The Missing One (Lost Series Book 2) (5 page)

Abby

Three Years Ago

Blake stood before me, clothed in light blue denim jeans that had a small rip on one of the knees and a plain black tee. It was simple, but he made it look like a runway outfit suitable for models. As he walked over to greet me, my chest vibrated with nerves.

“Hey,” he greeted gently. Reached out, he took my hand and placed a feather light kiss on my knuckles. His lips, soft and ever so gentle, sent a shiver from my lower back shooting right up into my chest, setting it alight with firecrackers.

“Hey,” I replied breathlessly.

“I thought you weren’t going to show up.” His eyes glistened from the small amount of light shining over us from the street lamp. He was still caressing my hand with his, and everything within me was wide awake. A part of me wanted to launch myself into his arms, to feel a safety net surrounding me that he could easily provide.

“I nearly didn’t,” I admitted. I’d thought about nothing but this
date
all week since our first encounter. Even lying beside Jacob at night, my last thoughts were of these shimmering emerald eyes and bright smile before I fell asleep.

“Why?” He turned, still gripping my hand. I fell into step beside him. He guided me back into the park, past the bench and deeper into some trees. The clearing we walked into was lightly lit from street lights and the further you walked in, the stars in the sky appeared brighter. Melodi and I used to come here at night to hang out and talk about boys, or bitchy people who surrounded us. But then Jacob came into my life, and everything became all about him. Everyone around me suffered because of the silly mistake I’d made in choosing Jacob over my family, and now I was too scared to get out of the relationship I’d found myself floundering in.

“Because I feel like I’m cheating on my boyfriend in a way.” Guilt wreaked havoc on me even though I knew I shouldn’t have felt that, especially for Jacob.

“Any man that treats or marks his girl the way you have been, well, they don’t deserve their girlfriends. Those girls deserve better…much better.” He leant forward placing a feather light kiss on my cheek, leaving goose bumps over my body in its wake. There was such force behind his words, it was frightening. But I could also see that he was very passionate about this kind of thing. I guessed being a police officer you’d see many different disturbing things that you’d probably wish you would be able to un-see.

“Are you my
much better
?”
Oh, crap…What did I just say?
I quickly went to fix my mistake, but he beats me to it.

“I would like to be,” he whispered so low I hardly heard him. I instantly had lead feet, jerking him to an unexpected stop.

“Please don’t say things like that,” I pleaded, but there was also excitement bubbling within me at the possibility. “It’s not right. I’m with someone. In fact, I shouldn’t even be here with you.” I yanked my hand out of his. My heart screamed at me because of the loss of calmness he surrounded me with. “Why are you doing this for me? I shouldn’t have voiced my thoughts to you, someone who’s a complete stranger to me.” My voice slowly got louder, my nerves showed through my words. My breathing was heaving.
Why was I getting so worked up over this?

Blake took a hesitant step toward me, waiting for a reaction, but I didn’t react. He stepped closer again, closing the already small distance between us. As he did so, his protective arms wrapped around my small frame and he pulled me into him, moulding our bodies together. I took a deep breath, breathing in the scent of his aftershave which set my senses on fire. The feeling of being held so tenderly was alien to me. I’d not been held this way for months. I began to relax against him as he tightened his arms around me.

“Please give me a chance to be your
much better,
” he whispered into my hair, placing a small, powerful kiss on my neck. A prickling sensation spread across my skin and down my back. I pulled back, gazing up into his magical eyes; his features were soft. I wished I could read his mind and know what was going on in there. Why was he so interested in me? For someone who’d only just met me, I wouldn’t fall into that trap again and find out later he was the devil in a gorgeous man’s body. Jacob had burnt my trust and taught me that every man must wear a mask and was fake up until they showed their true colours.

“I don’t know if I can.” I bit my lip unsure of what more I could say.

He bowed his head, slightly breaking eye contact. It hurt me immensely watching my words crush another. “Look let’s go on our ‘
just friends’
date and get to know one other better.”

I placed my hand on his cheek guiding his face up to look at mine. I saw the hurt I’d instilled there, but I could also see the hope he held. I nodded.

He sighs. “Okay, let’s go have our date and talk.” He flashes his contagious smile. I couldn’t help but grin back at him.

We stepped apart and he took my hand again. I looked around and noticed a few other couples. Fear rose within me as I really hoped that no one knew Jacob, or me for that matter, and would go running back to tell him. I tried really hard to push those feelings away to the back of my mind. I wanted to enjoy my night.

He led me to a part of the park where there weren’t many people. He had a picnic blanket spread out with a pizza box and a bottle of wine with two glasses. My lips curled up in the biggest
real
smile I’d had on my face in a long time.

“This is amazing,” I breathed. He squeezed my hand, and with that small gesture it was as if he was squeezing my hardened heart back to what it was. I didn’t think it’d ever be the same again because of the abuse Jacob had put me through.

Every time he came home from work and I wasn’t there with dinner prepared he got angry. I had no idea what his family was like because I’d never met them. He wouldn’t take me to meet them, but it was all right for him to
have
to meet my family, as he put it. If I didn’t give him intimacy when he wanted it, I was physically attacked. But as soon as he got the first hit in, I gave him what he wanted because I couldn’t bring myself to be continually beaten. During sex, he bit and sucked really hard on my already overly sensitive skin, leaving hickeys as well as bruises from his display of love as he liked to believe. I usually just laid there while he did what he needed to; he’d only ever gotten me to my peak once, then never again. I just didn’t understand his motives.
Why did he treat me the way he did?

I really needed to stop thinking about this stuff while I was out with someone else. I didn’t want to ruin the night with my dark mood.

“I wanted tonight to be casual, have a chat so we could get to know each other,” he smiled down at me.

“I think it’s perfect.”

We walked over and took a seat on the blanket. The pizza smelled divine and it made my tummy rumble. Blake filled our glasses and I took a sip, the bubbles tickled all the senses in my mouth with its fresh and fruity taste. He handed me a plate with a slice of pepperoni pizza. I honestly couldn’t get over the size of the pizzas in America compared to the tiny Australian ones, it was crazy! Once we were set up with our food and drinks, it went silent for a little bit before Blake spoke.

“So tell me, why do you stay with him?”

I looked up at him in utter shock. “Wow, don’t hold back there!”

“Sorry, wrong first question, I guess.”

“You could say that. How about next question, and we’ll come back to that one?”

He nodded and moved on. “So what part of Australia are you from?”

“Brisbane in Queensland.”

“Why did you move here?”

“Dad managed a transfer with the Army, so here we are.” I took another bite, looking over at him. He looked thoughtful, a little undecided about his next question.

“Do you have any siblings?”

“Yeah, I have a sister. A twin actually.”

“Wow! That’s cool. Are you identical twins?”

“Nah, we’re fraternal. She has Mum’s features, and I have Dad's mostly, except we both have Mum’s eyes.”

He looked up at me, his eyes meeting mine. He reached his hand out, cupping my cheek gently. My heart skipped a beat and the electricity flowing through his fingertips ran right through me, travelling down my spine making me shiver slightly. “You do have beautiful eyes.”

“Thanks,” I answered shyly. “Why not tell me something about you instead of making this all about me and my issues?”

He removed his hand, going to pick up his glass for another drink. “Sure, ask me anything, I’m an open book.” A cheeky smile beamed across his face.

I placed a finger to my chin as though I was thinking of a good hard question to put to him. “Sooo…do you have any siblings?”

“I thought your question would be a tough one judging by your face,” he laughed, but continued, “I have an older half-brother who I never see and a younger sister who’s travelling around Europe at the moment. Lucky girl!”

“A half-brother?” I queried.

“Yeah, Mom got pregnant when she was eighteen. The father left her, and she didn’t have the support of her family because she fell pregnant out of wedlock.” He stopped, taking a deep breath, the look on his face was one of concern and possible torment. “After she had him, she put him up for adoption. She never knew what became of him until he showed up on our doorstep three years ago and let me just say he was not nice.”

My hand covered my mouth. “How can someone be so cruel when he doesn’t even know the reason for her putting him up for adoption?”

“I know, and she explained it to him, but he was still angry and left. We haven’t heard from him since.”

“Wow, that’s harsh.” I felt sorry for his mum and how difficult it would’ve been for her to even consider putting a baby up. “I’m aware it must’ve been hard for your mum, but I know I could never put my own child up for adoption. No matter what.” I felt so strong about this. I guess that was just me and my own personal opinion, though.

I watched Blake as he nodded his agreement. “I would never allow any woman I was with to give up our baby.”

It had fallen silent between us before he spoke again. “So, are you ready to answer my first question?” He was hesitant and unsure.

I wanted to answer it I really did and be able to talk to someone about my problems. I released a huge loud sigh. “I don’t know what else to do. I’ve tried to leave before and he promises to change and I fall for it
every single time.
” A lump formed in my throat as the words left my lips. This was the first time that I’d opened up to
anyone
and it was freaking me out. My body was vibrating because I was shaking so much, and could feel my hands clamming up.

Blake moved closer, wrapped his arm around me, and I fell into him, his warmth surrounding me like a heated blanket. A calmness slowly washed over me. Being in Blake’s arms gave me a sense of safety. I didn’t understand how it was possible. He made me feel all these emotions after only meeting him twice. Perhaps it was just the fact that he was showing me what I didn’t have, and I was craving the nurturing aspect which was lacking in my life at that time.

“It’s okay, Abby. I’m here whenever you want to talk. If it’s not right now, then that’s okay,” he said as his hand rubbed my arm causing goose bumps to rise on my skin.

I rested my head against his shoulder, closing my eyes taking in the moment. “Why couldn’t I have met you earlier?” I asked before I could stop myself. I heard a slight sigh as his arm tightened around me.

“I’m sorry I took so long.” He turned his face to look at me and I moved my head from his shoulder, our eyes connected. My heart was pounding against my ribcage. I glanced down at his lips and as I did his mouth parted a little. I met his eyes again. It was like time stood still. Before I even registered what the hell I was doing, I leant into him, closing my eyes and our lips met. So soft.

His free hand caressed my cheek as I pulled away a little. I didn’t want to lose the magical connection.

“What am I going to do?” I asked. Worry filled me from head to toe like a cold bucket of ice had been dumped on me. “Oh, goodness, what did I just do? Why did you let it happen?” Panic began to rise. My breathing became heavy and rapid. I jumped out of Blake’s arms.

He looked surprised by my sudden outburst. “I’m sorry. Please, it won’t happen again,” he pleaded with me.

I was already up and grabbing my things. I took a look at my phone and saw that I had six missed calls and ten messages from Jacob. The messages weren’t pleasant ones. He was angry.

Oh, my…what have I done?

I had cheated on my boyfriend who abused me, and now I had to explain why I hadn’t answered or replied to him.

“I’m sorry, I have to go.” I didn’t give him a chance to stop me as I ran, tears falling down my cheeks. I made it to my car before I broke down. I quickly started the engine and drove home, not knowing what I was going to tell Jacob or if I’d even tell him anything at all.

Abby

Three Years Ago

It had been a week since my picnic with Blake, and I’d gone back to my dark robotic self. Jacob wasn’t too pleased when I rang him after I’d gotten home that night. I told Melodi to cover for me, to say I was with her and that I’d forgotten my phone. She wanted to know why. When I wouldn’t give her the answer she wanted, she made me promise that I would open up to her, and soon. Otherwise, she was going to Mum and Dad. So I promised her I would when I could.

My phone call with Jacob that night when I got home was one I wished not to repeat. When I rang, he answered after the first ring.

“You better have a good reason for not answering me,” he spat out. Not even a hello.

“Hello, to you too, babe.” I decided to go for the subtle approach instead of the defensive one, or I’d pay for it when he got back home.

“Don’t play coy with me, girl.” There was so much anger in his voice it frightened me.

I released a sigh and gave him my made up story. “I went out with Melodi and I forgot my phone. We went out for a girls’ night and had pizza.”

“For some strange reason, I don’t believe you,” he sneered through the phone.

“You can ask her if you want.” I threw back at him.

“Yeah, I’m sure she’d stick up for you. Are you cheating on me?”

I’m shocked by his words because they were actually true. I know it was only a small kiss, but the emotions that were involved made me want more.

“What? No! How could you think that? How dare you!” I screamed at him through the phone. I knew I’d done wrong, but he could never know.

“Okay, I believe you. Don’t you ever cheat on me Abby or there
will
be
severe
consequences.” I heard the promise in his tone. It sent chills through me. Fear gripped my heart with terror.

“I could never do that to you,” I whispered in defeat. I always surrendered to him. I was weak. I wrapped my free arm around my stomach trying to give myself some comfort.

After that phone call, I broke down and cried all night. I had to cry silently into my pillow as I was at home, and being so near my family, especially Melodi who already had an idea of what was going on, I couldn’t let her see me broken. I hated myself so much for what I’d done. I cried until my stomach hurt and my eyes stung. Now I sat there on the same bench I’d met Blake on. I’d ignored all his messages. I’d even put his name in my phone as a girl so that Jacob wouldn’t get suspicious if he found it, and I always deleted his messages no matter what.

I leant back on the bench, soaking up the sun while I wished my life was different. Why couldn’t I be a much stronger person like Melodi? The refreshing breeze tickled my face. Such a beautiful day to go out for lunch. I felt the bench shift slightly and my eyes shot open as I looked beside me. My heart dropped into my lap.

“Hello, darling,” Jacob smiled at me. It made my skin crawl, the way he looked at me. His eyes were cold and loveless.

I mustered up my courage and gave him the reception he wanted. I leant over and greeted him with a kiss. “Hey, aren’t you working today?” He never left the office. It was like he was checking up on me.

“I took my lunch break today to come see you. The girls said you’d gone out for lunch. You should be telling me when you go out, Abby,” his voice stern like he was talking to a little child telling them they shouldn’t do something. Anger built in my chest.

“I can go if I want. I don’t need to tell you
every time
I go out. It’s just—”

He cut me off, grabbed my arm and squeezed it hard. Even though he didn’t have long nails, his fingers pressed in so deeply I could feel them pierce my skin. I yelped in pain and shock.

“Do not speak to me like that again. You
will
respect me,” he forcefully whispered. My body was tense with fear and everything within me tightened like a spring coil. I tried pulling my arm away from him, but his grip tightened. “You’ll be punished for that.” There’s that promise again.

What did I do to deserve this?

I stayed silent. My tears threatened, but even if they fell he wouldn’t feel any remorse. It just pushed him further.

“Do you understand me?” he reiterated.

I couldn’t speak, fear had stolen my voice, so I simply nodded. He released me, thankfully. I caressed my sore arm and noticed he’d drawn blood. “I want you at my place tonight by the time I finish work.” He didn’t give me an opportunity to answer before he walked away like he was the king of the world.

Once he was out of sight and I could see his car speed off down the street, the tears came thick and fast. I cried so hard that I couldn’t catch my breath. I heaved, taking in any air I could; it was as if I was sucking air through a semi-blocked straw. Then I felt strong arms lift me up and wrapped me up in a warmth of comfort.

“Shh…it’s okay. Breathe, Abby. Deep breaths.”

Blake…
I clung to him as though he was my life support. I instantly touched him and he gave me the strength I needed.

“Oh, Blake,” I sobbed into his chest gripping his shirt. The pain in my chest began to ease a little as Blake soothed me with his calming words, and the way he ran his fingers over my back. He knew what I needed. “I’m so sorry for losing it,” I said after I took in a few deep breaths.

“Abby, it’s okay. I was coming to see if you were here today. I needed to see that you were okay, and when I saw him hurting you…” he paused to compose himself, “I had to fight every instinct in my body not to run over here and just beat the life out of him. The way he handled you, spoke to you…
you don’t deserve that.”
I felt every emotion he felt when he spoke those words. The hate and dislike for Jacob was palpable.

“I don’t know any other way, Blake. He’ll do worse things if I defy him more than I already have.” I sobbed into his shirt. I felt like I was stuck in a rut and no matter how much I kept trying to get myself out, I somehow ended up deeper in. I wanted to scream, feeling the need to run away from the life I’d created for myself.

Disappear.

“Just leave, Abby. He doesn’t deserve you.”

“Blake, I don’t know how. Tell me how? What do I do?” I pleaded. Fresh tears slid down my cheeks as Blake held me out at arm’s length. Taking my face in his hands, his energised emerald eyes pierced right into my sky blue ones.

“We’ll figure this out, but for now, please, and I’m pretty much begging you right now, Abby…don’t shut me out or run from me again.” Sadness and determination etched in every crease of his perfect face.

Why am I putting my trust in him?

“Why are you doing this? I don’t even know you,” I voiced my thoughts as he continued to hold my face. I’d calmed down and was more rational by this stage.

A weak smile brightened his face. It’s amazing what a smile, no matter how little, can do to change the appearance of someone. “I’m drawn to you. I’ve seen you sitting right here in this very same spot with so much sadness in your eyes. You may not have noticed, but I’d walked past you many times, only you looked lost in thought.” His words warmed my heart. He continued, “I desperately wanted to talk to you, to get to know you, and to
care
for you. Seeing those marks on your beautiful skin makes me so angry, and finally seeing the face for the reason behind those marks just made me more determined to get you away from him. He doesn’t love you, you’re just another punching bag for him. I won’t stand by anymore and allow him to do this to you.”

“Blake…” I say as barely a whisper. Knowing he’d been watching me and wanted to care for me the way a true lover should gave me a newfound look on life. I still had no idea how I would get out of tonight’s thing.

“Leave it all with me and I’ll help you through this. Just try, and I mean really try, to stay away.”

With those words I already knew I had no hope of keeping my distance. He had ways of getting what he wanted. I’d only make it worse for myself if I didn’t go. So I gave Blake an answer he needed to hear. “I can try, but I won’t promise anything.”

He nodded in acceptance.

Standing there, I took in his appearance. He was in his police uniform with his belt holding his gun and a batten. He also had a radio attached to the shoulder of his uniform. He looked drop-dead , make-your-stomach-flop gorgeous. His shirt was slightly taut and he had the most delicious defined arms. The sight made me weak at the knees, literally. I’m sure my mouth was hanging open, catching the flies. He cleared his throat, catching my attention.

Yep, totally busted!

“Sorry,” I sheepishly said. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks with embarrassment.

“Don't apologise, glad I could be a distraction.” He grinned giving me a wink, which set my chest racing.

“I should get back to work.” Realising that I’ve been away far longer than I should’ve been, I knew the girls would be getting worried. They’d already given me sideway glances and the whispering amongst them was evident to me. It crushed me every time they don’t even ask how I am; they just walk on eggshells around me. I don’t know if I have given off that
‘Don’t ask me questions’
vibe. Jess, who’s been my friend since I arrived in America, still talks to me, but avoids the
boy
situation. I don’t think it helps that I changed the subject each time she had brought it up.

“All right. Abby, please try and stay away from him as much as possible.”

I nod, knowing that unfortunately I can’t do as he says.

“When can I see you again?” He took me by surprise by his question. I honestly don’t know what he sees in me.
Does he think of me as a charity case? Someone to help make him feel better about himself?
As I pondered on those last thoughts, deep down in the pit of my stomach, I knew he did genuinely care.

“Umm… I don’t know. My boyfriend goes away a fair bit, so I’ll let you know when I know.” Feeling guilty was my primary emotion these days. I honestly didn’t know why I should be the one feeling guilty. I didn’t bash me, I didn’t bruise me. Jacob made me feel as though no one else in this world could love me, but this man standing in front of me seemed to hold feelings for me. Feelings I’d like to explore, boyfriend or not.

“Okay, please message me. I look forward to seeing you again, and hopefully not freaking you into running away.” He took my face gently in his hands, his eyes piercing into mine. Everything around me faded away as if it was only us in the park. He leant in, pressed his lips to mine. My lips parted slightly, and he used that as an invitation. His tongue began to explore my mouth and mine his. Goosebumps covered my entire body, even raised on my scalp through my hair. My heart felt like it’s just ran a marathon because of the heavy pumping feeling running through me. My arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer as his hands gently ran through my hair. After what seemed like a lifetime, we moved apart, breathless.

“Wow…” I breathed. Now that was a kiss like I’d never experienced. It left me wanting more…so much more.

“You feel it, too?” Blake smiled his beautiful smile.

“That was the most amazing kiss I’ve ever experienced.”

“I know. I want you to experience that kind of feeling every day…with me.” He looked down at the ground, releasing his grip on me. I instantly lost our magical connection and I wanted it back.

Reaching out, I took his hand in mine. My heart felt like it was about to explode.

“Blake…” I waited for him to look up at me, and when he did, the sadness in his features shattered me right to my core. “I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you, but you need to understand this whole situation is not ideal, especially with me having a boyfriend.”

“Leave him.” The words lifeless and broken. His emerald eyes burned with ferocity, indicating he was determined, in every way possible, to remove me from my current situation.

“I…I can’t. You don’t understand how much danger I would put myself in. You don’t see what goes on behind closed doors every-single-night!” My voice reached its peak, and my eyes misted over. I really didn’t want to cry again, but why did he think it’s so easy for me to do? “I hardly know you!”

“I know. I’m sorry. I don’t need to know what goes on behind closed doors. I can see it all up your arms, and I’d hate to see what else you hide under those layers of clothing.” His words were harsh but very accurate.

I turned away from him to walk back to work. I didn’t get very far before he grabbed my arm spinning me around to face him again. His grip wasn’t tight like Jacob’s would’ve been if I’d have walked away from him like that. I’d hate to see what he’d do if I yelled in his face like I’d just done to Blake.

“I’m sorry, Abby. I’ll message you later. I promise to get you out of this.” He placed feather light kisses on my lips, then turned and left. I automatically wanted to run after him and tell him to take me away from it all, from all the hurt and pain I felt every single day. But I’m just not strong enough to break the chains Jacob has wrapped too tightly around me. Chains that were suffocating me with each bruise and hurtful word.

I stood and watched Blake walk away. He turned and glanced back, but then kept going. My heart hurt in every way possible. It was like it had been ripped out and stomped on a hundred times over. I turned around and continued walking back to work. Looking up to the skies, I wished upon everything in the universe that I could escape this hell I was living in.