Face the Music (COBRA Securities Book 9)

by Velvet Vaughn

  He shook his head to banish the ridiculous thoughts. He didn’t even know her…and what he did know was that she was so far out of his league, he wasn’t even on the same planet. She was an international superstar, adored by the public. She might need his help now, but once Mullins was behind bars where he belonged, she’d go back to her glamourous life without him.

  He padded to a cabinet and found a blanket. She obviously needed the nap. The dark circles under her eyes indicated that she hadn’t slept well in a while. After he settled the soft cotton throw over her, he stared at her. She tried to disguise her beauty but it was there in her smooth skin, her pink lips...lips he wanted so badly to taste.

  Forcing himself to move, he stepped outside and called Dante Costa. Layla’s siblings were probably exhausted from running the obstacles. He wanted to give Layla plenty of time to rest.

  “What’s up, Luke?”

  He gave Dante a quick update on Layla and her siblings.

  Dante whistled. “She’s really Layla Brooks?”

  “Yes, but her siblings don’t know that we know, so for the time being, keep up the charade.”

  “Got it.”

  “And listen, she’s exhausted. She fell asleep in my office. I don’t think she’s had a good night’s sleep in months. I don’t want to wake her. Can you take the kids home with you?”

  “I was going to ask Monica, er, Layla if they could come over. They’ve become fast friends with Kai and I know Gracie will love to have a girl to play with.”

  “Thanks, man, I appreciate it. We’ll stop by later to pick them up.”

  “No hurry.”

  He disconnected and padded to Jane’s office, telling her to hold all calls. Then he slipped back inside his office.

  Chapter Eleven

  Layla blinked her eyes open and focused on the unfamiliar surroundings. She was used to waking up disorientated after a year on the run. Then it all came back to her. Someone trying to break in to the motel room. Luke scaring him away and then driving them to his offices. She sat up and a blanket slid off her shoulders. She scanned the room and found Luke behind his desk. Her hand strayed to the soft cotton. He’d covered her up?

  “Feel better?”

  “Yes, thank you. How long was I asleep?”

  He checked his watch. “Five hours.”

  Layla shot off the couch. Five hours? “Why didn’t you wake me? Tiff and Sean—”

  Luke rounded his desk. “They’re fine. They’re at Dante Costa’s house with Kai. I didn’t wake you because you look like you needed the rest.”

  She did and she’d slept deeper than she had in months. “I’m sorry.”

  “There’s no need to apologize. Are you hungry?”

  She also hadn’t had much of an appetite but now she realized she was starved.

  He pulled out his phone and typed. “Peter has some information for us. I told him we’d come down.”

  “I didn’t keep him here, did I?”

  “No worries.” He led her out of his office. She noticed that most of the others had gone home already. She felt bad for keeping both Luke and Peter in the office. “Stairs or elevator?”

  “Stairs.” The walking would help wake her sluggish brain. He opened a door and they descended to the basement.

  “As I told you earlier, this floor houses all of our computer operations. I’ll warn you…it’s a bit like the inside of the Starship Enterprise.”

  Her mouth dropped open as they stepped inside. There were monitors and machines and blinking lights everywhere. The room seemed to stretch on forever. It was a techie’s dream space. He guided her to a glass-enclosed office where Peter tapped away at a computer. He glanced up and waved them inside.

  “I am so sorry I kept you here,” Layla told him.

  He smiled. “You didn’t. There’s always work to do.”

  Luke held out a chair for her and she sat down. He took the seat next to hers. “What have you got, Pete?”

  “Henry Graham’s death was initially ruled an accident but an autopsy was conducted at the family’s request and it was switched to homicide. He had injuries inconsistent with the accident.”

  “What kind of injuries?” Layla asked.

  Pete looked at Luke before he cleared his throat and said, “He had several broken bones, missing fingers, injuries that couldn’t have been a result of the crash. It looks like he was tortured first.”

  A sob broke from her throat and she covered her mouth with a hand. Henry had been tortured…killed…because of her. “He wouldn’t have told them anything about me.” Of that she was sure.

  Luke reached over and squeezed her hand. The touch was comforting. “That’s why there were so many injuries. They couldn’t break him.”

  Layla closed her eyes and said a prayer for Henry. That he had died to protect her was almost more than she could bear.

  “Were you able to discern who he planted on Mullins’ payroll?” Luke asked.

  “His nephew, Cliff Downs. He was killed two days before Henry Graham, but his body wasn’t discovered until a few days later.”

  Luke stood and paced. “So somehow, Mullins discovered the nephew was a mole. He found out he worked for Henry. They kill the nephew and then confront Graham. Why? What information were they trying to obtain?”

  “They must’ve thought Cliff or Henry knew where to locate Tiffany and Sean,” Layla guessed.

  “Good work, Pete. Thanks. Now go home to your wife and child.”

  Layla stood. “Thank you, Peter.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t have better news.”

  “Me, too.”

  Luke placed a hand against the small of her back to guide her out of the office. She barely managed not to jump at the contact. She was growing accustomed to the sparks.

  “It’s been a long day for you. You and the kids are safe here. No one can get in or out without us knowing. Why don’t we get you settled and we can come up with a plan tomorrow?”

  She had no idea where they would sleep. Maggie said they had guest housing so maybe she and the kids could crash there. But before they got any further, she needed to take care of one thing.

  “You are going to help us?”

  He looked down at her, his brows narrowed. “Of course.”

  “Then I want to pay for your services.” She cringed, hearing how that sounded. Thankfully, he either didn’t notice or chose to ignore the comment.

  “We’ll discuss payment later.”

  She frowned. She had plenty of money. She didn’t want him to think of her as a charity case. “Don’t you need a retainer or something? A contract?”

  “Layla, we’ll handle all of that tomorrow.” He guided her to an expensive-looking golf cart. It was nicer than the car she’d driven to Indiana. He motored around the complex, pointing out buildings. They even had an activity center for children and young adults that included a day care and a place for students to study. It would be perfect for Tiffany and Sean. He turned into a long driveway of a beautiful house on the lake.

  “You met Dante Costa and his son, Kai at the gym?”

  Dante wasn’t someone you’d forget easily. “Yes.”

  “He and his wife Taylor are watching Tiffany and Sean. They know who you are, but haven’t said anything to the kids yet.” Luke helped her out and then guided her to the front door. It opened before they could ring the bell. A gorgeous blond woman smiled at them as she held the door open. “Come in. The kids are in the other room playing.”

  Layla stepped inside and heard children’s laughter and barking.

  “I’m Taylor,” the woman said, holding out her hand. “I’m a huge fan.”

  Layla shook her hand. She could feel a blush creeping up her neck. Whenever someone told her that in her previous life, she would smile and offer to sign an autograph. She felt like a different person now.

  “Thank you,” she murmured as she shook her hand.

  Dante appeared behind his wife. “Can I get you two something to drin
k?”

  Luke shook his head. “We need to get going.” Dante smiled and nodded. Layla glanced at Luke. What did he know that she didn’t?

  “Thanks for watching the kids.”

  “Anytime.” Dante disappeared and returned with four whining children and one excited dog.

  “Do we have to go?”

  “We’re having so much fun!”

  “Can they stay?”

  “Yeah, can they?”

  “Ruff, ruff.”

  She glanced at Luke. “They’re all ganging up on me.”

  Dante put his hand on each of his kids’ heads. “You met Kai.” Kai waved. “And this is Gracie.” An adorable red-headed girl a couple of years younger than Tiff smiled, showcasing a missing tooth. “And this is Midas.” A beautiful golden Labrador Retriever happily wagged his tail.

  “Mom, can we stay,” Sean pleaded. His green eyes were wide and hopeful. She hated to deny the children anything, especially after the grueling year they’d endured, but things were still unsettled. Plus, she needed to tell them that she’d revealed their true identities.

  “Not tonight.”

  They grumbled, but didn’t try to change her mind. They said their goodbyes, hugged Midas and were ready to go. Layla thanked Dante and Taylor again and followed Luke outside. He made sure the kids were buckled in the back seat of the golf cart and then they were motoring away. Layla stared at the impressive houses as they passed. She lived in a seaside community in Malibu. All the residences were mansions that screamed wealth and privilege. These houses were large and beautiful, but looked more like homes and not status symbols. He drove all the way to the end of the road and pulled into the driveway of a massive stone and wood dwelling. It was beautifully nestled among the trees with an unobstructed view of the lake. Maggie told her they had guest accommodations…if this was where they housed guests, she was surprised anyone ever left.

  “Whose house is this?” Sean asked.

  “It’s mine,” Luke said. Layla’s head snapped to him. He’d brought them to his home?

  “Do you have a dog?” Tiff questioned. When Luke informed her he didn’t, she decided he needed one.

  Layla slid out of the cart and noticed her car in the driveway. “How…?”

  “I had someone pick it up. It’s been scanned.”

  “Did they find anything?”

  He shook his head. “Clean.”

  He opened the door and held it for them to enter ahead of him. The kids scrambled inside. Layla followed and her mouth dropped open. The house was amazing, starting with the wall of glass overlooking the deck, pool, and lake. Her head spun and she had the overwhelming sense of having come home. Then she noticed a delicious aroma filling the air.

  “Oh, good. You’re home. Perfect timing,” a very female voice called out.

  Suddenly, Layla had the urge to turn and run. Luke didn’t wear a ring, but obviously, he’d brought her home so his wife could cook for them. Then the woman walked out wearing a chef’s jacket and she recognized Kaitlyn.

  Luke must have noticed her distress. “I hope you don’t mind, but my sister cooked dinner for us.”

  “No, of course not. It smells delicious.”

  He guided her into an incredible gourmet kitchen. Rustic white cabinets, restaurant-grade stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a massive island wrapped in stone and wood with pendant lights…it was a chef’s dream space. Layla didn’t have time to cook anymore but this room inspired her. It was open to the living room with an incredible view of the lake. A wrap-around deck surrounded the house. Thick beams crossed the vaulted ceiling. A massive stone fireplace took up one wall, with a huge television mounted on top. Luke’s house was tastefully decorated and meticulous.

  “Pool, pool!” Sean jumped up and down, pointing.

  “Can we go swimming?” Tiff pleaded.

  She studied the twins. They’d been so polite and accepting of everything the past year. They hadn’t asked for anything and never complained. In the last few hours, they’d completely changed. It’s as if they’d broken out of their shells to allow the carefree, happy children free. It made tears gather in her eyes. That’s all she wanted for them.

  “Why don’t we eat first,” Luke answered for her. “Kaitlyn’s whipped up one of my favorite meals.”

  They sat down to a professionally decorated table complete with a savory red wine for the adults. Kaitlyn had indeed cooked a feast fit for children and adults. Her special recipe macaroni and cheese, breaded chicken fingers and a salad. Luke tried to convince Kaitlyn to stay and eat with them but she declined.

  “If I don’t bring some of this home to Dan, he’ll be knocking at your door, and we know you don’t want that.”

  Luke chuckled and kissed his sister on the cheek. “Thanks, Kait.”

  “Anytime.” She gathered up the extra food, waved and disappeared.

  The kids inhaled the mac and cheese as if they’d never eaten before. Sean came close to licking the bowl. The chicken fingers were little slices of Heaven.

  “Don’t tell her I said this,” Layla said between bites, “but she’s so fit, she doesn’t look like a successful chef.”

  “She doesn’t usually cook like this. Her specialty is healthy food, but she excels at pretty much everything.”

  “She’s incredibly talented.” Layla inhaled her fourth chicken finger. The breading was a perfect mix of spices. The mac and cheese was nothing like the stuff that came in a box. This was cheesy and tender and cooked to perfection. She never ate this much, but it was as if she couldn’t stop. She’d love to try some of Kaitlyn’s healthy food. “Does she have a restaurant?”

  “She was executive chef at a local bistro but now she’s signed on for her own cooking show on television.”

  “How exciting.”

  “She deserves it,” Luke said with a fond smile. “She’s been cooking most of her life.”

  If Layla ever went back on tour, she’d want Kaitlyn to come along as her personal chef.

  She was so busy gulping food, she missed something one of the kids said. Luke threw back his head in laughter. Layla froze with her fork halfway to her mouth. The sound was like the most beautiful music. Deep and masculine and unabashed. It wrapped around her soul.

  Her siblings were joining in, their giggles high-pitched and happy. They were clearly besotted with Luke and judging by the way he bantered with them, the feeling was mutual. Then he glanced at her, his blue eyes sparkling, his white teeth flashing. Her heart somersaulted.

  She grabbed her wine glass and downed the contents. She’d just officially met him today. She couldn’t be falling for him this soon. Could she?

  Chapter Twelve

  Once dinner was over, Layla helped Luke clean up and load the dishwasher while the kids watched a movie, their joint laughter filling the house. His entertainment system sported all the bells and whistles, including a seventy-inch plasma television, surround sound and a subscription to Netflix. Tiff and Sean had been so excited, they’d forgotten all about swimming…or so he thought.

  “Can we go swimming now?” Tiff asked.

  The kids gazed at him with hopeful looks. He found he couldn’t deny them anything.

  “You don’t have swimsuits,” Layla reminded them.

  “Actually…” Luke padded to a counter where several bags were gathered. “Kait picked some things up in town for all of you, since you had to leave your belongings in the motel. She grabbed swimsuits in case they wanted to use the pool at the gym.”

  Layla tried to protest the gifts. “Luke, that’s above and beyond.”

  He waved her objections away. “You needed a few things and Kaitlyn loves to shop. Win-win. No big deal.”

  The kids dug through their bags and found their swimsuits, holding them aloft like they were the prize in a cereal box.

  “Don’t you want to finish watching the movie first?”

  “Oh, yeah.” Sean raced back to the couch with his swimsuit in hand. Tiff follo
wed and plopped down, engrossed once again.

  For the hundredth time, he questioned why he’d brought the family back to his house. They had plenty of guest rooms available with luxury amenities. Still, he hadn’t even considered it. He wanted to keep them close so he could keep an eye on them. They were safe within the walls of the compound, but that didn’t change the way he felt.

  He guided Layla upstairs and showed her bedrooms for her and the children to use. He had two additional bedrooms, but they shared a Jack and Jill bathroom. The three he’d designated for them to use each had a private bath. They were the rooms his siblings used when they stayed over. Kaitlyn had taken most of her things with her but a few of her stuffed animals remained. Ben had never lived in the house, but he’d slept over a few times. It was still Grant’s home base, so his room was the biggest with the nicest bath. It was filled with his belongings, even though he didn’t visit as often as Luke would like.

  “Maggie said you had guest housing available. The kids and I will stay there. I don’t want to impose.”

  “My house is big enough and there’s plenty for the kids to do here.”

  “But this is your home, Luke. You don’t even know us.”

  That was the heart of the matter. He didn’t know them, but he wanted to. He’d felt protective of Layla the moment they ran into each other a month ago. He’d missed his chance to take care of her then and he’d almost lost it when she took off earlier. He wasn’t letting the opportunity pass him by again.

  “You’re tired, Layla. You’ll get a good night’s sleep here. If you feel the same way in the morning, we’ll discuss alternate accommodations.

  She looked like she wanted to argue, but finally relented. When they headed back downstairs, the kids were fast asleep.

  “Looks like they wore themselves out on the obstacle course,” Layla said with a smile. “I’m pretty sure they’d have slept on the mats if I’d have let them.”

  “I’ll carry them up to bed.”