“I understand.”
“Well, that’s why when we first started hanging out and then decided to take it further to include sex, I told you that I couldn’t promise you anything and a causal relationship was all I could handle.”
“I remember you saying that and I agreed to your terms, Kat. Do I want more? Do I wish you were ready for more, god yes! I won’t lie to you. I want you and I want more, but I know you’re not ready for that and as much as I hate it, as much as I wish it was different, I’m a big boy and I can still handle it.”
“I hope you still feel that way after what I have to tell you.”
Putting her head in her hands while she tries to compose herself and figure out how to tell him she’s been seeing, not just seeing, but fucking someone else, was killing her. Lifting her head and looking him in the eye, she says, “There’s no easy way to say this. Not only have I been seeing and sleeping with you, I’ve also been seeing someone else…and sleeping with him. I’ve been seeing Gage as well as you, Tony.”
“I know.”
Kat nods. “I thought you did.”
“I’ve known since the day we went out on the boat. You called me up to your room. When I got there, his leather bike jacket was lying on the floor by your bed. I knew he wanted you even before that, though. The night at the bar, the fight, kicking you out…that was all so irrational. I knew there was only one reason a guy would react like that. He was jealous and he wanted you.”
“Oh my god Tony, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry you found out that way, finding his jacket on my bedroom floor.”
“Don’t apologize, Kat. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely hate that you’re with him. If I’m honest with both of us, I fucking hate it and hate him, but it was part of our deal…casual, no exclusivity.”
“You’re being too nice about this and too understanding. I think I’d feel better if you were swearing and raging at me.” Tony looks into her eyes and just smiles.
“Go on, Kat.”
“Well, I was with him again last night.”
“Yeah I know. Before you called me, I was pissed about it too.”
“You know…how could you know?”
Handing her his cell phone after opening the email he was sent last night, he tells her, “I know because someone wants to make sure I know. I received an email last night with the tag-line…do you know who your girlfriend’s doing tonight? I thought the email was a mistake, sent to the wrong person. When I opened it, these pictures were attached and it was signed, a friend. When I tried to email my new friend back, the email address was no longer any good and it kicked back to me.”
“Oh my god. Who took these? Someone’s been watching me?”
“Or Gage, Kat. Maybe someone is watching Gage.”
“I don’t know, Tony. Maybe it was Gage who had these taken and sent them to you to make you jealous or hoping you would break it off with me.”
“Why do you think it’s him?”
“Well the same reason you had to pick me up this morning. I spent the night with him last night,” she says, looking embarrassed.
“I figured that.”
“Anyway, when I got up this morning and joined him in the kitchen where he was making breakfast, I noticed this file folder on the table. I had a weird dream last night about just such a folder and I even dreamt it was left on his kitchen table. So when I saw it, I was both freaked out and curious. I picked it up and started flipping through it. You’re not going to believe this, at least I didn’t believe it when I first saw it, but it was a complete dossier on me. It started with my birth and ended the night I left New York. There were photocopies of my birth certificate, voter ID card, credit cards, account information, passport, every driver’s license I’ve ever had, my grandma’s will, you name it. He already knew who I was that night at the track when you introduced us.”
“You’re serious?”
“Yes. He even had a picture of me in front of my apartment the very night I left New York. That’s just fucking creepy.”
“Why would he have all that information on you? What does he have to gain?”
“That’s what I want to know. The only thing I can figure is that he is more than meets the eye. I think my father hired him to find me and bring me back to New York. Maybe he’s a private investigator or one of those muscle-headed thug body guards my dad knows and is always hiring….hell, I don’t know, but finding that file both scared me and pissed me off at the same time.”
“Would your dad really do that Kat?”
“Hell yes, he would. To him I’m just another possession, like his paintings, cars, and houses. Nobody makes a move without my father’s approval, which is why I had to get away.”
“Well, what did Gage have to say for himself?”
“Not much…I didn’t stick around long enough to find out. I was too busy screaming and swearing at him. He just kept saying your father did not hire me, let me explain…blah blah blah…I didn’t want to hear his lies. My father’s a master manipulator and liar. I’ve heard my father’s spin and bullshit for years, so believe me, I can spot it coming from a mile away. I wasn’t going to give Gage the opportunity to spout his garbage too, so instead I threw the folder on the floor, told him to fuck off, and left.”
“So now what?”
“I don’t know, but I am not ever going back to New York to live and I am also never seeing that lying piece of shit, Gage, again either.”
“Good, it doesn’t make me unhappy that you won’t be seeing him again, but Kat, don’t you think you should call your mom and find out what’s going on up there? See if your dad has hired someone to find you?”
“Yeah, you’re right. I do need to call my mom. Will you stay with me while I call her?”
“You know you don’t need to ask. I’ll be here for you whenever you need me.”
Leaning in and kissing him on the lips, Kat whispers, “Thanks, Tony.”
Taking out her cell phone and blocking the number, Kat dials her mom. After a couple of rings, her mom answers, “Cynthia Jameson.”
“Mom?”
“Katrina. How are you, honey? Where are you? I’ve been so worried.”
“I’m alright, Mom. Is Dad with you?”
“No darling, why?”
“Look Mom, I have to ask you something about Dad and I need you to be honest with me.”
“Of course, honey. What is it?”
“Has Dad hired someone like a private investigator to find me? The reason I ask is that I was with someone I thought was a friend this morning, and I found an entire dossier of my life on his kitchen table.”
“Are you okay, Katrina?”
“Yes Mom, but I need you to tell me what you know.”
“I know your father has been trying to find you. I know he’s had some friends at the state department and in the FBI looking for you. I also know he has hired someone to find you, but I have no idea who that person is. He didn’t give me a name.”
“I fucking knew it!”
“I told him not to. I told him to leave you alone and to give you your space, but you know your father, he doesn’t listen to anyone, least of all me. He thinks he knows everything.”
“Have you told him you’ve heard from me, Mom?”
“No. I told you I wouldn’t and I haven’t. Besides, he’d tap my damn phone if he thought we’d spoken. I won’t put up with that.”
“I know.”
“So does he know where I am?”
“Not that I know of. As far as I know he’s still looking for you. He’s getting ready to start firing people for taking so long and coming up empty.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. If the person you’re speaking about is who he hired, he has not reported back any information about your whereabouts to him, but that does not mean that he’s not the one your father hired. It could be that he’s holding back to squeeze your father for more money.”
“I won’t ask you for your phone number be
cause I don’t want it stored in my phone or laying around for your father to find, but will you please tell me where you are, sweetheart? I swear on my life I will not tell anyone, least of all your father. You’re my only child and I miss you. I just want to know you’re safe.”
“I miss you too, Mom, and I’m safe…I’m in Florida. I’m here with the Morettis and I never got rid of Grandma’s house like Dad told me to. I couldn’t do it. I loved her too much and some of the best years of my life were spent down here at Grandma’s house. I had the estate attorney set up one of those real estate trusts and I put the house in it. To anyone looking into it, it will look like I sold the house to a real estate investment group who put it in a trust. Really, it’s still mine. Swear to me you won’t tell him, Mom.”
“I won’t tell him, Katrina. And I’m glad you didn’t get rid of Gram’s house. That house means a lot to me too. I’m also glad you’re there and safe and you have family around you. This will stay between us. You keep in touch with me and call me when you can. Check in and I will try to find out who your father hired and what he knows.”
‘Thanks, Mom. And Mom, at least now you know who to call to get my number in case of an emergency. I’ll program a special ring tone into my phone for your number, so if you ever do need to call me, I’ll know before I answer that it’s you. I love you!”
“That sounds good, Katrina and I love you too.”
Once they hang up, Kat looks at Tony. “You heard everything?”
“Yes. I gather your father has hired someone, but your mom doesn’t know who.”
“That’s right. Mom also said that Dad does not know where I am yet, so apparently Gage hasn’t told him. Mom thinks he will use the information to get more money out of him.”
“That seems logical.”
“Mom also said that she’s glad I’m here with family…you guys!”
“I’m glad you’re here too.” Taking her hand he leads her inside, wraps his arms around her, and passionately kisses her.
“Tony, will you stay with me for a few days? This house is so big and empty. I don’t want to be here alone. I’m afraid Gage will tell my dad where I am and he will send someone after me. If I refuse to go willingly, they will forcibly take me to him.”
Wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close, Tony reassures her.
“Don’t worry Kat, I’ll stay with you as long as you want me to. And I promise, I won’t let anything happen to you or anyone take you anywhere against your will.”
“Thank you.” Kat finally relaxes, feeling safe and secure in his arms.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“It’s still early and we have the whole day ahead of us. Is there anything special you’d like to do today, Katrina?”
“No, not really. I just need to see if the parts for the Camaro are in. If they are, I’d like to get to work on the car so I can race Friday night.”
“I’m planning on running the ‘stang Friday, as well. We can trailer the cars over together, like we did last time. It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day. What do ya say we head out on the beach or take the boat out, whichever you prefer? Later this afternoon, we can run into town and see if your parts are in. If they are, I’ll help you put them in after dinner. We can stop at the store and pick up whatever you want to eat on our way back. I’ll even do the cooking.”
“That sounds like a plan. We should probably stop by your place when we’re out, so you can grab some clothes and other essentials you might need while you’re staying with me.”
“Good idea.”
“And Tony…thanks for being so understanding about…well…about everything. I don’t know why you put up with me, but I’m glad you do and that you didn’t go running for the hills like most guys would have. That is, after they bitched me out and called me a slut and god only knows what else.
“I guess I just like the abuse…no seriously, I walked into this with my eyes wide open Kat, and besides I care about you, and I know you don’t want to hear this right now, but I love you. I guess we’ll just have to see where that takes us, huh?”
“Yeah, I guess we will. I love you too, Tony. I always have. We’ve been friends and like family for as long as I can remember; but now that you’re all grown up and a total hottie, may I add, that changes things. I just don’t know if that means I’m in love or even if I want to be.”
“I suppose we’ll both have to figure that part out then.”
Anxious to change the subject, Kat decides, “I’m going to run upstairs and change into a bathing suit. If you don’t mind, I’d like to head out to the beach today.”
“That works for me. I have a gym bag in the trunk of my car and I keep a suit in it for the sauna after my workouts. I’ll go grab it and change. I’ll meet you out back.”
Feeling totally relaxed while lying on her stomach with the sun heating her skin, Katrina lifts her head to watch the waves gently lapping against the shore.
“Mmm, this is exactly what I needed; a relaxing day on the beach with the sounds of seagulls calling and waves lightly crashing against the sand. I feel wonderful.”
Sliding in next to her, Tony runs his hands up and down her body, “You sure do.” Flashing her a naughty smile he asks, “Are you ready for some more sunscreen? I’ll do your back.”
“I think I’m ready for you to do my front,” she purrs and seductively rolls over onto her back.
“Oh, I’ll do your front all right…hmm…where to start?” They grin at one another as Tony squeezes a generous amount of sunscreen into his hands and, starting at the top of her shoulders, begins gently rubbing it into her skin. Leaning over, he softly blows on her skin behind the trail of lotion. Her skin prickles and nipples tighten. His hands move down her body, lightly gliding over her breastbone to the tops of her creamy breasts. Looking down at the pointy nipples pressing against the thin triangles of Kat’s bathing suit, Tony leans in, placing his mouth over one nipple while easing his fingers beneath the fabric that covers the other. He rolls the hard pebbled tip between his thumb and forefinger, as Kat finds herself moaning out loud and growing hot with desire.
Reaching up, Kat places her hand against the outside of Tony’s swimming trunks, feeling his growing erection in her hands.
“Move the top out of your way and put your mouth on me, Tony. I want to feel your tongue and teeth scrape against me.”
He eagerly uses his tongue and teeth to send little shocks of electricity spreading through her body. Immediately, she grows wet and ready for sex.
Not able to stand it any longer, Kat lifts his face to hers as she gazes with desire into his eyes. Taking her mouth, he aggressively kisses her, leaving her breathless. Enjoying the heat between them, Kat pulls Tony down on top of her, covering her body with his. Through their swimsuit bottoms, Tony’s hard cock presses against the cleft between her legs as they gently rub themselves against one another. “Kat, we can’t do this out here on the beach with people walking by. Come on, let’s get in the water.” Kat smiles up at Tony as he climbs off her, taking her hand and helping her up off the cabana chair. Hand in hand, they head towards the Gulf. Just before they hit the water, a young woman stops them.
“Oh hi! Kat and Tony right? How are you guys? We met at Marina Jack. I’m Taylor.”
“Yes, I remember. Hi Taylor.”
“Hey Taylor.”
“Funny running into you two here. Do you guys come to this beach often?”
“Actually, I live here.” Kat turns and points toward her home. “The white two-story up there is mine. So when we want to get some sun, if we’re not out on the boat, we’re usually out on the beach. How about you? What are you doing here?”
“Just grabbing some sun. Actually, I’m further down the beach that way,” Taylor motions south. “I’m just walking the beach to get some exercise. I can only lie there for so long. Well, it looks like I’m interrupting you guys again. I’ll let you go take your swim.” Kat and Tony grin stupidly at one another.
“Uhh, yeah it was getting hot up there, so we thought we’d cool off in the water,” said Tony.
“When you’re done with your walk, why don’t you stop by and join us for a drink? We have a cooler on the patio filled with beer and a chilled bottle of wine.” Tony frowns at Katrina, surprised at her offer.
“Thanks Kat. I think I will. Go take your swim and I’ll finish my walk. See you in a little while.”
In unison, “Okay, see ya.” Heading into the water, Tony whispers, “Well, that blows our plans. Why’d you have to invite her?”
“The public beaches on either side of me are starting to get crowded now. It would be a little obvious that we were having sex in the water at this point anyway.”
“Yeah, but it would still be fun,” Tony quips dragging Kat into the water. They both laugh. Scooping her up into his arms, Tony runs into the surf while Kat screams and giggles. “Ready to get wet?”
Batting her eyelashes at him she pants, “I’m already wet.” Groaning, Tony leans over and savagely kisses her, sucking on her ample bottom lip. As her lips open to him, their tongues meet, touching, sliding, and probing. When they finally separate, Tony looks deep into her eyes and whispers, “Are you sure you want to wait?”
“No, I don’t want to wait, but there are too many onlookers out here right now.”
Closing his eyes and shaking his head in an effort to regain his control, Tony opens his eyes, staring down at Kat with heat still blazing in their depths. Bending down, he breathes into her ear, “Then I guess you’ll need to cool off!”
Kat’s eyes grow wide and she squeals, “You wouldn’t dare!”
Grinning down at her, he rubs his thumb over her perfectly shaped bottom lip and threatens, “Wouldn’t I?” Then, abruptly releasing his hold on her, he drops her into the emerald green water.
Now completely submerged, Kat jumps up, wiping her eyes and sputtering, “You jackass. Just wait, I’ll get even.”
Laughing, Tony lifts her out of the water. “Wanna go again?”
“Don’t you dare,” she says, glaring at him. Leaning over her, he flicks out his tongue, licking the salt water dripping down the right side of her cheek. He stops at the side of her mouth as she parts her lips, and they kiss passionately. When they finish making out and taking a swim, they head to shore, grabbing their towels as they make their way up to the patio at the back of the house.
The Tower (The Tarot Series Book 1) Page 20