Until Then : Book 1 - Until Then Series

by Victoria Ashlee

  My girl was holding a bunch of files, that she had now dropped a few onto the floor.

  I walked up to her, helping her pick up the papers. “I didn’t mean to startle you.” I laughed.

  “What are you doing here?” She rushed into her office.

  I set the files on her desk, “I wanted to see you.”

  She walked over and shut her door. “You can’t just show up at my work.”

  “Why not? I own the place.” I sat down in her chair.

  “That’s not the point.” She leaned against her desk in front of me. “I want to do well here, without your family’s help.”

  “Stubborn as always.” I leaned back in her chair. “I like that dress on you.”

  “Thanks I got it the other day.” She pulled at the fabric, admiring her purchase. She looked up at me and realized that that wasn’t what I meant. “You have a dirty mind, Mr. Edwards.”

  “Don’t be such a damn tease and I wouldn’t have a dirty mind.” I took her hand pulling her between my legs.

  “Oh no, you will not get your way this time.” She laughed, trying to pull away from my grip.

  I smiled, “I’m not doing anything.”

  She wiggled out of my grip, making her away around the desk. She sat in the chair across from me, “What did you do today?” She smirked, changing the subject.

  I laughed, “Saw my family.”

  “Oh?”

  “They were charming as always.”

  “What does that mean?”

  I leaned forward resting my arms on her desk, “You’ve put my Mum into a nervous fit.”

  “Well, we knew she didn’t like me.”

  I sighed, “She will come around, eventually. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do when your son lo…” I stopped myself, when I realized what I was about to say, “When your son cares about someone.” I corrected.

  She gave me a strange look, but ignored my fumbled words, “I suppose.”

  “It doesn’t matter; her opinions don’t direct my life.”

  Cam opened the door, “Ms. Franklin is looking for you.”

  Sophia’s eyes darted to me, “I need to work, you need to go.” She jumped up from her chair, kissed me on the cheek, and then followed Cam out of her office.

  As I watched her leave, she gave me a sweet smile as she turned the corner. I ran my hands over my face once they were out of sight, did I almost tell her that I loved her?

  Chapter Forty One

  Sophia

  As I sat staring out the window, stirring my cereal, my mind wandered to the last four days. Life was so different during the two weeks he was gone. Now that he was back, it was as if nothing had happened. Everything went back to normal, but that’s not how I felt. He was taking his position with his family, Cam lied to me, and I didn’t know how I felt about any of it. I realized I was staring into that creepy window where the red dot comes from. The sight of it sent a shiver down my back. I quickly washed my bowl and left the kitchen.

  At work Cam wouldn’t even look at me when I got to work. I set my things on my desk, then made my way into the boardroom. The only seat available was next to Ms. Franklin. I reluctantly sat down, as she began to speak.

  Her voice was easy to tune out. I looked around the table for Cam. I never asked him why he didn’t tell me about Stefan responding to him the night of the Gala. My eyes landed on him, he immediately felt my attention. I mouthed that I needed to talk to him, but he gave me a blank stare. He continued to listen to Ms. Franklin speaking, blatantly ignoring me. I heard my name being said. I didn’t know where it was coming from.

  “Sophia.” Ms. Franklin snapped.

  “Yes?” I shifted my body in my chair. Why is she calling on me? What did I do?

  “I was telling the staff how you will be taking on the new client we are bringing on.” She gave me that look she does, as if she could see into your soul.

  I made an awkward smile, “Oh...Yes.”

  She continued on with her speech. I looked over at Cam again; he wouldn’t even look in my direction. After the meeting was over, everyone started to stand. Cam darted out of the room as fast as he could.

  I followed behind him into his office, shutting the door behind us. “Why are you acting weird?”

  “Like what?” He snapped.

  “Like that.” I gestured to him.

  “So, you think you can sleep with the owner's son and get whatever you want?” He mocked.

  I stood there in shock, “That’s not fair. You know I didn’t ask for any of this.”

  “It’s true.” He laughed. “I’ve worked here for five years, and I've never received a job like the one Ms. Franklin just handed you.”

  “I can’t control that.”

  He glared at me, “You can say no.”

  I crossed my arms against my chest, “Why didn’t you tell me that you talked to Stefan the night of the Gala?”

  He clenched his fists in frustration, “He doesn’t treat you right, Sophia! Why don’t you get that?”

  “What would you know about how I am treated?” I yelled back.

  “What would I know?! Maybe because I am here watching you cry every time he hurts you. I’m the one who helps pick you back up.” He stepped closer to me.

  I sighed, “Why does it matter to you so much, Cam? He’s been your friend longer than I have.”

  “Because…” He took a deep breath.

  “Because what?!” I yelled.

  “I care about you, Sophia! You don’t belong with him. Are you happy?!”

  I took a step back away from him, processing what he said. “You care about me? So, you just sat there knowing how upset I was and you didn’t tell me you talked to him, because you care about me? That’s worse than anything he has ever done. You chose to hurt me. You knew how upset I was that entire week and you allowed me to feel forgotten.”

  “Please don’t do that.” He pleaded.

  “No, no. This can’t happen.” I snapped and flung the door open.

  I walked into my office, grabbing my purse. On my way out I stopped in front of Cam’s office. I debated on just leaving, but I had to shut this down, before it went any further. “I won’t tell him what you said, because we both know how he is. But, what you did was wrong. I would never allow you to hurt like that.”

  His face was broken; I knew I was saying nothing he wanted to hear. I knew that was not how he wanted to tell me, but that doesn’t change anything. It hurt more because he was one of my closest friends, and he ended up being like the rest of them.

  I told the girl at the front desk that if Ms. Franklin asked to tell her that I got sick and needed to leave. When I finally got outside, I felt like I could breathe again. I started to walk down the sidewalk; Stefan’s car suddenly appeared next to me. I stomped my foot from annoyance, as Tim rolled down the window.

  “Miss Brooks, I've been instructed to give you a ride.” Tim said.

  My phone began to vibrate as I stood next to the car. I looked down, and swiped the message open

  Stefan: Are you ok?

  Me: I’m fine.

  I sighed. “Does he have a tracker on me?” I pretended to search my jacket.

  He laughed, “No, he has me nearby just in case you ever need anything. I saw you exit the building.”

  “That’s insane.” Nothing surprised me anymore when it came to Stefan. I walked over to the car and climbed into the passenger seat.

  “Typically you would sit in the back.” Tim said, as I fastened my seatbelt.

  I laughed, “I’m not a back seat kind of girl.”

  Most of our drive was silent. I realized I didn’t really know Tim as a person, and for someone who is around a lot, and in charge of taking me places apparently, I felt as If I needed to know.

  “How long have you worked for the Edwards?” I asked him.

  “30 years counting my time with Stefan’s grandfather.” He tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

  “You knew Stefan�
�s grandparents?”

  He nodded, “They’re the ones who hired me. Very good people.”

  “You worked for Stefan’s dad as well then?”

  “I did.”

  “Did you ever feel threatened?”

  He looked over at me concerned, “Do you feel threatened?”

  I looked out the window. “Not at the moment, but I have.”

  “If you ever feel in danger, you call me immediately.” He was clearly not answering my question.

  “Here you are.” Tim said, as we pulled up to the front of the house.

  I opened the door, and hesitated to step out. “Can I ask you one question, and you give me more than a one word answer?”

  He smiled. “Sure.”

  “Why did you follow Stefan to New York?”

  He studied my face before answering. “I promised his grandfather that I would make sure he stayed safe. This family has taken everything from me, but they have also given me everything.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It’s a very long story for another day. I must get going, Miss. Brooks.” He placed his hands back on the steering wheel.

  “Thank you for driving me.” I smiled, and stepped out of the car.

  I watched as Tim drove off, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he meant by they have taken everything from me. We’re all just pawns in this game, aren’t we?

  Chapter Forty Two

  Stefan

  When I got home, I found Sophia sitting on my bed working on her laptop. She gave me a bright smile when I entered the room. I walked over to the bed, throwing my coat over the footboard.

  “Please tell me where we’re going tonight.” She begged, as she moved to the foot of the bed.

  I took her chin in my hand and pressed my lips to hers. “What would the point of a surprise be then?”

  She huffed, leaning back on her knees. “Fine. When are we leaving?”

  “In an hour.”

  She slid off the bed. “I need to go get ready then.”

  “Whoa whoa, wait a second.” I took her hand.

  She gave me a smirk. “What?”

  “Why did you go home early today?” I watched as her body language instantly changed.

  “I didn’t feel good.” Her eyes darted away from mine, like they always do when she’s uncomfortable.

  “You seem fine now.”

  She shrugged her shoulders, “Must have been something I ate.”

  I laughed at her attempt to push off the subject. “You know I'm the master at making up an excuse.”

  “Just drop it ok?” She snapped.

  I studied her, she never acts like this. “Tell me now.” I felt my face harden.

  “There is nothing to tell.” She said dryly.

  “That’s a lie.”

  She pulled her arm away from me. “I’m fine, like I told you earlier.”

  “Another lie.” I rubbed the back of my neck; she was beginning to stress me out. “We’re supposed to be honest, remember? You said that.”

  Her eyes were searching me, “Can we just enjoy tonight, and talk about this later?”

  “No, now that you’ve been so adamant about not telling me, it’s starting to piss me off. We’re not going anywhere until you tell me.”

  She pursed her lips together, folding her arms. “It’s…” she stopped herself.

  “Tell me.”

  She looked away, “It’s Cameron.”

  “Cam?” I moved over to the bed and leaned against the edge. “What’s wrong with him?”

  “I told him I wouldn’t tell you.”

  “Tell me now,” my voice was stern.

  She was fighting herself on the inside, I could tell. She huffed and finally gave in. “The night of the Gala, remember when you told me you spoke with Cam? He deliberately never told me. That’s why I was so hurt, and didn’t want to talk to you. I didn’t say anything when you told me, because I was preoccupied by finally seeing you after everything. He made me believe you actually left me there.”

  I could feel my anger rising. “Why the hell would he do that?”

  She took a deep breath. “Today he told me that I don’t belong with you.”

  I stood up, because I couldn’t sit there listening to this any further. “Why the hell not? Does he think he does?” I laughed mockingly. She kept her eyes on me, not replying. Which confirmed that he did think that.

  “You stay the hell away from him.” I snapped.

  She stepped back. “I already told him that we need to keep our distance, I don’t need you telling me to do so.”

  I looked at her again, and I could see that I had started to upset her. “I’m sorry, I'm not angry with you.”

  “Please don’t do anything to him.” She begged, and took my hand, placing a kiss on my balled fist.

  I looked into her beautiful brown eyes, and I faltered. She could make me do anything. “Fine, but if he tries anything there won’t be any limits.”

  “Stefan, no.” She said lowly.

  “I will leave him alone for now. That’s the best I can give you.”

  She released my hand. “Ok, can we just have a good night now?”

  “Yes, go get ready.”

  She looked at me for a moment, and then walked out of my room.

  I don’t know how long I can keep that promise to her. Out of all people I never thought Cameron Jones would try something like this. What the hell is he thinking? I promised her I wouldn’t do anything right now, but I swear if he places a hand on her, all bets will be off.

  As we walked down the sidewalk toward the venue, Sophia was clinging to my arm. Winter had fully set in. She asked me at least five times on the way there where we were going. We walked up to the bouncer, past the line of people waiting to get in. I watched as a smile instantly formed on her face.

  “A Rat Pack cover show? Seriously? I’ve always wanted to go to one of these!” Excitement filled her voice.

  I smiled down at her, as we walked through the doors. “I thought you would like this.”

  When we entered the bar, music filled the room. “This is amazing!” She squealed, releasing my hand walking a few steps ahead.

  “Slow down.” I laughed, taking her hand again. “This way, we have a table up front.”

  We got seated at a small round table near the stage. The pianist was in full swing; Sophia’s eyes were dancing, as she sang along to the songs.

  A waitress walked up to take our order. I ordered a glass of white for her and whiskey water for myself. Sophia was oblivious to everything at this moment.

  She placed her hand on mine, turning to face me. “Thank you.” She smiled.

  “Anything for you.” I squeezed her hand.

  Sophia knew every line to every song being played. About ten songs later an older woman walked up, singing along, taking her by the hand pulling her on the dance floor. At first I was uneasy. Who the hell was this woman? I watched them, and I decided that she was just some tipsy lady who had really bad dance moves, that Sophia danced right along to.

  A few men had also taken a liking to Sophia. I shifted forward, leaning on the table. If I made a scene she would never forgive me, but if they don’t stop looking at her like she was something to eat, I will have too.

  Sophia’s phone started to light up on the table. I picked it up to see who was calling. Keira. I held the phone up, showing Sophia that she was calling. She glided over to me, her forehead beaded with a few drops of sweat. She ran her hands through her hair, taking the phone from me.

  “Hello? She yelled over the loud music. “You what?” She placed her other hand over her ear. “Oh my god, I'm so excited for you!!!” Sophia yelled, spinning around. “We’re at a bar. Yeah!” She paused, “That sounds great!”

  She ended the call, and sat down next to me. “This has been the best night.” She smiled. “I have you, music, and my best friend just got engaged!”

  “I’m glad you are happy.” I leaned over and kissed her
on the cheek.

  She stood again, making her way back to her new friend. My eyes caught the three drunk men staring at her. They were starting to wear my patience thin. One of the men stood, laughing with his buddies, as they patted him on the back. He made his way toward Sophia and the woman. I felt my hand clench around the side of the table.

  I was on my feet, by the time he reached them. Sophia smiled at the creep, she was fiddling with her hair like she does when she gets nervous. I was halfway across the dance floor. Sophia looked at the man in disgust before walking away down the hall toward the bathrooms. My fist was tightening as I weeded through the crowd. I saw him follow her down the hall.

  “I was just having some fun, sugar.” He called out to her, reaching out for her arm.

  “Leave me alone.” She snapped, turning around to face him. Her eyes went wide when she saw me coming up behind him.

  I grabbed him by the collar and slammed him up against the wall. His hands wrapped around my wrist, trying to yank my hand away, but my grip only became tighter.

  “She said to leave her alone, you prick!” I growled.

  He spat in my face, “Get the fuck off of me. She shouldn’t be out there dancing like that.”

  Before I could pound his face in, I heard Sophia yell my name. Someone's arm quickly wrapped around my neck pulling me off of the scum. The man then slammed me up against the other wall. It was his two buddies. One of his friends had their arm up under my chin pressed up against my neck.

  “If you move a muscle, your precious girl here will be leaving with us. The exit is right over there. Watch your next move.” His breath exhaled stale beer.

  His buddy walked over toward Sophia, as she stepped back. She was shaking from fear. My attention went back to the guy holding me up against the wall.

  He smirked, “The way I see it is it’s three against you and your little girlfriend here. We might beat you senseless for fun, and take whatever money you have. That’s a nice watch there. Must be worth a lot, rich boy.”

  “You’re nothing but a little bitch.” I mumbled.

  “Little bitch, ay? Try this.” His fist connected with my ribs, knocking the air out of me.