by Sienna Evans
Celeste pulled me back until I slipped into the driver’s side. “Let’s go!” she cried. Climbing over onto the passenger side seat, she wept harder by the second.
“We need to confront this,” I said as I pushed to start the car. From outside of my ride, people pounded on the windows trying to get at me. Their sadness turned into anger. The anger became hatred. Leading the pack was my brother who’d tried to ruin my future from all those years back. And the asshole was still at it.
—
Celeste fell asleep on the ride back to her place. Kind of didn’t want to take her there. With everything going on, there was no telling who’d turn up. What made this more screwed up is the fact that she was twenty-six, not some kid.
“What’s on your mind?”
“You’re up?”
“My eyes were closed. Just thinking about everything.”
“The drama back there?” I grunted.
“Yeah,” she replied kind of far off. “...and stuff.”
“Like?”
“My parents are going to disown me.” She giggled. I knew her though. She was hurting inside. Exhaling long and hard, she stretched her arms sideways.
“You’re mine. I can take care of you.”
“What makes you think I want that? I didn’t waste all these years on my education to have some guy take care of me.”
“Some guy? Who?”
“Don’t be difficult, Greyson. You know what I mean.”
“And you know what I mean, Celeste. I’m not running on empty. I’m doing well.”
“You might be doing well, but what are you doing well?”
“Someday. Someday.”
Celeste
“When was the last time you were with someone?” I don’t know why I asked because it wouldn’t make a difference now. We were together, right? Still, the question became suspended between the two of us. “I mean, it’s just us, right?”
Greyson propped his elbows on the table, leaning in and reaching me on the other end. Then his right hand touched my chin, sparking a flicker and sending a bolt of electricity from that very tip. After the day we had, drinks were inevitable.
“Does it matter?” he finally replied with a smirk. “Anyone else would have to go.”
“This kind of came on fast, but I didn’t stop to think if there’s some broad waiting for you. And then, you disappear on business all the time.” Am I supposed to play guessing games? It’s simple enough. I wanted; no, I needed to know.
“If I don’t answer?”
“I’m curious, Grey. We’re out for drinks, and—”
“Are you nervous about another woman approaching us?”
“I can hold my own.” If he only knew how well I was capable of holding my own in many ways.
“I don’t doubt it,” he smirked. “Now I’m wondering, why the DA’s office?” His gaze moved away from mine to our waitress, who happened to be two tables down. She was sporting black casual slacks that sat on her hips and a plain black V-neck.
“What can I do for you?”
“What’s your name again?” he pried, though he winked at me. I looked up to see a smile spread watermelon wide. Seriously, how could a woman be so desperate?
“I’m Ashley. What can I call you?”
Get out of here!
I lost patience. This time out was meant to calm our nerves, but I felt the words tickling my throat, my tongue twitched. I cut him off before he could extend the first letter of his name. “You can call him sir and you can call me ma’am. We’re ready to order . . .” Out of the corner of my eyes I saw movement; his delicious lips curved.
The waitress eventually took our order and left the table without as much as another word beyond food and drink preference. Honestly, I’m not a bitch or anything, but what was that?
“Angry much?” he teased, stretching across the table. He placed his palms on mine, swallowing up my tiny ones.
“Wait a second, you’re commenting on my anger issues, Mr. Pulverize Your Opponent?”
“Self-defense.”
“Yeah, sure, Greyson.” In responding, I allowed my tongue to ride his name longer, caressing the roof of my mouth.
“This was like that night...”
“Oh, that night,” I replied. I knew which night without needing a refresher.
“I’m sorry, baby.”
“At some point, I’ll have to learn to treasure the memories—good or bad?” I pulled up to the table.
“Take as much time as you need. And if you feel like taking things out on me, no problem,” he sneered, making a quick swish of his glass of water.
We laughed in pretentious ways, though through our stares found comfort. Or at least mine did.
“You still didn’t answer my question, Celeste. Why the DA’s office?”
I looked down at my fingers, uncomfortable at discussing my choice, especially now. I was always proud of how far I’d come in this field, at such an early age. In fact, it’s not what I’d achieved with my education that I’d taken pride in, it was the cases I’d worked on as an intern. “I didn’t have a life outside of my studies, and then I was initially selected to intern at my professor’s firm. From there, the ADA stole me. It’s been a helluva a ride since, and I hope it gets better.” I added the last part as a consolation.
I withheld the most telling part, the one that would now shed light on my future dealings. Whomever Mr. Jacobs had working inside of government already, besides Brendan, I could only imagine the ease of success I might experience. And sadly, I was one of few women to be given this opportunity with ease. They would ensure my future within. The ones that were planning to imbed me into this life were likely gearing up to do everything to ensure my place, as long as I did everything to protect their interests.
“What’s on your mind?” He fondled the tip of my chin, while I forced a grin like a fool.
“Nothing at all,” I lied. Can’t be expected to lay my worries before him, especially since I’m better off than him…well, to a certain degree. Besides, he already had too much on his plate.
But then, from the distance, I spotted one of the men from my meeting at the park with Mr. Jacobs. Tall and plain, he stood out like a sore thumb, leering into the glass of the restaurant. Why would he come looking for me, and why now? I still hadn’t taken the bar and gotten licensed. The two-day exam was a week and a half away. The old man had secured my services, for when I was official.
Thank god Grey was too focused on taking my mind off of things to notice this latest distraction. But then his phone vibrated. He snatched it up from the table and excused himself. By the time I tried to refocus on the man outside of the window, he was gone.
Stalker...
When he’d suggested dinner, I’d initially said no. I kind of wanted to go home, all by myself and sulk. But he refused to let me be alone. Now that we were here, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else than in his presence. That dark path I’ve worried about taking was inescapable and grew darker by the minute. And that feeling of “meant to be” seemed to be making me a believer in the bad guys winning out.
Greyson
“Is this how you guys do things, just turning up out of nowhere?” I asked. I’d remembered him from the club and tried not to alert Celeste. After all, she might’ve picked up on him from that night too.
When I stepped out of Fat Buddha on Avenue A, he was standing right there. Seriously, no discretion… No subtlety. I could already tell this case was going to be special. I opened my mouth to teach him about protocol, when I heard my name being called from a nearby SUV.
“Move,” the guy beside me followed up with.
“You punks are out there,” I observed, further assimilating the craziness by swiping my hand at the side of my head. Still, I let him escort me to a shiny, black luxury SUV. A heavily tinted back window had been rolled midway down, yet all I saw was darkness. As I approached, it rolled down the rest of the way. I still couldn’t see a thing.
“Some things won’t ever change,” I heard my brother say right before his face appeared. He had the same slimy grin from earlier, when he’d instigated the fight.
“You’re horrible, Brendan!”
“Easy...” the one who’d called me out reached a hand for me. I swiped it away.
“He’s family, you don’t disrespect him. Besides, only I can do that,” Brendan proudly stated. “Get back in the car, Alex.”
Alex didn’t move away until first sizing me up. He mumbled something under his breath before defiantly swinging his shoulder into mine as he headed to the front driver’s side.
“Get in,” my brother ordered.
“Wait a second. Get in?”
“You can’t still be upset over―”
“Over you turning everyone against me and Celeste?”
“Not her, just you.” He smirked as usual. Where did his life go so wrong that he felt becoming a manipulative jerk was the only way to go? “What part of off-limits don’t you understand? Not her, Greyson!”
“Is this it? You called me out here to fuss about Celeste?” I swung out my arms to the sides and took two steps backwards.
“How about this time I get a crack at the broad?”
Where could I start in addressing what was wrong in Brendan’s question? I was stunned more than anything. I’m not sure if another word came out of his mouth because he’d said enough to last a lifetime. While allowing things to sink in, my anger grew to epic levels. Before I knew what was happening, I forced my way into the window and grabbed him by the collar.
“Don’t you ever cross that line!” I warned. My limbs shook out of fury, but I maintained the grip on him. Every muscle seized up in my body, from my limbs down to my legs.
“All this,” he began. Taking a deep breath, he continued, “for little CeCe?”
All this? Didn’t seem like enough, as far as I was considered. Her worth stretched wider than the entire state of New York.
“Fine. Fine!” he threw his hands up in surrender.
Not too eager to let go, I clenched my fists tighter. “If you ever―”
“What’s she going to do for me? She’s all yours,” he groaned, “Besides, Adam isn’t leaving town until he finds you.”
It would’ve been one thing if we were thirteen-year olds, without real lives. We were consensual adults who didn’t care about anyone’s opinion or opposition. I wasn’t going to defend my decision to pursue the best woman to ever walk this earth. So, without another word, I started to head back inside.
“That wasn’t it, Little Brother.”
I paused. If the choice was mine, I would’ve kept walking and not looked back. Unfortunately, there was a job to be done.
Celeste
When I exchanged goodbye kisses with Greyson, I nibbled on his bottom lip. I couldn’t understand why he needed to go.
“Why do I have to take your car and go to your place?” I pleaded.
“Do you ever just take orders?” he teased, caressing my chin.
“From you?” I cast my eyes past him, and then simultaneously slid my tongue from one side of my mouth to the next. It was hard to keep from laughing, but my cheeks burned as I teased, “You can order me around in bed...”
“Then get there... Now!” He nibbled on my lips in return. I let him. He added, “Just use the GPS to get you there.”
“Didn’t know you had a place here.” I always assumed he lived elsewhere. No idea of a location, but anywhere but in New York.
“We can catch up on the details later, okay?” He kissed my lips, this time, lingering. This was his way of keeping me quiet.
—
I stayed in the restaurant about half an hour longer, just staring at everyone else having fun. Once I dropped a fist full of bills on the counter, I pulled out Greyson’s keys with one hand and searched out the directions with my other. It took about an hour and twenty minutes to find his new condo in Long Island he’d gotten just for us. It was in a classy area with expensive cars lining the parking lots. The roads were mainly clear.
“You run towards the danger, huh?”
I spun around to see the female with the bat from the other night. “You’re following me?” I backed away from her, not scared. Just suspicious.
“I’m trying to look out for you. These guys you’re hanging with are the worst imaginable.”
“What do you mean?” I shifted so that I was completely, all in her face. “Furthermore, who are you and why do you keep turning up in my life?”
“They call me Annika Holmes.”
“I’m―”
“You’re Celeste Morgan.”
I stepped away, but still kept a steady focus on her. Her lips had formed a thin line. The skies were dark and the air uncomfortably thick. I didn’t care; there was this need building inside of me to ask questions. Perhaps she might be able to shed light on things. I parted my lips to ask for details. My cell buzzed.
“Call him when we’re done, if you still feel like dealing with him,” she said in a sly tone and then pulled her fingers through the full length of her hair.
Greyson’s name flashed on the screen. I decided right then and there that this chick wouldn’t have an effect on me. “I’m here. Heading inside,” I stated as I flicked the green circle.
“I’ll be there in an hour or two. You can reset the alarm with the code I gave you.” He then ended the call.
“What could you possibly have to tell me about my boyfriend?” Yes, I said it. I saw how her eyes widened at my words. So what? It was true though, Greyson was mine. “He might have something going on, but who are you to approach me like this?”
“Who am I? I’m the one who saved you from the worst cop in this whole state!” Her tone had progressively grown until it seemed like she was contracting with anger.
“I’m putting up with you following me, but I’m not one for the disrespect. You want to talk to me, fine. Let me make this clear, you talk to me. Don’t raise your voice and act crazy because I’ll be gone if you don’t know how to tone that down.”
Annika stepped in a circle, pacing slowly. “Detective Michaels is working with the Russians.”
I shrugged. It’s not that I was insensitive or anything. This was old news.
“His brother, your man, is working with them too.”
I took in her words but looked off to the side.
“And do you know what they do?”
I shifted my left leg over to the side and crossed my arms in front of my chest. Greyson’s keys dangled from my right pinky, though my fingers starting twitching.
“They’re trafficking young girls.”
I stood there speechless. Afraid of moving even by an inch, and instead gathered my thoughts. I might’ve tripped up if I reacted in any way because my mind raced. Greyson has a background, but what was this? “You can’t assume Greyson is in with this, just because he’s Brendan’s brother. Besides where are these accusations coming from?”
“Wait here,” she ordered, while holding up two fingers.
I finally exhaled and shifted from one leg to the next. Tears burned in my eyes. I wasn’t trying to seem weak; anger just happened to be coursing through my veins. My heart raced so much that I had to press my palms to my chest. I dropped them down when Annika started heading back over from a car I just realized was blocking another.
One by one, she revealed pictures on 8 and a half by 11-inch paper with Greyson and Brendan at the Russian club. As she dug deeper, other images came to light of Greyson down by a marina with some woman. This same woman happened to show up at various spots that I didn’t even know. And in most pictures, the interactions appeared to be intimate.
“I don’t know what’s going on with him and that woman, but he doesn’t seem like he’s your man in these pictures. Greyson Michaels appears to be her man...”
There was no snappy comeback, nor the ability within me to defend Greyson. This chick came with proof, solid backing about the man I’ve always lov
ed and was at this moment loving. But why now? Why would he pull me in now if he was with someone else? “What are you getting out of this?”
Annika spread her arms outwards, to her sides. She expected me to believe that she ratted out my man because she cared about me.
“Don’t play dumb now. Who are you in this? I swear, I’ve known Greyson just about all of my life and the man you’re dragging in front of me isn’t him.”
“How do you know that, Celeste? I don’t swear for no one. I refuse to put my neck on the line for anyone but myself, and even that’s questionable at times.”
“So, tell me then, what’s your angle?”
Annika shook her head side to side. She inhaled through her nose, and then exhaled through tense lips. The streetlights cast a hint of a shine in her pupils. I didn’t let it affect me. How could I let her ruin something I’ve always forever?
I crossed an invisible line we must’ve drawn, even though mere inches had kept us apart. Her silence made things evident because how could she be this bold and not having backing? “I’m giving you five seconds before I walk away, and there won’t be you reaching out to me at some later time. And furthermore...” I snatched the pictures from her fingers and ripped them in half, and then in half again. As I prepared to take my frustrations out on them by ripping again, she slapped them from my hands.
“Enough!” she screamed at the top of her lungs. Several dogs barked in the distant, but I didn’t step back. Unlike the night she’d defended me against Brendan, the bat was missing, and I wasn’t afraid.
“Say what you have to say!” I ordered.
“I was one of those girls,” she began as long streaks of tears raced down her face. “Those Russians kidnapped and doped me up.” The words were less powerful than the ones she’d taken to attack me with, so I couldn’t say I immediately felt empathetic towards her.
“Annika, I’m lost. Are you trying to tell me that you were part of this whole sex trafficking thing?”