The Secret Arrangement

by Vanessa Waltz

  Whatever he said, I still thought it would reflect poorly on me. Come six o'clock, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a mountain of gifts in the foyer for Uncle Dominic.

  The car door was flung open before I could adjust my glare and then I slid out of the leather seat, walking behind Luke as he headed toward the front.

  “I’ll find my aunt and introduce you, and then we can go upstairs into the guest bedroom.”

  I ran my fingers through my hair, finding it hopelessly tangled. Feeling close to laughter, I walked inside the mansion. The floors were too good for my sneaker feet. The marble foyer looked like it had just been polished. Beyond that, I could see dark mahogany hardwood floors in the living room, a modern stainless steel kitchen peeking around the corner. I wanted to sprint up the ebony staircase and hide in one of the guest rooms.

  Luke, however, was at home. I didn't know how he always looked unruffled, as though he stepped out of a men's fashion magazine.

  “Aunt Beth! I’m here!”

  A motherly looking woman in her sixties appeared. I was pleased that she dressed in casual clothing. She wasn’t pretty, but she was the sort of person you would be glad to see if you were feeling down.

  Luke grinned from ear to ear as she seized his head and kissed his cheek.

  “I’m so happy to see you. You look wonderful.”

  “Thanks, Auntie.”

  Something had happened to Luke. There was lightness in his eyes, and his face was smooth. I realized with a shock that Luke was—happy.

  Still smiling, he motioned toward me, and I stepped forward. "This is my girlfriend, Jessica. I told you about her on the phone."

  “Oh, yes! It’s lovely to meet you.”

  I felt the warmth from her smile in her handshake, and I couldn’t help it—I grinned back. “Thank you for letting us stay here. It’s kind of you.”

  “It’s no trouble at all. Both of you are always welcome.”

  I watched in fascination as Luke allowed himself to be steered upstairs.

  “You two must be exhausted. Why don’t you take a nap and I’ll fix you a snack when you wake up?”

  Luke’s hand curled around mine as he walked toward to the guest bedroom. “Sounds good. Don’t go through too much trouble.”

  “Not at all.”

  The exhaustion settled in as Luke opened the door to a room with a magnificent four-poster bed, our luggage already sitting nearby. There was a flat screen television, an armoire, and an adjacent bathroom.

  I guess we have to share the bed.

  Luke turned around with a worried expression on his face, having come to the same realization.

  “I can sit in the chair while—”

  “We had sex, remember? It’s not a big deal.”

  Why was he trying to sweep it all under the rug? Maybe I was just tired. I ripped back the covers and saw that Luke was still staring at me. He froze me with that hungry, searching look. Before I knew it, he was standing right in front of me, demanding my full attention. My body seemed to shake with my pounding heart.

  “Jessica, what you said earlier—did you mean it? You want me to stop paying you?”

  I couldn't think when he was so close. He always made me feel breathless, but I knew the answer to his question. I had been bursting to tell him for days.

  “Yes, I meant it. I want you, Luke. I don’t care about the money anymore, I want you.” My voice sounded rushed, and I didn’t look away from his eyes. I wanted him to believe me.

  Believe me.

  “I want you, too. All the time and everywhere.”

  I could feel his heat descending on me like fog. His fingers grazed my lip, my jaw, and my ears as though he could hardly believe that I existed. His lips hovered over mine and touched me. It was sensitive; unlike the passionate fury, he had shown me in London. It made my skin flame.

  It only lasted a few seconds, our fatigue transformed into suppressed desire. His tongue swept inside my mouth as a fire leaped inside my chest. He reached up with one hand and tore apart my blouse with a violent jerk; several of the buttons snapped off and darted across the hardwood floors.

  The ruined blouse fell to the floor in a crumpled heap and Luke slid around my back and unsnapped my bra, a thrill scorching my skin as he covered my breasts with his hands, groping them hard. I reached under his shirt and felt his abdominal muscles shiver. His warmth left my tits so I could pull the shirt over his head.

  I did not understand how he had the time to maintain his flawless body. I ran my fingers along his clavicle, around his shoulder and back toward the taut muscles on his chest. He pulled me in and my breasts flattened against his chest, both of us thrilled at the contact. He grabbed my hair and tugged sharply; then his lips were caressing mine, sucking on my bottom lip as his hands fell from my head. He stroked my back with his fingers until they anchored over my ass. He lifted me, his hardness grinding against my pussy.

  “Jessica, take off your pants.”

  I clenched inside as he gave me the order. His face wore a concerned look as he tilted my head with a finger.

  “Are you okay?”

  I wasn’t sure. There was still a prickle of fear. There was doubt when I knew there shouldn’t be. I hated how that bastard somehow ruined every intimate moment I had with a man I wanted. Would this ever go away?

  No, I won’t let him ruin this for me. I’m not broken.

  I reached down and pulled my jeans off.

  His face softened. “God, you’re gorgeous.”

  Luke knelt down, and his fingers played with the thin cotton of my panties. His middle finger curled underneath, stroking the slightly damp mound, riding between my lips. I gasped as I felt him and widened my stance. It was like a ball of electrical current pounding between my legs.

  He planted wet kisses on the inside of my thighs, gently teasing the fabric. Fingernails scraped my skin as he pulled the panties down, and then I could feel his warm breath billowing over my pussy.

  Oh, Jesus. My legs trembled, and I let out a moan. His lips kissed me, and his tongue quickly darted out, sliding between my lips.

  “Luke—oh!”

  No one had ever done this to me. The wet, slippery tongue nudged my clit, penetrating me as his mouth closed over it all as if he wanted to devour me. Then he sucked hard, and I fought the urge to grind myself against his lips. It felt so goddamn good, and my juices were flowing all over him, making wet, obscene noises that made my chest flush. Then he pulled away and cold air stung my wet core; he planted another kiss on my mound before I yanked him to his feet.

  He was smiling in a self-assured way, brimming with the confidence that had first drawn me to him. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist me.”

  I pulled his head close so we could both feel each other’s breath. My hands slid up and down his gorgeous neck, and my thumbs moved over the bump on his throat. I loved every inch of him.

  “You couldn’t resist me either.”

  His swollen lips beckoned me. I couldn’t resist any part of him; I was addicted. My mouth crashed against his and I didn’t care I could taste myself on his lips; I wanted him to know how much I wanted him. My palm ran along the hard bump in his jeans.

  The first button popped out, and my fingers moved deftly, unzipping his pants and slipping off the tight, black briefs so I could cradle the whole length of him in my hands.

  Luke’s face was glowing as he followed me into the tiled bathroom. I stood in front of the mirror above the sink, watching myself in fascination as a handsome, dark-haired man enveloped his arms around my belly and kissed my neck.

  I sighed with every hot kiss he planted on me, melting away some of my anxiety.

  “Your heart’s beating fast.”

  He could feel it pounding under my left breast. I turned around and gripped Luke’s waist, trying to bury myself in his comforting warmth. I couldn’t. I kept feeling the palm of Vincent’s hand, slamming into my back. I grabbed the edge of the sink as I was thrown forward and looked
up, marveling at the cruelty of someone with such a beautiful face.

  No, don’t!

  Luke whispered things in his soothing voice that made the pain and violence slowly fade away. I never told him about any of it, but somehow, he knew when I was hurting and how exactly to comfort me. I sniffed as my chest filled with affection for him.

  “Jessica, maybe you’re not ready for this. We don’t have to do anything; I’m happy just to be with you.”

  It was such a perfect thing to say, but I shook my head. “No, I want this.”

  He looked at me doubtfully, but I took his hands and I let him feel how wet I was.

  The cocky grin was back on his face. “You do, don’t you?”

  My core heated as his eyes lingered over my breasts. He backed me against the cold wall, drinking every square inch of me. My gaze fell on the thickness between his legs, which stood at attention like a soldier. I wrapped my fingers around him and tugged, remembering how incredible it had felt to have all of him inside me. His arms snaked around my back and lifted me onto his waist.

  I giggled as my legs slid around him, marveling at the strength in his arms. His eyes were full of that irresistible, frightening intensity and I knew that he couldn't wait another moment. I saw his powerful back in the mirror, my legs locked around him. He crushed me against the wall and thrust upward, his cock impaling my needy warmth. The pleasurable shock of it erupted from my mouth in a guttural moan.

  Every thrust made my thighs tighten around his waist. Every roll of his powerful back rocked through me, grinding my back against the wall. Something was shifting inside as his thrusts became more urgent. I gripped his shoulders and dug my nails into his flesh, not caring about anything in the world except this wonderful feeling shooting through my body. He plunged into my depths, our mouths meeting and parting in gasping breaths, and I felt the pressure building. I trembled and came hard, my core contracting around him.

  Luke's breathing was fast, and he might have said something, and then his deep groans filled the small bathroom. His hips slammed me against the wall, and he buried his face in my neck. He stayed there for a moment, his thickness deep inside me, and then his arms shook as he lowered me to the floor.

  “God, Luke.”

  He gave me a shaky laugh. “That was pretty amazing.”

  I glowed as he leaned forward to kiss me again.

  “Do you want to take a shower?”

  Moments later, we stumbled into it together, laughing. I shrieked as he turned on the shower and the water struck me with a cold blast, but Luke moved in front of it, biting back laughter.

  “Sorry about that,” he said with a playful grin.

  I swatted at his shoulder, but he caught my hand and kissed it. My heart thudded against my chest as I felt his lips on my skin.

  I’m crazy about him.

  The glass walls filled with steam as the hot water sprayed across our bodies. Luke grabbed a bar of soap and soaped up my curves. My desire for him, which could never really be satisfied, shot up. I was in awe of him, and full of so much happiness I thought I would burst. He wanted me, for all my flaws, he wanted me. And I needed him.

  It wasn’t a fake relationship anymore, was it? I looked up at him and tried to decipher it from his face. No, it wasn’t enough. I needed him to tell me—or I’d never believe it.

  “Luke, what does this mean?”

  The water sprayed over his head, dripping down his face, making him look more youthful and beautiful. His lips were red from kissing me. “I’m not sure. Let’s play it by ear and take it slow.”

  What did you expect? An angry voice inside me said. Did you think he would bend on one knee and propose? You’ve only known each other for a few months.

  He noticed. I pulled against him, unable to disguise the hurt on my face. He trapped me. “Jessica, I want to be your boyfriend. I really do, but you must understand that I have my own demons to deal with. I don’t trust easily, and it will take time.”

  Luke didn't promise anything, but at least he was willing. I nodded. I could understand that. If I wanted him, I needed to be patient. He’s worth it, I thought as his lips caught mine again.

  9

  A muscular arm snaked around my bare waist. My eyes snapped open, and my chest froze as I felt a body behind me. It wasn't until I recognized Luke's voice, husky with fatigue, that I relaxed. I turned over on the bed as he ran his hand up and over my curves.

  His face wrinkled slightly with sleep lines, but his voice was full of energy. “Good evening, beautiful.” He winked at me.

  I couldn’t believe I was in bed with him. I touched his chest, and he stroked my back with his fingertips. It was as though we were a real couple. “I want to stay in bed.”

  “If I have to go down there, so do you. Appearances, Jessica.”

  I sighed as I rolled out of the mattress. Meeting Luke's family was the absolute last thing I felt like doing. Every time I thought about it, I imagined myself sprinting out of this huge house to hide somewhere in the trees surrounding it.

  “When does the party start?”

  “I don’t know. Guests will come at around five.”

  I glanced at my phone, and a zapping sensation shot up my arm. It was already three in the afternoon. "We need to get ready."

  “Let’s go downstairs first.”

  After running a brush through my hair, we made our way down. During our nap, the house was decorated with streamers and balloons. There were vibrant, beautiful flower arrangements laid out in a row on the giant kitchen table, with intricate, gold dishes that seemed to sparkle, porcelain soup bowls and polished silverware. The flowers were like a splash of color among the black and silver balloons. What I liked about it all was that it was minimalistic. None of it was overdone.

  Luke’s aunt was sitting in the breakfast nook, sipping a cup of tea. She smiled at us. “Come, sit!”

  A plate with a neat pile of cucumber sandwiches sat in front of her. I took a seat and grabbed a sandwich. It was light and delicious.

  “Thanks so much for making these.”

  “Don’t mention it.” She reached over and pinched Luke’s cheek. “Your uncle will be so thrilled that you’re here for his birthday. Did you visit your father?”

  All the humor evaporated from Luke’s face. “Yeah, I visited him. It wasn’t pleasant.”

  She smiled. “The poor man is in a lot of pain. People can be nasty when they’re suffering.”

  “Aunt Beth, he’s always been nasty.” The sandwich crumbled in his fingers. “You should have heard the things he said to Jessica.”

  She looked at me for my reaction, but I shrugged. “It doesn’t bother me. I don’t think he meant it.”

  "Your father is a complicated man. When your mother passed, we all saw a side of him we'd never seen before. He was very devoted to her."

  His clenched fists sat on the table. I reached down and touched his leg. Don’t make a scene, Luke.

  “He’s cutting me off,” he blurted. “He will give everything to Uncle Dominic and your kids.”

  “What?”

  I couldn’t help but notice how his aunt registered little shock. The sandwich in my mouth suddenly tasted foul. Was this whole ‘nice aunt’ thing for show?

  ‘Course it is.

  Luke had seen it, too. His face was a mask of pain; I don’t think he realized that his aunt might be in on it until now.

  “But I suppose you know that already.”

  The teacup rattled inside the saucer as she set the cup down, looking upset. “Luke—listen. Your uncle and I talked about it. We both agreed that you should have your inheritance. Even if Giacomo’s will leaves everything to us, we'll transfer everything back to you.”

  “What if your sons don’t want to part with their millions? Isn’t that why they’re visiting him all the time?” Luke’s eyes flashed.

  “Luke!”

  He sank into his seat, looking cowed as I glared at him.

  She stood up from the tab
le. “I must get ready for the party,” she said before she left the room.

  "What's wrong with you?" I hissed when she was out of earshot. "Now you've upset her, and she was so nice!"

  “Nice?” he said in a harsh whisper. “Give me a break! You saw her face; she knew about it and did nothing. I can’t trust any of these people. They might think fondly of me, but they wouldn’t hesitate to screw me over to get my inheritance.”

  “But she said she would give it back to you!”

  He scoffed. “Even if she meant that, she wouldn’t be able to. It’s my uncle’s decision.” His face softened at my bewildered expression. “I know that you want to believe her. Hell, I do too. Aunt Beth was my favorite growing up. She was sweet with me, but everything’s different now.”

  I bit my lip. Was he right? Was I naïve? I knew nothing about his world, but I couldn't help but wonder if Luke was paranoid. "All I know is that if you keep being unpleasant, she'll want to help you less. Don't bring it up again."

  He got up and slammed his chair under the table. I could feel his stress balling inside me. All of it was unfair. There were millions of dollars at stake—his millions, and sharks surrounded him.

  “Let’s try to get through tonight. We've got to fly back to San Francisco tomorrow.”

  “But we just arrived.” I couldn’t believe that he was so willing to leave. “Wouldn’t it be better to visit your dad?”

  “No, he’s—well. He’s made up his mind. And I have to keep working.”

  “Your dad fired you.”

  “I never got a phone call from my boss, so I’m going to ignore him. Sometimes he doesn’t deliver on his threats. It happens.”

  Upstairs, I stalled for as long as possible before getting ready. After Luke’s confrontation with his aunt, I had no desire to go back down there and mingle with a bunch of rich people. I couldn’t help but obsess over every minute detail of my dress. Wincing, I looked down at myself and saw scuff marks on my black pumps.

  I'm a joke compared to them.

  When we descended the staircase, I realized that despite Luke’s assurances, my fears were genuine. Everyone looked like Saks Fifth Avenue had dressed them. If it weren’t for Luke’s hand at the small of my back, I would have turned tail and ran. The lace dress I bought at Macy’s was ridiculous by comparison.