Lessons in SECRET

by Crystal Perkins

  Hours later, we’re soaking in his big Jacuzzi tub when he brings up what happened at his parents’ house. “Are you okay, babe? Your dad was pretty harsh. I should’ve asked you that much earlier, but you had me a little distracted.”

  “My dad is always harsh. And I was trying to distract you. I didn’t want to talk about it.”

  “We have to, you know. Not now if you don’t want to, but sometime.”

  “Just like we have to talk about your mom.”

  “Yeah. We can start with her if you want. Or like I said, talk later.”

  “It’s probably better to get it over with. You know, in case you decide my family’s too much for you.”

  “Not gonna happen.”

  “Today was just a little taste of how my parents can be, Jake.”

  “My mother put a hit out on you, Isa.”

  I have to smile. He always makes me smile. “There is that.”

  “I wanted to punch your dad when he was calling you names and talking about your ‘assets.’ I only held back because I knew it would make it worse for you.”

  We’re starting with me, then. Time to rip the band aid off. “My parents deal in facts. Never emotions. My father didn’t even consider how I would feel when he talked about me because he raised me not to feel. I grew up knowing how to process data and make rational decisions. When my parents talked about me, it was the same way. If I was a certain height and weight, I either needed to eat more or less. If my breasts weren’t as nice as my ass, then I needed to find a guy who liked asses, not breasts. Or just let them pick a guy whose IQ was high enough, and who was suitably impressed with them. Because that’s what it comes down to—how good a job someone does at kissing their proverbial rings.

  “Bow down and you can go on a date with their daughter. Help them advance their academic careers, and you might even get to marry her. Love doesn’t play a part because I’m just a ‘thing’ to them. Something to make them better than their friends. I made them famous in their circles because my IQ couldn’t be measured. Now, I’m a commodity to be traded. Or at least I was until you threw that wrench in their plans.”

  “I should’ve fucking punched him,” he tells me as he kisses my neck. “And for the record, I’m a tits and ass man who loves every inch of you.”

  “You asking me to marry you, despite him refusing to give you his blessing, wounded him far more than a punch would have. And all my inches love you right back.”

  “Now I know why you like to hide, but I have to say that you are one of the most compassionate people I have ever met.”

  “You want to know how that happened?”

  “Well, I watched that movie, Matilda, when I was younger, so I know it’s possible. But yeah, I’d like to know.”

  “Oh my God, Matilda is one of my favorite movies ever. So thank you for the comparison.” I turn a little to kiss him before continuing. “My parents kept me away from everyone my age, and most people I went to school with as well. But I still saw things and learned things. I was fascinated by social justice issues, but knew they wouldn’t approve of my interest in anything that wasn’t considered ‘academic.’ I often did two research papers for my classes. One to show them, and one that I turned in.

  “At some point, my parents just started looking at my grades and degrees, but couldn’t be bothered to pay attention to the actual classes or majors. That’s when I started adding in the ones that interested me—women’s studies, world religions, multi-cultural studies and literature, and of course, archaeology. I took some extra language classes, but I’ve been multi-lingual since I was little. I’ll never be adept at all of them like Reina, but I can get by in most countries.

  “One of my professors was friends with Maggie Griffin. She looked at my classes, and degrees, and asked me to meet with her. The first time I went to her house, I knew what a family should really be like. She and Gary welcomed me like I was their own. And the boys…well, they’re like my own brothers. I would do almost anything for them, and I know they’d do the same for me. Between them, and the women I work with, I’ve learned about different variations of love.

  “And, of course, there was the time when I met this totally hot teacher…slash bad guy…slash undercover intelligence agent…slash son of one of the most powerful women in the world. He taught me how it feels to be loved like no one else matters.”

  Jake lifts me and turns me around to straddle him. Instead of the kiss I’m expecting, he pulls me tightly against him in a hug. “That’s because no one matters to me as much as you. I’m so glad you feel it because it’s true. You’re everything to me, and if the city fell around us, I wouldn’t give two fucks as long as I had you in my arms. I’m so sorry that you had to go outside your biological family in order to discover your real family, but I’m glad you found all of them. And me. I thank God every day that you went undercover and found me.”

  “Let’s talk about your mom later,” I tell him as I reach between us to guide him back inside of me. “Right now I just want to show you how thankful I am for you, too.”

  * * *

  Jake

  They give medals for marathons and triathlons, but where’s my award for the sexathon I completed a few hours ago? I didn’t even think it was humanly possible to orgasm that many times. Not that I’m complaining. I just want a shiny medal to recognize my endurance. And maybe a week’s worth of sleep.

  Sleep’s going to have to wait since there’s something we need to do before the ball tonight. I run my fingers through Isa’s hair as I kiss the top of her head. I don’t want to startle her awake, but she does need to get up.

  “Seriously, Jake? Again? I’m only mortal, you know.”

  “Excuse me, but last time it was you who started it. And your brain is definitely super-human.”

  “You can even up the score later.”

  “I’m ahead in the orgasm department if I remember correctly.”

  “I could probably use my hand. My mouth would require me to move my entire body, so that has to be out for now.”

  She’s so fucking adorable. “While I appreciate both offers, and will definitely be taking you up on at least one later, I’m waking you up because I have an errand to run and then we both have something to pick up before the ball.”

  “No we don’t. Stella already gave us my dress, shoes, and whatever else she deemed necessary. It’s in the backseat of your car.”

  Yes, her dress and shoes are there. I did bring in the small bag Stella told us was for if we decided to go outside during the day today, though. “You need a ring.”

  “No I don’t.”

  “I know I got hit in the head a few times while we were in Milwaukee, and I’m not fully recovered from the sextahon we had, but I was pretty sure you said you’d marry me yesterday.”

  “Sexathon? Are you hoping for a medal by calling it that?”

  “Actually, yes. But we can get to that later. Marriage, woman, marriage. Focus.”

  “I quite happily accepted your marriage proposal yesterday, but I don’t need a ring. You should save your money until you decide what you want to do now. Unless you’re going to still work for your mom. And oh, we haven’t even talked about where you’re going to live. I mean, I can’t expect you to give up your life here. Or your Indiana Jones bachelor pad.”

  She looks like she’s on the verge of a panic attack as she suddenly sits up, clutching the sheet to her chest. This is not going at all like I planned. But really, when does anything go the way I plan it?

  “Breathe, Isa, breathe. One thing at a time. You do need a ring, and money is no object. Let’s just be clear about that before I take you to the jewelry store. I’m buying you whatever ring you want.”

  “How is money no object? You told my dad that you don’t live off your parents and this place couldn’t have been cheap.”

  “While I never lived off my parents once I became an adult, I did receive my trust from my grandfather when I turned twenty five. I used that to pa
y off this place, my car, and all my other bills. The rest is still in the bank, along with a good chunk of the money I made working for the military and my mom. I donate a percentage of the money, as well as the interest I earn on it, to various charities. There’s still a big amount left after that. As for the future, Matt offered me a job at Corrigan & Co. He said Aiden’s leaving for at least a little while, and he thinks I’d be a good fit with him and Nate. If it works out, I’d stay on when Aiden returns. The pay he offered me is more than enough for me to live on. For a decade.”

  “You’re really going to move to Vegas?”

  “Yes. Even if I didn’t have that job, I’d be moving there. It’s where my home is.”

  “Me?” I nod. “They’ll give you your own apartment in our building. Unless you want to…um, you know.”

  “Do I know?” I do, but sometimes it’s fun to play dumb.

  “Your stuff would look nice in my apartment.” There we go.

  “My Indiana Jones stuff that makes you horny?”

  Instead of getting embarrassed, she hits me with a pillow as we both laugh. “Yes, that stuff.”

  “I agree. Now I’m going to go take care of my errand while you talk to your girls.”

  “I don’t need to talk to them.”

  “Uh-huh. Just make sure to mention my endurance level during the sexathon,” I tell her as she lobs another pillow at me.

  After some kissing and groping, followed by me bringing her gown and other stuff inside, I make my way down the street to take care of my errand. It’s something I decided to do after we had our talk last night, and I have to admit that I’m a little nervous as I walk up to the door. But I need this, so here I am.

  “Hi, Jake. Please come in,” Gary Griffin says as he opens the door to his own D.C. townhome.

  * * *

  Isa

  Two can play this game. Jake’s off on his secret errand, so I plan one of my own. I’m not sure how much time I have, but Darcy found me a place close by so I’m headed there now. Stella packed me my favorite dress and boots, so I feel confident and sexy, which is good because I’d normally be embarrassed to ask for what I need. Or just not go get it at all.

  Thanks to Darcy’s connections, I get what I need with only a short wait. I get out of the cab back at Jake’s right as he’s walking up the street. He’s got a coffee cup in his hand, and a smile on his face.

  I smile back as I see him look me over from the toes of my chunky heeled black boots to the top of my short black dress with the oversized pockets in front. One of those pockets is hiding my surprise, so I’m extra thankful for it today.

  “I like the sexy Lara Croft look,” he says as he sips his coffee.

  “Well, you were raiding my tomb all night,” I reply, causing him to spit out the drink he just took.

  “Jesus, babe. Where did that come from?”

  “I thought you liked me being bold.”

  “I do. I seriously do. But I also think I created a monster.”

  I look pointedly at the front of his jeans. “Is it growing right now?”

  “You know it is. We have a ring to buy, though, so it’s going to have to wait until later.”

  “I need to buy some new panties, too. The ones I’m wearing are just a little…wet,” I tell him, licking my lips.

  “Isabelle Carlton, you’re going to be the death of me.”

  “Been there, done that, killed some bad guys.”

  “Holy fucking shit. This is the hottest conversation I’ve ever had in my life. And we’re both fully clothed.”

  “For now.”

  He walks by me, slapping my butt in the process. “For such a brilliant woman, you seem to be having a lot of trouble focusing on things today. Now get in the car so I can take you to the shop with all the sparkly things, and you can get whatever you want.”

  “You did not just say “sparkly things” instead of jewelry.”

  “I did, and you’re illustrating my point exactly. I also said you could get whatever you want. Most women would focus on that, but not you. Oh no. You have to tease me about my word choice.”

  “I already know I’m getting a ring, Watson.”

  “I didn’t say you could get a ring. I said ‘whatever you want.’ And I’m more of a Moriarty, thank you very much.”

  “As long as I’m Sherlock.”

  “Of course, Beautiful Courtesan.”

  He did not just go there. I punch him in the arm as he laughs. “Don’t make me hurt you,” I tell him like the true Cumberbitch that I am.

  “You can spank me tonight. I’ve been a very bad boy, making fun of the great Benedict Cumberbatch’s name and all.”

  “Just drive.”

  Chapter 19

  Jake

  I skip the big name and fashionable jewelry stores and take Isa to a small shop I’ve seen while walking around in the past. It always has interesting and different looking jewelry in the windows. I think Isa will find something that she loves. If not, I’ll take her somewhere else. We still have a few hours before we have to get ready for the ball.

  “Wow. I love this place already,” she tells me when we walk up.

  “I thought you would.”

  “Have you bought a lot of things here?”

  “Fishing?”

  “Maybe.”

  “No. I have never bought anything here. I have, however, bought necklaces for women I’ve dated at Tiffany. Actually, the same necklace. I thought it was cool when I was younger, and the girls seemed to like it."

  “I’m sure they did. I imagine that the ‘Jake Mason necklace’ was a badge of honor.”

  “More like dishonor, but who cares. I only want to buy sparkly things for you now.”

  “There you go again, using those pretty words. And I know you only want me. I was just curious, not jealous.”

  “My heart is wounded by your lack of jealousy on my behalf.”

  “I was jealous of Vicki. Isn’t that enough?”

  I turn her around to look at me. “You know I meant it when I said she’s just my friend, right?”

  “I said I was jealous, not that I am. I think men and women can be friends. I have some awesome guy friends.”

  “Just wanted to be sure. Other women haven’t been so comfortable with her.”

  “I’m never going to be like other women, Jake. I thought you knew that.”

  “I do. It’s what I love most about you. Now let’s go inside and find that ring. And other things.”

  “A ring. Just a ring.”

  “You say that now, but I already saw you admiring the things in the window.”

  “I could buy them for myself if I wanted to. I am actually quite wealthy, you know.”

  “I didn’t know, but I suspected. Please let me spoil you just a little.”

  “Maybe.”

  That’s better than a ‘no’ so I’ll take it for now. I hold the door for her and watch her jaw drop as we step inside. It is a pretty spectacular sight with all the gems on display. I let her wander for a moment until I hear it.

  “Oh my God. It’s just…wow.”

  I hurry to her side and look down at her ring. It has a giant pink diamond in the middle, surrounded by diamond scrollwork, and diamond flowers on the side. Diamonds also flow down the band on both sides.

  “You won’t be able to hide with that on your finger.”

  “What? No. It’s too much. I know it’s too much.”

  “For you to wear?”

  She shakes her head. “I’d wear it. I wouldn’t even care if people looked at me. It’s the most beautiful and perfect ring I’ve ever seen. But the price has to be astronomical.”

  “We’d like this ring,” I tell the man behind the counter, before looking back to her. “It’s yours, Isa. I told you money doesn’t matter. I don’t care if this ring costs everything I have in the bank. It’s going on your finger right now.”

  “You can be my kept man if it takes everything.”

  Fuck yeah. “
Deal.”

  The ring takes a nice chunk out of my savings, but doesn’t even come close to all of it. I pay for it right away, calling my credit card company to let them know that there will be more charges coming. I didn’t want to wait to put it on her while we looked around some more. I slide it on her finger and then kiss her hand.

  “I just almost swooned. Like seriously, fell to the floor swooned,” she tells me

  “That would’ve almost made up for me not being given kept man status.”

  “I’m keeping you.”

  “Thank God.”

  She kisses me and pulls me along with her to look at other jewelry. I see her eyes light up at a pretty cool looking diamond set. “You want something else, don’t you babe?”

  “I’ll buy the earrings and bracelet. Will you buy me…um, the necklace?”

  It takes me a moment to understand why she seems a little shy all of a sudden, but then I get it. She wants a necklace. From me. Well, I want something else.

  “I’d like to buy you all three.”

  “Just the necklace, please. I’d like to join that exclusive club.”

  “I’m not going to lie to you. There are a good many women before you who got a necklace from me—with just one little diamond in it and not a few hundred, by the way—but there will be none after you. You know that, right?”

  “What if your mom wants a necklace?”

  “My dad will buy it. Necklaces are for you, and you alone from now on.”

  “Are you trying to make me cry?”

  “If it means I did something to make you happy, then yes. If you’re pissed or hurting because of me, then fuck no.”

  “Happy. Definitely happy.”

  “Then let’s get you that necklace.”

  “I love you so much, Jake Mason.”

  “And I love you, Isabelle Mason to-be.”

  * * *

  Isa

  I think I may have woken up in a fairytale this morning. I certainly feel like a princess at the moment. The dress Stella got me is dark pink and strapless. Instead of just being plain on top, it has extra fabric cresting over in a 3-D effect. It hugs my body until right above my knees, where a couple layers of big ruffles hit the floor in front and flow into a small train in the back. You can’t see my shoes, but they have silver heels and tips with clear, crystal encrusted material covering the sides of my feet.