Wine and Whiskey (Surviving Absolution #1) (21 page)

“Aren’t you coming to bed?” Concern
infuses her question, her soft voice bittersweet against the breaking surf.

For the first time in his adult life,
someone besides Marta worries about him. Waits for him to come home, cares when
he’s late. Proof of how alone he really was. Until her. Until she gave him
everything he didn’t know he was missing. After all she’s been through, his
stomach clenches from burdening her with more anxiety. “I’m sorry, sweetness.
What time is it?”

She accepts his outstretched hand and
snuggles into his chest as he leans against the railing. The raspberry scent
from earlier lingers on her skin. Next time, he’ll make sure it’s a bath for
two.

“About one-thirty. You’ve spoiled me, and
now I can’t sleep without you.”

Only an angel like her would call what
he’s done to her spoiling. “Hell would be a better description of what I’ve put
you through.”

Her hair brushes against his shirt as she
shakes her head, her futile attempt to lessen his guilt. “Why are you out here
beating yourself up? What’s wrong?”

She knows him too well. Her intervention
keeps him from stewing, using the burn of alcohol to quiet the torture he
inflicts upon himself. “Nothing. Let’s head upstairs.”

“You made me promise not to keep things
from you. I want you to do the same.”

All he wants is to protect her from the
truth, to keep from completely destroying her sweet innocence. Although not
knowing could hurt her even more. “When I told you I couldn’t quit, I wasn’t
completely honest. There’s another option.”

Her head flies up, her eyes bright with
optimism. “What is it?”

The hopefulness in her voice stabs his
heart, guilt slaying him from proposing what he knows is an impossible option.
“We could disappear. It would have to be sudden and permanent, and then we
would be free from all the threats.”

A frown pulls down her face at the
realization of his suggestion. “Leave everyone behind…forever?”

“Yeah, that’s why I didn’t mention it. I
knew you wouldn’t want to leave your career or your friends.”

“I couldn’t do that to Carrie. She would
be devastated, and I would miss her too much.” She lays her head back against
his chest, her disappointment obvious at the impractical choice he offers.

He pushes the limits of what she can
absorb, but he has to tell her everything, one last detail to keep her safe. “I
know. It’s okay. I’ve had a fake passport and other paperwork made for you if
you change your mind or ever need it.”

Her fingers feel like ice against his back
as she rolls the hem of his shirt between them. “Why would I need it?”

Ignoring her question, he plows through
his instructions. He has to finish before she shuts down on him. “I’ll show you
where everything is hidden. I also have five-hundred thousand in cash and my
offshore account information. If you ever have to leave, take all of it. I know
how you are. Don’t feel guilty about it. Just do whatever you have to do to—”

“I don’t want to hear this. You have no
idea how much it scares me.”

He holds her tighter as she tries to pull
away. If he or Max can’t protect her, he must make sure she can take care of
herself and won’t leave a traceable paper trail if she needs to escape. “Okay,
I’m done.”

She stops struggling against his embrace.
Her deep breaths against his chest reflect her attempt to calm her anxiety. As
much as he hates scaring her, he can at least be at peace now that she knows
everything. No more secrets between them.

Stroking the back of her head, he
whispers against her soft hair. “I’m sorry. You said you wanted to know the
truth. This is it.”

She nods and holds him tighter. After a
few minutes, she rubs his back, her fingers like silk against his skin. His
body relaxes at her intimate touch. The connection between them remains
unbroken.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been on the
beach at this time of night. It’s so peaceful.”

He kisses the top of her head, grateful
she’s found a bit of happiness in this screwed-up day. “I think I could fall
asleep out here.”

“That’s what my fantasy is.”

Fucking
shit.
This woman takes him to the edge
of self-control with just one word. A low growl rumbles in his throat. “What
fantasy?”

“Making love by the ocean with the breeze
blowing on our naked bodies. Then falling asleep to the sound of the waves
crashing.”

Fire blazes through his body at her
words. There’s no way in hell he won’t make this happen for her. “Your wish is
my command.”

Her eyes are wide as she lifts her head
and shakes it. “No, not here.”

“Why not?”

“What if Max comes out, or one of the
security guards? And all the cameras? I don’t want to have to worry about being
seen.”

Her questions remind him once again of
her unassuming nature, never considering the power he wields, controlling
everything that happens in his business and his home. He kisses her forehead
before releasing her waist. “I’ll be right back.”

“What are you up to?”

After winking at her questioning smile,
he jogs into the house, tapping on his phone. Inside his office, he slides his Glock
out of his desk drawer and lays it in the decorative chest some overpriced
decorator thought should adorn his credenza.

“What’s up?”

Max stands in the doorway, failing to
stifle an enormous yawn.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d still be awake.”

Max rolls his head side to side and gives
Nick a smirk. “You know I don’t sleep until you do. I have to make sure you
won’t fucking bother me once I lie down.”

Always appreciative of Max’s heartfelt
and gracious candor, he nods toward the living room. “Have the guys kill the
cameras on the deck and don’t let anyone come out there until I give the okay.”

“It’s done.”

“Thanks.”

“Anything for Shae.” Max winks at him
before pressing the cell to his ear. “Have fun.”

Her face lights up brighter than the sun
when he steps outside and places a blanket and the box on the table next to the
chaise lounge. Scooping her up, he wraps her legs around his waist before
sitting them down on the double cushion. He drapes the afghan around her
shoulders, running his hands over her cashmere skin. “Your fantasy can begin.”

She glances toward the door. “What about—?”

“I’ve given strict orders we aren’t to be
disturbed, and the cameras have been cut. I can protect you with what’s in that
box. So, you don’t have to worry about anything but enjoying yourself.”

Pinkness tints her cheeks as she tilts
her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her sudden shyness
intoxicates him, a heady combination of adorable and sexy, making her pleasure
his only goal. He slips his hands under her negligee, lifting it off and
tossing it aside. The pressure in his groin almost erupts at her nipples
straining taut against his chest.

Keeping him from taking one in his mouth,
she slides her delicate hands under his chin, studying his face, scanning his
features as if searching for something beyond the surface. He freezes under her
gaze. She delves deeper than any other woman, almost farther than he can
endure, fearful she’ll pierce the mask hiding the real him. And despise what
she finds underneath. His voice chokes in his throat. “What?”

A soft smile graces her angelic face.
“Has anyone ever told you how wonderful you are?”

No. Because no one’s ever thought it but
her.

Her mouth finds his. Chaste kisses,
smiling against his lips. “And romantic.” Pressing softly, barely touching.
“Thoughtful.” Driving him to the edge as he resists every urge to devour her.
“Sexy.”

Just when he can’t hold back any longer,
she thrusts her tongue inside, making him moan as his fingers slide across her
cheeks and into her hair, absorbing all of her sweet essence. Fighting to
control his desire, he breaks away, dipping his head and flicking his tongue
against the hardened nub, keeping her in place as her back arches.

She drives her hands through his hair,
wrapping her fingers around the burgeoning curls on his neck he hates, her
breathy whisper like fireworks against his skin. “These are perfect to hold
onto when you make love to me.”

Okay, maybe they aren’t so bad.

She lifts up from straddling him as he
grasps the waistband of her panties. Her fingertips burn his skin in their
urgency to help him push them down. In her raised position, he teases her wet
core, stroking the soft folds before plunging a finger inside. She gasps, her
legs trembling, and begins to lower herself back down. Wrapping his arm around
her waist, he holds her up as she rests her head on his shoulder.

His body flames with need at her lips on
his ear. “Your fingers are magic.”

“That’s not my only trick.”

As she whispers his name, her hands move
to his pants, unbuttoning and unzipping them as he lifts up to free himself
from the fabric separating them. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a
foil packet before kicking his pants all the way off. Her eyes never waver from
his as he guides her hips over his throbbing tip. She slides down his length,
her lips parting in a sharp gasp, her small fist wrapping around his shirt.

Pain grips his chest at her hesitation.
“Are you okay?”

A slow smile curls her lips as she nods.
“I’ve never been on top. You’re a lot to take in at once.”

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I’m fine.”

Coiling her arms around his neck, she
slowly raises and lowers her body, letting him stretch and fill her, building
tension in him begging to be released. Silky perfection moving under his
fingertips. All he can see is her. Nothing else exists. No barriers between
them. Only her sweetness surrounding him, flowing over him like the purest
honey. “Do you know how much I love you?”

She nods, her eyes heavy with desire,
locking with his.

God, she’s so beautiful. “How right this
is?”

Her head dips again, her gaze boring into
his, humbling him with the enormity of her love.

“How I’m never letting you go?”

Her pace quickens at his words. Their
bodies slick with sweat, skin sliding against skin, as she accepts him
completely. He grasps her hips, grinding into her while helping her ride him
faster and deeper. The rhythm of his hard thrusts matches her racing heart
against his chest, her muscles pulsing and tightening around him.

“Nick, I…”

He can’t hold back, and he’s taking her
with him. “Tell me, sweetness.”

“I know you love me.”

His body jerks then stills, pleasure
overcoming him with his release inside her, at the sound of his name wrapped in
her satiny whisper, like the answer to every question she asks. She falls
against his chest, and he holds her as her breathing returns to normal. He
tucks the blanket around her waist, letting the cool breeze ruffle her hair and
waft against her back. “Happy?”

“Absolutely blissful. Thank you.” A
satisfied sigh blows against his neck. She snuggles in while he strokes her
hair, enjoying the peacefulness. “Now, you have to tell me yours. I want to
know what your fantasy is.”

“I’ll show you on Saturday.” He promised
her they wouldn’t be trapped in his house, hiding from Juan. This is his chance
to keep his word while giving her a bit of the same happiness she brings him.
“I’m taking you out on a date.”

“You are?” A trace of excitement tinges
her voice. “What are we doing?”

“It’s a surprise. You’ll just have to
wait and see.”

Dark pink fingernails trail down his
stomach to his treasure trail before her teeth graze his ear lobe. “What if I
try to get it out of you?”

He sucks in his breath at her feathery
strokes, his body responding to her delicate touch. “You won’t, but that
doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.”

Chapter Eleven

“I have to get going. I love you.”

Nick’s whisper tickles her ear. Even in her grogginess,
butterflies take flight in her chest from his lips warming her skin. She’ll
never tire of hearing his voice, never grow weary of the absolute certainty as
he says those three words, like cool water to her once parched heart. She
forces her eyes open, burning from lack of sleep, and reads the clock—
5:24
. They’ve only been in bed a few
hours. “Why are you leaving so early?”

“I’ve got a call with some international investors. It’s
afternoon where they are.”

She sits up and reaches for her robe. Maybe she can work out on
the deck and watch the sun rise, although trying to rouse Carrie to join her
won’t be quite as enjoyable.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m getting up.”

He laughs and sits down on the bed, pulling the fabric out of
her hands. Her cheeks lift into a smile from the gentle brush of his fingers
across her skin before he shakes his head. “It’s not a competition. I’ve got
something to take care of. You don’t. Now go back to sleep.”

Once again, his thoughtfulness stirs that ache, that longing
she’s never known before. Not even with Evan. He was always careful, hesitant,
timid
. Exactly what she needed at the time, yet also not
enough, always leaving her wanting more. Now, with Nick, desire overwhelms her,
coming from a place deep inside she didn’t know existed. Hungry and raw not
just for his touch, but for everything behind it, the meaning he conveys with
each insistent stroke, each tender caress.

She forces herself not to reach out to him, not to ask him to
stay longer. Already a problem with his work, she can’t be the reason for more
arguments, the cause of added danger because she distracts him. He lifts the
covers, and she snuggles back in, smiling at his last nuzzle of her neck before
the door closes behind him.

She wakes again. Clammy fingertips glide down her arm and over
her curled hands. A hint of gasoline wafts around her as his body curves behind
her. Something’s different, not quite right. Not his scent. Not his feel.

Not Nick.

Her eyes fly open.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

Gasping at Spencer’s voice, she tries to jerk away. Her legs
tangle in the blankets, and his grip tightens, pressing her against him. Every
muscle clenches, every nerve pulses with the fire roaring through her body.
“Get off me!”

“You don’t like your surprise?”

He cups his hand over her mouth as she tries to scream. His
fruity breath blows on her hair as her head twists side to side, her body
arching off the bed, futile against his calloused fingers digging into her
skin.

“Stop fighting me. I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to ask
you something.”

Tears prick her eyes, and she squeezes them shut, succumbing to
the realization of her own stupidity. She knew it. All this time she thought
something was wrong with him, and she didn’t say anything, couldn’t really
accuse him of anything except stirring an overzealous imagination. Now, he’s in
their bed, and there’s nothing she can do. Except try to talk him out of
whatever he’s planning.

His smile greets her as she opens her eyes, panic surging from
the maniacal look in his. She lays still and nods her head. After a minute, he
lifts his hand, keeping it a few inches from her face as she gasps for air,
filling her lungs, calming herself.

Feigning a composure she doesn’t possess, she attempts to reason
with him as if he’s not a mad man, as if she’s not at his mercy. “You’d better
go. I don’t want you to get in trouble. Nick would be furious to know you’re in
here.”

“Sure, but not at me. If you tell him, I’ll say you invited me.
Welcomed me into his bed while he was away, hard at work.”

Her stomach drops. He’s trying to blackmail her. Holding her
fear of hurting Nick over her head to get what he wants. “He won’t believe you.
He knows I love him and would never cheat on him.”

He frowns at her, his lower lip extended in an exaggerated pout.
“Really? How does he know?” His mouth curls into a smirk before he winks at
her. “You never tell him.”

He’s been spying on them. Listening to their private
conversations, discovering her insecurities. And using them against her.
Against Nick. Nausea washes over her. “Why are you doing this?”

“Because I can.”

“Please leave me alone.” She tries to roll away, but his grip
tightens, pulling her onto her back, leering down at her.

“Do you like whiskey?”

“What?”

“
Whis
-key.” He speaks slowly as if
he’s talking to a child. “Do you like it?”

Confusion steals her voice, fearful of where his question will
lead, of what her answer may cause him to do. She shakes her head.

“Now, see, that’s why you and Nick don’t belong together. It’s
harsh and caustic just like him. You on the other hand…” She flinches from him
caressing her hair, looping a strand around his finger. “Are sweet and gentle.
You drink wine, but you probably like those girly drinks with the little
umbrellas too, don’t you?”

This doesn’t make any sense. He risks Nick’s wrath to talk about
drinks. “I don’t understand why you’re doing this. Nick’s trying to help you.
He gave you a job and—”

“Good thing you’re hot, or you’d never make it. You’re so
naïve.” He lays his finger on her lips, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Now
remember, this is our little secret. Otherwise, I’ll tell Nick all about you
seducing me. Then, we’ll see how much he loves you.”

He climbs off the bed and carefully
smoothes
the wrinkles from the comforter, as if erasing the evidence of his presence.
“See you later.”

As soon as the door closes, she throws off the blankets and runs
to lock it before racing to the bathroom. Her hands tremble as she squeezes the
washcloth, waiting for the water to heat. She has to get the feeling of
Spencer’s touch off her. Steam rises from her skin, streaked beet red from her
fingernails scratching through the fabric.

Flying back into the bedroom, she yanks off the comforter and
pillow cases, wadding them into a ball and running down the stairs and through
the breezeway. Sharp pain stabs her fist from pounding on the guest house door.

Her best friend’s scrunched face peers through the cracked
opening, squinting in the bright sunlight. “What time is it?”

“I don’t know. I need to get rid of these. They’re dirty, and I
can’t use them anymore.”

Carrie glances from the pile of fabric to Shae. “Are you okay?”

“No, Spencer’s blackmailing me.” She shakes her head, unable to
continue. Weakness overcomes her tense muscles, and the linens fall to the
floor before she wraps her arms around herself.

All the drowsiness gone, Carrie’s eyes grow wide. “What the
fuck? What happened?”

“I was sleeping, and he held me down…” The words catch in her
throat, and she trembles, mimicking what he did, shaking from the helplessness
of being so vulnerable to his assault. Tears break free and stream down her
cheeks as Carrie pulls her into a hug. “I don’t understand what he wants, but
I’m scared.”

“You have to tell Nick.”

“I can’t. Spencer said—”

“Fuck what Spencer said. Nick will believe you. I know he will.”

She nods her head. Carrie’s rational logic calms her racing
thoughts. “You’re right. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“When he finds out what Spencer did, he’ll kill him. There’s no
way he’ll let him get away with it.”

Another wave of nausea turns her stomach. She’ll be responsible
for his death. Juan escaped, but Spencer won’t. Unable to steady her shaking
legs, she drops down onto Carrie’s bed. “I can’t do this anymore. I want to go
home.”

Carrie lies next to her and brushes her hair off her forehead.
“Calm down. It’ll be okay. We’ll get it figured out.”

“I miss my mom and Jason. I just want everything to be normal
again.”

“Yeah, because being a pop star princess is really normal.”

A half-hearted giggle escapes Shae’s mouth. “How did we get like
this? I never dreamed back in kindergarten this is how we would end up.”

“Remember when we were going to be vets? I wanted to take care
of dogs, and you were going to save all the wild horses.”

Shae rolls onto her back. Golden rays stream through the sky
light, flickering across the ceiling. The desire to feel its warmth on her face
engulfs her. “Everything was so simple back then. I wish I had appreciated it
at the time.”

“That’s the way it’s supposed to be when you’re a kid. It’s only
when you get older things get complicated.”

“What should I do?” Her voice drops to a whisper, all she can
manage while trying to ignore the thoughts of Nick’s rage. “I don’t want Nick
to kill Spencer. I just want him to leave us alone.”

Carrie pops up and sits cross legged on the bed, laying one palm
on top of the other. “Tell me again. What exactly did Spencer say he wants?”

She clenches the bedspread in her fist, unable to make sense of
his words. “Nothing. He said he wanted to ask me a question and then talked
about whiskey. That’s it.”

“That’s so crazy. You’d think he’d want money or sex.”

Maybe that’s what’s coming next. She pushes the idea out of her
head. “Please, Carrie. Don’t say that.”

“Sorry, but it’s weird.” Carrie shakes her head. “You’re going
to have to tell Nick. Tonight, when he comes home. Just tell him Spencer gives
you the creeps, and you want him fired. He’ll do it.”

“I can’t. He’ll want to know what Spencer did to make me want
him gone.”

“Tell him he needs to concentrate on school. His grades are bad
from working so much. He can’t be mad about that.”

Spreading her fingers, Shae rubs her hands across the comforter.
It won’t be easy to convince Nick why she wants Spencer to leave without him
becoming furious. “I don’t know.”

“It will work. You have to tell him.”

“I’ll try.”

“Until then, let’s keep you busy and away from Spencer. Maybe we
can go for a run.”

Shae almost whimpers at the idea of being outside. “Yeah, I’d
like that.”

“Good. Afterward, we’ll go get you some new bedding.”

She nods and grasps Carrie’s hand. The first feeling of optimism
she’s had all morning. “I want to go home too. There’s something I need to
get.”

“Okay, let’s go find Max.”

* * * *

“Janice ordered you some lunch.” Carter slides a Styrofoam
container across Nick’s desk before plopping down in the chair across from him.

Nick stifles a yawn as he stretches his arms over his head.
Maybe some food will give him the boost he needs to get through the rest of the
afternoon. Only one more conference call, and he can go home to the person who
really improves his mood. With a flick of his finger, the lid pops open and the
aroma of roast beef and horseradish fills his office. “She’s the best secretary
I’ve ever had.”

“And the oldest. Damn, why don’t you let the poor woman retire?”

Nick unscrews the lid on his water and takes a long drink. “I’m
not stopping her. She says she likes it, so as long as she wants it, the job is
hers.”

“You’re such a soft ass with women.”

“Don’t go there, or I’ll finish what I started.”

Carter gingerly rubs his nose. “Believe me, I won’t. You should
see the stares I’ve been getting. My face looks like a fucking freak show.”

Tapping a file on his desk with the back of his hand, Nick
swallows down his bite. “Do you have that update on the
Lefler
-McMillan
merger I wanted?”

“Why yes, I am feeling better. Thank you for your concern. The
swelling should be gone in about four to six weeks.”

Nick shrugs his shoulders. Carter knows better than to expect
any sympathy from him after what he did. “Don’t fuck with me when it comes to
Shae. Then, you won’t have to worry about ruining your pretty-boy looks.”

“At least she actually cared and tried to help me.”

“Which you didn’t deserve.”

“I know.” Carter shakes his head, his brow furrowed. “I have to
admit, it shocked me. I guess I was wrong about her.”

Nick nods at Carter’s version of an apology. Shae’s sweet nature
affects him too. “Just proves how good-hearted she is, even though she doesn’t
always know the impact she has on people sometimes.”

Carter clears his throat and stares at him, tapping his
forefinger on the desktop. “Exactly. That’s all I was trying to say last night
before you went ballistic.”

“Drop it.”

“Speaking of, is that why you’re so tired this morning?” He
raises his eyebrows and smirks, his annoying arrogance returning. “Shae keep
you
up
late last night?”