The Heiress (Book 2 of the Forbidden Series)

19

The summer dragged on, and Alexander felt as though he would lose his mind. It didn’t matter where he went or what he did he could not escape Layla’s memory. Word of their nasty public break up hit the covers of tabloids and trash talk on TV by the end of the first week. Reporters harassed him for an exclusive, after a month of dodging they finally left him be. The publicity brought the spotlight on Layla’s introduction to the music scene.

Her release had gone over well; her sales rocketed her to the top five in the country within the first two weeks. She was constantly on the radio. Her music video got amazing airtime. She had even overshadowed her brother within the sixth week. Her face was everywhere; in magazines, posters in the mall, on TV. Alexander could not go to the bar or the Candy Shop without hearing her songs. Could not go to the store or walk down the street without hearing someone talking about her or humming one of her tunes. She was haunting him.

On top of everything his mother had stopped eating, she could no longer get out of bed under her power, and she weighed the equivalent of a twelve-year-old child. She had, but days the doctors prepared him. The nurse was at her bedside constantly, shaking her head in pity whenever she saw Alexander home. He worked twice as much now, partly to pay his mother’s medical expenses and partly to keep Layla off his mind.

But when he lay in bed late at night, beside the women he tried to vanquish Layla’s memory from his heart, she invaded his dreams. He often found himself sitting on the edge of the bed at 3:00 am, his head in his hands, cursing her name.

Layla had ruined him for any chance at happiness with another.

***

Layla was dressed for the VIBE music awards. She had not been released early enough to be nominated this year, but she went every year to support her mother and uncle. It was a photo op and good publicity anyway. She had thrown herself into her work and promoting herself, half out of necessity to forget Alexander, half to spite him. She even fell back into Jeff’s arms momentarily trying to comfort herself. But when she looked at him, all she could see was Alexander. Jeff had hung around to help her through her heartbreak. She should have made him leave, but her family loved the idea of her and Jeff reunited she did not have the strength to fight it any longer.

Layla was walking down the hall in her evening gown heading for the limo out front. She paused when her skirt snagged on a loose nail protruding from the baseboard outside her father’s study. The new houseboy was a little slow with the repairs. Leaning over she worked the fabric free tearing the hemline slightly. She frowned. Well, it was just a loose thread, and it was too late to change. She could just cut the thread; Layla was sure there was a pair of scissors in the study somewhere.

Layla went inside and sat in the chair behind the desk. Nothing was on the top. She began rummaging through drawers pushing papers and stationery around. Opening the next drawer Layla froze.

Not believing her eyes she reached inside and removed the stack of letters she found. She frantically flipped through them one by one. Everyone was addressed to her, but she had never seen any of them before. Her father had been stealing her mail, she realized, appalled by the violation. There were so many, how long had he been doing this? Layla opened the envelopes and read each letter.

Layla’s hand moved to cover her heart dropping back against her father’s high back leather seat as she read. Each letter more vulgar and disturbing than the last. Her heart was beating furiously in her chest; she could not breathe. Her hands shook as she held the most recent letter, all the others falling to the floor around her feet. Gripped by fear Layla could not move her eyes locked on the single sentence scribbled across the paper.

Ignore me, b***h; you are as good as dead.

She wanted to scream, wanted to run and hide, but nothing came out, she could not move. Rolland was walking by the study carrying a dust rag when he saw Layla frozen at David’s desk. The threatening letters all over the floor. Panic filled the old man screamed for her parents. Her family came running. Everyone gathered in the hall. David and Kat entered the study. David’s eyes moved from Layla’s terrified face to the months of stalker mail.

Kat’s hands covered her mouth as she gasped. Tears filled her eyes. Her baby was horrified, and she could do nothing to ease her fears. David approached slowly placing one hand on his daughter’s back and prying the letter from her fingers with the other. “Layla.” He spoke softly trying to bring her out of the shock. “Layla, baby girl.”

She slowly turned her face to him, her voice trembling. “Someone wants to kill me? Why would anybody want to kill me?”

David knelt before Layla; taking her hands in his David looked her in the eyes. “Listen to me. Stuff like this happens to famous, wealthy people. I have had a few people threaten me. Nine times out of ten nothing comes of it.”

Layla shook her head. “Nothing?” She picked up the letters from the floor and threw them at David. “Does this look like nothing? One or two is nothing, but there must be hundreds of letters here, this is not nothing. Stop lying to me! Why are you lying to me?”

David stood up raking his hands through his hair. “Listen you can’t let this guy scare you, that is what he wants. If you live your life in fear, he will have beat you. You are too strong for that. It has been months Layla, and he has been nothing but talk. I see no reason why you should change your life in the least. You have the best security money can buy and if you want I’ll assign more men. I have kept you safe all your life, and I will not let this guy get to you. You must do the same.” David pleaded with her, wishing he could have prevented Layla from finding those letters. Wishing the police could have done something to find this guy long ago.

Layla thought for a long moment. Finally, she took a deep breath and whipped her tear-soaked cheeks. She flattened the wrinkles from her skirt and straightened her back. Composing herself, Layla walked toward the door making her way through her gathered family. She walked to the main entrance and took her wrap from the banister. Wrapping it around her shoulders, she picked up her hand-held purse. “We will be late if we don’t go now.”

David came to her side drawing her hand to his heart. “Baby girl you don’t have to go tonight.”

“No, I do. I worked too hard to make my name. I’m not going to shrink away because of a few frightening pieces of paper. I’m going to attend this event, and deal with this sicko in the morning.” She opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. “Let’s go Jeff is waiting.”

***

Alexander eyed the dressy suit with childish abhorrence. He lowered the suit and smiled at the stunning Latino women decked out in her gown and gloves. “You seriously want me to put this on.”

“What is the problem?” Sidney protested playfully stroking his shoulder. “It’s going to look amazing on you.”

“But it’s flashy, a little upper crust for my taste.”

“Alexander it’s an award ceremony, it’s not exactly a jeans and t-shirt affair. You have to dress up.”

“This up?” He grumbled. He hated these suits. The last few months, he had dressed up on a regular basis. It was a little excessive for a man who before had thought he would only dress up for his wedding and funeral.

“You will look gorgeous, and if you put it on, I’ll even give you a gift to get you through the night.” She coaxed. Alexander’s eyes narrowed in disapproval. She knew damn well how he felt about gifts from wealthy women. He would not even be considering the outfit she had brought for him if she had not promised to return it the next day. “Don’t look at me like that. You will like this one.” Sidney promised, opening her purse and removing a thin silver flask. “It will fit right in the inside breast pocket without leaving a lump. You can slip away from time to time and dip in.”

Alexander grinned. She was right, this gift he liked. Alexander took the flask and removed the lid. He inhaled the scent… rum. “Ok, I’ll wear it.” He grinned sliding the flask into the breast pocket. “I suppose I can stand to be arm candy for one night. Just smile and look good for the cameras, right?”

“Easy as pie.” She teased watching him strip off his shirt preparing to change.

“Give me twenty minutes, and I will make you the envy of the red carpet.” Alexander winked bragging shamelessly.

“Alexander, this has been the third event you have escorted me to this summer,” Sidney spoke nervously. “And you spend at least four nights out of the week in my bed.”

Alexander stared at her uncomfortably; he could tell where this was going, and he didn’t like it. “Are you saying you want me to go home at night?” He tried to steer the conversation.

“No, I already get your time and… attention, but when am I going to get the title?”

“Sidney, we have discussed this already,” Alexander said sternly dismissing any further conversation.

“I want to be known as your girl.” Sidney protested.

“I’m not interested in a relationship. The s*x is fun. Let ’s leave it at that. No need to go ruin things by getting possessive.” He argued changing his pants.

“I want more than this Alexander.”

“I’m not willing to give more than this. So, let’s end this debate now. My terms are non-negotiable so take it or leave it. Now with that said do you still want me to go to this thing?”

Sidney pouted her arms crossed. “Yes.”

Alexander moved in close his lips brushing over hers. “And do you still want me to come back here tonight to help you celebrate your winnings?”

“Definitely.” She breathed into his mouth as he stole a kiss.

Alexander walked away abruptly continuing to change for the evening. “Then it’s settled, and I don’t want to hear another word about it.”

***

Layla stared at the flashing lights and hordes of media lining the red carpet from the tinted windows of the limo. Her stomach was in knots. She felt ill with fear. Wondering if he was out there. Who was he? Would this mystery writer try to follow through with his threats or was her father right about him being all talk? All she knew for sure was that she was not going to allow this SOB to destroy everything she worked for. That and she wished Alexander were there. His strong arms around her had always made her feel safe… she would have given anything to feel that way at that moment.

Jeff squeezed her hand supportively, having been filled in on the news when they picked him up. He had asked why she seemed so distracted and David had told him the whole gruesome story. “Are you sure you want to do this?” He asked with concern.

“Yes,” Layla said mustering every bit of inner strength to plaster a false smile on her pretty face.

“I’ll be right by you holding your hand the whole time. The moment you want to go, we will.” Jeff pledged his protection.

“It’s ok; I’m not going to let this get to me. It’s going to be like any other night; nothing is going to change. Besides Gregory and Joshua will be with me, as usual, that is enough to appease me.”

The limo opened, and David and his wife made their appearance. Dane and Damien had taken another limo and were arriving behind theirs. Layla stepped from the back seat onto the red carpet. The lights blinded her, her personality going into autopilot. Her smile, her glow, it would have been imposable for those who didn’t know her well to tell there had been anything at all wrong. She was a picture of composure and poise. Posing for photos and answering questions. Layla and Jeff worked their way down the red carpet.

As she neared the door, Layla caught a glimpse of Sidney arriving. Stepping from her limo in a blue sequence gown with the most coveted accessory in the industry. She smiled for the cameras arriving at the VIBE awards on Alexander’s arm. He looked startlingly handsome in his Armani suit, his charming smile catering to the paparazzi. He played the part flawlessly. Every look, every word, every gesture designed to show Sidney off. He single-handily made Sidney the center of attention, and the envy of every Diva attending.

Alexander was not only devastatingly handsome; he was the music industry’s hottest new choreographer. Artists were pleading and begging Layla’s father to book Alexander for their next videos. He was doing well for himself, and Layla was happy for his success.

The pain of seeing her love with Sidney was too much to bear. Layla turned her back to them and went inside; she could not watch. Jeff followed Layla, her hand folded over his arm as he escorted her through the night. Sensing something was amiss but not sure if it were Alexander’s presence at the awards or the horrific ordeal she had endured beforehand. Holding his tongue on the matter, Jeff tried to entertain her. Mingling with the others and praising her accomplishments.

By intermission, Layla was beginning to feel on edge. Every time someone got too close or came up from behind she felt panic grip her. Her breath held in her chest for a slight second. As hard as she tried, she was unable to purge the fear from her mind. The constant worry that she was being followed haunted her. She felt as if she were losing her mind surrounded by hundreds of people and yet feeling alone and vulnerable. At one point she could feel her pulse racing so fast Layla could swear her heart was about to burst out of her chest. A rowdy person happened to bump into Layla during intermission and broke her resolve. Layla whimpered in fear and fell back against Gregory’s chest gathering her strength.

“Are you alright Miss. Thompson?” Her faithful guard whispered.

“I think I need a moment.” She admitted, her voice trembling.

“Come with me.” Gregory discreetly escorted her through the crowds and to the service halls. Securing the area, Gregory opened the door marked employee only and ushered Layla inside. The long narrow hall was deserted, and Layla had a chance to breathe. Resting her back against the wall, she closed her eyes feeling a single tear of stress trickle down her cheek. Pushing off the wall, she moved down the hall, feeling the need to keep in motion to stay sane. She turned around the next corner and was startled.

Alexander sat crouched against the wall an open flask to his lips. Swallowing he lowered the silver vessel. His glazed gaze suggested this had not been the first time he had dipped into the bottle. Regardless of his state just having him close seemed to minimize Layla’s anxiety. She stood motionless watching him stare up at her.

Alexander could see the alarm in her eyes; something was wrong. Alexander held up the half-emptied flask. “You look as though you could use a swig.” He smiled swishing the dark liquor inside. “I don’t mind sharing.” His voice brought a smile to her face. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Gregory peek around the corner to observe her company and then took his post just out of sight. Layla took the flask from Alexander and lowered herself to sit on the floor beside him. “Lowering yourself to my level, won’t that dirty your gown?” He teased.

“I think I can stand a little dirt.” Layla retorted pressing the mouth of the silver vessel to her parted lips, the smooth liquid burning a path down her throat. Her face twisted from the straight rum. She passed the flask back, her mouth still burning. “Smooth.” Alexander chuckled at her. She wiped her lips with the back of her hand, loving the sound of his laugh, she had missed it. “Why are you hiding out?”

“This ain’t my scene. I’m just killing time until it’s time to go.” He said, his eyes surveying her body posture and face. “Why are you hiding out?”

Layla straightened her back defensively. “Who said I’m hiding?”

Alexander shrugged. “Ok, whatever. Then why are you touring the service corridors? This isn’t exactly a major attraction to the talent.”

Layla grinned uncomfortably, as comfortable as she felt around Alexander she did not feel it was something she wished to go in to with him. Not with their present acquaintance. Her fears were no longer in the realm of his interest. “Same as you I guess, just looking for some downtime.” Layla downplayed the severity of the situation staring at her fingers as she fiddled with the dark green fabric of her gown.

***

Alexander could hear the stress in her tone, but it was clear she did not wish to discuss it. She was always so lively and bright; he could not help but wonder what could have extinguished that spark? Had it been their break up? He dismissed the foolish theory as wishful thinking. The media had been raving about her long overdue relationship with prodigal son Jeff. Both products of the Heathens legacy fans had always gossiped about how fairytale perfect it would be for the prince and princess of the music industry to wed. They were the long-anticipated love story of the decade, and it would seem that the fans and paparazzi were getting their wish. Layla and Jeff had hooked up once more, their relationship common public knowledge, and praised by every media outlet. It was enough to drive Alexander to drink, which it often did.

He took a long swig of the flask’s contents to dull his annoyance. He had not wanted to see her, especially not with Jeff. After seeing Layla on the red-carpet hand in hand with her newest love interest, all smiles and hugs; Alexander had barely made it inside the men’s washroom before cracking open his flask. This had been his fourth retreat that evening.

His head spinning from the booze Alexander had needed to sit down for a few minutes when Layla had come along. He could still function well enough to do his part at this seemingly endless event, but it took some concentration and effort to keep his good sense. His emotions ran high, and he decided this would be a good time to say goodbye. She was not willing to answer his question, and at the moment he was not sure he could be a gentleman.

Alexander shifted his weight to stand up, his drink still in hand. “Well, then I must be getting back. I’m sure the show is starting up again. My date will want me by her side for the sake of the camera.” Alexander stood up and opened his jacket to tuck away his salvation.

“Of course, mustn’t keep Sidney waiting,” Layla said each word clipped. Her eyes narrowed in resentment, her feelings of fear fading into those of jealousy. She stood up, her body ridged. “Do tell her I say congratulations on winning the best-choreographed video…” Layla took a breath, a faint smile curving her lips, “but then I guess it is you that deserves the congratulations. It doesn’t take many brain cells to mimic. A trained monkey can do that.”

Alexander buttoned up the two buttons of his dress jacket with a satisfied grin. “I get the impression you don’t much like Sidney. I can’t see why not, she is very nice.”

“I’m sure she is. You two enjoy your evening.” Layla said snippily turning to head back to the event. Her irritation got the better of her, Layla stopped and stomped back toward him. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why Sidney? What makes her any different than me? She is in the same business; she has money and fame. A relationship with her is no different than one with me. All the problems you had with me you will have with her. So why?”

“Why the hell not? She is hot and willing to kick it with me. A roll in the sack and all the freedom I could want.” Alexander said indifferently to Layla’s tone.

“So, with her, that is a dream come true, and when I offered you the same, it was hell.” She growled with tears in her eyes. She did not understand. What made things so much better with Sidney?

“It’s different with her.” Alexander simply said. He was not going to justify his s*x life to anyone, sure as hell, not Layla. He pushed past Layla and started around the corner heading toward the exit nodding hello to Gregory as he passed.

Different?

Layla stomped around the corner walking right past Gregory her fingers clutching her skirt, lifting the hem, so she did not trip in her haste. Her blood boiled with mixed emotions. “Don’t walk away from me when I’m talking to you.”

“I’m not doing this Layla; I don’t have to answer to you, get over yourself.” He snapped continuing toward the door.

Layla stomped her foot furiously throwing the hem of her skirt down in a fit. “Damn it, Alexander, what makes a relationship with her so different?”

He paused at the door his back turned to her. His shoulders tense. “It just is.” He breathed, trying to control his raging emotions.

“Why? What makes it so different?” Layla snapped in full tantrum, fighting back the tears.

Alexander spun around, closing the gap between them almost instantly it caused her to flinch. The fury and pain blazed in his dark eyes. “Because I don’t have feelings for her!” He yelled scowling. Taking a calming breath, he reclaimed control of his composure. “Because she can’t hurt me like you could.” He breathed retreating to the door trying to escape her.

He cared for her.

Joy and fear mixed within Layla; the joy of his confession, the fear that he would walk out that door and she would lose him forever. Layla could not bear to live without Alexander. She ran to him throwing her arms around him. Holding him hard against her afraid if she let go he would vanish from her life. She could feel him tense under her hold. His arms ridged by his side refusing to return her embrace, but the change in his breathing told Layla all she needed to know. Balancing on her toes, she stretched to reach his face. Capturing his lips with hers in a needy, desperate kiss. The passion and longing fuelled her advance.

Alexander resisted for only a second then his arms closed around her lifting her against him. His head dipped low to save her the strain. His tongue swept the moist depths of her mouth, devouring her sweetness like a starving animal. He wanted her so much it hurt, felt like he would die if he did not have her then and there. He did not care who she belonged too, or who saw them. He placed Layla on her feet. His hands yanked at her skirt, lifting the silky fabric around her as his hands slid up her creamy thighs.

Gregory stood blushing, not sure if he should turn around or go outside the door and wait. If he went outside and someone saw him alone, they would, in turn, know Layla was on the other side. When her fingers tore at Alexander’s zipper to free him from the confines of his slacks, Gregory decided to duck behind the corner and give them what little privacy he could. If this got out, it was going to infuriate Jeff.

Alexander lowered Layla to the floor, nudging her thighs apart, sliding her panties aside. Her arms wrapped tight around his torso, her hands flat against his back pulling him down to her. Her body so ready to accommodate his, Alexander slid into Layla like a hot knife through butter. Entirely sheathed he remained motionless savouring the feel of her body so tightly clung to him. She smelled like a fresh spring meadow; he breathed her in until she filled all his senses. His better judgment overshadowed by emotion and rum.

He made love to her right there on the floor. His hands combed her curves, his lips worshiping her neck and mouth. The world melted away, all the troubles of her life, all the fears extinguished from her mind by his touch. All was right with the world. Layla loved Alexander... wanted him... needed him. Her embrace tightened as he brought her to the peaks of ecstasy. Heights of intoxicating bliss that transported her to heaven, she could have reached out and touched the angels.

Her satisfaction only heightened as she felt Alexander reach his end with her. His body melded to hers as it shuddered and trembled, spilling into her with breathless moans. His face rested against her neck. Panting with contentment, he held her never again wanting to let go.

Slowly Alexander lifted himself from Layla fixing his pants, so he was once again presentable. Layla straightened out her dress and took the hand he offered to help her up off the floor. Signs of regret darkened his eyes. He would not even look her in the face. Alexander hated himself, cursing his weakness for her. He had allowed himself to get sucked in again. Back into the pain and the criticism. He could not do it again, could not be her plaything, not when he cared so much, not when she only wanted him because he was the one thing she could not buy.

As if reading his tortured thoughts Layla stroked his cheek turning his face to hers, forcing him to look her in the eyes. “I love you, Alex. I would give up anything… everything to make you stay with me.”

He smiled; her declaration of love warmed his heart. Alexander had never dreamed, never dared to hope she would return his feelings. This child of wealth and fame willing to renounce the only world she had ever known to live with him in squalor. It was all he needed, a gesture of love that made him her equal. Raising him to a status in her life where Alexander could be comfortable standing by her side as she built her legacy; because he was not a trinket, an accessory, he was the man she loved and who loved her in return.

Alexander kissed Layla and held her close. “I love you more than anything in this world. I don’t want you to give up a damn thing for me. I don’t care if you are known as Mrs. Alexander Sinton or I’m known as Mr. Layla Thompson so long as the world knows you are mine.”

Layla smirked lifting a questioning brow. “Was that a proposal?”

“As your dad once told me, ‘you have to recognize opportunity.’” He said sweetly.

“And as your mother told me, ‘If he asks… accept’.” She kissed him. A deep, slow kiss, void of lust but full of passion. Neither had ever been this happy. Alexander smirked devilishly; Layla could not help but chuckle. “If I am to marry you, I want you to give up one thing.”

“Women?” Alexander teased.

“Two things.” She grinned. “That one and stripping. From now on the only person to see you naked is me.”

“Deal.” He snickered thinking of what would happen when they walked out of that hall.

“What?”

“This is going to piss Jeff off.”