Unravel Me (28 page)

“I was defending myself. He came at me first.”

Incensed, I ripped the earbuds out of my ears and glared at him. “What do you want? We’re in a public place. If you make one move, I’ll yell at the top of my lungs.”

“That wouldn’t be very smart. I’m only here to talk.”

“We’ve done enough talking. All you do is speak in circles and veiled threats. I’m sick of it. This has—”

“Rachel Jameson is ready to go to print with nude photos of you. All I have to do is give her the green light.”

The wind was knocked right out of me. “What are you talking about? I’ve never posed like that for anyone in my life.”

“You like to keep your laptop in the bedroom, right?”

“Yeah. So?”

The oily smile that curved his lips sickened me. “It’s not smart to leave it open without password protection. Someone could hack into it and control that little webcam at will.”

I shook so violently I dropped my iPod. “Nobody uses it but me. I…“

“Tsk, tsk,” he shook his head. “You’re smarter than this, Lia. Think.”

Thoughts raced through my shattered mind in a jumbled mess. I had no idea what he was talking about. I couldn’t…
oh my God
.

“That’s what you were doing in my apartment?” I blurted in horror. “That’s why you snuck in.” I nearly hyperventilated. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” I shouted. “Relationships end, Nathan. People move on. They don’t terrorize their ex.”

In a flash, he was closer, holding my arm. “You never gave me a chance to apologize. You shut me out and shacked up with the first guy who gave you a second look. You’re
mine
, Lia.
I
loved you.
I
wanted you. You chose to turn your back on me.”

“You pinned me to a wall and punched a hole in it inches from my face,” I yelled. “There is not a strong enough apology in the world that I would accept for that. There is no future for me with a man capable of doing that. You did this to yourself by being a controlling, possessive asshole. You had me. I saw nothing but you. I did everything in my power to please you. And how did you treat me? You fucked anything in a skirt because you made it clear it was your right.”

I took a breath. “You made me feel like an accessory who should be thankful that such a powerful, rich guy gave me the time of day. You didn’t love me. You treated me like shit. And what did I do? I ignored it and tried like hell to
make
you love me. It’s too late for that now, Nathan. I despise you. There is not one redeeming quality in you. You’re a spoiled brat who doesn’t know how to lose.”

“I don’t lose,” he roared. “I never lose. Once these photos are released, I will be untouchable. Rachel doesn’t know I’m the one who sent them. There’s no evidence that any of it came from me.”

“Alastair knows. You showed him last night.”

“That prick doesn’t know anything. I gave him the ones from the folder. He thinks he has the only copies.” He tightened his hold on my arm. “This affects him too. You don’t think there aren’t any photos and video of the two of you having sex? He doesn’t know about those. Break up with him or I give Rachel the go-ahead.”

“Let go of me,” I snapped, wrenching my arm away. “How dare you threaten him. I don’t care what you want to do to me, leave him out of it.”

“It’s a package deal. All or nothing. Break up with him and the good people of Orlando, Glasgow, London and wherever the hell else won’t be treated to your X-rated nights together. Stay with him and you’ll both be humiliated.”

I slapped him across the face. Hard. He looked stunned for a second, then recovered. “Never do that again.”

“Fuck you.”

“The power is in your hands, Lia. Your decision will affect more than one life. Think. Carefully. I’ll expect to hear from you by this evening.”

As soon as he was far enough away, I went under a cluster of trees and threw up. I hated him so much. I always knew he was vindictive but I never dreamed he’d go this far. The fact that he put so much effort into fabricating this sickened me.

I leaned heavily against the tree. A warm, sticky breeze coasted over my skin. For once I wished Paxton had been with me. That way I wouldn’t have to figure out what to do. He’d have chased Nathan off. Shaking my head, I sighed.

Nathan was so determined to put a wedge in my relationship nothing would have delayed him. I’d be faced with this dilemma no matter what.
Break up with Alastair? Never
.

On the flip side, I couldn’t put him through another potential scandal. He already had enough trouble with Olivia threatening him all those years ago and was always so adamant about keeping me safe. There had to be a way for me to return the favor without hurting him in the process. My heart ached. Either way, I was screwed. At least if I went along with what Nathan wanted I’d eliminate the threat to go public with the photos. Alastair would understand, once I explained it all to him.

For now, breaking up with him was my only option and it killed me. I walked back to my car in a daze and drove home.

* * *

Sinking into the hot bath water relaxed me for a nanosecond. I wanted to be excited for dinner with Stephanie and Darren but couldn’t muster up enough fake enthusiasm. They’d all know something was wrong the minute they looked at me. For once in my life, I wanted to be unreadable.

My cell phone rang, scaring the daylights out of me. I checked the caller ID before answering.

“Hey, Syd. What’s up?”

“Just checking in to see how you were feeling. I miss you!”

“I miss you, too. Anything exciting happen there today?”

“Not really. Rachel Jameson called looking for you a few times but that’s about it.”

My stomach twisted in a knot. “Did she say what she wanted?”

“Something about following up with you on something y’all talked about last week. At least that’s what she said. I told her you were out sick and would be back tomorrow.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“No problem. I hope you’re feeling better. The newsroom is too boring without you.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, I hung up and dropped the phone to the floor. Covering my face with my hands, I sank into the soapy water.

* * *

Trudging up the walkway to Stephanie’s condo was like walking down one of those optical illusion hallways where it kept growing longer and longer. I needed to calm my anxieties. Counting to ten and taking cleansing breaths didn’t help at all.

“There she is,” Darren said cheerfully, escorting me inside. “You look gorgeous as usual.”

An actual, genuine smile curved my mouth. Darren was such a sweetheart. I couldn’t help but feel better in his presence.

“Thank you, handsome.”

“Hey now,” he grinned, tucking me into his side. “Where’s your other half?”

“Still working. He’ll meet us at the restaurant.”

“That guy needs a vacation,” Stephanie said as she waltzed into the room. “Oooh, you look pretty. I love that dress. Royal blue looks amazing on you.”

“Thanks,” I arched an eyebrow. “What’s with all the compliments?”

“Just calling it like I see it. Ready to go?”

We piled into a taxi and chatted on the short drive to the restaurant. I felt completely detached from reality. As soon as we arrived at the restaurant and were seated I ordered a glass of wine.

“Oh, Lia, I sent in my first draft for the ultra lounge campaign. I forgot to show it you. Remind me later.”

“Sure. How do you think it came out?”

“It’s okay for a first draft. After I emailed it I found about twenty things I would change. I’ll have to wait and see what they say on Monday.” Her eyes lit up. “Monday! Can you believe it?”

Seeing her so excited warmed my heart. “I can. This is going to be the start of so many great things for you.”

“I know. I’m really happy. Plus, you’ll be there soon. I honestly don’t think life could be any better right now.” She reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “I think it’s all finally coming together, Lia. There’s so much opportunity and possibility. It all just feels right, you know?”

I smiled and raised my glass. She was right in a way. Everything was finally coming together. I’d felt that exact way in New York. Sipping the wine, I resolved to put an end to Nathan’s reign of terror and live the life I wanted with the man I loved.

“You look so serious,” Darren mused, nudging my foot. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”

“MacCourty, if you can figure that out I’ll give you a medal,” Alastair responded as he approached the table. I immediately relaxed when he sat next to me and placed his hand on my leg. “Hello, love.”

“My kingdom for the keys to a woman’s mind,” Darren joked.

“You don’t want to know what goes on up here,” Stephanie teased. “Ignorance is bliss.”

“Is everyone ready to order?” A young man, no older than twenty, paused next to our table, pen and notepad ready. We told him what we wanted, deciding to split a few appetizers before our main courses arrived. Darren and Alastair chatted at length about their newly discovered mutual admiration for outdoor activities. I already knew Alastair played rugby occasionally on the weekends. What surprised me most was Darren’s affinity for camping.

Stephanie paused mid-chew and stared at him. “Camping?"

“Yes, camping.”

“Outside? In a tent?
Camping
, camping?”

“Is there another kind?” Darren laughed.

“Yeah. The kind where I’m in a hotel with running water,” she countered.

“Ah, you’ll change your tune. I already have something lined up for your birthday.”

I thought Stephanie was going to pop a gasket. She looked panic stricken. I laughed uncontrollably.

“Darren, if you manage to get her to sleep outside you have to
promise
me you’ll send pictures.”

“You’re supposed to be on my side, Amelia Grace,” Stephanie grumbled.

“Oh, I am,” I giggled. “I just think it would be hilarious to see you become one with nature.”

“All the cool kids do it, Steph,” Darren teased. “Broaden your horizons.”

She gave him a look, rolled her eyes at me and turned to Alastair. “You’ve been suspiciously quiet during all this. What’s your stance on camping?”

A mischievous grin played on his lips. “I prefer county fairs and aquariums.”

“That doesn’t help me,” she complained with a smile. “You’re as useless as those two.” She turned to Darren and started chatting with him.

Snaking his arm around my waist, Alastair pressed a quick kiss to my temple. “You look beautiful.”

“I should wear this color more often. I just got the trifecta of compliments.”

He smiled, simultaneously making me melt and breaking my heart. I had to tell him about my incident at Crane’s Roost Park before it was too late. I scanned his handsome face, noticing he’d removed the bandage above his eye. The wound looked like a small scratch. I impulsively reached up and touched it lightly.

“Feeling okay?” I asked.

He held my hand and kissed the palm. “Never better.”

The server arrived with our main courses and all conversation halted for a couple minutes while we ate. Alastair kept his hand on my leg the entire time. I think he sensed something was off. No matter the reason, I liked feeling the comfort and warmth of his hand on me.

“When are you flying back to Glasgow, mate?” Darren asked.

“Saturday. I’m actually going to London first for a board meeting. I should be in Glasgow on Tuesday. Do you need help getting Stephanie sorted at your place?”

“My stuff doesn’t arrive until next weekend. Feel free to partake in some manual labor then,” she smiled.

“Tempting,” he said dryly. “I might actually be back here collecting this lovely lady.” He squeezed my knee and grinned.

“Shut up!” Stephanie squealed. “You’re moving that soon? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“We just talked about it last night,” I answered. “You are literally the first to know.”

She clasped her hands together and launched into a million ideas for a welcoming party. Her zest for life always added extra sparkle to any situation.

“This is going to be amazing,” she gushed. “We’ll combine parties. My thirtieth and your housewarming.”

“Did someone buy a house?”

Every muscle in my body turned to steel upon hearing that voice. Alastair draped an arm over my shoulders protectively.

“Hope I’m not interrupting this cozy dinner,” Nathan drawled. “I was at the bar and noticed you all sitting here.”

Stephanie glared at him, seething under her breath. Darren watched cautiously.

“And why is it that you’re here?” Alastair asked venomously.

“Enjoying dinner with some friends,
mate
. Not that it’s any of your concern.”

Alastair stood up slowly, adjusting his jacket. Nathan smirked, knowing nothing could happen in public.

“It’s best if you go back to them, yes?”

“Take it easy, Holden.” He lifted his hands in mock retreat. “It’s a free country. I can say hello to whomever I want.”

“Nathan,” I hissed, looking up at him. “Not now.”

He half smiled, smoothing down his tie. “You’re right, Sparkle. I’ll come by again later when there aren’t so many eyes focused in this direction.”

Shooting Alastair a smug look, he walked away. He’d been right about one thing. Most of the diners near our table had stopped what they were doing to catch a glimpse of the senator’s son conversing with the British media mogul.

“What a jerk,” Stephanie groused. “He has zero class. Zero.”

My nerves didn’t settle under Alastair sat next to me again. He placed his arm on my shoulders, brushing his fingers across the nape of my neck. “Are you okay, love?”

I nodded, thankful nothing escalated. “Yeah, I’m fine. Orlando’s a small city. We’re bound to cross paths every now and then.”

“Not for much longer.” He kissed my forehead before taking out his cell phone. He typed what I assumed was a text message and placed it back in his pocket.

Darren let out a low whistle. “That was a proper tense moment. You dated that guy?”

Stephanie slugged him in the arm. “Enough,” she warned.

“Sorry,” he winced. “Sorry, Lia.”