Dynasties: The Elliotts, Books 1-6

by Various Authors

  “As long as the weather cooperates, it sails. And I’d like you and I to be on it. What do you say?”

  Renee exhaled. How could she possibly tell him no? “Okay.”

  “And I’ll pick you up around seven. Is that time all right?”

  “Yes, seven is fine.”

  “Good. I’ll see you then.”

  Moments after hanging up the phone, Renee couldn’t help wondering if she had gotten in deeper than she should have. After all, the deeper she got, the harder it would be to eventually walk away.

  Tag glanced first at Gannon then back at Marlene Kingston, not knowing exactly what to say. He’d had a hunch that Senator Denton’s resignation hadn’t been as benign as it seemed. “And you’re sure about this, Marlene? Can we trust our sources?” Tag was well aware how the use of anonymous sources by news organizations had been under heightened scrutiny over the past year.

  “Yes, more than you can guess. Here’s the name,” she said, handing him a sheet of paper.

  Tag took the paper and glanced at it, then raised a brow before passing it on to Gannon. After reading it, Gannon whistled. The name on the paper was that of the senator’s niece. “This is definitely a strictly confidential source. How did you manage it?”

  Marlene smiled. “Jeanette and I attended classes together at Georgetown. Once I started asking questions she broke down and told me everything. She’s a highly ethical person and over the years found anomalies in the Senator’s behavior that she didn’t approve of. She’s always felt compelled to keep quiet, but this last thing was the final straw. As you can see, we have a reliable story here, Tag. And what’s even more special is that it seems Time doesn’t even have a clue, which gives us an advantage.”

  Tag sighed. Marlene’s source indicated that Senator Denton had participated in a cover-up in the worse possible way and it was up to Pulse to report it. Not only did the American people have a right to know but Tag knew what being the first to print the article would do for sales. It would definitely put Pulse ahead in his grandfather’s competition game. Big headlines brought in readers, and readers drove the profits up.

  Gannon stood and rubbed a hand down his face. “We’re going to have to have all our ducks in a row for this one. Senator Denton is well-liked and highly respected, and a cover-up of this magnitude will cause one hell of a scandal. But I want Pulse to be the one to expose it.”

  Tag smiled, feeling the adrenaline rush he’d always experienced when they were on the verge of breaking a story. Top that off with his dinner date tonight with Renee and he felt like a man riding high above the clouds.

  “I’ll finalize my report and have it on Peter’s desk by Monday,” Marlene said, interrupting his thoughts.

  Tag shook his head. “No. This is going to be your story. You’re doing all the digging and the Senator’s niece is your contact. You write the article.”

  Gannon nodded in agreement. “Where the hell is Peter, anyway?”

  “He’s still at lunch,” Marlene said, gathering up all her papers to put in her briefcase.

  After Marlene had left, Tag looked over at Gannon and said, “We’re going to have to do something about Peter. He knew about this meeting.”

  Gannon was about to respond when the phone on his desk rang. He quickly picked it up when he saw it was his private line. Tag, who figured the caller was probably Erika and didn’t want to intrude on his brother’s private conversation, strolled across the room to look out the window. It was a beautiful day, and seeing all the red paper hearts being displayed in the store window across the street reminded him that Tuesday was Valentine’s Day.

  “That was Dad.”

  Tag turned and met his brother’s smiling face. Evidently their father had called with good news. “And?”

  Gannon grinned. “He called to say that Erika talked to Mom and she agreed to help out with the wedding.” Gannon’s smile widened even more when he added, “Dad also wanted me to tell you, Liam and Bridget that Mom wants to see us on Sunday for dinner.”

  A smile broke on Tag’s face. Although Renee had explained to him what his mother was going through, it hadn’t been easy to be shut out by her. “Hey, that’s great!”

  Gannon chuckled. “Yes, it is, and we have Renee to thank for helping us come up with a plan to boost Mom’s spirit. Thank her when you see her again.”

  Tag lifted a curious brow. “And what makes you think I’ll see her again?”

  Gannon met Tag’s stare and grinned. “You will. I saw the way you were looking at her at dinner the other night. You are definitely interested in her. I like her and you’re right, she’s beautiful.”

  Tag absently picked up a paper clip on his brother’s desk and said, “I’m taking her out tonight. To the Harbor.” He was excited about his and Renee’s official date and didn’t mind sharing it with his brother.

  Gannon raised a brow as he leaned back in his chair. “The Harbor? So, I’m right in assuming you’re interested in her.”

  Tag moved toward the door and slid his brother a parting glance. “Yes, I’m definitely interested.”

  From where Renee was standing at her bedroom window she could see a silver-gray Mercedes sports car stop in front of her apartment building. The way her heart began beating she knew it was a different vehicle but the same man.

  Tag.

  She couldn’t help standing there, watching as he exited from the vehicle. He said he would be by to pick her up at seven but for some reason she’d known he would arrive a few minutes early.

  She couldn’t help but study him as he made his way to her apartment door, his stride long, his steps hurried, unusual for a man who wasn’t late getting to where he was going. He wore a black suit and even from where Renee stood she could tell it was made from the highest quality fabric and probably had a designer name attached to it. Tag had Hollywood good looks and watching him was forcing her to participate in one hell of a mind exercise.

  Suddenly, as if sensing that he was being watched, Tag glanced up and their eyes connected and Renee felt it, just as surely as if he had been able to defy logic and actually reach up and touch her. He smiled and goose bumps began to rise on her arms, her heart literally skipped a beat, and when he waved up at her, she couldn’t do anything but lift her hand and wave back. Turning away from the window, she braced herself for the man who was doing a good job of rocking her world.

  Moments later she stood in front of the door, her stomach knotting, her breasts becoming sensitive, a tender ache in certain muscles. Forcing herself to get a grip, she opened the door.

  Whatever Renee had expected, it hadn’t been Tag sweeping her into his arms and closing the door behind him with the heel of his shoe and then hungrily capturing her mouth, locking it with his as if joining them with some kind of magnetic force, immediately driving her mad with desire. She wrapped her arms around him and whimpered, the sound quickly drowned out by their heavy breathing.

  Renee quickly came to the conclusion that she could go without dinner if she could remain here and feast on Tag. When he finally released her mouth and placed her back on her feet, she pressed her face into his chest, thinking that no one had ever kissed her hello quite that way before.

  She looked up at him when she felt his hand glide through her hair, and then he was lifting her chin up and leaning down for yet another kiss. There was no way she could not respond to this. To him. Whether she wanted it to or not, loving him was taking her beyond any boundaries she wanted to set. When it came to Tag there were no limitations, but she had a feeling there was unchartered territory that he planned for them to explore. Together.

  “I thought of you a lot today,” he said, his voice strained. As he whispered against her ear, his tongue flicked out to taste her skin there.

  “And I thought of you a lot today, too,” she replied honestly. She hated herself for admitting such a thing but knew she had to admit it anyway.

  Slowly, he took a step back and looked at her and then he captured her ha
nd in his, held it above her head and twirled her around, letting the ruffles at the hem of her black dress swirl about her ankles. “You look gorgeous tonight, Renee.”

  She knew he meant every word and was glad that she had left the office early to do a little shopping. “Thanks.”

  He took a step closer to her and leaned down and kissed her slowly, thoroughly. Moments later, Renee slipped from his arms. “If we don’t leave now we might be late,” she said, her pulse racing fast and furiously.

  Tag smiled. “You’re right. But then I’ll have something to look forward to after dinner, won’t I?”

  Renee swallowed as she nodded. She would have something to look forward to after dinner as well.

  The Harbor was a beautiful dinner cruise ship and the moment they stepped on deck via a heated tented walkway, a uniformed waiter escorted them to their table in the Tropicana Room.

  Renee glanced around, tempted to pinch herself. This was a new ship and everything looked elegant and expensive, including the marble floors and crown molding. Tag squeezed her hand and smiled down at her. “I hope you like the setting.”

  She gave him an assuring grin. “Trust me, I do.”

  They were shown to a white-linen-covered table with a huge glass window that provided a panoramic view of the Hudson. After handing them menus, the waiter left them alone just as the ship began moving. Soft music was playing and not far away a dance floor was set up for dancing later. Muted conversation filled the rooms as hosts and hostesses escorted other arrivals to their tables.

  Renee had never been on a cruise before and when she felt the movement of the ship she planted her feet firmly on the floor. “I can’t believe we’re actually moving,” she said nervously.

  Tag chuckled. “We are. We’ll be out on the Hudson for a couple of hours or so.”

  She nodded. “You come here often?”

  He smiled at her. “I’ve dined here a number of times with various members of my family.” And then, because he wanted her to know just how special tonight was to him, Tag added, “But this is the first time I’ve ever brought a date here.”

  Renee opened her mouth, then immediately closed it when nothing came out. The thought that she was the first made her entire body tingle in appreciation, blatantly ignoring the warning signs of what doing so could mean. “Thank you,” she said politely.

  His smile widened. “You’re always thanking me.”

  “Because you’re always doing something nice.”

  He leaned forward in his chair and whispered, “Can’t help it with you. You bring out the best in me.”

  “And I’m supposed to believe that?” she asked, chuckling.

  “I hope you do because it’s the truth.”

  At that moment the waiter returned with a bottle of wine. “I asked for a bottle to be brought out before our meal so we can toast my good news,” Tag told her.

  Renee lifted a brow. “And what good news is that?” She could tell he’d been in a rather good mood but he hadn’t shared the reason for it her during the car ride from her apartment. Instead he had told her how his day had gone at work and she shared tidbits about hers.

  “Good news about Mom. Dad called to tell us that she has agreed to help Erika with her wedding and that she also wants to see all of us on Sunday for dinner.”

  Renee’s face beamed with happiness. She knew how much his mother’s depression had bothered Tag. “Oh, Tag, that’s wonderful! It will take her concentration off her condition and put it on something else. I told you that planning Erika’s wedding would do wonders for her.”

  “Yes, you did tell us, didn’t you? And Gannon asked me to thank you for all the advice you gave to us last night. We will be forever in your debt.”

  For some reason the thought of Tag thinking he owed her something didn’t sit well with Renee. “Neither you nor your family owes me anything, Tag. Like I told all of you that night, I like your mother, I think she’s a special person and I empathized with all of you. I just wanted to help.”

  That was exactly what he found so special about Renee. She had such a sweet spirit about her and a passionate spirit as well, judging from last night. The memory of them coming apart in each other’s arms was etched deep into his brain.

  He had a lot going on in his life with his mother and work, but he couldn’t imagine not carving out this time to spend with Renee. “Let’s make a toast,” he said, lifting his glass. “To my mother’s continued good health.”

  Renee held up her glass to his. “Yes, to Karen’s continued good health.”

  Renee thought that everything about tonight was perfect. The man, the cruise down the Hudson River and the cozy atmosphere. Over dinner they talked more about his mother, his grandfather’s outlandish proposal and he provided tidbits on his other family members, especially all the cousins he was close to. It was the information on his grandfather that intrigued her the most.

  “Things will work out, Tag, I’m sure of it. From everything you’ve told me, family means a lot to your grandfather. I can’t imagine him doing anything to intentionally destroy that. There must be a reason for what you and your family see as his madness. I’ve discovered in life that things aren’t always as they seem to be.”

  Tag wondered if she felt that way about them. He clearly remembered what she’d told him that day in her office. Still, she had agreed to go out with him tonight, and he hoped that last night meant as much to her as it did to him. Was she willing for them to give things a try? He was convinced they should continue to see each other, but knew convincing her of that wouldn’t be easy. But he would not give up.

  “Would you like dessert?” he asked, after the waiter had returned to clear their table. The river was beautiful and the cruise was setting the mood for romance. During several lulls in their conversation, heat and desire had surrounded them. He had felt it and knew that she had felt it, too.

  Renee smiled. “No. I doubt that I could eat a single thing more. Everything was delicious, Tag. Thanks for bringing me here.”

  “It was my pleasure. Would you like to dance?”

  Renee heard the soft, slow music and had been noticing several couples move on the dance floor during different times all night. She’d always liked dancing but couldn’t remember the last time she’d done so. Dionne had never taken her out dancing. His idea of a good date was her preparing him dinner at her place. Since their breakup she had analyzed their relationship and knew exactly where they had gone wrong. In Dionne’s mind he had been the king and she had been his queen who was supposed to cater to his every whim.

  “Renee?”

  Tag’s voice pulled her thoughts from the past. She smiled. “Yes, Tag, I’ll dance with you.”

  Moments later Tag led her out on the dance floor among all the other couples. She could feel a lot of eyes on them but at the moment she didn’t care. All she wanted to think about was Tag, and being surrounded by his kindness, his strength and his warmth. And when he gathered her in his arms, every reason she thought they couldn’t be together like this floated from her mind. When he pulled her even closer she seemed to melt against him and an involuntary shudder passed through her body.

  “You’re cold?” he asked, leaning down and whispering the question in her ear.

  She shook her head. “No, I’m not cold.” There was no way she could tell him that she was just the opposite. Her insides were burning up with a heat that she’d recently discovered only he could generate.

  Renee shifted her attention away from Tag to the dining area filled with smartly dressed couples enjoying their meals. Her gaze lit on one couple in particular when the woman leaned over and whispered something in her husband’s ear before turning back and staring at Renee and Tag, frowning deeply. She could only imagine what the woman said since her husband was now staring at them with an equally fierce and disapproving look. Evidently they didn’t approve of interracial dating.

  Not wanting to see their scornful glares anymore, Renee turned and buried h
er face in Tag’s chest and he pulled her tighter to him as the music swirled around them. She refused to let anyone put a damper on things. Tonight was her and Tag’s night and she intended to enjoy it.

  She sighed contentedly when she felt his warm and tender hands move from around her waist to the center of her back. He leaned down and began humming the tune that the band was playing. She thought he had one hell of a sexy voice.

  The ship made its way to shore and after a couple more dances he took her hand in his. He brought it to his lips. “I hope you enjoyed your evening, Renee.”

  A quiver passed through her. “I did. Everything was perfect.”

  He smiled. His gaze was intent when he said, “You were the most perfect thing here tonight and I’m proud that you were with me and no one else.”

  Renee couldn’t help but smile. If he was using all his skill at that moment to set her up for seduction later, he was doing a good job of it. “And I’m glad I’m here tonight with you, as well.”

  His gaze held hers for a long moment before he took her hand and led her through the crowd. “I want us to be the first ones off this ship,” he said, leading her back to the table. “Our night is far from over yet and with tomorrow being Saturday, just imagine all the possibilities.”

  She did imagine them and doing so only made her fall in love with him that much more.

  Eight

  Renee sank into the soft leather cushions of Tag’s sofa and focused her gaze on him. He was standing across the room in front of a wall-to-wall entertainment system, and the moment he’d pressed a button, soft jazz music filled the air surrounding them.

  She glanced around and saw a number of Alton Malone paintings on his wall as well as paintings from other artists. All beautiful. All expensive. But then his condo, being in Tribeca, had to be up there in the high price range. The wine oak furniture was tasteful and blended well with the modern contemporary decor.

  Besides the framed Malone paintings, the living room was decorated with several Asian figurines. Tag had indicated they had been gifts from the Watari Museum in Tokyo after he had done an article about it in Pulse a few years ago.