The Deadliest Secret (The Deadliest Series)

by Lauren Peyton

  “Suck it bitch and you better fucking swallow it all” He barked the order loudly in the car.

  She was an obedient whore now, her head stayed down even though her throat was gasping for air and he spilled his seed down her throat his cock deep enough she couldn’t spit it out. Her mouth sucked at him hard and he kept coming in her mouth till he was done. When his cock stopped twitching he allowed her head up, one of her tracks stuck to his hand.

  “What the fuck?” He gaped at the hair stuck to his palm; almost amused that after all these years he had hairy palms.

  She grabbed for her weave like he was dangling a gold necklace. Kody flipped her a fifty, and glared at her.

  “You can get the fuck out now Rina.”

  She looked at him almost like she was hurt, he was not the man for that, and he leaned over her and opened the door, then repeated his demand. She got out and kept some dignity she just closed the door and walked the other direction, Kody flipped on the lights to the car and drove off hoping to get the smell of that dirty whore out of his car before he would get his Gwen back, which would be soon, his contacts were working quickly, money and the threat of a slow painful death for failure seemed to be a good motivator. If it’s not broken…

  Gwen was lying on the couch in the hotel suite, Darrien had left to go fill in the handler, and she was bored out of her mind. Darrien’s movie commentary was slightly comforting to her. He talked through movies. She was just glad not to be alone while processing. Darrien was starting to come around to her and actually shared his life with her. His story had been horrible but he was triumphing in life, perhaps through this shit-storm she was experiencing she would be able to triumph again as well.

  There was a knock at the door and Gwen flew up from the couch her thoughts now off Darrien and onto the lurch in her stomach. She was starving. Thankfully she had the presence of mind to order room service a while ago. The waiter brought the cart in and left her to her business, they were efficient and understood the meaning of privacy. She had barely had any conversation with any of them further than a brief “hello, how do you do?” talk.

  Darrien returned a few hours later and looked more stressed than before. She stood when he entered, for some reason she felt like she should.

  “Hey… so have they found him yet?” Gwen didn’t have to specify whom.

  “No and they aren’t moving us for at least two more weeks.” He threw his wallet down on the table and grabbed some food from the remaining cart.

  “W-What?” She stammered.

  “I put in a request to be moved, they normally don’t take this long to find anyone and it makes me a little itchy to stay in one place so long with a package.” He explained

  “Oh.” She couldn’t think of anything else to respond with.

  “So I read about you and Kody. The notes are detailed.” He changed the subject.

  “He’s a real bastard.” She said simply with a shrug of her shoulders, trying to keep her mind off of Kody and what he had done to her.

  “Explain to me how you met?” He asked, genuinely curious.

  “It’s a bad story.” Her eyes locked on him.

  “I can handle bad.” He sat next to her and finished the roast beef sandwich he was chewing.

  “Don’t say I didn’t warn you…” Gwen said and launched into her memory from a lifetime ago, her secret love spilling out as the words fell from her lips.

  Kody was growing restless, it was time to meet with his own special agent one more time, this time the boy had details on where his Gwen was taken and where she was being held. They had to meet in person Kody didn’t trust phone conversations. He needed to look in the eyes of the person he was talking to and decide if they were lying to him, because if they were lying they would surely regret it swiftly. He sat and consumed his vodka, straight up. The slight burn in his throat was nothing compared to the burn he felt in his chest. He knew soon he would have his woman back in his arms.

  The agent entered in the same fashion as last time. You could almost smell the fear coming off of the other man. Kody scoffed and the agent came to him, they traded information in Russian to be sure that the other patrons of the bar didn’t hear about his nefarious actions. He was not going to detail them to this spineless agent, but if they knew who he was, who he was after, they may try to ruin what he has in store. The agent had an exact location on his Gwen this was good. Soon he would be reunited with his love and there was no one left who could stand in his way. Kody left the bar with a sadistic smile on his face.

  When Gwen’s story wound down and Darrien knew everything he was angry. Kody had been allowed many trespasses against Gwen. The bastard deserved to rot in hell for the crimes he committed and the pain he put Gwen through when he cheated, lied, and involved her in. That selfish nature of his could have destroyed her career before it ever began. “McQueen should have never gotten that close to you again.”

  “What?” She snapped back to attention, her mind must have wandered.

  “McQueen, he was a shit in your past, a shit in your present, and will be a dead shit in the future. He should have never gotten near you again. It’s bullshit they put you in danger.”

  “Well get in line for the things people have fucked up on this case.” She was getting brazen.

  He chuckled this was entertaining from her. “How about we order some drinks to go with dinner? Make us both feel better about the day?”

  “That would be nice, I am starting to get cabin fever here. A nice wine might help.”

  Darrien called down for more room service, the bill was starting to stack up, and he ordered scotch, white wine, and whatever the dessert special is for the night. Tonight was going to be spent drinking, reminiscing, and dreaming about the future. Darrien wanted to distract her; she deserved that much from her time in purgatory.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Time passed slowly for Gwen. She had memorized the television schedule. It had been four weeks since she went out in public, a month in the hotel room, more than a month away from home, a month just knowing one person. She was not allowed out because of Darrien, but that didn’t stop Gwen from trying to con her way out of the now depressing hotel room. Darrien and her had spent time talking. That was the only reprieve for her. She learned more about his past, where he grew up, what his family was like. It seemed he was similar to her in many ways. Maybe he’d say something she could use.

  They went from being strangers, to friends of sorts. Gwen even smiled sometimes. She smiled. Darrien had caused her to smile on a few occasions, sure he was someone new in her life but he was funny, his commentary was comfortable, and best of all she didn’t ever have to be alone. He was like her shadow. She paced back and forth until she heard the keycard in the lock and looked to the door. She did like to look at him; he was like her own private Adonis. She had walked in on him changing once and she would never forget the way Darrien looked with his shirt off, wow.

  Darrien came back from a meeting with the handler, still no progress on the case, it was annoying him. He felt like a caged animal. There was nothing left to do, he was itchy about it. He was getting too comfortable with Gwen; she was getting under his skin, which was a big no-no for his line of work. He was actually starting to care for her as more than just a package he had to protect. They had turned off the television and had many conversations at length about whom they are. She had even surprised him with divulging more about her past, and her life with Torrian, her former fiancé that Kody McQueen had killed.

  He walked into the room and spotted her, he could swear she was going to wear a track into the carpet and chuckled. “Waiting for me?”

  “No just bored. Any news to report?” She stopped her pattern of back and forth.

  “Nothing, we just have to wait another week to hear from the handler.”

  “So no going home.” She said on a heavy sigh.

  “Nope,” Darrien felt bad for her and wanted to do something, thinking on the fly he opened his
mouth again, “we’re going to get out of here, I’m going bat-shit in here.”

  She laughed at what Darrien hoped was the expression. “Are you teasing me?” she asked.

  “No, I’m serious. Go get dressed, we’re going out to the market.” He stated simply.

  Gwen’s face lit up with happiness, the first time Darrien had seen it, the difference between her sullen look that she had been sporting and this was infinite. She was happy and it was actually a beautiful look on her. He decided he was going to make her smile again.

  “What should I wear?” She asked from the bedroom, Darrien’s head whipped around and saw she hadn’t closed the door completely and he got an eyeful.

  After he cleared his throat. “Jeans, walking shoes, a t-shirt, maybe a hooded sweatshirt so we can hide your face if need be.”

  Gwen finished dressing without another word and came out. Darrien stood up casually wiping his sweaty palms over his jeans, he was not going to admit he saw her in her bra and panties, she didn’t need someone to embarrass her like that. She seemed like the coy or shy type, plus it wasn’t like it was a show for him. She had only forgotten to close the door completely.

  The cab ride to the market was short; Darrien grabbed her hand to keep with the façade of being a couple with Gwen. He told himself that was the only reason. When they arrived Darrien flipped the cab driver a good amount to cover the ride and a tip then they got out to start exploring. The day was nice, since it was still early there was still a nip of cold in the air but it was warming up fast in Louisiana.

  Darrien walked and talked with Gwen, only calling her “honey” or “Ellie” as the file of false identities stated he should. They went through every stand carefully, some were just repeats of the others ran by the same family. Gwen seemed to be a natural with the people, she negotiated deals, since the market was known for the deals you could get. Darrien stood back while she worked, until he had to carry the bags of things she purchased. She was apparently becoming a New Orleans Saints fan.

  Hours later they finally took a stroll towards Bourbon Street and returned to their hotel room to relax. Gwen laid out her purchases on the table so she could investigate. Darrien went into the bedroom to make a few calls.

  Gwen watched as Darrien disappeared into the bedroom, he seemed to be on some sort of a mission. She took inventory of the few items she bought. She figured since she was in New Orleans she might as well support the local businesses and economy. She smiled at a Drew Brees bobble head she found and put it in the kitchen for her to enjoy every time. She thought about the short trip into public. The fresh air that hit her lungs, the noise, the people, and the fun she had. Even though Darrien knew it was dangerous, he also knew how dangerous a bored woman could be and he decided to get her out of the lavish prison cell they were confined to.

  When the door to the bedroom opened again Darrien emerged and Gwen smiled at him.

  “Thank you for getting me out of here. I thought I was going to go crazy.” She said softly.

  “Don’t thank me yet, we just have to face the music when my supervisor finds out we left.” He had a whimsical smile on his face.

  “What do you mean? Are you going to get in trouble for it?” She felt a pang of guilt.

  “If I do it was worth it, I just meant I’m going to take you to do something special tonight. Get a nap in, then get dressed we’re going out to Emeril’s place tonight. I called and got a table, it sounds like the big guy will be there tonight.” His eyes twinkled as he spoke; he was enjoying the surprised look on her face.

  “We’re going to see Emeril?” She asked again clarifying it.

  “Yes we are Gwen so get some rest and be ready by six thirty, we have reservations for seven.” He nodded this was amusing to him.

  “I’ll be ready.” Gwen looked at her watch to check the time she had a few hours till she had to start getting ready.

  “Alright I’m going to sleep for a bit.” Darrien pulled off his shirt, leaving just his under shirt on and he walked to the bedroom, laying himself down to nap.

  Gwen put away her new belongings and went to her own bed, joining him in sleep.

  When Gwen was dressed and ready to go she was absolutely stunning. The dress she chose was form fitting but not revealing. Darrien was a lucky son of a bitch to be in her company and get to have her on his arm like this. They walked into the restaurant and he could swear he heard a hush fall over the other men. Even though her hair was a false brown color she looked natural.

  The host pulled out her chair for her and set the napkin in her lap to ensure nothing happened to her dress. Darrien watched to make sure the man’s hands didn’t wander to where they didn’t belong, even though Darrien wasn’t dating Gwen he felt protective over her and since he knew her past he knew she wasn’t ready for attentions such as that. Gwen picked up her menu, her delicate hands tracing over the gold etching of the name.

  “How does it look?” He asked her.

  “What?” She was snapped out of her dreamy movements by his question.

  “How does it look?” He requested of her again.

  “It looks amazing, thank you so much. I mean… I’ve never been here and it’s so exciting. Thank you so much for bringing me here.” Her voice was genuinely grateful.

  “It’s the least I can do, you’re not as big of a pain in the ass as I thought you would be. So thank you Ellie.”

  He smiled at her and ordered a bottle of red wine for them to share. The staff at the restaurant was attentive, and quick. The waiter brought over the wine, glasses, and poured with skill. This was fine dining at it’s best. The candle flickered between Darrien and Gwen, it illuminated her features softly and her eyes shined back at him.

  They spent a few moments going over the menu together, talking in a quiet huddle, the ambiance of the restaurant was romantic and made the pretending to be a couple easier on them both, the wine helped as well. Gwen ordered a roasted filet of beef; she had smelled one coming from the kitchen and couldn’t help herself. Darrien ordered the grilled pork chop. While they were waiting for appetizers to arrive the big man himself came out to greet the tables. Gwen was awestruck. They shook hands and had a brief conversation when it was their turn to see him. Emeril was her favorite chef that much was easy to see.

  “Mr. Lagasse I am a big fan, I have all your cook books, and watched you all the time on the Food Network.” She was on the verge of gushing.

  His accent was thick as he thanked her for her enthusiasm, Darrien took this moment to take a couple of pictures on his cell phone to make sure Gwen would never forget this moment, it seemed like she would treasure it for the rest of her days. Soon after Emeril parted his dining room the food arrived, it was perfect. The scent tantalized Darrien’s nostrils. Their wine glasses refilled magically, Darrien hadn’t seen the waiter come by and refill them but his eyes were on Gwen not on the surroundings as they should have been.

  “Bon appétit” He announced before they both dug in.

  Bon appétit, it was a cute little phrase; Gwen had to wonder if he had planned to say it or if it was spur of the moment. She looked up under her lashes and Darrien’s eyes were still on her. He hadn’t looked away much since the dinner began. She had to admit it was nice to hold his attentions, but his attentions were most likely from years of being involved in the service and being able to live as he does on lies. Every time she found herself looking at Darrien she felt guilt crush her stomach. So soon after Torrian had passed, here she was gallivanting around with another guy even if he was on the job she still felt an emotion towards him and that was wrong.

  Darrien paid the tab for dinner without letting her see anything about it. When she protested he nearly growled. “You’re my date.”

  “You’re working.” She responded

  “This is my tab though.” He stood and placed his wallet back into his pocket and reached for her hand.

  Gwen stood and didn’t give her hand to Darrien at first. When they were in the s
treet he reached over and took it, again showing his comfort in his job she thought. She was guilty. She should still be in mourning. Her thoughts continued to go down from there. Before the cab even came for them Gwen was in her bubble, closing herself off yet again.

  Silence. After a wonderful dinner, a trip to the market, and getting out of the hotel for a while Darrien was greeted with silence, he didn’t expect her to jump in his arms and declare undying devotion, but at least conversation and continue as friendly as they were. He remained silent as well, waiting for her to brooch any subject. When they arrived at the hotel he was positively stewing. More silence. They rode the elevator to their floor and walked to the room. He couldn’t hold himself back anymore.

  “Did I say something at dinner?” His tone was bitter.

  “What? No.” She answered.

  “Then what’s with the frost queen routine?” He was pulling off the blazer he wore to dinner his muscles bulged and moved.

  “Frost queen?” Her eyes widened.

  “I take you out despite the fact I can get my ass canned, and you repay me by giving me the goddamn silent treatment.” He was angry.

  “I didn’t mean to be silent. I just have a lot on my mind.” She didn’t want to admit to him that her mind went to Torrian.

  Darrien walked up to her, her head had to crane up to look at him. His hand went under her chin and tilted her head up. He was fed up of this tension he felt, fed up of having to pretend that he didn’t have some sort of feeling towards her. Slowly his lips brushed against hers, softly kissing her tender lips.