Bound: The Pentagon Group, Book 3 (32 page)

I could only stand and listen to his rants.

There was no way I could deviate from the plan with Zipper and the other men. I took a deep breath, stood up, and said, “I told you before, do your worst.”

I stared him down. I could see the fire in his eyes and his breathing was erratic. I saw the sexual charge lighting him up. He pounced on me, pulling me against his body. His mouth devoured mine. Matt’s breath was as strong as a raging bull’s.

“You’re breaking my heart,” he said when he pulled away. He wiped his mouth with his handkerchief. He opened the door and walked out. I fell back into the chair. A fog overtook my mind. I needed to fix this faster than Zipper could do for me.

A knock on the door stopped my scheme to slip out and go home. “Gill?” I asked when he walked in.

“Are you okay?” He asked. I nodded, grabbing a few tissues and my lipstick to reapply.

“I need you to book me and Josh a first class flight for tomorrow morning to Northern California. Let Josh know. Reserve everything necessary. Schedule a meeting with the architects for early in the morning Monday. I want to return soon after, okay?”

“But first, are you okay?”

“I will be when you do this for me,” I answered. “But Gill, this impromptu trip is between us.”

“Perla. I know you think I’ve been feeding information to Matt. I will admit that I’ve been his PA for as long as I’ve been at Pentagon, but I made it clear to him I will not betray your trust and privacy. So anything he’s learned and used to his advantage doesn’t come from me,” he stated adamantly.

My suspicions were confirmed. Gill had a longstanding relationship with Matt, but hearing the truth was still a blow to my trust.

“Thank you for your honesty. I’m just trying to figure out who to trust. But helping me with this will be the best way to prove you’re on my side,” I said with a curt smile.

Gill nodded, picking up his cellphone and made a call.

*****

When I composed myself, I fixed my makeup and returned to the gala. I scanned the room for Matt, hoping we could be civil in front of all the patrons and our families. I knew everyone would be attend to support the program and expected us to be on good terms. I watched as he talked to Sonia, and my heart felt broken in two. Their cold, serious faces, barren of affection for each other, indicated it wasn’t a pleasant encounter. Her attempts at flirtation were ignored, allowing me to breathe once more.

Chelsea called my name. Dougie stood beside her. Both of them looked incredible in their finest wear. Our ships were sailing since I started working at Pentagon, and it was so heartwarming to see her. The hug I gave her spoke volumes, even if she didn’t know what I was conveying. I needed to get her perspective, but I was stopped by my need to keep the plan private.

“I’m so happy you’re safe,” she said. “You were beautiful out there. I can’t believe you still have it after all these years. I mean the fan dance was ‘everything’,” she said with a tear collecting at the corner of her eyes.

“Thank you, sweetie.”

“So many things have been going on with you in the tabloids, and we heard about Ben’s attempts to get you back,” she grimaced. “I feel responsible for everything.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked. We gathered closer.

“Well. Dougie and I introduced you to Ben, and look how that turned out. Then I’m the one who pushed you on Matt, sending you right into the snake pit,” she said. I shook my head, slightly miffed she would equate my husband with being a snake. I let it go, understanding her concern for me.

“I’m a grown woman. I made my choice.”

“So who are you choosing?” She asked. I looked for Matt, but couldn’t capture his vision. He was definitely my choice.

Brady swooped in beside me, “Hello,” He introduced himself.

“Chelsea, I hear you’re one of Perla’s best friends,” he stated.

I’d never spoken of her to him before; not even in captivity. I remembered we were all in the same club the first night we set eyes on each other.

“I hear you’re one of Perla’s kidnappers,” she retorted with a devilish smile. I knew Chelsea would leave her filter at home. I couldn’t help but note how he quickly blanched, then recovered.

“Ah, Perla. Are you sure you need your bodyguard? Chelsea seems appropriate for the job,” he smiled with a laugh.

Chelsea introduced Dougie while I scanned the room to find Matt.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to take my gal for a dance,” Brady said, leading me to the dance floor.

“Brady, what are you doing?” I asked.

“Matt’s having fun with his date. Why can’t we?” I looked at him confused.

When we approached the floor, I saw Matt dancing with a beautiful, curvaceous woman. She wore a strapless red gown. Her long wavy, brown hair moved seductively around her shoulders as he led her around the dance floor. I felt gutted. While Brady led me in a dance, I watched them. She and I made eye contact. Her stunning green eyes locked with mine, and she gave me a knowing smile. I looked away. My heart felt pierced by the knowledge he was here with someone else.

“Who is she?”

“Diana Maxwell. She’s one of our architects at Gram Designs. She designed Carve. Diana is not only beautiful, but talented,” he informed.

He seemed delighted to deliver the bad news while my stomach fluttered and my heart ached.

“You look beautiful in orange,” he said.

“May I cut in?” I heard from beside us. Carson tapped on Brady’s shoulder. Brady didn’t look too pleased.

After introductions, Brady gave us leave to dance. “What’s going on, sweetie? You look like someone died,” He pulled me close. I rested my head on his chest.

“He knows . . . about the baby. He’s angry. I didn’t know he brought a date tonight. He’s fucking with my mind. And I have to fuck with his mind to stop him from ruining the corporation. I don’t know how much more of this I can take,” I revealed.

I saw Carson make a head motion to someone behind me. Within seconds, Turner sidled up beside us, taking over for Carson. My two angels were in tune with me once again.

“What’s going on?”

“I’m pregnant. Matt just found, using one of his tricks. I need some safeguards put into place immediately. My brain is too rattled to think. Zipper has his team doing overtime to do their part to stop the possibility of dissolution. Matt’s patience has run dry. I may need you to help me with custody issues,” I rambled.

“Perla, it’s all going to be just fine,” repeating ‘just fine’ in a whisper as he pulled me close and rocked me to the beat of the slow music.

After my breathing regulated, I sank further into his hold. I looked up and saw Matt watching us. He looked so forlorn. When we locked eyes, the fury returned.

*****

After making the rounds of meeting and greeting with donors, I spent some time with my father, Maggie, and Chelsea. I didn’t want to seek out Matt, but each time I unconsciously scanned to find him dancing with various women. It was touching to see him dance with his sister and mother. I had said my ‘hellos’ to Stella, Craig, Leona, and Matthew, but I didn’t remain to talk much more than pleasantries.

Matt ignored me throughout the night. His punishments were getting worse. His snub hurt so much more than anything he subjected my body. Sonia was right. Matt’s indifference broke me. However, I wouldn’t seek out other men to hurt him. I turned down many dance invitations, which could have brought more checks to the program had I accepted. I kept my distance from Brady, who didn’t seem to mind when he had a selection of beauties to occupy him.

I decided to call it a night. I motioned for Josh, who stood in the corner. Arm in arm with Josh, I made my rounds, saying ‘good night’ to all who mattered. Once I retrieved my things, we took off to my apartment. I texted Irena, asking her to put surveillance on Mr. Merrick Piers Darden, wanting to pay him a visit at some point on Sunday. I wanted to catch him off guard and unable to escape my inquiries.

*****

Josh and I made our way to California by way of Pentagon’s private executive plane. There were a fleet of three planes. Thankfully, Gill was able to schedule one for a quick turnaround. Matt didn’t come over to my apartment. He didn’t make any contact. His punishment was in full swing, and I was even more determined to conclude this whole ordeal, so I could either enjoy my relationship or move on with my life and attempt to co-parent our child.

After checking into our luxurious accommodations, I called Irena to ascertain where I could find the man I knew as Eric Pierce. Irena told me he’d just arrived to have brunch with a couple of friends at Bright Spot Café in the middle of the city. After the hostess declined taking a reservation, I offered her a substantial check-in fee for the last minute reservation, which she didn’t decline.

Upon arrival, we bypassed the line and went straight to Cindy, the hostess, to get seated. I placed a plain notecard sized envelope on her seating chart. Cindy opened it to confirm the denomination. Cindy’s eyes bulged and led us toward a table. I spotted Eric immediately. He hadn’t even changed his appearance. He was having an animated discussion with his group of friends. Josh and I sat, pretending to read our menus.

We watched as the server returned to Eric with the check folio. Because they were about to leave, I stood up and walked over to Eric and his party.

“Merrick Piers Darden, you darling man, you. How have you been?” I asked. He looked over at me and his face appeared ashen with guilt.

“Perla. How are you?” He asked tentatively. His friends beamed at me. I smiled at one of the men who made eye contact with my breasts. The other man looked at Eric.”

“Rick, who is this?” He asked amused, and I noted yet another name.

“Oh, Rick and I go way back. I’m in town from Boston, and I’m so delighted I saw a friendly face. I’d like to buy you a coffee, if you have time. Catch up?”

Mr. Breast Man said, “Oh, we’re done with him now that he’s paid. He’s all yours.” Both men stood up, shook hands with Eric, and smiled at me as they retreated and left.

“Eric. Merrick. Rick. What should I call you?” I asked, sitting in front of him.

“Rick is fine,” he answered. We stared at each other for a few beats before he asked, “How did you find me?”

“In your line of work I’m sure you’ve heard a little refrain, ‘there’s no such thing as a perfect crime.’” I looked to Josh and he made his way over to the table, taking a seat beside me. Josh would serve as my witness. “So tell me, how is it that you kidnap me and Brady Clay, shoot at us as we make our escape, and return to the US without any repercussions?” I stared at him.

“I don’t have to answer you,” he said cockily, reclining in his seat. I didn’t expect this to be easy.

He was an expert at evasion, as evidenced by the lack of his profile on the internet or social media.

“How about I call this lead investigator of the FBI?” I went to press the button on my phone.

“And say what, which I haven’t already discussed with him?”

“How about the fact you orchestrated this whole thing?”

“I supported law enforcement in capturing a deranged woman, who plotted revenge-murder against an old flame and her former sister-in-law. They have detailed notes and evidence of how I was able to thwart many of her efforts,” he retorted.

“Well, that’s wonderful. It’s amazing how you took such a vested interest in protecting an ordinary woman and a billionaire man. Were you expecting a big pay day from Brady Clay?” I watched as he swallowed hard at the mention of Brady, but remained silent.

“What I can’t get out of my head is why take on the case? Why not just call the police when she had an elaborate plan, stop her from harming us and involving you? I just wonder who truly hired who? Did Aida find you or did you find her? And if you found her, who put you up to it? Do you want to know what I think?” I asked.

He remained silent, glaring at me. His features softened and he smiled, shaking his head. “This should be fun to hear; entertain me,” he demanded.

“I think you were approached by a wealthy person to help him conquer a woman he claims to love. I think you two brilliant men came up with an elaborate scheme to set up a self-conscious and lovesick woman just to bring the wealthy man and the common woman together. He would play the hero.” I said. Eric’s eyes widened. “Attempt to make her fall in love. The deranged woman would be put away; incapable of harming anyone else; untrustworthy because she feigned her own death, and lived under an assumed name for almost a year. What I don’t get is why you would risk your reputation and family business to take on such a task. I have to tell you, all those things you did to me weren’t in your company’s list of services on your website.” I finished. I shook my head.

“Perla, you’re wasting your time. You’re not getting anything from me. Services were rendered to the party who contracted with me, I don’t need to do any more.”

“It has to be more than just getting a hefty paycheck. I mean, you were thorough. Meticulous, is how I would describe your work. I believe you have a deeper connection to the wealthy man.” I said. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Could you be friends of some sort? Brady did attend school in California. However, you’re a younger man, so you couldn’t have gone to school at the same time. Then I wondered if Brady had a long standing relationship with your company. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be able to obtain information about your clients.”