Authors: Lynn Montagano
“I told you. All the best the world has to offer.”
Even though I’d known him for a handful of months the staggering reality of his wealth never really registered with me. Yes, his family’s media empire was, well, an empire. He never flaunted his money. Most times he seemed uncomfortable with it. I was slowly being introduced to yet another side to him; Alastair Holden, the filthy rich orphan who had the world on a silk string.
“To answer your question, there is a pool. It’s on the roof and it’s heated. You can swim to your heart’s content. I’ll be more than happy to watch.”
“You’re not going to join me?”
He fidgeted with one of the pillows. “I can’t swim.”
“What?”
He narrowed his eyes. “You heard me.”
I laughed in disbelief. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to laugh but really? This sort of makes you,” I paused, “mortal.”
“What was I before?” he asked dryly. “A demigod?”
I playfully shoved him. “Shut up. I just figured you knew how to do everything. At least that’s the way you present yourself.”
“Sorry to disappoint you,” he chided.
“You could never disappoint me.”
The room imploded with desolation and despair. He retreated back to that horrible place he did last night. My God, he looked so broken and defeated. Not one shred of his control or self-restraint was visible. I’d never seen him more exposed than in this moment. It scared me. His inability to mask the darkness inside him shattered me.
“Alastair,” I whispered.
“After this weekend, you’ll know everything.” His words held none of the melodic beauty from his accent. They fell flat. I didn’t know what he meant by this but figured it had something to do with why he went back to London so abruptly.
Lifting his hand, I kissed the palm and placed it over my heart. “There is nothing you could ever tell me that would change the way I feel about you.”
Wincing, he scowled and shook his head. “You’re so eager to give your love away to me.”
“And you’re so scared to give me yours. It’s a precious gift, Holden. One I don’t give freely and one I would be honored to receive from you. I know you love me. Your actions, the way you touch me, the way you look at me.” I paused, caught in his gaze. “The way you make love to me. You have me, body and soul.”
His eyes widened in fear and revelation. “I can’t…I haven’t said those words in so long,” he admitted in a hoarse whisper. Fixing a glossy-eyed stare on me he wet his lips. I pressed my forehead to his, hoping to soothe him.
“
I love you
.”
The whispered words tickled my ear and floated through my hair like a feather. If it hadn’t been so quiet in the apartment, I probably wouldn’t have heard him. The ferocity of his beating heart vibrated against me as he pulled me closer. I wanted to see him. I had to. Breaking our embrace, I looked at him. Overwhelming fear etched itself across his face. Oh, but those eyes. They burned with love. A quiet, intense calm consumed me.
“I love you, too.”
Relief flooded through him so powerfully he sank into the pillows. “Right then, I survived that.” He sighed.
“Did you really think I’d say anything different back?”
Shrugging, he grinned sheepishly. “Anything is possible.”
“Ugh, you are so infuriating sometimes,” I exclaimed, shoving him onto his back so I could straddle him. “I. Love. You. Get it through that stubborn ginger skull of yours.”
“Put your claws away, kitten. I’m wading into new territory with you. However, and let me make myself crystal clear, you have been eternally etched upon my mind and on my heart since the night we met. That is where life as I now know it began. As far as I’m concerned, it has no end. I loved you before you fell into my arms. I will love you until I take my last breath.”
Captivated by his words and unwavering resolve, I trembled. The skin warmed on my arm as he caressed it slowly.
“Seems I’ve found a way to make you speechless, Meyers.”
“It won’t—”
With great quickness and agility, Alastair flipped me onto my back, straddled me and pinned my arms against the floor. “You were saying?”
“Always have to be on top, don’t you?” I grinned salaciously.
“Figuratively? Yes. With you? Frequently.”
“Control freak.”
A lopsided grin spread easily, brightening his face. “I haven’t heard any complaints so far.”
“I’d like to log my first, then.”
“Would you?” He lifted an eyebrow. “By all means. Far be it for me to have a dissatisfied customer.”
I wriggled out of his grasp and sat up. He knelt in front of me, leveling an amused stare in my direction. The change in his demeanor from just a few minutes ago was lightning fast. Determined to keep things light and playful, I grinned.
“My boyfriend—”
“You have a boyfriend?”
“I do.”
“That’s a shame. I rather fancy you. Break up with him.”
I laughed. “Can’t do that.”
“No? Maybe you need some convincing.” He leaned forward and planted a lush, wet kiss on my mouth. “Change your mind yet?”
“Sorry, mate.”
“Wow.” His hearty laugh filled the room. “You’re stuck on him, then? Who is this wanker?”
I scooted closer to him, wrapping my arms around his waist. “He is my best friend, the other half of my heart, the love of my life and the best shag this side of the Atlantic.”
“He sounds like a lucky man,” he said, nuzzling his nose against mine.
“He is.”
“Your modesty is earth shattering.”
“Shut up and kiss me.”
“Ah, you’re a bossy one. He can have you then.”
Smiling, I shoved my fingers through his hair and pulled his mouth to mine. Our lips moved together effortlessly.
“We should eat the pizza before it gets cold,” he said, nibbling on my neck.
“I’m not hungry.”
“Stop the presses.” Cocking his head to the side, he grinned. “Best shag this side of the Atlantic?”
All talk of food ceased. Skipping dinner had never been so much fun.
* * *
The coffee shop bustled with people popping in for an after work caffeine jolt. I sat at one of the small tables waiting for Rachel to arrive. She’d left me half a dozen messages throughout the day so I figured it would be best to get this annoyance out of the way. I crossed my legs carefully, mindful of the delicious soreness lingering between them. Last night’s dinner date still had me floating on cloud nine.
Humid air swirled through the cafe as Rachel walked through the doors. She saw me and made her way over to the table.
“Thanks for meeting with me,” she breathed, sitting down. Her usual confidence seemed shaken.
“Sure.”
Tucking a strand of dark brown hair behind her ear, she leaned forward. “When was the last time you spoke to Nathan Greyson?”
“Shouldn’t you know,” I lashed out. “That’s what you’re getting paid for, right?”
Taken aback by my animosity, Rachel frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“Oh please. I’ve known about this little arrangement all along. Don’t play dumb with me.”
“I really have no idea what you’re talking about. Those photos of you with him at dinner were emailed to me anonymously. You know, like a tip. I only ran the story because I’d seen you out with him the week before.” A little smirk crossed her glossy lips. “If you date high profile men, expect to see yourself in the gossip columns.”
I sipped my iced coffee, processing what she’d said.
“Listen,” she continued, “your love life isn’t a high priority on my list of things. I wanted to talk to you about something else. So when was the last time you talked to Senator Greyson’s son?”
“Why does it matter?”
“Nobody has seen or heard from him since last week. As far as I know, you’re the last person he was with.”
My mind raced as I worked hard to keep a neutral expression on my face. Nathan’s whereabouts weren’t a major concern of mine but if he’d fallen off the radar…
“I don’t know what to tell you,” I shrugged. “He sat with me at the restaurant for a few minutes then left. I was having dinner with a friend. He took it upon himself to sit down when she went to the bathroom.”
“Oh. I was under the impression it was something more.”
I snorted. “Of course you were. That anonymous tip you got was chock full of facts, wasn’t it?”
Sitting up a little straighter, Rachel regained some of her confidence. “I don’t appreciate being in the middle of whatever feud you have with your ex. He tells me one thing, you tell me another. I get anonymous emails daily from God knows who enticing me with some huge scandal that involves you.”
She stopped short, aware that she’d let something slip. I froze, unable to tame the erratic beating of my heart.
“What are you talking about?”
The only response I received was a shake of her head. Panic closed my throat, cutting off the necessary flow of oxygen.
“Someone has it out for you, Lia. I don’t know who it is or what they have but they seem to think it’ll destroy you.”
I sat in the cafe long after Rachel left trying to get my thoughts under control. The first thing I had to do was find Nathan. It certainly wasn’t like him to drop off the face of the earth like this. As I gathered my belongings, I noticed Paxton keeping a watchful eye on me by the entrance.
This isn’t going to be easy
.
I walked out into the wall of humidity and made my way back to the station. Paxton was no doubt following me on foot. He’d parked the SUV in a small public lot across from my building and probably sat there all day. My car was still at home, thanks to Alastair’s proclamation that I had to be driven to and from work every day.
Air conditioning slammed against my heated skin in welcome relief when I walked into the main lobby. My reprieve was brief though.
“Lia.”
Alastair’s voice echoed through the expansive atrium. His presence dominated all the other sights and sounds that surrounded us. I gritted my teeth, mentally preparing for what I had to do.
“Hey.”
“Is something wrong?” he asked, tilting my chin up.
“No. I need a favor.”
He lifted a brow. “What kind of favor?”
“I need to go to Windermere.” I stared at him, searching for a reaction. He narrowed his eyes but remained expressionless. “I need to go on my own.”
“No,” he responded flatly.
“Yes, Alastair,” I said as calmly as I could. “I won’t be long.”
People were milling about the lobby, slowly walking toward the exit. The acoustics in this place would make for one hell of a show if I raised my voice. I had to work really hard to keep my emotions in check. It wasn’t easy when a suspicious, stony glare was being leveled in my direction.
“Paxton will take you.”
“He can’t. I have to go by myself.”
“Where exactly is it that you’re going?” he asked in menacingly calm tone.
“The Greyson estate.”
I said it so matter-of-factly I think it shocked both of us. For a split second I thought he might lose his cool. A tremor of anger streaked through his statuesque façade. We stood smack dab in the middle of the atrium, eyes locked in determination.
Placing my hands on his chest, I leaned closer. “It’s a gated community. They know me and my car. Showing up with Paxton will only delay—”
“I’m coming with you,” he snapped.
“No, you’re not.”
His chest rose in a deep, heavy sigh as he fought to remain in control. My only saving grace at the moment was the fact we were standing in a very public place. Locking his fingers around my wrists, he pushed them down in a firm, slow motion. “We’re not doing this here. Come with me.”
I let him lead me out to the small lot and climbed into the SUV. Silence flooded the interior as Paxton drove through the evening traffic. Apprehension and displeasure seeped from Alastair no matter how hard he fought to keep it locked behind his shield. I reached over and placed my hand on his thigh. The muscle twitched.
“I know you hate this. So do I. I promise, this will be the one and only time I have to go there.”
Deftly unbuckling his seatbelt and sliding closer to me, Alastair forced me to look at him. His fingers pressed into the flesh of my cheeks. “Why are you running to him?”
“I’m not,” I whimpered, unable to concentrate under the irate jade glow in his eyes. “I would never.”
Seeing him swathed in a possessive, jealous rage triggered my disdain and repulsion for men who behaved this way. I wasn’t helping matters by adding fuel to his inferno.
“Tell. Me. Why,” he ordered.
Holding that stare was not easy. As angry as he was I could also see his fear. “Rachel, the tabloid reporter, was being paid to follow me. Or so he claimed. He says he knows who’s paying her. I just want this whole thing to go away.”
“Who is it?”
Panic streaked through me, paralyzing my heart. I couldn’t say it.
“Amelia, tell me.”
Tears sprang from the corners of my eyes. They burned my cheeks in their rapid descent. “Your uncle,” I whispered, nearly choking on the hot lump stuck in my throat.
Alastair released my face, exhaling as though he’d been punched in the gut. The onslaught of emotion was short-lived. Steeling his feral gaze, he turned his attention toward Paxton. “Drop her off at her flat then take me to the hotel.” He looked at me. “You are not to go anywhere, do you understand?”
“But I—”
“Do not argue with me,” he shouted. “For fuck’s sake Lia, do as I say for once.”
Emotionally drained, I sank back into the leather seat and rode the rest of the way to my apartment silent. An unbearable weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t relieved to have finally told him. Running my eyes over his immobile exterior, I studied the lines of his profile. He was unreachable. He kept his eyes fused to the back of the driver’s seat. His only movement was a slight fidgeting with his cufflinks.
I reached out to touch him, wanting to feel him against me. His body stiffened before I made contact. Pulling my hand away, I rested my head against the window and closed my eyes.
I’d lost him to thoughts only he could see.