Sam hugged her. ‘The monster under the bed?’
Isa chuckled softly. ‘Just like that.’ She gave a wide yawn. ‘Sorry, that one caught me by surprise.’
There was a knock at the door, and Sam got up to answer it. ‘We’ll eat…,’ he looked back over his shoulder at her, ‘...then you’re going to sleep.’
Later, while Isa slept deeply, Sam stood at the window of the hotel and looked out onto the rain-slicked streets of Seattle. He barely registered the weather, though; his mind was churning, going over everything he could do to protect his love, his family.
He had already applied for a court order against Karl Dudek, but even he knew that it would be no protection if Dudek was determined. Sam’s security team, the four or five people who had been with him, even with his father some of them, had all told him they’d be okay with being thoroughly vetted by the FBI to prove themselves. He had hated to ask, but they told him not to worry.
‘All of us agree,’ his security chief, Jock, told him earnestly, ‘whatever you need to feel protected, whatever Mrs. Levy needs to feel safe.’
He’d told Jock to hire more people, extending the protection to Zoe and Louisa and anyone who came into contact with Isa or himself. Even Sandy, Isa’s old boss, had called him and offered his help. Sam had thanked him then asked if Sandy had felt unsafe and if he wanted protection. Sandy had politely turned him down. ‘It’s not as if I see Isa anymore,’ he said somewhat sadly, and Sam had immediately felt guilty.
‘You are always welcome here, Sandy, anytime, you know that. I know Isa misses you too.’
Sam looked over at the bed, at his beloved wife. She was laying on her stomach, her face resting on the pillow, dark hair was strewn about her, the sheet pushed down to her waist, the white dressing on her shoulder a vivid reminder.
Why would anyone want to hurt you, lovely one? Sam shook his head. No-one would ever get the chance again; he thought now, not ever again.
His thoughts shifted to Cal. Ever since Seb’s murder, he’d had a dread inside him that the killer would do the same to his younger brother too and the thought was crippling him. The haunted look in Isa’s eyes knew came from seeing Seb die and Sam was at a loss about how to erase that pain. He didn’t think he ever would.
He couldn’t help but feel that the interview with Paul Carter was a mistake. Like other rich men, he knew the key to security was a low profile, and this would only heighten it. Still, Isa was set on it, and he didn’t want to take away her choice, her opinion, her ways to get through all of this. Afterward, though, Sam would insist they go away again, out of the public eye, somewhere new. He had already put feelers out, discreetly, about some places – Italy, a place on one of the Lakes – not Garda, too conspicuous with Clooney already there – but other places. Some bolt holes that no-one would expect an uber-rich couple to go – a small gite in rural France; a ski-lodge in Austria; a small family home in the Auckland suburbs in New Zealand. Try and find us then, asshole. The one thing they had as an advantage was Sam’s vast wealth and he was damned if he wouldn’t spend every penny keeping his family safe.
A friend of his from the art world, Jakob Mallory, had offered him the use of a small apartment in Venice and Sam thought now it would be the perfect start to their life of…
Running away. God, damn it, he hated to think of it like that, but that’s what it was. Being hounded out of their home. He loved Seattle with all of his heart, loved the entire West Coast as he knew Isa did. You can’t run forever. No, we won’t. We’ll fight this, we will, and we will win. Whoever it is. Whatever they want.
Whatever it takes…
Chapter 4
BREATHE ME
Isa felt excited – hell, she felt alive – for the first time in weeks as the plane circled around the airport in Venice. It was a gloriously sunny, if cold, and as she and Sam were taken into the city on a small speedboat, she leaned against the solid frame of her husband and felt her body relax. Surely, here, she was entitled to not feel hunted or stalked. Sam’s friend had loaned them a small apartment, had warned them it was basic but cozy and that was exactly what she needed right now. No over-the-top luxury, no hulking bodyguards watching her every moment. Trying not to think about Seb every waking minute would be wonderful; she felt guilty even thinking like that but the pain was so searing, the image of his murder so vivid in her mind she just wanted a break, a few days of blessed relief.
Sam was quiet, had been absorbed with something the whole flight, but his arms around her were comforting, and she looked up at him now as they neared their mooring.
‘Hey,’ he smiled down at her, ‘…we’re almost there. I hope Jakob was exaggerating about how basic it was; I’m starving.’
Isa laughed. ‘I’m sure Venice has plenty of culinary options – would I have agreed to come if it didn’t?’
Sam grinned. ‘Hell, no. Here we are.’ The boat slowed and pulled up beside a small bridge and Sam helped her out of the boat. Grabbing their cases, he led her into a small building and up a dusty, dimly lit flight of wooden stairs. Isa was already half in love when he opened the door to the apartment.
‘God, it’s so gorgeous,’ she breathed, taking in the small living room, exposed brickwork, with a tiny kitchenette off to the side. Two doors on the opposite wall led to a small bedroom and bathroom. Isa sighed happily. ‘This is perfect.’
Sam looked doubtful. ‘It’s tiny.’
Isa rolled her eyes at him. ‘Dude, it’s perfect for us. No grandeur, no state of the art electronics, just you, me and a big bed is enough for what we’ll need it for.’ She slid her arms around his waist, and he smiled as she pressed her lips to his.
‘Well, when you put it like that…’
Isa chuckled. ‘You’re so easily pleased. I need to take a shower before I do anything, though.’
Sam smiled and bent his head to kiss her deeply. ‘You sure?’
Isa moaned softly as his hands slid under her top. ‘Well, maybe a little prelude…’
He pulled her t-shirt gently over her head and kissed her breasts, flicking open the catch of her bra in one easy move. Isa sighed happily as his mouth found her nipples, teasing each one in turn.
She tugged his shirt from him, fevered now, and unzipped his pants. His cock lay hot and hard against her hand, and she sank to her knees to take him into her mouth, forming her lips over the wide crest of it, her tongue flicking around the tip. Her hand fisted the root of him, urging his cock to thicken and swell. Sam groaned as she worked on him, her tongue making him crazy with desire until he could stand it no longer and he took her there, on the floor of the living room. They fucked hard, eyes locked on the others as if casting off everything else at that moment but each other. Isa’s long, shuddering moan as she came made Sam’s skin tingle.
Later, sated, showered and relaxed for what felt the first time in months, they strolled to a local restaurant that Jakob had recommended and lingered over a meal that Isa deemed ‘heavenly’; lobster ravioli followed by a suckling pig so tender that Isa ate far too much of it, much to Sam’s amusement.
‘Thank God I married a woman who knows how to eat,’ he said fondly, and Isa laughed.
‘Right back at cha.’
Sam was quiet for a moment watching her with a soft, amused smile. Right here and now, he allowed himself to forget the horrors of the past few months, the fact that Isa’s would-be murderer was still out there, waiting for them to slip up and leave her exposed. For just now, he could believe she was safe. Without Isa’s knowledge, a few security guards were staying in around Venice – just in case, Sam told himself. Isa need never know.
She looked so beautiful in the soft light of the restaurants; the fire from the tea-lights on the table reflecting in her dark eyes. Her dark hair fell softly over her bare shoulders, the soft pink of her dress complimenting her dark skin. Sam reached over and ran a finger down her cheek, and she smiled at him.
‘You have the mushy eyes,’ she teased him, and he laughe
d.
‘Yes, I do. For you, always.’
She held his hand against her face and closed her eyes and for a second, he could see all the fear, all the grief pass over her lovely face. ‘It’s so nice to have this time,’ she said quietly, and he nodded.
‘Isn’t it?’
‘Thank you for bringing me here, Sammy.’
He grinned. ‘Well, now you’re welcome, gorgeous. I know how you can thank me later.’
Isa laughed. ‘You are just the dirtiest boy.’
After they got back to the apartment and made love long into the night, Isa couldn’t sleep. For a while, she lay curled against Sam’s big, warm body but then got up and padded out onto the small balcony. She had a view out onto the Lagoon and watched the lights of the city at night. What a glorious place, she thought and wondered if they could stay here forever. Her beloved Seattle had been tainted by everything lately; it broke her heart, but she dreaded going back. No, she told herself, you will not be driven out of your home by that fucker.
She thought about the interview with Paul Carter they had coming up. He had asked them to do a live television spot, and although Sam had protested vehemently, Isa had thought it was a good idea. Sam had chaffed against Carter anyway as the journalist had made no secret of his attraction to Isa. Isa thought the guy was a creep but good at his job so she tried to convince Sam.
‘I’ll think about it,’ was the only reply she got. I’ll try to persuade him, she thought now, try to make him see I need to say to the fucker who killed Seb that I’m not afraid of him. Draw him out.
Satisfied, she went back inside and snuggled back into bed with her lover. Sam stirred and wrapped his arms around her, falling back to sleep almost immediately.
Isa closed her eyes and prayed that she wouldn’t dream of Seb or the man who wanted to kill her.
Louisa left her office at five o’clock. Rain misted the streets, and she ducked into a bar near her workplace. She was exhausted and sad and irked. Everyone she worked with had been very kind after Seb’s murder, but also, she was sick of the scrutiny, of the unasked questions on their lips. She wanted to scream Just ask me! But she kept quiet, knowing if she started to talk about him, she would lose her grip on her fragile composure.
I miss you every day, she thought now. She sighed and ordered a martini. She wasn’t a big drinker, but she felt the need to relax, to unwind. She took her drink and settled into a couch in the back. She closed her eyes and massaged her temples, trying to ease the headache that beat incessantly at her brain.
‘Lou?’
Ah hell. She opened her eyes. ‘Cal?’ She was surprised; she didn’t know he came to this bar. It was not a high-end place, not for rich men like Cal.
Cal smiled at her. ‘May I join you?’ He had a full glass of beer in his hand, and she nodded, sighing inwardly. Then she felt bad; Cal had been very kind to her since Seb’s death.
‘Of course, it’s good to see you.’
Cal dropped onto the couch next to her and smiled at her. ‘This is a great place,’ he said, looking around and Lou looked at him askance.
‘Are you kidding? It’s a dive – admittedly my favorite dive – but I would have thought it would be a bit low rent for you.’
Cal laughed. ‘Lou, I didn’t grow up rich. It was only when my mom married Sam’s dad that we suddenly found ourselves in that sphere.’
Louisa looked at him curiously. ‘I’ve never heard you talk about your mom before.’
He shrugged. ‘She died a few years ago.’
‘From?’
‘Cancer. Or a broken heart. Sam’s dad wasn’t the warmest of men.’ He sounded bitter.
Louisa was shocked. ‘Really? That surprises me; Sam is such a stand-up guy.’
Cal was silent for a beat too long then he nodded briskly. ‘Yes. I just hope… never mind.’
Louisa was curious now as she studied him. Cal looked away from her gaze.
‘What, Cal? What were you going to say?’
Cal sighed, rubbing his hand over his eyes. ‘I hope he doesn’t do to Isa what his dad did to my mom. Withdraw when it gets too complicated, ignore her. Isa’s too special for that.’
Too special for Sam. Louisa was sure that’s what he meant to say. She frowned.
‘Cal, are you in love with Isa?’
Cal laughed, but it sounded fake. ‘Don’t be ridiculous; Isa’s like a sister to me.’
Louisa flushed at the rebuke and Cal’s expression softened. ‘I’m sorry, Lou, I didn’t mean to snap.’
She nodded, gave him a half-smile. Cal left shortly afterward, extracting a promise from her to join him for dinner and drinks later in the week. She watched him leave, go out into the rain, without once looking back. She had always been a little wary of the guy, but since Seb’s death, he had seemed mellower or rather her attitude to him had softened, but at the moment, tonight, he had seemed lost. Maybe it’s because Sam and Isa had taken off and not told anyone where they were going, not even Cal. Maybe he was irked that his elder half-brother hadn’t trusted him. Louisa couldn’t blame him for that; she’d be pissed too.
She finished her drink and hailed a cab. At home, she took a hot shower and curled up on her couch to watch television, her pet cat Fred tucked onto her lap. Like every night, she missed Seb’s warm presence, his laughing at a dumb show, his teasing of her crying over a stupid romcom. God, what she wouldn’t give to turn back time? She let the tears come then and sobbed until she fell into a restless sleep filled with nightmares and horror…
She was locked inside the other woman’s body. There was a pain, a terrible searing pain in her head, and wherever she was it was a cold, damp place. She was lying on concrete.
‘Isa? Baby?’
Not Sam’s voice but still familiar.
‘Cal?’ She opened her eyes. Cal had blood on his face, a streak from his forehead down his temple.
‘Ssh,’ he said, glancing around, panicked, ‘We have to get out of here.’ He helped her to her feet. ‘Where’s your coat?’ She was shivering in just her blood-stained gray t-shirt, but it wasn’t from the cold. She just shook her head. Louisa/Isa looked around. An old abandoned hospital, a building site, open to the elements. She felt sick, hurt, her limbs ached. Memories came back to her. A man. A man on top of her…oh God, no…
She moaned softly, and Cal hugged her to him.
‘Come on, beauty, let’s go home.’
She couldn’t walk. ‘Cal…’ Her voice was a whisper. ‘He… who is he? He made me… he forced himself… oh God….’
‘Christ.’ He pulled her tight to him. ‘Look, I know, baby, I know, but we can’t think about that now. We have to get out of here before he comes back.’
He practically carried her limping through the old building. As they reached the main staircase, he stopped. Louisa/Isa heard it too – a car. Was it him? She whimpered and pulled back for a second then gasped.
‘Isa!’ Sam. It was Sam. He was here. He was here to save her. Oh, thank God… His voice was still away, and she opened her mouth to scream his name – and Cal clamped his hand over her mouth.
Cal dragged her back away from the staircase, away from the sound of Sam’s voice. Louisa/Isa tried to wriggle from his grasp, confused, wondering if Cal hadn’t realized it was his brother. He pulled her into one of the rooms along the corridor, locking it behind him. Locking it.
What the hell was going on? Cal was facing away from her, his forehead leaning on the door.
‘Cal…that was Sam. Sam’s here.’ Louisa/Isa felt dizzy, her head whirling, concussed, breathless.
Cal’s voice was calm. ‘I know.’
Then he turned around and smiled at her. ‘I know it’s Sam, Isa. I just thought I’d have more time to do this.’
She frowned. ‘Do what? Cal, let’s get out of here.’
Cal was silent for a moment, and Isa started to get scared. ‘Do what, Cal?’
He walked toward her, and she backed up until her back hit the far wall.
Cal leaned in to smell her hair, kiss her cheek, her lips. ‘To kill you, my darling Isabel.’
The breath caught in her throat, just a second then it was forced from her lungs as Cal stabbed her, driving the knife deep into her, twisting it in her belly.
‘No…No…’ But he kept stabbing her, tearing into the soft, vulnerable flesh of her abdomen, the knife slicing through the fabric of her shirt as he drove the blade into her again and again. Her legs gave way and Cal caught her, lowering her to the floor gently, continuing to plunge his knife into her. ‘Why?’ Her voice was a whisper.
‘Because you’re beautiful,’ his blows were becoming frenzied now, and Isa felt herself slipping away, ‘because you love him…’, he stabbed her deeply, plunging the knife into her stomach and she choked on her own blood, ‘because he loves you. You were dead the minute he touched you, Isabel…’
The darkness was coming. Louisa/Isa could smell her blood, feel it pouring from her wounds. He had stopped stabbing her now and was watching her die – and she was dying, she knew that. No-one could survive what Cal had done to her. Please let me live longer enough…. ‘Please let me say goodbye…’ She pleaded with him …’Please….’
Cal smiled, bending to kiss her one last time. He stared into her eyes. ‘No…’ he whispered, and he slid the blade into her heart.
Louisa awoke, screaming a terrible raw terror, sending her cat screeching away from her. She stumbled from the couch in a panic, tripping over the throw she had pulled over herself, crashing to the floor. Her head made contact with the sharp edge of the table just as she heard shouting from outside her apartment door, someone banging loudly, calling for her, coming to help.
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