Chapter 42
Zain
One hour? Two? How long did Lily’s appointments usually last? I’d assumed an hour, that was the standard amount, but she’d been in there for over two and at the moment, I could hardly think. There was only one thing on my mind and it took me over completely.
I scrolled through the display of rings on my phone, not really seeing anything that felt right. My slave would need the best, but not the usual style most women wore. She was special, therefore needed something just as much so. If I could get an idea of what I wanted so I could show the jeweler, I’d be better off.
A groan poured from my mouth and I glanced back at the door that sat between us. What in the world was going on in there? If I didn’t know she was perfectly safe on the fourth floor, I’d have been knocking to check on her already.
“Sometimes it takes a while.” Brace entered the lobby area, sitting down next to me. His hand came up to rub over his shaved head and I lowered the phone.
“Define a while.”
He shrugged. “Longest it’s been was a little over three hours. Lily doesn’t have a set time. When she’s finished, she’s finished.”
“Ah.” I lifted the phone, beginning to scroll again. My eyes cut back over to Brace. “You’ve been following us all day. Is that a precaution on your part, or a lack of trust on hers?”
The confused expression melted from his face into something of annoyance. “How the hell did you see us? We stayed as far out of view as possible. Any more and we would have missed everything.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“I look out for Lily, regardless of what she may or may not order.”
My forehead drew in. “Did she order you to or not?”
“That’s between me and her. I like you, Zain, but one hundred perfect of my loyalty is with Lily. You have to understand that.”
“Are you going to sit outside of my house when she stays over in the future? Or when she moves in with me?” It had been made as a joke but from the look on his face, I sat up straighter. “You’re not going to still be there, are you?”
Brace sat back in the chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “If Slade wants me, or even Lily, all she has to do is say the word and I’ll be there. I have to admit, I don’t think I’ll back off until this uncle of yours is taken care of. I don’t like Lily under that sort of danger.”
“That makes both of us, but you have to know that I’m always on the lookout. I won’t let anything happen to her again.”
“Oh, I know you won’t mean to. It doesn’t mean to say that something won’t happen that’s beyond your control.”
A sigh left my mouth and I looked back down at the phone, moving to the next page. “Lily will be safe. I’m putting all the precautions out to protect her from all angles. If you want to follow us around, that’s fine, too. It will just mean she’s safer.”
“Exactly,” he agreed. Movement from the corner of my eyes caught my attention and he leaned in closer. “Rings, huh?”
“Yep. I’m trying to find the right one and it’s proving to be harder than I thought.”
“Does Slade know you’re going to ask?”
Muffled voices had me clicking off the phone. “Yeah, he knows it’s coming. Not really sure what he thinks about it, but I’m not waiting. Lily’s belongs with me. If I can’t marry her, my ring will be on her finger until the day comes, however long that may be.”
The door opened and Brace and I stood as Lilian walked out. Her eyes were puffy and I immediately headed in her direction.
“Remember to call me if you need anything.” The blonde woman’s eyes narrowed at seeing me, but she stayed quiet.
“I will, thank you.”
My arm went around Lily’s shoulders as we headed for the exit. Brace followed behind and I stayed quiet until we made it to the car. “You okay?” I pulled the strap over her chest, buckled her in, and kneeled down, staring deep into her eyes.
“Yeah, I think so. Reliving all of that just wears me down. I feel better, though.”
“As long as you’re okay.” I gave her a light kiss on the lips and stood, shutting her door. Brace was walking in the opposite direction of the parking lot and I waited until he got closer to the SUV before I moved. Lily watched me warily and I wasn’t sure why. Did she know I suspected that she was having Brace follow us? Did she not trust me or was Brace truly just being safe? I got in, buckled my seatbelt, and started the car.
“You feel like telling me how things went in there?”
A sniffle had her wiping her nose. “Eight to nine months. That’s the average of how long I’ll have to go through this. That’s why I’m upset. My doctor said it could become manageable before then, but there’s no telling. I just can’t imagine having these flashbacks for that long. And, yes, they might not happen every day or even every week, but it just seems like a long time. Especially when you throw that number out of the window and face facts that this could continue forever.”
“Or never again,” I assured.
“I just want to be normal.”
Where I thought she’d burst into tears, she didn’t. Lilian’s face turned hard, but a tear still escaped.
“What is normal other than someone else’s view of the way things are supposed to be? It’s bullshit.” My hand cupped her cheek. “I’ll be here for you, no matter what happens. If it continues forever, then so be it. You have nothing to fear with me by your side. When you return from whatever scares you, I’ll be there to hold you and remind you that there’s no reason to be afraid. I’ll take care of you, Lilian. Forever.”
Her hand reached out and grasped my wrist, holding it while I kissed her again. When she pulled back, she gave me a grin.
“There, I like that. Keep smiling, baby girl. That’s what I love to see on your face the most.”
I started the car and took off toward Lily’s building. The drive was hindered by traffic but we made it to the parking garage just in time to see Slade walking toward his car with Mary and his guards in tow. He waited until we parked and got out.
“I was just about to head out to do a little shopping. How’d the appointment go?” His attention went to Lily and she stepped in closer to me. My arm automatically pulled her to my side.
“It went good. I still have quite a ways to go before things get back to the way they were, but I feel better now that I’ve talked about it.”
Slade nodded. “Good. I’m glad to know you were able to open up to your doctor. It’ll do you well.” He paused. “Listen, I was going to call a little later, but I should just tell you now. I talked to Mr. Volstin. He changed his mind about the meeting in the morning. He wants to discuss things over dinner. Be ready by six. You can ride with me. It may take a few hours to negotiate what I have in mind, but it has to be done.”
Lily’s head lowered, only for her to look up at me confused. I could tell she was torn on what to do. This was her job, but I knew she was worried about our plans.
“Go. We’ll have dinner tomorrow night.” I gave her a reassuring squeeze and I could feel the tension in her shoulders ease almost immediately.
“Thanks,” she whispered to me. When she turned to her brother, her confidence was back. I could so clearly see it by the way her face became serious as she took on her business expression. “I’ll be ready at six.”
“Good. See you then.” Slade turned and headed toward his car where Mary was waiting. She gave a wave that Lily returned. Brace and Caleb were getting out of the SUV and they trailed behind as we made our way to the elevator.
“I’m going to leave you here,” I said, turning Lily to face me. “I have a few errands to run. Are you going to be okay?”
There was surprise on her face while she peered up at me. “Yeah, I mean, I’ll just be getting ready in an hour or two.”
“Rest before then. You need all that you can get after what you just went through. If for some reason you need me, don’t hesitate to call. I’ll come right back.”
“I will.” There was strength in her voice as she stood tall. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in my slave. She’d been through so much, but if I knew anything about Lily, she was a fighter. She’d come back from this and the setback would only make her stronger in the end.
Brace and Caleb led her inside and my stomach dropped as the doors shut. I knew what I was about to do had nothing to do with rings or visions of fancy romantic engagements. It was time I found out if Saul was trying to locate me, and I didn’t even have to go back to my car to find out. If anyone had talked to the front desk of my old building, they’d tell me. What I discovered would set the path on what I needed to do. Or…who I needed to deal with.
Chapter 43
Lily
First the multiple dinners, now this?
I stared up from my desk, glaring at Slade. I knew what he was up to and I wasn’t so sure I liked it. Four days of nonstop distractions for both me and Zain. I was quickly discovering the motive of my brother’s plan was to keep us apart.
“Lunch with the team?” My voice was sarcastic as I stood and crossed my arms over my chest. “What’s next, a business trip to the Cayman Islands? A business meeting in Tokyo?”
Slade’s lips parted and his finger pointed at me, bouncing just the slightest bit.
“Don’t even think about it,” I snapped. “That’s going too far. I’m not ready to be out of this state, let alone the country.”
“Damn. Would you consider going to Tahoe?”
“No!” I walked around the desk, trying to compose myself. Zain was bent over paperwork, his fingers working the keys on the keyboard. The pile next to the one he was working on was so high, I knew it would take him weeks to reach the bottom of it.
“Come on, Lily. Work with me here. It’s barely been any time at all. If I can just get you to draw this out for just a little longer, we’ll have our answer.”
My head shook. “I’ll give you a few weeks, but not every single day. I’ve barely gotten to even hold a conversation with Zain. I miss him and I know he misses me.”
“That’s the point,” he ground out. “He needs to be distanced and put under the ultimate pressure while doing so. It’ll show me everything I need to know.”
I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped. “You piss him off too much and he’ll stop playing by your rules. You can’t seriously think he’s going to let you keep us apart for too long. Have you not learned anything about him the last few weeks?”
“The guy is…” Slade’s mouth twisted. “I know how far to push him before he snaps. He’ll be fine. Hell, I bet he’ll thank me in the end.”
“I doubt that. You’ll be lucky if he doesn’t cut you out of his life completely. Zain doesn’t play games, Slade.”
A defensive looked darkened his features. “This isn’t a game, Lilian. This is your future we’re trying to secure. Let’s make sure that you’re not going to get hurt anymore, okay? Just a few more weeks and if your boyfriend is still around and proving himself, you have my word. I will back off completely and let things fall as they may.”
“Fine. A few more weeks and that’s it. But you’re not keeping me away completely. If your plan isn’t work related, I keep my dates with Zain. Period.” I grabbed my purse from behind the desk, preparing to have lunch with Slade and the team. “By the way, I’m spending the night with him tonight. Don’t try to stop me either. It won’t work.”
A low growl filled the space between us and I raised my eyebrow in challenge. When he stayed quiet, I headed for the door. It was as if whatever world Zain was in disappeared at the slight squeak of the hinge. He turned around, checking his watch. I frowned as I headed over to tell him the bad news.
“Let me guess. You can’t go to lunch.”
I glanced back at the team meeting up next to Slade. “No, I’m sorry. We have a business plan to discuss. Slade wants to go over a few companies and get an insight into what we’re dealing with.” I lowered, moving in closer to his face. At his lips parting, everything in me wanting to kiss him. From the deepening of his breaths, I could tell he wanted to, too. “I’ll probably catch a ride home with Slade, but will you pick me up afterward? I’ll bring my overnight bag.”
The smile that had pulled at my lips disappeared at the pained expression Zain held.
“What is it?” I lifted back, getting a better view of his face.
“I won’t be home tonight. Or for the next few days. I was going to talk to you about it over lunch, but…” He swallowed and his jaw tightened in anger. “Your brother is having me and two other men go down to the LA office to review some accounts. We won’t be back until Friday.”
Heat poured from my skin and I turned, glaring at Slade. He only held my stare for a few seconds before turning back to the conversation they were having. He gave me nothing. Not an apologetic look or a
please understand
expression. He was stoic, just like he always was.
“LA.” I repeated the word, letting the venom in my voice underline it. So far, I’d done okay with the nightmares and I hadn’t had another flashback, but what if Zain wasn’t there for the next one? I knew I needed to be strong and learn to depend on myself, but it was comforting to know my Master could come over if I needed him. Now, he’d be hours away.
“Do you want me to tell him no?”
I looked down, only then realizing I was still giving my brother a death stare.
“Oh, no. You go ahead. This is your job. We’re both having to make sacrifices. It comes with the territory.”
“So I’ve noticed.” Zain picked up my hand, only to let it go. The frustration was evident. I knew he wanted to kiss my palm or knuckles. It was something I loved for him to do. But here, we couldn’t be too obvious in what we shared. I really shouldn’t have even come to him in such a public place. I’d have to remember to be more private. “You have a good lunch,” he continued. “I’ll stop by and see you before I take off.”
“Okay, sounds good. I look forward to it.” I forced a smile and stepped back, heading toward the elevator. By the time I got there, Slade and the team were already walking my way. I hit the button, crossing my arms and trying not to look at my brother as I waited. He’d known the whole time and he never said anything.
The door opened and I walked in, moving to the very back. Slade moved in beside me, staying quiet, but he didn’t have to say anything for me to feel his presence. It pressed against my skin like a living thing. Just like Zain’s did. The dominance was undeniable, but there was a difference. I bowed to my Master and followed his direction. I was willing to bend to Slade, but not for everything. Not for this.
At the ding, everyone walked out and we followed, but just past the opening, I cupped Slade’s arm, pulling him to a stop.
“Don’t hide anything like that from me again. If you’re planning to send him off, you better tell me. I don’t like surprises. Not concerning him. You know I need him right now.”
His eyebrow cocked and he exhaled loudly. “Fine, I’ll tell you, but you’re wrong. You need no one. You’re stronger than that.”
My fingers pushed into his arm as anger swelled. “I choose to need him. I want to have that sort of connection and if you can’t understand that…” I was so upset that words evaded me. “
I choose this.
Respect my wishes and I will respect your game.”
I let go and stormed ahead. The limo was already waiting in the front and the team was piling in. Slade’s long strides had him making it to my side before I could get halfway.
“Lily, wait.”
I glanced over, coming to a stop.
“I should have told you or warned you beforehand. You have a right to be angry.” At my silence, he continued. “We’ve been butting heads since I’ve been back. A lot.”
“Yes,” I agreed. My shoulders went lax and I studied his worried face. “We’ve seen each other in passing, but we haven’t really had to spend this much time together. I’m afraid we’re a lot more alike than we knew.”
He nodded and shrugged. “Not a bad thing. Just something we’re going to have to work on, that’s all. Communication is key. I should be grateful you’re allowing me to test him. I’m sorry if I’m coming off as an asshole. I’ll be sure to talk with you more about what I want to happen.”
“I’d like that. Although, I have faith in Zain and believe what we have will last. I respect your opinion and choices, but don’t forget that I’m allowing this. You have to keep me informed. No more surprises.”
“You have my word,” he said. “Let’s go brainstorm. The team is waiting.”
We started heading that way again with Marcio and Terrance following. Trust was an issue I had a problem with and I felt myself accept what my brother told me. He wouldn’t just give his word to anyone. When he said it, he meant it.
We climbed in the limo, the guards taking their place in the front. Although the members were usually on edge, there was a happiness about them that lifted my spirits even more. My job as CEO was so broad and covered such a vast amount of things that I’d neglected the most important part—morale. My team feared me, and although I liked it in a way, they also needed to see the other side. The one that not only took care of her people, but lifted everyone’s spirits and showed her appreciation of their hard work.
“Charlie, how’s the wife taking to the idea of Atlanta?”
The blond looked up at me, the corner of his brown eyes crinkling as he smiled. “She’s excited, Mrs. Roberts. She’s already looking for apartments.”
I looked to Slade. He was typing something on his phone. Slowly, my head shook. “Not necessary, Charlie. Slade Industries will set you up with a very nice place. I was sure that was already disclosed. After all, you’re going to have a lot of responsibilities as it is. A place to live shouldn’t have to be one of them. We’ll take care of everything.”
Slade’s head came up, but lowered, even as he nodded his approval. I knew he didn’t mind. He’d made it clear from the beginning that I should run things as I felt appropriate. He trusted me…trust…yes, he did trust me. Even with his own livelihood. His company was everything to him and he’d put me in charge. The most obvious truth suddenly became apparent and all my thoughts jumbled together, throwing me off for a few seconds.
“Thank you, Ms. Roberts. Mr. Roberts,” Charlie said, excitedly. “Georgette will be happy to hear that.”
“You’re welcome.” My voice sounded winded, weak as I tried to collect myself. “Vanessa and Patrick, you’re both running the team. Tell me what you’ve decided on direction?”
As they began talking, I tried my best to listen. It was almost impossible to stop my racing mind. I knew it was in part because of the medication I was on. Sometimes it clouded my thoughts, but I made sure the dose was low enough not to hinder my judgment. Right now, it was really leaving me grasping to understand how things were playing out. Patrick’s voice broke through and I squinted as he described a new company we hadn’t heard much about. The excitement in his tone was matched by the other team members’ smiles.
“Lafel? Why hadn’t I heard of that one?” Slade slid his phone in his pocket, his interested apparently piqued.
“You could call them a diamond in the rough. They’re numbers are amazing.” Patrick scooted to the edge of his seat and his hands lifted as he gestured with his words. “Vanessa was the one who actually discovered them. It was an amazing fi—”
The impact that crashed into us from behind, along with the brakes being slammed, sent me flying into Harris, one of the newest members who was sitting along the side, in front of me. The impact knocked the air out of me and I grabbed his shirt as I fell to the floor. Slade’s eyes went wide as he pushed up from Patrick’s side. The smell of rubber was so thick, my nose wrinkled.
“What the hell?” Slade turned to where we’d been sitting, just as glass exploded all around. Deafening screams pierced my ears and weight crashed into me, pinning me to the floor. Someone’s foot stepped on my arm and the limo rocked with the frantic movements of everyone inside. I could hear Marcio yelling in the distance, but it faded out as a series of loud pops followed. Fear ran so thick within me, I couldn’t scream or move. Slade’s cologne was my only comfort and I held to him as I felt us jerk forward again. The turn that was taken had my brother rolling off of me, but pulling me in close.
“Boss!” Marcio’s voice rang out over the cries surrounding us and I turned, taking in the damage. Wind whipped at my hair that had fallen loose from the pins and blood on a few of the team members had nausea taking over.
“Oh, shit.” I struggled against Slade’s hold, trying to break loose, but he wouldn’t let go.
“Lily and I are okay. What the hell is going on?” Shaken, my brother held a fear in his tone I’d never heard before. “Terrance was hit. He’s back there. I think he’s…” Marcio paused. “I think it got him in the head.”
A sob broke free as I let the news sink in. Tears blinded me at the loss of one our guards. He possibly died trying to protect us. My heart ached and I pushed my palm into my chest, stopping midway as my eyes lifted. I thrashed against my brother who was holding onto me even tighter. Vanessa’s throat was covered in blood and Patrick was holding her in his arms, applying pressure with his free hand.
“Let me go,” I screamed. “I have to help her.”
Only then did Slade seem to see what was going on around him. His arms immediately eased. He sat up, letting me crawl the three feet that separated us. I stripped off my blazer, pulling the scarf free from my neck. My scars stood out brightly on my arms as I reached forward. I didn’t miss Patrick’s gaze jerking toward them, but they didn’t stay focused on me for long. His hand moved and I pressed the black and white silk into the side of her neck, applying a heavy amount of pressure.
“Hospital, Marcio!” How I sounded so calm, I didn’t know, but I focused on the woman gasping below me. Blood sprayed out at her cough and I tried my hardest to think of something more to do. Aside from trying to stop the bleeding, I was helpless.
“Brace, Terrance has been shot. I’m guessing about four blocks from the building. Find him, get him help, and get your ass to the hospital now. We have a few wounded and I want you here.” Slade hung up and moved further toward the front where Charlie lay. “Jesus,” my brother groaned, “he’s dead.”