‘I thought you said you were expelled because of joyriding.’
His grin was lopsided. ‘That too.’
She coughed out a laugh. ‘Did this Carter White own a bag of fairy dust? How did he manage to turn such a wayward kid around?’
‘With a chronically slow and steady approach.’ Much like the technique Libby used on his shoulder, come to think of it. ‘He had me work on cars and motorbikes for months before he let me drive or ride. At first I thought he was doing it simply to annoy me, but it didn’t take long before I learned a deep appreciation for the way engines worked, the way bodies were put together. I learned to admire their beauty and power. After five years as a team, I thanked him and took off to pursue the bright lights.’
‘Just like that?’
Her brows knitted … as if she thought he ought to have stayed?
‘It was with his blessing,’ Alex pointed out. Carter had wanted his protégé to advance as much as Alex had needed to move on. ‘He gave me a memento of our time together and to remember the faith he’d put in me. He made the medal himself. It has a big number one plunging through its centre.’ Anyone who cared to read up on Alex Wolfe knew about the significance of that piece. ‘Whenever and wherever I race, I carry that medal for good luck’. Ironic that after Annabelle’s last message he’d forgotten to slip it into his suit before his crash. He’d never forget it again.
‘It means a great deal to you.’
Understatement. ‘That chunk of metal means more than all the cups and trophies I could acquire in a lifetime of championships.’
It represented not only everything he’d gained but everything he’d left behind and never wanted to visit again. Carter had told him to pass it on when he didn’t need it anymore. To give it to someone who did. Hell, he’d rather cut out his own heart.
He could never give it up, just as he could never give up racing.
‘When did you see him last?’ she asked.
And Alex’s breath caught in his chest. He couldn’t remember the last time. He glossed over it.
‘We keep in touch.’
‘By email?’
He thought about it and nodded. ‘Usually.’
Her gaze probed his as if she wanted to dig more but then she carried on with her earlier thread.
‘They say you’re fearless on the track. That there’s never been a more focused champion.’
With a jaded grin, he gestured for the bill. ‘Guess the press are good for something.’
‘Did the other Wolfe children go off the rails before making good?’
God knows they’d all had their moments. ‘The second eldest, Lucas, was always a handful. He never knew his mother. Never even knew her name. He was dropped on the Wolfe Manor doorstep when he was a newborn.’ He squashed a spike of unease. Poor bastard. ‘Our father took a particular dislike to him. Can’t blame Luc for growing up to like women and booze a bit too much. But in her most recent email Annabelle said our shameless playboy sibling has found true love.’ His grin was warm. ‘Difficult to believe. She must be an exceptional girl.’
Alex’s thoughts again turned to the woman sitting across from him. Seemed he’d met an exceptional woman too. Not that he was after marriage. Time, lifestyle, an unhappy childhood without parents … there were a hundred reasons to remain single. Where women were concerned, he was careful not to insinuate anything else. He had never and would never promise what he couldn’t deliver. Not like the jerk who’d let Libby down.
‘What about Jacob?’ she asked. ‘Didn’t you won der about him after he walked out and never came back?’
‘He … had a lot weighing on his mind.’
She cocked her head as if trying to read his expression. ‘Sounds as if you all had terrible things to reconcile.’
‘Jacob perhaps more than any of us.’
Alex’s back teeth ground together. He’d like to be completely honest but he didn’t discuss that particular episode of his life. Still, sitting here with Libby now …
For the first time in his life Alex felt an urge to open up.
‘A year before Jacob left there was … an incident,’ he said. ‘Charges were laid.’
Her face paled. ‘Serious charges?’
The waiter left the bill. Alex scrawled his signature and set the pen down. ‘Want to walk for a while?’
She scraped back her chair. ‘Love to.’
Five minutes later, they were strolling along the esplanade, the road on one side and the tumbling surf on the other. He wound his arm around her waist, then, looking out over the glittering blue-green waves, asked, ‘You okay with this?’ Being so close to the water?
With the breeze combing through her flaxen hair, she nodded. ‘I often walk along here. Just haven’t managed to get any sand between my toes lately.’ She snuggled up against his arm. ‘But we were talking about Jacob.’
Alex focused and suddenly all those old fettered memories strained to break free, pinpricks of murky light struggling through tears in a dark smelly rag. Looking back he didn’t know how he’d ever lived through those tragic years. How any of the Wolfe children had. But that was the secret, he supposed. Even with storms of brutality and madness and death swirling all around, the Wolfe kids had remained individual and strong—he grinned to himself—like bamboo.
‘My father had a foul temper,’ he began, looking out over today’s thunderous waves crashing on the shore, ‘which was a hundred times worse when he drank. And he drank often. We all suffered at his hand. All but one. Then one night—’
He bit off the rest. He didn’t need to go there.
Libby jumped to her own conclusion. ‘Alex, your father didn’t kill anyone?’
‘He might as well have.’
‘Who?’
Alex’s gut wrenched. Even now those memories left him stone-cold. He blew out a long steadying breath and grated out the words he’d never wanted to utter.
‘He assaulted my sister.’
Libby’s heels dug into the pavement as her face filled first with anger, then with pain.
‘Annabelle? ‘
‘He’d been out riding all day. Drinking most of it too. When Annabelle came home he said she wasn’t dressed appropriately.’
Alex remembered the micro mini, skyscraper heels and carefully applied makeup Annabelle had worn that night. She hadn’t looked like a fourteen-year-old. She’d looked more like a woman who knew precisely what was what. Truth was that Annabelle was an innocent. Or had been until that evening when innocence had been destroyed forever.
‘Our father railed at her, then pulled out his riding crop….’
Closing his eyes, Alex tried to shut out the scene he’d heard about second-hand. He couldn’t bring himself to say the words. To face the shame. His father’s or his own.
Libby had covered her mouth but her gasp escaped. ‘That poor girl.’
Alex studied her face. Libby had no idea that the revulsion she felt was as much his to bear as his father’s. Of all his siblings, he loved Annabelle best and yet he’d let her down, fobbed her off, when he should have been there to look out for her. Thank God Jacob came home when he did.
‘Jacob tried to protect her and pushed William away,’ he went on, his pace down to a crawl now. ‘My father staggered back and struck his head on the corner of the staircase. He died instantly.’
‘But surely it was self-defence.’
‘The jury acquitted my brother of all charges. But the weight of what he’d done ate away at Jacob.’
It sure as hell had eaten away at him.
Her gaze filled with sympathy and support, Libby stopped and held his gaze. ‘Do you and Annabelle ever talk about it?’
His stomach lurched and he frowned. The very idea knocked him completely off balance.
‘Why would we?’
He’d all but snapped it out, and Libby blinked several times before her gaze sharpened, trying to see through to places he didn’t care for her to go.
‘Is ther
e something more, Alex?’ she asked quietly. ‘Something you’re not telling me?’
His heartbeat thumping, he started off again.
He’d said enough. The incident had forever changed his sister and it was largely his fault. How could he and Annabelle ever talk about such cruelty, about her maiming—
‘Alex …?’
He brought himself back and was about to change the subject when a group, congregated around a picnic table, caught his attention. One woman held a folded magazine and was pointing their way. Looked like he was back in the news.
Defiant, he lifted his chin.
And so what if he was? His arm was out of its sling. Thanks to Libby, he was on his way to full recovery and after two and some weeks cooped up, worried about his future, he felt the greatest urge to venture out.
His gaze slid to his companion. Maybe she’d enjoy a break as well, to continue what they’d started here. Something fun and light, of course. Like the past few hours had been.
As the thought took form, his mouth went dry and Alex wanted to laugh. He was nervous about inviting Libby? Amazing what a couple of weeks away from regular social contact could do. She wouldn’t say no.
Would she?
He cleared his throat, tugged his ear. ‘What would you say to getting out of here for a while?’
She tossed a wary look around. ‘You mean, off the street?’
‘I mean out of Sydney.’
Libby froze. She’d heard Alex’s suggestion. That he—that they—should escape the city. And when the shock wore off, her first reaction was to clasp her hands and exclaim, ‘When do we head out?’ What girl, who’d spent the night with such an amazing man, would think to refuse?
But at the same time a cloud blocked out the sun, darker reality sank in.
She glanced around. Alex’s presence radiated out even in this casual crowd, same way his charisma had turned heads in that Malaysian restaurant. An animated group by that picnic table had certainly picked up on who he was. It seemed, now that his shoulder was on its way to full recovery, he was no longer reticent about getting out and being seen. He didn’t seem perturbed by that crowd’s attention. Wherever he went, he’d be noticed. Which meant, if she were with him, she’d be noticed too.
Two things wrong with that.
Firstly, she didn’t think it wise to make a habit of parading around with Alex as if they were romantically involved, which, she guessed, they were. Even here, in relatively relaxed Manly, people had phones with cameras and video capabilities and weren’t afraid to use them. Maybe Alex accepted those kinds of intrusions into his private world but she was no longer a celebrity and didn’t miss the spotlight. She didn’t need her life, present or past, speculated upon in magazines or the internet.
He wanted to whisk her away?
While her teeth rolled over her bottom lip, he raised a brow.
‘I see you’re not racing home to pack a bag.’
‘Alex, what if you’re recognised?’ She rephrased. ‘Make that, what happens when you’re recognised?’
‘And someone snaps our picture for some celebrity magazine?’ He leaned forward and stage whispered. ‘We’ll survive.’
He’d survive. But, ‘You can understand that the perception that I’m involved with a high-profile client could damage my career.’
‘We could wear dark glasses and Hungarian moustaches?’
He chuckled and, despite it all, she smiled too. Was she overreacting? Like she had when she’d thought he wouldn’t be interested if he found out about her leg?
‘Look,’ he said more levelly, ‘if you rather not, we’ll stay in. I understand you want to shield yourself.’
She sighed. Now she felt bad.
What was so wrong with being the girl who’d experienced an incredible night and couldn’t deny herself more? Life could be uncertain, but there didn’t have to be a shark lurking behind every shadow. She’d felt so safe with Alex these past few hours. Where was the crime in wanting to prolong that?
She made a decision. Stood up tall.
‘No. I want to go.’
He gauged her expression. ‘You’re certain?’
Libby held her breath. Her head told her not to go but her heart was saying loud and clear, What’s the worst that can happen?
The sun came out at the same time she smiled broadly and announced, ‘Commander, lead the way.’
Eli was sitting on the forecourt steps when Alex arrived home an hour later. Alex bet the magazine his assistant held was the same edition the picnic table crowd had been ogling earlier. Obviously it contained a shot of him. A file shot speculating on his comeback? Or had he somehow been snapped in Sydney these past weeks?
As Alex swung out of the limo and the driver headed off, Eli pushed to his feet. Alex’s step slowed on his way up the steps. His friend’s expression was closed. Not a good sign.
Eli offered the magazine, folded to a celebrity page. ‘No prizes for guessing where you spent the night.’
Alex zoomed in on a picture; a chill sped up his spine and he swore.
Eli scratched his temple. ‘I, er, take it you weren’t aware this was out?’
‘I … had some idea.’
Alex let them inside and headed toward the office, that photograph imprinted at the forefront of his mind—he and Libby standing outside her apartment building, embracing. Kissing.
‘Her face is hidden,’ Eli said, following Alex down the hall. ‘And her name isn’t listed, but people will want to know who your new love interest is. What’ll I say when the phone starts ringing?’
‘No comment.’
‘They’ll find out one way or another. Could be better coming from us.’
Alex swept into his office, fell into the chair behind his desk and came clean.
‘I asked Libby to come away with me this weekend.’
Eli’s brows jumped, then he slid his hands into his trouser pockets. ‘Somewhere secluded?’
‘I was thinking the Gold Coast.’
When Libby had brought up her concerns over how she might be perceived should the press spot them together, he’d acquiesced. Speculations about sleeping with a high-profile client … He understood Libby wanted to look out for her reputation. But he was pleased she’d decided to go with her heart and had agreed to a quick trip away. After this, however …
Eli sauntered forward. ‘I might be wrong but when I spoke with Libby Henderson she didn’t seem the type to want back in the limelight. In fact, she seemed reserved. Private.’
‘Anyone knows if you work with celebrities some of the shine is bound to rub off.’
‘She’s doing more than working with you.’
Alex’s gaze snapped up from his hands, clasped on the desk. ‘She’s over twenty-one.’
Eli’s nostrils flared, then he held up his hands. ‘You’re right. It’s none of my business.’
Alex scooted the chair over to his laptop.
Eli was dead on. It wasn’t his business.
After tapping a few keys, images of a cosmopolitan skyline, bordered by miles of golden beach, flashed onto the screen. An hour’s flight, relaxed and at the same time full of life. Just the place for an overnight escape.
‘Can you organise the jet to fly out for the Gold Coast this afternoon at three?’ Alex asked his assistant. ‘I’ll need a car and driver at the airport and reservations for a penthouse suite at the casino.’
‘Nothing like keeping a low profile,’ Eli muttered.
Alex ignored it. ‘Book tickets for the show too.’
‘And if it’s booked out?’
Alex pasted on a smile. ‘As always, I know you’ll come through.’
When Eli saluted his chief and strode out to get plans underway, Alex sat back and took stock.
He shouldn’t be cut at Eli for having his say. That’s what he paid him for and he only had his and Libby’s best interests at heart. Certainly Libby was a nice lady who ought to be treated well—protected—particularly after that fa
iled episode with her ex. But, as he’d told Eli, he wasn’t taking advantage of Libby. She was an adult who wanted to make the most of what they’d shared while they could. She wouldn’t be thinking long-term, not when she knew better than most how his work ate up practically all his time and energy.
Simply put, he wasn’t the marrying kind. Eli knew it. All the world knew it. After hearing more of his lacklustre childhood today, surely Libby was smart enough to know it too.
CHAPTER TEN
AS COMMERCIAL as the Gold Coast had become, Libby had always adored this laidback yet glitzy part of the world. Many considered the beaches to be the whitest and finest of any. The restaurants and nightlife were first-rate. Still, when Alex had invited her to join him on a one-night whirlwind stay at Jupiters Casino at Broadbeach, initially she’d been reluctant. Even landing at Coolangatta Airport fifteen minutes earlier, despite her enthusiasm in accepting, she’d still had her doubts.
Catching a sidelong glance at Alex’s classic profile now, sitting alongside him in another chauffeur-driven limo, Libby’s cheeks toasted remembering the glorious hours they’d spent together last night. This morning when they’d woken and had gone to breakfast, she’d felt so comfortable in his company, almost as if they’d been ‘a couple’ for years. Alex had delved more into his childhood and the shocking Wolfe family secrets. She’d ended up all the more in awe of what this man had achieved under such oppressive conditions growing up. She also felt lucky to know that he trusted her enough to share the information. She trusted him more now too. Coming away with Alex this weekend felt right. If a photographer happened to catch them together …
Her hands locking in her lap, she focused out the limo window at the beach shacks intermingled with high-rise resorts flying by.
She needed to take one step at a time … even if secretly she’d caught herself daydreaming about joining Alex on other flights, to Spain, Turkey, Monte Carlo … She shouldn’t let her imagination roam like that, but they seemed well suited on so many levels, not least of all in the bedroom. When they were together, she didn’t think about her deficiencies. She only felt desired and beautiful.
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