Tate squeezed her hand.
“Anyway, he came back and said if I married him, signing the prenuptial agreement then he’d give my parents back their house, deal with all of their debts, and then pay me a healthy sum along with a monthly allowance.” The tears fell thick and fast. Admitting the truth aloud hurt her deeply. “I sound like a whore.” She voiced her own horrid thoughts.
“Did you sleep with him?” Tate asked.
“No, I agreed, and we were married within the month. We didn’t kiss or anything. We’ve not done anything but hold hands. God, I was so stupid. You know there have been days I’ve not even given him a thought.” Kelsey laughed. “He didn’t mean anything to me at all. He offered me a lifeline, and like a stupid eighteen year old girl I took it.”
“Do you have any idea why he married you?” Tate asked.
“No, I’ve not got a clue. I’m so stupid. We were not even attracted to each other.”
“No, you’re not stupid for what you did. You’re stupid for not saying anything now. Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I don’t know. It’s too complicated and weird, and I didn’t want you to think less of me, and I hated what I’d done and I still do hate what I’ve done. How can I expect Killer to ever forgive me?” Kelsey asked.
Tate pulled her in close, hugging her tight.
“Do you love your husband?”
“No, I don’t even know him. God, what an idiot am I? I don’t even know what he does for a living. I know he’s wealthy and always pays my allowance. I never spend it, but I’ve tried to pay back the lump sum I used for college.” She laughed. “I could be living like a queen in some deserted island somewhere. Instead, I stay in Fort Wills and risk being shot at.”
“I imagine being in a deserted island isn’t anything it’s cracked up to be like. I bet it’s lonely, horrible, and I’ll kick your ass if you leave me, Kels. We’re BFFs now.”
Crying, she hugged her friend close. “You should be hurting me or something.”
“No, I’m doing what needs to be done and that’s listening to my friend,” Tate said. “Besides, I love you, not Killer. I think he’s a bit of a moron.”
Kelsey cried even though she didn’t agree with Tate’s assessment. Killer was a lot of things, but a moron wasn’t one of them.
After some time passed and Kelsey made another cup of tea, they sat down together in silence.
“Why don’t you divorce him?” Tate asked.
“I would, but he said something I don’t like.”
“Kels, every woman can get a divorce. It’s not the middle ages.”
Looking down into her tea, Kelsey wondered what she was going to do. “The prenuptial agreement I signed?” She glanced up to see Tate nod.
“What about it? Rich men and women deal with them all the time.”
“Yeah, I know. I, erm, I didn’t read mine. I looked it over, was scared, and saw no other choice so I signed it. I didn’t even see a future with another man. I didn’t consult a lawyer or ask for help, I just signed it. According to him, I signed an agreement to stay married until one of our deaths. I don’t even know if that’s possible.” She wiped a hand down her face trying to clear her thoughts.
“Then employ a lawyer and get him to look through it. I can get Daddy to hire him if you want?”
“Would you do that for me?” Kelsey asked.
“Yes, I would do anything for you. You’re my friend.”
“He threatened Killer and the club, Tate. I don’t know what he knows, but he seems to know a lot.”
“Honey, my dad and the club are fine. They’ll deal with everything head on. From now on, I don’t think you should be keeping secrets like this. This is big news. The club will be pissed, but in time they’ll get over it.”
Nodding, Kelsey listened to Tate talk about her son and how Murphy’s recovery was going. She smiled, laughed, and when night fell she saw her friend out to Murphy, who was waiting for her.
Closing and locking her apartment door, Kelsey cleaned away the mess from cooking and drinking and took her time in the shower. When she was finished she sat down on her bed thinking over her life since meeting Michael. There was nothing about him in the media to let her know who he actually was. He was a handsome man, and if he was worth a lot of money then surely he would be known for his company and wealth?
She lay down, hoping Michael was lying and he’d leave The Skulls alone. Thinking about Killer brought tears to her eyes. What was she going to do about him? She loved him so much. Covering her face with her hands, she let the tears finally fall. Killer had invaded her apartment and then invaded her heart. She’d done more with him than she ever imagined she’d do in an entire lifetime.