Chapter 54
CHAPTER 54
APRIL
T he next morning is crazy. Although they’ve hired people to cover every eventuality and every need, the family is all chipping in, with Francesca at the helm directing proceedings. They’ve banished Leah, baby Callum, and me to the drawing room where we spent the previous evening.
Caleb keeps popping in, demanding cuddles with his nephew. Telling Leah, he needs to know the difference between Daddy and Uncle Cal. Leah’s good natured and hands him over. Gabriel, however, has other ideas when he comes in to find his brother slacking and stealing snuggles.
“Mum’s after you,” Gabriel says, taking his sleeping son from his twin.
I still can’t get over how similar they are, the same, yet different. It’s the differences that make me smile. Leah grins at the pair and rolls her eyes. It’s clear she has a strong bond with both brothers, although the way she looks at Gabriel—is hot.
“Party pooper,” Caleb says, handing the baby over to his brother, but not before he drops a kiss on his forehead. My ovaries do a little dance at the sight. Both these men, holding a tiny baby in their muscular arms, showing a soft and mushy side.
Be still my beating heart.
Gabriel turns to me. “Mum thought you’d want to know Scarlett has just turned up with the bus full of dancers. She’s showing them to the library, where they can all get changed.”
I jump up. “Thank you,” I say, before rushing to the door and freezing. “Which way to the library?”
“Hold up, I’ll go with you,” Cal says.
I turn and watch as he runs a finger down Callum’s cheek and grins before heading my way. The love he has for his nephew is immeasurable. Whether it’s because genetically, Callum could not be any closer to him had he fathered him himself. His brother being his identical twin.
I wait until Caleb reaches me before we head off to the library. Scarlett’s in there with the ten dancers we chose. They range from fourteen to seventeen. Their eyes are out on storks.
“Mr Frazer,” they say when we enter the room.
“Hey, what about me?” I say, chuckling.
Cal has made quite an impression on these kids in the past couple of months, even discussed apprenticeships with his firm for anyone wanting to go into property development, or one of the related trades. The buzz and excitement has been extreme.
“Hey, Ms April,” they say.
“That’s better,” I say, grinning at them all. “Are you ready?”
“We’ve got this,” Amber says nervously.
She’s one of my best dancers. Her natural ability and talent shouldn’t be wasted.
“I know you have. I have every faith in you,” I tell her honestly. I walk over and place a hand on her shoulder when I notice her shaking. “I mean it. You guys are amazing and have worked so hard. I can’t wait to show you off.”
She gives me a shy smile as Alex walks over and fist-bumps her.
“Yeah, we’ve got this.”
Scarlett and I hand them their costumes. Francesca got them suits from a local tailor. She said they can keep them once they’re done. I won’t even think how much they’ve set her back. But as she said, she wants the flash mob and for them to blend in. To do that, they need to look the part. Who am I to argue?
Caleb returns after making himself scarce while everyone gets changed. He sets about taking pictures of the kids so they can forward them to their parents.
“Okay, everyone, it’s almost show time. If you’d like to follow me,” Caleb tells them as he moves towards the door. He leads us to another part of the house and down some stairs.
“Are you taking us into the cellar to murder us?” Tyler asks.
Cal laughs. “No, Tyler, but I think this is somewhere you’ll like.”
He opens the door into a large games room. A full-sized pool table, pinball machines, a jukebox, and large sofas fill the room.
“Through there is a movie room. Help yourself, and we’ll be back down when we need you.”
The kids scatter to all four corners of the room.
“Thank you,” I say. Looking around a teenager’s paradise. This is magical.
“Mum is moving this stuff to the community centre next to the dance studio. It’s sitting idle, and she felt they would benefit from it.”
I bite my lip and nod, not trusting my words. I glance around at the excited faces and know how well this will go down with the community. I’m not the only one Caleb Frazer is winning over.
The kids are happy, and even more so when it’s time for their star moment. They enter the kitchen and grab the trays of drinks and canopies from the catering staff.
“Two hands,” I squeal as I watch one tray wobble precariously on one of the teenager’s arms. I don’t want anyone spilling drinks down someone’s three thousand pound or more dress.
Arms slide around my waist, and lips touch my ear. “Stop worrying. I’m off to speak to the DJ and make sure everything is ready.”
I turn my head, only to have him drop a kiss on my lips as he takes his leave. Scarlett pops her head in and gives me the thumbs up. She looks amazing in her dress. Her husband, Seb, is standing behind her and waves. I raise a hand in return, although my stomach is churning.
What’s the worst thing that can happen?
The answer to that is nothing. The group does us proud. They mingle and serve the canapés and drinks. Then, when the music starts, they dispose of their trays and dance. They dance as they were born to do. I watch the crowd as they stand back, their attention fixated on the group. Not one person continues their conversation. When it’s over, the kids mingle with the guests, answering questions, while Francesca takes to the makeshift stage at the front of the marquee.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending this year’s Frazer Foundation Fundraiser. I expect you all to dig deep into your pockets today. We’ve a lot of items at this year’s auction. I’m sure there will be something to entice you. I’d like to thank the dancers from April Wilson’s School of Dance. Come on up April.”
Caleb pushes me forward and I move towards the stage, grimacing at Francesca, who is grinning at me.
“I’d like to introduce you to this special lady. Please welcome April, everyone.”
Francesca claps, so everyone claps as I make it onto the stage. She hands me the mic, and I shudder.
“Hi,” I say, the feedback buzz making everyone laugh. “Hi. I’ll try that again.” There’s only my voice this time, so I smile at the crowd. “I’d like to thank the Frazer Foundation for having us. They’re supporting our local community and the kids, and when Francesca asked, we were delighted to give something back. Scholarships for neighbourhoods like ours are a godsend, thank you. I hope you enjoy the rest of your afternoon.”
I hand back the mic and move to follow the children out of the marquee.
“April,” Leah’s voice stops me, and I find myself pulled into one conversation after another.
When I finally make it back into the house, the kids have long gone, heading back to the playroom downstairs. I told them what Cal had said about the community centre, and they were all, “Cool! Wow!” Caleb and his mum have developed an even greater hero status.
“I almost didn’t recognise you,” a voice comes from behind me, and I freeze.
A sense of dread hits me in the chest.
I turn around to face the man who has followed me. There would be no other reason for him to be here. This part of the house has been closed off to guests. A wave of dizziness overwhelms me as I stare into the face of my past.
Sir Leonard Crawley stands in the centre of the empty hallway. His piggy eyes roam over my body, making me vomit a little in my mouth. This can’t be happening, not today, not now.
“Sorry, do I know you?” I say, hoping if I play dumb, he might go for mistaken identity.
“Definitely you,” he says with a smirk that sets my heart pounding. “At least with your clothes on.” He takes a step closer, and I find myself frozen to the spot. “It’s been a long time, Electra.”
I attempt to suppress the shudder that wracks my body.
He steps forward and runs a finger down my arm. My body reacts, jerking away, slamming me into the cabinet that lines the corridor, shaking the pictures and ornaments on the top.
Sir Leonard tuts and smiles, his eyes twinkling with a twisted sense of delight.
“Careful now. You don’t want to break anything. Franny has a strong attachment to her possessions.”
I choke past the lump in my throat. “Can I help you?”
“Now Electra, is that any way to treat an old friend? We all missed you when you left.”
I grimace at the use of my old stage name. A name I haven’t heard in two and a half years. Adults always warn you that the decisions you make when you’re young may come back to bite you.
I take a step back, my fight or flight finally kicking in, but before I can move, his hand grips my upper arm. I try to shake him off, but he’s bigger and stronger than me.
“Take your hands off me.” My jaw locks as I grind out the words. “I don’t know who you think I am, but…”
“I know exactly who you are.” His knowing smirk makes me freeze. “But do they? Do the Frazers know who they’ve let into their home? Caleb Frazer was telling me all about his beautiful and talented girlfriend. All she’s done for her community, he’s quite the advocate, my dear. Imagine my surprise when he pointed you out.”
I shake my arm once more, trying to dislodge his hand, but he just squeezes harder. So hard, I know I’m going to bruise.
“Let. Go,” I say, through gritted teeth. When he doesn’t, I decide to try another tack. “What do you want, Sir Leonard?”
He grins, his pearly whites flashing, reminding me of the wolf in little red riding hood. They’re a contrast to the leathery skin of his face and the wobbling jowls of his jawline.
“Now, now. The Frazer boys need to be a little pickier. I was surprised when Gabriel chose his little secretary… beneath him. But at least she had a proper education, even if it wasn’t obtained from a redbrick university. Elijah, well, he chose poorly, but at least Darra was from the right family. You, my dear…” He rambles on, loving the sound of his own voice, shaking his head almost in a fatherly fashion. “You’ll never fit into this life.”
His words hit almost as violently as a punch to the gut. I know this. I’ve just allowed Caleb to sweep me up in his dream.
“What do you want?” I ask again, only to see his smile widen. His thumb rubs lazy circles on my arm.
“A few choice words to the right people. That boyfriend of yours. His business…” he doesn’t need to spell it out to me. He’s threatening Caleb. But why?
I try to shake his hand off again, and this time, his face hardens, his smile gone.
“You always were an aloof little bitch.”
That does it. “What? Because I wouldn’t sleep with you and your buddies? That you wanted more than I was willing to give? You’re pathetic.”
My anger rises. I will not let this man take any more from me than he already has.
It’s not like pretending I don’t know who he is, is working. So, I return to that place. A place where I wore a suit of metaphysical armour to work every day to protect both my body and mind. For four years, I took my clothes off and danced for these perverts. I’d smack away their wandering hands with a smile when I really wanted to smack them in the balls. At nineteen, when I started, I was young and na?ve, but by the time I stopped at twenty-four, I was much more jaded towards men like the one standing before me. Wealth and power make them think they’re invincible and can have anything they want.
Leonard Crawley was never one of my clients. I only danced for him once, and that was enough. He was a lecherous old perv, and I made it very clear to management and patrons that I was not into the other side of the business. I danced. Stripped for their entertainment, I took part in the shows, but that was where I drew the line. I didn’t add extras. I didn’t need to. I was earning enough taking my clothes off.
“The lady told you to take your hands off her, Crawley.”
A voice comes from behind me.
I freeze, but so does Crawley, although his grip tightens almost as a warning.
“Ah, Elijah. Good to see you. How are you? Bad business, all that stuff with Darra.”
I bite the inside of my mouth. Does Crawley have a death wish? The animosity swirling behind me is palpable.
“My business is my business, Crawley. I would advise you to stay out of it.”
Elijah’s tone is deadly. This is not the man I was speaking to earlier .
“Now, now.” Crawley seems to have made a remarkable recovery. “Don’t take it to heart. I’m just concerned for you, dear boy. I’ve been a friend of this family for many years.” The smile he shoots Elijah is more like that of a tiger than a caring family friend. “And as for April here, I was just getting reacquainted with an old friend,” he says, flashing those blinding teeth at Elijah.
His grip on my arm tightens further, telling me not to contradict him.
I sense Elijah come up behind me, his hand landing on Crawley’s. “The lady asked you to remove your hand. From where I’m standing, you’re still touching her.”
I can sense the menace coming off Elijah in waves.
Crawley drops my arm, my other hand coming up to rub it. Elijah steps around me and gets into Sir Leonard’s face. If my heart wasn’t firmly in my mouth and my stomach doing somersaults, I may have found the situation amusing. Elijah towers over him. Sir Leonard is not small, but Elijah is a giant, at least a head and shoulders above the creep.
Elijah leans down, close to Crawley’s ear. “Now I think you need to leave. I’ll let Mother know that something came up and you were called away.”
Crawley’s eyes widen. It’s then I see Elijah has his arm in the same hold Crawley had on mine.
“You’re making a mistake, boy,” Crawley spits, and I watch as Elijah pulls himself up to his full, imposing height.
“I haven’t been a boy for a long time, Sir Leonard.”
Crawley's shoulders sink before he peacocks out his chest.
“I’ll leave, but you need to look more closely at who you let into your lives.”
He shoots me a look that tells me this isn’t over. “I’ll be in touch, April.”
He smirks again before turning and walking away .
“Sir Leonard,” Elijah calls after him. “I’d think twice about that. And if I ever hear you threaten any of my family or the people we care about, I will destroy you.” Elijah lets those words sink in before adding. “That’s not a threat. That’s a promise.”
My eyes flit between the two men.
Sir Leonard Crawley’s face loses a couple of shades of colour. I could almost say he turns a little green around his jowls.
“You’re making a mistake, young Frazer,” he splutters.
“No, Crawley. I don’t think I am. I know where those skeletons are hidden. Threaten what is mine, and I will expose you. This is the only warning you’ll get. Stay away from April and stay away from my family. Do I make myself clear?”
Sir Leonard Crawley doesn’t say another word. Instead, he turns and leaves me alone with Caleb’s big and incredibly scary brother.
He turns around, his face softening when he takes me in. “Are you okay?”
I stare at him, not sure what I should say or do. Instead, I nod vacantly.
“Give me your phone.”
My eyes widen, but I’m too shocked to do anything but comply. The adrenaline of the past few moments is wearing off.
He holds it up to my face to unlock it before typing something in. “If that man ever contacts you again, or any of his cronies, you’re to call me.” His eyes locks with mine. “Nod, April, if you understand me.”
I nod in response.
“If not for you, for my brother,” he adds, having me nodding faster. His hand comes up and squeezes my shoulder before moving it away. “Leonard Crawley. ”
“There were always rumours about him, from some of the other girls. It’s why I stayed as far away from him as I could,” I say, before my brain can engage.
I cover my mouth, realising I’ve just admitted our connection. Shit! What was I thinking?
I drop my gaze, unable to look Elijah in the eyes. He must have heard my conversation with Crawley. I’m surprised he didn’t ask me to leave at the same time.
“I should go,” I say, stepping back.
“Don’t,” Elijah says, staying where he is. Almost as if he senses that by moving, I’ll scamper away like a scared rabbit.
I raise my eyes to his, my heart rate finally calming enough to allow normal blood flow and brain function.
“I think we both know I need to leave,” I say. “Thank you for stepping in. It’s not something I’m used to. I’ve spent so much time fighting my own battles.”
I glance up, only to find Elijah’s intense eyes staring at me.
I sigh.
“This is not something that will go away. Crawley and his cronies. It’s a decision I made a long time ago, when my back was against the wall.”
“No one blames you,” he says, and I give him a sad smile.
“It’s funny, but I believe you. You’re the opposite of what I always believed a family of your standing would be. But the problem is, where I danced, the men were from the upper class—your class. Crawley is one of many who saw me dance naked.” I run a hand through my hair. “I’m not ashamed of what I did.”
The bravado I’m trying to project, not quite ringing true. Exotic dancing is not on most girls wish lists, for their number one choice in career. At least it hadn’t been on mine.
My eyes clash with Elijah’s.
“I did it to survive, to build a future for myself. The problem is, there will always be men like Crawley who think they can click their fingers and demand more. I can’t do that to Caleb. Have him or any of you standing up for my virtue. I won’t let my choices tarnish his or your family’s reputation.”
Elijah continues to stare at me but says nothing.
“I need to stay in my swim lane. Where I understand the rules. Community is where all this began. I just got swept away for a moment.”
“Are you going to leave?” Elijah asks.
“I am. I’ll speak to Caleb, I promise, just not now. Can you tell him something came up with one of the kids and that I needed to head back?” I ask.
“I won’t lie to my brother for you,” he says, his jaw tight.
“I’m not asking you to lie. I want to tell him the truth, but now is not the time. This is your mother’s party. I don’t want to cause a scene. Everyone has been so kind. Please Elijah, for them.”
I know I’m begging and I watch his chin drop to his chest as he runs a hand down his face.
“He knows,” he says suddenly, making me pause.
“Knows what?” My shoulders curl forward, and my stomach roils.
“He knows about your past, about Merryfellows,” he says, his eyes never leaving mine.
My jaw drops and I flinch, “How?”
“I drew up a dossier on you.” His voice offers no form of apology, no further explanation.
I drop my gaze and shake my head. It’s no more than I expected. The thought of Caleb reading about my past and never saying anything however churns my stomach.
“I’m leaving,” I say. “You can decide what you want to tell Caleb, but I need to go.”
I turn and walk away, pausing when he adds, “He doesn’t care you know. ”
I pause, but don’t look back at the man who just rescued me. “He might not think he cares, but he will. Especially when his friends and business associates find out. And, even if he thinks he doesn’t, I do. This is my worst nightmare. I’ve always worried my past would come back to haunt me from the moment I realised I could do more, be more. I’ve been stupid, and now this will not only destroy my relationship with Caleb, but potentially my business too. What parents will want their child taught by an ex-stripper?” I say, knowing I’m on the verge of a panic attack. I stop and inhale deeply, resting my hand on my stomach. When I finally get my breathing under control, I look up.
“Thank you again, Elijah.”
“April. It doesn’t have to. If Crawley contacts you, call me. I mean it.”
I hold up my hand in acknowledgement but keep walking away. When I round the corner, I sag against the wall. What the hell just happened? I know, it’s what I always feared. I’m not meant to be here, and the universe is telling me I was right.
When I reach the library, I’m greeted by silence. I pull out my phone. Shit! The bus has already left. Scarlett and I promised their parents we would have them home before dark. The bus and my only form of escape, thanks to Crawley, has left.
Making my way up to Caleb’s bedroom, I grab my bag. I still need to leave. I need time to think. Samuel and Dan called to say they would not make it. Dan has the flu and my bestie is playing nurse.
I reach the door when I hear voices.
“Kat, listen. You’re being ridiculous.” It’s a male voice. A voice I recognise as Jaxson’s.
“Me?” comes the furious reply. My spider senses tingle. I wasn’t wrong, although I hate the fact I’m eavesdropping on their private argument.
“I’ll leave,” he says. “But this isn’t over.”
“Yes, it is,” comes the sharp reply. “Get out and stay away. I don’t need you, I never did.”
Jaxson says something I can’t quite hear, but the sound of heavy footsteps storming past my door lets me know he’s left.
There’s an annoyed shriek from one of the bedrooms, followed by a loud thump. I decide it’s now or never.
Grabbing my bag, I head for the entrance. Jaxson is taking his keys from one of the valets.
“Jaxson,” I call, making him stop and look over his shoulder.
“April?” He frowns.
“Can I grab a lift with you back to the city?” I ask, walking up to him.
He looks at the house behind me, and then his gaze locks with mine. “Throw your bag in the boot,” he says, popping the trunk with his key fob. I do as he asks before climbing into the passenger seat next to me.
“I’m not going to be great company,” he admits, his expression lost in thought.
“Don’t worry, neither am I,” I reply before turning to stare out of the window, my brain lost somewhere between deep thought and brain fog.