CHAPTER NINE: Debts and Desires

Celeste pulled her hoodie tighter around her head as she counted the floors in the elevator.

She stopped at her floor and looked around furtively before sprinting down the hall into her room.

The lights were off. She could have sworn she left them on.

Something wasn't right.

She flicked the light on and froze. Fear shot up her spine in wicked waves.

“Hello Celeste. It's been a long time” The first man in the suit greeted her with a mirthless smile.

Her throat felt dry.

“How did you find me?” She squawked, backing up against the door.

“Running isn't an option, Celeste. You of all people should know that by now” the second man in suit chipped in. He was bigger and more intimidating than the first man.

“But…I did everything you asked! My debt has been repaid”

Both men chuckled and shook their heads.

The first man spoke, the smile on his face gone.

“You'll always be indebted to us, Celeste.”

She shook her head in disbelief, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Please–”

“Sit down”

The second man walked towards her. He grabbed her by the shoulder and shoved her onto the couch roughly.

Her body shook violently.

“ Aw don't make me feel bad “

Laughter.

Celeste shrunk deeper into the couch.

“There's one last thing we want you to do for us.”

“I'm done doing your dirty work”

The second man moved fast. His hand struck her cheek with a loud smack.

She held her face in her hands and sobbed helplessly.

“How's the little guy–Leo. That's his name,isn't it?”

“Don't you dare hurt him!” She threatened through her tears.

“Then you will do as I say”

Silence.

“I want Julian Hawthorne. I want everything he took from me, and then some. And you will bring him to his knees.”

“And you'll leave my son alone?”

“You have my word.”

******

JULIAN'S POV

I gripped the doorknob and sighed. His little bed sat unoccupied. A cold reminder of my hasty decision. I could take it back, but it's for the best. It has to be.

I'm doing this for him. I'm trying to protect him. Adele will never understand. She doesn't know what it's like to grow up under the crushing weight of responsibilities.

I miss him. I have missed him for the past four years, and I miss him even more now.

Someday he'll thank me. When he's grown and safe from the harsh beam of the spotlights. He'll have something I never got the chance to. A life of his choosing.

I closed the door softly and tiptoed past Adele's bedroom.

The door was slightly ajar but I resisted the urge to stop and watch her sleep.

Her resting face was so peaceful. So innocent. You'd think she wasn't the same person who almost ruined my investor’s ball.

That night was so important to me, but she always found a way to make it about her.

She was effortlessly beautiful. That crimson dress threw me into a state of utter confusion.

I couldn't take my eyes off her, and I hated that I wasn't the only one who felt that way.

That stupid bartender! He was lucky I didn't grab him by his sweaty neck and wipe the counter clean with that faded shirt he had on.

My bed groaned with my weight. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply.

I hadn't changed my sheets. They still smelled of her–sweet jasmine and vanilla with a hint of cinnamon.

Thoughts of her made me dizzy and angry at the same time.

She was so stubborn and opinionated–nothing like the doe eyed women I had in my bed after Celeste left.

Adele was different. She challenged parts of me I didn't know I had. I hated that. I hated her.

But oh! How I wanted her so badly.

It's been days and she has been avoiding me. I deserved that.

I didn't mean to bend her over and spank her until she shivered against me. I certainly didn't mean to lock her up in my room, but I had no choice.

I had to focus. She was a distraction – not only to me, but to my guests and a sleazy eyed investor.

The Satoshi deal was underway. God forbid I let another woman derail me from my goal.

My thoughts drifted back to Leo. My son. My heir.

His teary eyes as he was being taken away by the driver. He was angry. I could tell by the set of his jaw and his clenched fists.

Adele was right. I just got him back. I shouldn't have sent him away just yet.

But she should have understood my point of view. The paparazzi had their eyes on us. The moment they set eyes on Leo, his childhood will be over.

My head hurts. I need to sleep, but I can't.

I need a drink.

I rise from the bed and leave the room, walking past Adele's room. The lights were on. I risked a glance inside.

She wasn't in bed. Her purple sheets were crumpled.

Maybe she's in the bathroom. I hobbled downstairs and stopped short.

There she was.

Standing in the doorway. Her silk nightdress slipping from her shoulder.

My gut churned. Something wasn't right.

Soft moonlight streaks poured through the glass door.

She moved. Something glinted in her left hand.

A lighter.

I blinked, every nerve in my body screaming.

Click!

She held the flame to her hand and the sick smell of burning flesh hit my nostrils.

I leaped forward and grabbed her hand. We toppled to the floor.

I struggled to my feet, pulling her up with me. Her eyes met mine and a cold feeling sped up my spine.

Her eyes were red and unblinking.

Heart racing, I scooped her up in my arms and jogged to the kitchen. She struggled against me but went limp immediately.

I guided her hand under the gentle stream. The lights were off. I needed to turn them on to access the damage, but I couldn't leave her.

“Stay here” I ordered and sprinted to turn on the lights.

My eyes darted around the kitchen frantically. She wasn't there anymore. Panic filled my lungs and I cursed loudly.

“Adele!!” I roared, running out of the kitchen.

I saw her. She swung open the front door and cold air rushed in, almost freezing my ears off. I watched in horror as she slipped off her nightdress and stepped –naked, into the night.

I rushed after her. The cold earth made my toes curl.

I scooped her up in my arms.

As I turned to run back inside, she let out a blood curdling scream.

“No! No! Leave me here! Save Liam! Please save my brother”

She kicked and scratched my face.

Pain shot up my left eye where her fingernail snagged skin.

My vision blurred and I stumbled, almost dropping her.

“Ads please!” I choked.

I managed to get us back in the house and up the stairs. The butler appeared in the doorway, his sleepy brows furrowed in confusion.

I couldn't risk him seeing her like this.

“We're fine! Go back to sleep” I called from the top of the stairs, moving steadily towards my bedroom.

I lowered her gently onto the bed, forcing my eyes to look away from her naked body. Her skin felt hot to the touch.

Her screams reduced to silent murmurs and she broke into tears.

My heart ached seeing her like this.

“What happened to you, Del?” I croaked as I covered her with my duvet.

“Is my brother okay? Is dad okay?” She called through tears.

“Yes, honey. You'll see them when you wake up, I promise” I lied. It hurt me to lie to her like that.

That calmed her and she drifted back into a noiseless sleep.

I made to leave the bed, but she caught my thumb in her hand and held on tight.

I tugged but she held steady.

I didn't want to wake her. I lowered myself slowly beside her, lying on my back and staring at the ceiling.

I need to apply lotion on her burn. That'll have to wait. I can't risk her running out on me again.

I touched my left eye gingerly. It felt sticky and swollen.

Something happened to Adele that night, and I feel obligated to find out.

I have to help her.

But why? Why do I care so much?

Surely I cannot be falling in love with this woman.

No. I just care about her. I certainly don't want her to kill herself in my house. That will be bad press

Yes. That has to be it.

I knew it wasn't, but the thought calmed me.

I reached over and brushed her hair away from her face.

Her soft face was wet with tears. I wanted to kiss them away. I wanted to hold her in my arms and love all her pain away.

I forced my eyes closed and recited my mantra.

‘Rule number one. Don't fall in love’

But how can I deceive myself?