Chapter 17

Forty-eight hours after the wedding, Edgar demanded a meeting with Fitz, bursting the blissful bubble he'd created with Olivia. A supposed short trip has turned into a torturous two weeks of hell. For the first time in his life, he feels lonely. Needy. Vulnerable. This isn't like him. He's normally wrapped around a woman the minute he lands in London. Instead his mind is consumed with thoughts of Olivia. What she's doing? Is she ok? Did she have another panic attack? It pains him to think about her suffering alone. His heart aches for Olivia despite speaking to her every day. Her voice brings him comfort and reassures him their relationship is solid. Doubt often creeps in, reminding him that he's never been in a relationship and he's liable to fuck it up. His nightmares have returned, robbing him of the sleep he desperately needs. Lying next to Olivia has brought him peaceful nights of sleep and his body misses it. He's grateful Olivia is a world away and doesn't have to experience this side of him. His stress is magnified and he needs to get a handle on it before returning to the US. It's the only way his nightmares will dissipate.

Resting his hand on the glass in front of him, Fitz stares at Drew. They're out having drinks at a bar. Drew's demeanor is off. He's been acting strange since his arrival in London and Fitz can't seem to put his finger on the reason. His work is stellar and he's handling the London accounts fairly well in Chase's absence. Drew twirls the toothpick around his tongue, clearing his throat, before he speaks, "when is Chase returning?"

"In two weeks." Fitz responds, keeping a stern eye on Drew's behavior.

"Damn, you gave him an entire month off? Fuck!" Drew retorts. "I should get married."

Fitz arches his eyebrow with a chuckle. "I thought the amount of time off was fair. You'll be able to return to the west coast soon."

Drew sits up in the chair and takes a swig of his drink. "About that…I was planning on staying here a little longer."

"You hate London." Fitz smirks.

"My feelings for London have changed." Drew responds, turning over his phone it's buzzing on the table, indicating a call from Victoria.

Fitz gulps down the brown liquid in his glass. "I need you back on the west coast, Drew. It's not up for discussion."

Lifting his hand to the waitress, Drew signals for another drink. "Nothing is ever up for discussion with you. You're a controlling prick, Grant. I want out."

Fitz lights the end of a cigar, bringing it to his mouth, "out of what?"

"Grant Industries." Drew groans, picking at the napkin on the table.

Fitz laughs, blowing out a puff a smoke in the air. "Don't let a piece of ass make you do something stupid."

"This is my decision. It has nothing to do with a woman." He lies, picking up the cigar on the table, flicking the lighter furiously.

"Bullshit." Fitz places the cigar on the side of the ashtray, curling his finger at the waitress, signaling for another scotch. "I saved your dumb ass after you swindled your inheritance on a bunch of drugs and prostitutes. You're not ready to be on your own. Someone is in your ear."

"Fuck you, Grant." Drew snaps, flicking the ashes from his cigar into the ashtray. "I refuse to be under your thumb forever."

Fitz rests his elbows on the table, keeping his gaze stern. "She must be a good fuck if you're willing to come at me with this bullshit."

"She is." Drew answers, beaming like a Cheshire cat, contemplating if he should tell him he's fucking Victoria. She's the reason for his sudden desire to leave the company. He's already broken their bro code and once Fitz finds out he's sleeping with her, he'll toss him out of the company anyway. It's better if he leaves on his terms.

Fitz leans back in his chair, picking up his cigar from the ashtray, shaking his head, "you run an entire coast without me micromanaging you. I've never interfered in your decision making, Drew. Why would you leave?"

Drew interrupts, blowing out a puff of smoke. "It's time I do me."

"I don't need this shit right now. I've got enough on my plate." Fitz takes a sip from his glass, shaking his head in disgust.

Drew taps his cigar on the ashtray and chuckles. "You were more relaxed when you were fucking a new woman every night." He crosses his arms in front of his chest, leaning back on the chair. "I think you should review your plan of monogamy. It isn't working. The woman at the bar has been eyeing you all night. I'm sure a quick fuck in the bathroom would settle your mind."

Fitz glances at the woman then back at Drew. "I'm done with quick fucks that don't mean shit. Why don't you enjoy her for the night? She seems desperate enough."

Drew chuckles, then turns to the woman at the bar, smiling, he licks his lips, tapping his lap inviting the woman to join him. She happily strolls from the bar with a martini in her hand, blushing. She slowly sucks the green olive from the colorful pick, easing down on Drew's lap. Her display of sexual desire has him hard as a rock. He whispers in her ear, "do you have plans tonight?"

She shakes her head no.

"I'm your plans." Drew states.

The woman smiles, pointing to Fitz, "what about him? Is he part of the plans?"

"Convince him to join our little party." Drew trails his finger up her thigh.

Standing forcefully, Fitz drops the napkin on the table. "You know I'm in a relationship, Drew. Fuck off."

Drew laughs. "When was the last time you fucked Victoria?" His curiosity getting the best of him. He doesn't trust Victoria to tell him the truth.

"It's been months. Why?"

Drew snakes his arm around the woman's waist, standing. "Are you done with Victoria?"

Fitz guzzles the remainder of his drink, balling up his fist at his side. He circles the table, glaring at Drew, "I don't give a fuck about Victoria or who's dick she's sucking." His anger is building. He senses Drew has crossed a line in their friendship. He nudges Drew in the chest, "she's a nice fuck but the aftermath that comes with her isn't worth it."

X

Huck brings the black limo to a stop. Fitz glances out the window, cringing at the sight of the townhouse. He hates the brick structure. Memories of him and Victoria flood his mind, hitting him like a raging storm. Closing his eyes for a brief moment, he thinks about Olivia, ridding his mind of Victoria. There wasn't a need to come to the townhouse when he first arrived in London. It wasn't a priority. He wanted to get his favorite vase before the realtor sold it. Letting out an aggravated sigh, he swings the limo door open instead of waiting for Huck. Stepping into the warm air, he follows Huck up the stairs, halting his movement when Huck presses his palm firmly against his chest. The front door is ajar. "Don't move." Huck orders in a deep, dark, voice.

Fitz stands still, stuffing his hands in his pockets. The townhouse is in a gated community. Secluded from the rest of the homes, allowing for privacy. Victoria is the only other person with a key and the passcode. Huck returns, yanking the door open, his mouth is turned downward in anger. Glass crunches under his feet as he walks across the threshold, entering the home. He curses loudly at the sight before him. Attempting to move around the glass is futile. The kitchen cabinet doors hang open with each plate and glass shattered on the floor. Balling his fist at his sides, he bends down in the living room, picking up a small broken piece from his favorite vase. The couch cushions are slashed and the cotton batting ripped out, tossed around the room like snow. He winces at the word 'ASSHOLE' spray painted in red across the white marble fireplace. Strolling to the bedroom, he stops at the entrance, dropping his head in his hands. The sheets are shredded, his Brooks Brothers suits are cut up into pieces and scattered across the room like confetti. His shoes are dumped inside the tub covered in black paint. The mirror and glass shower door are broken. "FUCK!" He shouts, loudly. The sound echoing throughout the bathroom. Huck rushes to his side.

Fitz groans, shaking his head. "This has to be the work of a mad man."

Huck chuckles. "This is the work of a woman scorned."

"Victoria did this?" He questions, following Huck to the kitchen.

Huck turns his computer toward Fitz and presses play, showing Victoria entering the townhouse on the camera feed. She has paint cans and bags in her hands. "Fuck you, Fitz." She shouts on the camera, kicking the door open after using her key.

"Was she alone?"

"Yes." Huck states, closing the computer. "I should have kept a better eye on the property. My apologies, boss."

Fitz pulls out his phone searching for Victoria's name. His anger is through the roof and he's liable to do something he'll regret. Huck snatches the phone from him. "I can take care of Victoria."

"No." Fitz demands, running his fingers through his sandy brown curls, walking to the front door. The townhouse feels claustrophobic and he can't stand being inside any longer. He walks down the steps, looking back at Huck. "If she ends up missing, her father will never let me out of the deal. He'll blame me. My concern is Olivia. I need an eye on her at all times. Do you know someone?"

Huck nods opening the limo door for Fitz.

"Get her a shadow. I don't want her to know she's being watched." Fitz slips inside the limo.

"Will do, sir." Huck closes the door and leans against the limo, dialing a familiar number.

"Boss." The voice states.

"Don't take your eyes off Olivia."

Turner tosses the cigarette on the ground, stepping on it. "Things in London must be bad. She's safe."

"Stay focused, Turner."

"Will do." He states, ending the call.

X

Sealing the deal with Edgar's opposition is done and Fitz is one step closer to returning home to Olivia. Edgar is playing hard ball and refusing to release him from the contract until he gets what he wants…more money. He knows terminating the contract with Grant Industries will end his fluid source of income.

Fitz sits across from Edgar in his office, circling the brown liquor in his glass before taking a sip. His disgust with Edgar is very clear. The wood paneling and stained brown carpet makes his skin crawl. It's dingy, reeks of cigarettes and different from the typical offices he's used to conducting business. Edgar is short with a long pointy nose and combed over thin blond strands that attempt to disguise his aging baldness. Edgar lifts his cigarette, takes a drag, then blows the smoke through an open window. Fitz coughs at the puff of smoke. Edgar's bloodshot eyes glance above the documents he's reading, snorting at Fitz. He pushes his thick framed black glasses further up his face, flipping to the next page as the cigarette dangles from his mouth. The door creaks open and Edgar looks up, smiling at the person walking through the door. Fitz doesn't need to turn around to know it's Victoria. Her floral perfume engulfs the room. It's a scent he knows well.

"Hey daddy, I didn't know you were in a meeting." Victoria sashays inside the office, stopping at the chair in front of Edgar's desk.

"Fitzgerald." She whispers, her breathing hitches when she smiles. She hasn't seen him since he's been in London. She's been fucking Drew every night without remorse. Seeing Fitz brings her deep regret. She trails her fingers at the base of his neck, whispering a soft I'm sorry under her breath. He shudders from her touch, his dick swelling, betraying him. He curses softly at his body for responding to her touch. Jerking his head away, he catches her hand in his, "STOP IT." He retorts, dropping her hand at her side.

"Hello daughter." Edgar states.

Victoria offers a simple wave to her father and turns back to Fitz in the chair. She leans in front of him, her voluptuous cleavage on full display in his face, whispering, "I bet you're hard as a rock right now."

Fitz cups the back of her neck, bringing his mouth to her ear, "this is my last time telling you to keep your hands off of me. Keep it up and I'll have you dragged out of here in a body bag."

Victoria jerks away from him, turning to her father, snatching the papers from his hand, "what are you two discussing?"

"Ending our deal." Edgar grabs hold of the papers from Victoria.

Her eyes connect with Fitz as she walks to the edge of the desk, propping herself on the hard wood. Inching her dress up, she slowly crosses one leg over the other.

Fitz grips the glass in his hand tight, slamming it down on the table next to him. "We've gone back and forth long enough, Edgar. This is my final offer. I need to return to the States."

Victoria shifts on the desk, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "Why do you need to rush back to the States, Fitzgerald. Is it because of that bitch you're fucking?"

"Watch how you talk about Olivia." Fitz groans, his eyes searing through Victoria.

"I could scratch that itch for you."

"Victoria!" Edgar yells, tossing the papers on his desk.

Victoria stands from the desk and moves next to her father. "You owe me dinner, Fitzgerald. Make him take me to dinner, daddy." She whines like a child.

"I don't owe you shit. After what you did to my townhouse, you fucking owe me." Fitz shouts.

"Oh, please, Fitzgerald." Victoria tosses her hands in the air. "You have more money than I can count. Replace it. Matter of fact I wanted to redecorate anyway."

"Tough shit, I'm selling it."

Victoria strolls to Fitz, yelling, "you fucking bastard. That's our house?" She glances at Edgar. "Do something." Edgar sits up in his chair. "Take Victoria to dinner and make amends with her. She'll make the final decision if I'll accept your offer."

"No." Fitz retorts, standing in front of Edgar's desk. "Our deal has nothing to do with Victoria."

"Quite the contrary, Fitzgerald. I made those deals assuming you would make my daughter a member of the Grant family."

Fitz laughs, heartily. "Did you really think I would marry your daughter?"

"Well, yes." Edgar responds, lighting the end of another cigarette. "Think about the dynasty we would have created."

Fitz strolls to the bar and pours another drink, shaking his head, the alcohol from earlier is taking effect and he can feel his temper flaring. He takes a sip, enjoying the slight burn from the scotch. Victoria crosses the room to him, snatching the glass from his hand, guzzling the rest. Sliding his hand down her cheek, she leans into his touch. He glares at Edgar. "I was fucking your daughter, Edgar. We weren't in a relationship." Victoria swats Fitz's hand away, pushing on his chest. "Shut up, Fitz. I…hate…you!"

Fitz tosses his head back in laughter. "Not as much as I hate myself for getting involved with you."

"Enough!" Edgar shouts, slamming his fist on the desk. "Grant your treading on thin ice with me."

"I'm done here." Fitz sways a little and Victoria touches his arm. He pulls it back as if he's just touched fire.

"Take Victoria to dinner and our deal is done." Edgar grunts.

Fitz smirks, tossing his hand in the air, surrendering to Edgar's demand. He strolls to the door, placing his hand on the door knob, sighing in defeat. Victoria rushes to the door, blocking him from leaving, "I'll wear your favorite dress." She coos, the desperation seeping from her pores.

"No need. This is a business dinner, Victoria. Don't get any fucking ideas."

She stands on her toes, fixing his tie, "this is you taking me to dinner so we can fix us."

X

Despite throwing herself into work and hanging out with Josh, Olivia was failing miserably at keeping it together. The thought of Fitz being in the same proximity as Victoria made her sick to her stomach. Her saving grace was the massive amount of work Brian had given her in the last few days. It kept her mind from overthinking the worse. Eating and sleeping had become a chore. Taking small cat naps at her desk was the norm. With Abby gone, she'd become the administrative assistant on top of trying to complete her regular work duties.

Josh leans over her cubicle, smiling, holding a white container filled with food. Her stomach immediately twits into knots from the smell, making her gag. Stepping back from her desk, he closes the container. "Please don't tell me you're fucking Grant raw and you're pregnant."

"I'm not pregnant, Josh." Olivia rolls her eyes, holding up a granola bar, waving it in his face. "I'm eating."

"Real food. Not this shit!" He snatches the granola bar, tossing it on her desk. "By the way, condoms are not one hundred percent, so it's a possibility."

"It's not. I'm protected." Olivia stands and grabs her mug from the desk, feeling slightly dizzy from her sudden movement. Another panic attack had ricocheted through her body last night, causing her to confess her illness to Josh. "This is what happens when I'm on my cycle…for your information."

Josh follows Olivia to the kitchen watching her carefully. He's on high alert after last night. One minute they were singing and making drinks in Olivia's kitchen then all of a sudden, he was catching her in his arms.

Filling her mug, Olivia bounces the tea bag inside the hot water. She sighs, leaning her hand on the table, "stop being nosy."Josh fills his mug with coffee, nervously watching Olivia. "I'm far from nosy…concerned, yes. Babies cause problems, Liv."

Olivia rolls her eyes. "Can we change the subject?"

"Have you told Fitz how you've been feeling?" Josh removes the cream from the refrigerator, pouring a hefty amount inside his coffee.

Olivia snaps, "He's busy, Josh. He doesn't have time to worry about me." She

places her mug on the table with a slight thud.

"Bullshit, Pope. If you told him you had another panic attack, he'd have his ass back here." He lifts her mug, leaving the kitchen once another employee walks inside the kitchen.

Olivia pauses at her cubicle, taking the mug from him, plopping down in her chair. "I don't want him catering to me like a damsel in distress. He did that in London and it reminded me of my parents. I can't be a burden to him, Josh." Olivia cradles her hands around the mug, relishing in the warmth it brings her. "I just need sleep."

"Fitz should know, Liv." Josh places his hand on her shoulder, rubbing it. "When is he coming back?"

She looks up at him, blinking back tears. "I don't know." Olivia shrugs, dropping her head inside her hands. "I can't go back to Georgia. If my parents find out I don't have my panic attacks under control, they will force me to go back home."

Josh lifts her chin. "You're not going back to Georgia. You're my new bestie. Let's go out for drinks tonight."

Olivia shakes her head, no. "I feel like shit."

"Drinks at my place, then?" Josh states with a smile.

"Ok I can do that." Olivia agrees.

"I make a mean margarita, Pope. Bring your pajamas."

Olivia chuckles. "Invite Abby. I would love to see her." She shouts over her cubicle as Josh walks to his seat. "Just me and you this time. Abby has shit going on. I keep telling you this."

Olivia sighs. "Well, count me in. I'd rather drink alcohol and eat snacks with you than sit in my apartment alone."

X

Turner stops the black SUV in front of a beautiful two-story brick home surrounded by a white picket fence. Red and yellow tulips line the front of the house. The grass is well manicured. Olivia looks out the window, then back at Turner, confused, "this can't be it." Abby doesn't appear to be the domestic type. "I'm very good at what I do, Olivia. This is the correct address for Abigail Whelan." Turner opens the car door, helping Olivia out of the vehicle. "This looks like one of the houses from the Stepford Wife movie." Olivia chimes, falling in step with Turner.

He shrugs, keeping his hand on the gun at his hip. He doesn't know what to expect behind the door, but he's done his due diligence on Abigail Whelan and her past isn't pretty. "I'll knock. Announce your name, then step aside. I need to make sure this is a safe situation." Olivia nods. Turner bangs on the door. The sound echoes loud in Olivia's ear and she taps him on the arm. "Damn, Turner, that wasn't subtle at all." Turner keeps his eyes fixated on the door, preparing for what's to come. He's grown fond of Olivia, not in a romantic way, but as a friend. She's shared stories about her life in Georgia with him. Cooked for him while he was on duty. In his line of work, he doesn't have friends. Huck is his only friend. They were in the military together. Keeping Olivia safe is his top priority. He may work for Gregory but he takes his orders from Huck. He's not sure why Huck has an interest in Olivia or Gregory.

The door swings open and Olivia steps in front of Turner, "Abby."

"Olivia?" Abby questions, stepping on the porch, closing the door behind her. "What are you doing here? How did you get my address?"

Olivia nervously taps her fingers at her side, "I came to see how you were doing."

"No one has my address except for Josh. Did he give you my information? I'm going to kill him." Abby groans, crossing her arms in front of her chest, displaying her anger.

"I didn't get your address from Josh. I did my own investigative work."

"I wasn't answering my phone for a reason." Abby snaps, gripping the door knob handle. "I have a lot of shit going on."

Olivia huffs. "If you want me to leave, then I'll leave." She turns on her heels, yanking Turner by the arm. Once she reaches the third step, Abby calls her name. "Olivia, wait."

Olivia turns quickly, looking at Abby.

"You can come in for a little. It's time I stop hiding, anyway." Abby opens the door, stepping to the side allowing Olivia and Turner to enter. "Who's he?" She points to Turner.

"My bodyguard." Olivia answers.

"I must have missed a lot. Why do you have a bodyguard?"

"My uncle wants to keep me safe…blah…blah…blah." Olivia answers, looking around the house as she enters. Everything is neatly put in place. The furniture is modern and not too flashy. It doesn't fit Abby's personality.

"Water?" Abby takes two water bottles from the fridge. She walks over to Turner and hands him one, smiling. He's big and masculine. He takes the water, allowing his eyes to roam over Abby. "Thanks."

Abby sits next to Olivia, tucking her legs under her bottom, sighing, she pushes a loose curl behind her ear. "What I'm about to share with you can't be repeated to anyone…ok."

Olivia places the water bottle on the glass table in front of her, nodding. She swallows hard, patiently waiting for Abby to speak.

Abby takes a deep breath, "five years ago, I fell in love with a married man." She stares at Olivia trying to gage her reaction, "I'm still seeing him." She lowers her eyes to the ground. "He bought me this house and the car I drive. If I leave him, I'll have nothing."

Olivia reaches her hand across to Abby, taking her hand in hers, squeezing it. "Abby, I'm sorry. I had no idea."

Abby shrugs, dropping her head back, trying to stop the tears that are forming. "If I could go back and change things, I would." The sound of small footsteps, echo down the hallway and Abby turns to look. "There's something else."

"Momma." A voice whines from the doorway of one of the rooms. Olivia snaps her head around to the hallway. A little girl shuffles toward the couch, settling on Abby's lap. She's the spitting image of Abby. Her eyes reminding Olivia of someone familiar. "Say hello to mommy's friend." Abby kisses her daughter on the cheek. The little girl waves.

"Autumn is three." Abby states, her eyes filled with sorrow.

"I didn't know you had a daughter."

Abby smiles, combing her fingers through Autumn's hair. "She's the best thing that has come out of my affair."

"Does he know about her?" Olivia asks, staring at the little girl, smiling.

"He knows. He visits when he can. I don't make it a big deal for him to be in her life. I fucked up." Abby stands, taking Autumn's hand, walking her over to the table. Pulling a sandwich from the refrigerator, she sets the plate in front of her. She places a pair of pink headphones over Autumn's ears, turning on the IPAD, kissing her on the cheek. The little girl immediately starts tapping on the tablet, giggling at the screen. Abby knows the conversation is about to get intense. She returns to the couch, sighing, "Brian is her father."

Olivia is stunned, her mouth hangs open at the revelation. "Our boss?"

"Yes."

Olivia reaches for her water bottle, guzzling the rest down, saturating the lump forming in her throat. "Oh…I don't know what to say, Abs."

"There's nothing to say. I haven't been at work because I'm avoiding him."

"Why?"

"He's a liar. I had no clue his wife was pregnant. It was shitty of him to parade her around the vodka event as if he didn't fuck me the night before." Abby huffs. "He showed me the divorce papers. I believed him." Abby shakes her head, punching the ruffled pillow on the couch.

"Do you know if they were real? You can make anything on the internet." Olivia states, treading lightly, Abby is becoming more and more upset.

Abby shrugs. "I don't know. They looked authentic."

Olivia takes a deep breath. "Cheaters never leave their wives, Abby."

Abby connects her eyes with Olivia in anger and she wants to kick her ass out of her house but Olivia is speaking the words that have plagued her mind. Deep down she knows Brian will never leave Raven. They've been playing this game for five years. She's the one who's been waiting with baited breath, believing his lies while he gets the best of both worlds.

"I don't know what to do." Abby admits softly, allowing the tears to fall down her cheeks. "I've stayed because it's what's best for Autumn. She gets to see her father."

Olivia gathers Abby in her arms, hugging her tight. "Brian is a real asshole, he's been playing you all this time."

Abby sobs loudly at the realization. For the first time, she finally lets her guard down, allowing someone else to carry the burden with her. She pulls from the hug and wipes at her eyes. "I can't just walk away, Olivia. I need a plan."

"I can help. My uncle is a judge. We can talk to him."

Turner clears his throat, shaking his head, no. Olivia ignores him.

Abby sniffles. "Ok."