Authors: Connie Lafortune
“Precious, please let me explain.” Oh dammit. He would use the one name that gets to me. Every time.
Slowly, our eyes catch and I’m horrified at what I’m seeing. His left eye is swollen shut and his face is covered in welts. Sonia might not have been able to stop him, but she tried like hell. “Ryker, you need to have your eye examined. Your cornea could be scratched and if you don’t seek the proper care you could go blind.” When I reach out to touch his face, he flinches. He’s hurting, too. “Let me give her these and I’ll be right back.”
As soon as I knock on the door, it opens. “Here. These will have to do. We’ll be in the kitchen when you’re ready.” I don’t bother waiting for her answer, I just walk away.
I carve a path straight through the living room, grab Ryker’s hand, and pull him along with me. I’ve got to clean him up and get him to the ER. He needs to have that eye checked. “Sit, so I can clean your face.” He doesn’t protest as he takes a seat at the breakfast bar. Which is good because I won’t have to stand on my tiptoes to reach him.
I move through the kitchen on autopilot and grab everything I can find. Once I set everything down, I take a deep breath and face my husband. God knows what kind of germs were underneath that woman’s fingernails. “Look up, Ry.”
He takes in a ragged breath and does what he’s told. “Can I tell you what happened now?”
“Absolutely not. When Sonia’s finished in there, you can both tell me. Now, sit still.” My heart breaks when his hands land on my hips. He’s trying to pull me in but I won’t budge. He needs to know that I’m not all right with this and I haven’t forgiven him. Although, he does look ten times worse than Sonia. Just saying.
We both wince when the bathroom door opens. Ryker’s hands clench and unclench with apprehension. I’m trying so hard to quiet my nerves. But I know the exact moment Sonia enters the room, because there’s an audible gasp.
“Oh my god, Ryker. I’m so sorry…”
Everything happens so fast after that, I’m not sure who moved first. All I know is they are wrapped around each other. His hand cradles the back of her head as he tries to reassure her. Unfortunately, I can’t make out a word because she’s sobbing so damn loud. They almost look like two lovers trying to make amends and that just sends me into a tizzy. Now all I can think about is the two of them tangled up in the sheets together. Fucking, sucking, and making love until the wee hours of the morning. This must be how Ryker felt when he saw Gage and I in each other’s arms. Ugh, this is way too much for me to deal with so I decide to get the hell outta there. And then Ryker grabs me by the arm as I try to sneak by.
“Stay, Bell. Please. We’ll explain everything as soon as Sonia can compose herself.” I must look frantic so he pulls me in for a hug and leaves a tender kiss on my crown. I can’t help feeling like a third wheel, but I stay.
After several hushed minutes, Sonia finally speaks. “I’m sorry, Ryker. There was so much I wanted to tell you when you came to The Pleasure Palace, but I was sworn to secrecy. Rodriguez is my brother.”
Ryker jerks back, glaring at her. “What the fuck, Sonia. I told you everything. Everything! And all this time you were my enemy’s sister. Fuck! I can’t believe this.” Without thinking about his eye he scrubs his hands over his face. “Fuck…!”
“Hear me out. Please! I hadn’t seen him since he’d been arrested. But he called me last week and begged me to come. He had ‘something’ he wanted to discuss with me. An informant had told him that there was a woman working at the University Library that was seen with Ryker Steel. Who looked just like… ”
“Motherfucker! I knew this would happen. Bella, go pack your bags. We’re getting the hell out of here. Now!”
Mayhem ensues. Cody begins barking. And Ryker’s practically dragging me down the hallway, away from Sonia’s shrill cries. “No, Ryker! Stop. Stop! You’re free, I swear you’re both free. I told him you saved me. That you were the only man who cared about what was on the inside. You loved me for who I was and not because I spread my legs and gave good head. Please, you have to believe me…”
No wife ever wants to hear about another woman giving her husband head. But as soon as I realize what she said—we’re free—I stop dead in my tracks and turn around to face her. “What’s stopping him from changing his mind, Sonia?”
“He’d never do that. Carlos’s word is his bond. He wanted me to give you this.” Why am I not surprised when she pulls a folded envelope out of her bra? “My brother wants to thank you for saving me by giving you and Bella your lives back…”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Ryker
Thank fuck I was able to get ahold of Dr. Peterson to come check out my eye at the apartment. Because I don’t know how the hell I would have explained my injuries at the emergency room. The good doctor didn’t ask any questions and I didn’t volunteer any information. He was a true professional. He examined my eye, cleaned it with saline solution, and prescribed some drops for the irritation. There doesn’t appear to be any damage to the cornea, but he wants me to follow up with my optometrist in a few days. Since I’m sensitive to light, he suggested I wear a patch. Yeah, not happening.
I’m not going to lie, it’s a bitch trying to read with one eye. But I have a few minutes to kill before Cole shows up, so I’m going to read the letter. Again. This time, I’m hoping I can read between the lines. Because if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is…
September 7, 2015
Ryker,
Since I’m a man of few words, I will only say this once. Thank you for looking after my baby sister. Sonia’s informed me that if it hadn’t been for your compassion, she wouldn’t be with us today. And as her brother, it upsets me just knowing that I wasn’t there for her. That it took a patron at The Pleasure Palace to make her feel whole once again. Perhaps it was the simple act of fornication that brought the two of you together. In the end, it was two broken people finding solace in one another.
Since we’ve gotten all the sentimental bullshit out of the way, I want you to know that I’m still fucking pissed. I trusted you, Ryker, and you betrayed me. So I sat back, bided my time and waited. Planning my retaliation. Lucky for you, Mrs. Harper did something insanely stupid. Then all of my
time and attention was focused on her innocent daughter. Unfortunately, we all know how that turned out. That being the reason why Joe is in Block C. One floor above me. Anyway, when news broke that it was
indeed your wife Bella who was mistakenly killed, I felt victorious. And I used that information to my advantage. Do you see where I’m headed with this, Mr. Steel? Let me enlighten you. I sat back and patiently waited. Revenge does not have an expiration date. And when the time finally arrived, Hawk was in my back pocket. He was happy to play good cop bad cop. I instructed him to position the detour sign during the snowstorm. Then he caused Lyra to run off the road and waited until Cody found her before he left. My revenge came in the form of a dainty girl who was the spitting image of your dead wife. Brilliant, don’t you agree? Sonia has just informed me of the mix up which took place between Bella and Lyra. A joyous occasion for you turns out to be a tragedy for Mrs. Harper. Well, it was long overdue as far as I’m concerned.
Now, I’m easily getting sidetracked. So it’s time for me to reveal the reason for this letter. I, Carlos Rodriguez, give you my solemn oath that from this day forward all retaliation against Mr. and Mrs. Ryker Steel has been revoked. Everyone in my employ has been immediately informed of these changes and has ceased all surveillance. I give you my word that no harm will ever bestow you or your family, today or in the years to follow.
Carlos Rodriguez
It doesn’t matter how many times I read the letter, it’s yet to sink in. Sonia has assured me that it’s the real deal. But I’ve also learned a long time ago to keep my friends close and my enemies closer. So why should I believe we’re both free just because he says so? As much as I’d like to celebrate, I’ll wait until Cole takes a look at it. I’d like to get his opinion before I pop the cork. Bella’s nervous about seeing him again, but I assured her that he’s probably just as nervous. I can’t help chuckling when the doorbell rings because I can hear Bell swearing in the bedroom. “I’ll get it, precious.”
The moment I open the door, I wish I could slam it shut. But it’s too late. Kennedy’s standing there glaring at me. “Who the hell are you? And what the fuck are you doing in Lyra’s apartment?”
Oh, for fuck’s sake! First Sonia and now her! This is the last person I wanted to deal with today. But two can play this game. “Who the hell are you? And was she expecting you today?”
“Dude that would have spoiled the surprise. Who did you say you were again?”
“He didn’t, Kennedy. Why are you here?”
“Well, that’s a hell of a way to greet your best friend. Especially since we haven’t seen each other in ages. Maybe if you would have answered your damn phone and hadn’t cancelled our spa dates, I wouldn’t have just popped by.”
I’m sympathetic when she walks over to Bella and gives her a great big hug. Whispering in her ear just loud enough for me to hear. “Who the hell’s the hunk with the junk? And does Gage know you’re hanging with him? C’mon, spill your guts, baby girl.”
Poor precious, her eyes widen as she mouths, “Help me.” And for the life of me, I don’t know how. But I have to try something before Cole shows up. “My name is Ryker Steel, and you are?”
Kennedy slowly turns around and scrutinizes me. From head to toe. I’m quite sure she just pictured me naked and then eye-fucked me all at the same time. “Hmm, why does that name sound so familiar? Let me think.” I wait while she taps her pretty pink nails against her bottom lip. “I got it! You’re the dude who went into hiding after your wife was killed. Hey, Lyra looks just…”
“Kennedy, that’s enough!” It’s sweet the way Bella tries to defend me. But I don’t even get the chance to tell her, I’ve got this one.
“It’s true! You look just like his dead wife and that’s just wacked. OMG! Is he the reason why Gage and your mother won’t return any of my phone calls?”
“Don’t blame them, Kennedy. It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have cancelled our spa weekends because it would have given me a chance to explain…”
“Don’t bother! If you’re living in New York and Gage is still in Toronto, I think it’s perfectly clear. You broke up with him so you could live with this assoholic! Can’t you see how twisted this scenario is? You look just like…”
“Enough!” Both girls jump when my voice reverberates around the room. Kennedy spins around to berate me but quickly changes her mind once she notices how angry I am. Bella’s eyes plead with me not to make a scene, but I’m so done with this. “Would you like me to remind you that you’re an uninvited guest in our home? Or the fact that you never called ahead to find out if we have plans? Which we do, by the way, so I think it’s time for you to leave.” I knew I should have slammed the door in her face while I had the chance. Since I didn’t, I stride over to the door, open it and wait.
“Ryker, please.” I can’t bear the look on Bella’s face. Fuck! “Let her stay. I’ll explain everything.” Of course, I give in. Bella has me wrapped around her little finger. Ten times over.
Just when I’m about to kick the door closed in exasperation, Cole pushes it wide open. Oh, this is going to be priceless. He looks right through me as he walks inside. “Isabella? I can’t believe it’s you.” I would’ve gladly pulled out my cell to take a picture of their happy reunion, but the look on Kennedy’s shocked face is unforgettable. So I take this moment to relish in it.
“Lyra, what in the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks is going on here?”
Perhaps I’m a killjoy but I can’t take this shit any longer. “She’s my wife, Kennedy. Lyra Harper was the one who died years ago, not Bella Steel.” I’m not going to sugar coat it. Or have Bell go through a lengthy detailed account of what happened. It is what it is. Right between the eyes and straight to the point. And it felt cathartic as the words easily rolled off my tongue.
Cole moves aside as soon as Kennedy steps into his peripheral vision. Bella looks at her best friend with so much regret, it breaks my heart. Now, it’s out in the open and she doesn’t have to hide anymore.
“I’m sorry, Kennedy. I didn’t know how to tell you your best friend was a fraud. A fake. My real name’s Isabella Steel. I’m a ballerina for the New York City Ballet. I’m Ryker’s wife and Cole’s cousin. And I’ll always be your best friend if you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”
Kennedy glowers at her and quickly states, “It doesn’t matter what your name is, chica. You’re still the same strongminded and stubborn woman I met that day at the hospital. And you’ll always be my BFF. You know I love ya, girl. Now, your husband is a different story. He’s a dipshit. Although, he looks like he’d be a badass in the sack. So you’ll have to give me all the dirty deats.”
Personally, I choose to ignore her altogether. I’m sure Kennedy must have some redeeming qualities if Bella loves her. I’ve yet to find them but it’s still early. “C’mon, Cole. Let’s go grab a beer. There’s something I’d like you to take a look at.”
Bella
When I see Kennedy check out Cole’s ass as they walk by, I smile. She’ll never change, but I wouldn’t have her any other way. “There’s so much testosterone in this room, I want to bathe in it. Wow, your cousin’s hot, Lyra. Ugh, I’m sorry. It’s going to take me awhile to get used to your name.”
“I know it’s a lot to absorb, so I get it. And I apologize for Ryker’s behavior…”
“Don’t, he thought you were dead. Shit! Now, I get why you cancelled our spa dates. But out of all the excuses I conjured up in my head, this one takes the cake. I’m shocked. So, how did you guys finally reconnect?”
“Well, Jonathan Day—the man who held me captive—turned out to be Ryker Steel. At the time, I had no idea he was my husband.”
“Get the fuck out! Subconsciously, you must’ve known who he was. Right?”
“No, not really. I definitely felt a connection between the both of us. But I thought it was because he saved my life. Then I thought that I was suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. Women have been known to fall in love with their captors. Anyway, Jonathan had long hair, black eyes and a beard. He didn’t resemble the handsome man you met today. I had no way of knowing.”