Dangerous Love Bulging folders balanced precariously on the edge of Wade Kairos' contemporary office desk while gravity's sticky fingers beckoned them to slide to the floor. Remnants of lunches and dinners poked out of the trashcan, littered the windowsill, and waited in the sun for salmonella to move in. A dress shirt and jacket hung like an afterthought off the back of a chair. Wade hunched over the blue-lined drawings on his drafting table, comparing them to the on-screen revisions. Oblivious to everything else, he toiled over every detail, wishing he was one hundred-percent confident his plan would keep Jui safe. Is love supposed to be this dangerous? “I don’t know, you tell me.” A chill rushed down Wade’s spine. He gazed across his office to make a connection to the familiar voice. A vampire he’d known for over 70 years appeared to be waiting for his answer. “Victoria, what are you doing here?” Her sweeping glance sized him up as she moved toward him with the stealth of a lioness. “I came to see if it’s true.” Wary of her intent, Wade stiffened. “Speechless, Wade? I’d think you’d be delighted to see me again. We used to have such good times together.” “Cut the crap, Tori, and tell me what you want.” Her green-eyed gaze seemed to penetrate his skull. Wade focused on benign concepts to prevent the telepathic vampire from reading his thoughts. She raised an eyebrow; contempt filled her face. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d say I’ve frightened you.” Wade tossed down his pencil and glared at the buxom vamp with whom he used to suck and fuck. “Get out. You’ve seen me, now leave.” “Is she here?” “You already know the answer.” “You hurt my feelings, Wade. I want to meet the woman who managed to drag your soul out of immortal hell. I’d like to congratulate her.” Her ridiculous attempt to gain sympathy made his emotions turn to steel. “Get out.” “I’m not going anywhere just yet. I came to tell you Husek is extremely unhappy with you.” Wade didn't keep the sneer out of his voice. “What a shock. I'll send him a card . . . did you tell him where I am?” “Not yet.” “Are you going to?” “That depends.” “Stop with the enigmatic bullshit, Tori, or is it Vickie, V, Tia, Victoria . . . .” “I want you.” Ice cold water flooding Wade’s veins couldn't have startled him more. ©2010 Margie Church CHAPTER 1
Jui Fabrice rose early and left her hotel to take a cab into Oldtown Heidelberg. She planned to lose herself there, walking the cobblestone streets of Oldtown, even if just for the day. Bright morning sunshine inspired her to stick her nose into most every shop on the Hauptstrasse along the Neckar River. The narrow street flowed to the Church of the Holy Ghost and when the church's steeple bell sounded the hour, Jui smiled, happy to have plenty of Saturday ahead of her. With a few purchases in hand, Jui sat in one of the outdoor cafes for lunch. Tendrils of hair curled around her face and neck under the warm, late summer sun making her wish she'd put her hair in a ponytail. A shaded table provided an escape from the sun. She chose a seat with her back to the wall so she could enjoy the colorful scenery. The hem of her skirt ruffled in the breeze, giving life to the bold, puce-colored orchids woven into the white fabric. Jui fluttered her wide-necked, emerald-green, peasant blouse to cool off a bit and then rested her chin on her hands, waiting for a waiter to show up. A few tables away, a handsome man sitting with two beautiful women caught her attention. His companions flirted blatantly by rubbing their generous curves against him and nibbling his neck like pastry. The olive-skinned, tawny-haired man took it all in like Lord and Master. Jui gazed over the top of her sunglasses at their naughty escapades. Get a room, will you? A waitress brought Jui the lunch menu and a glass of water and then left. While she looked at the choices, the low sounds of the stranger's voice kept distracting her and Jui couldn't help surveying them from behind her bound menu and dark glasses. When one of the vixens kissed the stranger, Jui's breath caught in her throat and she became aroused by the sexual drama. The handsome stranger returned the kiss with similar boldness, cupping the woman's head in his large hand. Their jaws flexed while they kissed, hinting at the passion behind it. Another shot of desire ran through Jui's body. She couldn't drag her eyes away from the erotic scene. The man ran his long fingers down the woman's slender arm and didn't even try hiding the intimate contact he made with her breast at the end of his journey. Jui's words stuttered in her brain. Holy shit. His other companion leaned against his shoulder, with her luscious lips pursed in a pout. Jui wondered where her hands were. The waitress interrupted her lustful thoughts with a request to take her order. Jui face glowed crimson, realizing she hadn't even read the menu. Glancing over her shoulder toward the trio, the waitress said in perfect English, "He's a dangerous one. Stay away from him." For a second Jui considered lying, but the man had already garnered her interest. "Who is he?" "His name is Wade Kairos. He's a wealthy playboy—as you can see." Jui heard a tenor of disapproval in the waitress' voice. "Does he live in Heidelberg?" As soon as the words left her lips, Jui wondered why she even cared. "I have no idea. I see him occasionally during the summer months, but I'm sure he spends the winters someplace much warmer." She jerked her head toward the threesome. "It's suiting." "What is?" "His name. Wade means 'traveler,' Kairos is Greek for 'opportune moment' and he takes advantage of every opportunity." The waitress gave Jui a meaningful glare. "Well they ought to get a room." The waitress chuckled. "He always brings playmates. You should come back in the evening…." Jui changed the subject by placing her lunch order and then settled against her chair, determined not to play Peeping Tom any longer. However, she felt eyes on her and soon caved into the natural desire to look. Even at a distance Jui could see the flecks of yellow and green in Wade's eyes. His gaze riveted hers; compelling her to stare at him regardless of whether she wanted to. She bit her lower lip while gawking at his chiseled features. A shiver soft as a caress ran through her body, making Jui realize how attracted she was to him. She dragged her gaze away, only to hear his deep baritone laugh. Is he laughing at me? She bought herself a spine and met his bold gaze again. A seductive smile curled his lips to show even, white teeth. The handsome stranger named Wade Kairos tipped his head toward her. His full lips parted more as he smiled at her. A rush of emotions, cloaked in confusion, raced through her. Is he flirting with me? Wade nodded again. Jui looked down, flustered at the uncanny coincidence that he seemed to answer her question. His laughter floated above the other café voices, landed on her ears, and whispered into her soul. She felt warmer and connected somehow to the handsome stranger with the mysterious eyes and compelling smile. Holy crap, the romantic lore of the city and the castle are getting to me. She removed her dark glasses and studied the illustrious Mr. Kairos, who seemed to enjoy her attention as though he was sitting next to her. Did he just say, join me? Her brows furrowed. How I could have the hots for a man I haven't even met? She looked away and stabbed into her lunch. While she ate, his voice and the soft laughter of his companions wafted to Jui's ears. Her German wasn't great and she only caught bits and pieces of their conversation. She wished she could move away but decided she wouldn't let him get the best of her. Digging into her schnitzel with renewed zest, she didn't dare look up when she heard metal chairs scraping on the patio stones. "I'm Wade Kairos." He chuckled when Jui almost dropped her fork. Damn it, what an arrogant bastard! Wade extended his hand in greeting; a large silver ring with an onyx face graced his index finger. Jui took her time wiping her mouth with a white linen napkin. "Are you always so forward?" My god he's tall and those shoulders . . . . He answered in English with a soft German accent."Only with beautiful women." Jui shook his hand. The electricity flowing between them startled her. "Jui Fabrice," she said in an all-business tone. "Such an unusual name for an American," Wade said without letting her hand go. "Jui—that's Sanskrit for 'flower,' is it not?" Jui wasn't fazed by his seductive pronunciation of her name - Zjoo-ee. "If you already knew, why ask?" "American women are so bold. I find them enticing," He gave her another one of his captivating smiles. "I'm not on the menu," Jui said in a crisp tone and slid her hand from his. "I would never be so gauche. A gentleman waits for the offer." The statement hang in the air between them, laden with innuendo. "Are you here on holiday?" "I don't think my plans are any of your business, Mr. Kairos." Jui ogled his female guests. "And anyway, from the looks of things, you're spoken for." "Touché. How rude of me to ask you for dinner when—when I am otherwise detained." His voice teased her ears like black velvet. The rich tones tangled around her body in silken sheaves, almost making her sigh with the way his voice naturally relaxed her. "Your reputation precedes you, Mr.--" "Please call me Wade." ". . . Kairos. And I haven't got time for a fling." Wade chuckled while his female companions seemed oblivious to his flirting. "A fling? My dear, a night in your arms could never be described as a fling." He spoke in German to the two women clinging to his arms. "Would you please excuse us for a moment?" "I understood that," Jui said in perfect German. A humorous glint filled Wade's hazel eyes. "Sprecht Du Deutsch?" "Enough," Jui said in German and then switched to English, "but I prefer my native tongue when I need to be clear." "I'd love to introduce your tongue—to mine." Jui reached underneath her chair for her oversized, hot pink purse and fished out her wallet. "I'm certain your companions can help you out in the tongue department. I noticed they aren't bashful or inexperienced," she said, while taking out enough euros for the check and a tip. "I've offended you." Wade picked up Jui's hand and pressed his cool lips against her skin. "Forgive me," he said gazing into her eyes. "Please let me make it up to you. Have dinner with me tonight." Jui pulled her hand away from Wade's. She rubbed the spot where he kissed her, trying to erase the sensations from her skin. "I have other plans. If you'll excuse me, Mr. Kairos." "Wade." When she stood, Jui realized Wade was over six feet tall. She held her breath as he reached for her sunglasses and handed them to her. "Green eyes. Sleek, long, black hair like a panther in the night. Beautiful Jui, the green-eyed flower." With a shaking hand, Jui pushed the sunglasses back on her nose. "Excuse me—Wade." He picked up a tendril of her long, hair and inhaled its vanilla scent. "Don't make me wait." He let the curl drop back onto her shoulder. "I'll call you." With one on each arm, Wade ushered his girlfriends back onto the Hauptstrasse. A half-smile curved Jui's lips. But you don't even know I'm staying at the Heidelberg Crowne Plaza. Even if you are just about the hunkiest man I've seen in a long time, you're still a cocky know-it-all. She shrugged off the heady encounter. Wade Kairos is one for the books.
©2010 Margie Church
Dangerous Love, Coming November 2010 from Noble Romance!
Love Bites
“I give a great massage,” Devon said. He patted his thigh, “Put your feet up; I’ll show you.”
“I don’t think so,” Allie nervously replied.
"Come on, if it makes you feel better, you may think of me as a big German woman, with very large breasts and a moustache, wearing a too-tight, white uniform,” he teased. “She can even have underarm hair if it will calm your fears."
Ali wrinkled her nose at the very thought. “Sounds frightening!”
Devon encouraged her again, “Come on, I won’t bite.”
Allie swung her legs over Devon’s thigh. His touch was firm and deliberate on her sore feet and ankles. Allie closed her eyes, relaxing under his ministrations.
A few minutes later, he quietly said, “Now this doesn’t hurt, does it?”
Allie shook her head. “No, it feels wonderful.”
Devon began massaging Allie’s calves. “Your legs are very muscular. Do you run?”
“I belong to The Sweat Shop,” she murmured.
"I’ve seen the place. I was thinking of joining so I can stay in shape over the winter months. Come to think of it, perhaps I wouldn’t like running into you all sweaty and smelling bad on a regular basis. I think once is probably enough, don’t you?”
Allie peeked at Devon with one eye. “Actually I thought you looked pretty hot that day.” Her lips curved in a sly smile.
He wiggled his eyebrows at her. “Hot? Hum, I didn’t think you noticed.”
“Come on Dev, what woman wouldn’t?”
His voice became deliberately seductive. “You know, I only let people extremely close to me call me Dev.”
A look of uncertainty filled Allie’s eyes and then she softly announced, “I think I’d better get going.”
“You’re sure you can’t stay? It’s still early.”
She heard his disappointment. “I’d like to, but I think I’d better not.”
Her voice lacked confidence and Devon wondered if Allaire really wanted to leave because she didn’t trust herself to be alone with him. Their time together left him wanting more.
“I think this is the first time a woman has been here,” he replied softly. “I’ve missed you.”
Devon knew the two sentences were incongruent. Both were true but the second one sounded like a prelude to something more. He walked Allie to the elevator with his hand resting on the small of her back as if he did it all the time. He wondered what Allie was thinking. He started a small war in his mind about whether to ask her to stay and make love to her or remain a gentleman. The gentleman won the battle.
At the penthouse elevator door, Allaire faced Devon. He gently rubbed her soft cheek with his thumb. “Your face is flushed; are you okay to drive?”
Allie closed her eyes and raised her chin slightly, in an unmistakable invitation for Devon to kiss her.
He didn’t wait; he didn’t want her to change her mind. Devon cupped her face tenderly in both hands and softly touched her lips with his. He heard Allaire’s low moan. Her hand rested lightly on his hip as his lips moved slowly across hers, but when Devon deepened the kiss, her fingers knotted in the fabric of his shirttail.
He opened his mouth wider and licked her lower lip. As their tongues met for the first time, Allie sagged against him. He put one hand on the elevator door as he kissed her harder, beckoning a more passionate response, awakening Allaire to the desires Devon flamed.
~*~
The stubble of Devon’s scruffy beard scratched Allie’s face. She kissed him like a sex-starved woman, deeply, insatiably. Her throaty moans sounded foreign to her. His rock hard body felt so unfamiliar and so enticing. Everything about Devon was big and strong. His tight jeans revealed his hidden length as she wantonly pressed her hip against him.
Devon’s touch sizzled as he caressed her breasts and unbuttoned her blouse. She panted for breath, and panted for more of him when he nuzzled his face in the soft, deep valley he found between her full breasts. Each lick, each love bite on her sensitive skin, provoked a sensual response, the depths of which Allie never experienced before.
She unbuttoned his crisp shirt, eager to explore the hard planes of his body. His definition was superb. She ran her fingers along the muscular outlines of his broad neck and shoulders. She wriggled her fingers in his dark chest hair and teased a nipple with her lips and tongue.
Devon grabbed Allaire by her curvaceous hips and pulled her tightly against his. His body moved purposefully against hers, “Do you feel that?” he asked in a ragged voice. “I want you.”
Her blue eyes grew wide with wonder. “Take me,” she whispered back.
~*~
Devon opened the buttons on Allie’s jeans and then jerked them down. After she stepped out of them, Devon lifted her onto his hips. She wrapped her arms around his neck and ran her fingers in his thick hair while he devoured her with his lips. With one hand, he held her firmly against him and from behind with the other, he stroked the silky, damp fabric between her thighs.
Her moans fueled Devon’s passion. “Wait, wait,” he said in a hushed voice. “Not like this. I want to make love to you, not fuck you like a rutting stag.”
Devon saw the questions in Allie’s eyes. He wondered if she knew the difference between being made love to and just having sex; if she’d ever been with someone other than her husband. His uncertainly only made him more determined to do this right.
He set her down, took her hand, and led her to his bedroom. Large windows provided spectacular river views and a massive skylight created the illusion of being outside, especially at night. “It’s like lying in the park on your back, looking up at the sky,” he said as they approached his king sized bed covered in a forest green comforter.
His gaze never left hers while he finished taking off his shirt. When he started to unbutton his jeans, Allaire brushed his hands away. Her initiative pleased him. He wondered what she would think of the Mercer family jewels. Gar sometimes said he wished he was as large as Devon, but many of Devon’s partners couldn’t accommodate his size and sex with them was not very satisfying. Nothing felt better than to be able to sink his long, thick cock completely into a hot, wet woman. He hoped Allie wouldn’t be intimidated and even more so, he hoped she could take all of him.
The lust he saw in Allie’s eyes excited Devon. His breath hissed through his teeth as she ran her fingernail along his length. His cock spontaneously jumped in his silk, maroon boxers and left a wet streak on the thin fabric. When she cupped his balls and firmly rubbed them, Devon started wondering who was seducing whom.
Devon reached behind Allie and unfastened her bra. Her 40DD breasts were a sight to behold as he watched her peaks ripen before his eyes. Two can play at this game. He suckled one nipple while caressing the damp fabric still between Allie’s legs.
She groaned and let her head fall back as she held his lips against her breasts. She begged him not to stop and spread her legs wider to illustrate her growing desire.
He hooked his thumb in her lacy panties and pulled them down. Then he knelt and took them off. When he looked up, Devon again saw uncertainty in Allaire’s eyes. He ran his hands down her flat tummy and lower to her trimmed, tight, blonde curls. Her full, round hips and ass were made for love. He imagined how sexy her heart-shaped ass would look as she bounced up and down on his hard cock. The idea turned him on. “You’re absolutely stunning,” he said in a husky voice.
Devon silently urged Allie to sit on the edge of the bed and spread her legs wide. He looked at the pink, wet flesh splayed in front of him. “You’re so beautiful,” he said before he captured her lower lips in an Aussie kiss.
~*~
Cade parked the limo in a vacant lot near an abandoned warehouse outside of Stanfield. He and Axe quickly got out.
“Help me get her out of the car,” Axe urged. “Christ, unconscious women are heavy. Hold her up, Cade.”
The cold night air and jostling brought Allie closer to consciousness. “Jack?” she moaned.
Axe laughed, showing his yellowish teeth. “Yeah sweetheart it’s me, your dear old stepfather, Jack.”
The two men hastily shoved Allie into a teal 1995 Chevy Beretta and drove off again.
Allie tried to focus on the face next to hers. “What’s going on? Where are you taking me?” she mumbled. “Where am I?”
Axe leered at Allie in her French maid’s costume. “You are just as sexy as Jeff said.”
Allie’s head rolled on her shoulders. “What are you talking about, Jack?” Allie stuttered. Her tongue felt thick in her mouth and it was hard to form the words. “You aren’t making any sense.”
Axe laughed again; a guttural, self-satisfied laugh and Cade joined in.
Joseph Axel, aka Axe, was a mathematical and computer genius, and a murderer come-lately. His cohort in crime was Cade Benson.
Axe and Cade met Allaire’s ex-husband, Jeff West, while Jeff was serving time in the Michigan State Penitentiary for shooting Devon. Axe was in prison for embezzlement and Cade was in for drug trafficking. Jeff used to spend hours upon hours telling the men about his beautiful, beloved Allie, daughter of Stanford’s Police Commander, Martin Prescott. He also never skipped an opportunity to degrade the father of Allie’s children, millionaire Devon Mercer, hotshot lawyer, and heir apparent to the Mercer Empire.
It took no time for the conniving Axe to hatch a scheme to make all his twisted dreams come true. After Axe and Cade were paroled, Axe started working his plan.
Axe’s voice sounded sickeningly sweet, “You’re in for a big Halloween trick. I’m so sorry to ruin your evening my dear.”
Through blurry vision, Allie watched Axe peel away the theatrical mask of Jack’s face to reveal his own. Axe threw the pieces of the mask out the speeding car’s window, into the night. The black wig sailed out last. “I just love Halloween!” Axe proclaimed and then resumed his demonic laughter.
Axe turned his face side to side so Allie could get a good look at him. “What do you think, Allie?” he asked. “Happy Halloween!” he shouted before fits of insane laughter overcame him.
The sound jarred Allie’s ragged nerves. She shook her head to clear the fog in her brain, fully realizing now she was in deep trouble. “Who are you? What do you want with me?” she managed to ask.
Axe crossed his arms on his chest. “Oh, you’ll find out soon enough. Just relax and enjoy the ride,” he replied.
Allie pretended to lapse back into unconsciousness but her mind spun. It took every ounce of her self-control to remain limp and unresponsive when inside, panic reigned. She fought the befuddling effects of whatever Cade injected her with, trying to pay attention to their conversation. Allie barely cracked her eyes open to see where they were going but she only could see dark forest. Oncoming traffic indicated they were on a two-lane road. The sound of crunching under the tires made Allie think they turned onto a gravel road. A few minutes later they stopped.
“Wake up Sleeping Beauty,” Axe teased as he shook Allie roughly. “We’re home!”
Allie didn’t respond.
“Cade, get your sorry ass back here and help me get her out of the car,” Axe commanded.
Cade opened the passenger door, and then grabbed Allie under her arms, dragging her roughly into the pre-dawn air.
Allie gasped as the sudden chill hit her thinly clad body.
“She awakens,” Axe snorted. “Just in time.”
Allie sagged unsteadily against Cade. “What do you want with me?” Her voice sounded a bit stronger. “Who are you?” she asked again.
Cade’s hands roamed the soft sides of Allie’s full breasts as he held her up against him.
The unwelcomed contact brought Allie to full consciousness and she delivered a swift elbow to Cade’s ribs. He instinctively let go of her. Allie took her chance at freedom and broke into a wobbly run. A bullet hitting the ground next to her stopped her cold.
“Stop now, Ms. Prescott or is it West?” Axe laughed again. “No matter; ‘bitch’ works fine, too. Turn around and come back here quietly, bitch.”
Allie’s shoulders were heaving but her face only portrayed defiance. She her heart raced at breakneck speed but she remained rooted to her spot.
Axe pointed the Glock 29 directly at her head. “Now!” he shouted at her.
Allie slowly walked toward him. When she got within reach, Axe he grabbed her roughly by the arm and held the loaded gun to her temple. His hot breath against her ear made her skin crawl.
“You’re not going anywhere. You might as well accept it,” Axe said. “That is until lover-boy delivers the cash.”
“Who are you talking about?” she asked.
Cade reacted as if he won a game show quiz, “Devon, Devon Mercer, your lover!”
Allie trained a cold stare on Cade. “Devon is not my lover,” she hissed. “We have a living arrangement for the sake of our children but lead separate lives.”
“That’s a crock of shit, Allie,” Axe snorted. “I heard you at the costume store with your girlfriend, telling her all about your plans.”
Allie’s eyes narrowed and she wondered if Axe was the man following her all these months. “I don’t know what you are talking about; you are mistaken.”
“Oh, I’m not,” Axe replied. “You see, I even know about that porn pussy you had done. Did Devon like it? I’m looking forward to seeing it myself.”
Allie hoped the gloomy dawn hid her furious blush. “Touch me and I’ll kill you with my bare hands,” Allie retorted.
“She’s just as feisty as Jeff said,” Cade happily stated. “Maybe we should have a look right now.” Cade’s lips split into a goofy grin matching the wild look in his eyes. He stepped closer to Allaire.
Allie’s eye’s zigzagged between the two men. “What does Jeff have to do with this?” she demanded to know.
Cade leered at Allie’s low cut neckline. “Oh, Jeff was just a fountain of information. He told us all about you, and I mean all.”
Axe held Allie’s arms behind her while Cade reached for Allie’s bodice and tugged. The material easily ripped.
Allie let out a yowl and spit in Cade’s face.
“You bitch! You fucking bitch!” Cade hollered as he wiped away Allie’s spittle from his mouth with the back of his hand. “The price on your fucking head just went up.”
Cade hauled back and smashed Allie’s jaw with his closed fist.
Axe’s maniacal laughter rang in her ears as she hit the ground and then passed out.
The thrilling, romantic sequel to "Awakening Allaire"
Chapter 1
Commander Martin Prescott cradled the phone against his shoulder. “Just give me an hour to get over to Allaire’s and give her the news before you tell the world, okay? It’s the least you can do,” he said to the Stanfield District Attorney with whom he talked on the phone. “The five o’clock news is a hell of way to find out your ex was whacked and considering what my daughter just went through, I think she deserves a little bit of privacy. The media are going to be all over her like white on rice.”
The D. A. magnanimously agreed to Martin’s itty-bitty demand and then Martin hung up. He blew out his breath in disgust and said to his empty, uptown bachelor’s apartment, “Crime waits for no one, not even Santa Claus.”
~*~
Martin Prescott drove his city-issued Crown Vic through the snow-sloppy, metro Stanfield, Michigan. The traffic lights remained on rush hour settings and Commander Prescott cruised through the mostly empty streets with few delays. He noticed the mechanical Santa Clauses, lighted reindeer, and Christmas trees perched in the massive department store windows all seemed to be in an exhausted, Christmas day slumber after the pre-holiday shopping frenzy.
He exited the downtown and took the freeway to his daughter’s home in the suburbs. Allaire West lived with Devon Mercer and their twin children in a gated community where many of Stanfield’s rich and famous lived. Allaire and Devon Mercer weren’t married, but the name “Mercer” name certainly could be found in the yellow pages under the heading “rich and famous.”
Leaving behind the cityscape, he enjoyed the snow-covered, rolling hills speckled with farms and small clusters of homes. Windbreak rows of deep green, pine trees in open fields starkly contrasted with the white oaks. Their brown leaves fluttered in the December wind and were reminiscent of Halloween.
At the Mercer security gate, Martin announced himself and waited for the massive iron grid to slide open. Then, he parked in the horseshoe driveway in front of the stately brownstone mansion.
Allaire wrapped her thick, holiday sweater more tightly around her slender body. Shivering in the cold, she stood on the
expansive front porch waiting for her father. “Merry Christmas, Daddy,” she said with a happy smile on her face. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”
Martin gave Allie a kiss on her cheek. “I didn’t either, but unfortunately I’m here on official business.”
Allie frowned at the remark; her festive mood suddenly deflated. “Come on in. Dev is still recovering from Christmas with young children.”
In the great room, Devon sprawled out on the soft, black leather couch with his eyes closed and a Bloody Mary propped between his hands. He looked as though he was waiting for his hair-of-the-dog hangover cure to kick in.
Martin chuckled at the sight, startling
“I wish I could say I came for an eggnog and a visit with Katy and Kai, but I have some news I need to share with you, Allie, and it couldn’t wait.”
“What is it Dad? Is it about my kidnapping?” she asked in a nervous voice.
“Yes and no,” Martin replied.
Devon cut in, “Can we stop beating around the bush, Martin?”
Martin gazed into Allie’s troubled eyes. “A man was shot on December twenty-third at the city’s main bus terminal.”
Allie shrugged her shoulders. “Okay, but what does it have to do with me?”
“It was Jeff. Someone murdered Jeff after his shift driving a city bus.”
Allie sank slowly to the couch while confusion and shock took turns on her face. “Oh my god, are you sure? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
Devon joined Allaire on the couch and put a protective arm around her shoulders. “Martin, what has this to do with Allie?”
Martin Prescott flipped into his police commander mode, delivering the information unemotionally and factually. “They killed Jeff execution-style just like Tia Marlow and Andrew Stevers. Although we think Cade Benson shot Tia and Andrew on Halloween night, we still don’t know whether Cade and Axe acted alone. I asked the D. A. to keep Jeff’s name out of the news for a couple days so we could begin investigating.”
Allie eyes welled with tears and she spoke in a halting whisper, “Are you sure it’s Jeff, Dad? There’s no mistake?”
Martin shook his head. “I’m sorry but there’s no mistake. The D. A. is holding a press conference at four o’clock. I wanted you to hear it from me and give you a little bit of time to prepare. You know the media will want a statement. As a lawyer, Devon, I’m hoping you can help Allie prepare something to say. I’m not saying she needs a lawyer, but I want her to be careful about what she says. Of course, you know this also is an opportunity to ask questions about your kidnapping, Allie. It could get uncomfortable.”
“Sure Martin, I’ll help her,” Devon replied softly.
“What does all this mean, Dad? Do you think there is a tie between my kidnapping and Jeff’s murder?”
Martin didn’t mince words. “We don’t know yet, but it seems too much of a coincidence. Everyone immediately connected with you that night is dead now, except for Devon, of course.”
Allie’s heart lurched. “Is Devon in danger? Are we going into a crazy state of high alert? We were just starting to breathe again; the kids are finally playing outside.” Allie’s voice trembled as she said to Devon, “I don’t think I can go through all this right now. I’m not feeling strong enough yet.”
“Darling, please, we’ll figure this out,” Devon calmly replied. “You are safe here and we’re already replacing your bodyguard. Seth says it will be any day now.”
Martin added, “Listen to
Allie’s knuckles turned white gripping Devon’s hand. “I just can’t stir all this up right now. I’m not ready.”
“We don’t have to do anything today, Allaire. We’ll talk to Dr. Kessler first and he can help you sort out the emotional issues.”
“Dad, do you know when Jeff’s funeral will be?” she asked quietly.
“They haven’t released his body yet but I don’t think it’ll be long. Are you thinking of going?” Martin asked, still in the cop mode.
Allie shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s not like I was on good terms with Jeff’s folks after the shooting and the divorce. They blamed me, of course, and we never even spoke before his sentencing. However, Jeff and I were once married. I loved him then and I never wanted to hurt him.” She locked into Devon’s gaze and continued, “I never wanted anything like this to happen to him, regardless of how we hurt Jeff, and how he hurt you, Dev.”
“If Jeff wouldn’t have kept his bloody mouth shut in prison, none of this would have happened,” Devon shot back. The emotions in his voice accentuated his pronounced British accent. “I’ll take you to his funeral if you truly want to go Allie, but I don’t recommend it. Emotionally it could be extremely difficult and the media will be there. They’ll have a field day with you even if you never utter a single word. Who knows how Delia and Thad will take seeing you after all this time.”
“You need to seriously consider what Devon said, Allie. It could be a disaster if you’re not up to it.” Martin’s tone softened a little, “You’ve been to hell and back.” Martin gazed at Devon with a father’s loving eyes, “Thanks for looking out for my daughter.” He rubbed his neck in an effort to hide his awkwardness. “When you two met, and this nightmare began with the twins’ paternity, and Jeff shot you, and landed in prison, I have to say, I really hated you for causing my daughter such grief. I mean no disrespect but I pegged you for a slimy bastard just like your old man.”
“No offense taken, Martin, my father can be underhanded and difficult, to say the least.”
“You put the children first and helped Allaire rebuild her life without pressure.” Martin continued in a husky voice, “When she was kidnapped, you showed me how committed you were to finding her at any cost. You showed me how much you love my daughter, so I am counting on you to help her get through this, too.”
Devon
Allaire gazed with gratitude at her handsome fiancé. “Thank you.”
“And just so you know, Martin, I plan to make an honest woman of Allaire. I asked her to marry me last night and she agreed.” Devon smiled proudly about his announcement.
A broad smile lit up Martin’s face. “Is that so?”
Allie came forward to show her father her engagement ring. “Isn’t it beautiful?” she said while he examined the three-carat, marquis diamond.
Martin whistled approvingly. “More than a cop could afford.” He gathered Allie into his powerful arms and hugged her. “Congratulations, Allaire, I know Devon makes you happy and you’ve wanted this a long time.”
“Thank you, Daddy,” she replied softly against his shoulder.
He extended his hand for Devon to shake. “Congratulations, Devon.”
“I’ll think about going to Jeff’s funeral,” Allie said, changing the subject. “I don’t think I can just let it pass without some kind of acknowledgement. The media would probably take an equally ugly twist on my silence.”
“Do what you think is best and let me know. If you need police escorts, I’ll take care of it.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Now, I’d love a chance to say Merry Christmas to my grandchildren,” Martin said, rubbing his hands together, “but my guess is Katy and Kai are napping. The house is awfully quiet.”
“Yes, they are Dad.”
“Thank God,” Devon added. “I’ve never seen them misbehave like they did last night. I can’t apologize enough for their outrageous behavior. Who could imagine a couple of three-year-olds could wreak such havoc? Next year is going to be different,” Devon concluded with a stern glance at Allie.
She pressed a comforting hand on Devon’s chest and said to her father, “Devon thinks Christmas chaos is reserved just for our children. Please tell him, all kids are pretty much alike at the holidays–unruly, cranky, and generally little monsters.”
“She’s right. It’s part of the holiday magic, just like my mother told you last night.” Martin chuckled quickly. “Your kids acted just like most other kids at Christmas.”
Devon
Allie leaned against the heavy oak door, shutting it behind her father. “
Devon drew Allaire into his loving embrace. “Come here,” he said. “I’m right here.”
~*~
Allie and Devon watched the five o’clock news in his study. Anxiety filled Allaire and she chewed a fingernail while she waited for the clip about Jeff’s murder to come on. As the story opened, it was a downright shock to see Jeff’s mug shot as the primary graphic.
“Oh my god, Delia and Thad are going to have a fit,” she muttered seeing the picture.
Devon agreed. “You’d think they could get a nicer picture of Jeff.”
Allie turned the volume up. “Shhh, I want to hear this.”
The video showed the city bus terminal where police discovered Jeff’s body. The television anchor droned over it, “West, age 32, was paroled from the Michigan State Penitentiary after serving four years of a seven-year sentence for shooting Stanfield lawyer, Devon Mercer.
“A scandal broke out when Mercer and West’s wife at the time, Allaire Prescott West, had an affair.” Devon’s picture appeared on the screen now with the “talking head” anchor. “The former Mrs. West became pregnant with Mercer’s twin children and, according to court documents, Jeff West went to Devon Mercer’s home to kill him. Mercer’s bodyguard, Seth O’Carroll, interrupted West’s premeditated attack, but not before West shot Mercer in the back. West pleaded guilty and received seven years for his crime. Devon Mercer agreed to an early parole for West last summer.”
An old photo of Allaire came on the screen. “Where the heck did they get that picture?” Allie complained. “That was taken years ago, just after I married Jeff.”
“Recently, Allaire Prescott West was kidnapped and held for a two million-dollar ransom,” the anchor continued. “She was found, but the ransom money is still missing.
“Stanfield Police Commissioner Martin Prescott admits there is a connection between his daughter’s kidnappers and Jeff West.”
The video clip cut to Martin Prescott saying, “Jeff West knew the kidnappers in prison and we think that’s how the plan to kidnap Allaire hatched. We don’t know whether Jeff contacted the kidnappers on the outside or if he played a role in her abduction. In our interviews with Mr. West, he vehemently denied any involvement in the kidnapping. The FBI is involved because Jeff’s murder may be connected to Allaire West’s kidnapping.”
The talking head finished the segment, “West’s ex-wife did not answer our requests for a statement. The funeral for Jeff West is scheduled…”
Allie flicked the television off. Her face looked ashen. “
Devon
Chapter 2
Once the news of Jeff’s murder broke, the Mercer’s phone rang off the hook.
“We might as well get it over with,” Allie said after they turned off the phone. “So much for a quiet Christmas dinner,” she added with a sour look toward Devon.
Allie and
“If you start feeling anxious, Allaire, shut it down,” Dr. Kessler said. “I don’t want to alarm you, but the wrong questions or too much pressure could trigger a psychotic event. The media is anxious to know what happened to you and how you and Devon are coping with the aftermath of your captivity.”
“I don’t want anyone to think the kidnappers broke me,” Allie replied to Dr. Kessler while
Dr. Kessler continued to explain, “But the reality, is it significantly affected you mentally and physically. You’ve made tremendous progress, but the peyote flashbacks could haunt you the rest of your life. This happened too recently to say it’s behind you by any stretch of the imagination.”
“We understand the somewhat precarious state of Allaire’s health, Dr. Kessler,”
~*~
Allaire decided not to make Jeff’s funeral a media circus by attending. She would give a statement this afternoon and answer a few questions to give Jeff’s parents space to grieve without her.
Butterflies filled her stomach. Allie sat at her dressing table and brushed her hair, hoping the mundane activity would help settle her nerves. She studied her reflection and decided her bob haircut looked good on her. Maybe she should get highlights. Maybe she’d let it grow long again. The horrifying memories of Cade hacking off her long, blonde hair with his knife zipped through Allie’s mind, temporarily paralyzing her hand in mid-stroke. Her pale reflection stared back at her from the center mirror on her dressing table.
The sounds of slamming doors, equipment sliding on the marble foyer floor, convoluted chatter, and sporadic sound tests climbed the stairs and whispered in Allaire’s ears. She paced in her bedroom, worried she made the wrong decision about speaking to the media. Allaire filled her lungs deeply and again focused on her reflection in the mirror. She let out her breath slowly. “You can do this, Allie,” she firmly said.
Devon walked into their bedroom dressed in a black, lightweight wool suit with a wine-red shirt, open at the collar. A perfectly-folded, matching red, silk handkerchief peaked out of his breast pocket. Stunningly handsome as always, Allaire gazed at her British husband with a flicker of lust in her eyes. “Have I ever told you how sexy you are, Devon Mercer?” Shocks of Devon’s wavy, chocolate brown hair fell onto his forehead and Allie brushed them backwards.
He took her into his arms. “Sexy, you say?” His lips met hers for a soft kiss. “Just sexy? Not heart-stoppingly gorgeous?” His tongue played on her lips and Allie giggled as he continued teasing her. “Is there someone else?” Devon kissed Allie hard then, his demanding tongue powerfully sapping every other thought from her mind.
Allie sagged against Devon; his sudden onslaught left her weak-kneed. “What was that for?” she breathlessly asked.
“Because I love you.”
Allaire caressed
“Day and night, that’s where you’ll find me, darling,” he easily replied and swept her into another amorous kiss.
“Ah-hem.” The nervous twitter of their nanny, Lucy, interrupted the couple. The tall, green-eyed, brunette stood in the doorway with a look on her face matching her eyes. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Carl said everyone is ready downstairs.”
Allie remained in Devon’s arms while she asked Lucy, “The twins are upstairs, and you’ll keep them there until we’re finished?”
“Yes, and other security members are stationed at the stairs and around the house to prevent anyone from getting access the twins, or photographing them through a window.”
Allaire’s relationship with Lucy remained tenuous. Their talented nanny with a license to kill put the moves on Devon after Allie was kidnapped. In her mind, the jury was still out on whether Lucy really gave up on Devon.
Devon
Allie squeezed his hand and nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
~*~
Due to the cold winter temperatures, the media set up in the great room. It was a coup for the information-hungry crowd always kept on the opposite side of the locked front gate or relegated to an answering service.
Allaire and
“Good afternoon,” she began from the makeshift podium. “I am deeply saddened and upset over the murder of my ex-husband, Jeff, and I offer my sincere condolences to his parents, Delia and Thad.”Allaire faced the cameras dead on and said, “Jeff West was a decent man and a loving son. The FBI already established Jeff knew the two men who kidnapped me last October. However, I firmly believe Jeff would not have instigated or become involved in my kidnapping. As far as Devon and I are concerned, what happened between the three of us was settled several years ago. I don’t believe Jeff harbored so much hatred and anger that he would deliberately put me in harm’s way. He knew how much being a mother meant to me and I know he would not have done anything to take me away from my children.
“Devon and I are cooperating with the FBI and local police to help solve this horrible crime. We want Jeff’s killer found and brought to justice.”
Reporters clamored to ask their questions and Allie selected the first person.
“Did you speak to Jeff West after his parole or to his parents since his murder?” the reporter asked.
“No to both questions,” Allie replied. “In fact, I haven’t spoken to Jeff’s parents since he went to jail. My father, Commander Prescott, told us about the murder yesterday.”
“Will you tell us about your kidnapping?” shouted another.
Allie gulped. Quietly she said to Devon who stood behind her, “That didn’t take long.”
“Take your time, darling. Answer what you are comfortable with and step away the second you are not.”
Allie cleared her throat self-consciously. “Two men kept me mostly in solitary confinement, in abandoned warehouses and office spaces. The men were ex-convicts, drug addicts, and both are dead.”
“Is it true you nearly died in captivity?” shouted a reporter in the back of the crowd.
“Yes.”
“We heard you suffered a miscarriage after you were rescued. Who was the father?”
Allaire tensed. “I’m not going to answer those questions.”
“Did you come here on Halloween night, the night you were kidnapped, and seduce Devon Mercer in this very room?” pressed the same reporter.
Devon
An eagle-eyed reporter called out, “I see a large diamond on your hand, Ms. West. Are you and Mr. Mercer engaged?”
Allaire gave
“When is the wedding; what are your plans?” asked a front-row reporter.
Allie replied. “We have not made any wedding plans.”
A tall, older reporter got back to her kidnapping by asking, “Are you in psychiatric care? Rumor is you need significant cosmetic surgery to repair the injuries to your body caused by frostbite and dehydration?”
Allaire closed her eyes and commanded her heart to slow down. “Being kidnapped is a traumatic event. I can’t imagine anyone going through it and not needing some counseling. I suffered significant physical injuries, especially to my feet and legs, and my body is still healing.”
Another said boldly, “We were told you also were addicted to drugs while you were in captivity – heroine and peyote.”
“I think that is enough,”
“Isn’t it true that you suffer from hallucinations and flashbacks from the peyote?” shouted back the same reporter trying to get some juicy tidbits.
“I said that’s enough.”
Carl approached
Allaire extended her hand to Xavier. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Xavier.” Allie glanced at
They tabled the discussion while Carl, Xavier, and the other security officers cleared the premises of the media.
Allaire watched the jackals leave and rubbed her arms while imaginary shivers ran through her. “How would they know about the drugs or the baby unless they got inside information?” Allaire asked Devon quietly.
“I’ll have Carl check into it. Nothing is sacred when you’re a Mercer.” “He kissed Allaire’s cheek softly. “Or soon to be a Mercer.”
A camera flashed, capturing the private moment.
Devon let loose a low, frustrated, growl. “Carl, take care of that,” he commanded, pointing out the offender.
