Текст книги "The Missing One "

Автор книги: Liz Lovelock

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Текущая страница: 8 (всего у книги 12 страниц)

Chapter Twenty-One

Abby

Present Day

“So I left, and I’ve been in that same area ever since.” I look around me and everyone’s eyes are bulging out of their heads. Rachel and Flick have their hands over their mouths while the guys sat there while their mouths hanging open in shock.

“Where have you been living?” Melodi asks.

“I travelled for what felt like ages and I went as far as I could to San Diego. I found a women’s shelter. They took me in and helped me with everything I needed.” The women there were beautiful spirits and so loving to all who were in their care. We were each other’s support and they helped me through my pregnancy and with the birth of Katie. I smile at the memories of their kindness. It was a place I called my home away from home. They welcomed me with open arms. When I learnt I was expecting Katie they were there for me through it all. After everything I had been through, all the heartache, the run for my life, to learn that without my family by my side I was going to enter the frightening world of motherhood was scary. I remember them wrapping me in their arms while I sat there staring at the test result, crying my eyes out as though my world had come to an end when in actual fact it was like starting a new life. Like mother hens with their baby chicks, they tucked me under their wings and became my new adopted family.

“Wow! That’s pretty far,” Flick announces.

“Yeah, I needed to feel safe and since I couldn’t go any further than there, I figured it would be good enough. I met the most amazing ladies at the shelter. They never knew my full story, but they saw the evidence on my face with the bruising from where I had hit my head that night.”

“And what about Katie?” Melodi’s eyes met mine as I turned toward her. I knew these questions were going to be asked, but I’m not sure I’m ready for them tonight. I haven’t even had the chance to tell Blake that Katie is his child.

“I found out I was pregnant a couple of weeks after I got to the women’s shelter. They helped me with everything. They set me up with appointments and doctors since I didn’t know anyone.”

“Is Jacob her father?” she asks and holds my gaze.

My heart feels like a hand has wrapped itself around it and is squeezing tightly. “Umm…well, to be honest, I hadn’t been intimate with Jacob in a while so—”

“So she is mine?” Blake cuts me off, his tone is hard and cold.

I didn’t realise he was back in the room. I wanted to tell him privately. I never wanted to keep this from him. Right now I’m feeling like the worst, and the stupidest woman in the world.

How could I hurt the one person I love by not telling him that he has a daughter?

“I…I was going to tell you, I promise.” I jump up from my seat and race over to him. I take his hands in mine, but he pulls away and the rejection hurts. Tears spring to my eyes and I try once again to reach out for him, but he walks away and out the door, slamming it shut behind him.

Embarrassment courses through me. I can’t believe it came out when everyone was here. Don’t they have their own homes to go to? It seems like they are mind readers because in the next minute they all stand together and say their goodbyes to Melodi and Corban. As they walk past me, the guys don’t say anything. Why would they? I hardly know these people, but the girls stop and they both give me warm, gentle embraces. The kind that makes you feel like everything will be okay.

Flick pulls back from the hug and looks at me. “I know I don’t know you, or Blake very well, but I’m sure things will work out. I can see the love that’s between you both. I see it with Melodi and Corban and I’m sure he’ll come around, eventually.”

“Thank you,” I manage to choke out before the lump in my throat stops me from saying anymore.

Before I realise it, I’m on my own again with Melodi and Corban. I don’t really know what to say to either of them right now. My mind is on Blake and how he’s feeling. I want, no, I need to talk to him. As I work up the courage to go out after him, the front door opens and in walks Blake. His face is hard, and I can see the hurt etched in his eyes and the frown that covers his brow. Hurt that I’ve caused him. He traverses to me, stopping just inches from me.

“I’m sorry.” Two simple words with so much meaning. It feels like ages before he does anything, but then he reaches out and takes my hand, wrapping it in his own. I look down to our entwined fingers and back up to his beautiful green eyes. Eyes that make my heart melt.

“I’m sorry for storming out. It’s a lot to take in right now and knowing that I’ve missed out on years of her life crushes me.”

I sense him fighting back his emotions, but before I can reply Corban speaks up.

“Guys, we’ll go back to my place and give you two some privacy.”

Melodi hops up and goes into her room to pack a few items. I’m sure she’s feeling exhausted and probably sick as well. I remember my morning sickness, and it was hell and I would never wish it on anyone, but it’s a fact of life and I hope that she doesn’t have it like I did.

“Will it be safe for them to go?” I ask Blake urgently. I don’t want them to be placed in danger any more than what they have been already. It makes me sick to my stomach knowing it’s my fault that Melodi and her babies could be harmed. Hell, even Corban getting hurt would seriously crush me, and I’ve only known him less than twenty-four hours.

“Yeah, they should be fine since it’s really you and Katie he’s after. Plus, I’ll be here to keep you safe, and I’m sure Corban can keep Melodi safe.” He wraps his arm around my shoulders pulling me to him, and lightly placing a kiss on my head.

“All right you pair, I’m feeling tired and sick, so I need to get some sleep. It’s been a crazy twenty-four hours.” Melodi looks to me and Corban, and a small smile plays on her lips. “I’m glad you’re here, Abby. I just wish you’d told me somehow. I don’t think you realise the kind of damage your death did to our family and the court trials were super hard.”

I rush over to her, taking her in my arms. I’m so glad to have my sister back and I know nothing will ever fix those years I was gone and thought dead, but I will spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to them all.

“I’m sorry, Melodi. Truly I am. I totally understand if you hold it against me.”

“I don’t hold anything against you. I will admit I’m a little annoyed at you for not telling me about Jacob in the first place, and the miserable life he put you through. I always had my suspicions, but whenever I brought them up you just shut me out. I know Mum and Dad were blind to it because they thought the sun shined out of his butt.”

She gives me a small giggle. We’re still holding each other, and we embrace like it’s our last time all over again. We embrace for all the times we didn’t get to be there for each other. My eyes begin to well up at the thought of finally being home with my family.

“Don’t you dare start crying because you’ll set me off. Right now, I’m doing well at maintaining my hormone levels. This pregnancy stuff doesn’t seem real; I can’t believe I’m an aunt, and now I’m going to be a mum.”

“I know it’s crazy, but I’m here for you no matter what and there are no more secrets between us.”

“So Blake is Katie’s dad?” She smiles. “I can see the love you two have for each other, so Corban and I will give you both some space tonight. Tomorrow we’ll get you to safety, but also close by because I don’t want to have to say goodbye to you all over again. So please, I beg you, don’t leave again. We can sort this all out together.” She releases my arms.

We look around for the boys and notice they cleared the room to give us this moment together. I know we’ll have plenty of moments together from now on after we’ve dealt with this Jacob situation. Once that’s achieved, I can get on with my life and hopefully have the happily ever after I need.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Melodi

Walking into Corban’s apartment, I’m overwhelmed with so many different emotions. The ride home was silent and Corban knew I needed a moment to process everything that’s happened today, so he didn’t push for conversation. He just held my hand and let me know he was there for me. It’s those small gestures that mean the most. They may be little, but they speak a thousand words.

I walk straight to the bedroom and collapse, instantly sighing in relief to just have a moment to myself. So many things to think about. My sister who I thought was dead isn’t, and now I’ve got myself to worry about as well. But most importantly I need to worry about this crazy person who has it in for my family. Why couldn’t he leave us alone?

Corban walks into the room, stopping just in the doorway. I look up and meet his gaze. “Are you all right?”

I know he’s worried about me and the babies. There isn’t much that can be done for the babies except for me getting the rest that I need. I’m bound to become sicker over the next few weeks, or perhaps days. I don’t know how I’ll cope with it, but with Corban’s help I’m sure I’ll be fine. There’s also Rachel and Flick, who I’m sure are on high alert with everything they’ve heard today.

“Yeah, I’m okay, or as okay as someone can be when they find out that their sister, who they thought was dead for the last three years, has actually been in hiding and returns with a kid who belongs to the person who helped her hide.” I begin spewing these words out without even thinking. “How could she do this to me, as well as our parents? Was she even thinking of us when she put this silly plan in motion?” I release a loud sigh and cover my face with my hands.

Corban wraps me securely in his arms, not saying anything because words are not what I need at the moment. I need him to be here with me, just him.

We lay here in silence, his hands lightly gliding over my body, sending shivers down my spine.

“Let’s forget about everything but us at the moment. Let’s think about what’s going on in here.” He gently places his hand over my lower abdomen, giving it a soft rub which brings a smile to my lips. “Now there’s the bright smile I know and love.”

“It’s crazy to think we’re going to be parents.” I grin.

“I just hope they aren’t girls, because seriously, girls are trouble,” he laughs, placing a warm kiss on my lips. His kisses make my emotions swell because he fills my heart with so much genuine joy.

“So when are we going to tell your parents? We need to tell them before Rachel gets to them first.”

Corban laughs, he knows his sister well. “I’ll ring Mom tomorrow and we can go over together after work.”

“Sounds good.” I smile.

His lips connect with my mine and the heat of the kiss is liquefying. I wrap my arms around his neck, as awkward as it is with a heavy cast wrapped around my arm. I still can’t believe I was that stupid and fell. In a way, it’s kind of a blessing in disguise since we found out that we are expecting, so it all worked out. Now I’ve just got to put up with the silly cast for the next few weeks, although I don’t think it’s going to deter Corban from getting what he wants.

As his hands explore my body, I revel in his touch which ignites my inner fire. With our lips connecting and our bodies tangling with each other’s, I am in the place I would never want to leave, Corban’s arms. He’s my security, my rock, and I never want to be apart from him.

After a busy day at the office, we’re on our way to Corban’s parents’ place to give them our exciting news. Corban came to me today in between meetings and informed me that it seems Rachel may have already gotten to his parents. When I asked her, she innocently declined. She said nothing, but the little smile she had was one that spoke a thousand words. After a lot more pushing from my side, and a threat that she won’t be allowed to come to the next scan, she caved, finally admitting that she didn’t tell them everything and that she only said we had some special news for them.

At least she didn’t give away our little secret. Otherwise, she would’ve had Corban and me angry with her. So now her parents have turned this whole thing into something it doesn’t need to be. Corban told me that Athena is bringing her new boyfriend tonight. I’m looking forward to meeting him since she’s kept him to herself lately and wouldn’t even give us his name. She’s a very secretive woman, and I can’t say that she’s a close friend of mine, but I want to give her the benefit of the doubt and start to put a little trust in her since she will be an auntie to our babies. My only hope is she snaps out of her immature bitchiness. And, of course, Rachel and Axel will be there as well.

I know I should be more understanding, but I don’t know how Abby could shut me out of her life for three years. Then when Blake decides it’s time for her to come out of hiding, she comes and in turn puts myself, Corban, and my children in danger. Not that I knew about the babies, but now I do. I’m apprehensive about what Jacob could be up to.

I didn’t get flowers today, which really surprised me since I’ve been getting them daily, but Blake informed me that there was a bunch sent to my apartment addressed to Abby. It was a bunch of red and black roses, I don’t know what that means, but I think he’s just twisting her head and trying to make her feel uneasy. I’d hate for anything to happen to her or Katie, especially since I’ve only just got them back into my life. Blake is moving them tonight into the apartment that Corban offered. I hope that they make it there okay and that it’s a safe place for them right now.

“You look deep in thought,” Corban says bringing me back to the present.

“Yeah, I’ve got a lot going on.” I release a sigh. “I hope Abby and Katie are safe.”

“I’m sure they’ll be fine. I doubt Blake would let anything happen to either of them especially now that he knows Katie is his.”

“It feels like I’ve only just got Abby back, and now I can’t even relish in that moment because it’s tainted by the same man who forced her away from me in the first place. I can’t believe she actually got away with that whole set up. But now that I think about it, she had Blake on the inside and he most likely oversaw everything.” I’m beginning to feel annoyed at Blake because now knowing what I do, he actually lied to me. “How do I begin to trust him or even her ever again?”

Corban reaches out taking my hand in his, trying to soothe my annoyance.

“Do you think that they would do it all again?”

“I hope not. I don’t think they’d be silly enough to do it again especially since Jacob would most likely know. All I can do is hope not. I don’t even know how my parents are going to react to the news. My Dad is going to hit the roof, and who knows, Mum might pass out or something. This is all so messed up, and now I’ve dragged you and your family along with my friends into it. I feel terrible about this.”

“Hey now, don’t go thinking like that. You and I are a team and it’s not just us we need to think about.” He reaches out placing his hand on my tummy. “I’ll look after us and I’m sure Rach and Flick will be just fine with Axel and Liam. We will all look out for each other because that’s what family does.”

I give him a nod because I don’t trust myself to speak since the lump that’s formed in my throat is clogging my air supply and I just might cry. How did I become so lucky? Going from a random kiss in a nightclub to expecting babies together, it’s all so quick and I’m sure people think I’m the stupidest woman, but when I look at what I have right in front of me, everything is perfect. I’m waiting for that perfect bubble to pop, and the honeymoon period with Corban to be over, which I hope like heck it never is.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Melodi

As we pull up, the nerves kick into overdrive. I know I shouldn’t be nervous, but I don’t want them to think that I planned to fall pregnant to trap their son. I’m sure they wouldn’t think that, but Athena might. I notice her car is here, along with Rachel’s. I already know Rachel is over the moon and excited about becoming an aunt, but I’m not sure how the rest will react.

“Don’t worry, beautiful, they will be thrilled with our news. Trust me, I know Mom is going to be ecstatic,” Corban voices my thoughts. Once again, my emotions must be readable like an open book as he doesn’t miss anything.

“I know, but with something like this I can’t help but worry. Especially about what Athena might think. We have only just sort of connected and I don’t want to ruin that.”

“I’m here for you every step of the way. No matter what anyone says, I love you and these little ones of ours.” He leans over, kissing me lovingly on my lips and lingering for a short time.

Making our way inside, aromas of what’s cooking fills my senses and it smells wonderful. All my senses have become heightened. I’m still waiting for it to take a turn for the worse, but maybe it’s a little early, so I’ll enjoy the good while I still have it.

I hear voices and laughing coming from the kitchen. We make our way there and see Rachel, Athena, and Catherine working together to prepare dinner. I’m really surprised at the one-eighty that Athena has made, and Rachel isn’t even biting at her.

Have I stepped into another world?

“Hey, everyone,” Corban announces.

They turn and all their eyes light up, especially Catherine’s. Yep, she knows.

“Oh, my dear boy, how are you?” She reaches Corban and gives him a tight, excited squeeze. “And you, little miss, how are you feeling?”

I glance over her shoulder at Rachel, giving her a small glare. How could she tell her mother before us? She needs a gag. It won't surprise me if she and Axel are actually into that stuff.

“We’re going good, Mom. I guess by your reaction that Rachel has already gotten to you both.” He looks between his mum and Athena, who just smiles and nods.

Wow, so she approves?

“Yes she did, and I’m extremely excited to become a grandma!” she squeals as she wraps me in an embrace. “Now you need to be taking care of yourself, dear. I’m sure your boss won’t mind if you drop back a few days, especially during the morning sickness stage.” She gives Corban a little glare.

“I’m all right for now, but if it becomes too much, I’m sure he’ll look after me.” I smile.

“My dear, what happened to your arm?” She instantly becomes concerned, the worry written over her face.

“We went out the other night—” I begin and I’m cut off.

“You were what? While you’re pregnant?”

“Stop, Mom, before you get too far ahead of yourself,” Corban interjects. “Keep going, Mel.”

“Okay, so I should say that this was all before we found out I was pregnant. We went out, I tripped up some stairs and landed funny, coming down on my wrist and breaking it, hence the cast.”

“How long are you in the cast for?” Catherine asks as she busies herself once again.

“About four to six weeks. I’ll get a check-up at four weeks and they’ll decide then what will happen.”

She nods and keeps preparing dinner. “How are you feeling? I know it’s early, but I do hope that it’s not too bad for you.”

I knew the pregnancy questions were coming sooner or later. “I’ve been all right. I think the sickness has started to kick in, but I guess that’s to be expected with twins, so—”

“Twins?” Catherine squeals in excitement. Rachel must have missed out on that tiny detail. “Oh my goodness.” She actually looks like she needs to sit down for a little while. If only she knew how I was feeling.

“Ah…yeah. Sorry, I thought that Rachel had already told you all the details.”

“I think that little piece of information was overlooked. Rachel!” she calls out, startling me.

Less than a minute later Rachel comes in giving her knowing smile. “What’s up, Mom?”

“Did you forget to mention anything…any tiny details perhaps?”

Rachel just keeps smiling and shrugs her shoulders. “Well, I couldn’t ruin it all for them, so I left the major details out,” she laughs.

I didn’t see Athena leave. Corban has stepped outside and is talking with Axel, who I hadn’t even noticed was there. I hear voices coming towards the kitchen. As I look to the doorway, my blood turns cold as I’m face to face with Jacob.

Why is he here?

Why is Athena cozy with him?

I look at her standing beside him and how she’s all caught up in what he’s saying. He looks up and gives me his most evil grin, as though he knew I’d be here and honestly, I can’t think why he’d be here. I don’t move from my seat. I just stare at him.

“Oh. Athena, honey, who is your friend?” Catherine is oblivious to what this man is capable of and, of course, has no idea of the devil that’s walked through her door. Athena has invited him in, allowing him access to Corban’s family, and me.

Before she can reply, a door slams behind me. I already know who it is and I’m sure I won’t be able to stop him, especially after what I’ve been put through lately with Abby showing back up and being threatened by him.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Corban storms across the room and grabs Jacob by the scruff of his shirt, getting up in his face.

I move quickly, trying to defuse the situation. This is not that time, or place, to get revenge. Even though it would give me immense pleasure to watch Corban beat the living crap out of him. I don’t think his mum would approve since she’s already yelling at Corban to get off Jacob.

Once Axel has Corban held back and settled, everyone is in the kitchen now and Corban’s parents are oblivious to what vile creature has been welcomed into their home.

“Corban, you better have a good excuse for acting like that!” Catherine says in her take-no-crap tone.

“This is the man responsible for causing so much pain to my family and the loss of Abby, my sister,” I say before Corban gets a chance to reply. He’s just too angry to respond reasonably and as I say the words, I see the shock register on her face.

“Athena, how could you?” she breathlessly asks her daughter. Her shoulders slump as she heaves a heavy sigh and looks away from Athena, who’s unable to meet her eyes again.

I can just imagine what I must look like. I actually feel like I’m having an out of body experience. I kinda feel for Athena, because obviously he’s brainwashed her into thinking we are the bad guys.

“Mom, they’re the ones that are lying. Her sister is still alive,” she screamed at us.

Oh, my goodness, could this night get any worse?

That’s not something the world needs to know right now, especially Corban’s parents before my own. Catherine turns toward me, Corban, and Rachel. I cast my eyes down so I don’t have to meet her questioning gaze.

“Mom, there are things that we are unsure about yet and that’s one of them,” Corban has calmed down enough to speak in a reasonable tone.

Catherine looks like she has a million questions running through her mind. “Athena, darling, how can you trust this man after hearing about what had happened, and how her sister was treated by this man?” She gestures towards Jacob, who’s standing there with a wry smile on his face. He’s such a manipulator. He can twist things his way with ease. He has a gift for having people believe in him. Anger begins to bubble within me and I can’t hold myself back.

“You’re a twisted sick bastard, Jacob! Why can’t you just leave me and my family alone?” I yell at him from across the room.

“Melodi…I don’t know what you mean. I’ve kept my distance.”

I wish his lie burnt his mouth. “You’re a liar and a manipulator. I don’t know what you’ve filled Athena’s head with, but I’m sure it’s all lies like everything that dribbles from your mouth.” I turn toward Catherine. “I’m sorry the night has been ruined. But unfortunately, I can’t, no, I won’t stay a moment longer while he’s here.”

Corban walks towards me, taking my hand in his. A simple gesture but it speaks volumes as it’s the support I need.

“Sorry, Mom. We’ll talk soon. And Athena, I really hope you wake up and soon because that man right there is manipulating you.” With that said, Corban gives his mum a kiss on her cheek and leaves. Rachel and Axel decide to leave with us. I think Rachel might actually want to hurt her sister for the stupid mistake she’s making. I can only hope that Athena doesn’t get hurt, or even worse. I know he’s just told her lies and she’s young and stupid enough that she will believe him no matter what anyone tells her.