Текст книги "Relinquish"

Автор книги: M. N. Forgy

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Текущая страница: 12 (всего у книги 17 страниц)

SIXTEEN

LANDON

I pour myself another scotch and sit in my chair. I’m… confused, but that word doesn’t even come close to what I’m feeling. Tormented, depraved, outraged. I feel insane from all the mixed emotions cocooning themselves in my head and chest.

“Do you know what Father and Veronica were just talking about?” Roman flies through my office door, his hair disheveled and, of course, his shirt is untucked.

“No, what?” I ask, uninterested, but I know he’s going to tell me anyway. Might as well amuse him.

“You and Charlie. Father says you’re taking interest in this escort and he doesn’t like it. Veronica said it was all Charlie, that she’s some whore seeking love. I– I—” Roman stutters, pacing my floors frantically. Roman is afraid of our father. Miller was a very powerful man at one time, well-respected around Vegas. I once was scared, too, but then I grew up and realized my father is just some old man. He’s served his term and is dead-weight now.

“Let them believe whatever they want. Harron shouldn’t have touched Charlie. I was doing my job,” I defend, downing the rest of my drink.  There are cameras in a few places of the estate, one being the dining room with all the fine china we have in there. I saw how he was talking to her, and it was pissing me off. But when the hall cameras showed Harron grabbing onto her like that, I lost all control.

“You fucking punched him, Landon. Are you kidding me right now?”

I swirl my drink, lost in the amber color.

“Are you listening to me?” Roman slams his hands on my desk, grabbing my attention and angering me. I set my drink down and clench my jaw.

“You tell Father that I was doing my job, which is protecting the escorts. The women come first. If it weren’t for them, this place wouldn’t be here,” I seethe, my teeth gritted. When my father was sitting in this chair, the simple principle of making the women come first was never in his line of sight. I aim to redeem that.

Roman chuckles, the sound of his laugh a mockery to my anger.

“Have you given her any clients?” Roman crosses his arms and stares at me.

“She’s in training.” I exhale an irritated breath.

“You should be working her a list of potential clients.” Roman runs his hand through his hair and chuckles.

“She’s not ready,” I reply.

“She looks ready, Landon,” Roman insists, nodding for emphasis.

“I’ve seen girls come through here for years, Roman. They all have this dead look to them, their eyes don’t shine, and their smiles don’t quite reach their eyes. They’ll do anything you ask of them, and don’t react in any way to the manner you speak to them.”

“But?” Roman interrupts. I take my eyes from my empty scotch glass and look at Roman.

“But when I look at Charlie, really look at her, she’s not quite dead inside.”

“You better get her there, and quick. I destroyed the files of the men Father had follow you. Nobody will be able to place Charlie. But Landon, I can only do so much before you blow your own fucking house down.” Roman shakes his head and leaves, slamming the door behind him.

I let out a large breath and turn in my chair, looking out at the landscaping. It could be said that I hate my father. I didn’t always hate him, though. Leaving my mother to die alone was the turning point in our father/son relationship. He was shitty to my mother for years before that, but nothing compared to him deserting her when she needed him the most. She was diagnosed with aggressive cancer five years ago, and because he couldn’t bear her chemo, to watch her body die a little day by day, he sent her to California. Put her in a house with some doctors to die alone. I visited every weekend, but it was only Roman and I who ever went to see her.

Two weeks after my mother’s funeral, my father moved Tara in with her slutty daughter Veronica. He met Tara at a fundraiser for cancer, funny enough. Disgust builds in my chest thinking about how he banked off my mother’s illness, when in reality he was wishing she’d just die already. My mother passed away not long after her diagnosis.

I haven’t left this estate because of a promise I gave my mother, and Charlie stands in the way of that promise. It’s conflicting. I want Charlie, but I can’t break my only promise to my mother. I need to get Charlie clients, and it’s going to kill what’s left of me to do so.

CHARLIE

I slip out of bed and tiptoe toward my door. It’s late and everyone should be asleep by now, giving me the perfect opportunity to find some answers. I open my door and slowly close it, hoping not to make any noise. I look up and down the hall before I resume my mission toward Landon’s office. I’m not sure what I’m looking for, but I need something. Every expensive painting, every closed door, it all leads to secrets. I can feel it.

I scamper down the stairs and head to Landon’s office. I don’t notice any lights on under the door so I open it, finding it empty. Running to his desk, I start opening drawers, my palms sweating nervously. I find paperwork on other escorts and their earnings. My eyes turn as wide as saucers seeing some woman named Clarity made ten thousand just last week, and that isn’t even the highest number I’ve come across on the chart. I close it and open the next drawer, finding a gun. I gasp and stare at it. My legs begin to tremble, and my mouth parts. Why does he have a gun?  I’ve never seen a gun before. I slowly close it and open the last drawer, containing receipts, menus for takeout, and a map.

I loll my head back and sigh. What was I thinking? That Landon would just hide all of the estate’s dirty secrets right here in his unlocked desk? I slam the drawer shut angrily, wincing at the noise it causes. My back begins to sweat with nerves, scared the loud bang caused unwanted attention. I run out of the office, up the stairs and back to my room, my heart racing faster and faster with every step. As soon as I make it into my room, I shut the door and slide against the back of it till my bottom hits the floor, my body heaving for air.

I got nothing. I clench my hands in my hair. Landon having a gun goes to show this place is not as top-notch as he makes it seem.

***

“Time to wake up, Charlie.” A blossoming warmth ignites in my chest as the deep voice wakes me. I roll over, a small smile across my face as I open my eyes and find Landon hovering over me with a smirk. My face falls, and I groan in irritation.

“I got you a client for tonight. You need to train today.”

“A client?” I ask, sitting up.

“I have someone who needs a female appearance tonight at a gala. Therefore, you will need to learn to dance.” Landon sits at the end of the bed, adjusting his blue tie. He looks so big sitting at the foot of the bed, it makes me feel small. The smell of him is so alluring, I’m forced to clench my legs. Luckily, they’re under the blanket so he can’t see them and call me out on it.

“So, I’m arm candy?” I twist my face in question.

“Yes. No sex. Now, find a beautiful dress and meet me in the ballroom.” Landon stands with a panty-dropping smile. I sag in relief, glad I’m not sleeping with anyone for money. A small, naïve piece inside me is hoping Landon is taking his time training me on purpose. I know that same small piece is what’s going to get me hurt in the end, too.

“Wait, meet you?” I ask in shock.

“Considering my last trainer had his nose broken, yes, you will be training with me.” Landon turns and rests both hands behind his neck, a devious grin across his face as he leaves.

My God, he’s going to be the end of me.

***

I slide a white dress down my frame, the bottom of it skirting around my ankles with a small, brown braided belt secured around my waist. I flip open some boxes, find a pair of heels that match the color of the belt, and slip them on. The smell of new shoes is amazing. I never knew shoes even had a brand new smell. I head toward the door when the phone rings, making me jump and grab my chest in panic.

“Shit,” I mutter, taking the phone from the night stand and answering it.

“Hello?”

“Hey!” Jayden greets.

“Hey, how are you?” I question, a smile on my face. It feels so good to hear her voice. It’s only been a few days, but I miss her.

“I’m doing good.” Jayden’s voice cracks with emotion.

“How’s everything going?” I ask, sitting down on the bed.

“Good, I guess. You?”

I sigh, looking at the door, thinking of Landon and my place at the estate.

“I’m trying to settle in,” I mutter. I am trying, but it can be difficult. My emotions for Landon interfere with the reality of my situation.

“I woke to some men in suits delivering me a beautiful short green dress and an invite to the Blackwell Estate for a party tonight. It was from Landon,” Jayden informs. My mouth parts in surprise at the information. The gala! It’s here, and I get to see Jayden. It’s acts like this that tell me he’s not the bad guy he wants everyone to think he is.

“I’m asking Mick for the night off. I just hope he lets me,” Jayden mutters.

“Oh, you have to come, I haven’t seen you in forever,” I beg, my face scrunched while I plead.

Jayden giggles. “I’ll see what I can do,” she promises.

“Yes! I can’t wait,” I cheer, nearly bouncing on the mattress.

“Besides, a dress this gorgeous needs to be worn at least once,” Jayden whispers.

“How is everything at Mick’s?”

“Eh, I’m still working the motel, but it’s all right. I was up all night, so I’m tired as hell.” She yawns into the phone for emphasis.

“I’ll let you go then. It was good to hear from you, though.” I smile but hate to hang up.

“See you tonight, babe,” Jayden mumbles.

“See you tonight. Go get some sleep,” I laugh, hanging up.

I make my way toward the staircase and find Jean the housekeeper dusting some paintings along the wall.

“Um, Jean?” I murmur.

“Charlie! You look beautiful, darling,” Jean lights up when she sees me, making me grin.

“Thank you, Jean. Can you direct me to the ballroom?” I ask. I have no idea where it is, and I know if I go looking for it, I’ll get lost for sure.

“Of course.” She steps down from her ladder and heads down the stairs, taking her time with each step.

“I have so much to do before the big party,” Jean pants, watching her step. “Everyone will be here. It’s so exciting.”

I give a smile as she rambles about. As she hits the last step, she exhales a big breath.

“This way, miss,” Jean directs, turning right. She waddles over to a double wooden door and turns.

“Here you are,” she pants before walking off toward the stairs. That poor lady is going to have a stroke with those steps. I look back at the doors and take a deep breath, preparing myself for what mood Landon will be in. Will he be the arrogant master of the estate today, or will his mask be lifted and the caring, passionate Landon be present?

I lightly press on the doors and they both swing open, revealing a large, empty ballroom. The floor is tiled with blue marble, and there are windows and French doors along the walls, allowing sunlight in. My eyes shoot upward to stare at the largest chandelier I’ve seen at the estate yet, its sparkles bouncing off the blue and white floor.

“There you are.” I tear my gaze from the crystal lights and find Landon strutting toward me, his dark hair shifting as he walks with confidence. Those forest eyes pin me where I stand, causing me to suck in a tight breath. I look down at myself, feeling a little insecure from the hunger in his eyes.

“I love that dress on you. Wear it tonight,” Landon requests, now standing in front of me. I blink rapidly, my train of thought fleeing. The dark scruff on his cheeks is thicker than before, like he forgot to shave. My fingers twitch with the urge to run them over his jaw.

“Now, do you have any experience with dancing?” Landon reaches out, brushing a stray hair behind my ear. I swallow hard. Looks like we’re the caring Landon today.

“No,” I respond, shaking my head.

“Take your shoes off.” Landon juts his chin toward my feet.

I look down at my heels, a little confused, and back up at him, finding him walking toward a stereo built into the wall.

“Take them off,” Landon repeats, his tone serious. He’s not even looking at me; he just knows I’m not listening. I roll my eyes and do as he says, kicking them off as Landon messes with a stereo.

I pad along the floor as I make my way to the middle of the ballroom. He pulls his suit jacket off and tosses it on the floor, leaving him in just his dress shirt, which he’s rolling up the cuffs on.

“I’ll teach you the basic box step. You can use it pretty much anywhere.” I just nod, because I have no idea what he is talking about. The speakers crack, and Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros sing “Mondo Bongo”.

Landon lowers his head, his eyes peering up under his lashes, and holds his arm out crooking his finger for me to come to him.

“Come here, Charlie,” he demands, his voice husky. My eyes go heavy with desire, and my feet move on their own accord, walking toward him.

“Step forward on your left foot.” Landon steps forward, and I follow. “Then step to the side with your right foot.” I watch him and imitate his move. “Now, bring your feet together,” Landon instructs. “Good, now step back on your right, and then to the side using your left foot.” I do as I’m told and look at Landon for confirmation that I did it correctly. “Just like that. Now, bring your feet together and repeat the steps. You just did a box step.” Landon smirks, doing the dance all in one move. I smile and practice the steps.

“Who taught you how to dance?” I ask. Landon’s eyes furrow, and his cheeks clench with tension.

“My mother,” he mutters. By the look on his face, I can tell something bad happened to her, so I don’t question where she is.

“Now, place your arm on my shoulder and cup my hand,” Landon coaches, grabbing me by the hips and bringing me to him. My palm tingles, being held by his so strongly, my cheeks heating from just the simple touch. “This time, try the box step using your tiptoes and let me lead,” Landon tells me, taking the leading step.

“My tiptoes?” I look down at my feet.

“Yes, it will prepare you for actually dancing in high heels.” Landon chuckles.

“Oh.” I giggle and my cheeks flush.

“Look at me. Keep your chin up,” Landon requests. I take my gaze from his shoes to his eyes, and my heart skips a beat. The way his eyes shine and look right through me captivates me. Lost in our own world, not daring to look away, I wonder what it would be like if Landon and I met at a different time. If things would be easier for us, or more difficult. If he could fully love me, and I him.

“What about you? Where is your mom?” Landon asks, dancing me along the ballroom floor. I nearly trip over my feet at his question, causing me to look down.

“Eyes up.” I lift my eyes and exhale a large breath.

“I’m not sure where my mother is,” I answer honestly. Landon slows his lead, causing us to stop dancing. He slides his hand behind my head and pulls gently on my hair, making me look upward.

“You really don’t have anybody, do you?” he mumbles, little wrinkles etching his handsome face. I slide my tongue over my bottom lip, the feel of his hand in my hair clouding the reminder of my abandonment.

Landon sighs, his teeth worrying his bottom lip as he looks at me with longing.  That scar right above his lip stands out along his tanned skin. In one swift motion, he slams his lips onto mine, his hand tangling itself deeper into my hair.

His tongue caresses my bottom lip before sweeping between them. My senses are lost, and the music is drawn out. I reach one hand behind his neck, the other caressing the scruff on his cheeks. The whiskers rubbing along the pads of my fingers feel divine. I want Landon like this every day.

He slowly pulls his lips away, allowing me to catch my breath as he trails his nose down my jawline. His hands slide from my hair down my chest, greedily grabbing my clothed breasts before continuing their journey to my hips.

“If you were mine, you would never feel alone again, Charlie,” he whispers against the skin of my neck, giving it a slight nip.  His fingers bunch the material of my dress in his palm, hiking it up my thighs. He grabs behind my knees and lifts one leg, wrapping it around his waist and leaving my bare hip exposed. I watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows heavily, looking between our bodies.

“Pretend?” I pant, knowing this is where we pretend to be normal, act as if we’re not obligated to hate each other. That we’re ordinary people who want to be together. He slides his palm over my thigh, the feeling of his hand so close to my pussy causing my core to throb.

He nods, his breath heavy as his hand travels between my legs, a finger trailing up my inner thigh. My body breaks out in a sea of goose bumps as a shiver spreads through my limbs.

I moan, arching myself into him, so desperately ready for him to take me. His fingers find my panties, my pussy throbbing so hard I can feel it pulsing through my lower half. He pulls the fabric to the side and deftly slides a finger through my wetness. I buck against him, so wound up I can’t contain my reaction. An uncontrollable moan leaves my lips from his touch.

“I could watch you come undone by my touch every day, Charlie,” he growls, resting his forehead against mine, his finger giving another quick swipe against my heat.

“Yes, please. Don’t let go,” I whimper, not wanting him to stop. I never want him to leave my side, the fear of losing his warmth an isolation I can’t bear anymore.

The doors to the ballroom creak, causing Landon to pull from me quickly. My world spinning with lust, I nearly fall on my face from his sudden departure.

“Landon, Father is waiting for our scheduled meeting.” I glance over and see Roman leaning against the doorframe, his hands in his pockets and a wolfish grin across his face. His shirt is untucked and his hair is messed up like the last time I saw him. He’s the opposite of Landon, that’s for sure.

“Yeah, I’ll be there,” Landon bellows, his voice sounding on the edge of angry.

“Right,” Roman remarks, eyeing me and then Landon before leaving.

“You need to keep tension in your arms.” Landon reaches behind my back and pushes my posture upright with force. “Keep it locked,” he demands, his tone taking more of an edge. I sigh. Here comes the mask to Landon’s emotions. The reminder of my reality. I’m just the whore. I feel like I’m nothing to him, and that makes my heart combust with rage.

“Keep practicing,” Landon mumbles, walking away. A whimper falls from my lips as that worthlessness creeps back into my limbs.

“Landon!” I yell, stopping him just before he reaches the doors. He turns his head, looking at me from the corner of his eyes.

“I-” I stammer. “Don’t go.”

Landon looks at the doors, then slowly turns.

“It’s not real, Charlie. It can only last for a few minutes before the reality of what we are, who we are, and what we stand for in this world comes into focus.”

I let out a sob, his words taking a direct hit to my heart. I’ve felt alone in my life; not having a family or friends caused that. But I never feel more alone than I do after Landon pins his mask of darkness over his emotions and leaves me in a heaping mess of hopelessness.

I close my eyes and sigh.  “I’m done,” I whisper, looking down at the floor. The words leaving my lips cause my stomach to sink.

“What?” Landon growls.

I whip my gaze from the floor to him and glare.

“I’m. Done.” I grit, anger fueling my temper. “Find another one of your whores to play make-believe with.”

Landon’s face goes pale and falls lax with my words.

“I can’t do this anymore. You know, you once told me I deserved so much better. Remember? The night it was just us in the hotel?” I straighten my spine and lift my chin. “You’re right, Landon. I do deserve better. I deserve better than you.”

Landon’s face turns red, his brows clenching inward as he stomps toward me. My heart panics with a racing beat.

The double doors swing open and Roman returns.

“Landon, everyone is still waiting,” Roman informs in annoyance. Landon doesn’t stop his strides toward me, and my knees tremble with the need to buckle in fear from the furious look on his face.

He grabs my forearm, pulling me toward him with haste, not caring that Roman is watching.

“What did you just say to me?” he seethes.

“You heard me,” I hiss, my words holding more courage than I actually have at the moment.

“You. Belong. To. Me,” Landon grits, his fingers digging into my flesh. My eyes go wide and my mouth parts. I’m not a toy. I’m a human, and I have feelings and wants in life, regardless of what some pimp may think.

“My body might belong to you, but my heart never will,” I whimper, my tone giving away my cracking emotions.

“Landon!” Roman hollers.

Landon looks over his shoulder. “I said I’ll be there!” Landon barks. Roman throws his hands up in surrender and backs out of the room.

Landon looks at me, his face slowly turning into a sly smile. “You don’t actually believe that, do you? That your heart doesn’t belong to me?”

My eyes widen as my mouth parts, self-doubt filling my chest. Does my heart belong to Landon? Do I care about him, about us? Is this love that I’m feeling or just lust? I mask my emotions, glare back at him and scoff, making him dig his fingers into my arm harder.

Landon flings my arm back at me and strides toward the doors, picking his jacket up off the floor as he does so.

“Why?” I scream, causing Landon to stop just before pushing the doors open. “Why do you act like you care about me? That you want to run away with me in our own world one second, but in a blink of an eye you act as if you can’t look at me? That you hate me?” I sob, tears filling my eyes.

Landon shakes his head, not even looking at me.

“You wouldn’t understand,” he mumbles under his breath. With all the emotions swirling through me, I almost didn’t hear it.

As soon as Landon leaves and the double doors close, I clench my fists and scream. Angry because Landon just made me realize I do care about him, about us. And he only cares about himself.

The ache in my chest creeps through my body, making a violent sob escape my lips. I’m alone. I was before, I am now, and I will be tomorrow. I used to think I could take the little bits of care Landon gave me before, but now that I’ve had a taste of what it feels like to be in the warmth of his arms, I can’t take those scraps anymore. I can’t bear the cold feeling I get when I’m not with him. I need all of him, or nothing at all.