Devious Little Lies (23 page)

Chapter Thirty-Seven

The bathroom was nicer than she’d expected in a place like this. White marble countertops and large vanity mirrors with stalls that were actually clean. There was even a small sitting area with a white couch in the corner. Standing in front of one of the large vanity mirrors in front of the sink, she braced herself against it and fought the urge to put her fist through the glass mirror.

“Get a hold of yourself.”

That was easier said than done. Though she’d told herself that it was just a night of hot sex between her and Shane, she was lying. It meant more than that. Blowing out a breath of frustration, she heard something behind her. Looking up and into the mirror her eyes met hazel ones.

Shane.

“Rena.”

“So you remember my name,” she said with dripping sarcasm.

He took a step forward. “Of course I do. Why would you even say something like that?”

Turning around she faced him, folding her arms. “Maybe it’s because of the way you were looking at your little girlfriend out there.”

He laughed and she wanted to hit him.

“I’m glad you think this is funny. It shows what kind of man you really are.”

The laughter stopped and his face clouded over. Reaching behind him without even looking he locked the door before he moved across the room and grabbed her.

“The kind of man I am. Tell me, Rena, what kind of man is that?”

“A man who parades a whore who looks a lot like the woman he was just sleeping with right in front of her.”

His hands on her wrists tightened and he shook her. “Listen to me. Brielle is not my girlfriend. I would never be interested in her or any other woman.”

“Then what the hell are you doing with her, Shane? Trying to make me jealous?”

“I had no idea you would even be here, Rena.”

Her anger deflated a little. He was right. They hadn’t seen or spoken to one another since the morning Tricia had caught them together over a week ago. She was being stupid and even worse, old and jealous. The girl was probably half her age. Of course he’d be into her no matter what he said.

“You’re right. Just forget what I said.”

She tried to move away but he didn’t let her go. He released her wrists and slid his hands down and around her waist.

“I can’t forget. If I could I wouldn’t be here right now.”

“Shane…”

“Do you miss me, Rena?”

“Please, let’s not do this.”

“No, we are doing this. I’m tired of you running from us, from what you feel for me.”

“I have to.”

“Why? Huh? Tell me what’s really holding you back and I don’t want to hear about your husband or Tricia because we both know that’s not the truth.”

He was staring at her, eyes blazing and daring her to tell a lie. She wanted to because it would be so easy to tell another lie. She’d become so good at telling them lately that they were starting to become her truth but she was tired of lying. She needed a ray of honesty in her life before she drowned in darkness and lies.

“I’m afraid.”

Two words. Now that she’d spoken them out loud it felt as if a small weight had removed itself from her chest.

The corner of his mouth tilted. “Now we’re getting somewhere. Go on.”

He pressed a kiss to the side of her neck and she quivered.

“Fine. I admit that seeing you with another woman made me jealous. It’s like an insult to injury that she sort of looks like me on top of everything else.”

Smiling his hands cupped her ass. A slow pulsing ache was starting between her legs. Being so close to him was not a good idea but she didn’t want to move. Not now.

“You don’t know jealousy. Jealous is when you want to pulverize any man in the same vicinity of the woman you want. Jealous is being envious of every breath the woman of your dreams takes without your name on her lips.”

She cleared her throat. “And is that what you feel about me?”

“Every second of every day.”

“Then why are you here with her?”

“We work at the same accounting firm and our boss sent us out here to see what the pulse was at this place and if it would be worth taking on as a client. We met with the owners earlier.”

Rena nodded, thinking about what he’d just said. Unlike everyone else in her world, Shane had a nine-to-five. He was a law abiding private citizen unlike her.

“And how did that go?”

“Honestly I’m not too keen on this place myself. Clubs like this are a dime a dozen, but Brielle likes it.”

“I’m not surprised. She doesn’t look like she has any idea what real class is.”

“Trust me, she doesn’t. She’s not you, Rena.”

His eyes were soft and they were so close together that his cock was digging into her, reminding her of everything she’d been missing.

“Why didn’t you call?” she asked.

“You made it pretty clear that whatever we had was over.”

“But you’re here now. Why?”

He took a step away from her, running a hand up and down her neck.

“I had every intention of staying away from you, but the moment I saw you I just couldn’t. I can’t turn off the feelings I have for you. I’ve tried to, but it’s not that easy. A man can’t forget a woman like you.”

“I’m not as special as you think I am, Shane. I’m just a woman. A flawed woman with ugly secrets that would send you running for the hills.”

“Do you really think you can scare me off so easily? I’ve risked my life for you. Killed for you without batting an eye. There’s nothing you could tell me that would make me want to walk away from you.”

His words were noble and she wanted to believe them. In all the misery and disappointment that was her life she wanted a spark of happiness. She needed it before she died completely inside, but she had to know if he really meant what he said.

“I’m a murderer.”

Shane smirked. “Of course you are. You murdered my heart the moment I set eyes on you.”

“I’m not joking. I’ve done things, terrible things.”

“Haven’t we all, Rena?”

“Not like what I’ve done, Shane. Being with me will turn your soul black.”

Rubbing a hand across his smooth shaven face he regarded her from beneath hooded eyes.

“Maybe I’d rather have a black soul than be without you, Rena. I don’t care about your past. I don’t care what deep, dark secret you think you have that is going to scare me away. I don’t care. I just want you.”

Tears formed in her eyes and she blinked them back so they wouldn’t fall. What he’d just said to her was like something out of a romance novel that women read and sighed over. But it wasn’t just a line. She could tell from the way he was staring at her as if the sun and moon set on her.

“I’ve dreamed about being someone’s number one and only,” she whispered.

“You don’t have to dream anymore, Rena. If you let me, I’ll make that a reality.”

Shane held out his hand and she stared at it. He wanted her to take a leap of faith and give him her trust and her heart. Tendrils of fear laced through her heart.
What if the age gap is too much? What if he loses interest? What about business?
As unanswered questions ran through her mind, their eyes met. Taking a deep breath, she took his hand and went into his arms. When his lips descended on hers, her heart sang. Come hell or high water, she was going down this path without looking back.

* * * * *

He didn’t know what kind of excuse she’d made but an hour and a half after their encounter, Shane was standing in front of her door with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. He could hear her footsteps approaching and he tugged at his collar. This was the moment he’d been waiting for and he didn’t want to screw things up. He wanted to give Rena all the happiness she’d been missing. When she opened the door he was nearly forced to take a step back.

“Wow,” he said stupidly.

She smiled like the siren she was and crooked her finger for him to come inside. He didn’t hesitate. The thin black material of the robe she was wearing left little to the imagination and he grew hard. The black kitten heels she wore did wonders to show off her toned, well-proportioned thighs.

“Like what you see?” she asked.

He nodded and handed her the flowers. “These are for you.”

She took them from him with a wide smile on her face. Bringing the flowers to her nose she inhaled.

“How did you know?” she asked.

“What?”

“That I love white roses.”

“Some things you just know.”

“That’s beautiful, Shane, and so are these roses. Thank you.”

Stepping forward she gave him a quick kiss on the lips before motioning for him to follow her. As Rena walked, his eyes dropped to her round bottom that moved enticingly in front of him. Stopping, she placed the roses on a countertop inside the kitchen. Turning to him her eyes were dark and sultry. As Rena licked her lips, he watched her, waiting to see what she would do next.

“Are we alone?” he asked.

“Of course. I sent Cesare home. Told him I needed a little time to myself, but what I really needed was you.”

He raised a brow. “Is that so?”

“Yes,” she said reaching for the flimsy sash holding her robe closed.

He watched riveted as she untied it slowly before grabbing the sides of her robe and pulling it from her body. As it pooled at her feet his throat was dry. Venus had just arisen. Rena stood naked in front of him and he couldn’t stop looking at her breasts, thick curves, and bare pussy. She was so beautiful he wanted to drop to his knees and pay her homage like the goddess she was.

“Do you need me, Shane?” she asked while twirling a lock of her hair.

“Yes,” he nearly growled.

“Do you want me?”

She cupped her breasts and his cock stood straight up in his pants.

“More than my next breath.”

“Then come and get me.”

With those words spoken he was on her. There was nothing sweet or tender about their coming together now. Their lips hungrily devoured each other. With her breasts pressing against him, his body was a raging vortex that could only be soothed by having her. Pulling up his shirt, their lips were forced apart for just a moment as she pulled it up over his head. Her kiss tasted like strawberries and candy, delicious and forbidden. Before she could stop him he was lifting her onto the kitchen island and laying her down. She reached for him but he pinned her hands above her head.

“Spread your legs.”

With a gleam in her eye, she obeyed and he groaned. Desire for him already glistened between her thighs. The beautiful pink pearl that was the seat of her desire was engorged and ready for his attention. He wanted to worship at her fountain.

“Shane.”

He could hear the need in her voice and smell the scent of her arousal. It was heady and intoxicating and there was no reason to deny himself any longer. Burying his face between her spread thighs he licked and slurped at her, greedy for whatever she would give him. Her moans filled the kitchen and he grew harder for her. He moved back and forth sucking the lips of her gorgeous pussy to the hot pink nugget that pulsed in his mouth every time he sucked it.

Her legs flailed wildly as he pleasured her. Releasing her hands he grabbed Rena beneath her thighs and lifted her up closer to his mouth. She gyrated against him and he glanced up to see her watching him. There were tears in her eyes. He speared her with his tongue and her head fell back against the counter as a scream erupted from her throat. Her walls clamped around his tongue holding him tight as her body released a wave of hot sweetness.

“Damn. Damn.”

Rena’s body shook and then she relaxed. Withdrawing his tongue he kissed his way up her thighs before circling her bellybutton with the tip of his tongue. She grabbed for him.

“You taste so damn sweet.”

“I want you now. Please.”

She looked beyond sexy lying there completely eager for him. His eyes roved to her breasts waiting like sweet fruit to be plucked.

“Shane, you can have those later. Fuck me now.”

“I like a woman in charge.”

Quickly he divested himself of his clothes and jerked her body towards him and entered her in one smooth glide. He was buried all the way inside her. Positioning Rena’s legs over his shoulders he took what was his. Pulling all the way out before slamming back into her, her breasts bounced as he pounded her body.

“Oh fuck me, Shane.”

His pace increased in response to her cry and he lost himself. She gripped him as if they were made for each other. Reaching between them he found her clit and gave it a hard twist. Her walls held him like a vice as a scream of pleasure erupted from her throat. More wetness coated his cock and he was so close his balls ached. Slipping and sliding he moved from left to right inside her, until he finally reached nirvana.

His legs wobbled and it was all he could do to remain upright. Releasing Rena’s legs, he leaned over her to rest his head on her breasts. They stayed entangled and spent from their passion. When she touched his hair, he raised his head to look at her.

“The things you do should be declared illegal in all fifty states,” she said.

“That good, huh?”

“You know it. Now how about taking me upstairs and showing me what else I’ve been missing?”

“Always happy to oblige a lady.”

Raising himself, he helped her down from the island. Smiling, her arms wrapped around him and he picked her up, carrying her towards the stairs and the renewed flames of desire that awaited them.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Water cascaded down her body. A body that had been so well loved the past few days she didn’t know how she’d ever gone so long without being made love to. Her body craved Shane’s touch, his kiss, his cock inside her. Her nipples tightened thinking about him. Everything was different with Shane.

Her first relationship had been with Tricia’s father and she’d fallen for him partly because of what she thought he represented…an escape from the tough life she’d had. Yes, she’d loved him but there had never been stars in her eyes or butterflies in her stomach. She’d never been in love with him. It was amazing how many revelations you had when you looked back over your life.

And her dear sweet snake of a husband, Tony, had come into her life and made her fall in love. The power and prestige that came with him, his attentiveness and so many things helped to crack her walls. She’d gotten excited every time he’d entered a room. While she’d allowed him to woo and marry her, things between them had never been carefree. In the back of her mind, a part of her always wondered if there would be a shoe that dropped. She didn’t feel like that about Shane.

Turning off the water she got out of the shower and dried herself off before blow-drying her hair. Whenever she was with Shane she didn’t have to constantly remind herself to make sure her guard was up or play coy. For the first time in her life she could be comfortable in her own skin and it was amazing. It was like…no, she wasn’t going to go that far. Not yet. Though she was enjoying every moment she and Shane spent together she was in no hurry to commit herself to anything.

The timing wasn’t the greatest. Everywhere she went she was being followed. Even though they tried to be subtle about it, she’d been in the lifestyle long enough to know when something was up. Besides, unmarked Crown Victoria’s were well-known undercover cars. Rena wasn’t sure what they hoped to accomplish because other than a shopping trip and visiting her boutique she hadn’t left the house.

Something had to give because she still had an empire to run and would-be assassins to take down. Though the streets were quiet, nothing could stifle the flow of information completely and now she finally had some. All she needed now was some breathing room to make a move and once she had that holy hell was going to break loose.

* * * * *

Shane was in love and there was no way to deny it or pretend it was something else. He’d really fucked up. The first time he’d looked into her eyes, he should have known that he would be pulled in and unable to remain objective. He lost that the moment she’d let her guard down and showed her secret pain. In that moment of sheer vulnerability he’d fallen for her in a way he’d never fallen for another woman. He hated the conflict in his soul between what was right and the desires of his heart, but there was no way to separate himself.

He kicked the bedpost. He was a walking time bomb, ready to erupt at the slightest provocation. Hell, who was he kidding? He didn’t need to be provoked because he was already there, ready to go nuclear. Lucky for him there was no one the wiser about what was going on in his head or his heart. To them he was just another worker, doing what he was hired to do—take down one Underworld figure at a time.

But that was not what he saw when he looked at her and that was what made her so dangerous. Eyes of a siren, smile of an angel, and the body of a goddess with a black soul no one would ever see. Except he’d seen it and he knew firsthand that behind that smile was a woman who would do whatever was necessary to protect what she held near and dear. But she was protecting the wrong thing and now he had no choice but to make sure that the next sting went off without a hitch. The director wanted Rena Rosetti’s head on a silver platter and he had no choice but to deliver no matter what it took.

* * * * *

Who knew sneaking around would be her new norm? Rena had done her best to keep Cesare occupied by sending him out to handle any business she couldn’t be associated with right now. Though there was not much he really could do right now, he would be busy enough for her to enjoy a rendezvous with Shane. Eschewing a luxury ride for a nondescript taxi, she was doing her best to be incognito. A black, wide-brimmed hat covered her head and enormous dark Gucci sunglasses hid most of her face. She looked just like another Vegas tourist, instead of the mob queen running it.

Taking a quick look around her to be sure that she was not followed, she stepped through the doors of the Aria Resort and Casino. People were everywhere but no one paid attention to her. Walking up to the front desk she gave the attendant the name she and Shane had agreed on. He handed her the key and pointed her in the direction of the room. Excitement made her steps speed up and five minutes later she was putting the key into the lock of their room. When she opened the door she was nearly blown away.

White roses were everywhere. White petals on the floor, large vases of roses lined either side of the wall. In the middle of the room was a glass table. White candles sat in a circle on the table and standing in front of it all was Shane, holding a white rose between his teeth. She couldn’t stifle her laughter. Locking the door behind her before she removed her sunglasses and hat she walked over to him and removed the rose from between his lips.

“I needed that laugh today.”

“I was trying to be romantic.”

“Oh it was, romantically funny,” she told him.

Smiling, he pulled her into his arms. “I heard laughter is the way into a woman’s heart.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Hmm. It’s one of the ways.”

He raised a brow. “Just one. What are the others?”

“I can’t tell you that. You’re supposed to know, but I will say you’re off to a wonderful start.”

“You like the roses?”

“I love them. Everything looks beautiful.”

Shane shook his head. “It’s nothing compared to you.”

He knew just what to say. Leaning forward she kissed him. He tasted of peppermint. Already she felt his manhood rising against her so she was surprised when he broke the kiss.

“Why did you stop?”

Stroking her face he smiled. “I don’t want you to think that every time we’re together, I just want your body. I want more than that, Rena.”

“Is there anything wrong with you just wanting my body?”

“Yes. Now come to the bedroom. I want to talk to you about something.”

He took her hand and led her towards the bedroom and she followed wondering what was on his mind.

* * * * *

Lying in bed with her in his arms, all was right in his world. Her eyes were on him waiting to hear what he had to say. Shane knew that Rena expected for him to ravish her and leave her weak in the knees but he needed to unburden himself. Life had a funny way of making you put things in perspective and he didn’t want to miss the chance to share what was in his heart.

“Shane?”

He was distracted from his thoughts as she took his hand and cupped one of her breasts through the see-through red lace of her bra. His cock swelled as her nipple puckered.

“Stop trying to distract me.”

Her lips formed a pout before she laughed. Smiling, he ran his fingers through her thick curls. He loved to hear her laugh when she was with him. It was as if he was the most important man in the world because he could make her happy.

“Do you really think I bought this sexy lingerie for nothing?” she asked.

Deciding to play her game, he twisted and tugged on her nipple. She groaned.

“No. I’m positive you bought it for me and I promise I’ll unwrap you like the gift you are as soon as I’ve said a few things,” he told her.

“Okay. Shoot.”

“I’m in love with you.”

Her eyes stretched and she moved from the circle of his arms. She was suddenly rigid as a board.

“Why would you say something like that?”

He frowned. “Because it’s true.”

Bringing her hands together she exhaled a breath. “Let’s backtrack a little bit. It hasn’t been that long since you were dating my daughter. Now you’re saying you’re in love with me. That’s kind of a big leap to make for you and me.”

“Some things you just can’t rationalize, Rena. I liked Tricia. I thought she was a great girl, but there was never any fire between us like there is with you and me. That’s why us just agreeing to be friends wasn’t such a big deal.”

“But couldn’t what you feel for me, just be lust, Shane? I mean statistics say a woman in her forties and a man in his twenties are both at their sexual peaks. It could just be the amazing sex we’ve been having that’s making you think that way.”

He wasn’t surprised that she was trying to rationalize this. Still, he couldn’t help but be a tad hurt that she didn’t think he knew his own mind.

“I’m not some adolescent school boy with his first woman. Do I lust for you? Hell yes. Every night I dream about taking you to bed and making you scream my name. But when I wake up, all I think about is what else I can do to make you happy, to show you how special you are. Why can’t you just accept that?”

Licking her lips, she moved closer to him. “I want to. I want to open my heart to you in a way I’ve never opened it to another man, but this is all new to me. Hell, I’m still married.”

“In name only,” he reminded her.

She nodded in agreement. “That’s true, but I never imagined myself becoming involved with someone else, period, much less while still married. And here you are making me break all my rules, making me feel like it might finally be okay for someone like me to be loved, really loved. I’m terrified.”

“You don’t have to be scared, Rena. I just want to love you, for however long you’ll let me. I know things between us aren’t ideal, but when love comes you don’t push it away because it doesn’t come how you thought it should.”

He stroked her cheek as she looked at him. He hadn’t asked her to declare her love for him. He just wanted for her to accept that what he felt for her was as real as anything could ever be.

“You shouldn’t love me,” she finally whispered. “There’s so much you don’t know.”

“Then tell me,” he said undaunted.

She shook her head. “I can’t. Not right now.”

“Let me prove my love to you.”

His hand slid from her face down the curve of her neck to the soft valley between her breasts. Rena’s eyes followed his hand as he softly touched her breasts.

“How?”

“By killing the woman who slept with your husband.”

Her hands flew to her face before she slapped him.

“Are you crazy?”

“Hardly.”

“Shane, you’re an accountant for Pete’s sake, not a hitman.”

“It doesn’t matter. When you love someone you do whatever it takes to make them happy and I’m certain knowing that whore no longer walked this earth would put you over the moon.”

Her eyes were wide and while she was distracted he deftly reached around and unsnapped her bra. Pulling the lacy confection from her arms he leaned down and took one of her nipples into his mouth.

“She has children.”

He stopped suckling. “I know. I would never hurt them.”

Returning his attention to her nipples he waited for her response. Rena’s fingertips lightly touched his shoulders as she arched forward thrusting her breast deeper into his mouth.

“As much as I hate her, I think I hate my husband more. He’s the one who betrayed me and broke my heart. He’s the one who deserves to pay for what he did to me.”

Raising his head from his enjoyable task he looked her square in the eyes. “If it can be done, do you want your husband dead?”

Now was the moment of truth. How deep was the pain Tony had inflicted on her? Was she ready to move on and accept the love he had for her?

“Yes.”

One point for him. His hands cupped her breasts.

“Do you believe that I love you?”

Her eyes darkened as he stroked her. Shane knew he wasn’t playing fair and he didn’t care. Her nipples puckered in his hands as she exhaled and smiled.

“Yes.”

His heart rate sped up. His hands moved to her waist and he pulled her closer until their chests were touching.

“Can I love you now?”

“Always.”

Gently forcing her on her back his heart smiled. She was his and only his. Everything else in the world could wait. With an eagerness he’d never felt from Rena she kissed him back. And then a loud boom filled the room and Shane was ripped away from her as she screamed.