Darkest Desire (17 page)
Authors: Tawny Taylor
“Dammit.”
“Do us all a favor and stay where you are.”
He heard Malek grumble something under his breath. “What do you know about the woman floating in the pool?”
“I've known her for almost a year. But I'll admit, I don't know as much about her as I should have. Obviously. I'll be spending today seeing what I can get on her. I'm guessing she's Chimera too.”
“If she is, then we need to be extremely cautious. They aren't as disabled by Uncle Bob's death as we thought. What about the bastard with the gun?”
“Name's Will Canfield. Supposedly works for the security company Drako hired. He came over here to tell me Dickerson was dirty, made a copy of the house key.”
“Hmmm. That sounds suspicious, too. Maybe Canfield and the dead woman were working together?”
“Maybe,” Talen agreed. “If they were, then the arrangement didn't work out so good for Yvette. I definitely won't let my guard down again. Nobody steps foot in this house until I've personally run a full background check on them.”
“I have a feeling you'll need to do more than that.”
Talen knew what was coming next. He didn't want to think about it, but like every other aspect of their job, he'd been prepared for the eventuality of a move. Prepared, but always hopeful it wouldn't come to that.
For one thing, a move would leave them completely vulnerable until they'd reached their new home.
“You know, maybe Drako was on the right track,” Talen said, thinking out loud. “Maybe we should go on the offensive, hunt down those pieces of shit and put a stop to them for once and for all. I mean, what do we have to lose?”
“Talen, don't do anything we'll all regret.”
“Worst case, I dieâ”
“And there's nobody there to . . . water the plants.”
“Fuck.” Talen shoved his fingers through his hair. Malek was right, dammit. Naturally, watering the plants wasn't exactly what he'd meant. But they couldn't take any chances. For all he knew, Dickerson had planted some bugs when he'd been in the house, pretending to protect Malek.
“I'll do what I can from here,” Malek said. “It's time to make the move.”
“Shit. Okay. I'll call when I'm ready.” He cut off the call.
He had a hell of a lot of work to do in the next few days. First thingâfind some stiffs.
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Malek had no idea what he was going to say. But he wasn't a pussy. Lei deserved to know what was about to happen. She deserved to know more than that, but he couldn't risk telling her everything.
He'd spent all night rehearsing what he'd say. Hadn't slept at all. It was morning now, just after nine. He figured she was up by now, rumpled and still sleepy, thoroughly sexy. But awake. He knocked again. This time he heard a soft rustle, the muffled rhythmic thump of footsteps approaching.
The door swung open.
Malek's heart slammed against his breastbone.
She looked exactly as he'd pictured, and still he could barely breathe. Her eyes were hooded, her hair sexy, mussed. And she smelled so damn good he couldn't help licking his lips. “What?” she snapped.
“I need to talk to you.”
“What now?”
“It's important.”
Her gaze narrowed. She stared him down for a handful of stuttering heartbeats, then stepped aside. “Fine.”
As he meandered into her room, she put as much space between them as possible, standing clear across the room, next to the closet. He ventured deeper inside. “I'd prefer not shouting across the room.”
She smacked her arms over her chest but didn't retreat when he moved closer. “Malek, I'm so done with all the drama.”
“This has nothing to do with April or with my marriage.”
“Oh.” She plopped down on the chair behind her and looked up at him.
“You remember what happened this summer?”
“How could I forget? Rin was kidnapped by some psycho. You and Talen and Drako were almost killed when you tried to rescue her. Why are you bringing that up now?” Her face paled. “Did something happen to Rin again?”
“No, she's safe. That's the primary reason why Drako took her out of the country, to keep her safe.”
“From what? You told me that guy was killed.”
“He was.”
“So, does this have to do with me? With those bastardsâ”
“No, none of this is your fault.” He reached for her, but when she flinched, he pulled his hands back. “Please, I don't want you feeling guilty for something that has nothing to do with you.”
She threw her hands into the air. “Then what ...?”
“You won't be going back to school. It isn't safe.”
Her expression darkened. “What do you mean? Is it because of all those dead girls?”
“No, the house was broken into last night. Talen was almost killed.”
“I don't understand.”
“I wish I could explain everything, but the less you know, the better.”
“Okay. That's enough.” Jaw clenched tightly, she stomped toward him, stopping a couple of feet away. “We've been attacked. Rin was kidnapped. You three seem fairly unfazed by it all, and you don't like to involve the police ...are you spies?”
“No.”
“Federal agents? FBI? CIA?”
“No.”
“Criminals? Gangsters?” she asked.
“Not that, either.”
“Were you witnesses to some crime? In a witness protectionâ”
“It doesn't matter why we have to make some changes,” he interrupted. “What you need to understand is that we will be taking new identities. Me, my brothers, and your sister. I'm also suggesting you do, too. If you don't want toâat this point, you have a choiceâwe can take you anywhere you'd like to go and drop you off. And that would be it. The last time you will see us or your sister again.”
“What?” Her pretty features twisted. Her eyes widened. Her face paled. “What the hell is going on? This is crazy. Who does that? Takes new identities and dumps family members by the side of the road?”
“I realize it sounds strange, but it's absolutely necessary. We have to get a new start. Nobody can know where we've gone or what our new identities are. It's as much for Rin's safety as ours.”
“I don't know what to say.”
“I should tell you, if you do decide to come with us, your death will be faked. And everyone you knew will believe you are dead. Including your family.”
Lei stared down at the floor. She didn't move. Didn't speak.
“You can have some time to think about it.”
“How much?”
Malek shrugged. “A week, maybe? It's going to take some time to make all the arrangements.”
“None of this makes sense.” She wouldn't look at him. And that nearly killed him. All he wanted was to pull her into his arms and promise her that everything would be okay if she'd just trust him. But he couldn't.
Frustrated and sad, he started toward the door.
“What about April? What will you tell her? And Brent? What about him?”
“Brent ...I'm going to have to let go. I haven't decided yet about April.”
“That's going to kill Brent. You know that, don't you?”
Malek's insides twisted. He did know that, but he had no choice. The fact was, he'd tried calling Brent last night, after he'd talked to Talen. Brent had told him to fuck off and never call him again.
“And weren't you planning on marrying April?” Lei asked. “As your wife, she'd have to come with you.”
He didn't know how to answer that question. Had he been planning to marry April? Maybe. Did he want to? No. What did Lei want to hear? “That hasn't been decided yet.”
She jerked her head up, meeting his gaze. “But I thought...”
“I know it's what you want me to do. I get that. Loud and clear.” Leaving the door, he moved back toward her. “But there's a problem with that plan. It's not what I want.” He grabbed her upper arms and yanked her toward him, then stared down into her wide, panic-filled eyes. “I hate that I want you as much as I do. Maybe it would be better if you didn't come with us. It would be easier for me to have another woman in my bed, instead of you, if I didn't have the reminder of what I was missing right in front of me all the time. But I'm trying not to be selfish, goddamn it. I know how much you and your sister mean to each other.” He let her go and charged for the door, yanked it open, and slammed it shut behind him.
Of course, April was standing in the hall. Her expression was unreadable as her gaze jerked back and forth from Lei's door to his face. “Good morning,” she said, a sweet smile spreading over her face. “Are you hungry for some breakfast?”
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What the fuck was going on here?
Staring at the closed door, Lei paced her room. Back and forth, back and forth. None of this was making sense. Drako was a jeweler, for Christ's sake. And Malek was a writer. Talen...? She didn't know what he did for a living. Why the hell did it seem that danger was always lurking in their shadows? If it wasn't because of Holloway, why did it seem as though someone was out to kill them all the time?
Was Malek lying? To try to protect her from feeling guilty for bringing all this trouble to their doorstep?
Whatever the case, if it was true, this sort of sucked. She'd have to give up her classes, the only thing that gave her any kind of joy. But she had no choice. There was no way she could let Rin just disappear from her life forever.
Then again, maybe it would be a good thing. At least the whole faking-her-death part would make it hard for anyone, CIA agent or not, to hunt her down.
But Heather and Kate. What about them?
And then there was the other issueâregarding Malek and his marriage. When he looked at her the way he had a moment ago, she wasn't sure how she felt anymore. There'd been frustration in his eyes. There was no mistaking that. Or the anger. That didn't soften her resolve. It was the vulnerability, the pain that did. He'd told her he didn't want to marry April. There was no doubt he was telling the truth.
April wasn't the right wife for him.
That still didn't mean Lei was the right woman for him, either. But until he found the right woman to marry, neither of them would be comfortable living under the same roof.
The right woman. Yes, that was the solution. Lei needed to find him a better wife. He deserved someone who could be loving, affectionate, submissive, obedient, and sweet.
One major problem: She had less than one week to find that special woman, and she couldn't leave the house.
It was time to adopt plan B. She'd have to work with what she had. If the current April wasn't the right woman for Malek, maybe the new and improved April would be.
17
A
few hours later, Lei saw her chance and went for it. Malek was taking a shower and she had April cornered in the kitchen, waiting for some coffee to brew.
few hours later, Lei saw her chance and went for it. Malek was taking a shower and she had April cornered in the kitchen, waiting for some coffee to brew.
“We need to talk,” Lei said as she dug a couple of coffee cups out of the cupboard.
“About what?”
“Malek.”
Silence.
Lei could appreciate why April was acting a little reticent. She would, too. Especially if she had any notion of the fact that Malek was probably in love with the other woman.
Come to think of it, this plan B was probably doomed from the start. But that didn't mean she couldn't at least try.
“Did you change your mind?” April asked, eyes narrowed to slits.
“No, not at all. As a matter of fact, I want to help you win him over....”
April laughed. “You bitch.”
“I didn't mean it that way.”
“Rightttt. You're just trying to be nice.” She rolled her eyes.
“I am.”
April got in her face. “Don't try to play the sweet, innocent, wounded-girl card with me. I don't buy your act. Not at all.”
Wow. Lei'd dealt with women like April before. Plenty of times. Tough. Defensive. Proud. If she'd realized April was that way, she wouldn't have even considered plan B. Clearly, it wasn't going to work. Lei lifted her hands and took a step back. “Okay, forget I said anything. I didn't mean to insult you.”
April filled her cup and stomped away.
What a great way to start the day.
It was no wonder Malek was second-guessing his decision to marry that woman. She was a snappy bitch. Jealous. Defensive.
Then again, who wouldn't be?
Now what?
Lei was brainstorming her other options when a wet-headed Malek came into the kitchen. He slid a half smile at Lei. “Afternoon.” He made a beeline for the coffeepot.
“Hi.” Trying to look busy, she went to the refrigerator and dug out some fresh vegetables to make a salad.
“April's a little fired up. Do you know anything about that?”
“Maybe.” She dug through a cupboard, looking for a bowl.
He lifted a brow.
She sighed. “I know. I shouldn't have gotten involved. It's none of my business.”
His other brow lifted.
She sighed again. “You've made it perfectly clear that you're not confident in your decision to marry her.”
“I'm not.”
“So, I thought I'd give her a few pointers, help her convince you that it wasn't such a bad idea. Naturally, she took it the wrong way.”
Malek laughed. It was so good to hear that sound, to see the sparkle in his eyes again. “It's no wonder she's so wound up.”
“I'm glad you can see the humor in the situation.”
“Who wouldn't? It's funny as hell.” He sobered slightly. “Thanks for trying, Lei. I'm sure you did it out of the goodness of your heart.”
“At least you realize that.” Lei grabbed a knife out of the knife block and started sawing at a carrot.
“Don't worry about April.” Malek gently took the knife from her. “Here, let me help you. If you go at it like that, you're going to lose a finger.” In seconds, he had the carrot sliced. “Seriously, don't worry about April. She'll get over it. I'm not concerned. Not a bit.” He dumped the carrot slices into the bowl.
“But shouldn't you be?”
Malek's gaze snapped to Lei's. Her heart lurched in her chest. “Probably.”
She grabbed a cucumber and smacked it down on the chopping board. “You really don't love her, do you?”
“Yes and no. I care about her. She's a close friend. But I'm not in love with her.”
Lei concentrated on slicing the cucumber. Slow, even slices. One after another. “It doesn't seem fair that you have to get married now. I mean, we're in hiding. It isn't like you can go out and meet someone new. Shouldn't your brother take the circumstances into consideration?”
“No,” he said flatly.
“But it isn't fair.” A twinge of something shot through her body. Anger. Frustration. She slammed the knife down, grabbed a handful of cucumber slices, and tossed them into the bowl.
“What is fair?”
“So he'll make you marry a woman you don't love, no matter what?” she asked, that twinge amplifying.
Malek shrugged. “It isn't up to him. It's the way our trust is set up. If I don't marry, I'll be cut out.”
“So what?” Why was this making her so angry? She was literally gritting her teeth. Her blood was pounding through her veins. This wasn't her business. It was Malek's. She shouldn't be so emotionally invested in what happened.
But she was. God help her, she was completely, thoroughly invested. To the point that she couldn't stand the thought of Malek marrying any woman but the one who would make him over-the-moon happy.
“What if you just walk away?” she asked. “You have book royalties, right? You would still get those if you don't take another identity. Better to be poor than to be locked into an unhappy marriage.”
Malek's lips twitched. Something flickered in his eyes. “Lei, if this was just about money, I'd have no problem walking away. But it isn't. And I won't.”
“But ...”
“What?” Once again, he lifted one brow. He was adorable when he was looking at her like that. Amused. She entertained him. She could see it all over his face. “Do you have any other suggestions?”
“No.”
“Okay, then that's that. Because of the situation, I'm pushing things up. I'm proposing to my bride-to-be today. And we'll be married tomorrow night.”
“Tomorrow?” Her heart lurched. Her insides instantly knotted. “Tomorrow?” she repeated.
“Yes.”
“But you have a week before you have to move, right?”
“There's no point in delaying the inevitable. I'm not going to find anyone else in a few days. Despite what you saw this morning, April is a decent choice in a wife for me. She'll allow me to enjoy certain liberties, which most women wouldn't.”
Lei knew exactly what he meant by that. Instantly, the memory of the party she'd seen him at flashed through her mind. The image of Malek's gorgeous chest and shoulders. Of bodies entwined. A wave of heat pulsed in her pussy.
“I guess you've made your decision, then,” she said. “I thought... I don't know what I thought. That you weren't okay with this. But you are. So I wish you both happiness.” Her appetite completely gone, Lei left the half-made salad sitting on the counter and headed to her room.
She was doing the right thing by not marrying Malek. She couldn't be the wife he needed, he deserved. Right?
Yes, right.
Maybe.
April would make him happier than she would, right?
Yes. Absolutely.
Maybe.
She imagined him dropping to his knee, his hands gently cradling hers, his eyes filled with love as he whispered the words, “Lei, I can't live without you. Be my wife.”
It would be selfish to get in the way of his happiness. To take what she wanted, even though he'd be happier with another woman, someone who was whole, who could at least provide for all his needs.
“Quit thinking about yourself, dammit,” she mumbled. “Yes, he thinks he'd be happier with you. But he won't be. You know the truth. Don't fool yourself. Think of his happiness.”
This was no doubt the hardest thing she'd ever done. She longed for the stability he could provide her. She ached for the gentleness, the peacefulness he emanated. But it wasn't fair for her to take him for herself. Not when she'd fail him on every level.
Blinking back tears, she dialed Rin's phone number. Maybe it was time to book a flight to Spain. She hoped she'd catch one before the wedding. She didn't think she had the strength to watch him say his vows.
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He had the ring. It was as unique, as perfect as the woman he intended to give it to.
If only she'd accept it today. Right now. But he knew she wouldn't.
At the knock on his door, he put the box back where he'd hidden it, then went to let April in.
She wasn't happy, and it was his fault. He should've sent her home right away, instead of leading her on, allowing her to think there was a chance he'd marry her.
“You wanted to talk to me?” April said, arms wrapped around herself. She was standing stiffly, glaring at him.
“Yes, please sit.” He motioned to the chair next to the bed.
“No thanks. Let's just get this over with, so I can go pack.”
“Okay.” Damn, this wasn't going well at all. But he deserved to be kicked in the teeth. “First, I'd like to apologize. I do care about you. I want what's best for you. And I realize this situation has been extremely painful and awkward.”
She hiked up her chin. “I'm fine.”
She was lying, but Malek had no doubt that was because she was trying to salvage what little of her pride she had left. “I'm relieved to hear that.”
“Good. Now, if you're doneâ”
“I'm not.”
She shook her head. “Malek, what do you want from me?”
“A favor. A big favor.” He shoved his fingers through his hair and swallowed the lump that had congealed in his throat. “If I wasn't so desperate, I'd never ask for this. But it's the only way. And I feel like shit for even thinking about getting you involved after everything...”
April tilted her head and studied him for several excruciating moments. “Wow, I've never seen you like this. What is it?”
Malek tried to say the words. He moved his lips. He pushed air up his throat. But it wouldn't come out. And he knew why. This was wrong. He was being a selfish, conniving, deceitful bastard.
But he saw no other way.
“I need Lei to believe we're getting married.”
“She already does. At least, I think she does.”
“No, I mean, I want her to see me propose to you....”
Her eyes widened, then turned hard and flinty. “You're insane.”
“And maybe even begin the wedding ceremony...?”
“Ohmygod.” April burst into a fit of sardonic laughter. The spell lasted for roughly a lifetime. Then she stopped and shot him a dose of mean eyes. “I don't know a woman alive who'd do something like that. Not to mention, how would your dear, sweet Lei feel if she knew you were basically tricking her into marrying you? I bet she'dâ”
“Name your price.”
“This is going from bad to worse.” She swung her arm in a wide arc. When her hand met his cheek, the sound echoed through the room. The pain followed.
He didn't flinch. Didn't blink. “I deserved that.”
“You deserve more than that, but I won't stoop to such low levels.” She spun around and stomped toward the door.
With nothing to lose, he offered, “Fifty thousand.”
She halted but didn't turn to face him. “A hundred. Cash.”
It was a small price to pay. Truth be told, he'd be willing to pay a million. Ten million. Every penny in his trust. “Done. I can have the money for you by tomorrow.”
April slowly rotated around. “What do you need me to do?”
“I'll propose to you in the living room. In front of the fire. Can you pretend to be happy about it?”
“I'm sure I can manage.”
Malek started pacing as he tried to play out the scene in his head. “Then again, maybe you shouldn't try so hard to look happy. Lei's convinced herself that I'm better off married to you, that I'll be happier. So if she sees I won't beânot that there's anything wrong with youâ”
“Yeah, yeah, I get what you're saying.” April gave an exaggerated sigh. “I'm not good enough.”
“You are. It's not that. It's just I'm in love with Lei, and I can't think about any other woman but her.”
“Damn.” April shook her head. “I never thought I'd hear you say something like that. About any woman.”
“I know, neither did I.”
They exchanged a weighted stare.
He broke the silence. “The wedding is arranged for tomorrow. I have everything in place except your gown. I wasn't counting on you agreeing to do this.”
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