Step Darkly Read online

  Adam was my mentor. Even after the divorce, he still took me under his wing and helped me learn everything I needed to know. He offered the same to Emilia but she shunned him.

  Instead she punished him by moving to the opposite side of the country. She was all too happy to take his money and she gave nothing back to him.

  Her whole life, she’s been nothing but a spoiled brat. Adam was too kind to her and it is going to stop now.

  Now, she’s stepping into the world I control.

  She doesn’t realize it yet, but when she left Adam, she also left unfinished business with me behind and I’ve waited patiently to see her again.

  As my office door slowly opens a second time, I feel a surge of satisfaction build in my chest.

  She’s never treated me as family and that is just fine by me. She’s been running a tab with me since the day I first laid eyes on her during our school assembly and it’s time to pay up.

  Now it’s too late for her because I know something she doesn’t and I can’t wait to put her where she belongs.

  4

  Emilia

  “GET OUT OF HIS CHAIR!” My words burst out of me before I can control myself and I take a brief satisfaction in watching Joshua’s face fall at my tone as everyone around my father’s desk jolts in their seats.

  No one speaks to Joshua Darkly like this, and the look on his face confirms it.

  How could I ever expect he would give my father the respect he deserves? He hasn’t been buried yet and Joshua is already sitting at his desk, in his chair.

  “Ms. Connor. So good of you to join us. Fifteen minutes late as usual.” The men seated around the desk stand as Joshua tries to keep his voice steady, but a quick glance to his clenched fists tells me I’ve already begun to provoke him.

  Good. I’m just getting started.

  “What are you doing in his chair?” I lower my anger and demand again.

  “I’ll take it by your tone, Ms. Connor, you did not see the name on the office door when you walked in. This is my office now. We expanded into the floor above us and Adam took a bigger office upstairs, giving me his old space so I could be closer to the teams I manage. You would know this if you had kept in touch with your own father.” As his last words come out, I feel sick to my stomach and drop my eyes to the ground.

  I spoke with my father every couple of weeks on the phone but I asked that he not talk about work or talk about me with Joshua. I knew who my dad was dating. We talked about his brother and sisters and about my cousins. I kept conversation about me light. I talked about what I was learning. I told him I had a job at the library but I didn’t tell him I was working at the bar. I didn’t want him to worry about me. We just didn’t talk about work or anything involving Joshua.

  But this comment is a new low, even for him and, as I look back up, I see the realization on his face. He knows he went too far.

  Before he can save face and look like the calm, reasonable person he has always tried to project, I cut him off.

  “I see you’re the same as always. Let’s get this over with. Gentlemen, which one of you reads the will?” My patience is running thin. There is nothing left here for me. I want to be done with everything and on a plane home by the end of the week so I can process everything and grieve in peace.

  “That would be me, Ms. Connor. I’m Mr. Mathers. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your father was a great man.” I reach out and meet his hand in a shake and nod my head in thanks then I move to sit at a table to the side of the men in the room.

  Folding my jacket across my lap, I look up to see a meek assistant coming my way. This seems like Joshua’s type. Agreeable, quiet and feeble.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” Her voice is barely above a whisper. On closer inspection, the poor creature looks like she wants to be in this room less than I do and I offer her a smile.

  “Just a glass of water. Thank you.” The men look at me and I drop my expression into indifference and nod for them to continue.

  Mr. Mathers starts with some kind words about my dad and the other men in the room all nod knowingly. My dad was a great guy and judging by the smiles from the men around the desk with him, he was among his friends—all except for one.

  Moving into the legal jargon of the will, I feel myself struggling to listen to what is being said. At times I fight to keep my tears down. I sat at this table coloring as a child while my father worked and I almost expect him to walk through the door. My memories collide with Mr. Mathers’ words and I snap back to the conversation as he reads a section of the will and Joshua’s eyes shoot over to my direction.

  “What?” As I process the attorney’s words, I instantly feel sick. “What does that mean?”

  As I ask the question, Joshua doesn’t move. He doesn’t offer to answer me. Instead he sits still and waits for his attorney to explain it to me as he stares me down and I feel my heart beat into my throat.

  “It means that Joshua Darkly is the sole owner of Connor Realty for the period of one year until you have successfully completed a mentorship program under him to take over half of the company as a partner. You will be granted an allowance as managed by Mr. Darkly.” Mr. Mathers lets his words linger and waits, a little more pale than before, for my response.

  I wait for a long minute in silence as I process the words of my dad's will. As the break in conversation continues, I notice the men becoming a little less confident—all except for one.

  Joshua hasn't moved. The air between us is becoming heavier by the second. He knew this was in the will. He probably suggested it.

  “This is ridiculous. I’m in school. I can’t mentor here—with him.” I can’t even look at Joshua now. I just jab my finger in his direction as I continue to talk to the lawyer and he shifts his stare between me and Joshua hoping he’ll back him up.

  And he does.

  “On the contrary, Ms. Connor. You can and you will if you wish to see any part of your father’s business in your inexperienced little hands.” Joshua’s condescending tone carves into my brain and I feel my hands shake uncontrollably as I clasp them tight under my jacket as he continues. “Besides, I’ve taken the liberty to contact your school. Your grades will be transferred to the university here. They have all of the same classes you were enrolled in. It makes one wonder why you went all the way across the country to go to school.”

  I feel my body seize at his suggestion as I jump up to speak.

  “You can’t do this. This is my dad’s business. You can’t control my life. I’m not a child. Let’s just settle the business then. He buys me out and no one will ever hear from me again. He can’t control me.” Tears threaten to flow down my face but I breathe my panic away.

  “I’m sorry, Ms. Connor.” The attorney cuts in, “Your father’s will stipulates that nothing can be done with the company for the period of one year until you finish your mentorship and Mr. Darkly signs off on completion.”

  “HIM? What if I don’t agree to it?” There has to be something in here that will set me free from this nightmare sitting at my father’s old desk.

  “You are well within your rights to forfeit your part of his estate, but this is ironclad. Relinquishing this requirement means giving up everything, including your school tuition and any monies in your trust fund. When the year is over, if it can be proven you have not completed what your father wanted from you, everything will be turned over to Mr. Darkly.” Mr. Mathers drops the will onto the desk then looks directly at me to continue. “Emilia, you meant the world to Adam. I trust this was written with your best interest in his heart. He has faith, as do all of us, that this is merely a small hurdle for you.”

  As he finishes his speech, all eyes are on me as I glance around to each person. My fate has been handed over to the man who took my dad away from me. I won’t be returning home, to my friends.

  I’m to remain here, in the hell I tried so hard to leave and holding the keys to my cage is the devil himself.

  5

  Joshua

  “Gentlemen, thank you. I’d like to speak to Ms. Connor alone to discuss a few things.” I stand, buttoning my jacket and reaching across the table to shake each hand with a nod.

  The reading went as well as I had hoped but for some reason I don’t feel as much satisfaction as I thought I would.

  As the men file out of the room, I catch my soon-to-be old assistant’s attention.

  “Have my secretary reschedule my plans for the rest of this afternoon.” What’s-her-name nods and quickly scurries out behind our lawyers.

  I need to get more initiative in here. People who walk with purpose and demand respect when they speak.

  People like Emilia.

  The thought surprises me as I turn to watch her. Standing without a sound, she turns to walk to the full length window. She carries herself with both strength and grace. I see it even now when she’s down and we’re ready to tear each other apart.

  Just watching how she made the lawyers nervous ignited a spark in me. I don’t get to see much of that around here.

  As she gazes out over the city, I take the pause to steal a look at her. She’s just as stunningly fierce as she was the day she left for university. Everything falls into place on her. Her hair, even though slightly tousled, still looks like it was styled that way.

  Dropping my eyes down over the curve of her hips catches me off guard. Her body is firm under her fitted skirt and I feel myself stirring at the sight of her. Her hair has grown out darker and it isn’t lost on me she is no longer wearing her glasses so she either had surgery or is wearing contacts. She’s grown a lot in four years and...

  “I bet you’re really enjoying this.” Her words pull me out of my thoughts and catch me off guard.

  “Pardon?” I’m not sure if I heard her right since she’s still facing the window and speaking away from me.

  Slowly she turns on her heels and her indifferent face is now red, tears threatening to roll down her face. Instantly I’m thrown back into our present situation.

  “You. You’re just like your mother. How is that piece of trash these days?”

  I know she’s backed into a corner. She has no way out of this and she knows it. All of her accounts were shared with her father. They are all in my control now and there is nothing she can do about it but lash out.

  She’s under my control now. The thought punches me in the chest.

  “Apologize.” My words growl out of me before I realize where I’m going with this.

  “What?” A tear rolls down her cheek at her question. I watch as her hand begins to tremble. I can sense her fear from here. This is a side of her I’ve never seen and it sparks a protective nerve in me but I’m not ready to entertain that yet.

  “You heard me, Emilia. I won’t tolerate any rude behavior from you.” I stand my ground waiting for her challenge.

  I know it’s coming. Something deep inside of me has been waiting for this for years and I’m eager to begin.

  “Or what? You’ll take me away from my friends? Oh wait…” She huffs out her resentment and lets it hang around us and I feel a pang of exhilaration build.

  There’s a lot of suppressed anger in her we need to deal with.

  “Oh, Emilia. I’m just getting started.” I sneer back at her as I continue, “One can read that will many ways. But in the end, you need me to sign off or you get nothing. I was going to set you up with a room on campus, but I’ve changed my mind. I’ll meet with your new instructors this week to discuss your curriculum. You will live in your father’s home with me.” As I continue, the cracks begin to widen on her solemn face. “In addition to your studies, which you will excel at, you will learn the company. Since I’ll be handling both my workload and your father’s responsibilities, you’ll be learning everything along with me—as my new assistant.” My words shock me as much as it does her.

  I probably should have thought this through but something about her makes me react. I need to control myself better.

  Watching her world crumble around her is giving me a pleasure I’ve never felt before. My little Emilia was on the wrong path and, although she doesn’t see it right now, her new rules and tasks will be the best thing for her and pushing her beyond those limits she’s set for herself is lighting me up from the inside out.

  “And, Ms. Connor. I’ll remind you that, while you receive an allowance, it is at my discretion as to how much you will get. Keep this in mind as you ponder what the next words out of your mouth will be.” I’m not above forcing her hand now.

  She will fall in line because I hold this over her. But I’ll work on her. I’ll tear down her hate for my mother and I. We’ll deal with her anger and I’ll learn everything she tries so hard to hide from the world. Then I’ll guide her. I’ll teach her and then she’ll fall in line because she needs to. Eventually she’ll surrender because it will bring her joy.

  I will provide her joy.

  Again my thoughts surprise me. I expect everyone’s best but I’ve never wanted to take responsibility over anyone as much as I want to with Emilia right now. My need to take complete control with her is something I need to process.

  “I…” Her soft voice startles me and I failed to notice she’s turned back to the window. She’s speaking over her shoulder, but she won’t look me in the eye as she continues. “I apologize. Saying that out loud was rude.”

  I’ll take it, for now.

  “Thank you. Gather your belongings. I’m taking you home.” The day has suddenly drained me and I want to remove Emilia from the office to try to settle her mind. I can tell this new information is beginning to consume her and I’d rather we be away from the office in case of any more outbursts.

  “It’s not my home anymore.” She mutters under her breath as she folds her jacket over her arms and walks out of my office in front of me.

  I stop briefly to schedule a phone call with my secretary for the end of the day. We’ll need to discuss replacing that assistant with Emilia and as I finish telling her I’m unreachable for the rest of the day, an excited voice catches my attention.

  “Emi? Is that you? Girl, it’s been forever.” I recognize the perky voice as one of the women on our sales team and I glance to Emilia as her face relaxes a little.

  “Rosie? Wow. It’s been forever.” Noticing her friend isn’t slowing down, Emilia opens her arms for a hug.

  “I’m so so sorry about your dad, Ems.”

  “Thank you.” My heart tightens as I watch her face fall again and I cut in.

  “Rosalyn, Ms. Connor and I were just leaving for the day. She’ll be back next week. You can show her around then.” It’s not a question and I make my pause abrupt and awkward so she understands further conversation isn’t welcome right now.

  “Yes, I’d love to. I’ll find you—on Monday?” I meet her response with a nod and place my hand in the small of Emilia’s back to lead her out.

  As I make contact, I feel her back straighten. Looking down to make sure she’s alright, I notice her breathing has become deeper, more labored and I’m suddenly left wondering if she feels some of the things I’ll be thinking about later.

  For now, the only thing I want is to have her settled into the house, with me. Once I have her there, we’ll discuss her rules and my expectations.

  6

  Emilia

  As the driver turns into my old neighborhood, I feel Joshua’s eyes on me although I can’t bring myself to look directly at him. Neither of us have said a word since we left the office.

  The details of the last hour are beginning to suffocate me and my arms rest heavily in my lap, numb with a deep feeling of helplessness.

  With each landmark we passed, my heart dropped a little more. Our old high school was a difficult building to drive by. To an outsider, I looked like I would have had it easy there, and I did at a time. But then Joshua came and he and his mother ruined everything.

  I lost so much of myself because of them.

  I was supposed to be putti ng all of this behind me. I was supposed to be freeing myself from these shackles that held me here and suffocated me.

  But I’m not. Instead I’m living a one-year sentence. I’m twenty-three years old and I’m Joshua’s ward.

  Maybe I should have come clean and told my father everything. Maybe things would be different. I had always planned to tell him when I felt stronger. Now I’ll never get the chance.

  And after everything, he believed the lies Joshua filled his head with. He believed I was too irresponsible to take over his company. He thought I was his spoiled little rich girl.

  The thought punches me in the stomach and I fail to notice we are parked in front of my old house and Joshua has already stepped out of the car.

  I suddenly feel ill. I’m not prepared to walk through those doors and not see my dad. Tears well up in my eyes and I feel my hands begin to shake.

  Not now. Just wait a little longer until you’re alone, I tell myself.

  I don’t want Joshua to see he is winning all over again, but it’s too late.

  My grief hits me hard and, as I try to push it back down, Joshua impatiently leans into the car.

  “Don’t make me carry you out of…” Before he can enjoy my pain, I turn my head away and cut him off.

  “Just give me a minute. Please.” I choke out and at least he has the sense to stand up and wait for me.

  I take the time to glance out over the yard. It’s just the same as I remember it and I wonder if the old tree fort I built with my dad is still out there on the property.

  The day is beginning to take its toll and I’m getting tired. I tell myself I’ll simply get into the house and go to sleep early. I’ll feel better in the morning and I’ll try to figure something out then.

  As we walk through the front doors, I’m instantly regretting the trust I place in my surroundings. I trusted I had time and I trusted I would have the money I made. I shouldn’t have tried to pay my trust fund back those last few years. I should have opened my own account and saved my own money instead. But I wanted to show my dad I could do it.