Vaughn's Awakening [The Black Dahlia Hotel 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Read online

  Jamie looked disgusted. “You’ll also be outing yourself. You’ll be done in Savannah, not to mention the whole State of Georgia, and the South. I’ll see to it. How do you think your law firm, the bar association, not to mention your church, will feel about this whole thing if it comes out? It might also impact your custody arrangements—false imprisonment, bodily harm, attempted sexual assault. Don’t even think you have the resources to take me on because you don’t, and I’d have absolutely no compunction about destroying you.” The dark look on Jamie’s face testified to the absolute truth of his words. Paul could see that Jamie Devereau would be a very dangerous adversary as well as a powerful friend.

  Jack Brown said, “I’m an attorney, too. You know very well that the defense to those claims is the truth. We have video surveillance of you putting on your mask before you entered the room. We have the text message telling Vaughn to come to the theme room. We have pictures of Vaughn’s injuries and the doctor’s report. I wouldn’t go there if I were you. That path leads directly to prison without passing ‘go.’”

  Now Paul stepped up. “Personally, I’d like to do to you what you did to Vaughn, only triple, but I’ll settle for this.” He turned to Dane. “Uncuff him.” He couldn’t help himself. He was losing control of his emotions, and that was dangerous. “I won’t beat a restrained man.” Then Dane unclipped the cuffs from the chair arms, and Paul stepped forward. He threw a powerful punch, this time connecting with Wade’s nose. He thought he might have broken it. Blood began to gush and run down over Wade’s mouth and chin. He followed up with another punch to Wade’s jaw and then two more to his mid-section.

  Jamie and Jack, who had stood back and let him have his retribution, now stepped forward and grabbed his arms. Jack said, “That’s enough. We’ll talk to Vaughn and see if she wants to press charges. She may not want to put herself through the procedure and the indignities of the system. It’s entirely up to her. We will stand behind her decision no matter what it is.”

  Dane clipped the handcuffs to the chair again. Paul turned away and left Wade slumped in the chair. The bastard wasn’t worth his time. He needed to be with Vaughn. He walked out of the room and down the hall to Dane’s office. He found her curled up on Dane’s couch. She was asleep, but he could still see the worry lines on her face. She wasn’t relaxed. He knelt down in front of the couch and gently brushed her hair off her face before he kissed both of her cheeks. Her eyes opened slowly, but she seemed slightly out of it. The doctor had told them he’d given her a light sedative. “I’m so sorry, Vaughn. I should have been more careful of you. I’ll make it up to you, baby. I promise.”

  “It wasn’t your fault. I brought this trouble with me. Now I just want to go home.”

  Paul turned to Dane. “Could you send someone to find Alexa and Cyndy? I think she’ll feel more relaxed if they are with her.” Dane turned to the security man, who nodded that he’d take care of finding the two girls.

  Jamie Devereau stepped into the room. “Vaughn? Are you awake enough to talk to us?” He waited for her answering nod before he continued. “Do you want to press charges against Wade for assault? Did you know it wasn’t Paul in the room with you?”

  “No, I didn’t know it wasn’t Paul at first. I was wearing a blackout mask and couldn’t see. He whispered to me in a really low voice. Then I realized that he didn’t feel or smell like Paul. It was really scary, and I was afraid. It’s my fault. I should never have gone in there. I shouldn’t be here in the first place.”

  Jack Brown said, “He had no right to do what he did. You had not given consent because you thought you were with your Dom, a man you trusted not to hurt you. Do you think you want to press charges? We can call my wife or Chloe Carlton from BSO to take your statement if you like.”

  She looked uncertain. “Right now I’m protected by the confidentiality agreements, right? If I press charges this all could become public. I could lose my job under the morals clause in my contract with the school. No, I don’t think legal retribution against Wade is worth all I could lose. I don’t want to press charges. I just want to go home—as soon as possible.”

  Jamie reached down and took her hand. “Vaughn, this is not your fault or the fault of the lifestyle. It’s the fault of one flawed, selfish individual with no moral compass. If you want to go home, I’ll make my Gulfstream and pilot available to fly you and your friends home as soon as you’re ready. There will be no hotel charges for any of you. Of course, you can stay here as long as you like, but I don’t want you to feel like you have no options. Jack and I are leaving for a cruise this afternoon, but Dane has carte blanche to make any arrangements you want.”

  “Thank you. I’ll talk to Cyndy and Alexa, and we’ll let Dane know what we decide.”

  * * * *

  Vaughn wanted to get to the safety of their suite as soon as possible. Paul had taken her upstairs, and at the door she had told him she wanted to be alone. That wasn’t entirely true. Vaughn wanted to be in his arms in the worst way, but she didn’t trust herself right now. She didn’t know what would tumble out of her mouth since she was still medicated. He had looked disappointed, and that had wrung her heart. Mostly, she wanted Cyndy and Alexa. She was lying on the couch in the living room of the suite when they rushed in and knelt down in front of the sofa.

  “Vaughn, what happened to you?”

  When she had related all that she remembered, they were horrified. Alexa said, “If you want to leave, honey, we can pack up and go home right now. Don’t feel like you are ruining our vacation. That’s not an issue.”

  Cyndy said, “I can call for plane reservations right now.”

  “That’s not necessary. Jamie Devereau said we could have the use of his jet to fly home. Dane can make the arrangements.”

  “What do you want to do?” Alexa had a horrified look on her face.

  “I want to go home. I just want to go home.”

  “I’ll call Dane and ask him to make the arrangements, then. Cyndy and I will pack up our stuff. You just rest. Can I get you some tea or something?”

  “Thanks, guys. I just want to sleep.”

  * * * *

  Paul had given Jack, Jamie, and Dane the background of the cheating incident at Vaughn’s school and told them that he hadn’t liked the way Wade seemed to be watching Vaughn. Wade hadn’t done or said anything or made any outright threats, but he gave off a bad vibe.

  “I didn’t feel right about him either,” Dane said. “That’s why I put a watch on him with security. Unfortunately, that didn’t solve the problem.”

  “Not true, Dane. It could have been so much worse if your guy hadn’t intervened. I shudder to think what he could have done to her if he’d been uninterrupted for a couple of hours like he obviously planned.” Paul again stepped up to the chair where Wade was restrained. He still had blood on his face. “Listen, scumbag. It would be to your advantage to never contact Vaughn Rawlston again. If you see her on the sidewalk, cross the street. I’ll be watching.” He punctuated his words with a shove to Wade’s chest. “I think you would be wise to remove your daughters from her school. I’m going to advise Vaughn to get a restraining order against you when she gets home. Understand?”

  “You can’t force me to do any of those things.” One of Wade’s eyes was closed and bruises were beginning to form on his face.

  “You’re right. But I think your continued health and your reputation in Savannah would benefit if you did.”

  “You can’t threaten me.”

  “I wouldn’t think of it. But I can be very persuasive.” He lowered his brows and put on his most intimidating expression. “Take me very seriously, Wade. I take care of what is mine. And Vaughn is mine.”

  Now Wade was beginning to look scared and like he wanted to backpedal. “Maybe I could make a monetary settlement and an apology. I don’t want to have any further problems.”

  “That would be up to Vaughn as to whether she would accept either. Just know that I will be your worst
nightmare if Vaughn has even another moment’s trouble from you.”

  * * * *

  Alexa called Dane and asked him to make arrangements for their flight home. He immediately agreed.

  “How is she?”

  “Very upset. I hate to think how she’ll feel when the sedative wears off. Right now she’s kind of in a haze.”

  “Paul is on the way up to talk to her. I’ll make arrangements for the jet to be fueled and waiting at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. I’ll have a car and driver on standby to take you all to the airport as well.”

  “Thanks, Dane. I’m sorry about our aborted plans for this afternoon, but Vaughn comes first. Maybe another time.”

  “Of course. No problem, subbie. Maybe another time.”

  * * * *

  Paul knocked on the door to Vaughn’s suite. Alexa opened the door. “Hey, Paul. How are you holding up? I bet you’re almost as upset as Vaughn is.”

  “I think I might be more upset. How is she?”

  “She’s sleeping, but you can go into her room. We packed her things first and are working on ours right now. We’re taking Jamie Devereau up on his offer of a lift back to Savannah. We’ll be leaving in a couple of hours. Dane has to find Jamie’s pilot and have him get the jet refueled and ready and file a flight plan.”

  “You’re leaving so soon?”

  “Vaughn wants to get home and put this behind her. I’m praying there won’t be any physical scars on her back or in her mind from this experience. It was supposed to be fun—just fun and sexy games—not life-threatening. I don’t know how any of us are going to feel about Le Club after this. We all have a lot to think about.”

  “It’s not the fault of the club or the lifestyle—just one twisted individual. I’ll go in and see her.”

  Paul opened the door to Vaughn’s room quietly. He came down beside her on the bed and gently took her into his arms. He nestled her up against his chest and kissed her hair. This woman was precious to him. He wasn’t sure it was love for a lifetime, but it certainly was love. He wanted the opportunity to explore all the possibilities with her. He hoped this incident wasn’t going to ruin any chance of that.

  He smiled when she slowly opened her eyes and realized he was holding her. “Hey, babe. How are you feeling? Are you in pain? We can call the doctor back if you need him.”

  “I’m okay. It hurts, but it’s better. Good drugs.”

  “Oh, Vaughn. I’m so sorry I didn’t protect you better. I’m the Dom. Your care and safety were my responsibility.”

  “Paul, this is not your fault, and I am my own responsibility. Something similar could have happened in Savannah. When I wouldn’t agree to withdraw the cheating allegations against his daughters I think it just blossomed from there.”

  “Still, I knew there was something off about him.”

  “I did, too. But he hadn’t made any direct threats or done anything actionable until he got me into the theme room. He must have overheard us talking at breakfast and just took the opportunity when it presented itself. It was the whim of chance. It could have happened or not happened here or somewhere else. He tried to get me to have a drink with him in his suite yesterday, but I declined. It’s no one’s fault but his.”

  “I think he has one of those obsessive personalities, a definite delusion of entitlement, and predatory tendencies. Are his daughters like that?”

  Vaughn laughed. “Oh, definitely. Very entitled. And maybe a little predatory.” She frowned. “Paul, I’m going back to Savannah today. Alexa, Cyndy, and I are flying out on Jamie Devereau’s jet.”

  “I know. Can I come with you? I really don’t want to let you out of my sight after what happened.”

  “Well, I think I need to reevaluate this situation, the BDSM, everything. I don’t blame you or anyone except Jeremiah Wade, but I need time to heal and to think this through. I don’t know if BDSM or D/s is for me. I don’t know if I can trust someone—even you—enough to do any of that again.”

  “I’m not going to pressure you about any of this now. It’s too soon, you’re under the influence of sedatives and pain medications, and are justifiably upset. I just want you to know I will be here for you—whether we participate at the club or not. I’m not giving up on us. Can I ride with you to the airport to say good-bye?”

  “Of course. I really don’t hold you responsible. I just need time to think about everything.”

  “I can give you time. We have lots of that. Just be aware that I am not giving up.” He kissed her lightly on both cheeks before he gently took her mouth.

  * * * *

  Vaughn and the girls looked around the cabin of the Devereau G450 Gulfstream twin-engine jet in amazement. They were currently cruising at an altitude of 40,000 feet and a speed of 450 knots back toward Savannah. They were accompanied by a pilot, co-pilot, and one cabin attendant. The attendant had shown them the conference room and bedroom before they took their seats and belted into the generous seating area.

  “Wow. This thing is enormous. Kick back and enjoy. We’ll probably never get another chance to travel like this in this lifetime.” Alexa was trying to be nonchalant, but Vaughn could see she was impressed. Well, who wouldn’t be impressed?

  The pain meds were starting to wear off, and Vaughn was definitely uncomfortable. She would live, though. She had been lucky it hadn’t been worse. Jeremiah Wade could have injured or scarred her for life. The doctor had said he didn’t expect her to scar, but different types of skin reacted to trauma in different ways. She didn’t think she was prone to keloid scars, however, so she probably would heal clean. She was more worried about the scars in her mind. She had been so frightened, and it had hurt so much. Saying good-bye to Paul at the airport had also been difficult because she thought it might be the last time. She had really become attached to him during their time together and had thought something important could have developed there. She wasn’t sure she wanted to see him again. He had kissed her soft and sweet on the tarmac before he had pulled her tightly into his arms and the kiss had become serious. And then he’d dropped his arms as though he was afraid he was hurting her.

  Cyndy said, “So, it looked like Paul really didn’t want you to get aboard without him. How do you feel about that?”

  “I just don’t think I can trust him—or for that matter anyone—like I did before. Intellectually, I know what happened wasn’t his fault any more than it was my fault. I’m not sure if I can do the BDSM thing anymore. It was supposed to be fun and sexy, and it was. Obviously it’s an important part of Paul’s life. I don’t know if I can suck it up and participate in that again.”

  Alexa said, “Give yourself time to heal—physically and emotionally. You don’t have to make a decision about anything now. Don’t be too quick to write Paul off. I don’t think he’ll give up easily.” She laughed. “He is one sexy son of a gun though.”

  “That he is.”

  “Just don’t let what happened control you or else Jeremiah Wade wins. You don’t want that, do you?”

  “No, I don’t want that.”

  Chapter Ten

  The Headmaster’s Office of the Savannah Preparatory Academy, Savannah, Georgia, Thursday morning, January 14, 2016

  “Well, Ms. Rawlston, Ella and Emma Wade have been withdrawn as students. They are transferring to St. Mary’s School for Girls, which I think is a really good thing—for them and for us.” Mr. Bishop, the headmaster of Savannah Prep, did not look at all disappointed to have lost two students. Vaughn couldn’t say that she was disappointed either. Not having to confront Jeremiah Wade over his daughters again was one of the few pluses in this unpleasant situation. Her back was healing nicely, but right now it itched like blazes. It was maddening.

  “I agree, sir. I think that is for the best. They can get a clean start there, and hopefully the Sisters of Mercy will be better able to handle their…personalities.”

  “Oh, by the way, Mr. Wade left an envelope for you. He said he didn’t have your home address.�
�� Mr. Bishop looked curious as he handed over the envelope. She really didn’t want to open it in front of him.

  “Thank you, sir. I have to get to my class.” She laughed nervously. “Pop quiz today.”

  When she left the headmaster’s office, Vaughn ducked into the first girls’ rest room she came to on the way back to her classroom and science lab. She slipped into one of the stalls and sat down on the toilet. Yikes. What the heck could this be? She was afraid to open the envelope. It felt as though the sickness of Wade’s personality vibrated off the paper. Now that was fanciful thinking and did not conform to the scientific method. She stared at it for a few moments and then she carefully slit the flap and pulled out a sheet of white legal letterhead with the name Mercer Wade emblazoned across the top. A check for ten thousand dollars written on Jeremiah Wade’s personal account fell onto her lap. She began to read:

  Dear Ms. Rawlston: Enclosed please find a check as compensation for any inconvenience you may have suffered as a result of our recent interaction. Please don’t be stubborn and refuse the enclosed offering. I apologize for my part in the matter and hope you will attribute it to overzealous parental concern. The girls are changing schools, and hopefully we can all get a fresh start. Sincerely, Jeremiah Wade

  Huh. It says a lot without actually saying anything. No surprise there. He is a lawyer after all. What the heck was she going to do with his ten thousand dollars? She put the letter and check back into the envelope and put it into her briefcase. She would have to think about what to do about this. She had to hustle back to her classroom.

  It had been just over two weeks since she and the girls had come back from Florida. She hadn’t seen or talked to Paul Proffit. So much for wanting to “be there for her.” Well, that wasn’t exactly fair. She had definitely told him that she would call him when she was ready to talk and not to call her. The problem was, she didn’t know if she was ready or not. Did he have to take her at her word? She missed him like the devil. Coffee with the girls as soon as possible was in order.