The Man I Need Read online

  The Man I Need

  Shanora Williams

  Contents

  Duet Note

  Author Note

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Epilogue

  Free Bonus Chapter

  Spoiler Group

  Acknowledgments

  Follow Shanora

  What To Read Next?

  More Books By Shanora

  Copyright © 2019 Shanora Williams

  All rights reserved. This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any form without prior written permission of the publisher, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized distribution, circulation or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s rights, and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

  Thank you for respecting the work of this author.

  Cover Design by Cover It Designs

  Editing By Librum Artis

  Cover Image: Wong Sim

  Cover Model: Mitchell Wick

  Trademarks: This book identifies product names and services known to be trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective holders. The author acknowledges the trademarked status in this work of fiction. The publication and use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Duet Note

  Hey hey! Just a heads up - this is book two of a two-part duet and cannot be read as a standalone. To start from the beginning and to officially meet Mr. Ward in book one, please click here!

  Reading Order

  THE MAN I CAN’T HAVE

  THE MAN I NEED

  Author Note

  Hey there,

  So, if you read The Man I Can’t have and got to the end, you’ll know this duet involves domestic abuse. As many readers stated, it was easy to look over the signs of abuse in book 1, but in book 2 it is not.

  This book is a bit grittier, and includes violence, assault, and even rape. It is not as easy of a read as book 1 is, so I do encourage you to proceed with caution, especially if you are or have been a victim of domestic assault, and reading things like this triggers something inside you. I am not a soft writer. I write very raw, real things, and what I’ve written in this book may be a little too heavy for some people to bare. If you are going through a situation as sensitive as this and need help but don’t know where to start, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE(7233).

  If you decide to give this book a go, I really hope you enjoy the rest of this story, and as much as I love Marcel, I must admit this is most definitely Gabby’s story and how she pushes through to fight for her freedom.

  Sending love,

  Shanora

  Prologue

  Will Lewis flips his wrist, checking the time on his watch before focusing on the door of Kyle Moore’s office. An impatient sigh falls through his parted lips as he studies the black door.

  What is taking so long?

  Pushing to a stand, Will trots toward the secretary’s desk across from him and grabs another Hershey’s Kiss from the glass bowl on top of it. The secretary isn’t here, but that doesn’t surprise him, considering it’s a Saturday night. It was the only time slot Kyle Moore had available within the next three months, and Will booked it without question.

  As Will stands by the secretary’s desk, peeling the aluminum wrapper off the chocolate, he can help overhearing the conversation happening in Kyle’s office.

  “You need to make something happen soon, Kyle. We have given you more than enough time to prepare for this. If you aren’t willing to date, marry, and have children anytime soon, then we will have to turn the company over to Taylor. He has been working for the company just as long as you have, and he already has a child. Your father has gone through a lot lately. The last thing I want him worrying about is his successor. You should be his automatic choice, but you won’t be if you don’t get your personal life in order. It’s always strange to men in this field when a fellow businessman is in his thirties and isn’t married. We must continue this family’s legacy.”

  “Why would he give it to Taylor, of all people? That guy doesn’t know a damn thing,” Kyle snaps.

  “Dan wants to keep this company above water. You not being settled, with a family, will make us look bad to other investors, whether you see it that way or not. They won’t trust you, but if you marry and have a child soon, who can grow up to take all of this on, things will go a lot smoother for you. Why do you think so many companies have been turning us away? It’s not because we aren’t making them good offers. No, it’s because they don’t trust you. You’re new to this business and young, and oddly enough, when a man is married, he appears a whole lot wiser.”

  “That is ridiculous. I can still keep this company running without being married, Mum.”

  “No, you can’t. You have to be trusted, and I don’t want this company in the hands of an idiot like Taylor when you are perfectly capable. You must put your pride aside for once and make this happen, Kyle. I can find a potential bride for you, if you want. If not, find a lady you at least like, get to know her, and then move forward.” Will notices the woman’s voice is closer to the door. Realizing she’s likely about to exit, he walks back to his seat. He doesn’t hear what they speak about after that, but less than a minute later, the door opens, and an Asian woman walks out. She’s dressed elegantly in a black dress with a fur coat. Pearls are in her ears and draped around her neck, her hair pinned up, and not a single strand out of place.

  Kyle’s mother, Sophon Moore, gives Will a nod of her head as she trots toward the elevator. When she’s gone, Kyle calls for Mr. Lewis from his office, and Mr. Lewis hops up, collecting the folder he’d placed on the chair next to him.

  “How are you, Mr. Lewis?” Kyle greets Will as he enters the office, walking around his desk and shaking Will’s hand.

  “Never better. I hope you’re doing well.”

  “Never better. Please sit,” Kyle insists, taking the chair behind his desk. “How can I help you?”

  Will fumbles with the folder in hand as he lowers in the chair. “Well, as I mentioned in my email to you, I wanted to possibly go over having an investment in my docking business. I am making steady income right now, and with spring coming, the sales will most likely increase. I know that with an investment I can remodel the docks, buy more boats, and open more slots for tourists to dock, which could lead to an easy return of investment if more tourists are attracted to the area. My son is also very good with social media and the SEO thing kids
do these days.” Will huffs a laugh.

  “Where is this docking business located again?” Kyle asks, narrowing his eyes. Will can already tell he hates the idea of it.

  “In Fredericksburg, Virginia. Very close to Lake Anna, which gets a lot of visitors during the spring and summer.”

  “Well, to be frank, I have never invested in a docking business before. How would this even be worth my time?”

  Will hesitates a second before sliding a sheet of paper across the desk. “This is the income I made last year from docking and renting boats. It was a good year for—”

  “That doesn’t answer my question, Mr. Lewis. This business of yours is not what I usually invest in or even buy. I’m usually into corporate things, not self-made, small businesses such as these. Who’s to say that I won’t lose money doing this? How will I know for sure that remodeling and buying boats won’t just put a dent in my pocket? Boats aren’t cheap. You do realize that?” Kyle asks, leaning back in his chair as he studies the sheet of paper.

  “Well, I can’t assure you that it will, but I will do everything in my power to bring in business. Most people spend hours on boats. Some even book hotels so they can enjoy the scenery of Lake Anna. My son and I have come up with a marketing plan and—”

  “Okay. I’m going to stop you right there.” Kyle holds a firm hand in the air. “I appreciate you taking the time to come and see me, but at the moment, I don’t think an investment in your company would be wise for me. I have never done it before, and I’m not up for the risk of losing money at this time. Perhaps if your numbers pick up, then we can chat a little more about it.”

  Kyle slides the paper back across the desk and Will takes it, disappointed. He stands up and walks to the door but, along the way, he can’t help thinking about all of the debt that has piled up for him.

  Unexpected expenses and bad weather have caused him to take several loans to keep things afloat. He may end up losing the house if he doesn’t act quickly.

  “What if I make a deal with you?” Will asks before he walks out the door.

  Kyle looks up with a quirked brow. “What kind of deal?”

  Will turns back around, clutching the papers in hand. “I couldn’t help overhearing your mother earlier. She said you need to get married soon? Well, I have a daughter, and she’s a very lovely girl. A few years younger than you, but very nice.” Will tucks the papers under his arm quickly and pulls his cell phone out of his back pocket while walking toward the desk. “Look, this is her right here.”

  Kyle studies the image Will shows him, stunned by what he sees. It’s an image of Will’s daughter, Gabrielle Lewis, posing in front of Will’s house. “She’s gorgeous,” Kyle admits as Will sits again.

  “Yes, and she doesn’t date much. She hasn’t had a real boyfriend since eleventh grade.”

  “Is she still a virgin?” Kyle asks, and his face is dead serious.

  “I wouldn’t know,” Will states firmly. “I don’t ask her those kinds of things. She’s in college, though, so I’m not sure if she’s experimented with others.”

  “I won’t bother with her if she isn’t a virgin. I want a woman who is pure—one that I can say is mine without a doubt.”

  Will looks uncomfortable. He lowers the phone and straightens his back. He doesn’t like Kyle’s tone at all, but he knows to tread carefully with him, seeing as he’d still like the opportunity to have an investment.

  “She is not an object, Mr. Moore.”

  “She’s a woman. Aren’t they all?” Kyle laughs, mocking him.

  Will pushes to a stand, clearly fed up. “You know what? Never mind. This is a clear sign to me that I shouldn’t sell my company to a man like you. I’ll take my rejection and be on my way.” Will walks back to the door, his steps much heavier. “Have a good day, Mr. Moore.”

  Will takes off, marching out the door, his blood slightly boiling. When he reaches the elevator, Kyle calls after him.

  Will looks back with a grimace.

  Kyle is standing in the middle of the hallway, a few steps shy of the secretary’s desk. “I was only kidding, Mr. Lewis. Your daughter is quite beautiful.”

  Will simply shakes his head. He doesn’t know whether to believe him or not.

  “You are right about me needing a wife soon. She seems like a great person who could possibly fill that void. When can I meet her?”

  “She deserves better than you,” Will snaps.

  “Well, perhaps, if I like her, I’ll change my mind about investing in your company. As long as she’s nice, I don’t see the harm. My parents expect me to be married within two years, or they’ll hand everything over to some prick who doesn’t even know how to deliver a presentation. If I like her, everything will work out.”

  Will looks away from Kyle, focusing on the tips of his dress shoes. Deep down, by the sudden booming of his heart, he knows this is wrong, but he also knows he has a nice daughter and that Kyle isn’t a bad looking man. Gabrielle has been struggling for months with paying off student loans, and he’s at a point now where he can no longer help her because he’s paying off his own debts.

  She needs help, and all of them could get it from Kyle. For all he knows, they may not even last. Gabby has always focused more on her art and books than boys, but even if she does, what’s the harm? She’d be happy. Debt-free. His whole family would be.

  All he needs is for Kyle to like who she is as a person—which Will has no doubt that he will—and he can have that contract in his hands.

  They could split up later, but even so, his worries would be over, because the contract would be signed and filed for at least a year.

  But little does Will know that he’s about to make one huge mistake—a mistake that will change his daughter’s life forever.

  “She works at Nuni’s by Colegate College,” Will informs Kyle. “She’s there part-time and works every other night.”

  Kyle puts on a smug grin. “If I like her, I’ll consider the deal, Mr. Lewis.” He starts to turn for his office. “You’ll know my answer if you receive a phone call from me. If you don’t, well, I guess it means that I didn’t see her as a great fit.”

  Kyle shuts his office door, and Will sighs, boarding the elevator after pressing the button.

  For the rest of the week, Will tosses and turns in his sleep. There hasn’t been a single phone call from Kyle, and he assumes that Kyle must not have liked his daughter much.

  He can’t understand how he wouldn’t, though. Gabrielle is a sweet girl. She’s friendly and smart and gorgeous, courtesy of her mother.

  But then Sunday night arrives. Will’s phone rings around ten o’ clock that night, and it’s a familiar number he has called dozens of times before, in hopes to schedule a meeting.

  Will takes the call in his backyard, while his wife watches a soap opera on the television in the living room.

  “Your daughter is a catch, Mr. Lewis. I like her a lot,” Kyle murmurs into the phone. “Meet me Tuesday at three. We’ll talk about that investment.”

  Chapter One

  Gabby

  Present

  Sunlight.

  It’s the first thing I see, spilling through the sheer white curtains.

  With a gasp, I shoot up in bed, looking all around me as I press my back to the headboard. My heart races when I realize where I am.

  At first I think it was all a bad dream—that maybe I had imagined all of it. I take a look around the bedroom, panicking, but there is no sign of him.

  My face burns, and when I touch it, it’s unbelievably sore.

  “No,” I whimper. Climbing out of bed, I rush to the bathroom, closing the door behind me as quietly as I can and flipping on the light switch to look into the mirror.

  The reflection staring back at me is horrifying.

  There is a reddish-blue bruise on the left side of my face, surrounding my nose and upper lip. My upper lip is busted and slightly swollen. I’m surprised I don’t need stitches for it.

  I ligh
tly graze the pads of fingers over the tear on my lip while hot tears pool in my eyes.

  “No.” I sob this time. How could he do this to me? Out of all the times he’s grabbed and hit me, he made sure I would be able to hide it, but my face? He’s never hit my face.

  I look down, and it’s now I realize my clothes have been changed. I even smell like soap. With a loud gasp, I back away from the mirror with wide eyes, studying the gown I’m wearing. It’s the same one I wore the first night Kyle hit me—a silky green one I picked up from Victoria’s Secret.

  He changed my clothes. How long was I unconscious?

  I hear footsteps coming up the stairs and I leave the bathroom, scrambling back into the bed.

  The bedroom door is wide open, and Kyle strolls toward it seconds later. My stomach churns when he smiles at me from the door. He has a tray in his hands with food and orange juice on top of it.

  “Finally awake?” He’s still smiling, like this is just another morning. What the fuck? “You were asleep for nearly fourteen hours. Figured you’d be up soon so I went out to get you some breakfast.” He places the tray on my lap, and I look down at the meal. French toast and scrambled eggs, with syrup in a little jar on the side.