The Ultimate Romance Box (6 Bestselling Romance Novels)

by Eckhart, Lorhainne

  More of the same? Heat infused her cheeks. “Are you serious?”

  “Dead serious. I mean very alive.” He burst out laughing, and moved her on top of him. “See for yourself.” He cupped her butt, pressing his hardening cock against the juncture of her thighs. “So what do you say? Ready for more?”

  “You bet. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring.”

  “Shh.” He pressed his fingers to her mouth. “No depressing thoughts. Tonight is for fun and love.”

  “For fun and love,” she repeated as if he’d just made a toast. She closed her eyes to savor the words and his kisses.

  Chapter Ten

  The alarm pulled Alexa from a frantic dream. “Dante.” She cringed and bolted to a sitting position. Next to her, the bed was empty. Where was Dante?

  “Good morning, bellissima.” He came into the bedroom, bent, and brushed her lips with a light kiss. “We need to get dressed. It’s already 8:00 am.”

  “You’ve already showered?” She skimmed his wet skin above the towel wrapped around his hips.

  He removed her hand and kissed the tips of her fingers. “No more of that, or we’ll never make it to the funeral.”

  “Ah the funeral. No wonder I had nightmares.”

  “When? You were sleeping like an angel in my arms.”

  “Just now. I dreamed that a man with a mask was chasing after me on the beach. He grabbed my shoulder.” A shudder raked her, and she rubbed her arms to erase the imaginary touch. “His fingers were ice cold.”

  “Darling, that’s a remnant of your lousy encounter in the ocean. A bad memory.” Dante’s hands cradled her face, and he brushed her cheeks with soft kisses. “No one will ever chase you again. I promise. You were amazing yesterday. So strong and brave. Come. A hot shower will restore your spirits.” He carried her out of the bed to the bathroom and turned on the faucets. “In you go.” He pulled the glass door behind her. “I’ll wait for you to get dressed.”

  She shampooed her hair and let the water massage her back. No nightmares could erase her wonderful night in West Palm Beach and then in her bed. Dante was one of a kind lover. Mmm, what would detective Ladd say if she and Dante ran away to Sicily and never came back? The hell with Steve and his funeral. And Greg, Carter, Julia and Dianna.

  “Hey Alexa, are you done?”

  “Yes, unfortunately. Give me a minute.”

  Clad in a black lacey bra and matching thong, she dried her hair, applied her make-up, and dabbed perfume on her throat and wrists.

  “Can I come in?” At the door of the bathroom, Dante clucked his tongue as his eyes devoured her. “These little black things are gorgeous. And you smell delicious.”

  She slipped on a black knitted dress with short sleeves. “Am I decent now? It’s my funeral dress. I wore it for my grandmother’s and for Greg’s mother. Not my usual type of clothing.” She chuckled and turned around for him to zipper her.

  “You’re beautiful in any outfit.” He moved her hair and pressed warm lips to her nape.

  “Thank you, Dante. I have bagel and cheese. Is it good enough for breakfast?”

  “I already made coffee.” In fact, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted toward them. This man was perfect. What would it take to keep him?

  While they drank their coffee, her cell phone rang.

  “Greg?” Dante asked.

  She nodded. “Good morning,” she said with a jovial voice that must have stunned her ex-husband speechless.

  “You’re not depressed anymore?” Greg sounded shocked.

  “No, I’ve decided not to let anyone upset me. I’ll see you at the church. Dante is here.”

  “Dante? What? But—”

  “Don’t worry, Greg.” She giggled. “He’ll drive me.”

  “Oh...”

  “I’ll see you there. Bye.” She shut the phone. “That wasn’t too bad.”

  “That was great.” Dante’s big smile applauded her bravado. “Keep putting him in his place. It’ll become a habit, and he’ll stop bothering you.”

  “For a change, Greg was speechless.” She ate her last bite and took her plate to the sink. Nothing could dim the happiness simmering in her heart. Last night, Dante had lavished her with kisses and caresses and made love to her several times.

  Following his advice, she’d decided to live in the present—her precious present with Dante—and ignore the rest of the world and her nasty neighbors.

  “Leave everything to me and get ready.”

  He set the dishes in the dishwasher, as she went to her bedroom to find a pair of black pumps. She opened her safe and chose a pearl necklace, matching bracelet and earrings she’d inherited from her grandmother. Today she’d rather not wear a ring.

  The thought worried her that if Steve had managed to have access to her condo key, others could do it too. The locked room where the building association hid the apartments’ spare keys wasn’t as secure as in the past. Unfortunately, yesterday she hadn’t been able to call a security company to install an alarm system. She closed the safe and double-checked that her heavy coats covered the area, remembering her promise to her dad never to reveal the secret cache to anyone.

  When she joined Dante, a black purse dangling from her shoulder, her kitchen was spotless. “You know what? I’m keeping you. You’re a godsent gift in the kitchen.”

  He sent her a wolfish gaze. “In the kitchen only? How about the bedroom?”

  Her cheeks flamed. “That too.” His gaze skimmed her from the tip of her shoes all the way to her head. “Do I pass inspection?” She twitched her mouth in a grimace. “I mean for this occasion?”

  “You’re very classy. Perfect. I’m glad you’re not wearing Greg’s big rocks.” Dante slipped on his suit jacket.

  Dashing. She bit her lip not to blurt her admiration.

  “Now, let’s assume a serious expression. For the crowd,” Dante added as he closed her door behind them.

  Her heart sank. The next hour would be hell with all the neighbors gathered at the church. Her nice neighbors who wouldn’t hesitate to incriminate her. But with Dante next to her, the hell with the neighbors, dead or alive.

  ****

  Dante strolled next to Alexa and they crossed the parking lot toward the Assumption Church. He caught her elbow as she faltered at the sight of the black hearse already parked at the curb in front of the entrance. Two men in black suits approached them with deference. “Are you relatives or close friends?” the tall blond one asked.

  More like close enemies. Dante swallowed the words and offered a blank smile. “Neighbors.”

  “Would you like to wait here and enter behind the coffin cortege after the family?”

  “We’ll sit in the back row. Thank you.” He ushered Alexa into one of the pews and slid to the right side as far as possible from the aisle.

  “I’m glad we came early and chose our seats,” she muttered. “You won’t see me joining the procession behind the coffin.” In spite of her make-up, pallor invaded her cheeks. Vulnerable yet holding her own.

  “Good thing Julia decided against a wake to save money. But Ladd told me they will open the coffin for people to pay their respect.”

  “Oh dear. Looking at him is like living again the nightmares of the past few days.” Torment swirled in her eyes, two green pools lined with long charcoaled eyelashes.

  “You can do it. I’ll be next to you.” Dante furtively clasped her fingers, ice cold in spite of the warm weather. “There won’t be a burial. Julia has opted for cremation.”

  “You guys are already here?” Detective Ladd sat next to Dante. “Before I forget, I want you to wait for me at the end of the ceremony. I’m bringing a police officer. The one who’s investigating your complaint. He wants to talk to you. He’s an expert at collecting evidence.”

  Music filled the big church and covered the din emanating from the entry hall where people gathered.

  “They are starting,” Ladd said.

  “Here are Julia and Ka
ty.” Pretty in a black suit that enhanced her blonde complexion, Julia held the hand of a twelve-year old, dressed in white. “Poor thing, she’s obviously been crying a lot. She’s the only one I feel sorry for,” Alexa mumbled. “She spends a lot of time at her grandmother’s. Her parents didn’t seem to pay much attention to her.”

  Was Alexa comparing Katy to herself? Dante pressed her hand.

  Four men wheeled the casket down the aisle. The scent of roses wafted from the wreaths adorning the coffin. The congregation stood as the mourners lined up. Julia and Katy led the cortege, the girl sobbing, and her mother dabbing the corner of her eyes with a tissue.

  A few family members walked by, and then Greg strolled by himself. Where was Dianna?

  Dante surveyed the church. The beautiful Brazilian sat on the opposite side, in a back row next to the secretary of the building and some neighbors.

  “I’m going to the front.” Ladd squeezed past them to stride along the side alley and position himself not far from the altar behind a column.

  “I bet he wants to examine the mourners’ behavior as they approach the casket,” Dante mused. “Look, he’s raising his head and signaling to someone up on the organ balcony. Wait. I have to check that myself.” Dante left the pew and walked to the front, then suddenly turned and glanced upward. Sure enough, a photographer was hiding next to the organ, his camera zooming-in on the front of the church.

  “What’s going on up there?” Alexa asked when he returned to her side.

  “Ladd has a photographer videotaping the ceremony. Smart.”

  The music stopped. The pallbearers opened the coffin, and the priest started the prayers that hardly lasted fifteen minutes. An organist sang. Julia walked to the open coffin, her arm around Katy.

  “Here is Carter.” Dante gestured toward the altar.

  “He wasn’t in the procession,” Alexa noted. “But now he’s going to the casket right after the widow and daughter.”

  “I didn’t see him enter. Has he just arrived?” Damn, how had he missed Carter’s arrival? “I should have stayed in the front to see his expression when he bids farewell to his good friend Steve.”

  “Oh my God, he’s standing next to Julia to receive the condolences. Imagine his guts.” Next to Dante, Alexa shuddered, her fingers entwined in her lap.

  “Let’s go right away and mingle with the mourners. I’d rather we’re not the last people to salute the departed.” And be scrutinized by Ladd and each person present.

  In fact on the right side of the casket, Julia was busy shaking hands and receiving hugs. Dante kept close tabs on Alexa. Her chin straight, she projected a calm demeanor, although her lips trembled as she glanced at the body. “I’m with you,” Dante murmured. She shot him a sideways look and subtly nodded.

  They paused at the coffin, crossed themselves, and continued toward the widow and her daughter.

  “My condolences,” Alexa muttered as she nodded to Julia, and immediately kissed Katy on the cheek. They ignored Carter and the rest of the official line, and stood next to Ladd.

  “Any interesting observations?” Dante asked.

  “Not until I look at the video, my cop took.” Ladd raised his chin to the balcony at the rear of the church where the man with the video camera stood.

  Dante arched an eyebrow. “I hope you’ll share your findings.” With a gentle touch on Alexa’s arm, he signaled they should go back to their places.

  “Wait for me outside,” Ladd muttered. “I’ll follow you with Officer Raines.”

  Just at that moment, Dante’s phone vibrated against his side. He marched toward the hall of the church and opened his cell to read a text message from his colleague. “Got news for you. Call me, Jay.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Thunder roared, and dark clouds greeted them outside the church. “Perfect weather for a funeral,” Alexa snorted.

  “Hurry before we get soaked.” Dante clasped her hand, and they rushed through the parking lot. As they left the church grounds, the rain pelted the car and obscured their vision. A police car whizzed by. The passenger window lowered. “We’ll clear the traffic. Follow us,” Detective Ladd said.

  “What the heck. We’ll speed after them.” Dante chuckled and pressed on the accelerator.

  Alexa shivered. “I used to love my condo so much. Now it gives me the creeps.”

  He frowned, and glanced at her, then he grinned, a big silly grin. “I know how to erase your willies. Imagine your apartment, your splendid room with a large comfortable bed. Can you see it?”

  “Of course. So?”

  “In your bed, there are two people, rolling on your satin sheets. You, cuddled in my arms. Me, kissing you, caressing you, holding you and—”

  “Enough.” A blush heated her cheeks, and she squirmed.

  “Can you see the picture of—”

  “Yes. Yes, I see it too well.” One more word, one more vivid description, and she’d have to fan herself.

  He chuckled. “Me too. Visualize this picture every time you think about your apartment.”

  “No need to say more, or I’ll ask you to stop the car and kiss me.”

  “My pleasure, but our friendly detective won’t appreciate the delay.”

  With a blaring siren clearing the way, they covered the distance to the Blue Waves in half the time they took to get to the church. They met with the detective and his officer in the lobby.

  “Ms. Alexa, this is Officer Raines. He studied your report about the attack and started an investigation. He wants to ask you a few questions.”

  The tall blond police officer shook their hands. His kind, understanding smile reassured her that he’d do his best to help her. In spite of their cheerful banter in the elevator, a lousy feeling of doom crept along Alexa’s spine as they stopped at her floor. She handed her key to Dante. He opened the door and let her pass.

  “Oh my God.” She froze in her tracks. Her heart sank at the sight welcoming her.

  “What happened?” The three men’s voices echoed in the silence.

  Shreds of glass carpeted the marble tiles of the floor. Her valuable Chinese centerpiece lay broken in a hundred pieces. Pushed by the wind blowing from the balcony, the Venetian-glass vase usually decorating the cocktail table rolled on the Persian rug.

  “Ms. Alexa, did you forget to close the sliding door to the balcony?” Detective Ladd grumbled with the voice of a stern teacher.

  “No.” She shook her head, stunned by the disaster ravaging her own home. Wrapping her arms around herself, she prayed not to collapse. Had someone jumped onto her balcony? On the twenty-first floor? No way. Staring at the rolling vase, Alexa couldn’t take a step forward if her life depended on it.

  “Everything was closed and locked,” Dante answered with a scowl at the insensitive detective. “I verified this particular door myself.”

  “A break-in?” Ladd examined the doorknob.

  “Someone entered her condo and opened the balcony. Someone who has a key,” Dante suggested.

  “The same way Steve had a key when he entered my condo uninvited,” Alexa blurted.

  “Officer Raines, we take a look around,” Ladd called to his young colleague. Both pulled their guns.

  The officer gave her a sympathetic look. “Ms. Alexa, please step out of the apartment. You too, Mr. Cantari. We need to check it, make sure no one is hidden, and dust for fingerprints.”

  Sending a look of dismay at her living room, Alexa spun around and left her apartment, without protest. Her cherished condo was now a violated place. By who? And for what reason? Dante followed on her steps as quietly.

  Silence hovered over them as they concentrated on their thoughts. On and off, the sound of cabinets opening and closing reached them. As she paced the length of the twenty-first floor corridor, her companion leaned against the wall facing the elevator, a deep scowl wrinkling his forehead. From time to time, he checked his watch, glanced at the closed door, and cursed.

  No gunshots erupted. No h
eavy thump or loud bellow. Her heart heavy, Alexa sighed.

  Raines reappeared after an eternity. “We cleared the place. No one is here. You can come back, but watch where you step.”

  The detective exited from her bedroom and walked toward her. “Ms. Alexa, your bedroom has been ransacked. But you can go in now.”

  Alexa didn’t wait to rush into her room. Dante had already entered behind Ladd. The mess of the room rooted her at the door. “Oh my God. They threw everything on the floor.”

  The drawers were wide-open, her clothes thrown in heaps, on the bed, the tiles, and the rug. The dressing closet offered the same chaos. Raines swiped a flashlight on every corner and every wall, and Detective Ladd took pictures of the mess.

  Her stomach clenched. Had they found the secret safe? The officers would have said something if the safe had been opened. Wouldn’t they?

  “Ms. Alexa, go through your things and see if something is missing,” Ladd said with a knowing look. “Anything of value.”

  “Yes.” Unable to withstand the suspense, she gathered the garments from the floor and spread them on the bed. Moving to the closet, she collected some discarded clothes. Her fur jacket lay on the floor but the other heavy coats still hung. With a sigh of relief, she pushed aside her gray coat and examined the hot-pink spot. As far as she could tell, the burglars—or whoever had been in her condo— hadn’t discovered her safe. Of course, she’d have to open the safe and reassure herself her jewelry was still there.

  “Excuse me. I need a private moment.” She pulled the closet door behind her. Her heart hammered as she unlocked the secret cabinet and entered the combination of the safe. With a shaking hand, she unlaced bags, opened boxes, and checked her jewelry, money and checkbook. All accounted for. A sigh of relief escaped her. After locking everything back in place, she rearranged her clothes and hung her fur coats. “I’m done.”

  Dread coursed through her, but she mentally shook herself. Should she tell them about the safe? Dad had made her swear her never to reveal its presence, except to her husband.