She had no idea the beast she was tempting.
The woman in her spoke to everything male in him. Primal, primitive. He wanted to mark her as his own. He wanted to throw her to the floor and bury himself so deep inside her that she’d never be free.
Caleb groaned inwardly. This woman would be the death of him.
He clutched her hips and held her flush against him. There would be no mistaking the erection he sported. Her sharp intake of breath brought a smile to his lips. Oh no, no mistaking it at all.
“Be careful, sugar. That ass of yours has tempted me for years, and if you keep that up, I’ll prove it to you. As for you going home with anyone other than me, you can forget it. You go with me, you leave with me.”
Her head snapped around. “Years?”
Caleb closed his eyes. Of course she’d latch onto that. He’d expected her to be indignant about his order that she only leave with him. He wasn’t about to get into his past attraction to her now.
“Just promise me you’ll behave.”
“Where are we going?” She wiggled her ass against him again.
“Damn it, Sam! You would test the patience of a saint.”
She turned in his arms, her expression curious. “That’s the first time you’ve called me Sam. And who’s the saint in this scenario? You? Do saints have massive erections in their pants?” She snorted with laughter and reached to cup him.
Caleb snatched her wrist just in time. If she’d made contact, it’d be all over. He’d shove her dress up and fuck her right her in the middle of the living room.
“Promise.” His demand sounded more like a request as her playful mood wore off on him.
“Fine, whatever.” She rose up and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before sneaking out of his arms.
She was excited about tonight, which made him a total jackass. She had no idea where they were going and why. If she did, the light in her eyes would be replaced by the intense glare of a woman on a mission.
Caleb wanted her eyes to sparkle and the melodic sound of her laughter in the air. Just because this night hadn’t been planned for her, didn’t mean he couldn’t make it special.
And God help him if she ever figured out the truth.
* * *
Caleb had brought her to one of Austin’s most elite events of the year.
Under normal circumstances, Samantha wouldn’t attend such a swanky affair. Too many cameras and reporters for her taste. Too many people who associated with her father, counted on his money for their investments, businesses, or political campaigns. Too many of the same questions.
Samantha thought they’d have given up by now, moved on to someone or something much more interesting than why she didn’t speak to her father anymore. What’s the point in dredging up the past? As long as he stayed out of her life, Sam stayed out of his. She preferred to keep a low profile, but with a name like Quinn, that was damned hard to do in these parts. Her lack of comment over the years only made them try harder.
Wolves in sheep’s clothing, every one of them. The media. The senators, wealthy oilmen, the few city officials that were scattered about. All drinking, clanking their glasses, and patting themselves on the back for their vast generosities. For an event that supported local artists, she’d have thought there might be at least one of the artists in attendance. So far, all she’d seen was stifling male arrogance in a sea of bling and fake breasts, enough to make her eyes ache.
The soft, sultry sounds of the grand piano wrapped around her as she strolled around the room. Tables were scattered about, each draped in a black table cloth, adorned with candles and colorful floral arrangements.
The lure of the botanical gardens drew her to the outer wall of windows. Tiny, white lights sparkled along the landscape. Pathways were illuminated by torches. The affect was magical, a temptation hard to resist.
She loved this place. Especially this time of year, when everything was colorful and new. Out of the ashes of winter came something precious and beautiful.
As a teenager, she’d spent hours wandering the paths, absorbing the serenity of the gardens and the beauty of the flowers in bloom. She’d been able to think here, clear the cobwebs that threatened to overtake her as she worked through one problem after another.
She gazed into the night, wondering if the gardens would still offer her the same clarity she’d found here before. As though the shrubbery would help her decide what to do about Caleb.
She loved him, but she wasn’t so naive as to think love could conquer all. So much stood between them—the biggest obstacle being while he might like her enough to sleep with her, he didn’t love her. Somewhere out there, her life waited. Caleb would expect her to get back to it.
At least they’d become friends, which was more than she could’ve hoped for. She’d dreamed of a time they could laugh and joke together. She’d have paid good money to get through one holiday dinner without him growling at her. Now, it seemed, the friendship she’d longed for was going to break her heart.
Be careful what you wish for, Sammie.
The reflection in the glass revealed Caleb was still where she’d left him—in a heated debate with the governor. Her mouth watered as she stared at Caleb’s handsome form. Dressed in neck-to-toe black, he looked every inch the rogue. Dangerous. Forbidden. Drop dead sexy.
His broad shoulders strained the bindings of his suit. His tie had made it to the truck before he’d mumbled a curse and pulled the thing from his neck. He’d unbuttoned the top two buttons, which showed off his tanned, muscle-lined neck and just a hint of what lay below.
Joe stood to Caleb’s left. The only difference between their attire was Joe’s silver shirt and tie. Amanda stood next to Joe. Her long, blonde curls and pink, strapless dress made her look like a princess.
They were good together. Last year, Samantha had suggested Amanda have a one-night stand to get her confidence back. She’d never expected Amanda would find her soul mate.
Warmth filled Samantha’s chest as Joe’s arm wrapped possessively around Amanda’s waist and pulled her closer to his side. Any man in the room would get the message. Amanda was his.
They shared a love beyond anything Samantha had witnessed. It gave her hope for the future. Amanda and Joe would have kids and raise them to be loving adults. The world needed more love like that.
Samantha might have felt a slight twinge of jealousy for what the two shared, but she was truly happy for Amanda.
Samantha had been glad to put their disagreement at lunch behind them. It seemed Amanda had too. Neither of them had been eager to dwell on it.
“Miss Quinn.” A deep, male voice drew her from her thoughts. “What a surprise to see you this evening. I dare say, I thought you preferred venues with sawdust on the floor.”
Vincent Matteo spoke with the same aristocratic accent that her father tried to emulate. Since Thomas Quinn was a native Texan, it only served to make him sound like a pompous idiot. At least Vincent had the New England roots to pull off the dialect. Still, his inflections gave her a chill.
Her heart pounded as she looked from Vincent’s reflection back to Caleb’s. As if he sensed her watching, Caleb’s concerned gaze met hers. She offered him a reassuring smile, realizing from his vantage point he couldn’t see her unwanted companion.
She had two choices. She could engage Vincent and goad him into doing or saying something stupid, or she could honor the deal she’d made with Caleb and let him handle it.
Caleb didn’t know Vincent was here, but that wouldn’t last long now that Vincent had found her. Caleb had made her promise not to wander out of his line of sight when she’d gotten restless. She’d rolled her eyes, but agreed, discovering she liked the idea that he’d be watching. Vincent had five, maybe ten, minutes before Caleb was at her side.
Okay, so she only had one choice.
Samantha never did anything half way. When she was in, she was full tilt, balls-to-the-wall, no holds barred in. And loving Caleb, whether he retur
ned her affection or not, meant she had to set aside her insecurities. He knew her deepest secret, knew what she’d been through, and she had to believe he wouldn’t betray her trust.
Besides, she wasn’t in any danger. Vincent didn’t get to his position in life by being stupid. He’d sought her out for a reason. No harm in hearing him out, right?
Samantha turned to Vincent. Even in her heels, she had to lift her chin to make eye contact. His eyes were cold, eerily dark and void of emotion. His thick, neatly trimmed eyebrows and black hair were sprinkled with gray. His face was lightly tanned and wrinkle-free. In his dark navy suit, he gave off the air of a distinguished gentleman.
Another wolf.
“Why, Mr. Matteo.” Samantha exaggerated her Southern drawl. “Have you been keeping tabs on me?”
“I make it my business to know all of my wife’s friends.” His statement sounded more like a warning.
“You’ve remarried? I hadn’t heard.”
Her dig missed its mark and Vincent smiled, setting her on edge. “I’ve never been divorced, Miss Quinn. You should know that better than anyone. Well, except myself and my darling wife, that is.”
Samantha didn’t like the way he stared at her. He was bluffing. He had to be, but she wouldn’t rest until she knew for sure. She’d sneak to the ladies room and call Carlotta just as soon as she could get away from this asshole.
His gaze traveled down her body. “Has someone been dipping into daddy’s money, my dear? I don’t understand a woman’s need to buy such outrageously expensive garments. Not to mention the shoes.” He glanced at her feet. “I don’t relish feeling the bite of those heels on my feet tonight, dear. Do be careful.”
Samantha gave him a sweet smile, the first indication of her rising temper. The insinuation she’d take anything from her father made her sick to her stomach. “With all due respect, Mr. Matteo, fuck off. Unless you’ve got a specific reason for this visit, I’ve endured your company enough for one evening.”
Rat bastard.
She pulled a glass from the tray of a passing server. What she wouldn’t give for a shot or two of her favorite cinnamon whiskey to calm her nerves. Unfortunately, her choices were wine or champagne, neither of which she cared much for. If Vincent wanted to feign outrage at something overpriced, he should start by yelling at the party planner about the wine. This was a fundraiser for chrissake. They were supposed to raise money, not spend it on fancy-schmancy food and drinks.
Another reason she’d usually shied away from this kind of thing.
Vincent raised an eyebrow. “You and I have a few things to discuss. Come, join me for a dance. I won’t keep you long.” His eyes cut toward Caleb. “I’d imagine our time together this evening is limited.”
“For the love of … give me one good reason why I should dance with you.” Worry for Carlotta and the mention of her father had her temper frayed to the thinnest of threads. One wrong move, one cross look, and she was going to blow.
“Please, dear. Let’s not make a scene. It’s bad for business.” Vincent held his hand out expectantly.
Pure curiosity forced her to set down her glass and place her hand in his. Sam grimaced when the cold, clammy flesh wrapped a little too tightly around her as he led her to the floor.
“I can’t imagine what business you think you have with me.”
She cast a glance at Caleb. Everyone in his group was talking at once. Knowing he was close, Samantha felt confident as she turned her attention back to Vincent.
“Let’s get one thing straight. If we were anywhere else, I’d be shoving my outrageously expensive pumps up that arrogant ass of yours.”
“You’ve got quite a mouth,” Vincent turned and yanked her close against his body. “Someone should really see to that.”
Samantha jerked from his grip and smoothed her hands down her dress. “It would take more man than you, I can promise you that.”
His cheeks mottled red at her insult. “And the man who accompanied you tonight—Caleb Martin, is it? Is he such a man?”
“He’s more man that you’ll ever hope to be.”
Vincent tilted his head, studying her. “Is that so? I suppose you also believe our meeting here is a coincidence.” Humor lightened his eyes. “Don’t fool yourself, Samantha. It’s unbecoming an intelligent woman such as yourself.”
Samantha bit the inside of her cheek, desperate to distract herself from the urge to knock that smug look right off his face. “You’re delusional. I had no idea you’d be here tonight. If I had, I may have changed my mind about attending.”
His smile grew. He grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor. “Yes, I’m sure you would have. Interestingly though, you say your gentleman is the better man, yet I’d guess you had no idea he secured tonight’s invitations using your name, your father’s name, instead of his own.”
He turned and bowed slightly before pulling her toward him. Samantha placed her hand on his shoulder and stared up at him as he started a slow waltz.
Her mind whirled. What was he talking about? Why would Caleb do such a thing and not mention it to her? Why would he do it at all?
“Be careful, Vincent. You’re dangerously close to sounding as if your interest in my affairs extends beyond casual curiosity. Tell me, where do you get your information?”
Vincent’s grip on her hand increased; pain shot through her palm and into her wrist. She bit the inside of her cheek, refusing to give him the satisfaction of crying out. She plastered a smile on her face for the benefit of anyone watching.
Tension radiated from him as he spoke next to her ear. “Do not waste your energy trying to intimidate me. I promise you, it will not work to your advantage. It seems your better man hasn’t told you everything. I wonder what else he’s hiding?”
Samantha’s temper flared, her mouth opening before she could stop it. “Go to hell.”
As if her outburst had been expected, Vincent smiled. “Come now, there is no need for all this hostility. I simply sought you out to assure you that I hold no ill feelings toward you, or your misguided notion about my relationship with my wife. I can forgive your accusations that I’d have some reason to harass you, as I can assure you, I have no such reason.”
Samantha’s feet stopped moving of their own accord. She needed to get in touch with Carlotta. Now.
She searched the crowd for Caleb. If he’d set this up without telling her, she’d kick his ass. Later. Right now, she could use an intervention.
The moment she captured his gaze he straightened, his defensive stance immediately drawing Joe’s attention. Joe glanced her way, and then leaned down to whisper in Amanda’s ear. Amanda tensed and nodded, then looked her way as well.
Interesting. None of them seemed surprised to see her with Vincent.
Chapter 15
Caleb closed the distance to Samantha within seconds.
Using more force than he’d intended, he jerked her from Vincent’s clutches. She swore and wobbled on her heels, her nails digging into his biceps for support. He placed a steadying hand at the small of her back and a low growl escaped his lips when she tried to move away.
He was so close to losing it.
Samantha was strong. Full of life. Fearless. Or, so Caleb had thought. Then, Vincent had come along and he’d gotten his first taste of what Samantha’s fear looked like.
He didn’t like it. Not one. Fucking. Bit. He’d like to give some of that fear back to the bastard—share the wealth.
Taking a deep breath, Caleb fought to steady his rapid heartbeat. He couldn’t let emotion cloud his judgment. He’d paved that road to hell before, and had the scars to prove it. He wouldn’t do it again.
Focus.
“What do you think you’re doing, Matteo?”
“Mr. Martin, I’ve been expecting you,” Vincent said.
Samantha’s muscles tensed under his hand. Caleb shifted her to his side and wrapped a protective arm around her waist—his need to reassure her as strong as his need to
feel the warmth of her body.
Vincent addressed her. “I see our dance has come to an end.” He reached as if to touch her and Caleb shot out an arm to cut him off.
“Don’t even think about it.”
Vincent’s lip curled into a knowing smirk and offered a polite nod instead. “Remember what I said. Things are not always as they seem.”
Samantha cast a quizzical glance at Vincent. “So you’ve said.”
Caleb wasn’t in the mood for these games. Damn it, he should’ve kept a closer eye on her. They’d checked the gardens and casually inquired with the guests. Caleb had been certain Vincent hadn’t arrived before them. He and Joe had been watching the entrances, not considering Vincent would slip in from another direction. Not that it mattered anymore.
Faced with what he’d hoped to avoid, Caleb gently cupped Samantha’s neck. Her pulse raced under his hands. He bent his knees slightly, using his thumbs to raise her chin until she looked at him.
“You okay, sweetheart? Did he say something to upset you?”
Her hands trembled as she brushed an errant curl from her eyes. She nodded slowly as she stared off to an unknown spot behind him. “Yes … no.” She shook her head as if trying to clear her thoughts. “I mean, yes, I’m fine.”
Caleb wasn’t so sure. Regardless, he wanted her away from Vincent. “Joe and Amanda are waiting for you. Give me a minute and we’ll get out of here, okay?”
She studied him for a long moment, as if trying to read his thoughts. Caleb knew that look. Her suspicions were actively creating scenarios and outcomes—suspicions that would bite him in the ass.
He should’ve just told her the truth, but old habits die hard. He’d rolled the dice and lost.
“Do what you need to do,” she said finally and pulled from his grasp. “Find me when you’re done,” she tossed over her shoulder as she walked away.
“What’s your game here?” Caleb demanded as he stepped in front of Vincent’s wandering gaze, blocking any attempt to stare at Samantha’s backside as she retreated.
Shadow of Sin (The Martin Family) Page 16
