Heart Thief, page 13
I shake my head in disbelief. “You sent money, fucking typical. You wanted to believe it was not mine so you could blame Evie, you always did. What about when he was four? He looks just like me, Mother. How did that fit with your narrative?”
“You were married, you were in love, you’d lost a baby. Caroline was so fragile. You were drinking and staying out. Caroline was struggling as it was, she would not have coped with Everett Parker and her son.”
I start to laugh, full belly laugh. I must look a bit unhinged as Rowena takes a step backwards away from me.
“In love, what a joke. I never fucking loved Caroline, and she knew it. I married her because she was carrying my baby and Dad said I had to. Fucking loved, you truly are delusional. Well listen to me now and let's be very clear here. Stay away from my son, stay away from his mother. Stay away from them all. If I get one whiff that you or anyone of your acquaintance has been near the Greystone family, I will cut you both off. No more money, no more houses, no more prancing around. One whiff, and you’re out. I won’t even have to prove it. I’ll just send the movers and Mick to get you out. Are we clear?” I look from my mother, who is nodding and crying, to Giles. “Are. We. Clear.”
“Crystal,” he responds.
“Good. Xan, Ant, let’s go.” I walk out of the library and into the office to ensure my son is protected now and in the future. Nothing is more important than that.
Chapter
Eighteen
Evie
My phone is going mental. I go to grab it as it vibrates off the side table and heads for the floor. I catch it, but end up rolling out of bed to do so, landing with a bit of a thump on my side. Ugh that does not feel too good. I’m stiff and a bit sore in places. Many places. Pulling myself back onto the bed, I unlock my phone to see what’s going on.
Messages. Lots of messages. Some from friends, but lots more from acquaintances. All talking about Marcus Russell.
The statement has obviously hit the internet. James’s name is out there for all to see. And for those who know us, or even just know of us, it’s not a hard leap to the truth. Or to me.
I sigh and get up, checking the time. 4 p.m. It looks like it went live around lunch time. No one’s come to get me up, so I assume it’s not too bad for us. Part of me hopes Kellen is not being bombarded. The other part? Well…
I don’t want to read any of it so I ignore the links and questions in the majority of the messages and just respond to my two friends, Grace and Lauren, with a generic ‘hey.’
My phone rings immediately, Grace.
“Hey Gr…”
“Marcus Russell, Evie? Really!” she screeches at me down the phone. I put her on speaker so I can walk around and get dressed. And give my eardrum a fighting chance at surviving.
“Yeah,” I breathe out. “Marcus.”
“I can’t believe you never said a word, all these years. You could have been round the world with him and James. What were you thinking, woman?”
“It’s complicated?”
She doesn’t miss the way I raise the ending of complicated to sound like a question. “I’ll bet. Anyway, you must come out for tea and we need to talk strategy.”
“Strategy for what?” I ask as I stare at my battered body. Twisting myself round to look at different angles in the mirror, I sigh.
“How to get you and Marcus Russell together, of course!”
“I don’t think so. Marcus Russell is not relationship material,” I spew out.
“Well what about a one night stand then? Take what you can, girlfriend.” She states in a fake American accent. I can imagine her clicking her fingers in time with that statement. “He’s supposed to be an animal in bed. According to the gossip blogs, nothing short of amazing!”
I say nothing.
When the silence becomes a bit uncomfortable, she draws out, “You are fucking kidding me. You’ve had sex with Marcus Russell. No way. 5:30 p.m. Vincenzo’s. You better come, Evie, otherwise I am revoking all girlfriend privileges.” She’s screeching down the phone again.
“Book the table then. I’ll get Tommy to come with me.”
“Is it okay for Lauren to come? She's better at interrogation techniques than me. I always forget vital information.” I know she’s trying to lighten the mood, but her tone is a little too serious.
I laugh, “If you want. But there’s nothing to tell, so you’ll be totally bored.” I wince at my lie as I spot another hickey in an unfortunate place. “I know I don’t have to say this to you, but just make sure Lauren doesn’t blab about where we’re going. I don’t want us followed. I know my name was not on that statement, but by the amounts of calls and texts, I’ve been an easy find. I’m not sure why though. I’m hardly exciting. They’ll be slagging me off as a gold-digging hanger-on looking for a payday by tomorrow, so…”
“See you at 5:30. I’ll get Vinny to shove us near the back. It’ll be fine, you worry too much.” I feel the grin in her voice, as well as the excitement. Oh, dear.
Skimming through my wardrobe, I start to look for an outfit that covers me up enough so I don’t end up looking worse than I feel, finally dragging out a black dress. Up to my chin, long sleeves, no cut outs, but mid-thigh length. I check my legs again to make sure the dress will cover the tops of my thighs. The man is a menace. Why couldn’t he keep his chops to himself?
I smirk at the thought. No chance, it was heaven.
I shower again, dress, and head down to face the fall out.
Jude rushes up to me as I enter the kitchen. He’s definitely been waiting for me.
Grabbing my hands, he spins me into his body. “Evie I need to, I’m sorry E, so fucking sorry.” He’s so upset, his eyes are on mine as his words come out at a million a minute. “Please say you’ll forgive me. I won’t ever say anything else like that. I just lost it when I saw you. I’ve apologised to James, about outing Kellen in that way. Please don’t leave. I don’t want to lose you or James, I’m so sorry!”
I reach up and put my arms around his neck. “Forgiven, Brown,” I say, kissing him on the cheek, and hug him hard. “I know you didn’t mean it in a horrible way, but your accusations hurt. You can’t have such double standards, it's not fair.”
“I know.” He’s literally hanging his head. “Come on, let's have some tea.” He smiles at me. “Yorkshire?” he asks.
“Every time,” I respond.
We sit in companionable silence, dunking biscuits in our tea, then get onto general chit chat. He nods to my dress, “You going out?”
“Yep, tea with Grace and Lauren at Vinny’s. I should be safe, do you think?”
“Yeah. Jonno said Kellen is getting most of the attention and flack. James is with Kellen for a few hours, then he’s headed out. Darryl’s with him. Loads of people have connected with James online, and the band site traffic has gone mental, but as yet, no paps at our door.” He sips his tea and carries on. “All comms are going through the PR company Kellen has, so we’ve not been too bothered here.”
“All good then.” I start to get up to go and he puts his hand on my arm.
“I am sorry, Evie. I just love you and James so much. I don’t want you hurt and I just saw red.”
I bend down and take his face in my hands. “I love you. And I know it would be the same if I thought someone was hurting you.” I kiss his cheek again before leaving the house.
With Tommy driving, noting no activity outside the house—well nothing suspicious—I grin. It would take a brave man to get past Jonno’s security.
I arrive at Vinny’s at 5:30 p.m. on the dot, and walk into one of the best Italians in London. It's homey with its familiar scents and unusual wallpaper. Vinny has had family photos and newspaper headlines with everything from birthdays and marriages to cousins turning up from Italy immortalised into wall coverings. Basically any important date in Vinny’s family has been literally plastered on the walls. There is only one white wall remaining in the entire place, waiting to be filled with future memories.
Vinny is at the front of house as I walk in. He throws himself at me and hugs me. “Come, Bella,” he croons, “I have the best booth for you today. I’ve seen the news.” He nods his head sagely, and goes on to say that I’m safe here, just like always. For some reason I get a bit emotional and, when tears fill my eyes, he pulls me in again for a hug, telling me it will all be fine; he’ll get me my favourite pasta dish and all will be well. I laugh at that and follow him to my booth.
I expect to see Grace and Lauren sharpening their knives and thumbscrews, with Lauren adjusting the lights to shine in my face. Smiling at them both, I drop into the booth, my back to the door and them facing it, thanking Vinny in my mind that no one other than them can see me. They both just sit opposite and stare at me.
“What’s up?” I get a bit self-conscious and start to check and adjust my clothing. “Why are you staring?”
“You look lovely, Evie,” says Grace.
“Don’t I always?” I laugh out at her. “Stop it, stop staring at me, you’re freaking me out.”
“I know but, anyway…” She stops and reaches across the table to hug me, Lauren follows suit, also staring at me.
“Right, what’s up? ‘Cos if you’re both going to sit staring like fish, I’m off.” They say nothing and look at each other. The waitress comes over and gives us a practised smile, she’s seen us many times.
“Water for the table and wines all round, house white will be fine,” Lauren orders before the girl can get a word out. The girl turns and moves away quickly, never getting a word out at all.
I stare back at Lauren and slow blink twice. “Lauren, that was damn rude, you better tip her well!” I look down to study a menu I reckon I could write out from memory any day of the week, and wait for them to get it together.
“So are you gonna tell us then or what?” I look up at Lauren, as her tone of voice is way too sharp to be funny.
“There’s nothing to tell.You’ve seen the statement, no doubt,” I retort, equally pissy.
“What Lauren means is, spill sister. We could not believe it when we saw James’s name. I know you’ve never said who his dad is, but it all makes so much sense. How good James is at music and everything,” Grace smiles at me.
“Well, I can’t believe you haven’t been in contact with him. Just think of the lifestyle you could have. No work, hanging around celebrities,” Lauren adds.
I look at them, a bit gobsmacked. “I love my job, Lauren. I don’t need to hang with anyone. Whatever happened to our ‘ladies earn your own money’ mantra? You know I don’t like stuff like that.”
“Yeah, ‘cos you had an ace up your sleeve,” she says with a practical sneer on her lips.
“You know what, I’m not really hungry.” I slap my napkin down on the table. “I came to have a nice night with my friends, but obviously they’ve not turned up. You two have. If you think I need Marcus Russell’s money, you’ve not been paying attention these past five years.”
“No, Evie, please stay. Lauren, knock it off. I came to gossip, yes, and get any insider info on him. The man, let’s face it, is totally to die for. But we’re not bothered you didn’t say anything. It makes sense you wouldn’t, with all the stuff he’s done over the years. I know you would want to keep James safe.”
I can see Grace is totally on my side, but the curl of Lauren’s lip confirms she’s pissed off my baby daddy turned out to be a famous man.
“We were kids. You know how young I was when I had James. We’ve spoken since he met us at the Green Dragon, and we’ve been out to talk things through.”
I shrug and relook at the menu as the girl plonks the water down and goes to pour the wine. I smile at her and say, “Thank you,” looking pointedly at Lauren. “Can we order?” I ask. “I’m starving. I’ve hardly eaten today.” It also buys me a little more time from the interrogation I know is coming.
“Vinny said you’re having your usual pasta dishes?” The waitress asks.
“Indeed we are, the usuals all round.”
I smile at her and as soon as she’s gone, Grace gushes, “Is he as gorgeous up close as he looks on screen?”
I smile at her eager face, when my phone rings. The caller id says Kell. “Hell,” I breathe out, and both the girls look at me.
“Are you answering that?” Lauren gripes. “I thought we had a no phone rule at dinner.”
I plaster on a fake smile and think fuck it. “Kel?”
He doesn’t wait for niceties. “Where are you?”
“Out for dinner with friends.”
“Where?” he snaps.
“Why?” I query, a little pissed off.
“I haven’t got time for this, E. Where the fuck are you?”
“Bog off, I’m busy. I’ve just ordered dinner.”
“Evie, tell me where you are and I’ll come get you.”
“Noooo. I’m out for dinner,” I enunciate each word. “I’m out for the night, so, sorry but…”
“I don’t have time for this shit fighting with you. You’ve two choices here. Fuck or Fight? I don’t have time for both, so pick one.” I’m speechless. The man’s ego has gone galactic.
“Well it’s not the former, as you don’t know where I am.” I’m grinning like an idiot at the ridiculousness of him. He’s been in LA way, way too long.
Then he plays the ace up his sleeve. “Any Greystone will know where you are. One well-placed call will sort that out. Especially to Jonno. Pick one, Evie.”
I consider telling him for a heartbeat and look over at the two women staring at me, one waiting avidly, the other sneering at me. I don’t want him here with these two. But I like to wind him up. And I’m feeling a bit cocky.
“Well, I know they won’t spill the beans, they daren’t. So if you can find me, you can have me. Pick me up in an hour and I’ll give you the best fucking fight of your life.”
He starts to chuckle, then says, “See you in ten minutes, Kitten.”
“Dream on, Sherlock.” I hang up on him, laughing.
I stare at the phone in trepidation. Ten minutes? What does he mean? They better not tell him where I am. They have no right, they’re normally protecting me by not giving out information freely.
“Who was that? Evie, you’ve gone really flushed, is everything ok?” Grace looks at me with concern.
“Not another famous man adding to your issues,” snorts Lauren. I swear to god, she is asking for it.
“Yeah,” I wave around, “knocking them off left, right and centre. Ten a penny round these parts.” We all laugh at that and I feel the ice break a bit. “What were you saying Grace?” I ask her, going back so she can wax lyrically about Marcus.
“I was asking for all the deets. Is he as gorg in person? What does he smell like? How ripped is he?” She starts to count the questions off on her fingers like she’s completing a checklist. She then leans forward, lowering her voice and asks, “Is he really an animal in bed? Is he as good as they say? And does he have a piercing?” She sits back, picks up her glass while simultaneously pointing down at her lap, and takes a massive gulp of her wine. Setting it back on the table, she throws her arms up in dramatic fashion and states, “Let’s take it from the top Evie. Question one: Is he…Holy fucking shit!!”
I know he’s here without looking around. How the hell did he get here so quick? And how did he know where here is? I hear the buzz of conversation in the restaurant go up about ten decibels. When I do twist my neck to peek, Vinny is coming across with him, yes’ing and no’ing. I see the starstruck faces of my friends. Holy fucking shit indeed.
Kellen stands at the side of the booth. “Room for a little one?” he asks, shoving me over as he pushes in beside me, not even waiting for an answer. “Evie,” he says, looking at me and moving forward to kiss me on both cheeks. I see the glint in his eye, but play along.
“Marcus, or should I start calling you Sherlock now, what a surprise.” I’m gobsmacked, and my brothers are dead men.
“Marcus, really? Strike one, E.” He ignores the Sherlock, turning and grinning to my friends, and amps the charm up to high voltage. “Hi, I’m Marcus.” He stands again and moves around the booth to kiss both the girls in greeting.
They are stunned, mouths hanging open, no words coming out.
Grace gets it together first. “Marcus, it's really nice to meet you. I’m Grace and this is Lauren,” she trails off after that, not sure what else to say.
“Hey, great to meet you all. Sorry to gate crash, but I needed to pick up stuff with Evie before I head back to LA. Is it ok if I join for a short while?” He’s smiling at them, and they’re nodding like plastic toy dogs in the back of a car.
“You could have rang and discussed it, Marcus. You really didn’t have to track me down,” I tell him.
“Strike two,” he smirks.” And hardly any tracking needed. A simple phone call as discussed was sufficient.”
I lift my shoulders in exasperation, at both him and my brothers. “What time are you flying back, Kellen?” I emphasise the name.
“Plane goes at 4:30 a.m. I need to be there around four.”
Lauren pipes up, asking how come he can board so close to time.
“Private jet, so yeah.”
I roll my eyes at him, but the girls are smiling like idiots at his behaviour. He’s looking into their eyes and really focusing in on them when he talks. Such a player.
Lauren in particular is trying to monopolise the conversation, but the whole time he’s talking to her and Grace he’s taking every opportunity to touch me. My hands, arms, hair, legs, anything really.
We get through dinner in record time. A few people come over to the table and, as we carry on and eat, he talks to them and signs napkins, t-shirts, anything people have on them. When the crowd gets a bit out of control and causes issues for Vinny, Mick and Tommy come over and move people on. I’m impressed with how polite and firm Mick is—he’s obviously done this zillions of times—and at no point does it look like Kellen is fed up with anyone.
