“Hmm,” she says, looking me up and down once more before turning to leave.
Now to Blanche.
I’m almost out the door when I see my battered reflection in the mirror. I’m swollen, bruises line my face and neck, and blood covers more skin than not, even seeping through my white dress shirt. I know if I stripped down, my entire body would be mottled purple. It’s not the first time Father has taken things this far. It’s not the first bone he’s broken. But so close to the holidays, I’m shocked he left marks where others could see.
Fuck, I can’t let Blanche see me like this.
Mother might not care that her son has been beaten to a pulp, but Blanche will. And I doubt she’d believe for a second that it’s because I got in a fight. She’d push and then somehow find out who’s to blame, because that’s what Blanche Bedford does. And if she ever finds out this was from the hands of my father, she’ll do something stupid. My heart breaks when I realize I can’t go toher. It’s not safe. Both of us will be in danger, and while my own life means little, the thought of someone laying a finger on her is more than I can withstand.
I’ll have to stay home from work until my wounds heal enough to pass as a stupid brawl or accident. In the meantime, I’ll spend my solitude plotting how to make this woman mine. I meant what I said. It’s her or no one. She's the only woman who will have my name, carry my children, and stand by my side. There will only ever be her, and anyone who tries to stand in my way will burn.
Chapter twenty-four
I’ve never been much of a morning person, but with a large coffee in hand, I find myself awake and excited to get to the office early. Some of my and Henry’s best sex has been over his desk before the rest of the staff arrive, and considering I’ve been without him for two whole days, I’m insatiable.
I can’t help but chuckle when I arrive to a dark office. It wouldn’t be the first time Henry waited to turn the lights on.
“Hot coffee in my hand! I’m going to set it down on your desk really quick, and then it’s game o— John?”
He takes the coffee from my hand before sitting heavily in Henry’s chair. “Morning, Blanche.”
“Um…what are you doing here? Is this some game you and—”
“I’m going to stop you right there. As lovely as you are, dear, I don’t know what kind of game you’re talking about. I do know that Henry would kill me if he eventhoughtI was flirting with you without his permission.”
“Then what—”
“He’s sick. Asked me to fill in for him. Told me to let you know that you’ve got the week off,” John says, handing me anenvelope. “Here, this is for you. I think it’s some spa experience out of town for you and Pam.”
“Oh, um…Well, I guess I’ll…thank you?”
“Yeah, take off! I have the office under control. Go have fun. Henry said he should be back next Monday.”
As soon as I’m out of the building, I open the envelope to see a pamphlet with the details of a spa excursion, only to find that it’s not so little after all. A seven-night, all-inclusive stay in Jamaica at one of the top-rated spas in the world, along with airfare and a personal driver. This man really wants me out of the country for the next week.
“Excuse me, ma’am, I’m Martin, your driver for the day. I was told to stay with you until I drop you off at the airport tonight.”
“Oh, um…”
“Mr. Sinclair sent me, ma’am. For Miss Blanche Bedford. I believe there’s information about your driver in your travel plans.”
I flip through the pages, and sure enough, Martin’s name is listed with his picture. I suppose I could get in the car, let this lovely man drive me home, pack with Pam, and go to a spa my mother has been salivating over for years. Something isn’t right, though. Henry is up to something, and if he’s going to these lengths to keep me away, I know it can’t be good.Fuck, Pam’s going to kill me for turning this down.
“Martin, you're such a dear. Would you mind swinging by Henry’s place before you take me home?” I ask, batting my eyelashes at the driver. “You see, he’s been planning this trip for me for a while and wanted to make sure we were able to…embraceone last time before I’m gone a whole week.”
“I wasn’t aware of such an arrangement. I was told to drive you to your apartment and—”
“Oh, it was his one stipulation for me to be gone for so long. You can imagine how hard it is for Mr. Sinclair to go solong without having…relations. I believe the longest he’s made it without ravishing me was only thirty-six hours. I’m half expecting him to bring the jet down to see me tomorrow.”
“I, um, wasn’t aware of this, but very well, Miss Blanche. My apologies,” Martin chokes out, while helping me into the car.
As he assumes the driver’s position, I have a moment of panic. I technically have no idea where Henry is right now or what he could be up to that has him so adamant about making sure I’m not around. There’s a slight relief when Martin turns toward the downtown area, toward Henry’s place in the city. At least I didn’t just demand to be driven to their family estate to crash some family dinner. But with each passing minute, my relief subsides. What could he possibly be trying to hide from me? Surely, he would’ve invited me to any sexual escapades…
When we arrive, Martin parks the car in one of Henry’s reserved spots and waits as I make my way to the private elevator.Alright, my code still works.I’ve been to Henry’s penthouse plenty of times, but after the roller coaster of possible scenarios that played through my mind on the way here, I wasn’t sure if I would still have access.
It feels like the elevator is moving in slow motion as it ascends to the top floor. Meanwhile, my heart is beating faster than ever. To my surprise, I’m greeted with a quiet, dimly lit foyer.
“Henry?”
