by Pamela Yaye
A sickening wave of nausea bubbled up inside Jariah’s throat. She didn’t care what was inside the envelope, and dropped it on the desk.
“Open it,” she instructed.
With her heart in her throat, Jariah took the envelope, ripped it open and cast a critical eye over the termination contract. It was a standard letter, legally binding, and there was nothing she could do to fight it. Staring at the check, she was sure the accounting department had made another mistake. Then, it hit her. Is this severance pay or a bribe? Jariah did the math in her head, and knew without a doubt that it was the latter.
“You have your money, so be on your way.” Her features darkened, and her tone was sharp. “I’m not going to warn you again, Mrs. Brooks. Stay away from Nicco or you’ll be sorry.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“Keep your money-hungry paws off my son,” she spat, “and concentrate on raising your daughter. She doesn’t need a rich new stepfather.”
Her words were a slap in the face. “I’m a good mother.”
“That’s not what I heard.”
Anger surged through Jariah’s veins. “You don’t know anything about me—”
“Oh, yes, I do. You’re as devious and as calculating as Nicco’s last assistant, and I’m not going to sit back and let you hurt my son. He deserves the best, and you my dear, are not it.”
Her vision blurred, grew thick with unshed tears, but through the haze Jariah saw Mrs. Morretti spin around and storm out of the office. In her mind, she replayed their conversation, and the more she thought about it, the more depressed she felt.
Wiping her eyes, she took a long, hard look at her severance check. Twenty-five thousand dollars was nothing to laugh at. It was enough to buy a new car and put a down payment on a house with a big backyard for Ava. And there would be some left over for a rainy day.
And you’re going to need it, her conscience pointed out, because as of four o’clock today you won’t have a job...or a man.
Chapter 20
“Welcome home, boss.” Gerald opened the back door of the white stretch Hummer parked along the curb at Miami International Airport. “It’s good to see you.”
“Thanks, Gerald. Sorry for delay. I got held up in customs.”
Exhausted, Nicco slid inside the car and dropped his brown leather briefcase at his feet.
Back behind the wheel, Gerald checked his rearview mirror and joined the slow-moving traffic on Airport Road. The walkways were clogged with travelers hailing taxicabs, dragging luggage and yapping on their cell phones. “How was your flight?”
“Terrible.” Nicco unbuttoned his suit jacket and loosened the knot in his pinstripe tie. “Reminded me to never fly commercial again. Everyone in first-class was a mess!”
“It couldn’t have been that bad.”
“The turbulence was horrendous, and the soap star sitting beside me kept cooing in my ear and rubbing her fake boobs against my shoulder.”
“You’re right. It sounds horrible.” Gerald chuckled and tossed a glance over his right shoulder. “Six months ago you would have taken her to the lavatory for a quickie.”
“I was stupid and reckless back then.”
“And now?”
And now, I’m anxious to marry Jariah and start a family. The thought caused his chest to swell with pride. He’d been enamored with her from the day they’d met, and over the summer his feelings had developed into the real thing. With Jariah, he knew exactly where he stood, and never second-guessed her feelings. She proved her love and devotion to him every day, and always put their relationship first. He loved that about her, and knew without a doubt that she’d never betray his trust.
“Where to, boss?”
“Morretti Inc.,” Nicco said, surfacing from his thoughts. Fatigued by the fourteen-hour flight from Lisbon, he settled into his seat and closed his tired eyes. “I have to pick up some files for my trip to L.A. tomorrow, but I won’t be at the office long, so stay close by.”
Rock music and the scent of seawater flooded the car through the open sunroof. Stars glimmered in the sky, fashionably dressed couples streamed in and out of upscale restaurants and nightclubs, and police officers mounted on horseback patrolled the crowded downtown streets.
Nicco spotted a girl with pigtails playing hopscotch in front of Dairy Queen and broke into a broad grin. Images of Ava filled his mind. The young girl had grabbed a hold of his heart from the onset and had been squeezing it ever since. Thinking about the afternoon he’d taken Ava and Richie to play miniature golf at Boomers made Nicco chuckle to himself.
“I think my mom has a crush on you,” Ava had announced.
“What makes you so sure?”
“I heard her talking outside to our next-door neighbors, Sadie and Felicia, and she had a lot to say about you.”
“Really?” he’d questioned, his curiosity getting the best of him. “What did she say?”
Ava had stuck out her left hand and wiggled her fingers. “It’s gonna cost you.”
Like a fool, he’d opened his wallet and took out ten dollars.
“Really? That’s the best you can do? If you want me to spill the beans, you’re going to have to do much better than that.”
“Yeah,” Richie had agreed. “Dig deep, Uncle Nicco! We need that money to buy candy!”
An hour later, Nicco was fifty dollars poorer, but felt ten feet tall. The next day, on his way home from work, he’d dropped by Tiffany & Co. and bought the most expensive engagement ring in the store. Nicco patted the front of his suit pocket to ensure the diamond solitaire was still safe and sound. He was ready to spend the rest of his life with Jariah and couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when he popped the question at dinner later that evening. He didn’t want to live without her, couldn’t do it, and would be proud to call Ava his stepdaughter.
Nicco heard his cell phone ring and retrieved it from his briefcase. He slid his index finger across the screen and put his iPhone to his ear. “Nicco Morretti.”
“This is Detective Katsu from the Miami Police Department,” said a gruff voice. “We found your Mercedes. It’s on fire.”
Ice spread through Nicco’s veins. At a loss for words, his thoughts spun out-of-control. He slumped against his seat, stunned and confused by the news. Panic and fear drenched his body in a cold, chilling sweat. Why hadn’t Jariah called? Was she hurt? Was Ava okay?
“Do you know a woman by the name of Jariah Brooks?”
Nicco blinked, came to his senses. “Yes, of course,” he said, raking a hand through his hair. “What happened? Where is she? Can I speak to her?”
“I’d rather not talk over the phone. Can you meet me at Ms. Brooks’s residence? I’m in the process of taking her fiancé’s statement and—”
“Fiancé!” Nicco shouted, his pulse pounding erratically in his ears. “What fiancé?”
There was a profound silence, and the distant wail of a police siren.
“When I arrived on the scene Ms. Brooks was standing outside of her residence with a man by the name of Wesley Covington,” the detective explained. “He identified himself as her fiancé, led her back inside the house, and hasn’t left her side since.”
* * *
Slow, sensuous music penetrated Jariah’s consciousness, but the stench of burnt rubber and smoke killed the romantic mood. Moistening her lips with her tongue, she opened her eyes, fully expecting to see Nicco lying beside her. He wasn’t, but Wesley was.
All at once, everything came rushing back—her heated argument with Mrs. Morretti that morning, returning home to an empty house, primping and prepping for her late-night date with Nicco. Less than an hour later, Wesley and her neighbor Mr. Regula were banging on her door, imploring her to get out of the house. Outside, Nicco’s Mercedes Benz S350 was engulfed in fl
ames, and her complex was jam-packed with news trucks, fire engines and police cars. Jariah had never seen anything like it, and hours later, she still couldn’t believe someone had brazenly set a car on fire in a neighborhood overrun with small children and young families.
Jariah yawned and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She must have dozed off, because her head was on Wesley’s chest, and his arms were wrapped around her shoulders.
Straightening, she noticed he was watching music videos and playing Scrabble on his iPhone. Once the police had taken her statement and left the house following a brief look around, they’d sat on the living-room couch and had a blunt conversation. Her first question? Whether or not he’d sent that bogus email message to her parents. He’d coughed like a smoker on his death bed and then fervently denied being involved. Jariah didn’t believe him, but decided to put the whole ugly incident behind her. Her parents were back in her life, and that was all that mattered to Jariah.
“How was your nap? Feeling better?”
“A little.” Knowing she looked a mess, she straightened her sundress and combed a hand through her curly disheveled hair. “Thanks for sticking around, Wesley. If not for you, the police would have hauled me to jail and thrown away the key.”
“I’m glad I could help.” He moved closer and draped an arm around her shoulder. “Jariah, you mean the world to me, and I’ve never stopped loving you.”
Biting the inside of her cheek, she glanced away from his piercing gaze.
“I’m ready to step up to the plate, and to be the man you need me to be.” His voice was filled with sincerity. He placed a hand on her thigh. “I almost lost you tonight, and I don’t want to lose you again.”
“That’s too bad. You’re too late.”
At the sound of Nicco’s curt, brisk voice, Jariah felt a turbulent rush of panic. By now, he knew about his car, and the fire that had destroyed it. Inwardly, she feared he’d blow up at her or blame her for what happened, and that had her on edge. Taking in a deep breath, Jariah stood and prepared to learn her fate.
“You’ve said your piece. Now leave.”
Wesley surged to his feet. “Make me.” His nostrils flared and his jaw clenched.
Nicco wanted to sock in the man in the face, but he didn’t want the police, who were standing outside in the parking lot, to arrest him for assault. He couldn’t stomach seeing Jariah with her ex, so he crossed the room and draped a hand around her waist. “I need to talk to my girlfriend alone, so you can show yourself out.”
“You’re never going to last,” he sneered, a scowl staining his lips. “When you get sick of playing second fiddle to his career, and all of his other women, give me a call.”
Nicco chided himself to keep his temper in check, but the moment he heard the front door slam he exploded in anger. “What the hell is going on?” he demanded, dropping his hands from around her waist. “Are you out of your damn mind?”
Jariah tried to touch him, but Nicco stepped back, out of reach. “Baby, I am so sorry about your car, but I swear, I had nothing to do with the fire—”
“I don’t give a shit about the Mercedes.”
“Then why are you so mad? Why are you shouting?”
“Because I flew over four thousand miles to see you, only to find you hugged up on the couch with your no-good ex,” he growled through clenched teeth. “Why was Wesley here? And don’t tell me he came to see Ava, because I called your parents after I got off the phone with Detective Katsu, and they told me she’s spending the weekend with them.”
“Wesley had a bad day at work, and needed someone to talk to.”
“Then he should call a shrink, not you.”
“Nicco, we dated for five years, and we have a child together—”
“I don’t like seeing him here.”
“Too bad,” she snapped, growing frustrated with his attitude. “He’s Ava’s father.”
“Yeah, he’s Ava’s father, not your man, so remember that the next time he’s rubbing your knee and whispering bullshit lines in your ear.”
Nicco saw her face harden like stone and knew he’d crossed the line. In three short strides, he was at her side, pulling her to his chest. Slowly and tenderly, he stroked her hair and neck. “Damn, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“You’re right. You shouldn’t have. You’re acting like a jealous lover, and you have no reason to be. I’ve never given you a reason to doubt my love and fidelity, and I never will.”
“I know, but I can’t help it. I lose my head whenever I see you with another guy.”
Jariah poked him in the chest. “Now you know how I felt when Estelle tried to jump your bones!”
“Baby, you’re the only woman I want. You know that.”
His gaze met hers, weakening the hard, impenetrable shell around her heart.
“Did you see the person who set the fire?”
Jariah shook her head and wore an apologetic smile. “No, unfortunately, I didn’t. I was upstairs in the shower, and the next thing I know, Wesley and my neighbor Mr. Regula were banging on the front door, yelling at me to get out of the house.”
“You must have been terrified.”
“Yeah, mostly of them breaking in and finding me in my birthday suit!”
The thought of her naked, curvy body glistening with water sent a shiver down his spine. Nicco wanted to make love to Jariah more than anything, but didn’t act on his impulse. It wasn’t the right time. Not with cops, firefighters and reporters roaming around her complex.
“It wasn’t as dramatic as it sounds.” Jariah snuggled against him. “By the time I got dressed and went outside the firefighters had the fire contained, and the police were interviewing witnesses.”
“I spoke to the lead detective on the case, and he had a lot of interesting information to share,” Nicco said as his gaze drifted to the front window. “I’m going to call a family meeting next week so Detective Katsu can bring everyone up to speed.”
“But you’re leaving for L.A. tomorrow and won’t be back for two weeks.”
“Once I learned about the fire, I called the VP of the Childs Corporation and rescheduled our meeting for October.” Nicco gave her a serious no-nonsense look. “And this time you’re coming with me. No excuses.”
“I’m there. Spending time with you at a world-famous resort sounds like heaven.”
Wrapping her up in his arms, he lifted her chin and covered her mouth with a deep, passionate kiss. “I’m going outside to wait for the tow truck, and you’re going upstairs to pack an overnight bag. I’m taking you back to my place.”
“But your parents are staying with you.”
“Baby, my estate is over fifteen thousand square feet, and they have their own private wing,” he said, patting her affectionately on the hips. “Besides, they’ll be too busy watching, Italia’s Got Talent to pay us any mind!”
* * *
As Jariah reflected on her conversation with Nicco’s mother she felt a nervous flutter in her belly. Her head throbbed, and her heart ached at the memory of Vivica’s viscous words. You’re devious, and calculating... My son deserves the best, and, you’re not it. The thought of being without Nicco—of not seeing him or hearing his voice or feeling the warmth of his touch—was killing her inside. But she’d rather lose him than put a wedge between him and his parents. He’d find love with someone else, and she had Ava, and a healthy, renewed relationship with her mom and dad to be thankful for.
You deserve to have it all, whispered her inner voice.
Encouraged by her thoughts, she swallowed the lump in her throat and told Nicco about her unexpected visit that morning from his mom. “After she fired me, she made it very clear that I’m not good enough for you, and that she’ll never welcome me or Ava into your family.”
“To be honest, I�
�m not surprised. Ma’s always been overprotective, and it takes her a while for her warm up to people, especially women dating her sons.” Nicco gave Jariah a peck on the cheek and told her not to worry. “Ma will come around. I know it.”
“That’s it? That’s all you have to say?” Incredulous, Jariah folded her arms across her chest and gave him a pointed look. “I’ve been a basket case all day, and all you can say is, ‘Ma will come around’?”
His grin, though tinged with amusement, didn’t cheer her. And neither did the hand he placed on her shoulder. “Leave Ma to me. I can handle her.”
“Fine, but until you do, I won’t be sleeping at your place or traveling out of town with you.”
“Really?”
“I’m afraid so,” she said.
“You leave me no choice then.” Nicco whipped his iPhone out of his pocket, punched in a number and put it to his ear. “Hello, yes, this is Nicco Morretti... I’d like to book the penthouse suite for the rest of the week...”
Moments later, he ended the call and pointed at the staircase. “Go pack and hurry up or there’ll be hell to pay when we get to The Four Seasons.”
Jariah shot him a lusty smile. “Promise?”
Chapter 21
“Now that everyone’s here, and the kids ran off to play, let’s get down to business.”
Everyone gathered inside the living room in Nicco’s Coral Gables mansion turned toward the two, gray-haired detectives standing beside the fireplace. To calm her nerves, Jariah snuggled closer to Nicco, drawing comfort from his touch. Designer fragrances and the spicy aromas drifting out of the kitchen created a delicious scent. Chef Gambo and his team were preparing a feast, and every few minutes Jariah heard the flamboyant chef shouting instructions in Italian. Laughter penetrated the windows and the sound of Ava’s and Richie’s high-pitched giggles lightened the bleak mood.
Sitting beside Nicco on the couch should have quieted her troubled mind, but Jariah couldn’t stop thinking about what happened on Friday night. Three days had passed since the fire, and although the police had cleared her as a suspect, she knew it would take a lot longer than seventy-two hours to win over Arturo and Vivica Morretti.
