50 Shades of Drake 5 and 6

Chapter One

    Everywhere Destiny looked, there was white. Pristine, fresh snow sparkled on top of just about every surface in view. She drew her faux fur coat tighter around her frame, using the fluffy material to ward off the cold. A pair of designer shades covered her eyes, and a hat with a floppy brim was pulled down low on her forehead. She followed Aubrey to the limousine parked at the curb and turned to look up at the Toronto condo building that had become home.

    "Make sure the jet is fueled and ready to go by the time we get there," Aubrey said into the cell phone he held at his ear.

    The limousine driver held open the back door for them. A waft of warm air came rushing at them from inside of the dark car.

    Aubrey used his free hand to gesture for Destiny to get in the car first. He took a hold of her hand and assisted her inside. "One hour, two hours max," he said into the cell phone. "A storm is coming in. I want to make sure we beat it so there are no delays. In the trunk, yes. Mostly hers. I have a lot of clothes and shit at the house. I brought the stuff that I really need, like my laptop. Briefcase and business files. Yeah."

    Destiny lowered into the limousine and scooted over so he could sit. She stared out of the window and at the cars whizzing past them.

    Aubrey got into the car.

    The tall, slender limousine driver made sure that Aubrey was in, then closed the door. He walked around to the back of the car and closed the trunk before climbing into the driver's seat.

    Aubrey's phone calls were endless. Back to back. Business executives who worked at Graham Enterprises, his mother, and even a few of his friends checked in.

    The limousine carried them through the city of Toronto. For the entire trip, Destiny remained quiet. Her cell phone vibrated in the pocket of her coat, but she didn't check the messages coming in. Her desire to speak to anyone, for the past several months, had been minimal, to say the least.

    The familiar scenery of the city gave way to more rural elements. Trees and fields covered in snow lined the road.

    Destiny's throat grew tight as she glanced at the farmland they were passing. She felt tears gathering at the corner of her eyes.

    Aubrey settled a comforting arm around her shoulders. "This change of pace will be good for us," he said, holding the phone away from his mouth.

    She nodded. He was probably right. A change of pace was what the doctor ordered.

    The limousine turned onto a gravel drive and drove through an open gate. More sparkling snow atop grass and gravestones.

    Destiny laid her head on Aubrey's shoulder, overcome by sadness.

    "Are you sure about this?" he asked her.

    "I have to," she said as the limousine pulled to a stop.

    The door at her elbow was pulled open. The gray-haired limousine driver offered her his arm.

    She sat up straight, grabbed onto the driver's arm, and rose out of the car.

    Aubrey opened the door at his right elbow and stood out of the car.

    She looked at him over the top of the car. "I have to do this alone."

    His brows furrowed, and a concerned look entered his eyes.

    "Please?"

    He looked past her, towards the gravestones. Then he slowly nodded. "Okay. I'll be right here. Call me if you need me?"