I didn’t see the former mobster who had gained some political and economic influence over the years leave with his daughter because I turned and ran away.
Jasper was about to chase after me, but I heard Arthur say, “Hey!” And I could no longer feel the presence of the man I loved chasing after me.
I moved fast, packing my suitcase. I threw my coat on over Bryn’s dress, knowing she wasn’t coming back for it anyway. I had no idea what Arthur had said to Jasper, but he never showed up in my bedroom. Soon, I was tossing my luggage into the back seat of my car and driving off the property. I only caught a peripheral glance of a stretched limousine with tinted windows parked out front. Arthur was still at the house. Whatever he had said kept Jasper from following his heart. It would keep us apart. The pain in my chest was too much to bear. Tears rushed to my eyes, and I sobbed.
* * *
Two Weeks Later
I sat at the desk in my small office downtown. The new year had come, and I was still trying to immerse myself in my work. It was the best way for me to try to forget about Jasper Christmas. However, I couldn’t concentrate much on any new assignment. I missed my former lover and regretted we couldn’t throw all of our responsibilities to the wind and take that road trip we had planned, which would’ve included a lot of fun and sex.
The day after Christmas, after returning from Philadelphia, I’d received a call from Kylie. She had told me that the address Gina had given me in Chattanooga belonged to an old, abandoned, dilapidated house that was last officially owned by the Greer family.
“The Greers were poor as dirt and had six daughters. That’s all I could figure out so far.”
“Thanks,” I said.
“Holly, that didn’t sound enthusiastic at all.”
I sighed tiredly. “Listen, I’m over the Christmases. I really don’t care about them anymore.”
“Shit,” she said with fervor. “Which one were you fucking?”
Of course I denied having sexual relations with any of them. I basically told Kylie that they were a weird family and I just didn’t care anymore.
She remained silent for a while then said, “I see. Well, I’m going to let you cool off for a while and then get back to you. I’m unable to investigate the Christmases, but you are, and I want to get to the bottom of this.”
I had agreed so I could get her off the phone, go to bed, crawl under the sheets, and cry.
I was surprised she hadn’t gotten back to me as of yet. I hadn’t changed my mind. I wanted nothing to do with the Christmases. Then I stopped scanning the AP newswire as my eyes remained stuck on the details of a story. Bryn Christmas was considered a missing person. Her Mercedes was found along a California highway, keys still in the ignition, and her cell phone and wallet in the passenger seat. Authorities were led to question a man they considered to be her boyfriend, Dale Rumor, a clerk who worked for Judge Robert Kristoff, but he was unable to be found. Blood was found in Bryn’s car, hers on the steering wheel and his in the back seat. Crime scene investigators believed foul play was probable.
I coughed because I had forgotten to breathe. “Shit.”
Bryn and Dale murdered? My mind quickly put the pieces together. I sprang to my feet, feeling as though I had to do something. Then there was a gentle knock on the door. I pressed my hand over my heart, hoping it was Bryn.
“Come in,” I said impatiently.
The door opened, and the shock of who it was made me lean back. “What are you doing here?”
THE END
* * *
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* * *
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Also by Z.L. Arkadie
*Contemporary Romance Series*
EROTIC/STEAMY ROMANCE
The Dark Christmases Trilogy
Intrigued
Desire
Claimed
LOVE in the USA (The Lords)
Find Her, Keep Her - A Martha’s Vineyard Love Story, Book 1
There’s Something About Her, A Manhattan Love Story, Book 2
Say You Love Her, An LA Love Story, Book 3
Know Her, Love Her (Daisy & Belmont, #1), Book 4
Still In Love With Her (Maggie & Vince, #1), Book 5
Explore Her, More of Her (Daisy & Belmont, #2), Book 6
Made To Like Her (Maggie & Vince, #2), Book 7
He’s So Bad: A San Francisco Love Story, Book 8
Made To Love Her (Maggie & Vince, #3) Book 9
He’s So Good (Robert & Carter) Book 10
Say You Love Me (Charlie & Angel) Book 11
Adore Her, More of Her (Daisy & Belmont, #3) Book 12
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General Contemporary Romance
LOVE in the USA (The Hesters)
Once Friends & Now Lovers, A Hollywood Love Story Duet (Sonja & Jay)
Taming The Shrewd (Another Hollywood Love Story) Elaine & Zach
Waiting on You (A Brooklyn Love Story) Robin & Dexter
Her Perfect Man
Authors Z.L. Arkadie & T.R. Bertrand
The Boss’ Desire
The Artist’s Love
The Professor’s Heart
The Chef’s Passion
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Romantic Suspense Series
The Sterlings
Secrets and Lies, Book 1
Secrets That Hide, Book 2
Secrets That See The Light, Book 3
The Secret Keeper, Book 4
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*Paranormal Romance Series*
Parched
Parched Book 1
The Seventh Sister
Quenched Book 2
The Fifth Sister
Ignite (Includes “Light Speed”) Book 3
Vanquish, Book 4
Steal With A Kiss, Book 5
Forget Me Never (Pt. I) Book 6
Forget Me Never (Pt. 2) Book 7
About the Author
Z.L. Arkadie has been an author since July 2011, debuting with her Parched series. She has been a best-selling author in the iBooks store, holding the top spot for two weeks with her LOVE in the USA, series, which is still her most popular series to date. Currently she has written 34 novels, which span 5 series, and is now working on her 6th romance series. She enjoys merging steamy and erotic romance with a solid mystery. Her favorite characters to write are sexy, strong and brooding men who find love with beautiful, independent and smart women.
When she’s not writing, she loves to cook and read good books, which have the power to take her somewhere she’s never been.
For more information:
zlarkadiebooks.com
[email protected]
Intrigued: The Dark Christmases Page 16
