The Deadliest Secret (The Deadliest Series)

by Lauren Peyton

  When her alarm chirped signaling four-thirty had arrived Gwen was relieved. She was going to be able to go home and relax; the session with Kody this morning had her stomach in knots still. How could she still even want to remember what happened? She had repressed the memories because of how purely evil he was, but why were they now gnawing at her heart like a rabid dog. She grabbed the file from her desk detailing all of Kody’s crimes against humanity and stuffed it in her case. She had to get going or she would be missing her normal ferry off of the island.

  Torrian was on the boat watching the dock for Gwen’s usual almost late-flustered walk. She never disappoints. Soon the clack of her heels signaled she was there, her eyes were down and there was a pucker between her eyebrows, she was deep in thought. He watched her board the boat not even noticing that he was there. Whatever was in her mind was quite disturbing. Torrian felt he needed to find out; he sat down beside her and nudged her gently from her chaotic mood.

  “Hey” He tried on his most charming smile, he wanted to dazzle her.

  Gwen’s breath hitched when she observed his face, Torrian had to stop from chuckling; she spoke slowly. “Hey Torrian. Sorry I was distracted, heavy case load and I just got to thinking too much I guess.”

  “No worries babe.” Torrian snakes his arm around her shoulders in a friendly but still possessive gesture.

  “Thanks, about drinks… is that what you really want to do?” Gwen’s face flushed lightly.

  “Of course, if that’s what you want.” Torrian remembered she was a workaholic just like himself, but she never even took the time to date, or hookup to release that tension.

  “Yes, I mean I hope you don’t expect anything from me.”

  “I expect a good drink and some talking, that’s it” He emphasized each word.

  Gwen visibly relaxed a bit more. “Oh okay, making sure. I just didn’t want to sound too forward.”

  “I could hope you were but damn Gwen you aren’t that type of woman and I like that about you, you’re different than what I do.”

  “Really Mr. Ford?”

  “Yes Doc Bjorkman.” He burst out in laughter when she cringed.

  “I guess we’re going to my place then for a bit. You can’t stay too late, we both have work tomorrow.” She chastised him, his ego deflated a bit, but he remembered slow and steady may cause blue balls, but it wins the race.

  “I’ll follow you Gwen.” Torrian said right before the horn signifying they were nearing the dock sounded.

  As normal Torrian walked Gwen to her Lexus, the air between them was different, it was charged with a tension that kept bringing Torrian closer and closer to Gwen as they walked across the train tracks, shortly before reaching her car when he was sure they were alone he extended his hand and took hers into his, he laced their fingers fast and smiled to himself. The movement was simple but felt right. He was supposed to be holding her hand. He looked at their fingers his tanned fingers offsetting her white knuckles with a lopsided grin.

  “What are you smiling at Ford?” Gwen quipped

  “You” Torrian brought their hands to his mouth and pressed his lips to the back of her hand.

  “Careful someone might see you being less than your normal hard ass self.”

  “Don’t care about that Gwen.”

  “Torrian we could get in trouble if we get caught not stow the romantics and we can go talk.”

  Torrian relinquished Gwen’s hand and smiled. This was an open invitation to her place. “Okay Gwen,” he helped her into the Lexus, “I’ll follow you there.”

  He closed the door then walked over to his car, the engine roared to life as he pressed the gas pedal down, showing off a little to make Gwen laugh. He reversed out of his spot and followed Gwen through the streets of Steilacoom till they reached her townhouse in DuPont. It was a relatively short drive but the time apart from Gwen had him a little nervous, what would they be talking about? He jumped out of his car after the engine fell silent and he walked up to her car, he opened the door continuing to maintain his gentlemanly status.

  Gwen fumbled with her lock again; Torrian knew he made her nervous. She responded sexually to his proximity he inhaled her lightly perfumed scent. She smelled softly of daisies. He was reminded of summer flowers whenever he smelled her. He stayed close, his body in contact with her constantly; his coverage of her was out of his protective nature. He and Gwen had shared stories of their past, she was tight lipped normally about anything that involved her past. She would talk about her high school, her early college sometimes but after that she wouldn’t talk about her life unless it was her career. He wondered why that was. He shared a lot of his life with her, but again that was her job. She didn’t talk about herself, she learned about others and offered her help.

  Torrian and Gwen walked into her house, the alarm sounded its warning, while Gwen disabled the alarm Torrian looked around. This was the first time he was inside her place. It was decorated simply, she had a few pieces of art but the walls were warm and understated. The décor suited her style. She was a no-fuss type of woman and that made her even hotter to him. When she rejoined him in the living room he was looking at a picture from her graduation from University Of Washington.

  Gwen tried to smile and break the ice, “That’s the day I graduated, I almost cried when my dad told me how proud he was.”

  “He had every right to be Gwen you’re an amazing woman. I’m glad you came to McNeil.” He said in earnest, which caused Gwen to give her own dazzling grin.

  Torrian stood and closed the gap between them in three fast steps; Gwen craned her neck to look up at him. Her breath caught in her throat, she stammered, “I…I…I… I…mean would you like a drink?”

  “Yeah, I guess I do, since that’s what you invited me over for.” His smoldering eyes were an intense shade of steel gray.

  “What would you like?” She asked, she wanted to be closer to him but she kept her distance.

  “Whatever you’re going to have is fine, or a beer, honestly just wanted to hang out with you, make sure you got home safe.”

  “You act like I can’t take care of myself Torrian.” She called as she walked to the kitchen; she was quick with pulling out two beers and disposing of the caps.

  “I know you can Gwen, its just I wanted to do it for me.” He looked at her while he took a seat on the couch accepting the beer from Gwen when she offered it.

  “Why watch over me for yourself?” Gwen was slightly confused about why he felt this way she sat down next to him, careful not to touch.

  “Because Gwen, I have found you attractive since the day you came to McNeil and I’ve wanted to date you since you first got off that boat and introduced yourself.” Torrian adjusted his body on the couch and took a drink of the beer Gwen gave him.

  “That’s quite a confession Torrian.” Gwen gulped hard.

  “I know, but it’s the truth and I might as well tell it. You will find out anyways.”

  “Why? Why would you want me?”

  “You really don’t see yourself clearly. Gwen you’re a dime, you’re sexy, smart, you are kind, and caring.”

  “You knew all that the first time you saw me?” She took a long pull at her beer bottle.

  “Too much?” Torrian’s eyes seemed to have cooled.

  “No its just different, I haven’t dated since college, well at least not seriously and it sounds like that is what you want, a serious girlfriend.”

  “Yeah I do want one and I want that one to be you.” He was confident.

  “Torrian.” Gwen’s voice was almost a warning of what she couldn’t say.

  “Gwen just give me a chance, I know I’m not all that educated and I know you date better men but just keep dating me and I promise to try to make you happy.”

  Gwen’s throat constricted with an unforeseen emotion. Torrian thought that her reluctance was about him, no, no, no it wasn’t about him it was her issue. How could she explain about her past with the inmate sitting on the
island? How could she explain she dated a mob drug runner? Most women have exes that don’t end up in federal lock-up because they are sadistic and pure evil.

  “Gwen your knuckles are turning white.” Torrian shook Gwen’s shoulder softly to get her attention back on what was in front of them.

  “I’m sorry, Torrian,” her eyes were clouded with tears, “Torrian I do have a past, I have dated before but it didn’t work out. I don’t want my past to affect you, it’s not the best.” She tried to warn him.

  “Baby I don’t care about the past, as long as I can be involved in your future. Just give me a chance.”

  “Yes.” Gwen’s voice was barely a whisper.

  “What was that?” Torrian was unable to hear.

  “Yes I want to date you, I thought we discussed this earlier.”

  “Yeah we did but I wanted to put my label on you.” His arm came down around her shoulders and pulled her close to him.

  “You know you may need to see someone for your possessive nature there.” Gwen tried to joke, her grin coming back.

  “Perhaps I should, know anyone that’s any good?”

  Gwen’s laugh was rewarding to both of them. They sat in silence for a minute while they drained their beers. Torrian’s body was warm, Gwen felt herself relax with his arm around her. She finally felt happy, Torrian had that effect on people, he was such a happy person and he wanted her. The feeling was strange but she didn’t want to taint what she could possibly have in the future with the thoughts of Kody, they didn’t matter; Torrian did. She decided to let herself be happy.

  Hours later the two became aware of the time. “It is almost eleven.” Gwen whispered.

  “Yeah, guess I should let you get to bed.” Torrian traced Gwen’s lip with the pad of his thumb, he wanted to kiss her again.

  “You need to be on your toes more than me.” She joked with him.

  “I just need to be quicker than the bastards that try to pull anything with you.” He winked, joking right back with her as if it were natural for them both.

  “Protective,” Gwen laughed softly before she stood, “I still don’t want to get you hurt. You should get some sleep.”

  “Yeah, I guess it’s time to go. Don’t need anyone thinking I am being inappropriate with you.”

  Torrian stood and clasped Gwen’s hand once more while they walked to the door in silence. There was more tension in the air; he felt he needed to kiss her. She stopped and turned on her heels and pressed her hand to his chest.

  “Torrian I’ve had a great night. Maybe we can do it again soon?” She said while looking up through her full lashes at him.

  “Damn straight we will be doing this again. Might even come over tomorrow if you allow me.”

  “I would like that.” Gwen’s grin reached her eyes and they twinkled.

  “I would too.” Torrian’s hand cupped Gwen around her back and pulled her flush against him. He exhaled against her lips and let his tongue sweep over her mouth.

  “I’ve wanted to do this all night Gwen, if you don’t want to just say no.” Torrian’s mouth turned more primal in it’s quest for hers. Gwen gasped at the feel of him around her. He was taking no prisoners with this kiss. It was raw and passionate. His tongue gently separated her lips and he began to penetrate her mouth, going forward and retreating. Only seconds had passed but Gwen’s heart started to pound, her breath had turned ragged and she was panting. His tongue danced within her mouth, again he didn’t want to break the kiss, but he felt himself harden against her and he had to pull away, or he would want to take her to her bedroom and worship her until her alarm sounded and they both had to leave for work.

  Torrian kept his arms around Gwen, his thumbs strumming against her hips. She felt perfect to his hands. “Goodnight Gwen.”

  She stared at him open mouthed for a minute. She was shocked from the kiss, shocked from his advance, and pretty shocked from Torrian’s incredible self-control. She felt as if her mind and her body were of two different things. That kiss was amazing; she blinked several times before speaking. There was a coiling in her lower stomach, desire was making Gwen want to pounce on Torrian and bring him to her once more. Her eyes were hooded as she looked up at him.

  “Yes” She coughed after she spoke, clearing her throat.

  “Don’t worry baby I’ll see you tomorrow.” Torrian chuckled noticing that her lip protruded in a pout when he pulled away and mentioned leaving.

  “I know I just have never been kissed like that.”

  “Well get used to it babe.” His grin spread.

  Gwen nodded at her companion, she did not know if boyfriend was a term strong enough for the electricity that seemed to hover between them. She tried her hardest to use her authoritative voice to speak “I will see you tomorrow, now go get some rest.”

  Torrian placed a chaste kiss to her lips and turned to walk away. After he was clear of the porch Gwen closed her door and locked it. She went to the kitchen and tried to busy herself while her mind worked to process her night with Torrian. Too soon her kitchen was clean, not a tool out of place, she went to her bedroom and prepared for bed. Gwen’s mind was still working but the smile could not be stopped. Two successful dates with Torrian, and she wanted more. He was sex on a stick to her and she wanted to have it all to herself. She fell asleep a lot later than she intended to, but she had a very carnal dream starring Torrian.

  Tomorrow would be a great day.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Tuesday started with a bang for the security team. Several boats came too close to the island, which coming too close to the island is illegal and they had to enforce their distance rules. Torrian loved the small skiff they rode around in whenever people got too close and refused to leave. When he hit the land again he looked up at Gwen’s office, she was looking out the window, he smiled up at her. Her blonde hair was down and soft waves cascaded around her. He couldn’t wait for the evening. Even though he received barely any sleep after their encounter he felt rejuvenated and more alive after his time with her. The day was passing quickly because he had something great to look forward to. When his break finally came, Gwen was involved in her appointments so he decided to eat lunch with the guys, before he went back to work he checked on Gwen once more then placed a few phone calls.

  The week was flowing quite easily, Tuesday night he went to Gwen’s for drinks again, Wednesday they went to his place, and tonight, Thursday they would be going to her place once more. He only had to keep the secret for another couple days, but would she like it? Torrian just had to keep hope alive. After all she was sensible right? This would be fun. He kept chanting his mantra even though his nerves overtook him. He decided to push the thought away after a while; he was just going to force himself through the rest of his time here until he could spend another night getting to know Gwen.

  Gwen was working on papers since she had no new prisoners today, yet there were several appointments she had to keep. She gazed out her window and caught Torrian’s wind whipped face and smile, he was resplendent as he came up from the dock. Someone had strayed too close then refused to leave the area so the guards were sent to deliver a warning. Although the warning would be important if it was a group of females Gwen knew they would be back to get another glimpse at Torrian, the thought of someone else eyeing him made her scalp prickle. She told herself that he chose her. He wanted her, and they had a date night, every single night this week they had one. Gwen found herself obsessing less and less about Kody and what his dubious intentions could be. She was relaxing for the first time since college.

  Gwen would have to see Kody before her day would end but right when her thoughts started to morph and turn to darkness her cell phone started to buzz, it was her father. He never called her at work so naturally her adrenaline hit the roof and she was worried.

  “Dad.” She answered breathlessly.

  “Hello Gwen.” Steven spoke cool and collected.

  “What’s wrong? You never call me at work.” She started
waiting for the news.

  “Oh right, well, you see Gwen I wanted to surprise your mother this weekend and take her for dinner and movie on Friday then possibly spend the weekend out of town. Would you mind terribly if we canceled dinner?”

  “Oh,” Gwen relaxed, thankful everyone was well, “Yes daddy of course I wouldn’t mine. I hope you and mom have fun on your trip.”

  “We will pumpkin, have fun this weekend. Your mother and I want to meet your mystery man soon, she has been talking about it non-stop.” Steven chuckled into the phone.

  “Soon daddy, I just don’t want things to get too intense too soon.” Gwen lied, she was nervous about bringing a man home to meet the parents, her and Torrian were already intense when they were together, but he was still respectful.

  “I will see you soon Gwen.” Her father spoke fondly.

  “Bye daddy I love you.” Gwen stated smiling into her cell.