Betrayed by You

by Marilyn Williams

  “How did it go?” he asked.

  “I told him to burn in hell.”

  Scott tilted his head back with a surprised look on his face. “Did he say anything?”

  “Only that he didn’t mean to hurt me. It’s much too late for that sentiment.”

  “I believe he’s pleading guilty. At least you’ll be spared testifying in a trial.”

  “That’s something.” She checked the time on her phone. “I have somewhere to be. Give Tess my love. I know she’s worried, but tell her I need time to decompress, and I’ll reach out in a few days.”

  “Will do.”

  She gave him a hug goodbye and proceeded towards the doors. Before she was halfway, she turned and motioned him towards her. Once he was in earshot, she looked him straight in the eye. “One more thing. Once I walk out those doors, I don’t want to hear another word about Brandon. No updates about him or his case. I have officially erased him from my life.”

  “Understood.” He nodded.

  Chapter Forty-one

  After leaving the jail, Ava retreated to Justin’s house. Understandably, she didn’t feel comfortable outside the bubble of his home. When she arrived, Justin was still out running errands. No one knew exactly what happened to his car. The theory is after Brandon abducted Justin he returned for the car to make it appear he was on the run.

  Ava removed her denim jacket and threw it along with her purse onto the chair in the living room. She plopped down on the sofa and rest her head on the back cushion. She rubbed her closed eyes, trying hard to erase the conversation she had with Brandon from her mind. It was cathartic to release all her anger on him. She hoped he heeds her warning and never contact her again.

  She sat up to reach for the remote for the sound system. Justin had it set on his favorite playlist of old school soft rock. Not remotely her thing. She switched it to a current Pop station and did a little dance towards the basement stairs. She descended into the room where Justin had transformed the space into a game room. It was fully furnished with a stocked bar, a small couch along the wall, and two reclining gaming chairs. A seventy-five-inch television occupied the center wall, speakers connected to the main sound system, occupied the upper corners. A pool table, poker table, old school arcade machines, and a dartboard provided hours of entertainment.

  Ava retrieved a bottle of tequila. Her first thought was to make a margarita, but she wasn’t in the mood to gather all the ingredients and deal with Justin’s overly complicated blender. Instead, she opted for shots. After downing two, she grabbed the darts off the dartboard. She stood behind the marked line on the floor and threw the first dart. She envisioned Brandon’s face dead in the center as she threw the remaining darts. When the last one hit the bullseye, the music in the room went dead silent. “Ava!” she heard Justin call from the upper level. She ran up the stairs and into the living room where she found him with a black garment bag in hand. “What’s that?”

  “Something for later.” He placed the bag across a chair and kissed her cheek. “How did your visit go?”

  “Ugh,” she said with a sigh. “I told him exactly how I felt. Time will tell if he received the message.”

  “Is it safe to assume you’ve closed that chapter of your life?”

  “I have. Going forward, we will no longer utter his name. Agreed?”

  “Agreed.”

  “Did you see Rebecca?”

  “Yes, and she’s holding down the fort. I think in another week I’ll return to the helm.”

  Ava nodded at the revelation. It surprised her he was ready to jump back into work. She still hadn’t decided if she should find another job or start her own business.

  “I saw Meghan,” he continued.

  “When?”

  “I needed a ride to the car lot. Since the dealer reported the Ferrari stolen, they offered a replacement.”

  Ava peeked out the window and a white Range Rover sat on the driveway. “Nice.”

  “She also helped pick out this.” He handed her the black garment bag.

  “You’ve been mighty busy, Mr. Harrington.” She unzipped the bag, and it revealed a rose gold sequin dress. It was long-sleeved with a plunging back. “It’s beautiful,” she smiled. “What’s the occasion?”

  “We’re going out tonight.”

  “Where?”

  “I made a last-minute reservation at a steakhouse in Buckhead.”

  She frowned and placed the dress back in the bag. “I’m not ready to be around a room full of people. Why can’t we stay in and just enjoy each other’s company?”

  Justin placed his hands on her shoulders. “Your first instinct is to hide from the world. That’s understandable after everything you’ve gone through.”

  “Not only me, Justin. You’ve suffered your own trauma.”

  “But I can’t shut down and hide. If I do, he wins. You must pick up the pieces and move on.”

  She lowered her eyes and nodded. “You’re right. What time should I be ready?”

  “Our reservation is at seven.”

  Chapter Forty-two

  Ava slipped on her rose gold strappy stilettos that complimented her dress perfectly. By coincidence, she’d packed them in her bag to wear with her dark blue denim jeans and rose-colored sweater. Meghan had to tell Justin it was one of her favorite colors. She checked her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was sleek and straight, her makeup wasn’t overly done, and her dress was the perfect fit.

  Ava proceeded downstairs to find Justin. Excitement about the night filled her body. At first, she wasn’t too thrilled about going out, but after seeing the effort he’s put into giving her a special night, she had changed her mind.

  “Justin!” she called out when she reached the bottom stair. Moments later, he rounded the corner, looking more handsome than a billboard model. He wore a charcoal gray three-piece suit with a white shirt and a plaid tie with a hint of rose gold. “You always look good in a suit. But, wow! I’m utterly speechless,” she said.

  “And you look amazing as always. The dress fits you like a glove.”

  “I know.” She did a slow twirl.

  “You know what this means, right?”

  “No, what?”

  “I’m better at picking out clothes than you.” He laughed.

  “It doesn’t count if you had help.”

  “True.” He shrugged. “Ready?”

  “I am.”

  The couple arrived at Metropolitan, a steakhouse in one of Atlanta’s affluent neighborhoods. Buckhead is known for homes well over one million dollars, four-star restaurants, and upscale shopping centers. Justin drove the car to the front of the restaurant and gave his keys to the valet attendant. He and Ava entered the swanky establishment and right away, the hostess led them to a cozy table covered with a white tablecloth and two small candles that added to the ambiance. “Have you been here before?” asked Justin.

  “You know I haven’t,” she smirked. “You’re responsible for my introduction to fine dining.”

  “And I would love to introduce you to much more.”

  The waiter introduced himself and asked for their drink order. Ava was about to order a glass of white wine when Justin interjected. “We want the best bottle of champagne in your cellar.”

  Ava eyed him strangely, wondering what they had to celebrate. The waiter excused himself to check on Justin’s request and he returned with a bottle of champagne she had never heard of. “We have a vintage 2006 bottle of Veuve Clicquot,” said the waiter.

  “Perfect,” beamed Justin.

  The waiter popped open the cork and filled both their flutes halfway. He said he would return to take their food order.

  “What are we celebrating?” she asked, bringing the glass to her lips. She allowed the sweet raspberry flavor to linger on her tongue before swallowing.

  “The future.” He held up his glass before taking a sip. “How’s the bubbly?”

  “Delightful. You’ve been vague about the discussion you wanted
to have.”

  “That wasn’t my intention.” He set his glass down and placed his hand over hers. “As I mentioned before, solitude has a way of forcing you to put your life in perspective.”

  “I hope you don’t feel pressured to talk about that horror.”

  “It was pure hell, but I can’t dismiss the clarity it has given me about us. Without it, I can’t say I would be in this place.”

  She furrowed her brow. “Which is?”

  “Not to be mysterious, but let’s table it for now. I’ll elaborate more when we get home.”

  “Really? You can’t begin a conversation and then drop it.”

  “I promise I’ll tell you everything. For now, let’s have a well-deserved and relaxing time.”

  Ava enjoyed her dinner of New York Strip steak, while Justin opted for smoked salmon. For dessert, she had a slice of key lime pie. She tried with all her might to get him to open up about his newfound revelation. Instead, he dodged her questions and used the opportunity to ask about her career goals. She expressed she wasn’t interested in adding to the bottom line of any other corporation. She would rather use her talents to make money for herself. He agreed and stated he wanted to help. After she ate the last bite of her pie, Justin paid the check and they left.

  On the ride to his house, she reclined her seat and closed her eyes. Throughout dinner, she’d consumed three glasses of champagne and had a mild buzz.

  When they arrived home, Justin ran over to the passenger side to open the door. “Are you okay?” he asked. “You drifted off on the ride.”

  “Too much champagne. I’ll be alright.”

  He held onto her hand as he led her inside. She promptly removed her shoes and before he could walk off, she grabbed his wrist. “You owe me a conversation, Mr. Harrington.”

  “I haven’t forgotten. There’s something in the bedroom I have to get first. I’ll be right back.” He jetted up the stairs and Ava settled in the living room. He returned wearing only his dress shirt and trousers, carrying a silver gift bag in hand.

  The corners of her lips formed a smile. “Another gift?”

  “Yes, but we should talk before you open it.” She shifted her body towards his as he sat beside her. He released a deep breath like he was about to deliver bad news. “When I came here, it was supposed to be the usual business trip. I would take care what needed handling and then I’m back home. But that didn’t happen. I met you, and my world changed.”

  “Some good and some bad.” Ava shrugged.

  He stroked her chin. “Tonight, we’ll focus on the good.”

  She tried to resist smiling but her lips had another idea.

  “You changed my life, and I didn’t want to admit it. The day you questioned the status of our relationship became a turning point because I couldn’t tell you what you wanted to hear. I knew you wanted me to commit to us, but I couldn’t. I’m simply not made for any sort of commitment—I run from it. Someone once told me I had abandonment issues.”

  “Abandonment?”

  “Supposedly, I avoid commitment because of my fear of being alone.” He shrugged. “Jack left and soon after so did my mother.”

  Her smile faded, and a knot formed in the pit of her stomach. No woman wants to hear about a man’s fear of commitment. “You already said that your future included us being together. Are you changing your mind?”

  “No, I’m speaking on what has led me to this moment.”

  Ava nodded and continued to listen.

  “It wasn’t until Brandon forced me to watch you with him that my perspective changed,” he said.

  “What do you mean?”

  “He placed those monitors in that room as a punishment, but it ended up being my wake-up call. I would watch you smile when he was around, but when he wasn’t, sadness would blanket your face. It made me realize how much I missed holding you in my arms, making you laugh, and kissing your soft lips. Most of all, it forced me to admit how much you mean to me.”

  He cupped her face with his hands and gazed into her eyes. “I promised myself if I ever laid eyes on your beautiful face again, I would tell you what’s in my heart.” Justin leaned in and placed a single kiss on her lips. “I love you,” he muttered.

  Ava gaze at him with great intent as tears escaped her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. She couldn’t have possibly heard him correctly. “What did you say?”

  “I said I love you. I’m in love with you. I just want you in my life.” His voice was clear and adamant. There was no mistaking what he’d said.

  “I love you, too,” she cried. “I’ve wanted to say those words to you for so long.” She wiped the tears from her face. Justin stood to his feet and held out his hand. She grabbed hold, and he led her upstairs to the bedroom. Once there, he grabbed her by her waist, pulling her close. She closed her eyes as he kissed her. It felt like heaven to have the taste of his warm lips on hers. His hands travel to her back and he unzipped her dress. Ava pulled away from their kiss. “Before we go further, there’s something you should know.”

  His face was flushed as he grabbed her waist. “I know all I need to.” He kissed her neck.

  She wriggled out of his arms. “Seriously, Justin, I need to tell you this.”

  “You have the worst timing.”

  “I didn’t sleep with Brandon,” she blurted.

  He eyed her with confusion. “I saw you two become intimate.”

  “We never had sex. I could never be with him because it felt like a betrayal to you.”

  “Betrayal to me?” he asked.

  “Although I thought you had left me, it didn’t feel right being with him.”

  Justin smiled like her confession relieved him.

  “He would tell me constantly how much he loved me. In my heart, I knew I had reserved those words for you.” Ava allowed her dress to fall to the floor. She stepped forward and locked her arms around his neck. She tilted her head upwards and looked him in the eyes. “I love you. I’m definitely in love with you, and I need you in my life.” She softly kissed his lips. With gentle strokes of her tongue, the couple engaged in a passionate kiss. Justin pulled away, and she watched with anticipation as he undressed. They continued to devour each other as they moved closer to the bed. Ava fell back onto the plush gray comforter with Justin towering over her. Her body yearned for more as he placed sweet tender kisses over her stomach, his tongue trailed to her inner thighs. She expelled a sensual moan as he expertly explored her treasure.

  “I need you inside me,” she whispered between pants.

  “Not yet,” he said. His tongue trailed upward. Ava grabbed a fistful of his hair and bit down on her lower lip as he kissed and caressed her breasts. Her insides screamed for him to give her what she wanted. With their eyes locked, he entered her causing soft moans to fill the room. Justin thrusts back and forth satisfying her every need. Ava pulled him towards her in one last kiss before coming to a pleasurable finish.

  “Love you,” said Justin. He kissed the tip of her nose before lying beside her.

  Ava snuggled closer to him. “I can’t get enough of hearing you say those words,” she smiled.

  He moved her hair off her shoulder and lined her neck with kisses. “I wanted to tell you the moment you found me.” He nibbled her earlobe. “I almost forgot. I have one last gift for you.”

  He bounced off the bed with a wide smile. Ava has never seen him so happy. She watched as he put on his underwear and dashed out the bedroom door. She reclined against the pillows propped against the headboard while she waited for his return. Moments later, she heard him running up the stairs. He re-entered the bedroom with the silver bag in hand. He came to her side, moving her legs to allow him to sit beside her before placing the gift bag on her lap.

  Ava hoped it wasn’t what she was imagining. “Can I open it now?”

  “Go ahead.” He nodded.

  She reached her hand inside. Immediately relieved it wasn’t a ring box. Neither one of them were ready for that level of
commitment. In her hand was a black square box tied with a silver bow. With a mix of curiosity and excitement she untied the wrapping. Justin’s smile grew as he watched her lift the lid of the box. Inside was a black velvet bag. Ava placed the box on the bed. The bag was light as if nothing was inside. She reached in, pulling out a silver key.

  “A key?” She eyed him with confusion.

  “That’s not just any key. It’s the key to our future together.”

  “Once again, I’m not following.”

  “That key opens the door to my house in San Diego. I want you to come home with me and stay.”

  Ava’s jaw dropped. That was unexpected and out of left field. “You want me to move to San Diego with you?”

  “Yes. I want to introduce you to my world. That includes my family, friends, business associates. I want everyone to meet the incredible woman who has changed my life.”

  “And you’ve done much more. You saved my life and for that, I will always love you. However, I can’t uproot my life here and move to California.”

  “What’s keeping in you in Georgia?”

  “I have friends who I’ve known for years.”

  “They can visit.”

  “I want to start a business with clients I’ve established a relationship with. Some who have taken years to build.”

  “I will help you with your business goals. I have the money and plenty of connections.”

  “You know I don’t want your money. I want to do this on my own.”

  “I know you do, Miss Independent. There’s nothing wrong with help along the way. My father helped me and look where I am.”

  She looked into his pleading eyes. “I don’t know if I can leave. I mean, what about your hotel under construction?”