A Man's Promise

by Brenda Jackson

  “I wouldn’t be surprised. Who knows what kind of kinky stuff he might have been involved in while living in England? He enjoys being a ladies’ man. Always has.”

  Caden leaned down and placed what was to be a quick kiss on Shiloh’s lips but he lingered a minute, then two. When he pulled back, he smiled down at her. When he saw the worried look in her eyes, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

  She shrugged. “I never was one of Dalton’s favorite people.”

  Caden didn’t say anything for a minute. He wished he hadn’t called Dalton but he’d had no choice since Jace and Shana had spent the weekend at Jace’s cabin in the mountains. “Dalton took being ostracized worse than Jace and I did. He was younger and didn’t understand. He was hurt by it and grew resentful. But, believe me, he’s lectured me for holding it against you.”

  “You never did,” she stated.

  “But Dalton didn’t know that, so he thought I did. I never told him about us. In fact, I never told Jace, either. I only confided in them about it recently.”

  She didn’t have to ask why he’d never told his brothers about their wedding plans. It had been their decision not to tell anyone. They figured everyone would find out after their elopement.

  “You know, that’s what I don’t understand, Shiloh.”

  “What?”

  “How did your father find out about our plans?”

  “Dad found out because Mom told him. I was so happy about it I just had to tell someone, so I told Mom. Since my parents were having marital problems during that time, I assumed Mom had become fed up with my father’s ways and had turned into someone I could trust. I thought she and I were beginning to share a close relationship. That was the one time I had confided in her. Boy, was I wrong to do that.”

  “She admitted to telling him?”

  “Mom didn’t have to. There was no way he could have found out without her telling him.”

  Caden didn’t say anything for a moment and then asked, “And did she admit to knowing about the distorted pictures that were sent to me?”

  “Yes. I did confront her about it and she admitted to knowing about it...although she claimed Dad forced her to keep the truth from me. She could have told me the truth after Dad died. But she didn’t.”

  “How did you find out?”

  She let out a deep breath. “I accidentally came across a safe-deposit key belonging to Dad. He’d glued it behind a painting in his office. One day, the painting looked crooked, and I reached behind it to straighten it and found the key. It took a while to find out what bank it was from and, when I did, I went there and found a packet with the pictures in his safe-deposit box.”

  Shiloh was silent for a minute and then she said, “It took me a moment to figure out what they meant since the woman in the picture wasn’t me. Inside the packet was a copy of the note, containing instructions. The note said the pictures were to be sent to you at the Wayfarer Hotel in Vegas. When I saw the specified delivery date, I was horrified. I put two and two together and went home to confront Mom. She admitted to things happening just the way I’d pieced them together. I went directly to Sutton Hills to see you that night.”

  And Caden knew the story from there. He had rejected anything she’d had to say. Damn, he wished he’d listened. Things would have ended up so much differently if he had.

  She reached out and touched his arm, and he looked at her. “It doesn’t matter now, Caden. We both know the truth. Samuel is dead, and no one can hurt us again. We won’t allow it.”

  He reached out and caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. “No, we won’t. We were played against each other for the last time.”

  He leaned closer and kissed her, sliding his tongue into her mouth and then sipping her like the fine wine she sold. Then he deepened the kiss, and when he heard her moan, he intensified it even more by sucking hard on her tongue.

  Moments later, he pulled back and reached for another condom. In seconds, he had put it on. He intended to make love to Shiloh right now, before Dalton arrived with the extra clothes and a list of questions.

  He would deal with Dalton later. Right now, he wanted to make love again to the woman who had his heart.

  * * *

  Sheppard glanced up when he walked out of the prison chapel. Ambrose was waiting for him, and he could tell by the look on the guard’s face there was need for concern. He walked over to the man.

  “What is it, Ambrose?”

  “Your attorney is here.”

  Shep frowned. He wondered why Carson would make an unexpected trip to see him. Usually, Sundays were her days to wind down and relax. “Where is she?”

  “Waiting in the library meeting room. I’ll take you there.”

  Shep followed, and dread ached through him with every step. Ambrose was walking quickly through the halls and chambers, moving from one building to the next. He recalled that the last time the guard had escorted him with such urgency had been when Sheppard was summoned to meet with the warden to learn that his father had passed away.

  When they reached the meeting room, Shep took a deep breath before opening the door and walking in. Carson had her back to him as she stared out the window at the courtyard below. “Carson?”

  She turned quickly, and the look on her face was just as worrisome as Ambrose’s had been. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

  She inhaled deeply. “I wanted to come tell you myself. To assure you that everything is fine now, but—”

  “But what?” he asked, crossing the room to stand in front of her.

  She inhaled deeply again. “Roland called. The bodyguard protecting Caden reported that an attempt was made on Caden’s life last night.”

  Shep felt weak in the knees and he grabbed the back of a nearby chair for support. “How?”

  “When he was leaving a social function in downtown Charlottesville, a car tried to run him over.”

  “What?”

  “Fortunately, Striker was able to save him.”

  Shep’s brow flew up. “Striker?”

  “Yes. You know your boys, Sheppard,” she said as a small smile touched her lips. “When they got wind that your sons were in danger, they convinced Roland they were the ones who needed to protect them. Striker was able to push Caden out of the way in time.”

  “How are they? Striker and Caden?”

  “Sore, but okay. I talked to Striker myself this morning. He was still on duty. He said that after the incident, instead of going home, Caden spent the night with the woman who owned the place he was leaving.”

  “Do we know her name?”

  “Shiloh Timmons.”

  Sheppard didn’t say anything as a smile curved his lips. He really shouldn’t be surprised. He’d suspected even when they were younger there was a special bond between those two. He’d figured something was going on because, when they were younger, he would hear too much protestation in Caden’s voice whenever Shiloh’s name was brought up. Evidently, they were now trying to work out whatever problems were between them.

  “And you’re sure both Striker and Caden are okay?”

  “They are both fine and, according to Striker, neither Caden nor the woman suspects foul play. They assumed the driver had too much to drink and was acting irresponsibly.”

  “But Striker thinks otherwise?”

  “Yes. He believes the attempt was intentional, but he doesn’t have enough to go to the police, mainly because of how quickly things went down. The car sped away before he could get a make, model or tag number.”

  Sheppard didn’t say anything for a minute and then asked, “What about Jace and Dalton?”

  “Guards are on them. Quasar is protecting Jace, and Stonewall is on Dalton.”

  “Quasar? Stonewall? For heaven’s sake, Carson, I don’t want those two to get themselves into any trouble.”

  “And they won’t. Roland has them under control. They know not to take anything into their own hands.”

  Sheppard nodded. Yes, Roland, who’d o
nce been an inmate himself, could handle Striker, Quasar and Stonewall.

  “You might want to think about letting your sons know what’s going on, Sheppard, so they won’t be caught unaware.”

  He drew in a deep breath as Carson’s words consumed him. “I never wanted them to live having to look over their shoulders, Carson.”

  “Then hire someone to find out the truth and bring the person responsible to justice.”

  Sheppard walked to the window, looked out and then turned around to her. “Dad did that himself. Then the private investigator he hired had a questionable accident just days after contacting Dad saying he might have found a breakthrough in the case.”

  Carson raised a brow. “Questionable? But I thought he was killed in an accident while drinking.”

  “That’s the report that was put out, but I know Marshall Imerson didn’t drink.”

  “But what about those reports of financial problems with his company and proof that he was into something illegal that was about to be exposed? That would be enough to make any sober man begin drinking, Sheppard.”

  “I never believed any of it. And all those rumors surfaced after Marshall was killed. I think it was done deliberately so no one would question why he was drinking that night. People who knew Marshall wouldn’t believe it, so someone came up with a reason.”

  “Who?”

  “The same person who doesn’t want anyone reopening my case and who will do just about anything to make sure they don’t.”

  Carson shuddered. “I don’t like any of this, Sheppard. That’s why I think your sons need to know what’s going on. You should think seriously about telling them before they find out on their own.”

  He nodded. His sons were astute and he really needed to consider Carson’s advice.

  Twenty-Three

  Dalton opened the side gate at the wine boutique and entered the courtyard. He rarely came into this section of town, but the drive had been a breeze with not too much traffic. It was Sunday and was turning out to be a rather nice day, unlike last weekend, when it had rained most of the time. Today the weather was sunny, although there was a little chill in the air.

  It had been hard getting in and out of Sutton Hills and gathering up the clothing Caden had asked for without arousing Hannah’s curiosity. Of course, she had finally asked him outright.

  No one could lie worth a damn when it came to Hannah, so he’d given her a straight answer, telling her that some woman had torn Caden’s clothes off, and he needed something to put on. Hannah had stared at him for a minute, then she’d shaken her head and walked away. So much for honesty. He had a feeling she hadn’t believed a word he’d said.

  Closing the gate behind him, he glanced around the courtyard, admiring the setup, especially the water fountain in the center and the park-style benches. He wasn’t a person who liked a lot of plants, but the ones here outdoors added an air of peacefulness to the surroundings. If you chose to live close to your place of business, then this would be the way to go. Although, for the life of him, he couldn’t imagine living close to Granger Aeronautics, no matter how nice it was. He needed his breathing space.

  He walked toward the elevator and pushed the intercom button. “Yes?” a feminine voice asked.

  “It’s Dalton.”

  He heard a click, and the security gate to the elevator was unlocked. He stepped inside, and the only button lit on the panel box was for the third floor. On the ride up, he couldn’t help wondering how his brother had managed to patch things up with Shiloh so quickly. He wasn’t sure what technique Caden had used, and he really didn’t care. He was just glad he wouldn’t be moping around the office anymore looking as if he’d lost his best friend.

  The elevator opened up to a huge hallway with two doors. He stepped off the elevator, deciding to try the first. It opened on his second knock. “How are you, Dalton?” Shiloh asked, moving aside to let him in.

  “Just fine, even though it is a little early,” he said, stepping over the threshold and closing the door behind him. He glanced around. “Nice place.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Where’s Caden?”

  “In the shower. You have the items he asked for?”

  “Yes,” he said, handing her the bag.

  “Thanks.”

  He must have been looking at her strangely, because she smiled and asked, “What’s wrong? Haven’t you seen a nymphomaniac before?”

  Her question caught him by surprise, and this became one of those rare moments when he was lost for words. But he recovered, although not as quickly as he would have liked. He couldn’t help but grin and say, “I take it Caden told you what I said.”

  “He didn’t have to. He had you on speakerphone.”

  Shit! Dalton swiftly tried to recall all he’d said. And what he remembered wasn’t all that pretty. “I can explain.”

  “Don’t bother. I cooked breakfast, so help yourself. Caden and I will join you in a minute.”

  “Okay. Thanks.” Rolling up his sleeves, Dalton walked toward the kitchen.

  Ten minutes later Caden and Shiloh walked in to find Dalton sitting at the kitchen table with his plate filled to capacity.

  “I hope you left some for us,” Caden said, frowning at his brother.

  Dalton looked up and smiled. “Sure I did. If anyone needs plenty of nourishment, it’s you two. And this food is good by the way, Shiloh,” he said, biting into a honey-glazed biscuit. “You can invite me to breakfast anytime.”

  Shiloh chuckled as she sat down with a plate of fruit. “I’ll remember that.”

  Dalton looked at her fruit. “That’s all you’re eating?”

  “Yes.” She then glanced over at Caden, his plate just as filled as Dalton’s. “I think you need to tell Dalton the real reason you needed the clothes. Otherwise, he’ll continue to think I’m some oversexed superwoman.”

  Dalton grinned. “And you’re not?”

  “No.”

  “I’m disappointed,” Dalton said, smiling.

  “Mind your own business, Dalton,” Caden said, leaning across the table to place a kiss on Shiloh’s lips.

  Amazing, Dalton thought, how two people could be so at odds with each other one minute and tearing off each other’s clothes and locking lips the next. Whatever they were using, he needed some of it. “So, what’s the story you’re telling about your clothes?”

  “Not what your dirty mind is assuming. I came close to getting hit by a car last night.”

  That got Dalton’s attention. He put his fork down. “You almost got hit by a car?”

  “Yes, I was leaving here last night after the opening and I crossed the street to go to my car. Some drunk came along speeding, driving straight at me.”

  The expression on Caden’s face as he recalled the details of last night suddenly made Dalton believe every word he said.

  “So you had to jump out of the way?” Dalton asked, all playfulness gone from his eyes.

  “Not exactly. I froze. Luckily, within seconds, I was shoved out of the way.”

  “By whom?” Dalton asked, switching his gaze from Caden to Shiloh.

  “No, it wasn’t me,” she said, reading his thoughts. “I told you I’m not a superwoman. Oversexed or otherwise.”

  His eyes moved back to Caden. “Who was it, then?”

  “A passerby. Some guy named Striker. And, man, he was fast. He had to be to get us both out of the car’s path. He pushed me down, and then the two of us rolled out of the way, tearing our shirts and jackets.”

  “And the driver of the vehicle?”

  “Kept going. Everything happened so fast we didn’t have a chance to get the make of the car or the license-plate number.”

  “Damn. But you’re okay?”

  “I’m okay.” He then smiled over at Shiloh. “Thanks to Striker and Shiloh. She saw the car coming and screamed out to me. That’s what alerted me of the danger. That car would have plowed me down and kept going. And if she hadn’t screamed, Striker would
not have known I was in trouble and taken action the way he did.”

  She shook her head. “You’re giving me too much credit, Caden.”

  “No, I’m not. I know for a fact if it hadn’t been for you and Striker, I would probably be dead.”

  Hearing his brother say that sent chills through Dalton’s body. Shit, he didn’t need to lose another family member. Their grandfather’s death months ago was still raw. “This Striker guy? Do you have his contact information? I’d like to personally thank him. Hell, if anything were to happen to you, I’d have to deal with Jace on my own,” he said, a semblance of his lightheartedness returning.

  Caden took a sip of his coffee and then said, “No, he left just as quickly as he appeared.”

  At that moment, Caden’s cell phone rang, and recognizing Jace’s ringtone, he said, “Yes, Jace?”

  Caden didn’t say anything for a moment, but he did glance over at Dalton, then frowned as he said, “Oh, he did, did he? I’ll be at Sutton Hills later today, around five. I’ll explain things then.” He clicked off the phone.

  He then stared hard at Dalton for a moment before saying, “You actually told Hannah that the reason you needed to bring me more clothes was because some woman had torn them off me last night?”

  Dalton smiled. “You know I can’t lie to Hannah. What was I supposed to say?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Yeah, right. You know Hannah like I do.”

  Yes, Caden thought, he knew Hannah. “Well, lucky for you, Hannah didn’t believe a word you said.”

  “No,” Dalton said, grinning. “It was lucky for you.”

  Twenty-Four

  “Welcome back, Jules.”

  “Thanks, Dad,” she said, giving her father a huge hug.

  Ben was proud of his daughters and knew his deceased wife would be proud of them, too. And now Shana would be making him a father-in-law and a grandfather, and he was beside himself with happiness.

  “So what’s been happening since I’ve been gone?” Jules asked, plopping down on the sofa.

  “Like you don’t know.” And when she gave him an innocent look, he said, “And please don’t pretend like you don’t, because you do. There’s no doubt in my mind you know what’s going on with your sister. You probably knew before she did.”