Open Wounds (Damaged Souls Book 2) Read online

  “Ha! I think it was Lexi that found me.” Sloan smirked as he opened the passenger door for Lexi to get in Dom’s car.

  “Fine. But I was the one that told the magazine about you. I get credit for that, right?” Dom conceded.

  “Hell yeah, you do! I’ll always be thankful for that. I need to take you out to dinner sometime soon, or something.” Sloan said leaning down to look into the car at Dom.

  “Sounds good. We can make it a couples’ night.” Dom suggested.

  “Perfect. Pick wherever you want to go and we’re there.” Sloan said happily.

  “Done. Good luck.” Dom smiled proudly.

  “Thanks.” He said to her, and then gave Lexi a soft goodbye kiss. “Good luck to you too. I hope you find the perfect gallery.”

  “Thanks, Sloan. Good luck, and remember to relax. You got this.” Lexi squeezed his hand before he nodded and walked to his truck.

  He trailed behind them in his truck, as they drove into town, both vehicles splitting off in different directions. The moment she was out of his sight, a feeling of dread came over him. But he tried to shake it off, as nothing.

  He reached the five-star restaurant where the meeting was being held. A valet took his truck, and he walked in, wiping his sweaty palms on his pants. The hostess walked him back to the table that had been reserved for them. Two men and a woman were already at the table, and they all stood as he came towards them. Sloan took one last huge breath, before stepping up to the table and shook each of their hands.

  “You must be Sloan. Hi, I’m Bryan O’Connor.” The tall lanky man said as he shook Sloan’s hand.

  “Hi, Bryan. Nice to meet you.” Sloan said politely.

  “Hey, Sloan. I’m Adam Stepp. Good to meet you.” The short man with glasses reached out a hand.

  “Likewise, Adam.” Sloan took his hand.

  “And last but certainly not least, I’m Kristy Thompson.” The pretty older woman, with bright red hair, greeted him.

  “It’s a pleasure, Kristy,” Sloan replied.

  “My goodness, you’re more gorgeous in person than in your pictures.” Kristy gushed.

  “Uh…thanks.” Sloan blushed.

  “Oh and humble too! You’re gonna be a hit. Don’t you agree boys?” Kristy asked the other men at the table.

  “Definitely. You’ll give those twins on the other network, a run for their money.” Bryan observed.

  “Agreed,” Adam said.

  Sloan’s skin turned an even deeper shade of red.

  “I’m just lookin’ to advance my construction business. I’m not trying to be a model or TV spokesperson.” Sloan said honestly.

  “Oh don’t worry. You construction career will skyrocket. The show will give you the fuel you need, to take off.” Kristy assured him. “But when it comes to television, it always helps to be attractive. And you’ve got that in leaps and bounds. You’re a pretty boy, with a rugged edge and those sexy scars and intense eyes. Then add the fact that you’re not cocky about it, and your Cinderella war hero story, there’s no stopping you.” Kristy elaborated further.

  “And he’s good at what he does,” Adam added.

  “Exactly!” Kristy agreed.

  “How do you know for sure that people will like me?” Sloan asked skeptically.

  “Well my dear, because the amount of calls, comments and shares about the article went through the roof, the first day the magazine landed on newsstands and is steadily climbing every day,” Kristy explained, obviously the person with the most pull at the table.

  “Really?” Sloan asked in shock.

  “Oh yeah. You’ve basically gone viral. There are several hashtags about you, going around on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.” Adam expounded.

  “Everyone wants to know about you. They want to see more of you. They’re pretty much salivating to get more, Sloan Stryker.” Bryan finished.

  “So what would the show be about?” Sloan asked, his interest piqued.

  “Well, we would find people that have failed miserably at trying to renovate their homes. Then that’s where you come in, and fix their renovation nightmares.” Kristy explained, leaning forward in excitement.

  “And my personal life wouldn’t be a part of the show?” Sloan asked, not ready to sign on the dotted line just yet.

  “Oh no! This isn’t some crazy reality show, where cameras follow you around, in your own home.” Bryan ensured. “The cameras will be there while you work. You explain certain parts of the process, you’ll show the owners the finished product, and then you go home to privacy.”

  “That doesn’t sound so bad,” Sloan said, relaxing a little in his chair.

  “Nope, not at all.” Kristy agreed. “You’re just doing your normal job, but with cameras there to film it. Now, let’s order some food, and then we can discuss money.” Kristy said with a sassy smile, gesturing the waiter over to the table.

  “Alright.”

  Chapter 14

  Seven Devils

  “My gallery is perfect for you, Ms. Bolden. It’s spacious, but with character. The brick walls would be the perfect juxtaposition to your stunning paintings.” Chelsea, the gallery owner said, looking down at Lexi’s art portfolio. “We have more than enough room to hold the hundred and fifty plus guests, that Mrs. Scott says will be in attendance,” Chelsea said as she gave them a tour of the large space.

  “This is a really great space, Lexi.” Dom agreed with the owner. “But what about cost, Chelsea?” Dom asked, turning to the chic black-haired woman, with a stylish bob.

  “Well, you have a couple of options. You can either rent the space for a set price. But you have to take care of promoting, marketing and catering yourself. Or we can do it commission based. And we’ll take care of everything.” Chelsea explained.

  “And the cost of each option?” Dom asked.

  “Well, if you go with rental, the set price for a hundred and fifty guests is eleven hundred. And for commission, we take fifty percent of the sales for your artwork.” Chelsea listed off.

  “Give us just a moment, Chelsea,” Dom said as she walked Lexi a few feet away from the gallery owner. “Well, all the galleries want fifty percent commission. That’s pretty standard. But this is the best rental price we’ve heard so far. I think you should go with renting. We don’t need to promote or market at this point. I’ve got texts, calls and emails coming out my ears, from people asking about the details of your exhibition. We have a full roster of guests. And I know a fabulous caterer that owes me a favor. So we can use their services, for really cheap.” Dom suggested, with her usual take charge personality.

  “Yeah, that works for me. I have no idea how this works, so I’m just along for the ride.” Lexi said, defaulting control to the expert saleswoman.

  “Alright then.” Dom smiled and turned to the owner across the room. “Chelsea, we’ve made our decision. Lexi wants to go with your gallery, and she’s decided to rent the space.” Dom said, her voice all business.

  “Fantastic!” Chelsea exclaimed, walking towards them. “You made an excellent choice. Your artwork will fit perfectly here.” She said as she shook hands with Lexi and then Dom.

  “Okay, so let’s talk available dates.” Dom continued.

  They finalized all the details with Chelsea, and Lexi wrote a check out to the gallery. As they headed out the building, Lexi noticed Aaron leaning against his fancy sports car that was parked next to Dom’s. He didn’t look particularly happy, and Lexi’s heart started to pound in response.

  They walked towards the car, and Aaron pushed off of his car as they approached.

  “Hey, Aaron! What’s going on?” Dom asked curiously.

  “I need to talk to Lexi, Aaron said with a frown.

  “Uh…hi, Aaron.” Lexi said hesitantly. “W-what did you want to talk to me about?”

  “I think you already know,” Aaron said darkly. “You told the police that I might be someone that is harassing you?”

  Dom’s eyes nearly popped out
of her head, at hearing his words, as Lexi cringed.

  “I’ve been having problems with someone vandalizing my car and home. As well as poisoning Sloan’s dog.” Lexi said nervously. “I think it may be my ex though I still don’t know how he could have possibly found me. But the cops asked if there was anyone else that I could think of that might do it.”

  “And I came to mind?!” Aaron practically shouted.

  “Well, you did act a little territorial at Dom’s wedding. And when I painted Tanya Gillman the other day, she mentioned that you were obsessed with me.” Lexi said quietly.

  “Do I have feelings for you? Yes. Would I like to spend more time with you? Yes. But I’m not some psycho stalker, Lexi! I’m a part of the law for God’s sake! I don’t break it.” Aaron railed.

  “I know. I know. I was just scared. And was actually hoping it was you, rather than him.” Lexi admitted.

  “I’m sorry that this is happening to you. But I promise you, it wasn’t me.” Aaron said, softening his voice, seeing the distressed look on her face. “Do you need anything? Help, maybe.” He offered generously.

  “No, I’m fine.” Lexi smiled, slightly.

  “Well then, how about I follow you home?” Aaron volunteered.

  “Um…sure. That would be great. Thanks.” Lexi accepted shyly.

  “No, problem,” Aaron said, warmly.

  Dom and Lexi got into the car and Dom pulled out of the parking spot, and Aaron trailed behind them.

  “So that was why you were so secretive when you first got here?” Dom asked, unable to contain her curiosity any longer.

  “Yeah,” Lexi said quietly, not wanting to start that particular conversation.

  “Well, I hope the cops find him,” Dom said, sensing Lexi’s unwillingness to discuss the topic.

  “Me too.” Lexi responded.

  They rode the rest of the way, in relative silence. When they got to her house, Aaron graciously walked in with Lexi and checked the house for any intruders. When they saw that it was all clear, he hugged her goodbye after she apologized again for implicated him to the police.

  After she waved goodbye to him and Dom from the doorway, Lexi went back in to make a call she had been avoiding for several weeks. It was time to call her best friend from back home, to check on Eric’s whereabouts. So she sat on her couch in the living room, and grabbed her phone out of her purse, and pulled up Bianca’s number.

  “Alexis.” A voice that Lexi didn’t immediately recognize answered the phone.

  “Bianca?” Lexi asked.

  “No, this is Bianca’s mother, Lupe.” The woman said in a disgruntled voice.

  “Oh, hello Lupe. Is Bianca there?” Lexi asked.

  “No, she’s not. Because of you, she’s been in the hospital for weeks. And you would’ve known that, had you cared to call.” Her mother said angrily.

  “Oh my God! What happened? What do you mean ‘because of me’?” Lexi exclaimed in shock.

  “Your worthless boyfriend came looking for you. And my Bianca tried protecting you, and he beat her into a coma, trying to get information about you. It’s all your fault! Your poor choice in men didn’t just affect you. You’re toxic, and I hope he finds you!” Lupe screamed into the phone before hanging up.

  Tears streamed down Lexi’s face, as she dropped her phone to the floor. Guilt and disgust in herself overwhelmed her. A heart-wrenching sob escaped her lips, and she doubled forward, the pain of what she’d done crippling her. Her phone rang on the floor, nearly made her jump out of her skin. She quickly picked it up and answered.

  “Hello?” She choked out, trying to stifle her tears.

  “Ms. Bolden, this is Officer Chase.” The voice on the other end answered, making Lexi’s stomach jump into her throat.

  “Yes, Officer?” Lexi barely got out.

  “I’m sorry that it took us a while to get back to you. But I wanted to inform you that we did get in contact with Mr. Benson’s parole officer. And he has gone missing.” Lexi’s stomach dropped, and her hands started to shake, barely able to hold the phone as he continued. “We’ve yet to verify if he’s here in Savannah. It looks like he may be paying cash and using an alias, so it’s nearly impossible to track him. But I wanted to warn you so that you can keep an eye out. And please call us if you hear or see anything suspicious.” Officer Chase finished.

  “O-Okay, Officer. T-Thank you.” Lexi said haltingly before hanging up the phone.

  She wanted so desperately to call Sloan but opted against it, knowing that he would probably be home soon anyway. And she didn’t want to freak him out and ruin his meeting with the disturbing news.

  Lexi got up and walked to the security panel next to the door, ready to set the alarm. A flickering glow coming from outside caught her attention. She looked out the window, and her heart nearly exploded in terror. Outside, her aunt’s prized car was engulfed in flames.

  Without a thought, she flung open the door and ran towards the car, not sure what to do to put out the fire. Lexi stood in shock as the heat of the flames licked at her face. And one second she was standing near the car, and the next she was thrown back by a powerful explosion when the fire reached the gas tank. Her head slammed against the concrete path leading to the house.

  Lexi blacked out for several seconds, deaf and blind to all around her. The feel of fire ripping through her scalp forced her to come back to full consciousness. Her eyes flew open, to see Eric standing over her, the pain in her scalp was him dragging her into the house by her hair. An ear-piercing scream tore through her throat. And she started to struggle, kicking back and scratching at his hands and arms.

  Eric pulled her into the house, and finally fed up with her fighting, he released her hair and tried kicking her in the ribs. Lexi quickly rolled away from him, narrowly avoiding the blow. She got to her hands and knees and tried to scramble away from him. He grabbed her by the ankle and pulled her towards him. He flipped her around and kneeling over her, he grabbed her by the throat. He used his considerable strength to lift her off her feet, from the floor. And he slammed her against the wall. Lexi clawed at his hands as he squeezed her throat tightly. Not enough to make her pass out, but enough to keep her where he wanted her.

  “I see you’ve been making the rounds, you fucking slut! Going on a date with one guy and fucking another.” He growled in her face, his sinister gray eyes glowing with pure evil.

  Lexi’s eyes widened at the knowledge that he’d been watching her for so long.

  “That’s right. I’ve seen you. You didn’t think I’d be able to find you, did you? Your friend Bianca was very helpful with that.” He laughed at the look of hatred that crossed Lexi’s face. “Ah, so you know? Good, because you’re gonna get the same treatment.” He warned with glee.

  “Get your fucking hands off me,” Lexi said, quietly.

  She glanced over to the couch where she had left her purse with the gun inside, gauging how far she’d have to run to reach it.

  “I don’t think so. You’re mine. Did you really think you could lock me up for a year, and not expect me to come find you when I got out? You have to pay for what you did to me!” He shouted in her face, so close that his spittle sprayed her face. “But first I’m gonna take what’s mine.” He growled next to her ear.

  He kissed her cheek, and pulled up her dress with his free hand, and cupped her sex roughly. He pulled back, a sinister smile spreading across his face, making his first mistake. Lexi brought her arms back and with all the strength she had, she slammed the palms of her hands into his face. And stunned by the vicious smack, Eric dropped her.

  The moment she was free, she ran towards the couch and her purse that held the key to her freedom. She cried out in frustration, as she felt arms wrap around her like steel bands.

  “Ah, I see you got a little tougher since we’ve been apart. Did your new Marine boyfriend teach you that? I like it. Fight. That’ll make it so much better.” Eric breathed against her ear.

  As he gloated, L
exi lowered her right hand and reaching back, she felt the hard bulge in his pants. She caressed his erection gently, and he ground his hips towards her.

  “Mmm…did you miss me? You’ve become such a good little whore.” Eric said and then licked the side of her face.

  Lexi clenched her jaw tightly, in disgust. Her hand in the perfect position, she squeezed his penis and testicles, in a punishing grip. A high-pitched squeal ripped from his throat, as he released his hold on her. She continued to squeeze and twisted around to face him. Eric continued to scream like a girl, as he fell to his knees, and she finally release his crotch.

  “You fucking bitch!” Eric bellowed in pain.

  He gently clasped his genitals, trying to relieve the pain. Or maybe to check to see if they were still there. Lexi didn’t care. She ran the few steps to the couch. She reached into her purse, wrapping her fingers around the handle of the gun, and whipped it out. She spun around and pointed the gun at Eric, as he stumbled to his feet. He smiled, though it looked more like a grimace, obviously not taking her seriously.

  “You won’t kill me. You don’t have it in you.” Eric said snidely.

  “You made my life a living hell, for years. Now it’s your turn.” Lexi said as she cocked the gun. “Oh…and when you see my father there…tell him I said hello.”

  Eric’s eyes widened, realizing that she dead serious. Lexi’s trembling hand, became deathly still, as her finger squeezed the trigger. Eric leaped towards her, as the shot rang out.

  Chapter 15

  911

  Sloan pulled onto their street, and from a distance he could see a strange orange glow. As the truck came closer, he could see Lexi’s car blazing, lighting up the house ominously. His heart stuttered and then nearly pounded out of his chest, at the sight. He barely had the truck in park, before he jumped out and ran full speed towards the porch steps. A shot rang out, and his heart jumped into his throat, practically choking him in fear.

  “LEXI!” Sloan screamed, in terror.

  He ran up the stairs and burst through the front door, not caring for his own safety. He scanned the room quickly and saw a body crumpled on the floor at Lexi’s feet. She stood looking down at it, the gun still clutched in both hands, pointing at the body as if it would jump up again, like in scary movies. But as Sloan walked towards her, he saw that a bullet hole was dead center of the man’s forehead. And he knew the man wasn’t going to get up a second time.