Chapter 7
The past two weeks had been insane. Wedding planning, shopping, Bryce had rarely seen Sophie. The night before their wedding, she wandered into his office. He had been holed up in there for hours, working away, trying to not think of the beautiful woman that haunted his thoughts daily.
“Redo the contract for Anderson’s latest deal. Add the clause for expansion.” He spoke it out loud to his laptop. He had the recorder on, to list the things he needed done by his staff, while away on his honeymoon. The recordings were emailed to his secretary who would then transcribe directions and send to the correct people.
“Hey,” she said, startling him. He hadn’t heard her come in.
“Hey,” he replied. Looking up, he felt exhausted.
“Are you avoiding me?” He sighed, leaning back.
“You said not to mix feelings. And the more time I spend with you, the more I feel. So, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel uneasy about this. I just, couldn’t handle being close to you, and not wanting to touch you again, or kiss you, or,” his words trailed off. He ran a hand through his hair. There were never truer words.
“I’m sorry I said that. I just, it’s been so long since I could trust anyone. It’s hard to let go, and not be afraid.” He got that, but it was still hard. Part of him, wanted this to be real, to not end it. What if they stayed married? He shook his head, trying to clear the thoughts. He barely knew this woman. He couldn’t love her, could he? That would be the only explanation as to his feelings, his need to be near her.
“I know. I don’t want to push you, or make you uncomfortable.”
“What if I want you to push me?” He stared at her, as if seeing her anew. Did she feel the same way he did? “What if, I didn’t go to some tropical island?” She moved closer to him, and he had to fight for control, to remain seated and not jump up to grab her. He turned in his chair, as she came around the desk. Settling into his lap, she encircled his shoulders with her arms. Leaning in, she kissed him, a light, quick, but passionate kiss.
“You mean-“ he couldn’t even finish the sentence.
“I mean, what if this was real? I can’t explain it, but, I think about you, all the time. I feel, safe here, like nothing bad can happen.”
“You are, safe here.”
“And, the rest?” her head titled as she asked. Sophie’s long black hair draping over her shoulders. He toyed with the locks, hesitating. The glass doors of his office, which led to the garden, burst open. Glass shattered, wood cracked. Sophie screamed, leaping from his lap as Bryce stood. He shoved her behind him, as a large man came through, gun in hand. Aiming the weapon at them, he snarled.
“Just give me the girl, and you’ll be fine. I just want the money stealing tramp.”
“Jason,” Sophie whispered into his ear. She sounded so scared. The man who had chased her, found her, in the one place Bryce promised her she was safe. He put his hands up in defense, trying to shield her from the dangerous man. He felt her fingers in his pocket, sliding the phone out. Though she remained hidden behind him, he hoped she was calling the police.
“I’m sorry, but who are you?” Bryce tried to stall.
“I’m the man she screwed out of his inheritance. And now I want it!” He shouted, inching closer to them.
“Please,” Bryce said loudly. “Put the gun down.” Sophie then whispered the address into the phone and he tried to hide the sound. “We can work this out,” he raised his voice more. “You want money?”
“I want what I’m due. Just give her to me and I’ll go.”
“I can’t do that. Don’t make me shoot you.” Bryce knew that the police station was only two minutes down the road. They should be here quickly. And since the garden door was right off the driveway, hopefully they would see where to go. But he still needed to stall this man.
“Are you sure? I’m worth a lot. I can give you what you want, how about a million dollars?” Bryce leaned towards the desk, but Jason leapt closer.
“Don’t move.”
“Sorry, I just, was going to get my checkbook.
“No, I want what I earned, having to screw that old woman, be at her beck and call for three years. I never felt more powerful, than when I pushed her down those stairs. That money should have been mine. And now it’s your turn. I’ll finally have what I deserve.” Before he could stop her, Bryce felt Sophie move.
“You killed my mother, you bastard, you deserve nothing.”
“Little bitch,” he spit out. He came almost to the edge of the desk, arm shaking as he moved the gun towards Sophie. Bryce couldn’t let anything happen to her. The sirens finally sounded in the distance. Help was on its way, but what if they were too late? He had to do something. Jason was focused on Sophie, he made his move. Leaping across the desk, he stretched out his arms. Taking the intruder by surprise, they both tumbled to the ground. The gun went off, but Bryce continued struggling with the man, trying to gain control of the weapon. He heard shouting, and then someone was pulling him off of Jason. Bryce shook the arm with the gun, until finally it went clattering to the floor.
“We got it, Sir, please,” he heard. Finally caving, he let go, allowing himself to be pulled away. Two officers grabbed at the man, another picking up the gun. Bryce searched the room, finally finding Sophie by the broken doors. Her arms were wrapped around her waist, holding herself. She saw him stand, and rushed to him.
He embraced her, and knew, then and there, he could never let her go. Cupping her cheek, he wiped away a tear from her cheek with his thumb.
“It is real. I want it to be. I’ve never been more afraid in my life, but it made me see, I would do anything, to keep you in my life, to keep you safe.” He kissed her before she could respond. She pressed her body against him, holding tight to his shoulders.
“Me too,” she whispered against his mouth. Me too.”