Amethyst Attraction

By Mara Reitsma

Fallyn's marriage to Laurence, heir to the Del Coure family fortune, was one of mere convenience. He got a wife he could parade around in society and keep his mother at bay, she got a bi-polar husband, rich enough to erase the scandal of her past. Things seemed great at first, until the newcomer Hayden arrives in Ellinsport, and starts filling her mind with fun and adventure leaving her wanting more the riches and jewels. Could she throw away her vows to the man who cared more for his company than her did for her? Could Fallyn chose between the man who 'saved' her life, and the man who made her want to live it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781312820340

Book preview

Amethyst Attraction

Amethyst Attraction

Book One of

The Family Jewels Collection.

Mara Reitsma

© 2014.  Mara Reitsma. 

All Rights Reserved

ISBN: 978-1-312-82043-0

For my Ladies,

You guys are the best. Your motivation and sassy attitudes helped me to create my story.

For my Family,

You have always supported me, in everything I do.

Without you all, I never would have started on this journey.

From the bottom of my heart,

Thank You!

PROLOGUE.

It was mid-July in Miami and the evening breeze was scorching, as Fallyn Henderson readied herself for work. The music blared in the background as soon as she had woken from her nap, and she danced around the room, pulling on her black dress slacks and her tight sequined tank top that showed as much cleavage as possible. Her dark brown hair was still wet and wrapped in a towel, as she started her nightly routine of dolling herself up for her midnight role as bartender, at a local hot spot.

That was where she had met him when she was only twenty. Stephan was his name, and he was the most gorgeous thing to ever walk on two legs, she had thought to herself, and they hit it off right away. He had dark blonde hair that fell down to his shoulders and hazel eyes, with a hint of green that screamed ‘get lost in me’.

He was a guitarist in a local band at first and things got pretty intense, fast. She moved in with her and her best friend Alloryn, a short, slender, twenty four year old woman, with long, waving, auburn colored hair and eyes that tended to change their color. Fallyn was head over heels in love with Stephan despite the constant complaints she received from everyone, Alloryn included.

Alloryn let it slide for months, until finally she could not take his constant badgering and laziness, or his insane erotic gestures, knowing she had a man of her own. And it seemed that Fallyn was never going to take her seriously about it, so she moved out on her own. She was still friends with Fallyn, she just couldn’t live with the two faced man, her friend had fallen for.

I don’t know what you see in him Fallyn...the guy is a total moron...all he does is play video games all day...and chases you around begging for your body...I swear you should be pregnant by now... Alloryn told her, as she watched her get ready for work. And then there’s the...

Listen...you don’t know him like I do...he’s not all that bad...he just goofs around a lot...he promised he wouldn’t chase you around anymore. She replied, brushing her long brown hair, watching the spirals return the moment the brush left them.

I don’t like him Fallyn!...What kind of guy chases his girlfriend’s best friend around while she’s in nothing but a towel?...Drunk or not girl...that’s messed!  Alloryn started, And that guy he calls his brother.... But Fallyn cut her off.

His brother has always hated him Alloryn...You have seen how they fight!...Even in public that man will just attack Stephan...out of nowhere there he is waiting for him! She paused while she applied her mascara.  His brother Charles…Is an absolute creep!...I have nothing to say to him...nor do I care about whatever he has to say!…And in his defence he thought you were me! She finished, as she hung her head upside down to blow dry her curls.

Fallyn...he says he’s not Stephan’s brother. Alloryn tried again, brushing her own wavy tendrils, she did not work tonight as Fallyn did, but she had planned on stopping by, to say hi to everyone there.

What are you talking about?...Stephan has pictures of the two of them when they were like fourteen dude...Why are you so bent out of shape over him?...Is it because he asked? Fallyn spat out at her, tossing the mascara down on the vanity and storming out of the room, Alloryn following close behind.

That’s not it at all...It’s just...Don talked to that Charles guy...says Stephan isn’t who he says he is...and that you shouldn’t get to close to him... Alloryn told her, but Fallyn wouldn’t listen.

I’m going to be late for work...and he’ll be home tomorrow...early!...Hopefully we can all have a decent dinner...Please Alloryn? …I need this? She had begged her best friend.

Fine!...But I only tell you these things cause I worry you know? She called out as Fallyn ran down the driveway towards her little gray car, and sped away off to work.

CHAPTER ONE.

It had only been a few years since Fallyn had moved to Ellinsport, a small city planted right next to the water’s edge. The neighborhood she now lived in was quite beautiful. Trees lined the roadways, with shrubbery or stone benches in between, and the lawns were kept neatly trimmed  On her road alone there were only four residences, her manor included.

There was a college, a recreational center, and a shopping mall all within walking distance from their estate, and the various shops that lined the streets in between, were filled with treasures of all kinds. It was normally bright and beautiful on any given day, and the salty ocean winds rustled through the trees in the many parks that lay about the city. One could walk for hours and enjoy the scenery around them, or sit by one of the many lakes, ponds, or park fountains.

Things were looking up for her; so why was she so miserable still? She was married, had a gorgeous manor she called home, and a husband named Laurence, who at times could be affectionate. There was still one thing driving her crazy throughout the days though, an almost subtle reminder of how she got there, of who she had been before, her boredom.

It had caused her to look for a job back then, immersing herself in the night life, choosing a hip little joint to bar-tend for, listening to all the gossip and banter, than ran through the lips of customers. She closed her eyes and cringed at the thought of her past, the way it had crumbled down around her and left her stranded with nothing, not long ago.

He was the reason, she told herself. Stephan had been the cause of all her problems; she couldn't turn around without someone knowing who she was or what had happened. It was so embarrassing, just to walk down the street. She and her mother had no other choice but to move away, the further the better, they thought. Away from all the turmoil he had left her with.

It was his fault! He had been driving the car that night, and he had been drinking too! She had told him not to go out; that the fight he had had with Charles hadn’t been that bad. But he would not listen; instead he had fought with her, almost raising a hand. Fuck! She thought, if only she had hidden her keys the way her mom had always done, when one of her boyfriend’s spent the night?

Fallyn had gone to bed alone after fighting with him and thought she had left him sulking on the couch, engrossed in his video game. She had not heard him go out the door, nor had she heard the car start below the window, but she heard the phone at four in the morning, asking her where her car was and where she had been all night?

It had all been a lie, she found out the next day. His name, his family, literally everything about him was a lie. Stephan Andrews did not exist. And what was worse? He had been involved in a hit and run; and the mother he hit, had barely enough time to push her husband out of the way, before he barreled into her, then sped off to ditch the car. She had died, and the father lost one of his legs, leaving two small kids with half a parent, he had claimed in court.

It all happened so fast, and then he was gone! Without a trace!  He never returned for any of his things and to this day she kept them boxed up in the attic of their huge manor. She had never heard from him again, and yet she had gone bankrupt, trying to pay for all the damages he had incurred. Her name had been ruined thanks to him. She had tried hard to fix it all, but in the end, she had all but hit rock bottom.

With nothing else left, she accepted an offer she could not refuse and married a man she did not love. She did it for the money; she had told herself the first few months. To get herself out of the debt Stephan had put her in.

Over time they grew to like one another, but it was not at all a romantic relationship, more of a business deal. She would live in his house, and tend to his needs whenever he called, and in return he would pay for anything she asked for, including her debts. She would have free reign of the house whenever she chose and could invite anyone over, under the presumption she would be entertaining as the man’s wife, just in case his mother happened to be testing them.

She had become Mrs. Fallyn Del Coure, and her husband Laurence, was the son of a high class jeweller, their family owning seven luxurious stores, Del Coure Jeweller’s, all over the country. After his father had passed away from in a nasty car accident the year before their wedding, it was up to Laurence to run the companies, and he did so with some help from his close circle of friends, and his mother, always looking over his shoulder.

His mother, Daniella, had become obsessed with marrying him off and had proposed the idea to Fallyn’s Aunt, Victoria, who worked in one of their stores. After hearing her Aunt’s version of the story, Daniella had  arranged a dinner in Chicago. A sort of 'matrimonial' meet and great, or so she had hoped. It hadn't worked out quite the way she had planned, but the end result was the same.

Laurence was tall, with a slender build. His arms and chest were an average size and his hair a light blonde. His eyes were a dull gray with a hint of brown, and his face he kept neatly shaven, never allowing the stubble to stay very long. He was a good looking man, but his company would always come first and if it did not have to do with precious gems or the rising and falling of his stocks on the market, he had no time for it and rarely paid attention.

They had Fallyn dye her hair from a dark chocolate brown to a platinum blonde with gingered highlights, and with her approval, had gone ahead and order plastic surgery to enhance Fallyn’s chest.

Fallyn did not mind at all, she had always wanted a larger more robust chest. She had been self-conscience all her life, unhappy with the small size she had been born with, and Daniella Del Coure wanted her new daughter in law to match her son’s pretty boy image.

Life was good for a while as they attended dinner parties and fancy fundraisers throughout the years, but over time Fallyn began to realize just how boring her life had become. They did nothing except entertain his mother and her friends; maybe attend a jewelry gala or some exquisite ball honoring her husband for his craftsmanship. She found herself yearning for the adventure and thrills she had once had.

She was not required to work and was normally shooed away from the office, told to go do something a proper lady would do. There was nothing for her to do, just as there was no one to do anything with. She had made a few friends in the neighborhood, and the hair salon down the street was always full of chatty women and daily gossip, but none were actually close.

She had had one close friend in her teenage years, but her job caused her to travel halfway across the world and despite Fallyn’s ability to travel, her friend Alloryn, was never in the same place twice. She was always gone; taking breathtaking photographs for the world’s most wealthy and her boyfriend's magazine for adventurists. She had always been there for Fallyn and though she tried to call every week to check in, sometimes her phone would be out of range, or the time difference was too great and her call never came or was incredibly late.

She missed her dearly, as she sat in the little coffee bar around the corner from her favorite dress shop, admiring the newest shots Alloryn had taken, in the latest edition of her boyfriend’s magazine. Fallyn dreamed of being able to go skydiving and kayaking, zip lining and spelunking, there were so many things she wanted to do, but she had to be a lady, she reminded herself as she turned the pages.

If her mother in law ever found out that she helped out at the coffee bar every now and then, she would never hear the end of it and the embarrassment would be too much for her to handle a second time, but it did not stop her from helping out.

Fallyn?...Could you give me a hand at the counter please? Bridgette called from the back room. She was short like Alloryn, with long reddish hair and a nice tan, but it was her personality that brought them together, she was so much like Alloryn, and yet not!

Just a moment! Fallyn called back, putting down her magazine and straitening her skirt.

When she arrived at the counter, the little girl in front asked if she could buy a cinnamon bun, …a frosted one please! She had asked so nicely that Fallyn had to smile and compliment the woman who had come with her.

She really is a doll! She said, as she handed the mother her change.

Next in line was an older gentleman who had grown impatient as he waited, looking first at his watch and then at the clock on the wall above the door, How long does one have to stand here to get a cup of coffee? He asked in a snarly tone.

Two younger girls began to giggle behind him, adding to his frustration.

Young Lady...do you even know how to serve coffee? He asked Fallyn as rudely as he could. I would like to speak to your manager please...or will they take forever also?

I am very sorry sir...I did not realize I had taken so long...Is there a certain type of coffee you would like?...Or will it be plain...like your personality? She asked in return.

Well I never... you have just earned yourself a black mark in my books...you can keep your coffee and your rude behavior...I will not spend my hard earned money where I am not respected. He bellowed as he made his way out the door.

I am truly sorry sir. She called after him again, but he had already exited the door. Can I help whoever is next? She asked, clearing away the coffee she had spilt by the register.

Can I have an Earl Grey Tea?...No crème no sugar...and a bottle of water....Please?

The voice sounded so heavenly and she was afraid to look up, afraid that perfect voice would be ruined by a hideous face staring back at her. Of course! She replied, reaching down to get him the water bottle.

Bridgette had come out of the back room in time to see the look of Fallyn’s face, as she finally turned to look at the man who stood before her. A pair of blue green eyes stared back at her from under a baseball cap. Six feet and two inches tall, and two hundred pounds of muscle standing before her, invading her sight as she imprinted a picture of him in her mind. It was the accent though, she could not place its location and she did not care, it was tribal, exotic, and the way he spoke drove shivers down her spine.

She handed him his tea and tallied his total at the till, $4.35 please. She said, fighting with her hand to keep still long enough to receive the money.

He pulled out his wallet and removed one of the cards from inside. Credit! He replied as she punched the total into the machine. His voice was so smooth, the words just rolled off his tongue and across those sweet lips.

His phone began to ring, and as he bent to the side pocket of his tan colored cargo shorts, she noticed his artwork. The man had tattoos, two of them, and she was practically drooling already.

As he swiped his card and talked on his phone, she tried not to overhear, but it was so hard to avoid an accent like his. He was talking to someone about, oh no, oh my god, he’s going wake boarding!

Fallyn would have killed to go wake boarding, actually her husband was so entwined in the world of his diamonds and jewels, that they had not even planned a party in a while, let alone gone to any, and she would have killed to go anywhere at that moment.

The bill of sale went through and the printer produced his receipt, and as she handed it to him to sign, she felt a slight tingle as his hand brushed against hers. An electrifying shock ran up her arm and back, and he had felt it too, she thought, as she watched a smile cross his face.

When he was done, he handed the receipt back to her and mouthed the words thank you, before heading towards the door, still talking to whoever it was on his phone. She had tucked the pen back in the holder just as Bridgette appeared beside her,

Oh he was...yummy! She whispered, And Thank you for your help Fallyn.

Anytime! She replied, as she headed back towards her chair to collect her jacket.

OH Fallyn!....I think this is for you. Bridgette called out, waving the receipt back and forth.

Fallyn picked up her jacket, her cell and keys, and made her way back towards the counter. She took the piece of paper from Bridgette and turned it over; blushing as she read what was on the other side.

Call Me

XXX-XXX-XXXX

Hayden!

Oh my, Fallyn thought, her heart racing inside her chest.

Looks like you have an admirer. Bridgette teased, as she finished serving the young woman at the till.

I...I...guess so. Fallyn replied. I have to go...Laurence will be expecting me home soon...and mother dearest is coming for dinner tonight...she has an announcement to make. Fallyn told her friend.

Yikes...that sounds scary. Bridgette replied, Better look pretty. She laughed.

You’re telling me. Fallyn said, The woman scares even Laurence...and that man has no emotion at the best of times...even during sex...it’s rub rub...poke poke...and he’s ready!...There’s no fore play...no romance...just ....fucking! She finished, making sure there were no customers in range. I’ll see you on Thursday.

Yes you will!...Take care Fallyn. Bridgette called to her as she left the coffee bar and walked back along towards her house. The long winding driveway was the worst of it.

The sound of his voice still resonated through her as she passed by various shops along the way, yet her usual urges to stop and admire and then go in on impulse, had somehow evaded her. She wandered down the sidewalk almost to the corner of the park, when she saw her mother in law’s black town car, pull up beside her.

The window rolled down and Daniella called out to her. Her dark hair gleaming in the sunlight, and her big red lips, matched her big dough eyes. No wonder the men swooned all over the widow, she looked like a high class whore, although Fallyn would never say it to her face.

Fallyn darling…Whatever are you doing walking? She asked her.

I was only visiting Bridgette at the coffee bar...there is no sense taking a car around the block Daniella. Fallyn replied.

Well I am here now...Get in …get in!.

Really Daniella...I am fine to walk ...it is just up the road. Fallyn told her.

Come now child...We have much to discuss you and I...Get in get in.

Fallyn knew the woman would not leave her alone until she complied, so she nodded her head in acceptance and waited as the driver got out to open her door. She knew better than to open it herself, as Daniella was all about prim and proper right down to the 'A Lady never opens her own door!' speech.

Once inside it was a short drive down the street and up the driveway, and when they pulled up to the door, Laurence stood out front waiting for them.

My dear...I thought you were out visiting Bridgette? Laurence commented as he came down the steps to help his mother up to the house. However did you find mother?

I was on my way home...and it was she who found me!...So why don’t you both go and talk in the study...and I will go change my shoes...and see if Jossyn has dinner started. Fallyn told them, as she tossed her cell phone and keys into a little glass bowl that sat on the table against the wall.

Laurence had quite good taste, yet Fallyn was not accustomed to it all and it often made her feel uncomfortable at times. But it meant that their house was filled with the most up to date art and fashion designs, imported in from all around the world. Why they lived in a small city such as this, she would never know. Miami, Florida had been her home for forever.

Please tell Jossyn that I would like my drinks before my meal tonight...Oh and Fallyn...that skirt shows off too much of your legs dear...What would people say if they saw you out dressed like that?...I will have Martine come over and take your measurements...it has been awhile since last we went shopping....Oh it will be fun! Daniella clapped her hands together in excitement.

That sounds lovely Daniella...We will have to talk more about it after I have changed then. Fallyn replied, using her skirt as a way to get out of the room.

Very well! Daniella said as she left the front foyer with her son, heading toward the study.

Fallyn would only have a few moments to herself before she would be called upon again to give her opinion on something totally meaningless to her. What kind of cut should this one be? Or How much would she charge for that one?

Fallyn didn’t care at all, about any of it. The jewelry store, being a lady, even her mother in law Daniella. It was all just one big headache, a charade she put on every day to please everyone involved. Secretly inside she was withering away into nothingness, waiting until everyone had gone to sleep before letting her tears roll down her face.

She was far from happy, in her life upon her pedestal, and she yearned for freedom and adventure. She longed to fly through the sky with a parachute, or swim the deep blue waters of the sea.

As she climbed the stairway to the second floor, images and memories of his voice, flooded through her mind. What had he done to her to make her think about him? From the moment he left the coffee shop, he had been on her mind. Even now, as she fixed her hair and adjusted her makeup, she found herself longing to talk with him more, just so she could hear his voice.

She was done for, hook line and sinker! And what was worse, she had only met the man once! The man whose name was Hayden. His eyes pierced through the darkness as she tried to squeeze hers closed, but the butterflies in her belly were feisty and would not allow her to escape that easy. She was trapped.

Alone in her room, trying to get ready, and thinking of a man who was clearly not her husband, Fallyn began to panic. A feeling she had not felt, since Stephan. That son of a bitch who had ruined her life and caused the situation she was in now.

She was stuck married to an asshole; she had turned into a money hungry bitch herself, using Laurence to get out of the debt Stephan had caused, and yet she had no cares. Her husband was loaded and despite what others would say, he was very good at what he did, she had to give him that, but only when it came to his jewels and not the family ones either.

When Fallyn returned, she wore a short purple dress, with a lace jacket on top that flowed down past her knees and tied in the front. Her hair was pinned back and a string of Daniella’s pearls hung about her neck, matching the earrings she wore.

That is much better. Daniella said, You look stunning my dear....Doesn’t she look amazing Laurence? She asked him, but he was so worked up in his computer, he just nodded and mumbled something.

See even Laurence thinks you look amazing...Now where did Jossyn get off to? She asked as she putzed about the room.

Laurence just sat there with his laptop in his lap, fiddling with his newest creation online, before testing it out on the real thing. He ignored her most of the