Wine & Whiskey: Everything for You (Surviving Absolution Book 2)

by Nikki Belaire

  WINE & WHISKEY: EVERYTHING FOR YOU

  Surviving Absolution Book Two

  Nikki Belaire

  Sensual Romance

  ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer.

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Wine & Whiskey: Everything For You

  Copyright © 2015 Nikki Belaire

  E-book ISBN: 978-1-63105-679-6

  First E-book Publication: August 2015

  Cover design by Dawné Dominique

  Edited by Tabitha Bower

  Proofread by Laurie White

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

  Dedication

  To P.G. who reminds me every day that challenges only make us stronger.

  WINE & WHISKEY: EVERYTHING FOR YOU

  Surviving Absolution Book Two

  Nikki Belaire

  Publicist Statement

  Shae Armstrong was admitted to the hospital last night for observation after being an innocent witness to an incident under investigation by the proper authorities. She wants to thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts, and best wishes and looks forward to performing at the VMAs in two weeks.

  —Jane Murphy, Publicist to Shae Armstrong

  Chapter One

  Shae snuggles deeper against Nick, her cashmere skin caressing his bare chest, her fingertips gliding across his arm curled around her waist. No words are spoken between them as they cuddle in this cramped hospital bed. None are needed to know this is where he belongs, that she’s what he needs to live, even if he doesn’t deserve her.

  He breathes in her light, flowery scent. All of her pure essence, tormenting him in his dreams for too damn long, is finally real. God, he’s fucking missed her. And now, somehow, he’s lucky enough to have her back. Grateful, despite the hell circling around them, to be holding her, to know she’s his again.

  How he’s even here, he’ll never understand. How she forgives him, after the torture she endures, he can’t comprehend. Regardless of how fucking stupid he was to think he could survive without her, he’ll never do anything to fuck it up again.

  After yesterday—hell, after the last few weeks—he craves exactly what she always gives him—a peaceful moment before the real world intrudes. Before he deals with the paternity test, funeral arrangements, and Juan.

  Fucking Juan. Carter’s betrayal implies weakness he needs to dispel. Not for revenge, although he sure as hell will take immense satisfaction in it, but to protect her and the baby. Just a hint of vulnerability is enough to tempt his enemies to try and finish what Carter started. He must crush any thought of a challenge before it even begins.

  But, for a few minutes more, he’s going to make things right with her. He can’t help but smile at her sweet body pressed against his, her gentle touch on his skin. Once again, she brings him happiness he’s never known or expected. A strand of her silky hair tickles his neck as she stretches. His grip tightens around her, and he kisses the top of her head. “Good morning, sweetness. How’re you feeling?”

  “Better.” She entwines her hand in his splayed across her stomach, together holding the family they’ve created. “I like waking up and finding you in my bed.”

  Last night, she welcomed his love, not realizing the comfort it provided was for him as much as it was for her. That hearing her whisper his name in the darkness, the relief in her tone at his touch, eliminated all his fear she could accept him again. He’s never needed anyone until her, and he won’t risk losing her. His laughter shakes both of them. “Hey, you’re stealing my line.”

  She rolls onto her back and smiles up at him, her eyes twinkling with love, slaying him with her certainty after all she’s been through because of him. “Well, now we’re even, because you’ve stolen my heart.”

  Sexy, mischievous, beautiful. They have a lot of lost time to make up for when she gets better. “Look at you, Miss Armstrong, trying to be slick.”

  “I learned from the best, Mr. DeMarco.” Gentle fingers wrap around his ears and draw his head to hers, brushing against his lips. “Among other wonderful things you’ve taught me.”

  After only one stroke of her tongue, he forces himself to gain control. Unaware of the fuse she lights with her kisses, she frowns, questioning him for pulling away. “You’re too tempting to be able to stop.” Clearing his throat does nothing to hide his desire, the huskiness of his voice betraying his need. “We need to wait until we get home.”

  “Home?”

  The hopefulness infused in her one word question crumbles the last barrier between them. She wants to be with him just as much as he needs to be with her. “Yeah, I want you to live with me again. If you think you can put up with me.”

  She shrugs her shoulders, feigning hesitation, but her bright smile and flushing cheeks reveal the truth of her happiness. “It won’t be easy, but I guess I can try.”

  “I promise I’ll be good,” he whispers against her lips.

  Shaking her head, she pretends to turn away. “In that case, I’m not sure if I want to come.”

  They tread dangerous territory, testing all of his willpower. Yet, he can’t resist one last tease. His fingertips glide across her thigh, pushing up the hem of her scratchy hospital gown, and tracing the lacy edge of her silk panties. “Oh, you’ll come all right.”

  She squeezes his hand before pushing it away, her laughter filling the room and his heart. “You’re terrible.”

  A bit more of her normal personality peeks through, and he smiles before winking at her. “You started it. And, as much as I would love to stay in bed with you all day, you need to eat breakfast.” He glances at his watch, much later than he realized. “Or, I guess, actually lunch.”

  “Okay.” She takes a deep breath, the playfulness gone from her voice. Her brow furrows deep with worry, as if she’s trying to find the right words. Unaware that only her uncertainty dampens his elation of her telling him about the baby. Once she says the words, she won’t ever have any doubts about his true feelings. “I’m sorry about Carter. I know how much you loved him.”

  Fire races through his veins at that motherfucker’s name. Not at all who he wants to talk about. He drapes his leg over hers, attempting to absorb her sweetness and squelch the inferno engulfing him. “Yeah, it was a fucking shitty way to find out he didn’t feel the same.”

  “Yes, he did. I think he regretted ever
ything once what he’d done became real.” Pink tipped fingers gingerly stroke the white bandages circling his shoulder, still throbbing from the damage Carter inflicted. “He was really broken-hearted on the plane. I tried to convince him you could work it out, but he wouldn’t listen.”

  Unbelievable. Only an angel like her would try to absolve the fucking devil of his sins. When he and Max were searching for them, all he wanted to think about was finding her and destroying Carter. Not have his sanity challenged by the thoughts sneaking into his mind of his cousin killing her. Of that bastard stealing the only joy he’s ever had in his life. Or of her last thoughts being filled with doubt about his love for her.

  Instead, she worries about helping the son of a bitch who kidnapped her. “Don’t defend him.” The words push out through clenched teeth, fighting to keep his tone steady. “Not after what he did to you.”

  “I’m not. I trusted him, and he hurt me.” Her voice cracks and drops to a whisper, surging the fury in his pulsing nerves at her pain. “But, you need to know he loved you even though he betrayed you. That’s the only way you can forgive him.”

  “I can’t. He deserved worse than what he got.”

  The pads of her fingers stroke down his arm, giving up the argument, attempting to soothe his anger. “He thought he was Emme’s father, not you. That’s what pushed him over the edge. Jessica was cheating on you with him, and they were together even after you broke up. He loved her, and then she turned around and dumped him for someone else.”

  Fucking motherfucker. Carter hurt Shae because of a woman who played both of them, using him for his money and his cousin for his attention. Nobody wins in this perverted triangle.

  “Even if you’re not her father, Emme needs us. I think we should try to be a part of her life if Jessica will let us.”

  Too ingenuous to realize how cruel and vindictive Jessica truly is, Shae invites nothing but heartache in her attempt to help Emme. “You don’t understand. Jessica will make our lives hell.”

  “Maybe. Let’s at least try, okay?”

  He kisses her forehead. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

  She curls onto her side and faces him, but doesn’t meet his gaze. “Somehow, you’re under the impression I’m perfect. Which I definitely am not.” Tucking her head under his chin, she talks to his neck. Anxiety seeps through the breaths blowing against his skin. “I’ve made mistakes too.”

  Panic clenches in his stomach. Whatever she’s hiding, seemingly more than just the baby, surfaces again. Eager to know, yet fearful of jeopardizing her health, he forces himself to postpone the discussion. “You’ve had a rough few days. Why don’t we talk more when we get home?”

  “Quit lying,” Carrie answers from the doorway. “I know talking’s not what you two are going to do when you get home.”

  “You’re here!” Shae sits up, the huge smile he’s longed to see finally lighting up her beautiful face. Yet, it’s a cruel reminder he’s not the one who generates the sentiment in her. But he’ll do everything he can to bring back her happiness of being with him, of rebuilding her confidence in him again.

  He caresses her cheek before climbing out of bed. “I’ll let you guys catch up. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” As he passes by, he squeezes Carrie’s shoulder. More grateful to her than she’ll ever understand. “Thank you.”

  Uncertainty lines Shae’s forehead, her gaze jumping from her friend to him. “What’s that about?”

  Carrie shrugs her shoulders. “Nothing.”

  “Tell me!”

  “Fine. I loaned him some money. You know, him being a deadbeat and all.”

  He laughs and rolls his eyes as he closes the door. She needs Carrie in her life even more than him.

  Outside her room, Max leans against the wall and scrolls through his phone. Just like he knew the bodyguard would be. Max looks up and tosses him a t-shirt. “I asked Marta to bring you some fresh clothes. How’s Shae?”

  Nick pulls on the polo as they walk down the hallway. He’d kill for a shower, but a clean shirt works for now. “Better. I’m ready to get her out of here and take her home.”

  “Do you think she’ll come back?”

  “She said she would. If not, I’m going to her house. I can’t be without her anymore. Not after everything she’s gone through.”

  His friend raises his eyebrows. “With Carrie there? Good luck fighting with Nathan on that one.”

  He’ll fucking build a house if he has to. Or take her to a hotel. Or rent a yacht. Whatever it takes for them to be together.

  Max nods toward the door. “Speaking of her place, the guys have someone over there repairing the damage. Carter’s body is at the morgue. It’ll be released after the autopsy, and then you can decide what you want to do.” He taps his jacket pocket. “And, I’ve got the paperwork for your paternity test. You can go to the lab anytime you want to have it done.”

  Everything he needs before he even asks for it. Shae’s right. Max always takes care of them. “You’ve got a fucking concussion. How have you been able to do all this?”

  “Some of us don’t get the luxury of lounging in bed all night.”

  “Fuck you. It was for her.”

  Laughter bounces through the empty corridor as Max throws his head back. “Sure. Tell yourself whatever you want. I’m just glad she’s okay.”

  More like a brother to him than Carter ever was, even before the bastard betrayed him, Max protects both of them even when he doesn’t deserve it. Shae tells Max how much she appreciates him, but now it’s his turn to do it too. “Thanks. For everything. If it wasn’t for you, she wouldn’t be.”

  “Now who’s getting soft?”

  And…nice moment over. “Fuck you.”

  Max smirks before patting his chest. “I love you too. Maybe I should come up with a cute nickname for you, like you call her? How about—”

  Nick puts his palm up and shakes his head. “I’m fucking done talking to you.”

  “Good, then I’m going home. I’ve got to get some sleep.” He scrubs his hands across his face before pointing back to the waiting area. “You’ve got six guys here, and Jacks is downstairs with the limo whenever you’re ready to go. Buzz me if you need me.”

  Nick nods and strides down the hallway, swiping his phone screen. Too many messages he doesn’t give a damn about unless they threaten her safety. He shoves the cell into his pocket as Carrie approaches, a deep frown darkening her face.

  “I need to talk to you.”

  Fucking shit. His pulse races, ready to sprint into Shae’s room. “Is she okay?”

  “Yeah, Dr. Callahan’s in with her.” She collects her hair into a ponytail and twists it around as she talks, her anxiety matching his. “She’s worried about us fighting, and I promised her we wouldn’t.”

  “Agreed.”

  “But, if you’re going to go off the deep end and dump her again, I need to know it now. She can’t take much more, and if you leave her, I think she’ll have a nervous breakdown.”

  The accusation stings like a kick to the ribs. Yet, totally deserved. He’s let them both down, and now, he has to prove he can be trusted again. “I know I fucked up. It won’t ever happen again. All I want is for her to come home with me so I can take care of her, if she’ll let me.”

  “It’s up to her. I’ll support whatever she wants to keep her from getting upset.”

  As always, Carrie’s right. Desperate to be with her, he pushes too hard for what he wants. He needs to let Shae decide what’s best for herself. “Me too.”

  She wraps her hair and lets it fall again. “By the way, I’m sorry about your cousin.”

  Not as much as he is. “Thanks.”

  “Carrie?” They both turn as a tall man with gray hair and black framed glasses approaches them.

  “Yes, Dr. Callahan?”

  “I’ve finished examining Shae.” The physician directs her to a small sitting area in the corner of the waiting room. “Let’s talk for a moment.”
/>
  Carrie nods to him. “This is Nick, her fiancé.”

  The men shake hands before sitting down. Dr. Callahan’s gaze flicks to the security team filling the narrow space, wariness lining his brow. Fuck the man’s suspicions. All he cares about is Shae, not defending the need to protect her. “How is she?”

  “Overall, she’s in good physical condition—healthy and very fit. After a few days of rest and increasing her fluids, she should be back to normal.”

  The tension in his jaw loosens, yet fear still grips his chest. They both have to be all right. He steels himself for the answer to his next question. “What about the baby?”

  “Right now, things seem stable. I see that Dr. Patterson has ordered additional blood work for tomorrow. That will tell us more.” Dr. Callahan looks up from the tablet and glances from Carrie to him. “My biggest concern is for her mental health. It seems she’s been through a lot lately and blames herself for what happened yesterday. Her anxiety and fear levels are high. It’s not my area of expertise, but any more trauma could force her beyond her limits.”

  Carrie jumps in before he can get the words out. “What can we do to help her?”

  “I’m going to release her, but I highly encouraged her to speak with my colleague, Dr. Elizabeth Meyer. She’s a board certified psychiatrist who specializes in working with victims of assault and other crimes. She’s the best in her field. Shae has agreed to an appointment later this week, and I want you to make sure she keeps it.”

  Guilt turns his stomach. God, he’s a fucking bastard. He’s let his fucked up world push her too far, and now, he has to do whatever it takes to bring her back. “I promise. She’ll be there.”

  “Good. I’ve signed her paperwork, so the nurse will be here soon to get her ready to go home.”

  “Thank you.” Carrie turns to him after Dr. Callahan walks away, her face flushed as her gaze meets his. “I know it’s not all your fault, but you’ve got to find a way to make this stuff stop. The media’s lit up about what’s happened, and Gail’s going nuts and wants to meet with her.”