Wiping the sleep away from my face, I remember where I am.
In the fancy Park Hyatt, reserved for people with lots and lots of money. Holy hell, I’m lucky to be one of those people now.
Grandmother and I had talked all night about her, our family and she listened to every word I had to say.
I cried and sobbed, reliving the memories from those six years in hell with Dimitri. I yelled and cursed when explaining about how my father gave me willingly to the devil himself to rid him of his debts. And that my mother turned a blind eye to it. My body racked with anguish, rage, and sorrow throughout each word I spoke of the step by step encounter of the fateful night I helped kill my father. I crumbled into a small ball, filled with pain but, most of all, I felt dirty remembering how Dimitri had taught me how to be the best I could for his businessmen and their needs. How for six long years I was defeated and did things I shouldn’t talk to my ninety-year-old grandmother about. Hope filled me talking about how Alex saved me, more than once. The goofy look on my face and the pink flushes that took over my cheeks when I spoke about Alex conveyed how much I love this man. A man strong enough to deal with all my problems and his.
But throughout the entire episode, I felt as though I truly belonged with this great lady. I was loved unconditionally by her. Exhaustion had kicked in when we both saw the sun peeking its rays below the black night sky. We both decided to call it a night. I had crawled under the blankets, into the most gigantic plush bed I had ever seen, only removing my dress. I was asleep before I could whisper a thank you to her.
Cuddled up in the quilt, stretching my legs, I am fully rested. It’s one of the best nights-days sleeps I have had in a very long time. Purging my thoughts and my reality to this woman has freed up space in my mind and heart to accept that change is here.
Oh, dear god… Whipping the covers off my body, I scramble to find my clothes. Pulling the dress over my head, I walk out to the main room, bundling my hair up into a messy bun.
How the hell have I forgotten about Alex not knowing where I am?
He must be going out of his mind with worry about me… Crap… I’m certainly not a very thoughtful girlfriend… If that’s what I am?
“Are you all right, Isla?” Gran’s voice makes me turn to look at her. Dressed in a bright floral dress, similar to last night’s but full of color and cheer, her hair up in the same style as yesterday, her makeup perfectly applied. She is sitting at the large table we had started talking at last night. A paper in her hands and a hot cup of tea sitting on the table ready for her drink. What time is it? I’m sure I have slept half the day away.
Smoothing my hair back, she catches me off guard. “I forgot that Alex doesn’t know where I am. He will be searching for me. Oh fuck… Oh whoops, sorry.” Covering my mouth, I can’t believe I just swore in front of my proper grandmother.
She laughs, “It’s okay… Nothing I haven’t heard before in my lifetime.”
“But I must tell him I’m here and safe. He’s probably already started world war three with Dimitri.” Undoing my hair again, I slick it back with my hands and try again. Anything to keep my hands moving. I don’t really know what I’m going to do.
I don’t know his number.
I don’t have my purse or money.
I have no clue where his farmhouse actually is to get back there without being noticed by any of Sokolov’s men.
Will I call Jules? I have her number memorized from calling her every night. She could tell Kameron, which could be passed to Seth. And then to my man.
Calmly, she drinks her tea, while my mind whirls like a washing machine on spin cycle.
Jumping up straight, I like my plan. There’s an internal phone sitting on the small table near the lounge. I all but run to the phone.
“Isla, what are you doing?” Concern but strength emanates in her voice. “Come take a seat with me.”
“I need to call Jules. They need to tell Alex where I am.” Words stream hurriedly out of my lips.
“Stop. Isla… Come and sit down. We already have a plan in motion.”
What?
The receiver drifts to the table. The bang brings me back to the room. Lifting it back in its place, I sit down opposite this serene and powerful woman.
“Isla. After last night’s conversation, I have had some things happening to free you of all ties with Dimitri Sokolov. And possibly the world of his existence if it comes to it.” Her hands place the newspaper carefully down on the table.
Stunned and incapable of words, even if I could talk I wouldn’t know what to say.
“I need you to stay put here for a bit child, and when I give you the word, you can go to your Alex Raven. But not before then. That’s very important or everyone’s lives will be at risk.”
“How? What…?” Sighing, I give up trying to talk. “Okay.”
“That’s my granddaughter. I give you my word, and trust me, I’ve dealt with scum like this Sokolov before. They never win. Such cocky bastards who don’t see what’s coming because they think they’re infallible.”
It’s humbling to think an old woman can save my ass. But looking in her eyes, I see the truth and the hard choices she has made during her life. She’s strong for a reason. Dealt with thing’s I imagine I will never know about. Men who could possibly bring other grown men to their knees, I’m certain she has taken them out or been witness to it.
“Sounds like you’ve met him before.”
Sipping her tea, she adds, “I’ve met many men like him. None of them were ever able to stop my husband. You need to remember one thing, Isla. There’s always a strong woman behind a strong man. And make no mistake, as powerful and as mighty as they can be, you only have to say a word and they can be brought to their knees so easily.” A smile lights up her face, perhaps thinking of happier times with her husband. “They may dominate their business world, but we influence how they run it. And we definitely have the power when it comes to the bedroom. Men think they have it all, but a naked body renders them powerless. A little piece of information to keep stored for another day.” Cackling, she lights up the room with her vivacious laugh. She’s a live wire and I have no doubt she kept my grandfather on his toes.
I can’t help but laugh with her. I’ve experienced firsthand the affect my body has on Alex and I pray it continues until we are old and I have no breath left in my lungs.
She rings the bell, signaling for William. “Bring us another cup and some breakfast for Isla, please.”
Gosh, I think I need one of these bells… But only if it were Alex that came running… Naked would be good too.
Wiping my mouth, regaining some sense and not thinking about how Alex’s body controls mine so perfectly, oh… I’m thinking of his sexy ass again.
“What do I do?” Surely, there must be something I can do.
“You tell me what you think you would like to do with your inheritance. I want to guide you, Isla. Help you where I can. And I won’t get a chance to see Ben because I need to leave tomorrow, so I need you to explain everything to him as well.”
“But you’ve only just got here. He would love to meet you.” My heart sinks. We need her here longer. “Maybe we can visit you if I ever get free from Dimitri.” I’m making plans for a visit to England but I’m still hiding out from a madman who wants me as his personal prisoner and wife for life.
“Yes, that sounds lovely, you would be making an old woman’s dream come true. He will have no hold over you very soon, Isla. So, I’ll hold you to that. Now, tell me your thoughts on all this money you now have. What do you plan to do with it?”
The butler brings in my late breakfast, which is actually lunch. We got lost talking to each other again… I guess there’s no other choice at the moment but to talk to my grandmother.
“We have all the men on alert. If anyone hears about Isla, we will be there. All eyes are looking for her. Nothing will be left unexplored.” Smoke wafts around the head of Benito. His deep voice reassures us that we will find my Sweetness before Dimitri does.
The soldiers are watching Dimitri’s every move and no doubt they are watching us just as closely. We’ve been sitting in uncle’s room now for the past hour trying decide who the hell has her and why? Sokolov has that many enemies, it would be impossible to pinpoint one major threat. At this point in time, I would say we want him dead more than any other person alive.
“Kolton heard about movement within the Gambril family this morning, they are moving their soldiers in place for what could be a takeover of Sokolov’s drug empire here. He also believes that an unknown sector could be working with them to assist them in this takeover.”
Fuck, this is the opportunity we have been waiting for. “Do we get our hands dirty yet?” Liam fires at Benito. He’s as keen as I am to get this situation sorted out. Dimitri out of here, for good.
Uncle speaks, “We keep our distance as much as we can. If we can keep out of it and let them battle, then that’s what we do. You know we want to keep our hands as clean as possible. We need to be ready, but let’s not jump the gun just yet.” Liam nods and I sit back, squirming in my seat. I am ready to get on with my life… With Isla.
“I’m going to go and speak to Ben and Adeline. Has anyone spoken to them about why they are here?” My future family must be going stir crazy held up in their room.
Seth casually stretches his arms out, “I’ve spoken with them. Kameron came with me. We both sat down with them and explained about who Dimitri is and what his future plans would mean for Isla. Her mother knew the seriousness of this. But, Ben. Well, let’s say he had a lot of questions for his mother.” Stretching his neck, he continues, “Kameron didn’t know a lot about her situation either, but she assisted where she could, assuring both of them we are doing everything we can to help their family out of this mess created by Drake those many years back.”
Standing up, I need to move. “I can’t thank you enough, man.”
Uncle adds before I leave the room, “Keep alert, keep your phone on. This is happening soon, Alex.”
Jared interrupts, “We’ll wait here until we hear further instructions. But by the sound of things, this will happen tonight.”
“I won’t be far. And it’s my priority to put Dimitri where he belongs.” Heading for the doorway, I have to work out how I tell Isla’s mother she is missing without causing panic. Ben’s going to be the hardest to convince everything will be all right.
On the same floor as Uncle, it was necessary to keep them close to Benito and his most trusted men. Uncle will always be top priority. The guard outside the door raises his eyebrows and stands. I shake his hand. “I should be a while.” Knocking on the door, I wait. The lock rattles. Ben opens the door with a stern look piercing at me.
“About fucking time.” Ben’s not too happy to see me. Opening the door wider, I step through, making my way to the sitting area. They are in one of the most exclusive rooms I have in the resort. Freedom would be better, but they will have to suck it up for their own sakes at this present time. Adeline is watching a program on television and Ben has been doing much the same. Being told to hand over their phones when they were ushered up here when turmoil took place at the engagement party, Ben doesn’t seem very hospitable.
“Adeline, nice to see you again.” I bend down and give her a small kiss on the cheek before sitting on the seat opposite her.
Ben peers at me. “When can we leave?”
Twisting my head so I can look at Ben easily, my voice conveys I’m not mucking around. “You can leave when it is safe. I know Seth told you some of what is going on. But, if you want to see your sister again, I suggest you sit down and get comfortable.” Crossing my arms, I continue, “We are doing what we can to make certain Isla is safe. That includes you and your mother, Ben. You both are in danger until we can eliminate the threat from Sokolov.”
Pissed. His reaction is that of a small boy who only is thinking of what he is missing out on in his small world. “Fuck. I’ve got people to see and things to do.”
Taking a deep breath, I try and restrain myself. Leaning forward on my seat, I direct to him, “Do you want to see Isla again?”
“Of course.” With attitude he paces, looking out beyond the window.
“Well, sit the fuck down and wait until we give you the okay to leave here. The man outside is there to not only protect people from getting to you. But, also to stop you from leaving, for your own good.” Staring at Adeline and Ben, “I have enough to deal with without worrying about you as well. Isla has protected you both for as long as she can. It’s now time to do something for her.” Ben’s shoulders drop, and Adeline is deep in thought, looking straight through me. “So fucking sit tight and let us get her safely away from Sokolov.” I can’t help but raise my voice. My girl has put her life on hold, placed it in the hands of a murderer to keep him and their mother safe. I want to tell him everything but it’s not my place. Isla is the only one who can do that. My hands run through my hair. I close my eyes.
Adeline places a hand on my shoulder, “We trust you. And thank you for everything.” I’m weary but I need to keep positive. Rubbing my hands over my face, the stubble reminds me how long it has been since I saw Isla. “Can I get you a hot drink? Anything to drink?”
Considering I haven’t eaten and I have to stay near, I agree. “Sounds nice.”
Ben sits down, still not happy but amicable. “Tell me about yourself, Alex. Why have you decided to help my sister and my family?”
My elbows rest on my knees, I spear my eyes at Ben. “I love her…” It’s not complicated. It’s so very straightforward why it is my number one priority to help Isla. Smiling, I start talking about myself and Isla, Ben listens. It’s only been a relatively short time that we have known one another, but so profound and soul altering. Ben keeps steering the conversation back to Sokolov and how he is involved with their family. Adeline keeps herself busy acting as our hostess. Ben learns more bare facts from me about his father’s debt to Sokolov and how Isla has been helping to pay off his debts, even though his father is six feet under.
“Fuck, is this true, Mom?” Ben fires his question directly at Adeline and she freezes mid-sip of her cup of tea.
Looking shameful, she says, “Yes.”
Jumping in, I accusingly speak, “You need to know, Ben, Isla has suffered greatly under the hands of Sokolov. It’s her story to tell, and I know she won’t want to put you through hearing it, but you are here, alive today because of your sister.”
Sitting on the edge of the lounge, shoulders slumped, his eyes look saddened. “What has she been through, Mom? What is he hiding from me, what are you hiding?”
Adeline looks distraught. It’s hard to place any blame on anyone but their selfish father and Sokolov.
Crosses my ankles, trying to bring it back to a conversation we can safely talk about, I add, “Isla did everything she did because she loves you and your family, Ben. But let’s not keep talking about it. Isla can tell you in her own time.”
All of us are sitting down, contemplating how Isla’s actions have impacted on our lives. She lives to keep her family and her loved ones safe. Even at her own expense. After a while of silence, we relax enough to converse with each other, keeping my mind off the looming evil I am to face and Ben and Adeline’s thoughts away from the truth I have chosen to conceal.