Searing Lies (Love, Power & Sin)

by Marie Astor

  “Yes, Delilah’s really good at reading people,” Ally said discretely, not wanting to bring Delilah’s past out in the open. No doubt Jake knew about it since he must’ve seen their files in his former capacity as an instructor. Still, she felt protective of her friend, refusing to define Delilah by her past. What Delilah lacked on the technical front, she more than made up for with her knack for understanding human wants, needs, and weaknesses, especially male weaknesses—a skill that was vital in their line of work. “Rebecca and Delilah coached me to make Platt fall for me. Even though they didn’t have Platt’s identity, they figured out what type of woman a man like Platt would fall for. Of course files on his old dates also helped, but I don’t think I could’ve pulled it off without their help.”

  “I doubt that. I think you would’ve done just fine,” Jake said, his eyes locking on hers. “Time for a drink,” he changed the subject abruptly. “What are you having?”

  “Oh, I don’t know . . . a glass of white wine.”

  “I think you could use something stronger right now.” He motioned to a waiter and told him to bring two tequila doubles.

  Ally took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. “I still can’t believe it’s over.” Ally had managed to convince Marion to grant her permission to attend Platt’s trial—not all of it of course, but the day the sentence was to be read, which was today. Ally had spent the entire day in court. She had to wear a disguise to court, just to be on the safe side, so before coming here she’d stopped by her apartment to chuck the wig and the contact lenses she had used to alter her appearance. Jake had been at the trial with her, wearing a wig and a fake goatee, but they’d arrived and left separately to be on the safe side.

  “How do you feel?”

  “Relieved, ecstatic, sad . . . I wanted to be at the sentencing and I’m glad I did it, but it also left me feeling empty inside. Ever since my father died, I’ve been consumed with revenge. It was all I could think of day and night. Now that it’s over, I suddenly realized that it still doesn’t change anything. Both Platt and Zigger are going to pay for what they did, but it won’t bring my dad back. Nothing ever will.”

  He squeezed her hand. “What happened to your father, what happened to you is heartbreaking. Most people would’ve given up, lost their spirit, but you stood tall and fought back. You’re a very strong woman, Ally.”

  “I was given the means to fight back. If it weren’t for the agency, I would’ve never been able to get to Platt or Zigger.”

  “You would’ve found a way eventually. It might’ve taken you a little longer, but you’re not the type who gives up easily.”

  She smiled. “I guess you’ve got a point there.”

  Their drinks arrived. “To you, Ally.” Jake lifted his glass to his lips and drained it.

  Ally pretended to follow suit but only drank a little bit.

  “You have to finish the whole thing,” he said, noticing that her glass was still almost full.

  “Jake Morrissey, if I didn’t know you better I’d say that you were trying to get me drunk,” she teased him.

  “Sometimes it’s good to get drunk. I think tonight is one of those nights.”

  She nodded. “I can’t say that I disagree.” She gulped down the rest of the tequila. “Whew,” she gasped.

  “Bite on this.” He lifted a slice of lemon from the saucer that the waiter had left for them.

  “Thanks.”

  “Ready for another one?”

  “I was born ready.”

  “That you were.” He chuckled as he signaled to the waiter for the refill.

  “What if they let him out on good behavior?” Ally asked gloomily.

  “Who?”

  “Platt. Or Zigger.”

  “I’d say that pigs have a greater chance of flying than either Platt or Zigger getting out of jail early. They were both sentenced to one hundred years. The inside of their cell is the only scenery they are going to see for the rest of their lives.”

  “What about Platt’s friends in high places?”

  “You mean the high-ranking officials who are now being investigated on corruption charges because Platt was stupid enough to brag about them to you?”

  “What if there are others?”

  “Even if there were, I’m sure that now they won’t touch Platt with a six-foot pole, let alone come to his help.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I’d say Platt is finished and so is Zigger.”

  Ally nodded. Even though she had the evidence to prove it, at times she couldn’t believe how twisted and corrupt both Zigger and Platt were. At least Platt had never known her father personally. He was cold-blooded and cutthroat and lived by his own rules. As much as it pained her, she could understand why Platt would want to eliminate her father as a competitor. But Kyle Zigger? Ally’s father and Kyle Zigger’s father had been close friends, and Ally’s father had remained a loyal customer even after Sam Zigger retired—a decision that had cost him his legacy and his life. At least Ally had managed to save her father’s legacy, clear his name, and make those who ruined him pay. In addition to a jail sentence that equaled to life in prison, Platt had been ordered to pay thirty billion dollars in restitution fees to all the injured parties. The amount exceeded the size of Platt’s net worth, and part of his sentence included forfeiture of any future profits until restitution was fully paid. A percentage of the restitution proceeds was assigned to Ally since her father was one of the injured parties, but she wasn’t expecting to receive much. Pollux plants were the first in line and then their clients. Plus she was sure that Platt had been super careful about hiding his money. Already his defense had asked to reduce the payout schedule. Still, Platt himself couldn’t run away and now he was going to pay for what he did. Ally remembered the ashen look on Blaine Platt’s face after his sentence had been read. He looked shell-shocked, like a man whose world had just collapsed. He had been confident throughout the trial, acting as though he were merely a spectator at a show that didn’t concern him. Ally suspected that up until now he believed that he was going to escape. Blaine Platt had tried to play God. He must’ve thought he was invincible, but he had turned out to be only human after all.

  “I think we need more drinks,” Ally said, deciding to heed Jake’s advice. She needed to get these morbid thoughts out of her mind, and alcohol would do the trick, at least for now.

  “We will, but we should get something to eat too.”

  “I’m not hungry,” she said and suddenly remembered that she hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast. Still, her stomach was all in knots and the thought of food seemed impossible.

  “I’m starving, so I’m going to order and you can feel free to join me if you change your mind.”

  “Okay.”

  Jake placed a double order of burgers with the waiter as well as another round of drinks and asked for water as well.

  “It won’t work, you know.”

  “What?”

  “You ordering all that food—I’m not hungry.”

  “I know. But I told you that I am.” He grinned.

  Their drinks arrived and the waiter said it’d be a few minutes for the food.

  Ally lifted her shot glass. “To you, Jake.”

  “Thank you.” He downed his shot. “I must say I’m honored.”

  “You’re a great agent and you taught me a lot even though I don’t like to admit it.”

  “I had a very good student to work with. A great student who became an excellent agent.”

  “I think you’re being too kind,” she demurred.

  “No, I’m not. You just busted Platt and already you’ve solved two more cases.”

  “They were minor.” Ally waved her hand in dismissal, referring to the two bribery and collusion schemes she’d busted.

  “Our work isn’t all guns and champagne you know. Platt-caliber cases don’t come up every day, but that doesn’t mean that the other cases aren’t important. You’ve only been with the agency for a sh
ort time, but you’ve done an amazing job.”

  She knew that Jake was telling the truth. She’d received an excellent evaluation during her quarterly performance review, but she blushed in spite of herself. Hearing him praise her meant so much more to her. Ever since the day he’d busted into Platt’s townhouse with a squad of agents in tow, Jake had kept close to Ally, always finding an excuse to talk to her at work. Every day he shared something new with her, sharing his tricks of the trade. And Ally couldn’t say that she objected. She liked him; she liked him a lot and not just as a co-worker or her mentor. But he was her co-worker and because of that she felt safe. She wasn’t exactly in the right emotional state for a new relationship right now, but a light office flirtation wouldn’t hurt anyone, and she liked flirting with Jake.

  Just then their food arrived. “Mmm, that smells delicious.” Jake lifted his burger off the plate and bit into it.

  Ally crossed her hands on her chest, eyeing him defiantly. The smell of melted cheese and grilled meat had awakened her hunger. “All right, you win,” she caved in, unable to resist a moment longer.

  “Good, isn’t it?” Jake asked after she’d chewed her first bite.

  “Heavenly.”

  They dug into their food and were quiet for a few minutes.

  “Should we order more drinks?” Ally asked, halfway through her burger.

  Jake nodded. “But I think we should switch to margaritas or I’m afraid I might have to carry you home.”

  “Are you calling me a lightweight?”

  “First you accuse me of trying to get you drunk, and when I try to be a gentleman and think of your well-being you bust my chops again? There’s no winning with you, is there?”

  “Sorry. Margaritas sound great.”

  “Don’t apologize. I was just playing with you.” Jake ordered two margaritas for them.

  ***

  Several drinks later Ally checked her watch. “Wow, I can’t believe it’s almost ten o’clock.”

  “You know what they say, time flies when you’re having a good time,” Jake halted. “Sorry, I lost track for a minute. I know that today was tough for you.”

  “Don’t be sorry. I had a great time with you here tonight. I don’t know how I would’ve made it through otherwise. I have to be honest with you and tell you that in many ways I’ve been dreading today, but I feel all right now. Thank you.”

  “You don’t have to thank me, Ally. We’re partners and friends. Why were you dreading today? You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” he added hastily.

  “It’s all right. I don’t mind. Because it’s the end,” she said, tugging at her hair. “I’ve accomplished what I’ve set out to do and now I don’t know what to do next.”

  “You don’t like working at the agency?”

  “I do like it. I didn’t expect to, but I do. I took the job because after my father’s name had been slandered in the papers, no one else would hire me. My job offer got revoked. I was about to fill out an application for a waitress job, and then I got a call from Marion’s office. I had my share of reservations, especially during training, but I decided to pull through. It was my only chance for a job that would use my education and skills, and it was my only chance for revenge. But I already told you about that.”

  “You can always talk to me about anything, Ally.”

  “Thank you.” For a moment their eyes locked and she felt the same spark of electricity she’d felt when she’d met him for the first time as a fresh recruit at the training academy. Only this time it was much stronger and it scared her. “I think it’s time for me to get going. I’m exhausted.”

  “Yes, of course.” He fumbled with his jacket, taking out his wallet and waved her away when she tried to put her credit card on the table to split the bill with him.

  A few moments later Jake had paid the bill and they left the bar.

  Outside it was a balmy night with the kind of weather that felt more like spring than winter. Jake was about to signal a cab, but Ally stopped him.

  “I think I’m going to walk. I’m only a few blocks away from here.”

  “In that case, I’ll walk you home.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  “I know, but I want to. I’m not letting you walk late at night alone.”

  “It’s not late at night.”

  “Are we going to have an argument about this? ’Cause you know that you won’t win.” He grinned, his eyes twinkling at her.

  “All right. Have it your way. Hope you like walking.”

  “I do actually, a lot. It helps me put things in perspective.”

  The streets were narrow, so they had to keep close to one another. She could smell a faint scent of his cologne. It was a smell that was entirely Jake: quiet and reserved, but incredibly masculine and sexy. She stole a glance at his profile. He walked with his head lowered and his hands shoved into the pockets of his tweed overcoat. He looked like a man who was lost deep in his thoughts, a very handsome man. She knew she shouldn’t be thinking about it, but she couldn’t help wondering what it would be like walking with a man like that, not as his coworker, but as his woman. How incredible it would be to be loved by a man like Jake Morrissey. But while that was a luxury she knew she could never afford, she could afford to dream. Dreaming was safe. They continued walking next to one another, the sleeves of their coats brushing occasionally, sending jolts of electricity to her heart. She was glad that Jake was quiet; this way she could imagine this walk to be anything she wanted it to be.

  “We’re here,” she said, reluctantly slowing down her step. “This is my building. Thank you for a wonderful night.”

  “I’ll walk you inside.”

  “Okay.”

  She punched in the security code and he pulled open the building door for her. They walked inside the lobby and she pressed the elevator button.

  “Well . . . goodnight.”

  “Goodnight, Ally.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

  It was a chaste kiss; a friend’s kiss. But his closeness, his smell, literally made her quiver all over. He must’ve sensed it because the next thing she knew, he was kissing her passionately and she was answering him eagerly, forgetting all about the reasons why she shouldn’t. The elevator doors opened and closed, but they ignored them, linked together and refusing to let go.

  With a great effort he pulled himself away from her. “Ally, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do this. Please, forgive me—”

  She wouldn’t hear it. She’d been hungry for him for a long time and she wasn’t going to deny herself tonight. She didn’t want to think about tomorrow; tonight she was going to be with Jake. “I know you want this just as much as I do. I can feel it. Please don’t stop.”

  That was all he needed to hear. His eyes blazed with desire that was even more powerful than her own. He pulled her closer, his lips locking upon hers, passionate and tender. His quick fingers unbuttoned her coat and she felt his strong, yet gentle hands stroking her. Her body responded to his caresses with burning fire. She arched her back, propping herself against the wall, surprised by the force of her own responses. She had never felt this way with Ron, but she had been a different person then—a naïve and foolish girl—and now she was a woman. Jake had helped her to become this woman and she wanted him to take all of her tonight.

  Her hand searched the wall for the elevator button, but he anticipated her and pressed it. The elevator doors opened and their arms and lips entwined as they tumbled inside, one body and four legs.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, kissing her neck. “I’ve wanted this since the first time I saw you.”

  “Me too,” she groaned. “I’ve wanted you for so long.”

  Finally they reached her floor and the elevator doors opened. They spilled into the hallway and towards her apartment. Pulling her face away from his hungry lips only long enough to find the key in her purse, she opened the door and they were inside. She turned on the light: she wanted to se
e the passion on his face. No matter what was to come afterwards, she wanted to see and remember tonight in all its glory. He pulled off his coat and dropped it on the floor and she followed suit. Unwilling to wait a moment longer, he swooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed. He lowered her down gently and took off her shoes. He took off his shoes and his shirt and joined her on the bed. She began to pull off her top and Jake helped her, pulling it off her in one swift motion. With a practiced hand he pulled off her jeans and undid her bra, his lips and his tongue caressing each breast. He halted for a moment.

  “Are you sure you want this Ally?” he asked, his voice regaining control, indicating to her that he was ready to stop at her request.

  “Yes,” she moaned. “Yes.”

  He pulled out a condom from his jeans and in a moment was completely naked next to her. His strong, muscular body was hungry with desire for her. He kissed her so hard that he literally took her breath away, his hands exploring her body, bringing pleasure to each and every part of it. He felt how much she yearned for him and his own desire resonated, growing even more powerful. He slipped on the condom and seconds later he was inside her.

  She felt herself stretch with delicious pleasure as her body took in his powerful girth. He started off gently, feeling his way inside her. She wrapped her legs around him, thrusting herself against him, urging him to answer her passion. He resonated, his thrusts growing more powerful, their bodies beating in unison to the rhythm of desire. She arched her back, overcome by a wave of pleasure so great that it threatened to submerge her. She held on to him, enthralled by this powerful pleasure she never knew existed. There was a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes as he pressed onward, filling her body with ecstasy. Finally, when he saw it in her eyes that she had reached the ultimate level of pleasure, he joined her, the two of them climaxing with abandon.

  Afterwards they lay together quietly, him holding her.

  “What are we going to do tomorrow?” she asked.

  “It depends on what it is you want to do, Ally. I’ll tell you what I want, but it doesn’t mean that you have to agree. Whatever it is you decide, I give you my word I will follow.” He drew a deep breath. “I’ve wanted this ever since I’ve met you. But I was afraid to act on my feelings, afraid to hurt you. I’m not afraid anymore. I’m ready to start living my life again. I mean really start living it. I want us to be together. I want you to be my woman. That is,” he halted, “if that’s what you want.”