Secret Dad

by Victoria Pinder

  "No." He followed her and stopped when she did. As they reached the living room, she realized he wasn't going to let this conversation die. She took a deep breath and turned toward him again. He said, "That's not it."

  "Then what?"

  Rafe straightened and his intense stare caught her off guard. "I can't hold your name against you, Liz. Even if I wanted to."

  "You have since we met." She pressed her lips together. He hadn't denied his crush on Jennifer. "The House of Morgan makes you think of my father."

  "True, but I was protecting myself. Last night, I was scared." He took a step closer, and her heart raced.

  She reached for him. He didn’t move, but the muscles of his forearm flexed as she gripped his arm. "Scared?"

  "Letting you get close is scarier than a bullet coming toward me."

  He took her hand.

  Her lips tingled as she inhaled his woodsy scent. "How? I'm not scary."

  "You're nothing like your father.”

  “Right." He lowered his gaze and she closed her eyes as well. Every cell in her body begged for his touch, even though he hadn't said anything romantic. "No, I'm not."

  "Your father would hate that it was me who touched you." His sigh after his words sent a rush through her.

  “He never had a say in my life. Don’t give him one now.” She gingerly placed her free hand on his muscular frame. "I'm not him."

  "I know." His lips touched her forehead. All he had to do was lean closer. She lifted her head as he finished, "So can you forgive me for being a jerk last night?"

  "I... yes, Rafe. We can be friends. I'd like that." Her heart whispered friendship wasn't enough.

  His hand caressed her back and a small moan came out of her. Her mouth quivered, his lips were so close to hers. She clutched his waist and stood on her toes to reach him. Then his lips brushed against hers and the world faded. Rafe woke up a hunger inside her that couldn’t be contained.

  A knock reverberated in the air and Rafe pulled his mouth away. They had almost kissed. Goosebumps were still all over her body in anticipation. The door rattled from someone knocking.

  Rafe dropped his hands to his sides. "Should I get that?"

  Whoever it was needed to disappear. She straightened her shirt and rolled her shoulders. Rafe pointed to the security camera, with his eyes questioning. She glanced at the monitor and smiled, "It's my brother, Matthew. Can you go check on Brandon and give us a minute alone?"

  Rafe's arm brushed against hers as she went toward the door and the overwhelming sense of loss hit her hard. "Of course. Wait. Your brother is Matt Marshall, the actor in Space Frontier?"

  "Yeah, I’ll need a minute to deal with whatever Matt wants."

  "I hadn't put that connection together. I'll be with Brandon once the therapist is done, but I’ll go and give you two space."

  “Thanks!” She watched his strong backside and butt as he walked down the hall. She took a second to catch her breath and then opened the door. Her brother came forward and she hugged him. "Matthew, you're home."

  "Sis, it's good to see you." He broke their hug and let himself in. She closed the door behind him.

  "I missed you." She followed him into the living area.

  He turned and flashed her his brightest smile. "I missed you too. Why didn’t you call me and tell me that Brandon was found?”

  “There is still a threat.”

  “Luke said you have protection and I want to meet him. Where is this Rafe Soliz?"

  "Rafe?" Her gaze narrowed. Her brother must need something. It was his tone. How anyone believed him a capable actor, she never quite understood though she hoped his career took off for the best.

  "Yes." Matthew leaned against the nearest wall. He’d been leaning like that since they were children. "Mom, Luke and our new brother, Peter, all said Rafe is the best detective around and I want his help."

  The last thing her family needed was more drama or heartache. She hugged him. "Are you in trouble too?"

  He shook his head. "No, don't worry about me."

  "Then what's going on?" She exhaled. "I hate thinking you might be in trouble."

  He pressed his hand on hers, and she felt better. "I found this woman and I want to help her. Everyone said Rafe is the guy with the answers."

  “You’ve been finding women since puberty. Half my all-girls boarding school stayed on the weekend for you to come visit.”

  “True.”

  "And now you’re famous. I can’t imagine your love life. Let's go into the bedroom then, so you can meet him." She tugged his hand to follow her.

  Matt pulled his hand back and she turned around. "Bedroom? He's in your bedroom?"

  "It's not like that." Her cheeks heated as the night in Vegas replayed in her mind. "He's visiting Brandon in there while I'm out here. The therapist was just meeting with my son. I imagine that right now, Rafe is talking to him to get information on the crime."

  "No, that's not it. Don't try to trick me." Mathew turned toward the hall that led to her room. "From the sound of your voice, I'd guess you're interested in him."

  "What? No." He lifted his eyebrow. She hugged her stomach and realized he knew. While Luke had always been the responsible one, Matt had always picked up any hint or clue about them, like he was psychic. Most people would just call it a triplet thing. She pressed her hand on his arm. "Don't be silly and don't say anything."

  "Even more interesting." Matthew let her hand go and strode down the hall. Liz stayed on his heels as he swung open the door. Rafe didn't say a word as they walked inside. Matthew crossed his arms as Rafe ruffled Brandon's hair, playing on the floor with his toy truck. Matthew glanced at the bed, leaned against the door frame and then at Rafe. "Well, this is cozy."

  He deserved an explanation. Liz stepped between the men. "Rafe, this is my brother Matthew."

  Matthew stared at Brandon and Rafe. Her skin prickled so she picked up her son as her brother said, "You and Brandon have the same eyes."

  He would make the connection. Rafe stood up as Liz held her boy closer to her heart. "Lots of people have brown eyes," she said.

  "Yeah." Matthew dropped his hands and then held one out to shake Rafe's hand. "Sorry about that. Are you Rafe Soliz? My brother Peter just said you were the best detective around."

  Rafe shook his hand though he glanced at Liz. "That's me. How can I help?"

  Matthew lowered his voice and then turned toward her again for a split second. "I found someone in need of assistance. Can you meet her tomorrow and help her get an answer?"

  “What kind of help does she need?”

  “Better to let her know that you’ll meet her tomorrow.”

  “That’s vague.”

  “I’m more interested to talk about how you fathered my nephew.”

  “My brother deflects by throwing around accusations, Rafe.” Matthew had a woman somewhere that he clearly wanted to help. Her entire body stilled and she hid a smile. Her brother had never expressed interest in anyone. “He doesn’t know anything.”

  "And yet my sister admits it with that one.” Matthew stopped leaning near the door frame.

  Rafe stood taller, but his cheeks were red. “I'm here to protect Liz first, but I will try to help if I can."

  Rafe reached for Brandon. Brandon stretched and practically jumped into Rafe's hands in a dive for his toy truck.

  Liz pushed her hair behind her ear and tilted her head. "Is she pretty, Matthew?"

  He crossed his arms. "Yes, but that's not what this is about. Tomorrow, I’ll make a proper introduction of myself to our new family and bring this woman along. You’ll find out then.”

  Rafe asked, “Is she a threat to Brandon?”

  “I love my nephew. I’d rather die myself than hurt him.” Matt answered. “This is nothing about Brandon or you, Lizzie. I’m glad you have your son.”

  "Rafe brought Brandon home to me when no one else could." She smiled. Her brother must like this woman as he was never vague like this. She
'd love to meet her.

  Matthew's gaze narrowed and he took his sister's hand. "Sis, can I talk to you alone for a minute?"

  She looked to Rafe, who nodded, and then followed her brother out of her bedroom. "Sure, what's going on?"

  He closed the door and then led her down the hall so Rafe might not hear him. He then let her arm go and crossed his arms while he leaned against her wall. "Rafe is living here?"

  "You know he is." She had no idea why his jaw was clenched.

  "I'm not stupid but I want to hear it from you directly." Matthew then took a deep breath. "Is he Brandon's father?"

  The blood must have drained from her face as she couldn't quite move a muscle to blink. She swallowed. "Why would you think..."

  "Deflecting is a family trait." He interrupted and crouched lower so his eyes were on the same level as hers. "I must be right. He and Brandon have more in common than just the same eye shade. I can read body language."

  She should have known she couldn't keep this huge secret from her brothers. She averted her gaze toward the ceiling and took a deep breath. "Brandon does look like his father and Rafe is a good dad."

  "Then where was he the entire pregnancy and why haven’t you mentioned his name before?"

  "I didn't know his last name at the time, not that this is your business."

  "You're my sister. You told me then you made a mistake. Now you look at him like he's a hero."

  "I ran away from Rafe the first time we met as he had no idea who I was. It was why I was attracted him, but I'm not scared of him now."

  Matthew made a tisk sound and shook his head. He then stared at the door. The last thing she wanted was her brother's disapproval. For the longest time Matthew and Luke were all she had, though Matthew was always the dramatic one.

  "We didn't know we were Morgans at the time Brandon was conceived."

  "Our new last name carries weight with studio executives. Matt Marshall financed by the Morgans means more producers are willing to take a chance, and I finally get to move past the action adventure movies. I need this."

  "Your talent is getting you far. It's not the House of Morgan."

  "It's both."

  "Then good for you. Right now I want to ensure Rafe forgets our last names and sees me as just me."

  "He's the head of security for Peter and his reputation on the force is impeccable. Liz, he's not your type."

  Her gaze flashed back to him as her hands dropped to her side. "What is my type?"

  "Are you joking?" Matthew stared at her as he leaned against another wall. His future home would need corners for him everywhere. "Whiny boring men who depend on you for breathing. That's all you ever brought home as dates in the past."

  "I've changed."

  "Not that much. You don’t like loud noises or anything out of place. You're still you."

  "I am, but I like him, Matt."

  "Hmm. You’ve never wanted anyone that didn’t fit into a high tea party. Cops live for danger."

  “He’s a detective.” Her ex boyfriends all seemed to disappear in her memory after she left them, and honestly she never regretted the end of the relationships. The lack of remorse on her part did not mean she picked easy to leave men that might be described as whiny or boring. She crossed her arms. "Luke has been in love with Rafe's sister since college. Do you disapprove of her too?"

  He placed both his hands on her shoulders. "It's not that. You are still hiding who you are and pretending that social events are your entire world."

  "Matt, I need you to see, me." She tugged at the collar of her neckline as she lifted one hand. "I don't want the limelight. I don't want people staring at me. I'm not you. I want a family, for Brandon and myself. Our childhood taught me I was on my own, but family means there are people who care about me. I want to see if Rafe is interested in me or if we'll just be friends."

  "If he sees you as just a friend, he's a fool." His tone rose. His hands clamped into fists at his sides as he lifted his head to look down at her. "Liz, you're a rare good soul. I don't want anyone taking advantage of you. Rafe's blind if he doesn't see how awesome you are, though I should knock him out on principle. Being Brandon's father and leaving you to fend for yourself."

  "I agree." Rafe's voice echoed in the hall. She stepped around her brother to see Rafe. Both of the men stared at each other like they'd end up in a fight.

  Matt practically snarled when he said, "Agree with what?"

  Then Rafe stepped forward with his hands to his sides. "You should knock me out cold, Morgan. I won't fight back."

  She ran between the two men. Neither of them moved. She slowly turned and placed both her hands on Rafe's shoulders. "How much did you hear?"

  Rafe's body was warm to the touch, but he looked over her shoulder. "Liz wanted to keep our relationship secret..."

  "A one night stand is not a relationship," Matthew interrupted.

  "True." Rafe walked closer, but she stayed in his way so he brushed against her. He sidestepped her. "Your sister left without a trace once, but I'd like a chance to redeem myself in her eyes."

  Liz turned and then met her brother's stare. There was no way the men in her life were going to cause a scene over her mistake in leaving the hotel room in Vegas, now. Her spine went rigid as she said, "There is nothing to redeem." She placed her hand on Rafe's arm. "You're clearly one of the good guys." Then she put her other hand on her brother's chest. "We're working on figuring out how Rafe fits into our lives, Matt. So stay out of it."

  Matthew glanced at her, stood straighter then mumbled to Rafe, "Don't hurt her."

  "I wouldn't." Rafe spoke the words like a promise.

  Matt walked toward the door, "I have to get going, but tomorrow, Rafe, I'll bring the woman over to meet you. Work on your situation with my sister and I'll get Luke so we can both punch you if we have to."

  Liz let go of Rafe's arm as she straightened her shoulders. "Luke's dating Rafe's sister, Caro, Matt. Stop being stuck-up."

  Matt shrugged as if what she said went in one ear and out the other. "Sis, I want you to be happy. Good-bye."

  "Bye." The one word made her sound angry. She counted beats in her exhale for a few seconds to calm down. Then she turned toward Rafe. He didn't say anything. With a heave to her body, she propelled herself down the hall toward Brandon. Rafe was here because her son was in danger. What he said about relationships and a chance to redeem himself shouldn't affect her thinking.

  None of it mattered anyhow. He was in love with another woman and she deserved a man who would love her fully and completely.

  As she saw her son playing with his new nanny and the therapist, and that huge smile on his face, she relaxed. She and Rafe would find balance because of Brandon. Nothing else was possible.

  Chapter 15

  Rafe had no idea what to say to Elizabeth. The moment the door closed behind her famous brother, she’d paled and rushed down the hall to get away from him. He placed his hands in his pockets. Mentioning the case and how he was going through more suspects to find out who might be threatening her or his son wasn't what she needed to hear right now.

  So he took out his phone to go through the file and went to the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee. The maid, Ashley, who was a friend of his sister, kept her lips pressed as she mumbled about her favorite movie star and the word jerk. She fixed a coffee and offered a small plate of baked goods on the bar.

  “Thanks.” He took the plate, and the coffee, and returned to his room to work on his computer. If Serenity wasn't high on the suspect list, he had to find someone else that matched the profile.

  Her sister wasn’t likely as it was hard to threaten people in jail without being caught.

  None of the names he found so far seemed to match but he would investigate. There was something bigger and he kept asking himself who would want to threaten Elizabeth and take their son? As there was no actual ransom demand and no request to send money, it was possible that there was no threat and that the caller was a pr
ank.

  If nothing else happened, it was the most likely explanation.

  An hour later he was on his second hot coffee with no answers.

  Rafe threw his keys in the air and wished he was at his desk at the precinct where he tossed a baseball as a method to prompt thinking.

  Elizabeth's blackmailer was a mystery he hadn't figured out yet. The kidnappers from Jose’s case were murdered with no leads, but there had to be a connection to whoever killed them and the current threat. The files were light on evidence and Jose had yet to update them, despite his promise yesterday.

  Nothing struck him yet as any hard lead, so he transitioned to reading the audio transcripts of the plane crash that brought Belle Jordan and Peter Morgan's wedding to a halt. Sometimes problem solving something else led him back to his question with a sharper mind.

  He sifted through what he had on the airplane. Ships navigation and other airplanes had been nearby. Last night he had set a computer program to place the audio and visual fragments into a linear order.

  He hit start to watch the timeline of events that he’d gathered, his gaze sharpening on a yacht close to the crash site. The ship was blurry in the gathered feed, but there was a person on board. And yet, the coast guard report claimed no witnesses. He rubbed the scruff at his jawline.

  Whoever owned that ship might have vital information on Belle that no one else had uncovered. He focused in on the side of the yacht and read “Emil”.

  He ran a search on his computer for all ships registered with that name, which would take at least an hour as it searched throughout the world.

  If he had a wife, he’d want to know right away about any clue. He stood and tossed his key chain one more time, caught it and tucked the keys into his pocket as he headed toward the bedroom door.

  Elizabeth's footsteps sounded in the hallway and Rafe squared his shoulders, opening the door. ”Liz, wait.”

  She’d changed from her red skirt to black shorts that showed every curve and a loose shirt too big for her body.