All Good Things(97)

"You're Olivia LeRoux, aren't you?"

How did she know my name? "Yes, and you are?"

"My name is Lexie." She held out her hand for me to shake, and cautiously, I took it in mine. "I need to speak with you. It's important." She peered behind me and I stiffened. "Can I come in?"

"Um, it's not my place. Maybe we shouldn't talk in the hallway."

"I've been in there before." She smiled, but it was both sad and forced. "I'm Jace's ex-girlfriend and what I have to tell you is extremely important. I only need a moment of your time."

My heart plummeted into my stomach as I stared at the gorgeous girl before me. She was his ex? What on earth was he doing with me when he could have her? Obviously, she wanted him back...why else would she be here?

My mind registered a frightening possibility and I blurted my question. "Are you the one sending the letters?"

Confusion flitted through her expression. "Letters? No." She shook her head. "However, I have been trying to get your attention, but you are always with someone. Be it Jace, or your roommate." She shrugged. "I had a feeling this is my only chance and I took it. You need to be informed before things get too far and you are left like me."

"Left like you?" I glanced her over. I had no idea what she was talking about. She looked fine. Better than fine, actually. Her clothing was expensive and her nails were manicured.

"Empty, Olivia." She said matter of fact. "I am empty."

At her tone, I shivered. "What are you saying?"

"Are you going to let me in?"

"No." I shook my head. "We can talk out here, or you can leave. It's your decision."

She pursed her lips. "Fine."

"What do you have to say, Lexie?" I asked pointedly.

She drew in a deep breath, looking almost pained. "I was in love with Jace, once. I gave him everything I had...I gave him all of me and denied him nothing. And he took everything...and when I had given him all I had...he pushed for more." Tears welled in her eyes and I fought my need to hurry her on. My heart was pounding, thrashing violently in my chest. "I was in love with him, Olivia. You have to understand. I was desperate for him in every sense of the word, and I let him control me in every way, until he commanded every aspect of my life. That was the way he wanted things...it's the way he needs things."

"I don't understand."

"You wouldn't. Because, for some reason, he is not treating you the same way. He changed his tactics after me...he must have. But, the conclusion is inevitable. You will end up just like me."

I shook my head. "Stop talking in riddles and tell me what you came here to tell me, Lexie."

"Jace is a dominant. He is a sadomasochist. He can't control it, and he can't change it. It's why he needs to control everything else in his life and everyone else's life. It's why he owns Rush Industries and it's why, one day, he will own you, too. Just as he owned me."

My mind was reeling. Jace was a sadomasochist? Impossible. He was controlling and demanding...but, he was far from abusive. Lexie had to be delusional. She had to have concocted up some fabricated illusion of Jace in her mind...because, this simply did not make any sense.

"I think you are confused. "I said slowly.

Lexie shook her head sharply. "No. I'm far from confused." She growled. "Jace murdered my child...his child, with his sick commands. And, stupid me, I aided him, and now, I'm paying for my mistakes, day after day." Tears fell from her eyes, but I couldn't respond. She obviously believed what she was saying was true. She believed Jace killed her baby. Their baby.

"No,"

"Yes." She nodded. "Just ask him. It's obvious he thinks he didn't need to tell you, but sooner or later, he will need you to satisfy his sexual needs...and they are not easy. I promise you, I am not lying." She reached out and grasped hold of my hands, but I ripped them away. I couldn't touch her. I couldn't be near her. My feelings of obvious animosity did nothing to sway her determination. "You need to leave Jace before he ruins you. I'm trying to save you. Please, listen to me."

The elevator dinged and my eyes fluttered to meet shocked green eyes I recognized. Caleb was here. Why?

Caleb's face fell and he strode quickly across the lobby. "What the hell are you doing here, Lexie?" He roared, and I flinched.

Lexie ran to the elevator and once she was inside, her eyes met mine. "Just ask him. It's all you need to do."

The doors closed.





Chapter 26

"What was she doing here, Olivia?" Caleb asked, his voice commanding. "Where's Jace?" I looked up at him and he swore hard and loud, making me flinch. "She told you everything didn't she?"