SECRETS: Passion, Deceit, And Revenge (Beauty 0f Life Book 8)

by Laura Acton

  “Stupid. You’re reasoning is dumb. Dan wouldn’t do that to you. And vanity … oh, for Christ sakes, they are only bruises, they will go away. Nothing to be self-conscious about, it isn’t like they are permanent.”

  Lexa halted in berating her image. New understanding and empathy for Dan’s scarred chest and back grew within her. She switched off the bathroom light, went straight to her nightstand and picked up her phone. She typed a quick message, to avoid waking him if he was sleeping. Hi. Can’t sleep. Wanna come over?

  She stood waiting, staring at the screen, hopeful. Her grin grew as she received. Absolutely! Sliding her chilly feet into her comfy slippers, Lexa texted him again. Hot tea or hot chocolate? Dan quickly replied. You’re choice. Be there soon.

  Forty minutes later Lexa answered the front door wearing her cozy robe and a smile. A blast of cold invaded her warm abode as she let Dan in. “What took you so long?”

  Dan flashed his pearly whites at her and said, “Priorities.”

  Closing the door, Lexa screwed up her face in confusion but quipped, “What could be more important than coming when I call?”

  A full burst of laughter erupted from Dan due to Lexa’s comment, but he held out a grocery bag to Lexa with one item.

  She took it, peered inside, and joined Dan laughing as she headed for her kitchen. “Okay, you’re forgiven.” As Dan followed her, she took out the carton of double chocolate fudge brownie ice cream.

  “Figured if you couldn’t sleep, something more must’ve happened at work today. Chocolate is your go-to cure.” Dan leaned against her island as she pulled out two bowls from the cabinet. “None for me. I brought that for you.”

  Lexa began to put one bowl back and glanced back. “You sure?”

  “Yeah. I’ll go for something hot. A bit chilly outside.” Dan unzipped his jacket, warming up now that he was inside.

  “Where did you park?” Lexa moved to the hot water and poured it into two mugs she prepared with spoons and cocoa mix. She handed one to Dan before returning to dish out a portion of the chocolate concoction.

  “My place.”

  “You ran here?”

  “No, took a cab.” Dan glanced around as he stirred his hot chocolate, noticing the little white specks in them and grinning. This is the Loki special, marshmallows required. “How’s Bram? I didn’t call after talking to you, figured he needed rest and didn’t want to wake him.”

  After putting away the frozen treat, Lexa stirred her beverage then used the spoon to take a bite of one of her favorite desserts. Chocolate bliss. “He’s well. We won’t be able to hang out tomorrow night. I promised to babysit the girls so Kellie and Bram could have a date night.”

  “Perhaps I can offer to help.”

  “Well, not that I need any, but Allie and the rest would be happy. Perhaps you can keep her entertained while Leslie, Emilie, and I bake brownies for Bram’s party.” Lexa picked up both her bowl and cup. “Let’s move someplace more comfortable.” She sauntered to her living room with Dan trailing her.

  Dan enjoyed the view of Lexa’s backside. Though she was clad in a thick, warm robe, part of his anatomy sprung to life at the thought of running his hands over her derriere and giving her pleasure. Down boy, down. You want this to be more than sex. That is the reason you stopped for ice cream. Show her you want more, demonstrate to her you have restraint and care about her. His body behaved after the scolding he gave himself … barely.

  The soft, hardly audible moan she emitted as she sat didn’t escape his ears. “Lexa, you said you tackled a subject today. Are you alright?” He stood in front of her, his gaze one of concern.

  Damn, he caught that. Ears of a damned bat. “I’m okay. Don’t need you starting in on the mother-henning. Had enough of it the past two days,” Lexa groused then realized what she said as she peered up at him. She sighed. If I want him to be honest and open about injuries, I need to be the same. “My back and shoulders are bruised, not from today, yesterday.”

  “What happened?” Dan sat next to her and set his mug on the table.

  “I saved a boy from falling off a twenty-story roof.” She put her hand up as he opened his mouth. “I was fully secured and in no danger of falling.” She smiled and chuckled. “But Jon had a heyday in debrief. He even slipped once and called me Broderick as he ranted about me jumping. The doctor said to rest a few days.”

  Dan grinned, but said, “Can I take a look? A second opinion of sorts.”

  “Doctor Broderick … hmm, your bedside manner and blue eyes would leave the ladies swooning.”

  A WOW smile flashed. “So, I make you swoon?”

  Realizing she spoke her thought aloud, Lexa retorted, “I didn’t say that,” then pursed her lips. Geez, this man does weird things to me.

  “Uh huh, sure. So, may I?” Dan’s hands itched to pull her bathrobe away and ensure Lexa was not giving him lip service, her earlier comments about wanting to go to sleep taking on ominous portents in his mind.

  Lexa put the bowl down, scooted forward a tad, and angled her back to Dan as she slipped the shoulder of her robe off.

  His hands couldn’t stop themselves at first sight of the nasty bruising, and he pulled the other side down too. He did manage to hold in the hiss when he discovered darker contusions on Lexa’s left side. “I rate it a four out of ten,” he said flippantly.

  Scrunching her eyes, Lexa’s head swiveled to peer at him. “Only four?”

  Realizing she would be self-conscious, she didn’t like appearing weak, he teased, “On a Broderick scale of colorful bruises.”

  Lexa chuckled. “Well, ya, okay. Makes sense.”

  Dan ghosted fingers over Lexa’s discolored skin. He disliked seeing her hurt and wished he had been here and the one to leap for the boy. Not that he wanted to be the hero … no, he only preferred to prevent her from injury. Again, grasping she wouldn’t like it if he made a big deal, he leaned in close and nuzzled her ear as he whispered, “How about I return the favor and give Isobel a massage?”

  Lexa giggled as she recalled using her middle name when she surprised Dan at the Relax Now Spa in Ottawa last October. “What’s your masseuse name? William?”

  Dan cringed at the thought of his dad’s name and Lexa mixed in that way … no, just, no. So he improvised, “Nah, Dantastic is here to take all your aches and pains away.”

  Lexa’s laughter filled the room as she turned to face Dan. “Um, no. That’s Loki’s name for you. Blondie won’t work either.”

  “Soldier?” Dan suggested, using the term she called him sometimes.

  She shook her head. “Nope, that one is reserved for other fun things. Hmmm?” She gazed into sapphire orbs and grinned. “I got it, Mr. Blue Eyes.”

  Dan groaned and rolled his eyes. “As original as Blondie.”

  To make him groan more, she joked, “Okay, then how about Sapphire?”

  Grimacing Dan shook his head. “Sapphire? What am I, a stripper?!”

  Lexa busted out laughing. “I’m kidding.”

  Dan eyed her and arched one brow. “Pick something else. Anything else.”

  “I like Mr. Blue Eyes,” Lexa affirmed as her eyes twinkled.

  Giving in, comprehending she could’ve picked something far worse, Dan rose and offered her a hand as he grinned. “Hello, Ms. McKenna, my name is Mr. Blue Eyes. Come with me, and I’ll have you feeling wonderful in no time.”

  Forty-five minutes and a full body massage later, Dan crawled back on to Lexa’s bed after washing his hands and putting away the lotion. He moved slow and careful so as not to wake her. He molded the front of his body to her back as she lay on her side. After pulling the comforter over them, his head touched the pillow, and he inhaled the scent of her jasmine shampoo. He smiled as he slipped his arm under the covers and lightly laid it around her waist.

  All the stress of the court martial and argument with his father faded into the background. He sighed as he closed his eyes. He drifted off into a restful slumber with Lexa safe in hi
s arms. Here with her, Dan found all he desired … pure and simple bliss.

  He’s a Keeper

  43

  January 28

  Lexa’s Home – 10:20 a.m.

  The aroma of coffee and something else delectable tickled Lexa’s nose, encouraging her to leave slumberland. She languidly stretched as she opened her eyes, noting her loose muscles and almost imperceptible amount of pain. She turned, expecting to find Dan, but only discovered an empty place. Running her hand over his pillow, she noted it cold to the touch, indicating he left her bed a while ago.

  Dressed in only his jeans from last night, barefoot and bare-chested, Dan sauntered in grinning and carrying a tray. “Good, you’re up. I don’t have to wake you now.” He padded over to her side of the bed. “Breakfast is served.”

  Lexa gaped at the tray he held containing coffee, orange juice, toast, jam, and an omelet. Her eyes moved to Dan’s. “You cook?”

  “Not much. Mom taught me to make omelets while I stayed with her. “I hope you like ham, cheese, onion, and spinach.” He moved forward to set the portable table in Lexa’s lap as she scooted to a seated position.

  Speechless, Lexa stared. No one has ever made me breakfast in bed … if I don’t count being in the hospital.

  Dan stepped back, uncertain of Lexa’s reaction. He raked one hand through his hair wondering if he overstepped and went too fast. “Um, sorry, I raided your fridge. I, um, well, just thought you might like …” he trailed off realizing he blabbered. “Wanted to do something for you. Um, since you’ve done a lot for me and well, …” he was back to being a blithering idiot. Lexa tongue-tied him sometimes.

  Finding her voice, Lexa said, “Smells wonderful.” She took a bite and enjoyed the light fluffiness and delicious flavor of the eggs. “Thanks. Did you make one for yourself?”

  “Yeah, I ate before I showered and now I must be going.”

  “You don’t need to leave so early.”

  Dan’s brows lifted. “Um, ten thirty is not early.”

  Lexa’s head whipped to her clock, and she breathed out, “I slept for almost ten hours?”

  “Yep.” He wiggled his fingers. “Mr. Blue Eyes worked his magic on you.”

  She smiled. “Yes, he did. You can stay. I’m not going to Bram’s until four this afternoon. Said I would come over earlier so Kellie can dress without little ones underfoot. Bram is taking her to Chez Larousse.”

  “I would, but I have an appointment with Dr. Fraser.”

  Lexa’s eyes went to Dan’s right side. “Everything okay?”

  Moving to sit on the edge of the bed to put on his socks and shoes, Dan said, “Yes. I called and asked if he would give me a once over and sign off so I can return to active duty on the thirtieth.”

  “He’s an emergency room doctor. I didn’t realize he did follow-ups.” Lexa sipped the juice.

  Dan chuckled. “I’m his only regular patient. He understands me and listens to Jim, so I trust him. It is unusual, but it works. And if I don’t go today, I’ll end up dealing with some doctor I have never met since Malcolm is leaving for a month to volunteer for Doctors International in Central America.”

  Changing subjects, he said, “I called Bram too. I’ll be over about six to help you babysit the girls. I’ll be bringing pizza for everyone. He said Allie’s been in the doldrums and me coming over might lift her spirits.” Dan stood and tugged his long-sleeve, gray, collarless pullover shirt over his head.

  He flashed a lopsided grin at Lexa. “You follow doctor’s orders and rest today. Perhaps a long soak.”

  “The doctor didn’t issue orders, only advice,” Lexa retorted.

  “Splitting hairs.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “The kitchen is cleaned, so you don’t have to move out of bed until you get ready to go to Bram’s place. See ya later.”

  Lexa snaked a hand around Dan’s neck and held him in place as she gazed into his eyes. She kissed him solidly before releasing her grasp. “Thanks.”

  He gave her one more smile, waved, and exited her room. As he bounded down the stairs, he called back, “I’ll lock the door on the way out. We might not need to worry about Plouffe anymore, but you should still take precautions.”

  Lexa leaned back, took a bite of toast, and sighed.

  “He is a keeper, my girl. Handle his heart with care,” Kaitlin whispered as she floated near her daughter. Finally, a man who treated her girl right. Lexa would never be a damsel in distress, but she deserved to be treated like a princess on occasion.

  Dan’s Apartment – 3:30 p.m.

  With the paperwork from Dr. Fraser tucked in his repacked go bag, laundry washed, folded, and put away, bathroom and fridge cleaned, groceries restocked, and nothing else to occupy his time, Dan kicked back in his comfy swivel chair watching a hockey game on TV. Though in truth, he half dozed, with the knitted afghan his mother made him for Christmas covering his lower half, enjoying the lazy winter afternoon.

  A knock on his door pulled him from his cocoon. A check of the peephole revealed Dom. He opened the door and ushered him in with a smile. “Would you like something to drink? Water, tea, coffee, beer?”

  “Thank you for the offer, but no. This is a short visit.” Dom glanced around the abode. Clean, organized, spartan … exactly what he expected Dan’s place to be like. He held out a file to Dan.

  “What’s this?” Dan accepted the folder and went to his island, setting it down and opening it.

  “A few items. My associate, a gorgeous blonde of mutual acquaintance, happened to be on leave and was willing to help. She managed to gain a position as a maid in the Ricigliano home. She obtained the original wills of Leonardo Baldovino from his safe, replacing them with copies for the moment.”

  Dan smiled assuming Dom spoke about Anastasia, but he wouldn’t ask outright since Dom didn’t say her name. He flipped through the documents. “Do you intend to return these?”

  “Depends on what Loki wishes to do. The originals must be in Ricigliano’s possession to prove Narciso’s deception if Loki wants to press charges and regain the rights to Amedeo Systems. His decision, though he must realize it is only a shell for the Cignotti crime family now, no real business contracts have existed for over two decades. Everyone who works for the company is tied in one way or another with the Cignotti’s.

  “There is also a copy of his prenup to his current wife. Alicia is planning on divorcing him having finagled a clause in the brief which entitles her to spousal support of twenty grand per month until she remarries.”

  Dan turned his gaze to Dom. “Is she innocent? Loki doesn’t want to hurt people.”

  “I figured he would want to understand her past, so I did research. Her maiden name is Jacobowitz. She met Narciso at an international gem show. She is the daughter of Salamon Jacobowitz who amassed his fortune importing diamonds. I did not find anything illegal in either past. Although a gold-digger, Alicia appears to be innocent of any collusion with Narciso.”

  Dom noted the expression of concern. “I wouldn’t worry about Alicia. She possesses strong family ties and will land on her feet.”

  Dan nodded. “Anything else to note?”

  “Yes. One contact I developed indicated there is tension in the Cignotti family. Giulio is none too pleased with Settimo’s recent actions. Draws too much unwanted attention. He is uncertain how everything will play out since the family tends to eliminate those who pose a threat to their operations. Though the problem has never been a family member before.”

  Dom checked the time. “I need to go. I must catch a flight. Let me know in the next two days if you want the originals returned.”

  “Will do. I’ll talk to Loki today. Thanks, Dom.” Dan closed the file and held out his hand. “I truly appreciate your help.”

  “Anytime you require assistance of this sort, you call me.” Dom shook Dan’s hand. “I’m on my way back to France. Any messages for your sister?”

  “No. I’ll call her soon.”

  After Dom left, Da
n texted Loki. Can I swing by at 5? Have something to show you. He ambled back to his chair and got comfortable again waiting for a reply.

  Five minutes later Loki sent, Sure. Want to stay for dinner?

  Sorry. Not tonight. Taking pizza to Bram’s house.

  Okay. See ya at five.

  Dan checked the clock and pulled the blanket up as he closed his eyes. Yeah, this is where I belong, no matter what the general believes.

  Loki’s Home – 5:25 p.m.

  Sitting at his desk in his home office, where he could speak privately with Dan, Loki stared at the wills, tangible proof of Narciso’s deceit. Rage burned the pit of his stomach, grief ensconced his heart, and a passion for revenge began to take root in his soul. Warring emotions played across his face as he wondered what could’ve been if his father lived and wished Narciso Ricigliano lifeless and buried. “I want him dead,” slipped out in a growl.

  Having only witnessed the dark countenance on Loki once or twice in all the time he knew the easy-going techie, Dan put a hand on his shoulder. “The decision how to proceed is yours, but I can tell you from experience, the death of the person who wronged you won’t bring you satisfaction nor right his wrongs.”

  Forgetting his ma was in the kitchen, Loki’s voice rose, “Like hell, it won’t. Narciso ruined everything. He murdered my pa. He hurt Ma, Gina, and Sonia. He stole the company and corrupted all Leonardo built by getting into bed with the Cignotti’s. Narciso deserves to rot in Hell!”

  The clattering of something falling outside the office door and a gasp caused Loki and Dan to whip their heads to the closed portal.

  Loki rushed forward and yanked open the door. He found Ma with her hand over her mouth, eyes rounded in shock, a tray and two mugs on the hall floor, the brown liquid of hot chocolate soaking into the carpet, and mini-marshmallows strewn around them. “Ma?”