Scattered Thoughts (Betrayed by Love Book 1)

by Kelley, HD

  I reached up to activate the gate remote when I turned into my driveway and almost rear ended the car that was parked in front of the gate. Shit. I slammed on the brakes barely avoiding the collision. The driver door opened and a man stepped out. Double shit. Preston. His narrowed eyes didn’t exactly say ‘happy to see you’ either. I climbed out of the car to see what was going on, my heart beating in my throat. But when he reached for the back door I thought for certain I was going to faint.

  “Alec,” I gasped.

  He glared at me with an intensity I hadn’t seen in his eyes before. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it again. I stood still, frozen in front of him, not sure of the best way to proceed. I knew he wouldn’t be happy that I ditched Frank and drove myself home, but the thought of him showing up at my house to confront me about it had never crossed my mind.

  Alec stepped closer. “Do you know what a driver does, Isabella?” Without waiting for me to answer, he continued. “He drives! I told you I didn’t want you driving yourself until your ribs healed, yet here you are.” He threw his hands up in the air. “The doctor said you should avoid driving and I expect you to follow his orders.”

  Seriously? I took a step back and folded my arms across my chest. I’d had just about enough of this third degree shit. “First of all he said driving wasn’t recommended, he never said I couldn’t do it. And second, I’ll drive my car whenever I feel like it.”

  He pulled his hand through his hair. “I only want you safe, Isabella. Can’t you see that?”

  “And I appreciate that, Alec. But I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.” He rubbed his forehead again. His angst couldn’t only be about me driving. There had to be something else going on. It made me wonder if there was more to those break-ins than he was telling me. Cupping his cheek in my good hand, I said, “I’m fine, okay?”

  Alec pulled me into a hug and held me close, until my stomach growled. “Have you eaten today, Isabella?” Great, just what I needed, something else for him to freak out about. I shook my head and hoped for the best.

  To my surprise, Alec took the keys out of my hand. “Lunch it is then, but I’m driving.” He walked around the car to the passenger side and held the door open. I climbed in without argument, glad he’d stopped yelling at me, beyond happy he was here. Alec slid in behind the wheel and backed out onto the street.

  “I have to be in Destin by four fifteen.”

  “For the photo shoot?”

  “Yes,” I said hesitantly. “How do you know about that?”

  “Drew invited me.”

  My head started to spin. “You talked to Drew? When? Why?” I fired the questions in rapid succession.

  “Don’t get your panties in a bunch, Isabella.” Shit. I really needed to stop giving him ammunition to use against me. “Drew called my office this morning. He’s worried about you.”

  “What’s he worried about?”

  Alec looked over at me. “Let’s see, could it be that hot pink cast you’re wearing, maybe?”

  “But why would he call you?”

  “You’ll have to ask him that.”

  Anxiously, I asked, “You didn’t tell him about my ribs, did you?”

  Alec shook his head. “That isn’t my story to tell, Isabella.”

  “Well what did you tell him?”

  He looked over at me and smiled. “That’s between me and Drew.” Seriously? My son called him and he’s not even going to tell me what they talked about. Control freak!

  • • • • •

  “Baby, what’s wrong?”

  “What if Spencer decides to show up?”

  “So what if he does?”

  “It’s just,” I put down my fork and looked into his eyes. “Anna is so protective of him.” The memory of her anger when she saw the picture of me and Alec still haunted me. “Alec, she was so mad at me and—”

  “Isabella, lots of people will be at the shoot. Anna will be too busy to notice who’s there and who isn’t. And besides, Spencer won’t be there anyway so stop worrying about it.”

  “What, did he call you too?”

  Alec’s jaw tightened. “Don’t be ridiculous, Isabella. Drew told me.”

  I shook my head, still trying to wrap my mind around why Drew felt the need to call Alec. It wasn’t like we were even an item, not really anyway. We’d spent very little time together outside of the cruise, and that one night in his condo. But Drew couldn’t possibly know that, could he? “What else did you and Drew talk about?”

  “I told you, that’s between the two of us, but I will tell you he’s not buying your ‘I broke my arm in my sleep’ story.”

  Great. I’d really hoped I wouldn’t have to try and explain my injuries again because the only other explanation I had was the one the doctor offered, and I certainly wasn’t going to tell Drew that. Not until I was absolutely sure he was right. I mean, come on, someone broke into my house, without setting off the alarm, without waking me up, now that was crazy. “Do you believe me?”

  Alec put his hand over mine. “No,” he said simply. I pulled my hand back but he caught it and held me in place. The lines on his forehead deepened. “I want to believe you, Isabella, because the alternative scares the hell out of me.” The look on his face said it all; Mr. Control Freak had found something he couldn’t control.

  • • • • •

  The Sandestin did an amazing job putting together the Paris inspired theme for the photo shoot. Dozens of teenagers dressed to the nines in designer gowns and tuxes ready to have the time of their lives. Anna in the Tony Bowls mermaid gown Spencer bought her, Drew in his custom tailored Vera Wang tux. Nearly every senior at Ft. Walton Beach High was there to preserve the memory of their special day.

  Luckily, Spencer hadn’t shown up at the shoot. Drew assured Alec that Spencer wouldn’t be there but I had still worried about him showing up to surprise Anna. And just like Alec had said, there were so many people there I barely had a minute to talk to either of my kids.

  Alec and I stayed long after the last limo left, walking along the shoreline watching the breathtaking sunset the clear night offered. We shared an order of lobster ravioli at The Funky Blues Shack while enjoying the sounds of a local blues band. Alec tried to convince me to spend the weekend at the hotel but I was really looking forward to sleeping in my bed, even if it was only for one night. And besides, I didn’t even have my purse with me, or a change of clothes. Fortunately, he hadn’t pushed too hard.

  A cool breeze picked up that had me shivering. “Let’s get you home,” Alec said. “I need to get back anyway.”

  “You’re flying out tonight?”

  Alec pulled me into his chest and kissed me softly on the lips. “I wish I could stay, baby, but I have to get back.” My lower lip protruded protesting the news. He bit my lip. “Don’t pout. I’ll be back on Monday.”

  I wrapped my arms around him and buried my face against his chest. I didn’t want him to go. I wanted to stay there all night, wrapped in his arms. What are you doing to me, Alec Payne? I asked myself, surprised by my overwhelming desire to be near him.

  When we pulled into the garage at my house I was relieved to find Spencer’s space empty. He wasn’t expected back until morning but that wouldn’t have been the first time he’d come home earlier than expected. I wasn’t sure if it was the wine, or the walk on the beach, or the drive home, but I was spent and couldn’t wait to get into bed.

  “I’ll see you Monday,” Alec whispered before kissing me on the mouth, a kiss so full of promise it had my knees buckling.

  Preston drove through the open gate and Alec took a step toward the car. “Travel safe,” I called after him, my equilibrium finally returning.

  “No driving, Isabella. Don’t make me tell you again.”

  A mischievous grin crossed my face. “And what if I do?”

  Alec’s jaw tightened. “No. Driving,” he said again in a tone that made my insides tingle. “Are we clear on that?”


  “Yes,” I breathed, my insides still tingling from the effects of that kiss. I would’ve agreed to almost anything at that moment. Alec closed the gap between us and sealed it with one last kiss before walking toward the car, leaving me wanting, again.

  He climbed into the car and just like that he was gone. I reached in my jacket pocket for my house keys only they weren’t there. I checked the other pocket, no keys. Control Freak! my inner voice snapped. No, surely he hadn’t taken them. I fished out my phone and dialed his number.

  “Payne,” he answered.

  “Did you take my keys?”

  “So what if I did?” he asked, using my words against me once more.

  I closed my eyes and exhaled loudly into the phone. “How am I supposed to get inside the house, Alec?”

  “Check the door, Isabella. It’s unlocked.”

  “Seriously,” I snapped. “What if there’s an emergency? What if I need my car?”

  “Frank will be arriving soon. He’ll take you anywhere you want to go, day or night.”

  “What do you mean, Frank will be arriving?”

  “Since you refused to stay at the hotel you left me no choice but to have Frank stay there with you.”

  Had he honestly expected me to just accept that he’d made such a big decision about my life without talking to me about it? Who the hell did he think he was? “Yeah, I don’t think so, Alec. You can’t just decide who stays at my house and who doesn’t.” The idea of having some stranger staying with me was absurd. I’m Izzy James, damn it. I’m a strong, independent woman. And I sure as hell didn’t need someone looking after me. And I most definitely didn’t need a driver!

  “Baby—”

  “Don’t ‘baby’ me, Alec Payne! I can’t believe you decided this without so much as talking to me about it. I’m an adult, damn it.”

  Alec sighed heavily into the phone. “I told you, Isabella. I just want you safe.”

  “Whatever!” I screamed into the phone. “But don’t expect me to be happy about it.” Disconnecting the call, I stormed up the stairs, my head spinning. I wasn’t sure how I felt about this, whatever this was.

  Sand clung to my ankles from our walk on the beach so I got in the shower to wash it off, still fuming about Alec’s lack of boundaries. And I was even more worked up after my shower when I came downstairs to find Frank sitting at the breakfast bar. This wasn’t his fault. He was just following orders, undoubtedly what Alec expected me to do as well.

  I directed Frank to the spare room down the hall from Sara’s, then went back to the kitchen for a glass of wine. One glass quickly turned into two, my courage strengthening with every drink. Who did this control freak think he was? I poured a third glass and stormed upstairs to find my phone, determined to tell Alec Payne exactly how I felt about all his nonsense.

  Damn it! The call went straight to voicemail. “You can’t control me ya know. I’m Izzy James. I don’t need a damn babysitter!” I disconnected the call and fell face down on the bed, disappointed I didn’t get to yell at him.

  • • • • •

  It was dark and I couldn’t see. Something was covering my eyes. I tried to move it but my arms were tied. That smell, not that smell; alcohol, cigarettes, and gardenias? My head was so heavy.

  A harsh tone filled my ears. “Who sent you flowers?”

  I felt a sharp pain in my side. “No, please, stop,” I opened my mouth to speak but my voice failed me.

  Symphonie Fantaqstique blared all around. “Who!” he shouted. The pain came again, and again.

  “No,” I tried to scream but I couldn’t. The pain in my ribs was too great and I struggled to breathe.

  “Who makes you smile?” He was yelling at me now. I knew that voice. But who? That smell, that terrible smell. “Answer me!” The pain came again. I tried to answer but words failed me. Pain, there was so much pain. “Why do you insist on defying me, Bella?” he shouted, louder still. My head was groggy. His hand fisted in my hair, pulling my head back and exposing my neck. It was so hard to breathe.

  “It’s just another dream,” I told myself. I wanted to wake up now. “Wake up,” I pleaded with myself. “Wake up damn it.” I twisted and turned, pulling on my restraints. Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!

  Tears fell down my face in a steady stream. “Please,” I finally managed to say.

  “I like it when you beg, Bella. I’m gonna make you beg.” His voice was in my ear. My body tensed. He pulled my hair harder and when I cried out he claimed my mouth with his tongue. He tasted of whisky and cigarettes. I turned my head trying to resist him but it was no use.

  The music blared around me, louder and louder still. “Who are you?” I asked.

  “Don’t you know me, Bella? Can’t you taste me?” The pain came again making me cough this time. There was a sharp pain on the back of my neck. My head was foggy. My eyes were too heavy to hold open.

  • • • • •

  I jolted upright in bed. Tears were falling in a steady stream down my face. My heart was racing so fast I could barely breathe. I pulled my arms down, instantly relieved when they moved. “It was just a dream,” I said out loud. “Just another stupid nightmare.”

  My body ached as I climbed out of bed. A sharp pain pierced my side when I tried to take a deep breath. It felt so real. The pain is real, my inner voice snapped. My body tensed as I considered the reality of it. My fractured ribs. This hot pink cast. But Frank was downstairs. It had to have been a dream.

  After pulling on my robe I headed downstairs for a bottle of water. The house was dark, the only light coming from the foyer. I’d almost gotten to the bottom of the stairs when a shadow in the doorway caught my eye. I stood still, frozen in my tracks, my whole body trembling.

  The shadow moved and I knew it was real. Someone was here. “Frank?” I called out, but there was no answer. The shadowy figure moved again. I screamed and turned to run back upstairs but my foot got tangled in my robe sending me toppling head over heels down the stairs, onto the marble floor. My head was fuzzy but I could see someone standing next to me. Those eyes, I recognized those eyes.

  “Mom! Wake up. Wake up mom.” I heard voices in the distance. Anna, Drew, lots of voices all around me.

  “Stay with us, Mrs. James.” His voice was unfamiliar. “We’re almost to the hospital, ma’am.” Did he say hospital? There were more voices, and lights, lights everywhere. I closed my eyes and shadows surrounded me. Those eyes. I remembered his eyes.

  It was dark. My head was foggy. There was so much pain. “No,” I shouted, “no, no, no!”

  “Mrs. James, are you okay?” a voice asked, a soft, sweet voice I didn’t recognize. “You’re in the hospital, Ms. James. You had an accident.” She shined a light in my eyes making me flinch. “Are you having any pain?” Pain, yes. There was pain.

  “Yes,” I breathed, my voice barely a whisper.

  “Okay, we can take care of that.” She left. No, don’t leave me. I didn’t want to be here alone. My eyes were too heavy and they closed.

  When I opened my eyes again the woman was back. She injected something into the plastic tube coming out of my arm. “This will help with the pain,” she said softly. “It will help you sleep too.” No. Please. I don’t want to sleep. Dreams. Nightmares.

  • • • • •

  My eyes flew open. My head felt funny. Tubes were coming out of both arms. My cast was gone. I reached up and touched my face only to find a tube coming out of my nose too. For a minute I wondered if I was still dreaming. I sat up and looked around. A faint light peeked under the oversized door providing the only light in the room. “Where am I?” I asked out loud but no one answered.

  There were voices on the other side of the door and I strained to hear what they were saying. “She’s my wife. You can’t keep me from her.” Spencer? No. Those eyes. I didn’t want to see him. My body tensed and my heart began to race. A loud beeping noise sounded all around me. The door swung open and a team of people rushed in. Spencer followed.<
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  “Do you know where you are, Mrs. James?” one of the women asked. I shook my head. “You’re in the hospital.” She checked the wires that were attached to me. “I’m Nina. I’m a nurse here.” Another nurse checked my blood pressure while a third one shined a light in my eyes.

  “Blood pressure is normal.”

  “Pupils are reactive.”

  “Here’s the problem,” Nina said holding up a wire. “It’s just a loose wire.” She connected it to the round sticker on my ankle then pressed a button on the monitor.

  “Thank you, Nina,” I said, relieved that awful noise had finally stopped.

  “Welcome back, Mrs. James, how are you feeling?”

  “Groggy,” I whispered. “Where am I?”

  “You’re at the Ft. Walton Beach Medical Center. You had an accident and were unconscious when they brought you in last night.”

  “I’m so thirsty.”

  “I’ll get you some ice water. Do you want to try to eat something?” I shook my head. Food was the furthest thing from my mind right now. “Okay. I’ll be right back with that water.”

  She turned toward Spencer. “You can visit now, Mr. James, but keep it short.”

  Spencer moved closer to the bed. “Izzy, we were so worried.” His voice was raspy and sounded strained. He smelled of cigarettes and bourbon.

  The tiny hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. “Why are you here? How did you even know?”

  “Anna called me.” Spencer scrubbed his hands over his face. “Just because we’re divorced doesn’t mean I don’t still care about you, that I don’t still love you.”

  “Stop, Spencer, just stop.”