Filthy Desires: A Romantic Suspense Collection

by Parker, Kylie

  His world shattered into a million pieces. Two tears streamed down his face, as he took a few steps back, grabbing fistfuls of his hair. Dominic’s back hit the opposite wall and he slid his down, the anguish of the situation gripping him, his gut-wrenching pain taking hold of him as he closed his eyes. Wrapping his arms tightly around his knees, he burst into loud, wailing sobs, unable to fathom why his beloved driver had died like that. Marianne sat beside him and circled her right arm around his neck. She pulled him closer in a side hug, his hot tears soaking her skin as he rested his head in the crook of her neck. Dominic’s entire body shook violently, as she caressed the back of his head. Within seconds, two tears toppled over the edge of her eyes and raced down her cheeks. The devastated man cried like a small child. He had lost one of the few people he could still call “family”. Now, Dominic had to find a way to live without him…

  19

  Soon afterwards, Jean literally stormed into the doctors’ office, demanding an explanation. After all, they had claimed that Thierry’s life was not in danger. Sadly though, none of them could provide a logical explanation. They were all just as stunned as he and Dominic. The circumstances surrounding his death had been very strange to say the least. The two friends suspected foul play and requested an autopsy and a toxicology report. Of course, neither of them could imagine why anyone would murder Thierry, but Dominic owed it to his loyal driver to look into his mysterious death. He had been a fantastic professional over the years and had never caused him any problems. In his opinion, an investigation into his murder was the least he could do to honor his memory.

  Thierry’s funeral was held three days later and, much to his frustration, Dominic had to endure every second of this painful process without Marianne by his side. Jean was there for him, but that was not enough. For the first time, in the few days he had known her, he could feel her absence. The loss of his driver was too much for him to bear. Marianne was the one person in this world who could comfort him, and yet, she was not there with him.

  “Stay in the hospital, Marianne.” He thought to himself, unable to hold back his tears, as he scanned the small crowd in the cemetery. “I’ll be alright. You focus on getting better.”

  Dominic recognized many familiar faces on that cold, cloudy, late-March morning. Friends and family were all there to escort Thierry on his final journey. One of them stood out: Linda Collins. She stole a few glances at him throughout the memorial service and even stayed at Saint Roch cemetery, after the conclusion. After almost everybody had left, she approached him. Dominic’s initial thought was to avoid her. This was not a place to discuss their relationship. However, he was so distraught that he could not force a single word out of his throat. On the contrary, he kept his gaze locked on her, clenching his jaw.

  “I’m very sorry for your loss,” Linda attempted to have a soothing tone. “I liked the old man. He was quite the gentleman.”

  “Thanks for attending the funeral.” Dominic said, nodding at the same time. “Yes, he was.”

  “I wouldn’t miss this,” She declared. “He had been good to me. He was always really patient, although I kept him waiting a lot, when you and I dated.”

  “That sounds a lot like him,” he remarked with a sad smile. “Good man, good professional.”

  “I liked him, but I wanted to be there for you, too.” Linda confessed, the sullen look in her eyes and her soft voice bringing a bitter smile to his face, as a raindrop landed on his face. “I couldn’t let you go through this alone.”

  “Go home, Linda,” Dominic stated in a stiffer tone. “I’ll be fine.”

  “No, you won’t.” She disagreed with him. “You’re broken, my dear. Let me…”

  “What?” He interrupted, his voice going up an octave as she leaned closer to him. “Do what? Comfort me? You can’t.”

  “Will you at least give me a chance?” Linda said, her voice, quivering as a loud crack of thunder ripped through the air.

  “I already did,” he grumbled, dropping his gaze from hers. “It didn’t end well.”

  “I’m such an idiot,” she gave an exasperated huff for her foolishness. “I still think we can be together, even though there’s someone new in your life.” Her statement sent shockwaves down his spine. Apparently, Linda knew all about his relationship with Marianne.

  “How could you possibly know that?” He asked while hearing Jean’s words ringing in his head, as his gaze shot up to meet hers.

  “People talk, Dominic.” Linda said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. “The head nurse in charge of staffing is a good friend of mine. She said you got her flowers. How did she do it, Dominic? How did she win you over?”

  “That’s how you found out?” He squinted at her.

  “Yes.” She gave a firm nod, looking deep into his eyes. “Why are you asking?”

  Dominic would not insist. The serious tone in her voice and the fact that she had maintained eye contact were enough to convince him.

  “Never mind.” He waved his hand in front of his face.

  “You haven’t answered my question,” Linda complained.

  “She saw beyond my title,” Dominic’s statement made her face harden with sorrow. She squeezed her eyes shut, twisting her mouth as she tilted her head away from him.

  “Then she did what I could never do.” She whispered, as a tear raced down her cheek. “But, she’s still an outsider. She won’t be here much longer. What are you going to do when she leaves?”

  “Do you really want to know?” He asked in a voice riddled with sadness.

  “No.” Linda let out yet another tender whisper. “Again, I’m sorry for your loss. If you ever need a friend, you know where to find me.”

  Baffled by her behavior, Dominic watched as she slowly turned around. Linda did not resemble at all the woman who had exploded in anger, upon hearing his decision to break up with her. On the contrary, she looked more like someone he could actually trust.

  “Linda, wait.” His voice forced her to stop. “What ever happened to the loud, spoiled girl?”

  She did not dignify his question with an answer. Instead, she spun around and started towards him, more tears running down her face as the rain drenched her hair. Raising her hands to his face, she tilted her head up and laid a soft, sweet kiss on his cheek.

  “She died the day she lost the man she loved.” Linda spoke in a wobbly voice, as she slowly leaned back. “Take good care of yourself.”

  Okay, I’m going crazy here. Thierry’s gone, Marianne’s leaving soon and all of a sudden, the brat is changing into this loveable, sensitive girl? Really? I’m finding that a little hard to believe. But still, that voice and those tears can’t be all fakes. Why couldn’t you be like that when we were dating, Linda? Why did you have to be so demanding and so goddamn hard to please? We’d still be together now…

  20

  Before leaving his castle on Sunday morning, Dominic made an important decision: to assist Marianne in finishing her interview. That way, they would spend the entire day together. Nevertheless, it also meant that he had to drive her around and he could not do such a thing in any of his supercars. The narrow, bumpy roads of Grenoble were no place for wide vehicles. Therefore, he chose a modest Ford Focus, in the hope that she would agree to his plan.

  Much to his liking, Marianne was feeling better. She had no problem focusing and the bruises on her arms were starting to fade. He checked her out of the hospital, eagerly anticipating the moment when he would announce his idea to her. The two of them stepped out of the hospital lobby, holding hands as they made their way to the parking lot.

  “What a lovely day.” She remarked, looking up into the clear, blue sky. “I wish I didn’t have to work.”

  “Yeah, about that…” He faltered. “Can I be your chauffeur for today?”

  “Thanks, but I’d rather rent a car.” Marianne politely refused. “Besides, a reporter in a supercar? I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “Supercar?” Dominic gave a s
nort of amusement, putting his free hand into his pocket. “Not today.” He continued, pulling the key out. The lights of his blue Ford flashed, as he pressed the “unlock” button. She glanced down at the car and then up at him, as a sweet smile spread across her face.

  “A Ford?” She raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

  “That’s what it looks like.” He nodded. “Get in. Where are we going first?”

  Marianne remained silent, as he entered his car. She seated herself in the passenger seat and stared into the void, as he fastened his seatbelt.

  “We haven’t gone to Paris together.” She said, turning her head to the left to face him. “And you still owe me a portrait.”

  “What about the interview?” He shrugged.

  “You do have acquaintances in Paris, don’t you?” Marianne inquired.

  “Yeah, but it is six hours away.” Dominic spoke in emphatic tones.

  “I don’t care.” She made her voice sound sweeter, leaning her head back against the headrest. “I want to go to Paris with you.”

  “Your stuff is still in my castle.” He pointed out.

  “We can have them sent to us.” Marianne said as her tone deepened as she reached towards him. “Drive us out of here.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Dominic winked at her, starting the engine. “Should I suggest a train?”

  “It is faster.” She admitted, cupping his cheek. “But, it’s not as private. I want to hear your voice, not just train engines.”

  “Good point.” He commented, driving off. “Do you have a preference?”

  “Here’s the thing. I went to a dozen places with Melanie, but I don’t remember their names. I was hoping you could choose one.” Marianne said, sliding her hand down his face.

  “Montmartre.” Dominic’s voice deepened even further, as his eyes sparkled with excitement. “It’s got a great view of the city. My favorite painters had studios there. Monet, Picasso, Dali…”

  “I’m sorry about yesterday.” All of a sudden, her voice lowered. “I shouldn’t have listened to the doctors. I should have been there.”

  “It’s okay.” He sighed. “I paid my respects to him. Now, I have to find the one behind all this crap.”

  “What did the police have to say?” Marianne asked.

  “Well, nothing. They’re still in the dark.” Dominic replied. “Jean suggested it could be my ex, but I doubt it.”

  “Why would he do that?” She posed yet another question.

  “It’s just that Linda reacted a little…” he paused. “Violently when we broke up. Can we please talk about something else? Why don’t you tell me about your books?”

  “Up until a week ago, my favorite one was ‘My immortal love’.” Marianne declared, as her hand reached his wrist. “It’s about Jimmy and Anna, an outlaw and a school teacher. They have to overcome quite a few obstacles along the way, but they get their happy ending. As of tomorrow, my personal best will be about Bruce and Rachel. He’s a blueblood. She’s a reporter.”

  “Will they get their happy ending?” Dominic wondered, realizing she was referring to the two of them as he turned to her.

  “I don’t know.” She whispered, blinking back tears as she squeezed his hand that was in hers. “I guess time will tell.”

  The sad look in her eyes added to his sorrow. Just like in the hospital, Dominic preferred to remain silent. A potential discussion about their future would make them both emotional and that was the last thing he wanted. He averted his gaze from her and looked up at the road ahead, breathing in sighs as Marianne leaned closer to him. She laid a soft kiss on his cheek, but, even then, he would not speak to her. Much to his relief, she leaned back and stopped talking about their relationship altogether.

  A happy ending? Who are you kidding, Dominic? You two can’t have that. You don’t belong in each other’s universes. It’s not a matter of class. She’s a city girl. You’re a mountain man. New York would drive you crazy, the same way she wouldn’t tolerate living in solitude. Just make this night worthy of remembrance. Deliver your promise. Help her publish her work and she will never, ever forget you…

  21

  The first colors of the sunset were in the clear sky above Paris, as Dominic and Marianne crossed the city limits. He headed north, towards the hill of Montmartre, desperate to show her his favorite view of the romantic city.

  As soon as he parked his car, they began to wander through the narrow, winding streets. Marianne seemed to love the experience. She didn’t expect to find anything like that on the outskirts of a big city like Paris. There were small cafes and shops, right under old, yet well-preserved buildings everywhere. He was so excited that he would not stop talking about his favorite painters and even showed her where their studios used to be. Still, as he glanced out toward the horizon, Dominic realized that his short tour would soon have to come to an end. Daylight was quickly fading away. The sun was minutes away from setting, as he took Marianne by the hand.

  He led her to an empty hotel, high up on the Montmartre hill. Unwilling to reveal to her what he had in mind, he ignored her questions. Marianne finally understood his plan, when the two of them stepped onto the terrace. The Basilica of the Sacré Coeur glowed on the hill, surrounded by hundreds of flickering city lights. The background was just as breathtaking, as the Eiffel tower stood tall among hundreds of thousands more city lights. Taking a few steps towards the edge of the terrace, Marianne opened her mouth wide, stunned by the sheer beauty of the scenery.

  “Oh, my God…” she whispered, covering her mouth with her hands, as Dominic sauntered towards her. “This is…”

  “I believe the word you’re looking for is ‘majestic’.” He interrupted, stopping right behind her. “I bought this hotel last month, because of the view.”

  “Thank you.” Marianne uttered, in a voice thick with emotion, as she turned around to face him.

  “Not just yet.” He smirked, pulling a red, business card out of his right pocket. It read:

  “Green & Associates

  47209, Fifth Avenue

  Manhattan”

  “Jonathan Green is one of the best marketers money can buy. Call him when you get to New York. He’ll help you promote your books online. Don’t worry about his fee. I got it covered.”

  Marianne’s hand trembled, as Dominic handed the card over to her. She glanced down at it and then back up at him, unable to utter a word. He put his hands on her hips and pulled her closer, gazing deep into her watery eyes, as she took the card in her hand.

  “Go get them, little bird.” He whispered, sliding his hands up her arms. “Go spread your wings. I’ll help you, every step of the way.”

  “Oh, Dominic…” She heaved a long, deep sigh, bending her head down, as he cupped her cheeks in both of his hands.

  “Look at me.” He urged, running his thumbs across her cheekbones, as a tear soaked his skin. “I want you to succeed. I want you to find happiness, even if we’re an ocean apart.”

  “I can’t.” Marianne sniffled, as she looked up at him. “Not without you.”

  “Yes, you can.” Dominic put a little force in his voice, as tears rose up in his eyes. “Promise me you’ll try.”

  “How?” She whispered, lightly shaking her head. “How can I do that, when I know I’ve left the best thing that’s ever happened to me behind?”

  Dominic could not come up with an answer. The sight of her reddened eyes broke his heart into a million pieces, as two tears streamed down his face. His hands shook, as Marianne bent her head towards him. Circling her arms around his waist, she put her head on his chest, the sound of her sniffles becoming louder, as he embraced her. Burying his face into her hair, he held her tight, as her body trembled in his arms. He kissed her on the top of her head, interlocking his fingers behind her back, more tears rolling down his cheeks, as a powerful gust of wind blew through their hair.

  “You’re going to be big someday, Marianne.” Dominic said, his voice thick with emotion, loosening his grip aroun
d her. “People are going to love your work.”

  “You’ll always be my king, Dominic,” Marianne whispered while opening her eyes, as she slowly leaned back. “The king of my heart. Who knows…? Maybe someday, we can get our happy ending.”

  “Write that book, baby.” He encouraged, removing his right hand from her back. “Write it and send it to me.” He went on, tucking tendrils of hair behind her ear.

  “I can’t do that.” She sighed, running her hands up his body. “Not yet, anyway.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it will hurt too much.” Marianne’s painful whisper added to his already profound pain. “I love you, my king. I’ve loved you since the moment you came to my bedroom. You talked to me, you comforted me…”

  “I love you, too,” Dominic declared in his low, deep voice, as he held her face in his hands. She shut her eyes, as he tilted his head down; he kissed her closed eyelids, as a more powerful breeze tugged at her hair, “now and always.”

  “God, I’m going to miss that kiss,” Marianne breathed, opening her eyes. “I’m going to miss everything about you.”

  “So am I, little bird,” he confessed, his baritone dropping down an octave. “So am I.”

  “Hold me tight tonight,” she whispered, leaning forward. “Kiss me, touch me…”

  “You’re never going to forget this night.” Dominic spoke, his tone wobbly as he pressed his forehead against hers. “Ever.”

  22

  “This is it…” Dominic said while pressing the light switch on the wall, as he and Marianne walked into the penthouse suite. But she was too emotional to comment on the luxurious interior. Preferring to focus on him, she cast a delighted glance at the dimmed lights across from them and pushed the door shut.