by Sarah Curtis
She shook her head and uttered a single devastating word. “No.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Nate sat up, dislodging Victoria from his hold as he slid back to rest against the headboard. The change of expression on his face clued her in he’d misinterpreted her words. She shook her head, quickly clarifying, “Not, no to getting married, just to getting married in Vegas.” She sat up, getting in a cross-legged position.
She watched his expression clear, and he nodded as if agreeing, though he said, “You do realize it’s the easiest solution. The media will hound us if we try to have a big event. A quickie wedding in some obscure chapel is our best bet.”
Victoria sighed. She knew he was right but couldn’t help defending her stance. “But it’s not how I dreamed it would be.”
“Tell me.” He patted the bed between his raised knees, and she crawled to the spot, resting her back to his front and draping her arms on his thighs.
“Promise you won’t laugh?”
“I promise not to even smile.”
That had her smiling. “When I was about ten, I went with my parents to Tom Hadley and Lilly Robbin’s wedding,” Victoria recalled, referring to the Hollywood power couple from back in the day. She tipped her head back to look at Nate. “Do you remember that?” At his nod, she continued, “I’d never been to a wedding before, but even still, I knew theirs was magical. Lilly looked like a princess in her white, lace gown with a long, flowing train. She even wore a jeweled tiara. There were red carpets and crystal and china settings with gold silverware. White roses everywhere. And the cake! It was taller than I was. I was in awe and knew I wanted a wedding just like theirs, and I promised myself, someday I would find my prince and make it happen.
“Now, being older and more realistic, I don’t need so much pomp and circumstance, but seeing as I’ve found my prince, I do want the fairy-tale wedding.”
He was silent a moment, then said, “Planning something that big will take months. Not that I need to remind you, but we’re having a baby soon.”
“This isn’t the eighteen hundreds, lots of couples have children out of wedlock. In fact, many never bother getting married.”
He tipped her chin back, giving her a stern look. “We will be getting married.”
She softened her expression and took hold of his hand. “Yes, we will be, but does it need to be before the baby’s born?”
“I’d like it to be. I’d like to know both of you are mine, sooner rather than later.”
She wasn’t sure what to say other than what he already knew—she didn’t want a quickie wedding in Las Vegas.
“How about a compromise?”
She supposed she could hear him out. After all, wasn’t that what marriage was all about, compromise? “Like what?”
“Well.” He wrapped his arms around her as if worried she might try to get away. She didn’t think that boded well for what he was about to say. “How about we secretly marry in Vegas—just the two of us, no one else would know—and then after the baby arrives, we can get married in style, whatever you want, and invite all our friends and family.”
Victoria opened her mouth to say, no, that it wouldn’t be the same, but closed it just as quickly, really thinking about the idea before blurting her gut response. As far as compromises go, it was a legitimate one. If only the two of them knew they’d been married in secret, the later ceremony would be almost as if they were marrying for the first time.
She looked down at her ring. The diamond sparkled as the last of the sun’s rays coming from the open blinds hit it and knew, though she did want a big wedding eventually, she also really liked the idea of becoming Nate’s wife now.
“Okay.”
He tipped her chin, assessing her. “Yeah?”
She nodded as best she could with him holding her chin. “Yeah.”
“Thank you.” He leaned his head down giving her a gentle kiss on the lips. “I’ll arrange everything and barring no complications, we should be able to leave by next weekend.”
She smiled. In one week’s time, she’d be Mrs. Nathan Reed. “I’ll call my parents and let them know we’re coming.”
Her stomach growled, and Nate was all over that, saying, “Sorry, sweetheart, looks like you missed your naptime window of opportunity. Nate Junior’s hungry.”
“Pfft,” she snorted. “How do you know it’s not Victoria Junior?”
“Because God is not cruel enough to saddle me with two women who look like you.”
“And how do you know she won’t look like you?” She quickly held up a hand. “Wait, that would be worse. You’re prettier than I am.”
Nate chuckled, burying his face in her neck, shaking his head. “Can we stop talking about this now?”
Victoria smiled. “Only if you feed me.”
“Deal.”
Victoria moaned over each forkful of cashew chicken she put into her mouth. She looked up at Nate to find him staring at her, his plate relatively untouched. “Aren’t you hungry?”
“Not for food after that display.” She saw Nate not so subtly adjust himself under the table.
She shrugged a shoulder. “It’s good.”
“Apparently.” Changing the subject, he said, “After dinner, we need to make that list for Smith.”
Mouth full, she mumbled a positive reply, adding a nod in case he didn’t understand her. She swallowed then took a sip of water. “I can’t imagine anyone I know being involved.”
“You can’t leave anyone off and that includes your BFF Alec Throne. You were just in Vegas two weeks ago. Did you see him then?”
She was surprised at the irritation and even hint of anger she heard in his tone. Neither of them had mentioned Alec since her birthday, and honestly, she’d thought Nate had brushed the whole thing under the rug. But apparently not. He seemed to have been keeping it on a back burner.
She set her fork down. “You know we’re just friends, right? Only ever been friends.”
He reached a hand up and rubbed his eyes then pinched the bridge of his nose. “I know. But that doesn’t mean I like it.”
Victoria took another sip of her water. “I think you guys would like each other. You’re a lot alike.”
“You’re not making me feel better. In fact, it’s having the opposite effect.”
Victoria held up her hands. “Then, by all means, let’s go back to the subject that I know makes you even angrier.”
He glared at his plate, stabbing at his food before taking a giant bite.
Victoria internally sighed. She knew why he was angry, hell if it were his life being threatened, she’d feel the same way. She softened her voice when she said, “Listen, in a short week’s time, we’ll be out of here, away from harm. No one will know where we are. In the meantime, I’ll keep a low profile, double check all emails I receive, and never go anywhere alone. Okay?”
He set his fork down and looked across the table at her, apology in his eyes, and his tone was, once again, calm when he said, “Yeah, okay.”
She stood from her seat and walked around the table to his side, nudging his arm with her hip until he got the hint, scooting his chair back so she could crawl in his lap.
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “You know, I know how you feel.”
“You have no idea what I’m feeling right now.”
“I do. You’re angry because this situation is out of your control. Angrier because you feel helpless and feel as if you’re not doing enough to protect me. And angriest because what you really are is scared. Scared whoever’s doing this will succeed and you’ll lose me.”
He reached a hand up, raking his fingers through her hair to cradle the back of her head while his thumb traced a pattern along the shell of her ear. His eyes locked with hers, staring intensely for a full minute before he said, “How do you know all that?”
“Do you want the complicated answer or the simple one?”
“Complicated.”
“Because I pay attentio
n. I’ve watched your expressions and mannerisms in numerous situations. I’ve seen the way you behave when you’ve felt your control over something slipping, and the fast action you took to rectify it. I’ve seen how when you care about someone, the lengths you’ll go to protect that person. I’ve seen your integrity, using the power you wield for good rather than evil, and I’ve seen your heart, in many forms, from any of your numerous generous displays. So, when I say I know how you’re feeling, I do, because I see you.”
His hold on the back of her head tightened, and he dropped his forehead to hers before whispering, “And the simple answer?”
“Because I love you.”
He took a ragged breath. “Fuck, you have no idea how much I love you.”
She hugged him tighter, placing her lips next to his ear. “Yes, I do.”
The ringing of her phone woke Victoria from a dead sleep. She cracked open her eyes, the sun, shining through the blinds, telling her it was morning.
Despite the craziness of the day before and missing out on her nap, she and Nate had been up late. First, compiling a list of names for Detective Smith then moving on to more pleasurable activities. Activities, she realized as she reached for her phone on the bedside table, that had left her pleasantly sore.
“Hello,” she croaked, rolling to her back and noticing Nate’s side of the bed was empty.
“Victoria! I just heard what happened yesterday. Are you all right? Why didn’t you call me?”
She muffled a groan. It was way too early to deal with Byron. She was surprised Mr. Johnny-on-the-Spot was just now hearing the news. “I’m fine.”
Her eyes darted around the bedroom. The closet door was shut, and the bathroom door was open with no sounds coming from inside. She wondered where Nate was.
“Simon told me the police don’t think it was an accident. I’m very concerned. Do they have any leads?”
So, Simon was his source, or at least, one of them. Byron probably had a whole network of spies working for him. Then she thought about what he’d said, how the police didn’t think the light falling yesterday had been an accident. That must mean he didn’t know the first time hadn’t been an accident either. But for some reason, she didn’t feel the need to correct his assumption.
She also didn’t think the police would appreciate her sharing information about the investigation so lied when she answered, “Not that I know of. If they have any leads, they didn’t say anything.”
“I don’t like this at all,” Byron said, sounding aggravated. “The media is going crazy with all their speculations.”
Victoria wondered whether that was one thought or two. Did he not like that someone was targeting her, or that the media was having a field day at her expense? Personally, she’d avoided all media outlets, not wanting to know what crazy theories they’d cooked up.
Hoping to ease his worries, she said, “It’ll die down soon. Nate and I are planning a getaway.”
“You’re leaving?”
“Yes. As soon as Nate clears his schedule and Simon gives us the okay to leave, we’re heading to Vegas to hide out until the cops find out who’s behind it all.”
“But that could take weeks. Maybe even months.”
His voice had an edge, even for Byron, and again, she tried to placate him. “We’ll be close. If anyone needs us, we can be back in a few hours.”
“What about the premiere?”
Victoria sure hoped the police would have the case wrapped up by the release of their movie at the end of December. “That’s still months away. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
“I don’t like this.”
No, Victoria thought, he wouldn’t, but she also didn’t want to talk about it anymore. “Listen, I’ve got to go. I’ll call you in a few days before we leave.”
“Wait. Before you hang up. Just something to think about. There’s a part that’s perfect for you. Filming won’t start until next summer. I talked with the producer, and he’s very interested in you.”
“Goodbye, Byron.”
She heard another shouted, “Wait,” as she pulled the phone from her ear and clicked the off button. Then turned her phone completely off for good measure.
Padding to the bathroom, she discovered a note from Nate sitting on the vanity.
Throw on a bathing suit and meet me out back. XOXO
Victoria couldn’t hold back a giddy smile. Lounging by the pool and staring at Nate in nothing but swim trunks sounded like a great way to spend a Saturday.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
The feel of Nate’s lips on her neck and his hand fondling her breast under the soft cotton of her nightie slowly pulled Victoria from sleep. She stretched into his touch, moaning.
“Good morning.” His lips grazed her ear.
“Mmm… Yes, it is.”
His chuckle was soft, deep, and velvety. “And what would my princess like to do today?”
She smiled. “Princess, huh?”
His hand moved to the small mound of her stomach. “You called me your prince the another night. I thought it only fitting for you to be my princess.”
“I guess that’s fair,” she halfheartedly replied, distracted by the fingers that had inched past the waistband of her panties.
“So, have you decided?”
“Huh?”
His soft chuckle filled her ear as his fingers dipped into her folds. “So wet. I love how wet I make you.”
She just moaned, beyond words as she untangled her leg from his, throwing it back over his thigh, opening herself to his touch.
He took advantage, entering her with a finger and hitting just the right spot. “Fuck you feel good. I want to feel you wrapped around my cock.”
Yes, she wanted that, too. She pressed back, rubbing against his hard length.
Grabbing her thigh, he raised it over his hip, opening her farther for his impaling thrust.
They had matching groans as he filled her, impossibly full, the width of him stretching her. The position wasn’t conducive to big movements, but it was enough, especially when his finger found her clit, rubbing it.
His other hand snaked under her, curling up to capture her breast, kneading it in his palm. His fingers plucked at her nipple through the thin cotton, rolling it, then finally pinching it while simultaneously biting her lobe.
She came instantly, the force of it taking her by surprise. He rolled her to her back, spreading her thighs. Ripples of her orgasm still lingered as he reentered her, slamming into her a few more times until he tipped his head back, shouting his release.
Collapsing on top of her yet still maintaining most of his weight with his arms, he dropped his forehead to her chest, breathing harshly.
She buried her fingers in the thick strands of his hair, enjoying the silky slide of it through her fingers, and wrapped her legs around his waist, squeezing him tight.
Her phone rang, invading the tranquility of the moment, and she groaned when she looked at the screen. “This is becoming a bad habit.”
“Who is it?” Nate asked, kissing a line down to her stomach.
“Byron.”
He lifted a shoulder. “Don’t answer.”
“He’ll just keep calling if I don’t.” She clicked the accept button. “Hello.”
“Promise you won’t hang up until you hear everything I have to say,” Byron said in a rush.
“If I do hang up, will you keep calling me back?”
“Probably.”
“Fine. Say what you have to say.”
“I set up a luncheon with Gideon Warren today at one o’clock.”
“I’m sure you and Mr. Warren will have a lovely time.”
Nate’s head popped up at the name, a little wrinkle between his brow.
She heard Byron sigh. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”
“I’m not going, Byron.”
“Just come and have lunch. Hear what the guy has to say. That’s it. No pressure, no commitments.” She sighe
d, weakening, and he added, “I promise if you do this and decide you’re still not interested, I’ll quit bugging you about it.”
“You’ll quit bugging me about everything.”
“Yes, yes. Fine.”
“I’m serious, Byron, I do this and no more searching out roles for me until I decide what I’m going to do.”
“I said, fine. But you promise you’ll listen to what Warren has to say with an open mind.”
“I will.”
“Good. We’re meeting at the Four Seasons. One o’clock.”
“We’ll be there.” She hung up before he could pester her more.
Nate raised a brow. “I take it, you’ve decided what we’re doing today.”
Victoria sighed, tossing her phone on the bed. “Lunch at the Four Seasons at one o’clock.”
“With Gideon Warren, I take it.”
“Yes. He’s producing a new film, and Byron thinks I’ll be perfect for the role. It starts filming next summer.”
“And is this something you want?” He’d rolled to his side, elbow to the bed, head resting in his palm. His other hand lay protectively over her stomach.
Victoria sighed. “I don’t know, and I probably won’t know until after the baby arrives. I don’t want to make any decisions until then.”
“It’s just lunch,” Nate said, making it sound so simple, and she guessed it was.
She rolled to her side, mimicking Nate’s position. “Yes. And the bonus is, Byron promised to stop hounding me about work if I go.”
“Sounds like a win-win then,” he smirked, squeezing her hip and moving to sit at the side of the bed.
Victoria followed. Win-win? She could only think of one win, Byron getting off her back. “What’s the second win?”
Nate gave her a grin. “They have great food at the Four Seasons.”
Nate’s phone rang, and he frowned as he reached for it. His conversation was short, and he tossed his phone on the bed after hanging up. “That was Smith. Says he has news but wouldn’t share over the phone. He’ll be here in an hour.”
“Guess our day was planned for us,” Victoria said, rolling from the bed.
