Queen of Hearts

by Jami Denise

  A lone tear fell down my cheek, and I wiped at the moisture pooling in my eyes. I was overcome with what I’d lost, and all the regrets and sadness I’d endured growing up. I was on a path to right the wrongs I’d done to myself and was finally coming to terms with the wrongs done to me by others. There was no way to erase it—I’d tried. All I could do was move forward, build a new empire with Flynn, and become the woman he deserved.

  I was no longer a whore. I was a warrior.

  “Hey,” he whispered softly. “Look at me.”

  Lifting my eyes, I saw a warmth in his that melted me through and through. He got me. He understood me like no one else ever would. There was no judgment—not really. I knew he never liked what I’d done, but it was in the past, and he would make sure it stayed that way. We wanted better for each other.

  “You don’t have to feel ashamed—not with me. I never thought of you as anything other than a beautiful girl with sad eyes. I understand what you saw when you laid eyes on Kelsey because I’d seen that in you—many, many years ago. I couldn’t save you then, but I’ve made you a promise. I will take care of you now.”

  “And her?” I asked.

  “And her.”

  I started to rock my pelvis back and forth over his erection, my body heated despite the somber conversation. My body instinctively knew that it needed him.

  “I love you,” I whispered. “I have since the beginning. I never stopped loving you.”

  Reaching between us, I pressed him at my entrance and sunk down, throwing my head back as he filled me. With his hands on my hips, guiding me, I rode him, pouring all my love and commitment out for him to take.

  He lifted his knees and I fell back, creating a position where he went deeper, harder. He was hitting me just right, and within minutes I was falling apart.

  Once I’d come down, he flipped us over and started to drill into me with a renewed fever. I could feel the need, see the passion in his eyes. Each brush of his fingers, every little kiss made me fall harder and harder for him. I tried to relay that to him with my eyes, my touch, my words. I was giving him everything—all of me.

  “Forever,” he panted into my shoulder as his hips increased their thrusts. “I will be here for you forever.”

  “Oh God,” I cried out as another wave washed over me. “I love you!”

  He pumped into me frantically before slowing, and with a loud grunt, he stilled, releasing into me with long hot streams and collapsing on top of me.

  “Damn,” he breathed out. “That was fantastic.”

  I hummed happily. Staring up at the ceiling, I let myself bask in the bliss I felt. We’d gotten so close, so fast once again, and although the crazy part of me wanted to freak out, I pushed that back and let myself be content.

  There was a knock at the door and Flynn groaned, pressing his face into the pillow underneath me. “Someone better be dead.”

  I ran my hand over his back and sighed. “I’m pretty sure it’s Vince.”

  He growled and pushed himself up, kissing me quickly on the lips before strolling toward the door in all his glory. I propped myself up on my elbow, smirking as I watched him walk out.

  It was quite a view.

  “Aren’t you going to cover up, honey?” I teased.

  I heard him chuckle and shook my head at his audacity. I heard the door open and then voices, sighing when I recognized that it was Collins. I was so sick of that damn guy. I had a fleeting thought about blowing Flynn until he agreed to fire the guy.

  I got up grudgingly and slipped on my robe before heading into the bathroom to shower. I couldn’t wait to sit down with Kelsey. First of all, I wanted to give her some reassurance after I’d flipped out on her. I thought it’d be good to just spend a girls’ day at the pool and relax. I truly wanted to develop a friendship, or a semblance of a friendship. I had a feeling she needed it.

  I soaped myself up and washed quickly, washed my hair and shaved my legs, and then got out and dried off. I was almost surprised that Flynn hadn’t joined me, especially since he hadn’t bothered to put any clothes on, but when I opened the door and heard the hushed conversation in the other room, I had my explanation.

  I wanted to eavesdrop, and as I tiptoed into the hallway, I mentally slapped myself for being such a sneak. I had to trust him if I wanted things to work. He’d come a long way, and I had to have faith that he’d tell me whatever I needed to know.

  That was another thing. I’d lain awake thinking about just about everything that had happened the night before and realized that I had to come to terms with the fact that I didn’t need to know everything. It was a hard pill to swallow, and it was going to be difficult to change my ways. I was a control freak.

  I moved away from the hall and slipped back into the bedroom without a sound. I rummaged around for something to wear and noted that I needed to keep some things in his suite, especially if Kelsey was going to be around awhile.

  I had a sundress I’d left behind, so I slid it over my head and tugged the hem down over my ass. My panties rarely made it out of Flynn’s room alive.

  A door slamming startled me, and I darted over to the bed and sat while I waited for Flynn to come in.

  His footsteps were heavy and angry, and when I saw the look on his face when he reached the doorway, I bit down on my lip to hold in a gasp.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Somehow, he’d managed to find a pair of boxers and covered himself. I had a hard time picturing a conversation that could get him that angry with him standing there butt naked.

  “I have to go meet with the authorities. They’ve got a trace on my dad.”

  I sat up straight, surprised. “What does that mean? They found him?”

  He rubbed his hand roughly through his hair. It looked amazing in the morning. Wild and long and sexy. It was probably completely inappropriate to think about dragging him back to bed by his locks at a time like that, but that was what he did to me.

  “No, but he’s on the move. I thought he was going to stay underground in Mexico, but he was spotted over the border yesterday.”

  “Oh shit,” I spat. “Do you think he’s coming here?”

  He shrugged and started toward the bathroom, grabbing a fresh pair of boxers from the dresser. “I have no idea. Do me a favor and stay put today. Call my mom and tell her you can’t make it, and tell her why. She’ll know what to do.”

  My heart thumped frantically in my chest, and I jumped off the bed and ran for him, hugging him around the middle. With his strong back against my chest, I placed my lips against his skin, my eyes filling with tears.

  “Be careful. I’ll do what you asked.”

  He reached around and rubbed the cheek of my ass and then gave me a pat. “Just let me know where you are and what you’re doing so I don’t worry. Keep an eye on Kelsey.”

  I gave his back another quick kiss and pulled away. Looking over his shoulder, he winked. “I told you not to worry about anything, Janie. He won’t get to us.”

  I nodded and walked out of the room, making my way out of the suite to go talk to Kelsey and get on with the day. When I reached the door, I hesitated. I decided it was best to knock so I wouldn’t walk in on something I didn’t want to see.

  Vince answered the door, shirtless and smiling wryly. “Can I help you?”

  I cocked my hip and put both hands on my hips. “You can put some clothes on.”

  He laughed and reached for me, squeezing me against him tightly. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I don’t want to fight with you.”

  “I don’t want to fight with you either.”

  He gave me a couple pats on the back and pulled back. “Take it easy on her, okay? She’s a nice girl, Janie.”

  I nodded. I totally agreed. “I am fucking cuckoo right now, Vince. I’m trying to wrap my head around everything, but I’m scared. I can’t help it that I’m so paranoid.”

  He grabbed my shoulders. “Don’t be paranoid. There’s no reason to be worried. We’
ve got this.”

  I nodded. “I believe that now. I mean, I’m trying to figure it all out, but I do trust you. I trust Flynn.”

  Raising his eyebrows, he smiled. “Well, shit. The kid has come around. It’s about time.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Where’s Kelsey? Is she awake?”

  He pulled me inside and shut the door, locking it behind us. “She’s in your room. I think she’s still asleep.”

  I turned to him, shocked that she was alone. “You mean you didn’t cuddle?”

  “She’s upset, Janie. She wanted to be alone, so I slept on the couch. Don’t push her on this shit, please. I care about her, and I don’t want to hurt her.”

  “Well, well, well,” I teased. “You’re just a big old surprise, Vince.”

  I didn’t wait for a response and went toward the bedroom. I really hoped she was awake because I wasn’t digging my commando look and I wanted to change.

  I knocked softly, careful not to scare her. “Kelsey, it’s Jayne.”

  I waited, pressing my ear against the door, listening for any movement. I heard the lock click and stood back to wait for her to open up.

  She opened the door, and she sure wasn’t what I expected. After the night she’d had, I figured she’d be disheveled and blotchy. Instead, the little angel that greeted me looked like she’d had a full night of rest and a stylist.

  I shook my head, embarrassed that I was gawking at her. “Good morning. How do you feel?”

  She smiled and ducked her head. “I’m fine. Did you need to get in your room?”

  “I do, but will you stay? I wanted to talk.”

  She let me in and smiled. “I tried to pick up. I just woke up a little bit ago.”

  Shutting the door behind us, I turned to face her and on instinct, I grabbed her in a hug. “I am so sorry for the way I behaved last night. I hope you’ll give me another chance.”

  She giggled, and it sounded like bells. I could instantly see what had Vince in knots and why he’d broken his golden rule. She was irresistible.

  “What do you think about sitting around the pool for a little while? We can get some sunshine and talk.”

  She twisted her lips and hummed. “I didn’t bring a suit.”

  I waved her off and went to the dresser. “No worries. I bought quite a few when I got back. You might be able to find one you can fit into. You’re taller than I am, but it’ll work.”

  I pulled a few out and placed them on the top of the dresser. I couldn’t imagine what the girl looked like in a bikini. She was killing me in the soft shorts and T-shirt she had on. She was effortless beauty, unsoiled and ripe. God help her.

  God help any man that caught an eyeful.

  “Let me go talk to Vince for a minute while you get ready,” I said as I slipped my bottoms up my legs. I pulled my dress up and over my head and grinned when she turned her head. “You have bigger boobs than I do, girly. Suck it up.”

  Once I had my top tied around my neck, I pulled a sarong out and wrapped it around my waist. “There’s some wraps in the drawer, too, so you can grab a cover up if you’d like. I’ll be in the other room.”

  I rubbed her arm as I walked out and found Vince rummaging around in the kitchen. “You don’t have any fucking food. Good idea making us stay here.”

  I leaned against the counter and watched him rifle through the shelves. “I don’t think I invited you. I was going to have Flynn get his lapdog to do some grocery shopping later on.”

  He pulled his head out of the fridge and smiled. “That guy is such a cocksucker.”

  I nodded. That was a brilliant way to describe him. I usually just went with creep or asshole. “What is his deal anyway? You have the scoop on him.”

  He pulled out a banana and a cup of yogurt and sat at the wraparound bar. “He’s worked for Doyle since Flynn was a little kid. He started following Flynn when he moved back to Vegas after college. I think he’s a snitch.”

  “Mmm hmm.” I nodded. “Was he really in Oklahoma? How did he find me?”

  He laughed, peeling the foil off his breakfast. “He followed you that night. You lost him somewhere, for a few days, but he found you eventually. Fucking sniffing hound.”

  I leaned on my elbows on the counter. “So why didn’t Flynn tell you where I was? Why did you have to go to Pamela?”

  “Flynn’s a dick. He didn’t want me telling you he was trailing you, so he hid you from me. We’ve taken care of that shit, by the way. I don’t care if you’re carrying his baby and his last name, you’ll always be mine to watch over. He gets that shit now.”

  I fluttered my eyelashes. “You Neanderthals really know how to creep a girl out. I’m not a trinket. That drives me crazy that you treat me that way.”

  He pulled the spoon from his lips and pointed it at me. “Kid, I’ve known you since you were still playing with dolls. You’re my family; I will always own the right to protect you. Him, on the other hand... you can work that out together, but he knows never to get in my way again.”

  “Did you hit him?” I said, laughing.

  He shrugged. “Since you left? Countless times. I’ve pretty much been pissed off for the past year.”

  “It wasn’t his fault,” I said honestly. “I know that now. I was so hurt and dazed before I left that I wasn’t sure what to believe. I thought I hated him. I tried to hate him.”

  “Yeah, well, look at you now.”

  “Look at me now.”

  In that moment, I couldn’t help but think about my dad. Would he be happy for me? I was almost sure he would be, but then again, knowing my old man, he’d just see me being with Flynn as a big fat dollar sign. He’d use my relationship to his advantage, consequences be damned. I wanted to believe that he’d want the best for me, but the truth was, he truly never had.

  “Do you think I’ll ever find out what happened to my dad, Vince?”

  He sighed and slid the food out of his way. “I don’t know. Would you really want to? God only knows what happened to him, so I think it’s better if you just put your imagination away. He’s gone. There ain’t nothing you can do about it.”

  He was right, but Ellie’s words rang through my head on repeat. I needed to take a little control. I wanted to put him to rest once and for all. “Do you think it’s stupid that I want to... I don’t know—give him a burial?”

  He nodded slowly, looking at me like I’d grown three heads. “Yeah, I think it’s really stupid. Why are you getting so sentimental all of a sudden?”

  “He was my dad,” I whispered. “I think if I can just put an end to it in my heart, I can forget about it. Ellie said...”

  “Ellie’s nuts,” he interrupted. “She was a clinger. She doesn’t need to be putting these things in your head. Let it go.”

  I knew he was right, and I wanted to. I wasn’t sure how, though.

  “I’m ready,” Kelsey said.

  Vince and I both turned, and I grinned when I saw what she’d put on. I took a quick glance at Vince and laughed under my breath at the way his throat bobbed as he swallowed. His eyes were pinned to her, his gaze locked. I was pretty sure that I was watching something amazing unfold.

  “The pink one is good. I told you your boobs were better. Come on, let’s head out.”

  Vince jumped up and stood between us, giving me a furious stare. “I thought Flynn told you to stay put. You two need to stay here.”

  I pushed at his chest. “We’re going to spend the day at the pool. It’s safe up there, and I have a plan.”

  He started to argue, but I wasn’t letting him. I grabbed Kelsey’s arm, picked up my bag, and steered us to the door. “I have my phone if you need us. You’ll know where we are at all times—I promise.”

  I blew him a kiss, and Kelsey giggled. “It’ll be fun. I swear it.”

  ~~***~~

  There were more people at the pool than usual, but I found us a nice spot in a secluded area heavily shaded with foliage and trees. The pool had two coves, and we took over the fur
thest one.

  “Let’s get in the pool first and cool off. It’s got to be at least one hundred and twenty degrees out here already.”

  The air vibrated with the heat. It was the kind of heat that could melt your skin away. I untied my sarong and threw it on the chair while Kelsey peeled her cover-up off. I could feel about ten sets of eyes on us, and when I looked up, I saw Flynn storming toward us.

  He was wearing a pair of tan pants and a light-colored linen shirt. His hair looked like he hadn’t bothered to brush it, and his sunglasses hid what I could only imagine were eyes that danced with fire.

  I dipped my toe in the water, trying to ignore the butterflies in my belly. I probably should’ve called him before heading to the pool, but it was isolated up here. Five guards stood at the entrance to the patio, so I didn’t see what the big deal was.

  A loud, piercing whistle startled me, and I watched as he pulled his fingers from his mouth and barked into the area. “Everyone get the fuck out. Now. The pool is closed.”

  I heard murmurs and arguments, but when a man like Flynn said jump, you better bend your knees and get your ass in the air. As he passed a section of lounge chairs, the blonde—the constant thorn in my side—sat up and grabbed the leg of his pants.

  “I just got out here, and I want my tan even.”

  He swatted her hand away and snapped. “Get. The. Fuck. Out!”

  She jumped back like he’d bitch-slapped her—which verbally, he had—and grabbed her belongings. She complained and threw stares at me, but I had bigger problems.

  “I thought I asked you to stay put.”

  He pushed his glasses up on his head, and I was right. He was fuming. “Wait,” I said, stepping forward and placing my hand on his chest. “I did what you asked. I’m still here. I thought it’d be okay to be up here. Is there something you’re not telling me?”

  His jaw ticked as he stared me down, literally taking in every inch of me with his eyes. “My dick can’t take seeing you in that.”

  I looked down, running my finger between my breasts and smiling a sly smile. “This thing?”

  His finger replaced mine, and he leaned down to whisper in my ear. “You’re in so much trouble when I get back. Have this on, and only this, and be on my bed. Ready.”