Crushed (31 page)

Sophie felt her heart sink. She wanted to apologize to him a thousand times. She knew exactly where his thoughts were headed, but she simply couldn't follow him there.

She loved Luke, in a way that was irreplaceable. However, it was the kind of love that was completely opposite of the kind he wanted from her.

She could've hidden her feelings and pretended to be the same as him. Except, that wasn't the kind of person she was either.

"If I don't like you the same way, would it be cruel to still ask you to help me?" Her voice was pained.

"No." His answer was confident. "I told you I'm not asking for you for anything, I just wanted you to know. Now tell me what you want."

"I don't think you'll agree." She whispered.

"Sophie." He said again, closing his eyes. "When I said anything, I meant anything."

It wasn't a request she was willing to make, but his eyes were urging. She knew the moment she really stared at him that he would agree. He wasn't like Robert, who would do what he thought was best. Luke would do what she wanted, because he liked her.

Sophie wasn't okay with asking him to help. She would never be okay with requesting things from Luke because he was so out of her league.

Luke was too perfect, kind, sweet, and innocent. She didn't stand a chance against him.

"Promise me you'll think about it." She asked, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "Tell me honestly if you think you can't do it."

He nodded, his eyes warming her heart yet again.

Reluctantly, she closed her eyes, and began to tell him her plan.

*  *  *

Three days was all it took for everything to fall in place. The moment Luke agreed to help her had solidified her desire to leave.

Other than him and Cleo, Sophie hadn't told another soul about her plan. She'd been grateful for Robert's absence, knowing he would've caught on if he'd been around.

Gwyn, the most perceptive of the kids, knew something was up, but she hadn't been able to place what was wrong. All the kids were concerned about Sophie, but she forced herself not to think about them.

Leaving was hard enough without having to say goodbye.

Luke had proven to be the most valuable asset she had on her team now. He'd smoothly persuaded Max to give her a shot after analyzing her profile. Max normally only used one thief, but Luke had him believe that Sophie would be enough to out smart Robert.

Max's pride and greed gave him in the incentive to recruit Sophie. Cleo also followed up on her end of the deal, going through negotiations to trade Sophie over. Cleo was a pro when it came to acting, and Max never suspected a thing.

Sophie had spent the days preparing for her transfer. She'd all but memorized Slavsky's file, knowing it wouldn't be smart to take it with her. Cleo had promised that the moment she found the letter Sophie could return here. All deals with Max after that would be dealt with flawlessly.

She had two main tasks the moment she entered Max's residence. One was, of course, to find the letter, but the other was to keep her identity a secret. It was going to be nearly impossible, but Robert had proven that he could make miracles happen, and so could she.

On the morning of her departure, Sophie woke early so that the kids wouldn't be awake when she left. If one of them was up, she had the perfect excuse to use.

All the belongings she was taking were stuffed into a small duffle bag. Luke had promised to provide anything she needed once she arrived. Max's home was located three hours away, and Luke had offered her drive her there.

Unlike Cleo, Max required Luke to live with him in his large home. This was the reason Cleo hadn't believed Sophie would be able to keep her identity a secret. However, Sophie was determined to succeed. This new mission would mean acting 24-7 without slipping up, and while Cleo doubted her, Sophie knew she didn't have a choice but to deal with it.

She always worked better when she had no other choice but to succeed.

The moment everything was ready, Sophie prepared her duffle bag, and silently headed for her bedroom door.

She paused, and glanced one last time at her room. The signs of her life here surrounded her. Each wall represented one of the people she was leaving behind. Her eyes trailed to the handprints which Teddy, Gwyn, and Rylan had left on her wall.

Her throat closed as she wondered what they would think when she was gone. Cleo had sworn not to tell anyone about her move, including Robert. Would they think she ran away like Gwyn's mother, or would they worry that she was kidnapped?

Even though she was leaving, Sophie knew it was because more than Robert's betrayal. Her anger alone wasn't enough to push her away from the kids. The family she'd created here was too precious to be broken by something so petty.

She was leaving for a number of different reasons. She wanted to find her parent's paintings, as well as to end this mission conclusively. Asking Luke to find the letter on his own would put him in a dangerous situation that Sophie couldn't allow. If she was going to end this, she had to be the one to do it. Finding the paintings was her responsibility, not anyone else's.

Her request to Cleo had also be sincere. She wanted to leave this business. Not because she couldn't handle the work, but because she didn't want to deal with what it was doing to her. She was changing every day, and the dream which had once been so precious was no longer relevant. Sophie didn't know what she was working for anymore, and she needed to come to terms with that before she could continue.

One day she would return, and not just from the mission with Max. She would find a new dream in this world, and she would come back to give a new life to the kids.

The future was still hazy, but Sophie was confident she would find a way to do what she wanted.

She turned away from the handprints, and slowly walked towards the front door. She slipped out as quietly as she could, hoping not to disturb Rylan, whose room was on the first floor.

She sighed in relief as the door closed behind her.

Then, her eyes lifted ahead and she froze.

"Miss me?" Robert asked, staring at her with guarded eyes.

She clenched strap to her duffle bag, hoping her face didn't betray her fear.

"I want to talk to you." He didn't move, but Sophie knew he was blocking her from leaving.

"I'm busy." She replied.

"Don't be like this." His eyes locked with hers. "I'm not the person you think I am."

"You're probably right. I made the mistake of thinking I understood you before. That won't happen again."

"I might've been born into the Fallbrook clan, but it's not my money. It's my parent's money."

"You don't have to explain yourself to me."

"If I don't, you're going to misunderstand." He replied, frustrated now.

"You're the one who told me that I'll never see your real self. You warned me that if I trusted you, I would be disappointed. I can only blame myself."

"I knew it was going to be like this." He muttered under his breath. "I don't know how to fix things, Sophie, but I'm trying here."

"I appreciate that. I really do. I wasn't lying when I said I'm busy." She took a step forward and shoved passed him.

He didn't attempt to stop her.

"Where are you going?" He called out to her back.

She paused to reply. "It's the anniversary of my grandmother's death. I'm going to visit her grave at my hometown. I'll be back tomorrow." She was glad he couldn't see her face.

"Why does it feel like you're lying?"

Sophie called up her courage, and turned to face him. "I guess when you spend your whole life lying, it should feel like everyone around you lies too."

"When I said I was on your side, I wasn't making that up. I don't want this to change anything."

His voice was so sincere, Sophie momentarily considered not leaving. It was impossible to doubt that his last statement was the truth.

However, Sophie was already in too deep to pull herself out now. She'd made her decision, and nothing he said would change it.

"It's too late for that." Sophie started backing away from him. "Tell the kids I'll be back tomorrow."

She turned and started walking away from him, her head held high. He didn't call out to her again, and he didn't try to follow.

Luke's car was waiting a few houses away, where he'd promised to meet her. He stood at the passenger side door, a grim expression on his face.

He seemed so different from the person she'd seen only a few days ago. Her request had changed him too. She'd asked him to do something he didn't want to do, but he'd agreed because he'd promised he would.

She slipped into the car, not saying a word of greeting. Suddenly, she didn't feel like saying anything at all.

Luke returned to the driver's side, and started the engine.

The moment the car pulled out of the neighborhood, Sophie knew she'd made a mistake.

There was just no turning back now, so she faced her fate with a bold glare.

She was going to come out of this on top, or die trying.

She simply had nothing left to lose.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

In only a short amount of time I had gone from being betrayed to being the betrayer.

Standing in front of Max was like standing in front of a loaded gun. There was no telling when he would pull the trigger.

Sophie couldn't help but shake the moment her eyes met his.

Cleo had been right when she'd said he was nothing like her. Max was much, much crueler.

She could tell from his expression that he was just as insane as Robert had hinted. Her first meeting with Max was nothing compared to the intimidation she felt now.

The moments leading up to her introduction had been nerve-wracking. Max had been expecting her the instant she arrived, giving Luke no time to prep her before the meeting. Without any space to calm herself, Sophie was thrust in the lion's den.

She'd specifically prepared her appearance for today. Her baggy sweatshirt and torn jeans were paired with an old baseball cap she'd borrowed from Robert's closest. It wasn't the perfect disguise, but it would have to do. Sophie had wiped away every trace of makeup on her face, trying to make herself look natural. She'd been able to fool Max briefly once before, but now would be an entirely different game.

Max's home was three times the size of Diana Apell's mansion. It was more like a fortress than anything, with expensive fencing surrounding the acres of property. There was nothing about his residence that welcomed others in. His driveway consisted of three checkpoints, where the car was searched for any possible weapons. Even though Luke was the driver, the guards didn't seem to trust him.

Even Max's house was foreboding, having been built for security purposes rather than elegance. Sophie had felt like she was walking into a prison.

On the way to her new home, Sophie was given a brief explanation of how the household worked. Luke was allowed to live in the far East wing of the house, where rarely anyone traveled. As long as he remained there, he would not encounter Max, as he was expected not to do. When his boss was home, he was to be avoided at all times.

The East wing was a hallway of bedrooms and offices, which Luke had total control over. He said it was similar to living in a hotel, and that it wasn't that bad once he'd gotten used to it. He'd already mapped out routes throughout the house where he could travel to the kitchen, or study during his free time. Despite being warned against wandering through the house, he did it quite often. Max was not always home, and in his bosses' absence, Luke did as he pleased.

Sophie was less inclined to push Max's buttons, but exploring the house was one of her goals.

Luke had thought he'd have time to explain more once they'd arrived, but he'd been wrong.

Sophie had immediately been escorted to Max's study, where he'd been impatiently waiting for her.

The last thing Sophie noticed before the study door was closed was that Luke was not behind her.

"You're the recruit." Max stated, his voice bored. "You certainly don't look like much."

Sophie stared at the ground, refusing to meet his gray eyes. She didn't want to be disrespectful, or spark his suspicion, so she remained silent.

"I don't believe you'll be an asset to me at all." She could feel his eyes on her. "You're still new to this business, and Cleo was too eager to let me have you."

Sophie and Cleo had already come up with the perfect excuse for why she defected over to his side. "I caused problems." She mumbled, keeping her voice guarded and deep. "Cleo wanted me away from Robert."

"It seems like Cleo wants you to be a spy." Max said bluntly. Sophie bit back a wince. "If that is your intention, then be warned now. If you are found snooping through my things, you will be shot on the spot."

Sophie felt chill-bumps race up her arms.

"I run my house like a business, and traitors will be exterminated."

More like a dictatorship. Sophie thought, still staring intently at the floor.

"My thief asked me to hire you. I don't do favors, so don't feel grateful to him. I've been looking for someone who can best Robert for years. I don't believe for a second you'll be able to, but I do think you'll offer my thief some kind of advice."

The way he wouldn't say Luke's name disgusted her. It was as if he didn't see Luke as a person, but simply as a possession.

"If you slip up on a job, pray the police get to you first. If you need help, figure it out yourself. I'm not here to be your best friend. I don't want any contact with you unless I ask for it first. If I see you wandering the house, you'll be punished. Any personal connections you had outside of this house will be ended immediately."

"That won't be a problem." Sophie agreed instantly.

"It better not be. You're life is in my hands now." Max shifted in his chair, leaning back as he studied her. "I know you're up to something, but I haven't figured out what it is yet. I'd rethink messing with me. Cleo's protection doesn't' extend within these walls."

Sophie knew she'd lost him. The convincing they'd done had fallen through. He'd been suspicious from the very first moment that Luke had requested her to be hired.

Her mind clicked into focus, coming up with an improvised strategy.

She lifted her eyes to meet his, responding to his comments in a cold tone.

"I do want something from you. Something Cleo cannot give me."

Max raised an eyebrow. Greed was something he understand clearly.

"I want money, and not the small sum she offered me. If I prove to be an asset, then I want you to compensate me with the salary I request. Luke says money isn't an issue with you."

"He would be right." Max lifted his lips into a kind of half-smile. "If money is your true ambition then I have plenty of it."

"Good." Sophie answered, her voice still deep. She was finding it easier and easier to slip into this role. "Then you won't have any problems from me."

"Good." He responded. "Should you have any more questions, speak to my thief about it." He seemed like he'd been satisfied with her response, though he wasn't quite sold yet. "Tomorrow prepare yourself for your first job. You can consider it a test. If you fail, I've be shipping you back to where you came from."

"Understood."

From his expression, Sophie knew it was time to go. She nodded her head in farewell, before turning on her heel to leave. She was escorted from his study on the South wing of the house to the main hall, then down various winding corridors until she'd reached the East wing.

Her guide left her there without saying a word, assuming she knew what to do. The moment the guide vanished, Luke appeared from behind her, toting her duffle bag on his shoulder.

"How'd it go?" His face was concerned, and he examined her carefully.

"Stressful." She whispered, keeping her face impassive. She had no way of knowing if Max had cameras watching them at this very moment. Not for one second had she considered dropping her guard in his house. "I'll just have to prove myself to him."

Luke gave her a long look she'd gotten used to over the passed few days. It showed his disapproval in her decision to come here, but he would never voice his opinion out-loud. He'd promised to help her, no matter what he thought.

"How about you show me to my new room?" Sophie wanted to smile to reassure him, but it simply wouldn't go with her character. From now on she was being watched, and she could no longer be herself.

He nodded, his eyes burning with sadness. He didn't want this kind of lifestyle for her, but he didn't have a say.

"Follow me." He said, turning towards another hallway and leading her deeper into her new prison.

*  *  *

Throughout her first day at Max's mansion, Sophie came to realize how Luke lived in almost complete isolation.

Not one of the various servants she'd seen earlier ever stepped foot in the East wing of the house. It was always eerily quiet down the hallway, and Sophie tried not to make a noise as she headed towards her bedroom.

She'd unpacked her duffle bag earlier, and then explored the East wing for the better part of the afternoon. It consisted of a few small hallways that branched out from the main residence. There were five bedrooms within the wing, and the rest of the rooms were offices and storage space.

Her snooping had not revealed anything of interest, which she'd suspected from the start. If the letter was going to be found, it would be in Max's study.

The threat her new boss had made wasn't easily forgotten. The impossible task that Sophie knew she'd be getting herself into became even more impossible with his warning hanging in the air.

If she was caught prowling through his things, he would kill her. She didn't for a minute think he was bluffing.

The way this house operated was evident from the fear that seemed to permeate through the hallways. Every servant Sophie had seen was stiff with anxiety, as if they were terrified of making a mistake.

It was hard to imagine the kind of lifestyle Luke lived in.

Her room was located right across from Luke's bedroom, and she softly knocked on his door. She waited a few moments, but he didn't answer. Carefully turning the door knob, she peaked her head inside.

Luke was absent, but her curiosity overcame her. She slipped into his room, taking in the dark furniture and odd assortment of items he owned. A large map of the world was posted along his wall, with red pins attached to indicate locations. A globe was placed on his desk, which was littered with photographs from all different regions of the world. Travel books lined his bookshelves, along with photography books as well.

The reason behind what she was looking at was so obvious it hurt to realize. She clutched her hand to her chest, feeling her heart sink.

To Luke, who had lived in this prison-like home for years, his room was a way of escape. Just by looking around, Sophie had realized her friend's dream.

He wanted to break free of this place and travel the world. It was such a simple desire, but for him it was impossible. Max would never let him leave.

Sophie walked through the room, feeling like with every new discovery she was learning more about him. From what she could tell, he was intent on traveling to South America. He had a number of locations chosen on his map, and the photographs that covered his desk were of tropical rain-forests.

Luke even had his own camera, which sat on his bookshelf, collecting dust. Sophie suspected he'd run out of things to photograph here.

She turned around, having caught her reflection in the mirror hanging on the back of his bedroom door. A note was attached, and she walked towards it to read what it said.

The paper taped to the mirror consisted of a small list of accomplishments. Sophie read through them, smiling at some, and frowning at others. Luke did want to travel the world, along with cliff diving, skydiving, and various other dangerous activities. He seemed interested in events that involved some kind of risk, which wasn't surprising, given his occupation.

The one accomplishment that stood out from the bucket list was also the only one that he'd checked off.

"Fall in love." She whispered out loud.

When the first tear fell, Sophie didn't even notice it fall. She wasn't the kind of person who cried easily, but the note in front of her was the most heartbreaking thing she'd ever seen.

This whole room defined Luke so perfectly. His fears, his desires, and even his innocence. The years he'd spent imprisoned with Max were evident around her.

Only now could she see why he'd been so pained while agreeing to help her join Max. He'd dreamed of breaking out for so long, while she was trying desperately to get in.

"Luke..." She brushed away her tears, feeling insulted by her moment of weakness. If Max had caught her crying here, she'd be done for.

Just as she turned away from the door, it creaked open as Luke entered the room. Sophie nearly jumped, feeling like she'd just been caught.

Luke didn't seem the least bit surprised to find her in his room. "I was wondering where you were hiding." He smiled down at her, motioning for her to sit down on his bed. "There's not many places to go in the East wing."