INDISPENSABLE: Part 2 (2 page)

Sarah equally wanted to kiss Brock and slap him. He wanted to protect her, and he was throwing his head on the chopping block.

“No. There are levels of guilty. We can likely get you a lesser charge.”

“And drag Jane through the muck to do so? No way. I’ll be telling Jason to go to her lawyer and give her whatever deal she wants. Then, I’m going after Rick.”

“Rick will say you bought her off.”

“I’ll make a public statement apologizing to her. I fund charities for abused women. I’ll tell everyone I made a mistake and I’m sorry, that Jane is within her rights to charge me, and that no amount of money can make up for what she went through.”

“Put a gun to your head then.”

“That’s the way it is.”

Brock Devlin had infuriation down to a fine art. Sarah stood. “Very well. I’ll let Jason know and the team can pursue that angle.”

“Get the team onto Rick. He’s the one we need to get rid of.”

“I will. You should be out here soon—if Jane accepts.”

“Tell Heather I’m fine.”

“She knows you are. The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree there.”

“You know?”

“She told me.”

“What did she tell you?”

“That she was your daughter.”

“I see. I can’t have this case go through and have her and her mother in the firing line.”

Maybe the reason he doesn’t want to go to court has nothing to do with me at all.
“I’ll see that doesn’t happen.”

“What a morning for you, hey? I hated leaving you there like that. I was so worried you’d lose it. Were you okay?”

“I was fine. Nothing drastic happened.”

“Well done, Sarah. You controlled a panic attack?”

“Yeah. I did.” She smiled back at him. He looked small in this room, and she had the urge to go hug him and say it would all be okay.

He looked at her with heat in his eyes, as if remembering how he’d made her come so hard. At least that’s what she was thinking about all of a sudden, and she may’ve been projecting. Time to get out of there.

“When I come home, we need to talk.” He looked the most serious she’d ever seen him.

“Brock, you don’t have to explain anything to me.”

“I’d like to tell someone. I think it’s time I got it all out. Would you be willing to listen, as a friend perhaps?”

“Okay.” Sarah couldn’t stand the look on his face. She had to say yes. “We still have Friday night drinks coming up. Maybe that would be a good start.”

“Yes, but I’ll need to be alone with you. It’s very private.”

“We’ll see how things go. I’m not sure it’s a good thing to be alone with you right now.” The replay of how he’d touched her body, how he’d made her tremble went through her head. That was a night she’d never forget for sure.

But could she actually trust him to maintain control if they went there again in the future? Could she know that he wouldn’t push too far again and harm her in some way? There was no way of knowing without trying. “I need to go back and see how everything is going. We’ll get questions asked and see how clean Rick’s nose is. I’ll bring him down.”

“Be careful. I don’t think he knows any boundaries at the moment.”

“If he keeps going, I’ll have him charged. Hang in there, Brock. You’ll be out of here soon.” Sarah left and headed outside police headquarters to her car.

The carpark was full of cars, but no other people were around at that moment.

“You should be careful. You might be next, Sarah.” Rick threatening voice came from behind her.

Sarah took a deep breath in and turned to face Rick Anderson. “Actually, I should be saying that to you, Rick.”

“Brock might not like jail. Might be too many dominant types in there for him. He prefers that role for himself, I hear. Anything you know about that, Sarah?”

Sarah tasted the bitterness in her voice as she turned on him. “You’re a vile creature. Don’t mess with me, Rick. Get over losing your job. Take responsibility for the way you treat people and just fuck off, will you?”

Rick laughed at her. “Such hostility, Sarah.” He came up so close she could smell the cigarettes on his breath. “Watch your back because that lovely ass of yours might gain some unwanted attention.”

“Are you threatening me, Rick?” Sarah’s heart beat faster than ever. But she wouldn’t show Rick any fear.

He laughed again and walked off. Sarah’s whole body shook with anger. Calm down. He’s just trying to trigger an attack. Breathe. Stay calm. Sarah pulled herself together and set off for her car again. As soon as she checked in on the office and gave instructions and information to the team, she’d be making sure she nailed Rick for good.

Inside her car, she locked herself in. Something about that man made her queasy. He frightened her in a way Brock never had. When Rick was around, her skin crawled and shuddered just thinking of what he’d put a woman through to appease his needs.

There was a definite difference between Brock’s sense of danger and Rick’s. She knew right then that Brock was not a dangerous or cruel man. He was a man holding in so much, and he had no avenue to let it out. That made him unpredictable and volatile, but he was no Rick.

Rick had a sense of desperation about him. He couldn’t or wouldn’t accept his part in anything. Nothing was ever going to be his fault. He needed to find someone or something to blame. Rick had no conscience. Brock struggled with his every day.

How many men did she know who would stand up and make a statement about sexually assaulting anyone, without trying make excuses? What he needed was someone in his corner. Someone who would give him the benefit of the doubt always and stand by him—even if he was wrong. He needed a friend, just like she had in Bella.

Brock needed someone to champion him. He did need a hero. Sarah decided no matter what he said, that person would be her. She’d be his friend, his buddy, the one he could count on to call him out on stuff and push him when he thought he couldn’t do something.

Professionally, this was likely a really stupid move, but some things were more important than that. Brock was lost out there on a raging ocean, and Sarah intended to be his lighthouse. He needed to trust himself, that he could just be with a woman and make love with her without always inflicting control and pain.

She’d draw him up an agreement and offer it to him. She’d see if he’d give himself to her for the night—to have tender and emotional interactions that may lead to lovemaking but didn’t have to. No one needed a safe word. It’s not that his way wasn’t a thrill, but trust went both ways. They’d agreed to be friends. He’d showed her his way now she would show him hers.

If he’d let her.

When she’d gotten back to the office, the place was buzzing with positivity. The media was on track. Bella worked wonders alongside Josh—although they seemed to work in totally different styles and had the occasional eye roll moment with each other. However, they did a fabulous job on the social media profiles.

Everyone worked hard to get the outcome. Jane admitted Rick had approached her and put pressure on, and they threw the case out when she withdrew the charges…all before Brock offered her any money.

But he still went and did that. He apologized, made a public statement, and made sure Jane never wanted for another thing. He seemed to be good at rescues. She wondered how he’d react to his own. It was unbelievable that everything had turned out well. Brock would always have critics and speculation, but this wouldn’t dog him in a negative way for too long.

Now, Sarah sat back in her new apartment, in her ten-year-old favorite jeans and t-shirt, looking at her brother’s artwork, sipping herbal tea, peppermint. Yum. She couldn’t believe this day was finally over.

The only one who wouldn’t be happy, again, was Rick Anderson. Sarah wondered what length he’d go to next because he was clearly digging into Brock’s personal life. So, she guessed he’d be in hers, too. This was a volatile situation because her parents were an unknown factor. If Rick offered them enough, they might sing like birds about her addiction days.

But if what Brock said was true, they wanted to see her happy, maybe they’d tell him nothing. It wasn’t exactly a secret about her rehab, but back then she was an ordinary person no one knew and now she was in the public eye. For now, things had worked out as favorably as they could, which made her nervous. Just seemed a little too easy.

Perhaps she was just paranoid, but something told her Rick wasn’t going away anytime soon. She wondered what it would take to get him to stop the hate campaign he had for Brock, and for her. She wondered what Brock was doing right now. Was he burning the midnight oil in the office, or sitting on his sofa with Romeo and Juliet?

It was just after midnight, and Sarah knew she should be getting some sleep, because tomorrow would be big. Then, a tap came to her door from the one that lead into the common lounge area between her and Bella’s apartment. Was Bella okay?

Sarah jumped up, ran to the door, and opened it. Bella stood there, a big grin on her face. “I know it’s late, but I just wanted to say thanks.”

“Bella, you did an awesome job today, you and Josh. You didn’t try to cover anything up, and you were truthful. Thank you.” Sarah walked through the doorway. “Let’s take fifteen minutes for a chat.”

“I learned a lot today. And had the most fun. I still can’t believe that we did it.” Bella smiled at her, confidence shone in her eyes.

“How did you get along with Josh?”

“I don’t think he likes me much, but professionally, we managed.”

“What makes you think he didn’t like you?”

“I dunno. We’re so stylistically different. He’s kinda…quiet, and geeky. But he knows his marketing and social media stuff so well.”

“I’m sure he does like you. Maybe he’s shy, which you certainly aren’t. He just might need some time to get to know you.”

“If Brock wants to keep me working with Josh, that’d be great. He might want me to be a coffee girl or something. Then again, Josh might say no.”

“I don’t think so. You are an expert, and you came in like a whirlwind. I was so impressed, but not surprised. I’m sure Josh appreciated your point of view, and Brock will certainly be grateful for your assistance.”

“Pretty sure you performed the miracle of the day. Sarah, the sexual assault charge, how did you handle that. It’s not a misdemeanor. Given Brock’s sexual preferences, it must’ve been a shock.”

“I was so stunned. But somehow I managed to not have an attack. I thought about it from a lawyer point of view, and I got through it.”

“Brock’s been good for you, Sarah.” Bella smiled at her.

“I suppose. But I’m not sure I can handle his lifestyle full time, you know? It’s intense.”

“Communication is key. Trust is huge. Not only do you have to implicitly trust him, but he has to earn that trust.”

“Have you ever..?” Sarah felt embarrassed. She didn’t know why because she and Bella discussed everything usually.

“I’ve tried submission and dominance.”

“Did you like it?”

“It was fun. I’d do both again. I don’t feel the need to have it that way every time I have sex, but it adds to the repertoire. I do like my spontaneity.”

“That’s my problem. I’m not sure that’s what I’d want all the time. It is the best sex I’ve ever had—no doubt—but is that the style or the man?”

“I get it. It’s fun for kicks, but a lifetime of it, that’s for you to decide. Has Brock said it would be that way? Has he offered a permanent gig?”

“Not exactly. We had issues with our first time. He went beyond my safe word as I wasn’t in a position to say it…”

“But…”

“But, I think it helped me get a handle on my panic attacks. But then this sexual assault charge was for much the same thing. Can I trust him to stop? And would he be prepared to trust me enough to have sex my way sometimes?”

“By your way, you mean touchy-feely, emotional, I-Love-You with cuddly parts later?” Bella gave a manufactured shudder and pulled a face.

“Yeah. And stop pretending you wouldn’t like it that way, too.”

“Maybe. Haven’t met the right guy yet. I’m not holding my breath.”

Sarah shook her head. “He might be just around the corner.”

“Sure he is. Perhaps you might give up on ideal love one day, too.”

“That’s the thing. I think if I’m going to give my body and mind in this way, I need to know love is involved. I don’t think I can just do it as contract sex all the time. That would be too impersonal for me.”

“You never know. Might be the best thing ever. Keep things simple.”

“Perhaps, but I want a family one day and investing that much of myself into someone who isn’t into commitment might not be wise.”

“I think you’re overthinking this for now. You’re twenty-four. Your clock has plenty of ticking to go yet. Why don’t you have a one-month trial or something, and just enjoy yourself.”

“There’s one more thing.” Sarah stared at her friend.

“What else could there be?”

“This is super top secret.”

“You know I never say a word.” Bella rubbed her hands together the way she did when she was excited.

“You know Heather. The young woman who called you in?”

“Yeah…”

“She’s Brock’s daughter.”

“Oh. My. God! Seriously?” Bella grabbed both Sarah’s hands.

Sarah nodded. “She told me herself.”

“Wow, he must’ve been young. How old is she?” Bella let go of Sarah.

“I’m thinking eighteen at the most.” Sarah shook her head. “This morning was unbelievable.”

“How old is Brock?”

“He’s thirty-two now.” Sarah made a quick calculation. “He must’ve been about fifteen.”

“Jesus.” Bella shook her head now. “In anyone’s estimation that is classed as children having a child.”

“Yeah. Scary stuff.”

“Girlfriend, he is Mr. Scandal everywhere you turn.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Did you tell him you knew?”

Sarah nodded.

“What did he say?”

“Not much. To be honest, I just wanted to deal with one thing at a time, and these days it’s always a strong possibility that people have children from another relationship.”

“Speaking of which…do you know anything about the mother?”

“Nothing, and I’m not going to ask.” Sarah meant that. “It’s really none of my business. He’s my boss. We aren’t in any sort of formal relationship. According to the media, he has a string of women. His life is his life.”

“You’re a stronger woman than me.”

“I’ve known him for a heartbeat in the whole scope of things. He owes me no explanations.”

“It’s been pretty deep going for you two though.” Bella frowned.

“I know. But still. If I throw a tantrum over this, I’ll be like some crazy stalker. No matter what I think or feel about Brock, the fact remains, he isn’t a forever guy and I want a forever guy.”

Bella sighed. “What is it about the bad boys?”

“Said every woman ever born.” Both Sarah and Bella gave a giggle.

Sarah got serious again. “This sexual assault thing really worried me at first, especially after what happened with us. But I just don’t think he’d ever want to do that to anyone for kicks.”

“We all make wrong choices. Seems he’s had very hectic younger life. It’s amazing any boy the age of fifteen would commit to raising a child, and become a multi-billionaire along the way.”

“I wonder why Heather told me. Clearly, no one else knows and no one else is supposed to know.”

“Maybe she likes you.”

“I’m sure she likes a lot of people, but they don’t know Brock Devlin is her father.” Sarah was baffled. Why would she reveal such a huge thing to her at a time like this? “I practically told her I’d had dirty sex with her father. Then she told me.”

Bella laughed. “She must approve of you then.”

“Do you think so?”

“For sure. Why else would she offer up the secret?”

A knock came on the shared door from out in the hall. Sarah and Bella both stared at each other.

“That can only be one person.” Bella grinned.

“It’s after midnight. What the hell?” Sarah used a loud whisper.

“Open the door and find out.”

Sarah went and opened the door, and the freshly-showered hunk of a man that was Brock Devlin stood outside. “I saw the light under the door. Hoped you’d still be up.”

He held up a sheet of paper. On it was written,
‘I think I’m bugged. Rick.’

Sarah stared at words and nodded. “We were about to go to bed.”

“Time for one drink?” Brock pulled another note from behind the first one.
‘Pack some things. We’re flying out now. Right now. Rick has made direct threats, and I’m not taking any chances.’