by Weaver, Lisa
“Friends of yours?” Malcolm asked, nodding towards the men. Or is it more like one friend and one foe?”
There was no sense in playing dumb. It was obvious Malcolm had guessed she worked for Sentinels. “Rafe can’t know,” she pleaded. “His safety depends on it.”
Malcolm touched her arm lightly in reassurance. “Don’t worry. My lips are sealed. I have a few secrets of my own. I don’t make a habit of sharing other people’s.”
“I appreciate that. Thanks for having my back. Literally and figuratively.”
He shrugged. “No problem. It’s what I do. What we do,” he amended. “That was nice work just now, Mrs. Dimitriou.”
She tipped her head in acknowledgment. “You would have handled it just as well.”
“Rafe and Chuck are heading this way. I’ll let you get back to the gala while I go make sure our waiter wannabe doesn’t give your friend any trouble.”
Lauren returned to her seat, and Rafe joined her moments later. “Chuck is about to make the announcement,” he smiled.
The crowd burst into applause as Chuck stepped up to the microphone. When the audience quieted, he launched into his speech with a beaming grin.
“When Grace and I began our search for an individual to pass our beloved publication on to, our goal was to find someone who would care as much about Gracious Living as we do. We sought someone who possessed the integrity to maintain the values we cherish and the ingenuity to build upon them while bringing fresh enthusiasm to the publication. We consider ourselves fortunate that so many qualified bidders stepped forward to be considered. We’re humbled by your interest.”
Rousing applause filled the air, and Chuck paused before continuing.
“Although it wasn’t an easy decision, one candidate particularly impressed us with his passion and his vision. We feel confident that this individual embodies the principles our magazine was founded upon. And so this evening, on the fiftieth anniversary of the launch of our magazine, Grace and I are delighted to announce that Rafe Dimitriou is the new owner of Gracious Living. We look forward to watching him mold a great publication into something even more spectacular.”
The announcement was met with thunderous applause as Rafe made his way to the stage. “Thank you, Chuck,” he enthused, shaking the man’s hand. “And thank you, Grace. Words cannot begin to convey how honored I am to accept the Gracious Living torch. It has long been a dream of mine to add a magazine to the Dimitriou Publications fold that would mirror our family’s values. I’m grateful you’ve chosen to entrust your beloved publication to me, but I wouldn’t be standing here tonight if it were not for the support of my amazing wife. Lauren, would you please join me?”
She went to him, a blush heating her cheeks at the unexpected praise. It only flamed hotter when she met Rafe’s eyes and saw the passion burning in their blue depths.
“I’m delighted to have my beautiful wife at my side, sharing my enthusiasm and excitement for this acquisition, as we usher in this exciting new era for Dimitriou Publications.”
Another standing ovation ensued, and then the guests surged forward to convey their congratulations. Milton and Melanie were the last to approach. While Milton commanded Rafe’s attention, Melanie pulled Lauren aside.
“I thought Rafe might secure the deal,” Melanie told her, ice in her eyes. “When he’s passionate about something, he doesn’t give up until he gets what he wants. Now that Rafe has this feather in his cap, Milton plummets to second place.”
“And you feel the need to tell me this because . . . ?”
“I thought you should have fair warning that I don’t settle for second best. Rafe’s victory means I’ll be giving his proposal serious consideration. He’s asked me to leave Milton for him.”
Lauren shook her head, staring at Melanie in amazement. “That’s quite a fantasy world you live in. Even if Rafe were tempted to take you back, which I sincerely doubt he is, he would never choose you over Gracious Living. You know full well the importance Chuck and Grace place on fidelity.”
Melanie’s mouth stretched into a thin line of displeasure. “The contract is signed, now. The Fullertons no longer have any say in things.”
“That’s not entirely true. The contract includes a clause that makes it possible for them to reacquire the publication within a year if certain standards are not met,” Lauren told her truthfully. “But even if that weren’t the case, Rafe is a man of character. He’s principled and honorable, and when he gives his word, it means something. He cares about the magazine and what it represents. He won’t sully its reputation by doing something stupid.”
Melanie shrugged, displeasure radiating from her in waves. “Then I guess I’ll just have to be content enjoying Rafe’s sexual prowess as his mistress for the time being.”
“You’re not a very good listener, are you?” Lauren queried, arching a blonde brow. “What part of ‘man of character’ do you not understand? The ‘honorable’ bit or the ‘principled’ part?”
Rafe returned to her side, having divested himself of Milton. “I caught the last part of your conversation, Melanie,” he seethed, his deep-blue eyes flashing dangerously. “I’ve had enough of your ridiculous games. Leave Lauren alone or I’ll have you served with a restraining order so fast it will make your head spin. I’ve already had a chat with Milton, and he understands the score. It would be in your best interest to follow his lead and move along. Are we clear?”
“Perfectly,” Melanie spat, turning on her heel and storming off.
“My hero.” Lauren grinned.
“At your service, my lady.” He bowed. “Are you ready to escape? I’ve been waiting all night to have you to myself.”
“And miss the rest of the party?”
“I’d much rather celebrate privately with you.”
Chapter Thirteen
The following morning, Rafe and Lauren returned to his country estate. He pulled up beside a gorgeous stable and turned off the engine.
Grabbing an umbrella to shield Lauren from the rain that was falling, he opened the car door. “Come on. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
He opened the stable door and grinned at the look of enchantment on her face with her first glimpse of her new acquaintance. “I should have known you’d take one look at him and forget all about me. It was inevitable. He has that effect on women.”
“And why wouldn’t he? He’s simply gorgeous.” Stroking the stallion’s sleek nose, she murmured soothing sweet nothings in his ear. “I wish it weren’t raining. I can’t wait to ride him!”
“I can see I’m going to have to resign myself to taking a back seat to my gift.”
“Oh, I have no intention of neglecting you. As a matter of fact, I think you deserve a very special thank-you.”
“Hmmm. Sounds interesting. What kind of a thank-you do you have in mind?”
“Well for starters, have you ever made love in a hay loft? It’s always been a fantasy of mine.”
“Well then, I’ll thoroughly enjoy living out that fantasy with you.”
He led the way up the barn’s pine staircase to a cozy loft. “So tell me how this fantasy of yours goes, Mrs. Dimitriou,” he encouraged, laying a soft, thick blanket down on the gleaming hardwood floor.
“It starts with me taking off your clothes. You won’t need them for what I have in mind. Then I thought I might entertain you with a little striptease, seeing as one of us will still be overdressed.”
She removed his garments slowly, one by one. Then, shimmying and swaying to the beat of the rain falling on the roof, she stripped off hers.
“How am I doing?” she queried seductively.
Rafe stood fixated, mesmerized. “It’s safe to say you merit a solid ‘exceeding expectations.’”
“You haven’t seen anything yet,” she returned saucily. “Would you like to know what’s next?”
“I’d rather you show me, agapi mou,” he murmured huskily.
And she did, taking ‘exceeding expectations’
to a whole new level. When he couldn’t hold out a second more, Rafe pushed her gently away with a raged groan. “Patience pedi mou. Patience. Any more of that and this will be over far too soon. It’s my turn, now. Let me make your fantasy amazing for you.”
He felt her shudder in eager anticipation at his proclamation, one that he proceeded to carry out in a way that soon had her begging for his possession. Donning protection, he poised himself above her. “Look at me, Lauren,” he breathed. “I want you to see how much I want this. How much I want you.”
The moment her eyes met his passion-filled gaze, he slid home. They came crashing together in an unrestrained emotional detonation. It was hot. Explosive. Mind-blowing.
He thrust harder, faster, each stroke building the layers of pleasure until she shattered, coming apart in his arms. Only then did he allow himself to follow, knowing she was his in every way that mattered, no matter how hard she tried to deny it.
But only for a year. Pushing the troubling thought aside, he focused instead on the physical, showing her with his body what he couldn’t express with mere words.
She had her work cut out for her, Lauren determined, when they made their way back to the main house hours later. Rafe’s home was an architectural gem, but it was also a security expert’s nightmare. Floor-to-ceiling windows were a focal point of every room. While they showcased the stunning views, they provided too many potential entry points for Lauren’s peace of mind. The property was surrounded by trees and shrubs, the perfect cover for potential attackers to conceal their presence. Add to that the remote location, and the estate screamed “vulnerable.”
Rafe left to take a conference call from his home office, and she made use of the time to check the locks on all the doors and windows. She only relaxed when she was confident she’d made the house as secure as possible.
Placing a call to Liz was the next item on her agenda.
“Rafe’s working in his home office,” she told her boss. “I’ve covered every inch of the place, and everything is secure. Any new developments?”
“Nothing yet. Philip is cooperating with us, though, and that should lead to a break in the case soon. In the meantime, Rafe and his sister are still potential targets. Mendacci stands to lose a lot of money as long as Philip isn’t towing the line.”
“How much money are we talking about?”
“Billions.”
“What was Philip was thinking? How could he let himself be dragged into something like this?”
“He claims he didn’t know Mendacci was connected to the Mafia. When Mendacci upped the ante and started demanding high-level designs, Philip got leery and tried to back out. That’s when he discovered Mendacci wasn’t about to let him renege on their deal. Philip is willing to testify, but we’ll need hard evidence for a conviction, and right now all we have is Philip’s word.”
“Rafe’s going to be devastated when he finds out about this. He holds his father in such high regard.”
“And you hold Rafe in high regard. I can hear it in your voice. You’ve fallen for him again, haven’t you?”
There was no way she could deny what she knew in her heart was true. With every fiber of her being, she desperately wanted her marriage to Rafe to be more than a farce. She wanted it to be lasting and real.
Her blood ran cold at the thought of the ticking time bomb she was hiding from him. It could detonate at any time, destroying any hope of a lasting relationship with him. The terrible truth would come out eventually. What would she do if he hated her for it?
“Don’t worry. I won’t let my personal feelings compromise my mission.”
“That’s not what I’m concerned about. I don’t want you to gamble with your happiness for the sake of this case. You have a second chance to have a relationship with Rafe. Go ahead and tell him the truth, Lauren. Sentinels can still protect him.”
“I appreciate that, and I promise I’ll give it some thought. I’ll let you know what I decide to do.”
A few weeks later, Rafe watched Lauren from his den window as she took Dakota for an early-morning ride in a nearby field. Delight was written all over her face and mirrored in her body language. She was happy when she was riding, and he was glad he could gift her that. It wasn’t enough, though, to make amends for the bastard he’d been. She deserved far more than fleeting moments of happiness. She deserved her freedom.
These past few weeks had been amazing. Though he had put in long days at the helm of his new publication to ensure the transition would be seamless, Lauren had been waiting for him eagerly each night. She was amazing in bed, meeting his every need. She was already such a part of his life.
But when she didn’t know he was watching her, he saw sadness in her eyes. He knew it was because he was forcing her to be here with him, and her unhappiness made his acquisition of Gracious Living a hollow victory. His dream had come at too high a price.
In all his time at the helm of Dimitriou Enterprises, he’d never used people as pawns. He despised his counterparts who employed the reprehensible method, yet he’d moved Lauren around like his own personal pawn in this twisted chess game. That made him no better than the men he abhorred. No better than Milton. He’d lowered himself to Milton’s level, and the knowledge made his gut roll in disgust and self-loathing.
It wasn’t too late to do the right thing. Lauren was unhappy, and he was the reason. He had to make things right no matter the cost. First, he needed to pay Chuck Fullerton a visit.
Returning from her ride, Lauren found the house empty. Rafe had said he’d be working from his home office today, but while she was out he’d left. Liz had an agent keeping watch outside the estate. He would have followed Rafe when he’d gone off the premises, but that didn’t reassure her. She was supposed to be on top of things, not off enjoying herself. Just because there had been no further attempts to harm Rafe over the past few weeks, that didn’t mean he wasn’t still in danger.
Alarmed, she hastily tapped Liz’s number. Lauren breathed a sigh of relief when her boss assured her Rafe was fine.
“Parker’s on it,” Liz soothed. “He checked in a short while ago. Rafe drove himself to the Fullertons’ estate, but he’s on his way back. He should be home any minute.”
“Rafe never mentioned he had a meeting with Chuck today.”
“Something must have come up unexpectedly. You’re worrying too much, Lauren. He’s safe. Parker won’t let anything happen to him.”
“I know that. It’s just that I’m supposed to be responsible for him, and I got sloppy. I shouldn’t have left the house.”
“And how suspicious would that look? You can’t be glued to his side every minute. You did exactly the right thing. You know, you could make this situation much easier on yourself by taking my advice and telling Rafe the truth.”
“I know. But I keep hoping we’ll catch a break and get the evidence we need to end this. It would be better if I didn’t have to tell Rafe until Mendacci is behind bars.”
“The way this is playing out, I don’t think it’s going to be that easy.”
“I just want this to be over,” Lauren bit out in frustration. “I can’t wait for my life to be normal again.”
The click of the den door closing intruded on her conversation. Her heart plummeted to her toes when she looked up to see Rafe standing there, thunderclouds swirling in his blue eyes. He’d overheard her.
“I have to go,” she told Liz hurriedly before disconnecting the call.
Rafe’s cold stare bored into her. “We need to talk.”
Chapter Fourteen
“I can explain! It’s not what you’re thinking.”
Rafe exhaled raggedly, stricken by the anguish on Lauren’s face as she regarded him warily. Remorse twisted his gut into a knot at the sight of the dark circles under her eyes. He’d put those tired smudges there.
“There’s no need to explain. Just sit down so I can get this off my chest,” he directed, his tone broaching no argument. “Would you like a drin
k?”
She shook her head. Grabbing a crystal decanter from the bar, he poured himself a glass of scotch and took a steadying gulp of the amber liquid before continuing.
“I owe you an apology. My behavior these past few weeks has been less than stellar. Imposing this arrangement on you was selfish and wrong. I forced my way into your bed, and took advantage of you. My behavior was totally reprehensible.”
Reaching into his suit jacket, he withdrew a document from his breast pocket. Flicking a lighter, he held the paper to the flame until it ignited.
“What are you doing?” she exclaimed.
“Burning our contract. I’m absolving you from our deal.”
“But . . .”
Rafe held up a hand, halting her before she could utter another word. “Your brother will still get Intrepid Explorations as I promised. I’ll transfer ownership over to him first thing tomorrow morning.”
Lauren threw up her hands, shaking her head in disbelief. “I don’t understand,” she blurted. “Why are you doing this?”
“I can’t stand by and watch you lead half an existence day after day any longer. I know you’re not happy here. I’ve realized that by strong-arming you into this arrangement, I’m no better than Milton. I had a long talk with Chuck today. I told him everything, and I apologized for misleading him. I offered to turn Gracious Living back over to him, but he refused. I let him down by lying to him, of course. But despite the fact that I disappointed him, he says he still believes I’m the best man for the job. It was more than I had the right to hope for. Regardless, you’re free now. I’m releasing you from our agreement.”
“But I’m not unhappy!” Lauren insisted vehemently. She didn’t want to pile another lie on top of the fallacies she’d already spun, but she couldn’t let him cast her aside, and she couldn’t tell him the truth. “When you overheard me on the phone, I wasn’t talking about our arrangement. I was discussing a freelance project I took on that has me stressed beyond measure. It’s taken over my life as of late, but I didn’t want to burden you with it. You’re far busier than I am. I don’t want what we have here together to end, Rafe. I want to be with you.”