Everything He Risks

by Thalia Frost

  “The floor is yours.” Rock gazed away from me as he spoke.

  Why does he do that? He doesn't want to let me in all the way. What is he hiding?

  The words of the anonymous phone caller and of Lucifer came back to me. He's not the man you think he is...

  “You mentioned something a couple days ago that I want to know more about.” I stopped, my heart thundering.

  “Certainly.” Rock's face was impassive, his brown hair gleaming in the sun.

  A sense of foreboding stole over me, so strong that I couldn't speak for a moment.

  “Lacey, are you alright? You just turned pale.” Rock touched my arm, and the slight contact sent a jolt through me.

  “I'm fine. You mentioned that someone saved you as a child, the same person you think stole from the company...and who might be trying to kill you.” I closed my eyes for a moment.

  “Oh.” Rock sat in silence as we went under one of the arches of the Grand Canal. His face was in shadow.

  “Oh? That's all you're going to say?” Indignation rose inside me, and I clenched my hands together.

  “No. I'm just thinking.”

  “I need answers, Rock.” My voice was tense.

  “Oh, really? Remember, Lacey, at the end of the day, you're an employee.” Rock's voice was hard now.

  “Right, one you have in your bed several times a day. I think I deserve to know whatever it is about you that you don't want me to know. Rock, I can't help you if I don't understand what's going on.” I heard the desperate note in my words.

  “You can't understand.” Rock's gaze was toward the other boats bobbing past, a million miles away.

  “Try me.” Anger boiled inside me, but I was determined not to be in the dark anymore.

  Rock frowned. “The child part was a stretch. It was later...”

  “Later when you were saved, you mean?”

  “That's right.” His jaw worked. I could see the villa in the distance.

  “And?”

  Rock closed his eyes. His face had blanched. A pang ran through me.

  He's so tired, and I'm pushing him. But it's for his own good.

  “I was on the cusp of making it big. Regal was taking off. This was when I was twenty-three. Just a dumb kid with more money than sense.” He sighed.

  “Right.” I crossed my fingers, hoping he wouldn't shut down on me.

  “John and I went to a wild party here in Venice.”

  I drew back, surprised. “Really?”

  “Yeah. I had connections by that time, and I could go anywhere I wanted, do whatever I wanted. Money buys you that kind of access, you know?”

  I didn't, but I nodded.

  “I've never told anyone this, Lacey. You're the only living soul who knows. Can I trust you?” Rock's gaze bored into me.

  “Yes.” I breathed the word, meaning it with all my heart.

  “You won't look at me the same way anymore. You might hate me as much as I hate myself.”

  My mouth fell open. He looked haggard now. I glanced behind us. George had earbuds in and was listening to music, rather than to us.

  “I won't.”

  He held up a hand. “Don't say that until you've heard.”

  I tried to take his hand in mine.

  “Don't.” He shook his head, lowering it.

  I waited for him to speak. The villa was close now, and I didn't want to lose him.

  “I did coke that night—way too much of it, but that was my style back then. Riding fast and high and the world at my fingertips. I'd gone to the club with a woman, a Venetian girl. Lolita. She was gorgeous, not really my type but back then, all that mattered was willingness to please me, and she had that.”

  I swallowed hard, jealousy rising in me for all the lovers who'd known Rock before, as irrational a feeling as that was.

  “Yes, you were young.”

  Rock gave me a tight smile. “That's no excuse for what happened. Lolita and I were inside the club partying when she got jealous. I'd been chatting up another girl. I brushed her off and assumed she'd left.”

  “What a jerk.” I listened to the soothing sound of oars through the water.

  “Yeah, I was. So, I went to leave, still high as a kite.”

  I bit my nails. I sensed something terrible was coming in the story.

  “And I backed over Lolita and killed her. It was an accident. She was apparently behind the car, half out of her mind herself. She didn't see me come out. She'd been waiting for me. She might have fallen asleep. She's dead now.”

  I nodded. “I'm so sorry.”

  “Sorry. For her I hope. Not for me.” He let out a mirthless chuckle.

  The flesh rose on my arms at the expression on his face, as if he were dead inside. “Rock—”

  He shook his head. “That's not all. Here's the part you don't want to hear. John was with me that night. John Weldon. We were and are closer than brothers. Through all the foster homes, John and I stayed close.”

  “Okay.” My breath came in gasps now.

  “John took the rap for me. John said he was driving. No one else saw me out there in the car. He told me to go back inside through the back entrance. I did, and it worked. No one even questioned whether I was there. People were too busy partying to notice I'd left since we'd gone out of a side entrance anyhow.”

  “Oh my God.” My hand trembled when I covered my mouth.

  “So, you see. I'm not the man you think I am. John took the rap for me. He spent months in a Venetian jail, even though they ruled it an accident. He was charged for the coke they found on him.”

  “Oh, Rock.” Pity swept through me.

  “I wish to God I'd gone to jail. I wish I could bring her back. I see her face every day—in my dreams and in my nightmares. She didn't do anything wrong, and I killed her.” His voice broke, and I sat in stunned silence.

  We glided to the point of disembarkment, near the villa and climbed out without another word. I walked beside him up to the door of the villa.

  “I need to rest now. Wear something smashing for tonight. My people have already invited everyone who's anyone to dinner and have said there will be a big announcement. We'll leave the villa in two hours.” Rock's mouth was set in a grim line. “Now you see why this is so important to me. I just can't believe it's John who would do this. I won't lose him as my friend if I can help it, not when he was a friend to me.”

  “But Rock, what's the cost to the company? I understand your personal concerns, but it seems even bigger than that.” My hand went to the wall to steady myself.

  His face tightened as he stared at me in the dim light from the wall sconces in the foyer. “That Walter Marsh will become CEO. I don't want that...not for the people who work and invest with Regal Enterprises, and if my past comes out, I'm not sure I can keep it from happening. I've made too many bad decisions, Lacey. I'm not sure they can be redeemed.” He glided up the stairs without another word, his head hanging.

  I stood there for a moment and then made my way to my own room, my heart heavy.

  * * * *

  So, whoever called me and whoever is Lucifer knows Rock's secret, or the person he works for does.

  I lay down on the bed for a while, despondent. What Rock had revealed didn't change my feelings for him one bit. It only helped me understand him better and see what a good man he really was. But his words about John worried me.

  I'm not sure that he'll find him guilty even if he is. I sensed the rift that could open between us. Forcing myself to snap to it, I got up and rifled through the closet. A gold floor-length number should do nicely for wowing everyone.

  “Even if I don't feel good, I'll look like I do. Here's to the future Mrs. Rock Weldon.” I held the dress before me in the mirror as a single tear traveled down my face.

  * * * *

  “You...are stunning.” Rock stumbled over his words as he took my arm and led me down the staircase some time later.

  “Thank you. You're pretty amazing yourself.”


  He wore a full tux with tails and sparkling gold cuff links. The length of the tux suited his height. The crisp white stood out against his closely shaven skin. I wanted to take him right then and there and forget the engagement party.

  “How's your arm feeling?”

  He winced. “A bit better. The painkillers help.”

  “Good. So, what's my role tonight?” I asked as Luigi smiled and ushered me into the limo.

  Rock slid in beside me. “Looking beautiful and demure, honestly.” He pursed his lips. “Defer questions to me. I don't mean to sound like the typical alpha male, but in this case, it's for the best. No interviews. They'll be trying to get them. Your cell phone will start ringing almost immediately.” He grinned.

  “Wow. Sounds intimidating, but I can handle it.” I took a deep breath, studying his strong profile in the dusk.

  “I know you can. I knew it the moment I saw you.” He leaned close to me, cupping my chin in his hand as he kissed me. His tongue met mine in an intricate and tender dance that sent fire through my veins.

  He kissed me like he truly loves me, like I'm more to him than just a bookkeeper or a fiancée for hire.

  When he released me from the kiss, he hugged me close, one arm around my shoulders.

  I cleared my throat, emotion clogging it. “Rock, I want you to know, I don't think any differently of you because of what you told me. I only feel...so sorry you had to go through that.”

  “I don't know how you can...” He trailed off and sighed. “I just can't forget it. My whole life is like a drive to make amends.”

  “It was an accident,” I whispered, taking his hand and squeezing it.

  “Maybe, but that won't bring her back. I've never touched drugs since then.” He grimaced.

  “But you can live your life as a legacy of good. I think you are now.” My voice shook.

  “I'm trying.” He smiled, and I noticed the shadows beneath his eyes, how tired he looked.

  “Do you really think it's John?”

  “I don't know.”

  A wall went up between us with his words. I felt him pull away from me emotionally, even as he shifted his hips slightly.

  “I'm sor—”

  “We're here.” He cut me off and we climbed out of the limo. “Game time. I love the thrill of the kill. Always have, and I hope this will save the company and out whoever is doing this to me so I can fix things.”

  Flashbulbs popped all around us as Rock took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

  I forced tears from my eyes and plastered on a small smile.

  My game face is on.

  “Miss Pate! Why are you here tonight? Are you a new employee of Regal Enterprises?” Paparazzi lunged at us.

  Rock held my arm tightly in his and pushed through the crowd. “No comment.”

  We made it to the door of the restaurant after what seemed like ages.

  “We have our own room in the Alle Maddona. Best restaurant in Venice.” Rock smiled, but I could see that he was tense.

  “Are you feeling okay?”

  “I've been better. My shoulder aches, and I think I could sleep for a week, but when I look at you, I don't want to.” He winked, and I went hot all over.

  “Mr. Weldon!” A boisterous host approached us, wearing a tuxedo.

  “Hello, Bernardo. This is Ms. Pate.”

  I smiled and nodded.

  “Let me show you to your table. A few of your guests have already arrived.”

  I noticed we had the large room and that a few guests were being ushered into a smaller one. George lurked behind us as we sat down.

  “George is like a shadow.” I suppressed a laugh.

  “He is, and that's a good thing.”

  “If he keeps you safe, it is.” I rolled my eyes.

  Distinguished strangers filtered in, though I recognized a few faces from the board meeting. Walter Marsh wore a glum expression. John Weldon sat at our cozy round table across from me and winked. Two strangers filled the other two chairs.

  I looked away. The room buzzed for another moment, and I counted nearly a hundred people.

  Rock has friends everywhere and probably just as many enemies.

  Then Rock stood up, and my pulse quickened as I got a whiff of his cologne. The scent reminded me of sex—with him.

  “Thank you for being here tonight. It means a lot to me that you came on such short notice.”

  Murmurs and puzzled smiles met his statement.

  Some people don't seem happy about this. I wonder if they know what's coming next. I shifted in my seat, my cheeks hurting from smiling.

  “Enjoy your dinner. Order what you will. It's on me. I have an announcement to make before dessert, so hold tight till then.”

  Polite laughter trickled through the crowd, and my skin prickled with embarrassment.

  “What would you like to eat?” Rock whispered in my ear after he sat down.

  “Pasta. Anything. My stomach is heaving with nerves.”

  “Well, try to keep it settled till the big news comes out.” Rock grimaced.

  “I can hardly wait to hear the announcement. Big news for the company you've been keeping from us, Rock?” John's voice was a modulated purr as he studied me, malice in his gaze.

  “Hardly.”

  “I'm on pins and needles,” Walter Marsh said and sniffed.

  With friends like these...

  Rock ordered fish and pasta and fresh vegetables for me, and I pushed down what food I could as the waiters plied me with wine.

  “So, how are you liking the fair city of Venice?” John asked, gulping his wine.

  “It's gorgeous.”

  “It surely is. I don't mind taking business trips here.” He gave Rock a look, and Rock shifted beside me.

  He's taunting him.

  Anger rose inside me, but I didn't know what to say. I bit my lip, hoping it wouldn't bleed.

  “When are you heading back to California?” Walter asked, a querulous note in his voice.

  “You'll learn that soon enough.” Rock smiled. “I think it's time for my announcement.” He rose and pinged his wine glass lightly with a fork. “Your attention please.”

  The room hushed in seconds.

  I drew in a breath and gazed at the wall. I couldn't believe what was happening.

  “I'm glad you joined me tonight.” Rock stopped and turned to me. He took my hand in the lightest of grips and pulled me up from the chair.

  My heart thundered in my ears. I thought for a moment I might pass out as everything went blurry.

  “Hang in there,” Rock whispered.

  I steadied myself with a gulp of air.

  Never letting go of my hand, Rock knelt down.

  I couldn't help the gasp that escaped my lips as I watched one of the world's wealthiest and sexiest men, the CEO of Regal Enterprises, kneel in front of me.

  Murmurs rose in the room. I couldn't look at the sea of faces. John cleared his throat and laughed softly.

  I hated John Weldon in that moment.

  He knows. He knows it's all a sham. A flare of anger washed over me at him and at the situation Rock was putting me in.

  Doesn't he know I'm in love with him?

  “I'm betting everything on you, Lacey.” Rock whispered the words, so softly that I knew no one else heard.

  He cleared his throat. “Lacey Pate, will you marry me?”

  “Yes, I will...with all my heart,” I said, my voice loud and strong. It hid everything I was really feeling inside.

  I should win an Oscar for this.

  “You heard the lady. Let's retire to the hotel for dessert and dancing till dawn.” Rock kissed my hand and stood, taking me into his arms in the sort of hug we'd already shared many times before.

  I could almost believe he meant it.

  Silence reigned for a beat. Then everyone in the room broke into applause.

  “Cheers, cousin.” John held up his glass, and Rock clinked it as did I, a fake smile on my face. Walter
Marsh kept his dour expression and only nodded.

  As we left the room, Nadia Nargent walked in front of us, shapely ass swaying.

  I hadn't realized the lovely stewardess and Rock's ex was still in town. Why I should care, I wasn't sure. He was marrying me, after all.

  I guffawed aloud.

  “What is it?” Rock led me toward a huge ballroom.

  “Oh, nothing.”

  “Good. Are you all right? I really need this to go over, Lacey.” Rock's brow furrowed, and my heart sank further.

  This wasn't the same man who had had his tongue in my ass just hours before.

  “I'm fine.”

  “Good. I need to speak with a few people before the party really starts. Mingle. Don't say too much. Smile and have fun, and see what you can find out. If anyone acts strange, let me know.” Rock squeezed my arm as we entered the room. There was a look in his eyes I'd seen before.

  It's the thrill of the kill. In some sick way, this is fun for him—it's just another challenge.

  Before I could move, a group of men came over and introduced themselves. They were old friends of Rock's in Venice. Out of the corner of my eye, a flash of color caught my attention.

  Nadia had her hand on Rock's shoulder, and he had his head thrown back laughing at something she'd said. Music started playing—Sinatra and a love song which was fitting for the night and for Venice. Nadia said something to Rock, and he took her into his arms.

  “Ms. Pate? When is the wedding?” a woman asked me as I broke away from the group of men who had gone back to talking business.

  “I'm not sure.” I gave her a vague smile when all I wanted to do was cry. No one seemed to notice anything amiss.

  Because Rock's a billionaire CEO. He can do what he wants whether it's a sham engagement, dancing too close with an ex-girlfriend, or anything else.

  I clenched my fists and backed up to the punch table. There was no doubt about it. I was in way too deep in my feelings for Rock.

  “Seems like Rock's otherwise...engaged,” a smooth voice said to my left.

  “Oh. He's just dancing. I wanted some punch.” I gave John Weldon the best smile I could muster.

  “So, let's join them on the dance floor.” He winked at me, and I noticed, not for the first time, that he was handsome, too. He just wasn't Rock.