Chapter 18
Brad Alistair, my trainer, was relentless this evening. He cranked up the speed on the treadmill, then had me pummel the heavy bag until my arms felt like jelly. By the time I was done, sweat was dripping from my shoulders and face, and I was thoroughly exhausted.
“You did good today,” Brad said, handing me a towel.
“You’re a sadist,” I shot back, wiping the sweat off my face.
“But isn’t it worth it?” He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
I couldn't help but smile. “Yes.”
Over his shoulder, I noticed a couple of women eyeing him. It wasn't surprising; Brad was a sight to behold with his muscular frame, blond hair, and chiseled features. Even though he was gay and happily married, he was still a hit with the ladies. Brad was also best friends with Kat Argento, one of Oliver’s business associates in the software industry.
Kat had built a dating website, One On One, before her partner pushed her out. She walked away with over half a billion dollars and went on to bigger and better things, including marriage and three kids.
Brad interrupted my thoughts. “You look great. Ready for your wedding?”
“I’m getting there,” I sighed. “Oliver keeps adding people to the guest list, and it’s driving me crazy.”
He chuckled. “The life of a mogul.”
“How’s Jurgen?” I asked, changing the subject.
“He’s great. Stay-at-home dad now. Our daughter Addison is so sweet.”
“I’d love to meet her sometime.”
“If you allowed children at the wedding, you would,” he teased.
“I’m sorry. It would be so hectic with kids around.”
“Ryleigh, I’m kidding,” he said, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You’ll do great.”
“Thanks. Will you be here tomorrow?”
“I guess I could come. Oliver won’t be home until Friday night. I hate when he’s away.”
Brad checked his watch. “I’m knocking off for the evening. My assistant manager can close up the gym tonight. Want to grab something to eat?”
“Can I have what I want?” I asked, my eyes gleaming with mischief.
Brad raised an eyebrow. “I’m not your parole officer.”
I grinned wickedly. “I feel like being naughty tonight. Maybe a grilled cheese with bacon.”
Brad scowled, but his eyes twinkled. “I’ll stick to protein and a salad.”
“You’re so good,” I said, shaking my head.
“That’s what Jurgen keeps telling me.”
“He should, considering he has his sugar daddy taking care of him,” I teased.
“More like he’s taking care of me. The gym is doing great, but Jurgen has become quite the day trader. Meet you in the lobby. I have to lock my office.”
As he walked away, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of gratitude for having someone like Brad in my life. Even on the toughest days, he had a way of making everything seem a little brighter.
I didn't bother showering, just threw on my gray sweatshirt. It was still drizzling and cooler now that evening was settling in. Brad and I headed to the American Café next door to the gym, where they served my favorite—grilled cheese on Texas toast.
We chatted over dinner; the conversation was light and easy. I told him about my wedding dress, making him swear to secrecy since he occasionally ran into Oliver at the gym. Just as we were finishing up, my cell phone rang.
“Finley, what’s up?” I answered.
“Sadie’s in labor. I’m at the hospital,” he said, his voice tight with urgency.
“Which one?” I asked, my heart skipping a beat.
“Lenox Hill.”
“How far along is she?”
“It’s coming fast. She’s almost at seven centimeters.”
“I’ll be there soon. I’m leaving now,” I said, quickly ending the call and shoving my phone into my purse.
“I have to go. Sadie’s in labor,” I told Brad, my voice a mix of excitement and anxiety.
“Congratulations! You’re about to be an aunt,” Brad said, smiling.
I dug through my purse for money, but Brad stopped me. “What the hell are you doing?” he asked, frowning.
“I want to give you money for dinner,” I said, trying to hand him some cash.
“Get out of here. Go,” he insisted.
I planted a quick, soft kiss on Brad’s cheek and dashed out of the restaurant. The street was slick from the rain, and I nearly slipped as I raised my hand to hail a cab. Thankfully, one was passing by just as I stepped outside. I jumped in, begging the driver to hurry.
While we sped through the city, I tried calling Oliver, but it kept going to voicemail. I left an urgent message, guessing he was probably still in the air.
Twenty minutes later, I was rushing through the front entrance of Lenox Hill Hospital. The bright lights and stark white walls and floors hurt my eyes, but I quickly found the front desk and got directions to maternity.
When I found Sadie’s room, she was already being wheeled out to give birth. Finley stood nearby, dressed in green scrubs with a white mask over his face and a white cap covering his sandy hair. His eyes looked scared.
“Already?” I asked, breathless.
“It came fast. We were going to wait to go to the hospital, but Sadie insisted. I’m glad she did. I have to go,” he said, his voice trembling.
My brother followed Sadie as her bed was pushed down to the delivery room. There was nothing I could do but wait.
"She’s gorgeous,” I murmured, stroking my new niece’s soft cheek. Teagan Ivy Stewart had made her grand entrance at 8:22 p.m., arriving with a fierce scream. My brother, hands trembling, had cut her umbilical cord. Now she lay peacefully in a small crib next to Sadie’s bed.
“Thank you. I can’t believe we’re parents,” Sadie said, her voice heavy with exhaustion. Though her labor had been mercifully short, less than two hours, she looked worn out. Her hair was disheveled, and her face was pale.
“You did great,” I reassured her.
“The doctor said I need to be careful because my next labor could go even faster,” Sadie added, a mix of awe and concern in her eyes.
“I hope not,” my brother muttered, worry creasing his brow.
“You’ll just have to get her here as fast as possible. Lucky you were home,” I said.
“I wasn’t,” he admitted. “I was just leaving the office.”
“Do you need help? I could take a few days off,” I offered.
“Mom is coming down to help, and your mom said she would too. I wanted to thank you for what you and Oliver did for my dad. It’s made all the difference,” Sadie said, her gratitude shining through her fatigue.
“He’s an asset to Fox,” I replied, smiling.
“He really enjoys the job.”
“I work with him at least once a week. He’s a whiz with figures,” I said.
“He always was. Perry is just like him,” Sadie said, her voice trailing off as she dozed.
I moved to the green couch next to the wall, watching my brother, who looked ready to drop from exhaustion.
“Are you happy?” I asked softly.
“Very. I was scared until Teagan came out and I cut the cord. Then I knew everything would be all right,” he said, his eyes softening with pride.
“You’ll make a great father, just be home,” I encouraged.
“I’m working from home for a while. I can run the office from there.”
“Good. Any progress on your wedding?”
“Maybe next spring. So much happened this year, we didn’t have a chance to discuss anything.”
“What about you?” he asked.
“Everything would be fine if Oliver would stop adding to the guest list. It’s exploding,” I said with a sigh.
“Sounds like Oliver. Where is he?”
“London.”
“Didn’t he just come home from Tokyo yesterday?”
“Don’t remind me. He said this is the last business trip. We still have to check Fox Island. The house is almost done, but I’ll be going with him,” I explained.
"I’m jealous. A whole island?" my brother said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"It’s only a couple of miles long. Nothing big," I replied with a shrug.
"But it’s your own island," he pointed out, his eyes twinkling with a mix of envy and admiration.
"You can visit us. The house is huge, and we have employee quarters," I offered, imagining him and his family there.
"He has spoiled you."
"Hey! I still do things for myself," I said, defending myself with a playful smirk. I yawned, exhaustion finally catching up with me. "I’m sorry, I’m tired. Not as much as you two, but I’m tired. Do you mind if I go home?"
"Not at all. I expected the parents to be here already," he replied.
"Where’s Matthew?"
"He went to San Francisco to meet a client."
"He won’t see Teagan until he comes back," I noted.
"Nope. She’ll be here," he said, a tired but content smile on his face.
I kissed my brother and went to look at the baby again. Teagan was fast asleep in her crib. I ran my finger gently over her tiny hand before leaving, feeling a surge of love and protectiveness.
As I was on my way home in a cab, my phone rang. Oliver’s name flashed on the screen.
"Why don’t you have security with you?" he growled the moment I answered.
"Sadie had the baby, a little girl they named Teagan. I ran out of the restaurant so fast that I didn’t have time to call Vlad," I said, trying to keep my tone calm.
"He didn’t know where the fuck you were. He went to the gym to talk to Brad. You can’t do that. I have security for a reason," he snapped, his frustration evident.
"Why are you getting so upset?" I asked, feeling a mix of irritation and concern.
"Because I want you to be safe. Where are you?" he demanded.
"I’m almost home. Relax," I said, hoping to soothe his worry.
"This isn’t a joke, Ryleigh. You should’ve taken Brenda with you," Oliver insisted, his voice stern and unyielding.
"I know it isn’t, but I can’t be held up just because security isn’t with me," I retorted, frustration bubbling over.
"Two minutes and Vlad would’ve been there. He called me and said he couldn’t find you."
"Why don’t you just put a tracker on my phone? Or better yet, microchip me so you know where I am each and every day?" I snapped, sarcasm dripping from every word.
"No need to get nasty," Oliver said, his tone hardening.
"Shouldn’t I though? You’re ruining this for me. I’m an aunt and you’re being a dick."
"If being a dick is keeping you safe, then so be it. Hate me for it."
"I’m hanging up now," I declared, my anger boiling over as I hit the power button on my phone just as the cab double-parked in front of my building.
I paid the driver and stepped out, only to see the man I had noticed several months ago lurking half a block down. Under the streetlights, his beady dark eyes were fixed on me. As he began to walk toward me, I felt a jolt of fear. I hurried inside, jamming my finger on the elevator button.
A glance back through the glass doors showed him standing right in front of them, staring at me. My heart pounded so hard I could hear it in my ears. The elevator finally arrived, and I zipped up to the penthouse. I practically ran down the hall, fumbling for my key when I stopped at the door. My hands trembled, but I finally got the key into the lock and shoved the door open, only to scream as I heard footsteps in the hall.
“Miss Stewart!”
“Shit, Brenda, you scared me,” I gasped, clutching my chest.
“Mr. Fox is not happy with you. He told me to check on you. I dropped off Trouble a couple of hours ago.”
“I spoke with him,” I replied, trying to steady my breath.
Her phone rang, and I almost knew it was Oliver. She answered and held the cell out to me. “I’ll call him on mine. Can you stay for a little while?”
“Sure, I’ll wait for you in the living room,” Brenda said, her voice calm and reassuring.
I heard her talking to Oliver as I walked down the hall. Trouble greeted me halfway, and I scooped him into my arms, pressing my face against his soft fur. I put him down on my bed along with my purse and sat on the corner to dial Oliver. He picked up on the first ring.
“Why the fuck did you hang up on me?” he demanded, his voice harsh with worry.
I sniffled, fighting back tears. “He was out there.”
His tone softened, fear evident. “Who was out there?”
“The man I saw months ago. He was waiting for me, and when I got out of the cab, he rushed down the sidewalk.”
“This is what I mean. You need security,” Oliver yelled.
“Who is he?” I asked, my voice trembling.
“I don’t know. Maybe the cameras on the building can tell us.”
“Should I ask the concierge?”
“I’ll take care of it. Dammit, why don’t you listen to me? I have your best interest at heart,” he said, frustration mingling with concern.
“I know. I’m sorry,” I whispered, feeling a lump form in my throat.
“Are you all right?” he asked, his voice gentler now.
“Just a little scared. I wish you were here,” I admitted, feeling a pang of loneliness.
“I’ll try to be back as early as possible on Friday. If you want, ask Brenda to stay with you.”
“I have Trouble,” I said, glancing at the tiny dog curled up on my bed.
“He’s a tiny dog,” Oliver replied, a hint of a smile in his voice despite the seriousness.
“Are you expecting a problem?” I asked, my voice tinged with curiosity.
“Not at all,” Oliver replied confidently. “The building is secure, but it never hurts to have extra.”
I nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll think about it.”
“Now tell me about Teagan,” he prompted gently.
I couldn’t help but smile. “She’s beautiful and so small.”
“Would you want one?” he asked, his tone softening.
“Eventually,” I said, a hint of longing in my voice. “I’d like to spend time with you first.”
“As long as we can have one before I’m forty,” he teased, a chuckle escaping his lips.
“That’s not long off, Mr. Fox,” I teased back, enjoying our playful banter.
“You keep reminding me,” he said, a mock sigh punctuating his words.
I yawned, feeling the weight of the day settle in. “I’m tired. Brad put me through my paces.”
“How was dinner with him?” Oliver inquired, genuine interest in his tone.
“Good,” I replied, leaning back against the couch. “He said Jurgen is a good house husband and Daddy.”
“I’m sure. They’re both very nurturing,” he said, his voice warm with approval.
“I think I’m going to take a shower and get into bed,” I said, my eyelids growing heavy. “It’s very late there. Why are you still awake?”
“Because my fiancée doesn’t listen to me,” he said with a touch of exasperation.
“Go to sleep. You have a busy day tomorrow,” I reminded him gently.
“I love you, sweetheart. Goodnight,” he said, his voice softening with affection.
“Goodnight, Oliver. I love you,” I replied, a warm feeling spreading through me as I ended the call.
As I hung up, I felt a sense of contentment and relief. The day had been long, but Oliver’s voice and our shared plans for the future filled me with a comforting sense of security. I headed to the bathroom for a hot shower, letting the water wash away the day’s stress.
By the time I climbed into bed, Trouble snuggled up beside me, I felt at peace. My thoughts lingered on Teagan, Oliver, and the beautiful life we were building together as I drifted off to sleep.
Oliver
After hanging up with Ryleigh, I dialed Vlad’s number, my mind racing with worry. He picked up promptly.
“Mr. Fox?”
“Check the video feed at my building. Someone approached her when she got out of a cab,” I instructed urgently, my voice clipped with tension.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” Vlad responded with a hint of remorse.
“For now on, I don’t care what she tells you. If she goes to the gym, you’re right there. If she goes to the toilet, you’re right outside the door,” I ordered firmly, my concern for Ryleigh palpable.
“Yes, sir.”
“Call me when you find the guy,” I added before ending the call abruptly, not waiting for Vlad’s acknowledgment. He had made a serious error tonight, and it could have endangered Ryleigh’s life. I was giving him a pass this time due to his track record, but I couldn’t afford any more mistakes.
I paced the room, my anxiety mounting. Despite the late hour, sleep eluded me. The combination of jet lag and worry kept me restless. I sought refuge at the wet bar in my suite, pouring myself a scotch from a crystal decanter. I rarely drank hard liquor, but tonight I needed something to take the edge off.
As I waited for Vlad’s call, my thoughts were solely on Ryleigh. I couldn’t focus on the business matters awaiting me in the morning. My mind kept replaying scenarios of what could have happened to her.
Amidst my anxiety, thoughts of Ryleigh’s enticing figure crept into my mind, and I felt a surge of desire. But alongside that desire was the weight of the secrets I kept from her. There were things she didn’t know, things that could shatter us if they ever came to light. I didn’t keep them to deceive her but to protect her from the harsh realities I dealt with.
Twenty agonizing minutes later, Vlad’s call finally came through. The scotch had taken the edge off but did little to ease my nerves.
I glared at Vlad through the screen. "What did you find?"
"Login and check the timestamp at 9:28 p.m. I can’t be sure, but I think it’s him," Vlad replied urgently.
I shuddered. Raphael Caruso, after all these years. I hoped Vlad was wrong. With a clenched jaw, I logged into the system and fast-forwarded the video to the specified time. The footage was crystal clear, unlike the grainy pictures Tyler had shown us. There was no mistaking it—Raphael Caruso had resurfaced.
My heart sank as I watched him appear on screen, approaching Ryleigh. The camera captured her fear, and it tore me apart knowing I couldn’t protect her.
"It’s him," I muttered grimly. "You know what you need to do. Under no circumstances is she to be left alone, even if she goes to the bathroom. Put another female agent on her detail."
"Brenda is upstairs with her now," Vlad reported.
"I’m aware. I want her to stay until I get home on Friday. And put a couple of agents on both Carusos. I want to know their movements and what they’re up to. Have you located my brother?"
"He’s gone. Nothing comes up. We’ve checked his associates, old haunts and even his old apartment. He just disappeared into thin air."
I clenched my fist. "I don’t want to think what that could mean."
"I doubt it. He had a plan and he executed it."
"How can you be sure?" I asked.
"Your brother wanted to disappear. He’s been doing it for years."
"But he usually surfaces and that hasn’t happened."
"Caruso is looking for him, you can bet on it. He’s laying low."
"I should’ve hidden him away somewhere, anywhere."
"And what makes you think he would stay hidden?"
"You’re right. My focus now is Ryleigh. I don’t want any fuck ups, Vlad."
"I’ll see to it, sir."
"Goodnight."
I ended the call and sank onto the couch, draining the last of my scotch. Raphael Caruso—a name that haunted me. It surprised me that Antonio had sent him instead of a lackey. Maybe it was because Raphael had botched things with Robert Stewart's murder.
"He should’ve taken out Ryleigh also," I muttered aloud, processing the thought. Maybe Raphael didn’t have the guts to harm an innocent child, or perhaps he didn’t know she was there. Ryleigh never spoke much about it, and I never pressed.
It was past 4 a.m. in the morning, and I had a meeting at 7 a.m. I didn’t feel like sleeping in bed, so I stretched out on the white contemporary couch. As I dozed off, thoughts of Ryleigh filled my mind, her safety now more critical than ever.
Ryleigh
I tried to scream as his hands closed around my throat. He wasn’t going to end me swiftly like he had my father; he intended to squeeze the life from me slowly, relishing every moment.
His sneer bore into my panic-stricken eyes as he pressed harder against my windpipe. I braced for the agony of my neck snapping or the suffocation that never came, only to be startled awake by Brenda shaking me.
“What the…” My eyes shot open, catching the concern etched on her pretty face. Sweat coated my forehead, and I instinctively wiped it away.
“You were screaming,” Brenda said softly.
“Nightmare,” I managed between ragged breaths, trying to steady myself. Trouble, my loyal companion, stood nearby, looking bewildered. I must have frightened him.
“Do you need me to stay?” Brenda offered.
“No, I’ll be fine. Thank you for waking me.”
“No problem. Get some sleep,” she advised before exiting, leaving the door slightly ajar as she found it. It was nearing 4:30 a.m., and I knew sleep was futile now.
“Come here, boy,” I whispered.
Trouble cautiously approached, stopping just out of my reach.
“I’m sorry I scared you.”
As if understanding, he finally joined me on the bed, where I gently petted his ears. He settled beside me, and I turned off the light, staring into the darkness. The face of the man who had killed my father haunted my dreams now, a chilling reminder that he was out there, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
I resolved to remain vigilant and rely on the security Oliver had in place to protect me. That was their job, after all. I wondered if Oliver knew this man. Months ago, when we watched the enhanced video Tyler had shown us, Oliver’s reaction was subtle but palpable; his face had drained of color. I was afraid to ask, but maybe I should.
I stayed awake, periodically soothing Trouble, who grumbled softly but settled beside me. With the dawn creeping through the curtains, I finally slipped out of bed and took a long, hot shower in an attempt to shake off the unease and slight headache that lingered. Brenda was already up, seated on the couch with a magazine when I entered the kitchen.
“Good morning,” I called out as Brenda sat on the couch.
“How are you?” she asked, looking up from her magazine.
“I’m okay. Thank you for this morning,” I replied sincerely.
“You’re welcome.”
“Would you like some coffee?” I offered, moving toward the coffee maker.
“That won’t be necessary, Miss Stewart,” Brenda replied politely.
I paused, my hand hovering over the coffee maker, and turned to face her. “Brenda, you don’t need to call me Miss Stewart. Just Ryleigh is fine.”
“That wouldn’t be appropriate,” Brenda insisted gently.
“Then why don’t you call me Ryleigh when Oliver isn’t around?” I pressed, hoping for a different response.
“It still wouldn’t be appropriate,” Brenda reiterated firmly.
I sighed, resigning myself to the formality, and returned to preparing my coffee. I brewed a strong cup with several spoons of sugar, needing the extra boost this morning. It was early, barely 7:30 a.m., and I didn’t have to be in the office until nine. Trouble, sensing my movement, circled my legs, reminding me he needed to go out.
I led him to the patio where he promptly headed for the small patch of grass Oliver had installed for him. While he did his business, I prepared his kibble and set it out on the floor. He scratched at the door when he was done, eager to come back inside and devour his breakfast.
With Trouble settled, I took my coffee back to the bedroom and stepped into the closet to choose an outfit. The day looked promising, so I opted for a floral-patterned sleeveless dress that Oliver had always liked. I wished he were here to see it. Pairing it with white heeled sandals, I gathered my hair into a ponytail and prepared for the day ahead.
I was incredibly unproductive at the office for most of the morning. Mark came in to discuss some figures, but I found myself zoning out repeatedly, causing him to interrupt my thoughts several times.
“Let’s take a break,” I finally said, realizing my mind wasn’t in the right place.
“What’s wrong?” Mark asked, concern etched on his face.
“I’ve got a lot on my mind with everything going on. The wedding is coming up so quickly. Oh, and I meant to congratulate you—grandpa!” I grinned.
Mark cringed, a mix of surprise and humor crossing his features. “God, I can’t believe it. I’m only forty-six. I never expected Sadie to have a child this soon.”
“She always talked about wanting to be a mom,” I said, shaking my head with a chuckle. “Little did I know she’d end up being my sister-in-law.”
Mark shrugged. “They don’t seem to be in any rush to tie the knot.”
“Finley mentioned they might do something next year. It’s been a crazy year for both of them.”
“I guess so.” Mark paused, noticing my tired expression. “You seem like you’ve got a lot on your mind. Why don’t I come back later?”
“I’d appreciate that,” I replied gratefully.
Mark gathered his things into a folder and left. My head was too cluttered to focus on anything productive right now. When Brenda had escorted me into the building this morning, I couldn’t help scanning the area, half-expecting to see the man with the piercing black eyes waiting for me. The same unease crept over me as I walked to my office.
Knowing Brenda was somewhere nearby was reassuring. I felt safe, despite my earlier annoyance at being constantly surrounded by security. Now, though, I welcomed it. I knew Oliver wanted nothing more than for me to be protected, especially with the recent unsettling developments.
I was overjoyed when Oliver snuggled his boxer-clad body against me early on Friday morning. I hadn’t expected him home until that afternoon. Despite him overheating me by being so close, I welcomed his presence eagerly. He buried his nose in my hair, and I heard him inhale deeply.
“You smell so good,” he murmured.
“You do too,” I replied softly.
“I’m sure I don’t, but I’m too exhausted to shower right now,” he chuckled wearily.
I turned in his arms so I could face him and kissed the underside of his chin. His scruff scratched against my skin, but I didn’t mind at all. I was simply happy to have him home. He started softly snoring, and I nestled my head against his chest, drifting back to sleep.
The sleep was fitful, though, and I found myself waking from a nightmare. It wasn’t as intense as the one from the night before, thankfully. Oliver remained peacefully asleep beside me, undisturbed by my brief moment of fear.