Shattered
by
Angela Stephens
Copyright © 2013
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted kat in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Copyright © 2013
All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Warning: This work contains scenes of graphic sexual nature and it is written for adults only(18+). All characters depicted in this story are over 18 years of age.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter One
“You can either tell me what’s wrong or we’re going to stay here until the cleaners come,” James said. “What will it be?”
Lost in the comfort of James’ embrace, Kathryn allowed herself a few more moments of connection. In his arms she felt safe and secure. She nestled against his chest and listened to the cadence of his heartbeat. It would have been so easy just to shut the world out and indulge in the desire that was stirring within her, but she knew that would be disastrous after what she had earlier witnessed.
A shudder coursed through her. James held her more tightly, as if to shield her from the world. She desperately wished that to be true, but she could not quell the images of Heather stoned, naked, riding another man like a wild animal. Though Kathryn knew that people could have different personas, she never imagined she would encounter someone as amoral as Heather.
The thought of what the woman was capable of frightened Kathryn. She was out of her league in such a situation, and her experiences, even with Garet, paled in comparison. Compared to the hardcore elements that she had witnessed in the short time she had been in Portland, she truly was a small town girl.
She wondered what Jackie would have to say. No doubt her friend would roll her eyes and say, “Only you, Kat.” But neither Jackie nor anyone else could help her. It was a decision Kathryn knew she had to make, and more importantly, had to muster the courage to make alone.
Uttering a sigh, she reluctantly pulled away from James and unconsciously glanced at the folder hiding her resignation letter. The last thing she needed was for James to find it. Questions would be asked, and in her vulnerable mood, she knew she didn’t have the strength to field the answers. She would have to make a point of shredding it at the first opportunity.
“We don’t have to worry about the cleaners,” Kathryn said. “I just have to worry about my feelings for you.”
James watched with clear skepticism. “Your feelings are important to me. That’s why I don’t understand why you won’t talk to me. You don’t think I know you’re upset by something?”
Kathryn felt a surge of anger. “But that’s the problem, James. Don’t you see? My feelings shouldn’t even be factor. Neither should yours. You’re engaged, for God’s sake! And I don’t want to end up where I know this road is leading.”
James merely watched Kathryn with a look that gnawed away at her resolve.
“I came to Portland to start a new job and a new life and that’s what I’m intending to do even though you’ve made that virtually impossible. Instead of focusing on my work, I’m thinking about you. Instead of respecting the fact that you’re already in a relationship, you continue to pursue me. How is this fair to me?”
James reached out to cup her chin.
Kathryn averted her face. “You’re not even listening, are you?”
“There’s something else,” James said. “It’s more than just work, I can see it in your eyes. Your mascara is smudged. Have you been crying?”
Kathryn mentally cursed herself and resolved to switch to a waterproof brand. “I can’t do this anymore,” she said, the words not so far from the truth. “If things continue like this, James, I can’t stay here. You either let me do my job or I move on.”
“Is that an ultimatum?”
“I guess you could call it that.”
“One I’d rather you not give. And I’m sure my father wouldn’t be very pleased either.”
“And he’d be pleased with the current situation? Take a look at the reality, James. I’m the loser no matter which way you look at it.”
She tried to harden her demeanor but the resolve wouldn’t come. Suddenly drained, she sank into her chair. “Please, James, I’m exhausted. It’s been a long day and I just want to go home. And no, you can’t take me. I just want some peace and quiet... and to be left alone to do my job.”
James looked at her with more emotion than she could bear. Kathryn busied herself with shutting down her computer and straightening her desk, ensuring that the folder and the letter hidden beneath it went into her desk drawer.
“Okay,” he said. “I won’t push it. I don’t necessarily believe everything you’ve told me, but I’ll leave you to your thoughts for now.” He smiled. “Good night, Kat.”
Kathryn watched him leave with a pang in her heart. As he closed the door she was tempted to call out to him and simply tell him the truth, but she feared the repercussions. What if James didn’t believe her, or worse, accused her of interfering where it was none of her business? Although she didn’t think he’d react so negatively, how well did she really know him? James was a chameleon; that much she already knew, and in his quest for her, how much of the real man had he allowed her to see?
She sighed and stared out at the view. Suddenly her office was very large and very lonely. Yet she knew it had to be this way. Keep it cool, keep it professional. Once James was married then the pressure would be off and she could finally relegate her emotions to where she controlled them instead of her emotions controlling her.
It was the right thing to do, so why did she feel so miserable?
***
At first Kathryn ignored the soft knocking at the door. Overwhelmed by a situation that started innocently enough with a chance encounter in the dorm parking lot, all she had the energy to do was stare at the city lights twinkling like distant constellations. Slouched in her chair, the silence of her office shielded her and allowed her chaotic thoughts to run their course.
The knocking continued, this time more persistently. Thinking it was James, she was on the verge of asking him to leave her alone when Sandra opened the door and poked her head in.
“You were probably going to come out later rather than sooner,” she said, “so I thought I’d risk having a stapler thrown at me.”
Despite her dark mood, Kathryn smiled. “You know you can come in anytime.”
Sandra closed the door behind her and sauntered toward Kathryn’s desk. “I’m worried about you. I saw you come back this afternoon and waved at you but your eyes were so glued to the floor you never even noticed me.”
Kathryn stared guiltily at her nameplate.
“See, you’re doing it again.”
“It’s been a challenging first few days,” Kathryn said. “I just need some time to adjust.” But as she spoke her voice strained with the tears she was trying to hold back.
Sandra approached Kathryn and wrapped her arms around her. “You’re too good for anyone to be making you this miserable, cute as he may be.”
Kathryn gre
w hot with embarrassment as she realized that her attraction to James wasn’t as subtle as she thought. “Is it that obvious?” Kathryn asked as the tears welled up in her eyes. “Tell me the truth.”
Sandra let out a laugh. “That doesn’t even rate a response. I’ve never seen a chemistry like I’ve seen between you and James, and let me tell you, there have been quite a few women.” She rolled a chair over from the conference table and sat beside Kathryn.
“Why am I not surprised to hear that?” Kathryn sighed. “Naive girl fresh from college falls under the bad boy’s spell. I can only imagine what you must think.”
“What do I think? You probably didn’t notice because of all the drama you’re dealing with, but James has really changed since you started working here. You’re a far better match for him than that blonde bitch.”
Kathryn’s jaw dropped, she didn’t think anyone else saw Heather for what she really was. “What did you just say?”
“Oh, please! I know what that vixen is up to. She doesn’t give a damn about James, never did.”
Kathryn looked away in alarm. “I already know.”
“What happened today, Kat? I know Heather took you out for lunch, but you were gone too long for just casual conversation over an overpriced meal.”
Kathryn started in a panic and began rummaging through her purse. “Oh my God,” she said, retrieving Heather’s iPad. “I forgot all about this. Heather was showing me ideas for the wedding. She left it behind on the table when she suddenly had to leave.”
Sandra took it. “I’ll make sure she gets it. Now tell me what happened.”
Kathryn wavered. She was only just starting to feel better and didn’t want to spiral back into her foul mood by rehashing the afternoon.
“I promise you won’t be telling me anything I don’t already know,” Sandra said, noticing her hesitation.
Kathryn took a deep breath to compose herself. If she didn’t tell someone what she’d seen it would just gnaw at her, and she knew that if she could trust anyone it was Sandra. “She rushed out of the restaurant like a fire alarm had gone off. I was only planning to catch up to her and return her iPad, but she didn’t take a cab like I expected.”
Sandra listened as Kathryn relayed the sordid scenario she witnessed; her only response the occasional nod. Kathryn felt uncomfortable opening up, but her words began to have a cathartic effect and gradually the stress that had been mounting since the afternoon started to dissipate.
“I realize the danger I put myself in not only by following Heather, but by actually catching her with that man,” Kathryn said. “They were high and drunk, who knows what they would’ve done if they’d caught up to me.”
“Did you recognize him, by any chance?” Sandra asked.
“He seemed familiar. I think he’s a model? Antoine Dubranovich?”
“Antoine Dubranovich. Of course. One-time supermodel, full-time addict.”
Kathryn sighed wearily. “This is a disaster.”
“Don’t worry about him,” Sandra said. “He blew his career on drugs, he’s nothing more than a professional leech these days. It’s Heather that’s a threat.”
“Then why would Frank Manticorp want someone like that as his daughter-in-law?”
“Because he doesn’t know the truth,” Sandra said.
Kathryn shook her head. “I don’t understand. How is that possible?”
“Her father’s involvement in politics is the motivation for this marriage. Frank Manticorp has a great deal of influence; friends or no, Heather’s father wants to gain from that, and he’ll pay to keep his daughter’s debauchery out of the news.”
Kathryn shook her head. “And now I’ve gotten in the way.”
Sandra looked appraisingly at Kathryn. “Actually, I think you’re the best thing that could have happened to James.”
“I don’t see how.”
“The real Heather is showing herself now, and James needs to see that.”
Kathryn hung her head in despair. “I didn’t mean to get in the middle of this.”
Sandra reached for Kathryn’s chin and gently lifted her head up. “You know the truth had to come out sometime,” she said. “I’ll be right back, in the meantime try and put a smile on that face.”
As Kathryn watched Sandra stand from her chair and leave the room her head pounded from an incipient headache. She was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to go home and immerse herself in a hot bath.
Gathering her purse, she rose and started for the door, but Sandra returned with a bottle of wine and two glasses.
“Is there a liquor store in the building I don’t know about?” Kathryn asked.
“Yes,” Sandra replied. “It’s called Manticorp cellars. James has quite a supply stashed in his office. Now sit your ass down and let’s have a drink. Once you’re more relaxed you can go home.”
Kathryn obeyed and sat down while Sandra expertly uncorked the bottle and poured each of them a generous amount of golden Chardonnay.
“Remember I’ve got your back,” Sandra said as she clinked her glass against Kathryn’s. “We’re going to get through this.”
Chapter Two
The phone never seemed to stop ringing. Between endless calls, emails and visits Kathryn’s concerns about keeping James at a distance soon evaporated. She’d spent all day, every day, in her office editing documents, proofing publicity photos, and simultaneously fielding several emails both on her computer and phone. The result was a killer PR campaign and a desk cluttered with remnants of her lunch and several half-consumed beverages.
“That’s right, Neil,” she spoke toward a speakerphone on her desk. “Make sure the caterers stay behind the screens. Patio’s going to be crowded enough as it is and we can’t have people wandering into the photo-shoot.”
“We’ve confirmed the guest list,” Neil said in a preppy voice. “Forty VIP.”
“Media?”
“Still waiting on two responses but everyone else is setting up.”
“I want everything ready by Thursday morning,” Kathryn said. “Mr. Manticorp will be personally welcoming everyone. This photo-shoot is the semi-official launch of the newer, edgier Mountain Dreams Magazine. Everyone who’s anyone is going to know about this launch.”
“Not a problem, Kathryn.”
“How’s security?”
“In place. Visitor screening’s being set up. One elevator only servicing the patio. Security escorts each group before and after. Limos waiting outside.”
“Okay, Neil. Great work! Check back in later.”
As soon as Kathryn disconnected Sandra rushed through the door.
“You going to work through all that,” she said, eyeing the trash on Kathryn’s desk, “or is that a biology project?”
Kathryn grinned. “I promise I’ll clear it before the cleaners come.”
“I hope so,” Sandra said, pushing aside several cups to place a printed sheet in front of her.
“My God, not more!” Kathryn said, quickly scanning through the list of appointments for James.
“Updates should already be synced to your phone and computer,” Sandra said.
Kathryn paused to check the updates on her phone. She smiled when she found all the information. “You’re amazing, Sandra!”
“Don’t I know it,” Sandra teased.
“Okay, so I see we’ve got two more environmental seminars set up at PSU,” Kathryn said.
“That’s right,” Sandra said. “James is going to be a very busy boy. He’s also scheduled to speak at the Green Gala dinner at the Nines next week.
“Excellent,” Kathryn said. “Keep that calendar of his full.” She turned to her mailbox on the computer. “Okay, that’s another ten emails in just the few minutes we’ve been talking. I’m telling you, this photo-shoot for the new cover is going to be amazing.”
Sandra started gathering a few of the cups from the desk. “I’ll take care of these now, don’t want them mating when your back is turned.” She paus
ed and winked at Kathryn. “You’re doing fine since our little talk.”
“I gave what you said a lot of thought,” Kathryn said. “I came here to do a job and that’s what I’m focusing on.” She grinned conspiratorially at Sandra. “Of course the campaign has helped. I’ve hardly seen James since we stepped up his PR.”
“There’s more where that came from,” Sandra said. “Even if we have to set him up with every environmental outlet in the country.”
Kathryn’s phone rang. Sandra nodded and slipped out the door while Kathryn answered.
“Kathryn Denton ... oh, hi Naima. Thanks for getting back to me so quickly ... yes, let me check that.”
While Kathryn browsed a document, James slipped in through the door. Looking more handsome than ever in one of Rolf’s black and gray outfits, she tried to ignore the heat rising in her body and forced herself to maintain her composure. Ever since she’d found out about Heather’s secret life she was finding it harder and harder to resist James.
“I found it, Naima” she said, “That’s correct. “We’re doing the full spectrum so make sure we have equal amounts of colored banners.”
Not content to watch from a distance, James approached the desk and perched on it. The alluring scent of his cologne wafted from him like a sensual caress and wrapped itself around Kathryn. She found her concentration wavering and struggled to focus on Naima’s words.
James merely smiled.
“Yes, that’s fine,” Kathryn said, only half-listening to Naima. “Email me the final invoice. Thanks.”
She hung up and tried to look at James with a neutral expression. “I’d appreciate it if you let me know when you want to speak to me,” she said. “I’ve got a thousand things to do.”
“So I noticed,” James said. “Every time I check my phone my calendar shows another entry. At this rate I’ll be booked until the next millennium.”
“Your father expects daily status reports,” Kathryn said. “The cover shoot is on Friday and everything else is going to fill the pages of the new issue.”
“I’m not complaining,” James said. “I just never seem to see you anymore, let alone talk to you. I miss you, Kat.”
Shattered (Book Two of the Beautifully Broken Series) Page 1