The Ramseys Boxed Set

by Altonya Washington

  ***

  Taurus parked the SUV and; with less ceremony than he’d used at the gallery, took Nile from the passenger side. She was so preoccupied by his mood that she had no time to register they were at her hotel until Taurus stopped right at her suite. Silently, he stood waiting for her to grasp that she was to open the door. Things finally clicked and she swiped the key card hurrying inside before he could take her arm in another vice hold.

  Taurus closed the door softly and leaned against it with his arms folded. Nile knew the time for sweetness had long passed but that didn’t stop her from watching him with clear love and longing in her eyes.

  “So how far back did it go? When did you and daddy plan it?”

  “Plan?” Nile barely whispered. All the things she’d wanted to tell him settled to the back of her throat as she waited.

  Taurus pushed off the door and approached her on swift steps. “Understand that I’m not here to play twenty questions. My temper is not something you want directed at you.” He cupped her chin but it wasn’t meant to be an act of tenderness. “It would be unwise for you to act like you have no idea what I’m asking you.”

  The warning was clear. Nile realized nothing she’d imagined came close to how viciously the hate would actually appear in his crystalline stare. Focusing then on his questions and less on her nerves, she clutched her hands and summoned her voice.

  “I don’t associate with my father. I’ve lived in this country since I was eighteen and I’ve been successful at avoiding any meetings with him regardless of how hard he’s tried. I’d allowed myself to believe my mother when she told me they were going to shut it all down-that it was over. But I had no contact with my father. I never visited or saw him until several months ago,” she spoke up suddenly when his expression grew fiercer. “He-he came to see me at the place I keep in Hawaii. It was a fluke that he found me there-he showed up completely out of the blue…I realized why he was there when I heard about…Zara.” She turned away from Taurus and stared out across the living area as though she were envisioning the meeting. “He was there talking to me like a proud father. I-I told him I never wanted anyone to know I had his blood. He left eventually and it wasn’t until after that visit that I thought of the box of cards. That’s what he came for.”

  “So you do have them?”

  Nile whirled around and nodded. “My mother sent them two-three years ago. She told me things were getting weird. She didn’t say how only that she wasn’t sure what my father’s plans for them were. She said…they were her tickets and-and mine. She told me they’d protect me-my life.” She focused on her fingertips grown red from how tightly she’d clenched them. “I didn’t know what they were for exactly but I recognized some of the faces-vaguely…I was sure they were men I’d seen…I never helped devise any scheme Taurus,” she swore praying for a sign that his demeanor was softening. There was none. “I let myself forget where I came from, what I am…what my parents were doing. I can’t stand to be in the same room with them let alone help them to defend their sick lifestyle.”

  “Yet you kept the cards anyway.”

  “I was afraid! I-I knew those were powerful people. The things I’d seen…I didn’t know if I’d be putting my kids in danger and then-then there was you and your family.” She shook her head and moved closer to him. “I was going to give them to you.”

  “When? In Scotland? When you told me you loved me? When Nile?”

  “I came here to give them to you.”

  “Thought you came here to sell paintings?”

  “After-”

  “Is that right?” He interjected, questioning her in the style that made him so successful in the courtroom. “Let’s have ‘em then.”

  Nile smoothed both hands down the sides of her dress and cursed her decision to let Darby keep the keys in her room. She hadn’t wanted them any closer than necessary until it was time to turn them over.

  “Well?” Taurus prompted, looking as though he knew she couldn’t produce the goods.

  “I don’t have them here I-”

  “But you came here to give them up, right?”

  “Yes, but-”

  “That’s what you said, right?”

  “Please. Please Taurus you have to believe-”

  Taurus muttered an oath that stopped her words and then he was taking her arm in another hold that sparked shards of pain.

  “You know what I believe?” He murmured close to her face, his light eyes narrowed with murderous intent. “I believe that shit between us was all to…encourage me and my family to back off.”

  Nile began to shake her head.

  “I fall for you and when I finally learn that the love of my life is Cufi Muhammad’s baby girl, I’d just be too crazy in love to take down her dear daddy.”

  Nile was shaking her head more feverishly and trying to ignore the pain that mercifully dimmed thanks to the numbness overtaking her arm. Taurus was struggling to ignore pain as well. It shredded his heart with such vengeance he could scarcely breathe.

  “Please…” she begged through the tears and emotion constricting her throat.

  Taurus stifled whatever sympathy threatened to break through his rage. His free hand closed around her throat. “You know this plan would’ve probably worked if you’d told me everything in Scotland while I was stupid for you and actually thinking you were the woman I’d give my life for.”

  “Taurus,” she curled her hands over his wrist.

  He ignored her. “Maybe if you’d told me then, I would’ve done anything-believed anything you said.”

  Nile could plead no more. The tears took over and she stood there before him crying like a child. Taurus knew he was on the verge of tears as well but again he set aside sympathetic urges and replaced them with rage.

  “I gotta hand it to Cufi, he spared no expense.” He let go of her neck. “Saved his best little whore to come and try to get the job done.”

  Nile blinked. As if he’d hit her, all the pain and upset was flushed away by shock. She barely registered dropping to the sofa when he released her.

  The tirade and her reaction to it seemed to zap Taurus’ anger then. He knew there was nothing to be said that would undo the damage he’d done to her. Forcing himself to back away, he headed for the door and left her alone.

  The shock gradually wore off, but the numbness remained. Nile was just pulling herself from the sofa when a knock sounded on the suite door. She watched it knowing she could take no more accusations that night. Still; knowing Taurus could be there and that she could have another chance at making him understand, overruled. Dismissing her unease, she rushed to the door and wrenched it open with his name on her lips. Instead of Taurus, she found three men filling the doorway. They gave her no choice but to back away and let them enter.

  “Congratulations on a very fine show Mademoiselle Becquois,” the shorter slender man commended.

  “What do you want?” Nile asked, not liking the grins and leering gazes of the two giants who stood behind the talker.

  The slender man glanced back and up at his associates as well. “What they want will be very taxing on your lovely body unless you give me what I want.”

  Nile took a step back. Her guests followed.

  “Think think Ms. Becquois. You give me what I want and we leave.” He shrugged. “You keep acting like you know nothing about those card keys and I go back and report to my boss while leaving you with my boys here. And let me assure you, they have very…extensive appetites.”

  Nile needed no further explanations. “They’re here-secured in town. I can take you to them.” She bartered; her intention was to get out of the suite and down to the crowded lobby.

  Frank Deeks smiled, knowing his very real threat would do the trick. Brogue Tesano would be pleased as he frowned on the physical abuse of women. Frank waved a hand toward Nile. “After you, Mademoiselle.”

  ~~~

  As Nile hoped, the lobby was packed. Whatever plans she had to call for help
once the elevator doors opened, fizzled when she felt the barrel of a gun at her spine.

  “No sudden moves now.” Frank Deeks warned.

  Nile was scrambling to coordinate another plan when she saw someone familiar heading towards her. She and her three escorts had no choice but to stop when Dena Ramsey stood before them.

  “Dena what-what are you doing here?” Nile’s eyes relayed the panic she was desperate to keep from her voice.

  “I know Taurus is raging. My brother’s temper can make him say and do awful things Nile. None of this is your fault and I didn’t want him coming down on you for it.”

  Nile shuddered. “He’s already come and gone Dena.” She shared, bristling when one of her escorts pressed the gun deeper into her spine.

  “Damn,” Dena grumbled and dragged a hand through her wavy dark hair. “I’m so sorry girl. I tried to get here before, but that gallery was so crazy and it took a while before I even realized you were gone.”

  “It’s okay Dena really. Why don’t you go on back and I’ll call you before I leave.”

  “That won’t be necessary. Ms. Ramsey’s welcomed to walk out with us as well.” Frank Deeks invited, smiling at the quick glance Dena flashed his way.

  “I uh, don’t want to keep you,” Dena was saying while every part of her shrieked that something was very wrong.

  Frank stepped closer. “I’m afraid I’m gonna have to insist.” He said and pulled back his lapel so that she could see his gun.

  Dena smothered her scream, grabbed Nile’s hand and turned to do as instructed. When they were outside, Frank leaned over and inserted his head between Nile’s and Dena’s.

  “My boss likes to keep things neat,” he said, “but he’s assured me that I should take any precautions to ensure cooperation. Ms. Becquois can fill you in on what I mean Ms. Ramsey.”

  Nile squeezed Dena’s hand reassuringly though her confidence was quickly dwindling. They crossed over into the outdoor parking deck which was void of the heavy traffic on hand in the lobby.

  “Now where are they?” Frank demanded grabbing Nile suddenly and hauling her against the back of an SUV.

  Dena screamed and one of the giants jerked her back by the collar of her blouse. When she struggled, he issued a silent warning by setting his gun in place against her neck.

  Nile’s thoughts were as disjointed as a thousand loose puzzle pieces. She was struggling to come up with a lie to pacify the men when she caught sight of movement behind the giant holding Dena. Before she could lock in on the figure, Dena screamed again as she was thrown clear of her captor.

  Frank Deeks whirled around with Nile plastered against his chest. Horrified, he watched one of his associates have his neck broken while the other suffered a chop to the throat which killed him instantly. Frank shoved Nile against Carlos McPherson and ran before he too lost his life at the hands of the effective killer.

  Both women were shaky but alive. Carlos was satisfied and decided not to give chase. He kept Nile close and opened an arm to Dena who buried her face in his chest as she whispered his name.

  “How did you know?” Dena asked, looking way up into his gorgeous honey-toned face.

  Carlos kissed Dena’s temple and closed his eyes to offer a prayer of gratitude. “Your cousin asked me to keep an eye on you-something I was already doing.”

  Dena could only shudder and turned her face back into his chest.

  Nile was still on edge but smiled at the love radiating between the two people next to her. As grateful as she was for her life, a part of her died over the love she’d lost that night.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Taurus had thundered out of the Sorenson Hotel and into his Denali with plans to head back to the gallery and enjoy the evening and forget Nile Becquois ever existed. He’d accomplished the thundering out and heading out, but going back to the gallery and enjoying the evening were hollow intentions.

  As for forgetting Nile Becquois ever existed, he had a better chance of forgetting to breathe.

  “Idiot!” He whispered viciously to himself and rubbed the back of his hand against the corner of his eye. Surprise registered on his face when he saw moisture clinging to his skin.

  The things he said to her…No one deserved that, least of all her. She’d been sired by a monster but blood was the only thing she shared with Cufi Muhammad. She was good and Taurus knew that the first time he met her. The beauty she seemed so wary of was only an enchanting case for the true beauty that resided at the heart of her.

  He stopped the Denali suddenly amidst screeching tires along with flagrant horn blowing and curses from angry drivers. He whipped the massive vehicle back in the direction he’d come. His mind raced with thoughts of what to say to her. What words could he speak that could ever make up for the cruelty he’d unfairly spouted before. He’d say-do whatever he had to. He’d do whatever she asked.

  And if she asks you to get the hell out of her sight? His heart jerked at the possibility. Of course he knew she’d have every right to demand it and he’d have no choice but to obey.

  ***

  Nile and Dena sat in silence for at least fifteen minutes once Carlos had taken them out to Yohan and Melina’s. The ordeal they’d shared earlier that night was long passed yet the memories of what could’ve been, replayed vividly and often.

  “Carlos is incredible,” Nile spoke in a tone of awe.

  Dena smirked. “Always has been.”

  Nile squeezed her hands around the mug of hot tea she held. “I saw a lot of love there. I’m thinking it wasn’t just because of tonight.”

  Dena shook her head. “I’ve loved Carlos McPherson since his family moved to Seattle when we were all in high school.”

  “But you never got together?”

  “Things happened.”

  Nile bowed her head and set aside her mug.

  “Until a few weeks ago, I’d forgotten that day in the spa.” Dena said

  Nile’s head snapped up and she found the woman looking right at her.

  “I remembered the way you looked at my scar. You were in a one-piece but I got the feeling you recognized it.” Dena’s eyes drifted downward. “I also got the feeling that maybe you have one just like it.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Nile gasped, barely able to see Dena beyond the tears pooling her dark eyes. “So horrific,” She continued swallowing past the dread lodged in her throat. “My father-what they did was so horrific and I just…I just let myself forget. I didn’t want to remember it. I’m so very sorry.”

  Dena clutched Nile’s hand. “You have nothing to be sorry for-nothing. Do you hear me?”

  “But what my father did-”

  “Was not your fault. I was there because of my father too, remember?”

  They met in a hug across the arms of their chairs. Time ticked on for more than a few minutes before Nile spoke.

  “Your brother hates me now. He’ll loathe me when he hears this.”

  “My brother loves you.”

  Nile shook her head against Dena’s shoulder. “No-no I expected him to be angry that I hid who my father was but he actually believes the things I said to him-did…with him were all a part of some plan.”

  “I don’t care what he said. I don’t care.” Dena emphasized and pulled back to look at Nile’s face. “Taurus can barely think straight he loves you so. All this has got his mind so turned around…once he comes down off it, he’ll find you with his hat and his guilt in hand.”

  Nile couldn’t argue further and simply held Dena’s hand. They were in silence when a knock rapped on the den door. It was Carlos. Dena went right to him where they hugged for the longest time.

  “Are you okay?” Carlos was asking Nile as he looked over the top of Dena’s head.

  Nile’s smile was shaky but it was there. “I’m fine. Thank you so much Carlos.”

  He nodded and then looked down and pinched Dena’s chin. “Does the fact that I saved your life tonight grant me time to talk to you?”

  “G
rants you as much time as you want.” Dena said, unabashed tears radiating from her gaze.

  “Forever?” Carlos inquired.

  Dena stood on her toes and hugged him tighter. “That’s a good start.” She whispered.

  ***

  The fear that gripped Taurus since he stepped foot back inside the Sorenson, gave way to sheer terror when he was questioned by an officer before being granted access to Nile’s room floor. Once off the elevator, his identification was confirmed a second time. Taurus ordered himself not to run to Nile’s room once he was given permission to proceed. He didn’t know whether to feel relieved or become completely unhinged at the sight of Moses in the corridor just outside her room.

  “Where is she?” Taurus clutched the front of his cousin’s suit coat and backed the man against a wall.

  “She’s fine.” Moses’ assurance was soft and he didn’t try to undo the death grip Taurus had on his clothes. “She’s at Yohan and Melina’s with Dena.”

  “Dena?” Taurus whispered as his frown took on a fiercer element. “What happened?” He listened as Moses gave a condensed but terrifyingly accurate account of the evening’s events. After hearing the tale, he made a move for the elevators when he caught sight of Darby in the living area of her room.

  “Hey?” He knocked once against the doorjamb. “You okay?” He asked, stepping past the open door.

  Darby nodded though it was obvious she’d been crying heavily. “I can’t believe they just came in here and grabbed her like that…” The brave front she’d tried to keep in place, dissolved as her tears resumed.

  “Hey, hey, shh…” Taurus pulled her into a rocking embrace.

  “And your sister they-they just took them…” Darby shuddered against Taurus’ shoulder. “God Taurus what kind of people are these?”

  “Listen to me, Nile and my sister are alright. You hear me? I want you to calm down okay?” He gave the order in the quiet, rough tone of his voice that had her nodding as if mesmerized. “I’m on my way to see Nile. Do you need anything before I go?”