When I start to walk away, her tone turned downright smug. “No one will believe you. All you’ve got is the word of a crazed killer who’s dead. You have nothing on me.”
I slowly turned back around, my smile confident. “Now the claws come out. I knew you couldn’t hide them forever. How quickly you forget that Hayes wasn’t the one you hired. Your liaison, who can easily identify you, is still out there. Give me a reason to find him. You do realize that’s what I do for a living, right? I protect people. As far as I’m concerned, my family needs protection from you.”
“They’re Blakes! I would never hurt a Blake,” she said as if that justified her actions.
I shook my head in a fast jerk. “No, Isabel, in our family, you’re the only one who’s not a Blake. Walk the straight and narrow or you’ll discover just how true that is.”
Hell yeah, I lied right to her face. I knew Hayes killed the man she hired, but I could tell by her suddenly wary expression she didn’t know that. I wasn’t above fighting dirty to protect my own. I’d do whatever it took.
“Why don’t you just go ahead and ruin me, since you seem intent on doing so,” she said, her eyes watering.
“The only reason I haven’t is for Mina. I don’t want to take her mother away from her. My brothers could handle finding out what you’ve done, but Mina...” My gaze narrowed. “I know better than anyone what it feels like to have my mother ripped away from me. I won’t do that to my little sister unless you force my hand. So don’t force it.”
Talia looks up from the grave, pulling me out of my musings. At first I think she sees me, but then she looks back down and puts her hand on the headstone. I see her lips moving and wonder what she’s saying. She still has moments where she keeps things to herself, moments like these. I understand them, but a part of me wishes she would share all her thoughts with me.
She stands and I straighten in my seat. When she turns and heads right for my car, I expel a low laugh. Of course she saw me. She notices everything. The price I pay for loving an overly observant person, otherwise known as a writer.
Cold wind whips in the car when she opens the door and sits down in the passenger seat. Her face is flushed from the brisk air as she turns her expressive eyes my way. It’s times like this when I wish I could see the gorgeous green color and not just rely on memory. Holding my gaze, her eyebrow hikes.
Well, shit. Yep, not liking the pinging.
“You know…” she begins as she pulls her gloves off and drops them in her lap. “I didn’t tell you where I was going for a reason.”
I shrug, unrepentant. “If you had told me, I could’ve waited at home for you.”
Talia sighs and attempts to fingercomb her windblown hair. “I’m fine, Sebastian. Really.”
“It’s been two weeks, Talia. Are you going to talk to your aunt?” I don’t want the woman back in Talia’s life, not after everything she did, but I do want Talia to have some closure. I think she needs that.
“Are you going to talk to Isabel?” she challenges.
“I have,” I say curtly. “Now it’s your turn.”
Her eyes widen. “You have? What did you say to her? What did she say?”
“I’ll tell you when we get home.”
As I start the car and pull out of the cemetery, Talia quietly says, “I don’t know what to say to Aunt Vanessa, Sebastian. I’m just…” She raises her hands and lowers them to her lap, her shoulders slumping.
I slide my hand in hers and fold our fingers together. “I understand how much she hurt you, but nothing is worse than limbo. If my father and I can finally have a conversation after this much time, I hope you can at least consider saying what needs to be said. Then you can move on, no matter what decision you make.”
A tear escapes and she quickly dashes it away. “It’s just so hard. She’s my only family.”
“You’re part of my family,” I say, rubbing my thumb over hers.
She smiles, her eyes lighting up. “I’d be a basket case right now if you weren’t in my life.”
I release her hand and trail my knuckles and thumb down her cheek, telling her without words that I love and support her. After I’ve turned several streets, she looks around and frowns. “Where are we going? This isn’t the way home.”
“You’ll see.”
“Wherever it is, remember I have to be back by six for girls’ night out. Mina and Cass will shoot me if I’m late.”
I grunt. “My sister has informed me twice about your schedule.”
As I parallel park in front of a small bookstore with new and used books displayed in its front window, Talia smiles. “Ooh, I’ve never been to this store before.” She’s out of the car before I can come around and open the door for her. I quickly grab her hand just as she steps onto the sidewalk and turns toward the door.
“Wait, Talia.”
“What?” She glances back at me, excitement brimming in her eyes. “Your bookshelves are too empty. I’ll bet there are some classics in there.”
I nod toward the window. “Do you recognize anyone inside?”
She peers through the window and looks at an older woman talking to a man behind a register. “Isn’t that the man from my book signing?” she asks, her teeth starting to chatter. “The one who brought all my books to sign?”
I fold our clasped hands and blow on them to warm her. “It is. I had Kenneth McAdams checked out after the signing. I was worried he might be a threat, because he was so into your books. He cleared, but then after your aunt’s confession, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was anything else she hadn’t told you. I pulled some strings and got a copy of your birth certificate. It doesn’t match the one you used to get into college.”
Talia squeezes my hand as the old woman walks out of the store. “What are you saying?”
“Do most people ask you to sign your books to their full name?”
When she shakes her head, I nod to indicate the man who’s now carrying a basket of books toward a bookshelf. “He’s your father, Talia. His name was listed on your real birth certificate. Maybe the circumstances of how he left aren’t exactly how your aunt described either.” I shrug. “Maybe they are, but either way, you two have something in common—your love of stories. It’s a place to start.”
My heart thumps and I wonder what’s going on in her mind as she turns and stares into the store window. All I know is…I love seeing the look of hope bloom in her eyes as she tracks his movements.
“Why don’t you go in and talk to him.” I lean over and open the door for her. “I’ll wait out here for you.”
Once she walks in, I watch Talia call out and wave to catch his attention, then exhale on a chuckle when he turns and drops the basket of books on the floor. As Talia rushes to help him with the spilled books, I smile and slide my hands in my coat pockets, hoping that maybe over time she can get her family back. It might not be the one she started with, but family is still family, and we all want to know we belong.
This day has ended on the best note. After visiting my mother’s grave for the first time and telling her how sorry I was that I never got to know her, I met my father and made plans to have dinner with him next week. And now I’m celebrating with the girls as I tap the salted rim of my margarita glass to Mina’s and then Cass’. “To Fridays and happy hour!”
“TGIF,” Mina says, then takes a sip of her drink. “So good. Man, I’ve missed this.”
I smile as I watch her chat with Cass about my roommate’s photography career. I knew these two would hit it off. Before I came tonight, Sebastian told me the conversation he had with Isabel. My heart aches as I look at his sister. She has no idea the sacrifice Sebastian is making for her, but at least she appreciates him dearly for everything she is aware of.
It’s a tough call—deciding not to tell his father over Mina’s happiness.
The truth may eventually be revealed over time if he and his father grow closer, but all I know is, the knowledge that Sebastian is choosing other
s’ happiness over his own makes me love him that much more.
When my purse buzzes in my lap, I pull out my phone.
“No men tonight,” Cass says, wrinkling her nose like the whole gender is the devil incarnate.
“If it’s my brother, he won’t stop until she at least acknowledges him,” Mina says, snorting.
Cass heaves an exaggerated sigh, waving permission. “Fine. Appease the man who adores you, then cut him off.”
Snickering at the two of them, I read Sebastian’s text.
PainInMyAss: Are you ever going to change my contact info?
Me: It’s perfect just the way it is.
PainInMyAss: While I admit to an endless fascination with that gorgeous ass of yours, something more personal perhaps.
Me: Maybe it should be PantyThief? Found your Talia stash today!
Even though I’m teasing him, I cried when I ran across them in a bureau drawer. He had kept every pair.
PainInMyAss: Those are Talia Trophies; hard earned and worth all that sweat. Of course I kept them.
I grin and while I’m changing his contact info, he sends a text with ideas for his new contact name.
Snorting at his outlandish suggestions, I send him a screen shot with his new name.
Me: Happy?
RainbowMaster: Exceedingly. How long does GNO last?
Me: Until it’s over.
RainbowMaster: Expect to be kidnapped after four hours.
Me: What happened to that infamous control, Mister Black?
RainbowMaster: I met you, Miss Red.
“Wha—what are you doing?” I mumble as Sebastian slides a soft sleep mask over my eyes, then lifts me out of bed. I’m still slightly drunk from the night out with the girls. Is it morning already? It feels like I just fell asleep.
“Shhh, go back to sleep.”
“The mask is a nice touch,” I snicker tiredly.
“You’ll see when we get there.”
“Ooh, where are we going?” I ask, my mind rousing a little at the idea of a trip.
“Don’t you dare wake up, not yet,” he says, his tone crisp. “And if you do, the mask stays on. Got it?”
As the elevator starts to descend, I salute him. “Yes, sir.”
“Smartass.”
I hear the smirk in his comment. “That’s me.” I start to grin but end up yawning, which makes him laugh outright.
I’m shivering by the time he sets me in the leather car seat. I welcome the warm blanket he quickly tucks around me, followed by a seat belt.
“I hope you packed everything. My purse?” I’m itching to take off my mask, but I don’t want to spoil his surprise.
“I’ve got it all covered.” The car dips as he gets in and shuts the door. He presses a kiss to my forehead and orders gruffly, “Go back to sleep, Little Red.”
The heaviness of sleep quickly rolls over me as the car begins to move, which makes me think he really did wake me not long after I fell asleep. Sneaky man.
Sebastian’s hand slides up my thigh bringing me fully awake. I’m lying on my back on something soft, my arms above my head. It feels like a bed. Did he bring me to my apartment? What other places could he just walk into carrying a masked sleeping woman without getting arrested? I start to pull off the mask, but soft bindings tighten around my wrists.
Just as I tug, he pushes my thighs apart and slides his tongue leisurely along my folds all the way up to my clit.
I instantly buck and gasp, surprised that he goes right for my most sensitive area so quickly. “Good morning?” I ask, intrigued.
“That it is,” he rumbles against my body, then moves his mouth to my inner thigh, pressing light kisses along it. “I’ve been thinking about ripples.”
“Ripples?” I arch my back, hoping he’ll kiss my sex just like that again. His mouth feels good, so warm and so very talented.
“Mmm, hmmm,” he says, his thumbs parting my sensitive skin.
I swear I can feel the heated burn of his piercing blue gaze inspecting me, wondering which place to hit next. He rests his hands on my hips and places a tender kiss just above my hairline. My stomach flexes and I feel moisture sliding south, preparing for him to nip and kiss and generally drive me crazy.
“If you hadn’t stumbled into my life that night all those years ago, I wouldn’t have given you that watch and may never have gone to live with my uncle. Having his positive support at such a critical time in my life shaped who I became. That’s one of the many reasons I love you, Talia.”
Before I can respond, he goes straight for my clit with fierce intensity that has me tugging hard on my bindings. I want to say something, but I’m too busy panting and pushing closer to his mouth to say a word.
“Seb—Sebastian, stop. I can’t speak.”
When he lifts his head and kisses my other thigh, I gulp in air. “If you hadn’t given me that watch, I don’t know if I would’ve had the strength to keep looking forward. That night with you at the masked party was so unexpected, but I cherished it so much. I still do.”
“The kind of memory to last a lifetime,” he says, then moves up my body to kiss my breast.
I whimper when he sucks a nipple into his mouth and nips at it. I squirm against my bonds, wanting to touch him, while loving that I don’t know where his mouth will land on me next.
He kisses my throat at the same time that he slides two fingers inside me. When I moan and arch against him, he whispers in my ear, “I held onto that night, Talia. The pureness of it helped me when I thought I’d lose my fucking mind in a mostly colorless world.”
“Then why didn’t you do something when you found me, damn it!” I say, frustrated by his confession.
Withdrawing his hand, he lifts my thigh and my tears soak into the mask as he slowly slides inside me. I love it. I love the way we feel together.
“Every time, Talia,” he rasps. “I just can’t believe how good.”
“Why, Sebastian?”
He lowers the full weight of his body over mine, sliding as deep as he can go. “When I saw proof that you were engaged, I thought you were happy. I was still fucked up, not sure if or when all the color would leave my sight. I didn’t want to screw you up right along with me.”
“I hate that you made that decision for me. I hate—”
Sebastian kisses me, cutting off my anger. I welcome his mouth on mine, the thrust of his tongue showing me how much he loves me. I tug on the bindings and feel them suddenly slacken.
With a sob, I pull my hands free of the bindings and wrap my arms around his broad shoulders, kissing him with pent up frustration, sadness, and happiness. “I love you, Sebastian. I’ve loved you all my life.”
He clasps my face, his mouth barely touching mine. “I know that now, Talia,” he starts to say, then slides the mask off. “That’s why I brought you here.”
I blink until my vision comes back into focus. When I see a familiar set of windows, my gaze flies around the sparsely decorated room. It’s his old bedroom at the Hamptons house. The one Isabel sold. “How…did you do this? Did you rent the house?”
He slowly shakes his head. “It’s mine. Something special happened here and I wasn’t about to let someone else own this place.”
“You really bought it?”
He holds my gaze with a steady one. “I had a third party take care of it for me. Not even Mina knows I own it.”
“She’s going to be so excited!” I laugh happily and squeeze his neck, planting kisses along his jaw.
Sebastian grins and rolls his hips, hitting places that make me arch and moan. “I had a decorator take care of it, but whatever you don’t like we’ll switch out. For now…this weekend, we’re going to christen every room in this monstrosity.”
I lift my legs around his hips and smile. “How about we start with this one? I have a feeling it’ll always be my favorite room in the house.”
Sebastian pulls out, then thrusts deep inside me, and when I slide my fingers in his hair, he lowers his h
ead close to mine, his voice husky with want in my ear. “I think you know now that I made love to you that night, Talia. You were special from the very beginning and you always will be.”
My heart is brimming with love for him. I kiss his throat and tease, “I think I need a repeat performance. You know, just to be sure you were actually making love to me.”
With a dark chuckle, he grips my thighs. Lifting them high along his sides, he begins to rock against me, a sexy smirk tilting his lips. “Are you sure you can rise to the challenge, Miss Red? Who do you think will last longer?”
He’s hitting me just right and making me want to howl. Shivers of delight race along my body; it’s taking everything not to lose it instantly. I rake my nails down his back and revel in the lustful hunger that flashes in his gorgeous eyes. “Who do you think, Mister Black? Life with you is like Kegels on steroids.” I flex my inner muscles as he starts to pull out and smile when he pauses and expels a harsh groan. “I’m a fighter, remember? Give me all you’ve got.”
Sebastian pulls out of me completely, a dangerous smile on his face. “Oh, it’s on, sweetheart.”
Before I can form a comeback, I’m on my stomach with my arms stretched over my head. Clasping my wrists with one hand, Sebastian’s warmth surrounds me, his voice seductive velvet in my ear. “Raise that sweet ass of yours. Now.”
I consider challenging him, but I’m intrigued so I hold my breath and lift my pelvis, waiting as he shoves a folded pillow under my hips.
“Spread your legs, Talia,” he says as his knee nudges mine apart.
I’m already panting as I comply. His deep voice just hits all the right notes for me.
Sebastian whispers all the ways he’s going to make me come as he slides inside me, but it’s the position that brings my body humming to life. Every time he pulls out and then eases back inside, his slow, unhurried motion sliding deep hits right on my g-spot.
Blackest Red Page 27
