Prologue
Hadlee
Do you ever wonder how your life would have unfolded if you had chosen a different path? Is it possible that no matter which path you choose, the outcome will always be the same?
I spend a lot of time thinking about that. I can’t change what’s already happened or who I am. From the moment I came into this world, my life has been a constant rollercoaster. As a child, I knew that my life wasn’t typical. There was always a bodyguard by my side, no matter where I went. Even while attending school! It was mortifying. I had no choice but to agree, anything to escape homeschooling and that house!
Being the daughter of Jonathan Hicks did have its perks. Apart from feeling like a captive princess in a tower. I got everything I ever wished for. All I had to do was ask. Money was never a factor. When I was younger, all I wanted was to be with my parents. They were always too busy with galas and charity events. I had a clear understanding of our family’s dynamic at this point. Hayden, my older brother, was the pride and joy of my father. He was grooming him to become exactly what he wanted. Hayden and I were never really close. My father allowed him to enjoy all the “boy” activities while I was always given money to stay out of the way.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not complaining about the money. I know how fortunate we were in that aspect. It was the way they used it and the intention behind it that really angered me.
It hit me that all they were doing was trying to buy my love, substituting money for their time. Needless to say, it was never enough. I rebelled fiercely as a teenager. My father strongly disliked the media attention that tarnished his reputation. Naturally, I made myself very visible everywhere.
Hadlee Hicks is at it again.
Hadlee Hicks, arrested for underage drinking.
Hadlee Hicks, daddy’s princess turned porn star.
The last statement wasn’t true, and our family lawyer managed to get the news outlet to retract it. At that moment, I realized that my behavior would ultimately ruin me. I had to make a change if I wanted a different life. I took responsibility for shaping my own life and career. My lifelong dream was to work in the film industry. Although I always wanted to direct, I knew acting would be my way in. I could learn what I needed before taking the next step.
Did I use my family’s name to get my foot in the door? Absolutely.
Did I use their money? Absolutely not.
I wanted to avoid being indebted to them. My intention was to create a reputation for myself, and I was determined to achieve it my own way. My parents laughed in my face when I told them about my plan. Little did they realize that motivated me to give it my all. I made the decision to move out that same day.
“What are you doing?”
The voice startled me. When I looked up, I saw my brother’s best friend casually leaning against the doorframe of my bedroom. “What do you want Trevor?”
“Hayden told me you were running away.”
Laughing, I filled a duffle bag with clothes. “Running away? I’m nineteen years old. Leaving home after turning eighteen doesn’t qualify as running away.”
“You know what I mean.”
I did know what he meant. I also knew Trevor was the only person who treated me like an actual human being growing up. Even when I was acting like an unreasonable, selfish bitch. He was always available to help me when I needed someone to support me. No judgement, no questions asked.
“You weren’t going to say goodbye?”
I froze when I heard him step further into my room. Trevor had always seen me as his best friend’s little sister. No matter how much I wished for it, he would never see me as a woman instead of a child. I couldn’t hold it against him. There’s a gap of four years between us. Although it may not seem like a significant difference now, it’s a sizeable gap when you are younger.
I zipped the bag and turned to face him. “I’m not leaving the country. Hell, I’m not even leaving the state!”
The intensity of his gaze sent a chilling sensation through me. I played with the bag’s strap, unsure how to position my hands. The man’s presence filled every corner of my room. His body dominated the space, his aroma surrounded my senses.
“You are still leaving. I don’t know when I will see you again.”
I stood my ground as he took another step closer. I refused to let him see his effect on me.
I shrugged. “You have my number. Plus, I doubt you’ll even know I’m gone.”
He continued forward until he was inches from me. “That is so far from the truth, Hadlee.”
His mouth was so captivating, I had to force myself to look away. The mere mention of my name by him caused my knees to go weak. Reaching upwards, he tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. His touch was both gentle and soft. Not what you would expect based on his appearance. Despite never being unkind to me, being on his bad side was something people definitely want to avoid.
His hand lingered on my jawline a little longer than necessary.
“Trev! Come on, bro! What’s taking so long?”
I jumped at the sound of my brother’s voice before taking a step back. Trevor smirked at my reaction.
Damn it! Way to play it cool, Hadlee.
“I’m just saying goodbye to your sister.”
Hayden poked his head in my room with a confused look on his face. “Why? She’s not dying.”
I rolled my eyes as I distanced myself from Trevor.
“Come on. The ladies are waiting.”
Gross.
I made a gagging sound. “Blow-up dolls don’t count, Hayden.”
He rolled his eyes. Clearly a Hicks family trait. “Cute, Hadlee. Let’s go, dude!”
“Keep your dick in your pants.”
I could hear Hayden groan in frustration before leaving my room.
“I’m going to miss you, Hads.”
I could feel his hand sliding around the back of my neck, tugging me into a warm hug. I held him close, sensing the tension in his muscles as I touched him. Without waiting for my reply, he kissed the top of my head and left.
That was ten years ago. At first, we stayed in touch and would randomly cross paths every now and then. When my acting career started soaring, I found myself with very little free time. After my brother’s betrayal, I had no choice but to take legal action, and that’s when I realized I was done with my family. I guess in the back of my mind, that meant with Trevor as well. He was my brother’s best friend, after all.
