~ ~ Beatrix ~ ~

Inside the airport terminal, Ivy's head tipped downward. Her loose spiral curls hid her face; her steps sluggish as I treaded alongside, holding her hand. It was almost farfetched to think our day had started in London and eight hours later we'd flown across a vast distance and touched down in Canada.

And not dissimilar to the first time I landed here, unease pinched my stomach and sadness grappled within my chest.

Looking up, I saw the exit sign and gently nudged Ivy, veering left. Our luggage would be taken care of according to Sean's instruction and a driver was on standby waiting in arrivals.  I wouldn't lie in conceding Sean's offer of his private plane had blown me away, but I also wasn't stupid enough to think it didn't come without him wanting something in return.

Shaking off the unease, none of it mattered right now because Ivy needed me to be strong for the both of us and I would deal with whatever shit Sean threw my way.

In my periphery, Ivy's head snapped up as if she'd only just realised where we were. To say I was worried was an understatement. She'd barely said two words since take off, refusing to eat and only drank sips of water.

"Hey, okay?" I asked, turning my head, squeezing her hand. Stupid question, obviously she wasn't okay.

Ivy twisted her head toward me. Panic screamed from her startled eyes. "You're coming with me, yes?"

She had to ask? "Of course. I'm not leaving you."

Her shoulders relaxed, nodding.

Passing through double doors, the noise of the busy arrivals area surrounded us. Scanning the many faces I searched for Sean's driver, assuming it still to be Mr Farraday. My jaw dropped when I saw a familiar face. An unexpected face.

Sadie Peterson.

I double blinked to make sure I hadn't imagined her gliding through the huge glass fronted entrance.

Removing her sunglasses, she held them out to the side in midair before letting them drop, only for her assistant, two steps behind, Miss Purdy to jump forward and catch them. She forever kept Miss Purdy on her toes. I never understood why the tiny woman put up with Sadie. Secretly I wondered if Miss Purdy was in love with her... she wouldn't be the first.

Sadie dressed as if modelling for runway, the shimmering material of the blue dress caught the breeze following her grand entrance, allowing a glimpse of those bronzed lean legs.

Her blonde hair was shorter than when we'd said our goodbyes, but framed her sharp cheekbones. Easing toward us, the sway of her hips had heads turning and jaws dropping. Standing just shy of six feet, she was every inch of proportioned perfection. And Sadie was well aware of the effect she inflicted on others and wielded her beauty like a machete.  The woman could bring a room to a pause. She wasn't just beautiful; she made the space around her beautiful, and anything with a pulse... me included gravitated to bask in her alluring atmosphere.

When I first met Sadie and Sean. She was the light to his dark and broody. They finished one another's sentences and moved so in sync they could fool you into thinking it was orchestrated. I'd never questioned why they wanted a third... or me. Although in hindsight I thought it was just because they could.

Bright blue eyes fixed on me and as she came within reach. Chanel's Gardenia breezed between us wrapping around me as her cool lips stole my smile and Ivy stiffened moving closer toward me.

"I'd almost forgotten how soft your lips are Beatrix," her kiss startled me and my cheeks flushed.

Sadie was never backward in coming forward and I may have said she was the light to Sean's dark, but she was just as much a predator, if not more so as one could be easily be deceived by her almost angelic appearance.

"Beatrix," she repeated my name, as if tasting it. Her eyes heated, but no smile sat on those pale rosy lips. Sadie rarely smiled, her emotions expressed solely through those penetrating blues. "I've missed you," she professed with a warmth I wasn't expecting.

My eyebrows lifted in disbelief. "Sadie, you're the last person I expected to see."

"I wanted to welcome you home, Beatrix."

Home?

Her eyes shifted to Ivy. "I'm sorry for your loss, Miss Simcox. Anything we can do to help; you only have to ask."

Ivy barely managed a smile, but curtly nodded. "It's good that you're home. Your family will need you during this difficult time." She turned to me. "Both of you."

Okay, now I'd officially stepped off a plane into crazy town. First Sean and now Sadie playing nice? Something was off.

"Come," she spun on heel, tossing over her shoulder. "I despise these places. It reeks of dull people." She clicked fingers, holding out her hand for Miss Purdy to return the sunglasses.

This was the Sadie I knew as Ivy and I passed a look between us, but followed.

Inside the car, I gave the driver Ivy's parents' address.

"We kept your apartment. Everything is as you left it," said Sadie.

Oh boy.

A pang of homesickness hit my heart hard—but not for Canada. I missed Cam and Finn, and it had barely been a day. "I'm not sure where Ivy and I will stay... yet." I honestly didn't know if Ivy would want to stay with her parents or find a hotel. I looked toward Ivy for some direction, but she didn't engage, her gaze empty staring beyond the passenger window.

"The offer is there," said Sadie.

"Thank you." An offer with expectation? "It's appreciated."

Seemingly not concerned by my subtle brushoff, Sadie reached inside her Chanel bag to lift her phone and fire off a message. "I'm messaging Sean," she lifted her head briefly. "Inform him you landed safely. He's been worried."

Worried?  Sean didn't worry.

I glanced at my watch. Local time here in Ottawa was four in the afternoon and I was grateful there wasn't much of a time difference between here and the UK—only four hours. It would be eight in the evening back home.  Cam and Finn would surely be worried by now. 

My stomach churned, wondering what had happened when I left the office. Had Sean spoken with Cam following my departure?

No. He wouldn't. Surely?

As the vehicle approached a stop light, Sadie spoke to Miss Purdy. "The box Miss Purdy."

"Yes, Ms Peterson." She riffled through her large bag, lifting out a box offering it to me.

It was a new mobile phone. I looked up in question.

"To call home." I couldn't read her expression. "Sean said you left your phone behind in London and may need a temporary one."

I thought that was the case when I'd searched my bag on the plane to call Cam and Finn. I'd been in such a rush I hadn't double checked my bag before leaving.

"There's something different about you, Beatrix," She took a moment mulling it over, her gaze narrowed and pinned on me. "I can't put my finger on it... but I like it."

I didn't know what she was referring to and honestly; I would not ask, but those words added to my unease as I smiled my thanks. For the rest of the drive, only Sadie spoke barking out instructions to Miss Purdy. Although not awkward, I was relieved when we pulled up outside of Ivy's family home.

Getting out of the car I leaned in to say goodbye. "Thank you, Sadie, and give my thanks to Sean. It meant a lot to help get us both here so quickly."

Her chin drew up in almost a challenge. "You know we still care about you, Beatrix?"

I gulped. "Yes, of course." The smile on my face did not reflect the sudden uproar inside my head.

"We look after what is ours." She leaned forward, holding out a closed hand to me. "Here, take it."

Ours? Instead of questioning or rebuffing I lifted my hand, palm up, as she opened hers, dropping a key.

"And before you say anything, it's there if you need it." It was the key to my apartment.

Tight-lipped, I withdrew and closed the passenger door.

Heading inside Ivy's home the reality of why we were here was a punch to my solar plexus. The sadness was a living and breathing thing. Despairing and shaken familiar faces swarmed us and I watched my best friend finally break down and cry when her Mom wrapped her arms around her. Her brothers, aunts, and uncles and her amazing Grams, who I adored hugged me in turn. 

 They'd never treated me any less than family.

An hour or maybe longer passed as I stood stiffly in the family kitchen staring out onto the back porch. Teasing the tip of my nail with my teeth, I felt a hand brush against mine. It was Ivy. Resting her head against my shoulder, we both stood looking out the window until I finally broke the easy silence between us. "I'm here for you—anything you need." I kept my voice soft, low.

Shifting away from me. "I was so scared to come back, Trix. I thought they would hate me... for not being here." She stuttered a breath exhaustion eclipsing her eyes.

I pulled her into a hug. "No one could ever hate you, Ivy."

"Mom was ringing me every day, insisting something was wrong, asking me to come home."

It all made sense now. The phone calls. Sneaking out to take those phone calls. She knew I would have insisted she return to Canada.

This all came back on me. I'd dragged her to the UK, admittedly willingly but still I'd taken her away from her family. I edged back and cupped her damp cheeks. "You can't blame yourself," I whispered hypocritically, standing here blaming myself.

"I thought—" Sucking in a sob. "I thought it was just mom being dramatic. You know how she thinks a headache is a brain tumour or indigestion is a heart attack." She let out a humourless laugh. "I thought she was just trying to get me home because she hated me leaving."

Ivy was the youngest of four children and still treated like the baby, no matter how many birthdays ticked by.

I swiped away a fresh tear. "You're here now."

Ivy let out long weary breath and gave a grim nod. "I know, but it doesn't make me feel any better."

"Give it time, stop being hard on yourself."

"Thanks for being here, Trix, coming back with me."

"You're my family Ivy." There wasn't a chance in hell I would've let her fly home alone. Ivy was, for all intents and purposes, my sister. "Family look out for one another."

She sniffed. "I need a tissue before I snot all over you lovely Vivienne Westwood shirt." Breaking away, she grabbed the nearest box of tissues.

Drying her tear-stained cheeks her eyes returned to mine. "What?" I asked sensing something brewing inside her head.

Ivy worried her inside cheek. "It's—" The words brokenly whispered. "Most of the family are coming, more arrive tonight." her eyes dipped. "I didn't think..." she tailed off.

"Just say it, nothing's gonna upset me, Ivy."

She let out a sigh. "Not everyone can stay here."

Ah...

"Unless you want to share my bed?" she offered.

I smiled. "You fidget too much and can't keep your hands to yourself" That earned me a small smile before it dropped. "Don't stress it Ivy."

It looked like I would take Sadie up on her offer of my old apartment after all, seeing as my mobile—an iPhone held all my banking information and I had no way to access cash at this time of day to book a hotel room.  Sadie had loaned me an Android phone and as thoughtful as it was of her, it wasn't very useful to me, yet."

"I'm so sorry Trix...you came here with me."

"Hey, no apologies." I took a step back, stiffening my frame. "Sadie said I could use my old apartment. I can sleep there."

Her eyes widened with worry. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"I'm a big girl Ivy. You worry too much."

She nodded. "Okay."

"Now please tell me you have Cam's and Finn's numbers on your phone."

"Oh, yeah, sure. Let me just grab my bag." She went off to find her bag. "Here," she held it out. "I don't have Clark's personal mobile just his business one."

It was a start.

Inputting both on my new phone, Ivy's older brother, Matthew, came through to the kitchen.

Giving them a little space, I left them hugging it out. Stepping outside, the grey overcast sky reminded me of the UK. Shivering. The temperature was about the same too. I pressed Cam's contact and waited as I walked away from the house.

Number disconnected?

What?

I pressed it again to get the same response.

Trying Finn's. I heard it connect.

"Finn Wilder..." his voice was muted; and drowned out by the noise at his end.  Was he out at this time of night?  And with Cam?

"Finn, it's me Trix." I had to raise my voice.

"Christ, Trix!?" Music played.  "Give me a sec, yeah?" The line was muffled as he talked to someone.   A door slammed shut and the background noise vanished. "You still there, Trix?"

"Yes, are you out...with Cam?"

"What? No. I'm at Mike's place.  Cam's at home, or at least I think he is." His tone was off.  "Where are you Trix ? I've been worried sick."

I felt terrible about not having been able to speak to them sooner.  "I'm in back in Canada; and I'm sorry I've worried you I—" he cut me off.

"Fuck—why Trix?, why just leave like that?" He said sharply. "I know you're angry—pissed off, but fuck, you should have come to me first."

His reaction seemed a little over the top as I bristled at his tone. 'If you—"

Cutting me off again.

"We could have all sat down and talked. Cam is out of his mind." He rambled on. "He's so fucking sorry for not telling you." Pausing for a breath.

"Please Finn—"

For a third time, he jumped in and my patience was just about worn out.

"I'm out of my mind." The fear edging Finn's words practically vibrated through the phone. "I didn't take you for a quitter and I know you're upset and your job means a lot to you," he barrelled on. "But you had to know what you leaving would do to me?" he said exasperated. "You can't just leave us..." he swallowed. "Me."

Leave him? I didn't understand the torture behind his words. "Finn—"

"Please, Trix, come back. Come home."

I couldn't and wouldn't just up and leave Ivy. "I can't Finn I have to st—" he jumped in again, hell if he'd been in front of me, I'd have slapped my hand over his mouth to shut him up.

"Why not?   is it because of him?" he growled. "Your ex?"

What?

I took a searing breath, my lips pressed together in irritation before I let it unleash. "Finn! Shut the hell up!" I barked, my free hand fisting. "Or I swear—" I almost felt him flinch. Taking a calming breath, my eyes darted to the house to check no one had heard my little outburst. "You've had your say. Now let me speak." My tone was calmer but firm.

Silence stretched across the line before a heavy breath filled it. "Fuck, sorry Trix." I heard him swallow. "Its just with." He paused reluctantly. "—With Cam and now you."

There was a tightness to his words as the line between us quietened.

"Thank you." Taking a breath. "As I was trying to tell you. I'm sorry I didn't call you or Cam—"

"You—" he started then stopped himself. "Sorry, sorry. I'm being a dick. Go ahead, talk. I'm listening."

I started again speaking steadily. "Ivy's dad passed away suddenly, and we had to leave straight away, and I stupidly left my phone in the office."

Finn sucked in a breath, his words coming out in a rush. "Fuck, Trix.  Christ, I never. Fuck. Is she okay?" The apology in his tone eased the tension somewhat.

I glanced over my shoulder to see Ivy through the back window, still talking to her brother. "No. Honestly, she's a mess, but you know Ivy. She's holding it together."

The line went quiet.

"Calmer now?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I thought you were back with your ex?"

"Sean?"

"Yeah," he muttered. "He told Cam you were going back with him to Canada before he fired him."

Oh. My. Fucking. God.

It explained his phone being disconnected. The offer of his private plane didn't need second guessing and if I didn't know better I would think it was part of some sick plan to get me back here.

Bastard.

I stood, gripping the phone so tight as Finn recounted what had happened since I'd left. No wonder Cam and Finn were out of their minds as I paced trampling over clumps of grass as my heels sunk into the soft ground.

"Trix," the gentleness in his voice had my breath hitching in fear. But in fear of what, I didn't have a clue. "I don't think I can face him, Trix. I've fucked everything up between him and his family."

"Finn, you need to go back home," adding, "he didn't mean what he said."

"You didn't hear him, Trix...or see the look when his dad walked out."

"But I know Cam. Trust me on this. He'll be hating himself."

"He thinks I'm using you."

Silence.

His weary sigh was almost too soft for me to hear. "Trix, I need you to know. My feelings for you are separate from Cam. What I feel...I swear I've not used you to get closer to him."

I couldn't say it hadn't crossed my mind once or twice, but deep down I knew it wasn't the case. He'd never done anything but make me feel wanted... loved.

"I know Finn, I believe you."

"And this isn't how I wanted to tell you..." he paused. "I love you Trix...I'm in love with you."

Unable to stop a smile, my heart practically exploded and a flush of heat the magnitude of a supernova washed straight through me. He'd kind of implied it, but to hear it was on a whole other level.

"Did you hear me?" he asked.

I blinked rapidly, the sound of my heart still pounding in my ears. "I love you too," The words came as natural as breathing.

I heard him sigh out in relief. "Thank fuck." There was a smile in that thank fuck  I was sure of it. He added, "both of you mean everything to me and I want this to work so bad it's all I fucking think about."

I nodded. "Yeah, me too, I'm the same." I couldn't ever remember wanting something more. "Text me Cam's number and I will call him."

Another sigh of relief. "Thank you Trix."

"Go home. Talk to him—make him listen, Finn." I swallowed. "You know he's stubborn, but don't let him shut you out." I paused. "I need to go now."

"Okay, be careful and tell Ivy I'm really sorry."

"I will."

"And Trix."

"Yeah?"

"Don't trust that bastard, your ex."

"Don't worry, I can handle Sean." Epic lie and from Finn grumble, I don't think he believed me either.

"I don't trust him, but I trust you."

I smiled, but the suspicion of Sean's intentions sat tight and hard in my stomach.

Briefly talking to Cam and listening to his side of the story, I was so angry at Sean. Cam apologised over and over for not telling me about the software, but I understood his reasons. Although I didn't like it, knowing would have put me in an awkward position. I did my best to reassure him that nothing had or would change. He was honest and said he didn't know what to say to Finn or how to deal with his family, but I told him we could fix it together, the three of us.

Feeling less anxious I stayed a further two hours with Ivy and her family, before exhaustion dragged me back to the apartment. Never thought I'd be stepping inside here again. And Sadie hadn't lied—nothing had changed. It was as if I'd never left. Slipping off my shoes I walked through to the large open-plan living space looking out onto the city.

My heart sank. I didn't want to be here and the unease I'd been ignoring multiplied. Shaking my head I headed toward the kitchen. My brows snapped together, there was a note stuck to the fridge telling me to look inside.

"Wow."

There was at least a month stock of food staring back. I grabbed a bottle wattled and closed the door, leaning up against it. This was too weird even for me.

Tomorrow I would buy myself a new iPhone and download all my information allowing me access to my banking so I could get myself a hotel room. I didn't want to spend more than one night here, in debt to Sean and Sadie.

But first—shower.

The stress eased as hot water sucked me into its comforting jets of water. It didn't take long for my mind to be throwing out ideas to deal with Sean, but every one lead to the same conclusion—find another Job. I couldn't work for him any longer. It was time I stood on my own two feet.

Flipping off the shower, I opened the shower screen almost slipping as a clichéd "Eek!" bubbled out my mouth to see Sadie standing in the open doorway looking back at me.

The look of appreciation lighting up her eyes as they brazenly ate up my nakedness made me shiver. "Jesus, Sadie. What the hell!?"

I'd left the towel by the sink. Dripping wet, I dashed toward it but Sadie got there first scooping it up. "Ah, ah, ah. Not so quick." She clasped it behind her back like some kind of weird teenage prank.

What the hell had gotten into her?

"Hmm, stunning." She brought the towel around. "Pity to cover up," she hummed a sigh.

She couldn't be serious?  "You can't just waltz in here." Well technically she could. It was their place after all. "Towel please!" I said, exasperated and just a little irritated with her game.

Sadie lifted an amused brow. "Oh, c'mon now, Beatrix, I remember what you look like... wet." Mirth danced in her pretty blues. "Wet and tied to our bed whilst Sean fucked your cunt raw." her eyes dipped "... a dildo up your tight ass and me riding your face." She was thoroughly enjoying herself. "You loved it. Always so hot, wet...and begging." Sighing. "I still have dreams of..."

I almost choked on a strangled curse as Sadie left her words hanging between us. The air seemed dense and muggy from the shower, or was it just being this close to Sadie? The woman twisted sin into a virtue and her wicked words had my body humming.

She stepped closer. "Are you wet for me now, Beatrix?"

Fuck!

"You're thinking about me," she said, a little too smugly. "I dare you to tell me otherwise."

I breathed not taking my eyes from hers.

"You eat pussy better than any man... dare I say it even Sean." She arched an eyebrow. "But that's our little secret." She pressed a finger to her lips. "Sshhh."

My cheeks heated. Hell, my entire body flushed. But I refused to reply. Sadie wanted those memories in my head. Pressing my eyelids tightly shut, I could still feel her gaze on me, searing in its heat.

Breathe. Ignore whatever crazy game she's playing.

Opening my eyes, keeping my emotions in check, I snubbed the look of victory as I snatched the towel. "How did you know I was here?" Wrapping it tightly around me, securing a knot.

"Robert informed me," she answered without a flicker of guilt.

The front desk. Shit. I'd been a fucking idiot to assume they wouldn't find out.

She hummed out a sigh. "Dress Beatrix. We need to talk."

The tone of her voice and the cooling of her expression showed the woman carefully concealed under her beautiful exterior. People thought Sean was the one to watch out for, but I'd always known it was Sadie who pulled the strings, although I wasn't sure Sean knew how much control she had over him.

My stomach dropped as she swept from the room.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!