Finding Him: Second Chance Billionaire Romance (Finding Love Book 1), page 18
“Knew what?” Although I asked the question, I immediately cover my ears because I don’t want to hear his answer.
“Does the name Johnathan Sanders mean anything to you?”
He sits down beside me so I retreat a little further. Johnathan Edward Sanders is a name that has haunted me for many years. It’s also listed under Father on my birth certificate. My head starts to spin as all the pieces suddenly fall into place. John is short for Johnathan—it can’t be. Oh god, I think I’m going to be sick.
I leap to my feet. “You should leave.”
“Brooke, please.”
“Just go!”
“Let me explain.”
“There’s nothing to explain,” I scream as the tears start to fall. “If what you’re saying is true, you abandoned my mother when she needed you most. You … you told her to abort me.”
He buries his face in his hands, shaking his head from side to side, and I use that moment to make my escape. “I should’ve never said those things to your mother that day. I just panicked. I loved her, Brooke—I still love her. Please believe me. For years, I searched for her.” Turning, I run towards the lift. I can’t listen anymore. I frantically press the button. “Brooke, give me a chance to explain,” are the last words I hear as the doors close behind me, separating me from that monster.
I stumble backwards until I hit the wall. Huge sobs rack my body as I slide down to the floor. It can’t be true, it just can’t.
The moment the doors open on the ground level, I scramble to my feet. “Miss Ryan,” the doorman says as I pass him. “Is something wrong?” But I don’t stop to answer. I need to get as far away from here as possible.
After pushing my way through the hordes of people that occupy the sidewalk, I take off at full speed. My feet are bare, but that’s the least of my worries. I have no clue where I’m heading, but I already know I’ll keep going until I can’t go any further. This revelation changes everything.
“Are you okay?” a lady asks as I pass, but I don’t stop. There’s nothing anyone can do to fix this.
I turn down a side street, and I’m so lost inside my own head that I don’t even notice the white van that pulls up beside me until it’s too late.
Before I even realise what’s happening, I’m grabbed from behind. “Got ya,” I hear as a damp cloth is placed over my mouth, muffling my scream. A strong sweet smell invades my senses as I thrash around, trying to free myself. I’m dragged backwards and a hot burning feeling consumes my mouth and throat. My movements diminish as my body weakens. “Nighty night, Princess.”
A feeling of dread overwhelms me when a needle pierces my skin. My legs instantly give way as everything fades to black.
Chapter 30
Logan
A nervous kind of excitement bubbles within as I step into the lift. I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning. It’s insane how affected I am by this woman. I’ve never felt this happy or content … nobody has the power to make me feel as exhilarated as she does. It’s been about ten hours since I last saw her, but given my current state, it feels more like weeks.
I’m clutching my briefcase in one hand and the biggest bunch of yellow roses in the other. I picked them up on the way home because I love the way her face lights up whenever I give her flowers. I can’t quite explain it, but it’s a look I’d gladly witness over and over. It’s the simple things about her that I crave most.
My whole perspective on life has changed. I no longer leave for work at the crack of dawn and come home late at night, but I need to keep reminding myself that this arrangement is only temporary. She’s leaving once Jake is found, and I know when that day comes, it will more than likely crush me.
When the lift doors open to my apartment, I exit, placing my briefcase down in the foyer, freeing one of my hands. I’m itching to touch her. My eyes are everywhere as I enter the main room, but instead of seeing my girl, I find my uncle. He’s sitting on the sofa with his head buried in his hands.
“John,” I say.
He stands, and the devastation on his face makes me feel immediate unease. What has that bitch done to him now? “I’ve screwed up, kiddo. I’ve screwed up bad.”
“What do you mean? Did something happen with Kathleen?” My eyes again move around the room. “Where’s Brooke?”
“She left.”
“Who, Brooke?”
“Yes.”
“Left? What do you mean she left?”
He lets out a deflated breath, as his bloodshot eyes meet mine. “I came here to talk to you; I wasn’t expecting her to be here. Believe me, I never meant for this to happen.”
“Never meant for what to happen?” My initial worry is quickly morphing into anger.
“I told her the truth, but it didn’t go so well.”
“The truth, what truth?” I’m baffled. He’s not making any sense.
When he doesn’t answer, I instinctively reach for him, fisting his shirt in my hand. Never in my life have I shown such hostility towards this man, but my only concern is Brooke.
“What did you say to her?”
Tears fill his eyes and instead of compassion I only feel rage. “I told her I was her father.” Letting him go, the flowers in my hand drop to the floor.
“What? Why would you tell her that?”
“Because it’s the truth.”
I’m currently in no state to wrap my head around any of this, I have tunnel vision. I need to find my girl and make sure she’s okay. “Where did she go?”
“I don’t know,” he says. “She ran out of here in tears.”
It feels like the bottom has dropped out of my world as I frantically dig into my pocket and pull out my phone. My hands are trembling as I desperately search for her number. “Pick up, pick up,” I chant as I wait for my call to connect.
My hopes are instantly dashed when I hear her ringtone nearby. My head darts around the room, and my heart sinks when I see her phone sitting on the coffee table. “Fuck!” Ending the call, I ring Mike. “Mike, it’s Logan. Has there been any contact?”
“I’m in the middle of dinner. I can look when I’m done and call you back.”
“No, I need to know now. Brooke’s gone.”
“What do you mean she’s gone?”
“She got upset and left.” My eyes narrow at my uncle. This is all his fault. “What if he has her?”
I hear Mike’s chair scrape across the floor through the line. “Give me a sec, I’ll go get the phone from my office.” My eyes dart to my uncle, as I wait. “Are you there?”
“Yes.”
“A message came through thirty minutes ago. I’m sorry I missed it.”
“What does it say?” I ask.
“Bingo. All it says is Bingo.”
What the fuck does that even mean? My head falls back as I pinch the bridge of my nose. “He has her, Mike; I feel it in my gut.”
“Don’t jump to conclusions. Have you tried contacting her?”
“Yes, but her phone’s here.”
“Christ. I’m on my way,” he says. “Don’t do anything until I get there.”
Desperation sets in the moment I end the call. “If he hurts her, I’ll never forgive you.”
“If who hurts her?” my uncle asks.
“Her ex-husband. He wants to kill her, that’s why she’s been staying here.”
“What? I had no idea.”
I scrub my hand over my face. I can’t just stand here and do nothing. “I’m going to look for her.”
“Let me come with you,” he says.
“No. You’ve done enough. If you really want to help, stay here. When Mike arrives, call me.”
“Logan, I’m sorry.” Ignoring him, I rush towards the hall table to get my car keys.
I dial Chris’s number as I travel down to the basement. “Chris, Brooke’s taken off. I’m worried Jake may have her.”
“Did you two have a fight?”
“No.”
“Then why would she leave?”
“Because my uncle has lost his fucking mind. I’m heading down to the basement now. I’m going to drive around and search the area.”
“Do you want me to do the same?”
“Please. Try her place first and call me if you see anything.”
I highly doubt she’d be there under the circumstances, but who knows. It’s not like she has anywhere else to go.
The tyres screech as I hastily pull out of my car space. “Come on, come on,” I scream in frustration, banging my hand down on the steering wheel as the garage door slowly rises. My mind is scrambled. As much as I pray Jake doesn’t have her, I can’t rule out the possibility that he does.
Pulling out into the street, I turn right. I don’t even know where to start my search, but I won’t give up until she’s home safe and sound.
“Where are you?” I whisper into the darkness. I feel like I’m going out of my mind as I drive around in circles. Every time I see someone with long brown hair, my hopes rise, but they’re dashed the moment I realise it isn’t her.
Manoeuvring the car over to the side of the road, I reach for my phone. “Anything?” I ask Chris when he answers.
He sighs. “Nothing yet, I’m afraid.”
“What was she thinking? She knew he was out to get her?”
“I can’t answer that,” he says.
I bow my head because the truth is, I know what her feelings towards her father are, so I can only imagine how much John’s words fucked her over. I bang my hand down on the steering wheel. His news would have devastated her. Why would he say something like that? It makes me furious just thinking about it.
“We just need to keep looking.” My phone beeps, so I pull it away from my ear and see Mike’s name on the screen. “I have an incoming call. Keep me updated.”
“I will.”
I press accept. “Mike.”
“You need to come back here.”
My heart drops the moment he says that. I’m almost too afraid to ask why. Leaning back, my head rests against the seat. My stomach churns. Life couldn’t be so cruel.
“Why?”
“We’ve been going over the building’s security footage. We think we have something.”
“What?” Holding my breath, my grip on the phone tightens as I brace myself for his answer.
“A white van. It was sitting across the street all day. The moment Brooke ran out of the building, it appeared to follow her.”
“Fuck.” The words from Jake’s last message swim in my mind. ‘You won’t be able to walk away this time because you’ll be DEAD!’ And then it dawns on me, I never told her about that one.
“Shit,” I scream. I should’ve fucking told her.
In hindsight, I thought I was doing the right thing, but now I know better. Hindsight can go fuck itself. If I’d said something, maybe she wouldn’t have fled like she did.
“We haven’t been able to get a clear enough picture of the plates, but we’re working on it.”
“We need to call the police?”
“Not yet,” he says. “I’m calling in a favour and hoping to get more footage from the CCTVs in the area.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I still think we should involve them.”
“Logan, it’s only been a few hours. She needs to be missing for twenty-four hours before they’ll do anything.”
“Not under these current circumstances,” I snap. “The police are aware of her situation.”
“Look, trust me, I know what I’m doing. If and when we need them, we’ll take that route.”
I let out a deflated breath. I hired him for a reason: he’s the best at what he does. He’s proven that to me many times over the years.
Ending the call, I look down at my home screen. It’s an image of us, taken on the day we spent at the private beach. Tears cloud my eyes as my fingertip runs over her beautiful face. She looks so happy in this picture. I make her happy, that I’m sure of. She may not realise that she loves me, but in my heart, I know she does. I feel it in every kiss … in every touch.
“I won’t rest until I find you, my love.” Because I can’t fathom any other outcome.
Chapter 31
Brooke
Opening my eyes, I find the room bathed in darkness. My head is pounding and my body feels weak. My left arm is numb and tingling from laying on it. The bed's springs creak as I move, and panic sets in when I realise my hands and feet are bound.
Managing to lift myself into a sitting position, I try to remember. Where am I, and how did I get here? My memory seems clouded and I feel groggy.
My heart starts to race as everything slowly comes back. I listen for a moment, but all I hear is silence. “Help. Can anyone hear me?” I call out at the top of my voice. Am I in a house? Are people nearby? I have no clue, but I can’t just sit here and do nothing. If I have any chance of getting out of here, I need to at least try.
Scooting myself to the edge of the bed, I swing my legs over the side. Just as I go to stand, the door flies open and the loud bang it makes when it hits the adjoining wall startles me. The light switches on, and I squint at the brightness. It takes a few seconds for my vision to finally adjust, and for my eyes to zero in on the tall figure that stands in the doorway.
“Well, well, well. Sleeping Beauty awakes.”
“Jake.”
Although this situation is less than ideal, the first thing I feel is sympathy as my eyes scan over his face. The last nine months have not been kind to him. His haggard appearance, long unkept hair, and full beard make him almost unrecognisable.
“How are you feeling?”
“How do you think I’m feeling? Did you drug me?”
I’m crippled with fear as he starts approaching. The last time I saw this man, his hands were wrapped around my throat. I scramble back.
“Don’t,” he says, holding his hand up to stop me, and my body freezes. I swallow hard as he sits on the edge of the bed and turns his body to face mine. I no longer know this shell of a man before me. The gleam that once shone in his beautiful blue eyes has diminished to the point they appear almost lifeless. I can hear my erratic heartbeat thumping in my ears as I await his next move. He’s already kidnapped and drugged me, so I have no idea what to expect next. “I’m not going to hurt you,” he whispers.
I don’t believe that for one second. His eyes flicker down to my bare legs as his hand slides across the mattress, coming to rest on my upper thigh. I instantly recoil. A kaleidoscope of emotions bursts through me when my gaze meets his, and I see the sadness permeating his eyes.
“What happened to you, Jake?” I ask as a lump begins to form in my throat. Despite everything he’s put me through, I can’t help but feel sorrow for what has become of him.
He bows his head, and I can feel the shame radiating off him. “I fucked up. I fucked up so much—my marriage, my career, everything …” You often hear how addiction destroys lives, but the gravity of those words hold so much more meaning to me in this situation. He raises his face back to mine. “I miss you, baby. I miss our old life together. I want things to go back to the way they used to be.” I have to look away. Any feelings I had for this man died a long time ago. “Have you missed me?”
I can hear the vulnerability in his voice, but I’m not going to lie to him. At the end of the day, he’s done this to himself and had no consideration for me, or my feelings when he decided to have an affair with that woman. My eyes dart back to him, and his slightly narrow as he waits for my reply.
“In the beginning, yes. You were my life once, Jake, but that’s in the past. You cheated on me and tried to strangle me. I can’t forgive you for that.”
“I didn’t mean it.”
“You didn’t mean to cheat on me, or strangle me?”
“Both,” he says.
“How can you not mean to cheat? And please don’t insult me by saying you tripped and accidently fell into your secretary’s vagina.”
He chuckles, but there’s nothing humorous about this situation. “I forgot how funny you are … there’s so much I miss about you, Brooke.”
I narrow my eyes. “Do you have any idea how much you hurt me, Jake?” And not just physically. The pain of his infidelity still stings. I gave this man everything.
“I know. I’m sorry.”
“How long had it been going on when we were together?” No matter what he says, it won’t change anything, but it’s something I’ve always wondered about. Was it a one-time thing, or a full-blown relationship?
“With Jenny, or the drugs?”
“Both.”
He shrugs. “Probably a few months. I can’t remember exactly.” I can’t believe how naive I was. Looking back now, all the signs were there. His mobile phone used to lay around the house, until suddenly it was always in his possession. The late nights, his withdrawal from me, his constant snapping and the mood swings.
“You were always so against drugs.”
“I was,” he says, bowing his head.
“Then why?”
“I had a lunch meeting with a client one day, I was tired and stressed out and he sensed that. He slipped something into my drink and said it would take the edge off. He was right, it did. For the first time in a long time, all my worries seemed to vanish, I felt on top of the world.” He sighs, shaking his head. “That’s how it all started.”
“If you were struggling, you should’ve talked to me.”
“I didn’t want to worry you. I wasn’t coping well with my new position, and you seemed so proud of me.” His eyes meet mine once more, and it hurts to see the tears in them.
“I was just being a supportive wife. I wasn’t happy with the changes in you, or in our relationship. I was miserable in Melbourne.”
“I didn’t even know I was hooked until it was too late. That’s when the affair started.” He shakes his head again. “Jenny came on to me as soon as I started working there. Please believe me when I say I wasn’t interested in the slightest, but she eventually found out about the drugs and used it to blackmail me.”
