’s pissed. “Elvis.” I reply. “I’m hiding in the toilet right now, where do you think my dignity is? It’s left the fucking building.” I bite back

  “Well for fuck sake Bets go and get it back. This isn’t about standing by your man or even wanting him back because the douche doesn’t deserve you but you do deserve some answers and you deserve them from him. Fuck Bethany, since when did you start believing . . . you know I can’t even s
ay it and you know Marco would throw a shit fit if he thought you were self-doubting over this bullshit. Now, I want you to go back out there, up to his office and demand some answers. It’s the very least and I mean the very least you deserve.” She huffs to emphasise her righteous indignation.

  “It’s not that easy—” I try to argue.

  “—Don’t give me that, you can be fierce when you are protecting me or Marco or anyone else you love so—”

  “—No,” I interrupt her rant softly because I think someone has just come in. “No, I mean you are right but it’s not that easy. I would have to get past the sphincter police and I don’t want to embarrass myself anymore, it’s humiliating. I agree with what you said, really I do, I just don’t know how I can—” She stops me with an abrupt laugh.

  “There are always ways Bethany, you know that. You weren’t always the bosses girlfriend, you were staff remember?” I can almost see her conspiratorial brows wiggling and I let out a laugh, God I love this woman.

  “Of course . . . Ok who do you know in the kitchen, because that could be perfect. He has a private lunch right about now.” My voice is whispered my hand cupped over the phone.

  “Give me two minutes, in the meantime wipe the pandas will you?” I frown at the phone as I pull it away from my face wondering if I am speaking on a video call. She hangs up and I straighten my short black skirt and blouse, take my button up cardigan out of my bag and put it on, shoulders back, head high, I open the door and walk over to the sink. I just finish removing the panda eyes when my phone buzzes to life.

  “You’re in luck he’s got external caterers for this lunch and he’s got them from my club no less. Gaby is working over there today and she says she’ll switch with you if you meet her at the loading doors by the staff entrance in five minutes. They have had the first course and they are just about to take the second up so you better shift your arse. Now boldly go, woman!” Her voice is firm and excited at the same time. “And Bets he’s treated you like you were nothing . . . so don’t you dare let him get away with it.” She hangs up before I can get all tearful again. I grab my bag and walk quickly from the ladies across the main foyer and out of the revolving doors. I walk ahead so as not to make it too obvious I am just rounding the building. The plaza is busy with the lunchtime rush and I have to weave through the people taking impromptu picnics on the steps. I freeze when I see Daniels car but notice that Peter is in a reclined position, clearly not expecting Daniel any time soon. I can see Gaby by the loading bay waving frantically and I run to meet her. She flings her arms around me and starts to pull at her white jacket as I quickly remove my cardigan.

  “Quick quick they are just loading the carts! Paula will serve the plates you follow with the sauce. I’ll keep your bag but I’m going to head home, pretend I wasn’t even here if that’s Ok?” She giggles. “Lucky I work for either Sofia or her family because I would not want to get on their bad side.” She pushes me to the elevator where Paula, I assume, is waiting with a fully loaded cart. Just as the door close Gaby waves and I mouth ‘thank you.’

  Paula smiles at me nervously and I wonder how much she knows. I confidently do my buttons on my jacket and shake my shoulders releasing some tension then I smile brightly at her. “No need to look so worried, I could do this in my sleep . . . You won’t even know I’m there.” She gives me a tight smile and I know Gaby hasn’t told her anything. We push the cart to the boardroom door which I quietly open and Paula eases the cart over the threshold and positions it at the back of the room. Daniel has his back to us, he is wearing a dark navy suit and I can smell his cologne. A light infusion of citrus and spice easily over powered by the meal we just brought in if I wasn’t so attuned. I am grateful he has his back to us however, because my heart is racing and my skin is tingling with a mix of fear and a result of being near him. I curse my body for these innate, involuntary and traitorous reactions. Fortunately, I have Sofia’s indignant words and my raging anger swirling inside so I know that this encounter is likely to turn me on as much as a smear test would.

  The room is sparsely furnished with a large oval glass topped table dominating the centre of the room. The four men are seated two each side of Daniel and he is at the head. The full height glass wall holds an invisible door that opens on to a seating area outside on a platform that overlooks the Thames and out toward Greenwich Park on a clear day. I know this, because it’s the same view from Daniels office but I take no time or pleasure in the vista today. I remove the plates from the warming cart; take the protective covers revealing an elegant arrangement of the pan fried duck breast with baby glazed carrots, trimmed French beans and fondant potatoes. I hand the plates to Paula as she sets about serving the table; one of the men addresses Daniel.

  “Thought we’d lost you for a while Stone heard you’d picked up some skirt.” He laughs gruffly and I can feel my shoulders stiffen. “Glad it wasn’t serious, still she must have been a whore in the bedroom to keep you interested for so long?” He slaps the man sitting next to him as they all fall into low dirty laughter. “You’ll have to get me her details now you’re done. I’m intrigued or was there more to it, did you actually love her?” He snorts and wrinkles his nose like he’s just smelt something disgusting when the only thing disgusting is him.

  Daniels voice is low, softly spoken so the room goes quiet and I find I’m holding my breath. “There was something more.” He hesitates and I feel a flutter of anticipation just before the rot of reality. “A little R & D project that’s now mine . . . and ask Colin for her details I no longer keep them.” I grip the cart as I feel my knees buckle, I grit my teeth and swallow back the water pooling in my mouth. With clarity and serenity I hadn’t expected after his most hurtful words I calmly walk over to his side holding the jug of hot redcurrant jus, without looking up he sits back to allow me better access to his plate and his lap. For maximum effect I quickly tip the jug completely into his lap and then let the jug go. From this height and the weight of the large ceramic container landing directly on his groin, he is hit hard. His hands grab at his prize possession, covered in hot red liquid it looks like his taken a direct hit from a shotgun not a tasty berry reduction.

  “Fuck! . . . What the Fuck!” He pushes back and stands sending his chair flying but freezes when he lifts his head to meet my eyes. I walk over to him, standing as tall as I can, still dwarfed by his immense frame but no longer intimidated. I point my finger softly on his chest and watch him recoil as if I too have burned him.

  “You, Mr Stone are a liar, a thief, a son of a bitch,” I laugh bitterly, “but you knew that last one already. You are an arsehole and a coward.” The room is silent and I turn and walk away, just before I close the door I turn my head. “I thought you were a gentleman; shame on you.” I am only slightly sorry that I am leaving Paula to clean up my mess and although my legs feel like jelly I make my way to the elevator. The doors open, I pass Jason whose head snaps in a double take and just as the doors close I see Daniel furious, looking like he’s been in a blood bath, shouting.

  “Jason! Stop her! Fuck don’t let her leave!” His voice disappears behind the closed doors and my last image is of Jason’s arm pushing for the ever closing gap with a look of pure confusion.

  Fuck! I slap my hands on the rail in the lift, holding with a white knuckle grip and adrenaline pumping so hard in my veins that my whole body shakes. I draw in fast deep breaths that just make me light headed and the speedy descent of the lift makes my knees give way as it reaches the ground floor. The doors open and I am greeted by a very stern looking Eddie, who doesn’t return my attempted smile.

  “You left the building. I saw you leave. Do you mind telling me how you managed to get back in?” He folds his arms waiting for an explanation but I am not inclined to hang around, having boldly gone, I now want to timidly leave.

  “You know Eddie I would love to but I might have outstayed my welcome. You can escort me off this time just to be safe.” I wink at him and I see his shoulder
s relax and a twinge in the corner of his mouth as he tries to suppress some warmer emotion than the one he is currently presenting. I try to step out and to his side but he holds up his hand.

  “Oh I’m sorry Miss Thorne but since you trespassed and assaulted the CEO leaving is no longer an option.” He informs me without a hint of humour.

  My mouth drops in shock. “What? You have to be kidding?” I laugh coldly. “Has he called the police? Am I going to be arrested?” I put my hands on my hips, he might be technically right but I’m not going to be intimidated or back down. He rests his hand on my shoulder and gives me a gentle squeeze.

  “I don’t think that’s his intention but he was I little cross when he called down. I think it is best if I take you back up there so you can get this mess sorted, without the need for the police and,” he fumbles and hesitates. “I’m sorry to have to do this but Mr Stone insisted.” He frowns and his cheeks tinge pink under his dark tan as he reaches into his back pocket. He lifts a pair of industrial looking silver hand cuffs. I had seen them on his belt before but assumed they were for show.

  “I just bet he did. Oh you’ve got to be kidding me? Seriously?” I almost laugh but he turns me round and as gently as possible clips the cuffs to my wrists. Stepping into the lift he presses the top floor button. We are quiet for a moment. “You really think this is necessary?” I jangle the cuffs to make my point.