Obsession: The Hollow Universe Read online

  Hyde was taking me out alone?

  Pressing the button in the elevator, he smiled at me. “The wonderful thing about a city the size of New York is that you’re both exposed and hidden at the same time.” I nodded. “What would you like to see first?”

  “I…can we walk?”

  “If that’s what you want.”

  “I-I was never allowed to walk.”

  “Then let’s tear up some miles.”

  He winked and I felt like I might swallow my tongue. It was stuck to the roof of my mouth.

  In the lobby, Carlo smiled. “Do you need anything, Miss Fields?”

  Resting my hands on his elevated counter, I grinned. “When Hudson hired you, I wasn’t allowed to go out without a dozen people in tow. I followed you around the building, talking up a storm. You were so patient. You need to call me Ellie.”

  “I remember our many conversations fondly.” I heard the sincerity in his voice.

  “Today, I’m going to explore the city for the first time.”

  Grinning, he replied, “You’re going to love it, Ellie.”

  “I’m so excited, I can hardly stand it.”

  Turning, I slid my left hand through Hyde’s arm without thinking. It was something I only did in social situations.

  Blushing, I looked up and stammered, “I’m sorry, I…”

  He removed my hand and took up a position on my other side. Lifting my right hand, he returned it to the crook of his arm.

  His smile was warm. “I need this arm free.”

  I blinked. “Gun hand. R-right.”

  I pretended it was something we did all the time and we walked to the exit together. Like a couple.

  The doorman smiled at me and I think I smiled back.

  Then I was walking down the bustling streets of New York City on the arm of the first and only man to ever make my heart race.

  It was magnificent.

  * * *

  We wandered the shops, bought coffee, and I soaked up the fact that we were alone, free in a way that was never possible, in a city of millions.

  My happiness was almost overwhelming.

  Hyde was fully capable of keeping me safe without the rest of my team. I never doubted it for a moment, then or now.

  It was that he trusted me to react correctly if things went wrong. He believed in my ability to help him help me.

  His trust, on my first day exploring a city I’d always loved from a distance, made me want him even more.

  I worked up the courage to ask him questions about past assignments and he answered them honestly, even when the answers weren’t pretty.

  “Your life before…it was very different. I, this job, must be boring in comparison,” I told him.

  Hyde was quiet for a few seconds. Then, he said, “A few weeks before we were contacted about guarding you, we had a mission that went wrong.”

  “How bad?”

  “As bad as it could go.”

  “Someone betrayed you?”

  His eyes landed on my face. “How did you know?”

  “All of you work as a single unit. Coordinated, flawless. If something happened, it was probably a new person you didn’t normally have with you.”

  “You’re right.” He pressed his other hand over mine where it rested on his arm. “There were several women abducted from a small village. Our job was to get them back. Intel from a person we trusted made it seem fairly simple.”

  He went quiet and I murmured, “You don’t have to talk about it, Hyde.”

  “No. I need to tell you.” At the alcove of a closed diner, he stopped and gently maneuvered me inside, shielding me from the street. “The intel was a trap to get us to the location. The women were dead before we ever left our base. During the ambush, we lost a long-time member of our team. Fiaaz and Si were badly injured.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

  “It took weeks to clean up the mess and for Si to be stable enough to travel.” He met my eyes and smiled. “We’d been back three days when we got the call about you.”

  He glanced over my head, using the glass door behind me to surveil the street. Then he locked gazes with me again.

  “The first week we evaluated your team, we waited for you to show evidence of being spoiled, selfish, even cruel.” He shook his head. “Instead, you were studious, generous, and kind.”

  I swallowed around the lump in my throat.

  “For too long, we raced from one horrific scene to another. We were tired to our bones, cynical. You’re the best decision I ever made, Ellie. Guarding you isn’t boring. You remind me daily that there’s more than death, pain, and suffering in the world. There’s hope.”

  “Thank you, Hyde.”

  “You’re welcome.” He picked up my hand and held it between both of his. “What would you like to do now, Ellie?”

  Balancing my emotions, I said, “I thought maybe we could go to the top of the Empire State Building. I’ve always wanted to see the city from there.”

  “We can do that but I meant now that school is over. You worked hard for years. What are your plans?”

  “Oh. Well, I’ll work for the company. It’s what I’ve trained to do since I was a girl.”

  He said gently, “I didn’t ask what you were trained to do. I asked what you’d like to do.”

  The question shook my foundation. Before I could censor my answer, I murmured, “Write my books. Maybe…travel a little bit. I have a bucket list.”

  “A bucket list?”

  “A list of places I’d love to visit before I die.”

  He stilled. “Why would you think about death at such an early age, Ellie?”

  “I guess…” I sighed. “There’s always been protection around me. A lot of it. I understand why, of course. I don’t resent it. I don’t wish you – my team – away.”

  I swallowed carefully. “It’s a constant reminder that I could die. My life feels precarious sometimes.”

  “When did you make your list?” His voice was quiet.

  There was no way I could look him in the eye. “When I overheard my parents discussing my entry on an international sex trafficking site. I realized their money doesn’t insulate me. It makes me a more desirable target.” I shrugged. “They don’t know I know about it.”

  “That’s why you decided to go out of state for college.”

  “They live in non-stop fear for me. Since the day I was born. My natural reserve makes them think I’m weak. They love me, they respect me, but they don’t think I’m strong. I needed to show them I could be or the fear would eventually kill them.”

  Hyde nodded, his eyes bright as they focused on me. “Then the trouble at your school.”

  “Yes.” I smiled carefully. “My team is better now.”

  He returned my hand to his arm and we walked in the direction of one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet.

  “Padme mentioned you write but refuses to share details. She won’t tell us your pen name.” He laughed. “We’ve all tried to coax it from her.”

  My blush was positively sweltering. “They’re silly fiction. They let me live a different life.”

  “What sort of life?”

  I snorted. “That was good but not good enough. I’m not giving up the genre.”

  “Fair enough. Pretzel?”

  “Oh, yes!”

  After an hour of distractions, we made it to the Empire State Building but the viewing deck was already closed.

  “We’ll come back tomorrow,” he told me.

  “Really?”

  “You have to see the view. It’s incredible.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Good. You still have to try the pizza here.”

  “Alright. Have you been here often?”

  “I kept an apartment nearby for a long time.”

  “Tell me about a day you spent here before I met you.”

  And Hyde did.

  Chapter Ten

  Later, I laughed
at dinner until I could barely breathe.

  Natalia and Hudson were two of my favorite people in the world and more like honorary aunt and uncle than friends.

  It felt odd to have Hyde standing several feet away while I sat. A few times, I glanced over my shoulder to make sure he was still there.

  The habit didn’t escape Natalia’s notice.

  Her blue-black hair swayed forward and highlighted her dramatic blue eyes. In a whisper that didn’t carry, she asked, “Darling, anything to share?”

  “I-I…what?”

  “I love that you have zero ability to deceive. Tell me about the man.” My eyes went wide. “Between us. Always.”

  “I can’t…I don’t…uh.”

  Tilting her head, she stared at me for a long moment. “Elliana, we must find time to chat privately. Perhaps you have questions.”

  I gave an almost imperceptible nod. “I’d like that.”

  “Ellie!” My mother was such a giddy drunk. “Tell Hudson about the admirer who scaled the penthouse like a toad.”

  “Suction cups. He climbed using suction cups. The team placed bets on whether he’d make it. They watched him the entire way. I found his exhibition…odd.”

  Padme rolled her eyes. “He was from an old family on the West Coast. Caught sight of our Ellie at a function and swore it was love at first sight.” She lifted her glass and winked at me. “She handled him perfectly.”

  “I was under the stress of finals. I didn’t have time for such a ridiculous demonstration.”

  Mom giggled. “Honey, you make time for suitors.”

  “No, thank you. Padme pulled his background by the time he fell over the railing onto the balcony. His family lost most of their holdings in the crash.” I sat back and sipped my wine. “It was my dowry of forty goats he desired. Not me.”

  “You sell yourself short, Elliana,” Dad said.

  “Not at all. If a single cell in my body had reacted to the unfortunate thing, perhaps I’d have invited him to stay for dinner. I wasn’t interested and I refuse to fake it in my own home.”

  “Well said, darling,” Natalia told me. “Never fake it. Therein lies madness.”

  Hudson said nothing but watched me closely from Natalia’s other side.

  Suddenly, she sat back and asked my mother, “Shall we introduce Elliana to Trois or preserve her innocence a bit longer?”

  My sweet, inebriated mom clapped. “Dancing would be just the thing! Samuel, you can spin me around the room.”

  I frowned. “What’s Trois?”

  Padme nudged me. “Heaven for women. Completely risqué but classy, beautiful, and fun.”

  “Please tell me it isn’t a strip club. I don’t need a male stripper spinning his junk in my face to enjoy my evening.”

  Behind me, Hyde couldn’t completely hide his laugh. Around the table, no one else even tried.

  When my assistant could speak, she explained. “Nothing like that. Natalia owns the place and it’s divine.”

  My mom added, “People in the public eye can be themselves. It’s the ultimate in exclusivity and privacy.”

  “A club where no one knows me?” Natalia nodded with a smile I couldn’t interpret. “Why Trois? Three…I don’t get it.”

  “You will, Elliana. You will.”

  An hour later, we entered the elegantly restored mansion Hudson deeded to his best friend for her members-only establishment.

  Drinks were ordered and Hyde took up a position behind the small sofa I chose. I was immediately enthralled by the people and the atmosphere.

  Natalia sat in the chair beside me. “Many of the men and women you see here at Trois practice a ménage lifestyle.”

  “What’s ménage?” She quietly explained and I observed the gathering with a fresh perspective. Meeting her eyes, I asked quietly, “Like Harper and Elijah or the Bradshaw twins?”

  She nodded. “All of whom are members.” My eyes were as big as saucers. “This place and a few others like it around the world provide a sanctuary for those who live…outside the norm.”

  “You guarantee their privacy.”

  “My precautions are intense. Hudson designed the protocols and a friend helped me implement them.” She smiled. “It’s not only for those in the lifestyle. It offers a haven for people like Hudson, your parents, and you.”

  “I could join?”

  “Oh yes, darling. It’s why I wanted you to see the place. Here, you can be yourself out of the public eye.”

  After several minutes of watching me, she asked, “It doesn’t bother you?” Electric blue eyes waited for me when I dragged my attention from the dance floor. “The thought of ménage?”

  “I…no. I didn’t, I mean, I know people who live as three rather than two.” I thought for a moment. “Actually, I know more than I realized. How strange.”

  “Perhaps you gravitate to them without thought.”

  “Pure chance but…interesting.” I laughed nervously. “I imagine the participants must have powerful personalities.”

  Sitting back, Natalia sipped her glass of wine. “What makes you think so?”

  Two men danced a laughing brunette back and forth between them. I recognized the men from the charity circuit, known for their beauty as well as their generosity.

  “The woman would have to be interesting, confident. Have a keen understanding of her own value.” I met Natalia’s gaze. “Otherwise, she’d be overwhelmed by the characteristics of two strong men. Even one man can present a challenge for some women.”

  “Observant and intuitive.” She gestured around the club. “Most of the women here have a unique quality that draws men interested in or addicted to the lifestyle. It isn’t age, experience, or wealth that makes those women desirable, Elliana.”

  “What is it?”

  “Power. Some wield it with delicacy and others with an iron fist but make no mistake, it’s the woman in control.” She sat forward and added, “Even when the men are stronger or dominant, even if she accepts a submissive role, she remains in control. It’s the true nature of womanhood.”

  I frowned. “I’m not very powerful.”

  “You have more than most women of my acquaintance, darling. Far more than you realize.” She winked a brilliant blue eye. “I can’t wait for you to discover it.”

  My mother dropped to the seat beside me. “Ellie, you need to dance. You love to dance.”

  “I’m happy people watching,” I answered.

  “Nonsense! You’re young, beautiful, and accomplished.” Over her shoulder, she gestured drunkenly. “Hyde, she trusts you implicitly. Dance with Ellie so she doesn’t have to dance with her father.”

  Shockingly embarrassed, I hissed, “Mother, I swear to god…”

  “I can imagine nothing I’d rather do.” Hyde stood beside me with his hand extended. “Ellie.”

  Numbly, I placed my hand in his and he helped me to my feet. He led me out on the dimly lit hardwood and took me in his arms as the first strains of Endless Love drifted around the room. I was grateful for the low lights since my face was flaming.

  He pulled me close and murmured, “Breathe, Ellie. Trust me.”

  “Always,” I answered honestly. As he started to move, I couldn’t hide my surprise. “I didn’t know you could dance, Hyde.” His chuckle made my hand tighten on his.

  “If it’s a task that involves the human body, I make it my mission to excel at it.” Realizing how it sounded, his eyes landed on mine. “Jesus…”

  I laughed so hard, I felt dizzy. “I know what you mean.”

  “You’re the same. Things come easily to you.”

  “Except relating to people my age, all musical instruments, and flower arranging…to Mom’s bitter disappointment.”

  “Overrated skills. Young people are typically self-absorbed and annoying. You’re the exception. Musical talent is a dime a dozen. Flower arranging can be done by florists who live for the task.”

  He winked. “You know several martial art forms, ride a h
orse like the goddess Diana, and have outstanding aim.”

  “Th-thanks.”

  As we moved around the room, I found myself closer to Hyde’s body and didn’t know if I’d done it unconsciously.

  “Am I…too close?”

  “No.” It was all he said but he tightened his hold at my back.

  The song ended and I thought he’d lead me back to the seating area but he didn’t.

  Kiss Me started playing and I wanted to whimper in need. It was one of my favorite songs and it always made me think of Hyde and everything he represented in my life.

  Safety. Respect. Desire. Love.

  “Hyde,” I whispered.

  “Yes, Ellie?” His face was pressed to my hair and I never wanted him to let me go.

  “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “Th-the way you are with me.” I was a soft-spoken person by nature but with Hyde, it was legitimate shyness. “Helping me see the world in ways I never could before and understanding that being me can be confusing sometimes.”

  “The person you are is spectacular, Elliana. There’s nothing I’d change about you as an employer, a friend, a woman.”

  It was the most beautiful thing anyone had ever said to me and that it came from him moved me beyond my ability to hide it. Tears instantly formed in my eyes and I was embarrassed.

  I started to pull away but he held me close. “Your gentle nature is one of the most magnificent things about you. Stay, Ellie.”

  Releasing my hand, he stroked his fingers over my hair. I rested my face on his chest and held his waist.

  I simultaneously felt absolute safety and utter confusion.

  By the time the song faded away, I could breathe and didn’t feel as though I was on the verge of an emotional scene.

  Hyde bowed over my hand, kissed the back, and led me back to my seat beside Natalia. Her smile of greeting was slow.

  “Lunch together before you leave, darling.”

  “Yes.” I inhaled carefully. “I think that would be good.”

  * * *

  We stayed in New York for ten days and I saw every landmark I could fit in. Some days my parents or Padme joined us but mostly, it was Hyde and me.

  I had my conversation with Natalia the day before we left and I started forming a plan in my mind.