Chapter 19
Bentley
Greg’s suicide made the news, but faded quickly from the headlines. After several weeks, we had a visit from his lawyer, Hank Godwin, who was acting on behalf of Greg’s sister, the executor of his will. He extended an offer for us to purchase the pieces of property Greg had bought from under us months prior to his death.
In addition, the final paperwork for the last piece hadn’t been completed before he died, and we had been offered the opportunity to purchase by the city, since we technically should have been the highest bidder. I was still thinking about it, unable to make a final decision on that parcel of land. It felt tainted.
The asking price surprised me. I looked at him over the documents, and handed them to Aiden. Maddox sat on the sofa, watching us with interest.
“This is less than the current market value.”
Removing his glasses, he polished them, took in a deep breath, and nodded. “The estate has some sizable debts against it. We are looking to liquefy the assets as efficiently as possible.”
That surprised me. “I see.”
“May I speak frankly, Mr. Ridge? I have my client’s permission.”
I waved my hand. “Of course. Whatever you say in this room remains between us.”
“Mr. Tomlin—Greg—had developed a gambling problem over the past couple of years. He began placing larger wages to try to make up what he lost, but as we all know, that rarely pays off.”
“Gambling?” I glanced at Aiden and Maddox with raised eyebrows. It seemed so out of character for the person I had believed Greg to be. They looked surprised, as well.
“He liked cards. Poker, especially. He borrowed against his home and removed money from his company to the point there was really nothing left. We are trying to salvage what we can.”
“Wow.”
He continued with a nod. “Greg and Cindy weren’t close. In fact, she hadn’t seen him in five years. My client wants to sell the assets he had left, settle what debts she can, and move on. As you can imagine, this has been a trying time for her.” He cleared his throat. “She was made aware of the, ah, lengths, he had gone to in his last few days, and she felt you should be given the chance to get back what should have been rightfully yours.”
Maddox spoke up. “Will this sale cover his debts?”
“Almost. Once the rest of the estate is liquidated, it will be close.”
Aiden and I shared a glance, and I looked toward Maddox. He dipped his chin, and I stood, extending my hand. “Let me talk with my partners. I’ll be in touch before closing today.”
Mr. Godwin shook my hand. “Cindy asked me to convey her sincere apologies for what occurred. She wants to believe Greg suffered some sort of breakdown due to the stress of his addiction.”
“She owes me no apology. It was Greg’s actions, not hers,” I replied tersely. “I’ll get back to you later today.”
Aiden showed him out, and I sat, counting to ten in my head the way the counsellor suggested. I flexed my hands and took a calming breath, repeating the exercise. Any time someone mentioned Greg, I had the same reaction, and listening to someone else apologize for his behavior was too much.
“Okay, Bent?”
I exhaled one last time, and opened my eyes. “Yep.”
Maddox looked over the documents. “What do you think?”
“I think I don’t want any part of any of that land, giving the blood that’s been shed over them.”
He pursed his lips thoughtfully. “Or . . .”
“Or what?”
“We buy it all, like we originally intended. Then we do some good with them.”
“I thought we were going ahead with the condo tower. We all agreed.”
“Let’s change it a little.”
Aiden crossed his arms. “I’d like to hear what you’re thinking, Maddox.”
“Seven floors instead of ten. Across the street, on the new piece, make it higher, with more the usual type of condos on both sides of the building. The top floors get the view, the other side a city view. Make it more affordable than its neighbor across the way, but still special. Keep it ours.”
“The other pieces?”
“Parks. We’ll build them, then donate them to the community. Some good can come out of this mess.”
I leaned my chin on my fingers, mulling over what he said. He and Aiden talked; their voices muted as I went through various scenarios. What they said made sense. Someone was going to buy the land and build. We could control it. Give something back.
Still, something felt off. I lifted the papers from Mr. Godwin, and realized what had to happen.
“If we do this, I’ll pay fair market value.”
Maddox frowned in confusion. “Bentley?”
“I’ve been told that to move forward I have to forgive and let it go. To forgive means I have to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe his sister is right—it all became too much and he stopped thinking with the logic I know he was capable of. I don’t know, and I can’t pretend to understand. I can’t believe the man I trusted all those years was some sort of psychopath. However, I know one thing—I won’t compound this entire fucked up situation by getting a deal on the land that cost someone so much. I pay full market value, his sister can pay off his debts, and we move ahead.”
Aiden and Maddox glanced at each other, then Aiden spoke up.
“Under that stuffed shirt, you’re a good man, Bentley.”
“Whatever.”
Aiden grinned. “You’re still an ass, but a good man.”
I rolled my eyes at his teasing, and Maddox chuckled. “I’ll make the call, if you want.”
“Yeah, do that. Stop slacking off and lounging on my sofa. Get me some numbers.”
“How about the number for the local pizza place? I’m starving.”
Aiden clapped his hands. “Excellent idea. I think I need an extra-large of my own.”
“As usual.” Maddox and I spoke up at the same time.
“Hey, I need to keep up my strength. I’ve got boxes to move later for your Emmy.”
That made me smile. It was official. Tomorrow she was moving in permanently. I tapped my pocket, feeling the surprise I had for her. I hoped she liked it.
“Pizza, then after lunch maybe we can get some work done?”
Aiden saluted me, his middle finger prominent, then left, shouting for Sandy. Maddox grabbed his phone and called in the usual pizza order, the file tucked under his arm.
For the first time in weeks, things felt as if they were getting back to normal.
**
We’d piled Emmy’s boxes into one of the empty rooms on the top floor. I scowled as I looked at them. There weren’t many—only six. It made my chest constrict, thinking of how little she had. I wanted to give her everything she could ever ask for—except she never asked.
She brought no furniture with her, insisting none of it would fit into the style of my house.
“It’s yours as well now, Freddy,” I reminded her.
She shook her head. “The few pieces I had were old when I got them and whoever moves in can have them. I brought my books and the things I loved the most. One day I’ll figure out where to put them.”
I took her hand. “I think I have a place.” I led her down the hall to the room closest to her favorite part of the house. I opened the door with a flourish. “Your own space.”
She went in ahead of me, her hand covering her mouth as she looked around. An old-fashioned, delicately carved desk sat in front of the windows, the view of the oak trees spread out before us. Shelves lined one wall for her books and anything else she wanted to put there. The laptop I bought for her was on the desk, and all the extra equipment I knew would make life easier for her was added and ready to use. I made sure to have a thick rug installed, and in the corner where the sunlight lay the longest daily, was a deep chair and ottoman in a bright blue, piled high with lacy pillows and a thick blanket to ward off the constant chill she felt. The walls were a dove gray, and the accents were all white. It was light, airy, and feminine.
She stepped forward, running her fingers along the satin of the wood on the desk.
“Do you like it?” I asked with a smile.
“It’s beautiful.”
“It was my mother’s. I never had a place for it, but I want you to have it.”
Her tear-filled eyes met mine, her dark gaze shimmering in the light.
“How?” she asked, astonished.
I grinned. “Aiden, Dee and Cami. Apparently, he loves shopping as much as they do, and they put it all together for you. Andrew made sure it was all arranged and kept it a secret.”
“I was okay in the sunroom. You didn’t have to do this!”
“Emmy, you’re going to want a space of your own. To study, chat with the girls, or escape when I piss you off. The sunroom—any room—is yours to use, but this space is only for you.”
She flung her arms around my neck. “I love it! Thank you.”
I lifted her easily off the floor, keeping her in my arms as I pressed a kiss to her neck. “Good.”
“It feels like a dream.”
I shook my head. “It’s very real, I assure you.”
I set her on her feet, dropping a fast kiss to her nose. “I have something else to show you.”
“You’ve given me enough.”
“No. I’m just starting, Freddy.” I pointed to the shelf. “Recognize that?”
She peered up at it and gasped. “My picture! It’s so clear!”
“Reid knew someone who enhanced and altered it. The original is safe.” I bent and pressed on a hidden door at the bottom on the shelves. “Right here with your rucksack.”
Once she had given it to me, she had never asked about it, showing me her trust about keeping it safe for her. A stifled sob escaped her mouth as she peered into the cupboard. “It’s fireproof, and once you set the combo on the wall, lockable. You will never lose what is inside, Emmy. It’s safe—like I promised.”
“Thank you.” Tears glimmered, and she wiped them away. “I-I have no other words.”
I sat on the chair, and pulled her to my lap, feeling strangely nervous. “You entrusted something to me that was precious to you, and I want to do the same thing.”
“You have, Bentley. You gave me your heart. Your home.”
“No, I have something else.” I pressed the flat box into her hand. “I want to entrust this to you.”
Her hand shook as she opened the box. Her eyes grew round as she looked at the contents.
“Bentley,” she breathed out. “These are . . .”
I lifted the delicate pendant from the box. The small chocolate diamond caught the light, glimmering the way her eyes did. It was nestled in a filigree of gold, and set off with four polished accents. “The pearls. My mother’s pearls.”
“But you carry them with you everywhere!”
I slipped the chain around her neck. “And now you will. We’ve shared our past, and now it’s time to start our future. I’ll keep your rucksack safe; you hang on to my pearls. We’ll safeguard each other’s hearts. Deal?”
Her lips were soft against mine. “Deal.”
**
The office was quiet, the afternoon almost over. I looked out at the heavy clouds, wondering if we would get snow today. I tried to recall if Emmy had worn her new coat this morning, then shook my head in amusement. Of course, she would have. She’d sleep in it if I let her. Light, filled with down, she said it was the warmest thing she’d ever owned.
Her thanks had certainly warmed certain parts of me.
I shifted in my chair thinking of that night, and adjusted myself. Maybe I should head home early, relax with her since she wasn’t in the boardroom with Maddox and Aiden working on the expanded Bentley Ridge Estates. She was such a bonus to the project, bringing fresh ideas to the table. My partners enjoyed spending time with her, and they found her intelligent and diligent. I loved hearing her laughter throughout the office and listening to her creative ideas. She was amazing, and I hoped to persuade her to have an office of her own here once she graduated. She could run her business, and I would happily be her first client, even though I knew she had more to offer than graphic design. I could foresee a time when she was part of my team. In every aspect.
She had agreed to see the counsellor Colin had recommended, and I went with her. I was surprised to find how much the sessions helped each of us in different ways. Chloe saw us separately, and on occasion we went together, if she felt it was necessary. Emmy’s nightmares had mostly ceased, and although she was still skittish in public at times, it was better. I was learning to deal with my anger in a positive way rather than yelling at those I cared for the most, and she was helping each of us come to terms with our pasts. I was incredibly proud of Emmy for not only her strength but also her resilience and determination to move forward. She inspired me to do the same.
Thinking about her made me miss her more than usual. I picked up my phone, sending her a text.
Hey, Freddy. What are you up to this afternoon?
Her reply was prompt.
Studying.
Are you at home?
No, I was feeling nostalgic and am at Al’s with Cami.
I chuckled at her words, deciding not to say anything about wanting to see her.
Okay. See you at home.
She sent back a heart emoji along with my favorite words.
I love you.
Aiden strolled in, sitting on the sofa, kicking his feet up on the coffee table. He munched away on a huge pastry, throwing a grin my way. “What’s up?”
“Your cholesterol. That’s your third one today.”
“Fourth. Not my fault Sandy brought in a box of them and I can’t resist. It was the last one left and everyone has gone home. I can’t let it go to waste.”
“Of course not., I replied dryly. “You have no self-control.”
He snorted. “You have enough for both of us”—he paused with a smirk—“Rigid.”
“Fuck you.”
“No thanks, you’re not my type.”
It was my turn to smirk. “No, I suppose not. I don’t have dark hair with green eyes and can put you in your place in about five seconds flat.”
We glared at each other. As private as I was with my relationship with Emmy, I had no idea what was happening with Cami and Aiden. There was something, of that I had no doubt, but he refused to discuss it, and Emmy hadn’t been able to get much from Cami. Obviously, he wasn’t going to share today, either. I had tried to talk him into counselling, but he refused to go, insisting he didn’t need to talk to anyone about Greg or anything else. No matter how much I tried to convince him, he was adamant in his refusal. Maddox told me to ease off and allow him to work it out on his own.
“Forcing him to go is a waste. He’s a grown-ass man, Bent. When he’s ready, he’ll bite the bullet.”
I had backed off, not wanting to drive a wedge between us. However, I could give him a nudge in the right direction.
“Emmy and Cami are at Al’s, studying. I thought I might surprise her and take her to an early dinner or something.”
Aiden sat up a little straighter. “Oh, yeah? You want me to take you there?”
I shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Frank can drive me.”
“I should probably go with you, you know, make sure everything is okay.”
Life had gone back to normal since Greg’s passing. No more notes, only the random, odd letter demanding my money, as per usual. Aiden had finally relaxed and was no longer my constant shadow; although he still came with me to every meeting. I needed him more for his incredible memory retention than security, and I hoped it stayed that way. I couldn’t resist poking the bear though.
“I think I’m fine on my own. Unless something happened that I need security with me?”
“No,” he admitted with a frown. “It’s not a great area, though, and I should check with Al on those improvements we made, though. Plus his fritters are damn awesome.”
He needed more food?
“His fritters . . . right.”
“Bent—” he warned.
I shut down the laptop and stood. “Well, if you want to make sure everything’s going okay there and get a fritter, you’d better come with me then.”
He jumped to his feet. “Okay.”
When we arrived at Al’s, I went toward Emmy’s spot. Cami glanced up and saw me coming, then spotted Aiden in the line waiting for his fritter. She said something to Emmy, who nodded, not even glancing up from her laptop. Cami went past me with a grin, laying her hand on my arm, brushing my cheek with her lips.
“She’ll love you came for her,” she murmured. “She keeps looking at her phone.”
I winked and waited for a moment, pulling out my phone and taking a picture of Emmy. My once empty camera roll was now filled with pictures—mostly of her, but of us, our friends, our life, an us. For the first time, I had good memories to capture and keep.
The light over the table caught her earrings and glinted off the rings on her fingers as she typed away. Her hair was up, her tattoo on display, and her new coat wrapped around her shoulders. I had discovered another favorite color on her. The brilliant red fabric looked lovely against her skin. I had bought her another shawl in the same color, silencing her objections with kisses as I draped it over her shoulders one night.
“I know you’re there.”
I dropped a kiss to her head and sat across from her.
“Stalking me again, Rigid?”
I leaned over and snagged a piece of her muffin. “Is it still stalking if we live together?”
She looked up with a grin. “No, it’s obsessive, then.”
“Guilty as charged. I am obsessed with you.”
“Is that a fact?”
“Totally. You’re on my mind more than anything else in my life.”
She leaned back, staring, her eyes slowly travelling over me. She closed the lid of her laptop, not saying anything, but continued to stare. Her gaze was frank, open, and I felt my cock stir at her appraisal.
“See something you like?”
She leaned forward, her voice low. “I love what I see.”
“Tell me.”
“I see you. Bentley. The sexiest, sweetest, kindest—” she paused and licked her lips—“dirtiest man I know.”
“Not how most people describe me.”
“I love the fact the world sees you one way, and I get to see the real you.”
“The real me, needs to take you home now.”
“I . . .”
I tapped the top of the scarred wooden table. “Now.”
She stood fast, almost toppling her chair. She grabbed her messenger bag, shoving the laptop inside.
She hesitated. “Uh . . . what about Cami?”
I glanced over to see her and Aiden deep in conversation. He looked up and I tilted my head to the door. He grinned and went back to talking with Cami.
“I’ll send Frank back for her and Aiden.”
“Okay, that works.”
I caught her in my arms, kissing her hard. It didn’t matter we were in a public place; I didn’t care who was watching anymore. I pulled away, smirking at the pink deepening her cheeks.
I tugged her behind me, stopping only long enough to clap Aiden on the shoulder.
“We’re out.”
“I can see that.”
“Try it. You might like it.”
He shook his head, escorting Cami back to the table we had deserted. I smiled at Emmy, thinking how much happiness she had brought to my life. I threw one last look back at my friend, wondering why he didn’t see what I could. Cami could do the same for him.
He needed to figure it out.
Because, despite what he thought, he deserved it.
I opened the car door, letting Emmy slide in first, then sitting beside her.
“Home, sir?”
I glanced at Emmy, each of us feeling the same way. As long as we were together, we were already home.
I tucked her close and smiled.
“Yes, Frank. Take us home.”
A sneak peek at Book 2 – Aiden
Prologue
It started the way it always did. Voices, shouting, flashes of panic. Broken fragments of memories, images that blurred and blended into each other.
“You’re like your father. Worthless.”
“He can’t read? What a surprise. He’s always been so stupid.”
“I’m not paying for anything extra for him. If he can’t keep up, that’s his problem.”
I was running, frightened, and out of breath. I needed to hide, to get away. Rocks hit my legs, one cutting into my neck. I felt the wet of blood as it seeped down the back of my neck to my spine. I rounded the corner, ducking into the alley and behind the dumpster. I held my gasps of breath, trying to stay silent.
The running feet stopped; the voices angry.
“Where did he go?”
“Do you think he’s in the alley?”
“No, the little bastard is scared of his own shadow; he’d never go there. Let’s keep looking.”
Like a miracle, they moved on, but I stayed huddled, knowing they could be back. Knowing that even if I avoided them today, tomorrow they would find me.
My body shook as it recalled the number of beatings I took at school. In the playground. At home. I could hear my gasps of air, the panic setting in. It wasn’t real, but I was useless to stop the barrage of fear coursing through me.
Slap.
“You worthless piece of shit! All you do is cause me disappointment!”
“Please, Momma, no, not the belt . . .” My voice sobbed.
“You’ll get that and more, you ingrate! I wish you’d never been born!”
The pain from her strike was so vivid, it almost felt real, and I felt my body jerk in reflex. I heard my own shout. Still, I couldn’t break through the grip keeping me trapped in the past.
The room was bright, the décor familiar. I realized I was in Greg’s office on that fateful day, staring at him holding a gun to his chin. Except this time, he wasn’t holding the gun. It was me. I had the gun pressed to my throat, staring at Bentley. He shook his head.
“You’re such a coward.”
“I don’t want to do this, Bent,” I begged. “Please. Help me.”
“I’ll be glad when you’re gone. You’ve been nothing but a pain in my ass. I’ve put up with you long enough.”
“No—we’re friends! You said so!”
He shrugged his shoulder dismissively. “No, you were useful, but I’m done. You might as well rid the world of the waste of space you are.”
He turned, walking away, ignoring my pleas.
The room felt cold, the air making me shiver. I looked around. I was alone, abandoned by one of the few people I thought I could trust. I shut my eyes, pressing the cold steel to my skin.
“Stop.”
My eyes flew open at the sound of her voice. Cami stood in front of me.
“Don’t do this, Aiden.”
“I have no choice.”
“You do.” She extended her hand. “Come with me.”
“No. I’m not what you need. I’m not what anyone needs.”
“If you pull that trigger, you’ll never find out.”
I shook my head, pressing the gun closer.
I felt her leave. The darkness surrounded me.
I squeezed the trigger.
With a loud gasp, I bolted upright in bed. I drew in much-needed oxygen, trying frantically to tamp down my panic. Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I fumbled with the light, snapping it on, staring around the room. Still terrified, I ran my hands over my torso and head, feeling for the blood, the hole left by the gun. There was nothing but a sheen of sweat that covered my entire body.
Desperately thirsty, I reached for the water bottle on the nightstand and drained it, then tossed the bottle to the side. I hung my head as my breathing gradually returned to normal, and my heartrate slowed down.
It was a nightmare. Not the first, and certainly not the last I would have.
However, this one was different. More intense than ever, and vivid with the last part of Greg. I knew his death was still on my mind. It lingered on the edges, drilling itself deep into my psyche, and coming out when I tried to sleep.
The last time I’d had a bad one, I woke up beside Cami. She had soothed me. Held me close, and comforted me until I fell asleep again. Wrapped in her embrace, the dream hadn’t returned.
Tonight, I was alone, and I knew without a doubt, it would come back—over and again, until I dragged myself from my bed and started the day.
It was how it had to be. Because, nightmare or not, the message of the dream was correct, and always would be.
I was worthless, and she wouldn’t be beside me again. She deserved so much more than I could ever be for her.
I rose, and grabbed a pair of sweatpants. I’d work out, then head into the office. At least, there, I could be something other than what my dreams told me.
I could be Aiden, loyal friend to Bentley and Maddox. Part of a successful company. Respected by many, admired by some. Wealthy, humorous, and without a care in the world.
It was a great cover. No one ever looked past it to my real self.
The one I kept hidden.