Gloria's Revenge (14 page)

My eyes widened. The wiry contraption with its little black box was just like something out of a TV crime show or movie.

He continued. “And then when I learned that the bastard was trying to bring you down, I couldn’t stop.” He loosened his grip on my shoulders and then lightly traced my face with his deft fingers. His voice softened. “Angel, I couldn’t let that happen to you. It ripped me apart. Do you understand now?”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” My voice trembled.

“I was sworn to secrecy.”

So, that was Jaime Zander’s secret. Though the details of the sting operation were still scant, I understood now that Jaime had used gullible, needy Vivien to bring his nemesis Victor Holden down. And to save my corporate ass. He did it not just for himself, but also for me. My eyes melted into his.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“No, angel, I’m the one who’s sorry. I never meant to hurt you.” He lifted my right hand to his lips and reverently kissed the bandage covering the raw flesh. Under his loving touch, the pain magically faded away. He had once told me that he would never hurt me; I should have believed him.

With his other hand, he tickled the sensitive crook of my neck with the tip of my braid. “I’m going to ask you again. Do you trust me, Gloria?”

I nodded. Tears were brimming in my eyes. How could I have ever doubted this amazing man? This god.

“Good. Then trust me to do this.” In a heartbeat, he crushed his lush velvety lips onto mine. My mouth sunk into his. A room full of people may have been watching us, but I was oblivious. At this moment, no one existed but Jaime and me. I never wanted to leave this man. Never! And then reality sunk in as our tongues entwined and did their last dance. In less than an hour, I would be on a plane running away—out of his life forever. Boris Borofsky would ultimately find me wherever I was, and I couldn’t put this man, this beautiful, god of a man, who loved and protected me, in harm’s way. I had to pay the price for what I’d done without him. Tears leaked out the corners of my clenched eyes. I broke away and turned my head. I could no longer look this man in the face. It hurt too much.

Jaime cradled my head in his soft hands and gently pivoted it so that I was facing him. I kept my heavy eyelids lowered to avoid his gaze. Tears poured freely down my cheeks. Every inch of my body was on fire as he flicked them away with his long, beautiful fingers. “What’s the matter, angel? Everything’s going to be okay.”

“You don’t understand.” My watery voice was a just above whisper.

“Angel, look at me.”

I stole a look at his face. His eyes were fiercely tender.

“The only thing I need to understand is how I feel about you. That night on the plane, when we were in turbulence, I realized that if we went down, I
wanted
to go down with you. Because I couldn’t live without you. I need you as much as you need me. When I’m not with you, I’m not whole; I don’t function. I can’t create. There’s a part of me that’s missing. And I think you have it…” His voice trailed off.

God damn it! He was making me fall apart—this is not how I wanted to say good- bye. Rivulets of tears streamed down my cheeks.

He tipped up my chin giving me no choice but to meet his passionate gaze. The heat of our breaths filled the air between us. “Gloria, I’ve never said this to another woman before and if it comes out wrong, I’m going to say it again, again, and again until I get it right. I haven’t perfected my pitch. Or even practiced it. My beautiful angel, I l—”

A loud clap of music cut him off. The award ceremony had begun. Strutting onto the stage to loud applause, the gala’s emcee, Oprah Winfrey, stunned in a bronze sequined gown. She had readily agreed to host the event because, like me, she was all into girl power and supported underprivileged girls, though hers were in Africa.

While she welcomed the crowd and gave a rundown of tonight’s program, Jaime squeezed my hand. I forced myself to focus; my hammering heart was elsewhere, caught between my desperate desire to stay with this magnificent man forever and my desperate need to get away from him as far and as quickly as possible.

In a moving video presentation that Kevin had put together, Oprah narrated the story of Girls Like Us and shared the accomplishments of my philanthropic organization. The beautiful faces of the young girls whose lives I’d helped to change for the better moved me like a tremor in the earth. Through my mentoring program, these underprivileged, neglected, and often abused girls had gone on to become successful professionals and community leaders. Many of them were here in the audience tonight. I felt proud to be among them. There was only one person who I wished could also be here to see me accept my award—Madame Paulette, my own beautiful mentor who had inspired me and changed my life.

The short film was met with loud applause and cheers. Oprah’s booming voice quieted the vast room. “And tonight we honor, Gloria Long, CEO of Gloria’s Secret, for the amazing work she’s done as the founder of Girls Like Us. Please help me bring it on as she comes to the stage to accept her Lifetime Achievement Award.”

“Gloria,” my signature song, blasted in my ears. My heart leapt into my throat. My big moment had come. But it was not accepting my award that had my nerves crackling with anticipation and apprehension. Immediately afterward, Kevin and I would be making our getaway. My life as I knew it was about to be over. The lyrics of the song resonated with me. Yes, this Gloria was always going to be on the run now too.

Jaime congratulated me again, but before I could thank him, his mouth crashed down on mine in one more fierce, passionate, all-consuming kiss. A deep pang of sadness stabbed at my heart. It was the last time I’d ever feel the touch of his lips on my flesh. On my brain, I immortalized the delicious taste of him, heat of him, and scent of him before pulling away and slowly rising from my chair.

My emotions in total turmoil, I used all my concentration not to stagger up the steps to the stage. With her radiant smile known to millions, Oprah handed me my award —a glimmering gold rose mounted on a plaque. Thanking her, I made my way to the podium. I inhaled a deep breath and took in the sold-out crowd who’d given me a roaring, standing ovation. My heart swelled with joy when I caught sight of the adorable young girls I’d invited jumping up and down. The feeling was fleeting. My teary eyes lingered on only one person—the heartstoppingly beautiful Jaime Zander. He blew me another kiss, and I caught it with my heart. I held his eyes in mine knowing that in just a matter of time I’d never see him again. All I’d have to remember him by were a few tattered petals from his roses that I’d packed last minute.

The crowd took their seats and the applause died down. I gulped another breath of air, thanked everyone, and, then forced myself to wrap my head around my award.
Focus, Gloria
. My mind was in utter chaos, whirling with heart-breaking thoughts of Jaime Zander and my carefully planned escape with Kevin right after my acceptance speech.

I began to wing my speech. My voice was as shaky as my body.

I held up my award. “This golden rose signifies that all girls, regardless of race, looks, or socio-economic background, have the potential to bloom. I was one of those girls, from the wrong side of the tracks, who, thanks to one very special woman, had the chance to turn my life around and suc—”

“Tell them you’re a thief!” a familiar voice roared. “I can prove it
with your hair samples. I have the DNA reports!”

The crowd gasped. On the stage was the pink-eyed monster. Boris Borofsky! One hand was clenching the neck of my beloved Kevin and the other was wielding an enormous gun. My heart dropped to my stomach.

“Tell everyone, Gloria, that you stole from me to get to the top, or I’ll shoot the brains out of your fag cohort.”

“Glorious, don’t say anything,” begged Kevin, his voice strangled. “He’s going to kill us anyway.”

“Shut up!” To my horror, Boris fired a random shot into the ballroom. All hell broke loose. Amidst cries for security, panicked attendees clambered over each other to get to the exit doors. Everything was a blur. Where was Jaime? My eyes shifted back to the hostage situation facing me. Pale as a ghost, Kevin didn’t flinch or let go of my gaze. I was paralyzed with fear. I knew if I dared make a move, Kevin’s life would be over.
Think, Gloria! Think!

My eyes met Boris’s straight on. Maybe I could negotiate with him. “Let go of him,” I pleaded. “I paid you back the money. I’ll give you more if you want. Name your price.”

The hideously scarred Russian snarled at me. Madness flickered in his quartz eyes. “Fuck you, Gloria. Nobody steals from Boris Borofsky.”

The words that had haunted me my entire adult life!

I watched helplessly with horror as the mad Russian put his gun to Kevin’s jaw. His stumpy forefinger finger curled around the trigger. Kevin’s eyes froze wide open. Not a single blink.

“So, pretty boy, how
vould
you like two bullet holes in your cherubic cheeks. Just like the
vuns
you gave me?

My beloved Kevin was now shaking like a leaf.

The grotesque madman roared with laughter. “Don’t
vorry
. I’m going to spare you the pain of having to look every day of your life at the scars left behind. Of people staring at you. Laughing at you. Or of frightened children running away because they think you’re a monster!”

Terror filled my racing heart as Boris pulled back the trigger.
CLICK!

“Dasvidania
,
pedik!”

“Noooooo!” I cried out.

“RUN, Gloria!” Another voice!

Oh my God! Jaime! With the leap of a superhero, he flew through the air and pounced upon Boris and Kevin. Frozen with shock, I couldn’t get my feet to move.

“Run, Gloria!” he yelled out again as he wrestled with Boris. Kevin was pinned unconscious under the weight of the Russian’s body. The gun, to my horror, went back and forth between the two men.

Sirens blared outside. The battle between Jaime and Boris raged on—with the two men punching, writhing, rolling, banging, cursing, panting—until Boris had the upper hand and the gun. Pinning Jaime to the floor with his stocky brick house body, he pressed the barrel of the gun against Jaime’s sweating forehead.

“One move, asshole, and I shoot her first instead,” growled Boris.

My beautiful god’s denim blue eyes locked onto mine, filled with desperation and despair. “I love you, Gloria,” he mouthed. “Good-bye.”

Lustful rage consumed me. I wasn’t ready for any good-byes. With an explosive grunt, I hurled my award, the solid golden rose, at Boris. With a loud thud, it struck him in the head. I couldn’t believe my luck! Go, girl power! He roared with pain as his gun went flying. While he rubbed the back of his cracked scalp, I raced across the stage and scrambled for the weapon. The madman staggered toward me, blood pouring down his neck. Gripping the heavy weapon with both hands, I aimed it at his heart. I was shaking all over.

“Don’t move another step!” My voice quivered. The gun shook in my hand.

“You cunt!” growled the madman taking two steps closer. He was so close I could feel his fetid breath on my cheeks. He reached for the gun. I squeezed it tighter. My torn up finger throbbed.

“Give it back,
suka
. It belongs to me.”
Nobody steals from Boris Borofosky.

“Fuck you, Boris Borofsky!” It was time to end the nightmare. To bury this monster with my secret. I curled my finger around the trigger and pulled it back.

“GLORIA!” yelled Jaime at the top of his lungs.

Boris thrust himself upon me.

At the sound of a deafening explosion, a blinding white light scorched through me. I felt my knees buckle. I hit the floor hard. A rush of pain. And then everything faded to black.

Chapter 14

T
he loud wail of a siren blared in my eardrums while a sharp pain radiated up my right arm. I fluttered my eyelids, but I couldn’t get them to open.

“Gloria.”

The soft, velvety, virile voice was familiar. The sound of my name was like a prayer. Comforting, hopeful. I forced my eyes open, one at time. Everything was dark and hazy. Slowly, my pupils focused, and I found myself seated on a bench, cradled in the arms of Jaime Zander. We were moving at lightning speed in some kind of vehicle, the blazing siren still sounding in my ear. Were we on some kind of extreme thrill ride?

Jaime’s silky tux jacket was wrapped around my shoulders. Still in my one-shoulder gown, it warmed me. Another sharp pain shot up my arm. I glanced down at my hand. It was swollen and wrapped up in some kind of splint. The bandaged finger that had once worn Jaime’s
toi et moi
ring peeked out. It looked puffy and ached. The siren continued to blast as we wove in and out of traffic. It finally dawned on me that I was in the back of an ambulance. Silently, I met Jaime’s gaze. Oh, those beautiful denim blues! His eyes held mine with adoration.

“Welcome back, angel.” He planted a light kiss on top of my head. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

Fractured memories of the events that brought me here drifted in my head, creating a dizzying montage. Victor. The FBI taking him down. Vivien falling to pieces. Jaime’s passionate kiss. My award. And then the wretched image of a monster invaded my mind. Boris Borofsky! An inner alarm went off. I jerked violently.

“Oh my God. Where’s Kevin?”

“I’m over here.” My eyes jumped to the rear of the ambulance. Kevin was lying down strapped to a cot, his head propped up on a pillow. With a gasp, I cupped my good hand to my mouth.

“Don’t worry, Glorious. I’m fine. The paramedics think I have just a mild concussion, but they want me to go to the hospital to get it checked out.”

I smiled with relief. The thought of losing Kevin after all we’d been through was too much to bear.

Kevin lifted his head. “I heard I missed all the action.”

Jaime nuzzled my neck. “You were something else, angel. A total tank girl.” He started to rebraid my disheveled hair.

“What are you doing, Mr. Zander?”

“What does it look like? I’m braiding your hair. I might as well get used to it since you won’t be able to with that cast you’ll be getting.”

I scrunched my nose. “My arm’s broken?”

“Most likely your wrist. A fracture. The next time you shoot someone and decide to faint afterward, please let me know so that I can catch you.”

Wait! I shot someone?
Another stab of pain rippled through my arm. “Where’s Boris?”

“He’s dead. You took him out.”

My heart should have done a happy dance. I had slain the monster—he was out of my life. Instead, a deluge of tears attacked me. I had no memory of shooting him. The fact that I couldn’t remember frightened me.

Jaime brushed away my tears. “Are you okay?”

I nodded. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure. My emotions were just one big painful jumble.

“Angel, there’s something I want to give back to you.” He wrapped his arm around me, his hand skimming my breasts as he dug his fingers into an inside pocket of his jacket. His hand, fisted, re-emerged. Slowly, he unfolded his fingers. Glistening in the middle of his palm was the magnificent
toi et moi
ring.

My heart fluttered at the sight of the two brilliant diamonds—two hearts entwined in an eternal embrace. Tears streamed down my face as I gazed down at my swollen, bandaged finger. “I don’t think you’ll be able to get it on.”

A cocky smile played on his face. “It was never meant for that finger.”

What?
My breath caught in my throat and my heart hammered madly.

“This, my beautiful angel, is where it belongs.”

He lifted my other hand, my left, and slid the ring onto the fourth finger. He then kissed the back of my palm.

I gaped with shock. Hot tears poured down my face. “I don’t deserve this. I’m a thief!” I sobbed.

“Yes, a thief of hearts. You stole mine the minute I met you, Gloria.” He gently slipped down the one shoulder of my gown dress and placed his warm lips on my scar that was beneath it. The scar that grazed my heart. The scar whose past was now behind me.

I sniffled. “How can I pay you back?”

“There’s only way I’m afraid. Give me
your
heart, Gloria. Marry me.”

A
toi et moi
forever? My heart was thudding so loud I could hear it. I didn’t know what to say.

“Just say yes, Gloria.”

Kevin chimed in. “I’ve already agreed to be best man.”

Was this some kind of conspiracy? My eyes ping-ponged from Jaime to Kevin back to Jaime. It didn’t get better than this—trapped in an ambulance with the two men I loved the most in the world—differently but equally. I wrapped my good arm around Jaime’s neck and smacked my lips into his. The siren that roared in my ear emanated from my heart. Damn it! I loved this man. I needed him like I needed air to breathe.

“Yes,” I moaned into his mouth as his arousal pressed against me.

I felt his hand slide down to my breasts; he knew how much I loved it when he massaged them and tweaked my buds. He knew me inside and out. Every inch of me.

Beneath my gown, wetness pooled between my legs and tingles set my core on fire.

Jaime purred into my ear. “I can’t wait to devour the future Mrs. Zander every day of my life.”

“Don’t even think about it, Mr. Zander. You’re not getting ambulance sex.” Confession: Making love to this incredible man in the back of a speeding ambulance was rather appealing.

“Then let me be the first person to sign your cast,” he breathed against my neck.

“What are you going to write?”

Mr. Creativity whispered into my ear. It was astonishingly simple.

Toi et moi
forever.