Fight (13 page)

Chapter 27

Lost Hope

Nathan

The dog got tired of barking and finally slept near my legs. I looked around; the park was covered in gray shadows. My life wasn't different, but it was much darker than the night. I wanted to scream, shout Eva's name out and cry like a child. But I couldn't do nothing. I sat there with an blank mind and empty emotions. When the sun rays touched my face I decided to get up. My left leg touched the sleeping dog accidentally. He woke up, looked at me with sad eyes and walked away from me, like everybody in my life walked away from me. I missed Eva more than anything, but she was gone. She might be packing her bags or on the way to airport.

My phone shouted on me. It was from Mason.

"Hey, buddy, where are you?"

"New York," I answered abruptly. I didn't want to talk to him.

"I know. I can see you sitting in the park."

"What are you doing here?"

"Chloe called me. She asked me to come."

"But why?"

"Let's go somewhere. I’m hungry." I looked around. Mason was standing in front of the park gate in a black jacket and jeans. He looked tired.

"When did you fly back?"

"Two hours ago."

"How did you find me?"

"Let's get out of this shitty park first. We can talk over the breakfast."

"I don't want to go anywhere." I snapped a sharp answer.

"But I want company." He dragged me out of the park. Slowly, he took me to his car. I wanted to resist, but I didn't even feel like doing that. He started the car. I went blank until he stopped it somewhere. When he dragged me out of the car, I noticed the place. It was Eva's college canteen.

"Why are we here?" My mood became worse.

"To find out what the hell you are doing with yourself."

"Nothing. I want to practice. I'm going to compete with Peter next week."

"What about Eva? Are you going to let her go like this?" He had asked a tough question.

"Then what should I do, Mason?" I shouted from the bottom of my soul.

"Calm down, Nathan." I looked around. Everybody was looking at me. I looked down, embarrassed.

"Sorry." For the first time I was thinking straight."What should I do, Mason?"

"What is more important to you? Eva or anything?"

"Eva," I answered quickly. My heart filled with every moment Eva and I had spent together. Every happy and sad moment was there. I could feel her talking with me. I could feel her touch all over me. I knew she was the one. And I couldn't just lose her.

"Then why the hell she is moving to Canada?"

"How do you know that?"

"Chloe told me. Answer me."

"What should I do, Mason? I feel helpless. I don't know how to stop her." I wanted to stop her, but I didn't know how in the hell I was going to do that. I had never felt helpless as that moment in my whole life.

"Did you ask her to stay?"

"Actually, I didn't." I felt miserable. I was thinking about my future with her and I hadn't even asked her to stay. "I know that's my biggest mistake. I need to ask for more time from her. I need to tell her that after this match I will spend every day with her. I have to stop her," I replied in a hurry. "Give me your car keys. I’m going to her hotel."

He tossed his car keys to me. "Go get her," he shouted when I ran towards the parking lot.

I felt calm and excited. I missed Eva more than anything and the thought of losing her made me feel empty. But thanks to Mason, I knew what I felt for her. I felt happy when I put the car in third gear as I was traveling towards Eva's hotel.

I almost crashed Mason's car when I entered the hotel's parking lot. I jumped out and ran inside the hotel. I couldn't wait for the elevator so I took stairs. But when I reached the rooms, they were locked.
What the hell.
I headed back to the reception. The person at reception was going somewhere, but I stopped him.

"Hey, where is Eva Clark?"

"Who?"

"The one in B729."

"Mrs. Clark’s daughter. They both checked out an hour ago. They must be on their way to the airport."

"Shit..." I said as I ran out. I had to catch her before it was too late. I drove to the airport like a crazy man. I couldn't believe that I didn't get a ticket for that. I rushed through the airport parking and entered the departure gates. The airport was full of people, and I couldn't guess  which terminal the flight would be leaving from. I glanced at the digital board. It was flashing Terminal 7. I ran towards it, but a man stopped me on my way.

"Hello, sir. Why are you running?"

"My girlfriend is going to Canada and I have to stop her," I screamed at him.

"Okay. Sorry, sir."

I ran towards the departure gate. Eva's mom was coming out of the lobby. I stopped in front of her.

"Where is she?" My voice was tight.

"Calm down, son. She left already." I couldn't believe her. I pushed her aside and walked towards the help desk.

"Ma'am, flight for Canada."

"Were you supposed to be on it?" she asked.

"Nope, but my girlfriend."

"I'm afraid it just left." She frowned.

"Shit..." I couldn't take it. I knelt in front of help desk.

"Mister, do you need any help?" she asked.

"No, he will be all right." Mrs. Clark’s voice came from behind me. I jumped on my feet with a one eighty degree angle. Mrs. Clark was there, standing with a broad smile on her face. I wanted to punch her, but I ended up shaking her shoulders. "Why? Why did you do this?" Overwhelming emotions flew through my body.

"Because you deserve it." She snapped her answer. She moved my hands from her shoulders and walked towards the exit.

Do I really deserve it?
I didn't have the answer to my own question. I missed and lost Eva. Maybe forever. What a jerk I was. And what a player Mrs. Clark was. She beat me with my mistakes. Mistake one, being away from Eva when she needed me. Mistake two, not listening to her when she wanted me to. Mistake three, being a jerk and not stopping her when it was needed.

I sat there,
What options did I have?
I couldn't let her go away like that. I missed her. I missed her more than anything. I wanted her to be mine. And I was going to do anything for that, anything.

Chapter 28

Surprise

Eva

I checked the clock. It was still showing seven a.m. I wanted it to speed up and reach nine a.m., so I would be able to visit the store and lose myself in work. I wanted to be busy, I wanted to run away from my loneliness.

The company had booked a business suite for me and it was full of amenities like a Jacuzzi, small swimming pool and all the other stuff,  but it didn't impress me. I was presented with the finest dinner last night, but I couldn't eat a single bite. My whole night was spent staring at the roof. I thought about Nathan and my relationship, but I couldn't see it going anywhere. There was nothing wrong with him, but I was incapable of loving him. I loved him more than anyone, but when I realized I was neglecting my family duties I had to give up and come to Canada. I still wasn’t still sure if I had done the right thing.

Nathan flew from Santa Ana to meet me and tell his good news, but I had made up my mind. When I told him that I was going away for a few weeks, his face had turned dark. He hadn't expect that one coming, but I had to tell him. I had to tell him the truth and my decision. I wanted to tell him the truth behind my decision, but I didn't. I just left him there, hanging.

Slowly, I watched the clock moving to eight. I grabbed my towel and dove in the shower. The warm water lifted my spirits a bit, but the sensations coming over of my body reminded me of Nathan's tongue. The way he swirled his tongue over my skin, sucking me inside his mouth. I moved my hands over my breasts. I missed his touch. I missed his scent.

I stood there thinking about us until my cell started ringing. Mom was calling me. I cancelled her call and walked out of the bathroom. If Nathan had been there, he wouldn't have allowed me to get dry. He would have started making love to me in the bathroom itself. I shook my head to free myself from the memories.

I opened my wardrobe only to find tens of new dresses. All were formal. My mother must have arranged everything for me. I grabbed a white top and black skirt and threw it over the bed. A large mirror was placed next to the bed. I stood there watching myself. I looked pale; I had lost my charm in the last few days. Only because of one person, Nathan Brown. When I had left New York, I left a piece of my heart with him. I didn't know if he would wait for me. Helping my family was the only satisfaction I got by coming here.

I changed and grabbed my cell. Two hours ago I was waiting for the office appointment. But when the time came I wanted to stay home and sit alone.
Damn, Nathan, why are you away from me?
A tear splashed on my cheek. "Fuck you, Nathan. Why aren't you with me when I need you the most?" I knelt down; I couldn't control my emotions any longer. When I had told him about my visit to Canada, I had wished he would come along and spend time with me. But he had a big match coming; how could I ask him to come with me?

My cell rang again, and I thought it must be my mother. But it was from an unknown number.

"Hello, ma'am. Diego from Canada division. Would you mind if I pick you up for the office today."

"Who's this?"

"Your PA and companion."

"Sorry, what?" I couldn't understand what he was trying to say.

"Mrs. Clark asked me to check on you. Do you want me to pick you for the office?"

"No, I’ll take a cab," I replied  with a firm voice. I had to move forward and concentrate on the business.

Leaning on the bed, I stood up and straightened my dress. In the mirror, I glanced to check if any signs of crying were still visible; they weren't. Forcefully, I tried to bring a smile across my face. But when I couldn't bring the smile, I gave up. Walking slowly, I came out of the hotel and started towards the cab stand.

I looked around to hail a cab. On the other side of the road, a man was getting out of the cab. I could only see his blowing hair. Nathan flashed in front of my eyes; his hair used to fly like that. But he wasn't Nathan, he was just some man getting out of the cab. I looked away. I had to try hard and stop the tears coming out of my eyes.

"Eva." Nathan called me.
Damn, now I am day-dreaming.
I ignored the voice in my mind and started walking fast. "Miss. Eva Clark, why are you running away from me?" It was definitely Nathan. My mouth open in shock, I turned back. It
was
Nathan, dressed in a black jacket that fitted over his perfect-sized chest and trim waist.

"What?" I couldn't believe he was there. "How ?....Is that you, Nathan?" I said, tears streaming down my face.

He caressed my forearm. "Yes, darling." He opened his arms for me. I couldn't resist his invitation. I ran into his arms and started sobbing like a child.

"Thank you..." I whispered on his shoulder, which was already wet.

"My sweetheart, shall we go inside and talk," he said in a low voice.

I grabbed his hand and dragged him inside the hotel. I couldn't wait to hug him tightly. In the elevator, I kissed his lips with desire. When the elevator stopped, I dragged him to the room door. I emptied my purse to find the key. "Damn where the hell is the key?"

"I think you need this." He waved a key card in front of the swipe machine and the door flung open. "Now, calm down, I'm not going anywhere."

I took a deep breath. I pinched myself to check if this all was real. I couldn’t wake up from and the dream that Nathan was still standing in front of me. "How...what...when..." I had so many questions to ask, but couldn't get a single word out of my mouth.

He grinned. "Calm down, sweetie. Let's take things slowly."

I exhaled. "Okay, how come you’re here?"

"I missed you too much. Before you ask anything else, I want to ask you something."

I nodded.

"Will you come and live with me?"

I nodded my head, still unable to speak.

"Technically, can I live with you here until we get back to New York?"

"Yes, I would love to." I hugged him tightly. "But how did you get my address?"

"That's my secret. I just missed you so much and I realized that I can't live without you. Not for a moment."

"Then why didn't you stop me?"

"I was a jerk. I should have stopped you. But I'm not going to be away from you any longer." He wrapped me in his arms. I felt peace. Finally, we were together after a long journey. Nathan was with me, in my arms. What more could you ask from life? Our relationship traveled a few miles ahead in the journey of life.

Redemption(Struggle #3)

Chapter 1

Nathan

What the fuck? Why is it so bright
? I couldn’t guess where I was. And direct sunlight was disturbing my sleep. With some reluctance, I opened my eyes to look at the curtains. Damn, where did the curtains go and where the hell was I? “Wait, I’m not at my house. Yes, I’m in Vegas.” Emma and I had traveled here for a short trip before we headed back to New York.

I looked around. Eva was sleeping on my right side; her face was calm and wore a sweet smile. Her hair was scattered on her face, her lips slightly parted. I couldn’t control myself; I kissed her soft lips. Damn, why is it always electrifying, even in sleep? A simple kiss ignited passion deep down in my groin.

She opened her eyes slightly. “Hey, sweetheart. Good morning, but I want to sleep more.” She turned to her right and went back to sleep.

“Sleep well, darling,” I muttered and walked towards the bathroom. While walking, I revisited our situation. We were staying at a hotel near the airport; today we would be traveling back to New York, the end to a memorable trip. My head got fuzzy and I grabbed the bathroom doorframe to keep my balance.
Damn, it must be all those cocktails I drank last night
. I splashed some water on my face. The coldwater shocked my senses to the core and turned back my thoughts on the right track. I pushed my hair back to look at myself. Something sparkled in the mirror and caught my eye when I did.

I looked at my right hand; a ring flashed on my left hand.
Where the hell did it come from?
A flood of memories came rushing back. The limousine, the casino, the alcohol, winning five thousand bucks and then buying those rings … and then the minister.
Damn, am I married to Eva
. Shit, this couldn’t be happening now. This must be some kind of joke. This can’t be true.

I freaked out as I came out of the bathroom and carefully checked Eva’s hand. My fear was true. She was wearing the same ring on her finger. Sweat covered both my hands. I might have married this woman. I pushed my hair back.
No, this can’t be happening to me.
I couldn’t do this. I walked back from the bed and stumbled on the table. While grabbing the table to save myself from falling, a photograph grabbed my attention. I checked it; it was of a newly married couple. The couple was Eva and me.
Damn, I can’t be married to her.

In a zombie walk, I moved back to bathroom and sat on the toilet. My brain wasn’t working. I couldn’t even think straight. Every thought in my mind circled around a picture, a picture of our wedding. “What have I done?”

***

We had spent twenty days in Canada while Eva completed her work and then we came to Vegas before heading home, back to N.Y. Our thought was to enjoy a few days before getting back into our regular, busy schedules. We were enjoying the nightlife in Vegas. After a few days, I was back gambling and enjoying booze. It was a treat from Eva for completing her first assignment with her company. I didn’t really like her joining her mom’s company, but I chose to go along with her she was more important to me than her decision.

The first two days in Vegas were fun and we enjoyed every moment of it. And the sex, it was awesome. Damn, I was feeling happy after so long. Finally, I thought my emotional life was on track. And then yesterday happened. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t remember what happened between us. We had tried some house special drink at the casino; it was famous in Vegas. But then the ring happened. I got married to Eva Clerk; freaking crazy, isn’t it?

I loved Eva, more than anything. But marriage was far away from where we stood. I hadn’t considered getting married so early; heck, I hadn’t considered marriage at all. I had enough scars from my last marriage. But Eva was so different compared to Samantha; she was much better, but we were just getting on the right track and then this happened. Oh, God, what is happening with me?”

“Are you inside, baby?” Eva said from outside.

“Yes, give me a minute.” I realized I had been in the bathroom …for a longtime.

Eva hugged me tightly the moment I came out. “I had a dream. Do you know, baby, what I saw in my dream?”

“What?” I tried to throw some enthusiasm in my voice, but inside I was damn frightened. I didn’t know how to react. Maybe she didn’t remember what happened between us last night.

“I saw us getting married in Vegas. Isn’t it cute?” She looked in my eyes. She was amazed by the idea.

“Eva, I don’t think it was a dream.” I showed her my ring.

“What?” she asked with a squeak. She looked at her left hand. “Is this true?” Her voice was shaking.

I picked up the picture of us and showed her.

She held it for a second and then lost the strength in her legs. She fell on her knees.

I grabbed her arms softly and pulled her up. “Are you alright, baby?”

“I think so, yes.” Her voice was uncertain. She was still trembling in shock. “It can’t be that bad. We are married and we love each other, right?” She looked in my eyes; a little hope was floating there.

I couldn’t guess what she was thinking. Was she happy for the marriage or was she in shock like me? Did she see it as a happy thing or was she uncertain and not sure like me.
Shit, I can’t guess anything from her expression. What if she wants this? How can I break her heart?
“I think it’s a fantastic thing. What are you thinking, darling?”

Her expression changed in a blink of a second. “I think we should celebrate this minute.” She wore a beautiful smile. “But can I ask you one question?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Are you completely sure about this? If you have any other thoughts, please tell me now.” Her face showed some concern now.

“What does your heart say, baby?” I looked deep in her eyes.

“I feel good about this. I don’t have words to describe it, but it feels right somewhere deep. Isn’t it a logical destination to our relationship?” she asked innocently.

“Yes, it is.” Though I said yes to her, my mind was replaying all the heartache I had gone through last time when I married Samantha after college. I actually contradicted myself, but she was feeling good about it. How could I break her heart? “We can celebrate it if you want.” I forced a smiled at her. It was hard to believe that I was married.“But before that, we should check with the minister once. He must have some legal papers. Until we see those papers, this can’t be legal.” I had small hope in my mind that the minister would say it was a joke.

“Let me check my bag before we do anything. I remember putting some papers in my bag. I just can’t recall what they were.” She checked her bag. “Here they are. I don’t think we need to visit the minister. This is the marriage certificate. I’m officially Eva Clark-Brown.”

“That sounds cool.” I tried hard to look cheerful.

Eva came running and hugged me tightly. “Are you sure about this, darling?” she asked again.

“Yes, baby, I’m sure about this,” I said, though I wasn't a hundred percent sure about this at all.

“So now what?” she asked, wearing a big question mark on her face.

“I think we should move in together since we are a married couple.”

“I’m so excited to tell Chloe. She’ll be so surprised.” A smile appeared on her face from one corner to the other. She was really enjoying the situation we were in. I felt good that I didn’t break her heart.

“I’m surprised, too.” I whispered.

“Did you say something, babe?”

“No, nothing. We should pack, then. But before that, let’s eat something.” I walked to the hall to call front desk.
What now, Nathan? What should we do now?
My mind was asking me, but I didn’t have the answer.

The End

Wondering what is happening with the Eva and Nathan in their final book? You can grab it now on Amazon.

Redemption
Struggle Book 3

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