Chapter 16
Alec never stopped searching for Miranda. He wasn't through with her yet, not by a long shot. His rage at not being able to find her caused chaos in his life. Carlos and Crystal kept trying to reason with him. Always telling him to let it go. That it’s time to move on. Alec wasn't giving up. He would find her and she would pay for her rebellion. A whole fucking year and nothing! Nothing!
Something didn't sit well with Alec. If he was looking for an enemy who had the fucking resources to hide, Carlos always tracked them down. Always! So why was it hard to find a girl who left her house with nothing but the clothes on her back? There was foul play at hand and Alec needed to get to the bottom of it. So in secret Alec hired a private investigator without informing Carlos or Crystal.
***
It took Miranda a whole year to sort her life out. Carlos had arranged a house for her in the suburbs. A nice quiet area where everybody apparently knew everybody. Her house was nice and small. A two bedroom home with a neat yard. Fully fenced and it had an alarm. Her furniture was nice, it took Miranda a few weeks before she attempted to go furniture shopping. Carlos had arranged a laptop for her. He would email her never using her name or his. His emails never suggested anything, they were always about a movie or a book. Miranda later figured out this was his way of making sure she was ok.
Money was never an issue. Carlos had arranged a bank card where she was given a pin and could withdraw thousands at a time at a bank if needed without signing a thing. Carlos kept the money flowing for her. After the first six month Miranda felt bad taking Carlos's money and decided to find a job.
Although her guard was always up Miranda relaxed a little into her new life. She found a job at a cafe only a ten minute walk from where she lived. It wasn't too bad. Paid okay and she enjoyed talking to the customers. Her black mini skirt and white tight top uniform was apparently drawing more and more customers, sure enough it was only an increase in the male customers.
After a year Miranda was as settled as best as she could due to the circumstances and despite constantly looking over her shoulder she finally adjusted to her new life. She met a waitress who worked with her, Toni, a nice blond with dark brown eyes. She was very pretty. She was two years older than Miranda and had a killer of a body. Miranda always admired Toni's way, so carefree and so loveable. Sure enough they formed a bond and became very close. It was nice to have friends. Or a friend.
"What do you feel like eating?" Toni asked while rummaging through Miranda's fridge.
"Not fussy, anything will do."
"I'm starving Mira come on let's just get take out." Toni whined.
"Fine but if I get fat it's because of all the shit you’re making me eat!" Toni laughed as she picked up the phone and ordered Chinese.
"Why do you care if your fat or not? You won't date anybody," not this again. Miranda was so over this topic.
"I told you before I'm not interested in guys." She teased.
"Soooo does that mean you’re... Gay?" Miranda threw her head back and laughed.
"If only it were that simple Toni, I'd have thrown you on the floor and had my way with you," Toni joined in and they both laughed.
"Wow Mira you like it rough!" Miranda stopped laughing. Toni looked at her with concern.
"Hey what's wrong? You look like you’re ready to pass out. It was just a joke Hun. Are you okay?"
Forcing a smile, "I'm fine it's nothing, I'm just so hungry, where is that Chinese anyway?" Miranda was obviously trying to change the subject. She was grateful when Toni let it go.
Miranda and Toni had a blast together. They would spend endless hours at the beach. Toni would date random guys always pressuring Miranda to double date. Miranda always declined. One day by the beach Toni was daydreaming.
"Hello earth to Toni! Are you there Toni?" Toni smirked.
"Shut up Mira." Miranda laughed.
"Um you need to spill! What's going down? Why are you all in la la land?"
"I think I'm in love Mira, really in love." Miranda was so happy for her friend. She deserved happiness she was such a gem and really needed somebody to love her like she was meant to be loved.
"What? No way! Is this one of you last minute random guys that you think you’re in love with then after the first date decide it’s not for you?" Miranda was teasing her and Toni rolled her eyes.
"I'm serious Mira this is it. He's everything I want in a guy. I have been seeing him for a few month now. I didn't want to say anything because, you know you look so sad sometimes."
"I'm sorry Toni I never meant for you to feel like that. I'm so happy for you. I can't wait to meet him. I'm sure he's something special to be involved with you. You deserve the best and for you to be with anybody for a few month than I'm guessing this is the real deal!"
"Now you’re going to make me cry. Mira he asked me to marry him. I said yes." Wow Miranda was speechless. Okay this was huge.
"Oh my god! You’re getting fucking married! You are getting fucking married!" They embraced. Miranda was elated for Toni.
Work was a little more demanding with Toni needing time off to organize her wedding. Miranda wasn't able to be involved in much. She went with Miranda to the dress fitting and cried when she saw her in her dress. She looked like a princess that had come out of a fairy tale.
"My sister Lela’s gown is red, and she's matron of honor so you, Sally and Lilly will be wearing red dresses. I'm thinking something long and fitting." Toni was so excited. Apparently her man who always seemed away on business was doing well for himself allowing Toni to indulge a little. She was so eager to meet the man who had stolen her best friend’s heart.
"Toni I swear to god if you put me in a hideous dress I'll make it my goal in life to ruin your wedding."
"I swear to you that you will look amazing! Trust me Mira I will keep it simple, couldn't have you outdo the bride now!" Miranda laughed.
"Shut up as if I can outdo you on my best days."
***
Few month into the investigation Alec had a lead. When he met up with the private investigator there were pictures of Miranda in a cafe. His first thought was thank god she was unharmed. After getting over the shock of seeing her picture Alec's rage started to resurface. She was smiling with the men, enjoying herself. Enjoy Miranda enjoy yourself, it's not going to fucking last.
Alec directed the investigator to continue and get any information on her, who she's dating, where she lives, where she goes and with who. This was going to be fun, his life had meaning again. Alec lived life without fear of consequences. He was always on top of things when it came to his clubs and casinos, but internally he was a wreck. Miranda had caused havoc in his life and he found himself fucking any pussy that asked for him. They were all more than willing to be whipped or restrained, but it did nothing for Alec. Without Miranda his life had no meaning. He would make her fucking pay for leaving him when he wasn't finished with her.
Miranda was missing Toni. Having gone away for a week with Alejandro her fiancé Miranda felt very alone. She would need to get used to it, when Toni would be married she wouldn't be able to spend all her time with Miranda. Whenever Miranda felt small and vulnerable her thoughts would drift to Alec. She always wished her thoughts away because he was a memory she didn't want to recall. He still haunted her thoughts and her nightmares.
Nightmares of Alec shooting Ethan always had Miranda waking to herself screaming. She couldn't stop herself shaking. He shot him in cold blood. He shot his own brother in cold blood.
When Miranda was under Alec's control she somehow always disillusioned herself about that night. Always repressing the memory, Alec always giving her a reason to worry about her next punishment or humiliation. But being away from him and really thinking back that night would scar her for the rest of her life. How did she go on with Alec allowing him to pleasure her and all but begging him to fuck her? Trying to make him love her? It was just plain sick, Miranda putted it down to Stockholm syndrome. What else could it be? He was a murderer who abused her more ways than she cared to recall.
Toni called every night when she was away "Oh Mira it's gorgeous here. Who would have though Fiji was this stunning! I'm a fucking lucky biyatch but I wish you were here"
"Yeah yeah twos company... You know the rest. So how is everything?"
"Mira he's fucking too good to be true. Alejandro is amazing! He has the most amazingly sexy smile. He should be a fucking model." Miranda laughed.
"They say when both parents are that hot the kids come out ugly... Just saying is all," it was so nice to chat with Toni. She missed her terribly and what was worse Toni wouldn't be working at the diner anymore. Her fiancé apparently didn’t want his wife to be working. Her job was to be pretty for him when he returned from work. A little arrogant perhaps, but Toni was happy, so who was she to judge right? She really wanted to meet Alejandro, it was just so weird that they had not met yet, he seemed always to be away on business, or just busy any time they had organized to meet up for dinner. Toni was forever giving her excuses. At one point Miranda asked Toni if she was making the whole Alejandro thing up…
The next few weeks Miranda went from work to dress fittings to organizing flowers. It was a week before the wedding and they all needed to be at the rehearsal dinner before seven. Miranda was late. Fuck! She quickly showered and dressed in simple beige skinny pants and a black lace top which covered her breast area with an underlay but for the rest of the top her skin was visible through the lace. Brushing her hair and leaving it drop down her back Miranda applied some makeup. She decided to go heavy on the eye makeup with extra mascara and very dark eyeliner. She never got a chance to fix herself anymore, there was never really an occasion for it. Her eyes stood out. Hazel with streaks of honey and green. Miranda applied some gloss and perfume, grabbed her back and as she was walking out the door she hopped to put her heals on.
Parking her car at the reception where the wedding would be held, Miranda readied herself. It was stunning, a moment of self-pity passed Miranda. Today she would finally meet Toni's man making this way too real… She would lose her friend.
Knowing it was selfish to be thinking about herself, but she couldn't help it, why wasn't she getting married, why wasn't anybody spoil her rotten and paying for her wedding? Would she ever be able to have a normal relationship? Find somebody who could love her enough to help her forget Alec? She was asked out a lot, especially by Chris, Toni's older brother. Miranda always politely declined his offer. He was the most persistent of anyone who wanted to date her. Chris was sweet enough, he had light brown hair, big brown eyes and a nice build. Sweet guy and all but Miranda was nowhere near ready to date again. If she were ready then Chris would certainly be the way to go.
Hurrying inside the elaborate hall, Miranda grabbed a schedule and passed through the double doors. "Miranda quickly you’re late…" Sarah, Toni's mother urged her in.
"I know Sarah, I'm so sorry," giving her a quick kiss on the cheek Miranda hurried along.
"There she is my dream come true." Chris held her and spun her around.
"Let go Chris! Toni will lose it, stop mucking up!" Miranda kissed him and made her way to the happy couple. They were talking to the priest and had their backs to the crowd. Miranda needed to take her position as bridesmaid. Quietly she stood by Toni's sister and gave her an apologetic smile.
Chris was making silly faces and Miranda had to refrain from laughing. Finally they were done. Priest left. Miranda hurried to apologies to Miranda. "Mira about time!"
"I know I'm sorry Toni" She embraced her.
"Alejandro this is Miranda Branford my best friend, Miranda this is the love of my life, Alejandro deAngelo."
As Miranda turned to finally meet Toni's fiancé her entire world froze. It was Alec! Looking drop dead gorgeous. "Nice to finally meet you Miranda." Oh my fucking god!
Alec was breathless. She looked fucking stunning. He had forgotten how much he missed her. Her face looked white as snow. "What's wrong Mira looks like you've seen a ghost?" Alec raised an eyebrow enjoying her discomfort, by god she was going to pay for her betrayal. "Mira honey?"
"I'm fine Toni, just a headache…"
"Ok maybe you need to sit down," he watched Miranda walk away clearly unable to steady herself. She sat herself down. Alec whispered to Toni that perhaps they should join her. "Are you sure baby, I mean you don't have to?"
"I insist Toni, I mean if she's important to you then she's important to me, come on that way I can get to know her." Plan was working like a fucking charm.
Miranda couldn't fathom what was happening. Carlos! He knew Carlos helped her escape, oh hell was Carlos okay? Was it coincidence that he was here really in love with Toni, or some elaborate plan to make her pay for her escaping? Oh fuck she needed to warn Toni!
To Miranda's horror Alec and Toni joined her. Alec sat in the chair beside Miranda. "Mira, Alejandro thought you might need company." Oh Toni please stop. Miranda needed to get away.
"I'm fine Toni, please don't fuss. I might just go home. I'll catch up with you tomorrow." Miranda tried to stand but Alec kicked her chair under the table making Miranda fall back into her chair.
"No Miranda I wouldn't dream of letting you go in this condition, wouldn't be very nice of me to let my fiancé's best friend go home unattended. I will take you home."
"Wouldn't want to trouble you. Thank you anyway." Miranda wouldn't look at him.
"It will be my pleasure no trouble at all," oh god oh god oh god!
"I think I'll stay I'm feeling better." Miranda was trying to come up with a way to flee from him.
"Okay honey I'll let you two get to know each other I need to just see what mum wants, are you going to be alright Mira?" Please don't leave me, oh god.
"She'll be fine, I'll make sure of, it" what the hell was she going to do now? What did he want?
"Miranda, Miranda, Miranda." Alec gave her that lopsided grin after Toni left. "Before you get any fucking ideas to run, let me give you the run down. Toni is a sweet girl yeah? Wouldn't want something to happen to her if you decided to make a run for it now would we?"
"Alec why are you doing this?"
"Why? You really need to ask?"
"I'm begging you... I'm begging you to leave."
"Couldn't do that Miranda, wouldn't do that to my fiancé. What sort of person do you take me for?"
"I swear to god I'll go to the police. You need to leave." Miranda was trying desperately to get him to go. Alec just laughed.
"Miranda let me put it in a way you'll understand. If you try anything, anything at all I'll slice Toni's throat right in front of you. Is that clear enough for you kid? I dare you to try me. Oh and another thing just for your knowledge, I own the fucking police!"
Miranda was trembling. Truly afraid of this madman. In the year without him, Miranda realized just how crazy he really was. His obsession was not something to be taken lightly. What she didn't understand was why her? He was a man used to getting what he wanted she understood that. What she didn't understand was she was willing to give him everything, hell she gave him everything. He owned her body and her soul now he wanted her sanity. Miranda was terrified not so much for herself, she learnt to deal with him. She was afraid for Toni's life, if Alec could murder his own flesh and blood why would he hesitate to kill Toni who didn't mean a thing to him?
"Toni has nothing to do with this, leave her alone and I'll do anything you want... Please I'm begging you." Alec shook his head and tsked.
"You will be begging Miranda, believe you me, you will be fucking begging. But at the moment I'm enjoying being with Toni, she's very adventurous and willing to do anything... If you know what I mean?" Miranda didn't know how to feel about them sleeping together. So he was here for her, no coincidence there. Everything Alec ever did was calculated so why did she even think otherwise?
Alec was so elated just to be back in control. How long had he be waiting for this moment. He had her exactly where he wanted her. Under his thumb. "So how are you two getting along?" Toni returned and pecked Alec on the cheek.
"Perfectly fine, wouldn't you say Miranda?" Smiling he dared her to correct him.
"Yes."
"Ok so we need to go away as a group. I've been dying to set Chris up with Miranda but she won't budge. He has tried everything too. Maybe you can change her mind Alejandro"
"Chris and Miranda? Maybe he needs to work on his tactics. But going away sounds like a great idea. I'll arrange it."
"You my love are a legend! I am the luckiest person in the world. I pray Miranda finally allows herself to meet somebody then she can be as happy as I am." Toni kissed Miranda. Moving to Alec Toni kissed Alec on the lips. She looked so in love. Miranda's heart was breaking for her.
The evening went without a hitch. Alec noticed Miranda avoided him and Toni the entire night. Alec on the other hand couldn't keep his eyes off her. Anywhere she went his eyes followed her. Chris the fucker was following her physically and it was irritating the hell out of him. By the time their dinner was over the bridal party started to leave.
Miranda had no idea how she was going to leave, fuck this was bad. Why didn't Miranda just stay with him? Let him do his worst at least it would be just her getting hurt. How could she warn Toni to stay away from him, and would Toni even believe her? This was bad, if she escaped again Miranda knew without a doubt that Alec would kill Toni exactly how he promised. Miranda was between a rock and a hard place.
Coming to the conclusion that approaching them was the best way, at least he wouldn't think she was running, Miranda cautiously walked towards them. She noticed Alec's hand on Toni's back stroking her as if lovingly. A twinge of jealously swept through Miranda.
"Hey Mira haven't really seen you all night, have you been avoiding us?" Miranda forced a smile.
"Hey honey, no of course not just trying to get everything right and sorted for your big day, anyway I have work at six so I'm gonna love you and leave you." Hoping she sounded legit Miranda kissed Toni on the cheek. "It was nice meeting you Alec I guess I'll see you at the wedding" Miranda held out a hand to shake his hoping he would play along. Yeah right Alec deAngelo never played along. He pulled her in and gave her a kiss on her cheek, which sent electricity shocks through her veins. Miranda quickly pulled away flustered.
"Why would you call him Alec, he's name is Alejandro." Fuck!
Alec was happy to watch Miranda squirm looking for an answer to Toni's question.
"She found it hard to pronounce my name, I told her to call me Alec." Miranda was relieved that Toni seemed to have bought that.
"Alec... It sounds so weird to call you Alec. Guess I'll continue to call you Alejandro."
"Okay so goodnight," Miranda turned and walked away. Hoping and praying he wouldn't think of something that would change her plans to fit his sick mind twisting scheme. Finally out the doors Miranda hurried to her car. Thanking her lucky stars that he had let her go for the night. Miranda quickly turned the key in the ignition. Nothing! Oh my god please not now please not now! Again she turned the key and nothing. Her car was dead!
Miranda screamed and hit the steering wheel. Why! He fucking thought of everything. Allowing her emotions to take over Miranda cried from anger and the unfairness of it all!
Alec was patiently waiting with Toni to finish off last minute things for the wedding. He knew at this point Miranda would realize he had tampered with her car. He smiled to himself. He could feel his cock throbbing. Oh Miranda you have not only unleashed the monster you have let him starve and now his angry as hell.
Get your shit together Miranda! You can work this out. Popping the hood open Miranda tried to inspect what he had done to her car. Not knowing much about cars and not being able to see much in the dark, Miranda prayed somebody other than Alec would come out. She didn't want to go back in. Call somebody you idiot. Retrieving her phone to call road service Miranda heard a noise and looked up.
"Mira what's happening?" Fuck it Toni please go home.
"Car won't start. It's okay I've got somebody coming. Road service should be here soon." She lied.
Alec moved near Miranda and pretended to look for the cause of the problem. "Looks like somebody's cut your wires, do you know of anybody who would do that?" Miranda was starting to hyperventilate.
"No idea."
"Well you can come with us. Have somebody come and look at it tomorrow."
"Thanks Toni but they should be here any minute and I'd rather do this now." Miranda wanted them to leave.
"Come on Mira I've got a real important appointment tomorrow, and I need to rest, today has been exhausting. Just come cos honestly babe I don't feel like waiting, these guys take hours to respond to calls. And before you say anything we are not going to leave you here alone this time of the night. They could be creeps or rapists or even murderers! So please let's go!"
"Hey baby, how bout you go get your beauty sleep. Take my car I'll hang out and wait with her, if that's okay with you Miranda?"
"I love you! Swear to god babe you’re too good to be true." Kissing him passionately on the lips, making Miranda turn away feeling very uncomfortable. "Okay I'm off" taking the keys from Alec and waving to Miranda Toni left them.