Irresistibly Played

by Victoria Pinder

  He handed her a bag of clear plastic cups, which she accepted with a small nod. “I’m scared.”

  “We’ll be fine.” He kissed her cheek and directed her to join the others.

  With luck, the police would ask to speak to them. She held onto the hope that Baxter would seek her out as she walked into the safe room.

  Everyone was already there. The teenagers and the children were all playing music together in the back.

  Caitlyn passed Ava Bentley who spoke animatedly with Rachel and she plopped into the empty seat next to Hannah. Her best friend then turned and said immediately, “Distract me, Caitlyn.”

  What wouldn’t she do for her friend? “How?”

  Hannah sat cross-legged and offered her some elastics to make bracelets like they were still teenagers. She then put the bag on the bottom of the bunk beds beside them and began to braid. “You and Roy seem closer this morning.”

  She didn’t want to talk about them. Caitlyn’s face felt hot, but she picked up a few elastics and started doing the same thing in a semblance of normal. “We are. We’re working things out.”

  Hannah peeked at her. “I’m happy if you’re happy.”

  “I might be.” Caitlyn hoped her own guilt ended today. Talking to the police would erase her one hurdle. Then maybe she had her shot at real happiness.

  An hour later, the door to the safe room opened and Roy was the first to stick his head in.

  Caitlyn met his warm gaze and felt like he was the hot fudge on her ice cream.

  She stood and wanted to kiss him, but he helped his mother walk out the door as he said to Caitlyn, “You can come out now. Sam left the building and didn’t touch anything or anyone.”

  Drat. Did that mean the police were gone too? She walked out and only saw his brothers and his family. “Did you get any clues then?”

  “From what I could see, no, but Jake and Dylan are analyzing Sam’s behavior and digging for more.”

  The detectives either never showed or had already left. Perhaps Baxter hadn’t been here at all. They filed into the living area and she asked, “Did the police come?”

  “Yes but they spoke with security and left.” Jake said. “Security said the officers were uninformative but nice.”

  Baxter couldn’t have been there then. She swallowed and stared at a grandfather clock that ticked as she asked, “Are you sure we should go to Harry’s wedding? We don’t have to on my account, just because my parents will be there.”

  “He’s my brother,” Hannah said as she joined them. “I want to see Harry get married, but you don’t have to-”

  “We need to live our lives as normal people and security has been tripled for today.” Roy spoke like it was a command. “We’ll be fine.”

  Okay then. She took Roy’s arm as they walked to the kitchen to clean up from their cooking earlier. “So we can go home and get ready for the wedding?”

  Her stomach churned as she thought it was strange to act like nothing had happened.

  “Yes.” He patted her hand and they finished loading the dishwasher.

  Sparks raced through her. If she stayed in Roy’s arms then she’d be happy, forever. She swallowed but kept silent as they said goodbye to his family.

  They made it back to their apartment in silence, but as he opened the door, he asked, “Did you pick out a tie for me today?”

  Right. The wedding. They were going together. “I will. Give me two minutes to change. I’m wearing royal blue.”

  “You looked beautiful the other day in it.” Roy stared at her with a sensual glint. “Matches your eyes.”

  If he looked at her like that, she’d wear royal blue every day. Her cheeks heated as she walked toward her room. Halfway there she stopped and asked, “Roy?”

  “Yeah?” He paused in his own trek to his bedroom.

  A voice whispered she should tell him about the police, but she ignored it. Instead she smiled at him and said, “I’m glad we’re okay.”

  Roy’s face grew taut as his lips thinned. “I need to clear our names so we can go out in peace and confront these people before they do something else.”

  Fair. And she needed to tell him the real reason why she’d followed Jensen and married Roy. Then they’d all be free. “Tomorrow, after the wedding—I know you can do it.”

  “I’m working through the files fast.” He lifted his chin like she’d given him hope.

  True. The FBI files showed the entire case. Hopefully Roy and Harry would clear the record and all the Bentleys would be proven innocent, like she knew they were.

  She changed into her party dress and quickly painted makeup on her face. After she’d brushed her hair, she returned to the living room. Roy held out two ties but was already in a dark gray suit. She pointed to the one in his left hand as he said, “You look even prettier today. You’ll outshine the bride.”

  Warmth stirred in her belly. The way he looked at her made her believe anything was possible, though she waved off his comment. “Doubtful, but thanks.”

  Once he fixed his tie, they headed downstairs with security flanking them on all sides.

  They went to the lobby where Roy patted her arm and said, “Stay close when we run to the limo, and then when we get out at the other hotel.”

  “Okay.” She realized she wasn’t afraid with Roy at her side. Despite the danger, life was good.

  At the hotel lobby, they were flanked on all four corners and the sound of people laughing or the sight of strangers mostly discussing a buffet or their plans for the day echoed in her ear until they made it safely inside the reception.

  The ballroom had been transformed into a royal castle. Roxy’s theme was elegant as the white and gold fabric that draped the walls surrounding paintings of the Italian countryside made Caitlyn think she’d entered some ancient Roman estate found in Tuscany.

  They went toward their white chairs and she whispered to Roy, “Weddings are beautiful.”

  Roy picked up her program that the usher handed him and once they were seated, Roy asked her as he read, “You’re okay with seeing Harry marry Roxy?”

  “Why wouldn’t I be?” She took his hand and her heart beat a little faster from the spark as she said, “I have you.”

  He kissed her fingers. “Would you want a wedding like this?”

  Good question. She looked around at the aisle decorated with honeysuckles and satin, aware of the danger outside. When she was at her parents as a caged bird, she’d expected luxury like this, though learning to cook over an open fire in the woods, she’d learned simplicity was even more beautiful. Luxury was nice but not necessary for daily living. “Only if we were all free and clear. Honestly? I’d want something more low key.”

  Roy patted her hand like he understood when he probably didn’t. He’d grown up knowing he was a prince. He’d probably expect a royal wedding with lots of blue and gold decadence. She beamed at him--nothing was going to spoil her happiness.

  Roy brought his mouth next to her ear, his sexy cologne making her weak, until he whispered, “Here comes your mother.”

  Her nose turned, and her lips pursed with dismay as her parents sat right next to her. “Mom. Dad.”

  Her spine tingled as she scooted closer to Roy like he might protect her.

  Clearly her mother had no idea how cold she made her feel because Mom said, “This could have been your wedding, darling.”

  Roy’s fingers were interlaced with her own. She lifted their joined hands. “Mom. Roy’s my husband. He’s the best man I’ve ever met and we’re in love.”

  Roy kissed her cheek.

  Her mother then smiled at her and Caitlyn flinched at the sudden approval in her eyes as she said, “I believe you today.”

  What had changed? Caitlyn was afraid to say anything. She held her head higher but couldn’t quite move as every part of her body was rigid except her hand in Roy’s. “Not that I need your approval, but what changed?”

  “You. You’re more sure of yourself today.” Her m
other leaned over her and tapped Roy’s knee. Roy inched closer to her mother, and they both squished her a little as her mother said, “Young man, you weren’t who we wanted for our daughter.”

  And for some reason Roy didn’t even blink. He gave her a benign smile like he understood everything and it was all right. Caitlyn’s heart sped up fast, but Roy sounded calm and cool as he said, “I’m aware of that, ma’am. Though I do swear I’m working to prove my brothers and I were set up.”

  Roy was polite and it was embedded in his veins. Her mother nodded like she was part of some big plan. “If you do that, we’ll invite you both to our house for dinner.”

  Seriously? Dinner? Her mother could have supported Caitlyn at any point for doing something on her own instead of constantly degrading every moment of independence she’d ever tried to make. If she and Roy did have children, she’d be sure to encourage them to be independent.

  Until she’d left Miami with Hannah, Caitlyn hadn’t done anything independently except study for a degree her parents thought pointless. But she’d been a nurse to at least let her feel needed by others, even if it was only momentary. She tried to find the words as she said, “We don’t need-”

  “We’ll be delighted,” Roy interrupted.

  Her lips thinned. There was no way he should be complacent or acknowledge her mother’s weak acceptance that didn’t mean anything. Then her mother asked, “Is it true you were royalty in your old country?”

  Ah, that was why she was willing to look past Roy and the newspapers.

  Now it made sense.

  Roy spoke with kindness as he whispered, “Yes. Technically we still have the titles there as my father never abdicated. He left to protect us.”

  Oh. She hadn’t known that. Perhaps that was why he was being targeted so much. He wasn’t just a former prince. Her mind swirled with that new information.

  Her mother patted her shoulder like she cared about her and asked Roy, “So technically my daughter is a princess?”

  He tipped his head. “Yes, ma’am.”

  She’d never even considered that, not really, and she shrugged it off now, hoping that the information she’d heard at the commune that she’d given to the police would help catch whoever was behind the movement to steal his family’s wealth or crown.

  “Well, clear your name,” her mother said with a stiff smile, as if they hadn’t been trying their best already, “so we can announce your marriage to our friends.”

  “Absolutely.” Roy sat back in his seat while the music started.

  Roxy must be walking down the aisle. Everyone stood and watched the door. Caitlyn, angry, whispered to Roy, “Why were you so nice to my mom?”

  He brought her around to stand in front of him, so she had a view, and spoke right in her ear as another thrill raced through her. “I want you and I to be happy together. Eventually you’re going to want to speak to your parents again.”

  He made her feel warm and wanted. She sighed and closed her eyes wishing they were alone as she said, “I guess.”

  He laughed like she said something funny and hugged her. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

  “Maybe everything will work out.” She stopped talking as Roxy and Harry faced each other at the dais. They both seemed so happy and even though they were across from one another, the love in the air was tangible.

  Perhaps one day everyone would see that with her and Roy. Anything was possible but being with Roy was all that mattered. She just wanted to be in his arms.

  Caitlyn’s heart felt light and excitement coursed through her. She held her head higher and smiled as the bride and groom took their first dance as a married couple.

  She held her breath while standing next to Roy, the sexiest man she’d ever met. As the song continued, she was transfixed with watching Harry and Roxy. Harry had never seemed that joyful dancing with her.

  It was for the best that they’d never married.

  As the song ended, she clapped along with the rest of the guests. She then pressed herself into Roy’s arm playfully saying, “The wedding was beautiful.”

  He held out his hand to lead her onto the dance floor as the next song played and others were already heading out to dance. “It’s good to see you happy.”

  In his arms was the only place she wanted to be. She twirled when he directed and landed right back in his embrace like they’d practiced that move for years. She gazed up into his warm brown eyes and felt her insides already melting as she said, “I am happy. What about you? You seem especially joyful.”

  He then led her into a new pattern and not once did she step on his feet. She glanced over his shoulder and realized that he’d guided her away from someone who would have crushed right into both of them.

  Roy clearly had great focus as he admitted, “I’ve been working through the FBI case that they sent over. I’ve found three major pieces of evidence that contradict—I’ve set a preliminary hearing date for tomorrow.”

  This time she mis-stepped. She caught back up but then squeezed his hand. It sounded like wonderful news, but she wasn’t a lawyer. “What does that mean?”

  He pressed his head closer to hers without breaking the dance pose. His forehead against hers reminded her of last night and how they’d been together. His taste still lingered on her lips and she wanted another kiss. “It means if the judge believes me then we could be cleared of all charges.”

  No wonder he was happy too! She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him, not caring if they danced at all as she asked, “Tomorrow? How? That seems so fast.”

  He ran his hands down her side and then clasped her palms to lead her again as he said, “Fast? I’ve been working on this since we left prison and it feels like it’s taken much too long.”

  They danced like they knew each other intimately, which they did, but now everyone would see that they were no strangers. She felt some heat in her cheeks at his possessive hand on her hip. “I just meant that you’ve been so busy with me this weekend I didn’t realize you’d made progress.”

  Roy expertly twirled her again. When she went back to his arms, he said, “I work on it every spare second but once I had the file from the FBI, I couldn’t stop. I saw major holes in the report and I’ve been having my brothers help me put pieces back together.”

  Everything he’d worked for in the past few weeks would finally come to fruition. This time when she met his gaze, the rest of the world disappeared. It felt like they were all alone with only lights around them as they danced. She couldn’t be more proud. “I’m thrilled for you.”

  He whispered in her ear, “Keep this information to yourself. As long as nothing interferes, you might be dancing with a free man.”

  And then the screech of the party and all the people laughing and joking and dancing around them came back in vivid color. She’d never interfere with his quest for freedom. “I hope so, Roy. Your mother will be so happy.”

  His grin was contagious as he said, “We all will be. Are you ready to get out of here?”

  Leave? Her feet grew heavier as he led her off the floor. She pouted as she asked, “Already? They haven’t cut the cake yet.”

  He stopped and looked at her with confusion. “Do you want cake?”

  “Not particularly.” She tightened her hold on his arm. It had been a long time since she’d had fun at a party, but with Roy, home was great.

  Roy’s hand caressed her skin and left goosebumps in his trail up her bare arm. “Good, because we have to work on making what you said reality.”

  Now that sounded promising. Her eyes widened, and she walked closer to him so no one else heard as she asked, “Oh, you mean the baby?”

  He looked her up and down and she felt warm just from his perusal. “Yeah, unless you’d rather not?”

  Did she seem to him like she was disappointed or something? Roy made his own desires clear too. She tugged on his muscle to get his full attention and said, “No, I’m in. Let’s get out of here, but first we ne
ed to say goodbye and not be rude.”

  “You’re probably right.” He scanned the room.

  The bride and groom were clear on the other side. “Let’s try and say goodbye to Harry and Roxy if we can.”

  He took her hand and led her into the crowd.

  Someone elbowed her near her neck. Someone else shoved her and would have separated her from Roy if he hadn’t reached behind to hold her tighter. She clung to his back like he was the battering ram until finally she said, “That’s proving impossible. Do you think they’d miss us if we left?”

  He stopped and less people pummeled into them as they made their way toward the bride and groom with cell phones in hands. Roy said, “They have over two hundred guests. I doubt they’d notice.”

  “Then let’s just go.” She pulled him away. They’d see Harry and Roxy soon. There was no need to get black and blue marks for her efforts.

  As they made their way across the room in the other direction, another voice that was always the sound of doubt in her mind said, “Darling, there you are.”

  “Mother?” She turned, hoping somehow she was wrong.

  However the blue eyes of the woman who’d chosen her friends for her and insisted she wear dresses that she’d picked out stared back at her.

  Her mother then waved her father over. They were so close to the exit, but right now it seemed miles away. Roy stood tall, but internally Caitlyn felt like she was soup about to boil over. Her skin was itchy as her mother said, “I was speaking to your father and we don’t want to wait.” Her mother than gazed at Roy like he was the best person she’d ever met and instead of making her happy, her stomach was in knots. “We were rude to you yesterday, Mr. Roy Bentley. Please come to our house for dinner tomorrow.”

  No. If they went to dinner, her mother might whisper rude comments to her friends over her daughter’s choice of a husband and Caitlyn wouldn’t put Roy in that position. “Mother, Roy has a busy day Monday.”

  Without blinking, her mother then amended her statement and implored Roy, “Then Tuesday?”