by Dawn Brower
It scared the hell out of him.
Panic welled up inside of him. His heart raced from more than having phenomenal sex. Cold sweat formed on his forehead, and he started to shake.
He pulled away from her and practically ran to the other side of the room.
Wes picked up his jeans and shoved his legs into them.
“Is something wrong?” Vitoria asked.
“This was a mistake—it shouldn’t have happened.”
Wes could see pain seep into her eyes at his words. He couldn’t help it—if he let her, she’d rule him. Vitoria was no good for him. She was the reason his best friend died. Eric would still be alive if she hadn’t betrayed him.
Nothing would change that fact.
He needed to get as far away from her as possible. He picked up his shirt and slipped it on, getting ready to leave. Novak Springs was a couple hours away, and he’d head home—find time to decompress. Once he had some distance, he’d be able to clear his head. It would give him some time to remember why he couldn’t be with her.
After everything she did to Eric, he couldn’t ever have a meaningful relationship with her—even if his desire for her overshadowed his hate. It wouldn’t work.
“Wes, wait—”
Vitoria started to get up off the bed to follow him. Panic filled him as he looked over at her. He couldn’t deal with what happened between them.
“I have to go.”
Wes opened the door and let it click shut. He never did talk to her about Eric and wasn’t sure if he could now. Only one thing about what happened was clear in his mind.
One night would never be enough with her.
What a fool he’d been.
He still craved her, and it would be hell on him to resist her—especially after he knew how it would be with her—fucking amazing.
Chapter Sixteen
The sun blinded as much as it illuminated Vitoria’s surroundings. Her bags were packed in preparation to check out of her room. She planned on spending the next few days at Novak Springs with Ginnifer.
If she hadn’t already promised, she’d find a way out of staying there.
After the disaster the previous night, all she wanted was to avoid Wes. How or why they’d ended up in each other’s arms was still a blur. She didn’t regret what happened, and yet she couldn’t help the sick feeling settling deep inside her gut.
The horrified expression on his face after—no, she never wanted to see such a look ever again. It’d decimated her, made her feel like something nasty he needed to scrape of the bottom of his shoe.
Nothing and no one could have prepared Vitoria for the disaster her personal life suddenly consisted of. Which reminded her she needed to do a search on Miguel Santiago. Something about what Wes said about him bothered her. Last night, before she found Wes in her room, she could feel some part of the situation was wrong with her date.
She didn’t know what about it had bothered her.
If he was really a criminal—the biggest bad around Seattle—she needed to steer clear. She looked at her phone and considered the time. Yeah she could put off checking out and heading to Novak Springs for another fifteen minutes at least.
It should be enough time to do a cursory search on Miguel.
Five minutes into her search, her phone began to ring. She picked it up and saw Alison’s name pop up on the caller ID. “Hello, Alison. How is the packing going?”
“Good. Everything in the office is packed up and being sent to the new office. I’ve managed to supervise the packing of my apartment and yours. It’ll be finished later this evening and ready to head your way.” Alison paused to take a breath. “I received your email with your new condo’s address. Will you have possession of it in time to deliver your stuff?”
“I signed the papers an hour ago and have the keys.” Something she only did because she knew it was necessary. When Trish first called her, all she’d wanted to do was curl up in her bed and sob from the ache Wes’s departure left. “Let me know when they are scheduled to arrive, and I will make sure I’m there to let them in.”
“I’ll email you the details after everything is completed. I’ve also arranged a storage facility for my stuff until I find my own apartment.”
“Good, I should have thought to tell you to do that.” She had so much on her mind—and now dealing with the Wes situation was going to turn it to complete mush. Vitoria wouldn’t be much good to anyone if she couldn’t get him out of her head.
“No worries—it’s why I’m here. I booked a flight too, it’s coming in early Monday morning.”
She had something else going on that day. What was it? Oh yeah, Colt. She had a meeting with him. “I’ll be at the office Monday for a meeting with Colt Lewis. Do you want me to pick you up before?”
“No, I can take a cab to the office and meet you there.”
“Good. I’m leaving the hotel in a few minutes and checking out—spending the weekend with Ginnifer at the ranch. I’ll make reservations for us both for Monday. I’m hoping to only be in a hotel for another week or so. I’m anxious to get moved into my new place.”
“Sounds good. Have you told Ginnifer you’re moving to Seattle yet?”
“No, I’m going to tell her when I’m at the ranch.” Part of her regretted her decision. Now that she had sex with Wes—it complicated things. “She’ll be happy I’m going to be close again.”
“Yes, you two are lucky to have each other.” Something in Alison’s voice sounded off, almost whimsical—as if she longed for such a relationship. “I have to go. My work is never done.”
“Are you saying I’m a slave driver?”
“Your words—not mine.” Alison laughed. “Goodbye.”
Vitoria set her phone down and turned her attention back to her computer. She’d typed in Miguel’s name before Alison called. The distraction prevented her from reading the information her search gathered. A couple of articles popped up, and one headline in particular caught her eye. Eric Black, witness in the case against Miguel Santiago was shot and killed.
Eric—could it be the same person Wes always talked about.
The one whose death he blamed on her?
Suddenly it all made sense. If he thought she had something to do with his murder—his rage and hatred made sense. She didn’t know Eric Black though, and just met Miguel Santiago.
Why would he believe she’d had anything to do with it?
Vivian—her twin must know both Eric and Miguel. It would explain a lot about her skittish attitude in the gallery. She didn’t want to be found and even altered her appearance a little bit.
Vitoria had to wonder if perhaps her resemblance to Vivian was the reason Miguel asked her out.
Did he too believe she was her twin?
Fear pooled inside of her.
The article explained he was a huge gang leader. He was suspected of several murders, drug smuggling, and arms dealing. The local FBI was having difficulties pinning anything on him, until Eric came forward. He’d witnessed Miguel murdering a young woman.
Miguel Santiago silenced their witness in the most permanent way possible—by making sure he would never take another breath again.
Vitoria slammed her laptop shut and put it in her computer bag. She needed to get out of the hotel and gain some distance between her and Miguel Santiago. Grabbing her stuff, she exited the room and checked out.
As soon as she was in her vehicle and heading toward Novak Springs she breathed a sigh of relief. Several miles outside of Seattle her phone began to ring again. She hit the Bluetooth button. “Hello.”
“Tori are you on your way?”
Ginnifer…of course she’d be wondering when she’d be arriving at Novak Springs. “I left a little while ago. I should be there in less than an hour.”
“Good. I have a surprise for you when you get here.”
What could her best friend be up to? Vitoria didn’t like surprises much. They’d never really led to anything good in her experienc
e. “You really shouldn’t…” She could hear Ginny laugh through the speakers. The sound didn’t make her feel any better.
“It’s good. I promise.”
“Why don’t I believe you?”
“Because you are skeptical about everything.”
“I’ve good reasons to be. My instincts have never steered me in the wrong direction before.”
And they hadn’t—after spending some real time with Miguel she knew something wasn’t right. She didn’t know how wrong they really were. If Wes hadn’t mentioned his criminal behavior, she’d never have found out.
Of course, she’d already decided to never see him again, but that was beside the point.
“Then they should be telling you how wonderful you are, and I’d never do anything to hurt you.”
Vitoria sighed. “You’re my best friend for a reason. I’m having a couple of weirdish days.”
“Anything you want to talk about?”
“No—at least not on the phone.”
“Does it have to do with Wes?”
Panic filled her at the mention of his name. Did she know what happened? No, Wes wouldn’t have said anything. The way he ran away last night, she assumed he’d want to keep the night a secret. He wouldn’t be running to share it with anyone—especially because he was horrified he even touched her.
His words—it’d been a mistake.
One of epic proportions by the way he raced out the door. Tori was getting rather tired of his misconceptions.
“Why would Wes have anything to do with it?” she asked as nonchalantly as possible.
“He’s been acting weird all morning.”
“Did you try asking him what was bothering him?” Vitoria didn’t want to come out and ask anything.
If Ginny knew she and Wes had been together, well, she’d have come right out and asked. She didn’t know what bothered her soon to be brother-in-law. No, Ginny was in reporter mode and trying to gather information.
“I did. He growled at me and stomped away. Something put that man in a bad mood.”
“Aww, and you automatically thought of me. I’m so happy you think I’m capable of destroying a man’s frame of mind.” Each word trickled with honey as she spoke.
Ginnifer sighed. “I don’t think you are responsible for his actions. At least not directly.”
“I’m not indirectly responsible either.” Which wasn’t entirely true. Wes believed something about her that wasn’t true. Until she could make him see how wrong his beliefs were, she couldn’t help his feelings.
“I know, Tori. Ah—sometimes you frustrate me.” Ginnifer paused and took a breath. “I’m trying to understand what’s going on.”
“You care about him. I understand, but I didn’t cause him to act like a bear. He’s growling all on his own and quite responsible for the way he’s feeling.” Bastard could have stayed with her and experienced some more mind-numbing pleasure. He chose to hop out of bed in horror. For that, he deserved to be miserable for a very long time. She hoped it ate away at him every second of the day for many days to come.
“This might sound bad, but I was hoping you were the reason. It would explain a lot. He’s made no secret about the way he feels about you.”
What Ginnifer didn’t know was how conflicted those feelings actually were. The man had a thing for her he wanted to erase from his mind—all because he believed she had something to do with his friend’s death. The next time she saw him, she’d make him realize Vivian did exist, and she was most likely the real person he should be pissed with. After she made him see how stupid he was, she’d wash her hands of him for good.
His behavior the previous night ruined any chance they might have. Vitoria was no fool. The attraction between them had been palpable. It could have grown into so much more, but he obliterated any chance they might have had of something more permanent.
“Yup, I’ve been persona non grata in his eyes for some time now.” Bastard. Vitoria couldn’t help the bitterness. “Is he acting any different than normal where I’m concerned?”
“Yes, which is why I’m concerned. He’s so grouchy. Something is eating at him, but he won’t talk about it. When Dallas asked him what was wrong, he shoved him out of the way and glared at him. If Wes hadn’t left on his own, Dallas would’ve helped him out the door.”
“Ah, and of course I had something to do with it. Such a logical assumption.”
“It isn’t, Tori, I only asked because you said you have something odd going on too.”
“You’re right. I’m being bitchy. I’ll tell you everything when I get there. I want to concentrate on driving now.”
“All right, but I expect you to tell me what’s bothering you. I don’t want to deal with another grumpy-grumbler around the ranch.”
Vitoria laughed. “I promise we’ll talk.” She wouldn’t tell her all the details. Talking about what happened between her and Wes—the feelings were still too raw to expose herself to more hurt.
“Bub-bye Tori, at least for now.”
Ginnifer ended the call, leaving Vitoria in silence. It gave her time to think—consider what she’d tell her once she arrived. She needed to give her some kind of explanation for her bad mood. Plus Wes would need to be dealt with at some point.
Truth be told, Vitoria hoped to avoid him and any discussion involving the previous night.
The rest—well it would either come out or it wouldn’t. If he didn’t want to hear the facts, she wouldn’t force them on him. She could ignore him for the rest of her life and be happy to do it.
Chapter Seventeen
A mid-size black crossover pulled up the long drive leading to Novak Springs. Wes watched as a caramel-blonde woman hopped out of the driver’s seat. Vitoria’s curvaceous frame for once was not decorated to the hilt in a dress and killer high heels. Instead, she wore faded blue jeans, a loose fitting sheer white blouse layered over a plum camisole, and matching purple flip flops. Her normally well-coifed hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail.
Wes rocked back on his heels, admiring this new version of Vitoria. He liked her in jeans. It gave him a nice view of her plump ass.
Who was he kidding?
He liked looking at her no matter what she wore—or didn’t. If he were to be honest, he especially liked her wearing nothing at all. He scrubbed his hands over his face and silently cursed himself. How could he want her as much as he did—knowing who and what she was?
“Plotting murder?”
Wes spun around at the sound of the voice. Dallas stood less than five feet behind him. His arms folded across his chest, his black Stetson shading his eyes. Wes knew he’d been an ass earlier. He should apologize, but the words stuck in his parched throat. He couldn’t force them out. Very similar to how he couldn’t get the images of Vitoria’s beautiful body out of his head. He kept getting flashes at the most inopportune times.
Wes continued working on the fence he’d been absentmindedly fixing for over two hours. He should have completed it in half that time—distractions kept creeping into his thoughts.
“Yours? Always.”
“Can’t say I’m surprised.”
“By what?” Wes looked up at him startled.
Dallas nodded toward Vitoria as Ginnifer greeted her on the front porch. “That you’re torn up about that tiny speck of a woman.”
“I’m not—”
“Do you remember when I met Gin? You called me out on how I felt about her. It’s time I returned the favor. You want Vitoria, it’s time you accepted it.”
“I may want her—but I don’t need to act on it,” Wes replied, distain evident in his tone.
“What do you have against her? You never did explain it to me.”
“I don’t plan on discussing it now, either.” A piece of wire fence broke free, slicing the tip of his forefinger. Blood began to pool out at the top. “Damn it.”
“Here let me take a look at it.”
“No, I’m fine. Don’t you have something bett
er to do than harass me?”
Dallas stood over him in silent disapproval. He took off his Stetson and swiped his hand over his chestnut-brown hair. “Wes, I’m trying to help you.”
“I don’t need any help.”
“I beg to differ.”
Wes stood up and took a handkerchief out of his pocket. He wrapped it around his mangled finger to help stop the blood flow. It didn’t look too bad, but he’d still need to go inside to clean and bandage it. First, he needed to get his nosy brother off his back.
“If I feel the need to spill out all my inner-most feelings, I know who to look for.” Wes looked his brother in the eye. “Right now I’m not in a sharing mood. Leave me alone.”
Dallas didn’t seem to want to let it go. He grabbed Wes’s arm and stopped him from storming off in the other direction. “Does this have to do with Eric?”
Wes stopped, stunned his brother would bring up his best friend. “Leave Eric out of this.”
“So it does have something to do with him.” Dallas nodded. “It’s going to fester inside of you if you don’t talk about it.”
“Because your worthless ex-fiancée dumped you and broke your heart? You don’t have a clue.”
“Yes, Melody hurt me, but that’s not what I mean.”
“Then, by all means, explain it to me.”
“Melody was part of my problem.” Dallas frowned. “I had a lot to deal with on top of it. Her betrayal was the icing on the cake. Everything I planned, wanted, or thought I needed fell apart when our parents died. Suddenly my whole world changed, and I didn’t have anyone I could talk to about it.”
“You could have talked to me,” Wes replied.
“And I did, but only with the things I thought you could handle.”
“I’m not a child, Dallas. You don’t need to coddle me.”
Dallas’s lips curled up in anger. “Seems to me you’ve been behaving that way. A two-year old in the throes of a fine temper tantrum.”
“I’m not—”