Shackled Lily (24 page)

My heart started fluttering as recognition flooded my memory. I had been there with Jake that night. I searched for anything that would remind me of Robbie, but there was nothing.

Robbie continued to explain. “We were hanging by the bar, talking, when all the sudden, the lead singer of the band reached down and pulled a girl up on stage. I watched you with fascination, as did every other man around me. Your vibrancy was intoxicating as you bounced around the stage singing with the band. I had never been so struck by anyone in my life. I watched as you danced your way up to the bar and got yourself a drink. I approached you, unable to stay away from the inexplicable draw I had to you, and you turned and smiled at me. Your eyes were riveting, as unique and striking as the rest of you.”

Robbie leaned down and starting rubbing his lips on my exposed neck and shoulders. “We danced and flirted until, I assume now it was Jake, came and pulled you away from me. It happened so fast, I didn’t even get your name. I was hooked, addicted to you like a drug I could never get enough of. I went back the next night to find you, but you didn’t show. I learned from the bouncers that your name was Issy, but as you well know, it’s kind of impossible to find someone who goes by a name that isn’t really her name. When I saw your picture that day, I knew you were meant to be mine.”

I felt like I was going to throw up. I stood up and walked away from him, my whole body shaking with rage and hurt. “So it was all a lie?” I yelled, glaring at him. “My father, you…it was all staged so what, I would somehow fall for you?” I couldn’t even believe the words myself. Then I thought of Monday night, and my heart started to pound. “Did you lie to me about the other night too? Did you…did you…rape me?” I could hardly form the words, and part of me didn’t want to know.

Robbie stared back at me, his eyes so intense that fear gripped my heart. “Is it really rape when the person belongs to you?” he asked flatly, waiting to see my response. I stood paralyzed, my mind refusing to process what he was telling me. Before I could scream, Robbie continued, “Regardless, I did not touch you that night. Your father had made that a stipulation in the contract, something about getting the milk for free before the deal was final.”

“And when is that supposed to be?” I demanded, my voice shaking uncontrollably now.

“Why Isadora, next week…on your birthday.” He walked towards me and rubbed his hand over my cheek. “And how I have been dreaming of that night. I may not have touched you the other day, but I did view the merc
handise, and like I said before, exquisite.”

I pushed Robbie away from me with every bit of strength I had and ran towards the door. I knew it was locked, but I tugged on it anyway, banging my hand on it so someone could hear me.  Suddenly, I was trapped against the door, my cheek pressed into the wood so much that I could smell the paint.

“You see, Isadora, I own you. Bought and paid for, and I even have the contracts to prove it,” he purred as he kissed the back of my neck. I struggled against him, but it was no use. He grossly overpowered me. I couldn’t stop the tears that were racing down my cheeks. “You are my most prized possession. A one of a kind gem that every man wants, but no one can truly have…until now. A wild spirit only I get to tame.” His words and touch were nauseating, and I began to believe I would faint if I couldn’t get him to stop crushing my lungs.

Robbie turned me around, careful to keep me pinned as he did so and pressed his mouth to mine. I turned my head back and forth to resist, causing him to crush me even harder. I felt his hand start to move up my leg as he lifted my dress. I tried to scream, but his mouth was fully consuming mine. I fought with everything in me, finally getting my mouth closed when he moved to my neck. “What is it you want, Isadora?” He asked as his hand reached the top of my thigh, terrifyingly close to my panty line.

“I want out of this room,” I cried, my tears choking me now.

“Then play your role.” With those words, he began kissing me again, and I knew exactly what he was telling me to do. I kissed him back, imagining Grant the entire time. I had promised Grant I would never kiss anyone else, and in my mind I didn’t. I had somehow completely detached from my body, but I knew deep down, the heart that just started to beat again, had died once more. Robbie honored my response by moving his hand and straightening my dress. After more time, he slowly backed away from me, allowing the kiss to be over.

I stared at him with hatred as he took his two thumbs and wiped the tears off my face. “I knew you would learn quickly,” he said, smiling in satisfaction.

He ran his thumb under the handle
, and I heard the click once again. Seconds later, the door opened, and Robbie led me back to the ballroom as if nothing had happened. As if he hadn’t just crushed my entire world.

21
. to be

I was still trying to get the shaking under control as we entered the ballroom. Apparently the merger announcement had been made while we were in Robbie’s office because people were milling around looking much more stressed and agitated than before. I fit right in with all of them. I knew exactly what it felt like to fear the future and know your fate is out of your hands.

I felt Robbie’s breath on my neck again and cringed. “I need you to be the picture of grace for fifteen more minutes, and then I’ll have your father take you home.”

I seriously considered walking away and doing everything I could to embarrass both Robbie and my father. But the reality that I had no way home and Robbie’s house was fortified by two large security gates kept me well behaved.

Robbie made me dance with him one more time. He introduced me to several of his colleagues and friends as his girlfriend and then had us pose for a myriad
of pictures, one of which would undoubtedly show up on the society page in the morning. The screaming in my head was nothing less than a constant shrill by the time he approached my father.

“Isadora’s had a lot of information thrown at her tonight, Andrew. I think it’s best if you get her home so she can get a good night’s rest,” Robbie explained as we approached.

I didn’t look at him, but assumed he agreed because we were quickly on our way out the front door. The limo was waiting when we got there, and my father got in first, leaving me alone with Robbie. I questioned how much longer I could keep it together. The façade was tumbling and Robbie’s shear proximity to me sent ripples of fear through my body.

Robbie turned my chin so I would look at him. “Since you no longer have your car, I’ll be happy to take you to class in the morning.”

“That won’t be necessary,” I replied coolly.

“It’s no trouble. I’ll see you at breakfast…seven sharp.”

I had a visceral reaction to his words and jerked my head away to get in the limo. I sat opposite my father and gripped the seat as I settled my racing heartbeat. My eyes peered out the window, praying for an escape, but none seemed possible. When I had finally calmed enough to speak, I glared at my father who was calmly checking emails on his phone.

“If you think I’m going to play along with your little game, you are sadly mistaken. I will not be at breakfast tomorrow morning, nor will I EVER belong to Robbie Marsh.”

“I would think you’d be flattered. There are very few things the Marsh’s don’t have and are willing to do anything to get.”

“Flattered?” I yelled, stunned that he would even dare to use such a word. “That you prostituted me out to the highest bidder?”

My father rolled his eyes at me. “You’re being overdramatic, Kaitlyn. Think of it more as an arranged marriage. Many cultures all over the world do it. You could do worse. Robbie Marsh will provide you a life that others would kill for.”

I was sure I heard him incorrectly and shook my head to try and get the words out of my mind. “And how exactly did you think you were going to get me down that aisle?”

“Well, I had hoped you would go willingly. I went through a lot of trouble to set up a chance meeting, but Robbie blew that one out of the water. I told him you can’t charm a charmer, but he wanted to do it his way. You blowing him off for the bartender sent him over the edge…almost killed the deal, in fact,” he explained, his eyes actually having the nerve to toss judgment at me.

“That’s why you set up the dinner,” I mused to myself. It was all making sense now.

“Robbie did much better that night. I told him he had to be the one thing you needed, and I must say, he is a master at playing his part.”

“And what exactly is it you think I need?” I spatted, hating how calmly my father was behaving. It was like he already knew he would win.

“An ally, of course.”

I turned my head and looked out the window, remembering how I had started to believe that Robbie was a victim just like me and could be trusted. The tears were too powerful to hold back and I felt them roll down my cheeks. I hadn’t cried in front of my father since I was thirteen and the fact I was now made me feel even more defeated than the conversation did.

“I won’t marry Robbie,” I whispered, still not facing my dad.

My father’s voice got really sharp and he leaned up on his knees to direct them at me. “Kaitlyn, this deal is everything to me. If you mess it up, I will slowly take away everything you cherish. Then I will do the same thing to every person you love, until all of you are left with nothing.”

I turned to face my father, my tone matching his. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I don’t love anyone but myself, because I’d rather have nothing than Robbie Marsh.”

My father smiled, and sat back in victory. “Now now, Kaitlyn, we both know you love Jake and even your mother if you’re really honest with yourself. Funny how quickly Jake got that job, isn’t it? One day an intern, the next a paid stock broker with a signing bonus and commission. Seems almost too good to be true, don’t you think?” I didn’t respond, just glared at my father. “I should call Steve again and see how Jake’s doing. After all, it was my insistence that got him the job in the first place.”

I sat back and looked out the window again. My father had orchestrated it all so perfectly. With two very strategic moves, he now owned both my mother and Jake. They were pawns, leverage to keep me in line. He honestly believed I would sacrifice myself for them.

The rest of the drive was done in silence, a silence so deafening that my ears actually throbbed when we pulled up to the house. I fled from the limo and went straight to my room, ripping off my dress as soon as I crossed the threshold. I then showered, trying to scrub off Robbie’s touch that felt seared into me. I hadn’t even noticed I was sobbing until suddenly,
the world stood still and clarity descended from the sky. I knew what to do. The decision immediately calmed me. The tears stopped and the shell that had been shattered earlier was back in place. I was once again in control.

I dried off and calmly put on my pajamas before filling my flask to the top. There would be no need to stop drinking now. I descended my stairs gracefully and walked out to the lake. I stood watching the water, enjoying the cold night air on my skin when I felt Grant’s arms wrap around me and his lips kiss my neck.

“I missed you so much tonight,” he whispered, holding me tight. I leaned back into him, enjoying the way his arms felt around me.

We watched the lake together until I finally spoke. “How much money is my dad making on this merger?”

Grant let out a heavy sigh. “1.4 Billion dollars”

I nodded. At least I wasn’t cheap. I squeezed Grant’s arms. “I get it now. I didn’t for the longest time and was so angry with her for what she did, but I now understand why. That was the day he broke her.”

Grant turned me around and stared into my empty eyes, his face showing nothing but concerned confusion. “Hey, what happened? Who are you talking about?”

I looked at his face, memorizing every line, every perfect feature and put my hand on his cheek before gripping his shirt. “Grant, I want you to promise me something, ok?”

He nodded. “Anything.”

“Promise me you will get away from here. From my father and his control. Promise me you will take your idea and run free. I need you to promise me that,” I pleaded, pulling on his shirt.

Grant reached up and held my face. “I’ll promise, but only if you come with me.” I watched the hope in his eyes. He saw a future for us. He had no idea that my father had already sold me to another man.

I smiled at him. “I’ll always be with you.”

He pulled me towards him and held me tight. I held on for dear life, knowing it would be the last time I’d ever feel his arms around me. Tomorrow everything would change.

I woke up early and quietly went through the steps of getting ready for the day. I made sure to pick an outfit Robbie would appreciate and left my hair dark and wavy. I examined my eyes as I applied my makeup. They were completely void and my face the picture of an ice queen. I practiced my smile and once I had it perfected, I descended the long staircase and walked towards the dining room. Robbie was already seated next to my father, as was Anna and Junior who I hadn’t seen in days. I quietly took the seat that Robbie had pulled out when I approached.

He leaned in and kissed me hello. “You look beautiful as always,” he stated with a smile.

“Thank you, Robbie,” I replied, using my mother’s melodic tone.

Breakfast consisted of business conversation until Anna dared to address me. It had been the first time we’d spoken since Thanksgiving, and I assumed she only had the nerve because Robbie was sitting there.

“There’s a beautiful picture of you and Robbie in the paper this morning,” she offered, handing the paper to me. I accepted it with a smile and glanced at the couple that graced the cover. We were the picture of wealth and class, and even looked truly happy together. The paper went on to talk about my dress and who the designer was and how much it had cost. I almost laughed when I thought of the ripped $5000 garment that was now stuffed in my trashcan.

I felt Robbie move the hair off my shoulder and squeeze my neck affectionately. “It was certainly a night to remember,” he agreed, sending me a look that held a double meaning.

I put my hand on his leg and gave him my most charming smile. “I know I won’t be forgetting it any time soon.”

Robbie was practically beaming as he ushered me out to his waiting driver. We passed Grant in the foyer. He was leaning up against his office door with his arms folded. I could see confusion and anger in his eyes when we passed. Robbie must have seen it too, because he made a point to kiss my neck before opening the front door. I didn’t turn to see Grant’s reaction. I knew facing him would make me question my choice…and nothing was going to make me change my mind.

Robbie was up to his usual antics in the back of the car, rubbing my leg and pulling me in to kiss him. I played my role perfectly and had Robbie so crazy that he had to wait a few minutes before we could get out of the car. He proudly walked me to my building, keeping
my hand possessively in his, and drew me in for a long kiss when Jason approached the building. I continued to play my part until he finally pulled away to say goodbye.

“Robbie,” I called, pulling him back to me. “I want something.”

“Anything,” he answered, his eyes dark and intense.

“On this paper are two people I care about. I want them each to have a bank account set up in their name only. I want $10,000 put in each of them,” I explained. I knew that amount of money was nothing for Robbie’s family and would be enough to get Jake and my mother back on their feet if my dad followed through with his threat.

“That’s a pretty big request, Isadora,” Robbie stated, putting his arms around my waist.

I leaned in and seductively kissed his neck. “I thought playing my part got me whatever I wanted. Did I misunderstand?” I asked batting my eyes. 

“I’ll text you the account numbers when I’m finished,” he agreed, his breath labored again. “I’ll be waiting when you finish today, and I will expect a proper thank you.”

I nodded, and turned to head into class. I didn’t bother with my old seat, and immediately sought out Jason. He looked miserable and defeated as he slumped down in his chair. I scooted next to him and smiled. “You’re taking me out tonight.”

Jason looked stunned and then a grin slowly appeared on his lips. “You got it, green eyes. Where to?”

“Somewhere well out of town, where no one will find us, and I can drink without issue.”

Jason nodded and squeezed my leg under the desk. “I know just the place.”

Unlike usual, my classes went by as if on fast forward. Even algebra was tolerable, although I didn’t bother turning in the assignment. Maybe knowing that it was my last day in school made me appreciate it just a little more.

Even lunch was enjoyable. Rachel went on and on about my dress in the paper, but other than that, I made sure to just sit back and enjoy each person I saw. Candace was as warm as always, and we laughed and joked as we ate. Even Rusty and Reggie were somewhat cordial.

I excused myself after getting Robbie’s text and forwarded it on to Jake telling him not to ask, unless he needed to.

Jake: Everything ok?

Me:
Couldn’t be better. Just keep info for a rainy day.

Jake:
Ok, I will

I hesitated for a second, but then sent the last text anyway
.

Me:
I love you.

Jake:
You sure you’re alright?

Me:
Promise

By the time I reached Shakespeare, I was surer than ever that I had made the right decision. Grant had texted me four times trying to find out what was going on. I finally texted him back
.

Me:
Remember your promise.

Grant:
Remember yours.

I turned off my phone, knowing in an hour it would be flooded with messages I had no intention of taking. I was the last one in class, which got me the honor of being picked first to do my monologue. I smiled and walked to the front of the room. It was the one assignment I was looking forward to. Turns out that Hamlet was much more like me than I realized.