CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“Are you a hallucination?”
Chuckling, Corey wound his way around the sculptures to me. “You haven’t been drinking lemongrass mojitos again, have you?”
“No. No mojitos.”
Your brother forbids it.
Pounding with disbelief, my heart tried to leap out of my chest, and my feet were latched to the floor. Corey was here. Incredulously, he had kept his promise after all. He had found me.
Despite wishing many times that he would never return, my worst fears had been realized, but I wasn’t as apprehensive as I thought I’d be. I was glad to see him, like being reunited with an old friend, even though it hadn’t been that long since I’d said goodbye to him in Thailand. Only a few months, but it seemed like years. So much had happened to twist time.
An adulterated gleam in his reckless green eyes, Corey was exactly as I remembered him, except that he was tanner, his skin deeply bronzed by the tropical sun, and his arms were impossibly more robust. His skin, a canvas for his tattoos, was tight against his muscles, showcasing his ink like a billboard.
“The house looks great,” he remarked, looking around, inches from me. “The last time I was here, it was in ruins. Did you do all this?”
“Yes,” I replied, my voice weak, still in shock that we were standing face-to-face having a conversation. “When was the last time you were here?”
“When the woman who raised my brother and me, our nanny, died. Probably about five or six years ago, maybe longer. I can’t really remember. Thanks for fixing it up. Now I don’t have to sleep in the dust.”
“You could have gotten a hotel room,” I pointed out, not sure why I did.
“That would defeat the point of coming home,” he said, smiling down at me, his friendliness towards me as vibrant as the trees in the jungle, as if nothing between us had changed.
Like being hit by a truck, all the memories we’d shared in Thailand came flooding back to me. The gun he had left in my backpack, his weapon against the poachers. Walking me back to my hotel as the waves of the sea hummed in the background. Saving me in the alley from the gang of men, and escaping on his motorcycle to the mountains. The lake where, beneath a scorching sun and surrounded by elephants, we’d kissed, his lips claiming mine, his tongue and touch merciless.
Driven by the memories, I ran to him and hugged him, burrowing my head deep into his shoulder. Sheathing me in his arms, he stroked the back of my hair. “I told you I’d find you,” he whispered.
Before our embrace went too far, I stepped back, creating necessary distance between us. My mouth was dry with the battleground that my heart became. For so long, I’d clung onto my feelings for Corey, certain he would come back. When I’d finally let go, those feelings didn’t dissolve. They’d been pushed down, and now they sprang forward, rocking me to the core.
I cared about Corey, I’d pictured our future together many times, wondering if this moment would come, but none of it compared to the love I had for Noah. It was Noah who I spent my nights with, and my days. By providing me with his lessons, he had taught me to be strong, to free myself of my inhibitions. Because of him, I’d learned who my father was, and equally important, I’d met Julia and Peter, my new family. And though he’d been a jerk on the phone earlier, it was a small infraction compared to the endless generosity he’d shown me.
“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again,” I admitted. “When did you get back?”
“I’m fresh off the plane.” Cracking his neck, he rubbed his shoulder. “Man, I forgot how brutal that long flight can be, especially when sitting in coach.”
“What have you been up to all this time?” I had to know. When I had been pining for him, what had he been doing to get back to me?
His eyes shadowed. “Tracking poachers. Two groups were scouting the reserve, mean guys with semi-automatic weapons who strayed deep within the jungle. It took a few months, but we managed to apprehend them all. When prosecuted, they were made an example of and given long jail sentences. Now, the reserve is thriving. There hasn’t been any more trouble, and there likely won’t be any for a long time.”
Thinking of the herd I’d trekked to see, I was genuinely glad to hear it, but I couldn’t help my selfishness from breaking through. “Is that why you never contacted me?” I asked mournfully, hoping it somehow made him understand why I had moved on when the time came to tell him.
“I don’t have a cell phone, you know that, babe. And they don’t exactly have payphones in the jungle.”
He stepped closer and wiped a smudge of dirt from my cheek, leaving the static of his electricity across my skin. It was nice, but it caused me to tense. He must have sensed it because he immediately dropped his hand away from me, but he didn’t step back, leaving little room to breathe between us.
I was split in two, both thrilled and wary — disappointed I hadn’t waited for Corey, that I’d given up, and full of appreciation that he had led me to Noah, the man who held my heart. And ruled my body.
Before, the thought of Corey finding out about Noah and me made me anxious. I didn’t think he’d ever forgive me, that it would ruin any chance of us being together if he learned I’d slept with his brother. Now, though I still had feelings for Corey that twisted my stomach, and I sometimes wondered if I’d chosen the right brother, Noah was the man I wanted. My biggest concern was that by telling Corey the truth, I’d create a bigger divide within the family, and I’d lose Corey as a friend.
At least, that’s what I thought I felt. It was a blur of confusion in my mind.
“Here,” he said. “I have something for you.”
From the pocket of his shorts, he handed me a beaded necklace with a little silver elephant at its center. “One of the locals made it. The beads are meant to bring you luck, and the elephant is so that you’ll always remember your good fortune.”
“Thank you, it’s beautiful,” I said, accepting the gift. “Speaking of good fortune, why didn’t you tell me about all this?” I swept out my arm to indicate the manor.
“Would it have mattered?” he asked.
“Certainly not, but I had no idea what I was getting into when I went to the job interview at Stafford Scientific. Imagine how shocked I was to not only learn you had a twin brother, but that he was Noah Stafford, the founder of the company. It made the interview so awkward, I’m astonished he hired me.”
“He interviewed you?” Corey asked. “I’m surprised he cared enough to.”
“He interviews everyone,” I told him, realizing Corey probably didn’t know much about the structure of Noah’s company.
“Now that doesn’t surprise me. My brother can be a little overbearing at times.”
“So I’ve learned. He made me his personal assistant.” Holding my breath, I waited to see what Corey’s reaction would be, wondering if he knew the reputation Noah had with his personal assistants.
“Is that why you’re cleaning up in here?” he asked, his tone remaining friendly. Either he didn’t know the implications of being a personal assistant, or he was pretending not to.
“I needed a project,” I said truthfully. “I wanted to use my powers for good.”
Corey continued to keep his distance, but his eyes burned into mine. “That’s what makes you so irresistible, babe.”
Needing a cooldown, I excused myself from the room. “Thanks again for the necklace,” I said, walking backward as I put it on. “I’m just going to wash the dirt from my face. I’ll be right back.”
In the bathroom, ignoring the sink, I fell to the floor, my back pressed against the door and my head on my knees. “Oh, this is going to get bad,” I murmured.
There was only one thing left to do. I had to tell Noah. It would be difficult. Like me, once upon a time, he wanted Corey to return. His twin was the only family he really had, someone he shared fond childhood memories with. Twisting my phone in my hand, I stalled, but I eventually called him.
“Imogen,” he answered on the first ring. “Listen, about our conversation earlier, I’d like to explain myself.”
“Not right now,” I said, having totally forgotten about our fight. “There’s something I need to say to you.”
“I insist you let me explain first. The reason I—”
“Corey is back,” I declared, interrupting him.
Silence fell on the other side. I waited for him to speak, understanding what a shock it was.
“How do you know this?” he finally asked.
“Because he’s here with me. For the last few months, I’ve been cleaning up Stafford Estate hoping to surprise you.”
“I know,” Noah said when I paused to take a breath. “Your safety is my responsibility. I’ve been tracking you.”
“You knew?” I shook my head. It didn’t matter right now. “He just showed up. Should I stay? Should I tell him about us? What should I do?”
“Don’t say anything,” Noah commanded. “I mean it. Not a word. I’m on my way.”
Through the bathroom window, I gazed across the sunset. It wouldn’t take Noah long to get here. I knew him well. In a situation as urgent as this, he’d arrive by helicopter. Unable to face Corey on my own, I waited on the bathroom floor until I heard a knock at the door.
“Just one sec, Corey!” I called, panicked. “I’m still cleaning up.”
“It’s Noah,” came a stern, frosty reply.
Damn, these things are precise, I thought, glancing down at the microchip in my forearm.
Needing his comfort, I opened the door, but he was a block of ice, his eyes as narrow as spears. “Where is he?”
“In the conservatory,” I answered stiffly, throwing my guard up, hurt by Noah’s reception.
He turned around and stormed away from me, like a king about to behead someone. My throat tight with nerves, I followed him, unsure of how he planned to confront Corey.
“I had no idea he was coming,” I said in my defense, in case Noah had any doubts. “And he didn’t know I was here. He means to stay at the manor while he’s in town.”
“Why shouldn’t he?” Noah said through clenched teeth. “It’s his home.”
“Then why are you so mad?” I asked, grabbing his arm.
Halting, he spun around, the struggle within him evident in his eyes. I discerned a brew of fear and joy, all dominated by an effort to stay in control. “I’m not upset,” he proclaimed. “I’m processing. This changes many things.”
“Does it change us?” I asked.
Briefly, he softened, staring at me with absolute affection, but then his face warped in anguish, and he marched off once more, refusing to speak until we were in the conservatory.
“Brother,” Noah greeted formally, impassive.
Corey turned his head sharply to me. “You called him?” he asked with a hint of betrayal.
“I had to. He’s my boss.”
Dizzy, I leaned against a sculpture. It was unnerving having the twins in the same room, so identical and yet so completely opposite. There were no more boundaries that separated the two men. My two worlds had come crashing together.
“Have we really come to this?” Noah asked, not unfriendly but still lacking warmth. “I have to find out you’re home through my personal assistant?”
“She’s the reason I came back, so yeah, that’s how you were meant to find out.”
Noah flinched, his armor battered. It was subtle, but I noticed it because I felt the force of the blow too.
“Corey, there’s something you should know…”
“This house isn’t suitable for living,” Noah said, stepping between us, blocking me from Corey. “There is no food and no staff. As we speak, an apartment in the city is being prepped for you. You’ll be comfortable there.”
“This is starting already?” Corey muttered. “I just spent six months sleeping in a jungle. Before that, it was snow caps, and before that, a desert. I’ll be comfortable here.”
None of it seemed to reassure Noah. “How long will you be home?” he asked. I couldn’t tell by his tone if he was hopeful Corey would stay awhile or if he wanted to ship him out on the next boat.
“That depends on Imogen,” Corey said, moving around Noah so that I was in his line of sight once more. “I plan to steal her away and take her on an adventure.”
Afraid of upsetting Noah, I smiled weakly, a meek response.
Corey reached his hand out to me as he yawned. “It’s been a long journey. Would you like to stay?”
My heart stopped, and I froze, unprepared for his advance, as sweet and simple as it was.
“She has work tomorrow,” Noah answered for me. “I’ll see she gets home safely. You should rest, brother.”
“I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” Corey said defiantly.
“Careful with your words. I’ll have food sent over.”
Corey folded his arms, his muscles bulging. “I can take care of myself.”
“I suppose you can,” Noah replied with his cold neutrality. “Imogen,” he beckoned and turned to leave.
Waving silently, I followed Noah out, grateful it hadn’t been left for me to explain to Corey why I couldn’t stay, aligning with Noah’s decision not to say anything. There were ways I could let Corey down without revealing my agreement with Noah. People lost interest for many reasons. As long as we remained quiet, there was still hope the brothers could heal their relationship. That’s what Noah wanted, despite his behavior. He’d given me my family back so I would do everything I could to return the favor.
“I’ll take you home,” he said in the foyer. “I’ll arrange for your car to be towed back to your apartment.”
“Okay,” I agreed, believing the helicopter ride back would give us an opportunity to discuss everything.
It didn’t. Once we were fastened into our seats, rising above the estate, Noah resumed his earlier iciness, as if I were an inferior enemy.
“We need to talk about this,” I insisted, trying to lock my eyes onto his.
He refused to connect, instead focusing on the adjustment of his sleeves. “I’m not interested in an argument. There’s nothing to talk about.”
“What the hell does that mean?” I cried out.
“Imogen, I am your boss. You will not speak so harshly with me,” he demanded, executing his authority.
I fought back tears, confused by the wall he was building between us. “This isn’t an argument. I agree that we shouldn’t tell him,” I said, trying to put him at ease.
“Tell him what? That we have an agreement that expires in less than a year?”
I was taken aback, punched in the chest for the third time that day. “Is that all you see between us? An agreement?”
“I never promised you more.”
I wasn’t buying it. Noah loved me. I knew it. “Don’t push me away,” I screeched. “Corey is a tough guy. He’ll understand if I tell him I’m only interested in being friends. He never has to know why.”
He continued to fiddle with the cuffs of his sleeves, like the conversation completely disinterested him. I wanted to smack his hands away so that he was forced to look at me.
“Imogen, I have a business to run. That is all I have time for. You are released from our agreement and your position as my personal assistant. I’ll put in a transfer to any department you choose, but I must remind you that you’re bound by a non-disclosure clause in your contract. That includes telling my brother anything that has happened between us.”
“Or what? You’ll make my family suffer?” I snapped, thinking of the threat he made to his executives at that first meeting I’d taken notes.
On the brink of a breakdown, I wanted nothing more than to jump out of the helicopter. It wasn’t fair for Noah to be doing this when I couldn’t escape. I was his prisoner, trapped underneath his power. I hated him for it, but only because I loved him. Defeated, I turned away from him, trembling in anger and hurt, unable to say more.
As soon as we landed on my building, I jumped out and ran to the rooftop door. By the time the security device scanned my arm and opened it, the helicopter was gone. I stared up at the black of the night, wishing he could read my thoughts.
You idiot. I would have chosen you.
***
Floral fragrances bombarded me the moment I stepped through the apartment door. It didn’t help matters at all. The invasion of bouquets too closely resembled the lotus blossoms Noah had used to seduce me. I called out for Julia, desperately needing her support, but she wasn’t home, likely out with Ronald, celebrating their step forward.
Feeling like a fool, I remembered my phone conversation with Noah earlier, of how I thought he was going to ask me to move in with him after I told him about Julia moving out, only for him to deny me. Noah did love me, but love was not always enough. As coarse as gravel, the truth scrubbed against my heart, turning it raw and bleeding. Noah was a king, but I would never be his queen. No one would. He sat on his throne alone.
Normally, I would never pull a friend away from her happiness, but I called Julia. “I need you to come home. It’s an emergency.”
She didn’t question it. “I’ll be right there.”
In the kitchen, I grabbed the bottle of wine we had opened that afternoon and went out onto the balcony, confronting Chicago and its horrid night. “Fuck you!” I yelled after gulping down what remained of the bottle. “I should have stayed in Thailand.”
By the time Julia found me, I was slumped down on the balcony sobbing. Destiny was cruel. Noah and I were finished, but that didn’t leave me free to be with Corey, not when I had slept with his brother and couldn’t tell him. It would be dishonest to pursue anything other than friendship if he didn’t know the truth.
“Imogen!” Julia cried. She sat beside me and put her arms around my shoulders, consoling me. “Is this because I decided to move out? I won’t, not if you’re this upset.”
“You should move out. Ronald is a great guy. He adores the ground you walk on, and he’s not afraid to commit.”
“Then why the tears?”
“Noah is a jerk,” I told her.
She looked relieved, likely glad she hadn’t caused my pain. “Oh yes, that. What did he do?”
“It’s more of what he didn’t do. But there’s more. Corey is back.”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean Corey is back? Like he’s contacted you and is back in the picture?”
“No, he’s here, in Chicago. He returned for me, just like he said he would.” I reached for the wine bottle, forgetting it was empty. When nothing poured out, I tossed it against the railing. Luckily, it didn’t break.
“Wow,” Julia breathed. “That’s major.”
“For him. It wasn’t for me, not when I’ve been sleeping with his brother. But that’s over now. Noah terminated our agreement. I’m no longer his personal assistant. I’m free to move on to any department I want.” I huffed. “Like I’m going to do that.”
Julia frowned. “You’re not considering staying on as his personal assistant, are you?”
“No. I’m going to quit. I can’t work for him, not after this. Plus, if I quit, I’m no longer bound by his non-disclosure agreement. I can tell Corey everything.”
Julia squeezed my shoulders. “I hate to say it, but you still have to keep quiet. That part of the contract isn’t terminated just because you leave the company.”
“What would happen if I broke it? I’m not trying to sell his nanotechnology. I just want to tell Corey the truth.”
“Do you?” Julia asked meaningfully. “Maybe you and Corey have a shot at something real. And Noah certainly won’t say anything. From what you tell me, he wanted Corey to return home, he just never believed he actually would. Plead the fifth. No one gets hurt. Everyone is happy, except Noah, who dies alone and miserable for being such a tyrant.”
I sighed. “I guess I won’t say anything. I’m angry at Noah, and I want to hurt him, but it wouldn’t be right to tell Corey.” I looked at her, suddenly more melancholy than angry. “I’m leaving Stafford Scientific. I’m going back to Milwaukee.”
Her sadness matched my own. “Yesterday, I would have begged you not to go, afraid of losing my roomie, but after today, I have no room to speak. You know I’ll visit you all the time.”
“And I’ll visit you,” I vowed. “And Peter.”
“But don’t go yet,” Julia added as if it were an afterthought. “You made me promise to stay another two weeks, and I’m going to make you do the same. It can’t end like this. We need to have some fun before we leave this place.”
“I like the sound of that, but I doubt Noah will let me stay after I message him my resignation tomorrow.”
“He’ll let you stay,” Julia assured me. “I don’t understand why Corey being here made him flip the switch, but he loves you. He’s not going to toss you out.”
“This is such a mess,” I muttered as my head fell into my hands. “What should I do about Corey? Yes, he should have kept in contact, but technically he did nothing wrong. He feels trapped when he’s here, and yet he came home to find me. I can’t just ignore him.”
“There’s no reason you should,” Julia determined. “Send in your resignation, then go visit Corey and spend some time with him. Be friends. You don’t owe him anything more than camaraderie, but you should offer him that.”
“Friends,” I decided. Then, much more sarcastically, I added, “That doesn’t sound complicated at all.”