KADYN
“Kadyn you up?” I rolled over in bed and stared up at the ceiling. Matthew had just called to find out when I was coming to his house. Between yesterday and this morning I’d been waiting to awaken from the weird dream I’d fallen into but the mountain of clothes on the daybed across from my bed was testament that it had all been real.” Yeah dad I’ll be right out.”
It was near to impossible for me to accept that any of this was real, that my life could change so drastically in a complete three sixty degree. Things like this just didn’t happen in real life, it certainly hadn’t happened in any of the cases I’d researched looking for hope. Why should it happen for me? I had given up believing in miracles a long time ago, when no one could help me at every turn, when the law that was supposed to protect seemed more interested in protecting my tormentor and his rights than mine. I’d pretty much resigned myself to a life of hell. The best I could hope for was to make it out alive when all was said and done.
The fear was not only for me, I’d feared for my mom as well. What would become of her, stuck because of finances in a house right next door to someone so evil? There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t think of these things. Now this Matthew Steele was giving me something else to think about. Could I trust it, but how could I? What about the first time Bruno finds me? Matt might think he’s willing to deal with this now but the reality is way different. No one wants to be caught in the crosshairs of a madman and I had no doubt that he was crazy. That was part of my fear, how do you reason with someone who was so convinced that he was right? The very thought of him makes my skin crawl. I hate knowing that he thinks he owns me or that he has any control over my life. But each time I gear up myself to fight, to move out from under that shadow of darkness, I lose the battle and fear wins out.
It sure would be nice to give into Matt though, to allow myself to believe that it were possible to have the life of a carefree young woman. Going off to college and doing all the things I longed to do; but it would hurt more to taste that life only to have it snatched from me again as it surely would. I looked over at the beautiful things he’d bought me yesterday and my heart ached. It couldn’t be, as much as I might want it to be I couldn’t let him destroy his life like this. Things had moved so fast in such a short time, and though the attraction was instantaneous it could go nowhere.
He would be one more thing in a long line of things that I would deny myself. My life wasn’t meant to be normal, I wasn’t meant for days of sunshine and laughter. I ignored the pain in my heart at the lost, it just couldn’t be. I could never put that beautiful person in danger; and he was beautiful. He’d given so much of himself already, so aimlessly, without seeking anything in return. Not just the shopping, but also the things he said, the way he was willing to stand between me and the dark. I felt anger that this man was once again robbing me of yet another thing that I so badly wanted, but even the anger wasn’t enough to overrule my fear. It was like I’d told Matthew, I’d learned that lesson well, there was really no point in fooling myself or in getting my hopes up.
Taking a deep breath I prepared myself to face the day. Dad had told me last night when he came up that he’d given the job to someone else. I was happy for the young woman who dad said had fallen on hard times but now with my newfound resolve I was at a lost as to what to do with my days. Dad was sitting at the table with his coffee and had one waiting for me next to him. He seemed much lighter this morning and I was sure it was because of Matt and their talk. If anyone wanted me to have the life of a teenager I knew it was my dad.
I slumped down in the chair next to his and laid my head on his shoulder. He kissed my hair and hugged my shoulder before I lifted it again. “What’s the matter princess?”
“I can’t see Matthew again.”
“What why?” he looked so broken by that, like I’d taken away his light or something, it was crushing to see the light go out of his eyes but it was better this way.
“Dad you know it’s only a matter of time before he finds me, what then? Do you think it’s fair to involve Matthew in something like this? I’m living on borrowed time dad…”
“Kadyn no, come on you’re safe here, please don’t throw away your chance at happiness. Don’t you like Matt?”
“Of course I do, he’s gorgeous he’s kind and he seems to like me more than a little bit. But how long will that last when this all comes to a head? No it’s better this way.”
“Did something happen? I heard your phone ring did Matthew say something to you?”
“No dad he was calling to see what time I would be coming over to hang out by the pool. Shopping, hanging by the pool, these things sound nice but I know better dad. Somehow he always finds a way to mess things up. It’s like he always knows when I’m happy, when I’ve finally taken even the smallest step out from under his shadow and then he pounces.” Dad didn’t say anything more but I could tell he was disappointed, no more so than I. What Matt was offering was my every dream come true but I knew it was not meant to be, not for me anyway.
I wanted it too much, wanted everything, but most importantly I wanted it with Matthew Steele, experience had taught me that it would never be. That truth had been brought home when the only boy who had been brave enough to come to my doorstep had been run off the road after leaving my house that night. He’d only been there to study; he’d needed help with his chemistry class. Tommy Bruno didn’t know any of that he didn’t care. Evan had lived but I had never allowed another male to get near me after that for any reason. If he hurt my Matthew it would kill me; my Matthew. Better stop thinking like that, I will hold onto the memory of what little time we had together but I had to let go. I had no choice.
After dad left to go downstairs I cleaned up and went back to my room. I had to figure out some way to get all of this tuff back to him and his jeep. I could always drive over there but I didn’t want to, it would be too hard seeing them all again so happy together, knowing that I could never be a part of that. It was best to sever all ties now. I turned off my phone hoping that that would send the message that I didn’t want to talk to him and decided that I’ll ask dad to return the stuff later.
Chapter 18
MATT
Where the hell is she? It was way past the time she said she would be here. My first instinct was to panic but I quelled that shit, I couldn’t ask her not to see the boogeyman around every corner if I was going to start doing the same thing. I called her phone and it went straight to voice mail. Maybe she was driving and couldn’t answer the phone, good girl. I went about getting ready for her day of fun, mom said she was going to fire up the grill and make a party of it later in the afternoon. Everyone was onboard to make it a nice experience for her. I was immensely proud of my family for the way they were acting, no one was asking questions though I’m sure they were dying to know, they just accepted that she was mine and that was enough.
By the time enough time had gone by that she should be here and she was still a no show I tried calling again and got the voice mail. Then I started worrying, I paced the patio as I dialed the diner hoping that all was well and she was safe. Maybe she got a late start or something had come up. “Stan’s Eats.”
“Stan this is Matthew is Kadyn there?”
“Uh, you didn’t talk to her?”
“Not since I called her earlier she was supposed to be coming over but she’s not here and she’s not answering her phone did she leave?”
“Uh no son, I think you need to talk to her.”
“Why what’s going on?”
“Son I don’t feel comfortable talking to you about this this is between you and her, I think she should be the one to tell you herself.” I was starting to get a bad feeling in my chest. “Talk to me about what?” I was already heading inside for my keys. I had a pretty good idea what this was about and if I was right I’m going to be so pissed.
“Like I said I think you two should talk.”
“I’m on my way.”
I was going on pure fumes as I hopped into the closest car and peeled out of the garage. No fucking way, she wasn’t doing this shit. It was time to take the gloves off. If Kadyn Daniels didn’t think she deserved anything better than hiding out for the rest of her life then it was my job to drag her ass out from under that cloud. In my heart I knew I would never let anything happen to her, I’d already taken steps to take care of that asshole hadn’t I? I wasn’t about to lose her to her own fear, not when I’d just found her. No one was taking her away from me not even she herself. Fuck that, I’d be fucked if I let some pedophile asshole hundreds of miles away dictate my life and happiness, who the fuck?
Her father was standing near the door as though waiting for my arrival he just passed me off the key to the upstairs door and without a word spoken between us I headed towards the back and up the stairs. I held my breath for a quick second to calm down before facing her, didn’t want to scare her with my temper. I turned the key and called out for her so she’d know it was me. “Kadyn where are you?”
“Matthew?” she came out of her room with her hand at her throat. “What are you doing here?” There were tear tracks on her face and she looked miserable, good, she should feel miserable for putting me through this shit.
“Aren’t you supposed to be somewhere?”
“Matt I can’t…”
“I don’t want to hear that shit Kadyn, we talked about this. I’m willing to give you time to deal with having me in your life but what I am not going to do is let you chicken out on me. If you’re afraid to grab whatever happiness life throws your way that’s your fucking issue not mine but you will not fuck up my shit. Now get your bag and let’s go.”
“You don’t understand…it won’t work, you’re…I don’t know, you come from this amazing family who probably never had a day’s trouble in their lives can you imagine how they’ll look at me if they knew about my past? If they knew what their lives will be like if and when he finds me?”
“Kadyn my family already knows about that shit and if you think that having money protects us from the shit people do to each other then you’re sadly mistaken. I almost married someone who set my sister in law up to be raped and almost murdered. Yeah I see that caught your attention, Carrie was abducted not too long ago by someone who’s in jail for the rape and murder of at least seven women so don’t think you corner the market on sick assholes. Now get your shit because none of this has fuck all to do with anything. I told you I’ll take care of you, since you find that shit so hard to believe I’ll just have to show you.”
Instead of waiting for her to get her bag I snatched up the one I saw hanging on the chair and grabbed her hand pulling her out the door behind me. “Wait Matthew let me change my clothes at least.”
“No, fuck it, you had all morning to get dressed.” I threw the keys across the counter at Stan on the way out the door as his daughter looked over her shoulder at him as if asking him to save her from the crazy man. He had the good sense to stay where the fuck he was and not get in my way.
I wasn’t too gentle when I seated her in the car and strapped her in. All my hard work from yesterday was obviously in vain and that pissed me off. Bruno wasn’t here so the problem was Kadyn; she was the one letting fear rule her, the one not allowing herself to be happy. I sent James off to fight him looks like I had to fight her too. So be it.
Chapter 19
MATT
There were no words said between us as I headed for home, she just sat there with her arms folded in her lap looking out the window at the scenery. She seemed so detached, so removed, like she was just going through the motions. I slammed the car into park and turned to her. “Do you even see what you’re looking at Kadyn?” she turned wide eyes to me, her face drawn and so fucking sad I wanted to hit something. It wasn’t supposed to be like this, she wasn’t supposed to be like this. She was too young, too beautiful and just too fucking perfect for this to be her life. I won’t let it be, if I had to drag her kicking and screaming into our life, the life I wanted to give her, share with her, then I will.
I got out of the car and walked around to her side, we were just a few minutes from the house but that was okay. I helped her out of the car and walked her through the trees and into the little meadow in the clearing. “Look around you Kadyn, what do you see? No don’t tense up he’s not here, he has nothing to do with this place it’s just you and me here now, tell me, what do you see?” She took her time looking around at the wild flowers that grew between the grass and trees. The sun was still in its waking up stages and the light on the leaves spoke of new beginnings.
“Do you see the wide open space, the wildflowers? Look at the sky; see how beautiful and clear it is? This would be a nice place for a picnic, I think we’ll do that soon.” I let her take in the beauty of her surroundings; I wouldn’t be surprised if this was the first time she’d allowed herself the luxury. I refuse to study similar cases to hers, I might be wrong in my thinking but I didn’t want the influence. All I know is what I want for her, I understand the danger but apart from that I wasn’t willing to give an inch. It’s just not in my make up to let someone else dictate my life and my choices. When I made the choice, when my heart settled on her she became a part of me, anything that hurt her hurts me, and there was no way I was going to let anything hurt her. That thought gave me an idea.
“Let’s go.” I was happy to see that she was almost reluctant to leave. When she forgot to be afraid she could enjoy the same things as the rest of us, so it was the fear that I had to conquer first and foremost. We made the rest of the trip with her hand in mine. My anger was beginning to fade as we pulled through the gate. I could hear the others in the back already as we walked through the house and headed in that direction. “Change of plans guys. Carrie and Nessa I need you guys, meet me in the gym in ten.”
I took her up to my room and dug through my drawers for an old t-shirt and sweats. “Here put these on.” she looked at them questioningly but went into the bathroom to put them on. She looked a mess in my too big clothes and it was so cute I had to kiss her. “Good morning my Kitten.” I held onto her after the kiss, gently rocking her back and forth.
“Good morning Matthew. Why am I wearing your clothes?”
“You’ll see come on.” I took her down to the second floor where the others were waiting in the gym. I’d asked them to join us so she wouldn’t feel alone or some shit, and because I was about to put her in some situations that might not be the most comfortable for someone who’d been through what she had and having other females around might make things easier. At least that was my thinking.
“Okay, today is the first day of your self defense classes ladies.” Nessa started grumbling about her nails and Carrie looked over at her husband and shrugged. I guess she thought he had something to do with it but he was just as surprised by the announcement as they were. He didn’t say anything though just got in line behind the girls followed by the douche. I’ve never taught a self-defense class in my life but I knew the power of feeling empowered, it was the first step in giving my woman that boost she needed, hopefully.
“Okay, first we’re gonna do some Tae Bo, loosen up those muscles and get your range of motion and hand to eye coordination working as it should.” It also teaches you how to punch and kick as well as strengthening the arms and legs which is what I was after.
That was the first of many classes for the next three weeks; we did it every other day and in between I walked her to her appointments with doc, or we hung out together. I never gave her too much time to dwell on her past even keeping her on the phone late at night until she fell asleep. I had decided on a plan of action and so far it was going perfectly.
James had called two days after our meet with the news that he had landed and was casing the place, of course he used cryptic codes but I got the drift. On the second day under the guise of a cable guy he’d entered the residence while Bruno was at work and wired his house and phones. Later that night
I received the pic of Bruno in bed asleep. I was ready to call him back when he sent me something disturbing, something that more than anything that had passed so far had brought me to the brink of murder.
“I’m guessing this is yours.” That was the message James had sent before he sent me pictures of a room, no, more like a shrine, in Bruno’s house. There were Pictures of Kadyn in all stages of maturity from the age of fourteen until maybe just before she left. I’ve never felt such gut wrenching fear in my life until then. I’d jumped in one of my jeeps and headed for the diner never mind it was eleven o’ clock at night and I’d only taken her home an hour earlier. I’d run past her father and up the stairs to make sure that she was safe. That was the first night she’d slept in my bed. It was a little hard to convince her dad but in the end she’s an eighteen- year old girl with a mind of her own and they both knew I wasn’t going to hurt her.
After I’d taken her home and put her to bed in my bed I’d walked outside and looked at the rest of the evidence James had sent me. The sick fuck had shots of her in her bathroom, getting dressed, even eating. How the fuck had the cops missed that? Had they looked at this guy at all? I’d called James right away with one order, the only thing that could be done. At first I wanted to torch the shit to the ground but that would mean him having to move and me finding his ass again, not to mention her mother was too close and a fire was not the easiest thing to contain.
“Take them all down and take them somewhere and burn them.”
Rebound: Passion Book 2 Page 12