Ashton
Bonnie is good company. She drags me around every shop in record time and encourages me to spend way too much of Ryder’s money. It still doesn’t feel right to me and I decide to make sure I pay him back just as soon as I can. Money has always been the one thing in my life that I have lots of. When your father is a billionaire that sort of comes with the territory. Despite having everything materially, I’ve never had the sort of family that I craved. My mom left when I was small and I never knew her. I don’t even know if she’s alive because all talk of her is strictly forbidden. Tyler is the only one in my life who has ever shown me any love. We were both united in our common hatred of daddy. Tyler always got the rough end of the deal and the sound of his beatings will haunt me forever. Daddy always said it was to toughen him up but I know it destroyed Tyler inside. He is closed and mistrusting as a result and only does what he does to earn enough money to leave and never return.
Before I can even reach the dark place in my mind where my future was decided Bonnie cries out, “Ashton, over here, you must have one of these.”
I look over and see her holding up a beautiful red dress and her eyes are sparkling.
Laughing, I shake my head. “It’s beautiful but why would I need one of these? I’m looking after a child and it’s a bit inappropriate.”
Reaching out, I touch the fabric of the soft dress and almost moan out loud. It feels luxurious and looks amazing even on the hanger. It’s a little shorter than I would usually go for but I can see it would wrap around my body like a glove.
Bonnie grins. “Try it on. I bet as soon as you do you’ll buy it. You may need a smart dress if you go out for the evening.”
Her enthusiasm rubs off and I take the dress and smile with excitement
“Ok, I’ll just try it on, that’s all.”
However, as soon as that dress caresses my body I know it’s mine. I look at my reflection and smile. It’s like it’s been made for me. It falls just above the knee and clings to my curves like I knew it would. It makes me feel sexy and desirable and I have never owned such a piece. My father would hate it and I suppose that’s what makes my decision for me.
As I exit the changing room, Bonnie’s eyes dance with mischief.
“Whoa, sexy lady, you look hot. Ryder will combust when he sees you. You must get it, it would be against the law to leave it behind.”
I nod and look at my reflection. “I’ve never owned anything so beautiful but when would I wear it?”
Bonnie laughs. “I’d never take it off if it was me. Right then, you need some shoes to go with it. I’ll start searching while you change.”
She hurries off and I’m left looking at the lost girl looking back at me in the mirror. Despite Bonnie’s kindness I feel so alone. I’ve never been the girl with many friends. My upbringing was sheltered and my friends decided for me. They had to come from families of standing and power. Daddy’s friends and acquaintances and not the kind of people I want to spend any time around. My closest friend Pricilla Vargo is like me, a product of her parent’s hopes and dreams. She was sent to boarding school in England to finish her education leaving me behind with no real friend to call my own. It was just daddy, Tyler and me and the incredibly large threat of marriage to Marshall Emmerson looming.
I shiver as I think of him. From the moment the deal was made he wasted no time in rubber stamping his ownership. I was made to sit near him at dinner and his eyes promised me a difficult road ahead. There were the inappropriate touches and lust-filled looks. I was made to dance with him at parties and he held me way too close and made me feel uncomfortable in every way.
I still remember the day I found out my fate. Daddy called me to his office when I was fourteen years old. They were both sitting there drinking whiskey after yet another dull meal. Daddy made me stand before them and told me that for my own well-being I was to promise myself to Marshall. It was how it was going to be and I had no choice in the matter.
I remember feeling absolutely terrified at the prospect of the huge frightening man before me becoming my husband. He scared me and yet I was too afraid to say anything. Daddy left us and Marshall patted his knee. I had to sit perched on his knee while he told me how it was going to be. He rubbed my leg and his hands started wandering. I felt uncomfortable and shifted but he held me tighter and told me that I was to keep myself for him and if I didn’t the deal was off. I had to be a virgin on our wedding night otherwise he would ruin my father. All our money would be gone and there would be nothing left for Tyler or me.
I shiver as I remember how he ran his hands over my body and breathed in my ear. He felt hot and excited and I felt his hands moving under my top and roaming freely over his ‘property’. Then he gave me a promise ring and said he expected me to obey by its rules. If he suspected I was seeing a boy, he would pull out of the deal and we would be ruined.
It was a lot to heap on the shoulders of a young girl. I had nobody to turn to except Tyler and for a long time, I even kept it from him.
I shiver and pull myself back to the present. Marshall Emmerson is still a problem that won’t go away. If he finds me all hell will break loose. Daddy will lose everything when they realize what I’ve done and I’m not sure if I’m strong enough to face the consequences of my actions.
Bonnie comes rushing back and looks at me in surprise as I haven’t moved since she left me. She must see the worry in my eyes and says softly.
“Is everything ok, honey? You look worried about something.”
I just shake my head.
“I suppose this is all a lot to take in. This time yesterday my life was very different. Now here I am, married to a man I’ve just met and expected to be a mom to a child I’ve never seen. I’ve never looked after a child before and she may hate me. I mean, I’ve married her daddy and she may resent me. I suppose I’m just worrying about it.”
Bonnie’s face relaxes.
“Listen, Cassie’s a sweetheart. She will love every fine inch of you. Ryder isn’t stupid. He knew a good thing when he saw you walk into the club. Although I must say, I’m still getting over the shock of it all myself. Even for him that was unexpected, and he’s the most unreadable man I have ever met.”
I look at her with interest. “Tell me about him.”
She laughs. “With him what you see is what you get. Mean, moody and dangerously hot. He was crewed with Snake in the SEALS and they will protect each other to the death. By all accounts, Ryder was hard, unrelenting and cold. He did things that make most men weep and had no compassion. He runs the Reapers the same way and nobody steps out of line with him. Don’t let him fool you, honey. Ryder is one tough cookie and wouldn’t hesitate to cut a man down on the spot. Whatever goes on in that damaged mind of his is kept there. He gives nothing away and nobody even gets close. This morning was the first time I have ever seen a lighter side to him. Whatever you did to him last night, honey, you should carry on doing. It’s sure going to be interesting watching this pan out.”
She laughs, “Which is why I want to be the one to see his face when you rock up in that dress.”
I suddenly remember that I’m wearing the dress and look down in horror. “I’d better change out of this, we don’t have long before I need to be back. Cassie will be back soon and I can’t be late.”
Bonnie grins wickedly.
“Keep it on, we’ll pay for it on the way out.”
She grabs the rest of my things and I have no choice but to follow her out.