Irresistibly Played

by Victoria Pinder

  Avce? She bumped her knees to his. “So, we’re going to a wedding?”

  “For a day.” He kissed her forehead. “Then we can stay on vacation for as long as you want. For tonight though, we’re heading into Venice.”

  Venice with Roy. She hadn’t imagined she’d ever be there.

  Her heart raced that true happiness seemed possible.

  Now more than ever. Quiet, she didn’t say much as they transferred from the limo to a speed boat. Caitlyn took it all in.

  The boat let them off in Piazza San Marco and Roy led her into a yellow and white hotel that had gilded corners in the lobby that overlooked the water.

  He checked them in and brought her to a huge suite of rooms.

  At some point this was clearly a palace made for rich nobles of the past. The walls had murals that blended naturally, and the room had a sway to it from the water around the hotel. She walked onto the balcony and looked out over the water and saw bridges and people on boats and gondola rides below.

  “You are being quiet for once.” Roy joined her on the balcony.

  “Roy, this is beautiful.”

  He handed her a glass of champagne. “Not as beautiful as you.”

  “Why did you do all this?” She accepted the crystal flute.

  He clinked it with hers and they both took a sip. “You married me. You helped me save my family. And I love you. You said you didn’t want a big wedding so I thought it was better that we go on our honeymoon.”

  “This is beautiful.” She closed her eyes to remember everything she saw, like she might bottle it up to savor later.

  He set the glasses on the table that was there for a private breakfast and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Then kiss me.”

  Without opening her eyes, she brought her arms around his neck again and said, “Always.”

  Somehow, he’d shown her that life with him could be filled with happiness. He made everything possible and she loved him. The song in her head hummed again and then she laughed. She’d been singing an old song from Frank Sinatra her grandmother played as a girl.

  Finally she knew the name of it was Strangers in the Night.

  The song fit her and Roy’s life. In fact, life was perfect.

  The limo to Avce hadn’t taken too long. Roy split his attention between his brother on the phone and Caitlyn, who watched the countryside from Venice to Avce with fascination.

  They drove toward an estate that looked like it could be in one of the romantic movies Roy knew she liked to watch, complete with fountains and green fields and a house that was bigger than a castle itself.

  The white walled estate was almost as beautiful as Buckingham Palace though had some floral details to the designs. She was even more attractive with her wide-eyed wonder though he didn’t have a chance to kiss her as often as he wanted.

  His brother sounded slightly panicked and Roy wished he could do more. “Dylan, if you need us, we’ll come get you.”

  His brother scoffed like he found the idea silly as he said, “Lois and I are fine. Don’t worry about us. Have you heard from Beau though?”

  Going after the men responsible for what happened to them was dangerous. Roy was torn between being in the thick of the fight or staying back to protect his family, according to the plan the brothers had originally come up with once they were out of jail.

  Caitlyn had no idea how dangerous the world could be.

  Prison hadn’t been good for any of them, but at least he’d had his brothers beside him. He lowered his voice, so Caitlyn might not hear. “No. Should I be worried about him?”

  Caitlyn turned her full attention toward him.

  She must have heard anyway.

  Roy took a steadying breath but then Dylan told him, “Beau is being singled out. He’s gone underground in an attempt to find the source electronically.”

  Underground sounded like he was protecting himself and Beau was the best man he knew for computer safety. Beau would find out what Sam did to the computer, and if there was an electronic file, he’d find it. Roy said, “I hope he’s safe.”

  “He brought Sarah,” Dylan added.

  Good. She was fire and he was ice, but somehow they blended well.

  Roy stared at Caitlyn and he was grateful she was here, with him, for always. “Is there anything I can do?”

  Dylan reminded him what they’d discussed in prison once they’d all agreed to marry women they didn’t know. Logan was a financial wizard so he was in charge of getting money for the family to live again. Oliver was the doctor and he was in charge of helping their mother beat her cancer. Roy was the lawyer and in charge of getting their names cleared.

  Now all of that was done and it was the other brothers’ turn to act.

  Dylan was using his investigation tactics, Jake was using his negotiating skills and Beau was using his cyber training to track down and find exactly who had hurt their family.

  Roy’s heart nearly stopped when he thought that any of his brothers might be hurt in all of this. “We’ve always said, Beau, Jake and I were the offensive team and you, Oliver and Logan were the defensive team. You’ve done your job in getting our names cleared. Now let us do our jobs in finding the guys who did this to our family.”

  Except the family name and safety wasn’t a job. Roy didn’t argue semantics. “I’d still like to help.”

  The limo was in line to bring them to the front for the wedding as Dylan said, “And you will if any of us need legal help.”

  “Call me later.” Roy hung up.

  Caitlyn scooted closer and patted his arm to comfort him while she asked, “Who was that?”

  He met her gaze and instantly calmed down. In the blue silk dress and the diamonds he’d taken from the family vault for her, she looked like a Queen today. “Dylan. They’ve left Paris.”

  The limo inched closer to the entrance as Caitlyn whispered, “You sounded worried.”

  True and there was nothing he could do to stop that. He whispered to her, “He’s determined to find out who is running Kirno and unmask who targeted our family.”

  Her lips went into a cute little pout as she said, “I don’t want anyone getting hurt over this.”

  “Me either,” he agreed fast. Finally the limo was next for them to get out. He kept his voice low as he explained, “But I can’t stop my brothers. All I can do is hope we’re all together when this is done.”

  She kissed him, and her lips made the world disappear.

  The doors to the limo opened. He helped his wife out of the car and they climbed the marble steps that had a thick red carpet made for nobility directing them into the estate.

  Caitlyn whispered, “Tell me again about the couple getting married.”

  He took one of the schedules that a groomsman handed everyone and pointed to the groom’s name. “We’ve recently bought a lot of wine for various corporate functions from this French vineyard. The owner is marrying a noble’s daughter, and this is their royal wedding.”

  Caitlyn looked at how the green olive trees were trimmed short and all trimmed like they pointed to the house and heaven in the sky, everything was so beautiful. Then heading in the directions of a backyard that rivaled Versailles as she said, “This is fancy.”

  He adjusted his tuxedo tie like he was James Bond as he said, “We’re dressed for it. Let’s head in.”

  They walked down the back stairs that led to where a thousand white seats were lined up. As they made their way through rose petals covering the aisle, Caitlyn stopped and tugged him closer. “Roy?”

  “Yeah?” He didn’t move.

  She took a deep breath and gazed all around them, pausing briefly on a few diamond tiaras before she said, “Thanks to my mother’s deportment classes I won’t embarrass you by using the wrong fork.”

  “You never could.” He escorted her toward their seats.

  Caitlyn had turned out to be the perfect bride. He couldn’t ask for a better wife, though he prayed all his brothers were successful
and all threats against his family ended.

  But that was for another day. Right now they needed to focus on love and what better place to be than at a wedding, next to the woman who made him happy.

  Life was good.

  Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed Roy and Caitlyn’s romance as much as I did. Next in the series is lawyer Dylan Bentley whose out to get revenge but instead falls for his spying wife in Irresistibly Rugged.

  Or you’ll love the billionaire family drama of the House of Morgan, where romance is the only cure that might heal the past. The first book, Secret Crush, is FREE and available where you can see how the House of Morgan all started.

  If you loved Irresistibly Lost, you’ll love the royal series of a small European country next to Italy in the Princes of Avce romances. The first book, Forbidden Crown is available for FREE in a modern day retelling of Cinderella where an insurance agent says yes to a Prince’s sudden proposal.

  And to find out about new books, sign up for my newsletter: https://victoriapinder.com

  Irresistibly Rugged Preview

  Lois West tucked her short-sleeved black button-down shirt into her black knee-length skirt. Despite being married to one of the wealthiest men in the world, she still dressed like she had life goals to be a nun or something.

  The only exception to the rule was the short sleeves, but it was hot in Florida.

  Her devout parents would understand. Anyone should.

  She smoothed her fingers over her hair to ensure her bun was tight, not needing a mirror for the familiar chore. Her phone rang.

  The unmarked number beeped at her.

  727 area code.

  It was Kirno. She stilled as adrenaline rushed through her.

  Months ago, when she’d agreed to a pretend marriage, she hadn’t expected to like anyone in the family she spied on.

  She’d agreed because it would be her only shot at not marrying some man she’d never care for, earn some money, and escape her dull life.

  Once she completed her assignment, she’d be absolutely free for the first time.

  So, she’d married for money. But as the Bentleys had been found innocent, nothing about this job made her happy.

  Lois wasn’t being a good person at all, and it didn’t sit well. She picked up the phone and Mariam said, in a huff and without even a hello, “You’ve not reported in for the past twenty-four hours.”

  Dylan’s footsteps outside her bedroom echoed. She froze though her heart beat fast. He knocked on the door and she said, “I can’t talk now.”

  She tossed her phone on her bed and clenched her waist, turning toward her husband.

  Dylan stared at her with big, brown eyes that seemed to see into her mind. Her stomach did its usual flip. Lois wished she could be herself with him, but since they’d met she’d been playing a part—and she was no actress.

  He pushed the door wider and asked, “Lois, are you okay?”

  Her pulse zipped and it wasn’t just about that phone call. She batted her eyes and tried to shake off Mariam’s accusation, placing her hand on her hip. “Yeah, sorry, what’s going on?”

  He pointed with his thumb to the front door behind him. “Roy and Caitlyn have something to say upstairs.”

  Their family often had meetings that she’d been a part of to share information with Mariam, and Kirno. Lois lowered her head. “One more minute and I’ll be ready.”

  He didn’t move but eyed her up and down. “You don’t have to put on makeup.”

  The girl her parents wanted her to be caused her lips to purse automatically. Years of training to be a good, sweet girl had her quickly pout as she shook her head. “I don’t wear makeup.”

  He shrugged. “You did last night. It was a nice look for you.”

  Last night they’d gone to a wedding, so it was a special occasion. Either way, she had to ensure they weren’t on the same page. He needed to never trust her because one day soon, she’d leave. So, she patted her bun and pretended to be the woman of faith she was portraying as she batted her eyes, “Tell you what. If you want to have a baby with me, then I’ll wear makeup for you.”

  The look of disgust and the tightness of his body showed how much he despised her. Good. Her stomach unknotted, as she knew he’d stay ten feet away tonight. “Don’t do this. Let’s go.”

  She shouldn’t be attracted to Dylan. He’d figure her out in a heartbeat if she got too close. It was better this way.

  She checked her buttons were perfect and walked out beside him, purposely leaving her phone on the bed.

  The less distractions, the better.

  They walked past security, which included her brother, Adam, who likely told her parents her every action. She couldn’t trust him with the truth about what she’d done.

  No one knew.

  If only she’d just escaped like she’d first intended, and never sought cash for a better life.

  Money, or the quest of it, had caused her nothing but more and more problems.

  As she and Dylan rode the elevator in silence, then walked to his parents’ apartment, she didn’t feel better until she hugged Hannah, who’d been nothing but nice to her—though Hannah thought her a mindless woman who did nothing but pray every day.

  Hannah let her go and Lois saw their friend Caitlyn with her strawberry blonde shiny hair standing in the center of a circle with Roy, holding her husband’s hand tight.

  Something had changed. Lois held her tongue.

  Hannah ushered her over to a long buffet table and gave her a cup of tea. “Lois, how is everything?”

  Dylan was on the other side of the room, with his brothers. Good. She wouldn’t feel the knots in her stomach that she betrayed him specifically if he wasn’t close to her. She sighed and gestured to the circle of people. “I’m good, what’s going on with Caitlyn?”

  Hannah walked with her to stand in the circle too. “Now that you’re here and you have your tea, hopefully she’ll tell us.”

  Had Lois been last to arrive? Her skin buzzed. She hated making a scene. She aimed for the middle so no one ever noticed her.

  Now her skin had that slimy feeling again. The Bentleys were innocent.

  Which meant she was hurting people who hadn’t done anything wrong.

  This wasn’t who she was. Lois had set out to find her own path, not hurt people. But for now, she kept her lips sealed.

  Caitlyn met everyone’s gaze in the room. “I wanted to let you all know that I was asked to report to the police anything I saw happening within the family, but I never betrayed anyone.”

  Her too?

  Lois’s stomach fluttered.

  Dylan asked, “You’re the spy?”

  Lois heard the words like they were arrows directed right at her.

  Caitlyn took a deep breath and faced off against Dylan as she said, “I never hurt anyone here. I never would.” Roy clasped his wife’s hand in solidarity. Caitlyn finished, “The Bentley family is like my own. We wanted to tell everyone, so I’m not hiding anything.”

  Roy added fast, “I believe my wife and I don’t intend to keep anything a secret from her.”

  Lois feared she might get violently ill.

  Dylan would throw her to the wolves, not support her. They kept each other at arms’ length, and Lois was feeding information to the people out to hurt them.

  She’d gone from saint to sinner in the past twenty-four hours. And yes, she believed the Bentleys were innocent. They weren’t the evil billionaires who stole from churches, charities, seniors, families and more across the country.

  Bile rose up her throat—she needed to go, now. She put her tea cup down, squeezed Hannah’s hand and headed toward the door, clutching her stomach.

  She shouldn’t be here. Her face felt hot.

  As she reached for the handle, Dylan stood in her way. Did he expect her to out herself, here? No. He didn’t know. She ignored the growing nausea in her stomach and asked, “Dylan, what would you do if I turned out to be the spy and not C
aitlyn?”

  He gently patted her shoulder like they were friends. “We don’t have to go there anymore. It seems you’re innocent.”

  So now he’d deem her okay to talk to, without disdain in his serious gaze? Her eyes watered but she’d not say a word. She nodded, desperate to leave. “I’m going downstairs to finish packing for Paris.”

  “I’ll be down in a few minutes.” He stepped out of her way and closed the door behind her once she left.

  Nothing was right. Caitlyn wasn’t the spy. She, simple Lois West, was.

  She passed her brother in the hall, ducking her head—she suspected that he kept her parents informed on the state of her marriage. She’d wanted to be like Adam, who’d joined the Marines after high school, and escaped the strictness of their home.

  Since she’d agreed to marry Dylan and report back on everything she saw, she’d gone from a spy adventure to hurting people.

  Her body sizzled with negative energy and the power was eating away at her.

  The elevator ride was lonely without Dylan at her side, and no one bothered her in the hall. She returned to her bedroom and headed right into the en suite bathroom, where she splashed water on her face. She glanced in the closet at the safe room and wished that was a place she’d find solace.

  But there was no forgiveness. Not for her.

  As she left the bathroom, she saw her cell phone flashing on her bed. She picked it up and the unknown number was Mariam. She crawled onto the mattress, let her head hit the backboard, and answered, “It seems the Bentleys think there is no one else spying on them.”

  Mariam snorted. “That’s your report?”

  Right. Mariam was bad. The Bentleys were good and she now worked for the bad guys. She opened her eyes and stared off into nothingness as she said, “They cleared their name and have access to their fortunes again.”

  “We’re well aware,” Mariam said.

  Lois shook her head. “So you don’t need me…”

  “Wrong, Lois.” Mariam’s words were like razors to her heart. “Your job is even more important now. You need to tell us everything.”