The Missing One (Lost Series Book 2) (7 page)

NO, NO, NO!

I kept screaming my answer in my head. I couldn’t do this. If I had the guts, I’d run, but with him blocking my way it was a little hard.

“Abby White, will you do me the pleasure of becoming my wife?” he beamed at me anxiously awaiting my answer.

I was speechless. My brain didn’t seem to want to form words. The rest of the restaurant was watching and waiting for my reply. I bet that was why he’d planned to do this in a public place so I couldn’t say no and risk embarrassing him. He knew I wouldn’t do that in front of everyone.

Since my tongue seemed to weigh a ton right now, I forced myself to nod. Everyone around us applauded and Jacob slid the beauty of a diamond on my finger. This explained a lot about tonight, with the surprise and everything. He stood up placing a hard kiss on my lips.

Right now, I wanted nothing more than to scream. I think I’d just dug my grave a little deeper. What’s the saying once you make your bed you sleep in it, or something like that, and I just made mine with the devil.

What am I doing? Why did I just agree to marry the devil in human form?

“Good answer,” he chillingly whispered into my ear. I dreaded my future, especially with this man.

I just hoped Blake could help me.
Please.

We sat back down and our meals were delivered to the table though I didn’t recall ordering anything.

“These are complimentary meals from our chef as a congratulations,” smiled the hostess. “Congratulations on your engagement.”

Engagement?
What have I done?

We ate our meals in a stale silence. Jacob was not one for conversation at the best of times, but these days, except when he was trying to get the upper hand on me, he stayed silent. Dinner tasted like rubber and it was even harder to swallow, feeling like it was stuck in my throat and wouldn’t go any further. Not even the wine made it easier to swallow.

“Are you happy?” Jacob asked out of the blue. He had placed his fork down and was staring at me intently, his eyes hooded. Looking at him, at that moment, I noticed the changes in his appearance. Where his eyes were once a bright green like a dewy meadow, now they were stale green like dead seaweed scattered across a rocky beach. He was a very handsome man and I could see exactly what made me fall for him. He had the perfect muscular build. I loved his hugs when we first started dating. I lived and craved them, being near him and smelling his sweet scent.

What happened to him? What happened to the man I first loved?

I paused for a moment, making out that I was still trying to swallow my food. I gave him the answer he wanted to hear…again. “Yes, Jacob, very happy.” I was on autopilot and my body unwillingly agreed with him right away because I didn’t want to make a scene.

“Good, I only want for you to be happy. I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated you lately.”

Can someone slap me, please?
He did not just say that.

He continued to speak, “There have been lots of issues with work and then family problems. I am truly sorry.” If I’d been standing, I would’ve fallen over at the sincerity of his words. I won’t let him fool me again, though.

Before I managed to stop myself, I found my voice. “Umm…why treat me badly because of work? This has been going on for months?”

His eyes burnt into mine as if pondering his reply. “I’ve been scared you’re going to leave me,” he said as he glanced down at his plate putting on the ‘
I’m sad so please feel sorry for me’
face. “I don’t handle stress well. As I said, work is going down the drain because some client hasn’t been happy with how we’ve handled their account. But mostly because I worry you’ll leave me, and I’ll be left alone. I love you so much, Abby. I can’t lose you, and that’s why I want to marry you. You’re my everything.”

More like I’m your regular punching bag.

There was no love in his words. He didn’t even reach out to touch me. It’s as though it had slipped his mind that he physically hurts me.
What the hell?

“Why
hit
me? If you want me to stay then why use me as your personal punching bag?” Yeah, it kind of just spewed out before I could stop it. I don’t know. It’s like I suddenly gained the courage and decided to ask why.

In a flash, he was beside me, not allowing me a chance to get up or move. His hand latched onto mine, applying pressure, squeezing my knuckles together, and grinding them hard. He had flicked the switch. I yelped out in pain trying to pull my hand away, but his grip was like iron, strong and robust, unmovable once in place.

“You dare ask a question like that in a public place where I can’t punish you?” he seethed, with so much hate in his words. He applied more pressure causing pain to shoot right up my arm, but it didn’t stop me if anything I felt more determined. Time for me to deal with it, get over it and get on with my life.

“What just like you asking me here so I had to say ‘
yes’,”
I spat back at him. My face was so close to his. His posture stiffened and he became rigid. His free hand clenched into a fist causing his knuckles to go white. There was so much hate raging in those green eyes. That was my turning point and there was no going back now. “What the hell makes you think I would want to marry someone who hurts me like you do? Can’t you see the marks you leave on me, or do they become invisible to you after you’ve put them there? There is no
love
in this relationship.” My words kept coming and I knew I’d made him raging mad, but I couldn’t stop myself and it felt so damn good.

“You do not speak to me like that, you
bitch,
” he hissed, shooting a little spittle at my face.

“See, there you go,” I taunted right back at him. I had no idea what had come over me that night. “Always turning to violence.”

The pressure on my hand was so hard I was sure he was going to shatter all the bones in my hand. I was trying really hard not let him see that the pain was seriously killing me. I really wanted to cry out, but kept my back tall and did not allow him to waiver me.

“Because you
deserve
it. You never listen or do as you’re told.”

“I’m not a child that needs disciplining. I’m your fiancée.”

Not that I want to be!

I kept my voice even and strong. I won’t let him see me break again.

“You’re just someone for me to
use
when I need you there,” he seethed. His face reddened as the anger and annoyance at me grew stronger.

Did he really just say that?
The heat began to rise in my chest as though I might breathe fire and turn him to ashes.
If only I could do that.

“How dare you! In that case, I want nothing to do with you. This marriage will
never
happen because this, between us right now, is
over.
” With those words, I yanked my hand as hard as I could, which surprisingly worked as it was freed from his hateful hold. I reached down and grabbed my bag and speed walked out the door before he could come after me.

Once outside I took my shoes off and hit the pavement running as fast as I could, not stopping for anyone or anything. I felt free for the first time in a long time, like a bird who found its wings and glides in flight.

Abby

Three Years Ago

After getting as far away as I could from the restaurant, I slowed to a walk, my heart pounding with such force from the adrenaline. Luckily, I had money on me to catch a passing cab, but knowing he would most likely show up at my house, I didn’t really want to risk going there. Then again, he probably wouldn’t want to go into details with my parents about
why
I ran from our date. He would just wait until I was on my own somewhere and then show up.

I began to take in my surroundings and noticed that I’d made my way over to my workplace. I headed into the park to sit on my all too familiar bench where I thought about my life that was spiralling out of control at a rapid pace. .

As I approached the bench, I saw a familiar person who caused my heart to leap up into my throat. He was wearing a hole into the grass pacing.

“Abby!” he called from the park. His voice was one that warmed me right to my core and set off a butterfly attack in my stomach.

Blake.

I turned toward him and before I could stop myself, the tears started to fall as I ran to him. He opened his arms for me as I got closer and I jumped right into them, wrapping my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. His arms of safety enveloped me, sending calmness over my aching body. I sobbed hard into his shoulder, the fear, hurt and pain of tonight taking its toll on my emotions.

“Shh…it’s okay. I’m here,” he soothed me with his comforting words over and over until I stopped crying and relaxed into him. He didn’t put me down but held onto me for dear life. His scent wrapped around me tickling my senses. It was a mixture of shower wash and cologne. A perfect balance of both.

“What happened?” he asked when I’d finally composed myself. But he never let me go and held me continually comforting me.

“Can we go somewhere else?” I was worried
he
might come around looking for me. I slid out of Blake’s grip and glanced nervously around at the empty street expecting to see Jacob. My heart pounded in my chest with fear. A new kind of fear because I’d left him and ran, so I knew he was going to be majorly pissed.

Blake took my hand that didn’t get crushed by Jacob and led me through to the opposite side of the park where there were massive apartment buildings. He walked up to one and reached for his keys.

He lives this close to my work?

We caught the elevator to the fifth floor. Stepping off, he guided me to his door.

Opening it, he moved aside to allow me to enter first. “Welcome to my place,” he announced, waving his arm around the spacious area.

It was a studio apartment, very open. There was a small hallway that must lead to the bathroom and bedroom. The walls were painted a nice cream with a bright red feature wall behind the television. There was also lovely black leather furniture and a dark wood dining table. The kitchen, living, and dining area were all open space living. On one side of the room, there was glass panelling that led out onto a balcony. It was a simple yet it was perfect for Blake. His carefree personality showed.

“It’s very nice.” I walked over to the doorway leading out to the balcony, leaning against it, soaking in the coolness of the night air. It was so refreshing after the night I’d just been through. I wished only moments ago that tonight had never happened, but now standing in Blake’s apartment my night was turning around. I began aimlessly twisting the ring that I was still wearing on my finger. Looking down at my left hand, it suddenly felt as though the ring was burning through my skin. It was poison, like the person who’d given it to me. Poison in every way possible. I was so glad I did what I did. But now what? Where do I go from here? I knew he wouldn’t relent until he had me in his grasp again.

I sensed Blake standing behind me, the tingly sensations spread through my chest once again and in the most magical way. I spun myself around and fell into his open arms. I’d already cried my tears tonight and I was now content and relieved being in the arms of this man before me. In such a short amount of time, he’d shown me what love really was, but I still have to see what the outcome of all this was going to be with Jacob.

“What happened, Abby?” he whispered. His breath tickled my neck, awakening a desire so strong I didn’t want to hold back. I leant back, gazing into his green orbs, taking a deep breath. We maintained eye contact, and as I shifted closer to him, my entire body trembled with anticipation.

“I left him.” As the words left my dry mouth, a tightening enclosed my chest.

His mouth fell open. After a few seconds to take in what I’d said, he didn’t hold back but pressed his lips to mine, pulling me to him. I felt so much more of a strong connection with Blake than I ever had with Jacob. So I didn’t hold back as I returned the kiss with everything I had and savoured his flavour.

Blake flicked a spark in my heart every time I was near him. When we touched, the flame ignited and burned so hot and bright it hurt to not be with him.

He pulled back and the absence of his lips caused me to miss them immediately. “How did he take it?”

My eyes dropped along with the barrier around my soul. I allowed him to see the worry etched over my face. I didn’t know how far Jacob would go and who knew what he was capable of. He was like a lion that stalked its prey and when it was time, he would pounce when least expected.

“I’m scared, Blake. Not a little bit, but absolutely terrified for my life.” My voice caught as it trembled. I held back a fresh wave of tears that threatened to spill.

He pulled me back into his solid chest and his strong arms wrapped a safety net around me. “It will be all right, Abby. I’ll figure something out. What if—” he stopped short, not finishing his sentence.

“What if, what?” I pushed.

“What if we leave together and go start somewhere new?” The excitement in his voice was evident.

I shook my head already knowing my answer. “No, I can’t. My family is here.”

“We can tell them where we’re going?”

“They don’t even know I’ve ended things with Jacob, it only happened tonight. They don’t know what he was like with me. I’ve never discussed it with them.”

He released me, taking my hand and leading me to the lounge. We sat down, our bodies close enough to feel the electric current that flowed through us when we got close. He kept hold of my hand.

“What happened tonight? I see you have one stunning ring on that very important finger,” he asked, his words dripping with venom. I should’ve taken it off, but I got so caught up in the moment of seeing him there in the park, I just wanted him to save me.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, not sure if I was ready to dive into the drama that happened tonight. “Just promise me that you’ll keep calm,” I begged.

His face tightened. “I can’t promise anything.”

I proceeded to tell him every detail about tonight from when I came home and Jacob was there, right up until I found him at the park. His face contorted when I told him about how Jacob treated me at dinner, the way he handled me, and then all the attention so I would have to say yes when he proposed. I didn’t keep anything from Blake. I didn’t want to.

He got up and began pacing around the room for a minute, then went to the kitchen, grabbing a beer and bringing one back for me.

“Thanks,” I said, taking the cool drink from his hand. “Are you okay?” He hadn’t said a word since I finished and I was worried. What if he was mad at me for saying ‘
yes
.’

Oh, this is just one mess after another.

He took my hand, gently squeezing it, very unlike Jacob’s grip. “I…I don’t really know what to say. I really want to go punch him in the face or arrest him and throw him in jail.” His face lit up as though he was having a light bulb moment and had come up with a brilliant payback idea.

“What if you press charges and then I
can
throw him in jail? At least for a little while.”

I was already shaking my head at this ridiculous idea. “No.”

“Why not?” He was apparently shocked at my reaction.

“Because I don’t want him to have anything over me that he can come after me for.”

“Why do you think he is always going to come after you?”

Because he said I was his and no one else’s. Blake hadn’t seen the strength in his words when Jacob told me that I belonged to him. There was an awkward stale silence between us. I sat there staring at him my mind in fast forward.

Did he really just say that?
He realised his mistake and went to correct it, but I cut him off. Anger began to build within me, a match had been lit.
How dare he!

“How dare you! You have no idea what my life’s been like over the last six months!” my voice kept rising. “Have you even been hit, slapped, beaten blue, and made to feel like no one will ever love you? He knew the correct places to hit so it wouldn’t be obvious to everyone else. I’ve not been able to talk to my sister about any of this, but yet I talked to a stranger, who
should
have an idea about this kind of thing, being a cop and all.” Tears fell down my cheeks and I was unable to stop. Blake reached for me, but I recoiled from him.

“Don’t touch me,” I screamed at him. I hardly recognised my own voice.

“Abby, calm down, please. It’s me, Blake. I’m not Jacob.” Flicking my eyes to his, he saw his mistake, instantly regretting it.

“I never told you his name.”

“Ab—”

“No! How do you know him?” My body was shaking all over, unable to control its shuddering. I hopped up and started to pace. My heart was in my throat.

How did Blake know who Jacob was?

Blake looked out the window, a pained expression covered his face. Turning back to me his features were unreadable. “Do you remember me telling you about my half-brother?”

I nodded slowly, wondering where this might be going.

“Well,
he
is my half-brother,” he whispered so low I could hardly hear him.

Was this some kind of joke?
I felt disconnected from my body. An urgent need to sit down or I would collapse came over me. Falling onto the couch, I was stunned into silence. My chest was hammering and my hands were shaking.

“What? He...are you playing some k…kind of sick joke on m...me?” I screamed at him leaping out of my seat. I was tired of the surprises that kept happening to me. I wished this day had never even begun.

Why does this crap keep happening to me? Do I wear a sign on my forehead saying,
“Please everyone, come along and stuff up my life?”
I seemed to only attract those who wanted to harm me or cause me pain.
Why?

“No, I didn’t want to tell you because I knew you would react like this.” He ran his hands down his face, releasing a sigh of frustration.

“Do you just want me because I’m his?” A gasp escaped him. His eyes wide with shocked at my question. How could I know if that’s the only reason he wanted me? What if it was a sibling rivalry thing, a competition?

He shook his head. “Abby, remember I told you he wasn’t a nice person when I first told you about him? I stand by that.” He moves closer to me again, taking my hand in his. A part of me wanted to pull it from his grip and run. Running seemed like the better option, but his free hand reacted, cupping my cheek. I closed my eyes as my chest constricted. This crazy magical connection between us was something not even Jacob and I had at the start of our relationship. Blake’s touch made my body go crazy and I definitely wanted more from him. He lifted my chin so our eyes met, and once again, I was lost in those green eyes and that was when I realised that I should have noticed. Blake and Jacob have the same eyes…well, nearly. Blake’s are bright green and when he smiles, they have a little twinkle in them. Silly, I know, but it’s what I see. Jacob, on the other hand, his are green also, but they don’t have a spark to them. No twinkle there, only cold, hard unlovable eyes.

“Abby, I don’t want you because you’re his. Honestly, I had no idea who your boyfriend was until I saw him with you at the park after our date. When I saw the way he treated you, it just made me more determined to get you to see that there are decent guys out there. Please give me a chance to show you,” I heard the pleading in his voice and it crumbled away the anger and fear I was previously feeling.

I wanted to give him a chance. Everything he’d done so far wasn’t much, but somehow he’d always managed to show up right when I needed him. He could be my something better. He could show me what a real relationship was like. I knew my parents, and especially Melodi, would be genuinely happy for me. Even though my parents never saw the bad side of Jacob, I knew Melodi had her suspicions. I needed to fully end it with Jacob and then move on, but tonight I didn’t really care. This man sitting before me was my chance to be happier.

“It’s okay, Blake. It’s just been one hell of a day with what happened at the park and then dinner tonight. I can’t seem to catch a break.”

He leant over claiming my lips and a new warm feeling spread throughout my chest, running rapidly through my veins. I pushed harder against his lips, wrapping my arms around his neck, and his wrapped around my waist, pulling me onto his lap. His arms left my waist and moved to my legs.