by Maya Blake
* * *
Vanessa bolted through the party as elegantly as possible. She didn’t want to make a scene, but she had to get out of there. I never should’ve talked to Luc. I shouldn’t have let him corner me like that. She hitched up her dress a few inches, but rushing up the stairs took much more effort than leisurely stepping down them. She had to fight her way through the tide of people still arriving. How many people could the Marshalls fit into one place?
Up on the ground level, she filtered through the remaining guests and broke free from the crowd. Shoving the front door open, she stepped out onto the sidewalk, sucking in the evening air, which now had a slight chill to it. Where are the taxis? Luc and his kiss had really done a number on her. Either that or it was the champagne. Her head felt fuzzy. Her eyesight was even a bit blurry, and the stupid mask wasn’t helping. She tore it off and hustled down the sidewalk, hoping to flag a cab.
“Vanessa. Wait,” a man’s voice called from behind her.
Luc? Her mind immediately said no. The voice was too deep. She stopped and turned, feeling unsteady, squinting through the scant illumination from the overhead lights. Her shoulders dropped in relief. A shadowy form came into view. Not Luc. Gabe.
“Are you okay?” he asked. Striding toward her, he came into sharper focus. Good God, his legs were long, or he was walking unusually fast. He’d removed his mask just as she had.
“Please don’t tell me Mariella saw me leave,” she said. “It was really nice of her to invite me tonight, but I don’t belong in there.”
He reached for her elbow. His touch was such a comfort. “Mariella didn’t see a thing. But I did. Are you okay?”
Oh, no. Had Gabe seen her with Luc? Had he witnessed the kiss? She scanned his face, but it was nothing but sweet sympathy. He put his arm around her and pulled her closer. He was so warm and solid, the desert night air getting chillier by the minute. She needed this. She needed comfort.
“What did you see?” Not wanting to betray her worry, she worked hard to keep her voice even.
“I saw a woman leaving a party a little too fast, seeming upset. That’s why I came out here. I had to know if you were okay.”
She was so overwhelmed by his words. He was genuinely worried about her. Luc showed concern for her, too, but this was different. Even though Gabe had grown up in the same ivory tower Luc had, his mother, Ana, had practically abandoned him. That made it feel as though they had come from a similar place.
She started to shiver, her head swimming in deeper waters than it had been a few minutes ago. Unconcerned with being subtle, she turned her face in to the center of his chest, seeking the warmth she craved. He reined her in with his arms and held on to her tight. He rocked her back and forth. The stress of her run-in with Luc started to fade away.
“You’re being so nice to me.”
He cleared his throat. “Actually, I’m horrible. You should run away while you have the chance.”
She drew her head back and peered up at him, a smile crossing her lips. “Very funny. I know the bad-boy routine and I’m not buying it. Only a good guy chases down an upset woman in a parking lot to make sure she’s okay. Most men steer clear of drama like that.”
He shrugged. “Do you want to tell me what happened?”
“It was nothing. Just an unpleasant conversation, but I’m fine.”
“You sure?”
She nodded. “The hug helped. Thank you.”
“You headed back to the Grecian?”
“Yeah. I think my night as Cinderella is over.” Sad but true, it was back to reality for Vanessa.
“Well, I’m afraid I don’t have a pumpkin carriage, but I’m happy to give you a ride.”
She cast her eyes down at she was overcome with gratitude. What had she done to deserve the VIP treatment from beginning to end? “You don’t have to do that.”
“I don’t think you should be alone when you’re upset.”
She drew in a sharp breath. He wasn’t about to let this go, and it was probably the wisest choice. “The champagne sort of went to my head.”
Suddenly his phone rang. “Let me take this and then I’ll drive you back to the hotel.”
It only took a minute for him to walk back to her. He led her over to his rental car, which was sleek, black and expensive. With a click of his fob, the lights flashed and the horn chirped. He opened the door for Vanessa and she smiled, then gathered her dress in her hands and eased into the seat.
He rounded the back of the car, removed his tux jacket and flung it into the backseat, then climbed in. It was a total James Bond move, and she was suitably impressed. He turned out of the parking lot and headed toward the Grecian. Now that the car was moving, she started to feel even sleepier and more disoriented. If she looked out the window, everything turned to a blur. She didn’t feel sick to her stomach so much as she was profoundly out of it. She was a lightweight, but not this bad.
Gabe whizzed right past the turnoff for the hotel.
“You missed the turn,” she said, noticing that her words were slurred.
“I’m going this way,” he answered, as if that was a normal response.
She stared out the window intently, trying to remember where this stretch of the road led. They were traveling out of Las Vegas. “Where are we going?” It took every ounce of energy she had just to muster those few words.
“We’re just taking a drive.”
Just taking a drive. Vanessa closed her eyes, if only to quiet the visual input of the scenery rushing past the car. Her brain could only handle so much information right now. Why was he driving her somewhere? Was his voice a bit detached now? Or was that just her imagination? He’d been so comforting in the parking lot.
“Just sit back and relax. There’s a pretty place I want you to see.”
“Oh. That sounds nice.” As soon as it came out of her mouth, she realized how stupid it sounded. Why would Gabe take her to a pretty place? She flopped her head to the other side, willing her eyes open. She studied Gabe’s profile. His nose was straight, his brows heavy and his jaw held a strong line. Right now, it was almost too strong. It looked to be full of tension, like he was gritting his teeth. He kept looking in his rearview and side mirrors. He gripped the wheel tightly. That seemed incongruous with a leisurely drive.
“Are you feeling sleepy?” he asked.
She nodded, but even that took Herculean strength. “Yes.”
He reached over and patted her shoulder. “Just close your eyes, and we’ll be in a beautiful spot when you wake up. It’s the most gorgeous place you’ve ever seen.”
She was already drifting into sleep, but she felt better now that they had an actual destination. Gabe was a good guy. There was no reason not to trust him. She smiled, her eyes shut with hopeful images in her head. “That sounds perfect.”
* * *
All Gabe had to do now was drive—get far enough away from Vegas, to a desolate spot overlooking Lake Mead. He hadn’t lied to Vanessa when he told her it was beautiful where they were going. He just hadn’t told her what they’d be doing there. The drug he’d put in her champagne back at the party had done its job, putting her to sleep. She’d stay that way for at least another forty-five minutes. Plenty of time.
His phone wouldn’t stop beeping with texts from Elana and Rafe. Mariella had phoned him back in the parking lot to say Harrison was awake and the family was heading to the private jet to fly back for the end of the party. Mariella seemed pleased with his dedication in staying at the ball. If Harrison would want him anywhere right now, it would be carrying out a fix, not clutching his hand at his bedside. There was nothing Gabe could do about Harrison’s health, but he could keep this chunk of his empire afloat.
He focused on how well things were going rather than the task ahead. He was proud of himself for constructing a bra
nd-new plan on the fly—not that Rachel would appreciate the lengths he’d gone to—watching Vanessa like a hawk at the party, waiting for her to get groggy so he could offer to drive her “to the hotel.” There was no telling when her body would pop up, but with the suicide note there shouldn’t be too many questions. Distraught woman leaves party, decides she can’t live without her would-be lover, kills self. Tragic, but believable.
He glanced out the window, relying on his memory to guide him. He’d been to this particular destination once before, but it was to do something considerably less messy, namely pay off a reporter who was nosing around one of his clients’ suspect real estate deals. It wouldn’t be long before they’d be there and he could put this behind him. With Rachel knowing his identity, he had no choice. He had no doubts that she’d be a vindictive bitch if he didn’t carry out this job. That would mean the end of fixing, and that would be a disaster.
Gabe spotted his turnoff. He slowed the car and pulled onto the narrow gravel road. This car was built for taking curves, not back roads, and it bounced up and down over the uneven surface. It jostled Vanessa, and she stirred, mumbling something about Gabe being a good guy.
If only she knew.
Out here in the middle of nowhere, the night sky had dropped a blanket of pure black on them. The only thing he could see was the golden beam of his headlights as he crept along. Up ahead, the road ended, the gravel fading into grass. He pulled over in a tall stand of trees. Lake Mead was a few hundred yards away. Gabe put the car in Park and killed the engine.
Vanessa was showing signs of consciousness, so he had to act quickly. He took the Glock out of the center console and tucked it into the back of his pants. He climbed out and walked around to the passenger side, opening her door and crouching down.
“Hey there, Sleeping Beauty,” he muttered, cupping her chin and nudging her head from side to side.
“Are we there?” she asked, sputtering out of sleep.
“We are. But look, before we go out to see the water, there’s something I need you to do.”
Her eyes were still only half-open. “What?”
“I need you to write a note for me.”
A crooked, intoxicated smile crossed her lips. “What kind of note?”
The drugs had certainly done a number on her. She was like a punchy drunk. “It’s just a favor to me. If I give you this paper and pen, can you write down what I tell you?”
She nodded. “As a favor to you.”
He reached into the glove compartment and pulled out the supplies. He handed her the pen and laid out the plain white paper on the dashboard. “Okay. I need you write that you can’t go on anymore.”
A crease formed between Vanessa’s eyes. “Why would I say that?”
He’d anticipated this. Vanessa was no dummy. That was why he’d drugged her in the first place. “We’re playing a trick on someone. For Halloween. Can you play along with my little joke?” The tiniest pang of guilt hit him, but he shoved it aside.
“Oh, okay.” She did as she was told, her head bobbing like she had a weight hanging from the center of her forehead. “Now what?”
“Say that you’ve fallen in love with someone you can’t have and you can’t bear it anymore.”
She cocked her head to one side. “This is sounding a lot like my own life. You’re good at making stuff up. It’s very realistic.”
He watched as she scrawled out exactly what he’d told her to. This was almost going too well, which made him nervous. His pulse picked up, but he remained collected on the outside. If anyone was good at conveying calm, he was. “Now say that you love everyone and you’ll miss them.”
“This is a really mean trick.” Still, she followed his suggestion perfectly, albeit with sloppy handwriting.
“Now sign it.”
Vanessa looked right at him, confusion all over her face. “With my name?”
He nodded. “Yes. It’s for a joke. Don’t worry. I promise it’ll be funny.”
She scrawled Vanessa, but then jutted out her lower lip. “It’s so sad. Falling in love with someone and not getting to have them.”
He took the letter and folded it, tucking it inside his pants pocket. “I know. It is.” He reached for her hand. “Let’s go see the water, okay. You’ll love it.”
She held up a finger. “Hold on. I need to put on my shoes.”
“I think you’re okay with bare feet. The ground is soft.” No more waiting. He wanted this done.
“I think I’d rather have my shoes.” Her voice was clearer now. Gabe had to get on his game. If he wasn’t careful, it wouldn’t be long before she figured out what was going on. She worked her feet into her pumps and climbed out of the car.
He took her hand. The moon shone brightly overhead. Gabe’s heart was working its way into his throat, but he had to ignore it. He had to stop fixating on what it would feel like at the moment when he grabbed her and held her under the water.
Vanessa came to a dead stop. “Wait a minute. Who are you going to play a joke on?”
Shit. He hadn’t anticipated this question. “Mariella.” It was the first thing that came to mind, but it was a stupid answer.
She narrowed her sights on him. “No, you’re not. You would never play a trick on her. She has the worst sense of humor, and she’s practically your mom.”
Now Gabe’s pulse was jackhammering in his chest. He wasn’t about to debate her in the middle of fucking nowhere. He grabbed her around the waist and picked her up, carrying her with her back to his chest. She was kicking and screeching, reaching back and trying to pull his hair.
“Put me down!”
“Just shut up. Stop screaming or I’ll shoot you,” he barked, holding her tighter.
“You drugged me. At the party.” She reached back and punched his flank, but she couldn’t get a good angle to hurt him. She kept kicking, and her shoes were gone now. Her heels kept hitting his shins.
He lumbered ahead, not answering. The trees thinned. The lake was directly ahead.
“What do you want with me? I’ll give you anything. Just let me go.”
“I wish I could,” he said. “But this is business.”
“Business?” she yelled. She writhed back and forth in his arms, trying to tilt her body. She pitched herself to one side and snapped out of his arms. She landed on the ground with a thud. She scrambled to her feet, but her dress got caught under her and she fell again, landing on all fours.
He pulled out the Glock and held it to her head. This wasn’t the way he’d wanted this to go. His breaths had never been so heavy. His forehead throbbed. “Back on your feet. Now!”
She looked up at him, her hair a mess and clinging to her face. Her eyes were filled with terror. Carrying her had been more difficult, but at least he hadn’t had to look at her face.
He tucked a hand under one of her arms and helped her up, jabbing the gun into her ribs.
“What have I ever done to you?” she gasped as he practically dragged her closer to the water.
“You made a powerful enemy when you went after the congressman’s daughter’s fiancé.” She deserved to know what she was dying for.
Her expression changed, shock crossing her lovely features. “Wait a minute. This is about Luc? The man I can’t have is Luc?”
He tugged her closer toward the water’s edge. The wind whipped her hair in every direction. He wasn’t aware of his own heart racing anymore. Sheer adrenaline had taken over.
“Yes. It’s Luc. I don’t care if you want to be with him. It’s not going to work.” It was time. He grasped her wrist, dragging her as she dug her heels into the sandy ground. Her pulse throbbed in his hand, like it was trying to remind him she was human.
It didn’t matter. She had to go.
“Gabe, stop! You have to listen to m
e! Luc is not my lover. He’s my brother.”
* * *
Rachel lurked in the shadows, watching and listening, unable to believe what she was witnessing. She would have dug her fingernails into the bark of the tree she was hiding behind if it wouldn’t have ruined her manicure. Vanessa was Luc’s sister? That was rich. And also bullshit. This was not happening. Gabe was not going to fuck this up.
“No!” Rachel screamed, running out of the woods to the clearing where Gabe and Vanessa stood. “You are not going to believe her. She’s a liar. She’s after my fucking fiancé.”
Gabe turned his head lightning fast, looking truly pissed, but Rachel couldn’t have cared less. “What the fuck are you doing here? Did you follow us from the party? I thought you were going back to the Grecian.” His incredulity was pathetic. Of course she’d followed them from the party. She’d had no choice.
“I lied and said I was sick. Because I didn’t trust you to take care of her.” Rachel pointed at Vanessa with all the disdain she deserved. “Now I know I was right.” Rachel was so mad that spit was collecting at the corners of her mouth, but she didn’t care if she looked like shit. Her eyes were glued to Vanessa. She was blinded with contempt. She’d never hated anyone so much in her entire life. “You little slut.” She took a step closer to Vanessa and Gabe quickly shuffled the maid behind him, shielding her with his body. “Are you fucking kidding me? You’re going to protect her? That was not our deal.”
Gabe bugged his eyes at her and mouthed something to her. Shut the fuck up. “Rachel. I think it’s in everyone’s best interest if you calm down, get back in your car, drive back to the hotel and we’ll try to forget that you came out here and said everything you just said.”
Rachel shook her head so fast it could’ve come off. “You want to blackmail me? Nice try. Nobody gets past me.” She leaned forward and craned her neck around Gabe’s massive shoulders. “Vanessa, darling, I’ll be happy to tell Mariella everything you just said. I’m sure she’d love to know why you’ve been lying to her all this time, sneaking around the house. Trying to get your own little piece of the Marshall pie? Is that what this is about?”
