“You can laugh all you want.” Gina spoke in a snobby tone, as the song faded out. As the four friends quickly realized however, Rick’s performance was not over yet. He tossed the hairbrush across the floor and joined them in the balcony, with the same, silly look on his face.
“Great Lord…” He said, looking up into the sky, as he extended both arms. “It’s been a long time since you and I talked. I have not been your humblest of servants. I tend to swear a lot. I spend a lot of money on booze. I do not know if I am worthy of this huge honor to have this great piece of…” He paused, “… art in my life. Gina is…” Rick didn’t have time to finish his rant. Two massive arms emerged from behind him and pulled him backwards. “Hey, man!” He cried. “I’m not done yet!”
“Excuse us, ladies.” James said with a nod.
“Was he going to say ‘ass’?” Helen’s question made them laugh even harder.
“More than likely,” Gina replied. “He’s been focusing his comments on mine since Olivia’s wedding.”
“Is that why you’re dating him?” Michelle chuckled.
“You don’t have the least clue as to what kind of man he is.” Gina’s voice turned into a sweet, loving whisper. “He takes me to all kinds of fancy places, he introduces me to everyone, he’s a great listener, he pays attention to all of my needs, and the sex? Oh, my God. It’s just out of this world.”
“I’m intrigued,” said Helen as she raised an eyebrow.
“He gave me this amazing massage the other day.” Gina lowered her tone. “He’s got magic hands. They’re very soft. He was very patient with me. He rubbed me all over for more than two hours. All that pampering made me feel so good, so special… he spent more than twenty minutes massaging my butt. I couldn’t help but breathe hard and moan. We had the best time in bed.”
“God, that sounds hot…” Michelle commented. “I mean, can you imagine your boyfriend massaging you for that long? It’s got to feel good.”
“I was expecting that from him, really.” Helen spoke her mind. “The guy’s all about the ass.”
“Are you jealous, Shandaken girl?” Once again, Gina’s snobby tone reappeared, much to Helen’s annoyance.
“Damn it, what is wrong with you people?” She yelled. “James calls me ‘girl’ all the time, Marcus calls me ‘country girl’ and Gina calls me ‘Shandaken girl’. Helen! Ok? My name is Helen!”
“Whoa! Whoa!” Olivia exclaimed. “Calm down. First of all, who’s Marcus?”
“God…” Helen gave an exasperated huff. “He’s the biker from your wedding. He lives here.”
“What?” Olivia squeaked. “He…”
“That’s right, Liv.” Helen interrupted. “He lives here. We went out, a couple of nights ago. We had fun, we had sex and then, he practically kicked me out. Last night, Michelle and I ran into him. He’s a chef at this Italian restaurant in Glendale. I confronted him. I swear to God, I was this close to punching him in the face. But then…” Her voice broke, tears rising up in her eyes as she dropped her gaze from Olivia’s stare. “Then, he explained everything.”
“Oh, no,” Olivia whispered, rising from her seat. “Helen, what did he say?”
“He lied to me about his last name. He said it was ‘Hurst’, but it’s ‘Donovan.’ He’s some rich realtor’s son. He used to be in the marines. While in Iraq, he found out that some colonel had been dealing drugs. They got into a fight. Marcus killed him. There were witnesses, but they took them out, right before his eyes. The government told his father he was a traitor. He doesn’t know his son’s still alive.” A single tear rolled down Helen’s cheek, as she finished her short narrative.
“Sweetie, look at me.” Olivia urged, sitting down on her knees beside her. “Do you like this guy?”
“Very much;” Helen whispered; “Why?”
“We can try to help him.” Olivia declared, reaching up to cup her friend’s face. “Gina, tell her about Rick’s nephew.”
“Pete is a very skilled hacker.” Gina’s tone changed to an emphatic tone. “He’s the one who, um…”
“Say it, Gina.” Olivia commanded. “It’s all over, anyway.”
“He hacked into ‘Atlas Records’ database and retrieved the video of Olivia’s bribery.” Gina went on.
“We can ask him a favor.” Olivia spoke in her most comforting voice. “Don’t give up yet.”
“Liv, what are you talking about?” Frustration still lingered in Helen’s voice. “This is the Pentagon, for God’s sake. The level of security will be much higher, not to mention that hacking into a government agency is a felony. Honestly? I don’t think they’d be stupid enough to keep an electronic record of this.”
“Maybe,” Olivia shrugged. “But, I wouldn’t be wearing this ring on my hand if it hadn’t been for you. It’s the least I can do for my friend.”
“Oh, Liv…” Helen sniffled, reaching down. She put her hands on her friend’s shoulders and gently pulled her up, as Olivia wrapped her arms around her back. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“Anytime, sweetheart,” Olivia whispered, holding her tight, as Helen’s tears soaked her t-shirt; “Anytime.”
“Guys, I’m sorry to interrupt this emotional moment, but, I have a rehearsal with James at six and it’s blazing hot. I haven’t been to the beach yet. Let’s go catch some rays.” Michelle suggested. “The redhead here could use a tan.”
“What a great idea.” Gina’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to come to L.A.”
“I’m going to talk to the guys.” Olivia spoke, easing her grip on Helen’s back. “I like that idea, too. Helen, don’t feel like you’ve lost just yet, ok?”
“Ok.” Helen nodded, wiping her tears off her face.
It’s hopeless, Liv. I don’t know how good a hacker this Peter guy is, but that’s not the point. I doubt he’ll want to go to jail for some stranger like me. Thanks a lot, though. That hug made me feel so much better.
11
James and Rick were delighted to hear Michelle’s idea. Still, when she told them exactly where she wanted to go for a swim, James was not as excited as before, whereas Rick was thrilled. Michelle had chosen Muscle Beach, maintaining that it was close and that the spectacle of dozens of people, working out in such short proximity would amuse them. Most of the time, the gorgeous, California Beach was full of aspiring athletes or just men who were simply trying to show off their muscles. In Michelle’s opinion, nothing could entertain them more. Olivia was able to change James’s mind and soon, they were on their way to the beach.
Upon their arrival, Olivia, Gina, James and Rick quickly stripped down to their bathing suits and went for a swim, whereas Michelle and Helen chose to lie down in sun chairs and relax. Happily for them, the beach was not so crowded and most of the people had gathered close to the gym, hundreds of feet away from them.
“God, you had the best idea ever.” Helen remarked. “You’ve got to love L.A.”
“It would have been perfect if all those morons weren’t here.” Michelle laughed. “Look at them. I’ve never seen so many posers in one place in my whole life.”
At that point, Gina’s exaggerated scream drew their attention. Rick had only thrown her into the water, face up.
“That’s a nice picture, isn’t it?” Michelle spoke in lazy tones, pointing up at them.
“Don’t get me wrong here, Michelle, but I don’t want to talk about them again.” Helen murmured, closing her eyes. “Like I said, I’m happy for them, but I have my own problems to worry about.”
“The way I see it, you only have one problem.” Michelle’s statement intrigued her.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Helen asked, rolling over onto her left side.
“Lack of adventure, darling,” Michelle elaborated. “I’ve been hearing your complaints for a while now. You keep saying that ‘nothing happens in that godforsaken town. It’s like a cemetery there.’ Maybe you’re right. Shandaken is a small town, bu
t, seriously, what do you expect; all-night parties?”
“Just something a little out of the ordinary,” Helen shrugged. “Every day is the same as the next.”
“That’s not going to happen,” Michelle stated stiffly. “I like it there. It’s a lot more peaceful than the New York craziness. Unless it…” she faltered, “transforms into a major city, things are going to stay exactly as they are.”
“What are you getting at?” Helen’s curiosity was growing by the second.
“Make the most of this, Helen.” Michelle raised her voice, slightly. “You’re only going to be here for what, three more weeks? Have some fun. It doesn’t matter if it’s with Marcus or not.”
“If by ‘fun’, you mean meaningless sex, then thanks, but I’ll pass.” Helen grumbled. “If I wanted just that, trust me, I would have done it in New York.”
“Ok, please, listen to yourself.” Michelle requested, turning to face her. “You’re on vacation and you’re looking for love? For real; come on, Helen. You know that’s next to impossible.”
“I’m just searching for something more than sex.” Helen explained. “Is that so bad?”
“Of course it’s not.” Michelle said in a softer tone. “The question is ‘do you think you can find it with him’?”
“I don’t know.” Helen sighed. “It’s pretty complicated. He said I could put myself in harm’s way if we dated.”
“I think he’s being a little too cautious,” Michelle’s words sparked a tiny flame of hope inside her. “You’ll only be seeing each other for three weeks. If things work out between you two, great. If they don’t, you’ll have something to remember this holiday by, other than my concerts.”
“Are you saying I should go for it?” Helen’s voice came out hesitantly.
“Oh, my God,” Michelle rolled her eyes in frustration. “No, I’m saying you should sit on your ass and wait until you meet someone else. Yes, that is exactly what I’m saying!”
“I’d love that.” Helen confessed. “I can’t stop thinking about him. Those eyes; that voice; that body… God, that body.”
“Don’t mention bodies,” Michelle groaned. “I’m in a dry spell, remember? It’s enough to watch that brute swimming over there. Damn, Liv’s lucky to have that stud.”
“You like him?” Helen’s voice became high-pitched with enthusiasm.
“Are you saying you don’t?” Michelle answered her question with a question. “I mean, look at all those muscles. If I were in bed with a guy like that, I’d totally bite him: everywhere.”
“Oh, my God.” Helen burst into loud giggling, slapping her forehead with the palm of her hand.
“This is not funny.” Michelle glared at her. “Olivia got married, you had sex a couple of days ago, even that redhead’s getting laid and I’m all alone.”
“Ok.” Helen chuckled, leaning against her shoulder. “I can talk to Liv about a threesome. I don’t think she’ll like it, but…”
Michelle didn’t allow her to finish her sentence. She reached behind her back, grabbed a small stone and threw it at her.
“Ow!” Helen let out a sharp cry of pain, as the stone struck her in the shoulder. “That hurt!”
“Are you done teasing me yet? Because I can go on, you know.” Michelle’s voice was not at all reprimanding. On the contrary, it came out sweet and the broad smile on her face was a clear sign that she had been enjoying this.
“Fine, I’ll stop.” Helen said with a grin.
“Anyway…” Michelle spoke in a firm tone. “Go find him. Tonight, if you can. I’ll drive you there myself. Should everything go well, call me. If it doesn’t, we’ll go out for drinks, alright?”
“What would I do without you, my twerking queen?” Helen teased.
“Cut it out.” Michelle laughed. “I asked you something.”
“Ok.” Helen gave a cute nod. “Tonight it is.”
12
For the first time since her arrival in Los Angeles, Helen was in high spirits. Her conversation with Michelle while on the beach had made things very clear to her. Even though Marcus had warned her about the risks, she would follow her heart. In her mind, there was nothing wrong with that. He was the first man, in a long time, who she had felt attracted to, and Helen was not willing to pass on the opportunity to get into a relationship with him, although such a thing could spell danger. The idea of dating a wanted man filled her with excitement. It was nothing like she had ever experienced. Moreover, the chances of having the same circumstances in her birthplace were very slim.
Michelle kept her promise that night. She drove her friend to “Enrico’s” restaurant and waited for her in the car. However, Helen was not going to just barge into the kitchen, like she had done the night before. Instead, she chose to walk around the building. Her heart sank at the sight of the basement. Of course, Helen did not need to lay her eyes on that room. The memory of the night before had been haunting her mind ever since the moment of Marcus’s sincere confession.
I don’t know if I can take away your pain. My God, that would be so hard; a lot tougher than anything I could have ever imagined. But, I want to be close to you, Marcus. I’ll hate it if you turn me down again.
Helen snuck a peek through the narrow window in the corner. There were four men in the kitchen, including Marcus. A mischievous smile formed on her face, as she noticed he was chopping a salad.
This gorgeous man is cooking. I am so turned on right now. I wish I could kill the power and seduce him right there on the counter, or out here. I wouldn’t mind. Get it out of your head, Helen! Focus! What should I do? Storm in? Nah. If I wanted to embarrass him, I would have used the kitchen door. I’m going to wait here. Sooner or later, he’ll come. I can’t wait to kiss him again.
Despite Helen’s expectations though, Marcus did not go anywhere near that door. Much to her frustration, he was very busy, cooking and ordering the waiters. Fifteen minutes later, she was left with no choice. However, just when she had decided to barge in, she spotted him heading towards the sink, under the window.
“Ok, now’s my chance,” she thought to herself, tiptoeing to the left. Her heart was pounding in her chest, as her slow footsteps brought her closer and closer to the door. Closing her eyes, Helen took a deep breath and knocked. Luckily for her, Marcus answered it, but, as soon as their gazes met, his jaw dropped.
“Hiiiii!” she sang. “How are you?”
“Um, hi,” He croaked, closing the door behind him. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you.” Helen said, her voice sweet, as she leaned forward. “Why else?”
“I thought I was clear last night.” Marcus spoke, a hint of annoyance in his baritone. “Are you looking for trouble or something?”
“No,” she whispered, raising her hands to his chest. “We just got off to a great start, Marcus. I don’t want to lose this. I don’t care about trouble. I want to be with you.”
His full lips curled into an evanescent smile, as his eyes blazed into hers. Marcus leaned in towards Helen, lifting his hands to her face, as she returned the smile. Cupping her cheeks, he tilted his head down. Their lips locked in a long, tender kiss, as she stroked his chest. Sliding her hands up his body, she pressed herself into him, as he gently pulled her closer. Marcus brushed her jaw with his beard stubble, as Helen circled her arms around his neck. His hands slipped up and into her hair, sending tingles down her body, as she caressed the back of his neck. The sensation of his thumbs, stroking her creamy cheeks made her heart throb with delight. Marcus let go of her left one and snaked his arm around her upper back, moving his lips to her cheek. A blissful smile spread across her face, as he pulled her into his embrace.
“God, what a big hug…” Helen purred, draping her hands over his back.
“You’re one stubborn country girl, you know that?” Marcus let out a short laugh.
“Please, don’t call me that,” she requested, leaning back. “What time do you get off?”
“I st
ill need about an hour. Have you had dinner yet?” He asked.
“No. I was a little too anxious to eat,” Helen confessed, as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“You must be starving. Dinner’s on me. What are you having?” Marcus’s kind words made her smile reappear.
“Lasagna would be nice.” She said, as he pressed his forehead onto hers.
“Go get a table,” He whispered. “Please, do a favor for me; will you? Go around and use the main entrance. I don’t want customers to see a woman coming out of the kitchen. They may get the wrong idea.”
“You got it, Mr.” Helen winked at him. “Just don’t keep me waiting for too long. I’m starving.”
“I won’t.” He shook his head sideways. “Go.”
Overflowing with a sense of joy, she tilted her head up, as her hands crept around his neck. Helen planted a quick kiss on his cheek, as Marcus let his arms drop to his sides. She turned around, feeling like a child with a new toy. Helen had no idea what had made him change his mind, but she was too happy to ask. The two of them would be together. For her, it was all that mattered.
Eager to share the good news with Michelle, she quickened her pace. But Helen did not have to speak. Her broad smile gave her away, as she approached her friend’s car. She stopped inches away from the passenger door, but Michelle was the one who spoke first.
“There’s the happy girl I met.” She teased. “You kids have fun. I want all the juicy details tomorrow, ok? Goodnight.”
13
After a delicious dinner, Helen had the chance to consider her options. She would be in a relationship with a man with a military past, who still clearly bore the scars of his ordeal. Helen didn’t have a clue as to how she would assist him in putting the past behind him, but she did know what she had to do first. Valuing family more than anything in this world, she would do precisely what she had asked of him the night before: try to convince him to get in touch with his father. Apart from being Marcus’s only family, David Donovan was a very powerful man. He had the resources and the manpower to seek the truth about his son. As much as Helen wanted to believe that Rick’s nephew, Peter would be able to discover clues concerning Marcus’s case, she couldn’t. The entire idea of a 20-year old hacking into the Pentagon’s database felt a little too unrealistic and even if he could accomplish such a feat, the chances of him finding anything were rather slim.
Filthy Desires: A Romantic Suspense Collection Page 100
