Page 41 of Wreckin' Amethyst

“Not at all,” Carter nods, backing away. “Enjoy your snooping.” I watch him all the way to the door, curious as to what he’s referencing. Although, I make no move to ask.

Only when the door clicks closed, do I resume my search. Committing clauses and fine prints to memory, plunging into the structured way my life is controlled. I start taking notes at some point, noting the time is nearing dinner. I push up, hastily clicking and closing windows, eager to leave when a folder catches my eye. I’m sure it wasn’t on the home screen before – I wouldn’t have missed ‘AMETHYST’ in all caps.

Hovering the cursor over the file, it opens of its own accord. The contents cover the screen, a cursor untouched by me moving images around. I scowl, imagining Carter on a laptop upstairs as he orchestrates this. A feeble attempt to disguise my intentions.

Regardless, I lower into the seat and absorb what I’m seeing. Photographs of Ami as a child, both alone and with her parents. Newspaper articles declaring her as a missing child. Snapshots of police reports under false names, describing robberies and a gallery heist. ID cards from various job roles, bank statements, loan applications. It would seem Carter finally found her backstory, and I’m not interested.

There’s a reason I told Felicia not to pass on Ami’s birth name when she discovered it, but I misjudged their relationship. I thought the client privilege I pay millions for meant something to her. At the bottom of my list, I scrawl ‘fire Felicia’, and then make my way to the door.

I meant what I said to Ami earlier – how I yearn to be free. Until today, I thought that came in the form of relinquishing control to Carter, unburdening myself of big decisions, but it’s the exact opposite. Freedom is having the choice to change the direction of my life, and that starts now.

I find everyone except Amethyst seated at the dining table. The best friends I consider to be brothers, the Elites who have served me well, Charley with a hopeful gleam in her eye and in Ami’s seat, Pig pants heavily while Owen scratches behind her hind leg. A fine spread of roast turkey and all the trimmings is laid across the table, like a rehearsal thanksgiving ahead of next month. I smile at all the faces turned my way, taking the seat at the head of the table.

“Good evening everyone,” I nod, the paper still folded against my palm. “I’m glad we all have this chance to talk before Amethyst arrives.”

“Is everything okay?” Sebby frowns, his foot seeking out mine beneath the table for reassurance.

“Better than okay. I feel…” I search for the right word. “Liberated.” Smiling widely, Joy takes the initiative to raise her wine glass, declaring a toast.

“To being liberated.” Saluting our glasses, we all drink, exchange grins and pass around bowls of food to serve ourselves. All except Carter. He doesn’t move, preferring to glare at me from the other end of the table with suspicion.

“And on the subject of liberating, I’ve decided it’s time for a change. I’ve reviewed the Elite contracts and after we have enjoyed this last meal together, I’d like you to pack your things and leave. You’re all fired.”

“Myles!” Carter bellows, shrouding the shock in the room with a slam of his fist on the table.

“Wh-what?!” Kayla begins to cry quicker than I thought possible. “What did we do wrong, Mr. Hudson?”

“Where are we supposed to go?!” Lou raises her voice. Kristina is quick to wrap her arms around her friend, whispering into her ear. Lifting my knife and fork, I cut into my turkey, keeping my voice level.

“I’ll put you all in five-star hotels for the weekend, and send you off with three months’ worth of pay in your pockets. I would like to personally thank you for your wonderful service, but you’re no longer needed.” Keeping my eyes downcast, I begin to eat as chairs screech and heels stomp away. It’s pretty shitty of me to not even stand as they leave, but it’s been a long time coming. Bringing Amethyst here was a mistake because the second she entered the manor, I saw my life through her eyes. It was a bleak revelation I can’t feel ashamed of any longer. When I glance up, I notice there’s still one woman at the table. Charley.

“I love Amethyst like a sister,” she breathes as our gazes meet. “But she will hurt you. It’s only a matter of time before she moves on. She can never stop running.” Sliding her chair back, Charley walks away slowly and gracefully, leaving me with Carter’s enraged glare.

“Who do you envision cleaning the house? Cooking our meals, handling everyday chores? I can hardly see Owen pinning his own thongs out to dry.” Owen scoffs at Carter’s words, fully invested in eating his meal and ignoring everything happening around him.

“We will hire butlers and maids,” I half shrug.” Regular maids who aren’t hired under the pretense of-” I pull out my paper now to make sure I get the wording exactly right, “sexually relieving Mr. Hudson when and how he sees fit, without complaint or dispute.” Bile rises in my throat at those words. The contract went on to a silencing agreement of anything which happens under this roof. Returning to look at Carter, we become locked in a battle of wills. A standoff of dominance which makes Sebby squirm.

I only went in search of the contracts to see what the agreed termination period is. I wanted free of all ties, able to give myself wholly and fully to Amethyst – whether she accepts my heart or tramples all over it. Turns out, the clause states I don’t need to give one. I can pick up and drop these women at my leisure, and they’re not allowed to deny me. To reject me. Waves of nausea roll through my stomach, putting me off my food. I’ve spent my entire adult life trying to shake the reputation of a sex-crazed rapist, and those living in my own home were effectively silenced. Prevented from having a choice.

How many times did they want to say no? How many instances have I taken from them what wouldn’t have been freely given. It all comes down to money, and I know the shame will slowly consume me. I let this happen. Today shouldn’t have been the first time I saw these contracts, or witnessed the digital signature I scribbled without reading the fine print.

“You can stop with the judgmental looks now,” Carter growls. His jaw is pulsing, his mouth barely moving as he grits through his teeth. “I didn’t plan on being your caregiver. On advancing your career as well as my own, having the upkeep of this manor, multiple businesses, your safety, or having every aspect of multiple lives on my shoulders. Your father asked all this of me, and I didn’t hesitate in saying yes.”

A hand touches my thigh beneath the table. I sit back in my chair, dropping my arms to lock Sebby’s finger with mine. He, like the others in this room, have been a stoic presence. My salvation in a world seeking to destroy me. I’d have drowned if it weren’t for them, because fuck knows I’ve done nothing to pull myself to the surface. Sighing, my anger dissipates and turns inward.

“I understand this is all my fault, and I take full responsibility. For too long, I’ve been complacent, taken the easy route. It’s time I woke up and relieved you of the burdens I’ve created. This manor is in my name. I will handle the hiring and firing from now on, and any fallout which comes as a result.”

Squeezing Sebby’s hand, we share a small smile. This is a new beginning for us all. For better or worse, I’m present now and I can see so much clearer.

“Myles,” Carter huffs, bracing his elbows either side of his empty plate. “She needs to leave. I’m happy you’ve come to this conclusion, and I’ll support you. But not with her. Find someone else. Anyone else. I’ll help you.” My back straightens and I instantly release Sebby’s hand, although it remains on my tensed thigh.

“Amethyst isn’t going anywhere. In fact, I’m preparing to tell her I love her.” Owen stops eating now, peering up at me in disbelief. Sebby’s hand shrinks away, his warmth retreating like the lowering of his grey eyes. He visibly withdraws, but it’s Carter who demands my attention.

“How can you possibly think you love her when you don’t even know her? You may love the idea of ‘Amethyst’, but that’s not who she really is.” Shaking his head to himself, Carter downs his glass of wine. “It’s all fake.” I see red. I’ve never fought with Carter, but he’s wrong about this. Amethyst may present a character to others, keeping everyone at a safe distance, but I saw her today. She’s unknowingly let me break her walls, it’s only a matter of time before they crumble for me completely.

“Despite your stunt to reveal her past to me,” I spit, shoving myself to stand. A flicker of confusion crossed Carter’s face.

“Stunt?”

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