Mind Game

by Iris Johansen

  “She seduced you? You’ll forgive me if I don’t believe you. Seduction is your role in life.”

  “One has to start somewhere.” He asked mockingly, “You’re thinking that our association was fairly recent? No, it was a long time ago.”

  “How long ago?”

  “I was quite young. Fourteen or fifteen, if I recall.”

  “What?” She stared at him, stunned. “You’re joking.”

  “No joke. I was intensely serious at the time. But I understand one is always serious with the first one. Yet since I’m by nature intense, I contend it struck me harder than most. I was isolated and very much alone and told constantly what a demon I was. It was refreshing to have someone who apparently wanted to be close to me in spite of my many faults.” He tilted his head. “And, of course, she was beautiful, an older, experienced woman, and sex was probably more of a factor than anything else. As I said, I was very confused at the beginning. However, I can assure you that we were not lovers.”

  Was there something deeper hidden beneath that mockery? It was always hard to tell with Caleb. “She seduced a teenage boy? You said the Romanos were good friends with your parents. Why would she take the chance of their finding out?”

  He chuckled. “I’d like to tell you that she found me totally irresistible and couldn’t help herself. But you wouldn’t believe me, would you?”

  She might believe him. She could imagine that stormy, beautiful young boy who possessed all the passion and magnetism he did now. “I think she’s totally calculating and would have a reason for everything she did.”

  “Exactly. This was no exception. Though she did enjoy me, Jane.”

  “Why did she take the chance?” she repeated.

  “She’s attracted to power. She pretended the same repulsion as my parents to my potential when she was with them, but she thought she might be able to use me in the future. She thought I was vulnerable and sex would seal the deal. So we had an interesting summer, until she realized that I wasn’t exactly what she thought I’d be.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “She had me pretty dizzy for a little while, but I wasn’t a fool. I could see the manipulation and the deceit.” He shrugged. “I’d had experience in that all my life. I wasn’t about to let her control me, as she wanted to do. Of course, the sex made it very tolerable until I figured out what to do about it.”

  “I can see how it would,” she said drily.

  “Why not? I deserved it. And I was angry with her. Though, actually, in retrospect, I realize I should have been grateful. I hadn’t had the opportunity to develop that Persuasion talent because of my limited opportunities up to that time. But I decided that there couldn’t be anything that Teresa would fear or hate worse than lack of control.” He smiled, reminiscing. “It took me four weeks. The experiments were fascinating and I enjoyed every one of them. But Teresa, not so much. She didn’t like the idea that she no longer dominated but instead felt she had to come to me, to do anything I wanted. She could see what direction we were going, that her control was slipping away. I could feel her fear.…” He leaned back in his chair. “It was enough. I gave her a push to end it.”

  “What push?”

  “I mentioned how much I was enjoying her and how upset I’d be if my parents sent me away to my uncle, as they’d threatened to do. The next week, my mother told me that I was going to Scotland. Evidently, Teresa had casually said she’d noticed that I was getting completely out of hand and suggested it might be better for me and for the family if I were sent away.”

  “You manipulated that move to Scotland yourself,” she murmured wonderingly. “What a devious man you are, Caleb.”

  “Yes. I’ve never denied it. But principally a survivor, and being devious is one of the apparatuses that make that possible.” He tilted his head. “And is this particular story of lies and manipulation filling you with your usual disgust at me again?”

  She gazed at him in disbelief. “Are you crazy? Do you think I can’t see what that bitch was trying to do to you?” Her anger was growing with every word. “You were just a kid. Maybe around Cara’s age. Helpless to make—”

  “I was never helpless, Jane.”

  He wouldn’t admit it if he had been, Jane thought. “You could have been, for all she knew. She didn’t care. She was a grown woman and you were only a boy. She took advantage of the fact that— I’d like to strangle her. She’s worse than Santara and it’s—”

  “Shh.” He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “I pride myself on never being an ‘only’ anything. Yet I find I’m touched that you want to fight my dragons for me. But most of them were slain a long time ago.”

  “Not her.” His touch was disturbing her, as usual, and she pulled her hand away. “She’s still here and trying to use you. She’s been in your life a long time. I’m surprised you let her take over guardianship of Lisa.”

  “I had no choice unless I wanted to kill Teresa or go back to the game I’d already won over her. She and Gino wanted the executor fee for managing the estate. I looked the situation over and decided if I kept an eye on the situation that Lisa and Maria could have a decent life. Teresa had no desire to go up against me again and she would treat them well.” His lips thinned. “I didn’t count on her life being turned upside down and desperation giving her the impetus to go back to square one as far as I was concerned. She went on the attack.”

  “But not toward you. She went after Lisa.” Jane was trying to piece together what she’d seen and heard. “It was a very roundabout way to get to you.” She met his eyes. “And you were setting rules before she left here today. And she let you do it.”

  “I told you: That last four weeks was about control. She lost and it frightened her. I thought there might be a few threads of memory remaining. It will allow me certain allowances as long as she doesn’t feel too threatened.” He added quietly, “But there will be resentment and it won’t prevent her from killing you if she decides it’s necessary. So I’d appreciate it if you’d make things easier for me and not antagonize her.”

  “Heaven forbid I cause you a problem by not keeping my mouth shut when she treats me like your whore.”

  “It would be a problem. Because now that the deal’s been struck, that’s exactly what you are in her eyes. She’s very proud of herself that she’s found a way to force me to do what she needs. It was perfectly reasonable that she thought sex was the way to go. It worked for her at the start of that summer and she got to know me very well. It was natural she’d think I wasn’t interested in anything else.”

  “I can’t argue with that statement,” she said drily. “And I’m supposed to pretend I’m not interested in anything eIse, either? Well, it’s not natural for me, Caleb.”

  He smiled. “We could work on it.”

  “Not likely.”

  His smile faded. “Teresa thinks I have a sexual obsession with you that’s been going on for years. It’s what’s giving her a sense of power and the belief that I’ll do anything to maintain the relationship. She’s not going to believe that I’d tolerate your not being equally involved after this length of time. She’ll remember those four weeks when I took over control in my relationship with her. If she decides she doesn’t have that power, it’s going to strike a note that could be dangerous.”

  “‘Tolerate’?”

  “Wrong word. But you get the concept.”

  After her time with Teresa Romano, Jane wasn’t stupid enough not to realize Caleb’s theory had merit. The woman had to believe she was superior in every way, and the path that Caleb was walking was very dangerous. “Will you be able to save Haroun?”

  “Possibly.”

  Her gaze flew to his face. “But you’re not sure.”

  “How could I be? I haven’t looked the situation over yet.”

  That was too vague for her. “But you’ll try?”

  “I’ll try,” he said. “But I told Teresa the truth. I don’t care anything about Haroun. If it
comes to a choice between you and him, he’ll die, Jane.”

  “No! It doesn’t work that way, Caleb.”

  “For me, it does,” he said simply. “I said I’d try. Take it or leave it. He won’t have any chance at all if I have to take another path.”

  “I’m just supposed to accept that a man might have to die so that I can live?”

  His lips tightened. “I won’t let you die, Jane.”

  “He might have people who don’t want him to die, either. Does he?”

  He didn’t answer.

  “I don’t even know anything about him.” She met his eyes. “But you do, don’t you? He’s not just a name to you. You probably know everything about him. After all, he’s the target.”

  “Not everything.”

  “Enough,” she said jerkily. “Tell me about him.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “I don’t care what you think. He’s no target to me. He’s a man who could die to keep me alive. Tell me.”

  He hesitated. Then he called up a photo on his phone and handed it to her. It was a strong face, bearded, with a faint scar beneath his left eye. The man was smiling and those dark eyes were full of intelligence. “Tarik El Haroun. Age forty-eight. Born into a middle-class family here in Dubai. Muslim. But he had a principally Western upbringing from the time he was a teenager. Attended Yale University and then came home to Dubai and started to build his empire. During the last twenty years, he’s increased the economy of Dubai enormously. Fair business practices. Extremely charitable. Has one wife, Fatima. Married fifteen years. No children.”

  “Caleb,” she whispered. She couldn’t take her eyes from that photo.

  “I told you that I didn’t want to tell you about him,” he said quietly. “I can’t promise you, Jane.”

  She gazed at him in frustration. “Then find a way that I can help him. He’s an innocent man.”

  “Innocent … I doubt if that’s an accurate description for any of us. Innocence is generally lost before one reaches puberty.” His lips twisted. “But you’re going to be difficult about this. I can see it. It’s not as if I’m not going to have enough trouble with Lisa. No, you cannot help him. But I’ll redouble my efforts to get him out of this alive. Will that—”

  “Lisa?” She had caught that one sentence and it had terrified her. “What about Lisa?”

  “She’s here in Dubai.”

  “What?”

  “She was struck with guilt and various other emotions and insisted I bring her along.”

  “And you did it?” She gazed at him in horror. “You’re an idiot.”

  “That may be true. But I had no recourse. It was bring her or have her come by herself. I dropped her off at the border and had Palik pick her up and take her to the hotel.”

  “And what if Santara gets his hands on her again? I worked so hard to keep this from happening. She was safe, Caleb.”

  “And you were not. To use that word that offended you so much, Lisa would not tolerate it. She appears to have a fondness for you that totally baffles me.”

  She could feel the tears sting her eyes. “You should have stopped her. It was a mistake.”

  “As you can see, I do make them on occasion. But all I can do is the best I’m able. She would have come after you on her own, Jane.”

  She could see that happening, but it didn’t make her feel any better. “We have to keep her safe. I won’t forgive myself if anything happens to her.”

  Caleb was shaking his head. “Everyone has to be kept safe? Haroun, Lisa. Where do you figure in this, Jane?”

  “Maybe behind you,” she said shakily. “I won’t lose you either, Caleb.”

  His smile vanished. “How generous of you to include me. An unexpected honor.”

  “Be quiet.” She blinked back the tears. “You came here to try to save me. Okay, I don’t like the way you’re doing it. But you could die, dammit. And I’m not supposed to care whether you do?”

  “Oh, I approve. Because I’m certain that I’ll do something soon that will nullify all my good deeds in your eyes.”

  “Probably.” She swallowed hard. “As long as it’s not something that will get someone killed. Don’t do that, Caleb.”

  “I’ll be very selective.” He frowned. “I don’t like to see you this upset. It bothers me.” He got to his feet. “And now I’d better get back to Lisa at the hotel and make certain she’s not being troublesome for Palik. She promised she’d do as I told her, but she might have had her fingers crossed.”

  “She was very good when she was with me at the lake. She did exactly what I asked her to do. My only complaint was that she did too much.”

  “I rest my case.”

  “When will you be back?”

  “Tomorrow afternoon. Try to rest. I don’t think Teresa will bother you.”

  “As long as I don’t antagonize her?”

  “That’s right. We have to make sure that she’s happy and content with herself.” His eyes were suddenly glittering with mischief. “Which reminds me that you don’t look at all like a femme fatale I can’t keep my hands off. I think we have to correct that image.”

  Her eyes widened. “Not necessary.”

  “Oh yes.” He fell to his knees in front of her. “I’m sure Teresa will be in to see you after I leave. We have to keep the image intact, don’t we?” He was swiftly unbuttoning her blouse. “Just a tiny bit of foreplay that will make you look the part. There’s no one who looks more beautifully sensual than you do after you’ve been touched.”

  He was so close, she could catch the clean scent of him. She could feel that electric magnetism that always surrounded him. His hands were moving deftly and her bra was suddenly gone. “Bullshit.” She could barely force the words out for the heat that was tingling through her. “You’re taking advantage—” She inhaled sharply as his hands cupped her bare breasts. “Not fair, Caleb.”

  His fingers were tugging at her nipples. “But you’re so grateful to me, remember? This is only part of my doing my duty. Think of it like that.” His breath was hot on her nipple and then he was nibbling, sucking, biting.

  She cried out and her back arched as she lunged upward.

  “Shh, just a little more.” His mouth enveloped her and he shook his head, making her feel both pressure and force.

  One minute.

  Two minutes.

  She was only aware of sensation, suction, movement, hunger.…

  He was leaving her, she realized. She instinctively reached out for him.

  “No.” He held her down and rubbed his cheeks back and forth on her breasts. “You’d just be angry with me later.” He got to his feet. “You’ll be annoyed with me anyway, but not too bad.” He stood looking down at her. “Beautiful,” he said softly. “Shining. Glowing. Mine.” He turned and headed for the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Jane.”

  She lay there unable to move as the door closed behind him.

  Damn him.

  She slowly sat up, put on her bra, and started buttoning up her blouse. Her hands were shaking. She was shaking. She had been upset and emotional before it had erupted into this sexual chaos. Now all she could think about was sex. Was that Caleb’s intention? she thought suddenly. Who knew what he was thinking. At least her nerves didn’t feel as shredded as before. And anger and exasperation had replaced the tears.

  “You satisfied him?” Teresa was standing in the doorway, gazing at her. “Yes, I can see you did. You’re practically melting.” She came forward. “You’re a fool, you know. He’ll always be too much for you. I can’t understand what it is he sees in you.”

  Don’t antagonize her, Jane thought, remembering what Caleb had said. “Yet here I am and you brought me here. You could let me go.”

  “That’s not an option. I’m just telling you that if you live through this, you should leave him.”

  “So that he won’t get what he wants?” she asked softly. “It’s killing you that you have to deal with someone
who has so much power over you. I don’t think you would have done it if you’d seen any other way.”

  “As I said, you’re a fool. You don’t know anything. He has no power. Only what I choose to give him. I’m the one who was always in control.” Her eyes were blazing, her hands clenched. “From the beginning, he was only a tool for me to use. I used him well and then I threw him away.”

  “Did you?”

  “I said it, didn’t I?”

  Yes, she had, and the picture Jane was seeing was sending the rage searing through her. Teresa’s view might be completely skewed, but her intentions were not. She had wanted to use a boy, twist his psyche, when he had already been mistreated in the most horrendous and painful ways possible. The fact that boy had been Caleb made it even more terrible in Jane’s eyes. At the moment, she couldn’t separate that boy from the Caleb she had known all these years. She wanted to hurt this woman as she had hurt that young boy.

  Teresa took another step forward. Her voice was taunting. “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

  To hell with it. “There’s nothing to say.” Jane lifted her chin and glared at her. “Because you’re so terribly obvious, Teresa. He wasn’t the tool, and you know it. You went up against something you didn’t know how to handle. And all through the years it’s been the same. It’s been gnawing at you, so you tried to ignore him. But you can’t do it, can you? You still don’t know who he is or how you can handle him. And it’s driving you crazy that you think I might.”

  “That’s a joke.”

  “Maybe. But I don’t think so. Because it doesn’t change the one fact that you’re broadcasting loud and clear.” She’d already said too much and she’d say more if she didn’t get out of here. Sorry, Caleb. She got to her feet and headed for the bathroom.

  “And what is that?” Teresa asked through set teeth.

  Jane couldn’t resist it. She struck out one more time in the way that could hurt Teresa the most. “Why, that you’re sick with jealousy, Teresa.” She went into the bathroom and slammed the door. She leaned against it, breathing hard. Precisely what Caleb had warned her against. His fault. She hadn’t been able to take what he told her about the life he’d led all those years ago.