Lawson

by Anna Joung

  “Open this door right now, Hailey. See what happens if you don’t!”

  My breath was coming fast and heavy, panic taking over. I quickly pulled my phone from my pocket and called the only person who could help me – Lawson.

  “Hailey?” the confusion in his voice evident.

  “Lawson, you have to help me. Matt knows. He wants to take me back to the city. He’s trying to get me. I’m locked in the bathroom.”

  “Stay on the phone. I’m on my way.”

  Hope made an appearance as I clutched the device to me and backed into the far wall, cowering. The hammering on the door had become more persistent and louder. It stopped for a moment only to be replaced with large whacks, what I could only presume were his feet as he kicked at the door. For a few minutes, I thought I was safe, that the thick wood of the door would keep me safe, but then I heard the cracking noise. That dreaded creaking as the hinges on the door started to give way. Terror took over and I froze solid as the door came flying off its hinges, landing on the ground with a large crash, Matthew falling in after. He was stunned for a split second until he turned his head and his eyes locked onto me. I heard myself whimper as I looked into the two furious pits, rage consuming his soul.

  “Matt,” I pleaded, “Please don’t do anything you’ll regret. I’m sorry but I can’t go. I can’t live my life like this.”

  “You think I like this situation?” he spat, “You think I want to marry the prissy miss perfect Hailey Beaumont? There are a million other girls out there that are way more fun and just as suitable but my dad had to pick you. You’re dull, you don’t party, and you never give out. Well, I’ve just about had enough. Today it changes.”

  My scream tore through the cabin as he came closer. My phone tumbled from my lap as I stood up, backing as far as I could from him in the room. The hunger in his eyes terrified me as he made a grab for me, gripping hard into my arms so I couldn't escape, he lifted me, throwing me over his shoulder as though I weighed nothing more than a paperclip. I screeched as I pounded on his back and clawed at his skin. He didn't even flinch as I tore through his shirt, drawing blood. Instead, he tossed me on the bed, my head hitting the headboard as I did so. Fear made my blood run cold as I stared into the unrecognizable eyes of a monster. Using my legs, I kicked out at him, anything to keep the space between us but with his upper body strength, he casually flicked them to the side, his hands gripping onto either side of my cardigan and tugging hard. The buttons pinged off in random directions as I clapped my hands over my chest, trying to prevent him from gaining any access. This just appeared to anger him further as he drew back his hand before slapping me hard across the face. A ringing noise sounded out in my ear before a rush of pain seared through the side of my face. I was too shocked to even scream and it was at that moment I truly feared for my life. Clenching my eyes, I willed him to get it over with.

  Whatever you’re going to do to me, just do it. No physical pain will compare to the pain in my heart.

  As I was giving up all hope, ready to surrender the fight, I heard a shout and the door to the bedroom came flying open. It slammed so hard into the wall, it sent a spiderweb of cracks running along the plaster. I opened my eyes just in time to see Lawson come hurtling into the room, bending low and tackling Matthew onto the ground. Matthew had not time to react as Lawson rained punches down onto my abuser’s face. I heard the crunch as his nose shattered, followed by blood pouring out in a crimson waterfall. It wasn’t until I rolled over and grabbed Lawson’s arm that he finally stopped.

  “Hailey,” he breathed.

  ***

  Lawson

  The red from my sight subsided at her touch. I looked down at the pathetic excuse of a man between my legs and stood up, giving him a sharp jab in the ribs with my foot before wrapping Hailey in my arms. She had cuts in various places and her cheek was hot pink from where she had clearly been hit. The sight of her injuries made my blood boil but I could tell from the look in her eyes that she didn’t want me to continue dealing out my punishment.

  I would kill this man for you, Hailey. I would kill him a million times over. And for what he’s done to you, I wish I could.

  “Who the hell are you?” the bleeding flesh sack stood up.

  "Lawson Camden. A real man. A man who would never lay a hand on a woman. A man who would treat Hailey like the diamond she is. You, Matthew Pemberton, are the scum of the earth and should be treated as such. If she hadn't stopped me you wouldn't be alive right now."

  I could see one of his eyes was beginning to swell over as he wobbled to his feet, clutching onto the wall as he righted himself. He jutted his chin out defiantly, the stream of blood now drying on his face.

  “Hailey, we’re going. Pack your stuff,” he grunted at her.

  “I’m not going,” she said, her confidence building, “I’m not going to tell you again.”

  "You're ruining your life and for what? For him?" he pointed at me, "For some rural countryman who doesn't have a cent to his name. You'd be a Lady if you married me, it's what your mother has always wanted. Our parents have already paid for the wedding. All the responses to the invites have been collected. Don't be so foolish to through your life away over some ridiculous affair."

  I stood back up but Hailey placed a hand on my chest. She too stood up but stepped in front of me. I knew she wanted to defend herself, at least verbally.

  “You would know all about affairs, wouldn’t you Matthew? You really want to live this web of lies? Don’t you ever want to experience true love?”

  He spat a globule of blood onto the floor, it glistened in the light.

  “True love?” he scoffed, “We don’t live in one of your stupid childhood books, Hailey. This is real life. You need to get off your high horse and face reality. We’re better than these people and that's because we don't believe in stupid notions about true love or inner peace. It's about money and power. That's all it's ever been. That's all it is between us. If I want excitement and fun then I've got women on the side. Just like your best friend, Georgina Simmons, for example. Boy, she's a lot of fun in bed."

  I could see this was news to Hailey as her mouth dropped open. The pained look in her eyes made me take a step forward, Matthew automatically jumped back, glaring at me.

  “Get your guard dog in line,” he snapped at her.

  “I’m not her guard dog,” I spat at him, “But I will maul you if you get on my bad side.”

  I was just about to grab him when I heard a stampede of feet and random men rushed into the room. I could only presume they were his friends from the high society look they all emanated.

  “Matt, what happened to you?” one asked, mouth dangling open moronically.

  “Where the hell were you guys when I needed you?” he asked.

  “And what are these idiots’ names?” I asked.

  “This is my protection to keep you in line. If you try any of your stunts again, I’ll have it recorded you died in a hunting accident. This is Nathaniel Adams, William Cox, Warren Thomson, Roman Walton, and Michael Duncan. I suggest you remember all our names because you’ll need them for the police report if you survive.”

  I laughed, “Even being outnumbered, I’d doubt any of your pretty boys would be a match for me.”

  “Enough,” Hailey shouted, “I’m packing my stuff and I’m going. Matthew, if you or your friends ever come near me again, I’ll kill you myself.”

  “This is your final choice?” Matthew asked.

  Rage boiled in me, “That’s her final choice. Now I suggest you leave while she packs. I’ll be here to make sure none of you bother her.”

  Because now she’s made her choice, none of you will ever bother her again.

  Chapter 9

  Hailey

  I wrapped the blanket around my shoulders and huddled closer to the fire. Thor wagged his tail happily before plonking his head back on my lap. I absent-mindedly stroked the top of his head as I stared into the flickering flames. The day had
been a living nightmare for me.

  After packing my things, I had gotten into Lawson's truck and we had headed back to his house. Halfway through the journey, I got the call first from my mother, crying. She had accused me of being an adulteress before begging me to go back to Matthew. After her tenth attempt, she gave up and hung up the phone without saying goodbye. Next came the call from my father, I could hear his anger down the phone as he called me every living name under the sun. Lawson had gripped my thigh throughout as I let the tears stream down my face, asking for forgiveness but standing my ground in my decision. That hadn't washed over with him and soon he had announced I was being disowned and cut out the will. The last call had been from my sister, Margot, asking me if I would change my mind. It had been a final blow for me when she informed me that she had been banned to talk to me going forward. With tearful goodbyes, we had ended the conversation and that had been the end of my family relationships.

  Lawson hadn't tried to belittle my emotions; he hadn't even attempted to distract me. Instead, he was understanding and had allowed me to cry in his arms for the rest of the day, late into the night where I found myself staring into the flames of the fireplace.

  Handing me a steaming bowl of tomato soup along with crusty bread. He sat down next to me and we lifted our spoons. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I took the first bite.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked.

  “Miserable,” I admitted, “I have no family, no friends, and no money. My only worldly possessions are the things I packed for this sham of a vacation. I hate to be a burden but do you mind if I stay with you for a little while? I swear I’ll find a job and pick myself up as soon as possible.”

  Without answering, he picked up the empty bowls and put them in the sink before coming back in front of the fire. He picked me up from where I was sitting and put me on his lap. I slid my arm around his neck as he did so, we stared into each other’s eyes.

  “Stay as long as you want,” he nuzzled into me.

  I allowed myself to be wrapped in his arms, staring blankly as the flames crackled away. Pain lapped at me, slowly eating away the little energy I had left. I don't know when I fell asleep, all I knew is I finally gave in to the exhaustion, I let it cover me in a shroud of darkness, curled up into the man who had saved me from a devastating future.

  ***

  Lawson

  I opened the door hesitantly, peeking around the corner before I entered. The room was dark as always as I slunk in, carrying the tray laden with breakfast offerings. As I got to the bed, I was surprised to see she was missing. I hadn’t heard her leave the room which must have meant she had left when I had gone to let Thor out.

  “Hailey?” I called.

  No answer.

  Panic gripped me as I put the tray down on the bed and backed out. I scanned the main room before heading to the bathroom door. I banged on the door, without a response, I pushed it open.

  Empty.

  Where is she? For the last month, she's barely left the bed and now she's disappeared? There's nowhere to go, nowhere to hide inside this house. Unless… she's not inside the house.

  I grabbed my light coat as I headed outside. I could hear Thor barking happily and my heart thudded and I rushed out into the morning light. There, in the sunshine, stood Hailey, laughing, and playing with the dog. I couldn't help but stand there, mouth open, as I took in the woman in front of me. She was happy, radiant even, and moving.

  This is the Hailey I know. The Hailey I saved from the mountain, the Hailey that stood up to her ex, the Hailey that cast everything aside to be happy. Now she’s finally allowing herself to be.

  When she noticed me, her grin lit up her face and she came rushing over. Before I knew what was happening, she threw her arms around me and planted hundreds of kisses upon my cheek.

  “I’m free,” she squealed.

  “Yes,” I smiled, “You’re free and you always will be.”

  “And it’s all thanks to you.”

  “Me?” I asked, “I did nothing except show you the life you could have. You were the one brave enough to reach out and grasp it with both hands. You’re one of the strongest women I know.”

  “I love you,” she breathed.

  Both of us froze, the words had escaped her mouth without thinking. Our eyes locked onto one another as we registered the word between us. I let the phrase sink into my head, riding through my veins until it landed in my heart. It felt warm, it felt natural, it felt right. She looked at me, rigid, waiting for my reaction as she chewed on her lower lip.

  “I love you too, Hailey. I truly do.”

  Her lips landed on mine and I had never felt such a connection as we held one another. The sun bathing us in its glorious rays, shining on a moment I knew I would remember for the rest of time. As she pulled away, I brushed a stray hair from her face and looked into her eyes.

  Now I know what true love feels like.

  Epilogue

  Lawson

  My dad straightened my bow tie as I stood there anxiously waiting. It had appeared half the town had turned up for the celebration and it put me on edge. A little over a year ago and they barely knew my name, I was the mountain boy, once a member of Chester like them, turned rural. I only came into the town once a week to pick up groceries, no one wanted much to do with me. Since she came along, everything changed. Suddenly, I wanted to know everyone, I wanted to let everyone celebrate in our happiness. The town I had grown up in had become the town that supported me. I was no longer the boy from the mountains, I was the man who helped everyone.

  Cillian Carter, my best man, gave me a pat on the back as the music started. I looked back at my other groomsmen, all once outcasts like me – Cullen Price and Brennan Hill. They smiled knowingly as everyone turned to watch the procession up the aisle.

  First came the flower girls - Isabella Green, Gail Hill, and Zara Carter. Then I heard an audible gasp as the bride stepped into view, Kayla hooked onto her arm, grinning. My own breath was taken away at the sight of Hailey dressed in white. She had always been the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen, but in that dress, she was an angel. I felt a tear christen my lower lashes as I looked across at her. Everything and everyone else in the chapel faded away as she walked up the aisle. All I could see was her, glowing and radiant as she came closer. It wasn’t until I had her hand in mine that I allowed the tear to fall.

  The ceremony went on, I occasionally glanced back into the crowd. My mother grinned at me and I smiled back, she had finally won her battle with drugs and I couldn’t be more proud of her. Dad was beaming next to her. Of course, none of Hailey’s family had shown.

  Beaumont – French for ‘beautiful mountain’. Rather ironic they couldn’t support their daughter when she became a part of the land her family is named after. No matter, she’s going to be a Camden now. Anglo-Saxon meaning ‘from the winding valley”.

  “And do you, Lawson Camden, take Hailey to be your lawfully wedded wife?” the words broke through.

  “I do.”

  “Then I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

  I dipped her low as I planted a kiss on her lips. She squealed as I held her, her arms firmly wrapped around my neck. The applause from the crowd was thunderous, giving me cover to whisper to her.

  “You’re all mine now. My mountain woman.”

  Also By Anna Joung

  Mountain Man Series

  Alpha Hooked Series

  Mister Right Series

  About The Author

  Anna Joung is a young hopeless romantic soul, who enjoys writing romance stories with happily ever after. She likes to read to forget and escape her everyday living. Her main goal is for readers to have the same escape and they can delve into the stories as she does.

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