Let Me Go

By DC Renee

Mason Tredwell had it all. He was a good looking, well-respected doctor. He had money, power, and friends. He never worried about finding a woman to warm his bed. One wrongful accusation changed everything. Now, after five years in prison and losing everything he cared about, he wants revenge.

Kat Gingham never really had a charmed life. But now, things were really falling apart. She had no money, no job, and even her lying, cheating boyfriend was gone. She allowed herself one night to cry about her situation before she picked herself back up. But when she woke up, she was no longer at home. And she was no longer alone.

Mason claims she ruined his life. He's hell-bent on breaking her down, humiliating her, and making her feel like he has all these years. She's trapped and confused by the connection she feels to the man holding her hostage.

Can she convince Mason to let her go? Or is fate playing a cruel game?

• Language: English
• Publisher: DC Renee
• Release date: Mar 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310710568

DC Renee

I'm a bookworm, naturally. I've been writing all my life, from cheesy poems in elementary school to short stories and even fan fictions. I love reading almost as much as I love writing, but I love my family even more. I have the most supportive husband, the best parents, in-laws who root for me, and a my sister is my muse. She rejects or approves of literally every chapter I write. It's thanks to all of them and my fans that I keep doing what I do.

Book preview

Everything I do, all the important and even insignificant events in my life, you are there with me, Babulya. Always and forever. I love you.

And to my Deda. You are missed.

Acknowledgements

There are so many people that have supported me throughout my writing journey, and they all deserve a huge thanks. First and foremost, thank you to my husband, whom I love beyond measure, and who encourages me to continue writing as long as it’s what I love to do (and he loves to brag about it too). A big thank you to my sister, who is my creative genius, my muse, my beta reader, and my co-writer/co-conspirator. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my parents, who are like my own personal cheerleaders. I was blessed with pretty darn good in-laws, and I truly appreciate their encouragement and love.

I have met some truly amazing people throughout my life, many of which I’m proud to call friends. They all deserve acknowledgement for their help along my writing journey and for their general support: Jenny Sims (my wonderful editor – Editing4Indies), Rebecca Marie (my cover designer – The Final Wrap), Carrie Sutton (teaser creator – Graphics by Carrie), Rebecca Bennett (promotion and tours – Author Groupies), the wonderful ladies at Sassy Savvy Fabulous PR & Marketing, and my kick-ass beta readers & even better pimpers (yes, I totally used that word): Catherine Gray, Sheri Hursh, Suleika Santana, Marina Zaev, Janett Gomez, Heather Cicio, Elaine Hudson York, Jettie Woodruff, Nichole Hart, Jennifer Hagen.

Can’t forget to thank my friends at On The Same Page Book Club, who read, critique, & support me as well: Tunee Harrington, Julia Katsnelson, Margarita Auslander, Inessa Polushkin. Got to thank my street team: DC’s Diamonds. You ladies rock! Thank you to my fellow FL’ers, who bore with me when I began writing with only fan fics.

I know I’m going to forget some blogs, but there are a few that need to be mentioned: All About Books, Author Groupies, Three Chicks and Their Books, Nichole’s Sizzling Pages Book Blog, Red Cheeks Reads, Literary Love/Melt Your Heart Book Blog, Beauties With Brains Book Blog, Nerd Girl.

And the most important thank you is to all of you, the readers! To the blogs/bloggers that helped me spread the word and the passionate readers who found my book worthy of their reading time.

Prologue

His accuser. All he had to keep him company for the last six years was her name and a vague image in his mind; those details had been seared into his mind for him to mull over. He never got to see the realization dawn on her face when she comprehended that she had picked out the wrong guy. He wasn’t even sure if what she accused him of had truly happened to her. Whether she had gotten the wrong guy or had just focused on him and lied. He had a feeling it was the latter. And it was that gut feeling that burrowed its way into the depths of his soul and stewed there, waiting to erupt, waiting for the chance to explode.

And now that chance was about to present itself. He had planned it all perfectly. Finalized the details with precision, thinking of every little thing that could go wrong. But, then again, that was what he had done in his former life. He had been a doctor, one of the best. He graduated from Harvard at the top of his class, became one of the youngest doctors to lead a department, and went on to lead several departments. He was skilled; it was like second nature to him. The body was like a puzzle, waiting to be put back together, and he was a master at puzzles.

He was good looking, six feet tall with shockingly black hair that he always kept short but messy, deep green eyes, straight nose, strong jawline, and even perfect teeth, thanks to braces in junior high. He knew he was a looker and always used that to his advantage.

He had never had time for relationships, but he definitely loved the company of women. Lots of women. He never took advantage of a woman; his looks got him whatever he wanted or needed. He justified his actions because he was always up-front about the fact that he wasn’t looking for more than just sex. It didn’t stop some women from calling him every name in the book. So his womanizing reputation preceded him, but he didn’t care. He had a fantastic home in an upscale neighborhood and the respect of all his peers and friends. His parents, unfortunately, had died in a car accident while he was still in college, but he knew they were smiling down on him with pride. They had been wealthy, coming from old money that he had inherited, but his career also helped increase his worth. He was on top of the world until, one night after a thirty-six hour shift, he was awoken from his much needed sleep after only hours of snoozing by loud knocking on his door.

Rape. One damn word changed his life.

He was accused of rape. He lived alone, had no good alibi, and somehow his hair was found on the victim. How it got there, he could only guess. She had positively identified him from one of those line-ups like they show on the television. The prosecution had a flimsy case, but it seemed like the jury was hell-bent on convicting the good-looking, hard-working doctor. His memory of what she looked like was fuzzy at best, but that was probably his own imagination as the entire trial was a blur. His mind was reeling the entire time at the realization of his situation. He had the finest lawyers defending him and his sanity, spending an absurd amount of money. But in the end it wasn’t enough, he was still convicted of rape. Something he couldn’t ever fathom coming close to doing. He had seen the ugliness of such a crime numerous times in the hospital, and it left a person with not just physical scars but mental ones as well. The trial and subsequent prison time had left him with mental and physical scars of his own.

He was sentenced to twelve years, and all appeals were denied. He only served five years, getting out a year ago on good behavior. When he went to prison, he was a normal, sane person, never capable of truly hurting someone. But spending five years in prison, while being labeled a rapist, was enough to make anyone crack. The scars he now wore were the same as those he had seen in the hospital, both physical and mental. Inmates aren’t too keen on rapists, especially pretty-boy ones. And he learned that the hard way.

During that time in prison, he held onto the name of his accuser and that blurry image of her, his hatred increasing with each passing day and each brutal violation to his own body. She did this to him. And now she was going to know what it was like to have her life stripped from her and humiliated every day. Now, a year after his release, he was ready to make his move. Mason Tredwell was ready to find Kat Gingham.

Chapter 1

Kat didn't think that her life could get any worse. She couldn't find a job and didn't know where she was going to live. She didn't know what she was going to do. She thought she had it bad growing up, but this seemed worse. She had been abandoned in the bathroom of a gas station when she was only a few months old. She was told there was a note attached to the blanket wrapped around her that said, Sorry, I just couldn’t take care of you. She wasn’t sure if that was from her parents, but they could have at least dropped her off at a hospital or a fire department. A gas station bathroom, really? That was definitely a story that inspired confidence. She was disgusted that her parents dumped her at the first place they stopped even if they didn’t want her.

She ended up bouncing around from one foster home to another. But none of them were really that bad. There were always other children, but each foster home was pretty clean and she got lucky with the adults. She had heard enough horror stories to know that her foster parents always took care of her. But she was quiet and shy and could never really get attached to anyone. She didn’t really keep in touch with any of her dozens of foster siblings or even with her foster parents. And that was also probably why she was never adopted. She was the one in the corner looking so scared of her own shadow that no one wanted her.

She did pretty well in school. When she was eighteen, she got a job as a waitress to help pay for college, in addition to the tons of loans she was forced to take out. But she did it. She graduated with honors and a Bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in psychology. Go figure, the quiet one actually wanted to help others. She was actually able to land a job pretty quickly after graduation and was doing great. She had a few friends from school, but no one she was particularly close with. She still couldn’t let anyone in. Not until Seth anyway.

Kat had been sitting at a coffee shop reading. She was a bookworm and took every opportunity she could to read. She read while she walked, while she watched television, and even while she ate. As she sat in the corner sipping her frilly coffee, entrenched in her book, she didn’t notice a guy approaching her table.

Mind if I sit with you? She jumped at his voice, almost spilling coffee on herself.

Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. It’s just there are no more tables and I noticed this chair might be open.

Sorry, I don’t mean to be so jumpy. I just didn’t hear you, she replied.

He smiled and she finally looked up at him. My, he was handsome. Light brown wavy hair, deep hazel eyes, a straight nose, good jawline, and very tall.

Is that a yes? he asked as she realized she was gawking.

Oh, yes. Sorry, yes.

What are you reading?

Oh, just a romance novel.

A romantic, huh?

I just love reading, she responded, but could feel her cheeks flush from just speaking with this guy.

Do you like doing things other than reading? Say maybe dinner and a movie?

Yes, sure, who doesn’t?

He chuckled and she thought she was going to faint at the sound of his soft voice.

Do you have a boyfriend?

Nope. She hesitated to answer him but she did; she never really had one. She dated occasionally, had some fun when she was drunk enough in college, but the thought that she never had a serious relationship did depress her some.

So, in that case, forgive me for being so forthcoming, but I was asking if you would join me in having dinner and seeing a movie?

Why would you want to…oh! Wow, she was definitely oblivious. The guy was asking her out. That handsome guy was asking out plain Kat. Of course she wanted to go on a date with Mr. Hunky. Who wouldn’t? You are asking me on a date, aren’t you?

He chuckled again. Yes. I saw you sitting here and you were so engrossed in your book, but you would crinkle your nose or arch your eyebrow every so often. It was quite endearing and I wanted to learn more. I’m Seth by the way. And you are?

Kaitlyn, but I go by Kat.

Well, Kat, will you join me?

Yes. She nodded as she spoke.

Great! They made plans after he got her number, and then he left.

They went on a date the following evening and ended up dating for over two years. He was charming and caring and loving and everything Kat needed in a guy. So, when he had a job opportunity arise two counties away, she went with him. She didn’t really have much to leave behind. Just some friends she wasn’t all that close with, and an apartment that wasn’t really a home. The only thing she was really leaving behind was the job she loved, but she figured she’d just find a new one.

Too bad Seth wasn’t all he seemed cracked up to be, and she found that out a little too late. Turned out he liked Kat because she was docile. He wanted someone to control, someone to be his personal secretary. But she didn’t see that until it was too late, thanks to his charms. Even with that, she probably would have stayed as long as he loved her. Her last straw was after she discovered that he was cheating on her. And here she was, six months later and still no job in a city she wasn’t familiar with. She tried to go back to waitressing, even though she felt like that would be putting her college education to waste. But apparently times were tough for everyone and she was out of luck.

She was almost through her measly savings, and although she had paid through the end of the month on her apartment, that only left a week to figure things out. She was smart, logical, and had worked hard all her life, so how in the heck was she in this situation? She had no one around whom she knew, loved, or even cared about. She had no job, no boyfriend, and now she was a week away from not having a place to live. She would trade it all to go back to those darn foster homes.

She was in one of those moods where one of her favorite books wouldn’t even calm her. She flitted around her apartment, trying to find something to do. She hoped that she would finally find a waitress position in the next week and not be forced to apply for government aid. She also contemplated finding a way to make it back home and beg for her old job back. Ugh! She couldn’t take much more. She swiped at her face, wiping the silent tears tracing down her cheeks. Giving in to the turmoil inside her, she set her head in her hands and sobbed, letting the feelings escape through her tears. After what seemed like an eternity of self-pity, she raised her head and looked around her small apartment as if she sensed something. No! She was not going to succumb to this; she would figure things out. She would fight through this like she had fought through everything in her life. She stood quickly on her still shaky legs, undermining her new-found bravado. She inhaled deeply, letting the courage soak in. Oh, who was she kidding? She would probably fail miserably, but at least she would do it trying. God! She needed a drink. Nope, she needed a whole bottle to wallow in her misery and chase away the sorrows. At least for tonight. Tomorrow, she would get a job, any job, and fix all this. But, for now, time to get wasted. She stomped toward her room with a wine bottle in hand and plopped onto the bed. As she guzzled the two-buck chuck like it was hard liquor, she found herself getting lightheaded. She really was a lightweight. She tried to recall her favorite part of her favorite book as her mind began to feel fuzzy. It had something to do with the moment the main character realized she was falling in love with her nemesis. He had shown her some kindness when she was desperate and no one else was there for her. If only real life was that romantic. She fell into a restless sleep, hoping her dreams would take her away from her sour life.

Somewhere in her dreams, she saw the beautiful face of a haunted man, with the most stunning green eyes she had ever seen. She felt his strong arms encircle her and it felt so real, but in the back of her mind, she convinced herself it was just the alcohol. For a brief moment, she wondered if she was dreaming of the one. She barely felt the small prick on her arm before all went black and the man of her dreams faded.

Chapter 2

Kat could barely contain the groan as she resisted the urge to open her eyes. Her head was pounding, and her mouth felt like she had eaten sand. Even with her eyes closed, the light in the room was enough for her to wish she had never touched that bottle of wine. And she was supposed to go out into the world today and find a job. That wasn’t sounding too promising due to her new friend, Mr. Hangover. As her eyes finally opened, the room seemed different than last night. But then again, her vision was a little fuzzy right now. She tried to sit up when she realized one of her hands was in an awkward position and not budging. Her eyes shot above her head and quickly focused to see one of her hands was handcuffed to the bedpost. Before the inevitable panic had time to manifest, she heard a rich, rumbling voice. Welcome to your new home.

Her eyes shot to her left. You, was all she was able to make out as the panic was finally starting to bubble to the surface. It was Mr. Green Eyes from her dreams. She remembered them being the most riveting deep green pools, but now all she saw was a cool, distant fury. She opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out as her hazy mind tried desperately to process what was going on. The last thing she remembered was falling asleep in bed after getting completely wasted. She didn’t feel sore and all her clothes were still on. That hopefully meant nothing sexual had occurred, thank God for that at least. But who was this guy, what did he want with her, why was she here, and how was she going to get away?

She realized that when she whispered, you, staring into his eyes, they flickered for a moment, as if her recognition of him meant something to him. She really didn’t know him, only from what she thought were dreams but clearly weren’t. She needed to find out what was going on. Her logical side was arguing with the overwhelming fear building within her. She reminded herself to keep calm and try to figure out what he wanted with her. Maybe she could just answer some questions and he’d let her go. No harm, no foul. She tried to ease her own mind, although she knew that scenario was unlikely.

Who-who are you? Wh-what do you want from me? she stuttered, even though she had tried to sound tough.

I think you know who I am and you are about to find out what payback feels like.

In another time, she would have sworn his voice had a calming effect. But right now, all she heard was a bitter edge to his voice that only caused the hairs on her neck to stand up higher. She couldn’t help but survey him while her mind tried to process his words. He was tall and definitely built. She could see muscles straining through his black t-shirt. His hair was tousled and his lips were full. But, oh, those eyes. Yet they seemed empty, void of empathy, and for obvious reasons, the longer she stared the scarier they appeared.

I don’t know you. I only saw you for the first time in my dreams last night. Er, when I thought I was dreaming. I don’t understand what you want from me. But I’m sure this is all a misunderstanding. If you let me go, we can part ways and then there won’t be any problems. She tried to sound cool and collected as she realized that this guy clearly thought she was someone else. All they had to do was straighten things out and she could be on her way. Definitely freaked out, but at least she would be fine.

No, he stated simply.

N-no? she asked.

You aren’t going anywhere. Her instincts were now telling her to run, but obviously, she wasn’t going anywhere.

I’m Kat, and you are? she asked, hoping if she got him to see her as a person and not just some part of his payback plan, then maybe she could reason with him. But he didn’t answer, his straight face not giving anything away.

You have the wrong person. She tried to stay calm, but she could hear her own voice cracking. He seemed to flinch at her words before handing her a bag.

Put this on, he stated. I suggest you get comfortable because you aren’t going anywhere.

She peered in the bag and saw what looked like a sleazy version of a French maid outfit. What the heck was going on? The only plausible thing that ran through her mind was that Seth had cheated on her with this guy’s wife and now he was going to get revenge by sleeping with her. She wondered if he knew that she and Seth were over. Seth wouldn’t care one lick about who she slept with. And besides, what was he planning on doing? Raping her? She hoped he wasn’t counting on her being a willing participant in this revenge plot, especially dressed up in some kinky outfit.

Look, I know you think you are doing the right thing here by getting revenge and all, but no one is going to care if you and I sleep together. And besides, I don’t even know your name, not to mention the fact that I’m not sure how I got here. I’m tied up at the moment, so I’m definitely not just going to go along with this plan of yours. Basically, it’s not going to work. You might as well let me go. She should have dumped Seth a long time ago.

No sex, he said, cutting off her little rant.

I’m not following. If you don’t want sex, then what the heck is this? She pulled out the barely there outfit. And the panic she had managed to push down while she ranted at him was suddenly back. No sex meant she had no clue what was going on. And that meant it probably didn’t involve Seth after all. So whatever was happening was bound to be bad news.

He stood up, stalking closer to her, making her sink back into the bed with nowhere to go. He towered over her, sending chills down her spine, and not the good kind. I spent five years of my life rotting in a cell, had my license stripped from me, my life taken from me, my body and mind far removed, and my reputation destroyed. All because of your lies. Now, Kat, he spat her name with disdain, it’s time for you to feel the humiliation you bestowed upon me. You will feel my type of restitution for your sins. And it starts now. He reached toward her handcuffed hand and Kat couldn’t help but turn away, even flinching as his hands brushed hers. After he released the handcuffs, she brought her hands to her chest, rubbing her wrist. She momentarily debated whether she should lash out at him but knew the likelihood that anything good would come from it was slim. Maybe she should try anyway. Before she had her chance, he turned on his heel, spinning away from her. She felt the rage billowing from him as he stepped away. Fear gripped her while she still hadn’t registered the brief explanation he gave her, and she felt her hands shaking. He walked slowly and deliberately toward the door, and her mind was still not processing what was going on. Before he reached the door, he turned back. You have two minutes to change into that outfit or I will change you myself.

Wait! Because of me? she finally cried out, dumbfounded as his words started sinking in, but still not able to lash out at him, frozen in her spot. What do you mean because of me? What did I do? I don’t even know you. I have never met you before today, er, last night. You have the wrong person. I don’t know what you want from me, but I’m not the right girl.

His eyes burned with rage and she shrank back. Two minutes, he gritted through his teeth and closed the door behind him.

She ran to it, knowing it would be locked but pounded on it anyways. Please, you have the wrong girl. I didn’t do anything to you, I promise. Please, just let me go, she repeated over and over, pounding with all her might, tears streaming down her cheeks. It seemed like hours before she collapsed against the door, knowing she was doomed. She stared at the ridiculous outfit in her hands. She wanted to fight, find a way out of here, but she was also terrified of the man. Whoever wronged him had clearly done a number on him. She felt a faint hint of pity for him before the anger and sadness took over. What was she going to do? She had to escape somehow, but she needed to figure out what was going on. She concentrated on recalling what one of the heroines in her books would do. Depending on the book, they’d probably be a deadly assassin and wouldn’t even be in this darn mess to begin with. That clearly wasn’t an option. Well, another would assess the situation and figure out the best course of action. She figured that she was logical enough to do that. So all she had to do was figure out where she was and get out when he wasn’t looking. I don’t have a choice, she mumbled to herself, trying to wipe the tears that were still trailing down her cheeks and looking down at the clothes in her hands.

He won’t really make me wear this, she said to the air surrounding her. And maybe when he came back, she’d slip by him and find a phone in one of the other rooms. Then, problem solved. She fought to find that false courage she relied on the night before. She gritted her teeth as anger was finally winning over the swirl of other emotions she was feeling. He wouldn’t do this to her. She wouldn’t let him. She would get out of here. She had to. As the determination seethed through her pores, she made a vow to herself. He may have heard her cry right now but never again. And he’d definitely never see her tears. No, screw him. Kat had survived enough crap in life that she knew she was going to survive this too, and Mr. Green Eyes wasn’t going to break her.

Chapter 3

Mason sat on the chair of the small breakfast table, listening to Kat’s pleas while she pounded on the door. As her voice broke, his chest tightened. She put you there, he reminded himself as he fought the urge to help her. Glimpses of the guy he used to be, the good guy, still peeked through his hardened exterior. Prison time, his revenge mindset, and his cynical heart had told him this was right. This was right. She deserved payback, she deserved humiliation. He heard her telling him that he had the wrong person, but he had seen the look of recognition in her eyes when she first saw him this morning. She definitely knew who he was. She knew why she was here; she was just trying to play him, play on his sympathy, and hope he’d let her go. Nope, wasn’t going to happen. He had been meticulously planning this for some time and everything had finally fallen into place.

He had told her two minutes, but it had already been five. He knew he should have stalked into the room already to show her how serious he was, but now that she was really here, he needed a moment to himself to process everything. His plan was to break her down and make her feel the pain of humiliation. As hard as he was, he

Reviews for Let Me Go

[rkaye · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

The second (and last!) book I’ve tried from this author. Once again, we have a ‘hero’ who is never redeemed. Then there’s the doormat heroine. I wish the author liked her heroines and gave them just a smidge of a backbone. But nope...so I’m done.