"Sorry, I wasn't ignoring you, baby."
"What's that all about with Joshua?"
"I've no bloody idea. I’ve never seen him like that. He has situations in his past that he might share with you someday."
We head back to my flat and I make sweet love to her all night. I'll worry about my sister and Maya's stalker tomorrow.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
MAYA
Ifeel like I was blindsided at dinner last night, but I guess I can't blame Duncan for trying. If there were a chance I could get him to DC, I'd do it. I want to be angry. Why do I have to give up my life? Why can't he move? I know I'm starting to care for him, but how much? I can't put him in jeopardy by being with me. My stalkers are stepping up their game, and I won’t allow anyone else to get hurt. I'm cursed and broken. I don't even know if I can love or care for someone other than Ana and Derek.
I haven't even told him the important things about me. I want to, but I'm afraid. I rub my wrist and look out over London from his beautiful, enclosed deck. The cooler air makes me shiver, but I love the view. I have on a lightweight gray wrap sweater, a black long-sleeve shirt, and jeans and my boots again.
I've had my coffee, ran on the treadmill, and even called thesolicitor to set up a few pieces of paperwork. I texted Greg this morning about meeting us for lunch. Duncan woke up early and is in his office doing some work from home before we need to leave.
As I sit out here and take in the view, I braid my hair over my shoulder in a fishtail. I like being able to wear my hair down and in elegant styles versus my tight buns and ponytails for work.
We made love off and on most of the night. I'm falling harder for him each day. He got a text from whomever he called last night that Joshua went to a pub and got trashed. I wonder if he'll back out of our lunch today.
We'reon our way to pick up Ana. I have a plan and I won't take no for an answer. I need to protect her and take care of her. She is my family. The thought that Jonathon is hurting her makes me want to kill him.
We pull up to Ana and Jonathon's building and head in to get her but instead find her waiting in the lobby. She walks out wearing gray slacks, a printed blouse, a mid-length trench coat, and black high heels. She looks so prim and proper again. I want my friend, the fashionista, back.
"I'm ready." She looks frantic and her movements are stiff.
I wrap my arms around her and she flinches slightly. I lean in to whisper in her ear, "Do I need to take you home with me?"
"No, why would you ask that?" She looks scared as she pulls away.
"Never mind, let's go. I was hoping to see your flat though."
"Oh, sorry, Jonathon doesn't like me to have visitors without him here."
Really? Okay, now I know he's a controlling motherfucker. We get in the Rover and head to the solicitor's office. I had asked Greg to let me do this by myself, I didn't want him to know my plans.
"Ms. Aaron, your grandmother has properties all over the world. It will be years before I find them all and get her estate settled. The property here in London is only one I've found so far. I've written the address down, I suggest you go look at it and decide what you plan to do with it." It's only Ana and me in the office.
I asked Duncan to wait outside, I wasn't sure how I was going to react and haven't told him about my money. He's not happy about being left out.
"Thank you, Mr. Flemish, I'll go look and let you know. Do you have the other paperwork drawn up?"
"Yes, ma’am." He pulls out a stack of papers and looks at Ana and me. She has no clue I did this and Jonathon will never know either. He then pulls out the cell phone I called him about this morning and several boxes.
"What's all that, Maya?" she asks.
"Those are your Christmas gifts. Ana, I just made you and any of your children my beneficiary, but Jonathon can't touch any of it. I also bought you a special purse that has a hidden compartment. You’re going to hide a burner cell phone, enough cash to help you get to me or away, and anything else you don't want him to know about in there."
"I don't understand what you're saying, Maya."
"Please, Mr. Flemish, will you give us a moment?"
"Yes, ma’am." He walks into the lobby where Duncan is.
"Look, Ana, don't lie and don't try to deny it. I know he's hurting you and until you're ready to leave, you will carry this bag. I'm here to help you. I'd take you back with me now if I knew that would help, but I think you'd go back to him. If he's threatening any of us, you know we'd want you safe. I've also included a second passport and ID for you. I had my solicitor get you second copies of each in case Jonathon has yours. I love you and I will protect you. As for the money, you know as well as I do that there's more than enough in there for all of us. Also, at the very bottom is another special compartment with a gun, it's a small Sig with laser sights so you won't miss. If you fly, get rid of it. It's safe. Just remember what I taught you before about guns. If you point it, be prepared to use it."
"Maya, why would you do this? A gun? Why?" She doesn't deny what I hinted at, so I know it's true.
