No, he just threatened my life…again. “No, I just think he’s a sleaze.” These lies were coming too easily. “Tell me.”
Christo sighed, putting down his fork. “He came to my college as an associate professor in my last year.”
Noosh blinked. “Papps? A professor? Of what, cuntiness?”
Christo snorted with laughter. “That wasn’t his official title, but yes. Anyway, he and I didn’t see eye-to-eye from the start. He was sexist, misogynistic, and unprofessional. He targeted the women in our class and spent his time belittling them. I took him to task, and he failed me. Luckily for him, the faculty reversed the decision. I was, after all, a Fulbright scholar, and my grade point average was 4.0 from the start.”
“Nerd.”
Christo grinned. “You know it. Anyway, if it had just been that, then maybe I could just put it down to egos clashing. I was somewhat of a player back then. Anyway, there were rumors, many rumors, about him working his way through the female students. And then there were the rumors that he got violent with some.”
Noosh’s heart felt frozen. Oh, I believe it. She waited for Christo to continue.
Christo sighed. “And then there was a friend of mine, Jasmine. She was amazing, Noosh, you would have loved her.”
“Did you and she…?”
“Oh, no, I wasn’t Jas’s type. You might have been.”
“Ah, okay.”
“Come to think of it…” Christo broke off, staring at her, and Noosh frowned.
“What?”
Christo was silent for a moment. “You look like her. It’s never occurred to me before, but you do. You look like Jas. Both biracial, with part-Indian heritage. Both beautiful, long dark hair, big brown eyes…God.”
“Focus.” She gave him a small smile, rubbed his arm. Christo gathered himself.
“He pursued her, quite blatantly, after graduation. She complained to the authorities, but he already had so much influence that they did nothing.” Christo’s voice broke. “She disappeared, Noosh. I’ll never know whether she went into hiding, or if he had something to do with it. I know what I think, but I can’t prove it.”
Noosh closed her eyes. She would bet her life Jasmine was dead, killed by the monster that was Destry Papps – and he was going to kill her too.
Well, Destry, even if you manage to kill me, I’m going to go out fighting. Fighting to live, fighting for a future with this incredible man…
“Christo?”
Christo, lost in his own memories, blinked and smiled at her, touching her face. “Yes, darling?”
“I love you. I’m in love with you.” Her voice was strong, not wavering in the least, her gaze steady on his. His answering smile was all the proof she needed, even before he spoke.
“I am so in love with you, Noosh Taylor. I have been, I think, since the start. I think about you every moment. When we’re apart, my whole body aches for you. When we’re together, I just want to hold you, kiss you, make love to you. You are my world.”
She couldn’t stop the tears then, and he pulled her into his arms. “This is endgame, right? You and me? We can get through anything as long as we’re together.”
Noosh nodded, pressing her lips to his. “I just love you so much,” she whispered, leaning her forehead against his, drinking him in. “I’ve wanted to tell you for such a long time, but I didn’t want you to think I was just some silly schoolgirl with a crush. With you, I’ve never felt more like a woman, like an adult, with my own agency. You’ve given me that.”
“I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world.”
“No,” she said suddenly. “No promises. Let’s not make promises to each other. Not while…” She couldn’t finish the sentence. Not while my life is in danger, not while I could be killed at any moment. “No promises. Deal?”
He didn’t look convinced, but he nodded. “Deal. No promises…for now.”
“For now. It doesn’t change how I feel about you.” She looked at him, her warm brown eyes wide and serious.
“God, Noosh…” He swept her up into his arms and to their bedroom – and it was their bedroom now, Noosh knew – and onto their bed. He lay on top of her, stroking her face, his eyes full of love and incredulity that she was his, and Noosh knew it was a reflection of her own eyes. Screw the rest of the world. This was real, was the happily ever after she was owed. Here, with this beautiful man.
They made slowly, forging a deeper connection than ever before, knowing that the rest of the world would soon interfere again and that stress and worry would invade.
But not this night. This night was about the two of them, and love and being together. As dawn broke over Manhattan, they finally broke apart, gasping for air, laughing, and knowing that just for this night, no one could touch them.
Chapter Sixteen
Allison sighed but nodded. “If that’s how you feel, Noosh, then so be it.”
“I’m sorry, Ally. I just can’t be impartial towards the Senator. I find him…objectionable. If you want to fire me, then it’s your right. I just don’t feel comfortable working so closely with him.”
“I’m not going to fire you, Noosh, don’t be silly. I would never make you work with someone you’re obviously uneasy with. To be honest, and don’t tell anyone I said this, I’m not wild about the man.”
Noosh’s eyebrows shot up. “Then why…?”
“Because that’s journalism, Noosh. More often than not, we have to deal with subjects and people we’re not comfortable with. And getting a presidential candidate, especially a popular one, is a huge coup for the station.”
Noosh felt a little ashamed. “I guess I’m showing I’m not cut out for this job. The story I canned, the BDSM one…what if I told you I was thinking about finishing it?”
Allison perked up. “Really?” She grinned. “And it has nothing to do with that gorgeous man of yours?”
Noosh laughed, her chest lightening. “Actually, it has everything to do with him. You asked me how we knew each other…remember when I went to that club back then? Before the shooting?”
“Of course.” Realization dawned. “Oh! He was the guy?”
Noosh nodded. “Cards on the table. He was there and I wanted him. So, I slept with him, but then…he was in a bad place. He wasn’t ready for me. I could see it in his eyes, Ally, he was in so much pain. But he never forgot me.” Her voice was soft and Ally smiled gently at her.
“You love him.”
“I do. So much, Ally. He really is the best man I’ve ever known.”
Ally got up and hugged her friend. “I’m very happy for you, sweetheart. Christo is the polar opposite of his father – and of someone like Papps. Don’t worry, when the Senator comes to the station, I’ll make sure you’re out on assignment or something.”
“You’re the best.”
Ally grinned. “I really am. Now, let’s get to work.”
In their favorite bar downtown, Christo greeted Bertie with a hug. “Been a while.”
Bertie gave a filthy laugh. “And how is the delectable Noosh?”
“Gorgeous, beautiful, sexy, wonderful. All the adjectives.” Christo laughed. “She sends her love, tells you she owes you an ‘ass-whooping’ at poker the next time you’re free.”
“She actually said ‘ass-whopping?’”
“Okay then, ‘arse-whooping.’ How are things with you? Any progress with Helena?”
Bertie made a face as the bartender brought their drinks over. “Helena is seeing a hedge fund director from Paris,” he said with undisguised disgust. “Bertie, darling, you simply must come and meet Holland. He’s ex-twor-dinawy.”
“Oh dear,” Christo said with a grin, “someone’s jealous. You don’t break out the speech impediment unless you’re really pissed off.”
Bertie shrugged grumpily. At almost forty, with short mid-brown hair and a neatly shaped beard, Bertie was handsome and attractive, but had the unfortunate luck to be friends with Christo. Christo’s overwhelming physic
al beauty put everyone else in the shade, but Bertie never held that against his friend – Christo didn’t give two craps about his appearance.
“Anyway, I’m beginning to think there are other fish in the sea.”
“There are, and plenty who deserve you more than Helena.”
“Let’s change the subject, bro.”
Christo’s smile faded. “What did your guy find out?”
Bertie filled him in on what Alan had told him. “So, there’s this big gap where no one knows – or is telling. Noosh was in a relationship with this man, but whether or not she wanted to be…we just don’t know.”
“No one is spilling the tea?”
“No one. And Alan would have found out if they were. Shifty.”
“I’ll say.” Christo was lost in thought, a horrific idea floating around the back of his head. “Okay, if you don’t mind, ask Alan to keep digging. I want to know for certain who this guy is.”
Bertie frowned. “For certain? You mean you have an idea?”
“I do, but I’m not comfortable sharing it just yet. If I’m wrong, it could have serious consequences. If I’m right…god help us.”
Bertie looked alarmed. “Christo…are you telling me Noosh could be in danger?”
Christo nodded grimly. “Very much so. But Bertie…I’ll do anything to keep her safe. Anything.”
And for the first time, Bertie saw a bit of Fogliano in his friend’s expression, and he shivered.
When Christo said goodbye to his friend an hour later, he stepped out onto the street and pulled out his cellphone. He called a number he knew by heart, that he would never forget as long as he lived, and when a woman’s voice answered, he identified himself merely by saying, “It’s me. Can we meet? I need to ask you something.”
He listened to her answer then nodded to himself and told her, “Okay, an hour. Bethesda Terrace. See you there. Thanks.”
He had an hour to kill, but he knew exactly where to go. He’d placed an order for something at a high-end store in the city a couple of weeks ago for Noosh, and now he was going to pick it up. It helped clear his palette for the conversation he was soon to have.
The flowers came as Noosh was helping Ally polish up a segment for the night’s show. Liam brought, and she could see by his face that he was disturbed by something. “What is it?”
“Someone sent flowers to you, Ally, and forgive me, you know I can’t resist a peak at the card. Only…it’s not a card. It’s a photograph.”
Ally picked up on Liam’s distress and stood, taking the flowers from him and holding onto the photograph. Her face paled, and Noosh stood. “What is it?”
Ally hesitated, then handed her the photo. For a second, she didn’t understand. Two blood patches on… Oh god. She thought she might throw up. It was her, it was her belly, shot – newly shot – blood pouring from the first shot an inch above her navel, which was ringed with soot, and the impression of a muzzle, the deep indentation filled with her blood. The bullet wounds were framed carefully. Underneath, the caption read, “It could happen to anyone.”
Destry was threatening Ally. Bastard.
“Sick fuck!” Noosh was apoplectic with anger. Ally put a hand on her shoulder.
“I’m so sorry, Noosh.”
“Why are you apologizing to me?” Noosh said incredulously.
“Because he’s taunting you through me. We need to call the police.”
Noosh shook her head, dropping the flowers in the trash. “No. Don’t give him the satisfaction.”
“But…”
“No, don’t engage.”
Ally disappeared back into her office, and then Liam and Noosh could hear her crying softly.
Noosh looked helplessly at Liam, who shook his head, answering her unspoken question.
“Well, I’m hanging on to this.” She waved the photo. “Whoever took it has made his first mistake.”
“How so?”
She smiled. “He’s admitting guilt. Who else could have taken this picture?”
Liam, after giving her a hug, disappeared back down to reception and Noosh studied the photograph. Destry was tormenting her through Ally – his determination to invade every part of her life in full swing.
“Well, you won’t win, jackass.” She wouldn’t react to Destry’s latest tricks – instead she would quietly gather her evidence and drop it on him at the worst moment of his campaign. She’d had enough….and she knew just who to contact to help her protect Christo in all of this.
His father.
Christo saw her approach and stepped out of the shadows to greet her. The woman, her red hair cut in a bob, her clothes expensive and efficient, nodded at him, unsmiling. “Christo.”
“Telly.” He kissed her cheek, and she offered a small smile.
“Still handsome as fuck.”
“Still beautiful as fuck. Shall we sit?” He grinned at her, and she gave him a genuine smile and nodded.
They found two free seats on a bench outside the Terrace. “So, why the call? I’m surprised – we haven’t talked in years. I heard you had a nutty and went to rehab and now you’re in love with some British girl.”
“All true.” Christo studied her. “Telly, I have to ask you about something. When we…were together…you said your husband was screwing around with someone.”
Telly nodded. “Someones. I heard he had a girl in every major city. I had stopped caring by then. I was happy enough to screw you, even though I knew you were just fucking me to get revenge on him.”
Christo had the grace to look ashamed. “I’m sorry, Telly.”
She touched his cheek. “Don’t be. I got to fuck you, that was enough for me. I didn’t need the feelings that went along with it. But you…that isn’t you. It wasn’t you then or now. Look at you…you’re in love. I can see it.”
“I am. Very much so. But I need to know something about her past – something I think you can tell me.”
Telly looked surprised. “Why? Who is she?”
Christo watched her expression carefully. “Anoushka Taylor.”
Telly paled and stood. “And that’s where this conversation ends.” She began to walk away, but Christo caught up with her, taking her arm.
“Telly, this is important, please.”
She rounded on him, her face full of fear. “You don’t understand. My alimony, my very large alimony, is only mine on the condition that I never ever talk about that period of Destry’s life. And believe me, it’s not just the money.”
Christo’s heart sank. So his guess was right. “So, he did know her. Telly, please. I understand, but this is my love we’re talking about. What was she to him?”
Telly looked around the crowded park. “Not here.” She said it in a low voice. “Not in public.”
Christo nodded. In twenty minutes they were in the darkest corner of a random bar. Telly was trembling, and it distressed Christo to see her so scared. God, what kind of monster was Papps? He and Telly had been divorced for nearly two years. “Telly, tell me.”
She hesitated, and when she spoke, her voice was low, terrified. “She was different than the others. The others were just easy fucks. The Taylor girl…she didn’t want anything to do with him at first. He stalked her, bombarded her with affection, and, I believe, eventually wore her down, so she agreed to go on a date with him. Her first mistake. He controlled everything, and she tried to leave. So he beat her, threatened to kill her if she ever left.”
Christo felt as if a wrecking ball had hit him in the chest, not only fear for his love, but a twisted kind of jealousy that Noosh had ever slept with Destry Papps. “How do you know all of this?”
“I was having him followed,” Telly smiled without humor. “I had his place wired. I saw the photos, heard the arguments, the beatings. The things he threatened to do to her.”
“He shot her.” Christo blurted out. “About a year ago. He shot her, or had her shot.”
Telly shook her head. “Oh, no, if your girl was shot, believe
me, Destry did it himself. Can she prove it?”
Christo shook his head. “Or won’t. She’s terrified, I think.”
“With good reason. Christo, believe me, I don’t bear any resentment towards the girl, in fact, I felt sorry for her even then. He is obsessed with her. I have no doubt he will try again if she doesn’t go back to him – and even if she does, he’ll eventually kill her. The best thing you can do is get her far away from him.”
Christo felt wrecked. “She tried running away before, I think.”
“Not far enough.”
“God.”
Telly studied him. “If he finds out I talked to you, I’m a dead woman.”
“I’ll hire you protection, around the clock. Or set you up somewhere else. I can’t thank you enough for this, Telly.”
She touched his cheek. “Beautiful boy. You gave me something Destry could never have given me in a million years.”
“What was that?”
“Myself.” She hugged him. “Darling, I’d help you bring him down if I could, but we need to be realistic. You, me, your girl…all our lives are forfeit if it means we’re a risk to Destry’s campaign – and god help us all if he gets in.”
“I mean it, Tels. I will protect you. However much it costs, wherever you want to go.”
She smiled at him and kissed him full on the mouth quickly. “You would have been easy to fall in love with, kid. Look after your girl. Look after yourself.”
And she got up and walked away, with Christo staring unhappily after her.
Chapter Seventeen
They were both putting on a performance, Noosh could tell. Something was bothering Christo, but she couldn’t reasonably ask him to dish when she had secrets of her own. Instead, they both pretended nothing was wrong, and for now, she’d take it. They shared a meal they’d cooked together, and then Christo asked her to sit with him on the couch in his living room.
“I have something for you.”
He brought out a Tiffany bag, and Noosh looked vaguely alarmed. He saw her expression and chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’m not proposing…yet.” Noosh looked relieved. “But,” he added with a grin, “it’s gonna happen sometime in the near future, so suck it up.”
No Promises: A Bad Boy Billionaire Romance Page 10