Eventually

Chapter 1

Aaron stood behind me, his arm wrapped so tightly around my waist I could barely breathe. I couldn't stand, my legs kept giving out. His voice was low in my ear, Stand up or I'll shoot you in front of everyone. I've got nothing to lose now.

We only want the girl. There's no reason for anyone else to get hurt. Just put your gun down and let us help her. One of the policemen surrounding us spoke out, his attention solely on Aaron.

Sharp pains shot through my belly, and when I looked down I saw blood on my legs. My left eye was swollen shut. Blood dripped down the other side of my face. It hurt to breathe and my lips were numb. My brain felt like it was packed in cotton.

Aaron put the gun to my temple and cocked it. Back away, let me get in my truck and get out of here. As soon as I'm sure you're not following me, I'll let her out. If you don't let me go, I'll kill her!

I tried to stand up, but the pain was too much. I slumped down and his grip slipped, barely catching hold of me under my arms. I felt his body jerk when they shot him. I couldn't hold my head up any longer, and I saw the gun land in the dirt next to my foot.

Screaming, Aaron fell to the ground, pulling me down with him. He lunged for the gun, and swung it around to my face. Before he could pull the trigger, another shot rang out.

His body landed on top of me. The police swarmed us and pulled him off.

I heard my father's voice calling my name, Lexi! Then I saw his face just above mine.

Daddy?

Pain washed over me.

Then, nothing.

* * * *

I came to with movement all around me. I looked to the side and saw bed rails. Pain ripped through me and I cried out.

My dad and my stepmom, Risa, were on either side, leaning over me and holding my hands. For five years, I had held on to the hope of seeing them again.

A doctor stood beside my dad. His face didn't reveal any emotion as he spoke. Mr. Stavros, your daughter is six months pregnant. But, we're not picking up a fetal heartbeat, and we can't stop the bleeding. I know this is a hard decision to make, but we have to take the baby.

I didn't understand what the doctor was talking about.

Dad looked at me and I saw he was crying. But she's only thirteen. I don't want to add this to everything else she's suffered. Isn't there something else you can do? he begged.

The doctor shook his head.

Dad rubbed his hands over his face, then dragged them through his hair. He stood there for a minute, silent, his head bowed. Then do what you have to.

I was immediately rolled out the room, through a couple of swinging doors, and into an operating room. The last thing I remembered was a plastic mask placed over my face.

* * * *

I cracked my eyes open. Dad and Risa were standing next to my bed, holding each other.

A different doctor was talking to them this time. I'm very sorry, but there was nothing we could do to save the baby.

My baby! I wanted to scream that it can't be true, but I was feeling too drugged to move.

Risa started to cry. Was it a boy or girl?

It was a boy.

We want the baby so we can name him and give him a proper burial. My dad's voice had never sounded so husky before.

I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. As they closed, I heard the doctor say, I'll have the necessary paperwork prepared to release the body to you. It'll take a few hours, so you'll have time to make arrangements.

* * * *

My eyelids were so heavy I had to force my eyes open. I looked around for my dad. I had to make sure he really was here.

Someone was talking. However, the good news is, Lexi's physical injuries should heal completely. They must have left the room because I didn't hear them again.

Then I heard dad whispering to Risa. I watched that man hold a gun to Lexi's head and try to kill her. Her mother better pray the police find her before I do. Because if I find her first, I'm going to kill her for what she's done to my daughter!

Risa whispered back, Nico, we all believed Davina only took her as a way to force you into giving her money. I know how long you held on to the belief that she would eventually call you, asking for money again. I also know you would have paid any amount to get Lexi back. None of us ever thought Davina would sell her own daughter. Risa wrapped her arms around my dad. What's happened can't be undone. All we can do now is keep Lexi safe, give her all our love and support, and help her face the future.

I forced myself to stay awake for one more minute. Tears for my baby ran down my face as I touched my dad's hand where it rested on the bed rail. He jerked his head around and looked at me. He covered my hand with his and leaned down to kiss my forehead.

Most of my prayers had been answered.

Chapter 2

Eight days later, I was discharged from the hospital. We're taking you home! were the most wonderful words I could ever hear. Dad chartered a private plane so I would be more comfortable during the trip from Los Angeles to Cain's Corners, North Carolina.

By the time we reached home I had stiffened up from sitting for the hour and a half long drive from the airport, and I was scared of ripping my stitches. Risa was trying to help me out of the car and dad had come around to help, even though his arm was in a sling.

After the first few days in the hospital, I had finally been able to focus on something other than pain, and I'd asked Risa what had happened to my dad's arm.

She'd told me, Your uncles made him go to the gym to do some sparring or play a few games of racquetball to work out some of his stress, especially whenever he came back empty-handed from his trips searching for you. After returning from his last trip to Los Angeles, Theo talked him into a game of racquetball. Your dad was working out his frustrations when he collided with Theo and the wall, separating his shoulder. He'd had surgery just three days before the private investigator called and told us he had found you.

As dad leaned in with his good arm, a man appeared behind him.

Nico, let me help you. I want to keep both you and your daughter from further injury. His voice was deep and he had a Greek accent just like my dad's. He was the biggest man I'd ever seen, even taller than my dad. He was incredibly handsome, but looked like he could be very stern if it weren't for his eyes, which were the softest brown and kind-looking.

Lexi, this is Zeth Kairis. He's my youngest adopted brother and my best friend. I don't know if you remember him, but you met him when you were little. Is it okay if he carries you into the house? Dad was smiling, and I knew he wouldn't let anyone who might hurt me get close. I nodded.

Until last week, my life had sucked, but when Zeth put his arms around me to lift me up, I felt safe and sheltered, just like when dad held me.

I could feel him looking at me. I snuck a quick look into his eyes, and he smiled at me. I liked his smile, so I smiled back.

He carried me into the living room, and gently set me down on a chaise lounge next to the fireplace. There, is this comfortable? Or, would you rather sit somewhere else or maybe lie down?

He was so nice to me, and I began to relax. This is good, thanks. I was bruised, swollen, and stitched up. It didn't matter if I sat up or laid down, I couldn't get comfortable.

Dad sat down on the edge of my chair and gave me a careful hug. Welcome home, Lexi. We looked everywhere for you, and prayed every day that we'd get you back. Now our prayers have been answered. We're so thankful to have you back. He held me like that for several minutes. Before he let go, he kissed the top of my head, just like when I was little.

While dad and Zeth went back out to the car to get the luggage, Risa brought me a glass of sweet tea and set it down on the table next to me. Then she sat beside me and gave me a gentle hug. Welcome home, sweetheart. After making sure I didn't need anything else, she went into the kitchen to begin dinner.

Dad and Zeth carried the luggage into my parents' room. It was quite a while before they came back out and joined Risa in the kitchen. I heard them murmuring softly to each other, but I couldn't hear the words.

I sat there looking around and thinking how everything was still the same, exactly like the memories I'd held onto for the last five years. Then it hit me. I'm safe. I was free to cry the tears I'd refused to cry during the past year.

Dad must have been watching, because he hurried back to me. Tears rolled down his face as he wrapped his good arm around me. Lexi, I'm going to do whatever it takes to make everything okay again.

I could barely choke out the words, Promise you won't ever let go of me, Daddy.

His voice was fierce. I'm never going to let anyone take you away from me again.

He held me for what seemed like hours until I cried myself out. The dull throbbing throughout my body got stronger, so I asked for a pain pill, which Risa brought to me right away. I was just dozing off when Zeth picked me up, carried me down the hall, and laid me on my old bed in my old bedroom.

I'm home.

Zeth stood over the bed, deep in thought as he looked down at the sleeping girl. Nico had asked for Zeth's help in protecting his daughter. I know Nico wants my help and support, but I don't even like kids. I have no idea how I can help him, but somehow, I feel like it's my responsibility to keep her safe. I guess I'll learn as I go along.

* * * *

The funeral for Lexi's baby, whom she named Nathaniel Josiah Stavros, was held the next day. Nico hadn't wanted her to attend, but she had insisted. He was her son and she needed to be there. The rest of the family was also there, having flown in from New York and Greece.

Zeth watched as Nico and Risa held Lexi while she sobbed for the loss of her son. He wondered at the love she had for her child, a baby forced upon her through the violence of a predator. He had never known a woman, let alone a girl, capable of that much love.

He had read the police reports. Their interviews with Lexi and her doctors revealed the horrible physical and sexual abuse she'd suffered, the money she had scrounged, and the key she had found. Even after all she'd endured, she hadn't given up; she had planned her escape.

The following morning Zeth told Nico that he was flying back to New York, but promised to return as quickly as he could. Nico needed him, but Zeth had come to a decision, and he felt the need to act on it immediately. He would be here as often as possible to help Nico give Lexi the security and peace of mind she needed to heal.

Chapter 3

Quietly, Zeth let himself into the apartment he shared with his fiancée, Caroline. He hadn't called to let her know he was coming home, so she didn't expect him for another two days. Looking around, he finally saw the truth of what he'd suspected.

Following the trail of discarded clothing to the bedroom, he slammed open the door and saw exactly what he had expected to see. Caroline, in their bed with another man.

Shock froze the couple in position when they saw the huge man filling the doorway. As Zeth stalked toward the bed, Caroline threw herself between the men. Zeth, I know you're angry, but don't do anything you'll regret. Please, go back out to the living room and I'll be right there. Just give me a chance to explain.

Caroline, there are many things I regret right now, but getting angry isn't one of them.

Reaching around her, Zeth leaned down and grabbed the stranger by his throat.

Caroline tried to push Zeth away, but he was immovable. Zeth, please don't hurt him!

Zeth brushed her away. Pulling her lover off the bed, Zeth shoved him across the room and then through the doorway into the hallway.

From behind Zeth, Caroline cried out, Gino! Are you okay? I swear to God, Zeth, this isn't his fault! He didn't know about you.

In a voice that promised violence, Zeth ordered Gino, Get the hell out of here before you regret what I do to you. It really ruins my brothers' good moods whenever I call on them to help hide a body.

Eyes wide with fear, Gino half-ran down the hall and into the living room while scrambling to grab his clothes as he hurried away from an advancing Zeth. Hey, man, I'm leaving! There's no need for this to get violent.

You need to leave a little faster. Zeth grabbed Gino by the arm, forcibly walked him to the door, and shoved him out into the hallway. Zeth slammed the door shut, then turned to go back into the bedroom.

Caroline came running out of the bedroom, tying her robe. She was an exceptionally beautiful woman, tall and slender, with long brown hair. But her brown eyes were cold, and there was no missing the absence of remorse on her face. Surprise at being caught was all he saw.

Zeth, let me explain! You've been gone so much lately, and I know this isn't a good excuse, but it's been two months since the last time we had sex. I was lonely! This was a horrible mistake and I'm so sorry. Please say you can forgive me! I promise it will never happen again.

He gave her a look of disgust, and shook off her hands as she tried to grab his wrists. Caroline, we may not have been in love, but you knew I expected we would be faithful to each other. Now that I have proof of your cheating, I'm going to pack and leave. I know you have nowhere else to go, so you can stay here, if you choose. The rent is paid up for the remainder of the lease, but if you decide to continue living here after the lease is up, you will be responsible for the rent. You can keep the money I've put into your account, but you won't receive any more. We're through. He walked back into the bedroom, removed his suitcase from the closet, and began packing his clothes.

Caroline sobbed as she followed him. Please, Zeth, I don't want you to go. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. Please don't leave me. I love you.

Zeth gave her a cold look as he packed. You can stop with the tears. I know the only thing you care about is my money.

That's not true! She grabbed his suitcase and threw it off the bed. I'll do whatever it takes to make you stay. I know we said we didn't want any children, but, I'll even have a baby . . . if that's what you want. I'll do anything to prove how much I love you.

He snorted with laughter. "You – a mother? That would take up too much of your time and cut into your shopping trips. Any child of mine would deserve better than you. Besides, since we'd agreed on no children, I decided to have a vasectomy. I wanted to make sure there wouldn't be any accidents."

Her beautiful face twisted with anger. You bastard! Go ahead, leave! But you'll never find anyone who can please you in bed the way I do.

He laughed at her statement. That's all I was to you, money and sex.

"That's not true. I do love you."

He stopped packing and looked into her eyes. What if my business should go bankrupt? In this economy, who knows what can happen? Will you stay with me when I have to sell my cars and move into a cheap apartment?

She hesitated. He could see her picturing life without his money. "If you have to think about it, then you don't love me. But I do believe you have an undying love for my money."

Zeth, it's not fair to make me consider a life with you that isn't real. The reality is, you're rich. You're quiet and reserved, you don't like to go out even though you have enough money to do anything you want. Instead, you spend all of your free time with your family. But you're always packing up and leaving for God knows how long whenever a new construction project comes along. I'm alone most of the time and I accept that kind of life so I can be with you.

He laughed again. No. You accepted the lifestyle I offered because it gave you enough money to do whatever you wanted and you didn't have to put up with me all the time in order to get it. Every time I asked you to go on a business trip with me, you made excuses. And honestly, all I wanted from you was readily available sex. It didn't even have to be great sex. I was tired of playing the dating games of the rich and famous and wanted to settle down with just one woman, even if love wasn't in the equation. What I can't believe is that I was willing to accept this kind of life.

Caroline sneered. Well, weren't you fortunate, then? You may not have gotten love, but you did get great sex.

It may have been great at first, but without love, it becomes routine very quickly. What I'm really wondering is, with all your cheating, what else did I get from you and your lover? Since I quit fucking you as soon as I realized you were screwing around, I'm guessing you didn't get the chance to give me anything to worry about.

Caroline's face turned red. You're such an asshole when you want to be! Go ahead, leave. You'll regret not having me around. She yanked out a dresser drawer full of his things and tipped it over, dumping the contents on the floor. Then she pulled herself into a queenly pose of calm and walked out of the room.

Zeth finished packing. He thought about every relationship he'd been in and realized he'd made the same mistake every time. They'd all been beautiful, and as cold as the top of Mt. Everest. As soon as he was done, he walked out of their apartment without even a good-bye.

While driving to his condominium, the first call he made was to his urologist to cancel the appointment for his vasectomy. He told the doctor he had changed his mind and thought he might want children after all.

His second call was to his real estate agent, canceling the listing agreement on his condo. He explained he no longer wished to sell it and was moving back in immediately. He spent the night in his condo, and the next morning he flew back down to North Carolina.

* * * *

Lexi was propped up with pillows on the couch, watching TV. She was thrilled to be back home, and her father had made her a solemn promise that he would never let her mother near her again. She was finally safe.

Miriam Mays – her best friend in second grade – had come over earlier. She'd cried when she saw Lexi's badly bruised face, legs, and arms. Then Miriam had hugged her as gently as she could and asked, What happened to you? Where were you?

Lexi waited until her parents weren't looking, lifted her nightgown, and showed Miriam her healing cesarean scar. I promise I'll explain everything to you eventually, but it's really hard to talk about it right now.

Then the doorbell rang just before the door opened and Zeth walked in. He hesitated in the foyer long enough to call a greeting to Nico and Risa. Then he walked straight to the couch, crouched down next to Lexi and kissed her on the forehead. And how are you feeling today?

Much better. She couldn't explain it, but she knew she was as safe with Zeth as she was with her father. Somehow, she also knew he would protect her just like her dad, and that made her happy to see him again.

* * * *

Lexi started school a month late. Her doctor wanted her completely healed physically, and her psychiatrist wanted to give her time to adjust to living with her father and stepmother, before either would release her to start school. And because her schooling had been so sporadic, she had to take placement tests before she was allowed into the eighth grade.

Nico and Risa would never forget how small and vulnerable she looked on her first day of school. Her eyes were still haunted and her face was pinched with fear, but she'd insisted on riding the bus to school with her friends. She managed a small smile for everyone as she waved good-bye. Miriam and her good friend, Shana, walked on either side of Lexi, taking her under their wings to help her get through the scary first few days.

Chapter 4

It's been five months since Aaron almost killed me. Two days after my rescue, Davina Parker – my mother – was arrested for prostitution in Las Vegas. When the police found she was wanted in North Carolina on charges of kidnapping and child endangerment, they sent her back. She's been in the Raleigh jail ever since.

The trial began last week.

Dad and Risa gave their testimony two days ago.

Miriam's mother was called in yesterday to testify since I was staying with them when Davina took me.

When the day came for my testimony, the judge allowed me and my dad to sit in a little side room while I waited to be called. I kept telling myself I was strong enough to do this. It's the only way to make sure I never see her again. I want to go to sleep at night and not have any more nightmares that she's once again dragging me away while promising to make my life a living hell.

Half an hour after the judge called the court to order, the Bailiff came and escorted me into the courtroom. Dad followed us in and sat down with the family. He made sure to sit where I could see him.

I shook the whole time I sat on the witness stand in front of Davina (I can't bring myself to call her my mother anymore). But I didn't let myself fall apart. Without my testimony they might believe her claim that I ran away to be with Aaron. The one time I looked at her, the pure hate in her eyes would have scared me off if it hadn't been for my family being there. After that I kept my eyes just on them. If I looked at her again I might lose my nerve, and I'll only be safe from her if I tell my side.

Several weeks ago, dad had shown me pictures taken of him and Davina when they were dating. After I looked at the pictures, we tore them up and burned them. But I couldn't see the beautiful girl from the photos in the woman now sitting in the defendant's chair. She'd gotten old in the year and a half since I last saw her. Her looks were almost gone then, but now she looked like a fifty-year-old hag even though she's only thirty-two. The face that used to stop men dead in their tracks was covered with wrinkles and blotches. Her striking emerald eyes were now faded and red-rimmed. The silky blond hair was dry and coarse. Her petite and once-perfect body appeared shapeless and frail beneath the orange county jail jumpsuit she wore.

The prosecutor stood in front of me and asked his first question. Lexi, starting with the day your mother took you, can you tell us what happened?

I took a few seconds and a deep breath. There was a fire in our home and we couldn't stay there. My dad was letting me stay across the street with my best friend, Miriam, and her family for a few weeks until school finished. When Davina showed up for our visitation, she was really mad because my dad still wouldn't give her any money.

But your dad had custody of you. So why did she want him to give her money?

She said he owed her for having me and since he wouldn't pay her, she wasn't going to let him keep me. She said she was taking me back to Los Angeles with her. But she was really paranoid about what my dad would do to her if he found her, so she kept to the back roads as much as possible.

Was she afraid he would hurt her?

No. But she knew he would press charges and send her to jail.

Where did you live once you got to Los Angeles?

I reminded myself these were the easy questions. I took a deep breath. For the next four years we moved all over. We even lived in Seattle a couple of times. I liked Seattle because of the rain. I liked jumping in puddles. Davina would get a new boyfriend and we'd move in with him. Then she would move us out a few weeks or a few months later when he wouldn't give her any more money, or if he didn't treat her like she felt she deserved.

Dropping my head down for a minute, I remembered how much I had hated living like that, never knowing who we were going to be living with, where we were going to live, or for how long.

What about school? Did you go to school?

I noticed Davina's attorney writing on his note pad. I wondered if he was writing down everything I said.

I went to a whole bunch of different schools. But if we didn't stay very long, Davina wouldn't bother to enroll me. Whenever we left it was usually in the middle of the night, so I didn't get to turn in my schoolbooks. I tried to read all the books and answer the questions at the end of each chapter, so I could keep up with my lessons.

I kept my eyes steady on my dad. I hated reliving those years.

What if your mother didn't have a boyfriend? Where would you live then?

Usually we slept in the car because we didn't have much money. If we did have some money, Davina would spend it in the bars.

Did your mother make sure you had enough food to eat?

Kinda. I had bottles for water that I would refill in the gas station restrooms, and Davina would snag packaged crackers and cookies from the convenience stores.

Dad was crossing and uncrossing his legs and arms.

What was your mother like when you had to live in the car?

She would get mad real easy and take it out on me. I felt safer when she left me alone in the car while she cruised the bars. She always blamed me for making it hard for her to find a new man. A lot of guys would let her stay with them, but most of them didn't want me around. And the guys she moved us in with got worse and worse.

There was some muttering in the background, and the judge banged his gavel down once for quiet, but I kept my gaze steady on my dad.

The prosecutor leaned back against his table and ran his hand over the top of his head. This is a really hard question now. Your mother kept you somewhat safe for four years. What happened to make her decide to sell you?

The guy we were living with had a computer and he said Davina could use it to look online for a job. He would leave for work and she would go online and chat for hours, usually looking for a new boyfriend. She always hoped to find somebody rich. A lot of the guys lost interest in her when they found out she had a daughter. That made her mad and she would yell at me about how she was tired of me ruining her life. But then a couple of guys started asking questions about me. That's how she found out there were men who were willing to pay for sex with young girls. Sometimes, when she was drunk, she would threaten to sell me to them to get money. Right before I turned twelve, she started saying it every day.

I know it's hard, Lexi, but can you tell us what happened next?

I looked down at my hands and held them tight in my lap. My stomach hurt and I really didn't want to do this. But I wanted her out of my life, so I had to relive everything. Worse, I had to tell strangers, and my family, everything.

It was June 9th – I remember because it was my birthday – and Davina brought this guy home with her.

And who was this guy?

Davina introduced him and said his name was Aaron Svitterton. He was real mean-looking, and he had swastikas and skulls tattooed all over his arms. I thought he was her new boyfriend until they started talking about me.

The prosecutor paced up and down in front of the jury. What were they saying?

"At first they just stood there looking at me. Then he asked, 'Is this her?' while he stood in front of me with his arms crossed.

"Davina nodded and said, 'Yep, this is the little bitch I told you about. And she's pretty, just like I said.'

Then Aaron jerked me up out of my chair and said, 'I wanna see what you look like.' He was real rough and he hurt my arm when he pushed me around in a circle. Then he looked at Davina and said, 'She's a real pretty little thing, but are you sure she's still a virgin? Even at twelve that's kinda hard to find anymore.'

"Davina said, 'Oh, she's definitely a virgin. I've kept a close eye on her. And she only just turned twelve today.'

"And then Aaron said, 'Well, she's exactly what I want, so how much for the night?'

"Davina told him, 'Well, seeing as it's her first time . . . I think five hundred is fair.'

"They started negotiating. First for only one night. But then he decided he wanted to keep me for a week and offered a thousand. They argued about money until he agreed to give her five thousand dollars and he would get to keep me for as long as he wanted.

"I moved toward the door while they argued and weren't paying attention to me. I was scared and my head was telling me to run, fast. Just as I turned to run out the door, Aaron grabbed and backhanded me so hard, I fell to the floor. Then he asked, 'What do you want me to do with her when she gets too old?'

Davina threw a smirk my way and gave him a one-word answer. 'Whatever.'

I saw the horrified look on my dad's face. I was so afraid of what he would think of me, I almost couldn't talk about it when the prosecutor had me put that first night into words. I struggled through my emotions, trying to stay calm as I described what had happened. It was hard to say it out loud because that made it real, so I tried to say it softly. A couple of times the judge had to ask me to speak up.

Dad bowed his head and shook as he cried silently. Tears ran down Risa's face as she and dad held hands. Zeth and his brothers kept wiping at their eyes and occasionally bowing their heads.

I was relieved it was the only night I had to give details of what Aaron did to me. After that I only had to give generalities about what had continued to happen. I felt better once I got past that part.

Lexi, did you ever try to escape or call someone for help?

Aaron kept me locked up in his house with bars on the windows and deadbolt locks on the doors. He didn't have a telephone, and the houses on both sides were abandoned and boarded up, so there was no one to hear me when I called or screamed for help. Whenever he had to leave, he chained me up so I could move between the bedroom and bathroom.

Someone gave a low hiss. I just kept my eyes on my dad.

The prosecutor must have gotten tired of all his pacing and finally sat down at his table. How long did this go on?

"Everything stayed the same until last May. Aaron was putting the shackle on my ankle like he always did before he went to work, when he noticed