The Ramseys Boxed Set

by Altonya Washington

  Mick complied without hesitation, closing her eyes as she rested her cheek against his chest. Quest kissed the top of her curls and then placed another to her forehead. Then, he was gone.

  ***

  Yohan had drawn all the drapes-giving the illusion of nightfall inside the house while daylight still ruled the evening skies. The temperature had taken a drastic dip-yet inside the farmhouse things were cozy and warm.

  Melina felt more content than she could recall being in such a long time. She and Yohan lay cuddled against one of the armchairs before the fire that roared in the living room’s massive brick hearth. Though she was reluctant to break the silence, Mel cleared her throat and decided to speak.

  “I never answered your question,” she said, clenching her fist atop her chest.

  “Which one?” he asked in a slow tone. His baritone voice sounded muffled as his face was partly buried in her thick hair.

  “What you said about sex complicating things,” she told him after a second’s hesitation.

  Yohan sat a bit straighter, taking Mel up with him. “And? Do you agree with me?”

  She smiled sympathetically. “I fully agree. Sorry.”

  He stiffened, a glare adding a sour look to his face. “I’m not going to like the rest of what you’re about to say, am I?”

  “This has all been so nice,” Mel sighed, forcing herself to finish, “but I have work to do in Seattle and I just don’t think we should take this any farther than where it is right now.”

  “Have you lost your mind?” Yohan’s voice grated in the fire lit room.

  “Yohan you know I’m right,” she said, her fingers curling into the neckline of his T-shirt. “We’d have so many questions to answer with everyone in our business and-“

  “The only question I figure we’ll have to answer is why it took us so long to come to our senses and try to work things out.”

  “Oh please, you know it wouldn’t be that simple-“

  “Marc’s not there if that’s what’s got you worried.”

  Melina rolled her eyes. “Marc doesn’t faze me, but I’m not up to handling a load of inquiring minds.”

  Yohan’s expression was skeptical. “You know we’ll have to answer questions whether people see us together or not, don’t you?” he asked, trailing his thumb across her full mouth. “Hell, people will mostly want to know why you’re back in town and if it has anything to do with me.”

  “I don’t plan on being out and about that much,” she replied with a shrug.

  “That suits me fine,” Yohan said, easing back into a more relaxed position against the armchair.

  Mel couldn’t resist smiling. Eight years hadn’t caused her to forget how much the man protected his privacy. “We’ve still got so much more to talk about-maybe even argue about and you know we aren’t even close to working out what went wrong between us.”

  “So there is more you’re keeping from me?” he inquired, his deep voice going impossibly lower.

  Mel shivered, realizing that the moment of truth had arrived.

  “Meli?”

  “No, no Yohan. I-I didn’t mean it that way,” she said, her voice breathless as she spoke the lie.

  He cupped her face in his massive hands. “Then can we leave the past alone for a while and think about the now?” he pleaded, his touch becoming as pleasurable as his words.

  “Yohan I-“

  “Later,” he commanded gently, easing her back to the floor. His mouth grazed her flat stomach, paying special homage to her bellybutton. The airy kisses drifted upward to shower the undersides of her bare breasts.

  Melina shuddered, helpless to do more than moan and let her nails rake his chiseled torso and back. Yohan made sweet, slow love to her using only his hands and mouth. Melina begged him to take her completely as they lounged before the fire, but he wouldn’t comply. When she thought she’d die from un-sated desire, he pulled her close and carried her upstairs to consummate the act.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Crane Cannon’s Charm Galleries could be found in New York, Atlanta, Miami, Memphis and Seattle. Each locale, boasted lucrative profits, exquisite pieces and highly publicized showings. The galleries had helped to launch the careers of many talented artists as well as the people who worked behind the scenes to make the shows a success.

  Melina couldn’t believe such a blessing had befallen her when she discovered how deeply Crane’s interests ran in the art world. She’d obtained her art history degree about a year after she and Yohan married. Only to herself would she admit her fear that there would never be an opportunity to utilize her degree-her passion. She worked the Memphis art store one year before her natural flair for the business got her more notice. The knowledge and expertise landed her the position as art buyer for the galleries. While Mel believed the promotion was more about Crane’s favoritism than her abilities, she was determined to prove that she deserved it.

  The position was so multi-faceted it soon transferred into more of a PR job for Melina. She’d never admit it to Crane, but the trip to Seattle would give her the chance to really work in the ‘art side’ of the business. It was a thing she’d missed, but hadn’t the time to dwell on with all her other responsibilities.

  Besides, working on the gallery showing would help to keep her every waking thought off of Yohan Ramsey.

  Do you really believe that? Melina’s voice of doubt inquired.

  “Oh shut up,” she muttered, turning to survey her view from the windows on the corner office that had been reserved for her.

  As the Seattle office had never been used; the showing would be the premier event at the newest gallery for Crane’s company. Melina was already feeling like the place was her own.

  “Don’t get to comfortable, Mel,” she warned, hugging herself while staring blankly at the downtown view from the floor to ceiling windows.

  Again, Yohan crossed her mind. They’d enjoyed an entire week at the Alaska farmhouse. They indulged in pleasures so intensely, Melina thought it was a wonder that she could walk into the gallery that morning.

  With a grimace, she took a gulp of the flavored coffee in her mug and set the cup back to her oak desk with more force than necessary. Unfortunately, nothing would keep Yohan off her mind now; not when he was so close and so wanting to see her-so wanting…her.

  Pressing her lips together to stifle the moan that was desperate to escape, she tried to focus on work. The promotion packet lay unfinished on the desk and with the showing only two months away, the packet was definitely not something for the backburner

  “Dammit,” she hissed, when the phone rang seconds later. “Yeah Kate?” she answered.

  “Mel, I’ve got a Josephine Ramsey on the line for you,” the assistant announced.

  Mel closed her eyes resolvedly. She had almost completely forgotten her other far more important reason for being there. Any hopes for keeping her mind off Yohan were pointless now.

  ~~~

  “Well hello!” Mel greeted her mother-in-law, truly pleased to be speaking with her again. Regardless of what situations prompted her return to Seattle, Mel had missed Josephine terribly.

  “Oh Melina, thank God!” Josephine cried, “Thank you so much for agreeing to come!”

  “Josephine? Josephine, listen to me. I had no plans to do this,” Melina tried to explain. “My boss needed me here, so it all sort of fell into place.”

  “I don’t care. I’m just so glad you’re here,” Josephine went on, swallowing heavily. “Have you thought over what we discussed?”

  Mel toyed with a fluffy tuft of her hair. “I’ve thought of little else,” she sighed.

  “Well unfortunately things haven’t changed much since you lived here. Marc is still the same conniver. His latest scandal though…at least his evil is finally being uncovered.”

  “I know about the boat,” Mel sighed, taking her seat as she spoke.

  “But how? No one but the family-“

  “Yohan told me,” Mel shared, waiting
for Josephine’s explosion of happiness.

  Of course, the woman was elated. “Well when? Where did you see him? Are you back at the house?”

  Melina felt her head spin while Josephine rambled off the questions. “We spent a few days at the place in Alaska.”

  “And now you’re-“

  “We’re the same place we’ve been for the last eight years Josephine,” Mel firmly assured her mother-in-law. “Nothing’s changed.”

  “Nothing except the fact that you’ve just spent time alone together for the first time in eight years. Melina you can’t make me believe that didn’t mean anything?”

  “Of course I don’t,” Mel snapped, standing and in the process dragging a hand through her thick tresses. “It was wonderful. For a while, it felt like the last eight years had all been some bad dream,” she said, her voice trailing to silence as she stared at an abstract painting that adorned a far wall in the office. “But don’t get happy Josephine,” she warned, the firmness returning to her voice. “My plans to head back to Memphis once I’m done here are still in place.”

  “But how can you…” Josephine was clearly stunned and seemed to need a moment to gather her thoughts. “Why would you leave now when the two of you have talked? Everything’s in the open now.”

  “No,” Mel sighed, massaging the bridge of her nose. “No Josephine, everything’s not out in the open. We didn’t get around to discussing it.”

  “But what-“

  “Josephine, I haven’t told Yohan why I left-I skirted around it…there’s just so much to tell him.” She closed her eyes. “There’s so much more to this.”

  “I don’t understand, baby.”

  Josephine’s lost tone, filled Melina with a sense of foreboding. No aspect of this situation was going to be easy, including certain matters that needed to be discussed with her mother-in-law.

  “Listen, we can’t talk about this over the phone,” Mel said, already punching into her calendar. “Let’s have lunch-someplace we can talk.”

  “Why don’t you come out to the house?”

  The quick suggestion created a sinking feeling in the pit of Mel’s stomach. “Joseph-“

  “It’s perfect and Marc hasn’t been here for weeks. I’m not expecting him anytime soon.”

  Mel scratched the arch of her eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

  “Trust me love, no way would he step foot back here when he knows what’s waiting for him.”

  ***

  “Are you serious?”

  “Quite.”

  “This could be risky.”

  “I have no choice. Unfortunately.”

  Stefan Lyons grimaced, but kept his opinions silenced. Of course, he would’ve preferred to hear another reason for Marcus Ramsey to request his help, but he’d take what he could get.

  “Have you told your top people?” Stef was asking.

  “The ones who matter.”

  “And?” Stef prompted, when no other explanation came through the phone line. “What’d they say to the news that I’d be taking over your interests?”

  “Stefan relax. They work for me, they have no opinions about the decisions I make.”

  “And the rest of your people? This could get messy when they find out I-“

  “Again, relax. I assure you everyone who needs to be-will be informed of my decision before the executive staff meeting in a few months.”

  Stef nodded. “Right, the executive staff meeting,” he parroted.

  “Mmm, the elders should all be there. It’ll be the perfect time and place to make this announcement.”

  “The guys won’t like it,” Stef predicted, referring to Moses, Fernando and Yohan.

  Marc sighed across the line. “They won’t care. They all practically told my team to go to hell when I sought their assistance.”

  Stef felt a stab of regret at the news, but refused to let that dim this shining moment in his midst. “I’ll wait for your call, then,” he told Marcus.

  “Good, but now there’s another matter I need you for.”

  Intrigued, Stef remained silent and waited.

  “How much do you know about Fernando’s latest piece of ass?”

  Stef smiled at the question. “Contessa Warren,” he said.

  “Right,” Marc almost growled. “This publisher,” he clarified.

  “I know Fernando keeps topping himself,” Stef complimented, shifting in his seat as his trousers tightened across his lap in a telling manner. “She’s gorgeous as hell,” he said.

  “And Fern’s all caught up in her, I assume?”

  “Damn right he is. She’s a prime piece of tail.”

  “Yeah, I’ve met her and I pretty much figured that’s all it was about. Still,” Marc added after a second’s hesitation, “she’s dabbled a little bit too far in my business. Maybe it’s time to give my sons an example of what happens when either they or their sluts meddle in my affairs.”

  “What can I do?” Stef asked, excitement beginning to well in his chest in anticipation of Marc’s instructions.

  “I need your help. I trust you know what I mean?”

  Stef needed no further clarification and promptly answered. “You know I’ll do anything for you Marc.”

  ***

  “It’s been a pleasure, Mr. Ramsey,” the desk manager said to Quay once the last hotel receipt had been signed.

  “Thanks Fred,” Quay replied with a nod and handshake. Then he was reaching for Ty who stood close to his side. Playfully, he nibbled at her earlobe hoping to bring a smile to her face.

  Tykira had been subdued much of the morning and barely managed a smile.

  Quay’s smoldering gaze grew stormier as he grimaced. “I shouldn’t have brought you out here,” he regretted.

  Shaking her head, Ty smoothed her hands across the front of the casual black shirt he wore. “Don’t feel that way. You know I wanted to come.”

  “Looking at your face doesn’t convince me.”

  Soft, honest laughter passed her lips. “No really. I’m really glad I came with you.”

  “But?”

  Ty rolled her eyes, “The whole situation’s just so sad,” she whispered, focusing upon the chandeliers that dotted the lofty ceilings.

  Quay bowed his head. He wasn’t a bit surprised by her admission. He’d felt much the same way since they’d visited his best friend’s mother.

  “Wake won’t even be around to watch his sons grow up.”

  “I still can’t believe he had kids,” Quay sighed, rubbing one hand across the back of his neck. “That crazy fool was a father,” he chuckled.

  “Of twins,” Ty added, brushing her lips across her husband’s jaw. “Just like you and Quest,” she added.

  “Damn,” Quay muttered, turning away from Ty as he smacked a clenched fist against his palm.

  “Shh,” Tykira urged, smoothing her hands across his back and resting her cheek to his shoulder.

  “I have to admit things may’ve happened just the way they told us.”

  “What?” Ty inquired, making him turn around to face her.

  Quay folded his arms across his chest. “No way would Wake fake a death and leave his sons behind like that.”

  Ty hesitated to remind her husband that his old friend had done many things over the years. Things no one may have been aware of. “Well, his mother seems capable of raising them,” she said, offering a refreshing tone of voice.

  Quay’s tense expression softened, sparking his right dimple. “Yeah, she loved Wake. She’ll make sure they know he was a good man.”

  “And what about you?” Ty asked, tilting her head in an inquiring manner. “Do you think he was a good man?”

  “He was a good man,” Quay told his wife without hesitation. “I think he was out there trying to gather the same dirt on Marc that we all were.”

  “Speaking of which, do you believe what Fernando found on that ship?”

  “It’s frightening how much I believe that,” Quay admitted, with a haunted l
ook. “What’s more frightening is how many things from back in the day seem to be falling into place.”

  Ty’s almond shaped gaze narrowed curiously. “You’ve lost me again. What things are falling into place?”

  Stepping close, Quay cupped her elbows. His thumbs brushed the tassels that hung from the short sleeves of the fitted sandalwood dress she wore.

  “Remember my curse?” he asked, his right-dimpled grin appearing at the confusion he saw on her face.

  Ty only shook her head.

  “At least, I thought I was cursed. All the time it was Marc.”

  “Marc?” Ty whispered, shaking her head a bit. “What do you-“

  “The disappearances,” he told her, “my not wanting to be with you back then had to do with a lot more than Sera.”

  “Zara?” Ty recalled, her breathing growing labored as she watched her husband nod.

  “And there were other girls. At first, I thought it was because of me. I thought I’d pissed off somebody big time and this was the fool’s way of getting back at me. I thought Wake was behind it once it seemed all the evidence and coincidence pointed to him.” He looked at her and pulled her closer. “I didn’t want you around because I didn’t want whoever it was to even suspect how I felt about you. Hearing all this crap about Marc…it’s scarier than thinking it’d been Wake who was responsible.”

  “Marc? Baby are you sure he could’ve…some of those girls were barely in their teens.”

  “And Fern said he was told younger girls were available if that’s what he was into,” Quay reminded his wife with an apologetic look.

  Ty covered her mouth, unable to argue his point of view.

  “Hey,” Quay whispered, kissing her cheek before hugging her tight.

  “Well, it looks like your worst fears are correct,” she said, her voice muffled against his shoulder. “I’m afraid your father definitely has two monsters for brothers.”

  “And one will probably never be stopped,” Quay said.

  “Unless someone stops him,” Ty added.

  ***

  “Dammit,” Melina hissed, her slanting black gaze was so blurred with tears. They spilled onto the pages of the letter she held and the sound of the water slapping the brittle sheet of paper seemed to echo in the office.