Unravel Me

  Trotting back outside, I hopped into the waiting Mercedes SUV for Paxton to drive me to the station. I’d agreed to let him drive me to work today on the condition that he’d take me to the airport with him when Alastair’s plane landed at seven. I still wasn’t too sure what I was going to do about Nathan. The last thing I wanted was to dump additional stress on Alastair as he’s walking off an airplane.

  The mood in the newsroom was still one of gloom and doom. Nobody had too much time to dwell on it though. There was breaking news out of Tampa involving a mall shooting and we scrambled to get a crew out for live coverage.

  I had a mouthful of yogurt when my cell phone rang. Swallowing, I grabbed it and smiled.

  “Hey, Cinnamon,” I answered cheerfully.

  “Jeez, Lia, with that nickname,” my little sister grumbled.

  I laughed. “Sorry, Dayna. I couldn’t resist. What’s up?”

  “What’s up? You’re moving here, that’s what’s up,” she exclaimed.

  “Ah, so you got my email.”

  “Yeah. Sorry I didn’t call you right away. I’ve had a cold and sounded like ass.”

  “Feeling better?”

  “Yep. So, when are you coming here? Have you told mom and dad yet? They said they had a great time visiting you and that they loved Alastair.”

  My sister could be just as frantic with her questions and excitement as me. Smiling, I let her continue rambling until she paused to take a breath.

  “I’m not sure when I’ll be there. Probably soon.”

  “Do you have a job lined up? Is he going to give you one at HWM?”

  “Hang on.” Scanning the newsroom, I stood up and went to a quiet corner in the back. Too many nosey people were around to overhear my conversation. “He said there’s a position at a show called The Archer Hour. Have you heard of it?”

  “Oh my gosh, yes. You’d be perfect there. Julian Archer is awesome.”

  I had to stifle a loud laugh. “You’re the first person I’ve heard say that. The general consensus it that he’s a pain in the ass.”

  “Whatever. People who think that lack a fun gene. He’s great. I want to meet him once you’re settled in there.”

  “Relax, Day. I don’t even have an interview yet.”

  “Stop it. If Alastair has any say they’ll hire you tomorrow. He’s pretty influential, you know.”

  I snorted. “I hadn’t noticed.”

  “So are you guys, like, super serious then? Have you talked marriage?”

  “Oh Jesus, not you, too.”

  “What?”

  “Stephanie’s been on her romantic fantasy bus and won’t let up on the marriage thing. She had me convinced he was going to propose last weekend.”

  “Did he?”

  “No,” I blurted. “All of you need to relax.”

  Dayna laughed in her girlish, lilting way. “When he does propose, I know some great designers in London. You’ll be a gorgeous bride.”

  I leaned against the wall and sighed, chuckling to myself. “How’s Andrew?”

  “He’s fine. He’s in Cambridge for some lawyer thing with his firm for a few days. It’s nice without him around. Much quieter.”

  “Dayna! You’ve only been married for three months. Are you sick of him already?”

  “Hey, having a little ‘me’ time won’t hurt anybody. I miss him. I’m just, you know, enjoying the peace. You’ll see what I mean after you’ve been living with Alastair for a few months.”

  Out the corner of my eye I saw Sydney frantically waving me over.

  “I have to go, Day. We’re in the middle of some breaking news and I’m being summoned.”

  “Okay. Call me when you know dates and stuff. We’ll take a ride up to Glasgow and visit.”

  We said our goodbyes and I hung up. Sydney looked panic-stricken and met me halfway.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I have to go. Violet fell in the playground at day care and broke her wrist.”

  “Oh no. Go. Don’t worry about stuff here. I’ll see if we can get a freelancer in to cover for you.”

  She hugged me tightly. “Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  I watched the digital clock on the rundown tease me ever so slowly as the day dragged on. I should probably call my parents. No sooner had the thought crossed my mind, than I pushed it away. I needed to be home when I did that. My mother would most likely keep me on the phone for hours, squeezing every last question out until I answered them to her satisfaction. I smiled, feeling wistful. With both my sister and I living abroad, my parents would be alone here. As much as being scattered around the country and world worked for the Meyers family, I had a feeling they’d prefer it if their daughters didn’t choose to live so far away.

  Dayna always mentioned she’d end up in New York at some point with her career. Writing for a magazine gave her some freedom to live wherever she chose. I knew she liked London but I also knew she didn’t want to stay there forever. Convincing her husband to move to the States might be challenging for her. Although I had a sneaking suspicion Andrew would go wherever Dayna wanted. He worshipped the ground she walked on.

  It would be fun living closer to her. We hadn’t been in the same place since we both graduated college. Dayna was only eighteen months younger than me so we were inseparable growing up. Most people thought we were twins. Our dad always said we looked like a film negative. She was fair-skinned, blonde and blue-eyed. I was the opposite with my chestnut hair, amber eyes and sun-kissed golden skin.

  The thought of living closer to my sister certainly brightened my increasingly anxious mood. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake the weird feeling that Alastair had jetted off to London to deal with Olivia, and not a former client as he’d told me. The nagging slivers of insecurity strengthened their grip on my thought process. They filled my head with such unpleasant scenarios that any morsels of the delicious weekend I spent in Manhattan with him were obliterated.

  I’d taken a huge risk opening my heart to him. It was so fragile and broken from my disastrous relationship with Nathan. I trusted what it felt for Alastair but I couldn’t deny it this moment of fear. The heart wants what it wants.

  Sitting at work worrying about the unknown wasn’t going to help matters. I took a deep breath, gave myself a mental scolding and finished out my workday.

  * * *

  The airplane’s engine whined as it taxied to a stop about twenty yards from where Paxton parked. I stood on the tarmac, waiting impatiently. I wanted to hug Alastair so badly. Feeling his arms around me always calmed the anxiety and fear.

  He appeared in the plane’s doorway at the top of the stairs looking regal and handsome in dark jeans, an untucked white button down shirt and black jacket. Rays from the sun touched his stunning red hair, illuminating it in shades of copper and crimson. He saw me and flashed his beautiful, sexy grin. My pulse quickened watching him take the stairs down with fluid, determined strides.

  Pausing in front of me, he brushed his thumb along my lower lip. “Hello, love.”

  I didn’t just hug him. I jumped into his arms and held onto him for dear life. He secured me in a loving embrace, calming my furious heart and overactive mind without saying one word. His mere presence was all I needed.

  “I missed you too, sweetheart,” he said after a minute. “Come. We’ll have a proper reunion at your flat.”

  Reluctantly, I let him go and climbed into the SUV. Keeping his hand entwined with my own aided in calming me down.

  “You’re staring at me like I’ve been gone for years,” he remarked, kissing my knuckles. “Is everything alright?”

  Such a dangerous question. A sandpapery lump forced its way up my throat. I parted my lips to take in more oxygen. Alastair’s gaze morphed from confusion to downright concern.

  “Talk to me, Lia. What happened?”

  The floodgates opened and I blurted out everything. He listened silently, his expression hardening the more I spoke. Clenching his jaw, he
looked down and inhaled.

  “This happened yesterday?”

  I nodded, squeezing his hand.

  “He threatened you?”

  “I don’t know if it was a threat, exactly. He just said he has something that will ruin me.”

  Alastair muttered something that sounded like a profanity but I couldn’t be sure. Fixing his callous stare on the back of Paxton’s head, he growled, “And how was it that he managed to get into the newsroom?”

  Paxton started to answer but I cut him off. “It was my fault. I’d come outside to ask him for a favor, so neither one of us had our attention focused on the building. Don’t be mad at Paxton. He didn’t do anything wrong.”

  Nodding tersely, Alastair kissed my hand again. “I’m taking you home and then I’m going to take care of Nathan.”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  “No, you’re not,” he said calmly.

  “Alastair, I’m not arguing with you. I will not get out of this car if you take me home. He keeps telling me that you’re not being totally honest and he’s the one trying to protect me. I am not letting you go without me.”

  I steeled my expression and stared him down. The inside of the car became a breathless, wordless cavity. The low vibration of the tires rolling on pavement was the only sound. This was my mess. This was my fault. I let Nathan back in and I should be the one to put an end to it, not Alastair.

  Snaking his hand behind my head, he pulled me in for a quick, passionate kiss. We both gasped when we broke our mouths apart. “Alright, love. But if he so much as looks at you the wrong way, I will handle him. Do you understand?”

  Nodding, I laced my fingers with his once more. His lips curved into the beautiful shy smile I loved so much. “My Lia. My frustrating, stubborn, strong-willed gorgeous Lia. What am I going to do with you?”

  I scooted as close to him as the seatbelt would allow and leaned my head back on the seat. He did the same, cradling my jaw with his free hand.

  “Do you know where we’re going, Alastair?”

  Not breaking eye contact, he nodded. I exhaled slowly, holding his stare.

  “You’ve gone to the house in Windermere before, haven’t you? The night I told you what he’d said about your uncle?”

  “Yes.”

  “What happened that night?”

  He grimaced, shaking his head. “It doesn’t matter.”

  “It does. Was he there?”

  “Yes.”

  There was just enough slack left in the seatbelt for me to lean closer and kiss him. He smiled against my lips. “What was that for?”

  “I’ve never had anyone defend my honor or whatever, like you do. I mean, yeah, I have Stephanie and my other friends and family. But this is different. I know I can handle things myself but it’s nice to have someone fighting in my corner for me. If you don’t already know it, I want you to know that I appreciate it. Thank you for always making me feel safe.”

  Pressing his forehead to mine, he squeezed his eyes shut. The inside of the car no longer felt like an empty abyss. This brief interlude managed to bring us closer despite the impending stressful situation we were embarking on. After several seconds, he opened his eyes and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

  The SUV slowed as we approached the gated entrance to Nathan’s neighborhood. I asked Alastair to lower his window so I could tell the guard the Greyson’s were expecting me. He looked at Paxton and Alastair skeptically but let us pass.

  Driving along the manicured street toward his family’s estate brought back a slew of memories I wasn’t expecting. I remembered the first time I came here. I was excited and nervous, filled with giddy anticipation at meeting Nathan’s parents. Our relationship was new and filled with promise. He’d been a charming, funny guy that I’d immediately become smitten with, much like Alastair.

  At their core, they were strikingly similar. But where Alastair was a genuinely compassionate person struggling with deep emotional scars, Nathan was a cold, spoiled brat who threw a fit if he didn’t get his way. He used his status and privilege to bully his way through life.

  The Greyson’s mansion loomed in the distance like a beautiful, forbidden dream. It sat on a pristine lot overlooking the massive lake. I’d spent many summer days relaxing on their yacht when life with Nathan was still shiny and new. Shaking off the memories, I sat up straight. The pale yellow three-storey house was familiar yet scary to me now.

  Paxton parked the Mercedes and opened the door for us. I climbed out cautiously, taking a moment to gather my wits. I noticed several other cars parked in the driveway. One of them was Nathan’s black sports car. I’d secretly hoped he wouldn’t be here. No such luck.

  “Come with me,” Alastair said gently, holding my hand. We strolled up the bluestone walkway to the front door. Before I rang the bell, Alastair turned me to face him. He was shielded, except for his eyes. They bore into me, filled with apprehension.

  “None of that, chief,” I whispered, brushing my lips to his.

  I rang the bell and waited. Muffled footsteps approached the door, providing a nice rhythm for the jitters that were tormenting my body.

  The door opened and much to my surprise, I saw Nathan’s mother standing in the entrance hall. I think she was just as shocked to see me.

  “Lia? It’s so good to see you,” she breathed, hugging me. She still smelled like jasmine and vanilla. I always enjoyed her taste in perfume. “Nathan didn’t tell me you were stopping by. He’s out by the boat.” She paused, looking at Alastair. “And you are?”

  “Alastair Holden,” he responded without much warmth.

  Recognition dawned on her face as her light gray eyes widened. “Of course. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you. You’re Lia’s new boyfriend. I’ve seen your name and photo in the business section quite a bit the past few weeks. You’re in broadcast media, right? I’m Samantha Greyson. Please, come in.” She moved aside and waved us in, leading us through the living room to the back patio.

  “Ken is in D.C. He’ll be sorry he missed you, Lia. He told me all about the Black and White Ball and how he enjoyed the interview.”

  I saw Alastair scowl out the corner of my eye.

  “It was great seeing him, too,” I said. “We always appreciate his candor.” I smiled.

  “Well, as I said, Nathan is out by the boat. You know the way.”

  I led Alastair onto the patio and scanned the backyard. The silhouette of a large luxury yacht rose out of the water. Faint light from the setting sun glistened off the glossy white exterior. I felt like someone else was controlling my legs as we walked toward the lake. They moved on their own while the rest of my body fought vigorously to turn around. I couldn’t shake the bad feeling that had nestled itself in the pit of my stomach. Water lapped gently against the dock, trying to lull me into a false sense of security. The peace and quiet of the lake did nothing to assuage my fears.

  I’d been on this yacht so many times I’d lost count. Most of the memories were pleasant, thankfully. I ran my eyes over the length of the vessel. It had sleek lines and curves with dark tinted windows. Emblazoned on the back in proud block letters was its clever name; Aye Candy. Exactly what I was for him. Something to show off.

  “Lia. You brought company.”

  Nathan’s voice echoed from the hull. I looked to my right and saw him grinning down at me. Alastair stood silently to my left, hands balled into tight fists.

  “Don’t be shy. Come aboard.”

  Taking Alastair’s hand in mine, I guided him to the small door at the stern. We stepped on, then went up to the main deck. A flood of memories drowned me. I could see myself lounging on the deck chairs, soaking in the golden rays of the sun. How lucky I believed I was, I thought bitterly.

  Nathan approached carrying two glasses filled with wine. “Welcome back, Sparkle.” He smiled and passed me a glass. Alastair wrapped an arm around my waist possessively and snatched the glass from him.

  “This isn’t a social call,”
he sneered.

  Nathan’s eyes darkened to midnight blue as he glared at him. “You’re a guest, Holden. Act like one.”

  “Alright, you two, enough,” I said.

  My ex sulked and crossed his arms. “This was supposed to be just you and me, Lia. He doesn’t need to be here.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong, Greyson,” Alastair said in a dangerously calm tone. “I told you to stay away from her. I told you to leave her alone. And yet, here we are. This ends tonight.”

  Furious anger billowed around me as the two of them glared at one another. Neither one moved or appeared to have any intention of backing down. I feared the worst was about to come.

  Nathan took a step towards me and was immediately cut off by Alastair. They stood nose-to-nose, shooting daggers from their eyes. Nathan was the same height as Alastair but not as athletic. I moved slowly to one of the chairs, clutching the cushion.

  “I won’t tell you again,” Alastair growled. “Stay out of her life.”

  “Some boyfriend you are. You’d rather see her be humiliated in public than stop it from happening.”

  Alastair bared his teeth and released a quick, short breath. “There is nothing to humiliate her with, you lying bastard. Everything you’ve put her through this month was fabricated in your twisted mind. You stalked her. You sent her the photos. You wrote the emails to entice that reporter. And you made her believe my family was behind all of it. Why? So she’d break up with me and go running back to you? Hell will freeze over before that happens.”

  “You’re just as cunning as I am. What are you covering up with that trust account? Who did you fuck over and have to pay off? I’m not stupid. I know what a ghost account looks like.”

  “That’s none of your business, Nathan,” I yelled.

  His searing gaze burned through me. I’d never seen him so angry. “It is my business when compromising photos of you appear on my doorstep with a note threatening to go public with them if you don’t drop his sorry ass.”

  I froze in place, unable to breathe. Nausea rolled my stomach and for a second I thought I might be sick. “What are you…?” I couldn’t finish the question.