Chapter 15
Vanna
As much as I want to fight it, I know I’ll never win. Whenever I’m panicked, my body gives in, and I hate it. It’s always made me feel weak because I should be a fighter. I’ve fought for everything in my life, so why am I not doing it now?
In the face of something big, my body goes into shock, but maybe a person can only take so much. My mind wants to shut down and block out anything that could ever hurt me, including people. In my experience, the greatest pain isn’t physical. When they walk out, it’s the biggest heartbreak.
The last thing I see is Nick standing in my wrecked apartment, his eyes filled with rage. He says something, but I can’t make it out before darkness takes over, and I pass out.
When I jolt awake, Lawson isn’t next to me. He was my hero that had come out of nowhere, but now I’m in bed all alone. I know from the scent alone that I’m at Nick’s parents’ house. I visited a handful of times while we were dating, and I noticed it had a weird old flowery smell to it.
Jerking up, I glance around the overdone room and see that I’m on top of the covers. A glittering chandelier lights up the whole room, and although I’ve never been in this room before, I’m sure it’s one of many in their home. How long have I been out? I rub the back of my head and wince.
I must have hit it when I passed out, and of course Nick didn’t try to catch me.
The second I walked into my apartment and saw everything tossed around, I knew that things were about to go bad.
I was about to run and find Lawson, but then Nick stepped out of my bedroom.
The shock of seeing him made me stupidly think that maybe I’d been robbed.
One look in his rage-filled eyes and I could see he’d done this.
With each step he grew closer, fear took over because I had no idea what he was capable of.
He’s no longer the man I thought I knew, and apparently that Nick never existed.
Lawson.
My heart sinks because I don’t know what happened. Did he show up to my place and think I’d ghosted him? As quickly as I can, I get to my feet. I’m still in basketball shorts, but my heels are gone. I notice one of my suitcases sitting at the end of the bed, and I open it to find my clothes inside.
Pulling on a sweater and jeans, I decide to try and sneak out of the bedroom.
My hand freezes on the doorknob because I have no clue what I’m about to walk into.
Am I being held captive? I can’t see Nick’s mother doing that, but then again, that woman always gets whatever she wants, and she has to know I’m here.
Slowly I open the door a crack and peek down the long hallway.
I may have been here a few times, but the place is giant.
It’s more like a place to show off than a home.
I mean, who puts paintings that cost more than most cars in random hallways?
They often host events here, and the plan was for our wedding to be here too.
The thought of marrying Nick makes my stomach turn.
“Vanna.” I stiffen at the sound of Lilith’s voice. “I’m glad you’re awake.” Where the hell did she come from? She’s like a ghost that appeared out of nowhere. When I turn to watch her coming down the hallway, I see she’s dressed impeccably as always.
“How did I get here?”
“We brought you here, of course, after you fainted. Nick told me you’re prone to that.”
“It’s only happened a few times.” She gives me a tight smile, and although her anger might not be on the surface like Nick’s, it’s there. I can see it simmering underneath, and it’s dangerous. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to scare anyone. I’ll call for a ride and be out of your hair.”
Lilith’s fake smile drops. “You’re not going anywhere. There are several things we need to discuss.”
She grabs my elbow, and her fingers dig in as her hold tightens.
I’m tempted to jerk away, but complying might be best for now.
No one has a clue where I am, and I’m not sure what she’ll do if I struggle.
All I can think about is Lawson. Is he looking for me?
Does he think I took off on him? If he sees my apartment, he’ll have to know something is wrong.
“I’m not sure what there is to talk about. Nick and I aren’t in love.” I say it the nicest way that I can without being crude.
“Love.” Lilith laughs lightly. “Marriage isn’t about love. It’s about power.”
“Well, I don’t have any of that either so…” I shrug one of my shoulders.
“No you don’t, do you?”
Ouch. I know I said it about myself, but damn, that stung a little. Only because what she and I consider power are two different things.
“Then you should be happy the engagement is ending.”
“You’re very well provided for. Did you know that, Vanna?
People find you endearing and even more so when they hear about your past,” she informs me.
“You might not have power or pedigree, but people perceive us allowing you into our family as a great act of kindness. It shows that we accept everyone.”
“Seriously? That’s a weird-ass compliment.” I don’t want to be in their world or care what the people in it think of me.
“Don’t curse,” she snips.
Lilith finally releases my elbow when we enter the great room. It’s obnoxiously ornate with giant paintings hanging on the walls and overstuffed chairs filling the space. I’ve been in here before, but the furniture was removed for a party.
“This is all pointless. I’m not marrying Nick.” Does she think she can make me?
“You’re lucky he wants to marry you. Especially after how you took off on him the way you did.” She gives me a look that used to cut through me. Now I don’t care.
“Did he tell you I caught him with two women?” I ask, and Lilith rolls her eyes.
“Don’t be a child. Men have needs they have to fulfill in other places. It’s better that way.” Her eyes roam up and down my body. “You’ve put on weight.”
“Okay, so we’re not getting anywhere.” I glance around, glad Nick isn’t here. “I’m leaving.”
“No you’re not,” Lilith responds but doesn’t block me when I walk to the door. I touch the handle before her words halt me in my tracks. “Lawson Reins’ fate lies in your hands.” I whip back around and stare at her in shock. “Or I suppose in mine.”
“What does that mean?” I swallow hard as I think about what Lilith is capable of. She always gets what she wants.
“You think we can’t ruin a man like Lawson and the rest of his family?”
“He’s done nothing.” My heart starts to race. The last thing I would ever want is for something to happen to Lawson or his family. Especially because of me. He’s the only man to show me real kindness and to give me a taste of love.
I step away from the door, and Lilith nods in approval. Her smile is genuine, like she’s won.
For now at least.