Chapter Twenty
Mindy
"Why are you doing this?" I ask him.
I'm lounging on the plush leather seat with my eyes closed, my heart still racing from the adrenaline rush earlier. The scent of cedarwood from Maron fills my nostrils, creating a strange combination of sensations.
"Doing what?" he asks.
Is he playing dumb?
My eyes flutter open and I turn to face him, taking in his defined jawline covered in rugged stubble. His posture is confident and commanding, oozing raw masculinity. Goddammit, this man must be the hottest creature on earth.
And he's gazing directly at me.
"Doing what? Well, let me think. First, you scare the shit out of me by practically kidnapping me in the dead of night, then suddenly, you're all kind and caring, taking me to the hospital to see my mother.”
"Oh, that," he says calmly. He falls silent for a few moments before speaking again. "I understand what it's like to see your mother suffer."
His response catches me off guard.
“You do?”
He remains quiet.
I suddenly clam up, let out a sigh, and sink back into the seat. I take a deep breath, inhaling his now familiar, musky scent. It's just so Maron. I'm pretty sure he didn't buy that scent in a shop like us, mere mortals. He was probably born with it. Despite this aura of danger constantly surrounding him like a dark raincloud, I oddly feel safe around him right now. Like I can just be myself.
Ever since the accident that took my sister’s life and turned my world upside down, I've just been going through the motions of everyday life, trying to cope. But with Maron next to me – in the craziest ways possible – it's like I'm teetering on the edge of something wild and exhilarating, showing me what it really means to be alive.
Then, thoughts of my mother flit through my mind. The fear I have over losing her like I lost Emily. What would my late sister do if she was in my shoes?
“You know exactly what I’d do, Min.”
“I'd feel alive.”
“I’d embrace the chaos, the passion, the thrill of the unknown.”
“I’d stop worrying so much about consequences and start living.”
The car takes a turn and comes to a halt. We arrive in the parking lot of St. Mary's Hospital, a massive, imposing building looking like a giant, hovering mass in the darkness. Most of its windows are black, with the exception of a few flickering squares scattered across the front of the building.
"I'll come with you," Maron says, his voice leaving no room for argument.
"But-" I start to protest, but he cuts me off with a look.
"I'll wait for you in the corridor. I want to make sure you're safe."
I give a subtle nod, unsure of how to feel about this. But as we walk through the dimly lit entrance of the hospital, I find myself oddly grateful for his company, despite the fact that I still can't shake off this feeling of unease.
When we reach the reception desk of the oncology department, I step forward and smile at the man sitting there. "I’m here to see Mrs. Lindsey Williams, please. Room 501."
The receptionist looks up at me with an uninterested expression. "No visiting hours now, Miss," he says, his tone flat. "Come back tomorrow between two and six PM."
I feel a surge of desperation rising in my chest. "Please," I say, leaning forward and lowering my voice. "My mother is getting treatment for her cancer. I only want to see her for a minute."
The receptionist shrugs, unmoved by my plea. "Hospital rules, Miss," he says, his voice devoid of sympathy. "Nothing I can do."
Just when I’m about to open my mouth and argue further, Maron steps forward. His presence suddenly fills the small space behind the reception desk. He looks around. "I’m sure we can bend the rules tonight," he says, his voice low. He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a wad of cash, placing it on the counter.
The receptionist's eyes widen as he takes in the sight of the money. For a moment, he seems to hesitate, his gaze darting between Maron and the cash. Then, with a quick, furtive movement, he slides the bills off the counter and into his pocket. He gives us a curt nod.
"Just be quick," he mutters, his eyes averted.
I gape at Maron, a mixture of awe and trepidation coursing through me. The casual way he just bribed a hospital employee both thrills and unnerves me. It's a stark reminder of the power he wields and the dangerous world I'm stepping into.
As we navigate the dim corridor towards my mother's room, I feel Maron behind me, like a physical force at my back. His footsteps echo ominously in the silence, each one a reminder of the precipice I'm walking. I'm grateful for his support, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm being drawn deep into a world of shadows and secrets – one I'm not sure I'm prepared to face.
For now, though, I push it aside. All that matters right now is seeing my mother, feeling the warmth of her hand in mine, and telling her how much I love her.
"This is where she is," I say when we get to Room 501.
"I'll wait outside." He nods.
I return the gesture with a smile and push open the door.
As soon as I step into the small, sterile room and see my mother lying there, the reality of her illness hits me hard. She looks so tiny and fragile, like she could break at any moment. It kills me to see her like this and be constantly reminded of the fleeting nature of life.
I creep towards her bed, careful not to make any noise that might disturb her rest. Once I reach her side, I gently smooth her blanket, tucking it snugly around her frail form. I press a soft kiss to her temple, my throat tightening with emotion. "Sleep well, Mom," I whisper.
To my surprise, her eyes flutter open, and a smile spreads across her face as she sees me. "Mindy, sweetheart," she murmurs, her voice weak.
"Shh, Mom," I whisper, placing a finger to my lips. "I just came in for a short visit. I missed you."
Her smile widens, and she reaches out to take my hand in hers. "I miss you every day, my sweet," she says, her skin cool and papery against mine.
I swallow hard and gently tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. "How are you feeling, Mom?" I whisper.
"Better," she says, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "A lot better, my sweet. The new treatment seems to be helping."
Relief washes over me like a warm wave, and I feel a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Good," I say, squeezing her hand gently. "I'll speak to dr. Walker tomorrow and get an update on your progress."
She nods, then asks, "Have you seen Alexis? How is she?"
The question catches me off guard and I hesitate. I don’t want to worry my mom with the harsh reality of my sister's drug and financial problems, or the constant arguments between us. "She's doing well, Mom," I fib, plastering on a fake smile.
A flicker of sadness crosses my mother's face. "She hasn't been here yet," she says.
I furrow my brow. Anger boils up within me as I think about my unreliable sister, and I really wish I could shake some sense into her. So, she hasn’t come after all. She even had the nerve to borrow my car, claiming she was coming to visit our mother, but it looks like she was doing something else instead.
Dammit, Alexis!
"She will, Mom," I say firmly. "I'll make sure of it."
My mother smiles, her eyes drifting closed once more. "Thank you, Mindy," she murmurs, her voice fading. "I love both my daughters, even if they're silly sometimes." She gives me a weak smile. "You're always taking such good care of me."
I place another gentle kiss on her forehead, my heart aching with love and worry. "Of course, Mom," I say softly. "You just relax now, okay? Everything will be taken care of, I promise."
She nods, slipping back into a peaceful slumber. My beautiful, kindhearted mother. I sit with her for a few more minutes, watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest. Finally, with a heavy sigh, I stand up and make my way towards the door, pausing one last time to look back at my mother's fragile form.
"I love you, Mom," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "More than anything in this world." Then, with a final glance, I slip out of the room and back into the corridor, where Maron is waiting for me.
His eyes lock onto mine as I appear, his gaze intense and searching. "How is she?" he asks.
"Better," I sigh.
A flicker of understanding passes over Maron's face, softening his usually hard features. "Good," he says, his eyes never leaving mine. "I know this is hard for you, Mindy."
His words catch me off guard. I’m not used to this side of him. It’s so unlike the bosshole I saw every day at the office. "You do?" I ask, unable to mask my surprise.
Maron's jaw tightens, a shadow passing over his face. "I also have... some challenges with my mother," he admits.
"I'm sorry," I murmur, resisting a sudden urge to reach out and touch him. There's still an invisible barrier between us, one I'm not sure I should cross.
Maron shrugs, his expression becoming inscrutable once more. But I catch a hint of bitterness in his eyes, a flicker of pain that makes my heart ache.
Silent and lost in our own minds, we walk back to the car. The receptionist at the front desk doesn't even bother to glance up as we pass by. When we get to the sleek black vehicle, he opens the door and gestures for me to get in.
I pause, reflecting on the series of events that led me to this moment. However, as I lock eyes with Maron and feel the intensity of his gaze pierce through me, I can't shake off an eerie feeling: it's almost as if I was meant to be here, in this exact moment, with this dark and enigmatic man by my side.
In a strange way, Maron's presence eases the loneliness that has been weighing on me these last few years, ever since the accident. Yes, it’s a false sense of security, but right now, I don't have the energy to protest it. All I want is to be close to someone I can trust, and at this moment, as strange as it may be, that someone is Maron Korolev. My former boss with his piercing blue eyes and commanding presence.
And so, I slide into the back of his sleek black car, letting the leather seat envelop me like a cocoon.
"Go," Maron instructs Pavel as he climbs in beside me.
"Where are we going?" I interject, keeping my voice barely above a whisper.
"To the airport," Maron replies, his voice calm and assured.
Did he just say airport?
“To where?” I shriek. “What for?”
“To fly to Moscow,” he says casually.
To do what???
I feel a jolt of panic run through me. Is he serious? He wants to get on a plane to fly? And to Moscow of all places? Right now?
"But I don't have my passport," is all I say, which is completely ridiculous. Just like the idea of flying to Moscow.
He smiles, a slow, confident grin that does nothing to calm my shock. "Don't worry," he says, resting his hand possessively on my thigh. "We're taking my private jet. You won't need your documents."
I stare at him, still not understanding what the hell is going on. "Your private jet?”
“That’s right.”
“But… why are we going to Moscow?" I ask, my heart pounding in my chest. "To do what? And when will we be back?"
Maron turns and leans in closer. He gently cups my face and turns my head towards him, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that takes my breath away all over again. “Don’t worry,” he murmurs, his deep voice a sensual caress. "Everything is taken care of, Mindy. Trust me."
I swallow hard, my pulse quickening. "Please, Maron," I say, nearly begging, "I need to know what's happening. I wasn’t planning for any of this!"
He keeps his eyes locked with mine, searching my gaze. "Fine,” he says after a moment of silence. “I have a meeting tomorrow with this guy… He’s the most powerful media mogul in Russia. I want you to be by my side. We'll be staying at the Hilton for two nights."
I bite my lip, suddenly overwhelmed with anticipation. We’ll be staying at the Hilton? In the same room? Does that mean…?
I decide to not ask any more questions and force my body to relax. It’s not like I have a job to attend tomorrow. And I don’t really want to get away from him anymore. It feels good to not have to make decisions for once and just go with the flow, to follow him into whatever he’s planning.
As if reading my mind, he leans in close, his deep voice dripping with lust. "It’s good to have you here with me, Mindy," he murmurs. My cheeks immediately flush, hot with arousal. He gently places his palm on my thigh, sending a jolt of pleasure through me. "It’s good to have the real thing instead of that video," he growls hungrily and it’s all it takes for my panties to soak.
As the heat between my legs intensifies and my body begs for more of his touch, I decide to take control. Without hesitation, I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for a deep, passionate kiss.
He welcomes it. His hands roam over my body, exploring my skin as if trying to memorize every detail. I moan into his mouth, lost in the sensation of his lips on mine and his expert hands caressing me.
When the kiss finally breaks, he locks eyes with mine. "I want you, Mindy. Every part of you," he whispers against my lips, his breath warm and intoxicating. And it only fuels the fire he ignited within me earlier. I can feel myself getting wetter and wetter with each passing moment, my body betraying my better judgment.
We crash together again, our lips meeting in a desperate, hungry kiss. His strong hands continue to roam my body, leaving trails of heat in their wake. I'm lost in the sensation, drowning in his touch, when a sudden impulse from reality breaks through the haze of desire.
I wrench myself away, my chest heaving as I struggle to catch my breath. "Maron," I choke out, "I can't just disappear without a trace!"
Maron's eyes darken with desire and something else - a possessive hunger that continues to thrill and terrify me. He leans in closer. "Yes, you can."
Silence falls between us as I process his words.
"Everything will be fine,” he continues. “Take it as a short trip to a country you've never been to. While I'm doing business, you'll have a taxi at your disposal. It will take you wherever you want. See sights. Shop to your heart's content. You’ll have everything you need." He leans in close, his lips gently grazing the sensitive skin on my neck. I suppress a moan, my body responding to his touch like a live wire. "And when we're both finished with our... obligations..." He pauses, his hand gently stroking my cheek. He leans in close to my ear. "I will fuck you all night until you're completely spent."
Holy freaking shit. How is it that he just needs to say a few words to make me ridiculously wet all over again? I know I should be outraged by his arrogance, but I’m not. Instead, I’m sitting here, hoping I’m not going to leave a warm puddle on the car’s leather seat. I was always one with a vivid imagination – I can picture the scene clearly: tangled sheets, sweat-slicked skin, pleasure so intense it borders on pain. In under a second, I find myself aching for the experience with him, every fiber in my body crying out for his touch.
"Are you ready for our first date?" He whispers, his lips brushing the shell of my ear.
I'm practically dripping at his words. If I could have my way, I would skip dinner and take him to fourth base right here, right now.
"Why are you doing this to me, Maron?" I whisper.
"Because I want you to sign that contract.” He runs his finger along my chin. “I want you to experience what we could have together."
I don’t even know what to do with all this. I’m a grown-ass woman, not a horny schoolgirl with raging sex hormones. But I feel exactly like the latter.
I also feel like I'm losing pieces of myself in whatever this is. Ever since that night in New York High, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. The thoughts and emotions I'm experiencing are uncharted territory, unlike anything I've ever known before. It is a completely new world that goes against everything I have ever experienced in my life. But in this moment, none of that matters. All that matters is the inexplicable chemistry and the visceral pull between us.
Maybe it’s all a lie, Mindy.
Sure, maybe. Whatever the case, my body is betraying me to a man I barely know. I don't have the answers. I don’t know what to make of it.What I do know is that every time he’s near me, I'm more turned on than I thought I was capable of. And I can’t help but marvel at this newfound ability my body seems to have. Sure, I always had a high libido, but this, this is beyond anything I ever thought possible. I never knew I could desire someone so much.
As we silently glide across the empty streets of the city, something strikes me. I haven't checked my emails since before I left for the gig. Perhaps it would be wise to do that before we get on the plane and I have to switch my phone to airplane mode for several hours.
So, I pull up my emails, filtering through all the promotions and newsletters, until one email catches my eye. The subject line says: “Update on Mrs. Lindsey Williams’ progress.” It’s about my mother. I quickly tap the screen to open the contents of the email.
“Dear Miss Mindy Williams,
I hope this letter finds you well.
I am writing to inform you of the latest developments regarding the treatment of your mother, Mrs. Lindsey Williams. We are pleased to report that the current treatment regimen has been effective, and her condition is currently stable.
However, it is necessary to continue with another set of treatments over the course of the next two months to ensure her ongoing recovery. The total cost of these treatments is estimated to be $92,720. I would like to note that her health insurance only covers $34,570 of this amount.
We understand that decisions regarding medical treatment can be difficult, and we want to ensure that you are fully informed and comfortable with any course of action moving forward. Therefore, please take the time to consider this information and let us know if you would like to proceed with the recommended treatment plan.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your mother's health and comfort are our top priority, and we are here to support you in any way we can.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas Walker, Chief Oncologist”