Miss Taken Read online

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  EPILOGUE

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  This book is dedicated to my mom.

  On a day in Long Branch, NJ (after the storm) 2012, you encouraged me like only you can, to write Miss Taken and follow my lifelong dream. XOXO

  Looking at the clock, it’s only 4:30am. New York is barely stirring. Soon the city will be jammed with the rush of commuters ready to begin their workday. Except for Theresa, my dad’s housekeeper, I think I’m the only one up this early in the morning. The evidence of Theresa being awake came from the aroma of fresh coffee and homemade pastry drifting through the house and settling in my bedroom. I knew it wouldn’t be long before everyone is up killing the stillness that I’m enjoying at this very moment.

  At the request of my (I won’t take no for an answer, Rain) dad, I was sleeping over so he could drive me to Newark Airport later this morning. My father, Victor Medici, is a man people rarely say no to. I’m headed to Capri, Italy. My home away from home. The one place in my life I feel free. Where I can breathe. I’ve made the trip numerous times over the years. I didn’t understand why my dad still felt the need to be so overprotective of me. I considered confronting him on it but then I thought better of it. No need to leave with upset between us.

  My only regret about leaving today is that Tommy; my best friend isn’t going with me. Tommy Conte is a very successful, highly sought-after photographer and my business partner. His sexy charm and bad-boy looks don’t hurt his image either. Tommy is 6' 2”, built, but not bulky, with black hair, brown eyes and numerous tattoos. He has a very important holiday shoot for an Italian wine distributor this week. It being August and the holidays not far off, it’s crunch time for Tommy. He’s going to meet me in Capri next week, which I am grateful for.

  Tommy has always been a stable presence in my life. We grew up together, went to college together and now we live together. It’s never been a sexual relationship, but the emotional bond we share goes much deeper than mere childhood friends. Tommy is my protector. He has been there through everything. During the confinement that my parents imposed upon me, due to the obsession my mother had to keep me safe and retain control over ‘my fragile life.' (My mother’s words, not mine.) Tommy has always been there to pick up the pieces, or be the buffer when life just got to be too much.

  KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK! “Rain, are you up, sweetie?”

  Raven, my twin sister, always knows how to kill the silence. Raven lives next door to our dad with her fiancé Michael. Michael happens to be Tommy’s older brother. She must be up early for her daily run. Raven and Michael are lawyers with my dad’s firm Kane and Medici. Raven and I look exactly alike. We have long black hair, blue eyes and we are both tall and lean. She is slightly thinner than me. I have bangs, she doesn’t. Our physical features is where our likeness ends. Raven is very strict when it comes to her career and her personal life. Everything must always have a schedule. I often wonder if she schedules sex with Michael. I, on the other hand, don’t like to be scheduled. I am a freelance photographer, like Tommy, but specials in the sand sea and surf. I love traveling and really enjoying life. No regrets is my motto.

  “Rain, are you up?” She sounds slightly annoyed at this point.

  “Come in. I’m up.” I say just loud enough to be heard through the thick door. Trying not to wake my dad, whose room, is just down the hall.

  As she steps in my room, Raven notices I’m still in bed. With a puzzled look on her face she questions me, “Don’t you have to get ready for your flight?”

  “It’s not for several hours, but I’m getting up now.” I stretched and crawl out of bed to start my day.

  I notice she is wearing a black running suit and has her hair tied back in a severe ponytail. I was right, she’s going for her run. Her routine is so predictable. I love her with all my heart, but could never be her. She craves the power of the courtroom, while I prefer to experience life in a different way. No mergers and acquisitions for me. Just sun, sand, and surf. Give me a beach anywhere in the world and I’ll be there photographing it, along with the people who make it come to life. I love to live life even when it scares me. Some of that fright is left over from my so-called childhood. No matter, the past is in the past and I have finally moved on. She walks over to the table by the window and thumbs through my portfolio.

  “These are fantastic. Are they for the show?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Why maybe?” she asks with a hint of annoyance.

  “I have some revisions to make and I’m hoping to use some of the shots I’ll be getting from this trip.”

  “How long will you be gone this time?”

  “I’ll be home for Christmas dinner.” Grinning at her.

  “CHRISTMAS! What about Thanksgiving? You’re not coming home for Thanksgiving?”

  “C’mon Raven, you know as well as I do, that you and Dad are never around for Thanksgiving. It’s your time to clean up your cases and I’m always left hanging around the city with nothing to do.”

  “Rain, what if Tommy comes home for Thanksgiving this year? Then would you consider it?” she cunningly asked.

  Smiling at her, I replied. “Good try Raven, but contrary to popular belief Tommy and I are not joined at the hip. You know, full well he won’t be home. He always goes with Michael to their parents’ house. Something you should be doing now that you and Michael are going to be husband and wife. Even if does he come home, that doesn’t mean I’m coming with him.”

  “Okay, but promise me you’ll think about it?”

  “I promise.” I just smile and shake my head. “You’re a real pain in my ass.”

  “Good. Now let’s go get some of Theresa’s coffee.” She says while curling her arm through mine and giving it a squeeze as we head out the door.

  I smirk. “I thought you were going for a run?”

  “Changed my mind. Coffee with my sister is much better.”

  As we head out of my room to go downstairs our dad appears in the hallway. He’s already dressed for what looks to be a day at the office. He’s wearing a black three-piece suit, white shirt, Turquoise blue tie and handkerchief. The suit really complements his olive skin and white slicked backed hair. My dad is a very strong, and a very powerful. He wouldn’t wear anything but the best to showcase that strength and power.

  “Good morning, ladies. Why are my girls up so early?”

  “We could say the same about you.” Raven spoke first.

  “I have an early meeting at the office today.”

  I’m silent, but tilted my head to the side in annoyance. Why did I stay over if he isn’t taking me to the airport? I could have spent my evening with Tommy before leaving for Italy.

  “Now Rain, don’t give me that look. You know if I could get out of this I would, but I have obligations, sweetie.”

  “Dad, it’s fine. I told you originally I can get to Newark by myself.”

  “That’s my girl, but Mic
hael is taking you to the airport. It’s all been arranged.”

  “Dad, I don’t need Michael to take me to the airport. I’m 34 years old. I think I can get myself to Italy. I’ve been doing it for years.”

  “Rain, do this for me. Let Michael take you. I will feel better knowing you’re safe. He doesn’t have a case today, so it’s no trouble.”

  I knew at this point I wouldn’t win, so I just nodded. Conversation over. Victor Medici gets his way as usual.

  Case closed.

  The three of us head downstairs to the kitchen to get some much-needed coffee. The kitchen is on the first floor of the house towards the back. It’s slightly on the narrow side, but very beautiful. The appliances are all professional size and stainless steel. The cabinets are a white French style, with iron pulls and handles. The countertops are black granite and the floors are travertine. The center island is used mainly for small family gatherings and breakfast, such as this morning. There are French doors leading out to a secluded patio and garden with a Koi-Fish Pond. It’s very tranquil, and one of my favorite spaces in the townhouse. When I’m sitting out there I don’t even hear the city anymore.

  Theresa prepared a wonderful spread this morning. It consisted of a large bowl of fresh berries, Greek yogurt, a small pitcher of honey, nuts, and Granola. In addition, she made homemade pastries, my dad’s favorite and coffee. Thank God.

  We’re a very casual family. We love our food, but we aren’t extravagant. It’s really just about being together, sharing a meal and enjoying the company we’re with. It’s always been like this for as long as I can remember. Which really helped during my younger years, when being confined at home. Having company really made those days more manageable.

  I grab a cup of coffee, hop up onto the counter next to where Theresa is cooking. Raven and my dad settle around the island. Just then, Michael walks in to join us. He and Tommy have the same features, black hair, chocolate colored eyes, and a solid jaw. Michael also has tattoos, just not as many as Tommy. He’s very down to earth, and he really balances out my sister, who is anything but.

  “How’s my girl this morning?” Michael asks Raven, while giving her a soft kiss on her cheek.

  “Your girl is not happy. The caterer hasn’t returned my calls. They are highly recommended and are supposed to be the best in NYC. That remains to be seen.”

  Time to tease my sister.

  “Raven, why don’t you just cut out all the bullshit and elope in Vegas?” I asked while smiling at Michael.

  “ELOPE!” She shrieks, “Have you lost your fucking mind, Rain?”

  Just as I was about to deal with my sister, my phone rings. It’s Tommy. My day is finally improving. Saved by the bell. I raise my hand to indicate that she needed to stop her continued screaming. Silence, finally.

  “I have to take this.” I go into the family room for some privacy and quiet. “Tommy.”

  “Hey baby, did you get through the evening okay with your dad?” Tommy’s voice made me smile.

  As I am about to tell him, I could hear he’s still in bed and not alone. Why does this bothered me?

  “Oh my God, don’t tell me you’re sleeping with the winery owner’s daughter.”

  “No baby, you know me better than that. I nailed his wife.”

  “Tommy, are you fucking crazy?”

  “Don’t start Rain, if you would just sleep with me then I wouldn’t sleep around like I do.” He’s grinning. I just know it.

  “Never going to happen.”

  “Never say never, baby.” His voice is determined and I’m silent. So he changes the subject fast.

  “Okay, enough about my sex life and the lack of yours. When does your flight leave?” I ignore his comment.

  “It’s at 1pm, so I am leaving here around ten. Michael is driving me.” I decided to inform him of the change of plans.

  “What happened with your dad?”

  “Don’t ask. Same old shit. Again he got his way. I wish you were coming with me now.”

  “Stop it, Rain.”

  “Stop what?” I asked, slightly confused.

  “Stop pouting. You know I always know when you’re doing it.”

  “I am not pouting!”

  “Yes, you are, baby. You always do it whenever any of us asks you what your plans are and tries to help you in anyway. So what if your dad asked Mike to take you? Be glad for the company. It’s not like he’s escorting you to Italy, just to the airport.”

  “Listen Rain; I know it’s tough for you to accept help. Remember I was there when all that shit with your mom went down. It’s over, baby. You make the decisions for your life now. No one else does. This is just a ride to the airport. Don’t make it out to be more than it is. It’s not worth the aggravation you’re laying on yourself.”

  There’s silence over the phone because Tommy’s waiting for my response. I know he’s right. Tommy was always there when my parents, mainly my mom, controlled my every move. They were easier on me when Tommy was around. He was around a lot.

  He was there when I was at my worst and at my best. He never left me. Even now when the nightmares come and anxiety attacks creep up, he’s there. He stays with me and holds me all night if necessary to keep the past away. I don’t know what I would do without him. Probably go insane.

  “I’m sorry Tommy. Don’t be mad at me. I love you.”

  “Baby, you know I can never be mad at you. Not for very long anyway.” His voice softened.

  I looked at the clock. I’d better get moving.

  “Tommy, I’ll call you later. I have to get ready for my flight. I haven’t even showered yet.”

  “Okay, I’ll wait to hear from you. Rain, we’re okay baby, yeah?”

  “We’re fine. Listen, I know you’re right, but it’s not that easy for me to let go of the past.”

  “It’s been over for a long time, Rain. Try to let it go. Do it for me.”

  “I’ll try. I’ll talk to you later.

  I hang up.

  Just then I warm hand came around my waist. It’s my dad.

  “I was just coming to find you. I have to leave for my meeting and wanted to say goodbye to you before I left.”

  “I’m fine dad. That was Tommy. He’ll be out at the end of next week.”

  “Are you going to be okay with that?”

  “Dad, I’m telling you I’ll be fine. Besides, I don’t mind the time alone. Capri is warm and beautiful this time of the year. I’m going to work on my fading tan, start reading a new book, get some photos for the show, and spend time with Mema and Antonio. Stop worrying about me please!”

  “Sweetheart, I’ll always worry about you. You’re my child. That’s my job to care for you. Did you remember to pack your shots?”

  Without messing up his suit, I give him a big hug.

  “Yes, I have my shots. And Dad, I love you.”

  “I love you too.” He smiles, kisses my cheek and disappears out the front door.

  Heading back to the kitchen I hear Raven screaming about something that affects her wedding plans. Something I’m sure I’ll regret asking her about. Just as I pass the staircase heading towards the kitchen, Raven comes out stating she needed Michael to go with her to the caterer today. Her wedding is over a year away and at this rate possibly two years because she keeps changing things. Personally I hope she won’t have to change the groom with the way she’s carrying on.

  “Rain, will you be okay getting to the airport without Michael?”

  I smile at Mike and say: “Sure, I told all of you before, I don’t need a babysitter. What could possible happen on the way to the airport?”

  “Are you sure?” Michael asks.

  “Positive, but I need to take a shower. So can you call the car service you use and tell them to be here in about an hour and a half?”

  “Absolutely.” Michael gives me a grin and a wink.

  With that, I kiss both Raven and Mike. Then head upstairs for my shower. Once I’m complete with my bathroom ritu
al, I decided on black leggings, a long sleeve black T-shirt and my black suede ankle boots with the silver buckles. I get cold very easily, so I don’t want to be uncomfortable on the plane. I grabbed my bags, checked to make sure I am not missing anything, and headed out the door.

  It’s sunny and warm in Manhattan. This is going to be great weather to fly in. I stepped out onto the curb. In front of my dad’s home, there is a large black SUV waiting with its motor idling. I hadn’t ordered such a large vehicle, but perhaps that’s what the car service had available with such short notice. I check my phone. I have plenty of time to catch my flight. Even if there’s some traffic I’m going to be okay. I tucked the phone in the side of my boot. That’s all I can remember. Just then everything faded to black …

  I begin to realize as I regain consciousness that I am not making my flight to Italy. I don’t know where I am or what’s happening to me. I do remember the SUV but that’s about all. Someone has laid me down in the back seat of the vehicle with my hands bound behind my back. Which means whoever has taken me better be intent on doing me in, because no one, and I mean no one stands between me and Capri. If they know what’s good for them that is. Well, maybe except for Tommy. My heart’s racing at this point and I have one hell of a headache beginning to develop. I feel sick to my stomach. My wrists are burning from the restraints which feel like plastic wire ties.

  There are two men speaking to each other in what must be the front of the car. I’m blindfolded, so I’m turned around a bit. We’re driving, but where? Are we out of the city? How long have we been on the road? Are we in another state? I need to focus on what they’re saying to get a clue to where I’m being taken. If I don’t move, they may think I’m still asleep and talk more freely. My head is killing me now.

  One of the men starts to speak. I think he may be the driver, but I’m not sure.

  “The boss wants us to call ahead so Miss Medici’s room will be ready for her.”

  My room. This must be a hoax. Tommy probably planned this to keep me from going to Capri without him. Okay I’ll play along. I wouldn’t put this passed Tommy, but he knows not to stand in my way when I need to leave. I guess I'll find out soon enough. Then fear sets in. What if it isn’t Tommy? What if I’m really being kidnapped? What if someone sick has taken me? My dad isn’t going to take this shit lightly. He’s a very powerful attorney. Family means everything to him. Whoever did this better be prepared to die.