Exhibited: A Dark Romance (Melbrooke Menace) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  About Exhibited

  Excerpt of Exhibited

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Excerpt of Punished

  About the Author

  Exhibited

  Melbrooke Menace

  Dahlia Kent

  Contents

  Copyright

  About Exhibited

  Excerpt of Exhibited

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Excerpt of Punished

  About the Author

  Copyright © 2018, Dahlia Kent

  All rights reserved.

  This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locations is purely coincidental. The characters are all productions of the author’s imagination.

  Edited by Pair of Nines.

  Cover Design by Kasmit Covers.

  Exhibited

  Melbrooke Menace

  All I wanted to do was help my friend.

  I knew it was wrong. Knew I’d get in trouble.

  But how else could I make seventy thousand dollars?

  The thing is, cheaters never win.

  And I learn this lesson the hard way when Maddix Flint shows up to my rescue.

  He’s a handsome, mysterious doctor with a dark hunger in his gaze.

  His promise to help comes with a price.

  One where I’m exhibited for everyone to see.

  —

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  Excerpt of Exhibited

  The click of the door closing drew my attention. I turned. Maddix stood at the dimmer switch and moved it lower. The lights became less stark and more moody and intimate. Only a light above the bench remained bright like a spotlight.

  Maddix turned away from the switch and approached the tripod. He picked up the camera and touched buttons on it. He was preparing it to take the pictures.

  Pictures of me.

  I didn’t know what to do with my hands so I rubbed my palms on my jeans. The scratchy texture soothed my rising anxiety.

  My mother was white and my father a black man. I had creamy brown skin and my hair was a mass of springy spirals. It looked tamed most days, and like a bird’s nest when it was humid.

  I’d been told I was photogenic on frequent occasions. Yet Maddix said he wanted to capture the real me. Not my beauty, but the ugly parts of me.

  The anger and the pain.

  I wasn’t sure I was comfortable revealing that. Those parts I liked to keep locked up for my sanity. Besides, what did he intend to do with the pictures?

  I was over thinking this.

  It was just some stupid pictures.

  If he wanted me to scowl or glare to show I’m ‘angry’ or something, that was easy. Then I’d be out of here. Away from him. Where I was safe. Because some intrinsic part of me believed Maddix wasn’t all he seemed. He’d said as much.

  No one is what they appear.

  Maddix set the camera back on the tripod and came toward me. In the moody lighting, it was harder to discern his expression.

  “Are you ready to take the picture?” I asked.

  “Yes.”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “I want you to undress.”

  One

  —

  $203.38.

  The number looked so little. Even in bold print.

  I wouldn’t get paid for another two weeks. At least I’d already paid rent. The other bills had to wait. I had to eat and take the bus to work. I crumpled up the receipt. I shoved it in my jacket pocket. I pushed open the door and stepped out of the bank.

  Spring brought an overcast sky to Melbrooke City. The ground was wet. The air was fresh from the rainfall this morning. Cars rumbled along the street. The sidewalk was busy with pedestrians.

  My stomach growled for coffee and a cream cheese bagel. You’re too poor to afford that. I scowled and set off for the coffee shop anyway.

  There was a time when I never had to worry about money. When a cup of coffee was a given and not a luxury. There was nothing to gain reminiscing on my past life. It only stirred up the anger. The sense of betrayal.

  The bottomless disappointment.

  I walked faster, willing the memories away. I didn’t like them crowding my brain.

  The door to Timmy’s Coffee chimed when I pulled it open. The warm air greeted me, chasing away the chill on my cheeks. There was a damp smell from the soggy carpet. Everyone had wiped their wet shoes on it. But the delicious flavours of coffee and baked goods overwhelmed the air.

  I joined the line. When it was my turn, I stepped up to the counter.

  The cashier squinted. “Hey, do I know you from somewhere?”

  I smiled, but it felt tight. “Not that I can remember.”

  I paid for my order. My phone rang as the cashier prepared to ask another question. I dug it out of my pocket. I glanced at the caller ID to make sure it wasn’t hidden. Debt collectors liked to call from private numbers. The number was strange, but it beat fielding nosey questions from the cashier.

  “Hello?”

  “Is this Angela Ellis?”

  Damn. Was it Recognize the Mayor’s Daughter day today? The voice was smooth and feminine. I didn’t recognize it either.

  “Who’s asking?”

  “I’m Eva Whittaker. If it’s you, Angela, we used to attend University of Melbrooke together. We had the same art class.”

  “Oh. Hello.”

  “Don’t remember me, huh?” She laughed. “That’s OK. I liked being by myself so nobody knew I existed. But you were one of the popular crowd. It’s a shame you left. We missed you. Professor Gregory spoke about your extraordinary talent. Did you ever return to finish out the year?”

  I cleared my throat. “No.”

  “Ah, I see.”

  A short uncomfortable pause settled between us. Did she know why I’d left U of M? My dad had covered up the news. Though a few tinier papers still ran it. He’d made sure I never forget how much I fucked up. How hard he worked to fix it too.

  “Anyway,” Eva continued in an upbeat tone, “the reason I’m calling is—”

  “One medium coffee and a cream cheese bagel?” asked the coffee store worker, interrupting her.

  “One sec, Eva.”

  “No problem.”

  I wedged the phone between my ear and shoulder. Smiling in thanks, I grabbed the proffered food and moved to a table.

  “I’m back.”

  “Great. So, Angela. You still paint, right?”

  “Yeah. Why?”

  “I’ve got a job and you’ll be perfect for it.”

  I gripped the phone. “A painting job?”

  “Yes. But I’d prefer to discuss the details face to face. When are you free?”

  “I’m free today.”

  “Today’s no good for me. Tomorrow?”

  “Before 4pm is fine.”

  “Great! Where would be convenient for you?”

  “This coffee shop where I am right now is OK.”

  “Perfect. Text me the address and we’ll meet at 1pm.” />
  She hung up before I could respond. Excitement raced through me. After a long string of bad luck, some good luck was coming my way. A job where I could use my actual painting abilities at that.

  I’d dropped out of college. It had nixed any chances of me working in the field I loved. Even if I was Mayor Daniel Ellis’ daughter. Sure, I could go back to college. I could finish out the year. But I wasn’t ready yet to do that. It would only sink me into more debt.

  But, this was my chance. If this job came through, Eva might hire me again. I was getting ahead of myself. I had to text Eva the address of this place.

  I left the coffee shop. I’d never paid attention to its address even though I visited often. I turned to face the building and searched for the number. When I found it, I walked away as I typed the address to Eva.

  I hit send at the same time I bumped into someone. I grunted in surprise. My coffee sloshed around. Some of it spilled onto my hand, scalding me. My phone slipped and clattered to the floor.

  “Shit! I’m so sorry,” I said to the man I bumped into.

  I bent to grab my phone, but he got there first. He straightened and extended the phone to me.

  “Don’t worry about it.”

  I took it with a smile of gratitude. My smile softened as I took in his handsome face.

  “Thanks.”

  “No problem.”

  His gaze swept over me, interest in his dark brown eyes. His hair was light brown, his skin fair and healthy. He was so tall. His broad shoulders encased in a soft black jacket.

  “Sorry I bumped into you.”

  “Sorry you spilled your coffee.” He nodded at my cup. Precious caffeine dribbled down the side to the floor. He jerked a thumb at the coffee store. “I can buy you a new one.”

  I smiled. “That would be—”

  “Sorry.” He held up a hand. “One second.”

  He took out a beeping pager from his jacket pocket. Is he a doctor?

  “Rain check on that coffee? I have an emergency.”

  “OK… but that’s if we see each other again.”

  He smiled. “I’m sure we will.”

  Two

  —

  “Happy birthday! Congrats on being one year closer to death.”

  I chuckled. “Thanks for that pleasant reminder.”

  “Any time.”

  There was a smile in Julia’s voice over the phone. It was infectious. I smiled too.

  Julia was one of the few good consequences from my bad choices. We would have never crossed paths otherwise. I’d lost my family, but I’d gained a friend. One who knew my worst secrets and accepted me.

  “Got any plans with the family later?”

  I curled my upper lip. “Not since I got disowned.”

  “Ouch. That’s cold.”

  “And true.” Resentment filled my voice. “Total silence on the birthday greetings from Mom and Dad. Not even my sister. Still doing their best to pretend I no longer exist.”

  “I’m sorry, Angie. Fuck ‘em. Family is overrated, anyway.” A bitter note crept in her voice. She hid it with a cheerier tone. “Well, if you don’t have plans, we can go out. I need some time away from my mother.”

  “Would love to, Jules, but I’m working tonight. Rain check?”

  The phrase reminded me of the handsome man from yesterday. Thinking about him sent a rush of heat through me. Then regret killed my excitement. I should have given him my number. The odds were against us meeting again in a huge city like Melbrooke.

  Probably for the best. I was too busy putting my life back together. I couldn’t think about men right now.

  Julia and I agreed on a day to hang out. I almost told her about my upcoming meeting with Eva. Instead, I kept quiet. It would suck if I gushed about the job and not get it.

  I glanced at the time on my phone. It was almost time to meet Eva. I got ready and left my apartment. The sunny weather and mild warmth promised good things on the horizon. I had this sense I was on the cusp of a breakthrough. I’d taken a diversion, but I was back on the right path.

  One that would make me happy.

  Although, I didn’t know what would make me happy. For a while I’d thought mending my relationship with my family would do it. Or going back to the way things used to be.

  That might not even be possible anymore. Like trying to stuff toothpaste back into the tube.

  The delicious scents brought my focus back to the present. This time, I ordered a small coffee and no bagel. Then I claimed a seat facing the door.

  I didn’t have a clear memory of Eva Whittaker’s face. I hoped she’d recognize mine.

  I took out my phone and played a game as I waited. When I heard the chime from the door, I looked up. My heart stuttered then beat faster.

  The handsome man from yesterday stepped inside the coffee shop. His gaze found mine, holding it captive.

  My stomach tightened and my face grew warm. He started to approach me, but a woman in sunglasses whipped around him.

  “Angela! So glad you’re here already.”

  “Eva?”

  I stood, extending a hand for her to shake. Instead, she rushed in for a hug. I returned it with stiff movements, uncomfortable by the intimate greeting. Her sweet perfume wrapped around me. It lingered even as she pulled away.

  “In the flesh.” She smiled. I wouldn’t call it a smile. More like she parted her violet-painted lips and bared her teeth.

  I looked past her. The man was no longer coming toward me. When I glanced around, I saw him in line waiting to order. I caught his gaze and gave him a quick apologetic smile.

  “Come on, sit.” Eva’s voice intruded on our moment. I turned to find she’d already claimed a seat across from mine.

  I sat, reluctant to do so. So what if I missed my chance to talk to the cute guy? This meeting with Eva was a lot more important.

  “Were you waiting long?”

  I shook my head in answer as I studied her. I still didn’t recognize her. She looked stylish and classy. Her designer coat and handbag a reminder of what I had lost.

  I grew self-conscious of my clearance sale clothes. Past Me was a spoilt little rich bitch. She would have had a meltdown at the thought of wearing off the rack.

  But Present Me didn’t give a fuck. I was forced to grow up in a year. I’d worked hard for all that I had. That counted for something.

  “Anyway, let’s get down to business.” She opened her handbag and took out a large envelope.

  She extended it to me. “Open it.”

  I flipped the top of the envelope. A picture sat inside. It was an 8x10 photograph of a landscape painting.

  It was gorgeous. The blues and the golds, the vivid greens. Looking at it gave me a sense of serenity.

  “Who painted this?”

  “That’s not important,” said Eva. “What’s important is how much it’s worth.”

  “How much?”

  She leaned in and lowered her voice.

  “Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”

  “Seriously?”

  My eyes widened. She leaned back into her seat with a satisfied and smug smile. I looked at the painting again. It was beautiful, but it was also a simple setting too. How could it be worth so much?

  The handsome man walked past us toward the door. Our gaze met again, and he gave me a quick nod before leaving. A pang of regret stabbed me, but I returned my attention to Eva.

  “Uh huh.” Eva nodded. “But want to hear something even better?” She leaned in, lowering her voice again. “One hundred grand of that two-fifty could be yours.”

  I frowned. “How?”

  “By making a replica of that painting.”

  Silence settled over our table as I digested Eva’s words.

  “Are you asking me to forge the painting, Eva?” I shoved the picture and the folder back to her. “Because if so, you’ve got the wrong girl.”

  Eva folded her arm and crooked an eyebrow at me. She still hadn’t removed her sunglasse
s. I couldn’t see her entire face, but her lips had twisted in disdain. “I thought with your history, you’d be up for something like this.”

  “My history? What’s that supposed to mean? What about me gives you the idea that I’m OK with theft?”

  She scoffed. “Oh, come on. Are you really going to play Miss Saint? You should know, nothing spreads faster in college than gossip.” Then her lips quirked up in a nasty smile. “And what’s better gossip than the mayor’s daughter getting busted for cocaine?”

  Anger and shame pushed me to my feet.

  “Fuck you,” I spat, shaking.

  I drew stares from everyone in the coffee shop. I wondered if this would be in the news by tomorrow. That would be a great gift for my twenty-fourth birthday. Maybe then my dad would speak to me.

  Eva threw her hands up in defense and smiled.

  “I deserved that. I was being a bitch. I’m sorry, Angela. Come on, have a seat and let’s discuss this opportunity.” She stood too and sighed. “Look, in school, you were the fucking best. I know you can do this. I’ve done this before, Angie. Nobody will know it’s you who did it. You’ll make a hundred grand easy.”

  I glared at her. “I won’t do it. Goodbye, Eva. Don’t contact me again.”

  And I stormed out of the coffee shop.

  Three

  —

  I looked around the well-lit, clean hospital. The bright lights shone on the smooth floor. An antibacterial scent hung in the air. A chill lingered on my skin even with my jacket on. The air conditioning must be on high.

  Besides me and Julia, there was another family in the waiting room. An older woman with two young women sat across from us. It looked like a mother and her two daughters. There were anxious expressions on all their faces. The youngest daughter hadn’t looked up once from her cell phone.

  Julia’s features were twisted with worry. She bounced her left leg, shaking the row of seats we were on.