Secret Dad

by Victoria Pinder

"You knew him better than I did." Or this was all about Jennifer and he hadn't said a word about her. Jennifer must have seemed interested in Rafe until something happened to poor Belle. Now Jennifer would spend every second at her brother's house. She'd be a fool to get involved with that love triangle.

  No one, not even someone with those chiseled high cheek bones of his, was worth agonizing over when he clearly wanted someone else. She had Brandon and her life was fine. "Okay, not a problem."

  His leaned closer, but still kept his distance. "What's not a problem?"

  "We'll just be friends, as you wanted." She stood. It was time to go to bed and let her mind steer clear of a sexy man with muscles and honor. He stood too. She held out her hand. "Shake my hand, friend."

  He hesitated and stared at her. Then he accepted her grip and shook. "I'm glad we worked this out."

  "Me too. I'm tired." She yawned for added effect. Right now she needed to be alone. Normally she wasn't a jealous woman. All she could think about was how much of a 180 Rafe did after one beautiful visitor. Besides, he was here to keep Brandon safe from harm. She placed her hand on her forehead and hoped she seemed sleepy and not stressed. "Did I ever show you the extra bedrooms? You can have your pick."

  "I think your maid put my things in the room next to you, and Brandon." Rafe walked beside her down the hall.

  At her bedroom door, she stopped and opened it. She heard Brandon's soft breathing and her world became less garbled. She smiled. "Good, that's the best one for the job you're here to do. Good night then."

  He stared at her as she slipped inside her room. As she held the door to close it, he finally told her, "Good night."

  Once inside her room and alone, she let out a soft sigh. No man, not even one like Rafe, should have the power to make her be sad. So what if he loved someone who didn't love him back? It wasn't her problem and she needed to stay far out of that situation.

  She and Brandon's futures depended on her ability to change, adapt and expect the best for herself. There was no future with Rafe. She went to her bathroom to wipe off the light makeup and tell herself one more time. She was fine. She was always fine.

  Chapter 13

  Rafe woke up to his cell phone beep. That sound meant his database inquiry found a hit, which meant someone within ten miles who hated the Morgans had moved to Miami recently.

  On the last case he’d worked for the Morgans, the would-be assassin had been someone John Morgan worked with personally before he moved home to Miami. Now Elizabeth had been a victim of a kidnapping and extortion. It made sense to run a background for anyone who would hold a grudge against all the Morgans. He quickly showered but only half-dressed as he opened his tablet to find out.

  Then he sucked in his breath and stared at the picture of a blonde woman, recalling his arrest of a similar face not long ago at the Morgan mansion when someone had tried to kill Alice, John’s now wife.

  His gaze took in the necessary facts. Serenity Hanson, sister to Serena Hanson, who tried to have Alice murdered in retribution for John arresting her father, had moved to Miami a few weeks ago, around the same time as the bodies were found. Her address appeared at the bottom of the screen.

  A knock reverberated in the room and his gaze shifted to the door. Elizabeth called out, "Rafe, how do you like your coffee in the morning?"

  He held his phone in his hand as he walked over and opened the door. Elizabeth wore a white silk robe that clung to her figure, illuminating her curves. He swallowed and pretended not to notice her breasts as he said, "Liz, I have a suspect."

  She blinked. "You do?"

  His body burned with the urge to take her in his arms. Last night might have been a huge mistake as he could feel his body hardening at the hint of her vanilla scent. He stepped away from her. "I'm heading out to confront her."

  She hugged her waist, but then dropped her arms as she stared at his phone. "Her?"

  If he kept his mind on business, he'd be better off. "Yes, she's the sister to Serena, who tried to have Alice killed as a way to punish John."

  Elizabeth followed him into his room. "Why Alice and John? They are the nicest people in my family."

  Every muscle in his body was tight as he rubbed his scalp. "John arrested the Hanson’s father as part of his job in the FBI."

  "I knew they’d had trouble before. I can't believe Brandon or I would be targeted because of that."

  "Your name is Morgan." Rafe swallowed as he stared into her blue eyes. He used her last name as well—but to stay away. His shoulders straightened. "Anyone with an agenda will be after you."

  She dropped her hands to her sides. "Or they’ll hold my name as a reason not to get close, like you."

  "I'm not..." No words formed to defend his actions. He lowered his head. "I'm sorry."

  "It's okay." She placed her hand on his cheek until he stared into her eyes again. "The goal we both share is to protect Brandon."

  His heart beat grew in his chest. Part of him wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around her and kiss her hard. Memories of their night in Vegas made his mouth water, but he instead whispered to her, "With luck, we’ll solve all threats against you and Brandon, today.”

  "I want to come with you."

  There was no way he'd let her. "What? Why?"

  She shrugged her shoulders. "My mother can watch Brandon at Peter's house for a few hours, unless you think that's dangerous."

  His heart beat faster as he shook his head. "It's dangerous that you go."

  She walked past him and headed toward the door. "If she's been threatening me, then I want to face her. I'm going to change and call Mom."

  He stopped her with one hand on her shoulder. "Why?"

  "Because if someone threatens a child that person doesn't deserve any pity." She took a deep breath. "I want to see what that person looks like. I don’t want to be scared anymore."

  If he was her, he'd want vengeance. "You don't want to be jaded for life."

  She pressed her hand on his arm. "This is personal. I spent so much time in hell wondering if my baby was alive or dead and now a ransom demand with a death threat. Rafe, I’m going."

  If he let her go and she stayed at his side, he'd keep her safe. "You’re not supposed to meet with suspects."

  “And you’re not working for Miami PD at the moment, remember. I’m going.” She turned to leave again. "I'll go get dressed. Don't leave without me."

  "Yes, ma'am." He grabbed his shirt off the bed and followed her out. Then he went to the kitchen and grabbed a cup of hot coffee and freshly made croissant.

  Elizabeth walked out in a red skirt and white silky blouse. He held his cup harder as he imagined how he'd slip his hands inside that shirt to caress her bra. He swallowed his coffee, burning his throat. "Let's go."

  She slipped on a pair of high heels as he squeezed his body past her, avoiding all touch. “Mom came in through my bedroom patio. She's sitting with Brandon while he sleeps. Ready?"

  Rafe didn’t make eye contact as he opened the passenger car door for Liz, berating himself for not thinking of Brandon, but rather her. He rolled his shoulders to relax and then rushed to the driver's seat.

  Once he started the car, and they made it onto the highway, Elizabeth fixed her simple stud earring. As he drove, he tried to ignore how his skin grew goosebumps near her, especially when he glanced at her pale, white calves and the outline of her thighs in the fitted skirt. Neither of them said a word most of the way. His fingers ached to touch her, but he held the wheel. Then she broke the silence. "Rafe?"

  “Yeah?” He turned into a building with valet parking. “This is it.”

  “Pretty nice for someone who would want ransom.” Elizabeth reached over and brushed her hand on his arm. "This is the address?"

  Heat coursed through him and it wasn't the humidity. Once she took her hand away, he could speak. "Yes, Sunny Isles. She lives in a condo."

  “Her life of crime must pay well.” The valet opened the door and she stepped ou
t. A moment later, Rafe met her on the front step.

  They signed in at the security desk. Rafe showed his detective ID while getting out his license and a moment later, he escorted Elizabeth toward the elevator bank.

  Relaxation music played in the lobby, complete with flutes. His search had brought up the businesses Serenity owned and if they proved to be legitimate, then she wasn’t a good suspect. He kept those thoughts to himself.

  "It's peaceful here. There’s even a spa."

  "Serenity owns them." Rafe offered his arm.

  She wrapped her fingers in the crook of his elbow as her eyebrow arched. "Owns what?"

  He pointed to the sage-scented white rooms they passed. "Serenity owns a few spas, and just opened the one downstairs in this building."

  Liz followed him without question as the elevator doors opened and he stepped inside. He didn’t ask if she was nervous, but volunteered, “Her sister targeted your brother and his wife because John arrested her father. Serenity was there too and saw everything that happened that day.”

  “That’s not a reason to threaten my son.”

  Elizabeth took a deep breath as the doors opened and they made their way toward condo number 2412. Rafe knocked on the door and then placed his other hand on the small of her back. She was his to protect.

  The door opened and a warm light shone behind the young woman’s head as she answered, “Hello. Are you also running for the condo board association?”

  "Are you Serenity Hansom?" Rafe asked. He stared at her and again saw the resemblance to her sister.

  "Yes." The brown-eyed woman had shiny light brown hair and was dressed in yoga pants. "Who are you two?"

  "We’re not running for the board. My name is Rafe Soliz and this is Elizabeth Morgan." He added an emphasis on the last name.

  Serenity stood straighter as she stared at Elizabeth. If Serenity sent the note and blinked recognition, he’d have to get Liz out, fast. Serenity stood taller and her cheeks turned red. "Morgan? As in the House of Morgan?"

  "Yes that's the name for my family." Elizabeth's back radiated warmth as she lowered one of his arms.

  Serenity opened her door wider and nodded at them. "Come in." As they followed Serenity into her home, the sparseness struck him. She had expensive beige furniture, but there were no portraits on the walls or any trinkets lying around. Everything was warm lights and clean as she led them to a living area. As they made their way toward the couch, Serenity asked, "Would either of you like a cup of tea?"

  "Yes." Elizabeth answered. “Thank you.” Serenity bowed her head and then walked toward the kitchen area. Rafe saw the refrigerator door through the open wall.

  Rafe was distracted by Elizabeth's vanilla scent. He leaned closer and whispered, "Liz..." She was brave and strong, and her classic beauty made her breathtaking. He couldn’t say any of those things.

  "Rafe, I don't think she's a threat." She turned toward him and her lips were less than an inch from his. His body begged him to take her. "She seems nice."

  "Don't fall for appearances," he answered though he agreed with Elizabeth's opinion. His instincts did not pick up predatory female; however, with women, his instincts weren't always reliable.

  Serenity carried a tray into the living room and placed it on the low table in front of them. She handed a cup to each of them that smelled like flowers.

  Rafe figured the brunette’s name matched her personality. He decided to test her. "Serenity, thanks for the tea.” He sniffed and then let his tongue test it. It seemed fine. Then he nodded at Liz and said, “I arrested your sister in the Morgan mansion last year."

  "Ohh." Serenity lifted the last cup of tea and sat opposite them. She gazed inside the cup. "Serena needed to learn to be calm, but I hope she's okay in jail."

  Elizabeth sighed as she leaned forward. "Do you keep in touch?"

  "No. My sister doesn't wish to talk to me." Serenity sipped her tea and then Elizabeth did the same. The fragrant steam went down his throat and honestly it was calming, despite how he preferred coffee. Rafe listened to the silence and again he felt Serenity wasn't the threat to Brandon.

  Liz adjusted her red skirt, overdressed compared to Serenity’s yoga pants and flip flops. This condo was definitely delicate and refined, though he heard a meow in the background.

  Serenity then swallowed her beverage. "It's probably for the best. Would either of you like a piece of fruit?"

  "No thanks." Serenity’s jump into hosting likely meant she wanted to avoid discussing her sister. Her face went white as he stared at her. Rafe pressed his hands together and rested them on his knees. "Serenity, someone is threatening Elizabeth and her son."

  "You have a son?" Her eyes widened as she gazed at Elizabeth again. Perhaps Serenity was innocent. What about Serena, then? Her sister was in jail. It was possible to send mail from there. He’d have to check with the warden for her visitor log as well as mail. If Serenity never visited, that would be there too. She bowed her head. "I hope you're both safe."

  Even though he didn’t think she was the culprit, he had to continue his line of questioning. "Did you ever send messages to anyone in the Morgan family?"

  Elizabeth placed her hand on his thigh and met his gaze. If it was her sister, she might have a clue. He guessed Liz wanted him to stop, but he couldn't.

  "No." Serenity placed her tea cup on the saucer and then played with her pearl earring until she was halfway done with her sentence. "I have enough trouble with my own family so I studied yoga, meditation and hope to inspire others in my spas to find inner peace and harmony within themselves."

  Elizabeth quickly raised her eyebrows at him and then turned to Serenity. "This tea is very good."

  "It's hibiscus and raspberry leaves. I find the blend both sweet yet calming," Serenity answered and then stared at Rafe's untouched cup.

  He coughed. He had been right about the flowers.

  Elizabeth squeezed his thigh. "Rafe, I don't believe..."

  He raised one finger. This was his job. Female suspects were always harder to crack in his line of work, at least for him. "Serenity, did you have anything to do with threatening Elizabeth or any of the Morgans?"

  She sucked in her bottom lip as she shook her head. "That's my father's style, not mine."

  Frank Hudson laundered money and John believed Frank had done that for Mitch Morgan for years. The evidence against Frank though was after Mitch had died, so no criminality was proven on the Morgan end. The daughters saw their father’s arrest which brought them to this moment.

  "What's your cat's name?" Elizabeth asked and both of them turned and stared in the direction Elizabeth did. The creamy cat with a gray points and blue eyes made her cat Siamese, which was one of the two types of cats he knew.

  Serenity offered a small smile. "Marcus. I hope you are not allergic."

  "He's adorable." Elizabeth smiled in return. "It's nice that you keep a pet. I’ve never had one."

  Serenity stood though she stared at Rafe's untouched glass of tea for a split second. "Marcus adopted me more or less, but I like that he's here. Is there anything else?"

  Elizabeth spoke fast. "If someone threatened your cat, or your family, you'd do anything to protect them. I came with Rafe today to confront someone who might have threatened my son, but I don't think you had anything to do with it. I'm sorry we intruded on your Sunday."

  Serenity's face flushed. "Thank you. I hope you find whoever you are looking for. From what I’ve read in the papers, the Morgans are finally getting a break and reuniting as a family. While part of me is jealous that you have a chance at having people around you who love you, I would never do anything to hurt anyone. One day, I'd like that chance myself. Take care of yourself."

  Elizabeth hugged Serenity like they were old friends. "Sorry we interrupted. You have no idea. Good luck."

  Rafe took Elizabeth's hand and led her outside the condo to the hall. Part of him agreed with her and part of him wished he hadn’t brought her here.

&
nbsp; Serenity had seemed genuine. He'd never tell a suspect that he believed them, but Elizabeth was not a cop. The best clue he had was a woman in prison at the moment, but they were far off from ending any threat.

  Liz’s hand on his shouldn't trigger his body to be this hard, rigid or wanting. He'd never take her, despite how he felt at this moment.

  Chapter 14

  Rafe closed the front door as Elizabeth carried Brandon into the house. Their son babbled in her ear, but she wasn't ready to let him go, even as she brought him into his nursery to let him have time with the therapist.

  His new nanny, Elle, stood the second they walked into Brandon’s room, taking him from Elizabeth. Elle had passed Rafe’s security background.

  Rafe waited as he checked his cell phone. The nanny and the therapist had passed all security measures and Brandon loved being home, even if the house was new to him. She followed Rafe out the door. It was best if Brandon built trust with the therapist, but her heart screamed that she should stay.

  She tried to pass Rafe in the hallway, understanding that she needed to give Brandon and the therapist time. Deciding to change, she headed for her room. She needed a distraction and Rafe's five o'clock shadow tickling her skin as he kissed her popped into her head. How Rafe made her body feel alive and desirable. With time, now that Brandon was home, she'd feel those things again, hopefully with Rafe.

  As she took a few steps ahead of him, Rafe called from behind. "Liz."

  She turned as he slipped his phone into his back pocket. He probably wanted to talk about Serenity when there was nothing to say. Today they’d uncovered no suspects, didn’t put an end to the threats, and Rafe had a wall around him that wouldn’t be breached until the case was solved. She shrugged. "We have to keep looking."

  "I will find out who’s threatening you."

  "I know you will."

  For a few seconds he didn't say anything. Then he shook his head. "That's not what I want to talk about. Last night..."

  "You have a thing for Jennifer and hate my last name." She interrupted him, but there was no need to discuss last night. He wasn't interested in her and she wasn't interested in any man who wanted another woman. She turned around and continued walking down the hall. "I understood."