Grayson (18 page)

Oh, God!
He’d been planning to sell the house the entire time. That’s why he was having it cleaned out.
That fucking rat!
He hadn’t been the least bit concerned about his father or interested in having him live in safer or better conditions. That had all just been bullshit.

Grayson—dear God, Grayson!
He’d known what his son was up to. That’s probably why he’d run off all the other cleaning people. Those
‘delusions’
of his hadn’t been totally without merit. His fear of Charles taking away the house had been based in fact. I’d just chocked up his behavior and fears to his schizophrenic paranoia, but Grayson had had every right to be worried. He knew his son better than anyone else.

The taste of bile rose in my throat. I couldn’t believe that Charles would do this. That house meant everything to his father and I’m sure he was well aware of Grayson’s attachment.
But, how could he sell it?
Hadn’t Jack said that the house belonged to Grayson?

My thoughts rambled as I started the route home to my apartment, confusion and despair weaving a thick layer of outrage in my head. I didn’t know how I could help Grayson, but I knew that I couldn’t let this happen. I had to think of something.

My day got infinitely worse when I got a call from my dad that evening. I was bringing a load of laundry into my apartment when Jenny told me that my cell phone had rung a few times while I was gone. I watched her slip on her shoes. She was dressed up for a night on the town. Tonight was the Maroon 5 concert. I’d given away my ticket. There was no way I could attend a concert while Grayson was in the hospital. I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy a minute of it.

I’d forgotten to take my phone with me to the laundry room downstairs. Just as I headed toward my bedroom, I heard my ringtone. Worried it was the hospital, I dropped the basket and ran to my room, closing the door behind me.

“Hello?”

“Angie? It’s dad.”

“What’s up?” I asked, my heart rate slowing.

“Tell Anna I can pick her up tonight. She doesn’t have to take the train home again.”

I frowned, confused.
What the hell was he talking about?

“What?”

“Tell her she doesn’t have to take the train. I can be there by eight. It’s really nice to see the two of you getting along so well. I think spending all this time together has been good. Anna’s never been happier. She’s thrilled to spend so much time with her big sister.”My head almost exploded.
Oh my fucking God!

“I hope her spending the night over there hasn’t been a problem. I know you have a roommate.”

I hadn’t seen Anna since the day after Kim and Diane’s party.
The lying witch! I was going to kill her
.

“No, it’s no problem at all. Uh, Dad, I have to go. See you at eight.”

I clicked off the phone, my head pulsing like a drum. I couldn’t believe my sister had been sneaking around and lying to my parents! I couldn’t believe she’d lied to
me
and used me as her alibi. This was a whole new level of deceit, even for her! She was in way over her head and too damn naive and impetuous to realize it.

I quickly hopped into my shoes and grabbed my jacket. I had a pretty good idea where the witch was. I’d bet this whole ruse had started the night of Kim and Diane’s party. She’d snuck out to meet up with Charles. I couldn’t believe that I’d fallen for her bullshit excuse about helping the girls clean up that morning. How could I be so stupid? How could
she
be so stupid? That boy was evil on a stick, the devil in designer jeans! I wanted to fucking scream.

I got to Charles’ building in less than ten minutes. Rudy, thank God, was at the front desk.

“He’s expecting me,” I said, shooting him a wink and hurrying past.

We shared a sympathetic look, but he didn’t stop me. It seemed that Charles wasn’t his favorite person, either.

I banged on the door when I got upstairs and it took longer than I’d expected for him to open it. Shock registered on his face at seeing me, followed by an arrogant tilt of his lips.

“Well, well, I see you’ve changed your mind.” He smiled slowly.

Ugh! Eew!
I shuddered, repulsed. I wanted to slap the smug look off his damned face, preferably with a sledgehammer. Instead, I barged past him, walking into his apartment.

“I know she’s here!” I exclaimed, passing through the living room and stalking down the hall. I walked into the first room off to the right. “And there she is.”

My baby sister was sprawled out on Charles’ bed, naked as the day she was born. She saw me, and her entire body turned magenta with embarrassment and shock. She hopped up from the bed, clutching the sheet around her.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I yelled, although it seemed to be a rhetorical question at that moment.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, her brown eyes round and wide.

“
Anna! You lied!
You don’t know this guy! He’s a total creep! You’re leaving here with me.
Now!
”

Her forehead wrinkled deeply, and I could see seventeen-year old defiance firming her lips.

“I’m not going anywhere!”

“Anna, he’s using you. He doesn’t give a shit about
anyone
but himself.”

“He cares about me, Angie. He really likes me.”

“
Are you nuts?”
I yelled. “He doesn’t care about anyone but himself! This guy is evil! He’s fucking…
Damien!
”

Was she freaking kidding me?
Hers were just another pair of panties that would be lost in this apartment. My heart squeezed with the abiding love I had for my sister because I could see she genuinely believed Charles cared for her.

“I’m not going with you. You’re not my mother!”

I was not in the mood. I straightened my back and skewered her with a lethally sharp gaze. I imagined horns suddenly spouting from my head, and I was pretty damn sure steam was shooting from my ears, too. “Get your fucking clothes on right this minute, you little liar, or I’m going to call Dad and tell him why you’ve been coming home with a smile on your face. He can pick you up from here.”

I pulled my cell phone from my pocket and started dialing. Her brown eyes splayed open with alarm.

“Wait!” she yelled. I watched her scramble to find her clothes and hop into them, spitting curses under her breath.

While she was getting dressed, I stalked back down the hall to Charles, my rage hot like a poker. He was casually lounging against his granite kitchen counter as if he hadn’t a care in the world. I walked right up to him.

“I shouldn’t even waste my breath on you,
you motherfucker
. But Karma is a bitch, and one day she’s going to come knocking on your door.”

He quirked a brow. “I’m sure I’ll invite her in. And I’ll probably fuck
her
, too.”

“
Asshole!
” I spat out, appalled by his absolute lack of contrition.

“Soon to be an even
wealthier
asshole,” he returned smugly. “Maybe I might interest you then.”

“
Never!
And if you come near my sister again, you’ll be sorry.”

“I guess you could say we’re even. Since I couldn’t have you, she was
almost
as good.” He smiled his baby shark smile and lowered his voice. “Though I imagined she were you each time I fucked her.”

I smacked his smug face, the sound crisp and loud in my ears. The sting felt good against my palm, but I was still fuming. He winced mildly, then actually gave me that stupid boyish pout where he plumped out his bottom lip.
Was he for real? He was a total psychopath.

I heard a whimper and turned to find Anna standing in shock behind me, tears swimming in her eyes. She’d obviously overheard the exchange. My heart ached deeply for her. I wanted to cry with her—for her.
What a fucking mess!
I grabbed her arm and jerked her behind me, rushing out of the apartment.

Anna was a wreck. I spent the rest of the evening trying to console her. She’d given her virginity to Charles—
that unworthy asshole
, and I couldn’t help feeling guilty for the way events had turned out. He’d used her. She’d never have met him had it not been for me. Together, we mourned the loss of her innocence.

Although, the way that my sister had always behaved, I knew it wouldn’t have been long before she lost her virginity. I’d tried to warn her, to protect her, but she hadn’t listened. This had been a cruel lesson, one I sincerely hoped would help her make better choices in the future. They’d at least used condoms, she’d told me, and I was happy I’d decided to include them with her birthday present.

CHAPTER TEN

On Tuesday, the night nurse came in an hour before her shift started so I was able to get out of work earlier than I’d expected. I couldn’t wait to see Grayson. I changed into my street clothes and checked in, then raced to Grayson’s room. He wasn’t there. I frowned, unease settling perspiration on my skin. Something was wrong. He was always in his room. I walked to the nursing station where my friend was sitting behind the desk.

“Where’s Grayson?”

Beth looked up and a strange expression came over her face, making my skin prickle.

“He had a bad day. He attacked one of the orderlies.”

“What?” I gasped. “What happened?”

“Ross was trying to get him to eat.”“Oh, God!” I sighed, shaking my head. They’d been having problems getting Grayson to eat his meals. Over the last few days, he’d become more compliant, but was still very shuttered and distant. He still hadn’t spoken. A few times, I’d managed to persuade him to drink sips of juice, or take a few bites of a sandwich, but overall he hadn’t been eating much. I wasn't too surprised considering what I knew about his dietary idiosyncrasies.

I was sure Grayson didn’t think the hospital food was safe. He was afraid he’d be harmed. He’d always needed to know the exact ingredients of everything he ate. I’d even brought him in a sandwich from an organic market, assuring him that I’d watched it get prepared. But after stingily picking at the contents, he’d refused to eat it. He’d then shot me dark glances of suspicion for the rest of the afternoon. My chest burned with the knowledge that he still didn’t fully trust me, that he might not entirely believe that I was on his side.

“He doesn’t eat anything that he doesn’t prepare himself,” I informed.

Beth shrugged. “Well, I think the orderly was pretty insistent. Mr. Whitmore got angry and all I know is that furniture went flying,”

I couldn’t believe this had happened. “Where is he now?”

“Seclusion.”

I blew out a long breath, saddened to think of him locked up and all alone. He’d be there until he calmed down, and then he wasn’t allowed visitors for an additional twenty-four hours. Not even I could get in to see him. Exasperated, I sighed heavily. This was not the right place for Grayson. He did so much better at home. I must have voiced my thoughts aloud because Beth looked up at me.

“He’s leaving on Wednesday.”

I thought I misheard her. “What?”

“His son is having him transferred to Brightington.”

I frowned, shock spiraling through me. Brightington was a long-term care, in-patient psychiatric facility. They followed very strict protocols. Since I wasn’t a relative, I’d never be allowed to visit Grayson. And I knew there was no way in hell Charles would grant permission for me to see him. Who knew when or if Grayson would ever get out of there?

Grayson didn’t need to be locked up. I truly believed his mental status would suffer for it. He needed to be home. He could get the care he needed from there. I covered my face with my hands, trying to calm my erratic breathing and the fear crashing inside me in turbulent waves. My limbs started to shake.

“He has his final evaluation on Monday.” Beth informed. She tilted her head and regarded me when I didn’t respond. “Are you okay?”

I nodded and walked away. But I wasn’t. I was far from okay.

A few days later, I brought in some clothes for Grayson. I’d bought them, guessing his size. I helped him get dressed and smiled, trying to get the pants closed.
What did I know about men’s pants or sizing them?
In the past, I’d only aided Grayson in getting him out of the garments. Beyond that, I’d never noticed much else about them.

I’d gotten him a thirty two long, and he was probably a thirty-four
giant
. He was lucky I hadn’t gotten him a pair of knickers! I always did like those plaid golf thingamajigs. Perhaps I should’ve gotten him a pair of plastic hot pants with an extra tight crotch and a velcro opening. I smiled to myself, my blood instantly heating. Maybe that would’ve been a way to get a rise out of him. I bit my bottom lip, thinking of other, more delightful ways.

He hadn’t given the staff any more trouble. As long as they left him alone, he stayed clear of everyone. He remained cloistered in his room, mostly reading or just sitting quietly. Due to the visiting restrictions, I wasn’t able to spend as much time with him here as I had at the house. The thought of him suffering through his episodes at night, all alone, huddled in the dark, filled me with soul shattering despair.

He took his meds, but only if I gave them to him. I’d even found him sleeping a few times, but he still hadn’t spoken. I missed the Grayson I knew was locked somewhere inside him. I missed his humor and his loving tenderness. I missed his smile, his passion, and his dirty, possessive words when we made love. The thought of him transferring to a long-term facility weighed heavily on my heart.

I tugged on the two ends of his new pants with an exaggerated huff. I’d have thought he would have lost weight given how little he ate. However, he maintained the same muscular build that made my mouth water and bloomed delicious memories in my head.

“Suck it in, old man.” I smiled, rapping him playfully on the belly. I was having a hard time getting the button through.

He looked down at me and I thought I saw mirth light his blue eyes and a hint of a smile on his lips. Finally getting them buttoned, I brought him over to sit in a chair. I moved between his thighs to stand in front of him, combing through his thick hair with my fingers. It was longer now, the shaggy ends feathering his shoulders with a little curl. It seemed as though more gray had snuck into his temples.

His palms came up to rest on my hips and I froze. It was the first intimate touch he’d voluntarily given me since coming into the hospital three weeks prior. I’d been clinging to a fragile string of hope, fearing that it might snap at any moment. But I met Grayson’s blue gaze and my hope braided thick and secure, woven strong with love and promise. I bent down and gently kissed his temples, then pressed my lips against his, feeling a languid heat glide through me. He didn’t kiss me back. He never did, but I kissed him anyway, tracing his soft lips with my tongue. He was still my sexy, sweet Grayson.

Beth walked in at that moment. She stopped short, a brow sliding up.

“Cousins?”

I chuckled, seeing the curious expression on her face. “Kissing cousins. We’re a crazy family.”

I thought I felt Grayson’s palms squeeze my hips.

Jack’s secretary showed me into his office and I nodded to him in greeting.

“Have a seat, Ms. Roberts,” He stood briefly from behind his desk, his face lined with concern.

“Thank you for seeing me.”

“Yes, anytime. I assume this is about the unfortunate turn of events with Grayson.” He settled back into his leather chair.

I nodded, knowing that Charles had been thus far his primary source of information. I swallowed nervously, not sure why I sought out this man. I was never one to make waves or stir things up. I was neither kin nor an official caregiver to Grayson, and I no longer worked for the Whitmore family. Jack knew I had a romantic relationship with Grayson, but who knew if he’d listen to anything I had to say.

I couldn’t stand what was happening to Grayson. I had to do something and I didn’t know who else to turn to. A little bit of me died each time I saw him in the hospital, and the thought of him possibly committed for a lifetime was agonizing. I took a deep breath and spoke.

“Yes, it is. However, it’s not just unfortunate what has happened to Grayson, it’s unconscionable.”

Jack frowned and looked a bit confused. He leaned forward on his desk, causing the leather chair to creak noisily in protest. “What are you talking about? Grayson is getting the care that he needs. He’s being transferred to a wonderful hospital that can monitor and care for him.” 

I had to refrain from rolling my eyes. “Grayson would do so much better if he were back at home. He loves his house. He doesn’t do well in the hospital. Do you know that he hasn’t been eating? Nor has he spoken since entering the hospital.”

“Charles says—”

“Charles has not been to see him! Not
one
single time!”

I had to take a deep calming breath. I needed to maintain my equanimity.

Jack took a moment, his keen eyes roving over my face. “I know that you care about Grayson, but I heard about what happened at the house a few weeks ago. It appears that his mental status has been heading downhill for a while now. Charles has it all documented.”

I’m sure he does
. Control the eye roll.

“Grayson was provoked. Those men just walked right upstairs, unannounced. They probably scared him half to death!”

I refrained from saying that Charles had put the men up to it. I wanted Jack to know I was there strictly for Grayson’s sake, not have him think I had a beef against his son. Although I did—
a whole fucking cow.
Diplomacy was my goal. I needed to appeal to him using calm logic and common sense, not with a plea of emotional hysteria.

“From all accounts, and I’m sorry to say this, Grayson is not rational. He can’t think clearly.” Jack said.

I sighed heavily.
How could I get this man to listen and believe what I was saying?

“Have you heard of Global Systems?”

He raised a brow. “The investment company?”

I nodded. “Yes. That’s Grayson’s company.”

Jack shifted toward me, his brows high on his forehead.

“What? That company is worth close to one hundred million dollars.”

I gulped.
Holy Shit!
I had no idea. This wonderful, crazy man who I loved dearly, was running a hundred million dollar company from the second floor of his broke-down house? If I weren’t so upset, I would have laughed out loud.

“Well, Grayson started it, and he runs it from his computer in his home. Now, tell me, would a man who’s not able to think rationally be able to do that?”

Jack was quiet for a moment. He folded his hands on his desk, looking thoughtful.

“Look,” I continued. “He’s done it before. You said it yourself—he’s brilliant. I’m not saying he doesn’t have mental problems. He does. Everyone, including Grayson, knows that. I’m saying he doesn't need to be
locked up
. I’m saying that living in that house means the world to him. If he can be treated at home—then why institutionalize him? His schizophrenia is mild. It’s not as bad as you’re led to believe. In my opinion both as a nurse and as a friend who’s spent considerable time with Grayson, he was making progress before his hospitalization. He’d even started taking his meds again.”

I could see Jack’s face relaxing. I could see him coming around, but I was afraid to be hopeful.

“He would have to be compliant with a treatment regimen. He would also have to be seen regularly by a psychiatrist.”

I was nodding my head vigorously. “Absolutely,” I agreed, but my fingers were crossed in my lap.
I would drag him there myself, if I had to
. I almost smiled thinking about his defiant blue eyes.

“There is one other issue.” I stated, pausing briefly. “I’m afraid the house might be going up for sale.”

Jack’s forehead crunched with surprise. “I didn’t know about that.”

I straightened my spine. “Yes. I wasn’t sure if you were aware. I thought you’d said that it was Grayson’s house. I thought it couldn’t be sold unless he agreed.”

“Well, yes, however, if Grayson is institutionalized because of a deterioration in his mental status, then Charles does not need his permission. Grayson would be deemed unsound. From what Charles tells me, it seems he lacks judgment or the capacity for decision making.” Jack paused. “I can understand Charles wanting to sell the house. The majority of the Whitmore’s assets
is
that house.”

I twisted my lips, biting hard on the inside of my cheek as realization carved a clear path through my tangled thoughts.
This had been the asshole’s plan all along—to have his father committed so he could sell the house. He wouldn’t need Grayson’s permission.
This was all about money. I suddenly remembered what he’d said at his apartment, that he’d be a lot wealthier soon.
Bastard!

“Does Charles know about Global Systems?” he asked.

“No,” I shook my head. “Please don’t tell him.”

Jack nodded and blew out a weighty breath. “I don’t relish the thought of Grayson being institutionalized either. I have to admit that I was truly saddened to hear that his mental status had taken a turn for the worse. I wish there was something I could do, but my hands are tied. I’m sorry.”

“
What?
” I gasped. I hadn’t expected to hear that. “What do you mean? You
have
to help!” I choked, water filling my eyes.

Jack’s expression was somber. “Legally, I can intervene in matters involving the estate, but where Grayson is concerned, I’m powerless. Charles is his healthcare proxy. And even with the house, I have no legitimate argument against its sale now that Grayson isn’t living in it.”