Cole (The Leaves) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Cole.”
    “Even now? After everything that’s happened?”
    “I only ever wanted him to turn around and tell me the things he said when we were first together. We struggled in the beginning, but we were so happy. Then as time went on, the guilt just swallowed him up. Five long years he’d been kicked out of his family. In the end, a loophole made him the inheritor after his brother died. Your father was the only relative. I think your grandfather did it on purpose. He loved your father, but his pride prevented him from telling him that.”
    “I had no idea Mom.” I said, shaking my head. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry you’ve had such a hard life.”
    “Cole, my life has been a cakewalk compared to your dear girl. Your father will get her home safe. That’s a promise I can keep. I know he will. He has more than just the loss of some silly hotels at stake; he has his wife, his son and his future daughter-in-law to think about. Dear, where’s the box?”
    “What box?” I knew what she was talking about, but I didn’t want her to know.
    “I’ll take care of it. I’ll clean the ring and you’ll never have to see that box again. I’m your mother, Cole. You’re the other great love of my life. I’m not exactly a delicate flower, you know.”
    “I know, Mom.” I said squeezing her hand. “You’ll have to ask Father.”
    “Okay, Olaf is coming. He’ll explain everything. Keep the faith. She’ll be back in your arms before you know it.”
    “I love you, Mom.”
    “I love you too, Cole.”

Cole 4
    Anika
    After Joe ended the call, I felt a little more hopeful. Whatever Cole had put into action, it was enough to satisfy Joe. It didn’t stop his threats though, and more than anything, I wished he would stop trying to antagonize Cole.
    I closed my eyes and felt the sheer exhaustion take me to sleep. I didn’t dream. My dreams would start when I was back in Cole’s arms again. That was a dream I hoped I never woke from.
    The scent of greasy food hit the room, and I opened my eyes to see the familiar red and white writing across the bag. If I did die, at least I would have the best French fries in the world as my last meal.
    “Annie? Open your mouth.” Joe commanded. I was starving and the smell would have been a new kind of torture if he denied me a taste. I ate everything he put in front of me, which included a cheeseburger. He held a straw to my lips every now and then, so I could drink the soda he offered.
    We were in a bedroom in an apartment, or that’s what I assumed. I didn’t hear anything outside. It could have been because it was late at night, I wasn’t sure. I didn’t make any noise, not sure how Joe would react. He seemed… kind. There was no concern I’d be suffering from Stockholm syndrome or anything, but I got the impression this had very little to do with his family’s company and everything to do with that girl.
    I had a memory, just a flash of one, where he spoke to me in Italian and called me Serena. He was tender and loving. In fact, most of the time I could handle his forcefulness, until I fought him. Then I learned, if I was quiet and pliant and went somewhere else in my head to escape… it would be over before I knew it.
    “Annie? Annie?” He cooed. I must have fallen asleep again. “I would like you to tell me why you love?”
    “What do you mean?” I wasn’t sure exactly what he was asking me. In my mental state, I needed more guidance from him.
    “Your Cole?” He prompted.
    Again, I had no idea how to respond to this. Mostly, because I didn’t know what his reaction would be. Would I be sealing my fate? Would he be satisfied killing me if he knew Cole would suffer? So I stayed silent.
    “You are afraid of me.” He stated. “I will not kill you now, Annie. Let us wait. I will be checking something shortly and making another call to your Cole. To pass the time, I would like to know why you are in love with him.”
    He said it like Cole was the devil himself… or