9. CONTROL
CONTROL
KARLOS
Karson arrived at the office so full of hope after I’d had him collected from the marina.
He was such a child. So unrealistic.
My son didn’t understand the big picture. He expected all of the benefits without the sacrifice, without putting in the sweat and tears.
He needed to understand that you couldn’t have it all, not without giving up certain things. How could he expect people to respect him when he insisted on associating with underachievers?
He’ll have to learn the hard way. I’ll make sure he does. I owe him that as his father. This is for his own good… even if he can’t see it yet.
It was a step in the right direction that he’d called that little nobody and ended it. But it’s not enough.
I pressed my finger lightly on the intercom. “Lexi, organize a meeting with the tech team and the security panel in my office immediately. And, Lexi, tell them if they’re not here in five minutes, they’ll no longer work for me.”
I looked around my office. It was the pinnacle of the empire I’d worked so hard to build.
Stupid boy.
I’d given him everything, but he’d never attain great heights without my guidance.
He should appreciate my efforts to secure his—
“Mr. Wells, the team has arrived. Shall I send them in?” Lexi’s voice came through the intercom.
“Bring them in.”
Lexi held the door open as they hurried into the room. I evaluated them. Each of them had a criminal history. Desperation made them pliable. People like that always made the best employees.
Lexi withdrew, and the group surveyed me uneasily.
“Greetings, gentlemen. Nina.” I gestured to the conference table. “Sit.”
They scrambled into their seats, forming a semicircle around the heavy table.
I leaned back in my chair. “I have a task for you. Make it your priority.”
They sat in silence, awaiting instructions.
“Nigel. Use your skills to find out everything you can about Ivy Lawrence,” I said. “Lexi will provide you with further details. Failure is not an option. If you come back empty-handed, don’t come back at all.”
He gave a curt nod, his face set in stone.
“Nina, have full surveillance set up on the subject and keep it in place until you find some dirt. And get one of our own into her father’s facility. I don’t care how. Cleaner, nurse, volunteer. Just do it.”
“But—”
“Remember, you’re all on the wrong side of the law. It’d be a shame if the authorities found out about your little misdemeanors. And don’t even think about double-crossing me. It’s a waste of time.”
The blood drained from Nigel’s already pasty face, turning it a sickly pale.
“Now get out.”
***
IVY
By the time I reached the departure terminal—after our emotional goodbye at the airport—I’d pulled myself together.
I was going to miss Karson like crazy while he was in Sydney, but I was on a high from our amazing time together. And I was starting my new contract with Adore Designs. Finally, I’d be doing what I’d dreamed of for so long.
What an incredible few weeks. Karson was a total dream. I definitely was not expecting to meet someone like him. I wasn’t even considering dating, then he just appeared out of the blue.
And now… I can’t stop thinking about him.
I boarded the flight, determined to enjoy a little luxury on the business class ticket Karson had booked while we were still on our trip.
Smiling, I let my mind drift back to our conversation.
“Karson, please, I don’t need to travel business class.”
He’d pulled me closer to his chest and wrapped his arms around me. “Consider it my present to celebrate your contract. You’re going to nail it.”
I’d never felt so spoiled and loved as I had on the boat with him, and I couldn’t wait to see him again, whenever that might be.
“Excuse me, may I offer you a refreshment or a light snack?” the flight attendant asked, smiling at me sweetly.
I smiled back. “I’ll have a quick look at the menu.”
“I know that look!” She gave a friendly chuckle. “Dreaming about someone special, huh? Well, enjoy it. Time passes by too quickly, believe me. If you found someone special, embrace that gift with both hands.”
A blush crept up my neck and onto my cheeks. “Thanks. I will.”
“Now, what can I get for you, hon?” she said warmly.
“An oat milk latte would be great, thanks.” As she poured my coffee, I found myself hoping she had someone special too.
I spent the rest of the flight dreaming about my time with Karson…
I hadn’t been seasick, which had surprised him. Apparently, a lot of people found sailing a miserable experience until they got their sea legs.
I must be my grandpa’s Norwegian sea-captain genes, I thought with a smile.
We didn’t see much of Dyson during the voyage. He slept a lot during the day and took the helm each night, until Karson stepped up to take over each morning at sunrise.
Karson and I had the nights to ourselves below deck… heat flooded through me as I remembered the feeling of his powerful body against mine.
Each morning when the sun came up, I’d stand beside Karson at the helm as we powered through the deep, turquoise ocean toward Sydney. And sometimes we’d lie on the deck, talking about everything and anything.
Other times, we listened to music together or just held hands in peaceful silence as the magic of the sea worked its charm.
It was just Karson and me and the wide blue ocean.
Except when the three of us sat down for dinner together—where I got to know Dyson better. They were such good friends, always messing with each other.
They were brothers in every way that mattered.
We’d laughed so much when they shared stories about their adventures growing up together. And I’d told them all about Jai, our childhood, and how, just like me, he loved to surf.
I closed my eyes and heard his voice. The sound of it had melted me. The feel of his skin on mine had undone me.
***
“So,” Karson said, grabbing another cookie, shoving it into his mouth, and crunching noisily as he gazed at me, “do you still surf much? Have you won any competitions? I bet you’re good”
Chuckling, I reached out and brushed a crumb away. “Not for a while now… but yeah, I guess I’m all right.” Leaning closer, I took a bite of his cookie. “I might’ve won a comp or two.”
“I knew it! You goddamn Aussies. You’re probably some pro surfer, fighting off great whites as you go.”
“Well, growing up by the beach, learning to surf was a rite of passage for sure. And, yeah, we saw a few sharks, heaps of dolphins, turtles, and whales too, at the right time of the year.” I smiled at the memory.
“When Jai and me were little, we used to pretend we were mermaids. We both felt so at home in the sea, right from the start.”
He traced a finger lazily down my arm. “Mermaids, hey.” His attention drifted to my lips, desire burning in his expression.
A flush crept over my cheeks, and I pulled my knees up under my chin. I just wanted to lie wrapped in his arms all day. I’d never had that before.
“So.” I cleared my throat. “Have you ever surfed? Surely, you’ve been on some kind of billionaire beach holiday in Hawaii?” I poked him in the chest.
Smirking, he shook the hair out of his eyes. “Yeah, but I didn’t surf there. It was a dive holiday.” We laughed. “But Dyson and me did a group surfing class a few years ago. I kept getting dumped and mostly ended up with a mouthful of sand.” He winced. “But I think with the right instructor…”
“I might know somebody who can help you out,” I teased, squeezing his hand.
He squeezed back, leaning closer. “You really are something else, Ivy Lawrence.”
In the frosty morning air, cocooned by the endless blue sky, we sat on the deck while he kissed me, the catamaran flying over the waves beneath us.
It was like everything that had happened before existed just so we could be together.
Days turned to nights and back again, but we barely noticed. I’d stretch out under the sun, reading books I’d found on board. Karson taught me about wind directions, tides, currents, and how to stay on course, then I took the helm.
At night, the silver glow of the moon and bright stars shone down through the open hatch. I lay in his arms as we were lulled to sleep by the rocking of the waves.
Is this what it’s like to be in love?
***
Before we’d arrived in Sydney, Karson suggested that he move to Brisbane to complete his degree, so we could be closer to each other.
I loved the idea, but I didn’t want all the sacrifices for us to be together to fall on him. I told him I might be able to make it work in Sydney… after my contract was done.
Knowing I was going to be one of the featured models in the Adore Designs campaign had lifted an enormous weight from my shoulders. It’d be incredible exposure for me—and would take care of most of my money problems.
The thought of being together was intoxicating, no matter where we lived. The stars had aligned. My heart was so full I thought it might burst.
Without warning, this absolute prince had walked into my life on what had already been the best day of my life. He wasn’t like anyone I’d ever known. I could talk to him about anything—really be myself.
It was just easy with him. And fun. He made me feel so cherished… and loved.
The rest of the flight passed in a blur until a loud announcement from the pilot yanked me from my daydream.
“Hello, everybody. Thank you for flying with Qantas today,” he said.
“We’re going to be landing shortly, ahead of schedule, on the sunny Gold Coast. Please fasten your seat belts for the descent.
It’s a beautiful day out there, enjoy your stay if you’re visiting, and if you’re returning…
welcome home. We hope you fly with us again soon. ”
I couldn’t wait to fill the girls in when I got home. Before we’d set sail, I’d texted them to let them know I’d be on the boat with Karson for a week or two. I’d had plenty of cheeky texts from Sass and Olivia, they’d be dying to hear the details.
As I leaned back against my seat, I smiled happily.
There’s literally nothing I’d change right now.
***
GOLD COAST
IVY
As I climbed down the steep stairs and crossed the tarmac, a warm breeze caressed my face, the familiar scent of jasmine drifting through the air.
I walked into the terminal toward the restroom. As I switched my phone back on, it pinged a few times.
I said a silent prayer that everything had gone okay with Karson’s father. He’d been nervous. As soon as we left the boat, it was like we’d entered another universe.
One controlled by his father…
The whole thing had been so weird. It was clear he’d prefer to live in Brisbane, away from his father.
Butterflies filled my chest as Karson’s name flashed at the top of my notifications. Even though it’d only been a couple of hours since we parted, I was excited to hear from him.
I scrolled to the voicemail and tapped Play.
KARSON: Ivy, I know you’re not home yet. But I need to tell you something.
I smiled. I love the sound of Karson’s voice. A warm glow tickled my skin.
I’m not coming to Brisbane.
Oh, what? Something felt off.
I’m staying in Sydney to work at the company.
I wonder what happened… His voice sounded constricted, somehow.
And I know you said you could come here… but it won’t work.
Alarm flared inside me as I paced across the room.
There’s someone else…
Someone else? I stopped dead. What’s he talking about?
She’s… right for me.
A sharp pain shot through my chest.
You wouldn’t fit in here.
My grip loosened, and I fumbled to catch the phone as it slipped away.
Just stay there. Live your life.
I couldn’t breathe.
I’m sorry.
The room tilted.
Goodbye, Ivy.
My stomach cramped like someone had punched me as a dizzy wave washed over me and my mouth turned dry.
Is this some kind of cruel joke?
This can’t be happening.
I didn’t understand. We’d already worked everything out so that we could be together—this hadn’t been part of it.
Karson wouldn’t do this, not after our time together.
This can’t be real.
No. No way.
I don’t believe it. I’m just going to call him.
My jaw clenched as it went straight to an automated message: The number you have called is unavailable.
I tried his Instagram, but it—and everything else—had vanished.
Tears welled in my eyes as a chill swept through me. Goosebumps prickled my skin, and I stumbled toward the vanity.
This is worse than I thought.
Is this his father’s doing?
Surely he’ll call? This can’t be him—
“Hey, honey, are you okay?” An anxious voice cut in. “You look pale,” said a middle-aged woman, staring in concern.
“I, um…” I stuttered, covering my mouth with my hand.
“You look like you might faint. Here, come and sit down.”
My muscles gave way, as I gripped the sink, trying to stay upright.
Her arm wrapped around me, guiding me into the mirrored powder room and easing me into an armchair.
“Just breathe. I think you’re having a panic attack. Have you had a shock?”
Dizzy, I opened my mouth but couldn’t find the words.
She placed a hand on my shoulder. “Take a slow breath in… that’s it. Now out. Good. One at a time.”
“Can I call someone for you?” she asked before I shook my head.
My breathing steadied, the dizziness easing slightly. But my chest felt like lead. My stomach ached.
She checked on me once more, patted me on the arm, then left for her flight.
Karson’s words came back in fragments—
“Ivy Lawrence, you’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve seen…”
“We’ll be together soon...”
“I promise I’ll make sure we can be together…”
How could it all be just lies.
Memories of moments in his arms splintered through my mind. Sharp, disjointed remnants of his smile, of him kissing me, loving me.
Something in my chest gave as I gasped for air. I sat, frozen in the cold chair, unable to speak, waiting to wake up.
Hoping he’d call—tell me it was all a mistake…
But the phone stayed silent.
Hot tears slid down my cheeks as the reality of his betrayal settled in.
The warm, fragrant breeze that had caressed my skin on the tarmac had turned into a hurricane. I swiped at my tears and slowly pushed myself out of the chair.
“There’s someone else…”
A fire burned through me, but the flames flickered into embers before dying out, leaving nothing behind.
Only emptiness.
Hollow, I walked out of the terminal and hailed a taxi home.