Spike (Spark Series #2)

by Ryder, Jennifer

  “Not a clue.” She’s as innocent as she is sexy, but she doesn’t know it.

  “We’ve gotta be smart about this, Ryan. She trusted you enough to tell you, and this is the closest we’ve been to the target for a good while. I’m not gonna tell you how to play it—this is your lead—but understand that the top dogs will be breathing down my neck and yours to get a result.”

  At twenty-eight, this is gonna make or break my career. The weight already feels like ten times the amount I bench-press. “I know, man. Don’t worry, I know.”

  “Alrighty, then. Keep me updated.”

  “Will do.” I hang up the phone and, using my spare key, let myself into the house.

  Cass and Eevie are sipping wine at the dining table, their dinner plates empty.

  “Ryan,” Cass says bluntly.

  At least Cass doesn’t look as pissed at me as she did yesterday. Ever since I slept with one of her girlfriends from college, she’s hasn’t trusted me around her friends. Even though her friend from back then, whatever her name was, knew exactly what she’d been getting into. I don’t need to promise them the world to get them naked in my bed. I don’t think her friend told her what really happened. How she begged me to do things that would make a seasoned pro blush. How she loved every single minute of it, until I reminded her it was a one-off and thanked her for stopping by.

  “Hey, Ryan,” Eevie says with resignation, a weak smile gracing her plump kissable lips.

  I’ve always made a point of distancing my career and my women, but this one … hell, I don’t know what it is about her. Firstly, Cass made it crystal clear to me some time ago to stay away from her. Cass should know better than anyone that you can’t tell Ryan Clark not to do something. I’m surprised I’ve managed to steer clear of Eevie for so long, but I guess there have been enough women around to keep me satisfied. Secondly, she seems so innocent, yet from the brief few seconds of what I saw of that tape she’s all animal underneath. Thirdly, she’s a fucking hot damsel in distress. Enough said.

  “Hey, gorgeous.” I smile at Eevie, trying to put her at ease. I sit at the table across from her. “You’ve certainly got a bit more colour in your cheeks today,” I say, my words that little bit deeper than normal. Eevie smiles, and a flush of pink spreads over her chest and deepens the colour in her cheeks. Yeah, I have an effect on her. I have to try so bloody hard not to rest my eyes on those perfect tits. I wonder if I’ve got a shot here, or if I’m dreaming.

  “Thanks,” she says shyly, and distracts herself with a sip of wine.

  “Any news?” Cass asks, bringing my head back to business. There is purpose to this visit, and it’s not just me checking out the hottie with glasses.

  “Yeah. How ‘bout a slice of that pie on the counter first? You know I can’t resist a good tart.”

  “You dick,” Cass says. She gets up and shakes her head, grumbling to herself as she walks into the kitchen. Laugh once in a while would ya, Cass? I made Eevie smile, anyway.

  “Did you manage to get some sleep?” I ask Eevie, now we’re alone.

  “Yeah. I feel better for telling you guys, but that still doesn’t change the mess I’m in. I just hope it doesn’t make it any worse.”

  The poor girl looks like the weight of this is crushing her. Perhaps she’d prefer the weight of me on top of her instead. I reckon I’d know how to keep a smile on that beautiful face.

  Cass returns with dessert, and I dive into the rich sweetness.

  “What’s the verdict?” Cass asks.

  “I made some enquiries, like I said I would. It’s serious.”

  “What does that mean?” Eevie asks, her bluish eyes glistening under the light. Shit. She’s gonna cry. I never do well with tears.

  “It means we have to tread carefully. As well as keeping you and Aidan safe, there are bigger things at play.” So fucking big I won’t even go into the details. I need to drip-feed here, otherwise I’ll spook her and things could turn to shit. Fast.

  “But you can help, right?” Cass says, her brown puppy-dog eyes begging me. Ever since she was little, my baby sister could get to me, tug at my heart. It’s a shame she’s been such a bitch lately.

  “First thing’s first, Eevie. You need to tell Aidan.”

  A tear streams down her now pale face, her eyes begging me to fix this. It takes every piece of my self-control not to run around the table and take her in my arms. Trust me, gorgeous. I want to fix this.

  “For this to work, Aidan has to be on board. Tell him when he gets home tomorrow, and then we’ll meet, and work this out.”

  “I … I have to tell him tomorrow?” Her slim frame starts to shake, tears continuing to trail down her face.

  I reach my hand across the table, and take her hand in both of mine. Her shaking eases somewhat, and she wipes her tears away with her free hand.

  “Yes, gorgeous, the sooner the better. The clock’s ticking, and we need to be ready.”

  She nods.

  Poor girl. That’s going to be one fucking difficult conversation to have.

  CHAPTER TEN

  * EEVIE *

  I am so in-over-my-head. Ever since I came back from Cassie’s I’ve had hot flushes and my stomach’s been a cesspool of acid. I can barely keep water down. Aidan will be home anytime now, and I’ll just have to hit the conversation head on.

  I have to confess. No more secrets.

  I’m dying a painfully slow death. From the outset we have built our relationship on honesty and trust, and it has been slowly tearing my heart, keeping this from him. I want to protect him from his demons, but I know that whatever we have to face, we will face it stronger together.

  Aidan’s car pulls up in the drive, and like a chicken shit I jump in the shower. I soak up the heat whilst he unloads, hoping to gather some courage from somewhere … anywhere.

  I close my eyes, letting the water cascade over my head, the rushing noise deafening everything else. I have to do this. This is the only way.

  Strong hands grip my hips, and a naked Aidan is in front of me. He smiles like a little boy with a big secret. He must have done well this round. Unfortunately, that smile won’t be on there for long. It’s a shame that I’ll be the one to take it from him.

  “Thought you could get naked without me, huh?”

  “Hey,” I breathe out, weaving my arms around his waist and burying my head into his chest.

  “Missed me?” he says. I look up to meet his eyes and his smile widens.

  “Always. How did you go?”

  “Awesome. It was fucking awesome. First on the podium, baby. There’s no stopping me now. You shoulda seen the look on Jones’s face.”

  “I’m so proud of you.” I lean up and kiss him hard on his luscious lips.

  “I’m been dreamin’ about holdin’ you since I passed the finish-line,” he says, his low, sexy voice in my ear. Surrounded by steam, the hot, streaming water caresses us, but I’m suffocating. Aidan wraps his arms around my shoulders and holds me tight, nibbling at the nape of my neck. It’s all I can do to hold back the tears.

  I can’t take it anymore. Now is the time. No more lying.

  Swallowing the build-up of saliva in my mouth, I place my hands on Aidan’s chest and loosen myself in his hold. I glance up. His smile fades as his eyes land on mine.

  “You okay?” he asks, his eyebrows tightening together.

  I shake my head. I get out of the shower, and start drying myself. Aidan is behind me in a flash, and pulls me close against him.

  “Babe?”

  “Let’s get dressed first.” I give him a half-hearted smile and he reluctantly releases me from his embrace.

  “’Kay,” he says, drying himself.

  We quickly dress, and I flop down on the bed. Aidan pulls on some sweatpants and snuggles in beside me. He wraps his long legs over mine.

  “Talk to me,” he begs, his voice warm and comforting. I would give anything to not have to have this conversation. Anything.

  “Th
ere’s something I need to tell you.”

  “What, baby?” He smooths my wet hair from my forehead, running his thumb over my temple.

  “I … well, I …”

  “It can’t be that bad.” Oh yes it can.

  “I don’t quite know where to start.”

  “Beginning’s a good a place as any,” he says simply, like that would make it any easier. The beginning. When did I first lie to him?

  Tara.

  “It started with a note … A note from Tara.”

  “My ex?” Aidan’s arms instantly stiffen.

  “The first note said it was important she spoke to me. I threw it away. I had no interest in speaking to her, but then she sent another.”

  “What did it say?”

  “It said I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, and to call her. I ignored that one, too. I thought she was nuts. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t think you needed the distraction. I was hoping she’d just go away, but then she called you.”

  “I don’t understand her fucking problem,” Aidan says, running his hand back and forth through his wet hair.

  “When she rang your phone, she begged me to call her alone. When I did, she rang to warn me. I didn’t want to believe what she told me, but then I got an email.”

  “I’m not following you.” Aidan’s puzzled look brings a flush of blood to my cheeks.

  “There’s something on the laptop I need to show you.”

  Aidan follows me into the study and I turn on the laptop. He stands behind me as I open up my emails and go to the first email. The one with the photos.

  I open the first of the attachments, and look back at Aidan.

  He squints at the screen. “You wanna look at porn?” he asks, his eyebrows pulling together.

  “No, Aidan. Take a closer look.” The acid in my stomach gurgles, and I swallow the lump in my throat.

  “It looks a helluva lot like you … holy shit. Is that you?” His jaw, and all expression from his face, drop. He kneels beside me, staring into my face, his eyes flicking nervously.

  “Yes. It’s me. All these photos are of me … and you.”

  “Who … Why … Where did these come from?”

  “The first time they emailed me, they wanted money. They said if I cooperated they wouldn’t leak them and no one would get hurt, but the thing I was the most scared of, more than these getting out, was that they said they knew where you worked. They threatened to hurt you.”

  “How long has this been goin’ on?” The tone in his voice is laced with disappointment; anger even. I knew he’d be pissed. I start to tremble as if I were naked in an icy, winter breeze.

  “A few weeks.”

  “And what do ya mean by ‘the first time’?”

  “I paid them. I thought this was over but …”

  Aidan holds up his hand, stalling me. “Wait a minute. You paid these people? How much?”

  “Five thousand. They gave me the photos, and I thought this was over, but a few days later they sent me a tape.” Tears erupt, flowing down my cheeks. “If you thought the photos were bad … the tape is a lot worse.”

  “This is … Wait, so you’re tellin’ me someone blackmailed you for money, and threatened to hurt me unless you paid them?”

  I simply nod my head. “If anything happened to you, Aidan … I couldn’t live with myself.”

  I wouldn’t want to live … period. If anything happens to him then they might as well rip my heart out, because I won’t need it ever again … not without Aidan in my life.

  Aidan remains silent, but a myriad of emotions flash across his face. I’ve had trouble reading him before, but this … I have no fucking clue.

  “Where did you get the money?” he asks.

  “My savings account.”

  “I just … I don’t believe this,” he says, shaking his head. “Show me the tape.”

  I click on the email, and open up the footage. The muffled recording makes me cringe in disgust.

  “Fuck me,” he mutters under his breath, his eyes glued to the screen. “This is why you’ve been stressed?”

  His jaw clenches. “Fuck! I thought it was shit to do with uni. I didn’t wanna say anything to upset you, but you’ve lost weight, you’ve been so tired, and emotionally all over the place … and this is why? Why the fuck didn’t you tell me? I thought we were gonna be honest with each other, Eevie.” His voice is gruff, and rumbles throughout the small room. I cower in my chair. Aidan has never raised his voice to me before now, and it stabs at my heart. But it’s my fault.

  I close the laptop, and turn to him. “I didn’t know what to do, okay? The money was a small price to pay, Aidan. I couldn’t live with myself if you got hurt. What other choice did I have?”

  He shakes his head, but doesn’t answer me.

  I bury my head in my hands and let it all out. I’ve wanted to cry, scream, punch a hole through a wall since this shit started. I let my emotions run wild, the deep ache spreading from my heart engulfing me, and holding me hostage. My shoulders heave as I sob, and I slump onto the desk.

  “I’ve done all I can to stop it. I’ve already drained my savings, what little I had, but he wants more. I was going to sell my car, but …”

  “That crap about selling your car was to get money for this?” Aidan gets up and paces the room, chewing on his fingernails.

  “I can’t have the tape of us out there, Aidan. It would destroy us. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I couldn’t risk you getting hurt.”

  “So what happens now? How much do they want for the tape?”

  “It’s not about money now. It’s … about you. I’m pretty sure it was about you all along.”

  “Me?”

  “He wants me to bring you to him.”

  “Who?”

  “The person who’s behind this … it’s your father.”

  “My father?” he says. His words catch in his throat. He buries his head in his hands and sits on the floor. His world must feel like it’s crashing down around him. I know I’ve got my father issues, but this … this is some fucked-up shit.

  He breathes heavily in and out, saying not so much as a word.

  I join him on the floor, and wrap my arms around his heavily-laden shoulders.

  “I’m so sorry, Aidan.”

  He mutters, under his breath. “This is beyond fucked.”

  “We’ll get through this, Aidan.”

  He clenches his hands in tight fists, like he’s trying to rid himself of the pain.

  “You know when I went to Cassie’s place for the movie night?”

  His brows pull together, and he tilts his head. “Yeah,” he says.

  “I told Cassie what was happening. She knew something was wrong. You know me. I can’t hide how I’m feeling. I had to tell someone, and I thought if that someone wasn’t you, they wouldn’t find out.”

  “Who else knows?”

  “Cassie called her brother, and he came over. He’s … a cop.”

  “And?”

  “He was going to make some enquiries to see who we’re dealing with.”

  “And?”

  “He said it was serious. Ryan said he needs to talk to us.”

  “When?” His stare is cold. He must really be pissed.

  “The sooner the better, but I don’t want to do it here. The fact they’ve been around here, watching us, totally freaks me out. We need to meet somewhere neutral.”

  Creases form across Aidan’s forehead. “How about dinner at May’s? It’s crowded enough, and we can ask Cassie and Ryan to both come so it doesn’t look bad.” It’s definitely a start.

  “Okay. I’ll call Cassie now and set it up as soon as we can.”

  ****

  That night in bed, I know I should give Aidan space, but it’s impossible when I need him closer than ever. I spoon in behind him, resting my cheek against his warm skin, and I slip my arm around to his chest. His heart knocks again
st my hand, as if beating my betrayal.

  “I’m sorry, Aidan. I’m so sorry I lied to you.” My tears fall on his back, and he turns around to face me.

  He draws me into his embrace, kissing me on the forehead. We couldn’t get any closer to each other, but in this moment he has never seemed so far away.

  “Don’t cry, Eevie,” he says flatly. I wish he’d said, “I forgive you” instead. That would make me feel a whole lot better. I feel bad enough about this as it is. I can’t ask him to forgive me; he has to want to do it, and say it, of his own accord.

  But I can’t stop crying. I can’t deal any other way. I say the words please forgive me over and over in my head, hoping that somehow they seep through to him. Have I really done it? Are we damaged?

  I regret lying to him. Of course I do. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t do it all over again.

  ****

  We’re shivering our arses off, waiting outside the restaurant, when Cassie and Ryan approach us. Cassie pulls me into a hug and kisses me on the cheek. She’s still wearing the black dress and stockings she wore to work, paired with a smart red jacket.

  “Hi, Cassie,” I say, and then return to Aidan’s side.

  “Hey,” Aidan says to Cassie, giving her a nod. His attention turns to Ryan.

  “Hey, guys. Aidan, this is my brother, Ryan,” Cassie says formally.

  Ryan looks sharp, not casual like he did the first time we met. A navy double-breasted wool coat hugs his broad chest and muscular arms. Navy pin-stripe suit pants tailor to his strong, long legs, finished off with expensive-looking black leather shoes. His sandy-brown hair is styled in a tamed mess. He’s pretty overdressed, when Aidan and I are in jeans and jumpers.

  Ryan extends his hand to Aidan. Aidan looks him up and down before taking his hand and shaking it. “Ryan Clark,” he says firmly.

  “Aidan Stone,” Aidan says, his words just as firm.

  “Hey, man,” Ryan says and then releases his hand and puts it on my shoulder. “Good to see you again, Eevie.”

  “You too, Ryan. Let’s get inside, I’m freezing,” I say trying to stop myself from shaking.