She considered what to do to change the atmosphere when a commotion behind her drew her attention. Skip fell into a pushing match with another man. They raised their voices, insulting one another.
Someone thumped her shoulder, and she spun around. The dancing woman had left her partner and stood in front of Janessa. She sneered at Janessa. “You don’t belong here. If you’re with him, go get him and get out.”
“Excuse me? This is a public establishment last time I checked, and it’s a free country. If you don’t like me here, you can get over it.”
Janessa didn’t know who this woman thought she was dealing with. So what she was leggy, blonde, and gorgeous enough to be a model. Okay, why am I noticing that? Janessa refused to let anyone intimidate her.
The woman’s boyfriend elbowed her aside to get into Janessa’s face, and a few others, male and female, fell into step beside him. Janessa swallowed. She stumbled when someone thumped into her from behind and found Skip at her back.
“Crud,” he whispered, and she heard him. Someone had stopped the music. “We might be in a pickle.”
“You think?”
One of the men grabbed Janessa’s arm. She winced at the strong grip.
“Get your hands off me!”
The front door burst open. A flash of color zipped in front of her eyes, and the man holding her arm crashed into others behind him. The entire lot went down to the floor.
Janessa blinked and gasped. Standing between her and the crowd was none other than Declan. She couldn’t believe it. How did he find her? After she warned him about her intentions, she led him to believe it would be a while before she could get started with her quest. After that, she left town.
“Declan,” she breathed.
The woman let out a tiny feminine squeak and touched the back of her hand to her mouth. Silver eyes widened as she stared at Declan. “M-my prince, is it really you?”
“Don’t call me that,” Declan growled.
The woman breathed deep, still gaping at Declan. “What am I saying? Of course it’s you. Everyone, it’s him. It’s really him.”
Several mutters erupted in the crowd. Most of the faces didn’t look pleased. A few stared in shock at Declan. Some appeared as awed and happy to see Declan as the woman.
Without warning, the woman threw herself into Declan’s arms, squealing and laughing. Tears filled her eyes and ran down her cheeks.
“Whoa, slow down!” Janessa jerked the woman’s arm without thinking. “Get your hands off him. You have the wrong person.”
The woman curled her lip in disgust at Janessa. “I know my prince when I see him, even if it’s been twenty years. He smells the same.”
“Shut up, Roxie.” The woman’s boyfriend took exception to her hanging on Declan. He jerked her backward, but she clung to Declan. He struggled to get her back to his side. “Let him go. He’s no prince of mine.”
Several others agreed with Roxie’s boyfriend.
Declan unhooked Roxie’s arms from around his neck. “You’re mistaken.”
“Why are you pretending you don’t know who you are—or who we are? We’re all family, aren’t we?” Roxie glared at Janessa. “Is it because of her? She can’t possibly be anything to you.”
“She’s my friend, and I’ve come to take her home. You don’t have to worry about her or me coming back here.”
An argument broke out. Several men demanded Declan explain himself. Others wanted everyone to shut up and get rid of the outsiders, including Declan.
“I’ll go where you go,” Roxie announced to Declan, and her boyfriend swore.
Janessa had had enough. She wanted to go somewhere private and have a conversation with Declan. Something told her if she just left, he would come along with her.
She started for the door, relieved that the crowd parted for her. No one seemed willing to lay a hand on her now.
Skip followed her and pressed his lips close to her ear. “Where are you going? We’re on to something here. And why didn’t you tell me you knew one of them personally?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she lied.
“Don’t play games, Janessa.” He tried to stop her and found Declan bearing down on him like her personal guard dog.
Skip stumbled backward, holding up open palms. “Down, fella.”
Declan flared his nostrils in offense.
“Alright, alright,” Skip said. “Just kidding. Janessa, how about we go back to the hotel and have dinner?”
Save her from men and their manipulative ways. She bit off a groan. Skip knew good and well that they weren’t staying in the same hotel. He also knew she had eaten before they ventured out. Well, she’d told him she would eat first, but in the end nerves killed what little appetite she had.
“Good night, Skip.” She left the bar and climbed into her rental car. As she pulled out of the lot, another car pulled behind her. She had no doubt it was Declan. He followed her to her hotel room, and she was relieved to find when she parked, neither Roxie nor Skip had joined them.
In her room, she faced Declan with a hand on her hip. “So, you want to tell me how you found me so quickly? I mean home is what three states away. Oh, and let’s not forget—who the heck are you, Prince Declan?”
Chapter 8
Janessa wanted to demand Declan answer all her questions the second they walked into her hotel room, but tiredness descended like a beast. Instead, she chose to shower and change into nightclothes first.
When she walked out of the bathroom, Declan had an icy drink ready for her. She narrowed her eyes at him but accepted the offering. Her phone dinged, and while she sipped, she checked the screen.
“I’m worried about you. Call me?”
She appreciated Skip’s concern—and likely his curiosity—but she wasn’t worried that Declan would hurt her. If anything, he would protect her from anyone else. A sense of warmth came over her, recalling him arriving just in time to rescue her. Before the anger could melt away, she steeled herself against his heroics.
“Okay, I’m ready.” She dropped onto the queen-sized bed and sat back against the headboard.
Declan sat at the desk along the wall. He fiddled with the pen, and at her question, he tensed. The pen snapped in half, and ink went everywhere. He swore.
“Tell me that ink didn’t get on the floor,” she groaned. “You know what, never mind. Talk to me, Declan. And don’t lie or make excuses. I’m past all tolerance for that.”
His hand froze in the act of mopping up the mess from the desk. A heavy sigh escaped him.
“I’ll get you started. Why did that woman call you a prince? I mean she acted like it wasn’t just some weird nickname. I had the feeling she looked at you like royalty”—and lunch.
Janessa tamped down the jealousy. What did it matter to her if that woman wanted to eat Declan up? They would never be an item.
Her heart sank at the direction of her thoughts. Declan washed his hands in the bathroom sink and returned to continue the discussion.
“We were cut off from normal society to a degree. We had our own ways.”
“Like a cult or a compound?”
He glared at her. “No.”
“Sounds like it.”
“My people immigrated from Europe and many of them brought their old traditions. One of them included a high regard for family and bloodlines. My…family…were considered…” He coughed. “Special.”
“You mean bluebloods, royalty. Wow. In America?” This was a new side to Declan she couldn’t imagine. Her friend was so casual about everything. She couldn’t see him tied up in mess like feeling entitled.
“As I said they were too attached to the old ways.”
“So you’re Prince Declan.”
“No!” He thrust fingers into his hair and stood to pace. “I don’t acknowledge those ways. I’m not a part of it. If there are people around who still see it that way, that’s their problem. I live my life on my own terms.”
�
�I feel you, but some of them don’t agree.”
“What they think isn’t my concern.” He dropped back into the chair, his eyes glazed over. “I never wanted to go there or be among them.”
She dropped to her knees in front of him and took his hands in hers. “I’m sorry, Declan. I left without telling you because I thought you would try to stop me. Your business is yours until it affects me. You do understand that, don’t you?”
He didn’t answer right away. Seeing the haunted light in his eyes made her think there was far more to his story than he had shared. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him or make him relive something that was too painful. Yet, she felt unsure of how they could move forward.
“I want to tell you everything.” He pulled her up from the floor and stood with her, holding her in his arms.
Declan had always been the type to touch, to offer comfort with his hands and his words. He thought nothing of resting his cheek to hers, sitting close, holding hands or hugging. She had always found him unusual in that regard, but she welcomed it. If Declan couldn’t open his heart in words, he definitely reached out physically, and she loved him for it.
“You wouldn’t like me if you knew all of it.”
“I don’t believe that. I love you. You’re my best friend.”
He tipped her chin up and stroked her cheek. Chills raced over her skin, and desire stirred. She resisted such inappropriate feelings in the face of his struggle.
“You wouldn’t say that if…”
She laid fingers over his lips. “It’s okay. We’re making progress. Now I know you’re way out of my league, being royalty and all.”
“Nessa.” He groaned, and she chuckled.
“What? It’s true.”
“If anything, I’m a prince without an inheritance—dethroned. That is if there were a throne.”
“What do you mean?”
“Never mind.”
She no longer had the energy to question him. For the time being, having him here was enough, being in his embrace. She laid her head on his shoulder, absorbing the feel of his chest and breathing in his scent. Soon enough, he would let her go, and they would go back to the way things had to be.
“Nessa.”
“Hmm?”
“Look at me.”
His voice was so gentle it compelled her to look up. Before she could ask what he wanted, his lips descended on hers. For the first time since they had known each other, they kissed.
She didn’t question it or read into it. Parting her lips so he could take the kiss deeper, she pressed closer and wrapped her arms around his waist. Stretching up to her toes, she devoured him.
In her mind, she accused Roxie of wanting to eat Declan, but no one wanted him like she did. Love swelled in her chest, threatening to overwhelm her. She willed it to him through the kiss, praying he could tell how much she loved him.
His hold around her shoulders tightened. He slid a hand down her back and then moved to her hips to raise her off her feet. Their mouths came apart, but she sought him out again.
He carried her to the bed and laid her down, pausing to hover above her. She was lost in those beautiful silver eyes and never wanted to be found.
“Declan.” Her voice came out a hoarse whisper.
“I don’t…” he began. “I could back off.”
“No. Don’t do that.”
“What I mean is—”
“This is all there is in what we’re doing, right?”
He hesitated.
“You’re not looking to change our dynamic?” She lowered her lashes over her eyes. “Me either.”
Chapter 9
“What about this?” Janessa pulled one of the dresses off the rack and held it up to herself. Her sister flicked an eyebrow up at her.
“If you want Ma to harass you about showing off your goodies for the whole world to see, go ahead.”
“It’s a little low cut, but nothing you don’t see every day.”
“Nessa, we’re going to our parents’ anniversary party. We’re not here looking for clothes to wear to the club.”
“When did you get so mature?”
“Please.” Lachelle waved a hand and pulled out another dress that was a little more toned down but still sexy. “I know how to get crazy when I want to and rein it in so she doesn’t drive me crazy, if you know what I mean.”
Janessa laughed. “And yet you want to have a baby out of wedlock. Don’t you think she’ll lose it if she hears that?”
“She’s not going to hear it if I find the right candidate. She’ll learn about the baby after the fact. Then her head will be filled with images of her grandchild and how quickly she can spoil it.”
“Hmm.”
While her sister chatted on, Janessa’s mind wandered to the night she spent in the hotel with Declan. Making love with him was everything she dreamed it would be and more. And in the morning, when he suggested they return home, she agreed.
Since they came back, there wasn’t a repeat of their intimacy. Not even close. In fact, she wondered if he was seeing someone. He was far more closed-mouthed and often too busy to talk to her on the phone at night like he used to.
She wondered if he regretted their time together or if he didn’t enjoy himself. That couldn’t be right. She saw it in his face and the way he treasured her body as he pleased her. In the same way, his body responded to her every touch.
Maybe it was their first and last time in bed together, and she had to let it be enough. Unless she could let go of her own fears and convince him to get over his hang-ups. Should she? Things weren’t resolved as to his background, but Declan was the man he was today not yesterday. What happened in the past didn’t matter except for the way it affected his thoughts and actions in the present and future.
Lachelle snapped her fingers in front of Janessa’s face. “Are you in there? I’ve been asking you about these pants for years.”
Janessa smirked. “Years, huh?”
“Felt like it.” Lachelle tucked the pants back on the rack. “Forget them. What’s got you distracted?”
“Nothing.”
“Liar.”
“I’m not sure I should tell you, but honestly everything is so out of control, Lachelle. I don’t know what to do.”
“That’s what your baby sister is for.” Lachelle hugged her, grinning. “Wait, don’t tell me yet. Let’s put this on hold and go grab some pizza.”
“Pizza?”
“Girl, I’m hungry. I slept in this morning. I didn’t get up until the very last second and was barely dressed when you picked me up.”
“How will you squeeze a baby into your party life, Lachelle? You were out late last night, weren’t you?”
“I’m getting it in now so I won’t miss it later. Never mind me. Let’s get to you. Come on.”
They soon settled at a table in one of the mall pizza shops. The place was full with voices raised all around them and kids playing and running around. Janessa didn’t figure anyone would overhear her conversation.
“I slept with Declan,” she blurted.
Lachelle snorted. “I knew you guys weren’t just friends.”
“We were—are.”
“When can we expect wedding bells? Wait until Ma—”
“No, Lachelle. Let me tell you everything. You’re not going to believe it. I don’t believe it.”
She told Lachelle the entire story about Declan, especially the part about the skank that was all in Declan’s face and calling him a prince. Not sure how her sister would take it, she left out the stuff about shape shifters.
Janessa and Lachelle were close but not exactly confidants, not for the really serious stuff. Janessa had always felt the age gap between her and Lachelle, which was six years. Regardless, it seemed that sleeping with Declan, loving him as she did, had opened a floodgate of emotion she couldn’t stem. If she didn’t speak to someone, she would come apart.
“Wow,” Lachelle breathed. “Are you sure he wasn’t a p
art of some cult group that lock up women or keep them in floor-length dresses?”
Janessa rolled her eyes. “I asked him something similar. He says it wasn’t like that, and I believe him.”
“Hmm, I guess if you hadn’t known him as long as you have, I wouldn’t believe it. Still, you never know. I mean you didn’t know about the prince thing all this time.”
“You’re not making me feel better, Lachelle.”
“I’m the voice of reason.”
“Since when?”
“Shut up.” Her sister laughed and threw a wadded napkin at her.
Janessa worried over where she should go now and whether she should rethink her whole friendship with Declan. What if whatever else he was hiding from her was too much for her to handle? Not to mention the crazy shifter thing. Could she even deal with that? Lachelle seemed to guess where her thoughts took her.
“Look, you already know enough truth as far as I’m concerned. Your best friend has turned out to be emotionally broken because of a hard past. That’s the sexiest type of man out there. They’re sensitive. Maybe you don’t know all the details, but who cares. He’s the one who’s been by your side all this time and looking out for you. You slept with him. Your hooks are sunk deep.”
“Ouch, do you have to make it sound like he’s my prey?”
“Girl, a woman’s got to do what she has to do. As I was saying, you’ve stamped him.”
Janessa groaned.
“All that’s left is to convince him it’s not a bad thing to give in to a permanent relationship. He’ll be happier if he does.”
“God, you’re aggressive. I’m expecting any day now for you to bonk a guy over the head and tell him you’re having his baby like it or not.”
“Not a bad idea.”
“Lachelle, for real?”
“Kidding.”
Janessa couldn’t help feeling a little excited about what her sister advised. It was true that her life and Declan’s were so intertwined already and that the sex had taken it to another level. Even if they agreed nothing would change, there was no way the relationship wouldn’t evolve.
“Oh, about that guy watching your house, Nessa. I’m not convinced that has nothing to do with Declan and his issues. To be sure, I’m going down to the station where Byran worked and see what I can find out.”
Liar For Hire Page 5
