“Do you regret retiring?”
He held her gaze. “Up until six hours ago, no.” Seeing her frown he tapped the tip of her nose. “I’m kidding. This feels normal to me. That’s why I can grab some sleep. You should too.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close, nuzzling his nose against her neck. “My God, this is what I miss. Cuddling and snuggling. Is that weird when a man likes this?”
Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, but it was enough for now. “You always did like snuggling. Most men want to have sex and then roll out of bed.”
He allowed his eyes to drift close. “Oh, like you did last night?” When she didn’t respond, he flicked his eyes open. “Wipe that agitation off your expression, sweetheart,” he teased.
“You know why I left your room.”
“I get it. You didn’t want anyone to know about us.’
“Nope, I didn’t want to listen to your God-awful snoring.”
He moaned and swatted her bottom lightly. “You little minx. You snore too.” He was glad they could move away from some of the stress even if only for a few minutes.
She shrugged and the neckline of the shirt she wore slipped a few inches, exposing the strap of her red bra. He felt a stirring behind his zipper and cursed himself. Since when did a glimpse at an undergarment cause a reaction in his balls?
She pressed her hand against his chest. “I should let you get some sleep.”
For a man who was as sleepy as he was, he didn’t allow slumber to take hold until he heard the soft, gentle snores from Novah telling him that she’d fallen asleep. He stared at her, taking in the delicate lines of her face, the soft blanket of her hair as it splayed over the cushion, and the sweet whimpers that drifted up in her throat as if she were dreaming. Inhaling her scent, he absorbed it into his soul. Lifting a finger he brushed her chin, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. You’ll always be safe with me.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“ARE YOU SURE?”
“They’re clothes, Novah. Not the key to my deepest, darkest secrets. I even gave Pao some to give to Lindsay.” Hannah laughed as she took out a gauzy green dress from her closet. “This will bring out the color of your eyes.”
Novah didn’t care what she wore because she was still reeling from waking up earlier, alone on the couch after she’d slept there with Egan. Thankfully, she’d found a note next to her from him, “I’m with Pao. Be back soon.” She touched the delicate material of the dress and smiled. “Sure.”
Hannah shoved the dress into Novah’s chest. “Try it on.”
She couldn’t help but feel a connection with Hannah. She was kind and it showed in the glow of her face. Taking the offering, Novah went into the adjoining bathroom. Taking off her T-shirt and jeans that were wrinkled, she pulled the dress over her head, dropping the soft material around her curves. The soft and lightweight fabric was even prettier on.
“Thank you for letting me borrow something,” she said as she stepped out of the bathroom
“No problem.” Hannah placed a stack of clothes and a pair of boots on the vanity. “These are yours.”
“Hannah, I can’t take your clothes.” Did the other woman know something Novah didn’t? She was hoping she and Egan would be leaving the farm sometime today.
“Sharing is caring around these parts. I have enough clothes that I won’t miss them.” Hannah waved a hand through the air. “I think I heard the men downstairs. Should we join them?”
“Yes.” Novah was anxious to speak to Lindsay.
They made their way downstairs and Novah met Egan’s gaze across the space of the living room. She knew what she saw in his eyes and it triggered something amazingly warm in the center of her body, but her logic still put up a fight.
Pao was sitting on one of the chairs, his scowl back into place. Lindsay, who was huddled in the corner of the couch, looked lost. A colorful blanket was wrapped around her shoulders, and she sat with her gaze down, but her chin had a stubborn tilt. There was strength in the woman no doubt.
“Good morning, Lindsay,” Novah said in greeting.
A glimpse of a smile swept over Lindsay, but her eyes remained troubled and cool.
“How did you sleep?”
Flicking her gaze on Pao then back to Novah, Lindsay said, “I managed a few hours. I had hoped that this was all a nightmare and when I woke up, I would be back home.”
“I have a pot of coffee on,” Hannah chimed in. “Why don’t I grab it, because it looks like we could all use a pick me up.”
“Thank you, Novah, for helping me. I-I don’t know where I’d be now.” Tears came to Lindsay’s eyes, but she blinked and they were gone.
Novah cast a quick glance over at Egan. She sensed that he was brooding this morning. Had something transpired that Novah was missing?
Hannah swept back in like the rays of sunshine carrying a tray. Once she placed it on the coffee table, she turned to Lindsay. “We haven’t had the pleasure. I’m Hannah, Pao’s sister.”
“This is your place, right?”
“It’s our family’s place. While you’re here I want you to feel at home. The fresh air and sunshine have been known to help many folks.” Hannah darted her gaze to Egan.
Lindsay pushed the blanket off her shoulders and stared down at her clasped hands in her lap. “I’d like to go home.” When no one responded, she lifted her gaze, looking at each of them expectantly. “But it’s starting to sink in that going home isn’t an option.”
Novah looked to Egan for an answer but he remained quiet, pensive.
Pao said, “Lindsay, we need to hear all the details of why you were in last night’s situation.”
She threaded her fingers through her hair that looked much healthier now that it was brushed. She was quite pretty, minus the bruises on her cheek and the dark circles under her eyes. “I can’t remember everything.”
“Look, we—” Pao started but Novah motioned for him to wait.
“How about your relationship with Mr. Langley?” Novah verbalized the question they must have all been thinking.
Her face flushed. She hesitated, shifting on the cushion. “You all must think I’m horrible.”
“Why would we think you’re horrible? You were kidnapped, drugged and brought to Lake Jade. That’s hardly your fault.” Novah assured the woman.
“We’re all in this mess now,” Pao blurted and stood, going to pour himself coffee.
Lindsay clammed up.
“Egan, could you and Pao step outside and give us some time?” Novah directed her question to Egan who remained quiet.
Pao seemed agitated. Egan wavered.
Hannah touched her brother’s shoulder. “Take your coffee onto the porch, boys.”
With shrugs of irritation, they finally left.
Lindsay followed them with her gaze and she sighed as if unloading a bucket of emotion. “They’re going to hate me.”
“Don’t mind them. They’re just grumpy,” Novah said with a smile. “We’re all in this together now, but we need to know what’s going on. You hold the key to the answers we need.”
Hannah handed Lindsay a cup of coffee which she took the offering gratefully. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Hannah sat down in the chair Pao had been occupying.
“I’m sorry. I’m terribly sorry that this has all happened.” A tear slid down her cheek and she swiped it away.
Novah sat closer to the woman who was quickly becoming a friend. “Take your time.”
Her hazel eyes turned a shade darker. “I really don’t know how things got out of hand like they are now. When I first met Peter, I had no clue who he was, or that he was married. I know under the circumstances, the fact that he’s a millionaire and all, that it seems impossible. I had just started my second year of medical school so I was in my own bubble, focused on getting through. I wasn’t looking for a relationship—didn’t need one or have the time. It was a whirlwind relationship and I fou
nd myself caring for him.” She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Until his wife showed up to speak to me.”
“ShyAnne. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her,” Novah said with an eye roll.
“Yes, what a pleasure,” Lindsay answered abruptly. “She was angry. I understand, but I had no clue who he was or that he was married, let alone running for Governor. His intentions to run hadn’t been announced yet. I know it’s crazy, but he didn’t tell me his real last name. He said his name was Peter Stark.”
Novah snorted. “That’s his campaign manager’s last name.”
“His wife didn’t seem interested in the truth, only that I should obey her demands and stop any connection with him at once.” Lindsay played with a piece of fuzz on the blanket.
“Did you stop seeing him?”
“Yes, of course. He betrayed me and I couldn’t even look at him after that. He started sending me gifts and calling me at random times until I had to change my number. I even moved out of my apartment and in with a friend. And then…” Her voice trailed off and the dark circles deepened.
“It’s okay, Lindsay.”
Inhaling deeply, she blurted, “I found out I was pregnant.”
Novah exchanged a glance with Hannah. “By Peter?” Seeing Lindsay squint, Novah explained, “I’m sorry. I needed to ask.”
She gave a slow nod and sat up straight against the cushion. “I wasn’t sure what I should do. I’m barely scraping by as it is. I applied for residency at several hospitals and I’m going crazy waiting. It’s hard enough being on my own, but what will I do with a baby? I’ve worked so hard and now this…”
“Does Peter know about the baby?”
“I told him in person, that’s the day I came to his office. He was angry, blaming me for not being on the pill, getting pregnant on purpose. He demanded that I terminate the pregnancy because it would disrupt his campaign. It became all about him.” Sadness crawled over her pale features. “I told him I needed to think things through. I was highly emotional and wanted to work the kinks out in my head before I decided. Peter was impatient. He called me at least a dozen times in two days. One second he was angry, and the next he was calm and supportive, willing to give me time.”
“How far along are you?” Hannah asked.
“I’m ten weeks.”
“Why did Peter’s men bring you to the resort? Where does that all fit into this puzzle?”
Lindsay set her full cup on the table. “Peter came to see me and said he planned to leave his wife.” She wiped away more tears. “He confessed that he loved me and wanted us to be a family. I knew even as he declared his feelings that I could never trust him again. Honestly, as crude as this sounds, I didn’t want it to happen, didn’t want him to leave his wife because then I would have been obligated to be with him. Yet, I knew ShyAnne would never let him go. I saw the look in her eyes when she spoke to me and she made it clear she wouldn’t step aside. I also knew he’d never give up his dream of running for public office. She came by to see me again, this time because Peter must have told her about the baby and his plans to leave. I’ve never seen someone so angry. She warned if I didn’t terminate the pregnancy, she’d see that I was destroyed. That I would never step foot in a hospital again. Two days later, I was walking to the parking garage and was approached by the men who kidnapped me. After that, my memories are a bit groggy.”
Novah stared in disbelief. “Do you think Peter gave the orders?”
Several expressions flitted across her face. “I don’t trust Peter. Never can I again. However, I trust ShyAnne even less. She sees my child as the enemy. I think she is behind all of this.” How could I be such a fool?”
Novah felt her reserve slip some. “Lindsay, you’re strong enough to get beyond this.”
Her gaze dropped. “He has money. He’s running for public office.” Then she brought her eyes up, tears flowing to her cheeks. “He, and ShyAnne, can destroy my chances of becoming a doctor if they choose. I feel like a speck of dust in the grand scheme of their plans. How would I prove that his men kidnapped me? Drugged me?”
“We’re all here to help you.”
Lindsay met her gaze soberly. “Thank you for everything, Novah. I truly mean that, but the Langley’s aren’t going to let any of this go.”
~~~~~
Thunder rolled outside and inside. “This is all your fault! Is it possible for you to keep your dick in your pants?” ShyAnne Langley gritted through her teeth.
Peter, who had been staring out the window watching the storm roll in, turned and looked at his seething wife. He wanted to hate her. Wished he could—wished he didn’t think she was still the most enticing woman he’d laid eyes upon. Her dark eyes were lit with anger and her lips quivered in disgust.
“ShyAnne, what have you done?”
She dropped her arms at her sides, the stacks of bracelets on both her wrists clanked and clattered. “What have I done?” she snorted. “Don’t you mean what in the hell have you done?” She’d aged ten years in that moment, reversing all the times she’d gone under the knife to appear younger. Although she’d perfected carrying herself as a lady in public, in private he was reminded of how he’d found her when she was waiting tables at a dingy diner on the wrong side of the tracks. Her class could be turned off and on with a flip of a switch.
“You don’t have a right to point fingers, my dear wife. You’ve spread your legs so much your hips are on hinges.”
One thin brow snapped up over her heated glare. “You bastard! You’re an old man who pops a pill to make his dick work.” Her laughter sounded more like a cackle. “I like a man who can get hard.”
He grinned. He wouldn’t allow her low blows to bother him. She was trying to ruffle his feathers and once upon a time she could. “Jealousy certainly does look good on you, sweetheart.”
“Jealous? Of a young, delusional twit who thought she could get knocked up to gain a free ride?” She smirked. “Poor, girl.”
“That’s the point, ShyAnne. She was young enough that I could have convinced her to see my way of things. She would have come around. Now a can of worms has been opened and we have trouble. Big trouble. This isn’t something we can sweep under the rug.”
“Oh, please. Anyone and everyone can be bought. You’ve paid your way out of worse problems.” She didn’t seem the least bit bothered over the shit she stirred up.
“You had my men kidnap her, drug her, and bring her here against her will. Those are felonies.”
ShyAnne sneered. “Someone had to do something, Peter. Were you hoping I’d just politely step out of the picture and let some pregnant hussy take my spot?”
“Are you this blind?” He shook his head in frustration. “Do you realize that more people than just Lindsay are involved now?”
Her lips puckered, making her resemble a fish. “How could you do this? Are you stupid? This is all your doing so don’t blame me!” She ate up the space between them, stopping inches from him and pointing her finger in the center of his chest. “You got her pregnant and you thought this would disappear quietly? That I would just ignore a bastard child? Bastards are like loose threads, Peter. Eventually they ruin the whole damn sweater. This would have affected future campaigns. The second you would have announced your intentions to run for president this information would have popped like a zit. We couldn’t take the risk. You’re not thinking clearly.” She dropped her gaze to his crotch, smirking, then brought her fiery eyes back up. “Someone had to do something to clean up your mess.”
“I would have taken care of it. In due time, in my own way.” He went back to the window and stared out.
“Oh. My. God! You have feelings for her, don’t you?” she practically squealed the words.
“No.” Yet, truthfully, he’d fallen for Lindsay—or rather fallen for the simplicity of it all. When he’d fucked other women, he’d been upfront and honest about his situation. Most already knew. Lindsay had been a breath of fresh air and he’d known if he’d
told her the truth, told her who he was and that he was married, she wouldn’t have given him a chance. He wasn’t proud of himself, but in his defense, a man could get lonely in an empty marriage. He’d always been careful in his choices so that no greedy bitch could bribe him. He’d screwed up by allowing his emotions to get involved with Lindsay. No denying he had a thing for young, tight pussy, but with Lindsay he’d also liked her brain.
When she’d told him about the baby, he’d felt his chest crush. Wanted her to get rid of it and fast. Then for a minute he thought maybe there was a future for them. He’d lost touch with reality. “I asked her to get an abortion.”
ShyAnne’s gasp echoed off the white walls. “Great. Imagine the tabloids getting ahold of that juicy tidbit. Your stance against abortion and turning around and asking your lover to get rid of the baby. Why don’t you save us all some time and just hand the candidacy over to your opponent?”
He went to his desk and sat down in the chair, steepling his fingers and looking at her over the manicured tips. “She isn’t a slut or just a fuck. She’s smart, beautiful, and she understood me.” He knew his words would only add fuel to the fire, but he couldn’t help himself.
She looked like she’d been slapped. “And now you’re defending her? Why don’t you just say it. You are weak and never planned to take care of this from the beginning. You’re not strong enough to become governor, much less president.”
A knock on the door kept Peter from responding. “Come in.”
Stark stepped in, closing the door behind him. He gave ShyAnne a sickening glare before he turned to Peter, shaking his head. “Sir, how would you like to proceed?”
ShyAnne crowed, “How would he like to proceed, darling? Can you manage?”
Stark looked from each of them. “We need to move quick.”
“This is just a bump in the road.” ShyAnne waved her hand. “We’ll send men to find that little bitch carrying your bastard and we’ll take care of her once and for all.” She swiped her hands as if she were wiping away dirt.
Protector of Novah (Valor Knights Book 1) Page 14
