Bella's Choice (33 page)

Aldrich directed her onto a different path as they left the swimming area, and walked until they reached the beach, which looked like white lace stretching as far as the eye could see, dividing land and sea. Up close, the marble-white sand shimmered in the late afternoon sun, warm and soft, and when pushed down under the weight of one’s feet, flowed away, leaving their footprints to trail behind them. The water was bitterly cold as was expected from the
Atlantic Ocean, and only the very brave would venture in and then only with protective clothing.

As they walked along the beach, he pulled her closer, putting his arm around her shoulders. They fitted well together, he thought, enjoying the closeness they shared. Stopping, he kissed her hungrily, needing more of her after the kiss they had shared earlier. With the rolling sea lapping against their legs and the receding sun making its disappearance into
the water―that’s what it always looked like―they were lost in their little world. With each brush of his tongue it became more intense, he demanded more as his hand wandered over her body, more daring. He knew he wanted her with all the desire he’d kept hidden, wanting to release the passion he had denied himself for far too long. Throughout their time together, Aldrich had kept his distance, and other than a kiss on the forehead or a quick hug, he hadn’t explored it further. But after the incident, all he had wanted to do was claim her fully as his.

There were too many men who wanted to take that right away from him and he was becoming impatient with it all, not that he would admit it to Anabella. Through it all, her body remained pure, but he knew in her m
ind she wanted what they offered, and he would be dammed if that would happen. His kisses grew in intensity as he held her, consumed by her mouth and body―which was only too willing as it pressed up against him. She drove him to the point of no return. He wanted her, of that there was no doubt.

“I want you so much,” he murmured softly in her ear so that the sea breeze couldn’t carry it away. His mouth trailed down her jaw, his heart racing with the desire to be one with her. He could feel her heart rate pulsing against his lips as he enjoyed the soft skin; it drove him crazy. It would be so easy to take her, here, now.

The proximity of his body, the warmth, and Aldrich’s accelerated breathing ignited a fire in Anabella with a new desire. She burrowed closer to him, feeling his well-built body pressed hard against hers and kept on drawing him closer, needing him as his words echoed within her. She wanted to give herself to him completely, but wondered if it would be wrong. Lost in the sensations his mouth and hands drew from her, she relaxed, her own hands roaming over the broad shoulders and the length of his strong back. He was beautiful, and he was all hers.

“I want you more,” she mumbled, her mind clouded with all that was him.

His groan trembled against her skin. “Oh, sweetheart,” he barely managed to get out, the intensity of their love taking them on a gust of air that was instilled with their hearts desire. But in the back of their minds, they knew it wasn’t the right time. Reluctantly, they parted, but continued to stare at one another, knowing they both wanted more than just these stolen moments. They continued with their walk, his arm still around her, her head on his shoulder.

His cologne, when mixed with the smell of the sea, complemented the other, creating a unique aroma she would always associate with him. She wanted to stay in that moment for as long as possible. Tomorrow morning he would leave, and she would only have those moments to remember him by. For the rest of the evening during the barbeque, the supper, and cleaning of the kitchen they stayed close. The light conversation was filled with laughter and cheerfulness as they sat out on the patio enjoying the starry night sky. They enjoyed each other’s company and the closeness it brought.

It was getting late and it was time to get some rest. With a final kiss, they went to bed, aware of one another’s proximity. It was a long night, one of tossing and turning as each struggled with their thoughts and wants, but both finally managed to fall asleep sometime in the early hours of the new day as they relaxed in the knowledge of a binding love.

Early that morning, he kissed her goodbye, got in his car and left. Glancing at his rearview mirror, he saw her standing on the porch, waving at him, full of vibrant life.

“I will be back, Bella,” he promised out loud. “Thank you, Lord, for keeping her safe.”

“Aldrich, Mr. Dorflinger wants to see you,” Chaney informed him the moment he stepped into the office.

He nodded and briskly walked past her to the senior partner’s office without as much as a glance in her direction.

She pouted her usually ruby-red lips, and crossed her arms as she followed him with smoldering eyes.

“And now, Chaney, why so glum?” Betty, another secretary, asked with a grin.

“Men,” she replied, “one moment you are everything to them, and then they walk right past as if you don’t exist,” she ended huffily.

“Yes, some do.” Her eyes followed in the direction Chaney was looking. She frowned, but didn’t comment further.

“Why does he do this to me?” Chaney seethed as she sat down at her desk. “Why does he ignore me all the time? I love him, doesn’t he realize that?” Wheels turned in her head. She picked up her cell phone and went straight to the number she wanted and dialed. “Soon, you will be mine,” she muttered under her breath, speaking the moment her call was answered.

With a steady stride, Aldrich passed her desk minutes later and she smiled once again, forgetting her momentary anger, and then followed him.
You’re such a handsome thing, you’re good to eat,
she thought, chuckling to herself as she appreciated his posterior with pleasure, her lewd thoughts running rampant with what she wanted to do to him. Her confidence and boldness had grown since she’d met a group of people willing to explore all manner of hedonistic pleasures. She couldn’t wait to have him in the same way. That magnificent body of his belonged in her bed and attached to her body. She sighed.

Briefly, she looked around when she was convinced everyone was occupied. She followed him into his office and closed the door with a low thud. She walked to the desk, her hips swaying seductively in the short, black skirt she wore, one chosen with him in mind. She knew she was the perfect example of a seductress in her low-cut, silver blouse, showing enough cleavage to make it sinful. After all, that was what she aimed for, to be sinful with him.

Aldrich had already made himself comfortable behind his desk, waiting for his computer to start up, when he noticed her. Annoyed, he watched the show from a woman he’d once thought beautiful. She swayed her hips provocatively and he had to admit there was a time he would have been influenced to succumb to her spell, but not today. Not after tasting Bella yesterday. No one else compared.

She leaned over the desk showing off her ample cleavage, and again he had to admit that she had beautiful breasts. She knew that every part of her was on display and had practiced it perfectly. Normally it worked, because she was that confident in her abilities. She purred softly as she reached for him, “I have missed you.” She trailed a long, black fingernail down his arm.

Aldrich raised a brow and then snapped, “For goodness sake, please go away, Chaney, I have work to do.”

“Just one kiss,” she purred once again, ignoring him as she stalked around the table.

“Not happening, Chaney, please leave.” He didn’t hide his annoyance and merely turned away from her, stood up, determinedly walked to the door, opened it and waited for her to leave with a bored stare.

Fury burned through her soul and her body shook, irritated with another rejecting brush off. She couldn’t believe that he was being so cold toward her while other men couldn’t get enough. Hatred filled her as she sneered, “I bet you don’t say that to Anabella Anthony.” She straightened her body in defiance.

“That is none of your business.”

“Where have you been these last few days?”

“That, too, is none of your business.” He looked at her like a father would an undisciplined child.

She stomped her foot in rage, balling her small fists in frustration. She was not a child! She was a grown, gorgeous woman.
Why can’t he see that?
“Please, Aldrich. I love you.”

“Leave, Chaney. You’re imagining things.”

“How dare you!” With a last hiss, she stomped out of his office.

He slammed the door shut, smirking at her arrogance. But then he paused. What had she just said?
How does she know Bella?
As far as he knew, they hadn’t met and he certainly hadn’t mentioned Bella in front of her. Deeply concerned, he thought about this tidbit before he was distracted by a phone call.

Chapter Fourteen

T
he first week passed quickly with Anabella spending most of her time in the pool. She concentrated on her events with energetic tenacity as she prepared for the Midmar Mile in early February, which was part of her training.

When Mr. Copeland wanted to talk during her practices she kept the conversations short, hoping he would understand that she needed this time alone. However, during both her lunch break and supper he would seek her out and engage her in conversation, and she would listen to his stories quipped with laughing moments; he was a proud swimming supporter with a vast knowledge of the sport.

Word quickly spread that she was practicing at the pool and a few youngsters challenged her to a race which, of course, they lost. She took it all in stride and as part of her training, but she allowed these brief moments to relax and connect with people. Curiosity would lure them to the pool as they watched her cleaving through the water in record speed. It went without saying that a few wanted her signature; she accommodated them during supper time.

At night, she would read what Mrs. Smit had given her for that day and spend time in prayer. The whole experience was new to her and caused a few awkward silences. When she was unsure about something, she would scribble it down to discuss during their phone conversations. Her dreams were filled with peace and tranquility, focusing on the things that really mattered.

However, there were times that the memory of that day had her in tears, times that she curled up into a ball and sobbed bitterly. The betrayal was too enormous to comprehend and her heart was broken. She could still see her mother’s face, contorted in a hellish laugh. The man’s face still real when she closed her eyes; the madness behind his eyes driving him to harm her. At times, she found herself showering twice just to rid her body from the brutal attack, her body still sensitive, her skin still telling the tale.

During these times, she would phone Mrs. Smit, bitter, angry and unforgiving, but then the counselor would soothe her racing thoughts, calm the storms in her heart so that she could be at ease in order to concentrate on her practices with renewed energy.

Derek had phoned and they chatted for a few minutes. He sounded pleased with his life, even considered enrolling for computer classes at the local college in the city when it opened.

Roy
had sent her a few messages, which included a photo of him and Wanda rock climbing. Anabella knew that he was deeply in love with her, and he’d hinted at asking the big question. She supported this entirely, knowing that the marriage bond was the only place safe for them. He was adamant to change his life around, and at the age of twenty-six it was time to do so. Wanda was a wonderful woman, she understood him and loved him as he deserved.

From her mother and father she heard nothing, no text message, no email, not even a missed call. Not that she expected they would have bothered, but still they hadn’t given her the time of day, not at all interested if she was safe. But what would she say to them anyway? That particular bridge had been severely damaged; going back was not an option. Not for her.

Aldrich phoned early every morning just before she was ready to start her day, and she could hear the longing in his voice echoing her own. She missed him, now more than ever. Being apart caused a void that intensified with each day that passed. Because of a case which was keeping him occupied, she heard the rising tension in his voice, although he tried very hard to hide it from her. She wished she was closer to him, because then she could make him some tea as it always seemed to calm him.

Anabella was expecting her friends over the weekend and with no idea when he would return, she would make the best of her time with them. She looked forward to this break. There was plenty for them to do and she knew that Moni, especially, would love it there. She was crazy about the sea and never missed an opportunity to sit on the beach with a good book. The resort catered for everyone’s pleasures, which would make their stay that much more enjoyable.

She’d prepared the rooms, putting clean sheets on all the beds and added arrangements of flowers throughout the house, filling it with its sweet smell, all to let them feel welcome. With the help of Mr. Copeland, the fridge was well-stocked with all kinds of delicious ingredients that had her mouth watering already. She couldn’t sit still, anxiously awaiting their arrival.

“Mr. Herbst, we meet again,” Annie said, the moment she recognized the man coming from the same office as before.

Frowning, he looked at the beautiful woman, sure he had seen her somewhere before. I
must be getting old,
he thought, scolding himself. The face looked familiar, but he couldn’t place exactly where they had met.

“
Leon’s sister, Annie Blignaut,” she helped out, after a few seconds had passed.

“Oh yes, Annie, how could I forget such a beautiful lady?” He smiled his most charming smile, causing her to blush. André chuckled, enjoying her discomfort. The blush became her, highlighting the cheekbones and smoky eyes. His greedy eyes raked the youthful body with a lustful stare, his body responding by just looking at her; he really needed a woman. It’d been five days without any relief, and for him that was a record.
What I could do to her… if only I had the opportunity. Damn, I’m liking what I see.
Seeing that she was still waiting for him, he cleared his naughty thoughts instantly and asked, “What are you doing in this area?”

She looked at the salon to his left. “I bought this place the other day.”

“Oh, I see. Charming.” He glanced at the busy salon that advertised all their services in black, bold letters, and her name was elegantly displayed in gold lettering
.
Welcome to Annie’
s
. Women entered the place, and each time the door opened he could hear the chatter resonating from inside.

Returning his attention to Annie, he said, “Since I bumped into you so rudely the other day, please let me make it up to you by inviting you to dinner tonight.”

“I don’t think so, Mr. Herbst.”

“Please, call me, André. Mr. Herbst sounds so formal.”

“I will stick with Mr. Herbst, if you don’t mind.” She took two steps away from him before he stopped her with a question.

“Does this mean you don’t eat?”

She grinned. “I do, but, it won’t be with you.”

“And why is that, Annie?” He brushed a wayward strand of blond hair from her face, the innocent gesture stirring his body.

She, too, had the same idea and their hands met, which caused both to look at each other for a split second before she said, “Goodbye, Mr. Herbst.” On that note, she entered the salon with quick strides.

He enjoyed looking at her shapely body so much he hadn’t realized she’d left, leaving him on the curb. People walked around him, throwing annoyed glances his way but he could only grin, not giving a rat’s ass about the pedestrians and the obstruction he was causing.

“Well, I never,” he muttered with a glint of approval, his curiosity piqued for the woman who had just ignored him. Walking to his car―which was parked on the other side of the street―he didn’t notice Thomas Hagin watching him from the window on the top floor.

It was an unusual visit he’d had with the developer, and mostly it had been about him personally. The man was in bad shape wh
en he arrived, and Thomas had waited patiently for him to talk, not sure why he requested an appointment. But once he arrived, his actions confirmed it wasn’t to talk business. It was clear by the way the man fiddled with the Bible on his desk, and then with the frame of his children, his shoulders slumped forward, contemplating.

Once again, he’d offered him coffee and he’d accepted, this time drinking the hot, strong brew without tasting it. His visit lasted for three hours and Thomas’ emotions were mixed once he left, even sympathetic to his story, which had revealed much more about him as a person. He’d spoken about his somber teen years and his encounters with much older women who had shamelessly forced themselves on him from an early stage. This had led to his addiction. He recounted his countless affairs with men and women over the years, not willing to commit to one specific person, not believing the institution was meant for him. At one point, his tone changed, his mood grave as he criticized himself for what he’d done over the weekend, including the way he’d used people for his own desires and pleasures.

Thomas had been shocked at the things André revealed; especially about Saturday night. It took him some time to digest the information. His first instinct was to punch him in the face―hard―then chase him away, to reveal to him exactly what he’d done, but when he felt a tug at his heart he knew it wouldn’t do. So he waited in silence, praying for forgiveness in his own heart.

Eventually, the man had grown silent, and it had given Thomas
a few minutes to impart some wisdom into his life. Most came automatically from years of experience as his mind struggled with this news. André wasn’t open to any spiritual guidance, yet listened as he explained to him about the redemptive power of the cross; how it would cleanse him from all sin, but he would have to take the first step by accepting what Christ did.

André had looked at him curiously with a deep crease on his forehead as he listened and processed the message. Finally, when a decision had to be made he rose, thanked Thomas for his time and left.

All Thomas could do was release him and prayed that God would do good work within him as he watched while André spoke with a woman down stairs.

“So, how about it, Annie Blignaut, do we have a date?” He waited for her to reply. The moment he’d stepped into his car he looked at the number clearly displayed on the salon window and dialed it. When the receptionist answered, he asked to speak to her. It had taken her a few seconds to respond to the call and now he sat waiting for an answer.

The woman intrigued him, there was no doubt. He had never made an effort with other women; if they were not interested, he’d walk away. But this one was different. He wanted to know her.

It was the first time he had to work to get a woman to agree, but he felt that if he didn’t do this he would miss out on something bigger. He wanted to explore these new feelings. Since the incident with Anabella, he had changed, and only time would tell if it was for the best. Now he had this overwhelming sense of wanting to do the right thing for a change. With stunned astonishment it felt like it was natural, as if he’d done this a thousand times while in fact this would be his first. He grinned, liking the idea of courting a woman.