Chapter Twenty-Five
JOEL LED VIOLET away from the pavilion, along the sandy beach, in a quick stride. The music rode across the waves, crashing beside them and into the silence around them.
As they climbed onto the wooden boardwalk leading to the pools, she yanked her arm out of his death hold grip and stopped. This man’s touch sent trickles of anguish through her blood. Maybe he always would. No doubt, this talk about Parker was in regards to their son’s behavior at Joel’s wedding. Violet wasn’t going to be in attendance, leaving Joel the guardian parent. There was nothing she could do if Parker decided to lash his little attitude out.
It irritated her that Joel was interrupting her first date night with Ryder...and from the way Ryder looked at her with his steamy, dark eyes, she knew it was going to be one of the best nights of her life.
The resort’s background was a paradise of pools, wooden loungers, gazebos surrounded by flowers and foliage bestowing a tranquil ambience that contracted against the hard features across Joel’s face. His heated, angry stare took away the dreamy glow the outside lights fashioned. She wished she was holding Ryder’s hands, leaning against his side on their way to her suite. Instead, Joel was stealing her precious time.
“What is so important?” she asked, wanting to get to the point, get it over with and get back to Ryder.
Joel’s menacing steps toward Violet sent her the first warning. In her heels, Violet was taller than him, but that didn’t seem to deter his intimidating tone when he spoke. “You listen about as well now, as when we were married.”
Ryder. This was about Ryder.
“Joel, I’m not yours to control. I never have been. If the reason you dragged me out here, was tell me not to date Ryder, it’s a waste of your breath. And both of our time. I’m on a date and your fiancé is waiting for you.”
Violet turned.
They were a good distance from the pavilion, but Violet could still make out the couples lingering around the building and along the shoreline. She searched for Ryder, hoping he’d followed them out, and they could retreat to her suite together. She’d had her fair share of enough of tonight. But Ryder was nowhere to be seen.
In private. She should have guessed it wasn’t about Parker at all.
Joel caught Violet’s upper arm. He yanked her back so hard she stumbled. Violet began to object. She tried to pull away and yelled for him to release her, but Joel ignored her, forcing his phone in front of her face, demanding she watch a video that was playing across the display.
Video? Why? What was he doing?
“This is who you want?” he demanded.
At first, Violet couldn’t focus on the screen he was waving in front of her, but she caught sight of two people making love. What was this? Her arms attempted to free themselves, but Joel held her with a force that she didn’t know he had. Where was Ryder?
“Do you see who that is?” he demanded.
Violet didn’t care who it was, but she had a sickening feeling deep in her gut that it had to do with Ryder...that it was Ryder. Standing by her decision that Ryder’s past was his to bear, not hers, she didn’t want to watch the video. But the questions still ran through her mind. Why did Joel even have this? Where did he get this? When had this sexual encounter taken place? Who was on the screen?
Maybe it was Joel’s persistence that fixated her eyes on the screen, or maybe it was the deep desire to know the truth. Either way, she recognized Ryder right away. How could she not? Even from the distance of the video being recorded in the darkened room, the moonlight streaming through the window revealed the length of his hard, taut body. But that wasn’t what stopped her from fighting Joel’s grasp.
In that instant, the timeframe and the surrounding twisted her whole world.
The silver ballroom. The night of her wedding.
At first, she thought the woman was Emma. Against her want to know, her need to know demanded her eyes observe the white dress abandoned at their feet...a wedding dress...her wedding dress. The naked couple entangled in their intimate moment on the window seat, were so engrossed in each other, they were clueless another person was lurking in the shadows, watching, observing...taping. An intimate moment that shouldn’t be on anyone’s phone. But here it was.
How did Joel have this? Joel knew?
“Daddy’s not here to save you this time,” Joel whispered so close to her ear, she felt his lips graze her skin and her stomach lurched.
When had her father ever saved her from anything?
The darkness enclosed around her as she accepted who the woman was. Who Ryder was making love to: Herself.
She couldn’t drag her eyes from the night of her wedding. The night she’d found Ryder alone in the silver ballroom, drunk like a naive adolescent dipping into the intoxicating liquid for the first time. So drunk that he didn’t remember their encounter the next morning when the wedding party met for brunch. A night Violet thought only she knew of. The first night she’d made love to Ryder.
It wasn’t their lovemaking that had her eyes glued to the screen, it was her need for time, to figure out why Joel had this, what her father had to do with it and why he was showing her...now.
Joel had this for ten years? Did he? Or had someone given it to him? Who was recording this intimacy? Her intimacy. Did Ryder know?
“Alright, that’s enough.” Joel snatched the phone out of her hand and slid his phone into his back pocket.
Violet turned to face him.
Disbelief seized her questions. In the back pocket of Joel’s pants was a video of a private moment shared between Violet and Ryder.
She felt violated like never before and it brought stinging bile up her throat. She had to swallow down the suffocating tightness and wasn’t sure she had the ability to speak to him right now.
“Shocking isn’t it?” Joel said. “Violet Caliendo had her very own sex tape. Could you image the publicity this would bring to the resort?”
Violet’s jaw clamped shut in disgust.
“Splashed worldwide across social media in relation to one of the owners of the Caliendo Resort franchise?” He was blackmailing her. She didn’t have to ask what about, she knew it was Ryder.
Violet was surprised to find the business her family built and reputation hadn’t even crossed her mind, as it would certainly have two weeks ago. “You would dare put a video on the internet that would destroy your children?”
Joel shook his head. “I didn’t want it to come to this. I was using the video as leverage against Robert. You know, that egotistical bastard you called, Dad. The man was ruthless. Not that blackmailing him worked, until it was his terms. Then he demanded−because your father never asked for anything−that I give him the video in exchange for allowing us to have the divorce we both wanted from day one.”
Why would her dad do that? So many years later?
Robert’s actions were self-satisfying, and concealed with hidden agendas.
At first, Violet considered what Robert’s ulterior motives could be to offer Joel an out, but then she recalled her conversation with Marc and his admission that during Robert’s sickness Violet hadn’t given him the heart-to-heart he’d wanted.
Could it be that the last year of Robert’s life, he’d gained a conscious? That the guilt of his years of betrayal and hurt upon others had caught up to him?
Violet had believed he was up to something...but maybe Robert was actually sorry.
Joel continued and Violet had to let go of her wandering thoughts to listen. “I was more interested in ending our marriage the night of day one. After witnessing my newlywed wife screwing my best friend.” His words were harsh, laced with resentment and betrayal.
Joel knew? From day one? Was Violet any better than her own father?
Her intentions hadn’t been to hurt Joel but her actions had been selfish and it was apparent Joel had been affected directly by her decision.
“But of course, as you were there for our of ma
rriage, I had as much choice in our matrimony as you did.” Why did Joel look so wounded by her betrayal if he’d been using her for her money?
“Joel, I don’t understand.”
Joel shook his head. “It’s simple Violet. Stop seeing Ryder.”
That wasn’t what she meant, but the anger darkening his eyes told her their past wasn’t open for discussion.
“This is your revenge for that night?” she asked.
“Revenge?” He looked appalled. “I’m not your father.”
“You’re sure acting like him,” she snapped, regretting it the second it passed her lips.
Joel’s face drew together and his warning eyes returned. “Listen to me. He is my friend. You are my ex-wife and I don’t want the two of you sitting around talking about me.”
“Talking about you?” Violet felt the anger rising up her chest. “After all the untruthful stories you told me about Ryder and the lies that you told him about me, you have the nerve to accuse us of talking about you. You’re a piece of work.”
“See, it’s already started...”
“Because you are a liar.”
“Enough!” Joel yelled. “It’s not up for debate. End it, or I post this online and Violet Caliendo’s sex tape goes viral. This will destroy your name, your image. And Ryder, it will only bring out exactly who he is.”
“You don’t know him at all.” For two people who grew up together, they were so distant in the other’s lives that it was shocking. “I don’t care about my name or image!”
“No. But what will our kids think? They won’t blame me anymore for cheating on you and destroying our family, because clearly you started the down that trail way before I met Missy.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
He stepped toward her. The smell of him made her sick. “I won’t have to, because you won’t chance devastating our children or damaging their future.”
Joel was right. Violet would end it. Her heart nearly exploded knowing what she would have to do.
Shadows glazed Joel’s eyes again, exposing a sadness he’d never bared to Violet before. If he wasn’t blackmailing her, she would have felt compassion for him. What was breaking him inside?
“You might be incapable of loving a man...” His eyes darkened. “...of loving me, but you’ve always loved your children. You’re a good mom, so I’m not worried what your decision will be.”
Joel had tried? Or had been willing to try before he found her with Ryder? Violet had been prepared, with no other alternative, to try before her father told her of Joel’s true intentions. Was Robert lying? Was Joel lying? How would she ever know the truth?
What Joel didn’t understand was that Violet was in love with Ryder. Violet loved Ryder. She’d never known a love so strongly bonded with another person. It wasn’t just a fling between her and Ryder.
How could she fix this? How could she make Joel aware of her true feelings for Ryder without enraging more anger and betrayal?
When she spoke, she tried to sound confident and positive, but her voice came out weak and broken, like she was defeated and had already lost a battle today she hadn’t even known she was fighting.
“Joel, he won’t let me just break it off.” And I don’t want to. “You’re right. I’ve never loved a man...”
Violet took a deep breath.
This would either infuriate him or help him to see it wasn’t just a fling between them. Either way, accepting his blackmail or attempting to barter, it was Ryder she could lose, so she had to try. Sending up a prayer, she hoped her honesty would release the grudge Joel held.
“I’m in love with Ryder and he’s in love with me.”
Joel didn’t move a muscle in his face, but he didn’t speak either, so she continued.
“He gets me like no one else ever has and it has nothing to do with that tape, I promise. He doesn’t even remember that night.”
“Bullshit.”
“If I tell him it’s over, he will know that you had something to do with my decision. I won’t be able to convince him otherwise.” She felt the tears welling in her eyes. This video could not get out. “Please Joel, let us be.”
Joel stepped toward Violet. “I won’t let you turn him against me.”
“I don’t want to. That was never my intention. He is your friend and if anyone is turning him against you, then you’re doing it yourself.”
“End it. I don’t care how.”
“I won’t.” But she knew she would.
“Then this goes viral.”
Strain ricocheted between them. She silently begged him to not to release the video, but when he walked away, her inner soul screamed as she grabbed his arm. She hated that she had to beg him. Hated that he had this control over her.
“Wait. I will do it.”
“Convince Ryder that you don’t love him?” he asked.
She nodded.
“I want him out of your life. Permanently. No connections. No friendship. No rides around on his boat because I don’t show up. Understood? Nothing.”
Violet wanted to cry. Joel knew she loved Ryder.
How would she convince Ryder? He was so in tune with her feelings and emotions that he would see straight through her. “I will try...”
“There’s one way that he won’t be able to deny.” The low mysterious tone of his voice startled her so, that she looked up in time to find Joel moving to her side. He embraced her so quickly and unexpected, that when she retaliated back, they went tripping over the end of a lounger. Violet went flying backwards onto the springing material and Joel fell on top of her. They should have split and parted ways. However, Joel’s mouth landed on her unexpected lips and crushed her against the chair. She couldn’t move. Both of his hands locked with hers at her side as his tongue dived into her mouth. She tasted dirt. Low life, dirt and her stomach lurched.
What was he doing?
Violet had spent years with this man. He was the father of her children. The last thing she’s ever envisioned was him taking advantage of someone. Of her.
Suddenly Joel was lifted from Violet and she heard scuffling, shouting and punches contacting with bodies. Then she heard Ryder’s voice. Ryder. She couldn’t be happier to hear him.
Violet scrambled to her feet as Joel slipped behind her, using her as a shield. Coward.
He was completely out of breath. “Whoa. Whoa. Whoa!” Joel said waving one hand at Ryder and the other gripping Violet’s arm so tight it hurt.
“Get your filthy hands off of her,” Ryder snarled.
“She kissed me first,” Joel said.
She did not. Disgusting pig. Then it hit her. This was Joel’s way of separating her from Ryder.
“She kissed me first,” Joel repeated and every word broke her heart. “Tell him Violet. Tell him about your feelings for me.”
Violet had no choice. What was she supposed to do? Joel held all the cards. How was it possible that the man she’d used that night to erase her sorrow had turned out to be her happily ever after?
Her heart shattered as the words left her mouth. “I kissed him first.”
The fight drained from Ryder’s face, but she watched his defenses go up instead. He was going to fight her, just like she thought. He wasn’t stupid or foolish. Damn, the man ran an entire chain of supermarkets.
“I kissed Joel first,” she said.
Ryder stepped toward her and Violet stepped back, backing right into Joel’s now feeble feeling body. She wanted to turn around and slap, punch, and scream at Joel. The least he could do was back up and give her some damn space.
Ryder stopped. “Violet?”
“I’m sorry Ryder.”
“We have a past.” Shut up, Joel.
“You have a fiancé,” Ryder snapped through clench jaws that raised veins in his throat.
“Ryder, this isn’t about Missy,” Violet said, softly. Her heart wasn’t the only one that was about to break.
“Who is this abo
ut?” Ryder sent an accusing glare at Joel.
“I’m sorry man,” Joel said.
“Give us space,” Ryder growled at Joel. “Before I make it two black eyes.”
Violet glanced over at Joel to catch the shiner shaping reds and pinks that would turn into an array of greens and blues under his eye. Just then, Joel kissed her. Not on the cheek or the side of the head, but right on her lips and she tasted salty filth, as her tears broke the surface.
“End it,” he whispered before walking away.
Violet didn’t look at Ryder right away. Her eyes fell to the clenching fists he held at his side. Clenching. Only ten minutes ago, they were heading to her suite where his hands would have gently touched every part of her. How she longed to go back before Joel walked into the pavilion. She wanted tonight with Ryder, and now that she could never have it, she wanted it more.
“What’s going on?” Ryder’s tone was softer, but held reserve. She looked up to find his jaw pulled so tight she wasn’t sure how he got the question by.
Joel is blackmailing me as punishment for sleeping with you on my wedding. A night you don’t even remember. A video with the evidence.
Violet couldn’t confide in Ryder. She wanted to tell him, but look what happened just now with Joel. The end result would be her children’s lives, and their future.
“Ryder...”
He held his hand up to stop her. “Before you answer that, come here.” He held his hand out to her. Violet stared at it. “Don’t hide from me,” he said.
Violet didn’t move. “I have no choice...”
He left his hand out as he said, “You have a choice. Let me in.”
“I can’t.”
“Can’t or won’t?” His hand retracted and her trembling legs were ready to let his arms hold her steady, calm her sadness, and love her the way he promised.
Violet could feel her strength draining away with each word he spoke. They were accusing and insulting and yet loving and begging. She had to get her control, before her kids paid for her mistakes.
“Ryder, I’m ending this,” Violet said, sternly.
“Because you love Joel?” The suspicion in his tone was unmistakable.
I love you. I love my kids. I don’t know what do? I don’t have another option.
“I kissed him,” she finally said. “You were right all along, Ryder. I’m having a hard time dealing with his wedding and losing him permanently. He’s my kid’s father.”
“Do not insult me by using the pathetic excuse he created as a way to end this. You want out? That’s your decision, but do not lie to me. Give me the respect I deserve and the truth. What did he say?” Ryder stepped forward again and Violet stepped back.
Violet hated herself.
You’re doing this for your kids.
If Ryder knew, he would understand, but he wouldn’t let it go.
“You’re just the guy I found in the washroom.”
Just like that Ryder shut down. His eyes glazed over, his stare hardened. Every piece of him that he’d opened to her, closed off.
Good, it was easier this way. Then why did it hurt so damn much?