A smirk pulled on his lip. “Maybe later you can show me what you were thinking about just now.”
I let out a giggle. “Maybe.”
“Hey, Derek.” Anabelle ambled through the door with her dressed balled up against her chest. What was she so afraid of? It was just a dress and a bit of cleavage.
“Hey, Ana. I’ll see you both downstairs. Don’t be late.” He kissed the top of my head as I braided my hair into a side french braid.
Derek always acted as if he were much older than Anabelle. Four years wasn’t that long of a time. I supposed it was all a matter of perspective. We were going to change that for Anabelle tonight.
“You look like a real live mermaid when you do that.”
I snorted a laugh. “What?”
“I always imagined mermaids would do that.” She gave me a one-shoulder shrug. “Where did you learn to braid hair like that?”
“My mom. I had big frizzy hair when I was a kid. I was in braids until I learned how to use a blow-dryer.” I chuckled. “I’m glad I learned. Braids are a necessity here, blow-dryer or no blow-dryer. This humidity is insane.”
“I know. She giggled. “Show me how to do that.”
I stood and gestured for her to sit down. “Your hair looks pretty down like that. How about a half braid?” I pulled her hair away from her face.
“I love that.” She beamed at me.
Anabelle never had a sister. We had that in common. She had a brother who was gone all the time, and I was an only child. Maybe that’d been why we clicked and made friends so fast. “We’re still doing smoky eyes for your makeup?”
She let out a breath. “Yes. Hey, do you think Rebecca will show tonight? I know you won’t give up until you’ve unraveled this mystery.”
“I hope she does. She seemed like she really wanted to come. I wish I could help her.”
Anabelle rubbed my hand. “I’m sure you’ll get a chance to do that tonight. I added her to the guest list, like you asked.”
“Thank you. Okay, makeup time.” I rubbed my hands together. Anabelle looked beautiful without any of this stuff, but she wanted a different look, and that was something I understood well. The need to believe I deserved the guy I loved.
When our faces were properly made up, I walked to the closet and got into my dress, one I’d brought from home. It was a strapless, long dress in a champagne color. The fabric was silky and so soft to the touch. I ran my hands across the bodice that cupped my breasts just right. My friend Annie had a real knack for picking out dresses that made Derek look at me as though I were the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. I was so addicted to that look in his eyes and the way it made me feel.
Out in the bedroom chamber, Anabelle paced the length of the double doors.
“You’re not going to chicken out, are you?” I asked.
“No, of course not. I just need a minute. Why don’t you go ahead? We’re already like half an hour late.” She opened the door and gestured for me to go. “You look incredible, by the way.”
“Thanks. You too.” I held her hands in mine and squeezed them. “I’ll see you downstairs.”
I strolled down the long corridor of expensive paintings toward the buzz of excited voices mingled with soft classical music. The foyer looked gorgeous done in oversize floral arrangements. Gardenia perfume welcomed me at the top of the grand staircase. Derek walked up to meet me.
He groaned in my ear, gripping my waist. “You really are trying to kill me.”
My blood rushed through my body. “I’m not.”
“You look amazing.” He met my gaze, and I wished we could be upstairs or at the very least, alone.
“Derek,” a man with a round belly said from the door.
“And here we go.” He took my hand and ushered me through the throng of people who had already gathered in the foyer and dining room.
I shook hands and smiled at a myriad of faces. Derek stayed true to his word and never left my side. He also never let my champagne glass go empty, which I was very grateful for. The introduction of friends and family went on for a good forty-five minutes. I answered the usual questions of where we’d met and where we would live after the wedding. Also, when were we having children. To my surprise, Derek wasn’t turned off by that question at all. Kids with this beautiful man was definitely something I’d be willing to consider.
“Okay, I think everyone’s pacified for now. Let’s get some air.” Derek walked me toward the basement. On his way out, he grabbed a bottle of champagne. We crossed the expansive sitting area between the gym and the wine cellar, where Wesley and Matt sat deep in conversation. “Ignore them.” Derek pulled me outside.
“Oh, wow. I hadn’t realized how much I needed fresh air.” I picked up my dress and strolled along the stone pavers.
I followed the path that led to the gardens. People were here and there, but for the most part we were alone. I sat on one of the benches along the tall hedges, and Derek refilled my glass.
“I know it doesn’t seem that way, but that was the worst of it.”
I chuckled. “It did feel like the worst of it.”
“Everyone loved you. Like I knew they would.” He unbuttoned his jacket and sat next to me.
I rested my head on his shoulder and relaxed. “I’m glad you’re not so tense anymore.”
“I was what?” He held me tighter.
“When you came home earlier today, you seemed so on edge. What happened?”
“We said no more secrets, right?”
“Yes.” I sat up. “What happened?”
“Okay, it’s nothing bad. I was going to tell you tomorrow when things settled down, but I guess this is as a good time as any.” His kiss took me by surprise, but only for a beat, and I kissed him back. When he spoke again, I’d almost forgotten he had something to say. “Yesterday afternoon, we went to a pub for beers after golf…” His gaze went past me toward the patio deck upstairs.
I shifted my body to see what had him furrowing his brows as if he’d wanted to kill someone. “What is it?”
“One second. Security guards are on the move. Stay here. I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be here.” I touched my lips where his mouth had seared me seconds ago.
He met up with the guys in dark suits and skinny ties, wearing earpieces. They reminded me of the agents from that movie The Matrix. Derek stuffed his hands in his pant pockets. To the untrained eye, he looked casual and calm. But his face said something else. He was pissed. After their exchange, he walked back into the house with his guys.
The minute he disappeared, I felt drained. Would anyone notice if I snuck upstairs to regroup? I rose to my feet and dusted the seat of my dress. When I glanced up, Rebecca Smith glided onto the patio. Everyone ogled her while she made her way down the stone steps, not bothering to smile or acknowledge any of them. She kept her gaze zeroed in on a spot on the other side of the garden. She rushed along the lawn as her long red dress danced in the wind. Who was she after?
I made to chase after her, but two steps in, my heel sunk into the soft grass. When I yanked it out, the strap broke. Crap. I glanced in Rebecca’s direction, but she was gone. Chasing her in broken shoes would be kind of silly. I took off my sandals and headed upstairs to find a new pair.
Following the same path Derek used to get us out, I went through the basement where Wesley and Matt were still arguing. I waved at them when they glared at my muddy heels and feet. I continued upstairs through the kitchen until I found myself in the safety of the long corridor that led to our bedroom.
As soon as I shut the door behind me, exhaustion washed over me. Being around people drained me every time. I padded to the bathroom and washed my feet. The warm water was soothing and made me lean against the wall with my eyes closed. Was the party almost over? The invitation had said from seven until eleven in the evening. I shut off the water and walked over to the vanity dresser where I’d left my phone. It was nine. Two more hours to go.
When
I spotted a note on my table, my body jerked from a spark of adrenaline. The familiar handwriting sent a chill down my spine. Tears stung my eyes. How in the world did Alex manage to leave me a note? In the bedroom Derek and I had been sharing for weeks now. My hands trembled as I read the salutation because I knew the rest of the note would be something out of the nightmares I still had about him.
Hey Val,
I bet you’d thought you’d never hear from me again. Did you miss me? Of course, you did. That momma’s boy you’re with now can’t possibly be man enough to satisfy you. I know you remember us. Sweetheart, I remember you. So how about a reunion? I happen to be in Atlanta and thought you’d love to see me. Max is also dying to see his mommy. Meet me tonight at eleven on the BeltLine near Krog street. Just you and five Gs, do you understand? Don’t make me hurt him. And, Val, don’t be late. I’m sure you remember how much I hate that.
Love,
Alex
My stomach cramped. He couldn’t have Max. He was in Tucson with Em. Fumbling, I dialed Em, but there was no answer. I tried Mom, but it went straight to voicemail. What would happen if I didn’t show? Or if I showed up late? Would he really hurt his own son? I pressed a hand to my cheek. Tears blurred my vision. My mind replayed all the times I did something Alex didn’t approve of. I wiped my face and stood.
Going alone wasn’t an option, but I also couldn’t risk being late and putting little Max in danger. I dialed Em again, and the call went straight to voicemail. And then it hit me like a bucket of ice water. Was this why Derek had been so upset earlier today? Was this what he was trying to tell me? That Alex had Max? Was that why he canceled the trip? The questions swirled angrily in my head. Why would he not tell me this? We’d said no more secrets. No, he tried, but the security guards showed up. They showed up to tell him what? How bad did it get that Derek had to go?
I couldn’t wait for Derek to bring me news. I had to go and see for myself. For Max, I had to put my fear of Alex aside. My stomach cramped again, and I bolted to the sink where I dry heaved. Alex Maio was a nightmare I survived six years ago when I was only nineteen. He used my dad to get away with everything he did to me. Dad was a retired cop. If he’d found out what my life with Alex was like, Dad would have killed him. Over the years, I wondered if I put up with it to protect Dad or because I was a fucking coward. I rinsed my mouth.
My fear of him meant nothing when it came to Max. I was ready to claw his eyes out if he dared touch my son. I pulled up maps on my phone. The meeting place was three miles away. I had time to get the money I needed and drive to the rendezvous place. I had to show Alex I wasn’t afraid of him anymore. I had to show myself I wasn’t afraid of him.
I sat on the vanity chair. My whole body hurt at the thought of seeing Alex again. I dropped my head between my hands. How could I pull this off? I glanced at the time again. Two hours. Right. All I had to do was go downstairs to Derek’s study, get the money, and somehow leave the house unnoticed.
With my heart pumping hard, I headed out of the room. The minute I reached the top of the stairs, I spotted Derek waiting at the bottom of the steps with a deep scowl across his forehead. Now what?
“Valentina.” Anabelle whisper shouted from behind me.
I’d never get used to how many small rooms this house had. Some of them weren’t even big enough to be bedrooms. She waved me over. “Do you do this a lot? Hide in random bedrooms.” I asked.
“Some.” She paced the small room, which only contained a table with a chessboard on it, a few Louis VI chairs upholstered in a powder-blue fabric, and a built-in bookcase filled with books. “Lilly wants me to play the piano today. For you and Derek.” She smoothed out her black gown with trembling hands. She really did look stunning in that dress.
“You don’t have to do that if you don’t want to. Tell her.”
“It’s for you and Derek. Of course, I want to. But Wesley’s there now.” She glanced down at my ballet shoes, then up at my face. “Are you okay?”
Anabelle was my only shot. With Derek standing over by the front entrance, there was no way I could get past him. “It’s a long story. Promise me you won’t tell Derek. He won’t understand.”
“Of course. For you anything.”
“I need money to get my son back from my ex.” Tears streamed down my cheeks, and I wiped them quickly. No one could know I’d been crying. “I need five thousand dollars and a ride and also someone to keep Derek busy while I do all that.”
“Omigod, Valentina, of course. But why don’t you ask Derek? He’ll help you.”
“I can’t risk Alex hurting my son. He said not to tell anyone. All he wants is money. He’ll leave as soon as he has what he wants. It’s only money he cares about.”
“Okay. I got it.” She beamed at me. “A few piano ballads will keep everyone in the drawing room so you can do what you need to. I’ll text my driver.” She glanced down at her trembling hands before she fished her phone from her small bracelet purse. She hated performing in public. I was so sorry for doing this to her, but desperate times called for desperate favors from new friends.
“Thank you for doing this.” I squeezed her hand, both for moral support and reassurance for myself.
“I would give you the money myself. But these days I have to go through Wesley for that. And he’s got me on a measly allowance. God, I could hate my brother for putting him in charge of my money.”
“Why did Wesley cut you off?”
“Wesley’s afraid I’ll leave the country to see my brother Charlie.” She waved her hand in dismissal. “Are you sure you don’t want to tell Derek?”
“Yes, I’m sure. He doesn’t know Alex like I do.”
“And are you sure he has Max. When I met Max a few weeks ago, he struck me as a really smart kid. He’s mature for his age. He wouldn’t go with just any stranger like that.”
“He would for Alex. Max has always been very curious about his bio dad. He wants to know why Alex isn’t around. In his little mind, he just can’t understand the complex feelings he has about his dad. So yeah, he would definitely go with Alex. All Alex would have to do would be to show Max a picture of us when we were together and tell him he was his dad.” I hated myself for not teaching Max to be afraid of Alex. But I didn’t think Max’s heart should be filled with something so sad. This was all my fault.
“Say no more.” She checked her phone. “Okay. My driver will stay with you the whole time. He’s highly trained and can protect you. All you need is money.”
“I’m raiding Derek’s safe. I feel like I’m stealing.”
“You’re not. You’re his wife. Well, almost. Same thing.”
“Thank you so much for this.”
“You’re welcome. Go. I need another minute.” She fanned her face.
16
This Is Your Engagement Party
Derek
This was the worst time for a guard to go missing. Maybe he had to take a piss and forgot to tell someone. Shit. These were highly trained men. No one took a piss without following protocol.
“Man, you look like you’ve just seen a ghost.” Tyler took my empty glass of bourbon and replaced it with a fresh one.
I knocked it back. “Thanks. It may be nothing, but apparently we have a guard that hasn’t checked in for the last fifteen minutes.”
Tyler barked out a laugh. “Are you kidding me? This is your engagement party. Take a break and enjoy yourself.”
“Yeah, maybe you’re right.”
“Don’t let that asshole get under your skin. More importantly, don’t let him ruin her fun.” He pointed toward the top of the grand staircase where Valentina stood surrounded by garlands made of gardenias from Mom’s greenhouse.
Tyler was right. She deserved to enjoy her day. After all she’d put up with when we first got here, she deserved to have fun.
“There she is. Just in time.” He offered Valentina his hand. “Ana prepared something for the lovebirds tonight. Everyone’s in the drawing room. Com
e on.”
Valentina gave me a weak smile. “Should I be worried?”
“Nah. Sweet Ana is harmless.” Tyler ushered Valentina across the foyer and into the drawing room, where people had already gathered around the grand piano.
I followed close behind, keeping an eye out for my security guys. I’d told them to come get me the minute they found the missing bodyguard. Valentina glanced over her shoulder a few times. Taking a deep breath, I willed myself to calm the fuck down and not ruin Ana’s surprise for her.
Ana came in behind us and hugged Valentina. “Look who I found.”
Valentina did a double take when she saw the woman hanging from Ana’s arm. “Oh my God, you made it. I thought I saw you before, but I wasn’t sure.”
“Thank you for having me. Your home is incredible. I…” The woman met Tyler’s gaze and stuttered. “I, um, I went for a walk in the gardens earlier. They’re breathtaking.”
Valentina took my hand. “You remember Rebecca? We met a few weeks ago at Saks while we were shopping for Ana’s dress.”
I could honestly say I’d never seen this woman in my life. Why would Valentina think that? “Well, I’m sorry. I don’t.”
“Yeah, you do.” Tyler slapped my stomach with the back of his hand before he hugged Rebecca. “Rebecca from the country club. What the hell are you doing here? I mean, how the hell are ya?”
“Of course. Rebecca from the country club. How could I forget?” I followed his lead, though I got the impression Valentina didn’t care one way or the other. She giggled as she whispered something in Ana’s ear.
“I’m in town for a few days. I ran into Valentina and Anabelle, and they were kind enough to invite me to your soiree tonight.” Rebecca kissed my cheek hello, as if we were old friends.
I could only imagine what Tyler and this woman had going on. I went along with it because Valentina didn’t need any grief over the fact that she potentially invited someone Tyler didn’t want to see. If the daggers he shot at her were any indication, my guess would be he didn’t want her here anymore than I wanted Alex Maio in my house.
Unravel You: A Hot Billionaire Romance (Cole Brothers Series Book 1) Page 15
