Eden’s gaze swept around the bathroom before locking on Kate. “Let me apologize for my rudeness tonight. While you do know I wanted Trent to marry Cecilia, I do want to make the best of the situation. I want Trent to be happy. Call me Eden.”
Her eyes misting, Kate stared, tongue-tied. It was not quite acceptance, but it was in the right direction. “Thank you.”
Maybe Eden wasn’t so dead-set against her, after all. And the Trent she’d fallen in love with––before he became the harsh man seeking vengeance––could he step forward again?
Could he grow to love her? With his mother’s support, was there a chance for him to realize she wasn’t the awful person she appeared to be? Then her shoulders drooped—not if Blake told Trent his story that her stepfather had been her pimp.
They returned to the dinner table.
Trent, who was helping his grandfather to his feet, gave her a sharp look. “I thought you were going home…ahead of me.”
She forced a smile. “I think we should take up your grandfather’s offer. I would love for us to stay at his house tonight.”
Trent’s eyebrows drew together in a suspicious frown. As soon as they were alone, she’d tell him what she’d overheard.
“Now, that’s more like it.” James beamed, which added a robustness to the ill man, making him look healthier than he seemed. “What do you think, Eden? They’re staying the night at the house with us.”
Eden nodded, and her lips curved into a slight smile. “A wonderful night for you, Trent, and I’m proud of you. I want nothing more than you to find the blissful happiness you deserve.”
* * *
Kate followed Trent’s Porsche and the limo to the mansion, then parked in the circular driveway. Marc let out Eden, Vera, and James. Then Marc helped Trent get James Farrington up the steps to the front door.
Once everyone had stepped into the house and the door was closed, Trent dropped the smile, and pulled Kate aside on the front porch, beneath the light. “What is this about? Why the change of mind to come here, Kate?”
She sighed in relief and clutched his arm. “I need to talk to you alone. I didn’t want us to be overheard.”
Trent pulled back from her touch. “You went outside and Blake followed you. I saw you both. What is between you and him? Do you work for him?”
“No!”
“Don’t lie to me,” he rasped.
She gaped. “I didn’t see him. If he was outside, it had nothing to do with me.”
Trent clasped her forearms and propelled her against the brick wall, pressing his body against her. “Damn it, Kate, what the hell are you?”
“I don’t work for him.”
He released her abruptly and stepped back.
Kate’s knees buckled. She leaned against the wall.
“I know damned well he has someone on the inside. It must be you. And now you’re my wife—”
“If he does have someone on the inside, it’s not me. If you’d been listening to me, you would realize I’ve only done one thing you should be angry about. I did lie to get the job, but only to find out who was responsible for the death of my brother. He died while working for you. OSHA and the police seemed to act as if his life was worthless—or that’s how it seemed to me, since nobody was brought to justice. Your company got away with his murder.”
He folded his arms over his chest. “So you think I’m a murderer?”
“No! At the time, I thought you were cheating on the products, and not dealing with the safety issues, and you were getting away with it because your family has money.”
“And now?”
“I know you’re not like that. I know you have integrity. Please, believe me. I came here tonight to warn you. I overheard someone on a cell phone saying he would kill you. You, Trent. I didn’t recognize the voice, but you say Blake was outside?”
Trent pierced her with a deadly stare. “What kind of con game are you trying to pull on me now? Don’t try to turn this around. I think you’re in on it. You, with your angel’s face, and the heart of a liar… You expect me to stand here and believe you?”
“Yes! Listen, to me, Trent. I thought it was the company, but you are the target. Someone is changing the orders. What about Roland? You’ve got to believe me. I heard—”
“Ahem,” said a voice from the doorway of the house.
Kate and Trent whirled.
“Trouble in paradise again?” James asked.
“No!” Trent retorted. “And why aren’t you in bed?”
“Why aren’t you two in bed?” James asked blandly.
“Grandpa, stay out of our business,” Trent said.
His Grandfather put a hand over his heart. “But I couldn’t sleep, worried about my newlyweds.”
“We’re not your newlyweds, and we’re going to bed,” Trent ground out.
James scrutinized both their faces. “Why aren’t you two happy?”
Trent firmly put his arm around Kate and pulled her close. “We are happy. Kate is a treasure. Life is paradise with her. We couldn’t be happier. Right, sweetheart?”
Kate nodded and turned to bury her face in Trent’s chest. She couldn’t stop the tears in her eyes. She was grateful that he shielded her face.
“We were just getting ready to come inside,” Trent said more calmly over her head.
“All right, I’ll leave you two alone, but I’m worried about you.”
“Don’t worry,” Trent said.
James blew out a deep breath and nodded, but still a frown creased his brow. “Why don’t I show you to your room? You can help me up the stairs, Trent.”
After James had turned away, Trent gave Kate a cutting glance as if he didn’t believe her or trust her.
Kate shoulders drooped. He thought she’d invented the latest threat against his life.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Kate had never been in Trent’s bedroom at his grandfather’s house. She tried not to look at the king-sized, four-poster bed. In the sitting area was a loveseat and chair. French doors overlooked a balcony, giving a direct view to the pool and the wide waterway. A luxurious carpet, mahogany furniture, and blue and tan furnishings completed the room.
Turning away from the window, she felt awkward. Perhaps, she should have told him what she’d overheard while they were at the hotel instead of here.
She cleared her throat. “I have nothing to sleep in.”
Icy contempt flared in his eyes. He stalked to the drawer and tossed her a t-shirt and boxer shorts. “You can use the bathroom first. A new toothbrush should be in the middle drawer near the sink.”
She flinched at his coolness and headed into the bathroom. All marble and granite, the large room had double sinks, a whirlpool bathtub, and a huge shower with all kinds of sprays.
After showering in luxury, she dressed.
Trent took his turn in the bathroom, while she blew her hair dry in his bedroom.
She glanced around the room and found not many personal items. Trent must have been living in his condominium for some time.
He walked out bare-chested and dressed in sweat shorts. “I usually sleep naked, but I thought I’d spare you.”
Heat rose on her cheeks. He was going to make this night difficult. “Thanks,” she murmured.
Trent stepped closer to her. “But then,” he said in a husky voice, “I thought you might not mind at all, as you came here to seduce me…to continue whatever is your plan. I’d hate for you to have wasted your time. I suppose you’re still not on birth control, so I’ll make sure to protect myself.” He dropped his gaze to her lips and slid his hand up her arm, curving his fingers around her nape. “You’re too beautiful, Kate, and you know it.”
She stared at him, going blank as she watched his lips descend. His mouth took hers in a caress that sent heat flooding through her. He forced her head back as he kissed her, his tongue twisting in her mouth. His hand landed lower and kneaded her breast through the thin t-shirt.
Instead of fightin
g against what he probably considered punishment, she raised her arms around his neck, giving herself to him. She pressed into him, then felt him grow hard, then rigid against her. He splayed his hands across her bottom and pulled her even closer. He groaned and gathered her up into his arms and deepened the kiss.
Finally, he raised his mouth from hers and stepped back, leaving Kate with a rush of regret.
“Now you can see,” he said, breathing hard, “that no matter how desirable I might find you, I have no problem resisting you. So you can stop your games…including whatever reason you have to ensconce yourself alone with me tonight.”
Stunned, Kate lurched back at his calculated, verbal blow. “I am not playing, nor have I ever played games with you. Really, you have to believe me. I heard someone saying he was going to kill you.”
He raised a cynical eyebrow. “Tell me exactly what you overheard.”
“This man said—to whoever he was talking to on the other end of the phone—something about having patience, and that there wasn’t an opportunity. He said Farrington would suffer before he dies, and that you wouldn’t be with your new bride for long. That can only be you—and not Roland.”
Trent blew out a deep breath and dropped down on the loveseat. “This is a bit coincidental, Kate. You go outside. You hear someone threaten my life. Why should I buy it? If anything, you’re in on it. If this is another tactic to get me to sell to Blake, it’s not going to work.”
“No, and I’m not in on anything with Blake. I’m telling you the truth.”
Her stomach clenched at the thought that even if she wanted to tell Trent that Frank Blake was an associate of her stepfather, it would only look bad for her now. Besides, she’d had nothing to do with that disgusting man, but one night of pure hell—a detail she’d rather keep buried in her mind. She had to.
She bit her lip.
Trent narrowed his eyes. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing.”
He snorted. “I’ll take the warning, Kate, but I don’t trust you. I’ll sleep on the floor.”
Exhaling an exasperated breath, she asked, “How can I get you to believe me? Everything was real between us.”
“Real?” he scoffed.
“No matter what I say you’ll never believe me, will you? You’ll always put the worst spin on it.” She had to tell him about Blake—no matter the consequences—but his next words stopped her.
“I am onto you, Kate. If I die, you would benefit.”
Her breath caught in her throat.
Trent yanked the cushions from the love seat and tossed them on the floor. He went into the walk-in closet, returned with sheets and blankets, and spread them on the cushions.
Kate pulled back the comforter and the sheet and lay down on the bed. “Our being married was your doing,” she said in a shaky voice. “You can’t blame that on me.” She sank her head into the pillows. “Besides, I thought you had your ironclad prenuptial and a will. So what would I gain?”
He switched off the light and settled down on the cushions on the floor. “I’m sure you would appeal to my grandfather’s kindness and get your hands on my money somehow. I’ve decided to tell Greg all and leave a letter to that effect with my lawyer. If something should happen to me—if I were to die—the police are to consider you and Blake as prime suspects.”
“Trent, you’re wrong about me. And I only care about keeping you safe.”
She squeezed her eyes shut. Oh, God, she’d be blamed? She couldn’t think of that because she didn’t want to think about Trent being hurt or worse. She would stay by his side until he was safe.
She wanted him to believe her…wanted him to love her. She’d just have to hope that Blake, or whoever was sabotaging the company, was arrested soon.
They lay in silence in the room.
“Trent, I know you won’t believe this,” she whispered, “but I love you. I would never hurt you.”
She didn’t think he heard her and that was all well and good because there was no future in their relationship.
* * *
Kate woke to an empty bedroom and spent breakfast with Trent’s family. Trent had gone to the office early, while she had to endure the shrewd, speculative eyes of his grandfather on whether his grandson had done the deed, and whether there was a grandchild growing within her.
Her entire Thursday workday went by without seeing Trent. Was he avoiding her? In a way, she was glad because she didn’t want them to have to pretend to be the happy couple in front of others.
Trent had nothing to worry about with her trying to ensconce herself with him again—she still had more pride than that, even if it had been shredded. Still, she worried about his safety when she couldn’t see him. Maybe she needed to hire a bodyguard for her husband?
Without any other commitment for the evening, she decided to go to the Children in Crisis Center for her usual Thursday evening hour of reading to a few kids. Maybe she’d stay longer.
Kate was thinking about that as she stepped inside the parking garage elevator. Cecilia was inside with tears streaming down her face. She turned her back on Kate.
Frowning, Kate didn’t say anything. When the elevator doors opened, she headed for her car. As she was pulling out, she noticed Cecilia striding in her high heels down the ramp.
Concern washed over Kate. She stopped her car. “Cecilia, are you all right?”
“Yeah,” Cecilia mumbled and continued to walk. “I was looking for someone leaving who might give me a ride home, but everyone I know has already left for the day.”
“I’ll give you a ride.”
“You’d do that for me?” Cecilia asked, staring at Kate warily.
“If you need it,” Kate said.
Cecilia opened the passenger door and slid inside.
Kate pulled out onto the street. “Where am I taking you?”
“You’re going to the Children’s Center, right? My townhouse is nearby.”
The hair on the back of Kate’s neck prickled. “How did you know where I was going?”
“Eden mentioned you went to the Center on Thursdays.”
On their way, Cecilia burst out in a round of tears, then finally caught her breath. “I-I can’t drive because I went to court today. My driver’s license has been suspended because of a DUI—my second. If my parents find out...or if Eden…” Cecilia wiped her eyes. “One thing, they’ll all find out eventually, too, is—I’m pregnant!”
Shock rushed through Kate. She pulled the car over and stared at Cecilia. “Trent? Does he know?” she choked out, barely able to speak the words.
“Trent? Are you kidding? If only he’d slept with me, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. I was supposed to seduce him, but he wouldn’t sleep with me. One night I went out with some girlfriends, I picked up some man in a bar—and just one night—bam, I’m pregnant. I don’t even know his name. Hell, I don’t even know if I could recognize him in a police lineup. I was so drunk.”
“You were going to pass off the baby as Trent’s?” Kate asked, still stunned.
“Yes! If I had to. I was that scared at what I’d done. Now, I’m too far along. My life is falling apart. I’m not the Miss Perfect that Eden thought, and it’s you who seems to have it all. You have everything I wanted.” She ground out the last word.
Kate’s mouth flattened into a thin line. “Cecilia, I’m pulling over and getting you a cab.”
“No, no, please. I’m not blaming you. You’ve won. I’m giving up. I’m leaving. I’ll have to go up north and live with my parents as soon as I start to show. I’m done with South Florida.” Cecilia’s chin quivered. “I just wanted him, but he wanted you from the first moment he saw you. It was so obvious.”
Kate winced. “Well, uh, maybe,” she said weakly. She couldn’t tell Cecilia her marriage was a sham, and Trent really hated his temporary wife.
“I’m going to tell you something else because you were nice enough to give me a ride. Things are going on in Purchasing. I think
someone has been slipping in while I’ve been out and changing some of the orders. I told Eden, but she said not to worry. She thinks she knows who’s behind this, and she’d tell Trent.”
Kate tensed. Eden probably thought that person was Kate. Oh my, the last thing she needed was for Trent to think she’d made the changes to the purchase orders. What if Eden built a case against her? She’d go to jail. No one would believe her. Her word was worthless to Trent and to the police. She’d certainly be prosecuted and maybe convicted.
“What makes you think someone’s been in the department?” Kate asked in a shaky voice.
“At first, I thought I imagined a few things out of place on my desk, but then it happened several more times. Orders were changed—and I did not remember running them through the system.”
Kate frowned, remembering how easy it had been for her to get into Purchasing. Anyone could have gotten in and changed the purchasing orders if Cecilia left access on her computer. “Thanks for the information, Cecilia. Until you leave the company, will you please make sure the doors to your office and the file room are locked whenever you’re away from your desk?”
Glancing in the rearview mirror, Kate found a truck bearing down on her bumper. The high beams burned her eyes. “Some idiot is following too close.” The driver of the truck honked impatiently as if he wanted her to move over—or be run over. Kate was already driving in the slow lane.
Cecilia clutched the passenger strap. “If he’s such a damned speed demon, why doesn’t he go around?”
“Maybe he’ll get off at the next exit.”
The truck didn’t, and the closer tailgating had apprehension racing through Kate. “I’m going the speed limit, but still he’s on my bumper.”
Kate gripped the wheel of the car as they traveled up one of the highest and most dangerous curves on the highway.
Cecilia stared out the back window. “He’s scaring me.”
“Yeah, me too.” Kate slowed the car, hoping to force the jerk to go around her. Finally, the man drove his truck into the left lane as if to pass them.
Disguised with the Millionaire (Dangerous Millionaires Series Book 2) Page 30