“Nathan?”
Her voice sounded loud and hollow: an intruder to the quiet, an invader to the eerie peace.
Top of the stairs. Down the hall. She was here now. Just outside his door. Optimism flared as she processed what she saw. Is this why he didn’t hear me? Because his bedroom door is closed?
She knocked, first softly and then louder. “Nathan!”
Silence. She almost faltered. What she’d set out to do had obviously been accomplished. I loved you, Nathan. I’m so very sorry. I loved you so much!
This realization brought a new set of fears. She and Sissy hadn’t talked about what to do with his body. Whatever it was couldn’t implicate her. Jessica had begun to reach for the doorknob, but this thought made her pull back her hand. I shouldn’t touch the doorknob. It will leave fingerprints. What am I thinking? My prints are all over this friggin’ house! There was no way she could be the one to find him. Had anyone seen her come into his place? What about the empty containers from what he’d eaten and drank? Were they in the garbage? Had his trash been picked up? So many questions, so many loose ends to secure. The sooner she confirmed her worst fears, the faster she could focus on distancing herself from this loft and his illness.
With an empty heart and steely resolution she covered her hand with a piece of her top, reached for the knob, and turned it.
CHAPTER 38
The bed was empty.
She collapsed on it with the weight of relief. The feeling was short-lived. As his scent enveloped her so did worry and fear. The shaking returned, even as she worked to calm her erratic heartbeat. He wasn’t here, which led her to assume that he wasn’t dead either. As horrific as finding him dead would have been, at least the nightmare would have almost been over.
Jessica was physically tired and emotionally drained. No doubt she loved Sissy, but the stress was too much! In trying to kill Nathan, she was about to die herself. She rolled to her back and stared at the ceiling. Closing her eyes, she tried to remember life before that fateful e-mail from Sissy, before moving to Atlanta, before meeting Nate.
Edwin. That had been her life before. No one could have told her that in leaving this abuser she’d be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
It doesn’t have to be this way. You could choose Nathan, and be happy. At the mere reflection on this possibility her eyes flew open. In moments like this, it did seem possible that what Nathan had told her was true. Maybe all men were not alike. Maybe he really loved her. She’d lose Sissy, but what happened if she carried out these plans, somehow got caught, and went to prison? She would lose both of them and her life as well. Then again . . . Jessica sat up as an idea occurred . . . maybe one day Sissy would get over being angry and both she and Nathan could be in her life.
Her heartbeat slowed. The shaking stopped. Jessica laughed out loud. She wasn’t the only one.
Was that another voice? Frowning, Jessica eased off the bed, cocked her head toward the hallway from where she thought the sound came. Holding her breath, she waited. Took a step. Listened. A low murmur of voices. Or did she imagine it? Soft, barely audible. Could it be a neighbor? Occasionally sounds would bleed through the walls, usually music though, or a loud shout. Once she and Nathan thought they heard the sounds of sex. She didn’t remember ever hearing low voices, like a conversation going on just out of reach.
She eased into the hallway and walked toward the stairs that led to the roof. More murmuring. Stop. Pause. I am definitely hearing someone talking. At the base of the short staircase she stopped again. They were clearer now. They, as in more than one person. The melodic sound of happy female laughter trickled through the opening and fell on her like rain. Only instead of soothing, like water, the laughter pricked, like nails.
And here I was about to lose my mind at the thought of him dying. Jessica quietly climbed the stairs, now ready to kill him on sight.
Thoughts of a sneak attack were quickly dashed. Nathan sat on a bar stool with a direct line of sight to the rooftop entrance. He saw her right away.
“There you are!” Standing, his attempt to smile was only partly successful. “I’ve been trying to reach you. Did you get my message?”
“Yeah, I got it.” She accepted his hug and worked hard not to glare at the woman sitting on a bar stool next to Nathan. In fact, she’d only taken a dismissive glance. The woman was beautiful, stunning, in a natural, genuine way that made Jessica want to find something sharp and pointed, and mar her face.
“You must be Jessica.”
It’s you. The Bahamas side piece. So much for not glaring. In that instant, her anger rose and invited jealousy and insecurity to join it.
“I’m Develia, and it’s wonderful to meet you.”
“Dev, baby.” Nathan kept his arm around Jessica until they reached the bar stools and sat. “The woman on the phone when you came over early that day.”
“Nathan has been going on and on about you and the engagement. Girl, this man is ready to marry you today!”
The woman’s infectious smile and kind eyes weakened Jessica’s defenses and soothed nerves already frayed by the search for a corpse. But that didn’t mean she liked her. It just meant no one would be thrown from the roof. She offered a limp hand. “Hi, Dev.”
Dev clasped it in both of hers. “You are so pretty, as beautiful as Nathan told me you were.”
“Thanks.” She turned her full attention to Nathan. “How are you, Nate? On the message, you didn’t sound so good.”
“I think that bug is back again.”
“Oh no.” She placed a hand to his forehead, and under his chin. “You don’t have a fever.When did you start feeling sick?”
“I started feeling something yesterday but ignored it.Woke up this morning feeling pretty good. That continued all day until I got home, started up the stairs, and got dizzy.”
“So why are you here and not lying down?”
“Being in the fresh air has made me feel better.”
“Have you been drinking lots of water?”
“There was still a carton of the orange juice you brought me. I’ve been drinking that.”
“Good, but you need water, too. I’ll go get you some.”
He tightened his hold on her. “No, you won’t.” Sliding off the stool, he sat her on it. “I’ll bring us all drinks while you two get acquainted.” He kissed her and left the roof.
“Nathan said you were with him in the Bahamas but left early. How did you like our little island?”
“It’s nice.”
“Did you get to see much of it?”
“Not really. Mostly where Nate’s sister lives and the Sandals resort.”
“That’s a popular destination. The next time you come, I’d like to suggest a fabulous place unknown to most foreigners. It’s a privately owned villa with amazing views, a private beach entrance, and modern, luxurious décor. I guarantee it will be unlike anywhere else you’ve ever stayed.”
They continued to chat, Dev mostly. Jessica found herself in the rare position of listening to a woman with interest rather than annoyance. Dev asked questions in a way that didn’t seem probing, and shared information in a way that encouraged the same. When Nathan returned, Jessica was recalling the pleasant parts of the Turks and Caicos trip. The bad times with Edwin had been so traumatic, she’d almost forgotten that sometimes they’d liked each other and even had fun.
She’d gone from high anxiety to anger to agreeable within the span of ten minutes. When she looked up and saw a tray-bearing Nathan walking toward her, she almost fell off the stool.
“Nice cold orange juice for everyone!” Nathan placed the tray on the bar counter. Along with the juice was a bowl of chips. “With all the germs floating around and these wild temperature swings, I figured we could all use a dose of vitamin C. Here you go, babe.”
Jessica took the glass and placed it on the bar beside her.
“Dev.”
“Thanks, Nathan.” She took one small sip, another one, a
nd then turned up the glass. When she stopped to breathe, two-thirds of the glass’s contents was gone. “I didn’t know I was so thirsty,” she explained. “But this is good.” She looked at Nathan. “Is it fresh-squeezed?”
He turned to Jessica. “Baby?”
“Um, no,” Jessica said as she shook her head. No, not fresh at all and no, not going to drink it.
Nathan took a healthy swig of his as well. He munched on a chip. Conversation ceased. Jessica became aware of music and wondered if it had played the whole time she was here. The wind blew, lifting the hair from her shoulders and sending a chill.
She eased off the stool. “I’m going inside. It’s getting cold out here.” She started toward the door.
“Baby, your juice.”
“Oh, thanks.”
“The temperature has dropped,” Dev said, rubbing her hands along her arms. “If you don’t mind, Jessica, I think I’ll join you. Nathan?”
“Right behind you.”
Jessica hadn’t waited to hear what Dev said. As soon as she was out of their sight she raced down the stairs and into the kitchen, turning on the water even as she poured the poisonous orange mix into the sink. Seconds later, she heard Nathan and Dev coming down the stairs.
“Oww!”
The cry was one of anguish and pain. Jessica braced herself, then came around the corner. Dev was doubled over. Nathan placed his hands under her arms and gently guided her to the floor.
“Dev, what is it?”
“My stomach,” she moaned. “It . . . hurts . . .”
“Hurts how? Are you cramping?” She nodded. “Nausea?”
“Yes. It happened all of a sudden, out of nowhere. Ooh . . .” She grabbed her stomach and rolled into a fetal position.
Nathan looked at Jessica as he reached for his phone. “I think we should call nine-one-one.”
“No!” She hadn’t meant it to come out so forcefully, but she meant what she said. “You had these same symptoms, Nate, and I helped you. Remember?”
“Yes, but this might be different.”
“Okay, let’s get her to the couch and lay her down.” Jessica raced into the kitchen and came back with a glass of a carbonated beverage. “Try and get her to drink as much of this as possible.”
“No,” Dev whimpered. “I’ll throw it up.”
“That’s the best thing you could have happen. I’ll run get a couple of cool, wet towels.” She took the steps two at a time.
CHAPTER 39
Dev lay on the couch. Nathan handed her the glass. “Come on, Dev.” His authoritative voice sounded loud in the silence. “Try and drink some.”
Dev took a few sips and set down the glass.
Their eyes met. Something felt but unspoken flashed between them.
“Do you think you’re going to be all right?”
She slowly sat up. “I think so.”
“Take a rain check on that dinner I promised?”
“Absolutely.” She gave him a lazy smile. Her eyes fluttered closed. He pulled her into his arms for a grateful hug.
Jessica came down the stairs to a lover’s tableau.
Nathan looked up and slowly eased out of the embrace. “She’s feeling better.”
Dev eased her legs off the couch and turned to look at Jessica. The move scrunched her breasts together, creating a tempting cleavage. Nate noticed. Jessica noticed Nate’s noticing. Well, I’ll. Be. Damned.
“Yes, thank goodness, Jessica. The hard cramping has passed.”
“I see.” She quelled the urge to throw the wet towels at Nathan’s head. “Would you like a cold towel?”
“No, thank you.”
“Are you well enough to drive?” If veiled sarcasm had a face, it would look like Jessica.
“I think so.”
“Then you should go back to your hotel, or wherever you’re staying.”
Nate was appalled. “Jessica, the woman just went through a painful ordeal.”
“No, Nathan, it’s okay.” Develia stood and looked around. “Where’s my purse?”
“I’ll get it.” Nathan hurried to retrieve the bag and handed it over. He placed a hand on her shoulder. “Dev, are you sure you’re okay to drive?
“I’m sorry if my suggestion seemed rude.” Jessica didn’t sound sorry at all. “But you need lots of water, a hot shower, and a long, peaceful sleep. Tomorrow you’ll feel better.” Jessica walked over to Nate and wrapped an arm around his waist.“Right, babe?”
Nathan looked at Dev.
“She’s right.” Dev pulled her keys from the bag. “Jessica, I’m sorry I wasn’t able to spend more time and get to know you better. I rarely get sick. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I had more than a cold.”
“Happens to the best of us,” Jessica said, not so subtly urging Dev toward the door. “Almost everyone I know has caught some part of the bug that’s been going around.”
“Except you,” Nathan countered. “I don’t think you’ve gotten sick at all.”
“That’s because I didn’t tell you. It was the week you went to New York. By the time you got back I was all better. So there was no need for you to know.”
He stared.
She glared.
Dev opened the door.
“I’ll walk you to your car,” Nathan said.
Dev saw Jessica’s reaction and spoke up quickly. “No, that’s quite all right. It was good seeing you again, Nathan.”
“You as well. Take care of yourself.” They hugged. He kissed her cheek. “Please keep in touch and let me know how you’re doing, and that you’ve made it home safely.”
Dev waved without turning around and disappeared around the corner.
Nathan closed the door and headed toward the stairs.
“Where are you going?”
“To lie down,” he answered without turning around.
Jessica followed him. “Are you sick, too?”
“I’m not fine.”
They reached the master suite. Nathan stripped down to his boxers and climbed into bed. Jessica got naked and joined him. She snuggled beside him, running her hand over his body: face, chest, thighs, manhood. “You’re not hot.”
No answer.
“Then again, you may be hot and I can’t tell because I’m burning up.” Emboldened, she slid her hand beneath the elastic band of his boxers and gripped his power. Alternating between firm grips and gentle squeezes, she rubbed her nipples against Nathan’s arm, ran her tongue up from his navel to his chin, pressed her lips against his, swiped her tongue across the crease of his mouth, a strong hint for him to open it.
Nothing.
She put her attention back on the task in hand. Pull. Squeeze. Rub. Tickle the balls. Not only was the flag not at half mast, it didn’t rise at all. Jessica’s eyes narrowed. There’s only one way a man can lie next to a naked woman who is working his dick, and not get hard. She slid down, positioned her mouth above his tip and—
Felt Nathan’s firm grip on her shoulder. “Stop, Jessica. Not tonight.”
“Why not?”
He looked at the flaccid member currently resembling a dead snake, then at her. “You have to ask?”
Jessica gave a sneaky chuckle. “If that’s all it is, baby, I can take care of that real quick.”
She lowered her head and again Nathan stopped her. “I guess I’m just not in the mood.”
“What, you can’t sex two women on the same day? My ex could run through three, maybe four women in a couple hours. You’re a one-and-done kind of dude?”
Nathan turned away from her. “I’m going to act like you didn’t say that and try and get some sleep. You can either lie quietly beside me, or you can turn out the lights on your way out.”
“I don’t want to lie here, I want to make love. Now.” For a third time she groped him. This time his backside was the target.
“Damn, Jessica.” He angrily sat up. “Just stop it. Okay?”
He’d actually surprised her. Even angry, Nathan rarely rai
sed his voice. “So are you . . .” The question died on her tongue as she watched him roll away from her again, pulling the sheet around him, fluffing a pillow and nestling in for a nap.
“Fine. I got the message loud and clear.”
In less than five minutes she jerked on her clothes, put her belongings together, and went downstairs. She sprinkled all the remaining arsenic she had on her onto every item in the refrigerator where it wouldn’t show.
She left the house, phone in hand, and returned the call she’d earlier ignored. Vincent answered before she reached her car.
“Hello, beautiful.”
At the sound of his voice, she felt better already. “What are you doing?”
“I’m over at a club where one of my partners has a band that’s playing. I called earlier to see if you wanted to join me.”
“I just saw the missed call.”
“What are you doing now?”
“Nothing, headed home.”
“You want me to come over?”
“If you want to.”
“You know I do. I’d rather be with you than with a bunch of hardheads. See you in a few.”
As soon as Vincent stepped into her home, he opened his arms and swept her inside them. Hugging quickly became kissing, interrupted by two glasses of wine.
“You’re so tight,” he said, once they’d sat on the couch and he squeezed her shoulder. Continuing to the nape of her neck and across her back, he placed down his wineglass. “I know what you need. Come on.”
“Where are we going?”
The Perfect Deception Page 20