The End of Lies: The Single Lady Spy 4 (The Single Lady Spy Series)

by Tara Brown

  By the time we got to Heathrow my stomach was stuck tensed. Changing in separate airport bathrooms into a duchess and a servant didn't help the matter. And it became considerably worse when we arrived at the sleek white jet we’d both flown on before.

  A man in a pilot’s uniform was waiting for us at the stairs on the tarmac. “Good afternoon, Duchess.” He bowed slightly. He was about forty, sexy, fit, and filling out his uniform in a way I couldn't help but notice.

  “Good afternoon,” I politely greeted with a soft friendly smile but didn't remove my sunglasses. I wasn't in full makeup yet. I walked past him and boarded the jet, surprised to find it empty. No S. No one else. Just me and Luce. She went and sat up front, away from me in case the pilot was watching us.

  I headed to the back of the jet, finding nothing but a large bathroom. There was no salon. No dressing room. No closet filled with luxurious items. It wasn't the same plane. Maybe it wasn't Servario’s.

  “Tell me you’re disappointed,” a voice spoke from behind me, making me jump. I needed to wrap my ribs again.

  “I am.” I spun, offering an indifferent expression to Servario who took up the entire doorway of the bathroom. “No dresses? No shoes? No in-flight meal? The airline is really slipping.”

  “You are becoming as bad as—” he paused, not saying Roxy’s name, and lost the smile he had a moment before. “Anyway, you’re becoming obsessed.” He took a step closer, closing the door behind him. “We need to talk.”

  “We have nothing to say to one another.” I was going to be firm on this one. “You’re not supposed to be on this plane; we’re probably being watched. This is stupid.” I stepped back, hitting the sink behind me.

  He moved closer, lifting and brushing his hand along my cheek. “Do you remember the first time I had you?”

  My cheeks flushed as my Kegel tightened.

  “You were so frightened of me.” He leaned in, taking an inhale of my hair. “I miss that,” he whispered.

  “No, you don't.” I pulled back, pressing myself against the counter. “You aren’t supposed to be here.”

  “I’m not here.” He lifted my chin.

  “Servario—”

  “Evie,” he said my name with the same tone.

  “We can’t do this.”

  “Why?” His dark eyes danced with humor and passion. “Because you need four seasons of being single and away from me or is it that you’re still angry about the Russian thing?”

  “Both. Ass!” I shoved him back and whimpered, gripping my ribs.

  “It still hurts?” He stepped closer again, lightly brushing his hands over my side.

  “Of course it still hurts. Some asshole keeps breaking them. I’m lucky one hasn’t lodged in my lungs.” I scowled and caught my breath. “How were you listening to me and Luce?”

  “I’ll never tell.” He furrowed his brow. “You don't believe a year away from me will cure either of us from this, do you?”

  “I don't know,” I confessed. “Maybe.”

  “You think I’ll let you go for a whole year?”

  “No.” Again a truth slipped from my lips.

  “Evie, you would wither without me. I brought you back to life.” He slid a hand down the front of me, lifting my skirt and lightly brushing a fingertip over the front of my underwear. “What would you do for a year?” he whispered, leaning in, resting his lips on my forehead. “Would you touch yourself while thinking about me?” He slid my underwear to the side, caressing his way between my lips. “Would you close your eyes and pretend it was my hands?” He dipped a finger into me.

  Gasps left my mouth as he carefully lifted me to sit on the counter and began rubbing a thumb against my clit as his finger slid in and out of me, massaging all the places he knew would drive me to the brink of insanity.

  “Is this what you want, Evie?” His breathy words landed on my cheek as he gently placed kisses. “You want me to fuck you?”

  “Yes,” I pleaded, closing my eyes and letting it happen. Letting the invasion of my body begin.

  “But you said you never wanted to see me again.” He moved a little quicker, bringing a tingling sensation to my entire body as he pressed his erection against my parted thighs. He rubbed me and himself and pushed me to the brink of orgasm, but then he stopped. He pulled his hand away and stepped back, his pants bulging with the desire to release the hammer and pummel me with it. “Maybe four seasons is a good idea. Maybe we both need that time to forgive one another for the past.” He smirked, his eyes burning holes in me. “See you in Monaco.” He adjusted himself and turned, leaving the bathroom, leaving me sitting on the counter with my underwear flashing the doorway.

  “Fucker,” I muttered, almost laughing at how ridiculous he was sometimes.

  I got off the counter, and slammed the bathroom door shut.

  I didn't want to finish the job he’d started, knowing he would be the fantasy in my mind, just as he had predicted, but I had to.

  Needing the release he refused me, I sat on the toilet with the lid shut and lifted my skirt, slipping my fingers into my own underwear, which were soaked from the teasing he’d tormented me with. I closed my eyes and saw his face, his hands, his rigid cock. I imagined it was him inside me and came with the best orgasm I’d had in ages. Soft moans escaped my lips, noises I couldn't suppress. When I was done, I sat, huffing my breaths, and contemplated how badly I still wanted him. The orgasm had sated me, but the burning desire to be fucked by him haunted me.

  I suspected it always would.

  Even after four seasons.

  19

  The duchess and the dealer

  The flight was over quickly, and within a short amount of time Luce and I were being chauffeured to the hotel by a man I recognized. He was the driver who had picked me up from the apartment in Hyde Park. I'd been half naked and sobbing then. I wasn't doing much better this time, aching with longing and conflicted feelings.

  It all melted away when I saw the square with the Hotel de Paris and the old casino. It resembled a palace, not a playground for the rich and famous.

  I took a deep inhale to settle what little nerves I had and sat up straight as the driver parked and a valet rushed to us, opening the door for me. “Duchess.” He bowed slightly as he stepped back.

  “Thank you.” I fought the urge to tip the driver as I stepped out, something a duchess wouldn’t do. Something rich people never did. Luce did it for me.

  Valets and the doorman all nodded their heads at me as I climbed the stairs and entered the revolving door with Luce behind me. A man followed us with our bags, almost bumping into me when I paused in the entrance of the grand reception area. The rounded ceiling delicately held the opulent chandeliers which hung with magnificence, surrounded and framed by stunning hand-carved marble columns that appeared to hold up the ceiling.

  There were a dozen sitting areas for quiet conversation on fancy sofas and chairs, a reception counter with antique tables that appeared hand-painted. The marble floor was partially covered with an enormous area rug, undoubtedly designed specifically for the room. Not like the rest of us, buying them at HomeSense and praying for a bargain.

  The walls were decorated with mirrors and glass to reflect the soft light coming from the various lamps and chandeliers, making the room sparkle and shine.

  Opposite the entrance was a stunning staircase, something from Gone with the Wind or its equal.

  “Wow,” Luce whispered.

  “Right.” I lowered my sunglasses and glanced about as a small woman with a strong French accent came rushing up.

  “Duchess, your suite is ready.” She nearly handed me the key but I scowled, and she straightened up and passed it to Luce. It was something I’d seen Servario do once.

  “Thank you.” I walked past her for the gorgeous stairs, forcing my brain to always remember this entrance. It was more beautiful than anything I’d ever seen.

  As we strolled down the hallway filled with antiques and beautiful paintings, o
n our way to the elevator, I again tried to contain the awe.

  The hotel suited the palace-like reputation it had.

  I thought I had myself under control, but when the elevator landed on the seventh floor and I stepped into the suite, I gasped aloud, like an idiot.

  The porter nodded along with me. “C’est magnifique!”

  “It’s stunning.” I gazed up at the staircase leading to the second floor and then back at him. “Thank you.” He placed our bags next to the door and smiled, nearly bowing again as he left us alone in what had to be ten thousand square feet of hotel room.

  “Jack said he needs time to get us settled, security camera-wise. So you be a duchess and I’ll be a servant,” Luce whispered and grabbed our bags.

  I wandered about, drowning in the never-ending views of the ocean and the city. I touched the luxurious surfaces, leather sofas of the finest quality and soft furs and blankets adding warmth. The space was wide and open, with walls of windows taking in everything. Coop hadn’t been kidding; this suite saw it all, particularly the turquoise ocean and yachts below. The bedroom on the first floor had its own terrace and bathroom like I’d never seen before, complete with a sauna and tub that overlooked a garden and the city. The shower was the size of my whole bathroom back home.

  The eighth floor, the second level of the suite, was even better. There was a terrace the size of a whole house with its own infinity pool and views of everything. I could only imagine what it would be like at night, all lit up.

  I got turned around a couple of times before finding the dressing room, a full walk-in closet bursting with designer clothing.

  I stepped back, taking in the shoes, handbags, and dresses lining the shelves.

  “Oh my God,” I muttered through my fingers that covered my lips, “Holy shit.”

  “Can I assume you’re impressed then?”

  I jumped, finding Servario standing in the doorway.

  “What the fuck! Make noise. Don't sneak up on me like that.” I managed to catch my breath, though it wasn't just lost from his surprise or the stitch in my side every time I jerked too fast or moved quickly. I was already breathless from the entire suite, shoes included, as it had smothered me in an overwhelming sense of awe.

  “Oh, Evie. You always manage to say the wrong thing.” He shook his head but didn't fight the grin taking over his lips.

  “Whatever. Luce is here,” I warned him. “And Jack is working on security cameras. You shouldn't be here.”

  “You like the suite?” He ignored me.

  “I guess but what’s the deal with use of space? Who lives like this? Honestly, it’s the size of three houses back home, but only has two bedrooms? I can’t imagine the price tag on this place and you couldn't even bring your kids. There aren’t enough beds.” I hated that he had the upper hand so all my petty fell out in the form of words, “And I don't have that great of a view of the casino.”

  “Any other complaints I should take to the manager?” he asked dryly.

  “No. Just not very family friendly.” Sort of the headline for our relationship that wasn't supposed to exist.

  “It’s not meant to be.” He laughed. “No one pays thirty thousand euros a night and brings kids.”

  I choked on the number. “A night?” I gasped through coughs. That was a full year of wages for a lot of people, myself included at many points in my life. “That’s disgusting.”

  “Like you always say—whatever.” His gaze burned as he stepped a little closer but I backed away. “Shall we discuss the plan for the evening?”

  "You aren’t supposed to be here. We’re meeting as a team and discussing the plan." I tried to be nonchalant. “Although, my side is killing me, and I don't really feel like doing anything tonight. I kinda want to go between the pool and hot tub while drinking something too strong and staring out at the ocean. Maybe get some nachos as a side dish for the lounge chairs,” I confessed, keeping the fact I’d have to finish that off with a rehydrating drink and some prunes so the travel didn’t completely throw my morning off. If only he knew the lengths at which I actually protected him.

  “Whatever else you want to add to that, keep to yourself.” He wrinkled his nose just enough to display disgust.

  “Stop reading my mind and you won’t be grossed out.” I rolled my eyes, his second favorite trait of mine, as I slipped past him into the bathroom, imagining the soak I would have to squeeze in there as well. The tub was epic. I wished I’d brought a book.

  “Evie.” He stepped into the bathroom, blocking the door. “We have to be serious.”

  “You’re always serious, enough for us both.” I sighed, sitting on the edge of the tub and checking the inside for ring. “Good housekeeping,” I said when I found nothing but squeaky-clean porcelain. “And you aren’t supposed to be here. You need to leave.” I pretended to be indifferent to him and the stunt he pulled on the plane.

  “I came because I have some bad news.” His eyes were stormy, darkening as he furrowed his brow over them.

  “Oh good.”

  “Someone from the Organization ran into Elise last night in Italy where she was hiding. They mentioned that she was rumored to have been lost in the fire at Saransk’s. They were surprised to find her alive as somehow it was also known that I left Saransk’s that night alone, after the fire started.” His eyes narrowed.

  “So?” Where was this going?

  “She told the person that she left the party at Saransk’s much earlier in the evening to protect herself from being named as someone connected to the death of the CIA agents. She told them she wasn't there when the fire started.”

  “Which works. No one saw her leave. You made us hide in the back of the vehicle. The story is plausible.” I didn't see how this was bad.

  “Right, but then they asked if they would see her here with me this weekend for the gala as she is obviously my girlfriend.”

  The bad news hit like a thud.

  “Oh.” Disappointment lodged in my throat, blocking it so I couldn’t say any of the mean things I wanted to. “So she will be here, with you?”

  “Which means she will be staying in the hotel, with me.”

  “Cool.” I shrugged.

  “Don’t do that.” His already clenched jaw tightened.

  “What do you want me to do? You created a lie to get me and Luce and Mom into Saransk’s house and now you have to live with the lie. What’s the appropriate response to this?”

  “Be annoyed that we can’t finish what I started on the plane and repair the divide currently lodged between us. A divide I want to destroy so you have to take back your words.”

  “Which ones?” I wasn’t sure of what I’d said in hunger, anger, or a combination of the two in the last few weeks.

  “That this is over.” He stepped closer, hovering over me. “That we are over.” He dropped to a knee, taking my hand in his, and slid the ring onto my finger. His sincere stare swept over me, making it impossible to be annoyed with him. “I love you.”

  “You brought that with you?” I asked, trying desperately to be detached and chant things like “Elise” and “torture shower.”

  “I carry it always, waiting for you to change your mind.” He almost smiled, but his lips fought it. He was crushed, it was obvious. I didn't want to care. I didn't want to want him. I also didn't want him in this room.

  “Oh for God’s sake. You need to understand the weird fucking situation you’re putting me in. You gave me your ring, your heart, but you’re sleeping with another woman.”

  “Pretending to—”

  “Does she still love you?”

  His lips parted but I saw the lie before he had the chance to speak it, closing his mouth and pressing his lips together without saying anything.

  “Admit you’re fucking me over.”

  “I am always fucking you over. Always. And I will continue to do so if it keeps you safe. You and your kids.” His tone stayed soft, though his eyes burned with desperation for me t
o understand.

  “Fine. I’ll forgive you.” I forced the words out as though they were the worst things I’d ever said, “And I’ll wear this ring for now. But make no mistake, I know what’s going on. You love Elise in some fucked-up way, maybe the same way I love Coop.” I couldn’t believe what was about to leave my lips. “And we both know this about one another. Which makes this a non-relationship. We're friends who happen to have incredibly strong feelings for each other and accidentally have sex but nothing more. I will not tell you I love you because right now, I don't know if I feel that way. And I don't want to hear that you love me while you still love her.”

  “Fine.” He swallowed hard, also seeming disturbed by the words but not wanting to discuss any of this again.

  “So this is a friendship ring.” I eyed the ring I had put on the wrong finger on purpose.

  “Okay.” It didn't sound okay to him. I didn't care.

  “Okay.” I paused, staring at him, wishing this whole week was going to be different. But if we were lucky this would be the end. The end of the Burrow and the Organization. The end of people hunting us.

  “I will see you tonight, but we won’t know each other obviously.”

  “Duchesses don’t associate with drug dealers,” I mocked him.

  “Not in the light of day.” He leaned in, lifting his hand to my cheek and pressing a soft and suggestive kiss on my lips. “But no one knows what happens at night,” he whispered and got up, leaving me as quickly as he had joined me.

  Not focusing on the fact he was going to Elise, I stood and busied myself with getting ready to be the duchess as Luce came in, giving me the look.

  “I don't want to talk about it. At all. What are my orders?” It was easier to keep things all business and I could admit, if only to myself, that I wished business meant us fucking our way around the world again.

  “Get dressed in something absolutely stunning and leave the suite and go for dinner. There’s a reservation for you already in the fancy restaurant. A certain young man will be meeting you. After dinner the team will meet in your mom’s suite for the pre-game meeting.” Her eyes lowered to the ring on my finger. “Is that a problem for you?”