The Heiress (Book 2 of the Forbidden Series)

10

Traffic was good as they rushed to get back to the estate. Security shook their heads at the two as they rode on to the grounds calling up to the house to announce that Layla had returned home. As they reached the front steps Alexander parked his bike, the front door flew open, and David stormed out of the house. He was home earlier than expected. The furious look on his face, raising the alarm in Alexander’s stomach.

Layla slipped off the bike and stepped between her rampaging father and Alexander. The household had gathered on the steps. Kat pleaded with David to keep his temper. Her pleas fell on deaf ears. David grabbed Layla’s wrist with bruising strength flinging her toward the steps. “Get inside!” He growled his tone violently and final. Layla scurried up the steps and past her family not daring to defy him again.

David’s gaze fell on Alexander. His heart pumping quickly Alexander swung his leg off the seat and placed his helmet on the backseat where Layla had been sitting. He understood the man’s anger but not enough to take a beating. He readied himself his hand on the strap of his bag. If David intended to attack him, he would be ready.

The infuriated father advanced on Alexander stopping close enough to pin him between the bike and himself. David’s eye caught sight of Alexander’s grip. “Do you intend to hit me with that bag?”

“Only if you intend to try and hit me first,” Alexander admitted his voice and breathing calm and steady. “I have done nothing wrong. I don’t know what it is you think I did but I swear I didn’t hurt her.”

“You took my daughter off this property without security. You didn’t tell anyone you were leaving.” David snarled. “I got a call that my daughter was missing and flew back right away. Do you have any idea what kind of panic my wife and I were in?”

“First of all, there was no one to tell. Second, Layla is an adult; she can do as she pleases and goes where she pleases. I believe it says so somewhere in the constitution.” Alexander growled back not willing to back down. He did not care who David was he was not going to be intimidated and pushed around.

“Hell, to your damn constitution. That damn thing doesn’t apply to us.”

“It applies to everyone.” Alexander snapped stepping forward. His advance forced David to retreat a step.

“Not in this house. This house is not a democracy,” David snarled, “it’s a dictatorship, and I make the rules. She does not leave this property without protection.”

“She was fine she was with me.”

“I don’t care. Layla does not leave this property without an armed escort, and that is final!”

“That is bullshit!” Alexander argued. “You are holding her prisoner.”

“You are fired. Collect your things and get off my property before I have you arrested.” David interrupted storming back toward the house.

Alexander groaned with the reality of the situation, he had expected it, but it did not make it any easier to deal with. Penniless and now without work he had two weeks to come up with more money with no job. He had to try to talk his way out of this mess. He could not go home and tell his mother he had lost their only chance at financial recovery. Alexander chased David up the stairs begging and pleading for another chance, apologizing profusely.

Kat and Rolland had joined in the efforts pleading to David’s better nature. Rolland stressed the need for young help. Kat pleaded that Rolland was in no shape to resume his duties and that Alexander was in obvious need of work. Kat placed her palm over David’s cheek drawing his face to hers. “David, baby, be rational. Maybe if you explain to the boy the reasons behind the rules, he will understand, and we can avoid this in the future.” She said calmly, the voice of reason.

They stood silent for a long moment and then David sighed a breath of defeat. He never could say no to his wife. She was his only weakness. His harsh gaze fixed on Alexander. “You, inside. I have something to show you.” He demanded, pointing into his study.

Alexander followed David and Rolland to David’s private study. Closing the door behind them, Rolland signalled for Alexander to sit in the seat across the desk. David unlocked a drawer and took out a letter addressed to Layla. “My daughter has been a public figure since the day she was born. As you can see, she is very beautiful as well. Proper security has always been a big issue. She must be protected from people who want to get something to sell on e-bay, overly pushy photographers, men, and celebrity stalkers.” He pushed the letter across the desk to Alexander. “I threw the dead bouquet it came without, so she would not see it.”

Alexander picked up the letter and skimmed through it. His pulse was racing, his eyes wide. Each sentence was more frightening and vulgar than the last, and it was not signed. It was aggressive, hateful, and possessive. Alexander tossed the letter on the desktop disgusted.

“Things like this happen to public figures like Layla,” David said slumping in his seat. “My family has always had to be protected from getting groped and mulled by Quick Shot or Heathen fans. They’ve had to be protected from tabloid junkies and groupies. I have kept security on them to protect them from the press. Two years ago, when Layla had her coming out, she was attacked by a drunken fool who wanted to get lucky. He tore her dress trying to get her to kiss him. I had him arrested, and then I increased security around my home and Layla. I insisted for the first time in forty years that my bodyguards carry guns. I went to the police with this letter this morning, but they said it was just some crazed fan, or some troublemaker trying to get a rise out of us. Until we know who sent it or they try something more they can do nothing for us. I’m not about to give the guy the chance to try something worse than vulgar letters, Layla does not leave this property without an armed escort.”

Alexander shook his head in disbelief; he understood David’s drastic measures and his concern. He only wanted to protect his daughter like any father. He had all the money in the world and still could not make the maniacs go away. He was helpless, a terrifying feeling for such a powerful man and any father. Alexander hung his head in shame, feeling terrible for causing him such worry and grief. “I’m sorry Sir, it won’t happen again, you have my word.”

“Thank you, Alex.”

“If you promise not to send the cops to my door I promise not to take Layla off the grounds without your prior knowledge.” Alexander tried to reason with him. “Besides with this stalker guy she probably won’t want to-”

“We are not going to tell her,” David warned. “We stumbled across this letter by accident, before she saw it. Rolland and I will be screening her mail and phone calls from now on. We’ve changed our number and beefed up the gate security; he will never get near her.”

“So, you are saying Layla is not to know she is being stalked? Why won’t you tell her, don’t you think she deserves to know?”

“The only way my daughter is going to feel safe and get on with her happy life is if she does… not… know, and we’re going to keep it that way.” David stressed. “You are not going to tell her.”

“You want me to lie to her?”

“It’s not lying if she doesn’t ask, just don’t say anything,” David said sitting back in his seat. “Now I have warned you to stay away from my daughter. You have broken my confidence. Tell me why I shouldn’t fire you?”

“Layla and I are just friends.” Alexander lied. “I took her out because I thought she would enjoy it more than sitting home alone. I didn’t mean to cause trouble.”

David’s gaze met Rolland’s, and the old man gave a little nod. David sighed and then glared at Alexander. “I’ll give you one last chance. Break my rules again, and you are done in this household.”

Alexander nodded, he understood his place. He was lucky to retain his job and would push the subject no further. “I’ll get to work.”

***

Layla had been pleased to see that Alexander had not been fired and seemed to have made peace with her father. She respected his need for distance given the close call and spent her day telling her mother and Beth all about her weekend away. Her face was glowing as she spoke of their walk in the park and the show at the Candy Shop. She shuffled around the kitchen re-enacting the highlights of the street hockey game.

Kat and Beth exchanged surprised glances. They had never seen Layla so enthusiastic about anything other than shopping. She had spent the whole weekend with Alexander alone and happy. From what they understood the two were merely friends despite Layla’s obvious interest in furthering the relationship. Kat looked out the window at the young man tuning both their cars. Her daughter had an obvious attraction, and despite the fear for her safety, Alexander had returned her home safely.

“I tell you, Mama; it was wonderful not having those big guys always following me. No one stared or told me I couldn’t go somewhere. It was different, so exciting. I can’t wait to do it again.” She cooed sitting down at the table peeling a banana.

“Darling I don’t think it’s wise to try it again? Daddy’s not going to let you keep seeing him.”

“I don’t care I like Alexander, and I’m going to keep seeing him.”

Beth stared at Kat with wide-eyed astonishment.

“Um… Layla darling…?” Kat began surprised at the change in her daughter.

“No, I love you guys and everything you have done for me, but it’s time I start living my life my way, not his. I should be able to do things I want. What I want is Alexander. He is sweet and good. He works so hard to take care of his mother.” Layla smiled finishing her banana and tossing the peel into the trash. She stared out the window at Alexander working hard. “I think I’ll go give him a hand.” She announced exiting the room.

Kat stared blankly at Beth. “Did she just offer to do work?”

“I think she did.”

“Who was that, and what did they do to my daughter?” Kat laughed.

“I do believe this boy has had a positive effect on our Miss. Layla.”

“I believe you are right.”

Beth stood and crossed to the fridge getting ready to prepare lunch. “It sure is a shame that David won’t give the boy a chance.”

Kat stared out the window. Layla had snuck up on Alexander and startled him. He turned on her with his oil-stained hands and chased Layla around the car threatening to dirty her clothes. Layla laughed and fought back. Kat smiled to see her daughter happy. He was good for her.

Kat stood suddenly and went to David’s study. She walked in and closed the door. David finished his call and then rose from his seat. Walking around the desk, he greeted his wife with a kiss. “Hello, darling. I was thinking about you. I’m sorry our weekend got cut short, but what do you say we jet to Aspen tomorrow? I’ll even rearrange my schedule so we can stay a little longer.” He leaned against the desk and drew her close against him. “But what do you say we have a little quality time.” He grinned kissing down her neck.

Kat playfully fended off her promiscuous husband. Even at his age, his libido was sensational. “David, I was thinking. Layla likes this boy, and I think we should get to know him better.”

“No,” David said softly scooping her into his arms and propping her on the desktop, his mind and body focused on one goal. “He is a faze, and I refuse to encourage them.”

“Well she was telling me about their weekend and you know he doesn’t sound like a bad guy… Layla wants to be with Alexander… alone.” Kat suggested quietly.

David sighed and backed up, raking his hand through his hair. “No.”

“David let’s discuss this. You know nothing about the boy, how can you decide that he is no good for her?”

“No, we are not doing this.”

Kat slipped off the desk and grabbed David’s shirt collar yanking his face down to hers. Her brows drawn together in a commanding nature. “Our daughter likes that boy, and I think he likes her too. The boy did a fine job taking care of her this weekend, and with the right preparation I can’t see why they can’t go out together, and if they do, we should try to be nice to the boy.”

David shoved her hand away. He did not like being told what to do, not in his youth and certainly not now. Stubborn and set in his ways David refused. “Not going to happen. I won’t have her gallivanting around with some guy we don’t know that well, and I have no interest in getting to know him. I don’t trust him. Who is to say he didn’t send those flowers. Besides he is here to work not to run around with my daughter.”

Kat was shocked she had never known David to be so uptight about Layla’s romantic interests. He had encouraged her other suitors and even introduced her to many of them himself. He had always tried to accommodate Layla and Dane when it came to dating. Until now he had never shown a hint of disapproval. Why would Alexander be any different? He was charming, young, and athletic. He was polite, responsible and… the help. Her eyes narrowed in annoyance. “David, you wouldn’t have anything against Alexander because he is poor, would you?”

“Of course not.” He snapped.

“You never had an issue with any of Layla’s wealthy suitors.”

“I’m looking out for my daughter’s best interest. She is rich and naive; men will take advantage of that.”

“Men like Alexander?”

“What kind of life can a man like that provide for her? A studio apartment and fast food drive-thru? You want that for her?”

“I can’t believe you of all people are so prejudice. Has it been so long that you have forgotten what it’s like to be poor?”

“No, but I haven’t forgotten about all the gold diggers that flocked to me after I came into my money either. I won’t have her running around with that boy. If he wants to keep his job, he will keep his hands off her. I only have so much forgiveness, and even you can’t talk me down every time.” David frowned returning to his work. Picking up the phone he began dialling. “I don’t care if they become friends, but he’d best keep it in his pants, or I’ll see that Beth cuts it off and serves it back to him for lunch.”

Kat growled and pushed down on the base hanging up his outgoing call. “David Thompson you are pigheaded.”

“I'm a realist.”

“I never thought I’d say this, but right now you are acting just like Mike.” She snarled and stormed to the door.

David slammed the phone down insulted. Her father had always been an overreacting stubborn, arrogant, psycho when it came to his wife and daughter. He resented the comparison. “I am nothing like Mike; I’m not chasing the man down the street trying to kill him as your father did to me.” He called after her.

“No instead you will lock your daughter away from the world and any meaningful experiences because you are scared of the what if’s. What will you do when she turns thirty, or forty? What about when she decides she wants to move out, what then David? I know let’s lock Layla in a tower and threw away the key.” She snapped. “And by the way, your daughter has made it clear that she fully intends to pursue Alexander whether we like it or not to deal with it.” Kat snapped and stormed out slamming the door behind her.

***

That night David slept in a guest room Kat had turned him away from their bed. It had been the first time David had ever been denied access to his room in twenty years of marriage. He tossed and turned in a restless sleep. He wanted back beside his beautiful bride, but stubborn he made the best of the long restless night.

Rising early in the morning, David dragged his exhausted body into the kitchen for a cup of coffee. He hardly slept a wink, he never could sleep without Kat, and he was beginning to consider apologizing to get back into his bed that night. Rolland and Beth were already busy at work as usual. Rolland had already dusted and organized his schedule for the day. He sat at the table enjoying his wife’s cooking. David pulled up a seat beside his old friend and propped his tired head upon his arm.

“Fighting with the wife?” Rolland observed the unmistakable signs of a man who had not slept in his bed. After thirty years of matrimony himself, Rolland knew all too well the restless night after a fight.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” David snarled his mood dark from the lack of sleep.

Beth made up a plate of food for Alexander and wrapped plastic wrap around the dish to keep it warm. “Rolland dear, take this out to Alex. That bambino needs to eat. I tell him to come in and eat, but he insists on completing the pool first. That bambino works too hard and doesn’t eat right.” She winked her eye at David. “Much like someone else in this house.”

Rolland started to stand when Layla tapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t get up Rolland; I’ll take it out to him.” She smiled. Wide awake and groomed for the day. Layla took the plate from Beth’s hands and kissed David’s cheek on her way out. “Morning Daddy.”

The three old friends watched her leave in surprise. “Was that Layla?” David asked in awe checking his watch and tapping the face to be sure it was working. “She is up and dressed before ten. Have I walked into the twilight zone?”

Beth smiled and placed a plate of food in front of David. She brought her breakfast to the table and sat her old bones down. “I’ve noticed a big change in Miss. Layla since this weekend away with Alex.”

“Yes,” Rolland observed sipping his coffee, “she is helpful and up early, and considerably more independent.”

“And happy.” Beth pointed out. “I’ve never seen the girl smile so much.”

“Yes, and so less self-absorbed than usual.”

“Yesterday Alex ruined her favourite shirt with engine grease when she helped him tinker under the hood of your car, and she didn’t complain once about her outfit getting ruined. I tell you that Bambino is good for her.” Beth smiled taking a bite of her breakfast.

David almost choked on his coffee. Coughing his air passage clear of the scalding liquid he placed the mug on the table in disbelief. “Did you say Layla worked on a car?”

“Three to be exact.”

David was sure he was dreaming, his daughter never worked. He could barely get her to do anything for herself beside max out her credit cards, but it was nothing to get excited about he decided. The novelty of Alexander would wear off, and Layla would return to her slacker ways. He wouldn’t get his hopes up about her reformed personality. He picked at his meal and then refilled his coffee. David thanked Beth for the meal and retreated to his study for the day. He still intended to finish the necessary work and plan the trip to Aspen. Then again with Kat’s mood maybe going back to Paris would be more effective in getting him out of the doghouse.

Sitting at his desk, David thought about what his wife had suggested and the changes in his daughter. Even if Alexander was a faze, perhaps it was not a bad idea to learn a little more about the boy. To know what kind of man his daughter was involved with. He could ask the boy, but men lied. He could hire a private detective, but why pay a man to do something he could do on his own.

David called for Rolland and asked for Alexander’s application. Finding the information that he was looking for, David copied it to a scrap piece of paper and then rose from his desk. “Ready the town car old friend. Let’s go for a drive.”