Reflections, A Love Ever After Series Book 3

by Amber Lacie

  “Kayla, watch your tone with me.”

  “And if I don’t, what will you do? Fire me? Give me more fake accounts to work with so you can wash your money out offshore? I know what you’re fucking doing, and I’m done with it. I’m done with you.”

  “You can’t cut your family out. Think of what this will do to your mother.”

  Fuck him. “A mother doesn’t let her husband treat her child like this. If she stands by you, then I’ll cut ties with her as well. I won’t be used. I won’t be guilted.”

  “Is that so? Anything else you’d like to add?”

  “Yeah…suck it!” I ended the call and tossed the phone on my bed. Suck it wasn’t exactly the best choice of words to use at that point. I could have told him to fuck off or go to hell, but for some reason my mind froze, and suck it fell out. It didn’t really matter what I said, my father was finally out of my life and I felt elated. I was giggling with laughter when my phone rang again. Checking to make sure it wasn’t my father, I swiped the screen to answer the call.

  “You didn’t call.” Evan’s deep voice slid through the phone and across my body, sending chills across my skin.

  “I’m so sorry. I did some laundry and then my father called.”

  “What do you mean he called? Did you talk to him?”

  “Yes, but don’t freak out. It was an accident. I thought it was you, so I didn’t even look at my phone. It was too late by the time I answered.”

  “I’m confused. Why do you sound happy?”

  “Because I told him to ‘Suck it.” Fist pumping the air, I jumped with excitement. I had done it; I had actually stood up to my father.

  “Suck it?” Evan repeated.

  “Yep. I told him I quit and to suck it! It was great. I feel amazing.”

  A deep baritone laugh echoed in my ear. “I’m glad you’re happy. Remind me to never piss you off.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I don’t think I could take you telling me to, ‘suck it’, seriously. I’d probably fall over laughing.”

  “Oh, shut up. I froze, okay? Besides, I still told him off.”

  “You did. I’m proud of you. I’ve got to do a couple of things and then I’ll be over. Are you okay there by yourself?”

  Looking around my apartment, it suddenly occurred to me that I was alone. It wasn’t the first time I was on my own, but it was the first time I actually felt alone. “Yeah, it’s fine. I have to shower anyway.”

  “If you start to think of me in the shower, don’t finish by yourself. I want to be the one to make you lose your mind.”

  Fuck me. My mind hadn’t even come up with those thoughts, at least they hadn’t, until he said them. “Then you should hurry up. I’ll leave the door unlocked. See you soon.” Quickly ending the call, I grabbed a few towels, making sure to grab an extra one in case Evan made it in time. Just the thought of him standing under the shower earlier had me catching my breath. That man does things to me.

  I ended up staying in the shower long enough for the water to run cold. Grabbing a towel, I wrapped it around my waist and began to run my fingers through my hair, trying my best to eliminate some of the more prominent knots. Suddenly, I heard movement outside the door. Automatically assuming it was Evan, I opened the bathroom door and walked out with the towel around my waist.

  “Too late, the water’s cold—” My words stopped mid-sentence. Standing in front of me in the living room was Jyllyan…and her boyfriend.

  “I know we’re, like, comfortable with each other and stuff, but um––could you like, get dressed?”

  My cheeks turned a lovely shade of red as I looked down at my towel. “Yeah, um––I wasn’t expecting you back so soon. Sorry.” Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Why is she back early? Shit. Not knowing what to do next, I made a hasty exit to my bedroom, where I immediately sent a text to Evan.

  Where are you? Jyllyan is here.

  When I didn’t get a reply I sent another one. Mayday. Mayday. SOS. What am I supposed to do? Fish killer is here. Help me.

  Fuck. Evan wasn’t responding, so I ditched my towel and got dressed as quickly as I could. Obviously, Jyllyan wasn’t going to leave. After all, she lived here. I needed to figure out how to handle this one on my own. Just as I was braiding my hair, my phone lit up. It was Evan.

  On my way. Where are you?

  What do you mean, ‘where am I?’ I thought as I typed a response. In my room.

  Stay there. I’m coming.

  With Evan on his way, I felt a little better. Since I had already noticed them in the apartment, I knew I couldn’t just hide out in my room. They would have guess something was wrong. The only thing I could do was finish getting ready and walk back out into the living room to face them.

  Some things in life are expected. Walking out of the bathroom completely nude, except for a towel around your waist, and running into your roommate’s boyfriend isn’t one of them. Walking out of your bedroom to apologize and hearing them whisper about you isn’t one of them either. The only thing that could be more unexpected is what they said.

  “Are you sure? She doesn’t look like you.” I could hear Jyllyan’s boyfriend asking questions about me. I carefully shut my door and stood with my back against the wall in the hallway.

  “He said it’s her. Why would he lie?” The annoyance in Jyllyan’s voice hung heavy in the air.

  “I don’t know. A lot of this is weird. It’s fucked up, Jyllyan. I’m just saying, you’re putting a lot of faith in some guy you barely know. How do you know she’s really your sister?”

  The air in my lungs ceased to exist. Did he say sister?

  “Because I do. Shut the fuck up before she hears you. Make yourself useful. See if the fish are dead yet.”

  I could barely recognize the sound of my own voice over the thrumming in my ears as I stepped out into the hallway. “You need to leave.”

  Jyllyan turned to face me, and I could tell by the look on her face that she knew I had overheard them.

  Where is Evan? I thought to myself. I need him.

  Evan

  B eing with Kayla was a reminder of my age. As much as I loved her legs wrapped around me, it was starting to take a toll on my back. Stretching my back, I tried to work out the kink that was beginning to form. After the wedding I was going to need to find a gym. I had been slacking for a few weeks, and I could feel the difference in my body. I didn’t like it.

  After Kayla left I made a few phone calls to see if anything had turned up on Beatrice or Jyllyan. Both calls led to nothing. Sifting through some more files, it suddenly occurred to me––what if I was right the first time, what if Beatrice was two separate people? I sent a quick text out to the guys I had searching for leads on her, letting them know my gut was telling me Beatrice was two people. Once I heard back from the guys, confirming my text, I placed the last of the files into the boxes I had stacked up and moved near the front door.

  Bryson had called this morning while Kayla was lying in bed after our shower. He had some men coming by to collect the boxes. That was the only reason I let Kayla leave by herself. I was worried something else was in the works, and I couldn’t protect her from it without knowing what it was. However, waiting around on his guys to show was proving to be more than tiresome.

  I was able to make a sandwich, take a shower, and pack a bag for Kayla’s and they still hadn’t come. Three hours later, they finally showed up. Not being one to throw caution to the wind I made a phone call to Bryson to make sure these were the guys. A few FBI badges weren’t convincing enough to me, I wanted to hear it from his lips. Once he confirmed it was them, we loaded the boxes into the black SUVs.

  Chandeleer, Nick, Paul, and the fake accounts were no longer my problem. If it weren’t for the text I got as soon as they left, I would have felt better. Looking down at my phone, I recognized one of the numbers I had put calls out to earlier.

  “Hastings, tell me you got something.”

  “About that––Evan, man, this looks pr
etty fucked up from where I’m sitting. This info is for your girl, right?”

  Slicking my hair out of my eyes, I braced myself for the worst. “Yeah. Spit it out.”

  “You were right, Beatrice is two people. Turns out Beatrice has a daughter with Nick Chandeleer, which explains the second birthdate.”

  Fuck. My mind raced. It’s Jyllyan. “I need a name.”

  “Jyllyan Beatrice Sheffield. Funny thing though, her name is spelled—”

  “Let me guess, with y’s?”

  “Yeah. She disappeared not to long after her mom died. She’s just off the radar. Hey, how’d you know about the y’s?”

  “She’s my girl’s roommate.”

  “Fuck.”

  “Yeah, fuck is right. Thanks, man.” Hitting end on the phone call I raced to the bedroom. Grabbing my keys, I swung my duffle bag over my shoulder, and hauled ass to Kayla’s apartment. I was driving when I got the first text from her. The second one came shortly after. As soon as I was stopped at a red light I sent her back a text, letting her know I was on my way. I hated when my gut feelings were right. Not only was Jyllyan her sister, or at least she thought she was, she was already at the apartment. My foot hit the gas pedal and I raced towards her apartment. Fuck the red lights. Fuck the stop signs. She needed me.

  Once I got to her building, I slammed on the brakes and threw my Jeep into park. Taking the stairs two at a time I rushed towards her door. As I entered I found everyone at a standoff. Kayla was standing just outside the hallway with her hands balled tightly into fists. Jyllyan was standing across the room, staring her down, and some asshole, who I assume was Jyllyan’s boyfriend, was in front of the fish tank. The first thing I did was make sure my girl was okay.

  “Kayla, look at me. Are you hurt?”

  “No. She won’t leave.”

  Taking a few steps towards her, I reached for Kayla and pulled her against me. The feel of her body against mine immediately calmed my nerves. Though, at the same time I had a sudden protective urge to annihilate anyone who so much as looked at her. “You, by the fish tank. Did she tell you to leave?” I asked in a gruff voice.

  “Yeah.” The asshole had enough balls to shrug his shoulders as though he didn’t care.

  “Hey, fuckface! Look at me when I talk to you. This bitch you’re with, she’s in a shitload of trouble with the Feds. Do you like anal? You better, ‘cause if you don’t and you end up going to prison for her, that’s all you’re going to get. I bet you’d be a taker. You don’t seem like a giver to me.”

  “Fuck this. I’m out.”

  “Smart man.” My eyes followed him as he rushed out of the apartment, tripping over the coffee table and stumbling out of the door.

  “Kayla,” my fingers followed the curve of her spine, “baby, go to your room.”

  “What? No. That’s bullshit, Evan, and you know it. She fucked with me and I want to know why.”

  “Please, I’m asking you nicely.”

  She pulled herself away from me. I knew she was pissed, but I was trying to keep her safe. I couldn’t find out what Jyllyan was up to and keep her safe at the same time. “I said no.” She stomped her foot, planting herself firmly between her roommate and I. It had completely backfired in my face. I wanted her to stay away from Jyllyan and all I had done was push Kayla towards her.

  God damn it. “Fine. Just be careful.”

  “I wasn’t asking permission, Evan.”

  I cringed at the tone of her voice. Not wanting to add more fuel to the fire that could later mark my death, I focused my attention on the real reason I was there. “Jyllyan, you should know your mom had her hands in a lot of things she shouldn’t have.”

  “Obviously. That’s how I got here.”

  “That’s not exactly what I meant. Since you’re here, I assume you’ve heard of Chandeleer.”

  “That’s exactly why I’m here. Nick is my dad, and while I was living a life of moving place to place because my mother could never hold a job, Kayla has been enjoying the life of luxury, provided by our dad. It must be nice to have someone pay your bills.”

  The way she snipped at Kayla told me two things. One, she thought she and Kayla were biologically related. The second, she was under the assumption that Nick had been footing Kayla’s bills.

  Before I could explain anything, Kayla questioned her. “What do you mean ‘our’ dad? Do you think Nick is my dad?”

  “Of course he is. He told me so. My mom had a will written out and when she passed away a few years ago from a stroke, the will dictated the name of my father to be disclosed. I used what money she had left me to find him. It was a bit of a shock when I realized he was some big shot in the business world. It must’ve been nice to have everything you’ve ever wanted.”

  “Oh my God, you stupid fucking twat. You killed my fish because you were jealous of me? Are you fucking kidding me right now?” Kayla took a step towards her, and I took a step towards Kayla, afraid of what she might do.

  “I killed them to get back at you. You stole my fucking life. My mom should have married him, not yours. He wouldn’t leave you or your mom. It was bullshit. Complete bullshit.”

  Kayla ran her hands through her hair, pacing back and forth in front of me. I wish I had known what she was thinking. Suddenly, she lunged for Jyllyan, grabbing her by the hair and pulling her body to the ground as she screamed at her, “You fucking bitch.” Jyllyan’s head hit the coffee table and then the floor. I raced towards them, wrapping my arms around Kayla’s waist and lifting her into the air, pulling her off her Jyllyan.

  “Stop. Stop, Kayla. We need her conscious. I can’t get information from someone who is knocked the fuck out, now can I?” Setting her on the floor behind me, I kept my arm locked between us. Kayla was furious. I had never seen her so angry before. At least I knew she could protect herself if worse came to worse.

  “You, get the fuck up.” Kicking Jyllyan’s feet, I nudged her body until she sat up, holding her right arm against her head where it had ricocheted only a minute prior.

  Tears began to pour from her eyes. “All my life I was told I was the reason my dad had left my mom. I was the reason we had to move all the time. I was the reason we were outcast. Do you know what it felt like to know that I had a half-sister out there, living the life I dreamt of?”

  Kayla scoffed, “That’s where you fucked up. I’m not his daughter, and who the fuck is your mom?”

  “Do you remember when we found the name Beatrice on all of those accounts?” I asked Kayla.

  Kayla turned towards me with her head slightly tilted, “Yeah.” She stared at me for a second as she processed what I was trying to tell her before turning back to Jyllyan.

  “Beatrice is your mom?”

  “Yes. Beatrice is also my middle name.”

  “Holy fuck.” Kayla’s hands flew up into the air. “He’s not my real dad. My dad died in a motorcycle accident when I was three, stupid cunt. Nick is my step dad and a real piece of work. The only thing he ever provided me was a roof over my head, the clothes on my back, and food in my stomach––until I was eighteen. I paid for my own college education. I pay for this apartment, I pay for my car, I fucking pay for everything. Nothing is on his dime.”

  “That’s––that’s not true. He showed me the files you did. You work for him. He pays for all of this.”

  Kayla took a deep breath, inhaling through her nose and out of her mouth. Not only was my girl independent, but she was also fierce––and it was fucking hot. I watched her carefully as she walked around me, getting closer to the cunt still sitting on the floor. “I worked for him occasionally. I was paid on the company dime and it wasn’t a fair amount either. I did work for him full-time at one point for little pay, but that was years ago. I quit and got a new job. Then he packed up his shit, moved to Ohio and took my mom with him. I hate him. I despise everything about him. You think he’s so fantastic? Then tell me why your name is on a bunch of fake accounts used to launder money offshore. Tell me why you
r mom laundered millions for him?”

  “You’re lying! She didn’t do that. She wouldn’t.”

  “Oh, she fucking did, and your name is all over that shit. I want you out. Pack a bag and get your shit out of here.”

  “You can’t expect me to just up and leave.”

  “Oh, yes I can. Get whatever shit you need for the night and get the fuck out. You can grab the rest of your shit when I’m gone tomorrow. Leave your key with the manager. I am so fucking done with you.”

  Jyllyan pushed herself off the floor to defend herself and took a step towards Kayla who was already pulling back her arm. Jyllyan’s hands instantly covered her face, stopping Kayla mid swing. “Fine. I’ll leave, but I have nowhere else to go.”

  “Not my fucking problem. Get the fuck out, fish killer.” Kayla turned on her heel and stomped towards her bedroom.

  What the fuck just happened? I have to update Bryson. This mess just kept growing. While keeping an eye on Jyllyan as she packed two suitcases, I made the call.

  “Bryson.”

  “It’s Evan.”

  A long hard sigh filled my ear. “I thought I was clear the last time we spoke. I don’t owe you any favors anymore.”

  “Not asking for one. This is just me helping you clean up the last little bit of legwork,” I said, tracing the scruff of my beard with my thumb. It was a habit of mine when I was figuring stuff out. “Beatrice Sheffield died two years ago.”

  “I know that already. It’s not new information.”

  “No, but her daughter is still breathing.”

  “Keep talking.”

  “Jyllyan Beatrice Sheffield is the daughter of Nick Chandeleer and Beatrice Sheffield. You’ll find some of the accounts are in her name as well. I wanted to give you a heads up. I don’t think she’s in on it though, she seemed pretty shocked a few minutes ago.”

  “What the hell, Evan? You got her in custody?”

  “No, it’s not like that. She is, or was, my girl’s roommate. Tell me that isn’t fucked up.”