Hard Limits

by Anna Parsons

  “I thought you were alone. I never saw any visitors,” Evie said, wiping her eyes.

  “During those days in my room, I realized how special you are, and how much of life you were missing,” Anne reflected. “Do you remember the first time I came to you?”

  “Yes,” Evie said simply. “How could I forget? It scared the crap out of me. I thought I was losing my mind.”

  “I didn’t mean to scare you.” Anne stared at Evie as she sniffled. “I realized you were made for Dylan. After the fire, I knew I had to bring the two of you together. So, I came to you both.”

  “Tell me about Dylan.” Evie looked up at her.

  “He loved me with a passion that I never believed possible. As you know, he gets what he wants.” She paused when Evie grunted in response. “He wanted me, and he would accept no opposition. I learned a lot about him early in our relationship.”

  “Like what?” Evie asked between sniffles.

  “Well, he cannot handle dishonesty. It makes him physically ill. He demanded that I be an open book, even if he didn’t particularly like the story.” She paused. “You know what I mean, don’t you?” Evie recalled Meredith’s punishment for lying, and his reaction to a little fib she told when he was feeding her sushi.

  “I do,” Evie said, beginning to understand his reaction to her silence about her visit to Maxwell’s. “I could have told him everything, but I think he completely overreacted.”

  “You may be right, but his feelings for you developed quickly, and with intensity that shocks him. With you, he has something he’s never had before. You give him something that he has craved. A sub that suits him, that takes what he has to give, who is devoted only to him, who reacts only to him. He is incomplete without you. In his mind, the lie was a betrayal.”

  Evie was beginning to see the picture of their relationship. He needed her as much as she needed him.

  “Do you still talk to him?” Evie asked between sobs.

  “Yes. I tell him about your love and your future. And…”

  “Then how do I know what I feel for him is real, what he feels for me is real? Or what I thought he felt for me…” Evie’s voice trailed off.

  “It is real. I did nothing but encourage the two of you. Fate brought you two together long before you were even born. Call it destiny or whatever you want, but you two were meant to be together.” She continued to stroke Evie’s hair as she spoke. To Evie, it felt like a small tingle.

  Somehow, Evie believed her. Believed the dream. She shook her head. “But he dumped me.”

  “He was confused. He knew you were not telling the complete truth.” Anne moved closer to Evie on the bed. “Peter was in the jewelry store while you were there. He watched you, and you were both photographed.”

  “I know Dylan thought I was with Peter, but I wasn’t!” Evie stared at Anne in horror. “I was buying…” Evie buried her face in her hands.

  “I know, Evie. You were picking out things for him.” She pulled Evie close. “I know you wanted it to be a surprise, but given the circumstances, you should have told him everything. He would’ve understood.”

  “I am so stupid!” Evie wailed, almost inconsolably. “I lost him because he thinks I…he thinks I…with Peter.”

  “You haven’t lost him, my dear. He needs you, now more than ever…” The haze cleared to reveal Dylan’s living room. He was lying on the floor, sobbing loudly.

  “What happened?” Evie tried to go to him, but her feet appeared to be stuck in cement.

  “Listen.” She directed Evie’s attention to the television. “…Former DDA Peter Nash is about to make a statement regarding the fire that took the life of his fiancée in the early morning hours…”

  “Hope. My Hope. I killed you,” Dylan wailed, banging his fist on the floor.

  “He thinks I’m dead?” Evie looked up at Anne. “Oh, shit, I’m not dead, am I?”

  Anne had to chuckle. “No, my dear, you are not dead, but Peter’s fiancée is. She died in the fire at his house.”

  She stared at Dylan wailing on the floor. “He thinks it’s me!” Evie shrieked as she covered her mouth with both hands. “I have to go to him…”

  Chapter 35:

  Truth Revealed

  The room spun around as Dylan tried to comprehend what the reporter was saying…suspicious fire…locked from the outside…one female victim…smoke inhalation…Nash devastated…under investigation…He couldn’t get the horrified look on Hope’s face out of his mind. He told her that he no longer wanted her and walked away from her. Would she have been there had I not pushed her away? He ran his fingers through his hair, and slipped further away, devastated that he lost another woman that he loved in a fire. Just like Anne. Had I not left her, she would be alive. Had I not dismissed my Hope, she would be alive, too. Dear Lord, this is my fault. Unsure how long he had been there, Dylan was sitting on the floor sobbing when his phone rang. He looked down to see JJ’s face on the screen.

  “JJ,” Dylan said softly. “JJ, I am so sorry.”

  “You need to be sorry, you bastard. What did you do to her? I told you not to hurt her. You self-centered, arrogant son of a bitch. What did you do?” JJ screamed into the phone.

  “I know. I know.” Dylan sobbed. “Had I not pushed her away, she wouldn’t have been at his house. My god, what have I done?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Evangeline! She’s dead. She was in Peter’s house when it burned. My god, JJ. It’s my fault. I’m so sorry.” Dylan wept openly now.

  “What have you been smokin’, boy? Evie ain’t dead. I just talked to her and she told me that you basically broke her heart. When I see you, I plan to kill you.”

  “She’s not…what?” Dylan shook his head as if trying to clear cobwebs.

  “She called me and told me that she’s quitting the clinic because of your ass. What the fuck did you do?” JJ was starting to get frustrated.

  “I…I…don’t know. She betrayed me. She spent Wednesday with Peter. I…She’s alive? Who was in the house? All I could think of was Anne and how awful it was to die in the fire. Then to lose Evangeline the same way. What’s going on, JJ?” Dylan was babbling.

  “Dylan, I have no idea what the fuck you’re talking about. What fire? What’s this about Peter? What fire? Why did you think Evie was dead?” JJ was trying to understand what Dylan was saying, but it sounded like gibberish.

  “I’m so confused.” Dylan rose from the floor and sat on the chair, resting his elbows on his knees. “So she is okay?”

  “Why do you keep asking me that? No, she is not okay. You broke her heart…and I plan to break your perfect nose. I’ll plaster it all over your perfect face!” JJ was yelling again.

  “I love her, JJ. I want to marry her. I’m so stupid. What is wrong with me?” Dylan stood and started pacing the room.

  “I don’t know that the fuck is wrong with you. You sound high as a kite. You need to sleep it off and never touch that shit again. While you’re coming down from your high, you leave Evie alone.” JJ was starting to calm a bit, but was still confused. “Once you are yourself, you fix this!”

  “I will, JJ. I’ll fix it.” Dylan hung up the phone and headed for the door. Evie is alive and she didn’t betray me. Within moments he went from the lowest low to the highest high. But then he stopped cold. “What did I do?” The doorbell rang just as he reached for the door.

  “Good morning, Mister Dylan.” One of the assistants from Maxwell’s and an armed guard stood before him, both in black suits and dark shades. “I have a delivery for Miss Hope. Is she available?”

  “She’s not here at the moment. I’ll take it.” He reached for her clipboard, signing and accepting the box. Moments later, he was seated in his favorite chair, holding the familiar box. Maxwell’s. What the fuck is this? He opened it even though Evie’s name was clearly marked on the top. Two bowed boxes were nestled inside, surrounded by Maxwell’s signature black velvet cloth. He pulled the card out and r
ipped it open.

  Dylan,

  I didn’t believe that mere words alone could express what I feel for you.

  It is my most ardent wish that you enjoy receiving this as much as I enjoy giving it.

  Hope

  Dylan opened the box to find the Rolex staring up at him. The black face of the domed bezel shone, mocking him. He lifted it from its cushioned box, admiring its simplicity, its elegance. “Beautiful,” he said aloud. “Gotta give it to her, she has taste.” He reached for the second box, placing the watch in his lap, opening it without a second thought. “I’ll be damned,” he said before lifting out a mate to her bangle. A larger version obviously made for him. Tilting it, he read the inscription. I belong to Hope. “Son of a bitch!” he yelled. Reaching into his pocket, the retrieved his cell, and dialed Maxwell’s private cell number.

  “Max, Dylan,” he said when the man answered on the first ring.

  “Mister Dylan,” the man said cheerfully in his thick German accent. “I hope all is well.”

  “Sure,” he said. “Listen…”

  “How do you like your gifts?” Max interrupted.

  “Yes, that’s why I am calling,” Dylan started. Taking a breath, Max jumped in again.

  “Ah, Miss Evangeline took her time to pick out the right timepiece for you. She would not even take suggestions from me or my wife. That particular President model is very rare…beautiful.” Max chuckled. “And the inscription…she agonized over it for nearly thirty minutes. Said she wanted it to be perfect.” Inscription? Dylan lifted the fine timepiece, turning it over…Forever Your Hope. “It is perfect, no?”

  “That it is, Max.” Dylan had to shake his head.

  “And the bangle? I know it is rather unorthodox, but she insisted. Please, you are not offended?”

  “Not at all, Maxwell. It’s wonderful.” Was I wrong? Was Ben wrong? “Max,” Dylan started. “When Evangeline was in your store on Wednesday, was she alone?”

  “Yes, yes. She was alone. She came from work. We talked on the phone earlier in the day and we made the appointment for her lunch time. Is everything okay, Mister Dylan?”

  “Was Peter Nash there?” Dylan wanted to get to the heart of the matter.

  “Yes, yes. Mr. Nash was shopping for a ring for his new…um…woman…lady,” Max said.

  “Did Evangeline speak with him?” Dylan asked. Max was fortunate enough to enjoy the patronage of many wealthy Doms, so he was not surprised by a Dom questioning his sub’s actions.

  “No, Mister Dylan, she did not speak with anyone in the store, except me and my wife. I took her into my office. I don’t think one even knew that the other was there.” Max was just getting warmed up. “You see, Miss Evangeline has exquisite taste. Mr. Nash was looking at gold overlay. A page helped him with his transaction.”

  “I see,” Dylan said, and he did see clearly. His Hope was shopping at the high end of the spectrum, while Peter was bargain basement. “So, they didn’t leave together.”

  “Durchaus nicht, by no means, Mister Dylan.” When Max was excited, he sometimes reverted back to his native tongue. Dylan’s phone beeped, indicating an incoming call. He looked to see it was from Ben.

  “That’s good to know, Max. Thank you for your time. Oh, and Max”—Dylan smiled as he spoke—“I need to start looking at engagement rings myself…and a collar.”

  “I will put together a selection for you, Mister Dylan.”

  Dylan clicked over to Ben’s call. “Brother,” Dylan started. “The pictures didn’t tell the real story.”

  “I know man, that’s why I’m calling. Have you seen the news?” Ben asked.

  “Yeah. It wasn’t her,” he said, staring at the bangle. “And Maxwell confirmed some things.” Dylan proceeded to tell his friend everything he learned.

  “I’m sorry, man.”

  “You were taking care of me, brother. No harm or blame in that.” He smiled as he talked.

  “So, what is the plan?”

  “Well, first, I am taking a long shower, then I am going to get my woman, then we’ll start planning the wedding. You up for being best man?” Dylan was grinning broadly by then.

  “Thought you’d never ask.”

  Chapter 36:

  A Wild Ride

  Hope woke with a start, the room dark, and she was drenched in sweat. “Dylan!” she yelled and sprang from the bed, running for the bathroom, snatching up her cell phone on the way. She dialed Dylan’s cell number. “Voice mail. Damn.” She dialed the club.

  “Exxcess,” Chris answered.

  “Chris, it’s Hope. Is Dylan there?” She heard him sigh.

  “Evie, I thought we finished this last night. Leave it alone.” Chris was clearly exasperated.

  “All I want to know is whether or not he is there. Can you answer that for me?” Evie’s tone was clipped.

  “Did you hit your pretty little head?” Chris asked sarcastically. “Last night, you threatened me. Today, you’re talking to me like you’re in charge. You need—”

  Evie cut him off midsentence. “Look! All I want to know is whether or not he is at the club. Can you answer that for me, please?”

  “No, he’s not here. And, you need—”

  “Thank you.” She hung up. Evie dialed again. Antonio answered immediately.

  “Babe, I have been trying to reach you. How are—”

  “Antonio, listen I need you to get your ass over here right now. I need a ride.” Evie rushed into her closet pulling out clothes as she spoke.

  “And where, pray tell, are we going?” he asked sarcastically.

  “To Galveston. To get my man.”

  “Get ’im, girl. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” Antonio hung up and Evie ran for the shower. Within minutes, she was dressed and ready in faded Levi’s, white T-shirt, cream sweater and Sperrys. She pulled her hair back into a low ponytail and was digging through her purse for a mirror when Antonio pulled up in his red bug.

  “Antonio, thank you so much,” she said as she slid into the front seat. “I left my car at Dylan’s, and—”

  “You left your car at the club. I don’t know where you left that rat trap,” he corrected. “Okay. Tell me what happened.” Antonio slowly pulled out of the Summit driveway into traffic. Hurry, please! Evie screamed in her thoughts. He maneuvered like he was on a Sunday drive in the country, while Evie was itching to get to Dylan.

  “I will tell you everything if you let me drive,” Evie said as she pointed for him to pull over. “No way will you be able to concentrate on driving while I tell you this story.”

  “Sounds delicious. Deal.” He pulled into the park on the corner and jumped out. Evie ran around the car to the driver’s seat. Antonio was barely in the car before she took off. “Damn, girl. Chill. What’s the rush?”

  “I am in a hurry, okay? I have to get to Dylan and you drive like a girl.” Evie punched the gas as they hit the interstate.

  “I take that as a compliment,” Antonio said as he whipped his scarf around his neck. “Spill it, sister.”

  Evie darted in and out of traffic, across lanes, and even on the shoulder, as she recounted the story to Antonio. She was unsure if his shrieks were from her story or from her driving.

  “So…Anne came to you in a dream and told you that Dylan was in trouble, so you ran out of your house, pulled an AJ Foyt down the highway, almost took the ass out of a garbage truck, and scared the shit out of me to get to him?”

  “That pretty much sums it up.” Evie shrugged and looked at her friend, who was still clutching his seat belt. Evie sighed and gripped the steering wheel. “I just need to get to him, Antonio. I need to tell him that I didn’t betray him, that I love him, and that I just wish he would have trusted me.” She couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. “Why do I always seem to be crying lately?”

  “Oh, darling,” Antonio said as he put his hand on her shoulder. “I’m so sorry that last night happened. I knew that there was something silly behind it. He loves you so much,
with his whole heart. He went out on a limb for the first time in a while, and he felt that limb breaking beneath him. Tell him what you are feeling. Show him.”

  “I will, Antonio,” she said. “The instant I see him, I am going to tell him that I love him and want to spend my life with him and want to have his babies.”

  “Damn, girl. I was just thinking you were gonna tell him you want to be his full-time sub, not all that baby crap.” Antonio looked disgusted. “Oh, look. Traffic is moving. Punch it!”

  Chapter 37:

  Truth…and Consequences

  Evie continued to weave through traffic on her way to the island. Barely pausing even for red lights, they finally made it to the beach house. “Thank you, Antonio. I’ll call you later,” she said as she bounded up the stairs to the front door. He honked twice and headed back up the driveway.

  Using her key, she pushed the door open and flew inside. “Dylan!” she called when she entered. She found the living room empty but noticed the open boxes from Maxwell’s on the table. The watch was gone, but the bangle remained nestled in its cushioned box. She entered the kitchen, where she found breakfast untouched. Leaving her shoes and purse at the door, she ran up the stairs to the master bedroom. She heard the shower, and breathed a sigh of relief. He’s here. Thank goodness. Evie started to undress, knowing it would please him that she followed his instructions about being naked when they were alone. I hope this will at least give me an opportunity to speak.

  “It will,” Anne’s voice in her head said clearly. “He will listen.”

  Oh, no, Anne. I’ve got this. You go away, now. Evie was sure she heard Anne’s laugh fade away as she folded her clothes, placing them neatly on one of the wingback chairs. She climbed onto the bed where they shared so many nights and assumed her position, waiting for him to find her. The glimmering watch on the nightstand caught her eye, causing her to smile. Within moments, she heard the cascading water cease.