Surrender To Me (Surrender Trilogy Book 2) Page 13

On the other side of the door, Linda sighs. “Call Nick again. I was here in Paris, that’s why I could make it so soon. We just didn’t expect this to happen.”

  “What did you expect to happen?” I finally open the door, and to my relief, the woman looks familiar. I realize that while I’ve never spoken to her, I’ve seen her before when visiting Carter at the office. “Hey…did you talk to Carter? Can you get me to see her?”

  Linda looks pensive. “Maybe later. For now, we need to get your luggage, and I want you to go through it and make sure it’s okay. They know they can’t move forward until Gillian and Liz are here—Liz will be your legal counsel, should you need one. Once Gillian speaks with the authorities, everything will be okay, and you and Carter can go home. Depending whether the folks at home will want to follow up on this, you might have to delay your honeymoon again, but I don’t expect that to be an issue.”

  I don’t understand a word she’s saying. “Follow up on what? This is all a misunderstanding. Carter did a speech here, that’s all. Other than that, we’re on vacation, or…” I see something in her expression that makes me halt. “Wait. You’re telling me right now.”

  “I think it’s better to wait until we get Carter out of jail. That’s priority now, don’t you think?”

  “Of course it is, but I deserve to know too. How can I help her if no one ever tells me what the hell is going on?” I’m pretty close to tears again, but I’m willing myself not to give up until I have some answers—and then I’ll do whatever it takes to see Carter.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Carter

  I admit I was tempted. Run away, let the chips fall where they may, abandon all responsibility for a moment in order to give Penelope the honeymoon she deserves. I’m not kidding myself—we managed to avert the worst, but she knows well what the people I was protecting her from, did, what they did to Colette and others. I know that she still has nightmares sometimes, and that no money in the world can create a quick fix here, but I was sure Bora Bora would help.

  Of course, as much as I love her, I have more to consider than just our lives and happiness. A woman who has a long journey behind her is now via Paris on the way to Los Angeles where she will stay for the time being, thousands of miles between her and the man who swore he’d kill her if he found her. I can’t save them all. I wish I could. I wish I could be with Penelope instead of biding my time in a holding cell, but things could be worse. I have a tendency of getting away with some things, and this will be no different.

  With no one to hear me, I sigh. Penelope deserves the truth, I know, and she’ll have it. I thought white beaches and crystal clear waters would soften it all up, for her, for me, but it seems like I don’t have that option. No, I didn’t do anything wrong, in my opinion, though the law wouldn’t always agree. It’s a good thing I have friends in high places.

  I’ll make sure she’s safe, any way I can.

  Meanwhile, I’m alone with my thoughts, about the world in general, Penelope, our relationship. I shouldn’t be thinking back to last night, be vulnerable recalling those happy moments, but I can’t resist the siren song. When I married Penelope, I knew I loved her, and I already knew that she could do to me what no one else had done before…I didn’t expect she’d want to reverse roles in the bedroom one day, and to my surprise, it’s been a relief. If she’s able to handle me, she will be okay in this small crisis, and she’ll be able to handle the truth. I lean forward, holding my head in my hands. It will be a while before Linda comes back, and even longer before Gillian makes it onto European soil to tell the police what they already know, that they have no proof I have something to do with the disappearance of a young woman from a home less privileged that Emilia’s. Yes, I visited her once, talked to her and told her to get away from that jerk of a boyfriend, but that was years ago. I haven’t spoken to her since.

  Everything will be okay, right?

  I am exhausted, but it’s that sliver of fear that keeps me awake and intrudes on my private fantasies.

  What if they do have more?

  The ex isn’t a crime lord, but he can cause me trouble all the same. His father is a right wing politician with friends in high places, and so far, he’s used his privilege to get his son out of trouble a few times. It’s disconcerting how often this has worked.

  The hours pass. A friendly cop brings me lunch. Maybe he’s naturally a nice person, maybe he’s worried about what happens once the members of my legal team are here. I’m not exactly a household name here in Europe, but they have heard of me. They have to do their job, but I assume they would prefer not to get involved in what could become a lengthy affair. The man Aisha fled from doesn’t have as much money as Laydon. I’m sure he’s telling a wild story, and his family is backing him up on it.

  The woman is always alone.

  I think about Penelope’s enthusiasm, and how happy she is about being able to shift around remarkable sums of money towards justice. I’m glad she’s happy and not feeling so guilty about the way we live anymore, but it’s not enough. It’s never enough.

  Even if Gillian and Liz jumped on a plane the moment Nick told them about the situation, it will still take a while for them to get here. I have no doubt he used all his contacts to get them on the next plane, and lucky for us, it’s Paris, not somewhere in the country.

  How much trouble can this cause me? I’m not sure, but after surviving the accusations after Penelope’s case, I don’t think it will be that much. I keep reassuring myself. We have a pretty good system going these days. We got Colette out and assisted in her recovery. We got Emilia Laydon to start a new life where her son while never walk in his father’s, a crime lord’s footsteps, and her daughter will never be sold off to the highest bidder in order to forge alliances. It’s not enough, but we do more than some governments, so we can’t stop now.

  “Hey,” a familiar voice says. “Look who’s here to see you.”

  Linda has brought Penelope. For a split second, I’m not sure whether to thank her or yell at her, but then relief takes over as Penelope reaches through the bars, taking my hand.

  “Gillian and Liz just landed. They’ll be here as soon as traffic allows,” Linda says. I can’t take my eyes off Penelope. Hers are glistening with tears.

  “How did they get here, on a magic carpet?”

  “Not quite. Nick had a couple of buddies who were going on a real fast plane.”

  “Like military?” I raise an eyebrow. As much as I appreciate everyone pulling together, we don’t want to gather too much attention.

  “Like Nick will tell you everything once you are back home. He’ll be coming to meet us in L.A. once you’re out of here.”

  “How are you doing?” I ask Penelope. She looks overwhelmed.

  “I’m okay,” she assures me. Everything went according to the backup plan, so yes, she did okay. I’m proud of my wife. I can’t wait to show my appreciation once we’re both safe.

  “I would say so,” Linda adds. “She made me bring her here even against Nick’s orders.”

  That makes me laugh. First of all, Nick doesn’t order Penelope or any of the women who work for me, around. He knows better than to try—and I didn’t know tough-as-nails Linda could be swayed by Penelope’s charms, though I shouldn’t be surprised.

  “Nick is careful, but he doesn’t always know better. Penelope is not in danger here in Paris. She can go wherever she wants to.”

  “Are you?” Penelope asks. “In danger, I mean?” She bites her lips as if trying to keep a confession from coming out, but I’ve already seen the fear in her eyes.

  “They have nothing,” I say. “It’s all a big misunderstanding.” The truth, the whole truth, will have to wait a little longer. “You got to the new hotel, luggage is all there?”

  “Yep,” Linda confirms. “We went through it, Penny says it’s fine.”

  “Good. I don’t expect us to be here longer than a couple of days, at worst. When we go to L.A., you can stay here.”


  “What, you don’t want me to join you on your honeymoon?” Linda pouts. “It will be the only time I get the chance to go there.”

  “No, thanks. If this works out like it should, I’ll give you an extra vacation, but I don’t think you’d like it there. It’s really a honeymoon destination, and no rock climbing that I’m aware of.”

  “Yeah, sounds like a drag,” Linda mutters.

  I feel lighter talking to the two of them, knowing for sure that things are in motion—until I see Gillian walking in, taking in her serious expression with a sinking feeling. This can’t be good.

  “Penny,” she says,” I’d like to go see Liz, she’s waiting outside. Linda, hey. You can go with her. I’d like a moment with Carter alone.”

  “Everything’s going to be okay, right?” There’s a hint of panic, flashing in Penelope’s eyes. I hate to see her so scared. She has been through enough. We all have. I’m tired.

  “It will be, I say. See you all later. How soon can you get me out of here?” I ask Gillian once Penelope and Linda are gone.

  She sighs. “As soon as possible. Carter, what did you do?”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Penny

  I’m much more assured now that I’ve been able to see Carter, and that the legal team is here as well. There’s a surprise waiting for me—more for Carter, I assume, but I’m surprised too—outside the police station. Liz, the younger attorney with Carter’s legal team, is accompanied by Colette Grady.

  She gives me a shrug and a wry grin. “It’s hard to resist,” she says by way of explanation.

  How true that is, though her thoughts probably didn’t go in the same direction as mine.

  “Let’s go to the café over there,” she says, pointing at the building with the red awning. “Liz has some things to tell you. It will take a while anyway until all the paperwork is filed.”

  The last thing I want while my wife is still in police custody is sitting idly in a Parisian café, but I understand this needs to be done for whatever reason.

  The three of us sit down with a café au lait, and Liz begins. “As for now, it doesn’t look like anyone’s even interested in asking you, and if they did, you must know you don’t have to testify, since you’re legally married to Carter. They have marriage equality here, too. Spousal privilege applies.”

  “Asking me about what? I have no idea what’s going on, and besides, shouldn’t Colette go sit at another table? This is confidential?”

  “You just said you don’t know anything. Besides, you can treat me like I’m not here,” Colette says. “Officially, I’m not.”

  “Okay then. I still don’t know what this is about. What do they think Carter has done?”

  “Does the name Aisha ring a bell?”

  “No, not really.”

  “It’s not a case that makes a lot of headlines, because people get too uncomfortable to take a closer look. Bottom line, she got involved with a pretty nasty guy. She left him, then realized she was pregnant and had an abortion. He wants her to disappear now, and his politician daddy is willing to help with that. The police he said that a rich woman who visited her before talked her into the abortion and then made her disappear.”

  I shake my head. “He’s obviously lying on all counts, so why are the police here even looking into it?”

  Liz shrugs. “Apparently there was a witness overhearing plans made. The guy now says Carter wants to bring her into the US illegally and force her to work for her with no salary.”

  “What the f…?” I hold back the expletive at the last moment.

  “My thoughts exactly,” Liz agrees.

  “Where is Aisha now?”

  “She’s safe. That’s all you need to know.”

  I think of Carter’s promise. I believe her. It’s different with her employees and friends, and I understand they want to keep a low profile.

  “Basically…I still don’t know anything.”

  “That’s the spirit,” Colette says dryly. “It’s all circumstantial and hearsay. They’ll throw it out either way.”

  Liz’s cell phone rings, and she excuses herself.

  “Thank you for being here,” I say to Colette. “This…it’s scaring me. I can’t lose her.”

  “You won’t,” she says. “I help whenever I can. Too many assholes in this world get away with what they do, day by day. I like someone who tries to make a difference.”

  She leans over and hugs me, and I almost lose it.

  * * * *

  I’m in awe watching these women at work, Gillian, Liz, Colette and Linda. They are amazing, and I’m once more reminded I’m still not entirely sure of my place among them. Carter isn’t kidding when she talks about giving women better chances, and she does it on all levels, from those who are trapped without a future, to those who are forced to a halt by the glass ceiling.

  And finally, she’s back with me, in a too tiny hotel room. I still can’t cry, because we’re not alone yet. I hold her to me for a long time. Her arms are wrapped around me tightly, and in that moment I know that we can overcome everything.

  Carter steps back, taking in the accommodations.

  “No room service?”

  “I had to do this quick,” I say, feeling self-conscious. It’s crowded as it is, with only one chair and a small desk.

  “It’s fine. Who’s going on a coffee run? Make that a coffee and pastry run.”

  Liz raises her hand. “You were going to pick me anyway, so why not?”

  No one denies her assessment, and she leaves. For a moment I wonder if she’s paying, then I realize she’s probably writing it off. Can she, if the way she got to Paris is basically secret? I’m still confused.

  Carter is here though, taking charge, and that feels good. The nightmare isn’t entirely over, otherwise we’d be in Los Angeles, waiting to take off for Bora Bora, but it’s a lot more bearable.

  Slowly, I feel like I’m able to take a deep breath again. Whatever happens from now, we’ll deal with it. It’s reassuring to see the people around you step up to the challenge. Whatever the truth, I’m sure Carter helped a woman in a desperate situation, like Emilia was, like I was without even knowing it. A couple of hours later, she orders them all out.

  “Talk to me,” I say when the sudden silence envelopes us.

  “I really need to take a shower…but here it is. We’ll be leaving the day after tomorrow. It’s been cleared with the pilot. No surprises this time.”

  “Aisha is in L.A.?”

  She nods. “Gillian arranged a meeting with a judge, someone we know hates violence against women, and we’re pretty sure that will be all. We leave the country, and as planned, we’ll fly to Bora Bora. I’m really sorry about the delay.”

  “It wasn’t your fault.”

  “No, it wasn’t. I will tell you everything you want to know, I swear, but let me just get this done, okay? We can go for dinner after.”

  Time has lost its meaning. I can’t believe I’m hungry again, but the day has flown by, and it’s actually late for dinnertime. Outside, the Eiffel Tower once more looks majestic.

  “Sure. Whatever you need.”

  I give her some time and space, but when the minutes tick by and she doesn’t come out, I knock softly and enter the small bathroom. The sight of her, crying, prompts me to act without thinking and I step into the shower stall fully dressed, holding her.

  “It’s okay. You can lean on me for once,” I say. I can step up too. The days when my responsibilities were merely my shifts at the café and classes at the university, are long gone. Whatever she does, I’m right with her, and I want her to know that. I’ll do, I’ll learn whatever it takes.

  We stay like this for what seems a long time before her hands are starting to move, undressing me. Which makes sense, because the water is still coming down on us. Consolation, confirmation, it’s beginning to turn into something else, sensually, sexually charged. She squeezes some of the shower gel—tangerine and honey—onto her hands, smoothing it
over my body, my shoulders and back, my breasts and stomach. If that’s what she needs now, to reaffirm our connection, to re-establish reality, I’m all for it. I’m bracing myself against the cool time, and she’s holding me tightly, her touch firm and possessive. My clit pulses, swells against her massaging fingertips. “Thank you for not running yet,” she rasps while I’m moving closer to losing control.

  “This is where I need to be. This is what I need.”

  Carter turns me around, opening my trembling legs wider before she gets on her knees, her fingers invading me as I feel the warm pressure of her tongue against me. I can hardly believe the keening sound that’s coming out of my mouth, but it seems appropriate as the orgasm rips through me, leaving me breathless. After turning off the water, Carter takes a towel, wraps me into it and leads me into the bedroom. She dries herself off with another, staring to rummage for underwear in the suitcase that’s still chaotic. When she’s found it and slipped into panties and a bra, she kneels down in front of me, reaching up to caress my cheek with her hand.

  “I never knew anyone who gets me like you do,” she says.

  “I love you. That is all.”

  Carter smiles gently. “Yes. That is all.”

  For dinner, we take a cab to Montmartre, where we find a small, private restaurant. After the meal, we walk up the stairs to Sacre Coeur, sit side by side, watching the lights of the city. The silence feels clear and comfortable. There’s a lot we still need to say, but it doesn’t seem all that hard anymore.

  That night, Carter sleeps safely with my arms around her. I try not to fall asleep, cherishing the moment, but fatigue takes over at some point. In the morning, before dawn, I wake her and make love to her, slowly and carefully, twice before the alarm.

  * * * *

  After Carter’s meeting with the judge, we’re good to go, and everyone’s going their separate ways again, Colette, Gillian, Linda. At least I think Linda is staying as planned, but with Carter’s people, you never know. It’s a reassuring thought that they are never far.