Fatal Contract: A Banks Series

By K.L Stone

Selenas whole life was turned upside down eight years ago when her twin sister, Melena, was brutally murdered. Now she must confront her past with the long harboured guilt that has devastated her for so long.

And things take a turn for the worse when she finds herself surrendering into her tortuous addiction that Henry Banks, her former dom, her lover, and the only man that has ever had pull of her heart, and Christos, which she has shared dark history with, fight to save her.

But with the tables turned on Sebastian and Felicity, who will turn out on top?

Selena is tortured by a debauched obsession, blinded by heartache, where ultimately someones life is ripped from her and will come to a fatal end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Sep 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514440469

K.L Stone

K. L. Stone lives in a small country town on the outskirt of Newcastle, Australia, where she often loves her solitary identity as a screenwriter and author. An avid reader, she counts among her vices good wine, chocolate, the raising eye of her husband when she belts out a tune on karaoke, a mix of symphonic metal opera as a feed to her dark and twisted storylines, and a lazy Sunday afternoon watching trashy TV. She adores her three children and can already see a flare of imagination in her middle daughter, who, as she puts it, is “an old soul” with a wicked laugh.

Book preview

Copyright © 2015 by K.L Stone.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015914919

ISBN:            Hardcover                        978-1-5144-4048-3

                      Softcover                          978-1-5144-4047-6

                      eBook                               978-1-5144-4046-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 09/21/2015

Xlibris

1-800-455-039

www.Xlibris.com.au

722250

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

For my number one fan—Mum x

PROLOGUE

As Simon lay on his bed, he couldn’t help but get comfortable. His ribs were badly bruised, and his nose had yet to be fixed from the fiery smack he had copped in the face from that consequential Sunday afternoon. He turned on his side for some sort of relief, but squinted and groaned loudly as the pain only feathered the burn more.

‘Bastard!’ Simon hissed loudly. He could hear his own anger ring in his ears as the closed-in room he was in made everything project loudly. He closed his eyes once more but all he could see was him—Henry Banks stepping into this cell, as he was being chained down on the unmovable stool by the two unfazed screws. He was the last person that Simon wanted to be acquainted with, and the way Henry’s arrogant demur was presented only pissed Simon off even more. With a few parting words, Henry had said that Simon was unsuccessful in his push for clemency in his execution and that it had been steamrollered to take place in three weeks’ time. Simon was gobsmacked. How could this man, for starters, be allowed in here, and secondly, how did he have political power to do so? Surely Selena’s father had dealings with this? But then, something caught Simon off guard. Henry walked over to his bed, leant down, and pulled out from under the pillow Simon’s most prized possession, the reason he still breathed air—a folder with articles, magazine clippings, and photos of Selena. Henry’s face quickly turned red, and for a moment, Simon thought he was facing the sentence of death now. With one swift move, Henry’s fist came crashing into Simon’s mouth with such force that it knocked out his two front teeth. Again, Henry laid into him, this time breaking his nose. Simon angrily screamed at the guards for mercy but all they did was turn their backs. ‘You will never have her! You piece of shit!’ Henry roared as his fist repeatedly laid into Simon’s chest. The burning rush of pain had cramped Simon up; he couldn’t move, couldn’t talk, and could hardly breathe. Yes, he thought, this was the end; this was his torturous death that was karma served swiftly on a plate. He felt his head being yanked up, and there his eyes were level with Henry’s. A slow sickening smile spread across Henry’s mouth. ‘I loved the way she screamed my name… the way her fingers etched into my skin. Yes, I fucked her hard and I fucked her good.’

Simon’s eyes shot wide, images of his beloved Selena plagued his mind, and the taste of blood that had swirled in his mouth was nothing to disperse the wrath that was bubbling away inside him. He growled in anger, wanting right then and there to rip Henry’s head off and devour his heart. Henry’s eyes had sharpened; he could see the hate bluster through Simon. And this was exactly where he wanted him, to hurt him this way, for something that he had assumed was his was ripped away, because Selena was Henry’s—always would be. ‘I will take her from you,’ Simon spat through a mouthful of blood. Henry’s head fell back into a sharp short laugh before he came back to eye level, cracking his neck to each side. ‘I would like to see how. Because I will kill you before you even get a chance,’ Henry warned him before rising to his feet and then turning around.

‘I still have the panties that broke her!’ Simon snarled.

Henry was quick to turn on his heel, launching at Simon; the chair went back and Simon’s head slammed into the grey concrete floor. ‘Go on! Do it, you rich boy fuck! Kill me!’ Simon barked loudly.

‘It’s going to happen… that I fucking promise!’ Henry spat acidly, and with one quick punch, Simon was knocked out cold.

Simon rolled back onto his back agitatedly. He hadn’t slept much since that day, refusing to eat because of the sickness from no Selena to look at; his one love, and the woman that was meant for him was robbed from him because of one uppity little prick. He hadn’t had an updated photo of her; he was receiving letters and images of her from the outside world from a pen pal he had befriended a year ago but that had been timely stopped, by Henry’s pay-off to the guards. He had nothing but blank walls in solitary confinement and now it was marred by endless scenes of Henry and her which only infuriated him more. His thoughts were disrupted by the solid metal photographic doors being pushed open; having refused lunch an hour ago, he thought they could surely not be bothered to try again. But no, this wasn’t a guard this time, and for a moment, it took Simon by surprise as the well-heeled gentleman stepped in the cell. He recognized his face as one of the men that had accompanied Henry and before he could say quite frankly to fuck off, the man uttered a lifeline. ‘Mr Turnbull, I believe you and I have a few things in common… and I’m going to help you see to that,’ he said confidently as he twisted the gleaming gold Rolex on his right wrist.

And then the play in motion had soon begun…

CHAPTER ONE

I open my eyes heavily to darkness; the slick of hot sweat rippled down my neck then slid down my spine and was just forming amid the furrow of my breasts. All around me felt like an ignited heat and I was flaring in it. My head felt like a firecracker had shot off inside, and all excitement sizzled quickly, like the sudden images that flicked in out of my mind. I was in Cabo, I knew that. It had been one hell of a wild week bender with Tiana, flourishing in alcohol and lounging in the VIP pool cabanas. I cringe as the reality finally set its cold hands inside my chest—that familiar pain began as a shard into my heart again. Henry Banks strikes again. I try to move; I need water to clip the cotton mouth that infested inside. A heavy male’s arm falls on my shoulder—shit. I freeze; even though it is dark, I can feel the weight of the masculinity now cradling me from behind.

No freaking way.

Oh my God. What the hell have I done? Damn it! I curse inside. Where the hell am I? Hang on a minute, but is this even my room? Shit—I haven’t time to go over everything.

Focus, Selena… Focus.

I need to get out of this room, away from him. Carefully, I straighten my legs out as I try and push off the bed. I hear a soft whimper from him behind me. Oh crap—please go back to sleep. I wait a few moments till all I hear is subtle breathing again.

The doors suddenly push open, and in walks a half-naked George with red fitted boxers—and boy, they are fitted, all right. He draws open the thickly hung charcoal drapes to an unforgiving light that only made me crowd back under the sheets.

‘Why, good morning, lovebirds!’ George yells loudly. A deep male groan comes from behind me; my eyes dart over the crumpled sheet to a bemused-looking George with his arms crossed. ‘A bit under the weather, are we?’ He arches a brow as he steps near the end of the bed. I shake my head and sit up, clinching the sheets over my chest. ‘I’m not going to ask what happened last night… I don’t want to even remember,’ I mumble quietly as I rest my aching head on top of my bended knees. Fuck, my head is pounding.

‘Nothing happened,’ the sleep-hazy sexy-as-hell voice of the male next to me pipes up. I raise my head up and slowly look down to him. And for a moment, I struggle to swallow as I watch him ease up on his lean tattooed, muscled arms.

Fuck fuck fuck

He had skin similar to mine, olive with a glint of cheeky freckles around his nose; his hair was a mop of blond that hung wildly like George’s but his eyes were the opposite to any of the men I’ve become familiar with. They were playful, inviting—a cobalt, ocean blue that reminded me of a carnival summer. His eyes flick to my covered chest then back up at mine, where he gives a million-dollar smile that flashes before my eyes. ‘But I sure wish it had.’

Cheeky bastard.

‘I bet, Colton… too bad your night had already been fulfilled,’ George smiles broadly. I quizzed them both with a look. ‘Oh yes, that’s right.’ Colton blinks bemusedly as he brings his hands behind the back of his messy bedhead hair. ‘Where is the little minx? She definitely lived up to my expectations.’

‘Hmmm . . . Well, let’s just say, I needed another round, and another.’ George twirls his finger around. ‘And another.’

‘Wow! I’m impressed… Can she even walk this morning?’ Colton arches both brows in surprise.

‘Or talk.’ George scratches his head amusedly.

‘Where’s Tiana?’ I asked quickly, trying to shear last night’s alleged threesome out of my head.

‘Sitting in a bath of ice,’ George says proudly.

My mouth drops open. ‘Are you kidding me? Where the hell was I then?’

‘You were passed out right where you are now.’ George points with his chin.

I quickly look around at the messed-up sheets in front of me, scanning the clothes that were strewn all over the floor. ‘And where were you all when I was passed out?’

‘Well, I certainly haven’t moved since last night,’ Colton said with a wink.

I gasp. ‘Oh hell no! Are you telling me that you three did it next to me while I was passed out?’

Colton laughs. ‘Well, yes. But don’t worry, you were definitely out of it because damn, girl—you can snore.’

‘You two are sick!’ I say angrily, trying not to go as red as the bedhead behind me.

‘Oh come on, Sel, it’s not like we meant it… I do believe you came busting in through the door—’

‘Actually dancing… like a sexy little decoration flinging her bra around.’ Colton’s voice is much deeper now. My lips tighten from embarrassment. I have nothing to say; I am only thankful I can’t remember, and surely tequila was to blame.

Note to self—I’m putting a life ban on it.

‘Now come on, you little cock-tease, come have a bite to eat.’ George flings me a shirt of some sort.

‘I need a shower first,’ I grumble.

George nods. ‘As you wish. The bathroom is to your right.’

Colton swiftly slides out of the sheet and I’m a little relieved that he is wearing briefs; from the back, he’s quite muscled. He must work out, I think. I haven’t even noticed that he had turned around.

‘Getting a look, are we?’ Colton parts his lips hungrily.

I quickly look away. ‘Ah—well . . . no.’ My sudden panic had caught in my throat. I hear him chuckle as he walks out the door, followed by George.

‘Damn it!’ I groan loudly as I flop my head back down on the pillow. I can smell sex all around me, sex and sweat. Oh, this is gross. I don’t want to be lying in it any longer, well, especially since it isn’t mine. I quickly leap out of the bed and hurry into the shower.

I walk out of the bathroom from the deadening long shower that has left my skin red from firm scrubbing. I felt dirty and all I wanted to do was wash this week’s stench from my skin, removing even the Mexicans’ basking glow that had grown on me. I quickly towel-dry my hair and am relieved to find black swimwear and a long green shimmery dress laid out on the bed. ‘Hmmf,’ I snort quietly to myself. I’m actually quite impressed at George’s generosity. I swiftly put them on and briskly walk out the door.

‘Well, I must say, George, I’m—’ I gasp to Christos sitting down at the large Oakfield dining table.

Shit!

‘Hello, my baby girl,’ Christos purrs out slowly, taking a calculated sip of his short black coffee.

‘Christos, what are you doing here?’ My eyes shot wide.

‘Let’s just say I was getting tired of the drunk dialling of your midnight shenanigans… Theos.’ He regarded me with one of his irked looks of a raised eyebrow.

‘I thought you would be happy that I’ve moved on so quickly, numbing the shit out,’ I say, anxiously streaming my fingers through my damp hair.

‘Moved on from what, Selena?’ Christos puts down his cup angrily. I sense he’s pissed.

‘Oh please, Christos—you’re not stupid. Are you telling me that the henchman knows nothing?’

‘I know there were some heated words said in the moment.’

My gaze turns to ice. ‘Really? Did the antagonist asshole also tell you about a blonde he was meddling with? No didn’t think so!’

‘He had reason for what he did… You’re at fault here, Selena. Don’t play the victim to me.’

‘Seriously, Christos, go get—’

‘Henry was falling in love with you!’ Christos said loudly.

Surprised, I flinch back, my hand covers my chest, and my heart is beating faster and faster. I think I’m still drunk as the wave of haze ripples through me. In love? Oh shit, now I’m light-headed. I slump over the breakfast bar for support.

‘I don’t want to hear that,’ I just manage to say.

‘Why, Selena? Because you feel the same,’ Christos says softly.

My eyes snap up to him now standing in front of me; once again he looks tired. Obviously my nightly antics had played their sickly games of havoc in his head. ‘I don’t want to feel like this… I never wanted this, Christos,’ I say, shaken, as hot tears welled up and slowly spilled onto my cheek.

‘I know, yineka mou.’ He inhaled deeply as his soft hand came to my cheek, brushing his thumb under my eye. ‘Please take this away—I know you can do that. Please, Christos, help me,’ I plead and I touch his hand with mine, pressing his skin deeper into mine. I just want to release the cry from within. ‘Selena, please… stop.’ He groans, squeezing his eyes shut in agony. I step away from the counter and slide in, so I am wedged against it and Christos. ‘I know you would do anything for me.’ I pause and lower my voice. ‘I need you to do this.’

‘I will not have you do this to me, Selena… not again,’ Christos says thickly.

‘Do what?’

His eyes thin. ‘Make a fool of me! Sure, I can take you right now on this bench and give you the relief that you so badly need, so the numbness comes back… but answer me this, Selena, will it be me or Henry you will be thinking of?’

I freeze. I can’t answer that, because the truth of the matter is, I don’t even know. I was drinking massively to blot out flashbacks with Henry. I was never alone to really collect any gut-reaction thoughts… he had broken me. And through this, I still loved the bastard. And Christos is that damn red-flagged reminder.

‘Then why am I punished because he couldn’t man up and fight for me?’

Christos steps back in surprise. ‘Selena, he had fought for you from day one… you are the one that pushed him away. You think you are the only one hurting.’ He pauses for a moment, looking away. ‘Bullshit, Christos. He was the one that ended it, he said the one word that executed it all.’

Christos shakes his head. ‘Stop being a stubborn little princess and look at the facts before you jump to conclusions of a scenario you had seen with your eyes.’

‘He’s the one that sabotaged everything with that piranha of a blonde—that is a fact!’

‘Henry ripped up the contract… the morning that you were in the Hamptons.’

‘What? Why would he do that?’ I gasp, confused.

Christos nervously rakes his hand through his hair. ‘Because he wanted more.’

‘More?’

‘Yes, more.’ He frowns.

‘And the blonde?’

Christos breathes loudly, shaking his head. ‘I’ve said enough. I took an oath I wouldn’t divulge the history of Felicity and him… All I can say is don’t believe everything you hear. You’re a smart woman, Selena, use that head of yours.’

None of it was making sense. In fact, when did it? Shit. Shit. Shit!

A tap comes quick at the door and in walks a scantily dressed, bikini-clad Tiana. ‘Have you finished grilling her yet?’

‘Yes, and I’m about to go around with you as well,’ he says in a tight voice.

Tiana rolls her eyes. ‘Yes, Adrian! Now come, Sel, we have some sun to catch up on.’

‘As long as I don’t pass out.’

Her face blushes. ‘Yeah… about that—’

I raise my hands up and bulldoze past her. ‘I don’t wanna know the details… I’m just glad I was out of it.’

AS I ROLL ONTO my back for the fourth time, I can’t help but think about what Christos had said. I know Henry doesn’t deal with feelings well. We are both very similar, like a mirror to each other, I guess. I could see him and he could see me, both seriously screwed up, haunted by our own sick and twisted demons; he knew mine but I didn’t know all of his. Maybe he did that act to test me? She is married, I think? Fuck, would he play a sick, twisted game like this? Yes, it’s Henry—he’s unpredictable!

I quickly shoot up in a panic.

‘What’s wrong, Selena?’ Tiana asks as she rips the headphones from her ears.

‘Huh? Nothing.’

‘Nothing, my ass! You’re shaking nearly.’ Tiana quickly scoots over beside me ‘What has shaken you up? Is it what Christos and you spoke about?’ She cradles her arm around me.

‘I don’t know what to think,’ I sniffle. ‘One minute I think I’m doing fine and the next I’m like a strewn mess… I hate the way I miss him.’

‘Shhh, it’s gonna be okay. I know it sucks, and believe me, you’re going to be like this for a while.’

‘I loved him, Tiana… I still do.’ The ball of emotion sits high in my chest. ‘If Henry was to walk back into my life now, then yes I would drop everything for him. I would beg for him to take me. Nothing matters, the blonde, the contract, nothing—I… I just want it all to go back to what it was. What we were.’

‘Oh, honey. I’m sorry you’re feeling like this,’ Tiana says sweetly, as she slowly rocks me.

‘Christos told me that he had felt the same way too,’ I say quickly, wiping under my eyes with my towel.

‘Yeah… I kind of knew,’ Tiana mumbles uneasily.

‘How?’ My mouth fell open.

Tiana shrugged. ‘Well, for starters, I didn’t think it would lead to him being such a nasty shit—no, let me rephrase that—king of hell in making you like this… I knew the moment when we were all at the house that morning. The way he looked at you, even when we were sitting down, going over the wedding limbo with Zoey, his eyes were drawn to only you… something changed that day with you two.’

‘It’s a day I’d rather forget,’ I say sadly.

‘Yeah… but look on the bright side. George said he has been a miserable prick all week, just been living at the office,’ she scoffs.

‘That doesn’t make me feel any