“Are you feeling all right?” I asked, holding my hand to his forehead as if testing his temperature.
He popped the disc into the player. “Should I go back to being an asshole? I’m very good at that.”
“You’re going to have a hard time selling me on that one, Princess,” I said, eliciting his knee-jerk shake of the head.
“You ready?” he asked, seeming almost as excited as I felt. I loved this animated side of him, and I was bound and determined to figure out how to keep him that way most of the time.
“Let’s go.” I fist-pumped the air, making him laugh as he backed out. “Goodbye, Queenstown. But not forever.” I waved to the lake and the town as we passed through, resuming our journey.
It was mid-afternoon when I saw it: my mountain, up ahead in all its glory. The sky was overcast, but it didn’t ruin the view. I grabbed the picture from my purse, unfolded it, and held it up to the windshield. A perfect match.
“Stop the car,” I commanded and then added, “Please.”
Daniel pulled over, and I leapt out, rushing around to the front of the car. I clicked picture after picture while Daniel leaned against the hood, one leg crossed in front of the other, his aviator sunglasses shielding his eyes.
“It’s magnificent. So much better in person,” I said. “Will you take my picture, please?” I held out the camera and he took it, our fingers brushing during the exchange.
I posed, and he played photographer. “Take off your sunglasses,” he said.
I flagged down an approaching car, and it rolled to a stop behind us. A man in jeans, a T-shirt, and a baseball cap climbed out.
“You having a bit of car trouble?” he asked, appearing friendly enough.
“I’m sorry to trouble you, but would you mind taking our picture?” I gave him my super bright smile, and he beamed back.
“Sure. You two on holiday?”
“We are. Thanks so much for doing this,” I said, taking Daniel’s sunglasses off. He slipped an arm around me, and I leaned into him, sneaking my arm around his waist.
“On three,” the stranger said, holding up his fingers as he counted. He took several pictures, and on the last shot, Daniel kissed my cheek, making me laugh with delight.
The stranger went on his way, and I climbed up on the hood of the car, letting my feet dangle off the front. “Mind if we stay a while?” I asked.
“This is what we came for, right?”
The front end of the car dipped when he joined me, our knees touching as we took it in. I couldn’t believe it. There were thousands of mountains all over the Earth, and this one probably wasn’t even the most spectacular, but I was in awe. It was my mountain. I was grateful to be in its presence. I’d looked at that picture day after day for so long that actually being here in the flesh was just surreal.
“Thank you.” I didn’t take my eyes away from the snow-capped peak. My hand found its way to Daniel’s thigh.
“You’re welcome.” He placed his hand on top of mine.
“Not just for this.” I motioned at the mountain. “But for all of it. I—I—” I glanced at our joined hands. “This means so much to me. Being here. What you’ve done…I won’t forget that, Daniel.”
“I did this for you, but I think I’m the one getting the most out of it.” He squeezed my hand.
Time seemed to freeze as we sat there, soaking in the moment, reflecting on something that was bigger than both of us. I felt small, like I’d somehow been lucky enough to get a spot, no matter how long or short, on this planet we called home. Even if I accomplished everything I set out to do in life, it wouldn’t compare to this.
“I’m ready,” I said, hopping down off of the car, feeling somehow cleansed.
When he was on the ground next to me, I jumped him and he caught me, my limbs going around his neck and waist. His mouth on mine sent a jolt rocketing through me so I felt it in my toes. We groaned at the same time, and I dove my hands into his hair, tugging while holding him in place.
Daniel slipped his tongue in my mouth, the sparring between us no longer verbal, but physical, as if our mouths had been waiting for this chance since we’d met. A car blared its horn as it passed, but I was lost. Daniel captured my mouth like it belonged to him, explored it as if he’d never have another chance. I was so hot, my body a flame that burned just for him. I wanted to mark every inch of him. I’d never wanted anyone to be mine, and I certainly hadn’t wanted to belong to anyone. I’d had no idea feelings like this could be conveyed through a kiss. When we finally broke for air, we looked at one another.
“Fucking hell,” he murmured in wonder, looking as dazed as I felt.
And then I wanted his mouth once more, another taste of the raw passion between us. Sweet Mother Mary of all things holy—now I completely understood addiction, obsession, and sheer madness. He made me feel all those things with that gorgeous mouth. I licked, nipped, and grazed, out of control and powerless to stop. Daniel used his tongue and teeth expertly, eliciting sounds from me I’d have sworn were made by someone else. I bit his lower lip and he groaned, didn’t hold back or try to play it cool.
“If I had known this is what that mountain would do to you, we’d have flown straight here,” Daniel said against my lips.
“It has nothing to do with the mountain.”
I was telling the truth. He did this to me. I wasn’t going to deny it.
“Kiss me like that again, and I won’t be held responsible for what I do after that,” he warned, eyes sparkling with wicked delight.
“You’ll definitely be to blame. And I’ll kiss you like that whenever I fucking want to.”
“Well, I look forward to it.”
“I bet you do.” Tenderly, I pressed my lips to his forehead. “We can go now.”
“What if I’m not ready?”
“Then we can stay.”
“What’s happened to you? You’re more compliant,” he teased, lifting me.
I wrapped my legs around his waist. “I’m very easygoing when I want to be.” I dipped my head toward his for another kiss, his lips too hard to resist. He pulled back, out of reach.
“Is there something I can do for you, Vivian?”
He was sexy as fuck when he was playful. I wanted to lick him all over. “Stop talking and kiss me.”
I made another attempt, but he was too quick.
“I could, but what would I get out of that?” he asked.
“A lot more than I would,” I sassed.
And damn him, if he didn’t laugh. And damn me, if I didn’t join in. “Damn it, V. You’ve always got a point.” V. He’d called me V. My heart stopped for a beat, and I felt something I was desperate to hang onto.
This time, Daniel instigated the meeting of our mouths, and it was different from before. No less impassioned, maybe more so, but the desperation had worn off, and he took his time, savoring me. I let him do as he pleased. It felt too good not to. I writhed against him for any kind of friction, and he hissed when I brushed his erection. He ripped his lips off of mine, an almost pained sound coming from him. He rested his forehead against mine as we panted, breathless.
“Vivian.”
I loved the sound of my name on his lips. It was a declaration of reverence.
“We need to go, or we’ll be spending Christmas Eve on the side of the road.”
“I don’t care.” And I didn’t.
He smiled, and I tightened my grip on him. “I think we can do better than this.”
“Well, it’s going to be pretty damn difficult to top,” I declared.
“I’m up for it.” His brow creased. “I’ve outdone myself on this first date. What the hell am I going to do for an encore?”
“Are you asking me out again?”
“I am.”
“You could put me in charge,” I suggested.
“Are you agreeing to another date?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll let you handle our hundredth date.”
“Why hu
ndredth?” I gave him a quizzical look.
“Figure you’d at least stick around that long just so you could have your way.”
“I’ll have my way regardless.”
“You sure about that, Princess?”
“Positive.” He carried me to the Land Rover and deposited me inside. “One hundred dates is an awful lot.”
“I didn’t think it sounded like near enough,” Daniel said. He slipped on his sunglasses and fired up the engine, turning up the volume on Madonna. I looked at him like he’d been invaded by aliens, and then I settled back in my seat.
“The third date is mine,” I said once we were back on the road.
“Are you asking me out?” he asked, and I wished I could see his eyes behind the lenses of his aviators.
“I am,” I confirmed.
“Getting a little ahead of ourselves, aren’t we? Shouldn’t we see how the second date goes?”
“This, from the man who’s already counting on a hundred? You know, if all our dates last over two weeks, we’re talking about years?”
“I’m perfectly aware of that,” he replied haughtily.
“So you’re agreeing to a third date?”
“Yup.” He paused. “Actually, I’m agreeing to ninety-nine more.”
“Eyes on the road, Princess.” I pointed out the windshield. “So what happens after one hundred?” I tried not to sound too anxious. We were on the ninth day of our first date, and I was getting ahead of myself, but I wanted to know.
“Unless I absolutely hate where you take me, I guess we’ll go for one hundred and one,” he replied easily, and I let out a sigh of relief. I halfway expected him to say that was all he was going to give me.
“You’ll love it, whatever we do,” I told him. “And stop trying to play it cool. You already want infinite dates with me.” He didn’t deny it.
“Vivian.” My stomach dipped when his hand found my thigh. “I’m not the only one.”
“I’m sure you’re not. There are probably thousands of people who would love to have me for infinity.”
I couldn’t see his eyes behind the sunglasses, but I didn’t need to know he’d just rolled them. “You want me for infinity,” he clarified, as if I didn’t already know what he meant.
“Guess we’ll have to see about that.”
Chapter Thirty
Daniel
Present
“Agent Alvarez. Thank you for meeting me.” I thrust my hand out to Donato’s contact in the FBI, assessing as we shook. He had a few years on me, the lines around his mouth indicating he was very likely a smoker. The ones around his eyes were deep set, evidence of the things he’d seen that no amount of booze, painkillers, or time could erase.
“You certainly got my attention with your phone call.” He unbuttoned his black suit coat and slipped his hands into his pockets.
“Mind if we walk?” I’d chosen Rockefeller Park instead of a restaurant or the apartment because I needed the air. And Vivian loved it here. Somehow she gave me strength even when we were apart.
“I could use the fresh air.” He lifted a shoulder. “Well, outside air,” he amended.
I was supposed to crack a smile, but couldn’t find it in me. Instead, I wandered along the Hudson, hands in my suit pockets mirroring the agent. I took in my surroundings as I walked. A ferry glided across the water. Buildings stretched high above, kissing the sky. Fall wind caressed the trees, leaves raining to the grass. A couple jogged past, their pace in step as they weaved around us.
Agent Alvarez waited for me to speak, seemingly content to match my strides for as long as I wanted. I reminded myself that Donato trusted him, so I’d have to as well. This decision was easy, and yet I was stalling. I could make up a reason for why I’d phoned him and then go get Vivian. Pretend it was out of my hands.
Except that wasn’t who I was. It wasn’t the man she expected me to be. And with all the shit with Vinny, maybe this was another way to protect her.
“Donato didn’t murder my father,” I said evenly without slowing my steps. I turned to face Agent Alvarez, our eyes meeting. “I did.”
I had to give the man credit. Only one brow slightly lifted in surprise before his expression turned neutral. “Daniel, before you say anything else, I want to be sure you know the penalty for this can be life without parole.”
“Did you know my father spent all of my mother’s money? That he treated her like shit, and she never once complained?” I looked out at the river, picturing my mother’s smile. “She passed away when I was young. Then there was no one to protect me from him.”
These were things I didn’t discuss, but he needed motive, and I was going to give him plenty.
“None of that means you killed him,” he pointed out.
I ignored him and went on. “Did you also know that when I was fifteen he sold me out to Francisco Angelone?”
I waited for him to answer with a level stare. He shook his head. “No. I wasn’t aware.”
“He always looked out for number one. And the fucker never stopped until the day he died.”
“A lot of people hate their father without killing him.”
My brow creased. If I didn’t know better, I’d think the guy was trying to give me a way out. “Get out your recorder or a notepad. This is my confession.” I looked at him directly in the eyes. “I killed my father.”
Agent Alvarez made no move; we just kept walking as I detailed what happened that day as I’d rehearsed it in my head a thousand times. The last thing I needed to do was say too much.
Finally, the man stopped. He pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and tapped one out, offering it to me. I declined, and he lit up. He took a long drag and tilted his head toward the sky, blowing out a long stream of smoke.
“He protects you. And you’d do anything to protect him.” We weren’t talking about my father anymore.
“Do you have kids, Agent Alvarez?” I leaned against the railing that ran along the path, and he joined me.
“Three. A girl and two boys.”
The smoke wafted toward me, stinging my nostrils. We should have met at a bar. I needed a stiff drink right about now.
“Is there anything you wouldn’t do for them?” I asked pointedly.
“Not a damn thing.”
I wrapped my fingers around the thick metal railing that was cool to the touch. “Until I was fifteen, I had no idea what that was like. Really until later if I’m being honest. It took me quite some time to realize that all fathers are not monsters.”
“You’re doing this with or without me,” he concluded.
“Justice needs to be served. I can’t let you put an innocent man away for my crime,” I said smoothly.
He sniffed, a corner of his mouth lifting. “Donato? Innocent?”
“He is in this matter.”
“Then I guess this is where I take you in.” With one last drag, he flicked the cigarette to the sidewalk and ground it out with his shoe. He pointed his chin in the direction of the city.
“Isn’t this the part where you read me my rights and cuff me?” I asked wryly as I pushed off the railing.
“I’ll do it in the car. And I won’t cuff you until we get to the station. Somehow, I don’t think you’re a flight risk.”
We pulled into an underground garage, and I regretted not taking one last breath of fresh air in the park. It hit me that I didn’t know when I’d see the outside world again. Until I was certain that Donato was cleared of my father’s murder, I wouldn’t try too hard to get out. In fact, I’d do all I could to stay in.
Agent Alvarez doubted me, but I had to trust that he’d go with it. I had the motive. More motive than anyone else. That was going to have to do until I found some concrete evidence to point in my direction. I’d been working on it, but with a crime that happened so long ago, definitive proof didn’t come easy.
I stood tall as we ascended. Alvarez loosely handcuffed me, and I followed him out of the elevator onto the sixth f
loor lobby, which was all gray. Gray walls. Gray carpet. Gray ceiling. All in varying shades. The hallway and the holding room in which I was placed were no different.
Alvarez shifted the cuffs so that they were in front of me. They were frigid against my skin, as if none of my warmth had seeped into the metal. I tested the resistance. Being restrained made me itch to be loose. How had Vivian tolerated my ties, my belt, her stockings wrapped around her wrists? She relaxed in my binds, but this was nothing like that.
Agent Alvarez left me on my own, and I sank into the cold metal chair. The feet scraped against the laminate floor, and the sound echoed through the room. I tested the resistance of the cuffs again, the links between them clanking as I pulled. Panic began to build.
I inhaled the stale air, attempting to steady my nerves. This was what must be done, I told myself over and over. I couldn’t let another man pay my penance…especially not Donato. Not after everything he’d done for me.
My phone vibrated against my chest from the inside pocket of my suit jacket. If I wanted, I could answer, but whoever it was would have to wait. I needed to concentrate on what was at hand. Forget about the outside world.
What if it’s Vivian? Or Muriella?
I lifted my hands and awkwardly fumbled for the now still phone. It took me four tries to get it out, and once I saw it was only Donato, I regretted my wasted effort. I dropped the phone on the steel table and sagged in my chair.
My foot tapped a restless rhythm on the floor. What if Vivian or Muriella needed me though? I hadn’t expected to be taken in on the spot. “Goddammit.”
“Already regretting your choice?” Agent Alvarez filed in with another man in a dark suit, both of them wearing skinny ties. His demeanor had shifted. When we’d been alone, he had almost felt trustworthy. Almost. Now, he appeared smug and completely unsympathetic. Like I was a murderer.
“There was no choice,” I said, picking up my phone and spinning it in my hand.
“I’ll be needing that.” He pointed his chin at the cell phone, but didn’t take it. “This is Agent Sampson.”
It's Not Over (Paths To Love Book 1) Page 21
