by Amy DeLuca
Jack hadn’t expected to ever lay eyes on her again. For the longest time he hadn’t wanted to see her because he’d known it would only make him want her. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
Was. Past tense. Observing her standing opposite Bonnie, with her windblown hair and sandy toes and natural prettiness, there was no contest. The new woman in his life was not only trustworthy, she was far more beautiful.
“Claudia, this is Bonnie. Anything you have to say you can say in front of her.”
Claudia’s expression went from Spring Princess to Ice Queen in two-point-oh seconds. “We have private business that hasn’t been resolved. We need to speak privately.”
“I believe you concluded our private business when you stole my outline and sold it to a tabloid,” he said.
“Jack, that was all a big misunderstanding. There are things you don’t know—things you must know before you decide whether to write us off forever.”
He laughed. “That decision’s been made. There’s no coming back from what you did. Do you really think I’m that stupid?”
“Of course I don’t think you’re stupid. I think you’re missing some important details. It’s time you knew the whole truth. I won’t leave until you hear me out.” She shot a death glare in Bonnie’s direction. “Privately. Maybe in the master suite where we won’t be disturbed? I know the way.”
Claudia started walking toward the grand staircase, apparently expecting Jack to trot along behind her like a faithful dog. Her stilettos clicked out an irritating rhythm that brought back a slew of unpleasant memories.
He wanted to inform her she would indeed be leaving, that he could easily have her scrawny little behind thrown out by his staff or perhaps, the local police.
But glancing at Bonnie, he reconsidered. She’d already seen enough brutish behavior from him to last a lifetime. He wanted to show her he could be civilized, that he could behave like something other than the beast she’d seen far too much of.
Besides, maybe if he let Claudia speak her piece, she’d finally leave him alone.
Jack called out to Harrison, who waited at the foot of the staircase shooting anxious glances in his direction.
“Harrison, would you show Ms. Cross to the library please? We can talk in there.”
The butler immediately stepped forward to intercept her and turn her around.
“This way, madam.”
Claudia looked none too pleased but complied. Bonnie and Jack walked toward the library as well.
When they reached the door Bonnie said, “I’ll see you later,” and tried to pull away from him toward the stairs, clearly intending to retreat to her suite.
“Oh no you don’t,” Jack said under his breath. Tightening his hold on her hand, he gave her a pleading look. “I want you with me. I need you. Please?”
At her assenting nod, he breathed a sigh of relief. Then with Bonnie by his side, he stepped into the snake pit where the Queen Viper waited.
Jack and Bonnie settled on the couch, and he gestured for Claudia to sit in the chair opposite them. “So, what was it you wanted to say?” he demanded as soon as they were all seated.
Clearly disgruntled at Bonnie’s continued presence, Claudia raised her pointy chin but soldiered on.
“As I was saying, there are things you don’t know about what happened. I did sell your outline to the tabloid, but I was desperate. My dog… Fifi… had cancer and needed some very expensive surgery and then chemo treatments. I didn’t have the money. I thought we would get engaged, that money wouldn’t be… well it wouldn’t be an issue any longer. But you were dragging your feet. I had to do something. I never thought it would go so far—I thought it would be only in the tabloid, and no one believes those anyway.”
Jack had to work hard to keep from laughing at the overly dramatic expression of woe on Claudia’s face.
“I didn’t even know you had a dog. You never mentioned… Fifi when we were together. Not once.”
She put on a bad rendition of shock. “That’s not true. I’m sure I must have mentioned her dozens of times. Fifi was everything to me. You just don’t remember.”
“She was everything?”
“Yes, uh… by the time I got the payment, it was too late to help her. I had to put her down.”
His ex blinked dramatically and even managed to produce a tear. Bravo, Claudia. Those acting classes may pay off yet.
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Bonnie interjected, apparently buying the made-up tale. Claudia glared at her in response.
Jack leaned forward, keeping his tone low and even, though it might have been more satisfying to shout.
“Phillipe wouldn’t help?”
Claudia sniffed. “My… friendship with him didn’t work out.”
“I see.” Obviously, Phillipe had possessed a more refined gold digger detector than Jack had back then.
“Did it ever occur to you, Claudia, that you could have just told me about the dire situation with Fifi and asked me to help with the cost of her treatment?”
Claudia withdrew a tissue from her favorite Hermes handbag—which she could have sold and easily paid for “Fifi’s” surgery—and dabbed delicately beneath her eyes.
“I know. I know you would have. That’s what I should have done, of course. But I didn’t want you to ever think I was with you for your money.”
Jack’s tone was surly and facetious. “Why would I ever think something like that?”
“Well, I wasn’t. I loved you. I still do. We’re perfect for each other.”
Something occurred to him then—a question he’d never thought to ask Claudia when they were together.
“Claudia… which of my books is your favorite?”
For a moment, the guileless mask dropped, and he saw sheer panic. “Uh… it’s hard to choose. They’re all so good.”
“But if you had to choose…” he prompted.
“What a funny question.” She let out a nervous titter and started fiddling with her acrylic nails. “Well, let me see. I guess it would have to be the uh… the first one… Black Crown, isn’t that what it’s called? All the titles are so similar, it’s hard to remember.”
Onyx Throne. Pretty close. Jack chuckled. “Yeah, it’s something like that.”
Rising to his feet, he said, “Listen, I’ve got to get back to work, so if we’re done here…”
“No,” Claudia yelped.
She crossed the room, coming to a stop so close to Jack the fronts of their bodies brushed. “We’re not done. We can’t be. I miss you, Jack.” She stepped forward so they were touching and dropped her voice to a seductive purr. “Don’t you miss me?”
He took a step backward, but she continued, undeterred. “I’ve asked around. I know you haven’t been seeing anyone.” She glanced dismissively at Bonnie. “Not seriously, anyway. We were good together, remember? You don’t let something that good go without giving it a fighting chance.”
Only a few weeks ago, Jack might have fallen for it. But that was before he’d met Bonnie. Now he knew what something good actually looked like. He felt nothing as he gave Claudia an implacable smile.
“And yet you did. I think this conversation is over. Harrison, would you please—”
“Jack.” Claudia placed her palms on his chest. “Please. Think about this before you make a decision you’ll always regret. All you have to do is give me one more chance. I’ll do anything you want… anything. I’m not leaving until we work this out, Jack.”
Running out of ways to say no, he shot a pleading Help me look at Bonnie. Reading it with no trouble, she spoke up.
“Is that true, Claudia?”
Claudia gave her a sour squint. “Of course it is.”
“Well, I know a way you could really help Jack… that is if you’re truly willing to do anything.”
Claudia’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “What is it?”
Going to the desk, Bonnie pulled her digital recorder out of the top drawer. �
�I’m doing an article on Jack. I’d like to interview you.”
Claudia’s head whipped back so she was looking at Jack. “She’s a reporter?” Then to Bonnie she said, “He hates the media.”
Bonnie pursed her lips into a cute smirk. “So I’m told. But he knows he can trust me. Shall we begin?”
“Wait—are you interviewing me as his girlfriend?”
“No, as the person who sold his outline to a tabloid and made millions of Onyx Throne fans wait for the final book in the series. I bet your confession would help him get an extended deadline and another chance with his publisher.”
She clicked the record button. “So why don’t you tell me—and all our readers—on the record… how much money did you get for selling out the man you supposedly loved?”
For a moment Claudia stood frozen, then she whirled around and fled toward the library door while Jack made his way over to Bonnie. Stopping in the doorway, Claudia whirled again and pinned them both with a furious glare, no doubt taking in the fact his arm was wrapped around Bonnie’s waist.
“I hope you’re happy, Jack. You’ll never find another woman like me.”
“I sure hope not,” he said.
With a snort of rage, Claudia turned and clicked her way into the foyer and out the front door.
Jack called out, “Harrison… please call a locksmith. I want someone out here today to change all the locks.”
“On it, sir,” came the butler’s reply.
Bonnie looked a bit worried. “I hope that was okay,” she said. “I mean the trick I pulled with the recorder.”
He took her jaw in his hands, tipping it up for his kiss. When Jack pulled back, he said, “I want you to stay.”
“What?”
“Stay here. With me.”
Picking up the recorder, which was still running, he spoke directly into it. “On the record. Bonnie Hamelin, I’m asking you to stay whether or not I meet this deadline, whether or not this book ever gets published or I ever write another book. I need you in my life. Seeing you and Claudia in the same room just underlined for me what I want in a woman. And it’s not her. It’s you.”
Jack paused, his heart thundering in his chest from a mixture of fear and elation. He hadn’t planned to make any sort of declaration today. But now, he didn’t think he could keep from saying it one minute longer. “I love you, Bonnie.”
She blinked. Blinked again. For a moment he experienced sheer terror. She wasn’t going to say it back. She didn’t love him. He was going to lose her.
Then her eyes filled with tears. “I love you, too… you mean old beast.”
Yes. A rush of emotion expanded his chest, and he pulled Bonnie against him, holding her tightly and trying to rein in his euphoria so he didn’t crush her.
She felt perfectly right in his arms. Her soft skin, her silky hair, her sweet scent—it was almost too much to take. He didn’t deserve it. But he took it anyway, tilting her head back to give him access to her beautiful lips.
Shivering, starving, he kissed her and kissed her and kissed her. He wanted her to understand what it would be like between them, when they were finally able to be together the way he wanted them to be—forever.
Bonnie’s hands came to Jack’s chest, his shoulders, slid into his hair, creating an energizing mix of satisfaction and impatience inside of him, making him feel wanted. Making him feel loved.
Yes. This was it. Everything he’d been missing. Everything he’d longed for without even realizing it. Bonnie was all he’d ever want, and he needed her like he’d never allowed himself to need a woman before.
When their mouths finally separated, he leaned his forehead against hers, breathing raggedly. “You know what I feel like doing?” he murmured.
She sounded a bit breathless. “Jack… I think we should wait—”
“I feel like writing,” he interrupted.
Her eyelids flew almost comically wide. “Oh. You do?”
“I do.” He offered a sheepish grin. “I mean, yes, I feel like doing other things, too, but you’re right. We should wait. It’s too soon. Besides, I have a deadline in four days. If we start that, I won’t be able to think of anything else. Mind if I join you in the library tonight? Maybe being close to all these classics will inspire me as well. I know being near you does.”
“Of course.” She beamed, her face glowing with happiness. “That would be wonderful.”
“Great. I’m going to go grab my laptop and bring it down. Yours, too.”
“You’re giving me back my computer?”
“Yep. Your phone, too. Be right back.”
Jack had no more doubt about whether he could trust Bonnie. And the way she’d handled Claudia showed him she was firmly on his side.
Tonight would be but the first of many, working—and living—side by side with her.
Nineteen
A Risk Too Great
Early the next morning, Bonnie sat at the desk in the library, sipping hot coffee and enjoying the warmth of the fireplace while listening to the noises of the household waking—the faraway clanking of pots and pans in the kitchen, the sound of Harrison’s footsteps on the marble floor outside the library, the dim whine of lawn equipment as Calvin got started on his day.
They were the sounds of life in Jack’s home—a home she’d be sharing someday soon. By choice.
Just the thought of it made her feel like she’d swallowed a hundred helium balloons, like she might drift up to the high coffered ceiling and bump her head on one of its dark beams.
Last night had been like a dream come true. First, the kissing. Jack’s kisses were like nothing she’d ever experienced before, and she couldn’t wait until they were free and clear to do a whole lot more of it.
Then, she and Jack had worked late, writing in the library together. It felt to Bonnie like there had never been a more perfect pairing. And though she’d been tempted to simply sit and stare at his handsome profile as he typed, she did manage to get a lot done on her own book-in-progress.
They’d parted at the doorway of her bedroom after a goodnight kiss so sweet and full of yearning, she’d almost changed her mind about that “too soon” thing.
Bonnie had expected to sleep like a log after the eventful day, but as it happened, she’d been too excited to fall asleep. Anticipating their future together felt like all the Christmas Eves she’d ever had as a child rolled up into one.
Finally, at around four-thirty in the morning, she’d gone ahead and gotten up, made a pot of coffee in the kitchen, and come back to the library. First, she’d answered the emails she’d missed during her forced hiatus from the internet. Then she’d returned a few texts.
Now she was back at work on her laptop, cranking out a new chapter of her first draft. It was going surprisingly well. She’d never been an early bird, but this experience might change her. There was something so quiet and peaceful about the early morning hours, and her mind was entirely focused on the task at hand. Well, maybe not entirely.
Any minute now, Jack will be up.
A big silly grin overtook Bonnie’s face as her belly filled with bubbles of anticipation. Part of her didn’t want to wait, wanted to go wake him up herself. But he’d stayed up late as well. She wouldn’t disturb his sleep by bounding into his room unannounced at this young hour.
And then someone came bounding into the library. “Charging” might have been a better word.
It was Jack. And he wasn’t happy.
Bonnie stood, surprised by his sudden entrance and stormy expression. “Jack. Hi. What’s going on?”
He didn’t answer. Didn’t look at her. He went straight to the chair where her purse sat, picked it up and turned it over, shaking it to empty all its contents.
What on Earth?
Bonnie moved toward him as he sifted through the items now scattered across the chair’s leather seat. Had he lost something?
“Jack… what are you doing? What are you looking for?”
Finally, he acknow
ledged her. The glower on his face made her fall back a step.
“Where is it?” he demanded.
Her heart lurched forward, leaving nausea in its wake. “Where is what?”
“The flash drive or whatever you used. I’ve already been through your room. It must be here.”
“What are you talking about? What flash drive? Used for what?”
Jack pinned her with a dark, accusatory stare. “Don’t play innocent with me. The flash drive you used to copy my book.”
He pointed up. “From my laptop. In my office. Did you sneak out of bed in the middle of the night and go up there?”
The nausea increased, and Bonnie’s ears rang with the sudden roar of her heartbeat. This was a nightmare. It was like the first day they’d met when Jack had acted so beastly, only much, much worse. He was the Beast on steroids. She couldn’t believe he’d even ask her such a thing. Especially when he was supposed to love her.
“Of course not,” she said. “I got up early because I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t copy anything. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He narrowed his eyes and marched over to the desk, spinning her laptop to face him and opening a browser window. He tapped on a few keys then spun it back around so the screen faced Bonnie.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
Heart beating nearly out of her chest, she approached the desk, sat down, and focused on the screen. It was a website purporting to offer “free” downloads of popular books—clearly a pirate site—there were no legitimate, legal websites that did that. Either they were run by hackers who wanted to fill your computer with spyware and malware, or they’d stolen the material from authors who’d never get paid for their work.
Featured prominently on the page was a passage, apparently written by Jack, apparently from his new book. Bonnie scrolled down. There appeared to be several chapters there.
Horrified, she looked back up at Jack. “Is this legitimate? It’s from the new book?”
His sneer was matched by his cynical tone. “You know it is because you gave it to them.”
She stood again, reaching for him. “Jack… no. I didn’t. It wasn’t me.”
