Surrounded by Secrets (13 page)

Her enabler poured another shot and pushed the glass toward her. This time Lillian drank it without any more prodding.

“Can we just talk about the money?” She sounded as though she was begging, but she didn’t care.

Mikaela nodded as she poured another drink. She didn’t push it toward her, though, thank God. Lillian would be three sheets to the wind in ten minutes if Mikaela kept up this pattern.

“By all means.”

Lillian fidgeted a little, but quickly covered her nervousness. She got the feeling Mikaela had that drink on the ready with the first sign of discomfort Lillian showed. “Since you’re pregnant and needed medical attention, it became painfully clear there isn’t a clinic close by. Um, so I was thinking we could start one out here. I-I know the money would in no way cover the costs of starting and running one, but I figured with yours and Krista’s legal connections, and Ariel’s chemical background and dealing with grants, you all could apply for federal funding. Since I have to rebuild the house and part of my plantation has been destroyed, I figured I could donate the land for the clinic to be housed. That way, no money would need to go toward purchasing additional land, nor would land have to be sacrificed that produces income for your family. I know this would be a major project, but with the dangers surrounding forestry work, I think it’s a good idea to have something like this around here.” And it would give her something to focus on. A job. A future. One that would keep her close to Jack, and help her to one day work her way back into his life.

Mikaela pushed the shot glass toward Lillian and smiled brightly. “I think that is a wonderful idea!”

Lillian exhaled the rest of the air she’d been holding in as she picked up the glass. She drank it greedily and placed the glass back on the table. “I’m so happy you like it. It’ll be a huge job, but I think it would really be a wonderful feature for our community.”

“Absolutely. I just have two favors to ask, and I’ll give you my backing, support, help, whatever is needed.”

Uh-oh. Favors? That didn’t sound good. What could she possibly want? Mikaela must have noticed the uneasiness that suddenly came over her because her bartender quickly poured another shot and pushed it toward her. Then it dawned on her.

“Do these
favors
have anything to do with you trying your best to get me wasted?”

Mikaela’s smile was sly. She leaned forward on her elbows. “You could say that.”

Shit. “So spill.”

Mikaela steepled her fingers. “One, I want you to move here while your home is being rebuilt. It’s insane for you to pay for a hotel indefinitely or get some crappy little rental. Two, while you’re here, I want you to come to our dinners, starting tonight.” She glanced at her watch. “Which starts in about ten minutes.”

Panic raced through Lillian. Panic and elation. She would love to be closer to Jack all the time, but he wasn’t ready for it. She knew he wasn’t. It was going to take her time to ease him back into a relationship.

“You’re thinking too hard. A simple yes or no will do. Actually, only a yes will do. I mean, it
was
your father who took me against my will. I think it’s the least you can do to make amends.”

Lillian narrowed her eyes. “You already said that no one blames me for that.”

“We don’t. But I’m not above blackmail. Give me what I want, and I’ll give you want you want. Besides, you know you want to be here, too. I’m just forcing your hand so you don’t have to feel the guilt.”

God, she was good. “Remind me never to go against you in court.”

Mikaela chuckled. “Darlin’, I’d eat you for dinner and still have room for dessert.”

Lillian picked up the shot glass and said, “You can’t eat me. I don’t swing that way.” Then she downed it.

Mikaela threw her head back and guffawed. “That’s good. So do we have a deal?”

Lillian watched her for several seconds, trying to quickly weigh her options and knowing it wouldn’t matter what she considered because her heart was pounding too hard for her brain to hear her thoughts.

“Yes.”

Mikaela stood. “Oh, and a word of advice. If you want him, you’re going to have to challenge him.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Mikaela walked up to her and wrapped her arm around hers. “You’re a woman. You can figure that out.”

That was what she was afraid of.

* * * *

“Why the fuck are you trying to get me drunk?” Jack snapped, slightly slurring his words, as Josh pushed another glass of scotch in front of him. His brother had insisted on quitting work sooner than normal and getting an early start on drinks before dinner. Said some shit about needing to unwind. Right, as if Mikaela would let him take a load off like this right now. She was one bossy pregnant lady, and Jack knew Josh wouldn’t do anything to push her buttons while she still had that bun in the oven.

“I’m not. I’m getting
me
drunk. Mikaela suggested it this afternoon, and by God, I’m not looking that gift horse in the mouth. I’m just bringing you along for the ride.” Josh looked at him through the corner of his eye as he raised his glass to his mouth. “You could use a little break, too, man.”

Jack grunted as he picked up his snifter and sipped. He’d refused to talk about Lillian after the results of the investigation had gone down. She’d been innocent all along, and he’d been a right bastard for not being there for her. If he was a man worthy of her, he’d—

“Hello? You’re thinking again. I said to stop that shit. Everybody else will be here in a few minutes for dinner. It’s not time to mope. You’re doing enough of that shit when you’re sober.”

Jack chuckled. Josh was right. He’d been a bear to everyone since the kidnapping. He could just relax for the night. Tomorrow he’d be back to his cranky self. “You know, the last time I got drunk was when Lillian—” Jack stopped, his heart pounding at the thought of remembering the night he’d first made love to that woman. He missed her so much that at times he wondered how he’d be able to live life like this. Without her.

“Yeah, bro, I know. You should call her.”

“Can’t.”

“You mean you won’t. There’s a difference, Jack.”

Jack shook his head and downed the rest of his drink. If Josh expected him to discuss his feelings for Lillian, his brother would have to get him much drunker than he was now. He poured his own glass this time. The door opened, and his other brothers and father stepped in. He nodded at them as a greeting before tipping his glass to his lips.

“How’s Mikaela?”

“Well that was a subtle subject change,” Josh sighed, but then a crooked smile formed on his face.

“You can ask her yourself. I think I hear her coming now.”

“Hi, son,” Thomas said and clapped Jack on the shoulder before taking a seat at the table.

“Hey, Dad. I went online to place an ad—” Whatever else he was going to say died on his lips when the door opened. He saw Mikaela, but that wasn’t who he scented. That smell was unmistakable and made his heart beat in double time. Then his Lilly stepped into view, and his heart just stopped.

“Fuck,” he breathed.

Her gaze darted around the room, landing on everyone. She glanced at him a few times, but every time their eyes met, she looked away. God, she was beautiful.

And here.

“Well isn’t this a pleasant surprise?” Thomas said as he stood up. “Come on in. Jeffery is about to bring out dinner. You two must be starving.” He chuckled. “Well, one of you must be starving. The other might have to fight the other off for food.”

“Ha-ha, Thomas,” Mikaela said drily as she walked to the table. Lillian was right beside her. It looked as if she were ready to grab Mikaela if she left Lillian’s side. Scared little thing. And his guilt came crashing down on him. She was timid because of him. Maybe if he wasn’t tipsy, he could think of something clever to say. Damn Josh and his bad timing. He glanced at his drunk brother as Lillian moved to her seat and gritted his teeth. That fucker was grinning! Oh, holy hell. He looked at Mikaela, and she smirked at him. Those two were up to no good, and when Lillian stumbled with her chair, he realized she wasn’t in any better condition than him.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” he barked at Josh. “Do you think getting us drunk is going to fix anything?”

Josh was sporting a silly grin. “Well, getting drunk worked that first night. Who knows what’ll happen tonight?” He shrugged as he took another sip.

He was going to kill his brother. Kill him dead. In his sleep.

Mikaela grabbed the glass from her husband. “Your job here is done. Time for some coffee, mister.”

Josh pouted, but then smiled at her. Damn, Jack wished he was as drunk as Josh appeared to be. This little setup would be easier to handle.

“How are you?” Krista asked Lillian.

“Um, okay. I mean, there’s been a lot going on, but I’m okay.” She glanced at Jack, and he couldn’t stop staring at her. Her cheeks turned a luscious shade of pink under his perusal.

Jeffery walked in with one plate of food and placed it in front of Mikaela. In his other hand, he held a bottle of whiskey. He placed it on the table and chuckled as he retreated.

“What the hell’s going on?” Jack asked.

“Oh, Josh thought it’d be fun if we all played a drinking game before eating. We’ll each say something truthful, and if you don’t agree with the statement, you have to take a drink. Except Mikaela. My grandbaby needs to go ahead and eat.” Jeffery returned with another bottle of whiskey and several shot glasses. He passed them out and started pouring everybody’s drinks. Josh was laughing out loud and clapping his hands. Fuck.

“I told you that shit in private,” Jack spat.

“Well, little brother, you should’ve manned up before now.” Josh winked at him. Yep, he was going to fucking kill him dead, dead, dead. And Jack wasn’t going to wait until he was asleep to do it.

“I’ll start.” Thomas rose his glass and looked around the room. “I am completely and totally happy with where my personal life is right now.” He sat the glass down and looked at Jack.

Shit.

Jack looked at Lillian. She picked up her glass and sipped. No one else drank from theirs. He glared at his father and slammed his drink back, feeling the burn. Jeffery refilled Jack’s glass while Mikaela refilled Lillian’s.

“Mine turn!” Josh bellowed. “I tolds my mate that I wuv her today.” He leaned over and kissed Mikaela sweetly.

Double shit. Jack couldn’t even look at Lillian. He just drank his punishment and put the glass on the table. Jeffery was quick on the refill. Jack wasn’t sure how much of this he could take.

“I have one,” Toby announced. “I can’t wait to start a family and have kids of my own.”

He was related to a bunch of evil, sadistic bastards.

“Hear, hear!” Thomas said. “I’d love to have a house full of grandkids.”

Jack groaned as he drank the next shot, but couldn’t help looking up this time. Lillian was watching him as she sipped hers. Her eyes looked a little red. Were those tears? Damn it. If this was upsetting her, his family had really crossed the line. He could take the abuse, but he wouldn’t sit here and let her suffer.

“Cat got your tongue, huh?” Lillian huffed at him.

“What?”

“Nothing, Tigger.” So those weren’t tears. She wasn’t sad. Now that he was really studying her, she looked pissed.

Rob laughed. “Well, look, she still has some spirit left in her. My turn, people.” He raised his glass and looked right at Lillian. “I have never insulted anyone with cat names.”

“Hey!” Ariel said. “That’s not fair. I think I’ve done that before.”

Krista shrugged. “I probably have, too. No biggie, sis, one drink won’t hurt us.”

The three women in the room who were not pregnant swallowed their shots.

“I think it’s my turn,” Lillian said. She lifted her glass, and it sloshed to the side a little. She was definitely past the tipsy stage and barreling full steam ahead to drunkenness. “My mate refuses to talk to me.”

Jack slammed his glass down. “I’m not refusing to talk to you, Lillian. I—”

“Well, thuffering thuccotash, Sylvester, you have one hell of a way of showing it.”

The room erupted in laughter. Jack pushed his fists onto the table and stood. He glared at her across the table. “You are insufferable. I haven’t seen you beating down my door either.”

Lillian stood on wobbly legs. “What’d you expect? Me to call you and say, ‘Hello Kitty,’ or, or, or, ‘
Heavens to Murgatroyd
, Snagglepuss, but are you ever going to acknowledge me again?’”

Jack stormed around the table and grabbed her by her arms. “Acknowledge you? There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you.”

“Well you have one funny way of showing it, Snowball!”

“That’s it!” Jack roared. He picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. She beat against his back as he turned to face his family. They were all grinning like the Cheshire Cat.
Fuck!
Now he was doing it, too. “I hope you all are happy. We’ll be in my cabin setting some things straight.”

“We’ll see you
both
at breakfast,” Thomas called out as Jack stormed out of the room.

Mikaela squeaked out, “Don’t forget what I said!” just as the door shut. Whatever the hell that meant.

Yep, his family was evil.

Chapter Twelve

Lillian felt herself being tossed onto the bed in Jack’s cabin. If she weren’t so drunk, she’d make a run back to the main house and kiss Mikaela on the mouth. Her and her favors. Lillian hadn’t planned on pushing Jack to his limit, not yet, but once she got a little liquid courage in her and was presented the opportunity, she couldn’t help it. Her true nature had pushed through. And thanks to Mikaela, she knew if she pushed Jack to the edge, all he’d be able to do was fall over.

And boy, had he fallen. He looked downright viral as he reveled in it.

“You think you can push me around and take what you want?” Oh yeah, he could, but she wasn’t stupid enough to let him know that. “You owe me an apology.”

Jack whipped his shirt over his head and reached for the placket of his jeans. “I’m sorry.” He looked down as he pushed his pants off.