by Kailin Gow
“What happened to you guys?” Still holding onto Errol, she reached out to pull me into the hug. “You look like you’ve all been dragged through hell and back.”
“Lilly’s engaged,” Bobby roared. “Is that hell enough for you?” Avoiding the threesome hug, he stomped by and headed to the large window that overlooked the city. “And not to me!” Muttering to himself, he paced back and forth.
Taryn frowned at him and turned her attention to me while Errol headed to the kitchen. “Come sit down, honey. You look exhausted.”
“Were you in the middle of something, honey?”
“Good old chicken pot pie. The way your grandmother used to make it.” Cupping my cheeks in her hands, she said, “Are you okay?”
I glanced at Bobby and wanted more than anything for him to hold and console me.
“Give him a few minutes,” Taryn said. “Sometimes there’s just no point talking to him when he’s this upset.”
“I’m not engaged,” I said, trying desperately to contain my tears. “It’s all a big misunderstanding.”
“I’m sure she’s right,” Errol called from the kitchen.
“Okay, can someone help me understand what’s going on?” Taryn pleaded.
Errol poked his head in. “It seems a long, lost family member of mine has suddenly come out of the woodwork, and he seems to have a peculiar bond to Lilly.”
“Errol, honey, if that’s your way of helping me understand what’s going on, you’re doing a really lousy job.”
“Lilly’s not an orphan,” Bobby blurted out. “Her father’s alive. Can you believe it?”
Taryn glanced at me then shook her head in amazement. “Really?”
I could only shrug.
“Damn!” Bobby let out.
“Bobby, please calm down,” Taryn said. “I just made some coffee. Come sit down and tell me what happened?”
“I’m high octane enough as it is.” He punched his fist into his palm then planted his feet firmly to the floor as he turned his back to us and stared out the window.
I wanted to reach out to him and tell him everything would be okay, but I wasn’t sure if things would ever be okay.
After checking on things in the kitchen, Errol returned. “Smells great.”
Her eyes on her brother Taryn nodded and softly said to Errol, “What really happened out there? I’ve never seen him so agitated.”
“Apparently, the guy who brought Lilly to the warehouse is my brother.”
“Hmm, small world. You never told me you had a brother.”
“Oh, yeah,” Bobby shot out. “And you should see this guy. A real keeper.” He looked over his shoulder at Taryn and twirled his finger around his temple.
“That’s because I didn’t know I had one,” Errol said, ignoring Bobby’s assessment of his supposed brother. “Nana never mentioned him.”
“Gee,” Bobby groaned as he finally made his way to the living room. He threw himself into the recliner facing us. “I wonder why.”
Taryn shot him a reproachful glance, but brought her attention back to Errol as he sat down beside her. “What are you doing here if your brother is out there? Why aren’t you catching up, getting to know one another?”
“I think we know enough about the guy,” Bobby answered. “He’s nuts. Certifiable.”
Errol looked at me, his eyes full of concern and questions.
“Okay,” Taryn said. “Enough with the coded glances and the irate tantrums. Spell it out for me, people.”
“The bastard kidnapped Lilly,” Bobby said.
“He retained her,” Errol corrected.
Bobby glared at him and grunted.
“I think he’s just confused,” I threw in.
“Confused my ass,” Bobby said. “He came back to Paris to claim you. That much was clear. As far as he’s concerned, you’re his.”
For the first time since this whole ordeal started, I saw the depth of pain in his eyes. Did he really think this engagement could be for real? That Rial could really hold me to it?
“Bobby, there’s no reason to lash out at Lilly,” Taryn said. “She has nothing to do with what this guy expects of her.” She turned to me suddenly. “Do you?”
“No. Of course not. I didn’t even know of his existence until a few hours ago.”
“I should have tackled the guy when I had the chance,” Bobby said. “I could have pinned him to the floor and punched his lights out.”
Looking down at my nervously twitching hands, I smiled, pleased to see how prepared Bobby was to defend me. Then again, I didn’t want him to get into any trouble and was happy he’d restrained himself.
Taryn looked at all of us. “So, what are you going to do now?”
“I don’t know.” Errol was the first to answer.
“How come we’re not going to the police with this?” Bobby said.
“That’s not an option at this point.” Errol turned to Taryn. “This guy, Rial, he knows things about my parents, things I want to know. He refused my invitation to have lunch with us and discuss all this like civilized human beings, but at some point, I am going to have to talk to him.”
“Civilized human beings,” Bobby grunted. “You really think you could sit down like civilized human beings with this guy? After what he did to Lilly?”
Pressing his hands together as if in prayer, Errol brought his chin atop his fingertips. “Yes. Even after what he did to Lilly,” he finally said.
“Errol,” Taryn said. “If this man really did kidnap Lilly, do you really think it’s safe to meet with him. Maybe he’s deranged. I mean, for all we know this whole thing could be some fantastically fabricated story… maybe just to get… I don’t know… attention, or money. Who knows?”
“You haven’t said much since getting in the car, Lilly” Errol said. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
I nodded. “I’m not sure what to make of all this. Rial seemed so convinced we were engaged. It didn’t seem like a deranged fabrication. Maybe my father really did set this up all those years ago.”
Taryn shook her head. “That’s impossible. And even if he did, you’re not obligated to it.”
Errol raked his fingers through his hair and looked at Taryn.
“What is it?” she asked.
“There’s one last part of the conversation that we haven’t mentioned yet.”
Taryn waited.
“Lilly’s father killed Errol’s parents,” Bobby blurted out.
“Bobby,” I scolded.
“What? Let’s stop dilly dallying and get to the bottom of this. That lunatic accused your father of murder.” Bobby looked pointedly at Errol. “Still want that luncheon with him?”
“Okay, hold on a minute,” Taryn said, trying to smooth things over. She looked at Errol. “Is there really a possibility this guy could be your brother? I mean is there any family resemblance, or what?”
Errol grinned. “There’s a resemblance all right. I mean he’s a little scruffy and a little rough around the edges, but he’s definitely as younger version me.”
“I find that hard to believe.” Taryn patted Errol’s cheek with affection. “There can be only one face like yours.” She kissed him and for a moment it seemed like they had forgotten that Bobby and I were still there.
“Yoo-hoo,” Bobby called out.
Grinning, the pair pulled away from each other, but it was clear they were deeply affected by the embrace.
Errol shook it off. “Like I was saying… he looks like me.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it.” Taryn laughed.
Bobby stood and looked at me. “Can I talk to you a second… in private?”
I stood and followed him out onto the terrace. I’d barely closed the door behind me that he was all over me, his arms holding me tight while he dropped tender kisses all over my face.
At first I giggled, tickled by the kisses and his sudden reaction, but when he cupped my cheeks and kissed me with fiery passion, my giggles were replace
d with groans of hunger and desire.
“I thought you were mad at me,” I said when he pulled away.
“Never. I’m sorry I acted like a jerk, getting mad when I should have been taking care of you.” His eyes were brilliant with tears. “When I saw him, holding you against your will… man, it was like a knife in the gut. I was so afraid of what he’d do to you. And then with that whole engagement business.” He gave me a quick, wet kiss and looked at me. “I love you. I want you for life. The thought of this guy…”
“I love you, too, Bobby, and you're the one I want for life. I can’t imagine being chained to a man like Rial.”
“Really? A tall, handsome duplicate of the celebrated Errol King? Any girl would go crazy for the chance.”
“Is that what this is all about? You think I could really be attracted to this Rial? That I would prefer him over you?”
“Well.” He shrugged.
“It’s you I love, and don’t you forget it.”
I gently brought my lips over his pout. It wasn’t a fiery kiss like moments before, but a tender kiss filled with love and the promise of our lives together. I wanted to reassure him as much as myself that things would be okay. “Together we’ll figure out what to do. We’ll find a way to break the engagement, we’ll go to court. And if all fails, we’ll run away together. Anything, so long as we’re together.”
Pleased, he smiled, took my hand and led me back inside.
Beaming, Taryn looked at us. “Now that’s more like it. All’s well with the happy, young couple?”
“All’s well,” Bobby confirmed. He pulled in a long and deep breath and let it out with a hungry sigh. “Smells delicious. When do we eat?”
“Good. Now everything is settled, I can feed you all. Head on to the table and I’ll bring you something good and hot.”
During the meal we avoided any talk of Rial and the ordeal he’d put us through. Conversation was light as we discussed a new opera in town, the latest exhibition at a nearby art gallery and the success of a recent addition to the menu at one of Errol’s restaurants.
“Nana would be proud,” Errol said, holding a forkful chicken and vegetables.
“That was fabulous,” Bobby said as he scraped the last of the pot pie off his plate. “I’m proud of you, too, sis.”
“Want another serving?” she said with a laugh. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so hungry. This even beats when you were a growing teen.”
“Nope. I’m good. What’s for dessert?”
“Following the theme of Nana’s delicious home style cooking, I made her gâteau aux fraises renversé.”
Bobby licked his lips and smacked his hands together in anticipation, but before Taryn could bring him a serving, the doorbell rang.
“Great,” Errol muttered as he got up and headed to the door. “Now what?”
With three plates of cake strategically held in her hands, Taryn watched Errol as he looked at the security monitor. Even from the table I could see who it was and my breath caught in my throat.
“No,” I muttered. How could it be? It couldn’t be. He couldn’t have.
“Bastard,” Bobby snarled. “How’d he find out where we were?”
Taryn looked at us, the question plain on her face; is it him?
Bobby and I nodded.
“Looks like you're about to find out just how much these brothers look alike,” Bobby said.
Chapter 3
“Looks like we won’t have to wait too long before we get some answers,” Errol said.
Taryn quickly and haphazardly set the dessert plates on the table and rushed to Errol’s side. “Is it him? Is it…?” On seeing the screen she cut herself off. “Oh, my God. It’s remarkable. He really does look like you. I never would have thought another man could be quite as good looking as you are, my love.”
Errol chuckled. “I guess it’s a good thing you met me before you could meet my dashing, young brother, Mrs. King.”
“I’m sure he’s not nearly as charming as you are.” She leaned in to kiss him and Errol’s hands were instantly around her, cupping her rear end.
“Ahem,” Bobby signaled. “We’re still here.”
Taryn pulled away, a sly grin on her face. “What are you going to do? Are you going to let this brother of yours in?”
His jaw tensed and he suddenly seemed unsure. “He could be dangerous.”
“Of course he’s dangerous,” Bobby said. “He held Lilly hostage.”
“Not that I’m defending him,” I said, “but he was gentle and careful with me. He didn’t hurt me.”
“Great. Maybe we should give the guy a trophy; Gentle Kidnapper.” Bobby got to his feet and took a defensive stance as if ready for a great battle. “Gentle or not, he held you against your will. That’s reason enough for me to hate the guy.”
The bell rang again.
“He’s not to be trusted, Errol,” Bobby said as Errol brought his finger to the buzzer.
“We’re four to his one.” Taking in a deep breath, he pressed on the buzzer to let Rial up. “He wouldn’t be stupid enough to do anything while we’re all here.”
“He looked that stupid to me,” Bobby let out.
Taryn took Errol’s hand. “I’ve never seen you so tense and nervous.”
“There are so many questions I’ve never had answers to. This is my chance to get those answers. This is my chance to get to know the parents I barely remember.”
She wrapped her arm around him. “If he’s got your blood, I’m sure he’s a good man. Maybe on the wrong path, but a good man all the same.”
Still glued to my seat, I watched them all as they waited for Rial’s arrival. It seemed an eternity passed before Errol finally opened the door and faced his sibling.
“My calendar cleared up and it looks like I’ll be able to squeeze in that lunch with you after all.”
“Fair enough.” Errol made no move to let Rial in.
“Aren’t you going to let me in?”
“Just so we’re clear; we may be related, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be keeping a very close eye on you the entire time you're here. If you enter my home, I expect you to act respectfully to everyone in it.”
Rial smirked and nodded. “I’ll do my best.” He made a dramatic show of wiping his shoes on the hall carpeting and tipping an imaginary hat before crossing the threshold. The moment he stepped in, the harsh, uncompromising lines of his face softened. He took a few more steps inside, sniffing the air as he went.
“Smells of home,” he said softly.
Errol and Taryn glanced at each other then looked curiously at Rial.
“I don’t know what you cooked up, Errol, but it smells just like something Mama used to make. Strange that you would do that even though you never really knew her, much less her cooking.”
Taryn cleared her throat and glanced at Errol before stepping up to Rial. “Um, actually, I’m the one who made it.” She seemed almost embarrassed to admit it. “Lately I’ve been trying out recipes I found in the journals Errol’s Nana wrote. I guess this is a recipe she passed on to your mother, and she made it for you in turn.”
Rial turned and looked at Taryn for the first time. “So you're the new Mrs. Errol King.”
“The only Mrs. Errol King,” Errol corrected.
“Actually, if you men don’t mind, I’m Mrs. Taryn King,” Taryn said with a playful laugh.
“Well, either way,” Rial said, reaching for her hand. “You are even more beautiful than the press stated. What a lovely addition to the family you are, my sister-in-law.”
Impressed, Taryn cocked her brow and glanced back at Errol. “I take back what I said about the charm. This little brother of yours might give you a good run for your money.”
Errol quickly made his way to her side and wrapped a possessive arm around her waist.
“I thought you said he was some bum.” She turned back to Rial with a gentle smile. “You seem to be a fine, young gentleman.” Her light laughter cut
through some of the tension in the room, but Bobby took a heavy step toward them, still ready for a fight.
“Don’t let the smooth words fool you,” he warned.
Amused but unimpressed, Rial ignored Bobby. He looked to his brother, his eye twinkled with mischief as he leaned in to say, “Don’t worry. Your lovely wife is safe. I already have my eyes set on that one over there.”
I stared at him as he made his way to me. Unable to move I just sat there, waiting. He came to my side, took my hand and bent down to kiss my fingertips.
“I found this among my mother’s treasured possessions.” He pulled an exquisite, antique diamond ring out of his pocket. The diamond was impressive without being overwhelming, but the silver ring was intricately designed and I was instantly drawn to it.
As I stared at the ring, he held my hand and deftly slipped the ring onto my finger.
“If I remember correctly, this ring was meant to go on this finger the moment you turned of age. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find you at that time, but now…. Now it’s official. This ring seals our engagement.” He closed my hand and held it between both of his.
The warmth that came from him was startling and I was mesmerized and stunned by the strange effect he was having on me. So stunned, that when he bent down to me, I couldn’t imagine what he wanted.
But then his lips pressed against mine and I was suddenly prepared to give him whatever he wanted. Soft yet passionate, his lips took mine, possessed them in a way they’d never been possessed before. My entire body reacted to the kiss and I was thankful I’d remained seated. If anything, I was tempted to lean back and welcome more of the passionate kiss.
When he pulled away, my lips were tender and hungry for more. I never knew a man’s kiss could be so electric, so arousing. My heart pounded like thunder and my skin was suddenly hot and alert.
Bobby’s angry grunt brought me out of my aroused stupor and I was once again aware of everyone in the room; everyone who’d watched Rial kiss me.
Oh, my God. They had all witnessed the passionate kiss, witnessed how easily I’d succumbed to it.
