Rapine: Abducted by the Billionaire Read online

  Tanya comes running in and hugs me. “Don’t worry sweetie,” says Tanya softly and then more firmly, “Just appreciate the life you have right now. Any girl would give up her soul to be in your shoes.”

  After breakfast, regardless of my down feelings, I am forced to attend all my health and beauty appointments for the day. It’s my job. I can’t just take a day off. My only excuse for taking a day off is when I am really not feeling well.

  My private driver takes me to a blur of appointments. I go to the gym for a jog, swim, and the steam room; the spa for a facial, nourishing hair treatment, pedicure, body scrub, and a light spray tan; a stop at my ayurvedic physician for a health massage; my nutritionist for a health assessment and new suggested supplements. Once I get home, I am still feeling very uneasy about my relationship with Derek, so I decide to call my internationally renowned psychic to ask her some questions.

  “I need to ask you about my relationship with Derek,” I inform her.

  “I am sensing that you are not fully happy in the relationship,” she says softly. “He may provide very well for you financially, but he has a very different agenda than you, and you may run into problems in the future.”

  “How can I make it work?” I ask her, feeling disappointed at her prediction.

  “We can never force things to happen; we are all on a spiritual path of learning and growth. The soul comes to earth to learn lessons, not to get married, or stay married, or do this or do that.”

  “Okay,” I whisper, urging her on.

  “You have been asking the wrong question. It’s not whether a relationship will work or won’t work,” she says softly. “The question is what lesson does your soul want to learn?”

  Of course she always gets really spiritual when I ask her a question, but I wait patiently until she finally answers it.

  “I am sensing that you will meet someone new who will fulfill all your needs; physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.”

  “Okay, thank you.” I conclude and hang up.

  This information just makes me feel even more uneasy. I love Derek, I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else!

  It’s 9:45 p.m. I am sitting in the living room on the white leather couch, looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows, and drinking a glass of red wine, in somewhat of a depression. Lonely Planet The Travel Book is staring up at me from the coffee table reminding me of my dilemma. The soothing, mellow, sad jazz music playing in the background, matches my mood. I don’t know why, but regardless of how much people have, they almost always want more. We tend to focus more intently on what we don’t have than on what we do have. Great group of friends, check. Wealthy husband, check. Security for the rest of my life, check. I didn’t sign a prenup. Having children is next, but it has to wait, for God knows how long.

  I distract myself by flicking though Trend Hunter on my iPad and checking on the latest luxury products available, looking through what I would like to buy next.

  Derek comes home at 10:30 PM. He showers, pours himself a glass of wine from the bottle I opened and seats himself beside me. He wraps his arm around me and pulls me in closer. I lay my head on his shoulder. After a while, he turns to face me and caresses my face. “I get the feeling you are not happy with my decision to travel?” he asks abruptly.

  “No honey, of course I will do whatever you would like to do,” I respond as cheerfully as I can manage. “I do enjoy traveling.”

  “Well then, we shall have a really good time. I’m having a travel planner design our itinerary for each country. We shall see the great monuments, landmarks, attractions, as well as wine and dine at some of the best restaurants in the world. We will have a private tour guide for each country as well as explore at our own leisure.” He takes a few sips of his wine, takes my hand into his, looks me in the eyes and says, “It’s only for a few years darling. I’d really like us to see the world before settling down and starting a family. Are you okay with this?”

  Not really. I fake a smile. “Yes, it should be fun. When do we start?” I ask sweetly.

  “Not for a few months, darling. I’d like to go right after our wedding. I still have to make sure all my affairs are perfectly in order, while the travel planner is booking all our hotels in advance and making arrangements with our tour guides.”

  “So we will be living in hotels during the next few years?” Well he just made that clear a second ago.

  “Yes that is on the agenda,” he grins. “We will keep in touch with our family and friends via frequent calls.”

  He pulls out a small black box from his suit breast pocket.

  I take the box in my lap, and open it slowly. I take out a small, touch screen device resembling an iPod Mini, but I don’t see an Apple logo. “What is it?”

  “It’s an international video phone and a satellite tracking device. That way your family and friends will know where you are at all times. I already had it sent to them. You can also make video calls on it.”

  “I like it,” I manage to say. Yet, I feel anxious about being uprooted and living a nomadic lifestyle. Sure it’s exciting taking trips around the world, but traveling full-time, that’s a totally different story. I feel nauseated.

  “I’d like you to start packing all the casual wear you have. I want you to pack lightly. I will purchase your eveningwear and shoes as we go along. No need to haul around a large amount of clothing.”

  I nod. “Ok honey.”

  “Well enough talk,” he grins mischievously, “Let’s get you undressed.”

  After having sex, he lays his naked body under the white silk covers, and I crawl in after him. He wraps his arms around me as I cuddle up to him. He falls asleep instantly, but my mind is racing with thought after thought and my heart is pounding with feelings of unease.

  I crawl out of Derek’s arms. I go into the kitchen to grab a sleeping pill from one of the cabinets and down it with a bottle of desalinated seawater. I go back into the bedroom, lie on my side away from Derek, and feel myself slowly drift off to sleep.

  On Sunday, Derek and I have brunch and then go shopping together. I must accompany Derek to buy casual wear for travel at Armani, Gucci, and Dolce and Gabbana, where Derek has a personal shopper guiding him to the hottest trends. Then, we get a couple’s massage at Trump SoHo Spa.

  The rest of the week is a blur of appointments and back-and-forth with the wedding planner as well as wedding dress shopping. I have customized a $1,000,000 Vera Wang white, strapless, fully diamond encrusted soft, sweetheart bodice with a full tulle princess ball gown skirt.

  The wedding planner tells me everything is booked, and if I like I can make some additions. I tell her I want no further changes and we leave it at that. I’m quite happy with the whole layout, the venue, and all the little details.

  In the past I really thought planning a wedding would be so much fun, but the wedding planner has been so incredibly efficient that there is really little for me to do, except make selections, pick out a dress, and just show up on the day of the wedding. That’s the beauty of top-notch Manhattan wedding planners.

  It’s Friday, 7:50 a.m. and I meet Tanya and Yula for breakfast at Norma’s to continue our unfinished discussion. They are already there, deep in conversation. I order lobster frittata, Tanya orders griddlecakes, and Yula orders a lobster and asparagus omelet.

  I put on my brave face, and begin questioning Yula, genuinely interested in her pregnancy.

  “I’m so happy for you,” I tell her with my most cheerful tone of voice, and she instantly glows.

  “How many months are you?”

  “Three months!”

  “Wow, that’s great!” I feel genuinely happy for her and put aside any feelings of jealously.

  “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?”

  “I wasn’t sure. My husband and I were trying for quite some time.”

  “Well, is it a boy or girl?”

  “I don’t know yet, but I’d prefer a girl!” she tells me excitedly. “I already ha
ve a name - Layla!”

  “Layla is the perfect name!” Tanya chimes in. “In Arabic it means dark beauty.”

  Yula lights up. “That’s why I chose it!”

  “Oh, I’m so happy for you.” Tanya crows.

  “What if it’s a boy?” I intercept.

  “Well, I also have a name chosen if it’s a boy,” Yula says cheerfully. “If it’s a boy, his name will be Valentino.”

  “That’s a very nice name as well,” I tell Yula. “What is the…”

  “Oh this is so exciting!” Tanya interjects. “Anyways I have to run, I have an early morning appointment, but we will discuss this further, we have to plan a baby shower!”

  Tanya pays for all of us with her husband’s funds and leaves.

  “So tell me more about Derek’s sudden request to travel the world with you?” Yula puts on a face of concern.

  “Oh, I don’t know, I really think it’s just for a few years, he wants a break from work.” I mumble as I look down at my hands, folded in my lap.

  “I know honey, you mentioned this before, but I mean, how do you feel about it?”

  “I don’t know, this is all so unexpected, I just feel so confused.”

  “Did he say he wants a family eventually?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Well then, it’s nothing to worry about, billionaires sometimes take longer to settle down and start a family. They want to enjoy all life has to offer first.” She smiles warmly. “My husband is older honey, he’s already done what he wanted to do in his life and now he wants to start a family.”

  I nod, and wipe away a stray tear from my cheek.

  “Well congrats. And I hope it’s a girl as well.” I hug her before we part ways.

  My private driver takes me through my usual routine of beauty and health appointments in Manhattan. While I am at my last appointment for the day, getting a facial, a sudden evil thought creeps up on me. I can stop using my birth control. I put the thought aside. My logic is telling me it’s not a good idea trapping a guy that wants to travel.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  It’s 7:46 a.m. on a Saturday. I get showered, moisturized, groomed, and then head to my walk-in closet and change into a red Jean Yu bra and panty set. I pick out the day’s outfit. I decide on wearing a red Versace sheath dress.

  I go into my jewelry room to look through my jewelry collection, and decide to put on small Harry Winston diamond loop earrings.

  I go into the makeup room to apply makeup. I spritz on some Baccarat's Les Larmes Sacrées de Thebes on the sides of my neck.

  I go into the kitchen to pour myself a cup of civet coffee and sit at the island. I call Derek. No answer. I get a text message.

  Tanya: Good morning!

  Our usual spot today?

  Cheryl: I’ll be there!

  Tanya: Do you also want to do dinner at Tiny Masa, then drinks at Top of the Standard?

  Cheryl: Sounds good! I will ask Derek.

  Derek calls. “Hello my darling angel, how are you feeling this morning?” he asks sweetly.

  “I feel great. I wanted to ask you if I can do dinner and drinks with my friends tonight?”

  “Where and with whom?” he asks abruptly.

  “With Tanya and Yula at that great Japanese spot we once went to and then drinks at Top of the Standard.”

  There’s a long silence, and then Derek says, “Yes, yes, of course, go ahead and have fun with your friends tonight. I’ll be in late anyway. I want you to purchase some luggage as soon as you can, and start getting ready for our trip.”

  “Okay honey,” I murmur.

  “I have to run, bye darling.” He hangs up.

  I return to the walk-in closet, pick out a pair of red Jimmy Choos stilettos, apply red lipstick, and head out.

  I take the private elevator down into the lobby. I make my way through the lobby, hearing my stilettos clicking loudly against the floors, until I am out on the busy street. My private driver opens up the black Rolls Royce and I get in.

  My private driver drops me off at breakfast with the girls. Tanya and Yula both try to cheer me up about the world trip and encourage me to appreciate such an exciting adventure. They assure me that after Derek has enough traveling he will be ready to settle down.

  After breakfast, my private driver drops me off at a yoga class, then for a facial and manicure, and then to my Chinese doctor for cupping therapy to increase circulation. Regardless of how busy my day is, I can’t stop bringing to mind Derek’s decision to travel and how uneasy it makes me feel. After attending all my appointments for the day, I go searching for proper luggage.

  I pull out my iPad from my purse in the back seat of the Rolls Royce and look up all the luggage shops in Manhattan on Google. I get the private driver to drop me off at the first shop on the list. I end up buying three pieces of luggage at the very first place and call it a day at 3:30 p.m.

  I come home and display the luggage in the bedroom to let Derek know I’ve bought the luggage as he requested.

  I go into the art room with a glass of red wine and start a new abstract painting. I have decided to paint Lake Lucerne from a photo Derek took while in Switzerland. Although I’ve never been to Switzerland, it looks incredibly beautiful there. The photo displays bright blue water surrounded by green cliffs with a backdrop of blue mountains that have snowy white peaks. I get lost into the world of Switzerland and painting strokes and colors that I completely forget about the outside world for a few hours.

  I must have lost track of time. It’s 7:45 p.m., and I’m rushing to get ready to meet the girls at Tiny Masa. I wear a long, red Alexander McQueen dress with matching red pumps.

  My private driver takes me to meet them for dinner. We have a fabulous dinner, chatting non-stop, and head to Top of the Standard by limo. As soon as we enter the elegant space, many men gawk at us.

  We sit on the couches by the window, order cocktails, and look out at the bustling, brightly lit city below. We sip our drinks while discussing and analyzing Derek’s behavior.

  I notice one dark-haired, dark-tanned, well-dressed man somewhat resembling Derek, clearly eyeing me, as my friends and I chat and sip at our cocktails.

  We are quite wrapped up in our endless, lively chatter, and we forget about the world around us. Suddenly, I notice a figure approaching from the corner of my eye and turn to see the dark-haired man standing before us. He glances at my near empty drink and asks if we would like another round of cocktails.

  He calls the waiter over confidently, before we even get a chance to respond and asks what we want. Tanya boldly orders another cocktail, Yula follows, and everyone’s eyes fall on me, so I order as well, somewhat hesitantly. I’m not sure Derek would approve my accepting cocktails from a man who is obviously interested in me.

  The mysterious man sits on the couch beside us and begins complimenting Tanya’s and Yula’s outfits, accurately naming the designers they are wearing.

  The waiter arrives shortly with our drinks. Tanya and Yula have no problem accepting the drinks, and gulp them down thirstily as the mysterious man chats with them for a while, completely ignoring me on purpose. Tanya and Yula soon finish their drinks.

  I sip my cocktail slowly and pretend to listen to their conversation, but really I am only listening with half an ear, as I am still analyzing Derek’s behavior. Derek was basically telling me we are going, and that was that. I had to accept it. Forget that I want to start a family without delay. But because I love him I will have to go.

  The mysterious man who appears to be so engrossed in conversation with Tanya, suddenly turns to me, shoots his eyes down and then back up and says, “Alexander McQueen, one of my favorite designers, and what a great pair of shoes, let me guess…”

  “May I interest you in some more cocktails,” interrupts the waiter.

  “No, I’m fine,” I respond quickly, tightening my grip on my now empty cocktail glass, feeling rather uncomfortable under the intense stare of the waiter who is clearly adm
iring me.

  “I’ll take that for you then madam,” says the waiter.

  I hand him the glass and look back at the mysterious man who is gawking at me with a look of deep desire etched on his face. Tanya and Yula order more cocktails and so does the man, who has now fixated his gaze intently on me and refuses to look anywhere else.

  I bite my lower lip, feeling very uncomfortable, trying to determine how I should handle this situation. This mysterious man is staring so hard at me I’m afraid he will burn a hole through me with his eyes.

  Yula notices the man’s excessive staring and senses my uncomfortable position so she tries to divert the man’s attention away from me and onto herself. “And what are you wearing? I don’t recognize that suit.”

  He doesn’t even bother to turn and look at her. He continues to stare at me and replies, “That’s because I custom designed this suit. I don’t like to have what anyone else has.” He grins at me. “Tell me, Miss…?”

  “Cheryl,” I respond reluctantly.

  “Tell me Miss Cheryl, what do you think of this suit? I’d like a woman’s unfiltered opinion.”

  I gaze at him. Clearly he doesn’t need my opinion. He looks very razor sharp in that suit and I notice as casually as possible that he’s astonishingly handsome. He is about 30. He has jet-black hair, azure blue eyes, prominent cheekbones, a straight nose, fleshy lips, and an angular face. Very well built in the shoulders. Stocky body. Holy fuck, he is gorgeous. He is still staring at me, waiting for an opinion about his suit.

  “It’s fine, but…” I answer irritated.

  He quickly interrupts, “Just fine? Not the answer I was hoping for. By the way, I’m Julian, nice to meet you,” he sticks out a hand for me to shake.

  I shake his hand politely.