Though he’d planned this extended vacation with the thought that he’d do as little as possible besides relax and unwind, the prospect of untangling the mysterious Maria’s secrets filled him with exhilaration and a fresh sense of purpose. He hadn’t felt this excited about anything in a long, long time.
First up, though, he needed to hit the grocery store. What good was a beach house without the basic amenities like coffee and food? Once he’d gotten the necessities taken care of, he’d turn his attention to the delectable beauty.
“We’ll figure this out,” he vowed, out loud, even though no one else could hear him. He wasn’t giving up on her, not yet.
* * *
Wedding Chapel Near the Sea. Just the name made Maria smile. Even if she hadn’t been able to manage an ocean view, the salty scent of the waves permeated the air. She loved her business and had spent long hours restoring the old Victorian house until she had it exactly the way she’d envisioned. Romantic, nostalgic and tranquil.
And it worked. Even catching sight of the pale peach paint with beige trim made her happy. Every morning she drove to work and went inside with a smile on her face. Today would be no different. She refused to let what had just happened ruin her day.
“You’re way too chipper for this early,” her receptionist, Kathleen, groused, her usual response to Maria’s cheerful “Good morning.”
Maria merely smiled, just as she always did, and continued on into her tiny office. She’d painted the walls bright yellow, just because the color reminded her of sunshine, and decorated with pictures and statues of pigs, because they made her laugh.
“What do we have on the schedule today?” she asked.
“The Thompson wedding is coming by to talk dates.” Kathleen appeared in the doorway, reading from a ledger. “They’ll be here at ten. And the Woodards are bringing the balance of their deposit at two and will want to go over the final details.”
“Anything else?”
Kathleen started to shake her head, but turned when the front door opened. “Can I help you?” she asked, heading toward the reception area. “Are you here to discuss planning a wedding?”
At that point, Maria turned on her computer, waiting for it to boot up. Kathleen was good at her job and wouldn’t let a potential customer get away without being made aware of all they had to offer.
“I’m here to see Maria.”
The sound of the familiar deep voice sent fire through Maria’s body. She froze, hands on her keyboard, wondering how on earth he had found her and what he wanted.
“Do you have an appointment?” Kathleen asked, sounding slightly breathless.
“No, but I don’t need one. She’ll see me.”
Exhaling, Maria stood. “That’s okay, Kathleen,” she said, pitching her voice loud enough so she could be heard. “I have a little time to talk to Mr. Howard.”
At the name, Kathleen let out an audible gasp. “I’m so sorry,” she gushed. “Forgive me. I wasn’t entirely sure it was you. Of course, let me show you Ms. Miranda’s office.”
Before she could, Ryan appeared in Maria’s doorway. He looked so rugged and masculine, so out of place in the pointedly delicate decor, Maria had to suppress a smile.
Instead, she put on her best professional face, praying he couldn’t tell how her heart practically pounded in her chest. “What can I do for you?” she asked.
Stepping into her office, he closed the door. His sheer size made the space feel three times smaller. “Why’d you run away?” he asked. The quiet question felt much more dangerous than it would have if he’d showed anger.
Again, she couldn’t help but marvel at the clean-cut lines of his face and the self-confidence he radiated. Her heart jolted, her pulse hammered, and her mouth went dry.
Nope. Not going there.
Carefully, she shrugged. “I changed my mind. And I have to say, the fact that you’ve shown up here, at my place of business, confirms I did the right thing.”
He glowered, his dark eyes still far too beautiful and seeing way too much. “I’m not stalking you, for Chrissake. You told me you owned a wedding chapel. There are only two on the island proper—yours and The Wedding Chapel on Broadway. I figured this one would be yours, and I wanted to talk to you, so here I am.”
Crossing her arms, she carefully titled her head. “And, again, what can I help you with?”
Her impersonal tone had him coming closer, dragging a hand through his hair, which only made him appear sexier. “I like you,” he said, his expression serious. “And I thought the feeling was mutual. How about this? Go to dinner with me tonight. No strings. Just a nice meal and some conversation.”
She didn’t have to feign her horror. “No, thank you. Wherever you go, there are cameras and paparazzi. That’s not my thing. At all.” She flashed him her most detached smile. “I’m sure you won’t have trouble finding someone else to accept your invitation. At least, judging from the admirers following you around the club last night.”
His mocking smile sent a shudder down her spine. “I don’t want anyone else. I want you.”
Instant heat. Right there, in between her legs. Her entire body, in fact. Still, she held her ground. “I’m sorry, Mr. Howard. The answer is no.”
She thought he might argue with her at the very least, or maybe say something charming, in the hope of coaxing a smile. After all, if one believed his press, he was a player of the highest degree, used to getting what he wanted, when he wanted it.
Instead, he crossed the distance between them, cupped her face with his large hand and kissed her.
Stunned and shocked, she froze. Truth be told, she didn’t resist. In fact, as he slanted his mouth over hers, kissing her as if she were a precious treasure, she went with it and opened her mouth so she could properly kiss him back.
Desire spooled low in her belly, and dimly she registered there was a reason Ryan Howard was good at getting women.
That thought had the effect of ice water dashed on her. She gasped and jerked away. “Out,” she ordered, her voice shaking. “Get off my property right this instant.”
Hands up, he backed away, nearly to the still-closed door. “About dinner...”
“No.” Sucking in air, she let a trace of her anger show in her eyes, which should have been a warning. Even though Ryan was a Shape-shifter, when he saw the red glow in her eyes, he should realize he’d better stay away. To most other Shifters, the Drakkor were only legends. Few knew they still existed. Her people had formed an alliance with his, the Pack Protectors, in order to help keep the Drakkor safe. She didn’t know how many of the Pack had been informed. At this moment, she didn’t actually care.
“You have a fiery temper,” he said softly, the intensity in his gaze telling her he knew his comment would be like throwing kindling on the embers. When she didn’t respond, he dared to prod. “Dinner?”
“Out.”
Nodding, he turned to go. As he grasped the door handle, he glanced back over his shoulder and tossed a business card on her desk. “Here’s my number in case you change your mind. I would never have pegged you for a coward, Maria Miranda.”
And with that, he left.
More shaken than she’d like to admit, even to herself, Maria dropped back into her desk chair. Coward? Had he known he’d just issued the worst insult one could to her kind? Had his choice of word been intentional, just to draw her into his sensual web?
If so, well played. She nearly ran after him. Only Kathleen’s breathless appearance in her doorway stopped her.
“Oh, my goodness, how do you know Ryan Howard?” Kathleen gushed. “I couldn’t help overhearing—you know how thin these walls are, and it sounded like you and he had already met. Are you going to be in the tabloids? What do you think about him? He’s every bit as sexy in person as he is on TV.”
“Stop, please.” Maria wearily interrupted her employee and friend. “I just met him in a bar last night and we went for a walk on the beach.” She carefully omitted everything
else, including the fact that they’d spent the night together. “I took off when the paparazzi showed up and started taking pictures.”
“Paparazzi! Oh my goodness, you are going to be in the tabloids!” Kathleen squealed. “I don’t believe it. I can tell all my friends I’ve met Ryan Howard, Persons Magazine’s Most Eligible Billionaire Bachelor.”
Maria groaned, sinking lower in her chair. “I can’t believe I...” Luckily, she caught herself in time.
Unfortunately, Kathleen had a sharp mind and good ears. “Oh, my! Did you really?”
“No.” Well aware her color was high, Maria gritted her teeth and held her ground. “No, I didn’t. Let’s talk about something else, please.”
“But—”
“It’s nearly ten. The first wedding party of the day should be here soon. We need to make sure everything is ready for them.”
Taking the hint, Kathleen nodded and returned to her desk.
Alone again, Maria opened her email and tried to concentrate. Her rapid heartbeat finally slowed and she gathered her scattered thoughts and made herself focus.
Who knew Ryan Howard would have such an effect on her? She’d never been one for the pretty men. However, Ryan was more than easy on the eyes. He radiated masculinity, something her dragon side required. Masculinity, sex appeal and confidence. Everything she wanted in a man.
Except Ryan was entirely too famous and popular. And a playboy as well, she reminded herself, just in case she weakened. As if she could. Anyone who dated Ryan Howard would be immediately thrust into the spotlight. She couldn’t afford that. Not only would it endanger her, but her future unborn child, as well.
She laughed at herself. As if. She couldn’t get pregnant with him. The other thing she needed was a man who would love her. As in, forever and always. Judging from his reputation, Ryan Howard was not capable of such a thing.
The day went quickly, as they always did. Doing work she loved ensured no days ever dragged. She booked two new weddings, finalized the details on another and had a couple of other interested parties.
All in all, a good day.
At six o’clock, when Kathleen got ready to go home, Maria decided to leave, too. Her receptionist waited while she locked up, a hundred more questions in her eyes. Maria gave her a quelling look, letting her know she had no intention of answering them.
“We’re done talking about Ryan Howard,” Maria said when Kathleen opened her mouth. “Seriously. I have no intention of seeing him again.”
Appearing reluctant, Kathleen nodded. “I can’t say I understand, but I’ll try. I have to say, though, most women would give their right boob for a chance to go out with him.”
Unlocking her car, Maria smiled. “But then, I’m not most women, am I?” She got inside and closed the door without waiting for an answer. Lifting her hand in a quick wave, she started the engine, loving the throaty roar, and headed for home.
That white van...
Giving another quick glance in her rearview mirror, she made an impulsive turn down a side street without signaling.
The van did the same.
Concerned, she tried to remember everything she’d heard about what to do when being followed. She knew she couldn’t go home. She had to go somewhere public. The police station on 54th? Or just a crowded gas station or maybe a grocery store. A&M Grocery was only a few streets away. Decision made, she swung around and headed toward 39th.
Of course, the van kept up.
A million thoughts ran through her mind. She, along with the few other remaining Drakkor females, had one enemy. Doug Polacek, a male Drakkor rapist and serial killer who’d bragged he was to be the savior of their race. He’d been arrested and locked away. Had he somehow escaped prison? If so, how had he found her? Should she call her father? Though why worry him, when there was nothing he could do from so far away.
Heart pounding, she calculated what she’d do when she reached the store. Park, jump out, and run inside? Or stay in her car, with the doors locked and the engine running, just in case she needed to take off?
Based on what she’d heard about Polacek, he was all about capturing and holding a prisoner. So he wouldn’t try to kill her, though she wouldn’t put it past him to shoot a tranquilizer dart or something to immobilize her so he could throw her in the van.
On second thought, maybe the police station would be the better option, despite having it drilled into her not to involve humans in Shifter business.
There. Muttering a quick prayer, she swung into the grocery store parking lot and pulled up in front of the store, in a no-parking zone. This would be high visibility and easy escape.
And here came the van. One foot on the brake, she kept the car in drive, ready for anything.
Instead of pulling up behind her or alongside her, the van pulled in to one of the empty spots reserved for the disabled. Strange. Still, she didn’t relax, watching to see who’d emerge.
The driver’s-side door opened. A second later, so did the passenger side, and then the rear sliding door swung open, disgorging a man with a video camera, another with a microphone. They rushed over to her car, the man with the mic clearly a reporter of some sort.
Relieved and irritated, Maria took her foot off the brake and stomped the accelerator. Screeching out of the parking lot, she traveled the back roads, taking a convoluted route toward home.
Only once she was sure they hadn’t followed her did she turn down her street.
Safe inside her garage with the door closed, she sat in her car, teeth clenched, shaking. She’d only been with Ryan Howard once, and because of that, reporters were hounding her?
Slowly, she climbed out of her car and headed into the house. Should she cut her hair, change the color, make some attempt at disguising her appearance until this blew over?
Even having to consider such nonsense made her even madder. Why should she have to deal with this? Ryan Howard needed to make it stop. She suspected he had the power to fix it.
Digging his business card from her pocket, she decided to give him a call. She wanted this harassment to end, right now. The sooner she could go back to her normal life, the sooner she could get on with her quest to fulfill her destiny.
Chapter 3
Maria Miranda had looked even lovelier than the last time Ryan had seen her. The instant she’d looked up from her desk and her caramel-colored gaze connected with his, he’d felt it like a punch to his stomach.
The way she’d acted had taken him by surprise. Damned if she hadn’t made him feel like some sort of creepy stalker. Embarrassed, ashamed and, yes, fuming, he paced the length of his beach house, glad that today, at least, the paparazzi had stayed away.
If it weren’t for them, Maria would never have learned who he actually was. It had been refreshing to find a woman who liked him for himself, rather than what he’d become.
The kind of sizzling chemistry between him and Maria could have been the start of something amazing. Corny as it sounded, even to him, he mourned its loss. Especially since they hadn’t gotten a chance to actually explore it.
He didn’t understand women—what man did?—but he usually got along with them well. He’d never lied to himself, well aware looks and money got him a lot further than he’d get if he wasn’t a multibillionaire. And though he didn’t usually mind, since he wasn’t looking for anything meaningful, the fact that the very things other women seemed to want had been what had driven Maria Miranda away felt like the bitterest form of irony.
He could practically hear his father’s voice, even though he’d been dead three long years. “Be good for you, boy. You needed taking down a peg.” And then the old man would have laughed, that crusty, congested sound from too many cigarettes and not enough exercise. Lung cancer had taken him, and not a day went by that Ryan didn’t miss him. His dad had been one of the few people he could count on to be honest.
These days he had no one but himself.
And if he were honest now, he completely deserved what Maria Mi
randa had dished out. She hadn’t asked to be around his baggage. While Ryan might have gotten used to the constant attention and disruption of privacy that came with his life, she clearly wasn’t, nor did she want to be.
Easily understood. Normally, under any other circumstances, he would have given her a silent salute and moved on.
Except he couldn’t get her out of his mind. No matter how he rationalized it, he still wanted her. Hopefully, he’d get over that in time. There were plenty of other beautiful women.
His cell phone rang. He grinned when her name popped up on his caller ID. He jotted the number down, intending to save it as a contact once they’d finished talking.
“Hello?” he answered, as if he had no idea who might be phoning him.
“Ryan, this is Maria Miranda.” She sounded out of breath. “I need you to call off the reporters.”
Stunned, he frowned. “I’m not sure I follow.”
“They followed me after I got off work today,” she continued, ripping out the words. “When I pulled into the grocery store, they tried to ambush me with a camera and everything. I have to ask you to please make it stop.”
“I wish I could. But I have no control over them.” Thinking fast, he seized opportunity where he saw it. “But since they already think we’re together, would you reconsider and have dinner with me?”
“No,” she snapped. “Maybe once they realize it’s over, they’ll lose interest and leave me alone.” She ended the call before he could respond.
Over. Stuffing his cell phone back into his pocket, he grimaced. Over before it had even started. Might as well forget her and get on with his summer vacation.
Except, as the days went on, he still couldn’t make himself stop thinking about her. And the fact that she’d wanted him, too, made it even worse. The kind of attraction that had sizzled between them kept him in a state of constant arousal.
The first week after her rejection, he went for lonely walks on the beach, telling himself he enjoyed the solitude. To keep from being recognized, he made various attempts at wearing a disguise. Mostly he wore a baseball cap, and once he even wore a long wig that made his head itch ten minutes in. With sunglasses, he figured this would be enough of a disguise to keep him from being recognized.
Billionaire Wolf (The Pack 17) (Nocturne) Page 3
