Salvage Her Heart (10 page)

EVIE

I woke up this morning feeling a sense of wonder—almost like magic was afoot. It’s like I’m a princess in a fairy tale and Charming has finally arrived. Fate, at the very least, has stepped in and brought my ‘normal’ world to a crashing halt. In its place is a man and a life I only dare to wish I could keep yet, at some point, I know I’m going to have to say goodbye.

For now, I refuse to let those thoughts cloud my mood. Instead, I’m going to hold on to these n
ewfound feelings of joy like my life depends on it.

We couldn’t see much last night, the dense forest secluding the cabins from the moonlight. I was surprised to meet a friend of Grayson’s in a little cabin on the edge of the property. Despite his sleepy looks and ginger hair standing on end, he didn’t seem at all shocked to find his mate and a woman that he’d never met before standing on his doorstep in the middle of the night. He welcomed us warmly before handing us a key, promising to catch up with us later.

Grayson navigated his truck to the edge of the lake, where the cottage we’d be staying in was positioned. The water gently lapped the grassy banks, looking dark and bottomless in the middle of the night. It seemed like the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, but it was more than that, and we both knew it.

I thought that perhaps we’d feel uncomfortable sleeping in the same cabin, shy with intimacies that normally long-term lovers would be used to. We didn’t, though. We did the normal things that people do before bed, like brushing teeth and getting into pyjamas.

I’d be lying if my knees didn’t go a little weak when Grayson walked out of the bathroom half naked. His curly, brown hair was more tousled than usual, as though he’d been messing it with his fingers all day. With that grin I like to think he wears just for me in place, he sauntered bare-chested to join me in the double bed. Not a queen size, the forced size constraints pushing us closer together than necessary. There was nothing uncomfortable about it.

He pulled me close, wrapping his long, muscular arms around my waist, spooning me and holding me tight. He smelled minty-fresh and masculine, the scent of him almost daring me to break free from his hold so that I could swivel round and kiss him full on the lips. I behaved, staying exactly where he had me, content to just have his arms around me. We fell asleep, just like that
—unequivocally content and irrevocably, undeniably in love. 

This morning, well that’s another story. I haven’t in the longest time woken up feeling aroused. Alex just doesn’t evoke those kinds of feelings in me. I’m still wrapped up in his arms,
like his body has been a cocoon that has kept me safe all night. I can feel him pressed up against my backside, still snoring lightly as the morning bathes the cabin with its light.

Dust particles float through the air, unaware that the space now has new occupants. It’s furnished sparsely, but comfortably. While Grayson still sleeps I quickly slip into the bathroom to brush my teeth and pee. In the bathroom mirror I’m surprised by my reflection. I’ve got a serious case of bed hair and absolutely no
make-up on. I haven’t looked like this since I was a teenager—so rumpled, I mean. I’ve got to say, I like it.

Normally I would invest several hours in primping and preening in the morning. Not today, hell no! I tie my hair up in a quick knot and brush my teeth. While I feel comfortable with Grayson, there is no way I’m inflicting my morning breath on him. That would just be gross.

When I return from the bathroom, Grayson is awake, lying on his back and staring at the ceiling. He hears me and looks towards me, a grin springing forth from his lips.

‘Morning, beautiful.’

‘Morning. How did you sleep?’

‘Not nearly long enough. Why don’t you come back to bed and snooze with me.’

‘Just as well I brushed my teeth then.’

‘Why? Do you plan on kissing me?’

I blush, thinking he’s come dangerously close to reading my thoughts.

‘No, I… ah
…’

‘Well,’ he says, hopping out of bed, ‘I better brush mine, too, then.’

I laugh as he hurries off to the bathroom. I have to turn my back when he just drops his boxer shorts right in front of me, his white arse flashing me as he urinates in the toilet. It sounds like a horse pissing. I can’t help but giggle just a little. Clearly the man has no shame.

While he’s preoccupied, I jump back into bed and try to position myself so that I don’t look like I’m posing for when he gets back. When the tap gets turned off, I start to panic. In the morning light, there are no barriers between us. It’s good in a way, because I desperately want to ask him about the comments he made last night. I just don’t want to talk about Alex anymore. I’m so done with him right now.

When he emerges from the bathroom, the boxers are back in place, albeit hanging a little lower than usual so that his tan line is clearly visible along with the oblique muscles in his lower abdomen. They’re the ones that look like a V in case you didn’t know, and for women, we can’t help but follow the trail of those muscles all the way from the men’s hips down to their groins. It’s almost like they’re asking us to look there, which I think they are. My eyes are certainly preoccupied with the shape of his…

He clears his throat. Sprung
—totally and utterly sprung. Now would be a good time to be embarrassed, but he doesn’t leave me hanging for long.

With a running jump, he slides underneath the covers with me, making me squeal like a real girl.

‘So, are we having fun yet?’

‘I love being here. It’s so quiet, not at all like living in the city.’

‘I’m glad, because I wouldn’t want anywhere to remind you of that place.’

He rolls onto his side so he can gaze at me better. Sometimes his look is so intense I feel like I’m under a microscope. It’s not an uncomfortable feeling at
all, it’s more like he’s taking the time to
really
see me.

Slowly he ducks his head until his lips graze mine. They’re so soft and warm and inviting. Instinctively my hands reach to cup his face, wanting to feel him, to touch him while our mouths explore each other’s.

I may not know everything about Grayson, but I do know this—being with him feels like home, and for the longest time, I’ve felt like an orphan.

Our bodies mesh together, enjoying the sensation of each other’s touch. He certainly had no intention of taking advantage of me last night, but right now, I’m not so sure.

He deepens the kiss before moving from my lips and trailing feather-light kisses down my jaw and neck. His touch makes my body respond in the only way it can. Deep within the centre of my core, the fire that had already been lit is now well ablaze.

Panting, he pulls apart from me.

‘I’m sorry, I don’t want you to think that I don’t want you because I want you like crazy. This, though, is not what I want for you. I don’t want to rush you, especially with everything else going on in your life.’ A deep look of consternation crosses his face, a flare of anger quickly sparking in his eyes, as though the mere thought of Alex and the life I have with him could turn him into a murderous rage.

‘See? Nice. You are nice, Grayson, probably the nicest guy I’ve ever met.’

His expression softens. ‘I’m here for you, whatever you need.’

‘What happened to you, to make you think that you aren’t that guy?’

‘It’s not that I’m not good, it’s just that sometimes things happen to people which make them act differently.’

‘What happened?’ I whisper.

‘I fell in love.’

‘And that makes you bad?’

‘No, of course not, but my actions because of it were certainly questionable.’

‘What went wrong?’

His jaw clenches before he can speak. ‘I got her pregnant.’

‘Oh
…’

‘She never told me. She just took herself off for an abortion and never even thought twice about it. She was my high school sweetheart. I thought I could trust her. I stupidly thought that we would be together forever, but the pregnancy was just an inconvenience to her. Without a word to me she just aborted the foetus. That would have been my child, my baby.’

‘Oh, Grayson, I’m so sorry. That must have been awful for you.’ I feel sick to think that he had to suffer through that kind of torment at such a young age.

‘It was. I was hurt beyond belief. I trusted her and she just threw it all away the day she didn’t confide in me.’

‘Whatever happened to her?’

‘I have no idea. The only reason I found out was because she had a complication from the procedure and was rushed to hospital with internal bleeding. Her parents blamed me. Heck, even I blamed me for a while because I was so mad at her for keeping it a secret. Even that, though, wouldn’t budge my mindset. I couldn’t go and visit her. I didn’t want to look at her because I was so consumed with hurt and betrayal. For a long while after, I was lost.’

‘That’s not your fault; she shouldn’t have kept something like that from you.’

‘That’s what I believe. It tore me apart, so much so that I stated using drugs just to numb the pain. Not long after I didn’t even know who I was anymore. I lost myself to an addiction that I relied on to take my problems aw
ay rather than face them. I was… weak.’

His voice breaks and I feel his pain.

‘I’m so sorry you had to go through that.’

‘It was a long time ago. I’m at a place now where I can live with the way things turned out a little better, but I still feel ashamed that I was so cold towards her and I stooped so low to use drugs to block out the pain.’

‘It happens to a lot of people; don’t feel like you’re alone in that.’

‘I know, but then there are those who don’t. They keep on living, because sometimes, the pain is the only way to realise you’re still alive. It took me a lot to learn that.’

‘Not everyone can do that, though. We can’t be strong all the time.’

‘You are. You amaze the hell out of me. To be honest, I may have stooped to all kinds of wicked ways just to get my hands on drugs so that I could self-medicate, but you, Evie, you have strength. Your life is hell and yet there is a part of you that still forgives, loves and laughs.’

‘Sometimes that feels like the only way I can keep from drowning.’

‘Well I want you to know that no matter what happens, I’m never leaving you. I will do everything I can to make sure you get your happy ever after.’

The passion and conviction with which he says those words makes my heart sing. To be so cared for by another human being is such a beautiful thing. I believe every word he says and I know, more than anything else, that I can trust him with my heart. He’s a keeper, that’s for sure. 

ALEX

Stepping out of the limousine, the icy air bites, stabbing through me like the unseen knife Evie has already struck through my pride. I would have said heart, but I’d be lying my arse off. The flight was long, and all I really want to do is shower and shave, grab a clean set of clothes and hit the hay, but I’m sure Stavros has other ideas. Besides, the niggling thoughts swirling through my mind keep drawing my attention back to Evie and just what I should do with her.

There’s no sign of Stavros. Instead I’m greeted on the threshold by a butler of sorts who is eager to unload my modest amount of luggage. The residence is fit for a king with vast sweeping gardens and palatial stone walls all painted white. There are balconies, but no one occupies them in this weather. If you’ve ever seen the White House in person, you could say that Stavros’
s place looks very similar, just on a grander scale.

Late afternoon will give way to the darkness soon, which suits my sombre mood. There are lights on inside, lighting the interior through crystal chandeliers. The décor is Stavros all over
—decadent, opulent and showy. Not much has changed since I was here last although I know, more than anybody, that looks can be deceiving.

I follow the older man who has greeted me into the house and get my bearings in the foyer. The place smells like old money and cigars. It’s a smell I’m fond of
—it defines success in my book.

‘My name is Winston, Sir;
I’m the butler here for Mr Drakos. He’s asked you to kindly wait for him in the bar.’

‘No problem. W
ill he be long?’

‘I doubt it, Sir. He’s been informed of your arrival. Would you like me to show you the way? Get you a drink perhaps?’

‘No, I remember where it is, thank you.’

‘Very well, Sir, if that will be all. I’ll have your luggage taken to your room right away.’

I nod, dismissing the arse-licker as I head off in the direction of Stavros’s personal bar. I’m not uncomfortable to make my way through his home on my own. If I felt insecure or tentative in such situations then I never would have survived long enough to climb the corporate ladder with the speed I have. Instead I strive with purpose, as though I own the place while wishing like fuck that I did.

The bar is located at the far end of the west wing in a sunken lounge. Thick, plush carpet offers that ‘gentleman’s club’ feel. High-backed leather chairs are positioned around oak tables, but I ignore the comfortable seating for the amber scotch that’s hinting at me from behind the bar.

It’s still light enough in the day not to need the lights on in the room, although the vast amount of refrigeration that lines the walls behind the bar is enough to complement the ambience. I grab a tumbler and skip the rocks, opting to have my beverage neat.

The first sip warms as it slides down my throat. It’s not a cheap drop, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from the man of the house. All this time alone allows my mind and anger to start burning up again.

If there is one thing I will not tolerate it’s Evie’s deception. Right now I’m trying to decide which course of action would give me more satisfaction—ripping her damned head off or holding this over her and returning her to a lifetime of subjugation. Completely destroying her parents in the process would be most satisfactory as well. Another scotch is in order, I’m sure. I finish pouring one just as Stavros walks into the room.

‘Playing bartender now, are we?’

‘Hardly. Want one?’ I wave the bottle from side to side, enticing him to join me.

‘I never say no to fifty
-year-old scotch, Alex. Pour away, but bring the bottle with you,’ he says, heading for one of the leather lounge chairs. I grab another tumbler, packing it full of ice the way Stavros likes it, grab the bottle and head over to join my host.

I take the seat across from him, absently wondering what his terms for our contract will be. He’s poised, back rigid in the chair and fingers steepled together, as though deep in thought. He seems curious, although I have no idea what he’s curious about.

Externally he’s not changed. His dark hair is still slicked back with some sort of gel, and his clothes are as impeccable as always. With his Italian loafers and relaxed suit, he almost looks like a young Andy Garcia from the
Godfather
movies. Although in this case, I know Stavros Drakos is much more dangerous. The dark depths of depravity that reflect in his eyes tell me as much.

He lights a cigar, puffing greedily on the brown stick until the embers on the end are well lit. I’m offered one from his silver case and accept without hesitation. I don’t necessarily like the taste of cigars, but I love what they stand for.

‘How are you, Alex?’

‘I’ve been better.’

‘I’d have to say I agree, although your discontentment could end up being very beneficial to you. You know what I notice about you?’

‘What?’

‘You’ve changed. There’s an anger blazing through you that wasn’t there before. If I’m not mistaken, you’re a little bit more wicked than you used to be.’

I chuckle at just how apt his comments are. I seem to have forgotten just how observant the bastard is.

‘You are entirely correct, of course.’

‘Of course, but why is it that you seem troubled?’

‘That would have everything to do with my dear wife.’

Normally I would not discuss my marital problems with anybody, and I do mean
anybody
. That said, there is no point in trying to keep things from Stavros, because he’s too damn perceptive. He also possesses the tenacity of dog with a bone. If there is something to be found out, he will be the first to know exactly what you’re keeping.

Despite the distance, over the years he’s always seemed to know when I’ve needed a confidante. That in itself is probably a little dangerous of me to allow the man I see as a nemesis to know the inner workings of myself and my business. The flip side is that I also see him as my mentor. In that capacity, spilling my guts gets me good advice and helps me become like him.

The revelation that I have marital problems seems to delight him no end. I wonder absently just how much shit I have just landed myself in.

‘Tsk, tsk, trouble in paradise? Don’t tell me you’re letting her get the best of you? Last time we spoke it appeared as though you had her under the thumb, quite literally if I remember correctly.’ He chuckles to himself, amused with the concept of me having no control over my wife. His attitude only serves to make me madder. It’s no
t that I seek his approval, but… fuck, I want it.

‘A minor setback
, I’m sure.’

              ‘Why don’t we discuss the matter? I’m sure I could help. In fact, I may just have the solution you’re looking for.’

‘Actually, I’m here for other matters,
remember?’

‘Oh yes, our little business deal.
Well, if you’d like to bring that up we’re going to have to discuss your wife anyway.’

He watches me, waiting for my reaction. I try on my poker face, knowing I have only mildly succeeded in convincing him I’m not shocked by what he’s insinuating.

‘Why do you want to discuss Evie?’

‘Let’s start at the top shall we. What problems is she causing?’

‘Until recently I would have said she was faithful and compliant.’

‘But not anymore?
What changed?’

‘I’ve had one of my security staff follow her. It would appear she has another male companion.’

‘How devilishly naughty of her. So, the question begs answering… why is she still breathing?’

‘A stroke of luck on her part, I’m sure. I only found out as my flight was lifting of from Brisbane.’

‘Indeed, that is good luck. Perhaps I could offer a solution?’

‘Which is?’

‘First, let me ask you, after discovering this betrayal, how do you feel about her?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, do you still want her?’

I hesitate just a moment while Stavros still stares at me intently.

‘A part of me wants to teach her a lesson, the other part of me wants to discard her like the rotten, spoilt, tainted goods she is.’ Even just talking about her is making me seethe with anger. I don’t know how in my right mind I could ever continue things with her—certainly not as a man and wife relationship.

‘Excellent! That’s just what I wanted to hear. Now we can move forward with my business proposition. You want my company which, as you know, has some of the most influential clients in the finance world of today. The company is strong because I have developed close personal relationships with those clients, and, built a solid foundation of trust. So, for my own personal financial gain, and to eliminate any negative repercussions from removing me as CEO, I’m suggesting the following. I remain a shareholder. You can buy fifty-one percent of my business, but I will remain on as a passive consultant. This will allow clients to confide in me should they wish to do so.’

‘That’s not quite what I had in mind, Stavros.’

‘It’s all I’m offering, so you can either take it or leave it. But I’m not done. Your percentage is going to cost you seventeen million dollars. In addition, each time I consult with a client, I will take five percent of the earnings.’

I just about gag on the sip of scotch I just took. His price is steep to say the least; certainly much more than I had in mind. That being said, the fact that we are even sitting here discussing the deal is a monumental step in the right direction. I know Stavros will only put this deal on the table once, and I’m not fool enough to waste it.

‘You mentioned Evie.’

‘Ah, yes, your little minx. When I laid eyes on her I could instantly spot the same spirit that you must have seen when you met her for the first time. I must admit, my girls of late haven’t been…
challenging
enough. I need more, if you know what I mean.’

‘You’re saying you want Evie
—as yours to keep?’ I must admit, I’m not completely shocked by the suggestion.

‘Yes.’

‘In addition to payment and a kickback for consulting?’

‘It’s a steep price, Alex, but one well worth your investment. To sweeten the deal, I’m also offering you a gift of sorts. I can imagine that you’ll be quite lonely without your dear wife, so I’m going to send you a new woman each month
—one that is carefully selected by me. I think you’re ready to delve a little deeper into the depravity you keep so safely locked within, don’t you think?’

I did think. Coming out and saying it was another thing altogether. Stavros can see my indecision. It’s not just about the money, but in a sense giving up the one woman I really wanted to control. In giving her up, am I admitting defeat? Whatever the end game I want Evie to suffer and I know that will happen if she is with Stavros.

Breaking my reverie, Stavros claps his hands loudly, apparently summoning someone. He’s watching the doorway like a hawk, eagerly anticipating another guest.

‘Perhaps a little incentive, yes?’

‘Yes,’ I agree.

I’m not expecting what I see next. A tall, dark, exotic woman joins us in the bar. She is completely naked, her black nipples hardened from the cold. Her pussy has a mass of hair neatly shaved in an elaborate fashion, the lips of her labia peeking through and enticing me to wet my
lips. Her body is completely unmarked, the flesh of her skin like smooth, black coffee. She has perfect bone structure and a long neck that I can imagine my hands around, squeezing roughly.

For the first time since I left home, I feel completely and utterly aroused. I want to fuck and beat the shit out of this woman, using her body to free all the aggression I’m holding inside. The fact that she doesn’t look willing makes the thought of it all the more enticing. The fact that her wrists are bound together suggest she’s not here of her own volition.

‘Kora, stop looking so miserable! You’ll put Mr Stratford off our deal!’ He laughs loudly, knowing full well the girl has no choice in the matter.

‘I have to admit, I’m pretty enticed,’ I say, staring lustfully at the beauty before me.

‘Well, I’ll get Winston to show you to your quarters. He can stock you with some of my very best champagne and of course, Kora here will be there for your entertainment. Relax, enjoy yourself, do whatever you want with the girl.’

I watch as Winston appears from nowhere. He ushers the girl away, always doing his master’s bidding without question. I stand up to follow but Stavros grabs my arm tightly as I walk past him.

‘Do we have a deal, Alex?’

I look from him to the empty doorway, knowing what awaits me on the other side. I not only want this, but I need this. My darkest desires will not be tamed or caged anymore. It’s time to release the animal inside of me and evolve into the person who wants to emulate Stavros on so many levels. I shake my arm loose from his grasp and offer him my hand to shake.

‘We almost have a deal. Give me time to think it all over.’

The delight in his eyes is unmasked as all the possibilities for his own pleasure with Evie are realised.