The Only Choice (The Choices Trilogy #3) (5 page)

“Can you put me through?” My clipped response causes him to sigh and the regret is evident in his gentle tone.

“I’m sorry Bethany you know I can’t. I mean you know I’d love to but—” and now I feel bad for asking.

“It’s all right Colin, I understand. I’m sorry for asking.” My tone too softens. It is not his fault his boss is a son of a bitch and a coward. “Is he in today? I mean is he in all day?”

“You know I can’t tell you that, God . . . I never thought I’d hate my job but right now . . .” He mutters.

“No that’s fine Colin.” I let out a heartfelt sigh and hear Colin curse.

“Look there is no way he’ll see you but if you were around lunch time he maybe escorting some business associates around the foyer at that time. But you didn’t hear that from me.” His voice drops to a whisper.

“Thank you Colin, I owe you.” I hope he can hear me smile, even if it is mingled with malicious intent.

“No Mum I’ve told you not to call at work. Look good luck and I’ll see you later.” I hear him sigh before the line goes quiet.

He hangs up and I hope he managed to pull that off, I would hate him getting into trouble. Since my hopeful rendezvous with Mr Arsehole is lunch time and it’s a good two hour walk from Battersea to the other side of the city I fix my sights on the tallest building in Canary Wharf and head that way on foot. The walk will give me time to clear my head, focus my mind and plot my vengeance. Now I’m being dramatic, I don’t want revenge. I just want to know why? Why he stole from me? Why he would risk my future when he knew exactly how hard I worked and how precious it was to me? But mostly I just want to know why he won’t even take my call? The lump in my throat seems to be a permanent fixture. After everything we have been through and promised each other I can’t believe he can shut down like he has, like we were nothing, like I am nothing. Today, at least he has made it crystal clear that I am no different to any number of others that Daniel has implemented his bullshit Total Communication Shutdown policy on.

The walk is exactly what I need and I am completely distracted by the activity along the riverbank from County Hall to Tower Bridge. Even in the relatively early morning the path is full of tourists and school children from all over the country, all over the world. Drawn to the London Eye, the Aquarium and further along The Globe; Tate Modern and the not so wobbly bridge which I cross and turn right making my way in to the business heart of the city. It takes me less than two hours in the end. Just after eleven I am standing outside Daniel’s office building and just because it feels right to add to my pain I check my finger print on the entrance door to the side and my heart sinks at the not surprising red light of denied access flashing brightly. My legs feel suddenly weaker and I stumble a little backwards but manage not to fall. This is very different from our last forced split. Last time I was still able to gain access to Daniel’s building just in time to escape Clive but then Daniel knew we weren’t really split. He just didn’t know at the time why, or why it had to be that way. But this time is not the same, this time he knows it is over and I’ve got the message loud and clear. I enter through the main revolving doors and make my way to the desk, where Eddie is checking people into the building. He looks a little shocked and then a little embarrassed and I guess he got the ‘I’ve dumped Bethany memo’ from Mr Stone.

“Hello Eddie.” I smile sweetly. “How is Mrs Jones? Did she like the Limoncello I got her for New Year?” I know its low to try and currie favour but desperate times and all.

“Oh Miss Thorne, yes, yes she did it was perfect for the meal she had in mind and thank you she is very well.” He coughs lightly and shuffles from one foot to the next. “Um Miss Thorne I’m afraid I have very strict instructions to—” I nod my head in understanding and take his hand because he looks quite troubled as I interrupt.

“—It’s fine Eddie, I know, but I’m going to sit over there if that’s Ok? If you would let Mr Stone know that I won’t be leaving anytime soon I would be grateful.” I smile again and turn to take an empty seat by the revolving door because along with nausea I am having trouble regulating my body temperature too and I need the little bits of fresh air that manage to sneak in each time the door rotates.

“Oh I’m not sure you are allowed to stay.” He is frowning.

“We’re you told to throw me out?” I ask sweetly. His eyes widen.

“No not at all, I wouldn’t anyway.” He looks affronted at the suggestion but I’m not so shocked. It is possible and it wouldn’t be the first time.

“We’re you told not to let me through?” I enquire kindly.

“Yes.” He confirms warily.

“and you haven’t so we are all good.” I smile again and take my seat.

I spend the next two hours sitting, people watching and pressing redial on Daniels phone. I know it’s childish but I am not leaving until he sees me and now I am no longer employed I have plenty of spare time to irritate Mr Stone, yes that’s perfectly healthy. Oh fuck what am I doing? What does it really matter, if my product gets to market sooner because his company is pushing the development is that a bad thing? I’m not being altruistic just realistic. I couldn’t fight this, with the resources Daniel has and his reputation it would be foolish and would probably guarantee I get kicked off my course. But I still deserve an explanation. I just reach into my bag when a shadow falls across me and I look up into the kind but stern face of Daniel’s chief operating officer Jason. He holds his hand and I automatically take it. He pulls me to my feet.

“Come with me Bethany.” He marches across the reception, swipes a card and walks to the bank of elevators. He releases my hand and punches the button. I risk a look his way, pleased that I am being taken somewhere, maybe to see Daniel probably not but at least I will get to speak to someone and Jason is a good start. As Daniel’s right hand man he is the closest person I have met to Daniel that might be considered a friend, particularly in light of their shared interests outside of the office. Jason is attractive in a well groomed GQ kind of way, slightly shorter than Daniel with short brown hair that is tinged with copper. His light brown eyes have golden flecks and his lips are full but currently fixed in a tight line. I guess I am interrupting his day and dealing with exes is probably not part of his job description. The elevator opens and I follow him in, he frowns at the men about to follow me and they both retreat as the door closes.

“You shouldn’t be here Bethany, you know that right?” His tone is clipped and agitated.

I exhale loudly. “Yes I’m getting that impression.” I rub my forehead and pinch the bridge of my nose. The tension is fast becoming a killer headache. “If it helps at all I’m here for business reasons.” I hold his gaze as he looks surprised.

“Really?” He tilts his head.

“Oh don’t get me wrong I would love to know why Mr. Arsewipe can’t be an adult and take my calls but I’m guessing you can’t answer that?” I raise an inquisitive brow and when he chuckles and shakes his head, I continue. “No well, thought as much. So I just want to know why Stone R & D stole my design and passed it off as one of their own?” I leave that hanging in the air, pleased at the utter shock on Jason’s face as I step off the elevator. Jason follows quickly just as the doors begin to close and takes my elbow leading me along the corridor to an office at the end, his office.

“That’s a very serious allegation Bethany.” His voice is gruff, his grip is tight and I am thankful for my flat pumps or I’d be flat on my arse by now.

“Well I’m not here for the warm welcome, that’s for sure.” I snap.

He stands to the side and watches me enter his office before closing the door and leaning against it. He takes a moment and pushes off casually all the time he keeps his eyes fixed on me. Reading my every movement for some sort of tell that maybe I’m might be trying to trick him. He walks to his desk and slowly sits motioning me to do the same.

“So do you want to tell me what makes you think we’ve stolen from you exactly?” His voice is calm if a little condescending but I choose not to bite.

“I don’t think. I know, and . . .” I rummage through my bag and pull the crumpled application that Chris gave me earlier. I don’t have my copy but it’s enough for him to get started. “This is your application and I can email my copy over later but there’s little point they are identical.” I lean over and he takes the forms. Smoothing them on his desk and slowly reading the documents.

“I think there must be a misunderstanding, maybe you
do
need to speak with Daniel?” He muses quietly more to himself as he shakes his head at that thought. “No, look, I’ll look into it, give me your details and I will contact you as soon as I have some more information.” He sits back and narrows his eyes, he is still so suspicious and yet it’s not me that has stolen anything.

“Can’t you get my details from Daniel?” I challenge and he smirks.

“No I don’t think that would be wise, beside he’s made it perfectly clear he— “ He censures himself but I already feel the crushing rejection in the unsaid words. Daniel’s made it perfectly clear he wants nothing to do with me and no one is to mention my name. I no longer exist.

“So he’s at lunch and I’m really not allowed to see him?” I fight the rising tears, pinch my nails into my palms and focus on the growing anger once more.

“He has some business associates he is entertaining in the private dining room and no darling you are not allowed to see him.” He rolls his eyes like I just say the silliest things.

“But I am allowed to see you?” His eyes widen and I catch a flash of heat as I emphasise the last words and what they might mean. I don’t know what they mean but I am not above exploring any angle to get an audience with Mr Arsehole.

“Bethany.” He shakes his head lightly, “you could well make me break my rule, ‘shitting where I eat’ in fact once I’m sure he’s serious I am definitely breaking that rule but for now let’s just keep this business.” He fights the grin that threatens his implacable face.

I relax a little but strangely feel empowered to push this. I go to stand and make my way the door turning slowly and just before I leave say. “In that case maybe I’ll see you at the club.” With that and as Jason’s jaw drops I walk out leaving the door to swing shut with a loud click. I barely make it to the elevator when Jason has my elbow gripped tight and is walking me to an empty room. Once the door closes he turns to face me.

“You can’t go there Bethany its members only!” He voice is harsh and panicked.

“Really?” I mock. “Because I’m pretty sure I got in last time when I wasn’t a member?” I pull my elbow from his hold and try for the door but he blocks me with his arm.

He growls. “You can’t go there on your own, they’ll eat you alive.”

“I kind of thought that was the point!” I snap back. “Look,” I point my finger hard into his chest and scowl because he has no right to tell me what I can or can’t do, even if I don’t really want to do what I’m threatening to do. “Mr arsehole up there opened that door for me and just because he’s kicked me to the curb doesn’t mean he or you can dictate whether I choose to walk through that door again. He stole my future; he broke my fucking heart but this body, this is mine and I will do whatever I please with it.” My words soften toward the end as I lose my fire. I realise that the best threat I can come up with is to fuck a bunch of Dominant strangers, wow this day just keeps getting better. “Look, forget I said that, in fact just forget everything.” I let out a sad breath that fails to hold back a few tears. “I’ll go now Jason, and don’t worry about looking into my project, it was silly to think I could take him on.” He steps aside and walks me in silence to the elevator. Before the door closes he hands me his card.

“Just in case. Don’t go alone.” His light brown eyes darken, he removes his arm as the door slides shut. I slip the card in the tiny back pocket of my skirt as the lift rapidly drops to the floor along with my hopes and dreams.

I CAN’T BELIEVE
I said that, what was I thinking? I know I have no intention of going back to the club. I didn’t even get a fluttering in my stomach at the thought and I know it’s because I wasn’t lying when I said Daniel had opened that door. But what I didn’t say was that he is the only one I want to walk through it with. Would I risk going? Hoping that Jason would let Daniel know, hoping he would come for me as he had before. I snort as the lift door opens at the ridiculous fairy-tale line of thinking. My wayward mind is racing, he won’t even take my call, he won’t see me and it’s laughable to think any different. Daniel Stone will definitely
not
rescue me. I don’t think I have ever felt so low, felt so worthless. I have nothing left, I’m a shell. I don’t think I can make it to the main door without breaking down and drawing mortifying attention my way. CCTV is everywhere so I duck my head down and rush toward the ladies. Slumped in a cubicle, my bottom instantly numb on the hard seat cover I drop my head in my hands and quietly cry, muffling my sobs with my sleeve. God I’m pathetic. Pathetic, nothing and alone; I just need them to start pumping
Heart Will Go On
through the speakers and I think I will top myself.