Anastasis Chapter 12
There had been no texts, calls, emails, or visits from my dad, brother, or Sam since they ran into Reign at my office on Monday.
He’d spent the night after our conversation about the House of Lustz.
Once we recovered adequately from our second round of sex, we went online, and he assisted me in filling out the guest form.
Now we were waiting, though yesterday, when we got up to go to work, he promised he’d call Mikhail and let him know I was Reign’s, even though the form asked how I heard of Lustz, and I’d noted his name.
Reign was impatient to get me there. I wanted to do it, but I was filled with nerves.
He took me to work again yesterday. He said he didn’t want to give my family or that douche, Sam, his word, a chance to catch me entering.
I was given the same reminder that if any of them came, I should call him.
But this time, he said to call the cops first if they were even a tiny bit aggressive.
I’d promised, then I was left dizzy from his kiss.
I had no unwelcome visitors yesterday. After work, not only did he take me home, but he stayed again. Each night, he took me to places I’d never gone sexually before. And it wasn’t just sex that made me want to have him around. It was everything about him.
Today, I got through my morning without issue.
At lunchtime, Mom stopped by the office to pick me up since I didn’t have a car.
We were having lunch at one of our favorite bistro restaurants.
It wasn’t far from my office, which is how we found it in the first place.
I felt myself relax when I sank into my chair at the restaurant. It was familiar, safe, and comforting.
We’d gotten the preliminary hellos out of the way when I got into her car, but we didn’t say much. We soon had our drinks and meals ordered so the waiter wouldn’t bother us for a minute. That was when Mom got serious and dove into a real conversation.
“Stasia, you look tired. Are you having more trouble with your dad and Arish?”
“I am tired, but for a few reasons. As for Arish, Dad, and Sam, they haven’t given up. Did you know they came to the office at the end of the day on Monday?”
“They did what?” Mom asked slowly, as if she thought she had heard me wrong.
“They came to the office for a confrontation. Lucky for me, Morgana ran interference for a minute and then called Reign as soon as she escorted the trio to my office. They were on a roll. God, it was so frustrating to have them believe they have the right to dictate my life. To them, I’m a brainless child who they have to tell what to do and not to do.
They more or less said marry Sam or else.
Reign wasn’t happy when he arrived. They haven’t contacted me since, but I know they’re plotting something. ”
It felt like a relief to share that with someone besides Reign. He listened attentively, but sometimes you needed your mom. Mom sighed deeply as a pained expression took over her face.
“I had hoped they’d stopped, but I knew it was stupid to think they would.
I’ve tried to talk to Savar several times.
He shuts me down and says it’s nothing I need to be involved in.
He’s shutting himself in his study, talking on the phone for hours.
If not via phone, then Arish, Sam, and now Rahul and Harish have been in on some of them.
They come to the house and lock themselves away with him.
It’s ridiculous, and I’ve had enough.” Mom stated with resolve.
“What does that mean, you’ve had enough?” I asked cautiously.
Mom might, in most situations, let Dad lead, but she had a spine. If she took the notion to make a stand, she would.
“Savar doesn’t know it, but I’ve packed my bags. I’m moving out. All I’m waiting for is to find a place to rent. I’ve tolerated a lot over the years, but the way he’s treating you and shutting me out like I’m some stranger is the last straw.”
Utter shock hit me. I never would’ve thought Mom would leave Dad. Despite their differences, they loved each other. She let what she said sink in without saying anything else. It took me a minute to reply.
“You’re leaving Dad? Is it just until he stops his nonsense or for good? Are you getting a divorce?”
That’s when I saw the pain peek out from behind the facial mask she wore. And the fatigue she had tried to cover with makeup showed. My chest hurts from knowing I had initiated this conflict, all because I want Reign, and he wasn’t what they see as an appropriate match.
“I haven’t decided yet, but if things don’t change and I mean not only with your situation, but across the board—and I get a guarantee that the changes will stick, meaning couples and individual counseling, then I don’t see how I can return.”
I felt nauseous. I reached across our table and gripped her hand. “Mom, I never meant for this to impact you or anyone else. I’m so sorry.”
“Stasia, it’s not just you and Reign that are a factor in my decision, so don’t take on the blame.
Your dad and I have been at odds more and more over the past ten years.
Every time I try to discuss it with him, he shuts me down or cuts me off.
He won’t hear a thing that doesn’t align with his beliefs.
I’ve begged him to go to counseling. He laughs and makes snide remarks about how he doesn’t need that mumbo-jumbo silliness.
He states he’s a real man and can fix himself if anything is wrong.
He denies there’s a need. I’ve been dying in my own home, Stacia.
I can’t be heard or seen. It’s past time I did something about it. ”
Tears were in both of our eyes. I hated to see her so worn and hurt and to know she’d suffered so long.
“I’m here for you, no matter what you need. You said you’re looking for a place to rent. Why not move in with me? It would save you money, and you know you’re always welcome to stay with me.”
“Honey, thank you. That’s so sweet, but I can’t.
You and Reign need time alone, and having three of us together when he stays would be awkward.
I assume he stays, right? I have money saved.
I might’ve been a stay-at-home mom while raising you and the others, but I haven't been one since you were a young teenager. I have an online business. Your dad has no idea. He thinks I sit at home all day, cleaning or something, while he’s at work.
I did accounts management and payroll, that sort of thing, before I married Savar.
I picked it back up, and now it’s possible to do it virtually, so it’s perfect.
I have numerous clients. And my pay goes into a private account. I have more than enough to survive on.”
Mom was full of surprises.
“Okay, then let me see what I can do to find you an apartment. However, my townhome could still work. Yes, Reign has stayed, but we’ve done the same at his penthouse apartment.
Mom, God, the views and setup are amazing.
Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, you wouldn’t cramp anything. We can spend more time at his home.”
She contemplated what I said for several moments before she answered.
“I’d be willing to do that, but only if you and Reign are comfortable being at his place.
We’d have to ask him and make sure he’s not saying yes just to please you.
I don’t need much. As long as I have a bedroom and bathroom, with a basic kitchen and living area, where I can set up my laptop to work, I’ll be fine. ”
We continued talking about logistics and how much she would have to move if she took everything. It would require more than the back seat and trunk of our cars. Mentally, I began to compile a list.
Lunch turned to lighter things when our food came. We were almost finished when a shadow fell across our table. Both of us glanced up. I assumed it was our waiter. Wrong. There stood Dad and Sam. There was no sign of Arish. Fury rushed through me. I set my fork down hard on my plate.
“Savar, what on earth are you doing here? And with him?” Mom asked.
“Kathlyn, you thought you could sneak off and meet with our daughter alone. That’s going behind my back.
Unless you came to convince her to drop this Reign guy and come back to Sameer, is that it?
Did you come to do that? Has she changed her mind?
” Dad asked eagerly. Sam stood there, saying nothing, but with a smug expression.
“Savar, I didn’t sneak. In case you forgot, I’m a free person.
I can go anywhere I want and see whomever I please.
I wanted lunch and time with our daughter.
Unlike you, I know not to hound her over something that’s her decision, not mine.
So no, I haven’t come to talk her into not seeing Reign anymore and to go back to seeing Sameer.
“It might shock you to know that I’ve met and conversed with Reign more than once.
He’s highly intelligent, owns a very successful business, and adores Stacia.
He’s a better match for her, and she agrees.
Instead of spending your time plotting and making surprise visits to her office to cause grief, you should use it to get to know Reign. Stop this madness, Savar.”
Her tone was entreaty coated in steel. If he didn’t notice, that showed how far he was into this drama.
“I can’t believe this! What has gotten into the two of you?
Caldwell has blinded you to his true nature.
You’re a fool, Anastasia, if you believe he’ll settle down, marry you, and stay faithful.
Men like him don’t understand family, honor, or loyalty.
He’ll destroy you. Sameer has grown up the way you have.
He adheres to tradition, honor, and loyalty. Don’t throw that away for a fling.”
Dad tried to keep his voice low, but I saw the customer seated closest to us turning to stare.
“Your dad is right, Stasia. I will care for you the way your family cares for those they love. I know we haven’t known each other long, but I love you.
I want you to marry me. I can’t stop thinking that man is holding something over you to make you stay with him.
Tell us, and we’ll get you free,” Sam said in hushed tones.
I opened my mouth to tell him off for a final time when a man I hadn’t seen before came up to our table.
At first, I thought he worked there, but he didn’t.
He wasn’t wearing a name badge. He had an intimidating face, and his size reminded me of Reign.
He was an imposing-built man. What came out of his mouth made me unable to speak.
“Gentlemen, it’s time for you to go. The ladies don’t want you near them. Don’t make me have to remove you.”
The guy never raised his voice. His tone was calm yet firm. His demeanor showed that he expected to be obeyed. And if not, it was on their heads. I watched both Dad and Sam puff out their chests and put on their fierce faces. They were laughable next to this guy, whoever he was.
“This is a family conversation. Please leave,” Dad told the man.
“He’s not family, so that’s a lie. If he can join, then so can I. The ladies were enjoying a meal together until you disturbed them,” was the stranger’s automatic reply.
“Listen, I don’t know who you think you are, but you have no right to interfere. If you don’t leave, I’m calling the cops,” Sam snapped.
“How rude of me. Ladies, I’m Poe, and I was hired to look out for your safety.
I work for Iker, who is a friend of your man, Mr. Caldwell.
He asked that whenever he’s not with you, you have protection nearby.
I just started today.” He directed all of this mainly at me, while totally ignoring Sam and Dad. Then, he glanced at them.
“You can call the cops if you prefer, but they won’t do anything. I’m not causing a scene or harming anyone. If Dr. Shah wants me to leave, I’ll remain at a distance and let Mr. Caldwell know so he can come join them.”
I was stunned to hear that Reign had hired someone.
I hadn’t expected him to hire a security guard, bodyguard, or whatever Poe was.
I knew the name Iker. Reign spoke about him being a friend.
Since the conversation about the House of Lustz, he had filled me in on those who were patrons or patronesses like him that he regarded as friends.
“No, Poe, you should stay. Dad, you and Sam need to leave.”
My dad’s face was flushed with embarrassment and anger, or maybe it was all anger. Sam was tight-lipped as he projected a look that shouted I wasn’t off the hook. I kept my shiver of unease from showing.
“Kathlyn, come with me. We’re going home,” my dad snarled.
“Savar, I’ll be there when I’m finished and feel like it. You leave. I’m perfectly content where I am. I’m not done talking to our daughter.” Mom’s tone was firm, and she never looked away from his gaze.
Disbelief, maybe fear, overtook Dad’s expression. “Kati, we need to talk. Come home.” His tone was softer, almost pleading.
Mom shook her head. “No, Savar. We’ll talk when I get home, but I’m not leaving now.”
Her tone was authoritative, and I watched my dad struggle to understand. However, after several seconds of silence, he said to Sam, “Let’s go.”
I knew Sam wanted to stay, but he bit his tongue. However, as they turned to leave, Sam said one thing to me.
“This isn’t over, Stasia.”
As they left the bistro, I tried to let the tension ease away, but it wouldn’t, at least not fully. So I focused on Poe, even though Mom addressed him.
“Mr. Poe, thank you. Would you care to join us for dessert?” Mom asked.
“You’re welcome, and thank you, but I must decline the invitation. I’m on the clock. I don’t want the boss to fire me, though getting fired for having dessert with two beautiful women would be the way to go.” His smile and wink were genuine, and his gaze lingered on Mom.
“We thank you, though I had no idea anyone was watching. You’re very unobtrusive,” I replied.
He dipped his head. “I’ll be nearby, but take your time and enjoy your dessert. I recommend the apple tarte tatin. Though you can’t go wrong with any of them here.”
Then, without another word, he gave us a slight bow and made his way through the bistro. He took a seat at a double-seater across the way. Clearly, he’d been here the whole time. A waitress bustled up to him.
“That was a shock. I believe you have some talking to do with your young man. What a sly one.” Mom’s lips twitched.
Even though I was miffed that Reign hadn’t told me he planned to have a bodyguard on me, it had felt nice to have backup in case it was needed. Under Mom’s watchfulness, I had no choice but to burst out laughing.
“Yeah, I think we’ll have a ton to talk about tonight. However, that can wait. We have dessert to get. Let’s check out the menu.” I recommended.
“Yes, let’s do that. Although apple tarte tatin sounds really good right now.”
I saw her eyes dart over to Poe as she said it. Oh my, what had just happened?