Madison

 

Our first real argument was over something so silly.

Where did he get off, drawing a line in the sand? Alex would have to learn that I had a mind of my own, and that I was capable of asking for help when I needed it.

I heard my flight being called over the loud speaker and got in line to board.

“Take the private jet,” he’d said—no, he ordered me to take it.

I accepted the luxury home and his cars, but this? Seriously, it was three hundred dollars round-trip, compared to what? I couldn’t even begin to guess.

I had also overheard part of his conversation with Steel. What was next—bodyguards breathing down my neck? Perhaps next time he’d forego the argument and choose his battles a little more wisely.

The flight went by quickly, mostly because of my reaction to white noise. When it was present, I could easily drift into a deep sleep. I had my new manager Leonard, or Leo he insisted, pick me up so we could work at the manufacturers. I was planning for a long day.

“Miss Perry,” I heard as I stood at the luggage carousel. I turned, recognizing Leo’s voice.

“I won’t be long, Leo. How are you?”

I had only brought one bag because I still had personal belongings at the apartment. I just needed the necessities.

“Very good, ma’am, and you? How was your flight?”

“I slept right through it.” I offered him a smile. “Oh, here we go.”

Grabbing the small piece of luggage, then pulling it behind me, I paused to shake hands. Leo had been a crucial addition to my small team of employees, allowing me complete freedom from the day-to-day duties. He didn’t know it yet, but his hard work would be rewarded with a raise while I was on this trip. I needed his loyalty now more than ever.

The entire twenty-minute drive was full of nonstop design talk. An outsider would have viewed it as manic, but we loved what we did. I hadn’t had the opportunity to talk shop for a while, and we had a lot to catch up on. As we pulled up to the old brick building, I saw that the new sign had arrived: “Perry Designs Inc.” It had a metal base, but it was printed in scroll lettering, the dark grays and blacks a stark contrast against the aging motar between the rust-colored bricks.

I was greeted by the five full-time design assistants who physically took my drafts from paper or an electronic draft to the finished product. They had liberties to create different versions of my clothes cultivated from my original designs.

Each also had their own incubators—five white tables topped with five top-of-the-line sewing machines, five hanging racks filled with precious completed projects, female-formed mannequins, and steamers. Sitting in the middle were five large gray metal tables, workstations of their very own topped with fabrics and supplies. My original sketches lined the walls, one after the other. The Perry tag was enlarged and hung proudly over the door to my office, which was now Leo’s.

We spent hours discussing new ideas, goals, and everything creative. I ordered in for lunch, and afterward it was time for the financial summary. Leo followed me into my old office and gallantly waved a hand, offering the chair.

I declined. This was not what fulfilled me—the financial aspect, but I kept a very close eye on it, nevertheless. The buck stopped here.

“Leo, your dedication and commitment to this company hasn’t gone unnoticed. I’m overly impressed. I believe strong work ethics are rare these days, and you’ll be receiving a twenty-five percent raise—starting immediately.”

“Oh, Miss Perry, that’s most generous! Thank you.”

He seemed suddenly shy accepting my praise and financial reward for a job well done.

“Leo, you know this move is permanent, and I’m certain that more responsibility will fall on your shoulders. I wanted to compensate you prior to that.”

He nodded in understanding.

“One last thing. Can you please give me a lift home to my apartment?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

We drove in his older-model Honda as he told stories of his family in great detail.

I was elsewhere, my mind beginning to process the bittersweet change. The path to Alex had started here. I wasn’t sad, exactly. It felt more like growing pains, but the reward was waiting for me back in Reno. My decision had been quite easy. I wanted to share my life with the man I loved, and these were the steps I needed to take.

The sky had darkened, and we watched the low gray clouds gathering as we heard thunder rumbling in the distance. It was a stark contrast from this afternoon. The storm grew closer and closer, the wind howling as we approached my apartment building.

“Let me walk you up, Miss Perry.”

“That won’t be necessary. Why should we both get drenched?”

I offered him a smile.

“Take my umbrella then.”

“Thanks, I’ll see you in the morning.”

I opened his car door, a bullet of rain landed on my shoulder, a warning of what was to come. Suddenly, the rain grew stronger as I struggled to open the old umbrella. The wind gusted and the trees bent and swayed as I rushed up the stairs.

Inserting the key, I could barely make out the scratches and small dents in the metal door. As the rain and winds attacked from all angles, something cold and disturbing settled over me as a butterfly of fear flickered in my stomach. I opened the door quickly, ushering myself in. Then I hit the light switch on the wall.

The unexpected sight stilled me, as if this moment in time had paused. I swallowed slowly, silence descending as the images slammed through me.

The walls were covered with slurs, the angry red letters assaulting me.

Slut. Whore. Die, bitch.

My mind was reeling as my vision blurred. Everywhere I looked, there was destruction: furniture torn apart, or turned over. Slivers of broken glass glimmered. I could see tables and lamps knocked over, drawers opened and dumped. My clothes were slashed.

I wheezed in gulps of air in as fear darkened my thoughts. It was Graham, I could guarantee it. I stood in the same spot for a long time, afraid to go any further. I had never felt more alone.

“You bastard.”

Finding my phone, I immediately dial 911.

“What is your emergency?”

My blood was pumping inside me, making it hard to think.

“My home has been ransacked—possibly robbed. Can you please send help?”

I stumbled over the information she needed, and my voice hitched.

“An officer has been dispatched. Is there a chance the perpetrator’s still on the premises?”

Fear began to swallow me whole. It had never occurred to me—not for a split second—that I might still be in danger, that he may have been waiting, hiding in a closet, ready to attack me.

“I… I don’t think so, but I can’t be sure.”

She advised me to go to a neighbor, but I couldn’t. As a lone siren screamed through the night, its approach became louder, as if duplicating my silent screams. I disconnected the call, still shaken by the possible threat.

“Come, let’s get you out of the rain.”

The officer found me on the stairs, drenched by the rain holding the damaged, windblown umbrella, flooded in fear. His questions came fast and hard once he was exposed to the scene. I stood helpless as he searched every possible hideout, but he came back empty.

“I know this wasn’t a random act of violence or a coincidence. This was personal.”

I revealed the bits and pieces of the puzzle, drifting in and out of my memories of Graham Carrington. His terrible reputation was my main focus.

“Is the alleged suspect here in Sacramento?”

“No, at least as far as I know.”

But I believed he had personally took pleasure in every twisted act before me. His rage was out of control, I knew he hadn’t outsourced this to one of his goons.

“I’ll file a burglary report, as I can see the point of entry. The front door has significant damage.” As if sensing the stress was taking a toll, he turned to me. “I’ll need a statement soon. Has anything been stolen?”

“I don’t know.”

I squeezed my eyes tight, distancing myself from the war zone in front of me. Had I left anything of value here? What did it matter now? The things that had come to define me weren’t in this apartment. The truth was, I could walk away from it and never look back.

“No, Officer, I’ll be leaving it all behind. I’ll hire a crew to take it all away.”

“There will still be a report on file,” he explained.

“That may prove useful. Tonight, I’ll stay in a hotel. I’ll call a cab now.”

The weight of the night was sitting heavy on my shoulders. I’d allowed the panic and fear to fuel me until now.

The officer waited until we heard the honk of the cab’s arrival. I stepped out into a cloak of darkness. The shadows in the trees were unnerving in the night. The rain had slowed and was now a soft drizzle misting upon us as I entered the cab. I felt numb.

“The Westin Hotel, please.”

I was simply going through the motions, getting as far away from there as possible. I knew I needed to call Alex, and I would call him, but as the raw fear turned into rage, I needed to feel safe behind a locked door first. I needed to shower the filth off from Graham’s evil touch on my personal belongings.

Once I was safe and secure in my hotel room, I caved completely, my emotions finally manifesting into tears. How had it come to this? I’d thought this was over. Oh, how wrong I’d been. I wouldn’t make that mistake again. He been arrogant enough to think he could walk away from this unscathed, and I worried that he would.

I wrapped my hair in a towel after a long, hot shower. Then I ordered hot tea and finally took my first sip when it arrived. Reaching for my phone, I dialed Alex.

“Hey, beautiful.”

He had picked up on the first ring. His voice had soothed me for one brief moment before my memories came back. I tried to take a deep breath.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

Hearing my sigh, he pushed, his level of tension rising as I searched for a calmer version of events.

“I’m fine, and safe. Someone broke into my apartment and ransacked it. They wrote disgusting messages on the wall, but I’m confident about who’s responsible.”

“Fuck,” he growled down the line. “I’m coming to get you.”

I could hear his breathing pick up, the panic in him rising.

“Alex, wait. I’m safe in a hotel room, and I’ve changed my flight to leave here in the morning. I’ll be home by the afternoon.”

“I could send the jet.”

“That’s not necessary. I have things under control, trust me.”

I shared every detail with him. He needed to know everything.

I understood his anger, his rage, and his helplessness. I promised we would talk about options once I returned.

 

***

 

Sleep didn’t come easily. I was constantly replaying the horror in my mind like a loop repeating itself. My phone’s alarm woke me early, and I could barely function, but I rallied, the memory of last night slamming into me like a freight train. I fought the sudden urges to allow it in and to consume me. Doing that meant he would win, and I couldn’t let that happen.

 

Alex was standing in the waiting area of the airport when I arrived, his anxiety spilling over, trapped among the dozens of other people awaiting their family. I could read his thoughts as his hand ran through his hair. “If she had used the company plane, she would have been in my arms an hour ago.”

Our eyes met seconds before our bodies collided. The rawness of our emotions bounced between us as I fell into my safety net within his arms. I could sense his obvious regret at what had happened, but it had been my decision to go alone.

“Are you all right now?”

He was holding me back, gripping my shoulders so he could see me properly.

“Yes,” I lied, thinking the worst was over. “I’m just happy to be home with you.”

He took my hand, snaking through the busy airport. My suitcase was following behind me. Finally, we reached the waiting car.

“Where’s the R8?”

The driver popped the trunk and got out, putting my suitcase inside as Alex opened the door. I climbed inside as he followed. Then he gathered me close, both arms wrapped protectively around me.

“I can’t do this in the R8.”

I felt his finger under my chin, lifting it as his lips brushed over mine, gently soothing, comforting me.

I knew the discussion to come, and I’d prepared for it, but to my surprise, once we reached home, he only wanted to comfort me, as did my parents. Then I was back in his arms. He was lost in thought, and apprehension surged between us.

 

***

 

The next several days were filled with finalizing the apartment. It was easy enough to accomplish long distance. Leo emailed me almost daily with updates, images of the completed designs, and an array of other information. It left me with little to do but design.

One morning Alex approached my office, and I could feel the dark energy rolling off him before the words were even said.

“One of Steel’s men will be keeping an eye on you when you are out, but you won’t even notice him,” he said, pacing. “I have to know you’re protected, Madison. For my own peace of mind, as well as yours.”

Did I want this? No. But I wouldn’t fight it.

“I understand if this makes you uncomfortable, but after the last turn of events, we’re left with little choice.”

“I understand.”

His screech to a halt surprised me, as he looked completely perplexed by my lack of protest.

“Well, okay then.”

“Let the guy know I have to stop by Eden’s to drop off her dress. She’s got her final fitting, and I have to fulfill my maid of honor duties.”

He nodded in understanding.

 

***

 

When I arrived, I was slightly nervous, cradling the gown in the garment bag in my arms. My signature was on it.

I knocked, looking over my shoulder to the man who’d followed me here. I had acquiesced to the new addition to my routine who was sitting in his car. For now.

“You’re here!”

Eden was practically bursting with joy. I felt pressure, but I followed her in.

“Let’s go to the spare bedroom. I moved everything in there. Poor Theo was overwhelmed with our dining room piled sky high with stuff.”

Her high energy was catching, despite my worries.

“I’m nervous.”

I had to admit it. Although Eden had approved my design, it could be quite different when you saw it in person.

“Stop, just stop.” Her hands were on her hips. “I’ve seen your work, and you’re amazing.”

I followed her into her a completely chaotic room. It looked like a total mess to my eyes.

“We’ll need your shoes, too, to check the length.”

I watched as she got down on her hands and knees. As she reaches deep into a closet, she triumphantly held one shoe up.

“Found it!”

“I’ll hang the dress by the full-length mirror.”

She stripped down to her strapless bra, her breasts spilling over the top and matching panties.

I unzipped and carefully pulled out the gown. Then I heard a huge intake of air as Eden covered her mouth.

“You kept all my mother’s beading and embroidery.”

A tear fell down her face as she shimmied into the pure white satin. The off-the-shoulder lace was embellished with her mother’s original, antique jewels. They were delicately placed upon the only lace on the gown, which rested just off her shoulders and across her collar bone. Her natural curves were enhanced by the satin. It had a slight ruching along the sides, for comfort.

“Theo’s going to love this.”

As she ran a finger lightly over the lace, her breast peeked over the top. It was the perfect fit for her waist and thighs. The sheath style and chapel train was quite delicate. Then she added the shoes. I pulled on the veil, which had hints of the same embroidery down each side.

“This will trail a few feet longer than the gown.”

I placed it on top her dark curls, gently drawing it out to full length.

“Oh Madison, it’s perfect.”

She wiped her tears away.

“I’m thrilled you like it. You look like an angel.”

She turned left than right, riveted on the dress she would get married in.

I shared in that joy, because my brother was marrying someone I considered to be a dear friend.

“Not to outshine the bride, I will be wearing a slightly different version, in blush. It will keep some of the elements of the original, and include some new ones as well.”

We were only days away from the big day now.

“How many guests are coming? I know you wanted it small and intimate.”

“That’s easy, I can name them all. Obviously, the wedding party, which is the four of us, plus Gage, who’s walking me down the aisle. His plus-one, Christopher, the planner, her staff, and I have a handful of college friends, several of my parents’ close friends, Ben and Jordon, and your parents. There’s also Theo’s secretary, several college friends of Alex’s and Theo’s, Janelle, and a few I haven’t met yet. The total number is still under twenty-five.”

Janelle?

I’d let that go, but not before a fleeting moment of jealousy ran through me. I helped Eden out of the gown and put it back into its protected black bag.

“We don’t want Theo getting a peek!”

“Honestly, he completely avoids this room. It just provokes panic attacks with his need for order.”

I rolled my eyes as we shared a laugh.

“It’s better than him throwing himself onto the floor kicking and screaming in a temper tantrum.”

My body stiffened at the sudden memory, the first real scene I’d recalled since our reunion. Funny that it would be that incident.

“How’s the planning going?”

Trying to distract my inner thoughts, I walked with her over to her whiteboard. I was amused to see checks by everything.

“Wow, that’s impressive.”

Her eyes sparkled as she glanced my way.

“Everything is in place.” She beamed. “Now, if everyone can just do as they promised, we will all be good.

“What time do you need me here?”

“Just a couple hours before, to help me with the dress and go over last-minute details. I assume it’s the same for Alex, and feel free to take the tour when you arrive. I would love to get your opinion on the finished results.” Then the corners of her mouth turned up. “Thank you so much for everything!”

“You’re welcome. So, you’re sure you don’t want a bachelorette party? No wedding shower? Last chance.”

“No. We decided that this was about our vows, and focusing on the end result—becoming husband and wife.” Her lower lip trembled as she fought back tears once again. “I have to get all the tears out before the big day.”

“True. Call me if you need anything, otherwise, I’ll see you the day of.”

I left with an array of feelings. Relief that Eden loved her dress and the excitement of the wedding, but the peculiar memory had me oddly puzzled. With everything else going on, why would I remember it now?

 

***

 

When Alex and I pulled up to Theo and Eden’s home on the day of the wedding, we could see the valet.

“Nice touch,” he said, getting out the car. “Can we assist with any packages?”

One of the young men replied. “Please take the garment bags to the bride and groom, but make sure you guard them with your life.”

“You may want to ask for collateral,” Alex teased. “This car is like my firstborn child.”

The young man appeared nervous, so I decided to pity him.

“He’s kidding, but just be careful.”

The other young man took our keys and we discovered that we were the first to view Eden’s creation. There was a warm welcome sign, hand calligraphed on a black chalk board, pointing us and all the guests to circle to the backyard. We made the turn, overwhelmed by a sense of awe.

“Cool.”

Alex picked up a pair of sunglasses from the array of baskets sitting on the table. There were also white umbrellas for the sun, flip-flops, and disposable cameras for “had-to-be-there” moments.

We moved over to the pool area next. It was covered with a clear plexiglass for dancing. Small round tables surrounded us, each were hidden in all the nooks and crannies, covered in white linens and tan-cocoa table runners. There was lush centerpieces, with a colorful mixture of sunflowers, tiger lilies, and dahlias—to name a few.

The wedding party table was set on a platform. It carried the same design, except the length of the four chairs were all embellished with the same flowers.

“We’ll sit here, on either side of the bride and groom. Did you work on your speech?” I asked him.

“What speech?”

He was teasing—I hoped.

The bar was stationed closer to the house, and an overhang protected guests from the sun. I could see where the music would be set up, slightly off to the left of the main reception area.

“Check out the hanging lanterns,” Alex commented, I looked up to see all styles and colors of them floating with candles inside.

“Who’s lighting all those?”

“The wedding planner has help. Don’t worry, Alex.”

He reached for my hand as we moved on.

“A popcorn stand?”

I giggled at his youthful enthusiasm. Truthfully, who didn’t love popcorn? When we reached the cobblestone pathway, we found more lanterns hanging in trees. The twinkling lights overhead just added to the overall ambiance.

As we moved along the path, unique surprises were scattered from left to right. A canoe filled with ice, beer, soda, and water. There was a wood sign above it which simply said, “Grab and Go.” A swing bench for two sat under an old oak, which was decorated. These were all romantic touches that we couldn’t resist enjoying.

“Eden pulled it off perfectly, and it’s not even underway yet,” I said as we both swayed in the swing, shaded from the sun. “We need something like this, don’t you think?”

“I agree. This entire party is pretty amazing—as far as weddings go.”

“And how much do you know about weddings?”

“First stop to the honeymoon?”

He grabbed me and kissed me.

When we reached the raised altar, it was covered in the exact flowers seen throughout the rest of the magical scene. Edison bulbs were hanging crisscrossed over the guest chairs and around the altar.

Alex stood on the platform, holding his hand out.

I hesitated, thinking that their altar was sacred.

“Come, baby, just for a moment.”

I joined him face-to-face, our hands joined.

“Someday, Madison.”

“Someday?”

“You’ll be mine, forever.”

Asilent question hung in the air between us. Promises of the future, of what was to come.

“Yes,” I answered. I wanted all this, too, so I placed a kiss on his lips, sealing the deal.

“We need to get to our stations,” Alex said, breaking the moment we shared, but I knew there would be opportunities to kindle this particular conversation in the future.

When we reached the kitchen, he went his way and I went mine.

 

***

 

“Knock, knock,” I said softly.

“Madison, is that you?”

I opened the door to see Eden had a makeup artist and hair stylist working on her simultaneously. The sunshine filled the room and spilled a ray of light focused entirely on her. It felt almost spiritual, as if her mother might actually be sharing this moment with her within those rays.

I kept it to myself as my eyes welled up.

“You look so beautiful, and you’re not even dressed yet!” I saw the gown and her veil hanging side by side. Her shoes and undergarments were all in position. “How can I help?”

“Just be with me. The planner will do everything else. Did you have a chance to tour the back?”

The memory of Alex’s touch and his words on the altar sparked a fire deep within me, fueled by emotion, love, and the future.

“It’s spectacular, more than I dreamed. You did an amazing job, Eden.”

She blushed, and then there was another knock on the door.

“You-hoo! Little dove, it’s your big day,” Gage said as he strolled in and bent to air-kiss both of Eden’s cheeks.

Her gaze fell to his royal-blue tux and black velvet lapels. A black bowtie and black pants completed the look, along with his alligator shoes.

“You really played it down today,” Eden teased him.

“Not. A. Word,” he answered her playfully. “The fuchsia was already taken, so count your blessings.”

This caused everyone to break out in laughter.

“How’s Mr. Perfect?”

Gage was sitting on her bed, one leg crossed over his knee. He was also viewing himself in the mirror, seemingly pleased at the results.

“Perfect,” she answered. “And Christopher? That hot piece of…?”

“Ho. Keep your eyes diverted from my man, please.”

His voice raised a few octaves as his hand flew through his perfect hair. Then he reached over to turn Eden’s music on.

“Is this a funeral, or what?”

Her giggles and his slap shots turned the room inside out. I decided I was sticking by Gage tonight. I imagined that fun followed him wherever he went.

“Are you here to make trouble, Gage?”

“Me? Gee, thanks.” His hips were moving of their own accord to the beat of the music.

After another knock, a tray of champagne and a round of glasses appeared.

“See why you keep me around?”

There was another rap on the door.

“Not me!” Gage shouted.

I open the door to see Alex in his black tuxedo, holding a small gift box. I melted at the sight in front of me, almost coming undone on the spot.

The sexy beast was grinning ear to ear.

His wink acknowledged the look on my face. What he couldn’t see were my wet panties and the ache between my legs.

“I know your body very well, Madison,” he whispered, his eyes all dark and sinful.

Christ.

“This is for the bride, from the groom.”

Then he just disappeared, leaving me desperate and wanting.

“Fuck-a-luscious.” This was high praise from Gage. “Yours, huh?”

“How’d you know?”

“The floor melted beneath him.”

Gage snorted softly, then we all changed our focus as Eden opened her gift. She pulled out a letter first.

 

Eden,

Marry me, and be mine forever. When the preacher asks you to place the ring on my finger, this is the ring I want you to use—my father’s wedding band.

Your groom awaits.

Love,

Your future husband

 

The band was simple—even a little scratched. It was obviously worn, yet loved. I noticed it was silver, with a scroll design. Several of Eden’s tears hit the letter, disfiguring several letters as the ink spread. We all attempted to save her makeup, but I was weeping as well.

“I’m going to get dressed.”

I desperately needed to find a private bedroom and text Alex.

 

You’re such a tease. Find me—and fuck me.

 

His reply was instantaneous.

 

On it.

 

Exciting anticipation flowed through me as I waited for him to make good on his word. Two minutes later, the soft knock finally came as I stood in my robe.

“What took you so long to text me?”

He was always so sure of himself, and I wanted to fuck that smirk right off his face.

He locked the door, then turned as I opened my robe and lay flat on the bed.

“Fuck, Madison, you don’t play fair.”

I watched as he fought to take off his jacket. I smiled at his urgency.

“Yeah, neither do you.”

Then his fly caught a snag, slowing the process.

“It’s stuck.”

“Yes, I can see that.”

I amused myself by reaching down and rubbing between my legs.

“One second, please.”

Once his pants were hanging at his thighs, he flipped me over and pulled me toward him.

I had seconds before he pushed inside, his deep thrust slamming into me.

“Shhh… I know how loud you can be.” he whispered.

I could feel his shaft pulsing inside my warm, wet heat as I engulfed his throbbing cock.

“Me? I beg to differ.”

“This won’t take long, baby.”

Pure animal desire took us both over in a heat-peaked instant. Within a few strokes, I was coming, my inner muscles clenched as my climax surrendered. He soon followed.

“Jesus Christ, Madison.”

He stilled.

“Sorry, babe, but time’s up,” I said, looking over my shoulder with a huge grin.

“What?”

He pulled out, locating my strategically placed towels on the bed. Then he straightened, putting himself back together as I pushed him out the door.

“You’re welcome,” he said as the door closed. “I hope milady was pleased with the service.”

I cracked up and dressed in record time. I fixed my hair and was back in Eden’s room just in time to help.

I glanced out her window. Guests had arrived, and there was a dozen worker bees all operating in a choreographed dance.

Once in her gown, veil, and shoes, I handed her the wedding bouquet and placed her in front of the full-length mirror.

She took one look at herself and became speechless.

“Ready?”

“I’m nervous.”

“That’s normal. Every bride feels that way.”

Her violet eyes gazed into mine.

“I’m ready.”

 

***

 

“It’s a perfect day,” I said, standing only inches in front of Eden, preparing to walk out the French doors.

Her veil was lowered as Gage moved by her side. The smile between them was tender as he offered her his arm.

“I should have rubbed one off before seeing Christopher in that damn sexy suit and tie.”

Leave it to Gage to shock the nerves away as we all belly laughed.

“Ow! Stop pinching, I was only joking, and that will leave a bruise,” he said, smiling down at his best friend. “Now you’re ready.”

I stepped out first, signaling the music. “Clair de Lune” played on one violin and one cello. Once we reached the curve in the cobblestone pathway, all eyes fell on me, but I only focused on the best man who held my heart.