She bit the bottom of her lip.
“Neela, I’m just carrying your bag.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
Blake smiled and took her hand. “So, lunch first before I take you to wherever RugNZ needs you to stay?”
“Is this our last date?”
“Not a chance. Rieann told me about the dress.”
“You really need to stop talking to my sister.”
“She called me.”
Neela smiled. “How did your photo shoot go?”
“Good. The next time you’re in Auckland, there’ll be a new billboard of me in maroon underwear just in time for Valentine’s Day.”
“I’ll add that to my list of things to do,” Neela said dryly.
“If you ask nicely, you could see the real thing.”
“Blake!”
“The underwear, of course. Friends don’t see friends naked, or do they?” he teased. “Because I suggested it once, and you vetoed it.”
As they drove toward Auckland, he peppered her with questions about the tournament and her subsequent hospital stay, thoughtful questions that no one outside their profession would likely have asked. She generally avoided talk about her work with anyone. She’d learned it was easier to keep one part of her life away from other parts. But it seemed natural to let Blake into that world since it was also his.
“That was a tough hit on you. But you didn’t do anything technically wrong.”
Neela shrugged. “I saw plenty of things I could have done differently. I should have expected her move earlier.”
“It was a fast game.”
“I need to react and recover faster.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Neela saw Blake’s dimple appear again.
“So, for our last date, what do you think about going to the opera?” he asked.
Neela stared openly at Blake this time. “The opera? As in, the opera here in Auckland? That’s a pretty fancy date. I don’t do fancy.”
“I have season tickets.”
“Not surprised.”
“Good. They open with The Mikado.”
“Gilbert and Sullivan?”
Blake grinned. “Well done, Neela Smyth. Come on, admit it. I’m rubbing off on you.”
“I admit nothing. Listen, I thought we agreed to keep it simple.”
“We agreed to be who we are. I love the opera. I go every year. I also promised your sister that I’d take you someplace where you can wear that dress she goes on and on about.”
“That’s a month away. If we go out for dinner tonight, we’ll be done.”
“You say it like you want this to be over quickly.”
Neela turned her head away and studied the approaching city, unsure whether to respond with her head or her heart.
She answered cautiously. “We’ll still be friends once this is over.”
* * *
It was a whisper, but her words led to a silence in the car that was full of expectation.
“Yes,” Blake agreed. “We’ll still be friends.”
He heard her release her breath. He sensed her fear about the future and silently cursed the two men in her past who’d eroded her sense of self-worth. He was desperate to reach out and offer her a haven from whatever else she was running from. Instead, he tightened his grasp of the steering wheel and feigned nonchalance.
It wasn’t time to push for more than she could give; he must be patient. In truth, he had spent most of his life waiting. The difference was that he knew now who he was waiting for. He wanted her, this woman who had fire in her eyes.
He pulled up quickly to the gates that led to an underground carpark, keyed in the security code, and a few minutes later, he opened the door to Andrew’s penthouse in the center of Auckland.
The smell of stewed tomatoes and oregano welcomed them in.
“This isn’t yours, is it?” Neela walked to the glass sliding doors that led to a large balcony with expansive views of the city and the Auckland Harbor Bridge.
“Too rich even for me,” Blake said. “It’s Andrew’s. He bought it when he sold his first company. He went from Mum and Dad’s rumpus room to this overnight. He hasn’t looked back.”
Blake sometimes forgot how intimidating such a display of wealth could be. He knew he hadn’t been able to talk the first time he’d entered the penthouse, which was so different an environment from where he had grown up.
The marble tile floors and high ceilings were impressive, but the view of the city was, nevertheless, the main draw. Andrew had put his personal stamp on the place with wall hangings and fixtures. One of Mum’s landscapes hung in the hallway. Blake wasn’t a fan of the complicated ball of light bulbs that served as a chandelier over the dining table, something Andrew had labeled as “functional art.” Still, if his brother wanted to spend the time and energy replacing so many lightbulbs, who was he to argue?
“Is Andrew joining us for lunch?”
“He’s at meetings all day.” Blake moved to the kitchen and opened the oven door to check on the homemade marinara sauce he had put together before he headed to the airport. “If you want to freshen up a bit, there’s a bathroom just down the hall. You can use the towels there.”
Half an hour later, she walked out in a dress, her hair loose and damp but framing her face. She looked relaxed. Even the black eye added to her quiet beauty.
Not yet. Keep it friendly.
“I thought we might eat on the balcony. It’s a nice day,” he said.
“Can I help bring out anything?”
“It’s all done. I just came back in to bring out the drinks.”
He thought he knew the way her body moved, but there was a feminine sway to her walk that had escaped him before. She was barefoot and folded her legs underneath her when she sat down.
“Did you make everything?” she asked.
“Yeah.” Blake poured some chilled flavored water into Neela’s glass. “It’s just pasta with a bit of marinara.”
She put a forkful into her mouth. Blake tried not to stare at the way her lips lingered on the cutlery. Was it possible to be jealous of a fork? Then she moaned a little, and Blake almost dropped his own fork. He grabbed for his glass of water and drank quickly.
“Oh my God,” Neela exclaimed. “This is so good! When you retire, you should think about opening a restaurant.”
He tore his eyes from her lips. This was going to be tougher than he’d thought. Rugby... We can talk about rugby again.
After the switch to a safer topic, he brought out a plate of brownies for dessert. “I didn’t bake these,” he confessed and grabbed one after she did. “What are your plans for today? Can I interest you in a walk by the waterfront?”
Neela caught some crumbs and sprinkled them over her plate. “I’m meeting Kyle tonight.”
Blake would have sworn his blood froze over the moment Kyle’s name was mentioned. Just like that, his “friendly” lunch with Neela had a whisper of evil hovering over it. “Does Mano know?”
“No, and you’re not going to tell him either. I’m giving Kyle the last payment. But I want to see him and make sure he understands that this is it. No more. My debt to him is paid.”
“I’d like to go with you.”
“No.”
“Neela, the last time you saw him, he hurt you.”
“He won’t this time.”
“I’ll never be able to look at your cousin again if I don’t go with you tonight.”
“I can handle it.”
“You can’t tell me you’re going to see your ex-boyfriend—this man who used to beat you— without me wanting to be there.”
“I’m used to taking care of myself, Blake. I need to end this.”
“Yes, and I’ll drive you there. I’ll stay in the car, but I want to be close.”
“Blake—”
“Please. Do you honestly believe Kyle won’t try to hurt you again? The truth, always, between us, remember?” Blake took a deep breath. “I made your cousin
a promise that I would keep an eye out for you. I intend to keep that promise.”
“What? Why?”
“Because he was worried about Kyle being around.”
“Are you telling me that you hanging out with me this summer was because Mano told you to?”
“Yes. No. You offered to be my girlfriend for the summer, remember? I just took you up on it.”
“I can take care of myself, Blake,” she repeated.
Blake’s phone rang, but he ignored it. Dark, determined eyes stared at him. He wasn’t going to back down. Not when she could be in danger. The phone rang again.
“Why don’t you answer it? I think we both need a second,” Neela said.
He reached for the phone but continued to return her scrutiny. “Hello? Mum? Yeah, I’m at Andrew’s. Yeah, how did you know that? When did you start following Leila Farris? Right—let me ask.” Blake put his phone against his chest. “Mum would like a word, if you’re willing.”
Neela took the phone. “Mrs. Stanton? Yes, I’m fine, thank you. No, no expected complications. It’s a routine follow-up with our own doctors.” She tilted her head slightly as she continued to listen. “Well, yes, I’m sure I’ll have some time next month. That will be fine. Thank you. Did you want to talk to Blake again? No worries. ’Bye.”
“What did she want?” Blake took the phone back and poured more water into Neela’s glass.
“She still wants to do the portrait.”
“No surprise there. You’ll look beautiful in a painting.”
Neela got up abruptly, the soft folds of her dress accentuating her movement. “Please stop with the compliments. You need to stop this.” Neela waved her hands around. “I’m not worth trying to impress, right? I’m just a girl from your past. I know we have this thing going on...”
“Thing?”
Neela inhaled deeply, trying to calm down. “That we’re attracted to each other. But...”
“This is just lunch.” Blake folded his arms. “This is two people trying to have a conversation about keeping you safe. Trust me, if I were trying to impress you, we wouldn’t be sitting on my brother’s balcony eating pasta.”
Neela looked unconvinced. Blake leaned back in his chair and watched a parade of emotions cross her expressive face. He resisted the urge to stand up and pull her into his arms. Let me love you...
He cleared his throat. “If I were Leila, would you let her go with you tonight?”
“No.”
“Would she insist?”
“Yes.”
“I made a promise to your cousin, and I need to honor it. So don’t make me do it.”
“Do what?”
“Call your sister.”
She hadn’t expected that ultimatum. Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped. He picked up her plate, stacked it on top of his and gathered all the cutlery.
“You wouldn’t,” she said.
“Try me.”
“You can’t!”
“Whatever I have to do to keep you safe, darl.”
He walked back to the kitchen, leaving Neela on the balcony. She came inside a few minutes later with the glasses and the water jug and stood beside him as he filled up the dishwasher.
“I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, Blake. This isn’t about us. This is about me finishing something. You weren’t a part of that life.”
Blake shut the dishwasher and leaned against the counter. “I understand that. But I’m part of your life now. How much, we’re both still figuring out, and I respect that. And whether you like it or not, Kyle is part of my life as well. I remember every person who’s ever hit me, Neela. Every one of them, all the way back to primary school. On and off the pitch. I want to be there, not just because of my promise to Mano, but because I care about you.”
Neela fiddled with the washcloth Blake had left on the counter. He was once again tempted to close the distance between them, to reassure her with more than words.
“You’ll stay in the car?” she asked.
“As long as I can see you. I don’t trust that fella. And Neela, as for compliments? When I think you look beautiful or you do something wonderful, I will tell you. I’m allowed to, and I want to. You’re just going to have to get used to hearing people say nice things about you.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
This felt like a scene out of a movie, except she didn’t know the ending or whether she was guaranteed a full resolution of her problems. She was outside the small pub that she and Kyle used to frequent, and it was unexpectedly quiet. Years ago, it had always been teeming with people. But this was a weeknight, and the crowd she’d expected to help keep Kyle in check wasn’t there.
Kyle had wanted to meet inside the pub, but Blake had insisted he’d go in with her if that were the case. Kyle hadn’t responded to her last message, but he wasn’t inside yet—she’d checked—so she knew she could finish this outside in plain view of any passersby.
It had been in her mind, when she insisted they meet, that this would be a quick exchange. She had two checks: one that would pay off all her debts to him, while the other would be an incentive to stay away, to never get back in touch.
She knew she might be pouring money down the drain. There were no guarantees that he wouldn’t try for more. But this was her red line. She would make sure he knew that.
“Why the hell are we meeting out here?”
The voice came from behind her. Neela inhaled deeply then turned slowly, keeping her hands in her pockets so he couldn’t see them shake. “The last time we met somewhere inside, you didn’t know how to behave.”
Kyle sneered. He threw his cigarette on the ground and crushed it with his boot. Then he looked Neela over, slowly and deliberately. He transferred his attention to over her shoulder. “Your boyfriend’s in his brother’s car, is he?”
She resisted looking behind her. “What makes you say that?”
Kyle spat and wiped his mouth with his sleeve. He continued to stare past her, his eyes hooded, cold, and dark. How had she ever found him attractive?
“Only one like that in all of New Zealand. I know my engines, and that has a sweet one,” he said.
Neela raised her chin and held out the envelope. “Here you are. It’s the last of what I owe you. We’re done.”
“Aww, baby. Why does it have to end like this? Didn’t I show you a good time?”
“I don’t want to hear from you again.”
“You told me you’d love me forever. I remember that moment clearly.” Kyle stepped forward, and it took everything inside her for Neela not to step back. “You were naked, on top of me, and those sounds coming out of you...”
“Do not try to contact my family or me again, do you understand?” A fierce grip dug into her shoulder as she turned, causing her to cry out in pain.
A door slammed in the distance.
She looked up frantically. Blake’s large body was sprinting toward her, anger palpable in his movements. She knew what Kyle could do. She didn’t want Blake hurt because of her. Not again.
She swiftly elbowed Kyle, channeling all her force into the motion, and turned just in time to catch Blake as he reached her side. She pulled his arm, holding him back, with a desperation born out of fear.
“You’re dead, Kyle!” Blake bellowed to the figure who was still doubled over.
Kyle cursed loudly. He knelt on all fours as if trying to regain his bearings. Then he suddenly got up and charged. He flung himself at Blake, throwing them all to the ground. Neela fell backward when she lost her grip on Blake, and the force of her body hitting the hard surface caused her to groan.
The sound of punching compelled her to move. Another shot of adrenaline— and something else— kicked in. She knew the force of Kyle’s fist, a man who fought with a viciousness honed by life on the streets.
Kyle rolled himself on top of Blake, straddling him. He raised his fist above Blake’s head, ready to strike. Neela didn’t think twice. She launched herself at him, knocking him off Blake
.
She rolled away from Kyle but landed awkwardly. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Kyle slowly getting up from the ground, but Blake was already there.
Neela gasped at the sound of Blake’s fist hitting Kyle’s jaw. Blake pulled the semi-conscious man off the ground and lifted him off his feet by his neck.
A few people had started to come out of the pub. The darkened street might keep them anonymous, but she couldn’t risk it.
She scrambled quickly to Blake’s side. “We need to go.”
“He needs to be taught a lesson.”
She held on to Blake’s arm. “We’re done. This is done.”
Blake released Kyle suddenly. Moaning, Kyle curled into a fetal position, breathing hard.
Neela knelt next to him. “Don’t contact me again. I’ve repaid my debt to you. Fair warning: I am going to the police for a restraining order. If you contact my family or me, I will go to the press. You will have nowhere to hide, and nowhere to run.”
Then she reached for Blake’s hand. “Let’s go.”
When they got into the car, she could see blood oozing out of the corner of his mouth and nose. “Oh, God, Blake, you’re really hurt!”
“I’m fine. No worse than playing South Africa.” He wiped his face with the back of his hand then angled the overhead light slightly so he could look at her. Apparently satisfied with what he saw, he quickly sent a message on his phone.
“Who are you messaging?”
“A friend of my brother’s.”
“Andrew’s?”
“No, Robbie’s. She’s a doctor I’ve used before. She’ll be discreet. Please come back with me so she can check you out. I saw you hit your head on the ground. That’s two head injuries in less than a week.”
Neela reached for the back of her head. “I don’t think I hit it, Blake. I’m sure I’m all right, but you need to get checked out too.”
“I’m not hurt. But I’ll have her check me out if you will.”
“Blackmail?”
“When a man’s desperate...”
She paused then nodded. He returned her nod, relief in his face. They drove back to Andrew’s penthouse in silence. She should call his bluff, she thought, but he was right. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and he was stubborn enough to ignore his own injuries.
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