Bound by Secrets (Cauld Ane Series)

by Tracey Jane Jackson

  Dalton Moore grinned and Payton glanced at Brodie. Her mate didn’t look happy.

  Last they’d heard, Dalton was going to return to the States once Jet had been dealt with, and had no intention of working for…or with…Cole.

  Cole had been diligently working to get Dalton to change his mind, and it would appear he’d succeeded. At least for the interim. Payton felt he’d be a great addition, especially with his devotion to his sister, and since Dalton had been the one to uncover the plot to assassinate Kade in the first place, she figured he’d have no problem dealing with his new brother-in-law. The only hiccup Payton could see was his previous relationship with Pepper. This could be very interesting.

  Payton couldn’t help but admire Dalton. He was tall, over six feet, with dark hair swept away from his face and deep-set brown eyes and he held himself with extreme confidence. Brodie glared at Payton.

  Don’t be rude, Payton warned.

  Quit looking at him as though you want to devour him, Brodie snapped.

  Payton stifled a snort. The only man I want to devour is you, even if his southern accent is delicious.

  He scowled at her. Payton.

  Yes, love?

  Don’t you dare use that tone of mind with me.

  She stifled a giggle and raised an eyebrow. Then smile and be nice.

  Dalton held his hand out to Brodie. “Hi, Brodie. Good to see you again.”

  Brodie forced a smile and shook Dalton’s hand. “You too.”

  Payton grinned as Dalton kissed her cheek in greeting, eliciting a low growl from Brodie, which Dalton seemed to ignore. “Payton. You look lovely.”

  “Thank you,” she said.

  Dalton grinned. “How are you? Excited?”

  “I’m well, Dalton, thank you. And yes, I’m very excited.”

  Dalton stepped back and Brodie settled his hand on Payton’s back again.

  “I understand you have a little escape problem, Brodie,” Dalton said, crossing his arms and leaning against the car. “Can’t seem to keep your security with you?”

  “I wouldn’t call it a problem, per se,” Brodie countered.

  Dalton smiled, his face belying the disdain his eyes communicated. “Excellent. I always like to know my clients are so…ah, easygoing.”

  Payton tried not to smile at the hint of sarcasm hidden by southern charm.

  “I’m a client, am I?” Brodie asked.

  “You are. I’ll be with you in Venice,” Dalton continued. “So, please know that I’ll be at your disposal.”

  “You’ll be with us the whole time?” Payton asked.

  “Yes ma’am. I sure will.”

  “Wonderful,” Brodie muttered.

  Will you behave, Brodie?

  He raised an eyebrow. I always behave, Payton.

  “Let’s head on out, then,” Dalton said. “We have a tight schedule.”

  Payton and Brodie slid into the back of the SUV and Alasdair and Dalton climbed into the front. Alasdair hadn’t said a word since they’d arrived and stayed silent as he drove toward the private airport. Payton bit her lip as she studied Brodie.

  What, love? he asked as he linked his fingers with hers.

  I’m just wondering how long it’s going to take you to test Dalton.

  I won’t ruin our honeymoon, if that’s what you’re afraid of.

  She smiled. Thank you.

  He lifted her hand to his lips. Unless he flirts with you. Then all bets are off.

  She rolled her eyes. If I understand correctly, Dalton prefers blondes.

  Brodie leaned closer to her and whispered, “Then he doesn’t need to know what he’s missing.”

  “You’re a ridiculous person.” Payton shook her head and kissed him. “But I love that you’re my ridiculous person.”

  The group managed an uneventful trip from Inverness to Venice and Payton was swept away by the beauty of the city. Niall often complained of the crowds, the costs, the smell…pretty much everything relating to Venice, but Payton loved it. Brodie suggested a stroll through St. Mark’s before heading to the hotel. Their bags were sent on ahead.

  “Where are we staying?” Payton asked, excitedly.

  “We have a private villa.”

  “We do?” She clapped her hands and giggled. “Where?”

  “San Clemente.”

  “Nuh-uh!”

  “Ah-huh,” he retorted with a nod.

  “The hotel’s closed.”

  “Not for us.” He grinned. “I have a few contacts…well, Kenna does, anyway.”

  “Oh, Brodie, really?”

  “Yes, really.” He kissed her. “We’ll be here for six days.”

  “I thought you said nine?”

  “Six in Venice, three in Paris.”

  “Oooh, Brodie Gunnach, I love you, love you, love you!” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his lips, then his cheeks, then his lips again.

  He laughed. “Back atya Payton Gunnach.”

  “Can we go now? Please?”

  “To Paris?”

  She punched his arm. “To the villa.”

  “If you’d like to.”

  “Yes, yes, yes!” She threw her arms around his neck again. “I can’t wait to have you all to myself.”

  “Me too, sweetheart.” He pulled out his cell phone, sent a quick text, and then took her hand and led her into one of the little jewelry shops in the square. “Let’s find you something shiny while we wait for the water taxi.”

  “I don’t need anything, Brodie, truly.”

  He cocked his head. “Are you denying your husband the opportunity to spoil you on our honeymoon?”

  “I wouldn’t dare,” she avowed. “Just so long as I have the option to spoil you as well.”

  He grinned. “Well, you have the credit card I gave you, right?”

  “I do.”

  “Then spoil away, love.”

  She hugged him. “Good answer.”

  * * *

  On the sixth and final day of Venice, Payton helped Brodie pack their suitcases to head to Paris. They ended up having to buy an extra suitcase in order to haul their purchases home.

  “I can’t believe it’s over,” Payton complained. “One leg, at least.”

  “We’ll come back,” Brodie promised. “What will you miss the most?”

  “Och, the food!” she declared. “I’m sure I’ve gained a stone since we’ve been here. Are you all right with being married to a cow?”

  “Payton,” he warned.

  She raised her hands in defeat. “Right, sorry. I’m beautiful, blah, blah, blah.”

  Brodie shook his head. “You will learn, Payton.”

  “Maybe.” She giggled at Brodie’s unamused expression. “Sorry, love.”

  He kissed her quickly. “As you should be.”

  She smiled and then let out a dejected sigh. “No more kissing in a gondola, no more lounging in bed naked until noon, no more making love under the stars.”

  Brodie laid his hand over his heart. “Has my wife turned into an exhibitionist?”

  “If by exhibitionist you mean making love in a place with a retractable roof, then, yes.” She wrinkled her nose. “Making love in a place with no walls where anyone can walk by is not really an option.”

  Brodie chuckled. “I might make you change your mind on that.”

  She laid her palms on his chest and licked her lips. “I look forward to it.”

  He leaned down and kissed her, but before anything could get interesting, a knock at the door forced them apart. Brodie kissed her forehead and then opened the door.

  “Water shuttle’s here,” Dalton said, Karl standing behind him.

  “Thanks.” Brodie opened the door further so that Dalton could enter the room. “Come in.”

  Payton smiled. “I have to commend you, Dalton. I’ve barely noticed you or Karl the entire time we’ve been here.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. That was the goal.”

  Payton gave Karl a reassuring smile.
He smiled back. The man had said next to nothing to her since the incident at the store, but he was rarely out of her line of sight, and that gave her a surprising level of comfort. Kevin had been fired, and Payton had to admit, she was starting to lean towards Brodie’s side on that particular issue. Had Kevin been alert, he wouldn’t have been taken advantage of, and the fact it was by a woman just made it embarrassing.

  Have I married a misogynist? Brodie asked.

  Payton raised an eyebrow. Depends on the day. I do think Anita shouldn’t have been able to get the jump on Kevin. He’s twice her size and supposed to be skilled in martial arts.

  I agree. Brodie smiled. “Ready?”

  Payton nodded and took his hand. Dalton followed them as they made their way down to the dock while Karl organized the hotel staff and the luggage.

  Leaving Venice was bittersweet, considering Payton was looking forward to Paris, but as she settled herself in the private jet, leaning close to Brodie as they took off, she knew she would cherish their first days as a mated couple forever.

  * * *

  Flying into the private Parisian airport and being whisked away in a dark-windowed SUV, Payton was able to see parts of the city others might not get to. She could barely contain her excitement as the car traveled along the Champs-Elysees, pulling into the front of an impressive hotel on Avenue George V. Dalton climbed out first and opened the door, stepping back for Brodie to exit and assist Payton.

  “It’s so grand,” Payton mused.

  “Aye,” Brodie said. “Kenna did well.”

  “She’s good value, that one.”

  A tall man, rushed toward them, two bellboys following, and stopped in front of them, his hands clasped to his chest. “Bonjour, Monsieur Gunnach, Madame Gunnach! I am Henri, and I’ll be your personal concierge during your stay.”

  Brodie gave his requisite regal nod and Payton rolled her eyes. She smiled at the swishy man whose name was pronounced Onry…so very French indeed…and shook his hand. “It’s lovely to meet you Henri.”

  “If you’ll follow me,” Henri said, “I will show you to your room, while our staff takes care of your luggage.”

  “Thank you,” Payton said, and linked her fingers with Brodie, following the concierge to the elevators.

  “If you need anything,” Henri said as he pressed the elevator to their floor, “please do not hesitate to call me. Night or day. I am at your disposal, exclusively. I can provide tours, restaurant suggestions, reservations, whatever you need.”

  “That sounds wonderful, Henri,” Payton said warmly. “Thank you.”

  Brodie squeezed her hand. He’s a chatty one, this one, eh?

  Brodie, be nice.

  Do you think his accent is real? It seems over the top to me.

  Payton couldn’t stop a giggle, eliciting a look of confusion from the concierge. “Sorry, Henri, I’m just so very excited to be here.”

  He relaxed and gave her a wide grin. “Well, Madame, we are excited to have you.”

  “Merci,” she said.

  “Your accent is beautiful, Madame Gunnach.”

  “Well, thank you very much, Henri.”

  Not to diminish your grasp of the French language, sweetheart, but I have a feeling Henri says that to all the guests who pay his concierge fee.

  Payton wrinkled her nose and glanced up at him. I like Henri. He seems sweet.

  Brodie smiled and pulled her closer, kissing her temple. That’s because you’re sweet.

  The elevator came to a stop at the penthouse level and the doors opened with a ding. “Right this way,” Henri said, and swished his way into the hallway.

  Payton and Brodie followed the man to the end of the hall, where he opened the door to their room and held it for them to enter. “Voila,” he said.

  Payton let out a quiet hum of appreciation as she took in the space. “Oh my word, this is lovely.”

  Henri grinned. “You have three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, and a fully equipped kitchen.” He led them across the room and opened the French doors, waving them forward. “As you can see, the balcony overlooks the Champs Elysées and has a stunning view of the Eiffel tower. Just wait until the sun sets. The lights are magnifique.”

  Payton stood on the terrace and raised her face to the sun. The day was cool by human standards, but she relished the breeze on her face. “The tower is beautiful,” she exclaimed. “I can’t wait to explore.”

  “We can go there now, if you like,” Brodie said.

  “Oui,” Henri concurred. “I have made reservations at Le Jules Verne, but if you’d rather go elsewhere, I’d be happy to assist. Madame McFadden said you’d like to play the tourist while you’re in Paris.”

  Payton nodded. “Kenna was correct. It all sounds lovely. I’ve heard great things about the restaurant, so it’ll be a treat.”

  “Excellent,” Henri said. “Your reservation is for seven, and your driver has all the information for you. I believe he’s working with Monsieur Moore on details at the present time, but will be ready to take you wherever you need to go immediately.”

  “I think we’ll get settled and then change,” Payton said.

  “Of course. Please partake of anything in the apartment. It’s all for you. There’s wine and champagne, along with chocolates and cheese. Kenna provided a list of your favorite foods, and the kitchen has been stocked.”

  “Thank you, Henri, that’s wonderful.”

  “I’ll leave you to get settled. Your bags have already been placed in your room. Would you like someone to unpack them for you?”

  “No, thank you,” Payton said. “We’ll take care of that.”

  Henri nodded. “Very well. I’ll leave you now, but should you need me, just pick up the phone and it will ring me directly.”

  “Perfect.”

  Henri smiled and then swished his way back out of the room.

  Payton faced Brodie and cupped his cheeks. “You said nothing, love. Do you not like the room?”

  He chuckled. “I love the room, sweetheart, but how could I possibly get a word in edgewise between the two of you?”

  Payton giggled. “Oh, he’s just delicious, don’t you think? He makes me think of Frank from Father of the Bride. Did you see that movie?”

  Brodie laughed. “Martin Short’s character, you mean?”

  She nodded. “Yes! I was having a hard time not laughing every time he waved his hands.”

  “Well, just don’t accidentally call him Frank, and I think he’ll chalk up any giggling to the fact you’re on your honeymoon.”

  “Henri, Henri,” she chanted. “Must remember to call him Henri.”

  Brodie bent and scooped her into his arms. “Let’s take a little detour before we change, eh?”

  She looped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “Oui, monsieur. Kenna put a wrapped gift in one of my bags that said ‘Do not open until Paris,’ and I’m dying to see what it is.”

  Brodie raised an eyebrow as he walked into the large bedroom and kicked the door shut. “Hmm, interesting. Let’s have a look, shall we?”

  She nodded and he lowered her to the floor before lifting their suitcases onto the bed. Payton opened the one with the gift and pulled out the package. “Open in the bathroom,” Payton read out loud. “What did she do?”

  “Better follow the instructions, love,” Brodie said. “She never does anything without a good reason.”

  “Okay, I’ll be right back.” Payton slipped into the bathroom and set the package on the counter, ripping the paper open. She couldn’t stop a blush as the paper fell away and a note card sat on top of the gift. Payton pulled out the card and grinned.

  “Enjoy, sister! Love you, Kenna.”

  A full French maid’s outfit, complete with fishnets, apron, and bustier, was wrapped around a traditional-looking feather duster. She pulled on the costume and took a deep breath before pulling open the door. “Bonjour, monsieur,” she crooned, leaning against the doorframe. “May I clean you
r…ah…” She burst into fits of giggles as she waved the feather duster in the air, which is probably why she didn’t pick up on the fact that Brodie was rushing her.

  She found the duster pulled from her hand and her body picked up and dropped gently onto the large bed before she had a chance to catch her breath. Payton took the distraction to study Brodie. His eyes were dark with desire and he was already naked. “Ooh, you are prepared,” she said. “I take it you approve of the costume.”

  He grinned. “I’m going to show you exactly how much in a second, but for now, why don’t you just relax. I’ll instruct you on the proper way to use that duster.”

  Payton giggled again. “See? You make even cleaning sound sexy.”

  He kissed her neck. “You haven’t begun to see sexy.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  PAYTON FORCED HERSELF to drag on her boots, despite the fact all she wanted to do was climb back into bed with Brodie. Their early lovemaking had been one for the record books.

  “Hm, I’ve set a record, have I?” he asked as he walked out of the bathroom and kissed her. He wore dark slacks with a crisp, white button-up, no tie, and dinner jacket.

  She hummed in appreciation. “Aye, you have. Maybe it’s Paris.”

  Brodie’s gaze swept her body. “You are stunning, love.”

  “Thank you.” Payton grinned. Her skirt, made from Gunnach tartan, ended just above the knee, and she wore a cream cable-knit sweater and knee-length boots that would be comfortable if she was forced to walk.

  “Are you ready?” Brodie asked.

  “More than ready.” He smiled and took her hand, leading her into the main living area of the suite where Dalton and Karl waited for them. They nodded in greeting, but said nothing as they escorted Brodie and Payton downstairs and into the awaiting car.

  Dinner was magnificent, and the top of the Eiffel Tower was breathtaking. Payton laughed when Dalton attempted to take a picture of them, managing only to flash himself in the face, and finally had to hand the camera to Karl, who showed a surprising eye for art and detail.

  “Wow, Karl, those are really fabulous,” Payton said. “I had no idea you were such a great photographer.”