Wicked Steps

by CORY CYR

  He’d already taken what I valued most in my life. There was no way I would allow him to take her from me, too. If only I hadn’t been such an unforgiving, sadistic prick. I allowed my thirst for vengeance to blind me to the only chance I might have for redemption and happiness.

  It tore me shreds to tell her. Seeing the look of treachery she exhibited brought me mentally to my knees. My father had stripped her of her dignity, yet his days of torturing weren’t finished. Even in death, he was still causing havoc in her life. But this anguish was now shared between us—equally.

  This wasn’t supposed to happen; she and I were never supposed to be. Preston had hoped we’d find common ground and get along. Well, this had far exceeded any kind of friendship. I had power and wealth at my fingertips, but I felt helpless. I could only offer her my compassion.

  Who was I kidding? I knew shit about caring for others. I’d only known hatred and revenge. Both seemed futile. But if she needed anything I had to give, I would be there. I would support her to the best of my ability, because in the end, her demise meant mine, too.

  “Kieran, you need to get dressed before Coco shows up. I can’t have a meet-and-greet with you commando in sweats and topless. I need her focused on me, and if you look…” She waved her hand up and down my body, causing me to laugh. “Like that, she’ll be disoriented.”

  “How did you know I wasn’t wearing underwear?” I quipped as I grabbed her around the waist and tucked my leg between hers.

  Her eyebrows waggled. “You want me to say no panty line, but your balls jiggle and I see the outline of your jewelry.”

  I let her go and crossed my hands in front of my dick. She took extremely detailed notice.

  “Maybe I should don a tux?”

  “No, I’m sure jeans and shirt will be fine.” She laughed as she stood on her toes and pecked me on the lips.

  It took me by surprise because she hadn’t instigated any affection except for having her way with me last night.

  I turned away from her because, unfortunately, my cock had no manners. I reached down and retrieved my drawing as I started for the door. “You didn’t think I’d leave it lying around for prying eyes, did you?”

  Her expression stirred me inside. “I was hopeful.”

  “After I draw you nude, maybe I’ll show you.”

  I went downstairs to wash up and change. I knew Elle would want to talk to her friend first, so I stayed in my room. I came into the living room an hour later to find them both.

  “You must be Coco. I’m Kieran,” I said as I extended my hand.

  Her eyes looked feral as she stared at me. Not the normal look women gave me. I could feel the anger permeating from her.

  Elle sensed her friend’s animosity. “Coco, it’s not his fault. He didn’t do this to me, and really, we don’t know if there’s anything yet to be worried about. I need your support, not judgment. You already know what happened between us, so don’t act as though it’s a shocking revelation.” There was an all-knowing glance between both women, as if they were privy to the secret only. “I’m sorry, but she only knows what I told her, and well…” she said, taking my hand.

  “Yeah, I get it. You think I’m a douche bag. Maybe eventually, I’ll change your mind and you can refer to me as the ‘reformed’ douche bag.”

  Her best friend smiled at me with that comment. It wasn’t a full smile, but a half-cocked one. No matter. I would take it. The ice was now broken.

  We spent the next hour telling her everything. I held on to Elle with both hands. Coco at certain points was almost inconsolable. I could tell there was a lot of love between them.

  “I am so sorry for my part in this.” I directed my comment to her best friend.

  “Don’t apologize. Frankly, if you hadn’t been such an SOB, she wouldn’t know anything. And that scares the hell out of me. You might have saved her life,” she replied.

  “Then I guess we’d be even, because there’s a good chance she saved mine.”

  “Jesus, Elle. Killer looks, great body, and charisma. This isn’t at all the way you described him. I mean, yeah, you mentioned the face and body, but I think arrogant ass and spoiled prick were tossed into the description.”

  I gave them both an innocent look. “So you’ve had conversations regarding my charm?”

  “Mostly the lack of.” Elle snorted.

  I walked into the kitchen and made coffee. They were still talking when I returned with the steamy beverages. I put creamer and sugar packets on the living room table as I handed them each a mug.

  “He does household chores, too?” Coco chuckled. “You better tie this one down. Oh yeah, you already did that.”

  Elle playfully whacked her with a throw pillow. I continued to watch the two interact as I drank my beverage.

  I explained to both what tomorrow entailed. There would be an in-depth exam and five tests. I established I wanted Coco to be by Elle’s side during those three hours. I explained a driver would pick her up at the gallery at ten and we would meet her at Dr. Eisley’s office.

  “I know all this information is like sensory overload, but I want us all on the same page. I honestly feel like she’s fine. But if he did give something to her, she’ll have both of us and we’ll cross that bridge together. I won’t leave her, Coco. I swear.”

  She finally shook my hand. “You’re different than I thought. I can see why she—”

  I saw Elle reach out and grip her friend’s thigh. “What my friend is so eloquently attempting to say is my narrative from the past few weeks has changed. You’re much more than a pretty face who calls himself Wicked or Kieran Wick.”

  “What am I?” I asked softly, under my breath. Neither of them heard me, so they kept talking. I was elated the two had each other. They appeared to comfort each other. Having her best friend here gave her something I couldn’t. I’d never had a best anything; truthfully, I’d never been close to anyone but my mother. Now I saw sharing worry could help ease your concerns and you never had to carry the burden by yourself.

  The rest of the day consisted of talking about art, their school days, and the grayness of tomorrow. I was elated because I had gotten to hear firsthand about Elle’s past.

  Coco went home about five. It had been a long, emotional day for both of us. I found a frozen pizza in the freezer, so we settled on that for dinner, along with lemon sorbet for dessert.

  “I’m really exhausted. That nap didn’t help. I’m going to go crash. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  I tried to hide my disappointment. I didn’t want to have sex, but I wanted my arms to comfort her. “Can I stay with you?” I asked nervously. It was a question I’d never bothered with. My partners were there to give me pleasure, one of those being going home after we fucked. I internally chastised myself. I really was a prick.

  “I think I need some space. I have a lot to think about, and frankly, no offense, but you are too much of a temptation.”

  I gave her a weak smile when all I wanted to do was cocoon her in the safety of my arms and swear everything would be okay.

  As I walked back my room, all I could think was the original plan had been for her to develop feelings for me. I was never supposed to love her, but now it was too late.

  Twenty-Nine

  Ellery

  I woke up drenched in sweat. Fear paralyzed my thoughts. I got out of bed and discarded my pajamas, grabbing a pair of lounge pants and a tank. My bottom sheet was soaked. I didn’t have the strength to put a fresh one on the bed.

  I padded downstairs and got a glass of water. The grandfather clock announced loudly it was midnight—another seven hours before it was even time to get up. I wished I had something for sleep, but I’d never suffered from insomnia. This was a fluke because of stress and worry. I strolled into the library and sat in the big chair by the fireplace. Picking up a book, I had high hopes it would make me sleepy. But my body was too anxious, and no matter what the page said, my thoughts drifted to what could be. My life
had become complicated since the night I met Hartman. For everything I thought I’d gain, none of it had been worth it.

  Now I feared for my life expectancy. I’d known happiness for roughly twenty-four hours. Kieran had showed me what he wanted our life to be. But no matter which way this went, we could never be. The stigma of our relationship would rock the social ladder.

  I bent my head and prayed to God to give me the will to walk away no matter what, because he would never do it. Regardless of how much Kieran thought he needed me, at his age, it was all about getting what he wanted. If we came out, the media would dig. And they wouldn’t give up until they revealed the extremely private artist Wicked as Kieran Wick.

  Our affair would be a minor blip in the art world. He was too valued as an artist. But as the estranged son of Hartman Wick, the one who disappeared ten years ago, they would have a field day. The media would attribute our romance to an older woman having a boy toy. I could deal with most of that backlash, being touted a cradle robber or a cougar. But it would only get worse from there. Because the most salacious gossip wouldn’t be his age, but that he was my stepson. It didn’t matter that we weren’t blood related and his father had died before I even knew he existed. That scandal would be so tawdry it would be in the tabloids for years.

  It wasn’t the book in my hands that made me tired, but my thoughts. I needed to close my eyes and rest my conscience. I started to go back to my room, then changed my mind, quietly opening his bedroom door. The light from the hall fell on his body as he lay in bed. I heard a light snoring as I watched him for a moment, his hair mussed and his lips pursed. He looked angelic, and for a moment, I thought I should leave, but the scent of musk always drew me to him.

  He was in the middle of the bed, and I used my body to push him over slightly so I could lie down. His body shifted as he became aware of me.

  “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” His voice was groggy with sleep.

  I snuggled into him, feeling warmth radiating off him. He positioned himself so he could fit me in the crook of his arm and I could rest my head on his chest.

  “I couldn’t sleep. I’m sorry I woke you,” I whispered into his body.

  He pressed me tighter into his side. “I’m glad you did. Now close your eyes, Elle.”

  “Did I tell you how much I like it when you call me Elle?” I murmured. “Your father always called me Ellery. Please don’t ever call me by that name again.”

  “I won’t, baby. I guess that means we’re friends?” I heard him whisper as he yawned.

  I shut my eyes and dreamed of what could have been.

  * * *

  “I’ll be sitting in the waiting room. I won’t leave. If you need me, just tell the nurse and I’ll come.”

  Coco looked at Kieran and me. “She’ll be fine. I’ll be holding her hand. You can be spiritual support.” She chuckled.

  He looked agitated. I watched as he paced back and forth with a scowl on his face. Seeing him so worried put my anxiety on high alert.

  “Don’t worry, Elle. You’ll be fine. Just think positive. I don’t know about him, though. He’s kind of a mess—well, a hot mess—but he’s acting as though you’re giving birth. This should act as a cautionary tale. Never give that man a child,” she said, winking at me.

  I knew she had concerns, too, but one thing about my best friend: she knew how to put on a brave face.

  I looked at him with an assuring glance as the nurse took Coco and me back.

  I had a very extensive pelvic exam. I was prodded, scrapped, and swabbed. Dr. Eisley was nothing if not thorough. He talked to us for an hour and explained every single test he was going to do. His plan was to leave nothing to chance. I asked Coco to leave when he announced he was going to do a rectal. She reluctantly gave in after much pleading on my part. I didn’t want her to know of the specific injuries I had sustained at Hartman’s hands, and I certainly didn’t want her to see my scars. It was a humiliation I didn’t wish to share with anyone; it was bad enough Kieran knew, but now the doctor and nurse were in the room.

  “You have significant scar tissue; I’ll need to get a few swabs just to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I need you to relax.”

  There was no chance of that happening because I had no idea if he was talking about the flesh on my back or inside me. I closed my eyes, attempting to block out the memories as they flooded back.

  “Can I ask you, Mrs. Wick, when was the last time you had—” He stopped abruptly. I could tell he was searching for proper wording. This went beyond degradation. “Anal sex?”

  Shame flooded my face, and I was happy my body was turned away from him. I wished I had gone to my own doctor. This was reminiscent of when I’d ended up in the emergency room after Hartman had brutalized me. “It’s Ms., and please call me Ellery. I think we’re way past pleasantries considering what you’re doing.”

  “All right, Ellery,” he said, clearing his throat. “I know Hartman’s prognosis was terminal. But I need to know when the last time was you two engaged in this type of activity. I don’t see this kind of internal damage in a female too often. That’s why I’m asking. Having a time frame will help me decide what tests should be done.” I felt the sheet cover me and heard the snapping of gloves as he removed them.

  “You can sit up now. Let’s talk. You can tell me anything, patient confidentiality. But I need you to be honest with me, no candy coating. Trust me. I’ve heard it all.”

  I revealed everything. I explained that almost immediately after I married Hartman, I had gone to my OB-GYN and gotten an IUD. I’d heard too many whispers and innuendos that had raised a red flag, so I wanted to make sure I’d never get pregnant. After some time, I knew I had made the right decision. I would never want a child by that savage. After he could no longer get an erection, he chose other objects to penetrate me. When nothing worked for the ED, it only infuriated him more, and my lower back and buttocks became the recipient of that fury when he used a belt or flogger. The last time, I was so badly injured I had to go to the emergency room.

  As soon as Dr. Eisley heard about my ER visit, he quickly had the nurse contact the hospital and have all reports as well as the X-rays sent over. I didn’t think I’d ever forget the look on his face as he viewed my pictures. I wasn’t a physician, but seeing what he’d done to me internally, backlit in the examination room, made me inhale a sob.

  “All that damage you’re seeing on the X-rays has healed. You’re fine, Ellery. In time, the outer scarring will also fade. There are several good treatments available over the counter. I do suggest you refrain from that sort of sexual contact permanently. I assume you’ve been totally honest with me—no bleeding, pain, and all functions normal?”

  “I would never hide that. I’m scared shitless right now.”

  Dr. Eisley rolled his stool over to me. “I’ve known Kieran since he was five.”

  I cringed. Here we go. Child molester. Cougar. Wanton woman. Whore.

  “I know everything he went through. Losing his mother almost killed him. I watched him struggle with her premature death—one that could have been prevented—and on top of that, finding out his father was responsible. I know him. He hasn’t shown concern about anything or anyone since she passed. I certainly haven’t seen him this distraught since that time. Ultimately, he cares for you. I will do whatever is in my power to make sure you’re healthy. If anyone deserves a reprieve, it’s you and him.”

  So he knows everything about Kieran and me.

  “This question may be a little tougher for you. But it’s in everyone’s best interest to be truthful. I’m not judging; it’s none of my business.”

  Oh shit.

  “Have you and he had sex, and was it vaginal?”

  Someone kill me now. I wanted to curl up in a ball and die. Couldn’t he have asked Kieran?

  Along with sweating, I stammered. “Um… well… yes. But with condoms,” I added, assuming that would make me less of a pervert.

  He smiled, then
patted my arm. “It’s all right. I told you I’ve known the boy for most of his life, which means I’m well acquainted with the man. Frankly, with the way he woos women, I’d be surprised if anyone could resist. I’m glad that talk we had seven years ago actually penetrated his thick skull. Condoms are a good thing. I’m glad he’s using the brain in his head instead of his pecker.”

  After three hours of stress and worry, I laughed. Loudly. It seemed Dr. Eisley did know Kieran quite well. It put me at ease to know he had mentors like him and Preston.

  “I don’t want to pry into your personal life.”

  I flashed him arched brows. “Seriously, I think we’re past personal. You’ve seen me internally—both ends. I’ll go out on a limb and say that practically makes us family.”

  He threw his head back in a belly laugh that left him in tears. He quickly wiped off his glasses. “I’d like to have Kieran involved in this conversation. I mean, if you two are more than just a whim,” he said, blushing. “Good grief, now I’m embarrassing myself. What’s between you two is private, but I want him to be aware of the restrictions and that condoms are mandatory.”

  I didn’t know how to answer him. Kieran had verbally attacked me, physically put me in a precarious situation by drugging me, pierced me without my consent, threatened me on more than one occasion, and harassed me continually. How could I wrap my mind around wanting to be with him? What kind of woman was I if I still desired him?

  “I suppose so, but before you bring him in, can you replace my IUD? It was always a ‘just in case’ method, and I think I should continue to be safe rather than sorry. And condoms aren’t one hundred percent.”

  “Condoms are still the safest bet for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, but the only guaranteed method is abstinence. And I think you’re past that age, and Kieran—well, sexuality was bred into his DNA. But I think in the little time he has known you, he is beginning to change. No matter what people deem socially acceptable, I think you’re good for him, and I approve.”