California Secrets

by Jules Bennett

  Robert studied him for a moment. “Is this because Dane has Mirage in Montana? Is that what this is about? You’re jealous. You two were always in competition with each other.”

  Now it was Ethan’s turn to laugh. “Now who’s foolish? Dane and I have planned this for years. We’re not in competition. We work together as a team, something you would never understand. We were never going to sit back and let you keep what belonged to us.”

  Robert’s cheeks turned red as he puffed his chest with a big, deep breath. Every part of Ethan wanted to laugh at his stepfather trying to appear intimidating. That affect had come and gone years ago. Ethan couldn’t wait to squash him and kick the bastard out of his life forever.

  He only wished Dane were here to see all of this.

  “And you think it’s as easy as you just telling me what you want?” he retorted.

  Before Ethan could reply, Robert circled him and went to the minibar to pour a drink.

  “I’d offer you one, but you’re not staying,” Robert stated, tossing back the tumbler. “And as far as those documents, shove them up your—”

  “Don’t be so clichéd with your insults.” Ethan shoved his hands in his pockets and glared across the room. “You’ve been laundering money and evading a good portion of your taxes for years. Well over a decade, actually.”

  Robert’s eyes narrowed, but he remained silent...the one smart thing he’d done.

  “I have proof, and with one word from me, I can have half a dozen law enforcement officials on you within minutes.”

  “You’re bluffing,” Robert accused. “You wouldn’t do that to Harper.”

  No, he wouldn’t purposely hurt Harper, but he wouldn’t stop the inevitable, either. Everything that spiraled out of control now had been set in motion by Robert years ago.

  Ethan took a step closer, then another, until the only thing between them was that narrow bar. “Is that a risk you’re willing to take?”

  The muscles in Robert’s jaw clenched as his grip around his empty tumbler tightened and his knuckles turned white. Ethan waited for him to toss the glass across the room, but the raging fit never came.

  “Does Harper know you’re blackmailing her father?”

  “Harper doesn’t know, because I haven’t let her in on what a bastard you truly are...yet,” Ethan tossed back. “But if you want to show all your hands, go see whose side she takes.”

  This part actually was a bluff—Ethan had no idea if she’d take his side. She likely would hate them both. He couldn’t fault her for hating him, but even if she never wanted to see him again, he’d use every trick in his arsenal to make sure Robert didn’t stay in her life, either. She deserved better than his poison.

  “Oh, you think she’s going to cling to your side when you reveal that I’m some big, bad monster?” Robert tossed back. “Sex doesn’t mean a damn thing. That girl thrives on family. She doesn’t care about money, which is why she won’t make it far in her career. But that means she’ll choose me over you any day.”

  Oh, she’d make it far, because she had common sense and a heart for serving others. She’d make it because she was headstrong and resilient.

  And she’d choose him because he was giving her a new family.

  It was on the tip of his tongue to mention the baby, but Ethan wasn’t going to reveal that bit of news. He had to keep his family protected.

  The reality of the situation hit him hard. Dane wasn’t the only one Ethan was fighting for. Harper and their child were every bit his family now...and he cared for them.

  He cared for Harper. His heart had entered the equation when he wasn’t looking. He’d been so focused on this takeover and his revenge, he’d had no clue that he was falling for the innocent in all of this.

  He wouldn’t lose her. He refused to imagine his world without everything he wanted. There didn’t have to be an either-or decision. Ethan wanted it all.

  “I’m done here,” Ethan stated. “You can either sign the papers or you can face prison time. Your future is in my hands, but I’m kind enough to give you a say.”

  Robert jaw eased back and forth as he seemed to give his options some consideration. Finally, he glanced down to his empty glass and gave a curt nod.

  “You win.”

  Two words had never sounded sweeter. All these years, all the times he’d wondered if he would ever see this day, the moment had finally come.

  But Ethan knew not to let his guard down so fast. Robert was a shark—he was ruthless and never one to just give in out of the kindness of his black heart.

  “I’ll have dinner with you and Harper and explain I have to leave on business,” Robert went on.

  Ethan cocked his head. “And I’m supposed to just take your word for this? You agreed pretty fast.”

  With a shrug, Robert refilled his glass. “A smart businessman knows when to cut his losses.”

  Maybe Robert was legitimately worried about the legalities of the situation...as he should be. Perhaps there was some conscience in there after all, and he realized this place never should’ve been his to begin with.

  Ethan wasn’t asking—he didn’t want to stick around for any more chatter than necessary. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t keep his radar up. Robert would pose a threat until all documents were signed and filed properly...or until the man was behind bars.

  Now, if he could keep all of the ugliness away from Harper, find some way to explain without hurting her so they could both just move on. They could marry, raise their child, go about their careers and...

  Yeah, it was the and part that terrified him. Who knew what tricks or traps Robert had waiting for them? There was no way the old bastard would go down this easily.

  Ethan turned from the suite and let himself out.

  One hurdle at a time.

  * * *

  Harper settled her hand at the crook in Ethan’s arm as he led her into the Italian dining room. The resort had several restaurants, but this one was her favorite. She didn’t even care that she could pound an entire plate of homemade ravioli in mushroom sauce. She planned on not only having that mouthwatering dish, but also the fresh-baked bread that practically melted in your mouth.

  Her baby was going to love carbs.

  Good thing she wore a flowy dress so she could enjoy her dinner without straining any seams. Harper had pulled out her fun red maxidress with a halter top and pulled her hair up on top of her head to stay cool. And since this was a special occasion, she’d also donned the blingiest earrings she had packed. The gold and diamonds hung in an intricate pattern and swayed with each step she took. The ruby on her finger and the gold bracelet on her wrist completed her look, and she’d never felt better.

  Maybe it was the nap, maybe it was the fact she was about to go into carb overload...or maybe her happiness had everything to do with the man at her side and seeing her father again.

  A renewed sense of hope blossomed within her, and Harper truly believed she could forge successful relationships with these two men. She had every reason in the world to want to make this happen. This baby gave her a new purpose, a reason to really fight for a familial future.

  This day was already amazing, and she hadn’t even discussed business with Robert yet. She couldn’t wait to actually walk him through the rooms and the grounds and let him visualize each detail from her plan.

  Excitement burst through her at the prospect of her ideas coming to life. The renovations would definitely take time, but in the end, the hard work would be worth it. Carmen would be proud, and that in and of itself was payment enough.

  “I still say we should’ve stayed in the room and ordered room service,” Ethan growled in her ear as they neared their table in the back. “I could show you how to properly eat Italian in bed.”

  Harper glanced his way. “Perhaps I’ll let you do just that. Later,” she vowed. “Rig
ht now, we’re having dinner with my father. You already made me miss casino night because you couldn’t leave the room.”

  He muttered something under his breath, but she couldn’t make it out and she didn’t get a chance to ask as they arrived at their table.

  As soon as the hostess pulled out Harper’s chair, Robert came through the restaurant, headed straight toward them.

  He extended his arms toward Harper and kissed her cheek in a very robotic manner that lacked the affection she desperately craved from him.

  “I was running late,” he told her. “I was afraid you’d be waiting.”

  “We just got here,” Ethan replied.

  Robert eased back and gestured toward the table. “Please, let’s take a seat. I’m anxious to talk to you both.”

  Harper smiled as she settled next to Ethan. The waiter came over to fill their water glasses and take their drink orders. Harper admired the stunning floral arrangement of whites and greens when Robert’s voice pulled her back.

  Ethan had mentioned green to her just last night. He thought it might be a nice clean yet classy color scheme for one of the restaurants. Harper hadn’t put that in her plans, but her decorative mind could see it in this open room. Whites and various shades green would be something to set the Italian restaurant apart from the rest of the resort.

  Ethan was quite the little decorative assistant and handy to have in her corner.

  “No wine?” Robert asked. “Last time we met up, you raved about a cab that you loved. Wine is always a perfect accessory to Italian cuisine.”

  Harper bit her bottom lip and darted her gaze to Ethan. “Well, we’re not only engaged, but we’re also having a baby.”

  Robert’s reaction was not one she’d thought she’d see. Granted, she wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but maybe some semblance of happiness?

  Instead, she was met with wide eyes, red cheeks, thin lips. Robert looked like he was about to explode. He jerked his eyes to Ethan and looked like he was about to leap over the table.

  “A baby?” he finally gritted out. “Harper, you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.”

  Well, that sounded a little...judgmental. Who was he to tell her anything about parenting, considering he hadn’t known she was around until she was an adult? Even then, he had seemed to have little interest in playing daddy.

  “Harper will be a wonderful mother,” Ethan stated, coming to her defense.

  Robert shifted his attention between Ethan and Harper. “I’m sure she will, but is she aware that the father of her child is a blackmailing bastard?”

  Harper gripped the edge of the table. “Robert. What has gotten into you?” she demanded, stunned at his accusation and outburst.

  “I think it’s time for us to go.” Ethan took her hand and started to come to his feet. “Clearly this was a bad idea.”

  “Oh, don’t go yet,” Robert demanded. “I was just getting to the good part.”

  Harper remained in her seat, her hand in Ethan’s as he tried to nudge her up. She stared across the table at her father, waiting for some type of explanation.

  “What are you talking about?” she asked.

  “Let’s go, Harper,” Ethan tugged again.

  Robert reached across the table and took her other hand. “Listen to what I have to say before you go.”

  Harper jerked her attention between the two men she was practically torn between. Both radiated anger and rage, and she’d never been more confused.

  “Don’t listen to him,” Ethan pleaded. “Come with me, Harper.”

  Irritated, she pulled her hands from each of them and glanced around the restaurant. People were starting to stare, and that was the last thing she wanted.

  Harper stared up at Ethan. “Sit down.”

  Robert remained the focus of Ethan. Harper had never seen such fury on anyone, let alone the man she’d fallen for. Nerves and fear pumped through her because whatever was going on had both men angry, and it seemed she was caught in the middle.

  How could they already be feuding? They’d just met.

  Unless they hadn’t... Did they know each other? But they’d acted like strangers before. Was that a lie?

  Ethan finally eased back down in his seat and retook Harper’s hand, resting on the arm of her dining chair. But his eyes remained locked across the table.

  “What are you talking about...this blackmail?” Harper demanded of her father. “I just introduced you and Ethan.”

  “Oh, I’ve known Ethan since he was about twelve.” Robert shifted his focus. “Or was it thirteen?”

  Harper glanced to Ethan. “Is that true?”

  He remained silent, and Harper wasn’t sure he was going to say a word, but he finally blinked and turned his attention to her. That rage that had been pouring off him seemed to vanish, replaced by something akin to guilt and remorse in his eyes.

  Dread settled heavy in her gut. He’d been lying to her?

  “Robert was my stepfather for five years,” Ethan ultimately replied.

  Those words hung in the air, and Harper attempted to process each one. There was no way this was true. Her biological father was the monster who’d stolen everything from Ethan? The man she wanted to build a relationship with, whose support and approval she’d wanted to gain, was scheming and deceitful?

  Harper’s breath caught in her throat as she stared back at Ethan. “You used me,” she accused.

  Ethan shook his head. “Never once,” he murmured, his gaze holding hers, almost silently begging her to believe him. “When we met, I had no idea who your father was.”

  “I don’t believe you. The timing is too perfect and you...”

  Harper swallowed the lump in her throat and forced herself to keep her emotions under control. He’d admitted he was a jet-setting playboy. He’d discussed how relationships weren’t his thing, yet he’d been the one to propose. Baby or no baby, she should’ve paid attention to that red flag waving around.

  But she didn’t have all of the information, from either side. She needed, no, deserved, to know the full truth before making any rash decisions. She just wasn’t sure that she could believe anything she heard right now.

  “Oh, now, don’t be mad at Ethan,” Robert chimed in. “He just wants to blackmail me into giving his resort back. I never stole it, by the way. He was underage and couldn’t do anything with it at the time. I had every right to do as I saw fit. Same with the Montana resort, which I let go a few years ago. It’s all business.”

  Ethan fisted his hands and slammed them onto the table. “I’ll ruin you,” he threatened. “Is that what you want?”

  Robert narrowed his eyes. “You would’ve turned me in anyway,” he accused. “And if I’m going down, I’m sure as hell taking you with me.”

  There were too many threats flying around based on things she knew nothing about. Her head spun, her heart ached and she couldn’t stomach sitting at this table another second.

  The two men she wanted most in her life had ruined every shred of happiness she’d built up just moments ago. She was sorely tempted to just get up and walk away from them both.

  But she had questions and she wanted answers.

  “You’re turning him in?” she asked. “To the cops, I assume? For what?”

  “The feds,” Ethan confirmed. “Your father has been laundering money for years, and I’m sure the IRS would find his taxes more than interesting.”

  Her head started to spin, and her stomach felt queasy. Harper smoothed a hand over her abdomen and closed her eyes to gather her thoughts and will herself not to be sick after hearing all of this.

  “What’s wrong?” Ethan demanded, sliding his hand over hers. “The baby?”

  Before she could answer, the waiter brought back their drinks and a basket of fresh bread, and suddenly Harper wasn’t in the mood for food
at all. She wanted out of here, but, unfortunately, she was owed the truth and had to wait so she could hear both men.

  Granted, they were both probably still lying, but there was too much at stake for her to just storm out of here in a fit.

  When the waiter asked about taking their orders, Harper forced a smile and asked for another few minutes.

  Once they were alone again, she pushed Ethan’s hand away.

  “I’m fine,” she stated. “Don’t touch me.”

  “Are you seriously having his child?” Robert demanded in a low whisper. Apparently, her bout of queasiness was what it took to make the situation real to him.

  “I am,” she confirmed, but the idea of a liar being the father of her baby wasn’t helping her worries.

  How had she been such a bad judge of character?

  Was it just because she’d wanted to believe, wanted to cling to the hope and dream of a family? Was that why she’d foolishly thought he cared for her?

  “Do you just set out to ruin lives or is that a default setting?” Ethan growled.

  Robert curled his hand around his stemless wineglass. “I had no idea she was expecting your baby. That’s hardly my fault.”

  “Would knowing she was pregnant have made a difference?” Ethan demanded. “You ruined my life once. I sure as hell won’t let you do it again, and I won’t let you touch Harper’s or our child’s lives.”

  “I can speak for myself,” she ground out, then glanced to Robert. “Did you really do all of those awful things to Ethan and his brother when their mother died?”

  “I did what I thought was best,” Robert stated with confidence. “I have no regrets.”

  “Because you don’t have a damn soul,” Ethan threw out.

  Harper had heard enough. Neither man denied lying, neither man apologized to her for being deceitful and she was tired of all the anger and hate surrounding her.