Indigo- The Complete Series, page 24
part #1 of Indigo Series
“I watched you having sex with her,” Lucy said in a hushed voice. “You enjoyed being with her. That part wasn’t edited. It was real.”
His mouth pulled into a hard line. “What you saw is what used to be,” he said through gritted teeth. “Yes, I had sex with her. It’s part of my past. But everything changed when I met you. You know that’s true.”
“I don’t know what’s true anymore.” She sighed and wiped her eyes.
He took her hand and placed it over his heart. “What’s true is this belongs to you.” He put his hand over her heart. “And this belongs to me.”
“I’m pretty overwhelmed right now. I can’t go on like it never happened.” She wanted to believe him, but she was worried about the media attention. It wouldn’t matter if he could prove Rachel had edited the video. There was enough raw sex footage to create a feeding frenzy of gossip for a long time.
“Lucy,” Justin said, stirring her from her thoughts. “Come to London with me.”
“What?” She pulled away from him.
“I’m not leaving without you.” His eyes bored into hers with sincerity as he waited for her answer.
Lucy placed a hand on her throat. “I…I…can’t do that.” A wide chasm opened in her heart.
“Yes, you can.” He pulled her again into his arms. “The flight leaves early tomorrow morning. We’ll get through this shit storm. And in the meantime, we’ll be together as we sort it out. Come with me now. We can stop by your place and pack, or get whatever you need when we get to London.”
“That’s crazy. I can’t just pick up and leave. What about my family? My degree? My internship?” She pushed him away.
“We’ll figure it out. If you don’t come with me I’m afraid—” he trailed off, his eyes wild as he stared at her.
“Afraid of what?”
Justin’s jaw clenched. “I don’t know, but I have this feeling we need to be together. Like I need to be with you, to protect you.”
“I’m perfectly safe. And I think the damage has already been done by the video. So now you get to run away and leave me here to deal with it,” she said, her voice rising.
Justin ran both hands down his unshaved jaw. “Don’t do this, Lucy. I’m begging you to come with me.”
“I already told you. I can’t just walk away from my life here,” she said, wrapping her arms around her waist and pacing the living room.
“All I want is to keep you safe. I want to protect you from all this shit…” he said, his eyes wild, as he spread his arms wide.
“That you and your ex-girlfriend caused,” she hissed in return.
“Goddammit!” Justin shouted, clutching her arm. “I don’t know how many times I can apologize. I’m trying to fix this as fast as I can.”
“From London!” she shouted back, twisting out of his grip. “Go back to England, Justin, and leave me alone.”
“I’m not leaving without you!” Justin roared, grabbing her again. “You need to trust me. I would never lie to you.”
She shook herself free and shouted, “You kept what was happening with Rachel a secret from me for weeks! That’s a lie of omission.”
His eyes narrowed in anger, and he pointed at her. “I did it to protect you.”
She turned her back to him and walked to the door when Justin caught her, turned her around, and pushed her up against the door, holding her arms above her head.
Lucy’s heart pounded in her chest as she looked at Justin. His intense stare frightened her.
When she turned away, he leaned in and growled, “You’ve been keeping secrets of your own, Lucy.”
“I have no secrets.” She admonished him, trying to get free.
“I saw Edward’s email on your computer. So, tell me, did you go out with him?” he asked through clenched teeth.
She closed her eyes as the fear increased from being restrained. “I would never go on a date with Edward. You know better than that.”
“It’s called trust, Lucy,” he snarled. “You have to trust me, and I have to trust you. It’s the foundation of any relationship.” He held her hands tighter.
“Edward’s email is not the same thing as your sex video, and you know it. You’re hurting me. Let me go!” she screamed as she tried to pull away from him, but his grip was tight.
Justin let go at once. His eyebrows knitted together and he winced, and then squeezed his eyes shut. He must have just realized he had broken his promise to never restrain her.
Lucy’s heart broke in two. Deep down she trusted him, but she was angry and confused. “Justin, I—” she tried to articulate what she was thinking, but couldn’t find the words to describe her feelings and indecisiveness.
“What’s going on?” Colleen asked, running into the room. “I heard shouting—” she said, coming to an abrupt halt. Glancing back and forth at them, taking only a few moments to assess the situation when she told Justin, “I think you should leave.”
Justin shook his head slowly, turning to look at Lucy. His hands fell to his sides. “Please reconsider, Lucy, he whispered. “I’ll leave a ticket for you at the ticket counter and send you the flight information.”
“I’m not going with you,” she said in a quiet voice. Feeling numb, she kept her eyes riveted on the floor. New tears rolled down her cheeks when he left. He didn’t slam the door shut like she had expected. Instead, it closed with a soft click.
CHAPTER 30
Lucy
“Lucy?”
Lucy dried her eyes, and looked up to see Colleen walk into the living room. It was early evening now, but it felt like minutes since Justin had left. She had been sitting on the couch, holding tightly onto a velvet cushion as if it was a lifeline. As he promised, Justin had sent her a message containing his flight information and telling her a ticket was waiting for her. But she couldn’t do it.
After he left, the press had descended on Colleen’s condo. She could hear them shouting outside, and a few reporters had the nerve to bang on the door until Colleen threatened to call the police. No doubt, they were followed last night, or the press had followed Justin. Either way, it no longer mattered. He was leaving, and she would remain behind.
Colleen sat beside Lucy and looked at her best friend. “There’s something I have to tell you, sweetie.” Colleen handed Lucy a box of tissues and waited for her to blow her nose.
Lucy rubbed her eyes and muttered, “Now what?”
“Because you haven’t returned any of your mother’s calls, she called me.”
Lucy frowned at Colleen.
“Your parents are sending a security team to take you to their house.” Colleen sighed. “For once, I agree with your mom. You’ll be thrown into the gossip snake pit if you stay here. They have the means to protect you from all this insanity.”
Lucy laid her head on the couch. Her parents would do more than protect her; they would treat her like a child. God, she wished she could get out from under their influence once and for all. “What about you? Even if I leave, you’ll be hounded by the press to find out where I am.”
Colleen shrugged. “It won’t last long. I’m going to stay at my parents’ house for a while.”
So, that was that. She was getting what she wanted: Justin would leave for London, and she would remain in Los Angeles and finish her degree. But instead of feeling satisfied, Lucy felt hollow and alone. She thought of his blue eyes, sexy grin, and sensual kisses. They had discovered each other, and the cross was the key to their connection, but now she’ll never know why.
There was a knock at the door. Colleen got up and ran to look through the peephole. She turned around and gave Lucy a weak smile. “Your security team is here. Time to go.”
Lucy picked up her purse when a text arrived on her phone. She pulled it out to read:
I believe we’re meant to be together, but I know you’re angry and I’m sorry I caused you pain. The next step is up to you. It’s not too late to come with me to London. If you don’t join me, I promise not to contact you and give you the space you need to think about us. I’ll wait for you. You hold my heart in your hands. Jxxoo
Her heart pounded with excitement as she re-read the text. He wasn’t giving up on her. She had a second chance to change her decision. Could she do that? Without thinking, she jumped up, ran to the door and threw it open.
TO BE CONTINUED…
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A debut novel would not have been possible without the support, talent, and love of so many people.
A special thank you to Regina Kammer for encouraging me to participate in my first National Novel Writing Month in 2007.
Many thanks to my editor, Kiezha Smith Ferrell, for her insights and suggestions. You kicked my butt sometimes, but your ideas made my books much better for it.
Taryn Lawson was a highly detailed and fun proofreader to work with. I swear I will never take a hyphen for granted again.
Sofie Hartley was my first choice for cover designer. Her creations are beautifully artistic and add the perfect touch of mystery for 'Discovering You.' I appreciate your patience in making my vision come to life.
I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the ever-generous Alessandra Torre for listing the names and contact information of her team. I'm proud to be part of the Inker community of romance writers on Facebook.
The members of my “Captive Audience” might not all be regular flossers, but I appreciate your interest as I shared plot ideas and scenes with you. Thank you for your encouragement. Also, thanks to my co-workers. I know I drove you nuts listening to me prattle on about the trilogy, but your feedback was immeasurably helpful.
There is a lot of music in this novel: The Kinks, Elton John, Peter Gabriel, Peter Frampton, Van Morrison, and especially The Moody Blues. If you’re unfamiliar with any of these musicians, please take the time to become acquainted with each of their catalogs. I am thrilled that in 2018, The Moody Blues have finally made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Although Justin Hamilton is a fictitious character, he was shamelessly inspired by the Irish actor, Jamie Dornan. I am forever indebted to the fandom world of Fifty Shades and Jamie Dornan for working tirelessly to supply this fangirl with photos and film clips that formed the most enjoyable part of my research.
“DISCOVERING YOU” PLAYLIST
Lola – The Kinks
Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
In Your Eyes – Peter Gabriel
Feels – Calvin Harris (feat. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean)
Come Down in Time – Elton John
Tired of Waiting for You – The Kinks
Desire – U2
Nights in White Satin – The Moody Blues
Lovely to See You – The Moody Blues
All I Want to Be (Is By Your Side) – Peter Frampton
Into the Mystic – Van Morrison
The Look of Love – Diana Krall
Nel blu dipinto del blu (Volare) – Domenico Modugno
Chants from the Kanons by (12th century AD) – The Byzantine Chorale
Express Yourself – Madonna
What I Like About You – The Romantics
Our Lips Are Sealed – Go-Go’s
Need You Tonight – INXS
Waterloo Sunset – The Kinks
Real Man – Bonnie Raitt
Shake Your Hips – Joan Osborne
BY
Waiting for You
Indigo Series #2
Copyright © 2018 by Kate McBrien
All rights reserved
This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described herein are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or living persons. The opinions expressed in this work are solely the opinions of the author. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal right to publish all the materials in this book.
This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Editor: Kiezha Smith Ferrell
Proofreader: Taryn Lawson
Cover Design: Sofie Hart, Hart & Bailey Design Co.
Interior Book Design: Bob Houston eBook Formatting
www.katemcbrien.com
DEDICATION
To L.B.
PROLOGUE
Constantinople, April 1204
Francesca slowed her steps when she approached the courtyard where her father’s soldiers trained. Since this was close to the barracks, there was no reason for her ever to be in this area of the palace. Soldiers lived and trained here, and as an unescorted young woman, she risked the appearance of impropriety to be anywhere near these men. She would often take detours and find excuses to be here that would make Anna furious if she ever found out.
But Francesca was clever. She had found the perfect spot, in a corner behind an enormous column, where she could watch several soldiers engaged in sword training. The clanging metal and their shouts startling at such an early hour. They were shirtless, and their breath came out in plumes of steam on this cold morning. She moved back and peeked around the stone column when Stefanos arrived. Taller than the others, he stood out by not only his height but his broad shoulders, his muscles flexing with every movement. His hair was golden brown and curled around his ears. Francesca often teased him that he looked like a peasant with his longish hair, but he would laugh and call her a spoiled princess.
Even from this distance, she could see his puckered lips, no doubt whistling a new tune.
Although his concentration focused on his men, she knew he was aware of her presence. And that thought made her body tingle with feelings she’d never experienced before. She suspected he knew about her hiding place, as well, but he never mentioned it to her. He was always aware of where she was. It was his job, after all.
Stefanos had joined her father’s household five years ago. Francesca was thirteen, and Stefanos was already twenty years old. At first, he paid her no attention at all, but four years ago, her father decided she should have a personal guard, someone to protect his daughter from unwanted attention.
Francesca had been skinny as a child, but after adolescence, she was aware of the many ways her body had changed and the subsequent attention from men. Anna told Francesca that her wide hips and full breasts made her a beauty. Francesca wore her dark hair long, like most girls, and she was praised for her flawless skin and unusual dark blue eyes—the same shade of blue as Stefanos’ eyes.
As she matured, Francesca noticed that Stefanos’ looks lingered, or she would catch him gazing at her when he thought she wasn’t watching him. She was intrigued by how his left eye sometimes blinked slower than the right. It was one of the first things she noticed about him.
When they first met, he ignored her, but in time, they started having short conversations: nothing serious, just comments about the weather or trivial details about palace life. She loved these moments they spent together. They had an easy rapport that evolved into friendship. While she shared stories about her early life in Constantinople, he told her about growing up in England. Probably more than anyone else she knew, Stefanos had been privy to learning all her likes and dislikes, her fears and worries. Whether he caught her before she tripped over a stone, or she had forgotten a glove in her chamber, Stefanos was there to take care of it.
A year ago, just before her betrothal to Zeno, Stefanos distanced himself from her. He was still present to protect her, but he avoided eye contact or conversation. Her father had informed her that because she would be officially betrothed, it was improper for her to be seen talking to another man, even if he was a trusted soldier. Her father liked Stefanos, but Zeno did not. Francesca would catch him sneering at Stefanos whenever they were in the same room.
Everything changed the night of her betrothal banquet. Zeno had been drinking heavily, making crude comments to those around him about what he was going to do to Francesca in bed. His words stung and were intended to embarrass her in front of his friends. Even her father had joined in the laughter.
“Papa,” she said, blinking back tears. “Please don’t make me marry Zeno. He frightens me.”
Her father’s usual kind expression shifted into indifference. “I’ve spoiled you too much,” he said with a shake of his head. “You’re a woman now and it’s time to accept that you must submit to your husband’s demands.” He turned his back to her and returned his attention to one of his navy comrades.
When Francesca stood to leave, Zeno placed a firm hand on her thigh, pushing back her down. “You’re not going anywhere,” he hissed, his breath heavy with the sour stench of wine. When she tried to resist, he said, “Be careful, Francesca. When you are my wife, I will beat you if you ever refuse me. And that brooding English protector of yours won’t be there to keep you from me. Remember that,” he said with an angry glare.
So Francesca remained still and stared down at her untouched meal while everyone around her drank and roared with laughter. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Stefanos watching her. She lifted her head and caught his eye as a lone tear rolled down her cheek. Stefanos got to his feet, knocking over his wine goblet, and stormed out of the banquet hall. Francesca was devastated.
The next day, Francesca had her beloved mare, Dora, saddled and intended to take a long ride around the city walls. A cat jumped onto a nearby fence post and released a long hiss in her direction. It must have frightened Dora because the horse bolted away from the city. Francesca held on as tight as she could as her horse tore through thickets, dodging trees, until it missed clearing a log. She was thrown forward when the horse stumbled, tumbling several times once she hit the ground. She was disoriented, her ankle throbbing and unusable, and not sure where she was.
