by Willa Thorne
I was curious whether this man, Jian Wei, was paying the media and certain city officials to keep silent, or if it was really coincidental that he had several accusations fired at him, only to have them removed. If he has my Mason this rigid, it can’t be the latter.
I was at a loss, but I knew one thing: Mason really was in trouble. This Jian Wei was bad news. I could just feel it. My skin crawled at the thought of Mason being in trouble with a man like him. I was officially scared for him. For us. I closed the laptop and sat in silence, facing the wall from my spot on the edge of the bed. I hated feeling so helpless.
14. Mason
I watched her exit my study. It killed me to see her so hurt, and I was gutted. I was silent, considering everything she said.
How would you feel if it was the other way around? What if I was the one keeping secrets from you? Would you like to be kept in the dark from now on? Her words played on repeat in my mind, and her dark eyes seemingly bore through my soul. I had not seen that look on her face in quite a while; she was angry. Hurt.
I considered the idea of Jillian creeping around, hiding important information from me. I’ve always held the upper hand in all things, but I considered the reversed roles for a fleeting moment- and I shuddered at the thought.
The idea of Jillian incessantly on her mobile, keeping quiet when I enter the room… My jaw was set grimly. The truth is that I have been terrified to tell her the whole truth, because if I make one wrong move, Wei will go after her. I never paid attention to the rumors that circulated around him until I caught his eye. According to Ian, those rumors have truth. A professional like Ian is too preoccupied to hold a vendetta for petty reasons. I’ve been ever so careful as I worked to acquire the cash needed to pay these debts, and I was counting on Ian to hold to his promise in a timely manner.
I still didn’t know what I was going to do about the animal shelter that I purchased to keep it operating. Typically, I would have purchased a larger, much nicer building to house those animals. As it was, I would most likely have to sell my Vegas location to pay the remainder of the debts.
Purchasing another building at this time is not an option. I didn’t question why Wei wanted this building; it was nestled at the end of a corner in a questionable neighborhood. Nobody would question why I sold the brick building, which could easily serve as a storefront for criminal business.
Still…
I thought about my Jilly Bean, and considered the hurt written all over her face. She was correct about one thing: I was pushing her into the dark. I can only imagine how all of this looks from her perspective.
I closed the door to my study as I exited and paced down the hall. I opened our bedroom door and found her sitting on the edge of the bed, stewing.
As I crossed the room and approached the bedside, I carefully chose my words.
“I’m not going.” She spoke in a low tone. She was expecting me to challenge her. Typically, I might have bent her over the bed and smacked that round ass for being so defiant- but neither of us was in the mood for that.
I sat beside her on the bed, and wrapped my arms around her. She didn’t resist.
“It really hurts that you’re not talking to me,” she blurted, and remained stiffly in my arms. “And I need to know that you’re going to be okay.”
“It would help very much if you agreed and go to Ohio while I deal with business.” Ian can keep a better eye on you- in flat farm country, away from bustling streets and skyscrapers…
“Take me with you to London. Please. I’ve always wanted to visit. I want to see where you grew up. I want to see the houses before you sell them. Please.” Jillian’s request was soft, and I felt torn as I struggled to deny her this request. She looked up at me with glassy eyes, and it was tearing me up inside. She moved her gaze away as she wiped her face with her hand.
“I’m not going to London for pleasure,” I held her tightly. “Look at me.”
I held her chin between my thumb and forefinger and pulled her gaze toward mine. “I’m going to London to settle some sales. I’m dealing with some bloody blokes who are determined to get what they want. They have a lot of money owed to them, and I’m going to settle the debt. At this time, I’ve been sworn to secrecy about the debts. They will go after the one I love the most if any word about this is spoken.” My gaze remained locked with hers. “I need you to trust me, and listen to me as I get this sorted out. I know you will keep this quiet. Once these men have what they want, everything will be settled.” Besides, Ian has an agenda of his own… that knowledge gave me some confidence.
Jillian was quiet as she listened to what I said. I watched her twist her fingers in her lap in silence.
“Is it one man or several?”
“One very dangerous man,” I answered hesitantly.
“How do you plan to get this sorted?”
I wished she would stop with the questions.
“I’ll sell the properties, wire him the money, and let him go on his merry way. Our finances will be tight for a while after that…” I felt my voice trail. I wasn’t certain yet how tight my finances would become when this was all over. Ian was stoic about his own plans, whatever the hell they might be...
“And you know for a fact that he will leave you alone once he has the money? How do you know he won’t want something more from you once the money is transferred to the accounts?”
“Wei wants his money,” I answered, carefully choosing which facts I gave her. Until I had a solution to the entire problem, I wouldn’t burden her with my stress. I wasn’t prepared to tell her that Wei also wanted the building of the animal shelter as part of the payment. I was determined to find a remedy to that issue. I knew how much that shelter meant to her, and I still had some time to find a solution.
“While I’m dealing with this in London, I would feel much better if you would stay with your brother and mother.”
“Will you be safe in London?” A pained, worried expression was etched all over her beautiful face as she looked up at me again.
“I have my own resources, my darling girl. Wei is simply trying to intimidate me. I don’t want my wife-to-be getting caught up in this mess. Let me handle things as I see necessary. I’m a businessman, my love. I deal with these wankers all the time.” I gave her a practiced smile.
She pursed her lips, hesitant for a long moment. “Fine. I’ll go. But this is the last time. From now on, you’re not shutting me out.”
“Deal.” After this one…
I wanted to tell her everything, and I was gutted that I couldn’t confide in her. I knew she was upset with me. Her gorgeous face was etched with both concern and irritation as I was again keeping her in the dark. Before Wei barged into my life with a thick stack of unpaid debts, and threats of harming Jillian, I had made a vow to myself that I would always be truthful with her. Now, I found myself breaking that vow and it was painful.
I phoned Travis to explain that I had some business dilemmas to handle in London and I would feel better if Jillian stayed with family while I was gone.
“Is everything okay, man?” Travis asked, highly suspicious as to why I needed to bring Jillian to Ohio again, and sooner than planned.
“Of course, Mate. I just have some business to attend to, and Jillian will be lonely in New York without family. Her friend, Elyse, works so much and I think it would be better for her to have a visit with her family…” I fed him some rubbish lines.
“I’m just trying to do right by her,” I added.
“Alright,” Travis answered, somewhat hesitantly. He wasn’t completely buying my load of crap. “I’ll pick her up from the airport, just stay in touch and let me know how things go.”
“Thanks, Mate. I owe you.”
“You sure as hell do.” Travis smirked through the phone.
I had little time to think of anything aside from liquidating the assets and creating the transaction with Wei. I had my own private agenda, as I always maintain one step ahead of any game. Tr
avis picked up Jill from the airport, and I took the plane straight to Heathrow. Once I was in London, Wei had become more incessant, more persistent. His men paid visits frequently and it was nauseating.
I wasted absolutely no time. The properties went up for sale, and the offers came pouring in. I assumed the bidders were wealthy colleagues of my father, who were busy gloating over my family’s need to sell the estates. Business was done, and executed as efficiently as possible, considering the unreasonable time frame.
I finished signing the paperwork for the sale of my family’s estate, and my mobile vibrated just as I exited the glass doors of the London building. The London building would soon be formerly known as J.A. Woodward and Company.
I answered the call and placed the mobile to my ear. “It’s done. The money will be on its way shortly. I’ll be flying back to the States by noon.”
“That is good to hear. I was growing worried that you are slacking, Mr. Woodward.” Wei’s voice answered in a menacing tone. I approached my waiting vehicle in front of the office, and stopped in my tracks when I saw Jackson standing outside the polished black vehicle. His hands were placed in the pockets of his impeccable gray suit.
My cousin smiled, amused by the surprised reaction I clearly had on my face. Why the fuck is he here? I hadn’t interacted with anyone outside of my realtor or office associates since I’d arrived in London.
“Surprise.” Jackson held out his hands with a smirk.
I could only smile stiffly while the mobile was still placed to my ear.
“Who is that?” Wei asked firmly through the phone. I glanced at Jackson, whose gaze was piercing through me. Fuck all.
“Nobody important. Bloody pricks on the street.” I answered into the phone as I slipped into the back of the vehicle. Jackson followed alongside.
“Do you have an answer for me?” Wei spoke into the phone. I closed my eyes momentarily.
“Yes, and we’ll discuss in New York on Thursday.”
“That is unacceptable, Mr. Woodward. I know what you are trying to do.”
I felt my chest constrict with Wei’s impending words. I glanced at Jackson, who was texting on his own mobile as the car drove down the busy street.
“You forget how long I knew your father. I already know of your reputation for schemes and manipulation.”
“Those days are long gone.”
“Tick tock goes the clock, Mr. Woodward. Time is up.”
The call suddenly ended. The threat was real. Before I could clearly process the gravity of the entire situation, I tried to phone Wei again. The call went straight to a voicemail box.
“Bollocks!” I hissed, and bit my clenched fist as I attempted to think fast, clearly, logically. I looked to the driver. “Heathrow. Drive. NOW.”
“What the fuck is going on?” Jackson asked adamantly. “You listed three properties within a month.”
“Precisely,” my curt response escaped my lips. “I am detached from any memories of those properties.”
“Bullshit,” Jackson nearly interjected. His green eyes stared through me sharply. “You’re going to tell me what the hell is going on, and you’re going to tell me now.”
I glanced toward the driver, and caught him looking at us through the rearview mirror. Our eyes met and his returned to the road. I leaned in to Jackson and whispered.
“Jillian is in danger.” My heart thrummed at a rate that could possibly lead to cardiac arrest.
Jackson’s face darkened in reaction to my disclosure. “I knew something was wrong. Do you need me to make some phone calls?”
I swallowed, feeling the constriction in my throat. The idea of her being left alone and vulnerable in Ohio while I was still stuck in London, oceans apart.. I couldn’t breathe.
… But she’s not alone, I reminded myself.
Jackson’s eyes continued to assess me keenly. He pulled out his mobile and scrolled through the contacts. His voice was hushed beside me. “Tell me who to call and it’s done. I can end this mess.”
“My father left me the inheritance as a final ‘fuck you.’ He owed so much money to Jian Wei.” I kept my voice audible only to my cousin.
“I know of him. I’ve met him a few times in Boston. Fucker.” Jackson’s finger hovered over the list of contacts. He turned to look at me. “I would never let you fall financially, not if I can help you. I can buy out a few properties and keep them maintained until you land on your feet again. Tell me what you need. I have my own list of contacts who owe me favors.”
“How kind of you…” I answered absently. I wasn’t thinking about money at the moment. I was terrified for my darling girl back in the States.
“I doubt it will come to that, though.” Jackson commented. “I’ll make a phone call for Jillian-”
“I have someone already on point,” I answered, but it still didn’t settle me. I needed to be present to make sure she was safe.
“I never should have left her there. Christ. Drive faster!” I ordered the driver. I retrieved my mobile to dial a particular someone, but my fingers were trembling.
Jackson watched my distress for a few seconds, and then dialed a number on his own mobile. His green eyes darted toward me as he held the device to his ear.
“Yes. I need you to petsit the bird,” he spoke into the phone. “Ha. Fuck you too.” He smirked as though he was sharing some inside joke, or some sort of code message.
I was too rigid to pay attention to his rubbish, nonsense phone call. The brief chat ended, and Jackson pocketed the device.
“There. Not to worry.” My cousin simply smiled. I suppose he can relax when it’s not his love that’s in very real danger.
Fucking hell.
15. Jillian Pryor
My cell phone was perched on the countertop of the kitchen, blasting music from Pandora as I chopped vegetables. I swayed my hips as I sliced the yellow peppers and dumped them into a large plastic bowl. Travis had taken Gemma to the lake nearby and everyone else was out and about finishing errands. I had the entire house to myself, and I was making my Aunt Mel’s famous pasta salad.
As I strained the pasta over the sink, I noticed the mail truck pass the mailbox and remembered that Aunt Mel had asked me to get the mail while she was out. I set the pasta to cool in a bowl on the countertop and then walked down the gravel drive to get the mail. The mailbox is an old, dented tin box at the corner of the gravel drive.
I opened the box, pulled out a few envelopes, and then closed the lid. All of this lasted for a few seconds at most, but when I looked up, I nearly jumped out of my skin.
“Hello Jillian.” The man seemingly appeared out of nowhere. He grinned down at me, and was dressed in a navy hoody and black denim. The smile was familiar, although there was something very dark behind the lines on his face. The smile didn’t reach his eyes, but they seemed to glint with something dark and unspoken. His dark blond hair was scruffed and I almost didn’t recognize him outside of his usual dark business suits. I knew this man- but something was very wrong with this picture.
“Mr. Collins… I- what are you doing here?” I was shocked beyond words.
“You said you were going to be in Ohio. I came to see you,” He gave a tight-lipped smile as he took a step closer to me. Instinctively, I took a step back. I tried to remain calm, but this was extremely inappropriate. I knew him as Piper’s client, but I didn’t understand how he knew where my aunt and uncle lived…
“You said you were going to be in Ohio for business.” I pointed out, taking another step back.
“I am here for business,” He answered simply, casually, as though I should already know this.
“Business?” I tilted my head, and thought immediately to run into the house. “What sort of business.”
“You’ll see.”
His brief and cryptic response sent chills up my spine. The fine hairs on my arms stood on end. He took a step toward me, and I took a step back.
“How did you know I would be here?”
“You told me you would be here, in Ohio. You mentioned something about visiting your mother and brother. Travis, am I correct?” His grin was not kind this time.
A lump formed in my throat and my chest constricted. I took another step back instinctively, and he remained rooted where he stood.
“Yes, but I didn’t specify-”
“It is a matter of public record, little dove. It was not difficult to research your family’s information. They are listed in the white pages, after all.”
My chest trembled. The knot in my throat tightened, and I dropped the mail. The envelopes scattered to the gravel.
I remembered everything Mason had mentioned to me before he brought me back to my family in Ohio.
I’m dealing with some bloody blokes who are determined to get what they want.. they will go after the one I love the most if any word about this is spoken… Mason’s words ran through my head as I tried to process what was currently happening.
Oh my God. Is Mr. Collins one of those men? Does he work for Wei? The dread from this realization stopped my breathing for a second. Has Mr. Collins been watching me all this time?
There’s no reasonable way I can describe how my heart rate escalated, realizing what Mr. Collins’s business was, and why he was here. The blood drained from my face, and without another thought, I did the only thing I knew I could do. I ran.
I ran, and ran, blindly. I expected an arm to reach out and grab me at any moment. I didn’t know what he wanted with me, or why he chose to show himself on my family’s property. I know only one thing: his reason for being here was sinister.