Seduce Me ~ The Path To Forgiveness

Path One, Step Two: Unexpectedly Expected

A series of sharp knocks pull me back to reality. My journal closes with a snap and I quickly tuck it into a drawer as I take several calming breaths, leaning over my desk to the open window.

"Just a moment!" I call out to the sweet spring breeze, my voice deceptively smooth as I wipe the dampness from my cheeks. I take a quick look in the mirror, blinking the redness from my eyes, and curse myself as I leave my room. I take the grand staircase slowly, giving me more time to collect myself. When I had sat down this morning I still had hours before my mysterious guests were set to arrive but it seems time slipped away from me.

"Dearest _______,

If you're reading this it means I must be gone. I want you to know how sorry I am that I've left you but I don't plan on leaving you alone. The day I found you I made you a promise but to keep it I have to ask you to trust me. I've arranged for another letter to be sent to a group of young men I helped years ago. They were in a bad situation and I did what I could to get them out, help them start a new life. Now I am asking them to come back and keep you safe. I know it's a lot to ask of them, and you, but I hope that you'll allow them to stay with you. I can no longer keep my promise, I can no longer protect you, but I believe they will. I know you're afraid and as I write this I hate myself for not being there, even if it's of no fault of my own. So, my beloved daughter, please give them a chance and have faith."

With deepest love,
William Anderson"

It's been two weeks since his fatal heart attack and one week since his lawyer, and close friend, David Townes read me his last will and testament. He left me his home, five million locked in a private account until his affairs are settled, and this letter. I read it and re-read it, tears of sorrow and disbelief streaming down my face, while David did his best to comfort me. When it finally sunk in I questioned him about the men my father had written of.

"I've never met them myself but William spoke of them on occasion. Brilliant, kind gentlemen if a bit eccentric but that's all I know." He offered to be here when they arrived, saying he had business with the oldest, but I declined so he gave me an envelope sealed in wax to give them and left me with his condolences.

"Trust me." "A lot to ask of you." "Have faith." His words dance in my head even now as I reach the bottom step but I can't grasp their meaning. Those words were chosen for a reason and I decided I wanted to learn what that reason was on my own. I tentatively wrap my fingers around the doorknob, allowing myself a moment to prepare, before pulling the door open.

My breath catches in my throat at the five handsome men standing before me.

"Ah, hello. You must be Miss Anderson." One of the men stammers and it occurs to me that I may not be what they were expecting either, what with my father being old enough to be my grandfather. His hair is a warm ebony clipped short with bangs swept back to one side and curled behind his ear, his eyes are such a light tan they could almost be mistaken for gold with black framed glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. He's sharply dressed in a white button up with a red tie under a grey overcoat lined with red, buttoned to the side, with grey slacks and black loafers.

"I am but it seems you have me at a disadvantage, Mr.?" My voice is soft. I'm surprised at how self conscious I suddenly feel in their presence and quickly tug at the edges of my long sleeved shirt, making sure any stray scars are covered.

"James, Miss. It's a pleasure to meet you, your father spoke highly of you." He reaches out to shake my hand, a warm smile on his face that I can't help but return.