Ending with Forever (14 page)

“Give into it,” I persuade. “You know you want to.”

Detaching her body from mine she mounts my hips with her back to me. “You can’t convince me,” she assures me over her shoulder and thrusts her pelvis up and down. Her back is glistening with perspiration. She’s working me hard, but I’ll come when I allow myself to. I think it’s time for me to show her who’s really in charge. Releasing my tight grip of the scarf, I brace my hands on her hips and drive my cock into her, hitting her with the stamina I’ve been reserving until now. She’s startled but too far gone to stop me. Rising onto my knees, I continue my retaliation as she falls forward, landing on her palms. Her kitten purrs are now like ferocious lion roars. I have her where I want her, under my control and helpless. Her body is listless as she lies face down while I empty the last of my cum inside her. “You win,” she surrenders.

“You never had a chance,” I murmur against her cheek after my body crashes down on top of hers. “Any other points you want to make?” I purposely stir, rubbing my defeat in her face.

“Yes,” she pants. “Will you trust me enough to pull all your watchdogs? You have my word to behave. Luke is all I need.”

I hesitate, considering her request while debating her safety. She knows the danger that surrounds her. She wouldn’t purposely put her life at risk doing something senseless. I can remove all the extra bodyguards inside the building and just keep a few outside the perimeter. “Swear to me you’ll stay in the penthouse unless you’re escorted out by Luke.”

“Yes,” she agrees.

“No. I want to hear you swear on it. This isn’t something I’ll take lightly.”

“I know. I swear,” she tells me as she drifts away into a soundless sleep.

O
h geez. How long have I been sleeping for? The last thing I remember is Carson overpowering me after he somehow freed his wrists. There’s no question about it. I’m defenseless against his beautifully carved body. I don’t know why I even bother pretending to be tough. It’s pointless. I glance at the clock and panic that it’s already 11:08 a.m. Half of the day is gone and I’m still lying naked in bed. Rolling over to Carson’s side of the bed, I find a note in the middle of a puddle of black silk I used to tie him up this morning. A devilish smile slithers across my face as I recall Carson’s helpless expression. It was priceless. The roles were reversed and he did NOT like being powerless. 

Good afternoon gorgeous,

By the time you read this note, I’ve probably had three meetings, another cup of coffee, and two wet daydreams about last night and this morning. You never cease to amaze me. Breakfast in bed has a new meaning to me and Chef Calvino’s omelet will never taste as mouthwatering as yours. Dr. Laurent is scheduled to stop by later this evening. I want to be there with you when he examines you. One more thing: Don’t kill yourself over those charts. We’ll conquer them together. I’ll call you later once I have the details for Gabby’s visit. And lastly, please remember your promise to me. Do NOT leave the penthouse for any reason unless Luke is with you. Have a good day, my love.

Yours truly…Hazel Eyes.

From the light tone of his note, I can assume he enjoyed my surprise breakfast in bed with a bonus. Hurriedly, I race to the bathroom, and on cue, I sense the same nausea that’s been tormenting me circle around my neck and chest. I want to take a pregnancy test before I see Dr. Laurent this evening. I need to be prepared if the test is positive. Gathering two handfuls of cool water, I splash my face to see if I can relieve that icky feeling. I’m still nauseated but more alert and oriented.

I have a big to-do list to tackle today. First, I need Belle to drop off a pregnancy test, retrieve Edison’s number from her phone without being caught and then find Sasha’s address. After that, I’ll register for the online classes and go through the next stack of charts while I wait for Carson to call me. On my way to BPC I’ll also need to stop by a toy store to pick up a songbird for Gabby. I hope I didn’t forget anything else.

“Hey girl, are you decent?” a male voice hollers from outside the bedroom. It’s Andrew. He was granted permission to use the secret entrance so people wouldn’t notice his frequent visits to Carson’s penthouse.

“Yeah. Come in, Andrew,” I holler back.

Rushing into the room he squeals, “How was the wedding? I want all the details,” and gives me a big squeeze. “Dear lord, what happened to you, sweetie? Your face is pale as a sheet,” he fusses as he inspects my complexion with his roaming eyes.

“Do I look that bad?”

“You’ve had better days,” he tells me honestly. “You need some color on those cheeks, girlfriend. Are you not feeling well?”

“My mornings have been rough lately.”

“Uh-oh. Is someone pregnant?” he implies with both hands over his mouth. “Babies!” he cries out loud. “I love babies. Stewie and I eventually want to adopt one or have a surrogate carry one for us.”

“Shhh. I don’t want Luke to suspect anything,” I hush him. “It’s wonderful that you and Stewart want a baby.”

“Well…are you?”

“I don’t know yet. This is why I’m going to ask Belle to drop off a test for me later today.”

“Do you want me to pick one up now instead?” Andrew offers. “I can run to Walgreens around the corner.” I’d love for him to go now, so I can get my answer quicker, but then it’ll eliminate my alibi for Belle’s visit.

“No. It’s okay. I need to have an excuse for Belle to stop by the penthouse or I’ll feel guilty for wasting her time. Besides, you just got here and I need to tell you all about the wedding.”

“Hold that thought. I need to tell you something first. It’s big,” he interrupts me. “You might want to sit for this.” He drags me over to the edge of the bed.

“What is it?”

“I was at a glamorous dinner party at Stew’s uncle’s place and guess who I ran into?” His eyes grow large like golf balls.

“Who? Tell me.”

“Bianca,” he whispers it like an evil word that shouldn’t be mentioned out loud because it could summon the devil. If he thought my face was ashen earlier, it’s probably another shade whiter now.

“Who’s Stew’s uncle and why was she there?”

“Chandler Montgomery is his uncle by marriage and I don’t know why Bianca was there. She was really flirting with Montgomery senior and junior, so I think you’re in the clear now. She’s probably over Carson already.”

“I think you’re wrong. She’s up to something again,” I whisper. “My only hope to connect her to my accident is the car rental man in St. Croix. Recently, he came up missing without a trace.”

“No…you think she might be involved with that, too?” he suggests in horror.

“I wouldn’t put it past her.”

“Think, think, think, Andrew,” he encourages himself. “Did she say anything that might’ve meant something else?” He forces his brain to retrace its steps to that night. “She pissed Bridgette off really badly.”

“Who’s Bridgette?” I pry.

“Bridgette Ly is Wes’s love interest.”

“Oh my God. I know her,” I yell, yanking on his arm. I can’t believe what a small world this is. She’s Marcus Ly’s snobby granddaughter.

“How…do you know her?”

“I met her in Hong Kong on that business trip that Carson made me go with. She thinks her shit doesn’t stink,” I add while shaking my head in disgust.

“You’re shitting me. She can be a real snob if you don’t know her like I do, but she’s very sweet once you get to know her,” he trails off on a tangent.

“I need you to focus, Andrew.” I grab his shoulders and give him a good shake. “Did Bianca say or do anything that might help my case?”

“Hmm…she did leave with a young lady who she mingled with, off and on the entire evening.”

“What did she look like?”

“Tall and slender with a pixie cut. Very attractive lady,” he describes. “Do you know her?”

Sasha. They’re definitely planning something big if those two are together. I need to reach her so I can threaten her into a confession before it’s too late. I have to do it sooner rather than later.

“No,” I deny. At this point, I’m not sure who I can trust to keep my secret. Carson has eyes and ears everywhere. I can’t have him getting in my way. I need to put that crazy bitch away.

“You want to hear something really weird?”

“What?”

“After seeing Carson in person and running into Wes at the party, I can’t believe how much they look alike. For sure, they can pass for twins. Wes has an edgier look while Carson is Mr. GQ.”

“Who’s Wes again?” I’m so confused. All that’s on my mind is Bianca.

“Give me your ears, Lil,” he tells me as his index fingers point to his. “He’s Chandler Montgomery’s adopted son.” Andrew mentions that surname again—my father’s surname.
Lil, there are probably thousands of Montgomerys out there. Don’t be ridiculous. They’re not related.
“I’m having him and Bridgette over for dinner tomorrow. You and Carson should come, too. This way you can get to know her nicer side.”

“Sure. I’ll mention it to Carson.”

“You better. I’m cooking a mean Mediterranean dish with baklava for dessert.”

“Well, count us in then. I love to eat.”

“You don’t look it. You’re skinny like a long bean.”

“Oh shut it. Look at you. You’re too fit and sexy to be a former caterer and chef.”

“Keep talking, cutie,” he encourages and chuckles. “I love compliments, especially inflated ones.”

~~~~

“Lil, I’m dying here. Are there plus signs on both of those tests?” Belle whispers loudly outside the bathroom.

“Give me a second to pull my pants up,” I yell back and flush the toilet.

I thought I was antsy but she’s worse than me. The minute she entered the penthouse, she demanded I pee on those sticks immediately—at the door if she had her way. She bought four tests in all so we can confirm there’ll be no false positives. Walking out the bathroom, I recap the second stick and clumsily drop the cap under the bed. I crouch down to look for it and find a picture of me and Richard faced up. I leave it there. I can’t have Belle seeing the heat and anger percolating inside me. This must be one of those damn pictures Richard was talking about. I can understand why Carson was so repulsed by me. Just look at me. My body was entangled in Richard’s arms as we lay in his bed. I can say I hate Bianca worse than I hate snakes. That’s a lot of hate. She’s slimy, cold and more venomous than those disgusting creatures. Now I’m more determined to get a hold of Sasha than ever.

“Well, show me the tests,” Belle demands. Standing up to face her, I hand her both sticks. I’ll let her tell me instead. I’m too nervous right now. Examining it closely, she looks at each window and then back at me. “Do you want to know, Lil?” she taunts me.

“Don’t screw with my head. I already have enough crap up there. Give it to me straight up.”

“They’re both positive. You’re pregnant!” she rejoices and encircles her arms around me.

“Look again. Are you sure?” I insist with my chin bouncing up and down on her giddy shoulder.

She lifts the sticks to eye level and stares at them for a second time. “They’re still positive,” she confirms.

I’m pregnant.
Oh my God! I’m pregnant!
Carson’s little baby is growing inside me. Utter bliss is what I’m feeling as happy tears drip from the corners of my eyes. Unlike last time, I welcome this unexpected news with a bursting heart, even though I know it’ll alter the course of my life significantly. It doesn’t matter anymore. I have Carson, our baby and the rest of our lives together. They’re all that matter to me. Find happiness first, and then success, is what my mom advised me. She couldn’t be more right about that. Carson is living proof. There’s no one more successful than him and yet, he basically lived a life of solitude before we found each other. Now we’re inseparable. I can’t wait to share the news with him. He’ll be overjoyed as I am, remembering how amazing he was with my previous pregnancy.

“Help me think of a special way I can tell Carson.”

“Let’s put our minds together. I’m sure we can come up with something brilliant.” Belle gleams at me. “I’m so happy for you,” she tells me.

“Who would’ve thought I’d want to be a mom at this age? Carson makes me so happy that every goal I’ve made in the past now includes him.”

“You’re good together. There’s so much love between you two. It’s almost sickening,” she laughs.

“Really? And you and Hayden aren’t?” I arch my brow at her. “You two are disgustingly cute,” I add. “Now will you help me come up with a clever way to surprise Carson?” I insist and then it hits me. I know exactly what to do.

T
he doorbell chimes several times. Whoever’s on the other side of that door is way too impatient. Miss Polly rushes from the kitchen to answer it as Bridgette and I finish up our breakfast.

“Are you expecting anyone?” I ask my lovely houseguest. I heard her talking to someone earlier when she left me in the shower to take a call. It must’ve been very important.

“Yes. I hope you don’t mind,” she replies and then takes a small bite of her toasted bagel.

“Who is it?”

“Kevin.”

“Your granddad’s bodyguard? Are you fucking kidding me?” I can’t believe she’s sitting here so calmly knowing that Kevin’s on the other side of the door.

“Wes, chill. He’s on a mission for my grandfather and so am I,” she discloses between a sip of coffee.

“What do you mean a mission?”

“My grandfather has reasons to believe my Aunt Lia didn’t die in a plane crash like your late grandfather claimed. She’s well and she has a daughter,” she reveals in a relaxed manner. “I’m here to find them for him.” She takes another sip and bite of her bagel.

“Were you just using me these past few days to get information? Is this why you accepted my father’s dinner invitation after years of ignoring them?” I accuse. My blood begins to boil as my mind races through all kinds of conclusions. She’s colder than I ever imagined as I watch her casually enjoying her breakfast.

Finally, she sets her plate and mug down. “Wes, please relax. It’s not like that,” she soothes, which isn’t something she does often. “First of all, I didn’t intend on sleeping with you. The attraction we have for each other is real. I gave into my weakness.”

“Are you telling me what we shared last night was only a moment of your weakness? After today we’re back to being just friends? I can’t accept that. Either I have all of you or you cut me off for good.” I give her my ultimatum. God knows I’m just bluffing. I can’t cut her out of my life no matter how hard I try.

“My grandfather was wrong about you. You’re a decent man with a good heart. I was wrong not to defend your integrity,” she explains. “I’m…sorry it took me this long to figure it out.”

“Tell me, Bridgette. Tell me you still feel something for me,” I persuade. I want to hear it out loud so I can believe it. My heart needs confirmation.

“I’ve loved you since that day you swore you’d give up everything to have me in your life. I knew you would, but I could never ask you to make that kind of sacrifice.”

“I’m willing still. All you have to do is tell me you’ll stay with me.”

Clearing her throat, Miss Polly lets us know that we have a visitor. “Mr. Montgomery, Kevin is waiting in the living room for you and Miss Longley.”

“Thank you. Please let him know that we’ll be in momentarily.”

“Yes, sir.” Miss Polly replies, using her professional manner around Bridgette.

“Bridgette, I need an answer,” I urge as soon as Miss Polly leaves the kitchen.

“We’ll work something out. I can’t stay with you—not yet, but I won’t deny my feelings for you anymore.”

“That’s all I needed to hear.” I lean over to give her a kiss. She wraps her arms around my neck and locks us tightly together. “I love you,” I mouth against her lips.

“I love you,” she finally confesses. I’ve died and gone to heaven hearing her declare her feelings for me. After three years of deprivation, she finally comes to her senses and not a second sooner.

~~~~

“Kevin, what do you know so far?” Bridgette inquires in a demanding tone as she enters the living room in my navy robe, unaffected by his stunned expression. No salutations—just business. She doesn’t even bother to take a seat. It’s hard to imagine that she’s the same sweet woman from a few breaths ago.

“Should we discuss this here?” he confirms, giving me a distrusting look while maintaining a firm stance.

“Yes. It’s fine,” she snips with an arrogant wave of her hand. I can see her patience is thinning quickly.

“I’ve confirmed the location of your aunt. She lives in Indiana and her daughter is back in Boston with Mr. Bradley.”

What the fuck!
Bridgette’s cousin is Bradley’s girlfriend and my father, her uncle, is using her to get to Bradley’s drug. How fucked up is that? He’s handing her over to that crazy bitch Bianca when everything’s said and done. Did he know this fact all along and didn’t give a shit? He must’ve. He knows everything. I never knew how cruel my father really is. I’m not torn anymore. How can I side with a ruthless man like him?

“Is she secured?” Bridgette inquires with her arms crossed in front of her chest.

“Yes. The bodyguard is her new neighbor across the street.”

“Perfect. What about Lillian?”

“Mr. Bradley has her contained in his penthouse. She’s not going anywhere without his consent.”

“What’s going on?” I butt in. They must know what my father’s up to. There’s no better time to fess up than now. Both Bridgette and Kevin shy away from my question. Were they testing me all along?

“We’re concerned for their safety,” Bridgette finally answers. “We have reasons to believe Lillian might be a possible target for the same people who have Bradley’s missing researchers.” She’s fishing for information. I can tell from her traveling eyes. They won’t stay fixed so I can question her motive.

“Do you know who’s involved?”

“Do you?” She reverts the question back to me.

“Yes. It’s my father,” I reply without guilt. I won’t allow him to hurt another innocent person because of his greed. “Honest to God, Bridgette. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. All these years I grew up respecting his strength and professionalism. I never really knew the man I called my father.”

“I believe you. He’s merciless when it comes to power and money. His hunger for it is insatiable. Your grandfather was just as greedy. Can you understand why my grandfather has ill feelings for them?” I nod in agreement. “What do you know about the missing researchers?”

“They’re kept in an underground building I never knew existed until about a week ago. The internal structure reminds me of the inside of a submarine capsule. There are two main labs with a dozen scientists dressed in sterile white jackets. Bradley’s men are kept in a secured room called a confinement pod. There are six of them. They probably rotate the two men between those pods to heighten security. You need an authorized palm print to enter or you’ll never break through the metal doors.”

“Anything else you can recall, Mr. Montgomery?” Kevin looks to me for more answers. It appears that he’s mentally noting everything that I’m sharing with his photographic memory. From my words to my body language, he leaves no details unnoticed.

“I think that’s it.”

“Thanks for your input.” He observes me one more time. “I should head out, Miss Longley. I’ll touch base with you later,” Kevin tells Bridgette before letting himself out.

“Bridgette, you do believe me right? I don’t want any part of my father’s plan.” I need her to know that I’m different from my father and his father. Greed doesn’t control me. It’s not factored into any decisions I make.

“Yes. Do you think I would reveal any of that information to you if I didn’t trust you?” I shake my head.

“There’s something else I need to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“I met my biological mother a few days ago.”

“Really? That’s wonderful, Wes. I know you’ve been back and forth about searching for her. What is she like?” Bridgette sounds sincerely excited for me.

“Everything I imagined her to be. She’s the total opposite of Mimi—humble and kind. I have a half brother and sister and a…twin brother.”

“What!” she exclaims. “You’re a twin? Does she know anything about him?” I nod, stalling to answer her question. “Well. Tell me. Don’t keep me in suspense,” she demands in her cute British accent.

“You know him personally.” She gives me a muddled look.

“How?” she asks and then it hits her. Her eyes double in circumference and her mouth opens into a hollow O. “Oh my God!” she yells after putting two and two together. “The first time I saw him face to face I thought of you. Carson Bradley is your twin brother. Isn’t he?” With a heavy sigh, I concur.

“He has no clue and after he finds out that I’m involved with the kidnapping of his researchers, he’ll want nothing to do with me.”

“You’re not responsible for your father’s wrongdoing. You can’t be held accountable for it.”

“But I know about it and I’m not doing anything to stop it.”

“You are now. You’re giving us useful information that can help us retrieve his men. I’ll explain everything to him,” she offers.

“No. Don’t tell him about me. He doesn’t need me to disrupt his perfect life.”

“Wes, don’t be like that. Don’t you want to be united with your family? You’ve wanted this for as long as I’ve known you, and maybe even before that, I bet.” The idea of it is appealing to me, especially since I didn’t have much of a family life growing up.

“I do, but the timing is all wrong. Maybe when this crisis with my father dies down I’ll see if I can salvage what’s left.”

“He has a right to know, too,” she points out.

“I know. There’s one more thing that’s been eating at me. I think Bradley’s girlfriend is in grave danger. She’s their next target, regardless if Carson hands over the drugs to my father or not. Bianca, Bradley’s ex-fiancée, worked out a deal with him. I know nothing about it. I’m only privy to information whenever it benefits him. He mentioned it briefly after he met with Bianca.”

“Are you talking about that blond bitch I met at the dinner party—the one you slept with?” She grates her words through her clenched jaw. I knew my infraction wouldn’t be easily forgotten.  

“Yes. In my defense, I thought you were sleeping with Bradley. I know that doesn’t make it right, but I was so heartbroken.”

“We’ll deal with that issue later. Right now we need to notify Bradley. He’ll have to tighten his security around Lillian until his men are retrieved.”

“Let’s gather our thoughts before we rush over to the man’s office and scare the shit out of him,” I suggest.

“Okay,” she agrees. “We’ll see him tomorrow.”