Текст книги "The Missing One "

Did he really just say that? The heat began to rise in my chest as though I might breathe fire and turn him to ashes. If only I could do that.

“How dare you! In that case, I want nothing to do with you. This marriage will never happen because this, between us right now, is over.” With those words, I yanked my hand as hard as I could, which surprisingly worked as it was freed from his hateful hold. I reached down and grabbed my bag and speed walked out the door before he could come after me.

Once outside I took my shoes off and hit the pavement running as fast as I could, not stopping for anyone or anything. I felt free for the first time in a long time, like a bird who found its wings and glides in flight.

Chapter Eleven

Abby

Three Years Ago

After getting as far away as I could from the restaurant, I slowed to a walk, my heart pounding with such force from the adrenaline. Luckily, I had money on me to catch a passing cab, but knowing he would most likely show up at my house, I didn’t really want to risk going there. Then again, he probably wouldn’t want to go into details with my parents about why I ran from our date. He would just wait until I was on my own somewhere and then show up.

I began to take in my surroundings and noticed that I’d made my way over to my workplace. I headed into the park to sit on my all too familiar bench where I thought about my life that was spiralling out of control at a rapid pace. .

As I approached the bench, I saw a familiar person who caused my heart to leap up into my throat. He was wearing a hole into the grass pacing.

“Abby!” he called from the park. His voice was one that warmed me right to my core and set off a butterfly attack in my stomach.

Blake.

I turned toward him and before I could stop myself, the tears started to fall as I ran to him. He opened his arms for me as I got closer and I jumped right into them, wrapping my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. His arms of safety enveloped me, sending calmness over my aching body. I sobbed hard into his shoulder, the fear, hurt and pain of tonight taking its toll on my emotions.

“Shh…it’s okay. I’m here,” he soothed me with his comforting words over and over until I stopped crying and relaxed into him. He didn’t put me down but held onto me for dear life. His scent wrapped around me tickling my senses. It was a mixture of shower wash and cologne. A perfect balance of both.

“What happened?” he asked when I’d finally composed myself. But he never let me go and held me continually comforting me.

“Can we go somewhere else?” I was worried he might come around looking for me. I slid out of Blake’s grip and glanced nervously around at the empty street expecting to see Jacob. My heart pounded in my chest with fear. A new kind of fear because I’d left him and ran, so I knew he was going to be majorly pissed.

Blake took my hand that didn’t get crushed by Jacob and led me through to the opposite side of the park where there were massive apartment buildings. He walked up to one and reached for his keys.

He lives this close to my work?

We caught the elevator to the fifth floor. Stepping off, he guided me to his door.

Opening it, he moved aside to allow me to enter first. “Welcome to my place,” he announced, waving his arm around the spacious area.

It was a studio apartment, very open. There was a small hallway that must lead to the bathroom and bedroom. The walls were painted a nice cream with a bright red feature wall behind the television. There was also lovely black leather furniture and a dark wood dining table. The kitchen, living, and dining area were all open space living. On one side of the room, there was glass panelling that led out onto a balcony. It was a simple yet it was perfect for Blake. His carefree personality showed.

“It’s very nice.” I walked over to the doorway leading out to the balcony, leaning against it, soaking in the coolness of the night air. It was so refreshing after the night I’d just been through. I wished only moments ago that tonight had never happened, but now standing in Blake’s apartment my night was turning around. I began aimlessly twisting the ring that I was still wearing on my finger. Looking down at my left hand, it suddenly felt as though the ring was burning through my skin. It was poison, like the person who’d given it to me. Poison in every way possible. I was so glad I did what I did. But now what? Where do I go from here? I knew he wouldn’t relent until he had me in his grasp again.

I sensed Blake standing behind me, the tingly sensations spread through my chest once again and in the most magical way. I spun myself around and fell into his open arms. I’d already cried my tears tonight and I was now content and relieved being in the arms of this man before me. In such a short amount of time, he’d shown me what love really was, but I still have to see what the outcome of all this was going to be with Jacob.

“What happened, Abby?” he whispered. His breath tickled my neck, awakening a desire so strong I didn’t want to hold back. I leant back, gazing into his green orbs, taking a deep breath. We maintained eye contact, and as I shifted closer to him, my entire body trembled with anticipation.

“I left him.” As the words left my dry mouth, a tightening enclosed my chest.

His mouth fell open. After a few seconds to take in what I’d said, he didn’t hold back but pressed his lips to mine, pulling me to him. I felt so much more of a strong connection with Blake than I ever had with Jacob. So I didn’t hold back as I returned the kiss with everything I had and savoured his flavour.

Blake flicked a spark in my heart every time I was near him. When we touched, the flame ignited and burned so hot and bright it hurt to not be with him.

He pulled back and the absence of his lips caused me to miss them immediately. “How did he take it?”

My eyes dropped along with the barrier around my soul. I allowed him to see the worry etched over my face. I didn’t know how far Jacob would go and who knew what he was capable of. He was like a lion that stalked its prey and when it was time, he would pounce when least expected.

“I’m scared, Blake. Not a little bit, but absolutely terrified for my life.” My voice caught as it trembled. I held back a fresh wave of tears that threatened to spill.

He pulled me back into his solid chest and his strong arms wrapped a safety net around me. “It will be all right, Abby. I’ll figure something out. What if—” he stopped short, not finishing his sentence.

“What if, what?” I pushed.

“What if we leave together and go start somewhere new?” The excitement in his voice was evident.

I shook my head already knowing my answer. “No, I can’t. My family is here.”

“We can tell them where we’re going?”

“They don’t even know I’ve ended things with Jacob, it only happened tonight. They don’t know what he was like with me. I’ve never discussed it with them.”

He released me, taking my hand and leading me to the lounge. We sat down, our bodies close enough to feel the electric current that flowed through us when we got close. He kept hold of my hand.

“What happened tonight? I see you have one stunning ring on that very important finger,” he asked, his words dripping with venom. I should’ve taken it off, but I got so caught up in the moment of seeing him there in the park, I just wanted him to save me.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, not sure if I was ready to dive into the drama that happened tonight. “Just promise me that you’ll keep calm,” I begged.

His face tightened. “I can’t promise anything.”

I proceeded to tell him every detail about tonight from when I came home and Jacob was there, right up until I found him at the park. His face contorted when I told him about how Jacob treated me at dinner, the way he handled me, and then all the attention so I would have to say yes when he proposed. I didn’t keep anything from Blake. I didn’t want to.

He got up and began pacing around the room for a minute, then went to the kitchen, grabbing a beer and bringing one back for me.

“Thanks,” I said, taking the cool drink from his hand. “Are you okay?” He hadn’t said a word since I finished and I was worried. What if he was mad at me for saying ‘yes.’

Oh, this is just one mess after another.

He took my hand, gently squeezing it, very unlike Jacob’s grip. “I…I don’t really know what to say. I really want to go punch him in the face or arrest him and throw him in jail.” His face lit up as though he was having a light bulb moment and had come up with a brilliant payback idea.

“What if you press charges and then I can throw him in jail? At least for a little while.”

I was already shaking my head at this ridiculous idea. “No.”

“Why not?” He was apparently shocked at my reaction.

“Because I don’t want him to have anything over me that he can come after me for.”

“Why do you think he is always going to come after you?”

Because he said I was his and no one else’s. Blake hadn’t seen the strength in his words when Jacob told me that I belonged to him. There was an awkward stale silence between us. I sat there staring at him my mind in fast forward.

Did he really just say that? He realised his mistake and went to correct it, but I cut him off. Anger began to build within me, a match had been lit. How dare he!

“How dare you! You have no idea what my life’s been like over the last six months!” my voice kept rising. “Have you even been hit, slapped, beaten blue, and made to feel like no one will ever love you? He knew the correct places to hit so it wouldn’t be obvious to everyone else. I’ve not been able to talk to my sister about any of this, but yet I talked to a stranger, who should have an idea about this kind of thing, being a cop and all.” Tears fell down my cheeks and I was unable to stop. Blake reached for me, but I recoiled from him.

“Don’t touch me,” I screamed at him. I hardly recognised my own voice.

“Abby, calm down, please. It’s me, Blake. I’m not Jacob.” Flicking my eyes to his, he saw his mistake, instantly regretting it.

“I never told you his name.”

“Ab—”

“No! How do you know him?” My body was shaking all over, unable to control its shuddering. I hopped up and started to pace. My heart was in my throat.

How did Blake know who Jacob was?

Blake looked out the window, a pained expression covered his face. Turning back to me his features were unreadable. “Do you remember me telling you about my half-brother?”

I nodded slowly, wondering where this might be going.

“Well, he is my half-brother,” he whispered so low I could hardly hear him.

Was this some kind of joke? I felt disconnected from my body. An urgent need to sit down or I would collapse came over me. Falling onto the couch, I was stunned into silence. My chest was hammering and my hands were shaking.

“What? He...are you playing some k…kind of sick joke on m...me?” I screamed at him leaping out of my seat. I was tired of the surprises that kept happening to me. I wished this day had never even begun.

Why does this crap keep happening to me? Do I wear a sign on my forehead saying, “Please everyone, come along and stuff up my life?” I seemed to only attract those who wanted to harm me or cause me pain. Why?

“No, I didn’t want to tell you because I knew you would react like this.” He ran his hands down his face, releasing a sigh of frustration.

“Do you just want me because I’m his?” A gasp escaped him. His eyes wide with shocked at my question. How could I know if that’s the only reason he wanted me? What if it was a sibling rivalry thing, a competition?

He shook his head. “Abby, remember I told you he wasn’t a nice person when I first told you about him? I stand by that.” He moves closer to me again, taking my hand in his. A part of me wanted to pull it from his grip and run. Running seemed like the better option, but his free hand reacted, cupping my cheek. I closed my eyes as my chest constricted. This crazy magical connection between us was something not even Jacob and I had at the start of our relationship. Blake’s touch made my body go crazy and I definitely wanted more from him. He lifted my chin so our eyes met, and once again, I was lost in those green eyes and that was when I realised that I should have noticed. Blake and Jacob have the same eyes…well, nearly. Blake’s are bright green and when he smiles, they have a little twinkle in them. Silly, I know, but it’s what I see. Jacob, on the other hand, his are green also, but they don’t have a spark to them. No twinkle there, only cold, hard unlovable eyes.

“Abby, I don’t want you because you’re his. Honestly, I had no idea who your boyfriend was until I saw him with you at the park after our date. When I saw the way he treated you, it just made me more determined to get you to see that there are decent guys out there. Please give me a chance to show you,” I heard the pleading in his voice and it crumbled away the anger and fear I was previously feeling.

I wanted to give him a chance. Everything he’d done so far wasn’t much, but somehow he’d always managed to show up right when I needed him. He could be my something better. He could show me what a real relationship was like. I knew my parents, and especially Melodi, would be genuinely happy for me. Even though my parents never saw the bad side of Jacob, I knew Melodi had her suspicions. I needed to fully end it with Jacob and then move on, but tonight I didn’t really care. This man sitting before me was my chance to be happier.

“It’s okay, Blake. It’s just been one hell of a day with what happened at the park and then dinner tonight. I can’t seem to catch a break.”

He leant over claiming my lips and a new warm feeling spread throughout my chest, running rapidly through my veins. I pushed harder against his lips, wrapping my arms around his neck, and his wrapped around my waist, pulling me onto his lap. His arms left my waist and moved to my legs.

Well, maybe the dress is good for something.

Each of his hands ran up my legs, climbing higher and higher. Our mouths hadn’t lost their connection. He tasted so damn good. I could have devoured him forever. I claimed his lip in between my teeth, biting a little, and a slight groan escaped his throat. My hands found the hem of his shirt, and I quickly pulled it up and over his head. I took in the sight before me, Blake wasn’t the biggest guy, but he had a medium build and a very toned, delicious body. One I couldn’t wait to kiss every part of. I grazed my fingers over the contours of his chest, taking in every inch of him.

“Are you okay?” he asked with a cheeky grin on his face. He knew exactly what was running through my mind.

“Yep, just taking in the view.” I leant over pressing my lips to the nape of his neck. I could see the goosebumps rising on his smooth skin.

“I’d like to get a better view of you,” he stated, wiggling his eyebrows.

I smiled brightly and nodded.

He reached around undoing my zip ever so slowly. As I waited, I felt the cool air hit my skin, then I felt his fingertips dancing over my bare flesh, sending a chill down my spine.

I had a million butterflies dancing in my belly. I was as nervous as hell and eager to feel the magic between us. He took away any ounce of worry I had carried with me from Jacob and he made me feel like I was the most important person in the world to him.

“Abby…”

“Mmm…” I breathed into his neck as a planted a light kiss there.

“I want you to stay the night…with me.” A surge of emotion clutched my chest. A bright smile wiped across my lips.

I sat up and looked at his worried face. Worried I would say no. “I want to sta—” I don’t get to finish my sentence before his mouth ravaged mine. I opened my mouth allowing his tongue to taste me.

“Are you on anything?” he breathed through our passionate kisses.

“Yes.” That was all I said. He then stood up with me still wrapped around him. He began walking toward a room, his room. My stomach twisted with anticipation and swirled with excitement. I was about to be shown and treated how a girl should be and I couldn’t wait. I reached for my left hand and removed the ring, dropping it to the ground with a slight tinkle as it hit the floor. As we entered the room, I left behind all the negative experiences and I was only interested in the man before me who’d made every sense within me sing. Blake closed the door, our lips collided and we were lost in each other in every way possible.

Chapter Twelve

Abby

Three Years Ago

Wow! Was all that was racing through my head. Last night with Blake was something out of a princess fairytale. His gentle caresses explored my tender skin as the soft touch of his lips pressed against mine. We were one person, and we wanted to please each other in each and every way possible. He made me feel things I never knew I would enjoy. Each moment was blissful and he took my breath away with each touch.

Jacob was a wham-bam thank-you-ma’am kinda guy. Never let me have the enjoyment a girl should have. We hadn’t been together intimately in about a month. It was a relief actually, it made me question if he was going elsewhere because he always took it when he wanted but not lately. I wasn’t complaining, though. The thought of him touching me repulsed me, literally making my skin crawl. I was never going back to him, no matter how much charm he used or how much begging he did. I wouldn’t fall for it like I had in the past.

I rolled on my side gathering the blankets up around my neck. I laid there watching Blake sleeping. His breaths were even and relaxing to listen to. I could’ve laid like that all day.

“Taking in the view again, huh?” he asked out of nowhere, scaring me half to death.

“You could’ve just let me know you were awake.” I giggled as I moved closer to him. He wrapped me in his arm and placed a loving kiss on my forehead.

“Now, where would the fun be in that?” He opened his eyes, glancing down at me. When our eyes met, a brilliant bright smile crossed both our faces. I was unable to wipe the smile off my face. “How are you feeling?” He rolled onto his side, pulling me into his chest, our bare legs entangling each other’s.

Last night felt like a dream.

The proposal didn’t happen, but the night with Blake did.

I remember the sweet, kind words he’d whispered to me during our time together. There was no way in hell I would ever be returning to someone like Jacob. Blake had shown me in one night how a girl is meant to be treated. He could definitely be my new future. I just had one final thing I needed to do. I had to officially finish it with Jacob and give him back his ring, then I could move on. I still felt very uneasy about him. I knew he wasn’t going to be happy. I recalled him telling me that he was going away for a week, so I think in that week I might need to have a backup just in case things go south. Backup as in preparing to possibly leave if everything goes wrong with the breakup.

“What are you thinking?” Blake asked as he glided his finger slowly up and down my arm.

“Just wondering what I’m going to do now. I kinda feel like I should have a backup plan, ya know? Just in case things go south with Jacob.”

Blake was silent for a moment, so I laid there just listening to his breathing.

“I know a guy that could help us out. He could get us some new papers and we could leave together.”

That didn’t sit right with me, taking Blake away from the life he’d created for himself.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll figure something out.”

He merely nodded accepting my answer, but I could see in his eyes that he was thinking about things. A plan was forming in that mind of his. I knew I had to work something out for myself, even if it meant me starting afresh. I would let my family know I needed a change and go. I was sure they would understand when they found out what had been going on in my life.

“Let’s go out for breakfast,” he said, beginning to get up. My heart leapt into my throat.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea just yet. I need to completely finish things before we’re seen in public. I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay, I understand. I’m going to make you breakfast here then.” He smiled, warming me to my core.

After a wonderful filling breakfast, I’d decided I better leave. I needed to find the ring I dropped, gather my stuff to go home and get ready for work. This dress was going in the bin because I didn’t want any trace of Jacob left in my life.

“What are you doing?” Blake laughed as he exited the bathroom.

I was on all fours on the ground trying to find the ring I’d dropped last night, it could have fallen anywhere.

“I’m looking for the ring. I flicked it off last night before we went into the bedroom.” I looked up and my eyes instantly locked on his bare, still wet, chest.

Wow!

A small chuckle escaped his lips. “You okay?”

I snapped my mouth shut, unwillingly removing my eyes from the masterpiece before me and I went back to my crawling around on the floor.

Blake walked into his room to get changed and I finally spotted what I was looking for. Snatching it up with my fingers I wrapped it in a tissue and placed it inside my bag. I then sat on the couch and waited for Blake to emerge. When he did, the breath was kicked right out of my chest. He literally took my breath away every time I saw him. He was good looking in casual clothes, but holy damn he was one super fine specimen in his police uniform.

“If you keep doing that you’re going to catch flies,” he laughed. I closed my mouth once again. He came and sat next to me, wrapped me in his arms and placed a few light kisses on my neck.

“Are you going to send that ring back to him?”

I was confused by his question and pulled back so I could meet his eyes. “Send? I’m going to give it to him. I don’t think it’s right that I just send it back to him.”

Blake’s face hardened. “I’m going with you then,” he stated firmly.

I shook my head. “No, you’re not, because your family and—”

“He’s not family to me,” he cut me off. I could see that I’d annoyed him.

“Sorry.” I placed my hand on his cheek. “It’ll be okay, I promise. I will tell you about it. How about you see your friend regarding those papers?” It was better to be prepared for anything that might come blowing my way.

“I know, and that’s what worries me.”

“It’ll be all right. We’ll get through this and be together in the end. You’re my future, the one that makes my heart beat faster than it has ever before.” I smiled and he did as well. His eyes lit up as he leant into me, kissing my waiting lips, causing my stomach to do its usual little dance.

“I need to go home and get ready for work,” I announced, hopping up.

“Let me drive you home?” He took my hand and we left together. Nothing could wipe the smile off my face.

Well, I thought nothing could wipe the smile off my face; that was until I got to work and saw that our windows were smashed and there was glass everywhere.

Jess came running over to me, her breathing fast and ragged as she clutched at her chest.

“This is terrible, Abby. Who would do this?”

“I don’t know. Did you ring the police?”

She nodded her head.

“Good. Did you ring Tracey?” Tracey was our boss and she was literally going to flip when she heard about this.

“I haven’t. I’m too scared. She scares me when she’s mad.”

“It’s okay, I’ll ring her now,” I said, taking my phone from my bag. I had like fifty calls from Jacob from last night when I checked it this morning. I didn’t ring him back. I didn’t have the guts to talk to him yet. Looking at the screen I had a further ten missed calls from Blake. I ignored them and rang Tracey, who wasn’t very pleased about what had happened. She just told me she was on her way and hung up. Yep, angry didn’t begin to describe how she felt when she saw what had happened to her shop.

Getting off the phone to her I called Blake and he answered after the first ring.

“Oh, thank goodness you’re all right. We got the call about the shop this morning. We are on our way. How are you?” His voice was panicked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little shocked. Who would do this? It’s only a small clothes shop.”

“They might have thought there was money in there or something. We won’t know until we check out the camera surveillance and everything else. Don’t worry we’ll be there soon.”

“Okay, bye.”

I hung up and moved to stand by Jess, who was clearly shaken by the event before us. “I rang Tracey. She isn’t too pleased and will be here soon. Are you all right, Jess?”

“Yeah, just a little worried about our jobs and stuff. What if Tracey thinks we’re incompetent and can’t do our jobs or something and just gets rid of us? I need this job.” She was on the verge of tears. I wrapped my arm around her in comfort as we stood in silence, looking over the destruction of our workplace. After a few minutes, we could hear the police sirens. A screeching set of tires caught my attention and immediately my blood ran cold. What was he doing here?

“Abby, are you all right?” The caring, loving boyfriend mask was on, but evaluating his cold eyes told me everything I needed to know. He went to wrap his arms around me, but I quickly stepped back, not wanting his dirty, vile hands to ever touch my skin again.

“I’m fine. What are you doing here?” My voice was cold and uninviting.

“I’ve come to see you before I went away for work.”

“Just go. I don’t care. We aren’t together anymore. I’m no concern of yours.” I stare him fair and square in those cold flinty eyes. Anger flared on his face. He grabbed my arm tightly, pulling me away from Jess, who was taking in the scene we were making.

“You’re hurting me. Like usual,” I spat at him.

“You will be my wife. You will treat me with respect.” He squeezed my arms tighter, causing me to wince in pain.

“I will never be your wife. I want you gone and out of my life. I will get the ring back to you when you get back from your business trip. Make sure you tell your skank I said hi.” I smiled at him. He thought I didn’t know about his little mistresses he had in all the places he visited. It was funny what you find out going through his phone after he had passed out for the night.

Did he think I was that stupid?

He looked taken aback by my statement. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t go playing dumb on me now. I know things. They can have you, especially if they like the abuse you give them. I won’t stand for it anymo—” Before I could finish, the palm of his hand connected with my cheek, causing me to fall to the ground because the force was so hard. Tears stung my eyes.

“Hey, you. Don’t ever touch a lady like that again.”

My heart was racing. I knew who that voice was, my rescuer and future, Blake.

“This is a personal matter,” Jacob spat toward Blake.

“It’s not personal when you slap a girl in the street. Would you like to press charges, Miss?” Blake tenderly helped me up to the curb. I shook my head.

“It was just a misunderstanding.”

“Are you sure? You have every right to press charges.”

“No. It’s okay. Just go, Jacob. I don’t want to see you ever again.”

Jacob’s face was red with anger. “This isn’t over, Abby.” With his last statement, he left not looking back.

I willed myself not to cry.

Blake turned me toward him, lifting my chin so I met his emerald green eyes shining with worry and concern. “Why didn’t you press charges?”

“Because I don’t want anything to do with him, and doing something like that would just prolong him in my life. Did you contact your friend yet?” I whispered the last part. He merely nodded. I desperately wanted him to wrap me in his arms and make me feel better, but our moment was cut short by a not so happy Tracey, who was yelling at the other officer.