Deception (Reckoning Book 3) Read online

  "You aren't a good liar you know." She practically spits out. Slowly lowering my reading material to the table I decide to harness my inner bitch.

  "And what am I lying about Cynthia?" I ask raising my brows.

  "Do you know where he goes at night?" she asks throwing me off.

  "Who? Avil?"

  "He doesn't sleep with you does he?" I shake my head.

  "That is his business," I state. Before she can retort Patrice comes walking in with baby William.

  "Miss Cynthia he is all changed." I barely catch Cynthia's eye roll before she gets off of her chair.

  "Good, feed him I'm going to go take a nap in my room." She says walking past her child without even a glance. What a bitch. I'm about to ask if I can help with William when Avil comes walking in with a man I haven't seen before. He is tall much like Avil but a darker completion in contrast to his. Dark cropped hair cut short to his head and beautiful lips that draw my eyes to his mouth.

  "Baby girl, this is Rico, he will be your bodyguard," Avil states as I look up at him in confusion.

  "Why would I need a bodyguard?" I stand walking toward him to wrap my arms around his waist. Always trying to be the first one to touch him.

  "I will be out of town for a few days. He will be here if you need anything." He leans down and kiss me. "Go meet me in the library." He whispers in my ear for only me to hear. I smile and nod in response leaving the kitchen. I turn back for one more peek at William and see Avil picking him up with a huge smile on his face.

  Panting Avil pulls out of me righting himself tucking his dick back in his pants while I grab a wad of tissues from the desk he just bent me over. Cleaning his release out from between my legs I decide to ask something that has been nagging in the back of my mind.

  "Are you trying to get me pregnant?" I ask in the sweetest voice I can manage but deep down I'm am scared to hear the man's answer.

  "Of course." He says with a big grin that gives me an unwelcome chill. "You are my wife, you are here to give me children." He chuckles. "Don't worry, I will make sure nothing goes wrong this time." His smile is one of nightmares, something out of a horror story. A look the killer gets on his face right before he slices your throat.

  "Okay." I try to say with my now dry mouth.

  "Boss," a deep timbre of a voice comes from the door. Turning I look to see Rico standing with his hands to his sides. "Your car is out front." He informs Avil whom just nods his head in response.

  "I will be back in a few days. Do not leave the house without Rico. I have too many enemies for you to be alone." He tells me.

  "Where would I even go Avil? I don't even know my way around the city." I smile looking up at him.

  "You never know baby girl, you might want to go get your hair done or some other girly thing." He kisses me hard pulling me close and pushing his hands into my hair. "Your hair could use a trim, maybe a cut." He suggests, pulling his mouth from mine. "See you in a few days baby girl." He tells me and walks out the door leaving me standing there in the library alone. Moments later I'm startled by someone clearing their throat. Jerking my head in the direction of the noise I see Rico still standing in the doorway. Is he going to hover over me all the time?

  "Something you need?" I snip at the man.

  "No miss. Just doing my job." He takes a few steps toward me putting his hands behind him effectively pulling his white dress shirt tight against his chest. Like Avil he is wearing a suit, only Rico's is unbuttoned with no tie. "Really, that is supposed to be my question to you." He keeps getting closer his deeply accented voice washing over me. "So is there anything you need miss?" he asks right when he gets two steps from me. He licks his lips making my eyes zero in on the action. He really is quite good looking.

  "N... no. I'm fine. Please just...I'm fine." I say bypassing the handsome man encroaching on my space. Standing by the still open door I wave my arm in front of it. "Please, could I be alone? I would like to read for a while." I tell him waiting for him to follow my instruction.

  "As you wish Ells. I will be right outside the door" He says walking toward me to go out the door. The nickname making thoughts cloud my mind. People calling me that very name. Faces that aren't quite clear but still hold a place in my memory.

  "Thank you," I whisper closing the door behind him. Shaking off the memory that is trying to creep it's way into my mind I look around the library for a book to get lost in. They are all mostly old classics with same new titles here and there. When I come across one that is maybe only half an inch thick with no title on the spine I pull it out. It's up in the far corner hidden among the cobwebs. On the front, there is no title either just a flap that snaps it shut. Flipping it open I see a name written on the first page Makayla. It's a journal. Going to sit down on the big leather chair in the middle of the room I get comfortable opening the book once again.

  August 20th, 2003

  Today I came to live with them. Our new family mother called them. She said that it was a new start for us a good start. My new daddy already has kids. Two boys. They were both very nice and I can't wait to start school with them. I think it will be cool to have brothers I go to school with. Mommy said they would look out for me because we were family now. They are both older than me. Anakin is the oldest and the younger one is called Ace. I don't think he likes the name much.

  May 15th, 2004

  I met Mrs. Estrada's son Reek today along with Vincent. I really liked Vincent. I shared my chocolate chips with him and he said shit in front of me. It was so funny. We all sat and talked for a while eating chocolate chips and laughing. I hope he is there tomorrow.

  June 10th, 2004

  The guys are all leaving today. Some training camp thing I don't know when they will be back. Vincent told me they had to go away so they could be made into men. Whatever that means. Ace gets to go to college, though. Something for business I guess. So he can take over the family empire. I don't know why Vincent and Reek don't get to go to college.

  April 20, 2005

  Mom died today. I don't know what happened because father won't talk about it. I'm so lost. I wish Vincent and Reek were here. Mrs. Estrada has been there for me but I miss the boys.

  August 25th 2005

  Father told me today that I'm going to have to go to a private school in New York. He said it will be good for me and I can come home on the breaks. I'm going to miss Mrs. Estrada.

  December 15th, 2009

  I'm back on break and I finally saw Vincent after all these years. I missed him while he was gone. He wouldn't tell me where he was at all but I don't care because he is back. He seems different in a way and I think he noticed I'm different too. I think I caught him checking me out today. Maybe these huge boobs I have are a good thing.

  December 20th, 2009

  Things between Ace and Vincent have been weird. Every time they are in a room together they look like they want to rip each other's heads off. Vincent told me not to worry about it but I do. I remember Vincent telling me a story about Ace trying to drown him when they were only ten. It scares me because I know Ace always carries a knife. I'm afraid he might use it on Vincent if he gets mad enough. I think he has some serious anger issues.

  December 31, 2009

  I'm going to try and kiss Vincent tonight. It will be the perfect cover. If he rejects me I can say it was a New Years Eve kiss. I know he is much older but I know there is something between us. He will see it too.

  January 1st, 2010

  I kissed him! I can't believe I was brave enough to do it. The look on his face after I did it was priceless. I don't think he knew how to react. He just hopped up out of his truck walked away. But I don't care because when I kissed him he kissed me back. Going as far as to wrap me into his arms. I know I felt something hard pressing into my side. I have never once seen a penis let alone felt one. It was perfect. I can't wait to come back when school is out for the summer.

  "Miss Ellie? Are you in here?" Patrice's voice startles me from my reading.
Jumping up I find myself stuffing the journal under the leather cushion.

  "Yes, Patrice I'm in here," I say trying not to sound like she just caught me rifling through someone's personal thoughts.

  "Mr. Avil is on the phone for you." She tells me walking at a brisk pace to hand me the phone.

  "Hello?" I answer.

  "Baby girl. Ava wanted me to ask if you would accompany her for lunch today. She seems to not want to intrude on you and ask for herself." He chuckles. "Seems to think you would feel cornered." I don't know why the woman would think that. She has been scarce since I woke up. In fact, the only people I have seen since I came to is Patrice, Cynthia, her and now Rico. I haven't even met Avil's father.

  "Yes, I would love to." I lie. "Where can I find her? This house is so big I think I may need a map." I laugh causing him to laugh as well. Both sound forced and fake like we are putting on a show only for ourselves to see.

  "Just go to your room to get ready. She wants to leave at twelve said she will meet you in the foyer." He says then ends the call. I swear every time I talk to the man things get weirder and weirder. Handing the phone back to a lingering Patrice I walk out of the room only to be startled by Rico.

  "Have you been here the whole time?" I ask not even caring for the answer I just keep walking to my room to get ready. It's a little after eleven it shouldn't take me too long to get ready. I can sense Rico following me still silent all the way to my room but I pay him no mind. Walking in and shutting the door behind me. Is this really what Avil had in mind? Having this guy shadow my every move?

  Shaking my head I go to the en suite and take a quick shower just to wash my body from the earlier sexual encounter. When I'm out I go to the closet trying to decide what I should wear for a lunch with my mother in law. All I have are blue dresses of all kinds. Didn't I wear anything other than dresses? Or blue? I find myself disliking the color more and more every time I see it. Maybe I could do some shopping today since I will be out. Get something other than blue and some underwear is a must. How does he expect me to have a meal with his mother if I am wearing a dress with no panties? I decide on a long maxi dress, of course blue, and to my luck find a few different styles of bikinis one just right to wear as underwear. Yes definitely going to go to some stores today to find myself something other than blue dresses.

  Stepping out of my room I don't even look to see if Rico is still waiting and start my way downstairs to find Avil's mother when something occurs to me. "If I were to want to go shopping how would I pay for that?" I ask Rico who is a few steps behind me.

  "I have it covered Ells don't you worry. Boss left a card for you to use at your discretion." That nickname still sends a wave of familiarity through me but I ignore it.

  "I would like to do that then. After my lunch with Ava, that is." I say before turning and walking to the foyer to meet up with my mother in law.

  Five

  "So tell me a little bit about yourself dear. I have only gotten to know you through Avil's words. I'm sure there is so much more to Ellie." Ava says sipping on an Iced tea. We are at a ritzy restaurant. A place where the water even has a price on it. Probably to pay for the mandatory lemon placed on the side as a garnish. She has been talking almost non stop since we got here and I have learned so far that she actually isn't Avil's real mother. I kinda figured as much because she almost looks the same age as him. She is actually Avil's father's third wife apparently she has strong political connections that he needed. Like I said she is quite the chatterbox.

  "Well, there really isn't much to tell. My memory is spotty for the most part. I can remember bits and pieces of my life before I met Avil and nothing after. I guess I'm sort of a blank slate." I say trying to sound light about the situation.

  "I'm so sorry dear. Listen to me go on and on like you haven't just been through a horrible ordeal. Maybe it is a good thing you don't remember. Less hurt that way. Lord knows what those heathens did you." She goes on.

  "I don't feel like they did anything real bad." I start to say but she stops me.

  "Oh honey, you can't mean that." She pats my leg. "Them men who took you are bad people. You just remember that." She tells me in more of a stern voice rather than the motherly tone she has been speaking in for the whole lunch. "Now I'm done how about you?" she asks.

  "I'm done too. I was going to do some shopping afterward if you don't mind." I say hoping that I get a moment alone.

  "Oh, of course, dear. Avil said you could go and do some girly things. Unfortunately, I have a meeting to get to about the Charity ball next weekend."

  "Charity ball?" Avil never said anything about that.

  "Oh yes. Avil never told you?" I shake my head. "Well, I put it on every year. It's for disabled teens that suffer from sports injuries. You and Avil will be attending. I'm sure it just slipped his mind." She looks down at her watch. "Well, I do have to go. I had a car sent for me so no need to worry about transportation. Just make sure you don't go anywhere without Rico." She clasps my arm as I also stand to leave. "This is nonnegotiable dear. Do not go anywhere without the man. Promise me." She squeezes my arm a little tighter.

  "I won't I promise," I say trying not to sound alarmed and give her a reassuring smile. She returns my smile then pulls her hand away to brush down her pristine lavender pantsuit. It really is an interesting color choice, not something I would ever wear that's for sure. I watch her as she takes small clicking steps leaving me alone at the table. Just when I'm about to leave Rico comes from out of nowhere startling me.

  "Are you ready Ells?" I jerk my head to him.

  "Please stop calling me that," I snap then walk to the front door stepping outside to find our car sitting out front in the valet. Like always Rico is right behind me. The valet opens the back door of the four-door black town car. I think this family owns a whole fleet of the things.

  I see Rico round the front then get in turning back to look at me. "Where is it that you would like to go? Ellie." He puts emphasis on my name.

  "I don't really know the city all that well. I want to do some shopping. I need some clothes and things." He nods his head and starts the car putting it in gear.

  "I know just the place." We start moving and my gaze drifts out of the window looking at the people walking by going about their days. I wonder where they are going. What the are out on the street for, if they have problems that relate to mine.

  We drive for some time stopping at stoplights and slowing for traffic until we reach a large mall. I suppose a mall would be fine. I feel like I would be more of a second-hand store kind of person but living with Avil I'm sure wearing things like that he would look down upon.

  We go about the day in and out of the small stores in the mall using the card Rico said Avil left for me to use. I think I'm buying things just so Rico has to carry the bags. The more I get the more I want him to crack and tell me to hold them but he doesn't. I have gotten several pairs of jeans, leggings, tank tops, a couple more dresses that aren't blue, and a nice pair of black chucks. I have been restricted to one pair of sandals that go with all of my dresses. Now I'm in search for panties.

  "Rico. Can I please go into this store alone. I won't feel comfortable buying these types of things in front of you. I will be quick I promise." I give him a sweet smile and try to woo my way into the store alone. He looks to the store and back to me getting a slight smile on his beautiful lips then nods. I take that as my cue and go in sans bodyguard. I rummage around in the by one get one bins and grab handfuls of boy shorts and throw in some frilly lace ones. Then I go and get a few bras. With a big smile on my face, I throw in a couple scented body sprays and lotions then go to the checkout. When I'm done I have one large pink bag at my side and walk out to find Rico standing by the entrance without all of my bags.

  "Where did all of my things go?" I ask still holding my recent purchases not letting him have them.

  "Had someone take them to the car. Shit was getting heavy." He tells me. "Where to now?" he asks. I'm not
sure I think I'm done but for some reason, I don't want to go home yet. I look over and find a salon a few stores down. Maybe I will do something with my hair. I do have that bald spot that is trying it's hardest to grow back.

  "Salon," I say then walk in that direction only to get stopped by a man selling tee shirts with all types of sayings on them.

  "Hello, pretty lady. Could I interest you in a custom made tee shirt? Maybe something with your favorite saying? I also do purses." He says holding up a small bag. I look at the man and get a sudden wave of nausea that almost knocks me to the ground only to have Rico behind me steadying me.

  "Easy there, Ellie. You okay?" he asks me only getting a slight nod in return. My eyes are still trained on the salesman. He has a handsome face with a clean-shaven jaw and hair cut close to his head almost shaved off. For some reason, I'm getting an overwhelming urge to hug him maybe even cry on his shoulder. What the hell?

  "Yes, I'm fine." I finally look at Rico. Then back to the salesman. "No, I don't need anything," I tell him my gaze lingering a bit longer. He gives me a sweet smile and seems to not be too affected by some crazy girl staring at him.

  "Let's go then," Rico says then steers me to the salon. I only glance back one more time but when I do the man is gone replaced by someone new. Was he even really there? Or did my damaged brain try to place him with someone in my past? I try to push it away but thoughts of an old abandoned house flood my mind. The headache it brings on is enough to almost take me out.

  "I need to sit. Please, Rico." I say walking to some tables and chairs. He follows me aiding in my sitting down he pulls out a chair.

  "Are you okay Ellie? Should I take you home?" his concern is genuine.

  "No just give me a moment. These headaches go away after a bit."