by C. J. Thomas
But even now, relaxed and alone in Kelly’s bedroom, I couldn’t stop my mind from thinking over what Kelly was suggesting Nash may have done .
Murder, death, and the inability to ever come back from something so permanent had me feeling drained .
Alex couldn’t be mad, because I realized Kelly was right. It was important we knew the truth—to know without a doubt if Nash was the one to murder Maria. He’d been a suspect once, so why not again? To think that Maria’s case was being revisited because of new evidence being introduced wasn’t as farfetched as it may have initially seemed .
Hitting the call button, I lifted my phone to my ear and waited for it to ring .
Nash Brooks was the epitome of Hollywood. He had both name recognition and deep enough pockets to make most problems go away without so much as a whisper. Whether it be favors owed, or a simple payout to brush dirt under a rug, he had the resources and connections to make it happen .
The thought alone prickled my scalp .
I was having trouble admitting that there was more to his story than both Alex and I initially thought when Nash was first brought in for questioning .
Alex’s phone rang for a second time when my thoughts turned back to Kelly .
My stomach fluttered with delicious memories of watching him strip and enter the shower with muscles dancing over his sculpted body shining like a marble statue. It was just as I was ending my bath, and though he invited me to join him—after spending the remainder of the afternoon in his private study, alone—I knew that we had a party to get ready for. My hair was a mess and I still had to put on my face .
Suddenly, the ringing stopped and clicked over to voicemail .
Closing my eyes, I sighed, wishing I could talk to Alex instead of being forced to leave a message. “Hey, baby.” I turned to the bed and started pacing in tiny circles. “I know you’re upset with me. I didn’t like what happened today any more than you did. You have to trust me when I say that there was nothing I could do to stop Kelly from talking with Nash eventually. Call me when you get this .”
I hung up, not feeling any better about where my friendship with Alex stood .
Setting my cell on top of the dresser, my gaze landed on Mike Ricci’s card .
Gripping the dresser ledge, I caught myself from falling. My head was dizzy and I was feeling lightheaded, not wanting to think about having to call Mike to set up a routine I wasn’t really excited about .
A deep breath later, I turned to the closet and soon found myself pulling the dinner gown Kelly had picked for me to wear off the rack .
This was what made me happy, I thought as I held it out in front of me, taking it all in .
My lips pulled at the corners. I just couldn’t wait to put it on. It was a sophisticated black dress that I knew would accentuate my best assets. And as if that wasn’t enough, the sultry off-the-shoulder neckline would certainly give off hints of seduction with the many wandering eyes that were sure to follow me around .
Moving to the wall mirror, I angled first to the right, then to the left, taking it all in .
The long mermaid style floated to the floor and left little doubt to the train that would dramatically trail behind as I floated through the party .
This was my first Hollywood gala where I was certain to find myself mingling with the hottest movie stars and entertainers currently in the business. And that excitement was what was driving me forward—forcing me to take my mind off of the worries I had for Kelly, and the stress of Alex not returning my calls .
Not long after I heard the shower turn off, Kelly was wrapping a towel around his waist and sauntering over to me with desire lighting up his eyes .
I stood there in only lingerie, remaining in front of the mirror with my dress held up to my body, choosing to let Kelly come to me .
Soon, his fingers curled over my shoulders, searing the heat of his touch against my skin as he stood behind me. “Do you like the dress ?”
Tilting my head to the side, I let him kiss the soft spot behind my ear before he peppered his lips down the side of my neck. My pussy throbbed and my nipples tightened as I purred, “Very much .”
“You’ll be the center of attention.” He smoothed his large hands down my upper arms .
My chest hitched, unsure that was the kind of attention I wanted today. It was enough to get Kelly to lift his gaze to meet mine .
“What’s wrong ?”
“Nothing,” I lied .
He titled his head and cocked a brow .
“It’s just that I’ve never been to a party like this before .”
“There is nothing to worry about.” His head fell back to my neck and his lips fluttered over my skin .
“I know that. It’s just that sometimes I prefer to blend in .”
“Impossible.” His tongue darted over the pulse ticking in my neck. “Your beauty will steal the room no matter what event you attend .”
It was impossible to not be distracted by the fact that only a towel was keeping me from him. His arousal thickened and pressed against the small of my back, but Kelly never made a move to take it any further than where we were at. Instead, he spun me around to face him, wrapping me up in his big, strong arms .
As our eyes danced, I could see there was something he wanted to say. “What is it?” I asked .
“About earlier,” his voice was deep, formal, “I hope we can move on, deciding it’s best to keep business and pleasure separate .”
Looking up into his gorgeous eyes, I said, “What you do is really none of my business .”
And I meant it, too, trusting that the truth about Nash Brooks would surface soon enough. The last thing I wanted was for this to come between Kelly and me. Business was business, and there was no room for pleasure—except when it came to him having me—at the level that Kelly operated .
Hooking his finger under my jaw, he lowered his lips down to mine .
My mouth parted and our tongues gently touched. It was sweet, yet erotic .
When Kelly pulled back, I dropped my gaze to my wrists, beginning to play with the silver bangles that dangled off my arm. And, in that moment, I couldn’t escape from thinking about what happened to Maria right before she died. She had the markings of restraint and bondage, all the reasons why Kelly purchased my company for a month .
“What is it, Bella ?” he asked when he saw my mouth purse .
Lifting my gaze up to him, I frowned. “But you made your business my business .”
Kelly’s chin tipped back. There was a storm swirling in his eyes and as much as I wanted to let this go, I couldn’t. It didn’t matter that his soft kisses still lingered hot on my skin or left my lips tingling with the threat of romance .
“Why did you want me there today?” My hand lifted to my neck where my fingers played with the necklace I was wearing. He peered down at me with tiny slits for eyes. “Was it because you wanted me to know how that woman died ?”
He didn’t even flinch. Rather, he stood there with his legs firmly rooted into the floor as if he was expecting me to eventually ask .
Kelly never did confirm if he was a member of Mint. I suspected he was after the first club he introduced me to when signing the contract. Not that it mattered either way, but it was like he wanted me to know what could happen to young women like myself who were pulled into the submissive role. And that left me feeling on edge .
“Bella, I never wanted you to see that .”
Pain from the accusation lined his face and matched the uneven tone in his voice. And as we swayed in each other’s shadows, I turned to the dress, wanting to let this conversation go. Instead, I murmured, “But I did .”
“Hey.” Kelly brought his hand to my stomach. “That was Giselle’s doing .”
My stomach fluttered as my heart raced. “You didn’t stop her .”
He sighed and removed his hand from my hip, stepping away .
“You’re not a monster, Kelly. I know you’re not.” I paused to
fight back the sudden urge I had to cry. “And I’m sorry if that’s what you think I’m implying, but you can’t try to tell me that what happened to Maria is any different than what you’re introducing me to .”
Rubbing his face with one hand, he had his opposite arm crossed over his chest, angling his body away from me as if ready to flee. Looking on with a wrinkled brow, he was at a loss for words .
“Did you know her ?”
Kelly’s chest rose as he licked his lips .
“Maria, did you know her before she died ?”
Slowly, he shook his head .
Kelly’s lips parted and I could tell he wanted to ask me something .
“What is it ?”
He looked away and shoved his hand through his dark hair .
“Kelly, if there is something I should know, I want you to tell me.” I took a step toward him. “I’m in too deep for you not to tell me if I should be looking over my shoulder, or if there’s a secret you’re keeping that I’ll eventually find out about .”
Kelly turned back to me with a downcast expression. Silence filled the air as we breathed in unison. Then, finally, he said, “I hate to ask, but is your friend Alex also into BDSM ?”
The hair on the back of my neck lifted and I gasped at the same time my throat constricted .
Kelly fixed his gaze on me, refusing to back down .
I knew that I should know the answer. Alex and I shared everything. Told each other all our deepest, darkest secrets. I also knew that we both knew Nash was affiliated with Mint and was rumored to be involved in the lifestyle. But I was afraid I didn’t know the answer no matter how much I wished I did .
Kelly stepped forward and took my hand inside his. “Is that something she would tell you ?”
My head swiveled on my shoulders as my eyelids fluttered. “Why ?”
He sucked back a deep breath of air before saying, “Because, if she is, then her relationship with Nash could be on a deadly track .”
18
Kelly
A s soon as I assisted Kendra out of the back of the limo, I bent my elbow and flashed her a reassuring smile .
Limousines and expensive cars queued up around the circular driveway as her eyes sparkled under the light. I knew then that she would do just fine. We were going to have the night of our lives .
Looping her arm through the crook of mine, I said under my breath, “This is nothing you can’t handle .”
She fixed her eyes on the red-carpeted pathway leading up to the million-dollar mansion entrance. It was beautifully landscaped in expensive stone and flower with the trickle of a waterfall cascading down the lawn, ending on a koi-pond. Tightening her grip, she glanced up at me, nodding. “I can handle anything .”
Resting my hand over hers, I patted it and we began walking. I knew she was nervous for the party tonight. It was her first ever Hollywood black-tie affair, but she looked glamorous in the gown she was wearing. With her jewelry sparkling against the light, Kendra held her head high with a wide, brilliantly white smile like she had been through this exact scene a hundred times before .
A camera flash lit up my left side and I turned to nod and smile .
When Kendra turned to look in the same direction, I lowered my head and whispered against her ear, “Just wave and smile. Feed ‘em what they want and they’ll leave you alone .”
“Mr. Black, are the allegations against you true?” a reporter shouted from the crowd through the sounds of shutters clicking .
Glancing down at Kendra, I chuckled. “So much for leaving me alone .”
She laughed. “Are all parties like this ?”
We started up the steps. “When you’re Hollywood elite, everyone is invited. Even those who aren’t.” I winked, getting her to smile .
The mood between us was light, and that was what I was hoping for. There had been too much stress today—for both of us. It was important Kendra saw this side of me, especially with so much at stake .
We were greeted at the door by someone checking coats and wraps, and once inside I asked, “Where would you assume the home office to be ?”
Kendra did a double take as she leaned into my shoulder .
“Don’t worry, the assholes with the cameras won’t get past the front door, if that’s what you’re worried about .”
“Not worried.” She batted her eyes .
I smiled and nodded. “Better to know where we can escape to if we grow bored of the party and need to spice things up.” I winked and was rewarded with a giggle .
Looking around at the many faces of the crowd, Kendra said, “Compared to the mayor’s party, I don’t get the impression we’ll need that here .”
We both laughed, continuing to weave our way through the crowd that seemed to swell the further inside we moved. Acquaintances smiled and greeted us as we passed. The air filled with the pleasantries of expensive perfumes and colognes .
“This place is incredible,” Kendra kept saying .
And it was. The mansion was owned by fashion designer Ty Lemon, and he wasn’t one to ever short change his lavish spending to ensure he remained king of throwing down the biggest, and often, most memorable parties in town .
“Look, there’s Ty over there.” I subtly pointed across the room .
“He’s much taller than I imagined.” Kendra’s eyes were bright with excitement .
“Magazines never do a man justice,” I said, continuing to point out other familiar faces I knew Kendra would recognize .
There was Gina Paul, the award-winning screenwriter, and basketball star, Darrell Pope. Then there were movie stars, Ricky Moran, Faye Houston, and William Wade. Anybody and everybody who was considered somebody was here. Many came to socialize, but it was also a place to cut deals, drum up new business, and keep your face known in the circles of influence we all wanted to be a part of .
“I didn’t expect to see you here,” a familiar feminine voice said from behind .
I turned around to find Adrianna Eastman smiling. “That’s because I wasn’t sure I was going to make it .”
“What changed your mind?” Adrianna asked while glancing at Kendra .
“I heard you would be here .”
She laughed and leaned in so we could exchange a series of air kisses .
“This man is a charmer, is he not?” Adrianna turned to Kendra but was pointing at me .
“He is.” Kendra cocked her head and bit her bottom lip as she gazed into my pupils .
“Kendra, this is Adrianna Eastman. Wesley Reid’s business partner .”
I watched Adrianna’s eyes narrow with a glimmer of recognition. There was no doubt in my mind that Adrianna knew exactly who Kendra was—and that she was best friends with Alex Grace, who found Blake Stone’s missing quarter million. But before any words could be exchanged, I stepped in and said, “She’s Madam’s girl .”
Adrianna snapped her gaze to me .
Nodding, I knew that would get Adrianna’s attention. She had a dark history with the Madam, a story I was also familiar with, and one Adrianna hadn’t ever forgiven her for .
Kendra’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment and I knew she was pissed at me for mentioning who she was and where she was from .
The next second, Adrianna rolled her eyes back to Kendra, studying her face before saying, “Wes should be arriving shortly, but I thought I would give you a heads up.” She turned back to me. “Timothy Parker is here .”
Raising my eyebrows, I appreciated the heads up but I wasn’t going to let it ruin my night. Holding my hand out to Kendra, she took it and I pulled her by my side .
“I heard what happened,” Adrianna said in a hushed tone .
My muscles were relaxed as I stuck my chest out. “Nothing I can’t handle .”
Adrianna landed her inquisitive eyes back on Kendra before saying, “I’ll leave you to it, then .”
“It was nice meeting you,” Kendra said .
“I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other soon.�
� Adrianna winked at me as she stepped away .
Kendra was quiet as we stood in place, watching the crowd breathe around us. Knowing that it was probably on her mind, I said, “Don’t worry. Adrianna knows about Madam .”
Tipping her head back, she rested her eyes on mine. “You have more to lose than I do. Who you tell is up to you .”
Wrapping my arm around her shoulder, I pressed my lips to the center of her forehead .
“Here to drum up business or looking for trouble?” Sylvia Neil’s voice swooped in from the side .
Pulling away from Kendra, I turned to Sylvia and said, “Aren’t those two synonymous ?”
“With you? Yes.” She laughed. Then she turned to Kendra. “Kendra Williams, right ?”
“Sylvia Neil,” Kendra’s brows raised, “I presume .”
Despite the tone in both their voices, I knew both of them well enough to know that neither one was too fond of having to pretend to be friends .
Rubbing her upper arm, I glanced down at Kendra and said, “Bella , would you mind getting us some drinks ?”
Her lids hooded as she looped her hand around my neck, drawing me to her mouth. Her pouty lips parted and she sucked my tongue deep into her mouth. And when she pulled away, leaving me feeling breathless, she patted my chest with the palm of her hand and sauntered away, disappearing into the crowd .
“She looks good on you,” Sylvia commented .
“How are things at work?” I asked, redirecting the conversation to where I wanted it to go. “I assume that’s the reason why you’re here, isn’t it ?”
Sylvia lifted her flute of champagne to her lips and shrugged her shoulders. “I’ve sworn to remain off the record tonight.” Her arm folded over her belly. “You know Ty, only he can be the one with the drama .”
I found Kendra emerge on the other side of the room, standing beneath the crystal chandelier, and I couldn’t get over how amazing she looked in that dress. “Sylvia,” I turned to look at her, “any more death threats ?”
