by Perry, J L
Looking over my shoulder, I see the face I hoped never to see again. Riley-fucking-Benson. “Why would you and Daniels make up lies to try and get my father kicked out of the force?” he asks, his facial expression confused.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I reply panicked. I look away, frantically pressing the button on the wall. My hope is to speed up the damn elevator, even though I know that’s not logical.
“I don’t get it. My family have never done anything to you.” He’s fucking kidding right? It must be true how he can’t remember anything from that night. I wish I had that luxury. I choose to ignore him.
When the elevator dings, alerting me it’s arrived on my floor, relief floods through me. Open the doors. Open the doors, I chant in my head. Why is it when you need something in a hurry, it seems to take forever? Finally, they open and I quickly step inside. Please don’t get in, is my next thought. Thankfully he doesn’t.
As the doors start to close, my eyes involuntarily rise to his. Big mistake. Bile rises to my throat as soon as I look into those evil eyes, the same ones that’ll forever haunt me. Closing my eyes in the hope of erasing the images only make it worse. Flashbacks of the attack flicker through my mind. Just as the doors close my panic attack comes.
I could’ve sworn I was improving. Now I’m not so sure. Maybe Chase has been doing a good job of distracting me from my thoughts. Either way, I know now I’m far from over what happened.
Leaning back against the wall, I try desperately to suck air into my lungs. I’m on the verge of hyperventilating. Breathe Angel, breathe. My hands are trembling. Leaning down, I place the coffee cup on the floor, otherwise I’m likely to scold myself.
Shit, I need to pull myself together before the elevator stops on Pops’ floor. I don’t want Chase to see me like this.
When the doors open, I inhale a deep breath before picking the coffee cup up off the floor. My hands are still trembling, but I manage not to spill it. “Are you okay?” a nurse asks as I pass the desk. I’m still a little out of it, but nod my head.
Further down the corridor I take a seat. Chase is going to know something’s up if I don’t calm the hell down. He’s going through enough stress right now. I don’t want him worrying about me.
Placing the coffee and muffin on the seat beside me, I rest my head in my hands while continuing to take deep breaths; in through the nose, out through the mouth. I repeat the process over and over.
“Angel,” I hear Chase call out from down the hall. Shit. I don’t lift my head. Within seconds he’s crouching down in front of me. “Are you okay, sweet-cheeks?” I continue to pull air into my lungs. Placing his hand under my chin, he gently tilts my face up to meet his. “What’s wrong?” When tears fill my eyes, he pulls me into his arms. “Did something happen?” he asks.
“I ran into Riley down in the foyer.”
“You fucking what?” His hands move to my biceps as he pulls back to look at me. “What did he do?” he demands, rising to his feet. “I’ll fucking kill him.” I reach for his arm as he turns to walk towards the elevator.
“Chase, wait.” He stops, turning to face me again. “He didn’t do anything. It was just a shock to see him, that’s all.” My confession makes his shoulders slump.
“Are you sure he didn’t hurt you?” he asks, pulling me off the chair and into his arms.
“I’m sure.” I snake my arms around his waist and bury my face in his chest. I inhale his familiar scent. Immediately it calms me.
He holds me until my body stops shaking. Once we separate, he cups my face in his hands looking me in the eye.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I am now,” I reply forcing a smile.
“I should’ve gone with you. I’m sorry. I’m not letting you leave my side again.”
I don’t bother telling him what Riley said. It will only inflame the situation.
••••
My dad ends up staying until Friday. There’s not much he can do over the weekend as far as the case is concerned. Plus, I know he’s missing mum.
He’s agreed to meet us back at the house after Uni this afternoon. His flight leaves at 5:00 p.m. Over the last few days, the relationship between Chase and my dad has blossomed. They’re both in their element when talking about law, and surprisingly, their philosophy on pretty much every topic they discuss, is the same. I can tell my dad’s impressed with Chase’s knowledge of the law, and his perception of it. They seem to agree on nearly everything.
I could sit all day watching them together. It warms my heart to see them getting on so well; the two most important men in my life.
Dad’s all packed and ready to go when we arrive back at the house. I’ll be sad to see him leave. Even with all the crap that’s going on, it’s been nice having him here all week. “I’ll be back either Monday or Tuesday,” my dad says, wrapping me in his arms.
“Thank you for everything, daddy. I appreciate what you’ve done for us.”
“You don’t need to thank me, baby. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you,” he adds kissing the top of my head.
“I’m grateful for everything you’ve done this week, Mr. Cavanagh,” Chase says from behind me. Daddy lets go, leaving his arm draped over my shoulder. I turn to face my sexy man. I’m blessed to have him in my life. I love him so much. We’ve come so far in the last month. Really bonded. My life without him now is unimaginable.
“It was my pleasure,” daddy replies as he reaches out his hand to Chase. “It’s been nice getting to know you over the past week. I’m sorry again for the rough start we had.” They both chuckle. I’m beaming. Everything is finally falling into place. My main obstacle has finally come around. It’s only onwards and upwards for Chase and I now.
“Have a safe flight, daddy,” I say encircling my arms around his waist again.
“Thanks, Princess. You two be careful. Any sign of trouble, call me straight away.” Pulling out a business card, he passes it to Chase. “All my details are on there. My mobile number is on the back.”
“Thank you, Sir.” My dad smiles at him. After walking him to the car and seeing him off, Chase and I go back inside.
“Hungry?” I ask as I walk through the door.
“Only for you,” he replies pulling me into his arms and devouring my lips. “I’ve had to behave myself all week with your father around. Now I need to make up for lost time. I need my sweet-cheeks fix.”
I giggle at his comment. He scoops me into his arms, carrying me towards my bedroom. I’ve been struggling all week with that as well. It felt rude to leave daddy here on his own after mum left, so I spent the nights in my own room.
As much as I wanted Chase with me, he thought it best if he didn’t stay. He’s happy my dad is finally accepting him, and he didn’t want to do anything to rock the boat. I can understand that.
Chase lays me down on the bed. Climbing over me, he brings his lips down to mine. We make out for what seems like forever. I want to drown in his kisses. I want to drown in him.
Before we get to the hot and heavy stuff, there’s a loud knock at my door. “Angel, it’s me. Open up.” Shit, my dad. He should’ve been at the airport by now. My first thought is, his rental car must have broken down. If only that was the reason he was back.
Chase follows me to the door. I open it just as my father goes to knock again. The look on his face tells me things aren’t alright. The smiling man he was half an hour ago is no more.
“Daddy, what’s wrong?” I ask panicked.
“Everything,” he exhales as he places his hands on either side of his head, tilting it back looking up at the roof. Something’s wrong. Very wrong. I’ve never seen my father look so distressed. Not even the day he found Chase at my house.
“I need to talk to both of you. I’ve just had a call from my private detective…Fuck,” he mumbles as his eyes meet mine. My heart drops into the pit of my stomach. The tormented look I see on his face, tugs at my heart.
“Come in,” I say moving to the side letting him pass. As soon as he’s through the doorway, he starts to pace as his fingers run through his hair. “Daddy, you’re scaring me. What’s wrong?”
His eyes meet mine briefly, before landing on Chase. He almost looks angry. I don’t understand. I thought we were past this crap. His gaze stays on Chase for a few minutes, before shaking his head in disgust. What the hell?
“Daddy, I suggest you tell me what the hell is going on.”
“I’d advise you take a seat then,” he exhales. “You’re gonna fucking need one when you hear what I have to say,” he adds in a sarcastic tone.
Reaching for Chase’s hand, I lead him towards the table. When my eyes meet his, I can see he’s just as confused as I am. I give his hand a comforting squeeze, letting him know things are going to be okay. In my gut though, I’m not so sure. My mind races with every possible scenario. He said he had a call from a private detective. This must have something to do with the case.
“Sit,” my father commands, as he pulls out a chair for himself. As soon as we’re seated his eyes zero in on Chase. “Tell me what you know about your biological father?” is his first question. What? This must have something to do with Pops.
“Not much,” he exhales. That answer confuses me.
“You know a lot about Pops,” I say.
“Not him,” my father snaps, “his biological father.” Again, what?
My eyes settle on Chase. The first thing I notice is the colour has drained from his face. What does he mean, his real father? I thought Pops was his real father. “Pops isn’t your real father?” I ask confused.
“No. No he’s not,” Chase replies dropping his head in shame. I hate to see him like this. None of this makes any sense to me.
“Tell me what you know about your real father?” my dad asks again. He’s trying hard to keep his anger at bay, but failing miserably.
“I said not much,” Chase answers, sitting up in his chair, squaring his shoulders. He’s not impressed by my father’s attitude, and frankly, neither am I.
“Well your father and I go way back. Way fucking back,” my dad sneers. Oh god, I don’t like the sound of this. The venom in his voice is unmistakable. “He used to work for me.”
“He did? So you knew him?” Chase’s eyes widen in surprise. He almost looks hopeful. I feel for him. Whatever my dad’s about to say, isn’t going to be good. “I’ve always wanted to know what my dad was like. My mum would never tell me.” Awww. Poor Chase. How sad.
My dad stares at Chase; really stares at him, like he’s trying to figure him out. When he finally diverts his eyes from Chase, his shoulder’s slump, his eyes moving down to the table as he exhales a deflated breath. An awkward silence surrounds us.
“Both your parents worked for me,” my father finally says, making eye contact with Chase again. This times his words are spoken gentler. I think like me, my father feels for Chase. “He was one of my top lawyers. Your mother was his secretary.”
“Is this what this is about, an office affair?” I asked surprised and also a little pissed.
“It goes a hell of a lot deeper than that,” my father answers, his eyes finally meeting mine. “Let me tell you a story… When I first met your mother, she was married to somebody else.”
“What? Mum was married to somebody, before you?” I’m shocked. Why didn’t I know this?
“Yes. I met her at one of my firm’s Christmas parties. It was also the same night she found out her husband was having an affair.”
“What does this have to do with Chase’s father?”
“Chase’s father’s name was Jake…Jake Johnston. He was also your mother’s husband.” This time I feel the colour drain from my face. My mouth opens in shock. “Although he was married to your mum, he was having an affair with his secretary, Chase’s mother.” My eyes move to Chase. He looks absolutely devastated.
“I’m not going to go into details, but when your mother confronted him, things got ugly. She feared for her safety. She moved to Sydney the next day. I ran into her about eight months later. It was about the same time your mum started getting bricks thrown through her window, and threatening messages on her phone.”
“From Jake?” I ask.
“Well, at the time we weren’t too sure who they were from, but yes, it turned out to be him. As time went on the messages and threats got worse. I feared for your mum’s life.” My eyes move back to Chase. The shattered look I see on his face as he listens to my dad’s words has me reaching for his hand under the table.
We both sit in silence as my dad continues. This can’t be happening. What else is life going to throw at us? How could it be possible my soulmate is also the son of my mother’s ex-husband? This is so fucked up. My head is spinning.
My dad continues, “A few months later, my worst fears were realised. He snatched her off the street, drugged her with chloroform, and threw her in the back of his van.”
“I think I’ve heard enough,” Chase says, standing abruptly. His chair topples over, crashing to the floor with a thud. It makes me jump. “I’ll catch you later,” he states flatly, his eyes briefly meeting mine.
“Don’t go,” I plead as he turns, walking towards the front door. “Chase,” I call as I get up to follow him.
“Let him go,” my dad says reaching for my arm.
“No,” I snap, pulling out of his grip. I run towards the door. “Chase, please,” I shout as he walks briskly across my front lawn.
“Leave me alone,” is all he says. He continues to walk away from me. Like hell I’m gonna leave him alone. I can only imagine how he’s feeling right now. He must be gutted. I’m gutted for him.
I reach him, just as he straddles his bike. “Please don’t leave like this. Please,” I beg.
“I need to be alone for a while,” he answers, strapping on his helmet. He won’t even look me in the eyes.
“What my dad said changes nothing, Chase. I love you. I don’t care what history our parents had. It’s irrelevant.”
“It’s not irrelevant,” he exhales. “And you’re wrong, it changes everything.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Chase
As I back out of her driveway, I allow myself one last look. When I see tears streaming down her beautiful face, it’s almost my undoing. I notice her father walk up behind her, encircling her in his arms. As much as I hate him right now, I’m glad I don’t have to ride off leaving Angel to deal with this on her own.
It feels like the walls are closing in on me. My chest aches, my head hurts. I’m fucking numb. As if my life couldn’t get any more fucked up. Every glimmer of hope, that at least one of my genetic parents was normal, has just been dashed. I couldn’t ask for a worse outcome than what I’ve just been told.
And Brooke. Poor Brooke. She’s so sweet and loving. I can’t believe my fucked up parents would do something like that to her. I could see the hate and judgement in Angel’s father’s eyes. It’s only a matter of time before Angel feels the same way.
I’m fucking crushed.
I have nowhere to go, nobody to turn to. Home is not an option for me right now. Pops isn’t there, and I can’t go to the hospital and burden him with my problems. It’s the last thing he needs.
So, I ride. I’m not heading anywhere in particular, but it’s funny how your mind works. Even though I had no plans of coming here, subconsciously I end up in my old neighbourhood. Where I lived with my mum, until Pops took me away.
I’m not even sure if she still lives in the area. It’s been over ten years since we’ve seen each other. As much as seeing her again sickens me, it’s something I need to do. She’s the only one who can confirm what Angel’s father said. I hope to God it’s all a misunderstanding, but it definitely sounds like something my mum would be mixed up in.
Pulling up out the front, I notice it still looks the same. Maybe slightly more run down than I remember. I stay seated on my bike, staring at the house for the longest time.
I have a few good memories from living here, but mostly they were all bad.
Eventually, I will myself to get off the bike and walk towards the house. My hand is slightly trembling as I raise it to knock on the door. If she confirms this story is true, I don’t know what I’ll do.
“Well the prodigal son returns,” she says sarcastically when she opens the door. “I’ve got no money if that’s what you’re after.” Her comment disappoints me, but also makes my blood boil. There was a tiny piece of me that foolishly believed she’d be happy to see me again, after all this time. Big mistake.
Why the fuck did I even come here?
“I don’t want or need your money,” I reply. “I want answers, that’s why I came.” Her evil eyes narrow. Honestly, I’m shocked how much she’s aged. The past ten years haven’t been kind to her.
“Answers about what?” she asks suspiciously.
“Answers about my father.”
“Not this shit again. He’s fucking dead, get the fuck over it already.” I ignore her comment, because it’s something I’ve heard many times over the years. Cold hearted bitch.
“Was my father’s name Jake Johnston?” When her eyes widen, I know it was. My heart sinks.
“How did you find out his name?” she eventually says when the shock wears off.
“Logan Cavanagh told me.”
“You spoke with Logan Cavanagh? He’s an arsehole.”
“Why?”
“Because he fired me. Ruined everything.”
“He probably fired you because you were fucking your boss. Your married boss I might add. How could you?”
“She was a bitch anyway. What’s the big deal?”
“That’s where you’re wrong. She’s far from a bitch. She is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. You ruined her life, her marriage. Don’t you feel any regret for what you did?”
“No. Why should I? What about me? It ruined my life too. I lost my job, lost Jake, and I got stuck with you,” she spits as she flicks her head towards me.
I’ve never had the slightest inclination to hit a woman, but I swear I could knock my fucking mother out right now. She’s such a self-centred bitch. I shouldn’t be surprised that she’d turn this around making herself out to be the victim. I grew up with this shit. Everything’s always been about her.