Redemption - Live and Learn, Book Seven: Live and Learn, #7

By Amanda Vint

Someone from the past has burst into Eleanor's life, and it's about to shape her trust in people forever.
As the truth emerges about why she has been lied to, she realizes that she has been more of a target over the years than she ever knew before. There are certain depths to those around her, and it now becomes so obvious what has been staring her in the face the whole time.
As the dust starts to settle, it's true that the truth will set you free. Finally accepting that her heart lies with Stephen, they are about to try and make things work between them - for good. Everything looks like it could finally be coming together nicely, and dare she dream that her life will now become something more in the realms of being normal?
As Michelle and Brandon tie the knot, there's someone else that's missing from the guest list - and they are not about to go unnoticed.
Blood is thicker than water - or is it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda Vint
• Release date: Jun 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223879336

Amanda Vint

Amanda Vint started writing romance novels in July 2016, self publishing her debut novel "Live and Learn" in the October of the same year. Following on from the positive feedback that the first book prompted, it then went on to become a series; with the next books "Twists and Turns" and "Clarity" being published. Specialising in the romance genre, she also uses her educational background in the field of psychology to incorporate a darker side to some characters, thus adding dramatic plot twists to the storylines. Amanda loves to connect with her readers and has a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AmandaVintBooks) and blog (www.amandavint.com) dedicated to doing so.

Book preview

Contents

Chapter One - Awakening

Chapter Two - Taking Stock

Chapter Three - Reintroduction

Chapter Four - Shock Value

Chapter Five - Day in the Life

Chapter Six - Moving Forward

Chapter Seven - Invitations

Chapter Eight - Eye Opener

Chapter Nine - Exposure

Chapter Ten - Breaking Ties

Chapter Eleven - Bridges

Chapter Twelve - Full Steam

Chapter Thirteen - Grand Entrance

Chapter One - Awakening

All went black. What happened next, I truly couldn't tell you. My brain had to shut down for a while, because I certainly couldn't fathom which way was up. Sleep was good – it had always been a savior of mine – making me feel safe in a dreamworld which couldn't hurt me. Dreams were an escape mechanism, giving my mind time to work things out and refresh, and I needed that now more than anything else.

Gently rousing from my impromptu slumber, I awoke to find that I was in the living room of my home, lay on the sofa with a blanket over me.

Oh, thank goodness! It had been a dream, or a nightmare, depending on how you looked at it. I shifted uncomfortably, as my neck wasn't as comfortable as I would have liked it to have been on the sofa cushion.

What a night! I must have drank way too much. It was possible that someone had spiked my drink. How I got home, I don't know – I must have got a cab. As long as I hadn't married anyone, then I really didn't care as long as I got home safely, and without sporting a wedding ring.

That thought made me bolt upright, and I checked my left hand – there was no ring in sight. Ouch, my head hurt.

The light was dim in the room, with a table lamp giving off a warm ray of a yellow glow. The curtains were drawn, so I couldn't be sure of how late, or early, it was. Bringing my hands up to my face and wondering what time it was, I went to rub my eyes, then something hurt. Lightly patting my cheekbone there was a lump there, and it felt like I had bruised my cheek.

My head slowly rose upwards in recognition, and my eyes widened at the next memory. Before I could think any further, I could hear voices in the hallway. I whipped my head around and stared directly at the door – there were definitely voices coming from that direction.

Maybe I'd lost it – maybe I never had it – who the hell knew anymore.

The door to the living room clicked open, and I froze to the spot. Maybe I should make a bolt for it across the room and grab the gun. As my breath hitched, Stephen gently wandered around the door, holding in his hands what looked like a cup of tea.

How are you feeling? he lightly voiced, as he came over to me and placed the cup on the coffee table.

Oh, thank goodness it's you. I had the worst dream... was that you talking then? I pondered.

Yeah... I was, erm... I was just talking to...

To me, the voice at the doorway stated.

Once again, my eyes shot to the living room door. My hands trembled as I watched him move into the room. This was definitely not real.

Was I still asleep?

No... I whispered, as I sat further upright and brought my hands up to my mouth.

Now, Eleanor, I know this is a shock.... my father spoke, edging closer and closer in my direction.

Stephen? I called out softly to him, as my heart started beating rapidly in my chest.

I'm here, Stephen replied, and came and sat at the end of the sofa, placing his hand carefully on my leg which was covered in the protective sheath of cotton. It's okay.

No, this can't be... I uttered, watching the figure of my father make slow movements to where I was sitting up on the sofa.

My breath suddenly hitched and my eyesight became blurred, as adrenaline set in. I wasn't sure where it was stemming from, but my mind swirled, and I leapt up off the sofa like my ass was on fire. Bolting around the back of it, I felt faint, sick, and I couldn't catch my breath.

Breathe, Eleanor. Just breathe, Stephen reassured, as he swiftly got up from his seat and bolted around to join me.

I can't... I panted, as I gasped for air that was there for the taking, but I couldn't seem to be able to inhale correctly.

Feeling hot and dizzy, I could hear Stephen mumbling something, but my hearing wasn't on form. With a hissing noise in my ears, I knew I was going to throw up. It was a reflex, and before I could stop it, I heaved hard and the remnants of anything I had drank shot up from my stomach and onto the floor. Hunched over and gagging on the after-taste, I could feel Stephen rubbing my back and telling me to try and remain calm.

Calm?! That was the last thing I felt!

After throwing up all over my lovely floor, I felt my body weaken as the adrenaline started to wear off. Gripping hold of Stephen’s shirt to steady myself, I pulled myself upward to stand again, with every ounce of energy that I had in my jittery legs.

Eleanor... my dad softly spoke, as he came around to where I was standing, avoiding the contents of my stomach which had drenched the floor.

Don't Eleanor me, I growled, as my eyes seethed in his direction. You left me...

I know, and I can explain, he gently voiced as he crept nearer.

How can you explain?! I raged. You are supposed to be dead!!

Yes, and I can explain about that too, he cut in.

Why? WHY?! I cried out with the air escaping my lungs and the salty tears streaming down my face.

Shh, come on... please, my dad begged, as I let go of Stephen and my father took me in his arms.

I felt the familiar warmth of him envelope me again. The most protective, loved, and treasured man, was with me, and I didn't know what else to feel but pure anger.

You left me!! I screamed, as my fists started pounding down onto his chest, unable to contain my rage any longer. You died! I grieved for you! You went away!! I was left on my own!!

Pelting out the words, my dad stood there and took whatever I had to dish out. Soon I had no fight left in me, and my hits became pathetic slaps with no malice behind them.

Sobbing my heart out, he pulled me into him again, as I gripped onto his clothing and completely broke down in his arms. What I had pieced together of myself over the years since I'd lost him, was now coming apart at the seams. The person who I had wanted to be like, and had tried to follow, was now here, and there felt like there was no need to try and keep anything together anymore. I didn't know who I was, and at this time, I wasn't sure who he was.

Just when I thought my life could've possibly gained some normality, it turned around and slapped me hard in the face – I even had the lump to prove it – and I didn't know what the hell to do.

I WASN'T SURE HOW MUCH time had passed – I didn’t care. What went from me screaming at the top of my lungs, fell into a numbing silence. There were no words anymore, as I was sat on the sofa with the cup of sweet tea Stephen had given me; my dad sat on one side, with him on the other. There were no words to describe how surreal this was, and I was most certainly in shock.

In the midst of my dad trying to explain to me why he'd had to go away, Jeanie had called Stephen, and he'd said something to her about us being fine, but what was fine about this?

Then there was my cell phone – it kept ringing and ringing, but I didn't have the energy, nor the inclination, to pick it up and start talking to whoever it was.

It's Michelle, Stephen spoke, as I looked blankly on at it.

Ah yes, Michelle. She'd probably be wondering where I'd gotten to. I didn't want her to worry, but I didn't want to talk. She was another one who would be caught in the middle of this surreal scenario, and I didn't think I'd have the strength emotionally prop her up for a second time.

You answer it, my dad ordered in Stephen’s direction.

Stephen grabbed for my cell, and I listened in as he picked up the call.

Hi, Michelle, he answered, trying to sound as normal as possible, yet there was nothing normal about this situation.

Stephen? I could hear Michelle call out on the other end.

Yeah, er, Eleanor’s with me, he nervously replied, eyeing both myself and my father.

Oh right. I could hear her chuckle in a drunken way. Oh, if only you knew, Chelle. I will let you two love-birds get back to it... I knew you'd both see sense! David isn’t the one for her.

Stephen’s expression, more than anything, looked pissed off at that statement. He looked me and I awkwardly eyed my dad, who looked at Stephen with a hint of being thoroughly unamused forming in his eyes.

Yeah, Chelle, listen, I'm gonna have to go... he awkwardly replied.

Of course, say no more! Tell her she missed a treat because Jane fell over on her ass! She howled with laughter on the other end. But anyway, you'll be keeping her busy enough... pales in comparison, really. She chuckled.

Er, yeah, he quickly cut in. I'll tell her to give you a call when she can. Bye, Michelle.

Byeee! Michelle laughed as Stephen cut off the call.

A crimson glow highlighted itself across Stephen’s cheeks, as he came and sat down at the other side of me again, and placed my cell back on the coffee table. I turned and looked upon my dad; I wasn't interested anymore about what Michelle had said on the phone, and as I gazed upon him with awe, I could not believe that he was sat next to me.

Gripping the cup in my hands, I watched him breathe in and out, in and out – like a person who was alive. But he was alive, and I didn't know whether to feel happy about it or not.

What are your thoughts? my dad voiced as he peered back at me, sat staring at him.

I don't know, I finally uttered – I think the tea was starting to work wonders. I need to know everything.

My dad took a deep breath, and I wanted to touch his chest to feel it. I wanted to know that he was taking a breath, and I wasn't going to wake up at any minute and he'd gone away again. But a part of me didn't dare – there was still a huge chunk of my heart which felt betrayed, so I kept my reserved position on the sofa.

Years ago when I was involved with Bryant... I know you know a lot of it by now, but due to his dealings, he was funneling money into the business which wasn't exactly wholesome, my dad began, as he gauged my reaction. I didn't want any part in it, so when we broke ties, he went his way and I went mine. I thought it was all sorted, but it wasn't. He'd been given money from some very unappealing sources, and they wanted the lot back... and more.

How much? I lightly whispered.

With interest, it was enough to finish everything... and I mean, everything. But, I wasn't entirely concerned about the money aspect.

Please do not tell me that you went away because of money. I don't think I could handle that.

No, I didn't do it because of the money, he urged, lightly placing his hands around mine, as I clung onto the cup for dear life. The money would have never been enough for them, anyway... the demands wouldn't have stopped coming. The thing was, was that they were not only threatening me, they were threatening my family as well. They were going to kill me, and I wasn't sure what they were going to do to you. I needed to go.

What? So you did the job for them? You devastated your family, and for what?! I screeched.

Would you have rather been devastated with me really gone?! These were not your average villains, Eleanor! my dad shouted, with a pleading look for me to try and understand, filling his eyes.

Taking a deep breath, I settled myself again. Carry on, I prompted.

So I knew I had to disappear. I had to make it look official. They got paid back, they thought I was gone, and then the business went over to you. That made it so they had no more to bargain with. Then the wolves would disappear from the door.

Except you left her to the lions instead, Stephen cut in.

I think you need to keep out of this, son, my dad warned as he glared at him.

No, Dad! Stephen has been the one protecting me all these years while you were doing your little death flit to goodness knows where! So don't start on him! I yelled, but then felt a slight belly flip, because essentially, I'd yelled at my dad – I never did that when he was alive, or back in the day, or whatever I was meant to term this as.

Okay, okay... just stay calm, my dad soothed, giving Stephen a side glance.

So what then? You went away, and then what?

I went away and remained undercover. I've always been around, Eleanor. Although you may not have known... I've always protected you.

How?

When Pearl Designs went under, the money I gave to you. The start-up of your new venture with Caroline... do you really think that she just wanted in on a small business? he blurted.

Caroline? What the hell has she got to do with any of this? I screeched.

Caroline became an investor on my say-so. I've known her from years back. She's a good woman who I knew would help. I gave her money to fund your business, and to make sure that she kept an eye on things.

What? I hissed. Caroline knew?!

Yes, she knew, he replied and solemnly nodded. Nobody could blow my cover, otherwise it was all over, and goodness knows what would have happened... plus it was my job.

What was your job? And why was it all of a sudden safe to come back, literally with all guns blazing! You are a designer who started from the bottom up! Where the hell did all this money come from?! None of this makes sense! I stopped as I thought for a moment. Oh my God, Mr. Franks knew as well!

Yes. My dad nodded again. He knew, and he had to know. He was one of the very few people that I trusted, and it was well placed with him. He's sorted out a lot of your messes, Eleanor!

Oh, please! Spare me the concerned dad routine! I huffed.

But I always have cared! he yelled. You wanted to know what my job is? You're looking at it!

I eyed what he was wearing – a black top with a pair of camouflage trousers and combat boots.

You're in the military? I wondered while shrugging my shoulders – how the hell was I supposed to know?

No, not exactly. I'm an agent for a secret service of sorts.

I looked upon him in utter confusion. What secret service?

It's called Delta Force. I've been a part of it for nearly forty years. I had businesses to cover my real job. The men who were causing the trouble have been taken out of the picture, so to speak, so it was safe for me to come back.

I don't believe this, I replied as I shook my head and sat back. All this time and I had no idea! You've been lying...

He sat forward and took my hands in his again. I had to keep it from you, otherwise you would have been in danger, he urged.

Why couldn't you have just told me what was going on?

Because you really think you could have handled that?! The pressure of knowing the threat and having to keep it on your shoulders while I wasn't around! I wasn't doing that to you, Eleanor!

I sat forward again to face him. No, instead I've dealt with everything else on my own, when you should have been here! When did you get this ‘all clear’ then, to waltz back into my life?

A while ago... but I couldn't, he muttered.

Why the hell not?! Why leave it even longer? See, you still don't care! I seethed.

I do care! he boomed back at me, and even to this day my stomach turned at being scolded by him. I couldn't come back because of that Darcy woman! If I would have come back, she would have fled, and we would never have gotten to her!

Oh, I see! So you purposely put me in danger so you could get your mitts on that woman! I was a lamb to the bloody slaughter to protect your ass and to get to hers! Thanks, Dad! That's really looking after me!

You weren't alone, though! I made sure of it!

How?! Stephen wasn't here, and he's the only one who has protected me over the years!

I know he wasn't here...

What, were you bloody monitoring me or something?! I furiously yelled.

Yes!

I narrowed my eyes at him. How?

Edging towards him, it dawned on me – I knew! That day when I’d had the security guys around and they had found the wiring up the side of the house!

You've had this place bugged, haven't you? I hissed at him.

Yes, but it was for your own safety...

You were the owner of this house when I bought it, weren't you?!

Yes, he muttered while looking down at the ground, then edging his eyeline back up toward me again. But I had to do it...

"Oh