The Assassin's Atonement

Chapter 2: Remember me

Chapter 2: Remember me

Taryn

It’s my twenty-sixth birthday today, and I’m taking the day off from both my jobs to celebrate. I even called my father’s nurse, Willa, to come over and watch him for the day. This is the first time in years that I’ve decided to do something for myself, and I’m determined to enjoy it.

After my father’s stroke ten years ago, I devoted my time and worked hard to take care of him. My mother abandoned us when I was a baby. For years, I lived with my dad and my sister, Tamsyn, until she left us too.

My father began experiencing health problems years ago. I was eleven when we discovered he had to have brain surgery, and my sister Tamsyn was sixteen. I used to worship my sister, Tamsyn. Even though she had proven over time that she didn’t deserve it. It wasn’t until she hooked up with Ewan that I began to hate her.

Years ago, my father worked for the affluent Blake family as their driver. The Blakes were very wealthy. Mr. and Mrs. Blake were arrogant and cruel people. However, their sons, Logan and Ewan, were kind. Logan was in his late teens when Ewan came to live at the Blake home. Unfortunately, Ewan had the distinction of being Mr. Blake’s bastard, and no one in their household would let him forget that fact.

I fell in love with Ewan from the first moment that I saw him. Or as in love as a young girl can be because I was only eleven years old. Ewan was seventeen and in love with my sister, Tamsyn. I don’t think he even knew that I existed. I don’t blame him since I was only a child.

Tamsyn was the one that had his attention. If only he had known what a truly terrible person my sister was. Tamsyn’s goal had always been to marry rich, and Ewan was the perfect target. As an unwanted and unloved child, it was easy for him to fall prey to Tamsyn’s ambition. Even though Tamsyn was attracted to him, she never gave up on her scheme to become a rich woman.

To Ewan, she was the epitome of kindness and perfection. She pretended to be the perfect daughter and girlfriend. However, behind his back, she was vindictive and cruel. Sometimes she’d force me to stay home from school because she needed me to care for my father while she screwed around with Ewan.

Even at the age of eleven, I knew that what she was doing was wrong. But I love my father, and I would have done anything to take care of him. When I’d protest, she’d sometimes beat me or lock me out of the house for hours. Ewan never knew.

It all came to pass when she hatched a scheme to extort money from Ewan’s father, Stuart. My father needed money for his surgery, and Tamsyn used Ewan to get the money. She planned to have Ewan ask his father for the money. But she wasn’t going to use it to pay for dad’s surgery. No, the heartless b***h was going to use the money to seduce another man into her bed.

The man she was trying to entice was Orson Leighton. Leighton, like Stuart, was a rich asshole who had a thing for young girls. He and Tamsyn were lovers for nearly as long as she was with Ewan. My sister’s a seriously twisted individual. I was so angry when I found out. I couldn’t believe that she’d hurt Ewan that way.

Regrettably, I found out about her plans when it was too late. The night before, Tamsyn had locked me in her closet over some slight, and I listened as she made plans with her lover.

My sister did get the money she asked for, but not the way she expected. Instead of directly giving her the money, Stuart paid the hospital. Tamsyn was fuming with rage when she found out. Stuart shipped Ewan away the same day and wouldn’t tell anyone where he sent him. That night, Tamsyn came straight to my room and beat me black and blue.

Once her plans fell through, she changed tactics and tried to convince Stuart that she was pregnant with Ewan’s baby. Once again, Stuart proved to be smarter than my sister. He forced her to get a paternity test and provided her with proof of her indiscretions with Orson.

To my sister’s regret, the tests proved that the baby was not Ewan’s─it was Orson’s. However, Orson dumped her as soon as he found out. Apparently, he wasn’t ready to be a father. I don’t know how, but somehow Tamsyn managed to manipulate Stuart’s accountant into marrying her. Even though she was pregnant, she was finally rich. She left us after that and never looked back again.

Stuart fired my dad after his surgery and kicked us out of his house. Seeing that dad had no job and had little money, we moved in with my aunt Dotty. She and I took care of dad until the day she passed away in her sleep. At the age of sixteen, I found myself homeless, jobless, and in charge of my handicapped father.

After the first surgery, my father had a difficult time recovering. He lost the use of most of his motor skills and had to have fluid drained from his brain every six months.

We were in a lot of debt, and I didn’t know what to do. Unfortunately, working at the local store wasn’t helping me put a dent in our debt, and my father’s disability check was minimal at best. Because of that, we had to move to a not-so-favorable neighborhood. But even then, we barely had enough money to feed us both.

I tried to reach out to Tamsyn, but she refused to even acknowledge us. I was desperate. At that point, my body had fully developed. I was no longer the flatchested coltish tomboy but a woman with a woman’s body. I had full breasts and a round ass with long red hair and golden skin, which is odd for a natural redhead.

One of my friends from the neighborhood suggested that I apply to be a waitress at a nearby club. She was one of their best dancers. Seeing no other choice, I interviewed and got the job. I had to lie about my age and used fake ID when they hired me, but I was making enough money to survive, and that’s all that mattered.

The tips I got as a waitress were good but not good enough to help me get a nurse for my dad, which I desperately needed. Thankfully, the manager gave me a chance to become a dancer. I almost cried the first time they paid me. All I could think was that I could finally afford to pay my father’s hospital bills, along with the rent and other bills.

In the beginning, the idea of taking off my clothes and dancing for men was scary. But after a while, it became commonplace. I learned quickly how to fend off aggressive admirers and survive until I no longer needed the job.

I have plans for my future. I want to work in advertisement. I’ve been attending school at the local community college and am graduating soon.

Because I have to care for my dad, it has taken me a while to finish school.

Since it’s my birthday, I decided that I want to go to the beach. I plan on going swimming, reading a good book, and soaking in the sun until the day is through.

Crazy enough, I work in one of the stores near the boardwalk. Yet, I never get a chance to hang out at the beach longer than a few minutes because the shop is always busy. Sometimes, I’ll sit in the sand and eat a sandwich during my half-hour lunch break, but that’s the only time I allow myself to enjoy the beach.

Before I left the house, my dad gave me a birthday hug and made me promise to have fun. We’re going to have a birthday dinner tonight.

It takes me half an hour to get to the beach. Thankfully, the bus stop is right in front of my building. It’s the middle of the week, and the beach is nearly abandoned because people are either working or at school. Which makes it a perfect day to hang out. The sky is blue, and the sun is out.

As soon as I get to the beach, I strip down to my white bikini, settle my clothes inside my bag, and drop it next to a secluded spot. My bikini molds to my body perfectly, and my hair is falling loosely around my shoulders. Beneath the sunlight, my hair gleams like a crimson beacon, and my body glows like molten honey. I look around the beach and smile as I watch the waves lap the edge of the sand, and the foamy white surface of the water beckons me.

Without a thought, I break into a run. I love jumping into the water and skipping over the waves. Unfortunately, I don’t notice the approaching form jogging through the sand until it’s too late. I slam into a hard muscular chest and would have fallen if the man hadn’t caught me in his strong arms. A startled cry escapes my lips at the impact, and my teeth rattle. Clinging to the man’s broad shoulders, I straighten my stance and look up. A gasp escapes my lips, and I have to blink several times because I can’t believe who I’m seeing.

“Ewan?” I croak out in disbelief.

Ewan’s brow furrows in confusion. “I’m sorry. Do I know you?”

Heat crawls up my neck as mortification settles in my stomach. He doesn’t know who I am. My mind rationalizes that I was eleven the last time he saw me. Yet, I can’t stop the hurt that I feel inside. I’m sure that if it had been my sister, Tamsyn, he’d recognize her easily.

I don’t want him to see my disappointment, though, so I clear my face of emotion, and as gracefully as I can, I push away from his incredibly cut body.

Of their own volition, my eyes roam hungrily across his form. His gorgeous dark hair is brushed back, emphasizing his strong forehead, arched brows, sharp cheekbones, and full lips. My mouth waters at the sight of his ripped golden chest, six-pack abs, and carved pelvic bones. He’s even hotter than I remember. Of course, he was still growing into his body back then.

Biting my lip, I brush stray tendrils of hair behind my ear, but it’s a futile task because the breeze tousles it further. “Um…yeah…you know me. It’s me…Taryn.” I mutter hesitantly.

Ewan’s eyes widen with surprise as he assesses my features for some familiarity. I can almost feel the heat of his onyx eyes roaming my features like a caress. My body blazes with desire, and my folds weep.

His upper lip quirks with humor as realization dawns on him. “That’s impossible? The Taryn I knew was a coltish hellion with a bloody foul mouth.” Ewan mutters.

I shrug my shoulders and look off into the distant waters. “I guess I grew up. I mean, I still have the foul mouth, but my body has filled out.” I respond snarkily.

A chuckle escapes Ewan's pouty lips as he searches the area around me. I know he’s searching for my sister. If only he knew that I haven't seen Tamsyn in years. “Tamsyn’s not with me,” I say in a bland tone.

It annoys me to even think that he’s searching for her. Tamsyn never deserved the devotion Ewan held for her.

Ewan’s head snaps back to mine, a blush coating his square jaw. “What makes you think I was searching for her?”

I roll my eyes in response. As gorgeous as the man is, he’s just as dense. “Because I’m not an idiot.” I know it’s an asshole comment to make, but I’ve never been good at pretending to be sweet and innocent like my sister.

“I thought your dad sent you to live in England. What are you doing in Los Angeles?” I ask, redirecting the subject from a possibly awkward conversation. I don’t want to talk about Tamsyn with the man I had a crush on years ago. I mean, what are the freaking odds that I’d run into Ewan after all of these years?

Ewan quirks a brow as he sifts his fingers through his thick, luscious mane and points to a spot a good distance away. “I moved back nearly a year ago. My home is about a mile down the beach. Logan and his wife, Bella, don’t live far from here.”

My mouth gapes open at his words. “Wait, what? Logan’s married? And you’re both buddies now? How?”

“We reconciled a year ago. He married Mati’s granddaughter, Bella, a couple of months ago.” He answers gently.

I can see by the expression on his face that he’s happy for Logan. I remember a time when those two couldn’t even bear to be in the same room, but I’m glad that they’ve reconciled.

“Mati? Are you talking about Logan’s old nanny, Mati?”

Ewan nods. “The very same.”

“Wow, Logan’s married. Dad always said that after all the crap your dad and his mom put him through, he’d be single forever. And he’s married to Mati’s granddaughter. I’m so happy for him.” I answer airily.

I’m not lying when I say that I’m happy for him. Logan was always very kind to me despite his cruel father. After everything he suffered at his father’s hands, he deserved a happy ending.

Ewan’s expression sharpens at the mention of my father. “How is Alan?” He asks calmly.

“He’s…hanging in there,” I answer ambiguously. I don’t like to tell people about my father’s disability. The look of pity on their faces when they learn about our circumstances makes my stomach turn.

The mere idea of seeing the same look on Ewan’s face makes me feel wretched.

Thankfully, Ewan doesn’t see through my lie. “I’m glad. So what brings you here today?” He asks in a conversational tone.

At first, I consider not answering, but I want more time with him. This is the man that I’ve dreamt of for years.

Biting my lip, I casually swing my arms and shift my feet in the sand. “Actually, it’s my birthday today, and I thought it would be nice to relax on the beach.”

Ewan’s smile widens with delight. “It’s your birthday? How old are you?”

“I’m twenty-six,” I answer.

His nostrils flare for a moment as he takes in my appearance. From his expression, I can see that he’s seeing me as a woman now. His eyes smolder with desire, which makes my heart quicken. There’s just something about his smolder that makes me melt.

“Happy birthday.” He whispers huskily. “Why aren’t you out celebrating with your family or your friends?

The idea of telling him that my dad is in a wheelchair or that my sister never cared about me makes my stomach churn painfully. I do have friends, but not people I’m close to. I’ve been so busy with work and school that I never have the time to hang out. I invited my friend, Cleo, but she had a court case she couldn’t reschedule. It’s also difficult to go out at my own leisure when I have to take care of my dad. In between doctor appointments, therapy, school, and my two jobs, I barely have time to eat.

I give him another vague reply. “Everyone was busy.”

For a moment, I think he’s going to ask more. Then, as if something shuts off inside of him, his expression becomes neutral, and he takes another step back. He might as well be a million miles away at that moment. Something inside of me shatters at that point, and I don’t understand why. I mean, I hadn’t seen this man in years.

Not knowing what else to do, I shrug off my sadness and mutter, “I should let you finish your run,”

Ewan’s Adam's apple bobs before he nods his head. “Of course. Happy birthday, Taryn.”

He might as well be a robot by how bland his response is. What did I say?

I don’t ask the question out loud, though. Instead, I give him a tepid wave and walk to the shore. I can feel his penetrating eyes upon me as I wade into the water, but I have to resist the urge to look back, which is nearly impossible.