Second Thought

Chapter 29

Liam’s POV

        We had left from the police station only moments ago, Serenity back in my presence. The only way that I could think to find her was to use my phone to call in a tip anonymous and report my own car stolen. Once I got a call from the station telling me they found it, I took a bus right over. Her face fell once she saw it was me coming through the door. I was assuming they told her Alexander was coming. Just another thing I had gotten good at over the years, pretending to be my brother when it benefited me. Serenity was still pissed at me and wouldn’t even look in my direction. We were now back in the car, headed back out of town as far away from Alexander as I could put us. Hours had passed with silence still looming in the air. Deciding music would drown out the silence, I turned the radio on. As soon as it was on, she reached for the switch and turned it right back off. Never mind then, no music. This woman was infuriating, knowing exactly what buttons of yours to push and exactly at the perfect time. My grip was tightening over the steering wheel. I was perfectly sober now but still mad as hell at her. She did hold back when she kicked me, and I still felt the slight pain between my legs.

            With no destination in mind, I decided where might be the best place for us to stay awhile. We were now in Georgia and I figured this was as good of a place as any. We were hundreds of miles from home, so if she found a way to contact Alexander this time, he wouldn't have the time to get to us before I left with her again. I know she didn’t really want to be with me at all, but I thought she deserved a better place to sleep than at a crappy hotel. For the night I found us a very cozy hotel this time named the Ritz-Carlton. The room was spacious with two queen sized beds inside. The bathroom had looked newly renovated with a nice white egg-shaped tub, a nice grey vanity sink, and a large shower space. Her face said it all as she took in the beautiful view that was overlooking the water. The way the moon was hitting the water exactly right made it look like something out of a fairy tale. This would do until I could find a nice place to rent. With the right money, you could talk anyone into renting you a place with no contract, that is exactly what I was looking for. Feeling kind of bad that she didn’t have any clothes or anything with her, I told her I would take her to the boutique in the morning to get her some things. I stayed up with her until she fell asleep.

        I was trying to keep my distance after what transpired between us. I never meant to lay my hands on her, that is why I don’t drink. I decided that drinking around her wasn’t the best move, promising myself it wouldn’t happen again. I found it hard to sleep so I started thinking of how well the first part of my plan worked. Lexi had become a good friend of mine over the years, along with owing me quite a few favors. So, she slipped a small camera in the living room of Alexanders house. This is where the second part of plan was to come in play. I was sort of hoping that Alexander would have screwed Lexi right then and there, showing the evidence to Serenity, causing her to never be able to forgive him. Which would lead her right back to me. My plan was to ruin my brother if it was the last thing I did. I hated using Serenity like that, but it was for her own good. And it was the only way to ensure she would run to me. One phone call and the next phase of my plan was set. This was probably the longest Alexander has ever gone without s*x, I know he was dying inside. And I was going to use this to my advantage.

            Watching the footage playing on my phone, I caught glimpse of the surprise I had awaiting Alex. One thing my brother found impossible to resist was sexy women, dressed in lingerie, wet and ready to play. For my surprise, that is what he got. Three incredibly talented women entered the room, placing their spots on the couch. My eyes were glued, waiting for my brother to walk in at any minute. Minutes pass, Alex finally walking into women waiting for him. I knew he needed a little motivation because he wouldn’t just forget about Serenity. A friend had put a piece together for me making it look like Serenity and I were having s*x. That is why I had to get close to her the few times that I did, it was all apart of my game. As if on cue, one of the women showed him the video. Watching my brother lose control gave me satisfaction. He started throwing things around the room, startling the women. I didn’t need him to have s*x with them, but I needed to get enough of him touching them to put another video together that made it look like they were doing much more. Having people at your disposal that owed you a favor was a nice thing to have. I was cashing in all my favors on one big plan that I was praying didn’t fall through. Yes, I’m an asshole, but if this was the only way I could get Serenity to turn against him, I would use it. Of course, my brother couldn’t resist once the women started removing articles of clothing and I watched as they crowded around my brother. That was all I needed to get the video I needed. Continue to watch, Alex did exactly what I thought he would, and he kicked them out. Little did he know, that wouldn’t matter now. My video would be uploaded to the television in our room, playing on repeat so when Serenity awoke, it would be the first thing she saw.

**

            “What the f**k?” Serenity was yelling. I sprung right out of bed already knowing what was going on. My acting skills had to be on point though if I wanted this to work properly.

            “Serenity? Are you okay?”

            “NO, I’M NOT OKAY!” While yelling she pointed toward the television. I watched like I was watching it for the first time. My face had to read horror, so that is the act that I put on.

            “Wow, what an ass! Just because your gone he thinks he can go and do something like this. He doesn’t deserve you. Who cheats on someone as wonderful as you?” She eyes me suspiciously but doesn’t question it. She hits the bed, letting out weeps into the palms of her hands. I go over to her and snake my arm around her waist and pull her close. “It is okay, I’m here for you. I’m sorry my brother is such an asshole. No one deserves what he has put you through. We can leave if you want. I’ll take you back to him if you have any desire to return.” I was hoping she would say no. I wasn’t really planning on taking her back anyways, but I had to keep up appearances.

            “I’m not going back there. Ever again. Its time I start living for myself, to start a new life without him in it.”

            “Are you sure that is what you want?”

            “Yes, I’ve never been so sure of anything before than I do about this.”

            “Okay. I’ll give you some money and I’ll leave you be. I’m sure the last thing you want is for me to be around. But before I go, I wanted to let you know I was sorry about what happened. Its no excuse but I was drunk, I promise that I’ll never drink again. Just thought you should know.”

            “Can you stay with me? I don’t want to be in this place by myself. At least for a little while, until I get settled in maybe”

            “Serenity, if that is what you want, I will do that for you. After all you have been through, I’ll give you anything I can that you want." She didn’t say anything else. Turning around, a smiled played across my lips. Everything I had planned, is working out just perfectly.