Alluring Promises Box Set (Books 1-3) Read online

Lucky for me, there was an ATM machine in the back of the coffee shop. I went ahead and paid the waitress with my debit card knowing he was going to track it. It didn’t matter at this point because I noticed a limo kept driving by, so I was pretty sure he already knew where I was. After deleting the history on the computer and receiving my card back, I went to the ATM to check my balance. Over ten thousand dollars? How the heck did I have that much? Hmm, bank, I needed my bank to withdraw as much of that as I could. To start, I withdrew the maximum the ATM would allow so I would have cash on hand as long as I could.

  Next, how do I get out of here without the limo spotting me? My eyes darted around trying to think of a way out. That was the moment I spotted the nice sympathetic waitress…I bet she would know.

  After explaining that I had a crazy, jealous ex-boyfriend waiting outside, she took me out the back exit. She then told to me that if I turned left, there would be an alley on the right that would lead to the train station. My bank was also conveniently located near the train station.

  Such crazy cloak and dagger stuff…who would have ever thought I’d have to think like this? I should have known he would show his true colors two years ago, but I was blinded by greed and desire to be “the one” to change him.

  I ran down the alley and turned the corner; just as the waitress said, there was the train station. I noticed my bank to the right and tried to blend in with the crowd as I walked fast into the bank. I needed as much of that money as I could because I knew I wouldn’t be able to touch my account ever again.

  The person greeting people at the door signed me in and I waited in a chair until the next desk person was available.

  I sat there trying to keep my leg from shaking. Each passing second I felt like he would come bursting through the door and…what? Do what? What would he do? I didn’t know and hoped not to have to find out.

  If I weren’t so nervous, this actually might be a little funny. Running from limos through dark alleys and withdrawing large sums of money…it seemed so silly and a bit ‘cliché’ out of a movie.

  Finally, it was my turn after what felt like an hour. I was led over to a desk behind a plexiglass cubicle wall. Mr. Bank Guy sat behind his desk with his hands folded and propped up. A smirk from his round, pink face and balding head made me feel like I was doing something wrong. I explained to him that I needed to withdraw my full amount, but needed it in cash.

  Martin Cannon, according to the nameplate on his desk, had me fill out several forms with a smarmy smirk on his face the whole time. Finally, he got up and seemed to waddle over to the bank vault.

  After a short period of time, he returned with that same smirk on his face. My heart picked up because I couldn’t help but wonder if he called him or something. To my relief, Martin Cannon sat down and slid a stack of bills toward me.

  Ten thousand dollars in cash is a nice little stack; weighs a lot and luckily fit nicely into my purse. Or was it really his purse? I asked myself this as I shoved the stack of cash into my purse. Damn it. It keeps dawning on me—nothing is really mine.

  I thanked Martin Cannon, stood up quickly with my heart beating out of my chest and left, realizing and hoping that this was the last place he would know where I’d been.

  I went straight to the train station and purchased my ticket, in cash, and went right to the platform and onto the train…and to my new life.

  THE TRAIN PULLED into the station four hours later and I was relieved to see he wasn’t there. Rather, with a spark in both our eyes, I found Melanie immediately. She was just as I remembered her—gorgeous as ever with an incredible body, blonde wavy long hair and blue eyes to die for. Melanie always got attention wherever she went and had the bubbly personality to match. Even in a blue Henley shirt, faded jeans and her hair swept up in a ponytail, she was stunning. She pulled me into a huge bear hug and then introduced me to the guy standing next to her, Clark, her…well, now, my new roommate.

  Clark looked kind of like Clark Kent, to be quite honest. He was tall with dark hair but had brown eyes instead of blue, broad, strong shoulders—and yes, he had the dark rimmed glasses. I half expected him to pull his shirt open and show me his Superman shirt. Instead, he gave me a warm hug and a sweet smile, of course after checking me out from head to toe and lingering a bit too long on my chest. He seemed to be looking around nervously and I kept wondering why. Suddenly, it dawned on me that he was probably looking around to make sure a crazy ex-boyfriend wasn’t chasing me down.

  “I can’t believe you’re here and that I get to see you again after all these years,” Melanie exclaimed with a perfect smile (insert sparkle in her teeth just like a TV ad).

  “I’m so sorry about everything. Thank you so much for writing back to me.” I sighed, hugging her again. My stomach churned just thinking about our last fight and the words we had said.

  Melanie hooked her arm through mine as we started to walk. “I missed you so much. I don’t care anymore. We have so much to catch up.” She glanced at Clark with a weird quirk that made me arch my eyebrows. Melanie cleared her throat. “Let’s get going and you can see the townhouse and where you’re living now.” I wondered what that exchange was, but dismissed it quickly in hopes it was something between them and that it wasn’t about me.

  As we left the train station, Melanie let me know they didn’t live far. She told me that they have a great townhouse thanks to Flynn’s dad investing in the area early before it became the new trendy place to live. We walked down the tree-lined streets with chic shops and restaurants for several blocks.

  The townhouse was brick with beautiful colonial type steps leading up to a wide inviting red door. It was just as charming inside. Flynn’s dad must have excellent taste or hired someone with remarkable decorating skills because the inside of the townhouse looked like a comfortable bachelor pad out of Better Homes and Gardens. It was decorated in rich crèmes, blues and light green. The living room and kitchen were all open with high ceilings and brick walls exposed. A massive fireplace with a huge TV hung above it created a beautiful focal point for the room.

  “I’ll show you your room upstairs. Lucy left all her furniture since she moved in with Max and he already had furniture. It’s like it was all meant to be, Izzy.” Melanie winked before turning to climb the stairs. I smiled so brightly at hearing her nickname for me. “Isabella” is what I had been called most of my life and especially what he insisted on calling me.

  Touching my hand lightly, her voice was tender when she spoke. “When you want to talk, I’m here. I’ll let you get some sleep. The bathroom is right down the hall. Flynn has his own bathroom, but Clark and I share. There are some towels in the linen closet in the bathroom, so go ahead and make yourself at home.” And with that, Melanie walked down the hall but turned again giving me a sad smile. “I missed you so much.”

  Tears filled my eyes and I sighed, “I missed you too. I’m so sorry.” She nodded and blinked tears from her eyes before going downstairs.

  I took a long, hot shower thinking about how close Melanie and I had always been. She was as close to a sister as I would ever get. I met her as my roommate at orientation for college and we hit it off immediately. We did everything together and had most of our classes together.

  After graduation, I met him at my first ‘real’ job and after only a month, he absorbed my world. Melanie tried to caution me several times through several fights, but I didn’t want to listen to her. She knew he was just a pompous asshole attempting to control me, but I didn’t listen nor did I want to.

  He promised to take care of me and provide anything I could ever want. I agreed to his request to be with him and him alone, under his promise that he could show me so much more.

  I hadn’t heard from her since our last fight, yet here I am in her life again and she just welcomed me with open arms. With the water washing away my tears and shame, I decided I would make up the lost years of friendship and hoped I could be a better friend.

  I wrapped myself in the soft t
owel and realized I only had my dirty clothes to put on. Frustrated, I balled my dirty clothes and held them to my towel wrapped body and went to “my” new bedroom.

  The room was average size. A bed, dresser, and mirror occupied most of the space. The closet wasn’t huge, not that I needed much room with the one pair of jeans, t-shirt, and sweatshirt I had, but I guess I could fill it with a couple more things soon. I realized the bed had sheets, a flowery comforter set on it and some clothes were laid out—a long sleeve football jersey and sleep pants. Cozy. And again, I was so thankful for my friend who I hadn’t been much of a friend to.

  I put on my borrowed pajamas and climbed into the comfortable new bed and started thinking about my wonderful new life and my renewed friendship with my old best friend.

  My mind wandered back to what I left. I began to wonder if he was out there somewhere looking for me. Was he upset that I left? Was he going to come after me? Was I safe here or would he seek retribution for me leaving? Did he know the shame I felt and how disgusted I was after that? Of course, he did; I’m sure that’s why he did it. After crying and tossing around for a little while, I finally fell into a deep sleep.

  I AWOKE the next morning hearing voices downstairs and decided I might as well meet Flynn, my other new roommate. As I stood at the top of the stairs, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on their conversation.

  Clark: She’s gorgeous, but she looks pretty withdrawn. Is she going to be all right?

  Melanie: She’ll be okay. She went through some pretty horrible things before college, but she withstood that and had a great scholarship. I still don’t understand why she followed that jerk, but I’ve missed her so much over the years. She was always like the sister I never had. I’m just so glad she emailed me.

  Another voice I assumed to be Flynn: Well, if she has some psycho guy coming after her, we need to be on the lookout. What do we know about him? Is he abusive? Is he going to try to kill her or something?

  Melanie: I don’t think he would. He has too much riding on the line. He’s rich and powerful so I don’t think he’d do anything stupid to jeopardize that. I’ll talk to Izzy and find out more when she’s ready to talk. She just looked so tired and worn down, I wanted her to rest before asking anything.

  Voice that I assumed was Flynn: Well, I trust your judgment, Mel. You’ve always talked about her and from the stories you’ve told us about her, she seems like she’ll fit right in.

  Clark: She’s hot. I mean, she didn’t look all that put together, but she’s smoking.

  Melanie: Hands off. Getting out of a bad relationship, she doesn’t need to get into something else right now.

  Clark (laughing): But I’m fuckin’ Superman baby! I’ll save her!”

  All were laughing now at what Clark said.

  Melanie (still laughing): You’re such a dickwad sometimes. We don’t need you screwing anymore roommates. When you were with Bri, she wanted a relationship…remember, you don’t do relationships. Not to mention she left not too long after.

  Clark: Hey, I’m good. I didn’t try anything with Lucy.

  Voice I assumed was Flynn: Only because Max would have kicked your ass. Give this one some space, will you?

  With that comment, I started down the stairs. I might as well meet the voice I assumed to be Flynn. Walking into the kitchen, they were all gathered around the huge kitchen island drinking coffee. I hadn’t noticed how large the island was last night.

  Melanie and Clark were on stools and another guy was leaning on his forearms upon the island facing my direction. His deep brown eyes lit up when the met mine and I instantly felt at ease. He was pretty easy on the eyes with dark, disheveled, wavy hair and a strong jaw line with a little stubble. Glancing at Melanie and quirking his head toward me, he said, “I think our new roommate is up.” Everyone turned to face me.

  I felt my cheeks heat up and I cleared my throat. “Morning.”

  Melanie jumped up and ran over to hug me. “How’d you sleep?”

  “Great, thanks to you making the bed so inviting. And thank you for the PJs.” I pulled at the collar of the jersey gesturing with both hands.

  “Well, I knew something comfortable is what you needed. Want some coffee? Still sugar and tons of cream?” She asked as she pulled a mug from the cabinet while a choking noise came from Clark. I blushed thinking of what must have popped into his thoughts.

  “Yes, please,” I replied, ignoring his sexual insinuation.

  “Sweet and creamy, just the way I like it,” Clark joked.

  Melanie threw a wadded up paper towel at him. “Don’t mind him. He’s just a horny bastard and doesn’t think when he speaks.” Melanie chuckled while glaring at Clark.

  I grabbed the bar stool next to Melanie’s empty one and sat down. Tall and gorgeous came toward me with his hand extended “Hey, I’m Flynn. Ignore Superman. He likes to tease a lot.” His hand was warm, soft and yet firm, making me feel sort of…safe? I smiled. “Nice to meet you. I’m Isa…Izzy. I’m Izzy.” I didn’t want to use the formal name he used.

  With a quizzical look, Flynn smiled back. “Very pleased to meet you, Izzy. I hope you’ll like it here. Melanie has told us so much about you from your college days. It seems like you two had a lot of fun back then. Do you still bartend?” He asked referring to when I bartended at our favorite hangout “Smith’s.” It was a bar full of drunken college kids that seemed more like a huge party every night with dancing and tons of drinks. I made a killing in tips alone.

  “I haven’t really worked for the past two years, actually. But I’m sure I remember how to bartend. Do you know of a place that has any openings?” Flynn and Melanie exchanged glances as if he was asking her permission. She shrugged and nodded.

  “Well, my best friend owns a great club. It’s a bit upscale, but if you don’t mind that, I’m sure he can get you in there.”

  I smiled and nodded. “Great, that would be great. Just let me know his name and number and I’ll call him. I wouldn’t want you to go out of your way or anything.” I wanted to try to get a job on my own without some pull. Although thinking about it, I really didn’t know anyone except Mel in this town and a job with a lot of people around me was really what I needed to get my mind off him.

  Oh a phone! Darn it, I need to get a phone so I could call this guy. And clothes and ugh…panties! Laughing out loud, all eyes locked on me.

  “What’s so funny?” Melanie probably thought I was losing it by now.

  I shrugged feeling slightly embarrassed. “We need a shopping trip. I don’t have anything, not even a phone.”

  Clark jumped on that, clapping his hands together and rubbing them with a devious. “Oh, I bet you need lingerie, too. I personally volunteer to help you out with that. I know what girls like.”

  I flushed red and thankful when Melanie jumped in. “No, thank you, she has had enough men controlling her life and doesn’t need another one jumping in telling her what panties to wear.”

  I know she didn’t mean ill, but I was taken aback that she knew that he did actually control everything, even what I wore.

  Melanie noticed my surprised look and put her hand on my arm and winked. “We’ll have a girl day and shop ‘til we drop. Just like old times.”

  Flynn smiled toward me. “I’ll make a phone call to Z and let him know he has a new bartender.”

  “Thanks. I’ll stop in there later to meet him and get an idea of the place.”

  He nodded with a warm smile. “Good, well Mel knows where it is.”

  We sat and drank our coffee, chatting about where everyone worked. Flynn, I learned, was becoming an architect at his Dad’s firm. He loved it and enjoyed working with his Dad.

  Clark, oddly enough, was a bouncer at night at the same club Flynn mentioned and during the day worked at a marketing firm as a graphic designer. He said he loved the club more because he was able to get more girls there than his day job. Great. I couldn’t help but think how many girls I would run into coming out of the bathroom u
pstairs.

  Melanie was selling art for a local shop nearby that specialized in expensive tastes. She had always loved art, but didn’t think it would ever pan out since her parents wanted her to be an accountant, which is what both of us received a degree for.

  And here I am wit an accounting degree, but haven’t worked at all in the past two years except to push my body to perfection for the sole purpose of his use. And how do I explain that to my new (and one old) friends? I didn’t. They didn’t ask and actually skirted the issue—for which I was very thankful, except for the weird silence that fell on the conversation. Melanie ended the quiet by saying it was time to head out for our shopping extravaganza.

  We went upstairs to our own bedrooms to change. Good job Izzy, I scolded myself. Ball your clothes up so they’re all crumpled. I bet that’s exactly what he would say. Begrudgingly, I put my wrinkled clothes back on and met Melanie outside my door. She laughed. “Reminds me of the old days after a long night of partying and running out for grease to calm our stomachs.” She shook her head and waved her hand for me to follow her. “Come on, I think I have jeans and a shirt you can wear that aren’t so wrinkled.” I followed her and changed into what she gave me. Thankful they fit, a bit loose, but still better than dirty and crumpled clothes.

  Our first stop was to buy a new cell phone. One he couldn’t track. Which brought me back to wondering if he was even looking for me? Had he already found someone else?

  “Izzy. Izzy…hellooooo??” I heard Melanie sing. “Are you in there? Do you like this one or this one?”

  I stared blankly at both phones and replied, “You pick, it doesn’t matter to me.”

  Melanie sighed. “No, you’re going to pick. This is your choice and your first choice to take back your life. Whatever he did to you, he no longer controls your choices. It’s time for you to make them yourself.”

  Wow. I hadn’t even thought that’s what I had done, but I think she was right. I did just pass off a choice because I never had to make decisions for myself while with him. “Umm, I’ll go for the red one.” The phone had some liveliness to it and that’s what I needed right now. Melanie smiled excitedly. I chose out a card for minutes and went to purchase my non-traceable phone.