He told me he loves me. I love him too, but I never told him. I didn’t want to believe him. I didn’t want to give him my heart, but the truth is, he already has it. I can feel hot tears on my cheeks. I need him.
I close my eyes, and after a moment, I imagine I hear a voice.
“Corrine?”
I open my eyes, and it’s my mother. “Mommy?”
“You’re going to be fine, baby.”
“I miss you so much.”
“I miss you, too. I think Jackson is a fine man.”
“He’s good for me.”
“Don’t let my relationship with your dad hold you back, sweetheart. We both love you so much and want the best for you, and I think Jackson is perfect for you.”
“Mommy, I’m so sorry about everything.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry for, but you need to be strong right now. They’re going to figure out where you are. Don’t go to sleep. They’re close and going to be here before too long. Jackson is so worried about you. Be strong, sweetheart. I love you.”
She disappears, and I close my eyes again. While I know she was only a figment of my imagination, I also know she’s right. Jackson will find me; I just need to stay awake.
Chapter 41
Jackson
Though I believed it was impossible, I fall asleep at some point. My body is exhausted. Then I feel the bed dip, and I half-open my eyes. It’s Corrine. I start to drift off again, but my eyes shoot open. Something deep within me sounds an alarm.
“Corrine?”
“Yes, baby. I’m right here.”
That’s not Corrine.
It’s Valerie. Holy fuck. I rub my eyes and realize she’s wearing Corrine’s lei necklace and her blue bikini. “Wha—What are you doing here?”
“I’m sorry about our fight. I love you, sweetheart, and I’ll do anything you ask.”
She’s not making any sense. What the fuck?
Valerie’s hand goes to my cock, and she starts to play with it. It isn’t responding. I’m repulsed by her.
“Where’s Corrine?” I ask.
“I’m right here.” She shakes her head as she takes her top off. Her large, augmented breasts are in my face.
I get out of bed. “Corrine, where is my friend Valerie?”
“She’s not here.” She crawls across the bed toward me like she’s stalking her prey.
“I can see that.” I look around the room frantically and locate my phone on the nightstand. I never take my eyes off her, but I slowly inch toward the nightstand, pick up my cell phone, and slide it into my pocket.
“Come make me happy,” she purrs. “Please do that magic with your tongue.”
My stomach sours. We were together once, and it was anything but magic.
“Corrine, I need to use the bathroom. Why don’t you get ready for me while I’m gone.”
“Oh, baby, I’ll be here waiting for you.”
I slip into the bathroom and text Brian.
Me: 911 help. I’m in the master.
I push send just as she slides the door open. I casually tuck the phone into my pocket.
“Come on, you stud. Mama needs to feel your big, fat cock inside her.”
I’m physically sickened. Valerie’s wearing Corrine’s things and not acting sane. Somehow, I need to find out where she’s put Corrine.
“Do you know where Corrine is?” I ask her again.
She shakes her tits like a stripper. “I’m right here, baby.”
I take a deep breath. “Do you know where my friend is?”
She puts her hand inside the bottom of the bathing suit. Then she shows me her wet fingers. “I’m already wet and waiting.”
“How about my admin? She was here earlier, and she’s working on a big party I’m hosting. I just need to run a few details by her.”
“She’s gone. I’ll be taking over.”
My heart sinks.
There’s a commotion, and Brian comes charging in with Jim and the others behind him.
With wild eyes, Valerie turns to me. “How could you? I love you.”
I grab a T-shirt and throw it over her naked torso. “Where is Corrine?”
“I’m Corrine,” she keeps repeating.
I hear sirens approaching in the distance. I’m ready to throttle Valerie for information, but Brian and his team pull her away from me. We step out into the hall.
I pace back and forth. “I’ve asked her all different ways where Corrine could be, but she keeps calling herself Corrine.”
“What’s her name?”
“Valerie Knudsen. She works at Organic Energy, and I met her at a trade show. She’s the woman who’s been harassing Corrine.”
“Valerie Knudsen?” Jim looks at me, confused.
I nod.
Jim pushes a few buttons on his phone and shows me the screen. “This is Valerie Knudsen.”
I lean against the wall. The woman in the picture looks nothing like the woman I know as Valerie Knudsen.
“Who is she then?” I pound on the bedroom door. “Where is my Corrine?”
Inside, “Valerie” screams profanity at everyone around her. “He’s my fiancé. How dare you touch me?”
Brian steps back inside. “Ma’am, do you know where Corrine Woods is?”
“I’m Corrine Woods,” she roars.
I follow Jim back into the bedroom.
“Jackson, baby, tell these people who I am,” she pleads.
“I don’t know who you are. You told me your name was Valerie Knudsen, but it isn’t. Who are you, and what did you do with Corrine Woods?”
Her breaths are coming in short, staccato bursts. The police officers have handcuffed her. She squints at me, and I see an evil smirk, but she doesn’t say anything.
I’m crazy with worry and concern. I want to grab
