Love. Lust. Money. Games.
When Phoebe Walters prevents a teenage girl from jumping off a bridge,
she did not anticipate that it would also bring her into the path of Tristan Vice –
the young girl’s handsome and incredibly rich brother. Despite being attracted to
him, Phoebe finds him cold and unnerving. But she cannot stop thinking about
him and its turning her into an insomniac.
Despite rejecting his offer the first time, a turn of events forces Phoebe
into his employment. But the job requires more than just keeping watch over his
sister’s mental health and Phoebe quickly becomes entangled in his family game
for control.
DISCLAIMER: Entangled contains language, violence and explicit
scenes. It is intended for a mature audience.
Entangled (A Vice Game Novel)
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or
transmitted in any form or by any means including photocopying, recording, or
other electronic or mechanical methods without prior written permission from
the author; with the exception of promotional purposes and not exceeding two
percent of the total page count.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents
are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any
similarities to persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the
author.
Trademarks: This book identifies product names and services known to be
trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective holders.
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of all
products referenced in this work of fiction. The publication and use of these
trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark
owners.
Cover art by Alice Cooper
Contents
Chapter 1 – The Chance Meeting
Chapter 2 – An unexpected visitor
Chapter 3 – Housing a runaway
Chapter 4 – A new employment
Chapter 5 – The home of Tristan Vice
Chapter 6 – The Silent Contract
Chapter 7 – Meeting Elliot Vice
Chapter 8 – A short lived celebration
Chapter 9 – A clash of hearts and minds
Chapter 10 – Awkward encounters
Chapter 11 – A family dinner
Chapter 12 – The talk
Chapter 13 – Secrets and Truths
Chapter 14 – A reluctant bride
Chapter 15 – A heart-fuelled decision
Chapter 16 – Passion
Chapter 17 – Lauren
Chapter 18 – A call from the Main House
Chapter 19 – A flirt with death
Chapter 20 – A union of broken souls
Chapter 1 – The Chance Meeting
It was a horrid day. The wind blew rain at my face and soaked my hair.
My run down flat was not too far away and cutting through the park was closer
than going through the street. As I walked towards the bridge, I saw a fellow
soaked creature standing on top of the rails. She was brunette, sixteen and
crying. She wore an oversized shirt and black male trousers.
‘Shit,’ I found myself saying. The girl was going to jump. Below was a
swelling river. ‘Hey!’ I called out to her. She turned her head, black mascara
lined her cheeks. There was a needle in her left hand.
‘Fuck off!’ she yelled at me.
‘Everything’s going to be alright,’ I told her.
‘No it’s not!’ she shook her head. Her face was filled with pain and grief.
‘No one fucking cares about me.’
‘Hey, I’m sure there’s someone…’I started, unsure about what to do. She
was about to jump and I could not just simply stand here and let her.
‘You don’t know me!’ she cried. Her sobs mingled with the heavy rain.
‘Just fuck off!’
‘What’s your name?’ I asked, doing my best to stay calm. How do you
convince a suicidal teen not to kill herself? A little voice inside my head told me
to keep her talking.
‘Why does it matter?’
‘So when you’re dead, I can tell the police who it is,’ I said with a
surprisingly calm tone. My brain was not working properly and perhaps it is not
the best thing to say at this particular moment. It’s not like I deal with this sort of
thing on a day to day basis. I’m not a social working or a nurse or anyone
qualified to do this. I work in the fruit and vegetables aisle at the supermarket.
But I was the only one on the bridge and there was no time to call anyone for
help.
The girl paused and hesitated for a moment. ‘Annabelle Vice.’
‘Alright Annabelle, what should I tell them? I mean, what was it that
drove you here?’ There I go again. It sounded almost like an encouragement for
her to kill herself. But it brought me some time. It allowed me to edge closer
without her noticing.
‘Why should I tell you? You’re no one. And no one cares about me
anyway.’
‘Alright, no one cares,’ I said. ‘Anyone in particular you’re thinking of?
Is there anyone I should call and tell them this message? I mean, that’s what
people do isn’t it? When they’re about to kill themselves, they always leave
some sort of message.’
Annabelle seemed confused. I should be telling her to stop, to get down
from the railing and prevent herself from the plunge to death by drowning. I was
only a step away.
‘Who the hell are you?’ she asked.
‘Phoebe Walters.’
‘And what is that supposed to mean?’
I blinked, unsure what this distressed girl meant by her question.
‘I don’t know. I work at Grover’s, you know the grocery store next to
mall? I just got off my shift and on my way home. How did you get here?’
The girl whimpered. ‘That bitch,’ she uttered with a seething ferocity in
her voice. ‘She’s bloody using me to get to Tristan. If I die, he’ll be free.’
‘Who’s Tristan?’ I asked, ‘your boyfriend?’
The distressed teen threw me a confused look.
‘What? No. He’s my brother.’
I blinked. Now that was unexpected.
‘And this bitch you’re talking about is who?’
‘Shut up. Why would you care? You don’t know me.’
‘You know I can’t do both at the same time, I mean shutting up and
answer your question. You’re right about one thing though, I don’t know you but
whatever your problem is with the bitch, do you really think that killing yourself
is going to work? I mean, achieve whatever it is you want to achieve.’
I spoke without thought. In this sort of situation, I should really be trying
to coax her down from the edge of the bridge. But then I didn’t really have much
time to pause, contemplate and chose my words carefully.
Something I said must have installed some sensibility back into her
confused mind. I saw a wave of emotions moved through her body and giant
globs of tears could be seen dripping from her eyes.
‘I don’t know,’ she cried. ‘What would you do?’
‘Stay alive,’ I said. Here was my chance but a gust of wind caught her
body and pushed her over the edge. I lunged after her and caught her hand. She
screamed and gripped my arm tightly. There is something about being dangled
ten feet over death that makes you think things over very quickly.
‘Hey, I’ve got you,’ I told her.
Annabelle didn’t really want to die after all. It was clear when she
exhorted all her strength against it. I braced myself against the slippery railing. I
don’t know how but I managed to haul her up. Or perhaps the peril of falling in
with her gave me the burst of strength I needed.
It felt much longer than it actually took and I soon found her seated next
to be on the bridge. She cried and I wrapped my arms around her shoulders. We
were both drenched.
‘Everything’s going to be alright,’ I told her.
She shook her head and cried. I could feel her warm tears and saw on her
wrists the marks of a drug user. The rain refused to ease up. Annabelle produced
a phone from her pocket and handed it to me.
‘Please call Tristan,’ she begged, her voice quivered as she spoke. We
were both shivering from the cold rain. ‘He’s my brother.’
I already knew that but didn’t say anything. She curled up in my lap like
a puppy and closed her eyes. My thumb fumbled over the touch screen and I did
my best to shield the device from the rain. I managed to hold up so far in her
pocket but I doubted it could last that long to prolonged exposure to the buckets
of water that fell from the sky. There wasn’t many names and numbers on her
contact list; three to be exact. I quickly pressed my fingers to call Tristan.
‘Anna,’ answered a cracked voice. I could hear the reception going and
decided to act fast.
‘Not Anna,’ I told him. ‘I’m at West Spring Park. Your sister just tried to
kill herself. My flat isn’t too far away, number 32B Locks Street. How fast can
you get here?’
‘Fifteen minutes,’ said the voice. ‘Is she alright?’
‘Alive, yes. Alright? You can be the judge. It’s raining and we’re soaked.
I’ll take her to my place. Meet you there.’
Just as I finished my sentence, the phone connection died. The rain had
gotten in and fried the circuits. Electronics and water was never made to be
together.
‘Is he coming?’ Anna asked.
‘Fifteen minutes. I told him to meet me at my flat. Come on, we’ll be dry
there.’
She staggered as she walked and I made sure to keep her supported at all
times. The building was only just through the park and I took her up the dank
stairs. There was hardly any light and Anna struggled with her legs. I wondered
if I should call an ambulance, but her brother is on his way. He can sort her out.
I fumbled with my keys. When we were finally inside, Anna plotted
herself down in the hallway and curled up again.
‘Come on, you can’t lie there like that,’ I urged as I pulled her to her feet
again. She cried and sobbed wildly. But in her messed up state, Anna was
complacent enough to move into the living room. I went into my bedroom,
pulled back the wardrobe doors and took out all the clean towels I had; which
wasn’t many. Living on ten bucks an hour doesn’t let you have too many
possessions. I dried the distressed girl’s hair and wrapped a clean dry towel
around her shoulders. She hugged it like a blanket.
It was about roughly three minutes later that a loud urgent knock came at
the door. I went to answer it and was surprised by the sight. A man in his late
twenties stood on the other side. He wore a tailored dark grey suit, his hair
slicked back in a professional and yet dangerously attractive fashion and his face
– clean shaven, high cheekbones and strong jawline – it took me by surprise. He
was a professional, an office worker of some sort. But the quality of his suit and
the way he presented himself told me that he was more than just a mere office
boy. The attraction was instant and I felt frumpy in my soaked state.
‘Where is she?’ His voice was low and strong; his deep blue eyes
alluringly beautiful and dangerous. It was clear that he was not in the mood for
any sort of conversation.
‘Inside,’ I said. ‘You’re Tristan?’
‘Yes. Tristan Vice.’
There was a sense of embarrassment to lead a living god into my derelict
‘home’. There was a puddle on the kitchen floor where the roof leaked. Anna
remained exactly as I had left her – curled up, crying and wrapped in a towel.
Tristan Vice went and knelt down next to her. He took a look at her wrists and
there was nothing to be said. Along with needle wounds, there were cuts and
slashes and bruises from some sort of struggle or fight. Anna opened her eyes
and at the sight of her brother, she threw her arms around him.
‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,’ she sobbed.
Tristan whispered something in her ear and then picked her up. He
carried her out of my apartment without a word to me. And just like that, they
were both gone and I was left standing alone at my door.
‘That went well,’ I said to myself. ‘But a thank you would have been
nice.’
Chapter 2 – An unexpected visitor
I didn’t see or hear from Anna again and I couldn’t help but wonder if
she’s alright. Then there is the matter concerning her brother. He just appeared
and swept her away. I could not sleep and when I did, I would have dreams
about him. I would wake up in sweat, the ghostly touch of his hand lingering
upon my skin. They were nice dreams that left me thrilled with an electric
current but also disturbing to think about and I did my best to forget them.
A month slowly dragged by and as I worked at my crummy ten bucks an
hour job; I shook my head and refocused my thoughts. There were other things
to worry about. The girl is safe with that godly brother of hers.
Alison, my roommate, had just moved out to be with her boyfriend and I
was left to pay the rent alone. The leaky roof also had a hand in her departure.
I’ve complained to the landlord several times about it but he didn’t care.
Besides, I’ve been late to pay these past few weeks and he’ll most likely kick me
out.
As I walked up the pathway that led to my flat, I noticed a silver sports
BMW parked outside the building. It was out of place and everyone seemed to
notice. I caught eyes peering curiously through the windows. Passing kids and
teenagers pointed it out to each other as they passed and was as perplexed as I
was about it being in this part of town.
I walked up the steps. No one had replaced the lights let and the dinky
building was still moist from the week’s rain. As I slipped my key into the door,
a tall dark figure emerged and I gave a little scream of fright.
‘Miss Walters,’ he said. I immediately recognized the man. It was Tristan
Vice – he was not someone I could forget that easily; especially when I’ve been
dreaming about him. My face grew red with embarrassment and heat.
‘Oh, hi,’ I said weakly. ‘Hello.’ There. That sounded much better.
‘How’s Anna? I mean your sister.’ Of course I meant his sister. Who else could
it be? Just shut up Phoebe.
‘She is under observation. May I come in?’
‘Sure.’
I didn’t know why I said that. He was a stranger. I opened the door and
he followed me in. ‘Um, tea or coffee?’
‘Neither.’
There was an awkward paused between us as I stood in the leaky kitchen.
The bucket was half filled with water and I was sure that the roof would collapse
soon if something was not done about it. In the silence, I felt as if he was
observing me in the dim kitchen light. In his presence, I became conscious of my
frizzy brown hair, my averagely plain face and ill fitted uniform.
‘How can I help you?’ I asked finally.
‘Anna, my sister, she needs someone to supervise her, that is, to be with
her while she recovers from her issues. I’m offering you a job.’
‘Me?’ Holy motherland what? ‘Your sister needs proper help. I’m just a
grocery store worker.’
‘Yes and I’ve been assured that she is receiving all the help she needs.
But there are some things that doctors and their pills cannot heal. She needs
someone who she can talk to.’
‘I’m not a shrink, if that’s what you’re looking for.’
‘No. Psychiatrics would only make things worse. She needs a friend.’
‘Doesn’t she have anyone her own age?’
‘That is difficult to discern as she is currently being home schooled. Your
task will include keeping her company and helping her through her emotional
difficulties. I’ll pay you five times the amount you are getting now. Accept and
I’ll have a car pick you up tomorrow morning at six.’
‘And what if I reject?’
‘You cannot reject this.’
‘I’m doing it now.’
‘You’ll have to return to your grocery job.’
I looked at Tristan and could not read him. I was not quite sure what to
make of the situation either. Here was a man I did not know offering me a job
that did not seem to suit me at all. In fact, he was asking me to be a nurse to his
mentally unstable sister. But oh my goodness, that face, Tristan Vice is
definitely in the wrong place.
‘Why me? I’m sure that there are heaps of other people more qualified
than I am at this job you’re offering,’ I found myself saying rapidly and despite
stumbling over some of the words, it sounded sensible.
‘While on the bridge, she listened to you,’ Tristan Vice explained. He
lowered his chin slightly and looked at me with eyes that only belonged to those
who are born gods. ‘Not many people can make her do that when she attempts.
In fact, it drives her to do it again. But something you said changed her and I
believe it in her best interest that you accept my offer.’
‘You mean that it wasn’t her first time?’
‘No. It was her fifth.’
I was shocked by the report.
‘She needs a serious amount of help,’ I found myself saying. There I go
again. I watched Tristan’s face and it did not move. He stood there stoic and I
felt a lack of empathy towards Alice from him. Tristan controlled himself well
and did not let any of his thoughts slip.
‘Your will receive a bonus for every month you keep her from
attempting.’
I couldn’t bring myself to accept the offer. It was too much responsibility
and I did not feel at all up to the task. I’m just a grocery worker and what I just
got lucky on the bridge. If I hadn’t grabbed her in time, she would have
succeeded. I didn’t know what Tristan saw in me to offer this job. Or perhaps he
was getting desperate. I didn’t know. His face didn’t let anything slip and I could
not read him like a normal person. He was something else – an enigma with a
troubled family member.
‘I can’t do it,’ I told him. It was too much responsibility. Besides, I didn’t
know anything about Anna or how I could help her.
Sharp shadows on his face created by the dim light made me hold my
breath. There was something indescribably handsome about Tristan Vice. His
skin was pale and smooth like marble and his strong broad shoulders made me
wonder how often he went to the gym. Tristan Vice was most likely made from
money too, judging by the car parked outside. It can’t belong anyone else that
lives around here.
‘This is your last chance to accept,’ he said in a low voice. It made my
heart weak but my senses got the better of me. Accepting the job would mean
that I would become responsible for a life. Taking care of an unstable teen was
not my thing. Besides, Anna is much too old to have a nanny and I’m much too
young to mother her.
‘Thank you, but no,’ I found myself answering.
‘Very well,’ he said. Tristan Vice paused and my eyes became hooked by
his pools of blue jewels. I felt my ears grow hot and quickly broke the
unnecessary prolonged gaze.
Without a word Tristan Vice left. I did not walk him to the door and I
heard it close behind him. The drip-drip of the kitchen ceiling reminded me of
who I am and it was a prompt that advised me not to be silly. Tristan Vice
probably lived in some uptown house and his sister somewhere with their
parents. Or perhaps he has his own house and his sister lives with him. There
were only three numbers on the phone. I didn’t know anything about his family
and it is best that I don’t.
Chapter 3 – Housing a runaway
A loud knocking against my door woke me up. I checked my clock and
found that it was quarter to three in the morning. At first, I thought it was a
dream but the knocking persisted. I dragged myself out of bed and down the
dark corridor. I turned on the lights and peered through the security hole in the
door. What I saw confused and shocked me. Anna stood on the other side, her
face covered in tears and she looked as if she had just waded through a pond. I
instantly threw back the door and she wrapped her arms around me.
‘Please don’t make me go back to the Main House,’ she sobbed.
‘Good lord, what happened?’
Anna was incoherent. There was something about drugs and pills and
doctors trying to kill her. She was distressed and there was a cut on her left
cheek. I took her in and sat her down on the couch.
‘Hey, hey, slow down and breathe.’
Anna’s lungs were sporadic as her sobs mingled with her attempt to talk.
I noticed that around her left wrist was a hospital tag.
‘Please don’t me away.’
‘I won’t.’ I knelt down in front of her and she peered down with
confused blue eyes. They were the same shade as her brother’s. Anna tugged at
her tag and her inability to get it off made her panic. She began to cry violently
and I ran into the kitchen to grab a pair of scissors.
‘Here,’ I told her as I took hold of her dainty wrists and snipped the
plastic bracelet. It fell to the ground and I placed the scissors on the table behind
me. Better keep sharp objects away from this girl. ‘It’s gone now,’ I told her.
‘See, it’s gone.’
It calmed Anna and I wrapped my arms around her. There were bits of
rocks and dirt in her hair as she lifted her legs off the ground and curled up
against me.
‘Please don’t leave me,’ she whispered. ‘Tristan’s already gone. I have
no one else.’
‘What do you mean he’s gone?’ I asked, confused by what she meant.
‘He’s proposed to that bitch. She wants to put me in an insane asylum.’
I blinked. So Tristan is getting married? I felt saddened by the news but
shook the silly feeling away. Why should I feel sad? It’s not like I know him.
Sure he’s a good looking guy but it’s not like I have claim over him. And
besides, I could see why his fiancée would want Anna in an insane asylum.
‘I’m not crazy,’ said Anna, ‘they just have me on too many things. This
isn’t me. They’re trying to kill me.’
‘How many pills are you on?’ I asked.
‘Fluoxentine, strattera, clomipramine, zolpidem, eszopiclone, xanax,
valium and that stuff they just injected me. Please don’t make me go back.’
Oh god. No wonder Anna’s going mad. Although I didn’t know what
each of the listed drugs are for, it was clear that no one should be subjected to so
many things.
‘I won’t,’ I told her. ‘But if you’re going to stay here, you’ll need to
clean up.’
Anna nodded like a terrified child. I helped her to the bathroom where I
washed the dirt off her hair and gave her my pajamas to wear. It turned out that
she escaped from the hospital by jumping out of the window and into the pond
below. She could have died, it was the third floor, but the fish pond broke her
fall. It must have been a really deep pond. I was amazed by the story as she told
me. But I could also hear it in her voice that it wasn’t another suicide attempt.
She didn’t want to die. The doctors had given her something and it caused her to
freak and run.
‘So you walked all the way here from the hospital?’
Anna nodded.
‘But that’s miles away,’ I uttered with surprise.
They would probably have the police after her. The sensible thing for me
to do is to notify the authorities, but I knew that it would not do Anna any good.
She specifically came to me and by doing that she would trust no one else; and
that can be more dangerous than letting her stay at my little rundown flat.
I thought over about what I could do. There was the option of calling her
brother but Anna didn’t have her phone on her. And seeing that she’s distressed
over his marriage proposal to his girlfriend, I didn’t want to risk mentioning his
name, just not yet.
The drugs prevented Anna from sleeping and I stayed awake to be with
her. We ended up playing cards on my bed and I taught her how to play poker.
Her mood stabilized with each game and I did not press her to speak about any
particular topic. When it was six in the morning, I called worked and asked for
an emergency day off. Roger, the manager, was not happy but I risked my
chances of getting fired.
‘You have a leaky roof,’ said Anna as she sat at the round kitchen table
while I stood over the stove top with eggs cracked into the pan.
‘Yeah. The landlord won’t get it fixed.’
‘Don’t you have a roommate?’
Anna had calm down enough to hold a conversation.
‘I used to but she moved out to be with her boyfriend,’ I told her.
‘Where is she now?’
‘In the city. Eric got a job as a salesman for a computer store. Alison
moved in with him so that they can be together.’
‘Do you have a boyfriend?’
‘No.’
‘Why not?’
‘No one’s asked.’
‘You’re lying,’ she said.
‘No, really. No one’s asked.’
‘But you’re so young and beautiful.’
I laughed as I scrambled the eggs. My hair was like a bird’s nest and
dressed in my sloppy but comfortable track pants and shirt, I hardly considered
myself worthy to be called beautiful.
‘How old are you?’ she asked.
‘Twenty three,’ I answered as I halved the eggs in the pan. Breakfast was
eggs on toast, simply because I didn’t have anything else in the fridge. Anna ate
it without any protest or sign of emotional distress. I thought of it as strange or
perhaps staying up all night helped calm her down.
A knock at the door quickly reversed this. Anna held her fork in mid-air
and fear filled her doe like eyes. I stood up and she immediately grabbed my
arm.
‘Please don’t,’ she begged and shook her head. Tears formed at her eyes
and I could feel the wave of terror rising inside her. Her chest heaved. I placed
my hand on her hand and reassured her.
‘It’s going to be alright,’ I told her. ‘It’s just the door.’
‘Who would come knocking at this hour?’
I opened my mouth to reply but could not give an answer. ‘I won’t let
anyone take you away. Do you trust me?’
Anna whimpered and eventually nodded her head. She followed me
down the hallway and to the door. I peered through the door and found that it
was Tristan.
‘It’s your brother,’ I informed her. Anna clutched my arm and shook her
head. Her eyes pleaded me. ‘I can’t just let him stand there. I’m sure he means
well.’
‘He doesn’t listen to me anymore. He only listens to that bitch.’
‘Let me talk to him and maybe I can convince him to be your brother
again. How about that?’
Anna was terrified. She hesitated but eventually agreed. I opened the
door and Tristan did not seem at all surprised to see his sister standing behind
me. He was not wearing his usual suit jacket this time and his cream colored
shirt was unbuttoned at the top. His hair was swept to back and his face was
stone cold. There wasn’t a hint of tiredness upon him, unlike me who had been
up all night. I knew what I looked like and although I was not conscious about it
with Anna; I felt my drab appearance more acutely in his presence.
‘Hi,’ I found myself saying. He looked past me. For a split second, I saw
that he was concerned for his sister.
‘Annabelle,’ he started. Anna immediately shook her head and clutched
my arm tighter. I could feel her heart rate increasing and a possible onset of
another panic attack. That was the last thing I needed right now. I immediately
turned and held her shoulders.
‘Anna, look at me,’ I said to her, my eyes staring intensely into hers. She
was breathing rapidly and the moment of peace she managed to gain over the
past few hours was quickly dispelled. ‘Anna, you have to trust me, okay?’
She nodded and gritted her teeth. When I felt that it was safe to allow my
eyes off her, I turned back to Tristan.
‘I think she should stay with me for a little while,’ I said to him.
Tristan glanced at me, then to his sister and saw that it was wise to accept
my suggestion.
‘Two days, then you’re coming home,’ he said.
Anna shook her head. ‘You’re going to put me back in the Main House, I
never want to see that place again,’ she said, her throat choked with pent up
tears.
Tristan observed his sister’s reaction. She was in a fragile state and one
wrong move could set her off again. I sensed it and immediately turned to face
the distressed girl. There must have been something in the way I spoke to her
that managed to quell the rising panics Anna felt.
‘Two days, that’s better than nothing. Look, we can take this one day at a
time, yes?’
Anna’s bottom lip quivered and I felt like I was dealing with a child
rather than a teenager. The drugs were still in her system and thoughts of going
back on them threatened to put her over the edge again.
‘One day at a time,’ she repeated after me, breathing in deeply.
‘Yes, that’s right. One day at a time.’
Chapter 4 – A new employment
It is one thing to ask for one day off, it is another to ask for a second day
immediately right after. I did my best to forget that I also had the rent to pay.
‘Are you about to die?’ Roger asked. He was unhappy.
‘No but this is an emergency. You have to let me off. Look, I’ve always
been a good worker and I’ve never had a sick day since I’ve worked here.’
‘I don’t care,’ blared Roger in his booming voice. ‘And I don’t care if it’s
your cat, dog, goldfish, best friend or parents are dying, if you don’t turn up for
your shift, consider yourself fired.’
‘What? You can’t do that.’
But Roger had already hung up. Anna peered at me from the couch with
the tub of ice-cream in her hands. She could tell that something was wrong. I
didn’t want to tell her. She was in a fragile state and didn’t need my problems to
add to her worries. Besides, it is technically her fault that I’m about to be out of
a job and most likely a place to live as well. But I couldn’t tell her that. Who
knows what she might end up doing because of it.
‘What’s wrong?’ she asked.
‘My boss. Don’t worry about it. He’ll find someone to cover my shift.’
‘He’s firing you, isn’t he?’
‘No,’ I lied.
Anna saw it on my face and frowned. ‘Please don’t do that.’ She took
another spoonful of ice-cream. The cold sugary sweetness was doing her a great
deal of good. Compared to the last twenty-four hours, Anna was more
emotionally stable and has ever been for a very long time. The imminent return
to what she calls the Main House still loomed over her but the reduced drugs in
her system made her less anxious than she would have been on them.
‘How about this,’ Anna started, ‘you can work for Tristan. I’m sure he
can find something for you do to.’
‘What? Your brother? No.’
‘Why not? It’ll mean you’ll be close by when they try to drug me up
again. You’re the only person I feel that I can trust. I mean, you’re real and not
fake like everyone else. And I need you because you listen and they’ll listen to
you.’
I understood what Anna meant. She was talking about the doctors and
those around her. My time with Anna had revealed that she’s been on medication
for so long that her sanity is questionable. Her mind’s constantly jumbled and
anything she says doesn’t make sense; and because of that, no one is willing to
listen to her. Tristan had been her rock for the past few years until his fiancée
showed up. I still don’t know her name as Anna always called her the bitch. Her
mother died when she was five and her father remarried quickly after that. I
noted the bitter tone when she spoke about him and never once calling him dad
in her conversations with me. Medication began when quickly after her
stepmother moved in and she’s been on them ever since. Her list of pills grew as
the years went by and now they’re injecting things into her.
It’s also revealed that Tristan has always been against it but he had no
power over their father’s decisions, which from the sound of things are
influenced by his new wife and something about a lost court case. I didn’t press
Anna for these facts. She willingly told me and I felt that by telling me, she has a
weight lifted off her.
My mobile phone sat on the coffee table and Anna grabbed it without my
permission. Her nimble fingers began to tap something in.
‘What are you doing?’
‘Getting you a job.’
I paced across the room and attempted to grab the phone off her. Anna
placed the ice-cream tub down and hurdled over the back of the couch. I chased
her about but she was quick to get away. I saw her press send and a message was
sent.
‘Who did you just texted?’
‘Who else could I have texted?’
‘Give me back my phone.’
The phone buzzed as a reply message was received. Anna flicked her
finger over my phone again and informed me of its contents.
‘You’re hired,’ she said.
‘What?’
‘Tristan’s hired you. I’m sure you can discuss pay rates and stuff like that
later.’
Anna gave me back my phone and returned to her spot on the couch to
finish her ice-cream. I looked at the message and saw that it was a simple yes in
the reply. I was unsure about how to feel before the sense of dread rose from the
pit of my stomach. I didn’t want to work for Tristan. It meant that I would see
him more often and although deep down I was not against that, the man has a
fiancée. I closed my eyes and shook my head.
‘No,’ I said. I was being silly to even dare think that he and I could
develop into something else. For goodness sake, he’s getting married.
‘Yes,’ said Anna, completely out of context from what I was thinking.
‘You have to work for him. He’ll probably put you up as my babysitter or
something like that, which I don’t mind if it’s you.’
‘You’re sixteen, you don’t need a babysitter.’
‘I’m emotionally unstable. I need someone with me.’
I laughed. ‘Oh really? You seem pretty stable to me right now.’
‘That’s only because I’m with you and not with them. I mean, come on,
you feed ice cream and leftovers from your fridge. Everyone else just gives me
pills.’
It was hard not to agree. As I stood there and contemplated my situation,
a loud cracking crash sounded in the kitchen. Anna and I went in to investigate
and found that the ceiling had collapsed. The water damage had weakened the
structure above and there was a gaping hole over where the leak is. A brown
mush which had been the insulation and big slabs of crumbled ceiling lay on the
ground.
‘Holy crap,’ I found myself saying. I placed the mobile phone in my
hand down on the counter and edged closer to peer up at the damage. I lived on
the top floor, which meant that I could see the rotting roof struts. Mushrooms
were also growing at odd angles in the wood.
My phone buzzed and I turned to find it in Anna’s hands again.
‘Did you just text him again?’
‘Yes. You’re going to need a new place to live.’
‘You didn’t need tell him that. I can find a place on my own.’
Anna shrugged with a delighted innocence in her clear eyes. ‘He’s
sending someone over and you should pack.’
‘What?’
Anna grinned. For once in her life, everything seemed to be going her
way. She turned around and bounded for my room.
‘Anna, come back here,’ I called and chased after her.
‘Do you have a suitcase?’
‘What? No.’
It was the truth. Alison had borrowed it when she moved out and she
hadn’t the chance to return it yet.
‘Huh. Alright. That can be arranged.’
‘Anna, don’t,’ I said as her fingers expertly tapped out another message
to her brother. The teenager seemed to take delight in maddening me. She
jumped across the bed and managed to slip away as a reply came through.
‘Jace is coming.’
‘Who’s Jace?’
‘The gardener.’
In twenty minutes, a knock came at the door and Anna raced to answer it.
Jace was a middle aged man with tanned skin and dark greying hair. He had a
friendly demeanor about him, like that fun uncle you could always talk to at a
family gathering. I saw his surprise when he caught the jovial smile on Anna’s
face. It was something that he had not seen in a long time since his employment
with under Tristan Vice.
‘This way,’ said Anna as she bounded down the hallway.
‘And you must be Miss Walters,’ he said to me.
‘Phoebe will be fine.’
Jace came in with two large cream colored empty suitcases. I noticed that
they were Prada and was forced to pack my stuff in them. After emptying my
wardrobe, it didn’t even fill the first suitcase. There wasn’t much in the living
room except for my ancient second hand laptop and some photographs of my
family. What was left was the old couch, coffee table and an outdated television
set. I attempted to salvage the things in the kitchen but the rumble blocked my
path. Within the hour, I found myself in the car with Anna as Jace drove us
away, I looked out the window and something told me that it was going to be the
last time I ever see the building again. The landlord finally got his wish without
officially kicking me out.
Chapter 5 – The home of Tristan Vice
I was shocked to find out that I would be living in a mansion.
‘Don’t worry, this isn’t the Main House,’ Anna said when she caught the
look on my face. I felt a wave of apprehension as the car pulled up the long
driveway. ‘It’s Tristan’s house. Jace, please don’t make me go back to the Main
House.’
I peered out the car’s window and is thoroughly impressed. The structure
was two stories high and seemed to be made of metal and glass. It was an
architect’s dream design job and exuded with modernity and money. It was clear
that Tristan Vice is incredibly rich as my eyes swept across the endless
manicured lawns and topiaries.
‘No Miss Annabelle, I wouldn’t dare. It’s been a while since I’ve seen
life in you. Phoebe is doing a great lot of good for you and I wouldn’t want to
have her too far from you,’ said the gardener. For some odd reason, I began to
feel that Jace was more than just someone who tended the lawn. Perhaps it was
in the way he spoke to Anna and me.
‘Though,’ Jace continued, ‘I’ll have to move your things from the Main
House, Miss Annabelle.’
‘Go for it. I’m not going up as long as she is still there.’
‘She?’ I asked.
Anna looked out the window and crossed her arms. I sensed a darkness
approaching in her mood and turned towards Jace for an explanation.
‘Mrs Karen Vice,’ said Jace, ‘Mr Elliot Vice’s second wife.’
Oh. So that is the name of the mother that convinced her father to drug
her with a cocktail of unnecessary pills.
‘I don’t want to hear her name,’ hissed Anna.
‘I apologize Miss Annabelle.’
‘Come off it Anna,’ I told her, ‘don’t spoil the fact that I’m forced to
move in with you.’
My words caused the effect that I wanted. Anna immediately uncrossed
her arms and unbuckled her seatbelt. She bounced out of the parked car and
pulled me after her. She went to the back and took out one the suitcases and
rolled them inside.
The large windows that made a large portion of the house’s walls
allowed light in from outside. The floors were polished wooden panels and the
walls were decorated with modern art and amazing panoramic photography. The
furniture was also modern and plush but with a rustic feel to them. I noticed that
the curved backing of a pair of seats were in fact the fenders of an old rusted
truck. There was also a reclining seat made from metal grills of an abandoned
Chevy. Tristan Vice certainly had personality when it came to decorating.
‘Which room should she have?’ asked Anna as I walked after her. Jace
was behind us with the other suitcase.
‘The spare room next to Master Tristan’s is unoccupied.’
‘That’ll do,’ said Anna as she began to drag the suitcase up the steps.
‘Goodness me, Miss Annabelle, you’ll wreck them like that,’ a plump
stout Spanish descent woman shrieked from across the room. She wore a black
maid’s dress with a white apron and looked to be in her mid-forties. The woman
quickly came forward and took the suitcase from Anna.
‘This is Lorraine,’ Anna introduced her to me. ‘And this is Phoebe
Walters.’
Lorraine swept her eyes over me and raised her eyebrows. ‘And she is to
stay here?’
‘Yes,’ replied Anna.
‘And does the master know?’
‘Of course. Why else would he send Jace to pick us up.’
‘And where have you been these past two days? We were worried about
you.’
I felt a motherly tone from Lorraine and Anna did not seem to mind it at
all. It was then that I realized that the gardener and the maid were like her
surrogate parents. Lorraine was the type that was stern on the outside but soft at
the core. She knew what had happened to Anna but was not informed about
where she went.
‘I was at Phoebe’s,’ Anna explained.
‘Very well,’ said Lorraine. I saw how the house keeper gave me a
sweeping assessment with her eyes. They were neither approving nor
disapproving. ‘Welcome Miss Walters.’
‘Please call me Phoebe,’ I told her. Being called Miss Walters felt
strange and unnecessary official. It was like being called out by the teacher when
you’ve done something wrong or going to the doctors and the nurses call you by
your surname.
‘Phoebe,’ Lorraine corrected herself and gave me a nod of approval. She
smiled and I knew that I was going to like her.
The room Anna had decided to assign me was the largest I’ve ever stayed
in. It was furnished with a king size bed and goose feathered pillows. Against the
wall was a mahogany dresser and large Victorian styled mirror. The white
tasseled trimmed curtains were pulled back and the windows overlooked the
grounds below. There was also a personal adjoining bathroom and toilet. I felt
overwhelmed by the knowledge that I was going to stay here, that is, until I
found my own place. Deep down, something told me that Anna would not let me
leave without throwing a fit of some sorts. She feared her legal guardians and the
doctors they hired. I was like her security guard and from the looks of things, her
only friend and escape from her messed up reality.
Lorraine and Anna aided me with the unpacking, which did not take very
long. I noticed how she observed the clothes I owned with curiosity.
‘What is it?’ I asked.
‘They are thrift store quality,’ she said.
‘Yes they are,’ I confirmed, uncertain what Lorraine’s words were meant
to imply. What she judging me? Or simply making a statement?
‘This one needs darning,’ she said to me with practicality in her voice.
Anna took the old jacket from her hands and looked at it.
‘Phoebe needs to go shopping,’ Anna announced. She pulled out my
phone from her pocket and began to text again.
‘Hey, what are you doing?’ I immediately reached out and tried to
reclaim my phone. But she had anticipated my move and quickly took a step
back. She moved around the room as I chased after her. The phone buzzed and
Anna beamed with delight.
‘We’re going shopping,’ she said with a smile. ‘Lorraine, do you want
anything?’
‘Me? Oh no, Miss Annabelle, although I am running rather low on
tomato paste,’ the housekeeper replied.
‘Tristan said to take the grocery card,’ Anna informed her and Lorraine
disappeared for a moment. She gave the golden card to Anna who ran off with it.
‘Phoebe, enjoy yourself,’ Lorraine said to me when she caught the
uncomfortable look upon my face. ‘It is not often Miss Annabelle is happy. Let
her do as she pleases before the other masters finds out that she is back.’
Anna called out for Jace who had disappeared back to his tasks. I sighed
and Lorraine gave me a reassuring pat on my back.
‘You are doing a great deal of good for her,’ she said with a nod. ‘Now
go and have that shopping spree.’
Within a split moment, I found myself in the backseat of the car again
and Jace behind the wheel. It was mid-afternoon when we reached the mall and
Anna dragged me into every possible store. She made me try on an endless array
of clothes and we argued like sisters when our styles clashed. We eventually
agreed on the comfortable things and I managed to persuade Anna to buy a few
things for herself. It made me feel selfish to only get things for myself. I mean, I
haven’t even signed the employment contract yet and cringed at the price tag of
things Anna picked. They were all high end items that I would never dare of
touching with my ten bucks an hour wage.
‘You deserve this,’ Jace told me when Anna went to the counter to run
the card through the machine. ‘You cured Miss Annabelle. Look at her, for the
first time in a long time, she’s alive.’
‘No, she just doesn’t have all those pills in her system,’ I told Jace.
‘What are you two talking about?’ Anna asked with an animated sort of
frown as she came back with a handful of paper bags.
‘Lunch,’ I told her. ‘I’m starved. Let’s go eat.’
Chapter 6 – The Silent Contract
I would have stopped after the first two stores but Anna would not relent
until I had enough clothes to last me a lifetime. Lorraine came out and helped us
carry the bags and packages to my room. Anna sat on the bed and went through
them like a child opening her presents. I could not help but feel happy for her.
It was almost seven when the headlights of another car pulled up the
driveway. I went peer out the window and saw that it was the familiar silver
sports BMW. The tall dark silhouette of Tristan Vice slipped out of his car and
he threw Jace the keys as he passed the gardener. They spoke to one another. I
held my breath as Tristan looked up and for a quarter of a second, our eyes met.
I felt a jolt of electricity down my spine and I quickly turned back into the room.
Anna did not notice. She was too preoccupied looking over every item she had
bought today with her brother’s money. I caught my reflection in the mirror and
did not like what I saw. My hair was a mess, by skin tired from lack of sleep and
the clothes I wore came from my old stock of things.
The door was slightly ajar and Tristan pushed it open without knocking.
The young god was still in his dark grey suit jacket and I saw softness in his
eyes. Under the light, his complexion was perfectly smooth and I could not help
but admire it. He glanced at me and our eyes met again. I could smell the
lingering scent of his cologne. I held my breath, uncertain to what he would say
to me. I felt guilty for using his money, or rather, allowing Anna to spend
without restraint.
The rustling of bags and tissue wrapping paper stopped.
‘Tristan! You’re back,’ said Anna.
‘Am I right to assume that you enjoyed yourself?’
Tristan Vice spoke with a different tone. It was warmer and more
personal. I’ve only had the chance to meet the cold and stern version and his
ability to display gentility and warmth surprised me. It was as if I was looking at
another person.
‘Miss Walters,’ he turned to me.
‘I swear I’ll pay you back, somehow.’
‘There’s no need,’ he said with restraint. I noted how he quickly switched
personas when he spoke to me and there was the cold Tristan Vice that came to
my apartment offering me employment about a week ago. ‘Take it as part of
your employment allowance.’
I wasn’t sure if it was because he disliked me, or because I was not his
part of his family. It was probably both and only seemed to tolerate my presence
because it benefited Anna’s mental health. His voice made me flustered and
made heat rise to my cheeks.
‘Master Tristan,’ said Lorraine from the stairs, ‘would you like me to set
up the plates? I’ve just finished the pasta for Miss Annabelle and Phoebe.’
‘Yes, set the table. I’ll be down in a moment.’
There was the switch again. I guess Lorraine counted as his family.
Tristan glanced at me and then left. Anna stood up and jumped down from the
bed. She took my hand and I found myself in the dinner room. The happy teen
pulled out my seat for me and she took the seat opposite me. Lorraine served us
our dinner and we only had to wait a moment for Tristan to take his place at the
head of the table. He had taken off his jacket and had casually rolled up the
sleeves of his cream colored shirt. His hair was slightly tussled and fell over his
forehead playfully.
The pasta smelled delightful and Lorraine’s cooking was like eating at a
five star restaurant, not that I’ve been to any but the food made me feel like I just
did. Tristan did not speak as he ate and I didn’t dare to glance at him. Perhaps I
should have eaten with Lorraine and Jace but Anna wouldn’t have allowed it.
She had taken the effort to seat me down. I silent meal gnawed at me and I
wished that it would be over quickly.
It was Tristan that broke the silence.
‘Has Karen sent anyone yet?’ he asked his sister. Anna paused and
pursed her lips.
‘No. Why do you have to talk about that witch?’
‘Annabelle, we’ve had this conversation,’ started Tristan. I noted the
sternness in his voice.
Anna threw down her utensils. It clanged loudly and I could hear
Lorraine shuffling near the door. The housekeeper was preparing herself for an
outburst. The chair scraped loudly against the wooden floor. Anna left and I
suddenly found myself alone with Tristan Vice. I turned to watch his reaction
and saw that he remained perfectly unaffected by his sister’s exit. It made me
frown. He continued with his dinner as if nothing had happened.
I took a drink of water and followed after Anna. She was in her room and
the door was locked.
‘Anna, it’s me,’ I said softly with a knock. Lorraine loitered nearby with
a worried face. I turned to face her and gave her a reassuring look. It was going
to be alright. I would sort it out. The lock clicked as it turned and the door
opened shortly after. I was allowed to slip inside.
Anna’s room was not what I had expected – plain and almost empty
except for the bed and dresser. It was much smaller than my room and I felt that
this should be my room and not hers. Anna threw herself on the bed and buried
her face in the pillow.
‘Talk to me,’ I said and sat down next to her. She shook her head at first.
‘Come on,’ I urged. ‘Talk to me.’
‘I hate her,’ she said, her words slightly muffled by the pillow she held
against her face.
‘Alright. And?’
Anna paused. She then swiveled her body around and her face was
suddenly looking up towards the ceiling. ‘She ruined my life.’
‘She’s not exactly here, is she?’
Anna frowned and turned to face me. She wanted an explanation of what
I meant.
‘You’re at your brother’s house and he’s old enough to be your guardian.
Why don’t you just stay here?’
‘I’m not allowed,’ Anna informed me, ‘he always sends me back there.’
‘Why?’
‘Because there’s no one here to take care of me,’ Anna said.
‘You’re sixteen and there’s Jace and Lorraine.’
Anna shook her head. ‘Father doesn’t acknowledge them as my
supervisors. They’re only servants in the house and Tristan is not home often
enough. That’s why I have to go back to the Main House.’
‘Well, you have me now.’
Anna looked into my eyes and allowed me to see the intense fear she felt.
‘When I go back there, they’re going to make me take the drugs again. I don’t
want to feel like the living dead.’
I narrowed my eyes and tilted my head to the side. ‘How big are the
pills?’
Anna was slightly confused by my question. She had expected me to
comfort her. ‘Small,’ she said.
‘And what exactly are they for?’
‘ADHD, insomnia, hyperactivity, psychotic outbursts and depression.’
‘Alright,’ I said. ‘Do you feel depressed?’
‘Only when I’m at the Main House and after taking the pills. Please don’t
make me take them.’
‘I’m not going to force you to do anything,’ I said to her. ‘Let me talk to
your brother and maybe you can stay here permanently instead. Come on, you
still have half a plate of dinner to finish.’
It didn’t require much coaxing to get Anna back into the dining room. I
knew she was hungry after all that jumping and bounding around in the mall. I
certainly was. Tristan was not there when we went back and Lorraine was
surprised as to how I managed to Anna back out again. She was already clearing
the table.
‘Goodness me, I thought that was the end of it when you left, Miss
Annabelle,’ she said and placed the plates back down. I moved to sit next to
Anna. She ate every morsel on her plate and once we had finished, I sent her to
my room.
‘Go through the stuff and pick out something for me to wear tomorrow,’
I told her. That lightened up her face and brought life back to her again. She
went without the need for a second telling. ‘Lorraine, where’s the master?’
‘He is in his study,’ she said.
‘I’ll do the dishes,’ I told her. ‘You go and relax.’
‘But it is my job,’ the housekeeper began.
‘Please let me do it, I need a little time to think.’
Lorraine hesitated.
‘Go and help Anna,’ I said to her, ‘I don’t want to leave her alone on her
own for too long.’
Lorraine eventually gave in. I cleared the table and took the plates to the
kitchen. Apprehension rose to my chest as I dragged out my imminent
conversation with Tristan Vice. It did not take long to wash and dry two plates. I
just as I placed them away, I felt someone behind me. I turned around and found
that it was Tristan Vice. It made me gasped with surprise and instinctively
stepped backwards. I crashed to the open pantry doors and hit my head against
one of its corners. Pain moved through my skull and I clutched the back of my
head. I wasn’t usually a like this but something about Tristan Vice’s presence
that made me act strangely. He reached out and caught the pantry door to
prevent it from hitting me again a second time from the rebound.
‘Are you alright?’ he asked with a hint of concern in his voice. He was
much taller than me and I felt dwarfed by his presence. The silhouette of his
strong solid torso could be seen beneath the shirt.
‘Yeah,’ I managed to say, ‘I’m fine.’
The back of my head continued to throb and Tristan Vice did not move.
His close proximity to me restricted my ability to breath. In one decisive move, I
slipped away by taking a side step and stumbled across the kitchen as if I had
two left feet. He caught me before I could fall, his strong grip on my arm. The
touch was electrifying and we momentarily gazed into each other’s eyes.
He was the first to look away and release me at the same time. His body
seemed tense as he took a step back from me.
‘About Anna,’ I started. I needed something to distract me from him.
‘You’re not thinking about sending her to the Main House, are you?’
Tristan Vice was quick to recompose himself and put on his iron mask
again. His voice turned cold towards me.
‘There is no other option. I am not present at this house all the time and
she needs an adult to keep her from self-harm.’
‘That’s what I’m here for, isn’t it? To be her babysitter. It would be much
better for her if she stays here rather than force her to go back to the Main
House. The mere thought of it threatens to give her a panic attack.’
‘I’m not her legal guardian and it is our father who decides where she
stays.’
There was bitterness in his voice.
‘But she’s much happier here.’
‘Yes and is unfortunate that I cannot make this arrangement permanent.’
‘Then what am I doing here?’
He looked at me and I felt a flutter in my heart. His blue eyes were so
piercing that it drew me in like a reel.
‘To keep her from self-harm,’ he said finally.
‘Then it is my job to convince your father that she is better off here. Do I
have your full support in this endeavor?’
‘Yes.’
And that was the end of our conversation. Tristan disappeared upstairs
and I did not see him again for the rest of the night.
I could hear my heart beating in my ears as I exhaled to calm myself
down. What is happening to me? I forcibly reminded myself that he has a
fiancée.
Chapter 7 – Meeting Elliot Vice
Anna decided to sleep with me that night. She grew paranoid about men
breaking in and taking her away back to the Main House. When she first told me
this, I began to wonder if she really did need the medication. But Lorraine
quickly dispelled this thought my informing that this has occurred more than a
dozen of times and that Anna had a reason to fear sleeping alone.
‘I was ten when it first happened,’ Anna whispered in the dark as she lay
next to me. ‘Father had hired men to come into the house and shoved me in the
backseat of a car. Tristan was in Milan at the time and couldn’t help me.’
‘They’re not going take you awake anymore,’ I told her. Anna struggled
to sleep and I decided to leave the lamp on to help her with her night terrors. It
was then that I decided that she didn’t need any drugs. What Anna needed was a
chance to live.
Although my eyes were close and pretended to be asleep, I laid awake for
the next few hours. The thought of Tristan in the room next to me made me feel
strange. It was something I’ve never felt before and my attraction to him seemed
to grow with each passing moment. It was maddening and I didn’t know how I
managed to get through the night.
I woke up to a soft knock against the door. Lorraine poked her head
through the door and informed us that it was half past six. We were expected
downstairs for breakfast in fifteen minutes.
‘Why so early?’ I asked her.
‘The master is going to escort you to the Main House.’
Anna turned over to her side and pulled her pillow over her head. The
message made her sob.
‘Oh,’ I said as I blinked several times to wake up my eyes. ‘Come on
Anna, let’s get this over and done with.’
‘He’s going to make me take the pills,’ she cried.
I reached out and pulled her pillow away from her face. ‘Not while I’m
here. Come on, If it’s going to be that bad today, we’re going to need to face it
with full strength.’
I got out of bed and went into the bathroom to wash my face. After
getting dressed and encouraging Anna to do the same, I went downstairs. Anna
had originally picked out a pencil skirt for me. I didn’t like tight clothing as it
often made me feel uncomfortable. With the help of Lorraine’s opinion, I
managed to negotiate for dress pants and a white blouse. As I put it on, I looked
at myself in the mirror and saw the unusual transformation in my appearance. I
looked like a professional – pristine and ready for work. I supposed it fitted with
the situation. I was going to need it to convince Anna’s father as to why she
should be allowed to stay with her brother. Elliot Vice sounded like a stern man
and I knew that my appearance could help me in my task.
Tristan Vice sat at the head of the table while Lorraine served him his
coffee and breakfast. He did not greet or acknowledge my presence as I sat
down. He wore a white fitted dress shirt that outlined his strong torso. He left the
top two buttons undone and it gave him a professionally casual appearance. His
hair was not slicked back and the wavy locks were allowed to sit playfully on his
head. There was something sexy about it and I reminded myself that he’s already
taken. Besides, a relationship of that sort would be impossible and inappropriate.
I was here to help his sister and it is unlikely that he takes any notice of me in
that way.
‘Just one sugar, thanks,’ I told Lorraine as she moved around to pour me
a cup of the bitter beverage.
Anna joined us shortly and plotted herself down next to me. She poked at
her breakfast but after five minutes, she gave one big sigh and wolfed it down.
My words to her seemed to have worked its magic and Tristan took note of his
sister’s newfound morning appetite. I suspected that this was unusual for Anna,
especially when it involved going back to the Main House. I guess there would
be a great deal of protest and crying against the trip.
Jace took out the black Land Cruiser from the garage and it made me
wonder how many cars Tristan owned. Anna took the back seat and I was forced
to sit in the front passenger seat with her brother. Lorraine gave Anna a
reassuring hug before we left.
Tristan drove the car in silence and I could feel it gnaw at my skin and
Anna’s sanity. She began to fidget and twisted her fingers nervously. My heart
only raced because of Tristan.
‘Pick a station,’ I said to Anna, breaking the nerve-wracking trip.
‘What?’
‘Radio station,’ I told her.
‘I don’t know,’ she said.
I fiddled with the controls. Jace was the last to drive the car and it was set
to Oldies.
‘Rock,’ said Tristan.
I blinked for a moment before I registered what he said to me. It
surprised me that he liked rock music. Or perhaps he knew that Anna liked that
sort of music. I fiddled with the buttons and eventually found the station. We
listened to classic rock. I carefully watched Anna through the side mirror and
while she was still jittery, the upbeat sound of drums made her calmer than she
was a few moments ago.
The Main House was three times the size of Tristan’s home. If I hadn’t
known, I would have mistaken it for an upper class private resort. As Tristan
took the Land Cruiser through the front black wrought iron gates, I peered out
the window towards the acres of land that seemed to expand out endlessly. I
spotted several security cameras and counted at least fifteen. There was more
attached to the side of the house and it made me wonder what exactly the Vice
family did for a living.
A butler waited on us as Tristan parked the car in front of the fountain
roundabout. The butler held out his white gloved hand but Tristan did not give
him the keys. Instead, I watched him defiantly pocket it. The butler frowned and
momentarily gave me a sweeping look as he assessed me. He looked at me as if I
was an imposter.
Tristan moved to stand next to me. It was a protective sort of move that
shielded me from the butler’s judgmental gaze. I touched Anna’s arm
reassuringly and nodded to her.
‘It’s going to be alright,’ I whispered to her. Anna took a deep breath in
and seemed to hold it.
The butler notified his master of the arrival and we were led into the
main body of the house. The decoration was rich and intricate. Every part of the
house seeped with age and grandeur. I thought it was rather much too big to be
made into a personal home. There was nothing in it to indicate that a family
lived here. The butler placed us in a waiting area and another butler came out
with a silver platter. Anna immediately moved behind me and when I turned, I
saw what it was that terrified her – it was eight little brown bottles. The butler
placed it down on the table as the first butler disappeared and returned with a
pitcher and glass for the water.
Elliot Vice and his wife entered the room shortly after. Elliot Vice was a
man in his sixties, his hair completely gray and wore a tailored dark grey suit.
He and Tristan shared the same eyes, except the elder’s was stonier and colder
than his son’s. It felt as if he was incapable of feeling any empathy towards his
daughter. Karen on the other hand, she looked old enough to be Tristan’s older
sister. She was a woman in her early thirties and I began to wonder how young
she was when she married Elliot Vice. Her face was frozen and plastic, her
breasts artificially enlarged, her hair set into perfect golden curls and her body
tightly wrapped in a red bandaged dress. She would have been beautiful if it
wasn’t for the cruel calculating red painted pout on her face.
I couldn’t see how this woman manages to convince a man like Elliot
Vice to do her bidding. It was unfathomable. But then my eyes were drawn to
her rack and I began to have some ideas on how she went about it. Men seemed
to have a weakness for physical appearances of women. Perhaps Elliot Vice
liked his woman to be the plastic trophy sort.
‘Father,’ Tristan coldly acknowledged. The temperature in the room
dropped and I felt Anna’s cold fingers wrap itself around mine. I gave her a
reassuring squeeze.
‘Son,’ said Elliot. It was clear that the relationship was not a warm or
natural in any sense.
‘As we discussed last night, I’ve hired someone to take care of
Annabelle. She has taken up residence at my house and there’s no need for
Annabelle to return here.’
Elliot Vice looked at me with his cold eyes. I lifted my chin and held my
ground against his assessment.
‘What are your qualifications?’
‘I have none that you would think of as relevant,’ I found myself saying.
Tristan seemed to freeze at my answer. ‘But I possess a quality that you desire.’
Elliot Vice was not moved by my reply. ‘And what is this quality?’
‘The ability to command obedience,’ I said. ‘Your daughter will listen to
me and it has come to my attention that she refuses to take her medication.’
Anna began to panic. She tried to pull her hand away from mine. It was
as if my words betrayed my promise to her. But I held on tightly and gave it
another squeeze. She needed to trust me. Elliot’s eyes momentarily glanced over
his daughter and Karen narrowed her gaze towards us.
‘Prove it,’ she said. The young stepmother walked towards the table and
took a pill out from each prescribed medicine bottle. Anna began to breathe
heavily and took a step away. I sensed the onset of a panic attack and
immediately spun around to face her. I placed my hand on her face.
‘Hey,’ I whispered. ‘I need you to trust me, okay?’
‘But the pills, I don’t want to take the pills,’ she began to cry as she
shook her head. I glanced over my shoulders and saw that Karen had placed the
pills into a small dish.
‘I’m going to need a minute,’ I announced and quickly led Anna out
through the door. I pushed her into the nearest room and closed the door.
‘You said I wouldn’t have to take the pills,’ she sobbed. ‘You lied to
me.’
‘Hey, you haven’t taken them yet. Look, the only way to get your father
to agree is that you do as she wants,’ I whispered.
Anna shook her head and attempted to run out but I blocked her path.
‘Listen to me, I’m not finished yet. I only said you have to take the pills,
it doesn’t mean you have to swallow them.’
That got her attention. ‘What?’
‘Have you seen the size of those things? They’re miniscule. Take them
and hide them under your tongue. It’s a test. If you do as they expect you to do,
they’ll let you go back to your brother’s house.’
Anna stopped her tears and blinked at my genius suggestion. She had
never thought to do that before.
‘Let them see you take it but don’t,’ I whispered. Anna nodded and
although her eyes were still fearful, I saw that she understood what she had to
do.
With her hand in mine, I led her back into the large room where Karen,
Elliot Vice and Tristan waited. Tristan gave me an enquiring look and then cast
his eyes over his sister. I took the bowl of pills from Karen and held it out
towards Anna. The fearful teen sniffed and slowly, she picked each pill, one by
one and placed it on her tongue. Karen blinked with surprise at the girl’s sudden
complacency. I poured a glass of water for Anna and she drank it all up. I found
Tristan watching me in wonderment.
‘There,’ I said and turned to face Elliot Vice without a hint of fear
towards him. ‘I made her take her pills without protest.’
‘Very well,’ said Elliot Vice. He turned and left without another word.
Karen followed after him and Tristan immediately pushed us in the opposite
direction towards the door. We were quick to leave and Anna struggled with the
bitterness that grew in her mouth.
The car remained where Tristan had left it and I jumped in the back seat
with Anna.
‘Not yet,’ I told her. The butlers watched us from the steps. I reached out
and pulled the seatbelt over her body. It strapped her back against the seat and
Tristan was quick to leave his father’s grounds. When we were out through the
gates and far away from the cameras, I held out my hand and Anna spat out the
pills.
Tristan glanced at us through the rearview mirror and realized what I had
done. He cracked a momentary impressed smile.
‘That tasted horrible,’ complained Anna, her face contorted with disgust.
‘Horrible yes, but it was worth it.’
Chapter 8 – A short lived celebration
Half a month without the pills allowed Anna to settle into being a normal
teenager. And my relationship with Tristan stalled. He avoided talking to me as
much as possible and kept his icy demeanor on like a shield. It made no sense
why he acted that way and my numerous attempts at conversation always failed.
I eventually gave up and we coexisted in the same space out of necessity. He
paid me by the week and did not say anything about my employment. There
seemed to be no need for words as I understood clearly what he wanted me to do
– take care of his sister. I was allowed to make my own judgment on things and I
took his lack of protest against my actions as acceptance towards the decisions I
made.
Anna’s teachers came to Tristan’s house to do her lessons. They were
stern and expected Anna to take her pills before each lesson. No wonder the girl
was going crazy before I came into her life. It was clear that these ‘teachers’
were also getting paid to monitor Anna and make sure that she was being
medicated. We continued with our ruse and I sat through the lessons with Anna.
As the days passed, I began to understand why she desperately needed a
friend. Being homeschooled meant that the girl didn’t have a chance to meet
anyone outside the house. She was closed off from the outside world. The
medication she was on only made things worse.
‘Tristan did try to get me out,’ said Anna when we were by ourselves at
the mall. We hadn’t spent any money and was just window shopping for the sake
of it. ‘But father always made me go back and Tristan’s always off on business
trips.’
‘What does he do? I mean, what sort of business is he running?’
Anna shrugged. ‘I don’t know. Tristan never talks about it and I’ve
always been too out of it to care. But most of our money comes from mom.
Tristan has half of her fortune and I’m set to inherit the other half.’
We brought kebab wraps for lunch and she was perfectly content with
sitting on the bench and eating them with her hands. Jace picked us up at four
and we returned home with nothing but what Lorraine put down on the grocery
list. At first, the housekeeper was reluctant to give me the week’s shopping list
but I convinced her that a trip down the fresh foods aisle was necessary for
Anna’s sense of normalcy. Jace attempted to take in all the bags himself but I
wouldn’t allow it. Anna happily volunteered to help with the load.
As we entered the house, I noticed something different about it. There
was a strong smell of perfume lingering in the air and Lorraine came out of the
kitchen with a sour face. Anna’s smile quickly faded away and Jace fell silent. I
frowned at everyone’s reaction and wondered what was going on.
‘She’s here, isn’t she?’ said Anna, her tone as cold as her brother when
he spoke to me.
Tristan Vice came down the stairs and I was surprised to see him home.
It was Thursday and not yet six o’clock. He was usually still at the office. He
had on his white shirt but it looked as if he had put it on himself in a hurry. It
was the first time I’ve seen him like this. The top three buttons were undone and
his hair was messy. Our eyes met momentarily and I enquired him with a glance.
Although I lived in his house, Tristan made an effort not to speak to me.
Conversations were only made if they concerned Anna.
A woman walked out of his room and revealed herself to me. She was
tall, blonde and looked like a model. She wore one of Tristan’s shirts. It was
long enough to cover mid her thighs and she did not wear any pants. She made it
no secret what went on between her and Tristan behind closed doors. I felt sick
at the realization and my heart cracked with pain. The woman must be the
dreaded fiancée I’ve yet to meet. Of course she must be. Who else could she be?
Anna immediately dropped the grocery bags and left. I turned after her
but she was already out through the door.
‘Anna,’ I called out after her. Placing the bags down, I chased after the
girl. ‘Anna!’
Anna was running down the driveway and out through the front gates.
She continued to run until she was out of breath and when I finally caught up to
her half way down the street, I saw that her face was covered in tears. She threw
her arms around my neck and sobbed.
‘I hate her! I hate her! I hate her!’ she repeated in my ear.
‘Hey, everything’s going to be alright. I’m here now.’
‘That bitch is going to ruin everything,’ Anna cried.
It’s been a while since I’ve heard Anna speak like that. I sat her down on
the sidewalk, partly because I also needed a rest from the running. My legs were
weak and jellylike. We plotted ourselves down on the concrete and Anna drew
her knees up towards her chest.
‘Talk to me,’ I said to her. She rocked back and forth slightly as she
spoke.
‘She’s horrible and Tristan isn’t Tristan when she’s around.’
‘What do you mean?’ I asked.
‘He turns icy and treats me as if…’ Anna’s chest began to heave and I
sensed the imminent wave of a panic attack. Although being off the pills did
help her a great deal, Anna was still prone to having outbursts when it got too
stressful for her. I moved and wrapped my arms around her. It always helped her
to remain calm.
‘Hush,’ I told her. ‘I’m here now. We’re in this together and I need you
to stay calm.’
Anna struggled to keep it under control. She breathed in deeply and held
the air in her lungs until her face turned slightly purplish.
‘Alright, so Tristan turns into a complete ass when she’s around, have
you ever tried talking to him about it?’
Anna released her breath and shook her head.
‘Do you want to talk to him about it?’
Anna shook her head again.
‘That’s not going to solve anything, now is it?’
‘He never listens to anyone when that bitch is around.’
‘Then you’ll have to talk to him when she’s not there. I mean, come on,
you do live with him and he is your brother. When he’s in the right frame of
mind, I’m sure he’ll listen to you.’
Anna shook his head. ‘When it comes to her, Tristan never listens. She
has him under her control and he just shuts me out. He even tells me to go and
take my pills.’
I was surprised by the report. I knew that Tristan was against his being
unnecessarily medicated and approved of the ruse that Anna and I carried out
when it came to taking her pills. But for him to tell her to take it is another
matter. I began to wonder what sort of person Tristan became when it concerned
his fiancée. It also dawned on me that this woman did not have good intentions
towards Anna.
Jace found us on the sidewalk and was relieved to see my arms wrapped
around Anna as if she was my baby sister.
‘We got so worried,’ he started.
‘Jace,’ I said, ‘can you go back and get the car. I think Anna and I should
eat out tonight.’
Jace gave me an enquiring look but I did not say anything. I simply
nodded for him to move and he eventually complied with my request. Going
back to the house right now was too emotionally dangerous for Anna and I
needed to stabilize her before doing anything else. Tristan’s fiancée’s presence
would only make things worse.
As we waited for Jace to come back, I felt my heart drop and the
splintering effect at the thought of Tristan being with another woman. I felt
stupid to even having such feelings towards the situation. I’m only here because
of Anna. He just happens to be her brother and the man that is also paying me
my weekly wage.
‘Where to?’ Jace asked. I sat in the backseat with Anna.
‘Somewhere,’ I said. ‘Just drive around for a little while.’
Jace did as instructed. Anna had slipped into a volatile state and he
trusted me to make the decisions. I eventually settled for a fast food joint three
streets away and the three of us sat together at the small table. Anna picked at
her food and I didn’t feel like eating. We went back to the mall and meandered
around for a little bit more with Jace behind us like a security guard. After a few
hours, I checked my watch and found that it was almost eight.
‘I think we should go back,’ I said when I judged Anna to be stable
enough but she was reluctant to comply.
‘I’m not going home if she’s still there,’ she said with her arms crossed. I
saw heat bubble beneath her skin and it felt like I was negotiating with a
volcano. But Anna could not control these things. The drugs had messed with
her system for so long that it would require time and guidance to help her
through it. It was this knowledge that allowed me to be patient with her.
I took out my phone and allowed her to see the screen as I flicked
through the numbers in the list. I stopped and Tristan’s name and pressed the
button to call him. Pressing the phone to my ear, I waited and listened to the
ringing tone. Eventually someone picked up.
‘Yes?’ he said. My heart paused for a moment before I found my voice
again.
‘Is she still there?’ I asked. I thought it came off a little bit harsh and
sounded as if I was angry. I closed my eyes and wished that I had more control.
‘Yes.’
I walked away from Jace and Anna. They did not follow and instead
watched me from across the mall. I felt like I needed some privacy.
‘She needs to go,’ I told him.
Tristan paused. It made me uneasy and uncertain about myself. Who am I
to order Tristan Vice about?
‘Come home,’ he said finally. I could not tell from his tone how he felt or
what he thought. It was impossible to know especially when I could not see his
face, not that it was going to somehow help me discern what went through his
mind. Tristan was always icy towards me but it is another matter for him to enact
this cruelty towards his sister.
‘Not until I have your word that she’ll be gone by the time we come
back,’ I said. Tristan paused again and I felt the need to explain myself. ‘Anna’s
in a fragile state and your fiancée is setting her off. I can’t do my job properly if
you’re not going to help me.’
Tristan did not speak and the silence annoyed me. It nibbled at my brain
and sent a flurry of thoughts through my head. What was he thinking? Why is he
not saying anything? Is she there with him? Is she listening in on this
conversation? The very idea of his fiancée listening in made me feel as if I had
been intruded somehow.
I could hear her voice in the background but could not make out the
words. My mind went into overdrive as my imagination began to run wild.
Images of her over him made my blood boil and I bit my tongue to get myself
back into reality. I was being silly again. I’m here for Anna and not anyone else.
I mustn’t involve myself in any other way beyond my job.
‘Find a hotel room,’ he said finally. I was shocked by his words and was
left hanging as he disconnected the call. He had chosen her over his sister. That’s
just simply not right. I walked back to Anna and Jace with a dead look upon my
face. They instantly knew that I just lost.
‘I told you,’ said Anna. ‘She always wins.’
‘We’ll see about that,’ I said with a rising anger beneath my skin. ‘Jace,
take us home.’
Anna must have felt the danger in my mood and she instantly fell silent
and did not protest against it. Although the thought of going back with her still
there, she sensed that this time I was going to make it different.
Chapter 9 – A clash of hearts and minds
As expected, she was still there when Anna and I returned. Lorraine was
surprised and relieved to see us. Anna’s chest began to heave as she struggled
against the incoming panic attack. I didn’t know what thoughts went through her
mind to set her off like this, but it was clear that it was not good for her. I
immediately took her into the kitchen and pulled out a tub of ice-cream. I had
noted that cold things helped cool and calm her down. Peeling off the lid, I
handed it to her along with a spoon.
‘Stay with Anna,’ I instructed Lorraine.
‘Where are you going?’ the housekeeper asked. Anna sat herself down on
the kitchen floor and began to dig into the ice-cream.
‘Upstairs,’ I informed her. ‘If she finishes the vanilla before I come back,
give her the chocolate.’
I left Lorraine with Anna. I wasn’t quite sure what I was doing but the
anger I felt towards Tristan was immeasurable. It propelled me up the stairs.
Alright, so he’s doing things with his fiancée, I didn’t have the right to be mad at
that. She is his fiancée, the woman he’s chosen to spend the rest of his life with.
It is none of my concern as to what he’s doing with her. But to discard his sister
is another matter. Anna needs support and his actions are not very supportive at
all. Something devilish came over me and I felt as if I had no control over what I
did next.
I did not give a warning knock as I pushed open the door. Tristan swore
as he realized what had just happened. He was naked and straddled on top of the
blonde. His smooth marble like skin, the broad shoulders, defined muscles and
tight ass made me hold my breath and fluster momentarily. But then I reminded
myself why I was there. Anna needs her brother and nothing more. Then I saw
her peer over his shoulders with surprise. Tristan flashed his naked flesh at me as
he moved to pull the sheets over their exposed bodies.
‘What the hell are you doing?’ he yelled at me without bothering to put
on his stoic mask. I saw a mixture of shame and embarrassment upon his face, as
if he had been caught cheating. He saw that I had purposefully walked in on him.
‘We need to talk,’ I said. I was surprised that my voice held up.
‘Out,’ he said in a dangerous tone.
‘No.’
He glared at me and I saw anger grow on his face. We stared at each
other and it became a battle of will. His fiancée saw something dangerous about
this as she looked back and forth between us. She sensed that there was
something threatening in my relationship with Tristan. The blonde moved to
wrap her arms around Tristan and kissed him on his neck. I retained my glare as
she whispered something in his ear.
‘Lauren, leave us,’ said Tristan. The command was unanticipated and
caught her off guard.
‘What?’ she said.
‘Go. Now.’ The sternness in his voice broke whatever spell she had over
him.
Lauren paused for a moment and surveyed the situation again. No one
moved. It was about to turn into a stalemate until Tristan repeated his order
again to her. Lauren’s lips pursed into a thin unhappy line as her eyes darted to
me. She did not care about decency and got off the bed. I saw every inch of her
body – her large rounded breasts and her white skin with red blotches where
Tristan had gripped her tightly. I felt that she took her time in putting on
Tristan’s shirt again. I held my breath as she passed me, her shoulders hitting
against mine as she walked out. But I could not escape her scent. She smelled
like him and something about that infuriated me.
‘Speak,’ he said when Lauren was gone.
Tristan sat on the bed, his well-constructed torso exposed and the only
thing that covered the bottom half were the white crumpled sheets. My eyes
glanced momentarily over it and heat immediately rose to my cheeks.
‘Why didn’t you tell me that you were going to have her over?’ I found
myself speaking.
‘Why do I need to inform you about my personal life?’ he retorted. I
couldn’t tell if he was angry or annoyed at my interruption.
‘You don’t. But you know how she sets Anna off and a little warning
would have helped.’
Tristan did not say anything. Instead, he got off the bed and I turned
around as he stood up, completely naked and not an inch of the sheets covered
him. Or his sword. I had caught a glimpse of it – upright and alert.
Behind me, I heard the sounds of materials and the metallic clicking of
his belt as he put on his pants. There was a small rustle as he pulled on his shirt
and gathered up Lauren’s clothes off the ground. I felt him stand behind me, his
strong warm body only an inch away from mine. It made my heart race and I
struggled to keep myself under control.
‘This is my house,’ he whispered. I felt his warm breath against my ear
as he spoke.
‘And Anna is your sister,’ I said. I closed my eyes as my muscles tensed.
I could feel him. I could feel his heat, his strong solid body, his warm moist lips
and his smooth ivory skin. It was maddening.
‘Who are you to demand that I report my private doings to?’
I turned to face him. Our eyes met and I found myself looking at the face
of a god, a cruel incarnation of beauty and desire. I could not speak. We were
less than an inch away from each other. His intense blue eyes sent a wave of
electricity through my skin and although we did not touch, I felt a desire beat
itself against the walls of my heart. It was then that I breathed in his scent – the
musky smell of sweat and sex. It brought me back to reality and a reminder that
Lauren is somewhere downstairs.
‘Don’t make me leave,’ I warned him and walked away.
He stood between the threshold to his room and the hallway. I felt his
eyes follow me as I made my way towards the stairs. He followed shortly after.
I found Lauren sitting cross legged on the couch in the living room. I
made a note not to put myself in the same place where she had parked her bare
ass. She eyed me with suspicion as I walked in. Her fingers twirled playfully
around her ends of her golden locks but there was something in her face that
looked deadly. Tristan walked passed me and I heard the jingle of keys as he
threw Lauren’s clothes to her.
‘I’m taking you home,’ he said.
‘What?’ she said. Lauren was surprised but quickly recomposed herself. I
felt sick as she parted her legs slightly and I saw her parts which glistened with
juice. Somehow, that is supposed to be seductive but I only found it vulgar. ‘But
we were just starting to have fun.’
Tristan walked ahead without another word and Lauren was forced to get
off her feet. She followed after him and within moments, I heard the sound of an
engine and crunching gravel as the car rolled out of the driveway. Then they
were gone.
My legs felt weak and I stumbled into the kitchen. I joined Anna on the
floor and Lorraine fetched me a spoon. Anna shared the chocolate ice-cream
with me and watched as I allowed the cold globs to melt in my mouth. The
coldness of the dessert cooled me down but my body continued to generate heat.
Jace came into the kitchen to find us seated with our backs against the
pantry door.
‘Did the master just leave with her?’
The gardener had made sure to stay clear of the house since our return. I
nodded. He blinked.
‘Wow,’ he uttered. ‘You, my dear, are a legend.’
Chapter 10 – Awkward encounters
I struggled to sleep that night. My body was hot with confusion as the
realization of what I had done sunk in. Anna on the other hand, slept soundly in
her spot next to me. She was thrilled to have Lauren out of the house. Tristan did
not return and at midnight, I crept out of my room and down the stairs. I went
into the kitchen, grabbed a glass and turned the tap. The water hydrated my
parched throat. I placed the glass down in the sink and turned to return to my
room.
A tall dark shadow stood against the door frame, the moonlight from
outside illuminated his silhouette and a little scream of fright escaped from my
lips. Tristan stepped forward and I found that I could hear my heart beating
loudly in my ears. He wore a silk white shirt with his sleeves rolled up and the
top two buttons undone. His face was calm and controlled, stoic with confidence
and I found myself mesmerized by him. His hair was tussled and hung over the
sides of his temple like licorice. Tristan smiled, his lips curved alluringly and it
made me fluster with confusion. He laughed silently to himself and a strange
look came over his face. He took another step towards me and I soon found
myself pressed against his strong muscular body as his wrapped his arms around
my waist. I flustered with heat as he lowered his face closer to mine.
I jolted awake.
‘Shit,’ I said to myself. It was just a dream. Another one of those dreams.
My body was still riveting from it.
Anna was beside me and she seemed to be deep in dreamland. I sat up
and rubbed my face. My heart was racing and my pulse moved like a swollen
river. The dream had been so vivid that for a moment I was convinced what
happened was real. But it wasn’t and it was impossible to get back to sleep
again. I picked up the bedside clock and found that it was past midnight and
almost two A.M. It was impossible to just lay there and pretend that the dream
didn’t happen. The surge of confusion and emotions sent me out of the room and
down the stairs.
The smell of Lauren lingered in the living room and I felt repulsed at the
thought of her naked ass on the couch. And then there was the matter of her bare
body against Tristan’s. I stopped myself from thinking about things I shouldn’t
be thinking about. But it was impossible. Her smell – a strong sweet perfume
that refused to leave – teased my senses and threatened to drive me crazy. I
decided to turn on the lights.
I found air fresheners in the cupboard under the sink. Upon returning to
the living room, I sprayed the place with the fruity fragrance. The smell of
strawberries filled the air. It also woke me up and I knew that it would be
impossible to go back to sleep again. Well, it was already impossible for me to
sleep in the first place and the memory of the dream only made it worse.
Hardly any time had passed and I soon found myself rummaging in the
kitchen pantries. Within ten minutes an assortment of ingredients were laid out
on the counter. I felt the need to distract myself from the dream and thoughts of
Tristan.
It has been a long time since I made anything. I had been spending my
day with Anna and Lorraine did all the cooking. I whipped together a chocolate
cupcake batter and spooned the mixture into the baking tray. As I closed the
oven and turned around to tidy up, I jumped at the sight of Tristan. He stood
leaning against the doorway. I didn’t know how long he had been there and his
sudden appearance startled me. I didn’t hear the car pull up the driveway and he
made no sound when he entered the house. Tristan was dressed in the same
manner as when he had left the house, his hair playfully framing his striking
face. For a split moment, I had managed to forget about the dream but the
contents immediately returned at the sight Tristan. My face flushed with heat. It
turned my face red and the images of his naked body and exposed parts plagued
my mind.
‘Why aren’t you asleep?’ he asked. I detected a hint of alcohol in his
breath. He had definitely been drinking, although I wasn’t sure how much. It
definitely made him different and weakened the icy shield he often put up when
he’s around me.
‘I felt like baking,’ I said without thought. Dam my brain.
‘At this time?’
Tristan walked into the kitchen and I edged along the counter to create
distance between us.
‘Yes.’
He glanced at me curiously and then over the mess that I had made in his
kitchen.
‘Where’s Anna?’
It seemed as if he needed a distraction too. I saw that he struggled with
something but still had enough control over it.
‘She’s asleep in my room.’
Tristan remained in the kitchen and his presence made me
uncomfortable. I tried not to remember the dream. But the more I tried to forget,
the vividness of its memory increased. It was driving me to the brink of
madness. Tristan attempted to catch my gaze but I quickly turned my head away.
The sight of him was getting too much.
‘You should go to sleep,’ I said to him.
He seemed to agree with me. It fact, I saw it on his face as his thoughts
were allowed to play out on his face for the first time in front of me that it was
dangerous not to agree.
As quickly as he appeared, Tristan exited the kitchen and left me on my
own. He disappeared up the stairs and I heard the soft click of the door as he
went into his room. I exhaled and leaned against the counter for support. It was
already bad enough to be having that sort of dream about him.
‘Shut up Phoebe,’ I whispered to myself. ‘He’s Anna’s brother. He’s
your boss and he’s getting married.’
I took my time on the cleanup and mixed up the icing to pipe in the
morning. When I glanced over to the wall clock, an hour had already passed.
Reluctantly, I took myself upstairs and went into my own room.
Lorraine woke us up and informed me of her surprise to find a tray of
cupcakes had materialized on the counter.
‘Yeah,’ I told her, ‘the icing is in the fridge.’
‘You made cupcakes last night?’ Anna asked as she rubbed her eyes
awake.
‘I couldn’t sleep.’
When I went downstairs, Tristan was seated in his place at the head of
the table. I couldn’t bring myself to join him and decided to eat my breakfast in
the kitchen instead. Anna noticed my disappearance and ventured to find me. I
was standing by the counter with my bowl of cereal.
‘Why aren’t you at the table?’ she asked me curiously.
‘I feel like standing,’ I told her. It was a lame excuse and she did not
accept it. Anna knew that something was wrong. She could see it on my face and
I was useless at my attempt to hide it from her. Or perhaps she didn’t connect the
dots or realize that I had just walked in on Tristan having sex and succeeded in
getting them both out of the house so that she wouldn’t have a panic attack. And
that I nearly suffered a panic attack of my own as the realization of what I did
sank in. Every inch of me is covered in embarrassment.
Tristan left for work at his usual time and I felt relieved to have him
gone. The teachers arrived shortly after and Anna began her lessons. I struggled
to pay attention and decided to leave part way through maths. I decided to go for
a walk and inform Jace that I was going to take the afternoon off.
‘You have my number,’ I told him, ‘if anything happens to Anna, give
me a ring.’
I walked down the gravel pathway and out into the street beyond the
gates. With nothing but my phone and a ten dollars in my pockets, my feet
carried me far away from Tristan’s house. I took a random bus and soon found
myself travelling towards the city center. I got off on one of the main streets and
decided to walk past the tall buildings built from steel and glass. People passed
by and did not notice me. It was at one when my phone rang. I looked at the
name and saw that it was Anna.
‘Hello?’ I said.
‘Where are you?’
She sounded worried.
‘I’m just out.’
‘Are you alright?’
‘Yeah. I just need some time alone, just for a little while. Are you going
to be okay without me there?’
Anna paused. ‘I think so. The tutors are gone now and it’s just Lorraine
and Jace. Are you sure you’re alright? If it’s got to do with what happened
yesterday between you and Tristan…’
Lorraine must have talked to her.
‘Annabelle Vice, I am perfectly alright. I just need some air,’ I told her in
my most convincing voice. I didn’t want her to worry about me but I needed to
be away from everything for just a little while.
‘Alright,’ she said finally. ‘When are you coming home?’
‘In a few hours,’ I told her.
‘Okay.’
‘Hey, I haven’t iced those cupcakes yet. Why don’t you do that for me?
Get Lorraine to show you how.’
‘Okay. Don’t be late for dinner.’
‘Yes ma’am,’ I said. I could feel Anna smiling and the conversation
ended there.
I continued to meander down the street without any particular sense of
direction or destination. I passed restaurants filled with people in suits out on
their lunch break and there were a great number of women in heels and pencil
skirts bustling about. Although I walked amongst them, I could feel that I was
not one of them. The hour trickled by and my stomach began to grumble. I
reached into my pocket and found that I only had enough left for the bus ride
back. I did have the option of calling Jace to pick me up but I wanted the sense
of independence that came with riding a bus. I know it sounds strange, but if
you’ve been driven around by a chauffeur for the past few months and spending
twenty four hours of your days with a potentially unstable teen, being alone and
riding a bus was the most liberating feeling I managed to grab for myself.
‘What are you doing here?’ a voice said behind me. I jumped. It
belonged to Tristan. I spun around to face him with a frown on my face. The
world around us went out of focus and I found myself alone with him in the
middle of the busy street. He stood less than a foot away from me, his broad
shoulders highlighted by the grey suit he wore. His hair was swept back in a
professional manner but it only made him dangerous to the women that worked
with him. As Tristan held my gaze, I felt as if I was peering up at a mortal god.
Everything about him seemed perfect and my brain froze when he required an
answer.
‘Afternoon off,’ I eventually found myself saying. Although we had no
official contract signed, Tristan always paid me by the week. The first paycheck
nearly blew me over as it was more than I had anticipated. I’ve lived with for
more than three months now and although I was definitely attracted to him, I
always reminded myself of my position. But yesterday’s events had changed
things and I needed some time away to reset my head. Yet, fate was not on my
side and Tristan had to ambush me by calling me out in the street.
‘And Anna?’ he asked. It was a reasonable enough question.
‘At home with Lorraine,’ I answered.
My stomach grumbled loudly and my face turned red from
embarrassment. His eyes glanced at the five dollars I clutched in my left hand
and noted that I did not carry a handbag or have a wallet with me.
‘Come,’ he said. ‘My treat.’
I blinked. He turned and expected me to follow but I remained rooted
like a tree. My feet were glued to the concrete and I could not move. Tristan
looked over his shoulders.
‘Don’t you have work?’ I found myself asking. He took out his phone
and tapped a message to his secretary. Tristan walked back and took up my
hand. The touch was moved my heart to flutter like a young bird and it made me
feel incredibly stupid. I tried to remind myself and attempted to envision
Lauren’s face but Tristan close proximity to me distracted my thoughts. I stared
at him with confusion as he wrapped he wrapped his fingers around mine. My
knees threatened to melt as I struggled to hold my composure. I wasn’t sure if it
was due to the hunger or his magnetism. It wasn’t fair that a man should be this
handsome.
‘The restaurant is this way.’
He led the way and I was forced to walk with him as if we were some
sort of couple. When my senses returned to me, I took up my other hand and
pried by fingers out of his. He paused and looked me.
‘I’m capable of walking without aide,’ I told him.
The restaurant was upper class and everyone inside were dressed like
they owned million dollar homes. I felt out of place in my jeans and printed
shirt. Although the place was packed and a reservation was needed, there was
something about Tristan Vice’s name that instantly materialized a table for us.
We were tucked away in a small private corner that was kept for emergency Alist clients.
The waiter came with the menu and I pursed my lips as my eyes ran over
the prices. A full course meal was equivalent to half a week’s wage at my old
job. I felt uncomfortable and did not dare to order anything.
‘I’ll have whatever he’s having,’ I said when the waiter turned to me with
his pen poised on his notepad.
‘Duck Confit,’ said Tristan.
The waiter left us and my eyes meandered around the restaurant. I
avoided looking at Tristan, who sat directly opposite me and seemed to be
examining every inch of my face. I should have taken a different bus.
‘Miss Walters,’ Tristan began. It was strange to hear him talk to me
directly. For the past three months, Tristan had avoided any sort of direct
conversation with me and when we did talk, it was about Anna. I was forced to
turn and face him. His face was different and for a moment, he allowed it to
soften and spoke to me in a tone that was reserved only for those in his
household. ‘I apologize for my actions yesterday.’
‘No, I should be the one apologizing,’ I found myself saying. ‘I didn’t
mean to intrude on your private business like that but Anna…’
‘I was fully aware of my sister’s condition and should have taken more
care.’
‘How is it going to work? I mean, when you’re married to her, you’re not
going to send Anna back to the Main House, are you? And she can’t stay with
you if she’s around.’
I avoided using Lauren’s name for some strange reason. Tristan noticed it
too but did not say anything.
‘I cancelled my engagement with her last night. She will not return to the
house again nor will we see each other again.’
‘What?’ I blinked at the news. A part of me felt a burst of joy but it
quickly mixed itself with confusion. ‘Just like that?’
‘Yes.’
‘But you were going to marry her. What changed?’
Tristan paused and seemed to choose his next words very carefully.
‘I thought over your words and you are correct. Anna is indeed in a
fragile state and under your supervision, she is improving. My actions threaten to
be her undoing and I have decided to correct my wrongs.’
‘By calling off your engagement?’
‘Yes. It appears necessary that I need to choose someone who does not
offend Anna.’
Tristan’s face turned into stone again. He adverted his eyes when he had
finished speaking.
‘What about her? She accepted your decision?’
Lauren did not seem like someone who would let something go so easily.
Besides, from Anna’s report of her to me, Lauren had Tristan in the palm of her
hands. Tristan did not reply. The waiter came out with our lunch and we ate in
silence. The awkwardness grew as neither of us spoke. Unable to stand it any
longer, I decided to ask him a question.
‘What do you do for a living?’
Tristan picked his head up from his meal and looked at me.
‘I’m the vice president of Baxter Enterprise,’ he answered and quickly
caught the enquiring look on my face. I’ve never heard of Baxter Enterprise and
hadn’t a clue in what they dealt with. ‘Baxter is my mother’s maiden name and
she is the sole heir to my grandfather’s empire. I own and three of the major
utility companies in this country. Baxter Enterprise maintains and upgrades the
electricity grids and telecommunications network. The company also owns
offshore assets which I am sent to maintain from time to time.’
‘Oh,’ I found myself saying and there was nothing left to ask.
When we had finished our meals, Tristan paid and we left together.
‘You should go back to the office,’ I told him as we stood in front of the
restaurant. He could see that I wanted time to myself.
‘When are you going home?’ he asked.
‘I promised Anna that I’ll be back by dinner time.’
‘I’ll pick you up,’ he said and took out his wallet. He handed me one of
his cards. ‘The pin is Anna’s birth year.’
I shook my head. ‘I can’t take that.’
‘You don’t have any money on you. Buy something. Take it as your
bonus.’
Tristan took up my hand and placed the card in my palm. My brain did
not register the action until he started to walk away.
Chapter 11 – A family dinner
The smell of Lauren was still in Tristan’s car and I could not help but be
reminded of her naked ass on the leather. And that’s not including the juices she
was leaking. The thought repulsed me and Tristan noticed my discomfort. It was
not what he intended when he drove us back and we sat in silence in the traffic. I
returned his card and had not spent any of his money. It felt wrong and I could
not bring myself to do it.
It was awkward, strange and heart racing at the same time. I had to
convince myself that he was just being kind. Perhaps he took pity in the
embarrassment I felt for walking in on him yesterday. But there was also the
matter of him breaking up with Lauren. Something told me that it would not be
that simple.
Anna was surprised to see me return with her brother and gave me curios
looks throughout the rest of the night. She presented us with what remained of
my cupcakes and Lorraine served up the dinner. Halfway through the meal, the
phone rang and Jace entered with a grave look upon his face.
‘It’s from the Main House,’ he said.
Tristan wiped his lips and stood up. He left with the phone pressed
against his ears. Anna strained to listen and got out of her seat to creep down the
hallway towards where her brother stood. As hard as Anna tried, she could not
make out a coherent conversation as Tristan kept moving. He returned shortly
after and was not at all surprised to see his sister waiting with anticipation for the
report.
‘They were just made aware,’ he said as he sat back down.
‘Of what?’ Anna asked with fear in her eyes. ‘It’s not the pills, is it?’
‘No,’ he replied and Anna was quickly relieved by his reply.
‘Then what?’ she pressed.
‘Of my cancelled engagement.’
Anna’s surprise was quickly mirrored by Lorraine and Jace who were
close enough to hear the announcement. Tristan picked up his utensils and
continued to eat his dinner as if nothing had happened.
‘You mean you’re not getting married to her?’ Anna asked. She needed
to confirm as an elated smile spread across her face.
‘That is correct.’
Anna’s mouth dropped but the happiness was short lived when Tristan
continued.
‘And it is the reason why we are required to dine at the Main House
tomorrow evening.’
‘I’m not going,’ Anna announced.
‘Phoebe will also be required to attend.’
‘What? Why?’ I frowned.
Tristan did not answer. He finished his dinner and left without another
word to neither of us. Anna was as confused as I am and could not phantom how
Tristan’s called off engagement concerned us. Anna followed his brother
upstairs and continued to pester him about the details but none was given.
Tristan remained silent and out of sight for the rest of the night.
The next morning came quicker than any of us had anticipated and
Tristan was not at the table.
‘He left half an hour ago,’ Lorraine informed us as Anna and I sat down
together. ‘He also says that you both should be ready when he returns at five.’
Anna was reluctant and I was not enthusiastic about going to the Main
House. The teachers came and went and before we knew it, Lorraine ushered us
to get dressed. I went for a demure black dress.
‘Goodness child,’ said Lorraine, ‘you are going to a dinner and not a
funeral.’
‘It feels like it though,’ I told her. Anna came out of the bathroom
dressed in a similar fashion. Lorraine shook her head.
‘No, no, the master had strict instructions that you dress appropriately.’
‘This is appropriate,’ Anna protested. ‘It’s called the little black dress.’
‘Very well,’ Lorraine relented, ‘put on some lipstick, do your hair up and
make yourselves look at least a little bit lively.’
Anna pulled a force comical smile. It made me laugh and forget
momentarily about the imminent dinner at the Main House. Time passed quickly
and Tristan arrived exactly at five. I noted that he was driving a different car, a
red sports BMW this time.
‘Did you just buy a new car?’ I heard Jace ask as Tristan entered the
house. He had left with the silver one this morning.
‘Yes. Are they ready?’
Anna was in my room with me when Tristan knocked softly against my
door. I opened it for him and I held my breath as my eyes gazed into his.
‘Anna,’ he started, ‘go and wait downstairs. I want a private word with
Phoebe.’
The seriousness of his voice made Anna blink and comply with
confusion. Her brother was never this intense towards her and she moved off the
bed and out of the room without a word of protest or question. I could see it on
her face that she would ask me about it later.
Tristan stepped inside and closed the door. We were alone and I took a
step back to create space between us. He saw my discomfort and chose to ignore
it. There was not a hint of nervousness or second thoughts as he reached into his
suit jacket’s inner pocket and produced a small red box. My eyes were instantly
drawn towards it and saw that it was in fact, a ring box. I did not dare think why
he would have it out.
‘Give me your hand,’ he commanded.
‘What?’
I did not move and was half in shock when he flicked it open with his
thumb. Without hesitation, he took up my left hand. Inside was a princess cut
diamond ring. He slipped it on my ring finger without asking. I attempted to pull
my hand away but his grip around my wrist was too tight.
‘From this night onwards, we are engaged, is that understood?’
‘What? No,’ I found myself saying with bafflement painted all over my
face.
‘My breakup with Lauren will be questioned and Karen will not accept
the news lightly.’
‘So I’m to be your excuse?’
‘Yes. Everything has been arranged and you are to follow my lead.’
‘What you’re asking me to do is lie to your father and stepmother,’ I said.
‘My family is already full of lies; one more will not hurt any of us.
Besides, this was your idea.’
‘How, exactly, is pretending to be your fiancée my idea?’ My heart raced
as I spoke. His fingers were still wrapped around my wrist and the touch made it
hard for me to breathe. Then I remembered our little conversation back at the
restaurant yesterday. When he said he needed to pick someone that would not
offend Anna, I did not realize that he meant me. ‘No. I can’t do this. Lying to
them is one thing but to Anna? No.’
‘What you choose to disclose to my sister is up to you. But I would
advise that you do that after the dinner. Her reaction is vital in convincing them
of our ruse. I will discuss the arrangement with you later.’
‘We could have discussed about this during the day,’ I pointed out, ‘or
early in the morning before you left for work.’
‘I had other businesses to attend to.’
‘Like buying a new car?’
‘You looked uncomfortable in the old one,’ he said without pointing to
the fact why it made me feel that way. He knew and there was no need to talk
about it any further.
‘How long am I supposed to stay engaged to you?’ I asked.
‘Until it is necessary to terminate.’ Tristan released my wrist and looked
at his watch. ‘We need to go.’
He opened the door and stepped aside for me. I frowned as I made my
way down the stairs where Anna waited. Her eyes immediately caught the rock
on my finger. Lorraine was next to her and their mouths dropped instantly.
‘Is that mom’s ring?’ Anna asked as she came forward and took up my
hand to observe it. ‘It is mom’s ring.’
I turned to Tristan who descended the stairs with elegance. He nodded
for me to keep walking and did not answer my enquiring look. On my finger was
a family heirloom and it made me feel like an imposter to be wearing it.
Everything seemed to be happening so quickly that I did not have time to
comprehend it at all.
‘To the car, Anna,’ said Tristan.
‘Did you just propose to Phoebe? I didn’t know you two were…when did
this happen?’
‘Anna, I’ll explain later but for now, well, come on, let’s just get this
over and done with.’
Tristan opened the car door for me and Anna bounced into her seat. She
pestered us with questions but Tristan did not answer any of them. I remembered
what Tristan had said to me earlier and held my tongue to prevent it from
bursting Anna’s elated bubble. I dreaded how she would take it when she finds
out that it is only a lie.
It was dark when we arrived at the mansion and it was slightly over six.
The traffic had not been kind and it took an extra half an hour to reach the Main
House.
‘Anna, compose yourself,’ Tristan said as he moved to stand beside me.
Anna pulled a face at her brother but did as she was told.
I felt nervous as we walked together up the front steps and guided us
through the house by one of the waiting butlers. The place was illuminated with
a harsh white glow and every inch felt cold. The dining room was large and the
table big enough to seat at least fifty table. Seated at the head of the table was
Elliot Vice and to his left was his wife Karen. I was surprised to see Lauren
seated next to her. She wore a bright low cut dress that placed her pair of melons
on display. Her hair was set in the same perfect curls as Karen and I thought that
it made them look almost like twins. The similarity made me think that these two
are somehow related, or perhaps it was just Karen’s surgical modifications.
Their perfumes were strong and it felt as they had showered in it.
The two women’s eyes immediately glanced towards the ring on my
finger. With their taste in money, a rock of this quality and size was not hard to
miss. I saw Elliot Vice’s eyes moved in the same direction and it deduced a
flicker of emotion through his stone face.
‘Sit,’ he said.
Tristan led the way and sat on the opposite side from Karen and Lauren.
Anna and I followed. I noticed that Anna remained unusually calm in the
presence of these two women and I quickly realized that it was probably due to
the false fact that I am engaged to her brother. It prevented her from having a
panic attack as a different sort of thoughts moved through her mind.
‘Explain yourself,’ Elliot Vice demanded.
‘What would you like to know?’ Tristan asked. He turned to face his
father directly and I noted how his tone changed with a hint of mockery.
‘Why is that ring on her finger?’ Karen asked.
‘Oh,’ said Tristan as he picked up my hand and observed the stone under
the chandelier light. As he ran his fingers to straighten out mine, a wave of
electricity moved through my body. ‘You mean this?’ Tristan placed my hand
down on the table and held it in place for all to see. ‘We are engaged,’ he
announced.
I held my breath as my eyes observed the two women opposite me.
‘Engaged?’ Karen repeated. The surprise must have been so strong that it
managed to show itself. Incredulity covered her normally plastic and
unchangeable face.
‘Yes,’ Tristan confirmed.
Lauren seemed to be in shock but quickly found her voice. ‘Is she the
reason why you broke it off with me?’
‘Yes.’
Her eyes widened and it looked as if she was about to scream. Her chest
heaved furiously as she glared at me with murder in her eyes. Karen placed her
hand against Lauren’s arm and kept her from lashing out. It was a good thing the
food was not served yet. I was certain that she would most likely throw her knife
at me.
‘I see you have chosen to have Annabelle return here,’ she said.
Anna immediately looked past me to question her brother with her eyes.
She opened her mouth to speak but I quickly took up her hand. I sensed that
Tristan has some sort of plan. He would never let Anna back here, especially
when she’s doing so well since being away from this place.
‘That won’t be necessary,’ he said calmly.
‘But that is part of the agreement. You marry Lauren and she will take
care of your troublesome sister while you work.’
‘Yes, that is prior to Phoebe’s employment. Father, did we not come to
another agreement concerning Annabelle? You said that she may stay with me
under the circumstance that I am able to hire someone who has control over her
behavior. I am aware that the teachers that come to my house are also employed
to witness her taking her pills. The doctors you have assigned to her also
confirmed in their reports to you that Annabelle’s behavior and mental stability
has also positively increased since Phoebe’s arrival. As you can see now,
Annabelle is also not experiencing any signs of a panic attack which often
occurs when she is here in this house.’
Elliot Vice could not deny these facts. I have been in every class that
Anna took with the teachers that her father had hired, with the exception of
yesterday’s math lesson. I also went with her for her doctor appointments.
Although we continued our lies to them as well, it was clear that not taking the
pills had a dramatic positive impact on Anna’s sanity. But her father didn’t need
to know that and Tristan did not speak a word about it. The only other souls that
knew about the ruse were Lorraine and Jace.
‘Well, you can’t just simply discard your engagement with Lauren,’ said
Karen when her husband did not speak a word.
‘It is necessary that I end my relationship with Lauren,’ said Tristan with
ice in his voice.
‘And why is that?’ Lauren asked; her tone was sharp and deadly.
‘Phoebe is carrying my child.’
I nearly choked at the announcement and everyone fell into stunned
silence. Anna was as shocked as I was to hear this from Tristan. It caught
everyone off guard and no one knew how to react. Faking an engagement was
one thing but faking a pregnancy was another matter. Tristan squeezed my hand
gently, somehow, that is meant to be reassuring.
‘Do you have proof?’ Elliot Vice said in a deep low tone.
Tristan reached into his jacket pocket and produced an envelope. He
handed it to his father who opened it and pulled out the letter inside. His glanced
over the paper.
‘You’re lying,’ said Karen. ‘Elliot, if you’d please.’
Elliot Vice gave the paper to his wife. Lauren leaned over and her eyes
grew wide with disbelieve.
‘The test was done yesterday and hence her absence from Annabelle’s
math lesson. I’m sure you’ve been informed. It was also the reason why I was
absent from my meeting with you at the office yesterday afternoon.’
‘Is this true?’ Karen questioned him. Elliot Vice’s silence only confirmed
what Tristan had just said.
Lauren could not take it anymore and immediately stood up. She left the
dining room and when she was far away enough, we heard the echoes of her
furious scream reverberate through the corridors. The butlers came in with the
dinner - a serving of steak, potatoes, carrots and peas with the most glorious
smelling gravy. But Karen was not in a mood to eat. She left as soon as the
plates were placed down in front of us.
‘Bon appetite,’ said Anna as she grinned and began to cut into her steak.
Chapter 12 – The talk
Anna has never enjoyed any sort of meal at the Main House since her
birth mother passed away. She was bouncing like a balloon when we returned to
Tristan’s house and decided to announce the news of my pregnancy to Lorraine
and Jace.
‘I’m going to be an aunt!’ she screamed at the top of her lungs.
‘Off to bed you go,’ Tristan said to her. Anna squealed and gave me a
tight hug before she bounded up the stairs. Lorraine and Jace came out of their
rooms. They were old and wise enough not to be easily convinced as Anna.
‘Master Tristan,’ Jace began.
‘It is my day off tomorrow and I’m sure we can talk whatever it is you
want to talk about then,’ he said to his trusted gardener and chauffer. ‘That goes
to you too, Lorraine.’
They looked towards me with an explanation but I was mentally
exhausted from the intensity of the dinner lies.
‘I am going to bed,’ I said and quickly made my way upstairs.
Anna was already in her pajamas and her mind bubbled with questions.
However, she quickly held her tongue and continued with her grin when Tristan
stood at my door, his arm above his head and rested against the frame. I turned
and was taken aback by the appearance. His suit jacket buttons were undone and
it showed his off his cream white shirt that fitted snuggly on his strong torso.
‘I’ll go and sleep in my room tonight,’ she said.
‘Anna,’ I started but the girl was already gone. Tristan stepped inside and
closed the door after him.
‘What are you doing?’
‘What do you think I’m going to do?’ he asked as he narrowed his eyes
playfully at me. It made my heart skip a beat. He approached me and something
about his sudden movement made be back away defensively. It was undeniable
that I was certainly attracted to him but everything that occurred in the past few
hours was more than I could process in one night.
I took the ring off my finger and held it out to him.
‘You can have it back now,’ I said.
Tristan smirked and took a step closer towards me. It gave him a devilish
sort of look upon his face and that made my pulse quicken. He picked up the
ring off my palm and as I dropped my hand, he took hold of it and held it
securely in his hand. Tristan slipped the dazzling rock back onto my finger
again.
‘Keep it on,’ he said. ‘You’re going to be watched closely for the next
few months.’
‘Few months?’ I found myself repeating.
‘Yes.’
‘And the matter concerning our non-existent child?’
‘You have at least a month or two before they begin to notice anything,
though I’m sure that a false baby bump can be arranged.’
‘I’m not going to wear a fake bump.’
‘Would you like to make it a real one?’
My mouth dropped at his suggestion and I immediately reached out with
my free hand and grabbed the pillow on the bed. I hit him as hard as I could with
it. There was a soft thud as the goose feathers deflated against the impact and
only made Tristan laugh. The sudden change in the way he spoke to me
surprised and terrified me.
‘Perhaps not.’ He released my hand and I was allowed to escape to the
other side of the room.
‘Are you mad?’ I hissed at him. He saw my fear and seemed to be
amused by my reaction. Many things flashed through my mind – Lauren, the
dream, my lunch with him yesterday, my unyielding attraction towards him – it
was maddeningly unfair.
‘No,’ he said simply.
‘You were engaged to someone else two days ago,’ I started. ‘Don’t you
love her at all?’
‘Love?’ Tristan snorted. ‘Do you really believe that I loved that woman?’
‘She was in your bed.’
‘Yes. But that was out of necessity.’
I blinked. ‘Necessity?’
‘I’m sure you’ve been listening and observed how close Karen and
Lauren seemed to be. I only agreed to marry her for Anna’s sake. It was the only
way to get her out of the Main House at the time, since you rejected my initial
employment offer. Lauren is Karen’s niece. Due to the prenuptials my father had
to sign in order to marry my mother, Karen won’t be able to touch Baxter
Enterprise.’
‘What do you mean?’ I asked.
‘My grandfather was a smart man and suspected my father’s intentions
when he pursued my mother. Baxter Enterprise is a multibillion company and
my mother is an only child, which makes her heiress. With that much amount of
money, my grandfather felt the need to protect his family assets. He drew up the
prenuptials and it excludes my father from everything that my mother gets. Only
her children will have authority and the ability to inherit, that being myself and
Anna. When my mother passed away, he was quick to remarry and Karen came
into the scene. She was not aware of the arrangement and was under the
impression that she would get a share in my mother’s fortune. However, when it
became clear that could not touch anything, her tactics changed and at first she
targeted me.’
‘But it didn’t work and so she went for Anna?’
‘Yes. She knew Anna is my weakness and used her against me in every
way possible. I tried to get her out of the Main House several times but Karen
would always arrange to have her back. There was a time, five years ago, when I
attempted a legal injunction against them but it failed when I got into an
accident.’
There was a sinister tone in the way he talked. It was clear that Karen
must have had a hand in the events that occurred. Although Tristan did not
reveal the details of his accident, I understood that it forced him to change his
tactics that eventually lead to accept Lauren into his life. As my brain began to
process all this information, I began to realize that I had just become entangled
in a family battle for control with the fight for Anna being in the center of things.
‘And your father lets her do this? Why?’
Tristan’s lips twisted in a skeptical grin and he lowered his eyes. It was
clear that he didn’t like talking about his father and the relationship between
them is not as it should be.
‘He only loved my mother’s money,’ Tristan said bitterly.
‘Oh,’ I found myself saying and could not think of anything else that
would be appropriate for the moment. ‘I’m sorry about that.’
‘Don’t pity me, Phoebe,’ he said to me, his tone was low and silky. There
was something alluring in the way he spoke to me. It also made me aware that I
was alone with him in the room. That made my heart race a little faster and I had
to pinch myself to keep my head under control.
‘So what’s going to happen next?’ I asked.
‘Marry me,’ he said.
‘Just like that?’
‘Yes. You will be entitled to a divorce when Anna turns eighteen and you
will be recompensed in the divorce settlement.’
‘And our non-existent child?’
‘There will be a miscarriage after the wedding and the only child you
will have to take care of is Anna,’ he said.
‘You have it all planed out,’ I found myself saying.
‘Yes. It is only two more years until Anna becomes a legal adult. When
the time comes, they will attempt to file a conservatorship to gain control over
her share of the inheritance, citing mental instability as their main reason.’
‘How do you know all this?’
‘They’ve always been after the money and conservatorship is the most
likely path they’ll take. Those pills Anna is forced to consume, she’s never
needed them. It’s partly my fault because when mom died, I wasn’t there for her
and Karen took advantage of that. When I did return, it was much too late and
Anna was not herself anymore. But then you came into her life and your actions
to defend her mental stability against Lauren…’ Tristan words faltered as his
eyes seemed to look straight into my soul. ‘I saw the way you looked at me.’
‘I only did it because of Anna,’ I said.
Tristan paused and then nodded his head slightly. ‘Of course,’ he said so
quietly that it came out almost like a whisper. He walked across the room and
stood in front of me. We were less than an inch away and I found my back
pressed against the wall. I did not move as I peered up at him. My limbs felt
weak as I felt his body heat exude from his strong solid body. He lifted his left
hand and brushed away a strand of hair from my cheek. The momentarily touch
melted my insides as an electric wave travelled through my skin. He lowered his
face close to mine and I didn’t dare close my eyes as I held my breath. He
stopped and his slightly parted lips were less than an inch away from mine. He
moved his head to the side and allowed his warm moist lips to touch the side of
my cheek. I flustered.
‘We’re both doing this for Anna,’ he whispered in my ear. ‘Good night,
Phoebe.’
Tristan left the room and I was allowed to be alone for the first time since
my arrival at his house. I collapsed on the floor and stared at the closed door.
‘What the hell just happened?’
Chapter 13 – Secrets and Truths
I found it impossible to sleep that night. As I lay in the bed alone, I found
myself staring at the blank dark ceiling while my mind struggled with what
Tristan had revealed to me. His relationship with Lauren was not genuine but the
bedroom scene he had with her, the images were still fresh and disturbing. I
could not decide how I felt towards him or his plan. Although he said that it
would only be two years, I doubted that it would be that simple. Karen and his
father are after Tristan and Anna’s money. They would not let it go once Anna
turns eighteen and it appears that they have power over Tristan through her. I
was his solution and I felt as if I had unwittingly become entangled in something
I did not suspect. Everything seemed unnecessary complicated and I just wanted
to run away. But I couldn’t. Anna still needed me, or that is what I willed myself
to believe. What exactly am I doing here? I know that my job is to take care of
Anna, but to what extent? How far do I involve myself?
I was allowed to sleep in and when I did wake, it was almost eight. I
found Anna on her laptop happily flicking through wedding dresses when I came
down. She beamed at me as she sat me down at the table.
‘Anna,’ I started. She needed to know the truth. I didn’t want to lie to her
and it is one of the reasons she trusts me. I’ve always been honest with her.
Tristan walked in with a cup of coffee in his left hand as he leaned against the
frame of the door. I felt like swearing at him. His presence made me nervous and
it felt as if he was watching me. In fact, he was watching me. I felt conscious of
my appearance. I was in jeans and a t-shirt while he’s always in some sort of
pristine crisp shirt and pressed iron pants. Tristan was always well dressed, no
matter what the situation.
‘Let’s go to that shop next to Regio’s,’ Anna started, ‘we always walk
past them but never go in because it’s a wedding dress store.’
‘Anna,’ I stopped her. I took up her hands and looked her straight in the
eye. She frowned and noticed that something was wrong. ‘I’m not pregnant and
I’m not getting married to your brother.’
Her smile faded away. ‘What?’
‘It’s a lie, a ruse like how you pretend to take your pills.’
Anna blinked for a few seconds. Tristan and I watched her reaction
carefully. Anna’s eyes swirled with a disheartening sadness at the realization.
She knew about her situation well enough to understand. Anna turned to confirm
my announcement with her brother. Tristan gave a short small nod.
‘Oh,’ she said. ‘So what’s going to happen?’
‘We’re still getting married,’ said Tristan.
‘What? No,’ I said instantly.
Tristan placed his lips on the rim of the mug and drank the coffee. Anna
turned to me.
‘You have to marry him,’ she said. I blinked, unsure how to react to this.
‘Anna, you’re asking me do something I can’t.’
‘If you don’t marry him, Tristan can’t have custody over me and I’ll be
forced to go back to the Main House,’ said Anna. ‘And you know what happens
to me if I go back there. Please, you have to do this, for me.’
I took a deep breath and stood up. I knew Anna’s fondness of me but she
did not understand what act of getting married entailed, even if it’s just for show.
My heart moved against the idea. I did not love Tristan and he’s only doing this
for her. Or did I? What is love?
I left the house without a word and decided to go for a walk. Anna started
after me but Tristan stopped her with a glance.
I walked down the street alone and without a mobile phone or any money
in my pockets. My head was in a gobbled mess and I did not expect Anna to take
her brother’s side so easily. In fact, I didn’t know how Anna would react at all.
Why is it always about Anna? Well, I am here because of her. But what about
me? How did I truly feel about all of this?
I felt someone following and I turned my head over my shoulders to see
Tristan. He still had his mug in his hand and walked casually after me. He raised
his eyebrows and grinned at me. Since his breakup with Lauren and the false
engagement announcement, Tristan had changed into a completely different
person. He seemed warmer towards me and I wondered if it was all an act. I
began to speculate how he truly felt about me. Perhaps I’m simply his pawn and
it suited him that he is nicer to me, to strip away that icy demeanor he always
held while in my presence. Yes, that must be it.
Half way down the street, I stopped to turn and face him directly. He
walked up to me and stood half a foot away. Tristan peered down in my eyes and
it felt like he was trying to read me.
‘I will not marry someone I don’t love,’ I told him.
‘Then pretend to love me,’ he said. His face was so perfect and as his
eyes stared into mine, I wondered if that was possible. Attraction and love are
two very different things.
‘Do not lie,’ I started, ‘how do you really feel about me?’
Tristan’s lips parted momentarily and I saw that he was choosing his next
words carefully.
‘I feel that I can trust you,’ he said finally.
‘Is that it?’
‘Yes.’
I took a deep breath in and held the air in my lungs. His scent mixed with
the bitter smell of coffee beans. He leaned forward and our lips nearly touch
once again but he moved his face to the side to whisper in my ear.
‘Come back,’ he said, his hot breath raising the hair on the back of neck.
Tristan knew what he was doing and I was certain that he could hear my heart
beating. ‘We’ve got invitations to make.’
‘You’re asking me to make the biggest lie in my life,’ I said.
‘I promise you that it’ll be worth it.’
‘This isn’t about money,’ I said to him. I wanted to take a step away from
him but he had me mesmerized and I struggled against my feelings towards him.
He turned his head slightly to the side and allowed his lips to slightly touch my
cheek. ‘Don’t do this to me,’ I warned, ‘don’t mess with my head like this.’
In one swift courageous move, I took a step back and straighten myself
up. Tristan stood there in front of me like a young god. No. I don’t love him.
Attraction is not love. I repeated this thought over and over in my head. It felt
like a trap. It was then that I saw that he knew. My mouth dropped a little at the
realization. Tristan knew! He knew that I was attracted to him and used this to
his advantage. It was a selfish act to keep his sister safe. I felt used but he had his
reasons. There was that face again.
‘Stop it,’ I told him. He smirked.
‘Stop what?’
‘That face, stop it.’
Tristan laughed. ‘I can’t change the way I look. This is me and you know
it.’
‘Using other people to your advantage? You’re as bad as them. I’m just a
mere pawn in your messed up family game.’
‘Not a mere pawn, Phoebe,’ he said and stepped forward. I hated it when
he is too close to me. His close proximity always made me weak. ‘I’m going to
make you my queen.’
I wanted to run away but I couldn’t. Tristan took hold of my hand and
held it up against his chest. ‘Believe me,’ he said, his lips slightly parted as he
paused.
‘Now you’re just being cruel,’ I replied.
Somehow, in between all of this, I allowed myself to be led back to the
house where Anna, Lorraine and Jace waited for instructions from Tristan. They
understood the situation without the need for explaining. The housekeeper and
the gardener glanced questioningly towards me and saw that I had relented to
Tristan’s proposal. Although I have not officially agreed to it, I no longer
protested against the arrangement.
‘And the child?’ asked Jace.
‘That is something to be dealt with in a few months’ time,’ answered
Tristan. ‘First we need to get this wedding sorted.’
‘Let’s have a massive one,’ said Anna.
‘No,’ I said instantly. Anna frowned.
‘Why not?’ she asked. ‘It’s not like you’re going to marry Tristan more
than once. You might as well make it a good one.’
‘Anna, you’re alright with all of this? I mean, my marriage to your
brother is going to be as truthful as him marrying Lauren.’
She shook her head. ‘No,’ she said. ‘When you’re married to Tristan, it
means that he’ll be free from Karen’s manipulation and has more bargaining
power when it comes to me. They won’t have a case against my sanity if you’re
around.’
‘You know about their conservatorship plans?’ I found myself asking. It
hadn’t occurred to me to realize that Anna had a better understanding about her
situation that I thought.
‘Of course I do,’ she answered. ‘So does Lorraine and Jace. Why do you
think I hated that bitch?’ Anna came forward and took my hand. She knew why
her brother was willing to have a relationship with Lauren. I then realized that
the panic attacks were caused by the fear of losing Tristan over to Karen’s
bidding. Anna guided me upstairs and towards my room. ‘Come on, lets’ grab
your things and plan this wedding. I’m almost free now.’
A thought occurred in my head. She’s using me. She’s always been using
me.
‘It’s always about you, isn’t it?’ I found myself saying without restraint.
Anna stopped and turned to face me, a frown furrowed on her brow. Over the
past few months, she’s grown to be like my sister.
‘That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?’ she asked.
I opened my mouth to speak but could not bring myself to answer her
truthfully. Her lips curled into a smile. She did not relay her thoughts to me but I
could see that she saw right through into my heart. No, I told myself again and
stopped my thoughts. It’s just attraction.
Chapter 14 – A reluctant bride
It had been a strange day for me. The only time I ever see Tristan Vice
was in the morning before he left for work and at night when he returns home for
dinner. Anna was bouncing throughout the day, despite the knowledge that none
of what was occurring is real. But she convinced herself otherwise and allowed
her mind to believe that I was truly going to marry her brother.
Tristan dropped us off at a wedding studio and disappeared for nearly an
hour while Anna forced me to try on different dresses. The shop assistant was
bemused by my reluctance and could not understand why I seemed hesitant
when the different white dresses were presented to me. Anna told her that it was
just jitters and things like that but we both knew better. That, however, did not
hamper her enthusiasm.
‘When’s the wedding?’ the shop assistant asked.
I couldn’t give her an exact date simply because I didn’t know. Although
I eventually relented to trying on a few dresses, I refused to buy any of them. I
wasn’t mentally prepared for it yet. Anna took pictures of me in the white
dresses so that she may consult with Lorraine about the decision since I refused
to offer my opinion.
Tristan took us out for lunch and I noticed how he managed, without
even trying, to catch curious glimpses from women who clearly found him
attractive. Some took double takes while others tried whispered to their friends.
Tristan, however, kept his attention on me and Anna. We went around to the
florist, the caterers, the cake shop and the printers. By the end of the day, Tristan
and Anna had sorted out most of the necessities needed for a wedding. On the
way home, Anna began to draw up an invitation list and when she showed it to
me, I did not recognize any of the names.
‘Who are these people?’ I asked. Tristan took the list from me and
glanced at it.
‘Necessary guests,’ he said. ‘I suggest that you add to the list as well, to
make it more convincing.’
After dinner, I excused myself to my room to gather my thoughts. I
needed to be away from Anna. The wedding was all she could think and talk
about. A knock came at my door and Tristan entered before I could protest. I sat
up on the bed and swung my legs over the sides to face him. His mother’s ring
sat in its box on the dresser. He walked to it and picked the heirloom up.
‘Why aren’t you wearing your ring?’ he asked.
‘I can’t,’ I told him. ‘It makes me feel like an imposter.’
‘But you’re my fiancée now.’
‘Only because I have no other choice,’ I told him. ‘Anna better not have
any sort of mental breakdown once this is over.’
Tristan smirked. I hated it when he did that. It was as if he was saying –
who says anything about it being over?
It made my heart quiver and melt like chocolate when exposed to heat.
Tristan came over and sat down next to me. He reached out for my hand and
held it in his. He then turned and faced me directly. My eyes felt drawn towards
his lips.
‘You’re not an imposter.’
Tristan took the ring out of the box and as he was about to slip it on my
finger again, I pulled my hand out of his.
‘Don’t give me your mother’s ring,’ I said to him.
‘I’m trusting you to keep it safe,’ he said.
I pushed his hand away from mine. ‘Please don’t do this,’ I begged. ‘It’s
already bad enough that I’m lying about us.’
Tristan held the ring and looked into my eyes. ‘Why?’ he asked.
As I returned his gaze and remain locked in his stare, I found that he
could not understand my constant rejection. He knew how I felt towards him and
the way he had control over the electrifying sensations he caused. It was also
clear that any other women would have accepted the shiny rock without
hesitation. In his experiences with Lauren, she would have reveled with delight
at being given a gem this size. But I could not bring myself to accept it or be like
the women he knew. My thoughts must have played out upon my face and he
read it without surprise. I was what he had anticipated – different from everyone
else that he’s ever known. Every women that’s ever taken interest in him wanted
him only for his money. I was different. I agreed to come along not for the
money but for genuine care for his sister. Although it annoyed me to know that I
was being used, there was something that kept me from going away and it didn’t
have to do with money. He had given me his card and not a dime had been spent.
Tristan leaned in and I felt his hot breath gently caress my skin. His lips
were less than an inch from mine, slightly parted and edging closer towards
mine. My brain ceased to work and time seemed frozen. He closed his eyes and I
closed mine. I could almost feel his lips.
The door burst open and my eyelids immediately flicked up. My face
turned to find Anna at the door. She stood there for a split second before
realizing that she had just caused an interruption. I pulled myself away from
Tristan and my face turned red with embarrassment. Anna immediately closed
the door.
‘Sorry!’ she said through the wall and the sound of her footsteps could be
heard as she escaped downstairs.
I crawled across the bed and rolled off to stand on the other side.
‘You should leave,’ I said to Tristan. The spell was broken and I became
aware how just a moment ago, he was so close towards stealing a kiss from me.
Tristan remained unmoved from his spot and followed me with his eyes. There
was a frown on his brow and he observed me for a moment before standing up.
Tristan did not say a word as he left, closing the door with a click behind him. I
listened as he went into his room.
Anna did not come near my room that night and did not even return to
grab her things. She made do with what she had in her room and the house fell
silent as Lorraine finished with the washing up. As the clock ticked its way to
midnight, I found it impossible to sleep as the lingering feeling of Tristan’s lips
so close to mine remained. There mere thought of it was driving me crazy.
At just a little past one, unable to stand it anymore, I decided to leave my
room and went down stairs. It was completely dark and I had to rely on memory
to find my way around. I soon found myself fumbling around in the kitchen. A
hand reached out and turned the tap for me and I jumped with fright.
‘Oh for goodness sake,’ I scolded, ‘don’t do that.’
My hands were clutching my heart as I realized that it was Tristan. He
turned off the tap and handed me the glass. I took it from him and our fingers
touched momentarily. It sent a strange shiver through my skin and quickly drank
the water in one gulp. His presence was driving me mad and I wanted to get
away from him as quickly as possible.
Tristan did not say a word and the silence made my heart race. The
moonlight sketched his dark silhouette and I could just see the outline of his
face. His eyes seemed to glow in the dark as he moved closer towards me. I felt
his body, his flat solid abs, pressed against mine and the kitchen counter against
my back. He lifted one of his hands and pushed a strand of hair from my face.
His hand softly cupped one side of my face and he tilted it up towards
his. I was stuck, frozen by the spell of the night. I shouldn’t have left my room. I
could hear my heart in my ears as my pulse raced through my body. The contact
of his skin sent a jolt of electricity through my soul. Everything about him was
perfect – his ivory smooth skin, his defined jawline, his high cheekbones and his
deep blue eyes – shit. Was this another dream?
Tristan lowered his face close to mine. He had been so close towards
success before the interruption. I felt his lips close to mine. I closed my eyes. He
lingered to tease my sanity. Tristan had me under his command. It wasn’t fair.
‘Don’t do this,’ I found myself whispering to him. He paused.
‘Why not?’ he uttered, his low soft voice was silky like velvet.
‘Don’t make me lie to myself, don’t make me believe that you truly care
about me in that way.’
‘Who said I didn’t care?’ His lips passed over my left cheek and I felt a
jolt of electricity down the side of my face. A panic rose from the depth of my
stomach. This must be a dream. Tristan would never say anything like that in
real life.
I pushed him away. Tristan staggered backwards and the space created
allowed me to escape. As I ran out of the kitchen, I kicked of the chairs and a
sharp pain ran through my pinky toe. There was a loud clang and scraping of
metal against wood as my ankle twisted and I quickly found myself on the
ground. Why wasn’t I awake yet? Unless this isn’t a dream. No. This must be a
dream.
Tristan switched on the lights and was immediately on his knees by my
side. There was concern on his face. His hair was a mess and he was in his black
silk pajamas. I blinked. No. This isn’t a dream. What happened in the kitchen
was real.
‘Are you alright?’
I was clutching my ankle and my eyes had turned misty from the pain.
He took hold of my hand and gently observed the injury. It wasn’t bad and
nothing was broken, though the pain continued to persist throughout my foot. I
did not reply and remained on the ground for a few moments to recover. When
the pain lessened itself, I attempted to stand up. Tristan immediately placed his
arms under me and lifted me off the ground.
‘What are you doing?’
I instantly wrapped my arms around his neck. He did not speak as he
carried me towards the steps. Tristan was much stronger than I had anticipated
and I could feel the muscles in his arms. He walked up the steps with ease and I
did not feel any fear of falling. Tristan had it all under control.
My bedroom door was slightly open and he placed me on my bed.
‘What are you doing?’
I felt his body pressed against mine and there was something about it that
prevented me from resisting.
‘You’re injured,’ he said in the dark. Tristan refused to turn on the lights.
His hands gripped my shoulders. I did not move. He ran his palm across my
cheek once again and sent a tingling jolt through my skin. He was teasing me. I
was sure he wasn’t going to stop until he had his way.
‘Please don’t do this,’ I begged. My back was pressed against the
mattress and his body was pressed tightly against mine. I could feel the growing
wetness he caused.
‘Don’t you want it?’ he whispered in my ear. I gasped for breath as the
hot air from his lips touch my bare skin.
‘I can’t.’
‘Then pretend.’
‘No,’ I said firmly, ‘I can’t. Not like this.’
‘It’ll be the best time you’ll ever have. I’ve seen the way you look at me.
Your eyes don’t lie.’
‘You don’t understand,’ I said. He was not listening to me and I began to
squirm under his heavy body. I could not let him do this to me. I will not allow
him to control me like this. He knew I wanted him and used this to his
advantage. I could feel his hardness between my legs. But a part of my
sensibility remained intact.
‘I’m not experienced like you,’ I found myself confessing, ‘I can’t
pretend. I’m not ready. Please,’ I begged, ‘don’t force my first time.’
Tristan stopped and lifted himself off me. In the dark, I could see his eyes
scan over the silhouette of my terrified face.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said.
I was shaking and I felt his weight leave me. His shadow sat up as I
remained on the bed, every inch of my being trembling with confusion and
electricity. It was not that I didn’t want him; my entire body throbbed for him to
press his strong torso against me once again. But I couldn’t do it. Not like this.
Not out of necessity.
Tristan reached out to touch my face but stopped himself. He stood up
from the bed and left. The door closed with a gentle click and he returned to his
own room without another word.
Chapter 15 – A heart-fuelled decision
The next few days presented an awkward silence between us. Anna,
Lorraine and Jace noticed. It was not something that was easy to miss. Tristan
slipped into his icy demeanor once again towards me and I stayed out of his way
as much as possible. Anna thought it had to do with her walking in on us that
evening and blamed herself for the sudden change of mood in the house.
‘Trust me,’ I said to her over lunch, ‘it’s not about you.’
‘Then what happened?’
I couldn’t tell her and I was not prepared to discuss my private encounter
with her brother. That was just something you don’t talk about with someone’s
little sister. My refusal to speak annoyed her and she began to grow restless as
the week passed. I was glad not to hear anything from the Main House. The
wedding talk ceased and Lorraine’s curiosity about my relationship with Tristan
grew to match Anna’s.
‘What is going on?’ she asked one afternoon when she could not hold it
in any longer. ‘You two were talking like a couple and suddenly, poof, what
happened?’
‘Lorraine,’ I started, ‘please don’t ask me. It’s a bit complicated.’
‘How complicated could it be? I mean, I’ve seen how you look at him,’
said Anna.
I turned towards the girl. ‘And what do you know?’
‘She knows enough, my child, and there is no point in lying about it,’
said Lorraine. ‘It is the same sort of looks he gives you.’
‘What looks?’
‘Come on,’ said Anna, her voice rising with exasperation, ‘don’t tell me
you didn’t notice. All those stolen glances, he gives you the pin numbers to all
his cards and mom’s ring. No one is allowed to touch his money unless he
counts them as part of the family. And mom’s ring, he’s kept it hidden from
everyone until now. It’s been in the Baxter family since my great-grandmother.’
‘Wait, that wasn’t the ring your father gave her?’ I was surprised to find
this out.
‘No,’ said Anna, ‘it’s from the maternal side of the family. Mom was the
last in the line and grandpa gave it to her on her wedding day. Tristan got it
before she died with orders only to give it to someone he cares about. I swear it’s
the truth, I was there with him when mom spoke to him.’
‘That can’t be right. Me? But everything is a lie,’ I found myself
speaking my mind. ‘We’re one big lie to keep you from going back to the Main
House.’
‘That was what I thought also,’ said Lorraine, ‘but it is true, the master
would never give someone his mother’s ring if she was not someone special.’
My brain froze and could not process properly this new set of
information.
‘The master is not good with words,’ continued the housekeeper, ‘he has
always had difficulties when it comes to expressing his true feelings. I say the
circumstance of his upbringing is the cause of this.’
‘I mean, look at me,’ said Anna, ‘I’m pretty messed up and before I
found you, I’ve always had Tristan to lean on, well, that is when he came back.
But when he was growing up, he only had mom but she was in a rough state as
well. She was on the same stuff as I was.’
‘You mean your father drugged her as well?’
Anna lowered her eyes and there was bitterness in her voice. ‘He thought
he would get to her money faster through a conservatorship but she overdosed.
It’s funny how he keeps trying to get a conservatorship over us.’
‘What happened to your brother after your mom’s death?’ I asked.
‘The young master disappeared, that’s what happened,’ said Lorraine.
‘All I could do was watch Miss Annabelle forced to follow in her mother’s
footsteps. I was so afraid and it took Jace almost a year and a half to track him
down before his father got full control of everything. You should have seen the
legal battle that went on and all those doctors reporting on Miss Annabelle’s
state of mind. It dragged on for so long and the master almost lost.’
‘Although he prevented the conservatorship from happening, he didn’t
win custody over me. That was when that bitch came into the scene and Tristan
was forced to bargain everything he owned.’
‘The wedding between them was supposed to happen at the end of this
month,’ said Lorraine, ‘but not anymore because of you.’
‘So tell us,’ said Anna, ‘what happened?’
I shook my head. I couldn’t tell her and for obvious reasons. Lorraine
watched me carefully and saw that the matter was too private to share. Anna
frowned at my refusal.
‘Anna, I need you to believe me when I say I can’t tell you.’
And that was the end of the conversation.
As usual, Tristan returned home on time for dinner. I picked at my food
as I mulled over what Anna and Lorraine had revealed to me today. Both Tristan
and Anna noticed but did not say anything. I went to my room shortly after and
stared at the ceiling. I heard soft footsteps approach my room and knew that it
belonged to Tristan. Anna was a shuffler, Lorraine moved with light feet and
Jace always clomped about. Tristan moved soundlessly like a cat and it was the
sort that had to be anticipated to be heard. I saw his shadow through the cracks at
the bottom of the door, his feet blotting out the light from the hallway. He stood
there but did not knock or come in.
I watched him and he remained there for a good while before leaving for
his own room. I exhaled and closed my eyes. But it was impossible to sleep.
Because of Tristan, I suspected that I must be developing a case of insomnia. I
flicked opened my eyes and looked over at the clock. It was just past midnight
again.
Sitting up on my bed, cast my eyes towards the bedroom door. I didn’t
know what Tristan thought of me and his lack of communicating it made me
hesitant to accept his proposal. Yes, it had to do with Anna but I wanted more. I
didn’t want it to be a lie. But what Anna and Lorraine had told me turned my
head and the thoughts inside my brain. And then there was the matter of his
mother’s ring.
I didn’t know what made me move but I soon found myself in front of
Tristan’s room. Lorraine had turned off the hallway lights and it was pitch dark.
But Tristan’s room was right next to mine and I knocked gently three times. I
waited. Nothing happened. He was probably asleep. What was I expecting? That
he would be an insomniac like me? Don’t be silly.
I turned to return to my room when the door swung open.
‘Phoebe,’ he called out to me. I stopped, my limbs momentarily frozen
by his voice. Something made me turn back and I quickly found myself standing
in front of him. A lamp in his room illuminated us. I peered up at his perfect
face, his unblemished marble like skin and his pools of liquid blue jewels. My
right hand reached up and touched his face, my fingers experiencing the cool
temperature of his skin for the first time. His hand took hold of mine and we
stood there, caught in the trap I had been avoiding for so long.
‘Tell me truth,’ I said to him, my voice a soft whisper. ‘How do you truly
feel about me?’
He took up his other hand and placed it on his heart. I felt its liveliness; a
racing beat that hid beneath his calm exterior.
‘This is not a lie.’
I exhaled softly as he lowered his face towards mine. I did not move and
allowed myself to be lost in the moment. His tender lips came close to mine and
for the first time it touched. Warmth filled my heart as he gently kissed me. It
lasted only a second but it felt much longer. He pulled away slowly and
observed my reaction. My lips curved in a smile and he mirrored it with his own
grin. He bent down and our lips touched again.
Tristan wrapped his strong arms tightly around me and I felt his body
pressed against mine. Our breathing quickened. He lowered his body and slipped
his arms beneath my legs. Within moments, I was in the air as he carried me
inside. He kicked the door close and I soon found myself on his bed.
My body riveted at his touch as he slipped his hand up my shirt. He
caressed my skin with an expert touch and did not hold back his desires and
passion he felt for me. It was more than just my body and I felt it in the way he
ran his lips over my neck, teasing me until I leaked with juice and pressed
against my crotch was his hard and awake member. Electricity covered my skin
as he pulled my shirt over my head, revealing my breasts to him in the dim light.
He kissed them and I gasped for breath at the sensation caused by his lips. I ran
my hands over his back as I threw back my head in delight. There was no need
for words and when my fingers moved to undo his buttons, our fate together was
sealed.
Tristan kissed every inch of my skin and it made me flush with heat. His
body was the same and we were suddenly on fire. My pants came off and so did
his. He straddled on top of me and we kissed – hard, fast and passionate. My
legs wrapped around his waist as he pressed himself down on top of me. I threw
my head back when he ran his lips down my neck and had to gasp for breath as it
sent a wave through my body.
Then he stopped and our eyes met. I was breathing hard. He bent down
and kissed my forehead.
‘Are you ready?’ he whispered in my ear.
I nodded. He pulled his hips away and without hesitation pushed his
finger inside me. I gasped and I felt my muscles pulsate as he explored my hot
wet hole. I tightened my grip on his shoulders and arched my back in response. I
could feel him. He moved his fingers in and out; preparing me for is to follow.
Tristan wrapped his lips over one of my nipples and suckled hard, flicking jolts
down my spine with his tongue. It threatened to break me. I threw back my head
at the sensations that flooded my skin and twisted my insides with a strange yet
delightful pleasure. I gasped for air, on the brink of something I’ve never felt
with a man before.
He moved on top of me again and his heavy body pressed down against
me. I felt him between my legs, a large living creature pressed against my inner
thigh. We kissed and I followed him as he pulled away. One of his hands
disappeared to guide another towards the river that swelled and throbbed for
attention. I closed my eyes and arched my head back in anticipation.
My insides expanded and constricted as he forced his way in. My legs
instantly wrapped around his tight ass and pulled him towards me. Tristan held
me tightly against his chest and sat me up on his legs. The force of the move
pushed me down on him and I gasped when he entered me fully. He held me
tight as I began to rock up and down. He kissed my shoulder and then my neck. I
threw my head back in response and his arms cradled my arching back. I gasped
for air. There didn’t seem to be enough of it in the room. Tristan gripped me
tightly and controlled my rhythm as I struggled to contain the building wave in
my crotch.
‘Don’t rush it,’ he whispered, his hot breath filling my ear.
‘I can’t,’ I gasped.
He kissed me, a distracting move that prolonged the build-up that
threatened to burst through like a broken dam.
‘Not yet,’ he said.
He pushed me down on the bed and gained control over my body while
remaining inside. My legs lifted up in response and then wrapped itself around
his waist. I wanted to be on top and moved against his strong pressing chest.
Tristan complied and I was seated on him once again. My muscles tightened
with vibrations and knew that I was about to lose control. He wrapped his arms
tightly around me and allowed me to ride him as I wished.
I closed my eyes and pressed my face into his shoulder as I struggled for
air. He held me as I bounced on him, each move ramming his member deep into
me. The dam broke and I lost my strength. Tristan took over and was on top of
me. I allowed him to take care of the rest as he pushed hard and jammed his
body against mine. A shocking wave moved through me and I threw my head
back into the bed. My fingers gripped his arms as we danced to this pleasurable
tune. I felt his lips against my face as the rhythm increased and I moaned softly.
I felt his body vibrate as he pressed hard and fast into me. He closed his eyes and
seemed to hold his breath as we climbed together towards an incredible place.
My lips quivered and my body trembled with heat. I felt his arms around me as
he pushed deep inside me, the tip of his member ramming against my wall. I
wanted to scream but no sound could come out as the sudden push winded me.
What happened next was indescribably unexplainable. My virginity was
taken and he came inside me, shooting his load like a cannon burst. I wrapped
my arms around his neck as I gasped in pain and pleasure. Our juices ran
together and he paused, him body on top of mine. It was done. I was completely
his.
Tristan kissed me and moved down between my breasts as he settled
down and pulled out. My body became limp as he lay on top of me. I was
exhausted but wide awake. He came back up again and kissed my lips. The
passionate fire quelled but he continued to move his lips over my neck then back
to my lips again. We then paused and he looked into my eyes. I smiled and that
was the end of our first night.
Chapter 16 – Passion
I woke up to Tristan beside me. He caressed my hair and although not a
word was exchanged between us, we seemed to understand each other for the
first time. He smiled at me, his luscious lips reminding me of the pleasure they
had sent through my body last night. Tristan reached out and brushed a lock of
hair from my face. The soft caress of his fingers against my skin woke me with
an electrifying sensation that moved down the side of my neck. Tristan could see
the effect he had over me and grinned. It pleased him to know that I enjoyed last
night as much as he did.
I was thoroughly sore and was surprised to that bruises had developed
where Tristan had gripped me too tightly. It must have happened in the heat of
the moment.
‘I’m sorry about that,’ he said and kissed them tenderly.
There were also red pots on his white sheets and I reminded myself to
change them before Lorraine discovered it. He chuckled as he read my thoughts.
‘I’ll take care of it,’ he said.
I used his shower and scooted back to my room with one of his towels
wrapped around me. On the way out, I noticed that Tristan had taken the sheets
and my clothes. I guessed that he had disappeared downstairs to put them in the
laundry. My inner thighs felt as if I had just rammed it into something hard and
stretched it from all that wrapping I did around his tight ass. My face turned red
at the thought and as I caught my reflection in the mirror, I could not help but
feel embarrassed. I never imagined my first time to be like this but there was not
a hint of regret inside me, only the pleasant feeling of feeling closer towards
Tristan.
When I had slipped on a pair of jeans and loose t-shirt, a knock sounded
on my door and Tristan came in. He closed the door and came to stand behind
me, his clean white shirt neatly buttoned and tucked into his ironed dark grey
suit pants. He must have jumped into the shower right after me and came out
smelling like a god.
‘Everything alright?’ he asked, his arms wrapped around me and his
cheek pressed against mine. We looked into the mirror and saw our grinning
reflection. I nodded.
We went down stairs together and Anna was already halfway through her
breakfast. She gave us an enquiring look and although Tristan and I said very
little to her, it was not hard for Anna to guess what happened last night. She did
not press me for details, obviously not wanting to involve herself in the private
affairs of her brother’s private night time activities. But I could see it upon her
face that she was happy.
Tristan held a perpetual grin and gave me a kiss on my cheek before he
left for work. It made me blush when he did it in the presence of his sister. But
he didn’t seem to care and Anna beamed with delight at the turn of events. For
once, something was not a lie.
I took it easy for the rest of the day and ended up baking cupcakes with
Anna. Tristan returned from work an hour earlier. He found Anna and I huddled
over the computer looking over an array of wedding dresses and floral
arrangements. Tristan was thrilled to see me finally involved in the plans. As
night fell, I began to feel slightly confused about what to do with myself. Anna
made a beeline for her room after dinner. Lorraine and Jace disappeared. I soon
found myself alone in my room again and could not help but anticipate what
would happen next. There seems to be a pent up expectation that squirmed inside
my stomach. The suspense was driving me with madness. Or perhaps I simply
didn’t know what to do as the memories of last night came back to me.
Should I go back to his room? Is he coming to mine? Are we doing it
again or not? Do I want to do it again? Was I just imagining things? What the
hell did I just do last night? Is the pain supposed to last this long? Will it hurt
again?
I threw myself back onto the bed and stared at the blank ceiling. As I lay
there, the door creaked open and Tristan stood with his shoulder leaning against
the door frame. He narrowed his eyes enquiringly at me. There must have been
some sort of growing turmoil on my face as he immediately came inside and
picked me up. He moved me to his room and sat me down on his bed.
Tristan studied my face and did not kiss me. This caused me to feel a
wave of confusion. Was this how I’m supposed to feel? As the thought crossed
my mind, Tristan read it like a book. His lips curled into a smile. He touched my
face and everything else melted and faded away. I was alone with him once
again. I could hear nothing but the loud beating of my heart in my ears and saw
nothing but his deep blue eyes. Tristan lowered his face towards me and softly
kissed my lips. I could feel that he was being gentle on purpose and seemed to
hold back his urges. The bruises he caused last night are still on his conscious.
I reached up and touched his face. He moved off me and I lay beside him
wrapped in his arms. There was something about the act that made me feel warm
inside my heart. It was more than just sex; it was an understanding between two
souls. We both wanted it and I felt it in the way his muscles tensed as he touched
me but he stopped himself. I needed time to physically heal before we ventured
to that place again for a second time. He ran his hands over my thighs and it sent
a wave of delight through my skin. I twisted my body in response but he moved
to hold me tight.
‘Now you’re just messing with me,’ I whispered as I pressed face against
his strong chest. I could hear his heart beating and listened to the way he drew
the air into his lungs. Tristan smiled and did not say anything. He knew what he
was doing. His caresses made me feel closer to him. We kissed again, his moist
lips interlocking mine. I felt his reluctance to move on top of me again.
‘I don’t want to hurt you,’ he said in my ear and then kissed it. He moved
it down my neck and stopped when he reached my collarbone. I arched my head
back into the bed and gasped for air. This wasn’t fair. I could feel him hard
against me and my insides throbbed for attention. But Tristan refused to let me
have my way as I reached down to undo his pants. He shook his head and
grinned.
‘Not tonight, not so soon,’ he said. ‘You’ll be ripped to shreds.’
‘And you’re just going tease me like this?’
Tristan’s lips curved playfully and a devilish light moved across his eyes.
‘You’ll have more fun this way.’
Tristan moved down to my navel and pushed my shirt up to reveal my
naked skin to his lips. But he kept my shirt on and kept it over my breasts while
he explored my bared flesh. It was maddening and made me throb for him even
more. I wanted him inside me again but he refused, keeping his pants on despite
my numerous attempts. I was forced to let him tease me with those amazing
glorious lips and his wandering hand that eventually found its way into my pants
but not into my panties. I twisted to the side at his touch but he held my hips in
position. He hushed me as I struggled to control myself.
‘This isn’t fair,’ I whispered to him as I struggled to breath.
He was going to make me climax. It had been his plan all along. He
pressed his thumb firmly against my wet bud and moved it slowly around in a
circle. I arched my back and he supported it with his other arm. I caught a
glimpse of his satisfied grin as he continued to send waves of pleasure through
my body. He moved over me and placed his lips over mine as I gasped for air
and closed my eyes.
‘Please just take me,’ I begged.
‘Hush, no more,’ he said as he moved his lips down my neck. The
warmth of his breath made me pulsate wildly. I felt the pressure of his thumb
disappear momentarily as he transferred his fingers to touch the lips of my
throbbing crotch. I gasped for air as he slipped his fingers inside, the solidity of
his digits lodged deep into my expanding crevice.
‘Control your rhythm,’ he whispered in my ear. I felt my muscles
constrict as he twisted his hand and turned the fingers he had deep in me. Tristan
held me down as I struggled against the growing pleasure that threatened to
make me moan with pain and delight. He moved his thumb over my bud again
and swirled it with experience. Then it came like an uncontrollable wave that
sent an upsurge of vibrations that jolted every inch of my skin.
Tristan made it last much longer than I thought humanly possible and did
not relinquish the sensations he caused. I lost control of myself and swung my
arm around his neck. He held me tightly against his chest as I gaped for air. My
muscles pulsated against his touch and I felt the friction caused by the material
of my shirt against my erect breasts. I wanted him to kiss them, to run his lips
over the pert nipples. I wanted him inside of me.
‘Please,’ I begged.
Tristan simply smiled and refused to let me have my way.
‘You’re still new to this,’ he said in my ear. ‘You need to know your
body and learn to control it.’
‘Why?’ I asked, breathless.
‘You’ll have more fun,’ he whispered and pushed his fingers deeper into
me. He increased the speed of his hold on my bud. It sent a wave of ecstasy
through my body. I moaned as every part of me gushed with pleasurable torture.
It was all about me and I felt it in the way Tristan held my body against his.
I fell back into the bed with barely any strength left and he slowly pulled
out of me. Tristan ran his wet hand up my exposed stomach and up my shirt
where he playfully graced the sides of my breasts. I lay panting, my chest
heaving for air as Tristan allowed me to settle down. He leaned over me, his
godlike face incredible in the light, his messy hair framing his deep blue eyes. I
reached up and touched his lips with my fingers.
‘What about you?’ I asked. He only smiled and bent down to kiss me.
‘Not yet,’ he said. ‘Not tonight and you’re out of strength.’
Tristan parted his lips slightly and allowed my fingers to gently enter his
mouth. I felt his teeth close delicately against my skin as he moved his lips to
kiss my hand. I closed my eyes and moved me to lie against his chest. I reached
down towards his pants but he caught my hand and laughed. He shackled me in
his grip and pulled me close against him.
‘Sleep,’ he said.
‘But I don’t want to.’
‘It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.’
The sound of his voice urged me to close my eyes and breathed in his
scent. It was intoxicating. As Tristan allowed me to settle down, I felt a wave of
tiredness come over my body. For the first time in a long time, I drifted off
without struggle.
Chapter 17 – Lauren
A month quickly passed and each night Tristan trained me with his hand.
I wasn’t sure what he was trying to achieve by holding himself back but he
seemed to enjoy seeing the pleasure he caused to explode through me. At night,
he had me under his command. The pain of the first time eventually faded away
and as my body became accustomed Tristan and his ways, he began to increase
the intensity of our nighttime activities. He would kiss me harder and faster. My
stamina grew and I would last longer than the night before. But he still refused to
enter me again, as if he was saving up for something.
‘Not yet,’ he would always say. ‘You’re not ready.’
The wedding day was set to happen on the same day as Anna’s birthday.
I suggested it seeing that it was her that brought Tristan and I together. Although
it was six months away, it allowed me to prepare mentally for it. I didn’t want to
rush it and use the date he had set with Lauren. Tristan did not hesitate to agree.
It was a Friday afternoon and Anna made the effort to finish her math
lesson quicker than usual. I had promised her that we would sort out her
bridesmaid dress today. Jace dropped us off and seeing that he would only be a
third wheel in this very female affair, the trusty gardener decided to leave and
told us to give him a ring when he was required.
I stood in the shop while Anna happily tried on different dresses. She
disappeared into one of the dressing rooms. As I waited for her, someone entered
the shop and her perfume instantly filled the space. I recognized the strong sweet
scent immediately and turned to find Lauren behind me. She wore her signature
red bondage dress, matching red lipstick and her hair was bleached blonde as
usual. Her melon sized breasts were on display and it felt that low cut dress was
made so that it only covered her nipples. Her face formed a stiff pout as she
stared at me with her dagger like eyes. The sight of her immediately made me
feel uncomfortable.
‘Fancy that,’ she said, her voice bitter and not surprised. She must have
seen me inside through the shop’s window. Her entrance was calculated and I
could see it in the way she held her head. Lauren stepped up to me and touched
my hair. I stepped away and found her movements to be disturbing.
‘You smell like him,’ she said and I felt Lauren observe me. ‘You’ve
moved into his room, haven’t you?’
‘What do you want?’ I asked with hostility. Lauren kept coming closer
and I moved away each time.
‘We’re all pawns in his little game,’ Lauren started. ‘I was one and now
you’re one as well. Look at you, a poor little dear caught in a messed up family
game. I was like you once, a long time ago, young and innocent until Karen
introduced me to him. He’s really good, isn’t he? I mean, he’ll let you taste him
once and the rest of the time he just plays with you at night. Oh, but I forget,
you’re supposed to be pregnant. How’s the baby? Six months from now is your
wedding day, don’t you find that a bit strange to have it when you’ll be bloated
like balloon. Honey, you think you know him but in reality, you don’t know him
at all.’
I snorted. ‘I should be the one saying that to you.’
‘Don’t be so naïve,’ said Lauren. ‘I’ve been in his bed longer than you
have. I know all his moves.’
I wanted to leave but Anna was still in the dressing room. Lauren
laughed.
‘She’s here isn’t she? Of course she must be. You are her babysitter.
When he comes home tonight, ask him about what happened today at the office.’
My eyes flicked to Lauren’s face but she only smiled at me.
‘Take care Phoebe and don’t trust a word he says to you. This family is
filled with lies and he’ll do anything to keep her from the conservatorship. Oh,
you think I don’t know? It was the same thing he told me when he made me his
pawn.’
Anna came out of the dressing room and paused when she caught sight of
Lauren.
‘What are you doing here?’ she asked with hostility. Lauren only grinned
at her, the edges of her red painted lips curled with a sinister sneer.
‘Hello Annabelle,’ she said. ‘You might want to go for that pale purple.
Pastel green doesn’t suit you.’
Lauren blew a kiss towards me and left the shop. I was left dumbstruck
by the encounter and confused by what she said.
‘What did she say to you?’
I frowned and decided to lie. I didn’t want the event to disturb Anna in
any way.
‘Nothing,’ I told her, ‘she’s just trying to mess with my head.’
Tristan returned home two hours later than usual. He did not call in and
that made Anna edgy. When his car rolled up the driveway, she went out to
scold him. He laughed her off and ruffled her hair playfully. I watched him as he
entered the house.
‘Something happened at the office?’ I asked casually, not letting any hint
of my meeting with Lauren today slip. She sounded like a woman with a plan
but I wasn’t going to let that tear a rift between us.
‘Yeah, something came up.’
I noted how Tristan avoided my eyes as he spoke. I walked up to him and
on his clothes I smelled a peculiar sweet scent. It definitely belonged to a
woman. Then my brain registered the familiar smell. It belonged to Lauren.
‘A meeting?’ I asked, my voice careful.
‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘Have you eaten? Start without me. I need a shower.’
Tristan moved passed me and disappeared into our room. There was not
a kiss on the cheek or any sort physical contact between us. Anna and Lorraine
noticed the sudden change as well. I went upstairs and entered our room. Tristan
stood by the wardrobe, undoing his tie as he unbuttoned his shirt. I frowned.
‘What happened today?’ I asked slowly, ‘and be honest.’
Tristan did not speak. I watched his face in the mirror and saw that he
had slipped on his ice mask. It was the same mask he used to shun me when I
first arrived at this house. I did not like the way he act and knew that he had
something to hide.
‘I can smell her on you,’ I said. Tristan stopped. ‘There was no meeting,
was there? You were with her.’
‘Why would I lie to you?’ he asked, his tone was cold and devoid of all
emotions.
‘Talk to me,’ I said. ‘If it’s going to work between us, you have to tell me
the truth.’
‘There is nothing to tell,’ he said.
‘You’re lying.’
Tristan remained silent. He took off his shirt, threw it in the basket and
disappeared into the bathroom without another word to me. His phone sat on the
dresser and it buzzed as a message came in. I picked it up but did not look at it.
Instead, I held it in my hand and went to sit on the bed. I waited until Tristan
came out again. He had a towel over his head and drying his hair rigorously. I
felt as if he was trying to wash something dirty off him. His eyes glanced
towards me and frowned when he saw his phone in my hands. It moved across
the room and snatched it from me.
‘Don’t touch my stuff,’ he snapped.
I blinked as my head slipped down a slippery slope of confusion. Tristan
has never been like this towards me and whatever happened changed him.
‘This is your last chance,’ I said calmly, ‘are you going to tell me what
happened?’
‘Did you look through my messages?’
Tristan immediately swiped his finger across the screen.
‘Are you hiding something from me?’
‘Answer my question,’ he said.
‘You haven’t answered mine.’
We stared at each other and he was the first to falter his gaze. Tristan was
guilty of something.
‘It was Lauren, wasn’t it? There was no meeting, you were with her,’ my
voice quivered at I spoke. My head started to spin as my imagination started to
run wild. Her scent was on him. Tristan had guilt written all over him. He
couldn’t lie to me anymore, not like before and his icy demeanor was the thing
that gave it away. It had to do with Lauren.
‘What are you talking about?’ he snapped. Tristan then stopped himself
as if he had just become aware of his behavior towards me. ‘I’m sorry,’ he
apologized. He turned and attempted to kiss me. I back away.
‘What did you do?’
Tristan refused to answer. Instead, he finally looked up at me but his eyes
were glassy and cold. The man in front of me was not the same Tristan I knew.
He approached me and I soon found myself on the bed. I swore at him and tried
to fight him off but he was much too strong. Tristan gripped my wrists and held
it over my head. He kissed me but there was no passion, it was as if he was
forcing himself to do it. I became frightened by his actions and began to cry. He
came to his senses as large sobs ran down my face. He swore and released me. I
remained on the bed, frozen in terror and confused by what he just did.
Tristan lay himself down next to me and wrapped his arms around my
shoulders.
‘Don’t say that name ever again,’ he said with bitterness in his voice.
There was also a hint of terror, as if he had just witnessed something horrid.
‘So are you going tell me?’ I pressed on through my tears.
‘You’re not going to give up are you?’
I shook my head. He kissed my forehead and closed his eyes as I curled
up into a ball.
‘She came to my office today,’ Tristan started; his voice soft and gentle
like the Tristan I knew, ‘and tried to seduce me. I pushed her off and her head
knocked against the corner of my desk.’
I blinked and swiveled my head so I was looking up into his face. He
wasn’t lying and there wasn’t a hint of ice in his expression.
‘Is she alright?’
Tristan seemed startled by my reaction. He had anticipated something
more dramatic and I felt it in the way he held me. ‘My ex-fiancée comes into my
office and attempts to seduce me and you ask if she’s alright? You are a strange
one.’
‘Are you expecting me to be angry?’
‘Maybe a little,’ he admitted. ‘Her scent was all over me. I’m sure that
had your imagination going. I could see it on your face.’
‘So you try to force yourself on me? Now surely, that should fix
everything.’
‘I’m sorry I frightened you.’
‘You should trust me to have a level head,’ I said to him. ‘What
happened to her? Why did it take you an extra two hours to get home?’
‘I had to take her to the hospital. One of her implants burst.’
‘What?’ I frowned. ‘That escalated quickly. How did hitting her head on
the table lead to a busted breast?’
‘I don’t know. Maybe it was the way she fell. Karen wasn’t too thrilled
when I informed her.’
‘And that’s why you’re home late?’
‘Yes.’
‘You could have called.’
‘Do you know how strange this situation would sound on the phone?’
I laughed and reached up to touch his face. As unlikely as the tale
seemed, Tristan was not lying. I could see it on his face and it explained his
strange behavior. He had anticipated that I would react differently and would not
listen to his entire story. But I had surprised him with my usual calmness. It told
him that he could always talk to me.
‘Well,’ I started, ‘the main point of today’s event is that you didn’t kill
her and she didn’t succeed in seducing you.’
Tristan lowered his face towards mine and kissed me. ‘No one but you
can seduce me.’
Chapter 18 – A call from the Main House
Tristan’s story held up when Karen demanded his presence at the Main
House. She also demanded that I come along as well. Anna was not needed. We
all raised our eyebrows when Tristan informed us of the call.
‘Why do you have to go?’ Anna asked. ‘I mean, it’s not like they have
control over me anymore. I’m almost eighteen and I passed last week’s
psychiatrics with flying colors.’
‘You still have a year and a half more to go,’ I reminded her.
‘Maybe they want compensation for the busted melon,’ said Lorraine.
‘How much do they cost?’ Jace asked.
‘That’s enough,’ I said. ‘I know everyone doesn’t like her but let us have
little compassion. I’m sure it was extremely traumatic for her. I mean, come on,
these things are not supposed to burst.’
Anna snorted. ‘Serves her right for what she did.’
I shortly left the house with Tristan. Jace and Lorraine was instructed not
to sleep until we returned. I suspected Tristan did not trust Anna to be on her
own when neither of he or I are there. As he drove the car, I began to suspect
that it was not just about what happened to Lauren. When we arrived, it was
already dark and a butler waited for us. As usual, Tristan refused to give up his
car keys and left it parked in front of the house. Karen Vice sat with her husband
at the dining table. Tristan pulled out the chair for me.
Karen wore a bandage black dress that tightly pushed her voluminous
breasts up towards her pointed chin. She must have had a recent botox top up as
her lips were poutier than usual. There was a long of displeasure on her face but
I couldn’t tell properly as the skin was pulled back to her temples. It made her
eyes slant with an upwards slope and I could not understand how Elliot Vice
could be attracted to this woman. Tristan’s father sat like a puppet at the head of
the table. His wife was his voice box and did all the talking.
‘It is strange,’ started Karen, ‘that it’s been more than a month since your
announcement and there’s not even a hint of a bump on you, my dear Phoebe,’
She spoke with a contrived tone and there was something strange in the way she
called me dear Phoebe. It was clear to Tristan and I where this conversation was
about to go.
‘It’s only been a month,’ I said.
‘Yes,’ replied Karen as she turned her head to face me directly, ‘a month
plus three more, which makes you four months pregnant.’
I frowned and had almost forgotten about how pregnant I should be.
Tristan had been preoccupied with work to keep up with these details. Besides,
the Main House had been so silent for so long that we had almost forgotten
about them. Karen took up something from her lap. It was a small oblong box
wrapped in black paper. She slid it across the table towards me.
‘Open it dear,’ she said.
I turned to Tristan who looked as curious as I was. Although it looked
harmless, I knew that it was meant to be a game changer. Karen continued to
smile and reluctantly I placed my fingers on the paper and slowly tore it away. It
was a pregnancy test.
‘What is the meaning of this?’ I asked.
‘The bathroom is across the hallway, I’m sure you won’t miss it.’
‘There is no need,’ said Tristan instantly, ‘the doctor’s result stated
clearly that Phoebe is pregnant.’
‘Doctor’s results can be faked,’ said Karen sternly. She was on to us. It
must have been Lauren who reported it to her. I should have known when she
pointed it out in the shop. ‘Or perhaps you would like the men to go and pick
your sister up?’
Tristan muscles tensed.
‘Your move,’ said Karen.
I picked up the pregnancy test box in my hands and turned it over. I had
my phone in my dress pocket. I could warn Jace and Lorraine. But Tristan would
not let them manipulate him anymore.
‘You are aware that by removing her from my house, you risk upsetting
her again. She’s been stable since her time there and if she has a mental
breakdown, it would have been caused by your decision. I’m sure the courts
would take that into consideration.’
‘Well, I’m certain they will also take into consideration your
unprofessional relationship with her handler,’ said Karen as she looked towards
me, ‘along with the fact that she only has a high school diploma and is not fit to
take care of a person who is clinically diagnosed as mentally unstable and prone
to suicidal attempts.’
‘It should be noted that this mentally unstable person you speak of has
not once attempted to take her life since her removal from your care. You don’t
have a case against me.’
‘But I do,’ said Karen, ‘there is the matter of Lauren’s injury and the
false document you presented concerning a pregnancy.’
‘Her injury was caused by her own actions to pursue me,’ said Tristan
coldly, ‘as for Phoebe’s pregnancy, it’s not false.’
‘Prove it,’ said Karen.
‘Phoebe is not required to prove anything,’ said Tristan. Karen’s move
had trapped him. She had him cornered and one more move could be the end of
Anna’s sanity streak. Karen placed her phone on the table and swiped her red
painted fingers across the screen.
‘Fine,’ I said, ‘I’ll do it.’
Tristan touched my hand and looked at me. I was not to move but I
returned his gaze with the same sort of intensity. I ran his hand over the side of
my thigh so that he may feel the solid object in my pocket.
‘Very well,’ said Karen. ‘Go on. It shouldn’t take you long.’
I released Tristan’s hand and stood up. I could feel her eyes watching me
as I walked away. The bathroom was exactly where she said it would be. I
closed the door behind me and quickly pulled out my phone. I dialed the home
number and Jace answered it.
‘Hello?’ he spoke through the receiver.
‘Get Anna out of there,’ I whispered, ‘take her somewhere safe.’
‘What? What’s going on? Is everything alright?’
‘Just do it. I’ll call you again when it’s safe.’
‘Alright,’ said Jace. He understood that something must have been found
out. ‘Stay close to the master.’
And that was the end of our conversation. I stood in front of the sink and
stared at the pregnancy test box. It must have been a good five minutes before a
knock came at the door.
‘Phoebe?’
It was Karen. I saw two other shadows behind the door. It must belong to
Tristan and his father. I felt trapped and knew that there was no escape out of
this now.
‘I’m reading the instructions,’ I said.
‘You should be familiar with these sorts of things by now,’ said Karen. I
swore quietly to myself.
‘It looks different from the one I used,’ I lied. ‘Just give me a moment.’
‘Well, don’t take too long,’ said Karen.
I took a deep breath and pulled the test strip out of the box. I knew I
wasn’t pregnant; besides, Tristan hadn’t entered me once since our first night
together. There was no way I could be carrying a baby inside me.
I forced myself to take the test anyway. As expected, it was negative.
Only one red line appeared across the strip. Maybe I could stall it a little further
and give Anna time to escape. We should have known that Karen would pull
such a move. I stared at the test strip and frowned. My heart began to sink as a
faint second red line began to appear. I blinked several times, surprised and
filled with mixed emotions. I wasn’t sure how to feel. The second line grew in
intensity and soon it was as bright as the first.
‘Shit,’ I found myself saying. My head suddenly felt light and I was
unable to breath. It was impossible but Tristan did shoot an entire load inside
me. Maybe the test is wrong, which would work to our advantage, but what if
it’s not? Shit. When was the last time I had my period? In all this craziness, I
haven’t been keeping track. I can’t be pregnant. Or am I?
‘What’s going on in there?’ Karen called through the door. ‘Should I call
for Annabelle’s removal?’
‘No,’ I said and forced myself to breath.
‘Then open up and show me the test.’
I turned the doorknob and unclicked the press lock. Tristan stood in the
middle of the hallway with his father next to him. I had the test result in my
hand. He saw my pale face and was confused by it.
‘Two lines,’ I uttered, ‘I’m pregnant.’
The world must have frozen for Tristan. I saw it in his stunned reaction.
I’m pregnant, which meant Anna is safe. But it also meant that I’m pregnant and
he’s going to be a father. Karen snatched the test strip from my hand and I
walked passed her towards Tristan. She was stunned into the same silence.
Tristan took up my hand and held it in his.
‘Come on, I’m taking you home,’ he said.
I nodded and walked out in a sort of daze. It left Karen speechless and
Elliot Vice did not say a word. Tristan opened to passenger door for me and I
slipped in. He drove out of the Main House grounds and we sat in silence as he
moved through the traffic.
‘Stop at a drugstore,’ I found myself saying when we were halfway
towards home. Tristan did not ask why. He understood. He wanted to make sure
as much as I did.
‘I’ll get it,’ he said as he pulled up to park the car. I was still in shock and
could not move. Tristan disappeared momentarily and returned with a package. I
held it on my lap and stared through the windscreen with glassy confused eyes. I
can’t be pregnant. I’m not ready to be a mother. Shit.
The house was empty. Lorraine had gone with Jace and Anna. I
disappeared into the bathroom and Tristan waited outside. He was as nervous as
I am. I felt him pace and forth as I took the test a second time.
Shit.
It’s positive again.
I sat on the bathroom floor and remained there for quite some time. It
made Tristan concern and when I did not reply when he knocked, he turned the
doorknob and came in.
I was crying as a strange fear filled me. I didn’t know why. The
realization that I’m going to be a mother overwhelmed every part of me. Tristan
sat down next to me and around his strong reassuring arms around my shoulders.
He was not prepared for it either but he remained calm and composed. It was
what I needed as he pulled my head against his strong chest. He kissed the top of
my head.
‘Everything’s going to be alright,’ he whispered.
For a moment I believed him. Tristan slipped his arm beneath my legs
and lifted me off the ground. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he carried
me to the bed. He kissed me on the lips and the touch of his hand against my
face made me trust his words. I peered into his blue eyes and he reassured me
with a nod as he cupped his hands on my face. His lips then curved into a
delighted smile.
‘We’re going to have a baby.’
At first I was reluctant but delighted realization on Tristan’s face made
me change my mind. It drove all doubt away from me and my hand reached
down and rested itself against my womb. I’m going to be a mother.
Chapter 19 – A flirt with death
‘You better call Jace,’ I said to Tristan. We had lay in the bed, side by
side, for almost an hour as we came to terms with my pregnancy. Tristan sat up
and kissed my forehead. It was reassuring and I felt calm by the soft touch of his
lips. He reached into his pocket and produced his phone. Lorraine answered the
call.
‘Where are you now?’ Tristan asked and I could hear Lorraine voice
reply indistinctively. ‘Everything’s alright. Yes, it’s safe to come back. The
Main House won’t bother us.’
We went downstairs shortly after and headed for the oven where I could
smell ratatouille. But Tristan steered me towards the table and sat me down. He
disappeared and returned with a plate and a glass of water.
‘Would you like anything else, madam?’ he said playfully. I laughed. He
reached out with his hand and wiped the tear streaks from my cheeks. I closed
my eyes at his warm touch which sent reassuring warmth to my heart. He
disappeared and returned with his own plate. Tristan sat himself down next to
me and we ate our dinner together.
Jace pulled up the driveway after an hour and a half. Anna ran into the
house and wrapped her arms around me. She was frightened and her mascara
stained her cheeks with black streaks. She was in too much distress to notice that
I had been crying as well.
‘Hey, what’s all this about?’ I said as wiped her face with my fingers.
She breathed erratically and I immediately led her into the kitchen. Pulling the
freezer open, I found that we were out of ice cream. Ice cubes however, were in
abundance. I took one and gave it to her. She slipped it in her mouth and the
coldness instantly calmed her down.
I kept the details of today’s event from Anna as I put her to bed in my old
room. Tristan understood and knew that it was not safe to leave her alone
tonight. I lay next to Anna as the disturbed teen curled up next to me. Although
she was stable now, her mind was still in a fragile state. Tristan turned off the
lights for us and I attempted to sleep. What went on in the last few hours was
exhausting and I knew that something had to be done about the Main House.
With these thoughts, I eventually drifted off to sleep.
It was half past seven when I woke up and Anna had just come out of the
bathroom dressed in jeans and a shirt. Tristan had left early and I didn’t get a
chance to see him. I attempted to distract Anna with wedding plans but neither
of us could bring ourselves into it. The Main House and their threats to take her
back messed with her mental state. Tristan returned home in the afternoon with a
wad of documents in his hands.
‘It’s an injunction against the Main House,’ said Tristan. ‘Anna, we need
to go to the hospital to get you assessed. I’ve made an appointment with a doctor
and a psychiatrist. You are to tell them everything – from the pills, the different
ways Karen manipulated you, Lauren’s placement, Phoebe, how you stopped
taking the pills and how that’s helped you. If we get this done, they can’t have a
conservatorship over your share of the inheritance.’
Anna nodded and complied. I sat with her as Tristan drove the car. The
hospital was different from the one Anna usually goes to. A woman dressed
professionally and with short cropped white hair greeted us in the car park.
‘This is Ruth Webs,’ Tristan introduced us; ‘she’s my lawyer and knows
about our situation.’
‘You have a very strong case against your parents,’ Ruth said with
confidence.
‘They’re not my parents,’ Anna corrected her. ‘She’s just a money
hungry bitch who happens to be married to the man that gave me life. That’s all.
Tristan and Phoebe is the only family I have.’
We walked together into the hospital and Anna was quickly taken away
to be assessed. I sat down with Tristan and Ruth at the round cafeteria table.
‘Now, to the matter of your name change,’ Ruth started as she pulled out
some documents for Tristan to sign.
‘Name change?’ I asked.
‘I’m changing it to Baxter, my mother’s name, as it should be. I don’t
want our child to have his name, after all that he’s done to Anna to gain his
hands on her money. I’m going to get this sorted now and if anything happens to
me…’
I shook my head. ‘Don’t talk like that,’ I said to him. He held his tongue
as he saw the distress grow on my face. I took up Tristan’s hand and held them
gently in mine. ‘We’re all stressed but we’re going to get through this.’
Tristan managed a laugh. ‘Shouldn’t I be telling you that?’
The name change documents were quick and there was nothing
complicated about them.
‘I’ll file these now and notify your associated accounts of the change. As
for your sister, I’ll have the injunction in place once the reports have been
written.’
Ruth left shortly and I made my way towards the bathroom to answer to
nature’s call. I did not expect to see Lauren at all. She came out of the doctor’s
office wearing a demure dress that covered up her top half particularly well. I
supposed it had something to do with her new set of implants. She recognized
me instantly and her eyes lit with fire. Lauren walked up to me and her hand
immediately wrapped itself around my arm. Her nails dug itself into my flesh as
she dragged me into the empty toilet.
‘You little slut,’ she hissed as her other hand slapped me across the face.
I was stunned by the stinging sensation caused by the impact. She lifted her hand
to slap me again but I was quick to respond. I caught her wrist as it was coming
down and she screamed with fury towards me. I wasn’t sure what got into her
but one thing for certain was that Lauren had turned crazy.
I attempted to run out but she grabbed my shoulders and I almost lost my
balance.
‘Help!’ I screamed.
Lauren reached into her handbag and produced a black metallic object.
‘Shit,’ I found myself saying as she held the gun point blank at my face.
Someone pushed me to the side as the gun cracked and pushed the bullet out
towards my rescuer. I closed my eyes as I fell to the ground. When I opened
them again, I found a bloodied body lying on crumpled on the ground.
‘Tristan!’ I screamed. He clutched his bleeding shoulder as Lauren stood
there speechless at what she’s done. The noise caught the attention of the
hospital staff and within seconds nurses rushed in. The security guards had to
wrestle Lauren to the ground as they took the gun off her. I found myself
running beside Tristan’s bed as they rolled him into the emergency bay.
Anna found me covered in blood and was shocked by the sight of me
seated on the bench, shaking with confusion. Her assessing psychiatrist was with
her.
‘What happened?’ she asked.
I looked up at her and then to Anna.
‘Lauren shot Tristan,’ I managed to utter. I felt a sharp pain jolt through
me as tears burst out from my eyes. At first the pain was in my heart but it
quickly moved down my spine. I could not control myself and Anna swore as
she recognized the signs. It must have been strange for her to see it happen to
another person.
‘She’s having a panic attack,’ she said. Anna knelt down in front of me
and took my hands. She was unusually calm about it until she realized that I was
dripping blood down my legs.
‘Shit,’ she said.
Chapter 20 – A union of broken souls
I must have passed out because when I woke up again, I saw Lorraine on
the couch on the edge of my bed. Ruth had been called back and as Tristan’s
lawyer, she arranged for everything. The trauma of seeing Tristan shot made me
lose the child. A strange emptiness filled me as I lay on the hospital bed alone.
‘How is he?’ I asked when Lorraine noticed that I was awake.
‘He is safe.’
Lorraine placed her arms around as I cried. Although it was comforting,
it did not have the same effect as when Tristan wrapped his arms around me. I
felt useless and dejected.
I remained under observation at the hospital for three more days. Tristan
slipped in and out of consciousness as the morphine moved through his system.
The police got involved and I soon found myself giving statements about the
events that occurred and things that led to Tristan being shot.
As expected, Karen used this opportunity to attempt at gaining control
over the assets but Tristan had been quick in his arrangements.
‘He’s named you as the heiress,’ Ruth informed me.
‘But he’s not dead,’ I pointed out to her.
‘No,’ she said, ‘though he’s made it clear that if anything happened to
him or if he is rendered unconscious in any way, you are to gain full control over
everything.’
Despite this, I did very little in the next few months as Tristan recovered.
Ruth was efficient and I wondered why I hadn’t met her earlier. She became my
point of contact for everything and worked hard to keep Anna out of Karen’s
greedy clutch. It did not take long for the lawyer’s assurance to come true. She
had been right when she said that we had a strong case against the Vices.
On Tristan’s orders, Lorraine for Tristan’s seaside beach house to be
opened and Jace moved our things there. Being away from the city and hidden
from Karen’s meddling saved our sanity. Anna hid with us and only Ruth knew
of our whereabouts. Her injunction went through and the Vices could not touch
anything. Tristan conducted his business through his laptop and I felt useless as I
loitered about doing nothing. The court case for Anna’s custody was already in
movement and we estimated by the time everything became processed, Anna
would be a legal adult.
Three months passed quickly. I cracked a false reassuring smile every
now and then but could not bring myself to slip into bed with Tristan. We spent
our nights in separate rooms and although this was concerning for Anna, she did
not force me into her brother’s arms. She knew what had happened and it was
strange to have to our roles reversed. Anna kept an eye on me as I sat quietly and
stared out with a glassy soul. Tristan had saved my life but the life of our child
was still taken nevertheless. So this is what depression feels like – an intense
emptiness that threatened to drown me with a sense of stupidity and uselessness.
I sat curled up on the porch and stared out into the dark night sky. Tristan came
out and sat down next to me.
‘Hey,’ he started.
I couldn’t look at him and had been avoiding his gaze since the incident.
I closed my eyes and he leaned over and kissed my eyelids. I allowed his lips to
touch my numb skin and it was warmed momentarily. He then took up my hand
and ran his fingers over mine.
‘You’re not wearing your ring,’ he said softly.
‘I can’t.’
He understood why. There was no need for words. Although I only knew
about the child for about a day, the loss still lingered in the corners of my mind.
He lifted up my hand and kissed it. A riveting sensation moved through my skin.
It has been a while since I felt the electricity of his touch. The sound of waves
crashed against the shoreline and there was something peaceful about it.
‘Let’s start again,’ he said to me. ‘Out here by the beach.’
I opened my eyes and turned to look at him. ‘Tristan, why am I still
here?’
He leaned over and kissed me, our lips interlocking mine and melted my
soul. It woke up a part of me that I was convinced had died.
‘Because I need you,’ he whispered. ‘My family’s a mess and you’re the
only stable thing in my life.’
He took out a small box and I recognized it. It was the same box he had
pulled out of his suit jacket several months ago.
‘Marry me,’ he said as he looked into my eyes and there was the magic
again. The world no longer existed and there was only him. His life is indeed
one big mess because of Elliot Vice and his wife. But that didn’t matter. Not
anymore. I felt my heart beat once again. He was asking me because he cared for
me and not for anything other reason. It was not because of Anna or because he
needed a pawn. I saw that Tristan simply wanted me.
I nodded in agreement. He leaned over and kissed me. In the darkness of
the night, I knew that my decision had sealed my fate and no matter what, we
would always be together. I returned to his bed that night and for the first time
laid eyes on the scar on his left shoulder. I ran my fingers gently over the healed
wound, a blemish that marked his smooth ivory skin.
‘No heavy lifting for a while,’ he said with a grin as he moved his body
over mine. We kissed and I was alive once again.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – The Chance Meeting
Chapter 2 – An unexpected visitor
Chapter 3 – Housing a runaway
Chapter 4 – A new employment
Chapter 5 – The home of Tristan Vice
Chapter 6 – The Silent Contract
Chapter 7 – Meeting Elliot Vice
Chapter 8 – A short lived celebration
Chapter 9 – A clash of hearts and minds
Chapter 10 – Awkward encounters
Chapter 11 – A family dinner
Chapter 12 – The talk
Chapter 13 – Secrets and Truths
Chapter 14 – A reluctant bride
Chapter 15 – A heart-fuelled decision
Chapter 16 – Passion
Chapter 17 – Lauren
Chapter 18 – A call from the Main House
Chapter 19 – A flirt with death
Chapter 20 – A union of broken souls