Damaged Page 8

  He tiptoed up behind her, straightening the collar of his shirt. “Hm.” He moaned, enthralled by her aggressive yet sweet perfume. “For you.” He held out the roses from behind her back.

  She turned around, batting her thick eyelashes, heavy with mascara.

  “Are you aware of what each of these roses represent?”

  Her little nose went up in the air, face void of enthusiasm but he vowed to change that.

  “We have the dark red rose.” He handed it to her, and she took it with reluctance. “Which means, unconscious beauty. Now let me explain.” He touched the red petals. “This one fits you because, well, you’re very attractive but I doubt you know just how irresistible you are.”

  She sniffed it, still no smile or hint of impression.

  “Here’s the white rose.”

  She took it, spinning it in her fingers.

  “Purity and innocence.” He caressed the white petals. “You’re well-rounded in every sense of the word but still have a hint of innocence to you and it’s a beautiful thing.” He held up the yellow rose. “It means joy and friendship.” He gave it to her. “I hope that’s what comes out of this meeting.”

  She sighed, rolling her eyes.

  He cleared his throat. “The orange rose. The one I believe is ignored which is a shame. It means—”

  “Desire,” she said in an impassive tone, making his eyebrow lift. “The coral rose is modesty, and the pink rose is grace.” Her lips glistened with light-lavender lipstick. “Does this rose thing impress women?”

  “It’s the first time I used it.” He got closer, sniffing her. “See, I try not to use the same tactics on women because women are different and unique.”

  “I’m not impressed.” She snatched the roses from him and threw them on the grass. “Next?”

  “I didn’t expect that.” He looked at his beloved roses by her feet. “You don’t like roses?”

  “I don’t like you.”

  “May I ask why not?”

  “Maybe if I had a year, I’d be able to tell you.”

  He smiled. “You forgot this one.” He referred to the lavender rose but snatched it away when she reached for it. “Know what this one means?”

  She shrugged.

  “Love at first sight.” Jonathan gave it to her. “You can throw it on the grass if you like but take the meaning to heart.”

  “So you’re in love with me now?” She grinned, and he thanked God to get a reaction even if she mocked him.

  “I’m not in love with you.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “But, I am intrigued, attracted and miffed.”

  “Why miffed?” She sniffed the lavender rose but kept it unlike the others.

  “I can’t figure you out.”

  “I suppose you can figure out any woman.”

  “No.” He winked. “I couldn’t figure out Deidra either. In fact, she’s been here three months and I still can’t figure her out.”

  “This is entertaining and all...” Her gaze fell to his shirt. “But, can you please tell my sister I’m here because this place gives me hives?”

  “You don’t like my garden?” He laughed, holding his arms out. “Don’t like my mansion?”

  “Your home is spectacular.” She still lacked emotion. “But, I’ve seen bigger and better.”

  “In your travels?” He raised an eyebrow. “I’d love to hear about them some day. I’m not shocked you can’t stay in one place too long. A woman like you needs something to stimulate her mind but stability can be a good thing, Lydia.”

  “Get my sister out here or I’m leaving.”

  “Why don’t you like me?” He squinted. “I’d think you were too intelligent to make an opinion based off rumors.”

  “It’s based off this cult—”

  “It’s not a cult.”

  “And, how you manipulate women to do what you want and it’s sick.”

  “It’s not a cult.” He huffed. “It’s a community.”

  “I don’t give a damn what you call it, Mr. Wild, I’m not having this shit, okay? My sister doesn’t belong here and I’m gonna make her see it.”

  “She’s a grown woman.” He backed up, shaking his head. “She made her own decision.”

  “You kidnapped her and gave her something.”

  He cackled, leaning his head back. “Did Winston tell you that?”

  “It’s the truth.”

  “Lydia.” He touched her hair. “You’re so wrong. You’re seeing things from the outside perspective. Here, we have our own ways of looking at things.”

  She pushed his hand away.

  He tucked in his lips, grinning.

  “Mr. Wild.” Her sexy mouth formed a sarcastic smile. “I’m not like these other women who fall all over you. Just let me have my sister and leave her alone forever.”

  “Forever’s a long time.”

  She walked to the bench with the decorative carvings and sat, crossing her legs.

  Jackpot.

  “Why did you walk away?” Jonathan approached her. “Is it because you’re trying to distance yourself?”

  Her eyebrows lowered, and she took on a bothered expression. “What are you talking about?”

  “You’re afraid if you get too close you might see why a woman would want to stay here with me.”

  “You think I’m stupid, don’t you?”

  He gazed into her consuming eyes. “You’re afraid of me.”

  “Please.” She stood, making an unconvincing chuckle.

  “You’re afraid and flustered and irritated.” He counted on his fingers. “Little old me brings out these emotions in you? Wow. I’m flattered.”

  “Fuck off.” She headed for the trail.

  “I’d rather fuck you.”

  She stopped in her tracks, turning her head. “What did you say?”

  “You heard me. I want you.” He shrugged. “Can’t you tell?”

  “What’s the real game?” She marched toward him, her average-size boobs jiggling. “Are you trying to throw me off so I won’t tell Dee to leave or are you thinking you have a shot with me?”

  He straightened his pants. “Deidra’s the woman I wanna be with.”

  “Then what the hell are you flirting with me for?”

  “I lust for you.” He touched her cheek. “Just because I love one woman means I can’t want another? See, that’s not how it works here.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Jonathan glided his finger on Lydia’s cheek. “You don’t find me attractive?”

  Lydia shoved him, grossed out just by touching him. “Get my sister out here now.”

  “Calm down. Let’s get to know each other better.”

  “No—”

  “Why do you travel so much?”

  She jerked. “What?”

  “Is it because you need to run away from something? Is that how it’s been for you your whole life?”

  “You don’t know a damn thing about me.”

  He did a slight nod. “Deidra told me some things, and I gathered my knowledge from that. I get you don’t like to face your problems.”

  Her shoulders dropped.

  “That it’s easier to travel so you don’t have to deal with what’s going on at home. Like what, your relationship with Dee or how inadequate you’ve always felt compared to her?”

  “Who the hell do you think you are?”

  “That’s it isn’t it, Lydia?” He walked around her in a circle while sprouting his bullshit. “You’re jealous of Dee and always have been. Always thought you couldn’t live up to your big sister.” He stopped in front of her. “Or do you not like people having expectations of you because you’ll never measure up? I’d love to analyze you closer.” He pinched her chin. “Maybe I can help you figure things out.”

  She slapped his hand away. “Get Dee out here or I’ll fuck up this entire garden.”

  “There’s a daybed over that way.” He pointed to the trail leading through the bushes. “It’s very comfortable.�
� He snatched her hand, causing her to gasp. “Let’s go over there and get more acquainted.”

  “That’s it.” She broke free. “Dee is leaving with me today! I don’t give a damn what you do.”

  “She’s not going anywhere.” His eyes caressed her curves. “I want you. Let’s talk about that.”

  “It’ll never happen. You’re pathetic. What’s the end goal with The Circle? Just to get as many women as you want?”

  His tongue peeked from between his lips. “To rule the world, sweetheart.”

  She tossed her hair back as she turned to leave. “I’m coming back with the police.”

  “I want you to stay.” He jumped in front of her, taking her hands. “Get to know me. We can relax and have snacks—”

  She struggled to loosen her hands from his grip. “You think women were put on this earth to please you?”

  “I had it the other way around.” He laughed. “I want to please you. Trust me.” He leaned in, winking. “I don’t mind doing most of the work.”

  She got her hands free and slapped him. “Let my sister go, you bastard.”

  He moaned, rubbing his cheek. “Are you this feisty in bed?”

  She raised her hand to slap him again, and he grabbed her. “Let me go.” She tried to pull away. “Get your hands off me.”

  “What are you so afraid of?”

  “Let go of me.” She fidgeted. “I’ll have the cops here so fast.”

  “They can’t do anything because I’ve done nothing.”

  “You got your damn hands on me and won’t let go.” She tugged. “That’s assault.”

  “It’s not assault.” He clamped his arm around her waist. “It’s a pass.” He forced her wriggling body still, kissing her fast as if intent on receiving full pleasure before she pushed him away.

  “Asshole,” she grumbled with her lips against his. “Get the fuck off!” She slapped him again. “Dee!”

  He grabbed her hand again, yanking her in the direction of the daybed. “Let’s talk a little—”

  “Let go of me!” She hit him in the face. “Dee!”

  “Ow.” He let her go, laughing. “Calm down. It’s just sex. Is this about Cam? It’s not like he has to find out.”

  “Fuck you.” She pushed him and ran toward the path. “Dee!”

  “Lydia?” Dee scurried from around plants and came into view.

  Jonathan wiped Lydia’s lipstick from his mouth.

  “Dee!” Lydia ran into her arms.

  “Lydia.” Dee returned the embrace, adding a kiss to Lydia’s cheek. “I missed you.”

  Lydia shivered, glancing at Jonathan.

  “What’s wrong?” Dee examined Lydia’s face. “You’re shaking.”

  “This man is a monster and a pig.” Lydia pointed at Jonathan. “He made a pass at me. Said he wants to sleep with me.”

  Dee looked at Jonathan. “Lydia, you must be mistaken.”

  “I’m not.” Lydia charged Jonathan, thrusting her hands in his face. “What the hell did you do to her? How dare you?”

  “Lydia.” Dee grabbed her, holding her arms. “This is my life now. You’re like Winston, Lisa, Jake, none of you understand me.” She hugged Jonathan. “Only Jonathan does.”

  “You won’t get away with this, Jonathan.” Lydia sniffled. “Dee, with the way you are now you might as well be dead.”

  “Lydia.” Dee moved back, squinting. “How can you say something so horrible?”

  “How can you pick this man you haven’t even known a year over your friends and over me?”

  “I didn’t pick him over anyone.” Dee stuck out her neck. “I want Jonathan and all of you in my life.” She grabbed Lydia’s hands. “Just open your mind.”

  “Give it a chance, Lydia.” Jonathan smiled. “You might want to become a part of the family too.”

  “Let’s go.” Lydia pulled Dee away from Jonathan. “Come on. Enough of this.”

  Dee tussled, freeing herself. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Get your ass over here.” Lydia grabbed Dee’s hand again.

  “Jonathan.” Dee batted her eyes at him.

  “Lydia.” Jonathan got in between them. “This isn’t happening.”

  “Move.”

  “She doesn’t wanna go.” He grabbed Dee, pushing her behind him.

  “I’m your sister,” Lydia screamed at Dee. “I love you more than anyone else on this earth, and we’re all we have now.”

  “You noticed?” Dee stepped from behind Jonathan. “You’ve been running around the world and now family is important?”

  Lydia wiped a tear from her lips. “You and Daddy always meant everything.”

  “Is that why you didn’t come to his funeral?”

  “Wow.” Lydia exhaled, sniffling. “How can you throw that in my face?”

  “I love you, Lydia.” Dee touched her sister’s cheek. “But The Circle is my family now too.”

  “You’re not getting way with this.” Lydia pushed Jonathan and marched toward the trail.

  “Lydia?” Jonathan spoke as she continued walking. “Have dinner with us tonight.”

  “Go to hell!” She walked through the garden and a full-figured, blonde woman approached.

  “You’re Lydia.” The woman rocked, cutting her eyes toward the shrubs. “I’m Rena. Dee’s in trouble.”

  “Duh.” Lydia passed her.

  “I’m serious.”

  Lydia stopped, exhaling.

  Rena’s face crinkled with worry. “Jonathan’s obsessed with your sister and he’ll do anything to keep her here.”

  “What did he do to her?”

  “You have to get her out of here.” Rena massaged her shaking hands. “He’s going to take Dee to Wales.”

  “Fuck that. He can’t take my sister anywhere.”

  “He will. Lydia, if you let Jonathan take Dee out the country you’ll never see her again.”

  Lydia closed her eyes, slapping her hand over her quivering mouth.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  “Wales?” Winston slammed his fist on the coffee table that night. “He’s taking Dee to Wales?”

  “That’s what Rena says.” Lydia paced across Winston’s hardwood floor, barefoot in the oversized T-shirt she wore around the house.

  “God, why did you go over there? I told you to stay away.”

  “If I hadn’t gone we wouldn’t have known his plans.” She sobbed, hyperventilating. “We can’t let him take my...my sister.”

  “It’s okay.” He hopped over to her and hugged her. “Don’t cry. I’m not letting Jonathan take Dee anywhere. If I got to kidnap Dee, I will.”

  “How did this happen?” She put her arms around him. “I’m so scared.”

  “I’ll talk to Shauna.” He looked her in the eyes. “I’ll see if she knows anything.”

  She sighed, sitting on the couch.

  He called Shauna and asked if he could come over and she agreed. “Okay, see you in a few minutes.” He put his phone up and got his keys off the table. “I’ll be back in a little while.”

  Lydia stretched out on the couch.

  “Do me a favor and stay the hell away from Jonathan. I mean it. That guy’s a creep.”

  She fixed the pillow under her head. “He tried to seduce me.”

  Winston scoffed, rolling his eyes. “What did you expect?”

  “Rena said if Jonathan takes Dee we’ll never see her again.” She raised her head. “That’s what he’s wanted all this time.”

  “He’s not taking Dee anywhere.” Winston headed out the living room. “I promise you that.”

  ****

  “He’s got a new compound in Wales.” Shauna poured a cup of coffee in her kitchen that connected to her living room of sun-yellow walls and blue furniture.

  “Sure you don’t want cinnamon coffee?” She sipped from her mug wearing a low-cut, lace robe that Winston believed she’d worn to entice him.

  “When is Jonathan going to Wales?”

  “I don’t
know.” She sashayed into the living room and sat on the blue sectional beside him. “Oops.” She glanced at her chest, fixing the white lace. “I’m hanging out, huh?”

  “You hang out a lot.” He exhaled. “Or is it just when I’m around?”

  She smirked, tightening the ribbon around her waist.

  “You have no idea when he’s planning this trip?”

  “It’s not a trip.” She crossed her long legs. “He’s moving everyone there when the compound is finished.”

  “Fuck.” Winston turned his body toward her, wiggling his foot. “I can’t let that happen.”

  She stirred her coffee with the tiny spoon, a frown crossing her lips. “He wants to make Deidra Head Mistress. He knows you’re planning to get her back.”

  “Damn right.” Winston chewed his bottom lip. “There’s no way in hell I’m letting Jonathan take her to Wales.”

  “He loves Wales because it makes him feel closer to his dad.” She shrugged. “He says whenever he goes there it’s like his dad is still alive and he loved his dad very much.”

  “Have you seen the other compound?”

  “Yes, he’s taken me a few times. You think his compound in Broadville Port is big, you should see the one in Wales.” She whistled. “Jonathan calls the new one his ‘paradise away from the world’.”

  He studied her as she sipped. “How long have you known Jonathan?”

  She looked at the ceiling, batting. “I met him when I was twenty so it’s been about sixteen years.”

  “That’s a long time.”

  She held a boastful smile. “I was the first member of The Circle.”

  Winston propped his elbow on the back of the couch. “How did you meet?”

  “I needed rescuing, and he was there.” She curled her legs underneath her. “My husband was very abusive.”

  “You were married?”

  She nodded. “Right after high school when we were eighteen because I got pregnant.”

  Winston gaped.

  “I have a daughter.” She lowered her eyes, sniffing. “Yeah, she’s a grown woman now. Boy, time passes fast. She lives in Philly with my family. My parents raised her. Things were horrible with my husband. He was wild and drank like every other young man who refuses to grow up. Couldn’t keep a job. We struggled. My husband suggested we move here when we were twenty.”