Crossroads 2: Lacey's Last Chance (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 9

  I have nothing. Only this body, this heart and soul.

  “What do you think you’re doing?”

  She gasped and dropped the iPad onto the floor. Luckily, it was in a holder. She hoped that it didn’t break.

  “I was putting it away.”

  “You were looking at her, weren’t you?” he asked as he stomped forward. She fell to her knees and bowed her head, waiting for the strike. But it never came.

  Instead, he picked up the iPad and opened it up. Slowly, Caroline peeked up at him. He stared at the woman.

  “You could learn a lot from Lacey. She was so very special. You don’t even deserve to look at her beauty.”

  The tears rolled down her cheeks and Tye squinted in anger.

  “I should get rid of you.”

  “No! No, Tye, please. Please forgive me. I’m nothing without you. Nothing, Tye. Please.” She cried and hugged his leg.

  He was stiff, uncaring as he shook, as if trying to dislodge her. She panicked and hugged his leg tighter.

  “I love you, Tye. I need you always. Please don’t send me away. Please don’t end this. I can be better than her. I can be anything and everything you want me to be. I will do whatever you ask of me to prove it.”

  He was still silent, but then she felt him grab a fistful of hair and tug her upward.

  She cried out in pain but rose to her feet. She stared up toward his face, the calmness shaking her to her bones.

  “You will do whatever I say, but first you will be punished for looking at her when she only belongs to me.”

  In a flash, he swung her around and threw her to the bed. Caroline didn’t dare move a muscle. She knew better. Tye was going to teach her a lesson.

  She heard the dresser draw open. She froze in place. She wasn’t going to make it to the farmer’s market today. Probably not for the rest of the week.

  * * * *

  Stone was working in the back and Lacey was cleaning up the front of the store, trying to get things out of the way so the refinisher guy could complete the work. She was glad that Stone didn’t mention anything to her about the weekend and how his brothers saw the bruise on her. They had been caring and considerate of her need to not disclose what happened. She told them that she didn’t want to talk about it and that it didn’t matter because things were over.

  Those words were easier said than done. Every night this week, she couldn’t sleep. It was worse than ever before. At least when she slept with Jeb, he provided the image of a protector, but she had been lying to herself. She was stuck thinking about the past and about all the mistakes she had made.

  The first one was while in college as she gained the attention of some older men, particularly Tye Weathers. She swallowed hard just thinking about how naïve and gullible she had been. Her father, till that day, blamed it all on her, though Tye was a business associate of his, a man he knew had secrets and a dark side. So why hadn’t he steered her clear of getting involved with Tye?

  As she lifted the heavy box and then set it down, she had a flashback. They were coming and going a lot lately, especially after breaking up with Jeb and dealing with his phone calls. He had the nerve to call her up and ask her to meet him at his place. Like she would actually consider that. What an asshole.

  How they even dated for two months, she wasn’t sure. Well, it really was way less than that. She and Jeb had hung out, fooled around here and there, and before long were with one another all the time. He’d said he liked having her close and that she always looked so put-together and beautiful. He’d shown her off and she didn’t feel so hollow. That was good enough for her because it had been so long since she’d felt even remotely loved.

  Then she thought of Tye.

  “You trust me, Lacey Ann, don’t you, sweet angel?” Tye had asked as he slowly pushed his hand under her dress as he kissed her neck, arousing her body like no one ever had before. She was a virgin. She was in college, and Tye was older, good-looking, and wealthy. All the women drooled over him and he had chosen her to be with. Of course she shook with worry as to whether this was the right thing, but she’d thought she loved him and that he loved her. She’d figured her father would be pleased if she were involved with Tye. They did business together, and everyone knew him.

  She tightened her eyes and tried to will the thoughts away. Last night in bed, she’d remembered Tye’s touch, his calming words, the power he had over her body, her mind and soul. She wondered if he had some satanic powers, some means to destroy any good vibes or direction stopping her from making the wrong decisions. She was so gullible, but his hands, his fingers, had felt so good against her clit. It was too late when she realized what he was up to and what he really wanted to do to her.

  She shivered and then heard the floor creak. She gasped as she locked gazes with Stone.

  “Sorry. I said your name three times, but you didn’t hear me.”

  “Oh, God, sorry. I was completely daydreaming,” she told him. Stone didn’t seem to buy it. He touched her wrist as she went to walk by him. They locked gazes.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Of course. So what’s on the schedule for today for you?” she asked, and once again accomplished blowing off any meaningful conversation with Stone. He was a woman’s fantasy. She felt too broken to be good enough for anyone right now.

  * * * *

  Once again, like the last two weeks, Lacey showed up to the building and Stone was already there working. Things were moving quickly. She was so grateful that there were only minor problems with some electrical stuff behind the walls. It didn’t set them back too far, just a few days. But walking into the main show room and seeing it spackled, sanded, and paint ready took her breath away. She dropped her bag and covered her mouth with her hand.

  It felt so real. Like this dream of hers was getting closer to becoming a reality. She had the colors picked out. She wore her old pair of light-cotton pants, her tank top, and had purchased all the paint supplies needed. Suzette, Sonya, and Bethany were each due here at different times due to their own schedules, which meant she needed to get started.

  But as she took in the sight of the room, she couldn’t help but twirl around and imagine it complete. This was her showroom, her antique shop where she would display pieces that would eventually land in some of the most upscale cabins in Wellington.

  * * * *

  Stone stood by the doorway, watching Lacey as she twirled around the room like some youthful dancer. God, she was so beautiful. In the past week they talked, shared lunch, and closed up the place together at night. They talked about life and little things that had no deep meaning other than casual conversation. It felt good, comfortable, and he immediately saw in Lacey what his brothers had.

  He swallowed hard, thinking back to a couple of weeks ago after their boat trip. They’d told him about Lacey and about how much fun they’d had with her. He worried that they might want to ask her out, but then they told him about her bruises on her hip. He watched her now and worried. She was so attractive. Every guy who came into the place so far to try and sell her promotional products, insurance, or display setups had checked her out and flirted with her. Lacey didn’t seem to react to any of them. She blew them off, yet remained professional.

  He found himself thinking about her, too, and watched her. He should be done with his work in the next week, yet he felt like slowing things down just so he had an excuse to spend time with her.

  “Oh God! I didn’t see you there. I thought you were downstairs,” she said, stopping in the center of the room.

  He gave a soft smile.

  “Nope. Been here watching you for several seconds. I’m assuming from that dance that you’re happy with the space.”

  Her cheeks turned a nice shade of red and she chuckled.

  “Well, duh, Stone. Of course I am. You’ve done a great job.”

  “We’ve done a great job. You helped spackle, too.”

  “Ha! I helped to make a mess that you need
ed to spend extra time cleaning up,” she said, then picked up her bag and brought it over to the one chair in the room. He checked out her body. Despite the baggy pants, she looked good. Casual, sexy, completely ready to paint.

  “So when does your helping crew arrive?” he teased, knowing that her friends were coming to paint. They were good women, all nice, all attractive, and definitely flirty.

  “All different times. Suzette will be here first in about an hour.”

  She bent down and started preparing to paint.

  “I have to run down the street for another set of special bolts I need on the furnace. Do you need anything at the hardware store or nearby?” he asked her.

  “I should be good. Thanks,” she said, and he watched her a moment before he turned around and headed back to the side door entrance.

  When he got outside, he was surprised how warm it was already. The hardware store was only a block away, so he decided to walk. He needed to clear his head anyway. Too many emotions were scattering around. As much as he warned himself that he couldn’t feel an attraction for Lacey and that she seemed legitimately nice, he just couldn’t get his fears about Eliza out of his head.

  Just as he began to cross the street, his cell phone rang. Glancing down he saw, that it was Louie.

  “Hey, bro, how’s our girl?” he asked, all chipper.

  “Our girl?” he replied and couldn’t help but smile. Louie and Junior liked Lacey. Without her knowing, they called her their girl. Of course, Stone had yet to refer to her as that. He should’ve been happy that his brothers were interested in a woman again, but he wasn’t too sure how he felt about getting involved with her. It seemed she may have been in an abusive relationship, and could be vulnerable right now. Or maybe he was fearful that his firm, in-charge attitude could seem frightening to her? Whatever the case, he was being cautious and found no harm in being friends first. Besides, the way Lacey was gently letting his brothers down after every denial of offer for dates or meetings at Crossroads seemed to indicate she wasn’t interested in a relationship right now.

  “You better be careful with that. Lacey may not take a liking to being referred to as your girl.”

  “I said our girl. That means yours, too. Come one, Stone. You can’t keep denying these feelings you have for her. Hell, I wish I were better with my hands and doing electrical work. I would be flirting with her all day and taking every opportunity to kiss her or even caress her skin. How the hell do you keep your distance? Especially when she smells so good.”

  “Because I think she needs space. If what you guys said is true about a bruise on her hip and about her breaking off with her boyfriend, then she’s needs time to heal. Keep in mind that I’m not really interested in dating anyone yet.”

  “We weren’t either, Stone. Until we met Lacey. She’s perfect for the three of us. Besides, she’s absolutely gorgeous, but I get your point. Let her know I’ll be stopping in later today to show her some ideas for her grand opening.”

  “No problem. She’ll be painting all day,” Stone said as he stood in front of the entrance to the hardware store.

  “Does she need help?”

  “I think her friends are coming to help her. I’m at the hardware store. I’ll see you later.”

  “Later, bro.”

  As he put his cell phone onto the clip on his hip, Stone noticed the fancy black sports car that rolled slowly down the street. He had never seen it before. It was probably some wealthy people vacationing at the Lodge and Spa on the other side of the lake. They headed this way to do some local shopping and maybe to hit the farmer’s market. He quickly went into the store to buy the things he needed. He wanted to get back to the store and to Lacey. It was weird, but he liked being around her and keeping an eye on her. Why he felt so possessive and as if she needed protection, he wasn’t sure, aside from the fact she had been in an abusive relationship. Either way, he felt better not leaving her alone for too long. He hurried to grab the things he needed before heading back.

  * * * *

  Lacey heard the door open and close, and assumed it was Stone coming back from the store.

  “I think this color is going to look amazing. I placed a small amount in the corner here, I’d love to know what you think,” she said as she slowly stood up, then bent back over to place the brush onto the holder.

  “I’m not looking at the color. I’m looking at your ass in those pants.”

  She gasped, turning around to see Jeb standing there. The pompous jerk licked his lips as he eyed her over.

  “Fuck, baby, you look good even in poor clothes,” he said and stepped closer. She took a retreating step back and knocked over the paint brush. She didn’t dare move.

  “What are you doing here, Jeb?” she asked as she tried to act unaffected by him. She didn’t want to be alone with the man. He had nerve coming here. How did he even know where to find her?

  He stared at her, appearing angry and aroused. “Seeing if you’ve come to your senses. I get it now. You were jealous of the other women. I figured you quit so you could be at my beck and call. But this? You don’t have the courage, the business sense to open your own place. You need me.”

  “No, I don’t.”

  He kicked the can of paint and it splattered all over the walls and the new refinished floors. She wanted to cry, to lash out at him and hit him, but something stopped her. All the men she gave her heart to and trusted used her, abused her in different ways, and made her feel like nothing. The tears stung her eyes.

  “Please just leave me alone, Jeb. You shouldn’t be here. It’s over,” she told him.

  “I came to see you. Talk some sense into you. You know this whole antique idea isn’t going to work.” He moved closer.

  “Why is that?” she asked, her hands on her hips, anger boiling in her belly.

  He reached out and ran a finger down the cleavage of her tank top. “The only place you belong is underneath me.”

  She slapped his hand away. He glared at her.

  “Get out of here, Jeb. You don’t belong here. I want you to leave.”

  He looked around the place. “You didn’t answer my calls or my text messages. Are you really still angry at me?”

  “God, Jeb, you’re so self-absorbed. It’s over between us. It’s been over for weeks. I want nothing to do with you, so just leave me alone.”

  She started to feel scared, like she should try to get him outside so she wasn’t left in the store alone. He stood there, so pompous, and as if he had complete control and every right to be there, ordering her around and scaring her.

  “Please, just leave. We’re through,” she said and started to walk to the door to hold it open for him to leave. She was shocked when he grabbed her upper arm and squeezed it tight. He gave her a shake as he clenched his teeth and threatened her.

  “You don’t walk away from me. I call and you come. You’ve caused a lot of shit at the company.”

  “I don’t work there anymore. Let go of me right now,” she demanded, but felt her legs shaking and about to give out.

  He squeezed her arm tighter and she gasped from the pain.

  “This isn’t over. You’re nothing without me.”

  She pulled her arm free.

  “Get out!” she screamed, and he raised his hand like he was going to slap her. She took two retreating steps backwards and he was on her fast. Jeb pressed his body against hers. She struggled to get away from him. He reached under her tank top and cupped her breast. She slapped him and he pulled her forward then back, slamming her back against the table. She cried out and a moment later Jeb was roaring in pain.

  “Get the fuck off of her, asshole.”

  “Who the fuck are you?” Jeb asked, and then took a swing at Stone. Stone ducked and then decked him. Jeb fell to the floor, nose broken, blood everywhere.

  “Are you okay?” Stone asked her, and she nodded her head.

  “We’re not finished talking,” Jeb yelled as he struggled to stand up while holding
his nose. His words were muffled as he carried on. “I’ll fucking have you arrested.”

  “No, I’ll have you arrested for assault and attempted rape.”

  Jeb chuckled. “It’s not attempted rape if I’ve already fucked her.”

  Stone stepped forward as if he were going to hit Jeb again. Lacey grabbed his arm as she struggled to her feet. She didn’t want him fighting her battles. It was embarrassing enough that he had walked in on this, despite her relief that he had.

  “Don’t, Stone. He isn’t worth it. Get out, Jeb, or I will press charges,” she told him. Her back was hurting badly, and her upper arm.

  “This isn’t over, Lacey.” Jeb pointed at her as he headed toward the door.

  “Get out of here and never bother her again,” Stone yelled at him as he headed toward Jeb. Jeb hightailed it out of the store.

  Lacey was shaking and holding herself as she looked around the room. It was disheartening to know that Jeb could come in here and destroy her store, disrespect her, and even hurt her like this. What would stop him from coming back when the store was stocked with one-of-a-kind items and costly artwork? It made her feel like no matter how hard she worked, there were always people like Jeb in her life wanting to hold her down, make her fail, and break down her resolve.

  “Lacey?” She heard Stone’s voice and felt his hand on her arm. She jerked away. She was so lost in thought and she didn’t want to face him. She looked around at the mess.

  As she looked at the paint on the floor, she prayed the mop and water would take it all away and that nothing would permanently damage the floors. It had cost a lot of money to refinish them.

  “Oh, God, look at this mess. I have to start cleaning this up before the paint dries on the new floors.” She started to walk toward the back room where the mop and bucket were, but Stone took her hand and stopped her.

  She turned to look up into his eyes, her body still shaking, her legs felt like Jell-O, but she held strong. She had to.

  He reached out with his other hand and gently pulled her tank top up and fixed it.