Dark Boundaries (18 page)

Chapter Forty Four

Kristine~

It feels like some part of me, a part I’ve desperately tried to cling to just shriveled up and died.

I snuggle as close as I can to Garrett. I need his body’s warmth to chase away the chill in my bones.

I was so wrong! I accused Garrett of being a killer but reveled in it when he killed Warren and Bill. I’ve learned a tough lesson. Never say never. Garrett killed Eric to keep us all safe and then he killed Bill and Warren to keep me safe once again.

The night slowly creeps in and it grows dark in the apartment, but Garrett doesn’t get up to put on some lights. He just keeps holding me. I have a burning need to make things right. I hope it’s not too late to fix things. I turn in his arms. He starts to pull away and I can’t see his face in the dark to judge his emotions.

“I’m sorry I called you a killer. I’m sorry I said all those things to you!” I brush my fingers over the worry lines on his face. “Today I realized how good you’ve been to me all along. No matter how hard I tried to place you in the monster category alongside them, I never could and now I know why. It’s because of you always protected me and you showed me you cared in so many ways. You never treated me like they did. To them I was nothing more than merchandise, but you …” My voice becomes hoarse and I clear my throat. “You were always tender. I’m so sorry, Garrett. I’m sorry for ever thinking you were the same as them. I now understand why Riza is so happy with Justin.”

I can’t keep the miserable tears from falling. Garrett reaches up and gently cups my cheeks. He uses his thumbs to caress the tears away.

“I didn’t want you to suffer like that to realize I’m not the same as them. I only ever wanted to keep you safe.” Garrett takes my hand and kisses each of my fingers tips. “I shouldn’t have left you alone at the hospital. It’s my fault. I keep placing you in danger. I should’ve-”

I place a finger to his lips, stopping him. “No, Garrett. None of the crap that happened was your fault. The men responsible for the hell we’ve all been through are now dead. Thanks to you they’ll never hurt anyone again. If you weren’t in that club the night we were taken, Warren would’ve gotten other men to help him. They would have killed us all.” I press my forehead to his chest and take a deep breath, filling my lungs with him. “You saved me. You saved me when I was taken. You saved me by buying me at the auction and now again, by coming for me today. I’ll never be able to repay you.”

He places soft kisses in my hair. I snuggle as close as I can get to him and feel safe when his arms fold around me. “I don’t want you to repay me. You can go back to Florida and your bookstore.”

Shock shudders through me. I’ve ruined it all. It’s too late! Garrett doesn’t want me anymore.

I close my eyes and cry myself to sleep where only nightmares wait for me.

~*~

Chapter Forty Five

Garrett~

It’s been four months since I last saw Kristine and not a day has passed I have not thought of her. I’ve stayed in New York not trusting myself to be in the same town as her. I know I’ve done the right thing by letting her go. She needs to be free to live her life and her dreams.

I’ve waited until the very last minute before boarding a plane for Florida. Justin and Riza’s wedding is in two days. I’ll only spend two days in the same town as her. Surely I can last two days?

I haven’t slept well since she left. I go to bed late and get up early. This morning is no different. I watch the sunrise over the ocean. It’s a peaceful view but there is no peace in my heart. I wait until the sun has risen to a bright yellow before I start my morning run. I try to outrun my guilt, but I’ve yet to succeed.

I run along the shore, away from the main street her store is in. I keep my eyes on the sand, watching it flash by under my feet. It’s still wet and hard, making it easier to run. A little later and the sand will be soft and hot.

On my way back I pass the deck that leads to the main street. I dare a quick glance. I don’t know why I torture myself like this. I’m going to see her tomorrow anyway. She and Kelly are Riza’s bridesmaids. I’m the best man. Fuck, I’m going to spend the whole service staring at her. I can already see what a fuckup tomorrow’s going to be.

The day passes in a blur. My family has lost it. Mom runs in one direction, giving orders of things still to be done. Justin is a nervous wreck. Dad is hiding in his study. Let’s be honest, Dad has the best idea. Andrea is all over the place, doing whatever Mom tells her to.

I’m never getting married.

I wake up the next morning with a heavy feeling in my chest. I put on my shorts and a t-shirt and head for the beach. A good run should clear my head.

On my way back I get to the deck just before our house and I almost stumble. She’s sitting on the edge, watching me. The last time I saw her she was covered in bruises, but now – fuck, she’s stunning. My legs grow a will of their own and they take me in her direction. I drag off my shirt and wipe my forehead and chest down. I’m still out of breath when I reach the spot she’s sitting. She doesn’t get up and for a moment I just stare down at her.

“I saw you running yesterday.” Her voice is still soft. “I wanted to talk to you before the ceremony.”

My body is still too worked up from the run to sit, so I keep looking down at her at a loss for words. It’s so damn good to see her again.

“Ah … I feel we left a lot unsaid between us. I just want to clear the air so the ceremony will be perfect for Riza and Justin. I know you tried to fix everything that happened, and that’s why you wanted me to stay those three months with you. I want you to know that I’m grateful for those few days I stayed with you. I don’t regret it.”

She gets up and dusts the sand from her shorts. She nervously tucks some hair behind her ear and turn away from me. She takes two steps and then turns her face half to me. “Those ten days … I could have fought so much harder, but deep down I knew you were good. I could see it in your eyes. I could feel you wouldn’t hurt me and that’s why I gave in to you so quickly. I’d do it all again if it means I get you in the end. I’d lose myself all over again so I could just once see myself through your eyes. No one has ever looked at me the way you did. You saw what was deep inside of me. You once said you loved me. You killed for me.” She walks away and I wait. That can’t be all!

And then I hear her whisper. “I’d be more than a slave for you. I love you unconditionally.”

Her words knock all common sense from me. My legs are rooted to the sand as she walks away for a second time. I so badly want to run after her and beg her to say it all again. But I don’t. I can’t make her come to me. I forced her twice. This time she has to return to me out of her own free will. 

~*~

Chapter Forty Six

Kristine~

He just stood there in his shorts, all sweaty and looking ridiculously good. I laid my heart at his feet and he didn’t say one word. I had to take the chance, to see if he might feel the same way, but it’s obvious he does not. His eyes were so sad. The warmth I once saw in them now gone.

I want to crawl into my bed and spend the day crying. I force myself to lock up and walk the short distance to Liza’s house. We’re all getting ready there. The ceremony will be on the beach in front of the house.

When I step off the deck my heart starts to beat heavily with each step that takes me closer to the house. I’ve been here a couple of times since I’ve returned. Liza never asked about what happened between Garrett and me and I’m thankful for that.

I knock and then quickly shove my hands in my back pockets. I almost turn and run back to my little safe haven, but the door opens and for the second time today I look into his eyes.

“Hi…” I’m all out of words. I wish he’d say something back!

“Hon, you’re here!” Liza calls from inside. “Riza is a wreck. I’m so glad you’re here.”

I slip by Garrett and smile at Liza. “Show me the way.”

She takes my hand and I follow her. I dare a quick glance over my shoulder. Garrett catches me looking back at him and my cheeks flush with heat. Yeah, way to creep the man out.

I find Riza in tears. “Hey, Sis, it’s going to be a beautiful day. Don’t cry.”

She throws her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. “I’m so freaking emotional! The tears won’t stop coming.”

“Tell me she changed her mind,” Kelly suddenly says from behind me. She must’ve arrived just after me.

Riza pulls away from me and shoots Kelly a dark scowl. “Just for today can you pretend to be happy for me?”

I can see a fight coming and quickly step between them. “We’re all going to have a wonderful day.”

“If only she would have the same common sense as you, but no, she has to marry the man,” Kelly snaps. “For God’s sake, Riza! He kidnapped you. He raped you! How can you marry him?”

I hear a gasp and only then do I see Liza standing in the doorway. Oh no! Her face pales. “What is she talking about?” I can clearly hear the fear in her wavering voice.

“Nothing! It’s really nothing,” I say darting forward.

“No,” Kelly yells, “she should know what her sons did!”

I shake my head at Kelly begging her with my eyes.

She jabs a finger in Liza’s direction. “Your sons kidnapped us in Vegas. They locked us away like animals.” Kelly’s voice drips with venom. “Your son forced himself on Riza threatening to hurt me!”

Liza staggers back into the hallway. She looks horrified. “Liza, no!” I rush to her but Garrett steps between us and I come to stumbling halt. I turn back to Kelly feeling a frantic need to silence her.

“You’re a fucking animal,” she screams at Garrett. “This whole family is fucked up.” Kelly turns back to face Riza. “You have a choice. Please don’t do this. You don’t love him. He brainwashed you. Don’t let him force you into marrying him!” Kelly points in my direction. “Look at Kristine. She came to her senses. She didn’t let Garrett manipulate her. We love you, Sis! Please don’t do this.”

“Kelly,” my voice cracks under the emotion. She doesn’t hear me and I reach for her, grabbing hold of her arm. “Kelly! You’re wrong.” Her eyes widen and she yanks free from me. “I love him. I love Garrett. It’s not because I’m brainwashed or being threatened. He let me go. He didn’t want me, but I still love him. Justin is not forcing Riza. She’s marrying him because she loves him.”

“I can’t stand and watch her make the biggest mistake of her life!” Kelly says with so much hurt in her voice. She gives Riza one more pleading look before she leaves.

I run after Kelly, hoping to change her mind. As we reach the bottom of the stairs I grab her arm again. I need to make this all right. It’s Riza’s wedding day! It needs to be perfect. “Please, Kelly! This is a special day for one of your best friends. She really loves him.”

“I love her too much to watch her destroy her life.” Kelly leaves me standing at the bottom of the stairs with the mess she caused.

“Is it true?” I hear Liza’s trembling voice. My heart sinks, just thinking how hurt she must feel right now. I look up at her and I wish I could say none of it was true. Garrett places his hand on her shoulder, but she turns on him. She’s so pale. “Did you kidnap these girls?”

“Mom, we did it for Andrea. It was the only way to get her home,” Garrett pleads with his mom.

“No! That’s not how I raised you! You don’t take two wrongs to make a right,” she cries.

My heart hurts for Liza and Garrett. She was never supposed to find out. She’d been through enough. Justin also appears at the top of the stairs. He sees Riza crying and his mom’s pale face.

I need to do some damage control and fast! “He didn’t hurt me,” I say in the hopes of salvaging the day. “Liza, they didn’t hurt us. If it weren’t for Garrett and Justin we’d be dead. They took care of us.”

Liza comes down the stairs and I think she’s about to slap me, but instead she cups my face with both her hands. “Tell me the truth, Kristine! Did they take you against your will? Tell me what happened!”

I take hold of her wrists, to comfort her with my touch. I know I can’t tell her everything, it will kill her. “A man named Warren took us. Garrett and Justin were there, looking for Andrea. If they weren’t there Warren would have killed Riza and then me. There was another man, Eric,” I swallow hard on the nausea the retelling is making me feel, “he beat me and Garrett stopped him. Garrett told me about Andrea and I decided out of my own free will to help him get her. They could’ve left us at the auction after getting Andrea, but they didn’t. They bought our freedom.”

Liza wipes a tear from her cheek. “Did he rape you?” The question is cold and heartbroken.

I shake my head, my own tears falling now. “No. He protected me.”

Liza grabs me to her chest and I hug her as tight as I can. She cries heartbrokenly into my shoulder. My eyes meet Garret’s over his mom’s shoulder and he mouths the words, “Thank you,” to me.

~*~

Chapter Forty Seven

Garrett~

Well that was a shit-fest. It’s a wonder Mom didn’t rip my head off and spit down my throat. After Kristine salvaged the mess, Mom proceeded to give me and Justin a piece of her mind. We listened, because we deserved it. Kristine made us sound like heroes, but I know better.

I haven’t had a chance to talk to Kristine since the incident. She’s been busy getting Riza ready and I had to make sure the family held it together for the rest of the day.

I join Justin outside on the deck, where he’s staring at the chairs and guests slowly trickling in.

“It’s time to go greet the guests,” I say, pulling him from his deep thoughts.

“Do you think Kelly is right? Riza told me what she said, that Kelly thinks Riza is only marrying me because I brainwashed her?”

I pat him on the shoulder. I know exactly how he feels. “Nah, that woman loves you. I can see the way she looks at you. Riza is a fighter. She would’ve sent you to hell if she didn’t love you.”

Justin laughs at my comment. “Yeah, you’re right.”

We walk down to the beach together and start to greet all the guests. Afterwards Justin takes his place upfront and I go to stand next to him.

We wait another twenty minutes before Ellie Goulding’s ‘
How long will I love you’
starts to fill the air. The first notes play with no sight of the women, and then Andrea comes down the steps first. A lump forms in my throat, seeing the beautiful woman my sister has become.

Then my breath seizes as Kristine makes her appearance at the top of the stairs. The wind gently catches her hair, playing with the golden strands. The dark violet of her dress shimmers in the sun. She tightens her hold on the flowers in her hands and starts to walk toward us. Up close her eyes look darker because of the dress. She’s breathtakingly beautiful.

I have to tear my eyes away from her to watch Riza walk in. Her dress isn’t white like I expected, it’s the lightest shade of violet, the opposite of Kris and Andrea’s dresses. They’re all barefoot, giving everything a whimsical feel. Canon in D replaces Ellie Goulding and Riza starts down the aisle. Her eyes brim with tears as she’s totally focused on Justin. My eyes jump to Kris. She’s in tears, watching her friend get married. So help me God, I wish it was us.

During the ceremony I can’t take my eyes off Kris. She keeps looking down at the flowers in her hand, refusing to make eye contact with me, or so it feels.

After the ceremony the photographer calls us all for photos, while the guests are treated to drinks. The next twenty minutes goes by with a thousand commands from the photographer. I’m dying of heat in this suit! I’m so ready for a drink.

“Let’s have one of the best man and bridesmaids,” the photographer calls. I walk over to Andrea and Kris joins us. “Can the best man stand between the ladies?” We do as he says and I’m treated to the smell of coconut. Fuck, I love her smell. “Ladies, lean in to him.” The photographer laughs and snaps a few hundred photos, or so it feels. “Closer!” he yells. Fuck, this man takes his job way too serious.

The girls move closer to me and I feel Kris’s arm brush against mine. “No!” We all look at the photographer wide eyed. What the hell does he want? He rushes over to us and in a flutter of hands he shoves Kris into my chest and Andrea under my other arm. Kris’s hand lands on my chest so she doesn’t fall from being shoved into me. Andrea giggles, thinking this is awesome. “There, now that’s perfect,” he says and starts to snap another hundred photos. Finally he stops. “Thank you, people. See you all at the reception.”

Andrea breaks free from my hold and runs over to Justin and Riza. She’s so happy for them.

Only when Kris starts to pull away do I realize how tightly I’m holding her. I look down at her pink cheeks. I want to talk to her, but I know now is not the right time. This is Justin and Riza’s day. I’ll talk to her after the reception. Reluctantly, I let her go. I force a smile to my lips.

We go through a few toasts after eating, and then Justin and Riza opens the dance floor to Christina Perri’s
‘A Thousand Years’.
Mom and Dad follow shortly after. I look for Andrea, but see Justin’s friend David take her hand. I’m relieved as I start to look for Kris. This is perfect.

I find her at the wide open glass doors. “Dance with me?” She turns and for a second it looks like she’s going to say no, but then she holds her hand out to me. By the time we get to the floor Ed Sheeran’s
‘Thinking Out Loud’
starts to fill the air. I pull her into my arms. I don’t care about the correct way of dancing. I want to feel her close to me. I wrap my arms around her and weaving my fingers into her hair, I press her to my body. She wraps her arm around my waist.

The music spills over us in seductive waves. A few beats into the song her hands grip tightly to the back of my shirt. Her breaths come faster and change into quick gasps. At first I think it’s because she feels the same as me, overwhelmed just to hold her, but then she suddenly yanks free and I see the tears.

“I’m sorry,” she says with emotion crackling in her voice. “I can’t do this.” I’m so stunned by her reaction that at first I can only stand and watch her run out the door.

For a second I’m torn in two. Do I stay at my brother’s wedding or go after the woman I love?

Fuck it all! I go after her. Justin will understand.

~*~