Chapter 21
[Addison]
When I looked up at my savior, I couldn’t believe it- it was Hunter!
As if I had conjured him from my dreams, Hunter Grant appeared like a vision, too wonderful to be real, his strong arms holding
me close to his chest. His touch is gentle and strong as he adjusts his grip being careful to avoid my bruises and swollen ankle as
he looks me over from head to foot. Finally I settle in, my cheek against his warm wool suit, his natural, masculine scent blended
with soap and a faint cologne calming me as I let myself relax in his arms.
“I have you now,” my rescuer promises, cradling me like something precious. “You’re safe with me.”
And I do feel safe, safer than I have in a very long time. Possibly safer than I’ve ever felt.
Hunter looks over his shoulder to glare at my husband, who sputters curses as he stands on the front porch shaking his fist in
anger, sweat rolling down his angry red face. Seeing him there with his blonde hair askew, I find myself wondering where the
dashing, attractive man I had married disappeared to. This Michael is a completely different man, one prone to irrational rages
and a need for absolute control.
Maybe that’s who he’s always been, I was just too blind to see it. Now the blinders are gone, and the world is crisp and new within
the safety of Mr. Grant’s embrace.
“Careful now,” Hunter lowers me into the back seat as my husband continues to rage outside. The cool, smooth feel of the fine
leather seats beneath my fingertips and the heavy metal frame of the vehicle mutes Michaels threats into almost whispers.
Exhaling, I let out all the worry and tension of the last few days. “Thank you,” I sigh. And I mean it, all the way down to my bones.
I’ve never been so grateful to anyone before.
Even though just a moment ago Hunter’s face had been twisted in rage as he stared at my soon–to–be ex–husband, when he turns
towards me again, his expression is completely transformed. With a tender smile and gentle gaze, his deep blue eyes swirl with worry and some other deep emotion I cannot understand.
“You don’t need to thank me,” his words are soft and brief as he rests his hands on the window and hands me a blanket tucked
underneath the front seat. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.”
With swift but cautious movements, Hunter closes the door, rounds the car, and hops into the driver’s seat. “Hold on,” he
cautions right before his foot hits the accelerator and my home of the last 6 years fades behind me. As I gaze out the tinted
windows, Michael chases the car, standing until he gives up, panting.
I’m free.
As we turn off towards the main street leading to the highway, the car is quiet, the sound of the road almost impreceivable. Hunter reaches forward and turns on a radio and smooth classical jazz plays softly, the trilling trumpets and sultry saxophones filling the silence that stretches between us.
1/3
Chapter 21
+25 Bonus
Once the car is zooming towards city center, I tell Hunter where he can take me. “My friend Tracy lives close to the hospital. She’s
a nurse,” I mention, explaining my reasoning. “She won’t mind if I stop by.”
“I’d rather take you to my place,” he announces briskly, as if it is a decided thing and not something to question. “I’d be more at
ease knowing you are safe behind secure walls.”
He has a point, but I’m not sure I’m ready to enter his household. I don’t want to rely on him or anyone. I need to learn to stand
on my own two feet.
“I…I don’t know you very well yet, Mr. Grant.,” I explain as I consider my options. “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.”
“Do you know when her work schedule? When her shift starts and when it ends?” he wonders aloud. When I admit that I don’t,
that seems to settle it in his mind. “See, you should just come with me, rest for a moment. You can stay as long as you need until
you get back on your feet.”
“I don’t need you to do that,” I explain, telling him that I have more than enough money saved from working at the law firm.
“Also my family left me money. I should still have plenty to start a new life. You could drop me off at a hotel and I can wait there
until Tracy can come get me.”
“Are any of your cards just in your name, or are all of your accounts joint,” he raises his eyebrow.
When I don’t respond, he nods his head. “That’s what I thought. What will you do if Michael Stone shows up? Or the people who
kidnapped you? I think you should come home with me, at least for now. You can call you friend from there if you feel
uncomfortable. It wouldn’t be a problem.
“1
His offer is reasonable. Rest at his house, contact my friend, leave when I’m ready. Why am I fighting this so hard?
“Okay,” I relent, sighing. “But I’m only staying until Tracy gets there and can take me back to her place.”
“Understood,” Hunter responds and we both grow silent as the car makes another turn, heading uptown towards the antique
manors and fine residences from an era long gone. I’ve only been to this part of town a couple of times when visiting upscale
clients.
I already knew Hunter Grant is rich. I just didn’t realize he is old money filthy rich. 1
The car stops outside of a cast iron fence. A man in a crisp uniform rushes out to open Hunter’s door. “Sir,” he bows deeply.
“Welcome home.”
Trying not to gape openly, I allow another one of his servants to help me out of the back of the car. Opening and closing my mouth several times, I feel my eyes widen as I look at the marble columns and antique brick walls covered in ivy on a large manor house on enough land that he has a real front garden, complete with fountains.
How does one family become wealthy enough to own so much property in New York City?
“You know,” his voice lifts as he comes to stand by my side, “If you wanted a way to get back on your feet quickly,, I know a job that pays 500K per year…”
