Until Tia Read online

  I blink. How does she know that?

  "They're unable to even meet with a man as they're so scared that he'll hurt her. They're paralyzed by fear and I've prayed so hard that it wouldn't happen to you. That you'd be able to rebuild your life. And you have." Tears slowly spill from her eyes.

  My heart aches at seeing her cry, "I owe so much to you. Without having you in my corner, being here day in and day out, pushing me, I doubt I'd be where I am today." I wholeheartedly believe that, without Gab being my unwavering support, I'm not sure I'd have healed as much as I have.

  "When you were first in the hospital, a nurse spoke to me about this support group that's to help families of abused women and men. It's to help them come to terms with what's happened and then for us to help our loved one to heal." She shakes her head, "I learned so much from that group, I heard so many horror stories of what other women and men had gone through at the hands of people that they believed had loved them." She swallows hard as she swipes away at the tears. "We haven't really spoken about what you went through and I have a feeling that you've not told anyone just how bad it got between the two of you."

  She's right. I haven't and I don't think I ever will. I know that there are some people out there that have been abused to the point where they've contemplated suicide to escape what's happening to them. I never reached that point but the things that Jamie did to me will haunt me for the rest of my life. I'm not sure that I'll ever be able to trust another man again or that I'd be able to get close to one. But Gabby's right, I have come a long way since I've been here and I have finally started to rebuild my life. I just wish that Jamie would be arrested and that I wouldn't have to worry about him anymore. I'm constantly looking over my shoulder, wondering when he's going to strike again.

  The thing about abusers is that they view their victim as their property. That's exactly how Jamie views me. To him, I'm a possession, one that he's lost and he'll do everything that he can to get me back. He told me enough times that if I ever managed to get away from him, that he'd find me. That if a man ever looked at me they'd live to regret it. That I would too. I believe him. I've seen what he can do and I'm scared that it's just a matter of time before he finally gets his hands on me again.

  My heart races as fear grips a hold of me, my palms begin to sweat and I'm back in that same mindset trying to figure out what to do next before he strikes at me.

  "Tia." The softness of her voice breaks through the fear. "That's it, breathe."

  I blink at Gabby's voice as relief washes through me. I'm not with Jamie, I'm safe. I'm here with my sister.

  "I'm sorry, God, I'm so sorry." She's sobbing and I'm still coming back from the panic that I'm unable to do anything but stare at her. Her eyes wide, her mouth opened slightly, and her hands shaking as she wrings them together.

  I lick my lips, unsure what to say or do right now. This hasn't happened before. "What happened?"

  She swipes away the tears with the back of her hand, sniffing as she does. "We were talking and then you just seemed to drift off, you were in your own world. I reached out and touched your hand and you began to shake, you were panting, and you were making this awful noise in the back of your throat." She sobs once again and I hate that I've done this to her. "You were terrified. I shouldn't have touched you, I'm so sorry."

  "It's not your fault," I whisper. "I was thinking about what you said, I was lost in thought. I'm sorry." I thought I was over what happened, but obviously not. I thought I was stronger than this.

  "I shouldn't have touched you. I should have known better. Have you thought about talking to someone?"

  I tense, hell no. I don't want to talk to anyone. I can't. I don't want anyone to know just how bad things were between Jamie and I or how weak I was to let it continue for as long as it did. "I'm okay," I promise her, but even to my own ears my words fall flat.

  She gives me a look of disbelief but thankfully swiftly changes the subject. "What would you like for dinner?"

  I shrug, "I don't mind. Want me to cook?"

  Before she's able to answer me, my cell phone rings. I glance at the table where it's currently buzzing as it rings. An unknown number flashes on the screen.

  "Answer it. It could be the job!" Gabby hisses as I stare at it like it's a grenade about to detonate. "Come on, T, answer it."

  Taking a deep breath, I reach for it. "Hello?"

  "Ms. Monroe," the caller says, her voice strong and steady. "This is Margaret Little."

  My heart rate spikes as she talks. "Oh, hi." I sound like an idiot, I'm not sure what to say.

  "Hi. We loved your interview and especially that you had obviously done your research before coming here. We'd love to give you a trial here at HarMar and see how it goes from there."

  Buzzing fills my ears. Oh my God. "Really?" I breathe.

  She chuckles lightly, "Yes, really. Mr. Harlan is busy, extremely so. It's going to be a tough job."

  "I'll be fine," I assure her. The excitement is already building. I'm beyond happy. Finally, something good is happening. "I'm really looking forward to it."

  "That's great. Please could you arrive at eight Monday morning? That way we'll be able to get you set up before Mr. Harlan arrives at nine."

  "I'll be there." I want to squeal with excitement, but instead I bite my lip and wait.

  "Excellent, I'll see you Monday, Ms. Monroe."

  When we end the call, I stare at my cell in astonishment.

  "Well?" Gabby asks, practically bouncing on her feet. I didn't even see her stand.

  "They've offered me a probationary trial period." I can hardly believe it.

  "That's fantastic. I know you're going to smash it and get the job on a full time basis." The utter belief she has in me is refreshing.

  "Love you," I tell her, needing her to know just how much I appreciate everything that she's done for me.

  Her eyes glisten, "Love you too, and to answer your question. You're not cooking, I'm getting us take-out. Something yummy to celebrate your new job." She claps her hands as she bounces up and down on her feet. "I'm so proud of you." She grins at me, the love shining brightly in her eyes.

  "Okay, enough mushy stuff," I tell her, exhausted from the emotional whiplash that I've gone through in the last thirty minutes. "What are we having for dinner? I'm hungry." And to back up my statement, my stomach growls as though I've not eaten in a few days.

  Gabby laughs, "Okay, okay, I'll order us dinner, you choose a movie." She dances away into the kitchen.

  I sit back down on the couch and sigh in relief. This is it. A new start: A new job, a new leaf, a new me.

  Hands grasp my ankles and pull hard. Making me come awake in a gasp. I'm too late, usually I wake when I hear him come in, but tonight I didn't. My fault. I was fast asleep, in a deep sleep, something that doesn't happen often. I flail about, needing to escape, hoping that I'll connect my foot with a part of his body and he'll release me. I know what's going to happen. He's done this too many times before. It's as though he believes it's his God given right to hurt me.

  "No, please," I rasp as he pulls me closer to him.

  He tuts while shaking his head, his blue eyes that I used to love are dark and filled with anger. "What have I told you about telling me no?"

  He moves his hands from my ankles to my hips, within seconds my shorts and panties are ripped from my body.

  "Not again, please, Jamie..." I plead with him, I hate when he does this. I feel so dirty and ashamed. My fear is clogging the air, I can't go through this again. The last time he did this he tore me open and I needed stitches. The shame I had when the nurse was stitching me up is something I never want to go through again.

  His hand tangles in my hair and he pulls hard, lifting me from the bed. "What did I tell you about telling me no? Hmm, Tia? You're mine and that means your body is mine." He runs his tongue along my jaw bone and it takes everything in me not to shudder, that'll only make things worse.

  "You're mine to do as I pleas
e, to take whenever I want, however I want. Your only job is to lie there and take it." He pulls harder on my hair and brings me so that we're inches apart. "Are you going to let me do what I want?"

  I swallow back the sob that's threatening to escape and nod at him.

  His grin is sadistic as he pushes me down onto the bed. The sound of his zipper has my body trembling as I know what's to come.

  "Mine, Tia, all fucking mine. Anyone tries to take you, I'll kill them. Then I'll kill you." he warns as he pushes my legs open.

  I brace myself for what's about to happen.

  "Tia, wake up. You're scaring me."

  I open my eyes instantly at the sound of my sister's voice. My entire body is shaking and dripping with sweat. "What?" I ask blinking away the remnants of the nightmare.

  "You were screaming, T. Begging someone to stop as you thrashed around in the bed." Once again, my sister is sobbing, her face red and puffy. "You wouldn't wake up." She's sitting on the edge of my bed, her hip against my legs as she looks at me.

  I stare at her, trying so hard to stop the panic clawing at me. How much does she know?

  "Tia, why didn't you tell me?" Her voice soft and filled with concern.

  I swallow back the bile, inwardly pleading that she doesn't know. "Tell you what?" My voice hoarse as though I've been screaming all night.

  "The truth, how long was he hurting you? Did he sexually abuse you?” She releases a harsh breath. “I'm going to kill him."

  I can't do this. My body's trembling worse than ever, I'm barely able to breathe, my breaths coming out in pants at the mere thought of telling Gabby what really happened.

  "I'm sorry for waking you. I'll see you in the morning," I tell her and lie back down, close my eyes, and feign sleep. Praying that she’ll drop it.

  I hate that I'm hurting her, but there's just some things I won't talk about and what Jamie did to me is one of those. I want those memories locked in the back of my head and not able to taint anyone else. I won't let them hurt Gabby.

  She's silent for a while, not once moving from her spot on the bed. The warmth of her body is seeping into mine and replacing the icy chill that I felt.

  I must fall back to sleep because I don't remember hearing Gabby leaving.

  4

  Christopher

  "You know that Cleo would love to have him," Sully tells me and I can hear the sincerity in his voice. He's my best friend, has been since we were old enough to walk. We grew up next door to one another, where his parents were sweet as hell and welcomed me into their home with open arms, Mom on the other hand was a snob and made everyone feel uncomfortable.

  I walk into my office building trying not to wince. I hate that I have to rely on my friends. It's not even nine am and yet I'm already trying to deal with childcare, it's crazy. How hard is it to find someone reliable to watch my six-year-old son?

  "I appreciate the offer," I tell him as I step into the elevator. "I have to call the agency today and see if they have someone to send over."

  He sighs heavily, he knows me too damn well. "You really need to stop thinking that you're imposing on us. Your mom's a bitch, Christopher, a money-grabbing ass, and what she's done is despicable but we're not all out for your money. Some of us are rich too," he quips and I finally smile. "Don't be a stranger, yeah? My wife misses you and Marcus."

  "Your wife, huh?"

  He chuckles. "Ass. Fine, I do too. I haven't seen my nephew in weeks," he tells me and my chest burns. "We're here if you need us. Remember that."

  "Thanks, Sully. I appreciate it."

  I hear him tut and know that he's not happy. "You've helped me out more than I can ever repay, including being on hand when that fucker was after Cleo."

  I wince at the reminder of Cleo being hurt. She and Sully fell instantly in love. The attraction the two of them had was undeniable. As their relationship was plain sailing, Cleo had a stalker, someone who would send her letters telling her just how close they were to her. Turns out it was a bouncer at the club Sully owns. Cleo was hurt badly and needed surgery for a brain bleed, she’s okay now, but we all still worry about her.

  "It's what we do," I say without hesitation. I'd do anything for Sully, he's not only my best friend, he and Derek are my longest friends. I'd do anything to ensure that they and their women are safe, just as they'd do the same for me.

  "That it is. Look man, I know things have been tough lately, but we're here whenever you need us," he assures me. "I've got to go, don't be a stranger. Otherwise I'm sicking Cleo on you."

  I laugh, glad that things seem to be looking up. "I'll talk to you later," I promise him, just as the elevator reaches the top floor where my office is located.

  Shoving my cell into my pants pocket, I walk into the lobby and I'm surprised to see a blonde woman sitting at the desk on the phone. I study her for a second while she's hunched over the desk typing away on the keyboard while talking to whoever is on the phone.

  "No. Mr. Layman—I understand that you need to talk to Mr. Harlan, but he isn't in the office yet." Her voice is soft and sympathetic yet it has some steel to it and it hits me in the gut. "It's not even nine am, Mr. Layman, and while I understand and appreciate that you are an early riser and would like to get everything organized for your day, not everyone has the opportunity to be as organized as you are. That's why Mr. Harlan has hired me, so I can make his day and hopefully your day a lot easier."

  She's silent for a moment, no doubt listening to Bob talking her ear off.

  "Yes, of course, I'm looking at Mr. Harlan's calendar now and I can fit you in this morning at ten thirty. Does that work for you?" She taps the keyboard with her fingers as she types something into the computer. "Perfect, we'll see you then. Have a wonderful morning, Mr. Layman."

  She chuckles and fuck me, my cock takes notice of the huskiness. "You're a charmer. Ten thirty, Mr. Layman." She ends the call just as she presses enter on the keyboard.

  My cell buzzes alerting me to a notification and with the noise my new assistant spins on her seat. My heart stammers as blood rushes to my cock. It's as though something has fallen into place as I look at her. Her mouth is slightly ajar, her face pale but has a tinge of pink on her cheeks, and her pale-blue eyes, that are bright and wide, if I'm not mistaken they're also filled with fear. She's beyond beautiful and I'm unable to take my eyes off her. There's something about her that makes me want to take her into my arms and hold her tight, to protect her, to show her love.

  I have no idea what's going on right now. I have never had this reaction to a woman before. I can't quite describe it. Other than, she's mine.

  "Hi," I say, finally finding my voice. "I'm Christopher."

  I watch as she rises from her chair, she's wearing a white blouse that has the top two buttons open, but not in a way that showcases her breasts. No, it stops a few inches above but I can see her pale flesh, nothing sexy at all and yet I've never seen anything more erotic before. She's wearing a black skirt that showcases her curves and I want to reach out and skim my hands along them. The skirt stops below her knee and is tight but she's able to move fluidly in it as she steps toward me. On her feet are six inch heels, she's fucking beautiful.

  She holds out her hand for me to shake, "Mr. Harlan, I'm Tia Monroe and it's a pleasure to meet you."

  I take her hand in mine and electricity runs through my veins. "The pleasure is all mine," I reply honestly.

  I feel as though I need to get to know Tia, find out what makes her tick and what put the fear into her eyes, the one that got worse as she grew closer to me. I need to put her at ease, I hate that she's scared.

  "Did I hear you talking to Bob?"

  She pulls her hand back from mine and I miss the connection instantly; I feel bereft. She runs her hands down her skirt, as though she's trying to smooth it. "Yes," she says releasing a breath I had no idea she was holding. "He really wanted to see you or talk to you. I tried explaining that you weren't here. He's scheduled for an appointment at ten thirty.
Is that okay?" Now she sounds unsure of herself.

  I smile widely at her, "Bob is a demanding bastard, he never takes appointments with me, instead demands that I call him as soon as I'm in the office. It's tedious but Layman is one of the best development companies around and he's one of my most important allies, even if he is a demanding asshole. So for you to have actually made him back off and get an appointment, well, I'm in awe and if you continue to shock the shit out of me, this trial will turn to a permanent position before the probationary period is even up."

  The fear is still in her eyes but it dims ever so slightly as her lips twist into the most breath-taking smile I've ever witnessed. God, she's so damn beautiful. "Thank you for the chance."

  I wave her off, "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

  She nods, "Do you want me to grab you a coffee while you set up for the morning? When you're done, I'm hoping we can have a quick chat about what you'll need from me this week so I won't have to keep disturbing you while you work."

  It's clear that she's been in this position before. "In your old job, what was your relationship like with your boss?"

  "It was great. Mr. Eccles was an amazing boss and I respected him a lot."

  I nod, that's good. "What about the duties?"

  She rolls her eyes and I smirk, damn, I really like her. "Mr. Harlan, I'm more than qualified for this job. Anything you need me to do, I'll do it. I was only asking about having a talk with you because when I worked with Mr. Eccles, every Monday morning, we'd have a fifteen minute meeting where we'd discuss the coming week and what he'd need me to do other than my normal work. I was wondering if you did something similar."

  I stare at her with pride, she's not afraid to speak her mind and her fifteen minute meeting has merit. "What's my schedule look like this morning?" I know usually, Monday's are hectic.